View Full Version : Will the Yankees rotate the DH?
EnglishYankeeFan
12-09-05, 04:45 PM
Do you think the Yankees will - or should - rotate the DH next season in a similar way the Angels do? Is there a possibility the Yankees won't commit to a full-time DH, and use the spot to rotate their older and more injury prone players - Giambi, Posada, Sheffield and Matsui - while using the bench or a super-utility guy to fill in at different spots?
The main advantage of this would be the time off afforded to the players in such a rotation, hopefully keeping them productive. The disadvantage is that the lineup could be a batter light, especially if a bone fide center fielder isn't signed. And the Angels do have Chone Figgins, whereas we have... a combination of Crosby, Phillips and Cairo (if re-signed) to do the filling in?
Evil Empire
12-09-05, 04:48 PM
Depends on what happens. If we get a better defensive Catcher or Right Fielder who is capable of playing everday I'd say we don't. Posada or Sheff will be like a permanent fixture with an occasional day for Giambi.
If we don't do that, we'll proabably see a rotation.
NewEraYanks2527
12-09-05, 05:00 PM
No matter what I hope the Yankees have Sheff DH more and keep him fresher. Also his defense is on the decline so it might not hurt to have him DH more. Of course right now the other options for defense in the outfield are not that great.
NYDCYankee
12-09-05, 05:02 PM
I would like to see a permenant DH. I like a lineup that is consistent day in and day out.
Mr. Mxylsplk
12-09-05, 05:13 PM
I don't think Posada will DH much because I don't think Stinnett is good enough to play more than occasionally, and I think the yanks will try to rest Posada whenever Stinnett does play. I don't think Matsui will DH much because I don't think he needs to. He's not particularly old and he's not a particularly bad fielder. I certainly hope Sheff and Giambi both see some time at DH, but at the moment we need someone who can replace Sheff in the field on a semi-regular basis. Assuming we do that I imagine we'll see Sheff and Giambi both get some time at DH.
Spiker101
12-09-05, 05:56 PM
If you want to rotate the DH, you have to have a player or players who can handle first, right and left. The Yanks won't have such a creature -- until they sign Nomar.
Snatch Catch
12-09-05, 06:33 PM
I would like to see a permenant DH. I like a lineup that is consistent day in and day out.
I agree, but when Gary Sheffield is costing the team a significant amount of runs in RF, a rotating DH makes sense to me.
I agree, but when Gary Sheffield is costing the team a significant amount of runs in RF, a rotating DH makes sense to me.
It looks like we will bring back Bernie for $1-2 mil as a bench player. So other than pinch-hitting duties, when will he play?
This assumes that we get Michaels and/or Jeff DaVanon.
Perhaps we could see something like this:
versus lefties
Sheff in right
Michaels in center
Bernie at dh
Travis Lee at 1st
versus righties
Sheff at dh
Michaels in center
Davanon/Bubba in right
Giambi at 1st
Bernie gets pinch-hitting duties against righties and Giambi gets his day of rest/pinch-hitting duties in games that lefties start.
it isn't perfect but it seems like the best way to juggle the DH position
38Special
12-09-05, 07:05 PM
It looks like we will bring back Bernie for $1-2 mil as a bench player. So other than pinch-hitting duties, when will he play?
This assumes that we get Michaels and/or Jeff DaVanon.
Perhaps we could see something like this:
versus lefties
Sheff in right
Michaels in center
Bernie at dh
Travis Lee at 1st
versus righties
Sheff at dh
Michaels in center
Davanon/Bubba in right
Giambi at 1st
Bernie gets pinch-hitting duties against righties and Giambi gets his day of rest/pinch-hitting duties in games that lefties start.
it isn't perfect but it seems like the best way to juggle the DH position
Giambi hits lefties fine, i dont get it
Giambi hits lefties fine, i dont get it
Like I said, it isn't perfect, he needs to get his rest in and he would just clog up the DH spot. Sheff, Bernie and possibly Posada will probably be due for their share of time at DH.
We're all aware of Giambi's huge dip in productivity as a DH vs when he plays first, but I really wish he would embrace that position for the Yanks.
He's a power guy, but I think he could be the next Edgar Martinez, if he just focuses on hitting. I can see him slapping RBIs and drawing walks for another 5 seasons.
His glove is better than he gets credit for, but his throwing can kill us at any moment.
Unfortunately, I think the Yanks have to live with him at first for the bulk of this season.
Clearly a better use of the DH position for 2006 is a rotation of Giambi, Posada, Sheff, Matsui, Williams. We have a lot of old guys who can hit (and hopefully only 1 or 2 who can't), Joe just has to preserve them, and get lucky when he uses them.
yank4life2005
12-09-05, 07:30 PM
Nomar Garciaparra would be great as a DH, backup infielder and outfielder.
JeffWeaverFan
12-09-05, 07:40 PM
Yes, because I think it is important to give Sheff, Giambi and to a lesser extent Matsui days off from the field. All of them should be in the lineup, but I want them to not have to always play the field. If we don't get a guy like Nomar who would fill that role, and we don't get a DH, then I wonder if Andy Phillips can fill in that role. He played some OF last year and he could switch off playing 1B, RF, and LF.
I'm warming up to the idea of Nomar too, but his injuries are a big deterrent. I think they have to make a move for a significant upgrade in center for the DH rotation to be most effective.
yank4life2005
12-09-05, 07:46 PM
Yes, because I think it is important to give Sheff, Giambi and to a lesser extent Matsui days off from the field. All of them should be in the lineup, but I want them to not have to always play the field. If we don't get a guy like Nomar who would fill that role, and we don't get a DH, then I wonder if Andy Phillips can fill in that role. He played some OF last year and he could switch off playing 1B, RF, and LF.
Nomar would be ideal although he probably doesn't have that really good speed anymore but he would be more adequate in RF than Sheffield is..sad to say.
I'm warming up to the idea of Nomar too, but his injuries are a big deterrent. I think they have to make a move for a significant upgrade in center for the DH rotation to be most effective.
It's worth a gamble for a 1 year say 5MM committment with more $$$ based on games played. He could really get the payday that he was looking for a few years back with a solid season in NY.
Nomar would be ideal although he probably doesn't have that really good speed anymore but he would be more adequate in RF than Sheffield is..sad to say.
It's worth a gamble for a 1 year say 5MM committment with more $$$ based on games played. He could really get the payday that he was looking for a few years back with a solid season in NY.
Well done. I like it.
iceman24
12-09-05, 07:50 PM
Nomar Garciaparra would be great as a DH, backup infielder and outfielder.
This is why we nomar to sign as well. We could afford to give guys like sheff and giambi days off and not have to worry so much about their bats being missed. Nomar can still hit that is for sure and is alot better in our offense or any offense then some no talent guy from the minors (phillips). They should really pursue him. He would be able to rest players and still have a great lineup on the field. Gives us great flexibility and that is something Cashman has been preaching about. good one year deal heavy incentive and a guarantee of at least 6 days a week in the field should do it.
Just a quick point about Giambi at DH... I understand his numbers are better when playing first, but isn't that because he plays first when he's healthy? When he's bothered by something, they try DH - but the bottom line is that if he's uncomfortable with something physically, it's reasonable to assume that could impact his hitting. If Giambi is healthy, it shouldn't matter whether he actually plays first or not. I bet if you make Giambi the regular DH, not only will he be more productive - but he'll be hurt less often.
yank4life2005
12-09-05, 08:12 PM
Just a quick point about Giambi at DH... I understand his numbers are better when playing first, but isn't that because he plays first when he's healthy? When he's bothered by something, they try DH - but the bottom line is that if he's uncomfortable with something physically, it's reasonable to assume that could impact his hitting. If Giambi is healthy, it shouldn't matter whether he actually plays first or not. I bet if you make Giambi the regular DH, not only will he be more productive - but he'll be hurt less often.
Very good point and I never thought of that.
Who would play 1st? I might get blasted for this but Carlos Pena will probably be a non-tender player and with his gold-glove caliber defense and possibly working with Donnie on his hitting he might be a good risk to take for a guy who is only 27 or 28....Just a thought.
AMYanks
12-09-05, 08:16 PM
Giambi was healthy in 2002:
1B - .344 / .461 / .674
DH - .271 / .397 / .489
He was DH'd a lot when he needed a break or his knees were bothering him. He always wanted to play 1B and mostly DH'd when forced to.
AMYanks
12-09-05, 08:23 PM
I doubt the large dip in numbers are based solely on injuries. He has said many times how he would much rather play 1B, because he can't stay in the game as the DH, and he thinks it makes him a worse hitter (which, as statistics show, is true.)
I doubt the large dip in numbers are based solely on injuries. He has said many times how he would much rather play 1B, because he can't stay in the game as the DH, and he thinks it makes him a worse hitter (which, as statistics show, is true.)
Let me ask you this then: How many times can you recall in Giambi's time with the Yankees where he's DH'd instead of playing 1B for reasons other than 1) Needing a break from the field, 2) Nursing an injury, or less frequently, 3) Getting another lefty bat into the lineup?
Also, didn't Giambi battle an eye infection in 2002? If Giambi is taking care of business on 1B, it usually means he's healthy enough to be an offensive force. If he's DH'ing, it usually means that something needs rest...
AMYanks
12-09-05, 08:41 PM
Let me ask you this then: How many times can you recall in Giambi's time with the Yankees where he's DH'd instead of playing 1B for reasons other than 1) Needing a break from the field, 2) Nursing an injury, or less frequently, 3) Getting another lefty bat into the lineup?
#2 is the only one that MIGHT cause a moderate dip in his numbers. I just don't think him needing to take a day off from the field, if he is a little tired, is something that would make his numbers dip as much as they do. He knows himself better than any of us, and he says that he doesn't like to DH because it takes his head out of the game, and so it obviously hurts him at the plate. Besides, Andy Phillips, or any other veteran 1B out there, is not good enough to put in the lineup everyday. We'll have to wait until Duncan arrives.
JeterRodriguezSheff
12-09-05, 09:21 PM
Did Erubiel Duraza get signed? If not what position does he play(when he doesnt DH) If its first base our outfield we have our answer.
AMYanks
12-09-05, 09:27 PM
Did Erubiel Duraza get signed? If not what position does he play(when he doesnt DH) If its first base our outfield we have our answer.
I would like to sign Durazo, but we have too many other players who will need to DH.
JeterRodriguezSheff
12-09-05, 09:29 PM
I would like to sign Durazo, but we have too many other players who will need to DH.
Thats why I was wondering if he could play first or right/left in the outfield. If he can then get it done Cash.
AMYanks
12-09-05, 09:35 PM
Thats why I was wondering if he could play first or right/left in the outfield. If he can then get it done Cash.
He can play a little 1B, but he's pretty bad there. He's played 4 games in his entire career in RF. So, he's basically just a DH.
surge511
12-09-05, 10:42 PM
Giambi hits lefties fine, i dont get it
Exactly, Giambi will play every day, he is like the #4 hitter, he doesn't just get taken out of the lineup because there is a lefty pitching. I am an advocate of signing Nomar to DH, I can live with Sheff in RF for one more year, Giambi at 1B for one more year, and I would make the trade for Michaels. The lineup:
Jeter
Matsui
Arod
Giambi
Sheffield
Nomar
Cano
Posada
Michaels
That is an amazing lineup up and down, and the defense is not great, but good enough. In 2007, we can think about RF, and Giambi can become the permanent DH with Duncan taking over at 1B. As far as the team is constructed, it looks very strong offensively and pretty solid for the future, at least the next 3 or 4 years. Now, all we have to worry about is the pitching staying healthy.
JeffWeaverFan
12-09-05, 11:39 PM
Giambi was healthy in 2002:
1B - .344 / .461 / .674
DH - .271 / .397 / .489
Yep, which is why he should play 1B a lot. But, with his knees, he is going to need to DH too, and as he gets older, he is going to have to learn how to hit as the DH as Eric Duncan will be playing 1B in a couple years.
Spiker101
12-10-05, 05:19 AM
Let me ask you this then: How many times can you recall in Giambi's time with the Yankees where he's DH'd instead of playing 1B for reasons other than 1) Needing a break from the field, 2) Nursing an injury, or less frequently, 3) Getting another lefty bat into the lineup?
Also, didn't Giambi battle an eye infection in 2002? If Giambi is taking care of business on 1B, it usually means he's healthy enough to be an offensive force. If he's DH'ing, it usually means that something needs rest...
Good points all. I would add a fourth reason. Torre does DH or even outright rest Giambi a lot on astroturf (Toronto and Tampa Bay) on the premise that the hard surface is especially troublesome to his knees.
yankeebot
12-10-05, 05:34 AM
In spite of his history at DH, if and when Giambi becomes an everyday DH, I predict he will excel. He says he has trouble "staying in the game" when he does not play the field but this is something he certainly will be able to overcome if he does it every day. As with anything mental, repitition is the key. I think there is a big difference between DHing on occasion and having that be your position. That said, I want him to stay at 1B until Eric Duncan is ready to take it over.
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