Pitching staff predictions for next year?

[38Special]

New York Yankees:

Rotation:

Randy Johnson
Mike Mussina
Carl Pavano
Shawn Chacon
Chien-Ming Wang

Pen:

Aaron Small
FA
FA
FA
Matt Smith
Mariano Rivera

========

Columbus Clippers:

Rotation:

Matt DeSalvo
Steven White - with continued good AFL performance
Jeff Karstens
Sean Henn
Jorge DePaula

Pen:

Justin Pope
Ben Julianel
Colter Bean
FA
FA


========

Trenton Thunder:

Rotation:

Tyler Clippard
Jeremy King
Phillip Hughes - with good s/t
FA
FA

Pen:

JB Cox
Jeff Kennard
TJ Beam
Mike Gardner
Carlos Artiles
Heath Castle
Paul Thorp

========

Tampa Yankees:

Rotation:

Jeff Marquez
Brett Smith
Christian Garcia
Eric Hacker
Alan Horne

Pen:

Mike Martinez
Chase Wright
Saydel Beltran
Jorge Morales
Marvin Moscat
Elvys Quezada
Jason Jones
Josh Smith

========

Charleston Riverdogs:

Rotation:

Jason Stephens
Lance Pendleton
Garrett Patterson
Domingo Cabrera
Zach Kroenke

Pen:

James Conroy
Hairo Solis
Josh Schmidt
Erik Morrison
David Seccombe
Cory Stuart
Michael Wagner

========

Question Marks:

Rolando Japa - should be in charleston
Abel Gomez - questionable due to control issues
Eric Wordekemper - needs to be in charleston
Jesse Hoover - back surgery
Eric Abreu - elbow issues
Ferdin Tejeda - TJ Surgery

========

Extended Spring Training:

Anderson Amador
Andrew Carter
Francisco Castillo
Grant Duff
Keaton Everitt
Steve Schroer
Jesus Mendez
Michael Mlotkowski
Miguel Montan
Edgar Omana
Bryan Rueger
Josue Selenes
Juan Velazquez
Guillermo Villalona
Edgar Soto
Toni Lara
Jesse Bahr
Bryan Reuger


Released or FA:

Jason Anderson
Danny Borrell
Sam Marsonek
Eric Schmitt
Jon Skaggs
Scott Proctor
Michael Knox
Carlos Rosario
Shaun Parker
Kevin Rival
Phil Coke
Brandon Harmsen
Michael Brunet
Calvin Maduro
Charlie Issacson
Charlie Manning

[46Mattingly23]

I'm just going to stick with the main team on this one....

Starting Rotation:

Randy Johnson
Mike Mussina
Shawn Chacon
Jaret Wright
Chien-Ming Wang

Bullpen:
Swingman/Long Reliever-Aaron Small
Lefty-Matt Smith
8th Inning Setup Man-Tom Gordon
Closer-Mariano Rivera

and whoever else they sign or trade for

Traded:
Carl Pavano

[Matsui55]

I'm just going to stick with the main team on this one....

Starting Rotation:

Randy Johnson
Mike Mussina
Shawn Chacon
Jaret Wright
Chien-Ming Wang

Bullpen:
Swingman/Long Reliever-Aaron Small
Lefty-Matt Smith
8th Inning Setup Man-Tom Gordon
Closer-Mariano Rivera

and whoever else they sign or trade for

Traded:
Carl Pavano

It may just be me, but without Mazzone, I don't see a way the Yanks bring back Wright, even if they have to buy him out. I don't like Pavano either, but there is no way he can be dealt before ST (must show he is healthy first). That said, deal him as soon as they can, but get an arm back.

[38Special]

i hope they keep pavano

[gdn]

That seems about right to me. Will Hoover be back at all? You think they'll put Horne straight in High-A? No stint at Charleston?

[Matsui55]

New York Yankees:

Rotation:

Randy Johnson
Mike Mussina
Carl Pavano
Shawn Chacon
Chien-Ming Wang

Pen:

Aaron Small
FA
FA
FA
Matt Smith
Mariano Rivera

========

Columbus Clippers:

Rotation:

Matt DeSalvo
Steven White - with continued good AFL performance
Jeff Karstens
Sean Henn
Jorge DePaula

Pen:

Justin Pope
Ben Julianel
Colter Bean
FA
FA


========

Trenton Thunder:

Rotation:

Tyler Clippard
Jeremy King
Phillip Hughes - with good s/t
FA
FA

Pen:

JB Cox
Jeff Kennard
TJ Beam
Mike Gardner
Carlos Artiles
Heath Castle
Paul Thorp

========

Tampa Yankees:

Rotation:

Jeff Marquez
Brett Smith
Christian Garcia
Eric Hacker
Alan Horne

Pen:

Mike Martinez
Chase Wright
Saydel Beltran
Jorge Morales
Marvin Moscat
Elvys Quezada
Jason Jones
Josh Smith

========

Charleston Riverdogs:

Rotation:

Jason Stephens
Lance Pendleton
Garrett Patterson
Domingo Cabrera
Zach Kroenke

Pen:

James Conroy
Hairo Solis
Josh Schmidt
Erik Morrison
David Seccombe
Cory Stuart
Michael Wagner

========

Question Marks:

Rolando Japa - should be in charleston
Abel Gomez - questionable due to control issues
Eric Wordekemper - needs to be in charleston
Jesse Hoover - back surgery
Eric Abreu - elbow issues
Ferdin Tejeda - TJ Surgery

========

Extended Spring Training:

Anderson Amador
Andrew Carter
Francisco Castillo
Grant Duff
Keaton Everitt
Steve Schroer
Jesus Mendez
Michael Mlotkowski
Miguel Montan
Edgar Omana
Bryan Rueger
Josue Selenes
Juan Velazquez
Guillermo Villalona
Edgar Soto
Toni Lara
Jesse Bahr
Bryan Reuger


Released or FA:

Jason Anderson
Danny Borrell
Sam Marsonek
Eric Schmitt
Jon Skaggs
Scott Proctor
Michael Knox
Carlos Rosario
Shaun Parker
Kevin Rival
Phil Coke
Brandon Harmsen
Michael Brunet
Calvin Maduro
Charlie Issacson
Charlie Manning

I would tweak a little bit.

IF he is Columbus, I would move Henn to the pen NOW (though I think he should open the season with the Yanks in NY). With his stuff (FB), teach him a cutter and have him throw sliders and FB (and cutter) only (ditch the curve). With his stuff, and time to work into the role, he is a potential late inning guy, if not closer, in the future.

In AA, I don't see Kennard or Gardner sticking. I think the suspension for violation of the substance policy embarassed the Yanks, and Kennard really didn't do much after (his record was more luck that stuff, IMO), so I think he'll be snet packing. Gardner really works with not too much above average stuff. At AA and AAA, you can stock some vet arms to eat innings and protect the ML team. That's why I think Gardner goes and some 6 yr FA is brought in instead.

Jason Jones may end up here anyway, at least in the beginning, if for no other reason than to eat innings while the weather is cold in Trenton, and save the wear on yonger arms (will the Yanks hold back Hughes to protect him from the cold?)

In A (Tampa), I think while Hacker gets results, getting shut down for LONG stretches for 3 straight years with arm trouble might do him in. I think Chase Wright gets rescued from the scrap heap and gets the swing starter/long role there. I also think that if the Yanks can figure out what's going on in Gomez's head, that he may start here.

I also don't think that Quezada or Josh Smith will return. They have had a lot of chances now, didn't do well in high A last year, and the Yanks may be more willing to give those roles to a returning Hoover, and possible Abreu return. Don't rule out Schroer here either.

I also wonder whether the Yanks will push Conroy and Schmidt to Tampa- they have a long history of pushing 4 year college arms to high A immediately. Because of Patterson's age, he may go to Tampa too. Who that bumps, I don't know- but the Yanks do have a practice of doing that.

[surge511]

i hope they keep pavano

Yeah, I would give Pavano some more time. I want to see more starts next year, because there was some talent there, and he did put up some good games. He was just too hot and cold, and then he got hurt. I have a feeling we will see a different Pavano next year.

[MaximMan121]

Proctor should continue to have a place on this team. He had flashes of brilliance this year, just blowing the ball by some top tier hitters.

We also shouldn't let him go--look at what happened with Jenks--a very similar situation. If he hasn't shown marked improvement by the trading deadline, deal him for whatever we need then, as his value will skyrocket around then.

Just letting him go would be madness.

[WillisToYanks]

Any chance of dontrelle willis coming to yanks

[CaptainThurman]

I have to believe that a top-notch pitching coach can teach Proctor how to make his pitches have some movement.....

[Hidekifan57]

I like the AAA and AA predictions. Very well done. But, there are issues with the A ball clubs. First of all, Francisco Castillo is not going to be an extended spring training and neither is Rolando Japa. They Yankees really, really, really like those two. Domingo might be because he's a bit more raw and needs tweaking.

Steve Schroer absolutely will not be in extended. If anything, he might be in Tampa. He's a very polished reliever. IMO, maybe not a future big leaguer but a good minor league setup man that could have a shot.

I also wouldn't be shocked if Gardner, Smith or even Morales was released. I also wouldn't put my money on A. Hacker beginning the year healthy B. The Yankees giving him a rotation spot over so many other good prospects.

But you know what the bottom line is......you can never predict this. I've tried and tried, questioned people in the organization about it, the whole works, but it is always different. Let me say this, there will be plenty of surprises.

[Matsui55]

Proctor should continue to have a place on this team. He had flashes of brilliance this year, just blowing the ball by some top tier hitters.

We also shouldn't let him go--look at what happened with Jenks--a very similar situation. If he hasn't shown marked improvement by the trading deadline, deal him for whatever we need then, as his value will skyrocket around then.

Just letting him go would be madness.

Not at all- Jenks is unique- throws 100+ with life on his pitches. His ENTIRE problem is that he has a few screws lose in the head and doesn't like authority much (from what I've read about his "scrapes" with the Angels system).

Prcotor throws in the low to mid-90's, has now had over 4 years to try to learn how to add movement (with the Yanks and Dodgers). He either has refused to, or just can't learn.

Proctor isn't some 22 year old with adjustment issues- he's a 27-28 year old who hasn't been more than a AAAA pitcher. Some guys take longer to figure it out- See Small and any number of minor league journeymen.

That said, the Yanks don't have another 2-3 years to wait for this guy. He is what he is at this point- the 12th man on an 11 man staff. Cut ties and move on to PROVEN, QUALITY relievers, or give a LHP a shot.

[hammer]

Pavano will be in the rotation to start next season so long as he is healthy enough to pitch. Trading him now would not only be difficult, but the Yankees would surley get the raw end of any offseason trade. Pavano has to prove he can be healthy and effective before we even consider trading him for fair value. Personally, I'd like to see him stick with the team. If he's right he can chew up innings hopefully save some stress on the bullpen. With Wang/Chacon/Johnson/Pavano, we have four guys who should go deep into a lot of ballgames and keep our other arms fresh (no matter who we sign for the pen, they can't be overused like Gordon/Sturtze the past two seasons).

On the minor league front, I'd like to see Schmidt start the season in Tampa. Why have him in low A, essentially facing the same competition he absolutely dominated last year in the NYPL? Assuming Hughes starts the season in Tampa's warm weather, that starting staff has a lot of good arms on it, but the bullpen doesn't seem so strong. There's no reason one or two of the SI relievers can't be pushed there.

[38Special]

I like the AAA and AA predictions. Very well done. But, there are issues with the A ball clubs. First of all, Francisco Castillo is not going to be an extended spring training and neither is Rolando Japa. They Yankees really, really, really like those two. Domingo might be because he's a bit more raw and needs tweaking.
.

Japa
Castillo
Cabrera
Gomez
Marquez
Garcia
Horne
Stephens
Pendleton
Patterson
Hacker
Smith
Kroenke

That's 13 guys to fit into the Charleston and Tampa rotations, and add onto that guys like Valdez/Hoover/Abreu who may pitch next year.

I can understand Hacker losing a rotation spot, but who else do you kick into the pen? Guys like Kroenke/Pendleton/Patterson need the spots because of their age and round they were selected. It's a good problem to have, but still difficult to solve

[boday]

Sounds like finally there are some arms to compete with.

[Matsui55]

Japa
Castillo
Cabrera
Gomez
Marquez
Garcia
Horne
Stephens
Pendleton
Patterson
Hacker
Smith
Kroenke

That's 13 guys to fit into the Charleston and Tampa rotations, and add onto that guys like Valdez/Hoover/Abreu who may pitch next year.

I can understand Hacker losing a rotation spot, but who else do you kick into the pen? Guys like Kroenke/Pendleton/Patterson need the spots because of their age and round they were selected. It's a good problem to have, but still difficult to solve

I don't think all of the above listed are starters.

The first to go to the pen- Stephens. Except for the CB, he has no above average pitch. That's a reliever.

Hacker can't be counted on to be healthy- 3 major terms on the DL in 3 years- might not even be with the Yanks in April.

Pendleton has a good arm, but may be worked in as a reliever this year. Remember that he doesn't have a lot of pitching experience or innings, and asking him to throw 125-140 IP next year is more than likely asking for an injury. He's likely to be the long man somewhere- likely Charleston.

Hoover is a closer, not a starter.

Abreu isn't likely to be a starter right away- if they still want him to start, I think he does some extended in Tampa to get his strength back first.

I believe Valdez got released.

My guesses for the starting 5 in Tampa and Charleston based on this would be:

Tampa:

Marquez
B. Smith
Patterson
Garcia
Conroy

With the possibility that Chase Wright could sneak in to get another LHP.

Charleston:

Horne
Gomez
Japa
Kronke
Castillo

With the possibility that Cabrera or Seccombe could sneak in, depending on others performance, or for Kronke.

[38Special]

I don't think all of the above listed are starters.

The first to go to the pen- Stephens. Except for the CB, he has no above average pitch. That's a reliever.

I disagree, his velocity on his FB had improved this year and from what i recall he does have a good changeup. The development has been slow, but considering the 500k bonus he got, plus his performance in SI, i cant see him in the pen.

Hacker can't be counted on to be healthy- 3 major terms on the DL in 3 years- might not even be with the Yanks in April.

I agree, i was being optimistic

Pendleton has a good arm, but may be worked in as a reliever this year. Remember that he doesn't have a lot of pitching experience or innings, and asking him to throw 125-140 IP next year is more than likely asking for an injury. He's likely to be the long man somewhere- likely Charleston.

I dont think theyll have him throw that much, but i doubt he would be in the pen.

Hoover is a closer, not a starter.

There was talk about him being a starter prior to his injury, although thats less likely now, if he does come back.

Abreu isn't likely to be a starter right away- if they still want him to start, I think he does some extended in Tampa to get his strength back first.

I agree

I believe Valdez got released.

I heard no such thing, i believe Frankie wrote on the PP messageboard a few months ago that he was still in the DR rehabbing an injury.

[46Mattingly23]

Yeah, I would give Pavano some more time. I want to see more starts next year, because there was some talent there, and he did put up some good games. He was just too hot and cold, and then he got hurt. I have a feeling we will see a different Pavano next year.

I like Pavano too I just thought he didn't want to be there and it would affect his performance.

[Hidekifan57]

Valdez is not released as far as I know. He's in the DR working out at their complex. I'm not sure why and can't get a straight answer, but he isn't released. I know that much.

Pendleton is a starter and he will be used as such. They aren't putting him in the pen.

[Matsui55]

Valdez is not released as far as I know. He's in the DR working out at their complex. I'm not sure why and can't get a straight answer, but he isn't released. I know that much.

Pendleton is a starter and he will be used as such. They aren't putting him in the pen.

I think it is a VERY bad idea to ask Pendleton to start next year. Unless they cap him at about 100-110 IP next year (in that case, why bother starting him), it is only asking for arm trouble.

Pendleton's case differs from that of the HS starter, for example. Here is a guy who was a position guy most of the time in college, and a pitcher second. He has VERY few significant or meaningful innings on that arm, and will be "learning on the go." HS arms can generally come in with significant starting experience and at least 60-70 IP logged for a couple years. Then, the HS arms get to break in on pitch counts and IP counts, sometimes in a flex situation.

Here, the Yanks are going to ask Pendleton to go from the handful of IP at Rice and at SI last summer (really insignificant IP), and he WAS a reliever in college, and go on regular starts against higher level competition that he has ever seen. At least this summer, it was controlled starts, followed by a stint in the pen- even then, he didn't pitch long.

Given the talent increase and pitch counts that will ensue, I don't think it is wise to make him a starter in 2006. He is better off working 70-90 IP out of the pen, where they can control when and how often he pitches, as well as spend significantly more time working out any pitching issues.

Then, in 2007, when he has his pitching counts higher, and has his "pro" feet on the ground, start him and get the 120-130 IP in and then set him loose in 2008.

I really don't care if the guy throws 99MPH with the best slider and curve you've ever seen. You are only asking for problems with an untrained arm and with someone unaccustomed to starting to be thrown into a pro rotation immediately.

The guy is supposed to have good stuff- there is NO point in ruining his future to "push" him hard. This isn't like Patterson, Kroenke or the other college guys- they WERE starters, and are accustomed to the grind and necessary adjustments.

That's my opinion, but I don't work for the Yanks.

[sugmasterflex]

I also wouldn't be shocked if Gardner, Smith or even Morales was released.

You think they will release Brett Gardner and Brett/Matt Smith?

[38Special]

You think they will release Brett Gardner and Brett/Matt Smith?

josh smith, mike gardner

[Hidekifan57]

lol, I figured it was assumed that I was talking about pitchers in the pitching staff thread. Anyway, no, not Brett Gardner or Brett Smith.

[MaximMan121]

Not at all- Jenks is unique- throws 100+ with life on his pitches. His ENTIRE problem is that he has a few screws lose in the head and doesn't like authority much (from what I've read about his "scrapes" with the Angels system).

Prcotor throws in the low to mid-90's, has now had over 4 years to try to learn how to add movement (with the Yanks and Dodgers). He either has refused to, or just can't learn.

Proctor isn't some 22 year old with adjustment issues- he's a 27-28 year old who hasn't been more than a AAAA pitcher. Some guys take longer to figure it out- See Small and any number of minor league journeymen.

That said, the Yanks don't have another 2-3 years to wait for this guy. He is what he is at this point- the 12th man on an 11 man staff. Cut ties and move on to PROVEN, QUALITY relievers, or give a LHP a shot.

I guess I'm a bit intimidated trying to lock horns with you, from what I've read you're very well versed in Yankee pitching, and I respect what you have had to say so far. That being said, I think that this is an arm that should be tried until A:he's an FA, or B:he goes heredia on us. Here's what I've seen this year: Procor's outings have been very hard to predict. The best outings he's had, he's been at 98 (NIENTYEIGHT) on the gun several times (after, I might add, they turned the gun off and on, just to check.) More consistently around 92, but he can dial it up.

Also, the times he has dominated has been when he has had movement. I have no pitching experience, yet the movement was very clear on his pitches. It's almost a case of jekyl and hyde. We pay this guy almost nothing. To let him go would be madness. AAAA you may call him, but the day we have a solid pitching coach to really talk to him about his pitches, I believe we'll have a solid middle innings reliever.

So, to recap, either he's had a 91-92 straight fastball with an unreliable curve, or he's had a solid curve and a 96-98 MPH fastball with movement. He's also working on a changeup, and a marginal slider. I'll take the chance on him, 28 years or no.

[mbn007]

I like the AAA and AA predictions. Very well done. But, there are issues with the A ball clubs. First of all, Francisco Castillo is not going to be an extended spring training and neither is Rolando Japa. They Yankees really, really, really like those two. Domingo might be because he's a bit more raw and needs tweaking.

Steve Schroer absolutely will not be in extended. If anything, he might be in Tampa. He's a very polished reliever. IMO, maybe not a future big leaguer but a good minor league setup man that could have a shot.

I also wouldn't be shocked if Gardner, Smith or even Morales was released. I also wouldn't put my money on A. Hacker beginning the year healthy B. The Yankees giving him a rotation spot over so many other good prospects.

But you know what the bottom line is......you can never predict this. I've tried and tried, questioned people in the organization about it, the whole works, but it is always different. Let me say this, there will be plenty of surprises.

Japa will probably be in Charleston. Agree with yolu on Schroer. He will be in either Charleston or Tampa, at the minimum.

Hacker had a super season until he got hurt (again, ). I think he gets a shot somewhere at a higher level, like Tampa.

[mbn007]

SOme good give and take here guys. Excellent thread.

Seems that there are a few problems with placement at the various levels here. Too many guys, too few spots.

Nice problem to have.

[Matsui55]

I guess I'm a bit intimidated trying to lock horns with you, from what I've read you're very well versed in Yankee pitching, and I respect what you have had to say so far. That being said, I think that this is an arm that should be tried until A:he's an FA, or B:he goes heredia on us. Here's what I've seen this year: Procor's outings have been very hard to predict. The best outings he's had, he's been at 98 (NIENTYEIGHT) on the gun several times (after, I might add, they turned the gun off and on, just to check.) More consistently around 92, but he can dial it up.

Also, the times he has dominated has been when he has had movement. I have no pitching experience, yet the movement was very clear on his pitches. It's almost a case of jekyl and hyde. We pay this guy almost nothing. To let him go would be madness. AAAA you may call him, but the day we have a solid pitching coach to really talk to him about his pitches, I believe we'll have a solid middle innings reliever.

So, to recap, either he's had a 91-92 straight fastball with an unreliable curve, or he's had a solid curve and a 96-98 MPH fastball with movement. He's also working on a changeup, and a marginal slider. I'll take the chance on him, 28 years or no.

Well, let's answer your question with a question.

If your criteria is that the guy has stuff on occasion, and costs almost nothing, then wouldn't Sean Henn be the better choice?

One- Henn is a LHP who probably throws as hard as Proctor (when he drops his arm angle, which he likely will do when he goes to the pen). Two- Henn has even less MLB service time, so he's even cheapr.

No, I don't see any role for Proctor. He's a dime a dozen- a RHP who has done nothing to warrant a FT job in a ML bullpen. If you did a AAA search, you'd find that just about every club has one or two of these guys on the team. They'd play for the same the Yanks will pay Proctor too.

The bullpen will have Mo, probably Sturtze, maybe Henn and maybe one of Matt Smith/Jorge DePaula and at least two ML vets- one of whom will be a top set-up man. There's no room for Proctor in that group, nor should there be- we already have the older, smarter version of Proctor in Sturtze.

[gdn]

There's a good article on pinstripesplus.com about the GCL prospects and where they might end up next year:

http://yankees.scout.com/2/455663.html

[MaximMan121]

Well, let's answer your question with a question.

If your criteria is that the guy has stuff on occasion, and costs almost nothing, then wouldn't Sean Henn be the better choice?

One- Henn is a LHP who probably throws as hard as Proctor (when he drops his arm angle, which he likely will do when he goes to the pen). Two- Henn has even less MLB service time, so he's even cheapr.

No, I don't see any role for Proctor. He's a dime a dozen- a RHP who has done nothing to warrant a FT job in a ML bullpen. If you did a AAA search, you'd find that just about every club has one or two of these guys on the team. They'd play for the same the Yanks will pay Proctor too.

The bullpen will have Mo, probably Sturtze, maybe Henn and maybe one of Matt Smith/Jorge DePaula and at least two ML vets- one of whom will be a top set-up man. There's no room for Proctor in that group, nor should there be- we already have the older, smarter version of Proctor in Sturtze.

There's a point where I disagree rather strongly. Proctor has upside, if he can keep to the strikezone. Sturze doesn't--he has (to quote many people who want to sound smart) regressed to the mean. He's simply not that great, and while proctor had some sound innings in the mdist of this madness of a stretch run, Sturze did not.

I'd much rather have Proctor than Sturze, that that's exactly the role I'd see him filling. Henn also never really showed enough to warrant a fulltime spot. He should be given a shot in ST, and if there's a spot for him, there's a spot for him.

I'd also say that there are plenty of AAAA guys, but they're all there for different reasons. Proctor is there because he has trouble finding the plate. His stuff is fine, especially if whoever our new pitching coach is forces him to put consistent movement on his fastball. He's worth holding onto--I'd rather not see another Yankee pitcher slide off into the distance, only to reappear as a great middle innings guy on the angels/astros/chisox or somesuch.

[Sillycon]

There's a point where I disagree rather strongly. Proctor has upside, if he can keep to the strikezone. Sturze doesn't--he has (to quote many people who want to sound smart) regressed to the mean. He's simply not that great, and while proctor had some sound innings in the mdist of this madness of a stretch run, Sturze did not.

I'd much rather have Proctor than Sturze, that that's exactly the role I'd see him filling. Henn also never really showed enough to warrant a fulltime spot. He should be given a shot in ST, and if there's a spot for him, there's a spot for him.

I'd also say that there are plenty of AAAA guys, but they're all there for different reasons. Proctor is there because he has trouble finding the plate. His stuff is fine, especially if whoever our new pitching coach is forces him to put consistent movement on his fastball. He's worth holding onto--I'd rather not see another Yankee pitcher slide off into the distance, only to reappear as a great middle innings guy on the angels/astros/chisox or somesuch.

That's a problem in itself. The control problems he has exhibited is basically from his relatively straight fastball. I can't imagine how his control can get better if he started to throw 2 seamers more often.

[surge511]

That's a problem in itself. The control problems he has exhibited is basically from his relatively straight fastball. I can't imagine how his control can get better if he started to throw 2 seamers more often.

Unless we dont get 2 new relievers this offseason, and we probably will, I don't see Proctor on this team anymore.

[Donnybaseball72]

Torre does seem to like Proctor, using him in the playoffs. I think a spot in the pen is his to lose whether some of you like it or not.

[mbn007]

If you are going to seriously consider Proctor, then perhaps Jason Anderson is a younger version who should be considered instead. He had a fine season in AAA, and if he can ever control an off-speed pitch, he would be a very decent pitcher. He has excellent control (at least, in the Minors), and throws smoke.

[Yankees1962]

If the Yankees are fortunate, they can have three starting pitchers next season that might be ready to help them in 2006, if need be. Desalvo, White and Clippard can be available for them, if all three pitchers have a good spring training and pitch to their abilities at Columbus and Trenton. Also, Henn and DePaula can be in the mix too.

[mbn007]

If the Yankees are fortunate, they can have three starting pitchers next season that might be ready to help them in 2006, if need be. Desalvo, White and Clippard can be available for them, if all three pitchers have a good spring training and pitch to their abilities at Columbus and Trenton. Also, Henn and DePaula can be in the mix too.

Henn and DePaula are more likely to get a shot in 2006 if there are injuries, or whatever, in the Bronx.

I can't see the first 3 getting a shot until ST of 2007, at the earliest.

[gdn]

I can see DeSalvo getting a mid-season callup. He's done with AA and will start AAA next year, so he should be in line for a spot start.

[surge511]

Henn and DePaula are more likely to get a shot in 2006 if there are injuries, or whatever, in the Bronx.

I can't see the first 3 getting a shot until ST of 2007, at the earliest.

How old is DePaula now? Is his future as a starting pitcher, or more likely to be long relief?

Henn had a great minor league season last year. He did have some bad starts in the majors, but I think with more time in AAA this year, he could definitely succeed in a major league start this time around.

[sugmasterflex]

If the Yankees are fortunate, they can have three starting pitchers next season that might be ready to help them in 2006, if need be. Desalvo, White and Clippard can be available for them, if all three pitchers have a good spring training and pitch to their abilities at Columbus and Trenton. Also, Henn and DePaula can be in the mix too.

I think you're pushing it w/ Clippard. The kid hasn't pitched above A ball. 2007 is much more likely.

[ppa79]

I think you're pushing it w/ Clippard. The kid hasn't pitched above A ball. 2007 is much more likely.

Yup, no need to rush Clippard when you got Henn, DeSlavo, and White ahead of him

[surge511]

Yup, no need to rush Clippard when you got Henn, DeSlavo, and White ahead of him

Good point. I bet White gets the first spot start this year, even though he probably has the least potential out of all the major prospects. Maybe he could turn out to be our long reliever one day, but I doubt he gets a long-term spot in our rotation. Clippard and Hughes, on the other hand, have very likely possibilites of producing here for a long time.

[kan_t]

Good point. I bet White gets the first spot start this year, even though he probably has the least potential out of all the major prospects. Maybe he could turn out to be our long reliever one day, but I doubt he gets a long-term spot in our rotation. Clippard and Hughes, on the other hand, have very likely possibilites of producing here for a long time.

White is projected to be a No.3 starter, as same as DeSalvo.

[Yankees1962]

I think you're pushing it w/ Clippard. The kid hasn't pitched above A ball. 2007 is much more likely.

Sure, I'm pushing it, however, just look at some of the pitchers that didn't pitch above A ball in 2004, but made their debut in the major leagues in 2005. You just never know about players and their progression and opportunities due to unforeseen circumstances.

[kan_t]

Sure, I'm pushing it, however, just look at some of the pitchers that didn't pitch above A ball in 2004, but made their debut in the major leagues in 2005. You just never know about players and their progression and opportunities due to unforeseen circumstances.

No need to rush Clippard when we have White and DeSalvo who are waiting for filling the spots. Let Clippard start at Trenton.

[38Special]

White can and will be more productive in the majors than DeSalvo. Between Clippard and White i'm not sure. Clippard has put up better numbers and has better age-relative to league, but White throws in the mid 90s.

[yank4life2005]

Desalvo should be given a spot start sometime next year and possibly Clippard if he dominates AA and moves to AAA.

[Babe Rules]

No Matt Smith in the Majors next year.

[Iknowcool]

1) Johnson 2) Wang 3) Chacon 4) Mussina 5) Pavano

[AMYanks]

2006:
Johnson
Chacon
Wang
Mussina
Pavano

2007:
Johnson
Chacon
Wang
Pavano/Hughes/Clippard
White/DeSalvo/Other

2008:
Chacon
Wang
Hughes
Clippard
White/DeSalvo/Other

2009:
Hughes
Clippard
Chacon
Wang
White/DeSalvo/Other

[surge511]

Predicting up through 2009 is a pretty long way in the future, but I would agree with you that Hughes, Chacon, Wang, and Clippard will be here for a long time. I only hope that Chacon can keep it up next year - he did only have a good halfseason, we must be wary of that.

Also, with guys like Zito and Pettite free next year, it might be hard for the FO to resist...

[indianyanksfan]

woh! lot to read and hard to digest for someone like me since i'm not familiar with a lot of those guys.

quick questions:

1. of the guys mentioned at all levels of the minors who are the best starters?

2. who are the best relievers?

i mean guys who'll help the big club.