25-Man Roster

[Quangormo]

If the Yankees had to open today, this is what looks to be the most likely 25-man roster:

PITCHERS (11) -- Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Shawn Chacon, Carl Pavano, Chien Ming-wang, Mariano Rivera, Tanyon Sturtze, Aaron Small, Jaret Wright, Wayne Franklin, Colter Bean

CATCHERS (2) -- Jorge Posada, Wil Nieves

INFIELDERS (7) -- Jason Giambi, Andy Phillips, Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Tony Womack, Felix Escalona

OUTFIELDERS (5) -- Hideki Matsui, Bubba Crosby, Gary Sheffield, Melky Cabrera, Kevin Reese

Now, the bullpen does need help, but it seems to me that an everyday lineup that features both Bubba Crosby and Andy Phillips is very weak. You might be able to get away with one, but not both. Since the CF hunt seems to be stymied, how about looking into someone like Paul Konerko?

And the OF reserves are both weak for a contenders and too young for the role. These guys need to be playing in AAA. This is one reason we need to re-sign Bernie.

Backup catcher also needs to be addressed. If Flaherty moves on, how about Gary Bennett from the Nationals? He's a nice righty-hitting catcher who can play 50-60 games competently, a pretty good handler of pitchers, and he hits enough.

I just wish Brian would get moving.

[puckmaster87]

No way Colter Bean and Wayne Franklin are there. Put Matt Smith and another young arm there.

[rightfielder21]

I just wish Brian would get moving.

[38Special]

Oh God We Need To Make A Splash We Must Win The Offseason

[JDPNYY]

I'm worried. Opening day is less than a week away.

[AMYanks]

If Pierre isn't in pinstripes by 6 PM tonight, this offseason is a FAILURE!!!!!111111

[Stupid Flanders]

No way Colter Bean and Wayne Franklin are there. Put Matt Smith and another young arm there.

What's wrong with Colter Bean?

I agree on Smith though.

[rightfielder21]

If Pierre isn't in pinstripes by 6 PM tonight, this offseason is a FAILURE!!!!!111111

If Pierre is in pinstripes at all this offseason it will be a failure...

[Yankyfan]

I don't want Juan.IMO he's on the way down.Look at his cs%.

[AMYanks]

How can you guys not like his speed?!?!?!

Speed = Championships

[mhmajp]

How can you guys not like his speed?!?!?!

Speed = Championships

SPEED!!!

[Yankyfan]

Pitching = championships

[AMYanks]

Pitching = championships

Oy, I thought the sarcasm was obvious.

[38Special]

Intangibles = Jeter


i mean

Jeter = Championships

there

[DiMaggio5CF]

Pitching = championships

So then pitching = speed?

I'm confused!

[puckmaster87]

How can you guys not like his speed?!?!?!

Speed = Championships

Speed (AKA Dave Roberts) only = ALCS.

Pitching = championships!!!

[puckmaster87]

What's wrong with Colter Bean?

I agree on Smith though.

Apparently the Yankees don't like Colter Bean enough to play him (although they gave him one appearance.) He's looked good in the minor leagues and looked okay in his major league appearance, so I'd give him a try, but the Yankees never seem willing to do that.

[Pogie]

If the Yankees had to open today, this is what looks to be the most likely 25-man roster:

PITCHERS (11) -- Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Shawn Chacon, Carl Pavano, Chien Ming-wang, Mariano Rivera, Tanyon Sturtze, Aaron Small, Jaret Wright, Wayne Franklin, Colter Bean

CATCHERS (2) -- Jorge Posada, Wil Nieves

INFIELDERS (7) -- Jason Giambi, Andy Phillips, Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Tony Womack, Felix Escalona

OUTFIELDERS (5) -- Hideki Matsui, Bubba Crosby, Gary Sheffield, Melky Cabrera, Kevin Reese

Now, the bullpen does need help, but it seems to me that an everyday lineup that features both Bubba Crosby and Andy Phillips is very weak. You might be able to get away with one, but not both. Since the CF hunt seems to be stymied, how about looking into someone like Paul Konerko?

And the OF reserves are both weak for a contenders and too young for the role. These guys need to be playing in AAA. This is one reason we need to re-sign Bernie.

Backup catcher also needs to be addressed. If Flaherty moves on, how about Gary Bennett from the Nationals? He's a nice righty-hitting catcher who can play 50-60 games competently, a pretty good handler of pitchers, and he hits enough.

I just wish Brian would get moving.

No to Paul Konerko. We don't need another high priced 1B/DH.

I believe that Proctor would also make the cut in the pen instead of Bean or Franklin.

We should NOT bring back Bernie. We have plenty of veterans who can't field the ball. And why get one that can't hit anymore either. (Love ya Bernie, but its your time).

We will address our problems in due time. I just don't think Cash will get anyone really high profile (nor should he).

Except for maybe Giles-- but then trade away Sheff for a solid CF & mid relief.
IMO--

[Quangormo]

Bernie certainly can do mor efor us than the guys who would be the backup OFs if the season opened today, and even now he's a better hitter too. Besides, they need to play every day. Bernie can be a backup and has reportedly expressed willingness to do so.

[rightfielder21]

Bernie certainly can do mor efor us than the guys who would be the backup OFs if the season opened today, and even now he's a better hitter too. Besides, they need to play every day. Bernie can be a backup and has reportedly expressed willingness to do so.

He can't hit or field, how does that make him a good option for a back up OFer?

[gdn]

Free Colter Bean!!!

[jyjjy]

If Bean was totally ignored last season when we had such a shocking, amazing, hilariously bad bottom of the pen theres no way they are going to put him on the team next season

[shroud]

I think It would be like this and I have to say its not so bad.

PITCHERS (11) -- Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Shawn Chacon, Carl Pavano, Chien Ming-wang, Mariano Rivera, Tanyon Sturtze, Aaron Small, Jaret Wright, Scott Proctor/Jason Anderson, Matt Smith/Wayne Franklin.

CATCHERS (2) -- Jorge Posada, Wil Nieves

INFIELDERS (6) -- Jason Giambi, Andy Phillips, Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Felix Escalona

OUTFIELDERS (6) -- Hideki Matsui, Bubba Crosby, Gary Sheffield, Kevin Thompson, Tony Womack.

There's no way Bean makes this team unless he learns to throw a 90mph fastball with his left hand. Proctor is out of options so he has to be there unless im mistaken. Expect Matt Smith to be given a shot as the LOOGY and Anderson is a longshot unless Proctor gets DFA'ed. At this point Id count Womack as an outfielder...No way Melky makes the team out of the spring, he wasnt ready last year and he's not going to be rushed again.

[38Special]

If Bean was totally ignored last season when we had such a shocking, amazing, hilariously bad bottom of the pen theres no way they are going to put him on the team next season

There was no room for him to be called up with the bad contracts (Karsay, F-Rod, Quantrill, Stanton), so i dont think thats a fair argument.

Although they might not think much of him anyway.

[shroud]

There was no room for him to be called up with the bad contracts (Karsay, F-Rod, Quantrill, Stanton), so i dont think thats a fair argument.

Although they might not think much of him anyway.

I think I remember an article from last spring in which Torre basically said he's not a major leaguer and never will be. Bean responded with "ouch".

[38Special]

I think I remember an article from last spring in which Torre basically said he's not a major leaguer and never will be. Bean responded with "ouch".

I think you're dreaming that up.

[I Love Wang]

Torre's input on internal scouting should be nil, becuase he doesn't know what he's talking about. Bean has been too good for too long in AAA to not get a chance in the majors.

[Vin]

And the OF reserves are both weak for a contenders and too young for the role. These guys need to be playing in AAA. This is one reason we need to re-sign Bernie.
.

I was starting to take your post seriously. Until the last sentence. Whether a pinch hitter or not Bernie has got to go, as long as he's there Torre will plug him in CF.
Bubba is better defensively and won't cost $15 million

[longtimeyankeefan]

If the Yankees had to open today, this is what looks to be the most likely 25-man roster:

PITCHERS (11) -- Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Shawn Chacon, Carl Pavano, Chien Ming-wang, Mariano Rivera, Tanyon Sturtze, Aaron Small, Jaret Wright, Wayne Franklin, Colter Bean

CATCHERS (2) -- Jorge Posada, Wil Nieves

INFIELDERS (7) -- Jason Giambi, Andy Phillips, Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Tony Womack, Felix Escalona

OUTFIELDERS (5) -- Hideki Matsui, Bubba Crosby, Gary Sheffield, Melky Cabrera, Kevin Reese

Now, the bullpen does need help, but it seems to me that an everyday lineup that features both Bubba Crosby and Andy Phillips is very weak. You might be able to get away with one, but not both. Since the CF hunt seems to be stymied, how about looking into someone like Paul Konerko?

And the OF reserves are both weak for a contenders and too young for the role. These guys need to be playing in AAA. This is one reason we need to re-sign Bernie.

Backup catcher also needs to be addressed. If Flaherty moves on, how about Gary Bennett from the Nationals? He's a nice righty-hitting catcher who can play 50-60 games competently, a pretty good handler of pitchers, and he hits enough.

I just wish Brian would get moving.

1. Where is it written that both Crosby & Phillips are everyday players in this lineup? Phillips is the BACKUP first baseman - Giambi will get > 80% of the 1B ABs next season.

2. Bernie, if re-signed, would likely be the everyday DH, playing little in the field. However, I am not real enamoured of a DH that will give us .250/.325/.375. We need a bigger bopper there.

3. Melky will almost certainly be in AAA next season, not in the majors. Assuming that we do not acquire the "stud" OFer so many desire, we will fill these positions with players ST invites.

4. Wayne Franklin will be dropped from the 40-man roster before spring training, IMO.

5. Its November 28th, for goodness sakes - pitchers and catchers are at least 75 days away (or so).

[shroud]

I think you're dreaming that up.

Of course im exagerating, I can only find the spanish version of the article but here it is. Something like "he's not going to fool/surprise anybody, but he throws strikes"

[buntsalot2]

SPEED!!!

SPEEEEEEEEEEd killlsssssssss...

[38Special]

Of course im exagerating, I can only find the spanish version of the article but here it is. Something like "he's not going to fool/surprise anybody, but he throws strikes"

That doesnt sound like what you said before. Thanks for the link though

[buntsalot2]

this is like out there as Laloosh would say.

it is only a paper listing and is far from etched in stone. the off season blitz hasn't even warmed the ole stove to a boil yet. hang on sloopy

[shroud]

That doesnt sound like what you said before. Thanks for the link though

It just shocked me a bit when I first read it, Torre is always praising players even if they suck, but he couldnt find much to say about Bean. There's was a nice article on PinstripesPlus about Bean and his reputation as a "trick" pitcher.

[jyjjy]

There was no room for him to be called up with the bad contracts (Karsay, F-Rod, Quantrill, Stanton), so i dont think thats a fair argument.

Although they might not think much of him anyway.

We got rid of all of those guys except F-rod who was on the DL half of the season. How could they block us from bringing up Bean if they weren't on the team?

[PittsburghYankeeFan]

Womack is trade bait. No way he is here by Spring Training.

[MooseCaLLinTheBronx]

I'm worried. Opening day is less than a week away.

Good point. You SHOULD be worried. I am stressed out right now

[ChinMusic]

Womack is trade bait. No way he is here by Spring Training.

Great because were going to need another bat boy.

[AMYanks]

Womack is trade bait. No way he is here by Spring Training.

He's fish bait, not trade bait. Although, even the fish might be repelled by him.

[JeterRodriguezSheff]

Womack is trade bait. No way he is here by Spring Training.

how is he trade bait, no team in their right minds would trade for him.

[jyjjy]

how is he trade bait, no team in their right minds would trade for him.

You really think all the GMs out there are in their right minds?

[surge511]

This thread is pretty stupid right now - it should be created in March. We know what are needs are; CF and BP. Now, let's address them.

[38Special]

We got rid of all of those guys except F-rod who was on the DL half of the season. How could they block us from bringing up Bean if they weren't on the team?

Gordon
Rivera
Sturtze
F-Rod
Groom/Leiter

The final spot was given to Proctor over Bean because Proctor could be a relief ace if he had some control and movement on his fastball, but i think that experiment is over now.

[jyjjy]

I'm perfectly aware of who was on the team, and I'm sure you are perfectly aware that our bullpen outside of Mo and Gordon was horribly ineffective.
We were in a tough battle for the division/wildcard with an obviously pathetic bullpen. If they thought Bean could do the job and left him in the minors anyway then the FO is stupider than anyone here thinks, which is saying a LOT. There is no situation where we will need a solid back of the bullpen guy more than the second half of last season. It doesn't matter who else was on the team, they weren't getting the job done. They would've brought the kid up if they thought he could get people out and they didn't. There's no reason to think that opinion has changed.

[Quangormo]

I was starting to take your post seriously. Until the last sentence. Whether a pinch hitter or not Bernie has got to go, as long as he's there Torre will plug him in CF.
Bubba is better defensively and won't cost $15 million

Bernie won't make anywhere near $15 million. $2-3 million, tops. And he has already been quoted as saying that he's fine with a reserve role. Joe's not going to stick him in there on a regular basis, but will give him plenty of use off the bench. He does more for us, even now, than either Cabrera or Reese (or Thompson) does for us this year. And it's better for tehir development to hve them in Columbus getting ABs.

Re-signing Bernie (as a reserve) makes sense, and after 20 years of service to the organization it's the right thing to do. I don't understand why people seem eager to dump him.

[Vin]

Bernie won't make anywhere near $15 million. $2-3 million, tops. And he has already been quoted as saying that he's fine with a reserve role. Joe's not going to stick him in there on a regular basis, but will give him plenty of use off the bench. He does more for us, even now, than either Cabrera or Reese (or Thompson) does for us this year. And it's better for tehir development to hve them in Columbus getting ABs.

Is he willing to drop his $15 milprice?
Can you guarantee Joe won't stick him in CF? No

Re-signing Bernie (as a reserve) makes sense, and after 20 years of service to the organization it's the right thing to do. I don't understand why people seem eager to dump him.

After 20 years, he also got paid millions of money. Bernie's a nice guy, and a professional but it's time to see him go.

[BJG]

Re-signing Bernie (as a reserve) makes sense, and after 20 years of service to the organization it's the right thing to do. I don't understand why people seem eager to dump him.

Because a reserve outfielder needs to actually be able to...play the outfield.

[Quangormo]

OK, I've been reminded of Proctor (tryin ghard to forget) and we've added Farnsworth and Stinnett, so here is the current roster as of today:

PITCHERS (11) -- Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Shawn Chacon, Carl Pavano, Chien Ming-wang, Mariano Rivera, Kyle Farnsworth, Tanyon Sturtze, Aaron Small, Jaret Wright, Scott Proctor

CATCHERS (2) -- Jorge Posada, Kelly Stinnett

INFIELDERS (7) -- Jason Giambi, Andy Phillips, Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Tony Womack, Felix Escalona

OUTFIELDERS (5) -- Hideki Matsui, Bubba Crosby, Gary Sheffield, Melky Cabrera, Kevin Reese

I still think the bench is quite weak. We need to get a utility IF and at least one OF. (Bernie would be great), preferably two.

[Quangormo]

He can't hit or field, how does that make him a good option for a back up OFer?

Find me someone who cna hit or field better who is available for the role.

[Quangormo]

I was starting to take your post seriously. Until the last sentence. Whether a pinch hitter or not Bernie has got to go, as long as he's there Torre will plug him in CF.

Not according to Torre himself, who said he wants Bernie back as a reserve.

Bubba is better defensively and won't cost $15 million

I haven't heard anything about Bernie asking for $15 million and he'll never get it anyway. He'll get 2-3 million, maybe a touch more if the Yankees want to reward him. For that price, you're not going to do better. Right now, the reserves would be Reese and Melky. Bernie does more for you than they do right now and they need to be playing in AAA.