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Saturday, June 9, 2018

If Tanaka is hurt, what are the prospects for our pitching prospects?

Last night, the worst thing that could have happened may have happened...

Apparently, Masahiro Tanaka tweaked a gonad while running the bases, an injury reminiscent of Chien-Ming Wang's downfall, which pre-shadowed the 2008 financial crisis. If it's a barking hammy, Tanaka could miss June and much of July. Let's face it: Brian Cashman soon will attempt one of his most dangerous tasks since donning an elf suit and rappelling down the buildings of New Haven: He's going to trade for a starting pitcher.

Overnight, the Yankiverse burped and boiled with fan-inspired trade proposals, usually centering on obtaining Cole Hamels for one Drury and six McBrooms. Trouble is, when teams trade pitchers, they usually demand young pitchers in return. Ouch. So what are the prospects of using or trading our prospects?

Listen: I make no claim about knowing which of these young pitchers is worth keeping, and who should go. But this is where things stand in terms of their most recent outings.

1. Domingo German. (25) You know him. You love him. He's in our rotation, showing glimpses of Severinohood. But the Jumbotron says 0-4 with a 5.44 ERA. In his last start, he pitched into the 7th and gave up 4 runs to miserable Detroit. We could probably trade him straight up for a more experienced starter, but what's the point? We'd still need another arm.

2. Justus Sheffield. (22) He pitched last night in Scranton - went 6, gave up no runs and two hits, struck out eight, and - according to a comment on one forum, was still throwing mid-90s in his final inning. His ERA in Triple A is now 2.96. (By the way, it was his first win in Triple A.) He is the golden boy of the farm system and would be the biggest trading chip in Cashman's hand. Trading him for the likes of Hamels would provoke a fan insurrection. But he's the guy everyone else wants.  

3. Chance Adams. (23). A huge disappointment this season at Scranton. It might be related to minor surgery over the winter, but the guy cannot string together three quality starts. In his last outing, he went 5 innings and gave up 4 earned runs (struck out 9). The trouble with trading him: While straightening himself out, he's at his lowest value. You get the feeling he might return to form in July or August, maybe before the trade deadline. Still, we may need somebody now. 

4. Albert Abreu (22). He was highly touted this spring by the propaganda machines, then missed time due to an appendix operation. Right now, he's treading water at Single A Tampa, with an ERA of 4.73. There is no chance of him helping the Yankees in 2018, unless in a trade. But he has a high ceiling. I get the feeling he is our most likely top pitching prospect to go in a deal. Still highly regarded, but definitely off the team's 2018 radar.

5. Luis Medina (19). Another high-upside, low minors arm. He's in Pulaski, with an ERA of 5.09. He recently threw 6 shutout innings, then followed it up by surrendering 6 runs in three. He could be a throw-in, if some other team wants a package.

6. Dillon Tate (24). The mysterious former super-prospect we obtained for Carlos Beltran, a trade that Ranger fans still debate. In his last start at Trenton, he went six innings, gave up 4 hits and 2 earned runs, struck out 6. Supposedly, the Yankees want to see more strikeouts. At one point, he was the best pitching prospect in the entire MLB draft. Now, not sure where he fits in, or what they could get for him in a trade. He just turned 24 last month, so he's not too old for his level... but he's getting there.

7. Josh Rogers (23). He's been Scranton's best pitcher, though he didn't make the bullshit pre-season prospects lists. His ERA is 3.26 - fine - but, wouldn't you know it? In his last start, he couldn't get out of the second inning, gave up 6 earned runs. What is it with these guys? They get within sniffing distance of the majors, and ka-boom. 

8. Erik Swanson (24). Was almost completely overlooked by the baseball Mel Kipers, then suddenly became this spring's hottest hot ticket in Trenton, where he went 5-0 with an 0.44 ERA over seven starts. Got a promotion to Scranton, where he's been - of course! - cuffed around in three games - 18 innings, 12 earned runs (5.79). That's taken the bloom off the rose.

9. Jonathan Loaisiga (23). After Tate, the most intriguing name in the system. Was picked up off the injury lists and protected on the 40-man roster because somebody saw something. He's short - 5'11" - and supposedly has a wicked breaking ball. Started in Tampa, was lights-out, and he's now in Trenton - 5 starts with a 3.03 ERA. In his last outing, five innings, one hit, one run, struck out 8. Would they dare move a pitcher up from Double A? Doubt it. Either the Yankees consider him untouchable, or they view his injury history as a ticking bomb, and will happily use him to anchor a trade. 

There are others, of course. And as I've said before, you cannot predict Cashman, Suzyn. But if Tanaka goes down, something has to happen. And my guess it will involve somebody in the above list. 

51 comments:

TheWinWarblist said...

So endeth the JuJu.

TheWinWarblist said...

I still don't see why we can't bring up one or more of these young men to temporarily plug the hole.

The Ghost of Yankees Past said...

There always seems to be an adjustment period when a young pitcher makes it to the major league for the first time. The chance that one of these minor leaguers could help out as a starter in 2018 is at best optimistic. While it may be worth a try and we may get lucky, I would have a plan B via the trade market. Let’s hope Tanaka is ok. If he is , we can role the dice with who we have if we can’t find a good trade.

Anonymous said...

MY "DOUBLE-SECRET JUJU" GOT US OVER THE HUMP YESTERDAY.

NOW LET ME LAY IT ON THICK AGAIN.

METS TAKE 2 OUT OF 3 THIS SERIES.

GO GET 'EM "DOUBLE-SECRET JUJU".

IN OTHER MATTERS....

LEAVE GERMAN IN THE ROTATION....(WE NEED TO HIT BETTER FOR HIM).

CALL UP JUSTUS SHEFFIELD.

TELL HIM THEY WANT 5 FULL INNINGS FROM HIM.

HAVE THE BULLPEN READY.

DO NOT EVEN MAKE A TRADE FOR A BULLSHIT VETERAN.

I BET THE RESULTS WILL BE NO DIFFERENT FROM STARTING JUSTUS SHEFFIELD OVER A GUY LIKE JAIME GARCIA.

NOTE TO MR. DUQUE:

YOU LEFT GARRETT WHITLOCK OFF THE LIST.

95-96 MPH FASTBALL, A SHARP BREAKING PITCH AND A "MEAN STREAK" WHEN HE PITCHES (ACCORDING TO RAB)....

OH, I LIKE THE MEAN STREAK.

JM said...

I know I'm an old guy who has old-fashioned ideas about a lot of things, including baseball.

But, come on. What the fuck is "tightness" in your hamstrings? Is that like an ache in your sacroiliac? Or a twinge in your metawhosical?

Look, I can't jog anymore because my lower legs just complain like hell. So I've discovered sprinting. Practically every time I go out, I have tightness in my hamstrings or calves or something. But guess what? If I keep going, it works itself out. The muscles limber up, get stretched, stop acting like wussies. By the time my cigarette-addled lungs are aching after the 6th or 7th 100 meter dash, my legs feel great.

I know these guys are worth millions, but jeez Louise. Stretch the guy's legs a bit. Put him in the whirlpool. Ice him. Heat him. Whatever. But unless there's a legitimate pulled muscle somewhere, tell him to get back on the damn mound. We don't have starters to waste.

Maybe we can all pitch in and send the Professor a couple tubes of Ben Gay.

TheWinWarblist said...

Domingo German's ERA is atrocious, yes. And won/loss tells you nothing; please see Orel Hershiser circa 1989. Fangraphs have German's FIP at 4.39 and xFIP (whatever that is) at 4.16. Those are much more acceptable. Certainly good enough for a back end of the rotation starter. And we can all see he has swing-and-miss stuff. He will be more than fine. Maybe even great.

https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/domingo-german-demands-our-attention/

Rufus T. Firefly said...

John M.,

Like Granny Clampett, I think Tanaka has a case of lumbago with a side of rheumatiz.

Maybe all he needs is a jug o' corn squeezins.

Publius said...

One trip around the bases and two tweaked hammies. Do these professional athletes jog a little, try to stay in shape?

Rufus T. Firefly said...

Bad news, good news.

Tanaka to DL.

Sgt. Hulka back on big team.

Curse of Toe over.

Rufus T. Firefly said...

This is not starting well...

Leinstery said...

If I never see German pitch again, it'd be too soon.

Leinstery said...

He sucks so fucking much. Grade A Bum

Rufus T. Firefly said...

You can't predict baseball. The Master just told us so. Again.

Austria's Only Baseball Fan said...

Given the first 10 minutes of this game, I'll pick #1 to be shifted to some back-kwater team as quickly as possible. Maybe before the end of this game. (By the way, I need to clarify that German is the language which I speak, and has nothing to do with Mr. 0-4.)

Oh - and Gardy's on the bench tonight, so it seems there goes the key ingredient of our latest JuJu triumphs.

Leinstery said...

Rufus, will all due respect to you and The Master, you can predict German stinking up the joint. You can't predict him pitching well.

Austria, it showed when Aaron "Gum on the sole of your shoe" Hicks got picked off of 2nd. This is what happens when you remove JuJu from the lineup.

Leinstery said...

What do we do with Gary? Send him to the executioners block? He's a total detriment to the team. Gehrig in 1937 was more effective than he is.

Rufus T. Firefly said...

"Gehrig in 1937 was more effective than he is."

Gehrig in 1937 was more effective than 99.99% of players ever.

Leinstery said...

Whoops good catch Rufus, 37 was when he supposedly started showing symptoms. But yes I meant 39

Leinstery said...

Good to see Judge is as clutch as ever. Should have had Gardy pinch hit for him.

Rufus T. Firefly said...

Leinstery,

Yes, Sanchez is in the middle of a major suck right now.

He seems like he has read his clippings and thinks he doesn't need to try anymore. I can only hope he screws his head back on straight.

In other news, can they get a fucking clutch hit already? I mean, losing to the Mutz?

JM said...

German is ok. First inning bad, the rest just ducky.

If we didn't have Torres and AnDUjar, we would pretty much suck.

Rufus T. Firefly said...

Leinstery,

One other thought on Mr. Gehrig. Look at his 1938 stats. He HAD to be in the early stages of ALS. Still a player that anyone would want on their team on first base. The guy was dying and still put up all-star numbers.

Leinstery said...

How many games behind Boston would they be if they still had Wade and Walker out there? 8? 10? More?

Leinstery said...

I consider his 38 to be the most impressive season by any player ever.

TheWinWarblist said...

El Conquistador!!!!

TheWinWarblist said...

Gardy goes a quarter yardy!!

TheWinWarblist said...

ALL MUTHERFUCKIN' RISE !!!!!

JM said...

Swarzak!!!!

Leinstery said...

John's got the right idea. Less about Judge and more about how awful Swarzak is.

I can't tell if the Master is mocking Sanchez right now. "His batting average is so low that every time he makes out it doesn't go down very much, maybe a point." He just expects futility from him now. He didn't even sound surprised when Sanchez swung at a pitch in the dirt.

Rufus T. Firefly said...

Sanchez needs to swap batting spots with Torres.

I'm Bill White said...

Trade Sanchez for pitching. If not, bat him 9th. He hasn’t earned shit.

Thank you.

Leinstery said...

I can't understand why he's still there. Chris Davis is far and away the worst player in the league, Gary is a distant 2nd, but whoever is 3rd is lightyears away.

Also, Bird and Austin are in a symbiotic relationship right now. They're both so bad the team is afraid to get rid of either of them in the event someone turns it around. Makes me wish that Korean guy from last year was still on the team.

TheWinWarblist said...

Nooooooo, not Toooonces!!!

TheWinWarblist said...

Who, wha, huh? Who the fuck was that?!??

Rufus T. Firefly said...

Bird is not the long term answer. When he isn't hurt, he grounds out. Unless there are less than two outs, then it might be a double play.

I get that his swing is sweet, but it feels like Balboni when he is up.

And to Leinstery, Lou Gehrig would be the most praised player ever if he didn't catch his disease. Yes, even better than Ruth. Ruth had him as protection most of his career.

TheWinWarblist said...

Let's go Toe!! Let's go Toe!! Let's go Toe!!

Leinstery said...

I don't want to jinx it, but this looks like the Betances that has a bone to pick with Dark Lord Randy Levine. Or maybe what Suzyn was saying about how he grew up a Yankees fan in a group of Mets fans and thus lives to fuck the Mets

Leinstery said...

Bird rolls over on every single pitch that's on the outside of the plate, just hit it the other way asshole.

And Lou hardly played his first two seasons. His numbers are out of this world as is, can't imagine where'd they be if he played those years and never got sick. He and Ted Williams are really the ones I wonder "what if" about. Ted lost about 5 years of his prime to military service and still put up those numbers. Sure he played for Boston, but he was pretty damn good.

I've got a bad feeling about Chapo this inning

Austria's Only Baseball Fan said...

I am now dreading Chapo more than Toonses. First batter walks, just like last night. It's deja vu all over again.

13bit said...

Start spreading the news!

TheWinWarblist said...

AAAAAAAA-AAAAAA-AAAA-AA-Ahh-AHHH-AAAHHHHH-AAaAaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHaaaa-ah-ah-ah-aaaaaaaaAaAaHaHaHaaaAAAAAAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh !!!!!!!!!

Rufus T. Firefly said...

The Master gave a good warble tonight. He must be feeling the JuJu.

And as Suzyn says, the kids are doing their jobs.

Leinstery said...

As Billy D Williams once said "That was TOO close"

TheWinWarblist said...

TORRES!!! ANDUJAR!!! JUDGE!!! BRING UP SHEFFIELD!!!

ranger_lp said...

Let me start the rumor that there are two Bettances...Dellin and Fellin. Sort of the same thing like Paul and Faul McCartney. I think we've been seeing Fellin for the last two years. But how can you tell them apart? If you look close enough, Fellin's right arm is one inch shorter than Dellin's. I'm investigating some other differences that might go into a book one day. But that wasn't Fellin last night, that was Dellin...I'm almost positive about it.

Rufus T. Firefly said...

Fellin? Is that pronounced "felon"?

TheWinWarblist said...

No Fel-lean.

TheWinWarblist said...

Offered without comment:

https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-yankees-probably-need-to-make-a-trade/

Grrr-uuugghhh ...

TheWinWarblist said...

Okay, "Grrr-uuugghhh ..." was definitely a comment. I see that. Don't hold me to the restrictive literalness of a little mind, okay?

TheWinWarblist said...

Looks like it's gonna be Jonny Lasagna!!

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