Juan Miranda, potential Yankee DH

[jacksonianmarch]

So, most people don't know Juan Miranda. Well, let me educate you. He was a Cuban defector who had hit for both average and power in the Cuban leagues. By the time he came to america, though, he missed a couple seasons due to an attempted and failed defection. He eventually signed a 4 yr deal in Dec 2006 and began work in earnest the following yr. Here are his minor league lines...

 

2007- 24yrs old- .265/.350/.471. OPS of .821, 34 doubles, 16HRs between A+ and AA

2008- 25yrs old- .287/.384/.449. OPS of .833, 22 doubles, 12HRs at AAA, limited to 99G

2009- 26yrs old- .291/.367/.501. OPS of .868, 30 doubles, 20HRs between AAA and MLB

 

Now, this guy can mash at the highest levels. He has shown a propensity to hit for solid, above average power, he can hit for a good average and he has a great eye. This past yr, he actually hit lefties better than righties, meaning that he isnt as much of a matchup nightmare as some of the other players on the team (notably Granderson). So, why the hell would this guy, who has crushed upper level pitching, be passed over so, so, so many times? Well, offensively, he was ready in 2008. But defensively, he'll never be ready. I think a700 said it about Uggla, but this guy is such a butcher in the field that he carries a meat cleaver onto the field. So, he isnt much of an option at 1b, although that's his position. He has enough foot speed to be an emergency outfielder, but he certainly doesnt have the arm for RF nor the range to be the full time LFer. So, for the most part, this guy is a DH. And in 2008, Matsui and Giambi were there and in 2009, Matsui was there full time. 2010 might be the only chance this guy has to break in as a semi-regular, since Girardi has made it clear that he wants that position to be fluid for now, and with Montero coming up the pipe, the DH spot is likely to be split between him and Posada.

 

So, overall, we have an offensive option who is definitely MLB ready to be a DH and a soon to be MLB ready option who will likely be starting catcher at SWB in Montero. The offense will be fine. And hence, why the yankees are looking for a player that will not need to DH full time in 2010.

[Dipre]

Miranda can hit, but as you said yourself, he's not an option due to the Yanks looking for DH flexibility, that being said, i don't mean to be a dick, but why does this warrant its own thread?

[26 to 6]

Miranda can hit' date=' but as you said yourself, he's not an option due to the Yanks looking for DH flexibility, that being said, i don't mean to be a dick, but why does this warrant its own thread?[/quote']

Good question. Miranda has been discussed enough.

 

But with that said, I'm not big on Miranda. I know the guy can hit, and with that said if another move isn't made I wouldn't object to Miranda being carried on the active roster, but I wouldn't want him to DH every day. I'm sure he could still get plenty of ABs though. Girardi has been good about giving guys enough ABs.

 

Also, I know Miranda is primarily a first baseman, but I'm not sure what his exoerience at other positions is. If he gets some time in the OF in spring training and can prove to be a viable backup, the depth he could offer both at first and in the OF would definitely improve his chances in my eyes. But I have a feeling we may be getting ahead of ourselves. I still see the Yankees bringing back Damon (or a comparable free agent) and at least one of either Hinske or Hairston.

[diony]

I think he replaces Hinske as a bench bat. But the fact that he can't play the OF makes him useless.

[26 to 6]

I think he replaces Hinske as a bench bat. But the fact that he can't play the OF makes him useless.

Basically. I think Hinske would be better since he can play the corners in both the infield and the outfield. More depth and versatility.