Yankees 25 man roster for 2010

[jacksonianmarch]

Now that the off-season is in its final stages for the Yankees, it is time to start looking at the position battles which will start in 6 weeks when pitchers and catchers report. Starting off with the 25 man roster. Going from C-Closer, here are the locks

 

1. Jorge Posada

2. Mark Teixeira

3. Robinson Cano

4. Derek Jeter

5. Alex Rodriguez

6. Brett Gardner

7. Nick Johnson

8. Curtis Granderson

9. Nick Swisher

10. CC Sabathia

11. Andy Pettitte

12. AJ Burnett

13. Javier Vazquez

14. Joba Chamberlain

15. Phil Hughes

16. Damaso Marte

17. David Robertson

18. Alfredo Aceves

19. Mariano Rivera

 

That leaves 6 spots to fill. It is pretty likely that NY will enter 2010 with 12 pitchers, so that leaves 2 open spots in the pen.

 

And there are plenty of options for those spots. Pitchers currently on the 40 man roster who are not on the above list include...

A. Romulo Sanchez

B. Edwar Ramirez

C. Boone Logan

D. Ivan Nova

E. Mark Melancon

F. Hector Noesi

G. Chad Gaudin

H. Sergio Mitre

I. Christian Garcia

J. Wilkin de la Rosa

K. Andrew Brackman

L. Jonathan Albaladejo

 

Sanchez will need another yr in the minors, but could be an intriguing option in 2010 if he harnesses his breaking pitches. Ramirez is on his last legs and is probably the first guy cut should a roster crunch come about. Logan has the lead IMO since he's a lefty, but he does have one option left, so he could theoretically be sent down. Nova is a dark horse for a big league spot and could actually be a sleeper candidate for that #5 spot in the rotation, but he really is on the outside looking in. Melancon has to be near the top of this list, but I think he's the last guy sent down as of right now and will likely spend a ton of time in the bigs this yr. Noesi was only placed on the 40 man to avoid the rule V, he isnt ready. The same cane be said for Garcia, de la Rosa and Brackman. Albaladejo is right behind Melancon IMO. Gaudin and Mitre will battle it out for that last spot and the loser, IMO gets traded. So, my guess is that Gaudin and Logan break camp in pinstripes.

 

20. Chad Gaudin

21. Boone Logan

 

So, the last 4 spots are all about building a bench. With the yankee offense getting a bit of an infusion of youth (2009, only 2 starters were under 32, now, only 3 starters are over it) they should expect to lean on the bench a little less as long as everything goes close to as planned. It starts with catcher. And with the passing on of Jose Molina, I think Francisco Cervelli is as much of a lock as anyone. He can hit a little, he can run better than most catcher and he is a whiz behind the dish.

 

22. Francisco Cervelli

 

The next spot is going to an outfielder who hits right handed. Right now, that internal candidate is Jamie Hoffman. With Granderson struggling to hit lefties throughout his career and a lefty swinging Gardner the front runner to start in LF, Hoffman seems like a great fit in the OF. Granted, he could be the first guy gone should NY sign another LFer to supplant Gardner in ST.

 

23. Jamie Hoffman

 

The next spot needs to go to a utility guy. That once again requires a look at the yankee 40 man roster. Here are the other guys capable of filling the utility role on the 40 man not on any above lists...

 

a. Reegie Corona

b. Eduardo Nunez

c. Kevin Russo

d. Ramiro Pena

 

In terms of versatility, Russo has all of them, since he really has played every position aside from C and P in his minor league days. He also has all of them in the offensive category too and really profiles well as a supersub. But a lot of people think that defense is more important than offense out of this spot and Pena has all of them. Nunez is the current in house heir apparent to Jeter and he hasnt played in AAA yet, so I expect him to be in Scranton. And Corona struggled in AAA, so he will probably see a repeat for 2010 in SWB. But my choice would be Russo, but I think the Yankee choice will be Pena. Regardless, we could see both of them on the roster concurrently or in alternation to make sure both get regular at bats in AAA.

 

24. Ramiro Pena

 

And the last spot. Well, when you have a park suited to a left handed hitter and a guy in your lineup who really is a singles hitter with a good eye, you need to have some pop off the bench. And that guy is Juan Miranda. He does have some competition though, from Jorge Vazquez. Vazquez was another older hispanic signee who had a monster season in the yankee farm system. But he is more of a pure hacker, finished at AA and was hurt to end the yr. Plus, he isnt on the 40 man yet. So, my guess is that Miranda cracks camp as a Yankee

 

25. Juan Miranda

 

Now, that doesnt mean they are done. The Yankees cleared a lot of 40 man roster space with their deals. As it stands, right now, NY has 2 open 40 man roster spots with another spot hanging in the balance as it pertains to Edwar Ramirez. So, if there is a surprising spring story, NY wont have to waive someone to add them to the 40 man and bring them to the bigs. Another shrewd move from the GM.

[bsox0407]

Sergio Mitre will take one.

 

Francisco Cervelli will to.

 

Others will be just fillers.

[jacksonianmarch]

I think Gaudin beats out Mitre and Mitre gets dealt

[bsox0407]

I think Gaudin beats out Mitre and Mitre gets dealt

 

I missed Ramirez, he will get one IMO.

[jacksonianmarch]

Edwar? Really? I think the Edwar ship has sailed. He had a really good 2007, but he lost control of that changeup and ever since has just plunged down the depth charts. Even if he regains his 2006 level of minor league dominance, I dont think he has a chance in hell of being a big leaguer in 2010.

[26 to 6]

Did it occur to you that they might still sign a guy or 2. I doubt the Yanks go into 2010 with the team as-is. There's still a lot of time left in the offseason to add a guy or 2.

 

I will admit though that IF the season were to start tomorrow this is a pretty dead on roster.

 

I would send Logan to AAA to start the season though unless he absolutely WOWS in spring training, and look at bringing another lefty to camp in the meantime.

[jacksonianmarch]

I think Girardi loved the idea of a 2 lefty pen. The problem was that Coke couldnt get lefties out towards the end of the yr. Logan has shown an above average tendency to get lefties out over the past couple seasons, but he flat out sucks vs righties. So, I think he has the lead right now.

 

I also dont rule out a signing. But I think that their signings would only impact Jamie Hoffman or Logan. Either another lefty or a right handed hitting OFer. Nothing significant. Unless they were to get some sort of dynamic player, I'd be fine with the roster as is.

 

That being said, outside of the infield and utility spots, our upper levels are kinda thin on outfielders or power hitters. I'd try to add a few AAAA guys capable of swinging the lumber. Maybe Shelley wouldnt mind coming back?

[diony]

Kevin Russo has a chance to be a super utility guy in the future, even if he doesn't makes the opening day roster, he'll be among the first call-ups. He's a way better hitter than Pena, but with less D, he can play an adequate 2B and 3B and spent some time in LF (which is a priority now), but needs to prove he can handle SS to make himself notice.

 

I think your roster is fine, just take out Miranda, and put either Hinske or Reed Johnson there.

[Imperial59]

So' date=' the last 4 spots are all about building a bench. With the yankee offense getting a bit of an infusion of youth (2009, only 2 starters were under 32, now, only 3 starters are over it) they should expect to lean on the bench a little less as long as everything goes close to as planned. It starts with catcher. And with the passing on of Jose Molina, I think Francisco Cervelli is as much of a lock as anyone. He can hit a little, he can run better than most catcher and he is a whiz behind the dish.[/quote']

 

With a 38 year old catcher, a 36 year old shortstop, a DH who averages about 100 games a year as a starter and Brett Gardner as the starting left fielder, I'd say the bench if as important as ever.

[diony]

With a 38 year old catcher' date=' a 36 year old shortstop, a DH who averages about 100 games a year as a starter and Brett Gardner as the starting left fielder, I'd say the bench if as important as ever.[/quote']

 

Is not a big concern, they can always make a trade at the TDL just like last year (Hinske, Hairston), it worked out pretty well.

[Imperial59]

Is not a big concern' date=' they can always make a trade at the TDL just like last year (Hinske, Hairston), it worked out pretty well.[/quote']

 

I don't think people realize just how late in the season the trade deadline is. Playing 100+ games with a liability at a position can really hurt you in the standings.

 

Posada's going to be 38 and he's averaged 81 games a season over the last two years. Do you really want Francisco Cervelli starting 50+ games next year?

 

Nick Johnson's probably not gonna give you much more than 130 games, if he even gives you that (he's made the 140 game mark once in his career). Who's going to play DH the other 30+ games?

 

Are you really comfortable with Ramiro Pena starting if Jeter, A-Rod or Cano miss any time?

 

And even more importantly, will Girardi want to give these players their appropriate time off if it means he has to play Pena and Cervelli on a regular basis?

 

I think the bench is one of the more underrated aspects of a team. Not only do they see more time that you'd expect, but their ability to produce often has an impact on the starters because it affects the amount of rest they get.

[jacksonianmarch]

Its funny that you use "the last 2 yrs" for Posada since 2008 was really the only time he actually missed time, and it was a surgical issue that was fixed. He played 137 or more games for 8 consecutive years. Last yr, he missed 3 weeks and was rested something fierce towards the end of the season as well, which I also expect to happen again in 2010. But to use the last 2 yrs when his track record shows he's durable is just stupid. It's okay to be biased as long as you have a legitimate point. But dumb and biased is no way to live your life.

[diony]

Nick Johnson's probably not gonna give you much more than 130 games, if he even gives you that (he's made the 140 game mark once in his career). Who's going to play DH the other 30+ games?

 

As a full time DH, I think he'd be able to stay healthy the whole season since there's less injury risk. Posada will spent time at DH and Damon too. Johnson can play 1B while Teixeira rests or DHs. Johnson is not the big concern. Talk about Posada all you want.

[riverside sluggers]

Its funny that you use "the last 2 yrs" for Posada since 2008 was really the only time he actually missed time' date=' and it was a surgical issue that was fixed. He played 137 or more games for 8 consecutive years. Last yr, he missed 3 weeks and was rested something fierce towards the end of the season as well, which I also expect to happen again in 2010. But to use the last 2 yrs when his track record shows he's durable is just stupid. It's okay to be biased as long as you have a legitimate point. But dumb and biased is no way to live your life.[/quote']

 

Maybe its because he is a catcher who is just starting to show his true age

[Plumpamania]

1. Jorge Posada - Old and can't throw out runners

2. Mark Teixeira - Can't be THE guy in a line up

3. Robinson Cano - Which Cano shows up?

4. Derek Jeter - Bad defensive SS

5. Alex Rodriguez - N/A

6. Brett Gardner - Scott Podsednik V2 (not a bad thing)

7. Nick Johnson - DH with no HR power (although in the new YS who knows)

8. Curtis Granderson - I can't wait to Lester next year

9. Nick Swisher - Lawl (yes thats lol if you were to say it) which Swish shows up?

10. CC Sabathia - Fatty.

11. Andy Pettitte - He's what 40...

12. AJ Burnett - Good playoff performance

13. Javier Vazquez - Back in the AL...LAWL AGAIN.

14. Joba Chamberlain - When's he going to put in a good year?

15. Phil Hughes - Star SP prospect turned to star MR...

16. Damaso Marte - LOL

17. David Robertson - He's interesting...

18. Alfredo Aceves - He's interesting...

19. Mariano Rivera - N/A

 

Your bench is horrible.

[Tyler Durden]

1. Jorge Posada - Old and can't throw out runners

2. Mark Teixeira - Can't be THE guy in a line up

3. Robinson Cano - Which Cano shows up?

4. Derek Jeter - Bad defensive SS

5. Alex Rodriguez - N/A

6. Brett Gardner - Scott Podsednik V2 (not a bad thing)

7. Nick Johnson - DH with no HR power (although in the new YS who knows)

8. Curtis Granderson - I can't wait to Lester next year

9. Nick Swisher - Lawl (yes thats lol if you were to say it) which Swish shows up?

10. CC Sabathia - Fatty.

11. Andy Pettitte - He's what 40...

12. AJ Burnett - Good playoff performance

13. Javier Vazquez - Back in the AL...LAWL AGAIN.

14. Joba Chamberlain - When's he going to put in a good year?

15. Phil Hughes - Star SP prospect turned to star MR...

16. Damaso Marte - LOL

17. David Robertson - He's interesting...

18. Alfredo Aceves - He's interesting...

19. Mariano Rivera - N/A

 

Your bench is horrible.

 

LOL

[Plumpamania]

I hoped some one would giggle.

[Imperial59]

Its funny that you use "the last 2 yrs" for Posada since 2008 was really the only time he actually missed time' date=' and it was a surgical issue that was fixed. He played 137 or more games for 8 consecutive years. Last yr, he missed 3 weeks and was rested something fierce towards the end of the season as well, which I also expect to happen again in 2010. But to use the last 2 yrs when his track record shows he's durable is just stupid. It's okay to be biased as long as you have a legitimate point. But dumb and biased is no way to live your life.[/quote']

 

Yup, it's totally hilarious how I used a player's age 36 and 37 seasons to judge how durable he will be at age 38. Don't kid yourself, he's not getting any younger and he's missed time both of the last 2 years.

 

How is how many games he played in at age 28 at all relevant to how healthy he'll be now? You're just being silly stating that if you go back 3 years, he played 8 years in a row without getting hurt and acting like that's relavent to how likely it is that he'll stay healthy now at age 38. If a Red Sox fan tried that with a Red Sox player, you'd be the first one to call bull on it.

[jacksonianmarch]

How bout when he was 35? I am fine with using his age 37 season, because I dont see him playing over 120 game again. But trying to use his 2008 when he had a shoulder injury that required surgery is just disingenuous.

[Dipre]

How bout when he was 35? I am fine with using his age 37 season' date=' because I dont see him playing over 120 game again. But trying to use his 2008 when he had a shoulder injury that required surgery is just disingenuous.[/quote']

 

A strong bench is important for any older team, being the Sox or Yankees. The argument about Posada is legit, even if he did exaggerate it a bit. The Yankees have a number of players (Posada, A-Rod, Jeter) and probably Damon, who i see them bringing back, that they'll need to rest to keep fresh, and having strong bench options is important to withstand both days off and injuries. The Yankees were extremely lucky with injuries last year after A-Rod came back, and i wouldn't bank on it happening again.

[Imperial59]

How bout when he was 35? I am fine with using his age 37 season' date=' because I dont see him playing over 120 game again. But trying to use his 2008 when he had a shoulder injury that required surgery is just disingenuous.[/quote']

 

I used his last two years, which are typically the most relevant for an aging player. The chances of a 38 year old catcher, who's been hurt the last two years staying healthy all next year aren't great. That position wears people down quickly, it's wouldn't be all that surprising if it's catching up to Posada now that he's 38.

[Dipre]

He's been hurt each of the last two years. As desperately as you try' date=' you can't make a solid case for him being a reliable option to stay healthy behind the plate. If a Sox player was 38 years old and was hurt each of the last two years, you'd say he's an injury risk in a heart beat.[/quote']

 

Dice-K's an injury risk according to him so...........

[Imperial59]

Dice-K's an injury risk according to him so...........

 

No, I'm sure he wouldn't say that. He just said that trying to use a person's season in which they had a shoulder injury to project their health over future years is disingenuous. And I'm sure Jacko would hold both Red Sox and Yankees players to the same standards.

[Dipre]

No' date=' I'm sure he wouldn't say that. He just said that trying to use a person's season in which they had a shoulder injury to project their health over future years is disingenuous. And I'm sure Jacko would hold both Red Sox and Yankees players to the same standards.[/quote']

 

Indeed, you are correct. My apologies, since it's obvious said poster does not engage in something as petty as biased opinion.

 

Carry on.

[Imperial59]

Indeed, you are correct. My apologies, since it's obvious said poster does not engage in something as petty as biased opinion.

 

Carry on.

 

I'm glad we could be so civil about this. I just can't imagine that Jacksonian would claim it to be disingenuous to bring up Posada's 2008 season in a discussion of his durability because he had a shoulder injury when he himself claims that a Red Sox player is not durable because he had a shoulder injury in 2009. From the way he carries himself on this site, I am sure that Jacksonian is a man of integrity. I doubt he has any devious motives taking part in a Red Sox discussion board as a Yankees fan. He probably just really enjoys the comradery. At least that's just the kind of model citizen that I take him to be.

[Dipre]

I'm glad we could be so civil about this. I just can't imagine that Jacksonian would claim it to be disingenuous to bring up Posada's 2008 season in a discussion of his durability because he had a shoulder injury when he himself claims that a Red Sox player is not durable because he had a shoulder injury in 2009. From the way he carries himself on this site' date=' I am sure that Jacksonian is a man of integrity. I doubt he has any devious motives taking part in a Red Sox discussion board as a Yankees fan. He probably just really enjoys the comradery. At least that's just the kind of model citizen that I take him to be.[/quote']

 

Indeed.

 

I was wrong to assume such negative characteristics such as bias and trolling from such a model member of our community, specially with the way he carries himself and the amount of solid, unbiased content he brings to the site. Besides, since there are no prior complaints about his behavior, then it's probably just fabrication on my part. I extend my sincerest apologies.

[diony]

I used his last two years' date=' which are typically the most relevant for an aging player. The chances of a 38 year old catcher, who's been hurt the last two years [b']staying healthy all next year aren't great[/b]. That position wears people down quickly, it's wouldn't be all that surprising if it's catching up to Posada now that he's 38.

 

Who is expecting that? You're using his average from the past two seasons to predict a future performance, on one of the seasons he had a shoulder surgery and missed most of the season, greatest sample size ever.

 

He'll be good for about 100-110 games just like last year, unless some freak injury happens.

[Imperial59]

Indeed.

 

I was wrong to assume such negative characteristics such as bias and trolling from such a model member of our community, specially with the way he carries himself and the amount of solid, unbiased content he brings to the site. Besides, since there are no prior complaints about his behavior, then it's probably just fabrication on my part. I extend my sincerest apologies.

 

All great points. I applaud you for being to humble in a public forum like this. I think Jacksonian has been a good role model for us all and I can't help but think that he's had some kind of impact on our current discourse. His ethereal influence is so tremendous that he permeates the Talk Sox message board even when his physical presence is lacking. It is simply overwhelming.

[Dipre]

All great points. I applaud you for being to humble in a public forum like this. I think Jacksonian has been a good role model for us all and I can't help but think that he's had some kind of impact on our current discourse. His ethereal influence is so tremendous that he permeates the Talk Sox message board even when his physical presence is lacking. It is simply overwhelming.

 

The makings of a legend begins on the person's ability to influence others in a positive note even while not physically present. Jacksonian obviously has the makings of a legend, a man that impacts history in such a way, that his exploits will be remembered for centuries after his passing.

[ORS]

Who is expecting that? You're using his average from the past two seasons to predict a future performance' date=' on one of the seasons he had a shoulder surgery and missed most of the season, [b']greatest sample size ever[/b].

 

He'll be good for about 100-110 games just like last year, unless some freak injury happens.

I know this is your binky, but in this case, you've gone to the well too many times.

 

A discussion about the durability of an aging player at the position of greatest difficulty when it comes to wearing a player down needs only one recent example of injury to be credible. And, if subsequent injury were to happen, it would not be "freak", not with the reasonable expectation provided by said recent injury.

 

Sample sizes are very relevant to statistics, for sure, but we aren't talking about stats here. This is completely different and unrelated topic.