jacksonianmarch

The Yankees have a deal in place with Cito Culver. He has backed out of his Maryland scholarship. All that is waiting is for the kid to graduate HS and to take his physical. Expect him to sign on June 20th or shortly thereafter.

Today just isnt our day. Not too many hard hit balls, the balls we hit are either solo shots or right at the fielders. Burnett had too much velocity, sitting 95+ early and his pitches moved out of the zone. It happens

Probably looking at 5IP, but it is better than Atchison for you guys

Betances was sitting 95-97mph last night, 6IP 2H 0ER 1BB 7K. If he is finally healthy, then the dream of having the twin towers make it to the bigs is back alive

Well, he should be in Trenton in a week or so. Trenton has an opening with Bleich out for the yr that they havent filled yet and Banuelos is due back in a week, so it works perfectly. Banuelos to Tampa, Brackman to Trenton.

As it turns out, Andrew Brackman does not suck. He started last night and was lights out... 6IP 5H 1ER 0BB 11K That continues a run for Brackman as he starts to turn up the dial on his velocity and get his mechanics straightened out. He started off the yr poorly, but has been avoiding the walk the entire season. Over the past half dozen starts, he has seen his FB velocity rise and his effectiveness come with it. Recently, Brackman was sitting 95mph with his FB, which is much better than the 89-91 he was sitting at early in the yr. The most impressive thing about Brackman is his walk total. For a guy who walked 76 batters through 109IP last yr, he was only walked 7 through 55IP. And his numbers over the last 6 starts have been stellar... 34.2IP 27H 9ER 38K 5BB 2.33ERA 0.92WHIP 7.6K/BB 9.9K/9IP. In short, we all knew he has the stuff. It was all about how he recovered from his surgery and how he mastered his mechanics. Last yr was an inconsistent mess. This yr, he started out locating well, but with minimal velocity. Now that all his stuff is going and he is locating everything, he might start to move through the system. I see him in Trenton after the ASB and where he goes from there depends on his health. I am very pleased right now

yz, you have it wrong. I said Hermida would be DFA'd before Hall. I was actually singing his praises

35 seconds, up 7, this thing might be over. Back to LA, needing to take 1 of 2. I like their chances. The Celts are the better team

We need to remember that Hughes is really in his first full season as a starter at the big league level. He has shown incredible stuff and poise to this point, but he is still young and still has a lot to learn. I think the 6th inning was a perfect example of that. A bit more experience gets him to retire Manzella and maybe a bit more poise has him prevent the letup against Cash. Regardless, we expected him to have his ups and downs this yr.

It isnt just you rhet. We are all guilty to some extent, a few more than others here

He's old for the league and he plays a position that typically requires more power. If he were a 2B, then things would change a bit.

so, when you run out of actual evidence, resort to claiming bias. I see.

Time for the 1 yr update s/p the 2009 draft.... 1. Slade Heathcott, OF, Texas High (Tx.) .351/.419/.452 in 37ABs- SAL Heathcott signed too late in 2009 to get any meaningful PT. This yr, he started in EST, but was moved up to Charleston a few weeks ago. In 9 games, he is hitting over .350 with 2 steals. The power hasnt arrived yet, but he has shown nothing to detract from his reputation when he was drafted. Even though he is lighting it up, rumor has it that he is headed to Staten Island in a week when the NYP starts 2. John Murphy, C, Pendleton School (Fla.) .220/.273/.297 in 91ABs- SAL Murphy also signed too late to get enough ABs last yr. He started 2010 in EST and was promoted to Charleston about a month ago. He has not had as much luck as Heathcott has thus far. There is a strong likelihood that he goes back to SI in a week to take over the starting position, since he is platooning right now. 4. Adam Warren, RHP, North Carolina 6-4 2.44ERA 1.10WHIP 3.9K/BB 7.0K/9IP- FSL Warren has been everything the Yankees expected and more. His velocity bumped when he started in the NYP last yr and it has maintained to a point that the Yanks moved him past the SAL to the FSL. And he has been one of the better pitchers in the league in that time. 5. Caleb Cotham, RHP, Vanderbilt N/A Cotham was a late sign and didnt play much after college last yr due to a knee injury. He reinjured the knee in spring training and required surgery which has kept him out until now. He is in EST and will probably start out in the NYP this yr or the SAL once he is completely ready 6. Robert Lyerly, 3B, Charlotte .304/.360/.412- SAL Lyerly had a rough yr last yr. Drafted with high hopes, he suffered a leg injury that required surgery and knocked him out for the yr. He came into this yr the starter at third for the Riverdogs. He has been good enough with his high average and good eye, but the power they thought he had hasnt arrived. He is one of the older guys on the team (about to turn 23) and with the lack of power, he has to be labelled a disappointment right now. 7. Sean Black, RHP, Seton Hall 4-4 4.53ERA 1.39WHIP 1.7K/BB 6.2K/9IP Black is a conundrum. He has lights out stuff, but was mediocre in college. He came into the NYP last yr and was untouchable. He started out this season pitching like a pitching machine, getting crushed. He has settled down significantly of late, but the power numbers never showed and his extreme GB tendencies havent been maintained (1.28GO/AO). For a guy with his stuff, he has to be considered a mild disappointment at this point. He wont get passed over like Lyerly will, but Black has about another season of mediocrity before he gets converted to the pen 8. Samuel Elam, LHP, Notre Dame N/A What a disaster. Lefty, throws mid 90s, has a lights out slider. Throws out of the pen. Has absolutely no control and has continued to miss the zone in every way shape or form in 2010 in EST. If they ever get him straightened out, he could be a hell of a reliever. But 21BB in 8IP doesnt get it done. 9. Gavin Brooks, LHP, UCLA N/A One of those head scratching moves of the early season, Brooks was passed over for promotion to the SAL. No injury news, and after being very strong in 2009 out of the pen in the NYP, it looks like he is headed back there. You would think that a lefty with low 90s heat and good secondary stuff out of the pen would move fast, but not here. Makes me wonder if there is something that isnt being publicized (like an injury or disciplany s***) 10. Tyler Lyons, LHP, Oklahoma State- did not sign 11. Neil Medchill, OF, Oklahoma State .184/.273/.276- FSL Tale of 2 seasons. Last yr, he set the NYP record for homeruns. He ended the yr prematurely with a wrist injury. Came to ST, and showed that he was healthy and earned a promotion past the SAL. Well, he has been overmatched in a pitcher's league. Surprised he hasnt been demoted yet. He has always been billed as a major power guy, the question has been how his approach and his ability to make contact will progress. The answer at this point is not much 12. Brett Gerritse, RHP, Pacifica High School (Cal.) N/A Gerritse spent some time in the GCL last season. He is probably headed back there again as there will be a serious logjam in the NYP this season. In the EST, some of his mechanical issues have been worked out and rumor has it that his velocity has improved. 13. Deangelo Mack, OF, South Carolina .241/.326/.382 SAL Another guy who was drafted after a solid college career who was dominant in the NYP last yr. He started out well, but hit a major rut in the road. As a short framed OFer with medium range power projection, his hit quality would have to be off the charts to make it in the bigs. Right now, he is struggling too much to make any good projections on him aside from org player 14. Graham Stoneburner, RHP, Clemson 4-5 2.38ERA 0.91WHIP 3.7K/BB 9.8K/9IP- SAL/FSL Stoneburner was considered a signability case due to his DES status. His talent was never in doubt. He has combined of the tougher sinker slider combos in the minors and has just torn through his first two long season leagues. The key with him will be the development of his change. If he makes it a major league caliber pitch, then he profiles as an innings eater with a possibility to be a top of the rotation guy. If he doesnt, then he profiles as a solid pen arm. Regardless, this kid was a great pick and definitely has a big league future 15. Shane Greene, RHP, Daytona Beach CC (Fla.) N/A Greene is an interesting character. He is a JuCo signee, but probably one of the rawest on the list. He was converted the yr prior to his drafting to pitcher. He throws hard, but is very raw, so we will see how he progresses. He is expected to end up in the GCL 16. Bryan Mitchell, RHP, Rockingham County High School (N.C.)- NYP The last signee of the 2009 class, Mitchell is expected to be the headline starter in the GCL. He was one of the most impressive guys in the EST ranks along with Stoneburner and continues to impress in the EST games. 17. Chad Thompson, RHP, El Toro High School (Cal.)- did not sign 18. Hector Rabago, C, Southern California .205/.289/.282- SAL Filler, nothing more 19. Luke Murton, 1B, Georgia Tech .292/.376/.500- SAL Probably the most consistent hitter at the SAL level for the organization. He's got good power, a good approach, and some contact ability. Looks more like an organizational guy, but should still move through the system. Maybe he turns into a Shelley Duncan 20. Thomas Keeling, LHP, Oklahoma State- did not sign 21. Joe Talerico, OF, Brookdale (N.J.) CC- released prior to EST by the Yanks 22. Richard Soignier, SS, Louisiana-Monroe- did not sign 23. Kevin Mahoney, 3B, Canisius Mahoney has been playing sparingly in the AA and A+ level as a backup. Has good power, but doesnt have a big league future 24. Isaac Harrow, 2B, Appalachain State N/A I think he was released. If he wasnt, he should be. He sucks 25. Shaeffer Hall, LHP, Kansas 4-2 1.69ERA 0.89WHIP 4.8K/BB 6.5K/9IP SAL-FSL Hall is an interesting story. He throws 86-88mph with his FB, but has superb location and command of 3 MLB caliber off-speed pitches. He wasnt even supposed to make the SAL team, until injury struck and put him in the rotation. He has dominated ever since. He should hit some trouble on moving up the ladder, but his production is a testament to his command. He might, might end up as a fringe MLBer at this point 26. Stephen Bruno, SS, Gloucester Catholic High School (N.J.)- did not sign 27. Jeffrey Farnham, New Mexico State N/A Scrub, nothing more 28. Aaron Meade, LHP, Missouri State- did not sign 29. Scott Matyas, RHP, Minnesota- did not sign 30. Kyle McKenzie, RHP, Thayer Academy (Mass.)- did not sign 31. Judd Golson, OF, Mountain Brook HS (AL) N/A Interesting kid. Blazing speed, good D, long way to go with the bat. Will probably be back in the GCL this yr 32. John Ebert, 1B, U South Carolina Columbia- did not sign 33. Andrew Aplin, CF, Vanden HS (CA)- did not sign 34. Jacob Petricka, RHP, Indiana St U- did not sign 35. Brett Bruening, RHP, Grayson County Col- did not sign 36. Kyle Ottoson, LHP, South Mountain CC- did not sign 37. Justin Milo, OF, U Vermont Milo is an interesting character. Was a dual sport, hockey/baseball guy and signed with the intention of playing for UVM in hockey. But was thrown off the team this past yr, so he is now focusing on baseball. Is inbetween Charleston and EST thus far and hasnt been impressive. He is more of a project who will probably start in the NYP this yr 38. Adam Bailey, RF, U Nebraska Lincoln- did not sign 39. Cody Stiles, RHP, Taravella HS (FL)- did not sign 40. Ben Watkins, RHP, U Pittsburgh Johnstown 2-2 4.44ERA 1.31WHIP 1.9K/BB 4.8K/9IP SAL Watkins is a filler pitcher who is probably not long for the organization 41. Mariel Checo, RHP, Norman Thomas HS (NY N/A Another interesting sign. Very raw, lanky kid with mid 90s fastball and potential with his curve. He is destined to head back to the GCL this yr 42. Daniel Black, SS, Feather River Col- did not sign 43. Isaiah Brown, CF, Paradise Valley CC N/A Sucks, may have been released 44. Evan DeLuca, LHP, Immaculata HS (NJ) N/A Should be in the GCL rotation with Mitchell and Gerritse this yr. He had a bump in velocity in EST, throwing mid 90s from the left, so big things are expected 45. Jeremy Baltz, OF, Vestal HS (NY)- did not sign 46. Anthony Plagman, 1B, Georgia Tech- did not sign 47. Shane Brown, C, U Central Florida- did not sign 48. Patrick White, CF, West Virginia U- playing for the Dolphins 49. Xavier Esquivel, RHP, Loyola Marymount U- did not sign 50. Steven Kaupang, 1B, Cypress Col- did not sign

I never said he was unlucky, I said he was f***ing awful for the first 5 starts. He had less velocity, no bite on the slider and no control. Unless he loses his stuff again, his ERA is gonna drift back down to the mid 4's. Book it and you can eat a humongous pile of crow

The homers keep coming? At what rate? First 5 starts- 8HR in 23IP Last 6 starts- 5HR in 39.2IP Does that mean they keep coming? Seriously, you are an idiot

so 3 instead of mid 3's. Yep, sorry I was owned. Suuuch a big disparity

The only strawman is the one that you pass by working on the field. You tried, unsuccessfully, to prove something unproveable and wouldnt accept any other versions aside from your own (I know, shocking). He started off the yr with down velocity and no control. He isnt a hard thrower anymore, but his recent history would show that he doesnt typically walk 6 batters per nine like he did through his first 5 starts. Ever since, the BB rate is down close to 3, and who would have thought, his numbers improved. But yeah, it must be the teams faced and the homer rate etc, etc, etc and luck of course. WHat else would I expect from you. Blinded by the rings I guess, you just have trouble analyzing the data.

Wait, so now ERA is important? I thought it was all about peripherals and trends? Can you make up your mind?

The walks have come down, which is why he has halved his ERA since April. I know you desperately want to be right about him, but I think he settles down in the mid 4's and throws over 200IP like I predicted. Since his May 1st debachle, he has the following line... 6GS 39.2IP 25H 13ER 12BB 38K 2.94ERA 0.95WHIP. Those are dominant numbers. He's been solid since then. Also, prior to that start, he allowed 8HR in 23IP. Since then, he has allowed 5HR in 39.2IP. That goes from 3.1 per 9IP to a more reasonable 1.1HR per 9IP.

He's not the answer right now. He is turning into a legitimate prospect, but he still need to prove he can go deeper into games and be more economical in the minors. His AA numbers were good, but his ERA was much better than his 1.3 WHIP indicated. He probably should have been in the mid 3's instead of the mid 2's. In AAA, he's been good, but the IP has been his issue. Wait till they get him up to 110 pitches or so before you jump on the bandwagon for immediate callup. Sounds like Beckett will be back before Doubront will be stretched out

Vazquez is flying under the radar here as a pretty nice turnaround. 7IP 3ER and another win. He's now over .500 at 6-5 and his ERA has slipped to 5.43 and his WHIP is a very respectable 1.33. I think he ends up having a pretty good season

What I mean is that the sox are particularly good against the soft tossers who get by on control alone. I'd rather they see a guy who throws in the 90s without good control than a guy who sits in the 80s and has good control

the sox just ran into the luck of the draw here. A couple control pitchers without solid stuff who rely on opposing team's impatience. These guys die vs the sox. Get a pitcher with good stuff, and the sox have a chance to be silenced

Marcus Thames had a similar beginning and he turned out to be a platoon guy, even though he came up with greater fanfare.