Spring camps for both local teams opened this week with much optimism.
In Tampa, where Legends Field will now be known as “Steinbrenner
Field”, the Yankees look to build upon the success of their young
pitchers. Whether it’s the trio of starters or the young minor league
bullpen variables, the Bombers believe youth will be served in 2008.
When was the last time a Yankees team counted so heavily on youth? This reporter has yet to see it in his lifetime. Meantime, thanks to the left-handed arm of Johan Santana, the Mets are talking about the excitement of 2008, rather than the debacle that was 2007.
You could point to Doc Gooden being the last “in his prime” ace the Mets have had. If you’re counting it’s been almost fifteen years since Doc donned Mets orange & blue.
There are very few jobs that will be contested in either camp this spring, and interestingly, the real battles for these big budget clubs may be played out during “B” Squad exhibitions.
If you look at the Mets non-roster invitees you have eight former major leaguers battling for a spot on the 25 man roster. If you count prospects such as Fernando Martinez, Eddie Kunz, Bobby Parnell, Brant Rustich, and John Niese there are as many as 13 very interesting possibilities for the roster. Combine the recent signings of Brady Clark, Olmedo Saenz and Tony Armas Jr., there should be plenty of intrigue at Port St. Lucie.
Clark, who spent about a week with the Mets after being acquired from the Reds in the Shawn Estes deal, is a proven veteran outfielder who can play all three positions. Though not considered an offensive force, the right-handed hitter can hit enough to complement Endy Chavez as the OF's top reserves and could sub for Ryan Church in RF against a tough left-handed pitcher.
Similarly, Saenz also could provide the Mets with a right handed bat off the bench they so sorely lacked in 2007.
In a season where you lose the division by one game it’s the little things that make a difference. There are probably a half dozen games that Julio Franco, last year’s super sub, impacted with late inning at-bats. Jeff Conine didn’t fare must better after he was acquired later in the season. Even during the Mets division winning 2006 season their bench lacked the depth necessary in close contests.
Although there is questions about how much Saenz has left in the tank, something in between his 2005 Season (.263, 15, 63) and last year (.191, 4, 18) would give Willie Randolph a great weapon against lefties late in games.
From pitching standpoint, Armas Jr. is facing a much tougher challenge breaking into a staff that currently has 22 pitchers on the 40 man roster. Admittedly it’s been a decade since Armas has been considered a prospect, and outside of his dominance against the Mets, has never lived up to his potential. The Mets believe that his worst case scenario is providing insurance at New Orleans when El Duque gets injured or if Mike Pelfrey flops. The scary thought is that last year many were hoping the Mets would sign Armas to replace Pedro Martinez in the rotation.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the “forgotten man” when discussing secondary positional battles. Jose Valentin played such an integral part, both offensively and defensively, in 2006 that dismissing him would be foolish. Let’s not forget that, before injuring his knee in April, Valentin was hitting .279 with 2 homers and 13 RBI’s. Many point to his absence as one of the reasons the team lacked leadership down the stretch. Truth be told, he has been given credit to helping Jose Reyes mature in 2006. With doubts about Ruben Gotay the opportunity to secure a spot as the backup 2B is open enough to “fit a truck”.
Heading east to Tampa, folks like Morgan Ensberg – who I doubt has much left (the weak hitting Padres couldn’t use him) – are getting the chance to compete for 1B certainly can’t hurt.
I believe Jason Lane is the non-roster invitee that has the most potential. It was only two years ago that he hit 26 homers for the 2005 Houston Astros. He is the perfect answer if Shelly Duncan comes back to earth and can’t provide the right handed compliment to Wilson Betemit at 1B. The fact remains that you probably could put me at first base in the Yankees lineup and they still would score plenty of runs.
The key to the Yankees season hinges on the young arms. Yes it’s understood that Hughes, Kennedy, and Chamberlain must develop, but the reliance on youth goes so much deeper. The recent news of Joba Chamberlain slatted to be a starter come mid-season gives the bullpen a very scary look. No one believe LaTroy Hawkins or Kyle Farnsworth will provide middle relief (see Guillermo Mota), but if not them then who? Innings limitations (Hughes, Kennedy, Chamberlain) and age (Mussina) will probably limit starters to six innings on most nights. The Yankees seventh and eighth inning might start to resemble “Nightmare on Elm Street” with the aforementioned dynamic duo.
Fortunately for the Yankees, Brian Cashman and company have focused on young arms during their recent drafts and trades. Ross Ohlendorf is the name that comes up most often when discussing a potential live arm to pitch in middle relief. The one that I will be looking at is Jonathan Albaladejo.
If his performance against the Phillies and Mets during the last week (8 innings, 1 run) is any indication then you may have stolen your setup man of the future from Washington. Other possibilities are Humberto Sanchez, Edwar Ramirez, Jeffrey Marquez, and Jose Veras.
Although the Yankees arms are youthful, setting up in a pennant race takes more than a live fastball. For the Yankees sake they better hope Albaladejo, Ohlendorf, or ideally both live up to their potential.
So while everyone is reading about steroids, A-Rod, and Johan Santana’s acclimation to New York, I will be looking at what really matters: The baseball diamond. The aforementioned names probably will not be given the press of the local stars but rest assured their impact might be just as important.
If you don’t believe me then just ask anyone who watched Julio Franco or Kyle Farnsworth in a big spot last season.
Extra Innings: During the month of March Gotham Baseball Live will be recapping the Yankees and Mets Grapefruit League news each week. The “Gotham Grapefruit Roundup” will air every Sunday at 7pm. During the one hour show you will hear from independent and mainstream media contributors.
Spring camps for both local teams opened this week with much optimism.
In Tampa, where Legends Field will now be known as “Steinbrenner
Field”, the Yankees look to build upon the success of their young
pitchers. Whether it’s the trio of starters or the young minor league
bullpen variables, the Bombers believe youth will be served in 2008.
