In George We Trust
A(nother) blog about the most storied franchise in sports
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
A Melky situation
Baseball Analysts takes a look at injuries and subsequent minor league call-ups. Sheff and Melky get a mention:

When the Yankees acquired Johnny Damon this winter, Bronx fans were convinced their days worrying about the outfield was over. Durability problems from Damon, Gary Sheffield and Hideki Matsui were hardly anticipated. The days of Bubba Crosby and Bernie Williams' weak arm were thought to be behind them.

Unexpectedly, Gary Sheffield now is on the DL, out with problems in his wrist. Rather than turning to Crosby or Williams, the Yankees recalled Melky Cabrera, the prospect that gave the Yankees a very forgettable cup of coffee in 2005. Cabrera's reputation had previously been tarnished in New York, but with early positive results from Columbus, the Yanks knew they had no better options.

As is his strength, Cabrera has magnificently kept his strikeout numbers down in 2006, whiffing just 9 times in 122 at-bats before his call-up. His contact skills should be a plus at any level, keeping his average at an acceptable level. His patience is decent enough; concerns have always focused on his power, or lack thereof. However, with 12 extra-base hits in his 31 International League games, some are wondering whether Cabrera could be more than a fourth outfielder.

The answer: doubtfully. Cabrera is a fine fill-in at the bottom of a fantastic lineup, capable of putting the ball in play consistently. But without any real strength to speak of, it's unlikely his power could ever support a full-time spot in a corner outfield spot. In center, his mediocre defense -- which looked poor in his first 2006 MLB game -- would be exposed.

In basketball, Cabrera would be a 6-6 power forward, or a 5-11 shooting guard; in other words, he's your classic tweener. Expect the Yankees to bear his play for the next two weeks, but don't expect him to be featured in any future plans besides trades or a bench spot.

I like Melky, but that pretty much sums it up. I think Melky will ultimately end up being a 4-A type player, meaning he'll eventually catch on with a team like the Royals and get regular playing time. I'm hoping for the best though.


Down on the Farm:

Triple-A Columbus (8-1 loss to Richmond)
Kevin Thompson: 1 for 3, 1 BB, 1 SB - took over CF for Melky
Carlos Pena: 1 for 4, 1 2B - I guess he didn't opt out of his contract
Mitch Jones: 1 for 2, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 1 K - threw a runner out at home from RF
Eric Duncan: 0 for 4
Jeff Karstens: 5 IP, 10 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, 1 Balk
Scott Erickson: 0 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 0 K, 1 WP - 8 of 24 pitches were strikes, the magic seems to have worn off
Colter Bean: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 1 HB - .44 ERA more closely resembles my bank account balance than an actual ERA

Double-A Trenton rained out (Phil Hughes was scheduled to start)

High-A Tampa game cancelled due to "wet grounds"

Low-A Charleston (8-6 win over Asheville)
Austin Jackson: 2 for 5, 1 R, 1 RBI, 2 K
Reegie Corona: 1 for 5, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 K
Jose Tabata: 3 for 5, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 K, 1 SB - let's see, what mindblowing stat can I come up today? How about this: Tabata has had 15 multi-hit games this year...and only 7 hitless games
CJ Henry: 1 for 4, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 K, 1 CS
Joseph Muich: 0 for 4, 1 RBI, 2 K - allowed 5 SBs
Chris Malec: 2 for 4, 1 RBI, 1 K
Mario Holmann: 2 for 4, 1 R, 1 RBI, 2 K - picked off first
Bryan Villalona: 3.2 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Eric Wordekemper: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Written at 7:59 AM by Mike A.
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