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Post by jiminy on Feb 25, 2024 10:33:51 GMT -5
Luis Gil rekindles former promise with standout stuff vs. Tigers pinstripesnation.com/luis-gil-rekindles-former-promise-with-standout-stuff-vs-tigers-2024-02-25/New York Yankees right-hander Luis Gil displayed promising signs in his spring training outing on Saturday, showcasing progress in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. While notching three strikeouts in two innings, Luis Gil also issued two walks across 41 pitches as the Yankees beat the Tiger 22-10 in their first spring training game. Notably, his average fastball velocity reached 96.4 mph, with a peak of 98 mph. These figures offer a positive glimpse into his development as he continues his rehabilitation journey following surgery in 2022. Luis Gil, who impressed prior to the surgery, demonstrated a repertoire that aligns with his earlier potential. The Yankees will undoubtedly be encouraged by his performance and closely monitor his progress throughout spring training. Luis Gil returns with once upon a time stuff In 2021, Luis Gil burst onto the scene in epic fashion to commence his Yankee career. Over his first 15+2⁄3 big league innings, the touted prospect surrendered nary a run – the longest scoreless streak from a debut Bomber hurler since 1961. Moreover, the pitcher etched his name into league annals as the first MLB pitcher ever to submit scoreless starting efforts over his first trio of appearances. On Saturday, he showed a glimpse of that form. Luis Gil expressed, through an interpreter at Joker Marchant Stadium, that he believes his current velocity and movement had improved compared to before. According to him, his fastball, which previously averaged 96.8 mph pre-surgery, is better now due to the collective efforts put in during the offseason and post-injury period. Additionally, the Yankees pitcher emphasized that the ongoing work remains essential. Despite this, he conveyed contentment with the current velocity and movement. Following his promising spring training outing, Luis Gil adds depth to the New York Yankees’ starting pitching corps, potentially slotting in behind the established top-five starters. His repertoire and velocity suggest the potential for a future bullpen role as well, where his ability to generate strikeouts could be further amplified. However, consistent command remains crucial for Luis Gil’s development. Maintaining control and minimizing walks will be key to his success regardless of whether he competes as a starter or reliever. The Yankees will likely monitor his strike-throwing efficiency closely throughout spring training and beyond. Luis Gil explained that when he walks someone, it usually occurs because he attempts to be overly precise with his pitches, aiming for a specific spot rather than considering the entire strike zone. Recognizing this pattern and being mindful of the counts he faces, he believes, improves his chances of success. Aaron Boone remarked that Luis Gil possesses ample pitching arsenal, implying there’s no need to amplify its effectiveness when already ahead in the count. He concluded that it was a positive outing for Luis, marking a significant step in his comeback, and providing a foundation to progress from. Boone suggested that in the second inning, Luis Gil’s efforts to be excessively precise, particularly when he had the advantage in the count, might have contributed to his struggles. This led to him issuing two walks and conceding a two-run homer. |
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Post by qimqam on Feb 25, 2024 12:44:44 GMT -5
New York Post | Greg Joyce: Oswaldo Cabrera is a switch-hitter. The Yankees, however, like him better from the left side of the plate and have said to him that he will hit as a lefty against some southpaws in 2024. Before the start of every series, Boone stated that the team will sit down with him and determine which lefties he will be facing as a left-handed hitter; and which ones will warrant a move to the right side. “We’ll be selective about it,” said Boone. During his time in the Venezuelan Winter League this offseason, Cabrera hit exclusively from the left side. “Just a stronger hitter left-handed,” the skipper said. “I think him focusing on that more and wanting to commit more to that side is something he wanted. So we got together and met him halfway on this (…) We’ll obviously adjust if we have to on the fly.” Hopefully we wont see too much Oswaldo on either side of the plate. If we do ... something went dreadfuly wrong |
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Post by jiminy on Feb 25, 2024 12:57:24 GMT -5
Since prime Gary Sanchez in the late-2010s, the New York Yankees haven’t had a consistently above-average hitter from the catcher position. Austin Wells is young and inexperienced, but he has the potential to be just that for the Bombers in a best-case scenario. No, not Sanchez: he doesn’t have that kind of power, but he is a well-above-average offensive performer. Spring training performance will likely dictate roles, but there is a very good chance that the Yankees employ a somewhat even timeshare at catcher between Wells and defensive specialist Jose Trevino. Trevino is a Platinum Glove winner and a master of his craft behind the plate. He does everything well there. However, he is also a well-below-average hitter, whereas Wells had a 97 wRC+, four home runs, and a .486 slugging percentage in a short cameo (19 games) in the majors last year. Wells posted a 129 wRC+ in Double-A in 2022 and a 108 mark at the same level in 2023. Last year, he played 33 games at Triple-A and had a 101 wRC+: wherever he goes, he hits. His bat has the potential to hit for a nice average for a catcher, think in the .240-.260 range, with 15-20 home runs and a nice OBP. His future MLB role will be dictated by his defense. The Yankees will pay close attention to Wells’ defense and arm Wells struggles to throw out would-be base stealers due to his below-average arm and lousy footwork. Between Double-A, Triple-A, and the majors, 109 base stealers were successful, and he only threw out 16. He focused on improving his arm strength during the offseason, and it remains to be seen if the work he put in will have positive results. Wells is a good framer (1.0 Framing Runs in those 19 games with the Yankees), although not close to elite; and his blocking skills are adequate because he has worked a lot to get them where they are. Here is a more accurate, specialized report on his defense by FanGraphs’ prospect evaluator Eric Longenhagen: “His pop times are fine (1.90 during his big league trial per Baseball Savant), but his footwork is inconsistent as he leaves his crouch, causing inaccurate throws. This issue needs long-term attention, but Wells has made considerable progress as a receiver and ball-blocker despite his below-average hands and limited lateral mobility, the result of his one-knee style. I’m now more bullish than I’ve ever been about him staying behind the dish.” What this kid has is an incredible desire to be better, to study pitchers, and to prepare for games. He has an elite work ethic, and that is also a useful tool. Across three levels, Wells hit 20 home runs with the Yankees last year. They hope to get similar production this year, but with all the dingers coming in the majors. He is very much capable of that. Wells will probably never be Buster Posey or Yadier Molina behind the plate, but if he can make enough strides in the throwing department, his offensive ability alone gives him a nice floor. empiresportsmedia.com/new-york-yankees/yankees-top-10-prospects-countdown-no-3-austin-wells/ |
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Post by jiminy on Feb 26, 2024 10:13:50 GMT -5
Talkin’ Yanks via Twitter: On the YES Network broadcast of the Yankees’ home spring opener, Jack Curry reported that any deal between the Yankees and Blake Snell was “very unlikely.” The fact remains that any guarantee for Snell would incur a 110-percent tax, something Hal Steinbrenner wouldn’t be thrilled about paying. Curry also noted a reunion with Jordan Montgomery wasn’t likely either.
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Post by jiminy on Feb 26, 2024 10:15:02 GMT -5
Bryan Hoch: Aaron Judge on getting to know Juan Soto:
“He’s a New York Yankee. His first year here, I wanted to make it a good one. I want it to be his best year. If he’s feeling right and he’s doing his thing, that’s only going to take us one step closer to a World Series.”
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Post by jiminy on Feb 26, 2024 10:15:35 GMT -5
New York Post | Greg Joyce: Lost in the hullabaloo of Saturday’s offensive explosion in the Yankees’ spring opener was Luis Gil’s first start in a year and a half. Gil did issue three walks and yield a homer, but the most promising sign was his fastball velocity, which sat above 96 mph, very close to his pre-surgery average, and touched 98. With the Yankees having sacrificed a chunk of pitching depth in the Juan Soto trade, Gil’s health and effectiveness could prove to be important in 2024.
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Post by jiminy on Feb 27, 2024 13:45:54 GMT -5
The 10 Best Team Outfields in MLB for 2024 www.justbaseball.com/mlb/the-10-best-team-outfields-in-mlb-for-2024/1. New York Yankees Projected Starters (4th OF): Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo (Trent Grisham) Cumulative Proj. fWAR (ZiPS): 16.5 When the New York Yankees brought Juan Soto and Aaron Judge together this offseason, we started to dream big about the reincarnation of a “Murderer’s Row” which could rival those great Yankees teams of the early 1900s with Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Juan Soto Brings Back Murderers’ Row to the New York Yankees If a century-old comparison doesn’t work for you, how about we look towards a completely different sport that is famous for pairing superstars up. |
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Post by jiminy on Feb 28, 2024 10:25:44 GMT -5
Gary Phillips: James Rowson is digging Anthony Volpe's "cleaned up" bat path & is high on the SS as he preps for Year 2.
“He’s going to be an elite type of hitter," the #Yankees hitting coach said.
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Post by inger on Feb 28, 2024 14:50:29 GMT -5
Gary Phillips: James Rowson is digging Anthony Volpe's "cleaned up" bat path & is high on the SS as he preps for Year 2. “He’s going to be an elite type of hitter," the #Yankees hitting coach said. It might be hard to foresee a young player that hit .206 last season to make massive jump in year two, but Mike Schmidt hit .196 as a rookie and .282 as a sophomore. It’s best to put last year behind for this kid and start off with a fresh slate. I hoping for the best in 2024… |
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Post by fwclipper51 on Feb 28, 2024 16:25:58 GMT -5
Yankees Claim Jahmai Jones, Designate Jordan Groshans
By Steve Adams | February 28, 2024 at 1:48pm CDT MLB Rumors
The Yankees announced Wednesday that they’ve claimed infielder/outfielder Jahmai Jones off waivers from the Brewers, who’d recently designated him for assignment. Fellow infielder Jordan Groshans has been designated for assignment in order to clear space on the 40-man roster.
A second-round pick by the Angels back in 2015, Jones is a former top-100 prospect who’s struggled in a trio of brief looks at the MLB level between Anaheim, Baltimore and Milwaukee. He’s taken just 90 turns at the plate in the big leagues and produced a .179/.233/.226 line with a dismal 36.7% strikeout rate.
The 26-year-old Jones is a more accomplished minor league hitter, however — as evidenced by a career .251/.377/.436 slash. He’s posted a far more manageable 21.9% strikeout rate at that level while also walking in a huge 15.4% of his 857 plate appearances. Jones has connected on 25 homers, swiped 25 bags and added 42 doubles and seven triples during his time in Triple-A. He’s a right-handed hitter who, in addition to more than 3400 career innings at second base, has logged nearly 1700 innings in center and more than 500 in left field.
Whether Jones sticks on the big league roster in New York is a fair question. He’s out of minor league options, meaning he can’t be sent to Triple-A Scranton without first passing through waivers. The Yanks could carry Jones on the bench om place of Oswald Peraza or Oswaldo Cabrera, opting to get either (likely Peraza) everyday playing time in the minors with a regular role not currently available on the big league roster. Alternatively, the Yankees might simply hope to turn around and pass Jones through waivers themselves, which would allow them to keep him on the Scranton roster as a depth piece who no longer commands a 40-man roster spot.
That same fate could await the 24-year-old Groshans. Like Jones, he’s a former top-100 prospect whose stock has dimmed in recent years. Groshans has just 65 MLB plate appearances and a .262/.308/.312 slash to show for it. His .253/.350/.322 output in 940 Triple-A plate appearances isn’t much better. He’s primarily played on the left side of the infield, splitting time in near even fashion between shortstop and third base, but Groshans does have more limited experience at second base (76 innings) and first base (396 innings) as well.
Groshans does have a minor league option year remaining, which could make him appealing to another club via waiver claim or minor trade. The Yankees will have a week to find a trade partner or complete the process of passing him through waivers. If he goes unclaimed, Groshans could be assigned outright to Triple-A and retained as a non-roster depth option. He lacks the major league service time and prior outright assignment to reject an outright from New York.
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Post by chiyankee on Feb 28, 2024 16:42:04 GMT -5
That was a very short run for Jordan Groshans.
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Post by inger on Feb 28, 2024 18:40:38 GMT -5
That was a very short run for Jordan Groshans. I expect Jones may have a similar fate. When Cashman dumpster dives, he’s like the dog with a bone that sees his reflection in the water and thinks it’s another dog with a bigger bone and drops the one he has in the water. He calls it incremental upgrades. It’s mostly about dreams. Bad dreams. Nightmares like Jake Bauers… |
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Post by chiyankee on Feb 28, 2024 19:01:52 GMT -5
That was a very short run for Jordan Groshans. I expect Jones may have a similar fate. When Cashman dumpster dives, he’s like the dog with a bone that sees his reflection in the water and thinks it’s another dog with a bigger bone and drops the one he has in the water. He calls it incremental upgrades. It’s mostly about dreams. Bad dreams. Nightmares like Jake Bauers… Bauers is like Babe Ruth compared to Jones. |
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Post by inger on Feb 28, 2024 19:05:23 GMT -5
I expect Jones may have a similar fate. When Cashman dumpster dives, he’s like the dog with a bone that sees his reflection in the water and thinks it’s another dog with a bigger bone and drops the one he has in the water. He calls it incremental upgrades. It’s mostly about dreams. Bad dreams. Nightmares like Jake Bauers… Bauers is like Babe Ruth compared to Jones. 😂😂😂 We haven’t unlocked 🔐 Jones yet… |
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Post by chiyankee on Feb 28, 2024 19:06:55 GMT -5
Bauers is like Babe Ruth compared to Jones. 😂😂😂 We haven’t unlocked 🔐 Jones yet… lol, keep him locked up. |
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