Written by Greg Fertel
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14 July 2007
Hey guys. I'm having an amazing summer, but I thought that I'd chime in here right now.
The Yankee team is going downhill, but the future of the team is starting to take shape. More than ever, Brett Gardner looks like a potential starting Centerfielder, albeit not an all-star. Juan Miranda looks like he'll be a major league 1st baseman, and potentially an impact player. Those two guys could be on the 2008 Yankee team if the Yankees decide to sell at the trade deadline. Should they? I believe they should. The Yankees need to either sell or buy; they can't stand pat. Can they buy enough to thrust them in to contention? I doubt it.
Hughes is almost back. It's easy to forget that he exists, but he could be the team's 2nd best starter when he returns. The Yankees need to exercise discipline and retain Hughes, Joba, Kennedy, Horne, and Marquez at the deadline. The goal should be contention in 2009, not necessarily in 2008. A playoff appearance in 2008 would be nice, but right now the Yankees need to look long term. With those pitchers, the Yankees have a long term core group of arms that could build a dynasty.
A lot of guys are struggling in Staten Island and the GCL. I wouldn't read too much in to all of that. New hitters struggle in short season ball - a lot. Power is almost always scarce. Players aren't adjusted to wooden bats. The key for evaluating these players will be how well they hit in August.
For the month of June, Pending Pinstripes was the 3rd most popular page on the Most Valuable Network. Thank you guys so much! We now have only the New York Giants and the Chicago Cubs pages to conquer (read: sabotage) now. Have a great summer guys... and Brian Cashman, please don't trade away the Joba/Kennedy/Tabata group!
