Written by Greg Fertel
|
25 April 2008
Due to business, last night's recap did not happen. You can get the full report over at
First Inning.
- Jesus Montero had another typical night, going 2 for 4.
- Brad Suttle picked up where he left off, going 2 for 3 with a triple and a walk. With Suttle back in, the Charleston offense actually managed to get scarier.
- Shelley Duncan went 2 for 3 with a home run and a walk. The Yankees would be stupid not to call him up for the Cleveland series.
- Dan Giese, suddenly a starter, pitched 6 scoreless innings with 9 strikeouts, no walks, and just 3 hits allowed. He's got to be helping his case for a mid-season promotion to the majors if needed.
- George Kontos struck out 6 and walked 1 in 6 strong innings. He allowed 4 hits and 1 run.
- Dellin Betances continued his trend, striking out 7 in 6 innings with 3 walks and 1 earned run allowed.
The Yankees have a lot of roster moves to manage. Brian Bruney is likely headed to the DL. Chad Moeller is no longer necessary. Kyle Farnsworth is banged up. The Yankees would probably only be comfortable throwing Mariano, Traber, and maybe an inning of LaTroy Hawkins tomorrow. Changes are needed.
The Yankees should start by DLing both Bruney and Farnworth. Even if both of them could be back on the mound in a few days, they aren't all that good any way. Its a smart move to shelve them for the time being. Replace them with Albaladejo and Edwar.
Chad Moeller needs to go down. I know that the Yankees are afraid of losing their 4th string catcher while their 3rd string catcher is still recovering from a fractured bone, but Moeller is not worth the anxiety. Despite his hot start, he is a career .224/.284/.346 hitter. Replace him with Shelley Duncan.
These are the three "now" moves, but I think that the Yankees also need to reevaluate their roster long term. Key decisions need to be made about Morgan Ensberg, Alberto Gonzalez, and Wilson Betemit. Only one is really necessary on the roster. The best of the three is probably Gonzalez, but he could also benefit most from regular playing time. I don't know what the solution is, but Gonzalez needs some kind of playing time. Betemit's phantom pink eye can't keep him on the sidelines forever.
Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes have options. This is a good thing. I really do believe in both of them, and I want to wait a few more weeks before even asking this question, but some times young players need to work things out at Triple-A. Its not uncommon, even for the best. If Kennedy is still struggling come the ides of May, and Kei Igawa is still striking out 10 per 9, its hard not to make the switch.
The Yankee outfield seems set for the time being, but Brett Gardner is pushing hard. Besides through injury, is there a way for him to get up? It would probably require Hideki Matsui to start playing 1st base, which probably won't happen mid season.
Farther down the line, there is a point where the Yankees need to decide between LaTroy Hawkins, Billy Traber and the hot farmhands. Dan Giese is going crazy as a starting pitcher, Dave Robertson is striking out every other batter, and Chris Britton has been steadfast. Even Sean Henn has been good. The Red Sox are clicking early this year, and the Yankees need their strongest possible roster in order to compete.
