With yet another Yankee season just 1 day away I want to introduce you to some unfamiliar names you may be hearing come midseason.  Not necessarily names which will be involved in trades, but more likely names that will ride straight into the Bronx and contribute towards a playoff push.  Let’s not forget before names like Joba, Hughes, Kennedy, Cano, Wang, Shelley and Melky became household fixtures, they were earning their stripes down in Trenton and Scranton.  I will go into more detail on some of these guys in the future, but for now allow me to share with you their likely future roles and who they should be replacing.

Ready Made Middle Relievers: Scott Patterson
Most likely to be replacing: Brian Bruney or LaTroy Hawkins

     I spoke about Patterson in my previous blog entry, so I won’t go into detail about him again.  I don’t figure Bruney will last long in the Bronx, due to his lack of control, and there really is no way to tell how Hawkins will do upon his return to the American League.  His new sinker ball may lead him to success, however if not he only signed a one year deal, so it won’t hurt the Yankees to release him if he proves to be ineffective.

Backup Outfielder: Brett Gardner
Most likely to be replacing: Morgan Ensberg or an injured Damon

    Gardner held his own during his time in AAA last year and seemed to impress Girardi with his hustle in spring training.  Gardner is Juan Pierre but with more patience at the plate.  He is lighting fast and can be a league average left fielder.  Probably nothing more than a career 4^th outfielder due to this lack of power, but he can contribute once the inevitable Damon injury crops up.

Legit Emergency Starters: Alan Horne & Jeff Marquez
Most likely to be replacing: Mike Mussina or an ineffective Kennedy

     Horne was the Eastern League pitcher of the year in 2007, and scouts have raved about him possessing possibly 4 plus pitchers (fastball, slider, curve & change).  Once Horne shows consistent command with his fastball he could find himself in the Bronx.  Marquez is a sinker ball pitcher who reminds me of former Yankee farmhand Jake Westbrook (now with Cleveland).  He projects to be a back of the rotation starter, but could be a solid innings eater.  Both could be mid-season call ups if Mussina really is finished or if one of the young guns suffer severe growing pains. 

Lefty Specialist: Chase Wright
Most likely replacing: Billy Traber

     Personally I don’t see Wright having any success as a starter, but his success against lefties (.250 BAA) could make him valuable out of the bullpen if Traber falters.

Set-up Man: Mark Melancon & JB Cox
Most likely replacing: Joba Chamberlain (moves to the rotation)

     I am fine with Joba starting in the pen to keep his innings pitched down, but once he moves into the rotation where he belongs, the Yankees will need someone to step into that setup role.  I do not believe Farnsworth is that guy, so hopefully one of the young guys in the minors can step up like Joba did in 2007.  Melancon was a closer in college for Arizona, where he was extremely successful with his mid 90’s fastball and devastating curve.  Scouts also rave about his make up, as he has a tremendous work ethic, which has allowed him to comeback from TJ surgery a bit quicker then expected.  Cox was the closer at Texas after Huston Street was drafted, but I see him more as Jeff Nelson type pitcher, who won’t strike out a lot of guys, but his sweeping slider should baffle major league hitters.  I was tempted to put Humberto Sanchez on this list, but I fear his lack of control could hurt him in a relief role.

First baseman with Power: Juan Miranda
Most likely replacing: Morgan Ensberg or Shelley Duncan

     Miranda came over from Cuba last year, and did a nice job at Tampa & Trenton where his final line read .265/350/471.  His biggest flaws are his defense and lack of ability to hit lefties (.223 BAA).  However he has huge power potential, and can hopefully work with new Yankee consultant Tino Martinez on his footwork around the first base bag.  If not this year he should be in contention in 2009 for a DH role once the Yankee buy out Giambi’s 22 million dollar option.

Back after opening day on Tuesday night now, with today’s game rained out.

Joe

Like this post? Share it »

Last post (s) by Joseph Gallo

• Blogging Yankees vs. Sox: Game #1 - August 26th, 2008
• Over?! Was it over when the German's bombed Pearl Harbor... - August 22nd, 2008
• End in sight, deadline quickly approaching... - August 18th, 2008