The Yankees Farm system and how they can get it right

It appears like a lifetime has gone by since the Yankees received a top quality prospect come through the organization.  Though there have been a few that manage to get a call up, none of them have made a true impact on the club (Robinson Cano being the exception).  This is an alarming trend, particularly since other Major League teams are making their futures around home grown talent like Joey Votto (Reds), Bryce Harper (Nationals), and Mike Trout (Angels).  Not since the days of Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada and Bernie Williams have the Bombers enjoyed that sort of positional depth and accomplishment. What are they doing wrong that other squads are not? Here are three things that I feel need to change if Yankees are to get their minor league system back in order.

Scout more players from the North East – It is no secret that scouts love to go to places where the weather is warmer and baseball can be played year round.  However, this works to the disadvantage of the player whose body can get worn out, especially if they happen to be a pitcher.  The epidemic of UCL tears requiring Tommy John surgery is getting out of hand and it’s time a team got a change to prevent this from hurting them over the long-run.  The Yankees should make themselves the first to espouse this new trend, it would definitely do them justice.

Get aggressive in the draft – The Yankees have been very uneasy about taking a potential superstar in top rounds.  Though it is risky to put ones hopes in a single player, it is something the Yankees should try to do more often.  You don’t find greats like Ken Griffey Jr. or Frank Thomas by sitting idly and allowing someone else to get them.  History shows that many chances don’t pan out, but the chance that it will should be enough for the Yankees to push harder come draft day.

Refrain from too many big name acquisitions – For as long as free agency has been around, the Yankees have been the biggest dog in the yard.  The endless supply of money and the allure of the Big Apple will always keep free agents enticed to take their gifts to 161st and River Avenue.  Nonetheless, this does more damage than good as it has caused their young players to become mislaid in the system or be dealt away.  A prime example of this is the former first round pick Eric Duncan, whom had a high upside and was primed to man third base for years to come. Nevertheless, he was lost in the fold when the Yankees hit the blockbuster deal to land Alex Rodriguez and his large contract, after placing him at third to play alongside Jeter.  This destroyed the confidence of Duncan and caused his play to slide dramatically. His game compiled with injuries sent him out of baseball at the prime age of 27 without ever realizing his dream.  That is not to suppose that things like this don’t happen, in fact, they take place all of the time.  Nonetheless, the Yankees need to give their talent pool an opportunity to sink or swim, they may risk one too many cases like Duncan. Placing a stranglehold on youth because of the organizations love of the stars and quick fixes is a perilous business, especially in a game like baseball.

Assessing the Yankees - Week 7

  

Things have gone from bad to worse as the Yankees went 0-5 this week and have dropped 10 of their last 11 contests.  The team has done a complete 180 and don't seem to have any answers to the tumultuous display of baseball they are showcasing.

The Good - Slade Heathcott road to the majors was a bit unconventional, but nevertheless it is something to smile about.  After numerous injuries he found himself designated for assignment and without a job before being re-signed by the Yankees in late 2014. The former first round pick soldiered through spring training and earned an opportunity for a call up once Ellsbury went down. He also got a hit in his first at bat, not a bad comeback if you ask me.

- It was great to see the Yankees honor Bernie Williams with a plaque in historic Monument Park. He helped shape the core that drove the Yankees dynasty in the late 90's and did it with class and professionalism.  His graceful fielding and almost effortless swing will forever be remembered by those whom had the pleasure of watching him do it for 16 years. 

The Bad - Didi Gregorious put on another poor display in the field this weekend setting disastrous innings into motion with horribly "heady" plays.  There is no excuse for a young player of his caliber to be making so many miscues this often.  I, like many others was willing to give him a pass after the first week of defensive troubles, chalking it up to pinstripe jitters.  However, he's had enough time to get used to the position and find some level of comfort, but that clearly is not the case. To think, so many rated Derek Jeter as the worst shortstop in the game (I'm looking at you sabermetricians) yet there was never a time where he out thought himself in the field.  If things don't shape up soon for the 25 year old, he may find himself riding the bench or worse, looking for a new club.

- Jacoby Ellsbury's injury is a huge blow to the lineup as he sported the best average on the team (.324).  This is very bad news for Brett Gardner, whom combined with Jacoby electrified the top of the order and put loads of pressure on opposing defenses.

- Beltran is slowly becoming a liability in the outfield for the Yankees.  His bad knees and lost range is creating an unnecessary dilemma that is hurting team in more ways than one.  This was never more apparent than watching him pull up on a playable foul ball in Washington, a play which ended up costing the Yankees the lead and the game.  He hasn't exactly been the most contributing member of the team since signing and begs the question, what was the front office thinking giving $15 million a year to a 37 year old baseball player whose best days are certainly behind him.

Assessing the Yankees - Week 6

             

With a 2-5 record for the week, the Yankees retracted the good play they have shown for the better part of a month and with it the chance to create some separation in the division. The team must rediscover the consistency which has propelled them for the better part of a month, or it will find itself in another uphill climb heading toward October.

The Good - C.C. Sabathia got himself back on track with two solid performances, securing his first two wins of the season. This is a good sign for him as things had not gone too well to the big lefty. Here's hoping he can continue this pace and add another dynamic to the rotation.

The Bad - The offense averaged just 1.2 runs in their 5 losses this week, this includes two losses in Tampa where they scored 2 runs in the first inning in each game, but were subsequently shut out the rest of the way. This was an all too common last season and the Yankees cannot allow poor offensive performances like these to happen too often.

- Chase Whitley became the latest victim of a torn UCL (Ulnar collateral ligament), opening another hole in the starting rotation. Even though Capuano did return from the disabled list to take his place, the pitching staff won't be whole again until Masahiro Tanaka is fully recovered.

- Brian McCann and Stephen Drew were not very productive this week, putting up rather poor (McCann 4 for 23 - .174 avg, Drew 3 for 23 - .130 avg).  While McCann is guaranteed a spot no mater what, Drew will need to get his hitting in order if he wishes to prevent fans from calling for him to be Designated for Assignment (the MLB's kind version of a release). The fact that the highly favored prospect Robert Refsnyder lost out on a spot in the majors because of him is certainly not helping matters either. Perhaps giving Pirela more time will motivate Drew to raise his performance and earn the faithful's trust. However, Girardi has already shown his support for the struggling second baseman, so it remains his spot to lose

Assessing the Yankees - Week 5

                

Though the Yankees dropped the series in Toronto, taking three of four from the Orioles more than made up for it. The team remains atop the division with a chance to gain a bit of distance when they visit the Rays in Tampa Bay.

The Good - Micheal Pineda had a absolutely tremendous week, going 15 innings with 22 strikeouts and just one walk.  His performance Sunday afternoon was a thing of beauty as he dominated Baltimore's lineup from top to bottom, setting a new career high in strikeouts (16) in the process. With Tanaka still on the shelf, Pineda has left no question as to who the Yankees ace is.

- Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller are quickly becoming the Yankees deadliest weapons in the bullpen.  The pair has still not surrendered an earned run this season and are getting stronger and stronger by the week.

- It looks as if Beltran may get himself going as he put some good a bats together over the weekend. The added stability to the middle of the order would do nicely, especially since that third of it has been hot and cold thus far

The Bad - Sabathia's record has not gotten any better and the lack of run support he's receiving is only compounding matters.  The team will have to score more runs when he is on the mound to help him feel more comfortable.  C.C. also needs to get better at putting hitters away with two strikes, something he has struggled with the past 3 seasons

- Adam Warren has not made it past the sixth inning and has barely made out of the fifth in any start. He looks to be poised for a move back to the bullpen once Capuano finishes his rehab in the minors. Warren deserves credit for winning the spot in spring training, but it appears his role is best fit for relief duties.

Dynamic Duo Anchoring Yankees Success

                                       

                               

There's been no mistaking the impact that Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller have had on the Yankees early success this season.  The duo has run through opponents with a fervor that is reminiscent of the days of Rivera-Wetteland.  The ability to shorten games and provide protection for the starters is an extremely valuable asset that not many team have at their disposal. While Betances continues to build off of his excellent rookie campaign, one has to be pleasantly surprised at the performance of Andrew Miller, especially since he is a closer for the first time in his career. Should they keep this up, this deadly combination could provide the impetus which drives the Yankees towards a return to October baseball.

Here are their stat line thus far

Miller - 15 Games 0.00 ERA 15.2 Innings 26 K

Betances - 16 Games 0.00 ERA 17.2 Innings 28 K

Not bad huh?

Assessing The Yankees - Week 4

                    

A sweep of the Red Sox in Boston capped off a very fruitful week that saw the club vault itself atop the AL East.  It was all systems go as the Yankees handles themselves very well against their two division foes. The team looks very confident in itself right now and if they can stay consistent, it could mean good things going forward.

The Good - Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances have looked nearly untouchable, surrendering no earned runs in 28 combined innings to go along with 48 strikeouts.  They are quickly becoming a dangerous duo that is sure to strike fear into the hearts of the entire Major Leagues.

- Jacoby Ellsbury flashed a steady bat, going 14-for-26 (.538) and collecting hits in all six games the team played.  His ability to set the table for the Yankee offense was important to this weeks success and will be vital for the games to come.  Combining him with Brett Gardner makes for a interesting dynamic should prove its worth if he keeps this up.

The Bad - Masahiro Tanaka's injury is a huge blow to the starting rotation that now must step up in his absence.  The recurrence of the slight UCL tear is an alarming sign that he could be headed for Tommy John surgery if the arm cannot heal within the month.  The decision to pitch him at the end of last season is proving to be a foolish one as the Yankees could be without the services of their ace for next calender year.

- Carlos Beltran has struggled mightily all season to produce for the Yankees.  He entered the week batting a mere .161 in 15 games and unable to find any type of consistency at the dish.  He did collect two hits in each of the two games he played at Fenway so things could be turning around for the beleaguered right fielder, but we will have to wait and see.