Free Agent Spotlight: Mike Cameron

We move from the topic of pitchers on to outfielders, which believe it or not, is still a team need. Mike Cameron, 36, is one of the best available outfielders not named Bay or Holliday.
You might be wondering why the Yanks need another outfielder even though they just got Curtis Granderson. Well, with Granderson, we now have four outfielders; Brett Gardner, Melky Cabrera, Nick Swisher and Granderson. Many people are anticipating the resigning of Johnny Damon. And with this, many people anticipate the trading of Nick Swisher. Which leaves us with a very good centerfielder, a decent corner outfielder in Cabrera, a fast outfielder who needs to improve his hitting, and an aging corner outfielder with no arm. Our minor league outfielders could be drafted away from us, as Shelley Duncan and John Rodriguez are expected to be drafted in the Rule 5. So we’re left with Colin Curtis, and newly signed Jon Weber and Eladio Moronta as our backups in case of injury/other needs.

photo from Sports Illustrated

Cameron has always hit for a low average and many strikeouts, but he is a perfect middle-bottom of the order hitter because of his power and speed. He hit just .250 last year but hit 25 home runs and 70 RBIs (and his home was Miller Park, typically a pitchers park). Though his speed has been decreasing over the years, he can still cover the outfield and still has a great arm, which would make his transition to a corner spot (most likely left because of said speed, and Melkys cannon for RF) much easier. He has 3 gold gloves under his belt, most recently in 2006.
Cameron would be a great fit in New York for several reasons. We know he can handle the New York media, as he spent 2004-05 with the Mets without any controversy (many remember him for his nasty collision with Carlos Beltran, breaking several bones in his face and causing him to miss the rest of the season). Second, he hits well against AL East teams for the most part in his career; 10 HR 26 RBI vs Boston, 3 HR 23 RBI vs Baltimore, 6 HR 27 RBI vs Toronto, and 5 HR 22 RBI vs Tampa Bay. Remember, his six full seasons in the AL were with Seattle and Chicago, who would face these teams a max of 10 times a year.

Scenarios with Cameron:
– Damon signed, Swisher traded for starter/reliever/minor leaguer. Cameron takes 6 or 7 spot in order and takes over RF/LF
– Damon not signed, Swisher stays- Cameron bats in front of Swisher because of speed and better clutch hitting; Swisher becomes everyday DH with ability to start in the OF when needed.
– Damon signed, Swisher kept- Cameron becomes everyday outfielder, Swisher and Damon must fight for DH job, one of the two rot on the bench, until Swisher/Cabrera traded before deadline

If the Yankees sign him, look for a 2-year, $17 MM deal.
Cameron has said that he wants to play for a team with a chance at the postseason, let’s see if the Yankees make a run at him.

Yanks Sign 2 to Minor League Contracts

The Yankees have signed Eladio Moronta, a Dominican outfielder, and outfielder Jon Weber.

Moronta, who is just 20 years old, was suspended from baseball for a full season for misrepresenting his age as 17. He has been compared to Raul Mondesi with a better arm and blinding speed.

Weber, 31, spent the last 3 seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays’ AAA club Durham Bulls. The Bulls defeated the SWB Yankees in the Governors’ Cup (IL Championship). Weber won the Bulls team MVP, hitting .302 with 14 HR 69 RBI and 60 extra-base hits.

These additions likely officially mark the end of the Shelley Duncan era, as you can expect Weber to take his place both in the lineup and in the field.

Shelley Duncan Becomes a Free Agent

Reported by MLBTradeRumors.com: MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch posted on his twitter account that NY Yankees utility man Shelley Duncan has elected free agency after being outrighted to the minors the other day. Shelley a fan favorite during his few stints with the Yankees will likely not return to the club and we hope he finds success wherever he may land!

Yankees Finalize 40-Man Roster for 2010

MLB teams finalized their 40-man rosters Friday. Only teams with spots still remaining can partake in the December 10th Rule 5 Draft, where teams can basically steal players from other organizations that are not on their 40-man roster, to give these players a fair chance. In this case, the Yankees filled up 7 of their 8 remaining spots on the 40-man, leaving one empty, giving them one selection in the Draft. The 7 players added to the 40-man from the Minor Leagues were OF Austin Jackson, right hander pitchers Ivan Nova, Romulo Sanchez and Hector Noesi, and 2B Reegie Corona, SS Eduardo Nunez and 2B Kevin Russo; keeping them all safe for another year.

Austin Jackson is now safe, which is most important, because it would ensure him a spot on the 25-man roster in the event that the Yanks don’t sign another long-term outfielder. Note: DH/OF Shelley Duncan was dropped from the 40-man roster, making him eligible to be drafted by another team. After winning IL MVP with 30 HR and 99 RBI, it is likely that we can say goodbye to Shelley.

How Are the Kids?

Hey readers, my name is Dan Reiner; I did a couple posts late in the season covering the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. I’m a die hard Yanks, Giants, Knicks, Rangers, Sentinels and PSU Nittany Lions fan. Though I am only in high school, I have complete knowledge of the MLB, and hope to someday study journalism in college, and follow my dream to be a sports writer. I’ll continue to write about the minor league teams and players on here, so read up to see how the kids are doing, as well as all of the posts!

Well first off, I’d like to say that DH/OF Shelley Duncan and 2B Kevin Russo were named to the 2009 TOPPS Triple-A All-Star team for their great seasons. Duncan led the International League with 30 HR and 99 RBI, and Russo was third in the IL with a .326 batting average.

And now with the IL season finished and players needing to improve to try to take the next step in the organization, the Fall Leagues come around. I’ve been following the key players in the Yankee organization that are taking part. So..how are the kids doing?

–RHP Ian Kennedy (AFL) has 6 games and starts with a record of 1-1 and a 4.74 ERA; In 24.2 IP hes allowed 25 hits 23 K and the key.. just 5 walks.
–RHP Josh Schmidt (VWL) hasn’t looked good. 7 games, 5 starts 1-3 4.63 ERA. In 23.1 IP, 22 H and 20 K
–LHP Mike Dunn (AFL) has looked shaky. In 8 games, a record of 0-2 4.32 ERA with 1 save. In 8.1 IP, 8 hits but a remarkable 15 K.
–RHP Romulo Sanchez (VWL) has looked solid. 11 G 2-2 3.83 ERA 14.1 IP, 10 H, and a very good 20 K with only 4 walks.
–LHP Zach Kroenke (AFL) has pitched 10 games. A record of 1-0 with a 5.02 ERA. 14.1 IP 13 hits 12 K and 4 BB
–RHP Ivan Nova (DWL), who we saw get a few postseason starts in AAA, has 5 games, 4 starts with a 1-0 record. A 1.05 ERA in 25.2 IP, with just 17 hits 4 walks and 17 Ks is exactly what scouts are looking for.
-1B Juan Miranda (DWL), just joined the league, and in 13 at-bats already has a 5 hits, 1 HR and 4 RBI
-C Jesus Montero (VWL) has been extremely disappointing to say the least. In 9 games, just 3 hits, a .115 BA, and 1 RBI.
-3B Brandon Laird (AFL) is tearing up opponents right now. In 20 games, he has a .313 BA, and is tied for 2nd in the league with 6 HR and 24 RBI
-2B Reegie Corona (VWL) has played 17 games, with a .314, 0 HR and 5 RBI
-OF Colin Curtis (AFL) has played 17 game, with a great .388 BA, 3 HR, 14 RBI, and 2 SB

AFL= Arizona Fall League, VWL=Venezuela Winter League, DWL=Dominican Winter League

Look for some of these guys in trade talks or even on the big club come next season.

My Attempt at Editing a Picture

I realize that this is pretty bad but this is the best I can do. If you have a better version of it send me along a copy of it here.

In the photo are Ramiro Pena, Shelley Duncan, Kevin Russo, and Juan Miranda.

Please click to enlarge it….yes, I do realize how horrible this is.

Yankees Win a Big One

The Yankees may have won their most important game of the year yesterday, as they beat the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim IN Anaheim with a lineup that brought Shelley Duncan to the plate fifth. Ian Kennedy made his MLB season debut and pitched a scoreless shaky 8th. Freddy Guzman got his first stolen base as a Yankee.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have claimed Anthony Claggett off waivers from the Yankees. That makes 6 former Yankees now on the Pirates 40-man roster. You heard that right-SIX.

Kennedy Officially Promoted, Carson Makes it to the MLB

-Ian Kennedy was officially added to the active roster yesterday. He hopes to get work in as a long-reliever.

-Joba Chamberlain will try to go at least 5 innings today

-Matt Carson made it to the MLB with the Oakland A’s. Carson, a former Yankees farm-hand, was a Shelley Duncan type player for the A’s.

-Chad Gaudin has officially become the Yankees 5th starter, with Sergio Mitre going to the bullpen.

-I will not be able to post tomorrow, as I am going to the Mets game.

100th Post: Yankees Suspensions

My 100th post! Woo! Bob Watson, the suspension king of the MLB, has suspended Jorge Posada three games, Shelley Duncan two, and fined Kevin Long and Edwar Ramirez.

I am fine with these suspensions, personally. I thought Posada would get five, actually.

Oh and Shelley Duncan was the only one to appeal.

Breaking News: Shelley Duncan Promoted to the MLB

Shelley Duncan has been called up to the Yankees. It is unknown when he will arrive. This will allow the Yankees to give more players rests AND not use Eric Hinske as much. Also, Brett Gardner has been activated and is in the game one starting lineup.

Here is the lineup:

1. Jeter SS
2. Swisher RF
3. Teixeira 1B
4. Rodriguez 3B
5. Cano 2B
6. Posada C
7. Hinske DH
8. Cabrera LF
9. Gardner CF

As of now I’m thinking Shelley will be brought back next year in a Hinske type role if he plays well enough. SWB is messed up right now, as they have no good hitters or pitchers at this point. Gotta feel bad for John Rodriguez as he has stated it is his dream to play in the Bronx. Similar #’s to Shelley, but no need for two of them. Likely won’t reach that dream.