Driving Home A Point
Accuse me of overkill, I will readily admit it, but watching Molina's first AB tonight reminded me of his #'s so far this year. Sixty games of Molina's current rates (.215/.255/.297) will absolutely kill the team.
The Yankees have a choice here. They can get a backup catcher who won't kill them at the plate every time up. Or, they can choose to do nothing. If they do nothing with the catcher situation then I hope they admit defeat in 2008 and try and trade some of their veterans for prospects. Would there be any shame in Brian Cashman standing before the microphones on July 31st as he announced the departures of Bobby Abreu, Jason Giambi and Farnsworth and admitting that the injuries were too much to overcome this season? Some will snicker that a team with that big a payroll couldn't win, but the Yankees can't worry about that. If they are not going to put everything into 2008 (and I am not sure they should) then they need to go after 2009.
Think about 2009 for a second. We know that Joba and Wang will headline the rotation. We know Mariano will be back with Robertson, Veras and Ramirez in support roles. What we don't know is what will happen to the offense. If the Yankees can build up the offense for next year at the trade deadline, it isn't a bad idea.
But, I hope they go for it. I hope Brian Cashman uses some of the pitching prospects to get some hitting prospects. Either choice could be a good one, what isn't going to fly is doing nothing in ten days.
Comments
Peter, I think you saying the season is lost (there go the playoffs) is a bit off. Posada wasn't exactly hitting the cover off the ball when he was playing. His .775 OPS is good for a catcher, but he is down significantly from his .969 last year and so far even with his subpar OPS (when compared to his career #s), the Yankees are just 4.5 games back.
Posada's loss isn't good, but it isn't he nail in the coffin either.
Posted by: andy![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 21, 2008 09:43 PM
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Andy- I think you skipped the question mark at the end of that title. I don't know if the season is lost, but 4.5 down is a lot with only 60 games left and Posada's replacement has an OPS of .550
Posted by: Peter![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 21, 2008 09:55 PM
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Matt Holliday is the answer now and for the next five years,16 mil. for abreu, not next year ,making this move will have an impact behind Alex, next year in front of him. Who do you give up? Prospects, We have been without them until now and when they were here ,killed us. It's blockbuster time. this time not for an over the hill fix for 60 games.Or Justin M from the twins. Same thinking as Holliday.They like our minor prospects. hey who is our first base man next year? no way you bring back Giambi, He hurt us so many ways for his whole contract. new contract back to the DL and his luggage. I will drive him out of the state with pleasure,he is only playing for his next contract. 24 mil for this fraud. Cashman go for it .... Sexon,,, you killed us.. brian go out with glory...
Posted by: michael danza | July 22, 2008 12:37 AM |
Although it has been the Yankees' strength for the past 12 years, you don't need a great hitter at each of the 9 spots in the order. You do need good defense up the middle -- C, 2B, SS, CF -- to win. Molina is a first class defensive catcher. I've also seen him get some key hits.
If Cano and Jeter have shaken themselves out of their slumps, then the Yanks should be o.k. They sure don't have the offense they used to have, but they've got a lot of good hitters and are in the hunt for the post-season.
Posted by: Corey | July 22, 2008 09:52 AM |
Peter, Varitek isnt hitting much. Does that mean that the RedSox should mail it in too?
Corey is right, we don't need Molina to hit .300 to have a shot at the division. As much as I like Posada, Molinas defense and rapport with the pitchers is a welcome change from Posadas injured arm and abrasiveness.
Also, we didn't just up and lose Posada all of a sudden. Really, we haven't had him at all this year, and yet we are right in the thick of it. Getting better at the backend of the rotation is the key to the season. The offense is fine, the defense is passable and the bullpen is downright impressive.
Posted by: ian | July 22, 2008 12:47 PM |