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Get Jesus Montero Back? Forget About It

Dan Dechenaux — Fri, 24 May 2013 22:48:56 +0000

Now that the Seattle Mariners have reassigned Jesus Montero, should the New York Yankees try to get him back? Would a change in scenery jolt him into fulfilling the promise he once held as the jewel of the Yankees farm system?

In one word-no! In three words-forget about it! The most important attribute the Yankees need from their catcher is the ability to handle the pitching staff. They need a coach on the field, a captain to steer the ship.

Montero is neither of these. At the plate, he is stumbling, as well. In 164 games with the Mariners, he is batting .252 with 18 home runs. The home run total is misleading, since it has come over two seasons. The physical wear and tear of the catching position make it unlikely that he could maintain that pace over a single-season, even if he were able to stay healthy.

Of the three catchers the Yankees have turned to this season, only Austin Romine has a lower batting average than .252. Francisco Cervelli is batting .269. Chris Stewart is hitting .265. Romine is at .129. But he has batted only 31 times. While he may never cause pitchers to tremble in their socks, give him a chance to play consistently and you will really find out what he can do.

Montero’s chances of hitting well in the majors will only come if he improves at handling the curve ball. He owned the fourth- lowest slugging percentage against the curve in the majors during the last two seasons at .119. This is more than 200 points below the MLB average.

An improvement against the curve may only happen if he switches positions, allowing him to shed the responsibilities of catching and concentrate on his stroke. First base is an option. Many catchers have made this transition to extend their careers, Montero needs to make it to have one. Of course, designated hitter is a viable option.

All of this removes Montero as an option for the Yankees. Instead, they should look forward to the return of Michael Pineda and the value he can offer to the pitching staff. If Pineda can return to his 2011 form, when he was an All-Star and finished fifth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting, the Yankees will certainly have a rotation that can carry them in the postseason.

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Yankees Fans: Play Name Your Yankee Edition Four To Test Your Knowledge

Dan Dechenaux — Thu, 23 May 2013 23:35:29 +0000

Okay, so you think you are an expert on the New York Yankees? Well, here we go with the fourth installment of “Name Your Yankee,” presented by Yankee Fan Dan. This is where the real Yankees fans step up to the plate and show their knowledge. (more…)

Remembering Bernie Williams

Dan Dechenaux — Thu, 23 May 2013 01:32:43 +0000

Bernie Williams is perhaps remembered most for his ability to come through in the clutch. The big home run, the great catch, the knack for finding a way to get the job done were all part of his mystique.

But those who followed him closely all remember his smile. It is such a part of his character, that it seems as if it is a permanent part of his body. The rest of us were created with a mouth, Williams was given a smile. (more…)

Why Would Joe Girardi Sit Vernon Wells?

Dan Dechenaux — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:27:24 +0000

Joe Girardi’s decision to leave Vernon Wells out of the starting lineup in the New York Yankees’ 6-4 victory over the Baltimore Orioles Monday left many fans dumfounded. In his last 10 games, Wells is batting .313 with three home runs and eight runs batted in. That is nearly a run per- game of production sitting on the pine. (more…)

Showalter Owes The Yankees Everything And Nothing

Dan Dechenaux — Tue, 21 May 2013 01:22:28 +0000

Buck Showalter, the Baltimore Orioles feisty manager, owes everything to the New York Yankees, and he owes them nothing at all. Had events evolved a little differently, Showalter, not Joe Girardi, could own the responsibility of filling out the Yankees’ lineup card for tonight’s game. (more…)

No “Joba Rules” Needed For Claiborne

Dan Dechenaux — Sun, 19 May 2013 21:15:08 +0000

Preston Claiborne is one of many pleasant surprises for the New York Yankees

Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

this season. The question is whether he is likely to continue to produce at the same high-level that he has contributed so far? (more…)

How Mariano Rivera Should Be Honored At The MLB All-Star Game

Dan Dechenaux — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:16:56 +0000

So I was listening to the New York Yankees game on the radio last night when Yankees’

Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

broadcasters Susan Waldman and John Sterling began discussing the possibility of Mariano Rivera starting the 2013 all-star game for the American League. (more…)

New York Yankees’ Fans, Play Name Your Yankee Edition Three

Dan Dechenaux — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:27:28 +0000

Okay, so you think you are an expert on the New York Yankees? Well, here we go with the third installment of “Name Your Yankee,” presented by Yankee Fan Dan. This is where the real Yankee fans step up to the plate and show their knowledge. (more…)

How Long Should The New York Yankees Starters Go

Dan Dechenaux — Wed, 15 May 2013 01:37:36 +0000

As a New York Yankees fan, do you ever get nervous when the sixth inning comes around? Do you start counting the outs until the ball gets handed to Mariano Rivera? I know I do. (more…)

Jeter and Cano Could Finish Careers As Top Combo In History

Dan Dechenaux — Tue, 14 May 2013 01:21:51 +0000

The New York Yankees have enjoyed several outstanding shortstop-second base combinations in their history. Various reports render results in terms of double plays and fielding percentage. But what is the best all-time combination in terms of World Series Championships? (more…)