The Future...

Ok, here's how this works: all fans want to know what life will be after the greats retire, or god forbid, there is a career ending injury or a trade. Based on the current lineup and current farm system, here's who would replace the Yanks starters (assuming they are ready for a call up at the time) from the farm if one of those 3 situations would occur.



Pitchers

Current Starter - Chien Ming Wang
Laura's opinion: Would be Replacement - Tough call, this would likely be Joba Chamberlain, but staying with the theme's hypothtical, from the Farm, I would say Dellin Betances. Betances is a strikeout machine, not really Wang-like, but he's a guy that should make a great #1 Starter.
Brittany's opinion: Would be Replacement- Adam Olbrychowski, RHP. Adam Olbrychowski has been used as both a starter and reliever, but I think the Yankees will benefit more if Olbrychowski is used as a starter. He’s got a fastball that averages 91-93 mph and has crazy movement on his fastball. He doesn’t give up a lot of homeruns as a result of the late sinking action on his pitches, much like Chien-Ming Wang. In addition to a fastball, Olbrychowski has a change-up, curveball, and slider. If Olbrychowski is going to enter the rotation, he’s going to have to do a bit of developing on one of those secondary pitches. The only negative thing someone could say about Olbrychowski is that lefties tend to kill him. If he develops a better change-up, that could all change though. Olbrychowski has a way to go before he hits the major leagues, but he’s improving each year.

Current Starter - Andy Pettite
Laura's opinion: Would be Replacement - I'll stay lefty here, Chase Wright. Wright was brought up before he was really ready for the big show. But this season has produced the Chase Wright that made the Yanks bring him up when they did. He would be very successful taking Andy's sport as a #2-#3 starter.
Brittany's opinion: Would be Replacement- Chase Wright, LHP. I know I busted on Wright a lot when he was up with New York a year or so ago, but now that he’s grown I have more respect for his arm. Wright doesn’t resemble Pettitte pitching wise, but Wright is the best LHP in the minors for the NYY. Wright has an upper 80s, low 90s fastball. The thing that gives hitters a tough time is Wright’s arm angle, which is a three-quarter angle. The only thing that bothers me about Wright is his command for his pitches. He tends to walk a lot of people. If he can gain some control and throw quality pitches I think he’ll be a great starter for the Yankees. He’s young, so he is at a point in his career where he can easily fix these faults. Wright also throws a pretty good change-up in the upper 70s, low 80s. Although he has some command problems, Wright is able to get guys to roll over on a pitch and gets many groundball outs.

Current Starter - Mike Mussina
Laura's opinion: Would be Replacement - Ian Kennedy is very Moose-like, but once again, from the farm, I would go with Alan Horne. Staying with a righty here, Horne would be ready for a call-up before any other minor leaguer and Horne would likely put up Moose like prime seasons.
Brittany's opinion: Would be Replacement: Craig Heyer, RHP. Heyer has a fastball that registers in the 89-91 mph range. He also features a slider that regularly hits the low 80s. Heyer doesn’t give up many homeruns because his go-to pitch is his slider that he throws for strikes with consistency. I think Heyer could end up much like Mussina for the Yankees; meaning, he’ll be a work horse. He’s not overwhelmingly powerful, but knows how to pitch with his velocity very well.

Current Starter - Phil Hughes/Ian Kennedy
Laura's opinion: Would be Replacement - George Kontos. Kontos is making a rapid rise through the system and is a stud in the making. I think they are actually comparable pitchers, but Kontos will spend less time on the DL and maybe KO some more guys than Hughes will. I know its weird to have 2 current guys listed for this spot, but obviously we only need 5 starters and these 2 are on the shortest leashes currently.
Brittany's opinion: Would be Replacement- Lance Pendleton, RHP. Pendleton has been compared to Orel Hersheiser, physically. He has a fastball that hits the low 90s. He also has a circle change and a breaking pitch that is said to be a plus pitch. He’s a very aggressive pitcher, which is what the Yankees expected out of Ian and Phil, but haven’t gotten so far.

Current Starter - Joba Chamberlain
Laura's opinion: Would be Replacement - Tough call, but I go with youngster Zach McCallister. Once this kid is ready, he will be Joba-like. A big guy who can throw it faster than pretty much everyone else.
Brittany's opinion: Would be Replacement- Jason Jones, RHP. Jones has a cut fastball, sinker, curveball, and slider. Jones is not an over powering pitcher like Joba, but he has a lot of movement on his pitches, which makes his 89/92mph fastball as hard to hit as Joba’s 98mph fastball. Jones’ slider has been compared to Jon Lieber’s slider in that he can fool hitters easily with the slider. Jones rarely walks batters; He really pounds the zone, again, he’s an aggressive pitcher and has flawless mechanics. The best thing about Jones is that he is a reliable pitcher; you know he’s going to have a decent game every start.



Catcher

Current Starter - Jorge Posada
Laura's opinion: Would be Replacement - This is tougher than it sounds. Jesus Montero is the obvious answer and that will probably happen. That being said, I am going out on a limb here. Austin Romine and Fransico Cervelli are also impressive behind the plate. I will go with Cervelli, but Montero will make it tough on him. Whoever doesn't get the nod will either be top notch trade bait or the majors best backup.
Brittany's opinion: Would be Replacement- Fransico Cervelli (refer to my answer about the DH). Cervelli isn't amazing offensively, but he makes up for that behind the plate.


First Base

Current Starter - Jason Giambi
Laura's opinion: Would be Replacement - Eric Duncan is the short answer. Yes Miranda is good, but Duncan is great. He has had some down seasons, but make no mistake, this Duncan can play. Once he settles down and gains some consistancy - Miranda who? Another guy to watch is Chris Malec.
Brittany's opinion: Would be Replacement- Eric Duncan. Most yankee fans have dismissed Duncan from their minds after he fell out of the Yankees’ top 30. He’s ranked behind Juan Miranda and Shelley Duncan at 1B, but I just do not know how this can be. Eric Duncan has a much better glove than both Juan Miranda and Shelley Duncan. The only real thing those two have over Eric Duncan are their offensive skills, but Shelley Duncan’s proved his numbers in the minors do not translate in the majors. I think the job should go do Eric Duncan.



Second Base

Current Starter - Robinson Cano
Laura's opinion: Would Be Replacement - Justin Snyder. Snyder is a SS converted to a 2nd baseman, which should tell you he is an athlete. He can hit, mostly for average, but does have some pop, and will be an above average 2nd baseman.
Brittany's opinion: Would be Replacement- Justin Snyder. I agree with Laura on this one. It's just hard to argue against Snyder. I guess another possibility at 2B would be Bernie Castro, who's biggest asset is his speed.


Shortstop

Current Starter - Derek Jeter
Laura's opinion: Would be Replacement - writing this one is eerie. First off, there is no replacement for Mr. Jeter, but when he steps down, Carmen Angelini will start at SS. Angelini is an incredible athlete who is projected to be both a better hitter and fielder than Jeter, what an incredible compliment! The only question is, will he be even close to Jeter in leadership skills and clutch play?
Brittany's opinion: Would be replacement- Ahh that's so hard to write! But I've got to go with Carmen Angelini. Like Laura said, Angelini is a better fielder and hitter than Jeter, if you can imagine that. The biggest upgrade is Angelini's range. Jeter's never had amazing range, but Angelini does. Laura is absolutely right about the leadership skills and clutch play!



Third Base

Current Starter - Alex Rodriguez
Laura's opinion: Would be Replacement - It will be tough to fill the shoes of an offensive machine, but it wont be as hard as replacing Jeter, who most fans would take a bullet for. I want to say Hilligoss or Suttle, but I don't know how realistic that is. Malec and Eric Duncan both drift from 3rd to 1st. Which ever one stays at 3rd will take over here. I am guessing Duncan stays at 1st and Chris Malec, a power guy, will replace A-Rod.
Brittany's opinion: Would be Replacement- Chris Malec. I agree with Laura here, Duncan seems to be settled in as a 1B/DH. Malec has considerable power as a3B, but again, it's going to be hard to fill Rodriguez's shoes. FYI, I'd take a bullet for Jeter lol.


Right Field

Current Starter - Bobby Abreu
Laura's opinion: Would be Replacement - Jose Tabata; need I say more?
Brittany's opinion: Would be Replacement- Jose Tabata. At the age of 17 and in his first year of professional ball, Tabata led the entire Yankees farm system in batting average when he hit .314 for the Gulf Coast Yankees in 2005. As of January 2008, Tabata is ranked the Yankees 3rd best prospect by Baseball America. This guy is just amazing!

Center Field

Current Starter - Melky Cabrera
Laura's opinion: Would be Replacement - Brett Gardner; again, need I say more.
Brittany's opinion: Would be Replacement - Brett Gardner. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited about the possibility of Gardner being up in the majors in the near future. Gardner would be an upgrade for the Yankees in centerfield. I love Melky Cabrera, don’t get me wrong, but Gardner isn’t hard to love either. Gardner has 80 speed on a 20-80 scale. He’s one of the best baserunners I’ve ever seen. He’s got an average arm, but is more than fairly accurate. At the plate, Gardner doesn’t hit for power, but is patient and draws many walks.


Left Field

Current Starter - Damon/Matsui
Laura's opinon: Would be Replacement - Austin Jackson, Currently playing center, but Gardy has the edge there, Jackson is one of the guys the Yanks wouldn't give up in the Santana deal. He is a fast guy with great defense and offensive skills.
Brittany's opinion: Would be Replacement - Austin Jackson. Read Laura's opinion!


DH

Current Starter - hmm...Giambi, Damon, Matsui
Laura's opinion: Would be Replacement- Brit, I hear ya on him, but I really like Cervelli behind the plate, Jesus Montero to DH and play some time behind the plate.
Brittany's opinion: Would be Replacement - Jesus Montero. I know I've built Montero up to be the heir to Posada, but with the guys we have in the minor leagues now, I think Montero is better suited as the DH at this point. He's a power hitter no question about it. Again, his size could be the biggest thing that hinders him from being the everyday catcher.



Utilty Guy

Current Guy - Wilson Betemit
Laura's opinion: Would be Replacement - Plowing through the farm, this is an area you really can't go wrong. I take Alberto Gonzalez. A SS who can also play 2nd and 3rd, and I bet 1st.
Brittany's opinion: Would be Replacement - Alberto Gonzalez. I'm thinking the same way Laura is... Gonzalez has already proved he can play multiple positions this year. Plus, I just don't think his batting is good enough to be in the everyday line up.


7th Inning Reliever

Current - Whoever is healthy
Laura's opinion: Would be Replacement - The Lefty Zach Kroenke The Righty Dan McCutchen. These 2 will make a great pair in relief.
Brittany's opinion: Would be Replacement -Wilkins De La Rosa. De La Rosa was converted from a centerfielder to a starting pitcher. He’s got a fast ball that hits 95+ mph. He’s like Kyle Farnsworth, except better and more reliable



Set-up

Current Guy - Kyle Farnsworth
Laura's opinion: Would be Replacement - J.B. Cox. See previous posts.
Brittany's opinion: Would be Replacement- J.B. Cox... I agree with Laura on this one! It's hard to argue against Cox here.


Closer

Current - Mariano Rivera
Laura's opinion: Would be Replacement - Mark Melancon. More than capable, and I as much as I like Rivera, this day is rapidly approaching.
Brittany's opinion: Would be Replacement- Mark Melancon. Again, I agree with Laura 100% on this one!



Pinstriped as Always,
Laura

Baseball Nerdish as Always,
Brit