The Mets biggest needs for the future are at least one star outfielder who has pop, a final solution to the 2B/SS conundrum, and a full time catcher.
The Yankees currently have 28-year old Russell Martin and 25-year old Francisco Cervelli. They also have three of the top catching prospects in their system. They are:
Jesus Montero – 21-yrs. old, 6-3, 225 – a superior hitter and marginal defensive catcher… currently hitting .291/.337/.410/.748, 5-HR, 26-RBI in AAA ball. Hit 21-HRs for same team in 2010. Graded “A” by John Sickles with comment of “no one will care much about the glove in five years”. BA raks as #1 prospect. Could be switched to corner outfielder in winter ball.
Gary Sanchez – 18-yrs. old, 6-2, 220 – currently hitting .267/.342/.436/.779, 5-HR, 25-RBI in A-ball. Graded B+ by Sickles, saying “could be Montero with better glove”. BA ranked as #2 prospect.
Austin Romine – 22-yrs. old – 6-0, 220 – currently hitting .298/.362/.421/.784, 4-HR, 31-RBI in AA-ball. Sickles doesn’t see him as a start some day. BA ranks as #6 prospect.
Neither Montero or Sanchez will win a golden glove behind the plate, but like Sickles says about Montero, who cares? Jesus’ numbers are down this year in a repeat year of AAA. The Yankees have to do something with him, while Sanchez is years away. Rominie projects as a good average everyday major league catcher.
2 comments:
Do you really believe the Yankees would trade the best hitting prospect in their system for 2-3 months of Francisco Rodriguez as a set-up man? I just don't see it happening. Yes, they were going to send him to Seattle for Cliff Lee but they had every intention of re-signing Lee to a long term extension, something they wouldn't do with K-Rod.
I would imagine they'd part with Romine 1st, Sanchez only if the Mets get multi-team interest going for K-Rod (Texas, anyone?). If they get the Rangers or other AL teams in on K-Rod the Yankees are more likely to overpay to keep him away from possible playoff opponents. Plus, if the Mets are close to the W/C near the deadline they have more leverage in that they can keep him if they don't get an offer they like. Although that strategy will backfire if they can't afford the 2012 option that will certainly kick in if he stays.
Your thoughts?
The Yankees will offer Romine and the Mets will counter with Montero. Sanchez would be a great compromise but is 3-years off for the Mets.
No, if I'm Sandy, I hold out for Montero.
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