Overbay? Try Over There

"I'm playing where?"

Who's on first? Lyle Overbay. Not this time. Overbay has played 1,272 games at the not-so-hot corner in his 13 year Major League career. Tonight marks the beginning of an experiment to keep him in pinstripes.

With Mark Teixeira back at first base after he sat out nearly two months of the season with an injured wrist, there isn't a whole lot of room for a first baseman that has no big league experience at other positions. On top of that, Overbay is left-handed, so the other infield spots are out of the question. (Unless you're Don Mattingly and your team is in a situation where you need to play third base.)

In attempt to make Overbay more serviceable and therefore an asset to keep on the roster, Joe Girardi has him starting in right field tonight against the Cleveland Indians. Overbay has had a number of clutch hits this season and the current right fielder, Ichiro Suzuki, has slumped all season. While Ichiro is still a superb defender, Girardi is hoping to add some punch to a lineup that has scored one run or less in five of their last seven games. It's no coincidence the Yankees have won only one of those games, a 4-1 triumph in the middle game of the just completed three game series with Boston.

Overbay's .750 OPS is his highest since 2009, the last time the state of Washington native played in more than 100 games. (He's at 51 this season.) 21 of Overbay's 44 hits have been for extra bases. By comparison, only nine of Ichiro's 46 hits have been more than a single.

The Yankees are expected to send Brennan Boesch back to Scranton in order to activate Andy Pettitte for tonight's contest.

Who's on First?

There a lot of firsts being established at the new Yankee Stadium in the season opening series. We'll try to keep track of a bunch of them, at least until it gets to monetenous.

First Hit
Johnny Damon Game 1

First Home Run
Jorge Posada Game 1
Catchers seem to have a thing about the first or last home run in the variations of Yankee Stadium. Cleveland catcher Duke Sims hit the last home run in 1973 prior to the renovation and Jose Molina hit the last home run across the street.

First Back to Back Home Runs
Johnny Damon, Mark Teixeira Game 1

First Grand Slam
Grady Sizemore, Cle Game 1

First Double
Ben Francisco, Cle Game 1

First Yankees Double
Nick Swisher Game 1

First Game Winning RBI
Kelly Shoppach, Cle Game 1

First Yankees Game Winning RBI
Derek Jeter Game 2

First Strikeout - Batter and Pitcher
Victor Martinez, Cle, CC Sabathia Game 1

First Walk
Grady Sizemore, Cle Game 1

First Yankees Walk
Hideki Matsui Game 1

First Hit by Pitch
Mark Teixeira Game 1

First Run Scored
Ben Francisco, Cle Game 1

First Yankees Run Scored
Jorge Posada Game 1

First Winning Pitcher
Cliff Lee, Cle Game 1

First Yankees winning pitcher
Brian Bruney Game 2

First Losing Pitcher
Jose Veras Game 1

First Save
Mariano Rivera Game 2

First Error
Tony Graffanino, Cle Game 1

First Yankees Error
Cody Ransom, Game 1

First to Hit into Double Play
Victor Martinez, Cle Game 1

Threw out Ceremonial First Pitch
Yogi Berra, Game 1

First 3-hit Game
Robinson Cano, Jhonny Peralta, Cle Game 1

First Caught Stealing
Grady Sizemore, Cle Game 1

First Stolen Base
Johnny Damon Game 2

First Umpire Crew
HP--Tom Hallion. 1B--Phil Cuzzi. 2B--Ed Hickox. 3B--Jerry Crawford.

First Wild Pitch
Cliff Lee, Cle Game 1

Pursuing Lowell, a First

The Star-Ledger's Dan Graziano is reporting tonight that the Yankees are continuing their pursuit of free agent Mike Lowell - to play 1st Base. With the return of Alex Rodriguez appearing to be imminent, the Yankees front office is toying with the idea of signing Lowell and moving him across the diamond. Source

This doesn't make sense for a number of reasons. Lowell will not hit as well in Yankee Stadium, the money should be used to improve the pitching, and why would Lowell, a gold glover, want to move across the diamond. Maybe the Yankees are just trying to drive up his price for the Sox. The feeling here is that Lowell will accept his WS ring in a Red Sox uniform next season.

Pursuing Lowell, a First

The Star-Ledger's Dan Graziano is reporting tonight that the Yankees are continuing their pursuit of free agent Mike Lowell - to play 1st Base. With the return of Alex Rodriguez appearing to be imminent, the Yankees front office is toying with the idea of signing Lowell and moving him across the diamond. Source

This doesn't make sense for a number of reasons. Lowell will not hit as well in Yankee Stadium, the money should be used to improve the pitching, and why would Lowell, a gold glover, want to move across the diamond. Maybe the Yankees are just trying to drive up his price for the Sox. The feeling here is that Lowell will accept his WS ring in a Red Sox uniform next season.

The Empty Corner

The "Who's on 1st?" routine that Abbott and Costello perfected, even to the amusement of Charlie Babbitt, fits the Yankees situation right now.

Abbott: Who's on first.

Costello: I don't know.

Abbott: He's on third, we're not talking about him

The Yankees aren't talking about their recent 3rd Baseman, but Brian Cashman and the Tampa contingent are going to have to work fast to figure out who will be manning the hot corner in 2008. The only worthwhile free agents are A-Rod and Mike Lowell. Lowell is coming off a monster regular season, plus a world series MVP. Unlike Scott Brosius with the Yankees in '98-'99, Lowell has done this before, so the Red Sox would be wise to keep him (as you recall Lowell was blocked by Brosius on the Yankees, and subsequently dealt to the Marlins for garbage Ed Yarnall.).

So then you start looking around at 2009 prospective free agents, who might get dealt for the '08 season is over. And then you keep looking at what other options are out there besides the instant incumbent, Wilson Betemit.

Miguel Cabrera, Florida
Big bat, big appetite. Since he made a major splash as a rookie, the Marlins' Cabrera has had an expanding offensive game and waistline. The latter is the bigger concern. He's been moody, temperamental, and lazy. And he's only 24. Girardi had him for one year, so he knows whether or not he can get Cabrera to focus or not. While a huge asset with the bat, he is a great liability with the glove. He'd be better off at 1st Base or DH. If the Yankees acquired him, it would probably make more sense to move him to 1st and let Betemit, and, maybe, Andy Phillips split time at 3rd. Peter Gammons reported today that the Marlins have made him available in trade talks.
Our take - great bat, but acting like Manny without Manny's resume. The bigger issue is the young pitching prospects the Marlins will demand back from the Yankees. We've already seen you can't win with a big hitting 3rd Baseman and no pitching. Pass

Chone Figgins, LAA
There have been rumors over the last 2 years about the Angels gauging interest in Figgins around the league. Whether or not it's true remains to be seen. What is true is that Figgins will be expendable if the Angels sign A-Rod. It's been reported that the Angels already haven spoken to Scott Boras. Figgins, who underwent surgery to remove the hamate bone in his left wrist, started out slowly last year due to injuries and finished the same way because of the hamate injury. But in between he was torrid.

Figgins would give the Yankees another lead off man at the bottom of the order, or he could truly lead off if the Yankees move Johnny Damon. Also has the ability to fill in spots in the outfield. Figgins will still be just 30 in January and has averaged 47 steals the last 4 years. Signed thru 2009.
Our take - Definitely worth negotiating. Figgins could give the Yankees additional opportunity to play small ball. Go for it.

Joe Crede
Crede is coming off back surgery, which caused him to miss all but 47 games this past season. Crede had a career year the prior season, belting 30 home runs to go with 94 RBI and a .283 average. His 3 year average (2003-2005) of .251-21-69 is probably closer to his norm. Crede doesn't walk much and is certainly no threat to steal. His big asset is his glove, which is gold glove caliber. Becomes a free agent after the 2008 season.
Our take - Tread cautiously. Might be worth it if the price is right (aka low). Tough to tell if he'll return to '06 form or be damaged goods. Maybe

Scott Rolen
Rolen has been beset by injuries 2 of the last 3 years. Underwent surgery in September to clean out a bothersome left shoulder. As good as it gets in the field. Can be expected to put up a .280-25-95, if healthy. He'll turn 33 as the '08 season begins and is signed through 2010 (about 11 mill per year).
Our take - Definitely worth talking to the Cards about. Now that Larry Bowa is out of pinstripes, you don't have to worry about the clash that helped drive Rolen out of Philly. Though 3 years older than Crede, he still is the better overall player. Again the price would have to be right, though this time it has more to do with money exchange (take my Igawa, please). Go for it.

Troy Glaus
Forget it, the free agent to be (after '08) is on a division rival. Won't happen.

Hank Blalock
Another player that will be a free agent, though there is a team option for the following year, after the '08 season. Blalock missed most the '07 season due to thoracic outlet syndrome, which affects the nerves that pass through the shoulder into the neck. Blalock had a rib removed from his upper chest to alleviate the condition. Average 29 HR-97 RBI from 2003 to 2005, before a drop off to 16-89 in '06. Should bounce back well this year. However, he's a much better hitter at hitter friendly Ameriquest park (.303) than he is on the road (.243). Has a very good glove and a strong arm.
Our Take - Combine the career road average with a .226 average against left-handers, and we say forget it. Pass

Pedro Feliz - the free agent averaged 21 HR, 84 RBI the last 4 years, but is a .250 hitters with
a .720 OPS Pass

Alex Rodriguez - You just never know.


So there you have it. Now obviously, the Yankees don't need to get 1 person to replace all of those HRs and RBI. With more production from 1st Base and DH, it can certainly balance out the offense. It also shows the importance of re-signing Jorge Posada. Ultimately this team will still only get its far as its pitching, and that's where the Yankees need to focus more of their money and attention.

The Empty Corner

The "Who's on 1st?" routine that Abbott and Costello perfected, even to the amusement of Charlie Babbitt, fits the Yankees situation right now.

Abbott: Who's on first.

Costello: I don't know.

Abbott: He's on third, we're not talking about him

The Yankees aren't talking about their recent 3rd Baseman, but Brian Cashman and the Tampa contingent are going to have to work fast to figure out who will be manning the hot corner in 2008. The only worthwhile free agents are A-Rod and Mike Lowell. Lowell is coming off a monster regular season, plus a world series MVP. Unlike Scott Brosius with the Yankees in '98-'99, Lowell has done this before, so the Red Sox would be wise to keep him (as you recall Lowell was blocked by Brosius on the Yankees, and subsequently dealt to the Marlins for garbage Ed Yarnall.).

So then you start looking around at 2009 prospective free agents, who might get dealt for the '08 season is over. And then you keep looking at what other options are out there besides the instant incumbent, Wilson Betemit.

Miguel Cabrera, Florida
Big bat, big appetite. Since he made a major splash as a rookie, the Marlins' Cabrera has had an expanding offensive game and waistline. The latter is the bigger concern. He's been moody, temperamental, and lazy. And he's only 24. Girardi had him for one year, so he knows whether or not he can get Cabrera to focus or not. While a huge asset with the bat, he is a great liability with the glove. He'd be better off at 1st Base or DH. If the Yankees acquired him, it would probably make more sense to move him to 1st and let Betemit, and, maybe, Andy Phillips split time at 3rd. Peter Gammons reported today that the Marlins have made him available in trade talks.
Our take - great bat, but acting like Manny without Manny's resume. The bigger issue is the young pitching prospects the Marlins will demand back from the Yankees. We've already seen you can't win with a big hitting 3rd Baseman and no pitching. Pass

Chone Figgins, LAA
There have been rumors over the last 2 years about the Angels gauging interest in Figgins around the league. Whether or not it's true remains to be seen. What is true is that Figgins will be expendable if the Angels sign A-Rod. It's been reported that the Angels already haven spoken to Scott Boras. Figgins, who underwent surgery to remove the hamate bone in his left wrist, started out slowly last year due to injuries and finished the same way because of the hamate injury. But in between he was torrid.

Figgins would give the Yankees another lead off man at the bottom of the order, or he could truly lead off if the Yankees move Johnny Damon. Also has the ability to fill in spots in the outfield. Figgins will still be just 30 in January and has averaged 47 steals the last 4 years. Signed thru 2009.
Our take - Definitely worth negotiating. Figgins could give the Yankees additional opportunity to play small ball. Go for it.

Joe Crede
Crede is coming off back surgery, which caused him to miss all but 47 games this past season. Crede had a career year the prior season, belting 30 home runs to go with 94 RBI and a .283 average. His 3 year average (2003-2005) of .251-21-69 is probably closer to his norm. Crede doesn't walk much and is certainly no threat to steal. His big asset is his glove, which is gold glove caliber. Becomes a free agent after the 2008 season.
Our take - Tread cautiously. Might be worth it if the price is right (aka low). Tough to tell if he'll return to '06 form or be damaged goods. Maybe

Scott Rolen
Rolen has been beset by injuries 2 of the last 3 years. Underwent surgery in September to clean out a bothersome left shoulder. As good as it gets in the field. Can be expected to put up a .280-25-95, if healthy. He'll turn 33 as the '08 season begins and is signed through 2010 (about 11 mill per year).
Our take - Definitely worth talking to the Cards about. Now that Larry Bowa is out of pinstripes, you don't have to worry about the clash that helped drive Rolen out of Philly. Though 3 years older than Crede, he still is the better overall player. Again the price would have to be right, though this time it has more to do with money exchange (take my Igawa, please). Go for it.

Troy Glaus
Forget it, the free agent to be (after '08) is on a division rival. Won't happen.

Hank Blalock
Another player that will be a free agent, though there is a team option for the following year, after the '08 season. Blalock missed most the '07 season due to thoracic outlet syndrome, which affects the nerves that pass through the shoulder into the neck. Blalock had a rib removed from his upper chest to alleviate the condition. Average 29 HR-97 RBI from 2003 to 2005, before a drop off to 16-89 in '06. Should bounce back well this year. However, he's a much better hitter at hitter friendly Ameriquest park (.303) than he is on the road (.243). Has a very good glove and a strong arm.
Our Take - Combine the career road average with a .226 average against left-handers, and we say forget it. Pass

Pedro Feliz - the free agent averaged 21 HR, 84 RBI the last 4 years, but is a .250 hitters with
a .720 OPS Pass

Alex Rodriguez - You just never know.


So there you have it. Now obviously, the Yankees don't need to get 1 person to replace all of those HRs and RBI. With more production from 1st Base and DH, it can certainly balance out the offense. It also shows the importance of re-signing Jorge Posada. Ultimately this team will still only get its far as its pitching, and that's where the Yankees need to focus more of their money and attention.