Cash mentioned Montero’s ankle sprain (Grade III) in an interview on WFAN last week, noting that he may miss the GCL season. So there is some reason for optimism. Of equal importance, he also said that Montero looked good both offensively and defensively in EST.

Could you do update on how the kids who might fill Yankees need-positions are doing?  CF, 1B, utility, catcher, so forth.  Fer example, folks have been suggesting Phillips return to first, but does his performance in minors support that?  Or might there be another 1B possibility.  You know, that sort of update.

villainx, sure thing. I’ll try and get that done tonight.

Joba is awesome. 

I hadn’t been following Gardner much this year yet, but I’m loving the drop in his strikeout rate combined with the uptick in his ISO, especially as it hasn’t come at the expense of his walks. 

2006 Trenton
K/PA:  .16
BB/PA: .11

2007 Trenton
K/PA:  .10
BB/PA: .14

I demand a thorough scouting report on the two Chinese prospects we just signed .  It is imperitive that we aggressively build our brand in China.

I’ve heard great things about Gardner’s defense as well.  It would be nice if he can start hitting some home runs.  But if he continues to put up an OBP around .400, and can get his slugging (with double and triples) around .400 as well, with excellent defense and good SB ability, I’d imagine he would be at a minimum a great 4th OF, and quite possibly a starting CF.  .800 OPS doesn’t sound great, but I imagine that would be +6/7 base-runs for a CF.

Actually Mike, an .800 OPS from a CF who plays good D would be pretty good, at least this year.  AL Avg CF is hitting for an OPS of .749.  In 2006, it was .771, in 2005 it was .729.  Also, an OBP/SLG of .400/.400 is more valuable than an OBP/SLG of say .340/.460, I think, so not all .800 OPS are created equal.

I’ll try and get that done tonight.

Cool.  If it’s helpful, maybe a depth chart by position and how close to ready would be a nice feature (by grade and/or readiness).  Though you gots to be the one updating it, so whatever you do, I’ll enjoy.

I demand a thorough scouting report on the two Chinese prospects we just signed

Yeah, where’s the donation link, we can’t give you the international airfare unless you provide us a means.

go with an all prospect AAA rotation as opposed to running a retread out there.

You don’t subscribe to the mix of some retread to impart whatever big league knowledge they might have?

Thanks SG.  I was trying to make the point that it doesn’t sound good because 800 OPS is probably right around or a little under a 100 OPS+, but since he is a CF’r it would actually be pretty good because CF’r usually hit poorly (relative to other positions).  I seem to have done a poor job at making my point!  But also I guessed +6/7, and based on the OPS averages you have it looks more like +10 or 12 (assuming full season).  So even better than I thought.

Well, I’m rambling.  But the whole idea I guess is that if Gardner just plays at the level he is at, I think he would make a fine 4th OF, and if he can improve a little he’ll be a pretty good starter in center.

You don’t subscribe to the mix of some retread to impart whatever big league knowledge they might have?

Not when it’s Runelvys Hernandez who ate and lazied his way out of the bigs, if my memory serves.

I demand a thorough scouting report on the two Chinese prospects we just signed

Yeah, no.