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May 31, 2012 -- 1:09PM, hampfan wrote:

Hamp the Yanks never seem to jump levels with the prospects. I think BigGuy said in another thread Austin and Sanchez probably would go to Tampa which I think is the higher level of A ball. They might use Austin more at 3rd there since he couldn't play it at Charleston with Bichette there. I think Murphy is a Tampa so what happens to him if Sanchez moves up.Is he ready for AA.

 With no prior restrictions on international free agents you would think the Yanks would be loaded with them .How does anyone defend Cashman on that ? I would like to hear that excuse.

 Ibanez has been much better then I expected but seeing Jones and Chavez who are way past their better days is part of what makes this team so old. It would be nice to see a kid with some legs who can play.  

Good points, all of them. I think BG did indeed mention that any promotion of Austin and/or Sanchez would be to Tampa. I'd like to see some imaginative boldnes, though, when it comes to at least some such "promotions." Certainly Sanchez and Murphy wouldn't be a good combo to work together.

Murphy hit very well at Charleston but not that great since jumping to Tampa last year. He's hitting .234 this year. I know they tried him at other positions but has mostly caught this year. Sanchez would take over the catching. Creative and Cashman doesn't really seem like a fit.Maybe because Hal is so focused on his budget.

 I hope they know what they are doing with Nunez because from what I have seen of him I don't see how you could put a glove and shaky arm like that anywhere in the infield. BigGuy said when he was playing steady he improved but he is shaky out there. I know he didn't show much in the OF but he never played there much so he had an excuse . From what I saw of him his skills appear to be more suited to the OF. He's fast and has a decent arm where he doesn't have to be on the money like you do in the infield. With work I'm sure he could be a decent glove out there which also baffles me as to why he didn't play winter ball in the OF .Did he even play there in ST? Adam Dunn and Soriano play the OF I'm sure Nunez can also. 

Jun 1, 2012 -- 11:06AM, louisiana_lightning wrote:

Let's look at where the Yankees have drafted their first pick out of 30 teams over the last decade:

• 2011 - 51st
• 2010 - 32nd
• 2009 - 29th
• 2008 - 28th
• 2007 - 30th
• 2006 - 41st
• 2005 - 17th
• 2004 - 23rd
• 2003 - 27th
• 2002 - 71st
• 2001 - 23rd

Clearly that has to be the latest consistant draft picks of any of the 30 MLB teams and there are several reasons.  The Yankees rarely finish in the basement, the Yankees are one of a few teams that can afford to keep their aging stars after their prime where compensatory picks are awarded, the Yankees often give up high compensatory draft picks to opponents when they sign their aging stars.  When you are a team who's number one pick is a second rounder to your opponents you often have to gamble by drafting guys that declared to College or are high risk personality or health wise.  The question shouldn't be why are the Yankees not developing the talent the other teams are, the answer to that is clear.  The question should be why do other teams' top picks pan out so seldom?  Look how young, cheap, and deep the Rays are.  Why has it taken them this long with all those top draft picks to accomplish this and why with all those advantages reaped from years of finishing last has it bore so little fruit?

All true LL but if doesn't answer the question of why the Yankees with their resources aren't loaded with international free agents.Thats where the could have made up for the constant low drafting positions. Now with the new CBA changes the have lost that advantage and didn't use the hammer while they could. Watching Chapman pitch for the Reds and making only 2 mill shows me somebody didn't do their homework.

 As far as the Rays that ownership hasn't been there that long and they are much better at what they do then the previous management.