Carlos Pena
From DetNews.com:
New York has entered into serious discussions with former Tigers first baseman Carlos Pena.
The Red Sox, Dodgers and Chiba Lotte Marines also have shown interest in Pena, but baseball sources indicate the Yankees might be Pena’s most likely destination.
Bobby Valentine ‘s Marines have considered Pena, but the Yankees might be too great a lure for Pena, a left-handed hitter, who has spent most of his brief career with the Tigers.
The Yankees made no serious move to sign Pena in the first days after he was released March 26 by the Tigers.
However, sources told Newsday Yankees manager Joe Torre has become increasingly concerned about defensive liabilities and now favors signing Pena.
It isn’t known whether Pena would receive a major-league or minor-league deal, but he likely would have to begin a Yankees tenure in the minors because he hasn’t played since his release.
The Sabermetric Baseball Encyclopedia tells me that Pena hits like Aaron Rowand:
So, Carlos is an average batter – thereabouts. But, what does this mean for Andy Phillips? I think it says that Torre has no confidence in him whatsoever.
Now, don’t get me wrong, four months ago, I wrote:
Another problem that I have here is the assumption where many believe that Andy Phillips can hit. But, can he? Well, the experts at Baseball Info Solutions think that he can – they project him to bat .269 with a slugging percentage of .517. But, that’s based on what he’s done in Triple-A, at Columbus, over the last two seasons. And, I’m not buying the house based on what someone did in AAA at ages 27 and 28.
Fernando Seguignol, Orestes Destrade and Steve Balboni come to mind in terms of Triple-A sluggers who had their weaknesses exposed at the big league level. And, I believe that Phillips’ 13 whiffs in 40 ABs last year tell us that he has some holes in his swing.
This is no knock on the Phillips story. He’s a great kid. I have no problem with him being a defensive caddy at 1B in 2006. But, if you’re going to rely on him for 500 (or so) PA next season – you cannot do that without assuming great risk.
Therefore, I’m not saying that the Yankees are making a big mistake to give up on Phillips – because of his bat potential. Maybe Pena is a big upgrade with the stick?
In any event, three weeks ago, Torre did say that he was fine with Phillips being a defensive caddy for Giambi.
What happened in the first nine games of this season to change his mind?
OK, maybe, the Yankees fear a suspension of Giambi this season – and that’s what this is all about? They need to have someone with a little better track record than Phillips to fall back on (if Giambi is out).
Nah, that’s too thin, right?
It might just be insurance, in case Giambi breaks down or something. He could also be a useful lefty bat off the bench though…
Irrespective of who Andy Phillips is at this point, I see nothing wrong with making this move. In a tight game, when we need a PH, do we really feel great about choosing among Bubba Crosby, Miguel Cairo, Kelly Stinnett, Koye Hill and Andy Phillips? Would it be so bad to have another guy on the bench who has actually hit a few big league homers?
I’ve endorsed the move before, so I’m not going to rehash my comments here. Pena can back up @ 1b, DH & the corner OF spots
Having said that, what’s the deal with Torre & Phillips? When you’re getting benched in favor of Cairo, that’s not a good thing. Reminds me of when the Yanks were playing Pat Sheridan over Hensley Meulens way back when.
Raf – Pena has never played the OF ever, in the majors. And, IIRC, he was a 1B as a non-pro. So, how does he provide back-up in the OF corners?
FWIW, I just took a quick look at the Feilding Bible, and, Pena’s not that much of an upgrade on Giambi. So, the cover of “We need a defensive 1B” doesn’t work.
The more that I think about this move, I don’t get it.
I don’t know about his defense now, but I remember BA’s Prospect Handbook saying his was a Gold Glove caliber defender year after year.
I agree, Steve, I don’t get this at all. If they plan on using Pena, that makes Giambi a DH (which isn’t a good idea) and that puts Bernie on the bench full time (and I doubt Torre wants to do that). If they plan to use Pena they way they’re using Andy — which means not at all or a defensive replacement late in games — why would he want to come here? Someone mentioned pinch-hitting. That’s funny. Who do you pinch-hit for on this team? You have eight All-Stars and Cano’s a lefty (like Pena). And it hurts the argument a little since Pena can’t hit.
I don’t see how this move makes any sense. Andy is more than capable of coming into games late. And if this is because Giambi lumbers around first base, someone should have noticed that before, since he’s been doing it for years. What made them suddenly realize he has no mobility?
Presumably, Giambi is going to continue getting his 4 ABs per game, so is Pena that much of a defensive upgrade over Philips? I do like the idea of Pena DHing with Bernie sitting more often (sorry, Bernie) but then who gets dropped — oh, right the third catcher (forgot about Hill).
Plus, if Jason (& Sheff) get thrown under the bus along with Barry (thanks to the investigation of a part owner of the Red Sox) this is some insurance. But Carlos is going to have to prove himself at Columbus first. Last year the Tigers had to send himm down to Toledo to get his stroke back.
Baileywalk – I know the Yanks have 8 All-Stars and Cano but PH opportunities abound over 162 games. You’re telling me there isn’t an appropriate time to PH someone like Pena in for Bernie or on the days that Cairo/Stinnett are in the game? That’s just silly talk. I don’t care if it’s Pena or someone else, I just like the idea of improving the bench a bit. Right now, in a close game, I don’t think the other manager’s going to crap his pants if he sees Kelly Stinnett striding to the plate as a PH…
(Not saying that Pena puts any big-time fear into anyone but still, depth isn’t bad to have…)
Raf – Pena has never played the OF ever, in the majors. And, IIRC, he was a 1B as a non-pro. So, how does he provide back-up in the OF corners?
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I could’ve sworn Detroit was trying to convert him to RF/LF.
Quick research proves me wrong, I stand corrected.
At any rate, it’s good to have a little bench depth.
I agree with Bailey, why now all of a sudden (last couple of years, actually) is Giambi’s defense an issue?