Cashman On Alberto Gonzalez
From the Times -
Cashman sounded especially excited at the progress of shortstop Alberto González, who was acquired from Arizona in the Randy Johnson trade last season.
“Most people believe that, especially if he hits, he can be an everyday player in the big leagues,” Cashman said of González. “He’s already above average defensively, and he really hit the heck out of the ball in the second half.”
González batted .247 for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, leading all Class AAA shortstops in fielding percentage (.976), and tying for the lead in triples, with 10.
Just one question: Where would the Yankees play him if he’s an “everyday player in the big leagues”? If A-Rod leaves, do you talk to Jeter about moving to third base in 2008?
If Cashman and/or Torre could pull off that move (Jeter to third), I just might…well, I don’t know what I would do…but, it would be something.
Even though Jeter has a strong enough arm, he can’t play third. He has no range to his left, remember? With third base, that’s even more important.
Cashman has said definitively that Derek Jeter is the Yankees shortstop. He’s just going to play there until his offense doesn’t negate his horrible defense.
Jeter to CF, Melky to LF — Matsui DH or Melky to RF and not resign Abreu?
Or,
AG for a catching prospect?
Maybe Jeter’s patella tendinitis is an excuse to finally move him off SS? Here’s more on the condition:
http://www.massgeneral.org/sports/injuries/knee_patella.html
.715 career OPS in the minors
.300 OBA in AAA
He’s got -40 RCAA written all over him.
The other Alberto Gonzalez was finally disgraced into resigning. If this Alberto Gonzalez is ever a starter for us, you’ll be wanting the same.
“if he hits.” How often do players who hit little in the minors discover the secret to successful hitting in the majors or in Triple A? Gonzales isn’t going to move Jeter off short in the next 2-3 years. Cashman is pumping up Gonzales’s value, perhaps for the trade market.