Yankees Correspondent Report: YANKEES- 3/11/02

YANKEES- 3/11/02

March 11, 2002

LATEST TEAM INFO:
Lots of old faces are gone such as: Tino Martinez (Cardinals), Paul O'Neill (retired),Chuck Knobloch (Royals) and Mark Wohlers (Cleveland). New faces in camp are Steve Karsay, Rondell White, Nick Johnson and of course Jason Giambi. However, these new and revamped Yankees can't stay healthy. The Yanks� camp has been dubbed "Camp X-Ray" so be sure to keep up with all the latest injuries.
LOCAL PERSPECTIVE:
There seems to be some unrest in the clubhouse. Apparently, Ruben Rivera is already wearing out his welcome in pinstripes. He had a private meeting with Joe Torre, Brian Cashman, Bernie Williams and Reggie Jackson. Rumor is that there was a problem between him and another player and that he may be released (even though he has a guaranteed contract for $1 million).
Spring training stats mean only so much, but Orlando Hernandez (El Duque) has been impressive in five scoreless innings. If he keeps it up there is no way he can be kept out the starting rotation (be it in NY or Frisco). On the other hand, Hitchcock has been awful, and if he keeps it up he should be banished to the bullpen (and off your draft sheets) for the start of the season.
RUMOR MILL:
This spring most rumors have El Duque landing in San Francisco. The way he has thrown in camp (5 scoreless innings 3 hits), don't look for that to happen just yet. The Yankees will wait to see if Pettitte, David Wells (Boomer) and Hitchcock are healthy enough to throw every 5th day. If all pitchers are healthy and no trade happens, look for Hitchcock to start the year in the bullpen since he's been awful this spring. But chances are El Duque will be dealt since Hitchcock makes more money, and the Boss is sweet on Boomer. Nonetheless, El Duque will end up a starter somewhere and is worth a late pick in most Fantasy Leagues.
INJURIES:
Pettitte- "slight" left elbow strain. Downgrade slightly on your draft list, even though Pettitte insists that he could pitch through this pain.
Williams-scratched from March 10th lineup with a strained calf. No effect on draft position. White-rib cage injury (still out). Downgrade on draft lists.
Ramiro Mendoza- neck injury (still out).
Giambi (tight hamstring), Jeter (stiff neck) and Posada (off-season shoulder surgery) all made it back to the lineup recently. No effect on their draft positions.
ON THE FARM:
Johnson is finally going to get his shot to play and may open the year at 1B since Giambi has a tight hamstring. He is much more valuable in leagues that use .OBP since he is likely to draw 80-100 walks in a full season. He will likely bat 8th, but with injuries could end up batting 2nd, 6th, or 7th. Likely worth a late pick, expect a .290 BA/20 HR/70 RBI.
Despite a good spring, Drew Henson will stay down on the farm at least until the all-star break. He still needs some seasoning.
BATTLE ROYAL:
It will be interesting to see what happens with the battle for Right Field between Vander Wal (.271 career hitter against righties) and Spencer (.330 career hitter against lefties). Torre will likely give Spencer a chance for the full-time job, but he won't keep it. However, if (and when) White goes down with injury both Spencer and Vander Wal will start. Look for Spencer to finally get 500 ABs.The starting rotation is locked with Roger Clemens, Mike Mussina and Andy Pettitte. This means the "3 to 2" battle for the last two rotation spots is between El Duque, Sterling Hitchcock and Boomer.
QUICK VIEW:
Add:
Robin Ventura (new, AL-only) - slow spring, but could be valuable in AL leagues at least until the All-Star break.
El Duque (new, ML) - has had such a good spring, that he may be the #4 starter ahead of Wells.
Steve Karsay (new, ML) - will be one of the best setup men in the league. Will get about 5 saves and help lower your ERA and WHIP.
Drop:
Rondell White (new, ML) - has a rib cage injury and will start off slowly. Still hasn't swung a bat this spring.