Fan Confidence Poll: June 10th, 2013

June 10, 2013 by Mike Axisa 48 Comments

Record Last Week: 6-1 (29 RS, 18 RA)
Season Record: 37-26 (252 RS, 236 RA, 34-29 pythag. record), 1.5 games back in AL East
Opponents This Week: Mon. OFF, @ Athletics (three games, Tues. to Thurs.), @ Angels (three games, Fri. to Sun..)

Top stories from last week:

The week started with three games against the Indians, and Mark Teixeira‘s grand slam gave them a much-needed win in the opener. They took the second game thanks to a big inning, then CC Sabathia threw a complete-game to finish off the sweep.
The Yankees traveled to the West Coast next, taking the series opener against the Mariners on Thursday. They couldn’t hit Jeremy Bonderman in the second game, but Andy Pettitte led them to a win the next day. Chris Stewart’s ninth inning hit gave the Bombers three wins in four games at Seattle.
Injury News: Michael Pineda (shoulder) hit 95 mph during his first minor league rehab start on Sunday. Kevin Youkilis (back) is day-to-day. Eduardo Nunez (ribcage) has begun doing rotational work. Both Vidal Nuno (groin) and Brennan Boesch (shoulder) were placed on the Triple-A DL.
Chien-Ming Wang opted out of his minor league contract and signed with the Blue Jays. The Yankees are included in Cliff Lee-s no-trade list. They released Ben Francisco, Clay Rapada, and Cody Eppley.
The Yankees used their three first round draft picks on Notre Dame 3B Eric Jagielo, Fresno State OF Aaron Judge, and California HS LHP Ian Clarkin.
Anthony Bosch tried to extort Alex Rodriguez before agreeing to cooperate with MLB and their Biogenesis investigation. A-Rod is one of 20 players the league is looking to suspend.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

{democracy:310}

Eddard

I hope we see more 10s on the board this week because that’s where I’ve been at for 6 weeks. They have as good a 1-2-3-4 as anyone in baseball. CC is finally heating up, Andy is back, and Kuroda and BGDP are models of consistency.

Teix and Youk are just getting back in the swing of things. They’ll come around. It’s Robbie Cano I’m concerned with. He’s in a contract year and should be hitting .320. He’ll be hitting .260 soon if he doesn’t come out of this funk. Hafner and Wells have cooled. I think they need to give Overbay more playing time even in these big AL West ballparks.
- MannyGeee
  
  Didn’t consistent Kuroda give up 4 runs last time out? Jus sayin
  - JohnnyC
    
    Haters will hate.
Eddard

The only question for me about the rotation involves the #5 starter, Phil Hughes. If Michael Pineda does well in his rehab starts I would be looking for an NL West trade partner for Philbert. Phil said himself he loves pitching in big pitchers ballparks like Safeco. We might be able to get something for Phil before he walks in FA, and he will walk in FA.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Never too much pitching, Eddard.
- YanksFan
  
  I would guess that most fly-ball pitchers would prefer to pitch in bigger ballparks. If you can trade him for an “A” prospect do it. However, they would not get that prospect and he has more use for us as a pitchers.
Robinson Tilapia

LIVE FROM SOUTH BEACH

9.

What was it about hanging with the pack until May? It’s June. We’re still with the pack and still aren’t at full health.

Also, look who’s picking it up at AA. Look who had a good rehab start. We’re starting to see what we hoped all along we’ll see, and we’ve held our own thus far.

Yes, this was written right from the pool. The pool girl has a side-body-length tattoo. It looks good.
- The Real Me
  
  Hmmmm. How much of that full side-body-length tattoo is covered? (hoping to hear “None!”) ;-)
- Pat D
  
  I doubt that last statement.
- Andy in Sunny Daytona
  
  Pics, or it never happened.
The Real Me

I remain at a 7. The team is performing well despite the lack of offense due to outstanding pitching. However, longer term (2-5 years out), I am a bit concerned. I certainly hope what we’re seeing of Robbie recently is just a blip on the radar and not indicative of the beginnings of a decline. I’m also concerned about how next year’s starting pitching & closer roles will addressed. It seems like there could be some issues, however it’s also possible that the Brother’s Stein open the purse strings and bring in some new talent long term.

Until I see what the longer term strategy seems to be, I’ll remain cautiously optimistic.
Travis L.

The RailRiders roster page doesn’t list Ronnier Mustelier anymore. It lists Cody Grice. WTF????
- Travis L.
  
  Scratch that…he was just added as an infielder. N/M
MannyGeee

As much as I want to jump up and down over a 6-1 week, I am going to be the Debbie Downer here and remind you that Cleveland (yes, even the Fightin’ Titos version) and Seattle are supposed to be teams you beat up on. I would be much more curious to see what they do as they go down the coast.

All this being said, its nice to see the Yankees beating teams they are supposed to again. The first encouraging draft in many years, general health starting to trickle back in to the system, and contributions from the farm on top of the scrap heap are all very encouraging this year.
YanksFan

My usual 9. They’re in the mix. Would still be 4 out if they didn’t overplay their pythag. Plus they have reinforcements coming without having to trade any pieces.

Longer term I can see the issues but look around the farms of the competition. Who is head and shoulders about. Add to that that TB can’t keep their guys long term. Add to that that a good chunk of those will not reach their ceilings. How can I not still feel good. The NYY have as much high-end guys as some of them and they’re proven the last few years that they know BP pieces. And some nice depth in case of injury.
mitch

I’m still at a 7. The pitching has been outstanding, but the offense still worries me. I don’t think they can sit around and wait for Youk/Tex to get into form and Grandy/Jeter to get healthy. Eventually some of these 1 run wins will turn into 1 run losses. I’d be a lot more comfortable if they found another OF bat.
LarryM FL

Back up to 7, my concern is the hitting. The pitching will hit patches of non dominating performances. This team can not hit with the better offensive clubs such as Detroit, Boston and Rangers. Teams which we’ll have to get past in the playoffs. I believe this team can make the playoffs but I have a tough time believing it can compensate for a lack of dominate pitching. So I believe Cashman will have to do something to improve the offense until then I can not go higher with fan confidence rating.
On another note Youkilis played first and slid into the bag on a ground ball . Either he has to stop playing first base or stop sliding into first its the second time his back has caused him to miss games after this defensive move.
- JohnnyC
  
  Youkilis can’t move quickly. The pitchers (CC are you listening?)have to hustle to first base better. PFP for the win.
  - LarryM Fl
    
    Pettitte was in position but Youkilis made the decision not to throw. If he’s that brittle then he’ll be on and off the bench with a sore back all season long.
- http://PAB I remember the CBS years!
  
  I guess Bobby V. was right about one thing!
Bavarian Yankee

still a 6. Almost voted 7 for not fucking up the draft :D
steves

There are 2 teams in Yankee history that have a similar runs scored/runs against and comparable success profile as the 2013 Yanks:

1970: 680/612; 93-69 (3rd best league record);(actual)
1974: 671/623; 89-73 (3rd best league record);(actual)
2013: 648/607; 95-67 (3rd best league record);(projected/63 games).

Of course, without the wild card, the 1970/1974 Yanks are lost in the obscurity of Yank teams that did not make the post-season. If these are reasonable comps, though, at least there is some kind of hopeful precedent that maintaining this run differential can still result in 90+ wins and, with the wild card, a post-season berth. Put me down for an 8 in that case.
trr

A very solid ‘6’.
Still many questions to be answered….
Is this team really a gritty, grind it out, win somehow team that’s gonna be in contention all year long? or will the house of cards come crashing down? Will all the injured return? Will they yield positive, meaningful impact? Can we add valuable pieces at the trading deadline?
The draft looked strong, but come some of the underperforming prospects in our farm system pick it ip?

With so many questions, I actually find this to be a very compelling season. Looking forward to some positive outcomes….
Jim Is Bored

7, where I’ve been for a while and can’t imagine moving too far away from until post-asb.
- CS Yankee
  
  Another 6-1 week will move to an eight regardless of when the stars return.
  
  Like the upside of the Clarkin kid & it seems like the others were decent choices so that raises the score fractionaly for me. Add in Pineda tossing 95 and being effective.
  
  Blue skies ahead, i believe.
Cool Lester Smooth

Don’t look now, but Chris Stewart is rocking a 91 wRC+.

Guys, a player is reaching his absolute offensive ceiling before our very eyes!
- trr
  
  hope he doesn’t hit his head…
  
  given the current circumstances, actually I’m pleased with what we’ve gotten from him (Stewart) so far. Romine has not established himself as a MLB hitter yet…hoping Cervelli is able to come back sooner rather than later, as we’d have to worry about Stewart breaking down if we have to run him out there every day.
  
  Still yearning for an upgrade at C, but the pickin’s are slimmer than Edwar Ramirez on a hunger strike….
  - FEED.ME.MORE!
    
    Edwar Ramirez WAS on a hunger strike from the looks of things.
  - LarryM Fl
    
    When you use the name of Edwar Ramirez there is a country in Central America that bows in reference to his change- up and the 13 people that lost their lives in the bleachers when hit by the change-up turned around.
FEED.ME.MORE!

I’m at an 8, due to the issues in the corner OF spots. But Gardner has been hot, Tiex has given us power (even if the avg is bad), and the pitching has been amazing. We’ve gotten so much from Phelps and Nuno and Claiborne and Warren, it has to bouy your perception of the Yankee farm system.

Also, the draft and the improved performance of Depaula and Austin and Slade helps boost my long-term view of the team.

Judge will be my favorite prospect once he signs. A guy with that size and athleticism is very exciting.

Pulling for Nunez and Cisco to get back soon. I’m a sucker for homegrown players.
Kosmo

Soon Sanchez, Murphy, DePaula and possibly Austin and Ramirez will be among a few others promoted. I´m hoping they let DePaula skip high A ball. I have a good feeling about this kid Jagielo.
Current concerns over the lack of production from Cano, Wells, Youk and to a lesser extent Tex. Up until now Youk has been a total waste of 12 million. Wells and Cano 1 good month.
The entire pitching staff has been stellar.
Are we in general seeing less offense throughout MLB? It appears hitting is down and the pitching has improved. Softer baseballs, the pitching mounds a little higher, less PEDs ?

I´m at a 7.
CS Yankee

7

Need more Overbay, less Wells & Adams…not sure how this happens though. Hopefully, they rest Youk’, DH Teix and play Overbay a few games against some RHP’s.

Hard to believe that Nix, Stew’ and Ichiro are the mainstays that are getting productive runs.

Sure could use Grandy and park one of the corner OFers. Suppose little chance they demote Adams and bring up Musty or Neal (flavors of the month)
The Doctor

It may be a bit irrational considering they haven’t even signed yet, but the drafting of three first round picks has made me more confident in the team. The farm system wasn’t weak going into the year, but it’s certainly had its struggles. Seeing some potentially huge talents come in makes the organization as a whole that much stronger. If nothing else, they added great trade chips to the mix and should be able to use them for something.
TomH

The miracle Yanks of 2013, with their over-the-hill lineup, are a tribute to the overwhelming importance of pitching. If the staff stumbles goodbye miracle.
- Henry Krinkle
  
  The question is when will the creme de la creme rise in Tonronto and to a lesser extent, when will the Yankees be 10 out?
  - Henry Krinkle
    
    Or Toronto.
  - TomH
    
    I take your point and reply as I did earlier, to someone else. The soothsayer warned Caesar to stay away from the Capitol on the “ides of March.” As Caesar approached the Capitol on that day, he saw the Soothsayer and said, triumphantly: “The Ides of March have come.”
    
    “Aye Caesar,” the prophet replied, “but not gone.” Get back to me in October. It looks like the Yankees are safely free of the 10-game deficit, but it would take them 2 weeks to “catch down” with Toronto.
    
    More to the point Toronto’s GM tried to improve the team. The Yankees virtually to weaken their team.
    
    See me in October.
    
    PS: You know, I assume, that I would love to eat crow.
    - Henry Krinkle
      
      In the process of trying to improve his team, Alex A, may have made them worse in the long term iwithout accomplishing anything this year. D’Arnaud and Snydergaard are top prospects. I can only imagine what you would be saying about Cashman if he traded top prospects like that and was 10 games out in June. A.A. also had a lot more need to improve his team.
      I will see you in October. Your predictions for this year were so over the top negative that I feel confident that you will be deserving of eating crow.
BK2ATL

I’m up to an 8.

MLB club is winning, somehow, and with the reinforcements coming. Pineda’s return might be a season-changer in the 2nd half and towards the 2014 budget.

I like the prospects in the pipeline, but selfishly wish the organization were more aggressive with their development.

I really liked the results of our 1st round of the draft. We have tangible prospects without major question marks, unlike recent memory (Hensley’s arm, Culver and Bichette Jr.). It’s crazy that 2 of the 3 already jump into the top 10 org. prospects right off the bat. That says a lot in both ways, ex. are they really that good, or what the hell have we been drafting/developing in past few years?
- The Doctor
  
  2 of the 3? Which one doesn’t? Keith Law was saying all 3 would be in the middle of the top 10.
  - BK2ATL
    
    Clarkin. Seemed like the power bats pushed people down. Jagielo more towards very soon (2014-2015), Judge shortly thereafter. I think Clarkin would be in his top 15 though.
    
    Here’s his excerpt on Clarkin.
    
    “Clarkin was inconsistent this spring in command, but his velocity was strong at year end and he would have gone in the teens had he performed better.”
    
    Still scary that this draft bumps kids from the last 2-3 drafts completely out of the top 15, and exciting at the same time.
shittyshittybangbang

8 on the pitching, 6.66666 on the hitting. Yup, broke-it down into 2 cats. Aint doin’ the math for the average. Question for the group; if you’re nyy, do you draw a line in the sand regarding cano ? If you deem him “un-signable”, what do you do ? Trade him, or let him play out the year (pujols/cardinals) ? Hope that teams come to their collective senses regarding these insane contracts, and cano’s team comes back to negotiate with nyy ?
- The Doctor
  
  The Cardinals won a World Series letting him play out the year and have been more than fine since then.
  
  This isn’t even a question. You keep him.
- fin
  
  I think a lot will depend on what the Yankees think they have over the next 3 or 4 years of his contract. More than any other time in the last 20yrs the Yankees look like they have some rebuilding to do. With Cano’s level of play being assumed to diminish after 3 or 4 years, is it worth paying him with what the Yankees can expect from their team during his prime production years of the contract. I would sign him to a 6yr deal, anything more and I have to let him walk. Just cant sign a guy at his age to 7-10yrs post steroid era. Between the Arod and Puljos deals the Yankees have had to learn something about singing guys over the age of 30 to very long term deals, and just how fast they can go bad. Even Tex, had the Yankees signed him 2 years later, imagine what a disaster that contract would have been…The Yankees got what they paid for until tex got to the wrong side of 30.
The Doctor

Red Sox DFA Pedro Ciriaco

Confidence rises to a 10.
King of Fruitless Hypotheticals

10!

Yankees drafted 2 Appalachian State players. If they can sign them both, I’m a 10 for quite some time…
fin

I remain at a 6. I still think the odds are long of this offense holding up for 162 games and the Yankees making the playoffs. This is a horrendous offense and I don’t think its going to get much better because the guys they need to come back the most Jeter and Arod may not make it back and if they do we have absolutely no idea what they will have left.

With the Yankees needing to completely rebuild their offense while reducing payroll next year, as well as the questions of Petite and Kuroda returning, next year and the Year after could be rough as there doesn’t seem to be anyone in the system right now ready to step up and help the big team offensively. Pineda coming back healthy and dominant seems like almost a necessity at this point so the Yankees don’t have to sink money into the pitching staff.
Brian in NH

Still no offense. I find a 2-1 or 3-1 game to be enticing, I love a pitchers duel. But they are a little nerve racking, and they can’t keep this up. They need to figure out how to score runs, without throwing away outs by bunting.