Shorthanded

By now you've read it elsewhere or heard the news: Jeter is out for the rest of the KC series (at a minimum), and Posada is also out for a length undetermined due to a sore shoulder in his throwing arm. Both, one, or neither could be headed for the DL. Yanks showing their age? There are roster implications, and of course implications on the field, where the Bombers 1,000-run-offense has been nowhere to be found. If DJ heads to the DL, does Alex (4 ks, yesterday) head for short? Do the Yanks need a backup backup catcher in the bigs? Announcements should come soon. Discuss here.

Comments

[Chris]

I believe that unless you're making a permanent switch (which I wouldn't be all that opposed to) I think you leave your third baseman at 3B.

[Atheose]

I would move ARod to short and put Miguel Cairo at 3rd. If memory serves me correctly he plays better at 3rd, and ARod is a better SS than Jeter is.

The news is especially painful with regard to Posada, considering the new contract and the ill effects his absense has on the pitching staff. As a Sox Fan though, I'm ecstatic at the idea of playing the Yanks this weekend sans Jeter and Jorge.

[LocklandSF]

It thought the prevailing thought was that Arod has bulked up too much to play SS effectively. I don't know if I buy that, I'm pretty sure other than pitcher or catcher, he would be better than most players at most positions.

[SF]

Jeter might get Pipped!

[sam-yf]

Uh miguel Cairo isnt even on the yanks this year!
I think you give Betemit another shot or two if Jeter is really gonna be back soon. If he does get DL'd then I think the move should be considered if Betemit cant show that he can hit.

[Paul SF]

And here I thought this title was about my absence on the site. ;-)

[krueg]

Leave Meaty at SS...isn't that why they traded for him? Leave ARod @ third where he belongs and hopefully Jeter will be back for the Sox series. We just need to stay .500 or above for the next month or so until the weather heats up and we'll be fine. It's amazing that after 8 games I'm reading articles saying the Yankees are done/old/not the same/etc...after 8 games???

[dabize]

Better be careful, SF

If you say stuff like that, word might get out that A-Rod gives Jeter the Pipp.....................

Although, I suppose that the real (larger) problem facing the Yanks is that just now there is nobody - not even A-Rod- who is really in a position to do that at SS, despite the long term need for a DJ replacement at that position.

[Adrian-YF]

DAMN YOU TAMPA BAY. We need Cervelli.

I've been indulging a fantasy wherein Jeter moves to first, A-Rod to short, and we have a platoon at third. It isn't going to happen for a whole host of reasons, but a man can dream.

[yankeemonkey]

Lay off the drugs, Adrian. The chances of that happening are somewhere between slim and none.

[Dionysus]

Its funny Adrian. Back when the Yanks were talking about aquiring Lowell and A-Rod, thats exactly what I reccommended. I popped over to a blog (I think it was Lohud which is HILARIOUS considering Im a Sox fan) and informed them that the optimum defensive arrangement would be Jeter at 1st, A-Rod at Short, Lowell at 3rd.

The anger and vitrol that came back was incredible. Most (not the ones here) YFs have a massive blind spot when it comes to Jeter

[yankeemonkey]

I avoid Lohud comments section like the plague. I feel like my IQ drops 10 points just for reading them....

[Polf]

Do the Yankees fans feel they have start looking for a SS now/soon, Jeter can probably play SS for a couple of more years, with there being a few question marks about his range now, never mind with a couple of years under his belt, if you did move him from SS were would you play him 1B or a corner out field spot

[Dionysus]

I read them for comedy, YM. Especially back when the Yankees were strugglign last year. Massive schaundfraude (sp?).

Polf, I suppose that depends, if I were a YF, on the player situation. By then I imagine Johnny and/or Matsui will no longer be able to play the field - and probably at least one will be off the team - then, unless a better outfielder is aquired, I'd try Jeter in the OF. Leave 1st open for, say, a Teixiera.

[yankeemonkey]

Both Johnny and Matsui will be in the last years of their contracts next year, as they both signed 4-year deals in '06.

[Dionysus]

Ah yes, I forgot that YM, thanks.

hmm I wonder if the Yanks will resign either. Almost definatly not Johnny, but maybe Matsui. Not sure off the top of my head who else will be available by then as an improvement over them.

[yankeemonkey]

Btw, PeteAbe sez Alberto Gonzalez is with the team in KC, most likely to serve as backup UIF. That ought to put the kibosh on all this Jeter-Pipping talk.

Unclear yet who hits the DL, or whether someone gets optioned down to make roster space.

[Dionysus]

Well, they have to make a decision by first pitch tonight right? So we'll know soon enough.

I'm not sure which I'd liek more. I'd LOVE both Jeter and Posada on the DL goign into the Sox Series. It'd be fun for us. However, I think overall I'd rather the Yankees keep him active at 1/2 production and maybe have a shot at losing him for even longer late in the season.

[yankeemonkey]

Thanks for the kind words. Jeez.

[Dionysus]

Sorry, YM. I normally try to avoid the harsher edge of the rivalry, but are you telling me you wouldnt love to see Papi or Paplebon out for a series against us? Or even better out for a month? Ultimately, we both want to win and, despite the powerful potential of the Jay snad the Rays, we are still each others primary competition

[yankeemonkey]

Yes, but I never wish an injury on a player, even a Red Sock. Karma's a bitch ;-)

[Dionysus]

Well it looks liek neither is hitting the DL according to the latest Lohud update.

[Dionysus]

Oh I dont WISH an injury. I was less wishign and injury, more wisshing for poor management of existing injuries

[Dionysus]

The only players I currently wish injury upon are: Barry Bonds (even though he's not playign yet), Brett Myers (wife beater), Ozzie GUillen (not a player, but I hate hate hate hate hate Ozzie)

[Dionysus]

Actually, besides the Yankees, I dont think theres a team I despise more than the ChiSox. I despise all levels of thei rmanagment from Ozzie to Kenny.

[yankeemonkey]

Good calls on Myers and Ozzie. Although, I don't wish them injury, I just hope they do disastrously badly and leave in ignominy.

[Dionysus]

Where's the gamer?!!

[Dionysus]

Lester's got soem velocity but is havign trouble with the zone. No problem though as a 1-out walk is all he gives up in the first.

Where's the gamer?

[Dionysus]

That innign Lesters velocity apparently sat around 93-94, its either a fast gun or some serious potential awesome.

[Dionysus]

SO the YFs get a gamer ... where's ours?

[yankeemonkey]

You haven't earned one. Like I said before, karma's a bitch ;-)

[attackgerbil]

Gotyer back, Dio.. it's up.

[SF]

Up top, Dio, thanks to the Gerb. Join in at the top of the blog!