06/01: KT on the Rise
Posted by: James
Steve Lombardi points out that Kevin Thompson is on his way to Detroit to be activated for tonight's game. I'd write more about it but that post by Steve (as is to be expected) succinctly covers most of the important pieces.
The only part of the post that disappoints me a little is about Andy Phillips losing playing-time. I mean, it's not like he gets much as is but with Thompson up, Bernie (who has really helped the Yanks since Hideki went down and very quietly hit .301/.353/.409 in May) will take up any DH at-bats he might have otherwise seen. It's unfortunate as after a slow start, Andy has started to come around, hitting .306 in limited time in May. With more time, I'm sure that you'd start seeing flashes of the power he displayed in the minors as well. Still, Phillips is probably the best option for the backup first baseman as Carlos Pena has cooled off quite a bit in AAA (.248/.371/.414/.785 with only a 30% XBH rate).
As as aside, there was a lot of talk the last time he (Thompson) was passed over (in 2005 for Melky) that he got more than a little upset about not being considered for the promotion. Hopefully, KT doesn't get too excited trying to prove himself and plays well enough to displace Terrence Long as the backup outfielder. Thompson, as has been noted both here and eslewhere before, has quite a bit more to offer (i.e. a decent bat and great speed - 188/51 SB/CS in his minor league career).
Also, check out those splits on Bernie, especially the difference when he hits righty versus lefty and how he does against the starter and relievers. Talk about night and day.
The only part of the post that disappoints me a little is about Andy Phillips losing playing-time. I mean, it's not like he gets much as is but with Thompson up, Bernie (who has really helped the Yanks since Hideki went down and very quietly hit .301/.353/.409 in May) will take up any DH at-bats he might have otherwise seen. It's unfortunate as after a slow start, Andy has started to come around, hitting .306 in limited time in May. With more time, I'm sure that you'd start seeing flashes of the power he displayed in the minors as well. Still, Phillips is probably the best option for the backup first baseman as Carlos Pena has cooled off quite a bit in AAA (.248/.371/.414/.785 with only a 30% XBH rate).
As as aside, there was a lot of talk the last time he (Thompson) was passed over (in 2005 for Melky) that he got more than a little upset about not being considered for the promotion. Hopefully, KT doesn't get too excited trying to prove himself and plays well enough to displace Terrence Long as the backup outfielder. Thompson, as has been noted both here and eslewhere before, has quite a bit more to offer (i.e. a decent bat and great speed - 188/51 SB/CS in his minor league career).
Also, check out those splits on Bernie, especially the difference when he hits righty versus lefty and how he does against the starter and relievers. Talk about night and day.
