So, now that the season is over, a bunch of in house roster moves have been made. Most people wont care about these, but they are significant nonetheless for the growth of the franchise.
Phil Coke and Chad Moeller have been brought up to the majors. Coke was a part of the package to go to Pittsburgh when they found some concern in his shoulder. He's a lefty who can throw low 90s and has a very good changeup. Since the deal fell through, he's been converted to relief. After an initial difficult adjustment, he threw 10 consecutive scoreless innings prior to last nights crappy outing. He'll audition for the second lefty spot come 2009.
Moving up to AAA to take their place are Oneli Perez and Zach Kroenke. Perez is the guy we got off waivers from the White Sox. He's 25, throws ched and was on the fast track to the bigs until he flat out sucked in AAA for the Sox and was DFA'd. He came here and after an initial adjustment, has been ridiculously good in AA over his last 10 games. (22IP 12H 30K 7B
. He's a Rule V guy next yr so if he doesnt get protected, he's gone. He needs to prove he can pitch above AA. Kroenke is a lefty sidearmer who has been working multiple inning stints this yr, but his future is as a matchup lefty.
Moving to AA are two guys who should pique yankee interests. Christian Garcia will get a shot at pitching in the AA playoffs. Garcia is a former 3rd round pick from 2004 who has been a yankee top 10 prospect since his draft. But injuries to both the elbow (TJS) and knee (ACL reconstruction) have seen him miss about 2 full yrs from mid 2006 to mid 2008. This yr, he has battled some dead arm which is common for guys recently removed from TJS. When he has been pitching, he's been solid. 60K in 49IP as a starter is nasty. There is a question as to whether he'll be in the organization next yr. He's Rule V eligible, and even though he's been injured, he's still a tall kid with lights out power stuff. Also moving to AA is Humberto Sanchez. Sanchez is the centerpiece the yankees got in the Sheff deal. He had TJS in spring training of 2007 and then had to have the elbow opened again in February to have bone chips removed. Upon his return, he's been converted to a reliever and moved slowly through the system. Now in AA, he'll get a shot at AA playoffs. Sanchez will be in AAA next season and a potential yankee callup for pen duty if needed.
Non-significant roster moves
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