12/06: Eric Duncan Being Pushed
Posted by: James
Update: Wednesday, the 8th, is Eric's 21st birthday. Happy Birthday Eric! Also, this article mentioned something that I hadn't realized as Eric was named MVP of the Arizona Fall League today (in light of his performance, I'm not surprised). The article goes on and is a pretty concise interview and Eric comes across as a real good kid.
This article in the Post struck me as a little odd. I have no problems with Eric Duncan being moved to first. I was advocating that move long before it happened. What surprised, and annoyed, me was that the Yankee brass were pushing Duncan all the way up to AAA this quickly, especially after a so-so performance in AA.
Anyone who's read my posts for a little while should know that I have a soft spot for the Yankees' farm system. I believe that there's a decent amount of talent there (far more than what Baseball America/ESPN might lead you to believe) especially at the lower levels. I especially like Duncan and think that he's a good kid who could, if given the opportunity, put up some really good numbers at 1B. However, there are flaws in his game right now and a .235/.326/.408 line at AA does not show that he has worked them out. Sure, he banged around AFL pitchers (.362/.423/.764) over the course of 94 ABs, but that's only a start. Now that he has his confidence back, start him at AA and when he shows that he can hit AA solidly, THEN move him up to AAA. I'm biased here but my way certainly seems more reasonable! Honestly, I would be ecstatic if this move worked out for the Yanks...I just have a bad feeling that it will hurt more than it will help.
This article in the Post struck me as a little odd. I have no problems with Eric Duncan being moved to first. I was advocating that move long before it happened. What surprised, and annoyed, me was that the Yankee brass were pushing Duncan all the way up to AAA this quickly, especially after a so-so performance in AA.
Anyone who's read my posts for a little while should know that I have a soft spot for the Yankees' farm system. I believe that there's a decent amount of talent there (far more than what Baseball America/ESPN might lead you to believe) especially at the lower levels. I especially like Duncan and think that he's a good kid who could, if given the opportunity, put up some really good numbers at 1B. However, there are flaws in his game right now and a .235/.326/.408 line at AA does not show that he has worked them out. Sure, he banged around AFL pitchers (.362/.423/.764) over the course of 94 ABs, but that's only a start. Now that he has his confidence back, start him at AA and when he shows that he can hit AA solidly, THEN move him up to AAA. I'm biased here but my way certainly seems more reasonable! Honestly, I would be ecstatic if this move worked out for the Yanks...I just have a bad feeling that it will hurt more than it will help.
Seamus wrote: