Lee (Long Island)

Why do you continually bash the Pineda for Montero trade? Pineda was an all-star last season, has much more upside, and filled our biggest void going into the offseason. Montero has the potential to be Edgar Martinez. Pineda has the potential to be an elite starter. Your thoughts?

Andrew Marchand

  (1:32 PM)

I agree on that. I disagree that I have bashed Pineda. I actually thing the trade made a lot of sense.That said, I just posted something on our Yankees blog on ESPN New York on how Pineda could start in the minors.

Alex (Anaheim)

How many homers does Granderson get this year?

Andrew Marchand

  (1:33 PM)

I say Grandeson goes for 36 this year. A good number, just not as good as last year.

Chad Guinn (ABQ)

wondering who you think will be the starting pitching staff for this year?

Andrew Marchand

  (1:34 PM)

Right now, as I wrote on the blog, I would go CC, Kuroda, Nova, Hughes, Garcia.Pineda starts the year in the minors.

Lee (Ny NY)

Dont you think that Juan Pierre would have been a perfect dh for the yankees. He can steal bases play all over the outfield and will get on base in front of Cano, Arod and Tex.

Andrew Marchand

  (1:35 PM)

I would say he wouldn't be that good a choice. Maybe 10 years ago. I don't know if Ibanez will be great, but he is a better choice than Pierre right now.

Greg (LA)

Has Pineda done something wrong? Has he pitched poorly?

Andrew Marchand

  (1:36 PM)

The problem for Pineda is that he hasn't shon the great fastball that he had in the first half of last year.He also has been inconsistent in the strike zone. It is still early, though.

Chad Guinn (ABQ)

With that said why do you think that Pineda will start the year in the minors? isn't he big league ready?

Andrew Marchand

  (1:37 PM)

I think that Pineda has to earn his spot. He is not going to be given anything.

Daymon (NJ)

Has Kuroda shown anything good?

Andrew Marchand

  (1:38 PM)

Kuroda has been as expected. He has started off a little slowly, but he says that is normal for him and then he rounds into shape.With a veteran guy, their performance in the spring is less important.

Brian (Ridgewood)

Andrew, great stuff. Do you think they will go outside the organization for a closer when the inevitable happens?

Andrew Marchand

  (1:39 PM)

Right now, I would say no.I mean Robertson was maybe the best reliever in baseball last year and Soriano has led the league in saves before. So I think they have two candidates.And Joba can't be totally ruled out, but I would say he is a long shot, at this point.

shelly (long island)

i said when posada got the game winning hit against tampa it would hurt yanks chances of winning #28..it did..posada had to be the worse .450 hitter in playoff history..singles, too slow and bad runner on basepaths with noone driving him in..montero mite have hit a couple of hrs to win one more game against detroit

Andrew Marchand

  (1:41 PM)

Well, Montero didn't get to play in the playoffs, because Girardi was doing the righty-lefty thing, not playing the hot hand.That said, Montero might turn into a dominant bat.I will say this if the Yanks had made the Pineda trade at mid-season last year -- when Montero struggled at Triple-A, while Pineda was an All-Star -- then no one would be saying it was a bad deal.

Daymon (NJ)

If Joba is unhealthy this year, or if he gets injured, will he be traded? This question popped up because Mariano hints towards retirement and the only solid reliable guy they have is Robertson.

Andrew Marchand

  (1:43 PM)

Joba could be dealt.If everyone is healthy, I think the highest job I see for him is 7th inning guy. Robertson and Soriano are ahead of him, for sure.The Yankees may need to trade Joba one day because you can't pay 7th inning guys what Joba might be able to earn around '14 when the luxury tax situation comes into play.

al gordon (long island)

didnt cashman learn his lesson about young pitchers who are overweight and lose miles on their fastballs..ala joba & hughsie..when you trade a potential great hitter you should get back a no question ask starting pitcher..not one w/ question mark like pineda..do u agree

Andrew Marchand

  (1:45 PM)

Well, most people in baseball thought it was a great trade for the Yanks. They were asking how the Yanks got Pineda.We are two spring starts in so we may want to hold off calling it a flop.Pineda does seem overwhelmed with the environment so far, and has underwhelmed on the mound.

Chad Guinn (ABQ)

yea i agree with you on that. Who winds up as this years bench players?

Andrew Marchand

  (1:46 PM)

Lot of bench player questions.Barring injury, Nunez and Chavez back up in the INF and Jones is your fourth outfielder.

David (Jupiter FL)

Who is looking like the 25th man on the roster? Are the Yanks going to go with a second lefty or another utility guy?

Andrew Marchand

  (1:47 PM)

I would think second lefty.

Andrew Marchand

  (1:47 PM)

I don't Hall or Branyan make the team.

Andrew Marchand

  (1:49 PM)

Alright everyone, thanks for joining us. If you want to read more about Pineda, go here. http://es.pn/zuqw46