In fairness, the only reason the Nationals have imposed a 160-inning cap on Strasburg’s 2012 season is to protect his arm in his first full season back from Tommy John surgery. I don’t really have a problem with that.  I mean, it’s better than if they decided to subject him to Dusty Baker‘s School of Pitcher Abuse.  A cap of 160 innings is silly though.  Consider that a lot of Strasburg’s innings are going to be of the 10-or-fewer-pitches variety.  Does it make sense for an eight pitch inning in which Strasburg barely breaks a sweat to count against his season cap?  Hell no.  There are several other things that the Nationals could and should do to protect their young arm – manage pitch count and manage fatigue for example.  Pitching fatigued is probably a larger culprit in pitcher injuries than simply “racking up innings”.

Before I get someone riled up and ready to jump through the screen at me (highly unadvised as that would result in a karate chop to the Adam’s apple), let me say that I am all for Strasburg remaining healthy and enjoying a long, successful career that lands him in Cooperstown.  Let the guy pitch though.  The way I see it, if a pitcher’s elbow is going to go out, it’s going to go out.  Remember Joba Chamberlain‘s “Joba Rules”?  Those sure worked out well.  Remember Mark Prior‘s “flawless mechanics”?  So much for that.  How about the talk that Justin Verlander‘s violent delivery was going to lead to injury?  Maybe the industry simply doesn’t know as much as they think they do regarding pitching mechanics, workloads and injury prevention.

As Stephen Strasburg inches closer to the predetermined 160 inning limit, the Washington Nationals are going to be faced with quite the dilemma – especially if they remain in playoff contention.  If they handle things correctly now though (don’t let him labor through long stretches, don’t let him crank out any 120+ pitch starts, etc.), they won’t have to fret over letting him pitch 180-185 innings this season.

If you are on board with the ‘Free Stephen Strasburg’ campaign (or if you’re not), let’s on Twitter @craigmwilliams.

Before I start on personnel discussion, let me address the cause of Rivera’s injury.  As we know, Rivera was injured shagging flies during batting practice.  I know there are at least a few people wigging out (do people even say that anymore?) about a relief pitcher running around after fly balls before a game.  I can understand where they are coming from.  Similarly, whenever Rivera got an at-bat during interleague play, I always rooted for a strikeout.  The last thing I want is for him to have to run the bases and hurt a foot or ankle.  However, I just can’t get worked up over the cause of this particular injury.  Maybe in the future the Yankees ban pitchers from partaking in such activities, but he’s been doing this for years – nearly decades.  This injury could have happened covering first base.

Moving on.  The only thing the New York Yankees can do at this point is plug the holes.  Either David Robertson or Rafael Soriano will take over the closer’s role.  I prefer the former, but the latter is pulling in a bigger paycheck and has some experience in the role – two points that could factor into who pitches in the eighth inning and who pitches in the ninth.  It doesn’t make a big difference to me as long as each one is pitching the way he is capable of.  The more pressing issue is the seventh inning.  In an old school world, the Yanks would just ask their starters to go deeper or their set-up man and closer to pitch multiple innings more often.  We’re in a new age though and each club has to designate a specific guy for each of the last three innings.  Enter Phil Hughes.

I had been a part of the the Hughes-in-the-rotation camp all offseason and throughout Spring Training, but I’m officially changing my tune.  David Phelps has already banished one struggling Yankee to the bullpen and now it is time for Andy Pettitte to do the same.  Honestly, the way Hughes was pitching, he was headed to the bullpen anyway.  The difference now is that he’ll have a legit role as the 7th inning guy (I presume) as opposed to knocking around as an extra arm.  Considering Pettitte is making his next start in Triple-A, I think it is pretty safe to suggest that Pettitte could be back in the New York Yankees rotation by Memorial Day.

There is no way for the New York Yankees to replace everything that Mariano Rivera brings to the table, but at least they have the ability to plug the holes with capable players.  Hopefully the injury bug moves on though because the Yanks have blown through their first layer of starting pitching depth.

For more reaction and speculation regarding the New York Yankees and their pitching staff follow me on Twitter @craigmwilliams.

Back in 2005, Encarnacion ranked as the No. 2 prospect in the Cincinnati Reds organization.  I realize that 2005 is a generation ago when discussing prospects, but it just goes to show that his physical skills and tools have always been well-regarded – the offensive ones at least.  Even with his up-and-down play and general inconsistency, E5 has periodically shown flashes of the type of potential he possesses.  In 2006 he cracked 26 homers as a 25 year old, one year after batting .289 in 502 at-bats.  He just has not been able to put it all together in one season…

…until now, perhaps.  It hasn’t even been one month so we can’t buy too much into Encarnacion’s .289/.326/.554/.880 start.  Nor should we freak out over his five homers and seven doubles – not yet at least.  However, there are signs that suggest that Encarnacion’s hot start in 2012 is legit – most importantly, the improved command of the strike zone. Not only did Encarnacion display improved K and BB percentages over the full 2011 season compared to 2010, but his work after the All-Star break in 2011 was stellar.  His post-break line included an .887 OPS with a 34-38 walk-to-whiff ratio.  We’re only talking about a sample of 234 at-bats here, but these small second half samples often serve as a preview of improved production.

Personally, I think Edwin Encarnacion is ready to settle in as a legit power threat in the middle of the Toronto Blue Jays’ lineup in 2012.  He is currently sporting a 5-16 walk-to-whiff ratio so we’ll see how much of his improved strike zone command carries over throughout the rest of the season, but so far the power appears to be real.  If someone asked me for a bold prediction, I would roll the dice on a .275/.330/.510 slash line with 30 bombs and 90 RBI.  Good for the Toronto Blue Jays, but potentially sucky for the rest of the American League (b)East.

I can’t promise a steady diet of Toronto Blue Jays banter, but you should follow me on Twitter just in case.

Diagnosed with an anterior labral tear of the right shoulder, Pineda will miss the rest of this season and the early portion of next season.  According to Brian Cashman, a full recovery is expected to take a full calender year.  I should have waited before writing this up because I am bound to say something stupid out of the anger, disappointment and frustration I’m feeling right now.  I’ll try not to make myself look like a complete idiot, but you’ll have to excuse me if I do.

I was not a fan of the trade when it happened, but I want to be fair here.  I had my heart set on Jesus Montero developing as the New York Yankees’ next big bat – gradually taking hold of the reigns from Robinson Cano over the next 4-5 years. Objectively, however, I did recognized the value that Pineda could provide the Yanks so I can’t sit here and call for Brian Cashman to be fired or anything that radical.  I will say that I’m getting a little frustrated with this team’s conservative approach in certain areas that could potentially negate such blockbuster trades as the one they pulled off in January.

Would the New York Yankees have been better off spending the money on Yu Darvish?  Ridiculously unfair question at this point and despite his gem against the Bombers last night, we don’t really know what to expect from him.  Even before Darvish signed though, I wanted the Yanks to roll the dice on him to avoid having to trade Montero to fill their pitching needs.  They bid some ridiculously low figure – $15 million maybe, I can’t remember exactly – so they didn’t come anywhere close.  Combine this with the conservative approach they’ve taken in the draft the past couple of seasons and the frustration starts to build.  Note: While it is very easy to sit here today and wish that Taijuan Walker or Nick Castellanos was in the organization instead of Cito Culver, I have to say that this is the frustration coming out.  And to be fair, signing Darvish did not guarantee that the Yanks would not have traded Montero.

This is the worst case scenario for the New York Yankees and Michael Pineda.  I have no idea how close to his old form he’ll be able to return to upon recovery, but personally, I’m not going to get my hopes up for anything.  Life will go on and the New York Yankees will continue to contend in the American League, but this is the type of disappointment that makes me want to forget about following real teams for a while and just focus on fantasy baseball where I get to call my own shots.

The season is still young so instead analyzing a 30 at-bat or a two start sample, I’m just going to talk about what I’m hoping to see from the New York Yankees’ top six prospects in 2012:

1. Manny Banuelos (Triple-A, Scranton-Wilkes/Barre)

2011 – 129.2 IP, 3.75 ERA, 125 K, 71 BB (AA/AAA)

The biggest concern that New York Yankees fans have with Banuelos is his control.  ManBan was originally lauded as a guy with great poise and feel for pitching as opposed to a guy that can dominate with stuff.  Over the past couple of seasons though the Yanks have seen upgraded stuff from their young lefty.  Perhaps the extra hair on Banuelos’ offerings is what is causing the struggles as he continues to adjust.  Either way, the walks need to be reduced dramatically in 2012 if Banuelos has any plans on joining the Yanks this season.

2. Gary Sanchez (Low-A, Charleston)

2011 – 301 AB, .256/.335/.485, 17 HR, 16 2B (Low-A)

Fairly or not, Sanchez often finds himself compared to former New York Yankees’ top prospect Jesus Montero.  After all, both have prodigious power potential and both play the same position – albeit poorly.  Despite some of the bumps – suspensions and injuries – Sanchez has impressed scouts with his offensive potential.  In 2012 I want to see Sanchez get more playing time.  That means he needs to stay healthy and keep his head on straight.  I’m excited to see what type of offensive impact he can deliver, but you can’t produce runs riding the pine.

3. Dellin Betances (Triple-A, Scranton-Wilkes/Barre)

2011 – 126.1 IP, 3.70 ERA, 142 K, 70 BB (AA/AAA)

There is no need to dig deep here.  Betances has been awfully inconsistent with his control and he will need to find a way to throw more strikes before he gets a real shot in the Bronx.  Luckily he has a power repertoire that induces a high volume of swings and misses, but the hitters that he’s going to face from now on are going to be more patient than the young pups he was eating up in the lower minors.

4. Jose Campos (Low-A Charleston)

2011 – 81 IP, 2.32 ERA, 85 K, 13 BB (Short Season)

Campos has been the recipient of some significant internet buzz among New York Yankees fans and rightfully so.  The scouting reports have been glowing for the 19-year old fireballer and the results have matched.  Campos receives praise for his ability to pound the strike zone and overpower his peers.  It might be too early for Campos’ flaws to start showing, but I’m looking forward to seeing him produce as a New York Yankees prospect.

5. Dante Bichette, Jr. (Low-A Charleston)

2011 – 203 AB, .335/.440/.507, 4 HR, 17 2B (GCL/Short Season)

Bichette is another guy who has not played against competition stiff enough to expose his flaws.  The competition will provide a much tougher challenge in 2012 and I’m looking forward to seeing Bichette hold his own as a 19-year old.

6. Mason Williams (Low-A Charleston)

2011 – 269 AB, .349/.395/.468, 3 HR, 11 2B (Short Season)

My concerns with Williams’ game can be summed up in one word: power.  He’s not going to be a 30 HR guy.  He probably won’t be a 20 HR guy either.  Can he be more Shane Victorino and less Juan Pierre though?  If he can settle into the 15-homer range with a lot of doubles and a few triples he can be a terror on opposing defenses.

Starting next week I will give weekly updates on these six guys with a few other nuggets tossed in here and there.

For more New York Yankees prospect updates, follow me on Twitter @craigmwilliams.

Sure, Wright has been given the go-ahead to continue playing, but how is that going to impact his performance?  I’ve never tried to play with a fractured pinkie, but I would imagine that his performance is going to suffer – at least a little bit.  And actually, I think I have to side with Rant Sports’ Tyler Moore in regard to Wright’s return to the lineup. The New York Mets need to take it slow with Wright even if that means placing him on the 15-day disabled list.  It’s too early in the season to have arguably your best player resigned to playing with a nagging injury.

Not only is the fractured pinkie likely to hurt Wright’s on-field production, but it’s likely to carve into his trade value as well.  It is far from a secret that I want the Mets to move Wright this season and add more ammo for their rebuilding efforts.  If Wright is playing with a fractured pinkie, it is going to be a lot tougher to convince a rival organization to part with the caliber of prospects the Mets will be looking for in such a deal.

Luckily it is only April and if David Wright is, in fact, handled conservatively, there will be plenty of time for him to build his value back up.  I just wish the New York Mets could catch a break that didn’t hurt the team.

Follow me at @craigmwilliams for more New York Mets racket.

CC Sabathia gets knocked around, Hiroki Kuroda got slammed,  Mariano Rivera blows a game in the ninth, the offense gets shut down and shut out in the finale.  It wasn’t a very fun three days.  On the bright side, at least Phil Hughes showed some signs of life.  I can understand why a fan might be a bit frustrated, but I want to urge them to let it slide.  I won’t lie, three or four years ago, I’d be right there with you.  I probably wouldn’t be inching toward the edge of the bridge, but I would have been thinking “Oh sh*t, this isn’t the year where Mo runs out of gas, is it?”  I would have been screaming at Brian Cashman about trading Jesus Montero.  Never mind that the latter is currently hitting .200 or the fact that Cashman can’t hear me no matter how intense my temper-tantrum gets.  At 25 though, I’m a changed fan.

Back during the 2009 season I interned at Baseball Info Solutions (if you watch enough Baseball Tonight, you’ll probably hear them mentioned throughout the season). On a daily basis during those six months, I either watched every single pitch of a Yankees game or was made aware of every single significant play.  In other words, there was no “let me just ignore them until they get hot in June” sort of mindset.  I had to endure the tortuous 0-8 start against the Boston Red Sox and all of the other early season “gloom and doom”.  As we all know, that worked out just fine in the end.  My point is, the season is WAY too long to get bent out of shape at this point – and like I said, I know there are people ranting and raving as I type this.

Speaking of those Red Sox – who got slammed even harder over the weekend – we saw them get off to a horrendous start in 2011, but they were still a playoff team if not for a delicious September collapse.  The New York Yankees will be just fine.  If things are looking ugly by the All-Star break then I’ll start to get agitated.  Until then though, just be patient and let them hit their stride.

For more positive points of view concerning the New York Yankees, follow me on Twitter @craigmwilliams.

On the current roster, the only guy that I can think of coming close to that type of cheddar is Robinson Cano.  He’s the best second baseman and one of the best hitters in the game.  The fact that he wields one of the league’s most potent bats at an up-the-middle position (catcher, second base, shortstop, center field) certainly plays in his favor, but I don’t see $200 million in his future – not on his next contract at least.  Cano will be a free agent at the end of the 2013 season at which point he’ll be 31.  Let’s be serious.  Not a chance he’s pulling in a 10 year/$200 million+ deal.

Two conditions need to be in place before the New York Yankees shell out their next $200 million deal.  The first is that the player is going to have to be 27 or younger.  I think this condition is an absolute.  Nobody wants to be spending absurd amounts of money for a player in his decline phase.  Teams still do it, but it is far from ideal and that is why we are seeing more and more players locked up to team friendly deals before they even hit arbitration.  The second is that the player will probably need to man one of the aforementioned up-the-middle positions and flash some decent leather there – it can’t be a DH masquerading as a position player.

Taking those conditions into consideration, we can eliminate everyone currently on the Yankees’ big league roster.  By the way, I’ve eliminated pitchers from the jump.  We’ll see a starting pitcher get $200 million one of these days, but I don’t anticipate it will be from the Yanks.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they’re smarter than that at least. This leaves us to consider minor league hitters.  The top three bats in the Yankees’ farm system are Gary Sanchez, Mason Williams and Dante Bichette Jr.  I’m not even willing to speculate on a member of that trio becoming a $200 million player.  Maybe one day we can dream up such a lofty scenario, but let’s see them do something above Single-A first.  Deal?

At this point, the New York Yankees do not have anyone in the organization that is going to command a Votto or A-Rod type deal.  I suppose that means the next mega-deal is going to come from outside of the organization.  Who’s the guy though?  Justin Upton?  Eric Hosmer?  Ryan Braun?

…Manny Machado?  Time will tell.

For more big time New York Yankees speculation, follow me on Twitter @craigmwilliams.

Niese is no stud, but that doesn’t dampen the beauty of this deal in my eyes.  A quick review of his stats supports my belief that Niese can easily become a very good No. 3 starter for the Mets.  His career FIP of 3.77 shows that he has pitched better than his 4.39 ERA suggests.  He also induces a ton of groundballs (49.1%) while racking up his share of whiffs (7.65).  I’m pulling this off the top of my head, but those peripherals sound a little bit like another left-handed pitcher who just signed a five year deal worth $65 million this offseason.  His name is John Danks.  Now the two are not in the same class at the moment.  First of all, Niese has to show that he can produce over 200 innings – the golden standard for “workhorse” status.  He also has to start posting real ERAs – not theoretical ones – in the 3.70 range.

If Jonathon Niese can take the next step and set up shop in the John Danks class over the next year or two, the New York Mets will look like geniuses…or maybe just a group of smart people.  Even if he settles in a little closer to a No. 4 starter, I still think fans can be happy about this deal.  Just look at the types of prices mediocre starting pitchers – let alone lefties – have been securing over the years. Now compare the contract of one of those guys to the deal that Niese – at least a shade better than mediocre – just received. Point, New York Mets.

When the New York Mets do something good, I’ll probably tweet about it @craigmwilliams.

Hosmer has been compared to Votto for over a year now.  Going back to Baseball America’s 2011 Prospect Handbook to ESPN’s Eric Karabell on last week’s Baseball Today podcast, Hosmer is hailed as the next Votto.  That’s fine with me.  I kept him as a 25th rounder on my keeper league squad and I would have no qualms about rostering the dude at a criminally low price.  Nevermind the price I pay in my dopey fantasy league though.  The real price that needs to be discussed is the one that the Kansas City Royals will have to pay to keep Hosmer in the “Show Me State”.  I realize Hosmer has not even accumulated a full season of service time, but that hasn’t stopped other teams from shelling out team friendly long-term deals.  It’s time for the Royals to hop on that bandwagon.  The longer they wait, the higher the price tag climbs.

Another obstacle is Mr. Scott Boras.  Correct me if I’m wrong, but Hosmer is represented by arguably the best agent in sports.  Boras’ M.O. is to advise his clients against signing any deal that delays free agency.  Most clients heed this advice, but Carlos Gonzalez didn’t.  Neither did Jered Weaver.  Maybe Eric Hosmer is already eyeing membership in the $200 million-plus club.  Or maybe he’s willing to consider the CarGo or Weaver route.  It’s worth finding out for the Kansas City Royals.  One way or another, “The Hoz” is going to cash in.  It’s just a matter of how much and how soon.

I don’t talk about the Kansas City Royals much, but when I do, you’ll probably find it on Twitter @craigmwilliams.