The Yankees have announced that the Mariners returned first baseman Mike Ford to them. Ford was the 11th pick in this offseason’s Rule 5 Draft.
Ford was part of a vulnerable Yankees system when the Rule 5 Draft came around. Indeed, Bombers’ farm system was raided for three of its young players they weren’t able to fit onto the 40-man roster by the November deadline.
Ford has an elite track record of getting on base in the minors. He owns an 18.4% walk rate at the Double-A level, and a 15.7% walk rate even at Triple-A. Last season, he slashed .266/.383/.543 for the Rail Riders, despite a .247 BABIP. During spring training with the Mariners, the 25-year-old mashed the baseball to the tune of a .885 OPS.
All this considered, it seems a bit surprising on the surface that he wasn’t able to crack the big league roster. But considering the scorching spring performance of Dan Vogelbach (who crushed six homers and posted an OPS of 1.385) and the return to health of Ryon Healy, there doesn’t seem to be an obvious spot for Ford on the roster.
Yessss.
2018 Spring Training: .259 BA, 2 HR, 10 RBI, .885 OPS, 54 AB
I’m Ford’s biggest fan here, and just want him to get his opportunity somewhere. He was never highly regarded, but he has a good eye, power.. I just want to see what he can do in MLB. I posted his 2018 ST because I didn’t think they were too bad… good luck, Ford.
I would challenge your claim of being his biggest fan. He’s been on my radar for a long time!
How did I know it was this guy before I even read the name! He’ll argue about anything ! WoW!
That wasn’t an argument, genius. It was a friendly tongue in cheek remark to show that I share his admiration.
Better than what they got out of Bird.
He’s actually very similar in skill set to Bird. While in the minor Bird’s two greatest qualities were his power and ability to draw a walk. I just couldn’t understand why Cashman traded for Cooper and brought brought up Ji-Man (Or Gi-Msn???) instead of Ford. Is he not the quintessential Yankee hitter? A lefty with power and plate discipline?
I believe it was a 40-man issue that kept ford off the roster. Though that doesn’t exactly explain the Cooper acquisition to be fair.
Cooper was further along at the time, but he’s since been traded to Miami.
Perfect timing with Bird possibly injured again!
Why on earth would the Mariners pick him in the first place if he did not have a clear path to the roster? I’m sure there were other rule 5 picks available that better aligned with their depth chart.
I’m not saying it’s a big deal… rule 5 drafts are pretty inconsequential in the long run. But even a small mistake is still a mistake.
Don’t think anyone expected Dan Vogelbach to do what he did this spring.
Injuries. Idk if they had Healy when they took Ford in the rule 5 either. There’s no mistake on taking a guy and seeing what he’s got. It cost them 50k.
They had Healy, but surely they wanted some insurance.
Yeah I agree, they should have a 3 man bench and two 1B isn’t that. Sure, he could prove worthy of a roster spot but there are so many other better fits like any position other than 1B
They’ll start with a 4-man bench, 8-man bullpen and 4-man rotation. This has already been announced.
Great news. I’ve always liked the kid. I don’t think Casham is sold on him yet. I’m shocked the M’s couldn’t find a place for him, especially with the spring j:
Ford was fighting for a spot at 1B/DH not only with new trade acquisition Ryon Healy but the Mariners best 1B prospect Daniel Vogelbach who came to Seattle in the Mike Montgomery trade. Ford nor the Mariners could imagine that Vogie would lead all MLB in SLG%, hit 6 HRs and have a BA of ..388. He had no chance!
Let me rephrase that- Evan White is our highest rated 1B prospect but Vogie is our best 1B prospect who’s closest to the majors
No way Seattle demotes Vogelbach and Healy to give the job to Ford. Also, no way they carry two 1B only players.
Don’t be so sure of that. Vogelbach may very well end up on the roster in addition to Healy.
Another great break for the Yanks.
Another win for the Evil Empire.
He is no Herrera
Bird possibly hurt again and Ford is coming home I’ll take it.
Lind?
Lind was Released by NY after hitting 3-for-15 (.200) ST.
You’re doing the small sample size thing again. I believe it was mutual between the Yankees and Lind.
Sorry, In my mind, if Lind had a blistering ST, part of me thinks (and wanted) him to make Roster, as a part-time, back up, platoon 1B/DH.
I liked him but I never got the pick from the Mariners perspective with the presence of Vogelbach.
Because through the 2017 season, Dan asn’t holding his own defensively and seemed afraid of tapping his power (at least through the first half).
Right but they also traded for Healy and have Cruz locked in at DH. And I understand Vogelbach wasn’t performing like he is now but it still seemed odd.
They may have had some reservations with Healy or at least wanted someone to push him, provide competition.
Surprised they couldn’t get him into LF
Rich get richer. I’m surprised the Mariners didn’t try to work out a trade, but I’ll gladly accept another fine player to add to our stacked minor league system. Could be a good player in a potential trade down the line, or a potential 1B if Bird isn’t the word
Yankees got the guys they lost in the Rule 5 draft back now right?
The M’s will regret it come May when Vogelbach fizzles, and Healy has a .270 OBA.
Ms will regret a lot of things, O’Neill Gohara Blackburn Montgomery Pagen Rumboltz trade, A Jackson…
Ms will regret a lot of things, O’Neill Gohara Blackburn Montgomery Pagen Rumboltz trade, A Jackson, Chris Taylor, De Los Santos, and all the other prospects traded for AAAA players that will never help the Mariners