Yankees manager wants to settle on three outfielders
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/23/2013) Yankees manager Joe Girardi has been juggling a lineup of four outfielders for three spots since Curtis Granderson came off the disabled list May 14. Girardi expressed Wednesday he would eventually like to settle on a rotation of three outfielders among Granderson, Brett Gardner, Vernon Wells and Ichiro Suzuki, but for now he will continue with the status quo.
"At some point you will probably get to where you will try and put out the same lineup every day," Girardi said.
Girardi has a simple message for his outfielders.
"Just go out and play, that’s all you can do," Girardi said. "As we have seen there are so many things that can happen in this game that we might need to play all four of them."
Vernon Wells adds second base to resume
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/16/2013) Yankees outfielder Vernon Wells has experienced a season of firsts. A few weeks ago he played third base for the first time in his career and Wednesday against the Mariners he played second base for the first time.
Wells started at DH Wednesday, but when manager Joe Girardi needed a pitcher in the ninth inning of Wednesday's 12-2 loss, he turned to infielder Alberto Gonzalez to get the final out, which prompted Wells to come off the bench to play second base.
"We needed one out," Girardi told The Star-Ledger. "It’s not something I want to do. But for me to bring in another pitcher, it doesn’t make a ton of sense there. We’re down 10 runs, with three outs to go. They have a full bullpen, with their closer rested. I just figured, put him at second base."
Vernon Wells starts, but stinks as DH
by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer (5/14/2013) With the Yankees facing right-hander Felix Hernandez Tuesday night, it would have been easy for Joe Girardi to bench Vernon Wells for left-handed batter Travis Hafner (better numbers vs. starter Felix Hernandez and at Yankee Stadium) in the DH spot. But Wells got the nod instead, batting third, with Hafner reportedly nursing a sore shoulder.
Wells, 34, is hitting .299 with nine home runs and four steals over 36 games. If the season ended today, he would have the third-highest OPS of his career. And with Hafner now nursing an injury, it looks like Wells' owners will have at least a few more days of reprieve from having to guess how the Yankees will find time for both him and Hafner with Curtis Granderson back.
It isn't all coming up roses for Wells, however. In 118 career at-bats as a DH, Wells has a .212 average and .691 OPS. So while he just bought some more playing time, it may come at a position where he traditionally struggles. Still, if Hafner misses significant time, Wells will have plenty of value in an offense that will surely see a rise in production now that Granderson is active.
Vernon Wells likely to end up in timeshare
by Joe Polito | CBSSports.com (5/13/2013) A Curtis Granderson return could be just days away, undoubtedly causing a cascade effect on the rest of the Yankees' starting lineup. Perhaps the most uncertain future is that of Vernon Wells.
On Monday’s episode of Fantasy Baseball Today, our Nando Di Fino theorized a scenario where Wells bounces around and even makes a stop at first base. Scott White said Wells’ lacking eligibility might make him a candidate for the most dropped list.
Vernon Wells continues power binge Sunday
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/12/2013) Yankees outfielder Vernon Wells homered for the second-straight game and the third in five games Sunday against the Royals. Wells followed Robinson Cano's two-run homer in the third inning with his ninth homer of the season.
Wells finished 3 for 4 with a run, stolen base and two RBI. He's batting .429 (9 for 21) with seven RBI in his last five games.
Vernon Wells mans the hot corner
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/9/2013) Yankees outfielder Vernon Wells had an interesting evening Wednesday against the Rockies. Not only did he lead the offensive charge with a 3-for-4 night, one home run and two RBI, but he also played third base in the ninth inning for the first time in his career.
Wells even got a chance to field a grounder off the bat of Carlos Gonzalez and threw it over to first in time to get the out.
"If you’re going to be over there, and you have Mariano on the mound, it’d be fun to get a ball," Wells said, per The Star-Ledger. "And I got a fairly easy one, with a chance to make a play."
Wells is batting .299 (20 for 67) with four home runs, 10 RBI and 11 runs in his last 17 games.
Vernon Wells goes yard again
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/26/2013) Yankees outfielder Vernon Wells launched his sixth home run of the season during Thursday's contest against the Blue Jays.
Wells took starter Mark Buehrle deep for a solo home run in the second inning for his only hit of the night. He finished 1 for 4 with a run scored and an RBI in a 5-3 victory.
Wells has homered three times in the last six games. He is hitting .293/.361/.587 with six home runs and 10 RBI in 75 at-bats.
Vernon Wells shows no ill effects
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/23/2013) Yankees outfielder Vernon Wells proved he was fine after spiking himself in his thigh making a diving catch Monday. Wells started Tuesday in Tampa Bay and went 1 for 4 with an RBI single in the fourth inning.
Wells, who went 0 for 4 on Monday with three strikeouts, is batting .296 and has gone 8 for 23 (.348) over his last five games.
Vernon Wells doesn't miss a beat
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/23/2013) Yankees outfielder Vernon Wells, who spiked his thigh with his own cleats making a diving grab Monday, was back in the lineup, as expected, Tuesday at Tampa Bay. Wells got the start in left field and batted cleanup for the Yankees.
Vernon Wells cleats himself Monday
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/23/2013) Yankees outfielder Vernon Wells had a rough night Monday at Tampa Bay.
Wells, who went 0 for 4 with three strikeouts to lower his average to .299 on the year, injured himself while making an incredible catch on a Ben Zobrist fly ball in the third inning, ESPN reports.
Wells looked a bit awkward on the catch and then lay flat on his back motionless for several seconds. He remained in the game but afterwards showed reporters a 6-inch gash on his left thigh. Wells had somehow managed to spike himself with his own cleats.
"I haven't figured that one out yet," he said. "I'll watch the replay to try to see how I did it."
Wells said he'll be fine to play on Tuesday.
What do we make of Vernon Wells?
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (4/20/2013) From 2004 through 2010, Vernon Wells followed an interesting, inexplicable pattern of alternating good seasons with bad. One year, you could pencil him in for an .800-plus OPS, and the next you could put him down for an OPS in the low-.700s.
His previous two seasons in Los Angeles put an end to that trend in a bad way, which seemed to spell the end of his days as a useful Fantasy option. So it has been a surprise to see his revival for the Yankees. Wells is batting .310 with a 1.032 OPS through 15 games, and he has Fantasy owners wondering whether this is real.
And to be honest, I'm wondering the same thing. Wells was so bad for two straight season in Los Angeles that we assumed he had to be done, but the 34-year-old is showing real signs of life. He has five home runs and four doubles in 66 at-bats, and his batting average is actually lower than his batting average on balls in play, thanks to those home runs. That means we cannot just write this off as a handful of extra bloop hits falling in and inflating his batting average.
Wells is seeing the ball well, with as many walks (eight) as strikeouts. Maybe he will not be able to keep this up or maybe this is just a random hot streak. But the early returns are extremely promising. He must really like hitting in the Yankees' bandbox stadium. Whatever the reason, Wells is producing too much not to be owned in more than 63 percent of CBSSports.com Fantasy leagues, at least until Curtis Granderson's return pushes him to a platoon role.
Vernon Wells looks like player of old
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/20/2013) Yankees outfielder Vernon Wells continues to play well after clearly not fitting in with the Angels. With New York needing outfield help, Wells has more than filled that need, MLB.com reports.
"I'm seeing a lot of the same guy," manager Joe Girardi said when comparing Wells now to when he was an All-Star in Toronto. "He has swung the bat very well, I don't think he has chased a lot of bad pitches. I think he has played a very good left field for us. I think he is really close to the same guy that we have seen."
Wells went 2 for 5 with a homer, his fifth, in Toronto Friday. He drove home two runs and has eight RBI on the year to go with a .283 average.
Vernon Wells showing his power
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/13/2013) Yankees outfielder Vernon Wells hit safely for the fifth time in the last six games on Saturday against the Orioles. He went 2 for 4 with a home run in a 5-3 loss.
The 34-year-old led off the fourth inning with a single before launching a solo shot off starter Jason Hammel in the sixth.
Wells is batting .364 (8 for 22) in the last six contests with two solo homers.
Don't get too attached to Vernon Wells
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/12/2013) And that's why the Yankees' Vernon Wells isn't worth the trouble. Even if you buy into him being the guy he was three years ago with the Blue Jays, which would be a shocking turnaround for a 34-year-old, he's not going to stay in the starting lineup long enough to prove it.
He says he's fine with platooning once Curtis Granderson returns from the DL in early May, which probably means that's the plan for him. And why wouldn't it be? At age 35, Travis Hafner is showing signs of resurgence himself.
I kind of like Wells this week with the three lefties on tap for the Yankee, but understand that if you're picking him up, it's just as a short-term fill-in.
Vernon Wells fine with platooning upon Curtis Granderson's return
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (4/12/2013)Vernon Wells, off to a scorching start with the Yankees, is fine with moving to a platoon role once Curtis Granderson returns from a broken wrist, the Star-Ledger reports.
Wells is hitting .360/.467/.720 with two home runs in his first 30 plate appearances. However, once Granderson returns, he will likely be relegated to facing left-handed pitchers, replacing Granderson, Brett Gardner or Ichiro Suzuki in the outfield or as the designated hitter.
Granderson is expected to make his return around early May.
Vernon Wells stays hot in pinstripes
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/8/2013) Yankees outfielder Vernon Wells continued to look good in pinstripes Monday in the Cleveland Indians' home opener. Starting in left and batting fifth, Wells had three hits to raise his average to .381.
He had two singles, a double and stole his first base as a Yankee. Wells also walked and scored a run as he reached base four times.
New York added Wells because of the injury to Curtis Granderson, but he's hit in four of his first six games with two homers, two doubles, five runs scored and four RBI. He's also walked five times for an on-base percentage of .500 and a 1.262 OPS.
Grab Vernon Wells before it's too late
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/7/2013) Disagree if you like, but I think there is something here with Yankees outfielder Vernon Wells. I'm starting to believe Wells (owned 39 percent of Fantasy leagues) might not be such a bad add off Fantasy waivers.
That's a big change for me since a few weeks ago I was on the other side of the fence. Wells being dealt to New York was intriguing, but it wasn't enough for me to declare it's time to add him in Fantasy. Now, I'm changing my tune.
What's been most encouraging is that all of Wells' production has come against right-handed pitchers. He hasn't even begun to lay into left-handed pitchers, who against he has a .292 career average and .483 slugging percentage. This is just an extension of what Wells did during the spring, when he hit .379 (11 for 29) with two doubles, four homers and 11 RBI in 29 at-bats against right-handed pitchers.
Wells might be past his prime (34 years old) and contemplating retirement, but he seems motivated to extend his career a little longer. Also, I can't wait to see what happens when Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson return from their injuries. That's just more lineup protection for Wells.
Vernon Wells homers in loss
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (4/6/2013) Yankees left fielder Vernon Wells hit his second home run of the season in Saturday's 8-4 loss to the Tigers. The solo homer was the only hit of the game for Wells, who also walked once in four plate appearances.
Wells, who hit fifth Saturday, is 4-for-14 this season.
Still room on the Vernon Wells bandwagon
by Joe Polito | CBSSports.com (4/4/2013) Homering off Andrew Miller in the Yankees’ second game should bolster our Nando Di Fino’s not-so-popular opinion that Vernon Wells is well-worth a roster spot. He’s currently owned in just 33 percent of leagues despite Nando placing his homerun over/under at 24.5.
It’s only one swing in one game, but ample at-bats could have Wells’ ownership percentage steadily climbing as the season progresses. Nando thinks most people were too distracted to see Wells’ Fantasy value, which was buried underneath the Angels’ $100 million mistake.
Vernon Wells swats three-run homer
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/3/2013) Yankees outfield addition Vernon Wells helped get New York back into the game Wednesday night against Boston. Down 7-1 in the bottom of the eighth, Wells belted his first homer with his new team for a three-run shot.
Wells went deep with two outs and two on off Alfredo Aceves, but Boston won 7-4. Wells was 3 for 4 in the game with three RBI. He's batting .429 thus far after two games, though he went 0 for 3 in the opener.
Wells has scored twice in two games and has reached base safely in his first two contests for the Yankees.
Vernon Wells hits fifth in New York debut
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/1/2013) Yankees manager Joe Girardi hit outfielder Vernon Wells fifth in his New York debut Monday against the Red Sox. Wells, who was acquired in a late March trade with the Angels, hit .222 (2 for 9) with one double and one RBI in three spring games with New York after his acquisition.
Overall, he hit .333 with four homers and 12 RBI in 17 spring games.
Vernon Wells gains relevance with trade
by Al Melchior | Data Analyst (3/27/2013) When Vernon Wells was dealt from the Blue Jays to the Angels two seasons ago, I feared the worst for his power stats. Actually, Wells' home run power didn't go away, but he had to rely on his road splits and a spike in his flyball rate to stave off a major loss of clout. The latter trend punctured his batting average, and ultimately, he became an afterthought in Anaheim.
Now with the Yankees, Wells could enjoy a resurgence, even though Yankee Stadium is merely a neutral power park for righties. It will be an upgrade over Angel Stadium, and if his flyball rate reverts to its Toronto-era levels, he should improve his batting average. I still would shy away from Wells in standard mixed leagues, as his long-term playing time situation is uncertain, but in anything deeper, Wells is suddenly relevant.
All this Vernon Wells hate is unfounded
by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer (3/27/2013)Vernon Wells is not as bad as all the whiny, griping Yankees fans make him out to be. In 2010 and 2011, Wells hit 56 total home runs. He would have hit 25 last year had injury and Mike Trout not struck. Wells' BABIP the last two seasons indicates that his batting average is due for a correction (up!).
He's still a decent defender and can steal 6-8 bases. Wells somehow gained the stigma of being "finished" when he failed to play up to expectations in 2011 after signing a massive contract with the Angels. But it's created a caricature that simply isn't accurate. Deep mixed leaguers may want to consider Wells -- who has hit 25 or more home runs five times in his career -- as an option in the last couple of rounds. Moving to a friendlier park and into a situation where he'll play every day (until at least May) suddenly makes Wells a sneaky draft pick for 2013.
Vernon Wells makes Yanks debut
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (3/26/2013) After being acquired from the Angels earlier in the day, Vernon Wells made his debut for the Yankees in Tuesday's Cactus League contest against the Astros. He started in left field and went 0 for 3 with an RBI in a 4-4 tie.
“He’s got a chance to play every day here in left field for us,” manager Joe Girardi told The Journal News. “… We think he’s a much better player than he’s shown the last two years.”
Yankees-Angels finalize Vernon Wells deal
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/26/2013) The Yankees made the trade with the Angels for Vernon Wells official on Tuesday, reports the New York Daily News. Wells is officially on the Yankees and New York traded minor-league outfielder Exircado Cayones and minor-league left-handed pitcher Kramer Sneed to the Angels.
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/26/2013)Vernon Wells is not yet officially on the Yankees' roster as the deal has not been announced, the Journal News reports Tuesday. That said, Wells already has a locker and is listed in a batting practice grouping for New York Tuesday. He expects to play against the Astros Tuesday night in a Grapefruit League night game.
Vernon Wells to start in left field
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/25/2013) Yankees acquisition Vernon Wells -- the deal likely won't be official until Tuesday -- will be the everyday left fielder, at least until Curtis Granderson returns, reports ESPN.
"He will be the every day left fielder," an official with knowledge of the Yankees plans told ESPN New York.
When Granderson returns, Wells will be the fourth outfielder but should see consistent at-bats as a right-handed hitter with the Yankees outfield having three lefties.
Vernon Wells' value won't rise that much
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/24/2013) If Vernon Wells is dealt to the Yankees, which it's looking likely, then don't be surprised if his Fantasy value sees a surge.
On top of the fact he should play more with the Yankees than he would have with the Angels, he's going to a hitter-friendly ballpark. He's also having a great spring, batting .361 (13 for 36) with four homers and 11 RBI, so some Fantasy owners will probably buy into a bounce-back season for Wells.
Wells' career numbers at the new Yankee Stadium are a .242 average, five homers, five doubles and 11 RBI in 23 games. Though, those numbers came against the Yankees' pitching staff, which is usually pretty good.
A trade to New York will increase Wells' Fantasy value, but I doubt it makes a seismic shift in his Draft Day appeal. Continue to consider Wells more of a late-round Fantasy option in mixed formats.
Yankees looking to bring in Vernon Wells
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/24/2013) The Yankees and Angels are involved in serious talks that would send outfielder Vernon Wells to New York, CBS Sports Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports Sunday.
With the Yankees dealing with multiple injuries, including to Curtis Granderson, Wells would fit in nicely for the club. Multiple sources have confirmed the discussions between the two teams. One source reported that Wells is excited about the possibility of coming to New York, ESPN reports.
The 34-year-old Wells, who is batting .361 this spring with four homers and 11 RBI over 36 at-bats, hit just .230 with the Angels last year over 243 at-bats. In fact, he's been disappointing over his last four seasons in which he's hit .249 with a .298 on-base percentage.
Vernon Wells sees time in right field
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (3/23/2013) Angels outfielder Vernon Wells has made just 28 appearances in right over his 14-year career, but he drew a start at the spot Saturday against the Brewers, going 0 for 3 to drop his spring average to .361.
"[Right field is] not an issue," Wells told MLB.com. "It's just a matter of if guys need a day, just be ready to play, anywhere and everywhere. I don't think I'm going to be playing much in center field because we have two guys there [Peter Bourjos and Mike Trout]."
Wells is expected to be the Angels' primary backup in left and right field this season.
Wells done after contract expires
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/25/2013) MLB.com reports Angels outfielder Vernon Wells expects to retire at the end of the 2014 season, which is when his current contract runs out. Wells said he wants to spend more time with his family. "It'll be time to invest more in their lives," he said. "I've gone through this for long enough. My thoughts right now as a family is to be done after two years, enjoy them, get to be there for them in those years where they're going to need their dad every day, not just every now and then."
Wells understands his role
(2/15/2013)Vernon Wells heads in to 2013 projected as the fourth outfielder for the Angels. After batting just .222 with a .409 slugging percentage over the last two seasons, the 34-year-old told MLB.com he understands why he does not have a starting job. "I put myself in this position," Wells said Friday. "Obviously, some guys played well last year. You have the most exciting player in the game in Mike Trout; [Mark] Trumbo, who's one of the most powerful guys in this league when it comes to hitting a baseball; you sign Josh Hamilton; and you have Peter [Bourjos]. Peter deserves a chance. What he had to go through last year was far more difficult than what anybody had to go through, sitting and watching that entire time. There's a lot of things at play. I understand that."
Wells 'very' likely staying in L.A.
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (1/22/2013) MLB.com reports a source said it's "very" likely Angels outfielder Vernon Wells opens the season on Los Angeles' roster.
Wells not close to being moved
by Al Melchior | Data Analyst (12/16/2012) With the Angels making the signing of outfielder Josh Hamilton official on Saturday, they now have a logjam in their outfield, and according to FOXSports.com, the team is inclined to clear it up by trading Vernon Wells. The Yankees are a potential landing spot for Wells, but CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports that no deal between the two teams is imminent. The Yankees would expect the Angels to pay nearly all of the $42 million remaining on the final two years of Wells' contract, and that could make a deal unlikely.
