Random notes from Day 2 of spring training
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Feb 16, 2007 
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* RHP Steven White (shoulder) has been shut down. He has some unexplained discomfort in his shoulder/neck area and left Legends Field in a neck brace to get an MRI.
* Doug Mientkiewicz reported today and chatted with us for a bit. He says his back has healed and he’s ready to play as much as needed.
* Derek Jeter made his first appearance at Legends Field and promptly set fire to A-Rod’s locker. Kidding, we’re kidding. No, the Captain issued a few diplomatic comments about Carl Pavano and Bernie Williams then went for lunch with Jorge Posada. Jeter told me before he left that he had recently spent some time with Roger Clemens in Las Vegas. Make book on Clemens being a Yankee.
* RHP Kevin Whelan is interesting to watch. He’s listed at 6-foot, 200 and isn’t that big. Not even close. A converted catcher, he throws the ball like a catcher would throw to second base. Because he has such a short motion, it’s hard to pick the ball up out of his hand. His fastball is heavy and moves a lot.
* Joe Torre mentioned being impressed with the bullpen work of Ben Kozlowski, Jose Veras, Sean Henn and Ron Villone.
* Krazy Kyle Farnsworth threw two changeups during his time in the ‘pen. Farnsworth told me he has messed around with a change over the years and really wants to try and incorporate one this spring. Given how hard he throws, a change could be a heck of a pitch for him. Then again, there’s a reason he was once a starter and ended up in the bullpen.
* It was very cold in Tampa today (52 at the moment) and some of the conditioning drills were held indoors.
* Every time Joe Torre or Brian Cashman mentioned Phil Hughes, they are quick to say he’s starting the season with Scranton.
* And it’s Phil Hughes. Not Philip Hughes. He hates Philip. It’s something that happened after he was drafted. If he keeps throwing the way he is, he can call himself Deputy Dawg.
Then why is his website “PhilipHughes.net”?
Does Whelan crouch to start each pitch?
Farnsworth is funny. I think if he actually incorporated a changeup in a game Guidry would slap him.
Poor Steven White, I was looking forward to seeing him pitch. One question though, whose Steven White?
Soon to be “Phil Huge”.
“Make book on Clemens being a Yankee.”
because he and pettitte play golf and he and jeter had a few drinks in vegas? or do you have some inside info you’ve yet to divulge?
Steven White’s an under-the-radar prospect who was drafted in 2003 along with Duncan, Clippard, Karstens, and Beam. He was a lock for the AAA rotation this season, but now we’ll have to wait and see what happens with his injury.
The Pinstripes Potential website lists him as #15 in the system.
http://yankeeprospects.blogspot.com/
Steven White was the number 1 pitching prospect on this team before Hughes came along
He has been slowed by injuries
Hughes, Clippard, Sanchez, Ohlendorf, Rasner, Karstens . . . you sure White was a “lock” for the AAA rotation this year? It’s a crowded group and White has slipped down the depth chart.
That’s too bad about White, he can’t afford to get lost in the shuffle.
This blog somehow gets better everyday!!!! I dont know how its possible, but THANKS FOR ALL THE INFO PETER!!!!
Just listened to Phil Hughes on the Michael Kay show. He sounded amazing, very poised and confident. He answered every question the correct way. Kay asked how he would pitch Vlad with the situation being 2-2 count bases loaded 2 out bottom seven yanks up 3-2, he immediatley said jam him in with a 4 seamer. Seems like a good kid, very respectful and hesitant to buy into a comparison with Clemens. Should be fun to watch in the future.
Kasey,
Where do YOU see Clemens going?
Fernando-
The image of a pitcher starting his windup in a crouch made me laugh out loud.
“Make book on Clemens being a Yankee.”
Looks like we have confirmation he is planning on being a Yankee as he intends to take Pavano’s spot in the rotation (from MLB.com):
“The teams that are involved, I think they’ve got really good clubs that are together, and if somebody stubs their toe and my phone rings in May, I might have to think about it,” Clemens told KRIV.
Guys: I’m making a prediction, obviously. Why in the would would I hold a scoop like that back?
Haha Pete I was making a joke about Clemens’s stubbed toe comment. Keep up the good work.
Just heard on sportscenter roger clemens was quoted today as saying there’s an 80% chance he’s retiring this year
Phil Hughes to us.
BLEEP Hughes to opposing hitters.
Peter, re your prediction: I hope you’re right, but your recent track record is not encouraging. You know, Ohio State, Patriots, and of course “it would be shocking if the Yankees don’t get Matsuzaka.”
Peter, have you had a chance to speak with Phil Hughes and some other the other top prospects?
Clemens will not retire. He cant let go. Heck if hes still throwing in the mid 90s why let go?
Survey: Who will be this year’s champ?
MLB.com asks managers, GMs who will win 2007 World Series
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/articl.....ed=rss_mlb
The Yankees got nine votes follow by Redsox 8 votes.
Peter –
1. This has become my #1 site for Yankee info. Great job, especially with the audio and photos.
2. You were right about Matsuzaka – it was “shocking” that the Yanks didn’t get him.
3. Can you imagine what must be going through Steven White’s mind right now? Come to camp and the first day you’re in a neck brace and told to go get an MRI real quick?
Gotta love the “Krazy Kyle Farnsworth” moniker.
Pete – Maybe it’s because I only read Yankee news but it seems like the Yankees are the only of the three teams reaching out to Clemens being that he has current friends in New York. Is Boston or Houston making any efforts to persuade him?
Phil Hughes Interview with Kay’s on today on Espn radio
http://espn-mp3-od.andomedia.c.....070216.mp3
good videao of Whelan here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG7xr9-zOL4
Thanks to the other poster who gave it originally.
as for White, it’s not too bad, especially considering the AAA rotation was crowded anyway. It might give TClip a chance for AAA time.
ESPn says that Clemens says there is only a 20% chance Rocket pitches this year. Is that just a neogitiation ploy?
let’s not forget there was a 99.9% chance that he was going to retire 3 years ago.
Clemens Has 80% Chance Of Retiring
Notes: Clemens leans toward retirement
Rocket gives 20 percent chance that he will play in 2007
http://houston.astros.mlb.com/.....8;c_id=mlb
The Yankees needs Clemens especially Carla Pavano’s question mark and Igawa’s unrproven. Please Roger don’t retire.
I agree Jennifer. Can we believe anything Roger says anymore?? Lets hope hes up to his usual games.
Excellent content Peter, keep it coming!
By far the best spring training insight I have ever, EVER seen.
Pete you are doing an awesome job. Any chance for some video clips?? Keep up the great work!
If you cant get video clips, maybe a few more spring training pictures to give us something to look at before spring training. ST pics on the web are somewhat limited, maybe u can put up a gallery?
It scares me a little that we are relying on Pavano but, gulp, I am excited thinking he is healthy and ready to get out there. We will be fine if he pitches well, I like our rotation.
LC,
clemens, as reported by ESPN, says there’s an 80% chance he won’t play. i think he either doesn’t come back or finishes his career in boston when the red sox move papelbon back to the bullpen, opening a slot in their rotation. he’s already played for the yankees and won championships. what’s the allure? boston has just as good a shot at the postseason and rocket could break cy young’s record for club wins. the guy loves the history of the game.
There’s 100% chance that Clemens will be playing for the Yankees by June. I wish he’d just retire or go to Boston.
Jeter setting fire to ARods locker???!!!!
Thats NOT FUNNY………Say something positive about the situation. Comments like that perpetuate the problem, if there actually is one. They get us all believing there is a problem. Be responsible.
Richard C – maybe this information will put the ARod situation in perspective. His wife, Cynthia is a psychologist.
Disagreeing with the above gentleman, Pete, the posting was a riot and I laughed out loud.
Thank you for terrific coverage from the frequent posts, the audio clips which add a new perspective, all delivered with a sense of humor that is just right
Thanks, Pete, to you and the Journal News for providing your bloggers with so much.
Did I miss the MLB-DirectTV exclusive deal being announced ? Does anyone have an update ?
This 1b situation is going to be interesting when Giambi is batting .246 as the DH in mid-June, cannot wait until they are out from under his deal….I have got to think Melky gets some DH ABs in addition to 3 starts a week in the OF
Do they pitch every 5 days in the minors or do they have bigger rotations?? Seems like we have a lot of guys slotted between the majors and scranton?
Wang,Moose,Pettitte, Igawa, Pavano
Hughes, Sanchez, Olhendorf, Rasner, Karstens, Clippard,White
(could be forgetting some too)
I’m sure either Rasner or Karstens will be a long reliever for the Yanks this year but I was just curious how they do that down there? Thanks
Also I’m glad they didn’t sign Barry Zito and his NEW windup. Over/under on that guy being hurt and out for the year has to be April 20. What a BAD contract that was. He’ll be traded for 20cents on the dollar in 3 years.