Today in the Journal News
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Feb 22, 2007 
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Hey, look, it’s a baseball story. Bobby Abreu talked about not hitting as many home runs in recent years. The Yankees aren’t concerned because of how well he gets on base.
Meanwhile, in this notebook we have George Steinbrenner avoiding the media and a visit to Legends Field by agent Randy Hendricks. He represents that pitcher … wait, it’ll come to me … big guy, throws hard … Roger Clemens, I remember.
It’s another nice day today here and there will be some live batting practice. Back later with a report.
If you haven’t voted in the poll yet, it’s over to the right. The voting will end today.
I, for one, appreciate everything you post here. I’m not like some the other people who bitch and moan about every little comment a player or coach makes, trying to interprit what they “really” meant.
Thank you for keeping us informed of the real atmosphere down in Tampa.
BTW – Any conversations with Cano? I’m curious to what his outlook for this season is.
Any conversations with A-Rod? I feel like I haven’t heard enough from him this spring training.
Great articles, Pete. How badly did you want to write “Rajah of Rehab” in that Abreu article?
Hey Pete
I was reading an article about the backup backstop positions and it said that it’s basically down to Pratt or Nieves. My question is about Nieves – he’s 29 and hasn’t had a hit in the Majors. If he doesn’t make the roster out of camp, is he out of options and the Yankees have to release him? Or can he go back to AAA?
Thanks
Sunny
mmmmm, chocolate cake
Chocolate cake? At this time in the morning? Then again, I’ve beasted brownies at this time so I can’t really talk.
I hear that Nieves is a good defender, and they would not bring him up for his bat. In the minors I think he batted under .250 but I could be wrong. I definetely remember his numbers being very unimpressive.
Peter I can’t vote because you didn’t include the most attractive choice from my POV. That is: e) “All of it is silly, I hate the drama”.
Peter you have been a lifeline throughout a dreary winter season. Thanks for what you do. It’s refereshing to be treated as an adult by an “insider”. Thanks again.
To go back to AAA Nieves would need to clear waivers because he’s out of options.
I don’t know if he has the right to reject the assignment and declare himself a free agent.
LOL … Joe Torre: “The hitters will have a wonderful time”.
I enjoyed the Abreu article. He’s a special player and it’s good to see some of his personality emerge.
If Abreu’s patience truly “infuriated” the Phillies, they were nuts. Abreu gave the Phillies consistently excellent production by any standard, and his huge walk totals and ability to grind out at bats were a big part of that.
It’s satisfying to see that the team puts so much faith in Abreu’s style of play. I think Torre and Mattingly’s comments flesh out the “don’t wait for home runs” post from last week – the Yankees, unlike many teams, grasp the value of getting on base whether by hit or by walk. They understand that if they pressure Abreu to hit for power, they may cause him to take fewer pitches, draw fewer walks, and generally become a less effective hitter.
Glad to hear ABreu is taking Tabata under his wing, unlike what Mel Hall did with Bernie.
Speaking of which, still no word on his situation?
I was gonna say that it’s cool it seems like Abreu and Tabata are building a relationship. Good to hear. And the Hall/Bernie thing still boggles my mind.
As for phillie fans disliking Bobby’s patience and knack for drawing walks, keep in mind that these are a lot of the same people who route for the Eagles.
everything about philly, minus pat’s cheesesteaks, absolutely stinks.
Thanks for the nuggets of info, Pete. It’s great for us who don’t live on the East Coast.
Love the way that Carl just advertises how to get a tough Yankee at-bat out. Abreu seems like a really nice guy who’s really adjusted well. Maybe he’ll have an even better season. I wish Shef would just shut up. He’s out of New York and he’s still a pain in the…Good to Steven White on the mend. Whatever it was really sounded serious.
Pete, tell Hendricks not to come back unless he has Clemens with him! lol
Mel, I interpreted Pavano’s comments as just strategy, hoping it works (which it usually doesn’t), not some hidden trick to get him out. Besides which, scouting reports capture all that anyway. Easier said than done…