Game 77: Athletics at Yankees
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Jun 29, 2007 
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Here are the lineups:
YANKEES
Cabrera CF
Jeter SS
Matsui LF
Rodriquez 3B
Posada DH
Abreu RF
Phillips 1B
Cano 2B
Nieves C
Mussina RHP
ATHLETICS
Stewart LF
Kotsay CF
Swisher RF
Cust DH
Chavez 3B
Ellis 2B
Johnson 1B
Crosby SS
Kendall C
Kennedy RHP
Pregame chatter: Thanks to Brian Heyman for calling in the lineup. … After three days in that heat in Baltimore, Posada needed a day off from catching. I’m not convinced Nieves is making much of a difference with Mussina. … No word yet on any move on Shea Hillenbrand. The Yankees are going to want Anaheim to eat some of his contract, that is certain.
UPDATE, 7 p.m.: Just got this press release from the Yanks:
YANKEES TO CELEBRATE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF 1977 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AT 61ST OLD-TIMERS’ DAY AT YANKEE STADIUM
A commemoration of the New York Yankees’ 1977 World Series Championship will headline the 61st Annual Old-Timers’ Day at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, July 7. Introductions are scheduled to begin at 1:50 p.m. with the traditional Old-Timers’ game to follow. The Yankees will then host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at 3:55 p.m.
Some of the members of the 1977 club scheduled to attend are Reggie Jackson, Ron Guidry, Graig Nettles and Chris Chambliss. They will be joined by Diana Munson, widow of Thurman Munson; Helen Hunter, widow of Catfish Hunter; and Billy Martin Jr., son of Yankees manager Billy Martin.
Members and relatives of the 1977 team will share the stage with Hall of Famers Yogi Berra and Whitey Ford, as well as with 29 other all-time Yankees greats. All fans in attendance will receive a 30th Anniversary 1977 World Championship pin presented by Fujifilm.
Partial List of those Scheduled to Attend (*Denotes Member or Relative of 1977 World Champion Yankees): Luis Arroyo, Yogi Berra, *Paul Blair, Johnny Blanchard, Dr. Bobby Brown, Rick Cerone, *Chris Chambliss, *Ken Clay, Jerry Coleman, Al Downing, Brian Doyle, *Ed Figueroa, Whitey Ford, Oscar Gamble, Rich “Goose� Gossage, *Ron Guidry, *Helen Hunter, *Reggie Jackson, *Cliff Johnson, *Mickey Klutts, Johnny Kucks, Don Larsen, Jim Leyritz, Hector Lopez, *Billy Martin Jr., Don Mattingly, Gene Michael, Rich Monteleone, *Diana Munson, Bobby Murcer, *Graig Nettles, Mike Pagliarulo, *Gil Patterson, Joe Pepitone, *Mickey Rivers, Steve Sax, Bill “Moose� Skowron, Mel Stottlemyre, *Mike Torrez, Tom Tresh, Bob Turley.
UPDATE, 9:18 p.m.: I’m at home working on my Sunday column and listening to the game. Kyle Farnsworth, how can Yankee fans stand him? He has not had a 1-2-3 inning since June 1 and had allowed at least one hit or walk in all but three of his 34 appearances this season. You just can’t trust him. To me, he’s a bigger mistake than Carl Pavano because he can hurt you every day.
UPDATE, 9:48 p.m.: What Krazy Kyle starts, Mariano Rivera cleans up. Huge save for Mo as he strikes out three of the five guys he faces. Hopefully somebody in that clubhouse jumps on Farnsworth for the way he acted after being taken out of the game. What a disgrace. Jeter, Clemens, Posada or somebody needs to get in his face.
hey pete, how do you feel about a Shea Hillenbrand move? who do you think the yankees will trade to get him?
Hillenbrand is a waste of space.
The Yankees should wait until he has to be released so that his contract is completely picked up by the Angels. He signed a two year w/ them so we don’t want to risk having this guy on our roster past this season. There is no demand for this guy so we should wait it out.
.254; only Five walks all year (and you thought Cano was bad as far as plate patience?) only 8 of his 50 hits are for extra bases. An OPS of .600. OPS+ of 62 (100 = the league average). Only 6 games at 1b this year. A pain in the manager’s a## in a few different places. A slow runner who is a 6-4-3 waiting to happen.
Just Say No to Hillenbrand.
BTW Dan, Hillenbrand is a DFA. (Designated for Assignment). No Trade Necessary (it’s bad enough if the Yanks get him, but to TRADE for him?)
DFA means they have 10 days to trade or get him through waivers. If after 10 days there is no trade, or he isn’t claimed on waivers, then he is a free agent. If the Yankees want him badly enough, they would arrange a trade so no other team can grab him first.
Those 10 days to trade him should pass quickly. I doubt anybody wants to pay him anything over the league minimum given his stats this year. I would still have a chance with him at that rate. If it doesn’t work, they just release him. Finding a spot on the 40 man roster might be the problem. They have 45 guys on the 40 man roster with 5 guys on the 60 day DL and 3 guys on the 15 day DL. I guess one of those guys could get transferred to the 60 day and that would allow SH to slip onto the roster. Anybody know if there is a limit of guys you can have on the 60 day DL?
Why bat Melky first? Has Joe taken a look at his OBP recently?
Pete could you please tell M.Kay to stop being so negative. He should listen to the SNY network. They never put down the Mets even when they aren’t doing well.
We aren’t stupid. We can see how the game is
going. We don’t need him to make us feel worse.
I wonder how the families of the players feel?
Ken S. is great. Says it like it is, but never
puts them down.
Thanks
But Melky has speed! It’s the same as bringing in Myers to face a lefty in a big spot, and leaving Rivera on the bench in a tie game on the road. Torre manages safely. Its like he is reading “Idiots Guide to Managing a Baseball Game”. By the book.
Hillenbrand will save the season the same way Clemens did. You know who I really wish we had at 1st now? Sheffield. At least then we could maybe score a run or two for Clemens and Pettitte. Those guys must feel like they’re still in Houston.
Unfortunately, Melky does not have speed, either.
Loraine,
Are you serious? He is doing his job and his job is to be objective not to be a Yankee apologizer. I enjoy the objective broadcast.. When we are playing good no Kay articulates how good we are and when we are playing bad he tell’s it like it is.
And the “I wonder how the families fee”…..R U serious?
A sweep by Oakland.
A record of 40-122 is looking more and more likely now.
Melky does have speed, he’s just not a stolen base guy. Much more important is his lack of OBP. I have no problem with Kay telling it like it is. When the team is playng pathetically it must be discussed! I am happy that Kay has been up-front with his analysis, especially considering he works for a network owned by the team. To be a complete homer and not talk about the obvious is reprehensible, and should only be tolerated in AA ball. Unfortunately, most of the league is like that. Have you ever heard the White Sox announcers? They’ll make you cry out for Kay in your sleep!
Is it true Hillenbrand was traded to the dbacks?
I think Shea was traded to Arizona…
I only read it on the Yankees message board, there was no link or source. Has anyone else heard this.
Jeff, have to agree with you. Especially on how the families feel.
These guys are making millions to do one thing, play baseball and play it well. If they can’t then they are susceptible to all opionions, positive or negative. Stating the obvious about the poor play of these players is not directed at their families. In fact, if they had good families, they would tell them to sack it up and “start acting like a man”.
“You guys. You lollygag the ball around the infield. You lollygag your way down to first. You lollygag in and out of the dugout. You know what that makes you? Larry!
Lollygaggers!
Lollygaggers
“it is a simple game, you throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball”
The idea that Hillenbrand is an upgrade is madness.
Just give Phillips are real shot to publish or perish.
I haven’t seen anything that Shea was traded yet.
Yeah I hope they give Andy a real shot. While he hasn’t been a consitant hitter up here, I think you can blame some of what was going on in his personal life. With his wife sick with the big c. That has to affect one mentally. He put on a nice battle at the bat last night, and we know he can lay down a bunt if needed.
Pete – If DFA-ing someone means the team has have 10 days to trade or get a player through waivers, and if after 10 days there is no trade, or he isn’t claimed off waivers, then he is a free agent (if what John L above says is true) then why can’t the Yanks just do this with Giambi?
Didn’t the Sox put Manny on waivers once, to no avail? Why wasn’t he declared a free agent after that?
Sorry I’m just a little naive to the rules regarding this, and how it relates to a typical big-time mega-contract, as opposed to DFA-ing some (other) $500,000/yr schmuck whose career is going nowhere. I mean … someone who’s just lucky to make the big leagues for a season so it’s no surprise his career is going nowhere.
FYI, found this at ESPN.com on Hillenbrand’s player page:
Jun. 29 : The team [Angels] has received interest from the New York Yankees regarding HIllenbrand, reports the Press-Enterprise. The Angels will likely pay the bulk of his $6.5 million contract and would receive a low-level minor league prospect in return.
Poster must have been bsing, should know better than to trust a post without a source.
[edit] Place the player on waivers
Typically a player is placed on waivers after being designated for assignment for the purpose of outrighting him to one of the club’s minor league teams. However, a player must clear waivers (that is, no other team may place a waiver claim on the player) to be sent to a minor league team. Also, if the player has three or more full years of major league service, he must give consent to be assigned to the minors. If the player withholds consent, the team must either release him or keep him on the major league roster. In either case, the player must continue to be paid under the terms of his contract.
Keep in mind definition is from wikapedia.
To clarify, if the team dfa’s someone and gets through the 10-day period and releases them, they are still responsible for paying the player’s contract. So if you did this to Giambi, and noone traded for him or picked him up on waivers, the Yanks would still have to pay him. If another team picked him up at that point, they would be responsible for paying the player the MLB minimum, and the Yanks would still have to pay the rest.
never mind the previous post, it isn’t a very good definition.
in other news, Bradley was traded to the Padres.
Hey all…I’m usually silent observer here, but this lineup — which Joe has used before — raises a question that irks me each time he does it. Why not bat Jeter leadoff, and Cabrera second?
I hate having automatic or semi-automatic outs from #6 thru #1 in the lineup, like we have here. Plus, Cabrera can bunt if Jeter gets on. He’s not likely to have anyone to bunt for with the guys immediately before him here.
You can make the argument — and many did — that Jeter is a better leadoff hitter than Damon, even when Damon was playing well last year.
Thoughts?
John than why did no one claim Manny a few years back?
Just did a search, I am assuming there are two kinds of waviers.
BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox placed All-Star slugger Manny Ramirez on irrevocable waivers Wednesday.
The move means any major league team can have Ramirez — if it is willing to pay his salary. The outfielder has five years and $101.5 million remaining on a $160 million, eight-year contract, and would get an extra $1 million if he switches teams. He is scheduled to make $20.5 million next season.
jennifer, yes you are correct, there are two different types of waivers. Manny was the other type. (note, that story was from the winter after the 2003 season, and was part of the Sox dance with A-Rod)
I remember that well. They thought it was a done deal and were on ESPN, talking how much they love alex, basically slapping Nomar in the face. Than it fell thru and they hated Alex.
“I see” said the blind man.
Giambi is owed that money if the Yankees DFA him. I’m sure NOBODY will claim him or trade for him and after 10 days, he can become a FA with the Yankees on the hook for the remainder of his contract.
I don’t understand those who say Hillenbrand’s a waste of space. Compared to what? Phillips or Cairo at first? Ridiculous. Hillenbrand’s a marked improvement offensively over those guys, and providing we don’t have to give up much, I say go for it. You can’t judge Hillenbrand based on his performance as a part-timer this year. He’s a guy who wants/needs to play every day, and when he does he produces. Last year in 81 games with Toronto, .301-12-39 (9 more homers in SF, while learning a new league). .291-18-82 in ’05 and .310-15-80 in ’04. Is he a superstar? Of course not, but he’s better than what we’ve got… this team needs offense. We’re not going to get it from Cairo and Phillips. Hillenbrand helps.
here’s the difference nieves makes: mussina’s got it in his head that he works better with nieves. torre doesn’t want to give mussina any extra reason to melt down.
Oh really?
Phillips 2006 wasn’t good, but his OPS was .675 compared to Hillenbrand’s .600 as of now.
Phillips OPS+ was 77 compared to Hillenbrand’s 62 as of now.
In simple terms, Hillenbrand’s 2007 to date is far WORSE than Phillips’ 2006 was, and Andy Phillips did not have a great 2006. That shows you how bad Hillenbrand has been this year.
Baseball’s economics have changed since Manny was put on waivers. His contract, signed under a previous CBA, had become overvalued in a baseball market that had begun to deflate. Plus, the Yankees knew that if they claimed him off waivers, it would aid the Sox in their pursuit of A-Rod. Now that the market has inflated, and because the contract doesn’t have many more years to run, it has become cost effective, especially since he has remained productive and healthy, unlike Giambi.
I don’t know who posted about Sheffield, but from what I’ve read/heard, Shef refused to play first base for the Yanks, unless his deal was extended. Cash apparently didn’t want to throw big $ and more years at someone 38 years old (I can’t argue with that, we’ve been there, done that).
I still don’t understand why Andy doesn’t get a prolonged shot at first. I know he wasn’t great last year, but he really didn’t get steady playing time. I guess when you have a rep as a second stringer, you don’t get the benefit of the doubt. But then again, Aaron Small came along….
Exactly, Mike.
Plus Shea is a jerk.
Melky might not be your typical leadoff guy, but he does take pitches and has lengthy at bats. What is the other option right now? Abreu?
You ignore the fact that Hillenbrand has not been playing consistently this year, which is why he wants out of Anaheim. You can choose to judge him based solely on this year, when he’s playing sporadically, or choose his whole career to judge him on. Hillenbrand has a TRACK RECORD of production. Phillips does not. Phillips last year, when he had 246 ABs: 56 strikeouts and a .281 obp. compare that to when Hillenbrand was playing everyday in Toronto and elsewhere. Now, Phillips hasn’t had the luxury of playing every day either, but he has never proven he CAN produce consistently, while Hillenbrand has. It’s not as if Hillenbrand is over the hill. He’s only 31. Unless he’s drunk from the Johnny Damon reverse Fountain of Youth, logic screams he’s a proven run-producer who’s an upgrade over Phillips. What do we have to lose by picking him up for next to nothing? It’s not like we lose Phillips.
Jeter should lead off….plain and simple.
Jeter
Matsui
Posada
Arod
Abreu
Damon
Cano
Melky
Phillips/Cairo
Jennifer …. I see that you have your answer on Manny’s waivers. But how times have changed. The Red Sox were looking for a sucker and/or sending a message to Manny (they thought) when they used irrevocable waivers. But in today’s market, Manny’s 2007 salary is reasonable. Clubs would line up to get him now.I even expect Boston to exercise his two option years, and who would have thoght THAT in 2003?
Re: “Slapping Nomar in the face.” He had gradually distanced himself from the team, pouting on the bench in a Sox-Yanks extra inning game. It ended ugly, but the “marriage” was destroyed on both ends. There was no “slap,” just a divorce. Too bad ……
P.S. Hillebrand is a churl …. He’s not worth the aggravation even if he does pick up his game. He squabbles with EVERYONE!!
Cairo… .596 OPS 4 XBH in 81 aB. 5 for 6 in steals. OPS+ 63
Hillenbrand .600 OPS 8 XBH in 197 ab. Slow as a snail. OPS+ 62
Actually has drawn 1 LESS walk than Cairo.
Not what you would call a significant upgrade. Esp. for a pain in the butt like Hillenbrand.
197 AB isn’t enough consistency? It’s only 22 or so ABs less than Melky has gotten this year, and Melky’s numbers are significantly BETTER, believe it or not.
How do you know that Hillenbrand is a “jerk” and/or a “churl”? He wasn’t the only player who had problems with the Toronto manager last year, and I’ve seen nothing negative re. him in Anaheim, other than that he wants to play every day and he wasn’t getting that chance there. I assume that Cashman and the Yanks have much better inside information on the guy’s character than any of us do, and I trust he wouldn’t pick him up if the assumptions some make about him are true.
As for his stats:
2004 in Toronto: .348 obp, .812 OPS, 15 homers, 80 rbis\
2005 in Toronto: .343 obp, .792 ops, 18 homers, 82 rbis
2006 in Toronto (81 games) .342 obp, .822 ops, 12 homers, 39 rbis
I like Phillips too, but he hasn’t shown anywhere near this track record, swings at everything, strikes out a ton. Maybe he’d produce if given the opportunity to play every day, who knows?
I wouldn’t believe this just yet though…
Arizona has Conner Jackson, Chad Tracy, Tony Clark and Mark Reynolds… That’s FOUR people for TWO spots. Yanks inquired about Clark ut were rebuffed. Why would Shea be traded to Az?
For what it’s worth, since we’re trying to be accurate, Mike Scoscia (sp?), that Angels’ manager, has been quoted that Shea has been “the ultimate professional” this year, despite not playing. I don’t think that he would have an ulterior motive here, since Shea has been DFA’d. Again, sometimes people get a rep that really isn’t deserved – or only partly so. Remember, Shea isn’t the only one that John Gibbons in Toronto had trouble with last year. And the clubhouse there didn’t exactly give ole John a ringing endorsement.
Mike S., come on, if you’re comparing him to Cairo you’re being intellectually dishonest. you keep comparing Hillenbrand’s numbers this year, when he hasn’t been playing every day. Hillenbrand signed with Anaheim thinking he’d be the first baseman or dh and play every day. It hasn’t happened. A lot of times guys struggle at first with a new team. His track record over the past few years shows he’s produced when he’s played every day. You can compare his ab’s, etc., to Cairo and Melky. Those guys didn’t come into the season thinking they were everyday players, they knew they’d be role players. It makes a difference. Hillenbrand has been a pretty consistent decent run-producer with some power, that’s pretty obvious. I think, clearly, based on his last few seasons, he’s an upgrade offensively. I guess we’ll see if Cashman, et al, agree… they won’t pick him up if they don’t.
The bottom line is that whoever we put out there (including Hillenbrand, if we get him), we will be playing 5 blanks out of 9 offensive players (Abreu .703 OPS, Cano .717, Melky .682, Damon .693, Cairo .600, Phillips .658 [career], Mientkiewicz .671). The first 4 players who were counted on to be contributors to our offense are underperforming so badly that the Yankees are hamstrung, and absent a turnaround or a big trade, can’t hope to make the playoffs.
Until things thaw out, I think that Torre should bunch Jeter, Posada, Matsui and A-Rod at the top of the order, to maximize scoring chances.
I wouldn’t touch Hillenbrand with a 10 foot pole. I know full well Shea’s numbers….as well as the fact he has NO plate patience and is slow.
Even though I wouldn’t pick up Shea and think his character stinks, we ARE talking about the same organization that gave Gooden, Strawberry and Howe 2nd chances. So I don’t really know if that crosses Cashman’s mind. I just don’t sell my soul out to win.
As for swinging at everything, Hillenbrand fits the bill there.
As for giving someone a chance that won’t cost anything, why not just promote Shelley Duncan? I’m sure a rookie with something to prove would have a better attitude. .298-19-58 at SWB could at least merit a look-see.
Yeah….Shea might have a bad attitude but I think the problem last year was more John Gibbons than Shea. Gibbons also had a problem with Ted Lilly and Lilly isn’t anywhere near the ass Shea is.
Greg, NO NO NO to Hillenbrand.
He is not a help.
NO.
Yeah, all we can do is hope that Abreu turns it around. For what it’s worth, Damon has struggled horribly for half-a-season before and become the hottest hitter in the league the second half. Have to hope for that too, because we’re stuck with those two guys this year, and beyond for Damon….
Cano’s hot streak after he came off the dl last year gives some hope too, if he ever pulls his head out of his ***.
I agree… Duncan and Phillips are better options than Shea…
I am not saying the Yanks should or shouldn’t get Hillenbrand, but no one here has played with him and knows that he is a problem among his teammates.
He obviously did not fit well into the Toronto organization and he is upset that he is not playing in Anaheim with the emergence of Kotchman, but no one knows that Hillenbrand’s teammates have a problem with him.
He signed in LAA because he thought he had a spot and now he doesn’t. There is a spot open here for right handed batter and 1B, something he happens to be. He has always been a good player, not a superstar (we don’t need anymore of those), and he might just be a piece to the puzzle the Yanks need. If the Yanks got him off waivers for minimal money or got LAA to take some of his salary, then if clubhouse problems did arise, eating his minor salary and releasing him would not be a problem.
Mike, I wonder about Shelly Duncan too. All I can think is that the minor league people/Cashman don’t think he’s a major league hitter? But are these the same people who thought Igawa was worth $50 million? That they could count on Pavano the whole year? So who knows. This team is desperate for offense, and I think Shea’s worth a shot if they’re not giving up anything to get him. Why not? Clearly Cairo is not an everyday offensive force. And Phillips? What are the alternatives? Giving up some of our young pitchers to get a big name, in the hopes they can turn it around this year? I don’t think that’s wise…
Trying to equate the minor league Phillips or Cairo to Hillenbrand’s numbers, while playing part time, is ridiculous. Him having a poor month skews the numbers, doesn’t it ?
He is a major league player who will hit better than both of them. Trying to judge him by numbers alone makes little sense. He’s a gamer who’s gotten bad press, even if it is true. No one knows for sure the circumstances of why he’s not played regularly. Gibbons could have been the problem but that is not being considered and the other teams may have used him as a fill in which is something he hasn’t wanted to do from the get go. That can cause problems for a player who wants to play daily.
He can still hit better than Phillips as his record shows over the years, not in a small query. If the Yanks get him for little money, no prospects and the Angels pick up most his salary, it’s worth the gamble. He always played well against us and beat us at certain times with big hits. I say give him a shot.
Phillips is a career minor leaguer who will never be more than that to this team. He’s a fill in at best here. Cairo’s best as a back up and can’t play daily for a full season or he peter’s out.
Matt frags, phillips is a better option than Shea based on what? I like Phillips a lot too, seems like a class kid, plays hard, all that, but he has NEVER produced at the big league level. Hillenbrand has. What’s to lose by giving him a shot? Of course, you could say the same about Phillips, but that’s different than saying he’s a “better option,” which clearly there is no basis for.
Greg …. it’s not just Gibbons. He was a jerk in Boston, even as a young player who was given the 3B job (on merit, by the way). But he just wouldn’t stay in the background, always taking affront at perceived snubs, oversights, etc. He was a nice player in Boston (Cano-like plate discipline, though), bur he just drained energy from the team.
And now that he is a veteran, he is WORSE, WORSE, WORSE! I hope the Yankees do sign him. Believe me, you don’t want this guy.
Greg… Andy Phillips is not as good as Shea… I’ll give you that. BUT… Yanks seem to win when Andy’s in the starting lineup (not that he is main reason for that). My real issue with Shea is this: He’ll probably bat before or after Cano… Neither of these two players see pitches, let along draw walks… SO… most times when these two hit, it’ll be 3 pitches and 2-outs!!!
PLUS… when Doug comes back, you know Joe will give him the job because of his defense… What will Shea do then? Cry and moan most likely right?
Basically, Yanks aren’t losing b/c Melky, Cair and Andy aren’t hitting… Unless Damon, Abreu, MAtsui and Cano hit, none of this matters.
Oops! “He” is obviously Hillenbrand.
P.S. A previous poster hit another big drawback. He makes Posada look like Carl Lewis. Get ready for some double plays ….. lots of them.
…..in 2003 Hillenbrand became expendable and was sent to Arizona for pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim on May 29. The move was arguably expedited after Hillenbrand had earlier made some disparaging remarks about Epstein on the Hillman Morning radio show by calling him a “faggot” while demanding he be traded from the Red Sox……
…..
On July 19, 2006, Hillenbrand criticized the Blue Jays organization for failing to congratulate him on his recent adoption of a baby girl and not playing him upon his return. He was also disgruntled about sharing first base duties with Lyle Overbay and third base duties with Troy Glaus while being made to play as a designated hitter. Hillenbrand refused to sit with his team in the dugout during that night’s game. After an argument in the clubhouse between Shea and manager John Gibbons over Hillenbrand allegedly writing defamatory comments about the team on the clubhouse billboard (“This is a sinking ship”) after batting practice, tensions escalated with Gibbons challenging him to a fight and Hillenbrand being asked to leave the team. It was also reported that Hillenbrand ripped a Canadian flag patch off his hat after being removed from a game on Canada Day (Hillenbrand denied this).
He was later designated for assignment that same evening, with the club citing irreconcilable differences. Two days later, Hillenbrand was traded to the San Francisco Giants with reliever Vinnie Chulk in exchange for Giants reliever Jeremy Accardo. He later admitted to writing the comments on the board.
Hillenbrand signed a one year contract with the Angels on December 26, 2006. On June 27, 2007, he was designated for assignment a day after being quoted as saying, “if I’m not going to play here, give me enough respect to trade me or get rid of me.”
You want this BS? Fine. I don’t.
I give up NO young pitchers. I also look at reality and realize that this team is not going anywhere this year. Rebuild with the young pitchers….and do it without Hillenbrand.
197 abs in 70 some games equates to 400 over a full season. I would NOT call that part-time.
Brian, I doubt you know all the story on whatever personality clashes may or may not have occurred within the Red Sox clubhouse. I don’t think anyone is advocating that Hillenbrand be brought in as the long-term first-baseman. they have a big hole there right now, and a need for right-handed hitting. If you look at the mess that the Yankees are right now, the state of their lineup (Andy Phillips is hitting 6th tonight!), they have to do something, and without giving up prospects they don’t want to give up, this is what you are left with. Hillenbrand has been a solid run-producer and the only reason he is available and hasn’t played regularly in Anaheim is because of the emergence of Kotchman.
Greg… also… Stick Michael likes Shelley Duncan A LOT. He says he gets the ball lifted in the air and has some pop. I think Cash$ has drifted away from gene though… I do not know why Basak (based solely on his ST performance) got the call last week over Shelley (who is red hot this year). Basak, Thompson, Andy and the rest were basically the same pinch-hitting option for Joe… I’m not saying Shelley is Pujols or even Cust, but it would seem to me to make the most sense to have him on the bench when you’re playing in NL parks, under NL rules? There were THREE times we could of used a HR in 9th inning or beyind in those games, and we were stck with basak, cairo and andy as our only options!
Matt: and Phillips, who is hitting in front of Cano tonight, sees a lot of pitches? I’m not blaming this season on Phillips, of course, or Cairo. Of course it’s guys like Abreu and Damon and Cano (and Giambi’s injury). And the bullpen. If Hillenbrand comes in and hits, I doubt even Torre would replace him with Mentkiewicz, when Mentkiewicz didn’t produce much offensively before, but I’m not going to try to read Torre’s mind.
I think that Cashman has more inside info on Hillenbrand’s character than we do. If he’s really as much a problem as Mike S. and others think he is, I would hope they wouldn’t pick him up. But as others have pointed out, it’s not like we’d be giving up much to pick him up anyway, and if he did turn out to be a problem down the line, you can always just release him.
Matt, I’m all for giving Duncan a chance, but I’ve never seen the guy play, and we can’t control what the brass thinks of the guy. We can only hope the scouts and player development people are doing their jobs and know what they’re talking about. I do know that this offense needs HELP and it isn’t going to come from Cairo, God bless him, who’s a great utility infielder. He’s just not much of an offensive force, and Phillips hasn’t shown that he is, either.
Good thing Melky has bad speed…
I do respect Stick’s opinion a lot. Though I was at the game in… ’73 I think? at Fenway when he missed a suicide squeeze, Munson barrelled into Fisk and a huge brawl ensued.
Gene Michael: Great at player assessment. Bad at bunting.
It was Gene Michael who kept Bernie Williams and was against trading Mariano after surgery. Cashman was handed the late 90′s Yankees on a silver platter.
Greg …. I guess we can agree that there are caveats with all of the Yankee IB options. Where is Lou Gehrig when you need him?
Mike S:
“197 abs in 70 some games equates to 400 over a full season. I would NOT call that part-time.”
Hillenbrand’s last 10 games:
6/23 5 ABs; 6/22 4 ABs; 6/19 4 ABs; 6/18 5 ABs; 6/17 4 ABs; 6/10 3 ABs; 6/9 1 AB; 6/8 1 AB; 6/3 3 ABs; 6/2 3 ABs.
Clearly, this is part-time. Between 6/4 and 6/17 he got 5 at-bats. Five at-bats in two weeks is part-time, if that…
Hey Brian, I’ll take Wally Pipp at this point!
If the Yankees don’t sign Arod and Posada were REALLY screwed
HOW can flaherty say that “Miguel cairo jumpstarted the offense.” ASDADFJ?DDFGJFKSJzdfljksdfljjldfjdfz
Ok. I scrolled through the comments and couldn’t find anything–I just turned on the TV. How did they score the 2 runs in the first?
Wow. Nice play by the captain, maybe that can spark the crew up.
melky bunted for a basehit, jeter bunt popped out (not kidding), mastui force out. arod double score matsui posada singel score arod
jeter so good to the right…next lpay looks terrible goign to the left
I guess no one cares about this team anymore. poor yankees.
Thanks j.
I was noticing that something was looking good about Moose–think there’s any truth to what Kay is saying about him not knowing the pitch count/velocity?
Pretty sad when the intentionally walk someone to get to our guy who is supposed to be an on base machine.
……and Bobby A. grounds into a double play for the 67th time this season.
Ok, this sulking piece of crap abreau needs to be benched until he grows some coconuts. 2-0 not hitting and he swings… uuuggghhhhh…. time to slash my wrists and do pushups in rubbing alcohol….
thats a tough post to follow up.
Joba Chamberlain AA today
5 ip 5h 2 runs 4bb 10 k (3.32 era in AA so far)
Why can’t we do anything. 2 runs in the first inning and now we look like we did in Baltimore.
I think that was Jobas line from the other day. Think he pitched Wednesday
And our offense continues to be awful.
I enjoyed Flahtery making the excuse the Moose is up to 80 pitches, like its normal for a pitcher to start getting hit at that level. Maybe it is for Moose but certainly not any type of decent pitcher.
actually- i read it wrong- it was game 1 of the DH yesterday (the 28th)
Helno:
I know Moose is a big disappointment this year so far and that he is a little hard to take, but he is having a nice outing tonight and does have >240 wins in his career. Not too shabby.
Are you complaining about 84 pitches in seven innings? lol
July looks nice. 16 home games, only 11 on the road. And we’ve got 47 home games in the 2nd half of the season.
if we can get the hitting going, we won’t have to worry about Farnsy and Wang’s index finger, and we can make a run at the playoffs, DAMN IT
This is a big spot of the Yankees, see if they can actually hold a 1 run lead for the win.
I can’t watch when Farnsworth pitches.
Farnsworth makes me cry
Can you believe the A’s didn’t retire Rickey Henderson’s number?
They’re probably paranoid that he’s gonna enter the HOF as a Yankee.
That’s it, you can’t bring in Fransy in a close game.
This is bull let Farnsworth finish the inning
Greg,
I think you’re going to find yourself in the minority with that opinion.
did Kyle Farnsworth just say ‘f***ing joke’ as he walked off the mound? If you don’t want to get taken out- don’t let 2 guys get on.
I hope they trade him tonight! Teams need relievers- the Yanks might be able to get some bench help for him. Bring up Britton/Henn/Brower and dump this jerk.
screw him what has he done that he thinks he can behave like that
Greg-
You would rather let Farnsworth pitch over RIVERA?
I say- no way! Good decision Torre.
I hope the Yanks just release Farnsworth already,
I don’t care whether the yankess get a good trade off him.
Joe had won the right to change his pitcher without anybody shaking him off like Farnsworth did.
farnsworth should be thanking torre for letting him pitch in a 1-run game. instead, he’s cursing him out for pulling him after he failed for 20-something-th time this season to pitch a 1-2-3 inning…
Is Farnsworth joking getting upset at Torre for getting lifted there? We need this win, and he is getting pulled after allowing baserunners, including the tying run in scoring position, like he always does, for the best closer in the history of the game.
Even if he was good, and hadn’t allowed baserunners in 31 of his 34 appearances this year, he shouldn’t be perturbed. It’s a miracle (and a mistake) that he continues to be relied on for the 8th inning. Proctor and Bruney, as shaky as they are, are both better than him.
Shea Hillebrand will not change the season – just play Phillips and Cairo… And why would the Yanks want a dude whose name is Shea..
As for Farnsworth, he’s got to be kidding. The reliever has not come up big in his tenure with the team and he moans when replaced by Mariano. LOL It was funny, though quite sad.
didn’t anyone else find that fist-pump by nieves amusing after mo’s K? nieves has most likely only watched rivera from the sidelines, and now he gets to catch him. but it looked like for a minute, nieves was more of a fan and forgot he was actually in the game. gave me a chuckle.
“To me, he’s a bigger mistake than Carl Pavano because he can hurt you every day.”
I wouldn’t go that far Pete. Farnsworth at least showed that he somewhat cared tonight.
Yeah. I’m with everyone (except Greg) about Farnsworth. I thought he said “F’ing Joe.” I’m glad someone mentioned “joke” instead. That would be a much better option.
I’m leaving for Europe tomorrow and won’t be back for 2 weeks. I need them to win today so I have a good note to leave on!
lol, Greg. You’re on your own on that one.
TK – My comment wasnt so much about his performance, which was very good, it was about how the YES announcers seem to have excuses ready to go whenever a yankee player, but especially pitcher stumbles in even the slightest. Moose hadnt even allowed a run yet and Flaherty was already pumping out the excuses.
Green Tea–that’s why I love Wil Nieves. Say what you want about his weak bat, but he’s just a great person to see on that team, personality-wise. I can only imagine how much fist pumping he’d have catching Clemens or another big pitcher he hasn’t gotten used to yet.
I cannot see the game… they show anything in the dugout between Torre and weinie boy?
Colorado–not that I noticed. They showed Farnsworth a couple times sitting all by himself all mad.
7 lob as a team… 19 individually… the score should be 6-1…. someone needs to get to Cano and his plate discipline.
I just rewound Farnsy exit on my tivo, and I can’t tell if he said “F… Joe” or “F…en joke” or even worse, “F.U.” to the crowd. I think he may have mistaken the cheer that went up for Mo’entry as a cheer for his exit. plus, someone in the stands may have been heckling him.
Thanks…. he needs to go. Talk about a cancer in the clubhouse.
That was nice, a 1st pitch swing when the pitcher has gone 3-xx counts on the previous 2 hitters. Unnacceptable.
Agreed.
I just rewound Farnsy exit on my tivo, and I think he may have been insulting the crowd.
He may have mistaken the cheer that went up for Mo’entry as a cheer for his exit.
I really don’t know the point of Kyle Farnsworth. Why keep using him in the 8th? Why keep using him in close games?
Is Nieves still behind the plate? I can’t tell.
Nevermind. Just saw him.
helno – - – i guess the Yes-o-phants have gotten so used to crushing disappointments in games that they have a well-prepared drill to soften the blow!!! lol
BTW – Farnsworth should channel all of this extra energy into throwing strikes rather than be an a$$. Rivera was such a perfect set-up man before being the perfect closer. I guess that isn’t the way Farnsy rolls!!!
I’m tired of people bashing Farnsworth, he doesn’t get 1-2-3 innings, whoopdedoo. Neither do some good closers in the game. He gets out of the inning without runs scored at almost the exact same rate as Proctor does.
If Torre was worried, why wait a batter after the hit? Farnsworth DOMINATES him and then he gets lifted? Thats why he is upset, of course he is going to make mistakes, his confidence is shot now because Torre won’t let him get out of his own problems.
Mariano doesn’t need more then 1 inning saves. Forget lack of work, this probably means he can’t be used tomorrow. Though I wouldn’t it put past Torre to use him anyway.
You wonder why we don’t have a good 8th inning guy? Proctor is abused by Torre. Torre doesn’t let Farnsworth work out of any problems. Bruney has lost all form of control, the one thing thats not Torre’s fault.
Please, Farnsworth is not great, but you leave him in there everytime.
obviously mo is too old now.
I HEART SANDMAN!!!
Wow Joe used his closer adn won…. Novel concept….
Don’t care what the site thinks of Sterlng….
Thhhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Yanke WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
I’m afraid Farnworth is his own worst enemy, Greg.
If people give him a hard time and get frustrated with him, well this year its not hard to see why that is the case.
Thats what I’m talking about, Vintage Mo!!
Greg: Torre doesn’t let Farnsworth work out of problems because he CAN’T. There were a few games in a row that he CREATED save situations for Mo. I’m sure Mo appreciates the stats boost, but it’s not necessary.
Farns isn’t a terrible pitcher, but I don’t want to see him in close games. Quite frankly, I don’t want to see Proctor in close/tied games anymore either. But when you allow 2 on base before getting 2 outs, that’s not good. If Torre didn’t take Farns out right there and he allowed a run, people would have been on Torre’s ass for not bringing in Mo. Again.
On a separate note–I’m glad to see the old Mo back. Very glad.
Greg,
That is just it, Farnsworth cannot work out of his problems. It is the same thing over and over. He thinks that he can just throw the 98 mph fastball and it is going to work. He has not learned to pitch. The overuse of Proctor and Bruney is a direct result of the lack of success of Farnsworth. That is why they signed him… He is just not effective.
Greg – Farnsworth has a $100M arm and $.05 head/heart. He spit the bit as a closer multiple times as a cub, he can’t pitch consecutive days, he can’t pitch more than one inning, he walks too many, insists on a slider too often when his fastball is around 100 mph
If stats help – 50 baserunners in 34 innings w/ 17 earned runs.
and this just in, he appears to be a jerk.
Andrea: He can pitch out of jams just fine, go look at the logs, his biggest problem is the first few hitters, they are the ones that gets the hits. As he warms up and hits the upper 90s this hitters start having no chance.
Again, why let him pitch, watch him dominate and then lift him? Why not take him out after the 2nd single?
The funny thing about Farnsy tonight was that he was getting ahead of hitter and throwing strikes. It almost looked like his motion was a little less violent and just a bit slowed down. Maybe he’s finally working on being a different pitcher.
TKinDC: No heart, did you just not see him when he was lifted? He wants to get the job done, and no one is letting him. You need 2 pitches, you can’t just throw the fastball everytime. His slider is his strikeout pitch. The only problem I have is when he throws it on 3-2.
Different pitcher + same human being = disaster
Greg-
I think Mo would’ve been in there for Swisher- if he was ready. He did even start throwing until the second hit. I can’t believe he got ready as fast as he did. I do agree that Torre weakness is his bullpen management- however, they COULDN’T LOSE tonight. He had to get Mo in there.
Regardless of what you think of the manager – you don’t show him up the way Farnsworth did tonight. Dr. Acula- I think he definitely meant that comment for Joe- he left the mound early (a classic move by a pitcher who is pissed at the manager) and then said it as he walked off.
Remember-this is the same guy who showed up Melky on the mound in SF after he lost that ball in the sun. I can’t believe his teammates like that. Pete is right- someone on that team should get in his face. Unfortunately, based on Kyle’s track record- he might hit them.
So, Ryan, he there’s 0 possibility that he can improve?
I noticed Phil Rizzuto was missing from the list of Old Timer’s Day attendees. I hope he is ok.
Greg–you can love Farnsworth all you want and you can have your opinion about it, but the fact remains that I cannot watch him. And I know there are closers, i.e. Billy Wagner, that allow men on base, and I don’t find them great closers either. Look at Wagner’s postseason numbers. They’re ridiculous.
I’ve gotten to the point that I cannot watch Proctor in close games either. But since the beginning of the season, I just have to change the channel when Farnsworth comes in. And they said that they wanted Mo in so that they could have him throw to the lefty that was on deck.
Maybe the Angels will take Farnsworth for Hillenbrand [-0
If being a primadonna is heart, then I guess you are a big Barry Bonds fan.
Like I said, if he would show heart by being ready to pitch more often or going more than one inning I would be the first to cut him slack.
Torre is with the guy every day and made the assessment that Farnsworth couldn’t finish the job. Getting pulled for Mariano is not exactly an insult. Just hand the ball to the manager and try to do better the next time.
Hmmmm… the day Pete takes a break from covering the Yanks – the Yankees start winning…
Need I say more?
So Moose was getting hit after 85 or so pitches, right? That’s not very good. But if he can get to the 7th inning on 80 pitches and then get hit, I’m all for him.
Can we get a TX Ranger rally please??? How ’bout Texiera does a little early work for the YankS?
Farnsworth pitching is atrocious, embarrassing, outrageous.
He throws 98 but in doing so loses all command. He’s a thrower , not a pitcher. It also doesn’t help that his fastball is straight as a dart.
Get the Farns outtttttta here!!!
Farnsworth is such a big baby. I can’t stand him.
Just left the stadium. Farnsworth stinks. I get a pit in my stomach every time he enters a game. I can tell you, these fans were desparate for a win. Sounded like Game 7 of the WS in there. Great win. So happy
For whatever reason, Farnsworth has become a bad pitcher. It’s not just the lack of 1-2-3 innings, it’s that he’s allowing multiple baserunners per inning. He has become hittable and his strikout rate is far too low.
I hope as much as any fan that one of these days, Torre will bring in Farnsworth for the 8th and we’ll get 2005 Farnsworth and his 2.19 ERA. 2.19 ERA! Think about that for a second – just two seasons ago, Farnsworth was one of the most dominant relievers in baseball. Now he’s below average. I’d love to see an explanation for his decline.
Why should someone get in his face? Atleast he is showing emotion…that’s more then others can say.
Maybe they can replace Farnsworth with Edwar Ramirez. Will Ramirez ever be called up? He is wasting away in Scranton while the Yankees bullpen has major issues. So far this year Ramirez has pitched 43 innings, allowing 19 hits, 17 walks, 3 runs (all earned), while striking out 80. Yes 80. Maybe they can DFA Villone. I actually admire Villone’s good attitude and willingness to take the ball (last year when he was totally overused). But at this point, is he that great of an asset? He has made 3 appearances in the last 3 and a half weeks, pitched 4 innings in june, and has a 5 era this year. Aren’t there better options?
Showing emotion? All he’s showing is that he’s a jerk. But at least he’s reliable. Most guys would have had a few more good outings just by accident.
If he can’t be traded then DFA him. The addition by subtraction would be worth the monetary hit.
When you have most fans including beat writers writing his name off as a bust, it cannot be just related to ‘jumping on the bandwagon’. Kyle created this situation himself. Torre used him last year and he was spotty, just like he is this year.
Fact of the matter is, he makes the most money for a reliever on the Yankees other than the closer, so you cant use him as a long reliever.
Given how bad Yanks were doing, today Yanks had to win to bring in some positive atmosphere. So, with just one run lead, given Fransworth’s history so far this year, it was necessary to bring in Mo.
At the same time, we can not blame Fransworth for showing some emotion as long as he was not cursing Joe or the Fans. Unfortunately, Joe is a victim of his moves in the past. He let Proctor lose games by letting him walk winning runs. If Fransworth was thinking at least he deserved a chance to pitch to one more batter to get out of the jam, that is a fair expectation. Joe would have let him do it if the lead was nore than one run.
OK, I just got home to find the game over and the Yankees victorious…but this nonsense about Farnsworth throwing a fit bugs me. Can someone please describe for me exactly what he did?
Congratulations to Mariano Rivera for coming in in the 8th inning with 2 runners on base, the tying and the winning runs, coming back out and closing the door in the 9th, in a game they desperately needed. Another example of the ‘closer’ who can do more than just compile the cookie ‘save’ stat. As far as any conversation about the pitcher he relieved, you people are wanted back on your real teams’ boards. Or your Mommy wants you to clean up your room.
The more I see of Cairo and Phillips at the plate the more I want Hillenbrand on the team. Who cares if he doesn’t have the best personality in MLB. I have a feeling Torre likes Hillenbrand because he is a proven hitter. Right now the Yankees are badly in need of a righthanded bat and Hillenbrand has had success. It is far more likely that Hillenbrand will display more power than Cairo or Phillips.
Joe took him out with 2 on and 2 outs in the 8th. The left screaming into the dugout and threw his glove.
First- you can have all the emotion you want, you just don’t show up teammates and you don’t show up the manager. Not even if you’re named Jeter!
Second- Farnsworth is making $5.25 mil this year and $5.5 in 08. You put runners on base like he has this year, he can’t begin to be critical of anyone else. So, you keep your mouth shut and don’t make comments for the camera to see. Say all you want inside the clubhouse.
This guy needs a blanket party!!!
Any takers? A bag of balls just to get out of his contract.
Susan–that’s a bit harsh, no?
ATTENTION GREG!!
Farnsworth has an ERA of 4.88!! Proctor’s is 3.48. To suggest that Farnsworth should be given the chance to get out of the jams he creates because he “gets out of the inning without runs scored at almost the exact same rate as Proctor does.” is simply not true.
How many teams leave a guy with a 4.88 ERA out there with two on up by 1 in the 8th?
But regardless, what was really going on is that the yanks have lost 7 of 8, they’re up by a run, there’s 4 outs to go, and Mo is in the bullpen well-rested.
Farnsworth is moron and should be traded. he is punk.. 3 clean innings all yr. that is really hard to do..
he is a moron who will never learn. the yanks won a close game and a low scoring game it is a miracle…why not bring up ramirez or britton or both, torre knows villone stinks and therefore he never pitches him….
they absolutely have no 8th inning pitcher, farnsworth is much worse then last yr. which was not that great to start….
Farnsworth is unbelievable! The guy pitches like crap every single time he is given the ball, yet he feels he should be left out there to blow games… I honestly can’t believe that Britton, Ramirez, etc. would be worse, and they would (hope to god) have MUCH better attitudes than this knucklehead!
Seriously, Cashman, it’s fine if you don’t want to make any “major moves,” but please, please do us all (and this team) a huge favor and trade Farnsworth for ANYTHING you can get IMMEDIATELY!!
UPDATE. Ramirez had a bad outing at Scranton tonight his line was 3 innings, 0 runs, 6 k’s, and his ERA is still only .68.. Now I know why they keep him down on the farm, he has proven nothing and does not deserve a chance…………………………..
again the pen for the big club is such a sure thing we should keep him down there so he can waste away………….
On a different note, just noticed we’re going against Gaudin and Haren the next two games…OUCH!!! I feel yet another tough-luck loss coming for Andy…
It’s lucky we won this one, because the next two will be very difficult to win… Heck, Haren has the best ERA in MLB right now!!! It’s just not fair, I tell ‘ya!
Then again, that’s the A’s recipe for success year-after-year…Lights-out starting pitching that carries a punchless offense to the playoffs. Yanks would have won a lot more close games with the A’s starting staff… (wishful thinking!!!) Alright, just give us Haren and Gaudin…Andy and Wang can stay! (We would could even survive having Igawa as our regular fifth starter with that 1-4!)
“I feel yet another tough-luck loss coming for Andy…”
Never know. Could be a tough loss for Haren.
Andrea –
OK, I’ll keep my fingers crossed for our boy Andy!
Farnsworth needs to stop crying and acting like he’s ever given Joe a reason to trust him.
BTW – Where did Ramirez come from? Is he a true “homegrown” product, or did we trade for him? I’m curious…
I just got home from the game, another classic. I’m 3-1 this year with two Mo saves and one walk off A Rod grandslam. good news, I bought tickets for Aug 16th vs. Det, mark it down in the win column.
Anyway, I’m going on vacation tomorrow, renting a house, where else but down the Jersey Shore, not sure if there is wi-fi there, plus I’m sharing the house with friends, so I may not be able to watch games or watch the blog. Thank god for the cell internet.
Congrats, Yanks, let’s win this series now.
Somebody should get in Farnsworth’s face? And tell him what, that he should take his disappointment with resigned indifference and a goofy grin like that fool Abreu?
Of course Joe was right to take him out, but I’m glad somebody’s showing some passion, misdirected or not.
Also, forget Hillenbrand. The worst part about adding him is that it’ll probably preclude us from adding somebody better. Give Phillips two weeks of playing every day and let’s see what he can do once and for all. And what was up w/ Joe replacing him with Cairo for defense? I think Philips has a much better glove and would’ve made a better attempt at that playable ball Kotsay hit in the 8th.
Chicago Dave: All I could find about Ramirez from the S/WB website:
“Signed by the Yankees as a free agent on 7/9/06″
Ramirez was signed from the Independent league team Edinburgh United. He was in the Angels organization for a year then the Yankees signed him.
I got it backwards. Ramirez pitched for Salt Lake(Angels AAA) then pitched in the Independent leagues and was then signed by the Yankees.
Chicago Dave
Edwar Ramirez was in the angels organization but they never gave him a chance then the yanks purchashed him he pitched good for the angels triple A Team but never got called up he’s not a power pitcher with his low 90s fastball but is supposed to have a devastating filthy Johan Santana changeup and many scouts think that his development shows him to be the real deal and maybe put him in line to succeed Mo when he is done. but i think thats asking for to much but the one problom scouts have wit him is that he is really really skinny fo a pitcher
Hah. Rivera isn’t exactly a fatso, either.
It would be a great parallel. Replace the legendary cutter with the legendary change. Too bad the Yankees are wasting his great year.
I think will get better as he adds his change up to the mix. Also, Farns needs to go. I’m tired of the crying and the inconsistency. He got pulled for a Hall of Famer and whines about it. Trade him for Michael Bourn.
Randyhater
I agree about Farns. At least he wanted the ball – and where has that nasty slider he threw on his last pich been all year?
What’s this 1-2-3 crap? Who cares? Has Farns pitched well this year? Nope. But this 1-2-3 crap is ridiculous. I don’t care about retiring the side in order, just don’t give up any runs. When Righetti was our closer back in the mid-80′s he ALWAYS had base runners on before closing out games, ALWAYS. The tying run would get in scoring position quite a bit of the time and then Rags would usually slam the door shut. Nearly gave me a heart attack every time out and I was a kid back then. If you want to focus on the 4.88 ERA and lack of strikeouts thats fine, but this 1-2-3 stuff? Ughhhh.
Greg:
No offense, but you are wrong on Hillenbrand, and wrong on Farnsworth(LESS).
As for Edwar Ramirez, I’ve seen him. The real deal. Filthy change, fastball 90-91, which is fast enough considering the change. He is 26.
Combined AA/AAA stats this year: 80 K in 43 1/3 IP.
0.62 ERA. Opponents hitting .128 off of him.
The 2006 numbers? 4-1, 1.17 at Tampa. 47 K in 30 2/3 IP.
Opponents hit .133 off of him.
Proctor is having a tough year, but he was pretty bad in May and June last year too. He really picked it up in second half. The overuse may have taken a bit of his stuff, but he may bounce back. Also, last year, he was great against lefties. They used to kill him. He has drifted back somewhat against them this year.
Much prefer Proctor to Farnsworth as a pitcher. I don’t care too much about what Farnsworth said getting pulled. No big deal to me. Players show emotions sometimes.
testing….. one, two, three, testing..
i love this song is one of my fav songs this songs relax me an inspear me..i cant wait to meet them!!!they are the best in the west