Pinch hitting: Club Bronx
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- January
- 22
Our guest blogger program continues today with Jim from Club Bronx.
Jim has posted here under the handle “Wolf in Pinstripes” for sometime. He’s a 39-year-old New Jersey native who now works in Lexington, Ky. His site includes message boards, a blog, and a chat room. Jim says he grew up rooting for Graig Nettles and that his current favorites are A-Rod, Derek Jeter, Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera.
Here’s his post:
It’s been asked on Yankee blogs, “What have the Yankees actually done to get better?” and “Isn’t this the same team that couldn’t get it done before?” These are legitimate questions, considering that with the talent the Yankees have had the last few years, they very easily could – and should – have secured a title. However, there are some changes that have occurred since last season which could be difference-makers in this one. Optimism among Yankee fans should be well-justified in 2008.
The transition is complete in the front office and Hank and Hal have been active, which I believe is better than the prepared statements we’ve been fed through Howard Rubenstein. Instead of the big off-season splashes via trades and free agent signings that Yankee fans are accustomed to, we will finally be able to truly evaluate the fruits of Brian Cashman’s focus on the draft and developing talent in-house. 2008 should be a good barometer for just how well that plan is working, as it is the first year that we will get to see some of that much-heralded homegrown talent over a full season. I personally find this to be a refreshing change.
A revamped coaching staff may be one of the keys to getting the Yankees past the brick wall they’ve careened into in the last few postseasons. New skipper Joe Girardi will bring youth, fire, and modern strategy to the table as he takes over the reins of the club. Many fans are anxious to see what kind of effect new pitching coach Dave Eiland will have – not only with our three young studs, but also with veteran pitchers who could benefit from some fine-tuning of their mechanics and/or heads. If Eiland is truly as good as his success in the minors suggests, he could be exactly what the doctor ordered for our beleaguered bullpen. And based on the success he has had with A-Rod and Robby Cano, another full year of Kevin Long as hitting coach should continue to pay dividends from the plate.
Injuries early in the 2007 season contributed to a quick drop in the standings that the Yankees amazingly overcame to wind up in the postseason. They responded by firing strength coach Marty Miller, whose unorthodox routines were questioned by several players. One of the traits that has been attributed to Girardi is that he will not tolerate poor conditioning. If this roster can come into 2008 in shape and stay healthy, it’s scary to think about what they are capable of.
Roster-wise, there are still things to be excited about despite the lack of big off-season moves. Although Hughes, Chamberlain and Kennedy are young and raw, they will be a vast improvement over an aging Clemens, a see-sawing Mussina, a letdown in Igawa, and … well, Carl Pavano. Even if the Yankees have to dip into the minors to fill some gaps temporarily, prospects such as Alan Horne make me a lot more comfortable than the emergency reliance on players such as Darrell Rasner, Tyler Clippard, Chase Wright, and Matt DeSalvo. In the batters box, Cano, for one, continues to mature and improve. And A-Rod should be even more relaxed and productive with his contract talks behind him and a settled identity among his teammates.
There are still question marks – and there are no guarantees regarding these points of optimism that I have suggested. However, one can’t help but be excited as they look forward to a fresh season of Yankee baseball.
This entry was posted
on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008 at 12:07 am by Peter Abraham.
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Peter Abraham
I agree. I have to admit I don’t see a ring in 2008 because of innings limits and all that kind of stuff. But I can definitely see one in 2009 and beyond. But hey, I hope they prove me wrong and do it next year. They can, I just think it’ll take more than a year.
Well done Wolf! Howl!!!!!!!!!!!
addition by subtraction kinda like the giants. gone are tiki and pettigout.. seems to have turned out OK for the Giants…
Nice post.
Thanks to Jim for posting and for reading and being such a loyal poster in the comments section. Good luck with Club Bronx.
Very nice Jim.
I have to believe you represent the majority of the wise Yankees baseball fans who, like you, have a sense of guarded optimism about 2008.
Not that Hughes, IPK and Chamberlain will pitch 200 innings of sub-3.00 ERA’s. But, also understanding it is not impossible for the big three to post numbers superior to replacement level. Futhermore, it’s important to remember that the first two months of last season saw mid-level prospects like DeSalvo, Wright and a host of other mediocre pitchers toe the rubber.
If the offense can repeat its 2007 performance – something very possible – it is just as fair to expect the Yankees to challenge for a playoff spot, division title and ring #27.
Sorry to talk about somethimg differant.But does anyone know wqhat happened to Hughes Website?
That’s the positive view of things. But isn’t it reasonable to be worried by how much the Yanks are relying on three pitchers—Hughes, Joba, and Kennedy—who have fewer than 20 major league starts COMBINED. Yanks are taking a big gamble in 08.
http://philhughes.wordpress.com/
Nice to finally meet you, Wolf!
Looks to be an exciting season for the fans. I think that it’s important to stay positive and not react negatively to the inevitable setbacks. Players will slump, pitchers will struggle, so it’s important to look at stretches rather than moments.
I agree with you about Girardi. He’s going to give the club a huge boost of energy and be a difference maker.
I was already psyched and your post just put me over the top. Thanks!
We are cursed !!!!!!
what about a one year deal for Livian Hernandez…the guy eats innings and can provide some depth
BREAKING NEWS!!
NO, REALLY – Hot off the rag sheets, Tom Brady is wearing a walking cast.
http://tinyurl.com/28p5lm
Here’s more:
During his weekly appearance on WEEI’s “Dennis and Callahan” show, Brady didn’t dismiss the notion he had suffered some type of leg injury during Sunday’s AFC Championship win. “Ah, you know, there’s always bumps and bruises. I’ll be ready for the Super Bowl,” Brady said, when asked point-blank if he had a leg injury.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs07/news/story?id=3207592
Nice recap. I saw a mention of Chase Wright, who’s definitely someone I’ll be rooting for this season (I still think he can be a viable reliever with better control).
Nice words, Wolf – thank you.
Hey Wolf!
Nice post. There really is so much to be excited about for 2008. As much as I was a Joe Torre supporter, I do think that the general atmosphere around the Yankees was one of predictability. While there is some comfort in knowing that certain things will be a certain way, there is a time when you need to freshen up the place, you know? Shake it up a bit. This year, spring training seems like spring cleaning!
I am excited that Joe Girardi is the new manager. He brings energy and at least the hope of a new approach. It has got to psych the guys a little, even the ones who were so accustomed to Joe Torre’s ways.
It is unbelievably cool to think that the 3 young pitchers will have an impact on the team this year. Of course, I keep reminding myself to keep an arms distance, metaphorically, because setbacks are going to happen.
One never knows how the season will turn out, but I think the Yankees still have a good chance at winning their division – and infusing the team with all this newness just brings a new dimension to rooting for this team.
See you over at clubbronx!
Very good work Wolf, nice to see the glass is half full attitude. Also, no one has ever said that re-building and contending at the same time would be easy.
...good writing.
If you see Craig Nettles, tell him Bill Lee’s shoulder that he ruined in a sucker move is still sore.
Craig Nettles. blah.
Wolfie:
Nicely done. I am pleased with the truly Rebeccian optimism on display.
Yes, pitching is a big question mark – again. But what’s new and promising this year is that we are taking a chance on young pitchers coming of age, rather than aged hurlers coming apart. I have no doubt that first base will solve itself and the bullpen will be alright eventually.
While in many ways this is the same team that couldn’t get it done last year, it will be a very different team. At the very top will be a young, energetic, innovative skipper. I’ll miss Joe and his steady hand and I appreciate everything he did for the Yankees, the City and the fans. But I am looking forward to seeing the vets lead the kids under a new skipper and new regime and watching them re-knit together as a new team. That relearning to be a team – - and having some more fun – - will have a good effect, despite the question marks.
And may I say that you have some fine looking Strats, Mr. Wolf. Have you ever posted a .wmv (or other) file of your music over at http://www.clubbronx.com/
Carl Pavano will not be the opening day starter in 2008. There will not be a Carl Pavano sighting.
Well said Jim. I agree one of the biggest changes to this team is the emergence of Hank and Hal. There were so many questions about George and his health and what would happen to the team. Now we know that his sons have taken over and want to win as much and are willing to spend the money if need be.
I also am looking forward to the Joe Girardi era. While I like Torre I feel it was really time to bring a change to the managers seat.
And finally having a relaxed Alex who doesn’t have to answer “opt-out ” questions after every game will be big. He hopefully will continue to do great things on the field.
Not to be an a-hole but Clippard and DeSalvo both aren’t on the Yankees anymore. Clippard was traded to WAS and DeSalvo signed with ATL after being non-tendered.
I pretty sure he was talking about the caliber of player not the exact player.
Very well done. I too have a guarded optimism kinda feeling. I’m looking for a huge year out of Cano. What I’ll be watching with most interest from the offensive side is the progression of Melky. Can Kevin Long get him headed in the right direction with the bat? Stay tuned.
soxfan
January 22nd, 2008 at 7:04 am
…good writing.
If you see Craig Nettles, tell him Bill Lee’s shoulder that he ruined in a sucker move is still sore.
Craig Nettles. blah.
===============================================
His name is Graig Nettles, not Craig. You’re still whining about something after 32 years? What’s next?
Kevin Long will have several special projects on his list. Melky, Shelley, and some minor leaguers will draw his attention. He only needs to keep Robby Cano from getting in bad habits like swinging at the 1st pitch too often.
Nicely done, Wolf. The kids bring plenty of optimism with them. It’s going to be a great year.
wolf-
i have always thought girardi was a winner. he has always had some intangibles about him. i’m expecting those intangibles to rub off on the yankees in a very positive way.
eiland on the other hand ,i’m not so sure of. just because there was some success while he was there in the minors doesn’t mean he’s going to be a great major league pitching coach. that’s not to say he couldn’t be a great pitching coach, but i just don’t see the evidence yet. there’s a tendency to think new means better and more progressive.
i’m not sure that eiland isn’t just a journeyman pitcher who turned to coaching when his career ended sooner than he’d have liked who is passing on what he experienced while waiting for his pension to kick in.
i’d like to see something that says he’s up on the latest technologies and science about developing pitchers. does he know his way around a computer? it’s not a given all minor league pitching coaches do? he may be great. i just would like some info and details that tell more than he’s a good guy and was there when some good things happened.
I am as excited about the team this year as I would have been had the Yanks signed Santana or Barry Bonds or that fellow who did Viagra commercials.
The biggest name, by far, on the free agent market would have been Rodriguez, and the Yankees signed him to play 3B. We’ve got Mo, and it might be time to start thinking of Posada as the first baseman of the future. Give him some time there, as well as some MLB time for one of the catching prospects if they’re close.
If the bullpen starts and remains in good shape, I predict 20 wins each for Pettitte and Wang.
As far as the Sox, perhaps the Yanks have solved Beckett. Beyond that, the Sox staff is not impressive. And perhaps the ‘roids have finally caught up with Manny and Papi.
I got to agree. The Yankees finished only two games off the pace in ‘07 and really didn’t need a lot of big changes in the roster for ‘08. I believe the long-term signing of A-Rod, Jeter getting a chance to heal over the winter and bringing in Garardi were important moves. I also like the dynamic front office trio of Hank, Hall and Cashman who I believe play off of each other really well. And oh, yes; I also believe the fat and sassy Redsox and ripe for the picking.
Southron
I am excited too. Great Post.
If I am Kevin Long, the one thing I do is get Robbie in the weight room and have him starting to try to hit for power. He has the capability to do so and there is no reason Robbie shouldnt be hitting 20-25 homeruns. A big kid like that with such a sound swing…
dotel signs with the white sox for 11 million for two years. 45 innings in the last three years. wow! the cost of building a bullpen just keeps going up and up. homegrown has to be mostly the way to go right now.
Thanks for the comments, everyone!
I’m glad that people understand where I am coming from, and Tony from Bronx Liaison pegged me to a “t” – it’s all about being guardedly optimistic for me. We can’t be naive enough to think that all of these scenarios will bear fruit. But if the majority of them do, we’re in for an exciting rebuilding in Yankee-land, whether it is in 2008 or sooon after.
I have to fully agree with Randy L that Eiland has a lot to prove. It remains to be seen if he can not only continue his success at the MLB level, but also if he can keep up with the times. Needless to say, his role in this “rebuilding” is crucial considering the fact that pitching has been our achilles heel for the last few years.
murphy – thanks for mentioning the gear. While my gigging days are currently a thing of the recent past, I do continue to dabble in home recording and will post some music on the site at some point. I really should get some pictures of the full collection up as well, because I still collect and customize them.
Oh, and Doreen – I agree with your comment about predictability. I would dare say that complacency is a word that applies to this squad as well, and I think some of the veteran players pointed that out themselves at the years end. It will be interseting to see how much they take that to heart and act upon it. This is where the hiring of the young, energetic Girardi is so pivotal. I loved Joe Torre, but it was simply time to shake things up, as you said.
Wolf-
Great post!!! Can you believe Spring Training is just around the corner?!? I am so pumped…
Of all of the points you made the one that should scare opposing teams the most is Girardi’s youth, energy, and unwillingness to accept poor conditioning. We are going to see a Yankee team that plays with passion this season—something these guys have been missing these last couple years(in my humble opinion)....I’m pumped.
P.S.- Good topic
Thank you Wolf.
Very up beat, I like that much more than some of the naysayers. Let us hope things work out as well as you write them.
Again, good work. 27/08
as long as bobby, damon, matsui, lefty side of the 1b platoon hits to the back of their card and the bullpen throws strikes, we are almost golden
thinking @least 25-15 through the first 40
is that too optimistic?
NO to Livan. Have you checked his last four years? In each of them, his ERA and WHIP has gone up from the year before. Also, his IP and K’s have gone down in each year from the previous year.
Don’t see why the dumping on Rasner. The guy did have a 4.01 ERA before getting hurt. Not great, but far better than others. Not that I’d want him in the rotation, but for spot-emergency starter/long relief, he hasn’t done that badly.
“thinking @least 25-15 through the first 40
is that too optimistic?”
I don’t think it is. A lot of our success or lack of is going to depend on how the young rotation comes out of the gates, since that will have an effect on the bullpen as well. But I can go with 25-15 pretty comfortably.
BTW, thanks again to those who commented and to Pete for the opportunity to guest here.
mel – yes, nice to “meet” you. LOL I’m glad you’re as psyched as I am, as well as the others who have stated such.
I hope to see some new faces at Club Bronx as we gear up for spring training and then the regular season. You can start new topics as you wish and feel free to discuss anything that’s on your mind. I’ll also be keeping the blog updated at least a few times a week. Thanks to my regulars there for making it fun – that’s what the site is all about, after all.
27 in ‘08.
I don’t understand his comment :
“Even if the Yankees have to dip into the minors to fill some gaps temporarily, prospects such as Alan Horne make me a lot more comfortable than the emergency reliance on players such as Darrell Rasner, Tyler Clippard, Chase Wright, and Matt DeSalvo. ”
Weren’t these players , Rasner Clippard Wright and all were considered good prospects last year in the spring just like Horne is considered now . So now this writer thinks Horne is great . If he doesnt pan out , he would say same things he is saying about Rasner , Clippard etc . Hindsight is 20 20 .
If some players do well , its always “Oh I told you so” , but if they don’t its still “oh I told you so” .
Same expectations , same comments were there last year and last to last year and year before .
You never know unless the middle of the season or the season is over who are good players and who are not .
i’m a little late to the party, but good post wolf!
work has really been cutting into my ‘goof off on the internet’ time this week :rolleyes: ... the nerve