Live blogging the Yankees-Astros game
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- March
- 3
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You’re looking live at Osceoloa County Stadium in strip-mall strewn Kissimmee, Fla.
It’ll be Mike Mussina against Wandy Rodriguez. We’re about to get underway. I have some work to do but I’ll throw in some updates from time to time.
First inning: Melky Cabrera doubled with one out but was stranded as Robbie Cano grounded out and Shelley Duncan flew to right.
I asked Joe Girardi this morning about the Yankees sending Jesus Montero down. He said he was impressed with how the 18-year-old caught in the Philadelphia game on Saturday. It was better than he looked during bullpen sessions.
“He had an ability to take charge. The way he was receiving the ball, I was impressed,” Girardi said. “Obviously I’ve always been impressed with his bat.”
Is Montero a catcher moving forward?
I would hate to say, I mean the improvement I saw in two weeks and into the game was amazing,” Girardi said. “Great kid, too.”
Second inning: Moose needed 12 pitches to get through the first. The Yankees took a 1-0 lead when Astros expatriate Morgan Ensberg doubled and came around on a grounder by fellow former ’stro Jason Lane.
The Astros tied it up when Hunter Pence doubled and scored on a two-out single by Jose Cruz Jr., who dropped a 1-2 pitch into right field as Moose couldn’t finish him off.
Moose didn’t back up the plate and Cruz went to second when the ball got away. Humberto Quintero followed with an RBI single and it’s 2-1 Astros.
Third inning: The Yankees have taken a 4-2 lead, scoring three runs off Wandy Rodriguez. After Melky Cabrera and Robbie Cano singled, Shelley Duncan delivered an RBI single. Cabrera scored, as did Cano when Houston threw the balla around.
Morgan Ensberg followed with an RBI single. Rodriguez was pulled after throwing 61 pitches. 61 pitches on March 3? Seems like a lot.
UPDATE ON BOBBY MURCER
Bobby was at a Houston hospital today for a biopsy to determine whether he has had a reoccurrence of brain cancer. The Yankees received this update from his wife, Kay:
“Bobby is doing great and is resting comfortably after this morning’s biopsy. He could be released as early as tomorrow. Results won’t be available until later this week.”
* * * * * * *
Meanwhile, back at the game, Moose got tattooed in the third as Matsui and Berkman singled ahead of a homer by Carlos Lee. 6-4 Astros.
Back later, Mussina is available to the media.
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on Monday, March 3rd, 2008 at 1:05 pm by Peter Abraham.
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Chad Jennings
Sam Borden
http://www.790kbme.com/pages/preempts.html
O yeah… go time!
I had this in the other thread but, I’ll repeat it here.
Today’s trivia question.
Milo Hamilton is the Astros Hall of Fame announcer.
He is famous for making one of the most well known calls in baseball history. Do you know what it is?
Answer to come later.
Jeez, I thought that was gone.
Didnt he do Aarons breaking of Ruth HR not sure if it wason Tv or radio though
Jennifer, thanks so much for that link.
I wonder if the highlight of that old man’s life is that he got hit by a foul ball by Robinson Cano?
XM did a Baseball Confidential special with him lazst year and it was great always good to hear the old schoolers tell the tales. They ran one of Harry kalas a few months ago and being a longtime Phillies fan hearing his tales were fantastic
Sweet! Thanks for the link Jennifer!
Funny scene. Guy catches a foul ball. Looking around to give it to someone. Either he saw no kids or he saw too many Yankee jerseys, he ended up holding on to it. He tried tho.
Your welcome, someone posted it earlier today, can’t recall who though.
Betemit will jack one today
i’m afraid i don’t know the answer to that SJ, but will look forward to finding out
Brandon I predict Wilson will strike out at least once today. More likely twice.
SJ – Hank Aaron’s 715th HR. If there was a single moment where I became a baseball fan, that was it. I was 10 and I’d been following the stories leading up to it before I’d ever seen a baseball game.
“Holy Toledo, what a play!”
Gayle wins! Sorry, I don’t have any prize for you! See if Pete can squeeze Sterling for a gift certificate! lol
Milo called Aaron’s 715th HR against the Dodgers. He was the Braves TV voice at the time. It was a great call. No self promotion, just the right balance of accuracy of the call and excitement.
Milo is the last of a dying breed. A true baseball voice.
Something that is missing with this generation’s play by play guys.
Can someone pls update with the game. thanks
ok moose. show’em what you got!
“Holy Toledo, what a play!” was his catch phrase in general, not necessarily the 715th HR call.
Whoaaaaa these announcers are dead wrong about Mussina. Yes he’s struggled, but he has certainly earned his keep on this team.
Jenn your hating again
Say;
WHat did they say, I have my volume very low, and someone was runing a printer. ALso how does he look to those watching?
what up with the strange camera angle?
That HR was off Al Downing.
Aaron liked the number 4 so he wore uniform number 44.
Coincidentally, Downing also wore number 44.
For the first 2 batters he was getting good first pitch strikes seems his curve his really working good today
is there a place i can listen to the game?
moose’s change-up looks really good
Jennifer’s watching the game at work … I’m tellin’!!
No wait … I’m blogging too …
Anyone else dying laughing at the Gun Safe commercial?
For those who are watching?? Is there anywhere we can watch that game?
They said Mussina “hasn’t earned his paycheck” as a Yankee and that “if you look at the numbers he put up with the Orioles” he hasn’t been nearly as good as a Yankee. Nevermind that Mussina was also younger when he was with the Orioles, but are we just disqualifying Moose’s good Yankee years because he struggled last year?
MikeEff,
Are you watching the FSN Houston feed, too? I think their guys are pretty good. No anti-Yankee agenda or negative comments about the Yankee players.
What happened at the top of the first inning?
Double for Ensberg leading off the second.
frits,
Link at top.
frits see the first post.
ranting i’m listening.
say- how can they say it about Mike. If Mo didn’t blow the save in game 7 he would have won a wws his first year here.
Say it Aint So -
I think they are speaking that he hasn’t had a big big contract like many of the Yankee Regulars.. not that he didn’t earn his check..
betemit hitting from the right isn’t pretty
ahh…thanks!
yeah mel, they seem pretty good
Kevin, I didn’t hear that one wrong. They definitely said that he didn’t earn his paycheck.
damn that right side Bet
Milo Hamilton also called Roger Maris’s 61st home run. What a career – 60 years broadcasting baseball.
Imagine calling Aaron’s 715th and Maris’s 61st.
Say,
Who’re you listening to?
he really shouldn’t be considered a switch hitter. he’s awful from the right
Did Wilson strike out? I just missed what happened.
Yankees are fouling off a lot of balls.
not to be picky, but its not really a live blog if it gets updated from time to time.
just sayin.
he grounded out jenn, got morgan over
Dang! That’s twice I’ve heard Girardi cheering a player. “Atta boy Jason” after sitting on a pitch.
The link Jennifer gave, 790AM. I know what I heard, but there’s always the chance that I’m hallucinating or something
he grounded up the middle moving Ensberg from 2B to 3B, then Lane did the same but Ensberg scored
So he didn’t s.o. WOW!!
jenn how do i get this radio with the yankees game to play? which channel/ station is it?
wait a minute i thought Karstens was starting today ? did I miss something ?
So, I followed the radio link…but what does one do once at the site in order to actually listen to the broadcast?
This steroid commercial on the radio just reminded me that I read the funniest satire article this morning about Clemens not tipping a waitress enough. I would link it but it has some profanity. It’s on serioussportsnewsnetwork.com if anyone is interested.
Moose definitely earned it the first 4 years of his conract. He may have been the Oriole’s ace for a stretch there but he was never expected to be the outright ace of the NY rotation. One year he happened to be the best NY could put out there, but that’s not to say anything negative about him.
He struggled for about half of last year, but other than that he’s always made the effort and done his job. And even when he was struggling, he still made the effort in spite of the results. If the announcers are dismissing all of his NY years like that, they are utterly clueless.
Say -
Just heard it… you were right!! That’s kind of ridiculous..
YF click on listen nowat the header, not the HD links
Moose is starting. Karstens pitches after him. That info is like…three posts down the main page.
whozat
Click on the box at the top of the screen with the phone number and click here to listen
“Mussina actually looks pretty sharp today”- they sound surprised by that!
At least until he gave up that run.
thanks Lori
Pete,
Great question for Girardi on Montero. Good to hear that Girardi sees some positives in his catching skills.
What was the first error?
The last two rbi hits were on 2 strike counts.
i hate those two strike hits…unless they’re ours of course
Not a very impressive pitching appearance by moose.hopefully he will be better as the spring training progresses.
melky’s off to a great start this year
Nice day so far for Melky notice he is not wearing a shin guard you would think after what happened last year he would wear one
Ick… Not very encouraging… But it is just ST. I won’t worry too much.
Nice hit and run. Cecil Cooper is poutting me to sleep
First outings by veteran pitchers are rarely impressive. They are working out the kinks.
If they come out of healthy, that’s all that matters.
Melky seems ahead of last year with regard to his hitting from the right side. He is really stinging the ball from the right side early in camp. Great to see.
Another sign of a more aggressive Yankee team this year. Perfectly executed hit and run by Cano. Against a lefty no less.
Very nice.
I know we’re patching our rotation together based on IP limits, but I will kill someone if Moose is the third in the rotation. If Hughes has a good spring, and I mean really good, he needs to take that spot.
There are a lot of Yankee fans in the stands.
If Montero continues to improve do we see him at 1st base or catching by 2010 – 2011? If Posada doesn’t suffer from a dramatic decline at the plate, I see him as a DH for the last 1 – 2 years of his new contract. That said, is it a given that Montero is the catcher of the future?
Listening to this radio broadcast is such a breath of fresh air.
It’s remarkable how much sterling/ waldeman take away from the game on the field in comparison.
Not only are the calls clear, but they are very well versed on the yankees given that the team in in the other league and this is only a spring training game.
I was out of the office. How did Mike do overall? Anyone know what his fastball reached?
soft spot of the rotation everyone
Sounds like the umpires are also in need of a little work. They were awful last year, I don’t remember the last time I’d seen so many bad calls in big situations throughout the entire league.
Its all about innings Mel. Moose can throw more innings than Hughes if he is healthy.
For the Yankees to be their most effective, they need Moose to be a solid #3.
If not, then things get dicey, vis a vie, innings issues.
the guys are looking great…
is the white flag in yet?
Nice piece of hitting by Shelley. He was way out in front and just stabbed at it. Sacrifice would’ve been good, but a bloop single + an error’s even better.
Ensberg nice swing today. He could make things interesting.
good point SJ about cano hitting of the lefty. i’m not sure, but didn’t cano hit leftys better than rightys by the end of last years?
Shelley rawks.
Engberg is starting to swing the bat well.
He’s not that far removed from an MVP-type year in 2005. If he can add another RH bat to this team, they get much tougher.
There is room IMO for both Shelley and Ensberg to make this team. It doesn’t have to be one or the other. Just means that Shelley would have to be the 5th OF.
Jennifer no clue on speed certainly wasnt mentioned by the announcers. I would say he looked some good some bad but it is way early for him. I was more noticing the fact he didnt cover home and I am sure it got mentioned to him.
I have said this before but if Ensberg continues the way he is going to me he is a threat to Betimit more so than anyone. Although he didnt look great in the Cruz Error he also can play 3B like Wilson who to me still look s a bit lost
Mike,
I mean that Girardi was putting on the hit and run on a lefty pitcher to a lefty hitter. Its so much about Cano. Its about his confidence that Melky’s baserunning has improved.
In the past, Melky would either get a poor lead or get picked off by lefties in those situations.
What I like about Girardi thus far is, he’s not afraid to push the envelope. It won’t always work but, the more aggressive you are, the better the results.
Doesn’t matter if the Yankees are a veteran team. They can still play a more aggressive brand of baseball than they have in the past few years.
SJ,
I hear you. I’m not dumping on Moose, just venting.
enough of this endless interview with their manager already!!
betemit Ks…
Mike like I said Cecil cooper although he may be saying very interesting things he is putting me to sleep with his tone lol
i see what you mean SJ, thanks
I wonder if Moose goes 3, or if he’s done..
This is great, it’s Monday, which usually sucks, and I’m at work watching the Yankees. I’m getting paid and watching the Yankees! Now, if only I could see Phil, Joba or IPK. Oh well, I can’t have it all, right?
Left handed starters gave the team quite a bit of trouble last year.
If Ensberg and Shelley hit the lineup becomes much more balanced.
Against tough lefties they could play shelley at first and ensberg at DH. That would be much more balance than last year.
Jennifer must be gleaming, she has one K on her belt
Moose back out for the 3rd
moose is back for the third.
to be honest brandon, i’m not a huge fan of betemit either. way too many Ks
Moose might not even cut it in Scranton this year. I hope he can pull thru, but he is entering the same territory as Kei Igawa.
MikeEff,
Did you install Silverlight from mlb.com? One new feature is that it has the boxscore from Gameday. It even has lineups and bench with all the available pitchers. I don’t recall that feature on Gameday.
Moose not looking so good. 1st & 3rd 0 outs.
Mussina is generally fussy with catchers. Props to Cervelli for handing him so well for the 1st time.
it is ST let them get into rythmn first jeez
yeah wilson k’d. I knew it, one more WIlson, YOu can do it.
You still denying what I just said?
Moose is all washed up.
Yikes…
oh Mike. Here come the calls for his head.
this isn’t pretty
damn Moose got walloped on that one
Ouch…..moose has nothing in the tank…three run homer….do i hear ian kennedy moving his stuff into a locker at yankee stadium
Who else guessed that would happen? 2-strike count. I’m not dumping on Moose, but it’s just something I felt was coming.
Ouch. Mussina is going to have Zito-esque numbers after this start. Not that it means anything at this point. But…ouch.
unibrow Karstens about to pitch
Im firewalled from the audio here at work… Any word on if the pitches are up? Or does it sound more like a velocity or location thing?
Mike Mussina is a primadonna…which was fine when he was one of the better pitchers in the league…I could deal with his douche baggery. now I just hate the guy.
yeah mel, i did install the silverlight player.
lets not get all bent out of shape over moose and start making ridiculous comparisons with igawa. lets give the guy a chance. it’s his 1st start
Boy this doesn’t look good for the Moose. 2 bad outings in a row. If Joba is in the rotation do they need Moose?
Who has more of a chance to be in the rotation? Karstens or Joba?
anyone else frightened by the prospect of this guy “mentoring” hughes and kennedy? yikes.
Wow, that only took 3 minutes for the Moose hatred to rear its ugly head
great…yankees forfiet…now pitching The White Flag, Jeff Karstens
Frankly, anyone deciding someone is “washed up” after their first ST start is dumb.
Are CC Sabathia, Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz done? They were all awful in their ST debuts.
A little tip about “evaluating” ST performances. With pitchers, its about how they feel, NOT the results.
Sometimes, guys work on different things.
For example, a guy may decide that he is going to work off his curveball in an outing because it needs work. Meaning, he will throw it a lot and not necessarily when dictated by the count.
Folks really dumb down the quality of baseball talk in the blog with over the top commentary after ST outings.
Learn about what ST means to certain players. Its not like evaluating people in the regular season. Its much different.
Eveyrone needs to settle down about Moose he looked good and he loked bad this is only his 2nd outing of the spring I can already name a handful of aces that have had worse outings than this lets discuss again in a week or 2
Brandon,
That’s an unfair assessment. When Karstens had his second callup last season he had his brows done.
MikeEff,
You’re the first to bring up Igawa. Subliminally. lol.
One other guy who is “done” after his first ST start. Johan Santana.
If Moose gets hit like that on March 28, then worry.
Now, its not that big a deal.
On another note this has to be the longest interview ever by a manager during the game
“Mike Mussina is a primadonna…which was fine when he was one of the better pitchers in the league…I could deal with his douche baggery. now I just hate the guy.”
You’re one lonely guy, aren’t you? You hate the man? Really and truly, you hate him?
yeah, except in this case our opinion of moose is informed by his ‘07 results. the stark difference b/t moose and sabathia and beckett is that they had cy-young seasons, and moose did not…not so much. so when he comes out and starts pitching like last summer, it’s not as easy to give him the benefit of the doubt. whether or not its deserved (the criticism) because its early in ST is certainly open for debate, but it’s not necessarily the case that we’re “dumbing down” the talk by wondering if 07 moose has decided to return for a victory lap in 08.
Cut Moose, fire Clueless Joe!
and lighten up on karstens J train. i think he did JUST fine
“anyone else frightened by the prospect of this guy “mentoring†hughes and kennedy? yikes.”
So in your estimation you have to still be able to pitch like an Ace in order to teach someone? That’s a genius way of thinking, not.
same for santana, and cole hamels, etc. mussina hasn’t earned, based on his 07 results, the kind of respect and due deference that the other guys have. he was flat out awful last year, save a few starts at the end of the summer.
now, i know a 3 inning ST start is not the same thing, but it’s not necessarily stupid or dumb to wonder if he is in fact done.
5-4 Astros after 3.
ray—ya gotta just ignore BS like that…
sj I would normally agree with you over veterans in spring training but mussina is on thin ice here. there are people standing behind him now. we will see over the next few starts by him. he was just throwing junk and none of it was hitting the spots he needs to be successful.hopefully he will find his stuff as the spring progresses.
did anyone see girardi talking to moose in the dugout. girardi is on hands on. he is no torre.
Well it all depends on why he’s getting hit around..
Is it location? Because that will come with time..
Or has he slowed down both velocity wise and delivery wise?
With Moose, he pitched well because he had so many pitches, and he hid them well as he delivered them.. But last year he lost that. It seemed like every hitter was seeing the ball out of his hand.
But again, it’s only the second ST start. Lets not panic.
thanks for the “not”, i hadn’t heard that since my days watching saved by the bell
that was mostly in jest. there’s plenty of wisdom he can throw around, especially for someone so similar in profile like kennedy.
say it aint so- I never liked Mike Mussina, Im not sure how anybody could, the guy is an arrogant douche bag. Like I said, I put up with his douche baggery because he was such a great pitcher…now that he’s no longer the pitcher he was…Im going to give him the business.
Raymag- Im not loney, I have 14 cats
yankees ben.
m. fiensand is live bloging the game.
if you buy mlb tv you could watch tha game.
mel: fleas brought it up first…
i never would have
Nice inning by Karstens.
SJ, many of the comments are not based on an ST outing, but based on what was Moose showed last season.
I get your point, but Moose is not going to revert to Santana once the season begins.
Moose has a number of questions to answer this year but there’s no way anyone can draw any legitimate inferences about how he’ll do in 2008 based on his first spring training start.
He’s a 16 year veteran. Putting up “good numbers” during spring training is no a priority for him.
Moose is at a real transition point in his career. He’s always pitched off his fastball. His fastball velocity made his change and curve effective because of the difference in speed he generated.
He doesn’t have that same fastball know so he’s going to have to pitch more like a Glavine.
Whether he can do that is open for debate. But he’ll probably be working on a number of issues during spring training that are far more important than his performance alone.
Those of us criticizing the Moose are going on 2 bad starts already this SP and a horrible stretch last season that resulted in a over 5.00 era in 07. My question is what does Joe do if this trend continues, do you keep Joba in the rotation just watch his innings or let Karstens start if he keeps up his good pitching trend (this last inning) and his success in Winter ball?
I still ask why is Woodward on this team ?
does anyone believe moose would have failed to cover home during the season when it matters? personally i would rather not have a 38 yearold likely starting pitcher covering home in a meaningless game. just saying.
Wait, did you say that Cole Hamels HAS or has NOT gained the kind of respect and deference that good vets get?
pete, you gotta give the right information man…its only 5-4 astros
“say it aint so- I never liked Mike Mussina, Im not sure how anybody could, the guy is an arrogant douche bag. Like I said, I put up with his douche baggery because he was such a great pitcher…now that he’s no longer the pitcher he was…Im going to give him the business.”
So you have actually sat down and spoken with Mussina? You really make yourself sound like you’re not at all intelligent.
“Im not sure how anybody could, the guy is an arrogant douche bag.”
You’re really one classy guy aren’t you?
I don’t think anyone thinks he will revert to Santana BUT this is his first start of the Spring all some of us are saying is lets revisit the conversation after his 3rd or 4th start of the Spring rather than making declarations after the first one. There were many on here who said Josh Phelps was the next coming of Mickey Mantle and look how that turned out.
He hasn’t earned it? The guy has won over 250 games in his career.
He had 6 bad weeks last year. He also had periods when he pitched very well last year. Now, he hasn’t “earned” time to see if he is done or not?
Sorry but, that’s dumb.
I guess its all in how you look at things.
CC Sabathia may have won the Cy Young last year. But, he was awful in the post-season (over 8 ERA, cost them the Red Sox series) and stunk in his first ST outing. A trend developing?
Johan Santana was awful the second half of last year and was awful in his first ST outing. A trend developing?
If you don’t like Mussina, that’s one thing.
But, to cherrypick stats and decide the guy doesn’t “deserve” time to see if he is done or not is dumb. Especially, given the career he has had.
I am not the biggest Moose fan in the world. However, using this start as anything more than what it was, and ignoring other guys who have had similar bad outings doesn’t add up to me.
Also, if folks don’t think his mentoring Hughes and Kennedy isn’t a help, really you gotta learn a little about the game before saying something like that. It makes absolutely no sense.
hamels isn’t in the same class as santana, clearly. he’s more along the lines of bucholz – someone who showed extraordinary promise last season and for whom a shaky start in ST doesn’t really matter. not apples to apples though.
Moose may not be washed up, but he should know to back up the catcher.
“whether or not its deserved (the criticism) because its early in ST is certainly open for debate”
No, it’s not. There is no debate. Making any conclusions based on ST results at this point is stupid. Period.
Look at Moose’s 2006 ST stats…and then look at his 2006 regular season, in particular his first half.
Now look at 2007.
He’s a vet who needs ST to build arm strength and get his FB velocity up. He did that in ST in 06, got banged around, and then once it mattered he was VERY good. He didn’t get to do that in 07, and had a bad year.
As long as he’s out there, pounding his FB in the zone and getting stronger, I don’t care who hits him how hard. The point is for him to get up to 88-90 MPH once the season starts, not to win games on march 3rd.
BTW, if you are a Yankee fan, you better hope Moose has something left in the tank.
The answer isn’t having 3 rookies in the rotation. That is not going to happen.
Somebody is going to have to pick up the innings load. That “somebody” is going to have to be Moose.
Again, you have to examine the outing for what it was. He was throwing changeups and curveballs quite well and got hurt with his fastball.
Until you find out what he was looking to accomplish today (which I’m sure Pete will) its impossible to draw any conclusions about today.
SJ,
Fair enough. I’ll bite my tongue. But I still like me Hughes. OK, now I’ll bite my tongue. Owww. It’s bleeding now.
nice effort by betemit on that bunt!~
This is the type of outing we’ve been accustomed to with Moose of late. Can’t finish guys off and giving back any and all leads the Yankees hand him. He’s one of the most frustrating guys to watch pitch on the Yankees.
“I still ask why is Woodward on this team ?”
He’s not. He’s a non-roster invitee in case Joe G decides he wants a better fielding IFer than Betemit as his 25th man.
first of all, i never said he didn’t deserve a chance to find out if he was done. not sure where you got that. i think a lot of people would say that moose’s 07 year was for all intents and purposes a failure. i think moose would admit the same thing. maybe i’m wrong. but moose’s six weeks certainly doesn’t equal santana’s “awful” second half, if you could even call it that.
the fact is that moose’s fundamentals are off, his velocity is down, and all of his peripheral stats have been trending downward for the past few years. that’s not news to anybody. i never said he didn’t “deserve” a chance to find out if he was done. i said that this is a troubling development, in light of his performance in 2007. whether he has learned to pitch like glavine, with a diminished fastball, is yet to be determined.
but to suggest that wondering whether he was going to have a repeat performance, given his 2007 performance, and wondering if he has sufficiently adapted to the physical changes that have obviously gone on in his arm, whether he can compete for the yankees in 08, is “dumb”, is silly.
and for the record, i like moose. i don’t think he’s a d-bag. i hope he can pull a maddux or a glavine and pitch for years to come. i’m just not convinced that he has, and i agree with others that have suggested he’s on thin ice, and not helping his case thus far in 08.
nice throw!!!! i love this stuff
Beautiful throw by Cervelli on the pitchout.
Wow, Karstens sold that one pretty well.
not a chance Woodward beats out Betemit for a roster spot
“I still ask why is Woodward on this team ?”
He’s a utility player how can not only play multiple infield positions but also the outfield.
He signed a minor league deal – that’s what spring training is for. Looking at players like woodward who don’t cost you anything to bring in.
Lastly, go look at the Scranton roster. They actually need infielder with major league experience on them to fill in for injury.
You don’t want a AAA roster filled with pure prospects. You need a mix o prospects and players with major league experience.
Not sure if Woodward’s contract calls for him to released if he doesn’t make the major league team, but he’d be a very valuable depth guy at Scranton if nothing else.
He’s much better than Chris Basak – remember when they had to bring him up last year for a stretch?
CB,
I sincerely doubt Ensberg is going to unseat Matsui as DH against lefties. Matsui is a .293 career hitter vs. lefties – which means he’s only .003 better vs. righties.
yeah, so, i’m not particularly interested in arguing with anyone. i think you’re all pretty intelligent and well-informed yankees fans, certainly entitled to your own opinions, so i’m going to call it quits on this subject. not taking my ball and going home, i just don’t think there’s a high degree of probability that anyone persuades anyone else, and i’m also not too interested in wasting my afternoon getting called dumb. so, hope you all have a great afternoon, and hope moose finds his mojo in 08.
so to you doubters…a nice outing by karstens…
i’m not saying he’s going to be santana, but he’s got some talent. you can’t judge him on last years injury ridden season
Karstens will always get bonus points in my book for facing a batter or two after that ball broke his leg.
Oh god now we have Ed Wade shoot me now
cervelli = catcher of the future
“not a chance Woodward beats out Betemit for a roster spot”
Didn’t say he would. But, if Duncan and Ensberg both stink, and they wind up deciding to have Betemit be the primary 1B, then a spot could open up for another utility IFer. Why not have guys in camp in case that winds up being what the manager wants?
SJ – Hughes is not a rookie but thats just nitpicking. Regardless, I think it is very likely that in the 2nd half of the season we will have Hughes, Kennedy and Chamberlain in the rotation.
His velocity isn’t going to be at optimum levels on March 3. That’s why its impossible to evaluate what he did today.
If he threw free and easy, that’s a plus because he’s been bothered by hamstring injuries the past 2 years.
One of the reasons his velocity is down was because he didn’t have his legs. Velocity is about having your legs. It has nothing to do with his arm. His arm is healthy.
If he has his legs under him, he can build arm strength. That’s why I am interested in hearing what he says about his outing.
Nobody is saying he had a good year last year. However, there are reasons for it. We have to see if those reasons have been lessened by better health.
Karstens new nickname should be Mr. March. If the Yankees ever need to win a Spring Training game, just put Karstens out there. He’ll get the job done. He was great last year in Spring Training, and a good start so far for him this year.
SJ –
Serious question for you here –
This is for those of us that realize ST appearances are not about the numbers for pitchers, yet we don’t really have a scout’s eye. What can we be looking for to educate ourselves from these outings? I know that they are building leg and arm strength and possibly working on new pitches, etc. – but what are some signs that we can look for that indicate a pitcher is making good progress ST outings?
The J Train- I know that I’m biased towards Moose because I actually have met him and he’s been more than kind to me, and actually, his entire family has been very kind to me. Whether you think he has nothing left or not, he’s a good person whose sarcasm gets taken out of context by reporters who are all too ready to make players into villains.
If you want to criticize the Moose’s pitching, that’s fine, you have every right to, although it is really a bit soon to be doing that on March 3rd. But he’s not a bad guy by any means.
Patrick,
For the purposes of innings, he’s a rookie.
He’s not seeing 180+ innings this year.
It has to come from somebody. That’s why I am hoping Moose has something left in the tank.
“Regardless, I think it is very likely that in the 2nd half of the season we will have Hughes, Kennedy and Chamberlain in the rotation.”
Regardless, you still need pitchers to pitch the innings before the 2nd half
The better Moose does, the better off Hughes/Kennedy/Chamberlain will be
“i agree with others that have suggested he’s on thin ice, and not helping his case thus far in 08.”
And my point is that you’re not necessarily right, because it’s NOT ABOUT THE NUMBERS. If his goal today was working on command of his secondary stuff and just pounding his FB in to build strength, then it’s very possible today’s outing was exactly what he was looking for.
SJ44,
Cano hit .328 against lefties last year. Between him and Matsui, it’s like having two righties.
“There were many on here who said Josh Phelps was the next coming of Mickey Mantle and look how that turned out”
no there weren’t. no one ever said anything like that, despite how many times Pete insisted it was true.
sorry, not picking on you Gayle, but the Phelps strawman is a pet peeve.
joe: call Karstens whatever you like, but last year he had a great ST then had 2 injuries including a broken leg caused by a line drive. so call him whatever you want
SJ
Yep I know, was just pointing out that technically he’s not considered a rook.
You’re right, he won’t pitch 180+ but I can see him getting to 160-170. Put him in the fifth spot of the rotation and skip him once in awhile to keep the innings down. Kennedy should be free to pitch as much as he can out of the fourth spot.
I agree Moose will be in the 3rd spot for the first half of the season. At that point however I think Joba will move into the rotation and Moose will become a long reliever/spot starter. Unless you want to move Kennedy, Hughes or Joba into AAA for a portion of the season, this is the only possible outcome.
hmmmm, hate to disagree, but i actually got a tattoo on my stomach last year that says:
THE NEXT MICKEY MANTLE
and then under it is a picture of josh phelps.
so that’s at least, AT LEAST, one person.
who’s pitching for us next?
“I sincerely doubt Ensberg is going to unseat Matsui as DH against lefties. Matsui is a .293 career hitter vs. lefties – which means he’s only .003 better vs. righties.”
I agree that Matsui will DH against the vast majority of lefties.
What I said was against “tough lefties.” By that I meant a Bedard or Sabbathia or even a tough lefty reliever.
The point is – they were just not as good against left handed pitching. Their left handed hitters had a .766 OPS last year against left handed pitching. Not great.
Also, you don’t know about Matsui and injuries this year.
Matsui does well against lefty pitching. But even good lefty hitters often get rested when they face tough lefty pitcher.
It gives the yankees more flexibility. That’s something they’ve lacked in the recent past.
hey i was a phelps fan last year. torre never really gave the guy a chance,
Just to clarify Blargh, I’m not saying we don’t need Moose. I think he will be VITAL to this team’s success. I’m just disputing that he will be our #3 starter all year.
the first time I saw Karstens was in his yankee stadium debut and I said to myself “Why is Gilbert Gotfreid throwing out the first pitch and wearing a yankee uniform?”
I think if Moose struggles later on this month. That they should give Karstens a look at the #5 spot and see if we can ship Moose to Philly or back to Baltimore. Can someone tell me how hard was Moose throwing? That imo will say it all this year. If he’s still in the mid 80’s, he’s in trouble. His fastball needs to be in the upper 80’s to be effective.
Steve Jackson is up to pitch next, according to a post on this very blog.
http://yankees.lhblogs.com/200.....days-game/
frits, my bad. i forgot about your badass tattoo.
Wolf,
The best way to evaluate it is threefold. First, by the outing. Meaning, the first outing of the year for most pitchers is all about getting a feel for the mound, throwing all your pitches, and getting out of the game healthy and without using up too many pitches. 30-45 is enough for the first outing.
Each outing after that, pitchers tend to build on things. Their length, velocity, game situations, etc.
Second, what was the goal of the outing? We won’t know that until Moose is interviewed. His goal may have been as simple as “getting out of there healthy”. It may be more than that. Until we hear from him, we won’t know for sure.
The third thing is seeing the sharpness of his pitches as his outings increase. He won’t have optimum arm strength now. So, his MPH is meaningless at this point.
As his outings increase, how is his movement? Can he throw his curveball for strikes in any count. Is he bringing back the “big” changeup he used in 2006? He couldn’t use it last year because of his hamstring problems. That’s a pitch that really helped him in ‘06. When he has the good curveball, everything else works off that.
Folks make a big deal out his velocity. But, its more than velocity. Its location and movement.
Greg Maddox throws 82 MPH now and still gets outs. Its all about location, movement and pitching in good counts.
To judge him after a March 3 ST start, regardless of the year he had last year, is dumb.
We won’t know about Moose until later in the spring. Until then, you just hope he gets better each time out.
“hey i was a phelps fan last year. torre never really gave the guy a chance,”
I kinda agree…he had a good offensive run with the pirates at the end of the season too. So, good for him.
frits,
mine is on my left shoulder, but mine says, “Mickey Who?”
Mike –
Jackson, McCutcheon, Ramirez, and Melancon are slated to follow. Looking forward to seeing Mark M. pitching.
oh, of course… the “Mike Mussina trade to Philadelphia” kick again.
Nice job by the garbage.
thanks wolf!
well j train, got any trash talk for karstens today?
oh the next four pitchers I can’t wait to hear how they do since MLBTV only works for me after the whole broadcast is done and is posted later tonight
Only the 6th? I think the FSN Houston crew and their endless interviews are making the game seem longer.
Speaking of Phelps, he signed with the Cards, right? Does anyone know if the Pujols injury rumors are substantiated in any way? If not…I can’t imagine why his agent would have had him sign there.
moose will not be a pitcher with 180 innings this year. if the yankees get 150 with 4.50-5.00era, the yankees will be fortunate. there is not one person predicting him to pitch 180 innings.his upside is 170-175 and the chance of that happening is slim.
Moose has a no trade. He isn’t going anywhere. This is probably his last year in the game and he wants to go out as a Yankee.
If he is pitching poorly, why would ANYBODY want to trade for him, even if he didn’t a no trade.
If he is pitching well enough to help the Yankees, obviously, he isn’t going anywhere.
No matter what, Moose will be a Yankee in 2008. Its just a matter of hoping he can be the “good” Moose and not the bad one.
Cervelli !
Wussina
they can’t get cervelli out!
maybe i was premature in that statement
Thanks SJ – I appreciate the info. Everything you just said makes perfect sense, but since I’ve never had a chance to watch ST games until this year, it’s certainly not habit for me to look for those things. But I’d like for it to be, if that makes sense.
It’s only March 3rd. The last 2 weeks of ST will be far more indicitive of what to expect from Mussina. Remember too though that he’s 39, so it could take him through April to get into form. Never the less, I’ll be looking at Mussina’s velocity come the end of March. If Mussina can’t get it past 85-87 mph this year, he’ll be bad. He need to get it around or at 90 consistently. In the NL the mid 80’s might work, but it’s not getting it done in the AL east. The yanks should look at Freddy Garcia as insurance for mid season.
“his upside is 170-175 and the chance of that happening is slim.”
So…you pooh-pooh the idea of him getting to 180 innings and then say he could maybe get to 175? What’s the point of even arguing that?
Karstens looked good in his two+ innings of work. If he can be an effective long man, the Yanks ‘pen will be that much stronger. With (at least) two kids in the rotation and an aging Moose, there are going to be days when a long man in a necessity.
The presence of a long man will (hopefully) negate those 5 reliever games that Yankee fans came to loathe the last few years.
On another note, Frankie Cervelli has looked good today taking two walks and getting nice little hit (the CS was Woodward’s fault). Nice to see the young catcher stepping up.
When is the last time we saw the hit and run on with a catcher at first base.Nice even though Woodward swung through it
Woodward failed on it, atleast Damon got it done this inning
“The yanks should look at Freddy Garcia as insurance for mid season.”
By the time he’ll be ready to pitch, they’ll be looking to move Joba into the rotation. If one of the other younguns is struggling come June (in addition to Moose), yeah, then maybe it makes sense to look at Garcia.
“Frankie Cervelli has looked good today taking two walks and getting nice little hit”
I’ll be very excited if he can make the jump to AA and prove that his offensive surge early last season was no fluke.
Where can I listen to the game? I can’t find it.
the chances of him getting 170-175 are very slim. it is not even reasonable to expect that.
LOOK AT THE FIRST POST.
Sean,
First post of this thread.
LHP vs LHB Cano bases loaded
For me Wolf, I watch ST training games for one reason. To see the kids.
I don’t get caught up with the vets. Those guys know what they need to do to get ready for the season.
I love watching the kids and getting a feel for how they are developing.
In the last several years, with all the ST games available via the internet, “results” of the games have been parried about much more than they should be.
It just doesn’t matter.
With a guy like Moose, we aren’t going to know more about where he is at until later in the spring. If he came out today and pitched lights out, it wouldn’t give me any greater indication of anything.
I know some fans want guys to be great every time out. It doesn’t work that way.
Moose needs to build up arm strength over the next 3-4 weeks. If he does so, I suspect he will be a decent enough option for the Yankees. If he can’t, they have an issue to solve.
The guy has played the game too long, and is VERY smart on subject of pitching, to not be given the benefit of the doubt at this point.
If some folks don’t want to give it to him, no sweat off my back.
But, to “judge” his ST results as something of value just isn’t the way to go about it.
There isn’t a pitcher in any camp, young or old, whose arm strength is there yet. Moose is no different than anybody else in that regard.
Robi gets the hit !
the yankees will score a lot of runs this year.you can bet on that.
Cano not as patient as usual, wanted to get the big swing on his first strike. But nice RBIs there.
Oh, you know what I did? Before, when I first came to this section, I went to where the first post told me to go but I didn’t see anything but I didn’t realize you had to “click” on the right side of the page. Thanks.
Curious to know if Girardi manages the whole game or does he go to the clubhouse when it opens up to meet with the media? And if he does, who takes over?
whozat,
I agree on Cervelli. All of the profiles that I have read rate him as a plus defender whose skills behind the dish are ML ready. If he can hit for a decent average and continue to get on base, he will be an excellent asset to have (either as a chip, a serviceable backup or an interim guy before Montero or Romine is ready).
“the chances of him getting 170-175 are very slim. it is not even reasonable to expect that.”
There are reasons to say this, but you’re not providing any. Do you think there will be health issues? Intolerable ineffectiveness? Someone better pushing him out of the rotation?
go shelley…making his case!!
SJ44 -
One of the nice side benefits to the World Baseball games was that the kids got an extended opportunity to play in spring training. That was my favorite spring training. It was nice to see who was playing for the Yankees at the minor league level, and to talk about who might make it to the bigs.
I know it gets tedious, but you have to keep reminding people what spring training is for, and actually if you know what to look for, you won’t get so caught up in the actual results of the game, and consequently, the ST games will be more enjoyable.
There’s plenty of time to worry about scores and performances once the regular season starts. I, for one, don’t need the anxiety to begin any earlier than it already does!
All these runs with 2 outs!
Cano not as patient as usual
Cano and patient as usual in the same sentence. Mel thats a first. His middle name is immpatient.
I think Shelley Duncan has already made this team. No doubt about it. His AB’s have all been quality thus far this spring.
Can play two positions, has righty power, something that is in short supply in the game today, and brings the energy needed to the park everyday.
I don’t think he has to worry about the “Turk” on March 30.
mel,
Girardi manages the whole game. The media meets with him briefly after the game, but the media gets the good stuff with him before the game or like today before the trip.
Hey, what’s the score now? I’m in the office and cannot get the audio. The Yankee scoreboard at the MLB site is only updated on occasion. Last I saw, Robbie got two RBIs.
SEAN SERRITELLA YANKEES DAILY
listen here
javascript:void(window.open(’http://espn790.com/cc-common/streaming_new/index.html’,'ccTuner’,'width=668,height=420,status=no,resizable=no,scrollbars=no’))
iv been driving around doing errands so i could listend to the game on the xm in my car. just wanted to drop in here to rank all over BRANDON and JTRAIN for thier karstens-bashing. he gave them today exactly what they need from a long reliever.
“I think Shelley Duncan has already made this team. No doubt about it. His AB’s have all been quality thus far this spring.”
Do you think that’s basically spelled the end of it for Ensberg, then? Or is there a scenario where they both make the team?
Barring some kind of fall-off from Shelley, of course.
What did Duncan and Ensberg do in their ABs this inning- had to leave the stream for a bit.
My bad. There was not two outs with all the runs.
Thanks, Joe. I thought I heard him still cheering on the batters like a little league coach (I love it!).
SoS, that’s the Kevin Long Effect.
Mel – How many runs? How? I’m stuck on a conference call and can’t listen to the game. And MLB is way behind.
Mel -
Joe Girardi is on the field for the entire game. If Peter and other media members go into the clubhose during the game, it’s to talk to players that have finished their work for the day and make themselves available.
CB,
Matsui was a regular and was not platooned until he got hurt. And I’m all for flexibility. But I think you should know that in my section, we routinely snicker when the opponent goes to the bullpen to bring in a lefty against Matsui. Why? Because we know this is likely to work in Matsui’s favor
yeah SJ, i really like seeing the quality ABs from him. also he has looked pretty smooth playing at first
Betemit walks bases loaded again for Lane
Shelly singled up the middle on a 1-2 pitch, Ensberg struck out on a 3-2 count,
Doreen,
In the short time ST has been on, there are the three things I have taken away from it that makes me feel very good about this team:
1. Girardi. Showing you can run a tough camp, still have fun AND get veteran players to respect you. Its also quite encouraging to see how aggressive these guys are playing. Putting on a hit and run with Francisco Cervelli and Chris Woodward is today’s example. The guy is the PERFECT fit to replace a legend on the bench.
2. The development of Austin Jackson and Jesus Montero. We all know about the depth of young pitching in the system. To now see guys like Jackson and Montero begin to turn heads is VERY exciting to me. It tells me that the player development side of the organization is in full bloom. Great news for every Yankee fan.
3. Shelley Duncan. I was curious to see how it was going to be for Shelley this year. Was he Kevin Maas or is there something more to his game? From Day One, his work ethic (sometimes beating Arod to the park. A first among players on the Yankees!) has been outstanding. His AB’s have all been quality and he’s now an important part of this team.
RH power is in short supply in the game these days. A guy like Shelley, especially if he can play off the bench, is a valuable guy to this team.
If Duncan is a slam Dunc to make the team. Then i would think that Ensberg could possibly take Bettimet’s spot if Wilson struggles. Thoughts?
brandon…good to see betemit take that walk. good sign.
The more you see of Shelley the more impressed you get.
Torre was right last year when he said that Duncan really has a plan every time he goes up to the plate. He doesn’t swing wildly, will go the other way and drives pitches when the opportunity presents itself.
It’ll be interesting to see if Girardi thinks Betemit is a true backup infielder at 2nd and SS now that he’s lost weight. He was really a stretch at short last year.
ARod,Jeter, and Cano are all going to play 150+ games barring injury so the yankees don’t have a strong need for a true backup infielder like a Woodward or Nick Green as long as Betemit can be passable.
If Betemit can be the backup infielder then there’s room for Shelley and Ensberg. That would be an excellent bench and give them the right handed power hitting they lacked last year.
So, does anyone know the score. MLB says 6-5, but it sounds like more.
i don’t think ensberg can play all the positions that betemit can.
oops…
http://espn790.com/pages/audio.html
click “Click here to listen”
i would take Ensberg over Betemit anyway.
Since Michael Kay isn’t doing the game, it will be interesting to see Edwar Ramirez and his bugs bunny change up.
SJ,
What did you mean when you said Shelley doesn’t have to worry about the Turk?
Loving your posts this ST (as always).
BTW – I got to see Montero’s HR. It really did sound different. And I had just said to my dad, “Watch this kid, he’s the Yankees top power prospect”, and then he blasts an opposite field HR on an 0-2 count. It was beautiful.
Whozat,
I can envision an scenario where both Ensberg and Duncan can make the team. It would mean Shelley would be the 5th OF.
Betemit can’t hit righthanded. That’s going to factor into the roster, IMO.
Betemit can play 3B, SS and 2B. Ensberg can play first and Shelley can play RF.
That would give them 13 position players: Posada, Molina, Giambi, Ensberg, Cano, Betemit, Jeter, Arod, Matsui, Damon, Cabrera, Abreu and Duncan.
I believe they will carry 12 pitchers.
In the setup above, it would mean Ensberg has to beat out Nick Green and Chris Woodward for the last roster spot on the team. Provided of course, he hits.
If he doesn’t, then I think Green and Woodward battle it out for the final roster spot.
7-5 yanks Ramirez now pitching
i think Ensberg is more of a prototypical corner IF-type player, whereas Betemit is sold as a natural 3B, but has played 2B and SS in his short career.
I don’t see Ensberg beating Betemit. Betemit’s looked good at the plate, nothing like last year. Betemit’s also flexible in the infield.
SJ,
How many pitchers do you think we’ll carry and what’s your projected 25 for opening day? Don’t forget to add Moose.
Vech at 2B, Gonzo at SS, Tabata at RF
Yankees Ben – Thank you!
Action in LF Gardner at CF
BTW Gonzo nearly made an amazing play but you’d never know hearing the announcers
“But I think you should know that in my section, we routinely snicker when the opponent goes to the bullpen to bring in a lefty against Matsui. Why? Because we know this is likely to work in Matsui’s favor ”
As I said before – Matsui is a very good hitter against lefty pitching and has been over his whole career.
But don’t go overboard with this. He is not as good against lefty pitching as he is against righties. His splits aren’t that dramatic but they are significant.
His slugging percentage against lefties was 53 points lower.
That’s a significant drop off in power. His batting average and OBP don’t change much against lefties but he clearly doesn’t drive the ball as well.
Just go back and look at what the yankees did last year against pitchers like Bedard and Sabbathia – those very good lefties gave them fits.
Gonzo just made a bare handed stop… didnt make the play at first though
Clare,
The “Turk” is what NFL players call the guy who comes to their rooms during training camp and tells the player about to be cut to, “see the coach and bring your playbook”.
Its usually an equipment guy whom the head coach gives the job of rounding up the soon to be cut players.
Moose, Farns, Bruney, Henn, Rameriz all need to go play a different sport or in the least get off my damn team.
Brandon,
Video guys were impressed.
Hey how did Wiggington get to second?
I think it’s a good bet that both Ensberg, Duncan and Betemit all make the team. And I think that both Ensberg and Duncan play vs. lefties. One of them will take 1B and the other can either DH (with Giambi sittng) or play RF (with Abreu sitting). These guys can both mash vs. lefties and we were only a .500 team vs. lefties this year.
Fleas I have to say you are such a downer sometimes. It is amazing to me that you actually root for the Yankees , no player is ever good enough always wanting someone elses star or ace.
Brandon,
Video guys were impressed.
Hey how did Wiggington get to second?
A Passed ball by the catcher
SJ44 is on the mark. The final roster spot isn’t going to be Ensberg vs. Betemit. Betemit is going to make the team. The final roster spot is going to probably come down to Ensberg vs. one of the true utility infielders – Green or Woodward.
That decision depends on whether the team thinks it needs more depth with right handed bats or a player who can play multiple positions in addition to betemit.
Ensberg absolutely kills lefty pitching. He has a career .936 OPS against lefites. Even last year when he was dreadful overall he had a .830 OPS against lefites.
If it looks like his shoulder is recovering from the injury he had in 2006 he would be a very valuable bat to bring off the bench.
despite fleas order to get rid of edwar, i think he had a good first outing
mel I’m hearing it on radio my friend is watching it somewhere else on his computer
Betemit played SS for Jeter last year a bit, didnt he? I thought I remember him getting a little time there, for some reason.
In any case, i agree; if you have a bench of Jose Molina, Shelley, Betemit, and Ensberg, you’ge certainly got some options…
What does Ensberg’s contract look like- was it non-roster, meaning if he doesnt make the team, he’s not accepting a AAA assignment, right? I would think the smart bet would be to take a chance on Morgan Ensberg if you have to eventually cut him over cutting him early to keep Chris Woodward around.
Thanks SJ.
I really hope you’re right about Shelley. He’s one of my favorite guys to watch. He just looks like he loves to play the game.
Interesting that he beats ARod to the park sometimes. I bet he was extra motivated when they invited Ensberg and others to camp to compete for his job.
gayle for a long time i couldn’t tell that fleas was a yankee fan at all. but since he called them “his team” today, i guess we know
SJ44 –
I agree with all your points. I am thoroughly enjoying the pictures and reports of Girardi on the field working with the team. It’s been such a positive transition so far.
Also good to see that, although pitching has to be the main focus, positon players in the system are coming along as well.
I was a Shelley Duncan skeptic. Watched him in Trenton and was very doubtful he had what it took – he looked one dimensional. He has proven so many people wrong, and it’s a great, great surprise. I love being wrong!
If you’re near a TV, I’m going to be a guest on ESPN’s “Outside the Lines,” which is on right now. They’re doing a segment on the Yankees
Mel,
I think they will carry 12 pitchers. Barring a trade or injuries, I think the following arms make the big club:
Wang, Pettitte, Moose, Hughes, Kennedy, Karstans (long man), Albaladejo, Traber (unless they trade for Marte, I think he ends up getting the LH specialist gig), Hawkins, Farnsworth, Joba and Mo.
If Albaladejo struggles, Jose Veras can win that job. It may be tough to keep Veras off the roster if he keeps throwing the way he is throwing. That fight may be the most interesting battle for a bullpen spot. Both guys are throwing very well.
I think Ohlendorf, Bruney and Edwar start the year in the Scranton bullpen.
I think they will eventually trade or DFA Henn. I know there is some thought that since he is out of options, they will carry him on the roster. However, I’m not buying it.
He has to beat out Traber to be on the roster. They aren’t going to give him a token spot on the roster.
this kyle anson kid gets a single on a 3-0 count. never heard of him but he’s cool.
clare, i think that girardi is a firm believer in having guys compete for jobs. it can only help shelley to have to fight for his job.
well that was a good throw, you have to admit
well my new friend kyle got thrown out stealing 2nd. so he’s no longer cool in my book.
sj you’re way too easy on moose today. this was only his 1st ST outing but it showed exactly what happened last year, the BIG INNING! He gets a couple guys on and then has to come to lee with a meatball and it gets launched. its only one ST game but very discouraging. if moose makes the rotation (and i dont see it as a sure thing) we may see alot of Karstens coming out of the pen early to bail Moose out.
Since when are catchers stealing bases
i think the umps got all 3 out calls wrong that inning.
Gardner was safe at second the tag was late.
Gardner was safe
my friend said he was safe is he ? was he ..
Well Brian I don’t blame them, they probably want to see that game over.
the tag came in then he hesitated then tagged the forearm after gardner got the base with his fingertips. also anson was safe at second and ransom checked his swing on the strike 3 call. guess the umps just want to get this exhibition over with.
Regarding the Bobby Murcer update, I will say a prayer for him and hope for the best. My boyhood idol.
Why because I am a realist?
Uhm, they are worthless.. I give them plenty of chances. I do agree that I am negative at times. No argue there but c’mon please, they were worthless all last year.. and you think they would come out strong in the spring just like a lot of the players did. I don’t mind mediocre talent (pitchers) on the team, we have plenty of of that.. but it’s the GARBAGE that I want off the team.
Sometimes you wonder if I am a Yankee fan???
You know what’s funny to me, sometimes I wonder if YOU ALL are yankee fans or just here as soap opera loving sycophants.
It’s quite obvious a lot of you don’t know a dang thing about the game.
You know who you are.
what did brett gardner do? get a hit, try and stretch it to a double?
turntwo: gardner doubled down the left field line and it was a bang bang play at 2nd and he lost the call.
sj,
If Albaladejo and Veras do well. What are the chances that they both make the roster and due away with a lefty in the pen?
Can someone tell me(if your watching on t.v.)if Melky is showing more pop in his bat this year vs. last year. I am hoping that hanging out with Alex and doing some strength training. That he has more extra base power than he showed last year.
Unless he is hurt or done, Moose will be in the rotation.
Its why he will be given every opportunity to get it going this spring.
Again, don’t concentrate on the results in his first outing. That’s not the issue.
What were his goals today and is he healthy? That’s what’s important and that’s what I’m interested in hearing after Pete talks to him.
Nice work by Steven Jackson.
Melky is still hacking like always.
ok Fleas if they are ALL worthless I ask you who you would like to get to take their places or spots?
Believe me I am the first person to say I am not an expert on baseball or scouting of players but at the same time I think I do have some sense of what is realistic.
Nice inning by Jackson, I can see why Girardi likes him. I think that we see Melancon next. Are we?
too soon to tell if melky has any more pop. he doubled off the all earlier in this game.
SJ :
Yout thoughts on the staff solidify the thoughts of many in that this team has good arms competing in camp.
I’ve learned from too many springs to always allow for a surprise during the final week of March. Scott Patterson is capable of being one of those. It should be tight between Albaladejo and Veras. Farnsworth needs to make a case for not going in a late March deal.
“soap opera loving sycophants”?
cute turn of phrase, but in this context, meaningless. your negativity is depressing though.
I don’t see them starting the year without a lefty in bullpen SOS.
They may say it but, they don’t mean it! lol
exactly, the possibility that he is done has come into play, not because of today but because of last year and his age. i think its still and open question. i hope he gets it together and as long as he doesnt have a horrible spring he gets the spot, but if he blows up in ST, horne, marquez, karstens or someone else may pitch thier way into the rotation.
I have a few comments about the roster crunch.
First, I think the only way Ensberg makes the team is if Betemit or Duncan struggle. With a bench of Ensberg, Duncan, Betemit, Molina who is going to pinch run for Giambi or Posada at the end of the game? I guess Betemit could but whats the point? Pinch running really isn’t a big deal but with those three guys there is no versatility, they fill the same type of position.
Second, I think Alberto Gonzalez has a real shot at being the utility infielder. His fielding is absolutely ready and his hitting improved late last year.
Now for the bullpen. The coaches are saying they aren’t going to take a lefty just for the sake of having a lefty. I believe the same is true for long reliever. Why take Karstens when there are better pitchers available? I think the bullpen will be Mariano, Farns, Hawkins, Ohlendorf, Albadejo, Joba, either Veras or Edwar.
Moose audio posted…
finally somebody safe at 2nd!!
“ok Fleas if they are ALL worthless I ask you who you would like to get to take their places or spots?”
Gayle, since I am not as well versed in English vernacular as MikeEff claims to be, maybe he can help you answer that. He obviously knows his baseball and is probably an English major as well so he can articulate it much better than me.
P.S. What does “Who would you get to replace them?” have to do with the fact that I said they are worthless. Are you agreeing with me now?
CHARGE THE MOUND PORTER.
the only claim i made was that your self-admitted negativity was depressing.
tom seaver used to pinch-run for the mets. isnt there 1 pitcher out of 12 who can run the bases better than jorge or giambi?
Didn’t Wright pinch run once a couple of years ago…
“As the Yankees Turns” starring fleas.
If i dont watch soap operas(psychopath) and dont know as much as the experts here. What category does that put me in.
I cant stand Farnsworthless and chair throwing Bruney. But its the first week of spring training and they have shown in the past a glimpse of dominating hitters. I would give them all the chance possible to help the team. Especially knowing they can get it up there in the high 90’s. But whats nice about this year is that we have good young right handed depth. Like they say throw as many against the wall and see what sticks.
Patrick :
Girardi would prefer to have a long reliever for 2 reasons.
1. Take the strain of innings from the bullpen for those games where a starter gets hit early and often.
2. The innings limits of Hughes, Joba, and IPK.
“Second, I think Alberto Gonzalez has a real shot at being the utility infielder. His fielding is absolutely ready and his hitting improved late last year.”
Yeah, but it doesn’t really make sense for him to rot on the bench like he would playing behind Jeter, ARod and Cano. He needs to play every day in AAA to see if his bat can develop to the point where he wouldn’t kill you if you needed him to step in and play every day for a few weeks. Basically, to see if he can develop into a legit part-timer, as opposed to a Yankee bench player who basically never sees the light of day. He’d have more trade value that way, which is what I think the best outcome would be for the Yanks.
“Pinch running really isn’t a big deal but with those three guys there is no versatility, they fill the same type of position.”
Among the three of them, they provide cover at every position except CF and Catcher. They collectively provide righty and lefty pop off the bench, and the ability to platoon righty bats in for some of our overwhelmingly lefty lineup. If we didn’t need that so badly, then we could afford to leave one of them off the roster and take a Gardner-type. But I’ll gladly give up pinch running for the ability to have two solid righty bats in place of Giambi and Abreu on days when we face the Bedards and Santanas of the world.
No I am not saying they are worthless all I am saying is that because you think they are worthless who do you want as their replacements.
I am always open to reading what people think about who shoud take people spots but its not like you can just come up with these trades that cant happen because of contracts or clauses in contracts, trades that give away something else we really need or just spend tons of stupid money that doesnt make sense.
Although I agree that Farnsy has been a big bust (not worth the money spent in terms of long term deals) For some reason I have high hopes for him this year.
Gonzalez won’t make the team. Too many guys in front of him.
I think Duncan is on the team. If Ensberg hits, he will make the team because his bat against lefties could be a real plus this year.
The pinch running thing is overrated. You don’t keep a guy on the team because of his legs. Its bat or glove but not legs in today’s baseball.
Fleas, Melky isn’t “hacking as usual”.
Kevin Long has said he is “miles ahead” of where he was last year hitting from the right side.
The last two days, he has swung the bat with much more authority against two good lefties.
Being negative is ok. Just try being a little more accurate.
I’d like to see how well Billy Traber does throughout the spring before i count out carrying a lefty reliever. he looked good the other day, retired 3 lefties.
Karstens is a good option for long reliever because IMO he’s next on the MLB ready chart after IPK. That means he can be a long reliever or spot starter.
I hope that once the real season starts Girardi is going to be very smart and selective about when to use “small ball.” We’re wasting a ton of outs on the bases today.
I like that’s he’s forcing the players to be aggressive in ST so that we can play that type of ball when needed….but beleive that it should be used selectively when the season starts (i.e. late inning close games).
I really hope Karstens doesn’t make but a few starts this season.
I’ll give him credit for one thing, he does throw strikes. It’s just that he’s got average stuff and probably won’t be much of a major league pitcher.
does anyone else think the yankees should put names on the spring training jersey’s? hard to keep track of all these kids.
com’on Yankees lets get the ball to Melancon for a save
tried to watch the whole game between classes but with 2 outs in the top of the 9th, i gotta go to spanish….. a class i took all 4 years of high school because i was told if i did i wouldn’t need it in college…yet here i am in my 3rd college sememster of required spanish.
HERE WE GO MELANCON
Good job on Outside the Lines, Pete.
McCutchen. Hope we will see, more of him.
all this talk of innings limits… McCutchen, Horne, and Marquez, may be the ‘reinforcements’.
am i the only one missing miggy, the guy could scrap.