Indians-Yankees: The Live Blog
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- March
- 16
Welcome to Legends Field, where’s it 79 degrees and we have a playoff pitching rematch betweeb CMW and C.C. Sabathia.
FIRST INNING
CMW! Three up and three down and K’s of Sizemore and Hafner. 11 pitches/9 strikes.
Welcome to loyal poster Jay Destro, who’s in the crowd today with his iPhone. I met Jay down here last year and he is a good guy and a good fan.
The Yankees put a runner on third with two outs but Sabathia K’d A-Rod. Must have been an October flashback.
SECOND INNING
CMW? Four singles and a walk led to three Indians runs. Three of the singles were on the ground and I thought Cano could have had the second one. That the hazard of a sinkerball pitcher.
Giambi walked and Shelly Duncan (or “Baby Huey” as the Big G calls him) crushed a homer to center. 3-2 Tribe.
THIRD INNING
Wang back to normal as he fans Hafner again, gives up a bloop single then whiffs Peralta. Five K’s in three innings for CMW. His changeup and slider look good.
The Yankees loaded the bases with two outs but Duncan flew deep to center.
FOURTH INNING
What has gotten into CMW? He now has six strikeouts. He has retired seven of the last eight batters he has faced and fanned four of them. He has really pitched well.
That Jeff Kennard-for-Jose Molina deal looks pretty good, doesn’t it? Molina just doubled in Robbie Cano to tie the score 3-3. Molina is 9 for 24 this spring with five RBI.
FIFTH INNING
Wang allowed a blast to right by Sizemore than struck out Dellucci again. He left after walking Hafner.
Sabathia is also done. So much for a battle of aces. C.C. allowed threee runs on five hits in four innings and Wang four runs on six hits in 4.1 innings.
Lines for the starters:
Wang 4.1 6 4 4 2 7 75 pitches/53 strikes
Sabathia 4 5 3 3 3 3 74 pitches/48 strikes
A-Rod just singled (2 for 3) and was replaced with a pinch runner. He is 12 of 23 this spring.
SEVENTH INNING
Most of the starters for both teams are out. Here ends the live blog. I’m headed down to the clubhouse. Still 4-3 Tribe.
This entry was posted
on Sunday, March 16th, 2008 at 1:22 pm by Peter Abraham.
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Wanger is missing up with some things early. A tad worrying.
cmw looks good
i’m not getting this on MLB TV something seems to be wrong…any of you having this problem?
Maybe he’s overstriding again. Hope he clears it up between innings.
its real nice here in section 215
That was a good slider, though.
I have a slingbox at my folks’ house, so I don’t use mlb.tv anymore.
Another good slider!
“its real nice here in section 215”
Not as nice here in vermont. Went running anyway though.
What are you posting with? Phone? Over the cell network? Or do they have wireless at Legends?
I’m listening to this one. John and Suzyn.
Many of the first team are sitting because of the VA Tech excursion, against Cleveland’s best, so I hope somebody brought the bugs for Indians.
good inning for Wang
nevermind, the game came on
nice, efficient inning from CMW. 2 strikeouts, very nice.
Seems to be throwing the ball pretty well to me.
Betweeb is my new favorite word.
Sabathia had 37 walks in 241 innings?? God, that is UNREAL.
WANT!
did you guys see that? Melky just punched Sabathia in the back of the head.
“Seems to be throwing the ball pretty well to me.”
Yeah, in that first AB he looked like he was missing the mitt up with a couple pitches in a row, but he finished out the inning strong.
jerk me yelling at top of lungs
Hey cc we’ll see ya in pinstripes next year!
I love it here
MikeEff: I wouldn’t be able to get it on MLB.tv. They blackout anything I can get in my area, since I’ve got YES, otherwise I’d check it out for you.
I have noticed that MLB.tv is acting a little weird this spring though.
Most starting pitchers toughest inning is the first. Its not something you can analyize pitch to pitch.
Wang is a guy that, if he gets through the first, usually gives you a very tough outing almost everytime out.
Its why he is such a dependable guy in a rotation.
posting with iPhone
I think this is big for morgan. The big reason to keep him is to play against tough lefties, and he’s hit lefties well his whole career. I’d love to see him have a good game today.
I’d also love to see him move over to 1B later in the game, see how his D is.
Good steal by Melky…picked the right pitch.
Consistence is Wang’s problem. He’ll never become anything special. Don’t hang too much hope on this kid.
I love Grady Sizemore. Too bad we don’t have room for another OF, nor would Cleveland give him to us.
“Most starting pitchers toughest inning is the first. Its not something you can analyize pitch to pitch.”
‘strue.
Good AB by Ensberg, gave that ball a ride after seeing a lot of pitches. Melky’s on 3rd after it. Looks good to me:-)
“posting with iPhone”
Also, WANT.
“Consistence is Wang’s problem.”
No one feed the troll.
2 nineteen win seasons I think Wang will be just fine.
“Too bad we don’t have room for another OF, nor would Cleveland give him to us.”
If someone’d give you Grady, you MAKE room
I mean…I’d happily send Melky, Damon and 20 million to the Indians for Grady.
Guys, I’m in asia and i don’t subscribe to mlbtv. Do you know any other way for me to see or hear this game? Any suggestions? Tnx!
Should robbie have had that?
this is way too much trouble…from my I Phone
Kris – WCBS radio 880AM is carrying the game – go to their website – they are streaming live with Suzyn Waldman and John Sterling.
“Guys, I’m in asia and i don’t subscribe to mlbtv. Do you know any other way for me to see or hear this game? Any suggestions? Tnx!”
I’ve heard the word “sopcast” before, if you’re on windows. I have a mac, so I’ve never used it. But you could start googling for that and see what happens.
Rafael Perez is pitching in this game. He made the yankees look silly last post season – especially the lefites. They had no chance against him.
I’m interested in seeing Ensberg today against Sabbathia and Perez given his performance against lefties.
The 25th man on the yankees won’t play much. I’d like them to use that spot for a player who could help them in high leverage situations.
Late in a game against a tough lefty reliever like Rafael Perez would be exactly the kind of important, high leverage spot where Ensberg could be of real importance.
how did the bases just get loaded in about 10 seconds flat? (I just turned the game on)
enough of the I Phone…back to the laptop…i didn’t realize jay was posting from the game—-good going jay!!
Andrea, thanks…the game finally came on MLB
CB- are yo saying you think ensberg is a guy we can have on the bench as the 25th man and he would get a chance to come in and hit against sabathia? are you nuts?? the 25th guy will not be pinch hitting for anyone in our lineup.
Someone needs to tell Kay it’s not ass-drooble.
betemit doing a poor jeter imitation…
Good post on Leyritz, Pete. While I would support a friend in trouble with calls and visits, I would not invite him to my place of business. Girardi invited him? Giving Leyritz free reign of the clubhouse is just another example of baseball (players/teams/owners) lacking common sense and why they never ever will be able to totally police themselves.
“CB- are yo saying you think ensberg is a guy we can have on the bench as the 25th man and he would get a chance to come in and hit against sabathia? are you nuts?? the 25th guy will not be pinch hitting for anyone in our lineup.”
The Yankee lineup is OVERWHELMINGLY left handed. Swapping out Giambi and Abreu for Duncan and Ensberg would help a LOT.
Ok Cano should have had that one too.
Sure he can. He could be pinch hitting for Cabrera if he is slumping or pinch hitting in a game Giambi is taken out (for defensive purposes, for example) and there is a matchup favorable (his numbers against a certain pitcher) in a given situation.
Tough inning for Wang. Not like they are smoking the ball but, he is pitching from behind.
This is an unlucky inning for Wang there have been a lot of near plays by the Yankees
See, this AB looks much better…I guess he actually hasn’t looked that bad, just a lot of bleeders and bloopers and defensive plays not-quite made.
yes my lineup is overwhelmingly left handed, but if bringing in ensberg to hit agaisnt sabathia sounds like a good idea, then the team is in a ton of trouble anyway. ENSGBERG WILL NOT GET TO HIT AGAISNT SABATHIA IN A REAL GAME UNLESS MAJOR MAJOR INJURIES OCCUR AND THE TEAM WILL BE SCREWED ANYWAY.
Wang is having a really tough inning but lots of bad plays by the in field. Robbie twice and that Jeter throw by Betemit was all style no substance.
well that wasn’t very encouraging
Wang really worked hard that inning.
Whozat: you’re the only person who agrees with me. Everyone else is like “love Bobby, love Johnny, we have AJax and Gardener coming up.” Suck it. I want Sizemore. He’s freaking amazing.
mel: lol.
betemit doing a poor jeter imitation…
Actually it was a pretty good play just didn’t have enough on it to get the runner but it was a close play. No need to Betemit down, he isn’t going to replace Jeter, but its nice to know that Jeter can take a day off if needed and it won’t the worst thing to happen.
Andrea: i’d KILL to get sizemore!! agreed.
“Whozat: you’re the only person who agrees with me. Everyone else is like “love Bobby, love Johnny, we have AJax and Gardener coming up.†Suck it. I want Sizemore. He’s freaking amazing.”
Anyone who wouldn’t want Sizemore is just not thinking. Also, anyone who thinks the Yanks could GET Sizemore is also not really thinking
My god! Sabathia’s family must be huge if he’s in good shape compared to them.
That’s a good AB from Jason, damn skippy.
Great AB by Gi
MikeEff: I’m not sure I’d resort to murder, but yeah. It would be fantastic.
whozat: I know. I know there’s no chance for NY to get Sizemore. But every time I see him, I want him so bad. And not in the dirty way.
Take THAT CC! We’re just loving Shelly Duncan!!!
WOOOO HOOO!!!!
Shelley’s such a great teammate. Helping out Wang. We need 24 more of those, Cashman.
Shelley giving me reasons to like him more and more everyday.
Yum.
I DEFINITELY want Shelley and Morgan in the lineup against lefties. Sit 2 of Matsui, Giambi, Damon and Bobby.
“CB- are yo saying you think ensberg is a guy we can have on the bench as the 25th man and he would get a chance to come in and hit against sabathia? are you nuts?? the 25th guy will not be pinch hitting for anyone in our lineup.”
No. What I am saying is that for the yankees the 25th man will be a situational player.
The 25th man will come down to a utility infielder like a Woodward or a right handed bat like Ensberg or perhaps Lane.
One of the weaknesses of the offense was that they weren’t nearly as effective against left handed pitching as a team. Last year their left handed batters had a .766 OPS against lefty pitching – not terrible but not particularly good and a real drop off.
Several left handed bats were terrible against lefty pitchers last year – Damon and Abreu were especially bad. Damon had a .705 OPS and Abreu a .678 ops against lefties. In addition Melky was also not nearly as good against lefties.
I think Damon and Abreu will rebound but nonetheless you can’t be assured that will be the case.
Ensberg over his career has destroyed left handed pitching. Not just been good – but great. Even last year when he had a bad overall season he was very good against lefties. Ensberg has a career .936 OPS against lefties. That’s almost 200 points higher than Abreu’s career OPS against lefties. That is dramatic.
So in certain high leverage situations – such as late in a game against a Rafael Perez yes I would use Ensberg as a pinch hitter for a lefty bat.
Or if Damon or Abreu or even Melky continue to struggle a great deal with lefites I’d move around pieces to get Ensberg into the game against a tough lefty starter like Sabbathia.
“But every time I see him, I want him so bad. And not in the dirty way.”
Went to a game at the Jake last year, the day they clinched actually. “Grady’s Ladies” are a fixture there. He’s one of the most eligible bachelors in Cleveland
King Kong Duncan strikes again!
I hate Sizemore!
If you know what I mean.
Wilson putting a charge in the ball from the right side.
Bet looked good from the right side on that one.
Sizemore. Pass. Does not have a baseball name.
will take, Action Jackson. Who, at this time is looking to be a 5 tool player.
One of the best trades we ever made was the one for Molina.
I’m sure Grady’s Ladies would be willing to relocate to NY
I’m interested to see what we get from CM this inning. Geeze.
A prospect or a proven young enough player that’s a tough choice
Gameday link anyone?
trisha: I haven’t even heard anything about that picther they gave LAA for Molina. Definitely the best trade.
Mel: yes, a nice surprise to see betemit crush that one from the right side. honestly it’s hard for me to remember him ever getting a hit from the right last year. anyway, that play showed just why sizemore is such a stud
Ok, let me specify. I realize there’s no room for Sizemore, nor is there ANY way that Cleveland would give him to us. But that doesn’t sway my jealousy that he’s not in our OF or my desire to have him in there.
from my seat that Duncan dinger looked like a bomb. Ran into fellow reader utilityman. Really beautiful day now
Nice K of Hafner.
watching the game on YES. very interesting comment about sizemore. to paraphrase: “He is a gold glove CF but not a great throwing arm.” (is this an accurate assessment of him?)
why do we have to hear about how horrible bernie and damon are as cf because of their arms, but sizemore is a gold glove guy with the same problem.
although Duncan looked like he has a gun in RF, never expected that
“I’m sure Grady’s Ladies would be willing to relocate to NY”
That’s what I’m saying…ladies lusting after Grady is certainly not untrodden ground
No shame in it.
Vi,
Here’s the link. Gameday not working, tho.
http://www.mlb.com/mlb/gameday
Flash is well informed, and nice endorsement of Wang, “I’ll take my chances with Chien Ming anyday.”
whozat: lol. I’m sure he’s not a bad looking dude, but it’s more about his amazing ability to play baseball. I was about to say the things he does well, but there’d be too many to list!
Wang’s line doesnt tell the story. None of the hits were hard hit balls or line drives. A few infield singles and bloopers. Hes had nice movement on most oh his pitches and is mixing in some nice changeups.
Andrea, I would actually worry when Jorge’s backup du jour would take over. When Nieves was there I loved him but he just wasn’t getting the job done. He had so much heart, but you need more than that to handle our pitchers. I have often thought that Jorge is most critical player on our team. Obviously I wouldn’t be thrilled if someone like Jeter got hurt, but you always know that we’ll get a decent replacement until he’s back. Look what we did with both Sheffield and Matsui down! Calling a game is an artform. Jorge is one of the best there is. Well, I breathe easy with Molina!
“why do we have to hear about how horrible bernie and damon are as cf because of their arms, but sizemore is a gold glove guy with the same problem.”
Their throwing arms aren’t why they were deemed horrible…they weren’t, when they were younger. Their legs allowed them to cover lots of ground. It’s when Bernie’s legs went, so he neither covered ground nor took good routes to balls nor could throw well that we heard how bad he was. And, now that Damon’s legs aren’t quite what they used to be, his range is no more than average in CF and his arm isn’t special either.
So, Damon was once a very good defensive CFer, now he’s average. Bernie was solid, as long as his legs made up for his bad routes. Once that stopped…
well that inning made me feel a lot better
thanks mel! Though I found a link that works..
YankeeVIP,
I’m not an expert, but he can have a golden glove because his legs put him in a position to field his position well.
Compare Melky & Gardner. Melky has a great arm, but the motor’s not THAT fast. Gardner has an okay arm, but his speed allows him to field his position well. He gets to the ball faster, making his throws shorter. Someone posted yeseterday that they were at the game and their jaw dropped when Gardner cut off a ball. Something about blinding speed?
Of course we love Melky’s assists from the outfield, but Gardner is exciting to watch as well.
CF is more about speed then arm strength. CF’ers have to cove a lot of ground to get to hard hit balls.Arm strength is usually asscoiated with RF (throwing to 3rd and home)
Nice patience by Melky there.
About Betemit. He is a very solid player. The Yanks had their eyes on him for a few years. Any time he has played, just about, he’s showed his value. I don’t think there is any question Betemit’s on the roster. Anyway, isn’t he under contract?
trisha: I do miss Nieves. I want them to bring him back as a cheerleader or something. He was just always so happy.
“He gets to the ball faster, making his throws shorter”
Well…that’s not true. His speed allows him to get to more balls, which is even better. I’ve heard some people say he takes bad routes to balls, but I don’t know about that for sure.
Regardless, if Brett makes it as a major-leaguer, he’s going to need to be a great defender, take walks, slap the ball around, and steal bases.
If all that works out, he could be a leadoff guy in the majors til his legs give out. If only some of that works out, he could be a 4th/5th ofer. Which is still way better than I could ever hope to be:-)
Morgan not putting up a good showing today :-/
whozat, i agree with age bernie’s ability to cover ground was bad and towards the end he was a sub-par CF. But my issue is with the criticism bernie gets that he didnt deserve to be considered a gold glove CF cause he always had a weak arm. alot of “experts” like to attack bernie as being a below avg CF for his career, when in reality it was only towards the late years his skills declined.
as for damnon.. i think when his legs are healthy he still covers above avg ground.
“Anyway, isn’t he under contract?”
Yeah, but so is Bruney.
I like Grady Sizemore – he’s a nice player. But there is a lot to be excited about in the Yankees farm and with our rookies too. More than there has been in a long time.
The Melk is probably my favorite player on the Yanks. Well he’s definitely right up there. When there was Santana talk Melky was one of the main reasons I didn’t want that trade to go through. The kid is so solid. I can’t believe Kay was so stupid (okay I take that back) to talk about teaching Melky a lesson. If you follow the game at all you know that he needed to play every day in order to show his consistency at the plate as well as in the field. Everyone remember the homer he took away from Manny???? I still get chills thinking about that.
Melky has had an impressive Spring. I hope he carries it through to the regular season.
Trivia question: anyone remember who was on the mound when the Melk made that great catch? (Manny’s almost homer)
Oh, Grady Sizemore. Why do you tease me like that?
melky stealing that homer from manny is probably one of the best yankee plays ive ever seen (atleast in recent memory). i would even say its up there with the jeter shovel pass to posada
I thought it was gone.
well shelley gave that one a ride…
“I like Grady Sizemore – he’s a nice player. But there is a lot to be excited about in the Yankees farm and with our rookies too. More than there has been in a long time.”
Grady is more than a nice player. He’s shown a lot of plate discipline for a young player the last few years, the ability to drive the ball, steal bases with good percentage AND all that as a GG CFer—at the ages of 22-24.
There is definitely young talent on the Yanks to be excited about too. Tabata and Jackson could both really catapult themselves even higher with good years at AA this season. And, of course, the pitching.
But that doesn’t take away from Sizemore as a legit all-star caliber talent at a tender age.
Andrea, Nieves is really a cutie. I live in RI and went to McCoy at the end of the season when the Yanks AAA team was there. Nieves was with the team and I got a chance to watch him catch BP. I actually talked to him a little and expressed my appreciation for what he did when he was with the Yanks. He was so nice. (What also struck me was how damned fast that ball goes. I stood well away from the bullpen because I was afraid I’d get hit. The sound of the ball hitting the glove made me nervous.) I also got to chat with Sean Henn that day. Only I didn’t realize who he was. Real southern accent.
What I love most about that Melky HR stealing catch is Johnny Damon just jumping up and down like an excited little kid.
Ok no, I love most that it was Manny’s homerun.
trish,
I don’t know, but I’ve never seen Manny so disgusted. I think he swore, too.
Wasn’t Fartsworth on the mound?
Whozat – yeah, but I still say Betemit makes the team. He is a really good utility player. He doesn’t need any training. Just my opinion.
You have to love Michael Kay. Shelley hits a ball that lazily reaches the warning track in center, Sizemore catches it easily, and he says it was “taking an extra-base hit away from” him. Hilarious.
trisha: yeah, I have a conversation with Tyler Clippard one day, and I accidentally let it come out that I have a Wil Nieves tshirt (I do. I’m not ashamed) and he said you know, if you’re gonna get a random shirt, and it’s not a Tyler Clippard shirt, might as well be him cause he’s a great guy. And then he threated to tell Nieves about my shirt (ok, I guess I’m a little ashamed) and I was kind of relieved when I found out Tyler got traded. But wouldn’t you know it? Nieves is also with the Nationals now.
Yeah, Sean Henn is REALLY southern accented. It’s funny cause he doesn’t seem like it.
Nettles! Good memory!!!! It was the most emotion I ever saw out of Farnsworth, and it wasn’t a lot. I remember him waiting on the field until the Melk came from in from the field and giving him a glove tap.
Sometimes people have outsized expectation for up the middle players like center fielders.
How many center fielders have reallygood arms? Just a handful – Ichiro, Andruw Jones, Josh Hamilton, Melky. Hunter and Beltran have good arms – but not great. Jim Edmonds did but not so much anymore.
There just aren’t that many people who have the speed to cover centerfield and have good arms.
Those are two premium skills that don’t over lap that often.
“Whozat – yeah, but I still say Betemit makes the team. He is a really good utility player. He doesn’t need any training. Just my opinion.”
?? To which post are you responding? I think he makes the team too…did I imply he wouldn’t?
Andrea, Wil is someone you wanted to see make some team because he is just such a good guy.
trisha: And he wasn’t even mad when he got sent down to AAA.
Wang really settled down nicely. When did he become a strikeout pitcher!
lol, I certainly wasn’t intending to be dismissive of his unquestioned ability. While certainly I appreciate his ability, I guess I just see no point going all gooey-eyed over someone who will likely never play for the Yankees either.
Trivia question: anyone remember who was on the mound when the Melk made that great catch? (Manny’s almost ho
Farnsworth. I had to look it up. Johnny Damon’s reaction was awesome. http://tinyurl.com/249nfq
Whozat sorry. Sometimes chat goes too fast! So when you said about Bruney being under contract I figured you weren’t too sure about Betemit.
This is a generic comment. I will admit that I have always been bigger on defense than offense. I cannot tell you how it thrills me to have Abreu in right (not that he’s shabby on. offense, mind you) and Melky in center. I really was getting so sick of seeing every hitter in the world run on Bernie and Damon just because they could! Give me a cannon in the outfield any day.
Andrea, Nieves definitely an unselfish player. A very special guy.
Jane, I remember the headlines the next morning! All the different iterations of Melky (The Melky Way, The Melkman Cometh). Didn’t you just beam from ear to ear after all of that! Those are such great and bonding moments for Y fans!
Yahoo!!!!!
They way they’ve been tagging that ball it had to be a matter of time.
I just don’t get what everyone sees in Betemit. He shows some great power every now and then, but the rest of the time he looks overmatched at the plate. And his defense isn’t anything to write home about.
I would rather have Scott Proctor.
Good for Molina Sizemore isn’t in left.
“Whozat sorry. Sometimes chat goes too fast! So when you said about Bruney being under contract I figured you weren’t too sure about Betemit.”
Oh, I get it.
I was actually implying that Bruney’s no lock to make the team, and that being under contract doesn’t make anything certain
But I figure that the bench is
Molina
Duncan
Ensberg
Betemit
At least to start the year. Maybe if Duncan and Morgan are squeezed for time, and someone comes asking about one of them in a trade…you make a move and bring up someone with a differently useful skill-set.
Jay you are so cool you are my hero. Hope you catch a foul ball.
Nettles, I think just the opposite about Betemit’s defense. I definitely trust him in the field. Maybe I’ve forgotten if he’s had some stinker games.
Cash should see if the Dodgers would take Betemit for Proctor. I’m not sure Torre would be willing to give him up though.
Melky is always down 0-1, 0-2 in the count. He needs to learn to be patient. If he walked more he wouldnt have those extended slumps.
You know I hate to say this but I had gotten tired of Proctor. Now I blame Torre for that because I think he overused him, but it got to a point where I got nervous anytime he’d come into a game.
loved seeing jose tag up!
GOD I love you Grady Sizemore. I’m glad the bases were empty though.
ughhh…October flashback on that pitch
“Melky is always down 0-1, 0-2 in the count. He needs to learn to be patient. If he walked more he wouldnt have those extended slumps.”
Yes, he does need to walk more…but how does being down in the count imply that he’s not being patient? If you take more pitches, you’re going to take strikes too. His OBP was good his first year. If he can get it back there (.360) this season, I’d feel really good about Melky.
As of now the bullpen looks like:
Mo, Joba, Hawkins, Farnsworth, Olhendorf(?), Trabel, Bruney
he crushed that one didn’t he andrea?
howdy brandon
Do you think if they need a bat off the bench for back-up they would use Porter or Gardner? Porter has pretty great numbers hitting left on left. Past years Porter has been DH quite a bit and and continued to put up decent numbers. They might want Gardner to play everyday in AAA. I don’t know, I think it’s a win win for the Giardi
Lane and Ensberg have a clause in their contract that they can get out if the Yankees don’t break camp with them. Does anyone know when that clause expires?
Melky is hitting 407. He can’t be slumping too much!
“Yes, he does need to walk more…but how does being down in the count imply that he’s not being patient? If you take more pitches, you’re going to take strikes too. His OBP was good his first year. If he can get it back there (.360) this season, I’d feel really good about Melky”
Havent you noticed that he usually swings at the first pitch and those first pitches tend to be out of the zone?
“You know I hate to say this but I had gotten tired of Proctor. Now I blame Torre for that because I think he overused him, but it got to a point where I got nervous anytime he’d come into a game.”
Why would you hate to say this? Sure, props to Proctor for always taking the ball, even when he was too beat to do a good job. But…that doesn’t mean I was excited to see him come out there when he’d been in 4 of the last 5 games and I knew it was a terrible idea.
“I just don’t get what everyone sees in Betemit.”
With Betemit I think it’s a matter of expectations.
Betemit is a limited player but if you look at him as a role player rather than as an everyday player he becomes very useful.
Very few backup infielder have the power Betemit does. Now he can’t hit left handed pitching, but again, utility infielders are a limited bunch and you can use Betemit situationally.
Betemit adds a lot to the yankee bench which has been a real weakness over the past few years.
In particular, it looks like Duncan and Giambi will be sharing first. So Betemit won’t be a regular platoon player at first but will probably spot Giambi at first while also giving ARod and Jeter an occasional breather.
Compared to other utility infielder types Betemit is a plus. The yankees have other relief pitchers similar to Proctor and have a lot of minor league depth there. Will Scott Patterson be worse than Proctor?
They have much less organizational depth in position players and no close to major league ready utility players ready.
Betemit fills a need they couldn’t address internally.
Over the past two seasons, Proctor has the second most appearances of any relief pitcher in baseball.
Trivia: What reliever has the most appearances over the last two seasons?
“Why would you hate to say this?”
Whozat, just trisha being trisha. I have a thing about feeling disloyal when I’m glad to see someone go when they’ve lost their effectiveness due to our wringing the crap out of them.
howdy MikeEff.. getting ready to see LAL be a victim of win # 22 in row later and P.S. so now we’re making Molina tag up in games.
Nettles – is it Proctor?
whozat: That’s what I don’t get. You know Proctor coming in every day was a terrible idea. I knew it was a terrible idea. Torre’s been managing for YEARS. How did he not know it was a terrible idea?
oh was that a beautiful DP
Ha ha ha ha ha. What an idiot I am. Just read the end of Nettles post!
I’m pretty sure it’s another Yankee.
Wow, that’s the first time I’ve ever seen Patterson throw. That’s some weird flailing.
Whatever works, I guess. I can’t imagine he’ll be ready to field a ball after that
I also can’t guess that he’ll stay healthy for too many years in a row!
Poor feed by Wilson, good pivot by robbie.
The thing is, Proctor bounced right back after he went to LA. His numbers with LA were in line with his numbers in 2006, even slightly better.
I want to see Paterson today I really like what he’s been doing, always came in with men on base and close the fire, as he did now, I think he has chances to break camp with the yanks.
“As of now the bullpen looks like:
Mo, Joba, Hawkins, Farnsworth, Olhendorf(?), Trabel, Bruney”
maybe. Maybe, not.
it may be:
Rivera, Joba, Hawkins, Farnsworth, Traber, Karstens…
and 1 of: Patterson, Olendorf
You know Andrea, that was one of Torre’s quirks. He would get hung up on a player and that player would get the majority of playing time, even to the extent of overusing the player.
“That’s what I don’t get. You know Proctor coming in every day was a terrible idea. I knew it was a terrible idea. Torre’s been managing for YEARS. How did he not know it was a terrible idea?”
I figure he just felt like the he had no idea what the other guys would do, not trusting much in minor league numbers…so he was “more comfortable” with 60-70% of proctor than 100% of someone he didn’t know anything about.
Looks like everyone is thinking that Ramirez is out of the water.
“Proctor bounced right back after he went to LA. His numbers with LA were in line with his numbers in 2006, even slightly better.”
The NL West is a VASTLY inferior offensive division to the AL East.
Bad day for Morgan. Boo.
no offense but why is Kay asking Flatherty’s advice on hitting ?
From my view here at legends it looked like everything was up. Meeting very nice people inthe stands. Funny story. Woman and her mom we saw on the tram at the airport turned out to be standing right in front of me near the bullpen. Guy sitting next to me lives 5 mins away. If you’ve never been here, come, such a great experience.
not ensberg’s day, but a-rod on fire…
Let’s not ever forget to factor in the NY pressure. It’s always there like a cloud hanging over players. Some people do better with it than others. And let me say this. I do believe that playing in LA has to be a lot less stressful than playing in NY. Hell what do you get in the stadiums except a lot of Hollywood types looking pretty and then the rest of the mellow crowd.
“Looks like everyone is thinking that Ramirez is out of the water.”
I just feel like other guys are out-performing him, you know? And Eiland knows him well…if Eiland isn’t seeing the fastball command out of Edwar that he feels the guy needs to succeed…I don’t think they’re going to take him.
I just don’t get what everyone sees in Betemit.â€
A switch hitting power hitter who can play 1B, 2B, 3B, SS.
Not a bad player to have on the bench is he?
Our bench should be Duncan, Molina, Betemit, and 1 more guy. Either Green or 5th outfileder in Lane or Ensberg. No point in wasting Gardner on the bench though he would be a great pinch rnner.
trisha-
I really like Ramirez and I wish he should do good, but so far he hasn’t shown enough consistency.
ensberg didn’t show his vase today.
Brandon that is hilarious!
Yankee4life-
I’ll take woodward over Green
“no offense but why is Kay asking Flatherty’s advice on hitting ?”
Well, it’s not like he’s got Kenny Singleton in there.
I’d rather hear Flaherty than Kay talk about hitting, no?
We should have let Posada sign with the Mets. Waste of money since Molina has been playing so well. He is a better hitter than most people think and is good in the field. Also he is younger.
Proctor would be very effective if he didnt have to pitch 4 out of 5 days. I trusted him more than Farnsy
Ben I agree. I want him to do well also, but he can be so erratic. You almost get the feeling that he tries to hard and if he could just stay within himself he could be deadly.
“From my view here at legends it looked like everything was up.”
For Wang?
He was leaving some stuff up, that’s true. But he had stretches where most things were down, at least from the TV view.
shelley. Even his outs, are hard.
trisha: I know that was his quirk. I just do not get it. And I don’t think I ever will.
It wasn’t just Proctor’s stats that went up. His velocity went up as well. He was hitting 100mph sometimes on his fastball, I read. So getting some rest once in a while seemed to be good for him. Which is why I maintain that when he found out Torre was going to LA, he was probably crying somewhere in a corner in LA.
I’d rather hear Flaherty than Kay talk about hitting, no?not too sure how to respond to this one
Blog Poll!
Rackem is a:
a) troll
b) naif
c) fool
I don’t think Bruney and Ohlendorf have the team made at all yet.
If they carry a long guy, which Girardi says they will, you have to think its between Karstans, Rasner and (IMO) Patterson. Patterson has pitched multiple innings in the minors. He may put himself in the mix for the long guy if Karstans and Rasner struggle.
You can’t discount the job Patterson has done this spring. Also, with a new manager, its pretty clear there aren’t favorites for jobs. Guys will have to earn their way onto the staff.
Guys like Patterson benefit from a managerial change because they get a fresh look. If keeps pitching like he has, he may end up with a spot on the roster.
I think Traber has made the team as the lefty specialist. No way he gets put on the 40 man roster unless the Yankees feel he has made the team.
That leaves Bruney, Albie, Veras and Ohlendorf fighting for the final spot in the bullpen. So far, that competition seems pretty even to me. Each guy has had good moments and bad moments this spring.
Porter has no chance to make this team. Looks like Lane, Ensberg and Gardner for the final roster spot.
A lot may depend on whether or not Lane would accept an assignment to Scranton. Ensberg has a clause in his contract which states that he will be released if he doesn’t make the team. Not sure if Lane has that same clause.
I think Gardner needs to play everyday in AAA rather than sit on the Yankee bench. He’s not a better player than Cabrera (don’t let ST stats blind you), and he needs more AB’s at the AAA level before we determine what he can be.
He didn’t hit at all in AAA last year. That has to change this year.
Rackem I can’t think of anyone I trust more with our pitching staff than Jorge, much as I’m thrilled we have Molina. Plus you have to remember the offensive season Jorge just came off. I cannot imagine not signing him. In fact his was one contract I wanted sewn up before almost any other.
“He was hitting 100mph sometimes on his fastball, I read.”
Where? I’m pretty sure that’s a byproduct of a juiced radar gun. He’s NEVER had that kind of velocity in his career. Ever.
Indians look really uncomfortable taking swings on Patterson
he’s the right handed Okijima
“Indians look really uncomfortable taking swings on Patterson”
Yeah…he’s really not doing anything to hurt his chances.
Was that a curve or a change?
Andrea I don’t get it either. If you remember he did the same thing with Brian Bruney. Started playing him game after game after game and then Bruney’s stats started to show it. Then Torre dissed him! If you remember Proctor was a Torre favorite forever. Bruney was newer on the scene. Torre did do some strange things.
Patterson. I hope he make the team.
and he gives the team, a different look.
Impressive!!!!
this patterson is really showing something. what are his chances of making the team?
whozat, i would answer a mix of A and C
“Okijima”
Speaking of him…do we think he gets figured out this season?
Whozat looked to me like a Curve
whozat: fool, and troll IMO
whozat I think he does
but seriously Scott Patterson has the neck snap the uncomfortable flailing, he really reminds me of Okijima except he can hit 97 mph on the gun
So many pitchers, so few spots.
Every time someone mentions one person, I think of another. I can’t remember the kind of spring every pitcher is having since there are so many, (and work has a way of rudely interfering with my spring training enjoyment – one of my busy times of year) but what about Veras? And what about Aberjamarle – I’m sure I killed the spelling but don’t have the energy to look it up. Lord knows we have a lot of decisions that have to be made from amongst that crowded field.
“this patterson is really showing something. what are his chances of making the team?”
Way better than I thought initially, frankly.
I figured Veras, Bruney, Britton, Alba or Ohlendorf would pitch solidly enough that their history in the organization and/or AAA/MLB would give them the slot. But none of them really has. And Patterson had been good/great every single time they put him out there. And today…that was still the Indians A-lineup, right?
SJ44 – I think that Karstens and Patterson would have a better chance at the long reliever than Rasner since he is not on the 40 man roster.
Also I agree about this being an open competition. Girardi does not have his favorites like Torre did. There was very little competition for spots last season.
I don’t think Patterson has a change. He has two pitches – fastball and big loopy curve.
Yeah, and I forgot about Britton!
“but seriously Scott Patterson has the neck snap the uncomfortable flailing, he really reminds me of Okijima except he can hit 97 mph on the gun”
Brandon, are you thinking of someone else? He hits about 91. His delivery makes it “play” a little faster. They were just talking about Patterson’s velocity on the telecast…
trisha and Melky, sittin in a tree….
I like bullpens that have guys who give you different looks.
Part of the problem with a Proctor-Farnsworth-Bruney bullpen, aside from some of the guys being overused at times, was they were in essence the same pitcher. The hitters got the same looks from each of those guys when they were throwing strikes. Which weren’t all that often.
A bullpen with a mix of styles and looks makes for a more effective bullpen. That’s why Patterson may have a shot at sticking if he keeps pitching the way he has this spring.
Edwar? Simply put, his fastball is not yet good enough to keep ML hitters honest. Its not velocity. Its location.
If you can’t locate your fastball in any count, which Edwar still can’t do, you can’t be an effective relief pitcher in the AL.
He needs more work at AAA to see if he can improve his fastball location. If he can’t, he’s just a AAA-AAAA type of guy.
“He has two pitches – fastball and big loopy curve.”
Right, right. That’s true.
This is the first time that I’ve seen Patterson pitch, albeit on TV. Boy, like I’ve read, all he does is throw strikes and get outs. That last pitch to fan Gutierrez was something. I know some people feel he needs more minor league time, that his “stuff” isn’t the best, but how do you argue with his results. Contrast that with Jose Veras, who supposedly has “nasty stuff”, and you can see the effect of good control, I guess.
If Patterson can really go multiple innings, then Karstens and Rasner are in trouble.
I would send Gardner to Scranton. He needs to play reguarly at this point in his career. Plus, let him show he is a consistent offensive player for a bit more. But if any of the OFs get hurt, he should be the first call.
SJ, do you think Ohlendorf needs the splitter to be a setup guy? Or just better command of his sinker?
HA!
Kay totally just called a woman a man on national TV.
whozat: I honestly can’t remember where I read it. It was something shortly after he was traded, I was reading up on him. Probably something out of LA, so perhaps they were exaggerating a bit.
trisha: I do remember that about Bruney. He was good for a while, then he was kind of overused, then he was ignored a bit. I’ve always loved Bruney. I’ve told stories about him on this blog before about what a great guy he seems to be, despite stories of clubhouse chair breaking.
I’m liking Patterson.
michael kay talking about cotton candy and pink hats…
yeh your right whozat on Patterson
Shelley and alex are on the practice field doing infield drills. Very cool to see while the game is still going on.
thanks for the updates Jay Destro…they are FAR more interesting than michael kay
OldYanksFan, yeah I’m afraid I will always be a Melky gusher.
The camera shows a couple on the screen, one wearing a floppy while hat, the other heavy set person wearing a pink cowboy hat.
Kaye says: “I never understand men that wear a pink cowboy hats”. As the camera shows more, Kaye then adds: “Thank God it’s a woman”
HA!
Cameramen gotta be careful when showing lesbian couples.
Thanks Jay, cool.
Enjoy the game
ok, I have to ask, is it me or are the Yankees leaving an inordinate amount of bases loaded situations with no runs scored?! it happened today and a couple of other times this ST. ever heard of a bloop single?...frustrating.
SJ
What is the reading on Ransom? So far this spring he jhas impressed more than Bet.
“trisha: I do remember that about Bruney. He was good for a while, then he was kind of overused, then he was ignored a bit. I’ve always loved Bruney.”
Thing with Bruney is that he’s always been the same. He’s always been wild…as soon as batters started figuring out that they could just wait him out…game over.
Perhaps he’ll be coachable now that his attitude has reportedly become less…stubborn, with respect to baseball.
“What is the reading on Ransom? So far this spring he jhas impressed more than Bet.”
He’s 32. He’s a career minor leaguer.
to start the season, i don’t see Karstens and Patterson, in competition. In april, NYY plays 19 games, in a row. With the rookie staff, Girardi will want a spot starter/long man.
if Patterson does make the team, Olendorf may begin the year in AAA.
If Patterson could fill the long man role that would be a real plus.
That would give them the flexibility to carry Patterson and one of Ohlendorf/ Veras/ Albalandejo/ Bruney
Don’t know if Patterson could be a true long man – he would throw two innings at a time last year but i don’t think he went much more than that.
But at this point Karstens has looked ok but not great. He’d make the roster more out of default than out of what he’s been doing this spring.
Karstens would really only be a guy used in the long man situation. Patterson might provide more flexibility as he could be a guy who could pitch the seventh with the lead.
SERIOUSLY Grady Sizemore? WHY do you do this to me?
“is it me or are the Yankees leaving an inordinate amount of bases loaded situations with no runs scored?! it happened today and a couple of other times this ST. ever heard of a bloop single?…frustrating.”
Well, half the time they’re playing with some fringey guys in the lineup. As for the rest…when you base your offense on OBP, you’re going to leave a lot of guys on base.
it’s not looking good for Rasner
Andrea: now what was it we were talking about earlier?
whozat, yeah but hitters didn’t see Bruney that much. How else do you go from being unhittable to eminently hittable except maybe from a tired arm? A blazing fastball is a blazing fastball. Only a fastball hitter is going to really have a shot with you.
“Olendorf may begin the year in AAA.”
I think that’ll happen almost no matter what. if he’d seized this opportunity, he could have made the roster, but he’s had enough rough times that I think it’s pretty clear he needs at least some time in AAA to continue his evolution as a reliever.
Whozat,
I think he needs the splitter. Fastball, sinker and splitter, throw all 3 for strikes in any count, and he has a real future out of the bullpen.
The only guy in recent baseball history who has ever had success out of the ‘pen with one pitch has been Mariano. In our lifetime, that won’t happen again, IMO.
A successful relief pitcher with two pitches? There are many but, both pitches have to be plus pitches and you have to be able to locate those pitches in any count. Trevor Hoffman, prior to his arm surgeries, is an example of what I am talking about.
He “only” threw 91-93. But, he could locate his fastball anywhere and his changeup, the best I’ve ever seen, could go as low as 71 and he could also locate that in any count.
A 20 MPH spread between two pitches? Absolutely nasty.
Once Ohlendorf can get his splitter to the same level as his fastball and sinker, I believe he will be a very good pitcher out of the bullpen.
ahh Brett is in the game !
Ransom is 32 years old and ticketed to play third base at Scranton. Not a prospect.
brett played that one nicely
I think the AAA is pretty stacked. It’s going to be a strong team
“whozat, yeah but hitters didn’t see Bruney that much. How else do you go from being unhittable to eminently hittable except maybe from a tired arm? A blazing fastball is a blazing fastball. Only a fastball hitter is going to really have a shot with you.”
Because the scouting report gets around that you only have to swing at the fastballs that are right over the plate. Almost every MLB player can hit a fastball, no matter how fast, if they don’t have to worry about anything else.
“Or just better command of his sinker?”
I don’t think Ohlendorf throws his two seamer much anymore.
That was one of the things he changed when he went to the pen.
His two seamer was typically low 90’s. When he moved to the pen they wanted him to concentrate on throwing harder and I think he started going much more with the 4 seamer.
His second pitch has been the slider which has been inconsistent. The splitter takes a long time to learn. Some guys take a whole year of throwing it just to get comfortable with the feel of spreading their fingers that far around the ball.
“Once Ohlendorf can get his splitter to the same level as his fastball and sinker, I believe he will be a very good pitcher out of the bullpen.”
What do you see the odds of that as?
you had no chance Azdrubal
Brett is WAY too fast for these guys!
CB,
The question regarding Patterson as a long guy is, if pitching sporadically (which is the role of a long guy), can he go the 3-4 innings when needed?
I think he can. When you pitch multiple innings in multiple days, which did several times last year in the minors, you have the capability to go long in the majors.
Of course, if we have a repeat of last season, when most of the starters couldn’t pitch 5 effective innings 3-4 games a week the first two months of the season, it won’t matter much.
Somebody will be donating their arms to surgery! lol
He’s an interesting guy. That’s for sure.
I’d love for Pete, or somebody from the beat, to ask Girardi his thoughts on Patterson.
IIRC, we haven’t heard Girardi discuss him thus far this spring.
well did you guys see that great slide by brett?
I’ve heard conflicting things about Gardner’s D. I read some scouting stuff over the winter that said he WASN’T great in the OF, that his poor routes somewhat negated the advantage of his speed.
I suspect that some of the TV analysts are assuming he’s great in the OF because he’s so fast…does anyone know for certain?
Anybody remember Doug Jones? That guy was a real aberration. He didn’t break into the majors until age 30, and all he had was good control, a very mediocre fastball, and a changeup. And he was a damn good reliever for many years.
The Doug Jones precedent shows why it is worthwhile to give the Scott Pattersons of the world a shot to see what they can do.
“IIRC, we haven’t heard Girardi discuss him thus far this spring.”
I think I’ve heard Patterson described as “intriguing”
when Girardi watches Brett run he saids: “where did he go I lost him ?”
well whozat I remember reading awhile ago Girardi praising his OF routes so it depends I guess
I don’t see why Ohlendorf can’t do it. He’s a talented guy and this is a new role for him. It takes a little time.
With young players, patience is the key. The Yankees and some of their newer fans (the Post-96 crowd) haven’t had to hear the word “patience” uttered too much the last 12 years when discussing players.
Now, its definitely the word to remember going forward. Its going to take time for some of these guys to develop.
Every player develops at a different timeframe. Going from Single A to the majors in less than a year, as was the case with Chamberlain and Kennedy last year, is the exception not the rule with prospects.
Are people going to think I’m a troll if I keep talking about how much I love Grady Sizemore?
I actually don’t think Rasner’s looking too bad. Except for that home run.
SJ,
Great thoughts on Patterson. At this point I think he has to be a favorite to make the team. You can’t ask for much more from a guy.
Major league hitters may figure him out but he deserves the shot if he continues performing like this. He’s been their best pitcher out of the pen (other than Mo of course).
The question of his role however is an interesting one. I like Karstens but worry that he’d be a weak link – a guy who gets the long man spot because of his experience as a starter rather than his performance.
If Patterson can fill that long man role that would be very valuable. Then they can more effectively mix and match. If another guy comes on like an Ohlendorf (though I think he may need more time in the minors) then being able to keep him and Patterson has the making of a very good pen.
“well whozat I remember reading awhile ago Girardi praising his OF routes so it depends I guess”
Well, hopefully that’s true, then
he didn’t look good there though
I take that back.
I think Flash has a big crush on Rasner though.
not more of a crush than Kay has for Woodward Andrea
Brandon: except Flash has played the game, and as a catcher, it’s possible he sees something in Rasner. Kay is just weird.
Hey guys, I just spent the past
3.5four hoursspeedingdriving back to Syracuse.Anyone wanna enlighten me on what I’ve missed?
I like Ohlendorf. Something makes me think he’s going to be in the pen.
Rebecca-
7 K’s by the wanger.
Towering shot by duncan.
Nice D by sizemore add in a couple of homers.
A TOTAL DIGRESSION
For anyone out there who observes lent and tries to give something up – I was told years ago by the pastor of my church that you don’t have to observe lent on a Sunday since Sunday is a feastday. Big mistake on his part. I was just in the closet ransacking Easter candy that’s meant to go in the baskets of my niece and nephew.
Rebecca welcome to Sunday baseball
well lets see
Wang had his ups and downs but finished w/ 6 or 7 K’s
Alex is spraying the ball
Shelley was abusing C.C. today
we did good in the hit n run
Robi stoled a base so did Melky
Scott Patterson is the right handed Okijima
Brett Gardner continues to get to first on his speed
Molin