Yankees-Blue Jays: The Live Blog
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc, Podcast on Mar 20, 2008 
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Here we are at Knology Park in Dunedin, Fla. It’s sunny and 70. Ian Kennedy is facing Brett Cecil.
Here’s Joe Girardi’s pre-game press conference back at Legends Field:
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FIRST INNING
Damon walked. But Melky GIPD’d and Cano grounded out. IPK allowed two hits but no runs. Eckstein doubled and was thrown out going to third. 17 pitches / 10 strikes.
SECOND INNING
The Yankees scored twice. Shelley singled before doubles by Betemit and Ransom. Shelley’s “slide” was great as he dove in head-first and slapped his hand on the plate.
IPK K’d Stairs and Overbay in the bottom of the frame. 2-0 Yanks.
THIRD INNING
Cano (singled) and Matsui (walk) reached with two outs before Duncan doubled to center to make it 4-0. The ball looked like it should have beeen caught by Vernon Wells. But then again, I’m wearing sunglasses and sitting 450 feet away.
FOURTH INNING
Damon singled with two outs but was stranded.
Rolen doubled to lead off the bottom of the fourth. IPK got Thomas to pop out, K’d Stairs looking and got Overbay to ground to short when he broke his bat.
IPK so far: 4 5 1 1 0 4
FIFTH INNING
The Yankees scored two more as Betemit homered deep to right after Matsui singled.
Kennedy got an out then allowed a pop up that fell in for a single down the left-field line. He was pulled then, having thrown 76 pitches.
Good outing for IPK: 4.1 6 1 1 0 4 76 pitches / 43 strikes. He’s responsible for the runner on base.
SIXTH INNING
The Yankees (13 hits) tacked on another run as Damon singled and scored on a Cano groundout.
Kyle Farnsworth started the bottom of the inning. He K’d Frank Thomas but has since allowed a hit and walk. Aaron Hill just crushed an RBI double to center. 7-2 Yankees.
SEVENTH INNING
The Yankees didn’t score. Now Joba is pitching.
Facing three minor leaguers (Ryan Patterson, Sean Shoffit and Anthony Hatch), Joba’s K’d the side. 11 pitches / 9 strikes.
Joe Girardi is a genius.
Cano is such a talent as second base. What a terrific relay throw to get Eckstein at third.
Beautiful swing, soft hands and one of the best second base arms (if not the best) in all of basebal.
HA!
That was a NICE relay by Robbie.
CB,
I was joking that Meachem stayed on the field and waved Eckstein around. Someone said that Alex may have yelled at Meachem. Is that true?
someone needs to slap that guy thats yelling! anyone else hearing that?
Good perspective on the Red Sox “holdout” the other day by Buster Olney. And I agree – lost in this mess is the fact that fans were left twisting in the wind after having paid $ for their game tickets…Sox fans need to go easy on the proclamations of “One for all and all for one” team unity bs, and read Olney’s piece for some perspective.
http://insider.espn.go.com/esp.....ney_buster
Here is the gameday in case someone else is looking for it:
http://www.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/#20080320
If you don’t have access to ESPN Insider, I posted the text in the “in today’s Journal” thread…
love the slide by Shelly…lol
How can you not love the 2008 version of Oneil. Duncan is just a ball of energy. Anyone else like him in right better than first?
Betemit’s got a little hop in his step since he lost the weight. His hitting’s still been hot and cold, but he looks to be in better(mit) shape!
Baby Huey!!- Thought that catcher was in trouble for a minute.
What happened? Video keeps stopping, but it’s 2-0!
SOS, O’Neill was more polished, but, granted, I didn’t follow him before 93 (since I was 10) so I don’t know how he played when he was younger. But he certainly had the intensity.
Two players that have really had me taking a closer look.
Brett Garner and Cody Ransom.
CB–love that you mentioned Robbie’s swing, because I’ve been saying that he has the prettiest lefty swing since Mattingly.
Sos I don’t have many upsets
Arkansas over Indy
Villanova over Clemson
Arizona over Western Virginia
Baylor over Perdue
oh and Oregon over Miis St.
Betemit drove one in !
SHELLEY WTF !!!
Shelly almost smashed the catcher!
How close was it really?
here’s the gameday link for anyone interested. http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday.....;brand=mlb
mel – that’s a good one with Meacham waving around Eckstein!
I didn’t like Meacham sending Shelley – at best that was going to be a close play at the plate and I didn’t see the reason for putting Shelley in a position where contact at the plate could happen in spring training. Or he could have pulled a hamstring- you know Shelley is going to go all out on the play.
I seriously doubt ARod yelled at Meacham last night. If nothing else – if that had happened it would have been on the front page of every paper.
they thought he would plow the catcher instead went Superman into home plate , Kennedy’s 2nd and 3rd pitch looking sick
back to back Ks… Ike’s lookin good
Kennedy is going lights out!
I don’t think the comparisons to Mussina are really accurate for Kennedy. When Moose was younger, he threw 94-95 MPH.
Ian reminds me more of Catfish Hunter. He will give up some dingers if he misses location. Like Catfish in that regard.
He also struggles in first innings like Catfish.
But, he can paint with 3-4 pitches, like Catfish, and frustrates the hitters with late movement on his fastball.
He’s the perfect guy to slot in the rotation after a hard thrower like Hughes. Its a good way to mess up swings during a series.
Elizabeth – I agree on Mattingly. Cano has a beautiful swing – he’s just a natural hitting talent.
He should be the second best player on this team. His hitting tools are phenomenal, especially for a middle infielder.
The guy after mattingly in baseball who had/has just a gorgeous swing is Ken Griffey Jr. Always a pleasure to watch.
Melky just missed a HR on that one
CB-I thought it was a bad call to send him as well. I actually thought he was going to be out by a couple. Good point in nothing to gain by sending him.
Elizabeth-Nice article on Milkman.
Thanks for the gameday link!
Well would you blame Alex if he yelled at him? I wouldn’t. The third base coach is the runners eyes, he has to trust him to know when to send him and when not to.
didnt kennedy throw a 1 hitter through 7 innings against toronto last year?
Sox fan watching your game while working…Is it me or would Toronto be the best team in the National league?
Have a good weekend.
dpf
Brandon,
upset picks
st joes over ok
kent st over unlv
sienna over vandi
davidson over zags
temple over m.s.
st marys over miami
west kentucky over drake
SJ,
I completely agree on the kennedy/ mussina comparison. I don’t see it at all. Mussina built his career as a power pitcher who threw a dizzying array of pitches.
Kennedy doesn’t fit that model at all. If he’s going to be successful he’s going to do it in the same way a maddux has (not comparing him t maddux because he’s incomparable – but that type).
CB,
Thanks for the info. I don’t know if it’s mlb or my server but I’m having serious issues with the player even though I’m hardwired. It seems like I’m missing lots of action.
One of the regulars made a comment that they wished that Alex had not yelled at the coach. We all assumed Meachem cuz he’s burned Alex a couple of times already.
Dennis any AL team would be the best team in the NL. ** ducking from things thrown by Met fans trolling**
mel could you link the article?
oh he missed it ? thank god Sterling didn’t call that one
I thought Wells caught that.
The game is live on ESPN, BTW. Not sure if anybody had mentioned that.
SOS–Thanks!!
I didn’t realize anyone read that.
LoL
Jenn
By the way, Pete, thanks as always for operating the best Yankees blog in the world.
Bettimet looks so much better hitting left that i would have him hit lefties on the left side.
SOS–I said that last year a few times, about Betemit. Just don’t bother turning him around. He’s a liability from the right.
yet another gameday operator asleep at the wheel.
are they hiring florida retirees to run this thing?
shelley in da house!
nice catch by Arestes , Ransom probably did pick some tips from Alex
Hey all, I’m a yanks fan but does anyone know why Brett Cecil isn’t pitching for Toronto? I actually know him cuz I went to the same high school as him and he’s from my hometown and stuff, any info would be helpful. Thanks a lot.
Who’s broadcasting with Estrada? Nice to get guys who don’t hate the Yankees.
jennifer, no article. Someone made a comment in yesterday’s thread.
what happened to vernon wells? he’s awful now
not to beat this horse, but with only one out why did meacham wave shelley home on that play…he easily could have been out except for that awesome slide
Ransom’s a dead ringer for Flash (John Flaherty).
mel,
I posted it in the other two threads. Thanks for the link to cbs. I couldnt get it to work. No worries. I have more important things to watch. Like pre season Yankee baseball!! YANKEEHOLICS TILL THE END.
mel Arestes is being a class act on ESPN, he called Georgy Jorgito the way they call him in P.R. and he also complimented Duncan and Robi’s baserunning, he saw Cody’s AB and he it on the nail how it’s a spitting image of Alex’s swing.
Never mind, it’s Kenny Maldonado. Who’s that?
who the hell is erestes estrada?
I hope Georgia hangs on. They’re the Cinderella story right now.
what happened to vernon wells? he’s awful now
Ran out of b-12
Ive always found college basketball to be awful, not sure why people love it so much.
John,
They said something before about Toronto not pitching Halliday (who was scheduled to pitch) because they didn’t want the yankee hitters to see Halliday before the regular season. The yankees open the season with the jays and halliday will probably be throwing opening day.
MikeEff,
Watching Meacham out there really makes you appreciate Bowas work. IMO i would have a short leesh on this 3rd base situation. Before it costs us players and games.
Come on Georgia. Upsets are nice to see.
estrada is a former major leaguer also played in japan. Iknow him from his work on XM he is very knowledgeable.
that was nasty
The ESPN feed’s picture is better than the YES feed. But I hate listening to ESPN announcers.
oh, the agony.
It’s Orestes and I thought he was a former pitcher (Mets?). But I can’t seem to find him in the MLB site. Maybe he played in Japan.
He does espn radio.
I cant believe im saying this. But Damon looks like hes has a stronger arm this year?
Re Meacham, Pete said it the other day – he’s made at least two mistakes as 3b coach this spring, which is at least two more than I can remember Bowa making during two seasons. He was great – think I miss him more than Torre, sad to say…
CB–but Cecil was slated to get the start today.
Has anyone else noticed Ian’s little skip/step/strut back to the dugout after the third out? He’s been doing it since he came up. It’s funny.
no chance Georgia beats Xavier not w/ that back court
Mel i think he played for the Marlins he was also a Yankee for a day or 2 I think
he played major league baseball? for what team and when?
Kennedy is pitching well. That’s good to see.
Orestes Destrade
http://www.baseball-reference......or01.shtml
Georgia would be a nice Cinderella story, but I have Xavier going a few rounds in at least two of my brackets, so unfortunately, I need the glass slipper to break.
Re meachem this is not an excuse but maybe because it is the spring and this is his first year with the Yanks and seeing some of these teams he wants to see how some players move as well as how some of the arms are??
Sort of if you see it you know better for next time??
Rolen is not the player he used to be for sure that is now 2 plays that 2 years ago he would have made no problem
Eh, Xavier is awake.
Nice to see that Kennedy is having a nice outing today
The other announcer is Candy Maldonado – outfielder played in the 80′s and early 90′s.
Was a pretty good player. Played for a number of teams – Dodgers and Giants mostly.
Orestes Destrada played for the yankees one year. Was mostly in Japan.
“Never mind, it’s Kenny Maldonado. Who’s that?”
mel – it’s Candy Maldonado. He played for a handful of teams over 14 seasons and was on the Jays’ ’92 championship team.
Destrada at wiki
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orestes_Destrade
one of the least annoying guys on ESPN
“Ive always found college basketball to be awful, not sure why people love it so much.”
i’m not crazy about it, but where else do you find a 64 team single elimination tournament? a wet-dream for fans of office pools.
oops – CB beat me to it.;)
Dave Bliss of Georgia looks older than Matt Morris. Heck, he looks older than Mussina.
SoS- i hope you’re right about that short leash. girardi apparently liked the guy at 3rd base in florida, but from what i’ve seen, i can’t understand why.
as you say, this could definitely cost runs. it’s something i guess we took for granted a bit with Bowa.
gayle,
Why not experiment in practice. They run all practice,have drills in sending them home from second. At least then we wouldnt have these possible collisions at the plate.
Thanks Wolf, that would explain the walkoff homerun clip that I heard but did not see because the media player is giving me a hard time.
And it helps to know the player’s name when doing a player search, duh.
http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/histo.....r=destrade
I always thought he was a pitcher because he plays one on the radio. 1987? Jeez that was a long time ago.
Anyway, he’s one of the few palatable guys on espn radio. So he’s cool in my book.
IPK getting squeezed a bit.
JP Ricciardi is dreaming if he thinks that Scott Rolen is not going to have injury problems playing on turf.
And he’s dreaming if he thinks forearm tightness is to be expected in a player coming back from TJ surgery who you’ve pushed very hard to be ready for the regular season.
Riccairdi came to Toronto from Oakland and wound up spending a lot of money for players that have not been healthy/ not lived up to expectations.
SOS–
Like I said just a thought you really cant simulate game situations in practice I think. Also you dont see the opposing teams outfiedlers throw in practice.
Believe me I am one of the biggest Bowa fans there is (having grown up with him as my teams SS) So have seen him as a player for them, manager for them etc. so I know he will be very very missed.
saucy,
which other upsets did you have in the first round.
MikeEff,
If i can recall Florida didnt have much of an offense. So the third baseman wasnt really needed. This team will have
plays almost on a daily basis where he has to make a quick decision. Bowa! We’ll double what theyr paying you.
CB,
Did you hear the latest? You can add Kerry Wood to your list of walking wounded. Expected to compete for the closer job, he’s out with back spasms.
Kennedy’s fun to watch.
epcot is boring
gameday is hardly working today, very slow.
Can I just say I really like Bob Lorenz in the YES booth?
Can we start a petition to get him to replace Kay? Please? Kenny and Bob, Leiter or Cone with Bob…Man, that’d be good.
And, good job by Ian today. I figure this is what his good starts will all look like. Some hits, some K’s, not a lot of walks, 2-3 runs and 6 or so innings.
I’ve been very impressed with Kennedy’s curve ball this spring.
Big improvement over last season. He’s worked on it a lot and it looks like it’s paid off.
In the past his curve has been a bit loopy/ slurvy – didn’t have the nice, sharp bite you like to see on a curve.
You saw him throw that kind of slurvy curve ball to Rolen on the pitch he hit for a double.
This spring his curve ball has been much tighter. One of the big knocks on Kennedy before was that of his 4 pitches only 1 – the change – was a true plus pitch.
His curve ball looks terrific now. If he’s consistent with the type of curve we’ve seen today it will be a big step forward.
Hey, what’s the score. Gameday is painfully slow right now. Still 4-1 good guys?
Temple mounting a comeback. 10 down with 3 minutes to play. Lets go owls!
mel,
your upsets in round one. Duke maybe?
can someone let me know what happened in teh bottom of the 4th, the gameday hamster died
ooooh Robi almost killed the ump w/ that foul ball
gameday is back to updating at the end of the half inning…
IPK is not a thrower, he’s a pitcher.
Oh, Robbie. If you’re gonna go for two, amp it up around first.
mel,
You could replace Will Carroll’s doing Baseball Prospectus’ inury analysis updates!
I hadn’t heard that about Woods. Unbelievable – though not unexpected.
The cubs are like the tigers of the NL – great line up – terrible bull pen. They have nothing in the pen.
Compare that to the options the yankees have. A guy like Bruney would be a lock to make their team.
Main thing with spring training – get through it healthy.
Rishi, you have to remember to feed the temperamental gameday hamster.
BTW, I read your comments about your dog yesterday. My condolences – I have 2 dogs that are totally my kids and I’m sure it’s tough for you.
Cano hit a single to left thrown out stretching it. Matsui just got a hit. 4-1
BETEMIT ROCKED THAT ONE DEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP !
Thanks SOS.
Holy Moses, Betemit! Massive home run to right. Let’s hope today’s a sign of good things to come.
So, Betemit hit a dinger???
Note to Girardi. Keep Betimet hitting from the left side!!HOMERUN!!
Yeah, I’ll take that from my backup infielder.
And Accardo’s a good pitcher.
Bob Lorenz and Ken Singleton are really good together in the YES booth. It’s nice to hear baseball talk about the game.
One of my cinderellas dead. Temple down big.
Ransom get a hit. 2 outs 6-1
E5?
Or a hit?
Was a well-struck ball…
Molina gets an infield single with his blazing speed!!1st and 2nd.
That’s the kind of thing that makes it almost impossible to compare any other backup/ utility infielder in baseball to Betemit.
Betemit is a flawed player – at this point he is really a corner infielder who can play some middle infield rather than a true utlity guy. He can’t hit from the right side.
But even with those flaws, as a backup infielder, he’s very unique and a huge relative advantage for the yankees.
The red sox back up infielder is Alex Cora – and he doesn’t play first or third.
inning over. Green hasnt gotten a hit all spring?
Thanks, Wolf…we totally considered him family – my mom cried for him as much as her father who died 3 months before. But he lived a loooooooong life and didn’t really suffer so that was great. He also waited for me to come home from a business trip so I am thankful
As for the hamster – I am willing to take up a collection of energy bars/drinks if he needs it!
Green had a blast yesterday or the day before so he definitely has gotten at least 1 hit
SoS,
I don’t do a bracket. I prefer to watch the Western Conference. And uh, no, Duke will not be upset in the first round.
Watch out for Chicago tonight, they’re pretty athletic. There’s a chance you might pick up a game on us. The Jazz have only had 3 losses.
CB,
I feel bad for Woods. But the only difference between him and Pavano is the skanky model ex-girlfriend and not reporting being in a car crash. Should I have more sympathy for Carl?
Didn’t he get one of the B.H. Kim HRs yesterday??? he’s hitting .182, but that could have all been off the A pitchers earlier this spring
JP RICCIARDI HAS A NOSE FOR TALENT
“inning over. Green hasnt gotten a hit all spring?”
Um…except the homer last night and a walk-off hit last week. And a few other times. He’s a poor hitter, sure, but he’s had hits.
Ch. 11 reports a “high profile” New York athlete used the Spitzer brothel. My money is on A-Rod a/k/a Client 13.
oops, 3 losses at home.
Way to go Betemit. I’m with CB. Utility guys are inherently flawed, otherwise they would be starters. (No offense to you, UtilityGuy and Miguel Cairo!)
green had the walkoff win the other day against somebody and then had a HR
“I feel bad for Woods.”
Dusty Baker should feel bad for Woods. Dusty should also feel bad for Prior. What he did to them was awful.
You look at a guy like Woods and its silly how so may people are criticizing the yankees for “babying” the young arms with the pitch counts/ innings caps.
“Betemit is a flawed player – at this point he is really a corner infielder who can play some middle infield rather than a true utlity guy. He can’t hit from the right side.”
Here’s my point, though, I really don’t think there’s much of a point to having a “true utility guy” on a team like the Yankees. An Alex Cora type is NOT who you want stepping in if one of your regulars goes down for a while. And the Yankee regulars play 150-160 games a year. I feel like I’d rather have a guy who’s tolerable in the middle IF, can play the corners decently, and is a legit threat at the plate in some way (for instance, a serious lefty power bat) than a guy who’s a slick SS/2B and all he can really do for me at the plate is sac bunt or hit and run.
mel
Out of the trade deadline deals. Who do you think the winners and losers? IMO Dallas and Cleveland were losers. I know Cleveland won yesterday. But it seems like Lebron has to carry the team even more now. Kidd hasnt done much in dallas. The other day he had 1pt and 7 assist. Nets won that one. Suns dont know yet.
I hear you, Rishi. Mine are getting older but still in good health. I dread the day I have to deal with losing them.
Silly side note – we actually have a hamster named Hamzilla (I had to have a Yankee reference when I named him, so I named him after Matsui. Yes, I’m weird. lol )
“Dusty Baker should feel bad for Woods. Dusty should also feel bad for Prior. What he did to them was awful.”
Did you read the article at firejoemorgan ripping apart a cincy paper article that was drooling over Baker?
SOS: “which other upsets did you have in the first round”
Arkans over Indy
Wintr over WashSt
KentSt over UNLV
Temple over MichSt
TexA&M over BYU
Anyone know who came in after IPK?
“Way to go Betemit. I’m with CB. Utility guys are inherently flawed, otherwise they would be starters.”
The thing is, Betemit could easily be starting at third for several MLB teams. In my honest opinion his hitting ability is above average for 3B. Before he got traded Wilson had a .833 OPS despite hitting only .231! I think if he got a chance to be a regular starter he’d be very good.
“I really don’t think there’s much of a point to having a “true utility guy†on a team like the Yankees.”
I completely agree. With Cano, Jeter, and ARod in the infield no utility guy is going to play much unless there’s an injury.
Betemit’s ability to play 1st, 3rd, SS, and 2nd (sort of) is a huge plus.
Betemit is going to fill in what Boston is using two players to do – Alex Cora and Sean Casey (i assume casey will make the team). And he’s a better bat than both of those players.
At the same time I do think Betemit is a corner infielder who has the ability to spot in the middle infield. IMO if Jeter or Cano (especially Cano) were to be out for a while I ‘m just not sure he could play everyday at those premium infield positions (especially if he has to hit against lefty pitching).
Betemit is a strong asset for the team. As I said before, it’s difficult to compare any other back up infielder to what he brings, despite his significant flaws.
“Anyone know who came in after IPK?”
Giese
A journeyman.
Luthien,
It’s Dan Giese pitching now…bases are loaded.
finally Giese or Geese gets out of that inning
Dan Giese
i guess that was giese’s last chance to prove something this ST.
“Did you read the article at firejoemorgan ripping apart a cincy paper article that was drooling over Baker?”
No – I haven’t seen it. Those quotes from him last week about OBP being over rated were cringe inducing enough.
Let’s see how he tries to ruin Joey Votto’s entire game.
Homer Bailey may be intentionally pitching terribly this spring hoping those trade rumors are true.
And if I were Johnny Cueto I’d think twice about pitching my way onto that team.
“I think if he got a chance to be a regular starter he’d be very good.”
I wonder, if Gonzalez shows something in AAA, and a team has a need at 3B…would the Yanks consider moving Betemit?
It’s certainly possible.
Same thing with Duncan and Ensberg. If they’re both doing well a couple months in, but playing time is hard to come by, and someone comes asking…
Well, CB, if you’d like…
http://www.firejoemorgan.com/2.....ewing.html
Rishi, so sorry to hear about your loss. It will be one year on Saturday since mine left us and I still miss her a great deal. But everyone smiles when they talk about her. I’m sure even your mom will get there, too, when it comes to your dog.
Patrick #1,
That may have been in the very deepest, darkest recesses of Cashman’s mind when he sent a good reliever to the Dodgers knowing that there was a good chance that Alex (uh, Boras, whoever) would opt out.
I actually think Giese was fine. He should’ve had Wells struck out
No damage? Miracle after walking 2 guys to load the bases. Well, no harm no foul.
Agreed on the traditional utility guy. Betemit is more useful because he can supply more than occasional pop off the bench. If Cano/Jeter get hurt for an extended period, they’ll be replaced by someone from Scranton. The Attorney General has a great glove.
“That may have been in the very deepest, darkest recesses of Cashman’s mind when he sent a good reliever to the Dodgers knowing that there was a good chance that Alex (uh, Boras, whoever) would opt out.”
I think that’s pretty clear. I mean, OBVIOUSLY it’s a downgrade. How could it not be? But, having Betemit makes it a lot easier to make a deal for another 3B, or a complementary 3B, because you’re not DESPERATE.
Sharing my choice for a priceless moment during IPK’s stint:
Girardi trying to hide a smirk when Matt Stairs was so badly frozen by Kennedy’s 2-seamer for an SO. Stairs’ expression was one of total surrender.
whozat,
That firejoemorgan article wasn’t really my thing. Not sure whey they turned the whole article into yet another piece on how smart sabermatricians are and how everyone else is an “ignoramus” to use their words.
That’s exactly the kind of arrogant attitude that people find so off putting about many self described sabermatricians.
It’s remarkable to me that many, many sabermatricians put more importance on quantitative analysis than most statisticians do.
any fellow yankee fans live in the LA area ? i need to start rounding up some yankee fans out here so we can watch some games at the bars
Hi gang, just checking in from Houston, where I’ll be until next Monday. My brother has an mac and I really am not used to this computer. To go back to other comments from other games, I just want to say GO WILSON BETEMIT!!!
Also, I don’t know if there is some trick to getting MLB TV on a mac, but I’ve been staring at a blank screen for about 10 minutes.
GO YANKEES!
“That’s exactly the kind of arrogant attitude that people find so off putting about many self described sabermatricians.”
Well, I think the original article was so dismissive of the sabermetric approach that the FJM tone is warranted.
Girardi on Gardner
Joe has some pretty telling comments about Brett in his pre game conference.
“Also, I don’t know if there is some trick to getting MLB TV on a mac, but I’ve been staring at a blank screen for about 10 minutes.”
The trick is the the MLB.com people don’t care about you and resent you when you email them with your problems. Unfortunately
I got so sick of it that I bought a slingbox and hooked it up at my parents’ house and that’s how I watch the Yanks now.
that should have been a K thanks ump
Hey, there’s my Kyle sitting The Big Hurt down with a strikeout looking.
Ground ball to Cano for an infield hit.
MATT STAIRS singles to robbie – was robbie sleeping?
“I think that’s pretty clear. I mean, OBVIOUSLY it’s a downgrade. How could it not be? But, having Betemit makes it a lot easier to make a deal for another 3B, or a complementary 3B, because you’re not DESPERATE.”
Yeah I agree, if A-rod didn’t come back Cashman would have a legit option to fall back on. He wouldn’t have to lie and say something similar to “We are fine with Bubba Crosby as our starting CF” or “We are fine with Andy Phillips as our starting 1B” like he did in the past.
Yes, that should have been two Ks looking.
WTF was Ramirez doing on that projected bullpen graphic on espn?!
If Cano sets his feet, could he have made that throw?
what is it w/ this ump ! that’s 2 strikeouts he robbed Farnsy of
sabermetricians aka IT guys aka fat douche bags
whozat,
I got it. You run remotely from your parents house? I thought for a minute there you lived in your parents’ basement.
Thanks Whoz!
I guess I can at least try audio…
“Well, I think the original article was so dismissive of the sabermetric approach that the FJM tone is warranted.”
I don’t think this helps anyone’s cause. If sabermatricians are interested in getting people to change the way they think answering dismissiveness with arrogance isn’t going to help, IMO.
That’s one of the things about the BP guys that’s refreshing – ironically they are rarely as arrogant as their followers can be.
Just me. But I think this is actually part of the reason why statistical analysis has been so slow to catch on in the main stream. Both sides seem to get very defensive and in turn sort of insulting.
If someone really thinks David Eckstein is a good player because he has “heart” telling them they are ignorant, etc. doesn’t really help.
Uh, no audio.
Damn. YES has a lot of games between now and Monday. Left too early to go to the airport because I was going to try to set them to tape.
Damn damn damn.
(Did I already say damn?!)
“You run remotely from your parents house?”
yeah, it compresses the signal and sends it over the net to my computer.
Theeeeeere’s the Kyle we know and love.
“sabermetricians aka IT guys aka fat douche bags”
See, CB? In the face of stuff like this…can you really blame FJM for being wise-asses?
That should read I didn’t have time in the morning to set up a tape for the games because I had to get to the airport and we had to leave quite early and I am so not a morning person it isn’t funny.
Good appearance by Kennedy today. He is a thinking pitcher. It seems like he knows what he is doing. He is a Catfish Hunter.
Jimmy – What did Girardi sar re. Garnder?
Finally, and another comment without context but trying to pick up on what I see in the box score.
I really do believe Farnsworth can get the job done and I also believe that Joe Girardi will be the difference maker.
(now watch Farnsy give up a granny. These things have a way of happening after I make a definitive comment about something!)
Yep don’t need Joba as a set-up man this year Fransworth got two strikouts then nearly fell apart.Wonder if he will get out of it again in the post season.
Pete – do you think Kyle’s getting squeezed or was it a typical Farnsie outing?
Ian Kennedy reminds me of Moose. Yes, both thinking pitchers.
That outing was bull. He should have escaped without allowing a run because that second hitter should have been a K. Ridiculous.
trisha,
Have you downloaded the flip4mac plug in? I believe you need to install that to run mlb tv. Also try using firefox as the browser instead of safari.
http://www.flip4mac.com/wmv.htm
If that doesn’t work try installing the microsoft silverlight plug in:
http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/
“Just me. But I think this is actually part of the reason why statistical analysis has been so slow to catch on in the main stream. Both sides seem to get very defensive and in turn sort of insulting.”
You’re kind of asking people to be saints. I mean…I say “wow, look at this guy’s K:BB and K/9 in the minors…he could be a really good bullpen guy!”
J Train says “That guy’s fat and you’re an idiot for thinking he’s good.”
Now…If I’m Jesus, perhaps I can continue to be civil. But I’m not. So I probably get pissy.
At this point, both sides can be really defensive and snarky. People on EITHER side that start a conversation with a holier-than-thou attitude are jerks. However, I think it’s pretty normal for people to respond to ridicule in kind…especially when there are plenty of cases where using less-traditional stats have helped teams find guys that can be useful players. Heath Bell, Jack Cust…two examples from just last year.
cb,
I couldnt agree with you more. sabermetricians are a very condescending bunch….most of which have never stepped foot on a baseball field. I agree that sabermetrics give you a general idea about what kind of player a certain individual is, but it shouldnt take the place of actual scouting like many seem to think it should.
Joe Torre does not speak very effusively over young players as well all know.
Torre last week said that Clayton Kershaw reminded him of Sandy Koufax.
I’m looking forward to a good year from Kyle. But how sad is it that you have broadcasters psychoanalyzing you on the air?
At least he stayed within himself even though he might have been squeezed.
Don’t look now, guys but mlb.com has an article (in-game) that Ransom is leading the pack for the backup infielder position. Ack!
We’re down to one opening for position player right?
I’d rather see Gardner. I bet he would fit in perfectly with Girardi’s small ball sensibilities. Take my chance with Shelley and Betemit covering the infield.
Gammons talking about other players on the Orioles and Dodgers. Aren’t you going to wax poetic about the noble Red Sox? Or do you not want to talk about the “misunderstanding”?
He likes him a lot (the audio is up top of this string)
Called the way he plays the “pest effect”
said he has confidence he would be a + major leager
the implication was that Joe would go to him first in case of injury.
Also is really high on the depth of the pitching in the minors
“but it shouldnt take the place of actual scouting like many seem to think it should.”
No rational person thinks it should take the place of scouting. However, I think there’s much to be said for the point that stuff like “he’s got a good baseball face” needs to be phased out in favor of “hey, this guy walks three times fewer guys than he K’s and has a GB:FB ratio of 2:1…he could probably get us some outs!”
“I couldnt agree with you more. sabermetricians are a very condescending bunch….most of which have never stepped foot on a baseball field.”
That not the real point I was making. I personally just find both sides tiring. Both sides are locked in this cycle of insulting each other.
I just find the whole thing boring at this point. It’s not an either / or thing where everything is statistics or none of it is statistics.
And I personally find it strange that people are eager to insult other people over a disagreement over sports.
It’s just a pass time. It’s supposed to be fun.
Insulting people over the internet seems completely pointless to me.
whozat, I guess you havent encountered the sabermetricians I have because many of them think that they live in the matrix….and theyll be quick to tell you how theyre right and youre a moron.
Whoa! ESPN needs to update that Joba photo.
Joba and Farnsworth both throw their fastball at roughly the same velocity.
It is amazing to watch the reaction of hitters’ to both their fastballs.
Joba has such terrific command of his fastball on top of the velocity hitters just look like they have absolutely no chance of making contact. Every fastball is at the thighs to the knees.
A few years ago, the Red Sox had a third base coach that lost them a number of games, and I think 2 in a row.
Meacham has been VERY poor so far. I hope they keep him on a short leash.
was that not nasty – sure looks comphy in the pen ! lol
THAT A BOY JOBA!!
i’m telling you 8th inning!!
He literally is amazing. Joba Rules.
I guess Joba is a good relief pitcher!
Let’s say it together…
JOBA RULES!!!
Wow Joba, that was quick work.
Look! They’re showing the footage of the ALDS. Where’s Torre? Just kidding. It took guts for Torre to admit that he made a mistake that night.
“and theyll be quick to tell you how theyre right and youre a moron.”
Just like you were quick to call me a fat loser, no?
I don’t encounter any sabermetric-acolytes here in real life.
Deep stat analysis, in my mind, is useful for identifying potentially interesting players that are over-looked by traditional stats and scouting and identifying guys whose numbers are probably a fluke. You want to back up any conclusions by doing your scouting due diligence, though.
Take Heath Bell, for example. His surface numbers were bad, but his peripherals indicated he was someone worth looking at more deeply. The Padres did, and they scored BIG TIME with him.
What did Joba do? Stuck in the office with slow gameday.
That was nasty. That breaking pitch was falling off the table.
OK that Candy guy is bugging me. Both sides had to deal with the bugs, but Joba’s inning was torrential.
“What did Joba do? Stuck in the office with slow gameday.”
K’d three minor leaguers.
This is a good day for the kids. We have to appreciate and savor those good days too.
Thank Whozat.
A steady diet of Lorenz / Singleton is a breath of fresh air. Find something for Kay to do that amounts to things of no consequence.
Joba struck out the side on 11 pitches. They were all minor leaguers but his stuff was lights out.
Major leaguers were not going to hit any of those pitches solidly.
Thomas sounds guilty. “Let’s just move on.”
I heard Lorenz the other day and he’s so much better on the play-by-play than in the post-game. Seems less fake somehow during the game. He really bugs me in the post-game.
I like Lorenz, too. Seriously, how can we lobby to get him on air?
Anyone watching on YES, where was Kennedy’s/Joba’s fastball topping out? ESPN had them 90 and 96 respectively
MEL: I completely agree on Lorenz. He was much more natural and less forced during the V-Tech game. Plus he doesn’t seem as repetitive as Kay is.. “sparkling ERA” and “ties a major league record with three put-outs” come to mind instantly..
That last K by Joba was a sharp looking curve.
Anyone know where’s he at with his change-up?
Joba totally on with his control in his first inning. So now comes my heretical question (building on what Jax asked yesterday):
SJ, Mel, Whozat et al… please note how Molina sets the target for IPK and Joba (and PH when he pitches). Jose has a good target for them before they start their windup and you can see the difference it makes for these young pitchers. IPK in particular was really hitting his spots.
Posada on the other hand is still hiding his set up and even moving the glove as Phil started his windup yesterday. This may be a valuable tactic by Jorge to prevent the hitters from getting a glance back to cheat, but it seems like it is not the best approach for the new guys.
For these young pitchers, it seems that the clear target Molina offers helps. I know from my youth (several centruries ago), that’s all I heard the coach yelling about.
I’m watching ESPN Kay puts me too sleep too much.
“YOU PUT YOUR RIGHT HIP IN , YOU PUT YOUR RIGHT HIP OUT”
I thought that was Joba on the mound. I have to remember that Joba’s not the big kid on the block anymore.
I hope Joba’s performance today doesn’t make the idiots clamoring for him to stay in the pen feel like they were right all along.
Some thoughts watching the game today.
Orestes Destrade and Candy Maldonaldo are completely unlistenable. How far has Sean McDonough’s career fallen to have to do a game with two guys who can barely speak english and did zero homework today.
I have zero problems with having more latinos in the booth. However, if they are going to work english speaking games, you have to have guys with a better grip on the language. Both of these guys butcher the language so much, you can’t understand the points they are trying to make.
Destrade kept calling Ransom a “young kid”. He’s 32 and has been a professional player for 10 years.
Some more of his nuggets. “The Yankees lost that playoff game to the Indians 1-0″. This was the “bug game”. It was 2-1.
No mention of Billy Traber as the lefty out of the bullpen. He is saying that “Edwar Ramirez can be the guy to get lefties out”. Really? Nobody on the Yankees has given Edwar a bullpen spot.
As far as the Yankees are concerned today:
Kennedy threw the ball very well. Once he gets past the first inning, he seems to settle into a nice pattern. He and Molina work well together. It wouldn’t shock me if they are paired up during the season.
This entire team is raking the ball. Even the AAA guys have good AB’s.
Wilson Betemit still can’t hit righthanded. Look for a RH bat to be the last roster spot because they can’t afford to have Wilson bat RH much.
Kyle Farnsworth threw the ball very well today. He had both Stairs and Overbay k’ed and didn’t get calls. Hill hit a mistake pitch up in the zone. Everything else was down and nasty. Especially his slider.
If he throws like that this season, he’s gonna have a lot more good days than bad.
I guess the folks who were worried about Joba can rest easy today. That was some display.
All in all, if they stay healthy, this is a very, very good ballclub.
Health and getting the pitch counts up for the starters are the only things left to do the rest of the spring.
“I’m watching ESPN Kay puts me too sleep too much.”
Is Kay on ESPN? He’s not on YES today…
“For these young pitchers, it seems that the clear target Molina offers helps.”
Posada caught Hughes second game last year when he was throwing the no hitter before getting hurt.
Posada also caught Hughes in that great 3 inning stretch against Cleveland in the playoffs.
Posada also caught nearly all of the 24 innings Joba threw in the majors last season.
Hughes himself said his mechanics were off last night and he was battling himself the whole game. He was over striding.
That had nothing to do with the catcher.
back bench,
I’m not an expert, but I agree that Posada’s not perfect. I’ve seen complaints about his pitch selection and he’s VERY stubborn. I think some of the vets have a hard time working with him because of his stubborness. Grumpy Old Men 3. lol.
Still would not trade him for the world.
That being said I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE having Jose Molina on the team. I love it even more that he admitted he had preconceptions of our beloved Yankees that weren’t so nice, but turned out to be totally wrong.
I agree on the broadcast booth SJ
McDonough was maybe the best TV broadcaster in baseball not too long ago and Orestes is entertaining on Baseball Tonight, but he did zero work for today’s game. Saying Joba Chamberlain is good and Phil Hughes is young is not really cutting it. I felt bad for Keith Law – who had to humor these guys and their moronic questions [like the Edwar one]. At least Candy realized he didn’t know enough to ask any prospect questions and kept his mouth shut.
And Kennedy does have a little Bonderman in him as far as his 1st inning struggles before coming on as the game progresses. He says he’s always been that way
That was a painful segment. Keith is usually not very subtle but, he kept his cool today.
Its not a tough job if you do your homework. If you don’t, the viewers will know quickly you are trying to BS your way through the game.
If this was an audition to find Sutcliffe’s replacement this year (he was diagnosed with colon cancer last week and will miss most of the season undergoing treatment) both guys flunked today.
Not an easy day for Sean to do PBP with two guys that awful.
I like O. His accent doesn’t get in the way and he’s a POSITIVE guy. He did make those mistakes that you pointed out, SJ, inexcusable. Maybe we can blame espn for pulling a guy out of the booth who does Game Day on espn radio and covers a multitude of sports and topics instead of a baseball guy. Maybe the good ones are in Japan?
BTW, the A’s have arrived in Tokyo and are thrilled to be there. The Japanese are too nice, but I hope they throw stinky natto at the Red Sox players.
Mel.. really? You would never trade Posada?… haaha who the hell would.
derek,
Nope, not for Saltymarky or the young guy from the Dodgers. Or even that guy Rodriguez. Why do they call him Pudge? He’s thin as a rail.
I might take LoDuca or Tek, though….haaha.
“the young guy from the Dodgers”
You’re kidding on that one, right?
Good point Whozat – all ST performances have to be judged in context. Comparing Farns and Joba today is apples and oranges. Joba gets 3 minor leaguers, and not even likely callups. Farns gets some of Toronto’s best majors hitters. Not to say Farns isn’t exasperating – he seems to try to get too cute when he’s got a hitter down and lets them off the hook. Kinda like to hear what J-Train thinks on that. Farns still has got a ways to go, and Joba showed last season what he could do to major league hitters. But today’s comparison is meaningless.
““the young guy from the Dodgersâ€
You’re kidding on that one, right?”
mel, 25 = old man
totally off-topic but funny post re: hughes, IPK and moose.. http://blog.nj.com/ledgeryanke......html#more
whozat,
i just bought the slingbox pro today and plan on setting that up at a friends house in NY so I can watch the Yanks in Boston. how is it working for you?
p.s. sorry about my attitude the other day
Please, please, please…don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t trade Jorge either. He is a great Ynakee and a part of the winning tradition.
All I’m suggesting is that he might try and do what it appears Molina does with the young guns while they develop into the dominant SPs we believe they will be.
Whozat,
Am I mistaken? Isn’t there a really good young catcher for the Dodgers?
Farnsworth wasn’t trying to be cute today. He was throwing gas. He had Stairs struck out and Cooper didn’t give him the call.
He threw a nasty slider to Overbay on 1-2 and didn’t get that call. That’s baseball but, that’s 2 k’s right there if the home plate umpire is doing his job.
He went right at guys today. His only mistake pitch was leaving a fastball up to Aaron Hill, who hit it for the double.
Other than that, he was aggressive in the strikezone and his slider was filthy today.
If he pitches like he did today this season, the Yankees 3 guys (Hawkins, Joba and Farnsworth) in front of Mo are light years better than what they had in the ‘pen to start last season.
Something tells me Farnsworth is going to surprise this year. He will still have his “duh” moments. However, I think he will end up pitching better than he did last year.
*Yankee*
Proof reading is a problem when you’re blind.
Russell Martin is one of the best catchers in the game already (at 25)
“Am I mistaken? Isn’t there a really good young catcher for the Dodgers?”
Yeah, Martin…I was hoping you were kidding that you wouldn’t trade Jorge for him.
“how is it working for you?”
Works great, as long as my folks don’t touch it
Worked great when I lived in California all summer too.
SJ,
what are your expectations for Hawkins and/or what would you consider a successful season for him?
i think Whozat was saying that the Yankees would be crazy to NOT trade Posada for Russell Martin.
whozat,
Oh. I get it, so he’s that good. He’s 25, that’s young for a major league catcher!
And no, I wouldn’t trade him. Well, maybe, if they threw in Bowa.
If Hawkins can give them 65-70 games this year, approx 75-80 innings, and a 3.50-4.10 ERA, that’s a solid season for his role on the team.
His sinker is going to help him in the AL East. He’s no longer the fastball/slider guy he was when he was in the AL.
Its going to be important for him to take the ball a lot in the early part of the season. If he can do that, especially early when the Yankees are playing so often, its going to really help flesh out the roles in the bullpen.
He’s a no risk signing, IMO. One year deal. Use him smartley and hope you get a good season out of him.
“He’s a no risk signing, IMO. One year deal. Use him smartley and hope you get a good season out of him.”
not to mention that Vizcaino has been hampered with elbow pain this spring and has barely pitched…
If you look back at Farnsworth’s season stats over the course of his career, he has put together some good years here & there.
It wouldn’t surprise me if he puts together a good year. I’d love to see him have a good one. But it also wouldn’t surprise me if he didn’t have a good year.
Some of you would know far better than I would, but what I read when he first came to NY was that he had a good arm but his control could be ‘erratic’ at times. So far that’s proven to be right on.
When he’s good, he’s scary.
When he’s not … well … he’s scary.
As far as I’m concerned, he can have his occasional brain cramps along the way as long as he’s good most of the time over the course of the season. He’s got to keep those to a minimum though.
So far, the Yankees have avoided the injuries that have befallen some teams.
In the last couple of days alone, BJ Ryan and Kerry Wood go down.
There are so many competitive races this year, you lose a guy for a month early in the year, that may determine your season’s fate.
IMO, this is going to be the year the overwork of the Blue Jays bullpen catches up with them. Those guys have worked a lot of games the past few years. I have a feeling this is the year it catches up to them.
Aside from Halliday, who in the rotation can be counted on to give them 200 innings? Not Burnett, who’s always hurt. You have 3 other young guys, Marcum, McGovern and Litsch. I can’t see those guys working 200 innings.
That means, Gibby is forced to load up innings on that bullpen again. This may be the year it catches up to them.
“IMO, this is going to be the year the overwork of the Blue Jays bullpen catches up with them. ”
I agree with this. The jays have a lot of talent on their staff with a lot of young arms. But they’ve pushed their kids to throw a lot of innings.
It’s a issue for them in the pen but its also an issue for their starting rotation.
McGowan and Litsch saw some big jumps in their innings thrown while coming up.
Main thing in spring training is to get through it healthy. The yankees have. Kennedy and Joba looked terrific today.
This team is going to be very good, very deep and very flexible.
BJ Ryan and Kerry Wood went down?!
Gosh, nobody saw that coming – hehe
Once the 25-man roster has been settled on, Girardi /Eiland will go over what each bullpen member’s defined role will be under average, normal circumstances for each series with the idea of not having an overworked group. The days of constantly using the guy with the hot hand are over with.
They’ve seen what’s necessary to establish roles and above all, good communication with the staff.
SJ-
McGowan
No injury bug. No starting the season in Japan. No Joe Torre to sit while the medics are checking to see if he has a pulse and then later admitting he should have had the game stopped in Cleveland. Wow. BFD. He should have woken up and done it then. Fat lot of good it does now.
You know what. Thanks for the nice things Joe, but you also had a little edge to you. Cross Joe and your playing days are over. I have often said that the beginning of the end for the Yankees was when they didn’t re-sign Jeff Nelson and then insulted him with a pretend deal. That was Torre’s payback for Jeff bitching to the press. Joe did things like that a few times in his career managing the Yanks.
WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME MY MAN JOE GIRARDI!
I know I’m going to like this season, come what may.
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