Today in The Journal News
-
- March
- 29
Joe Girardi went back to Florida last night and there were no hard feelings.
The Yankees set their roster last night. This notebook also has news on Andy Pettitte, Jeff Karstens and Bobby Murcer.
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on Saturday, March 29th, 2008 at 10:49 am by Peter Abraham.
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Peter Abraham
ah !
hey pete, did you ever post the QandA with B-Cash this week? i have not been home since last sunday when i sent in a Question
FYI-
Draft order for 2008 Yanks pick #28 & #44.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/draft/news/2008/265820.html
Joe Garardi, Jedi Master?
Can’t wait to read the reaction to this angle from SI:
“Nobody would mistake former Yankees manager Joe Torre for an avant-garde baseball strategist. Twice last season, however, Torre used lefthanded starter Andy Pettitte in relief on his throwing days, which are typically scheduled for the midpoint between starts. Pettitte (left) did not surrender a hit in either of those one-inning stints. That strategy might provide the perfect solution to New York’s inevitable middle-relief issues. The innings of Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy will be tightly regulated, and veteran Mike Mussina is barely a six-inning pitcher anymore, so middle relief — a Yankees shortcoming in recent years — will be crucial. By using starters such as Pettitte and Chien-Ming Wang out of the bullpen on their throwing days, manager Joe Girardi can effectively add another good arm to his pen.”
Is it possible that Girardi does have a long relief strategy? It’s just one we haven’t recognized.
RHP Ross Ohlendorf
RHP Brian Bruney
RHP Jon Albaladejo
I gotta think Albaladejo and Ohlendorf/Bruney go down when Petitte and Karstans come back.
Since Karstens will be out a month, we’ll get a very good look at Ross and Brian to see what they can do. We already know what Karstens can do.
How old is Bob Shepard bTw, 99? 105?
“It’s so funny that the Torre haters can’t wrap their minds around the fact that Girardi played for Torre and coached under Torre and thinks the same as Torre about a lot of issues.”
Did Girardi manage Marlins the way Torre was managing Yankees? That is news!!!!
Give Girardi chance to show what his managment style will be with Yankees.
Also, why is it that when one states the apparent about Torre that was well chronicled by majority of the media (such as bullpen managment), they are thrashed as Torre Haters? There is no need to get defensive.
“Is it possible that Girardi does have a long relief strategy? It’s just one we haven’t recognized.”
That’s still not a “long relief” strategy. They shouldn’t throw many pitches on their side-session days.
However, as short relievers on their side days…it used to happen back in the day, and has happened a couple times in the last few years. Wang got a save in an extra inning game against the O’s in 05 or 06.
I, personally, support it. I mean, they’re going to throw anyway. Put ‘em on the mound for 20 pitches.
Will – -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Sheppard
“How old is Bob Shepard bTw, 99? 105?”
I don’t think anyone really knows for absolute certain, but they place him around 97 years old based on when he was in college.
With the April schedule being what it is, quality starts by the starting staff, a correctly used bullpen, and timely hitting will go a long way to what the rest of the season can be. As always, health is a big factor as seen in 2007.
thanks!
Andy may need daddy to pick up a package for him.
Health is a huge factor. Look how slowly the Yankees started last season with injuries to the starting staff and Pavano pitching opening day.
“Health is a huge factor”
yup. (knocking on wood) No one will miss the first turn through the rotation, no one really missed significant time in ST…WAY better than last year.
I think Johnny is the only one who missed any significant playing time, and that was because of the flu and not any kind of injury. Hopefully he’s feeling better come monday.
Here’s a question…on days that Johnny doesn’t play, do you put Jeter at leadoff and move someone up from the bottom to the 2-hole, or do you put Melky at leadoff?
Happy Saturday.
Good article on espn.com-mlb. They list the 2008 top avg ticket prices. Here are the top 5.
Fenway- 48.80
Wrigley- 42.49
Yankee Stadium- 36.58
Shea- 34.05
US Cellular- 30.28
I am not surprised by the top 4 however US Cellular was surprising. I would have guessed either LA teams to be in the top 5.
Aaverage MLB fan index per game is 191.75. The highest is Fenway at 320.71 and the lowest is Tampa at 136.91.
I am sure these numbers will change when the Yanks move into the new stadium next year as PA posted that there will be a signifigant increase at the new park. It actually makes sense from a $ perspective to hop a flight to Tampa for a three game series. The $ in the end would be a wash compared to a 3 game series at Fenway or Yankee Stadium. I am sure that is why Camden Yards is home away from home for both fan bases.
Have a good weekend. -dennis
I’d also like to point out that ARod, Bobby, Robbie and Jason have comical ST numbers. ARod’s are the most ridiculous, but they all are just amazing. I hope that bodes well for their start. And that Jeter and Johnny turn it around. If they remain cold for the first few weeks, that could really handicap the offense.
whozat – I would say move Jeter up to the leadoff spot but then I’m not sure you have a #2 hitter. I don’t think Cano or Melky or Duncan is a number 2.
What’s up with this? According to the Herald,
“The Sox have been selected as a finalist for Professional Sports Team of the Year for the inaugural Sports Business Awards, which are sponsored by Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal and SportsBusiness Daily. The other nominees are the Buffalo Sabres (NHL), Toronto FC (MLS), Phoenix Suns (NBA) and Hendrick Motorsports (NASCAR).
Sox owner John W. Henry is a finalist for Sports Executive of the Year for his accomplishments as chairman of New England Sports Ventures.”
Were the NYYs even in the running?
Back Bench -
As much we hate to recall this unfortunate piece of information, the Red Sox did win the World Series last season, and although Matsuzaka did not turn out to be quite the phenom as was heralded, it was considered quite a coup by the Red Sox to sign him. So, it is, again regrettably, reasonable that the Sox should get this honor.
“I don’t think Cano or Melky or Duncan is a number 2.”
Well, I think you’re definitely right about Duncan. As for the other guys…it’s only for a game at a time. Robbie’s a better hitter, but he goes the other way a lot and, as a lefty, that might not be ideal for a #2 hitter.
And, if Melky’s being patient and hitting decently…I might just rather have HIM at leadoff and leave Jeter in the 2 hole.
Some people will do anything to be noticed. Take John Henry for example. He probably dipped into his failing hedge funds to keep a magazine afloat. Salt of the earth.
back bench: I want to know how the Sabres, who might not even be a playoff team this year, got that award…
“it was considered quite a coup by the Red Sox to sign him.”
I’m going to assume that this has little to do with Matsuzaka.
Basically, they put X dollars in and pulled Y dollars out. Winning the WS had a lot to do with the Y dollars out. Was dumping 50 mil into a league-average pitcher a good idea? Not necessarily. But, they won the WS. And that made them money.
Anyone familiar with Matt Murton of the Cubs?
If they’ve still got him rotting on their bench later this year, I’d be hugely in favor of trading one of our surplus relievers for him. I think he’d be great righty insurance in the event Bobby doesn’t want to take a reasonable-length contract after this year, or has a poor year and they don’t want him back.
I’m curious to see what uniform number assignments Ensberg, Albaladejo, and Traber will have.
11-12-19-30-43 are available. No. 36 (Edwar), 38 (Britton) 41 (Veras) can he held for use at some point in the year. No. 29 (Igawa) and 45 (Pavano) should be put in storage until their memory fades.
call me crazy, but i might even think about putting bobby abreu in either the first or second spot (and jeter in the other one). i know he’s typically seen as a power hitter, middle of the lineup type, but abreu’s got the long at-bats, high obp, the walks, and he hardly ever grounds out (not really a gidp threat). i’m assuming he can run, since he’s an outfielder (sadly, i’m at work today – no time to go over his stats carefully). put cano in the three hole, a-rod in fourth, and then on from there.
I’m getting tired of all the pimping of Murton I’ve been seeing on line just because Pecota said he “projected” to be above average which he hasn’t proven in the majors he would be.
If he’s such a can’t miss guy, why is no one in the league willing to trade anything of value for him AND the Cubs seemingly have no use for him?
Why did the Cubs sign Reed Johnson who is a terrible offensive player (except against the Yanks) to push Murton further down the depth chart?
Thinking he could be the RF right handed replacement for Abreu is a little pie in the sky.
anyone not seeing the difference between the MLB.TV qualities besides me?
“i know he’s typically seen as a power hitter, middle of the lineup type, but abreu’s got the long at-bats, high obp, the walks, and he hardly ever grounds out (not really a gidp threat). i’m assuming he can run, since he’s an outfielder”
He can run, yeah. I just know that ARod loves hitting behind him because of the long ABs, so I’d be hesitant to move him. But he could certainly be a good spot-leadoff guy, it’s true.
I’m not worred about Jeter. His ST avg was in the 230s a week ago, and I believe it was in the 270s or 280s yesterday. He should be his same old consistent self.
Rich – I hope Jeter is his old consistent self. He is on my fantasy baseball team.
“I’m getting tired of all the pimping of Murton”
He was plenty solid in 06, put up good AAA numbers last year and decent numbers in sporadic time last year. Why isn’t this kid worth a shot? There are plenty of players that have value that teams, for one reason or another, miss. Billy Beane has made his career finding those guys and stealing them for nothing.
I’m not saying build a whole team this way, I’m saying look…this kid has put up very good minor league numbers, played pretty well in 06, and then got relegated back to the minors and part time duty for what seems to be no reason. Since the Yanks have a lot of old corner OFers and could be in the market for a kinda young stopgap for a few years, this kid is worth looking at.
I’m tired of people thinking that “insurance” means “All-star level replacement”. It’s like when Cash got Betemit as insurance against ARod leaving…no one in favor of the deal was saying “Oh, Wilson can provide the same production at ARod!” it was “oh, this guy could be part of a wider solution to replacing ARod’s production.”
Tell me why you think Murton’s not worth a look, other than “well…no one’s traded for him yet, so he must stink.” The Pirates still have Damaso Marte…does that mean he’s not worth a look?
Can anyone tell me why most articless I read say Brett Gardner is a fifth OF type? The way I see it, he’s a good CF with great speed, who hits for average and get on base. Right now the Yankees don’t have anyone with his kind of speed, I think he could be a good leadoff hitter in the future. I see a lot of people criticize him for his lack of power, but I don’t see that s a problem for that type of player. I mean, look at Ichiro. Amazing speed, Great fielder, but w/o a lot of power. I’m not saying Gardner will be as good as Ichiro, but I don’t understand the 5th OF projections.
Pete wrote, “It’s nice to come full circle,” Rodriguez said. “I never thought I’d get this opportunity [to play in Miami], playing in the American League.”
That sentiment from A-Rod could anger the Marlins Nation, both of them, for it expresses directly that the Marlins are lousy and will never again reach the World Series. While we all know this, it may tick of the Marlins fan/s.
“who hits for average and get on base.”
because that is in no way certain to be true. He showed that ability at AA, but not in his half season at AAA. When pitchers know that you can’t hurt them by hitting a double or a homer, they come right at you and it’s tougher to get on via the walk. Also, he was fairly old for AA.
He had a great spring, no doubt. If he goes to AAA and shows that he can get on base at a .380 clip, that bodes very well for him. If he can replicate that performance at the MLB level, he’d be a solid major leaguer. However, the odds are against him doing so. But the Yanks are giving him a chance to go prove himself every day in AAA, so that’s good.
“I see a lot of people criticize him for his lack of power, but I don’t see that s a problem for that type of player. ”
And, lack of power doesn’t just mean lack of homers. It means that he doesn’t seem to drive the ball much, even for doubles and triples. A guy that ONLY gets on base and steals has to get on base a LOT to be a productive MLB player, even if he has great D.
There’s noise that he’s changed his plate approach a bit due to some advice from the AAA hitting coach at the end of last year. If that’s true, and explains his hot AFL and ST, then that’s great and he should continue to show improvement in AAA, which would be wonderful.
whozat – Thanks. That was better than any explanation I’ve heard so far.
Mark Alan – What do you mean? It sounds to me like he was saying he didn’t think he’d get the chance to play in Miami because the Marlins are an NL team, and he plays for an AL team. I don’t think it was a knock to the Fish, and interpreting it that way seems to be a bit of a stretch.
“whozat – Thanks. That was better than any explanation I’ve heard so far.”
Word. I like it when people show up and ask questions, and love it when they’re willing to listen to answers…even if they then debate those answers by citing examples and info they’ve seen/read/heard elsewhere.
You’re definitely right that he could bring a dimension the Yanks don’t really have. Cash has said that a number of times, and Girardi too, so he’s definitely on their radar in a good way. It’d be great if he works out. I mean…who wouldn’t want to have a surplus of average-to-above-average MLB center fielders under the age of 25?
This was posted by Buster Olney on ESPN:The Magazine
Not the same old Joe. New manager Joe Girardi won’t honor veteran allegiances like Joe Torre did. So Bobby Abreu and Johnny Damon arrived at camp in better condition this year. As a result, the offense could produce 1,000 runs.
Joba will be a starter. Someday. For now, he’s a rock in the bullpen.
Derek Jeter could get yanked. He turns 34 in June, and defensive metrics used by opposing clubs say he’s among the worst shortstops in the majors. If he takes another step back, he may be asked to move to first or the outfield.
Keep an eye on the boss. It remains to be seen if Hank Steinbrenner will flip out like George did at the first sign of trouble.
I am sure that Derek and his range will be a topic of discussion this season. Olney speculates that if Derek’s range continues to decrease they may ask him to move to first base or the outfield. I certainly can’t see that happening this season. And I think if he were to ever move it would have to be in the off season so he could learn the position in spring training.
Hmm, so he did have a drop-off between AA and AAA; just to illustrate… (courtesy of MiLB’s site)
Gardner’s stats at AA last season were (in 203 at bats): .300 avg, (61 hits, of which…) 14 doubles, 5 triples, 0 HR’s, 33 walks, 32 K’s, 18 stolen bases to 4 caught stealing, .392 OBP, .419 slugging, .810 OPS
At AAA last season, his stats were (in 181 at bats): .260 avg, (47 hits, of which…) 4 doubles, 3 triples, 1 HR, 21 walks, 43 K’s, 21 stolen bases to 3 caught stealing, .343 OBP, .331 slugging, .675 OPS
Rich…
Of course it’s a stretch. I want to write for ESPN “when I grow up.”
Seriously, though, he could play in Miami if that team were to reach the World Series this year or thereafter. They won’t, and part of me wanted to (and did)take a good-natured swing at them.
I think Brett Gardner, Shelley Duncan, Austin Jackson and Jason Lane are all pretty good reasons why we don’t need Matt Murton.
Who are you suggesting we jettison for Murton? I’d take Shelley over him on the roster in a minute.
Before you compare Gardner to Ichiro (which is like comparing Shelly to ARod because they both have power), you should look up his stats.
The Baseball Cube is a good site for kids as it gives both MiLB and MLB numbers.
Here is Bretts page.
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/G/Brett-Gardner.shtml
On that page, there is a search box to look up any player.
And FYI, Ichiro actually has decent power although he (only) averages 10 HRs/yr. He simply does not try to hit HRs, and he is more concerned with getting on base. He is also an OUTSTANDING defensive outfielder and has a canon for an arm.