Schedule the biggest opponent this week
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- April
- 6
The players love to complain about the schedule and most of the time, it’s easy to ignore. When a guy making millions carps about lugging his Louis Vuitton travel bag onto a charter flight, my sympathy goes only so far.
However, the Yankees do seem to have a legit beef about the next few days.
The Yankees played this afternoon in New York. The Royals played the Twins in Minnesota then took the short flight home.
The Royals are off on Monday. But the Yankees play the Rays at 7:05 p.m. then fly to Kansas City to play the Royals in an afternoon game on Tuesday.
Bad enough that the Yankees are playing tomorrow, that’s on MLB. But why not a day game? I can’t imagine Big Stein’s vault needs whatever extra loot a night game in April is going to bring as opposed to a day game. That’s on the Yankees.
Ah, I see now. ESPN2 wanted the game, so that’s why it’s at night. I should have known. That still doesn’t make it right.
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Peter Abraham
unbelievable..
do you think hughes will just fly out tomorrow afternoon to KC?
They didn’t schedule a day game because they know I have class and they can’t have me missing class.
That’s right, Rebecca.
Big Stein didn’t schedule a day game cuz of the kids! He did it for the little kids, sick in hospitals, all across the tri-state area.
Think of the children, Peter – think of the children.
The game tomorrow is being broadcast on ESPN2, so I imagine that has everything to do with it. They override the franchises on scheduling matters.
The reason it’s a night game is being ESPN2 is featuring it for Monday Night Baseball. The franchises can’t override the networks on national telecasts like that.
The schedule for the Yankees this month is loosey goosey
Countdown – you are probably right. He did not want the children to miss school two Mondays in a row. And he did not want employees to have to call in sick two Mondays in a row. Employers frown upon those long weekends.
Pete it is a national game on ESPN thus in typical Yankee fashion we never have get away games and have to help the ratings although not sure many people will be watching the Yans when the final 4 game is on.
Gayle – ESPN strikes again. There are other games that they could have chosen where the teams are not travelling.
Tomorrow night is the NCAA finals but the tournament has been low rated. Besides the Yanks start at 7 and the final game tips off after 9 PM.
Gayle -
It’s the final! You’re right. I know for sure in this house it’s going to be NCAA basketball.
And FYI, I don’t know if it’s still true, but i was trying to find a game we could get good tickets to, and tomorrow’s night game was the only game we could get field level seats for. So, i wonder how many people are even going to be in the stands anyway. I doubt it’s going to be even close to a sell out. Monday night game in April against Tampa doesn’t exactly scream — BUY THESE TICKETS!
This month is going to be tough for the Yankees. If they can get out of this month playing 500 ball or hopefully just above, I’ll be happy. Especially since most of the teams they’re competing with aren’t getting off to quick starts, either.
their scheduale is insane
The Yankee game will be almost over when the NCAA finals start. The schedule at this point doesn’t scare me, just Mussina and Kennedy pitching does.
By the way, the Tuesday game is at 4:10PM NY time, it shouldn’t be a big deal, especially if Hughes leaves a day early.
Watching Baseball Tonight. What a pleasure. Our highlights will be on soon.
“All these different countries, different currencies, I’m kind of sick of it.” – Kevin Youkilis
i guess there goes Theo’s promise about none of his players complaining about the trip.
Saweeeeeeep.
So, Jeff NJ, it’s a day game, but a late day game.
It’s still an unforgiving schedule this month. Frankly, I thought either yesterday’s game or today’s would have been rained out. No such luck for the Yankees.
Yesterday was a beautiful day, and today wasn’t wonderful – cold and windy and raw – but no rain. Hey, maybe it’ll rain tomorrow instead, and then they have their off day, kind of.
I don’t think it’s a huge issue, but it is different from most every other April, where you play a game or two or three and then have day off.
The schedule for this month is a major issue. If they can go 8-9 over the 17 game road trip that would be OK. 9-8 would be good. Anything past 9-8 would be wonderful.
Doreen is correct – if they can get through this month at .500 or a little better it will have been a very successful season opening.
They have few days off and are playing on the road during the time of year when their pitchers are still building arm strength.
There are going to be several match ups where the opposing pitcher will be on the usual extra rest built into most teams early season schedule while the yankee’s starter will be pitching on a schedule that’s much more normal for midseason.
And having this many games this early on is an even bigger issue for the bull pen. The innings could pile up very quickly playing night after night this early in the season.
This is going to be very difficult. This is the kind of stretch that could set back a bull pen and starting staff quite a bit because of the unusual work load, especially for a team that has so many young pitchers.
Hopefully we’ll get some more April rainouts.
GOOD NEWS!
Beckett is outta shape. Sportscenter broke down his performance, and he started huffing and puffing after the 3rd inning.
we face him this saturday.
CB -
When you put it that way, I have to take back my statement that I don’t think the schedule is going to be a huge problem!
I guess it’s not a huge problem if everything goes well; if the starters give their 6 – 7 innings and the bullpen pitches (for the most part) like they’ve been doing. You are right that they really can’t afford a any missteps. We all saw last season the snowball effect caused by ineffective starters and overuse by the bullpen. Without the scheduled off days, there is no “natural” way to right the balance, so to speak.
Cause it is so difficult to exchange the currency when you have someone to do it for you.
Speaking of schedules, has anyone heard anything regarding the april 17th game against the soxs? It’s still listed as TBD. I’ve got tickets, but gotta let them know soon at work if I need off for an afternoon game.
There is no way a game against the soxs will be during the day.
Web Gems of the week coming up. I would expect the Melk to be in there. I’d love to see the Robbie-Betemit DP in there too!
By the way, it’s not a 17 game road trip, the Yankees have two games at home vs. Boston on 4/16 and 4/17. My prediction between now and the next off day on 4/21 is for the Yankees to go 8-6, for an 11-9 record.
You know, last August we had a really tough string of games, against Cleveland, Boston, Detroit and the Angels (I forget what order), and we actually came out of it very well, minus the Angels.
It’s going to be a tough stretch, no doubt, and the cold weather certainly doesn’t help.
I’m going to go ahead and use a hockey comparison if you guys don’t mind.
In 2007-08, to accommodate the construction on their arena, the Devils played nine straight games on the road. This would be like 18 straight in baseball as NHL plays half the games. Over the stretch, the Devils did not play .500 hockey, and I think were something like 3-6 overall, though I might be mistaken.
However, the Devils came back, going on a December-January tear that put them on the top of the Eastern Conference for much of March. If they hadn’t had a five game losing streak in an Eastern Conference that’s about as tight as the NBA’s West, they would probably still be there. As it is, they enter the playoffs as the four seed, with home ice advantage.
My point is, long road trips at the beginning of the season can be brutal, but good teams will overcome them. And, unless you guys forget, more road games now means more home games later.
Jeff, in a way, it IS a 17-game road trip. They’re only home for 2 games; not exactly a homestand! And no time to even unpack their bags.
Doreen,
It’s not only the consecutive games played and played on the road its also the opposition.
If they were opening up against the AL west mostly that would be one thing. But most of the month is against the AL East.
Even the royals are playing well right now – that’s not going to be a gimme series. I don’t know if they’re facing Meche or Bannister but if they are that makes it all the more difficult.
If they get another game like the one Kennedy threw – the starter only going 3-4 innings or something in the middle of that 17 game stretch things could snowball very quickly just as you noted.
It’s fortunate that both the Red Sox and Blue Jays also have difficult schedules – the red sox in particular (play cleveland and detroit – hopefully detroit turns it around before then). Both play 20 games in 20 nights starting on Tuesday.
But neither of those teams plays the disproportionate number of road games the yankees do. We know Wang has historically been better at the Stadium – he needs to respond on the road now. It’s also very difficult to know how the kids will pitch on the road.
Fortunately, Kennedy is pitching against the Royals, Rays and Baltimore (pending rain outs).
Unfortunately, it looks like Mussina will pitch against Boston in both series they play this month. That’s an unfortunate side effect of andy not being able to start game 2.
Jennifer, that’s what I keep hoping since my boss and I have 4 tickets each and it’ll be tough for both of us to be out of the office at the same time, especially without some notice
“By the way, it’s not a 17 game road trip, the Yankees have two games at home vs. Boston on 4/16 and 4/17.”
Ok to be exactly precise starting this Tuesday the Yankees play 23 games in 24 nights. Of those 23 games 19 are on the road.
That is a brutal opening month of baseball that is going to decrease their probability of winning games this month.
There is not way just to pretend that their schedule is not going to be a significant factor for the team to overcome this month.
CB: I have the luck of seeing Mussina pitch at Fenway on the 12th. I need to not buy Yankee tickets, I guess, he seems to start every game I go to…this is at least the third time I’m going to see him pitch and I usually don’t get to more than one game a year! I went to three last year and that was a record!
I am quickly watching the game from today. Kay said that Joe’s daughter had a 104 fever! That is entirely too high for a child! Wow!
Damn and there is no way to tweak the rotation, unless we have a rain out somewhere.
Jenn -
Did you tivo or dvr the game?
Which was not to ignore the statement that Joe’s daughter had a 104 fever. That’s very high.
How old is his daughter? I thought 104 was hospital-worthy in a young kid?
Jennifer: It’s April, there will probably be a rain out somewhere.
Just got in. Heard the highlights on the radio. Great game for the Yankees.
Any recaps and impressions would be greatly appreciated.
BTW, does anyone have a magnifying glass? I’m having a hard time reading Wang’s ERA in the box score.
The schedule really is an issue.
The positive is, its in April and not later in the season.
To me, they just have to tread water this month. Anything above that is gravy.
The July schedule is about as Yankee-friendly a month as the team has ever had under the terror reign of Bud Selig.
That’s “moving month” to me as far as the standings are concerned.
Again, I have no worries about the offense. Awfully tough to hit a baseball in winter conditions. This team will hit this season.
I do love the fact that a team who didn’t win a game in which they scored under 4 runs until Mid-July in 2007, has already won three such games this season. That’s a great sign.
This week will be a brtual week, schedule-wise. Just gotta suck it up and get through.
Probably won’t be a good week in the game threads. If things don’t break positively, the chicken littles and trolls will be out in full force.
Overall, lots to like from this team the first week. All too often, when a team begins the season winning close, well pitched games, its a sign for good things in the season.
Just win baby
http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10758490
For all of you panicking over the first week in April…
Rebecca,
Given the other 4 guys in the rotation catching moose pitching is well… something of a let down.
What makes that game even worse is that it looks like it will be moose vs. beckett! Not a high probability of a win there.
The sox are going to be throwing buchholz, beckett and matsuzaka. I can see the yankees having a lot of trouble with Buchholz as they haven’t seen him before.
The yanks look to line up with Wang, Mussina and Phil.
And then I think the yankees get Beckett again during that short two game stretch on the 16th/ 17th.
So of the 5 games the yankees play with the sox the sox could be able to throw Beckett twice, Buchholz twice while the yankees will be throwing Mussina twice. Both of those Beckett matchups would be against Mussina. At the same time the Yankees look like they won’t see Wakefield at all.
That’s all tentative obviously and who knows with rain outs. But i think that’s how the rotations are lining up.
If its Beckett vs. Mussina twice in 5 games that’s a tough break.
buchholz, beckett, matsuzaka,
Robby got web gem #5 for that catch/DP today!!!!!
If it’s the pitching that carries you through the first month while you wait for the bats to heat up, you’re on your way to one heck of an October.
Good hitting wins games.
Good pitching wins rings.
It’s the very first thing I ever learned about baseball. It should be the first thing everyone learns.
WEll said as usual SJ, good teams find a way to win close games. Last years team would have found a way to lose those games against Toronto, this team will definitely hit, being on the right side of the one and two run games will be huge in our overall record and hopefully make us better prepared for the low scoring playoff games
SJ44, let me say I always look for your posts. However, seems that you are a bit obsessed with bashing the chicken littles. I would suggest you not worry about them and focus your posts on baseball (like you did today). Reading your complaints about the chicken littles is as boring to me as reading their stupid posts.
CB: Yeah, I guess. Still there was that one game where Moose came within a strike of a perfect game. (I still haven’t forgiven Carl Everett. One of the few time I’ve ever gotten my parents to watch a baseball game…)
I do have horrible, horrible timing. The third game I went to last year was the game AFTER A-Rod hit 500.
Probably a good thing I’m not pursuing a career in comedy.
Doreen- Dvr
Rebecca- Not sure, couldn’t be older than 8. I always thought that a young child with such a high fever has to go to the hospital as well.
Re: Fever. Before the hospital you try to get the fever down with acetomenaphine (tylenol) and ice bath. If that doesn’t work, then hospital. Thank heaven I only had that situation once with each of my children and the ice bath did help in their cases.
Already 1-0 White Sox..the game just started
How about dem Tigers!
Jenn -
I want to see the replay of the game; we don’t have tivo or dvr (yet) and so I have to stay up tonight late or wait until tomorrow a.m. I have a root canal tomorrow am, and I have to leave home at 10:30, so I’ll miss most of the game. I don’t think it’s a good idea to stay up too late tonight. How long was the game?
As the season progresses, the Yankees have such a huge weapon in Joba its not funny.
Girardi can put him in the game with a lead in the 7th and/or 8th inning, and he can get the ball to Mo better than anybody in that role since Mo himself.
What you will see as we go along are teams pressing if they are behind in the 6th or 7th innings against the Yankees, knowing Joba is next into the game. That gives the guy (whether they are starters or relievers) the chance to get hitters out on pitches out of the strikezone.
We saw that all through 1996 and we have a chance to see it again this season.
If you have 3 guys at the top of the rotation (Wang, Pettitte and Hughes) who can give you innings, this formula can be very successful.
Personally, I think Hughes will pitch more innings than folks are projecting. Especially as he learns to minimize his pitch counts during the season.
I really like what I see from the starters (Kennedy will be better than his opening start), Joba, Mo, Ohlendorf, Bruney and Traber in the bullpen.
If Hawkins and Farnsworth struggle, you have guys in AAA ready to take their spots.
Pitching depth is a good “problem” to have. For the first time in years, the Yankees have this “problem”.
Doreen the game was over by 4 so about 3 hours.
SJ: think it’s a coincidence we started this year with the same recored–2-3–that we started this year?
Anything that compares favorably to 1996 is OK by me.
Hope everything’s okay with Girardi’s family.
When my son was young, we did the ear temp thing and it was 105. Panic city and the doctor said ice bath, which we were preparing when I realized that the thermometer didn’t have the disposable plastic sleeve on it. Took it again with the sleeve and the temperature was around 102, which was much less dangerous.
Old wives’ tale is that boys’ temperatures spike with acetomenaphine. Anyone find that to be true?
Hypothetical situation here. Would you sell a year of Joba’s development to win a World Series this year?
SJ44 –
The Farnsworth situation seems to be the most difficult, due to his salary. Unless they out and out get rid of him and just give up on the salary, he will be taking up a spot in the pen, won’t he?
His first appearance this season was pretty good, and then it reverted to fans’ expectations, if not Girardi’s. And how long do they give him? It’s getting to be a real pain. Every spot on this entire pitching staff is precious and you hate to see one wasted.
I guess Hawkins is not as much of an issue, salary wise, right?
Thanks, Jen. Plus, on replay, don’t they consolidate a bit?
mel I’ve heard that a high fever in boys can make them sterile.
Doreen- yeah i think they make it 2 1/2 hours.
Mel -
I just posed your hypothetical to my husband. His answer was, he’s only 21 – he’s got plenty of time, why not?
“What you will see as we go along are teams pressing if they are behind in the 6th or 7th innings against the Yankees, knowing Joba is next into the game.”
I think we saw some of this happen today.
The Jays attempted sacrifice with Bartlett today seemed like the kind of move engineered to get a team a lead as quickly as possible.
Bartlett’s not a good hitter but how many times do you ever see an opposing team try to sacrifice in the 5th inning against a team with an offense like the Yankees?
I really don’t think Madden was guessing that a one run lead would be enough to win the game because he could count on Shields and his pen shutting down the yankee’s offense.
That’s a move designed to get a lead rather than a move to try to win the game there and then.
I think madden was probably looking at Wang’s pitch count and knowing he wouldn’t be in the game for that long and that if his team was down after another inning he might see Joba in the game and then Mo.
But then again, maddon is the guy who thinks the world series is decided in spring training so I guess all bets are off.
Torre magic continues to lift Dodgers
YANKEES MINOR LEAGUE SCOREBOARD April 6, 2008
Lehigh Valley (Phillies) 2
Scranton/WB 3
W: D. Rasner (1-0, 0.00); L: J. Durbin (0-1, 8.10); SV: J. Veras (2)
HR: SWB: J. Lane (2).
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2008_04_06_lhvaaa_swbaaa_1&t=g_box&did=milb
Trenton 13
Binghamton (Mets) 7
W: J. Schmidt (1-0, 0.00); L: E. Brown (0-1, 12.00)
HR: TRE: M. Carson (1).
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2008_04_06_treaax_binaax_1&t=g_box&did=milb
Tampa 8
Sarasota (Reds) 5
W: J. Valdez (1-0, 0.00); L: R. Medina (0-1, 20.25)
HR: TAM: E. Gonzalez 2 (2).
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2008_04_06_tbyafa_sarafa_1&t=g_box&did=milb
Charleston 1
Rome (Braves) 4
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2008_04_06_tbyafa_sarafa_1&t=g_box&did=milb
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2008_04_06_crdafx_romafx_1&t=g_box&did=milb
You may also see http://www.yankeesdaily.com for details.
Doreen,
As far as Farnsworth and Hawkins, they are operating on 1 yr deals. At the trade deadline, the Yankees will owe Farnsworth approx 2 million dollars.
If they choose to deal him, a team would take on that kind of money for a 2-3 month rental. That’s not an obscene number, salary-wise, to take on.
I have always felt that Hawkins was kind of a “filler” signing. By that I mean, he is “filler” until Melancon or someone else (Veras, Horne, McCutcheon) is ready to fill that role.
If he pitches well, that’s great. If he doesn’t, its easy to move on from him because you don’t have a lot of money and years tied up in him.
With Farns in the last year of his deal, he’s in the same boat.
Would I sacrifice a year of Joba’s development for a WS? No. Mainly, because there are no guarantees of winning a WS, regardless of the role Joba is in.
Its all about developing young arms the right way. If you do, you will have plenty of chances for a title.
Thanks, SJ44. I didn’t realize it wasn’t as much money at the trade deadline. I certainly hope he’s at least serviceable until then, so that the Yankees can get as much out of him as possible, and so that he’s more easily discarded when the time comes. Discarded. Hmm, that sounds harsh. But, true.
“Hypothetical situation here. Would you sell a year of Joba’s development to win a World Series this year?”
There’s not way to guarantee a world series, as you know so it’s really an issue of how much do you think keeping Joba in the pen increases their probability of winning the world series this year vs. his future development.
The more I see him pitch the more strongly I feel that the Yankee’s best chance to win the world series this year is with him in the rotation.
Look at his strike out of Aybar today. Pitch one – 75 mph curve. Pitch 2 – 96 mph fastball. Pitch 3 – 86 mph slider.
That’s just sick. That’s what they need from the starts they get in the post season. That’s what they’ve been missing for the past so many years.
Joba starting 1 or even 2 games of a 5 game opening round series gives them a much better chance of winning that series than they have had in years.
In a 5 game series getting 14-16 innings of Joba vs. 4-6 is no comparison in my mind.
I actually think that his value as a starter increases a great deal in the post season. And its been in the post season where they falter.
A rotation of Wang, Joba, Hughes, and Pettite gives them a very, very good chance of winning a world series – it doesn’t matter who they face.
CB and/or SJ –
What do you think is the longest the Yankees can reap the advantage of Joba being in the pen and still get the maximum benefits from him as a starter? More simply, when’s the best timing for making the switch?
So CB and SJ, now that I think you guys agree that Joba should be in the rotation, my question is:
When do you make the switch? More, do you send him down to Scranton to work on his other pitches, or do you do it on the fly, having him work on his secondary pitches during his ‘throw’ days?
Obviously, the last thing you want to do is rush him, but you obviously don’t want to wait too long in case it doesn’t work out–which is still a possibility. Once upon a time, Mo was a starter. Same with Papelbon, though I don’t think either were touted like Joba.
I agree CB. Especially if Melancon is able to make the staff after the AS Break. I think, from a setup standpoint, he has the highest upside of any of the young arms in the system.
If he can fill the setup role in front of M and you move Joba into the rotation, it really rounds out the pitching staff.
By that time, the offense will be in high gear and it will make the Yankees a very dangerous team.
There aren’t a lot of arms in the game as good as Joba’s.
Its why the Francesa-led nonsense this week about leaving him as an 8th inning guy makes no sense.
Johan Santana and Josh Beckett don’t set up their closers do they? Why should Joba?
That’s how good his stuff is. Now, its just a matter of building up his innings.
Stuff-wise, he is already an elite arm in the game.
Doreen, you know what they say about great minds…
Rebecca –
jenn,
I may have read that some kinds of childhood illnesses makes men sterile.
Guess Hu hit the game winning rbi for the Dodgers?
Still watching the game. On the squeeze play I couldn’t figure out why Jorge looked so ticked after he tagged the guy out. Just saw why. Aybar stopped than almost elbowed Jorge as he tagged him. Kinda dirty, nothing came of it. But at the game, I could tell by Jorge’s body language that he looked ticked!
I think it all depends on how Joba is used the first half of the season.
For example, let’s say he pitches in 35 games prior to the AS Break and pitches 65 innings.
That means, he has approx 90-100 innings remaining (guessing his innings cap is around 165) for the season.
That gives him 13-15 starts for the second half of the season. More than enough to carry you through the rest of the season.
As far as stretching him out, I’m not sure if he would need to go to AAA for that purpose. Again, depending on how he is used the first half of the year.
In a perfect world, the change should take place at or around the AS Break.
However, a few other things (namely, a guy who can take over for Joba in the ‘pen) have to materialize.
mel- who?
“Johan Santana and Josh Beckett don’t set up their closers do they? Why should Joba?”
That’s what was so amazing about hearing that nonsense during the Jays series.
By that logic the jays should put Halladay, Burnett and McGowan all in the bullpen! They could shorten the starter’s role to 2 innings and then have the an all star 7 man pen finish each game in that hypothetical world.
That was also so much of the pleasure of that game Phil threw against McGowan.
In the past when a guy threw a game against the yankees like McGowan did, what were the chances that the yankee’s could throw out a power arm that could match and even exceed a guy like McGowan pitch for pitch?
But that’s exactly what Phil did.
Starting pitching is what wins games – both directly and by going deep in games to take the load off the pen.
I’ve loved Melancon since the drafted him. No doubt he’s got the highest upside of potential relievers (though sanchez is close…) I hope he’s ready but I’m still conservative with TJ guys – look what Liriano did his first start.
But Horne looked very strong his first game as did McCutcheon. Patterson has also pitched well. And Ohlendorf has looked very good in the bigs.
They’ll have a guy to pitch the 8th.
SJ-
I originally heard that they planned to send him down to stretch him out, but than didn’t want to ‘waste’ innings down there and would do it at the big league level. I guess they’d have Kennedy or Phil piggy back his starts? What do you think.
Phil for 5, and Joba finishing the game? Than switch to a 6 man rotation.
Farnsworth needs to be traded to Detroit, ASAP.
Detroit needs bullpen arms. Multiple arms. And Farnsworth had his best ever season with Detroit. Which was fairly, recent.
this would immediately open up a spot for Alby. Or Patterson.
By the way, this is a really cool problem to have…
I just hope we don’t get blinded by Joba and Ian’s rise last year and automatically think guys in A ball this year will be ready for a midseason call-up, however tempting the prospect.
Pun not intended.
“What do you think is the longest the Yankees can reap the advantage of Joba being in the pen and still get the maximum benefits from him as a starter?”
I really think what the dodgers did last year with Chad Billingsley is a good model for what the yankees can/ should do with Joba this year.
The comparisons with Santana starting in the pen are a bit off because he was more a long/ swing man.
But billingsley was used in a way similar to what they’re doing with Joba. He’s also a more similar type of pitcher.
Last year Billingsley made 25 appearances throwing 35 innings out of the pen. Then he made 20 starts throwing 112 innings.
I think that’s a good starting point. I’d give joba more appearances out of the pen and fewer starts because I think joba will go deeper into games than Billingsley and I think the yanks will make the playoffs.
So I agree with SJ – 15 starts is a good place. Say 6-7 innings per that 90-105 innings as a starter with 35 or so out of the pen.
I would not send him down to AAA to stretch him out.
Every inning he can throw this year is so valuable that they can’t expend it in the minors.
If they need to stretch him out I’d piggy back him in games with phil – that way they can get Joba’s innings up and decrease phi’s innings at the same time. I’d almost schedule games where phil will throw 4 innings and Joba 4.
Phil for four and Joba for four? Man, those games would feel like automatic wins
(Yes, I know I’m delusional).
Still, those would be some great games to go to.
You don’t trade Farnsworth to a team you are competing with for a playoff spot.
If they trade him at all, its probably to a NL team.
I don’t think you will see a 6 man staff from the Yankees this year.
Girardi has said repeatedly that won’t happen. If there is one thing we have seen with Girardi so far, he won’t lie.
He may not tell you everything but, when he does, you take it to the bank.
I don’t think they will need to go to a 6 man rotation to stretch out Joba.
I think there may be some games, like today, you will see him for multiple inning work. Not so much in cold weather.
However, when the weather gets warmer, and you need innings out of the ‘pen, I think you will see several 2 or 3 inning outings from him this season.
If he is as efficient as he was today (16 pitches for 6 outs), you can use him quite a bit for multiple innings this year.
Thanks, SJ & CB.
Time to watch John Adams.
cb I guess I was right re: Joba
I just want to go back to something I said earlier about the squeeze. There was no mention about what Aybar doing as dirty! Anyone else have a thought on it?
That’s a great point Rebecca.
Guys like Joba and Ian are exceptions, not the rule, regarding their fast rise to the majors.
Its why I don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on guys like Jackson and Tabata. They are both very young. IIRC, they are among the 5 youngest guys in AA.
One thing I will say about Horne and McCutcheon. Both of those guys are “older” prospects. They are both 25 and have pitched a lot in college.
That extra maturity will help them if they get the call.
They also have the type of power arms you can use out of the bullpen.
Melancon? He is a manchild from a makeup standpoint. He has everything you want in a setup/closer type of guy. Guts, stuff and the ability to deal with the ups and downs of the game.
He just needs innings and good health.
He gets it this year, he will be a factor in the second half of the season, IMO.
SJ- Do you think someone would be dropped from the rotation to make room for Joba? If so what do you do with them? Move them to the pen?
I know this is a weird question…
but how do you pronounce Melancon?
I’m liking this team. When you win 2-0 in 45 degree weather in April, you win in 45 degree weather in mid-late October.
Note to Bud: if you’re going to give a team 17 of 19 on the road in April, can’t you at least send them south or west?
Beckett needs a few more starts to get into shape. The Yankees facing him now is not so bad.
About the Yankees not doing well against pitchers they have never seen…hopefully we are going to see the first big difference in the Girardi era.
Depends on performance Jennifer.
In a perfect world, we have everybody in good health and good form.
In reality though, stuff happens during a season. A guy gets hurt for a spell or somebody is struggling and before you know it, you have options to replace that player.
So much has to happen before we get to address when/if Joba goes into the rotation. Who replaces him, health of everyone (including Joba) involved in the decision, performance issues, etc.
As Rebecca said, its a great “problem” to have. Its a whole lot better than wishing/praying for performances from guys past their primes.
Mel-LON-son.
SJ – “You don’t trade Farnsworth to a team you are competing with for a playoff spot.”
I agree with you but you never know. Last year Cashman did trade Sheffield to the Tigers. And I think that Sheffield is more apt to lead the Tigers to a playoff spot as opposed to Farnsworth.
Pete on WFAN at 9:45 if anyone wants to listen to the big guy.
FYI- Pete is going to be on WFAN at 9:45.
Even if Joba is moved to the rotation after the all star break, it’s still possible he could be used as a reliever in the ALDS. If Wang, Petttite, and Hughes stay healthy and pitch up to expectations, Joba wouldn’t be needed as a starter in a 5 game series. Although I agree in the long run he should be starting, I could see him shifting to a valuable role in the bullpen come playoff-time. Thoughts?
Pete give us a shout out!!
SJ-
did you have a chance to see betances during spring training? i saw his line from his first start. it was pretty good. i’m really hoping he gets innings this year.
SJ: Thanks. I’ve been pronouncing it as if it were Spanish, but I heard Mel-lon-son somewhere else and wasn’t sure.
Strange, what five years of Spanish will do to you… (get you into a medieval studies grad program, it will not. Help you with baseball, it will.)
That’s an off-season deal Fran. Whole different animal than making a mid-season trade with a team you may be fighting with for a playoff spot.
The last thing the Yankees will do is attempt to “improve” a competing team at the deadline.
I put “improve” in quotes because with Farnsworth, you never know.
As much as he has struggled in NY, how ironic would it be if Cashman were to trade him to the Tigers and he put two good months together and they make the playoffs over the Yankees? Stranger things have happened.
That, not the decision not to trade for Johan Santana, is the kind of thing that gets GM’s canned.
“Pete on WFAN at 9:45″
Yah – just heard it announced… but who is this new guy on WFAN?
He’s definitely another Mets fan (what a shock – a WFAN jock that promotes the Mets)
Also – he’s another one of those sports geek jocks that gets too loud and easily excited when trying to get his mundane point across – where do they get these guys?!
I wasn’t able to make ST this year. Too many work commitments.
I am heading into my “off-season” in a week or two. Once that happens, I’m hitting the road to Charleston for a spell. A good friend of mine is one of the owners of that team.
I will spend a week in Charleston and will report back with what I see. They are going to be the most entertaining of all the Yankee minor league teams to watch this season, IMO.
You must be an accountant
“but how do you pronounce Melancon?”
muh – lan – sen
That’s Adam “the bull” on Wfan. He’s not a Met fan he’s a Cubs fan.
It’s either Met fan host or non-Yankee host fans on that station.
#9 Isn’t that the truth! There are very few announcers on the fan that I enjoy listening to. Marc Malusis, Ann Liguori, Richard Neer, Ed Randall, and Lori Rubinson. Otherwise I could take or leave the rest of them. Actually that would be leave.
I agree SJ … they definitely have the most interesting, high ceiling prospects. the offense that they have could be amazing, not too mention their pitching staff. besides the trenton outfield, that will be the team i follow the closest.
SJ: Promise us you’ll let us know if Montero’s raking as much as he looks like he should be?
And get some sun for me. My skin can seriously use it.
SJ – Thanks for the clarification.
Actually Marc Malusis is a Yankee fan, but they have him buried in the overnight slot.
SJ when you go to Charleston get me some inside reports on Wilkins De La Rosa, and if you hit Tampa CJ Henry & Melancon
If anybody’s interested, I’m going to be on WFAN at 9:45.
Jennifer – if Malusis is a Yankee fan I am surprised they gave him a hosting job!
“Ann Liguori”
Jennifer – she is one of the best on that station and someone, I believe, has been on WFAN for over 20 years – but when is she on?!
She is much better than this “Adam BS” dude on right now.
I’ll be listening Pete, you better send us lohud posters a shoutout
How about tomorrow afternoon, Pete? You could school M&MD on Wang and Joba’s fist pumps.
Anyone watching this White Sox/Tigers game?
The Tigers just look like a mess right now. Of course things may change..
Yeah me too!! But espn is worse. I know they have Branton T, and Kellerman, but they are like the chicken littles. Over reacting, and yelling. I can’t listen to them.
Verlander is getting his a.. handed to him
#9 Not sure she has a set time slot. I catch her on the air from time to time, I’ll look.
Did Val from Brooklyn just call into the Fan? I can never understand what he is saying. He cracks me up.
They gave Malusis a slot but the thing is it’s not a prominent slot.
“You could school M&MD on Wang and Joba’s fist pumps.”
If Pete did that – what would M & MD have to talk about?
Russo goes after Joba for fist pumping but if you ever watch the YES telecast of their show (especially when Russo is solo) – you’ll see the Crazy Puppy throwing his arms around while making a point like a mental patient.
White Sox 6 Tigers 1 Verlander knocked out in 6th..
i was on WFAN once. Mike and the Canine interrupted me in the middle of uttering the subject of first sentence, ripped me for something imaginary that i wasn’t going to say, and then hung up before i could reply. in other words, it was a typical WFAN call.
Oh yikes. 3 run double
9-1 White Sox now
Well, since we’ve been discussing aces today, how about Verlander? 0-5 and he drops this stinkbomb?
Ach, guys, my mother picked now to call me so you have to tell me what Pete says
Shenanigans! Where’s the quote from Hank where he moaned about ESPN’s supposed fabrication of “Red Sox Nation?” I think there’s some validity to that statement, and this is evidence. ESPN forcing a night game tomorrow on us. I won’t be able to catch it, but if I could, I wouldn’t be watching ESPN.
I kind of feel bad for Detroit.
Pete on now!
#9,
I was fortunate enough to be home after the Marlins knocked off the Giants in ‘03. Watching his rant was priceless.
Andrea- Don’t, no one feels sorry for us.
The only person I enjoy listening to on the FAN is Tony Paige – at least he has class – respects the callers and talks – doesn’t yell.
Andrea: I have to echo Jen. Schadenfreude, my friend.
Here I thought the Yankees had some issues (wake up bats), Detroit fans must be freaking out a bit
Here is Peter
What’s Pete on?
Don’t feel bad for Detroit it is a long season and they are not as bad as they look at present even though there pen is bad..
IT IS A LONG LONG SEASON. Who thinks the orioles will win the east? Boston come in last?
Not happening, people do not understand how friggin long the season is.. The ynks are hitting like 130 with RISP, think that will continue? the KC royals of 3 yrs. ago hit much better and they lot 105 games…….
Well Adam the bull mentioned the LoHud blog
White Sox 9, Tigers 1
Andrea,
No!!!! Don’t feel sorry for them, they’ll bounce back and compete for the WC if they don’t win their division.
Feel sorry for us, we have 3 losses.
haha.
WFAN 660
The host not sure who he is sounds like Feinsand
Jennifer, Brandon T. is sensible Max Kellerman when he’s not a homer is one of the best on ESPN
I guess that was our shout out.
says it is Adam the Bull never heard of him has he been on before
Hey – Pete mentioned us!
Pete gives a shout out to the blog members! Very nice.
you can liten at wfan.com
Jennifer and Rebecca: I realize no one feels bad for the Yankees, but it seems like Detroit can’t do anything right. I don’t feel bad enough to actually care, but I kind of feel for them.
Looks like it’s gonna be a long season for Chris Russo’s Giants LOL
Hey, what did Pete say? I missed it! Was it like “a shout out to my blog readers” or what?
Inquiring minds want to know!
I actually like Kellerman on ESPN. He’s not too bad.
I just wish the FAN would get rid of Screech and have Benigno by himself again at 10AM.
Roberts(screech) just gets on my nerves.
Todd- I just need them to win 1 out of 5 games. They need to win Cain’s games!
Yeah I agree Pete. Melancon and Cox should be the next bullpen guys. Waste using Chamberlain there.
Patrick agreed. Cox has done pretty well so far from what I’ve heard. Could see him up at some point. Espically if Hawkins continues to falter.
Rebecca – the host on WFAN mentioned the LoHud blog and asked how to pronounce it. Pete told him what it stands for and then said a lot of them are on there right now.
They are both former closers jenninfer. Thats where they belong. Chamberlain doesn’t belong there, he’s got the ability to pitch successfully as a starter since he has the endurance to throw 95-97 for complete games.
xenophobic? Nice use of a big word Peter!
Fran: Thanks!
Oh Pete – you can do better than Legal’s Sea Food.
Hotels in Toronto not too good?
thanks Pete !
Total number of walks issued by Yankee relievers through first 6 games = 1
SJ,
*Please* keep an eye on Romine, and especially Angelini while you are down in Charleston. They are two of my favorite prospects, and I would absolutely love a first hand account of how they are doing.
Cox took over for Street right? (in college?)
Great job, Pete… too bad the host thought “xenophobic” was too much of a SAT word i.e. he probably didn’t know what you were talking about…
SA, now he has me worried. I am staying at the Intercontinental it looks nice on line. I hope it is.
You are correct.
Cox, unlike Street, doesn’t have the stuff to be a ML closer. But he has the stuff to be a great setup guy.
Jen in what city are you staying at “Intercontinental”?
I’d equate Cox to a Shields-type reliever.
Toronto. The one near Rogers Centre. I hope it is okay. I made the reservations in Jan.
OK, Jen – I stayed at the “Intercontinental†in Boston and it was an excellent stay…
I’ve been to a lot of hotels over the years but “Intercontinental†does a great job.
“J. Brent Cox has the perfect mentality for a closer. He has all the confidence in the world. I’ve heard him compared with New York Yankees reliever Mariano Rivera, but I think he resembles Jeff Nelson. He has a big, looping slider that moves a bunch. If you just watch him pitch, it looks like he is throwing about 95. He doesn’t. Cox probably tops out at 91. His reputation and presence on the mound leads you to believe that he throws harder. Cox just goes right after guys with his fastball and slider.”
-Kyle Peterson of ESPN
Okay thanks! I know I’ve booked that hotel in China for my boss, so I figured it is probably a nice hotel.
Xenophobia is an awesome word. It should have a better meaning than “fear of strangers”, but any word that starts with x is pretty cool in my book.
Anyone just here the F-Bomb on ESPN?
here’s another read on JB Cox
JB Cox
“xenophobia” actually means “fear of foreign things,” so Pete was more referring to the fact that he’d rather be in the US, not “foreign” Canada.
Cox isn’t regarded as a closer by the Yankee organization. He just doesn’t throw hard enough. He’ll be a good setup guy though, since he’s used to closing in that pressure situation.
he can do both really but the plan for him is 7th or 8th inning right now when he is ready
Bateman,
do you have any evidence that the Yanks don’t view him as a candidate to close?
I think I know the answer to this but…
would you rather go to Friday’s game in Boston (Wang vs Buchholz)
or
Sunday night (Hughes vs Daisuke) ?
I am likely going to one of the weekend games but need to pick which one.
Hughes’ game…to see him in the bright Sunday night lights at Fenway.
“do you have any evidence that the Yanks don’t view him as a candidate to close?”
that’s what I was thinking BD, it’s one thing if whozat, CB or SJ would have said that, but a poster who I never seen on lohud w/o a source is not telling me this as a fact w/o proof
Does anyone know a site where i can find pitch selection on a game by game basis? I want to see what type of pitches Wang has thrown in the past and if there is a different trend this year.
Okay…….I have broad shoulders. I can take it! My Sox haven’t exactly set the world on fire the last three games, but I am still convinced that it will be the Sox and the Yankees right there at the end of the season.
JT, more inside fastballs to LHP, more change ups mixed in w/ outside slider to RHBs
damn.. what the hell is going on w/ Detroit
Oy
12-2 White Sox now
Boston Dave: I have tickets for Saturday! Come on Saturday!
Detroit getting smoked
13 – 2
anyone here have some whitesoxs in thier fantasy league
When do we play the Tigers? I think the bats will def wake up for that series..
13-2 now..
they play in Boston next.
Boston Dave: go on Saturday, that’s when I have tickets.
…testing
Testing
Right, one more time then.
Boston Dave: Come on Saturday, that’s when I have my tickets.
Brandon for this game I wish I had some White SOx. You have to think that after this pounding that the Tigers would wake up a bit just in time to go to Boston, they just look pitiful.
I have to say that I have stayed in 4 different hotels in Toronto and have only had issues with 1 of them so not quite sure what Pete is talking about., Toronto is a beautiful city if you wander away from the Rogers Centre even some places not too far away there are some great shopping areas, great restaurants etc.
I know Sheff will wakeup in Boston thier is something about him when he plays that team.
Only White Sox I have is Orlando Cabrera. He went 1 for 4, but the one was a bases clearing double.
I have a ton of ChiSox: Cabrera, Konerko and Dye, funny how that works.
Glad I’m not a Tigers fan right about now.
I have a ton of ChiSox: Cabrera, Konerko and Dye.
*sighs* This is what happens when I procrastinate. I’ll go disappear.
Couple of things:
Reinterating something that was brought up by many people during Spring training but was re-emphaiszed today by Anthony McCaron on the Daily News Blog. Wang today used much more of his slider and changeup pitches he was working on during Spring training and as he says the reason why his ERA was so high ashe was not only working on hisarm strength but actually working on these pitches. Just goes to show the spring means different things.
Secondly, is there anything the Yankees can do about the way mlb allows the schedule to take advantage of the Yankees when it comes to television thus like we have tomorrow a night game, travel folowed by a day game? This certainly will not be the first time this happens this year and it happens as far as I can tell happens way too often. Is there a maximum number of games that ESPN (it really is only them as Fox an TBS are all day games )can have any one team on the national game and effect the schedule like this?
damn I misspelled there
Rebecca what do you mean
Brandon: Some of my posts go through. Some don’t. And I am really, really bad at this procrastinating thing. I am never going to get to 80 pages by Friday morning.
ohhhh….. yeh it happens
You’re posting articles and scouting reports from draft time on Cox. Which was 3 years ago. Melancon is still considered to be a closing prospect.
I’ll have to look for the reports that the Yankees look at Cox as more of a setup man.
no one is saying he’s not a setup man Patrick but no one said he can’t ever close, he can close a few games out, primarily yes he is to be a SU/CL, just the way you stated it made it sound like he can never be a closer, please man we watched Edwar Ramirez close out a few games and Cox has better stuff than him.
Here’s the tentative schedule for the next week or so:
vsTB
Hammel vs Mussina
@KC
Hughes vs Bannister
Kennedy vs Greinke
Pettitte vs Meche
@BOS
Wang vs Beckett
Mussina vs Wakefield/Buchholz?
Hughes vs Matsuzaka
@TB
Kennedy vs Sonnanstine
Pettitte vs Jackson
vsBOS
Beckett vs Wang
Wakefield/Buchholz? vs Mussina
Hughes v. Bannister is interesting. I can’t wait to see how Phil does in his next start – it’s so much fun to watch him develop. He’s a special kid. Also, his start against the Sox in Fenway will be on ESPN……..That will be fun. Phil’s first start in Fenway? That’s must watch.
Boston Dave,
I’d go see Hughes in Boston. Of course, you shouldn’t listen to me, since the only game I wasn’t at this series was the only one they won (so far). But I’d love to see Hughes in Fenway.
The way I’m stating it is he’s not regarded as a future closer by the Yankees. Is there a chance he’ll close out a game in September when Rivera is resting for the playoffs next year? Sure.
Melancon is still considered to be a potential closer along with Humberto Sanchez.
Edwar Ramirez isn’t a major leaguer.
SJ
What do you think the starting pitching and bullpen will look like like after AS break?
new Yankee Stadium
I”m sure they’ll deal with the schedule… No option, really.
Whats up with the tigers?
This schedule is pretty rough. This will give Girardi a chance get all of the guys involved and use our depth. Duncan hasn’t got to play much so far, but since he can play 1B and OF he will give Damon, Matsui, and Giambi some rest through this stretch. Molina is a great backup catcher, so he will give Posada his rest and Betemit might even get some time at SS.
I think the real problem with this stretch is when a few of our starters can’t reach the late innings on consecutive games how Girardi will manage the bullpen. I hope that Ohlendorf can establish himself early in the year and that Farnesworth responds well to Girardi’s confidence in him. I don’t have too much confidence in Hawkins, but I think the rest of the bullpen will be up for the challenge.
Wang-Joba-Rivera is going to really bother teams this year!
Typical Yankee crybabies. It all evens out over the course of the season. Your real problem is that you can’t even take a series from the Rays.
Yeah cause every team is playing 32 games in 33 games.
HMM what team do you root for, and what are you doing here?
Watching the guys wearing balaclavas yesterday, I was thinking, if the Yankees have to play Tampa in April, do you think they could have played IN Tampa? The Tampa players looked miserable.
Good news is, tomorrow will probably be a rainout here in KC. (So my game on 4/9 will actually be the home opener! Maybe I’ll get to see Phil pitch?)