Moeller on the way
-
- April
- 14
The Yankees have summoned Chad Moeller to Tampa. No word yet on what other moves are being made.
Moeller, 33, has caught 421 games in the majors with five teams and is a .224 career hitter. Through 8 games in Scranton, he was at .136/.231/.182.
More later once we get to Tropicana Field.
As Joba Chamberlain attends to his father, the Yankees also will need a Plan B for third base sometime soon as Alex Rodriguez’s wife is due to deliver a baby this week. One way or another, they’ll round up nine players. They always do.
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on Monday, April 14th, 2008 at 12:49 pm by Peter Abraham.
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Peter Abraham
Moeller’s a bad catcher, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
wow…who would have thought this would be the start to the Yankee season. We will learn something about them as a team this week and the weeks to come
And apparently, ESPN said Harlan collapsed at his home and is in critical condition. All the best for Joba and his father.
Play Betemit or Ensberg at third (depending on whether a lefty or righty is pitching) and that covers Arod for a few days.
If I’m Chad Moeller, I have one message to Ian Kennedy tonight:
Strike One.
Get ahead and stay ahead.
If he does that, he will get the job done.
Ian has to keep the speedy Rays off of the bases tonight!
oh boy……..
Injuries happen, just be glad that none of them are serious (as far as we know).
Tough news on Harlan Chamberlain. Seeing how close Joba is to him, it is probably best that Joba goes to his side.
I don’t see A-Rod missing a few games being as difficult. Ensburg or Betemit should be fine to cover 3rd for a few days. Moeller is the bigger hole, being that Molina was doing so well. Hopefully both Jose and Jorge will get healthy soon… that and the weather warming up a bit would be nice.
I hope to God that Jeter is in the line-up tonight
Kennedy for 2 innings today, then Bruney for 4, Traber 2, and Mo?
Sara I hope not we need him in the long run
sal fassano is out there, call him!
There is no question where Joba should be, with his father. Family is above all else. Prayers to Joba and family.
I’d rather have Moeller than have Posada with a weak arm. We were lucky that Molina was filling up the box score. That just means the other guys have to get going.
Hope Jeter comes back healthy. Cano had some good at-bats yesterday where he battled, just didn’t get the desired results. But he was patient and kept fouling off pitches. He’ll be coming around soon and hopefully the warm environs of the Trop will help.
Anyone take a crack at the lineup?
Damon LF
Cabrera CF
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Posada DH
Cano 2B
Gonzalez SS
Moeller C
How about a line up some time this week NO arod No jeter No posata No giambi No molina No joba in the bullpen!!! OUCH!!!
chris u – Kennedy for 2? Get real
Talk about being rude and crass!!
http://blogs.trb.com/sports/baseball/yankees/blog/
Quick update
Just a quick FYI–not sure what the situation is with Harlan Chamberlain. I spoke with people at all four hospitals in Lincoln, and none of them have any record of his having been admitted. I don’t want to speculate, but it would seem he would be at one of those if in the hospital.
Give the family some respect!! I never respected anything she wrote before, now it is even lower.
I’m not sure on this, but can the Yankees place Joba on the restricted list so that he can attend to his father and the Yankees can open up a spot on the roster?
Would seem to be the way to go with having to bring up a catcher…wonder, though, if they’ll quickly make a deal/signing…they seem to need someone a little better
mel,
I think Jeter will play so I’d go with:
Cabrera CF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui LF
Posada DH
Giambi 1B
Cano 2B
Moeller C
Jennifer,
who is that chick? like she would just call a hospital and they would give her info? who is she?
Yes they can put him on the beravment list.
This April is the opposite of last year, seesh.
I knew this season would have its ups and downs since it’s not unusual for young pitchers to get adjusted, but all these injuries to position players are depressing me.
And of course best to Joba and his family.
“chris u – Kennedy for 2?”
Kennedy pitches 6 strong. Biggest pitch of the game? I agree: it’s Strike One for each batter.
His 3 BB/9 career minor league record needs to get back on track.
that’s Kat O’Brien relax girls she does have a boss that tells her she has to do that.
Speaking of catchers – did Mike Piazza sign with any team?
Unreal, Our best hitter down now.
Watch now, when we don’t make it to the post season, everyone is going to say it was because of all the injuries.. heh.
I am personally done with ALL excuses not matter how valid they are.
And Yes, Kevin Long needs to go!
she should also have the sense to know that there are hospitals out there that won’t tell you a patient has been admitted to their facility. Esp if they know the world will be calling asking…common sense.
this might be the toughest week of the entire season for us, they have to pull together the best team with the best bats they can cobble together. i wish they could find a way to get shelley back before the 10 days are up. lets just hope that molina doesn’t have to go on the DL. he’s been holding the whole team together.
sara kat O’brien from newsday. She is a total —.
She also never heard of something called Hippa. Joba likely told or ordered the hospital not to release any information. It isn’t anyone business!
Didn’t see the new thread. One other point on last nights game:
Despite all of the yankee’s pitching problems last night, IMO this was the most eye opening part of last night’s game.
Boston pitchers last night threw 193 pitches.
And the yankees still only scored 5 runs.
Boston threw 2 games worth of pitches – 2 games of pitches to get 27 outs.
That’s how ineffective their pitching was.
It’s not just the young pitching. Only way you can challenge for the post season and get through the struggles of young pitching is to have an offense that is going to consistently win high scoring games.
That’ll come. And it will make up a lot for the poor starts like last nights.
Jennifer, I completely agree. Kat = Weasel.
#9.. don’t think that even if he was available that you would be happy about that.
he is not the MIke Piazza that you remember.
brandon I’m not so sure. She sounded pretty proud of herself.
Fleas
Are you serious? Kevin Long is more than manageable as the hitting coach.
Patrick,
I thought about Jeter. Girardi said he’ll sit one extra day after he’s 100%. Jeter probably thinks yesterday was his extra day. But I bet that Girardi feels today is the extra day, especially since the AG hasn’t hurt the team.
But yeah, your lineup looks good. Still might see Cano in the 2 spot, tho!
I was just curious about what happened to Piazza – I’m not interested in him on Yanks – Posada will be ready soon enough.
Think the bereavement list applies only when a family member passes on, but I think there’s another list that would apply to his case.
could anybody explain me why damon didnt bunt in the 8th inning ?!! i tought that THIS joe will be different from the OLD joe???!! BTW his in game dissions plain SUCKS!!!
ohhh I see, she chose the wrong words
Fredo
Take the source for what it is worth, but on wiki they said serious illness or death.
From his stats, Moeller might be Wil Nieves in disguise.
There was no way Molina was going to continue hitting so well, but Moeller is an emergency-level player. No one should be happy to see him get ABs.
yeah Kat O’Brien was very out of line calling hospitals in search of Harlan. I work in the OR of a hospital so i’m pretty familiar with the HIPAA laws and it would be very illegal for any employee of a hospital to give away any information about a patient. I dont know why Kat thought she would find something there, but you’re right jennifer, she should be ashamed of herself
ESPN Radio said he collapsed at his home and is now in critical condition.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AsJE00C0UwvOj6nIJyRUXyk5nYcB?slug=ap-yankees-chamberlain&prov=ap&type=lgns
That’s another link.
i agree that there are no excuses. i don’t want to hear that it is cold, weather is bad, blah, blah. you have two teams out there playing in the same conditions. these guys have to pull together and start doing their jobs. this team was built to score runs to support the young pitching and the offense isn’t doing their job. luckily no one is running away with the division right now.
does anyone else think Johnny Damon looks like crap at the plate? He swings like a little boy!
I know it will come together but it is sure painful to watch!
Best to Harlan. I actually saw him on Opening night, he was right in front of me. Joba will be devestated if anything happens. Thoughts and prayers to the Chamberlin’s!
If they brought Moeller up, they either must DL a catcher or send Gonzalez back. Obviously Jeter plays tonite if it’s the latter.
Brent just ignore Fleas and Anti-Mussina. Many of us here have come to the conclusion that they are really Red Sox trolls coming here to tweak the posters on this board.
Kat and Newsday didn’t do anything other papers in the NY area didn’t do.
Another paper reported that the hospital confirmed Harlan was admitted and that the family asked no additional info be given. They even named the hospital in the story.
instead of getting rid of coaches or dfa-ing players, can we just fire some of the fans?
sara . i cant agree more on that Damon isnt even look like a minor leager now
Fredo,
Someone posted the rules in a previous thread. Serious illness to a family would allow a player to go on the bereavement list. Minimum of 3 games, maximum of 7. They’ll probably want more information on Harlan’s status and prognosis before making that decision. Of course Harlan’s health is a major concern, but I’m sure that the Yankees would like to time any moves to minimize Joba’s absence.
Could be right, Jenn. Either way, he is where he’s supposed to be and the Yanks roster shouldn’t have to suffer (read: play a man short) in a situation like this.
pat that doesn’t make it right.
Kat was doing her job. Going through the motions because it’s supposed to be a fruitless endeavour due to privacy laws.
She definitely worded it wrong. All she needed to add was:
“Of course, none of this comes as a surprise because of privacy issues”.
re: this whole Newsday (or whomever) calling to check up on Joba thing – I’m not down with that. You have every right to report on the team and it’s players…not it’s player’s fathers. I understand everyone wants to get the news up on their websites first, but I’m sure Joe will have something to say in his pre-game…seeing as how it is not life/death for us, I’m sure we can just be patient.
Damon needs to step it up!
i’d rather see Melky batting lead off.
Doesn’t make it right Jennifer, but it’s the nature of the beast. Giambi/Bonds grand jury testimony isn’t supposed to get leaked either, but it did. Not much risk in leaking something if you’re a hospital employee or court clerk. Too hard to trace back.
Confirming and researching a story that has already been reported in another news paper is probably common practice.
It doesn’t violate hippa laws to confirm a person has been admitted, only if they give out any personal medical info.
She’s doing her job. Its not a violation of HIPAA for her to ask as part of her job. The violation would come if any employee of the hospital was to release any information to her.
still bummed about Joba’s family issues.
That really really sucks about Molina. Hopefully Moeller can atleast due a competent job of catching until Jorge can finally get back behind the plate. His lock on the DH spot is making it tough to construct the rest of the lineup too. oh well, at least Jeter is back tonight. I don’t expect any setbacks for him.
So much for the team being in great shape this year. One thing after another… getting tired of these difficult Aprils. i know it’s just April but it sucks to see your team stumble out of the gates year after year.
Good news is, at least we’re not Tigers fans…
i wrote about this in my blog this morning because i had a disagreement with mark feinsand’s article in the daily news. he explained his side of the story, but i still feel that if chamberlain wanted the issue made public, he would have made it public.
Just keep in mind all the hospital workers in LA who in just the last weeks were fired for either looking at or leaking the content of celebrity patient files – i’m thinking the Lincoln hospitals will take care of their “first son” or whatever they are calling him now.
Any idea how long Molina’s out??
Brian in PA,
Definitely silver lining.
Check out this article.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3346130
Any guesses on what the straw that broke the camel’s back?
elizabeth- it probably won’t be a quick thing. they’re apparently still trying to decide whether or not to put him on the DL…my guess is at least a couple weeks. damn hamstrings.
I know you guys are going to think I’m crazy, but I actually think I noticed something in Damon’s stance at the plate last night I hadn’t seen this season.
He looked a lot more energetic and aggressive.
In fact, I almost thought he looked like Ellsbury up there for a moment in his stance.
I wonder if he saw something in the kid this weekend that reminded him of what he used to do in his approach.
He wasn’t as lax up there as he has been.
I know he hit into the double play (and I really wanted them to call for the bunt there), but the at bat before that is when I noticed his stance looking a little more energetic.
I think he flew out to the OF on that at bat, but it was a great play in the OF that robbed him of the hit.
I think he’s going to break out of it soon.
He has to. We need a table setter.
I was happy to see him steal a few bases over the weekend as well.
I actually have faith that he’ll get there.
I also think Arod is such an emotional guy that I think the pending birth of his child and him not being at home for it has him distracted.
The good news is if Damon, Arod and Cano all heat up together (and I believe they will), we’ll roll of 10 in a row.
I just want to see the young starters show something. Kennedy better go out there and throw a quality start tonight or the walls are really going to start caving in this week on Cashman and the kids.
No catcher and no Joba…the yanks have a small lead late , I guess the game is in the hands of farnsworth and black farnsworth to get the ball to Mo. Thats scary.
As far as the offense, I’m giving it until Memorial Day. I still think this team is going to hit, and hit well, this year.
If Damon and/or Giambi aren’t hitting by then, its Brett Gardner and Shelley Duncan time, IMO.
You have to give veteran players a chance to get going.
By Memorial Day, you are in the “quarter pole” of the season. Its the right time to make initial changes to the team if things aren’t going well.
The Yankees are in a weird place in their development right now.
Its an old team, with regard to everyday players. Their pitching, while young and talented, is going through their expected growing pains.
Some guys, such as Moose, Giambi and (IMO) Damon, aren’t going to be back next year. You don’t have to have total allegience to them.
With Moose, they have to coax as much as they can out of him to save their young arms excessive work.
But, do they really need to do the same with Damon and/or Giambi if they are struggling? I say no.
Obviously, if both can get going, all the better.
However, if by Memorial Day, these guys are shells of their former selves, its time to hand the reins over to Gardner and/or Duncan and see how it goes.
The funny thing about the Leyland tirade is he admits in the story its not going to do any good.
They make for fun reads but, they have zero effect on a team.
Wanna win games? Play better. Its that simple.
Having a fit doesn’t accomplish anything.
The news from yesterday is a bit disheartening even for a raging optimist like myself. Between Joba’s father, Molina’s injury, Posada’s throwing ability and Hughes’s fastball, it is a confluence of bad news. Obviously Joba’s is more important than baseball, but baseball-wise, we could be in for the extended absense of our setup man.
We’ll miss A Rod too, but I have a feeling that the birth of his new daughter will set him free to go back to the 2007 A Rod, so I guess there is some optimism afterall.
SJ44 I agree with you 100%. i don’t think Girardi is going to have the same allegiance to the Vets as Torre did. It is a shame cause I like Giambi as a person, but man, he stinks! only thing he has goin for him is that he has been decent in the field. no HUGE mistakes…knock on wood.
Despite all the bad things happening right now, its not nearly as bad as the start of last season. We’ll be fine. Chamberlain needs to take all the time he needs. This is way more important than baseball.
WFAN reporting Joba will be away for at least 3 days.
“instead of getting rid of coaches or dfa-ing players, can we just fire some of the fans?”
This is literally the best comment I’ve seen in the past 2 years.
swo-
You Bet
“Despite all the bad things happening right now, its not nearly as bad as the start of last season.”
Actually last year the Yankees started at 7-6 in their first 13, so technically the Yankees are off to a worse start. I know what you mean though, the team is better than lsst year and the injuries are less.
They’ll likely put Joba on the bereavement list. That gives them a couple days to see what they really need (a catcher, 2B or SS).
The only player I’m concerned about at this point in the season is Damon.
And the only reason I’m concerned about him is the way he’s described his current struggles.
He’s been saying that he’s having trouble getting his hands through the zone.
And when you look at his at bats he’s behind pitches.
It sounds like Damon himself feels that he’s lost some hand speed.
That could be temporary – say not being able to get loose with the weather. That could be an issue of mechanics.
Losing hand speed for those reasons is something that will change.
But it’s also possible that he’s lost hand speed due to age.
That’s a concern.
He needs to prove that he’s still a player that can be a factor.
Otherwise, I agree, Brett Gardner should be given a shot if he continues hitting well.
BTW Shelley had 3 more hits in the AAA game today and is hitting .500.
whats the over under on games blown by Ebony and Ivory while Joba is away?
Athletes are creatures of habit and this team just hasn’t seemed settled in yet.
Probably equal parts of the veteran nature of the team, the resolving door of injuries the line-up has dealt with or the schedule; but if a few of these guys can get into some sort of a comfortable rhythm, the results will start to show and more will follow.
Chad Moeller is not the anti-christ. He will do the best he can.
Jeff NJ,
That’s exactly what I mean. The injuries were more abundant last season. We’ll be fine though. The team always starts like this, and then figures it out by June.
You the man Moeller!
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/10/03/joba1008/
Here’s a good story about Harlan and Joba written by SI last October. Touching stuff…
chad moeller invented crack cocaine.
CB,
I think what I think I saw last night in Damon was him trying to get his hands going.
He was doing a lot more with them in his stance than he had been doing.
I think he’s on to something and I hope this is the week he gets it going.
They’re claiming that’s the same thing that’s fouling up Ortiz. His hand speed is slow and he claims he can’t pick up pitches from the mound at all.
As for Joba, they put him on the bereavement list and pulled up Moeller in his stead I just read on rotoworld.
wsr – swo – yankees ben : fans have every right to say what they want! whats the whole thing of fans going to games, listening to games,disscusing and debating it! Everybody is intiteled to there opinion! you guys too.
This would all be funny if it weren’t so sad:
- Questionable pitching from all but Wang;
- Good, but not consistently reliable bullpen
- Jeter’s bum arm
- Posada’s bum arm
- Molina’s bum gam
- Girardi’s bonehead move to play both his catchers in the lineup.
Jeter will not be back tonight. Stop wishing.
And, with Harlan Chamberlain at death’s door, and Mrs. A-Rod about to lay an egg, the lineup and bullpen will have some serious weakness for the next several days.
Ouch.
Both Yanks and Tigers in the same boat — last place.
Since Girardi is in such good shape, maybe they should sign him to be a player-manager, then fire him when Posada/Molina get healthy
Speaking of bat speed. Is it just me or does Cano’s swing seem slower?
With Duncan and Gardner tearing it up in the minors. I think its not too early to see if there are any takers for Damon and Betimet. That would open up 2 spots for those 2 high energy players to fill. Gonzalez should stick with the team as well.
is it too early to change his name nickname to big crapi?
Betamit at third?
I read, I think in Pete’s “Notebook” this AM, that Betamit is going blind. Well, that he had to see his eye doctor, which means he could be having some vision problems.
Catcher? Call up Montero from A ball. What they heck.
3B? Call the Mariners, offer Hughes for Miguel Cairo.
Both are bad choices, of course, but the brain-trust could pull them off.
SJ – I agree completely that the Yankees are in a no man’s land. Despite what everyone says, this is absolutely a transition year. I would be extremely pleased if they make the playoffs, I would be even happier if the young pitchers get a chance to grow and mature, Joba moves smoothly back into the rotation, Wang emerges as a true ace, the young players Cano and Cabrera continue the maturation (funny how everyone was calling for Gardner to replace Melky earlier in the spring and now that the Melkman is one of maybe two players bringing the goods we want Gardner to replace Damon).
Later in the year we will see the bullpen reinforcements and over the next 1-2 years we will see the positional player reinforcements.
I heard a small clip from Cashman’s interview on WEEI in Boston and even he stated that this is a long term plan.
The Yankees will be the Yankees and compete, but I think there are far more important long term considerations being taken into account at this point.
Ny Post says that Betemit was placed on the DL with pink eye, because he can’t wear his contact lenses. Why didnt he get them 5 years ago?? It was obvious that he needed something. Moeller and Alba called up and Joba placed on the bereavement list so he will be out 3-7 days.
Im totally fine with a transition year…if the giants didnt win the superbowl, I might feel differently.
Ensberg will obviously be the one playing 3rd base when Arod leaves when his wife gives birth. The team is going to be a mess for the next week. Hopefully someone can fill in for Joba because I do not think I will be able to watch Farns TRY and do it.
So Molina has a strained hamstring?
The poll i conducted last week shows that Molina is slower than any catcher we’ve had in the past 10 years. Slower than Stinnett,Posada,Fasanostache and Nieves.
I dont see what the problem is. Just tell Molina to fast walk the bases when he hits the balls. It cant be that much slower than his all out running. Problem solved! I cant see how someone strains a hamstring who cant run in the first place.
can’t/shouldn’t they bring up another reliever while Joba is away? Like Albaladejo or Patterson?
Interesting to see them calling back Albaladejo instead of Patterson.
They seem very committed to getting Patterson more experience at AAA.
Also interesting to see that they elected to put Betemit on the DL rather than option down Gonzalez.
Jeter is supposed to play tonight but you have to keep Gonzelez up here in case jeter restrains the muscle.
Gonzelez also earned his way into staying.
Being able to go down to AAA and bring up a player like Gonzalez is invaluable. That’s the kind of move they would have never been able to make before.
Depth changes a lot over a 162 game schedule.
First time I have ever heard that it takes 15 days to get rid of pink eye.That move says a lot without saying much of anything
CB, where are you hearing those moves?
Why are we going to need Joba in the next few games? According to the Debbie Downer forecast we won’t have a lead anytime in the near future anyway.
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs……….
Forget it, I see it on Rototimes.
thurmans ghost are you really that insensitive and stupid?
At deaths door!!!!!!!
Shut the f up, moron……..
Jeff–
George King of the post reported it
http://www.nypost.com/seven/04142008/sports/yankees/joba_gone_at_least_three_days_106511.htm
Yankees are really make use of the DL this year for those out of options. First Henn, now Betemit. Glad it was him and not Ensberg, I really want to see Ensberg get an extended look.
S.O.S.,
Funny, but if you’ve ever had a pulled hamstring it hurts when you squat too. That is a big part of the catchers job description.
CB where did you get the information about Albie coming up and Betemit going on the DL?
i guess S.o.S.27 never played baseball…
Brian NYpost
“The poll i conducted last week shows that Molina is slower than any catcher we’ve had in the past 10 years. Slower than Stinnett,Posada,Fasanostache and Nieves.”
Who cares if he’s slower..he’s far better than all of them.
CB,
Can you dfa someone who is on the dl?
Didnt we get Gonzalez from the Sheffeild trade? Oelendorf from the Johnson? I never thought the trades we made would pay off so soon. for thoughs who thought we got nothing in return. I think you might want to reconsider.
Gonzalez was also part of the Johnson trade
Mr. Betemit might find after 15 days that Gonzalez has taken his spot. Gonzalez has played well. He looks confident in the field and has shown some skill at the plate. Betemit has shown me nothing with the bat and that includes last year. I know he was considered a top prospect at one time but I just don’t see any improvement and think what you see is what you get. Although he looked slimmer when I saw him in ST this year, his weight is always going to be a problem. He really then can only play the corners and can only hit from the left side, so a big part of the argument for him (versatility), is really false.
Yes I posted before that those trades look really good right now. Steven Jackson has pitched pretty well in the minors (except his last time out), Anthony clagett is a wild card. Humberto Sanchez can be huge (no pun intended) if he comes back from TJ surgery and proves healthy. And Chris Britton can kick butt at AAA.
That is a heckuva lot to get back for three players you didn’t want or need.
Who do we use in Joba’s role?
Hawkins seems like the best candidate and has the most experience.
Food chain while Joba’s out:
Mo
Hawkins
Bruney
Traber
Ohlendorf
Farnsworth
Albadalejo
Here’s a story on the extrication of Ortiz’s jersey. It’s all pretty amusing right now. I’m glad that Papi’s laughing about it because it’s not too fun to be him right now.
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080413&content_id=2523286&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy
ok, hold up a second. to be on the bereavement list, someone would have had to die, hence the word bereavement. not sure if you can go on that if someone is in the hospital.
I heard that Betemit was maybe gonna get laser surgery, so the 15 days might give him time to get it and recover…
This is the adversity that will unite a team.
The Dynasty teams of the late 90s weathered it and overcame it.
We’ve got the right guys on the team to be able to do it this time around, too.
Play Ensberg at third, that’s not as much of an issue as is the loss of Molina’s offense.
Prayers are with Joba’s family.
Sara,
Serious health issues in your immediate family also count, I believe.
I was joking guys.
Yanksrule,
Your right. It does put alot of strain on the hammies to squat down as a catcher(yes i played catcher in L.L.). I would think it would have an effect on him throwing as well.
Drew,
I have been saying for a couple of weeks now that they need to make Molina the everyday catcher and have Posada dh. I think he’s better behind the plate than Jorge. With the way Molina is playing this year. Im sure some team will get him next year to play everyday. Hopefully some of our young stud catchers will be ready to fill that void.
The big problems as I see them:
Farnsworth still sucks. They should really pull the “all he needs is a change of scenery” scam and move him for some prospects to some team desperate for a reliever.
Giambi is not great anymore and takes up a roster spot that can be better used by a real first baseman. I am still hoping that he can have one more good year because he is in a walk year, but we shall see. His fielding is better.
Mussina may or may not be totally done. I think he is, but if he can win 10 or 12, at a cost of a million bucks a win, I suppose it will have been worth it.
I am WAY not sold on Hawkins or Betemit.
The outfield prospects are looking great for next year. The rotation will be great next year and on-and-off this year.
And the bullpen has to pull some rabbits out of the hat.
Molina is the best backup we have had in ages. Who cares if he cannot run.
Jeter will be fine.
Damon may not have much left in the tank.
My heart goes out to Joba.
With Joba gone, Farnsworth will get to find out in the next week where he stands on the food chain. The clear sign will be if Ohlendorf, Bruney, and Hawkins are used where Farnsworth feels he should be. This would be seen as a lack of trust on Joe Girardi’s part followed by rumors of him being shopped around even this early into the season.
If Betemit has red eye, the obvious thing to do is DL him and get Ensberg ready for A-Rod’s brief maternity departure. Gonzo remains in the event that Jeter’s groin acts up again.
You can’t trade anyone on the DL and I’m not sure if you can technically DFA someone but I don’t think you technically can.
But I think what they wind up doing in that kind of situation they activate the player off the DL and then DFA them. So they come of the DL but aren’t assigned to the 25 man roster. I might be off on that but technically i think that’s how it works.
The yanks got both Ohlendorf and Gonzelez from the Johnson trade. And of course on top of that they got the Viz from the johnson trade as well.
And one of the nice surprises in the yankee minor league system is how really well Stephen Jackson is throwing the ball in AA so far. He was the 4th piece in the Johnson deal. Struggled for around 2/3 of last year but picked it up at the end. Girardi was very impressed with him in spring training. I could see a team taking Jackson in the rule 5 draft this year if he’s not put on the 40 man roster (which I don’t know if he will).
That Randy Johnson trade has turned out remarkably well. They’ve gotten 4 very useful players 2 of which are 25 year olds that are contributing to the big league roster in a time of need and doing very well. On top of that they saved $16 million and the headache of RJ demanding an extension.
Mel, I would think Bruney and Traber would be the set up guys until Joba gets back. I don’ think Joe trusts Hawkins or Farnsworth there. Hopefully we’ll find out tonight and the right choice will be made.
Rebecca-
So it is written…so it shall be done.
btw – I like Bruney for the 8th
RJ pitches tonight, over/under on his next injury is 10 days.
Rebecca, there is NO COMPARISON to the Dynasty. Those days are long, long gone. We need to accept that and deal with what we have.
I agree, in the name of defense, Molina should be playing everyday, with Posada DH’ing. But then you forget about Matsui’s bat in the DH role, because he’s certainly a liability defensively in LF.
and Molina just signed a 2 year deal, so he certainly wont be somebody else’s everyday catcher until 2010.
“Who do we use in Joba’s role?”
Bruney. I’d be surprised if it’s not him. Girardi using him in that second game in Boston when he pulled Mussina said a lot about what Girardi thinks of Bruney.
I’d guess Bruney becomes the set up guy and Albie goes to the 6th inning/ sort of long man role while Ohlendorf shifts to Bruney’s old role.
But because Ohlie threw 3 innings (and a lot of pitches) he’ll be unvavailable for a few days.
CB
Good post, thanks. You have illustrated that Cashman’s plan has merit. This may be a painful year to get through though, if the outgoing veterans can not step up.
“I’d better talk to my witches in there,” Ortiz said. “You know what, I’m going to have to call my people in New York and take care of it when everybody is sleeping. You’ve got to give me a more specific location.”
Da-veeed you sure you meant to say witches
gayle,
You’ll see a lot of creative diagnosis/prognosis from the Yanks this year as Girardi goes through the mine fields.
I don’t think they can do lasik on someone with pink eye. Medication can clear it up pretty quickly, though.
Sara, there’s a difference between accepting it and being apoplectic.
I accept that the days of Tino and Paulie and Bernie and Scottie are relegated to my childhood.
That doesn’t mean that this team can’t weather the storm.
They can, and they will.
are adrian beltre and wilson betemit the same guy?
Id rather have Yousef Hawkins crawl out of his grave and pitch the 8th inning instead of Latroy Hawkins aka Black Farnsworth
“RJ pitches tonight, over/under on his next injury is 10 days.”
7 – 1
now give me your odds on BJ Ryan staying off the DL
“Who do we use in Joba’s role?”
Rivera for the 8th and 9th. Sorry im not sold on Bruney,Worthless and Hawk.
Was I watching the same series?
Molina was average at best behind the plate against Boston – while being a stud at the plate.
Nothing says “panic” like pitching Mo in the 8th.
Guys, guys, guys. Don’t fall in love with Bruney, he’ll break your heart.
In Saturday’s game he struck out someone with those nasty sliders and proceeded to let the next two guys on base.
Hawkins got off to a rough start, but he throws strikes and won’t walk too many guys.
BTW, I do love the new and improved Bruney, but it’s best that Girardi don’t dip in that well too much. It’s best to keep him hungry. No pun intended there.
oh Hugh I thought you’d like to see this since he’s your boy and you like to take risks and everything like that
“Rich Harden, on the disabled list with a muscle strain under his arm, didn’t play catch in the chill in Cleveland on Sunday, but there’s a possibility he might be able to rejoin the rotation by the end of the month, perhaps during the series at Seattle, April 25-27. There’s little doubt Harden would like to start there”
Nothing says “panic†like pitching Mo in the 8th.
Except pitching Mussina or IPK in the first.
I still have high hopes for Humberto Sanchez from the Sheff trade.
QUESTION: when is the earliest the Yankees can promote Shelley? And would the placement of a major league roster player (i) on the DL or (ii) on the bereavement list accelerate the date; and (iii) is there a family leave provision in the rules that enable the Yankees to add a player once A-Rod leaves to see Mrs. A-Rod gives birth and if so, would that, in turn, affect Shelley’s time clock?
Let’s hope Mrs. A-Rod gives birth in the morning and while Alex is in NYC. Perhaps, he would play the night games against the Sux. Otherwise, let’s hope Baby A-Rod waits until Friday to burst into the world.
TurnTwo,
I forgot he was signed for 2 years. Best deal of the offseason(not overpaying). Is it too early to have Posada work at first? Have the dh spot rotated from the first base and left field until we find a taker for Damon. Gardner replaces him.
Room still has to be made on the 40 man roster to add Moeller. Which means someone gets DFAed or sent to the 60 day DL (Humberto Sanchez or Fancisco Cervelli possibly)?
SoCalYankeeFan
SoS,
Are you ignoring me?
Hey Cashman you idiot!!! Do you think the Yankees could use Santana now you moron?!!!
“i wrote about this in my blog this morning because i had a disagreement with mark feinsand’s article in the daily news. he explained his side of the story, but i still feel that if chamberlain wanted the issue made public, he would have made it public.”
I didn’t think Feinsand’s column was that invasive.
It’d be so ironic if the Yankees sued Castignoli in civil court for the cost of digging up the jersey. Did you guys see where they’re going to donate it to the Jimmy Fund?
oh snap Joe. G good point !! he’s doing great in the NL !!
Things have hit a rough spot right now but compare where this team is this year to last.
Last year they were hit with injuries and the had no answers and had to make panic moves. Bring up Chase Wright after he threw 15 innings in AA and start him in Fenway. Beg Roger Clemens to “save” their season.
Say Jeter got hurt last year – what would they have done. Cairo as the everyday SS.
This year the injuries hurt and there’s no way to fully replace the talent that’s lost.
But at least they have viable answers.
No team could afford to lose a Jeter. But look at how Gonzalez has contributed. Gonzalez wasn’t even one of their top 30 prospects. Think about that – not even top 30 on the BA list.
How many teams have a talent like Gonzalez in AAA and he’s not even a top 30 prospect?
No team could ever afford to lose a relief arm like Joba’s. But how many can call up an Albaladejo or a Patterson to make up the gap?
How badly would the Tigers love to have Albie or Paterson. Either of them could be the Tigers key set up man right now.
For the yankees- they have them in AAA.
The depth this year is so impressive.
Every team is going to go through rough spots with injuries like the yankees are now.
It’s how you respond to those times when players are injured that matters.
This will happen to boston as well. Will they get through it as well as the yankees?
They don’t have nearly the pitching depth. Of Boston’s top 30 prospects only 9 are pitchers.
And none of those 9 pitchers are in AAA yet. All are AA or below with most in A ball.
The long, grueling baseball season will work to the Yankees advantage – it may not seem like it now but it will.
At the rate the bullpen is being worn out Hughes & Kennedy’s ineffectiveness, it won’t be long till we long for the “good old days” of Joe Torre’s pen. lol
At least Torre’s ‘pens didnt get blown out till August. This year’s ‘pen may be cooked by Mother’s Day.
In all seriousness, how long can this team go without a long reliever? EVERY team in baseball has one except the Yankees.EVERY team. To have innings limitations on 2 starters ( we only wish they would force the issue) and a 38 year old 3rd starter,what is Cashman thinking?
I think most people agreed after Spring Training that Karstens and Rasner were equally bad. If Karstens was good enough to make the roster, then Rasner is good enough too.
CB, I like what you wrote. I would also add how many AAA teams out there have Duncan and Gardner on it. Don’t think Cash hasn’t noticed. The AAA is loaded with near ready talent. This is promising for the faithful long term too.
mel
I’ve been drinking the Bruney kool-aid but I’ll take heed of your warning.
mel,
What did i do?
long relievers are basically pinata’s
“QUESTION: when is the earliest the Yankees can promote Shelley? ”
10 days from the day he was sent down. That’s the minimum stay when you are optioned.
However, you can come up earlier to fill in for an injury.
So if the yankees wanted to they could bring up Shelley to fill in for Betemit after they’d put betemit on the DL.
Humberto Sanchez is a terrific prospect – not just good. Before he was hurt he was a shade below an elite level arm.
And the main thing holding him back was the recurrent elbow problems.
Some guys come back from TJ worse. But some come back better.
I was always surprised to see Sanchez only throwing 92-94 when he was in AA. He’s just a massive kid and looks like he’d throw much harder.
I’m betting with him that after TJ he’ll pick up a few MPH. He was literally throwing 93-94 in AA with an ligament that looked like a rubber band. When they opened him up his ligatment was much, much worse than what they thought from the MRI. Despite that he was dominating guys in AA for a good part of the season.
Same thing for Andrew Brackman – he was throwing 93-95 for a while even after his elbow started to hurt.
Here’s more overreaction for you. Michael Kay doesn’t think Hughes is going to be a star. He doesn’t know where his 95,96 mph fastball is at.
Did Michael Kay’s show even start?
“Hey Cashman you idiot!!! Do you think the Yankees could use Santana now you moron?!!!”
So if the last rumor was true. You would give Kennedy,Hughes and Melky or Wang,Hughes for Santana plus a big contract? Didnt he allow 5 runs in his last start and has given up 5 bombs in 3 games?
Brandon, dont look at the record. He had 1 bad game and in 3 games he has a 3.00 ERA. The guy is the best pitcher in baseball. In the end that idiot cashman is going to wish he did the deal. After this year Kennedy wont even have anymore trade value if they keep pitching him. Remember they are PROSPECTS and no sure thing like santana is.
“In all seriousness, how long can this team go without a long reliever? EVERY team in baseball has one except the Yankees.EVERY team.”
Well Olie and Bruney have effectively been used as long men right now and have pitched pretty well in that role.
His show now starts at 3:00 pm not 4:00 pm.
“Michael Kay doesn’t think Hughes is going to be a star. He doesn’t know where his 95,96 mph fastball is at.”
Kay doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Hughes never had a 95/96 fastball. He’s always sat at 90-94.
I think Kay is one of many who have been mislead by reports about Hughes velocity. He sounds quite disappointed in Hughes.
I posted this on an earlier thread and wanted your thoughts on it.
I have a question to ask everyone. I saw Buckholts and Hughes pitch this weekend. I came out of it thinking that Buckholts stuff just seems criper. Hughes has been up and down since he’s come to the bigs. I know the leg injury had alot to do with his downs. It seems like after his injury, he has had trouble with his control. Not sure if he changed something in his delivery. But i know coming from the minors he was supposed to have pin point control and i havnt seen much of it.
So here it is. If this was another pitcher from the minors like Wright or Clippard for example. Would we be looking for him to be demoted to the minors? Honestly? I have been a big fan of Hughes. But i just wonder if we ignore his flaws because he is supposed to be our future ace/franchise. Potential doesnt guarantee anything in sports. Again im not trying to bash him. Just want to know if we’re a bit blind here and bias towards him.
“I think Kay is one of many who have been mislead by reports about Hughes velocity. He sounds quite disappointed in Hughes.”
Funny thing is – on YES’ “Joe Girardi Show” hosted by Michael Kay – Joe G said that Hughes, like most starters, take time to build up arm strength and that real evaluation begins at end of May and June.
3 starts this season and Michael Kay can now project talent.
He ought to spend his time doing a better job judging flyballs at Yankee Stadium than projecting Phil Hughes.
For a guy who has been going to Yankee Stadium for 30+ years and STILL can’t distinguish between a pop up and a “long flyball” (his favorite term), he’s not in the position to project pitchers to anybody.
As Ray said, Phil Hughes has NEVER thrown 95-96 MPH consistently in his career.
I have personally seen 16 of his minor league starts. Keith Law of ESPN has seen more than I have. Both of us have said repeatedly, he has sat where he sat last night….91-94.
Its amazing how much misinformation is out there in this “information age”.
The 1st real test of wherewithal starts tonight with series vs. division rivals of Tampa Bay, Boston, and Baltimore followed by a road ending month of April series with trips to Chicago and Cleveland. These 14 games aren’t critical but statements need to be made with each of those teams so they don’t develop swagger later in the season.
Rebecca, i too belive they can weather the storm but the Dynasty was something special. I don’t believe we will ever see such a dominant team again, more in-part to the fact that other teams in baseball have gotten much better.
It was so great listening to Cone and Singleton do the games last week only to have Kay interupt them with his annoying thoughts.
hughes needs his change up to be effective.
Since he thinks Joba is the only one who’s going to be a “star” of the three, can’t wait to hear him when Joba goes to the rotation and has some up and down games like Hughes.
Wonder what his response is going to be.
kay likes to stir things up so people will listen to his show.
One sidebar,
Joe Torre is lucky that he got out of Town. he would not be given the grace period that Joe G. is going to get.
michael kay has a tremendous head, its quite creepy.
Girardi is getting a grace period?
Joel Sherman is killing him regularly. Bill Madden has already called him “Clueless Joe” and declared him a “flop” in today’s attack on Girardi.
Mike Francesa said, “Pitching to Manny is one of dumbest decisions I have ever seen”.
“Ever” Mike? In an April game? A tad over the top, wouldn’t you say?
He isn’t getting a grace period. He’s getting killed by the Pro-Torre guys in the media.
Not unexpected. Just surprised its happened so quickly.
I think anti-mussina is Michael Kay
cb
interesting observations about damon’s hands being slow through the zone. cano looks the same way though and he’s not old. “slow hands” is really a misnomer because the hands are just along for the ride. it’s the arms that are moving slower and maybe the rotation of the body that has slowed down. the hands are just at the end of the whip. when everything is done right in sequence ,you get “fast hands”.
damon’s conditioning of his core, his flexibility, his shoulder and elbow health and conditioning all could be contributing to his “slow hands”. or as you hint that he’s just getting old.
SJ, be honest, pitching to Manny was really really dumb. I am a huge Girardi fan but even I admit it was a terrible call to let Mussina pitch to him.
Patrick,
In October, that’s the dumbest move ever. In April, when you are trying to prop up a veteran pitcher that you need to feel and pitch like he can get big outs this season, its part of the process.
To me, its all about context. How you handle a team in April is different than how you handle a team in October.
IMO, Manny walks if this situation comes up later in the season.
Saturday? Girardi was probably trying to boost Moose and it didn’t work.
Lesson learned.
My contention is, its not one of the worst decisions “ever”. That’s way, way over the top.