Game 17: Red Sox at Yankees
-
- April
- 17
YANKEES
Johnny Damon LF
Derek Jeter SS
Bobby Abreu RF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Jason Giambi 1B
Jorge Posada DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Melky Cabrera CF
Chad Moeller C
Mike Mussina RHP (1-2, 4.15)
RED SOX
Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Dustin Pedroia 2B
David Ortiz DH
Manny Ramirez LF
Kevin Youkilis 3B
J.D. Drew RF
Jason Varitek C
Sean Casey 1B
Julio Lugo SS
Gentleman Josh Beckett RHP (1-1, 6.35)
Notes: Joe Girardi is a perfect 17 for 17 in terms of having a different lineup every day. … Hey, Moose, don’t pitch to Manny. … The teams are 2-2 through four games. After today, they will not play again until July 3-4-5-6 in New York. … Beckett allowed three runs on five hits over 6.2 innings against the Yankees last Saturday. Mussina allowed four runs on eight hits over 5.2 innings. … The Yankees (9-7) have won three in a row and are tied for first place in the AL East with the Red Sox.
Here are Beckett’s splits against the Yankees
Here are Moose’s splits against the Red Sox
Back later with updates. Enjoy the game.
UPDATE, 3:57 p.m.: Fresh off the interweb, here’s a statement from George Steinbrenner via Howard Rubenstein:
“The visit by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI is wonderful for New York, our nation and indeed the world. His message of brotherhood rings loud and clear. We welcome him to Yankee Stadium with respect, reverence and enthusiasm.”
There’s about as much chance GMS actually said that as there is that I wrote the Gettysburg Address. But it sounds good.
The reporters covering the Pope’s mass on Sunday will use the same press box the baseball writers do. Do they blog? How great would that be?
UPDATE, 2:30 p.m.: Pope calls for world peace. No surprise there.
Does the Pope do a post-Mass press conference? Are there Pope beat writers? Does the Pope get second-guessed by the tabloids in Rome? I’d like to find these things out.
UPDATE, 4:31 p.m.: Sox lineup now posted. Same as yesterday.
UPDATE, 5:44 p.m.: Here’s some quality blogging from Amalie Benjamin of the Globe as she reports on the conversation between Derek Jeter and Sean Casey at second base last night.
Amalie and I were on ESPN News last weekend at Fenway. I was quite impressed that she had her own earpiece (or IFB as the TV types call it). I had to use theirs, although the guy was nice enough to clean it off first. Maybe someday I will rate.
If you want to keep up on the Sawx, make sure you read Extra Bases on Boston.com or our pal Rob Bradford, who blogs for the Herald.
UPDATE, 6:49 p.m.: Sam Borden was among the media who quizzed Jorge Posada about his shoulder. Seems that JoPo was a little ornery, which means he’s feeling better.
“We’re pushing for Saturday,” he said. “So ask me on Saturday. I’m really tired of you asking me everyday, ‘How you doing?’ - ‘I’m fine.’ Same (stuff). I could have played today (but) they didn’t want me to. So I’m pushing for Saturday.”
Meanwhile, Jose Molina said he’s hoping to do blocking and throwing drills tomorrow and is also targeting Saturday as a possibility
The Posada shoulder injury is a bit of a mystery and the Yankees seem determined to make sure he’s OK before they put him behind the plate. Considering that other teams will test him right away, that makes good sense.
Meanwhile, Posada gets all Sonny Corleone when he’s mad. He gets that 1,000-yard stare, especially with writers he doesn’t know.
UPDATE, 7:17 p.m.: More good news on Harlan Chamberlain. This from Joe Girardi:
“(Chamberlain) is continuing to do better. He was up to rehab twice today. There’s still no timetable, but there is progress and that’s a good thing. … I don’t think that they’ll run all the tests until he’s off the ventilator. And I believe they hope to have him off that sometime this weekend.”
No word yet on when Joba will rejoin the team. Tough spot for him, but his father obviously has to come first.
UPDATE, 7:33 p.m.: What is the point exactly of pitching to Manny? I understand you can’t intentionally walk him. But you can’t throw him a 3-1 fastball, either.
UPDATE, 7:59 p.m.: Joe Girardi is supposed to be a smart guy, right? Lots of charts, he can use a computer. Terrific with in-game situations, all that. How has the fact that Manny Ramirez absolutely murders the Yankees escaped him? Just pitch around him. Tell Mussina (or anybody else) to throw him four pitches off the plate. Maybe you’ll get lucky and he’ll chase one and pop up. It’s like they’re daring him to see how far he can hit it.
Being stubborn has cost them three runs tonight.
UPDATE, 8:25 p.m.: I’m sure people want Mussina executed at dawn. But if he stays in the rotation, he’ll win 12 or 13 games because he will beat NL teams and some of the dreck in the AL. The offense will carry him. Do you think Kei Igawa will be any better?
The problem is that he needs to be the No. 5 starter, not the No. 2 starter. And obviously they need to limit his exposure against teams like the Red Sox or Tigers.
This is why they need to transition Joba into the rotation. Starters are more valuable than relievers, it’s that simple. Mussina will not be here next season and Joba will be. He needs to get to 140 innings this season so he can go to 170 in 2009 then 200 in 2010. Limiting him to 70-80 innings this season is a waste of time, literally.
UPDATE, 8:49 p.m.: Manny is 53 of 113 (.469) with 13 homers and 38 RBI in his last 33 games against the Yankees. … Meanwhile this game has come to a conclusion as Albaladejo didn’t do his job.
UPDATE, 9:14 p.m.: The Yankees had a chance to really get back in the game there before A-Rod popped up. He is 1 for 15 with runners in scoring position this season.
UPDATE, 9:34 p.m.: You want to throw inside and knock somebody off the plate, good idea. But Kyle Farnsworth throwing a ball behind the head of Manny Ramirez is irresponsible and dangerous.
And before you applaud the idea, what would you think if Jonathan Papelbon did it to A-Rod or Jeter? I’m all for the idea of not allowing a hitter to get comfortable. But when you throw up around somebody’s head, that’s wrong.
Beyond that, do you want to get the guy mad? He’s hitting .500 against you when he’s a goofball.
UPDATE, 10:29 p.m.: So the Yankees lose by two runs. Pitching to Manny may not have cost them the game but it sure didn’t help.
Now comes a nine game, 10-day road trip. If the Yankees emerge from this schedule and all their injuries and issues at .500, they will have done well.
This entry was posted
on Thursday, April 17th, 2008 at 3:44 pm by Peter Abraham.
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why can’t girardi give Matsui to DH instead of Posada.
After looking at those splits makes sense to sit Matsui over Posada for DH
godzeera needs to be in the line up everyday, he is really hitting the ball well. But I agree, looking at the splits, maybe tonight is a good time to sit him…but he is on fire right now.
I agree ABK. I’d rather see Matsui at DH and give Posada the night off.
Either way it’s nice to have depth.
I didnt realize Posada hit Beckett so well. I stand corrected (was also thinking Matsui should get the start over him).
no Gonzo
Im glad to see that Alex’s baby is waiting until after the Boston series to arrive. Smart little baby.
lol Fran
I forgot about that
Boston Dave,
We have to break her in the right way! If she is really cooperative she will wait until the off day on Monday!
Look at the splits before complaining about the lineup.
Everyday they can rotate guys around also keeps guys fresh during the season.
Remember, this team still hasn’t had a day off yet this season.
Add in the injuries and the wacky travel schedule, its wise to work some guys in and out of the lineup.
God Posada, get over your dead arm! you at DH is really screwing things up!!!
Chad!!
Chad!!
Chad!!
Chad!!
Hopefully she will decide to enter the world on Monday (off day).
Matsui has always been a very streaky hitter. When he’s hot, he’ll hit any pitcher and when he’s cold, anyone can get him out. Right now he is seeing the ball very well! Splits are good to look at as a guide, but there are other factors to consider. I would go with Matsui tonite (either in left or DH).
I saw the Pope at the Vatican in November of 1999. He spoke from his balcony. It was pretty awesome.
I wore my 1999 World Champions t-shirt. Many Italian people commented on my shirt.
“Look at the splits before complaining about the lineup.
Everyday they can rotate guys around also keeps guys fresh during the season.
Remember, this team still hasn’t had a day off yet this season.
Add in the injuries and the wacky travel schedule, its wise to work some guys in and out of the lineup.”
Exactly. Matsui WILL get a day off. You might as well give him a day off when the splits warrant it rather than when they don’t.
I read somewhere that they may induce labor if she doesn’t go in by Monday?
Matsui and Damon both are miserable vs Beckett, but with Mussina on the mound you want Damon in the OF. Posada has much better #’s than Matsui vs Beckett, thus he is the DH.
Is the Pope a lefthander or a righthander?
the red sox lineup’s ops against mussina is surprisingly low . he’s done surprisingly well against them. i would not have thought that possible. just goes to show you have to pay attention to the numbers.
With that big pinch hit HR the other night - I hope Robby is coming out his early year swoon.
It was funny after the game last night - Giambi said it is a lot easier to hit “when you can feel your feet and your face” b/c of the warmer weather.
the pope is amadextrious
I wonder what beers are gonna cost at the mass on Sunday. I bet parking goes up too.
rbj..pope john paul was a lefty i believe. i saw him at mile high stadium in Denver back in 93. He pitched a shut out
“Hey it’s me the Pope, I wish World Nuclear Apocalypse!” is just something i dont expect to ever see.
56Bomber:
Freddy Sez is going to be banging the pan in the Tier during the 3rd prayer.
Someone better tell the Pope to acknowledge roll call.
With the Pope on the bump, no way even Farnsy can blow the deal.
I heard the Yankees told the Pope to stay off the grass. I am totally serious about this!
The Pope needs to help out Giambi with his swing btw.
Jennifer - and I thought that smell was incense.
I don’t think they’ll induce labor unless she’s past 41 weeks.
Maybe she should give birth in an (L&D) suite at Yankee Stadium on Sunday. Then have the Pope bless the child.
Matsui looked a little banged up after that slide at home yesterday, maybe why he ’s out today.
“The reporters covering the Pope’s mass on Sunday will use the same press box the baseball writers do. Do they blog? How great would that be?”
Pete, I’ll be at the mass. Would you like me to blog?
Think they’ll still charge $8.50 for Papal beers/$10.00 with Pope souvenir cup?
“the red sox lineup’s ops against mussina is surprisingly low . he’s done surprisingly well against them. i would not have thought that possible. just goes to show you have to pay attention to the numbers.”
Also important to lend those numbers some context. Mussina has not been particularly good against Boston. 2-4 with an ERA of 6.00 in his last 11 starts against them. There was a time when he OWNED the Red Sox. Now it’s something of a crapshoot every time out.
Thank God he’s not Pope Benedict XXI, he would probably get booed.
Clay - excellent…lol
Pete…your updates are a GAS !…Keep ‘em coming, pal !
Maybe the Pope can take Pavano back home with him. When he decides to leave.
This just in!! Damon says that he’s had a dead arm since playing baseball and decided to play through it.
Pete, what’s up with you calling Beckett “Gentleman”? Is that your good ‘ol sarcasm at work?
The Pope gets second-guessed at least every Sunday!
I wonder if the Pope going to throw out the first pitch? Come to think of it. Have him swing the bat one time. If Crystal can foul of a pitch so can the Pope.
Sorry I’m going back to the ‘Sign Manny’ thread’ …
If I was Cashman I wouldn’t even think of signing him. Even if I wanted to, I might not even get the opportunity to sign him until after he’s no longer a dangerous hitter.
Never mind, just for sake of argument, that he supposedly doesn’t like the Yanks. He’s playing for a big contract. Theo knows the Sox options for ‘09 and ‘10 will keep him motivated for this year and the next two. He’ll pick up the options if it’s more beneficial than paying Manny even more. By the end of ‘10, ‘Manny Being Manny’ will be ‘Manny Being Thirty Eight’ the following season. Theo will probably no longer want him. Do you see Manny being motivated for three full years? And continuing to be motivated at 38?
If Manny becomes available before then, I speculate it’s because he’s no longer ‘Manny Being Motivated’. Whether he is or isn’t, he’ll want 4 or more years and a ton of money. Even if he deserves the money the first year of that next contract, he won’t deserve what he’d be getting a couple years later. Can you say ‘Randy Johnson Late Career Salary’?
Even if he becomes available after what could be a big ‘08, to make a multi-year commitment to a mega-priced FA with questionable motivation (and his antics) isn’t the direction the Yanks sound like they’re going in.
So, no thought should be given to Manny.
SOme of you are hilarious!!
“I read somewhere that they may induce labor if she doesn’t go in by Monday?”
I read it too. Said she would have the baby in the next 6 days or they might induce. The six day time frame made me think she was already past 40 weeks.
Those of you who aren’t, well… you know who you are.
How awesome would it be if the Pope came out to Mother by Glen Danzig and threw a 95 mph heater right down broadway?
So after rolling around in the dirt and howling like a baby Youk is playing? Moose pitch him inside, make him move his feet!!
Pete should post the Giambi/Timlin split.
“why can’t girardi give Matsui to DH instead of Posada.”
why does every single lineup decision have to be nitpicked on this blog?
now we are complaining about JORGE POSADA, one of the greatest hitting catchers in history, being in the lineup because Matsui has been a little better for the first 15 games or so?
i agree that Matsui is hitting well, but unfortunately for the Yankees, he’s looked like an utter disaster in the OF so far. so that limits him to the DH. Posada needs to maintain his swing while he can’t catch. so Matsui gets the day off.
What number does Pope Benedict wear on the back of his Holy Vestments? If it happens to be 21, there are gonna be some seriously pissed off Pope Paul fans at Yankee Stadium!
Are there Pope beat writers? Yup. The same guys who cover the Cardinals.
“i agree that Matsui is hitting well, but unfortunately for the Yankees, he’s looked like an utter disaster in the OF so far”
completely agree… he looked like a little leaguer catching those foul fly balls last night… complete with the big smile after seeing the ball in his glove.
“why does every single lineup decision have to be nitpicked on this blog?”
I just thought the Pope can get an at bat. O.k. How about third base coach for an inning?
Hmmm,
Its a LoHud Blog Tradition.
There has never been a lineup Pete has ever posted since he started this blog that wasn’t followed with complaints.
As I said in an earlier post, folks should look at the splits before complaining about the lineup.
Complaining about the lineup on here is as traditional as those who declare the team in “trouble” for the season if they fall behind in a game.
Its just one of those things that makes this place a wild, wacky, fun ride!
I disagree. He’s been adequate in the field so far this year..
“What number does Pope Benedict wear on the back of his Holy Vestments? If it happens to be 21, there are gonna be some seriously pissed off Pope Paul fans at Yankee Stadium!”
Now that was a riot!!! Funniest post of the day. I wonder if Oneil would appreciate that from his fans?
“How awesome would it be if the Pope came out to Mother by Glen Danzig and threw a 95 mph heater right down broadway?”
McFadden, gonna have to disagree with ya there. There were at least two instances I can think of where Matsui didn’t get to balls that were easily catchable.
Does a bear er, poop in the woods?
Just checking.
I’d also rather see Matsui as the DH over Posada. I’d bet that Matsui would be batting 5th over Giambi. But I’m just a nit-picky fan who hasn’t looked at the splits. It’s my un-educated opinion, but it’s my opinion nonetheless, and I love that I can share it with the other fans on this blog.
Damon needs to get some time in, though. I understand that. We have a log-jam at DH, and the at-bats need to be spread out somehow.
When you don’t play everyday, you just won’t be as sharp. Matsui was a good LF prior to his wrist injury. I think his fielding has gotten worse due to lack of playing time, whereas Damon was more a natural decline in CF.
SJ,
You mentioned in the last thread that you thought that Melky was going to hold on to center field. When did you come to this conclusion? I have said that he has been ignored and looked at as the buss stop guy. Till the real center fielders got called up. I think we’re all going to look back and be amazed one day.
Do you think that either Matsui or Damon will be traded or trade bait this year?
“I disagree. He’s been adequate in the field so far this year..”
SMALL SAMPLE SIZE ALERT…
he’s basically last in the AL in ZR:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/fielding?groupId=7&season=2008&seasonType=2&split=83&sortOrder=true&sortColumn=zoneRating&qualified=0
the sample is very small, so it could be easily skewed by a few tricky balls, but the numbers jive with what my eyes are telling me.
Hello fellow Yankee fans from Montego Bay. I hope the Yanks beat the Saux by a TD again. Excuse me while I return to the pool bar.
I just saw the Pope! No really I did. I live in DC and his motorcade just drove by my place. So, I didn’t actually see him, but I did see his limo(s).
Not that I really care.
You watch Melky everyday and you see how much better he is getting.
Much better swings from the right side. Most of his AB’s this year have been strong.
He is also taking much better routes to the ball in CF.
You just see him getting better each day. Folks forget, he is only 23 years old and he is becoming a very tough out and a very solid all around player.
I don’t think the Yankees will trade Damon or Matsui. They certainly need both of them this year.
They will also need them next year because neither Tabata nor Jackson will be ready to take on 400-600 AB’s at the ML level.
hmmmm,
A “little” better? lmao Matsui’s been more than “a little” better than Posada.
I amend my last post. If Damon really regresses, and Brett Gardner continues to impress, I could see them moving Damon and giving Gardner the job next season.
That’s up to Johnny though. If he plays the way he is capable of, that won’t happen. If doesn’t, that may be a very realistic scenario.
I was curious, so I just looked up the Washington Nationals April schedule. They’re hosting the Pope as well, you know? I want to know how they were able to give the Nationals a pretty normal schedule regarding home vs. away, plus a couple of days off, but could not do that for the Yankees?
Because I didn’t realize until this morning that the Mass in Washington, DC was going to be in the Nationals new stadium.
SJ,
Will Melky’s numbers be similiar to Bernie. As far as a 20 homerun hitter/300 avg.?
I was a huge fan of Gardner in spring. But he doesnt have much of a successful track record in the minors. Has he just figured it out? Sort of like AJAX?
I read they flipped the Baltimore series from home to away. So even without the Pope being here, we still had a pretty crappy schedule.
SoS I’d urge you to read up on Brett’s AAA stats this season before you say that
SJ44- Just curious, what makes you say Tabata and Jackson won’t be able to go over 400 AB’s?
Too early to say SOS.
I think Melky is going to hit for some power later in his career. He will be a 20-25 HR guy as he develops physically.
He’s just a very good player. He does a lot of good things out there.
He can only get better.
Brett Gardner is a unique type of player in today’s baseball. He can really fly. He’s just not fast, he can fly!
His bat can be a little weak but, he is a much better hitter after the AFL (Arizona Fall League) and he is swinging the bat quite well in AAA.
Whether he is starting in the OF next year or coming off the bench, barring injury, he will make the roster next year, IMO.
He is a very interesting guy going forward for the Yankees.
Brandon,
Yes. I have been following Gardner this year. I was just wondering if something just clicked this year?
Jim,
I said neither guy will be ready next year to have 400+ AB’s at the ML level. I think they will need more time in the minors.
Its a very, very big jump from AA to the majors and I think its best to err at the side of caution in their development.
Agreed. Thanks.
Andy,
Then I fully expect you to be starting your job as a major league talent evaluator very shortly.
Good luck in your new position.
“SJ44, you’re very, very dumb. Gardner will be a great starting OF if you consider lack of contact and zero power to be good things.”
huh, i guess i completely missed where SJ said Gardner would be a “great starting OF”.
i guess “interesting” now means “great”.
HOORAY FOR STRAWMEN!!!!!
Since the Frau is an Italian I guess I am qualified to answer these:
Does the Pope do a post-Mass press conference?
No, he does not take questions from the unwashed masses. However, he will come to the window and offer greetings and blessings. I know, I was in the square one April morning when the dude appeared. I was waiting for the Vatican museum to open. I was wearing a T-shirt that declares: Hell is my Destination. I love the irony.
Are there Pope beat writers?
There most certainly are. Don’t ask me to name them, but all the major newspapers in Italy (not just Rome) have a reporter devoted full-time to the Vatican beat. The Vatican has a press agency and their own publicity department too.
Does the Pope get second-guessed by the tabloids in Rome?
I cannot for the life of me remember the name of the newspapers, but I recall the headline: The Pope is full of it. It was from the socialist/communist party paper (a daily in Parma). The complaint was over his preference for Prada shoes (and other expensive clothing) and a recent call by the pontiff’s secretary for the Italians to curb their wasteful ways. I don’t know if the newspapers in Rome are so bold. (Parma is a radical college town.)
I agree, Jackson and especially Tabata have at least a year still in the minors until we see them even considered for a backup role in the majors. Caution must be taken with Tabata’s past injuries. And Jackson has yet to prove in a full season he can hit for what his ceiling can be. I can see both being able to crack the lineup in 2010 if all goes well.
Gardner is a speed demon. He is the kind of player you want leading off every game and just find a way to get him on base. Because then he will cause havoc with a pitcher.
Gardner is slugging .641 right now….just saying.
All the advertising at the Stadium will be covered during the Pope’s visit. He celebrates mass with wine so God forbid that any Budweiser, Ballantine, Reingold, or Knickerbocker beer signs are seen.
If the yanks win tonight we are in first place. GO YANKEES!!!
If Damon isn’t performing, he’s not going to be moveable at $13M. The market for mid 30’s CF’s who can’t play CF is pretty slow these days. Way too early to tell at this point. He’ll probably be fine at the plate.
Similarly with Garnder, there’s not much in his history to suggest the 1.000 OPS he’s put up in 10 games is a realistic reflection of his talent. OBP skills seem to be there, which could make him an effective leadoff hitter when Damon’s gone. But let’s him carry it over a half season or more 1st.
SJ44,
What do you think about Ryan Pope? I’ve been following him a bit and was wondering your opinion. Possible 4th starter down the road? Seems like the Yankees really like him and are really intrigued.
Afternoon everyone. Still haven’t slept.
Does anyone know the Pope’s splits against Beckett?
He’s a kid that just has to keep pitching well.
He has a good arm and good composure on the mound. He just needs innings to see how far he can go.
He’s a kid that will probably be in AA next year. At that time, we will be able to get a better read as to how far he can project.
SJ,
The jump from AA to MLB isn’t much harder than AAA to MLB. Phenoms like Tabata and Jackson won’t need much time at AAA; perhaps a month or two max.
SoS,
“Will Melky’s numbers be similiar to Bernie. As far as a 20 homerun hitter/300 avg.?”
Melky will never be as good as Bernie, not even close. Bernie’s stats might surprise you: http://www.baseball-reference.com/w/willibe02.shtml
I disagree that Melky will have 20-25 HR power. At his prime he might hit 10-15 with a .300 BA. With the kind of talent the Yankees have coming up through the system Melky will probably be the fourth outfielder by 2010.
The problem with Gardner most people seem to ignore is his alarming K rate. He would be a pretty good regular if he was “Pierre who takes a walk” as Cashman put it. However, that seems unlikely. If you have no power, even if you put up a .350 OBP (and that’s not guaranteed for Gardner) at the majors, you can’t strikeout 120 times over 600 at-bats. This is what Gardner is currently projected to do. There is thus a good possibility that at the major-league level many of his walks would turn into outs–and unless he walks a lot, there’s no way he’s a starter.
Melky will hit 10-15 HR’s this year. He may even hit 20 th is year and he’s not close to being at his physical peak.
The jump from AA to the majors is huge. If it wasn’t, Cameron Maybin would be the starting CF for the Marlins this year instead of being back in AA. Where he was last year before the Tigers called him up.
I don’t think Melky is going to be the 4th OF on this team if he continues to improve at the rate he is improving right now.
As we are seeing with Phil Hughes, it takes time to play MLB at a high level.
Not every prospect, especially 21 and 22 year olds, are ready for such a jump.
I think folks who are expecting Jackson and/or Tabata to be in the Yankee OF next year are jumping the gun.
Let them develop because there is no need to rush them.
Their OF is not in dire straits.
Andy Van Slyke ;
You were never more than a journeyman CF in your career.
Go back to your fraudulent job as a 1st base coach for the hapless Tigers.
SJ44,
I agree that Melky’s got breakout potential (as put forth by some projection systems), but if his OPS+ at year’s end isn’t at least 105, i think it’s safe to say he’ll never be much better than average.
“UPDATE, 4:31 p.m.: Sox lineup now posted. Same as yesterday”
.
Cool…then they are in for a LONG NIGHT !
Rebecca–Optimist Prime–Mission 2708 ….$20 says you won’t make it until the end of the game (joke)
What the… youkilis is playing??? I thought he’s hurt.
I think Melky is the most underrated player on the Yankees.
“UPDATE, 4:31 p.m.: Sox lineup now posted. Same as yesterday”
.
Cool…then they are in for a LONG NIGHT !
We should be so lucky.
I’d take our chances if Moose pitches like he did over the weekend, whatever day that was. Just don’t pitch to Manny with men on base.
Is Raymond Arroyo a Papal beat writer?
Do they play baseball in Vatican City?
Joe from Long Island….that lineup is gonna get MOWED DOWN tonight….watch and enjoy, my friend !
Joe: Just as long as the weather doesn’t pull a Saturday
during Melky’s rookie season (when he was brought up mid-season and probably too early):
(according to Michael Kay) Don Mattingly said he thinks Melky will contend for a batting title at some point.
just food for thought.
“The jump from AA to the majors is huge.”
I never said it wasn’t. The jump from AA to the majors IS huge, I agree. But the jump from AAA to the majors isn’t much easier. The real test is at AA.
Melky was in AAA for about 50 games, Cano was in AAA for about 80 games, Hughes started 5 times in AAA, Chamberlain had 1 start and 2 relief apperances, Kennedy had 6 starts.
Considering Tabata and Jackson are extremely talented I don’t see them spending as much time as Melky or Cano in AAA. They will be called up at the end of this season to AAA and probably spend a month or two at the beginning of next.
Mark my words, one of them will be the Yankees starting RF for the majority of next season IF Abreu isn’t re-signed. Unless Cashman can get Abreu to sign a 3 years or less deal he will probably get a stop-gap 4th outfielder type (or perhaps Brett Gardner) to play for the first month or two then call up one of Tabata or Jackson.
when’s posada gonna be back behind the plate? i have no problem with chad but we keep hearing that jorge is “close” but everyday he’s the DH again.
IIRC, Don Mattingly said (during Melky’s rookie season) that the Melkman would win a batting title one day.
I know Mattingly said it about Cano…I don’t remember him saying it about Melky.
Boston Dave -
Are you sure he was talking about Melky? I thought he said that about Cano?
I thought mattingly said that about Cano
That was very funny- what Casey did last night.
He’s quite the character, but it’s got to be distracting on 1st with him, he must talk your head off.
He said it about Cano re: the batting title.
He said Melky would be an all-star CF and win Gold Gloves.
I remember when they said Ruben Rivera is the next Mickey Mantle. They always hype up their own guys, and everyone always buys it.
I guess I did not remember correctly
close though
“Do they play baseball in Vatican City?”
I saw the Pope at the Vatican in 1999. All the Italians commented on my Yankees 1999 World Champions t-shirt.
Clay Bellinger,
you cant blame people for getting excited about their highly touted prospects.
Obviously any Mickey Mantle comparison is either an exaggeration or ridiculous.
I think many of us realize that most prospects dont reach their “full potential” but it would be pretty boring if we expected none of them to.
About the priests and the pope, I can ask next week when I go to Italy.
Err. I mean next month.
But yea, same thing.
Boston Dave - I remember hearing that comment about Melky too. It may have been from Kevin Long (he was the AAA hitting coach for Melky, right?). I remember the YES guys mentioned it.
Chamberlain, Hughes, Kennedy, Cabrera, Duncan, and Ohlendorf.
Rivera, Jeter, Posada, Pettitte.
Trades for young players who came through the system such as Gonzalez, Albie and Bruney.
That’s half the roster filled with homegrown guys.
That’s a lot for any team.
With guys like Gardner, Jackson, Horne, Patterson, Tabata and others getting ready to knock on the door, its not out of line to be excited about the future.
Will all of these players make it big? No. It never works out that way.
However, there are power in numbers. The more talent you have coming through the system, the better chance you have to strike gold.
Just sayin that in the real world we will be lucky if 2 of the prospects turn out to be anything more that average.
SJ: Robbie feels left out
It’s not that I am not excited about the young guys, I am. I think when looking at the prospects you have to be reasonable.
Rebecca,
You are right. I omitted the best one of the bunch and I also left out Wang.
Its already been more than 2 players who have turned out to be more than average.
Nobody is saying they all will be all stars.
But, there will be more than 2 that become upper level talents.
Barring injuries of course.
Motown Yanks Fan,
thanks, I could have sworn I heard the YES guys say it also but assumed I got it screwed up with Melky.
Maybe the YES guys mixed it up, but I did remember hearing them say it was Melky.
Do the Red Sox really have a better farm system then the Yankees?
Wake up Pete the Pope’s infallible, he doesn’t need beat writers and there is no second guessing in Popeing. Sorry dude, no work in Rome for you.
LOL never has there been a better description of Jorge when he gets mad. That was perfectly put, Pete.
Tino in the stadium tonight.
Jax,
I was asking that earlier on another thread.
I dont see how the Sox system is better either. Sure I am biased but I still don’t see it.
That Ortiz jersey is going for $30K. I wonder how much it would have gone for if they waited and had the Pope take it out…
Just curious - for future reference - what Wang’s typical stat line looks like for all the games he pitches immediately after he goes 8 or 9 innings.
Last night was just a slug fest … it seemed like everyone including both bat boys and base coaches getting a couple hits. But I seem to remember him sometimes not being so good the next start after he has a stellar start.
Curious if there’s a pattern for Joe G to consider down the road, like when he’s given up only 3 hits and 1 run by the end of the 7th inning against someone like KC, but it’s 5 days before a big game against the Sox or a real contender. Or in the playoffs when you can’t afford for someone to follow a CG 2 hitter with a 9-run, 4-inning clunker.
I’m just using his last 2 games just a random example. I don’t want the argumentative nit-pickers among us to think that I think that’s what will always happen after he throws a CG 2 hitter. Just wondering about general overall performance patterns after his best & longest starts.
If the Yanks are up by 2 or 3 after 7 and a couple good arms in the pen are rested, do you pull him for the 8th to save something for his next game? I really don’t know.
In general if the first 4 games he pitched this year reflect how he may pitch throughout the year, 3 solid games out of every 4 is pretty damn good. Simple math suggests that could become 18-6 or 21-7 by year’s end.
Has anyone heard if they put pettitte on the bereavement list? They could probably put him on for today, friday and Saturday and have him come off sunday…and then they could pull a guy up from AAA to fortify the pen, if they’re in the area. Though…maybe there’s no one on the 40-man down there that’d be available today? Seems odd to me. I figure they’d want that extra arm.
Hm…is anyone else having trouble getting the actual media player for MLB.tv to show up?
ANSKY
I think that’s a great question!
I seem to remember even last season, the game after the game he struck out 10 wasn’t a good one. But my memory is definitely weird lately, so I’m not sure.
“You watch Melky everyday and you see how much better he is getting.
Much better swings from the right side. Most of his AB’s this year have been strong.
He is also taking much better routes to the ball in CF.
You just see him getting better each day. ”
Could not agree more. I don’t see Melky getting bumped out of his spot anytime soon. You can see his confidence rising with each at bat. He could be better than Bernie. I don’t think its a stretch to say that.
block anti-mussina?
He’s “anti” and offensive.
just win tonight
anybody know if Gino Castignoli has gotten his butt whooped yet?
or at least sued?
miggs: better than Bernie is a stretch (this coming from a huge Melky fan.) However Melky becoming a solid, consistent, everyday center-fielder: might just happen.
Gene Michael was on the radio this morning and he said that in his opinion the best prosepct on the farm is Austin Jackson. He was also very high on Alberto Gonzales who is obviously now up with the Yankees.
Thanks Doreen
Are there any stat heads among us who know how to find out that information?
Oh jorge. Gotta love em. he’s so testy.
Hello everyone, lets get another W tonight
i love jorge during Fox playoff games, he hates those diamond cams at home plate so much, he’s always burying them. i think he broke one a few years ago because he got sick of the fox guys coming out and brushing the dirt off of it.
Fran -
just racing by to say Moosey will be great (despite what I just saw!), Beckett will get spanked by the Yanks, and Yanks will take this baby!
GO YANKEES - and see ya later.
The Extra Bases blog is good, but it doesn’t hold a candle to this one. Particularly in-game, they do too much play-by-play and too little analysis.
Rob Bradford’s blogging is inconsistent — his blog rivaled this one when he was at the Eagle-Tribune.
Let’s try and keep the negativity and DFA talk to a minimum tonight, shall we?
Westerner,
I’m all for that.
I wish that were possible, but you know the minute a Yankee gets out or Moose gives up a run, the DFA calls will be out in full force.
On Melky - I like the progress I’ve seen in his early years. At age 20, he came up for a short stay and he just looked like he was in over his head. He didn’t get rattled, went back down and came up a little bigger next time. When Matsui broke his wrist, Melky wasn’t like an all-star but he played well as Matsui’s fill in. Then he won CF from Damon, who (aside from being achy & injured) was still generally pretty able to play CF at the time. I don’t really know how to scientifically evaluate his potential, but if Melky keeps getting better, even in gradual steps each year then he could be a pretty damn good player from age 26-32. Barring injury of course.
perfect
thats right baby!
DFA that!!
Nice play by Cano to get the DP
NICE DP! thanks Jacoby!
ANSKY -
If you go to baseball-reference.com, you can look up the game logs for CMWang. I started to go through the 2007 games, and thought there might have been a pattern, but I don’t have the patience right now to study it.
Let’s ignore anti-mussina and hugh. The last couple of days have been particularly bad and I think at this point they’re just trying to get a rise out of the rational people on this blog. If we don’t respond, they’ll go away
why do they always get away with arguing balls and strikes?
Hm. Kay mentioning that the umps give a lot of slack to Ortiz and Manny. can’t say i’m surprised, and he’s absolutley right. i see those guys argue 2, 3 times a game and the umps don’t do shit about it. god forbid A-Rod should argue, he’d probably get tossed in a heart beat.
We gotta make beckett work tonight and get to that red sox bullpen. vulnerable as all hell right now…
All these people who call for these veteran players to be DFA’d after every bad performance have no clue how a baseball team is run. Moose can have 5-6 horrible starts in a row and he won’t be DFA’d. Same thing with guys like Giambi and Damon. There is absolutely no chance that these guys get DFA’d. Giambi would have to go 0 for 200 before they even thought of DFAing him. Do you know how much money these guys make? You think they are going to be designated for assignment? Its so ridiculous I just had to say something.
get to work bats
On the negativity & DFA calls - I have utter confidence in my fellow bloggers. Seconds after it’s reported Moose just threw a fastball at 88.6 mph, someone will rant on about how he needs it to be at least 88.9 to offset his knuckle-curve. When he’s down to 88.2 in the 5th, Anti Moose will be raging and flippin’ us all the bird. By the time Moose drops it to 88-flat, Anti will claim all who tell him to lighten up are actually threatening his life.
I say ignore the crazies.
C’mon Captain!
Pete: Thanks for the update re: Joba’s dad.
i’ve got a random question but does anyone know what bobby abreu’s entrance music is? it sounds pretty cool
Doreen -
Agreed … I have a life too. Thanks for the link though. Maybe one day this weekend before my morning coffee works its way up to my frontal lobe, I’ll take a sec and look it up.
Beckett looks so in control on the mound. Abreu didn’t stand a chance that time.
is Moose pitching around Mann?
Pete, so what will be the plan for Joba when he returns?
Send him down to AAA for a couple of weeks to build up his strength before joining the team?
Manny rather
i guess not, ugh
Another HR from the most dangerous hitter on Planet Earth.
Did Bobbby change his stance? He puts the bat on his shoulder before entering his stance, kind of like what Posada does when Wakefield pitches.
Okay. So, Moose can’t pitch to Manny. Maybe now they’ll learn.
Ack. Manny just barely gets that homer. 1-0 Sox.
He has got to stop pitching to Manny Ramirez. He can’t get him out.
Going 3-0 and then throwing the strikes makes no sense.
For a Stanford grad, he is a very, very stubborn man.
When is Moose going to learn you can’t pitch that way to Manny? You can’t just lay it in there like that. WALK HIM
Oh Dang.
Come on Moose
Mussina, the gift that keeps on giving
why do they continue to give manny things to hit? just pitch around him, and he might hit something bad and ground out. he might walk, so be it. that pitch was right down broadway, and lo and behold, manny hit it out.
I thought Moose was at least going to pitch Manny inside. He either threw it too far outside or right down the middle.
Throw it inside to Manny, if it hits him, oh well.
I heard on Mike and the Mad Dog today that Manny wants a new contract for 6 years, $120M. I can’t imagine the red sox giving him that much money at this stage of his career.
I’m going to guess Joba is back when the team goes to Chicago.
Calm down a bit. I’m sure he didn’t throw him that ball on purpose.
Hey, forget DFA talk. The Yankees NEED Mike Mussina to pitch well. At least for the first half of the season. Maybe all of this season if the young guns struggle.
As a manager, Girardi has to use everything he has to squeeze as many good performances as he can out of Moose.
Often, its a mind game.
However you do it, you gotta hope Moose can hold up for the first half of the season. We need his experience and we need him to eat innings.
He just has to be less stubborn.
Can a leopard change his spots? We shall see.
Ugh. Not that it will ever happen in our lifetime because Moose is a wuz, but Moose should have just hit him with a pitch and put him on first base. Don’t just walk him, make him pay for his incessant antics.
Boston Dave:
Moose refuses to pitch inside.
As far as Joba is concerned, it sounds like as soon as dad is off the respirator, that may be when he rejoins the team.
I know it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things but, I wonder if he is throwing at all?
You spend a week without throwing at all and it sets you back.
Hopefully, one of the writers asks Girardi that question the next time they speak about Joba.
“For a Stanford grad, he is a very, very stubborn man.”
Since when are bright people not stubborn?
Also, did people take note of that comment about Manny talking to Gammons about what he’d need to do to get into the hall of fame?
Imagine if ARod had had that conversation. Imagine how long it would take for the talk-radio idiots to let that go. If ever they did.
I think it is time for Manny to get his hands hit as Jeter and Arod are always getting plunked.
Don’t pitch to the batting savant, hit him every time he comes to bat.
ADave - 2 things:
1, I had some thoughts (4:37, this thread) on signing Manny.
2, Mike and the Mangy Dog are idiots.
the yankees are helping beckett out, they need patient at bats and base hits
michael kay has the john sterling thing going on. made me think the giambi flyball and the damon fly were gone.
Hmm, a pinstriped baserunner would be nice.
Too quick of an inning by the Yanks. Beckett only threw 6 or so pitches.
they must want beckett to last 7 innings because they’re certainly not making him work.
Patti,
at least pitch manny inside as they often do to Jeter and ARod. if manny walks, so be it. but mike mussina cant let manny beat him time and time again.
The next at bat for Manny regardless of the score, give him nothing to hit and if he walks so be it. Get chancy with hitters behind him. He’s far too locked in right now.
“Also, did people take note of that comment about Manny talking to Gammons about what he’d need to do to get into the hall of fame?”
When did he ask Gammons that, was it recently? If yes, doesn’t he know that he’s already a Hall of Fame lock?
When a guy is always throwing strike one, its tough to take pitches.
His stuff is too good to consistently fall behind in counts.
You mix it up with him. Its why Cano, a non-patient hitter, has good numbers against him.
Taking a lot of pitches works well when you are facing a guy who has trouble throwing strikes. It doesn’t work well when a guy is throwing strikes and has great stuff, like Beckett.
I think Moose has to come in off the plate. He doesn’t have to hit someone (although I wouldn’t be opposed to it) but he has to make guys move their feet. That constant soft stuff away just isn’t going to get it done.
they’ve hit the ball hard a few times of Beckett… the hits will come
I love this conversation Flaherty and Leiter are having about Moose. They’re not pulling punches, either.
I love Michael Kay saying what Moose needs to do. “The reluctance needs to end.” Shut up.
miggs,
he did go inside to Varitek (who turned on the 87mph fastball for a hit) but at least it should keep the hitters somewhat off balance.
The hits will come, but it’d be nice if they’d make him work a little bit.
that hit the bat!
Who do the Sox plunk if they want to retaliate? Our bat boy?
Steph,
sure, but what SJ44 said makes sense
Hitting Elsbury is just as bad as giving up a double or triple to him. He’s going to steal on the 1st or 2nd pitch.
Rebecca,
Where are you going in Italy?
this is making me sad
psh. looked like ellsbury shoved his elbow into that. still, that’s annoying again, ahead on ellsbury and then puts him on.
crap, Ellsbury on 3rd after duping the ump into thinking he got hit by that pitch
there it is..
That was ugly by Moeller…yikes.
Miggs: you can’t have it both ways…if he comes in, he’s bound to hit someone.
When you have spent your entire career pitching away, pitching inside becomes difficult. Like Tom Glavine, Moose is trying to do something he isn’t comfortable in doing. Which is why he isn’t good at it yet.
That said, he has to keep doing it or he isn’t going to last the season. He just has to keep working at it.
First example of why winning with your third string catcher is dicey. Horrible throw by Moeller.
Brian,
I am stuck watching the game on NESN, but they showed it in slo-mo and even the Sox announcers agreed it did not hit Ellsbury. It hit the knob of the bat.
that was pathetic moeller. a pitch out and he throws it to right field? not good at all. so moose gets ahead on ellsbury, then puts him on and now he’s on third. neat.
2-0 Sox on the single.
Awful pitch up, no location.
He’s got nothing tonight but he has to stay out there. They can’t blow out the bullpen this early again.
Winning tonight is meaningless if the bullpen gets beat up again.
Whether he gives up 2 runs or 15 runs, he has to suck it up now and eat some innings for the team.
Andrea -
I wouldn’t normally stick up for Michael Kay, heavens knows, but he didn’t really say anything different than most people here have been saying about Moose. He needs to pitch inside.
But, like SJ44 said, it’s a skill he needs to learn - just keep at it until he does feel comfortable. It’s that or he won’t be pitching at the end of the season, more than likely.
It is only two runs in 2 1/3 innings…it is not the end of the world yet.
westerner I hear you, but anyone but Elsbury. Hit Big Papi. Hit Manny. Hit Veritek. Those guys will need 2 hits to score them. Don’t plunk a guy who is not hitting well but has blazing speed. And both times he hit him the count was 1-2.
can we get a DP here? please…
Mussina has a really high pitch count. Hope that the Yanks don’t have to go to the bullpen too early.
I heard on the pregame that Andy is not wit hte team. He left for a death in the family. He hopes to be in Baltimore in time to make his start on Sunday.
Peanut butter and white bread in Japan? Not so impressive, Moose. Live a little!
I’m a little surprised at Jorge. I guess it does get a little annoying being asked everyday.
Nick that would be me!!
Apparently Moose is okay pitching inside to Ellsbury.
11 million to eat up innings, that is a flawed philosophy. The reality is that his contract was 2 years too long and to pretend that he is a legitimate starter on a Championship team is an illusion
SJ44,
pardon my ignorance, but why is pitching inside a skill that requires learning? Is it that the pitcher can’t not focus on the batter?
See spot. throw ball. hit spot. no?
call me crass, but is Joba doing anything to keep his arm strength up?
The Yanks really need some innings from Moose today, but his pitch count is already over 50. All the Yanks have available tonight is Alby, Traber, Mo, and Farnsworth…and with Hughes going tomorrow, they will probably be needing some guys ready.
cmon moose!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
What the hell is wrong with mussina????
I like Petes analysis…lets sign manny…before he hits another homerun, please
Remember when Manny was put on irrevocable waivers and no one claimed him and his $20M salary…it looks like a bargain now. That guy is a hitting machine.
Please stop pitching to Manny…4-0 now.
If we weren’t on the wrong end of this, it’d be comical.
Moose.
please. Stop pitching to Manny. There are some things that human beings can’t do. Pitching to Manny Ramirez is one of them.
PETER I DISAGREE
WHY CAN’T WE INTENTIONALLY WALK HIM
I GIVE UP
HAVE MERCY ON MY SOUL MANNY
that is insane. Stop being stubborn and walk him. 2 HRs!!
When will he learn? This is unbelievable.
vrsce,
you make the best of the situation. mussina earned his extension with the way he pitched in 2006. hindsight is 20/20.
though the way you come off with that, im guessing you are a troll.
WTF?
Manny sure does love Mussina
You can’t leave it over the middle to manny..
sara
He can not pitch anymore and is simply posing as an MLB player
I can’t wait to have Manny playing left field for us in 2011. If you can’t beat em, pay em.
Stop pitching to Manny.
Yikes.
wow, this is going to be a long night