Game 18: Yankees at Orioles
-
- April
- 18
YANKEES
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Cano 2B
Giambi 1B
Cabrera CF
Moeller C
Hughes RHP
ORIOLES
Roberts 2B
Mora 3B
Markakis RF
Millar 1B
Scott LF
Huff DH
Jones CF
R. Hernandez C
L. Hernandez SS
Cabrera RHP
Notes: Edwar Ramirez is in the clubhouse. But the Yankees won’t say who is being sent out. I would assume it’s Jon Albaladejo. … Beautiful day here in Baltimore. … The Yankees have homered in five straight games. … Yankee pitching has allowed 16 runs on 27 hits in the last two games and needed 11 innings out of the bullpen.
Here is how Hughes has fared against the Orioles
Here is how Daniel Cabrera has fared against the Yankees
Back later with updates
UPDATE, 6:17 p.m.: Albaladejo was indeed optioned to Scranton. … Ramirez is here because he hasn’t pitched in three days. How do you figure Scott Patterson feels about now? … No word yet on Joba. But he has thrown two sides in Nebraska (one yesterday) and won’t go on any sort of rehab before joining the team again. It sounds like he could be back soon. Understandably, the Yankees aren’t setting any sort of deadline. … Andy Pettitte is back in Texas because of a death in his family. He will return tomorrow and make his start on Sunday.
UPDATE, 7:48 p.m.: Hughes has thrown first-pitch strikes to all nine hitters he has faced. The problem is that he has gone to three-ball counts on four of those hitters and has already thrown 40 pitches. But he’s right around the plate and working at a good pace.
UPDATE, 8:27 p.m.: Shelley Duncan, the Babe Ruth of the International League, has homered and doubled for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Moosic/Lackawanna Yankees. Shelley now has four home runs and 10 RBI in nine games.
Plus I believe that every SWB Yankee has a giant bruise on their forearm.
UPDATE, 9:23 p.m.: Phil Hughes will get tagged with a loss tonight (barring a miracle) and some people will want him out. But there was definite improvement tonight with his fastball command. He threw too many pitches, but he also didn’t much help from his defense.
I remain of the opinion that he will one day be a very, very good starting pitcher. But the Yankees rushed him to the majors last season and they seem OK with the idea of his developing in the big leagues.
That’s fine. Just understand that it’s going to be very difficult for the Yankees to make the playoffs and develop Hughes and Ian Kennedy at the same time. Right now, this is a team with two reliable starters.
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No Scott Patterson???? He must be upset.
Can’t wait for this game…usually the Yankees play well after a series against the Sox. Plus, I’ll be at the game tonight! Hopefully Hughes and Cabrera don’t combine for 15 walks in 5 innings.
I think you guys are confused…Scott Patterson is pronounced “Scott Patterson” not “Cy Young”
Giambi has a .700 OBP against Cabrera, with 11 BBs. Wow. I like that Pete posts the links to pitcher/batter matchups now!
Maybe Patterson wasn’t available to pitch tonight, and clearly they need fresh arms in the bp tonight. Just a thought.
Or maybe he hasn’t pitched above AA and Ramirez has ML experience.
Edwar has some experience and I think he’s been doing pretty good so far in AAA. I’d like to see him again.
Or that as soon as Joba’s back someone’s getting sent down.
Yeah, I’m curious to see how Edwar fares in the majors this year. A lot could happen with a young player from season to season.
Only relevent issues today:
1. When is Joba coming back? If its not for another week, then its time to get him ready to start upon his return.
2. Phil Hughes. Need a big performance from him tonight.
3. Giambi and Damon. Yes, its only April. However, both guys have to start showing soon their bats still have life. If not, they are going to have to begin thinking about contingency plans them soon.
Ramirez over Patterson? Ramirez has pitched better than Patterson so far this year. Also, if Joba is a day or two away from returning to the team, this is not going to be a long stay for Ramirez.
They may feel its better to keep Patterson in AAA and have him pitch than riding the Scranton shuttle for such a short stay in NY.
Pete, thanks for posting the B-R links. it’s a nice addition to the game threads.
SJ44,
What do you think of bringing back Shelley as soon as Jorge can get back behind the plate? He’s done all the Yanks could have asked. I’d love to see either Shelley or Ensberg get more time at first, especially against lefties. There is no reason to play Giambi at this point against any left handed pitcher.
we got be careful tonight
D-Cab 24:15 GO/AO in 16.2 IP this season, he has given up 4 HR this season.
but the Baltimore BP Bradford, Albers and Sherrill can be lights out.
I was watching Cabrerra pitch earlier this year for the O’s - He has developed a tick where he ducks to his left after letting the ball go. I don’t remember if he got hit by a line shot or what but he clearly has it in his head.
He is going to walk the park tonight and hit the showers early. I personally guarantee it. (if I turn out wrong, you get your money back)
I definitely think Shelley will be back once the catching situation is straightened out.
Girardi said as much the other day.
I would like to see Shelley or Ensberg start getting some time at first.
Baltimore is starting a lefty in this series. I’m sure Ensberg will be in the lineup for that game.
Girardi is in a tough spot. He has to give Damon and Giambi a chance to get going. He’s doing the same thing with Cano.
When you are young, there is a given patience toward getting going. When you are an older player, its more of a tightrope.
They will both obviously get more time to get going. But, you have to think the leashes on both guys are pretty short.
Let’s hope Yanks get an early lead to help relax hughes a bit. His fast ball should be good tonight as it is warm! here’s hoping!
Um…
Edwar Ramirez:
7IP 2H 0R 1BB 11K 0.00 ERA
Scott Patterson:
5.2 4H 2R 3BB 4K 3.18 ERA
http://scrantonwilkesbarre.yankees.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ibp&cid=531&stn=true&sid=t531
Can anyone compute Mussina’s stats without Manny Ramirez’ AB’s included, versus with? Manny has 3 HR’s & a 2-run double in his last 4 AB’s against Moose. Ouch.
I wonder if Jeter could play left? Then put Gonzo at SS. Oh and of course my daily call for Ensberg at first. Free Morgan Ensberg!
Trying this on for size
Forget Ensberg. Someone free Shelley from AAA so he can split time between left and first base, and rid us the sight of both Giambi and Damon.
0.43 WHIP ? he couldn’t have gotten that better
What on earth did Albaladjeo do wrong to be sent down? Sheesh.
He threw 48 pitches yesterday and will be unavailable for the next couple of days.
They need a fresh arm and its a natural thing to send down the guy who is unavailable to pitch for the next couple of days.
SJ - if that’s really you, are you suggesting Joba should be considered for Mussina’s slot in the rotation? If not, whose?
Betsy -he threw 50 pitches last night and is unavailable today; that’s why he may be sent down.
I’m glad they are giving Edwar another shot. Looks like he’s been up to his usual tricks down on the farm. He’s always had insane K/9 BB/9 numbers with good ERA and WHIP in the minors, but they never surfaced in the show. Hopefully he gets it together this time around.
Has Edwar suddenly developed a pitch to successfully complement his change at the big league level, or is this just a weekend stint ’til Joba gets back?
6 man rotation ANSKY, that’s what I suggested on a previous thread. Got shot down, but I think it could work.
ANSKY,
Yes. I think its time to put Joba in the rotation and have him take Moose’s spot. Its time.
It would take 2 weeks this early in the season to stretch him out and get him ready to start.
IMO, now is the best time to do it. They can find somebody to pitch 8th innings. Its tough to find a starter with the arm of Joba’s.
Might as well do it now.
I’m a big fan of Edwar, so I’m happy. I just hope he makes the best of his call-up this time, and doesn’t get so emotional and nervous.
Chad Jennings on SWB blog states that it is Alby.
Edwar’s SWB record: No record or saves. Six Games. 7 IP, 0 R, 2 Hits, 1 walk and 11 Ks.
Jay: Shelley has to be down at least 10 days. I forget what day he was sent down, but he has to be down at least 10 days before he is recalled.
My guess is that once Jorge is ok to catch and the 10 days are up, Duncan will come up and Moeller goes down. No offense to Moeller, but hopefully that is in a few days.
Edwar’s problem really isn’t his stuff, it’s his control and command, he threw fastballs down the plate in the majors. As long as he can locate his fastball then it’s enough with his ridiculous changeup. He definitely deserves more than one chance.
I think tomorrow or Sunday is the first day Shelley can officially be brought back up.
I read the post above that stated the Yanks play well after the a Sox series. I do not have firm stats however it seems the Red Sox play very poorly after a Yanks series. Those games are always long and draining and usually deplete the bullpens. Hats off to the Yanks if that is the case . The sox seem to sleep walk for two games after a “rivalry” series.
Huge fan of Big Papal.
-dennis
I’d called Albaladejo going down last night on River Ave. Blues, but I thought it’d be for Patterson….
Isiah fired.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/basketball/nba/04/18/knicks.thomas.ap/index.html
Edwar huh? Interesting. I guess Girardi wants a fresh arm to absorb some of the work tonight if Hughes falters. Not a bad idea at all, I think Edwar’s been doing well this year.
I hope tomorrow Posada actually gets back to catching. Chad Moeller has been doing enough to get the job done, but I can’t see him hitting well for very long. His history doesn’t support the thought that he will.
Dennis-Costanza
i don’t have facts to back it up either but going on recent history, the Sox rung off a couple consecutive wins after the Yanks series at Fenway.
Isiah Thomas gets promoted and I’m suppose to be happy , I’m going to talk a walk, later people.
SJ-
Love the idea of slotting Joba into the rotation now. Who do you think takes over as the 8th inning go to guy? LaTroy or Ohlendorf? or do they just split the role for now?
I’m going out for a walk *
SJ -
As I start to write this, it seems your friend Anti isn’t reading yet today.
Would Moose be willing to be moved to that mythical ‘long man’ position and eat innings there?
Could he be converted to a late inning guy although obviously not a closer? Would he have enough gas to reach 90 with his fastball if its for one inning, or is 87-88 all he’s got left now?
SJ:
Regarding the A-Rod, Canseco, Dion piece in Sports Illustrated today, I figured I would go to someone how would know the answer.
I’m not surprised that A-Rod recalls being introduced to Dion by someone other than Canseco, but, given your familiarity with Miami and the pro baseball community there, is it possible that A-Rod was genuinely unaware that Dion knew Canseco?
Brian.
Good Point. I guess it is my impression over the last few seasons. The teams and the build up seem to be exhausting. However, maybe it is just me that is exhausted!!
Have a good weekend.
-dennis
I doubt that Mussina will go quietly to the bullpen. I have no way of knowing but I would imagine that he still wants to add to his win totals to give him an (outside) shot at getting into the HOF. I think its more likely that he would accept a trade where he could start somewhere than take on a long reliever role… unless he felt it was temporary. But we are getting way ahead of ourselves.
So when Phyllis pitches like garbage AGAIN, will it be because it was too warm?
If Damon doesn’t start being productive as a lead-off guy soon the Yanks got to find someone who can.
A good leadoff guy makes the #2 hitter better and gives team more of chance to score and score early.
Maybe put Jeter in leadoff spot and move up Abreu to #2?
Bottom line - we need the table setters.
Brandon - two weeks ago Isiah was team president and head coach. Now he reports to the team president and is not the head couch. What promotion are you referring to?
Part of the answer to the bullpen problems — David Robertson, who has dominated at every level so far he’s been in the minors. I never see him mentioned. He’s at AA, and pitching extremely well.
I’m sure I’ll hear he doesn’t have plus-plus stuff, but it sure as hell has to beat the ham and eggers we have in the bullpen now.
Unfortunately - taking Joba out of the “Set UP” man in the 8th inning means that there’s risk of going to Mo in the 8th with 1 or 2 outs and therefore over using him.
Watch out 60 Minutes - ESPN is on the case.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3351418
This is pretty bad
“If Damon doesn’t start being productive as a lead-off guy soon the Yanks got to find someone who can.”
*cough*melkycabrera*cough*
“Unfortunately - taking Joba out of the “Set UP” man in the 8th inning”
It also probably means more quality starts that expose the middle relief less. Would you rather have Joba out there to keep a 7-5 game close in the 8th, or have him bringing a 7-3 game to Ohlendorf in the 8th?
There’s no way Robertson can make the jump from AA to MLB. Not only that, but there are a number of arms who deserve a shot in AAA first.
hughes needs to pitch to contact tonight and keep his pitch count down oer inning. if they beat him they beat him, but he can’t be nibbling away with the pitch count mounting while trying to trick hitters being afraid to trust his stuff like he’s some aging veteran who used to be good. not that that reminds me of anyone.
hughes obviously has some talent or he wouldn’t be up with the yankees so young. he needs to trust that and use a third pitch besides just the fastball and curve. it seems like that’s all he’s throwing. if he doesn’t get the third pitch going , he’s going to have to drop back down to scranton to refine it there.
he doesn’t need to be great-5-6 innings, 4 runs would be a step in the right direction.
I would hazard to guess that Giambi is on a shorter leash than Damon…only because of their respective defensive values.
“*cough*melkycabrera*cough*”
You should see a doctor about that cough - sounds bad!
The real test of Girardi as a manager is not in the game decisions…he’ll be fine there. The real test is how he handles the veterans as their skills start to erode. Will he be able to handle their egos and massage the line-ups to always do what is best for the team, regardless of friendships. I certainly think he is capable, but we’ll see. He had a very young team down in Miami.
“So when Phyllis pitches like garbage AGAIN, will it be because it was too warm?”
no it’ll because the red sox came into town and his laptop is missing.
how’s that investigation going on with the nypd and steroids?
ignore the troll
#9 Funny!
I like whozat’s thought of Melky leading off.
sorry boston dave-
it’s just so easy sometimes.
Cabrera has no control but I still remember that game where he dominated us — wasn’t it almost a no hitter?
Lets go Yankees
ITS GONNA BE HOT DOWN THERE TONITE!
“how’s that investigation going on with the nypd and steroids?”
– Good, I hear Andy and his dad are key witnesses.
I’m sorry guys. I write comments on the blog because I have no real friends.
So when I root for the Red Sox, will be because I’m too g-a-y?
#9 -
Indirectly I think the bullpen could benefit from Joba starting.
If Joba goes to the rotation soon (May/June?) then soon after there might not be as much of a need to go to the bullpen (as early as w/Moose) every 5th day, so the rest of the bullpen could be better used.
Maybe not immediately, but after he gets in his groove as starter and really lets it fly over 7-8 innings that would be the case.
At least, that’s one possible way of looking at it.
Pete, I just got home for a long week at work and would LOVE to be able to watch the ballgame and blog with fellow Yankee fans in peace. Any chance you can block the IP addresses of some of these trolls?
HAHAHAHAHHAHAH!
Yankee fans getting pissed and now poting under my screen name. No prob little girl, Pete’s been notified.
“If Joba goes to the rotation soon (May/June?) then soon after there might not be as much of a need to go to the bullpen (as early as w/Moose) every 5th day, so the rest of the bullpen could be better used.
Maybe not immediately, but after he gets in his groove as starter and really lets it fly over 7-8 innings that would be the case. ”
Even if he doesn’t go as deep, Joba would probably allow fewer runs in his 6 innings. Thus, the lesser bullpen guys could potentially eat more innings in games thrown by Joba over games thrown by Moose.
edit…from a long week…
Canseco is a liar.
Exclusive: The man behind the Max
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/baseball/mlb/04/18/canseco.max/index.html
“Canseco is a liar.
Exclusive: The man behind the Max”
– So this guy is telling the truth while MaNamee was a liar? Funny how that works, huh?
NYPD-
How about some real baseball discussion instead of the usual insults & bigotry?
Are you really that unhappy with your life that you post here to start fights & put down people? Does it really make you feel better about yourself?
Enough of the “we attack you crap” either, all you do is antagonize people.
Uh no, most rational people believed McNamee was more truthful than Roger. Onl defender he has is extortionist Jose Canseco.
“Enough of the “we attack you crap” either, all you do is antagonize people.”
- Attack? That’s fine, get as personal as you want, that really doesn’t bother me. But people posting under my name?
Whozat - The thinking of the people saying Joba shouldn’t be just a set up guy is that more innings from him is better. I’m on board with that.
Of course he’s incredible in relief, so some people find it hard to imagine that he could be good enough as a starter to outweigh even what he does as a reliever.
Will he give up more runs as a starter? Sure. He’ll pitch at least 3 times as many innings, and batters will face him at least 3 times a game instead of once.
Will he give up more runs as a starter than Moose as a starter? Of course he’ll get knocked around occasionally, but overall … NO.
Sorry, but count me in with Goose Gossage. Having Joba in the pen is like having 2 closers. Yanks lead after 7? … Game over!
Joba can help the Yanks win 5 nights a week if he’s in the pen. He only helps them once every 5th day as a starter. And in 3 years when Mo’s contract is over..or sooner if God forbid Mo gets hurt, the closer’s role is already set.
The kid is made to finish games. I totally understand the temptation to make him a starter. All you have to do is observe how the Yankee’s won from ‘96 to 2000 to see the importance of a shortened game.
“The kid is made to finish games.”
Do you think that Josh Beckett and Justin Verlander would be more valuable to their teams as setup men, or as starters?
If you look at how the Yankees won from ‘96 to ‘00…they had starting pitching to get to the 7th with the lead.
And Joba doesn’t pitch 5 nights/week in the pen.
“- Attack? That’s fine, get as personal as you want, that really doesn’t bother me. But people posting under my name?”
How right you are. It’s absolutely unacceptable.
The last thing anyone here would tolerate would be someone pretending to be you, 113, and posting something scandalous or insulting or demeaning or sarcastic and condescending. Why, that would ruin your rep around these here parts as a thoughtful and considerate member of the loyal opposition. And that we would never stand for.
Remember Mo in the 2002 playoff series against Anaheim? Neither do I because the starting pitching couldn’t get deep into the games. Mo wasn’t used.
Don’t waste Joba’s talent.
Seriously, it’s one thing to compare a closer to a starter, but not a setup man to a starter. Mo is looking more dominant than ever. How bout letting him pitch like a man in the prime of his career, ie let’s stop babying Mariano and let him pinch multiple innings sometimes. That solves the 8th issue half the time.
the yankees are starting add a bit of scrappiness to their game. it was surprising to see them come back so quickly after the red sox scored 6 runs the other night to take back the lead and cruise to the 15-9 win.
and last night when they could have just called it a night , they put a scare into papelbon scoring two runs off him in his one inning.
even jeter came out saying it doesn’t hurt when the ball misses. that’s a little edgy for jeter.
girardi’s personality does seem like it’s coming into the team.
Thanks murph!
Appreciate the backup bro.
Drive 4-5
Joba could only help the team out of the pen five nights a week if five nights a week the team played the first 7 innings like a team on pace for a .700+ win percentage, and the games they were leading or tied in the 8th were always games he was available for.
Even if that DID happen, his arm would soon fall off because 5 nights a week would give him over 110 innings as a reliever for the season. That’s just unheard of.
“The kid is made to finish games.”
The idea is that Joba should soon be able to do that as a starter as often as anyone else who starts.
Randy, I liked that Derek comment too. I don’t know if I’ll credit Girardi for that, he would probably say, he hasn’t seen the tape of it yet.
Why would you want Joba starting in the rotation? We need someone in the bullpen. Especially, when hes electric, like Joba. People are slamming on Moose because of his not so good outings against Boston? Hahahah oh wow, 1 player makes ypu have a negative opinion of Moose? Give him a break. Manny is on a tear this season. Moose is just his latest victim. Without facing Manny, Moose’s numbers are pretty good. Not great, but pretty good. Hughes got murdered against Boston, are people attacking him? NO, there not. Honestly, if it wasnt for Manny, we’ll be praising Moose right now. Get over it. Joba should and hopefully will stay in the bullpen and Moose will stay in the rotation. Instead of killing Chamberlains stamina and innings pitched, let him be. Use him as the set up man. No one can hit him. He’ll be better of there. His last start, may I remind you was in Trenton. Where in 40.1 innings, let up 15 runs on 32 hits and 15 walks. Yes him ERA was 3.03. But still, thats not that great. He is much better in the bullpen. He didnt fare so great in AA while starting, now hes been lights out in the MLB and AAA while in the ‘pen. LEAVE MOOSE IN THE ROTATION AND JOBA IN THE ‘PEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Murph,
Its possible. Arod and Canseco haven’t traveled in the same social/professional circles in close to 15 years.
If Dion works with Arod, he would know not to mention Canseco.
There is real bitterness between the two. Mainly because Canseco believes he “mentored Arod” (which is crap….. Rich Hoffman, his HS coach, has done been more of a mentor to Arod than just about any baseball figure in his life) and he feels Arod “owes” him.
Arod doesn’t want anything to do with Canseco, and its been that way for years, and that ticks Canseco off to no end.
Arod is one of about 5,000 people in South Florida whom Canseco has a blood feud going with at this time.
He’s basically viewed as a comicbook figure down here and he is resentful Arod is viewed with such high regard.
In other words, Arod has the respect of the community Canseco feels he should have. He in essence, accuses Arod of stealing his community identity.
Its kind of a neighborhood dispute gone wild.
That’s why he has gone so far off the deep end with all this stuff.
Arod is a complex guy. He’s socially awkward and can be very nerdy and moody at times.
But, Canseco is just plain nuts! lol
Having a nephew from Miami who is now playing college baseball at a very high (as in possible high draft pick next year) level, I’ve been around the baseball scene for a lot of years now.
FWIW, I’ve never heard any legitmate source link Arod with PED usage. Not a single one.
Just in what I know and observe about the guy, I don’t believe he used PED’s. I really don’t.
I’m not blind to this stuff. I know a lot of people in the game. Guys who were not in the Mitchell Report that I know were heavy users of PED’s.
I just don’t see Arod as a user. It doesn’t fit his profile or his scene.
I also think in the society we now live in, if Arod was a PED user, he would have gotten exposed by now.
Somebody would have dropped a dime on him. There is no way that would not happen. Especially in Miami, IMO.
Free Morgan -
“Mo is looking more dominant than ever. How bout letting him pitch like a man in the prime of his career, ie let’s stop babying Mariano and let him pinch multiple innings sometimes. That solves the 8th issue half the time.”
I think I recall a few years ago that Mo wasn’t as effective when he came in for more than one inning so many times. Sometimes he can be counted on for 4-5 outs, but he seemed to lose his edge if he did it more than once in a great while. I think he needs to pace himself.
whozat-Its a total different situation. They were bought up as starters. Joba was called up too AAA then MLB as a reliever. So was Papelbon, may I remind you, a former starter. You see how good he is in the bullpen? The Red Sox actually were right to let him go back into the bullpen, hate to say it though. Joba is in the same boat that Papelbon was. The Yankees should use that route with Chamberlain. Hes more valuable in the bullpen.
All you have to do is observe how the Yankee’s won from ‘96 to 2000 to see the importance of a shortened game.
You’re wrong about that. The Mo/Wetteland duo was a one year experiment. They let Wetteland walk and made Mo the closer in ‘97.
The Yanks then focused on starting pitching and built a stable of horses by acquiring Wells in ‘97, El Duque in ‘98, and Clemens in ‘99 (via the Wells trade).
It was starting pitching (and Mo to shut it down) that was the driving force behind the Yankee championships from ‘98 - ‘00.
SJ:
Not Arod’s profile??? What do we know about that? Nothing anybody has seen suggest Arod is so high character a guy that he’s above that (if we want to believe he’s high character at all) As for “if he were a PED user, he be exposed by now” theory, you know as well as anyone the unexposed quite likely outnumber the exposed tenfold.
That said, as minimal as Arod’s credibility is, Canseco’s is waaaaaaay less. I don’t believe Canseco’s tale for a second, but there is nobody who played in the steroid/PED era who is above suspicion.
The Joba as a reliever vs. starter argument is played out.
Rubin - Think about it this way just for a moment:
If Joba were to start and churned out a not-so-great ERA of 3.03, that would be about 0.70 better than the Yanks best starter the last two seasons.
Is 3.03 as great as Bob Gibson in ‘68? Pedro in ‘98? No, of course not. Is it better than everything we’ve had in the rotation for several years not just the last two? Yep.
“It was starting pitching (and Mo to shut it down) that was the driving force behind the Yankee championships from ‘98 - ‘00.”
Nelson and Stanton has a little to say about things back then too. The Yanks generally got outstanding 7th thru 9th inning releif work even after the Mo/Wettleland days.
Oops!
had > has
Joba has been a starter his entire life. He had two relief appearances before being called up. He wasn’t called up as a reliever, as in being a trained relief pitcher.
The kid has #1 starter stuff. Its a waste to have him in the 8th inning when your starters can’t pitch more than 4 innings.
Its interesting that he has thrown a couple of side sessions in Nebraska. That’s great stuff.
If he is coming back directly to the team, it means he is going back to the bullpen for now.
If I’m Alan Horne, I am rehabbing my butt off right now.
If he gets healthy quickly, he may be a guy viewed as an option next month if Moose struggles.
Sounds like they are keeping Joba in the ‘pen for now. Which means, pitchers in Scranton are now auditioning for a spot in the Yankee rotation.
I don’t think the debate is Joba starting vs. setting up, it is should we transition him to a starter now or in two months. I think Mussina has answered that question for us.
I’ve known Arod for a number of years. I also know people who have known him his entire life. Let’s just say I would be very, very surprised if he was using PED’s.
It doesn’t fit what I have seen/observed about the way he lives his life.
All I’m saying is, based on what I have seen and know, it would be shocking to me if he was exposed as a PED user.
That’s just me. I could be wrong.
Are they still keeping a 130-140 inning season cap on Joba, and planning to start him in the 2nd half?
Another bad night for Hughes await. Pray for the best, fellow Yankee fans.
“Sounds like they are keeping Joba in the ‘pen for now. Which means, pitchers in Scranton are now auditioning for a spot in the Yankee rotation.”
Wonder if Igawa gets the 1st look. 1) Because he’s pitched very well at SWB and 2) Might offer the organization a little return on their investment.
ISAIAH DONE AS COACH OF THE KNICKS
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3353483
Hasn’t Igawa consistently shown that the success he’s had in the minors doesn’t translate to the majors?
SJ:
Fair enough. You have insight many others don’t. I don’t see him as a bad guy, but I don’t see Pettitte as one either and he was a PED user. I just think anyone who played in era, either because of use or tacit approval of others using, is culpable.
Rebecca:
I’d guess Isiah’s handprints will be all over the on the floor product for years to come. Poor Donnie Walsh inherits a putrid roster complete with salary cap hell.
Fredo.
Good post. I would bet that Igawa would get the first look as it is April and that ROCE will be the largest contributing factor.
-dennis
Nelson and Stanton has a little to say about things back then too. The Yanks generally got outstanding 7th thru 9th inning releif work even after the Mo/Wettleland days.
Nelson and Stanton were solid relievers, but they certainly weren’t dominant by any means.
I should remind you how many times Mo had to pitch 2 inning saves in those days. It was a common occurrence.
Secondly, when the starting pitching eats 6-7 IP more often that not - the bullpen is the greatest beneficiary because of the lack of exposure.
It’s not a coincidence that the Yanks are 8-0 on the season is games in which the starter has thrown 6 IP.
“the debate is … should we transition him to a starter now or in two months.”
If we start Joba soon, how do we make sure he has innings left for October?
Actually, same question for Phil Hughes: what’s the plan to make sure he’s available and strong for the playoffs?
“Hasn’t Igawa consistently shown that the success he’s had in the minors doesn’t translate to the majors?”
No more so than Rasner, Karstens, Chase Wright and Edwar Ramirez have.
Leaving Igawa in AAA does nothing towards getting any sort of ROI. He’s probably going to be brought up at some time just to showcase him in the hope that they can generate some interest in him from other teams. Otherwise they may as well send him back to Japan with his money.
HGH is a little different than taking steroids.
This is where the PED debate needs a little context.
Pettitte is rehabbing an injury and is looking to get back on the field.
To a lot of athletes the past several years, HGH has been hailed as a “wonder drug” for its healing (or supposed) powers.
Its how it got its foothold in the market.
Arod has never been hurt. IIRC, He’s never even had a surgery in his life.
Its just my personal observations on the issue. Doesn’t mean I’m right.
Certain guys, you just know were using PED’s. Guys who were bragging about it, training with trainers who were known dealers, etc. Arod? I would be as shocked of him being id’ed as a user as much as I would if Jeter was exposed as a user.
Yazman: Philosophy is get to the playoffs first, then worry about what to do then.
Thomas and Dolan ruined a great, proud franchise.
sj -
since hughes is going to be pitching in about 20 minutes, what’s your take on his third pitch. i’ll be the first to admit i still don’t know much about him. you’ve watched him for a long time, surely he didn’t get to this point by having just two plus two pitches.
he’s been getting a lot of criticism in boston papers as being a two pitch pitcher where buchholz has command of three and that’s the difference between the two. i personally would like hughes to focus on getting innings in rather than worry about every run he gives up.
Nothing would completely surprise me with PED users, abusers, or one-time users.
There are probably guys who partook who you would suspect, guys who are obvious, guys you would swear wouldn’t have done anything and still other guys who you’d never even considered.
Still, even if you suspect any ‘good guys’ it would be a shame if the likes of A-Rod or David Ortiz were legitimately uncovered as even one time users. They’re both guys I would not suspect although Ortiz did have a huge leap in performance when he came to Boston. That doesn’t mean I think he did PEDs, just that I’d be less surprised if it turned out that way.
Pettitte I still don’t classify with McGwire, Canseco, Bonds et al. Yes it’s a shame he dabbled for whatever reason, but a guy that smokes a couple joints in his entire life (although that’s illegal) isn’t exactly the same as a heroin or crack addict, or a drug pusher. The legal system has different penalties for different degrees of violating the law.
This ends my PED thinking. Play ball.
Did you see NYPD113th posting again ??? ….hey everybody, our favorite punching bag is back !…wa-hoooo !!
Anti -
That was very civil of you. Welcome to a civilized discussion. That was easy, wasn’t it?
:) 
I don’t know Randy. Buchholz has pitched in 3 games and got lit up in two them.
Doesn’t sound like he has command of 3 pitches does it? lol
Seriously, Hughes’ curveball is an absolute hammer. The two seam and four fastballs are great pitches for him when he stays back on the rubber and does’t rush his delivery.
His changeup? Not there yet but, its getting better. The changeup is usually a good pitch for him when his mechanics are tight. When they aren’t, he can’t control the pitch.
I have heard that he is throwing his slider again. He used to have a good one and they had him stop throwing it a few years ago.
I don’t know if he has unveiled it in games yet.
If his 2 seam and 4 seam fastballs are on, he will get outs and go deeper in games. Mainly because, his curveball is such a hammer, when its on, its unhittable.
He just can’t fall in love with it too much and overthrow it.
Hughes is close to figuring it out. I do agree with you with regard to him pitching to contact early in the game.
He has to trust his stuff and his defense. If he can get through the first two innings without the pitch count going haywire, he will be fine.
One other thing. He has always been a slow starter. He was in the minors.
That’s why I’m not worried about him. He has too much talent to struggle this much. He, like all young pitchers, just have to realize that you don’t have to do too much at this level to get guys out. Just do what you have been successful at doing to date and its enough.
Markakis. Huff, Ramon Hernandez, and Millar are generally in the mix of damaging Yankee pitching.
Hopefully Hughes can give the Yanks at least 6 solid innings. 7 would be preferable.
Yes, Don Vito, NYPD ended his own secret romance with a toilet plunger and has come out for the season to ride his seatless Red Sox bicycle.
OK enough fun for me tonight, I have to drive home now. Everyone (except the trolls) have a great weekend.
Let’s go Yankees!
sweet. game is on MASN via MLB.TV. i’ve gotten like 3 games on YES all year. as much as people criticize Michael Kay, i’d love to hear him over some of these opposing broadcasters. some of them are just soo bad, and if i remember correctly the MASN broadcast is usually pretty bad. I must say, NESN are probably the least biased road broadcasters to the Yankees..they compliment the Yankees more than anyone else. weird.
Game on!!!
Yeah, after some of the horrible broadcasts we’ve been forced to listen to on MLB.tv, we deserve to have YES once in a while.
sj-
so going primarily with 2 seam and four seam fastballs he ’s got to locate well and then use the curve ball. got it. thanks for the scouting report. now we’ll see if he can get through the 5th or 6th inning. he’s probably giving major league hitters too much credit and trying to be too fine.
it seems MLB.TV tends to show the home team’s broadcast, and obviously since they’ve been on the road so much that’s why we never get the YES broadcasts.
Good hustle by Bobby
They called that an error? What a moron.
nice hustle by Bobby. gary thorne says “we’ll see what the call it.” why would it be an error?…
why the hell is that an error…he fielded and got rid of it…and bobby beat the throw by a lot…what?
Yeah, true…at least that means we’ll eventually get a nice string of YES broadcasts
Gary Thorne and Jim Palmer do the O’s games.
One of the better broadcast duos of all the Yankee opponents.
I don’t mind the Mariners broadcast team too much. They’re some of the better ones as well. It’s too bad the Yanks don’t play the NL more often. They’ve got some good tandems.
I wonder when A Rod’s wife is having the baby. I see it happenning on Monday, the off day. Let Gonzo start Tues and A Rod missing one game. How cool would that be?
Jeff- That would be perfect. I’m sure that is what Alex is hoping for too.
one pitch one out. doesn’t get any better than that.
that would be nice jeff
Or his wife could have it on Sunday night and then the off day on Monday…that’d be great as well.
“I don’t know Randy. Buchholz has pitched in 3 games and got lit up in two them.”
Saw his start in Toronto and “got lit up” just doesn’t fit. He got effed over by some bad defense by Casey, but he was pitching pretty well. Fanned 7 or 8 in 5 IP and allowed 3 ER and probably should have gotten out of it with only 1 run allowed. Jays didn’t hit him any harder than the Yanks did in that Wang complete game at Fenway.
His pitches are moving a lot better tonight. Hopefully that translates into a solid performance on the mound.
Phil’s fastball is missing badly. i hope he gets a hold of it soon.
Nice first inning by Hughes.
Albaladejo did nothing wrong to be sent down. He’ll be back and strongly heard from during the season. Reports likely say that Edwar is the best short term callup until Joba is back.
This team is still in a “feel out” mode and will be until the starting staff shows itself in the 3-4-5 spots.
The hitting is coming around and it’s only a matter of short time before 3-5 bats will be hot at once.
The month of May will make Yankee fans forget about April in short order.
Nice easy inning for HUUUUGGGHHHHES
Good inning for Phil. Let’s get him some runs to work with.
I bet the players are loving a weekend in Baltimore with great weather, great ballpark and mediocre club to play. They can tear down Yankee Stadium, but please don’t ever tear down Camden Yards, Yankee Stadium South.
nice results, fairly quick inning. just needs to get ahead of hitters.
Good job Phil.
Let’s get him some runs
Nice to see that go well for Hughes.
Cano and Dan Cabrera gre up together. Cano usually heats up against him.
Some comic relief for everyone:
http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2008/04/pavano_cant_rehab_his_image.html
Hughes first inning:
Balls:7
Strikes: 6
Pitches: 13
Fastballs: 11
Curves: 1
Changeups: 1
grew not gre
why the fuc3 is Abreau playing today against a left-hander
Yankee Stadium South, heh.
The Sox fans call it Fenway South, as well. That has to suck for Orioles fans, whenever the Yanks and Red Sox are in town, they’re evenly matched or outnumbered by opposing fans. i had the pleasure of going to Camden Yards last year…beautiful, beautiful park. the concourse on the club level was more like a 5 star hotel than a ballpark. it was the end of the year and the O’s were out of it so it was about a 3:1 ratio Yanks Fans:O’s fans. There was a long line at a concession stand and some O’s fan whined “it’s all these idiot Yankees fans here making the lines so long.” so i said “yeah, god forbid people actually come to the games and your team pulls in some decent revenue.”
if were going to mention bad announcers we need to some how get rid of the White Sox guys, I know I only have to listen to them like 6 times a year but its enough to want to get rid of them…. If you don’t agree then BE GONE…. I’m gonna go hang myself for saying that now lol
Good AB by Robbie.
What’s Pena holdilng in his hand? Timer?
Tough luck.
1. Is it typical for Arod to fail to capitalize on a good percentage of RISP opportunities in the course of a season?
2. Isn’t the cleanup position set up for the opposite?
3. If yes to both, then any guesses at WTF gives with regard to #1?
Robbie. This is not what you do.
That was really bad timing.
How does Scott Patterson feel? How about Chris Britton? He has better numbers!
Tough break.
Edwar over Patterson primarily because he’s on the 40 man roster…….plus I think he deserves another shot under Girardi, his potential for dominance is still high.
Ack, didn’t need the DP.
not what you do? you mean hit it on the screws? not his fault it was right at the SS.
That sucked
Alvaro - read upwards and you’ll see why.
the O’s broadcasters aren’t too bad, the only thing that bugs me is how exasperated Palmer can get when the O’s don’t get a ball or strike call on a borderline pitch. it’s unprofessional.
SJ’s point is well taken - HGH isn’t viewed by players as a PED, but as a healing agent. It’s the general public, baseball administration, and sloppy reporting that mixes the 2.
And there are legitimate studies that suggest the performance enhancing effects of steroids isn’t all that measurable in baseball.
See steroids-and-baseball.com for an alternative view to the typical knee jerk assumptions. Warning - lots to read there for those limited to 2 sentences per reading dose.
They are a muscle mass building drug in a sport that demands much less of that. That’s why “focus” enhancing drugs such as ritalin for ADD treatment is exploding legally in baseball, and MLB is doing nothing to check it. MLB approved use of it has gone throught the roof. Once again baseball swings and misses.
that 2nd pitch changeup to Scott was nasty. nice pitch Phil.
Anyone here ever have the opportunity to see Jim Palmer pitch??? Hughes curve reminds me a lot of the one Palmer threw in his day.
Oh yeah-Go Rangers!
Hughes 6 for 6 on 1st pitch strikes
curve* not changeup.
anyone know of a good “gameday” like thing or live updating play-by-play for hockey games?
Girardi said on the radio pre-game show that Edwar is up because he has not pitched in 3 days and he is well rested and ready to go.
I am trying to pack for TWO DAYS! and am taking WAYYY to much.
Jennifer - have a great time. Hope you see Yankee wins.
C’mon Phil. You’ve got to be more economical!
Guys… does Phil throw the slider.. i know they shut it down in the minors after some shoulder issues, but has he shelved it forever..
Hughes looks good tonight, but once again, his out pitch selection is just no good. He’s trying to fool them on low curves, and they arent biting, and if something does work, he’s guaranteed to try that again.
Also, Hughes is a strikeout pitcher, and they tend to be less economical, so don’t expect a 90 pitch 7 inning performance
40 pitches through 2.
Thanks Fran. Hopes so too. I get to see Ian pitch for the first time, and Andy for the ? time.
At least the O’s didn’t do any damage
9 for 9 on 1st pitch strikes, but that was a lot of pitches that inning. Still, better than the 10 pitches for every out he authored his last two starts.
So according to O’s broadcast, Posada can’t go tomorrow. In retrospect, we should have DL’ed him and kept Shelly. Posada isn’t swinging great, and because of the need to get him in as a DH, Matsui has to take unnecessary day-offs and Damon can’t get going. It’s a rough stretch.
Hmm, a hit or two here would be nice.
Great news Bobby will be back for the Seattle game at home
the ump just called that low inside fastball that’s been a ball for Hughes all night a strike on melky. ok.
Wow, great news about Bobby Murcer
May 2nd.
Great working the count boys 5 pitches!!
5 pitches guys? That’s all this prolific offense has in them? Jeez, at least give phil a few minutes to catch his breath.
That was too quick of an inning for Cabrera.
patience guys, jesus. it’s daniel cabrera, the dude is notorious for poor control and walking a lot of guys but they’re swinging early and often.
Ok, so what the hell with this offense. I can’t believe that the Yankees struggle against poor pitching. Cabrera is not that good.
This is getting really old, fast.
Posada’s not swinging the bat well? What?
On a different note… The Franchise just looks sick!!!!!
I’m at the game! Woooooo!
That was too quick..
be good Phil
Well, it’s not hurting so far, but he’s got to get down in the zone.
Pepper Brooks
Do not be critical of the Yankees, not Mussina or anyone else. If you are, then you will be attacked and labelled a troll, also His Holiness Pope SJ44 will excommunicate you and call upon the God of the Blog (Pete) to banish you.
Not that I’m panicking or anything, but can we bring Shelley up?
Or at least play Ensberg more?
Wow. It wouldn’t be as bad if he could hit.
Hughes really hasn’t pitched well, but the defense behind him has been awful.
Until Giambi starts hitting, there’s no reason to play him over Ensberg everyday.
better inning for Phil too bad Giambi didn’t field that ball.
for those who are interested, 3 goals in 2 minutes in the Rangers-Devils game 2-1 Rangers.
Ugh, Giambi should have had that.
I might hate the Rangers more than the Red Sox right now.
Actually, I do.
Even though Hughes got out of that inning, it just shows you how important defense is to a pitcher. Hughes had to throw another 5 pitches, and if Millar had even tapped a single, the O’s would be up a run and Hughes would have to labor against another batter.
I’d like the Yanks to play Ensberg a bit more. At least the error didn’t hurt Hughes this time around.
the Rangers are playing so well, we should probably get a couple of them to hit in the Yanks lineup when they’re finished their season (which hopefully isn’t for several weeks.)
wake up bats
nice bobby..
am i just biased or does it seem like the strikezone expands in all directions for Cabrera?
nice hit bobby. keep up the trend Alex.
A double would do, A-Rod.
“I wonder when A Rod’s wife is having the baby. I see it happenning on Monday, the off day. Let Gonzo start Tues and A Rod missing one game. How cool would that be?”
Hey Jeff, that would be your boy Ensberg playing third, no?
Happy 25th birthday to Alberto Gonzalez!!!
wow, this offense is iffy
not what i had in mind Alex but at least it wasn’t a DP.
You learn something new every day:
Don’t run on Nick Markakis.
Meachem, calm down a bit.
They said Bobby is limping off the field.
O’s are much better team fundamentally than the yanks. Great throw by markakis and block of the plate.
neato.
was he really out at the plate ?
If Bobby’s hurt, it’s just another reason why we need Shelley.
Well Mendoza of the Rangers woke Ortiz up. He just hit a grand slam.
Yeah he was out.
Holy crap, even the O’s announcers said he was safe.
Why do MLB umpires suck so badly?
duffy: one play is all it takes for you to draw that conclusion?
Sorry Duffy, but he didn’t actually block the plate and replays show that Bobby was safe.
Nice try with the hate though.
Markakis does have a gun though.
It wasn’t a bad move by Meacham to send Abreu. Two outs with slumping hitters due up. Markakis isn’t known for a great arm, so you force the O’s to make a play…and they did.
What happened to Bobby’s arm?
He was actually safe.
He was out…without a doubt.
He was out, his foot was raised….lets go phil
4-1 Boston
hughes ready and willing to go into meltdown now.
Markakis is known for a good arm, he had 13 assists last year.
vrsce… thanks… that happens every time I post something. You are not allowed to state the obvious unless it is covered with fluff or something seen through the eyes of George Bush..
However, this team is still in an offensive funk and is horrible three weeks into the year with RISP. I know it is a long season but so far this is not a matter of “the ball not bouncing” they are taking good pitches and swinging at bad pitches. And no, the pitching has not been that good that they have faced.
Right now, with 2 solid hits, they are making Cabrera look like a #1 starter.
Back to back hits. Settle down Phil.
yep, and here’s the meltdown from the overrated phil hughes.
The franchise huh!!
If farnsworth confesses to the Pope that he threw at Manny is he forgiven?
Assists are not the mark of a good arm…that is deceiving. As an O’s season ticket holder, Markakis has a good arm, not a great arm. He gets tested often because he does not release the ball quickly. The increase in opportunities leads to an increase in assists.
I can’t believe we can’t touch daniel Cabera.
jennifer, they’re just flexing their creativity. seriously. just once i’d like to hear opposing fans chant “THE YANKEES ARE A GOOD TEAM BUT WE HATE THEM BECAUSE THEY WIN SO MUCH”
Jim Palmer admitted Bobby was safe when they came back from the break.
Phil is really doing good against these AAA players huh