To swing for the fences or not to swing for the fences, that is today’s poll question
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Jul 02, 2008 
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Alex Rodriguez confirmed yesterday that he will not participate in the Home Run Derby. He hasn’t done it in years and doesn’t want to mess with his swing.
Where do you stand on that? Would you like to see A-Rod take his hacks at his home park? Vote in the poll over to the right.
He could be the lucky star. A-Rod could stand at the plate and vogue. Maybe he wouldn’t be into the groove, but when it comes to hitting home runs he’s certainly not like a virgin. The All-Star game is a holiday for him, however. It’s a borderline decision. But if he did participate, he would show the fans he is crazy for you.
OK, I better stop.
I don’t think it is nessisary so one ever really remembers who wins these anyone. And it can only hurt his swing. There is no point, lol and he is basically the only good bat left in this lineup
Sorry for all the typos I’m writing from a bb that is all screwed up
A sense of humor. Much needed. lol
Is Madonna too old for Jeter?
speaking of “swininging” – The Material Boy & Girl adorn the covers of the Post and News.
A-Likey!
Classic! Perhaps his second-half will provide a ray of light to the Yankees. If not he can always blame it on the material girl he calls a wife. She always assures him to express yourself, but he may not live to tell what is holding the team back…
It is scary how “hip” you are, Pete !
hahahaha way to go Pete!
Perhaps ARod talked to Abreu and was told that it indeed messed up his swing.
On second thought, why why why why is Melky still in the lineup everyday? It makes no sense to me at all that he is looked under the same breath of the likes of ARod, Jeter, and company. I am not so sure Gardner is the answer either, but by golly give someone a chance!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
HILARIOUS!!!!
Tied in the final round, A-rod crushes one down the LF line, leaning it into fair territory, his body language is like a prayer to win the HR derby!
jimmy1138-
17 years is significant difference. She’s old enough to be his mother.
Melky should be in the home run derby. His swing is already messed up.
No I wouldn’t. The home run derby should be changed anyway. Abreu won it one year and he never hit thirty a year after that. It’s a joke, because you stand up there and wait for a slowly grooved pitch to swing at.
Here’s an idea. Have other sports stars involved along with a Yankee season ticket holder[ by holding a tryout] that if the ticket holder won would get free season tickets to the New Stadium for the opening year!
Whadda ya think of that?
If A-Rod (Mr. I want publicity) says he doesn’t want to participate because it would ruin his swing – which Jason Giambi and Bobby Abreu agreed with – then I think he’s doing the right thing; especially because we’re not getting too much offense right now.
Shouldn’t the poll also have the option of “Whatever A-Rod does is wrong”?
Mark- Did you ever think that maybe Madonna is A-Rod’s mother!!
I laughed a little bit.
Wow – is the Immaculate Collection on heavy rotation in the Abrham household?
Okay, what drives me crazy about the age comments on the Madonna/A-Rod rumor is that if ther rumor were about, say, Johnny Depp and Natalie Portman (an eighteen year difference) no one would be saying, “But look at the age difference between them! Impossible!”
However, I do think it’s just a silly rumor possibly put out on purpose to get both of them in the news.
I think it would very fun to see a-rod compete in the homerun derby however it is his choice if he wants to do it. If it messes up his swing then why risk having him do it? He is sitting out of it for good of team. He will still be there in an allstar uniform. The Yankees should have a rep in the HR Derby so hopefully Giambi is put on the team, he does deserve it and could replace Ortiz. If not then its upto Jeter to carry the load bc the Big G has said he would not stay in NYC just to do HR Derby.
http://newyorkyankeesnews.com/maelias33/weblog/
“jimmy1138-
17 years is significant difference. She’s old enough to be his mother.”
:shrug: Age is just a number. She seems much younger than her age, anyhoo.
(FYI, I’m married to someone 19 years older, and we’re as happy as can be).
Mark- Did you ever think that maybe Madonna is A-Rod’s mother!!
Wow~ that blows my mind!
Like the movie “Chinatown”
Pete-
After the all star break will you ask the question. Are we buyers or sellers? Which trades could realistically be made by Cashman? Which minor leaguer’s should be called up? If sellers what can we realistically get for whom?
Shouldn’t the poll also have the option of “Whatever A-Rod does is wrong�
Not necessary. That’s just a given.
Anyone who says A-Rod is obligated to take part in the HR derby (or thinks he owes it to the fans) is a moron.
If I was him, I wouldn’t do it at this point in my career. He’s done it in the past, I see no need for it. The event has become way too drawn out, time consuming, sensationalized, and I’m turned off by the dramatized WWE introductions. Who needs it? I won’t be watching.
What if A-Rod took part in the contest then went into a HR slump, like when Bobby Abreu won back when he played for Philly? He was locked in until then, then he didn’t hit as well. It seemed to mess with his timing & his stroke.
Doesn’t A-Rod owe the Yanks his best performances during games instead of a meaningless exhibition? I wouldn’t want to see him in the HR derby. It’s bad enough he’s got to play in of the all-star game. As long as he doesn’t get hurt, maybe that could a least keep him loose. The HR derby? I see no good in it.
Read my 11:22 posted note.
Jim-
19 years!
Damn.
Is this Mark Harris?
“Melky should be in the home run derby. His swing is already messed up.”
Hilarious Nick.
Definitely have no problem with Arod not participating. The organization doesn’t seem to care that he doesn’t either, which is odd given the temper tamtrum they threw over the prmotion of this meanigless event.
If Giambi is comfortable doing it, I think that would be cool.
i think the media should make a fuss over Vince Carter not doing slam dunk contests anymore…
RCK-
some of that is true, but not all.
Tom cruise and Katie Holmes 16 age difference got a lot of play, though it was overshawdowed by cruise’s wacky behavior.
“Jim-
19 years!
Damn.
Is this Mark Harris?”
Who? And we’ve been together 5 years, and are very happy together. :shrug: We’re not the only ones, either.
Ken Rosenthal has the Yankees inquiring on Vicente Padilla??
Decent pitcher, but is he better than what might be available in AA/AAA??? Anyone hear anything further on Horne? Or does the Belichik Bunker Mentality program still the organization’s modus operandi when it comes to injuries?????
Mark Harris is the guy who married martha raye. it was a big deal in the early 90s.
you’re not the only one either?
You mean those MILF movies are for real! nice.
Here’s my take on the Yankees if anyone cares:
I say they have until July 27th to show what they really are. July 27th will be the end of a road trip where they play the Sox.
By that day if they are more than 5 games out of the playoffs I fully expect Cashman to sell what he can.
That gives the team 20 games to show what they are in my opinion.
If they go 13-7 that puts them at 57-47 for the stretch run.
Is each team required to have a representative in the HR derby? I really don’t know the rules for the contest. Do the HR Derby participants actually have to BE all-stars, or can they just be on the active roster?
If that’s the case, why not call up Shelley Duncan or Juan Miranda for a week around the all-star game, and have them take part in the HR Derby?
Or maybe they call up someone they’d like to showcase for a trade just before the deadline. If that player puts on a good show, it’s free hype.
Save them for the real games, Alex.
What burns me about the A Rod home run derby issue is the crap that the sports media spews about it.
Jayson Stark and others said that A Rod owed it to the fans to participate. But, of course, if A Rod decided to do it, the same crowd would criticize A Rod for putting personal glory ahead of the team’s performance.
I’m no A Rod fan (I was hoping they would let him go after he opted out), and I’m outraged at the crap he’s taking.
No wonder we all come to this blog. It’s not like ESPN and the others have much in the way of thoughtful analysis.
ray, agreed.
I just cant put dirt over this teams grave until they are either below .500 or double digits back on WC.
Also, who cares if Arod doesnt participate in HR derby. How many dunk contests has Lebron done?
It’s lame anyway.
I am surprised you did not get to this yesterday in the blog Pete.
You had a nice way of showing the news without droping names.
Raymagnetic- Will 10 games over .500 be enough to secure a wild card spot from TB/Boston, Minnesota,Detroit, Oakland?
If they’re 10 games over .500 by the end of the year that puts them at 86-76,with little to no chance at a wild card and so far this team is barely a .500 club.
Buyers or Sellers if 10 Games above .500 by July 27th??
I can see Joe G. showing faith / confidence, ala Joe T., in his players (Melky, Farnsdouche, the rest of the bullpen, etc) but with 40 losses already in the books, its time to throw faith down the tunnel. Granted its the players that ultimately decide the success or failure of any strategy but with three well pitched games and three losses, well methinks the in-qame management needs a new approach. In the prior two seasons, while Joe T. slept on the bench, the post all-star game Yanks hit their way into the playoffs. Maybe they will this year too. Question is: how long can Joe G. afford to impersonate Joe T.?
It’s not like A-Rod isn’t competing because of his disdain for the New York Media, or the fans. He has simply stated that he doesn’t want to take the chance of it messing up his swing. If people can’t realize that he’s trying to keep his production as high as possible for the Yankees, then forget about them; They’re lost causes.
If your 10 games over by the end off July, you’re trending at about 13 – 15 over by seasons end. 89 wins would have secured the WC last seaon. I think this season it will be less then that.
Well, it’s official – Inoa was signed by the As.
And another agency will never have the pleasure of having the Yankees involved in a bidding war.
Mitch –
Very good point saying that many of the same the people who would call him as selfish for not doing it would find a way to criticize him as selfish if he were to do it.
In my opinion, people who automatically assume his sole motivation is selfishness are … well … selfish. And those who play both sides of the coin are more selfish.
Further, some of the people who say his sole motivation is selfishness (whether he takes part in anything or not) will also say his sole motivation is the money. The overwhelming majority of such critics have never met the guy and/or are Red Sox fans.
And that explains that.
“Raymagnetic- Will 10 games over .500 be enough to secure a wild card spot from TB/Boston, Minnesota,Detroit, Oakland?
If they’re 10 games over .500 by the end of the year that puts them at 86-76,with little to no chance at a wild card and so far this team is barely a .500 club.
Buyers or Sellers if 10 Games above .500 by July 27th??”
I don’t know if it gets them the wildcard, but I think 10 games over .500 on July 27th makes Cashman go all in and trade for whatever he feels will help the team.
A-Rod should be in the home run derby. Just have him go up there and take batting practice. How many times does some one talk about how A-Rod put on a show in BP tonight? Just make it ceremonious.
Here is what people apparently are not getting about Cabrera:
1). He is not going to be benched for any long period of time. In case it slipped your notice, Melky is the ONLY legitimate outfielder the Yankees have, and other than recently-called-up Gardner, he is the ONLY guy under the age of 30 in the OF.
The Yankees have a dreadful outfield without Cabrera. They know this, and they will tolerate and hopefully, work on, his dreadful OBP (a bigger issue than his hitting, I believe).
He could use a day off; I think, though 23, he is probably exhausted from playing NEARLY EVERY DAY. He may not be a .300 hitter, but he ain’t a .240 hitter, either; that will straighten itself out and really, if he can improve his on base, he can hit .260 and not cause too much trouble.
Finally, the Yankees, as presently constituted, have no choice but to put Cabrera in CF. And since he’s ONLY 23, I don’t believe he is irrevoccably stuck in these awful offensive numbers. The lack of patience people show with young players is astounding. I am thrilled we now have THREE guys under 25 we’re putting out there every day.
More generally, I think the All-Star Break is crucial for this old and tired team. The recent weather/dub-head, etc., is probably why they are completely dormant offensively. They are a strange team, I admit, but until we are out of it, we’re in it, and I am looking forward to a more consistent 2nd half, with Melky bringing his numbers up and Cano going on another July tear.
They’ll play well vs. Boston any way, because of the adrenaline and because they always seem to hit Boston pitching.
Raymagnetic and others-
If Cashman goes all in, Who can we realistically trade and who might we be able to get in return, without selling the farm, which the Yankees clearly won’t do.
William Buckner,
How do you see the Wild Card being less than 89 wins? Its too early to predict that, the Tigers dont lose, the Rays dont lose, and the White Sox are hot right now too. Things can change quick but right now I would say its going to be over 90 wins for wild card. The Yankees need to get hot NOW
http://newyorkyankeesnews.com/maelias33/weblog/
Remember back in ’02 when A-Rod Competed last in the Home Run Derby. After the derby, he still hit for an average of .300 for the year with 57 homeruns for the year. This talk of his swing being lost is all in his head. However, we can all know what happens when A-Rod has too much going on up stairs. Enough said!
I am still optimistic about making the playoffs, but we need to turn it around tonight and go on to win 3/4 against Boston.
If we can do that, we’re in great shape. The pitching matchups favor us 3/4 times, and our offense is slumping just as much as Boston’s is. Scoring 10-15 runs tonight can set that spark off. We can only hope, though.
Cross those fingers.
Exactly Daryll. Even if it doesn’t mess up his swing, if its in his head that it will then he is going to struggle.
Ken Rosenthal has the Yankees inquiring on Vicente Padilla??
Sure we are
I always shake my head at Melky defenders who emphasize his age as a reason to keep him in the lineup.
Yes, we all know he’s young and 23, but young players are supposed to improve their game with more playing time – especially when you consider he’s been a starter for two years.
But that hasn’t happened. Melky’s production has regressed and has continued towards a downward path.
That’s not supposed to happen with 23 year old players who have been in the majors for two years.
Maybe Melky defenders need to come to the conclusion that this is what Melky is – a fourth outfielder who has no business starting everyday.
Please someone resort my faith on this team. I was very upset last night. We are 7.5 games behind the devil rays. This stinks.
Does no one hear remember Bobby A.’s winning of the home run derby a few years ago? And have they seen what has happened to his production(especially HR and walks) since?
Yankee Needs:
Starter, preferably a lefty: Erik Bedard, CC Sabathia, maybe Scott Olsen- what would it take to get them?
Lefty reliever: Fuentes, Sherrill, Marte?
Yankee Trader,
In my opinion there are really only 3 players I wouldn’t trade if I’m the Yankees.
Austin Jackson, Phil Hughes, and Jesus Montero.
I would make a combination of anyone else available for CC Sabathia.
I guess people haven’t paid attention the last few years.
The Yanks are not going to make a big splash at the deadline. Forget about it.
It’s not worth the minor league pieces it would take to make such a deal.
I agree, there are only a few players that aren’t trade bait, as far as the farm goes.
Erik Bedard should be a top focus. I don’t want to touch CC Sabbathia, sorry.
He’s just not that good. And I’d hate to see us blow 100m on him.
Yankees Needs: Offense start hitting w/ RISP
Overractive Sky Is Falling Fans wants: CC, Bedard, Peavey, Burnett, Harden
Darn, I was hoping for the ‘It’s all A-Rod’s fault’ option to be there. Yaknow, like having that option for all polls, regardless if it fits the question, as a sort of LoHud blog tradition.
I wonder though if it would make more sense to try to pry Texeira away from Atlanta?
Austin Jackson presently has a .351 OBP and a .433 SLG at Trenton. Promising, yes, but surely not untouchable.
“By that day if they are more than 5 games out of the playoffs I fully expect Cashman to sell what he can.”
oh great, let the jackass that got the yankees in this mess get them into more of a mess.
cashman is not the solution. he’s the problem.
“Austin Jackson, Phil Hughes, and Jesus Montero.”
No Joba on that list??? Or are you speaking only of guys not on the current 25?
Some would include Melancon on such a list and others still might include Betances and Brackman.
Personally, I’d think at least one of these players would have to go for a Sabathia deal. Can’t see the likes of Horne, McCutchen, Aceves, etc. getting it done in a competitive bidding situation.
Austin Jackson presently has a .351 OBP and a .433 SLG at Trenton. Promising, yes, but surely not untouchable.
Untouchable
I heard it’s messed with players before so I say no.
“The Yanks are not going to make a big splash at the deadline. Forget about it.
It’s not worth the minor league pieces it would take to make such a deal.”
They haven’t had as much depth in the past few years as they do now in the minors.
Wouldn’t it be worth Sabathia or Texeira if either one helps the Yankees win this year?
Most of the better Yankee hitting prospects are in the lower minors anyway.
Their best hitting prospect is in AA and I wouldn’t trade him.
I think it’s be more than worth it to trade some of the prospects not named Jackson, Montero, or Hughes if it means a ring this year.
Eventually they’re going to have to trade away minor league pieces anyway.
Again though, the only way I make any sort of trade if I’m Cashman is if they aren’t more than 5 games out of a playoff spot come July 27th.
You wouldn’t trade Austin Jackson for CC straight up, if the Indians were crazy enough to do it?
GF,
Melky is not Robinson Cano; he isn’t going to hit over .300 every year.
However, if you’ve noticed, he was a slap hitter who was starting to develope more power towards the end of last season, driving the ball a lot more.
This season, he has already hit 7 homeruns (had 8 total last year). Could it be that his bat is making an awkward adjustment from slapping to driving, and that he’s caught in between? That is what it looks like to me. What is more troubling to me is his OBP, which has been a disaster. The longer swing and the silly upper-cutting (which he’s scaled back on lately) are costing him in both categories.
And why wouldn’t one consider his age? If he were 33 (like nearly everyone else in our lineup), we wouldn’t need more information. His age isn’t an excuse, it’s a fact. So is his quality defense, the reason he’s still here.
Melky isn’t going to project like Austin Jackson, who isn’t ready yet. The point is, if he can improve his OBP and get his hitting back to where it was – in the 2.70 range – he’ll be fine for this time at this time.
He can’t continue to hit .240 and never get on base again, that’s certain. But I don’t think the Yankees think those numbers are representative of what he’s capable of.
Right now, the untouchable list would include:
Brackman, Jackson, Hughes, Melancon, and Montero.
You wouldn’t trade Austin Jackson for CC straight up, if the Indians were crazy enough to do it?
No because that’s not the need. And I’d get CC for a paycheck next season, and we all know that’s not the deal. Your going all places here is pitching the real need when you look at these Yankees ? And if so what you want are SP who give you 6 – 7 IP not just a big splash name that does the same thing a guy like a Chacon can do.
Apologize if already posted, but this from Sabrescouting:
The Yankees have also made their signees official:
- INF Giancarlo Arias
- C/3B Jackson Valera
- OF Ramon Flores
- SS Anderson Felix
- RF Yeico Calderon
As mentioned above, Felix was for $500,000, and all of these players were fringe seven figure talents that the Yankees locked up early in the process. While the bonuses aren’t clear yet for all of these players, it appears all five were for below-market, value-type deals between $500,000 and $900,000.
Calderon, Flores, and Arias have reports in the scouting reports article, but, in short, all are excellent hitters with corner player type skills, though Arias may stick at second base. Felix is a hitability shortstop with gap-to-gap power likely moving to second base, and Valera keeps with the theme as a very good bat with plus power but no clear position.
The Yankees focused on guys with high-probability bats that they were able to get at below-market prices, all in an exploding market. This is a dynamic I’ll touch in the next article as the teams that were ahead of the curve and spending a lot of money in Latin America for many years are now trying to find ways to get solid values in a crowded market.
“No Joba on that list??? Or are you speaking only of guys not on the current 25?
Some would include Melancon on such a list and others still might include Betances and Brackman.”
Joba’s definitely untouchable. I am just speaking about guys on the 25.
I personally don’t see Betances as being untouchable. He’s at least 3 years away in my opinion. He’s still never pitched a full uninjured season. Brackman can’t be traded right now so that’s why I didn’t include him.
If I have to trade anyone from my untouchable list to land CC I don’t do it if I’m the Yankees.
“Austin Jackson presently has a .351 OBP and a .433 SLG at Trenton. Promising, yes, but surely not untouchable.”
Pretty damn close. Eastern League is very tough on hitters so he’s doing better than the numbers suggest. He’s very athletic and is steadily improving baseball skills. In an organization starved for young position players, this guy’s a keeper to me.
I Cherish your sense of humor. Arod wants to Get into the Groove of the regular season, focusing on True Blue, while the media continues to dig Deeper and deeper into his life….Nobody’s Perfect
Wow, that’s a lot of untouchables. If the Yanks could get a really good young right-handed hitting prospect in RF or 1B who’s close to the majors, I think I’d trade any of them.
18-21 outs that’s all you need. Nowhere in rule does those 18-21 outs have to be CC Sabathia.
Other than Joba, that is.
You better add Jose Tabata and Dellin Betances to that list; I’d even add Jairo Heredia.
Unless they take 5 of their next 7 games I’m thinking the Yankees need to start seriously considering becoming sellers and not buyers at the deadline. Mussina (if he waives his no-trade) could be sold high to a contender. Same with Giambi. Even if the Yankees eat some of the their salary. Mussina has got to be an attractive option to several teams.
The Marlins are interested in right handed relievers…Hawkins..Farnsworth.. are possibilities.
Might soon be time to consider 2009.
I keep Melky in center over anyone we have ready to take that position right now. If anyone thinks Gardner is going to be the hitter melky isnt, you couldnt be more wrong. When the season started everyone was jumping on Melky’s bandwagon bc he was the best hitter we have. The guy goes into a slump and everyone wants his head. Then when he picks up the slack and starts hitting again, hes awesome.
An outfield of Damon, Gardner, and Abreu is not the answer to the yanks problems. Swinging at strikes and getting runners in from second or third is what we need to concentrate on.
What sets Ajax apart is his ability to adapt to challeneges. Look at what he did after struggling at Charleston and getting the call to Tampa. He’s been streaky but steady for the most part for Trenton in a tough league on hitters, especially young ones. Be interesting if the Yanks let him see time for SWB to see how he looks. UNTOUCHABLE
Fredo -
I agree we need hitting prospects – that’s why I’d be willing to move any of our minor leaguers for the right prospect.
Brandon-
If Austin Jackson could ensure we got CC and we could do a deal with him, I think you ought to move Jackson.
If one of our can’t miss minor league pitchers could get us a can’t miss young right fielder, I think you ought to do it.
The more times Betances toes the rubber, the less untouchable he becomes. His control was putrid for Charleston and he’s rocking an 8.53 ERA in the GCL. He may develop into a good pitcher but if someone wants him, he’s most likely four to five years away.
“You better add Jose Tabata and Dellin Betances to that list; I’d even add Jairo Heredia.”
You can’t make all of your better players untouchable. The Sox traded two very good prospects to land Beckett.
It has to hurt if you want to get a good player. Cleveland isn’t going to just give him to the Yankees considering they’ll be competing against them for the playoffs most seasons.
I don’t know who is on the Yankees untouchable list but my list only includes those three players.
You don’t move Jackson for CC this season, that would be a horrible move. We get him for cash if we want him at the end of the year.
Brandon-
If Austin Jackson could ensure we got CC and we could do a deal with him, I think you ought to move Jackson.
For what. Don’t you understand he can be gotten for a paycheck in the offseason end of story. And if Philly or the Dodgers step in forget this. Heck there are rumors Milwaukee will go for CC that happens don’t even think about matching thier offer.
Wouldn’t it be worth Sabathia or Texeira if either one helps the Yankees win this year?
The short answer is no because this team is more than one impact player away from a legit chance of winning a ring.
And it matters not what we think the Yanks should do, it matters what Cashman is prepared [or not prepared] to do.
Here’s a piece about Cashman regarding this very topic just last weekend:
People are clamoring for Yankees general manager Brian Cashman to stop sitting there and do something already — something big — to improve the Yankees’ tattered pitching staff.
Go get C.C. Sabathia, they scream. Pry Erik Bedard out of Seattle. Enough with these journeymen and castoffs and overmatched kids that the Yankees keep trotting out, even on occasions like the Subway Series.
Cashman hears you, all right. And he disagrees.
“It’s almost like doing what we used to do has become people’s binky, their pacifier, their security blanket,” Cashman said with a mix of derision and weariness Saturday.
Cashman has been over this all before. He says, “It happened when we didn’t trade for Eric Gagne at the trading deadline last year. It happened with Santana this winter. It happens with a lot more deals that are discussed that people don’t even know about.”
It’s quite clear that Cashman isn’t going to bite, so I don’t see the point in talking fantasy trades when the guy who makes these decisions has demonstrated several times in recent years that the old ‘safety net’ way of thinking is a thing of the past.
this may be a stretch, but was there any evidence of the old home run derby (i used to catch black and white reruns of) screwing with anyone’s swings/power?
i wonder if i can find dates that those derby’s were filmed and compare stats that followed.
I don’t give a hoot if he doesn’t participate in the HR derby. I care about the W’s rather than some stupid event built to generate more money for MLB.
Seven games will decide the yankees season. One more against Rangers, four against Red Sox, and two against Rays. All at home in the Bronx.
Anything less than 5 of 7 is unacceptable.
“Don’t you understand he can be gotten for a paycheck in the offseason end of story.”
I’m pretty dumb. My concern is he can be gotten with someone else’s paycheck, and we wouldn’t have him. We need him.
Austin Jackson is a good prospect but the lack of Yankee hitting prospects causes people to overrate the ones we have.
What’s interesting is there is no Joba story. When Joba went 6 2/3, Pete felt the need to shove it in the faces of everyone who wanted him in the pen. Now there’s complete silence on this. There is a story here and it should be reported.
Here’s what Joba has done so far.
Vs Royals – lasted 4.1 innings and threw 78 pitches
Vs Astros – lasted 6 innings and threw 89 pitches
VS Padres – lasted 5.2 innings and threw 100 pitches
Vs Pirates – lasted 6.2 innings and threw 114 pitches
Vs Rangers – lasted 4 innings and threw 91 pitches
Why is he throwing so many pitches?
Why is he walking people?
Cmon Pete, be objective and start asking some tough questions.
some trivia for all fans of player movement – we had 61 players in AAA last year (possibly a yankees record)
of the 26 position players, 18 are out of the org, 4 have been up here (giambi/s duncan/gonzalez/christian) and 4 haven’t yet(a-jax/e duncan/basak/brown)
of the 35 pitchers WHEW, 18 are gone, 11 have been up (chamberlain/hughes/kennedy/rasner/igawa/veras/bruney/ramirez/ohlendorf/britton/patterson) and 6 have not (karstens/white/wright/jackson/claggett/hacker)
Guiseppe,
I know what Cashman says, but let’s just say I don’t believe a word of it.
Cashman said Bubba Crosby was his starting CF and then went and signed Damon.
I happen to think if they land a front line starter they will be as tough to beat as anybody. A rotation of CC, Pettitte, Moose, and Joba would immediately make them frontrunners in my opinion.
This is all assuming that they make it to 57-47 by July 27th however. At that time I think we will know what they are.
Yeah,I don’t really want to give up anything of note for Sabathia.
My reason: I think we have a chance to win the WS, but I think we have a better chance of establishing a dynasty over the next 5-10 years. I’m not willing to sacrifice the elite pieces we need in order to do that to shore up this season’s rotation.
I believe Cashman shares this viewpoint, which is why you won’t see us do anything to jeopardize that goal.
I’m pretty dumb. My concern is he can be gotten with someone else’s paycheck, and we wouldn’t have him. We need him.
And yet CC guarantees nothing, he got lit up just like Wang in a big spot in the playoffs didn’t pitch like a dominant SP is overweight and conditioning is a concern w/ him in a longterm deal.
Austin Jackson is a good prospect but the lack of Yankee hitting prospects causes people to overrate the ones we have.
How many propects have 2 (7 RBI games) in the minors ? Or adjust to a league in 20-30 AB ? He’s 21 in AA, not many of those lying around.
If Shapiro makes CC available, some high ceiling guys and marginal prospects just won’t cut it. He gets crushed in Cleveland if he doesn’t get some major leaguers and/or guys that can step in and play immediately.
Any reason why Pete keeps deleting comments pointing out his typos/mistakes?
Last night, he had mistakenly posted ‘Why did Girardi pinch hit Alberto Gonzalez, who grounded into a double play’ (when, well, it was actually Melky who had the fun). Several comments pointing this out disappeared when the post was corrected.
Just this morning, he had ‘Duncan’ misspelled ‘Duncab’ (likely typo). Comments pointing it out? Missing now.
Instead of deleting comments like this, wouldn’t it be easier to just have a little Edit: Typo correction to your post? Own up to it like a man.
“If Shapiro makes CC available, some high ceiling guys and marginal prospects just won’t cut it. He gets crushed in Cleveland if he doesn’t get some major leaguers and/or guys that can step in and play immediately.”
I doubt he gets quality Major Leaguers. He isn’t even going to get a Carlos Gomez.
Letting CC go for the draft picks would be highly stupid.
Ray,
Cashman hasn’t demonstrated his unwillingness to make such a move with his words alone – he’s done it with his actions.
Name the last big impact player the Yanks acquired during the deadline?
The answer is Bobby Abreu in 2006.
But the big difference is that Abreu was a salary dump by Philly that season and the Yanks got him and Lidle for very little in return.
That’s obviously not the case with Sabathia or Teixeira and I don’t see Cashman pulling the trigger on such a deal.
Mark my words – the Yanks will not make a big splash at the deadline. If they make any deals, it will be for a middle-tier player like a Randy Wolf or Jarred Washburn. It won’t be for a front line starter or a big impact bat.
Those days have come to an end for the time being.
“Why is he throwing so many pitches?
Why is he walking people?
Cmon Pete, be objective and start asking some tough questions.”
Um, because he’s a young pitcher starting his first ML games?
What are you expecting? Age 30 Roger Clemens?
“Why is he walking people?” is a tough question that only the bold dare ask?
Really?
“Austin Jackson presently has a .351 OBP and a .433 SLG at Trenton. Promising, yes, but surely not untouchable.”
At 21? That’s definitely untouchable.
Look what the HR derby did to Bobby A. He hasn’t been the same hitter since.
If you were in a position to be the all-time HR king, would you take achance with messing up your swing in a BS exhibition to please ESPN and MLB?
I think not.
Anyone criticizing A-rod over this, put yourselves in his cleats for a minute.
As far as the material girl is concerned (material MILF?) I bet this story has as much truth as Brian Mcnamee’s, oh wait, never mind on that one.
“Um, because he’s a young pitcher starting his first ML games?
What are you expecting? Age 30 Roger Clemens?”
No but I don’t like seeing Age 40 Roger Clemens.
He also averaged 20 pitches per inning when he was in the pen and he was only working with 2 pitches.
Matt,
What i wrote was 89 wins would have gotten a team in WC in AL last year. This year, i dont know, but due to the improvement around the league, i think it will be less than 89.
At 21? That’s definitely untouchable.
Sometimes fans just don’t get it.
Jackson is by far the most untouchable bat in the minors. I am a huge fan of how they have fixed the farm but they overvalue their prospects. They are short on thoroughbreds besides Ajax and Melancon. The rest are very far away.
Guiseppe,
In the last year there have been two high impact players traded. Texeira and Johan.
Last years Yankee offense had no need for Texeira and they were willing to trade for Johan until the Minnesota GM shopped around the deal the Yankees offered.
Cashman really hasn’t had many opportunities to get any high impact player.
““Why is he walking people?†is a tough question that only the bold dare ask?
Really?”
It must be because it’s not being asked.
I’d like to point out, too, that whatever homeruns Alex hits in a homerun derby do not count toward his MLB total – just sayin’. (Making trouble!
) I think the HR derby is silly, and it’s really kind of boring, so I don’t go out of my to watch it anymore. So whatever, but if ARod doesn’t want to do it, he should not feel pressured by anyone to do so. On the other hand, it seems Giambi would look forward to such a thing, and that’s fine, too.
I have to admit that last night I couldn’t watch the top of the ninth inning – or the bottom of the ninth, either, for that matter. I followed along with the game posts on this blog, but I couldn’t watch. I didn’t have a good feeling. But it didn’t have so much to do with Mariano and a tie game as it did with just feeling the game was not going to end well and not wanting to be an eyewitness. It’s not been a good week for the boys in pinstripes.
I’ve posted before that I will continue to hope that things can be turned around; it just feels like the “luck” or “karma” or “malaise” surrounding this team is bound to, if not change entirely, well, then alleviate at least a little. However, it’s undeniable that this is as disappointing a season so far as you’d want to witness, and it’s because the hitting, the strength of this team, just decides to go AWOL for extended periods of time. It’s not normal.
What I find interesting, though, is the thought that the Yankees are made up of all the same type of hitter, or at least it seems it must be that way, since they all seem stymied by the same pitchers. What I guess I’m trying to say is, wouldn’t you think there’d be more of a diversity in the strengths and weaknesses of this lineup? So that if one or two hitters are slumping it shouldn’t necessarily flow down throughout the lineup (and the bench!)?
Pete – LOVE the post! Very smooth incorporation of song titles, there. (Hate the subject matter, though.)
And I don’t think the (Devil) Rays – I’m with Michael Kay, there; I’d gotten so used to say D-Rays, and Rays just doesn’t sound good to my ear – are going away.
Brother Hank is not pleased with the recent offense
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/25497536/
I get to see Alex perform every game as do most other Yankee fans. For journalists to say he is obligated to Yankee fans to do it is nice rhetoric but flawed. I’d prefer to see him hit a HR in a game.
Everyone is focusing on the messing up his swing angle but Alex has been quoted as saying the #1 reason he doesn’t want to do the HR Derby is he isn’t good at at. Did it 3 years and never came close to winning.
The Home Run derby is something I view more for young players to demonstrate their power. He has participated 3 times in the past, and he is not even good in it. I do not see this as an issue.
It is a great opportunity, however, for the media to test the “A Rod bashing” waters, though, since all has been quiet on that front since the embarrassment last Fall.
“Pete – LOVE the post! Very smooth incorporation of song titles, there. (Hate the subject matter, though.)”
Doreen – Just got it Very clever, though I agree with you on the subject matter. Maybe I’m just old.
“Maybe a little less outside distractions and a little more concentrating and they’ll start hitting better. I thought they would go on a consistent tear, and it hasn’t happened yet.â€
And his mouthing off to the press is not an outside distraction?
Oh wait I forgot, he told told Moose to pitch like Jamie Moyer and suddenly Moose learned to pitch again.
I wonder why he didn’t tell Melky to start hitting like Bernie Williams, that surely would have turned him around.
Gayest post I’ve ever read Pete, you’re reaching for humor, coming up empty……
Regarding the derby, “ould you like to see A-Rod take his hacks at his home park?”
Yes, I would like to see that, but NO, I don’t want him to. Would be awesome if he could do it and not mess up his swing, but it’s not worth the risk. Just ask Bobby Abreu and David Wright.
Let Giambi do it, since he said it doesn’t mess with his swing at all.
I think you guys are all of a sudden overly in love with prospects, maybe because our season hasn’t lived up to expectations.
Austin Jackson is a good prospect. Don’t get carried away – he’s not going to be Bruce or Longoria.
Pitchers like CC don’t grow on trees. Hughes maybe will turn out to be that good, probably not. Same with all the other pitchers in the Yankee farm system.
If we can turn Jackson into a long term CC deal (it won’t happen, this is fantasy, he’s not signing a long term deal and the Indians wouldn’t trade him for AJax), we should do it. Our rotation next year needs CC.
If we could turn one or more of our minor league prospects into a real top-notch RF, 1B or CF prospect, we’d have to do it.
JMO.
Ray,
What can I say?
I think you’re going to be very disappointed when the trade deadline come and goes and neither Sabathia nor Teixeira is wearing pinstripes.
It’s not going to happen.
The Braves also got Mahay in that deal.
Any word on whether the PED-less Big Papi is going to be healthy enough for his mockery of the Ruth? THAT is something that I would like to see A Rod do.
No. Those homeruns would be meaningless.
“Austin Jackson is a good prospect. Don’t get carried away – he’s not going to be Bruce or Longoria.”
Bruce and Longoria are top 5 prospects. Jackson is top 50. Obviously he isn’t the same as those guys. Longoria and Bruce have the potential to be superstars. Jackson’s ceiling is something like Torii Hunter.
No team would trade a young top-notch RF, 1B or CF for Austin Jackson.
Our rotation next year needs CC.
Get it through your dense head he can be had for just a paycheck next season !
“Any word on whether the PED-less Big Papi is going to be healthy enough for his mockery of the Ruth? THAT is something that I would like to see A Rod do.”
Supposedly will attend the game but not play. In Yankee Stadium, it would make the most sense for a lefty to do it. Giambi would be a great choice. He’s funny and personable so the contestant would have fun and he has an upper cut swing that would be easy to get out to right field.
Guiseppe,
I won’t be disappointed because I’m not saying he’s definitely going to do it.
I’m just not discounting the possibility either.
Pole question:
Are we poopoo-ing the A-rod/Madonna rumor because she’s not hot? (Although Agassi and Babs spent quality time together)
What if Alex shared agents with a hot mom like Angelina or young starlet like Scarlett Johanssen or Jessica Biel? Would those rumors get your attention?
“it would make the most sense for a lefty to do it. Giambi would be a great choice”
I agree a lot with that. Two problems that I see are that he said he will not participate in events if does not make All-Star team (which is debatable if he should make it).
The other problem I see is that I think baseball does not want one the spokesmen of the steroid-era heading up that Ruth contest. Just my opinion, and I do not necessarily agree with it – especially because he is one of the few that admitted his mistakes, while Papi has still gone under the radar (IMO).
I think you guys are all of a sudden overly in love with prospects, maybe because our season hasn’t lived up to expectations.
If you want to get technical, the biggest reason why the Yanks are in this position of an aging team (specifically, position players) is because the organization showed no love with their draft and player development for a number of years when this team was winning rings and pennants.
The old Tampa Office hierarchy and George himself is to blame for the lack of MLB-ready talent in the system.
Take a look at the drafts by Damon Oppenheimer since 2005 and compare it to the drafts before his arrival.
It’s not even close.
And this neglect of the draft by the Yankee front office from 1998 to 2004 is a big reason why the organization is in this position and stuck in a rut.
Things will get better, but it won’t happen overnight.
Look at the Mets. That team is a huge mess and they have no farm to speak of. That team is in terrible shape for the foreseeable future.
“Bruce and Longoria are top 5 prospects. Jackson is top 50. Obviously he isn’t the same as those guys. Longoria and Bruce have the potential to be superstars. Jackson’s ceiling is something like Torii Hunter”
The thing about Ajax is he has only concentrated on baseball for three years. Ajax is the first toolsy player that Yankees have taken in a while that has advanced somewhat quickly.
Seriously you “Get Me CC Sabathia” fans are starting to sound like babies, They need him in the rotation for 09′ what ? So if 09′ is your problem get him in the offseason and stop trying to rob Peter to pay Paul.
Just don’t see the logic of the Yankees giving up top prospects for free agents to be on the trade market.
I think Ray set out a reasonable schedule. If by the 27th they are as far out of it as they are now, you may see more selling than buying.
Cashman isn’t ruining 4 years of work (in rebuilding the farm system) to save this season. These guys are going to have to sink or swim on their own merits.
We won’t see players being traded for CC or Tex at the deadline.
It makes no sense to give up top prospects for players who are going to test the FA market. Especially for a team that isn’t one or two players away from being a championship calibur team.
Look at what Shapiro got for Fat Bart. If CC is there, we don’t have enough in the tank to deal with Shapiro.
Don’t agree with your little blog today. Get off Alex’s back and do not follow along with the rest of the media. Are you a Yankee fan? Why don’t you put your application in to Us magazine?
I really feel like this current team is cooked. It’s going to take some kind of shock deal and some new blood to wake this team up.
I don’t know what that deal is. I don’t know who is available.
But Cashman without a doubt has a bevy of right handed pitching prospects he can trade. He also has some guys who might be willing to waive their no trade clauses.
I remember last year, was it, there were rumors of Abreu for Dye. I’m not saying that deal, but something in the spirit of that deal might wake this team up.
It’s time to act. Sitting back and waiting for all cylinders to click is over. Now it’s time to try to find some new ingredient that can kick start this moribund offense.
For all the criticism of Girardi, the pitching has been good folks. The hitting is on the veterans and young guys and the mix is wrong. It just is.
Melky needs to hit the bench. He’s regressed badly and proven his critcs right. I thought he had more to offer, but he’s showing no signs of being anything other than a spare part. I know he’s young, but this lineup with all it’s flaws right now can’t carry an unproductive CF.
Cano on the other hand needs to move up in the lineup and accept some real responsibility and prove that he can be a hitter somewhere else other than 7-8-9.
I don’t know what’s out there. I just know something has to be done to shake this team up and I think at this point, it has to come from outside the organization.
“The thing about Ajax is he has only concentrated on baseball for three years. Ajax is the first toolsy player that Yankees have taken in a while that has advanced somewhat quickly.”
Don’t get the wrong impression, I’d say Jackson is untouchable too (unless an incredible deal came along). I was just trying to be realistic about his potential.
Joe from Long Island -
You can’t be too old! I think that while she keeps herself in impeccable shape, Madonna’s a bit played out, though and I, frankly, am tired of her “reinventing” herself and I’m not sure there’s any envelope left for her to push. (And like the catty female I am, I’m envious of the airbrush!) I also don’t want to hear about ARod’s exploits, real or imagined, rumored or factual, because it’s a distraction, plain and simple.
Speaking of distractions, did Hank actually say fewer outside distractions and concentrating more would help them hit? Pete – I think the media is not doing it’s job fully – I haven’t heard of outside distractions outside of Madonna/ARod and the ongoing saga of Melky and Robbie getting plastered at the Dominican clubs – which I dimiss as something they may have done a few times, but now it’s something people latch onto to explain away their slumps.
Austin Jackson is 20 years old in a pitchers league and doing very well.
Don’t go by rankings to form opinions on prospects. If you are in the area, go and watch a Trenton game. You will see just how much talent the kid possesses.
He’s the best homegrown Yankee OF prospect since Bernie Williams.
As Brandon said, the “We have to get CC” crowd is going to be disappointed on the 31st because they aren’t going to trade for him.
If he is a FA after the season, I suspect they will be aggressive bidders for his services.
I would set the probability at 0% he is a Yankee by the trade deadline.
Ironically, pitching isn’t even the biggest problem with the team right now. Its offense. Its dead.
If they make any deal at all at the deadline, it will probably be for a bat or two. A pitcher if one falls in their laps or Ponson completely falls apart.
Just don’t see significant parts of the farm system moving at the deadline.
The Yankees draft picks are finally making it to MLB and now fans want to send them off for longterm risks and big money players. Yeah this makes sense. Before Brian Cashman refocused to appoint Damon Oppenheimer and Carlos Rios in thier respective positions the MLB draft for the Yankees were horrible to say pre Opp. that only one guy out of 200 players made it to the MLB is an understatement, now w/ Oppenheimer in that position you have seen Hughes, you have seen Kennedy, Joba, David Robertson, soon you’ll see Cox and Melancon. Do you know how many years our picks didn’t make the ML level, that’s how bad it was.
As for Carlos Rios…. Deleon, Sosa , Tabata in AA at 19, Montero, Abraham Almonte I mean what your starting to see is a change in philosophy.
““Um, because he’s a young pitcher starting his first ML games?
What are you expecting? Age 30 Roger Clemens?â€
No but I don’t like seeing Age 40 Roger Clemens.
He also averaged 20 pitches per inning when he was in the pen and he was only working with 2 pitches.”
I don’t think you get the idea of ‘young pitcher’.
‘Young pitchers’ take time to get around to the idea that they don’t have to strike out 20 batters a game to be successful, usually. Check out Kazmir – he’s still throwing close to 20 pitches an inning in several of his starts, and he’s definitely an ‘Ace’.
He seems to type to make adjustments quickly. If this continues into 2009? You start looking at it. Til then, let him adjust and mature as a pitcher.
He’s only going to get BETTER.
Mel-
are you saying Babs isn’t hot?
Sorry G.Love but one of the problems IS pitching. You can’t tell me the Yankees are a playoff team with Ponson and Rasner as 4 and 5 in the rotation. Like ray said, the offense should be given more time to start clicking. I think the pitching is more of a problem.
I agree Brandon. I’m hearing a lot of talk about Bedard but since when has he been able to stay healthy?! The last thing the yanks need right now is yet another liability or another over-rated pitcher. Pavano, the team pariah, says it all. C.C. would be an awesome acquisition because he is yet to have a season where his losses > wins. The fact that he’s a lefty, nay a DOMINATE speaks to this cause. Besides, we lost out on Santana and I think, especially in Cashman’s eyes, the yanks have to go for a winner. Remember, it’s Cashman’s final year in his contract and the way young-Steinbrenner is, he definetly needs to redeem himself. C.C. all the way!
my vote: should ask new hubby Modona!
I thought the more compelling quote in the Hank story was the fact that Cashman has been worried about the hitting all season.
Tells me that, contrary to the belief of some on here that the “offense will come around”, that opinion is not shared by Cashman and the baseball people.
Its why I think its more likely they go after a bat or two if they are still within shouting distance at the deadline.
mel -
Re: ARod/Madonna. I am just really beyond caring. I think she’s certainly “hot” enough. But the entire thing disturbs me. They are both married with children (though she may or may not be separating from her husband), and no one really addresses that aspect. I’m just tired of the whole trend toward normalizing behavior that really is not acceptable. This is not the forum, or I’d be able to rant on endlessly!
half of this game is 95% pitching.
Mark,
Not even in her prime. Great voice though.
“Austin Jackson is 20 years old in a pitchers league and doing very well.”
Turned 21 6 months ago, but you are otherwise accurate.
Doreen-
Mickey Mantle, Billy Martin, and Babe Ruth are laughing.
The Yankees should trade for Hideki Matsui. I know, I know, they’d rather have a righty bat and they already have enough outfield/DH types, but I still think he could help the offense, even if he has bad knees and GIDP’s too much. But I don’t think they’d have to give up any top prospects to get him.
Patrick,
I know on paper the pitching looks suspect, but somehow it’s been good. The pen last night was excellent with the exception of Mo.
Normally Joba or any other starter gets pulled in the 4th and it means we’re getting hammered, but they were able to make it work last night.
If this offense scored 5 runs a game, we’d be winning 2 out of 4 on a regular basis.
I’m not saying I don’t have concerns about the pitching. I definitely do.
But I also know that without offense, our pitching can give up 2-3 runs a night and we’ll still lose.
I think the mix of players is off. Like I said, I don’t know who the right ingredient is. Maybe a new leadoff man? Maybe a right handed hitting of’er with a little pop? I don’t know.
I just think there are key members of this team that think kicking it into gear will just happen naturally. I’d rather see some guys who aren’t waiting for the team to click and instead are making the team click.
I mean winning 2 out 3, not 4.
Mel-
she was hot in “the owl and the pussycat” and “What’s up doc”
the home run derby used to be his playground.
Remember, it’s Cashman’s final year in his contract and the way young-Steinbrenner is, he definetly needs to redeem himself. C.C. all the way!
What part of he’s not going to ruin what he built for a quick fix don’t you understand, what redemption does Cashman need to do, he’s retooled a team that has yet to miss the playoffs even when they got away from building a system. He added Robi Cano, Joba, Hughes, Kennedy, Melky and Wang who were big reasons why the Yankees continued to make the playoffs. If anything what he knows is his kids can battle, I’d also expect Gardner to be a big reason we make a playoff push.
Doreen,
I don’t pay credence because it’s beyond ridiculous. (although Alex likes the sculpted type).
But if it happened (and was true) with someone pretty that hasn’t dated Jeter (haha-yeah right) would we be surprised?
I wouldn’t. And truthfully, I don’t think I’d care. I’m not invested emotionally in him like other sports stars I like. We’ve been conditioned to the Alex being Alex and as long as he does his job, then whatever.
Not only that, Cynthia’s obviously going to stand by her man. So we don’t really need to worry about her. She’d just go into her special wardrobe and tell the world what she thinks.
Bedard=Eddie Whitson.
A deal for Bedard would need to be pending an examination from a psychiatrist.
Mark -
Are you saying I’m naive?????
Doreen, I personally have never had any interest in keeping tabs on gossip, whether it’s entertainers or ballplayers(who are a kind of entertainer, I guess). Whomever ARod, Derek, etc. get it on with does not interest me in the least, let alone how factual the stories are, and who really knows other than the people named. Again, with Robbie and Melky, though it gets mentioned on this blog from time to time, none of us really knows.
Pitching is definitely a problem Patrick.
I just think the cost of getting a top end guy is going to be prohibitive.
They may end up patching (with a Jarrod Washburn, for example) the pitching while searching for a bat.
Ray,
One other thing to add re: decisionmaking on the 27th.
If I were in a decisionmaking capacity with the Yankees, and they were over 6 games out by the 27, I would shut Posada down for the season and get his surgery done.
While it is admirable for him to fight it out every day, its clear his shoulder is compromised bigtime.
They have 3 more years on his deal. I just don’t see the logic of him trying to fight through this if this becomes a lost season.
I’d rather he get the surgery now, have all of this time to rehab, and come back 100% next year.
JMHO.
I’m just speculating, but don’t some of you think that the reason they don’t feel they can sit Melky is because he would lose all trade value if they accepted his play as bad and made him ride the pine?
Mark,
You’re really dating yourself. She was alright in “A Star is Born” only because they used a filter for the whole film and Kris Kristoferson (sp.) was better looking.
I did think she did a great job in The Fockers. Such a “Funny Girl”.
Sorry, I should mention that I’m a female and I like the classic beauty of the Grace Kellys and Audrey Hepburns more than the trampy girls of today.
hysterical!!!!!!
SJ,
I agree with you about Posada. If they truly aren’t looking like they’ll make a run might as well get him healthy and ready for next season ASAP.
Yeah Brandon but as well all know being yanks fans, just making the playoffs isn’t going to cut it. Look what happened to Torre with your motto, “Just making the playoffs” You know darn right that it’s either win the World Series or else it’s somebody’s head. Always has been that way, always will be.
Girardi’s decision not to have Melky bunt will haunt me forever. That being said… if we win tonight and then have a good series against the Red Sox, we’re right back in this thing. The season is too long, and last year we were under .500 at the all star break, so I’ve learned my lesson.
Doreen-
no. just saying, no one hold Mickey’s for his off field behavior against him.
Yankees get: NELSON CRUZ(RF-CF)
Ragers get: Cash! and PTBL
this guy vs LHP: avg: .412 OPS; .1225
http://pinstripealley22.blogspot.com/
mel -
I think you’re probably right both about Cynthia (and her wardrobe) and about people’s reactions if this were a starlet. But I think it has more to do with having someone actually living out their own fantasies — I doubt there’s many out there whose fantasies still include Madonna, if indeed they ever did. So, it’s no big deal.
mel-
okay. now I’m dating myself. I’m a film student. I went though the 70s woody allen genre.
And tramps are fun. just ask charlie champlin.
“Just making the playoffs†You know darn right that it’s either win the World Series or else it’s somebody’s head. Always has been that way, always will be.
Yankee management been upset w/ Torre for some time before he was not resigned. He burnt out so many BP arms, guys like Edwar Ramirez weren’t getting playing time, David Robertson wouldn’t have been getting play yesterday, Giambi would be a DH, there were so many things he didn’t do, he was Poppa Joe not manager Joe Torre, just see how many people are ripping him in LA for be overrated, that’s actual talk in LA right now.
Wow, Peter, you are off your rocker!!!
Maybe you should take a vacation to la isla bonita where you can lay on the beach and enjoy the ray of light shining down on you. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet the girl of your dreams and you will open your heart to her, after all, you hold the lock to which she may hold the key.
I don’t know what the Yanks are going to do with their minor league players. Probably, the Yanks will hang on to them. At least, that’s what Cashman has said.
But, I do know none should be “untouchable”. Austin Jackson is good, but really, his minor league numbers, at the same age and at the same levels, are only marginally better than Melky’s were. (I’m not arguing for Melky here, just saying.)
If we could exchange some of our prospects for a top notch minor league RF, 1B or CF who is close to the majors, we would be crazy not to do it. If it took Jackson AND Brackman or what have you to get it done, that would be fine.
We desperately need young impact hitters. We have none anywhere close to major league ready. AJax will be good, but not next year and I don’t see can’t miss all-star level from him yet.
I personally think the days are gone when the off-season Yankee pocketbook will always win out.
I agree that CC probably isn’t renegotiating his contract mid-season, and I wouldn’t trade Jackson for a rental either. But to ensure we get him, if the opportunity arose I would trade Jackson for CC on a long-term.
Mark -
I think there’s two reasons no one held Mickey’s off-the-field fun against him. One is the media was more protective then and less likely to write about such things. Two, Mickey Mantle, while not living up entirely to his potential, was a great ballplayer.
The third thing, though, is that I wasn’t old enough to follow Mickey’s career as it was happening, and who knows? Maybe while he was slumping, which I’m sure he did, people DID hold his nightlife against him. Any fans of the Mick here who would know whether that might be true?
Didn’t read all the morning posts, but it seems like you’re talking about the trade deadline?
I don’t think we’re buyers. Who’s going to sell you a bat to replace Hideki?
I don’t think we’re sellers. We’re not going to sell the farm, which everyone overrates anyway.
Look at the active position players. Jeter, Alex, Jorge are locks. Who’s going to take Giambi, Damon, Abreu? They’re not going to push a team over the top. Melky? No comment. Cano? Maybe. But I think he’s a semi-lock.
Bench? Molina may be the most attractive piece on the team. But he’s another semi-lock.
Bullpen? They’ve done well for us, but there’s nothing there that’s going to bring back anything to help us.
So the roster stays the same, and they’re going to be expected to win. Because it’s good enough to win.
Mark,
That’s because back in the day, everyone respected their privacy.
Now, it’s like a pond full of piranhas. And everyone feels it’s their right, their obligation to inform the world.
The LoHud comments section was BRUTAL towards the Mick on certain days. Imagine how people react if Jeter GIDP’s and then magnify it by 10.
Babs has/had a certain appeal to certain people. As does Madonna. As does Melky!
Some people think Julia Roberts is gorgeous, some think quite the opposite. There are some who do not find Angelina Jolie particulary beautiful and ditto every other starlet of the day. So of course Babs and Madge wouoldn’t appeal to everyone.
I think I have to agree with mel, Grace Kelly in “Real Window” or “To Catch a Thief”, Audrey Hepburn in “Roman Holiday” or “Sabrina” (although her kissing Bogey in that doesn’t seem right), Ingrid Bergman… heck Myrna Loy!
I’m not sure if I have a real point in any of this, other than the Yanks have had three painful losses in a row and Sidney Ponson is pitching tonight.
So the roster stays the same, and they’re going to be expected to win. Because it’s good enough to win.
5-6 teams with rosters “good enough to win”.
I agree that CC probably isn’t renegotiating his contract mid-season, and I wouldn’t trade Jackson for a rental either. But to ensure we get him, if the opportunity arose I would trade Jackson for CC on a long-term.
You seriously don’t get it do you ? Right now your becoming the 2nd coming of Dynasty is Destiny or Destiny is Dynasty, a poster we really don’t take serious here on lohud because everytime we explain why it makes no sense you contradict yourself. CC isn’t renegotiating anything, he’s looking for Santana $$$ and a longterm deal, he doesn’t pitch big when the lights are on, big stage, who is going to CF this team another 15 – 20 million dollar player who is over the hill ?
How are you building a future dynasty w/o a core system guy ? You need guys that will play for an incentive I think SJ yesterday brought a quote from Donnie baseball criticizing FA that have thier contract then go on cruise control instead of playing hard. We don’t need that.
You don’t look at stats when you evaluate prospects. Scouts look at projectability and how that players handles each level of play.
As with Robertson, Jackson has really come on in the last year. His AA numbers are more than respectable.
When you hear guys who aren’t inclined to gush over Yankee prospects like Keith Law and Jim Callis praise him, you know its more than just fan talk.
Especially in Law’s case because he is an excellent judge of talent.
The kid has the chance to be a very good player. They aren’t trading him for CC Sabathia or Eric Bedard. In fact, they aren’t trading him at all. Especially for a team that is struggling as much as this years team is struggling.
That’s bad baseball business.
Guiseppe- you’re 1:20 post is right on.
George signed Giambi, and then wanted Ortiz the same year. Cashman projected them as both future DH’s. If we had gotten Ortiz?? How many more pennants?
George wanted Sheffield over Vladimir Guerrero. Where would we be now if it was Guerrero? How many more pennants?
Don’t ever sign relief pitchers not resigned by the Braves, i.e. Chris Hammond and Farnsworth, although Mike Stanton worked out OK.
This team will not spend the prospects and/or the money and years it would take to sign CC. Look at Mike Hampton, Barry Zito, even Santana who so far at 7-7 hasn’t been a true ace.
My guess that the only players tradeable on the active roster by the end of July’s trade deadline are Joba, Cano,Abreu, Mussina, and possibly Melky and Farnsworth in that order. What could we get for Abreu? Mussina? Melky? Farnsworth? With eating half the remaining salary of Mussina, Abreu, Farnsworth, we might get some decent prospects. Without paying any of their salary, we get others high priced players.
Nick,
The worst part of it is that we haven’t taken advantage of Boston’s 4 game losing streak. That’s criminal!
Let’s just say that intangibles make Julia Roberts gorgeous and intangibles make Angelina not so gorgeous.
“just see how many people are ripping him in LA for be overrated, that’s actual talk in LA right now.”
So now our present and past managers are overrated???
Oh, Nick in SF -
Could you imagine if the Lohud Blog was around back then! Oh my! Or in the Billy Martin era. Or in the 80′s. It might have been in a pleasant place in 1998, though I’m sure that they Yankees lost a couple of games even in that incredible season, and the game posts would have been just as dreary.
Thanks for your continue efforts to lighten things up here!
Nick in SF-
Melky? really? he’s appeal?
Ladies, help me out. I have no Guydar
I agree w/ seeing is believing when it comes to prospects. I saw AJax and I don’t know why, but he reminded me of Soriano. Not the lack of plate discipline, but body type, speed, and the way the ball jumped off his bat.
Plus, he looked very confident. I can’t see anyway he is traded. He just looks the part of a star.
I don’t care much about the Home Run Derby, but if the biggest home run hitters aren’t going to be in it, then why have one? The thing is supposed to be fun. Treat it like batting practice and quit whining about it. Baseball players really are such babies.
@Nick in SF: Great idea! Melky for Home Run Derby!
Fredo,
That’s right. Our starting pitching has settled down (somewhat), the bullpen’s done its job (as myopic fans refuse to recognize, and our lineup was supposed to hit the K mark.
So what’s happening? Cathartic paralysis. It’s been going on for years ever since the 2004 postseason. They’re so petrified they can’t even get the job done. Fear of failure, fear of Steinbrenner, who knows? So if they can lose and heads don’t roll, maybe they can relax, play good baseball, win, and have fun. You know, like the Rays or the Red Sox.
The pressure to win especially in the first year of Girardi’s tenure and the last year in the stadium is killing this team.
In a weird way, the Yankees need a season like this. Mainly because, it ends certain myths that need ending.
The All Star at every position lineups in order to win. They won 4 WS without this type of lineup. That’s what they will be going back to after this season, IMO.
They can mail in the first 60% of the season, turn it on and be a “championship team”. This has been happening since 2005. Mainly because the team has too many veterans.
The entire game is trending younger and it seems to me the Yankees are also moving in that direction.
This year could give them a longer and more realistic look at as many of their prospects (who are ready) as possible.
Its really important the Yankees get true reads on Robertson, Kennedy and Hughes later in the year, Gardner, etc, as they look to rebuild this team.
Sometimes, you need a down year to do this.
Sure, it will make some fans go crazy but, if it happens, its a blessing in disguise.
They can’t go into another off-season assuming certain guys are ready for prime time when they aren’t. That’s one thing that has hurt them this year.
You can’t overcome all the issues in a season. Wang and Posada’s injuries, a dead offense, erratic starting pitching, age, the down years by Cano and Cabrera.
That’s a lot on this team’s plate.
Its why I would be shocked if they made any significant acquisitions at the deadline. Minor stuff? Perhaps. Nothing major, IMO.
In regards to Melky – I think he’s had a fair shake and he’ll be what he is. A regular outfielder on any other team. Right now – he’s an instant out or a rally killer. I don’t what other options there are right now, but Melky is obviously not the answer. Honestly, I don’t care if he’s brings life into the clubhouse right now, because he’s sucking it out of the team on the field. I’m not asking for an all-star, but I also don’t want a hole as obvious as Melky in the lineup. I don’t believe Gardner is the answer as IMO – he’s a 4th OF on anyone’s team. At least bring in/up someone who can put the ball in play and get on base. At the moment, it appears anyone is a better hitter than Melky. And with this offense already as streaky as it is, it needs someone who can at least hit once in a while.
Doreen, I remember the Yanks went into a team slump fairly late in that 1998 season, I’m sure someone from here would have said they were betraying 75 years of history or some such silliness.
We’re all pretty deeply into the Yanks and baseball in general, but at some point it’s good to remember that it’s not life and death (or shouldn’t be) and that we shouldn’t take it as a personal betrayal if someone GIDP’s or the team in general doesn’t live up to our expectations.
That said, I was pretty steamed last night when Girardi didn’t have Melky bunt in the 9th inning. Grrrr, I still am. I’d rather think about Grace Kelly.
(Mark: I was really referring to Melky’s appeal as a player; there seems to be a lot of disagreement over that right now)
Everyone is saying how the pitching is actually doing well. I think you are all forgetting just how bad the back end of the rotation is. Rasner hasn’t pitched well in weeks. Ponson was lucky he didn’t get bombed on Saturday. Neither guy can be counted on in the least. Joba, Pettitte and Moose are fine but the back end of the rotation is awful. The problem is, Rasner and Ponson aren’t going to get any better. At least we know the offense has the potential to be better.
“It might have been in a pleasant place in 1998, though I’m sure that they Yankees lost a couple of games even in that incredible season, and the game posts would have been just as dreary.”
Doreen, just imagine the whining and complaining after the Yankees lost games 2 and 3 of the ALCS in 1998 to fall 2 games to 1 down to Cleveland with some Cuban guy pitching in cold weather in game 4.
Oh god I could punch Chris Russo right now, him and that stupid S.I. cover
Anyone catch this on A-Rod and Cashman? Hilarious for all you Seinfeld fans:
http://thesportshernia.typepad.....plain.html
“Oh god I could punch Chris Russo right now, him and that stupid S.I. cover ”
why, what’s he talking about?
Win streaks like our postseason streaks put enormous pressure on teams.
It was even a question on Jeopardy yesterday. “Who came up in the 1998 season for the Yankees, who haven’t missed the postseason since?” Seriously. Trivia, but not trivial.
They need to get the monkey off their back.
Here’s a trade idea I have. I may be off, but it’s an idea.
Say we get Abreu (or Damon) to waive his no-trade.
Would Abreu and IPK get us Micah Owings and Chad Tracy from AZ or get us Lilly and Murton from the Cubs?
Obviously, the Cubs deal gives us an OF replacement, but also gives us 2nd solid lefty in the rotation for the next few years.
Abreu could be the missing ingredient for AZ (they need an OF’er) and the Cubs.
Or even throw Damon up to the Cubs with IPK for Lilly and Murton.
Brandon-
Brandon, your responses are offensive. SJ44 is polite, even if I don’t agree with him.
How were any of my posts contradictory? Give me one example, please. You said Jackson should be untouchable. I don’t agree and gave some perfectly good responses, none of which you have given even a slightly substantive answer to. You give me a lot of silliness about CC not being a big-time pitcher.
Instead, you are going to not take me seriously. I’m quaking in my boots. When you don’t have an argument, that’s not a bad way to go I guess.
G. Love, The D-Backs trade also helps the offense, Owings could DH when he doesn’t pitch…lol What are his RISP numbers?
why, what’s he talking about?
he getting happy because tim lincicum is on the front cover
Mel-
Do you really feel secure with this bullpen. When is the last time you,ve seen one of our relievers have a 1-2-3 inning, other than Rivera.
The problem with this team is Money, Money, Money, makes the World go round , but makes Yankees nonchalont about winning. Which of these high priced players have enough pride to take the team to the WS and win it?- for the small amount of money paid to the winner. A-Rod won’t lose his endorsements if they don’t get to the WS.
The truth is there is much more parity in both leagues, thank you George for the extra revenue sharing. Not all players want to come to NY anymore because they can sign for the same amount and live elsewhere to raise their families.
We have to get younger and develop our minor leaguers, especially need outfielders and 1st base.
“Would Abreu and IPK get us Micah Owings and Chad Tracy from AZ or get us Lilly and Murton from the Cubs?”
D’backs would likely take that deal, especially since they wouldn’t have to re-up with Abreu. Wouldn’t think the Cubs would though. Soriano is back soon, Theriot and Fukudome are getting on base at a high clip. What do they need Damon for? And couldn’t Kenny Lofton come close to providing it for next to nothing?
Joe–
That’s what I was thinking, lol. We could use Owings and Joba as pinch hitters off the bench or DH’s when they don’t have to start.
Joba took better rips than a lot of guys on the team vs. the Mets.
mel -
I think the worst move Girardi ever made was putting #27 on his back.
In an effort to step outside the box, I think Yankee management and fans need to make a conscious effort to avoid overvaluing their prospects. It is really exciting to see what has become of Joba. Truly fantastic. If Cashman can find a way to bring a Billy Beane style of baseball to NY with the Yankee pocket book, there this reason to believe that the team could be untouchable in a few years. But the fact remains, the Yankees have a $200 million payroll and don’t have to be as scrupulous as Beane is with the A’s. Having said that, no prospect should be untouchable when we don’t have any indication as to how they’ll do at the ML level. You can only ‘project’. Look what was projected of Hughes, yet the guy can’t stay healthy. I know, it was going to be his first full year, but still. The Yankees have to give and take and like someone pointed out, any good trade is going to have to be painful in some way for both parties involved.
With this in mind, Jackson, Tabata, Melky (not a prospect, I know), Cano (same as Melky, I know), Horne, Marquez, Gardner, Brackman, you name it…they should be discussed if the right piece to the puzzle is received. I am sure Cashman is always listening on anyone, but to say someone is untouchable is ridiculous.
you all are forgetting one important person….George Steinbrenner….If any of you think that getting George another World Championship ASAP before his time passes, does not enter into decisions now and throughout this and near future decisions….you are not facing reality. His sons, Brian Cashman, the Yankee organization as a whole desperately want to give him another World Series ring before it is too late. The fact that IPK and Hughes have been NOWHERE near the contributors this year that Cashman was counting on when he said NO to the Santana trade will factor in big time, when it comes time to sign CC and Tex and make a REAL Move for the 2008 and/or 2009 World Series Championships. It will be no surprise to me when the Yankees make some big moves to WIN NOW !
Doreen’s right. It was a different time.
As for Mantle, Martin and Ruth, as men off the field, all three seemed to be alcoholics who lacked any impulse control. As for nobody holding their off field antics against them, you should check with their families.
Billy Martin was infamous for his temper off the field and mixing that with booze was often a very bad combination. His son is an agent and has spoken about his father. http://www.recordonline.com/ap...../708190352
Mantle played in pain all the time and was revered by his teammates for his willingness to keep getting taped up to go out there. Maybe they didn’t begrudge him a hangover now and then, and maybe compared to the pain he was already in from various injuries, the drinking didn’t hamper him any further. But his drinking destroyed his family and destroyed him after baseball. His last sober days were so painful to watch as he appeared to realize and accept all the harm he had caused.
But Ruth was a handful and his antics got him in hot water in NY and Boston. See Robert Creamer’s, Babe, The Legend Comes to Life. Want scandal? How about his wife running off to live with a dentist under an assumed name because she couldn’t take Babe’s drinking, cheating and carousing anymore? She died in a fire while living under her assumed identity. When it came out that Mrs. Ruth was living with someone else posing as the other man’s wife, the local NY papers had a field day.
Compared to all that, A-Rod’s been a prince.
very cute pete
Brandon, your responses are offensive. SJ44 is polite, even if I don’t agree with him.
Damn your telling me I’m turning into whozat.
How were any of my posts contradictory?
ex.
1. CC probably isn’t renegotiating his contract mid-season, and I wouldn’t trade Jackson for a rental either. But to ensure we get him, if the opportunity arose I would trade Jackson for CC on a long-term.
Give me one example, please. You said Jackson should be untouchable. I don’t agree and gave some perfectly good responses, none of which you have given even a slightly substantive answer to. You give me a lot of silliness about CC not being a big-time pitcher.
You think CC is the answer for everything, throughout the day I’ve explain the offense is the problem, CC is not a need, he is a want and when you fess up to that I’ll take you serious.
Instead, you are going to not take me seriously. I’m quaking in my boots. When you don’t have an argument, that’s not a bad way to go I guess.
When you start bad arguements it doesn’t help your cause.
We really need some young offense on this team. Obviously these multi-millionaires don’t have the same hunger as these young guys.. granted teh young guys are not broke, but hunger to paid along the lines of jeter/arod can keep your focus. Obviously there is a *winning* component and when your a pro athlete you compete and want that W, so please tell me why it seems like this team doesn’t care either way? Not what they say, but with their actions…
I am not all that happy about Cash right now, he seems too “black and white” too “all or nothing” you have to be flexible and his comments of late are not.
How can you now go after CC Sabathia or Matt Holiday in the final year of The House That Ruth Built??
I mean even if it wasn’t the final year.. at least make some moves for crying out loud. Me personally, I am going after Matt Holiday to replace our aging OF.
I am tired of taking heat on this blog for telling it like it is, I have been saying that Melky will never be more than an average hitter for years here.. no I do not have a crystal ball, yes he is young.. but he has NO absolutely NONE in the way of RAW HITTING TALENT.. can he be shaped up and disciplined to become a better hitter.. uhm, maybe but how long has he had the finest coaches and trainers? How long has he been on this team? He is a hack hitter.. sloppy and undisciplined.. the kind of hitter that belongs in AAA to mature and then see what you got..
Cashman’s “Ready, Shoot, Aim” mentality is not working.. or the Yankee’s GM is NOT working.. you pick your poison.
GLove
Micah Owings was one of the players we could have had instead of Ohlendorf. So was lefty Dana Eveland who was traded to the A’s and is pitching well.
Doubt you’ll get Ted Lilly. Maybe Rich Hill who is struggling with control.
I don’t think the Yankees are nonchalant about winning. I think they put a nonchalant face on it, but it’s just that, a facade. They take winning VERY seriously. Maybe too seriously. I agree with mel – they need to get the monkey off their back. I also agree with SJ44, that a year without making the playoffs could be a blessing in disguise. Not only would it release the pressure valve a little, but it just might introduce a little perspective to the fan base.
BTW, I’ll take Audrey Hepburn.
Let’s trade all our prospects for Reggie Sanders. He might help the lineup…. rolls eyes.
No, those were just rumors. The Diamondbacks never offered Micah Owings.
Some reports indicating both Texas and Cincy offered Inoa $5,000,000 and he panned them in favor of the A’s. If true, this would lead me to believe the Yanks money wasn’t going to sway the kid. He (or more likely his peeps) seem quite comfortable.
murphydog -
I never knew that about Babe Ruth, nor did I know anything about his wife. Thanks for that information. Truly a different time.
mel
Pole Question- I see what you did!
I’m poo pooing because NYC Doormen know better than to blab. It hurts the tips.
If this relationship involves infidelity, it has little to do with looks. Most affairs have little to do with what the person looks like and more about how it makes them feel. How many times have you seen a guy leave his wife for someone most women would not consider an upgrade?
While you may not find Madonna hot, you have to remember that many teenage boys in the 80′s did. Fast forward 20+ years and when they see Madonna now, they still see the cone bras and garter belts, instead of seeing the crow’s feet.
“In a weird way, the Yankees need a season like this. Mainly because, it ends certain myths that need ending.”
Agreed. It’s called “paying the piper.” Thankfully they agreed to stop throwing money at quick fixes, neglecting the farm and the draft.
Test For Matsui
Hideki Matsui, on the disabled list with left knee inflammation, is scheduled to take batting practice Thursday or Friday, Girardi said.
How Matsui comes through the session figures to go a long way in determining whether he can avoid season-ending knee surgery. Girardi said Matsui has reported feeling better in recent days, but added that the biggest reason Matsui’s knee feels good is because he stayed off it all weekend.
“You have to wait and see when he goes through baseball conditions, how it responds,” Girardi said.
Mastui might make difference for us. Phil Hughes might help us as well… We have options in the minors let’s not give up yet.
Another reason all of the private lives are out there now a days is the internet and cable TV news. Everything is broadcast 24/7 and with the internet news spreads faster than it ever did. I don’t think anyone has a private life anymore
Chad Tracy has been awful this year, another lefty, who can’t hit lefties. Micah Owings would be worth the gamble, even though his ERA has balooned>5.0 since he has been bad the last month. But he would make a great pinch hitter on his off days!
I have it on good authority that Scooter the squirrel has tremendous problems at home. Why do you think he spends so much time at the Stadium?
Doreen:
Creamer’s book on Ruth is a pretty good read. He’s an old S.I. writer and is a featured talking head on Burns’ PBS Baseball Series.
Yankee Trader,
Stats don’t lie. 36-1 when leading after six innings. We had kids holding the game last night.
It’s not perfect, but there’s plenty of ammo in the system to help the bullpen.
And please don’t tell me that Marte or Fuentes is the answer. I’m sick of hearing those names and it would take the ammo to get them.
The sickest part of this team is the offense and the back of the rotation. Unfortunately, the back of the rotation looks better.
“I have it on good authority that Scooter the squirrel has tremendous problems at home. Why do you think he spends so much time at the Stadium?”
I just think he’s nuts. (Get it? Squirrel… nuts?)
Brandon-
Well I don’t agree that your example of my being contradictory is correct. It’s a perfectly good “if – then” argument – if CC was available and would do a long term contract, then I would be for trading for him. Nothing contradictory in that. You wouldn’t trade Jackson for him. Fine, everybody can think differently. But there is a good argument for it IF it could be done.
“You think CC is the answer for everything, throughout the day I’ve explain the offense is the problem, CC is not a need, he is a want and when you fess up to that I’ll take you serious.”
Show me once post I made where I said CC is the answer for everything. In fact, I posted several times that the Yanks desperately need young impact hitters. But I don’t think the two are exclusive.
The Yanks rank about middle of the AL right now in pitching. After Joba and Wang, and maybe Pettite, we have a lot of question marks next year. I’d say CC is a need. A big part of our problem this year, not the only problem for sure, has been a lack of depth in the rotation.
Fredo the Yankees had Inoa he switched agents and the new guy picked up the price, the Yankees on “principle” ended negotiations, A’s made a final offer Texas made a bigger offer, Cincy actually offered him a ML contract which he turned down and chose Oakland’s program instead.
“I don’t think you get the idea of ‘young pitcher’.
‘Young pitchers’ take time to get around to the idea that they don’t have to strike out 20 batters a game to be successful, usually. Check out Kazmir – he’s still throwing close to 20 pitches an inning in several of his starts, and he’s definitely an ‘Ace’.”
Tell that to Justin Verlander or Josh Beckett at that age.
What you seem to be missing here is that even Kazmir’s pitches per inning went down. Joba’s are going up. That’s not good.
“He seems to type to make adjustments quickly. If this continues into 2009? You start looking at it. Til then, let him adjust and mature as a pitcher.”
Great Idea! Let the bad habits continue for a year before they’re corrected.
I can’t believe people are upset that a player doesn’t want to participate in a meaningless mid-season exhibition.
Yankee Trader — I thought Tracy was a right handed hitter. My bad.
I just know he knocked 20+ dingers for a couple of seasons and just lost his starting job and can play both corners.
If he’s another lefty though, it doesn’t do what I thought it would do.
I was trying to find a team that would need an Abreu or Damon now and had a right handed bat with some pop and a starter to fill a rotation spot.
That said, if we could Owings for Abreu, I think I would do it. Owings doesn’t walk a lot of batters, has decent K rates and his whip is decent too. He’d be an asset to this rotation.
Show me once post I made where I said CC is the answer for everything. In fact, I posted several times that the Yanks desperately need young impact hitters. But I don’t think the two are exclusive.
So then why are we going after Sabathia, infact Cashman has said in his quotes, he’s not going to do that.
The Yanks rank about middle of the AL right now in pitching. After Joba and Wang, and maybe Pettite, we have a lot of question marks next year.
And CC is not the only FA next year.
I’d say CC is a need. A big part of our problem this year, not the only problem for sure, has been a lack of depth in the rotation.
Why ? We just pointed out how many times that the pitching is not the problem, the offense is the problem, believe it or not we’re losing more games at 2-1 and 3-1 or 4-3 than we win.
when you look at david wrights swinging it was easy to imagine him losing his stroke with the amount of energy he put behind hitting home runs. for arod, his swing is so natural i think he could easily participate in the derby. that being said i dont want to see arod 06 if he does mash in the derby
next years rotation will be wang-pettitte-joba-moose-hughes
If the story that we had an agreement with Inoa is true, then I don’t think he’d be adverse to being a Yankee.
It seems that the price had gotten ridiculous, and as disappointed as the Brandon and other fans are, it’s the right choice.
Cashman’s efforts to change our $$bag image will pay off in the future. We will not bid against ourselves, we won’t be pulled into bidding wars, etc. You want to be a Yankee or not? Obviously Inoa’s people didn’t feel that going with the Yankees was the right way to go.
Mel
I respect your opinions, but please tell me from what source you have the Yankees at 36-1 when leading after six innings? The Yankees record is only 44-40.
I still don’t feel comfortable when Hawkins, Farnsworth, Ramirez, Veras come in the game. Never a 1-2-3 inning.
Wave Your Hat it’s simple and I’m not going back and fourth w/ this too much.
CC Sabathia is a health risk longterm. He is not a big city SP, has cracked under pressure and mostly due to control and conditioning. He’s turned down 19 million from Cleveland, he is said to be after Johan Santana money, he is not a guarantee longterm lock guy. Right now 27 and 290 lbs for a longterm contract. Think how many 290 lbs SP are in the game play the length of thier contract, it’s his contract year so anything he does right now isn’t a given on what he will do for the team that pays him.
The incentive is gone after he signs that dotted line, it is a big commitment for an organization, and to trade 21 and 19 yr. old future talent for him, I’ll give you a good exampl see the Bartolo Colon deal, how did that work for a team trading w/ Cleveland. It makes no sense to drain a farmsystem for him, if he is FA in the offseason go give it your best shot other than that it’s mute.
Yankee Trader,
Fourth paragraph. That statistical anomaly is the glass jaw that Kay referred to on last night’s broadcast.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06.....ref=slogin
“Tell that to Justin Verlander or Josh Beckett at that age.
What you seem to be missing here is that even Kazmir’s pitches per inning went down. Joba’s are going up. That’s not good. ”
Scott Kazmir? He walked 100 people his rookie year when he was 21. That is not a typo. He walked 100 batters.
G. Love
Tracy throws right handed, bats lefthanded and has only 80 some at bats. Injury? If he were a righty, Id make that trade, and I still believe that Owings was in the trade mix for Randy Johnson, depending on how much cash we would send along to Arizona.
Sorry.
This is the statistical anomaly: “Yankees at 36-1 when leading after six innings? The Yankees record is only 44-40.”
The fourth paragraph in that article is a miracle.
Brandon, the counter-argument is that CC is still relatively young and despite all the so-called issues he has excelled consistently, and there are only two free agents for next year that I think make sense for the Yanks, CC and Texeira.
If you look how the Yanks have actually performed this year, they are a little above league average in hitting (despite not having ARod and Posada for a long time), but a little below league average in pitching. So, I think the Yanks need pitching a little more than hitting.
If you don’t agree, that’s OK. Peace.
Peace.
“The sickest part of this team is the offense and the back of the rotation. Unfortunately, the back of the rotation looks better.”
How so? Rasner has looked awful in the past several weeks. His last 4 starts:
3.2 innings 6 ER
5.0 innings 2 ER
5.0 innings 7 ER
5.0 innings 2 ER
Thats not good, even for a 5th starter. And Rasner is our 4th starter. In June he was 1-5 with a 6.47 ERA.
Ponson was really lucky against the Mets. He gave up 4 walks and 5 hits over 6 innings. If he does the same thing against a good offense like the Rangers they will drop 3+ runs on him.
Mel-
Thanks for taking the time to send the NY Times article, but look at paragraph 6 which states that the Yankees record since Veras was brought up was initially 1-5, then improved to 14-3, adding together that is 15-8, which means Veras would have had to pitch all his innings before the sixth, since Joba was the only mentioned to have incurred a loss after the sixth inning. Does 36-1 still sound right to you? Am I missing something, or was this a misquote in the Times?
Can Ponson beat his old team and salvage a game for the Yankees? What can we expect, anything like 6 innings 4 runs will be a success in my minds. Tonight is on the offense they have lost the last two games. The bats need to step up.
http://newyorkyankeesnews.com/maelias33/weblog/
Patrick,
The back of the rotation looks better than the offense. Relatively.
“GLove
Micah Owings was one of the players we could have had instead of Ohlendorf. So was lefty Dana Eveland who was traded to the A’s and is pitching well.
Doubt you’ll get Ted Lilly. Maybe Rich Hill who is struggling with control.”
Let’s set this to rest. The Yankees went hard after Micah Owings. There was NO WAY they were getting Micah Owings.
Yankee Trader,
Our record is 36-1 after a 6th inning lead. I’m not going to break it down, especially since some starters go into the 7th.
The point of the article and the record is somebody’s getting it done. If it’s not Veras, then someone else. The one loss in that record is pegged to Joba.
I get it, you don’t feel comfortable without the 1-2-3, so you obviously don’t feel comfortable with those guys.
“Ponson was really lucky against the Mets. He gave up 4 walks and 5 hits over 6 innings. If he does the same thing against a good offense like the Rangers they will drop 3+ runs on him.”
Not sure if you actually WATCHed the game (doesn’t sound like it). The strike zone was TIGHT all game. He looked good.
“Tell that to Justin Verlander or Josh Beckett at that
age. ”
Hmm.. In his first season Beckett had 4 starts and threw 24 innings. Thats 6 innings per start.
In his second season he had 23 appearances, 21 of them starts and threw 107.2 innings. Thats an average of 4.66 innings per appearance.
In his third season he had 24 appearances, 23 of them starts and threw 142 innings. Thats an average of 5.92 innings per start.
In his FOURTH season he had 26 appearances (all starts) and threw 156.2 innings. Thats an average of 6.007 innings per start.
Obviously it took Beckett more than 5 starts to pitch a lot of innings per start. Its the nature of young pitchers to throw a lot of pitches and be inefficient.
Props to AJax and JC for making their respective all star games.
“We really need some young offense on this team. Obviously these multi-millionaires don’t have the same hunger as these young guys.. granted teh young guys are not broke, but hunger to paid along the lines of jeter/arod can keep your focus. Obviously there is a *winning* component and when your a pro athlete you compete and want that W, so please tell me why it seems like this team doesn’t care either way? Not what they say, but with their actions…
I am not all that happy about Cash right now, he seems too “black and white†too “all or nothing†you have to be flexible and his comments of late are not.
How can you now go after CC Sabathia or Matt Holiday in the final year of The House That Ruth Built??
I mean even if it wasn’t the final year.. at least make some moves for crying out loud. Me personally, I am going after Matt Holiday to replace our aging OF.
I am tired of taking heat on this blog for telling it like it is, I have been saying that Melky will never be more than an average hitter for years here.. no I do not have a crystal ball, yes he is young.. but he has NO absolutely NONE in the way of RAW HITTING TALENT.. can he be shaped up and disciplined to become a better hitter.. uhm, maybe but how long has he had the finest coaches and trainers? How long has he been on this team? He is a hack hitter.. sloppy and undisciplined.. the kind of hitter that belongs in AAA to mature and then see what you got..
Cashman’s “Ready, Shoot, Aim†mentality is not working.. or the Yankee’s GM is NOT working.. you pick your poison.”
I TOTALLY AGREE! These overrated prospects need to GO! Cashman needs to WIN THIS YEAR, in the LAST YEAR OF YANKEE STADIUM!
Trade Hughes, Joba, Kennedy, Melky, Cano, and all of those AAA wannabes and get CC, Holliday, TEIXIERA!!!
Let’s go YANKEES!
Abel Guerra is not a baseball man. Too busy raising money for Rudy G.
I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one who knows all of Madge’s songs.
“Trade Hughes, Joba, Kennedy, Melky, Cano, and all of those AAA wannabes and get CC, Holliday, TEIXIERA!!!”
Hopefully your parents quite paying the bill for the ‘net so we don’t hear from you anytime soon.
“The back of the rotation looks better than the offense. Relatively.”
Thats if you think the offense will continue slumping for the rest of the season. Past history suggests they will not. Unfortunately the past history of Ponson and Rasner show that they are mediocre at best.
“Not sure if you actually WATCHed the game (doesn’t sound like it). The strike zone was TIGHT all game. He looked good.”
Of course I watched, other than when I was in Italy I’ve seen or listened to every Yankee game this season. He was skating on thin ice all game. Don’t you remember the bases loaded no outs situation he was in? And the inning after that there was bases loaded again with only one out. A better hitting team would have knocked him out by the third inning.
Anyone who thinks we’re one C.C Sabathia or Erik Bedard away from a championship is in dreamland. I hate to tell you.
Since we’re on the subject of untouchables, though:
Hughes
Melancon
A-Jax
Montero
Brackman
My list of untouchables grows to “everyone” if the player in question is someone we can just sign at the end of the year.
Contrary to popular belief, the New York Yankees are not required to win the World Series every year, or finish above the Boston Red Sox every year.
“Abel Guerra is not a baseball man. Too busy raising money for Rudy G.”
How many times is this going to be repeated? Whats that the 4th time? We get the freaking point.
Saucy, the old “Home Run Derby, that was hosted by Mark Scott, was filed at Wrigley Field in LA in Late January of 1959 and 1960. That’s what made the show amazing, though. These guys came into the show cold with 4 months or so since swinging the bat in anger.
texes will sweep us! Ponson is no savoir! sorry guys thats commen sense!
I think we can all agree that we need C.C. right?
There seems to be 2 camps. Get him this season or get him in free agency.
Give up prospects or risk losing him to another team?
The smart money’s on C..C. being available in November.
“Of course I watched, other than when I was in Italy I’ve seen or listened to every Yankee game this season. He was skating on thin ice all game. Don’t you remember the bases loaded no outs situation he was in? And the inning after that there was bases loaded again with only one out. A better hitting team would have knocked him out by the third inning.”
Um, yeah, I watched the game. I remember him throwing four strikes in a row, and three of them being called balls.
He didn’t get hit hard, at all. Some very nice sink on his fastball.
““Trade Hughes, Joba, Kennedy, Melky, Cano, and all of those AAA wannabes and get CC, Holliday, TEIXIERA!!!â€
Hopefully your parents quite paying the bill for the ‘net so we don’t hear from you anytime soon.”
Um, check out his login name.
Yankee Trader: The stat is correct, actually
Apparently I spent the last 15 minutes skimming over boxscores of all Yankees games this season, but anyway…
Of our 40 losses, 6 of them had the game tied after the 6th inning, 1 of them had us in the lead after the 6th inning (when Joba gave up a 3 run homer), and in the other 33 losses, we were behind as the 6th inning closed.
Of our 44 wins, 5 of them had the game tied after the 6th inning, 3 of them had us behind after the 6th inning, and the remaining 36 had us in the lead as the 6th inning closed.
Note that I speak nothing of whether or not games went into extra innings, or whether leads were lost and regained, and whatever other situations. It’s simply, where the game stood after the 6th inning and what the final outcome was
Ponson did walk a tight rope friday night but he survived and didnt give up any runs. he was throwing mid 90′s and he gained confidence. he was doing well with texas when he was released for whatever reasons those arent important. what is important is that he throws strike one, and works ahead in count.
i think the fact he is back in a regular rotation it can only help, he had 3 weeks where he only threw once basically in a game. i dont expect another shutout, but is it too much to expect a quality star? no
maelias33@gmail.com
I can’t wait to see tonight’s lineup. Girardi can’t play Melky tonight, can he?
Anyone else have the feeling this is going to be one of those punch to the gut, 15-3 type losses?
Well I heard Hank went off…guess we’re guaranteed to win tonight
As a public service, if you go to the 2008 Yankee team page on baseballreference, and click on “Inning Scoring and Leads”, you can get all sorts of cool information on how the Yanks do when leading after an inning, when trailing after an inning, and lots of other neat stuff.
it’s important when things are going bad to keep doing the same thing.
eventually things will get better.
.. and people who are performing below expectations should be treated especially nice with lots of patience.
this will bring out the best in them.
GB7 thanks for responding. I just brought up the wikipedia entry for the show. it lists who particapated, but not which winter they did. 21 different players participated… (but i’m too lazy to go through their HR/SLG% for the following seasons)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H.....TV_series)
I think someone stole randy l’s identity.
I don’t know if it’s the handle or the positive thoughts.
Thanks; if I noticed that earlier, I would’ve saved a hella lot of time xP
“I don’t know if it’s the handle or the positive thoughts.”
I’m pretty sure he was being sarcastic. Maybe you were too but I can’t tell.
Carl, I’ll be waiting patiently. What kind of wine goes well with crow?
Blargh and Mel
You beat me to the punch, as I too looked over the box scores. I stand corrected but it is true we were losing at the end of the sixth inning, only to give up more runs, many charged to the starter, by the relief pitcher, therefore skewing the relief pitcher ERA.
I’m showing my age, but does anyone remember Jim Coates. One year he was 13-3. Came into relieve the starter, with men on base, allowed them to tie the game that inning and Yankees usually went on to win, giving him the win.
After all your arguments for the relief staff, and hoping Bruney comes back pitching as well as he was, seeing improvement in Veras, watching Ramirez do well one day, get bombed the next, I’m still not at the point that I trust what we have in the bullpen, especially since few of our starters have gone more than 4-5 innings lately.
Blargh and Mel-
Thanks. Meant to say IF we were losing at the end of the sixth inning.
I do agree that the bullpen is low on the totem pole of our worries. It’s our offense, lack of contact hitters, always looking for the long ball, many times swinging at the first pitch when the opposing pitcher is wild. We used to be able to knock out the starting pitcher by the 5th or 6th inning based on being patient and raising their pitch counts, getting into their weaker bullpens to go on and win the game.
Melky needs at least a day off, but the only way he’ll get it is if Damon isn’t having the arch issue.
Since Matsui’s on the DL, that would be the only option.
Also, does anyone know if Gardner is taking any reps in CF during BP? If they’re intent on resting Melky, and Damon is good to go, we may see Damon in CF (now I lay me down to sleep…) and Gardner in LF again.
Yankee Stadium CF isn’t exactly a snap. Even if you can chase down fly balls, it takes some getting used to.
Somebody is a Madonna fan!!! well besides A-Rod that is
good job Pete!
Doreen,
I like your little tidbit earlier about the possibility that missing out on the playoffs might be a blessing in disguise.
It might put things into perspective, help fans be realistic when it comes to expectations, and allow the team to continue with what seems to be a long-term schedule for success.
I will say, however, that the Yankees and their fans are overvaluing their prospects right now.
And everyone who keeps babbling about Johan, CC, etc. being health risks, just STOP. Its a sport, there are always health risks. Its a business, there are always risks required for success. The Yankees have made some trades that ended up showing poor results (Javier Vasquez, Randy Johnson, Kevin Brown to name a few), but sooner or later they are going to take that necessary risk, stop overvaluing every prospect, and strike gold.
My pleasure, Saucy. I’ve got the HR Derby set on DVD. It’s a fun show to watch. Scott was a little too corney and not real comfortable or smooth in front of the camera, but, hard to understand since he was a sports announcer. He was the announcer for the old LA Angels minor league team. It took a while for me to figure out why the show went off the air, so soon. It was about 4 years before I found out he had died. Look down that list of players that participated in the show, and given the years, the one name that seems out of place is Dick Stuart. That would have been his first 2 years. I guess he was a curiosity, though, because it was only 2 years before that he hit 66 homers in the old Western League.
I’ve always actually been a huge Madonna fan, but her new album sucks.
If A-Rod’s going to bang a beyond-MILF, over-the-hill pop starlet, he was better off doing it when the “Ray of Light” album was out.
I did catch Overreactionary Yankee Fan’s screen name.
I also look forward to Farnsworthy misrepresenting everyone’s nationality again tonight. Can’t wait for him to get on Sidney Ponson’s fat St. Lucian butt.
GB7 (if you’re still there)
it was a great show from what i remember. i loved the format. wish they would have went with something similar for the new all-star game derby…
Saucy, I have to agree. Starting from the first of the year, they play a one ob one leading up to the game of the week, and then have a three round playoff on Derby Night, using the Mark Scott format. They have a drawing for the fans who get the money that the players won and the player’s favorite charity gets matching funds.
Maybe a little argument turnaround could be in order here, Brandon. You are a little kneejerk in your approach regarding prospects.
I’m a big proponent of building through the system, and I think the Yanks are very much on the right track. But I also think the org wants to maintain its winning ways, particularly this year and next.
The hitting has been frustratingly ineffective. You and SJ argue a bat is more needed, but not a rental bat. And seemingly we shouldn’t surrender any significant prospect for it or pitching. In fact SJ seems to be suggesting that the season be surrendered at the trade deadline – personally, I’d wait another month for Posada’s surgery. My questions are what bat, where would that batter play, and what would you give to get it? I’m cool with picking up Holliday or Teixeria (even though the latter is a rental) because they fill holes on next year’s roster (assuming Teixeria can be extended). But they won’t come cheap. After that, who? Dunn isn’t the ideal fit. Heck, I’d like to do a deal for a guy from Milwaukee’s stash of young corner OF’s and prospects, but what would they want that we can supply? Probably, like most other teams, pitching – but which would you part with?
You said “pitching is not the problem, the offense is the problem, believe it or not we’re losing more games at 2-1 and 3-1 or 4-3 than we win.” In fact, the Yanks are 10-10 in 1 or 2 run games where they score 3 runs or less. This is a function of very recent history, where in the last 4 games they are 1-3 in such games. I agree with many here that pitching is the problem, particularly for the playoffs. You go on and on about CC blowing up in the playoffs – so did Wang, and so have many other pitchers in a single season. To borrow an SJ favorite, that’s a straw man argument. But counting on Rasner and Ponson at the back of the rotation, or hoping Kennedy can rebound to replace one, or that we can wait for Wang and Hughes in August or September is questionnable in my mond. I don’t think we should do something now – unless it’s to help the pen. But mid-July when we see how Kennedy’s coming around and whether Rasner and/or Ponson can hold up is when we’ll need to act.
Personally I’m not ready to write off the season and focus on ’09 or ’10. And I’ve been following the Yanks since likely before you were born (can remember hearing about Mazaroski’s Series HR, saw Mantle hit in the Stadium), so the spoiled by the late 90′s argument won’t fly.
Look, if the hitting doesn’t come around, we’re toast. But that can possibly be corrected by better performances by the players here now – we’ve already seen some nice turnarounds this season (Damon, Giambi). It’s also possible that Rasner, Ponson, IPK, and Giese will suffice, or that they plus the returns of Hughes and Wang will. I just have less faith in that prospect, so adding a starter, preferably a good one, is something I’d welcome, since that will also be a need in ’09.
We could also use a pen arm – or a miracle comeback from Hawkins. I like our relief prospects in this area, but they’re not going anywhere, and we can’t predict whether they’ll perform well this season.
Finally, the CC for a paycheck thing. Your comments on this have been insulting. There is no way to guarantee that he won’t extend – or resign shortly after the season – with the team that acquires him. If he should move to a team that he then helps carry to postseason success (not such a big if), he could easily fall off the market in the afterglow. Now I don’t think we should put all our eggs in CC’s large basket, but Randy Wolf doesn’t ring my chimes so much. We don’t need a questionnable #4 starter – got lots of those.
I love following our prospects just like you. I was bitching about the lack of info out of Tampa just the other day and that a blog for them is in order – the perfect hobby for you and SJ in my mind – sincerely! But orgs aren’t built on prospects alone. The Rays are shaking things up with a good young team – but they were built more on trades and FA’s than prospects. 3 starters acquired in trades – 2 as pickups in salary dumps. An amazing pen turnaround all based on FA’s or trades – only Howell & Hammel came up through the ranks. And look at the players – only Crawford, Upton, and Longoria among the starters, and Gomes and Riggans on the bench were Tampa draftees. And they were willing to turn a 21 year old BA #1 minors prospect OF and some spare parts into a starting SS and a promising #3 starter. By the way, for an example of how a young player with multiple years of majors experience can make an offensive turnaround, take a look at our past prospect C Navarro. Cleveland’s a much better example of a team built from within, and what’s that getting them this season? So you’ve gotta be willing to make changes and cash chips – hopefully with an eye to the future as well as next month.
I’m not insisting on trades at this point – but I’m also not surrendering this season yet. I’m big on patience – but also big on winning, not whining. Cashman’s public pronouncements are meaningless – if he can find a decent deal for a player to help this team now, he’ll pull the trigger. I hope if he can, he does.
Sorry for the bible.
Best post ever!