Game 90: Rays at Yankees
-
- July
- 8
YANKEES (47-42)
Cabrera CF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Posada DH
Betemit 1B
Cano 2B
Molina C
Gardner LF
Pettitte LHP
RAYS (55-33)
Iwamura 2B
Crawford LF
Upton CF
Pena 1B
Longoria 3B
Navarro C
Aybar DH
Gomez RF
Zobrist SS
Kazmir LHP
Andy Pettitte (9-6, 4.22) vs. the Tampa Bay hitters.
Scott Kazmir (7-3, 2.63) vs. the New York hiters.
Notes: The Yankees have split 10 games with the Rays. … The Yanks are 3-4 on their homestand and 25-22 at home. … Abreu has 3 hits in his last 25 at-bats and is down to .272. .. A-Rod is 7 of 17 with six RBI and seven runs scored since the whole Madonna/divorce mess started. Now that’s focus. … Giambi is 0 of his last 11. … Cano is 9 of his last 23. … Good move using Molina to control the Tampa running game. … Shameless plug alert: I’ll be on SportsCenter tonight before the game.
Back later with lots of updates.
SUPPORT THE ‘STACHE UPDATE: The Yankees will hand out 18,000 fake mustaches to fans tomorrow. I asked Girardi if he would wear a mustache tomorrow in support of TBG and he didn’t say he wouldn’t. That would be fantastic, even if he just did it briefly.
UPDATE, 4:20 p.m.: Lots to catch you up on … The rotation for the rest of the week is Ponson (Rays), Moose (Pirates) then Joba, Rasner and Pettitte against the Jays. … Johnny Damon is down in Tampa working on his rehab. … Girardi said just now that he expects Hughes to pitch in the majors in September, which is different than what Brian Cashman has been saying. Of course in general Cashman is always more a pessimist and Girardi an optimist.
JOE GIRARDI PRE-GAME AUDIO: Here’s Girardi talking about the lineup, Matsui, Hughes and even … Carl Pavano. Stop the insanity!
UPDATE: 5:53 p.m.: Hideki Matsui hit off a tee today in the cage, which is a good sign as he starts to return. The question is whether his left knee can handle the workload. If it becomes swollen again, surgery may be the only option.
UPDATE, 6:04 p.m.: Matsui took 45 swings. “I felt pretty good, no pain. I hope to keep going in a positive direction,” he told a team spokesman.
UPDATE, 6:09 p.m.: Here is a worldwide internet exclusive, Kim Jones of the YES Network posing in the fake Giambi mustache that will be given out to the fans tomorrow afternoon.
Thanks to Kim for being a trooper. We also snapped a photo of Tyler Kepner of the Times in the fake mustache but, let’s be honest, we’d all rather see Kim.
UPDATE, 6:42 p.m.: Rich Harden to the Cubs in a six-player deal. Details to come.
UPDATE, 6:50 p.m.: Harden and Chad Gaudin to the Cubs for Sean Gallagher, Matt Murton, Eric Patterson and Josh Donaldson.
UPDATE, 7:33 p.m.: Kazmir is overmatching the Yankees at this point. The lefty/righty lineup thing doesn’t matter much with a guy like him. That trade keeps getting worse for the Mets, doesn’t it?
UPDATE, 7:47 p.m.: Jose Molina has 14 doubles, three away from matching his career high of 17 (2006). He is sixth on the team in doubles which is amazing when you consider that he’s not an everday play and he can’t really run.
UPDATE, 7:52 p.m.: Just when you think he’s out, Derek Jeter pulls you back in. Just some more clutchiness from the captain. In a game like this, that is a huge, huge hit.
UPDATE, 7:55 p.m.: Tremendous throw by B.J. Upton. Bobby Meacham is an aggressive third-base coach. With two outs, it’s not a bad risk. But with A-Rod on deck? That’s why coaching third is a tough job.
You know how it works, Alex will lead off the next inning with a single.
UPDATE, 8:02 p.m.: Just posted Girardi’s pre-game audio if you’re interested. In the interest of keeping things in order, it’s further up in this post.
UPDATE, 8:21 p.m.: Big Game Andy Pettitte is really dealing. 5 2 0 0 0 3. 67 pitches / 48 strikes.
UPDATE, 8:28 p.m.: Brett Gardner. Pesky, scrappy, Ecksteinish (Ecksteiny? Ecksteinesque?). He’s making things happen.
(I am not a big believer in scrappy. I’m a big believer in doubles in the gap. But people will totally fall head over heels for this guy if he plays even remotely well. It will be a tri-state crush of the highest proportions.)
UPDATE, 9:03 p.m.: Evan Longoria has struck out twice and is 0 for 3. How in the world could anybody vote or him instead of The Big G? Giambi hasn’t made an out all night.
UPDATE, 9:06 p.m.: No range, huh? Reports of the Captain’s demise seem premature.
UPDATE, 9:20 p.m.: I always try and read Baseball Musings at least once a day because David Pinto is a smart guy.
He made this great point tonight:
If you want to know what’s wrong with the Yankees this year, look at the OBAs of the starting lineup this evening. Only two players have OBAs over .350. It used to be that the Yankees might have one player under .350. The bottom four in the order are all under .300. Giambi is out due to a lefty on the mound, and Damon and Matsui are hurt, but this lineup makes clear the lack of depth on the team.
UPDATE, 9:24 p.m.: You go to Mariano because that is what you do. But if it were 4-0, you’d have to give consideration to letting Andy finish off his gem even though he is at 114 pitches. He threw only 89 in his last start. What a well-pitched game. He has allowed four hits, one of them on a bad hop. Three of Tampa Bay’s hits have come with two outs.
UPDATE, 9:28 p.m.: Mo is warming up.
In the big scheme of things, one loss means nothing to Tampa Bay. They came in 22 games over .500. But getting shut down by the Yankees here could plant a little seed of doubt in their minds.
Of course that would mean more if somebody other than Sidney Ponson was taking the mound tomorrow.
UPDATE, 9:32 p.m.: Hmm, no save situation now. Relievers hate warming up and not coming in (”dry humped” is the baseball term), so maybe Mo will still pitch. But if it gets to 6-0 what then?
UPDATE, 9:39 p.m.: Edwar Ramirez warming up. Dry hump for Mo. But it’s the smart play, what if you need him the next two or three days? You can’t waste him in a 4-0 game.
UPDATE, 9:46 p.m.: It doesn’t much matter tonight. But Bobby “Wave ‘Em In” Meacham is going to cost the Yankees a game one of these days. Sending Jorge Posada from second on Gomes? I thought this staff was all about preparation?
If George Steinbrenner had any say, he’d send him to Columbus like the old days.
UPDATE, 9:52 p.m.: 5-0 and 11 hits. Impressive win for the Yankees.
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So Gardner bats ninth, why? Melky is awful on the right side. Can Girardi just look into Gardner’s stats in AAA ball which shows he is better against lefties than righties?
I heard this mentioned on ESPN the other night but haven’t seen any analysis of it on the blogs.
The Rays’ record at home is 36-14. Their record on the road is 19-19. They have played twelve more games at home than on the road. As their home-away numbers balance out, their record is bound to come down a bit.
KABALAHH POWER !!!
Gardner vs Kazmir should be interesting, Brett can kill LHP
Probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to use Molina more regularly as the catcher with Matsui and Damon out.
So Gardner bats ninth, why? Melky is awful on the right side
yup but put Melky behind Molina and it’s instant GIDP, w/ Gardner not so easy.
I’d rather have Posada start at catcher today and save Molina for tomorrow. Pettitte can control the running game fine by himself. Ponson will need Molina’s help tomorrow. Maybe Molina will catch both games?
MELKY IS DEAD, how about you look at the links Pete posts and look at what Melky has done off Kazmir? Unfortunately Melky can’t bat for all 9 hitters today.
So if FAs or Trades or big players dont win championships then what does?
I thought you weren’t reading my posts?
Quick fixes will not solve the Yanks’ problems long term. That is obvious when this team relied too much on FAs since 2000.
Because of that reliance, they neglected the draft and farm. And that neglect is the reason why they have an aging team and no position players to help them out and the Red Sox and TB are loaded with young talent.
I’m very lukewarm on signing Sabathia because of the long term health risk. He’s got a lot of miles on that arm and his weight is a big concern.
However, if the Yanks want to sign Sabathia and make the rotation a big strength for this team with Sabathia, Wang, Pettitte, Joba, and Hughes - that’s fine. The bullpen should be in good shape with Farnsworth and Hawkins gone and the young arms like Robertson, Cox, Melancon, Sanchez, and Veras competing against each other for the 7th and 8th inning roles.
But they have to find stop gaps for the everyday lineup until the youngsters are ready at the minor league level. They could also package some of the young arms in the system to find a young bat or two.
This team will be a lot better off if they keep the big name FA signings down to a minimum. The whole “All Stars at every position” strategy doesn’t work anymore.
Signing Teixeira would be a mistake. Sure, it would fill a need next season, but the long term effect won’t be worth it.
This team needs to get younger and more flexible and that can’t happen overnight. Until then, making the rotation a strength and piecing together the everyday lineup until better options are available is the smart way to handle this transition.
Figured Joe gives Gardner a shot against Kazmir. Like the move, he does well you know he can handle lefties.
I hope they let Brett sing the National Anthem tonight. His voice is like God, only better.
Pete sportscenter is not on at 5:15. Do you mean the hotlist on ESPN news.
SportsCenter at 5:15 Pete? Isn’t that when that God awful Around the Horn is on?
Do you mean ESPN News?
And how can Giambi not be in the lineup when the “Support The “Stache” initiative is in full gear??????
lol
RCK - you just made me realize that the Yanks are the only AL East team with a winning record on the road. That’s gotta count for something…
First time I read ur post thaught u said Shameless PIG.LOL.
Why must we have somebody in there in front of Jeter anyway? I understand it makes sense when we have Damon since he was hitting as well as he was. But because he’s out we need to put Melky or Gardner in his place??? Your best hitters should be getting the most ABs. We should just move everyone up. The top of the order would be perfect. Jeter’s a great leadoff guy. Bobby’s a perfect 2 hole guy now that he’s all on base and speed and very little power. A-Rod is a perfect #3 hitter given all of his tools. And that gives you 3 speedy on-base guys in front of Giambi and Posada. And there’s less pressure on a struggling Melky or a young Gardner batting further down in the lineup. It just doesn’t makes sense to put guys who aren’t hitting well so high in the lineup.
Melky is dead
With everyone else’s averages against Kazmir, Melky should be batting 4th.
With the team speed the Rays have, Jorge is limited to a DH role or late 1st base duty. They would take full advantage of his arm.
The Yankees cannot afford to strand runners any longer and have to start making things happen and not beat themselves.
They need to learn how to put their opponents away through insurance runs in later innings to take pressure off the bullpen.
“KABALAHH POWER !!!
Gardner vs Kazmir should be interesting, Brett can kill LHP”
Brett has never seen a lefthander as good as Kazmir. Any good lefty starter pitching is already in the majors.
I guess Melky leads off because he has decent numbers against Kazmir.
“I guess Melky leads off because he has decent numbers against Kazmir”
Every once in a while a blind squirrel finds an acorn.
“yup but put Melky behind Molina and it’s instant GIDP, w/ Gardner not so easy.”
Melky has grounded into 8 double plays in 86 games.
OT
Pettitte has made Gomes and Pena look like freaking all-stars.
raymagnetic- Youre telling me that there are no lefthanded prospects in the minor leagues? I guess they dont have to be developed like righthanders?
Jorge should not be catching more than once a week. I think giving Giambi a day off after a day off is a mistake, even though there is a tough lefty pitching.
Here’s hoping Girardi is rolling the dice and it actually comes up SEVEN this time. Melky needs to have a big game…the Pressure is on…PARTY BOY !…Let’s see what you have GOT !
“Figured Joe gives Gardner a shot against Kazmir. Like the move, he does well you know he can handle lefties.”
After 1 game we will know that he can handle lefties? What?!?!
The Brett Gardner hyperbole machine moves steadily forward.
Interesting switching Melky and Gardner like that. I like Molina behind the plate; we don’t lose Posada’s bat, either.
Melky leading off …. one up, one out …..
Who cares if he has decent numbers.
*checks his stats vs. Kaz*
4-10 , 1 double. Wow those stats are just thrilling.
I don’t want any part of Melky batting leadoff, he will not walk and he will only get a hit if the ground ball finds a hole. He will not advance the runner, he is just awful at fundamentals. What’s Girardi thinking.
Color me shocked. Abreu in against a tough lefty?
(randy l, thanks for keeping up the humor on the blog. Fleas finally gave up his Santana crusade, so it’s great that you’ve taken the baton. Unless you’re serious about Livan? You can’t be serious. It’s Livan, not Live-on.)
i like what girardi is doing with gardner and melky. he’s letting them both know they are in a competition and they both are going to have their chances.
“Color me shocked. Abreu in against a tough lefty?”
Look at the bench, there aren’t exactly options galore.
I wish that they could figure out how to bat Gardner in all 9 spots.
Brett has never seen a lefthander as good as Kazmir. Any good lefty starter pitching is already in the majors.
He faced Liriano in AAA had good ABs vs him
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/tom_verducci/07/01/verducci.midseasonawards/index.html?eref=si_mlb
As per Verducci, Mo might be both a MVP and Cy Young candidate of choice.
I don’t get this. Melky is hitting .200 or so against LHP and despite his recent better performances, he still can’t buy a hit off LHP. His OBP is barely over .300. If you’re going to bat someone lead off, it should be either Gardner or Jeter, since Jeter has hit into DP’s anyway it makes sense to hit him leadoff with his better patience.
A-Rod should also be batting 3rd. How many times does he lead off an inning as our big run producer? It’s ridiculous that nobody is ever on base in front of him anymore.
Melky’s stats against Kazmir is 10 freaking at bats.
If he goes 0-4 tonight, then that OPS against goes right from .900
down to .643
How’s that representative of anything?
“After 1 game we will know that he can handle lefties? What?!?!
The Brett Gardner hyperbole machine moves steadily forward.
”
Gardner has shown that he hits well against lefties in the minors. Obviously he hasn’t faced anyone of Kazmir’s ability. He looks good, he’s in the next game against a lefty. Relax Ray.
There’s an article at ESPN that’s pretty sick and funny. Won’t link it here, but look for Mosley and orgy and S&M on the front page.
On a side note, Madonna has released a statement that she was not one of the unidentified women and had nothing to do with Mr. Mosley’s interest in S&M.
Livan wears his war wound like crown….He calls his child Jesus….’Cause he likes the name….and he sends his to the finest school in town…..
“raymagnetic- Youre telling me that there are no lefthanded prospects in the minor leagues? I guess they dont have to be developed like righthanders?”
I’m telling you the best ones are in the majors and Brett has never seen one as gifted as Kazmir before.
I never said they didn’t have to be developed but the better ones don’t spend a lot of time in AAA. For example Kazmir has made 1 start in AAA. That was this year when he was recovering from his injury. He went straight from AA to the bigs.
Melky is not a leadoff hitter. Period.
Let’s give the struglging .240-something hitter MORE at bats. Let’s give him potentially more AB’s than anyone else.
I think Girardi is playing the ole righty vs. a lefty game…but Melky stinks even more from the right side.
In all fairness to Liriano that was when he was struggling. He’s been very tough against lefties and will be recalled soon.
I heard Brett Gardner used to kill left hand pitching in little league.
It’s amazing….I LIKE Brett Gardner, but this forum somehow manages to get me to trash him every time.
Giusseppe, I think you can sign Texiera and remain loyal to the development plan. He’s on the right side of 30, will give us enough of his prime years, and is not blocking anyone in the system. We’ve sacrificed either offense or defense at that position since Tino retired, and it’s been an extremely weak spot for us.
“He faced Liriano in AAA had good ABs vs him”
Liriano who’s recovering from Tommy John surgery?
One simple change…
YANKEES (47-42)
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Posada DH
Betemit 1B
Cano 2B
Molina C
Gardner LF
Cabrera CF
“Melky leading off …. one up, one out …..”
For Melky’s career in over 289 AB’s he has an OBP of .373 when he bats leadoff so……….
Did I see a compliment form Pete on Girardi’s lineup? Has that happened before?
I wish Congress would consult Gardner on the energy crisis. Perhaps in the offseason, he could run in a centrifuge that is connected to a turbine that could generate enough energy for the entire Eastern Seaboard.
“Gardner has shown that he hits well against lefties in the minors. Obviously he hasn’t faced anyone of Kazmir’s ability. He looks good, he’s in the next game against a lefty. Relax Ray.”
I am relaxed thanks. The ritalin works really well in case you wanted to know.
I just think it’s silly for anyone to suggest that after one game we will know if Brett Gardner can handle lefties.
Gardner for President 2008
“Did I see a compliment form Pete on Girardi’s lineup? Has that happened before?”
Naaaaaaaaaaaaah.
Typically, it would be:
“This will be the 89th lineup change in 90 games.”
Jorge,
I heard that Brett and his twin brother (a lefty) used to play baseball and the womb. His brother had no chance, Brett crushed him.
(Just kidding. Had to join in the fun)
*in the womb
Pete, Around the horn is on at 5:15 on espn
maybe you meant ESPN NEWS…i think the hotlist is on then
It’s not like Gardner is hitting beachballs from a lefty like Sean Henn. Gardner does well against Kazmir and it give some evidence that Giardi can put him in against lefties.
Not just the Eastern Seaboard, but California as well!
Man, you guys are harsh!
“I heard that Brett and his twin brother (a lefty) used to play baseball and the womb. His brother had no chance, Brett crushed him.”
And I heard that when Brett was just a twinkle in his father’s eye…is was his right eye. Not the left eye.
Tino did not retire when Giambi signed on, he was kicked out. As much as i love the whole “Stache” thing this year Tino was my favorite and he should have been resigned instead of Giambi. What a waste Giambi has been.
What is the “Butterfly Effect” of Gardner’s speed?
The key tonight is to get Kazmir’s pitch count high in the early innings through some plate dicipline. If he has good command of the strike zone from the start it’s going to be a difficult night.
Did I ever tell you about the time Brett Gardner took me out to go get a drink with him? We go off looking for a bar and we can’t find one. Finally Gardner takes me to a vacant lot and says, ‘Here we are.’ We sat there for a year and a half — until sure enough, someone constructs a bar around us. Well, the day they opened we ordered a shot, drank it, and then burned the place to the ground. Gardner yelled over the roar of the flames, ‘Always leave things the way you found ‘em!’
Who else thinks the Melk man will strike out on 3 pitches leading off tonight?
Giusseppe, I think you can sign Texiera and remain loyal to the development plan. He’s on the right side of 30, will give us enough of his prime years, and is not blocking anyone in the system. We’ve sacrificed either offense or defense at that position since Tino retired, and it’s been an extremely weak spot for us.
That’s an understandable argument, but I think the problem with signing Teixeira is that he would be blocking Posada, Matsui, and Damon next season in the 1B/DH roles.
Not to mention that Jeter can’t play short stop forever.
If you make Teixeira the first baseman for the next 5-6 years - then you are forcing Posada to catch every day when nobody knows how his shoulder is going to hold up next season and beyond.
Matsui is going to be the everyday DH next season and Damon will get plenty of chances to DH as well. That’s a lot of DHs in the everyday lineup.
This lineup needs to get younger and be more flexible. And letting Abreu, Farnsworth, and Moose walk and taking the draft picks as compensation is a good way to keep restocking the farm.
Sure, it’s going to suck at times if and when the team struggles to score runs next season. But they will always be in a position to win if the rotation is a major strength and the bullpen continues to get better.
Weather patterns will be changed; lands once arid will become flush with vegetation
Bet Gardner faces a minimum of 50 pitches. He wears Kazmir out:)
Is it a coincidence that the Midwest started flooding when Gardner started stealing all those bases in Scranton?
“Who else thinks the Melk man will strike out on 3 pitches leading off tonight?”
Yes, I can see him swinging and missing a low slider out of the zone after an 0-2 count.
Other than that, I am very confident in the Melkster leading off.;-)
Seriously, Brett’s the most polarizing figure since A-rod.
He’s a good kid and we want good things to happen to him.
Listening to the espn radio guys call the game, they said that Brett probably dreamed of this exact scenario (of the possible GWH). Then the other guy said “Be careful what you wish for). They were impressed with Brett’s eye and were SHOCKED that the Rookie got the call on a borderline pitch. Then they went bananas on the hit. They were stoked (unlike Morgan/Miller).
I wish Congress would consult Gardner on the energy crisis. Perhaps in the offseason, he could run in a centrifuge that is connected to a turbine that could generate enough energy for the entire Eastern Seaboard.
What is the “Butterfly Effect” of Gardner’s speed?
You must eat a lot of cheese with all that whine.
Boo-hoo. Melky has underachieved for two years and you continue to whine because other fans want to see someone else get an opportunity.
I heard Brett Gardner worked with Elvis Presley at a Burger King in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
“taking the draft picks as compensation is a good way to keep restocking the farm.”
You are right but big bats are not available where the Yankees have been picking with comp picks. The Yankees can’t rely on the draft for offensvie weapons.
“And letting Abreu, Farnsworth, and Moose walk and taking the draft picks as compensation is a good way to keep restocking the farm”
Moose would take arbitration. Abreu could bring picks though. Is Farnsworth going to be a Type A???
Longoria’s lead is getting smaller.
You can text, too.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080708&content_id=3090778&vkey=allstar2008&fext=.jsp
“You must eat a lot of cheese with all that whine.
Boo-hoo. Melky has underachieved for two years and you continue to whine because other fans want to see someone else get an opportunity.”
You don’t get it. Nobody here doesn’t want to see Gardner get an opportunity. But all of the nonsense you see posted about a guy who has all of 30 major league at bats is ridiculous.
Jorge - I agree on Tex - he seems to be the natural FA fit.
Nobody in the minors anywhere that’s showing well at 1B. And no high pick this year there either. That’s the big long term hole, so that’s where a FA fits. And don’t give me Miranda - he can hit, but he’s not regarded well defensively. And his hitting might not be enough to cut it either.
I like trying to rely on prospects, but when there isn’t one in sight, that’s where you buy.
Did you see CNN just now! Melky Cabrera is responsible for the fires in California! They are also finding links between him and the flooding in Iowa as well as the extinction of dinosaurs!
Guiseppe Franco,
Relax. Whatever happens, happens. My opinions will have no effect in what happens with the Yankees. I’m just having a little fun. I never criticize your informercials, in fact I like them. So just take it easy.
Are YOU Brett Gardner?
btw. I am not Melky.
I don’t understand some of the moves Girardi is making. I know I’m echoing some comments I’ve seen already, but why is Melky leading off and Gardner batting 9th? I know Gardner is something like 2 for 20 in his brief experience, and I know it’s lefty on lefty, but Melky is worse from his right side (and so far he stinks at the plate in general). Why would you want to give him more plate appearances? Not to mention, Gardner has blazing speed. Melky, more middle of the road.
Oh well, let’s go Yankees!
Why isn’t The Big G in the line-up? Shouldn’t he be in to make a case before the final vote deadline?
Guys & Gals, we’ve got to get people motivated to vote for Giambi over the next few days.
You’d be surprised how many people would vote for the man with the mustache, even the non-diehards.
Just motivate people! MOTIVATE!
I vote 10 times a day! If ALL of Lohud does 10 daily…that’s a LOT of votes!
“Unless you’re serious about Livan? You can’t be serious. It’s Livan, not Live-on.)”
mel-
you do realize that all on the blog will be livan fans for one night tomorrow night when he pitches against beckett and the red sox.
… well at least to start the game anyway.
Phil Hughes coughs… breaks a rib… and will miss at least 4 months? MAN… that’s hard to fathom…
A hammy and an ankle injury sidelined Phil for 3 months last year…
OUCH!
“Why isn’t The Big G in the line-up? Shouldn’t he be in to make a case before the final vote deadline?”
With Kazmir going, he probably makes a better statement from the bench tonite.
You are right but big bats are not available where the Yankees have been picking with comp picks. The Yankees can’t rely on the draft for offensvie weapons.
Doesn’t matter. They still need to keep stockpiling young talent and turn this organization into a player development machine.
And a plethora of young arms in the system could lead to a few of them being packaged together for a young bat or two.
Young talented pitchers are like cigarettes in prison. They can can be used as currency to trade or buy what you need.
mel
What A-Rod and Brett have in common are insane expectations. The polarizing part comes when those expectations aren’t met.
“I know I’m echoing some comments I’ve seen already, but why is Melky leading off and Gardner batting 9th? I know Gardner is something like 2 for 20 in his brief experience, and I know it’s lefty on lefty, but Melky is worse from his right side (and so far he stinks at the plate in general). Why would you want to give him more plate appearances?”
I’m going to post this again. In Melky’s career as a leadoff hitter 289 AB’s (essentially half a season) he has an OBP of .373.
He’s not the automatic out at the leadoff spot that many people seem to think he is.
Corey Hart is really campaigning for the final spot he was on ESPN Radio and TV this morning now on WFAN.
The mlb.com article really layed it out what everyone is doing lol
“And a plethora of young arms in the system could lead to a few of them being packaged together for a young bat or two.”
I don’t really see a trend for clubs trading away young bats. The Yankees have shown it’s much easier to acquire pitching depth than hitting.
I just hear on 1010 that Madonna will throw out the first pitch at the ASG!
“He’s not the automatic out at the leadoff spot that many people seem to think he is.”
Agreed. He’s pretty much an automatic out wherever he hits.
I don’t really see a trend for clubs trading away young bats. The Yankees have shown it’s much easier to acquire pitching depth than hitting.
But every team needs pitching.
And if the Yanks have a strong rotation with Sabathia, Wang, Pettitte, Joba, and Hughes - that makes some of the other young arms in the system expendable.
I’m sure the Yanks will still hold onto Brackman and could make a difference in 2010 - but guys like Horne, Marquez, McCutchen, and others could be moved if need be.
“Agreed. He’s pretty much an automatic out wherever he hits.”
His .373 OBP batting leadoff disagrees with you. But I’ll just quit while I’m ahead.
Get well soon, Johnny!
“but guys like Horne, Marquez, McCutchen, and others could be moved if need be”
Those guys don’t get you impact bats.
“Abreu has 3 hits in his last 25 at-bats and is down to .272″
Abreu really gets on my nerves. When he is cold, he is very cold. Hopefully, he’ll break out.
Is it me or does it seem like he lets a lot of “catchable” balls fall for hits? Why catch it when you can get it on one hop?
This year more than ever the Yankees have a lot of tough choices to make as far as who gets protected.
“Those guys don’t get you impact bats.”
Agreed. They get you the Jose Molinas for Kennard. You can’t just dump players for an impact bat.
The Boston Herald has a big expose on ARod and one of his Mistresses.
http://www.bostonherald.com/track/inside_track/view.bg?&articleid=1105586&format=&page=1&listingType=trak#articleFull
“His .373 OBP batting leadoff disagrees with you. But I’ll just quit while I’m ahead.”
Lighten up, Ray.
I think Melky is useless offensively and it aggravates me that he’s steadily gone backwards over his short career. But you are indeed correct. His leadoff OBP, both career and in ‘08, is pretty damn good.
Those guys don’t get you impact bats.
All they need are stopgaps for the everyday lineup. They don’t need All-Stars.
I’m more concerned about flexibility and youth than finding someone who will hit 25-30 dingers for this team.
I agree about starting Molina against a good running lineup. Since coming off the DL, Posada’s arm is a liability behind home plate.
Gardner has had two good games in a row. Hopefully he can build on this!
““but guys like Horne, Marquez, McCutchen, and others could be moved if need be”
Those guys don’t get you impact bats.”
Might not get you an impact bat but it might get you a player whose team doesn’t know what to do with him.
Someone like Matt Murton to play RF next year.
LMAO!!!
http://multimedia.heraldinteractive.com/images/galleries/front_07082008.jpg
ARod produces another great cover.
And Giuseppe -
with nothing at 1B in the system - unless you differ in that assessment, which is possible - why would the Yanks choose a 1 year issue over a longer term possible solution. The Yanks key competitive asset is money, it should be used for the Yanks benefit. Almost 1/3 of every $ not spent on payroll will go to the other clubs in revenue sharing. The luxury tax implications need be considered as well of course, but I don’t see the point of blocking an acquisition for a long term hole because of the playing time implications next year. Damon and Matsui’s contracts both expire after next year. And Texeira won’t be the DH - he’ll be at 1B every day. No one else worthwhile at the spot will be available until after 2010 - unless you consider Sexson, Delgado, or Adam LaRoche worthwhile. Tex will be pricey because the suitors will be many - Mets, Braves, Mariners, O’s, Giants. But he could easily be cheaper then Giambi is this year. Giambi may be the best other option - if he’d go much cheaper and short term.
Someone like Matt Murton to play RF next year.
Possibly, yeah. Doubt Marquez would, but one of the other two probably would. Not bad Ray. A trade proposal that makes some sense.
this blog has single-handedly made me despise brett gardner. you gardner fanatics are insane
“ARod produces another great cover.”
Was Arod on that cover?????
Tom,
You are heading down a dark path. Be careful.
‘this blog has single-handedly made me despise brett gardner. you gardner fanatics are insane”
Think it bad now, wait til he actually catches up to a major league fastball.
“Possibly, yeah. Doubt Marquez would, but one of the other two probably would. Not bad Ray. A trade proposal that makes some sense.”
I’m trying. I’m trying to be a more sunshiney Ray as well.
Voting for the GIAMBINO…
I’m torn, does the Big G really want to go to the ASG? or isn’t 4 days rest at home better for the team?
I dunno, I’m torn…lol.
Vote or not vote?
“this blog has single-handedly made me despise brett gardner. you gardner fanatics are insane”
I don’t hate Gardner at all. I really hope he does well. The better he does the better the Yankees will probably do. I just think the expectations for him have gone through the roof.
can any of us really blame ARod for bedding complete strangers he hooks up with, while waiting on the on-deck circle?
I mean he’s a guy and sure his wife was preggers, but who’s gonna turn down some strange stripper.
Brett Gardner rules.
We like him because…
- he got a clutch hit for a walk-off win a game…haven’t seen too many of those this year! He was key in the win of the Red Sox in both Saturday also throw out assist in first inning/sac fly to drive in winning run). Let’s face…so many of our hitters have NOT been getting it done with RISP…so when we see someone actually doing it…we go “wow. who knew?”
Plus…
- he runs like the a cheetah…
- he works the count and is very disciplined at the plate
- he get’s his uniform dirty
Shiek
She told that story last year during the strippergate scandal. How sad to have to run a recycled tramp tale.
Yankee Needs:
Left handed starter: Trade for Erik Bedard? Scott Olsen of Marlins? Hong-Chih Kuo of the Dodgers? The Yankees might now want to resign Pettitte if he wears down the 2nd half. No top flight lefties in the minors.
Young Right handed power hitting outfielder: Rockies having trouble signing Matt Holliday to an extension with Scott Boras as agent. Would be worth good prospects. If they get him, would see what Abreu would bring.
Bench: Mark Loretta might be available from Houston, who won’t make the playoffs. Could they actually trade Betemit?
Don’t need Teixeira- bad average against lefties and agree with others that Posada might have to move to 1st frequently to earn his paycheck.
Right now the bullpen is holding up and Ramirez is pitching well against lefties, better in fact than Marte, who is owed 6M next year as a club option. Would definitely trade Farnsworth because his value is at it’s highest.
Yankees don’t need more DH types or weak armed outfielders.
Cano is a keeper unless the Reds would give us Brandon Phillips and throw in Aaron Harang!!!! HA
Well I guess we’ll just have to see how the Yankees play the rest of this month to see if we’re buyers or sellers, but based on how many games they would need to win 90 games, plus the games remaining against contending teams, plus the injuries, doesn’t bode well for us and realistically I don’t see a comeback like last season.
Scorpio: Vote!
“She told that story last year during the strippergate scandal. How sad to have to run a recycled tramp tale.”
Different stripper, no??? That one from Toronto last season isn’t the young lady on the Herald.
That should read may not want to resign Pettitte, if he shows signs of wearing down.
Pat-
it’s just as funny, today!
if brings new meaning to the phrase “screwing the opposition”
Rebecca: ohhh, alright…I’ll keep voting.
Ah, for the ’stache I’m willing to get a hand cramp =)
Tony Dungy on ESPN News. What channel is Pete on at 515?
I think the Yankees should pry Marte and Xavier Nady from the Pirates…not only for this season but years beyond. Nady becomes our RF.
Trade Bobby Aboo-boo?
And Texeira won’t be the DH - he’ll be at 1B every day. No one else worthwhile at the spot will be available until after 2010
nyyfan,
I’m well aware of all the arguments you’ve made. But Teixeira being the first baseman every day blocks that position as a spot to put Posada.
Surgery or not, we can’t expect Posada to be the everyday catcher next season when we don’t know if his shoulder will hold up.
If Matsui is already the everyday DH next season - where would you put Posada when he’s not behind the plate?
Also, Cashman has waited three years to lower the payroll to something much more manageable.
Signing Sabathia and Teixeira (and I believe Pettitte will return as well) would cost them roughly $55M+ for three players.
I don’t think Cashman waited three years to lower the payroll just to drive it back up again with the snap of his finger. I would expect their payroll to be clser to the $160 -170M range.
I could see them signing Sabathia and Pettitte [for one more season], but I don’t think Teixeira is going to be high on their radar.
Fredo Corleone-
Pat’s right.
The Boston stripper was with aRod in 2004.
I hope she didn’t pump some crucial data out of Alex.
My prediction for Wilson Betemit, 3 Ks and a double play groundout tonight. That guy should not be playing 1B and starting against lefties, even with the absence of Matsui/Damon. He looked absolutely god-awful against Lester on Thursday, can only cringe when thinking of what Kazmir’s slider and change will do to him tonight.
Go away Shiek.
Funny thing about Holiday. People often say that he is a Colorado hitter with much better numbers at home than on the road. And it’s true. His home numbers are insane (this year: .368/.441/1.079).
But who wouldn’t take his road numbers? (this year: .315/.408/.904)
How do strippers keep such a thin and tight waste line?
Is all that dancing and poll work?
Okay. I know I’m going to get ripped to shreds for this, but the way I see it, right now, the one thing the Yankees don’t need is starting pitching.
Okay, well, maybe they need it, but it should be their lowest priority.
Look, Darrel Rasner is not going to be a major league #1, but with the exception of the games in Oakland and Pittsburgh, he’s pitched well enough to keep the Yankees in the game.
Even against Josh Beckett, he kept the Yankees within three runs–striking distance for most major league teams.
I will give you that Andy has been a little shaky this year, but he’s seemed to turn things around.
Moose and Joba are…well…pitching like it’s 1999, and pitching like it’s the 22nd century.
The Yankees were able to look within the system to fill the void left by Wang’s injury (Joba), and while Ponson is far from ideal, the Yankees have won both of his starts thus far.
If the Yankees have an issue they need to address, it’s their hitting.
Take Brett Gardner for instance. Nearly every one of his ABs has been a quality AB, but he’s only got three hits in twenty one chances. Eventually, it’s not the quality of the AB that will matter so much as the result. I love Gardner’s spirit and energy, and can only hope it translates into more hits.
However, right now you’ve got him replacing Johnny Damon in the line up. trying to compare their offensive abilities is like trying to compare…well, there really isn’t a comparison. Damon’s won a ring and been on all star teams. Gardner is a little ways from that…and yet that’s the role he has to fill.
Never mind how the Yankees are trying to make up for Matsui who’s been one of the most, if not the most, consistent hitters for the Yankees.
Never mind that Canò has only started to realize that yes, Robbie, there is a baseball season.
Never mind that Derek Jeter is in the worst offensive year of his career.
Never mind that our bench is Wilson Betemit, Chad Moeller and Justin Christian.
If the Yankees are looking to buy this year, it’s gotta be a boy with a stick.
Call me cynical but any woman willing to marry a sports star atthe height of their career better be prepared for the possibility of infidelity. It’s groupies-galore.
A-Rod’s dumb, if he wanted to mess around, whey get married so young? do like Jeter and stay single!
pete must have meant he is going to be on sportscenter at 6:15
I don’t think Pete is on at 5:15 PM he is getting recorded now for later.
They are not going after Texeira.
Deal with it.
u people are absolutely pathetic saying gardner dominates LHP, yes in the minors! jesus, put melky in the minors and see what he does.. ure pathetic..
You are right Rebecca. You are going to get ripped for that.
You don’t win with Ponson and Rasner starting every 5th day.
Sorry. Did you forget why we won so much in the late 90’s?
Cashman has been patient and building for three years just for this moment come November. When 100 mill comes off the payroll and the farm system finally starts bearing fruit.
He is not going to ruin it by trading away prospects. If he didn’t do it for Santana and Sabathia he won’t be doing it for Harden or Texeira.
Especially when he can get them for free.
Right now Alex Rodriguez is all over the news.
the media is blowing up this sitution into a thousands of pieces.
at this point I feel bad for Alex Rodriguez this will leave another big mark on his career. I hope this won’t have an affect on him on the field.
I hope nothing stupid happens when this sitution calms down.
“Look, Darrel Rasner is not going to be a major league #1, but with the exception of the games in Oakland and Pittsburgh, he’s pitched well enough to keep the Yankees in the game.”
He’s a minor league pitcher pitching in the majors. He’s looked exactly like that for a month plus now.
Yankee Trader -
you’re willing to pick up Holliday, with his home road stat skew, but not Teixeira because he “doesn’t hit righties” Despite the fact his career BA and OPS are a bit higher batting left.
Swapping Loretta in for a gone Betemit doesn’t sound like a good long term move, and I’d question its short term benefit as well.
Can’t consider our pen completely solid at this point - kids still have some proving to do - so if we’re planning on staying in the race this year I don’t see the point of trading Farnsworth.
Sad to see so many willing to quit on the season 4.5 games out of the WC. A collapse over the next 2 weeks would change my mind, but I find it hard to believe that the Steinbrenners feel the same in the Stadium’s last year.
Way too many couch GM / accountant types here. As I said earlier, money is the Yanks key competitive advantage. If you’re uncomfortable with that, or have some purist notion that you want to “do it right”, well I don’t know what to say. I love following the prospects and wish success for them. But I don’t operate under the delusion that they’re better than the guys in the majors until they prove it in the majors. I want them to get the opportunity - when it suits the team’s needs. And I’ll always pull for all guys on the active roster and in the system, however much some may frustrate me.
Melky had the same stats as Gardner in the minors. Gardner in a year will be alot better than Melky without a doubt.
The Yankees may not deal for Tex, but they sure will bid on him when he hits FA
I hope all these great prospects that Cashman is hording are better than Melky and Kennedy and Duncan.
I can’t take anyone’s views seriously if they say Rasner should be in the rotation.
There is being a super fan and there is being semi objective. Come back to Earth.
We obviously need another pitcher.
“But who wouldn’t take his road numbers?”
His road numbers over his career have been good, sure. But not worth the HUGE bounty someone will pay for him in prospects.
“Melky had the same stats as Gardner in the minors.”
Melky was several years younger than Gardner when he put up those same numbers. That matters. A lot.
“Gardner in a year will be alot better than Melky without a doubt. ”
There are a variety of perfectly valid reasons to doubt that.
david robertson supporter, I wasn’t aware your in line for the GM position if cashamn leaves..
CONGRATS
Hope u do good..
get us a lefty out of the pen will ya
and keep our 4th OF Gardner on the bench, we can use his speed in late innings for PR.. thanks
I hope all these great prospects that Cashman is hording are better than Melky and Kennedy and Duncan.
Who said all three of those were off limits ? They were on the table but for who Eric Gagme ? Please man do better than this.
Rebecca, I quite agree with you. For those ripping Rasner/Ponson as the fifth starter, quick question: name the fifth starters in ‘96,’98,’99, and ‘00.
The hitting has been a problem as of late, but at least Cano and Jeter are starting to heat up. If Melky and Gardner contribute anything at this point, you have to be happy. The ‘Stache is slowing down, but Hopefully Posada will get started.
The rest of this season is going to be interesting. The Yankees play the Sox and Rays enough from here on out to control their own destiny. If they can win with what they have now, that’s a good sign.
If Hughes and Wang can be a factor again that stands in our favor. If Damon and Matsui are a factor again, that’s even better. If both of those things happen along with a few minor call-ups making contributions, I think we’re in great shape for the postseason.
Really, though, we’re gonna find out a lot in the next two games against the Rays.
Swapping Loretta in for a gone Betemit doesn’t sound like a good long term move, and I’d question its short term benefit as well.”
Why? Loretta can hit. Betemit can’t. Loretta can play a few positions effectively, Betemit can play a few positions, but none effectively. Stros would never take Betemit for Loretta, but they’d probably take something for him. Loretta’s a nice guy to have on your bench. If they could grab him for a B-list prospect, I’d do it.
“We obviously need another pitcher.”
If you can’t look past August, maybe.
Hey guys. I was wondering if anybody had a spare ticket for tomorrows game that I could buy? Long time lurker here (very rarely post), just moved to Hoboken and I’m starting up work in manhattan in a few weeks. Hoping to get to a day game before work eliminates the opportunity!
“I hope all these great prospects that Cashman is hording are better than Melky and Kennedy and Duncan.”
They are, actually. Duncan isn’t even a prospect, and never has been much of one.
The Yankees may not deal for Tex, but they sure will bid on him when he hits FA
If they do sign Sabathia, they won’t sign Teixeira too.
Cashman didn’t wait three years to lower the payroll only to drive it back up again with the flick of his slick new Pilot pen.
david robertson supporter, I wasn’t aware your in line for the GM position if cashamn leaves..
CONGRATS
Hope u do good..
get us a lefty out of the pen will ya
and keep our 4th OF Gardner on the bench, we can use his speed in late innings for PR.. thanks”
Dude you need help. Your man crush with Melky (see your link) is kind of questionable. Get off his nuts and realize Melky is a 4th OF on a bad team.
If they do sign Sabathia, they won’t sign Teixeira too.
Cashman didn’t wait three years to lower the payroll only to drive it back up again with the flick of his slick new Pilot pen.”
Bidding, if you would read please, doesnt mean getting him.
and how many teams would ure Gardner start on?? melky would start of most major league teams, get over gardner.. he’ll be back down in a few weeks..
“Cashman didn’t wait three years to lower the payroll only to drive it back up again with the flick of his slick new Pilot pen.”
Not his money. If he can use his bosses to money to improve the team, why not do it???? The issue isn’t that they spend $200M+, it’s that they spend $200M+ for $150M worth of talent.
Tex easily makes the most sense for the Yankees.
20+ Million gone for Giambi and your getting a guy who’s 27. The Yankees are starving for young impact position players. Why let go the premiere bat of the 08 Free Agent season?
Money shouldn’t be an issue here.
Unless of course the Yankees plan on trading for a young impact bat.
“Why? Loretta can hit. Betemit can’t.”
Eh. He’s a slap hitter at this point. I’d rather go after Wigginton. He’s actually a pretty solid righty hitter. Maybe they take Betemit and another low-level piece for Wiggy. Pair him with Gonzo, that covers the IF UT job pretty well, and gives us a decent righty bat to spot at 1B.
What do they do with Hughes next year?If Hughes expects to come back in Sept.How many innings is that for this year.
The Yankees are gonna SAbathia to give them 200 innings because Hughes is not gonna be a factor until late of next year.
Rasner may be a minor league pitcher–but with the exception of two starts he’s given the Yankees a chance to win in every single one.
Not his fault if the Yankees don’t hit.
“and how many teams would ure Gardner start on?? melky would start of most major league teams, get over gardner.. he’ll be back down in a few weeks..”
Melky might be able to start in center for 5-6 other MLB teams. Too soon to say on Gardner, but it’s probably fewer than that.
and I don’t need help.. Im a realist, i obviouslly know baseball a hell of a lot better then you do.. melky’s gonna be a lot better then u gardner. if you call teams and say who u want melky or gardner they’d say melky in a second..
This notion that the Yankees are going to stay at a reduced payroll is ridiculous.
I do think that if the Yankees miss the playoffs this year they will dump most of their FA’s maybe sign andy for a 1 year deal but lose moose bobby pavano farnsworth giambi
thats like 60 million…use that money and sign mark teixera and cc sabathia. I think that would be the smart move for them. And they would still be under what they are this season
Giambi-17 mil
Moose-12 mil
Abreu-16 mil
pavano-11 mil
Pettitte- 16 mil
farnsworth-5 mil?
thats 77 million right there
Teinera will cost 13 million a year and sabathia will likely cost about 15-17 million a year
I think ARod will be alright.
If he gets married again, he just needs to find someone who okay with infidelity, perhaps someone who would mind if he brought home some women to share. Someone like Madonna.
Gussepe Franco, did you just quote yourself?
And once Gardner gets used to the Bigs? He is the same type of player as Ellsbury, so I would say anyteam that wants a fast OFer
Irabu worked well as a #5 in ‘98/’99 (he essentially pitched like league average…it’s scary when you can throw someone who can be a #3 in the fifth slot)
That aside, with the way the game is going, unless you’re willing to throw a lot of money at someone who’s league average, you’re gonna have to grow your pitching depth.
and I don’t need help.. Im a realist, i obviouslly know baseball a hell of a lot better then you do.. melky’s gonna be a lot better then u gardner. if you call teams and say who u want melky or gardner they’d say melky in a second..”
Oh yeah? What do teams want in Melky that Gardner doesnt have?
Gardner = Melky in fielding
Gardner = Melky in hitting
Melky > Gardner in throwing
Gardner > Melky in running
But Gardner can improve his hitting using his speed
im gonna send a mass post out and see what people answer
WHO EXACTALLY DO YOU PEOPLE WANT ON THE TEAM!
so far this year , you dont want
1.Betemit
2.Cano
3.Cabrera
4.Giambi
5.Abreu
6.Matsui
7.Farsnworth(who i support)
8.Hawkins
9.Rasner
10.Ponson
11.Damon
12.Ohlendorf
if anyone else on my side can add people it’d be appreciative
which i kno, Raymagnetic is bc he seems sick of the gardner hype too
Aarons hatred for Gardner, and man love for Melky makes him a bad Yankee fan. We could have signed a Tori Hunter and you probably still would have wanted Melky in CF.
Not his money. If he can use his bosses to money to improve the team, why not do it???? The issue isn’t that they spend $200M+, it’s that they spend $200M+ for $150M worth of talent.
Hal has said numerous times that he wants to lower the payroll.
Is it not his team?
melkys not a lead off hitter, hes more of an end of the line up hitter, melky and gardner are not the same type of players so stop comparing them.. melky’s more a double’s hitter and an occasional pop one out of the park guy, where gardners a slap hitter w. speed and can turn singles into doubles.. we need both on our team, so stop spankin ur wank off over gardner. we need both
Kabbalahlalala will save us..
Let’s just win tonight..some how.
no, i would like the signing of Hunter bc it gives us a good Right handed bat in the line up idiot
Bidding, if you would read please, doesnt mean getting him.
I can read just fine. And they won’t bid on him either if they sign Sabathia.
Gussepe Franco, did you just quote yourself?
And once Gardner gets used to the Bigs? He is the same type of player as Ellsbury, so I would say anyteam that wants a fast OFer
I have no idea what you’re talking about. Haven’t mentioned Gardner at all.
Rasner may be a minor league pitcher–but with the exception of two starts he’s given the Yankees a chance to win in every single one.
Rebecca:
Rasner has posted an ERA of 7.05 since the end of May. He’s allowed nearly 2 baserunners an inning. Not surprisingly, he’s gone 1-6 on those starts. You don’t get to post a 7+ ERA and have run support complaints.
I just read on another site that Brett Gardner has been asked to participate in the Home Run Derby. MLB doesn’t anticipate that he will will hit many over the fence, but that have said that every flyball that he hits if he circles the bases before the ball lands that they will count it.
I predict: 1st round - 13.
2nd round - 12.
Finals - 6, but that’s all that he will need.
Josh Hamilton will only hit 5.
Best starting Roster for the playoff run in Sept without Wang
1. Damon
2. Jeter
3. Abreu
4. Rodriguez
5. Giambi
6. Posada
7. Matsui
8. Cano
9. Gardner
Bench: Betemit, Cabrera, Gonzalez
1. Pettitte
2. Chamberlain
3. Mussina
4. Pavano (if healthy)
5. Hughes
Matsui behind Posada when a lefty is pitching, Chamberlain before Mussina to space out the young pitchers. Gardner will learn ML pitching by Sept.
Robertson
Farnsworth
Rivera
Bruney
Ramirez
Veras
Britton
Kennedy
That would probably be the best 25 man roster come Sept
“We could have signed a Tori Hunter and you probably still would have wanted Melky in CF.”
I prefer not to give 90mil to career .324 OBP players. Melky may not be good but at least he’s playing for pennies.
Aaron,
Melky is a doubles hitter and Gardner is a Slap hitter? Gardners Slugging Pct. was 70 pts higher in the minors that Melkys is now. Gardner, when used to the pitching, will be a gap hitter
All Gardner jokes aside I’ll tell you how much Brett Gardner is loved in this Yankees organization Stick Micheal went on the Max Kellerman show today (Go ahead check it it’s on podcast) he said he (Brett)could be the best defender in the league very quickly (refering to LF), and likes his approach at the plate. Now he didn’t say it but when pressed on Melky or Gardner he dodged the question w/ that response. He was then asked about Austin Jackson (What’s his opinion on him as a player), he loves him, loves the pop in his bat, his speed, sees him as the future CF.
Whoever suggested Gardner was as good as CF as Cabrera is all wet.
I prefer not to give 90mil to career .324 OBP players. Melky may not be good but at least he’s playing for pennies.”
I was refering to Aarons Melky obsession, not literal.
the yankees have ten times more and better pitchers in the minors than boston and the rays.brackman,sanchez,betances,mcutchen,horne,cox,melancon,heredia,wright,aceves,steve jackson,ian kennedy,Jeffrey Marquez,Ross Ohlendorf,Kevin Whelan,Zachary Kroenke,George Kontos,Jason Jones,Eric Hacker,Michael Gardner,Phil Coke,Anthony Claggett,Zach McAllister,Ivan Nova,Jonathan Hovis,Ryan Pope.i left out a lot of them but they are as deep or deeper in pitching than anyone.they will get an ace in 2009 and they have 87 million coming off the books next year and 26 million more in 16 months for approx 113 million.they will probably get sabathia and it shouldn’t hurt them because their payroll with him still will be a lot lower and they won’t go crazy spending and should be sitting at around 170 million tops.they will probably have sabathia,wang,joba 1,2,3 wich is as good as it gets,you need three studs.pettitte will be the 4th and probably hughes so sabathia,wang,joba,pettitte,hughes,very nice they are going to be stacked.they will trade some of the surplus pitching for a few position players.they are in a great position,trust me.if i were them i would keep brackman,a pitcher who has filthy stuff and montero,a catcher who scouts say during batting practice they couldn’t tell him apart from ml players because at 16 years old he was hitting over 400 foot home runs to all fields.on a 20-80 power ranking scale his power is an 80.they say he looks like aubrey huff at 16 yrs old.all their pitchers will be very young except wang and sabathia IF THEY GET HIM and pettitte and brackman can possibly replace pettitte.they should put posada at first base in 2009,that eliminates their fb problem in 2009,dh matsui,damon in left or trade matsui for relief or a position player prospect,left field,right or center prospect.platoon molina cand cervelli or romine or trade for a temp catcher.boston will be there to but i like what the yankees are doing.steroids kept the older players on the field,no more,teams are going younger and controlling cost.
The Iron Shiek (Madonna is a Home Wrecker!!)-
Monogamy and loyalty are overrated.
It’s not big deal. Believe me, what the wifey doesn’t know won’t hurt her.
ARod was careless. You don’t go home reeking of another woman’s perfume and you don’t give out your main cell number to the goumada. Also, never ever hook up with someone who lives on your block.
Aaron,
You can add Wang to that list. When Wanger was going through his rough stretch all the Santana lovers were out in full force and of course the Wang is-not-an-Ace-crowd, too.
Also, the first month or so Moose was as good as dead to some folks…haha, look what Moose has done now?
thats stupid
#1 britton and kennedy aren’t gonna see the majors again
and then u got four left handed batters in a row.. nice line up.. good thinking cashman..and anyone can run on posada’s arm.. try again
david robertson where is your back up catcher
Giuseppe - I don’t see the problem. Just like this year, the older guys are going to rotate through the available spots to maximize matchups and get them regular rest.
I don’t see Jorge as a regular 1B - but I could be wrong. At his age he is more likely to decline soone than any of the others in the discussion. And its at least possible that successful surgery allows him to up his catching time, while mixing in DH stints. It has in his past. It’s also possible Matsui’s knees are helped by surgery and he can contribute in LF occassionally and not just DH. How RF is handled next year is the big question - we don’t have that guy ready to go either, but there are prospects there. But I can’t agree replacing our #3 hitter with a fill in and our #5 with a fill in is a good strategy for ‘09.
But at any rate, these are 1 season issues. Teixeira is likely at least a 5 year committment - by then maybe none of these guys are Yankees. Hopefully in 2010 Melky, Gardner, and Jackson are handling 2 OF spots and a reserve role between them. And another $26MM for Matsui and Damon has dropped off the books, or one (Matsui’s bat being more likely) is helping at the DH/OF role.
Making a decision on Teixeira or any other significant FA entails more than the fo