Today in The Journal News
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Jul 15, 2008 
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The All-Star Game is tonight and the biggest star is Yankee Stadium.
Alex Rodriguez opened up a bit about his personal life and said he has it in perspective. Rick Carpiniello has that story.
Sam Borden writes that George Steinbrenner deserves some of the spotlight tonight.
Jonathan Papelbon thinks he should close, not Mariano Rivera.
In Florida, Johnny Damon still isn’t ready to swing.
Josh Hamilton put on a show but Justin Morneau won the Home Run Derby. Brian Heyman has that story.
Teams have no interest in Barry Bonds, his agent said. This All-Star Game notebook also looks at the NL’s slump, home-field advantage for the Series, Brad Lidge, the Mets at the break and Kevin Youkilis looking for some Bleacher Creature love.
A Westchester Yankees fan supported Chase Utley for one night.
Joe Torre is back in New York but stayed clear of Yankee Stadium. Joe Girardi, Donald Trump, Mayor Bloomberg and other stars were at his charity golf tournament. Jeff Gold has that story.
————
Back later from the Stadium with plenty of updates.
Cash on ESPN2 right now.
Pat – did he have anything interesting to say?
Who should close the All-Star Game in the Yankee Stadium? Rivera, of course. Can’t believe Papelbon thinks he should. Is Papelbon out of his mind?
Is it true, Madonna is gonna throw out the first pitch?
It’s one thing to be confident and all, but Papelbon has truly lost it. It, frankly, shows a real lack of class. He just got, what? His 100th save. Let him do his fist pump in the 8th.
Fran
Not much. Spoke of the injuries and the inconsistant offense as why the team hasn’t been more successful. Said they still have the 2nd half to get things straightened out.
Was asked about being the one constant on the team that now has a new manager and new bosses. Said he still answers to George and speaks with him everyday. While he works for Hal and Hank and speak with them too, they all answer to George because there is only 1 Boss.
Said he is and will continue to work the phones to see about viable ways to improve the team. Still believes the approach of homegrowns and free agents is important. Said Joba transition was always planned and it was the media who created the controversy of whether he should start not the Yankees. Mike Greenberg admitted he was one of the doubters but said he should have remembered what a GM once told him- If you listen to the fans when making decisions, you might find yourself sitting with them.
Wouldn’t be the first time Papelbon has put his foot in his mouth. His schtick is growing tiresome. If we need comic relief during the game he can dance around like the character off the “Lucky Charms” cereal box, Mariano is the only logical choice for closer.
Hey, Pete. I’m no fan of Papelbon, but this story from the Boston Herald has more of what he said about closing the game and he seems very deferential to Mo. I’m not sure you gave him a fair shake.
http://www.bostonherald.com/sp.....position=0
“New York fans especially, they want winners,” Wright said. “When the vote came out, we weren’t playing very well. We were playing very mediocre baseball, and the vote reflects that. I think if you have that vote now, there are maybe some different results and maybe some more votes because of how well we’re playing as a team.”
No David Wright, we just don’t want you.
Pat,
Thanks for the recap. Sounds like a typcial Cashman interview.
wonder if cash meant he’s looking to improve the team for this season or next. im a huge fan and ill be rooting for them every game this year but i think he should be looking to move giambi, farnsworth and/or damon for young position prospects.
“but i think he should be looking to move giambi, farnsworth and/or damon for young position prospects.”
you arent getting much in return for those players right now. at this point, you’re better off taking the draft picks when Giambi and Farnsworth leave, and look to move Damon after the season is over.
Anyone know where online I can find some semblance of a schedule for what’s going on AT the stadium tonight? I can’t find a place that says when things actually start cooking there. Something has to be going on before the 8 p.m. start….
pete , did you see that yesterdays blog was the least that you had in a night. seems to me that 50% is not iterested in the derbey. normal you have about over 1000 a night last night you had only 500 bloggers.
Nady + Marte (mlb trade rumors), I would be all for it, the pirates love ollie (fine by me) although i dont know how much it would take to get nady
Turn Two
To get draft picks Giambi and Farnsworth would have to sign as FA with another team before Dec. 2nd, or decline arbitration, which in my opinion they wouldn’t do. Plus based on the past two seasons I’m not sure either would be ranked in top 20% at their positions, by Elias Sports Bureau
which would entitle them to 2 draft picks.
Pete,
Nice job blogging the HR Derby last night. Some really funny comments. The Giambi/if this was wrestling comment was priceless.
The Papelbon comments enraged me as much as anybody else, but we all know Francona is not that foolish to embarass himself come the ninth inning.
The only thing that worries me is if we are losing when the ninth inning rolls around. It won’t be nearly as exciting having Mo pitch the top of the inning when we’re losing.
Sure, he would have an opportunity to win the game at that point, but what happens if we don’t score or we tie it up? I think everybody is under the assumption we are going to be leading the game by the ninth inning and that may not be the case.
hughes, kennedy, melky, ollie for holliday + fuentes?
For the most part, I like George, and I respect his privacy, but I also wonder why the Yankees haven’t been more open about what his health problems are. Everyone assumes that it’s Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia, anyway. Why not just be more forthcoming?
YT: id rather take my chances at picks than trade them now and get nothing in return.
id imagine if you offered a package similar to IPK, Ollie, and Tabata to the Pirates for Marte and Nady, youd at least get them to listen.
Nady + Marte (mlb trade rumors), I would be all for it, the pirates love ollie (fine by me) although i dont know how much it would take to get nady
Ken Davidoff was on w/ Mark Malusis last night, he spoke w/ Pittsburgh’s GM remember how I told you guys the new regime in Pits. is not the same, the Bucs according to Davidoff and a few more sources confirmed the price tag on Nady is high, they are talking 2 grade A prospects for him, Marte is in the same boat and they are wondering if they should just extend his contract if the price doesn’t fit thier expectation.
Another words Nady would require Austin Jackson,Ohlendorfh and Jose Tabata or (Alan Horne)
A Marte deal would be around the same and they would most likely target Melancon and Jackson plus a few more.
(IMO NOT WORTH IT)
If you’re looking to waste a few hours of work time today- sorry bosses- the parade will be streamed live at http://www.myfoxny.com
hughes, kennedy, melky, ollie for holliday + fuentes?
Thank God your not my GM.
“Everyone assumes that it’s Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia, anyway. Why not just be more forthcoming?”
Probably because it’s none of our business.
yeah, brandon, agreed. not worth it.
id move Tabata and parts for Nady, honestly. the way i see it, Nady is already what we kind of hope Tabata can be, and prob a little more athletic.
i wouldnt trade anywhere near something that valuable for Marte. the bullpen just doesnt need him that bad, especially considering the price of his option for next year, which i think is somewhere around $6 million, i heard?
in any case, i’m not including Hughes or AJackson in a package for either of those players.
Wood I did see a schedule this morning just trying to remember wher eit was
gates open at 5 looking now it might have even been here not sure back in a sec
“Probably because it’s none of our business”.
Of course it’s none of our business, but there’s so much speculation. In addition, because everything’s so secretive you end up having things like reporters sneaking into his house under false pretenses.
Bobby Murcer received a tremendous amount of strength from the outpouring of love that he received. I’m sure it would be similar for George as well.
ok found it it was today’s ny post
5PM gates open
5PM AL Batting practice
620PM NL Batting practice
745 pregame ceremony
8pm fox broadcast begins
840 first pitch
id move Tabata and parts for Nady, honestly. the way i see it, Nady is already what we kind of hope Tabata can be, and prob a little more athletic.
I’ll go farther w/ this the Juvenile Delinquent better still be here after the trade deadline. I’m not into trading Tabata + more for Nady, (Nady is a good player in no way is he the answer to our problems)
he will fill in for abrue next year however
and i would never trade hughes for either of them, im just bored at work and trying to get people to post
You hate Papelbon because he is good. He is the next star in the closer role. Everyone knows Mo should close. Papelbon even said that, Pete just won’t link to that interview because he had more fun seeing you guys get all pissy on here. It drives up website traffic and makes his blog look good. Paps is who he is, idiot? Maybe. Big Mouth? Sure. That is who he is. Mo is quiet and mousy off the mound – So What! Give it a rest already.
“(Nady is a good player in no way is he the answer to our problems)”
no one is saying he’s the answer to our problems, but you acquire Nady, you improve the team, and not just for this year, but next year. and then if he continues to produce, you can extend him after that.
“I’ll go farther w/ this the Juvenile Delinquent”
and please, just get over yourself.
Papelbon is a low ignorant dog.
““I’ll go farther w/ this the Juvenile Delinquentâ€
ha, sorry Brandon. realized you were talking about Tabata.
Ahhh, Gayle! You’re a fine fine Yankee fan! Thank you!! I usually know how much time I have before a regular game starts when to leave the sports bar across the street!
Since this is a super-huge event, I want to make sure I give myself plenty of time to get through the dang gate and get to my seat so I don’t miss any good stuff. It’s gonna be crazy outside the stadium I’m sure.
Batting practice, eh. Pre-game ceremony? CAN’T MISS.
i’ll say, i dont see Tabata going anywhere, same with Hughes. for better or worse, these guys are like the crown jewels for Cashman’s crew, and i dont get any hint that they’ll even discuss them.
we are going to need a right fielder next year, and i think nady would be a really nice fit for the future. tabata + might be worth it. Ajax should be off limits, we are going to need him at cf in a year or two anyways.
“You hate Papelbon because he is good. ”
no. we hate him because he isn’t even a top AL closer this year and he’s acting like he’s entitled. 6 closers in the AL this year. wonder why?
“i’ll say, i dont see Tabata going anywhere, same with Hughes. for better or worse, these guys are like the crown jewels for Cashman’s crew, and i dont get any hint that they’ll even discuss them.”
Wouldn’t move Hughes or Jackson, but if I can find something good for Tabata, I’d move him in a heartbeat.
“we are going to need a right fielder next year, and i think nady would be a really nice fit for the future. tabata + might be worth it.”
i agree. i think Nady fits into the mold of what we need. young, athletic OF, with a RH bat that has a little pop.
i would never say you should overpay for him, but in a vacuum, a nice fit.
and with the 2 draft picks you’d get some Abreu, you can start to replace what you traded to get Nady in the first place.
“no. we hate him because he isn’t even a top AL closer this year and he’s acting like he’s entitled. 6 closers in the AL this year. wonder why?”
Mostly because all teams need to be represented.
ha, sorry Brandon. realized you were talking about Tabata.
It’s cool atleast you read the whole post
I wouldn’t deal Tabata not at 19 yrs. old not now, if he were at the futures game this year he’d still be the youngest on the roster.
oh yeah. that too, Fredo…
You hate him because he is a Red Sox and he is good. Deep down that is why. It’s okay to admit it.
You should really hate Big G for being a little prissy brat and refusing to hit in the home run derby. You show him all the support in the world then he says screw this and goes to Vegas. What a punk.
Soria still deserves his spot!
“i agree. i think Nady fits into the mold of what we need. young, athletic OF, with a RH bat that has a little pop”
Nady will be 5 months beyond his 30th birthday when next Opening Day rolls around and at no point in his career has he offered production approximating what he’s put up in the 1st half of ’08.
I’d tread a little lightly there. I’m not a big Tabata guy, but I’d guess I’m selling a little low if the return a guy like Nady who’s comparables in baseballreference.com include such luminaries as Shane Spencer and Craig Monroe.
I read in some Japanese sports papers that Matsui’s knee might be swollen again. Can you confirm it?
Nady and Marte would be great additions, but not if the price tag includes the A-List of prospects. the Yankees have to protect the top tier and use a very talented second tier (Kennedy, Horne, Cox, Gonzo, Marquez, Ohelndorf, Bruney, Britton, Karstens, Jones, Coke, Clagett, Wright etc) to try and improve this year’s team.
My untouchable list is Hughes, AJax, Montero, Tabata, Veras, Ramrez, Robertson, McCutchen
Someone suggested on a another thread there may be a prospect or two Pittsburgh might like on the Arizona roster. Arizona is desperate for a LH hitting outfielder… so Abreu to Arizona for prospects and a bigger prospect pkg to offer Pittsbrgh for Marte and Nady/Bay. That would help this year AND next.
“I wouldn’t deal Tabata not at 19 yrs. old not now, if he were at the futures game this year he’d still be the youngest on the roster.”
yeah, i know he’s got great potential, i just think our need for a RF next year trumps our need for a RF in like 2 or 3 years.
and if you use Tabata’s value properly, you can get a player who will be here for a couple years, so it covers you that way as well. help now, help later.
“Soria still deserves his spot!”
I liked Greinke for the Royals’ spot, but I agree Soria has done quite well this season.
SG, if i agree with you, will you go away?
Anyone going to the parade? Or anyone in the area? Is it crazy? I am waiting till 10 to, to walk there.
“Of course I want to close the game out, I wouldn’t be Jonathan Papelbon if I didn’t,†Papelbon said. “But at the same time there are also things within this game that I and other people have to understand that things don’t always work that way.
“We owe a lot to this game, we truly do and I feel that I owe a lot to this game and if that’s one of things that I owe this game, letting an elder statesman go ahead of me, then that’s what it is.â€
Papelbon said that despite the intense rivalry in the AL East between the Red Sox and Yankees, he and Rivera have gotten on well, for now.
“We’ve got an awesome relationship. I saw him this morning and we were just sitting there, hanging out,†Papelbon said. “We’ve got a great relationship just for the simple fact we understand each other, we understand what this game is about and we have that mutual respect.
“I’ve always referred to him as the Godfather of the closers, which he pretty much is. Obviously he’s done a lot of great things for this role. He’s one of the main contributors of making this role what it is today.â€
Despite the respect, Papelbon would like to one day be compared equally to Rivera or even pass his career totals.
“I’ve a lot of respect for him but at the same time I’m going after him, there’s no question about it,†he said. “I would love to be mentioned on that level or someday surpass him and if I was to say that I didn’t want to do that then I would be questioning my own self, my own character and self-esteem.
“We’ve got a good relationship though.â€
“I wouldn’t deal Tabata not at 19 yrs. old not now, if he were at the futures game this year he’d still be the youngest on the roster.â€
‘cept Martinez from the Mets.
‘cept Martinez from the Mets.
or Montero and Elvis
No way McCutchen and Robertson are untouchable, and in the right trade, I would think Edwar and Veras should be available too.
“You hate him because he is a Red Sox and he is good. Deep down that is why. It’s okay to admit it.
You should really hate Big G for being a little prissy brat and refusing to hit in the home run derby. You show him all the support in the world then he says screw this and goes to Vegas. What a punk.”
I respect a lot of the guys on the Sox. I don’t respect him. He hasn’t earned a bit of it. Great closer, yes? So are Frankie Rodriguez and Joakim Soria. He’s not better than K-Rod and lacks the awesome facial hair of Soria. Soria can probably dance better as well.
As for Giambi, I wouldn’t have participated in the derby either. It’s meaningless. It’s our equivalent of the slam dunk contest, and no one of note participated in that for years either.
I usually care very little about All-Star games. Besides the obvious reason to care this year, it really is no different this year.
GO YANKS!
Anyone know the schedule time for the first pitch?
I heard something this morning on ESPN Radio they interviewed Bill james and he said that Yankee Stadium was considered pretty much a pitchers ball park. I had never heard that before. With the short porch and relatively shallow left field it suprised me yes deep to cf and death valley as well but i thought it was pretty much an equal park
“No way McCutchen and Robertson are untouchable, and in the right trade, I would think Edwar and Veras should be available too.”
I’d actually agree with this.
Chris 840PM see above for schedule
yea i think any of them are available in the right trade, we just need some of them to stay
Am I the only one thats wary of trading for a Pirates that “annihilates” lefties? Craig Wilson anyone?
“You hate Papelbon because he is good. â€
I have no problem with a guy having the inner confidence to think no one is better than him, however misguided that may be. Papelbon doesn’t think he’s good, he thinks he’s the best and takes every chance to tell people that. If you are the best, people will tell you, you don’t need to tell them.
The only time Ive ever heard River say anything like he was the best was after he blew the save against the red sox in the secodn game of the season in 2005….A reporter asked him if he had to make adjustments when he faces the red sox and he replied with “I dont dont have to adjust to anyone”
you mean jack wilson
oh nevermind
no, I meant Craig Wilson, who blows
No way McCutchen and Robertson are untouchable, and in the right trade, I would think Edwar and Veras should be available too.
My laptop shutoff as I was typing this
But I agree none of those guy are untouchable neither is Horne and Kennedy, If a deal like Fuentes plus Ubaldo Jiminez came to the table I’d sell both Horne and Kennedy w/ Robertson and Veras and Colin Curtis
Still harboring that Ubaldo Jiminez love, eh Brandon? He should be a good one. Think the Rocks are hanging on to him though.
http://www.bostonherald.com/sp.....position=1
Read this article. Pap acknowledges that he is not on Mo’s level. I don’t know why some Yankee fans cannot admit that the Red Sox actually have good players though. And no one should complain about class when fans are being handed 20,000 mustaches or when their star player is sleeping with Madonna.
And now for some stats – from the years they were in the WS (Pap 2007, Mo 2000). I didn’t know what other years I should compare, but I figured WS years would do.
______G___H___ER__SO__BLSV__ERA
Pap___59__30__12__84__3_____1.85
Mo____66__58__24__58__5_____2.86
Funny, from the numbers, it looks like Pap does match up to Mo. Mo played 7 more games and allowed 28 more hits, 12 more earned runs, and struck out 26 LESS guys.
I really like robertson. I dont know what it is, he doesnt have great stuff. But he is very “crisp” if you will. he works the plate inside and out.
Still harboring that Ubaldo Jiminez love, eh Brandon? He should be a good one. Think the Rocks are hanging on to him though.
young, fits into a future plan they also have young arms, they want Kennedy I’ll expand it for Jiminez to be included.
“With the short porch and relatively shallow left field it suprised me yes deep to cf and death valley as well but i thought it was pretty much an equal park”
The park also kills right handed pull power hitters. A-Rod can live in it because of his swing but other righties suffer. Dave Winfield, anyone?
I don’t now why sox fans are so obessed with us, that they seek out a Yankee blog to read what they say, than write to us.
I rescind the word “untouchable”, but thoe A-List guys should only be moved for a big time player, not someone who fills a void.
I have a stronger opinion of Ramirez, Veras and robertson than some of you and that’s fine. The most valuable thing in baseball today is proven, affordable pitching and I’m convinced all three of those guys will be effective, inexpensive relievers for several years and it would take something very special to give them up. McCutchen could be a # 4 or # 5 starter next year. His last three starts (21 IP, 3 ER, 21 K, 3 W) have been impressive. He seems to have a higher “ceiling” than Kennedy, Horne or Marquez.
“Funny, from the numbers, it looks like Pap does match up to Mo. Mo played 7 more games and allowed 28 more hits, 12 more earned runs, and struck out 26 LESS guys.”
Don’t really understand your comparison, but know enough to say it’s bunk. Rivera has pitched in SEVEN World Series, six as a dominant closer. He’s been at or near the top his field for well over a decade and his postseason numbers are without compare.
Papelbon is good. Very good. But he simply doesn’t have a comparable track record and is years away being close. Papelbon doesn’t even have Krod’s track record (Krod has a World Series title too and arguably is the owner of the best single postseason ever posted by a relief pitcher).
red Sox–
No one can argue that Pap is a good closer and at times a great closer however you cannot compare him to Mo until he has pitched as long as Mo with the results like Mo. There have been numrous really good closer who in their best years eveyrone said they are better than Mo or as good as Mo. However they have come and gone and Mo is still here pitching if not as good but maybe even better than ever.
That is where the difference is.
The mustache thing was classless huh?? Didnt know that having some fun with the fans was considered not to be classy all of the sudden.
Did Josh Hamilton actually hit a ball out of Yankee Stadium or did it not go out? I can’t find a definitive answer on this, but it seems like the media is saying it hit the Bank of America sign, didn’t go over. Pete said it did go over in the live blog. Obviously, not the most important thing in the world, but curious given how rare it is. What’s the verdict?
Brandon,
You’re delusional if you think the Rockies are going to trade their young stud pitcher to the Yankees. They might trade him for Hughes & Kennedy however. How does that sound to you?
Matt it HIT the Bank of America sign it didnt do out of the stadium. With the high signs in RF the only way a ball is going out is if you hit it OVER the facing which isnt going to happen.
mariano has actually pitched in many more world series than your boy and you happen to pick the worst numbers. If you by any chance, or anyone else, think that paps can be mentioned in the same sentance to mariano think about all those closers that have come and gone, you met one last year under the name gagne. What makes Mariano Mariano, is that not only has he outlasted all those closers that come and go, but he has stayed on a level that few have ever stayed. So please, dont compare Mariano to Paps, its like comparing Roberto Alomar to Carlos Baerga at the begining of Baerga’s career
They might trade him for Hughes & Kennedy however. How does that sound to you?
Bad.
jennifer
I don’t now why sox fans are so obessed with us, that they seek out a Yankee blog to read what they say, than write to us.
—————-
Head over to any # of Red Sox blogs and see how many Yankee fans post there too. It goes both ways. It is just another outlet for the rivalry. P.S. You spelled obsessed wrong.
Interesting, Red Sox. Too bad it’s not the 2007 All-Star Game being played tonight – otherwise, I’d say Papelbon should close. This year, though, it’s debatable whether Papelbon even belongs on the roster.
I have no problem agreeing that the Red Sox are good. Obviously they are. And if they weren’t, playing them wouldn’t be as much fun. That’s not the point, though. The point is that — whatever. Mo’s having a better year, Mo’s had a better career, and Mo’s in his home stadium. And unless something goes horrifically wrong tonight, Mo will close. I don’t see what the big controversy is either way. Why are we all stirring this stuff up?
And, the “classy” argument. Again? Really? Yawn.
lets ignore red sox fan, we all obviously disagree, and know that he is wrong.
Jennifer – Haha I know it’s weird, but I’m soo bored. And I love debating so this seemed like an interesting way to pass the time til game begins.
Fredo and Gayle – I was just trying to prove that Pap is a good closer. So many people here are saying he’s horrible. Believe, it would be hard to find someone who doesn’t think that Mo is the most dominant closer of his time (including Pap!). I was at a Yankee-Red Sox game last week and even I got excited when Mo came out to close (it was my first time seeing him pitch in person). I hope that Pap can one day be as good and consistent as Mo.
Oh and I read an article about KRod. He also thinks he should close. When asked who should close the game, he responded with something like, “Well who has the most saves this season?”
Didn’t Rivera once pitch 33 consecutive scoreless postseason innings?
“Head over to any # of Red Sox blogs and see how many Yankee fans post there too. It goes both ways. It is just another outlet for the rivalry. P.S. You spelled obsessed wrong.”
Many of us have no idea what happens on Red Sox blogs because we stick to the Yankees and care about Yankee business. Why should she or any of the rest of us head over to a Sox blog just to see what some idiot Yankee fans are posting?
You’re an idiot and a loser if you come to another blog just to troll.
Red Sox
If Mariano and Papelbon’s careers were to finish today, one is going into the HOF and the other isn’t.
If Papelbon is still a dominant closer in 2017, and has amassed a career with numbers exceeding Rivera’s, get back to us.
Mariano’s Number – Sorry, I didn’t know what year to pick! I just picked the most recent one for him.
Rb15 – I completely agree that Mo is having an oustanding year and that he should close. I was just trying to prove that Pap is actually a good closer.
“I don’t now why sox fans are so obessed with us, that they seek out a Yankee blog to read what they say, than write to us.”
It’s simple. Many Red Sox fans are simpletons with an inferiority complex that has been passed down from generation to generation. I find them very amusing, actually.
No Yankee fan thinks Papelbon is a bad pitcher, and I’m sure no Sox fan thinks Papelbon has matched Rivera’s legacy. The bottom line is that a team facing either Rivera or Papelbon in the bottom of the ninth is extremely unlikely to win.
I also disagree with Pete’s characterization of Papelbon’s statements, which comes across as an attempt to get a rise out of readers and fans. Papelbon said he’d put himself in the game if he could. There’s nothing wrong with that, he wants to pitch in the ninth. It’s his job. He didn’t say he’s more deserving than Rivera, in fact he said much the opposite. So instead of saying he should pitch the ninth, he said he would if he had the choice. That’s a big difference.
Why would the Rockies want to trade Jimenez? Regardless of other young arms being in their system or liking IPK, on stuff alone Jimenez is way ahead of Kennedy. While I think the Rocks want Kennedy for Fuentes, I don’t think they want to dangle Jimenez in the same deal and take back a bunch of Yankee pitching prospects–and conversely from NYY’s perspective, they would have to give up way too many arms to justify playing the “Cory Lidle was the key to this deal” card with getting Jimenez included in a big package deal. Then you are proverbially selling the farm for a guy who has yet to ascend to the role of consistent ML starter, even if he’s closer than Kennedy or Hughes and has better pure stuff than both.
im sick of the all star break already, i could really go for a day game right about now
i dunno that jiminez has better pure stuff that hughes. hughes has some dirty stuff
Actually, I was surprised at the mustache thing. The Yankees never do things like that. I thought it was funny and a good way to show support for Giambi. In a lot of ways, I’m glad the franchise is moving away from the corporate image a little bit. It makes the team a little more approachable for us as fans. And was I dreaming, or did some of the players have five o clock shadows during the Sox series last week? The times, they are a’changing.
parade streaming live on myfoxny.com
Yogi and Whitey lead the way
“Mariano’s Number – Sorry, I didn’t know what year to pick! I just picked the most recent one for him.”
That wasn’t the most recent one, sorry. Another thing, that year that you did cherry pick, Mariano pitched 17 MORE innings than Papelbon so the numbers aren’t comparable at all.
Andrew to land Jiminez I would package Cox w/ Horne and Kennedy and Robertson…one thing we have is depth in BP arms if I can land Jiminez and Fuentes that’s the only way Kennedy goes in that deal.
Ray,
I had something informed to say. You all jumped on me because you did not like what I said. How does that make me an idiot?? If I were a troll, I would say things like you just did.
i dunno that jiminez has better pure stuff that hughes. hughes has some dirty stuff
No one will want to acknowlege that. IMO Hughes goes nowhere and people need to get w/ that.
No harm, no foul, RedSox. Papelbon IS really good. I live in Boston and I see more Sox games than Yankees games on TV. I don’t agree with trying to get a rise out of different fan bases – this week is about coming together as fans of the sport and appreciating the talent that we root against the rest of the year.
Also, re: Jeremy, above – I mean, *I* would pitch the ninth if they let me. It would end up a resounding NL victory, but still. Of course Papelbon wants to pitch the ninth. This entire thing is ridic.
RedSox, what do you think the Sox will do about their bullpen situation? Aardsma’s the only consistent reliever they have right now, besides Papelbon. Would love to hear your thoughts.
“Ray,
I had something informed to say. You all jumped on me because you did not like what I said. How does that make me an idiot?? If I were a troll, I would say things like you just did.”
I didn’t say you were a troll or an idiot. I said if you come on to another blog simply to troll than you are an idiot. If the shoe doesn’t fit then……
we have practically unlimited b type pitching prospects for the bullpen and rotation. horne mccutch marquez robertson ramirez cox karstens rasner kennedy. Toss in garnder or melky with a few of the listed guys and teams will turn there heads
and there is always humberto
and there is always humberto
He is the reason that Ohlendorf,Cox,Robertson,Veras are all expendable
Mo’s ERA+ currently sits at 384
Just thought I’d share that.
Red Sox -
Why did you pick 2000 for Mo’s stats? It wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact that 2000 was the year he posted his highest ERA would it?
I have an idea since we are talking about the 2008 ALG. Let’s compare 2008 stats:
______G___H___ER__SO__BLSV__ERA
Pap___41__32__11__51__4_____1.06
Mo____38__23__5__50__0_____2.43
Any questions who should be closing?
“He is the reason that Ohlendorf,Cox,Robertson,Veras are all expendable”
Guy with a wild streak and questionable make up makes these guys expendable???? Shouldn’t he have to prove something first???
Brandon: Are ya following summer league basketball action? Gallinari’s looking good (except for being ran over by Tractor Traylor, but he can run over anybody who isn’t Shaq…).
Jiminez is 24 with electric stuff but poor control. Colorado isn’t dealing that kind of cheap arm, period.
Fuentes for Kennedy I’d probably do, but I’m not moving any assets until a quality RH hitter (or 2) is acquired.
The Papelbon/Rivera conversation is goofy… it’s the same as discussing Wright/A-Rod… you might like the younger guy better but comparing them is absurd
I haven’t been following summer league, but I hear Brook Lopez is doing well.
Papelbon is good.
Rivera is great.
End of discussion.
I’d also like to congratulate ARod on giving statements to the press that were so perfectly selected and phrased that no one could manage to spin them against him. It’s a remarkable achievement considering what reporters have written about ARod of late.
“ARod on giving statements to the press that were so perfectly selected and phrased that no one could manage to spin them against him. It’s a remarkable achievement considering what reporters have written about ARod of late.”
$30M per won’t buy him any much needed IQ points or class, but it will buy him some excellent PR people.
I agree comparing Rivera and Papelbon is an apples and oranges problem.
No matter how good he is, the odds of Papelbon matching Rivera’s career are very low, especially since Rivera shows no signs of slowing down. It’s tough to overstate Rivera’s legacy.
It doesn’t hurt Rivera that he is currently the best relief pitcher in baseball, his legacy notwithstanding.
There’s no rational argument here. If Rivera were having a mediocre season and Papelbon had a 1.00 ERA and no blown saves, then Francona would have a tough choice to make in the ninth if the game were close. But that’s not the case. Rivera is the right pitcher for a save situation for both practical and sentimental reasons. There is zero chance Francona will not use Rivera to close, and Papelbon clearly understands this.
Brandon: Are ya following summer league basketball action? Gallinari’s looking good (except for being ran over by Tractor Traylor, but he can run over anybody who isn’t Shaq…).
Yeah and I still don’t believe in him, Demetris Nichols also ripped up the Summer League, heck Von Wafer shot like Kobe Bryant last year in the Vegas SL I don’t put much to it. Did you notice Donte Green the Syracuse kid dropping 40 points on the night he signed his pro contract ?
I haven’t been following summer league, but I hear Brook Lopez is doing well.
That kid and OJ Mayo are the ones I do believe in. Brook Lopez is going to have an impact in the NBA this season, he’s the mold of a young Tim Duncan. Mayo is like a sideshow act it’s amazing the things he can do and yeh the H.S. things and USC will be a purple elephant in his career but his talent upside is amazing.
lol – had the ERA’s switched.
______G___H___ER__SO__BLSV__ERA
Pap___41__32__11__51__4_____2.43
Mo____38__23__5__50__0_____1.06
Any questions who should be closing?
Good points, but I do like the reports that he’s got ballhandling skills, shooting, passing ability (and willingness to pass), and not a lack of athleticism. Of course, he’s gonna have to bulk up. I normally don’t care much for the guys with just potential, but I like that he has experience as a team leader in the Euro league (and thus, against adults instead of mere college kids…or high schoolers). So I still think that he’ll be a fine player.
Brandon: Still haven’t forgiven Donte Greene from dropping out! Four years at Syracuse and not one NCAA tourney win?
For shame.
“RedSox, what do you think the Sox will do about their bullpen situation? Aardsma’s the only consistent reliever they have right now, besides Papelbon. Would love to hear your thoughts.”
rb15, you make a very valid point. The Sox bullpen has been very inconsistent in the last month and a half. I haven’t been following it closely the last few days but it was my understanding that with Bucholtz being brought back up that Masterson would end up in the bullpen eventually. Maybe that will strengthen the bullpen.
Just for the record, as a Sox I fully acknowledge that Mo is having a great year and that he should be the closer this evening, even if the game was somewhere else besides New York.
I’d also like to congratulate ARod on giving statements to the press that were so perfectly selected and phrased that no one could manage to spin them against him. It’s a remarkable achievement considering what reporters have written about ARod of late.
It’s weird, it’s like he smartened up after letting go of his wife (for which no one knows the whole story and is assuming mostly), but rememeber how Alex couldn’t shut up when he spoke to the media (this year not a problem), remember how he’d extend the issue (not this year), remember how he’d draw attention to himself (he really hasn’t this year infact it’s the media seeking him now), but more importantly remember the him that apologized for everything even things that made us think dude your Alex Rodriguez tell these people to F… off (that’s him this year, he accepts he will be in the paper, isn’t blaming anyone but won’t be taking the PR abuse while pretending to be something he ain’t)
One thing I do notice Cynthia’s side (Jesus that side keeps yapping and yapping.) Her friends (supposively Alex’s friends) her mother, her family..while the other side is just trying to move on. (Ironically that was Alex when he first came to NY just like Cynthia’s side is presenting herself & anything associated as a gossip column) She loves him (Yet she filed divorce ? she’s spreading more rumors and won’t keep things out of the public) The thought that Alex’s friends don’t understand why he is pulling away from them (Maybe it’s because your not his friend when your blabbing every little step he takes to a mic or recorder, if that’s a friend it certainly isn’t a good one)
Pedroia loudly booed.
ray – that sounds like a good plan. thanks!
Pedroia loudly booed.
Erin Andrews is bangin’. I bet Jeter tapped that right after the interview.
Just got back. They chanted pine tar to George Brett, and homerun king to Hank.
Had to leave to get back to work.
Many of us here think that Papelbon is a top 3 closer, no doubt.
Reasons to not like Papelbon:
1. Has a face only a mother could love
2. Has a potty mouth
3. Thinks his “look” on the mound intimidates
4. Thinks he’s the best (don’t deny this with his backpedalling quotes)
5. Let his dog eat the freakin’ World Series game ball. (Have some respect for the game instead of getting sloshed and careless.)
6. Throws hissy fits when he blows a game. Not a good example for the kiddies.
7. Issues threats through the media.
8. Ugh, that nose. (Isn’t that a good enough reason?)
did anyone else hear utley drop the f-bomb right to the camera last night. it was when he was he was introduced and the crowd booed him (lots of mets fans present). He said “Booo F*** that” the mic was in his face, it was great
Erin Andrews is bangin’. I bet Jeter tapped that right after the interview.
She is hot but seriously your comment made me
Didn’t notice Utley. Too busy staring at Erin Andrews. Man would I love to get a piece of that ass. Makes ESPN proud everytime they strut her out there.
Off topic….how big of a selfish prick is Brett Favre? The guy isnt even that good…never was for that matter. He is the epitome of overrated. In a way I hope he does get a starting job with another team….and I hope the giants get to play that team in the playoffs so Favre can do what he does best…blow the game.
Someone said that yesterday was the first time Jeter ever met Erin Andrews. I find that hard to believe. Anyone?
Brandon…someone else obviously agrees with me about the wonderful Miss Andrews
mel, if we’re making fun of papelbon’s nose, than I’d hate to see what you all said about mine
any idea how the guy was together with a-rod on his pickup truck?
I see they finally decided to move the parade along. When I was there is was 5 minutes between cars.
Pedroia the only Sox player booed loudly so far. Pretty tame with Youk and Ortiz.
Rebecca,
I’ve seen you pictures. You’re a lovely girl. I just don’t like that pug/pig look. Sorry, it’s really shallow of me.
Remember the movie Problem Child? The kids all stuck their noses up and they got stuck? That’s what Papelbon looks like.
mel I think she interviewed him before the Cleveland series. Oh and for anyone into those type of who she is seen w/ rumors, the rumors have been she has been palling w/ Tim Teebow but again just rumors.
I could have sworn Jeter smacked Erin Andrews on the booty at the end of the interview….did anyone else catch that, or was I buggin?
Did Jeter go through yet?
he went right through Andrews last night
How can you forget Papelbon’s Lord of the Dunce routine? That alone is worthy or vicious mockery.
I could have sworn Jeter smacked Erin Andrews on the booty at the end of the interview….did anyone else catch that, or was I buggin?
Buggin’ no way something like that happens and doesn’t hit the media in a negative context. Remember the Jets QB Broadway Joe
jennifer
Yes. The crowd did the “Derek Jeter” chant
And
Papelbon takes the lead for the loudest boos.
mel,
I think you could get a job helping to create David Letterman’s top ten lists!!!
Okay, who was in the truck before Longoria?
I went to the live stream (thanks, Pat) and I got an earful of New York hospitality.
“You’re a bum! A Wannabe!”
So who is last? It better not be terry.
mel
That would have been Papelbon
I dont know brandon, I have a keen eyesight when it comes to booty slappin. Im pretty sure he gave her a little “nice job” pat on the malibootay
ray,
LOL. We used to have a fan here who was a staff member for the show.
I tried to come up with 2 more, but couldn’t.
I guess he’s not that bad.
BTW. Saw “Gone Baby Gone” yesterday for the first time. Good movie, but it looked like some tough neighborhoods. Is it really like that or movie fantasy?
pat,
Ha! You’d think he’d be smart enough to keep his trap shut in enemy territory.
I dont know brandon, I have a keen eyesight when it comes to booty slappin. Im pretty sure he gave her a little “nice job†pat on the malibootay
Extremely doubt it, do you have video proof ? if he did so expect a column on unprofessionalism during an interview 24-48 hrs. from now. I doubt it happened (I kind of think you made your eyes see what it wanted to there).
BTW. Saw “Gone Baby Gone†yesterday for the first time. Good movie, but it looked like some tough neighborhoods. Is it really like that or movie fantasy?
thats a real neighborhood in boston. i loved the movie still cant decide which point of veiw is the right one his or hers. what do you say?
Jennifer
Terry went first after HOFers. American League is done and now they are doing National League.
Shockingly, I didn’t see Manny
Papelbon said he wanted to close so they let him be the last American Leaguer to go.
I dunno, Francis, if it happened we would’ve heard about it. I mean that sounds almost as bad as Erin rolling her eyes @ Joba when they cut.
“BTW. Saw “Gone Baby Gone†yesterday for the first time. Good movie, but it looked like some tough neighborhoods. Is it really like that or movie fantasy?”
Some pretty rough looking neighborhoods in Boston. Parts of Roxbury and Dorchester in particular (though there are nice parts of both too). Filming was done in large part in the Boston area. Lot of what you saw exists.
lets not spoil the movie for people who haven’t seen it
all i can say is that movies like “The Departed” and “Gone Baby Gone” depict Bostonians as classless, slime
i would hope the entire city isn’t that bad
“i loved the movie still cant decide which point of veiw is the right one his or hers. what do you say?”
Toss up, but I’d lean to his.
real neighborhoods, mel. i thought the movie was pretty accurate. i dont know whose point of view i agree with!
I dunno, Francis, if it happened we would’ve heard about it. I mean that sounds almost as bad as Erin rolling her eyes @ Joba when they cut.
Joba definitely made a play for her but the camera couldn’t cut in time for us not to see it. But the rumors has been her being very friendly w/ Tim Teebow of the Gators. Even yesterday touching during an interview.
al,
As a mother, I’d have to say that he was right. It’s not fair or always right, but children belong with their mother. Hopefully others around can make sure that she gets the love and attention she deserves.
I sensed that the girl’s backstory was that she was brought up in a rough neighborhood and saw herself in the girl.
And I was totally thrown for a loop when the girl came running out of the Freeman’s house. Didn’t see that one coming.
Roxbury and Dorchester are places my friend Dan D says that you woulddn’t want to be wandering the street alone after dark.
But there are some very nice areas of Boston, too.
“all i can say is that movies like “The Departed†and “Gone Baby Gone†depict Bostonians as classless, slime”
No they don’t. They depict any of a half dozen to a dozen characters in the stories as classless slime. Similar to New York, I have no doubt that Boston actually does have mobsters, crooked cops and drug addled single mothers who neglect their children. That’s a reflection on them, not a city.
Joba tried to get some of Erin?…anyone have a video of this
i missed this but it sounds worth watching
always knew Joba was smarter than he let on
Yanks,
Oops! I’m always last to see movies, so I assumed that everyone has already seen it.
Pete, delete my last post, please!
boston is full of theives and hookers, and nothing else
“thats a real neighborhood in boston. i loved the movie still cant decide which point of veiw is the right one his or hers. what do you say?”
The way I look at it is multiple people innocent or not were murdered for the sake of “saving” this one little girl. It’s very hard for me to take her side when I think of it that way.
I know plenty of people whose situations were MUCH worse than the little girls and they came out okay.
People claimed that Joba made an innapropriate comment to Erin during the interview (like she can read lips or something). And then wished him the best for Harlan. Then they cut but not before they caught her rolling her eyes.
She issued a non-issue comment afterwards.
Just looked at pictures of Erin Andrews. Is that what passes for “hot” nowadays?
I saw Wanted the otherday. I really liked it!
bravo, fredo – took the words right out of my mouth.
rebecca, parts of dorchester are gentrifying (very rapidly – i’m sort of trying to get in on that, actually). the parts closer to the ocean, mainly. dorchester’s huge, so it’s hard to characterize it all. so many different neighborhoods, really, that were all just incorporated together hundreds of years ago. roxbury is, unfortunately, not doing as well as parts of dorchester are – it seems sort of stuck, except for maybe the blocks that border the south end, which is one of boston’s nicest neighborhoods. west roxbury is a nice (very nice) suburban-like neighborhood, but it’s not anywhere near roxbury – it’s got a few neighborhoods between it and roxbury.
If Papelbon comes into the game any chance the Yankee Stadium sound man could play “Send in the Clowns”??? or maybe “The Bitch is Back”??
I agree Raymag I mean look up Jenn Sterger or Jill Arrington if you want hot
apparently you are doing that right now
Rebecca-
Having lived in Boston for about 8 years I would tend to disagree with your friend at least about Dorchester. I livesd part of the time in Chestnut Hill near Boston College and the part of the time in Dorchester right on the Bay near JFK Library in an area that was considered Dorchester but also South Boston. Believe me it is just like areas here in the city. There are tons of places here that are safe but I still would not walk alone in.
of course there are hotter sports reporters but none as high profile as Andrews
she is easily the best looking one to cover the major sports and there is no you can say that you would turn her down…blonde, likes sports, great ass…done deal
“I agree Raymag I mean look up Jenn Sterger or Jill Arrington if you want hot”
Jenn Sterger is okay I guess. Jill Arrington isn’t hot to me either. I guess it’s all about what you like.
K.D. Aubert is hot to me.
“she is easily the best looking one to cover the major sports and there is no you can say that you would turn her down…blonde, likes sports, great ass…done deal”
I have lofty standards. Her face is paper bag status IMO.
erin andrews is nothing special ray, I agree. and Jeter DEFINTELY slapped her on the but at the end of the interview. I wish I had it tivo’d. A person I was watching it with even said..”Did he just slap her on the a?” It wasnt just me. Jeter was probably like, “Im way out of this girls league, but this poor thing is hurtin for a squirtin, let me make her day…whack!”. Jeter is a nice guy.
All this hot woman talk makes me feel woefully inadequate
(BTW, why is it always the women? Why can’t we talk about hot guys?)
Yanks there are better on the horizon, if I had to choose Sterger or Arrington or her I’d choose Jill. Inez Sainz over all of them.
It is a shame that Pete is taking the day off today. I guess no coverage of the game tonight.
bring me two guys from the toughest neighborhood in Boston and I’ll round up some boys from Brownsville. we’ll see where it’s really at.
deb kaufman…I like her
This is the one thing that cracked me up w/ Erin last night
Jason Morneau LOL
I cannot physically recall any female sportscasters right now. i will say that the mature ladies of the YES Network are fooling no one.
Rebecca,
There just bimbo’s who interview players. Nothing to feel inadequate about.
The Socks in the parade are looking around and saying, ” WOW, look at his …. a real city, not like a college cowtown ” !
All this talk about how “hot” Erin Andrews is just bores me to tears. I am sick and tired of reading the adolescent comments here about Derek Jeter and whatever passes for “hot” on a particular day. Frankly, it’s disgusting. We get it – Derek Jeter is good looking, single, rich and famous and he can probably have any girl he wants and so you all need to fantasize about which girl and whatever details.
Rebecca – don’t ever let these guys here make you feel inadequate, even the slightest bit.
Clay, they still make a few more million a year than I do
Looked to me like the Cap’n made some gloved contact with Andrews’ back, but I thought it was a backhand and above the waist, more “take it easy” than “Hey Baby!”
Anyway, I’m more partial to our own Kim Jones. (Personality counts).
Doreen I agree I really don’t care, it turns into a game of telephone here, he did this, they did that, I don’t care, really,truely generally don’t and here I thought Chase Utley telling NY **** You after the boos would draw more discussion.
calm down people, some of you need to lighten up. we are men and we like to talk about women. sorry if that offends some of you. Its all in fun anyway, no reason to take any of it to heart. Lighten up, seriously.
deb kaufman from msg is better…can’t believe I forgot about her
I just saw Papelbon at the parade. He got stuck at a light at 57th and 6th and we all started ribbing him and chanting MAR-I-ANO !! He just smiled and polished up his World Series ring for us. Hey at least he’s got a sense of humor.
I think that Torre should at least come to the stadium tonight. Do you know who long people would be chanting “Joe Torre” for? Probably about an hour. Sure people dont like him, but theres no denying the fact that when talking about the greatest managers in Yankee history, hes right up there with Stengal, Martin and Huggins. If he doesnt come tonight, he should at least go the final game at the stadium. Torre and Bernie need to get back to the Stadium before it closes.
Erin Andrews is so hot. Too bad shes a Boston fan though…
Oh and Drew and Veritek were the only ones riding in the same truck. Seems about right as if you add the both up you get 1 All Star.
Exactly what gives Papelbon a sense of entitlement with MLB service time prior to this year of 1 year and 64 days ?
He will still be arbitration eligible after this season and with his bloated ego, is liable to ask for Mo type of money.
Delusional ?
the d-bag wore his world series ring to the parade?
obnoxious and uncalled for, what real winner has to wear his ring to prove he’s good? I don’t see Jeter sporting a ring let alone 4
OK so I didn’t watch the HR Derby because I expected it to be too drawn out. Sounds like I missed a good show by Josh Hamilton. In the highlights of a few of his shots you can’t miss on the news & ESPN were amazing.
I still think the derby format needs to be re-worked. How on earth could a guy put on a show like that and lose? Why not forget about opening rounds, 2nd rounds, finals, and this ‘call your shot’ thing? The guys get tired after stroking HRs in the first round, then resting for who knows how long, so they’re tired, relaxed or just cooled down when it’s supposed to be more important. Just simplify it. Have the contestants go up and hit one full round after which they’re done. Most HRs in that one round wins the contest. That’s it. No extra rounds. No need for a ‘finals’ here, it’s not like there’s a regular season and a post-season. It’s already just one contest. If there’s a tie, then you have a playoff of some sort.
Hamilton by himself was a great show in the ‘opening round’. I heard the ‘finals’ were an anticlimax in comparison. 5HR to 3HR? If the opening round was so exciting, they just don’t need the finals … it doesn’t add anything to what Hamilton did. In ’05 Abreu’s first round was the show, which should have been enough. Last year all the finals accomplished was to poop out the whole show.
And how about that botched celebrity softball game, I mean my god the Yankee fan who was a girl representative was Whoopi Goldberg
…..sigh Maria Menounos represented a Red Sox hat (was boo’d everytime she touched a bat or ball)Marlee Matlin (represented the Cubs and we had Whoopi Goldberg, Spike Lee and Billy Crystal (What an F’n joke 
)
Bronx Jeers :
If or when Papelbon reaches maturity and looks back at his ring polishing he’ll remember or be told that Mo had 4 rings and felt no need to flash them in a parade.
Francis -
It’s not the talking about women; it’s the particular way this tends to play out. Because it almost always turns into a bunch of guys here trying to live vicariously through Jeter and the comments tend to get a little graphic and, actually, predictable.
Believe me, I am not above appreciating a great looking man, or woman for that matter. It’s the tenor of the comments that I object to, not the fact that people comment on the attractiveness of men/women. Why isn’t it enough to say, “Boy that Erin Andrews is hot”? Why does it almost always have to descend into the abyss of poor taste?
Anyway, for any one here lucky enough to be going to the game, have a great time!
i just want to give a Michelle Beadle shoutout before going into the new thread.
there was a hot baseball player conversation amongst the women during the HR Derby thread yesterday….
ANSKY -
I totally agree with you on the Homerun Derby. Justin Morneau may have taken home the trophy, but no way did he “win” that contest. Hamilton’s shots were amazing and hew as so obviously trying to hit one out of the park entirely – and seriously almost did it. I heard he was trying to hit the subway train just beyond the stadium — or is that how legends are born???
The best part was how the whole stadium just came alive during his first turn. That was worth watching. As for the rest, we’ve become master “flippers” in our house – back and forth between the Derby and whatever else was on. And Pete’s blog helped a lot, because we knew who was batting when.
saucy -
that is true – Cliff Lee was mentioned, was he not?
People actually watch the July 4th Nathan’s hot dog eating contest on TV. It’s just one round. This year they had an extra round because there was a tie, which was exciting … because there was a tie it became dramatic.
If that contest was 2-3 rounds scheduled, you’d find contestants filling up, wearing out or grinding to a halt before the finals, and it would become less novel and less entertaining.
I know its not the same thing but there’s something to consider there: If the HR derby has a tie, the drama of a playoff would help it. If someone goes out and hits the most HR in their turn, that should be all the excitement & drama. Instead, you know all those first round HRs (although impressive) are meaningless in the final results and the guys in the finals wear out & grind to a halt.
i hate to say it but part of the derby is, and has been, stanima. how often do we see someone dominate in the early rounds.
IMO they need to change the format even more. forget eliminating anyone and just go 9 innings, 3 outs each, for each player, letting every HR count towards their individual total.
But I guess 9 innings would probably mean the derby would end at 3 AM instead of 2.
I’m back! Two things. First off, I picked 2000 for Mo since that was the most recent WS year for him and 2007 for Pap since that was his most recent, well only, WS year. And I KNOW that Mo is far greater than Pap. I have stated this several times. I would be delighted if Pap can manage to achieve anything near Mo’s status. Out of every Yankee, Mo is probably the one I would wnat to play for the Sox.
Rb15 – sorry it took so long to respond. Our bullpen is unfortunately shaky. The biggest problem is consistency. If our starters could just pitch 8 innings, all my worries would go away. Masterson has been great. Called up from AA and pitched very well. But it seems like the Sox have too many starters – Clay just came back up and Colon is still on the DL. So Masterson was sent back down to the minors and will become a reliever. I love this move. Masterson is solid, takes little time to warm-up, and has an unusual delivery. I got to see him pitch against the Yanks and, even though he took the loss, he showed poise and only gave up 2 runs.
Can I also ask a question? I live in Yankee territory and sometimes watch the games. I would love to hear your thoughts on what the Yanks should do about their lack of run production.
Doreen, I just remember being surprised by who was considered hot by the women. But I won’t name names.
“I would love to hear your thoughts on what the Yanks should do about their lack of run production.”
simple: cross home plate more
The hot dog contest should also take up a half hour slot on TV, not a full hour. An hour was too long, especially with all those BS introductions. Way too much stuff leading up to the excitement, which was really just over 10 minutes.
The HR derby has all the intros followed by all the actual excitement (Hamilton, Abreu etc) leading up to the finals, which is by then little more than swigging a warm, flat beer on what’s become a full stomach.
Haha Saucy, crossing home plate would surely produce more runs. But seriously, I would kill to watch someone steal home. Has that happened at all in the last few decades? The only one I know is Jackie Robinson’s during a WS.
RS, it happened last season against the Yankees, unfortunately. Pettitte has a great move to 1st. 3rd, not so much after seeing that play
i forget who, but it was a Blue Jay in Toronto…
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/bo.....=270529114
it was Aaron Hill…
Saucy, interesting. Was the guy actually trying to steal home? Or did Petitte try to pick him off, misthrew the ball, and the guy ended up jogging home?
Oh sorry, I didn’t see that last post. I think I’m gonna go look up that game…
Thanks for the link!
ANSKY—-
You have waaaaaay tooo many opinions about the “sport” of competitive eating…
As for the HR Derby…. change it to 10 SWINGS per round instead of ten OUTS. That way no one gets pooped… and bigger stars will take part
I’d rather see a legends of the game HR derby… think the fans would like seeing Reggie, Tino, Bernie and Paul O’Neil go up against Piazza, Hernandez, HoJo and Dykstra or something like that? Needs to be relatively recent retirees targeted for the home crowd.
Wow, just watched the clip. Omg that was impressive.
I have to say no on the ’9 inning’ format to the HR Derby, saucy.
Its fine the way the first round is if that was the whole thing by itself. Doing what Hamilton did takes stamina.
Want to make it a little longer but not much? Give them 1 or 2 more outs in their one turn, or add 1 or 2 more guys to the contest. Add playoff or 2nd round if there’s a tie, and ONLY if there’s a tie.
An ‘innings’ format of any sort would work if it’s 2, 3 or at the most 4 guys going back & forth.
But there are 8 guys in the contest. I could only see it being interesting if that many guys (more or less) have one turn each like the they have in the first round now. The length of each guy’s first round stint allows them to get into a groove That by itself has the potential to make a great contest, but someone in charge feels they need to add another layer whether it adds drama or not.
Right now having a playoff format is like adding extra innings to a game that’s already been decided and calling that the decider because it’s the rule. Does it really make it more exciting? I don’t think so … the extra round only works if there’s a tie.
Just using it as an example thats all, 86. I watched it once and that’s enough for me.
I shouldn’t have watched it before lunch though … ooooof.
The legends derby could be cool to watch if it isn’t drawn out too much, 86. Something like that could add to the show more than the extra rounds they have now.
Set up shorter fences for the old timers? Maybe. Again, it might be worth considering.
you’re probably right about the 9 inning format not working well. i almost wrote that they should cut the # of players to 4. i just think i liked the old tv show version of it better. at least format-wise…
i like your idea of 1 round though, with additional rounds being reserved for ties only…
RedSox- I think that Carl Crawford (who else) stole home a couple of years ago. It was pretty incredible.
Also Paplebon is a tool. Winning the world series is a team thing, the all star game is not. If there were a closer who should finish instead of Mo it would be K-rod no? It should be K-rod in the 8th and Mo for the 9th.
“I just saw Papelbon at the parade. He got stuck at a light at 57th and 6th and we all started ribbing him and chanting MAR-I-ANO !! He just smiled and polished up his World Series ring for us. Hey at least he’s got a sense of humor.”
I hope Mariano then put on all four of his rings and punched him right in the mouth.