The Sunday Links
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Jul 27, 2008 
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Newcomers Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte chipped in as the red-hot Yankees pounded the Red Sox.
One trade was made. Is another coming? This notebook also has some roster moves and an update on Johnny Damon.
The Sunday Baseball Beat looks at whether George Steinbrenner should be in the Hall of Fame.
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The Yankees go for the sweep tonight with Sidney Ponson facing Jon Lester.
Sir Sidney is 3-11, 6.61 against Boston for his career, 2-4, 7.16 at Fenway Park. But Jarrod Washburn is in Toronto, only a phone call away.
Why would anyone trade away a nearly average starting pitcher for Melky Cabrera? I’m not sure what the Royals would be thinking.
crap sir sidney
lets hope he makes it close
The Royals haven’t been making sound baseball decisions for years. Nothing they do should surprise you.
Ditto the cheapness of Twins ownership. Liriano should be back in the bigs. It is sad what they do to their fans.
If the Seattle interm GM (Lee Pelekouas) is trying to posture himself with Cashman then he’d better guess again.
The Yankees are not in a dire position of needing Jarrod Washburn to the point of him being the difference maker to the rest of the season.
If Pelekoudas wants Igawa and Jeff Marquez then let’s do a deal. Otherwise …. see ya.
Living in Rochester, home of the Twins’ AAA affiliate, I’ve seen Liriano pitches several times this season. He is totally ready to return. He’s flat-out dominating.
I agree, Phil – the Twins are cheap. They’ll have Liriano under control for an extra year; evidently winning is not the top priority [of course, they would counter by saying that they expect to win anyway].
I’m okay with Iggy for Washburn and his salary, but I’d rather not lose Marquez.
This from the story out of Kansas City that Pete posted. Hopefully, this was last year, because we should be past the point of wanting to trade Robbie Cano. Don’tcha know?
The Yankees, like several teams, previously contacted the Royals regarding pitcher Zack Greinke. One major-league source said New York had offered Cabrera and second baseman Robinson Cano in exchange for Greinke and a position player thought to be outfielder Mark Teahen.
Love the way The Daily News’ Mike Lupica totally ignores the Yankees whipping up on his beloved Red Sox in his shoot from the lip column. No mention of Joba dominating them or Saturdays’ butt kicking. I wonder how he’ll avoid mentioning the Yankees in his column this week if they complete the sweep? Gotta love the Yankee haters.
Lester can beat himself with walks and wildness if he has an off night. The Yankees need to see what he has in the 1st inning then strike.
Meanwhile, Ponson needs to come out throwing strikes and pounding the strike zone.
I forget whom I was conversing with last week about Old Timers Day and Bernie as well as other Bernie tributes but here is an updated link from Newsday. Looks like something will be in the works shortly
http://www.newsday.com/sports/.....?track=rss
“whether George Steinbrenner should be in the Hall of Fame.”
Absolutely no doubt in my mind YES!
On Ponson facing Lester, I don’t get why Girardi didn’t tweak the order so that Mussina pitched before Ponson last week and be ready for tonight’s game. It’s not like they all didn’t have a whole week’s rest over the AS break.
Our rotation would be insanely nasty come September if we get Washburn and CMW returns to health on schedule. Moose-Andy-Wang-Joba-Washburn, plus the inhuman bullpen that we have…who would have thought pitching would be what’s keeping the Yankees in the game this season and helping us make a run for the playoff? Especially without IPK and Hughes?? Speaking of them, the days of Generation Trey seems like sooooo long ago.
I honesty hope Washburn stays in Seattle. Yes, hes a vet and hes pitched in October but hes gonna lock up 10M and a roster spot in 09. It doesnt make sense if Ca$h is pursuing CC like we assume. Joba, Wang, CC, Phil , IPK… without even considering Moose and Andy.
But if SEA take IggyPOP then im all for it.
TIDROW
I do not think that Lupica loves the Red Sox. he loves himself.
he has a huge ego and would not want to be seen to follow the herd and write the story other sports writers are focused on.
Mike is also trying to transition to being a political columinist, then he wants to retire and just be God.
Jarrod Washburn is the scheduled Seattle starter for a 1:00 PM game in Toronto. If he’s pulled it might be an indicator that he’s on a flight to Boston.
Just glanced at how they’ve been doing in the last month:
Greinke: 2 wins, 6.67 ERA, 1.70 WHIP
Bannister: 0 W, 9.12, 1.86
Washburn: 2 W, 2.97, 1.23
Washburn splits:
pre- vs. post-All Star: about the same
best month: October (just 3 games though)
Yankee Stadium: he’s 1-4, but 2.82 ERA, 1.25 WHIP
“The Yankees are undefeated since signing Richie Sexson. “They just needed the big guy,” he said. “They were afraid of me.”"
Let me get this straight… Sexson calls himself “the Big Guy,” and Giambi calls himself “the Big G.” Sounds like we’ve got a solid self-monikor-ing platoon working. Way to go Cash.
I don’t know what’s going to happen with these trades, if anything, but I know that I am going to be pretty inconsolable if the Yankee organization trades away Melky. He has a cannon in center, makes more web gems than any other Yankee, and keeps the runners and hitters honest because of it. The Yankees have won 8 straight with the guys they have now. They have definitely upgraded with Marte and Nady. Melky is just starting to get his stride at the plate, but I really don’t even care about that. You don’t trade away that kind of defense.
Just say no to trading Melky.
Pete you should of known the Yankees took the lead on Damons RBI single, Abreu’s cut the lead to 2-1.
Otherwise great article’s,, finally the yanks make your top ten the only thing you can wrute about is Bernie??
Why did Joba throw at Youk?
Sherri he the ball didn’t touch him, unlike the ball to
A-rod.
besides you wanna know i can give you his phone number call him up maybe he’ll have an answer for you.
Can someone explain to me how they would have ‘tweaked’ the rotation to have Mike pitch Sunday. He started the first game after the break, because it was so long since he pitched prior.
Also heck no to Bannister. And it will be very telling at 1pm if Washbum gets on the mound in Toronto.
“They’ll have Liriano under control for an extra year; evidently winning is not the top priority [of course, they would counter by saying that they expect to win anyway].”
the twins would say they are maximizing the most wins over the most years. it can’t be argued that they have more successful home grown young pitching at the mlb level than the yankees.
so they must be doing something right even though it’s hard to understand for fans used to the yankee way of doing things.
they traded garza because he wouldn’t listen to coaches. in the twins system it’s critical for everyone in the organization to get on the same page. garza didn’t want to do it.
they didn’t bad mouth him. they traded him.
there’s a method to their madness. i’m not saying the yankees should do it the same way , but the fact they are within a few games of the yankees on one fourth of the salary means their approach is worth watching.
if i were the twins gm , liriano would be in the rotation soon, as in asap.
Good article on bullpen in today’s Star Ledger by Ed Price:
http://www.nj.com/yankees/inde.....as_pa.html
Okay -
Four times I tried to post a link to a Star Ledger story by Ed Price on the management of the bullpen by Girardi and Eiland. Apparently, the filter doesn’t like that idea.
(Maybe it will miraculously appear at some later time.) If you’re interested in reading it go to nj dot com under sports and scroll down.
Gayle -
thanks for your link to Newsday. Good news about Williams.
Great discussion last night, kiddies. Wish I could have stayed awake (I read them this morning). Don’t you guys ever sleep????
http://www.nj.com/yankees/inde.....as_pa.html
I tried to post it as well. i guess he doesn’t like ed.
i think it’s inaccurate to say Gardner was ‘overmatched’. look at his last game – a couple of line drives off of Beckett on a night Beckett’s on top of his game. the liners went right at guys, that’s baseball. an ‘overmatched’ guy would have flailed-and-whiffed those ABs.
whether Gardner has enough power to be a starting OF is an open question. i’m skeptical of that myself. but what i saw was at mminimum legit MLB 4th OF.
Heres my thoughts guys, The Yankees are a win now organazation right?? We all agree. After the trade the Yanks just made, there is no way that Cashman trades are starting CF (Who now can relax and not worry bout being traded and play like he did the firts 2 games of this series)and Go with a rookie in CF for a stretch run. We all Damon can not play CF, and Nady is not a CF. Melky stays and the only way we get Washburn if it SEA understands we will take all of his contract and they will get a low-level guy. LETS GO YANKEES!!!!!!!!!
They need to keep Ponson on a very, very short leash tonight. At the first sign of trouble, pull him for Giese. I’d probably rather see Giese start this game tonight just because the Red Sox haven’t really seen him.
Great Ed Price article…thanks for the ‘link’ kind of. Just read it and it seems like Girardi and Eiland have a good system up and running keeping the bullpen fresh.
The only difference I see is that Giese will essentially take over Hawkins role in the pen while still retaining his long-man role. They are almost one in the same anyway.
Marte can be used for a whole inning if they so desire but instead of using Veras (7th) or Farnsworth (8th) for 3 outs apiece, Girardi can bring in Marte to get a tough lefty out.
On top of that, if Mo has thrown 3 consecutive days like he did earlier in the season, Marte can get a save here and there.
Between the construction, use, and results of the bullpen, we should be able to hold onto most leads for the remainder of the season. This is definately something we haven’t seen in a while. Keep up the good work Yankees.
Someone needs to tell what this fascination with Jarrod Washburn is. 5th starter with 5 ERA and a WHIP of 1.40. Batters are killing him this year, why would we want to absorb his 14+ Million and be stuck with a garbage pitcher 09?
We are much much better off waiting for Wang and Phil Hughes to return. Besides, Kennedy deserves another shot.
So someone, please explain to me why Washburn makes sense? Nevermind, I’ll answer for you…It doesn’t!!
N.Y. Yankees’ bullpen plan has paid off
by Ed Price/The Star-Ledger
Saturday July 26, 2008, 11:08 PM
BOSTON — Hours before every Yankees game, Dave Eiland hands Joe Girardi an index card.
That’s the easy part.
The card serves as a guide for use of relievers. The bullpen has been the Yankees’ greatest strength this season, and not just closer Mariano Rivera. One of the reasons is the way Girardi and Eiland, his pitching coach, have managed the relievers.
“(Girardi) has done a tremendous job,” Rivera said. “Everyone on the team pitches a lot, but he hasn’t put that much work on one guy. He has diversified it.”
Even though the Yankees starters are 12th in the AL in innings pitched, this season could be the first in five years in which no Yankees reliever pitches in 70 or more games.
“He’s got a good handle on the pen,” starter Mike Mussina said. “And I think the guys in the pen feel good about it.”
The information Eiland prepares every day for Girardi details the recent workload of all the Yankees relievers: Last outing, how many pitches and how many days in a row he has worked. It’s a guide to who’s available and for how long that night, and all managers have one.
During the game, Eiland and Girardi try to anticipate the situations that will come up for relievers, so they know who to call for later in the game.
But the hard part is sticking to the plan, and Girardi has.
“You just have to stay disciplined,” Girardi said, “and you’ve got to see the big picture.”
The Yankees bullpen — which currently includes four rookies (Dan Giese, Edwar Ramirez, Dave Robertson and Jose Veras) — has a 3.37 ERA, including a 1.60 ERA since June 27. The Yankees are 47-1 when leading after six innings, the best such record in the majors.
And it has been a group effort.
“We’re not afraid to put any of those guys in any situation,” Eiland said. “That’s a credit to them.”
One criticism of Joe Torre, Girardi’s predecessor, was that he overworked his favorite relievers — sometimes to the point of exhaustion. Steve Karsay, Paul Quantrill, Tom Gordon and Scott Proctor are the prime examples.
Torre often used the same relievers who were designated to protect small leads for Rivera in games the Yankees trailed. There were several possible reasons Torre gave into the temptation to use pitchers frequently:
– A lack of trust in the rest of the bullpen;
– Knowing the Yankees had a strong offense that could come back late in games, thus using the best relievers to keep them close;
– The pressure — from ownership, fans and media — to win every day instead of sacrificing one game to keep the relievers fresh for later.
But Girardi and Eiland have shown they feel secure enough in each reliever to play for the long-term. They also say that since the relievers have almost all pitched well, it’s easier to spread the work around.
Then again, one reason they have all succeeded is precisely because they have all been used.
“He’s not grabbing a hold of somebody — even like (Farnsworth), who’s been pitching great,” Mussina said. “He doesn’t send him out there every day or every other day. If the situation calls for it, it might be ‘Farnsy,’ but it might be somebody else.”
Girardi tries to limit relievers to working no more than two days in a row — “maybe three, possibly, but you try to stay away from it.
“It just keeps them stronger. Because I worry about not only this year, breaking down, but next year. If you use them in 95 games, or 90, how’s it affect them next year?”
Eiland also tracks how many times a pitcher has warmed up recently and not gotten in the game. Those are called “ups,” and they can tax a pitcher as much as actually facing batters.
During last weekend’s 12-inning game against Oakland, Giese warmed up five times without getting in (he would have pitched had it gone to a 13th). Even though the official statistics showed he didn’t pitch, the next day he was deemed unavailable.
“Every time they pick up a ball and throw it,” Eiland said, “it’s documented.”
And Eiland makes sure to balance not being overworked with not being underworked. Pitchers work on their deliveries on flat ground during pre-game warmups, and if a reliever hasn’t gotten in a game for a while, he throws a side session.
“I don’t let a guy go more than two days without getting on a mound,” Eiland said. “It might be just 10-15 pitches — get up there, get the feel for the mound underneath their feet.”
“The Yankees, like several teams, previously contacted the Royals regarding pitcher Zack Greinke. One major-league source said New York had offered Cabrera and second baseman Robinson Cano in exchange for Greinke and a position player thought to be outfielder Mark Teahen.”
I don’t believe this for one minute. I would not be surprised if the Yankees tried to deal Melky (although I have no idea who they think is playing in CF), but to trade Cano for the likes of Greinke (head case who can’t handle NY) and Teahen (no way as good a hitter as Cano) is insane. I think that with the trade deadline approaching, people are just making up stories just to have something to write. No way the Yankees trade Cano. I believe that they think that Cano is the future of the organization.
I have no problem taking Washbum and see if he can turn things around, but we don’t give any value back. This has to be a pure salary dump for Seattle.
If that does happen, there is no way that he is in the starting 5 to start next year, unless he goes Aaron Small on us.
Morning all
Since the AS Break:
The Yanks were behind the A’s in the wild card standings before they faced them and swept the series to move ahead of them. The Yanks were behind the Twins in wild card standings before they faced them and swept the series to move ahead of them. The Yanks were behind the Sox in the wild card standings before they faced them………..
I hope to be able to finish that sentence in a good way later today.
Melky isn’t going anywhere. Just because somebody writes a rumor in the paper doesn’t make it a deal.
If Brett Gardner hit .300 in his time in NY, perhaps the Yankees would have looked further into something involving Melky.
However, he didn’t and that pretty much shuts down any Melky trade talk.
The Yankees have no intention of having Damon or Gardner playing CF the rest of the season.
Re: Washburn, its pretty simple. If the Yankees take on the money, no significant prospect(s) go back to the Mariners. If the Mariners decide to take on the money (which they have no intention of doing), its a different conversation.
In other words, the deal either goes down the way the Yankees want or it doesn’t go down at all.
I wouldn’t get too worked up over Ponson starting tonight. First off, they have already won the series. This is a house money game and not a “must win” game. Instead of worrying about probabilities, just relax and enjoy the game. He may surprise people as Al Leiter did a few years ago in the Boston when the situation involving the Yankees was a lot more dire than it is tonight.
This is a no pressure game for Ponson. He just can’t get frustrated with Angel Hernandez behind the plate tonight. Angel will squeeze the hell out of Ponson because he wants to be the story (as he always is on national TV games) in the game.
Just keep your composure and throws strikes. That’s what he needs to do to be successful.
For a lot of reasons, its probably better if the Yankees lose tonight.
Rest Mo another day. Get ready for Baltimore without a Boston Hangover. Its high time they start winning series against a bad Baltimore team. Especially at home.
They also aren’t going to go undefeated the rest of the way. I’d rather they lose a game on the road after winning a series, than struggle at home.
Its a relaxing game tonight unless the Red Sox decide they want to brawl. If that occurs, just put Farnsworth in the game and he will take care of business.
Read that article about the bullpen last night. Eiland probably gave those same cards to Torre, right? What did he do with them?
Caption contest (Keep it clean!) Oh yeah, the articles kind of cute, too.
http://www.bostonherald.com/sp.....position=6
If he was DFA’d and we picked him up on a waiver, sure, give the guy a shot.
But we are talking about him being on the Yankees for 2009. Jarrod Washburn should not be a part of the 09 roster.
Sabathia, Pettitte, Joba, Wang, and Washburn?!? Are you kidding me? The 5th next year needs to be Mussina on a 1 year deal or the more likely Hughes.
I hate hate hate this move and great likelihood of it happening really bothers me
Oops, Gator was still here last year. Never mind.
Today is ARod’s birthday. Hopefully he will celebrate it tonight with a game-winning hit for the Yanks.
Global,
The fascination with Washburn is simple.
The chances of Wang coming back this year is slim. Forget what the Yankees say publicly. They always lie about injuries. With an injury as severe as Wang’s, its very doubtful he will return this year.
He needs to be able to throw 90+ pitches every 5th day. Unlike a relief pitcher, that’s a lot of strain on an injured foot.
If his foot isn’t 100%, and he compensates by changing his delivery, that leads to shoulder and/or elbow issues.
They aren’t going to risk Wang’s future for one month of pitching.
Hughes? He’s barely ready to pitch in the GCL and was awful this year. No guarantees on him either.
Kennedy? Another question mark.
Obviously, they don’t believe Rasner and/or Ponson will hold up over the next two months and see Washburn as a guy who can be slotted in for 8-10 starts down the stretch.
Money, the Yankees can absorb. Its a no brainer to take a flyer on Washburn if a deal can come together.
He has pitched much better lately. He competes, and his home starts in NY would be in a very friendly ballpark for LH pitching. Especially flyball pitchers like Washburn.
His contract for next year? If he pitches well, the Yankees have an asset to trade or hold if they so desire. If he doesn’t? You eat some money. They ate more money with Carl Pavano. Eating 10 million, especially if the guy helps them this year, isn’t a big deal to the Yankees.
The money won’t impact anything the Yankees do in the off-season. If they want CC, Moose and Andy, Washburn’s money won’t affect them making any moves.
For the record, I have just inducted Xavier Nady into the baseball hotties club.
I dunno, but that 10 million next year owed to Washburn could be used instead to make a statue of CC out of hundred dollar bills.
mel
The look on Jeter’s face makes the keeping it clean part more difficult.
I got 2:
Lowell seems to have formed a more unlikely bond with Jeter than Pedroia has.
or
Speech bubble over Lowell’s head: “We could have spooned like this every night Derek if you had just stuck to the plan and run Alex out of town like we discussed.”
SJ: Isn’t it wonderful that tonight is not a just win game?
It would be totally awesome if the Yankees could win tonight, but barring injury, the absolute worst thing that could happen to the Yankees is that they wake up tomorrow morning and they’re one game back of Boston in the loss column for the WC race.
Considering that when the series starter there was the threat that the Yankees could finish 5 back in the loss column, this weekend has to be considered a success.
Consider:
The Yankees out-dueled Beckett. At Fenway. And won.
They gritted few the first few innings yesterday before exploding offensively.
They got offensive help and made their greatest strength–the bullpen–even stronger while preventing Boston from addressing a weakness.
Oh, and Goose goes in the hall today.
I’d say it was a pretty successful weekend, regardless of what happens tonight.
Laura,
Did you catch that he has an 11 day old son named Xavier Nady VII? Doesn’t that make him Xavier Nady VI?
Big G. Big Sexy. Big Six.
Pat,
LOL.
Jeter’s bubble would say: “@#$*%^* Hank!”
When discussing washburn and other starting pitchers, we can’t forget JOBAs innngs count and him possibly moving back to the bullpen.
He is currently at 78 innings with 59 team games to go. If he only pitches 6.5 innings a game for 10 starts that would put him at 143 heading into the playoffs.
Assume he gets 2 starts in the alcs (+14 innings).
What happens then? He pitch 112 innings last year.
I know that we have to make the playoffs first, etc. But Cashman has it in the back of his mind.
Rebecca,
Exactly. The Yankees made the statements they needed to make this weekend.
Joba “grew up” for lack of a better word. He showed everybody why making him a starter was such a no brainer decision. The Yankees finally have a young guy who isn’t afraid of the big stage and has the stuff to stay there for a long, long time.
The bullpen showed its MUCH better than Boston’s bullpen. That now puts pressure on the Red Sox to make a deal to fortify their ‘pen.
Unfortuately for them, Peter Gammons was a “little” off when he declared Craig Hansen, “the best setup guy in the AL East” on the Michael Kay Show a month ago.
One of the dumber things he has ever said about a player.
The trade was another statement. They not only stole Marte from the Red Sox (who thought they had him) but, he goes out an K’s Ortiz. Sending another message they have a new weapon in the ‘pen.
Nady gives them a much needed RH bat in the lineup. They also keep him from the Rays, who have been all over Nady for the last month.
Tonight is a night to listen to Jon Miller and Steve Phillips spend 3 hours telling us why the Yankees aren’t any good and why the Red Sox are the best team in baseball.
You yawn through that and get ready for the Orioles.
If they win tonight, great. Either way though, the Yankees have done what they needed to do this weekend.
meant to say alds, not alcs
Peter, Having never read anything by you except what we find at the top of these threads, I was pleasantly surprised by your article on Steinbrenner and his HOF chances. I had been thinking about this a bit since the ASG ceremony and your article sums it up perfectly for me. Your finger is very much on the pulse. Actually I enjoyed the whole column as its structure reminded me of another NY Sunday sports column that I used to read but have since grown to dislike as its creator IMO has evolved into a big name hack of sorts whose fair weather opinions and belief that readers are somehow interested in his summer reading (among other crimes against journalism), are nothing short of contemptible. Keep up the great work.
Joba isn’t going back to the bullpen. His innings are fine and he is in no danger of being overused.
He’s one of their Top 3 starters now. His days in the bullpen are over.
“Hughes? He’s barely ready to pitch in the GCL and was awful this year. No guarantees on him either.
Kennedy? Another question mark.”
SJ44,
While I agree that there are no guarantees when waiting on the return on Hughes/ Kennedy/ Wang. Is there any guarantee that Washburn will perform any better than Rasner/ Ponson?
Is there any indication at all? The guy is washed up and is a shell of his former self. Batters hit 300 off of him and his WHIP is an insane 1.50 WHIP…….all of this in a pitchers park!
Now if we spin Igawa to the Mariners that would make things a little better.
Yesterday’s Fox tv crew and Phillips with the tv crew were falling over themselves about the Yankees.
A true sign that the Yankees are back.
Of course Kruk had to dump ice water by mentioning that Damaso hung a pitch that Ortiz would’ve hit out if he wasn’t still getting into game shape.
Did you guys see Marte offer a meatball?
*Phillips with the radio crew
SJ44,
What do you thinks JOBA’s innings limit is?
We have read and heard so many times that Cashman is not going to mortgage the future and how he is tied himself to the young pitchers.
Tell me there won’t be pressure with JOBA at 165 innings heading into his second start(5 game ALCS), cashman would be freaking.
Virtually overnight, Marte and Nady go from wallowing in the bowels of the national league standings right into the heat of the Sox – Yanks rivalry in a pennant race. Must be a wild experience for thm both.
On Joba vs Youkilis, I say Joba should throw him a couple back door sliders on the inside edge of the plate each game. They’ll appear to be going towards Youk, he’ll bail out & whine as the pitch gets called a strike. Still hasn’t hit him,
Oh and if Tampa makes the playoffs this year, Joe Maddon is a lock for manager of the year. If they just miss, he’s still got to be one of the favorites for the award. But that still doesn’t justify injuring a minor league catcher on a meaningless play at the plate in spring training.
If we don’t give up any talent, then Washburn is a no risk deal, the money is not important(to me at least)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07.....38;ei=5087
.
Another Trade Could Happen, but Sacrifice Won’t Be as Great
.
Probably why Marte was only used for one batter last night and why X had an o-fer.
Phillips is working TV tonight because Joe Morgan is at the HOF induction ceremonies.
Global,
Washburn has pitched better of late. Can’t just go by stats. You have to watch him pitch.
He’s pitching for an awful team, which gives him no run support, in an awful baseball environment this season.
When you come into a pennant race, it rejuvenates you.
The guy isn’t cooked. He is a better alternative than what the Yankees have for one of the slots right now.
If they can’t make a deal, its not the end of the world. If they can though, its another arm to help in the race.
Can’t have enough of those down the stretch.
Last year,
Torre said that postseason IP weren’t a problem.
Of course that was Torre.
I think it’s negligible. However, what would next years count be?
Joba has said he doesn’t think it’s an issue because he’s pitched 200 innings before. But I’m sure they’ll do what’s right. Golden Goose and all that.
John Lackey has “dead arm”, but the Angels are far ahead enough where they can rest their guys and have them fresh before the postseason.
The Yankees have no such luxury at this point.
Is Washburn necessary? I don’t think it’s out of the question that IPK contributes at the ML level at some point this season.
When the Yankees put Joba in the rotation, they made it clear his innings limits won’t inhibit his ability to stay in the rotation throughout the season. Including a possible playoff run.
There is a 0% chance he goes back to the bullpen. He’s in the rotation to stay.
washburn would be great if just for igawa because wash is owed 14 million for the rest of 08 and 09 and igawa is owed approx 2 million more for 08,5 million for 09 and 5 million for 2010,so we trade igawa and his 12 million for washburns 14 million so we get wash for 2 million dollars because igawa’s salary goes to seattle that is why seattle want’t a prospect.if the yankees can get wash for igawa and the yankees don’t have to send money it would be an absolute steal.i can see the yankees sending a prospect,maybe gardner,christian,marquez.
I’d make a post, but it looks like Global Warming said everything I wanted to say already. Blackberry typing isn’t the easiest!
Rebecca,
Nady said he had very little sleep Friday night (I can imagine). They were supposed to leave on a 5 a.m charter flight but was told to hold up (because of the switching of players?). A few hours later they took the private plane. Talk about whirlwind.
Nady’s hitting something like .375 since 6/25.
It’s a blast listening to WEEI this weekend. I usually have to hear them chirp about the Sux but today it’s all about the Yankees. HOWEVER, you can believe that they are all over Joba like white on rice. They are convinced that the stuff with ugly mug is intentional and they are also convinced that “it isn’t over” and we’ll see more carnage tonight. They said that stuff with great conviction.
As an aside, a not-so-pleasant moment last night was when Joel McHale talked about having done a show in Boston two nights ago and about how they’re all great sports fans with great sports teams. The entire audience erupted and I almost felt dirty. When he mentioned the Yankees I cheered wildly but was, as you can imagine, I was loudly drowned out.
My roots are here so I will never be anywhere else but it really is a come down to live in the midst of so many provincial, small-minded, “lesser thans.”
Here’s something sad. On WEEI they are now referring to Joba as Joba the fat sloba.
“Big G. Big Sexy. Big Six.”
We’ve got a lot of Big Yankees this year. I’m expecting a lot of Big things from all of them.
mel: That and he has an 11 day old son!
“For a lot of reasons, its probably better if the Yankees lose tonight.
Rest Mo another day. Get ready for Baltimore without a Boston Hangover. Its high time they start winning series against a bad Baltimore team. Especially at home.”
That does not make sense.
A win ia win, but if it is a choice between winning agaist Boston or Baltimore, it is against Boston. We are fighting with Boston for playoff spot and any loss incurred on Boston makes that goal easier.
Also, Mo is not overworked lately.
SJ44,
I would disagree that he doesn’t have a innings limit, but we will see, hopefully we make it deep enough to even discuss it later.
“You yawn through that and get ready for the Orioles.
If they win tonight, great. Either way though, the Yankees have done what they needed to do this weekend.”
This is key because we usually have a falloff after playing the Red Sox. We have to keep up the intensity especially against BAL, which for some strange reason we have trouble beating.
What are the Red Sox going to do? Hit Jeter and ARod? They do that every time we play them anyway.
Thank God for Girardi.
Friday and yesterday were clear views in my mind of how girardi is a better manager at fenway than torre had been the last x years. Friday joe knows that if he leaves in kyle, things are about to get nasty, so he makes the change. I dont think necessarily that Torre would have brought in mo there. Second, yesterday joe brought in marte to basically close that thing out early. Torre would have stuck with Veras, wait it out. Girardi knows that games can get crazy at Fenway in a hurry. Torre would always wait too long, and allow the sox to make a game of it
I read last night’s posts and someone made a point I would have absolutely echoed were I here. But as happens with Pete’s blog (I often wonder if Pete does it on purpose…) you’re in the middle of discussion in one forum and all of a sudden like lemmings everyone has gone upstream to yet another discussion.
Anyway, someone said that he thought it was in poor taste for Yankee fans here to continue to crack on Ponson and make jokes about his drinking problem. I agree. He’s ours, he’s been really good and a good teammate, and even though some people may think it’s funny, making him the butt of jokes about drinking isn’t really funny at all.
Anyway, that’s in my humble opinion but I thought I would speak out on it.
GO YANKEES!
Rebecca,
Nah, dads sleep right through that!
Mo would love to be pitching tonight!
The only good thing that can come from a loss if a win streak’s putting pressure on a team. Don’t see that in this situation.
Needless to say, we need to win the season series against both Tampa and Boston for obvious reasons.
http://www.bostonherald.com/sp.....position=5
Any chance they ever trade manny? I sure hope so.
What better position to be in than to have already taken the series.
Sad that these goons are talking about tonight’s game as if the Yankees don’t stand a chance because Ponson is pitching.
If you can stream WEEI, do it. You really have to listen to Sean McAdam et al going on about Joba v Pukelis…
I didn’t say he didn’t have an innings limit. I said his innings limit won’t put him back in the bullpen this season.
He’s in the rotation to stay, regardless of who else they may acquire to pitch in the coming days.
The one thing the Yankees have to do from hereon out is win series. Win series and they are fine.
What they can’t do is get so jacked up for Boston, they lose a home series to the Orioles, prior to a 4 game series with the Angels.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see a win tonight.
I’m just of the mindset that its not a “must win” game.
Its more important to win the series against the Orioles at home than it is to win tonight’s game.
Obviously, you would take both. But, if its one or the other, I choose to win another series rather than winning tonight.
“Any chance they ever trade manny? I sure hope so.”
No. They are stuck with Manny. First of all, he’s a 10-5 guy so he can veto any trade. Secondly, what team in their right mind would want to take on the headache? It’s not like Manny is 25 and has a good 10 yrs left to be phenomenal. The RS already think that his skills are declining. I think that they not only keep him for the rest of the year, but will pick up his option as well.
Cliff Notes version of Cashman’s midseason trade history:
http://www.courant.com/sports/.....1771.story
indeed, major props to x and dam for hustling their asses to beantown! brett is apparently hitchhiking to scranton lol.
Another thing that rubs me the wrong way is his limited no trade clause. One of teams listed was the Yankees. He’s a west coast guy who obviously wants no part of the east coast or the Yankees.
It just doesn’t seem like a move worth making.
Ok I’m done bashing Washburn
So how many Yanks fans will be following the M’S Jays game today on mlb.com. I know I will be lol.
lol i have to learn from brandon about promptly changing my header
SJ,
Im not against the Washburn trade. He has owned us the last few years and would eat some innings. But how about maybe bringing Aceves in and see what he has. He seems to be shining no matter what competition hes going against.
I would rather win tonight and lose 2 of 3 to the orioles, than lose tonight and win 2 o3 3 from the birds.
WOw the radio announcers in boston are calling joba a fat slop, that is going overboard
“Another thing that rubs me the wrong way is his limited no trade clause. One of teams listed was the Yankees. He’s a west coast guy who obviously wants no part of the east coast or the Yankees.”
Every player with limited NTC always puts Yankees in the list. The primary intent is to negotiate higher benefits, not necessarily they do not want to play for the Yankess.
In this case, Boras being the agent, I believe that it is the case.
The whining about Joba has to stop with the Red Sox. They are showing how much he is in their heads.
If they think this kid is going to change the way he pitches, forget it.
He’s one of the mentally toughest guys on the team.
I’ve had guys on the team tell me they can’t believe how tough he is. That’s why he has such respect from the veterans.
The more they whine about Joba, the more he will use it to his advantage.
One of the things that made the Red Sox a championship team over the years was they developed a “Yankee mentality”.
Play hard, no whining, and grind it out.
I think one of the reasons why Manny got tired of Youkilis is because he’s a whiner and that drags down a team. Good player, but a real crybaby.
Its been two days and they are still complaining about Joba?
I can assure you Joba isn’t giving it a second thought.
Re: Ponson, I agree with the feeling of cooling it about his drinking issues.
He’s been no problem for the Yankees in either one of his stays here and has helped this team win games. The guys on the team like him. So, what’s the big deal?
I don’t think folks would make fun of Strawberry and Gooden if they were still here. Why bang on Ponson? Makes no sense to me.
Trisha—-
I’m the one who wrote that yesterday. Thanx for brinigng it up and your support of the position.
For those who didn’t see it I was calling out those who repeatedly make snide, hurtful drinking references toward and about Ponson. There’s nothing funny about battling addiction and nothing helpful about such nasty, brainless comments, particularly when they are directed at a Yanks player on a supposedly pro-Yankee site.
Big Syd needs to make the right decisions and he needs to be accountable if/when he fails to do so, but attacks on a guy who is clearly trying to make the right decisions at this stage serve no useful purpose.
“On Ponson facing Lester, I don’t get why Girardi didn’t tweak the order so that Mussina pitched before Ponson last week and be ready for tonight’s game. It’s not like they all didn’t have a whole week’s rest over the AS break. ”
umm, except he did.
Moose came back and pitched the first game after the all-star break even though it was Ponson’s turn.
they set the rotation to skip Ponson’s spot in the rotation after the all-star break, exactly as they should have.
at some point Ponson has to pitch, that’s just the way a rotation work.
SJ44,
Peter Gammons also once predicted that Bobby Crosby would be the AL MVP. And, that Ellsbury would be the next Grady Sizemore.
That being said, the Craig Hansen statement was one of his most absurd.
joba didnt not even hit youk yet they are screaming and calling him a fat slop but if pedro was a yankee and he put 2 guys in the hospital heck you dont know what they will do
If we win 2nite and lose 2 from 3 or lose 2nite and win 2 of 3 from the O’s is the same thing 4 outta 6, Let the Boston radio call Joba anything they want but Beckett is no Skinny guy theres actually a pix from Spring traning where Beckett looks like a DT. Joba in my mind if we get into the playoffs will be the best #3 or 4 starter in all of the playoffs. You have to say that Girardi will go with Moose,Andy, then Joba or Moose,Andy,Wang,Joba.. I like are chances
Just a though to add to the Washburn discussion -
People keep expecting that CC Sabathia will be a Yankee next year. Of that this is no guarantee.
Also, he has pitched 3 consecutive complete games in a row for the Brewers, with no end in sight.
The Brewers are using CC as if (and they’re probably right) they don’t need to protect his arm for next year.
Just something to think about.
“Tell me there won’t be pressure with JOBA at 165 innings heading into his second start(5 game ALCS), cashman would be freaking.”
It isn’t like Joba self-destructs at a certain number of innings – it is a rough guideline –
He has pitched 78.3 innings, there are about 12 or so rotations to go and even at 7 innings per start (high) that puts Joba at 162 total. I think they were looking at 170 as a rough figure before the year.
He should be fine unless he goes on a Complete Game binge (not very likely with our great bullpen performance.)
It is ALL good!
Yesterday during the game Tim McCarver laughed when Bobby Abreu almost got hit above the shoulder from Hansen and said while laughing it almost looked liked he slammed his hand in a car door, its ok when Boston throws at Yanks but when Joba did it o boy he was so wrong. Joba in my mind did what he did and he showed me he dont care and hes out there to win and dominate I see that killer instinct in him that all great players have. I am not putting him in the class of Jordan,Tiger,Manning(Peyton) and Eli(haha) but he seems to have that edge in him that hes better than the guys hes facing and I like that about him.
Imagine if Kennedy could get some of that instinct and mental toughness from Joba.
86W183 – Good post about Ponson. He has been a model citizen and really does like being on the Yanks.
Last I saw Washburn, he was sleeping on a couch in the visiting team’s clubhouse here. There’s little chance something would happen at the last minute. Remember, he has to sign-off on any deal. Once he’s in the bullpen warming up, he can’t take any calls. So, if you’re hoping that a deal with the Yankees will be completed, just pray he doesn’t get run over while taking a throw at home plate or something. Nah, something like that could never happen, right?
http://blog.seattletimes.nwsou.....html#30551
86: You are completley right.
As much fun as it is to make fun of Ponson because of his last Yankee go-around, that’s probably one area to refrain from.
I haven’t, and I ought to be accountable for it.
Baseball Guy—-
Great point on CC….Cleveland wore him out last year with long outings and he was done by the Boston series. Milwaukee is having him throw innings he doesn’t need to throw and that’s not real bright either.
While I’d love to see the Yanks sign CC, it isn’t crucial. That lets the Yankees be disciplined in financial proposals and not have to be the “high bidder”. That’s also true of Teixiera or any other free agent.
Washburn must be a mental mess. How can he pitch knowing that his fate’s in the hands of the LoHud Yankee blog?
Laura-As far as Manny goes, surprisingly he doesn’t have a NTC but you’re right he can veto any trade. If the Red Sox were willing to eat some of his contract, and at the same time make his life miserable, sitting him, suspending him for his incidents, there might be a contender willing to take him on.
Where I disagree, is that they might just decline the club option and let him walk, since they already have a DH, and Manny has become a worse fielder. Plus Manny will want an extension, and if he doesn’t get it, watch out!!
I find it funny that when Arod was asked if he thought the pitch that hit him was intentional he said no and moved on. Everybody knows it was intentional but he didn’t cry and complain about it. He said what he should have said.
Meanwhile, Youk is complaining about near misses everytime Joba buzzes him. If he would have shut his mouth after the first one he probably wouldn’t have been buzzed again. Joba must love how much he has gotten into that mental midget’s head. I hope he buzzes him again next time, or actually hits him.
mel: Well, everyone else can manage it!
http://bp2.blogger.com/_LmyzzY.....t+edit.jpg
Cut and paste this guys and look at Beckett
or just click it. thats a fat GUY..lol
“Laura-As far as Manny goes, surprisingly he doesn’t have a NTC but you’re right he can veto any trade. ”
Is there a difference between an NTC and a veto?
i think with Seattle holding out for whatever they are trying for with Washburn they have soured the deal. not getting him in time for this sunday start is going to displease cash. especially if Washburn does well in his start today against the Jays.
we may just make due with what we have and let Seattle eat their contract with him.
What will be interesting to see is whether Theo has gotten into Manny’s head (I know that really might be an extended oxymoron…) since Theo has now come out and said that he is interested it taking offers on Manny. Wouldn’t it be good if Manny was so thrown by that acknowledgement that it totally affected his playing ability. See ther crazy thing is that Manny and his genius agent have been pushing the Sux to trade Manny, but I don’t think they bargained for Theo to be open about his desire to get rid of the pea brain.
Having Boras for your agent isn’t always a good thing, scarier even for players who were born without a functioning brain. That’s when Boras being Boras is at its most frightening!
Coach Jay thanks for that picture of the hayseed, though I’m happy that I hadn’t eaten lunch yet!
I am going to email this to those AH’s on the air (actually it’s Mike Adams and not Sean McAdam who is saying all the really pathetic things about Joba in terms of his weight). I’m love to get a response but I doubt it will happen.
Manny gets a NTC because he is a 10/5 guy. 10 years in the majors (min) and 5 years (min) with the same club.
That is why he gets the veto. He has a NTC because of how long he has been with the RS and in the majors.
haha good job.. Love to see what they say bout that
BBFan is correct. Its not an Anti-Yankee clause. Its an, “I’ll go there but for a price” clause. That’s a typical Boras clause in his deals.
Aceves is just getting back from a groin injury and is on a 70 pitch limit right now. Its unlikely he will be able to help them in the short term.
At this stage of the year, unless they have to, I think the Yankees would rather not use anymore rookies in the rotation the rest of the way.
This is the time for veterans, not rookies.
Doesn’t mean they don’t like Aceves. They love him. Cashman went to see him personally (for the first time) just to make sure he was as good as advertised (he was), so he would keep him off any trade lists submitted to Pittsburgh. Its just not their first priority to fill any holes in the rotation right now.
In a perfect world, Wang, CC, Moose, Pettitte, and Joba would make up the 2009 rotation.
They would have Horne, Hughes, Kennedy, Aceves, and either Chase Wright or Marquez in the AAA rotation. That would give the Yankees the most depth of starting pitching talent at the ML and AAA levels than they had in years.
If either Andy or Moose retire or move on, they could have Washburn (if they get him) or one of the AAA guys fill the roles.
Its all about having options and the Yankees are showing they have those options without hurting their long term plans.
in about 23 mins, we shall know if Washburn is pitching against the Jays.
Actually I have Seattle’s pregame on right now.
I’ll let you know what I find out.
86-
You are perfectly right about CC. All smart agents get the Yankees involved. I however don’t see the Yankees willing to take on the 6-7 years that he and his agent will want, as many clubs have been burnt with these long term deals. Look at Brown, Hampton, Martinez, Zito, etc.
The 2009 FA starting pitching class is very thin:
2 premier Pitchers in Sabathia and Sheets; next best available would be Dempster and Burnett if he opts out.
The only under 30 group includes CC, Prior and Oliver Perez, a lefty used to pitching in NY, who has better command and might be worth a look, as a less expensive option in terms of years.
Thoughts!
They are definitely showing the pitching matchup as Washburn v. Marcum.
trish, anything could happen in 20mins. please do keep us updated.
Cashman is in Cooperstown today for Goose. No trades will happen 2day Washburn will pitch today.
They’d really have to scramble if Washburn didn’t pitch today.
Can we have Brandon Morrow instead? They won’t miss him too much.
Speaking of Hampton, I still can’t believe that he pitched yesterday
I’m watching closely. I’m waiting for shots of the bullpen. They’re doing a lot of talking about the HOF inductions. I wish they’d talk about the potential trade!
Coach Jay23, I take it you haven’t seen The Godfather or Godfather II.
CC is really upping his value with the Brewers right now. I would love to see him in pinstripes bit who knows what his asking price would be after this season
NUT-
Actually I heard on ESPN[validity??], that Manny does not have a NTC in his contract, only that being a 10-5 player that he has the right to veto a trade. Anyway my thoughts are still the same, unlikely to be traded before the deadline, will be put on the waiver wire list in August [unlikely?? to be claimed], and then not given the 20M club option and told to not let the door hit you on the way out!!
It isn’t as simple as Milwaukee blowing CC out because they have no use for him next year. That’s not how it works in the game. That’s where agents come in.
His agents aren’t going to allow the Brewers to abuse him. Nor will the Players Association.
If he is throwing 110-120 pitches, that’s ok. That’s his workload. If you start seeing higher pitch counts, I guarantee you his agents will be all over the Brewers.
Its one area where the game has changed from the days when Billy Martin blew out that entire A’s pitching staff in the early 80′s. Agents, especially the good one’s, have a big impact on the game. Especially in regard to player usage.
I just found it really funny that the Mariners want a A+ prospect in return in Washburn. if we do give them a A+ prospects, do we get anything like a Jeff Clement and Brandon Morrow in return?
Washburn isn’t going anywhere today. If the Yankees wanted him for tonight, that deal would have been done in Friday night.
With Cashman in Cooperstown today, I wouldn’t expect much.
http://www.fan590.com/listen/
sea – tor pregame
“CC is really upping his value with the Brewers right now. I would love to see him in pinstripes bit who knows what his asking price would be after this season”
national league.
YankeeTrader—-
Perez is an interesting guy… certainly has big time talent and will get plenty of offers if he takes it the distance. If he would cut back on his walk rate (64 in 117 innings) he could become an All-Star. He turns 27 in August and will get at least five years at $ 10-12 per.
I say no unless Pettite and Mussina retire.
Yes, Washburn is starting.
Sidney on the hill tonight.
GO YANKEES!
sj -
just want to say thanks for all the great baseball talk.
i think i’m about to be banned for not laying down to our fearless leader.
actually that should save me some money because i’ll spend more time working.lol.
take care.
One thought about CC’s value –
It isn’t like his performance is the sole factor in his next contract. The state the absurd – if he didn’t allow another hit the rest of the year, it doesn’t mean he is worth a billion dollars.
He is going to be worth what the top bidder pays, just like at an auction. There are going to be a select number of bidders (not including the BrewCrew) that can even afford to participate in a competition for this kind of salary level.
When A-Rod went to Texas, the owner Hicks went nuts and bid against himself – unless an owner goes bonkers, the Yankees have the best position to get him.
Ponson would neeed a lot of miracle tonight to get the team a W.
This probably wouldn’t be a first, BUT, let’s say Washburn pitches the first inning against Toronto, doen’t come out in the second because he’s traded to the Yankee, and starts tonight against Boston.
It’s probably happened before with a relief pitcher, Like a Met or Cub being traded on the same day they pitched during the afternoon, to their crosstown rival to pitch that night.
Anyone know the answer to this stupid trivia question??
SJ44 is pontificating again! Just read below what he had to say last month! This is a Yankee fan? A fair weather fan is more likely !
SJ44
June 30th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Well, Joba knows his job tomorrow. Pitch a shutout against the best offense in baseball and hope this anemic offense can get him a run.
Simple enough.
Another pathetic offensive performance by the most overrated offense in baseball.
Cash is going to have a big rebuilding job in store for him in the off-season. They need as many as 7 hitters in the off-season.
Just an absolutely awful offensive team. Probably the worst Yankee offense since ‘89-90, the real dark years.
Forget worrying about the Red Sox and Rays. Let’s just hope this team can win a game in this series.
With the way this team hits, that’s going to be a tall order.
fred from jersey – National League or not he still goes into negotiations being able to say I went to a team that was X number of games behind and led them into the playoffs by doing this, this and this when I went there.
Then if you say “yeah but it’s the national league” he says hey that’s where I played against major league hitters, and I also did it in the American League winning a CY Young award just last year.
Coach Jay I sent the picture. Now I’m listening for feedback.
If you can believe this people have been sending in different pictures of Joba and they were talking about the one where he was dressed up like the Cowardly Lion, obviously not even realizing it was part of rookie’s day!
Loser Mike Adams’ show is over. No mention of the picture.
Everything Boston reeks loser.
Sj on fire today.. I like your bligs again still not on the Washbum badnwagon but now believe it is not a big deal move.
I thought getting him would negativley affect some of the young guys.
I also call me a fool have more confidence in hughes, and think Kennedy is close enough to be the next option if sir sid or rasner fail…
I assume Melancon will take Kyles’ spot next yr. The pitching options for the next few yrs. look great within the organization.
The nady trade does help the Yanks for next yr. also.. Cashman has made all the right moves,and the future does look bright regardless of what happens this year…..
‘Notta Troll’: who on this board, didn’t feel this way?
although Cashman will be in Cooperstown later, but he will have his palm with him, recieving updates from the Mariners.
“let’s say Washburn pitches the first inning against Toronto, doen’t come out in the second because he’s traded to the Yankee, and starts tonight against Boston.”
Once he starts he wouldn’t pitch tonight. It would be like bringing a pitcher back after a long rain delay.
Notta Troll – um… when he wrote that, it was 100% true.. we had the worst offense around and we were happy if we actually scored 2 runs in a game. It wasn’t even like we faced 10 aces in a row, we just made bad pitchers look like we were facing an ace every night
I wish Yankees get Roy Halladay,but it’s difficult..
Sj is not totally wrong the offense has been very very dissappointing this yr.. It looks like now things are turning up but Derek, Cano, and others have been huge dissapointments this year…..
Cano finally has his OBP up to 300………..
“Notta Troll’: who on this board, didn’t feel this way?”
who cares – anyone who goes back and pulls up previous posts is not exactly balanced – the isn’t Meet The Press, it is a blog about the Yanks.
get a life.
About Gammons: I think that he is a great writer and commentator. His opinions are well thought out, he has a great sense of humor and he has a great knowledge of the game. With that being said, when it comes to the Red Sox he is like a crazed fan in a chat room. He makes outrageous statements and he come of like an idiot. The Craig Hansen statement, calling Farnsy a “triple AAA” pitcher, overhyping every single prospect…it goes on and on.
OFF TOPIC
Looks like things are getting better with Bernie:
http://www.newsday.com/sports/.....4086.story
“Where I disagree, is that they might just decline the club option and let him walk, since they already have a DH, and Manny has become a worse fielder. Plus Manny will want an extension, and if he doesn’t get it, watch out!!”
I think that BOS loves the Ortiz/Manny duo. That is one heck of a one two punch right in the middle of the order. If they let Manny walk, what are they going to do? Put Drew there? That’s just not as threatening a lineup. It is BOS’s fault that Manny is the way he is. They have allowed him to behave like this for years and now they want to complain. I have no sympathy for them. He’s their bum. They created him. Now, they should have to live with the ramifications.
As for the BOS radio guys calling Joba a fat slob, just goes to show how classless that town is.
SJ44: thank you, for the analysis today.
2 questions:
when you say, a slim chance Wang returns this season. Are you speaking of the post-season, as well as the regular season?
do you believe Gardner will be leaving in the trade for Washburn?
TKInDC-
I disagree that the Yankees are in the best position to get CC, because a lot of teams today have the money to spend. Now, yes, a lot of money is potentially coming off the books as we really don’t have a need now for Giambi, Abreu, Pavano, Farnsworth, and potentially Pettitte/ and or Mussina.
However Boston or the Mets could easily pick up the tab, especially if they don’t pick up Manny’s option, and the Mets have a lot of money coming off the books.
I also have seen are philosophy change with respect to years offered to pitchers, and just think we’ll be reluctant to go more than 5 years, unless Lloyd’s of London picks up the insurance for the entire contract should he become disabled.
Once he starts he wouldn’t pitch tonight. It would be like bringing a pitcher back after a long rain delay.
actually, it depends on the pitch count during the 1st inning.
“who on this board, didn’t feel this way?”
A lot of us felt that Cano would turn it around and that the offense would be just fine. We were ridiculed, but what are you going to do? Like TKinDC said, it’s a blog. :\
I really hope Washbum gets smacked around. So anything that may be in the works, is pulled.
TKinDC: yes. It was a rhetorical question.
“Looks like things are getting better with Bernie:”
I saw a video of Bernie at this year’s Fan Fest and he had nothing but great things to say about his time with the Yankees. He even said that as far as he was concerned, he was still a Yankee. I hope he does change his plans and comes to Old Timer’s Day. If he doesn’t, I’m sure that the Yankees will find a day to dedicate to honoring him before the move across the street.
Rishi
I don’t think so. I think he is still bitter. I don’t know that I believe he is on vacation or maybe he purposely planed it than.
Laura-
Agree for you to disagree, but I agree wholeheartedly about Boston having allowed him to act like the petulant child he is. Not to be too mean, we’re not dealing with the brightest guy in the world, either.
Wow tune into the Mets, full house to see their ace.
confuscius: yes. Rhetorical question. I don’t keep ‘track-records’ on what people post.
I didn’t give up and many others made optimistic entries. A guy who states his beliefs so emphatically as SJ shouldn’t be allowed to ignore his past declarations when things seem to be getting better.
In addition his post about tonight’s game being “house money” and accepting a loss as ok because we need to be ready for the O’s is asinine !!! Win them ALL, damn it !!
A loss to the Sox is a 2 game difference. The O’s will be dealt with next. I just can’t believe he gets away with saying whatever he wants and the majority of you salaam to it!
“I really hope Washbum gets smacked around. So anything that may be in the works, is pulled.”
x2 but i have a feeling its already dead without this
Always nice to have the 12 year olds on the blog trolling! lol
It used to be, they would spend their summers in camp or on the playground. Now, they spend it on computers trolling along. The “joys” of technology.
Stuart,
If they acquire Washburn, it serves several purposes.
He can help them this year. He gives them another veteran arm, which is always a plus in a pennant race. If Andy and/or Moose retire in the off-season, CC doesn’t end up in NY, Wang’s injury takes longer than expected to recover, or the young kids still aren’t ready, he can assume a role in the back end of the rotation.
If they get him, it won’t affect any off-season plans.
If they don’t, life goes on.
Either way, its a win-win for the Yankees. Especially after filling their two biggest needs this weekend with the acquisitions of Nady and Marte.
Well let me say this about that. There’s looking at the small picture and looking at the big picture. I haven’t been the biggest fan of SJ44 in the past because he seems to take the small picture and blow it up into something that doesn’t ever end up being real. So you might say that his day-to-day calls are right on the money – and that is probably accurate. But a lot of that stuff really should be obvious to even the least astute fan. I mean if you don’t know that an offense is anemic when it is anemic, you might as well hang up your cleats.
The greater feat, at least in my opinion, is being able to not get caught up in the day-to-day minutiae but find your way past that by reading the signals on a continuum. You have to be able to have the stomach to realize that players go into slumps, offenses go into slumps, great pitchers have bad outings, and players can get sloppy in the field. But if you realize the quality of the players that you have, it is easier to assess the chances that your team is going to eventually be in a certain place.
It is unequivocal that SJ44 has baseball savvy and a ton of baseball smarts.
That said I think there are others who do much better with being able to assess the outlook for the team by looking at the bigger picture and not getting hung up on any one snapshot in time.
So okay, I’d like to pat myself on the back for calling things right on the money so far in terms of the bigger picture with one glaring exception.
I though Kei Igawa would pull things together. Now many may think that it is enough of an exception that it eviscerates all the other things. Rubbish I say!
1-2-3 for Washburn in the 1st.
SJ, not everyone who disagrees with your view is a troll ya know. Just thought I’d point that out.
Washburn, 10 pitches, all 86-87 mph, three outs, two ground balls and a pop up by Rios.
I think we need to believe at this point that Washburn is not going to pitch in Boston tonight!
Yankee Trader
Oh great now they’ll ask for Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy.
No way he pitches tonight, but still nice to follow his start today.
Washburn pitched a 1-2-3 first. Grounder back to him, grounder to 3rd, pop-out to first/short right. His cutter was 86/7 on the FSN gun. He fielded his position well, a little like Moose.
Funny how the mets broadcasters are talking how everyone stayed last night, than go on to say it was about 25,000 while panning the game and the stadium half full.
Yankee Trader –
I see what you are saying about other teams have more bucks – but NOBODY has the kind of resources that the Yanks have and the new stadium is only going to enhance that position.
Manny’s departure would free up some funds, but not the $80M that the Yanks have coming off the rolls.
There is a chance that the financial power of the Yanks will actually help them save money on the deal – but that gets into some murky game theory type voodoo
There is no greater award to a yankee player, than to be hated by the press and all of bean town. Go joba.
Vinny,
I would be surprised if Wang pitches again this season. That’s a real serious injury and I think the Yankees will be very protective of him coming back too soon.
I don’t know if the Yankees would part with Gardner in a Washburn deal. I would think Seattle would have to assume a chunk of his remaining contract for Gardner to be included in the deal.
When a team trades a player in a salary dump situation, they usually get a low level minor leaguer. They don’t usually get a AAA prospect.
If they take on say, half the remaining money on Washburn’s deal, they can get a better level prospect.
I don’t see the Yankees doing a deal for Washburn that involves anybody they think can help the major league club in the next two years. They will walk away from the deal before going in that direction.
“TKinDC: yes. It was a rhetorical question.”
Gotcha Vinny
Does anyone know why Marte is wearing Hughes’ number 34?? I know he wore 43 in Chicago. Does this mean Phil is going to be traded soon?
I read somewhere(forgot which website) that since the trade didn’t happen before today if it happened it wouldn’t be until next week. Because of the hall of fame stuff Cashman would not do a trade today to take any attention way from that.
SJ44,
I know you like to tease about the 12 year olds, but unlike bitter old people they have better things to do than bother old people on a blog. Like playing ball, carjacking, etc.
The trolls here just got nothing better to do than try to get a rise out of others. That’s an adult thing, as immature as it is.
Trisha,
Obviously not. But, when a person changes his blog name a dozen or more times to stalk you, I’d say, that’s a troll. lol
Doesn’t bother me. I spend a lot less time worrying about that nonsense than the trolls spend stalking me, and others, on this blog.
Ron,
A writer said Hughes gave his blessing. The writer said maybe Hughes is better off, since that number brought him no luck at all.
I have faith in Sir Sidney tonight. He has thrown the ball decently enough to keep us in games (though, to be fair, the Yanks have scored a heck of a lot of runs for the guy). Save for the performance against Texas, he hasn’t been bad. I see why we’re all a little worried about Sid and his “luck running out”, but we also have to look at Lester, who, while he has been good, is by no means untouchable. I think a decent amount of runs will be put up by both teams tonight…and if all else fails, we could see Sir Sid throw at Youkilis and all be entertained.
As for the Washburn trade, it could be benificial in that we could use a veteran arm to eat up some innings. I like DRas, but I don’t think he is going to cut it down the stretch. But, the only way this gets done is without Melky or any of our top-notch prospects. Basically, for this, I see only Igawa as an expendable piece…no one else.
I agree that washburn is an experienced/veteran arm and would definitely root for him with the Yankees. I think we have the arms to solve the rotation – not a problem, i’ll call it depth – internally. Ponson has been pitching well with the Yankees and Rasner can also get the job done. Hughes and the American Idle are starting their rehabs, and we have Aceves and IPK in AAA if one of them falter. On top of that Wang could be back in September so we have 6 pitchers to fill 2 spots for now, and hopefully only the 5th rotation spot. One of those 6 pitchers can give us 5-6 innings with 3-4 runs given up.
I think Boston, the city in general, is calling Joba a fat slob simply because he is good and they are jealous. What Boston pitcher has ever come into the majors and just dominate from teh beginning and never turned back. Joba was amazing from the bullpen and moves to the rotation and never gives up more than 3 runs. Buccholz got sent down and Lester took time to be good and Masterson is in the bullpen now. None of their prospects ended up as a huge ace dominance like Joba. Then they called him a fat slob also because he just owned their best in Beckett. Joba dominated the Red sux for 7 innings when Beckett could not do that to us. They are jealous.
I dont mind Ponson don’t say he has been pitching well. He has been lucky and the Yankees give him crazy run support. Apparently he brings out the best in the offenese.
27 this year,
Fat slob is nothing compared to what we hurl at Pedro, Beckett, Paps, Youkilis, Big Papi…
Oh my. We’re really bad, aren’t we?
I totally agree with the concept of house money tonight. Of course we want the Yankees to win every game but the important thing is to take a series. So if you could ideally carry that out over the course of the season, the theory is that if you take your series, you end up fine.
If you know what I mean.
The best case scenario sees Ponson getting the run support he’s been getting and the Yankees winning a 9-6 game.
The worse case scenario has Meatloaf singing “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” and the Yankees heading home to face the Orioles one games better than when they left last Thursday.
Ron –
Phil gave Marte the number saying he had no luck with it and Phil was planning on switching anyway. And no, he will not be traded. I think Pete posted something on that.
Hope that helps
34 is the reverse of 43. That’s why he chose the number.
Has nothing to do with Hughes. He isn’t going anywhere. Cashman said the other day he isn’t trading Hughes, even though his phone has been ringing off the hook with offers for him.
I heard he wants to go back to wearing #65. Probably hoping for better luck with his old number.
“I think Boston, the city in general, is calling Joba a fat slob simply because he is good and they are jealous.”
BINGO –
It is like the bully who gets punched in the nose on the schoolyard and runs to a teacher.
Joba straightened up Youk – boo hoo!
– - – - carjacking? lol
Mel, it is ok for Yankees fans to make fun of Red sux the same way it is fair for us to get suspended for missing when they don’t get suspended for actually pegging someone.
mel, you know I don’t mind hearing fans trash players from other teams. It’s part of the fabric of being a fan. But when I hear a talk-show host call Joba “Joba the fat sloba” it kind of gives me a bit of a chill. I mean you want to think that those guys are there to let the fans get things off their chests and to give their own opinion, but when you hear that kind of sad immaturity from the guys getting paid to do radio, it takes it to a different level.
Anyway, Beckett is a gross hayseed; Pukelisp does have an ugly whining mug and you can see why any pitcher would be overcome with a need to throw at his head, and Papelcrap is an overrated fishface who needs to be knocked flat on his back. When we do it we are merely speaking the truth!
I never said Ponson was pitching well, just that he hasn’t been all that bad. Let’s face it, he has kept us in the games he’s started…though, like I said, the offense seems to love when he’s on the mound.
As for the whole Joba/Youk thing, this time I don’t think it was intentional. That being said, I think Youk is one of the biggest punks/babies in the world, so my opinion is probably not very useful. I wouldn’t mind seeing Sir Sid with a little retaliation, especially since I’ll be there tonight.
trisha,
Totally unprofessional if a talk-show host gets personal like that.
Is that guy big himself? I know this is stereotypical, but there’s a lot of big radio guys!
“I wouldn’t mind seeing Sir Sid with a little retaliation, especially since I’ll be there tonight.”
This would lead to a throw down – good thing we have Sexson and Farnsy in the house!
Seems as if, it is ok for youkillis to use the bat to hit the ball, it must be ok for a pitcher to use the ball to hit the bat, I mean fair is fair, it is not the fault of the pitcher if said hitter holds the bat very close to his head. Joba was only demonstrationg his absolute command of his pitches, jmo
“This would lead to a throw down – good thing we have Sexson and Farnsy in the house!”
Exactly! Haha. I’ll tell you one thing-Farnsy seems like a crazy MFer. I for one, would not mess with him. And, “The Big Guy” is huge!
I don’t like the House Money idea…we need to win as many games as possible against TB and BOS, not to mention all of the AL East.
Well, I’m off to Boston…Go Yanks!!
Mel, I don’t really know much about those guys but here is the stuff about the loser on the WEEI website. It looks like he might be a fatty. He definitely his a big nose!
http://weei.com/pages/235699.php
Mel, I posted something that may post later. I don’t know if they didn’t like a word in it or that it had a link…
Anyway, if you go to WEEI.com, look under the Planet Mikey show and you’ll see some pictures of the loser. He looks like he could be a fatty. He definitely his a big shnozola!
hmmm. test.
Mel, two posts didn’t go. Don’t know why. Maybe they will later. Go to that website (WEEI) and look up Mikey Adams. He looks fat to me! Great big nose too. I wrote you two other posts that didn’t go. Must have had a word they didn’t like!
The last thread missed Albaladejo. Thankfully the Yankees bullpen has been great, but had it not been Alby would have been a bigger loss.
They should have him back healthy next year and he looked like he has some potential. If nothing else, it’s added depth.
Wait, so, Sox fans are calling Joba fat?
Yes, it’s not like the Sox to have fat out of shape pitchers like Curt Schilling or David Wells. Oh, wait…
King George and his two stupid sons need to sell the team.
King George in the hall of fame, please.