So who do you like to replace Joba?
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- August
- 5
At the very least, Joba Chamberlain will be out one game. At worst, it’s the rest of the season. So who can replace him in the rotation? Here’s a list of contenders in no particular order:
Darrell Rasner: Pros: He’s been starting, he’s basically on turn. Cons: They took him out of the rotation for a reason.
Ian Kennedy: Pros: He’s pitching well for Scranton. Cons: Joe Girardi and Brian Cashman can’t wait to dismiss him when you bring his name up.
Phil Hughes: Pros: Well, he’s Phil Hughes. Cons: He’s had two rehab starts and needs to extend his pitch count. He’s not ready yet.
Alfredo Aceves: Pros: Mexican League veteran has pitched well in minors since being signed. Cons: He has 21.2 innings of experience above AA.
Carl Pavano: Pros: Um, well … Cons: Teammates could walk out in protest.
Chase Wright: Pros: He has been pitched well this season for Trenton and Scranton. Cons: He got lit up like Times Square in the majors last season.
Kei Igawa: Pros: Unwanted, unloved, he has pitched well for Scranton. Cons: You just know he would talk the first two guys and give up a bomb.
Jarrod Washburn: Pros: He has been in a good groove and is a lefty. Cons: He’s a Seattle Mariner, so a trade has to be made.
Freddy Garcia: Pros: Throwing a bullpen today for scouts in Miami and is said to be close to ready to pitch. Cons: His own agent admits Garcia is not 100 percent recovered from shoulder surgery and will need rehab starts.
Eric Milton/Victor Zambrano: Pros: Once pitched in majors with varying degrees of success. Cons: They have yet to pitch in games this season as they recover from injuries.
Livan Hernandez: Pros, he eats a lot of innings. And hot dogs from the looks of it. Cons: He gives up a ton of hits. The Twins didn’t release him without reason.
Player magically acquired by trade: Pros: Well, sure, that would be great. Cons: The other 29 teams tend not to give their good starters away. Plus they know the Yankees are desperate.
Am I forgetting anybody?
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Wright wasn’t too bad last season with the exception of that terrible inning against the Red Sox. I don’t have the stats handy, but he pitched well in his appearances prior to that 4-homer fiasco. He wouldn’t be a terrible option.
Hey it is what it is, I suppose Saturday will be Rasner, but what happens if Giese gets lit Friday night?
Good bullpen is an extension of your starting pitching, when your SP stinks your bullpen stinks, it goes hand and hand.
Been seeing some holes in the bpen lately, need 7 innings out of Pettite tonight, no Marte, or Edwar….tough stretch here, Im not ready to bail but last night was tough to watch
How about Roger Clemens?
“But I’m the Rocket! I wanna pitch! Ro-cket! Ro-cket! Ro-cket!”
I agree about Wright as well. He wasn’t terrible but his 2nd major league start, he was thrown right into the fire against the Red Sox.
The only ones on that list that are 1) in the organization and 2) ready to step up and pitch this weekend, are Rasner and Kennedy. As it stands now as “one start” being all Joba is definitely missing (granted I know it will be more than that), I say give Kennedy another shot with Rasner ready to back him up as the long man. I mean, as you say, Rasner did get demoted for a reason—and whoever pitches better in that game (Ian or Razz), gets to go 5 days later.
Unless something like the Washburn trade happens, it’ll be IPK.
In any case, I’ll repeat what I wrote a couple of times yesterday – it all depends on what Ponson does tomorrow.
If he throws a good game, he’s almost certainly going to be kept in the rotation.
If he’s shellacked, well, who knows…..
if it’s just one week, spot-start rasner and thank god when joba returns.
if it’s longer, fill the void however you can until hughes is ready. i, for one, am glad to see kennedy getting treated with disdain. by all accounts, his performance was awful and his attitude worse. and remember, if he was really THAT good, he’d be up and pitching, conduct or otherwise. ask boomer wells and big sid.
I think its time for Kennedy to take Rasner’s spot and then let Giese take Joba’s spot.
And if either stink then you turn back to Rasner.
Kenndy is the only sane choice. Giese stunk as a starter with the Giants.
Pete you should make this a poll!
The scary part is now this forces the Yankees to keep Ponson in the rotation without even thinking about it. The likelihood of making the playoffs with Ponson in the rotation and without Joba in the rotation are very slim.
i will give chase wright a shot!
Really, Pete? IPK is an unmentionable? Hmmm.
I’d like to see how Kennedy handles a promotion. He’s also got the best pedigree.
Kepner seems to think that Hughes will be up when the Yankees return home. Sound about right to you?
Eric is pretty much correct.
Wright had three outings last year:
v. Cleveland 4/17 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K (got the win)
v. Boston 4/22 3 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 3 K (yes, THAT game)
v. Baltimore (9/30) 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
I’m not saying he should be the choice. I’m just saying Eric is correct. He wasn’t a total disaster last year.
“Wright wasn’t too bad last season with the exception of that terrible inning against the Red Sox. I don’t have the stats handy, but he pitched well in his appearances prior to that 4-homer fiasco”
No he didn’t. He has 2 MLB starts and a late season relief appearance. His line in the two starts is as follows:
8 IP, 7 ER, 5 homers, 10 hits, 6 walks, 6 K’s.
His career highlight in MLB is a 2 inning relief appearance last September when he allowed on a run.
He obviously wasn’t ready for primetime last year. He may be moreso this year, but I’m not optimistic.
You got to give Kennedy another shot. He is doing well in Scranton. The Mariners are going to want more from the Yankees now. I don’t think that the Yankees are going to get him. Wright might be good—but I don’t like him against Boston. Go with Ian and hope that Joba doesn’t miss more than one start. If Ian does well—Sidney is on notice.
here is another question with Giese starting for sure and Rasner perhaps starting as well who is the long reliever as we sure will need one as neither of these guys can go long into games. Please do not tell me Chris Britton as during his 50 plus times he has been up here he at least to me has not shown much of anything.
Wright
is Boomer Wells in town still?
I googled Deltoit strain-Expect to be out of competition for 3 to twelve weeks or more.
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/back/shoulder/deltoidstrain.htm
David Wells. Not really, I don’t think.
Not this weekend but next time around:
Phillip J. Hughes.
I would think that IPK would get the first crack because he’s pitched so well in AAA…though he always pitches well in AAA just not in the big show.
Being that comments made under Pavano about teammates walking out, I would hope they would be cool with him coming back. A team with as many injuries as they have shouldn’t be too choosy with who’s going to come in and help out. Not sure who will be back first; him or Hughes, but I would be fine with Pavano if he comes back this season.
I pick David Wells.
Haha nah…Wright.
If Joba is out for the season or a few weeks the Yankees are finished. Unless some miracle happens and they manage to get some ace pitcher out of no where.
i vote Kennedy
i thought the supposed attitude issues were exagerated ?
Kennedy. and bring up some other prospects. this season is over.
What’s Aaron Small up to anyway?
well i will now make my predictions for this season!
If joba is out like a month or so WE ARE NOT MAKING THE PLAYOFFS! PERIOD!!!!!!
If he does not go on the dl for a month or so;
AL EAST= rays
AL CENTRAL= white sox
AL WEST= angels
WILD CARD= yankees
pavano… he has a track record and better stuff than anyone on that list except hughes.
Of your list Hughes, Pavano, Garcia, Milton, and Zambrano are unavailable due to injury. Aceves is just coming off an injury too but he threw 90 pitches on Friday. So that leaves us with Rasner, Kennedy, Aceves, Wright, Igawa, Washburn, Hernandez.
Washburn would be nice but its not looking too likely that he will be traded before Joba’s next turn in the rotation. I think Wright needs more seasoning at AAA and Livan is terrible. I think the most realistic choices are Rasner, Kennedy and Igawa.
As crazy as it sounds I might go with Igawa. He changed his arm slot a bit; around the time he was called up for the mets double header. Doing so has added a little velocity/movement to his pitches. Plus he’s doing well in AAA and he probably deserves another chance because of that.
I’d like to see Kennedy have another good outing in AAA then take over for Giese.
Despite my opinions I think its very likely that Rasner will take Joba’s start. Hopefully Joba’s injury isn’t severe and he comes back soon.
*Or, actually I should say Wright for the next start. Hughes when he is ready, but I’d already been figuring he’d come up and fill Ras’ spot long term. Let’s hope Joba will only miss 1 start so Phil doesnt have to try and fill HIS spot, but I imagine that whatever amount of time a pitcher would normally miss, the Yanks will keep Joba out for at least twice that.
What are they waiting for with Aceves? I keep hearing that Cashman has said he’s MLB ready NOW. If so, isn’t this the time to find out?
The temporary loss of Chamberlain is very untimely but not the same level of catastrophe as losing Wang for half the season.
This is a huge offseason for sure and Cashman must go ALL-OUT and aggressively pursue front-end pitchers like Sabathia and Sheets. Pitchers of that caliber simply don’t reach the open market these days. I wouldn’t even be surprised if the Brewers use their negotiating window with Sheets to retain him. Cashman entered 2008 short on pitching so I pray he seriously prepares for the worst in 2009 by stockpiling starters. I would love to have the luxury of keeping Hughes and Kennedy in AAA until the inevitable injury to one of the five starters. I would want a rotation of Sabathia, Sheets, Wang, Chamberlain and Pettitte. If they all stay healthy and the staff gets overly crowded then that is the best problem a GM can possibly have.
Logic says it should and will be Kennedy, since Hughes and Pavano are not ready yet. Who knows, maybe Pavano comes back in a couple of weeks and gives us a few quality starts to help sneak into the playoffs. He is, after all, in a contract year and will want to earn a contract from someone.
You forgot someone under the Yanks’ control, big gamee pitcher, knows how to pitch, appears to be in good shape, and is younger than Jamie Moyer:
David Cone
God, please shoot me down with a bolt of lightning for what I’m about to say….
....Carl Pavano.
I’d like to see Kennedy but obviously there’s some kind of issue there. Why not Aceves? If nothing else, he’s someone new the league hasn’t seen before and that might give him an advantage for one or two starts.
Phil Coke would have been an interesting option had they kept him as a starter.
But if it’s not Kennedy this time, then it will never be Kennedy.
Most of those players aren’t on the 40.
How many slots do we have open on that? One?
Why hasn’t anyone mentioned Chacon?
I agree with the call on Phil. If he throws around 70 in WB/S on Thur, he’s in line for about 90 next time. I think in a week the rotation will be Andy, Moose, Hughes, IPK, Ponson.
I bet Joba goes to DL, though I’m betting he’s back up after 2-3 missed starts.
Before Joba got hurt, I think they chose Giese over IPK to replace Rasner on the theory that it would be a spot start, and then Hughes could take the place.
With Joba getting hurt, everything is so up in the air now. It certainly opens a door for IPK, doesn’t it?
On another topic, is anybody besides me feeling like it’s insane to use Rasner as a reliever, considering his first inning is always his worst inning? And considering how tired the bullpen is (and even was before last night), wouldn’t it have made sense to send Rasner down before last night’s game and brought up a reliever (like Patterson) to have another arm in the pen?
I’d like to see Kennedy for Joba and Hughes in another week to replace Razz. It’s one thing to miss the playoffs b/c of injuries or b/c we were getting the young guys acclimated. It’s quite another to miss the playoffs AND not get the young pitchers any experience. I realize they weren’t sharp earlier this year, but don’t you want to have a better idea of what we have going into next year?
More seriously, why do you think they’re dismissive of IPK? He seems to be a logical choice for another chance.
All I can think of is that another mess up could seriously damage him psychologically?
I’d go Kennedy, and also Hughes again when he’s ready.
Pete this brings me to realize I’m at a point in my life where I must realize my own mortality.
I just realized that enough time has passed for both Wells’ and Clemens’ names to actually become humorous when mentioned as possible options to bolster a major league pitching staff.
However … they’re both within about a year or two of my age so that must mean I’m getting old. Real old. And fast.
Thank you very much Pete.
Are Cashman and Girardi of the opinion that Kennedy didn’t give full effort or took the big leagues for granted before the injury?
“More seriously, why do you think they’re dismissive of IPK? He seems to be a logical choice for another chance.”
I just think he needs to trust his stuff more at the MLB level and just throw strikes. Clearly, he’s got the makeup. He’s compared to Mike Mussina for a reason. He just needs to mentally get there. I tend to think he basically rocketed through the system based on his ability and now needs to get that part straight.
As a talent evaluator, of course, I make a great social worker, which is my actual job.
“It’s one thing to miss the playoffs b/c of injuries or b/c we were getting the young guys acclimated. It’s quite another to miss the playoffs AND not get the young pitchers any experience”
Great point, TRS.
It has to be IPK. He’s the only legitimate option of someone who can come in and give you 7 innings. You can’t pitch Ponson, Giese, and Rasner 3 out of 5 games and expect to win. Let Kennedy make the start. If he’s bad send him back down. If he’s good, he forces his way back into the mix.
Frankly, if we get lit up early, I’d be very interested to see what Igawa and/or Pavano do for 5 innings.
I’d just be too nervous to start them.
I hope Pavano, Igawa and Kennedy all make quality starts down the stretch. That would be poetic justice.
“If joba is out like a month or so WE ARE NOT MAKING THE PLAYOFFS! PERIOD!!!!!!”
Oh, then I guess they should just cancel the rest of the games….. That sucks.
To be honest, as crazy as it is, I see Pavano pitching for us this year. Maybe not as a starter, but maybe for long relief.
Hughes and IPK are definitely up before him though. Kind of see Igawa coming up as well.
I think the fact that Kennedy isn’t a shoe-in at this point is a testament to how much he pissed off the Yankees brass this year.
I still don’t see Giese as a starter, with only 2 good pitches. Rasner…I am just not sold on this guy’s ability to get people out consistently. If he needs Chad Moeller to be his catcher, in order to pitch better, he’s in trouble.
I don’t know who to vote on.
saucY, I think the supposed attitude issues re: IPK are exaggerated by everyone, including Pete (it’s cleverer to say that he’s unmentionable from Cashman and Girardi because they are in full-on “control Ian’s ego” mode). I think the big thing is they don’t want him to feel entitled, which he came across as at the beginning of the year. So you make him sweat for another shot and you refuse to openly talk about him with the press to keep him from getting a big head and thinking he is a breath away from the majors again.
That said, though, he’s probably the most ML ready option at AAA. Aceves has struggled lately, Wright has pitched 2 games at Scranton…the only other guy is probably Igawa, and seeing how this season has been so full of Ponson and Rasner starts, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit to see Kei get the call with the reassurances that he’s figured it all out this time.
How about really rolling the dice and bringing up Jason Jones from Trenton. He’s a sinker ball pitcher much like Wang and has pitched well all season. What’s the point of having a farm system and trying to develop pitchers if you never give them a shot.
Here’s an idea about Kennedy – there’s been a lot of talk about his sense of being entitled to pitch in the majors rubbing the org. the wrong way. From what I understand they spoke to him about it and his attitude has improved since then. But maybe Cashman & Girardi are deliberately trying to appear noncommittal about his return so that he’ll think his spot is tenuous – a “one chance” kind of thing – rather than feeling like it’s due him. Possible?
Anyone mentioned Shawn Chacon?
“He’s compared to Mike Mussina for a reason…”
Yeah, he’s white and went to a Pac 10 school.
Problem w/ the Mussina comparison is that it’s the 38 year old Mike Mussina rather than the great Mussina of the 90’s and earlier this decade. Mussina was an ace. Kennedy is a likely #4 if things go well.
“Why hasn’t anyone mentioned Chacon?”
You forgot the “LOL” after that question…....
Do people really talk about IPK having an attitude/arrogance problem? He saw one kinda bold comment, but it was the kind of thing you want to see from a competitor IMO. He seemed like a model citizen from here.
Word is Shawn Chacon hasn’t practiced/thrown or anything since being let go.
I meant “he made one kinda bold comment”
Aceves, hands down, ACEVES !.....and while we are at it…replace Razz and Pontoon with Ren and Stimpy ( yes, the cartoon characters….how bad could they be ? )
“If joba is out like a month or so WE ARE NOT MAKING THE PLAYOFFS! PERIOD!!!!!!â€
If Joba is done for the year, we have to replace about 10 starts. That’s really jumping the shark to come to that conclusion.
Greg: Jason Jones? Yeah that would REALLY be rolling the dice. But he’s pitched well in Trenton both this year and last. Any idea why they have not moved him up to Scranton? Is the rotation there just full? Though he probably faces better talent in AA anyway.
to me girardi has a vendetta against kennedy
“replace Razz and Pontoon with Ren and Stimpy ( yes, the cartoon characters….how bad could they be ? )”
If we’re going w/ cartoon characters, Bugs Bunny’s changeup is without compare. Scouts give it an 80.
Jose Canseco.
He’s tanned, rested and ready. And Kevin Kennedy thinks he can pitch.
Oh, never mind.
Tony Pena Jr?
“I still don’t see Giese as a starter, with only 2 good pitches.”
It’s not about seeing him as a long-term option, though. It’s about seeing whether he can translate what he’s shown this year into the back of the rotation for the next eight weeks. I don’t necessarily think he’s this anomaly of a late bloomer either. I think he’s pretty much Aaron Small Lite.
If the Yanks dont make it this year, its going to be traced back to the fact that Hughes and Kennedy dont have 1 W between them this season
To me if Im going down, id rather go down with Kennedy and Hughes and not Ponson and Rasner
Yeah the Mussina comparison is more appearance-based (the stupid from-the-stretch move, being one reason) than stuff-based. Mussina threw a lot harder than Kennedy coming out of college, and his breaking stuff was a lot more devastating, way ahead of Ian’s curve (which looked awful in the majors to start the year, but apparently has rebounded under the tutelage of Chavez at AAA). And the #4 pegging for Kennedy, at this point, is fine and dandy with me if it means he pitches to the abilities of a #4 major league starter, like, soon (as in Saturday).
Talk about a buzz kill, I have tickets for Saturday’s game here in California that I purchased in March. I was getting very excited to see Joba pitch as he was projected to start Saturday’s game until last night’s injury. Hopefully, the Yankees call up Kennedy and allow him to gain the experience he needs to become an effective starting pitcher for the Yankees.
“to me girardi has a vendetta against kennedy”
Vendetta??? Seems kind of harsh. Vendetta implies he’d like to take IPK to the East River and see if he can swin across it with a car battery tied to his leg. I think he was simply a bit put off by his reaction to being demoted.
What’s Ramiro Mendoza up to these days? He’s not that old…
“Problem w/ the Mussina comparison is that it’s the 38 year old Mike Mussina rather than the great Mussina of the 90’s and earlier this decade. Mussina was an ace. Kennedy is a likely #4 if things go well.”
You’re combining talking points, though. The talking points of those who aim high with IPK are that he compares with Mussina. The talking points of the skeptics are that he’s no better than a #4.
If the Mike Mussina of the 90’s were the number one starter on the 2008 Yankees, he’d be talked about like Wang is talked about on here.
Phillip J. Hughes will return to his 06 form
Ramiro was at old-timer’s day…looking “out in the clouds” as per usual.
“What’s Ramiro Mendoza up to these days? He’s not that old…”
he looked buff and ready to go on Old Timer’s Day, as did Jeff Nelson.
I would say Karstens….Oh, I mean Kennedy. He deserves a shot on Friday over anyone else. After getting a sniff of the big leagues he wants to show that he can actually stay there and pitch.
Monte me to i was excited becuase i was going to see joba pitch for the first time and know he is injured what a b****.
Ramiro told some press outlet that he was trying to come back next year. I bet he still has a nasty sinker.
I’m getting the feel that they don’t like Kennedy. I don’t know why. It doesn’t seem from the way Girardi was talking yesterday that hes still not convinced of IPK.
Its like next thing you know kei igawa will be up before IPK.
Now answer me this:........
You guys think that maybe just a possibility even though its still too early, that they’re holding off on Kennedy because they want to see how Hughes will do so they can bring him up?
“The talking points of the skeptics are that he’s no better than a #4.”
Then a lot of scouts and talent evaluators are skeptics.
Heck, why not just put one of those automated batting practice machines on the mound?
It won’t get tired, so the bullpen gets a night off, and I guarantee you it would give up fewer runs than Kei Igawa.
IPK had all his amateur and college success in SoCal. Maybe a return to Cali this weekend would do him good.
OR
If Hughes’ command is there and it’s just a matter of pitch count, why not stretch him out in the majors and use a long reliever to piggyback him like they did with Joba.
I’d say give Kennedy a shot first since he is “ready”...with Hughes waiting in the wings as soon as his pitch count gets high enough in a couple of weeks.
kennedy better pitch on saturday
34hughes and Joe Monte,
I will be visiting LA this weekend and was considering going to the game. Now, maybe not … LOL
Sam Militello was at old-timer’s day too…why dont we sign him? i think he was in the crowd though. not as lucky as mickey klutts
“Then a lot of scouts and talent evaluators are skeptics.”
Why would anything I said contradict that?
The problem isn’t necessarily joba out for the year, but if this team does make the postseason, the rotation…
well, some things don’t need to be said.
If the Yanks don’t make the playoffs this year if can be traced to not being ready to play ine series they should dominate. They have come out looking like they would rather be doing anything but playing baseball against the Reds, Pirates, Orioles, the Blue Jays before the ASG, Texas before the break, etc. That forces you to have to win series against teams like LA, Boston, and Tampa?!? It also makes games like last night extra tough to take when you have freaky things happen.
“Sam Militello was at old-timer’s day too…why dont we sign him? i think he was in the crowd though. not as lucky as mickey klutts”
You’re kidding me. Militello was there? He must have been one of the first 15 or so introduced. I missed that part.
I guess Ray Fontenot was unavailable.
If they are so down on Kennedy and want to really teach him a lesson, then…. (I really hate writing this) promote Igawa ahead of him and give him Joba’a slot.
34Hughes-
Girardi doesn’t have control over roster moves. If Cashman wanted Kennedy up, Girardi won’t stop him. We are getting down to the dog days of summer where every game is crucial. Clearly neither Cashman OR Girardi are happy with him if he is getting bypassed like this.
We should have cloned Joba. Then we wouldn’t have this problem.
What are the issues with Kennedy? Did he do something wrong to make the front office and management dislike him?
Igawa is predictably unpredictable. He could come up and give you a good 6 innings then blow up on the next. Not many options.
Too many people hold the one real fiasco Chase Wright had vs. Boston as the measure of his career.
Nardi Contreras will attest to all his hard work this year.
The talking point of skeptics is that Kennedy wouldn’t even be a #5
Chase Wright could surprise. He seems to be pitching well in AAA and is also older. Could be worth a shot.
The 2008 New York Yankees aka Murphy’s Law
“Too many people hold the one real fiasco Chase Wright had vs. Boston as the measure of his career.”
I agree. He’s had about 18 months more of seasoning since.
Don’t forget that Wright got the spot start as a “reward” for pitching well during one of the final ST games (I think Steven Jackson pitched another one of those games and looked good too.) He was still in AA at the time. He managed to get through five in his first MLB start and then the great Red Sux fireworks display happened.
If Chase Wright never pitches again in the bigs, he at the very least can say he has two wins under his belt. That’s something.
I agree on Chase Wright. Apparently, he has added a curveball this year that really helps him out when his change isn’t working. He didn’t have that last year…
I’d give him a shot again, as he did have some success at the MLB level and is a lefty…
I’ll still be going to the game as I need to continue my annual streak of seeing the Yankees play in person, regardless if it is at the Stadium or on the road. Tougher to do when you live in San Diego.
” Am I forgetting anybody? ”
.
Yes, you are forgetting NOBODY. He will make his next start.
“Too many people hold the one real fiasco Chase Wright had vs. Boston as the measure of his career.”
Is there something else to grab hold of???
“Nardi Contreras will attest to all his hard work this year.”
Don’t recall anyone questioning his work ethic when he gave up 4 homers. Seems the questions surrounded his talent. He’s still only 25, but doesn’t project to be much of anything in the bigs. I’m not a huge Kennedy fan, but I do believe he can be an effective low end of the rotation pitcher. I’d take him over Wright everyday of the week and twice on Sunday.
Chase Wright gets pulled from AA to pitch in he’s second game in Fenway last year.And everybody surpised he got bombed.
Yep Yankees know what to do with there young pitchers.
I’d also love to know what the issues are with Kennedy. Chad Jennings says he’s pitching great and is ready, but then I hear that they say his velocity is still down and they want to see it come up before promoting him…
Pete, any idea what the story is? Chad Jennings?
“Igawa is predictably unpredictable. He could come up and give you a good 6 innings then blow up on the next. Not many options.”
Igawa’s gotten more consistent in the minors, and he did have that one game against Boston.
Though I’d rather see IPK anyway. He deserves a chance imo.
No, wait, I’ve got it.
Jim Bunning.
If nothing else, the Yankees would be committing a grand act of patriotism by getting him and his incoherent ramblings out of the Senate.
Even if Pavano was able to pitch, I think the negative vibes coming from ALL of his teammates would cause him to pop a blood vessel.
how could kennedy possibly be cocky when he throws in the 88-91 MPH range and is not projected to be anything more than a #4-5 starter?
don’t you have to be have immense talent before you can be arrogant?
what could he have said/done to tick off the organization?
I would prefer to keep Kennedy in the minors the rest of the year, but circumstances may require him to return to the big club. I think that thinking that the the team is upset with him and that he needs to prove something can be a good thing. If he works his butt off in the winter and comes to spring training with a chip on his shoulder, we may have somebody willing to fight for his spot. If he just rolls over and keeps doing the same thing, we know it’s time to cut bait. Sometimes being unsure of your standing can be a good thing.
It is true that a lot could change if Ponson gets absolutely murdered on the mound tomorrow night, as well, which I think people mentioned on earlier threads. This whole situation could shape up like a perfect storm of sorts if Sir Sidney lays an egg (always possible) and the bullpen is throwing 4 or 5 innings again. In that situation you almost have to use either Giese or Rasner, meaning you have to bring in someone else to start Friday or Saturday. I had no faith in Sidney last time out, but now it’s almost a necessity for him to pitch well…that’s a scary proposition.
I could see Chase Wright getting the start.
I think the Yankees chances this season are really hanging by a thread. They should promote from within. At least if they’re going to make a run, they should do so by finding out what they have in their system. I’d love to have Washburn off that list. If not, then give Igawa a shot as crazy as that sounds. What else are you going to do with him? You’re paying him, see if he can perform.
What about Roger Clemens, he could pitch for Yanks between court appearances.
Keep Hughes and IPK away until they figure out why all of the pitchers are getting hurt.
If anyone is currently listening to Michael Kay’s show right now (Max Kellerman is filling in), you may understand why I couldn’t listen to his gibberish anymore.
Hey, Kellerman knows his boxing for sure – but his baseball IQ hovers in the mental retardation range.
““Too many people hold the one real fiasco Chase Wright had vs. Boston as the measure of his career.â€
Is there something else to grab hold of???”
Yes, one could always grab hold of context. And the context of last year’s fiasco was that he was nowhere near ready to pitch in the majors, since he had only made all of 2 career AA starts at that point. But he’s been pitching well in the minors since, and perhaps he even learned something from that fiasco. There is no reason to bury him in the SP depth chart just b/c he was asked to do a job he wasn’t yet equipped to do and failed.
On a more serious note … I’d love to see them try Hughes & Kennedy to pick up the slack from Joba being shut down for however long it turns out to be.
If there was any attitude adjustment that needed to be made by Kennedy (I don’t know the dynamics there) I think dismissing Kennedy like they have would challenge his mojo enough to see if he’s up for going after hitters. If it’s a matter of whether he’ll be mentally ready, well this is a chance for him to rise to the occasion. If they made him sit in the corner as punishment for something, maybe its time to let him come outside and play.
Hughes tearing them all a new one in his recent & upcoming minor league starts should be an indication of what he’s got now. He has definitely shown flashes of what it takes although we’ve all seen the hitches along the way. If he’s on course, he may be worth taking the chance on. His shortened season should mean letting him loose for the rest of the year once he’s been eased up to about 100 pitches.
And maybe, just maybe, Joba can be there in early or late September too. He seemed comfortable with whatever it was last night after the game. But you still have see how it feels afterwards, take all the necessary tests, and be cautious with it.
Like I said after the game last night … Kevin Youkilis & his mom will be glad if Joba misses any Red Sox games, because while Joba’s out she won’t have to change little Kevin’s diaper after each at bat.
Also, bringing Rocket back = another priceless Suzyn Waldman moment.
I should probably stop procrastinating right now.
Please keep Kei Igawa away from a Yankee uniform. He is not an option. Erase it from your heads. David Cone goes back out there before he does. Coney’s nice and rested. Really.
A darkness falls in Texas. The few ant-eaters that have accompanied the offspring of the Shah to the best koubideh restaurant in town are shattered by the news; a baby in the distance whistles “Word Up” by Cameo. Underneath a piece of bushgrass a toenail that once belonged to Kyle Fransworth mutates to form the words “ANGER” “RAGE” “FURY.”
There is no doubt about it. The mother bear will defend her cub.
In the distance, the wounded shoulder of the boy sends its tears to the sky. A cloud forms. It travels over the wastelands of Texas. Butter forms in the basement of an umbrella repairman. The clouds turn to fists.
The mother bear will defend her cub.
He was spurned. He lived. He was accused. He defended. Now he is ready.
The mother bear will defend her cub.
While the children of Girardi weep, a snake eats the last of Melido Perez and regurgitates a message so fearful. It rattles up the east of Texas, to the mid-Atlantic states, coloring the sky of Baltimore orange and then devouring a racist pony. The fist clouds appear over Manhattan and continue toward New England. 22 clouds. All angry. All filled with rage. A school boy implodes and a teacher’s head is restless.
The mother bear will defend her cub.
Clemens will bang his fist.
2008 Yankees: REVENGE OF THE FIST
Carl Pavano will go undefeated and lead the Yankees to the World Series he will then sign another huge deal with the Yankees and go back on the DL for 4 more years
Where is Roger?
Where is Roger?
Where is Roger?
Where is Roger?
Where is Roger?
Where is Roger?
Where is Roger?
What’s Roger Clemens up to these days when he’s not lying in court? If he’s free, sign him to a pro-rated $20 million deal.
Sad thing is, I’m almost serious.
If it’s just one or two starts that he misses. It’s not a problem. Losing Joba for the season would hurt especially if we make the Post season. I still think they have a small chance though even without him. Girardi has to start making smart moves though.. It’s only “enter month here” doesn’t work anymore. It’s August, these games are important.
Washburn’s in a good groove? Really? Because that 8 spot he gave up to the Orioles with two outs and nobody on in the 5th the other day wants to disagree.
I think Whitey Ford was in town just last week, and if I’m not mistaken, he was in George’s box. It’s only 9 starts.
Hey, David Wells said he would like to pitch for Yanks if they want him. How old is he, 45?
Forgot to mention: POWER OF THE FIST!
Hey!!! Let’s give Clemens some credit. He’s lied everyplace EXCEPT court.
Polyanna,
Nice job.
I’m thinking of more of a WWE moment in which the pitcher is TBA for Joba’s next start. the team takes the field. the mound remains empty. suddenly, in a Jim Ross by way of Bill Simmons moment….”By Gawd, that’s Roger Clemens’s music they’re playing!!!”
Shawn Chacon. He’s a free agent and got shafted in 2006 after he wasn’t given adequate time to recover from his injury and pitched poorly as a result. He (along with Aaron Small) saved the 2005 season. Not losing anything by giving it another try.
“I think Whitey Ford was in town just last week, and if I’m not mistaken, he was in George’s box. It’s only 9 starts.”
He did jog out there. He looked spry.
How about Guidry? He looked like he about to commit suicide out there on Saturday. This could lift his spirits.
8 spot ??? really ???
Sign Barry Bonds to pitch
What people forget when they lament how badly the Yanks are playing this year is that the Rays and Sox aren’t playing great baseball either, so no one’s running away with the division. So for all our problems, we still have a decent shot at making the playoffs this year, if only for that reason.
That said, it’s hard to imagine us making it through the ALDS in our current, ragged state.
I trust David Wells for a few games more than the group mentioned. He is old with a balky back, but he is a gamer and a LH who knows how to pitch.
he only gave up 6, the other 2 were on the dude who replaced him….but I get your point…..kinda….
Hmmm.
Well if I cared about being popular and loved on this forum, I would have to go back to the beginning and rewrite just about every post!
After much hard thought I’ve decided to stay the course and say what I feel and believe, despite the slings and arrows which may accompany it.
With all due respect to any who may feel different (and realize that my opinion is really not an affront to you personally or your family and it would be could if you could take it in that spirit…)
NO IAN KENNEDY!
I’m with Cashman and Girardi in not wanting to hear his name. However, I didn’t want to hear his name before I knew they didn’t want to hear his name, so it isn’t because those two STUPID, IRRATIONAL, AND UNINTELLIGENT INDIVIDUALS may have detected something in Kennedy that could be similar to what I detected, of course! You all know Ian so much better!
Is it because of Kennedys ego maybe???
If they bring up Igawa before Kennedy, then that will really tell you that they must hate him.
Girardi and co never talk about Kennedy the way they do w/ Joba and Hughes. Maybe something happened inside the club house. But if it is because of his latest comments then, thats ridiculous. I don’t think Girardi knows what hes doing.
How come it seems like Girardi is so cautious about Kennedy? He’s better than Rasner and better than Ponson (even though he shut out the Angels).
I know Kennedy hasn’t done well this year. But he did pretty well last year.
“I’m thinking of more of a WWE moment in which the pitcher is TBA for Joba’s next start. the team takes the field. the mound remains empty. suddenly, in a Jim Ross by way of Bill Simmons moment….â€By Gawd, that’s Roger Clemens’s music they’re playing!!!†”
You mean Jim Ross by way of Bill Simmons by way of Suzyn Waldman.
Jay – I wanted to give Wells a shot when Wells mentioned it early in the season.
(Just read a few of the more recent posts.)
Back to work.
Just changing my tagline to match the one at home.
Pollyanna has returned. All will be right with the season.
I would think the decision to bring up IPK would be in Cashman’s hands rather than Girardi’s.
The most psychoanalyzed Yankee used to be A-Rod. Kennedy must be doing something right to have overtaken him for the throne.
Welcome back, porkchop!
Maybe Hank or Hal can pitch?
“Washburn’s in a good groove? Really? Because that 8 spot he gave up to the Orioles with two outs and nobody on in the 5th the other day wants to disagree.”
I know it’s unacceptable that a #4 guy has a bad start. Forget about the previous 2 months in which he posted an era under 3.
“You mean Jim Ross by way of Bill Simmons by way of Suzyn Waldman.”
She’d be long passed out on the floor the moment the Mindy McCready started playing.
Brandon, Kennedy’s potential ceiling is obviously higher than those you mentioned. I question whether he’s there right now to do as good a job for the rest of the season. He simply did not want to get the ball over the plate this year.
Again, damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t. There is no positive scenario for Ian Kennedy other than going out there and being Bob Gibson RIGHT NOW.
Almost like a pavlovian response, the mere mention of Clemens donning the pinstripes brings back “Pollyanna Porkchop” from blog hiatus.
Great stuff, keep it up.
chase “four homers” wright
Let’s see…
a man as sharp as Cashman…
What about Jeff Karstens? Oh, scratch that.
What of C.C. Sabathia? Could’ve had him cheap, but… never mind that.
Bring back Shawn Chacon, why don’t ya.
anaconda haha I was listening to Michael Kay too. But even when Michael kay is actually there. I can’t stand him
“The most psychoanalyzed Yankee used to be A-Rod. Kennedy must be doing something right to have overtaken him for the throne.”
So if it has the same effect as it did on A-Rod, meet your 2009 AL Cy Young award winner: Ian Patrick Kennedy!
Trisha,
We are on the same wavelength. What are you mourning about?
You know what? If Pavano somehow does get a chance, I say no innings limit on the guy. Use his arm till it falls off for all I care. The Brewers are using CC that way aren’t they?
Washburn did not give up 8 runs to Baltimore in his last start!! In fact he gave up the same # runs to Baltimore as did Mussina—- 6!! LOL
CC(lose the periods, bro) Sabathia for cheap? Matt LaPorta is a better prospect in terms of being closer to major league ready than anyone the Yankees could have offered. You want to throw your list of names at me with a bunch of the Yankees’ pitchers go ahead, but I think the Tribe was looking for players on offense for CC.
“The most psychoanalyzed Yankee used to be A-Rod. Kennedy must be doing something right to have overtaken him for the throne.”
The expectations of instant success. If it requires more than add water and mix, it requires psychoanalysis.
Aceves needs to prove he’s ready—he’s been knocked about a little in AAA after dominating A and AA ball.
Wright had two starts last year—a decent one against Cleveland and then the disaster against the RedSawx. He walks a lot of hitters and his strikeout ratio plunged after the Yanks sent him back to the minors (it’s not that great this year either).
They may have to keep Rasner in for a start or two, use Giese (0-2, 5.06 as starter, 1-1, 1.25 as reliever) to replace Joba and then bring up Hughes when he’s able to throw 100. Not good any way it’s handled. Ironically, if McCutchen had not been traded to the Pirates, he’d be near the top of the replacement list.
I think Cash and JoeyG don’t like Kennedy’s makeup after he spit the bit earlier this year. IPK talked his way out of their good graces. I’m thinking IPK will be on the block in the offseason for a starter or outfielder and the Yanks like keeping him at AAA because it maximizes his value at this point.
“Girardi and co never talk about Kennedy the way they do w/ Joba and Hughes. Maybe something happened inside the club house”
I would think it’s more about the wide gap in talent. Long way down from Joba and Hughes to IPK.
If Chamberlain is out only 1 or 2 games it may cost us a couple games, but we’d still have a good shot. If he is out for the season .. well, Phil better step up.
I get the feeling that Girardi and Cashman are more concerned about Kennedy’s mindset than his abilities. They probably think starting him against a strong team like the Angels might set him back if he fails again. I tend to agree… I’d rather he get a start against Minnesota or even wait until we get back and face KC. The KC series might also be the timeframe when Phil could get a turn in the rotation.
For the Angels series, I’d probably favor going with Rasner or Aceves (because his name starts with “Ace”).
A-Rod got boring to psychoanalyze
Sorta like how it somehow got boring to make fun of Our Favourite Whipping Boy
Maybe there waiting on Hughes…
could that be why there holding off on Kennedy?
even though its early for Hughes, you never know, maybe they got another plan.
At this point they might as well pull somebody out off the streets to pitch. How about the fans? any takers?
i love it how idiots like kasey and others seem to think kennedy has an attitude problem. he has an attitude problem because he feels he’s good enough to be in the majors after destroying the minors last year? yeah, stupid kennedy for so great last year that the organization sped him through to the majors. i guess liriano has an attitude problem as well cause he thinks he’s good enough to be in the majors.
you know i could probably use my underhanded toss
So, when, exactly are we getting our Joba news?
“I’m thinking IPK will be on the block in the offseason for a starter or outfielder and the Yanks like keeping him at AAA because it maximizes his value at this point.”
Possible. If we can spin him off for a young position player with MLB potential, i think that’s a direction we have to go in. Those sorts of moves have always been part of the plan.
I would say Kennedy…...please anybody but Igawa.
Jacob: I throw a 30 mph eephus pitch.
If Cashman and Girardi are going to hold a grudge against Kennedy and not bring him up. if he’s the most ready, then they’re fools, and I don’t think they’d do that in the midst of a pennant race.
My vote is for Jim Bouton, my all-time favorite Yankee. Knuckleballers are ageless. Smoke ‘em inside.
What did Kennedy do earlier in the season to get into the doghouse? (besides pitching poorly)
Jay, well I was in mourning – and you will likely want to part company with me now –
when the Yankees traded Kyle Farnsworth, mainly because I think I had become his main forum cheerleader since he was so reviled – and unjustly so, as we saw with more and more trust from Girardi.
So I felt sad when he left, and especially sad when he, Girardi, and Cashman got emotional in their press conferences. Stuff like that chokes me up.
I’m better now though.
so when ian said “i’m going to make these guys look silly” after being demoted to AAA, was he talking about the minor leaguers he was facing or the Yankees office folk? i thought it was clarified that he was talking about the AAA opponents…
1. Why would you even want Karstens? Most of their other options are better – one fluke start (where he pulled a Ponson magic act) doesn’t really change that;
2. CC wasn’t cheap. He cost them a big-time prospect in AA. The Yankees would have needed to start with Austin Jackson and go from there. Jackson is simply not expendable right now.
“So I felt sad when he left, and especially sad when he, Girardi, and Cashman got emotional in their press conferences. Stuff like that chokes me up.”
This is why I can’t be a small market team fan. No matter who it is, you feel bad sometimes.
My years rooting for the Marlins in Miami were difficult ones because of this. I was full-on supporting them in ‘97.
I’m glad to be back in New York, let me tell you.
saucY,
That’s what I thought. And I thought it was a good thing to see him have some edge. He’ll need that mentality in the majors.
“so when ian said “i’m going to make these guys look silly†after being demoted to AAA, was he talking about the minor leaguers he was facing or the Yankees office folk? i thought it was clarified that he was talking about the AAA opponents…”
i actually LIKED him saying that, no matter who he meant.
If you want an eephus pitcher call on Dave LaRoche.
Knuckleballer-go for Phil Niekro.
Anyone know the status of Orlando “EL Duque” Hernandez? Is he out for the year?
Ray,
Exactly. Funny thing is, what the Yankees got ticked off with Kennedy about is precisely the opposite of what some opine about him on this blog.
But, of course, denial is a wonderful state to be in on some things.
Could Kennedy be on the block in the off-season? Sure but, what value would a guy who was winless at the major league level this season give them? Very little.
If they recalled him, and he pitched representatively, he could bring more value back in a trade than he can right now, while also helping the team.
Did Girardi get ticked off at Kennedy earlier in the year? Absolutely. Is he still ticked off at him? Not as much as he was before.
Would he rather lose than use Kennedy? Absolutely not.
You don’t always love your players. Joe Torre HATED Gary Sheffield. Yet, he changed his roster to accomodate him in 2006.
Joe Torre HATED Jeff Nelson. Yet, he used him because he needed him.
Joe Torre HATED Paul Quantrill. Yet, he had no problem using him. Every…..single…...day.
El Duque and Posada had more than one fistfight in the clubhouse during their time together. They still worked together.
Ian Kennedy may not be on everybody’s Christmas Card List. However, if they need him for starts down the stretch, guess what? They will use him.
You do what you do to get through a season. Personal feelings be damned.
“What did Kennedy do earlier in the season to get into the doghouse?”
Brandon, I can tell you what I observed from his behavior in the dugout and in his press conferences that may have annoyed the organization, but I can’t be sure about it.
When he would sit in the dugout after he’d come out of games where he was terrible, he’d sit on the bench with a smile on his face and just chat with other players. He never looked very upset. When Kim Jones would question him about the outing after the game (as she does with every starting pitcher) he would continually say that he thought he had pitched pretty well. He was the only one who was never self depracating. Hughes would always talk about what he did wrong, about the walks he gave up. Kim would ask Ian if he felt he needed more work, etc., and he would always say no. It was like a feeling that he just didn’t get it or didn’t realize that he had to do a lot more to improve his pitching. He always left me with the feeling that he had some sense of self importance merely because he was wearing pinstripes and he didn’t have to do much more proving.
saucY:
Thought so too….until they decided Geise would be a better guy to fill in for Rasner than IPK.
haha Yankee Trader, I was just thinking “Where is El Duque when you need him.” He’s still under contract for the Mets and I’m not sure if he’s out for the year but he keeps having setbacks during his rehab.
Yes, it has been clarified that Kennedy was talking about his minor league opponents.
I honestly believe Wright can pitch well at the major league level, now that there is an opportunity, give him a chance to redeem himself from last year. Kennedy has a lot of upside, as I think that he will take Rasner’s spot in the rotation eventually. Anyways, although I do not think that Wright will be called up, I believe he has earned a chance.
trisha,
good call. I never realized/ recognized any of that attitude especially during the interviews. A player can never be too happy with himself unless he’s Leon from the budweiser commercials.
Brandon,
The Yankees got ticked off at Kennedy because they felt he had “big league-itis”. He didn’t believe he needed to go to the minors to work on his game. The Yankees felt differently and that caused some tension. Mainly, with Cashman and Nardi.
Girardi was ticked off at him because he felt Kennedy was too timid on the mound. Girardi hates pitchers who are timid (in his eyes) on the mound.
It wasn’t because of any post-game interviews or the interview he did with Chad Jennings.
As has been shown in the past on the blog (by CB, I believe), Kennedy recounted the story with CJ that he told his wife, “I’m going to make those guys look silly today”.
“Those guys” were the AAA hitters he was about to face, NOT the Yankees.
That’s the reality of the situation. Now, folks may choose to not to believe it but, that’s their choice.
Pat M knows the kid. He’s not a punk. Far from it as a matter of fact.
My “sources” for this analysis. Three people. Two associated with Scranton (one of whom was THERE when Kennedy was recounting the story) and his agent.
The Giese choice feels like it was to reward Dan for pitching well in the bigs, than another shot at Ian. This time, though, if they pass over him…that is a clear sign that he has lost all support in the front office and manager’s office.
“Joe Torre HATED Jeff Nelson. Yet, he used him because he needed him.”
Joe Torre singlhandedly destroyed the Yankees because of his hatred for Jeff Nelson when he made sure that Jeff was offered such an embarrassment of a contract that Jeff opted to go to the Mariners. He broke up one of the best right/left set up tandems in the history of the Yankees because Nellie had the nerve to complain to the press.
Unfortunately he just didn’t realize how much he needed Nellie.
A lot of people all over the country are looking forward to the first Yankee-free postseason since 1993. My prediction: Angels-Dodgers, with Manny taking K-Rod deep in the deciding game. And another hundred years of heartbreak for Cubs fans.
SJ:
That definitely sounds about right and, if you remember Girardi’s early season postgame reports after IPK starts, you could practically see the veins popping out.
He needs to show he can throw strikes at the MLB level. I don’t know how you do that without pitching at the MLB level, but I’ll leave that up to the folks who get paid to do that. I get paid to do work I’m not doing right now.
Did you guys see that ESPN article that says that Ortiz may be having problems with his wrist again?
Very interesting…
I will be really surprised if it’s not Rasner.
They skipped over Kennedy before, I don’t see any reason why they would pick him now. Both Giese and Rasner are keeping the spot warm for Hughes. He should only need one more rehab start until he’s ready.
“The Giese choice feels like it was to reward Dan for pitching well in the bigs, than another shot at Ian. This time, though, if they pass over him…that is a clear sign that he has lost all support in the front office and manager’s office.”
damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t…..again.
David Wells admitted at Old-Timers’ Day:
“I’m not going to officially do it,” he said of retiring.
The 45-year-old Wells pitched last year for the Padres and Dodgers but said yesterday he didn’t get any takers this season.
Tampa Bay finally got rid of that goon Gomes. Good riddance, you loser!
“Did you guys see that ESPN article that says that Ortiz may be having problems with his wrist again?
Very interesting…”
You sleep in today???
“A lot of people all over the country are looking forward to the first Yankee-free postseason since 1993.”
Won’t they be disappointed then!
“Tampa Bay finally got rid of that goon Gomes. Good riddance, you loser!”
I don’t know what happened to him. I thought he really had the potential to be a real gamer. Didn’t he have a heart attack? Did that derail him in any way?
I’d absolutely pick him up, btw, if I were the Yanks. He beats Ben Broussard in AAA.
“damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t…..again.”
Yeah, I agree with that statement completely in regards to Kennedy. If he does get the call, the leash is going to be non-existent. My only hope is that he understands that and just has an “expletive-it” attitude and pitches aggressively, instead of actually dwelling on the fact that he’s getting no wiggle room from the team. Although I guess that hope makes me guilty of the same psychoanalysis I’m sick of when it pertains to IPK. Oh well, I guess it’s unavoidable.
If you are annoyed at guys laughing on the bench, why aren’t you mad at Jeter? He’s ALWAYS laughing on the bench. Even when they are losing.
How about Cano? Same thing.
One thing that differentiates baseball from other sports. Players can’t hang onto success or disappointment too long or the game will eat you alive.
Phil Hughes let the failure he had this year eat him alive. The poor kid always looked like he was going to have a heart attack on the mound when things went poorly. He is an example of being wired too tight.
Now fans love that “caring” emotion. They believe that visual shows the guy “cares” and is a “gamer”.
Guess what? They ALL care. This is their career. They ALL care about doing well. The Yankees don’t have guys on the team who don’t care. They got rid of the Raul Mondesi types long ago.
How you handle it, especially failure, is an individual thing.
Does anybody recall a few weeks ago when Jeter was busting on Arod on the bench after he got jammed real bad on a pitch?
Jeter was hysterical on the bench. The Yankees were losing at the time, BTW. Arod wasn’t. He looked like he wanted to kill Jeter! lol
Once he calmed down, he was joking around with Jeter in the field the next half inning. Arod is wired much differently than Jeter when it comes to this stuff.
Baseball players are a different breed from football and basketball players. Its an everyday game and they all handle failure differently. Jeter does it with humor.
Kennedy is a laid back kid. Doesn’t mean he doesn’t care. Just means his body language may not conform to how some folks want him to act at certain times.
If Kennedy does get the call he could be on a short leash. If he matured in the past 2 months then he’s OK.
If he has a fragile outlook he’s a short timer.
Thats unfortunate if Ortiz is injured and has to miss time but I really don’t feel sorry for the Red Sox at all. It seems they never have major injuries and they need to get a taste of what it feels like to have your best players go down (like the Yankees have had to deal with the past 3 years.)
my take: I believe NYY is not sold on Kennedy. He was lucky last year, and bad this year. If he pitches lights out, the remainder of the year in AAA, then he may be a trade-chip in the winter.
have to wonder, what McCutchen’s innings was this year. And if he could’ve helped us. He looks to be a bulldog-type, who has been impressive at the higher levels. I wish the pirates well.
Damn fellas. I cant believe no one mentioned Kevin Brown coming out of retirement. I would have thought he would have been one of the first names mentioned right after the toad himself.
pauly,
I mentioned that yesterday. If he dominates AAA and they dont feel that big league hitters will miss those pitches. Why not let him stay there and get a package going for a first baseman.
My take is bring up ACEVES!! If he just threw 90 pitches,then he should be able to get to 100 on his next go around.
chase wright could be tried for a couple of starts.. i don’t think he’s gonna be any worse than rasner.. Every other option other than hughes (who will eventually be back) and kennedy (not sure why he hasnt been called up yet), is really useless.. livian, washburn etc are gonna win a couple of games and they are going to stink up the place in other starts.. you cant expect them to go 6-0 .. the league is used to these pitchers and they are available for a reason.. with minor leaguers you atleast have a couple of starts before the league gets to know them (justin masterson, karstens, rasner etc.. )
(third time I’ve posted this; I keep changing words, though I don’t know what words aren’t getting past the censor!)
“If you are annoyed at guys laughing on the bench, why aren’t you mad at Jeter? He’s ALWAYS laughing on the bench. Even when they are losing.
How about Cano? Same thing.”
Well that isn’t necessarily true about Cano, since I’ve seen him go into the dugout and throw things, but the difference for me is they have both earned their stripes.
If Kennedy had been, say, bright enough to realize he stunk and acknowledged that, perhaps things would be different. But