Game 119: Yankees at Twins
-
- August
- 12
YANKEES (63-56)
Damon CF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Giambi DH
Nady LF
Cano 2B
Betemit 1B
Molina C
Mussina RHP
Mike Mussina (15-7, 3.27) against the Minnesota hitters.
Nick Blackburn (9-6, 3.60) vs. the New York hitters.
Notes: The worst road trip since the Joad family went to California has two games left. The Yankees are 2-6 and have been outscored 49-31. … Joe Girardi is 141-140 as a manager. … The Yankees start the day nine games behind Tampa and five games out in the wildcard. … Hey, the leading hitter in the AL is playing.
MIGHTY MOOSE: Mike Mussina is 22-6, 3.06 in 32 career starts against Minnesota.
GUESS WHO’S BACK: Damon is 13 of 22 on the trip with five runs scored and four RBI.
NOT INTO THE GROOVE: Alex Rodriguez is 5 for 26 on the trip with two RBI and five GIDPs.
Back later with updates.
HANK SAYS WAIT ‘TIL NEXT YEAR: Hank Steinbrenner has emerged from seclusion. Here are his comments to the AP in Tampa.
“I’m not writing off this season. They’re trying hard to win. There’s only so much you can do. They’re not supermen. I think it’s very simple, we’ve been devastated by injuries. No team I’ve ever seen in baseball has been decimated like this. It would kill any team. Imagine the Red Sox without (Josh) Beckett and (Jon) Lester. Pitching is 70 percent of the game. Wang won 19 games two straight years. Chamberlain became the most dominating pitcher in baseball. You can’t lose two guys like that.â€
“It’s not making excuses. It’s reality. That’s part of the game. That’s clearly our problem. We’re going to win it next year. If we need to add a top veteran pitcher, we’ll do that. We’ll do whatever we need to do. Next year we’ll be extremely dangerous.â€
UPDATE, 7:12 p.m.: Hank’s excuses will register with a lot of fans. But I agree with a recent blog entry from Joel Sherman. Every team has had problems, including the wild-card leading Red Sox.
When the Yankees were three games out on July 26 (only 17 days ago), there were injuries then, right? They added Marte, Nady and Pudge and everybody was talking about the pennant. This collapse can’t be blamed on injuries. This team remains capable and is simply playing poorly. The injuries might have been what kept them out of the Series. But there is ample talent to make the playoffs.
UPDATE, 7:24 p.m.: Phil Hughes is underway for Scranton. 1-2-3 first inning, 12 pitches. He’s throwing 103 with a 99-mph slider and now has a knuckleball.
UPDATE, 7:48 p.m.: Here’s Joe Girardi’s pre-game:
UPDATE, 8:10 p.m.: Here’s a fascinating concept, you play the good players and they do good things. Johnny Damon hits a home run on the second pitch and it’s 1-0.
That’s an 12-game hitting streak for Damon.
UPDATE, 8:26 p.m.: Phil Hughes so far: 4 2 0 0 0 4. 57 pitches, 35 strikes.
UPDATE, 9:23 p.m.: Hughes is finished. 5.1 3 2 2 1 4. 84/50. He left with a 2-0 lead with two runners on base, having reached his pitch count. Mark Melancon then allowed two hits, leaving Hughes charged with two runs.
Meanwhile, Bobby Meacham is having another rough night at third base. Among the many things the Yankees need to address is the makeup of Girardi’s staff. Their inexperience is certainly a factor in this season.
UPDATE, 10:15 p.m.: Scott Proctor has a sore elbow that will need surgery and he may not pitch again this season. They should still try and trade Wilson Betemit back for him.
UPDATE, 10:54 p.m.: I take it all back. Betemit is awesome, even if they did just intentionally walk Cano to get to him.
Meanwhile, is it really 19-16 Boston at Fenway Park?
UPDATE, 11:10 p.m.: Unbelieveable. First blown save for Mo. Costs Mussina a win that he should have had.
Marte has been brutal. 7.1 innings, 9 hits, 9 ER.
UPDATE, 11:31 p.m.: No idea what is wrong with Jeter. He did foul a ball off his foot earlier in the game.
UPDATE, 11:42 p.m.: Jose Veras warming up for the Yankees. You really can’t like any of the options in the bullpen at this point.
UPDATE, 11:54 p.m.: There’s a woman sitting in front of the press box with a Doug Mientkiewicz Twins jersey on. He last played for the Twins in 2004.
Meanwhile I can spell Mientkiewicz without looking it up.
A-Rod is now 5 of 31 on the trip with two RBI. … Good fans here in Minnesota, not too many folks have left.
UPDATE, 12:15 a.m.: Nice work by Jose Veras. Edwar Ramirez is warming. He’ll face the top of the Minnesota order.
Meanwhile, the good people of Minnesota are fleeing the Metrodome in droves now.
UPDATE, 12:17 a.m.: OK, I’m calling a HR for Alex here.
UPDATE, 12:19 p.m.: Wow, I was right. Mark Feinsand of the Daily News is my witness. Just ask him. Not that calling a HR by a guy with so many of them makes me a genius. But still.
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put a fork in it.. the season is over..
no pitching no clutch hitting.
“Joe Girardi is 141-140 as a manager.”
...
great first comment!!! way to show optimism!!
Jody Garrett – hitting .241 with RISP, 3 outs
Sweet! That lineup will score twice as many runs as last nights!
LOL
Better line-up. I cringed when I saw Betemit but eh what are you gonna do at least Molina is catching.
Garrett*= Gerut.
Clearly Giambi needs another day to rest…it is afterall artificial turf.
Who is the leading hitter in the AL?
As long as the lineup doesnt have the smelky man in it, Im all for it
Betemit…UGH
Hooray the pitcher is out of the lineup!!??!
as long as the lineup has no smelky in it, Im down with it
Important for yankees to play with a lead tonight, big lead, too often you get sense if they go down its ova…sad to say I know
Fistt game of the 43 game playoff run….Back to sink or swim…...
Tonight could be a good night – we’ve already knocked Blackburn off the mound early twice the season.
Gary Sheffield has been placed on waivers lets see if anyone picks him up
Hey, why didn’t Girardi rest Nady and A-Rod. They have “played a lot” lately.
In all seriousness, add Matsui to this line-up, return Giambi to 1B, replace Rasner with either Joba or Hughes in the rotation, pray to God Giese continues his Aaron Small imitation, and you know what, the season might not die a slow and excruciating death, after all.
no question who’s in charge in the motor city.
cant get along with the old man, c ya irod, c ya sheff, anyone else?
I’d pick up Sheffield if he wants to play 1st base or DH.
Giambi needs to get it going at the plate. The whole team does, obviously, but he has been too terrible this year with men on base and now would be the right time to start to change that.
Noooooooooooooooo….. Betemit is playing… WHY, WHY, WHY??? Girardi is an IDIOT!
Sheffield talking his way off another team? Huh. Didn’t see that one coming.
Go Yankees. Go Rangers.
Great high school documentary on.. through the fire.. espn classic. every one should take a peak
Francesa is utterly, completely clueless, LOL. He says the Yankees need a CF desperately and is now hot to trot for this kid McClouth (I’m sure I misspelled his name). Are we not surprised that he has no idea who Austin Jackson is? Sheesh.
Yeah, it worked out so well when he was playing first here the last time.
Just what the Yankees did. A guy owed 14 million for next year, with one good shoulder, one big mouth, who isn’t even hitting .250 this year.
Can’t have enough of those guys on a team.
Giambi is still number 2 on the team HRs and 3rd in RBIs. He can’t get it going if he don’t play.
He may be the $22M version of dave Kingman but he does work the pitcher, get on base and drive in runs (albeit not when they are in scoring position)
“Gary Sheffield has been placed on waivers lets see if anyone picks him up”
I don’t like where this is headed.
Genius Joe(GJ) didn’t play Damon in the first game coz it’s the turf and Damon’s brittle body may break to pieces. Now the same genius is playing Damon in the CF instead of DH. Terrific move by GJ. Now after Damon goes on DL coz of some injury we can all balme the bad luck injuries instead Girardi who shouldn’t have played Damon in the CF.
“Noooooooooooooooo….. Betemit is playing… WHY, WHY, WHY???”
is sexson so much better then beta that you’re gonna cry about it?
Just what the Yankees need....
“Great high school documentary on.. through the fire.. espn classic. every one should take a peak”
I know Telfair personally.
personally i think girardi has done a great job of using (and resting) damon this year and thats one of the reasons he’s having such a good year.
ray,
I wouldn’t worry about the mental toughness issue to much at all on Buchholz. Not at all.
That’s the kind of stuff that’s really not too surprising.
He doesn’t have that much experience as a pitcher as a whole given how late he converted to the position from short stop.
And the thing that Buchholz has almost no experience with – at all – as a pitcher is failure. No experience at all with dealing with adversity.
That’s actually not that uncommon for elite prospect pitchers. They are just so much better than the competition that they never get into trouble until the big leagues. Then they don’t know how to handle it.
That’s probably the biggest issue for Kennedy right now.
That’s the kind of thing experience will help fix with Buchholz. I wouldn’t worry about that much at all.
Though the caveat to that is that once fans and the media pick up on that theme it can spiral out of control quickly making it tough for a young pitcher to succeed.
The only concern I have with Buchholz is his fastball – movement and command. The other stuff will iron itself out.
It’s unfair to project any prospect as a front of the line starter, so that’s heavy burden to bear. He’ll be at least a good major leaguer. The mental stuff will sort itself out.
Not in the groove:
Alex Rodriguez is 5 for his last 11 with 2 doubles and 2 homeruns and 3 RBI over the last 4 games.
The BoSox or Rays will bite on Sheff. Maybe the Rays, because Sheff is from around there, isnt he?
PS Why is Giambi forever batting 5th?
Why must the Girardi-diot (a la Craig Carton) mix up the lineup every night? Get Betemit out of there, put the 9 best players on the field, and do your best Torre impression for 9 innings. You have an off day on Thursday to get everyone and their brother rest. He over-thinks a simple game.
Arod is 5-26? Must be getting close to October…
Al from Bk,
what type of a guy is telfai??
As we saw on Sunday, Betemit should never see 1B again. He’s a substitute at best, not a starter.
The team is infinitely better with Sexson at 1B. He has more walks (6) in 36 plate appearances, than Betemit has in 150 (4). Also, Sexson is a far better defensive player.
Another dumb Girardi move.
Glass half empty:
“Alex Rodriguez is 5 for 26 on the trip with two RBI and five GIDPs.”
Glass half full:
Since leaving Texas, A-Rod is 5 for 12 with 2 HRs, 2 doubles and 3 RBI.
Did A-Rod have -1 RBI in Texas for how lousy he played that cancelled out one of the RBI from LA?
Betsy—
Although I am gladly not listening to WFAN today. francesa has been on the Nate McLouth bandwagon since we played the Pirates this year. Typical of him has no clue only sees a guy one series and saus the Yankees MUST get him.
I agree he is a good player but now that the Pirates have dealt Nady, Marte and Bay away they are not trading McLouth. Well they could but if they do they should be stripped on their membership in the league.
Too bad Telfair thought more of himself than anyone else. He’s another SI jinx.
like most of you i looked at this lineup and my first words were “why is wilson bleeping betemit still playing for my team?!”
2 games ago the guy basically loses the game for us with his terrible play at first base so why not reward him by starting him? this is absurd. i’d rather see giambi/sexton. hell, id rather see pudge at first at this point..
Melky, Betemit, Sexon are all insignificnant. As long as Damon is in there, it doesn’t matter who the 9th place hitter is.
With a runner on 3rd, less than 2 outs
Melky will pop up to short.
Betemit will strike out on 3 pitches
Sexon will strikeout on 4 pitches.
Where is the injury bug hiding? in the clubhouse?- As a person he is a nice guy, funny cracks a lot of jokes confident. As a player I think he steps on some toes because to put it lightly he is very arrogant and it shows. This is why he has had trouble sticking in the NBA.
It’s a small sample size, but Sexson is hitting .269/.394/.423 with the Yanks.
Girardi’s love affair with Betemit continues…
To anyone now knocking Joe Girardi because…well, they can’t knock the players who can’t seem to hit, he’s one of the few bright spots of this team this year. With everything that this team has been through, I give him a lot of credit.
Another thing overlooked is this is his SECOND YEAR managing a team…and the NYYankees at that…the epicenter of an overly analytical and distrusting media (ahemPeteahem)and an overly critical, unable to take losing fan base. He hasn’t done everything right…but did Joe Torre do everything right in his 10th, 11th, 12th season as Yankees manager? Hardly. I don’t like losing, nor does anyone, especially after years of success. Unfortunately, this might be the year, or 2 years we need to rid of some cancers before we can start anew.
I think we should raffle off 1B to the yankees fans. Anyone of us can play that position as well as Betemit.
Bahhstin has the world’s biggest hypocrites. They trashed Byrd big time for ‘roids during the ALCS and now they think he’s the conquering hero.
Watch them go after Sheffield and the racists go hide.
Typical Bahhstin.
I checked out Sheff’s numbers this year and threw up in my mouth a bit.
Austin Jackson dreams of someday being as good as Nate McClooth, only 26 too. Too bad the Pirates will never trade him, not even for Hughes, Kennedy, and Melky. Heck, Hughes/Kennedy probably couldn’t even get us Houston Street.
Francessa does have the right idea, those are the types of players we need. “Yankee Stadium” players. Just like The Sox bring in Fenway Park players. McClouth does fit that profile.
The worst rosd trip since the Joad family went to California has two games left. The Yankees are 2-6 and have been outscored 49-31. … Joe Girardi is 141-140 as a manager. … The Yankees start the day nine games behind Tampa and five games out in the wildcard. … Hey, the leading hitter in the AL is playing.
Fix your spelling Pete!
“Giambi is still number 2 on the team HRs and 3rd in RBIs. He can’t get it going if he don’t play.
He may be the $22M version of dave Kingman but he does work the pitcher, get on base and drive in runs (albeit not when they are in scoring position)”
He’s got those rankings based on 2 productive months. Since June, yuck. He didn’t drive the ball a lick in July, and while he’s hit his share of solo homers, productivity is what this lineup needs: extra base hits with runners on, not strike outs because he’s trying to hit a 3-run bomb or grand slam.
Gary Sheffield would fill a huge need for the Mets.
Omar’s gotta get on it.
PS—What’s wrong with Sheff? Numbers bad?
clearly you don’t remember sheff playing first.
Al from BK
There is another one from coney island who is supposed to be the next great one
His name is Lance Stepheson any chance you know of him
And by the way how do you personally telfair, and do you think that their coach tiny morton, yes is a winner for those kids but doesnt teach the necessary values and principles necessary for telfair and high school kids to succed in the nba. Like respect, giving up the ball, defense, and lack of arrogance..
The only coach i know that has done that with kids in the projects in Bob Hurley who coaches for St anthony in New Jersey. And by the way the Miracle at St. Anthony is a great book, every one should read it!!
sheff will play great for the mets, thats the perfect situation for him
Hey Peter, you know it took your boy Joe Torre seven Major League seasons as a manager to reach the 78-Wins plateau in a single season, something Joe Girardi did in his debut managerial season.
Why don’t you ease up there, Petey.
Damon in CF get ready for a track meet
“Bahhstin has the world’s biggest hypocrites. They trashed Byrd big time for ‘roids during the ALCS and now they think he’s the conquering hero.
Watch them go after Sheffield and the racists go hide.
Typical Bahhstin.”
The racists have been hiding for several years do to the fact that Ortiz and Papi are Dominican.
Roll over comment from the last thread.
I cant believe people here are complaining about not picking up a soft tosser/37yr old/1.6 mil pitcher. Earlier it was.
“Why didnt we keep Farnsworthless?”8 plus era since being traded.
now
“Why didnt we get Byrd Sh!!t?”
Sometimes i feel like some of you just like playing the devils advocate.
Next year it will be
“Why didnt we resign Pavano?”
Francessa is an out-dated Yankee fan who doesn’t deserve to have a large audience.
If anything, Max Kellerman should be on YES.
“Bahhstin has the world’s biggest hypocrites. They trashed Byrd big time for ‘roids during the ALCS and now they think he’s the conquering hero.
Watch them go after Sheffield and the racists go hide.
Typical Bahhstin.”
The racists have been hiding for several years do to the fact that Ortiz and Manny are Dominican.
“The worst rosd trip since the Joad family went to California” LMAO
major props there al!
If you look at Telfair in this film, he’s in HS, and he’s believing his own hype. This has been his doom in the NBA. Same thing with former St. John’s guard, Omar Cook, who was supposed to be the next big thing.
well, at least Moose gonna pitch tonight…with the season in the books, i just hope that he get 20 Wins this season
I recall the yankees would take 3 hours or more to play a team and work the count against pitchers? What happened to this approach? Is the pitching that must better or do the yankees have a different approach at the plate?
“I think we should raffle off 1B to the yankees fans. Anyone of us can play that position as well as Betemit.”
Im in!!! Hell ill even throw left and catch right.
“Francessa is an out-dated Yankee fan who doesn’t deserve to have a large audience.
If anything, Max Kellerman should be on YES.”
Fattcessa and Dog are both past the prime no one has the ballocks to kick them out. I am not a big fan of Kellerman but hey hes a young broadcaster with some talent give him a shot. Fat Mike and that unrelenting coke head are becoming unwatchable/unlistenable.
Now thats a lineup.
couple of things about francessa
he was buried on here b/c he said a couple of weeks ago that the yanks would miss the w/c mostly because they cant beat the angels.
doesnt sound so crazy this week does it?
and;
mc louth is excellent and WOULD be a great pickup for the yankees. maybe not a practical idea as the irates are not likely to let him go, but to say dont get him b/c of ajax is pretty dumb with abreu, damon and matsui all leaving this year and next.
Wow, imagine what happens on this board if the Yanks are out of the playoffs come October. Could it get any more negative and reactionary?
Damon, Abreu, and Nady are the best hitting OF that Girardi could put out there. That line-up should be capable of hitting and scoring. A line-up like that should be able to support a defensive whiz in Molina and a streaky, limited Betemit.
Yanks are 4-6 over their last 10.
They are 4-0 when Betemit starts and 0-6 when he does not.
Just reporting.
“Francessa does have the right idea, those are the types of players we need. “Yankee Stadium†players. Just like The Sox bring in Fenway Park players. McClouth does fit that profile.”
Yankee stadium has a very large centerfield.
So if there is such thing as a “yankee stadium” center fielder he needs to be fast and take good routes to the ball.
McClouth is an awful centerfielder. Absolutely terrible. One of the worst defensive CF in the game.
McClouth is last in all of baseball in relative zone rating. He is 15 runs worse than an average centerfielder making him one of the biggest defensive liabilities in the game.
He is really a corner outfielder pretending to be a center fielder.
But if you look at him as a corner outfielder rather than as a centerfielder his offensive production is not nearly as impressive.
““I think we should raffle off 1B to the yankees fans.”
I think we should raffle off Melky’s at-bats. I think anyone here is a lock to see at least 3x as many pitches as him. And if they did get on base for some strange reason, at least they wouldnt slide headfirst.
The soft tossing contact pitcher Paul Byrd is now pitching in Fenway Park…..Let’s see how many hits of the wall that Jason Bay can hold to singles…...
“I recall the yankees would take 3 hours or more to play a team and work the count against pitchers? What happened to this approach? Is the pitching that must better or do the yankees have a different approach at the plate?”
Kevin Longs job should be in jeopardy. I wonder if Mattingly would comeback as a hitting coach and Randolph as a third base coach?
Pat M,
To follow up on Kemp…
I know you’re a Cano guy. Would you trade cano in a deal for kemp?
I’m uncertain myself. Just wanted to get your take.
One thing about fatesca and Mad dog they have been around for about 20 years. So as much as you hate them, if they get you to listen to them, they obv are doing their jobs. Hence they make it intersting and want you to listen every day!!!
Fat Mike and that unrelenting coke head are becoming unwatchable/unlistenable.
can’t agree more.
CB thanks for the insight.. man you have some good info..
It is almost impossible to evaluate a player without seeing him all the time. seeing a guy 6 times a year makes it almost impossible to evaluate accurately…
Mclouth would be a CF now over what they have since they have nothing but to sel the farm for him would be insane…
CB what have you heard about or seen of from AJAx????
thanks…
If we aren’t making the playoffs this year i want to go down with the best.
Don’t play Melky ever again please. Don’t bench guys….. We are beyond resting players at this point. We are fighting for our playoffs lives.
Let’s make a run with the we got best.
SoS,
I thought the same thing about Mattingly, but it seems that he’s got a man-crush on Torre. Kevin Long, however, seems to be flying under the radar, and while he can’t hit for his players, he sure can give them a good scouting report, which the Yanks (for all of their preparedness) seem to disregard.
Additionally, I don’t understand where all of this McLouth talk is coming from. Just because FatBoy mentioned it? The guy has had one good year in Pittsburgh, and I’m not ready to say he should be a Yankee.
“Al from BK
There is another one from coney island who is supposed to be the next great one
His name is Lance Stepheson any chance you know of him
And by the way how do you personally telfair, and do you think that their coach tiny morton, yes is a winner for those kids but doesnt teach the necessary values and principles necessary for telfair and high school kids to succed in the nba. Like respect, giving up the ball, defense, and lack of arrogance..
The only coach i know that has done that with kids in the projects in Bob Hurley who coaches for St anthony in New Jersey. And by the way the Miracle at St. Anthony is a great book, every one should read it!!”
Great questions. I do not know Lance personally but I was acquaintances with some of his teammates and he is actually very quiet doesn’t talk very much but then he gets really animated during the games. His talent is through the roof hes got size, athleticism and a decent shot. He has to put on some weight as he would translate better as a 3 than a pure shooting guard IMO. Coach Tiny who I do know personally teaches a very agressive style of play, but the problem is like you said he teaches very little D or fundamentals he is a guy who likes to motivate and yell attack not really a great teacher. Tiny is a coach who likes to use his big gun he runs the offense through his biggest star like back when Sebastian was there and now with Lance. He puts his best player on display and lets him dominate, but at the same time the young man never learns the meaning of TEAM.
“I think we should raffle off Melky’s at-bats. I think anyone here is a lock to see at least 3x as many pitches as him. And if they did get on base for some strange reason, at least they wouldnt slide headfirst.”
So True!
if you dont like it dont listen, grow up.
this isn’t a forum to discuss racism, so get over the “boston is racist” bull. remember that pete is from the new england himself, so you single digit dopes are insulting the guy who gives you a place to talk about your favorite team.
it’s pretty amazing how a losing streak can bring out the worst in people.
I had a dream that Cashman walked away from the Yankees to follow Gillick to Seattle and Hank/Hal ended up hiring Steve Phillips as his replacement
Byrd will be a good fit for Boston as they can hit and we can’t.
Here are your official over/under lines for the New York Yankees tonight:
Total distance of balls hit by Wilson Betemit over all AB’s – 180.5 feet
First pitch outs made by all Yankee hitters – 7.5
Whiffs by A-Rod on off-speed pitches down in the zone – 3.5
Groundouts to SS by Derek Jeter – 1.5
Outside pitches pulled by Giambi, Abreu, A-Rod in total (including all foul balls) – 9.5
Double plays from Yankee hitters (included fly outs and line outs) – 2.5
Runners stranded in scoring position with A-Rod and Giambi at the plate – 4.5
Average number of pitches per inning by Nick Blackburn (no rounding) – 14
Times Michael Kay mentions the Damon/Christian/Melky CF battle – 5.5
Total Yankees left on base – 10.5
Inning ending double play balls unturned by Jeter/Cano/A-Rod/Betemit – 2.5
Pitches seen by Robinson Cano over all AB’s – 8.5
Jay Destro,
I didn’t make the comment about Boston’s racism, but I don’t think anyone equates the inherent racism that existed within that organization with ALL New Englanders.
very interesting read. That Mike Mussina sure is a smart guy he will do what he feels right I dont think at this point in his career money means that much to him
http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/12/mike-mussina-future-hall-of-famer/
mark
August 12th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Jody Garrett – only hitting .241 with RISP, 3 outs.
Mark I wanted to respond to this
2008
RISP: .313/.389/.604
Tie game: .301/.343/.527
down 1: .298/.346/.503
down 2: .301/.369/.469
8th and 9th ining: out of 52 ABs he’s batting .346
I’m willing to bet that’s better than Melky
Gerut is hitting .357 (20-for-56 with six homers, three doubles, 12 RBI and 11 runs scored over his past 15 games and .343 (24-for-70) over the last 19 games with 14 RBI. He is also hitting .308 (16-for-52) with runner in scoring position.
“And by the way how do you personally telfair”
I went to school with the guy and had several gym classes with him.
I highly doubt anyone puts a claim in on Sheff with that contract. $14 mil. next year?
Detroit must be praying someone does so they can let them have him.
Doesn’t anybody here get it? Girardi bases who plays by who’s pitching. If it is a left hander, he throws as many righties into the lineup as possible regardless of their effectiveness and vise versa for a righty pitcher.
That’s been the problem the entire year. He overthinks the matchups way too much. And while doing so he prevents the best team from taking the field every day. In addition, he some plays some guys in positions where they shouldn’t be playing therefore hindering the defense.
So its not neccessarily a love affair with Betemit, he just sees a righty pitching and automatically throws as many lefties into the lineup.
I had a dream that Cashman walked away from the Yankees to follow Gillick to Seattle and Hank/Hal ended up hiring Steve Phillips as his replacement
That’s not a dream it’s a nightmare.
“I had a dream that Cashman walked away from the Yankees to follow Gillick to Seattle and Hank/Hal ended up hiring Steve Phillips as his replacement”
No mark thats what we call having a nightmare.
Last question about Telfair, where is he now? Is he on an nba roster? Finally as it turns out that it is soo hard to succeed as Nba player from Coney Island. The hood never leaves your blood and you take those principles and ideas into real life, which really does not mesh. Hence Marbury who has been known as a punk and selfish player, and Telfair who cant get ride of his entourage just like Marbury.. Hopefully stephenson can prove them wrong!!
NongEyeJon
doesnt matter, this isnt a place to discuss social or political things including racism. just keep it to baseball.
bomber odds that is great..
we should get sheff back he would fit in well; he has diminshing skills but does not know that, he refuses to make adjustments, he is overpaid, he is old, he refuses to adjust for the betterment of the team. He fits in so well they should get him and hit him 4th and give him the contract extension also..
he is the classic Yankee player of this era the fantasy geeks best wish…
and Hank/Hal ended up hiring Steve Phillips as his replacement
That’s not a dream….that’s a nightmare.
you do have to see guys play alot in order to really know about them. after i read on here all the speculation about kemp, i called a freind in l.a. who i’v been to alot of games with when i lived there so i know he knows his baseball.
he was all over the cano for kemp deal, he’d do it straight up. he said kemp is about as dumb a player as you’ll find. young and talented but no game awareness. constant baserunning erros, the type that make your head spin.
at the same time, not having seen cano day to day, he couldnt believe the yankees would even think about trading him.
it doesnt change the dynamics in this case, one guy whos lackadasical for one who’s just not very smart, but at least you know what you’re getting into.
Can’t he just put the best possible lineup out there one time???
Folks!! Cashman is waiting for Lee to be put on waivers or Carmona. Man i thought you guys would have figured that out by now. Who needs a number 5 pitcher when we can get a 1 or a 2.
I believe in Cash.
HAHAHA SEASONS OVER LOL BOO HOO!
YANKEES NOT MAKING THE POST SEASON. THE SOX WILL WIN IT THIS YEAR (AGAIN).
HAVE FUN GOLFING, JETER! AND HAVE FUN WITH MADONNA, A-FRAUD!
These Boston schools can’t teach thier youth education for s…
Telfair was resigned by the TWolves
HAHAHA SEASONS OVER LOL BOO HOO!
YANKEES NOT MAKING THE POST SEASON. THE SOX WILL WIN IT THIS YEAR (AGAIN).
HAVE FUN GOLFING, JETER! AND HAVE FUN WITH MADONNA, A-FRAUD!
These Boston schools can’t teach thier youth education for s…
Nah, it’s called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome I believe. Runs rampant up there.
Stuart,
I’ve never been able to see Jackson in person. Only on video so take what I have to say with a grain of salt.
He is an outstanding athlete. Really outstanding. Physically has everything you’d want in a ball player.
He is still raw and still learning the game. He was more of a basketball player in high school than a baseball player and had a lot of learning to do in the minors.
That said – it’s remarkable how quickly he’s come in so short a time. He has clearly harnessed his physical talent and worked hard learning the game.
One of the best signs for him is the huge improvements in plate discipline and strike zone recognition he’s make in less than 3 seasons.
For a lot of guys who have raw power – the reason why they never show it in game play is because they simply don’t select the right pitch to swing at.
Jackson isn’t some huge power guy – but he’s got nice pop, especially for a CF.
A lot of the increase in power he’s shown is related to his improving plate discipline. If you look at his BB:K ration each year he’s been in the system it’s impressive how it’s improved.
My main concern with him now is that he’s been a bit of a streaky player. The good thing with that is that it shows what he’s capable of. But the question is can he maintain it?
This isn’t that uncommon with minor league players. Becoming consistent is often the last thing that comes.
It does concern me however because yankee fans and the NY media are not very easy on young players. I could see NY becoming very frustrated and down on Jackson if he’s brought up to soon and proves to be a streaky player.
He’s still learning. I think he needs next year in the minor leagues. He’s not a player I would push – he would benefit from more experience – especially in AAA where he’ll see pitchers who have thrown in the big leagues before.
Wonder where Gary “Burn the Bridges” Sheffield will end next?
“HAHAHA SEASONS OVER LOL BOO HOO!
YANKEES NOT MAKING THE POST SEASON. THE SOX WILL WIN IT THIS YEAR (AGAIN).
HAVE FUN GOLFING, JETER! AND HAVE FUN WITH MADONNA, A-FRAUD!”
Summer camp up in New England is out already, wow so soon. Easy kid no one is beating the Angels not even the almighty sucks dont believe everything Peter Gammons tells you.
“I had a dream that Cashman walked away from the Yankees to follow Gillick to Seattle and Hank/Hal ended up hiring Steve Phillips as his replacement”
LMAO Shut up! Ha Ha
“These Boston schools can’t teach thier youth education for s…”
apparently they dont educate thier youth too well wherever you were brought up either!
“HAHAHA SEASONS OVER LOL BOO HOO!
YANKEES NOT MAKING THE POST SEASON. THE SOX WILL WIN IT THIS YEAR (AGAIN).
HAVE FUN GOLFING, JETER! AND HAVE FUN WITH MADONNA, A-FRAUD!”
O.k. I get that your about 12. So you wouldnt remember Boston Massacre 1. But im sure youv seen #2. History seems to repeat itself. Dont get confortable there. Things in your rear view mirror are closer than they appear.
Pete, what’s up with the knocking Girardi crap? Have you noticed the Yankees are still in play-off contention with STARS no the DL… Wang 38 wins the last two seasons.. Jorge Posada and Hideki Matsui maybe the two best clutch hitters on the team… I think we should be saying GOOD JOB managing this team Joe not knocking him… You media people are clowns… Joe Girari has had some moments we could question, but not enough to continually crush him… Am I right?
“Can’t he just put the best possible lineup out there one time???”
Reminds me of…”CAN YA BEAT THE FLORIDA MARLINS ONE TIMEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!” Lol what a bum.
“It does concern me however because yankee fans and the NY media are not very easy on young players. I could see NY becoming very frustrated and down on Jackson if he’s brought up to soon and proves to be a streaky player.”
CB, you mean the fans that have decided that they never want Ian Kennedy to throw another pitch for their team? Or the ones that think Phil Hughes is the love child of Mark Prior, Carl Pavano and Ed Yarnall?
apparently they dont educate thier youth too well wherever you were brought up either!
Hey you don’t see me mistaking Red Sox blogs for Yankees blogs.
Why is everyone whining about Betemit starting? Offensively, he’s better than Sexson, JC or Melky — which granted isn’t saying much — and one of those four has to start. In the miraculous event that there’s a lead to protect, then I wouldn’t be surprised if the 8th and 9th innings are Sexytime.
Over @ Thunder Thought’s Mike Ashmore is reporting that the Yankees have released RHP Steven White. And Jeff Marquez is headed to Trenton.
http://thunderbaseball.wordpress.com/
Italiano,
As I’ve read the blog this year, I’ve noticed that Pete seems to dislike Girardi due to his not being as forthcoming with info about injuries, etc as Pete would like. It seems, as a result, that their is an ax to grind.
Tonights line up is arguably the strongest lineup Girardi has put together so far, Lets see how many games it gets used.
thunderfangabe I might sound heartless here but White was a waste of a prospect it’s about time.
“Whenever he retires, Mussina will make for a fascinating Hall of Fame argument.”
Along with everything else, I think they’ll take into account the fact that he got a lot of his wins on mediocre teams. Case in point…
Hey ITALIANO. Girardi hasn’t done his job and deserves to be ripped by Pete and all other Yankee fans who want to express their opinions.
Why don’t you go for a drive in your IROC-Z and chill out.
“HAHAHA SEASONS OVER LOL BOO HOO!
YANKEES NOT MAKING THE POST SEASON. THE SOX WILL WIN IT THIS YEAR (AGAIN).
HAVE FUN GOLFING, JETER! AND HAVE FUN WITH MADONNA, A-FRAUD!
These Boston schools can’t teach thier youth education for s…
Nah, it’s called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome I believe. Runs rampant up there.”
Dont be silly now I would really expect better from Boston area children, you know they come from good stock. Everyone knows people in New England are classy, friendly and rarely drunk.
“he was all over the cano for kemp deal, he’d do it straight up. he said kemp is about as dumb a player as you’ll find. young and talented but no game awareness. constant baserunning erros, the type that make your head spin.”
Kemp is not a “dumb” player. That’s the kind of nonsense people who don’t understand the game come up with.
Kemp is a great athlete who is still learning how to play the game. You can argue that he should still be in the minor leagues but the dodgers chose to push him very fast.
That’s very different from being “dumb” or lazy or having no awareness.
Fans watch player make mistakes and automatically assume they are “dumb” or “lazy.” It’s as if playing baseball the right way is knowledge they should just be born with.
Kemp is just raw. But that is a concern. I’d guess yankee fans would hate his game because they would not tolerate the kind of mistakes he would make.
But he’s immensely talented.
Tony they still will pitch around Arod I wish GI Joe would just put X in the 5th spot, he hits LHP and RHP stop F’n around w/ testing Giambi w/ RISP he’s under .200 w/ RISP
Hey, anyone know anything about reports to the effect that Cablevision is buying the Yankees?
haha brandon
i wasn’t complaining 
I just feel Girardi isn’t getting the praise he deserves. His first season has gone from a team looking like they had a good shot once Joba moved into the rotation along with Wang, Moose, Pettitte and Rasner to a team who is severely struggling because of injuries and lack of situational hitting…..
thunderfangabe how was Jhonny Nunez last week ?
And there are still people who love this guy. That is just beyond horrible. How is he even still in the majors?
Since the June 27 game at Shea Stadium, Melky Cabrera is 28-for-130 (.215) with four extra-base hits, three walks and a .244 on-base percentage.
and i should have said Thunder Thoughts….no apostrophe! i type too fast haha
Do we send Joba to the AFL to get his innings up?
“Pete, what’s up with the knocking Girardi crap? Have you noticed the Yankees are still in play-off contention with STARS no the DL… Wang 38 wins the last two seasons.. Jorge Posada and Hideki Matsui maybe the two best clutch hitters on the team… I think we should be saying GOOD JOB managing this team Joe not knocking him… You media people are clowns… Joe Girari has had some moments we could question, but not enough to continually crush him… Am I right?”
No, you’re wrong.
“Joe Girardi is 141-140 as a manager.”
That’s not knocking him. That’s his actual record.
Here is an interesting piece on just how horrid the offense is and how unproductive some of the big bats are with RISP
Monday, August 11, 2008
Clutchness and the 2008 Yankees
http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/clutchness_and_the_2008_yankees
Hey, anyone know anything about reports to the effect that Cablevision is buying the Yankees?
LOL no it’s not true.
CB, I’m not ready to give up on Cano quite yet…Maybe this is just a fluke year, and I tend to go with that…However if the Dodgers were to sweeten the pot beyond Kemp then it has to be considered…It’s just that Cano in The Stadium and he’s still young as his potential is unlimited, I say he’s as close to being untouchable there
i didnt see him over the weekend because i was in scranton, but he didnt look too bad up in CT. he seemed like a nice kid too. maybe he will pitch tonight sometime after pavano is done.
E-Man I’m not talking about the record, I’m talking about the constant remarks he makes towards Girardi… Dont tell me no1 else see’s it…
CB,
I mentioned this on the last blog. Instead of unloading Cano. Whats your thoughts on trying to pry away Figgins from the Halos. They have too many out fielders and it wouldnt cost us an all star. The other option would be Dejesus?
cb, you may be right but that’s exactly what they said about vince coleman when he came up with the cardinals.
and you know what, he WAS just a dumb player. it does happen, im not saying kemp won’t get better but there must be a reason why the dodgers have been floating him if he so immensly talented. its not b/c they think ethier or pierre is better or that a jones is gonna come back.
im not saying dont do the deal just pointing out that there are reasons talented players get traded and you have to see them regularly to know why.
Ah, source of rumor: http://www.newsday.com/business/ny-opltr125797547aug12,0,882841.story
The night is darkest just before the dawn… It starts tonight!! 15 game winning streak.
Sheffield Placed On Waivers
By Tim Dierkes [August 12 at 4:44pm CST]
According to ESPN’s Jayson Stark, the Tigers placed Gary Sheffield on waivers today. Sheffield recently expressed displeasure with his playing time.
I wonder if he ends up in Tampa or Minnesota
CB
I live in LA, Kemp dies make a lot of baserunning mistakes BTW he has 28 SB’s.
He is also hitting 298… The only chance the Yanks
have of getting him is because the Dodgers need middle infield help next year for sure and they do have a glut in the outfield and the Torre/Bowa connection.
I saw Ajax play on NESN but it is hard to evaluate someone in 5 AB’s but he did look pretty capable to me..
CB do you expect anything for Hughes and Matsui the rest of the year? I think they can help am I reaching for a life vest?
thanks again
“personally i think girardi has done a great job of using (and resting) damon this year and thats one of the reasons he’s having such a good year.”————————————————————————————-
I agree. We FANS always want the ‘A’ Team out there, but Joe has played and he understands the grind. He has done a good job this year.
However…......................
You rest guys so they are sharp for the stretch run and Post Season.
But THIS IS our stretch run. If we don’t play .750 ball, these guys can rest in October and all winter.
So Y’s guys, while I agree in principal, YESTERDAY was NOT a good time to rest anybody. It’s balls to the wall from now on.
The night is darkest just before the dawn… It starts tonight!! 15 game winning streak.
HAHAHAHAHA
This team might not win 15 total games the rest of the way.
You do realize Joe Torre’s career record was under .500 when he was hired as Yankees manager in 1996?
In fact, it was 774-1010 in 14 years of managing. He had exactly 5 winning seasons in his first 14 years as a major league manager and made the playoffs once. Losing all 3 games to the Cardinals in the NLCS in 1982.
You really want to bring up Joe Girardi’s record now?
Jane2 here’s the key quote
Nothing further after that. No phone call, no rehatch..nada
No contest …Kemp way before Figgins….Who eber says he a dumb player is not watching or just doesn’t know the game…He’ll be a household name in a less than three years….He’s going to be a real good ballplayer , a special ballplayer….
headed out now brandon but if i remember ill come back tonight and tomorrow and let you know if he was pitching and how he looked
yeah, I’d like to buy the yankees! Brothers and sisters, can you spare a dime?
Sheff has $14 mill on a contract for next year there is zero chance he will go to tampa or minny, if he did which he won’t I would be ecstatic and laugh my head off.
$14 mill. for sheff, that is funny.. the guy is hitting 220 with limited powerr, not exactly of high value..
Pat M,
I agree with you on Cano. I’d be very hesitant to trade him – very hesitant. If Joba is a 10 in terms of being untouchable I’d put Cano at an 8. I’d would take a very good deal for me to budge. I do like kemp.
Outside of everything else Cano is having a bizarre year statistically.
You can explain almost all of his underperformance this year due to his batting average on balls he puts into play (BABIP).
BABIP is due to both a hitter’s skill (ex. how hard he hits the ball) and some component of randomness.
He’s only hitting .270 on balls he puts into play – that is very, very low. In 2005 he was at .318. 2006 at .359. 2007 at .329. Hitters tend to settle in at their own range for BABIP so his .270 this year is far below his norms.
One way to estimate what a hitters expected BABIP is to take his line drive percent and add .12 to it. Cano’s line drive rate is actually up this year 19.8% of his contact. So his expected BABIP is closer to .320.
All things being equal you’d expect him to be hitting .310-.320 this year.
These things tend to even out so it wouldn’t surprise me if he had a monster year next season.
Yes, DFox, and it’s also always darkest just before it goes completely black.
Brandon,
Yep, whew, thanks.
I heard Kemp is really new to baseball did not play until high school and was a multi sport stud..
He is definitely talented and he is hitting leadoff now even though he can definitely move down in the order.. he is a physical specimen..
“You really want to bring up Joe Girardi’s record now?”
My personal opinion is that it’s pretty dumb. And it’s also pretty dumb to suggest that Girardi in his second year managing should be at the same level of competence as managers who have managed for ten years and better.
It won’t stop anyone from doing it, but it is pretty dumb in my opinion.
The night is darkest just before the dawn… It starts tonight!! 15 game winning streak.
You trying to call this organization the grim reapers of baseball or something… I guess this is the type of music your hearing too
NO MELKY! HOW COULD YOU SIT THE WORST CENTER FIELDER IN BASEBALL!
PAT M,
I wasnt saying Figgins is better than Kemp. I was trying to save us from giving up Cano and still get a better replacement in the outfield. It also would allow us to have the option to trade Damon if he can bring us back a needed player if neccessary. Figgins would be able to lead off.
Also isn’t Cano’s K’s actually down?
SoS,
I don’t see the angels trading Figgins – never mind to the yankees. They love him in Anaheim, Sciosia especially. He is the epitome of their team in many ways and one of the most versatile players in the game. It’s a good thought but i don’t think it would happen.
headed out now brandon but if i remember ill come back tonight and tomorrow and let you know if he was pitching and how he looked
Stay safe and give us an update when you can.
im assuming, since i havent heard otherwise, that sheff has been put on revokable waivers, which makes him no different than about half the guys in mlb this month.
im sure leaking that info is just a way of showing him that nobody else wants him at his salary (like the sox did with manny) and doing it to retaliate for sheff mouthing off again.
its really a non story, nobody is gonna touch that contract.
I think I might actually kill myself if Dolan was ever owner of the Yankees.
In my opinion the Yankees didn’t sign Byrd, who unlike Washburn, has pitched better lately and is a FA, because they made their deals in July, the team has been awful, and Girardi is now playing with the hand they’re dealt.
Anyone dumb enough to pick up Sheffield will get stuck with his remaining contract in 2009. Doesn’t his 12+M run thru 2009?
“Ah, source of rumor:”
They’re sort of looking like a Cablevision team right now.
“Yes, DFox, and it’s also always darkest just before it goes completely black.”
True, but Mike Mussina is pitching today, so it’s just a sign that instead of going black, it’s going to go towards the light. Afterall, wouldn’t it make sense that the pitcher everyone thought was done started the 15 game winning streak for the team everyone thought was done?
“The night is darkest just before the dawn… It starts tonight!! 15 game winning streak.”
I have no doubt this team has a winning streak in them. The problem is after the streak ends they turn around and go 3-12.
“He was going to be moved no matter what. I don’t know if he told (the media) but he made it was no secret to us that he was looking for $100 to $120 million contract. I don’t think this franchise is going to give out that kind of contract.”
Ok on that note I see you guys later.
“but there must be a reason why the dodgers have been floating him if he so immensly talented. ”
Now that Bill Bavasi has been fired the biggest factor that keeps Ned Colletti from being the worst GM in baseball is the inexplicable fact that Jim Bowden still has a job.
If the dodgers trade Kemp it’ll be because of Colletti. Kemp is way too young to write off as “dumb.” He’s still learning the game.
And Vince Coleman is a terrible comparison because Kemp’s ceiling is much higher than Coleman’s. Kemp could be a 40 HR guy – you can live with a lot of mistakes with that kind of production.
My only hesitancy in trading Cano for him is because it’s so difficult to find middle infielders and I don’t think Kemp is a true CF.
CB, SoS-
I think Figgins and Santana were offered for A-Rod, when the Angels were exploring a trade for him after the 2006 season.
Sign Oliver Perez
Joe Torre is 2126-1829 (.538) as a manager.
So I’m thinking that I can’t totally figure out which series was the one that caused the Yankees to start to turn into a pumpking after that sterling start after the ASG but it did occur to me that when they were going good, they were doing everything right. The offense was clicking and they weren’t making mistakes – and then they slowly looked like they forgot how to play baseball.
And when we wonder why the Angels can manage to be on the spot and perky and so alert and sharp and we can’t do the same thing. So I figure one reason is that success seems to build upon itself and the more success you have the greater is your confidence, and the less you go out there and try to do everything yourself in one AB.
Confident teams play smart baseball. Desperate teams press and play sloppy baseball, press, and make mistakes. And the more desperate they get (i.e., the fewer games they have left) the more they press and the less successful they are.
Can that turn around with a few wins? I’d like to hope so.
So I guess I’m thinking that I can’t bring myself to say this team stinks or that the players are bums, but I can bring myself to say they are underperforming incredibly and playing abysmal baseball.
CB it sounds like Kemp would only need to be the Yankees CF for 1 year or so!!!
If the Melky-Robby tandem can’t see the handwriting on the wall by now then they’ve got zero for brains.
They’ll be known as ex-Yankees. Enough is enough.
a quick, first hand anecdote regarding the 8th inning relief pitching disaster from saturday’s game:
sitting in front of me was a Bronx-born marine, didn’t catch his name but i got to see his Semper Fidelis back tattoo after an LAA fan criticized Roman Tynan’s ‘God Bless America’ really, thanks, i needed that..
well, six agonizing runs into that dreadful display of bullpen mismanagement, our new militant friend decided that he had seen enough and trotted down to the barrier and chucked his brand new Joba home jersey (replica) onto the field, landing on the foul line.. X looked over as the LF security guard picked up the jersey, smiled and shook his head..
the section i was in, of course, erupted in cheers while the jarhead made throat slashing motions on the way back to his seat.. meanwhile, an LAA fan came hurtling down the stairs to cram an Angels’ cap on top of his head.
i then had to do my civic duty and calmly order SemperFi to “c’mon man, get rid of that sh!t”, being a good soldier, he complied and tossed the cap onto the field..
the result was an ejection for the marine and a place for me to kick up my feet as i watched the remainder of the “game”
while some folks got angry and others were filled with grief, i found the inning to be quite cathartic… a feeling that i though was going to be permanent, that is until the next day when i found myself screaming at JoeG’s back to leave Mo in the ‘pen until we had the lead..
CB,
I just thought that Figgins might be available because of the flooded outfield in Anaheim. He seems more like a utility player without a steady position. Im not sure what they lack in the farm or the majors. Just thinking out loud.
Dejesus?
“do you expect anything for Hughes and Matsui the rest of the year? I think they can help am I reaching for a life vest?”
I think Hughes is going to pitch very well for this team when he comes back. Very well. I’m not worried about him. The troubles he was having are due to the injuries. He’s throwing the ball very well and has added the cutter.
He’s a special talent. He really is. He’s going to be a good one.
I think Matsui will also come back and be productive in the line up. That’ll help – question is whether it’ll be too late.
Hughes will be fun to watch – he won’t be lights out like Joba but I think he’ll throw the ball well and have something positive to build on going into next season.
“It’s a small sample size, but Sexson is hitting .269/.394/.423 with the Yanks.”
Girardi’s love affair with Betemit continues…———————————————————————-
Dude – that’s because Sexy has seen NOTHING but LH pitching.
Tonight we face a Right hander. Against RHP:
BigSexy – .179 .282 .301 .583
Betemit – .266 .289 .422 .711
After what betemit did on sunday he should never play again!!! JOE GO TO H…........
If Cablevision bought this team, it would time to root for another team. Between Gabelli and Dolan they would turn the Yankees into the KC Royals in no time.
DFox, I said last night that I’m all in on this Moose start. I’m calling it a must win! So I’m with you.
Tonight Moose begins the comeback!
All this talk of Matt Kemp is reminscent of the “can’t miss” Austin Kearns, early in his career.
As far as the Yankees and clutch hitting, they haven’t been clutch in 6 years. They’ve been just good enough to get to the playoffs by beating up on the Rays and O’s. Those teams are better now. If I had a dime for everytime I said LOB!
LOB! in the last 6 years…..
As far as Gerut, see Coco Crisp. Anyway, Gerut would be a band-aid for this year.
Yanks went into this season with risk, having two kids in the rotation. It was an 85 win team going in. It was a year where they could have risk because they’d get 4.2 million through the turnstiles whether they’d win 84 games or 94. But something happened on the way to the trade deadline, Yanks won 8 in a row, the Manny debacle and Tampa stumbled. Seemingly the pack was falling back to us, hence the trades. It was fool’s gold. Thought this team would put together a 35-27 stretch and go .500 in all other games. It looks like that’s who the Yankees are.
A fifteen game win streak would be so cool right now…
After what betemit did on sunday he should never play again!!! I really think that joe will be gone after the season.
The Yankees wouldn’t need Matt Kemp as a true CF. He’ll be a good caretaker until A-Jax is ready in 2010 at which time he moves to a corner OF position.
I like Dejesus as a centerfielder. Light hitter for a corner spot.
Issue there – KC really doesn’t have many position player and very little hitting.
Dayton Moore is a very good GM and a smart guy. I think he’ll want quite a bit for dejesus.
Francessa suggests moving Jeter to CF
“The night is darkest just before the dawn… It starts tonight!! 15 game winning streak.”
Cheesy Dark Knight reference, I love it! But like Brandon said this team might not win 15 the rest of the season.
CB
Matsui is going to Florida Thursday for games he can be back in 7 days or less and they have 2 days off.
he can help them.. I do not expect Hughes to have Joba stuff, because in my eyes(I am not as knowledgable as you) Joba has top top top stuff up there with the elite talented pitchers.
The way Hughes talks he seems smart enough to figure things out and his stuff seems very good also.
Joba will have his learning pains but if he stays healthy he has a chance to be a superstar..
SO THIS IS GOOD NEWS>
Girardi is an absolute genius! His cleanup and #5 hitter have a combined RISP average of .220. Not like it would be good idea to change things around a little considering they have done so well offesnively this year!
Can you say brain-dead? The guy needs to be fired cause he can’t make adjustments. His management of this team is pathetic.
Chef? RIP Isaac Hayes.
SoS,
From the last thread. What year was your humpless J-Lo at UH? She probably played for Dave Shoji. He’s been coaching for 30 years.
“Francessa suggests moving Jeter to CF”
Sigh. He can barely throw to first how exactly is he gunning down people at the plate.
“All this talk of Matt Kemp is reminscent of the “can’t miss†Austin Kearns, early in his career.”
There have been a lot of “can’t miss” prospects that have failed. As it is, Kearns is still a servicable player. Kemp has already shown more skill and results than Kearns. The only thing that troubles me about Kemp is his strikeouts. He also doens’t really walk that much. Still very young though, we’ll see.
Another mindless suggestion from Fat Mike
Didn’t he also suggest to teach Bernie how to play 1st?
“E-Man I’m not talking about the record, I’m talking about the constant remarks he makes towards Girardi… Dont tell me no1 else see’s it…”
I don’t see it. I think Joe has gotten a big pass this season.
Joe Maddon’s managerial record 225-267 (.457)
“Can you say brain-dead? The guy needs to be fired cause he can’t make adjustments.”
Wait, I thought he juggled the lineup too much?
Sigh. He can barely throw to first how exactly is he gunning down people at the plate.
Francessa or Jeter?
I know the splits, but I’d still put in Sexson. When it comes to players like Betemit, Christian, Melky, Sexson, I’m throwing splits out the window because they all bring varying degrees of failure to the table. I’d go with the best all-around player with the potential to change the game, and that’s Sexson.