Giambi dons the golden sombrero
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- August
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Jason Giambi struck out four times last night. It was only the fourth time in his career he has done that, the first time since Aug. 2, 2000.
He has one hit in his last 15 at-bats. That was the grand slam on Sunday. The Big G also grew the ’stache back. It doesn’t seem to be helping.
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on Wednesday, August 20th, 2008 at 12:09 pm by Peter Abraham.
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Chad Jennings
Sam Borden
YOu need someone to photoshop that on Jasons head.
He needs to grow some humility and start addressing his pull problem. Can’t wait til he’s gone.
gold thong, gold sombrero, what’s the difference?
Why is Giambi in this lineup Pete? Can you ask Girardi? I see him being more of a Ruben Sierra at this point.
he hasn’t played in the field this often in….many years. i think he was better earlier in the year because he was fresh. i think he must be very tired. he’s not used to this much playing time. he should sit.
“Why is Giambi in this lineup Pete? Can you ask Girardi? I see him being more of a Ruben Sierra at this point.”
because he’s the best option to play 1B. its that simple.
you gonna play Wilson Betemit for the last 35+ games of the season there?
For what he provides, the Yanks don’t have a lot of better options. He is all or nothing but gets on base with walks. He is in a slump right now but other than moving Nady to 1B, there is not a better option. That might be an option but at this moment, Matsui is a game back from the DL and the option was not there before last night.
For what he provides, the Yanks don’t have a lot of better options. He is all or nothing but gets on base with walks. He is in a slump right now but other than moving Nady to 1B, there is not a better option. That might be an option but at this moment, Matsui is a game back from the DL and the option was not there before last night.
He is still almost over 900 OPS for the year and a hitter like him will go through cold and hot streaks.
not sure if this has already been posted but….
joe torre started his own blog!
heres the link- http://joetorre.mlblogs.com/
How about Nady at 1B and Gardner in CF and Damon in LF?
This is not rocket science! How is Giambi a #5 hitter? Head scratchers!!
“How about Nady at 1B and Gardner in CF and Damon in LF?”
and people complained about losing melky in the everyday lineup when Gardner played over him.
you are losing offense sitting Giambi and playing Gardner, at a time in which the yankees can ill afford to.
guess again.
“He is still almost over 900 OPS for the year and a hitter like him will go through cold and hot streaks.”
Except that he’s been on a “cold streak” for most of the year, save for ONE hot streak. Sure his stats still look decent, but the guy stinks, plain and simple he has done nothing to help the Yankees win consistently this year. He walks, strikes out, or hits a home run. He tries to pull everything and seems to have never heard of the concept of “cutting down your swing” when you have 2 strikes on you as a hitter.
I can only count down the days until he is no longer a Yankee. I am sick of hearing about his stupid mustache or his golden thong, and I am not going to be willing to give him a pass because he’s worn down or because the rest of the lineup stinks too or because there’s nobody else better to play at 1st. He just can not be off this team fast enough in my eyes.
I’m sorry, but last night we needed someone to catch 2 fly balls and get a hit…Gardner was hot his last couple games so I don’t understand the losing offense argument.
Will people please stop making excuses for Giambi? The guy is washed up; plain and simple. He’s batting 5th and hitting about .200 with runners in scoring position. It’s not a slump. Just look at his at bats. He can’t catch up with good fastballs anymore. He swings for the fences all the time. Whoever in this organization thought this guy was an everyday 1st baseman needs to have their heads examined.
can X play first? Damon in left,Gardener at center and keep Matsui as DH.
Right now, the Yankees are closer to last place in the AL East than they are to the wild card. They should watch out for those overachieving Orioles overtaking them and finishing in dead last. They are also one loss tonight from being tied with Toronto in the standings.
considering teams have been playing mega shift on him for years, and the fact that he has refused to adjust his approach to the plate to start going the other way, tells me that he is a SELFISH player and will be glad that he’s gone next season.
I have a problem with the organization refusing to address problems before they have been able to fester for far too long this year. Melky Cabrera getting demoted in August doesn’t do anything to help the team get better, yet it could have happened 2 months earlier after his putrid May and June. They gave Giambi a freebie on April and May and got rewarded because he had a big month of June. But, you’ve already let Giambi have a million second chances this year, and now that he’s reverted back to stinking up the joint in the batter’s box, you haven’t pulled him from the #5 spot, you haven’t found someone to challenge him for playing time…so what’s the point?
If you are going to live and die by Jason Giambi’s bat this year, then for 2008 you are a Dead Team Walking.
ARod and Giambi are killing this team in the 4 and 5 hole. Their lack of production is really bringing this team down. If they were just hitting decently with men in scoring position this team would be right in the mix for the division and wild card. Why is Girardi so loyal to Giambi? Even Torre would lose patience with him and bench him for long stretches whenever he wasn’t producing. Is Girardi afraid to ruffle some feathers because Giambi is popular in the clubhouse?
Scholars Giambi will be gone in 37 games, good riddance.. FUn loving fool who does not take care of his body and is a glorified Frank THomas..
he was one of the many wasted contracts all you lemmings wanted, you know the buy the superstar mentality that has paid off so well the last 7 years.
Isn’t it interesting since the Yanks have done this superstar buying spree they have won zippo.
hey lemmings what over priced, older, deteriorating skills superstars do you want to but this offseason??
Giambi , abreu, pavano, and others are going bye bye… And I will enjoy seeing them leave..
“can X play first? Damon in left,Gardener at center and keep Matsui as DH.”
I believe he’s played about 78 games at 1B
deputy dawg
August 20th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Russ in Tampa
I live in south tampa. Just wondering, do you go to mute when the Yankees are in town and we have to listen to Rays “announcersâ€.
TurnTwo I really have no problem w/ Gardner for Melky, nmy problem is as soon as Matsui got healthy they ripped Gardner out of CF for a declining CF w/ mediocore range, that’s what Johnny is he is either a LF/DH/PH same as Matsui DH/PH, moving Gardner from CF is going to cause us more games. I’ve said this since Sunday again no one wanted to listen and then we saw Damon struggling to back track on fly balls.
tidrow – when giambi was signed, he was an AL MVP candidate year after year. the problem is that he’s had many years on his deal at a high price…so you’re kind of stuck with him until the deal is done.
that’s why i strongly advise against signing any player for more than 4 years…it’s huge risk, especially with pitchers.
i’m sure you, along with many other people were happy when he was signed. but once you give someone that type of contract, it makes it very difficult to move. so the yanks have to get more prudent with the long term deals dealt out.
People really have to stop using the OPS stat with Giambi.
That’s as misleading a stat concerning him as there is in the game.
If you have watched the games this year, two things are apparent with Giambi:
1. He can’t hit with RISP. Sorry but, if you are the #5 guy in the order, drawing walks is not something that’s positive for the team. You have to drive in runs and he can’t do it. The guy is barely at .200 with RISP. Find me another #5 hitter in baseball hitting .200 or less with RISP. You can’t because it doesn’t exist. He’s alone in that dubious honor.
2. He hits in bunches. He either is very hot or very cold. No in between. Right now, as he has been for most of the last 6 weeks, he’s ice cold.
I agree with the poster who wants Nady at first, Gardner in CF and Damon in LF.
Giambi doesn’t bring “offense” to the lineup. He brings outs unless he happens to guess right against a bad pitcher and can hit a Yankee Stadium HR.
At this point, the Yankees need to see if Nady can play first base. If he can do it, that may help them in their off-season decisionmaking.
Jason Giambi will not be with the Yankees next year. When you are closer to last place than first place, its time to think about next year.
Put Nady at first and see if he can get job done.
I believe he’s played about 78 games at 1B
He’s not ready to play 1B this season. The decision has to be made to rotate Johnny and Jason. They are getting worned out and you can see it. It’s only a matter of time that Matsui goes through the same.
“Put Nady at first and see if he can get job done.”
He’s played 80 games at 1B in his career. His work there earned him an outfielding job.
I hope they trade Damon in the offseason (and no, this is not because of last night) if the right deal comes along–his value is never going to be higher, and there is more of a chance that he has a year closer to 2007 rather than 2008 next year. If you are saying bye-bye to veterans like Giambi and Abreu, why not flip Johnny as well? As long as they can find someone to play left either in a different deal or somewhere out there, it might be a good time to turn him into some younger players.
Put Nady at first and see if he can get job done.
SJ do you really want to do that right now ?
Giambi needs to go. I can’t wait until his days as a Yankee are over. For $23MM, we get a guy that can’t hit with RISP, K’s a lot, can’t really field/throw/run, and can’t slap the ball to the left side every now and then for a freebie when you have the entire infield on the right side.
For the rest of the year, move him way down in the lineup. Have Nady, Matsui, and Cano bat ahead of him. I think having him behind Arod is not helping this team.
$23 million for being a fun guy and the whole ’stache thing? NO thanks. Hire a clubhouse comedian instead. And then get a real first baseman.
“and there is more of a chance that he has a year closer to 2007 rather than 2008 next year.”
Why would this be the case????
Just for the record, and in the “who cares” category – I didn’t want them to sign Giambi.
Where’s my boy TK to defend Giambi and his amazing OPS and how valuable he is to this team in the 5 hole?
I’m still waiting for the evidence that that impressive OPS has translated to any victories.
Giambi can’t go soon enough as far as I’m concerned.
Andrew:
Damon ain’t bringing you much back. He’s a great guy and an absolute warrior when it comes to showing up and playing. However, he’s now at the age when playing through all those aches, pains and injuies manifest themselves in a lesser player. He saw his 1st time on the DL of his career this season and he’s not going to change his style of play or get any healthier as he gets older.
Age and the fact that he’s been getting hurt more and more frequently during his time with the Yankees; this year he has been able to produce and sustain his various health problems, but there is no way to go into 2009 completely confident he will be both healthy and able to reproduce his 2008 offensive year.
I heard a rumor that before the season, a well-known hypnotist visited both the Cubs and Yankees during Spring Training and convinced all members of each team that they were actually playing for the OTHER team. It seems to explain a lot. While the REAL YANKEES are over there in Chicago, playing like 200 million dollars and finding ways to WIN games. The CUBS players that have invaded the minds and bodies of our beloved Yankees this year and are causing them to play like a bunch of lovable losers and we find them finding new and different ways of LOSING games. ( I hear that the “curse” will end after that team in Chicago wins the World Series this year )….so on behalf of Yankees Fans across the world……GO CUBBIES !!!
“TurnTwo I really have no problem w/ Gardner for Melky, nmy problem is as soon as Matsui got healthy they ripped Gardner out of CF for a declining CF w/ mediocore range, that’s what Johnny is he is either a LF/DH/PH same as Matsui DH/PH, moving Gardner from CF is going to cause us more games. I’ve said this since Sunday again no one wanted to listen and then we saw Damon struggling to back track on fly balls.”
i dont disagree. but for the stretch run, if you think you still have a chance, you sit Gardner, and you play Damon in CF, Matsui as DH, and Giambi at 1B, with Nady in LF.
the problem this lineup has is scoring runs. that gives you the best offensive lineup, and those are the veterans you are paying to produce. you are going to live or die with them.
but, if you fall out of it with 20 games to go, and you want to give Nady time at 1B and let Gardner play out the year, then ive got no problem with that either.
to me, its a matter of perception.
if you want to believe you are still in it, run out the best offensive lineup you’ve got for the ret of the season and put the pedal to the metal.
but, if you are convinced its just not your year, i dont have a prob with the other lineup because it helps evaluate talent for your roster for next season.
posted this in an older thread, but it looks like i was late to that party:
i’m really not one for this fantasy GM stuff, but I have to give me 2 cents here.
keep Abreu and trade Nady this offseason. Let Matsui and Damon finish their contracts. Nady is having a career season, sell high. He will get you more in return than any of the other 3. If we keep him and he reverts back to any season’s numbers other than this years, we’ll all be disappointed. Abreu has been more consistant in putting up above average seasons. As others pointed out, he’d be great in a DH role as well. Offer him 2 years, but agree on 3 if he doesn’t take that.
I will be rooting for the Rays in October.
Rooting for a Rays-Brewers World Series.
Why not now? What are they playing for?
Please, don’t tell me they are “still in the hunt”. They aren’t. At this rate, they have a better chance of finishing in last place in the East than they do winning the WC.
You might as well find out what Nady and others can do at certain positions.
That’s what the Yankees have to do these final 6 weeks. Actually play guys who may be with the team next year and see if they can help them next year.
If Nady can’t play first, better to know now that now than go into the off-season trying to convince yourself (”yourself”=the Yankees) he may be able to play the position.
If he can’t play first and is a RF, fine. Play him RF the rest of the year.
I just don’t see the point of playing guys any longer that won’t be back here next year. I really don’t.
At some point, you have to give the Brett Gardner’s of the world 150 AB’s and see what he can do.
You have to play Nady at first or RF or, here’s a “novel” thought, bat him higher in the order, to see if he can do it.
You have to call up Chase Wright on Saturday if Carl Pavano once again begs out of a start and see what he can do.
What possible logic is there to pitch Victor Zambrano on Saturday? Its dumb. He’s not going to be with the Yankees next year. Why give him a start?
Instead of going into another off-season thinking you have guys able to play certain positions or hold spots on the pitching staff, doesn’t it make sense to use the next 6 weeks and actually make a more qualified evaluation of these guys?
It would save them wasting another off-season believing guys can do certain things when they can’t.
I was not for the signing of Giambi. I was hoping they would resign Tino for 2 yrs until Nick Johnson was ready. I was also against trading for ARod. I never like it when this team pushes aside youngsters with potential for the big ticket, hyped up player. Soriano may not have been as talented as ARod but he was a home grown product who was doing just fine.
It is going to be the Cubs OVER the Red Sux, so we can get some FINAL JUSTICE !
I am not saying “sell sell sell on Damon” and unload him for 10 cents on the dollar, more along the lines of if some GM offers Cashman even one appealing player that fills a need, it might be worth going for. Granted, it’s more likely that he’s in LF to start 2009, but my point is why not see what’s out there at least.
i dont disagree. but for the stretch run, if you think you still have a chance, you sit Gardner, and you play Damon in CF, Matsui as DH, and Giambi at 1B, with Nady in LF.
I said it for awhile Matsui is not going to cure the whole lineup but Damon can cause us a series in CF. Expect alot of balls hit up the middle and runners will start taking advantage of his diminished range.
Brandon:
I was listening, but the Yankee brass wasn’t. I said the defense and putting an un-ready Hideki in the line-up would hurt..how would have thought…:)
Giambi gana el “Sombrero Oro”
There once was a player named Jay
Who while in oakland gave the impression he could play
The Yankees covet, and took the bait
No rings since, has been their fate
And when Jay leaves, jubilation rules the day!
or
And when Jay leaves, can he please bring Michael Kay!
How many of you are willing to admit that a few weeks ago you were pushing big time to have Giambi in the all star game, and boasted about voting for him dozens of times?
“I agree with the poster who wants Nady at first, Gardner in CF and Damon in LF.”
Make it so !!!!!!
Then again there’s the inevitable comparison to deck chairs and sinking cruise ships.
Kids this is what steroids do to your body. Contrary to what Flinstone might think Mustaches do not help you hit the ball
Why didn’t we trade up and draft Eric Hosmer? Maybe give up Kennedy, Melky, and our #28th pick to KC for the rights to Hosmer? I’m sure KC would have bitten, they would have gotten 2 quality major leaguers and our pick who they would have had to pay less money to.
Leaving this line-up as it was last night will not get it done.
Like I sadi earlier any shot at this year we need an 07 Rockies type run, going 500 now will leave were we are, or put us in 4th place.
“I said it for awhile Matsui is not going to cure the whole lineup but Damon can cause us a series in CF. Expect alot of balls hit up the middle and runners will start taking advantage of his diminished range.”
he wont cure the whole lineup, but he certainly cant hurt it if you slot him down at the bottom, like where he was last night. thats why i think its crazy to automatically put him in the 5-spot behind ARod… thats expecting way too much from him.
Damon doesnt have diminshed range, but he does have his weak arm. for most teams, i dont think it’s a problem. teams like Boston, TB, Anaheim, however, yes will take advantage when they can.
thats when you mix and match… and thats where Girardi has to earn his money as manager, putting out the best lineup that makes sense.
again, if you want to run Gardner out there in CF, let Nady play some first, ive got no problem with it.
“Why didn’t we trade up and draft Eric Hosmer? Maybe give up Kennedy, Melky, and our #28th pick to KC for the rights to Hosmer?”
because its not the NFL. cant do that in the MLB draft.
I did. I voted for Giambi a couple dozen times. I never said he deserved it, but it’s the bloody all-star game. Players from KC, Seattle and Houston are going fer cripes’ sake.
I say sit Giambi and Hideki…put Gardner and Christian in the line-up…bunting and stealing to manufacture runs..
Scranton now has Kennedy, Hughes, Melky Cabrera and Shelley Duncan. On paper and according to the opening day Roster this AAA team should be better than at the very least the Nats, or the Pirates.
Gardner CF
Damon LF
A-rod 3rd
Abreu RF
Nady 1st
Jeter SS
Christian DH
Cano 2nd
Pudge/Molina
I have a question: when will they know if Posada’s shoulder will be good enough to catch at all next year? to me, he’s the first of the question mark position players. if you have to convert him to first, they need a full time catcher. molina is a great backup, not a starter. Then you worry about the outfield. If it’s too late in the off-season, then you have to make a decision and stick with it. My guess is Pudge gets another $10 mill contract from a team looking for ‘leadership.’ Abreu and Giambi, thanks for everything. Damon/Matsui, hope one of you is worth enough to bring back a hitter.
Have Giambi and Hideki off the bench………or put Hideki in Christian’s slot and have 1 speed guy off the bench, but I actually like him in the line-up espicially against Toronto and Balt, have them 2 guys bunt and put pressure on the thier defense.
Matsui is not going to ride the pine after coming back from his injury.
I agree with not resigning Giambi, Pavano, and either Pettitte or Moose. I think you need to bring at least one of them back (right now I’d lean towards Moose). Next year I think you let Damon and/or Matsui leave depending on how ‘09 shakes out.
But I completely disagree with everyone who wants to let Abreu go. I know he can’t play balls near the wall. I know it seems like he has no heart sometimes. I know he’s in his mid-30s. But if the Yankees want to contend next year you have to bring this guy back. He’s been one of the few guys who actually produced this year. He takes pitches, works counts, steals some bases, and happens to be your leading RBI guy. Give him 2-3 years. You can’t let all these guy go because I don’t see them signing Teixiera or any other superstar bat this offseason.
The offense stinks. He’s one of the few bright spots. I think they have to attempt to sign him.
Regarding the rotation, like I said I think Pettitte or Moose is back but not both. They will go hard after CC, and if that fails they will go after Sheets or Burnett. After watching that guy last night I can’t say I’d be opposed to him wearing the pinstripes. I know his injury history isn’t great, but which pitcher currently on the team hasn’t missed extensive time? Very few. Either way, they definitely sign one of those 3 guys.
09 Rotation
CC/Sheets/Burnett
Wang
Joba
Moose/Pettitte
Hughes
Rasner, Giese, Kennedy, Aceves as reserve starters.
If you keep this same old mentality and same old line-up, your gonna keep getting the same old results……that would be 4th place in the Division and no WC………………
Hideki was no help last night………….he hasn’t had any real at bat’s, 8 minor league at bat’s….
From previous post
miggs,
I agree with your post axcept imo we need to trade one of Matsui or Damon in the offseason. It seems like we will need a slot open for Posada and the other veterans. So Matsui might be a better option to trade.
If we are looking at high ceiling/high risk pitchers. Maybe Harden might be another option.
Not sold on Abreus defense as well. Too many dh’s on this team.
I mentioned these two names before. Thoughts on getting Dejesus to play center and Laroche for first?
It’s too late for it now but Giambi and Abreu should have switched spots in the batting order. Abreu because he’s hitting and Giambi to try and get his bat going while he takes his walks.
Abreu with RISP: .291 .355
Giambi with RISP: .209 .359
Abreu with RISP/2 out: .404 .440
Giambi with RISP/2 out: .208 .382
This is something Torre would do and it usually worked. Girardi? I don’t get it. I guess he’s reading that “study” about how the batting order doesn’t matter.
Somebody will offer Abreu 4 years, though, or he will get into a bidding war on a 3-year deal with the Yankees that might push his price way higher than what the Yankees should be paying in year 3 of that deal.
Yes he’s been a bright spot this year, but he represents all that the Yankees need to get away from to start 2009: an aging superstar-type player whose skills are starting to diminish, and who also is not that athletic and will cost them too much money that could be spent elsewhere on younger, potentially eventually better players.
SJ,
Nady at first? Didnt we try an outfielder/first baseman from the pirates a couple years back. Didnt work out that well. Im done with the first base projects or should i say rejects. Lets get a NATURAL first baseman who has a glove and can throw to second.
Damon DH
Abreu RF
Jeter SS
A-rod 3rd
Nady LF
Giambi 1st
Cano 2nd
Pudge/Molina
Gardner CF
forget the L/R thing !
I would give Damon another few games at CF to see how he adjusts. It is not reasonable to assume that he’s an awful CF based on a single performance, especially when he has shown to be a decent fielder in the past. His offense–particularly his offense with RISP–is desperately needed by this ball club.
If Damon really can’t play CF, then put Gardner there, Damon in LF, and Matsui at all-time DH. Nady should try playing 1B.
At this point, I don’t care if Nady “only” played 80 games at 1B. This team needs to stop choking with RISP, because every time they do, it kills any momentum their pitching or defense might have built up. Nady, Damon, Gardner, and Matsui are all clutch players (Gardner has three game-winning hits this year and more RBI than Melky Cabrera in the last month), and if you throw them in there with Abreu and Jeter, I think our lineup is that much more “clutch”.
We need to cut the dead weight–aka, the chokers. Right now, this team’s most important stat, other than wins, is their batting average with runners in scoring position.
Brandon,
I like it!! Speed on the top and bottom of lineup. Nady protecting our cleanup hitter. Jeter swinging away.
I don’t want Abreu back next year. He can’t field and he can’t steal anymore. If there was an opening at DH I’d consider re-signing him but Matsui is there next year and Damon will probalby need time at DH as well. Nady can slot in at RF and that leaves open spots at 1B and CF, Abreu can’t play either.
SJ44, what are your thoughts on the CF position? I think Melky is a lot better than what he’s shown this year but clearly the Yankees can’t hand him the starting job again. Jackson is a good prospect but he needs another season in the minors. Gardner has shown glimmers of potential but not enough. Would you let Gardner and Melky fight it out in the spring, sign another CF..?
Also, Melky, Christian and Gardner can’t all be on the team next year but I think all three are useful players. Do you see the Yankees trading 1 or more of them in the offseason?
Do any of you have faith in Cashman making the right moves in the off season? Wasn’t it he who put this chemistry lacking team together? What makes anybody think Cashman has the eye for talent be it free agent, trade or minor league call up to really get this team back on track? I for one think Cashmans’ time has run out. This team needs fresh, new leadership, new players and a new philosophy. They already have the young energetic manager in place. Why not help him out by providing him with fresh, young, hungery players and a new G.M. who is not afraid to let go of the past.
Was anyone help last night? Don’t single him out. No one hit.
Giambino, Oh Giambino !
He a no a hittah, no a catchah
Since he a no sticka, drug in assthca
G. Love –
Surprised to see that a Yankee flailing would make you so happy. Good for you – I am sure that adds happiness and meaning to your ‘life’.
We can not afford to lose even 2 more games in the next 8, to have a legitiment shot at anything we need all 8. With 30 something games left and 8 with Toronto, ^ with Boston and 6 with Tampa…
Giambi need’s to sit put Nady at 1st and if you must have Hideki in this line-up DH, I still say put Christian in there needs to be speed at 1 other spot as well as a fundamental guy that will bunt……….
Damon
Abreu
Jeter
A-rod
Nady
Christian/Hideki
Cano
Pudge/Molina
Gardner
Brandon,
I like it!! Speed on the top and bottom of lineup. Nady protecting our cleanup hitter. Jeter swinging away.
And Matsui comes off the bench to PH first instead of Betemit
Sorry,
6 with Boston
Why DH Damon, he’s a good LF. Abreu on the other hand is a horrible RF. Put Abreu at DH, Damon LF, Nady RF, Gardner CF if you want Matsui out of the lineup.
Timothy, did you forget that Christian is in AAA for 10 days guaranteed unless someone gets hurt? 10 days from now he can play every day, since I presume the Yankees will have been left for dead after one of these 2 series on the road. Also, just because he is fast doesn’t mean he should be playing every day, and adding him to the lineup no matter how many times he can bunt or how fast he can get to 2nd base, isn’t going to translate into more wins.
Tidrow,
I think Cashman did a good job on the trade deadline to get Nady(replacing abreu next year),Marte(a real lefty) and Pudge(a starting catcher) for peanuts.
In regards to the offseason. With what they wanted for Santana, most were content not pulling the trigger. Especially after Pettitte re signed. Who would have thought Melky/Cano/Jeter/Giambi would stink and our pitchers would be Pavanoed for most of the year.
Give Cash another 3 years and see what comes of it.
jennifer:
No he wasn’t the only one, but he wasn’t even close to being ready for ML pitching, they refuse to sit someone else, he should not have got the nod over Gardner…They messed up the chemistry they had just got, which we have been waiting all season for.
Good post SJ44. If Nady can play first, then let’s find out now. Giambi is so bad right now, he’s gotten me to think he has brought a curse to the team. Also I get the feeling it will be easier to find a quality OF then a reasonably priced 1B for next year.
“Nady protecting our cleanup hitter”
Said it before and I’ll say it again, Nady offer NO protection for Arod.
*offers
Don’t pencil in CC or Sheets.
Remember we were supposed to get Dice-K, Santana, Zito, etc.
Sabathia probably won’t want to come here and will take a sizable discount to go to LA or the White Sox.
We’ll be stuck with erratic Oliver Perez.
Andrew:
Did they send Christian down.
Its pretty funny that most of you are ripping Giambi. You act like its so easy. If it was easy enough to cut down your swing then why arent any of you playing in the big leagues instead of ripping the pros.
We’re very close to the end of the season and Giambi’s career in pinstripes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcYsO890YJY
Andrew:
It would be more fun watching Christian bunt and try, than Hideki and Giambi whiffing.
James:
The thing is he is a pro you would think he would adjust…or take a different approach.
Don’t want to see Sheets on the Yankees at all. Beyond the injury history, I just don’t get the “I want the ball in a big game” vibe off him.
Damon muffing two fly balls last night is another of the many cosmic signs(that this is not the Yankees’ year.
That and the 11 GB.
It is sad to say, but they need to start looking more and more to 2009. This means, give some guys a prolonged look – like Brett Gardner – to see what he can do in real game conditions. Likewise pitchers. Give Phil a twirl. At this point, it’s not going to hurt his development. What are we going to gain from Pavano getting a start, if he even consents to pitch? At least put guys out there who want to play. Go with Veras, Edwar, even Dave Robertson, in tough situations. Get an idea if Rasner and Sidney are worth keeping around for next year.
Like Pete said in an earlier post, it might get real ugly later in this weeek if they lose another couple. Might as well make the best of the remaining games.
I don’t mean to sound defeatist, but you have to face reality. If they play their cards right, 2009 can be a lot more fun. But you got to have a plan in place. I bet Cash and company do. Just because they haven’t shared it out loud doesn’t mean they don’t. (They better.)
“I think Cashman did a good job on the trade deadline to get Nady(replacing abreu next year),Marte(a real lefty) and Pudge(a starting catcher) for peanuts.”
Ahh I’m not too sure it was for peanuts. Granted it’s a small sample size but so far Karstens is dominating the NL and Tabata is back in the Eastern league but this time he’s raking. He’s at .372/.400/.512 in 43 AB’s. Like I said thats a really small sample size but it looks like he is benefitting from the change in scenery. I think Tabata is going to turn out to be a very good player.
SJ: spot on. No reason to waste the time they have left this season, only to spend the winter not knowing what they have for 2009.
Fredo Corleone:
Definatley need 2 pitcher’s not sure who would come, but like 5 fundamentally sound player’s as well.
Tidrow
i do not have faith in cashman this offseason. we need a new GM who has no bias or connection to the organization. someone who can evaluate top to bottom and decide what needs to stay and go. if that means trading hughes for a young position player or trading cano, moving posada to 1st, etc. then it should be done.
in the past year alone, we did not get santana or rowand. we went into the season with 2 rookies, one of which isin’t even any good (kennedy). we had a terrible draft and didn’t sign 2 of our first 3 picks (and our 2nd round pick was a reach, an igawa-clone actually, and probably needs TJS anyway). we also failed to sign inoa.
we need creativity this off-season. signing superstars to $150 million dollar deals will not accomplish much. we have to identity what type of team we need to build and bring in players that fit that. we need to shake the lineup up too. the only way to do that is by making smart trades (such as trading hughes for a young position player or even trading a guy like Damon or Matsui to clear up space). i dont think cashman has the creativity to fix this team. he’ll probably put blind faith in the overhyped kids again and sell hank/hal on the fact that the fans will be ok with it because of the new stadium they will sell tickets.
“Sorry but, if you are the #5 guy in the order, drawing walks is not something that’s positive for the team.”
Ladies and gentlemen, dusty baker! The guys at firejoemorgan.com would like to see you at once sj44. Now go on to tell us how he’s clogging the bases!
Hideki whiffing and not trying? He’s played exactly one game since being back. You can disagree with the move all you want and point to some mumbo-jumbo about messing up the “team chemistry missing all year” that was discovered in 2 wins over last place Kansas City, but it is extremely unfair to pass judgment on Matsui’s “readiness” because you personally think he needed more than 3 games in the minors to get ready and because you watched one game where he didn’t immediately go 2-for-4 and drive in some runs. Last night’s game is on Johnny Damon dropping fly balls, it’s not on Hideki Matsui. And trying to blame Matsui by proxy because well if it wasn’t for him Damon wouldn’t be in CF blah blah blah, Damon is a major league player who spent most of his career playing center field, there is no excuse for him to be flat-out dropping the ball. All the complaints that popped up about Damon in center were about his arm–those plays last night had nothing to do with that, it was just him flat-out blowing it.
And yes, Christian is in AAA right now.
Juan Rivera an option for RF?
So, did anyone else notice Bettances had 12 K’s in a game a few days ago? Nice..
Dear Mr Giambi,
We regret to inform you that your status as unofficial spokesman for MIA seems to have worn out its usefulness. What was once a clever marketing gimmick has since deteriorated into an outright mockery. As a result, we no longer wish to continue our relationship with you and ask that you shave your upper lip immediately. If in the future you are somehow able to perform like a real professional baseball player, please feel free to contact our sideburn subdivision as they are currently in need of a male “70’s style” dancer-entertainer to perform at their annual Christmas extravaganza.
Timothy Clougher:
Matsui was in no way fooled and his approach to Burnett was sound. He just got under two pitches thrown by a guy who has tremendous stuff. Why not give one of the Yankees most consistent hitters since 2003 a day or so to get his bearings before sitting him for a AAA veteran. Furthermore, I am of the opinion that Gardners game based on getting lots of infield hits would be negated by the speedy astroturf and strong defense of the Jays. Having a nice day against the likes of Brian Bannister and the Royals doesn’t get you playing priority over a near .300 lifetime hitter who has been excellent for us over the years.
“Juan Rivera an option for RF?”
no.
I voted for Giambi many, many, many times. It was fun! And at the time, he was hot and it wasn’t for a starting spot. I did not vote for him to start the game. Actually, the whole ’stache thing was a bright spot this season. Light-hearted and fun. If only he hadn’t cooled (iced) down….
Maybe a “stache” isn’t enough. Should the Giambino graduate to muttonchops?
Andrew:
If it wasn’t for that Damon wouldn’t be in CF, blah, blah, blah..Thanks for clarifying my point.
Excuse as evident last night, if you read my previous post, to Jennifer, they wopuldn’t bench anyone else, as evident since May. Hideki was great in 07…this 08, our best option IMO last night was Gardner.
FWIW –
The heralded Yu Darvish is on TV right now pitching for Japan.
“So, did anyone else notice Bettances had 12 K’s in a game a few days ago? Nice..”
He’s getting hit every so often, but the control is really coming together and that’s what’s important. He’s still walking a few guys, but the BB/9 has been down and the K/9 has not suffered because of it. Things are looking up for him.
There was also concern about Damon’s legs, which was mentioned by Joe G, earlier last week and why Gardner was the new “CF”.
“you are losing offense sitting Giambi and playing Gardner, at a time in which the yankees can ill afford to.”
How are we losing offense when Giambi doesn’t get any hits? You can’t lose something you don’t already have.
“Beyond the injury history, I just don’t get the “I want the ball in a big game†vibe off him.”
except for that pesky gem in the gold medal game against Cuba in 2000, yeah i get what you mean.
The Mustache Institute of America
lol. Can he have the stache with the sideburns as well in the christman extravaganza?
Wow…people are blaming Matsui already? Although I am one of the cynics, blaming him is just stupid. If someone mentions that he’s ruining team chemistry, then they are failing to note that this team has no team chemistry, so their argument is null and void. There are few players I would rather have up in a big spot than Matsui and leveling any ounce of criticism for last night (his first big-league game since June 22, in a year that he’s been out a lot) is just downright stupid.
“Said it before and I’ll say it again, Nady offer NO protection for Arod.”
He offers more protection than Giambi does because there’s at least a chance that Nady might get a hit. At this point, what are the chances that Giambi is going to get a hit? He either walks or whiffs. That’s not protection.
Patrick – Interesting note on Tabata. Someone previously posted an article about Jose and how relaxed he is now. One thing Cashman and Co. have to do is evaluate how players will play in NY. I think everyone agreed Tabata had significant potential, but if he would never reach his ceiling under the bright lights, then he should be traded. Just because he will play will in Pitt. does not mean he would have here and does not mean it was a bad trade.
I believe that Arod, Jeter, Posada and probably Cano are back. That leaves you 1b and two outfield spots up in the air. I would argue to let Abreu and Giambi go (Pudge will be somewhat dependent on Posada), and see if you can get anything back for both Matsui and Damon. If they play well the remainder of the season, with one year left on their contracts you can get decent pieces back. The offense can’t be much worse next year than this year, try changing the overall dynamic.
I fully believe, especially with CC, that the pitching can be special in the rotation and the pen. We need better all around players, ie players that can actually be counted on to play defense for the majority of a season.
Ty:
Again here we are putting a guy in the line-up with a cane, and sitting a good youthful player just starting to play good. So let’s not start him and weaken our D, and playing someone who has been out for 2 month’s……….
Yeah and your point is that you completely expected Johnny Damon to drop two completely catchable fly balls, because you have seen him do that so often and know that it was bound to happen, right?
Yeah you are doing a great job taking a hatchet to Matsui in all your posts, because apparently someone who wants to contribute and has done that when he’s been in the lineup, deals with pain and works his way back from an injury that was seen universally as the end of his season, is really the current problem with the Yankees. It’s not any other players, it’s that damn Hideki Matsui coming back and runing this great thing the team has going off those two stunning wins against the Royals. And, Matsui was great in 2008 when he was in the lineup, in case you forgot–his numbers still show up when he comes to the plate.
“How are we losing offense when Giambi doesn’t get any hits? You can’t lose something you don’t already have.”
but ill take Giambi’s player history at the MLB level over Gardner’s.
again, i dont think giving time to Nady at 1B is a bad idea. gives you a chance to evaluate him as a potential 1B candidate for next year.
but if you are going to sell to me that you are making a final push for the postseason, you play Giambi instead of Gardner, and keep Nady in LF. ride your horses.
Why don’t you just watch Minor league baseball if you want to see that type of talent play?
Why do you need to see MiLB on YES so badly?
For all of trhe Yu Darvish fans the game is on MSNBC right now versus the USA
This unfortunatly is a vicious circle, with putting all the stats guy’s from 07 in the line-up even if they are not healthy.
Sorry I like Hideki as well and I’m not blaming him for last night, because he shouldn’t have been in the line-up.
Yes it was just KC, if they are so bad, why didn’t the Yanks bring Hideki up for those games?
Gardner just got some confidence then we sit him, great move.
TurnTwo:
How is that a final push, it hasn’t worked for 145 games?
which one is darvish? the guy in the navy blue uniform? the 1st baseman?
Sorry a 125 games?
This same line-up has not produced for 125 games, so keep it like it is, put and ailing Hideki in there, and watch the ship sink.
Giambi is garbage but he still gets his walks. He doesn’t need to be removed from the lineup. He just needs to be moved from the 5 hole. He has no business there.
Matsui? Geez at least let him get his timing back before you start to get on him. Were you one of those that booed Irod the first day too?
Gardner is here for late innings, pinch running. Playing him and benching one our most clutch hitters because Gardner has a 2 game hitting streak is ridiculous.
jason,
I never said it was a bad trade but its not like we gave away garbage and got back gold.
I think your plan for the offseason sounds about right, but I don’t think I’d give up on Damon and Matsui so easily. Those are two of our best hitters and Damon is still average in LF. Also both guys have great fundamentals and care about winning. They certainly have some trade value but I don’t think Cashman could get a return equal to Matsui or Damon’s production.
“How is that a final push, it hasn’t worked for 145 games?”
im not saying its what I would do.
i’m saying if thats what the yankees feel they should do, then they should ride the horses theyve got their money on.
again, i dont have a problem seeing some different lineups in order to evaluate the talent for the 2009 team.
“except for that pesky gem in the gold medal game against Cuba in 2000, yeah i get what you mean.”
Who cares about Olympic baseball? I’m talkin’ bout the bigs.
I just don’t like the way he’s responded to the Brewers being in a race the past couple months. 2-6 in his eight decisions since the Sabathia trade with a 4.00 ERA (in fairness, the Brewers did win the 2 no decisions). He was especially bad in a big spot vs. the Cubs and watching him some last night, he looked more uncomfortable in a big game than Favre did when he signed with the Jets.
Not saying he’s been awful, but certainly not ace-like. Further, you put that on top of last year, when he closed the season with one win over his last 5 starts, compiling a 6.14 ERA in the process, as the Brewers were losing the NL Central by 2 games.
For all of “Yu” Darvish fans, lol
hes the starting pitcher
This could be a great offseason, or a terrible offseason. It could go either way.
Who exactly are “all the stats guys from 07 that aren’t healthy” that you are talking about? The only person that fits that description is Matsui. SO, regardless of what you say about liking him or that you’re not blaming him, you are still singling out Matsui as the reason why the team didn’t win yesterday by constantly complaining about the removal of Brett Gardner from the starting lineup as a huge problem and a “head-scratching” move. Why he didn’t get brought up for K.C. has nothing to do with how bad they are, Matsui was busy playing in rehab & simulated games so he could be as close to ready as possible, although apparently you expected a 30-day rehab assignment. All in all, I’ll be interested to see how quickly you call for Brett Gardner to be removed from CF if he ends up playing out there and either makes some defensive miscues or continues to struggle with the stick. My guess is you’ll start posting about how much Justin Christian could bring to this team playing every day…oh wait, you’ve already been doing that, I forgot.
At first I thought that this guy Darvish is AMAZING – hitting 106 on the gun!!!
Then I noticed that NBC is showing pitches in KM/H – does anybody have a slide rule? Jimmy Carter?
“he looked more uncomfortable in a big game than Favre did when he signed with the Jets.”
Fredo,
The Jets will be dangerous this year (dangerous being a good thing).
If this ship has officially sunk. Then we are going to get 2 possitives out of it.
1.Cash and company wont be re-signing these OLD veterans that are on their last leg for 09 and will look to reload.
2.1996 bandwagoners will have finally jumped off.
Now i just have to get myself to wait till next April to wake up from this nightmare. We Yankee fans have been spoiled these past 13 years. Hope we start a new streak in 09 for us and the new batch of bandwagoners.
“He offers more protection than Giambi does because there’s at least a chance that Nady might get a hit”
Agreed, but that’s not the point. The point is, having Nady behind Arod does not improve the quality of pitches Arod sees. If there is ever a key situation when a pitcher and/or manager ahs the choice to pitch to Arod or pitch to Nady, the answer will be Nady 100% of the time. That’s not protection. Protection is what Abreu sees hitting in front of Arod. It’s what Ortiz saw when Ramirez was behind him. Now, with Youklis behind him, Ortiz is chronically getting walked in late game situations, even as Youklis has been making people pay for it. Pitcher is always going to pitch to the lesser bat…..’cept that one time Moose pitched to Ramirez.
“The Jets will be dangerous this year (dangerous being a good thing).”
A good thing for whom??? That’s an 8-8 team waiting to happen.
Everyone favors these fricking superstars face it this is the crap that has held us back, no situational players,no blue chipper and old players and older and older. We had a 24 yr. old in CF and the minute one of these frickin’ vets…you know what it’s just not fair. It just isn’t.
“but if you are going to sell to me that you are making a final push for the postseason, you play Giambi instead of Gardner, and keep Nady in LF. ride your horses.”
In theory. The problem is that the Yankees have too many hitters that they need to have in the lineup, but not enough defensive spots to use them in. In my mind, you have to have Damon and Matsui in the lineup. You also need to have Garnder in CF for defensive purposes. I have no problem sitting Giambi {because at this point, he’s just wasting at bats}, but then who plays 1B? Nady? I doubt that he’s good at it. Damon? Same goes for him too. Matsui can’t play the field at all so what do you do? Something has got to give.
Patrick – sorry after rereading my post in made it sound that you were against the trade. That was not my intention. You are right I think Tabata will be a good to very good ballplayer. I just don’t know if he coul have done that in NY. Again, I forgot who posted it and what the link was, but the quotes from Tabata about being relaxed, away from the spotlight, and the manager about getting a fresh start etc. would make me question his NY-ablity.
I don’t want to give up on Damon or Matsui, but I think you only should keep one of the two. I also think Cashman etc should consider how competitive the Yanks will be next year. This will be partially determined on who shows up for spring training via trade, free agency, promotion from minors etc. But if you can get some value (above one to two draft picks) that either will merit when they walk after next year, I think it has to be seriously considered.
let gardner be the everyday CF
let matsui get his surgery so he is healthy for next year (either for us or the team he is traded to)
put giambi on the bench and bring up miranda.
I can’t wait till the offseason when we by the AL All Star team. It’s laughable how they have continued the same sh** since 2000 offseason, hey lets put a superstar here, lets put one here, lets put another one here, watch the offseason when they attempt to get Mike Cameron and call him a GG CF, IT HAS TO STOP !
“We had a 24 yr. old in CF and the minute one of these frickin’ vets”
Well the 24 year old in question was a less than .200 hitter who strikes out in a 1/4 of his AB’s and plays a good, but not great centerfield. It’s not like a 24 year old Ken Griffey was benched.
Last night was NOT about Damon’s range in CF. He got to both balls last night without trouble and 99 times out of 100, catches those balls. He made mistakes (errors as we like to call ‘em, but the scorekeeper in Toronto apparently doesn’t). Mistakes happen.
GI joe is no different than torre
both of them brought matsui back into the lineup when the team was playing better without him. it failed is in 06 and failed us again last night.
just like the pudge traded sent everything out of whack now andy asked to not work with him.
The line up has not been good. One game doesn’t make that a good line up. And don’t compare what Joe T did. That team was playing well with the pieces. Joe brought him and Sheff back and had Sheff the butcher play first in the playoffs when he never played there before.
Well the 24 year old in question was a less than .200 hitter who strikes out in a 1/4 of his AB’s and plays a good, but not great centerfield. It’s not like a 24 year old Ken Griffey was benched.
Hey you know what I don’t even give damn anymore ! you want to keep calling these players a scrub before they are even given a chance BY ALL MEANS GO AHEAD !!! It’s the same SH** EVERY YEAR !
Sitting Giambi and trying Nady at 1st would be the only way to fit Damon, Gardner, Matsui and Nady in the same lineup. Knowing Girardi, he will probably sit Damon altogether because there is a lefty on the mound tonight.
Andrew:
I guess you forgot about trying this same scenario in April and May with Posada.
Yeah Hideki has been great in 08, again Apr and May.
I really don’t care if he’s hurt and a gamer, point is he hasn’t played since June, he is 1 twist away from being out for good.
Your refusal to look at what is better for the team, tell me how Hideki in the line-up is a better move at this point in the seaon, really do tell….
“And don’t compare what Joe T did”
You mean when he won 4 titles and made the postseason every year he was on the job?
steve -
The team was not playing better without Matsui.
And when Torre brought Matsui back from, his first game was like 5-for-5 or something crazy like that.
Matsui was not the problem last night.
Hey Brandon, Tabata still looking good in AA. One might even say he is “raking”.
“Gardner is here for late innings, pinch running. Playing him and benching one our most clutch hitters because Gardner has a 2 game hitting streak is ridiculous.”
Then he should have been in the game last night because chances are high that he wouldn’t have dropped that ball.
We would have been better off had Matsui had surgery.
steve,
Our offense has sucked all year. Matsui wasnt the reason we lost. Burnett was filthy at times and our regulars continued to do the usual with men on. Matsui is one of the most clutch players weve had in years. Its not like he went out to first base with one leg. Our offense is crappy!! Plain and simple. BTW. If this was Torres team. Gardner would still be in aaa.
Hey Brandon, Tabata still looking good in AA. One might even say he is “rakingâ€.
You think I’m still over that deal !
Don’t you understand that the team hasn’t accepted that they are in “give these players a chance” mode yet? They are (or were up until last night) trying to get back into a playoff race. So they are going to try and get the most out of the best offensive players available to play, which would include Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui, and not include Brett Gardner.
That is not to say that Brett Gardner is a scrub or doesn’t deserve a chance, but he is just going to have to wait and pick his spots until the white flag is run up, or until Matsui’s knee flares up again. Once either of those things happen, you will see him in center a lot more often.
Everyone says that this team is dead, and it sure looks that way, but this team is another 8 game win streak away from being right back in it. Such a streak is not likely, but it is not out of the question either.
By the way, Pudge has officially slipped to Type B free agent so that ends that discussion on whether or not Pudge should return.
man i was just looking at http://dicegay.blogspot.com/ . so old but still so good
Its not like the Yankees were playing well before Matsui came back. The fact is, Matsui with no knees is a better hitter than Gardner. The Yankees still have a chance (albeit small) of making the playoffs so Matsui is going to play.
Once the Yankees announce that Joba won’t return this season, it will be officially over.
Andrew:
They haven’t hit well all year, defense gives them a better shot at winning now. Hideki or Giambi should have not been in the line-up, but going with the Manager’s track record I doubt very much he would sit Giambi. Toronto is the worst 1st game back for a person with a bum wheel. Gardner just started to come around. I said it last week this was a bad move. No I had no idea that Damon would drop to fly ball’s, but guess what the move came back to bite them in the defensive area. Hideki would have been a better option off the bench last night. IMO, by the way I do respect your opinion, we just don’t agree.
One thing about the 2 teams in NY atleast the Mets play thier kids, you think Daniel Murphy or a Nick Evans plays on this team nope they’d be riding the bench. It’s not about giving up on the season sometimes those kids are the reason you can make it but again SAME CRAP YR. AFTER YR. lose your spot on the starting unit because the has beens need thier time on the field otherwise they start crying to the press.
Trenton’s offense >>> Yankees offense
“I really don’t care if he’s hurt and a gamer, point is he hasn’t played since June, he is 1 twist away from being out for good.
Your refusal to look at what is better for the team, tell me how Hideki in the line-up is a better move at this point in the seaon, really do tell….”
So then if that 1 twist occurs he goes and has surgery and you and Brandon can stop crying over Brett Gardner getting pulled from the lineup. Matsui in the line-up is the move to make because they are looking to score runs. They’ve had people on base all year long, but they have not had people capable of driving them in all year long. That is why Matsui right now is the choice for the line up, because right now at whatever % of health he is at he is still a better run producer in the lineup than sitting on the bench in favor of Brett Gardner. Posada came back for that same reason, but he couldn’t physically do it. It’s not like the lineup was completely clicking with either guy out of the lineup, so I don’t know where you are getting all this from–Posada was trying to help, just like Matsui is. Posada couldn’t physically help, so he shut it down. If Matsui finds himself in the same position, he will shut it down as well.
“Everyone says that this team is dead, and it sure looks that way, but this team is another 8 game win streak away from being right back in it. Such a streak is not likely, but it is not out of the question either.”
I would love for the Yankees to surprise me and rattle off 10 straight wins. I just don’t see it happening. There is something fundamentally wrong with this team and that is not something that you can just fix overnight. They have been struggling for 100+ games. To all of a sudden stop struggling now would be a miracle.
Patrick â„¢:
I never said that Hideki wasn’t a better hitter than Gardner, at this point in time Garnder brings more to the table to offer on a regular basis than Hideki.
Tabata said it himself that there was so much pressure playing in the Yankee system.
He’s probabably playing better because there’s no pressure and he has hope. He’s already said he can ascend faster in that organization. (because you don’t have 35 year olds with albatross contracts blocking you)
“One thing about the 2 teams in NY atleast the Mets play thier kids, you think Daniel Murphy or a Nick Evans plays on this team nope they’d be riding the bench”
They really haven’t any other options available Brandon. They’ve been decimated by injury in the OF. Tell you one thing, if/when Church comes back, those two kids are riding the pine or in the minors in favor of the recently exhumed Fernando Tatis.
And the defense argument, I agree you want to have your best defensive team out there, but I don’t think you can make the argument that defense is winning the Yankees any games…defense can lose you games like it did last night, but I don’t know if you can say that Brett Gardner’s D in center will actually win you any. Last night someone still would have had to drive in some runs, and there has yet to be any evidence to the contrary that anyone is capable of doing that consistently on this team. And likewise on the fact that we agree to disagree, it’s an important argument because it shows how doing something that seems right can end up seeming terribly wrong one day later. But I still stand by what I think is the right move.
“Then he should have been in the game last night because chances are high that he wouldn’t have dropped that ball.”
He should have but this is Joe Giardi’s managing.
“defense gives them a better shot at winning now”
why, so we can hold the deficit to only 2 runs?
“I never said that Hideki wasn’t a better hitter than Gardner, at this point in time Garnder brings more to the table to offer on a regular basis than Hideki.”
And I wholeheartedly disagree. If the Yankees think they have a chance at the playoffs, Matsui is a better option than Gardner. There shouldn’t be any question about that.
Andrew:
They need to put the best defense on the field that they have. Having Hideki off the bench for situational hitting would be a wiser move.
Wow! Dice-K Liriano has allowed only one run this afternoon thru 4 innings……..and 87 pitches.
While on the Twins, who lead the A’s 2-1 in the bottom of the 4th, what a great manager they have. I know Maddon has to be the runaway MOY this season, but when it comes to getting a lot out of a little, Mr. Ron Gardenhire knows what time it is moreso than most.
TK–I fail to see where I’m happy that Giambi is failing. You just don’t have enough skill with words to even attempt a relevant comeback since your argument yesterday when I suggested (like many others here) that Giambi should be dropped from the 5 hole was to chastise me like some lame schoolteacher with your OPS stat.
But keep trying cubbie. I encourage it. You might actually use more than 2% of your brain trying to wrap winning this argument around your head. I’m sure Bill James has a book somewhere that can help you.
This season was over even with Joba pitching. It doesn’t matter how good our pitchers are if they don’t have any run support.
All the blame goes on the offense (not the pitching or injuries). Everyone has dealt with similar problems. Look at the Sux:
- Tek’s not hitting
- Colon out for two months, Beckett out for a month total, Wakefield out for a few weeks, Dice-K out for a month+, Schilling out for the season, Clay has been horrible
- Lowell has missed a ton of time
- Lugo out for a month+
- Horrible bullpen
- Ortiz out for two months
- No Manny
Our offense is just sad. We have a leadoff CF who drops TWO flyballs. Captain DP. A-Rod who tries to be the hero every AB. Giambi who will swing and miss at any pitch. Cano who can’t hit or field. Matsui’s now back with an awful knee. And then I-Rod, no pitcher wants to throw to him and he can’t hit. Our most reliable hitter is an ex-Pirate.
All Fernando Tatis wanted to do was make enough $ to build a church–ridiculous story, lucky break for the Mets that he would end up ripping the ball.
Fredo under Manuel I don’t think that happens, Church has had that concussion problem or did you forget. I do give them credit they give thier kids a chance. Atleast more than this team has. Again I don’t get why everyone in this roster who is a vet is a F’n automatic pencil him in guy.
You guys w/ these stupid veteran superstars WHO HAVE DONE NOTHING ! NOTHING ! MY mind wonders had Melky been in CF would they have benched him too ? all this talk about the prospects and what role they play I HEARD THE BS FROM GI JOE THAT BRETT WAS GOING TO BE THE EVERYDAY CF…I thought damn atleast something is being done to change things, but no here we have the Japanese Babe Ruth who can’t run, isn’t even back to himself, is not an every day option but to keep him in the lineup we had to cator to Damon because he’s such a great leadoff hitter who doesn’t listen to the coach when he tells him to bunt.
When will you guys wise up to crap like this.
And guess what we lucked out last night, wait till those hitters tee off to CF and hop scotch Damon strains something in CF it’’s only a matter of time.
Andrew:
If this logic stays the same, they will finish 4th and be fighting not to be in last…..
I would be willing to bet that Gardner would have had 0 luck with Burnett. I will take Matsui anyday, and of course, Damon proved why Melky took CF from him in the first place.
Wait. Any average, heck any below average, major league CF could’ve made the play right? How is that Girardi’s fault?
JobaRules…:
Don’t even bother with that scenario he never got the option.
I don’t know how or why, but Liriano’s thrown 105 pitches thru 4.2 innings.
Girardi made the right move. We need offense. Without runs, it doesnt matter whether we have a bad arm in center. This time it cost us, but before that i think 90% agreed with this choice and getting matsui in the lineup ASAP. Now tonight, i bet damon sits.
mel-go, go, Waipio!:
I don’t know I wonder who changed the CF.
Damon should not sit, he just shouldn’t be in CF, you don’t take him out of the line-up.
i’m trying to compile a list of people who have first and last names that are also complete sentences. actual spelling of the name doesn’t matter.
If you must have mykneehurts Hideki in the line-up take Giambi out of the line-up, good luck with that.
Try this lineup Joe:
1. Damon CF
2. Jeter SS
3. A-Rod 3B
4. Abreu RF
5. Nady LF
6 Matsui DH
7. Giambi 1B
8.Rodriguez C
9. Cano 2B
“all this talk about the prospects and what role they play I HEARD THE BS FROM GI JOE THAT BRETT WAS GOING TO BE THE EVERYDAY CF”
Nobody regards Gardner as a legit prospect. At best he’s keeping a seat warm for the legit guy currently playing in Trenton. Again, the Mets have no choice. They lost Church and lost Alou. They had to go to those guys. I’m familiar with Church’s concussion issue. I believe that’s why he’s been out. If he comes back (and he’s rehabbing in New Orleans now), he’s playing.
The only way to get matsui in the lineup and hold damon in there too is to move damon to left and nady to 1b. Matsui didnt come back to sit the bench. He will be productive and he will play.
Yeah, and that’s a realistic possibility regardless of whether Brett Gardner or Johnny Damon are in CF. That one move isn’t the difference between 3rd place, 4th place or last place in the division.
Also, I love how Matsui is somehow made to be the villain in all this. That is some real short-sighted garbage. And wow, surprised that Joe Girardi wasn’t truthful when he promised a rookie a job? Don’t you remember those quotes about “Ian Kennedy is a member of our rotation” or, more recently, “Darrell Rasner is a member of our rotation”? The guy loves lying or, less harshly, not telling the truth about his lineup/roster decisions.
Give me a break with the crocodile tears about veterans taking away precious playing time and the fans “needing to wise up”–this is a veteran-reliant offensive team, and it is not going to change when one of the few non-egomaniac team-minded veterans comes back and is ready to play. It has nothing to do with the fans wising up–the onus is on the organization to change the makeup of the team for next year. But for now, Matsui is a better option to help the team score runs, and he is going to play.
Damon has been our most consistent hitter, I cannot believe you want to bench him…
Andrew:
Unfortunatly I agree with you take on this, that is why they will finish 4th or 5th, guaranteed.
I dont want to bench damon. I want him out of center-field. Hitting, ill take him over gardner, especially since he will be looking to make up for last night.
I don’t know, Timothy. There’s a lot of Monday morning quarterbacking going on.
Girardi didn’t say, “I need the offense, but do I risk putting Johnny in CF so he can drop 2 fly balls today?”
One play didn’t matter and the other shouldn’t have mattered if you had more scoring. But we faced one BAMF of a pitcher who went 8 innings. They worked the pitch count the best they could, but Toronto still had him in there at 120 pitches. What few opportunities they had, they failed to capitalize on. That’s the real issue still.
Everyone makes mistakes, but this team makes so many that they cannot be ignored.
If we won that game 5-2, Johnny’s dropped flyballs aren’t so glaring.
It was lame outfielding, but it’s not Girardi’s fault that Johnny dropped those balls. It’s all Damon.
A-Rod was quoted today as saying that the Yankees have to push the envelope if they are going to make up any ground this year. The quote was in relationship to him going for 2nd base last night but the article implied others felt the same but they were not quoted.
Not sure exactly what he means by pushing the envelope- more hit and run, steals, less station to station or just getting hits?
Would you prefer the team to play percentage baseball for the rest of the year or try playing like their hair is on fire even if it means running into extra outs now and then?
Hideki is not a better option he gets maybe 4 at bats a game, Gardner plays 9 innings of defense, and we saw how important defense is. Save your crocodile tears for the Yankee less post season.
Where did this myth of younger means they’re better start?
It took 10 years and a name change for the Rays to compete.
The oakland A’s, what have they done?
WS winners average age past 4 years:
2004 Red Sox 30.5
2005 White Sox 29.2
2006 Cardinals 29.6
2007 Red Sox 30.1
Yankees Past 4 WS wins avg age:
2000 Yanks 31.3
1999 Yanks 30.8
1998 Yanks 30.4
1996 Yanks 30
The whole Younger argument is garbage. We compete every year. I’d rather see the superstar than the guy who’s not even a rising star.
mel-go, go, Waipio!:
Sorry go back to the Iceburg, myself and Brandon predicted the defense would cost us if Hideki took Gardners spot. Guess wht Damn if it didn’t happeen………
Iceburg a previous post….
E-Man, those superstars of yours are not doing a thing at the plate. And we are not competing this year – one game in front of the Jays! With this season pretty much over, I’d rather see young guys playing and adjusting to the big leagues.
What the Sux do so well is mix young talent with *reliable* veterans. If we could duplicate that, we would be in first.
BAT A-ROD LEAD-OFF !!!!!!
I know its a bit unconventional on its face, but . . .
What he does well:
Hit w/nobody on base
Hit solo HRs (see above)
Steal Bases
What he does poorly:
Hit w/RISP (especially HRs with RISP – 5 this year)
Have him bad lead-off and Yanks may have some early 1-0 leads and he can avoid at least 1 AB per game w/RISP
Guess wht Damn if it didn’t happeen………
And it’s going to happen again tonight. This isn’t something that just happened, he really got lucky yesterday night, but even that will run out.
Timothy,
I understand what you’re saying, but 100 times out of 100 Johnny makes the play right? It was not something that anyone could’ve predicted.
You and Brandon were more concerned about line drives going over his head. You were worried about extra bases on his arm. But there was no way that you could’ve seen those two dropped balls coming.
“Would you prefer the team to play percentage baseball for the rest of the year or try playing like their hair is on fire even if it means running into extra outs now and then?”
Desperate times call for desperate measures. I’d rather the Yankees go out swinging rather then them playing it safe and praying that something good happens.
Michael K
Now that is outside the box thinking!
I’d like to see the whole team DFA’d and for us to bring up the GCL Yankees.
“E-Man, those superstars of yours are not doing a thing at the plate. And we are not competing this year – one game in front of the Jays! With this season pretty much over, I’d rather see young guys playing and adjusting to the big leagues.
What the Sux do so well is mix young talent with *reliable* veterans. If we could duplicate that, we would be in first.”
The problem this year was any time the superstars would heat up, they would be given a day off.
Any time they were slumping, they played every single day.
The thinking in that makes no sense. When you’re in a zone, you don’t want to be taken out of it. That goes with anything not just baseball.
Bat A-Rod Leadoff
YES!!! I agree!
He was a leadoff batter in HS and he would likely make the best leadoff batter since Rickey Henderson.
I’ve been saying all year long, he is not a cleanup hitter…last year was an anomoly for Arod. Matsui should be cleanup, even Nady would fair better than Arod.
Mussina should bat cleanup—he’s clearly our best player.
mel-go, go, Waipio!:
We wouldn’t had to worry about dropped balls if he didn’t bench the CF, Giambi has not been so awesome at 1st or hit with RISP to not ride the pine. If Hideki was the savior for the offense why was he hitting 7th, the 3-4-5 combo hasn’t worked all year, he should batted him 5th then. and moved Giambi to 7th, that is why the move was pointless.
I will be so glad when Giambi is gone next year. A 7-yr waste.
… and yes it’s just about time for ridiculous suggestions.
E-Man, totally agree that there is a huge problem on when Girardi gives days off. It seems like he planned out them out in the beginning of the season and disregards a slump or hot streak.
Can Damon play 1B? He is a lefty.
I thought Bernie had a bad arm but geesh, Damon really does throw like the ball like a 6 year old girl.
“Desperate times call for desperate measures. I’d rather the Yankees go out swinging rather then them playing it safe and praying that something good happens.”
Me too.
“Sorry go back to the Iceburg, myself and Brandon predicted the defense would cost us if Hideki took Gardners spot. Guess wht Damn if it didn’t happeen………”
Damon took CF – to call it Gardners spot is such an idiotic thing to say that it doesn’t even bear discussion. How many games has Gardner played there?
You can rag on Damon’s arm all day and night and I won’t disagree – but no one could have predicted TWO dropped fly balls. It is a totally random and unfortunate occurrence.
The problem has been offense – and adding Matsui to the line-up – as good as he is in situational hitting – is totally defensible. If you want to second guess it – have fun.
As much as I want to quit and write off the season, I still sit here and say “if we can just win the next 2 games and the series in Baltimore….”
I don’t know why I have that sliver of faith/hope for these guys left. There’s actually no good reason for any of us to think this team is going to suddenly play to their capabilities after this many games…yet, I still would not be surprised to see them rip off an 8-10 game win streak and make this interesting.
That said, we probably get swept in Toronto and leave there in 4th place and that’s all she wrote.
That seems logical based on the way they’ve been playing.
I just can’t shake the feeling that there’s still a chance. Old habits die hard, I guess.
“E-Man, totally agree that there is a huge problem on when Girardi gives days off. It seems like he planned out them out in the beginning of the season and disregards a slump or hot streak.”
Yeah. I just don’t get it.
Girardi needs to have a mandatory “Mini Camp in Baseball Fundamentals” in February for next year.
It’ll be like little league practice.
TKinDC:
Call it what you want the defense cost us big time last night, there no guessing the defense cost us…….
Pete,
Here’s something you and the other, ahem, professional bloggers here might be interested in.
There’s a link to an excerpt about blog ethics. Please not the part about using publicly correcting any misinformation and disclosing conflicts of interest. Just kidding!
Anyway, interesting stuff for anyone who writes or read blogs.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/tru.....gging.html
*note
“Also both guys have great fundamentals”
Nothing is as fundamental as catching the ball. Nothing is as fundamental as bunting. Damon has trouble with both. Other than that, you’re right, Damon has great fundamentals!
“This could be a great offseason, or a terrible offseason. It could go either way.”
Woah now. Be careful. You’re really going out on a limb there.
“Would you prefer the team to play percentage baseball for the rest of the year or try playing like their hair is on fire even if it means running into extra outs now and then?”
This is beyond ridiculous. Imagine having a similar conversation with your doctor/CPA/lawyer.
I just can’t shake the feeling that there’s still a chance. Old habits die hard, I guess.
That’s what it is.
We’ve seen them come back many times before, so in the back of your mind that’s there.
Unfortunately what we see on the field doesn’t justify any optimism you might have left.
I pretty much gave up a few weeks ago but I found myself saying last night, “OK, I’ll just give them until September 1st and see where they are at.”
Giving up is just hard to do and quite depressing really.
TKinDC:
I didn’t call it Gardners spot Joe G did…
“TKinDC:
Call it what you want the defense cost us big time last night, there no guessing the defense cost us…….”
Not if we had scored 4 runs.
TKinDC:
I understand your upset because the Hideki move was a flop.
That’s true.
Tabata couldn’t hack it here. He alluded to it when he was suspended and he alluded to it today. You never want to hear young players admit to it, it looks weak just like Kennedy did.
But where exactly was the pressure coming from? It’s not like anybody expected him to come up to the majors this year or anything. He was the youngest player in his league and was still thought of outside the organization that he was legit. He doesn’t have to deal with the NY media or getting booed or any of that. Did he correlate the discipline that Franklin put on him to feeling “pressure”? Atleast Kennedy had an argument because he was in the NY fishbowl. I doubt Trenton writers were ridiculing Tabata about hitting for power.
I’m sure Cashman was able to gather the same thing from talking to his people/scouts and thats why he decided to trade him. That was such a non-Cashman type trade, which proves that he did his homework and had a strong feeling it wouldn’t work here.
Let him rake in Pittsburgh, what good is it if he couldn’t do it here?
TKinDC:
We also had a shot, If the CF made the catch in the 8th, IMO much more realistic than us scoring 4 runs off Burnett.
White Sox rolling 9-1. Twins up 3-1 with bases drunk in the 6th.
Ain’t just about the Yankees winning anymore. They need teams to lose too. ):
“TKinDC:
I understand your upset because the Hideki move was a flop.”
No – I’m upset b/c the Yankees lost.
Every at bat for Hideki over Gardner is an increased opportunity for offense – which is what we have needed to win games – unless you haven’t been paying attention.
Bat A-rod leadoff because he did so in high school? What are you nuts?
The guy may not be hitting with RISP this year, but every other year in his mlb service, he has. Everyone needs to just relax and wait for the ‘09 season.
“We also had a shot, If the CF made the catch in the 8th, IMO much more realistic than us scoring 4 runs off Burnett.”
I assume you don’t know what Burnett’s ERA is.
guys it is over.. this team is not making the playoffs.
Damon has value on the trade market… He is a 300 hitter with 1 yr on a deal, of course he has trade value.
Of course you need a mix of vets and young guys.. last I checked mo, arod, jeter, posada, etc are not exactly teenagers.
Giambi is gone is 35 games that is it.. they are not sitting him, maybe change the order but they are not sitting him Damon cannot throw but he can cacth, he just messed up.. Once they are really eliminated fro mthe playoffs they will play Gardner more…
Fatcessa and other morons have already concluded Gardner cannot hit so it must be true!!!They are never wrong, and they are so knowledgeable….
Timothy,
There’s only so many slots. Who do you suggest they bench? You got 4 players for 3 spots.
You’ve got to get Matsui going.
Damon’s one of our most reliable bats.
Giambi’s making too much money to ride pine. And even if he did, he forces Damon to the OF or Betemit to 1B.
It wasn’t the popular thing to do, it wasn’t the correct thing to do, but it was the obvious thing to do.
Pick your poison. It’s not that easy, because they’re all toxic.
BTW, I am not defending Damon. In fact, he’s one of my least favorites. But he shouldn’t be indicted for the ills of the whole team.
And I’m not trying to irritate you and apologize if I am. It’s just putting a piece of crap car back together and you got too many pieces. In the end, you can’t get to where you want to go because the stupid thing’s not working.
TKinDC:
Then why bat him 7th, that is not the spot in the line-up that has come up with RISP, have you been watching.
Trading Damon would be the smart thing to do. I’d trade one of Damon or Matsui. Get rid of the age and clear up the DH spot.
“If Hideki was the savior for the offense why was he hitting 7th, the 3-4-5 combo hasn’t worked all year, he should batted him 5th then. and moved Giambi to 7th, that is why the move was pointless.”
I’m thinking that Girardi wanted to get him back into the swing of things without putting a lot of pressure on him by batting him high up in the order of a floundering offense. It was just his first game back. So maybe he needed at least a little adjustment time?
The Damon in CF drama – trying to be at least a little bit reasonable here, or dealing with the reality of the situation, you know that Girardi was going to DH Matsui, and you know that he wasn’t going to start a mix and match experiment at this point in the season and under the current circumstances (Nady at 1st, etc. etc. etc.). So he made decisions based on playing everyone he intended to play. Whether that changes the tighter things get (will be he willing to try anything to win at some point?) remains to be seen.
1. Damon did something he typically does not do – he dropped balls that should have been caught. It wasn’t his poor throwing ability (the one thing that always worries me) that caused the run to score. Had he caught the ball, the run would not have scored.
2. The only run we scored was started by Damon’s walk.
Just pointing out the entire scenario.
“Trading Damon would be the smart thing to do. I’d trade one of Damon or Matsui. Get rid of the age and clear up the DH spot”
Trading them is fine, but don’t be expecting much of anything back.
so any suggestions for my list of people with names that are also complete sentences when said out loud?
so far i’ve got:
Tom Waits
Pete Rose
Jeff Wood
Tim Raines
Ross Gload
Chase Utley
Matt Stairs
there’s definately some i forgot over the years.
“Then why bat him 7th, that is not the spot in the line-up that has come up with RISP, have you been watching.”
So you bat Gardner 7th so that his awful production doesn’t hurt you? I really think you are reaching.
The team loses b/c even though we are getting pitching that is very effective, we aren’t scoring runs.
Hideki is a much better offensive player than Gardner and you are saying that hitting Gardner is ok b/c the 7th hole doesn’t matter? I hope you understand that the make-up of the line-up has effects up and down. Why pitch to Nady if Gardner is coming up next? I don’t get your opinion.
Just look how likely it is looking that we get 92 or more wins this year and then come talk to me about the chances we make the playoffs this year. ( hint….the answer lies somewhere between “slim” and “none” )
mel-go, go, Waipio!:
I take no offense to your opinion, but IMO and I know I’m the only one, I wish he would have benched Giambi and let Hideki bat 5th, so if he was his old self and had to play, he would had more at bat’s with RISP, at least from the past few series. I know everyone say’s Gardner is a AAA player, but we need defense as well, we aren’t throwing Nolan Ryan out there everyday, and Burnett was striking out people left and right, you have to try some bunt’s to get a guy on base and make the pitcher think about his pitch’s not saying Gardner would of got on bunting, but he is the only one that would’ve been in the line-up trying it or being told to do so.
“Giambi’s making too much money to ride pine. ”
mel -
I’m not trying to be difficult (
) but his contract is done – the dollars don’t matter so much anymore imho.
Sounds like Tabata was making a little bit of an excuse to why he didn’t do much in Trenton.
TKinDC:
I was talking about if Hideki is the offensive savior, why was he hitting 7th. The 3-4-5 combo hasn’t worked all year, Giambi should have been moved out of the 5th spot, if every saying in this post Hideki is our “best” situational hitter. Gardner should bat last or 1st if he is in the line-up.
“sunny615
August 20th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
By the way, Pudge has officially slipped to Type B free agent so that ends that discussion on whether or not Pudge should return.”
where did you get this info? i was under the impression these free agent types weren’t decided until the offseason…
TKinDC:
Why wasn’t Hideki hitting 5th?
“Then why bat him 7th, that is not the spot in the line-up that has come up with RISP”
Three hitters is front of him had OBP’s of .401, .387 and .385 respectively.
Tim -
It might have something to do with the 55 games he has missed, but I will defer to your expertise if you have another explanation.
what about miranda??
“Trading them is fine, but don’t be expecting much of anything back.”
i disagree, to a certain extent. you’ll certainly get salary relief, at minimum. but if you offer to pay a certain portion of the ‘09 salaries, you can prob get back one nice prospect in return.
but for those looking for a Bedard-like haul, or something like that where you’re getting 3-4-5 guys back, yeah, thats just not going to happen.
but if Cashman could get back 4 useful players for a 40+ year old Randy Johnson, and 3 players for Gary Sheffield, i’d imagine you can get at least 2 players, including one good prospect, for Damon and/or Matsui (both on 1 year deals).
I’m sorry, something else is bothering me.
Someone yesterday asked why was Rasner still in the game in the 7th inning. Get 6 from him and be grateful or something like that.
According to game day, Rasner was at 69 pitches through 6 innings. 75 after 6.1. Gave up the homerun on his 82st pitch.
What kind of dope manager takes out a starter when his pitcher was averaging a little more than 11 pitches per inning?
Giambi may be making too much money (something I don’t agree with) to ride the pine.
He’s making too many outs w/RISP to continue to bat fifth in this lineup. Actually, its ridiculous he wasn’t moved out of that spot weeks ago.
He’s hitting .205 with RISP and is batting 5th in the lineup. Sorry but, that’s just nuts.
Melky Cabrera was hitting .204 w/RISP and got sent to the minors. That’s how bad Giambi has been this season, hotshot OPS and all.
At this point, Girardi can pull the names out of a hat, it doesn’t matter. This team isn’t hitting.
When you haven’t hit for 120+ games, you don’t all of a sudden “find it”.
Matsui deserves to play because the guy busted his hump to come back and try to help this group. Frankly, you celebrate guys like that on a team. If this team had a few more guys who were more about team like Matsui, they wouldn’t be this pathetic.
The only questions left for this season are, Who is back? Who is gone, and who will be the guys coming in next year?
The rest of this stuff is all noise.
I’m sorry but if were going with all the previous posts, Hideki should have been right in the middle of this line-up not at the back end, were if he get’s on who will hit behind him….
“Why wasn’t Hideki hitting 5th?”
I’m thinking that Girardi wanted to get him back into the swing of things without putting a lot of pressure on him by batting him high up in the order of a floundering offense. It was just his first game back. So maybe he needed at least a little adjustment time?
Or was that answer too rational for you?
Hey SJ I posted this earlier…
“we aren’t throwing Nolan Ryan out there everyday”
Damn close. Our starting pitching has been pretty astounding.
For the guy who is suppose to help the offense so much, it’s a poor spot in the order for that.
Please don’t be rational now, when there are irrational moves being made to line-up daily.
Circle your calendars that September 21st will be the last day Giambi will be seen wearing a Yankee uniform in the Bronx.
The ink is dry already on his $5M buyout and Hal Steinbrenner only needs to put a September date on the check which he’s chomping at the bit to do right now.
Giambi is at the head of the line of others that will see that day be a day of significance.
Assuming Teixeira stays with the Angels, Cashman should waste no time in going hard after Casey Kotchman as the Yankee 1st baseman of the future in a clever deal with the Braves over the winter.
To bad our defense has let them down so often this year.
“Melky Cabrera was hitting .204 w/RISP and got sent to the minors. That’s how bad Giambi has been this season, hotshot OPS and all.”
Sadly SJ – that is also about what Melky hit w/o RISP too in the last 3 months.
I agree with you that Giambi’s contract doesn’t matter when there is 1.5 months left. We can just look at him as virtually a rental now.
Let Giambi get his walk in the 7th spot.
Baseball is such a hard game to figure.
How could anyone have predicted that the Yankees, with one of baseball’s best offenses in ‘07, have one of the worst offenses in ‘08?
Conversely,how could anyone have predicted that Tampa Bay, with a mlb worst 6.61 bullpen ERA in ‘07 , have the majors best bullpen in ‘08?
For me, it was predictable that IPK would bomb this year. I was never all that impressed with him last year despite his record. But I would never have predicted that A Rod, coming off one of the greatest seasons of any right handed hitter in American League history, would be hitting only .250 with RISP. That’s 53 points below his career average.
“Assuming Teixeira stays with the Angels, Cashman should waste no time in going hard after Casey Kotchman as the Yankee 1st baseman of the future in a clever deal with the Braves over the winter.”
i think you are forgetting that the Braves traded for Casey Kotchman to be their 1B of the future… but then again, i guess it doesnt really matter what they want.
You don’t put a guy back in the middle of the lineup who has been out for 2+ months. Not the way to go.
Matsui was where he should have been in the order last night. Let him see some major league pitching before moving him up.
Patrick,
CF is a big question mark for next year. If Austin Jackson is not ready to play at the major league level next year, they may have to look to free agency or the trade market for a one year stop gap guy.
I think Melky’s days are done in NY and I’m not sure Brett Gardner is an everyday player at the major league level.
Jackson is the real deal in terms of talent. He has MUCH more talent than Cabrera and Gardner. Jackson and Jesus Montero are the most talented position players in the Yankees system since Derek Jeter. They are that good.
Its also an indication as to how poorly this franchise has done developing their own talent from within. That’s another topic for another day.
The question is, can Jackson be ready early? Probably not.
Which means, they need to find a one year stop gap for CF. Not a star. Not a 10+ million dollar a year guy. Just a guy who can make plays and help the team win.
“I’m thinking that Girardi wanted to get him back into the swing of things without putting a lot of pressure on him by batting him high up in the order of a floundering offense. It was just his first game back. So maybe he needed at least a little adjustment time?”
I can only agree 100% with the wisdom of this.
Well with the line-up moves, and the reality of the rest of the schedule, this team will not finish 500.
“but if Cashman could get back 4 useful players for a 40+ year old Randy Johnson, and 3 players for Gary Sheffield,”
Guess we need to agree on a definition of useful. 5 of the 7 don’t meet my definition and the jury will be out for awhile on Sanchez.
Though, I agree that if the Yankees ate some of Damon’s salary they could get some B level guys like they got in the Johnson/Sheff deals.
You don’t put a guy in and weaken your defense either.
Matsui should have been were he belongs in the doctor’s office getting his knee ready for next year.
“Matsui should have been were he belongs in the doctor’s office getting his knee ready for next year.”
Do you have any notion what kind of hitter Hideki is?
I guess not.
SJ44:
Here we go with the superstar minor league talent again, I know Nolan Ryan (Hughes), Sandy Koufax (Kennedy) really helped alot this year.
Why are you guys doubting Gardners abilities without giving him a full chance. Let him lose the job next year. He deserves that oppertunity. He has 2 more game winning hits than most of our roster. Now you all may be right that he doesnt have the ability to hit, but he’s earned the chance to prove us wrong.
Yea hes hitting like .200, but how much of that came in his first 15AB when he went like 2-12 or something like that.
SJ44:
Funny how your so high on Jackson who is in AA, yet you don’t want Gardner to get a shot now who is on the team.
“Just a guy who can make plays and help the team win.”
I’m sure our friends to the north would be happy to make Covelli Crisp available. I believe he’s got one year left on his deal.
TKinDC:
When healthy he’s good unfortunatly this is 2 yrs the knee has bothered him.
I say the Yankees lose the rest of their games this season and get a #1-3 draft pick
TC –
You know he was leading the AL in batting this year – no?
You will all be kicking yourselves next year when Brett Gardner is our starting center fielder hitting .300 with his .380 OBP.
TKinDC:
Your talking about Apr-May, most of June he was hobbled.
Now you want to slowly transition him back for, WHAT?
If we are to stay in this so called race, we need to win now, you want to give him a chance in a lower spot in the order, why if he’s on, wouldn’t we need him now.
Why are you guys doubting Gardners abilities without giving him a full chance.
Because it’s what spoiled Yankees fans do. Another notion is the Tabata arguement god forbid a 19 yr. old goes through struggles it must mean he will never make it in NY. Fact is that they gave up on him too young.
“Yea hes hitting like .200, but how much of that came in his first 15AB when he went like 2-12 or something like that.”
Actually it was first 63 at bats when he went 9 for 63 with 19 strikeouts.
Russell NY:
I won’t be…
“I say the Yankees lose the rest of their games this season and get a #1-3 draft pick.”
I don’t think so.
More like the 14th pick and don’t have to give it away when Sabathia is signed.
You will all be kicking yourselves next year when Brett Gardner is our starting center fielder hitting .300 with his .380 OBP.
He’s not going to hit 15 HR but .300 AVG and .380 OBP is not incapable from a guy like Gardner, but this is the NY Yankees if you can’t hit it out of the park you have no chance here.
Tim,
You really don’t understand player evaluation do you?
Just because Jackson is in AA doesn’t mean he’s not more talented than Gardner.
He’s 4 years younger. Has more power, is a better hitter, has a better arm, and is a better athlete. He’s also been a better player in his AA year than Gardner was.
There isn’t a scout in the game who doesn’t think Jackson is a better major league prospect than Gardner.
You are going to have to come to certain realities soon. They aren’t spending another billion bucks to rebuild the team.
They aren’t going to sign 7 free agents in the off-season. They also aren’t going to have a 240 million dollar payroll next year, regardless of whether or not Cashman is back.
Guys like Austin Jackson are going to be important to the future of this team. He, like Montero, have to be good. If they are, they have guys that can be contributors, while being cost controlled, for the next 5-6 years.
If not, they are in big trouble because, as we are seeing with this team, a lineup of former all stars, isn’t exactly the way to rebuild a team.
I don’t care what anyone here say’s, you all know that moving Gardner from CF was a bad idea.
Everyone was hoping Hideki would come back and hit 3 HR’s last night. Reality is pulling the kid out of CF, hurt…
“Another notion is the Tabata arguement god forbid a 19 yr. old goes through struggles it must mean he will never make it in NY. Fact is that they gave up on him too young.”
You can live that because you get an everyday outfielder in return, no??? Nady’s no all-star, but he’s a legit .285, 20-25, 85-90 type. Making that deal doesn’t mean the Yanks gave up on Tabata. Means they wanted an established OF now. You gotta give something to get something.
SJ44:
I do understand it, but Gardner is on the team now, and he desreved to play last night more than many in that dug-out.
I’m not sure who they should have benched, but it shouldn’t have been him.
SJ44:
I actually totally agree with most your post on the youth. We need a CF now, Gardner is a good player, he earned the right to get a shot, Jackson will not be ready until, maybe ASB 09 or 2010.
“I don’t care what anyone here say’s, you all know that moving Gardner from CF was a bad idea.
Everyone was hoping Hideki would come back and hit 3 HR’s last night. Reality is pulling the kid out of CF, hurt…”
Maybe you could start your own blog and people would care what you say. You could also make up things that other people think so reality wouldn’t matter so much.
TKinDC:
We say the reality of the move last night, no need for my own blog.
We say what?
TKinDC:
I cannot stand to see this team lose, we do the same thing for 50-60 games, total fustration when no changes are made.
Then finally we make a change, it worked for 2 days, we switch right when it started to work.
TKinDC:
Sorry saw….
Reality is that Damon scored the only run. That’s reality too.
reality-Damon lost the game for us
Gardner had 5 hits his last two games & the Yankees won both of them. You know Matsui was not going to hit a top pitcher like Burnett his first day back. Why force the move? The best teams have a combo of vets & young players, the Yanks have a REALLY old lineup right now, only Cano is under 30. Forcing Matsui back last night reminded me of forcing Shef. & Matsui back in the 1st round against the Tigers 2 yrs. ago. Remember how that went?
What will it take to freakin drop Giambi out of the 5 hole. He is terrible and hasn’t been good since the All star break.
He should 86 the lip fuzz and grow muttonchops!
And, I thought Jason wore a “Golden Thong” to prevent such events from happening! Or, would you say not enough balls and too many strikes!
The Big G may have had a Golden Sombrero but us Yankee fans got the Golden Shower from this team this year.