Moving up the home run charts
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Sep 09, 2008 
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Career home runs as a Yankee
(Through Monday)
1. Ruth 659
2. Mantle 536
3. Gehrig 493
4. DiMaggio 361
5. Berra 358
6. Williams 287
7. Nettles 250
8. Mattingly 222
9. Posada 221
10. Giambi 206
11. Jeter, Rodriguez, Winfield 205
14. Maris 203
15. Dickey 202
Notes: Giambi hit 187 for Oakland. … A-Rod hit 189 for Seattle and 156 for Texas.
Pet, can you list them with RBI as well?
Go to yankees.com historical stats and you can find anything you are looking for.
Gehrig 1995
Ruth 1975
DiMag 1537
Mantle 1509
Berra 1430
Bernie 1257
Dickey 1209
Lazzeri 1154
Don M. 1099
Meusel 1006
Jeter 1000
All Time RBI’s as a Yankee
1. Lou Gehrig 1995
2. Babe Ruth 1975
3. Joe DiMaggio 1537
4. Mickey Mantle 1509
5. Yogi Berra 1430
6. Bernie Williams 1257
7. Bill Dickey 1209
8. Tony Lazzeri 1154
9. Don Mattingly 1099
10. Bob Meusel 1006
11. Derek Jeter 1000
12. Jorge Posada 883
13. Paul O’Neill 858
14. Graig Nettles 834
15. Wally Pipp 826
16. Dave Winfield 818
17. Tommy Henrich 795
18. Roy White 758
19. Tino Martinez 739
20. Elston Howard 733
Other Notables
22. Thurman Munson 701
23. Bobby Murcer 688
29. ARod 605
30. Giambi 597
34. Phil Rizzuto 563
35. Willie Randolph 549
38. Hideki Matsui 507
42. Reggie Jackson 461
43. Chris Chambliss 454
45. Lou Piniella 417
If we can just 17 or 18 of our remaining games, we have a chance !
LOLOLOLOLOL HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA 
( win them, I mean )
What is worse, being a troll on another teams blog using queer smiley faces, (not that there is anything wrong with that) or not reading your post and having to post an edit????? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Yankees holding pregame team meeting
by Ed Price/The Star-Ledger
September 08, 2008, 8:04 PM
The Yankees closed the clubhouse to media for a 10-minute team meeting before batting practice. This likely is more than a first-day-of-a-series scouting meeting, since the Yankees haven’t had one since mid-August.
With just 19 games left, the Yankees are 8 1/2 games out of a playoff spot.
UPDATE: The meeting was about appropriate behavior in the clubhouse, I’m told. Nothing more. No pep talks.
THis is odd. WHat could be going on in the clubhouse that warrants a meeting?
some of the fatter yankees are hogging mussina’s hard won treats.
“THis is odd. WHat could be going on in the clubhouse that warrants a meeting?”
That is strange. While the team has been a major disappointment this season, they’ve always conducted themselves with professionalism. Only things I can think of are 1) A party atmosphere as their ’08 season circles the drain or 2)frustration resulting in a skirmish.
Hey Pete any idea what this was about?? A little late in the season to call a meeting regaring behavior?
Probably a P.R. meeting telling the players to make sure they sound “concerned yet hopeful” when answering questions about their quickly disappearing season.
Jeter was perfect last night in his post game. His answer to every question = ” We just have to win games.”
This is when it’s helpful not to actually care about the team you’re covering because I think if I was a reporter in the room, I wouldn’t be able to keep myself from laughing at some of these answers.
Girardi has lost the team and this meeting they had is about hiding that fact from the media.
For my mental health, I’ve stopped tracking games but I did want to respond to this thought Pete had yesterday about a question to Hank about Girardi coming back next season:
“Once this door opens, there is no closing it. Personally, I think it’s stupid to ask. He has a three-year deal and any manager deserves more than one season to show what he can do. But coming in fourth place next season probably won’t be tolerated.”
This seems like an overreaction to me – the question is going to get asked any time we don’t make the playoffs – it was asked even about Torre years before he left.
The same question will get asked about Cash – like it always is, and all the coaches.
Maybe if it was mid-season and the question was asked about Girardi it would have more significance as a sign of trouble – but at the end of the year it is a yawner to me.
I thought part of the reasoning of hiring Girardi over Don was because Girardi could be fired without a lot of fan outrage. Regardless, Girardi should get another chance but I think they’ll keep the radar tuned in.
Bill Dickey really is the forgotten Yankee. Never hear anybody talk about him.
They’re falling…falling
Back…..back
In the standings…..standings…
TK:
I took this “Girardi will be back” thing as an announcement by the Hankster moreso than a response to a question.
Torii Hunter got too much support for being a nice guy in the Yankee postgame from Yankee players. Even if they really believe it, fake at least a little outrage. Other teams do it all the time.
Missing the playoffs is a certainty.
The problem is, will 2009 be any different?
The glass half empty scenario:
The 2009 FA position player list is very weak-except Tex, whose agent is looking for big bucks and long years, and Bradley another DH type, plus Adam Dunn, and out against lefties with high strikeout ratio, and also best suited to DH, an area we already have covered by multiple players.
We have very few “realistic” tradeable chips, many by their recent play have lost their worth-players like Ramirez, Veras,Robertson,Marte, Betemit,Gardner,Cano.
Others because of salaries, Cano and Marte again, Damon, Matsui, Posada.
In order to compete IMHO, we need to do the following, much of which has been reiterated time and time again by bloggers in Pete’s column.
We need to sign two quality FA starting pitchers.
This will allow us to trade[ our only strength] some of our quality young arms in the minors for quality young athletic position players.
We need to let the current FA’s go, few to be offered arbitration, like Abreu who is likely looking for 3 years, which would be a mistake for the Yankees, as good as he’s been with RISP, he’s in his declining years.
As SJ44 has said more effort in orginization and restructuring in the front office is needed for guidance for Cashman, if he elects to come back.
This will be a trying offseason for the NYY, as revenue sharing has let the teams compete for quality FA’s, and the luster of playing in NY, especially for a young player, doesn’t exist. This means CC might take less money to stay in NL.
This has been the most disappointing and frustrating season for all of us, and hopefully there will be some solid FA signings and good trades made to turn us into an exciting younger, flexible, athletic team that can compete for years without the major overhaul it will take this offseason.
While I would agree that Girardi’s first year has been a complete disappointment, and its easy to blame him because he in essence took over a team that has done nothing but make the playoffs for a generation, I think talking about his job security is a little premature. I say lets see what the yankees can do with healthy seasons from Wang and Joba before we write Girardi’s obituary.
“Others because of salaries, Cano and Marte again, Damon, Matsui, Posada.”
YT, Cano’s salary is not the problem. His play is. At his salary, age, and capability, he remains a desirable commodity. However, with his play falling off as it has this season, I think the Yankees will view his value as higher than other teams will(read: Yankees see the ’05-’07 Cano and want to be compensated accordingly while other teams want to offer compensation based on the ’08 Cano.).
i can’t believe I may be spending 2X what I spent this year on tickets for next year.
FYI, The Yanks always manage a scam regarding ticket plans.
Last year my section got designated MVP status and the price shot up 30% as if MVP’s sat in the upper deck. They didn’t even bother printing up new tickets for us. Really just the price was MVP.
Next season they’re making all the weekend plan holders buy 2 additional weekday games as those are the most difficult to sell.
I feel like I’m in a bad relationship.
Shocking Peter taking Girardi’s comments out of context….
I am shocked!!!!!!!!Exactly what Girardi warned the reporters not to do…
Nah Peter does not have a agenda…..
Cano is having a year worse then the likes of biran doyle, alvaro espinosa, and others… the guy barely has a 300 OBP, that is Jose Molina like..
this team needs a total house cleaning, they will save a ton of $$$$$$, and if they make some smart decisions they will be a lot better off..
John Garland is not very good but the Yanks have zero patience and are clueless at the plate. I would micromanage each player and force them to take many many more pitches. They need to be treated like rookies because they play like it…..
Bronx Jeers -
I would like to hope that the Yankees didn’t choose Girardi over Mattingly because it would be “easier” to fire him if necessary. I think a lot of fans were uncomfortable with the prospect that if Mattingly got the job and didn’t do well they’d have to fire a Yankee legend.
Mattingly couldn’t have done any worse than this year has been.
“This means CC might take less money to stay in NL.”
He’ll be under some pressure to take the biggest paycheck, but if it’s close, I’d guess he sticks to the NL. Yankees job will be to make sure it’s not close. Means they’ll overpay, but that’s the way it goes.
“I feel like I’m in a bad relationship.”
Then break up with them.
I don’t think Cano should be moved. He has the ability, he has hit .342 and .314 as a 23 and 24 year old after all. What he needs to do is change his approach and become more selective at the plate. When he is at his best he stays back on the ball and drives it the other way. This year he seems too jumpy and is either pulling of or lunging at the plate. He seems Lost most of the time now but I think he’ll get it back together. He has talent 25 year olds just don’t loose it….do they?
The meeting was likely to discuss the answers to provide the media for the barrage of questions they’ll be asked from when the team is mathematically eliminated and up to the final game on Sunday, September 28.
For the 10 remaining home games, the roll calls will be weak and without the normal enthusiasm.
“I think a lot of fans were uncomfortable with the prospect that if Mattingly got the job and didn’t do well they’d have to fire a Yankee legend.”
Yogi was fired as Yankee manager, hard to top a Yankee legend like that. The hiring of Girardi was due to the idea that he was supposed to be DIFFERENT from Torre, more “fiery” and passionate as opposed to Mattingly who was always the gentleman. I recall plenty of fans on this board didn’t want Mattingly because they perceived him to be a pushover.
I don’t think anybody, regardless of manager, would have thought the Yanks would be in the sad state that they are.
Yankee Trader :
I echo your thoughts.
ECHO …. Echo … echo … ec
“I feel like I’m in a bad relationship.â€
Then break up with them.”
I can’t. I’m still in love.
The meeting was to make sure they sound beat up after every loss and not to take cues from Ian Kennedy.
Mattingly is another inexperienced manager with no credentials. No idea if he can manage a clubhouse, handle the media, manage a bullpen, nothing. He would have been just as much of a disaster, IMO.
We should have just gone with somebody like Bowa or Pena— a veteran who has had some success before and knows how to handle a clubhouse and reach these players. It didn’t have to be a flashy guy, just a change of personality. Nobody even knew who Jerry Manual was but he was a perfect fit for the Mets as a veteran who knows how to manage.
“What he needs to do is change his approach and become more selective at the plate.”
That’s been true from the day he got here. He’s always been a free swinger. He’s never going to be Bob Abreu at the plate. Some of it is bad luck, as his BAbip is nearly 50 points off his career average. Some if it is a little pull happiness (how many times has an outside pitch resulted in a routine grounder to the right side). Some of it is lack of concentration.
In the end, I think the people who see him as an annual contender for a batting title are nuts. He swings at too much crap. However, I also don’t see him as a .265 hitter either. Truth is probably somewhere in the middle of .265 and .342, which is to say Cano’s a .300 hitter when he’s on his game. That’s a .300 hitter with pop, who plays a very solid 2nd base. There’s value in that.
since they activated sanchez off the DL, do they plan on bringing him up when the playoffs are over? seems kind of odd they would activate him so soon.
Scorpio -
And a lot of fans remember how it was when Yogi was fired, and likely didn’t want to have to go through those feelings again.
I got the impression that Girardi was hired because he had a plan. He was prepared and I’m guessing he had “all the right answers” for whatever they asked him.
He did address the bullpen. I think he did a very good job of managing that area, some recent bad performances notwithstanding. I think the starters not going even 6 full innings on a regular basis took its toll. But overalll, liked this.
I think the injuries hampered what he wanted to do with the regulars. From the first month, Jeter missed time, ARod missed time and Posada missed time. It messed up how he wanted to rotate Damon/Matsui/Giambi, having to play bench players from the get-go a lot more than any manager would want to.
Initially Rasner did okay. Initially Ponson did okay. Initially, Pavano has been doing okay. But none of them could hold up, really, and none of the were true replacements for Wang and Joba or even for Phil Hughes, if we give him the benefit of the doubt of being more injured (rib) than just performing poorly (Kennedy performed poorly).
No home games in April, to speak of, either. The whole season got off on the wrong foot and never really righted itself. It should have. The team has the talent and I’m disappointed that these veteran players couldn’t seem to pull it together. Who knows why? If anyone says he does, he’d be guessing at best, lying at worst.
Girardi deserves another season. He needs to self-review over the off-season. Moves need to be made, of course. And then we’ll all see.
“He did address the bullpen.”
Did he??? Or did Cashman? One reason Torre bullpen management over the past 3-4 was questioned is because aside from Mo, they had very little depth. He was compelled to use guys more than they should have been used. I think Joe G had a lot more to work with than Joe T did. I think the Joe G did a reasonably good job managing the pen (not his fault that Veras and Edwar have been exposed), but I credit Cashman for giving him more bullets in the gun.
As long as Girardi shows any signs that he may have what it takes to succeed with this team and demonstrate that they have chosen well, newbie ownership is not going to show themselves up by reneging so soon on the first big decision they made.
From what I read and hear, ‘friends’ of a couple of teams in the market for new GM’s have been circling Cashman just to let him gather that there are other options waiting for him out there — and he’s not reacting like he’s an automatic re-sign for NYY. But Hank and Hal are dependent on his experience and knowledge and don’t want to add a new GM to the mix of incomers who are barely gelling at the top of the organization.
Looks like NYY FO will try to move forward with both, so the only hope for those of you screaming for them to go is that Cashman will decide on his own to move on.
Bronx Jeers–
How is it that your seats are going up as a partial season ticket holder but mine will go down lol.
I currently sit in Field Box seats which are $85/game. Next year my section is not even available for partial season ticket holders the highest level of priced seat that I can get is $75/game and that is hoping that they even give me that pay level.
I dont mind the extra two games as finally with the new Saturday plan they give you Old Timers Day whereas in the passt that has been part of the Friday plan for some reason.
The thing that makes it bad is that they assign you seats based on the questionairre you fill out (WHICH IS DUE TODAY) and if you dont like the seats they assign you go into the VERY complicated lottery system based on all these variances to see if you can get better while at the sametime you give up the seats they assigned you.
So for me I think just take what they give you and try and upgrade each year if you can.
Fredo, good point.
Also I seem to remember that Mr. Torre knew enough to recognize Edwar for what he was from the outset.
Cashman provided the bullets, yes, but Girardi figured out how to use them.
That Giambi is ahead of a guy like Roger Maris on that Yankee home run list is pathetic. Without roids and HGH, he never would have been here, let alone climbing the home run chart. I don’t know what is sadder, his actual existence or the many Yankee fans who cheer him over the years at Yankee Stadium. Yankees deserve everything they got from that signing, which is zero titles. Go ahead, whote his great OPS. I hate him.
“Cashman provided the bullets, yes, but Girardi figured out how to use them.”
Yeah, to a degree he did. My point was that Torre didn’t have the bullets for 3-4 years and got killed for it.
Doreen –
Very good points, I must admit I was a mere babe when Yogi was fired so no personal recollections of the impact. I agree, Girardi definitely presented himself to the Yankee brass as having a plan and even I was rooting for him to be manager.
Now having seen him in action however, I really question Girardi’s sense of the game, he’s made some highly questionable moves based on “the numbers” and that darn book he keeps flipping through when the move should be obvious: Bunt! You id i o t!…benching Damon for Christian? huh?…walking Hafner to load the bases to face a Victor Martinez? huh?!…don’t even mention Bobby Meacham.
There’s more but I lost count. Girardi deserves another year but I do think that he does not have control over this team. They don’t respect him therefore lack motivation.
Here’s hoping for a better 2009.
“I dont mind the extra two games as finally with the new Saturday plan they give you Old Timers Day whereas in the passt that has been part of the Friday plan for some reason.”
I’ve had the Friday plan for years and we don’t get Old Timer’s Day.
I have upper reserved MVP. I was told that if I want grandstand MVP which is what I want at 25$ per, I should at least request the tier or mezzanine or whatever they’re calling the old upper box at 40$ per.
And yes full season holders are getting much bigger discounts than partial.
The lower class always gets screwed. you should see what they ask for postseason from us. The increase ratio compared to the lower deck is not fair at all.
No, Mr. Torre saw Edwar make a very good first impression and then sat him for 2 weeks and when he used him again he didn’t get the same stellar result (I wonder why????) and so Edwar fell into the doghouse.
Look, I loved Joe Torre. I wanted him to accept the Yankees offer. I was upset he did nothing during the midge game, but I liked him overall as the Yankees manager. But one of his biggest weaknesses was his bullpen management. Maybe he didn’t have all the bullets that Girardi has, but the fact is it looked like he didn’t use the ones he had to their best advantage all the time.
A difference I think in managerial styles, which probably is reflected in the way the bullpen was used by each of them, is that I believe Mr. Torre managed the bullpen to win today and Mr. Girardi has managed the bullpen so that it would be effective over the long haul. Torre’s bullpen was worn out by the end of the season; Girardi’s may have gotten the Yankees through the playoffs, but we won’t ever know that for sure.
As I’m typing this, I’m also wondering if the message to the players was the same. Win today, worry about tomorrow, tomorrow – Joe Torre. But maybe Girardi’s message was to try and keep an even keel over the course of the season to maintain the health and strength of the players in an attempt to get them to last through the playoffs instead of fading in round one. He took for granted the fact the his players would perform to their abilities and he took for granted that coming into spring training in shape would minimize injuries or at least fatigue. It obviously did not work, because you can’t control all the variables. I think this is what Girardi will see when he “self-evaluates.”
Eh. It’s a theory.
Girardi may yet turn out to be a good manager. Remember that Torre had three other teams to practice on before he got here. I just felt Torre should have been treated better at the end. Yankees handled his exit badly. They didn’t have the guts to fire him when they really wanted to after 2006, and last year they took a cowardly way out by making an “offer” they KNEW he would have to turn down. It was actually vert Met-like the way they bungled that.
this team is just horrible. go yanks 09
RE Bullpen: Fredo seems to be on to something there. While Torre’s bullpen management was questionable his last 4+ years or so, he did what he could with what he had. When he had a bullpen to work with (Mo, Nelson, Stanton, Lloyd, and Mendoza) he was better. When the options are from the likes of Karsay, Osuna, Acevedo, Miceli, Hammond, Farnsworth…ect who can blame him for ridding a Gordon or a Mo into the postseason. Going into this year the pen was set up similarly with Joba expected to be the set up man and everybody else’s roll being tba. Injuries caused Girardi to use the pieces Cashman gave him differently.
hey Doreen,
when exactly were Mo, Nelson, Stanton worn out at the end of a season? It was a miracle the Yankees won as often as they did from 2002-2007 with the retreads preceding Mo out of the pen. Proctor worn out? the guy was hardly a super talent to begin with. Look at some of those names in the 96 pen. People harp on Torre’s alleged mismanagement of the pen because they have to – there is nothing else to rip the guy for.
17-1…or 18-0 is NOT impossible ! Never say die….We go down with the ship !!!
Mrs. Kekich -
I’m just saying the biggest gripe people have made about Joe Torre is the way he managed the bullpen. Maybe he didn’t have a choice, maybe the guys out there were truly terrible after Stanton and Nelson. But the bottom line is that I think Girardi and Torre approach the bullpen differently. Torre had the tendency to ride the “hot hand,” so to speak. Girardi seems to favor a rotation of sorts, where no one sits idle for too long. They’re different.
You could say that at least Torre’s way got them to the playoffs.
Yes, Mrs. K., you’re right: “People harp on Torre’s alleged mismanagement of the pen because they have to – there is nothing else to rip the guy for.”
And people also praise Girardi’s bullpen management (in spite of the episodes with Marte, Albaladejo, etc.) because they have to — there isn’t much else they feel they can praise him for.
People harp on Torre’s “alleged” mismanagement of the bullpen because…he ruined the arms of several guys.
Ask Scott Proctor and Jose Viscaino how their seasons are going, why don’t you?
And can I just ask this:
Who the hell is going to play CF for the Yankees in 2008, 2009 and beyond? Hmm? We’re screwed.
Great posts here, just some thoughts. Girardi came in as a manager who was going to be a tough guy, or a hard nosed manager. After the last few years under Torre some felt that this would be a good thing. Problem is I don`t think Girardi was that hard on these guys. He makes a lot of excuses, and really it seems that he is really only defensive and tough with the media. He gets very defensive when questioned about his players, and their totally disappointing season. Lets face facts, the big payroll, the big names, and this roster should not have anywhere near these results after 145 or so games.
I think Girardi did a great job with the bullpen, and you cannot blame him for injuries to his starters. Everything else? He did a weak job. The bigger the game the worse the team performed. Look at the at bats the last few games, look at the results.
Joe has a better offense than many of the teams headed into the playoffs. If the Yankees were doing this poorly and it was strictly because of pitching, than he should get a pass. The offense or lack thereof is the culprit. Lack of focus, Arod gets picked off, bad fielding decisions, horrible at bats etc.
I think Joe needs to be accountable. I think Cashman too, but honestly, going into this season, I think the starting pitching was certainly a question, but not the offense. The offense was supposed to be its strength. Cashman is not in he dugout, he does not create clubhouse policy, he is not in position to influence or drive these guys. That’s Joe`s job, and there are very few guys who played anywhere near their potential. The roster as constructed last winter maybe wasn`t good enough to make the playoffs, but the reason for that should have been the starting pitching, not the offense.
It’s the managers job to find a way to get the team to play to its potential, this years team was nowhere near it. Look at Boston, a shell of their former selves offensively, yet they still score runs. They are getting pitching, but they still score and have way better at bats than the much better lineup the Yankees put out there.
Or you could ask Albaladejo and Marte how their seasons have gone following Girardi’s mismanagement…
Easy to play that game, frits.
Unfortunately for them, nearly all bullpen guys other than proven closers are there to be chewed up and spit out.
Frits, CF is a huge hole to fill. Throw Brett Gardner out there for a year untill Ajax is ready? Put Damon out there and hope he holds up (throwing arm aside)? import a stop-gap? (Kotsay?). Try to trade for an established CF? The Front office has its work cut out for them.
black yankee –
Amen! on point & agree 100%.
black yankee -
I understand what you’re saying that Girardi needed to get more from his players than he did. I have to wonder whether he made the assumption that these guys have all “been there,” they’re all veterans and “should” know how to prepare themselves. They’ve all played big games before and “should” know how to get themselves to the point where they perform their best the bigger the game, the bigger the situation.
I guess he took too much for granted. And maybe Mr. Torre was more hands-on than anyone ever knew. Maybe a team that looked like “anyone” could run it, wasn’t.
But Girardi was a coach under Torre, with many of the same players still there from that time. It’s really an enigma as to why he wasn’t able, or at least didn’t appear to be able, to motivate these guys.
I get that he doesn’t diss his players in the media. I’m okay with that, though that’s my tolerance level, obviously. He’s said time and time again he was never disappointed with the work ethic of his team, or their preparation, only with the result. Being on the outside looking in, unless someone on the inside wants to spill their guts, I guess we won’t know for some time exactly how that clubhouse operated. But something was off.
I’m certainly a person who tends to give the benefit of the doubt, and I do so here; but this team played like they were victims in the “Attack of the Body Snatchers.”
The bloom will be off the new stadium rose pretty early next season. This team needs upgrades in so many areas. We’ll see how the fans respond in ’09 to much higher ticket prices and what looks like another year of watching old, defensively challenged position players. We will, however, have a tremendous quantity of DHs and newly converted first basemen. Who knows what the starting pitching will look like? If it includes any of the following, we’re in big trouble: Ponson, Rasner, Pettitte, Pavano.
Regarding Cf, thats certainly a Cashman issue. He was wrong about Melky, way wrong. Tori Hunter was out there, and like the Santana situation Cashman didnt want to make a move. Not sure if Yanks could have gotten Hunter though, so we need to be fair, but I dont remember yanks going after him.
Cashman has struggled with pitching evaluation. He misses a lot, and sees things that are not there. He well overestimated what he had in the minors.
Although heres another thought, I look at some of the playoff bound teams in the AL. Look at the Angels lineup, look at bostons lineup, look at the White Sox and Minnesota, and Tampa. Go player by player, and the Yankees are much stronger “potentially and on paper”. I look at two other managers, Francona, and Scioscia, both get much more offense out of their lineups than the Yanks get out of theirs and those lineups (Angels and Red Sox) are not as strong
Black Yankee — You’re too kind to say that Cashman has “struggled” with evaluating pitching. He has been an abomination in this regard, and it should cost him his job. He doesn’t get any kind of pass at all on pitching. It’s a total embarrassment.
“Girardi came in as a manager who was going to be a tough guy, or a hard nosed manager.”
Well, he did steal their candy and soda.
One of the things I wondered about is how Girardi would handle himself as manager of this team. I didn’t believe for a second that the iron fisted approach, which was somewhat effective with a very young, rookie-laden team in Florida, was going to work in NYC with a Yankee team comprised largely of seasoned professionals. At the same, I felt that it would be important for him to stay true to himself if he were to be an effective manager here.
Thing is, right now I don’t know who Girardi is. Is he the hardass that kept the Marlins afloat for a large chunk of 2006 or is he the Polyanna we keep seeing after a loss in the postgame interviews? Or something in between? Does he know?
Maybe that’s where Doreen’s suggested self evaluation comes in.
It’s been so long since we were out of the playoffs that I forgot that fourth place teams only care about individual stats and moral victories in September.
I honestly have little doubt That Torre did more behind closed doors than was publicly perceived. Whereas Torre seemed aloof Girardi seems confrontational to those who question him and his team. Torre, with the execption of batting Arod 8th in the playoffs, dealt with things differently. It just seems that maybe Girardi we, the fans and the media, saw Girardi for something that he wasn’t. This Yankee team is a team of ego driven veterens in the media capital of the world, not a team full of youngsters who are learning the game in a stress free atmosphere like the marlins.
I for one fell for all of Cashman’s evaluations heading into this year. I did expect there to be bumps in the road regaurding Hughes, Ipk, and Melky; however, I thought things would work out. Instead everything that could go wrong did. I guess what they say about hindsight. I remember reading an article by will carroll or another one of the baseball prospectus guys claiming melky was poised to become a force this year. Now I can only say what were these people thinking….
Someone ask Brian Bruney what he thinks of Joe T as opposed to Joe G.
I do think Doreen has a point when she highlights the basic difference in approach between the two Joes — one inclined to consult the math (rest a player because he’s played X number of games) and the other inclined to consult what he sees (rest a guy when he seems tired or isn’t sharp).
Good morning, guys.
It seems like everyone’s coming unglued here.
I’ve ready through the comments and I think that a lot of the misconceptions about Girardi and the team can be cleared up if you watch the pre & post-game interviews at yesnetwork.com.
You’ll see why Girardi got irritated with Kim Jones in the pre-game. The main message is that the guys are still coming in early, getting in the cages, doing the same things.
In the post-game, you’ll see that Joe didn’t say anything about only respecting Pudge like Brandon said. Joe actually did a pretty good job in the post. Main message was he likes emotion.
You can’t read tones and intent through the written word, as we’ve learned here on the blog. So before you make any kind of snap judgements watch for yourself. You’ll see that Girardi’s not some bumbling idiot or robot like the writers and bloggers like to imply.
Wasn’t there a huge disparity in the record last year with and w/o Giambi? Much better w/o. Is it any coincidence that the team has looked all year almost exactly the way they looked when Giambi was healthy last year? Giambi isn’t the whole problem, bur having his incredibly slowing bat in the 5 hole has killed many a rally this year. Good riddance, do not bring him back for any contract!
“Someone ask Brian Bruney what he thinks of Joe T as opposed to Joe G.”
Why?
Right, Bruney is the guy whose views could really be decisive in making a case one way or the other!
Joe T hated Bruney. Because he wasn’t Scotty.
I don’t know, Joe G. has his doghouse thing, too. IPK is the latest tenant.
Becuase people were talking about the bull pen. I am only pointing out that Bruney was there with Torre. But Joe had no confidence in him. This Joe does.
“You’ll see that Girardi’s not some bumbling idiot or robot like the writers and bloggers like to imply.”
Don’t recall anyone suggesting that Girardi is a bumbling idiot.
isin;’t it sad that the fans are giving more leeway to girardi than the media is? usually its always the other way around… the fans are the one who want the manager fired while the media gives them a little more of a pass.
either way he is not getting fired.
IPK- Deserves to be in there.
Um I gave up 10 runs in 2 innings, but i’m okay with it.
“Bruney was there with Torre. But Joe had no confidence in him. This Joe does”
Bruney sucked last year. This year he’s pitched better.
Fredo,
They imply that he can’t handle the media. That’s because the media’s telling you that. He doesn’t regale the corps with stories for 30-45 like Joe T. did, but he looks like he’s sharp and answers appropriately.
I do think they try to corner, trap, and trick him. But Joe G.’s too smart for that. He’s a Northwestern man.
I had to hear the 2nd stupidest rant ever by MAx Kellerman trying to explain why the Yankees need Mark “money bags” Teixeira this guy and Brian Kenny just sounded off like idiots, no way they know what’s going on w/ this team they put a blind eye towards what the FA money players have done to this team, trying to live up to a contract not playing w/ the best intentions of the team no these 2 idiots are already scanning the rampage Teixeira would do for the Yankees it 20+ million it’s only money, Tino was a money player, Max shut up you didn’t know who Tino Martinez was in Seattle or in USF don’t come w/ that crap and comparing Teixeira to Tino OMG I had to shut it off I just had to.
Fredo -
Actually, Girardi himself said he would self-evaluate after the season. So, I hope he does it and I hope he’s brutally honest with himself. Or, I hope his wife is brutally honest with him when it’s time to talk through the season.
I think you made a good point when you suggested that perhaps he wasn’t true to himself because of the make-up of this particular team.
Fredo,
I’ve watched Bruney since he got here. He runs hot and cold, as his confidence soars or wanes. I think that Girardi recognized that it’s important to keep him confident.
This is no indictment on Torre, but Girardi recognized that guys like Bruney and Farnsworth needed to be nurtured.
Pete, when do you think the Yanks will most likely win the Series again? 2011, 2012, sometime beyond 2012?
Billingsley,
Do you really want an answer? E-mail Pete. It may end up in a mailbag post. I highly doubt it though. No beat writer’s going to predict post-season chances for the Yankees.
But you knew that.
Or maybe more likely his confidence soars or wanes as his pitching runs hot or cold?
Contrarian,
Nice try!
Bruney talks about the importance of confidence here:
http://tinyurl.com/I-Like-Myself
Also, he was released from Arizona because of issues, so he’s always battled the mental thing.
If we were to lose all the remaining games, do we have a shot in getting Stephen Strasburg in the draft?
brandon I am with you I heard it as I was driving into work and almost drove off the West Side Highway. Their logic sometimes really does amaze me. That Tino Martinez was a star, that Scott Brocious was one as well simple was the last straw.
Mariners will get Strasburg
Felix
Bedard
Morrow
Stratsburg
gayle it pissed me off more than Jeter’s “I didn’t see anything comment”
“If we were to lose all the remaining games, do we have a shot in getting Stephen Strasburg in the draft?”
Not happening. Its hard to throw games in baseball its not like the NBA where your point guard can throw away passes on purpose and take bad shots. This team will likely go .500 thus thwarting us from getting a high 1st round pick.
mel
You on the Bruney bandwagon? You’re the one who told me he was going to break my heart when I was all revved up about him in spring training.
That suits him well the blind captain, I have never in my life seen a more of a sissy captain than him, the welcome red carpet at 2B, when there’s a fight he doesn’t see anything ! You gotta be kidding me w/ that crap !
The offense does need to be revamped.
Tex isin’t the answer but if Cashman/Hal think that signing CC and Burnett to $100+ million doller deals solve our problems, then they are delusional. The offense is on pace to score 200 less runs and they are going to lose Abreu/Giambi to boot.
Cashman needs to get creative and get some role players and make trades for young position players using some of our young pitching.
Mel,
Thank you, I understand that this is how Bruney sees himself.
How a player sees himself doesn’t always determine, however, the way I would see him…
No shot at Strasburg, but the Yanks are currently 13th in MLB. Finishing 16th or worse would let the Yanks keep their # 1 and # 2 picks regardless of FA signings. That would be a huge boost for the future. The problem is they would have to drop five or six games in the standings to three different teams which is not easy no matter how poorly they play.
Brandon— you don’t think the Yankees need Teixiera? You have a better option? And please don’t embarrass yourself by suggesting Posada. Jorge is one of the slowest footed players in baseball and can not be a serious option at 1B. He’s a C or a DH, period.
During the brawl, Jeter was seen laughing and high-fiving Scott Shields.
Even Pavano, who was already out of the game and in the lockerroom came out and got in there.
Say no to Tex. Sign starting pitching (CC, Burnett, Sheets, Sheets, Lowe). Though, with the exception of CC all of those guys have their flaws. Hmmm…perhaps the Yankees need to use their unlimited resources to develop a top of the line scouting department and start developing players. But will the fans be patient enough?
pat,
Just trying to support the point that Bruney might be a better pitcher because Giradi believes in him.
In the article I linked above, Bruney does talk about attacking the zone more and not walking people. So I like that part.
It does seem like he’s a much better pitcher. I guess I am on his bandwagon if he doesn’t go back to being to the old Bruney.
Read the article, it’s pretty encouraging.
This team has to say goodbye to Edwar, though. I’ve ranted about him enough so I won’t say anything more.
Francessa is insufferable these days. It’s like he is taking pleasure in the Yankees suffering and he claims to be a ‘fan’.
Brandon— you don’t think the Yankees need Teixiera? You have a better option? And please don’t embarrass yourself by suggesting Posada. Jorge is one of the slowest footed players in baseball and can not be a serious option at 1B. He’s a C or a DH, period.
Listen you seen this play out year after year after year..they have no identity, getting a Teixeira does nothing it’s just another slugger who’s not going to live up to his contract and frustrate people in NY. These are parts of the freaking post 2001 that has damaged this team ! Tex comes here signs that big contract he’s going to be all about his self ! Forget ABC baseball because he’s not playing for a contract after he gets one, this is an example of getting a non hungry player who will shut down the minute the season is over, he did it to Atlanta he’ll do it to us !
During the brawl, Jeter was seen laughing and high-fiving Scott Shields.
He’s baking the cookies as we speak.
clock has struck midnight on edwar he is finished as a yankee
veras has also tailed off, but hes been ok
joey’s poodle – albaladejo wasn’t hurt due to overuse, and marte wasn’t hurt. get your facts straight. its not apples to apples.
“I’ve watched Bruney since he got here. He runs hot and cold, as his confidence soars or wanes. I think that Girardi recognized that it’s important to keep him confident.”
Not sure I’m buying. Bruney pitched 70 innings for Torre and walked 52 batters. That just can’t happen. If it does happen, then you simply can’t have confidence in that guy.
He’s still walking too many batters, but he’s been better this year.
We need Teixeira, but not enough to offer the 7-10 years, Alex type of contract (the first one) that it’s going to take.
I wouldn’t mind driving up the price for Moreno, who’s already let it be known that they didn’t trade for a rental.
But to say that we don’t need Teixeira, a good switching-hitting 1B with power is kind of short-sighted.
Giese doesn’t have a fastball so Pudge couldn’t call for one to throw out Hunter. As a result, he stole 2 bases and that ticked off Pudge.
I like Pudge though, he has a lot of heart. I just wish he was 3-4 years younger.
“During the brawl, Jeter was seen laughing and high-fiving Scott Shields.
He’s baking the cookies as we speak.”
I’m starting to tire of Cap’n this along with his Ford Edge commercials have made me a Jeter hater.
Brandon—- So you are completely opposed to all multi year contracts? Totally opposed to A-List FA? What did he do to Atlanta? He was hitting .283 with 20 HR, 78 RBI, .902 OPS when he was traded. You offer up no alternative except that you want someone who’s “hungry”… who might that be? What’s your off-season strategy other than inaccurate baseless attacks on Teixiera?
Fredo,
So is it coincidence that both Bruney and Farnsworth were better pitchers under Girardi (albeit very limited sample)? Or was it the regular work they get under Girardi (another point for Girardi). Or was it both? Girardi made a big point in the spring that he was going to take Kyle under his wing. I think he did well, considering that Kyle wept when he left. (okay, I’d weep, too if I had to go back to the Tigers)
I agree with Brandon on Texiera. He doesn’t strike me as a firey leader type who can start to change the “paddycakes” culture Jeter and Arod have established here.
You want to know the type of guys we need to transition again to a hard nosed ballclub? Guys like Millar and Stairs.
We need to start filling up the team with role players with some attitude and grit again since our two cover boys on the left side of the infield have “nothin’ but love” for their opponents.
Seeing Tori Hunter call out the Yanks in the press for being soft a few weeks ago and then ready to throw down last night after his team has already clinched made me wince again at the ineptitude of our GM who could have signed Hunter and traded for Johan this off season.
If he did those 2 moves, we’d be in first place right now and wouldn’t have had to trade kids for a RH bat in Nady since Hunter would have filled that need from day one and given us superior defense in the OF.
Yeah, I know, we don’t need Hunter for 5 years. Well, we didn’t need Jorge for 4 more, but our genius GM felt it was smart to give an aging catcher that kind of deal so why not a younger more talented CF who fills the RH void, has speed and plays plus defense and apparently has pride in winning?
Nah, we’ll go with Melky instead. He brings energy after all!
mel
Not sure I buy the Girardi believing in Bruney thing. I think it’s more about Bruney believing in Bruney and Girardi believing in the results Bruney has been able to contribute.
That’s not a knock on Girardi. A player with confidence in themselves can count on the manager for re-inforcement but doesn’t count on him for affirmation.
Just look at it ! look at that !
Cody Ransom and Joe Girardi, Girardi actually rabbit punches GMJr. where is captain paddycakes ! where is KaballahlalalalalalalalaRod. NO WHERE !
Having a strong farm team is the what built the late 90s dynasty. Its been said before, but I’m willing to beat the dead horse. Maybe it will be better in the long run if the yankees just stopped trying to pack their team with all stars and egos. Close the check book and SCOUT! The last time this team did this they ended up Jeter, Posada, Mo, from their farm and and their scouts recognized untapped talent in guys like Paul o’neill and Tino. For this Team to become a consistent force again it will take a strong commitment to player development and scouting other teams. I say bring back Sick and Buck and let them run the front office.
maybe i’m late to the party here…but what did jeter do to raise the ire of the blog last night? was he really hi-fiving scot shields?
Mel:
Both guys have been hit or miss throughout their careers, going between dominating at times and killing their teams. Both have done that this year as well.
Mel—- There was certainly an inconsistency to the Yankees mindset during the off-season. They rejected a Stanta deal and failed to pursue any of the FA centerfielders who could have made an impact. They shied away even from B-list starting pitchers (Kyle Lohse!) and gave two rotation slots to Huighes and Kennedy. Yet they also kept Abreu and Pettite at $ 16 M, gave Posada an insane contract and Rivera a risky one.
they are trying to transition into being younger and more athletic while remaining a contender. That’s hard to do because those goals are often contradictory.
I think guys like Millar and Stairs have a lot to offer, but do you want the Yankees simply going after role players this off-season? I favor pursuing A-List FA who are under 30 and fill a specific need. This year that means Teixiera and CC Sabathia until I’m convinced otherwise.
And G.Love are absolutely correct ! I can’t believe the blind eye that the fanbase has w/ the captain or the other players ! Guess what that last night what they showed LAA is that they are pushovers ! they are turn the cheekers, they are milk drinkers in everyway w/ a lunch pail that keeps getting slapped to the ground. GLASS JAW IF I EVER SAW ONE ! And when people say it starts at the top lets rephrase it… it starts at the top on that field ! The captain Mr. “I didn’t see anything!” and the Vogue model Arod !
pat,
Not saying that he gets his daily affirmation (good reference!) from Girardi. Just saying that a manager gives confidence by using you. This is not even a personal choice with Bruney. Girardi & the coaches had it set who could & couldn’t be used on a daily basis. They were very methodical. You got to pitch even if you screwed up. Easy, easy.
Whereas with Torre, he went with the hot hand (assumption) and his bullpen use was very uneven.
Some guys don’t pitch so well if they feel they’re pitching for their job or if they take it personally when they’re not used. I think that Brian’s one of those guys.
86,
???? Maybe you meant to reply to someone else?
We just need some tough players. Last night just opened my eyes to how soft this team really is– the core of the team. They are just mentally and physically soft, no fight in them, no toughness, just primadonnas who don’t want to mess up their hair.
Go find some hard nosed players, leaders, and guys who have won elsewhere. Aside from Jeter, Arod, and Posada you should explore trading everyone else to fix the offense.
I wonder what color bouquet Tori Hunter will have waiting for him in his locker today?
This year that means Teixiera and CC Sabathia until I’m convinced otherwise.
Sabathia is one thing because he fills a need, Teixeira is another softy that will continue the Mr.Softy mentality of this roster, until he is on your team you don’t notice the bad in him, it took Braves fans a bit to wise up to what he was, LAA are seeing a guy that’s playing for a contract the minute he gets it he’ll do what players like him always do for a new team, basically play for his place in the HOF.
Please don’t even mention Millar and Stairs. We have enough of their kind already. Unless you meant to acquire them as staring pitchers, in which case they might be able to crack the rotation.
I love how Jeter’s the problem on this team, as a player and a captain.
Too bad your wishes won’t be granted anytime soon.
That was off target, wasn’t it? Sorry
mel
are you saying bruney has a “fragile psyche”?
Kidding.
Remember I was one of the first on the Bruney bandwagon until you talked me down.
Please don’t even mention Millar and Stairs. We have enough of their kind already. Unless you meant to acquire them as staring pitchers, in which case they might be able to crack the rotation.
Who is Kevin Millar here ? who is Matt Stairs ? They have guts they don’t walk away, they don’t turn the cheek, they’ll be the first ones to respond w/ a fist or thier bat. We don’t have that, what team are you watching ?
Good call, Brandon. Let’s get both of them and just get older and slower. What team are you watching??
pat,
Yes, it’s always been a problem. I think that the YES crew even mentioned it when Bruney came over. Arizona loved his stuff, but he had confidence issues.
According to the article, though, he seems to have figured it out.
Mo did a great job getting the players to believe in themselves. Even Edwar was a different guy. Too bad Mo couldn’t give Eddie a new fastball instead.
It’s okay to ride the bandwagon on the sidebar, right?
I love how Jeter’s the problem on this team, as a player and a captain.
Too bad your wishes won’t be granted anytime soon.
Mel while a guy is on his team was pushed from behind and a scramble was on, the captain “I didn’t see anything” … Kabahlalalalalala like a a virgin rod back paddeling the only one’s in the middle was Cody Ransom, Pudge, Joe Girardi and Dave Eiland. You telling me that doesn’t irk you ?
Good call, Brandon. Let’s get both of them and just get older and slower. What team are you watching??
I’m not talking about getting them ! I’m talking about who resembles them on this team ! Don’t put words in my mouth !
And Brandon — Do you think we need a few more guys who can’t play the field? If what you want is a fighter, let’s just bring back Kyle. He can be a bullpen coach who charges the mound every now and again.
Agreed, where is the fire and the passion on the team? Heck where are the Baseball players who will put team before self and adavance the runner on a groundout or break up a double play. Instead they all want to be seen as nice guys who want the kodak moment and the glory but none of the blame.
And Brandon — Do you think we need a few more guys who can’t play the field? If what you want is a fighter, let’s just bring back Kyle. He can be a bullpen coach who charges the mound every now and again.
Stop putting words in my mouth, I’m talking about players that can play and also give a damn on that field, ofcourse defense and offense is an aspect they better have ! WTF is wrong w/ you ?
Brandon,
I saw it the first time you posted it. How can I not see it? You’re going on and on about it.
Of course it bothers me. Didn’t see the high-fives so maybe I should take it with a grain of salt because you said last night that Pudge was the only guy Girardi respected when he didn’t say anything close to that.
I see your point about getting scrappers. But this is mlb, not Major League the movie.
I don’t care if a guy is soft, as long as he helps my team win it’s good. Okay, I draw the line at JD Drew, but that’s because he looks like a sissy.
And please don’t tell me that Jeter’s not a competitor. Please don’t go there. I know who your favorite player is.
Besides, Jeter’s a lovah, not a fighter.
Where is Krazy Kyle when you need him.
I of course was sleeping last night BUt anytime the word fight comes up you really would like to see Kyle in the middle of it.
Brandon…. I don’t know where you get the “softie” stuff on Teixiera… but in the last five years the guy is hitting .300, 35, 135 with an ops above .900 and playing gold glove defense…
That’s my kind of softness!! Oh yeah, he’ll be 29 in April… more than two years younger than Giambi was when the Yanks splurged on him.
Maybe they should just go down to a biker bar and sign some guys.
I don’t know what some of you were watching last night. All I saw ON BOTH SIDES, except for the initial shove and Pudge getting back on Torii, no one really did much of anything in the way of fisticuffs.
You can’t compare this to the Pedro fight, where both teams were at their boiling point and both teams were at the competitive edges. And where there was a history of ill will, shall we say.
ARod and Jeter both always play hard. ARod is an aggressive base runner and will go hard into second – I’ve certainly seen it. And I don’t know where anyone saw Jeter high-fiving anyone – you can barely, barely make out who’s who and who’s where in those bench-clearing conglomerations on the field. Same for the “ARod was nowhere to be seen” people. Most of the time the players are more interested in separating guys or keeping guys out than actually getting into it. Most of the time these brawls are nothing but a bunch of chest-beating neanderthal affairs with lots of activity but no real fight. This wasn’t any different from most of the ones you see.
Funny, but I always had the impression that most of the fans were very proud of the way the Yankees comported themselves, or carried themselves, like professionals. It used to be a matter of pride that they were not the “idiots” of Boston. So, they’re not hitting with their bats, they should be hitting with their fists? No.
They need to put any emotion, any “fight,” into the game. Anywhere else is wasted energy.
They’re having a crummy year. Period.
We love numbers here on the Yankees, we use to love heart and passion too, players they gave thier all, but I guess that will never be back.
I think the thing that’s lacking on this year’s squad is that killer instinct.
In the past if a pitcher struggled, we made them pay dearly for it.
Fix that and we’re good to go.
The killer instinct was lost since that Fenway fight.
Forgive me, but the dynasty years were NOT due to our strong farm system.
Jeter, Mo, Bernie, Pettitte and Ramiro Mendoza were the 5 homegrown players who made real contributions.
C-Girardi and Leyritz. 1 of them were homegrown.
1b – Tino (trade, hate to break it to some of you, but Tino wasn’t called up from columbus back then) & Cecil Fielder
2b- Mariano Duncan (not homegrown)
3b- Boggs and Charlie Hayes neither of whom were ever Yankee farmhands.
SS- Jeter
CF – Bernie
RF – O’neil (we traded Roberto Kelly for him). I think a lot of Yankee fans over the years have convinced themselves that O’Neil and Tino are homegrown.
LF – Raines, Straw and sometimes Gerald Williams. Only 1 of them were from the Yankee system.
Our rotation featured the likes of Key, Cone, Kenny Rogers, Gooden and Pettitte. The only other guy besides Andy who was homegrown who made some starts was Kameniecki.
Our pen was Wettleland, Mo, Stanton, Nelson, Weathers, Lloyd, Mecir, Steve Howe, Wickman and Boehringer amongst others. 2 homegrown there.
This whole theory that those teams were bursting with the fruit of the minors is wrong.
Our player development system and draft wasn’t so much better then, we just had poor records and were able to draft a guy like Jeter high in the 1st round.
We did, however, excel at International signings back then, something we’ve let slip over the years.
We developed a CF, SS, starting pitcher, a closer and a long man in Mendoza. Later on we developed a catcher in Posada.
That’s 6 players.
I wouldn’t call that a particularly potent player development system.
I think we lucked out with quality over quantity and I just don’t understand why Yankee fans don’t remember that the majority of those teams were acquired by trades and free agency.
I guess when you win with them, you start to feel like they are all your guys.
But they all weren’t developed in the Yankee system like some of you think they all have to be today.
mel -
That’s so right. Last night was one example, but there have been several games this season where the Yankees started to mount an attack right in the first inning, when a lot of pitchers struggle. But they’ve allowed those pitchers to slide off the hook, scoring maybe one run, maybe two, but leaving 2 or 3 men on base, turning what could have been a big inning into nothing much; instead of making the pitcher throw everything he has to get out of that, going down rather easily. In past seasons, they never (well, almost never) let a pitcher wiggle out of trouble.
And I still maintain that just because the results aren’t there doesn’t mean they are not trying or they have no heart.
wow, so this is what the season discussion has boiled down to…post game analysis of who fought, didn’t fight, or should have fought? What difference does any of this make?
No matter how you slice it, Doreen is absolutely correct, the season is a complete failure (crummy). I just want to get these last few games over with, see the old stadium one last time and move on to the off season where there is a lot of work to be done with this team.
Fat Mike is making some sense talking about the NFL. He was saying how the Pats are no longer an adapting team that can just run short passes and run the ball, they need to get it deep to Moss and down the slant to Welker.
How can you possibly expect Jeter to throw a punch in that situation?
If he does put up his dukes he may endanger that possible Jergens Hand Cream endorsement his agent is cooking up.
Jeter has never been one to fight. Its a common criticism of him whether it’s chad curtis, the media, or people on this board. Jeter does care. You can see it by how he plays the game the right way and does not make excuses. HHowever, playing the game the right way does not make him immune to legitimate criticism about the way his season has gone. He has been a disappointment this year.
In answer to an earlier question:
The Yankees will next win the World Series in 2087.
Jeter has never been one to fight.
I pray to god he doesn’t push someone’s button on another team the wrong way because if he were to get in a fight and I would be a teammate of his on the field I’ll act like I didn’t see it too and see how he likes getting jumped.
Brandon
You are like a dog with a bone sometime.
A full out brawl over what hapened last night would have been a measure of frustration more than a referendum on the testosterone level of the team.
The postgame comments would bother me more than not throwing punches. Yankee fans didn’t want to hear that Hunter is a nice guy but if Pudge was going to forgive and forget and it happened to him, what would you have liked Jeter to say? Pudge is wrong, Torii Hunter isn’t a nice guy?
I saw an ESPN tape of the fight this morning and I didn’t see any punches landed by either team last night. Girardi and Jeter were holding guys back and A-Rod was holding back Pudge by his chest protector from the tape I saw.
Mel, as far as Bruney goes, in regards to Torre….he came up in mid-August of 2006 and was brilliant, and Torre used him. He came to camp in 2007 overweight and out of shape. He walked everybody, and compunded it by giving up a hit an inning, so he was sent to Scranton. He returned in September and was a little better. This year, he came into camp and in shape, having lost about 20 pounds. Can’t blame his 2007 condition or perfomance on Bruney. Hopefully, Bruney will take his conditioning more seriously.
He was released by ‘Zona for several reasons, such as attitude, conditioning and the fact that ‘Zona said it was a numbers game and they had more pitchers that were younger, better and less trouble than Bruney. Nobody wanted him, so, they released him and Cashman picked him up. It may be one of the few talent mistakes that ‘Zona has made in years. Bruney is growing up and not out. Good for him.
Pat I saw the same scramble
That #2 to the left is Cody Ransom
Gayle, Bronx Jeers:
RE: Relocation program
I, too, was annoyed by the sudden 12 games changed to 15 games package. I have the Saturday package and I am SURE they are not going to give us Old-Timer’s Day but probably 12 saturdays and 3 weekdays.
My current seats, while I LOVE them, are not great. They are not even available for partial season ticket holders next year. I chose the $75 as my top choice because I am afraid of how BAD the other options are.
Do not go for the $25 seats – those are essentially a 4th level they created to keep prices reasonable for the “common people.”
…I just really hope they give us the option to pre-purchase opening day tickets…
So, to be an appropriate captain, Jeter has to behave like a classless fool? Jeter doesn’t care? What kind of idiot would post nonsense like that?
Also, for any other ticket holders, the relocation program has been extended to Sunday.
(which also happens to be my birthday!)
So, to be an appropriate captain, Jeter has to behave like a classless fool? Jeter doesn’t care? What kind of idiot would post nonsense like that?
No one is saying he doesn’t care ! but you can clearly see when there is a fight he runs away, doesn’t stand up for his teammates in those situations maybe for women this does nothing for you, but us guys if we were to see that and be on his same team it would rub us the wrong way WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT WE AREN’T BLIND TO THAT !
“In answer to an earlier question:
The Yankees will next win the World Series in 2087.”
The Yankees will next win the World Series in 2009.
Brandon -
What does that picture prove to you? It looks like either group hug to me.
Let me try that in English. It looks like a group hug to me.
***compounded it***
How is trying to keep your teammates from getting hurt not getting involved? If players are pulling their teammates away, that means they have no fight? That means they don’t care? And what if one of them landed a punch and broke a hand and couldn’t play? That proves what?
This brawl argument is so silly. This fight would have been worth discussing if it were a month ago against the Sox, a fight when your 11 games out is not inconsequential.
What’s also occurring to me is that here we are having a day-long discussion about this, when both teams have probably moved on.
Doreen
Our lack of a Y chromosome must render us incapable of seeing a punch being thrown in that picture because I don’t see it either.
“What’s also occurring to me is that here we are having a day-long discussion about this, when both teams have probably moved on.”
You are correct Doreen. This fight was forgotten by the players by breakfast this morning.
Al,
In 2009 people will be talking about the Tampa dynasty, and they won’t mean the Steinbrenners.
G. Love, I get what you’re saying but I still think the Yankees need to return to putting a stronger emphasis on souting and player development. Yes it is true that the late 90s teams where not all home grown, it was their scouting of other teams and players that helped them identify players like paul o’neill and Tino–two players who weren’t stars when they were acquired by the yankees. Sometimes a little luck is needed too–they did try to sign Bonds and greg maddux and Andy Pettitte was on the list offered for Tino (Ms took hitchcock instead). I guess what I’m trying to say is the Yankees need some more emphasis scouting-not just amatuer but league wide and player development.
Al from BK -
Probably before their heads hit their pillows last night!
Bottom line is we need less players like A-Rod, Jeter, Giambi etc.
and more players like Girardi, Ransom, Duncan, Gardner, Christian, Molina etc. Guys who will run through a brick wal.
“Al,
In 2009 people will be talking about the Tampa dynasty, and they won’t mean the Steinbrenners.”
I hope you weren’t referencing the rays who are currently having the first winning season in the franchises 10 year history.
What a Punk
Forntoso -
What good is being able to run through a brick wall if you can’t get on base? Or drive runners in?
I actually gained a lot of respect for Girardi last night when he punched Gary Matthews. Shows he cares about the team and will protect his players, literally.
Showalter ’09 he’s going to be susenbded for that rabbit punch, but it shows he gives a damn.
suspended*
Showalter,
But refusing to throw his players under the bus doesn’t impress you or gain your respect? Only physical protection counts?
See, I don’t get this way of thinking. Just don’t understand it.
” I actually gained a lot of respect for Girardi last night when he punched Gary Matthews. Shows he cares about the team and will protect his players, literally.”
Can I get this on video anywhere?
“The 6′3″, 244-pound pitcher was arrested around 11 p.m. Monday after allegedly slamming his girlfriend up against the wall at the Holiday Inn on 114th St. and 37th Ave. He repeatedly punched her on the back, bit her and slapped her, prosecutors said.”
Classy guy he takes the girl to the Holiday Inn then throws her a beating.
And then bites her to show his kinky side, just a stupid excuse of a human being.
Sweeney was on with Fat Mike and brought up something interesting
Sweeney talked about how Nady strikes out a ton and has cooled off considerably. Then he said he talked to a scout who said he doesn’t shorten his swing with 2 strikes and soon AL pitchers will figure it out and he will really go south.
I have noticed that too.
Sweeney Murti’s take on WFAN:
Giambi and Abreu gone. Yankees would probably go 2 years for Mussina and Andy on a year to year basis if he wanted to come back.
Oh and he says Torii Hunter is a nice guy too.
AJ I’ve been trying to explain that to this blog but… you know forget it. Just goes on deaf ears. He has been a .280 hitter that’s all I’m going to say.
I’ve also noticed that Nady loves to chase the high fastball just out of the zone.
I hate when Fat Mike goes off on his 2-3 hour rants about college football which I could care less about, and its even worse when he talks about golf for the afternoon.
Mike is pretty knowledgeable when he is talking football this year so far… he has been very positive when assessing both the Giants and Jets, he used to hate both teams. He probably is glad that Strahan and Shockey are gone and he likes the Jets now with Favre.
If we could trade Nady for a solid prospect I would do it.
tabata is 19 and has an advanced understanding of the strike zone. he takes walks and doesn’t strikeout and was always expected to be a 3.00-3.20 hitter
it was a terrible trade. he just looks good because he is a blue collar player on a team full of egotistical stars. however, he is not really a yankee player like brosius. strikes out a ton, average defense, low obp etc. he is a refreshing change from the superstars but he is not a guy who i think is a ‘winning player’ perse. i dont think jason bay was either.
we’ll get 2 picks though at the end of next yr, lets hope the player we get turns out better than tabata doubt it though
yeah, I wonder what type of prospect we could get for Nady. I like him, but selling high would probably be wise.
If we could trade Nady for a solid prospect I would do it.
Watch out, I’m sure the Nady lovers are here somewhere to tell us he is a player that can play here and we should build around him. I still can’t believe we sold low on Jose Tabata.
“I hate when Fat Mike goes off on his 2-3 hour rants about college football which I could care less about, and its even worse when he talks about golf for the afternoon.”
Just wait – his show will get worse as he’ll be devoting 4 hours a day to the “Breedah’s Cup” next year for about a week.
“Watch out, I’m sure the Nady lovers are here somewhere to tell us he is a player that can play here and we should build around him. I still can’t believe we sold low on Jose Tabata.”
Xavier Nady is now what you hope Tabata could become in 3 more years.
considering the position this team was in at the deadline, you make that trade every time.
For people that want to add Teixeira think it wisely first read this column by Kat O’Brien
Lets add more people that probably won’t care enough on this roster and play for the money and thier place in history instead of the team.
Xavier Nady is now what you hope Tabata could become in 3 more years.
considering the position this team was in at the deadline, you make that trade every time.
I wouldn’t have made that trade once. Unless the other name was Lincecum, Looney or Liriano.
“Lets add more people that probably won’t care enough on this roster and play for the money and thier place in history instead of the team.”
right, because that is exactly what Teixeira would do.
lets hope the yankees never sign another big time, big money free agent ever again, because they’re only playing for the money and wont care about winning.
Teixeira is just that, there is nothing hard nose about him, he’s a pattycake player.
This was supposed to be a transition year, yet we sold low on our best position prospect to get a 30 yr old rightfielder with Boras as his agent and 33 yr old lefty reliever. We were not going to win the WS this year, there was no need to make that trade. The most alarming part is we sold low. That shows bad judgement which has been Cashman’s Achilles heel What’s next? Hughes for Adre Ethier? Cano for Wandy Rodriguez?
I have no faith in Cashman making good moves this offseason. Stick needs to be heavily involved, as does a 3rd party like a Showalter.
“Teixeira is just that, there is nothing hard nose about him, he’s a pattycake player.”
he’s seemed to fit in Anaheim and that pennant race just fine… and in Atlanta for the NL stretch run last year, too.
and i’m sure you know him very well, BFF’s really, to make that kind of assessment.
Hughes for Adre Ethier
That wouldn’t exactly be a bad trade
“This was supposed to be a transition year, yet we sold low on our best position prospect to get a 30 yr old rightfielder with Boras as his agent and 33 yr old lefty reliever. We were not going to win the WS this year, there was no need to make that trade. The most alarming part is we sold low. That shows bad judgement which has been Cashman’s Achilles heel What’s next? Hughes for Adre Ethier? Cano for Wandy Rodriguez?
I have no faith in Cashman making good moves this offseason. Stick needs to be heavily involved, as does a 3rd party like a Showalter.”
To be fair at the time of this trade we had just won 10 in a row and Joba just hurled a gem up in Fenway, things changed and hindsight is 20/20.
September 9th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Hughes for Adre Ethier
That wouldn’t exactly be a bad trade
You’re right, it wouldn’t be bad. It would be awful.
he’s seemed to fit in Anaheim and that pennant race just fine… and in Atlanta for the NL stretch run last year, too.
Atlanta fans hated this guy, they had the talks about how much a bum he was compared to Chipper Jones. Yunel Escobar was getting more bluechip love than him. He fits in Anaheim because it’s already a winning enviorment god forbid Vlad or Torii gets hurt, they’ll see the Teixeira that Atlanta saw when Chipper was down a punchless numbers guy.
G Love,
“Forgive me, but the dynasty years were NOT due to our strong farm system.”
Sorry it’s taken so long to respond but I had to do some research. You seemed to have understated the impact of home grown players on the ’96 – ’00 era Yanks. The Yankees had developed players that piqued the interest of other teams and they found wiling trading partners. Among them are:
1992 – Roberto Kelly traded for Paul o’Neil
1995 – minor leaguer Blaise Kosenewski traded for Tim Raines
Minor leaguer Fernando Seguignol traded for John Wetteland
Minor leaguers Marty Janzen, Jason Jarvis and Mike gordon traded for David Cone
Russ Davis and Sterling Hitchcock traded for Tino Marinez, Jeff Nelson and Jim Mecir.
1996 – Gerald Williams traded for Grahame Lloyd.
Minor leaguer Chris Corn traded for Charlie Hayes
Ruben Sierra and minor leaguer Matt Cain traded for Cecil Fielder.
1997 – Ruben Rivera was traded for Homer Bush
1998 – Christian Guzman, Brian Buchanon,Danny Mota, Eric Milton traded for Chuck Knoblauch
2000 – Jake Westbrook, Zach Day and Ricky Ledee trade for David Justice
Also, one can’t discount the contributions of Rickey Ledee and Shane Spencer.
You’re right, it wouldn’t be bad. It would be awful.
Andre Ethier awful ? We talking about the same Dodger RF ?
Hope the “longtime” “veteran Yankee” (Moose?) was man enough to say to the individual players what he was man enough to say to Kat O’Brien.
“Atlanta fans hated this guy, they had the talks about how much a bum he was compared to Chipper Jones”
Atlanta fans, or some random guy you knew at the gym or the local supermarket who watched Braves games and thought Teixeira was overrated?
56 RBI in 54 games with the Braves in a playoff hunt last year.
33 RBI in 37 games with the Angels, including an OPS+ of 174 as they go on to win the AL West and fight for the best record in the league.
yeah, that SCREAMS pattycake player.
i’m not usually the type to do the GM at home (or work) stuff, but with today’s redundancy of posts, i took a shot on 2009
1B: Mientkievicz/Matsui/Posada
2B: Cano
SS: Jeter
3B: ARod
RF: Abreu
CF: Rocco Baldelli/Gardner/Christian/Melky (sign Baldelli for 1yr, let the others compete in ST for 4th OF/possible injury replacement)
LF: Damon/Matsui
C : Posada/Molina/Cervelli
Cody Ransom can replace Wilson Betemit
SP: CC
SP: Burnett
SP: Wang
SP: Mussina
SP: Hughes/Joba/Aceves???
RP: Mo
RP: Assorted others + Girardi’s BP Management Magic
ok, now tell me how much of an idiot i am
GO!
I’ll go a bit farther the Yankees need to see if they can pry Jeremy Hermida from FLA while his value is low. Start showcasing some young SP or relief pitchers, because he is better than that .247 AVG.
and i’m not saying that i think Teixeira is the answer, but if Cashman signed him, they could certainly do worse.
lets get real.
Ethier isn’t as good as Kemp.
pat -
I love how all these long-time anonymous Yankees are going around talking behind the backs of their teammates. Nice.
Maybe they think if the particular player(s) they’re talking about reads the comment, they’ll see themselves and get on it. Except very rarely do people recognize themselves in those kinds of situations. Still, if you have a problem, and you’re a long-time Yankee, wouldn’t you think that long-time Yankee would have enough seniority to actually say something to these teammates?
But Brandon,
I’m curious how you just know that Teixeira won’t be a solid player?
And since basically it’s been stated categorically here that if you show any free agent enough money, they’ll come here, then who exactly would you get as a free agent that doesn’t only want the money? You all say the Yankees had better show CC enough money to turn everybody else down, but true or not, there’s been rumblings that CC doesn’t necessarily want to come to NY. But if he does come for the payday, that would be okay, because…..?
The logic here is killing me. Not to mention the doubletalk and double standards.
“But Brandon,
I’m curious how you just know that Teixeira won’t be a solid player?”
because he says so. thats it.
Turn Two -
I agree with both your prior posts.
Listen, on this forum alone you have people who love ARod and people who think he’s a dog. It’s the same everywhere. Depending on WHICH fan(s) you talk to, you’re going to get quite a few differing opinions.
Saucy,
I would be surprised if the Yankees pick up both CC and Burnett. I think CC does indeed end up with the Yankees and then the Sox pick up Burnett to keep up with the Yankees.
To clarify, in my last comment, ARod is our Yankee example of a fan’s opinion of Teixeira, or any other MLB baseball player.
Has everyone seen the latest from that jacka$$ Schilling?
http://www.nypost.com/seven/09.....128268.htm
I’ve beeen busy, and am just catching up on the blog – (BTW, it’s because of Pete’s analysis and insight, as well as the comments of a few of the regulars here that I keep coming back) –
1. It’s hard for us fans to know what’s truly in a player’s heart/mind, but Pete’s piece on Robbie started me thinking. If he’s truly dedicated to making himself better, and is amenable to coaching, then I hope we keep and watch him succeed. Pete’s article made it seem as if Robbie is truly upset at how this season has turned out, and is sensitive to his teammate’s criticism. Well, there’s one way to blunt criticism, and that’s to correct the problem and not give anyone anything to criticize. I hope the Yanks and Robbie figure out the right off-season routine, including any potential winter ball, to right his ship.
2. It’s sad to say, but the season’s over. Still, you would like your favorite players to play out the schedule with the right spirit. After all, it’s still a game, and for people who work paycheck to paycheck, and are still foolish enough to care about a pro sports team, it still matters. We care, and it would be nice if some of the players cared more, too.
3. I hope Alfedo Alceves pitches well tonight and gets a win.
I’m curious how you just know that Teixeira won’t be a solid player?
He’s an example of every type of player we have acquired since 2001, a money player, he’s a numbers guy, he’ll get his big contract and the 8 yr. deal and start playing for his spot in baseball’s HOF instead of the roster. There is no hunger left after signing 20+ million dollar deal, this guy is soft spoken, he’s not hard nose he’s a guy that will not be able to take criticism he didn’t do well w/ it as soon as Atlanta did it to him and NY will be 10X rougher especially as soon as he gets compared to Tino.
i understand you like some players over others, fo whatever reason. thats fine.
but this nonsense about this player isnt a real gamer, or that guy shouldnt be signed because all he cares about is money, its all hearsay.
noone knows any of these guys, so how can anyone make a definitive statement about who someone really is, or what they’re about?
Brandon reminds me of the description of Cliff Claven from that Cheers episode where Cliff went on Jeopardy.
Alex Trebek: He scares me.
Norm Peterson: You too, huh?
Another day another loss
“There is no hunger left after signing 20+ million dollar deal, this guy is soft spoken, he’s not hard nose he’s a guy that will not be able to take criticism he didn’t do well w/ it as soon as Atlanta did it to him and NY will be 10X rougher especially as soon as he gets compared to Tino.”
so then, under this little blurb:
the yankees should never give out a big contract again, because all players who make a lot of money dont care about winning.
someone who is quietly confident, and not a loudmouth, isnt a real leader, and cant stand up to pressure and is doomed to failure?
i give up.
Sign CC and i take shelly to play first
speaking of Cliff Claven, that guy was the best actor on Cheers. The only one on the show to even attempt a Boston accent…
the yankees should never give out a big contract again, because all players who make a lot of money dont care about winning.
someone who is quietly confident, and not a loudmouth, isnt a real leader, and cant stand up to pressure and is doomed to failure?
i give up.
Why stop at 200 million lets push it to a 240 or 280 million dollar roster, overpaid players that clock in at 5 leave at 9-10, basically an overpaid product w/ no blue chippers amazing even after you saw what this so called roster of allstars have done you still want them to do the same crap !
Who’s the next big ticket ! Lets just build a roster of names and not build a system that’s worked out pretty well for us, while other teams don’t have to over spend, while other teams actually scout thiers and others young players no lets just throw the check book that’s the answer it always will be the percieved answer, it always will be about who’s the next big stick you can buy. Never about using your resources to build a system, while Texas dealt a SP for a young OF it turned out to be Josh Hamilton, while FLA dealt a SP named Beckett and landed a player named Hanley Ramirez, we bought Gary Sheffield, Jason Giambi, Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon, Arod …lets throw more $$$ to solve it since it’s clearly working !
ray (sox fan)
September 9th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Saucy,
I would be surprised if the Yankees pick up both CC and Burnett. I think CC does indeed end up with the Yankees and then the Sox pick up Burnett to keep up with the Yankees.
***********************************
But-but-but Boston doesn’t need to pick up Burnett. Their farm system is overloaded with ripe and ready talent for decades to come.
G Love
“Forgive me, but the dynasty years were NOT due to our strong farm system.’
My response seems to have been eaten! I just spent 30 minutes doing research showing how the farm system procured a number of players that were vital to the Yankees run from ’96 to ’00.
The short of it that among the players the Yankees procured used home grown talent in trades were Paul O’Neil, David Cone, Charlie Hayes,Tim Raines, Cecil Fielder,John Wetteland,Tino Martinez, Jeff Nelson, Graehme Lloyd and Chuck Knoblauch.
Also, there’s no mention of the contributions of Ricky Ledee (.295 batting average in 16 post season games, including .600 in ’98 World Series)or Shane Spencer ( .500 batting average with 2 home runs in ’98 ALDS).
Bob- Schilling may have a big mouth, but hes probably right-
http://www.beloblog.com/ProJo_.....day-4.html
“Sign CC and i take shelly to play first”
With or without a glove? Shelley sucks! Bring in Crede on an incentive deal or go after Atkins. I agree with Brandon on NO TEX. He isnt worth 20 mil for 7 years. We’ve been there and done that. As far as center field goes. See if IPK can land us Dejesus till someone is ready to step up.
Brandon -
They have to do both. They have to keep the major league club competitive-plus AND they have to develop the farm system (all facets – scouting, coaching, players, whatever). It’s not an either/or proposition.
Plus you’re ignoring the fact that all the worthless all-stars have managed to get to the playoffs every year for the last whatever amount of years – 13, 14, 15 (I’m too tired to be exact). True, they’ve been one and done the last 3 years, and that’s disappointing. But no other team was able to do what they did, except Atlanta, and Atlanta doesn’t have the WS victories the Yankees do.
Speaking of Atlanta, they had a great manager/GM team. The cream of the crop. What happened to them? (And don’t bring up payroll – it’s the cost of living/working in NY.) It just happens. It’s a cycle. Teams go up and teams go down. We as Yankees fans have been very fortunate to experience a heck of a lot of ups.
“Bob- Schilling may have a big mouth, but hes probably right”
Except- almost all the Jets fans that I know are Mets fans and the Mets aren’t out of anything.
As to Boston fans respecting NY players and never wanting to see them hurt. Bull.
See if IPK can land us Dejesus till someone is ready to step up.
I’d go after Hermida, Milledge, Taveras, Spillsborough before I look at Dejesus.
Doreen over the past 7 years we have established they need to get younger, build a makeup and put the checkbook away w/ the big bats.
Brandon -
MILLEDGE???? Seriously?????
“Sign CC and i take shelly to play first”
Facepalm.
“Except- almost all the Jets fans that I know are Mets fans and the Mets aren’t out of anything. ”
plenty of jets fans on this board…
heres the nyt articel-
http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.....y-did-you/
Doreen it’s Ian Kennedy if he lands you even a Milledge you do it. he can play any spot in the OF and has a big upside.
Brandon,
The Yankees most successful teams were a combination of free agents and home grown talent that was either kept or used in trades.
Just because the Yanks sign Mark Texiera it does not mean they have abandoned their minor league system. Signing him would simply be an acknowledgement that they have no corner infielders in the system anywhere near ready.
How anyone in their right mind would not love to have Texeira on their team in ’09 is mind boggling. He represents everything the Yankees are lacking. He’s a great deffensive player and offensively just coming into his prime years.
Brandon -
Are you ready for younger but can’t win because they have no experience? Even Tampa has some vets on its club and saw them as necessary to ground their younger players.
They have to do both. Now, I’m not saying they have to sign Tex for 10 years. In fact, I don’t think they will BECAUSE it’s a 10-year-commitment that he wants. Signing or not signing Teixeira will have more to do with terms of contract than anything else. But anyone that’s going to be able to make an immediate impact on the club is going to cost them money. Which they have. And perhaps they can wangle some trades using some of the extraneous farm products.
It would be so easy if you could wipe the slate clean and start from scratch (maybe), but you can’t. You have to work with what you’ve got and go from there. Especially when you have a fan base that does not like it when you aren’t in the pennant race on September 9th.
Brandon (We have a soft captain and a softer sidekick..true story)…”we paid today, we lose today, das it”.
September 9th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
And then bites her to show his kinky side, just a stupid excuse of a human being.
_____________________________________________________
Another great trade by the Mets….him for Brian Bannister, straight up.
Doreen = the Voice of Reason.
Well, this time anyways:) LOL
Brandon -
I don’t know about big upside, but Milledge seems to have had a big head when he was with the Mets. I know he’s talented, but who needs someone with such hubris?
Sorry Brandon. Id prefer Dejesus over Milledge. Not sure about his attitude as well. Wasnt a coaches favorite in new york. Agree to disagree.
Yeah, Drive 4-5, there definitely are some things that I go nuts over!
D4-5 where is Georgy going to play ? how many DH’s is this roster going to have, so now we trot Matsui or Damon in the OF (both of them are horrific fielders) what now huh ? Not to mention Jesus Montero who is soon going to be on his way to the majors… IDK what to tell you about how crazy getting Tex would be, mentally, roster wise, team makeup wise , If anything empty the bank for CC but don’t get caught in reruns w/ Tex you’ve seen this movie over and over again.
And since we seem to be in agreement, Drive, I’d say you’re also a voice of reason here today!
Kat–
For sure the Saturday plan will include Old Timers Day as it says ALL Saturday games and there is n o asterick saying not including Old Timers Day like it has in the past. The only expcetion they talk about is if Opening Day is a Saturday. They said it would be 13 Saturday’s and 3 weekday games and what the plan currently is is 12 Saturday games.
I also chose the highest levels for my options.
Doreen and Brandon – I’d take a serious look at Milledge. I’m not saying to definitely trade for him, that’s he’s the answer, but I’d take a hard, objective look at him – his skills and his attitude (sometimes a guy gets an unwarranted reputation, or reforms) and see if he could help us.
If the Yanks can take a chance on Sir Sidney, they can look at someone like Lastings Milledge.
Doreen? This is the most agressive iv ever seen you? Almost mad.Desperate Housewives cant come soon enough. Maybe you should watch Brandons favorite new show 90210 till it comes back.
ahh, the only criticizm i get is from a sox fan? i guess that means i get an A+ grade
Maybe you should watch Brandons favorite new show 90210 till it comes back.
Yup still one of my favorite shows, still WTF your point is but eh..
“Rich
September 9th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Bob- Schilling may have a big mouth, but hes probably right…”
So conjecture from Schilling and this writer who is in New England say the same thing and that makes it so? I guess that’s why the MSM keeps telling the same lies over and over, eventually people will believe them if they hear them enough.
Doreen,
“And since we seem to be in agreement, Drive, I’d say you’re also a voice of reason here today!”
I can change THAT in a heartbeat! LOL
SOS27 -
Me? Aggressive? Nah – just sleep deprived and d–ned tired of doing laundry!
I haven’t watched Housewives since the middle of the second season!
I’m hanging in on Grey’s Anatomy so far. But I really liked the new one, Eli Stone. At least for now. Never watched 90210, though. I think my daughter might be watching it.
Joe from LI -
Re: Milledge – fair point.
Lots of good stuff here today. I always say be careful taking anyone from the NL. That league has lots of holes and weak players that could not get a job in the AL, let alone the best AL division.
Milledge is hitting 260 with 14 homers (same average as his teammate Aaron Boone)
Gabe Kapler is still playing in the NL.
I guess I forgot to close the italics. See? Sleep deprivation and endless laundry are killers, I tell ya!
Brandon,
You are assuming Jorge is finished as a catcher. How do you know that he can’t catch 2 more years and then transition into a DH? That’s a distinct possibility.
Also, I’d hate to lose him after the season he’s had,but there could potentially be a team that Johnny Damon is willing to go to. They would be trading him when he has a lot of value. If Austin Jackson had an impressive Spring, I wouldnt be surprised to see trade rumors fly.
Montero is not a kid. He’s only 2 years younger than Texeira.He may ,however, have trade value. I’d love to see him come up before the season is over. He’s on the 40 man roster already.
Matsui should be the DH the next 2 years and the Yanks should say goodbye to the Giambino.
It would be sweet if we could get CC and Burnett so the Sux could get left out in the cold this winter.
Why do I think that since almost everyone here is in agreement about saying goodbye to the Big G that he’s going to end up going nowhere? Perish the thought…….
Here’s a question:
How much does anyone think the Yankees crummy season is going to affect whether free agents want to come to NY?
In the past, players came here because, ahem, they wanted a ring. Well, now, that’s no guarantee (no guarantee ANYWHERE, never was). So, why should they come here now? Especially with things appearing to be in a bit of disarray?
Anyone going to any of the Trenton Thunder or SWB playoff games?
I’m tempted (if there are tickets available) to go to Trenton on Saturday, but that’s an “if necessary” game. I just got an email notification (so I guess tix are available).
Regarding Posada, I think hes caught his last game. I cannot see him coming through that type of surgery at his age and being able to throw at least as good as a major league average catcher.They are in essence stuck with him so I think he goes to first/DH. That uncertainty about weather or not he can catch will hurt the Yankees in their move toward the FA market. That injury is reverberating right through this year and next year.
Brandon,
Bringing back winter talk thats all. Dont get so damn defensive. Its o.k. we get it. Nothing else to watch. Wasnt there a Brandon on the old show?
Doreen,
Greys Anatomy? Is that the show that everyone has dated everyone in the hospital? As far as laundry. I feel for ya. Thats what my wife does ALL DAY. Sometimes i fell like she just puts the clothes back without washing them. Just to get back at me. Nah. Wives wouldnt do such a thing.
Speaking of shows. There is a show called Fringe premiering today on fox. Looks good. Not about everyone dating everyone though.
Doreen,
That’s a good question. But I think Scott Boras already has a 119 page glossy 4 color presentation for Mark Texeira outling his endorsement potential in both LA and New York. Same goes for CC. Both those kids are gonna be rich, and that’s what they mostly see.
Off-Season Plan
Trade Cano to Milwaukee for Prince Fielder
Let Giambi, Abreu walk
Re-Sign Pettitte and Moose
Try hard as heck to get CC. If we can’t get him, that is going to be a problem. If we can’t get CC, then we have to go after Burnett, but his injury history scares me. Maybe we can sign him to something like a 3 year 45 million deal.
I’m going to get ridiculed for this I am sure, but we have to sign Manny. I hated him on the Sox, I hated his attitude and antics even more so. However, we need a guy who can hit behind Alex. Move him to RF, where he can play 1/2 his games at Yankee Stadium with the smaller dimensions in right.
Sign Orlando Hudson to play second
Trade Matsui or Damon, whoever you can get more for. I’d rather move Matsui-maybe to the Giants who were interested last year. Perhaps Sanchez?
Next years lineup
1. Damon LF
2. Jeter SS
3. A-Rod 3B
4. Manny RF
5. Fielder 1B
6. Matsui DH
7. Posada C
8. Cabrera CF
9. Hudson 2B
“Here’s a question:
How much does anyone think the Yankees crummy season is going to affect whether free agents want to come to NY?
In the past, players came here because, ahem, they wanted a ring. Well, now, that’s no guarantee (no guarantee ANYWHERE, never was). So, why should they come here now? Especially with things appearing to be in a bit of disarray?”
Not at all. Players will come who are willing to deal with the NY BS.
“Montero is not a kid. He’s only 2 years younger than Texeira.He may ,however, have trade value. I’d love to see him come up before the season is over. He’s on the 40 man roster already”
ummm…WHAT???…montero is 18…..and hes not on the 40 man
“1. Damon LF
2. Jeter SS
3. A-Rod 3B
4. Manny RF
5. Fielder 1B
6. Matsui DH
7. Posada C
8. Cabrera CF
9. Hudson 2B”
Killer line-up. Wont happen.
“Trade Cano to Milwaukee for Prince Fielder”
With all due respect, I know it’s all just fun wish lists and meanderings but can there be a small dose of reality?
Sidebar/Digression:
When I read smack that Schill spews, it makes me extremely mad that good guys like Mattingly & Moose don’t have 1 ring and a turd like him has 3.
Who gets to wear No. 25 next year ?
RalphieD,
My bad. I meant Juan Miranda,not Montero.
“Montero is not a kid”
Do you mean Miranda?
YANKSFANMC,
I wanted Hudson but he just had wrist surgury. Not good. Fielder is NOT an upgrade in fielding than who we have now. And will be 500 pounds before its over. See his dad. We need a real slick fielding first baseman. Someone young. With the surplus minor league pitching. I cant see why we cant land a young stud.
“Sidebar/Digression:
When I read smack that Schill spews, it makes me extremely mad that good guys like Mattingly & Moose don’t have 1 ring and a turd like him has 3.”
Very true. Mike Timlin has 5.
Dr. Vinny Boombahtz ,
“Who gets to wear No. 25 next year ?”
The Yanks are re signing Joe Pepitone.
Fielder is a 250 hitter and strikes out a ton, and cannot run. projections for the AL he might be a 220 hitter
I can’t type, speak or yell loud enough,but I’ll try:
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! TO MANNY RAMIREZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hudson did nothing in his AL days, and he is getting on in years. Hes a classic case of a guy who can do things in the NL AAAA league but would be suspect in the AL
“Mike Timlin has 5.”
*4. My bad.
time for a new pastime ’till next April, I guess.
So, what are the Patriots chances this year w/o Brady?
Toronto beat the White Sux 3 – 1 in game 1.
Drive — I’m sorry your post got eaten. I would have liked to read it in response to mine.
I just wanted to remind everyone that we weren’t winning titles with a rotation, pen and lineup that was all homegrown. We grew and developed key players and yes, some role players who did a nice job, but the attitude of the fanbase that we have to take our lumps with kids and not make trades and sign free agents so we can win again is false.
Doreen — I agree with you completely about potential free agents. We no longer have the perennial playoff allure. In the past guys like Clemens did whatever they had to do to get here to get a ring. We’re not the only show in town and we no longer have the immortal Torre guiding the ship.
With Jeter, Mo and Posada aging, we’re not the destination we were five years ago.
Which gets me even more scared that the only FA’s we’ll be able to get are money hungry guys who don’t care what team they play for.
I still think they’ll come here, I’m just not sure what their motivation will be. In the 80′s we had a lot of money hungry FA’s who could care less what uniform they wore and it was a disaster.
Whoever the GM is has to do enough background on these guys to know if they just want cash or do they really want to be a Yankee and all that that entails.
SOS27 -
Yeah – that’s Grey’s Anatomy all right. It’s hanging by a thread for me – I used to not miss it, now not so much.
My kids just manufacture laundry. I empty the hampers – they’re full the next day. Too many darn clothes. Spoiled kids!
Hey, but at least we have energy efficient appliances. 
Anyone have a fig tree?
I planted one about 3 years ago, and never really got any fruit. This year it is going nuts! I wish I knew why. Anyway, so much fruit that I made a fig jam this afternoon. Came out really good. I’ve been getting 2 dozen figs a day for the last week or so.
Next up – fig bread.
Al from BK –
At least Mike Timlin is kind to the Big G.
I don’t mind him getting the rings so much.
“So, what are the Patriots chances this year w/o Brady?”
i hate Brady, but not the Patriots. I hope they do well without him.
“Anyone have a fig tree?”
my aunt and grandmother each have them. i have to talk my aunt into making fig bread (if it’s not in her plans already). she sent me home with giant zuchini bread this past weekend
G. Love -
I think for the first time, the GM is going to have to make a real sales pitch about the team itself and the direction it’s going. Going to have to assure the potential FAs of the team’s commitment to fielding a competitive-plus team every year. Going to have to convince guys this was a fluke year. Going to have to get some of the vets to help. Used to be Torre could make that phone call. Now it has to be someone else with some cache. It’s gonna be interesting.
S.o.S.27, Young first basemen: James Loney, Joe Votto, Conor Jackson, Prince Fielder, Ryan Howard, and Davis on the rangers. The only one we may have a shot at is Davis (rangers need youn arms). Trying to find list of first base prospects….
How does your grandmother pick the figs? I have to bring a stepstool out to reach the higher branches. I feel like I’m in the middle of a jungle! It’s fun, though, when you get your own fruit.
G. Love -
Why does Burnett want to play in NY? (At least reportedly)
G Love,
One thing I was encouraged about during the All Star Game was that a lot of today’s best players get it. They seem to have a sense of history that’s been lacking in recent years.
I may be partial, but I still think there’s still some allure to winning a World Series in a New York Yankees uniform. The city of New York is still considered to be like no place else. Any player that is successful here has the best of all worlds ahead of him, both historically and monetarily.
I used to have a fig tree, a mother-in-law who loved baking home-made fig newton cookies, and little kids who loved ripe figs frozen on popsicle sticks. I gave away bags of figs all season (my fig tree was taller than me). I fully understood why the fig leaf was the symbol of potent fertility!
Drive 4-5, haven’t read any posts but the end few so I don’t know all the topics of discussion today but having seen your posts I can say this: I echo NO TO MANNY RAMIREZ!!!
These team is enough of a mess without adding a total idiot to it. Probably a nice enough guy in real life but given to bouts of roid/other rage when he’s not happy (witness the backhand to Pukeboy and pushing down the ticket agent); thinks it’s okay to urinate wherever on a needs-be basis; decides when he’ll play and when he won’t; thought losing in the world series “wasn’t the end of the world because there’s always next year”; is easily amused when he makes flub plays in the field and laughs all the way to the dugout.
Great player? No question. So was Gary Sheffield at one point.
I think I’m at the point where I don’t really care which position players come back and which don’t in terms of the current team (with Bobby being the only one I feel earned the right to come back, frankly.) I don’t care if next year there isn’t a position player I recognize. That’s how disgusted I am with the way this team managed this season.
That said, GO YANKEES.
“i hate Brady, but not the Patriots. I hope they do well without him.”
As for me. I would only change what you said to the opposite. As a Colts fan i like Brady’s competitiveness. But hate the Pats(almost as much as Sox). I hope they win enough games not to get a good draft pick next year. But also not make the playoffs. The dynasty is done.
“I may be partial, but I still think there’s still some allure to winning a World Series in a New York Yankees uniform. The city of New York is still considered to be like no place else. Any player that is successful here has the best of all worlds ahead of him, both historically and monetarily.”
G. Love, it isn’t necessary for us to understand the reasons behind it, but it is obvious that people still want to play for the Yankees. Well, certainly I understand all the reasons behind it, including the beautiful history of our favorite team and the unbelievable players who have donned the uniform. To the professionals in the sport, that still goes a real long way. Those are their heroes also. Add to it the financial aspect and the cachet that still attends the uniform, and you have the total package.
I somehow don’t think a fourth place finish and the first season out of the postseason in 13, if that is to happen, will be any major deterrent.
incognita -
I’ll have to try the frozen figs on a stick. That sounds different.
Trisha -
You do sound disgusted!
But, Go Yankees, indeed!
“Trying to find list of first base prospects….”
Thanks Moe. I wouldnt mind landing a Conner Jackson as well. Cash has stockpiled the arms for a reason. They arent all going to play for the Yanks. Time to let our strengths fill our weakness.
As far as free agents coming to the Yankees. I think we have the “New Stadium” going for us. Im sure free agents love new facilities as much as we do. That is a big selling point in bringing them in. Hopefully it works.
Tom Brady is a Yankee fan so Tom Brady is ok in my book.
(disclosure – I am not a football fan)
SOS – Randy Moss will MAKE their replacement QB!
Doreen – my grandmother is 4’11″, but the tree is planted in the ground next to the back porch, so she can reach over the railing for the higher branches
i think each of their trees are smaller than most, though… (i just looked at some image search results)
“I think I’m at the point where I don’t really care which position players come back”
Trish,
Wow! This from miss possitive and supportive of all struggling players.
Im not going to ask you which pitcher you would like to see back. El Boracho(hope i spelled it right)Ponson. Cheer up. Its just a bad dream. You will wake up soon enough.
YANKSFANMC
September 9th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Off-Season Plan
Trade Cano to Milwaukee for Prince Fielder
Let Giambi, Abreu walk
Re-Sign Pettitte and Moose
I’m going to get ridiculed for this I am sure, but we have to sign Manny. I hated him on the Sox, I hated his attitude and antics even more so. However, we need a guy who can hit behind Alex. Move him to RF, where he can play 1/2 his games at Yankee Stadium with the smaller dimensions in right.
Sign Orlando Hudson to play second
___________________________________________________
You want to trade Cano for Fielder/ Fielder is asking for a ton of money and will get it…which is a good deal for him, because his food bill is as enormous as he is. He’s a brutal defensive 1st baseman. He makes Giambi look like a Gold Glover. and, he’s well on his way to eating himself out of baseball. They also haven’t given up on Ricky Weeks in Milwaukee, yet.
Then, you want to sign a second baseman who hits nowhere near as well as Cano, doesn’t have any power, doesn’t steal bases, who’s fielding isn’t any different than Cano’s, and wants a multi-year contract for 12-15 mil from Arizona and is 6 years older than Cano.
No doubt about it, Hudson’s the answer.
Todays game summary is brought to you by Brandon ‘Eat mud, drink blood, chew glass, kick ass’ I ain’t a girlie man!
“Who is Kevin Millar here ? who is Matt Stairs ? They have guts they don’t walk away, they don’t turn the cheek, they’ll be the first ones to respond w/ a fist or thier bat. We don’t have that, what team are you watching ? No one is saying he doesn’t care ! but you can clearly see when there is a fight he runs away, doesn’t stand up for his teammates in those situations maybe for women this does nothing for you, but us guys if we were to see that and be on his same team it would rub us the wrong way WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT WE AREN’T BLIND TO THAT !”
Obviously, this guy is mixing up his meds again.
While we all watch the Yankees, Brandon is watching the WWWF.
You see, the way to fix this team and rebuild the dynasty is too get HARD NOSED GRITTY McGRITSTER PLAYERS who will wear oversized cups (maybe for women this does nothing for you) AND THROE SOME PUNCHES JETER AND HIS GIRLFRIEND AFRAUD need to get their faces out of Madonnas p*ssy and put on their oersized kups and drink some whiskey and show some backbonz and get IN THE OTHER TEAMS FACES (maybe for women this does nothing for you) AND SHOW THEY ARE MEN AND NOT GIRLS and grit up and fill their oversized cups with BenGay (maybe for women this does nothing for you) because you don’t screw with guys like that and so what if they get susenbded because they arnt leaderz like David Eckstein AND Ambiorix Burgos and we need leeders who arent p*ssies like us guys (maybe for women this does nothing for you) AND MAN UP AND DEFEND YOUR TEAMMATES AND BE GRITTY AND HARD NOSED (maybe for women this does nothing for you…. YOU P*SSIES!)
Doreen -
I think I am in a state of disbelief that the names in the lineup have managed to be so bad for so long. I cannot wrap my mind around exactly how this team could have ended up being so entirely ineffective. It boggles the imagination. I know all that the rest of us know in terms of specifics with injuries. And I guess if I really try hard I can force myself to somewhat imagine that a team could be ineffective when some of their best players (and counted-on prospects) either are not around because they were hurt or because they were injured.
And here’s something else I will throw into the mix: it’s the double-edged sword of playing for the Yankees. I think it tends to make players try too hard at times, to the extent that the pressure of being a Yankee interferes with their success. That’s the very reason that I absolutely never look back once someone is traded or when when don’t trade for someone. There is no way that someone’s success elsewhere is going to automatically translate to the same thing in the Bronx. In fact I think it’s more-often-than-not just the opposite.
Sorry if this post is disjointed. I now have to go stand at the polls and help someone with his campaign (can’t think of anything I’d rather not do, but a promise is a promise.)
Later.
I think this has been a splendid season! Really, we have learned so much. We have great players that try really hard year after year and frankly, I think they wanted a year off. They are entitled to it, they are great human beings who make big contributions to the world. Think how much sadness we would have to deal with if we did not have the 2008 Goofy Yankees! There is war, people dying in bad weather, animals disappearing. I don’t want to have to think about that stuff, and those zany crackerjack Yankees help me forget all about things that policemen and superheros should think about. Just watch the games and pretend it’s an episode of Looney Toons. They’ll be back to their Rambo-like selves next year. Enjoy the comedy of this year!
“SOS – Randy Moss will MAKE their replacement QB!”
Moss was said to be half arsing it las sunday. He will revert back to the moss that was with the Raiders. Plays on/Plays off.
Drive & Trisha — I totally see your point. I think I’m just down on the organization right now and not seeing it like a potential FA would.
You’re absolutely right about the history of playing here, not to mention that if you win here, you are set for life because this fanbase takes care of it’s heroes and will pay top dollar just to see them when they get older.
I think Pete or someone said that we were the only team in the league that still had an Old Timer’s Day.
That says a lot about being a Yankee. Not to mention living in NYC or Rye or Greenwich, is pretty damned sweet.
S.O.S., I’d love to see Moose back. Of course Wang and I think Phil Hughes is definitely worth another try. We’ll also see what we have with Aceves, and we have others in the minors.
Struggling players is one thing. A team that cannot even seem to function at the plate is totally another. Let’s put it this way. The LAST thing I hope to go through next season is another season like this one. Just hideous.
Truly I think I have had my fill with all of them except for Bobby Abreu – and in fairness, Johnny Damon. 12-1? Is that some kind of joke? Coming from the lineup that was supposed to kill the rest of the league?
S.O.S. the downside to holding onto hope well past the point that most others do is that when you finally start to give in to the critical nature of the situation, you have to quickly process what those who were negative from jump street have been processing all along. I see it as sheer happenstance in that nobody could have predicted this I don’t care how many people want to say they knew it would end up this way. But it still leaves me in the same place – shaking my head mightily.
And then the most minute particle of my being says wait a minute. What if we were to win X in a row…
Being an optimist has its drawbacks!
G Love,
It’s hard NOT to be down on the organization.We’ve had little to be happy about since ’03.
To make matters worse, I live in New England and the Red Sox fans are climbing on the bandwagon like crazy now and are being their obnoxious selves.lol
There’s a ton of issues that the 2009 NY Yankees will need to fix.
First and foremost is the pitching. The starting staff needs to be reformed. Wang, Mussina…and start to rebuild from there.
Joba’s shoulder makes me think he’s a setup man for the next year and then the Closer.
A true Ace will be needed – Sabathia is a long shot, but maybe Sheets (and he’s an injury risk). Signing one of those two will allow the Yanks to fill Nos. 4 and 5 with their vaunted MiLB righty prospects – Hughes, Kennedy,Marquez, Aceves,McCutcheon??????
Giambi has to go. Even though Abreu is such a professional hitter (and still runs well), he likely will not be re-signed.
Nady moves to Right. Damon becomes the left fielder (anothe defensive liability) and Cashman trades for a fleet, nice fielding decent-hitting CFer until they can assess Austin Jackson’s long term potential. Or maybe Melky comes back.
Even if Giambi goes, Cashman/Girardi are still hampered with too many DH-types (Damon/ Abreu/Matsui/Posada) and no true first basemen or starting catcher.
It would not surprise me if Posada winds up the first baseman for the next 2 years. That leaves Matsui to DH and play OF from time to time.
About the only positions that seem to be set are long (Giese) and short (Marte/Coke – Left side,) Bruney/Joba/Veras – right side) and Closer.
and then there’s hitting with RISP!
Maybe Manny for 2 years is not a bad idea!
No reason to sign Boras’ top dog Teixeira for the length of contract that he’ll want. Don’t recall he was hated in Atlanta this year, but he did not “light a fire” under the team like McGriff.
Step one: Sign two quality FA starting pitchers, which will enable us to trade some of our minor league pitchers for quality young athletic position players.
Garrett Atkins, young righty third baseman -good hitter could very well be available, as Rockies are rumored to not be able to keep him and Holliday, plus have a AAA prospect to replace him at 3rd. Also look at Ryan Spilborghs for CF.
Move Atkins to 1st. Anyway isn’t current catcher Montero our possible 1st baseman in 3 years?
Step two: Offer arbitration only to Abreu , who’ll likely decline, and Mussina. the rest goodbye. Tell Pettitte to go home, stay in shape and off the juice for a possible mid-season call-up.
Do not feel Marte is worth 6M club option as a situational lefty. decline option and see if you can work out a two year deal.
Torii Hunter wanted to come to Yankees, but instead of taking the White Sox offer of ?75M/5years, got overwhelmed by the 90M offer from the Angels. Angels have a lot of financial decisions in the offseason, with Vlad, Lackey, Teixeira, Anderson, Rivera, F-Rod, Garland, all Possible Fa’s.
Drive 4-5:
After the LA angels dispatch The Sawx there won’t be a lot a bragging from their fans during the off season!
Doreen,
The really ripe figs freeze up to a nice consistency on popsicle sticks for healthy sweet treats for the little folks.
If you want something more depraved for the grownups you can freeze them without sticks and dip them in that kind of chocolate sauce that makes a thin firm shell when it gets cold.
I’m not sold on Xavier Nady at all. His Yankee numbers are eerily similar to last year’s Pittsburgh numbers and his career 162 game average:
.281 ba,.337 obp,.798 obs, 108 k’s, 34 walks,.461 slug %, 22 homers, 77 rbi.
AL pitchers seemed to have figured out that he’ll chase high fastballs. He’s not a terrible player by any means, but he’s just a little better than average.
incognita -
Ooooh – that’s sounds yummy. I’ll definitely try the kiddie version and the grown-up version.
Trisha -
My husband kind of threw in the towel a long time ago this season, so we agree to disagree on a few things regarding our Yankees. But I know where you’re coming from when you say you have to kind of process the downslide all at once instead of right from the start of it. I don’t like it, either.
LathamJoe,
I hope you’re right!
Interesting article in the 09/08 Edition of the NY Post:
“In a sign that the Yankees could be involved in some overseas bidding this winter, Gene Michael was sent on a scouting mission to Japan, although it is unclear whether the Yankees have their eye on a particular player.
That Michael was sent to Japan for the first time signifies a shift for the Yankees, who have relied on their Pacific scouts for several years. Following the disastrous signing of Kei Igawa, however, the Yankees aren’t taking any chances, sending one of their most trusted talent evaluators to look at potential acquisitions.
Among the potential free agents is Koji Uehara, a 33-year-old righthander who was Hideki Matsui’s teammate with Yomiuri for four years.”
In talking about the way the ’96 team was built, I agree with G Love about that not being a team built on the farm system. Like most teams, it was 3 homegrown players with a slew out outsiders. Whoever said they used the farm system to trade for veterans … you are mistaken including Tino and O’Neill. Roberto Kelly was already an established big-leaguer with 4 full seasons in plus parts of two others. He was not a prospect. And Tino was a salary dump by Seattle – they were gonna have to pay him or let him walk. Yes, Russ Davis was a decent prospect, but Tino himself was a relatively young player at 28 and Seattle didn’t wanna pay him.
“My husband kind of threw in the towel a long time ago this season, so we agree to disagree on a few things regarding our Yankees. But I know where you’re coming from when you say you have to kind of process the downslide all at once instead of right from the start of it. I don’t like it, either.”
So did mine. We’re both Yankee fans, but there a lot of aspects of being a yankee fan and about the Yankees in general, that we agree to disagree on too. I’m way more positive and much less likely to get angry at things I can’t control, and he’s more stark and well more likely to get angry.
I don’t think its my birthright as a Yankee fan for them them to be in the playoffs or win the World Series every year by any means. So I have come to the acceptance that they’re probably not going to make the playoffs this year, and it hasn’t really been that hard at all to accept that. I’ve always figured that at some point they’d have to pay the piper for the way they’ve previously run the franchise with win now moves, at the expense of the future.
It HAS been very hard to watch how truly bad they have been at times though, especially given the optimism and excitement I had at the beginning of the year. I’m not going anywhere, I’ll always be a fan no matter what, and always be optimistic and excited at the beginning of each season. But I’m okay with them missing the playoffs despite my disappointment – and I’m sure I’ll get jumped on for not being a True Yankee Fan for saying that, but oh well.
Angel -
Our outlooks are very much alike regarding the Yankees. A disappointing season, to be sure, but a person had to know the run of playoffs would end at some point. I think I thought I would see it coming, though. Didn’t see it coming this year. Spring training always brings renewed hope, and the thing with the Yankees is it’s always realistic to hope.
My husband and I are both in agreement about there not being a birthright to the playoffs. Where we disagree is on particular players, ARod being the lightning rod here, but there are others. And he’s less likely to watch when they’re not winning. Actually, he told me the other night that it (and I think he meant me) was a lot more fun before Pete’s blog and I didn’t know quite as much as I do or care as deeply. He thinks I’m too invested in the team. Which I guess I am. But I’m sunk now, and I can’t help it. Once you know the names and “upsides” of the players in Charleston, you’re done! He tells me I use phrases I never would have before, like, “had a bullpen” and “DFA” come to mind. I’m not sure what he makes of it, to tell you the truth.
I’m okay with them missing the playoffs, too. Have been for a while. Since Joba went down. Sigh. But I don’t look at it as giving up on the Yankees as much as it is seeing the season for what it is. Then moving on.
Mrs Kekich,
“Yes, Russ Davis was a decent prospect, but Tino himself was a relatively young player at 28 and Seattle didn’t wanna pay him.”
How is that not relevant? The point was that the Yankees had at their disposal minor league prospects that other teams wanted. The other point was that they had developed decent major league players such as Roberto Kelly, Sterling Hitchcock and Gerald Williams that they parlayed into major components of dynasty,not just ’96.
They traded minor leaguer Blaise Kozeniewski for Tim Raines. They traded minor leaguer Fernando Seguignol for John Wetteland. They traded former 1st round pick Matt Drews for Cecil Fielder.They traded minor leaguers Marty Janzen,Jason Jarvis and Mike Gordon for David Cone.
And you can’t discount the contributions of others like Ramiro Mendoza,Ricky Ledee and Shane Spencer.
The Yankees had a lot of talent in minor league system and had Gene Michael and Bob Watson, 2 men who knew when to sell high,to make intelligent trades. The Yankee organization has failed doing so in recent years.
Mrs Keckich,
I responded to your post, but it got eaten for the 2nd time! Are you related to Mrs Peterson? lol
I pointed out the Yankee prospects that most ’08 fans probably dont even remember that were traded for many of the key components of the dynasty. For example former 1st round draft pick Matt Drews for Cecil Fielder,Blaise Kozeniewski for Tim Raines and Fernando Seguignol for John Wetteland were pretty good trades, dont you think? And there were more in my other post.
Also, you cant discount the contributions of Ramiro Mendoza, Ricky Ledee and Shane Spencer.
“You want to know the type of guys we need to transition again to a hard nosed ballclub? Guys like Millar and Stairs”
Yes! We have a winner!