Game 159: Yankees at Blue Jays
-
- September
- 25
YANKEES (87-71)
Gardner CF
Cano 2B
Abreu DH
Nady RF
Giambi 1B
Betemit 3B
Ransom SS
Cabrera LF
Cervelli C
Pavano RHP
Carl Pavano (4-1, 4.99) vs. the Toronto hitters.
Roy Halladay (19-11, 2.81) vs. the New York hitters.
Notes: The Yankees have won seven straight and 10 of 11. … The Yankees are four games ahead ofthe fourth-place Jays with four games to play. … The Yankees are 15-7 in September. … Do you think Pudge Rodriguez will look back fondly on his time with the Yankees? He has had Chad Moeller and now Cervelli play in front of him.
SO LONG, IDLE: This will be the 26th and final (right?) start in four years with the Yankees for Carl Pavano. $39.95 million doesn’t get what it used to.
MR. CONSISTENT: Bobby Abreu needs one RBI to join Alex Rodrifguez and Albert Pujols as the only players to have at least 100 RBI for each of the last six seasons. Bobby also has gone eight straight seasons with at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases.
MR. SEPTEMBER: Robinson Cano is 10 of 24 with seven runs scored, four RBI and one strikeout in his last seven games.
NOT GIVING UP MUCH: Yankee pitchers have allowed 11 runs in the last seven games.
NOT SO FAST: Xavier Nady is down to .265/.346/.469 in 55 games for the Yankees. He’s at .209/.250/.349 this month. You might want to reconsider his place in Monument Park.
WHAT’S ON THE iPOD TODAY: You Got Me Rocking (Stones), Evenflow (Pearl Jam), Hungry Heart (Springsteen live, Aug. 20, 1981 in Los Angeles), The Company I Keep (Drive-By Truckers), Messin’ With The Kid (Blues Brothers), Settin’ The Woods On Fire (Hank Williams), Come See About Me (The Supremes), Lawyers, Guns and Money (the late, great Warren Zevon).
Back later with some updates.
UPDATE, 5:25 p.m.: Mariano Rivera has gone back to New York for a physical. Joe Girardi said Mo has a “cranky body” and would not say whether his shoulder or elbow is bothering him. Girardi claimed that Rivera would be available to pitch in Boston. We’ll see.
“Not necessarily,” said Girardi when asked whether Rivera had something specifically wrong.
Every player gets a physical at the end of the season. It’s unusual, however, for somebody to leave the road for one.
Girardi said that Jeter, A-Rod and Damon would return to the lineup this weekend. There is rain expected in tomorrow, however.
UPDATE, 5:36 p.m.: Congratulations to Joe Torre, Larry Bowa and Don Mattingly for leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to the National League West title. Through the Dodgers suffered a variety of injuries and poor performances by key players like Andruw Jones, Torre managed to guide them to only their second division title in 12 seasons.
The NL West is dreadful but all you can do is play the schedule you’re given. That’s 13 consecutive postseason berths for Torre.
UPDATE, 5:52 p.m.: Mike Mussina threw a bullpen today and said his elbow felt fine. He’s set for Sunday. Girardi said he would use all the regulars and everybody in the bullpen to get Moose the win.
UPDATE, 8:24 p.m.: Hope you got a good look tonight, you’ll never see Pavano in a Yankees uniform again. The great heist has come to a conclusion. Pavano leaves with $39.95 million having given the Yankees nine wins over four years.
Thanks for the memories, Carl.
UPDATE, 8:34 p.m.: In a stunning turn of events, it would seem that Girardi didn’t reveal the whole truth about an injury. Brian Cashman said that Mariano Rivera has a sore shoulder, which is why he went back to New York to get checked out. He had an MRI and the team is awaiting results. It was not a standard end-of-the-season physical.
Given that information, it would seem unlikely that Rivera will pitch this weekend.
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Pavano vs. Halladay?
Talk about a contrast – gutless vs. guts.
Hey everyone, my letter is now on page four.
If you want to see what it is completed, let me know and I’ll consider typing it up.
I’m handwriting it because I hear 1 handwritten letter = 500 emails.
I’m putting a lot into it. So I hope it gets to him. Or to someone that can make a difference.
Has anyone on this board attended, or know of someone who has, a Yankee Fantasy Camp?
Just listenin’ to Voodoo Lounge myself. A lost gem.
Rebecca –
I think you could just mail it to:
Hal Steinbrenner
Legends Field
1 Steinbrenner Dr.
Tampa, FL 33614
Cant imagine his office being anywhere else.
david: Indeed, that’s the plan.
Pete, Bobby does not have 8 straight seasons with 20 HR and 20 SB. Earlier in his career he went 7 straight seasons with 20 HR and 20 SB, that was 1999-2005. In 2006 he had 15 HR and in 2007 he had 16 HR.
will any Yankee fan look back fondly of Pudge Rodriguez ?
if you really want to think outside the box, you could resign Abreu thru arbitration, and spin Nady with IPK or a couple of pitchers for another player.
not saying itd happen, or that id do it; but Nady had a pretty good market at the deadline.
I didn’t realize Nady had been that mediocre for us, it seems like every time I watch him he’s getting a hit. Just goes to show you gotta look at the stat line instead of what you want to believe.
Does Arod really need 2 days off?! He will be off for 4 months.
I predict that Melky & Gardner will collide in the outfield tonight, each trying to out-do the other to prove which is the superior sub-par future Center Fielder of the Yankees.
“Xavier Nady is down to .265/.346/.469 in 55 games for the Yankees. He’s at .209/.250/.349 this month. You might want to reconsider his place in Monument Park.”
This is why you keep Abreu. I like Nady and he is wickedly handsome, but I think this is a fluke year for him.
No Jeter, A-Rod and Damon again?
We know Jeter is hurt but is there something going on physically with A-Rod and Damon that they are sitting them or is this just a let the kids play on the turf and the vets will play in Boston?
“This is why you keep Abreu. I like Nady and he is wickedly handsome, but I think this is a fluke year for him.”
its a rough patch, which everyone goes thru… but he’s got the talent to be an everyday, productive major league OFer without question.
“Does Arod really need 2 days off?! He will be off for 4 months.”
Girardi wants to give the kids a shot. Alex hit his milestone the other day. No need for him to be out there.
Abreu HR stat—that you took from Yankees.com is wrong.
“Girardi wants to give the kids a shot. Alex hit his milestone the other day. No need for him to be out there.”
Plus – God forbid there was an injury to him or another key Yankee in a meaningless game. That would be a disaster.
The Yanks are almost certain to offer Abreu arbitration. There’s not much down side to that, plus they get the draft compensation if he doesn’t take it.
I seriously doubt Abreu would accept arbitration. He could get a 2 or 3 year deal somewhere. I think it is possible the Yanks could sign him if they offered him a one year deal for more than he would get in arbitration, but only Abreu knows for sure.
Rebecca, don’t get your hopes up too much. I have been a partial season ticket holder for time out of mind, and for the last ten years prices at the Stadium have done nothing but increase relentlessly. I can’t imagine that changing at the new park.
The Drive-By Truckers are excellent.
“The Yankees are 15-7 in September”
Too bad we couldn’t have this record in August.
Zevon was one cool daddy-o. I really like that song.
I,m sort of picturing a shutout for Hallady tonight. He might even pitch himself to sleep.
Pavano’s last audition for some sucker in 2009.
Is ESPN devoting an entire day’s coverage to the final game at Shea? LMAO!!!
Nady has played a third of a season in pinstripes and has 11 HR and 36 RBI. That’s a 33 HR, 108 RBI pace.
That’s mediocre?
Can’t move Nady… Yanks need another RH bat, not fewer RH bats. Yanks vs LHP this year .258 BA, .339 OBP, .396 SLG.
Now THAT’S mediocre!
Wave Your Hat: I imagine he probably won’t even read the letter, but it’ll make me feel a little better.
“MR. SEPTEMBER: Robinson Cano is 10 of 24 with seven runs scored, four RBI and one strikeout in his last seven games.”
Mr. September?? Do you realize that he is hitting .237/.263/.342 this month? His September performance is really terrible, and easily his worst month since April ended. Maybe you should have called him “Mr. September 17th – 24th”
“Bobby also has gone eight straight seasons with at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases.”
Pete
Unless Baseball-reference.com is wrong, he had 15 HRs in 2006 and 16 in 2007.
“Girardi wants to give the kids a shot. Alex hit his milestone the other day. No need for him to be out there.”
Yeah but Betemit?
Yes we can find a better man!
WHAT’S ON THE iPOD TODAY: You Got Me Rocking (Stones), Evenflow (Pearl Jam), Hungry Heart (Springsteen live, Aug. 20, 1981 in Los Angeles), The Company I Keep (Drive-By Truckers), Messin’ With The Kid (Blues Brothers), Settin’ The Woods On Fire (Hank Williams), Come See About Me (The Supremes), Lawyers, Guns and Money (the late, great Warren Zevon).
you racist prick!
It’s 4pm , school must be out.
“Yeah but Betemit? ”
Ransom is at SS so there’s no one else available. My hope is that this is Betemit’s last turn as a Yankee.
Darn I wanted to see Miranda at first again. I like his swing, he could be in the mix next season… At least for a spot on the bench.
At four pages and change the great letter has been completed.
What’s the over/under on it getting read, you think?
I’d put it at I’m likely to sit in the seats I’m moping I can’t afford before he even sees the envelope!
i’m kind of surprized there are still gripes about the line-up at this point of the season.
then again, line-up gripes can be grouped with the sun rising and pete making springsteen references….
Nady is a good not great player… My only dislike in his game is he is a hacker, he swings at almost anything..
But Nady is a good player and on a good team he can be a very valuable player.
Interested to see Cervilli play, play the young guys, get sanchez a few more innings….
Yes the home run stat on Abreu is wrong, but it doesn’t change the fact that he is a tremendous talent the Yankees cannot afford to lose. Nady is a good player but he cannot produce like Abreu can.
Give Abreu whatever he wants (within reason) but get him back. If it is one thing the Yankees have it is money, what they do not have is enough productive consistant hitters who can hit with RISP.
If the Yankees can afford to give Pavano 40 million for 26 starts they can damn well affort to pay CC 25 mil to make 32 starts a year.
rebecca, i just hope he isn’t overwhelmed by the number of words…
“Pete
Unless Baseball-reference.com is wrong, he had 15 HRs in 2006 and 16 in 2007.”
Maybe Pete was including those HR derby dingers during the all-star break.
“rebecca, i just hope he isn’t overwhelmed by the number of words…”
He went to Dartmouth – hopefully he can plow through!
Rebecca, when I need assurance that mail is going to arrive at a certain place I send it certified with a return receipt requested. It will cost you a few dollars more but at least you know it will have reached its destination because someone will have to sign for it. And when someone sees certified mail they certainly want to know what’s in it!
Just a thought.
So Doc is going for the 20th win, this lineup says that unlike the Blue Jays did for Mussina, the Yankees are going to hand this win over to him.
“At four pages and change the great letter has been completed.
What’s the over/under on it getting read, you think?”
I’m more likely to read something lengthy if it is space and a half rather than single spaced! Double spacing will make it appear to be too many pages.
“So Doc is going for the 20th win, this lineup says that unlike the Blue Jays did for Mussina, the Yankees are going to hand this win over to him.”
This lineup looks similar to yesterday’s and they won that game.
The Rays are making it interesting. They didn’t clinch today.
raymagnetic-
i’m surprised that you are willing to go out so far on a limb with sabathia.
i honestly don’t know what i think about him. he’s obviously a stud, but there’s some downsides and risk there. while i could see santana reinventing himself as a finesse pitcher if he had too, i don’t see that with sabathia.
Tricia…Read the last few entries from the previuos post….
As solid as Bobby is at the plate, his poor defense and baserunning makes him a very flawed player. As of September 2nd he was at -22.96 DRS (defensive runs saved). That FAR FAR outweighs the benefit he brings on offense. In fact, this statistic shows Abreu is the WORST fielder in both leagues! He also has 20 SB but he’s been caught 11 times. Thats a terrible success ratio and has definitely hurt the team. Abreu is a complete butcher in the field and he’s the kind of player the Yankees should be avoiding as they go forward.
Also earlier I believe Laura mentioned the Yankees have the highest fielding percentage. You should know that fielding percentage does not really measure how good a team is on defense. Again, going by DRS the Yankees have the worst defense in the AL at -50.2 defensive runs saved.
TK,
Had a good laugh at your magazine joke. And did you just call Alex a key Yankee?
Laura,
Watched the first episode of Heroes, but fell asleep during the second. Unfortunately that was after I saw Mohinder mauling the South American girl. Yuck and gross.
I’m still a little confused on the Good Peter/Bad Peter thing. Good Peter’s trapped in the prisoner’s body, right? So why is Bad Peter from the future switching with present Peter?
” And when someone sees certified mail they certainly want to know what’s in it!”
actually , the first thing that crosses my mind is that i’m being sued.
if i don’t know who it’s from, i don’t accept it.
Guys they’re in Toronto…ARod is single again (not that it matters), Toronto has the best strip joints…He probably needs 2 days off.
TK and Saucy: I sure hope so, he’s got to plow through those lengthy contracts, right?
Trisha: It’s handwritten so the letter’s actually significantly shorter when typed (my handwriting’s a little large).
Sending it certified would be a little hypocritical when my point in the letter is that those of us my age don’t exactly have the world’s greatest financial resources!
Nady’s offensive game reminds me a little of a righty Tino Martinez. He’s a middle of the line-up hitter who doesn’t hit for high average but he has some power and usually puts together a good at bat when you need it. Neither one is bad to look at either.
What was played on my iPod earlier today:
Murder Incorporated – Bruce Springsteen
Don’t You Love Me Anymore – Joe Cocker
Ol’ 55 – Tom Waits
If I Should Fall Behind – Dion DiMucci (Doing Springsteen cover)
Is That Love – Squeeze
Hey, I’m playing tonight. Didn’t expect to see my name in the lineup.
BTW, I’ve heard, but can’t remember where,maybe Michael Kay, that Nady was alot like the Yankeess of the 90’s a real grinder. I’d take that
Long letters get filed in the round filing cabinet. Short, to the point letters get more notice.
“If the Yankees can afford to give Pavano 40 million for 26 starts they can damn well affort to pay CC 25 mil to make 32 starts a year.
”
AMEN –
Durability is a gift. Some guys have it (Wells, Halladay), some guys don’t (See tonight’s SP in pinstripes).
CC’s innings per start is just jaw-dropping phenomenal. We are looking for a flat-out ace. He’s the guy.
Rebecca – I ‘m sure somebody will read the letter. It may be an assistant to Hal, but hopefully it will get passed on to him.
patrick – your stats and my eyes are on the same page.
while i realize that may cause you to revisit your stats, i agree about abreu. it’s a tough call because of his hitting, but i think the yankees have to make the hard decision and let him go.
say goodbye to Abreu.. He is not as good as you think.. He cannot field and is soft..
THE GUY IS 34 YOU THINK HIS NUMBERS WILL stabilize or go up?? No chance, resigning him is the standard yankee mistake.. OLD OLD OLD…..
ADIOS..
Rebecca,
Wrap it around a carton of cigarettes. That should get his attention.
“Sending it certified would be a little hypocritical when my point in the letter is that those of us my age don’t exactly have the world’s greatest financial resources!”
Rebecca while I understand what you’re saying, I don’t think that someone with Hank’s money will think of it in those terms, and you want to make sure it gets to him. I don’t think that it will cost you a ton. I know it’s more than the cost of a stamp but it should be under $3. And hopefully he will read that as your urgency to make sure it gets to him.
“Laura, Watched the first episode of Heroes, but fell asleep during the second. Unfortunately that was after I saw Mohinder mauling the South American girl. Yuck and gross.
I’m still a little confused on the Good Peter/Bad Peter thing. Good Peter’s trapped in the prisoner’s body, right? So why is Bad Peter from the future switching with present Peter?”
Bad Peter from the future came back to stop Nathan from telling the world about their special powers. Apparently, in the future, they are hunted, tested and tortured – all because Nathan talked. Good Peter saw him shoot Nathan so to keep Good Peter quiet, he moved Good Peter’s consciousness into the prisoner at Level 5. So far, Bad Peter has shown at least 3 powers that Good Peter doesn’t have yet (can’t wait to see how he gets those).
This is all backfiring because certain things that didn’t happen before are happening now (i.e. Sylar getting Claire’s power). Now Bad Peter is scrambling trying to fix everything. Yeah, good luck with that, dude!!
Heroes is a great show that stumbled a bit last year, but I think it’s going to be much better this year.
Yankee hitters vs. lefties this year (avg obp slg):
Molina: .188 .250 .271
Melky: .213 .279 .299
Cano: .292 .349 .444
Abreu: .315 .367 .495
A. Rodriguez: .259 .394 .489
I. Rodriguez .289 .343 .381
Jeter: .302 .386 .436
Matsui: .315 .362 .389
Giambi: .234 .377 .477
Damon: .259 .344 .370
Nady: .264 .363 .448
Betemit: .233 .250 .395
Posada: .274 .366 .427
Gardner: .130 .130 .130
Ensberg: .167 .265 .167
Moeller: .185 .313 .185
Duncan: .225 .304 .375
It’s funny how Girardi would use a lot of bench guys against lefties, and all the bench guys pretty much sucked against lefties. And Cano was actually good against lefties, but terrible against righties. Girardi should just stick with the starters next time. Also, Jose Molina should never be allowed to bat 300 times in a season again.
Also I would love to read it when you have it typed up.
Fran: Someone’s better than no one.
It’s really not as long as I’m making it sound. My handwriting’s fairly large so it takes up more room. Typing it, to email it to a couple of people who have asked to see it, it’s only about two pages long.
“TK,
Had a good laugh at your magazine joke. And did you just call Alex a key Yankee?”
A-Rod is the 3 or 4 hitter for the next 5 years at least. If there is a keyer Yankee (yes, I just made up a word) then I would like to see him.
I thought when Clemens first came to the Yankees, we carried him to the World Series rather than the other way around. We need to do the same thing with A-Rod and then I think he will be an YMD – Yankee of Massive Distinction.
Pat M – I responded to you there. I would really appreciate your response as I do think you have very sound judgement on things.
mel: LMAO!
Trisha: Shoot me an email @ rebecca@puristbleedspinstripes.com and I’ll email you a copy. I’m not posting it online quite yet.
Pat,
Is Tino supposed to be good-looking or something? I’ve seen it said a lot.
But it kills me when Tino talks. I’m glad he’s coaching rather than broadcasting.
Rebecca if you end up typing your letter you should post it to your blog. I think a lot of people would be interested in reading it, myself included.
Rebecca, I have been writing my thesis so missed what has been going on—What is your letter about to Hal?
I think Abreu is lousy in the field, but on a full season basis my fear is Nady’s offense won’t be close enough to Bobby’s to carry Nady’s better defense.
That’s why I’d like to re-sign Abreu for a year. But the point is academic as Bobby wants a multi-year deal.
Rebecca,
If the cigarettes don’t work, try a horse. I heard he loves horsies.
Laura,
I consider myself to be a pretty bright person, but my head just exploded from reading that. Thank you, though. I’m going to bookmark the entry and I might understand after reading it a few times.
Interesting comments from Gammons on his espn blog today. Though the last one on Gardner may rank up there with his proclamation that Craig Hansen was #1 setup dude in the AL…
We are constantly reminded that if Mike Mussina wins Sunday, it will be but the first time he’s won 20 games in a season. But his last win put Mussina at 269 career wins, one ahead of the great Jim Palmer, and the only two pitchers who signed out of college and spent their careers in the five-man rotation era with more wins than Mussina are Randy Johnson and Roger Clemens.
The Yankees have the fourth-most wins in the American League and may reach the 90-win total. But Curt Schilling’s sound bite (“The Yankees suck”)—spoken in September—gets replayed on Boston’s WEEI as if it were oracle-speak.
The more one watched Brett Gardner take BP and play, the more one is impressed by his strength. I am convinced that he is going to be an everyday center fielder.
mel –
Rebecca is sending it to the brains (Hal) not the Mouth (Hank).
If she sent it to Hank, Hal would have to help him with the longer words!
mel
I think Tino is as good looking as Nady. Neither are GQ quality but definitely above average.
Rebecca is sending her letter to Hal not Hank so the cigarettes and horses might not be the angle to go with.
Christina—it’s about Yankee fans my age and our inability to afford decent seats at the new stadium.
Mel: Hmm, my dad’s company throws a private party at the meadowlands racetrack once a year, maybe I’ll get him an invitation.
All right, guys, if, say, ten of you say you want to read it I’ll post it to my blog…but don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Plus – God forbid there was an injury to him or another key Yankee in a meaningless game. That would be a disaster.
~But I’ve been told several times those are the types of games when he shines
-Seriously though are the starters going to sit the rest of the season or will they be playing in Boston?
TK: Funniest thing I’ve read all day!
“Is Tino supposed to be good-looking or something? ”
mel, you are lucky my grandmother doesn’t know how to use the internet
Both Buster and Gammons recently made it sound like CC has no interest in the Yanks. But assuming he does, is anyone else worried that he’s going to be throwing this Sunday on 3 days rest for the 3rd straight time? Add to that the workload he’s had the rest of this season and all of last season and I think a big eyebrow has to be raised.
David Cone’s Whatchacallit-
You must have been watching Gardner when the Good Gardner from the future had possessed his body. I’ve only seen him when the Bad Gardner possessed him.
The starters will definitely be playing on Sunday for Mussina’s 20th win. Girardi won’t throw out the scrubs for that one.
Trisha, sent.
Keep fighting the good fight Rebecca!
A gripe of sorts, though I have no right to be ungrateful.
A co-worker just sent me some pictures taken at Friday night’s game. Her brother and sister-in-law went and had seats right behind the Yankee dugout. She told me someone threw a practice ball to her sister-in-law but she couldn’t remember the name. Then she wrote another email and said she remembered – “Gambini”
Here’s my gripe. How is it that they could get/afford seats right behind the Yankee dugout and I end up having to shag tier seats or bleacher seats? (I did love being in the bleachers for sure but wouldn’t mind being behind the dugout!
Anyway they are beautiful pictures. There aren’t that many but I will link to them once I get them up.
Rebecca.. would love to see your letter.. post it on your blog..
David Cone,
LOL. Peter trying to put the Gammons hex on Gardner.
Did he just dis Schill (and slyly repeat print his words) and WEEI?
I wll say that I saw a picture from gayle of K-Long demonstrating something with #11 with his back to us and Melky to his right. I had to clarify if that was Gardner because he looked like a body builder. I always pictured him as a Jeremy Wariner type. lol.
Pete I know you’ve used that “Idle” thing like an old copy of “I wanna hold your hand” on vinyl, but Pavano could be one of the best options per dollar for next season.
Ben Sheets, an injury prone pitcher is going to want 5 years. So will another walking doctors chart, AJ Burnett.
Pavano is a 1 year 11M deal. We’re gonna need starters. The “kids” this year, to put it bluntly sucked. Next year if Brian the Brain Cashman is gonna stuff the rotation with another group of unproven pitchers instead of ponying up the money for Sabathia he’s gonna need quality backups. And i’m not talking Ponson and Rasner. Pavano fills that need with a low risk 1 year deal.
Abreu is hurt by the presence of Damon and Matsui who are both signed for 2009. If one of them is moved, then you could consider signing Abreu short term to be the DH.
Gardner can’t be an every day player until he dramatically reduced his strike outs. He whiffs once every 4 official at bats and that’s just terrible.
Country Club: You should check the day’s earlier threads.
“MR. CONSISTENT: Bobby also has gone eight straight seasons with at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases.”
Pete, stop lifting stats from other places and do your own research. Bobby Abreu has not had eight consecutive 20/20 seasons, he’s had eight in his career. He’s had seven from 1999-2005 but fell short in 2006 (combined with Phils/Yanks) with a 15/30 season.
What? I thought it was Hank. Well, if it’s Hal. Hand deliver it to the stadium. Or send it with hair products.
Wave Your Hat,
Those are Gammons’ thoughts on Gardner.
I’d like to read it Rebecca.
I find it interesting that the perception of Nady is that his numbers are better than they actually are, perhaps because he, without having tangibly justified this view, is considered a scrappier player who works harder and has “more heart” than some other players, even though there are no numbers to support this view.
Meanwhile, Bobby Abreu, who tires out pitchers by driving up counts, and who is a far superior hitter, who is virtually unmoved by a pitcher’s count, is never identified as a “hard worker,” or as “mentally tough.” Is it not mentally “tough” (I prefer “focused” to these stupid, emotionally charged sentiments) to drop into your center, and stay present, to turn a pitcher’s count into a hitter’s count, and get on base? I would assert that it is alot “tougher” than swinging and missing, marching into the dugout, and smashing a water cooler….but you cannot change people’s perceptions, when they are really based on their own emotional needs, and those people will never recognize themselves as victims of an emotional bias.
Furthermore, although Abreu is not a great fielder, but only blessed with a good arm, Nady, certainly a little better than Abreu defensively, has been given credit for being a much better fielder than he actually is – he has been compared, defensively, with Paul O’Neill, which is ridiculous.
The flaw is that some vague notion of “hard working, scrappy” players translates in people’s heads as better defensive players than guys from the Carribbean who smile a lot.
mel-
I see. I guess the Bad Wave Your Hat from the future momentarily possessed me.
Amen Rebecca. I would love to read it also because I have the same feelings as per my blog. I have actually written to them about it and I cant tell you if it was read. But best of luck.
My advice though- Keep it concise. 1 page- 2 the absolute max. These guys will see alot of pages and throw it away. This is fact.
Patrick—-
Are you insane? Another $ 11 M for American Idle?
He’s made 25 starts in FOUR YEARS and you call AJ Burnett a walking Drs. Chart? He’s made 111 starts in the last four years.
Time to take your meds fella
Patrick,
Sorry, man, you’re all alone on this one. While on the surface it makes absolute sense. And if this were anyone else there might be a chance.
But the dude is not liked from top to bottom of that organization.
The ONLY way is if he takes a Lee Iacoca deal ($1) or a Lance Armstrong deal ($0).
“Pete I know you’ve used that “Idle†thing like an old copy of “I wanna hold your hand†on vinyl, but Pavano could be one of the best options per dollar for next season.”
The oft-quoted definition of insanity is doing the exact same thing and expecting different results.
Let him be a comeback player of the year for the Royals, or the Cards. The notion that he is worth $11M is ignorant.
Reliable and competent #3 starters get $11M. Moose got $11M this year. You need to learn the market imho.
Rebecca, I think it’s great. And it does appear to translate to one typewritten page, which is great. I think sending it to Hal is the way to go. As I told you, parts of what you wrote brought tears to my eyes. There was a lot of poignancy in that letter.
Good for you girl.
i dont mean to be a meanie, but i mean prices are dictated by the market, if you cant afford to go, it doesnt matter to the teams. they only want people who can afford 100 dollar tickets and 8 dollar beers. everyone else can sit in the upper deck or watch on tv. it’s reality. it sucks, but it is reality.
Bodhissatva,
Nady and his .330 average was just so sexy, we’re blinded by the other stuff.
Abreu at DH next season would be perfect. But alas, no spot and he needs to get his last big contract. From someone else.
His defense is not horrendous, but we’ve seen enough of it. It’s the years that’s going to be the deal breaker. Which is sad because Bobby’s been good as gold since he lucked out into being traded here by that glorified intern.
” I don’t think that someone with Hank’s money will think of it in those terms,”
i still think he’ll think someone is suing him.
Someone needs to be on hand to give last rites to Arizona. They’re down 10-3 in the 7th inning of an elimination game.
“Furthermore, although Abreu is not a great fielder, but only blessed with a good arm, Nady, certainly a little better than Abreu defensively, has been given credit for being a much better fielder than he actually is – he has been compared, defensively, with Paul O’Neill, which is ridiculous.”
Nady, while extremely handsome (have I said this before?), is also a tad slow. Watch him track down balls in LF. He’s no Carlos Gomez.
I think that Abreu gets a bad rap about his fielding. He’s got a gun of an arm and can throw guys out when he locates well. I think we should try and keep him.
not that this needs to be mentioned, but “Messin’ with the Kid” wasn’t on the soundtrack to the movie, which is the album cover you have.
(and, yes. I’m a Yankees fan. Have been for the last 20+ years. I’m just focusing on something that’s more important right now.)
“The more one watched Brett Gardner take BP and play, the more one is impressed by his strength.”
me thinks one should have his eyes checked.
Mel,
We’ve seen enough of everybody’s outfield defense, with the exception of Cabrera and Gardner, and the outfield can’t accommodate both, unfortunately.
I would give Abreu 2 years. He might take it, as he really likes it here and I don’t know if he could get more out there. The fact is, we need his bat; our lineup is too lacking in this type of hitter. I happen to think this is a priority signing.
GOTTA WIN 90 Games
Arizona 3, St. Louis 10 lets go torre
“i dont mean to be a meanie, but i mean prices are dictated by the market, if you cant afford to go, it doesnt matter to the teams.”
It should.
Revenue streams for teams nowadays are much more broad than simply the gate and the concessions.
If you believed, like I do that the game experience fosters greater loyalty by fans (and a greater interest in buying gear.) then you would have a different mindset.
Hockey is dying as a major sport because of the prices in the arenas. Baseball would be wise to make sure they don’t kill their golden geese in Boston, NY, LAD and STL.
there is no debate on whom is better Abreu or nady.. of course abreu is so what, he should be he makes more $$$$$$..
See whe player A makes $28 mill a year he is suppose to be better then player B making $7 mill a year.
Abreu is a DH on a team that needs no more DH’s, whom is declining in ability, and will make more money then he is worth.
Not real complicated…...
Re: Pettitte definitely coming back, I asked Pete Abraham in the live chat about that and his thoughts were basically that just because Girardi said he wanted Pettitte back, he didn’t think that was the official organization opinion.
My opinion on Pettitte is that his poor performance in the 2nd half could have a lot to do with his shoulder problems. If he was able to take a start or 2 off, he may have been able to have the strong 2nd half he usually does. He also had a lot of distractions in the offseason that caused him to miss some of his workout program.
All that being said, if I was running the show, Wang is the only guy signed on the team right now that I would expect to start 30 games. Joba and Hughes should each be able to get 20-24 starts and I think Aceves could fill in effectively for the starts they have to miss due to innings limits. That should leave two spots open, ideally for CC and Mussina. If CC doesn’t sign, that is when I would bring in Pettitte. I would rather have him at a 1 year deal than Burnett or Sheets to long term contracts.
Laura, if anything, Abreu doesn’t get enough flak for his atrocious fielding. He doesn’t go back, he doesn’t come in, he doesn’t go side to side. When the ball does come to him, I agree he can chuck it.
That said, I’m more on the side of Bodhissatva than Mel and others. I think Bobby’s offense has always been a major plus and we’ll miss him when he’s gone.
But you can’t sign him to a multi-year deal. If he has to have one, not here.
All right, guys, you asked for it, don’t make me regret it!
The letter of DOOM to Hal Steinbrenner
Hope it gets somewhere besides the trash can.
And hey, if I can do it, so can you.
Hey Pete, have the veterans dressed up the rookies yet in their annual hazing?
TK-
Prices will come down when the park is no longer full. However, attendance will only go down when the Yanks aren’t successful.
I want the Yanks to be successful, so I can’t root for lower prices.
My head hurts.
Exactly what is Giambi doing in the lineup ?
Who really expects his 2009 option to be picked up ?
Randy,
As much as I like to see the Yankees develop and promotr from within I also love it when they can get free agent players who are still in their prime.
I think CC could be a throwback type of pitcher. He’s thrown alot of pitches but it doesnt look to me like he’s using a lot of effort due to his size and his natural down plane on his pitches. Hopefully the Yankees can sign him to counteract the devil rays young lefty price for the next 6 years.
TK: Dude, you should see what it cost me to go to one Devils game last year!
Okay, my brother took advantage of my father’s saying “don’t pay more than face value” to buy third row seats against the flyers but that’s not the point!
Unless the Yankees sign Teixiera, they have to retain Abreu, even if it takes a 3-year contract.
The Yankees are already an offensively deficient team. They do not solve that deficiency by letting their ‘3’ hitter AND their ‘5’ hitter leave and expect to replace them with a catcher who just had labrum surgery and DH with chronically arthritic knees.
The Yankees have 3 outfielders between 34 and 35 signed through 2008 and 2009: Abreu, Damon, and Matsui.
Of the three, Abreu has shown the LEAST skill regression and has aged the best.
Remember after 2009, the Yankees lose Matsui, Damon, and a 30-yr-old Nady (a Boras client and hence one who will want a big contract).
So pray tell, in 2010, if Austin Jackson patrols CF, who’s manning the other two spots? Brett Gardner and Matt Carson?
Like Joe Sheehan of Baseball Prospectus wrote yesterday, “Xavier Nady is not an everyday player”.
The 7-8-9 hitters in the Yankees lineup averaged less than a .300 OBA.
Nady doesn’t help this deficiency any. He’s too free a swinger; he sees too few pitches per plate appearance (3.8); and he walks too infrequently.
And btw, Nady’s hardly proven to be Carl Crawford in the outfield.
An extra year or two than warranted for Abreu in RF is still a better option than having another year with a lineup that languishes.
Rebecca – really good letter. I think that I’ll write one too.
I keep hearing about these outrageous tickets prices for the new stadium, but I’ve never seen them printed anywhere. Is it out on Yankees.com?
Oh, but in Nady’s favor, he is white.
(YES, I’m being bitterly sarcastic.)
First and foremost, Tino is good looking, in a boy-next door, approachable way.
Second, Rebecca, I would be interested in reading your letter. My guess is that your letter will be opened and read by an assistant. I think if it’s a good letter, then Hal will get it.
Fran: Indeed, you should!
Laura: It is official. I’m not sure if it’s on Yankees.com but if you google ‘new yankee stadium ticket prices’ you should find it.
I’ll be back later long day guys/girls
I’m glad Cisco is getting some play but I also wanted Miranda at 1B tonight. What’s the point of trotting Giambi out there ?
Miranda’s swing
Play him.
Doreen: It’s on my blog
And I don’t think you have to send it certified mail, return receipt requested.
“Prices will come down when the park is no longer full. However, attendance will only go down when the Yanks aren’t successful.
I want the Yanks to be successful, so I can’t root for lower prices”
WYH –
That is a smart take imo.
I guess I would push for promotions (College night on Thursdays, Summer Camp day game promotions, etc.) to allow for outreach.
The Cash Cow of the new stadium is going to be a flat out gold mine for the franchise. It might allow them to increase community outreach.
BTW – I am a Category 5 capitalist – I just think the Yanks would benefit from a ‘grow the pie’ mentality rather than ‘eat drink and be merry’ over the long haul.
If you’re sending the letter to Hank, you better write it in crayon. And include some sticks of Juicy Fruit ! And a shiny new nickel !
WWWEEEEEEEEEE !!!!!
Rebecca-Great letter.
Joe Girardi on WFAN. Mo was going to get the next few days off so he went back to NY and will meet back up with the team in Boston to hopefully close Mussina’s 20th win.
When asked who he thinks had a really good year this year, the first guy he came up with is Jeter. He wouldn’t have been in my top 5.
Rebecca, I read your letter, and I think its great! I share your sentiments and I am going to write up a letter myself. I don’t know what two of us can really do to change things, but I agree with your feelings about the more that do it, maybe someone someday will hear us.
Bronx Jeers September 25th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
If you’re sending the letter to Hank, you better write it in crayon. And include some sticks of Juicy Fruit ! And a shiny new nickel !
WWWEEEEEEEEEE !!!!!
Don’t forget to include a pack of Marlboro Reds
I don’t think anyone has said that Abreu is a bad baseball player. The truth is that: 1, he’s going to make a few million less than Teixeira 2, Damon, Matsui, and Nady all need playing time in LF and RF, and 3, the Yankees will get 2 draft picks when another team signs him.
Also, I don’t think its necessarily a bad thing to have 3 free agents in the outfield with Gardner playing 60 or so games in CF. They will all be playing for contracts, Jackson should be ready by 2010, and there are some good young outfield free agents next year.
Mine either. The first name that comes to mind for me is Bobby Abreu. The second also…
Bronx Jeers: It’s to Hal!
SA: Thank you
Christina: Andy Pettitte came back this year in part because of a letter writing campaignn from the fans. Now, I imagine it’d take a hell of a lot more letters to influence the Steinbrothers, but it can be done.
You should certainly write your own letter and spread the word if you are of the same sentiment
Abreu is not a BAD player by any means… he has a good average, good speed, good arm. Those things are all great tools to have, but I think what some are getting at here, is his inability to “do whatever it takes” to win ballgames. No one can question the talent we have, but we are SEVERELY lacking guys who know how to win games at all costs. ROD, Giambi, Abreu, and Damon have shown they are not capable of that and everyone but ROD will be gone by ‘09 at the latest.
Also I think this has negatively affected by Robbie and Melky. When one of the vets is not concerned with the team concept then how do you think that rubs off on the kids? Quite disappointing… He is done as a Yank, Girardi wants players who place the team above themselves, that is how we will become elite again.
Tonights Mets-Cubs pitching match-ups. Rich Harden vs Pedro Martinez. Yikes!
The Mets game will likely get rained out.
Thanks, Rebecca.
You know, perhaps not for next year or 2010, but you never know, they may reconsider restructuring some of the prices and some of the ticket plans. Or they may think about some other creative pricing that would allow young fans to have good seats at least occasionally.
One of the “problems” the Yankees have is they almost always play to a full house. There are no games against any team where you can say, well, you know there’ll be empty seats for this one.
Your letter talks about a particular group, and I think that’s good. And I like that you talk about your future value to the team as a targeted demographic.
Here’s hoping Hal reads it!
What are they gonna do about all those Mets games? Isn’t it suppose to rain for like the next 3 days?
Its gonna be close. I think they si=aid tonight they have more of a chance than the next two nights
I understand that their are strong sentiments on the other side, but if you can get 2 early picks for Abreu (1st round and sandwich round), save $16M (net $10M) and slot Nady into RF – why watch Bobby Abreu flounder around RF for another 3 years at big money.
The offense is a problem – even with Bobby.
I think A-Rod should slot into the 3 hole next year, unless something miraculous happens with Tex coming into the fold.
There are too many balls up in the air to know the direction for sure, but I don’t want to sign on for another player of advanced age and a no-trade clause.
Doreen: indeed
“Also I think this has negatively affected by Robbie and Melky. When one of the vets is not concerned with the team concept then how do you think that rubs off on the kids? Quite disappointing…”
As I said above, I’m not for keeping him – but the statement is the exact opposite of the reporting I’ve seen. I think he is a good guy (same as Big G) – I just am happy to try another player.
dont worry bud selig will to the rescue and the mets will play those mets
oh that bud, hes so smart
just ask the astros!
Rebecca-
Unique handwritting.
I think the letter was heart felt and very descriptive of where people our age can’t afford noose bleed seats. I sometimes want to sit at noose bleed seats but just couldn’t afford it and not going to max out my credit card just for those seats. My first and last time i got to sit like 5 feet away from the field, was my friend (works as a real estate) got the tickets from his company.
wow that first line of my post made no sense wat so ever
lol if you cant tell im missing some sleep haha
“What are they gonna do about all those Mets games? Isn’t it suppose to rain for like the next 3 days?”
I suggest they put on their floaties!
(build an Ark?)
Ed: Thanks. It’s strangely like my father’s handwriting, except I cross my 7’s and for some reason I can’t explain, my j’s as well.
great letter rebecca!
Rebecca,
Great letter!
Joe Torre
one of the luckiest men i have ever seen
Thanks guys
“When one of the vets is not concerned with the team concept then how do you think that rubs off on the kids? Quite disappointing…â€
And what does that say about the Captains ability to lead? We keep hearing he is a leader by example. Doesn’t that mean that the kids should be following him or is he not a team first player too?
I suggest they put on their floaties!
(build an Ark?)
Hahaha
Play the game in swimwear? Anyone on the Mets we wanna see in a speedo?
Rebecca –
If I didn’t know any better, I would seriously though your hand writting would be kind of ancient like the old western style. lol
“Congratulations to Joe Torre, Larry Bowa and Don Mattingly for leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to the National League West title.”
A title any AAA team could have won.
Congratulations to the Dodgers Mgmt. on picking up Manny, that’s when the ship changed course.
Any idiot will say any AAA team could have won a division title in MLB
“Any idiot will say any AAA team could have won a division title in MLB”
Only an idiot would call someone else an idiot for having an opinion that differs from theirs.
this is fun – and it lists prices (but i can’t find single game)
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/nyy/ballpark/new_stadium_seat_selector.jsp
I’ll be interested to see if Torre can get the Dodgers past the first round.
Ed: LMAO
Congratulations to Joe and co. Now, please go ahead and not win the World Series because I’d never hear the end of it from my family.
Congratulations to the dodgers for improvising when the starting SS, Closer, CF, 2B, and SP went down.
“As I said above, I’m not for keeping him – but the statement is the exact opposite of the reporting I’ve seen. I think he is a good guy (same as Big G) – I just am happy to try another player.”
I’m not saying he’s a bad guy at all he seems like he is a good guy, that’s not my point.
let me try to rephrase it.
We’ve always heard Jeter leads by example right? He’s not going to get in your face and scream, he always just goes out there and does the right thing. That’s why he’s been such a great captain. So think of it this way, Abreu is a veteran, not an in your face guy either. When the younger players, ESPECIALLY ones who speak the same language (Robbie, Melky, Betemit), are following a guy who does not do whatever it takes to win then that is a big problem.
the Dodgers clinched? wow….
I agree Rebecca, Torre can’t win the World Series.
Manny ba for the last 28 days .416 with a OBP of .509, 11 homeruns, 32 RBIs.
Congrats to the Dodgers.
Only an idiot would call someone else an idiot for calling someone else an idiot for having an opinion that differs from theirs.
I can’t wait for the Yankees to sign Burnett and/or Sheets.
Might as well call them Carl Pavano and Jaret Wright.
“Only an idiot would call someone else an idiot for calling someone else an idiot for having an opinion that differs from theirs.”
I see that school has let out for the day. Parent should really keep a better eye on their kids and how they use the Internet.
saucY:
that is really awesome and just gets me even more excited for the new stadium to open!
Pete why don’t you step up and say what you want to say about Nady that everyone is afraid to say:
He’s a 4th outfielder having a career year.
Sean L –
Gotcha – I understand what you’re saying.
I know A-Rod gets tons of guff, but if every player, latin – anglo – asian – martian – prepared like A-Rod, we would have a DYNASTY.
Add to the mix Posada – who is a BALLS OUT in your face guy, and I think you have a recipe for success.
You can knock the Dodgers and the NL West all you want….But the measure of a team is the ability to rise above adversity and still perform when it counts…See the Cards from a few years ago…Or is this some form of sour grapes…Cannot deminish the accomplishments….Yanks pulled it off in 2000, with a lesser record….Give credit where credit is due, and get over the pettiness, not good style,,,
Good news about Moose!
you gotta have faith: it looks like home
speaking of, why the hell am i still at work?
lets go moose
hopefully it won’t rain!
Someone get Pete, Francesa and Torre a room. This guy is such an overrated manager it’s not even funny. And don’t tell me we make the playoffs with Torre here. In the lon-grun, we’re in better hands with Girardi and you will be seeing that beginning next season.
“Andy Pettitte came back this year in part because of a letter writing campaignn from the fans.”
You seem well meaning but between this and the letter you’re drowning in naivety with not a single toe in reality. I’m sure part of it is being 22.
Also, there is no santa claus, fido didn’t go to ‘doggy heaven’, and the cat didn’t ‘run away’.
“Congratulations to Joe Torre, Larry Bowa and Don Mattingly for leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to the National League West title.”
I think manny and lowe and billingsley and broxton and martin and loney and kemp and ethier did more to lead the dodgers there than bowa or mattingly did. was mattingly even with the team in the first half of the season?
“Give credit where credit is due, and get over the pettiness, not good style,,,”
So I’m being petty by acknowledging that the Dodgers won in a much weaker division than the Yankees play? That’s not being petty; that’s facing facts. Put the Yankees in the NL West and where do you think they would have finished? That’s right, First. So would TOR. And CWS. And MIN.
I’m not knocking Torre. He got lucky when LAD got Manny, but to try and act like what he did with LAD can be equated with other division wins is just silly.
Dan: That’s a little harsh, considering I admit, from the outset, that the letter’s unlikely to get read, let alone make a difference.
And, btw, I’m Jewish.
(Kill) Schilling
^Although it would probably hurt Curt more if we just ignore him
“The Yankees have 3 outfielders between 34 and 35 signed through 2008 and 2009: Abreu, Damon, and Matsui.
Of the three, Abreu has shown the LEAST skill regression and has aged the best.”
That’s so, too. He hasn’t really regressed much at all. His OBP was crummy for a while but it’s better than last season, as is OPS. On the whole, he’s had a fairly representative season. He is as sharp and professional at ever at the plate. And right now, we have NO ONE, as you point out, who is a classic 3-hitter like Abreu is.
Someone else said he doesn’t get taken to task enough for his crummy defense; I would say that our entire OUTFIELD (sans Melky and Gardner, because they both can actually play out there) doesn’t get enough criticism and hasn’t over the years. Girardi seems to get it, however, that we are a dinosaur with our aging, range-less crew and that teams built on slugging at the expense of defense are doomed in this era (paraphrasing: he was just on Mike Francessa’s show).
Abreu IS part of that homogenized DH problem, I agree (can’t remember which poster made this point) but he is also differentiated because he brings something unique that solves a specific problem the others can’t: he is a hitter of a certain pedigree and type the Yankees otherwise lack. You could argue that Damon is a specialized case, too, because he’s a great leadoff guy, but unfortunately, he’s also a CF who has significantly faded, and you can more easily camaflouge a crummy corner OF than a crummy CF; in fact, trying to get away with a crummy CF is disastrous.
Kyle (Brockport, NY): Does Phil Hughes’ performance last night show us what he is capable of? Were you impressed? He had a nasty curve last night.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Keith Law: (2:17 PM ET ) Spoke to a scout who was there – said Hughes showed good feel, no knockout pitch (he said he wouldn’t have graded any pitch over 55, which is one grade above average), solid velo. If Hughes can be what he was last night for a full season, staying healthy, that’s at least a strong #3.
CB or SJ44, are you concerned about Phil’s velocity last night? On another board I visit, several posters seem puzzled that he’s not even hitting 93-94 and they don’t think he can be a real top of the rotation starter hitting 90 MPH. They’re puzzled as to how Phil lost 3-4 MPH off his FB – isn’t that very unusual for a kid? Another poster mentioned that Phil was throwing mostly 2 seamers last night, which would account for the dip in velocity. Did you notice that? I was really impressed with Phil last night and I think perhaps his velocity will come back with consistent pitching; he just hasn’t been able to stay healthy long enough to get into a groove. I hope so, anyway. Thoughts? Thanks!
I will root for the Dodgers demise.
GO PHILLIES/CUBS!!!
Watching the Dodgers getting eliminated will be just as sweet as watching the Mets collapse or watching a Red Sox loss.
Johnny Damon gets to as many balls in LF as any fielder. His arm is weak, but he covers ground in left field as well as anyone. Do people really consider him a weak left fielder?
“This is where it is hard to take Law seriously at all. I mean, we know he dislikes Phil and has never thought highly of him, but what the heck was his scout watching? Phil had an absolutely devastating curve last night – Leiter was raving about it.”
The kids pitches one good game all yr in Sept and Law shouldn’t be taken seriously for pointing out the obvious? If everything breaks right Hughes is a #3.
That’s it. He’s not an ace. He’s not a frontline pitcher. He doesn’t have the velocity. Accept it and stop thinking every scout and everyone at ESPN hates the Yankees.
Laura, That is a valid point..However there’s been many situations when such a team with a weaker record prevails regardless of the division they won….I’ll just use the Yanks so all can relate to …What was their record in 2000….The AL East was not the beast that it has come to be…They then scrambled just to beat Oakland and then the Mets….So many times teams with a better record fails to make the postseason…Hell, it’s been going on for decades, before divisional play….And yes there was such a time, prior to 1969…..It’s all about getting to the dance, regardless as to the League and it’s respected division….
On nights when Phil’s curve is as devestating as it was yesterday, he can get by with his weak fastball..
But on nights when it isin’t that crisp, he will get pounded.
That is why he will never be an ace. His FB is not what it was in Trenton. New mechanics changed that. Doesn’t mean he can’t be a good MLB starter though.
Abreu note: Yes his offense will be missed, but in 2010 there are FA’s-Crawford, Bay, Ankiel, Holliday, possibly Dye, possibly Ordonez-all more valuable than Abreu would be in years 2010 and 2011 of a 3 year contract.
If we don’t fix our starting pitching to compete with the likes of the Rays, Boston, and Toronto[if they resign Burnett] then scoring 5 runs a game might not even get us to the playoffs, let alone advance very far.
Offer arbitration to Abreu and Mussina only. Let the rest go into FA. If you can’t fix the starting pitching thru FA signings or a trade, Pettitte will still be available.
I agree with Law—- that was an accurate assessment of Hughes and how I feel too. Not everyone hates the Yankees and is out to get Hughes, they are just being objective. Pretty much every media member feels this way about Hughes. If so many people feel this way, there has to be something to it. Maybe they are right.
Can we PLEASE stop overrating September numbers or say a guy is ‘back on track’ based on one start?
Kennedy vs. this same Blue Jays team last year: 7 IP, 1 ER, 7 Ks. Even more impressive than Hughes. His changeup was sparkling that night just like Hughes’ curve was. Not an indicator of anything.