Another live chat tomorrow
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Sep 29, 2008 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
Last week’s chat went so well, that we’re going to do it again tomorrow at 4 p.m.
Go to this link and ask whatever you want. I’ll get your questions and answer them on video. We went for 45 minutes last week and the plan is to go at least that long tomorrow.
So please stop on by and we’ll get the hot stove season started.
————
I’ve been meaning to mention this for a while now. Please, let’s not have any political discussion on this blog.
We all have opinions on who should be president, the economy and everything else. But there are thousands of other places on the internet to have those discussions. I want this to be a place to talk about the Yankees, baseball and maybe once in a while movies and music.
A vast majority of our readers are friendly folks who get along, so let’s keep it way. Thanks.
Besides, we all know who the best president would be …
… The Big G!
I will start a write-in campain to get him on the ballot. Maybe the fine folks at the Jack Daniels Distillery can jump start his campaign and donate some money.
Ya know…he wants to keep playing but what about The Big G as a hitting coach?
BIG G 2008… He has my vote, there hasnt been a president with good facial hair in a while.
I will vote for the Big G only if he mandates that all members of Congress must wear those sweet, sweet fake mustaches.
What if the only way Mussina would come back is if we would keep him until he reached 300 and he wanted a 3 yr deal but would promise to retire if he didn’t have it anymore. Would you still do it?
I have fallen into a mild state of depression. What am I going to do without baseball? Watch football? Never : )
Hey Pete, You gonna try to get to the Superbowl to see The Boss play the halftime show? I’m still disappointed the Yanks didn’t use him to close down the old stadium. But hey, there’s always hope he’ll open the new one!!! Get right on that, ok?
Damon-LF
Jeter-SS
Matsui-DH
Arod-3B
Blaylock-1B
Posada-C
Nady-RF
Cano-2B
Gardner-CF
Starters
CC
Wang
Lowe
Moose/Andy
Joba
Bullpen
Rivera
Marte
Melancon
Sanchez
Coke
Bruney
Aceves
Blaylock has become my sleeper choice for 1b. I know he’s been hurt for the last year or so, but, he seems to be healthy again. The rangers have an option on him and they may pick it up. If they don’t the Yanks should consider him.
Joba as the fifth starter makes the most sense. It limits his innings, but still puts him in the rotation where he belongs.
I still think Hughes is going to make an impact on this team; however, I think he has to earn his way onto the rotation. Start him in AAA. He’d be the first one called up to start a game if one of the starters gets hurt.
I like Lowe over AJ Burnett. Burnett has better stuff, but, Lowe’s a gamer who has pitched in big games. He also eats innings and has been relatively healthy compared to AJ (who only seems to have healthy seasons when its time for a new contract).
Put the power arms in the bullpen. Trade Veras and Edwar for bench depth. There are plenty of teams that need bullpen help and the Yankees would be wise to try to acquire a utility man in the mold of Ryan Freel or Bill Hall. Guys who can play 2B or CF in case Gardner shows he’s ineffective or Cano has another awful year.
Let’s start the BIG G write in campaign!
We couldn’t get Big G voted into the All Star game. The White House might be a little tougher.
I’m looking forward to the Big G hitting into the shift for some other team.
Do we write in The Big G or his actual name?
“Put the power arms in the bullpen. Trade Veras and Edwar for bench depth. There are plenty of teams that need bullpen help and the Yankees would be wise to try to acquire a utility man in the mold of Ryan Freel or Bill Hall. Guys who can play 2B or CF in case Gardner shows he’s ineffective or Cano has another awful year.”
Why? Ransom has proven that he is more than capable of replacing Betemit as the utility guy.
Tom, I’m with you on Blalock. I think he would be a great 1b addition to Yanks offense. Let’s hope the Rangers don’t pick-up the option. Knowing them, they will let him go. You see his September numbers, very nice after being injured for a while.
Tom,
Iv been on the Lowe bandwaggon all year. He will come cheaper than Burnett and would be one of the best 3/4 starters in the game. I do think we should go after Burnett if we miss out on C.C. Joba and Hughes should probably split time being they will have an innings cap.
When did you guys talk politics and why wasnt i invited? Man the one day i decide not to brows the blog i miss out. Next time.
“Ransom has proven that he is more than capable of replacing Betemit as the utility guy”
Cody Ransom had 43 at bats for the Yankees. 43. To say he’s shown he’s proven to be more than capable to replace anybody is nuts. I’m not too sure it’s wise to give a 32 year old career minor league player an important role on next years team.
I would vote against Blalock. He hurt his shoulder and hasn’t come back to form yet. He’s also going to cost 7 or 8 million dollars. If he shows he has bat speed back, then we can look at him.
The Big G? You people are nuts. Yogi for President. Experience? Check. Leadership ability? Check. Ability to speak out of both sides of his mouth? Err…Check!
Berra ’08 – He’ll take the fork in the road!
I would go with Crede at first.
Cody Ransom had 43 at bats for the Yankees. 43. To say he’s shown he’s proven to be more than capable to replace anybody is nuts. I’m not too sure it’s wise to give a 32 year old career minor league player an important role on next years team.
Ransom impressed during spring training. He should had made the team over Betemit. The only reason Betemit was on the team was because he was out of options.
I would vote against Blalock. He hurt his shoulder and hasn’t come back to form yet. He’s also going to cost 7 or 8 million dollars. If he shows he has bat speed back, then we can look at him.
This is what I said earlier in the other thread:
http://yankees.lhblogs.com/200.....ent-553132
We need a president with a ridiculous mustache. Big G ’08!
The other reason Betemit was on the team: Gotta have something to show for trading Scott Proctor, a legit player with value. Hard to swallow giving away a hard throwing bullpen arm for a guy you cut in spring training.
But lord knows I’m WAY over Betemit. He’s that rare breed of bench player who can do nothing well.
Blaylock was healthy enough to play in every game during the final month of the season. He seems to be healthy. He did hit 12 hr with a .846 ops in 65 games this year (31 at 1b). If he’s healthy try to sign him.
“I’m not too sure it’s wise to give a 32 year old career minor league player an important role on next years team.”
Why not? Not for nothing, Betemit brings absolutely nothing to the table. He is the one who should be in the minor leagues. I say give Ransom a shot. If it doesn’t work out, he can always be sent back down. No harm, no foul.
Bring Oettitte back, no doubt
Don’t forget, this blog is for occasional Patriots boasting and Jets bashing too, apparently. Although, there might be more of the opposite happening this season
My original premise was to trade edwar an/or veras for bench depth–not to defend wilson betemit. I’m all for Ransom being on the team over betemit only if he plays the roll that Endsberg was to play tis year. Betemit is worse than awful.
The Yankees need more depth.
Hank Blalock is a bit overrated and his numbers have dropped off since he had a huge year a few years back. If I could choose I’d rather trade for Kotchman or sign Milton Bradley to play 1B.
“We couldn’t get Big G voted into the All Star game. The White House might be a little tougher.”
pfft.. he was going up against Dye and Longoria. Cut the guy some slack.
“Not for nothing, Betemit brings absolutely nothing to the table.”
I think that is an interesting point to make. For most of the year, the Yanks had 3 everyday players who, for all intents and purposes, brought nothing unique to the offensive table – Cano, Molina, and Melky – none of them displayed good power, good plate discipline, good speed on the bases, high OBP, or high batting average. At least, to me, the ball jumps off Ransom’s bat much more than Betemit, and he couldn’t be any worse defensively. This is also why I’d prefer to see Gardner in Center over Melky – he speed brings a dyanmic to the lineup that is more valuable than Melky’s 10 HR’s.
This blog is way too Pro-Giambi. As I have receited on prior posts, the man is a cheater who used steroids to garner a huge 7 year contract, and played average for five of those years, and managed to apologize without saying he was sorry for anything. Giambi is a prime example of what the franchise has done wrong since the Dynasty years. Pete, just because Giambi is nice to you in the clubhouse or whatever, please spare us fans any sentementality for “The Big G”. He was a bad signing for the Yankees, and couldn’t hold Tino’s jock. Let’s say goodbye to this overpaid, steroid taking buffoon, and get our team back to where it used to be on top.
What about Alberto Gonzales filling the role of Util. IF? That kid could field!
Also, come to think of it, unless we can get a top flight first basemen like Big Tex I wouldn’t bog the position down for the foreseeable future. The sad reality is that 1B may be Jorge’s position if he simply cannot catch anymore. And even if Jorge does come back full strength next year (fingers crossed) what do you with Jeter when the day finally comes when he can’t handle SS anymore?
If Bradley would accept a short term deal, I’d bite.
Tom: your projected roster, is the best one i have seen.
initially, i expected Blaylock to be the #1 hitter on the Rangers. He always seemed to get the big hits. Would definitely prefer him, to a long-term Texeria committment.
Lowe? It depend how on price/years. And how desperate NYY is.
“What about Alberto Gonzales filling the role of Util. IF? That kid could field!”
I believe we’d have to get him back from Washington – which shouldn’t be too tough. I was actually thinking about the possibility of Ransom and Gonzales as the backup IF’ers. Nice mix of offense and defense – depending on the game situation.
pauly: the attorney general is no longer in the nyy organization. He was traded for a AA pitcher.
Coke = Erik Bedard. a Late bloomer lefty.
Coke’s changeup is better than Hughes’ and he has a better fastball. Coke should be given an opportunity to start IF there is an open competition.
I don’t know whether Ransom or Betamit is better, but it’s not a big issue to me. Neither of them is anything more than backup replacement level.
I think Andy comes back regardless of what happens with CC. You can never have enough pitching. The key is to accumulate as much as possible.
But the players and Girardi have publicly pleaded for a complete revamping of the rotation. Cashman needs to listen to them and really beef up the rotation.
Very good roster Tom. I like the Lowe pick-up hes an innings eater who is also a big game pitcher I just wonder if he wants to come back to the East coast especially after half of his career was spent up in the Boston pressure cooker.
“This blog is way too Pro-Giambi.”
Okay, I don’t know about you, but as a Yankee fan, I support all of the players who put on the uniform. Now that the Big G is done, my support will wane, but while he was with us, I rooted for him and hoped that he did well. That is what fans do.
Meaningless,
That is a good point. Coke does have a better arsenal than Hughes or Kennedy. He does have nasty stuff– I don’t know where it came from at age 26. But he should get the chance to start in ST. You can always move him back to the pen and I do think his future is there but no harm in trying especially if you are going to let guys like Hughes, Aceves etc. compete for a spot, Coke should be able to as well. He’d probably beat them out too.
“Damon-LF
Jeter-SS
Matsui-DH
Arod-3B
Blaylock-1B
Posada-C
Nady-RF
Cano-2B
Gardner-CF”
While I think that Matsui is too high (I like him batting behind Alex), this should help A-Rod out as some pitchers have said that they fear Matsui more than A-Rod.
Al,
Heyman has said Lowe actually wants to come back east because he misses the intensity.
He would be such an excellent signing for some team. He can also close or be in the pen. Wouldn’t shock me if Boston outsmarts us again and picks him up to shore up their back end of the rotation with a reliable innings eater.
Lineup needs to be shaken up. Trade one of Damon/Matsui. Find a real 1st baseman either Teixeria or Kotchman. Let Gardner be the CF and then let Jackson come up mid-season.
Need some speed, defense, athleticism added to the lineup.
Oddessy — I completely agree
I’d be wary of Lowe.
I remember hitting him well a few times…call it a hunch but I don’t see it working out well.
The best thing for the outfield is if Gardner can win the job in ST and continue what he’s been doing over the last 10 games.
Then, let Jackson come up in ’10. Gardner & Jackson in 2 of the 3 positions makes it athletic.
However, Gardner has to be able to hit. And he’s shown no power yet. Let’s see what happens with a little more tweaks.
“However, Gardner has to be able to hit. And he’s shown no power yet. Let’s see what happens with a little more tweaks”
why do people think he needs to hit for power…balls he hits in the gap are easy doubles/maybe triples…he doesnt have to hit for power to be a successful player
RalphieD: You’d like to see even just a little power. No one expects him to be Ryan Howard, but a little power makes him that much more of a complete player.
I disagree with with the idea that Gardner needs to show more power. His game is predicated on getting on base. Gardner’s ability to draw walks and get on base, along with his speed, is what will determine whether or not he has success in the bigs.
If Gardner would watch video on Mickey Rivers and emulate his style. he’d have a chance of staying on the big club…Otherwise he’ll become a fringe spare outfielder part…
I mean even Jose hit 3 HR this year.
Besides, Gardner’s a strong kid. Gammons said so after he saw him on rookie hazing night.
the mets are desperate for new pitchers for their bullpen; we have plenty to spare like veras and edwar and maybe even marte
if a deal was to be made with the mets, who would go guys like to see go from queens to the boogie down bronx??
what-up everyone,
which matchup favors Tampa Bay:
White Sox or Twins ?
don’t know who to cheer for.
The guy is a weak little guy and the bat flies out of his hand. He isin’t going to hit enough.
and its not like he puts balls in play either. He strikes out at an alarming rate. Thats what separates him from Pierre. Pierre stuck out 24 times this year. 24.
A 4th outfielder at best. The only reason we are so high on him is because our lineup is ancient and has no resemblance of speed or youth and we have nothing in the farm at all— thats why we go ga ga over bench players like Gardner.
Cody Ransom may be invited to spring training and Betemit should go as part of a package.
The ideal utility player is Ty Wigginton. He’ll soon turn 31, plays all infield positions and both corner OF positions.
Vinny: I think a match up with the White Sox favors the Rays, but the Twins are a little more even.
“deal was to be made with the mets, who would go guys like to see go from queens to the boogie down bronx?”
I’d like to see the yankees get that Murphy kid. Can’t field a lick, but, the kid can hit….
Tampa Bay will make quick work of either of them.
White Sox pitching is a mess and their bullpen has collapsed this month. Their offense is predicated on swinging for the fences and can be neutralized by good pitching.
Minnesota is a tough team that can manufacture runs but has average pitching and nobody to get to Nathan.
I’ll root for the Chi Sox I guess, just to see a one game playoff tomorrow.
Gardner reminds me of a David Eckstein / Scott Podsednik type. Even without the power, he could be very valuable to the team if used correctly. If he can steal 50 bags I’d give him a job even if he hits less than 5 taters. Save the 9 spot for the Lil’ G.
RalphieD,
I said he has to hit. I didn’t say he had to hit for power.
But are there any major league starters who have zero power? None that I know of.
We’ll see if he continues to be a slap hitter who hits for singles or a true hitter that hits for doubles & triples.
Freddy Garcia looks good… wouldn’t mind nabbing him next year.
Plus wouldn’t it be amazing if one day the Lil’ G turned out to be our Dave Roberts? Stealing off Papelbon and scoring a run on a bloop single?? I can see him breaking his foot on the clubhouse heater now…
…and I just drooled all over my keyboard.
Minnesota will give Tampa a bigger challenge. They are built for the postseason. They have pretty good pitching and a grind it out offense with excellent fundamentals. I’d worry about their pen though.
Pete….was that a bag of weed you *discretely* put back in your pocket?
Here come the Tigers…
The Tigers, who are last in the AL in steals are stealing on Pierzynzki at will.
The player Gardner needs to emulate is Luis Castillo—from his FLA days. He didn’t hit for much power, but, he had a high obp and stole many bases.
Gardner reminds me of a David Eckstein / Scott Podsednik type. Even without the power, he could be very valuable to the team if used correctly. If he can steal 50 bags I’d give him a job even if he hits less than 5 taters. Save the 9 spot for the Lil’ G.
He’s more like becoming the next Juan Pierre.
Tom
September 29th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
The player Gardner needs to emulate is Luis Castillo—from his FLA days. He didn’t hit for much power, but, he had a high obp and stole many bases.
exactly. And will take a 36-game hitting streak added for good measure.
Good for you Pete… Keep the BLOG REAL… NOT ABOUT PHONY POLITICIANS
You *know* Detroit doesn’t want to be playing right now.
Luis Castillo, Juan Pierre, Scott Podsedink, David Eckstein… I fail to see how those players can help us. Are we trying to accumulate players who can run but can;t hit?
Well anyway, Joe G. likes Gardner.
Anyone see the dynamic between Gardner & Cano?
I still haven’t seen any anonymous comments about how Melky’s being treated by Girardi.
“Luis Castillo, Juan Pierre, Scott Podsedink, David Eckstein… I fail to see how those players can help us. Are we trying to accumulate players who can run but can;t hit?”
Ironically, all those players who Gardner is compared to (Castillo, Pierre, Pods, Eckstein) have rings. They were spark plugs for their team.
Collier has leg amputated
Man, nothing but bad news today.
The way I see it, if Gardner can get on first its as good as a double.
“X-Mann
Ironically, all those players who Gardner is compared to (Castillo, Pierre, Pods, Eckstein) have rings. They were spark plugs for their team.”
+ 100
Rebecca, when i heard that it made me sick.
1st and 3rd, no outs, no runs.
This looks like a Yankees game.
Hey all. It hit me today that there is no more Yankee baseball. It does feel strange not to have a Yankee game to watch!
Anyway, since I like to wait and watch rather than recommended changes – wholesale or otherwise – all I have to say at this moment is GO ANGELS!
And oh yeah, here is my humble wishlist: BRING BACK BOBBY!
funny.
even at this point, Sheffield commands my complete attention, whenever he is at the plate.
Freddy Garcia is an intriguing choice. Is he even a FA or does he have an agreement with the Tigers to stay with them next year?
i actually wan the white sox to lose this game
i doubt they stand a chance against the rays
i see the wis is anything win against the rays
and hopefully the angels steamroll over the red sox like they have been all season
trisha – I agree, bring back Bobby.
The Tigers didn’t want to score too much. Want to keep the game tied, so Shef could get as many chances possible to hit #500.
Wow. Floyds thrown 95 pitches through 5. Garcia has thrown 62 thru 4.2 innings.
X-Mann: I got no problem with Gardner being compared to those guys, but remember, even those guys hit a home run every once in a while.
I’m perfectly okay if Gardner hits only 10 home runs all year, but he didn’t really come close to one this year and he was up for quite a while.
Would just like a teensy, tiny bit of power. Like, a dash of salt on my pasta or an extra bit of zoom on my camera. I don’t absolutley need it, but it would make life sweeter.
Am i the only one that could care less who goes to the playoffs. Who wins it(accept for boston of coarse)and how long it goes. Winter meetings and Spring training cant come soon enough.
One more thing. Am i a bad Yankee fan if i didnt watch the last few weeks or so games knowing it was over. I was pretty busy but i think if we were in the hunt for october i would have found time. Anyone else out there that didnt have the stomach to watch meaningless games? I did watch the final game at the stadium.
Gardner is a 4th OF. Sign Edmonds or Griffey to play CF until Jackson is ready and then move one of those guys to left.
Where the hell was that throw?
SOS – I’m with you. I don’t really care about the playoffs. I just hope Boston doesn’t repeat and gets knocked out early.
By the way for any of you that miss Michael Kay’s play by play he is working the Philly/Brewer series on ESPN radio.
SoS,
Unfortunately, the team played their best baseball the past two weeks.
Let Mussina sign elsewhere along with Petitte, Abreu, Giambi and Marte and pick up 8 to 10 extra picks in the 1st 2 rounds of next years draft. Then sign CC and AJ along with making Coke the LRP which make a nice staff. Go out and try and get Texiera if you can for 7 and $140 and you are set. The payroll would be less then it is now after these moves based on the suntractions.
Michael Kay doing Brewers-Phillies?
Well, that about sums him up. He isin’t good enough for Red Sox-Angels, yet not horrible enough for Rays-CWS/MIN.
“Gardner is a 4th OF. Sign Edmonds or Griffey to play CF until Jackson is ready and then move one of those guys to left.”
Griffey is a dh batting .250 playing the outfield. We have enough dh’s. Edmonds and Griffey would for sure end up on the dl. I guess with Pavano leaving. There would be room for them. Go after a young cf like a Dejesus. No more broke down has beens.
Red Sox fans would love to hear Kay. He’s always drooling about them.
S.o.S: I find the most meaning in meaningless games.
What’s an acceptable strike out rate? Gardner struck out 13 times in the 68 official AB he had in August/September.
Kay agreed to work that series because it was the least amount of travel.
eh, I like Bobby but he’s lame in the OF. Francessa (I know a lot of you hate him, I personally don’t) was saying he’s never seen someone so afraid of the wall. We need better D than that. Let’s see some guys who are younger, more athletic and for Pete’s sake (pardon the pun) HUNGRIER!!
I, too could care less who wins. I’ll watch the games but won’t go out of my way to do so. Will root against the Dodgers and Sox. Not into this overplayed 100 year curse storyline that the media wants to put out there.
The worst thing in the world for MLB was Dodgers-Cubs and Sox-Angels meeting in the 1st round. They needed to spread the wealth. Nobody is going to care about Tampa-Anaheim in the ALCS. Phillies-Cubs will have some intrigue but not as much as Dodgers-Cubs would have had if the series occurred a round later. If the Rays go far, it will kill October. They have no homefield advantage and no fans. Atleast the Brewers will have a good atmosphere in MIL and have some excitement.
“Hustle
September 29th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Let Mussina sign elsewhere along with Petitte, Abreu, Giambi and Marte and pick up 8 to 10 extra picks in the 1st 2 rounds of next years draft. Then sign CC and AJ along with making Coke the LRP which make a nice staff”
if Oppenheimer were to draft correctly (at least to his career line) the farm system would be stocked for years.
mel,
I know they played some good ball. But it is like watching exhibition games. Cant get myself to watch one in september.Exhibiton games are meant for spring training.
Signed
Spoiled Yank
Well, it’s better than watching football.
Do the Yankees even risk offering arbitration to Giambi or Pudge? I found a link that says they’d be type “B” FA.
link: http://tigers-thoughts.blogspo.....kings.html
Redding: I don’t believe it matters who the Cubs play. The ratings will be very high.
Anyone watching? Looks like Garcia was injured and is being replaced by Gallaraga.
Well that sucks a bit.
I can’t participate when they’re in work hours.
“Let Mussina sign elsewhere along with Petitte, Abreu, Giambi and Marte and pick up 8 to 10 extra picks in the 1st 2 rounds of next years draft.”
Mussina and Pettitte will either return or retire. There’s no way the Yanks offer Giambi arbitration – unless if they’re sure he’ll decline – which they will need to do in order to get compensatory picks. Marte is a guy that every contending team would love to have – he’s an experienced, relatively hard-throwing lefty. That’s tremendously valuable in today’s game. I think Abreu leaves, and the Yanks get those picks.
I actually enjoyed these meaningless games because we got to see a lot of new talent— Coke, Joba, Sanchez, Hughes, Miranda, Gardner, Aceves, Robertson, etc. We got to track Mussina’s bid for 20 as well. It was kind of fun in a way to not have ulcers during each inning and just enjoying the games, though I would trade it in a heartbeat for us to be in a pennant race.
I do think the stadium hoopla made the final homestand as eventful as it was and that really provided energy and got us into the games even though they were meaningless.
Given the economics of the times, will anyone be able to afford to see the Yanks next season?
Plan A – CC
Plan B – AJ
Plan C – Garcia
Plan D – Lowe
Plan E – trade for Willis (the Tigers would trade Willis for a SS) Source
Honestly, I’m sick of the Cubs. They are becoming like the Red Sox nationally and it will only exacerbate when they finally break the curse.
The only reason I’m rooting for them in round 1 is because I don’t want the Dodgers to win.
Other than the Sox, I’ll root for any AL team to beat the Cubs in the WS.
Ed,
No to Willis.
And what happened to Garcia? He’s out of the game with an injury.
Wild pitch, runner on 3rd..no outs
This is a fun little game to watch
Tied game in Chicago
You can offer arbitration and have a side agreement that they will turn it down if you can’t come to salary agreement before the date. It is done all the time. I had forgotten about Pudge, he is a type B and would get you a supplemental 1st rounder. You can offer him arbitatration at 20% less then he makes now. he would not take it as he wants a 2 year deal at least and should get it. Giambi has a good relationship with Yanks and would play ball with them on arbitration offer as he will want to let people know Yanks are interested as it only drives up bidding as will the others. their is little risk. Remember the Red Sox did NOT want Gagne to ever wear their uniform again after the 2007 season and they offerd him arbitration knowing ahead that Boras would agree to turn it down. IF Cashman plays this right the Yanks can have 8 to 10 extra 1st to 2nd round picks and with their $’s they can set up their system for many years.
Mel -
if Eiland could fix Fransworth and Bruney, he could fix Willis.
As for Garcia, I guess he was tired or might have tweaked something.
“Let’s say goodbye to this overpaid, steroid taking buffoon, and get our team back to where it used to be on top.”
I bet the overpaid, steroid taking buffoon could spell recited and sentimenatality, though.
correction: Fransworth was some what fixed.***
It should be an easy postseason for the Red S*x … I expect them to sweep all the way past the World Series. But, realistically, they will probably lose one to the Angels.
Bable Fish – good point.
And if Cashman doesn’t put a bonafied playoff contender on the field next year and instead sticks with this redundant mediocrity we’ve seen for years, then it will be worse. Nobody is going to pay sky high prices for these tickets to watch a substandard team. For the first couple of months, it will be the shiny new toy for everyone to see. After that, all bets are off if the product isin’t up to par. This is NY, charm will wear off here quickly and then its up to the team on the field to determine the success of the building.
how is the pool of talent, said to be rated in next year’s draft?
*sentimentality…
*sigh*
*wanders off muttering curses against courier font.
3R: if Boston/Tampa were to match up. Will take Tampa. And Boston will not be sweeping anyone, without Manny in the playoffs.
“how is the pool of talent, said to be rated in next year’s draft”
I’ve heard it’s weak.
Oh yeah, just curious, who read that idiot Lupica’s article today? I heard that he gave the Mets a free pass and didn’t bash them.
I got turned off the Cubs by reading Fox Sports comments. What a miserable lot of fans – despite the small sample size. Too bad, I was thinking maybe I could root for them.
ER I agree. Angels will turn into pumpkins when they hit Fenway like they always do starting with Lackey and Shields. Lester and Dice-K are better than any Angels pitcher. Byrd/Wakefield are both better than Garland/Saunders.
Rays will realize they are the Rays after 1 round and not even compete against Boston.
Clock will strike midnight on the Cubs when they reach the fall classic. Battle of Karma, no way the Sox lose that battle. Dempster, Zombrano on a bum shoulder, and Lilly stand no chance against the prolific winners like Pedoria, Ortiz, Drew, Bay, Varitek, Youkallis, Lowell etc. the Cubs pitching will get beat up badly.
Even without Beckett, Sox should be the favorites to get to the WS. Angels are the ONLY shot to keep them from their 3rd title in 5 years. No team from the NL can stand a chance against them.
vinny: People have gone out of their way to say it’s a weak draft class.
Vinny – the 09 draft is considered to be one of the weakest in sometime. This years draft was very weak as well.
2010 is supposed to be much better. Thats why people shouldn’t rush to get picks for guys like Marte this year. Wait another year and get a chance at better players.
you all are giving Boston, way too much credit.
Don’t know if this is old news or not, but Lohse and St. Louis agreed to 1 year deal. Apologies if you all have heard it before
I’m gonna read Lupica’s article now.
I wish he/NY Daily News would allow comments for his crap.
“Given the economics of the times, will anyone be able to afford to see the Yanks next season?”
With the economic times the better question is will everyone be able to even think about the Yankees. People are losing their jobs and homes.
Or maybe they will be like me. The Yankees are my getaway. They allow me to get my mind away from all the troubles. Sports can be a temporary escape.
Pudge will decline arbitration. He split time with Molina this year and once Moller came back to catch Hughes and Aceves, then he was pretty much benched with the exception of the 2-3 games Ponson/Pavano pitched in. He wanted to come here to get more playing time than he got in DET, he ended up getting far less.
He will get a lot more money from arb than he will from any team, but does he really want to come here to be the 3rd string catcher or a backup to Jorge? Jorge already threw him out the door basically saying he has to find somewhere else. Pudge is a risk you can take, Giambi is not.
Grand slam for the White Sox
Raise your hand if you saw that one coming
Blank check for CC. Let him DH, have candy in the clubhouse, have a family plan. Anything he wants, let him have.
“Given the economics of the times, will anyone be able to afford to see the Yanks next season?”
What’s the problem?
“Oh yeah, just curious, who read that idiot Lupica’s article today? I heard that he gave the Mets a free pass and didn’t bash them.”
Here’s an excerpt from his article, Ed:
“We will talk all winter about the Mets bullpen. But on the last weekend of the season and the last weekend of baseball Shea will ever have, the Mets scored a total of five runs. One Friday, two Saturday, two yesterday. It is a bit of a problem with the core Mets stars, Wright and Beltran and Jose Reyes and Carlos Delgado: They all do just enough to break your hear in the end.”
Not really bashing, but…ouch.
does anyone knows how gold gloves are decided? it’s based on most games played right?
He didn’t mention the Yankees payroll once I’m impressed.
the managers and coaches from each league vote.
Ed: No.
See Palmeiro, Rafael, for details.
“Don’t know if this is old news or not, but Lohse and St. Louis agreed to 1 year deal. Apologies if you all have heard it before”
MLBTR says 4 years 41 mil
Even if you walk away from Mussina, Abreu, Pettitte and Pudge that’s 7 picks between 1st and 2nd rounds. None of the above guys would even consider accepting arbitatration based on a side deal with Cashman or their wanting to go elsewhere for more playing time or longer contracts. Giambi I think would also play ball with Yanks on turning down arb and Marte the Yanks may decide is worth hanging onto for another year. So, at worst Cashman should be able to get at least the 7 extra picks. Remember he will probaly lose his 1st 2 picks this year {but has already 2 extras from not signing 1 and 2 iin last draft}.
Rebecca –
Thanks…28 games and still won a gold glove? wow.
Pauly –
yep, he did gave them a free pass.
Cubs v. White Sox WS
White Sox win. Griffy gets a ring. Cubs continue loser domination.
RalphieD: ESPN crawl says one year, but I’ve got bad eyes so perhaps I’m wrong.
Angels / Pumpkins….They are the most balanced team in all of MLB……They are the team to beat….
Listening to the Girardi press conference. He was very candid. I was impressed.
wow that alexei ramirez’s grand slam was one of the prettiest home runs ive ever seen lol
hey do you think they bring in farnsy to pitch?
2008 won’t be complete without another Farnsy sighting.
White Sox will be a tough out in the playoffs. They have pitching, hitting, and a rock solid BP with Dotel, Thorton, Linebrink, and Jenks.
Walks are the story of the game. Well, besides the HR.
rebecca,
they have used a good amount of pitchers so far so hopfully we do see farnsy! i have to admit krazy kyle was lovable lol
I think this is A-Rod’s year to win a gold glove at 3B. He has the best fielding percentage out among AL 3b.
. . . Little G!
prediction
coke will be a better starter than hughes or kennedy
So how, exactly, did these Tigers make the World Series in 2006?
I mean, aside from the part where they beat us?
Not exactly going out on a limb there lol
1 more out for the White Sox
Who’s taking the Twins and who’s taking the White Sox?
Twinkies vs White Sox tomorrow
Rebecca –
Blackburn vs Danks tomorrow.
looks like its going to be white sox vs twins tomorrow
should be a good game, does anyone know what channel its going to be on?
Rebecca,
Pitching matchup?
Twins.
I’m going with Twins myself as well.
I’m taking the WhiteSox.
I vote Twins
Oh, that’s what you meant Rebecca. lol…
I would choose the Twins too.
You know what sort of pisses me off? Randy Johnson. The guy had a 3.91 ERA 1.24 WHIP 173 strikeouts in 184 innings. lol His mojo really does all flow from the mullet.
It’s 8:33 on a weekday and the Yankees are all eating fine cuisine someplace, what do we do? MNF?
Twins @ White Sox, tomorrow, 7:30 pm ET, TBS
might have to cross Ben Sheets off your wishlist for SP.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=800200
white sox win this.
I guess RJ indirectly got us the X-Factor (via Rock and rOhlendorf) who i’m a big fan of and all those fun Attorney General jokes, so it all works out, but that whole episode in Yankee history just gets me annoyed. The last game I saw him pitch in person was in ’06 when he pitched against Beckett at the stadium and got himself abused and kicked out by like the 4th inning.
I absolutely agree with everyone who has said that they could care less about the playoff games except for wanting the Sux (and I agree also with anyone who said Dodgers, too) out.
If the Sux and Dodgers weren’t in the playoffs I likely wouldn’t even bother following them except maybe for a little mindless activity.
Ed: Sheets was never on it. Check out his injury history.
Rob: MNF or I could tell you what I’m watching but Pete doesn’t want politics on the blog
Ahh yes Rebecca. Thank god the bailout didn’t get passed.
I’m pulling for the Twins myself. And if the white soxs win tomorrow, than I’ll pull for them.
Basically my rooting interest is anyone but, Ray, Angels, Dodgers, and Soxs.
So GOOOO Twins, Brewers, Phillies, Cubbies.
Rebecca –
wasn’t there a big ranting that Hank wants Sheets as well? or was that just AJ and CC?
mko
thanks, and i say the twins take it but i wouldnt be surprised of the white sox win it either its a toss up but i feel the the twins have a better chance against the rays
Ed,
Just CC and Burnett
http://www.newsday.com/sports/.....7842.story
The only way anybody’s touching Sheets would be at a one year, plus team option at a low base, high incentive contract.
R-Tek,
Thanks dude.
For any fans living in New York. Are you all imune from the economic meltdown? Will people line up all day to see teams like the Yankees and Muts and pay crazy prices for tix, parking and beer when the product stinks. I have been a Yankee fan since 58 and work very hard for my money. I have enough, but would not waste it on garbage. It is possible the economy has any bearing on turnout or will the people show and and spend no matter?
Living in Orlando
Mike: Depends who you ask.
Grad students, like me? Largely dependent on the kindness of others for tickets even when the economy is not in a meltdown.
But if the empty seats behind home plate in the last week at YS were any indication, than yes. This economy will affect attendance.
I’m not thinking they really have a chance of winning it all, probably based on their total lack of playoff experience, but if I had a choice of all the teams I’d like to see take it all the Rays would be my first choice, followed by the Twins if they end up in it.
I just think that the Rays have been treated like the scum of the earth and I am so happy that they’ve achieved what they have. So I would be thrilled to see them take it all.
Hey Mike if you were to ask me you’d see a lot of different faces at the stadium everynight. While I may be willing to pay the ridiculous prices for 2-3 games a year I could never justify paying for season tickets, especially with the new stadium prices. The economy is affecting us all from gas prices (about 3.75 a gallon last time I filled up) to a 20oz soda being 1.79 from 1.25 last year. That being said I would be willing to say a lot of those seats will be getting filled through corporate owners who disburse their tickets over the 81 games to a variety of middle to upper management. The Yankees don’t care who sits in them as long as somebodys a** is in the seat. It is a little sad but the die hard fan in a jersey and warn cap is getting replaced by a suit on a cell phone. While I will someday become a suit in my own right i’ll always be a Yankee fan first and foremost, I bleed pinstripes.
Rebecca, I too remember my Grad Student days. Lots of PB&J along with cup o soup. It’s worth it though.
The Hell with the Devil Rays winning. If they win, they’ll jump on the bandwagon for a year and they, along with Red Sox fans, Mets fans, White Sox fans, Cubs fans and and Twins fans will swamp this board and every other Yankee site, worse than they do now. They’re just as immature and obnoxious as the rest. Sadly, there are plenty of Yankee fans that fit this image too.
Not that I’ll watch a game, but the order of who I am rooting for is:
Milwaukee
Cubs
Dodgers
anyone but the Red Sux
“might have to cross Ben Sheets off your wishlist for SP.
Right-hander Ben Sheets, the senior member of the team with eight years of experience, had tears streaming down his face during the post-game celebration. Because of a balky elbow that made Sheets leave his start Saturday after 2 1/3 innings, he probably won’t be on the active roster for the division series. ”
He was never on mine, Ed any baseball fan knows the story of Ben Sheets potentially the best pitcher in the National league can’t stay on the field. Lowe or Burnett are better alternatives obviously.
If CC doesn’t want to come to NY and Burnett re-ups with Toronto… then suddenly Lowe becomes a must-sign. It may require more than 3 years too.
“Kepner says the Indians were aggressive in pursuing a deadline deal involving Phil Hughes and C.C. Sabathia. Now, Kepner says the Yankees are skeptical they’ll be able to sign Sabathia. For Plan B, the Yanks seem to prefer pitchers with American League experience.”
That is a quote from MLB trade rumors front page. Why are the Yankees supposedly skeptical that they’ll be able to sign him? Unless they heard from his people that the East coast is not in his plans I can’t imagine what Kepner is basing that on.
I still believe in Hughes. He won’t be an ace but he’ll be pretty good.
Kennedy, however, is a fraud.
If the Yankees can engineer a Robinson Cano-Matt Kemp swap (unlikely), they could then sign free agents Mark Teixeira and Orlando Hudson. The right-side infield defense would be drastically improved.
seriously, Cano is starting to get better with his new stance. Kemp isn’t a good fielder. That seriously needs to be dropped. Who in the right mind would replace a 26 year old 2B with a 32 year one?
Tom: Shrimp and pasta for me.
My postseason preferences, in order
1) Cubs–Dude, 100 years?! That makes the Jets look like perennial contenders! Yeah, Cubs fans might get insuffrable, but they’re an NL team. No bearing on the Yankees. And hey, I like Lou.
2) Phillies–They’re a fun team to watch. Got a taste of it last year but this year they didn’t need the Mets to collapse. And I know quite a few Phillies fans.
3) Brewers–Fun to watch, as far as Sabathia and any time Ryan Braun has a bat after the seventh inning. A little worried about CC overuse though.
4) Rays–If they were an NL team, they’d be my #1 choice, but they’re not only an AL team but in our division.
5) Twins–They’ve done more with less. Joe Maddon will get manager of the year but for Gardenhire to get his team up after losing Hunter, Santana and Garza takes some real doing. Unfortunately, I really hate their owner. How the hell do you build a stadium in Minnesota with no roof?!
6) Angels–I hate this team. They got Guerrerro and we had to get @$#@#$ Sheffield. And the Rally Monkey bothers me.
7) Dodgers–My cousin is a big Dodgers fan and would never let me hear the end of it.
Note: The White Sox would also be #5, if they win tomorrow.
Al, Kepner isin’t the first one to report that. Around the time of the trade deadline, that was the rumor as well– that he wouldn’t sign an extension with an East Coast team.
There may be more truth to this ‘CC won’t come East’ rumor than we are led to believe.
I’m hoping everyone is wrong, but right now it looks like a long shot. Just have to hope truck loads of money will change his mind. Cash needs to make sure his offer is significantly higher than that of the Dodgers.
Cashman needs to plan as if CC is not coming here and have a plan B. If CC changes his mind and wants to come here, then great, but don’t center your offseason around him.
It is much easier to alter plans to include CC rather than alter it to go to plan B if CC doesn’t come here. Do not put all the eggs in one basket. Have different options lined up. We have a month head start, use that time to formulate the off-season plan.
“Al, Kepner isin’t the first one to report that. Around the time of the trade deadline, that was the rumor as well– that he wouldn’t sign an extension with an East Coast team.
There may be more truth to this ‘CC won’t come East’ rumor than we are led to believe.
I’m hoping everyone is wrong, but right now it looks like a long shot. Just have to hope truck loads of money will change his mind. Cash needs to make sure his offer is significantly higher than that of the Dodgers.”
It likely is true if everyone is reporting it. However I can’t understand how a guy who is a fierce competitor would want to go to the NL West where the baseball is lets face it far less competitive and on the whole far less important. People in LA are into the NBA and the Lakers more than they are into the Dodgers/Angels.
Hey Rebecca, since you are a Jets’ fan. When did they have new jeresies? When I saw Favre in a black Jet jeresy, I thought he got traded to the Ravens or Falcons. lol. I don’t follow the Jets, I’m a Cowboys fan.
Just no Red Sox, Dodgers, and preferably no Angels (though I would root for them over the Cubs).
Once the Angels and Cubs advance to the NLCS, I can breath easier knowing the 2 evils are eliminated
brace yourselves and get ready for that 1000 point drop in the Dow tomorrow.
Ed: those jersey’s are throwbacks to the days when the jets were known as the Titans.
A.J. Burnett? Between his injury history and delicate makeup, most scouts feel he’d be a disastrous signing in New York.
is that Bill Madden’s language for “He will end up like Pavano” in a nice way?
Tom – oh okay. thanks. see, this what happens when I don’t follow my own state’s team. lol.
I’m not gonna lie if CC snubs the Yanks to pitch for Torre in LA I would be crushed for at least a few weeks.
check out this random youtube clip of a yankee game this past april…feel that excitement and buzz in the air. it’s aweome. I went to the 10th last game at yankee stadium a few weeks ago and the place was completely lifeless…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....038;fmt=18
Trade deadline deal? Since when is the beginning of July a trade deadline deal?
I’m no Dodgers fan…not by a long shot, but, they would be my preference for winning the 2008 ES championship..
I’m bracing for CC not coming here.
Too many smoke screens for me to feel comfortable believing otherwise. I would love to be wrong and have him come here, but I don’t want to be disappointed when he doesn’t.
I also don’t think Cashman is going to blow CC out of the water to get him to come here, like we probably have to. Cashman wants to get away from long term deals for big money, I doubt he goes above and beyond the Dodgers’ offer. For example, if the Dodgers go 6/$120, we may go 7/140. But it may take 7/$175 and there is no way Cash will go that high.
Hank/Hal need to intervene and make sure they give CC a blank check, even if it is against Cashman’s wishes.
We cannot miss out on CC if money is the deciding factor. Hal needs to overrule Cashman on years/dollars if the situation calls for it.
Go to CC’s people and see if a certain dollar amount could make him come here and if there is, give it to him.
This is why newspaper reporters isn’t allowed to scout our prospects.
“I’m bracing for CC not coming here.
Too many smoke screens for me to feel comfortable believing otherwise. I would love to be wrong and have him come here, but I don’t want to be disappointed when he doesn’t.
I also don’t think Cashman is going to blow CC out of the water to get him to come here, like we probably have to. Cashman wants to get away from long term deals for big money, I doubt he goes above and beyond the Dodgers’ offer. For example, if the Dodgers go 6/$120, we may go 7/140. But it may take 7/$175 and there is no way Cash will go that high.”
I agree however I expect Hank to be in Cashmans ear whispering “Johan” and reminding Cash of last year. So I expect the figures to be pretty high, but the fact is if he doesn’t want to come here he doesn’t want to come here thats its end of story.
the “Bill Madden seriously needs a smack in the head.” is my own comment. I just forgot to close the quote box.
“And, please, enough about Austin Jackson. The guy hit .285 with nine homers in Double-A ball – hardly superstar-in-the-making numbers.”
Ed don’t take offense to Madden his logic is more common than you would think. Many people fear Ajax wont be anything special because his power is slow developing. However the guy is still young and has a body that will eventually carry more weight and provide ample power. The problem is people don’t like to wait on kids anymore especially in this city.
AL, when Bernie was a prospect, he once put similar numbers like Ajax did.
http://www.thebaseballcube.com.....iams.shtml
“And while the Red Sox have come up with premium position players such as Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury and Jed Lowrie in recent years, the Yankees haven’t drafted or developed any since Derek Jeter in 1992″
Is the sentence that I decided to stop reading at. Jed Lowrie and Jacoby Ellsbury are Premium Position players? Come on now. .Jed Lowrie’s numbers are mediocre and Robinson Cano hit about the same as Ellsbury this year, but was a bust. Yes Cano did poorly this season but by those standards so did the two sox “studs”.
“And, please, enough about Austin Jackson. The guy hit .285 with nine homers in Double-A ball – hardly superstar-in-the-making numbers.â€
******************************************
Which is why the Yankees need to get a true centerfielder until A-Jax shows he’s ready.
Shane Victorino would be ideal if Philly is receptive of Melky, Kennedy, and another pitcher not considered in future plans like Chase Wright.
Rob –
I just skipped to the next page after reading that line. Apparently he didn’t know Pedrioa was almost demoted to the minors last season due to poor hitting.
The thing with AJax you have to remember is that unlike other prospects, he hasn’t always been a baseball player–in fact the Yankees had to get him to switch from basketball.
So while his athletic talent has always been there he’s only beginning to develop as a baseball player.
We’ll see how he does in AAA, but you’re likely looking at the CF of the future.
“AL, when Bernie was a prospect, he once put similar numbers like Ajax did.
http://www.thebaseballcube.com.....iams.shtml”
Great point Ed. Yeah that Bernie kid turned out alright didn’t he?
““And while the Red Sox have come up with premium position players such as Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury and Jed Lowrie in recent years, the Yankees haven’t drafted or developed any since Derek Jeter in 1992″
Is the sentence that I decided to stop reading at. Jed Lowrie and Jacoby Ellsbury are Premium Position players? Come on now. .Jed Lowrie’s numbers are mediocre and Robinson Cano hit about the same as Ellsbury this year, but was a bust. Yes Cano did poorly this season but by those standards so did the two sox “studsâ€.”
Ellsbury is tremendously overrated. Lowrie its too soon to tell. Pedroia is a good hitter because as a small guy who is dead pull he can just smack the ball into the monster and get 50 doubles a year. Cano, when playing up to his capabilities is superior to Pedroia IMO.
“The thing with AJax you have to remember is that unlike other prospects, he hasn’t always been a baseball player–in fact the Yankees had to get him to switch from basketball.
So while his athletic talent has always been there he’s only beginning to develop as a baseball player.
We’ll see how he does in AAA, but you’re likely looking at the CF of the future.”
I agree 100% Becca. Ajax is headed for big things IMO. He just needs some more time his performance in this years International league playoffs should really turn some heads and assure that he is a very good ballplayer who is only getting better.
Bring on the Brett Gardner era!
NEW YORK (AP) — Home runs in the major leagues
dropped this year to their lowest level since
1993, and Angels center fielder Torii Hunter
thinks he might know why.
“I think the steroid testing has something to
do with it,†he said. “If there were any guys who
were taking it, they’re not taking it anymore.
I’d say it’s a small percentage, but of course
it’s going to have an impact.â€
An average of 2.01 home runs per game were hit
this year, down from 2.04 in 2007. The average
hadn’t dropped that low since 15 years ago, when
it stood at 1.78, according to the Elias Sports
Bureau.
The homer high of 2.34 was set in 2000, and
the average stood at 2.14 in 2003, the last
season before drug testing with penalties began.
Miguel Cabrera topped the American League with
37 homers, the fewest for any league champion
since Fred McGriff hit 35 for San Diego to top
the NL in 1992. It was the lowest total for an AL
champ since McGriff’s 36 for Toronto in 1989.
I wonder if Pedroia is tougher to pitch to due to his size. With him being smaller that also shrinks the strike zone if the umpire is basing it off the player (high/low)
Rebecca –
I get the whole switching from basketball to baseball thing. Of course no one is expecting him to put up numbers like A-Rod. League batting averge will be fine, its his defense that counts. In Bernie William’s first full major league season as a CFer, he only batted .268 with a .333 obp. AJax will spend as much time in the minors to get familiar with pitching. Those numbers will get better.
Just another thought on the lower HR rate, the pitching overall seemed pretty good this year. Roids aren’t going to change how many balls get hit, even if they impact how hard a ball is hit.
If it keeps trending down, then maybe there is a case for PEDs. Many teams had better bullpens, except the Mets, and SPs seemed to do pretty well with keeping scores low.
So I just looked at AJ Burnett’s numbers for the year and it turns out he is AL strikeout champion. I don’t know if that speaks to him figuring something out, or staying healthy, or just having his Jerry McGuire moment but 231 ks in 221 innings sounds pretty good. Although his 4 ERA is sort of a let down.
I’m not sold on AJ and I guess it would be stupid to say i’d prefer Sabbathia, but Burnett if he stays healthy is a damn good consolation prize.
Roids aren’t going to change how many balls get hit, even if they impact how hard a ball is hit.
Yeah but they make a difference on the ones that are hit. A routine or warning track fly is a HR. a grounder the shortstop gets to in the hole is traveling faster and goes through for a hit. Why do you think Giambi’s average is almost 100 points lower from his “MVP” form (.342 to .247)? Roids make a huge difference.
Better pitching? Please. This is not 1968.
McCain 2008. Nobama!
“I’ve been meaning to mention this for a while now. Please, let’s not have any political discussion on this blog.”
Reminds me of the fiddlers while the titanic sank….