Audio from the Joe Torre event tonight
-
- November
- 7
Here’s Joe Girardi talking about CC Sabathia, Robbie Cano, Andy Pettitte, Mike Mussina and assorted other topics:
Here’s Andy Pettitte talking about his contract situation with the Yankees:
Here’s Don Mattingly talking about his time with the Dodgers, his love of Manny Ramirez and his desire to manage himself someday. Donnie Baseball looks and sounds like somebody ready to run his own show. Have a listen:
Here is Derek Jeter, talking about mainly about CC Sabathia:
Here’s Mariano Rivera talking about his comeback from shoulder surgery:
And while I didn’t snap a photo of Jorge Posada, here he is talking about his surgery:
Here is some audio from the host of the event, Joe Torre. The Skip talks about his foundation, being around old friends, the Dodgers and managing Manny:
A few notes from the night: Joe Girardi revealed that Kevin Long will be headed down to Florida to work with Johnny Damon and Alex Rodriguez before going over to the Dominican to continue his work with Robinson Cano. … David Wells said he wants to be a coach and will see what openings there are this season. “You don’t get to where I did by being an idiot,” he said. David Cone literally laughed out loud when he heard what Wells said. “He wants to coach?” Cone said. “That’s hilarious.” … Torre was invited to the transfer of dirt ceremony at the Stadiums tomorrow but can’t make it. He’s hosting a brunch for all the players in town instead. Joe said he didn’t want any souvenirs from the old Stadium, saying memories and friendships are all he needs. … El Duque Hernandez walked by without talking to the media as did Willie Randolph. … James Lipton, the host of Inside The Actors Studio, seemed desperate to be interviewed. … Penny Marshall showed up in sneakers. She is one of Torre’s new Hollywood buddies. … Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese) and Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) were on hand. … The great Lawrence Peter Berra was spotted walking in.
Former Yankee bullpen catcher and A-Rod buddy Mike Borzello was there. He accompanied Torre to Los Angeles. … Mike and Mad Dog pretended to like each other and posted for photographs with Torre. … Jon Bon Jovi was the musical guest, which was a huge downgrade from who they had last year. … No, Minka Kelly was not there. Had she been, she could not have looked any better than Laura Posada. … Heard that the Yankees have been firing more staff members. Massage therapist Scott Yellin and batting practice pitcher Mitch Seone are out. … The only non-1998 Yankee in attendance was Hideki Matsui, which tells you something about the respect he has for Joe Torre.
The event was a benefit for the Safe at Home Foundation which Torre founded to help the victims of domestic violence. The foundation has opened centers in schools across the region. You can learn more here.
This entry was posted
on Friday, November 7th, 2008 at 10:27 pm by Peter Abraham.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
Share and Enjoy: 
| 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
| 
iTunes
Peter Abraham
No Minka Kelly, Pete that was the only real reason to go.
Mattingly looks a little like Russell Crowe in that picture.
I wish George was still running the show. He would have picked Mattingly over Girardi.
“Mike and Mad Dog pretended to like each other and posted for photographs with Torre.”
LOL
Jon Bon Jovi was the musical guest, which was a huge downgrade from who they had last year.
OUCH PETE!! That was a nasty shot.
Patrick,
If George was still running the show, we’d have Santana as well.
Why is Derek the only one talking to Sabathia?
All 40 men on the roster need to call him as well as every member in the front office from Cashman to Hank to Felix the Gardener.
If anyone missed Pat’s post from the previous thread—
Kevin Long talked to the LA Times basically confirmed that we are interested in Manny and that we need pitching.
Sorry for my bad photography skills. I’m getting an iPhone soon, which should help.
Mattingly, for what it’s worth, looked like a million bucks. He was with his new girlfriend and seemed more relaxed than I can remember. It’s funny, but for a lot of reasons it was probably good that he didn’t get the Yankees job last season. But he’s going to make some team a good manager. Mattingly is clearly somebody the players would respect.
“Mike and Mad Dog pretended to like each other and posted for photographs with Torre”
Hahaha
Donnie looks good
Thanks for the Minka info…saved me a trip to the gossip sites!
“The only non-1998 Yankee in attendance was Hideki Matsui, which tells you something about the respect he has for Joe Torre.”
Did he bring his wife? Or did he make a new sketch of her and carry that around?
Your #1 priority should have been to snap a photo of Laura Posada. I’m not really interested in awkward expressions made by Andy Pettite.
Ugh.. can we please get rid of Girardi already? Firing the massage therapist but not firing Girardi? How are they planning to woo CC and Co?
Thanks for all the work Pete! Who do you think would be a better fit for the Yanks—Manny or Tex?
Also, I took your advice and will be at the stadium tomorrow to tour it with my 76 year old day—it’s his birthday present. He’s been to more World Series games than I have been to regular games but never got a chance to see monument park. Is there anything left in the Old Park to see, or has everything been shipped across the street?
Thanks again!
Jack:
I was worried that Posada would pop me if I tried. Suffice it to say, the catcher is a happy dude.
You should have asked for a picture of them two together. Then crop it. Game, set, match, Jorge.
R-Tek
What my post said was the Yanks were more interested in pitching than Manny.
For those who want to see Mrs. JoPo
http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?contractUrl=2&language=en-US&family=editorial&assetType=image&p=posada&src=standard
Girardi being gone is a mere formality.
Moving Pena, a former manager of the year and a guy who the players have tremendous respect for and a guy who is renowned as great communicator (a la Jerry Manual), to the bench coach position pretty much seals it.
He’ll get the full year and thats it. If he doesn’t correct his mistakes (communicating with his coaches, disciplining the young players, improving his media relations etc.), then he’s gone.
Wow, Pete. Audio-palooza. Thanks for the diversion. Plugging in the ‘phones because there’s a gecko driving me nuts with its mating call.
-Jorge’s listed as an OF on a roster in the Dominican League.
-Andy sounds like he wants to play for the Yankees. Who wouldn’t?
-Did Mattingly dye his hair? And who’s the arm candy? She looks a lot like Dana Delaney.
-Forget Long & Mattingly, bring in Manny as a pitching coach.
-Donnie Baseball has a major man crush on Manny.
-Mo sounds great. Really good. “No problemmm”
-What would be more painful to watch? Boomer running out to the mound for a conference or Charlie Manuel waddling out to talk to pitchers?
yea I really hope mattingly is the Yankees manager within the next few years. He always said you want to be the guy who replaces the guy who replaces Joe Torre.
Wow Laura Posada has had a ton of work done on her face. I didn’t even recognize her.
Emobacca :
Laura doesn’t look any differant.And if so it ain’t bad Like Meg Ryan.
Bleich pitching tonight.
Game broadcast on espn 1420.
Bleich, first inning: 1 inning, 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 walks, 3 strikeouts, 18 pitches, 15 strikes, 3 balls.
Pete, you’re right about Mattingly. Guess that California sunshine will take years off of your appearance!
Bleich, 2nd inning: 2 innings, 3 hit, 0 runs, 0 walks, 5 strikeouts, 35 pitches, 29 strikes, 6 balls.
Interesting listening to Donnie Baseball talking about Manny. Different perspective,
Bleich 8 k’s through 4 innings.
Not too shabby.
Bleich, 4th inning: 4 innings, 3 hit, 0 runs, 0 walks, 8 strikeouts, 56 pitches, 45 strikes, 11 balls. Leads 2-0.
8 K’s for Bleich in 4 innings. He actually had to get an extra out in the first because of a passed ball by Posey on a strikeout.
mel
November 8th, 2008 at 1:40 am
8 K’s for Bleich in 4 innings. He actually had to get an extra out in the first because of a passed ball by Posey on a strikeout.
_
Posey’s supposed to be a good defensive catcher, but, like Romine, he’s had a lot of problems with passed balls (8 so far). The kid can hit, though.
Sublett is 0-2 with a strikeout.
GB7,
Yeah, I noticed that. Brackman’s been a victim on more than one occasion. But these guys don’t really know the pitchers, so I wouldn’t be too concerned.
Don Robbs is really talking up Posey’s OBP. Over .500.
Bleich, 5th inning: 5 innings, 4 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 9 strikeouts, 65 pitches, 51 strikes, 14 balls. Leads 2-0.
Bleich seems to have great command in the game. No word on what the speeds are.
Yeah, Mel that was Romine’s big issue in Charleston in 2008. He has a really good arm, but, not the best footwork and technique. That was supposed to Romine’s greatest appeal…good bat and great defense.
bleich strike to ball ratio is nuts…51 to 14
Yeah, Robb is a little dry, but, a pretty decent play by play guy. Brackman has been very good, but, he’s had a couple of bad games, where the control disappeared. Not disputing that big fastball, though. He’s done well, since this is his first professional ball games.
Bleich, 5th inning: 5 innings, 4 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 9 strikeouts, 65 pitches, 51 strikes, 14 balls. Leads 2-0.
Bleich is done for the night. He’s on a strict pitch count, like all of the other pitchers in the league.
Thanks for all the interviews and news from the dinner Pete.
“I wish George was still running the show. He would have picked Mattingly over Girardi”
yet another reason, am thankful George is no longer running the team.
Upside future news . . . . . .
http://www.nypost.com/seven/11082008/sports/yankees/betances_on_fast_track_to_the_majors_137665.htm
The Yanks will likely limit Joba’s innings by making him the 5th starter. He’ll be getting closer to 27 starts than 32. They will also keep an eye on his innings per start.
Signing Andy and putting him one spot ahead of Joba makes sense, providing the money is right.Pettitte showed he can still give you 200 innings,thus saving the bullpen for Joba the next day if neccessary.
Who knows if Manny comes to the Yankees, but if he does, one team that Matsui might be traded to (so Manny can DH) is the Dodgers. He clearly has a good relationship with Torre, and I think would be comparable to Manny in LF.
No question about that Drive.
The keys are who will turn out to be the Yankees #1 and #3.
“Who knows if Manny comes to the Yankees”
we know. And he’s not coming to the Yankees.
neither is peavy
The only problem with trading Matsui is that you won’t get equal Major League value for him. Because of his salary, recent injury trouble, and below average defense; it is a salary dump type move that will probably net a couple of prospects, which might be just fine, depending on who they are.
However, it is possible that you are trading a player who could have a .300/20/100 season if everything goes right for him.
Mark in Tampa – You’re absolutely right. Those numbers are more than adequate for a DH, which is why I really don’t think the Yankees will spend to bring in Manny. They’ll save those dollars for pitching and maybe 1B.
“David Wells said he wants to be a coach and will see what openings there are this season. “You don’t get to where I did by being an idiot,†he said. David Cone literally laughed out loud when he heard what Wells said. “He wants to coach?†Cone said. “That’s hilarious.†”
I say Wells for Strength & Conditioning Coach
I fully expect Matsui to have a solid rebound year….His lost stick in 08 had the most significant effect on the teams inability to continue rallies and score runs….I have always wanted him at the plate when the game was on the line or when they needed a clutch AB…..If Abreu & Giambi are moving out of town, Mataui’s LH stick is even more important than ever before…He’s always been clutch, maybe the best clutch hitter in the lineup…..
Mark;
I don’t see the Yankees moving Matsui for three other reasons;
How many teams are really in the market for an aging OF with bad knees who even when healthy, was badly adequate in LF? So practically speaking he is limited to DH duties; SEA may be a play, but little where else.
Also, Matsui has a NTC; he has to approve the deal.
And NY will need Matsui’s bat, especially if they come up lame on TEX and let Abreu walk.
PAT, I am a big Matsui supporter so if the Yankees can compete strongly without giving him up, I hope they don’t.
He is a professional bat around guys who have tendencies to have give away ABs (Cano, Arod) to name just two.
He is about as dedicated a pro as you’re gonna find.
If he has to go, it has to be for equal value. I would equate RR Smith from SEA as equal value at this point.
Getting CC and AJ would be huge for Yankees. Getting Teix for a total of 7 years could make a great deal of sense as well. If another team signs Marte, Yankees can receive a 1st and a supplemental 1st round to replace the three picks Yankees will lose by these signing. If Yankees offer Abreu salary arbritration and he signs elsewhere, another two picks going to the Yankees. Let’s hope these moves happen in the near future so the Yankees can be competitive for 2009 and beyond.
Yankee21,
Agree with you on the equal value point, but I don’t see it happening, which is why holding on to Matsui is best. He means more to the Yanks at this point than other teams.
I am not a farm geek who knows the other teams systems, but I think that other teams would try to get Matsui with the Yankee equivalent of Kennedy and Melky, or Veras and Betemit. That is a definite NO.
Yankee 21….I’m on the same page with you….He gives you a solid AB just about evrytime he steps into the box….He’s a disiplined hitter and rarely gives up an at bat, especially with runners on….All those years playing on the hard carpets in Japan has caught up with him, much like Vladdy G and Andre Dawson before them…..I say keep him and hopefully he hits 5th behind A-Rod and or hopefully Texeria….His stick is woefully needed….
Just when Cashman thought his job was difficult enough, now he has a popular player, Pettite, negotiating in the media for a new contract-
and with a real sense of urgency-probably an urgency Cashman doesn’t share. I wouldn’t predict the outcome of this, but also wouldn’t be surprised if Andy is still sitting by the phone in May/June waiting for Cashman to call. Seems to me there are less expensive options that MIGHT provide the same results.Rivera and Pettite are the 2 Yankees, I will never boo.
Pettite will be back, and will help this team in 2009.
I am not really a fan of Tex, especially giving him 6-8 years. That is tying up an awful lot of committment. 4or 5 years would be great, but I don’t think that will land him.
Here is a hypothetical: If there was a 1B out there who played OK defense, at least didn’t hurt the team; and his offensive numbers in the previous 4 years averaged:
.322BA 106R, 352B, 35HR, 123RBI, .425OBP, .605SLG, 1.030OPS
What would we want to give him? And, an MVP. Those numbers blow Tex away. Tex has had one year that equal those averages.
Well, we gave that player 7 years and about 125M; and we were sorry for it about a year and a half later when he started trying to pull everything and his defense totally disappeared.
At least with a shorter deal, it is not so painful when the inevitable decline starts.
If Pettitte just wants a 1 year deal and is willing to take a pay cut, then there is no way the Yankees do not accomodate him. He is a solid #4 on a deep pitching staff, and on a crappy staff he could be a #2.
I seriously doubt Cashman is suddenly going to re-arrange his priorities or his stance, just because some player is talking to the press about wanting to continue playing.
I don’t think that Matsui is going anywhere. I also think that he’s going to be both healthy and productive next season. I see him replicating his ‘07 numbers-25hr 103rbi .855OPS. if he’s healthy and there is no reason to believe he won’t be.
I would overpay Tex for 4 years, and begrudigly give him 5 years. Anything more than that, I walk away, and live to fight another day…
Ultra LT contracts tie up your hands, becoming a strangle-hold on your options.
Tex is an AS player, He is not a superstar. This can’t be forgotten. LT contracts are for superstars.
Some may say that Tex is not Giambi, and bring up the PEDs. But, in ‘01-’02, we would have said that Giambi is not Mo Vaughn. Great looking FAs bust all the time.
The key is to not fall in love with him, and be desperate for him just because we need a 1B(I am talking about the FO).
Anytime in life you go into a deal feeling like you have to have it, whether it is a house, a car, or a FA; you are going to get taken for a ride. And, with Boras driving, that can be one long and painful ride!
Mark; I’m with you on Tex,, nothing more than 4-5 years,,,,
Two differences between Giambi and Tex; Tex is a very good fielding 1B (not gold glove caliber in my mind, but good) and secondly, I haven’t heard any whispers about the legitimacy of Tex’ numbers.
Giambi was a far better hitter then Tex was and also in a park that was fair (OAK). Tex put up alot of his # in the Texas heat.
Signing Giambi to 7 years was stupid, signing Arod to 10 years was more stupid. And Signing Tex to 7 years will be right up there competing for the Gold, Silver or Bronze medal of contract stupidity.
Mark absolutely, negotiating 101.
I am out of here…..
The likelihood of Manny in Pinstripes increases by the day. Donnie’s comments have caused some doubt as to the veracity of the Sox negative information flow…Theo and his gang definitely would not like to see Manny back in the Bronx. IF we don’t get Tex, it’s even money by my assessment.
Have a great weekend, one and all!!!!
I am very much ok without Teixiera.
I agree that is we need him, we will overpay for him and he won’t live up. I know that people are talking about Matt Holliday, too. Don’t forget that Alex Rodriguez, if history is any guide, will have a monster season in 2009.
Our homeruns will likely be down and we need to replace that production somewhere, but Juan Mirandi shows some pop and he has potential to platoon – and platoon effectively.
I wouldn’t offer Tex more than 18-20 million for 5 years if I’m the Yankees. He’s not worth 100m and I wouldn’t be paying more than that for him.
Has anyone seen a definitive answer on Andy playing hurt for the 2nd half of the ‘08 season? It sure seemed like he was. He ‘gutted it out’ because there was no where else for the Yanks to go.
Having Andy committed in his mind to the NYYs for next season, as opposed to the confusion of last year, will mean he will be better prepared for ST and the 09 season. He is also smart enough to do the things Moose did to ‘re-invent’ himself where needed.
Having two terrific lefties in CC and Andy will give the Yankee rotation a very competitive edge, IMO.
The news from Angel Town indicates they will go all out for both Tex and CC. They have refused to discuss a contract renewal with Vladdie exercising their option for 09 only and deferring any extension discussions till after the season…meaning, they have the money for Tex and CC, but not for Vladdie after 09, and certainly not for K-Rod whom they are prepared to lose. They will move aggressively after 11/14.
Tex staying in Anaheim fits in with Boras’ master plan as it opens up opportunities for Manny. The failure to sign CC would be an enormous setback for the Yankees. Jeter speaking with him may be a plus; however, that is more than offset by Torii Hunter touting the Angels.
If both Carlos Lee and Soriano are worth over 100 million on the open market, so is Teixeira.
Signing him to a 7 year deal would not be the worst thing to ever happen. Teixeira is going to be 29 next season. If he were to sign a 7 year contract it would take him through his age 35 season. That’s the same age Jeter, Damon, and Matsui will be this year.
Which of the big three free agents for the Yankees (CC, AJ, Tex) is the player most likely to start the domino effect? When the key player signs, the rest fall into place like a string of dominoes. Some of you might want to add Mannymania to this group, but I don’t see him in Yankee plans. I don’t necessarily want to suggest the Yankees will be able to sign all three—and it is equally likely they may get none. I’m just curious to know if you think signing one first might help the Yankees land others.
Hey,
Pete what do you have against Jon Bon Jovi his musical career is right there with the boss.
Who was the musical guest last year? I certainly hope it wasn’t Springsteen cause JBJ beats the crap out of him all day!