Let’s play two
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Dec 18, 2008 
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Sam Borden sent me a text from the new Stadium saying that the marquee reads “Let’s Play Two. CC and AJ 1 p.m. today.”
Pretty cool.
Meanwhile both guys seem to be handling the press conference well. I love the “How will you handle the media? questions. What is the guy supposed to say to that?
That stuff is vastly overrated. Play well and it’s fine. Play lousy and you’ll hear it. It’s that way in any big market. There may be more reporters in New York but being accountable is the same whether there are two people at your locker after a game or 10.
Karen Burnett
Amber Sabathia
Minka Kelly
Michelle Damon
Laura Posada
Mrs. Swisher
…..
Madonna
The first ladies of the NY Yankees!
Ma Donna
Carol Burnett?
I guess that’s good that they’re both there at the same time – I think maybe that will kind of diffuse some of that whole “pressure” thing
Very impressed by Burnett.
I knew CC would handle things fine… I never heard AJ speak before though, he always seemed like a quiet guy.
He did very well though. Both these guys will be fine.
Where is Hank?
I want to know where Hank is.
Lets PAY Two
Two much for one of them that is…
57 days until pitchers/catchers
That feels like an eternity.
Dr. J
LOL, Which one in that list doesn’t fit?
Ok this Hal guy is growing on me too
wow he is HAPPY!!
Kim looks good too
3/3 today
Word.
Perform well and don’t be a total jerk and everything else will fall into place.
karen burnett is one hot number
AJ Burnett may quickly become my new fav Yankee
“That stuff is vastly overrated. Play well and it’s fine.”
Alex Rodriguez respectfully disagrees.
Hal is awesome
When Maddonna and A-Rod go out to eat, who picks up the tab?I think Maddonna is the only chick on the planet that A-Rod could date that has more money than he does…Except for maybe Oprah…but it seems like the new President is all over that already…haha jk.
Jones talking about the 1-2 punch with CC…that’s nice but can Wang get some love please?! What about a 1-2-3 punch?!
AJ it was the curveball like Kim said.
The cost/worth of “one of them” will be determined over the next 5 years. Hindsight is always 20/20. AJ may well turn out to be a decent player. Try not to judge before the deal is done.
Randy Levine gets to speak twice
Oh the pain
I hope they replay this tonight. Is Michael Kay there falling over himself with glee?
He’s embarrassing at times.
Brandon,
http://tinyurl.com/4govh3
“that’s nice but can Wang get some love please?! What about a 1-2-3 punch?!”
Wang, the forgotten ace!
Repost–
This AJ interview was pretty sweet. He’s going to sell his Marlins ring when he wins one with the Yankees. He wants 6 rings like MJ ! Anytime you can get a Michael Jordan reference in you’re a winner in my book. I am going to be picking up #34 Burnett jersey ASAP. He is the man, and after he starts 10 games in a row he might be my favorite Yankee in ’09.
Ok this is all fine and well
now time to get manny/tex/dunn
time for another bat
Just stay healthy, AJ, and you’ll be a fan favorite
Randy Levine is such a tool. How does a clown like that become President of the 26-time World Champion New York Yankees?
im so psyched about aj. i really like that he wanted NY as much as the yankees wanted him.
he brings intensity to the rotation. so does cc. and wang in between them, the coolest pickle in the barrel, a perfect changeup.
Is that Jennifer Steinbrenner that Amber is talking to in the background?
There…Girardi just gave Wang a plug.
Now that the new stadium is complete, do we really need Levine anymore? I mean, what purpose does he serve?
Girardi, the first (and only) one to mention Wang
Ed – Hopefully the current lack of love for the Wanger will cause him to come out with a serious chip on his shoulder next year and absolutely dominate.
If you think about it there are a lot of guys on this team who have something to prove and will be burning to do so. AJ and CC that they can handle NY, AJ that he can stay healthy, Wang that he is an ace, Swisher and Cano that last year were aberrations, Hughes that he was worth all the hype. I think we will see them playing with a hunger that some of the recent teams have been missing. I’m excited!!!
(And hopefully we can add Dunn to that list, taking his ire re: the gross miscalculation of his value out on fastballs and sliders all season!! Make it happen Santa Claus!
)
Hahaha, Cash said Devil Rays.
Are they gonna send him a bill for $1?
burnett’s 2003 was 4 starts and a tommy john while beckett went on to take them to the WS. he’s gonna earn his next couple of rings!
Cashman called them the Devil Rays ha ha ha ha ha
Never buy A Yankee jersey with the name on it!
Blasphemouss couture as fas as I’m concerned.
And here’s the Cashman interview
20 minutes of nothing
So, all indications of this presentation is that AJ Burnett is going to be the #2 starter.
Is this true? Why? Is it because of Wang’s injury?
All said and done, with all three of them healthy, I think it should be CC, Wang, AJ.
BBB,
comes spring training, Wang should confront them and be like “you know I had outdueled both of you while I was the ace, at least give me credit for outdueling you both.”
Ed did you buy yours ?
So we have 4 starters in the rotation right now that can throw 95 mph? That sounds like it could hurt hands.
“hopefully we can add Dunn to that list, taking his ire re: the gross miscalculation of his value out on fastballs and sliders all season!”
Yes on the fastballs, not so much on the sliders. Dunn seems like a Pedro Serrano doppleganger in terms of offensive production.
Vince…
They were just being politically correct, AJ is the #3. But they marketed this thing as CC-AJ #1-2, so they rolled with it.
Numbers are irrelevant anyway, we have 4 top pitchers.
Wang will most definitely be the #2.
Anyone know if the conference will be replayed on YES? I’m at work and missing out on the babes, quotes, and new look rotation.
“Now that the new stadium is complete, do we really need Levine anymore? I mean, what purpose does he serve?”
It’s not complete and Levine is the guy who goes to the City to beg for money and conspire to get bogus assessments done on the Stadium land. He’s a crap weasel, but that’s what you need to deal with NYC pols.
BOOOOOOOO, Kay just said Wang will be the no. 3….boooooo!!!
Come on Adam Dunn !
Bronx Jeers,
I brought a jersey with a name on it, which I kind of regretted now. Had the jersey for the past 2 years, you think it’s a good idea to remove the name depsite the sewing mark will show?
Chamberlain, Wang, and Burnett can all battle for the title of #2.
CC is obviously the #1
Wow, that sounds filthy
Michael Kay breathes heavily between making points. It’s kinda weird.
repost:
I tuned in from the last few questions for CC. If anyone finds a link to the PC, I’d be eternally grateful.
Didn’t see Mrs. Burnett, are we talking about this Karen?
http://tinyurl.com/Karen-watches-as-AJ-pulls-a-MJ
Did she renovate because she looks kind of, um, plain.
“Wang will most definitely be the #2.”
affirmative.
Randy Levine always looks like he is sun burnt
He needs a haircut too
mel,
She looks MUCH, MUCH hotter than that Daily News pic. CC’s wife looked good too.
I’m sure the AP will put some pics up soon, as will Yankees.com.
“So we have 4 starters in the rotation right now that can throw 95 mph? That sounds like it could hurt hands.”
Good thing Jorge practices that all-natural offseason hand strengthening regiment to aid his hitting without batting gloves…
mel,
did you tried going to yankees.com?
i think cc, then wang, then aj is whacked. temperamentally and stuffwise thats a 3-day slump flyin into your town and stayin for the weekend!
Olney said:
1. CC
2. Wang
3. Burnett
4. ??
5. Joba
The graphic said:
1. CC
2. Burnett
3. Wang
4. Joba
5. Hughes
Does Karen still look like Steve Nash?
They’ll probably continue looping it on ESPNews…it’s on again now…
I know what I forgot to do at lunch. I wanted to go buy a cc t-shirt!!
“Never buy A Yankee jersey with the name on it! Blasphemouss couture as fas as I’m concerned.”
I wholeheartedly agree.
If she plays like Steve Nash, I’m sure the Knicks will give her a call.
Trade for Victor Martinez
Put him at 1B,
Swisher to right
Nady traded
Ed,
Not up yet. espnews showing clips of the PC. Mama Sabathia did a great job raising her son, but he still says “axed” instead of “asked”.
Randy Levine is such a chia pet. Everytime I see him, I think “Ch-ch-ch-chia!” Is it a tight perm?
“I know what I forgot to do at lunch. I wanted to go buy a cc t-shirt!!”
LOL, there’s a Modells near where you live/work? Modells is just only 5 mins away from my house. lol
mel Karen looked hotter than that today.
Michael Kay is an idiot besides being a horrible announcer.
He just interviewed Randy Levine who said the Yanks have only spent about 1/3 of what came off the books last year. Levine said thet the Yankees should reinvest the other 2/3 instead of keeping it for themselves.
So Kay ends the program by saying while he thinks there is some flexibility in CF to make a move, that he thinks the current team is the team that will report to spring training? What part of the 2/3 didn’t he understand?
They are not done and will add at least 1 bat and Pettite.
“So we have 4 starters in the rotation right now that can throw 95 mph? That sounds like it could hurt hands.”
Or bald heads. Somewhere out there Youk just said Oh @#@$*!
Mark Bavarro on with Francessa until 5 PM.
Thank god, now we don’t have to near him cry about CC and Burnett.
AJ = the new poster child for “If healthy he can pitch” !!
Ha ha … but seriously I hope he does well, he certainly has the stuff to be a winner.
And I hope CC doesn’t suddenly feel a twinge in his elbow after or shoulder after the workload that was asked of him in Milwaukee.
No doubt this could be a solid 1-4 this year. And perhaps a solid 1-5 next year assuming Hughes keeps getting better & building his stamina in Scranton this year.
Please please please, Santa, make it so nobody needs to go to Dr Andrews.
Burnett’s wearing #34? I didn’t see … how about CC and Swisher?
Mel,
give it 30mins to an hour. it should be up really soon.
names? if i needed the names i wouldnt be much of a fan, would I?
geez, i wonder who that #3 yankees jersey is for, it doesnt have a name and there’s nobody listed in the program with that number!?!
Karen looked great
I switched over to Russo on XM… as expected, ranting about CC and how he was a phony at his press conference.
“No Hank?”
nope. And no Manny
“He just interviewed Randy Levine who said the Yanks have only spent about 1/3 of what came off the books last year”
Randy obviously has no accounting responsibilities with the Yankees.
Amber Sabathia = very nice
“Burnett’s wearing #34? I didn’t see … how about CC and Swisher?”
I wonder how come Swisher didn’t had a press conference? should had make it a trio PC.
CC’s taking the prestigious #52. Previously worn by the one-and-only Jose Contreras.
Can they ask Randy Levine to wear a mask when he is on camera?
“What part of the 2/3 didn’t he understand?”
He understood enough to know it was wrong.
Love how quick it was… quick, easy, and to the point. It didn’t drag.
Got the answers we wanted, got the 1 on 1 interviews, and the pics. And out we go.
“Somewhere out there Youk just said Oh #$*!”
It’ll be funny if CC, AJ and the Wanger follow Joba’s lead and buzz him. Not hit him, just buzz him. Somehow seeing his reaction to being ALMOST hit is more entertaining than if he actually got hit. As far as I know Joba’s never hit him but he ‘has his attention’.
So is that it for the coverage on YES? They’re not televising the Q&A they were talking about at the end of the PC?
“What part of the 2/3 didn’t he understand?
They are not done and will add at least 1 bat and Pettite.”
i say thats a misread. levine is defending what they spent, not hinting they’re going to go spend another big chunk of it. the yankees took alot of heat from ppl saying they throwing crazy dollars around. (drunken sailors was the most used term. levine’s sole purpose there today is to refute that notion by pointing out how they’ve lowered payroll.
Congrats. Exciting day to be a Yankee fan. I was impressed as well with AJ’s comfort in the interview. If he stays healthy and locked in the Yankees have the best rotation in the AL and possibly all of MLB.
The holidays must feel like they are already here…
Have a good afternoon.
-dennis
Let’s play 2.
Did a search for Karen Burnett. This was the first result.
Which of the 2 arrows is pointing to Karen?
http://thebluejayhunter.blogsp.....rnett.html
“Does Karen still look like Steve Nash?”
Oh damn, thats cold!! LMFAO!!!
Amber Sabathia was hot too.
When I see a guy like AJ he strikes me as a character guy that would have been perfect for the NY Mets. I’m glad we have him and he saids we’re a family.
AJ aslong as we’re a family that stays off the DL I have no problem w/ you.
“CC’s taking the prestigious #52. Previously worn by the one-and-only Jose Contreras.”
…and Luis Vizcanio.
Fredo Corleone
December 18th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
“What part of the 2/3 didn’t he understand?”
He understood enough to know it was wrong.
—-
Fredo, I love ya but don’t ever take sides against the family again.
Did Cashman finally admit to signing CC and A.J., or was he still noncommittal?
I appreciate that doggystyle pic
did anybody notice that Dave Eiland was nowhere to be seen? Jason Zillo was like, Eiland just stepped away and would be back soon.
BBB,
Did you see the picture I linked? Spitting image. Nash has nice hair, but plays with it way too much. I think Karen had work done on her mouth. She looks way different.
Lakers coming to Miami.
so let me update my aj profile:
amped-up, inked, pierced all over and married to a hottie ex-stripper. now moving to manhattan!
i want to party with aj!
ed yes, there are a few of them near my building.
ed yes, there are a few of them near my building.
Repost from last thread…
“Listening to him I really enjoyed what he was saying and think it could be the case that he does what CB and SJ have been saying that he’ll be a late bloomer ala Schilling.”
I didn’t say I thought AJ would turn out to be like Curt Schilling.
I said that is what the team is gambling on. That’s why they are paying him so much money. It’s not based on what he has done – it’s based on his talent and their perception of how he will improve on the way the uses that talent.
Let’s hope they are right because it’s a major gamble.
That press conference was a great example of why having CC signed is so important for Burnett.
AJ was kind of an afterthought there and that’s probably a good thing.
He’s had a lot of trouble with both the media and fans in both Florida and Miami.
Hopefully he’s matured and being surrounded by all of these stars will bring out the best in him while at the same time allow him to blend in.
Very, very different dynamic for AJ if the club had lost CC and AJ was the big arm they were bringing in for 2009. Enormous difference.
Look at how relaxed CC was. Just great. That’s the guy he is.
Much easier for AJ to blend into the staff with CC and Wang anchoring it.
Someone mentioned Cole Hamels before.
This might sound crazy – but there were times last year when AJ was throwing change ups that were comparable in quality to what Hamels throws.
That’s his third pitch – a pitch he seldom throws. I’m not exaggerating this either AJ was literally throwing his change up at times on that level.
That’s how talented a pitcher he is.
Cashman still has not confirmed the signings of CC and Burnett
“It is a process. How far along we are, I can’t say. I cannot comment on speculation.We’ve had some good conversations and the process is ongoing”
If Burnett gets that changeup even close to perfected, they’ll bar him from baseball. That would just be unfair. Get him with Ramirez before they trade him.
Y’s,
That’s a rumor. Seeing her old picture, I don’t think that’s true.
“As far as I know Joba’s never hit him but he ‘has his attention’.”
Mind you i’ve never been hit with a 95mph fastball but I think i’d rather get hit in the thigh or the bicep or something as opposed to having one sail past my ear. Remember when Bruney hit Sammy Sosa in the head? The possibility of that just seems far worse than a black and blue.
Randy Levine looks like a troll
“If Burnett gets that changeup even close to perfected, they’ll bar him from baseball.”
My thoughts exactly, between Eiland/Nardi/Patterson I think he will definitely learn this.
Anyone else love the fact that AJ & CC talked last night to “prep” for today?
AJ would be a perfect 86 Met… great observation
I like how both guys made it a point to mention Joba. We may take what we’re seeing from Chamberlain for granted (freaked about the shoulder scare, perhaps), but he’s obviously held in high esteem among his peers. AJ mentioned him on the podium & CC during his YES interview. With the tutelage he’ll have at his disposal, Joba Chamberlain may in the end be the jewel of this vaunted rotation.
trade Robi !”
December 18th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
“If Burnett gets that changeup even close to perfected, they’ll bar him from baseball.”
My thoughts exactly, between Eiland/Nardi/Patterson I think he will definitely learn this.
————————————————————
It’s still a work in progress, only because he’s not always consistant, but, if it is….watch out. You can think about another no-hitter for the Yanks.
SA,
I have a fashion question, and I know you could help me with it.
I brought a jersey with a name on it, which I kind of regretted now. Had the jersey for the past 2 years, you think it’s a good idea to remove the name depsite the sewing marks will show, or might not?
We need to re-sign Damon to a 2 yr extension
CB– I didn’t mean to put words in your mouth. I know you’ve been back and forth with this signing. I Just meant that he has Schilling in his prime upside and with the attitude and mentality he showed in the press conference he seems to have (with the help of Halladay who he mentioned 2 or 3 times in the interview)figured out what it would take to realize that. The trick is going to be taking the ball every fifth day but I liked what I saw.
Mel: She does look a lot better now. Maybe she took some quick advantage of all the stylists in NYC, though it’s not like the ones in Miami are chopped liver. I actually can see the resemblance to Nash somewhat haha, but he is much greasier! I bet she plays better D than him too.
Also AJ kind of looks like Puck from the Real World in that pic with the spiky hair and t-shirt.
re: Lakers coming to Miami…don’t remind me! lol, my boys are gonna get killed. They’ve been playing like crap lately anyway and I’m sure the Knicks close call got Kobe & co. all riled up.
The Levine “1/3″ quote, if taken literally, means that the Yankees may be in on Teixiera sweepstakes. Kay didn’t follow up in any meaningful way, so who knows.
imagine in 2 years, joba as the ace and huges as the #5, that could be really sick.
im really hoping the sox fans are feeling just the way i did the day i heard they got beckett.
it was a really sinking feeling.
that weight has now been lifted!
imagine in 2 years, joba as the ace and huges as the #5, that could be really sick.
Burnett and Sabathia will be on Francessa’s show in a few.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/fisherwy/.....5B2%5D.jpg
Swisher’s girl or Jeter’s girl?
http://z.about.com/d/movies/1/.....oice40.jpg
sorry about the bad edit there
Aj was upfront about his injury problems -
He had such great stuff that he just wanted to show it off everytime he got the chance to. Even in bullpen sessions. He didn’t take care of himself. He changed his training regimen and altered his delivery slightly and has become a ‘pitcher’ now.
Makes perfect sense if you think about it
Does anyone know how often AJ throws his change currently/recently?
Also I was doing a Google search on his pitching arsenal a few days ago and came across a Jays fan blog from 06 that said he switched from a 2 seamer to a cutter. Why is he throwing a cutter if he’s had elbow problems? Doesn’t Mariano usually tell guys with elbow histories to avoid throwing it?
Ed..hhmm..
I would say that the jersey to a tailor to have them take out the name. Though, I really do think the sewing marks will be there once you remove the name and it will look a bit funky. So it might not be the best option.
Time to buy a new jersey?
The AJ Burnett of today is a very different guy from his Marlins days.
Doc Halliday had a lot to do with AJ growing up and learning to harness his incredible talent. He took AJ under his wing the way Roger Clemens gave Curt Schilling a heart to heart talk about “throwing away his career” and got him to dedicate himself to the game. It changed Schilling’s career path.
From a pure pitching perspective, there aren’t 5 guys in the game as talented as AJ. In a lot of ways, he’s a natural pitcher.
A no stress delivery, 95-98 MPH fastball that he doesn’t have to strain to throw, a knee buckling curveball, and a great changeup. He doesn’t have enough confidence in it to feature it. However, when he does, its an unhittable pitch.
He is in much better shape now and doesn’t party as much as he did in his day in Florida.
In other words, he’s grown up. A LOT.
That’s what the Yankees are banking on. A grown up and focused AJ Burnett is a dominant pitcher.
With CC, Wang, Joba and perhaps Pettitte, he doesn’t have to be “the man”. That will help him in NY.
Oh god.. Sabathia on with Francessa now
CC on with Francesca now. Holla!
BBB (Welcome CC&AJ. Now we need a bat, let’s git’er Dunn!)
December 18th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Does anyone know how often AJ throws his change currently/recently?
Also I was doing a Google search on his pitching arsenal a few days ago and came across a Jays fan blog from 06 that said he switched from a 2 seamer to a cutter. Why is he throwing a cutter if he’s had elbow problems? Doesn’t Mariano usually tell guys with elbow histories to avoid throwing it?
————————————————————
The cutter is nothing but a fastball with break. It’s the slider that could cause issues.
“So we have 4 starters in the rotation right now that can throw 95 mph? That sounds like it could hurt hands.”
I said the same exact thing when I heard they finalized the deal with AJ. Even with the 5th starter up in the air, that is one scary rotation. Say what you will, but that is basically 4 Aces.
Regardless if you use Pettitte, Hughes, or Lowe in that 5th spot, that pitching rotation makes any offense 10x’s better. Our lineup as-is really has plenty of firepower.
If there’s a problem with injuries we can always make a deal during the season.
CC on with Francesa. Show some guts Mike and repeat what you said about CC last week
GB7,
Thanks for the heads up.
Please go light on him Francessa, otherwise he may opt out right now
BBB– Check out this site CB linked to the other day. It shows the speeds, movement, and how many times he threw it.
http://baseball.bornbybits.com.....rnett.html
He threw a fastball, sinker, curve, change, and splitter in varying percentages last year.
Maybe Bavaro should ask CC whether Joba should go to the pen
SA,
Yep. I brought a Melky jersey then, and now that he might be traded, I was planning to remove the name. lol
“If Burnett gets that changeup even close to perfected, they’ll bar him from baseball. That would just be unfair. ”
GB7,
Burnett is still primarily a two pitch pitcher. When he struggles its because he can’t locate his curve ball for strikes and basically winds up with no other option other than throwing his fastball through a wall.
He still throws too much and doesn’t pitch enough. He’s gotten better but still has room to grow.
For the life of me I don’t understand why he doesn’t throw his change up or two seam fastball more. I really don’t.
Both his change up and two seamer can be plus pitches for him. At times he’s used them very effectively – but he just doesn’t throw them that often.
I’m sure part of that is confidence of this command on those pitches. He’s not consistent with them.
On the flip side he can be inconsistent with his curveball as well.
AJ had the 5th highest fastball veolocity in the game last year.
Yet I think it was last July where he lost command of his curveball and hitters hit .314 against his 4 seam fastball.
Think about that – his 4 seamer has both plus velocity and plus movement and big league hitters hit .314 against him when he threw that pitch.
He has all the tools. His change up at times is truly a devastating pitch. Like everything else he throws it has unbelievable movement on it.
Hopefully he continues to grow and learns more about mixing his stuff and pitching.
mel
December 18th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
GB7,
Thanks for the heads up.
————————————————————
My pleasure, Mel. You guys alawys alert the boards to things…just a little payback.
I love how Mike never lets his Co-Host participate in interviews
damn, cc’s moving to ny full time? nice! might give us a better shot when the option comes up.
I think I developed a negative perception on AJ because of Al Leiter’s comments about him during a broadcast. Al alluded to him being immature, hot-tempered, and a bit of a “punk”. But again, Leiter’s always been known to be a bit of a politician, and he and Franco got Kazmir kicked out of town…And we all know how that worked out.
OOooohh! I see Ed. I think the jersey would look a bit funky if you removed the name. But maybe take it to a tailor and see.
“The Levine “1/3” quote, if taken literally, means that the Yankees may be in on Teixiera sweepstakes. Kay didn’t follow up in any meaningful way, so who knows.”
What’s Kay going to do? Explaining to Levine that $60M isn’t 1/3 of $85M would embarass the poor guy.
CC handling Francessa well
This had the potential to be a disaster, but Francessa thankfully is laying low.
CC sounds very chill and relaxed
Levine probably just made an off-the-cut comment
He isin’t exactly a model public speaker
Bronx Jeers,
“I brought a jersey with a name on it, which I kind of regretted now. Had the jersey for the past 2 years, you think it’s a good idea to remove the name depsite the sewing mark will show?”
Ed,
Please don’t take me as some sort of uniform nazi but I would honestly applaud a jersey that had “former name sewing marks” on it.
It shows that the owner cares about such things.
Whose jersey is it?
SA,
maybe I should do that. thanks! see I knew I could count on you.
Francessa’s obsessed with $$. Here’s a hint, Mike: Wealthy people don’t like to talk about it.
I thought Leiter talked AJ up? I know I heard a radio broadcast of Steve Phillips talking about AJ. Said he had great stuff, but always managed to lose the game. Good enough to just lose. Steve Phillips=sour grapes.
I didn’t realize that AJ and Leiter were traded for each other.
no problem! How did your final go Ed?
Bronx Jeers,
Melky Cabrera.
lol
Mike kissing up to CC… as if anything else was expected.
Don’t blame him though, he had to be nice otherwise the Yankees would have killed him and probably not granted anymore interviews to him.
SA,
aced. the professor did a quick review, I memorize every single answers. lol
Teddy–
Al sort of changed his tune recently saying how he thought AJ had grown up a bit since their Florida days and of course speaks glowingly about his stuff
CB
December 18th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
“If Burnett gets that changeup even close to perfected, they’ll bar him from baseball. That would just be unfair. ”
GB7,
Burnett is still primarily a two pitch pitcher. When he struggles its because he can’t locate his curve ball for strikes and basically winds up with no other option other than throwing his fastball through a wall.
————————————————————
He has amazing stuff, doesn’t he. The great thing is that if Pettitte comes back, NYY has five pitchers and none of them are the same. Teams will not get the same look, two days in a row. Back that with a potential fireballing bullpen, and, this could easily be the best pitching staff since the ’71 Orioles.
mel,
Leiter was very high on Burnett. He was on with Kay last week… a day before AJ signed.
“I think I developed a negative perception on AJ because of Al Leiter’s comments about him during a broadcast. Al alluded to him being immature, hot-tempered, and a bit of a “punk”.”
Leiter was most likely talking about the way Burnett was in 2005 when they were teammates in Florida.
Leiter now loves Burnett. Thinks he’s grown up a lot and matured. He was very positive about the yankees signing AJ.
Good job Ed!
Fredo Corleone
December 18th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
“The Levine “1/3” quote, if taken literally, means that the Yankees may be in on Teixiera sweepstakes. Kay didn’t follow up in any meaningful way, so who knows.”
What’s Kay going to do? Explaining to Levine that $60M isn’t 1/3 of $85M would embarass the poor guy.
—-
Fredo, please define the 60mm. I have 23 plus 18, are you counting Swisher or are you projecting something else.
Al and AJ are friends. Al was talking about how immature AJ was (he was) during his time in Florida.
Now, they get along fine.
Leiter was a guy that was pitching the Yankees (ie: Cashman) to sign AJ this off-season.
AJ is a free spirit. Think of him as a Damon-like kind of guy.
That’s ok by me. Just make 30 starts a year and I don’t care of you aren’t PC with the media.
This team could use more free spirits on it. With AJ and Swisher coming aboard, the locker room will be lighter and looser.
From the Yankees perspective, that’s a good thing.
*WAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
I didn’t get to see it. Hopefully I’ll get to watch a rerun of it.
*YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
Just so happy that these are our guys.
Francesa actually had a good interview with CC. When CC said I am happy to be here for the next 7 years I was hoping that Francesa was not going to get into the opt out BS. That could of been a disaster like most of his interviews are. Especially when he doesn’t let the other person talk.
i missed the press confrence any chance of a re run or is there somewhere online that has it
one thing about 4 guys who can throw 95+ is that it makes it possible for the yankees to find a #4 guy who doesnt light up the radar gun. we got a fireball/slider guy in cc, a sikerballer with a plus heater in wang, heater curveball in aj.
we need a #4, a moose-type would drop in behind them perfectly. moose and maddux are out, smoltz isnt coming here, moyer signed with philly, the arrow is pointing at you, andy pettitte, come home for one more ring.
CC – Fastball/Slider/Change
AJ – Fastball/Curve
Wang – Hard sinker
Joba – Fastball/Slider
SA,
thanks, now im going to be bored for a month until job training starts, which should be after X-Mas. lol
Don’t take anything Randy Levine says personally. He wasn’t giving sublimital messages as to what the Yankees will do next.
He was just running his mouth in an interview. Nothing more.
ive followed burnett hes a jokster ull see lots of pies o the faces this season hes the master at that
If we have Hughes in the rotation as the #5… are we the hardest throwing rotation of all time?
SJ44
December 18th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
This team could use more free spirits on it. With AJ and Swisher coming aboard, the locker room will be lighter and looser.
————————————————————
The opposing hitters will be a little lighter (in the batters’s box) and looser, too.
Gabagoo,
We’re waiting for the video to pop up on mlb.com, but here’s the audio via the Fan:
http://www.wfan.com/topic/play.....Id=3221350
I’d like to see the YES interviews, you guys think it’ll be on the YES website later?
I’ve read many people on here the past several days say that Damon and Matsui are immovable contracts. What dream world are you living in. Either one of them should be able to spun now with us eating some of the contract or at the trade deadline when they are owed less than half of their remaining contract.
According to the Boston Globe, the Red Sox “would likely spin Mike Lowell to another team” if they sign Mark Teixeira. They’ll just trade injured Lowell with 2 years on his deal very simply. The only reason why we wouldnt be able to unload them is because we’re the Yankees.
Did Mike tell CC he belongs in the pen? Can you imagine a pen of CC, Joba and MO. The game would be over in the 6th inning!!
GB,
Exactly. Guys like Joba, AJ, even CC to a degree aren’t going to take a lot of crap.
If teams (ie: the Red Sox) go into their annual Yankee Target Practice Mode, their guys are going to get drilled.
Guys like Arod and Jeter will enjoy the new freedom they get in the batters box.
Teams aren’t going to take as many liberties on Yankee hitters with guys ready and willing to return fire.
MLBTR listed the FA’s for next year.
Adrian Beltre, Matt Holliday, Rick Ankiel, Ryan Madson, Omar Infante, Joey Gathright, Hank Blalock, Rich Harden, Brett Myers, Carlos Delgado, Troy Glaus, Chipper Jones, Jason Bay, Jermaine Dye, Vladimir Guerrero, Aubrey Huff, Jim Thome.
(these are the non-Yanks I left them off the list)
Victor Martinez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett, Cliff Lee, and Brandon Webb will probably have their options picked up.
mel
December 18th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Gabagoo,
We’re waiting for the video to pop up on mlb.com, but here’s the audio via the Fan:
http://www.wfan.com/topic/play.....Id=3221350
I’d like to see the YES interviews, you guys think it’ll be on the YES website later?
mel u think theres any chance that yankees hot stove will rerun it since it airs tonight
“Fredo, please define the 60mm. I have 23 plus 18, are you counting Swisher or are you projecting something else.”
Sabathia and Burnett are $40M
Swisher is $5.3M
Arod gets a $5M bump up from $27M to $32M
Cano gets a $3M bump up from $3M to $6M
Arbitration raises for Wang, Nady and Bruney are another $5M to $7M
Caps
December 18th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
If we have Hughes in the rotation as the #5… are we the hardest throwing rotation of all time?
————————————————————
The late 60′s Mets (Seaver, Ryan, McAndrews, Gentry) and early 70s Angels (Ryan, Singer, McGlothlin, and Tanana) aware probably the hardest throwing group of pitchers I ever saw.
“Joba – Fastball/Slider”
Fastball/slider/curve/change.
He’s the whole package. I hope he starts using his curve and even his change more. The curve is a terrific pitch – not quite as good as his slider but still a plus pitch and probably less stress on his arm.
His change is also a good pitch. Not great but good.
The yankees needed to get CC – he was a must. AJ could be fantastic. Wang is terrific.
Even on this staff – Joba has the best pure stuff of any of them.
CC is by far the best pitcher on the staff and has unreal command. AJ has ridiculous stuff. But neither has the 4 pitch arsenal Joba has.
Signing these two guys together may end up being an unplanned act of genius.
Now Burnett gets his turn with Francessa
SJ44
December 18th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
GB,
Exactly. Guys like Joba, AJ, even CC to a degree aren’t going to take a lot of crap.
If teams (ie: the Red Sox) go into their annual Yankee Target Practice Mode, their guys are going to get drilled.
Guys like Arod and Jeter will enjoy the new freedom they get in the batters box.
Teams aren’t going to take as many liberties on Yankee hitters with guys ready and willing to return fire.
————————————————————
That’s about the best protection a hitter can ask for. It has the potential to take away the inside pitch from opposing pitchers.
Joba has the best stuff.But he hasn’t showsn he can pitch a full year.Until then he still a non proven starter.
Joba has the best stuff.But he hasn’t showsn he can pitch a full year.Until then he still a non proven starter.
AJ – “I don’t think the Yankees are done” (when talking about FA acquisitions)
Slip of the tongue, probably.
“That stuff is vastly overrated. Play well and it’s fine. Play lousy and you’ll hear it.”
If I recall Gary Sheffield played quite well for the Yankees. Somehow, I do not think he would agree with this assessment.
Rob NY: Thanks a lot for that link. Very interesting stuff. Man, can AJ pound both sides of the zone or what. And it looks like he is not just a two pitch pitcher as many of the talking heads would have had us believe, after all.
“Teams will not get the same look, two days in a row. ”
No they won’t. If they stay healthy (big if especially with AJ…) it’s unreal.
I can’t imagine this staff healthy and throwing well in a short series. I can’t.
How do you face CC, AJ, Wang and Joba in a 7 game series?
You’ll see 4 power arms but won’t see the same look two games in a row.
You’re going to strike out a ton and will beat one ground ball into the infield after another.
In a short series that front 4 is unbelievable.
Hopefully the comments Burnett is making in these interviews are really life lessons he’s taken to heart.
CC does not look like a “fat guy” Actually looks pretty good.
so when do tix go on sale?
Fransesca in his infinite brilliance asking what AJ would have done had some other team come close in money…um, the Braves did come close with the money, no?
guys have ya seen da update on cc page
http://ccsabathia52.com/
AJ said $$ was part of the equation, but mostly, he wants to win a WS ring.
Burnett and CC sound really like they are going to be monsters. Im loving these interviews.
Man, I am so amped up for the 09 season
Haven’t been this excited about a season opener in some time. For the first time in a while, we have shut down pitching.
CB.
Totally agree. That staff in any series is nasty. I have a bit of anxiety today thinking about it so the gin and tonics may start a tad early today.
The only positive take away from today is that Randy Levine is a confidence booster for my self image…
-dennis
The lockers have a PC in each stall? Wow. They really spared no expense.
CB, A.J. just said, almost verbatim to you what you wrote, that he has started to use his 2 seam fastball and change up more and he really didn’t learn to be a pitcher until last season.
December 18th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
“Teams will not get the same look, two days in a row. ”
No they won’t. If they stay healthy (big if especially with AJ…) it’s unreal.
I can’t imagine this staff healthy and throwing well in a short series. I can’t.
How do you face CC, AJ, Wang and Joba in a 7 game series?
You’ll see 4 power arms but won’t see the same look two games in a row.
You’re going to strike out a ton and will beat one ground ball into the infield after another.
In a short series that front 4 is unbelievable.
Hopefully the comments Burnett is making in these interviews are really life lessons he’s taken to heart.
————————————————————
Gotta love Burnett’s honesty when Francessa asked if the money had anything to do with him signing with NYY. “Of course the money had something to do with it, but, it wasn’t the only reason.”
guys have ya seen da update on cc page
http://ccsabathia52.com/
thats some bad photoshop job
guys have ya seen da update on cc page
http://ccsabathia52.com/
thats some bad photoshop job
Now CC is on with Michael Kay
Doing the rounds today…
Francesa is fixated on the money.
Little tip Mike. Its called “free agency” for a reason. In free agency, its ALWAYS about the money.
It was for Reggie, Goose, Catfish Hunter, Dave Winfield, Jimmy Key, Mike Mussina, Jason Giambi, etc.
That’s how free agency works.
Somebody should send a free agent manual to Mike so he can get up to speed.
dennis-Costanza/Sox fan
December 18th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
CB.
Totally agree. That staff in any series is nasty. I have a bit of anxiety today thinking about it so the gin and tonics may start a tad early today.
The only positive take away from today is that Randy Levine is a confidence booster for my self image…
-dennis
————————————————————
OK, Dennis…wipe the envy and drool off of your chin.
What a quote from AJ in this interview with Francessa. This is the best thing I’ve heard all day in these interviews/ press conferences.
Burnett roughly said:
“2008 I had 50 punch outs on two seamers to lefties. In 07 I hardly had any [implying he didn't throw his two seamer that often]”
Burnett has a unreal two seam fastball. The amount of run he gets on that pitch is unbelievable given how hard he throws it.
I like the fact that he knew that number off the top of his head. That means that he actively knew to change his approach last season. He had a plan, executed it, and knew the outcome of that plan. Someone sat down with him to go over how effective mixing up his pitches more was for him.
I hope he takes this to that next level of pitching. He throws 4 quality pitches. He should use them more.
Ed,
A Melky name/number jersey isn’t the biggest crime as it’s sort of obscure IMO. It’s really when you have the obvious players that the name becomes redundant/ridiculous. Like do you really need “JETER” to recognize a #2 jersey?
Still, if you removed the name you could have yourself a nifty Sparky Lyle jersey!
I have a couple of jerseys with #’s that are long gone. I have a Soriano jersey that was once a Tony Womack jersey! Ouch!
And I have tentative plan to to turn my Giambi into a CC jersey. As of now I consider it a Don Baylor.
Brian Cashman will be on Francessa at 5:00 PM
Did CC just say that he has been texting with Joba back and forth all winter??
Did CC just say that he and Joba texted back and forth?
Joba knows CC? he said they texted eachother, unless i misheard.
Joba is a huge texter, wasn’t that discussed in a profile of him done after last season? I’m sure Joba’s texts had a role in getting CC and AJ both on board and comfortable, and that’s probably why they both mentioned him by name in the press conference. The guy is what, 22, 23 and he’s doing recruiting and outreach for the Yankees? Crazy.
mr Burns you and I obviously heard the same thing. If we heard correctly I believe that is very very interetsing.
Yeah. Just heard it on Michael Kay. “I’ve been texting back and forth with Joba all winter.”
Joba is a serial texter. Not surprising he was texting CC during the process.
Bronx Jeer,
definitely, if I removed the name, then it could be David Justice, and like you said Sparky Lyle. #12 isn’t that bad, Boggs -> Soriano -> Womack -> Phillips -> A-Gon -> Pudge -> ???. I also have a #12 jeresey, I brought it when Phillips was with the Yanks, but I still consider it as a Boggs and Soriano jersey,
Dennis,
It’s honestly kind of a strange feeling being a yankee fan right now.
They’ve changed the paradigm of the team from what hit has been for the past 8 years.
It’s a pitching first team now.
On the flip side it’s still a bit odd as it’s really hard to know what the team will get from AJ. It’s just hard to know so it still feels like everything is wrapped up in that word that’s both terrific and awful at the same time – potential.
Your line up with Tex added makes an interesting analogy. Put tex in there and you have one high OBP/power hitter after another. It will be beastly to get through that line up.
Enjoy the early gin and tonics…
“Did CC just say that he and Joba texted back and forth?”
How is it that these guys know each other’s cell phone numbers? How can I get into their calling circle? LOL!
CB
December 18th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
What a quote from AJ in this interview with Francessa. This is the best thing I’ve heard all day in these interviews/ press conferences.
Burnett roughly said:
“2008 I had 50 punch outs on two seamers to lefties. In 07 I hardly had any [implying he didn’t throw his two seamer that often]”
Burnett has a unreal two seam fastball. The amount of run he gets on that pitch is unbelievable given how hard he throws it.
I like the fact that he knew that number off the top of his head. That means that he actively knew to change his approach last season. He had a plan, executed it, and knew the outcome of that plan. Someone sat down with him to go over how effective mixing up his pitches more was for him.
I hope he takes this to that next level of pitching. He throws 4 quality pitches. He should use them more.
————————————————————
He keeps talking about his chats with Halliday. Sounds like “a big brother talk” from Halliday. He seems to finally be a good listener. I wonder if Leiter will have talks with him. He’d make a great pitching coach. They seem to have gone through the same career issues….injury upon injury…control issues…temper tantrums….from Toronto and Florida and on to NYY.
Guess that fist pumping things doesnt hurt when he goes to recruit guys to come play for the Yankees. Then again I can recall CC going full fist pump against the Yankees in a game either this year or last year.
I just find it interesting that a guy basically in his rookie season has that much impact at his age. it really shows first how much he means to the team and two how mature he is for his years.
CB.
Thanks.
This has to be a proud day for Hal. In fact,I would say this is his coming out party. You have to give some credit to Cashman but the lion share of praise should go to Hal for giving BC the financial latitude.
-dennis
“A.J. just said, almost verbatim to you what you wrote, that he has started to use his 2 seam fastball and change up more and he really didn’t learn to be a pitcher until last season.”
Tom,
I’ve liked everything I’ve heard from AJ. And there’s no question that he took a big step forward, particularly in the second half.
But I can also tell you that these comments really say a lot for how little AJ was pitching prior to throwing.
AJ was better in 2008 and changing is a process so there’s only so much you can do to improve in one season. But if he thinks he was truly “pitching” last season I’m not sure that he’s on the money.
He was “pitching” more in 2008 but he was still “throwing” way too much. He’s not done. He still has a lot of distance to go. I hope he doesn’t believe that he’s finished yet.
Hopefully that will continue to learn and improve. From what we’ve heard today it sounds like that’s the direction he’s moving in.
“This has to be a proud day for Hal. In fact,I would say this is his coming out party. ”
Dennis,
As always that’s a very astute observation. It was strange to see Hal standing there in the midst of one of these huge free agent press conferences rather than George.
The ARod thing last year was very different in its visuals.
Bringing in new guys off the market with Hal standing there (without Hank…) was a very striking moment, especially after taking control of the team as the designated owner.
This is definitely him stepping out into public as the true owner of the team.
gayle,
What’s a fist pump in text lingo?
Interesting note in Heyman’s piece today. Says Team USA is interested in having Chamberlain on the team for the WBC…..but not as a starter.
I’d guess the Yankees pan that idea.
CB Thanks for the pitch charts on AJ I see what you were talking about days ago. Ok now some new news.
*Apparently some Yankees people wouldn’t mind if Andy Pettitte passed on their $10MM offer, as they’d be able to pursue Ben Sheets* or Derek Lowe.
Projected ERAs for the Yankees starters (from BIll James):
CC Sabathia 3.48
AJ Burnett 3.62
CM Wang 3.70
P Hughes 3.35
J Chamberlain 3.23
AJ Burnett is on the Michael Kay show now
CB
I do hope that George is well enough to enjoy the fact that Hal has the reigns and will be just fine steering the ship. That would give any Dad some peace in his later years with some failing health.
Ok, I am going to make a GandT that hopefully has the effect of a valium on the rocks…
-dennis
What’s even more interesting to me is how foolish the people who said Hal, “won’t spend money like his father to field a good team” look right now.
Over 240 million for two pitchers and they are still working on things.
I think its safe to say Hal isn’t shy about spending money.
The key difference from his father though is that while he is spending money, he isn’t blowing up the farm system. In fact, he is commiting more resources to it.
That’s the key for the Yankees. You can’t build your entire team through free agency. The key to any successful organization is having a solid farm system.
The Yankees are doing all this and not sacrificing their future. That’s the most positive development for me since Hal took over the team.
Dennis,
It’s good having you back! Enjoy the cold one…
mel
December 18th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
gayle,
What’s a fist pump in text lingo?
————————————————————
WHHOOOO….WHHOOOO!! UMPH..UMPH!!
Burnett just said on Michael Kay’s radio show that he’s gonna miss Halladay a lot and is going to do some major recruiting in a couple of years. It was pretty funny lol.
i would love to have halladay as a yank he just nasty pitching
I think their agents get the numbers for the players on request.
This pitching staff is intriguing. Adding Pettite still makes perfect sense.
The Yanks have spend closer to half the $$$ coming off the books, sorry Randy this math ain’t tricky.
Pettite and Tex would get that number close to 90 %. I’d love to see Tex, but would be happy with Baldelli or Dunn. This pitching staff wont be hurt as much by mediocre defense as last year’s. A year of Dunn in RF wouldn’t be devastating, but man would he rake in the Stadium.
So no one texted back and forth with Wang?
CC said that they were looking for a house in Alpine, New Jersey. That’s where Chris Rock, Mary J Blige, Eddie Murphy, Gary Sheffield and Russell Simmons live (or lived). Not a bad list of neighbors.
Sign. Manny. Now. Cashman. Now.
SJ44
December 18th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
What’s even more interesting to me is how foolish the people who said Hal, “won’t spend money like his father to field a good team” look right now.
Over 240 million for two pitchers and they are still working on things.
I think its safe to say Hal isn’t shy about spending money.
The key difference from his father though is that while he is spending money, he isn’t blowing up the farm system. In fact, he is commiting more resources to it.
————————————————————
I don’t think Hal Steinbrenner is concerned with money,as long as it’s intelligent money for quality. Not sure who approved last year’s signings of Rodriguez, Pettitte, Posada and Rivera, but, I assume that it was Hal S. If so, he also knows that tradition and history is a big thing, and this was as much about bringing back history as much a anything. Rodriguez will make the Yanks as much money as it does Rodriguez.
Laura
December 18th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
CC said that they were looking for a house in Alpine, New Jersey. That’s where Chris Rock, Mary J Blige, Eddie Murphy, Gary Sheffield and Russell Simmons live (or lived). Not a bad list of neighbors.
————————————————————
Just keep Simmons away from him.
Just keep Simmons away from him.
————————————————————
My error…I thought that was “Richard simmons”.
Well CB, we spoke about all the wonders that AJ’s arm beholds, now let’s hope he has turned the corner….I believe the best is yet to come….One thing is for certain, the Yanks will lead MLB in K’s…
*******************************
Projected ERAs for the Yankees starters (from BIll James):
CC Sabathia 3.48
AJ Burnett 3.62
CM Wang 3.70
P Hughes 3.35
J Chamberlain 3.23
*******************************
Hughes with a sub-5 ERA? LOL. Bill James is a fool.
*******************************
Projected ERAs for the Yankees starters (from BIll James):
CC Sabathia 3.48
AJ Burnett 3.62
CM Wang 3.70
P Hughes 3.35
J Chamberlain 3.23
*******************************
Hughes with a sub-4 ERA? LOL. Bill James is a fool.
You wonder if the price falls to a $25mil/2 year level if the Yanks would consider bringing Abreu back. I’d much prefer that to Manny Ramirez. The question,of couse, is who plays center field? But they, have to answer that question anyways if they’re foolish enough to sign Ramiraz.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=3773760
Oh look who is back
What hurts Abreu is not only the glut of corner OF’s but, Raul Ibanez’s contract.
At a little under 11 million a year for 3 years impacts Bobby’s market in a negative way.
That was a steal for the Phillies.
Bobby has great offensive numbers. But, he is a poor defensive player, a step slower at 35, and looking for a 3 year contract. Its going to be tough for him to see 12+ million per year for 3 years.
Its going to be interesting to see what happens with him.
I have been wondering if he would be amenable to coming back for a one year 10-11 million dollar deal.
Perhaps it won’t work. However, if he is still looking for a gig by Mid-January, maybe he would be agreeable.
In this market, you never know.
Bobby : “That stuff is vastly overrated. Play well and it’s fine. Play lousy and you’ll hear it.” … Gary Sheffield played quite well for the Yankees. Somehow, I do not think he would agree with this assessment.”
Sheffield did play well, you’re right about that. But he seemed to handle the press badly. Either that or he just spoke his mind without caring what people though. Sometimes those two things go hand-in-hand and I think Sheff may have been an example of that.
Now, speaking one’s mind can be a good quality, actually, but Sheff didn’t seem to be the most cheerful and amenable chap when it came to that.
I think one could read between the lines & see “Play well and it’s fine (unless you’re a jerk) play lousy and you’ll hear it (even more so if you’re a jerk)”
I imagine even if you’re a great guy you’ll hear it when you play lousy, but at least they’ll appreciate the way you handled hearing facing the gauntlet.
Pat M.,
Fingers crossed on AJ. We’ve talked about him a ton. The talent is and has been immense.
You know in the past I’ve was mostly basing my feelings on AJ and his talent just from watching him throw and some of his basic numbers.
And like all yankee fans been amazed by how good he is when is on (as he always was against the yanks…)
This off season I’ve been looking into what AJ throws more closely.
As great as I thought AJ’s stuff was before just watching him – my main conclusion after looking into him more – was that I was underestimating his stuff. His stuff can be even better than what we’ve seen him throw against the yanks.
He dominates the yanks largely because his curveball is always on.
I knew he had a good change up that he didn’t throw much. I had know idea it was as good as it can be at times. Just sick. When I looked at some of his game logs – that change up is a plus plus pitch for him. He can throw it with so much movement its hard to get over.
Same thing with his two seam fastball. It didn’t know how much run he gets on that pitch as he hasn’t used it that often.
Fingers crossed.
They were asked not to mention Wang at the press conference or text with him until after his arbitration hearing. Not to worry.
Burnett told Michael Kay that he was going to get on Derek when he sees him in the Bahamas next week because Derek made two recruiting calls to CC and didn’t call him. He did say that Alex and Johnyy called him a number of times.
Abreu coming back on a one year deal would be terrific. I think if they did that they could afford to give Melky another chance at least for the first half of the season. Melky’s a capable defender and a much cheaper option than Cameron. It’s hard to remember sometimes that the kid is just 24 years old. He’s never going to be a star,but the Yanks dont need a star at every position,just players who are going to do the job.It’s hard to say a 24 year old will never mature.
Adding Abreu’s offense would more than make up for not trading for Cameron.
If the Yankees were to re-sign Abreu where would Nady go? To the bench? Do you move Damon to CF, put Abreu in RF and Nady in LF? That is an awful defensive outfield. Unless Matsui or Nady is traded, there is no room for Abreu.
Patrick,
As I said, center field would be the issue just as it would if they signed the MindlessOne.
You are ignoring my points Drive. Abreu is awful in the field and should only be the DH. MAYBE you think he’ll bounce back and be just a little below average in RF. Either way you have to move Matsui or Nady. Signing Abreu creates more problems then it solves.
CB, I got to watch that young Marlin staff often…Ialways thought he was going to be the pitcher of this decade…Followed him often and watched him pitch whenever his turn came up….As I mentioned to you, I fell in love with his arm some years ago…..If he could ever tap into talent he’d be out of sight…..We’ll see, but needless to say I’m overwhelmed that he’s a Yank
Patrick,
I’m not ignoring your points. MY point was only that Abreu would be a cheaper option than signing Manny Ramirez. As it I said, centerfield would be a problem if they signed either Ramirez or Abreu.
Also, I’d add that Nady is an improvement over Abreu defensively,but by no means is he anything more than average. If Nady hits in ’09 like he did for the Yanks in ’08, they’ll be sorry they didnt go in another direction. Nady had a career first half for Pittsburg. The pressure will be on him to replicate it.
Unless you think Nick Swisher is going to replace Abreu’s numbers in spite of the fact he’s never approached career,the Yanks still need a bat. Teixeira isnt coming.
Pat M.,
What made you like AJ’s stuff better than Beckett’s when they were on the Marlins?
He threw with such ease, great breaking ball….Just loved his arm…..Popping fastball
Cashman just mentioned that there is a number that they will not go past on the pay roll that is lower than last year. You think that’s a number that he has set? To me, it seems like Cashman wants to prove that he can put together a World Series Champion without using the Yankees’ money advantage over the rest of the league as much as he could. They made money last year with a higher pay roll, and will make even more in the new stadium.
Cashman also just said he would feel comfortable with Damon in centerfield but right now sees Melky and Gardner battling for the spot.
Why is no one talking about Blalock, Milledge, someone from St Louis, Hermida? Start by replacing some OFs with young guns with high ceilings. What would a package of Aceves, Kennedy, Veras bring? Fangraphs made a good analysis that Manny and Crawford were the same overall player, Offense plus Defense. We don’t need Texiera or Manny. One too many years with two other monster contracts on board, the other too much baggage, too much prima donna.