Jobamania running wild
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Jan 27, 2009 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
Joba Chamberlain is making the rounds today. He was at the MLB Network studios to record an interview that will run on their Hot Stove show tonight at 7 p.m. Matt Vasgersian and Senator Al Leiter asked him about ithe upcoming season, Andy Pettitte returning to the team, CC Sabathia joining the team and being part of the farewell to Yankee Stadium.
Meanwhile, Joba and Jon Lester will be speaking at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., this evening. I’m headed up there and will file a report from the scene, so check back later.
Cant wait to see what Joba and Lester have to say. Ill be at Sacred Heart
Did they ask him if he thinks he should be a starter or releiver? Most of the idiots at MLB Network including Joe Magrane, Mitch Williams, and Jon Heyman think he shuold be in the pen (except Al Leiter, and I think Verducci). A few weeks ago, after the Yanks sgined CC n A.J., Magrane said “There’s absolutely no way you can have him in the rotation.” What a punk.
am i the only one that’s had problems getting onto the blog for the past hour or so?
i’ll try to catch joba tonight.
i thought this was cute:
http://tinyurl.com/czxo9p
lol super captain
Im having the same problem saucy. I think this might be the first time iv been in the top 5 posting. It tells me i should be working more than refreshing.
love the joba
Can someone explain this for me: what kind of university has guest speakers like Joba Chamberlain and John Lester? Don’t get me wrong, I love Joba, but seriously…
maybe he should stop the PR crap for awhile and show up to his DUI hearing instead of postponing it again and again. just get that over with so it doesn’t drag on into the season! arrogant little $#%@
Screw the “S’, he should wear a cape.
saucY
i been trying to get in da blog for the past 3hours so its not only u i was pissed
Is there amny chance Joba may miss some time due a suspension for the DWI
Tim,
Why don’t you try and learn a little something on how the system works before posting and looking like a clown.
These cases get postponed so his lawyer and prosecutors can work out some sort of pre-trial diversion program for first time offenders.
Once the details get worked out, they put the case on the docket and dispense with it.
It has nothing to do with “PR crap”. It has to do with working out a deal and that sometimes takes a little time.
It will be all done in due time, giving you plenty of time to whine about his pitching.
Tim Boat … damn … did Joba kill your puppy or something?
“Keeping Giese instead of Chase Wright makes no sense to me.”
i think you’re on a wild giese chase with this one.
Joba and Lester the 2 future studs of the rivalry. Nice to see them being civil but that better not be the case come April
Very smart how those Red Sox have left “Super Duper Captain of All Time” dangling out there like a brass ring for Varitek to snatch. Theo was clearly paying attention to how Cashman finally brought Pettitte back into the fold.
“i think you’re on a wild giese chase with this one.”
I think the wright chase for the team is Giese. We need a long man and Chase is not making the big league team anytime soon. Kei has a better chance to make it to the bullpen than Chase did. Thats not saying much. Speaking of Kei, when do we trade him for a center fielder/catcher/batboy?
“Joba and Lester the 2 future studs of the rivalry. Nice to see them being civil but that better not be the case come April”
As long as they dont hug between innings i guess i wont complain. What happened to having a hated rivalry?
Randy
Good thing this choice of who to keep for a pitcher isn’t a fan vote. RS fans would flood the vote for Wright. lol
I just can’t hate Lester.
When my 22 year old brother was in intensive care for cancer in October of 2007, his story gave my brother hope.
“Is there amny chance Joba may miss some time due a suspension for the DWI”
unless Nebraska has tougher laws than most states, he’ll probably lose his drivers license for a few months. shouldn’t affect his playing…
So sense Cash said last night, no more significant move’s does that mean, no more trades also?? So are we keeping Nady and Swisher?
Cash saying there will be no more moves is as believable as Palmiero saying he didn’t do steroids. Between now and the trade deadline, they will add someone. There will be some teams that aren’t making what they thought they would in terms of tickets/merchandising that will try to dump high priced players. Peavy comes to mind. I am not saying that we’ll get Jake Peavy, he’s an example of what I’m talking about.
It’s probably the reason why the Red Sox are going into the season with a lot of payroll flexibility.
Tom,
Hope your brother is doing o.k.. Your right,Its hard to hate Lester. He is an inspiration to many. Lets just hope he doesnt pitch ace like against us.
The only thing to hate about Lester is that the Red Sox have a really good young lefty. It’s funny when the media calls Lester the best lefty in the division even though CC is now on the Yankees. I think Lester could be the 4th best lefty in the league after CC, Santana, and Hamels. I’d say he’s better than Cliff Lee though.
If Varitek doesn’t sign by Saturday, that “C” on his uniform will stand for chump which is what he is already.
Im not sure why they would call him the best lefty after only one dominating season. If thats the case wouldnt Cliff Lee be the best lefty pitcher in the league? Lets wait a couple more years before we can put him in the same conversation as a C.C. or a Santana.
“Did they ask him if he thinks he should be a starter or releiver? Most of the idiots at MLB Network including Joe Magrane, Mitch Williams, and Jon Heyman think he shuold be in the pen (except Al Leiter, and I think Verducci). A few weeks ago, after the Yanks sgined CC n A.J., Magrane said “There’s absolutely no way you can have him in the rotation.” What a punk.”
It’s frustrating to see a bunch of softballs on the MLB network. It’s a simple matter of mathematics; would you rather have Joba for 140+ innings or 70??
Those same clowns, Magrane and Reynolds all drank the Torre kool-aide last night. Not one harsh word or even tough questions. Everyone of them said wait until the book comes about until you make your judgment! Great take guys; why even address the issue now then? Why not just wait until Feb 3rd??
What about the clubhouse code? The fact that none of these unflattering excerpts about Cashman or Arod would’ve come to the public light had Torre not opened his big mouth for a few extra bucks?
Michael Kay said that Arod could never trust Torre after the 2006 SI article (also written by Verducci). In the article it cites a one on one meeting with Torre and Arod where apparently Arod kept nervously twitching his wedding ring as he appeared uneasy throughout the meeting. There were only two people in that room and Arod sure as hell didn’t leak that to Verducci.
Just goes to show that Saint Joe has been untrustworthy for quite some time now.
I thought Varitek had already signed a one-year contract. That’s what my husband told me heard this am.
At any rate, I suppose the “S” now means he will be more powerful than a locomotive and able to leap the green monster in a single bound??
Lester? The Warren Spahn Award committee says “who?”
Varitek hasn’t signed yet. Sox have imposed a Friday deadline to take the deal or it will go off the table.
Doreen, Vaitek has until Friday to accept the Boston deal, according to CBS sports.
***Varitek***
Thanks, initial/number guys.
repost from previous subject:
GreenBeret7
January 27th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
S.o.S.
January 27th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Thanks gb. I should of known you could answer that and asked you directly. Do you agree with Honus being ahead of Alex on that list?
——————————————————————————————
Oh, definately so. Wagner is, at least by the numbers, the best ever. However, even as the voiceover on the show said, had rodriguez played the last 5 years at shortstop instead of third, you’d have to probably flip them. I don’t agree with having Ozzie Smith at the fourth or 5th spot. I would have moved Ripkin and Jeter into the three and four spots. I was surprised that Aparicio and Alan Trammell were left off the list.
Please reaqd all of my posts. They are informative and interesting.
Varitek’s return to the Sox is inevitable. No one else wants Varitek. The Sox are offering him far more than any other team would conceivably give him.
His situation is a bit like Pettitte’s (except he’s a much less useful player than Pettitte at this point).
However, my spelling isn’t very informative.
Doreen
January 27th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
At any rate, I suppose the “S” now means he will be more powerful than a locomotive and able to leap the green monster in a single bound??
————————————————————
Only if the “S” means “Steroidsman”.
“It’s frustrating to see a bunch of softballs on the MLB network. It’s a simple matter of mathematics; would you rather have Joba for 140+ innings or 70??”
People hate blown leads and love star relievers, whose entrance music makes them MLB’s equivalent to professional wrestlers. I think those are the sole reasons anyone still wants Joba to pitch out of the pen.
Veritek certainly is no Superman although he does bear an uncanny resemblance to this guy.
http://tinyurl.com/db47mv
I’m excited to hear what both of these guys have to say. I’m also hoping Joba doesn’t get asked about starting/relieving or his DUI. Lester should be a good speaker; I’m sure he has a lot to say (though he rarely says much).
If Varitek doesn’t sign and the Sox trade Buchholz for Salty, who gets the better of that deal? Boston or Texas?
“People hate blown leads and love star relievers, whose entrance music makes them MLB’s equivalent to professional wrestlers. I think those are the sole reasons anyone still wants Joba to pitch out of the pen.”
Good point Jeremy; which proves even more that those types of people really don’t have a clue about baseball!
“Lester? The Warren Spahn Award committee says “who?””
GB7,
Wasnt old enough to watch aparicio but iv heard that he was an excellent fielder. I watched Trammell play and i agree with your assessment. Did they grade those players for their offensive ability as well as defensive? If that was the case i can see why they might have picked the wizard for the top 10. If not, there are better hitters than what he was including Trammell.
Who was the best fielding shortstop youv seen? The venezuelan from the indians(forgot his name starts with a v i believe),played with the giants not long ago?
got it!! Visquel.
the intro to tonight’s hotstove asks if joba could be a closer by the end of the season. i know studio 42 isn’t for mo, but what are they talking about?
Boston should sign Varitek and make him the leadoff hitter to get the 1st out quicly out of the way.
When Wakefield pitches, make him the DH or at least the No. pinch hitter off the bench.
Jeremy
January 27th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
“Varitek’s return to the Sox is inevitable. No one else wants Varitek. The Sox are offering him far more than any other team would conceivably give him.
His situation is a bit like Pettitte’s (except he’s a much less useful player than Pettitte at this point).”
Jeremy, I tend to agree with you that I think it is likely that Varitek will come back for at least one year.
I think it is much less certain to say that Varitek is a ‘much less useful player’ than Pettite at this point.
I will certainly grant you that his offensive skills have greatly diminished but there are many people in baseball (not just sox fans) that would say Varitek is still one of the best at calling a game and having a knowledge about opposing hitters.
I guess it is all a matter of perspective. Varitek hit a dismal 220 last year, but there are a surprising number of people who are pleased with the addition of Swisher who hit 219 last year.
Bronx Jeers. lol. Without the super powers of coarse.
Please Varitek is one of the most overrated players in baseball. He’s good at calling a game but let’s not pretend he’s Superman or Super-Captain.
Thanks for mentioning that he can’t hit, he can’t throw anyone out either.
“there are many people in baseball (not just sox fans) that would say Varitek is still one of the best at calling a game and having a knowledge about opposing hitters.”
do the stats even back this up? I remember during Beckett’s first year when his best starts were with Mirabelli.
I have no idea but I’m curious if there is anything to back up the claims that Varitek is some genius catcher. I know his own pitchers say he’s great but it’s not like they said Mirabelli or Cash weren’t. Most pitchers do say their catcher is great.
“i know studio 42 isn’t for mo”
Dont they have the pinstripe 42 in the background?Crap all this time i thought they were showing Mo some love. Should have known better.
Ok, I don’t intend to be a blind defender of Varitek no matter what. He obviously was a knucklehead for turning down arbitration.
As I already said he has been awful at the plate, and I don’t have the hard core stats in front of me but I believe he has caught more no hitters than just about any current catcher.
Ray, I drafted Varitek as one of my catchers two years ago in fantasy baseball and he didn’t do me any favors.
Tek is the only player in history to catch four no-hitters. That has to say something about him. Also, I read a quote from Cashman a while back. He was asked something like, “If you could take away any Red Sox player from the team, who would it be?” And he responded, “If I could take Varitek and put him on another planet, I would.”
Ah, ray, but riddle me this: which player is more likely to. Show statistical improvement this season, Swisher or El Capitain Extraordinaire?
Pat: thanks!
“but I believe he has caught more no hitters than just about any current catcher”
not bad. just curious if the pitchers he has caught have a marked improvement when pitching to him vs another catcher. of course it would need to be on a large sample size free out outlier games.
if not, I wonder what the basis is for his praise
Good Read by Buster Olney…Not sure if this was posted yet..
http://insider.espn.go.com/esp.....ney_buster
I guess it is all a matter of perspective. Varitek hit a dismal 220 last year, but there are a surprising number of people who are pleased with the addition of Swisher who hit 219 last year.
Nick Swisher has upside and is 7 years younger than Varitek. He had an off year in 22008 whereas Varitek has seen diminishing skills for the past 2 years regardless of how delusional anybody cares to be about him.
Wonderboy Epstein is 2 years too late.
“Tek is the only player in history to catch four no-hitters.”
Impressive for sure but still not enough to give Tek the title of “great game caller”
what are his results compared to other catchers with the same pitchers?
unless someone can answer that, they are essentially calling him great because they heard someone on ESPN say it.
There’s no names on the back of your jersey, Joba
Personally I love it when Veritek comes up to bat beacause it allows you get a head start on the mid inning bathroom/beer runs.
Watching Joba right now! WOO HOO!!!!!
It really is great watching Leiter questioning Joba. I’m loving MLB TV. I don’t remember the last time I watched ESPN.
“what are his results compared to other catchers with the same pitchers?
unless someone can answer that, they are essentially calling him great because they heard someone on ESPN say it.”
Sal, I never intended to say that Varitek is a “great” catcher at this point in his career.
In my original post I was responding to the statement that Varitek is a far less useful player right now than Pettite.
Apart from the fact that comparing the two is like comparing apples and oranges, I still think the value of Pettite and the value of Varitek to the Sox is not that much different from each other.
By the way, I honestly don’t even pay attention to ESPN because I know they have a pretty strong Sox bias.
Joba needs to shave that thing its round haha.. hes the best, and will become the second best closer in Yankees history!!!! lol
“It really is great watching Leiter questioning Joba. I’m loving MLB TV. I don’t remember the last time I watched ESPN.”
LOL, trust me you not the only one Trisha.
ESPN still covers baseball WOW thanks for reminding me. I was sick of watching ESPN bout baseball. ESPN loves two things. the REDSUX and the BLUE DEVILS(who also SUCK)..
for once the MLB Network isn’t showing a Saux game…but i really am sick of the bullpen/starter thing with Joba.
hmm what’s ESPN? I’m serious. hahahas
Leiter made good points on the Hot Stove, Nolan Ryan would have been an unbeleiveable closer, but look what he did as a starter! Unless Mo goes down, joba is going to start. period.
“for once the MLB Network isn’t showing a Saux game…”
What?? Must be on commercial. Wait a few minutes that sox game will pop up. Never fails.
Ok I found Varitek’s and Cash’s ERA. Granted, it was on a forum, so I do not know how reliable it is. Here’s the exact post:
“With Varitek behind the plate pitchers had a 3.66ERA in 2008. With Kevin Cash they had a 4.81ERA. Only 181 of the 372IP Cash caught last year was Tim Wakefield and his 4.18ERA, so for the other 191IP that Cash caught pitchers had an ERA over 5. Kottaras and Ross caught very little, but pitchers had a 7.88ERA and 5.40ERA with them behind the plate. Overall, Varitek had the second best Catchers ERA in the majors among those qualified.”
I hate Varitek, but I believe the guy calls a good game.
>ESPN still covers baseball WOW thanks for reminding me. I
>was sick of watching ESPN bout baseball. ESPN loves two things.
>the REDSUX and the BLUE DEVILS..
show off… you and your underlined words. >:(
Someone had asked earlier about quotes from an former Yankee that Michael Kay referred to that were very harsh……..The basic quote was about Mariano not being anywhere near his unhittable self since 2001. I’m being briefer here because I don’t remember the whole quote, but Kay thought it was very hars (and so did I). The former Yankee? Mike Mussina…….Mike sure doesn’t pull any punches.
I’m in the front row!
“hmm what’s ESPN? I’m serious. hahahas”
I am really so impressed with Leiter. Any time I have seen him do baseball comentary, he is always extremely fair and balanced in his assessment. He doesn’t play the role of homer. But he also isn’t afraid to speak his mind and disagree with others – the way he did when he talked about Ryan.
We are so lucky to be Yankee fans and to have the excellence surrounding us that we do – except for Torre of course.
(If anyone can tell me the symbols to use to make menacing emoticons I would appreciate it. They would definitely be a fine way to end any of my posts concerning Ho Torre.
Whats all this love with Salti? The guy batted .250 only 3 homers and strikes out more than once a game. Iv also heard his defense isnt that great.If the sox trade Bucholtz for him id say Texas got the better of the two. I think Clay has more upside. Lets hope they do it. Dont sign friday el capitan!!
Aprapos of absolutely nothing, this was one of the funniest things I have read in a long while. Nick in SF- I highly recommend.
http://www.crazydaysandnights......-ever.html
Tell ya, I have to wonder how many more free agents are going to hang up their spikes based on not getting offers. It’s really kind of depressing. There are some mighty fine players still unsigned.
Drew,
How’s Joba looking? Hopefully he’s sporting a bigger shirt this time. Does Lester look like Manute Bol next to him?
ray ( red sox fan)
the yankees and red sox both have to figure out a better way to handle the aging of their star players and need to come up with a way for them to stay connected to their teams after retiring without all the acrimony.
surely varitek knows he’s getting to the end of his career, and just as surely he would have something to offer the red sox after his career his playing career is over. you would think he’d make an excellent manager for one thing.
it seems that there is a place where both sides could meet that would be win/win for both sides so varitek woud stay with the team in some capacity to pass on the red sox way of doing things.
i mean, for one thing, someone has to tell red sox catchers to keep their masks on when they start fights. ( just kidding ray)( sort of)
It starts in 5
ugh… totally forgot/missed the joba/hot-stove show. guess i’ll stay up until they reshow it. (or dvr it)
Drew, I realize it starts in 5 but do you hear any crunching or slurping backstage?
Check Joba’s beard for crumbs and report back.
What should I ask?
S.o.S.
January 27th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
GB7,
Wasnt old enough to watch aparicio but iv heard that he was an excellent fielder. I watched Trammell play and i agree with your assessment. Did they grade those players for their offensive ability as well as defensive? If that was the case i can see why they might have picked the wizard for the top 10. If not, there are better hitters than what he was including Trammell.
Who was the best fielding shortstop youv seen? The venezuelan from the indians(forgot his name starts with a v i believe),played with the giants not long ago?
————————————————————
Damned, SoS, you’re making tough. Smith made his name playing on carpet, but, he was outstanding, as was Vizquel. Aparicio, on grass and the smaller gloves of the day was equally amazing. One guy that seems to get ignored was David Concepcion, but, again, on carpet. Aparicio, I think gets the edge for me, if you gave me a choice of him and Smith.
he parked his nj Lincoln suv next to lesters ford from ma
Bronx Jeers,
lol. Your on a freeking roll today.
What are the YANKS prime 9 questions for the upcoming season??? Whos under more pressure to win the players,Cash, or Girardi????
Donnie Baseball 23,
Repeat after me: The best way to win baseball games is to have as many great starting pitchers as possible. You never get to the 8th or 9th innings with a lead if you don’t have enough starters to shutdown the other team! Having Joba pitch 200 innings or so annually is much better than around 70 or 80. The kid is only 23 and has to potential to soon be the best starter in the game!
To think of putting him and the pen; having him only use 2 pitches is insane!!
“What should I ask?”
With what iv heard here lately. “Joba are you competing against C.C. this year for the biggest jersey worn on the team”? How much have you weight have you gained this year?
MLB TV reported in the ticker tape going across the bottom of the screen that if Varitek hadn’t signed by Saturday the Red Sox would consider signing someone else to catch!
HARDEE HAR HAR HAR HAR!
Now let’s see with Dante Boras does with that information/
NH YANKEES dont know who you are but please dont call me out EVER on here. did you not see the LOL after it. It has been a topic almost everyday thats why I said it. If you wanna get into a debate about it then thats fines Ill take the side of him in the pen and blow you away.
The #1 question Joe Torre will be asked over and over on his book tour – (from even the cream puffs) is:
“Why Joe Why – what was your motive in writing this book”?
Will he say –
1) I did it for the money.
2) Oh for the true fans. To give an insider view to those magical Yankee years.
3) Huh? I wrote a book?
4) I hate Alex ever since he winked at my wife once.
I’d say #2 is even money.
The closest we will ever get to the real answer is if someone asks him if he hates Brian Cashman and Joe replies –
“No, I really love and admire Cash, man.”
Hey Drew- you could ask him if he ever referred to Arod as “Afraud”
GB7,
Arent Aparicio, Concepcion and Visquel from Venezuela? Talk about breeding shortstops.
They say one of the best plays ever was Ozzie when playing with the Padres going up the middle on a ground ball, the ball took a bad hop over his head while diving, he instinctively reached bare handed over his head, snagged it and threw the runner out. Awesome play.
GB 7 – Aparicio was a purist’s delight. He never got a bad hop (that wasn’t luck) and was always balanced. He would “walk into” his throws in a beautiful, compact motion. And, as you said, on grass. He made it look so easy (w/o being nonchalant).
Another Old Geezer point. John Updike passed away today. His essay, “Hub Fans Bid Adieu (to Ted Williams),” is as good a piece of sports writing as you can read. It containds the iconic phrase, “Gods do not answer letters” (referring to Williams’ refusal to tip his hat).
DT I think the crafty snake already covered his bases when he made the statement that he would probably end up getting both more credit and more blame than he deserved for things in the book. How very Torrean. Schmoozing phony par excellence.
Navigator vs Expedition? Oh this baby’s gettin heated already.
Drew, ask Joba if the reason he needs such a big car is because he needs to shop at Costco to fill his humungous belly. Also ask him if he currently has a keg in the backseat.
Dont forget to report on how his shirt looks midriff. Is he slurring his words? Is he belching a lot? Does he smell like nachos?
Oops – “containds” = contains … must’ve been a bad hop.
dt-
Joe’s wife is too young for Alex.
J/k
Brian – I’ve read that piece on Ted Williams. It is one of my favorite pieces, and I’ve re-read it countless times. You are absolutely right.
jen –
Looks like he and the grizzled piece of meat Madonna have already gotten over their lust for each other. Either that or they’ve decided to lay low/
Wow Mr. Babe looked just like the Babe.
Say Mo retires, Yanks have no closer and the market is not going to be strong when he does. Say Hughes and one or 2 of the other young pitchers pan out to go along with AJ,CC,Wang. That would give us 6 SP and no closer. Yankee fans will not want just any guy closing for us since we have been spoiled for YEARS with MO. Joba is loved by every Yankee fan. He could blow a save and still be cheered. He hasnt thrown alot of innings yet so the pen is good for him now to get some work in. Joba throws with alot of energy and could get tired very easy and wear down during the year. I could keep going. Im a huge Joba fan and will route for him in any role.
Brian (Red Sox fan)
January 27th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
GB 7 – Aparicio was a purist’s delight. He never got a bad hop (that wasn’t luck) and was always balanced. He would “walk into” his throws in a beautiful, compact motion. And, as you said, on grass. He made it look so easy (w/o being nonchalant).
Another Old Geezer point. John Updike passed away today. His essay, “Hub Fans Bid Adieu (to Ted Williams),” is as good a piece of sports writing as you can read. It containds the iconic phrase, “Gods do not answer letters” (referring to Williams’ refusal to tip his hat).
————————————————————
Every time I see Jeter go into the shortstop/third base hole flag down a grounder , stop, jump and turn in the air, I think about Aparicio doing that on a nearly daily basis. It was like watching a ballet when he and Nellie Fox turned a DP.
LOL Trisha.
Good phrase – Torrean.
I see that Boston is raiding thekees of it’s best playes. They just invited Nick Green to ST.
Brian, thanks for the Updike recommendation. Just read it. Here is the link for others to enjoy:
http://www.baseball-almanac.co.....icle.shtml
GB- The Sox are going to waterboard Nick Green to extract Yankee secrets.
As long as he doesn’t give up the fact that Mystique and Aura actually were strippers.
Varitek may be so desperate to be near Heidi Whatney that he’ll accept a deal to AAA Pawtucket for $3M plus a travel allowance to warm up Boston pitchers in the bullpen when Pawtucket has a day off.
Tom – thanks for providing the link on Updike …. it really is a beautiful piece of writing, for any baseball fan (but, then again, it is John Updike).
Is that who those two girls in the add are?
Be sure to take your vitamins, Jobamaniacs!
Oooohhhhh Yeeahhhhhhhhh!!!
GreenBeret7
January 27th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
“I see that Boston is raiding thekees of it’s best playes. They just invited Nick Green to ST”
GB, GB,……how are you?
I’m thinking Boston going after Nick Green, might be a little like the Yankees going after future hall of famer Kevin Cash (second string catcher behind Varitek)
Just last week I was “teaching” A&P to freshmen. Updike was one of a kind.
Doris from Rego Park -
I know it wasn’t addressed to me but I clicked the link on the complaint letter. My sides hurt, literally, from laughing. My husband thinks I’m nuts! There are tears in my eyes. Too, too, too funny!
Other than Derek, Jorge, Mo and Andy would anyone else be considered “old guard Yankees” in Spring Training 2007?
Joe Girardi?
Brian (Red Sox fan)
January 27th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
GB- The Sox are going to waterboard Nick Green to extract Yankee secrets.
————————————————————
Hopefully, he won’t tell the RS about the evils of hiring known clubhouse snitches.
New Post > complete with pic of Joba who’s lookin good!
Not for nothin, but does it bother anybody that Joba is making the media rounds like this? I mean i love him but he really has yet to prove his mettle as a big league starter for a full season. True it’s not his fault that the Yanks have babied him – but I think young players need to stop with all the media rounds and just do their job.
And while i love Joba, Lester is probably 2 years ahead development wise. He did throw 200 plus innings last year.
ray (sox fan)
January 27th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
GreenBeret7
January 27th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
“I see that Boston is raiding thekees of it’s best playes. They just invited Nick Green to ST”
GB, GB,……how are you?
I’m thinking Boston going after Nick Green, might be a little like the Yankees going after future hall of famer Kevin Cash (second string catcher behind Varitek)
————————————————————
Evening, Ray. Hope all is warm and toasty in the (sox fan) family. I’m sweating down here…gotta get the A/C fixed….chuckle, chortle.
Yeah….It’ll be “The Curse Of The Nick” vs “The Curse Of The Cash”. What a rivalry that’ll be.
In all seriousness, any idea what affect all of this will have on Wakefield? Finding a catcher that can net those pesky butterflies will be tough.
So funny to read Updike’s account of Ted Williams and at the same time be watching the life of Babe Ruth, one of the most accessible players of all times.
God bless our Babe.
Donnie Baseball 23:
Just to clarify my handle is NYYankee62.
Don’t call you out on here ever again? Is that a threat? Are you the free speech police?
I’ll feel free to call you out on here whenever I please whether you like it or not. You shouldn’t feel the need to censor me, unless you’re afraid of having the many flaws in your argument exposed.
I already asked you. Is it more valuable to have an elite pitcher throwing 200 or 70 innings a year?
What’s the most efficient ways to win games? To have as many great starters as possible pitch the majority of the innings to get you into the 9th with a lead or to have Joba sitting in the pen while an average pitcher isn’t able to hold a lead throughout the course of a game??
Donnie Baseball 23:
You said:
” Joba is loved by every Yankee fan. He could blow a save and still be cheered.”
So what?? How does this affect the Yankees ability to win games if the fans still cheer Joba when he blows a save? Also, in case you forgot, even Jeter and Mo have been booed at the Stadium before.
“He hasnt thrown alot of innings yet so the pen is good for him now to get some work in.”
The Yankees need to expand Joba’s pitch count so that he can become a full time starter. He’ll probably skip a few starts and end up with about 160 innings this year, being ready to have a full 200 in 2010.
“Joba throws with alot of energy and could get tired very easy and wear down during the year.”
He had a 2.76 ERA in 12 starts last season. He struck out 74 batters in 60 innings. He’s already a good starter. Joba has the potential to be one of the best starters in all of baseball, which is more valuable than being one of the best closers. I’ll take Joba as an ace #1 starter in the same rotation as Sabathia, Wang, Burnett, and hopefully Hughes anyday of the week. A decent closer is easier to find than an ace. Joba has the potential to be the best pitcher on this staff. He need to develop the change alittle more, but he’s already got 3 pitches. Soon he’ll have 4 pitches and be practically unhittable. Why turn him into a setup guy/closer who only uses 2 pitches and only throws 70 innings a year?
“Im a huge Joba fan and will route for him in any role.”
Good, get used to rooting for him as a starter.
that event was kind of a letdown
ray,
Pettitte is a good bet for 200 innings and a league-average ERA. That’s extremely valuable, especially from a back-end starter.
For the sake of argument, I will agree Varitek is a good game-caller. But he might be cooked as both a hitter and a defender. He could bounce back, but being a 37-year old catcher, it’s unlikely. (This is why Yankee fans should be so concerned about Posada’s health.)
That’s why I think Pettitte is more promising than Varitek this year. Of course, if Varitek puts up his respectable 2007 numbers again, he would easily be worth his salary. It’s certainly possible, I just think Pettitte is more likely to be effective than Varitek.
(Incindentally, I don’t know of any statistical analysis of catchers’ game-calling abilities. I have long wondered whether it’s possible to prove, objectively, whether a catcher has a beneficial impact on a pitcher. I think this would be a great area for new research.)