School’s out for the Yankees
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Feb 23, 2009 
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Joe Girardi just called off the workout. The entire team and coaching staff will instead head to a local pool hall for a tournament and lunch.
With games starting Wednesday, Girardi decided to give his team a break and build some chemistry at the same time. This is part of what I wrote about in yesterday’s paper, Girardi improving his relationship with the players.
Back with some more later. To me, this is a great idea. Right out of the Tom Coughlin playbook.
UPDATE, 10:36 a.m.: The Yankees are out of here, off to play pool. They’re going to be partnered up with a teammate and play some 8 Ball.
“It’s a team day away from the field. We’re going to have a little tournament and try to enjoy the day,” Girardi said.
Coughlin, as you may remember, took the Giants bowling during training camp in 2007. Next thing you know, they won the Super Bowl. Was there a connection? Maybe not a direct one; but building relationships is an important aspect of success.
The players were laughing as they walked to the bus. Jorge Posada stopped to speak to the writers and he said he thought it was a good idea.
“It’s good to get together,” he said. “It’s something you don’t see often. Being together away from the field, hopefully we start some relationships here. … It’s a day to forget about baseball a little but and think about the family we have. I think its good. It’s good for everybody.”
So there you have it. No baseball today, just billiards. No press coverage, either. But we’ll get a report later on and I’ll let you know what happened. Word is that Brian Bruney is a serious player.
Joe Cool!! That is a great idea, you are right, that will help build team chemistry!!
Something tells me A.J. is really good at pool. He seems like the type of dude who frequents pool halls.
Did he invite the best writers as well? Is school out for you too?
What an amazing idea Joe! This is the kind of stuff that gets me so excited for baseball to start.
I guess Joe is learning from last year…Awesome idea
Pete, do the beat writers tag along, is this a press-free thing?
People who write “first” should all be herded onto a big boat. That boat should be brought out into the middle of the ocean. The boat should then be sunk.
what does that statement of first refer to Casanova?
Johnny & Xavier need to hustle some grocery money.
I saw a thing on tv last night. Talking about stupid decisions. They mentioned the 6-ft rule on lap dances. They made it seem like there are more strip clubs than citizens. Is that true?
“People who write “first” should all be herded onto a big boat. That boat should be brought out into the middle of the ocean. The boat should then be sunk.”
I couldn’t agree more!!!!!
That is a neat idea. I am going with Swisher or Bruney as the winner. Something tells me they both have spent some time in some bars.
I may be old considering the age of the people who post “first” (I’m 23), but why do people do that? Can somebody explain this to me?
Back on topic, this is nice to hear, I hope the press doesn’t tag along though.
oops. I failed to mention that they rescinded the law. Unconstutional.
I finally got my tickets for ST. Wahoo.
Pete, I will say hello to you on Saturday.
It’d be nice to see Melancon make the team out of ST but only if he’s ready. If not he’ll just come up later in the year. As arms wear out, and they always do, he’ll be more ready. Why force it and make his arm one of the ones that wear out? I imagine he’ll be somewhat limited on innings his first season so it could be better to have another guy eat some of them. Will ’09 a transitional year for him regardless of where he starts the season?
I can see the first game thread whenever he does come up. If the first batter he faces makes an out, everyone’s pumped. If he pitches a scoreless inning, he’s the next Mo. (Remember Edwar Ramirez’ first inning when he struck out 3?) First time he walks someone there are endless chicken little rants screaming that he’s not ready. If the first time he gives up a run is in his first 3 appearances, he’s an over-hyped, marginal AAA pitcher. If he gives up 2 runs over his first 3 appearances, he should either be DFA’d, sent back down, traded off, or moved to the rotation so Joba can close.
Hey mel they are getting a free day out with lunch, they won’t need to hustle money till it is dinner time.
wonder how much cash will exchange hands at the pool hall today?
Unconstitutional.
How come no one ever says, “Last!”?
Pete,
Who was scheduled to throw today?
This is a great idea. It will give the new guys a chance to mingle with their new teammates.
Is “pool hall” code for “gentlemans club”?
“wonder how much cash will exchange hands at the pool hall today?”
I have a feeling that Nady and Damon’s bets will be IOUs.
Drew was first guys, Drew was first, he was first.
“Is “pool hall” code for “gentlemans club”?”
I sincerely doubt that Girardi would take A-Rod anywhere near a strip club.
Bronx, that’s what I was thinking, they’re probably all on their way to the strip club.
20th!!!
Can someone please explain the significance of saying “first” because I am all for putting people on boats I just want to know why these people deserve it haha.
Yes, somebody PLEASE explain this to us!
Wow so someone seriously posts the word first when they are the first one to post on a new thread? This is both sad and upsetting.
No way would Joe take them into a strip club. I’d bet he’s never set foot inside one. He certainly wouldn’t make a “family” trip of it. I do feel bummed for the people who went to st. Imagine getting there and finding out that the team took a family trip to the local pool hall! Although I am sure people are trying to find out which one.
Last!
Please nobody post after this, thanks.
I think whoever does that garbage should be banned from posting. It is so childish. Who cares who posted first in the thread?
Last!
Really? Ok. Eye/hand coordination day? Hope the boys have fun!
Who’s the first media member who mentions Girardi is using this as a cover up so no one can see if Jeter can run or not or maybe this is to hide the fact Alex would be missing because he has to go meet with investigators.
Dang Michael Kei you beat me… and now I bet you!! YES!
Jeter was supposed to run today. I’m sure he’s bummed. No, really. For whatever reason, he likes to push himself when injured.
What will the beat writers write about today? Did they head over to the minor league complex?
Last-er!!!
I wish that Pool Hall had cameras, and Giambi was thurr
It’s a chance for those guys fighting for spots to put some distance between themselves.
At the pool table
Utility inf. Ranson vs Berroa. If Berroa is winning the game, Ransom cracks Berroa on the knee with a pool cue.
Albaladejo takes out Ramirez
Gardner against Cabrera. Carbrea suffers major bites on the ankles (60 day DL, along with a series of Rabie shots.
Veras gets a pool cue in the ribs from Coke
Swisher challenges Nady to a beer drinking contest. (Don’t trust him Nady….the bartender is his friend)
What is this? Last hand on the bat game?
Laaaaaaasssstttt!
i always try to get first post!
They say pool hall so that they can avoid the paparazzi and crazy fans. you know that some are going to the strip club with pena and Long. while some are going to teh bowling alleys with girardi and Tex
Rosenthal preview on the Sox. Interesting take. Funny though, when talking about the offense, he doesn’t mention Drew’s health.
http://tinyurl.com/Red-Sox-preview
Maybe Edwar can beat out the squirrel for mascot if he doesn’t make the team.
The Syracuse women’s lacrosse team is here at the SFO airport for those of you scoring at home. They all look cranky, but it’s pretty early. I probably look cranky too.
They really should load up the buses and head for Rosie O’Grady’s Good Tme Emporium in Orlando. Let Bruney and Swisher drive.
Sounds like a good idea.
If they run out of cues C. C. can use Edwar.
“[T]he battle for right field pits Swisher and Nady in a fight for playing time and at-bats.
Asked about the circumstances before Sunday’s workout, the hyper-caffeinated Swisher immediately sought out Nady.
“X! Everybody’s trying to stir all that controversy again, bro,” Swisher said, as Nady shook his head in an amused fashion.
Settling back to his clubhouse chair, where his iPod often can be found cranking pop and dance music into the room at loud volumes, Swisher said that he and Nady are not taking the roster crunch seriously.
“That’s really not our style,” Swisher said. “Everyone just keeps trying to stir stuff up. At least, it’s not my style. We’ve got a bunch of great players. What’s so bad about that? I know that we’re all really, really excited about what this team is capable of doing.”
Nady said that he has not wasted much time thinking about the situation, since it’s out of his control.
“I’m just coming to camp with the same mind-set I’ve had the last nine years,” Nady said. “I’m just going out to stay healthy and most importantly get ready for the season. That’s all I’ve really known how to do. I feel like it’s a chance to get going and see where you’re at, and hopefully, find something before the season starts.”
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/articl.....Id=rss_nyy
omg 23rd i mean god i am such a failure
Now, at a pool hall, is beer a PED?
‘Cause I know it is at a bowling alley.
but anyway, i think that is awesome that they went to a pool hall. I love pool I would love to take on some of the Yanks. I would love to be there just to see what happens if Posada misses an easy shot, or scratches or something.
Broken cues..
Maybe the ppl who post “first” are just trying to crack a joke.
If the Yankees don’t make the playoffs, someone will use this day as an example of Girardi not pushing his players hard enough.
Ice cream afterwards?
my favorite is when people post “first” but in reality it is the 3rd or 4th post.
Swish is quickly becoming a fan favorite!! I love his personality!!
Anyway i like g’s idea too. Im kinda surprised they work out 7 days/week bc i thought athletes were supposed to have a day of rest while training.
John in Ohio
February 23rd, 2009 at 10:38 am
Now, at a pool hall, is beer a PED?
‘Cause I know it is at a bowling alley.
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Bowling is a good excuse for drinking and drinking is a good excuse for your bowling.
Saying “first” is an inside joke among readers on this blog ! .
Its more of a compliment than anything because so many post on here !
( usually the first person gets the most attention ) .
its all in good fun
Rack em up! good call, skip!
Wow, what a great idea – maybe I’ll suggest that at my office, lol. Seriously, this is fantastic. I know many people think chemistry is overrated and, in some respects, I agree. However, when times get tough and the team hits a slide, you want to be able to trust and rely enough on your teammates to know that you will get out of it. You don’t want to have to worry about sniping and backbiting. Relationships that you form and/or strengthen in ST will be relationships you need down the line. In a way, I think ST is as much for making a team a REAL team (not just on paper) as it is for getting in the proper work.
Pete, I hope you’re going to give us an update on the tournament, lol. I agree with Tom – AJ looks like he’d be a monster pool player, CC as well. Tex? Not. Jeter would probably be pretty good also. I would love to also see a Ms. Pacman tournament, lol
GB7
Roger. Always has been.
I like this idea. I’m just wondering who the best pool player on the club is. Hopefully Pete can get us some details on who wins the tournament.
Kim Jones obviously thinks the Yankees are not going to make the playoffs. Joe Benigno asked if she thought the Yankees would win the division and she said “they’d better”…..Then she went on to pick the Sox and extoll the virtues of the Rays. Ah, she’s going to be wonderful to listen to list year……not. Man, she has an annoying voice; also, she’s just completely gotten on my nerves in all aspects since the Alex story broke.
Yea, Kim Jones’ head seems to have gotten bigger in recent months, and for good reason. she is on all the time. She needs to keep it to interviewing though, or they should/could get someone younger and hotter.
I kinda doubt that the whole “first” thing is an inside joke seeing as though most everybody hates it and the post has since been deleted. It’s really just annoying and pisses people off.
Anyways, baseball is coming soon and that makes errbody happy. I like edwar and appreciate all hes done for us but if his injury opens the door for our boy melancon I won’t be complaining.
Betsy -
You know, I think most of us are pretty happy that most of our YES broadcast people are not “homers.” However, there is a difference between not being a homer and giving the viewers/listeners a sense that you are not even on the same side! There’s objectivity and then there’s the totally ridiculous optionof going overboard the other way to “prove” that you’re being objective.
I seriously don’t know how I’m going to listen to Michael Kay this season. At least Jones is a pre- and post-game person, so the exposure to her is a little less – in any event you don’t have to watch her interviews.
It’s pretty depressing to me (well, of course, I exaggerate a bit) that our hometown team does not have media support. It’s crazy.
Maybe that’s why the Yankees don’t do caravan-type events. They’d get bad press anyway!
Glad to see Swisher and Nady getting along and joking about their competition for playing time in right. The attitude of both guys is a really good sign, and it points to the team hopefully not being internally divided in 2009. It seems like Swisher especially has really embraced his place in the Yankees clubhouse–but then again, all the new guys have at least given the appearance of comfort and excitement from Day One this year.
It’s such a big difference from past years when the newly-acquired guys seemed distant/on an island/uncomfortable in the pinstripes (specifically almost all the pitchers acquired by free agency or trade since 2003). Here’s hoping it’s not just wishful thinking that the new guys won’t freak out and go Kevin Brown Fetal Position come April or May.
And thinking about it, maybe it’s because they all would prefer to get a “national” gig rather than a regional one. You know? Like they’re constantly auditioning for something with more exposure and celebrity attached.
Billiards?
Sounds like trouble my friends…
the devil rays ARE good, the socks ARE good. why should she say anything different? if she thinks that they are both better, than great, alot of other people do, too. id hate to have anybody pick the yankees b/c they work for them.
she sees alot of games, her picks are as valid as kay’s or pete abe’s or whoever.
why does anybody care who ‘picks’ anybody anyway? the tigers were everybody’s pick last year.
Pool? Good work Joe!
Brett Gardner as The Hustler?
He may only hit .219 but he is amusing.
“The team filed out of the clubhouse at around 10 am, with Girardi toting a giant whiteboard displaying a tournament bracket for the “Annual World Championship of Pool.” Not far behind him, Nick Swisher blasted a fitting soundtrack from his portable iPod dock. The song? Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”"
http://www.nj.com/yankees/inde.....ees_t.html
i bet if giambi was still around he would dominate this tournament, especially with his bar experience. Since he is not there im going to have to go with Joba
“It’s just a day to forget about baseball a little bit, and think about the family we have here,” said veteran catcher Jorge Posada, who didn’t seem to enthusiastic about his billiards skills.
gardner: you shooot a good game of pool, fat man!
cc: so do you sat eddie!
*fast* not sat
Kim’s just ticked because Jete’s moving forward in his relationship with Minka Kelly. She always held out hope he’d end up falling for her.
ill take jeter, he’s good at everything.
Ham Fighters -
Yes, the Sox and Rays are good. I think it’s more of an attitude thing with Kay and Jones, especially lately.
Give me Nady. he is the wild card
scratch that, i want Robinson
If this team building thing worked for the Giants, it can work for the Yanks.
Does A-Rod go to pool halls?
There’s no doubt in my mind that girardi is gonna be taking notes throughout the tournament. So and so is extremely competetive and hates to lose, this person prepared for his game by taking a few practice shots etc. etc. As much as it’s a day away from the baseball field I think Girardi will use this as a little scouting excercise to get to understand a little better how his guys tick.
“ill take jeter, he’s good at everything.”
Well, except anything hit to his left…
when does pool halls become an f.a.?
if we’re casting from the yankees universe for a remake of ‘the huslter,’ scottie boras would have to play burt!
Jeter vs ARod in the finals. How crazy would that be??
I understand people have their own opinions, but i am really struggling to see how the anyone can think Rays and Sox look better on paper than the Yankees.
No way A-Rod is good at pool.
I think that is great. But someone will undoubtedly and sadly put a negative spin on it. Like “there is trouble in River City, with a capital T and that rhymes with P and that stands for pool”.
its easy, you start with the division champs, add burell and david price and you pick them to win again. argue it all you want, it is a very valid opinion.
able, if that leads to the Yankees forming a marching band, I’m all for it!
This is awesome… good for Joe
‘No way A-Rod is good at pool.’
He’s from NY/MIA/D.R. yeh I’d say it’s a given he can play pool. Most Dominicans do.
Thought this was interesting…
BP projects A Rod to fall short of record.
http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb.....id=3927591
So Kim Jones picking the Red Sox makes her a bad person? She isin’t the first, nor last one who will pick them.
These 3 teams are neck and neck. Any one of them can win the division.
The last thing you want to do in this business is be considered a homer. Why would she ever get another job if she proves to be a shill for the team she covers? Same holds true for Kay, who has been accused of being a homer for years.
Good for her… I see nothing wrong with being objective.
Chien-Ming Vase
February 23rd, 2009 at 11:22 am
its easy, you start with the division champs, add burell and david price and you pick them to win again. argue it all you want, it is a very valid opinion.
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Subtract Jackson from the rotation, Price, Percivil and Miller from the bullpen, Hinske and Floyd from the bench/outfield. Price will cancel out Jackson’s loss (maybe). Adding Isringhausen to the pen may help (if he can lift his arm) and Burrell won’t produce any more than Hinske/Floyd did. The biggest drop will be the bullpen.
Subtracting Price’s fourteen innings from the bullpen is going to put a real dent into Tampa? Also, Joyce + Burrell > Hinske + Floyd. Obviously it’s not an upgrade in a vacuum, but the lefty half of a platoon in right and a DH were the Rays two biggest offensive weaknesses last year. Jackson was a league-average, volatile pitcher last year. He’s really no loss. They can probably use some bullpen help, but their system is even more stocked with arms than the Yanks’ is. They’ll get some help there. The only worry would be if they stuck with a clearly-finished Percival because he’s a Proven Closer.
Clarifying, I mean that you don’t just consider the additions in a vacuum, but what the Rays lost wasn’t that great.
Right handed power ptchers in the AAL will eat Burrell alive, and I wouldn’t be giving Price the ROY just yet. If you think Jackson was no big loss, you’re not thinking. He was worth a lot more than Joyce.
i dont pick anybody, i was just making the thumbnail case for the devil rays. im not stupid enough to ‘pick’ anyone to win. anybody on here pick the devil rays to win the div last year?
somebody wasnt being eaten alive last year when pat the bat hit 33 dingers.
We’ve had this argument before. Jackson was a league-average pitcher whose high volatility meant he couldn’t be trusted for anything. He’s replaceable. The Rays should have no problem replacing his production out of Price/Niemann. Joyce fits a need pretty well. I’m thinking pretty clearly, and although I generally hate to use the “appeal to authority” tack, if you’re agreeing with K-Law, you’re not necessarily right, but you’re at least “thinking.”
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn.....=law_keith
I don’t read Keith Law or any other the other so-called experts, most of who has never seen the players they write about.
“If they run out of cues C. C. can use Edwar.”
That made me chuckle
Y’s Guy
February 23rd, 2009 at 11:51 am
somebody wasnt being eaten alive last year when pat the bat hit 33 dingers.
————————————————————
How many right handed power pitchers are in the NL? He’s a .251 career hitter against right handers and has struck out 30% of those at bats.
He’s also got a career .352/.467 against righties, if we’re going to discuss rate stats that matter. There’s some drop off, but it’s not like he forgets how to hit against them.
Also, you’re way off base on Law. He’s a scout, and goes to games regularly. He’s probably seen Jackson pitch more times than you have. Again, you don’t have to agree with him, but the manner in which you just poo-pooed him was juvenile.
I wonder who ARod will be partnered with and if everyone will be doing the “please not arod, please not arod, please not arod” if it’s a random pairing lol
Kevin
February 23rd, 2009 at 12:08 pm
He’s also got a career .352/.467 against righties, if we’re going to discuss rate stats that matter. There’s some drop off, but it’s not like he forgets how to hit against them.
Also, you’re way off base on Law. He’s a scout, and goes to games regularly. He’s probably seen Jackson pitch more times than you have. Again, you don’t have to agree with him, but the manner in which you just poo-pooed him was juvenile.
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I don’t what he does, because I don’t read him. That isn’t juvenile. You can suck up to him all you want, or, any of the other so-called experts that swallow every formula Bill (The Con) James invents…I don’t have to.
It’s juvenile when you make false claims, despite admittedly not knowing whether you’re right or not.
And yeah, Bill James conned two WS trophies up for the Red Sox. Real fraud there.
Heh, they’re taking a field trip! Spring Training really is like summer camp.
““It’s a team day away from the field. We’re going to have a little tournament and try to enjoy the day,” Girardi said.”
I wonder if Girardi is going to have the rookies do wind sprints if they aren’t enjoying the day enough.
I hope wang doesnt have a freak pool injury doing a victory lap
I like the idea. Great for team chemistry. However…
The idea that there will be any connection between this and ultimately the outcome of the season is idiotic.
Almost as much as suggesting the Giants doing something similar had any effect on their winning the Super Bowl. Because lord knows going bowling in August can cause David Tyree to make a circus catch in February. That it could make an otherwise mediocre team get red hot in December and carry them to the Super Bowl is equally indisputable.