Spring Game 6: Yankees at Astros
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Mar 02, 2009 
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YANKEES (2-3)
Damon LF
Cabrera CF
Swisher RF
Posada DH
Ransom SS
Molina C
Miranda 1B
Berroa 2B
Bernier 3B
Pitching today: Chien-Ming Wang followed by Tomko, Jackson, De La Rosa, Dunn, Claggett, Kontos.
ASTROS (1-4)
Matsui 2B
Bourn CF
Berkman 1B
Lee LF
Blum 3B
Pence DH
Erstad RF
Kata SS
Palmisano C
Pitching for Houston: Mike Hampton followed by Russ Ortiz, Jose Valverde, Chad Paronto and Wesley Wright.
Notes: This is the first game for Wang since he tore a ligament and tendon in his right foot running the bases against Houston last June. …Jorge Posada is back and will play some long toss before the game.
UPDATE, 9:26 a.m.: I hung back in Tampa to watch CC Sabathia throw a simulated game. He’s going to throw 25 pitches of so.
UPDATE, 11:32 p.m.: Here we are in Kissimmee. Sabathia threw 28 pitches to Kevin Cash and Hideki Matsui, who alternated at-bats. By my count, he threw 19 strikes. Two balls were put in play. Cash had a grounder to shortstop and Matsui a single into right field.
CC will start his first game on Friday. He said he feels fine and has been getting enough work.
“It was the first time throwing to guys without a screen up and it felt good,” he said. CC was working on getting his cutter down in the strike zone. He said that is usually the last pitch to come around in the spring. The Yankees did not have a gun on him but his fastball was right where it needed to be given how the hitters were reacting to it.
UPDATE, 11:56 p.m.: According to the AP, A-Rod has arrived at the Dominican team camp in Jupiter on the other side of the state.
UPDATE, 12:07 p.m.: Here is the pitching rotation for the next eight days:
Today: Wang
Tuesday: Hughes
Wednesday: Kennedy
Thursday: Chamberlain
Friday: Sabathia
Saturday: Wang
Sunday: Burnett
Next Monday: Pettitte
UPDATE, 12:39 p.m.: Houston RHP LaTroy Hawkins has joined Team USA in place of Joe Nathan. Hawkins started last season with the Yankees, pitched poorly then was traded to Houston. He was lights out for the Astros, allowing one ER in 21 innings. Hawk is a good guy who had a bad time of it in New York. It didn’t help that some fans verbally abused him for being the first player since Paul O’Neill to wear No. 21.
UPDATE, 1:10 p.m.: Good start for the Yankees. Damon singles to right and Cabrera triples to center as the ball deflects off the glove of Michael Bourn. 1-0.
Roy Oswalt starts for Team USA tomorrow by the way.
UPDATE, 1:14 p.m.: Swisher walks. Posada sharp single over the head of the second baseman. Cabrera scores, Swisher hustles to third. 2-0, no outs, runners on the corners.
UPDATE, 1:15 p.m.: Ransom 4-6-3. Run scores. 3-0.
UPDATE, 1:26 p.m.: Good inning for Wang. He allowed a two-out single by Berkman (after getting squeezed on a 2-2 pitch by Jerry Layne) then got Lee to fly to right. 12 pitches, 8 strikes.
UPDATE, 1:35 p.m.: Double by Berroa and then a two-out RBI single by the Melkman. The CF competition is starting to heat up.
UPDATE, 1:39 p.m.: Jesus Montero’s groin strain apparently is not too serious. He was dressed and wanted to go on the road trip today. The Yankees held him back, however.
UPDATE, 1:45 p.m.: Wang allowed a two-out bloop single by Erstad then got Kata to ground out. Swisher saved him from trouble by making a nice running catch in the corner to rob Blum of a double.
Wang has thrown 23 pitches and that probably is it for him.
UPDATE, 1:51 p.m.: Yep, Wang is done. Tomko in to pitch. 4-0 Yankees middle of the third inning.
UPDATE, 2:03 p.m.: Striking a blow for senior citizens everywhere, Angel Berroa just homered to center. 5-0 Yankees.
UPDATE, 2:42 p.m.: I’ll be headed down to the clubhouse soon. The Yankees are up 5-2 in the middle of the sixth inning. All sorts of subs are in.
we WILL be using the DH this time right?
I <3 Wang
I wonder what will become of mr wang. He is a free agent after 2010, Is he in line for a contract or is he trade bait?
whats going to become of him is after he has another great season this year, he will get a multi-year contract. why would you even think of trading him?
lack of position players… trade for a SS maybe for when jeter goes down. I think he’s awesome and he’s a different type of pitcher than the rest, which is good. It is a reality that wang may be traded, they haven’t locked him up yet and he’s won a ton of games. If say a bunch of the yanks prospects rocket through the minors and are knocking on the door (betances,Brackman,McAallister…etc.)Wang is gonna cost a bunch and the yanks are looking at some pretty big contracts for the next several years. It’s a valid question, Wang is great and deserves a contract, but it all depends on what the team need is at the time.
trading Wang makes ZERO SENSE
Hey does anybody know who’s pitching on Wednesday? I’m flying up to watch some games, but it’s the only Yankee game I’m seeing, unfortunately.
Wang is a very important part of this team. Some might say you win with Wang or you limp without him. He might not be the ‘Ace’ anymore, but if the Yankees infield has a much better defense this year, Wang might win just as much games as CC or even more. Wang is a groundball pitcher and because of that he’s worth less in many people’s eyes. In the fantasy world he’s worth much less because he doesn’t strike many out. But to the Yankees he’s probably worth more than A.J. and his stock is about as high as a groundball pitcher can be. If he wins 19 or more games this year, he’ll probably still not be signed by the Yankees next year. That’s life for a pitcher who has some injurys in his past and can’t strike out alot. Good Luck to him, hopefully the fans will finally understand that he’s that important to this team. My black horse for the Cy Young this year is Wang. If he wins 20 or more games, he’ll have to be considered, and past performance should help his shot (because noone even looked at him when he had those other decent years). Good Luck to him. Have a great day. (added by Mobile using Mippin)
betances, brackman, mcallister are not rocketing through the system.
trading a guy to fill another spot is always an option, but to me, cc, aj and wang are the core of our staff. things can change and i certainly hope joba is going to become the 4th leg of the table, but until you have too many SP’s, and we arent there yet, you dont look to move a stud pitcher like wang.
‘Win just as much’ – win just as many (added by Mobile using Mippin)
Wang had a terrible start to his spring last year – he got killed, to the point where we were really worried about him. I hope he’s ok today, but mostly I hope that he just emerges unscathed.
Oh boy, this is the same crew that just a pitched a couple of days ago – I would expect them to post another football-type score. The lineup? Ugh, lol
I wish Jorge wasn’t playing – it’s silly not to give the guy an extra day or two or rest.
Wang is my favorite Yankee and I hope he stays with the team long-term. However, with Brackman, Mcallister, Betances, Bleich, et al., on the horizon, I fear Wang’s time with the Yankees may getting short.
The Wanger is back! Talk about an underrated Yankee.
feefoo
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:33 am
betances, brackman, mcallister are not rocketing through the system.
…………………………………….
None are expected to “rocket” through the system. The highest any of the 3 will advance is AA Trenton and Zach McAllister is the most likely to get that far.
Trading Wang this season makes no sense. In the future? Maybe.
With the pitching prospects the Yankees have coming down the pipe Wang could be expendable. I could definitely see Wang hit the free agent market in 2011 and go to another team. Its too early to call that though..
Anyways.. its really weird to talk about a baseball game going on today. There is 10 inches of snow in my backyard!
i guarantee at some point mcallister and betances will be traded.
http://www.nydailynews.com/spo.....tml?page=0
This (the book, that is) has now been relegated to old news, but Damon is clearly hurt and Mo doesn’t sound so thrilled either…..I normally avoid Madden like the Plague, and his comments about A-Rod and Cash are basically why, but I was curious about this article.
“I’m in a good place mentally now,” Damon said, “just as I was all last year, and I prefer to remain positive. I’m just not sure what Joe’s motives were for writing the book. His legacy here was assured. What really surprised me was that he wrote it while he’s still managing. Why would any of his players with the Dodgers want to go to him about anything?”
The last quote is pretty damning…..
yeah trade away those bad prospects ….
fyi Swish is on facebook.
hanley ramirez for wang
None are expected to “rocket” through the system. The highest any of the 3 will advance is AA Trenton and Zach McAllister is the most likely to get that far.
…………………………………………………..
we have wang in 2010 and by then Mcallister would be in AAA
Lets not forget about Garcia …and Bleich should be a quick mover.
and I didn’t say epected either….I said you never know….what if…that kinda thing
“hanley ramirez for wang”
The second best player in baseball for Wang? I don’t think so.
Betsy -
Thanks for linking that article. It’s telling that Mariano says, “this is not the Joe Torre I know.”
But I have to question why he would write this article now that the book is “old news.” I read it; I had a list of people who wanted to read it after me – no one cares now.
I would guess that whatever transpired among the players regarding Damon has been put to rest – because he seems happy to be a Yankee still. And Mo is Mo.
As you stated, the jabs at ARod and Cashman by Madden were gratuitous and unwarranted.
Wang is perhaps the most underrated Yankee of the past decade. The dude does nothing but go out there, get people out, and win games.
Maybe if he was an outspoken jackass like Curt Schilling he’d get more press.
“hanley ramirez for wang”
The second best player in baseball for Wang? I don’t think so.
………………………………………………….
I was just throwing a trade you can’t refuse out there….mocking people who would hold onto wang no matter what….I know that trade would never work.
Nice article on Swish.
http://www.nj.com/yankees/inde.....isher.html
Unless Hughes or Kennedy becomes a complete stud, there is no way they should let Wang go. The guy gives you 7 or 8 innings every single game, he pitches to contact, get’s lots of ground balls. If Jeter could move to his left, Wang would be at least a win better per season.
If one of Brackman, Garcia, McAllister, Betances comes along by the time Wang a FA then Wang will be traded and the younger guy will get a spot.
Wang is one of my favorite players on the team.
Hoping he has a great season
if Betances or Brackman reach their potential somone is moving out
if Betances or Brackman reach their potential somone is moving out
How about we wait and see if any of these young pitchers can progress beyond A ball before coming up with trade ideas for Wang.
The Yankees aren’t the Marlins. They don’t have to trade Wang to fit anybody into their payroll.
The chances are much greater they sign Wang to a long term deal (if he stays healthy and productive) and trade the younger arms (if they progress) for more immediate help.
Betances and Brackman are in A Ball. Three years from the major leagues.
Nobody, not the Yankees, or any other team in baseball, makes moves at the big league level for guys that are in A Ball.
If they turn out to be good players, THEN you have a decision to make.
Odds are, they will either get hurt, never live up to their hype, or just not be good enough to crack the rotation.
Those odds are much greater regarding every prospect than it is they make it big.
That’s why you don’t trade knowns for unknowns.
Old guard Yankees? Did Babe, Joe D and Mickey come back and let us know they weren’t happy with Johnny Damon?
Please lets not hyperventilate after 5 games. There has been no need to worry about Wang unless there is a serious health issue.
Wow. People think they would trade Wang, an established and successful league pitcher, because we have some pitching prospects in the system? Do you guys know the Yankees at all?
Wang will be signed and be a member if the rotation unless he just completely falls apart. The Yankees wouldn’t trade one of their best starters just to make room for minor leaguers. Not all those kids are even going to turn out to be very good in the majors. Some will just be ok at best. I figure at most only one of the touted prospective starters in our system now will turn out to be an above average major league starter. Its not like the Yankees have a johan santana and roy halladay factory down on the farm. There will be plenty of room to have Wang on board beyond 2010 and have room for another young guy to slip in.
Tom Sturdivant . . . R.I.P.
http://www.nydailynews.com/spo.....s_at_.html
SJ44,
I took your recommendation on Bern’s and went on Saturday. It was awesome – thanks for the tip.
jennifer -
Thanks for the link. Great read on Swish. I love the quote about the batting cage his dad built.
“If Rocky were a baseball player, that’s where he would hit,” said Swisher, who needed to bring a space heater with him so he could bear the coldest winter days. “It’s a blood, sweat and tears place. It’s not much, but it’s our style.”
Hopefully, he can get back to being a .250/.375/.460 guy like he was with the A’s. Then, the fact that his personality should help loosen up the clubhouse is a bonus.
Pete, are you wearing a jacket this morning?
I like Melky in the 2 spot. When he is on his game he is a tough out, and will take the ball to the opposite field.
Any talk of trading Wang is pointless until CC Sabathia declines his opt-out after 2011. If there’s a logjam of starters at that point, then you lok at your options and possibilities. But until then Wang stays in pinstripes.
>Melky
>on his game
refresh my memory
“I was just throwing a trade you can’t refuse out there….mocking people who would hold onto wang no matter what….I know that trade would never work. ”
Oh ok, fair enough.
This whole discussion about Wang is pointless anyways. He is a free agent in 2011, that is 2 seasons away. It is way too early to predict how Wang will pitch in those two seasons and how our prospects will pan out.
I could definitely see Brackman, McAllister or someone like that making the major leagues by 2011. However, that situation would be very similar to the Hughes/Kennedy situation of last year. Brackman/McAllister/? could be ready by 2011 but they wouldn’t be proven major league pitchers.
If Wang continues winning 19 games a season, I highly doubt he is going anywhere.
Clare,
Glad you enjoyed it. The dessert room alone is worth the trip!
“refresh my memory”
2006 and 2007.
Does anyone feel ripped off by the world baseball classic. I live in Orlando. I paid $28 per ticket to see Yanks v. Braves on march 3 and 28. Come to find at a minimum Jeter and Arod are gone to play in classic. I dont know about you, but part of spring games is the fun of seeing your stars up close and personal. With these guys gone it takes awat from that. Prices for these games should reflect that. I feel a bit ripped off.
Would you feel any less ripped-off if they weren’t in the WBC, but didn’t make the trip to Orlando anyway? In ST, you just have to enjoy the game and take what comes as far as the players in the game. Mariano Rivera hasn’t made a road trip in 8 years, WBC or not.
Were you not paying attention? The WBC rosters didn’t sneak up on anybody. Besides, maybe you’ll get to see Teixeira, Posada, CC, Joba, Damon, Wang, Burnett, Austin Jackson, ect..
Hey Mitch, as part of an update on my cancelled trip, I had chosen this week to go to ST so that I could see Team USA play its exhibition game at Legends, just so that I could see Jeter in ST. I do agree with you about feeling ripped off otherwise. (I had a ticket for the March 3rd game with the Braves also and then a ticket for Team Canada v. USA)
It does feel like the WBC rips off ST. I felt the same about seeing the Braves in Orlando, minus Chipper Jones. Again, I figured I’d get to see him with Team USA. I’m annoyed that I won’t get to see Robby Cano at all.
In thinking about rebooking this trip I am actually considering going to one of the WBC games in Miami and hoping that Team USA is still in the running. That way I will get to see DJ, Jones, and some of the other stars of the game.
Oh and a shout out to the Yankee organization. Due to their ticket refund policy I was able to get my money back on all three games.
We have lost 3 in a row its time to sign manny………
sj44-
i’ve been told by someone close to wang that wang last spring was extremely upset with yankee management and said he intended to make them overpay when his free agency comes.
things change, but there does seem to be an attitude by yankee management that doesn’t treat wang with the respect you’d think ( meaning long term contract). yankee management seems to want wang to validate that the two years in a row with 19 victories were not an illusion.
it’s almost like they have bought into the idea that his wins can’t keep up because of his low strike out tendencies. this may be an example of cashman’s over reliance on what the stat community thinks.
despite the fact that cashman brought wang up, he doesn’t seem to look at wang as part of his youth movement. it’s all speculation at this point, but i don’t think it’s a lock that if wang has two good years that he remains a yankee.
it was announced in 2006 that the wbc would be this season. also, what makes you think jeter, arod or cano were going to make the trip anyway?
If one of the pitchers on the farm is ready in 2011 they could always move Joba to the pen.
Iknow spring games are hit or miss, but now its a sure miss. $28 for a spring ticket and no chance to see kids favorite players is a bit high dont you think
Doreen, I don’t think the book was ever going to be a problem for the Yankees – maybe for Joe, but not the Yankees. The A-Rod drama was at its worst in 2006, but things seem to be much better; Damon appears to be very popular among his teammates. My guess as to why Bill wrote the article? He wanted a chance to slam Alex and Brian and thought he could hide it in that article…
Phil’s day to pitch is tomorrow – interesting, as that means he will be facing a bunch of all-star types on the US A team…….
CM, it wouldn’t matter because I would have been going to games at Legends as well as the one at Disney, so if they were part of the Yankees I would have seen them definitely at Legends.
Yes you are right that WBC was announced in 2006. I certainly knew about it when I made my plans to go to ST, and my plans were actually a last-minute brainstorm. So all of this is definitely on me. As I said, though, part of the reason I chose this week was because of Team USA playing an exhibition game at Legends.
In an overall sense, I do feel that the WBC rips off ST. If I personally had done a better job of planning this out, I would have gone this past week, when all of the Yankees were going to be at Legends, including Arod. My bad, really.
Maybe I should wait til next year, when the WBC won’t be on the docket.
Randy,
Everybody gets upset after arbitration. Its a rough process and it definitely leaves scars.
When Mariano went through it early in his career (and he won) he was really ticked off with management. He got over it.
If Wang can stay healthy and productive, he has the leverage to get a very good deal. If its not from the Yankees, it will be from someone else.
I have a feeling though that if he gets the right offer from the Yankees, the hard feelings post-arbitration will subside.
“Phil’s day to pitch is tomorrow – interesting, as that means he will be facing a bunch of all-star types on the US A team…….”
As it starts to sink in that I won’t be there to see it…
Jen, that was a good article on Swish. Nick certainly worked hard this off-season, but I hope he’s not a victim of paralysis by analysis. His dad’s right – he should just stick to one swing. Everyone has an bad season or two – the key is not to panic and make drastic changes. For various reasons, it just didn’t click for Nick in Chicago, but he appears to be very comfortable here. Hopefully he will rebound – not only do the Yanks need him, but he’s a very easy guy to root for.
Its very simple. If you don’t like it, don’t go.
The only way you will change things is with your wallet. When you don’t use it, teams will have to adjust accordingly.
As far as ST is concerned, its always been hit or miss when it comes to seeing the veterans.
Most vets don’t travel on many road trips. At home games, its 2-3 AB’s and they are gone.
If you are going to ST, its really more about seeing the younger players and experiencing the atmosphere than it is seeing the vets.
BRING ME #27
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:30 am
We have lost 3 in a row its time to sign manny………
—–
Amen, from your mouth to …..
SJ44, nice to see you back and posting…..Trish, I’m sorry about your trip; that stinks.
I went to Berns when I went to Tampa for ST a few years ago. I don’t recall being overly impressed with the food, but then the area on Long Island where I live has an unbelievable amount of good steakhouses. The dessert area is cool, but overall, my memory of Berns is not something that I bring up in my all-time list of favorite restaurant memories. The coolest thing about the restaurant was the tour we got of the wine cellar (I don’t even like wine) – I got to hold a bottle whose vintage was around the time of Napoleon.
Betsy – any recommendations for LI steakhouses? Lived out here for a while (~20+ years) but we never “ate out” here so now I’m stuck when people what recommendations…
“If you are going to ST, its really more about seeing the younger players and experiencing the atmosphere than it is seeing the vets.”
My sentiments exactly. I went to ST 6 years ago mainly to escape the cold weather here in Iowa. I’m planning on going again next year. Any ABs by and looks at the vets is a bonus. If I want to see them, I get tickets to a MLB game (although, this is getting increasingly difficult due to the unbalanced schedule crap and them making only one trip to the stadiums close to me).
* that should be “want”
I can’t believe people are even thinking about trading Wang. Until last year he has been one of the most reliable and important members of the team. Last year he had a freak injury to his foot (not a throwing arm) and people are talking about trading him? He’s the only member of the pitching staff besides Pettite who has proven anything IN New York. Trading him for anything less then a star player would be crazy.
As far as trading Wang goes, I wrote about that Months ago and got hammered.
The reality is that he is expendable next year on several fronts.
If Joba and Hughes become stud starters then we will still have 5 starters after Pettitte leaves next year.
If any of the other young starters develop, then there could be a scenario where we look to move Wang at the trade deadline for a young prospect ( imagine us doing that ) and save payroll for another outfielder. This of course is assuming that CC will stay and AJ is healthy.
This scenario would really be an indication that Cashmans youth pitching movement has developed.
“In thinking about rebooking this trip I am actually considering going to one of the WBC games in Miami and hoping that Team USA is still in the running. That way I will get to see DJ, Jones, and some of the other stars of the game.”
——
Trish, you coming to Miami? I finally get to meet my future wife. You better let me know if you are coming.
Betsy, didn’t McCluskys steak house close down? That was one of my favorites.
Franks also in Westbury I think was pretty good. Been 18 years so memory is groggy lol.
Wang isn’t expendable at all.
He is “expendable” because of pitchers who haven’t done anything on the major league level? That’s just nuts.
They aren’t trading Wang because they have young pitchers in the minor league system. So does everybody else and you don’t see them trading guys like Wang unless they have money problems. The Yankees have no such problems.
You don’t trade “stud” starters for guys who might be “stud” starters.
Next year, Pettitte will be gone and that frees up a spot in the rotation for a younger arm. After that, you have CC’s opt out to worry about.
Seems to me, we have this conversation every year about how much pitching depth the Yankees have. By May 1, they are scrambling to look for arms.
Nobody has enough pitching depth to trade a proven 19 game winner.
The thought of trading him for because they have younger guys in the system who have proven nothing yet, is as absurd as fretting over the won/loss results in ST. Neither position makes any sense.
The Yankees have no such money problems.
Rishi, I sure do.
Rothmann’s in East Norwich is fantastic – it’s my favorite steakhouse (granted, I hardly go to the other ones). The sirloin (medium-rare, of course- I don’t get the point of ordering steak well done) is so juicy and delicious and, of course, the hash browns are crispy (well, order them that way). The fish and lobster is supposedly great as well, but I couldn’t personally vouch for that as I only order steak and potatoes when I go (which isn’t that often). That is my favorite meal in the world – there is nothing in the world like a steak done right at a steakhouse.
Great Neck is known as steak house row: Morton’s, Peter Luger’s and Burton & Doyle all have their fans.
Bryant & Cooper is in Roslyn and is also excellent. They have these awesome twice baked potato skins along with brussel sprouts. I happen to like brussel sprouts although many people don’t – if you are among the latter and go to B&C, I would try them anyway as they are really delicious. Also, always start off with the Bryant & Cooper salad of shrimp, tomato, onions and string beans in a light vinaigrette. Man, I’m getting hungry now,lol
YankeeRay, I’ve never heard of McCluskeys. I did go to Frank’s once, for my birthday, and it was only ok. That was years ago and we haven’t been back since. I’m sure it’s fine, but there are too many other good places. I also think a steakhouse is like a neighborhood joint in the sense that once you like a place, you stick with it (even if there are other really good place that might be interesting to try).
Thanks, Betsy! Will definitely check them out.
Been to the Peter Luger’s in Brooklyn and Mortons, of course…never think to go out on LI. Have you been to the Ruth’s Chris by the Roosevelt Mall? worth the trip?
Oh – and medium-rare is the ONLY way to order a steak!
SJ, someone wrote something about Wang being unhappy and making the Yankees pay more at contract time. I’m not sure of the validity of that but if true then that could become a factor.
In this economy do the Yankees pay Wang after next year 18-22 mill if that is what he is looking for?
Or do they trade him for some strong young prospects or a proven star if possible?
Seems to me that they will try and get something done with Wang before trade deadline next year and at least gauge his asking price before making any decisions.
I am not advocating trading Wang, just stating that it could be an option if our younger starters pitch well this year and next thru July.
Obviously if CC appears happy, AJ is healthy, Joba and Hughes are jamming, then it isn’t out of the question.
If all that happens then someone will be traded either from our ML staff or from our farm system.
SJ44, are you concerned that Tex won’t get a chance to mesh on-field with Cano, Jeter and A-Rod? It’s one of the things I don’t like about the WBC (among a list of many). After the WBC ends, there will be about week for teams gel before the start of the season – that just seems like not enough time for significant on-field chemistry to develop.
Also, Tex sure has a beautiful swing – I just had to say that.
If wang were to move it wouldn’t be bc of his lack of talent or results, it would be to improve the team by freeing up money and acquiring needed position players while allowing somone to compete for that rotation spot. 2009 will decide what’s more important.
where is this Wang trade talk coming from? He is a quality starter. What young arms? Are we still dreaming about Kennedy and Hughes? Or do we have new Kennedy’s and Hughes’ to dream about now that they have been shown to be over-hyped. Wang should be at top end of Yanks rotation for 10 years.
Rishi, the only time I’ve been to a Ruth’s Chris was when I was in Orlando with my father – he went there on business and I hung out at Disney World. While we were there, my mother called us and told me I got straight A’s in whatever semester it was at college (this was a long time ago). To celebrate, we went to Ruth’s Chris (I hate that name, it just bugs me, lol). It was very good, BUT we ordered the steak without the sizzling butter they are known for. I despise butter with a passion (I don’t mind if it’s in food, though) and I could never eat steak sizzled in that stuff…ugh!
Nobody is paying Wang 18-22 million a year. If the Yankees won’t pay that, what makes you think he will get that anywhere else?
The guy is the perfect fit for the current construction of the team. He throws differently than the other guys. He’s quiet, efficient, and gives them innings. He’s the perfect compliment between CC and AJ. They aren’t going to mess with that.
As far as the younger arms, teams will make more of a play for them (if they pan out) because they can control their salaries for several years. That’s more appealing to teams than paying Wang big money when its his time.
That means, the Yankees will actually get more in return by packaging the younger arms (if they pan out) than they will if they traded Wang.
Betsy,
Meshing on field is overrated. That won’t be a problem for Tex.
ST is LONG. A 2-3 week break won’t affect anything.
Most veteran players need 2-3 weeks tops, to be ready for the season. The rest is just window dressing.
They probably got more accomplished in their drills than they would playing a couple of innings every other day in games.
That won’t be a problem.
Betsy
March 2nd, 2009 at 11:16 am
Rishi, the only time I’ve been to a Ruth’s Chris
——
Thought RC was a little over hyped and pricey.
Betsy, McCluskys was on Sunrise Highway just east of Masasapequa. Their steak was awesome and they had the best onion rings along with baked potato.
The Mets were hit the hardest for the WBC
They lose Reyes, Wright, Beltran, Delgado, Perez, Feliciano, Putz, and K-Rod.
Basically all their good player except Santana
Does anyone else find updates and new threads from Pete to be providing them with a crack addict like need for new information. Every time I am online I’m looking for that new fix (post) that is necessary to get me through my day.
Yeah – went to the Ruth’s Chris in DC, wasn’t sure if the one out here was any good. (that was during college too…don’t remember the steak, but the martini’s were great
)
I like my steak with au poivre or very little sauce/topping etc…no need to gunk it up with extra junk.
SJ44
March 2nd, 2009 at 11:20 am
Nobody is paying Wang 18-22 million a year. If the Yankees won’t pay that, what makes you think he will get that anywhere else?
—–
I agree with all that SJ. The only way we would trade him is if we thought that he wanted too much money and someone wanted him at the trade deadline to get over the top.
That scenario, again, is possible and that was my only point.
“Trish, you coming to Miami? I finally get to meet my future wife. You better let me know if you are coming.”
I wouldn’t miss it for the world! But first I have to get out of the bondage I am in with USAir. They have had me on hold for over an hour and a half, no lie. As soon as I can get on the phone with them, so that I can get off the phone with them, I am going to check out the week Team USA is at Dolphin Stadium.
Pat M, if you are around, I will definitely use Priceline in the future. Even though I didn’t buy into their cancellation policy, they refunded me both hotel and rental car! So far I am batting 1.000 in terms of refunds. That’s a good thing.
(I used Southwest going down and USAir going back since I thought I was going to Atlanta and Southwest doesn’t fly Atlanta. So now I have to cancel my flights with USAir and see what they intend to do about my ticket. Worse that happens is that I have a ticket to use in the future!)
I hope Joe plays the “A” team (or whatever is left of it) tomorrow against Team USA. Not that it means much, but it would be nice to see how our guys perform against the best of the best.
Most ST games are hard to gauge because guys are probably facing minor leaguers (especially the relievers late in games). Tomorrow, they’ll be facing all-stars. So I’d like to see Joe use the relievers competing for spots and playing the regular position guys.
That’s the whole point. You don’t “gauge” ST games.
The games are there for guys to get ready for the season and to try new things. That’s it.
Last year, everybody was in a panic over Wang. Turns out, he was working on some new pitches. The results didn’t matter. It was a way for him to try new things as he got ready for the season.
That’s what you do in ST. That’s why the results don’t matter.
Its just a forum for guys to get ready for the season. Its the only way to view ST.
CC update…
The more quality spring training games are seen from March 22 until April 1st.
The 1st wave of cuts have been made. The arm strength and command of breaking pitches are seen as pitchers prepare for their final starts before going north. The hitters are more satisfied with their timing. Players hopeful of a roster spot are trying as hard as they can to be included.
Does anybody here think that the economic crisis will affect the draft in june- teams may not want to go over slot to sign the best players?
And I still don’t blame Mitch for feeling the way he does. I think we have the right to want to see veterans and I think we have the right to feel disappointed when the WBC interferes.
I will say that my trip down to ST was more for the overall experience. I disagree with Rodg about going to a Stadium to see the vets. Part of going to ST, in my opinion, is that it is so much more intimate than going to the Stadium during the regular season.
Hey Pete, any sightings of, or word on Humberto Sanchez? He had an outside shot of maybe making the bullpen, but I noticed he has yet to appear in any games? Is he hurt again?? Thanks.
‘i guarantee at some point mcallister and betances will be traded.’
Wanna bet ?
“Everybody gets upset after arbitration. Its a rough process and it definitely leaves scars.”
I think he was more upset with Cano scoring big on a contract while he didn’t, despite doing his job as well or better than Cano did.
mcallister may be traded, but they better not trade big unit jr (betances)
Wang is expendable?
What idiocy. He had one more year of arbitration and would probably be agreeable to a deal to stay in New York. He loves playing for the Yankees and he’s comfortable where he lives. Beyond that, he’s a terrific starter who never gives them an ounce of trouble.
Arbitration didn’t make him happy. Especially after he found out how badly his agents messed it up.
He didn’t meet the guy arguing his case until the morning of the hearing. That’s not how its usually done.
His agents presented a poor case, the Yankees turned up the heat (as they do in arbitration cases) and he lost.
That would make anybody unhappy.
Bottom line is, he pitches well, he has the leverage to control his own destiny. That’s how it works in baseball.
When teams have the leverage, they use it and when players have it, they use it.
Been that way since the 70′s and its not changing now.
‘mcallister may be traded, but they better not trade big unit jr (betances)’
With the cost of BP arms nowadays, please he isn’t going anywhere, most likely he doesn’t succeed as a SP and is the new 7th or 8th inning man. Betances is nasty but raw he also if he doesn’t pan out goes into the BP.
Is todays game televised anywhere?
Man – sounds like Wang needs a little Boras love. He totally deserves more than he is getting.
I saw Betances pitch last season vs the Lakewood Blue Claws. Dude struck out 10 guys and looked like a man pitching against boys. If he can develop…
Hope Wang does well, but we have no gurantees since he may just try one pitch over and over. I hope Gardner is stuck in the game a little later in.
Betances = Daniel Cabrera
‘Betances = Daniel Cabrera’
Now.
Betances = Daniel Cabrera
………………………..
that would suck
What do you mean by “Betances = Daniel Cabrera”?
Betances = Cabrera because his control right now, but it has improved big time by the 2nd half of last season since they found a decent armslot for him to pitch from.
BTW OT but Brett Gardner on 1050ESPN in a few minutes.
Thanks
I guess nobody knows if the game will be televised anywhere.
Betances’ biggest problem right now is his control, which leads to the comparisons to D. Cabrera–throws really hard, doesn’t always know where it’s going.
However, two things to consider: he is extremely tall and tall pitchers usually have a problem with control because it’s more difficult for them to repeat their motion. Also, if I remember correctly, I’m pretty sure the Yankees changed his delivery after they drafted him because they were worried about him potentially hurting his arm. That probably also has something to do with his control struggles so far in the minors.
Really though, his pure stuff is overpowering. If he can find consistency with his motion and cut down on pitch counts/walks, he should be able to progress.
Sorry, Yankeefan4eva. Pretty sure it’s not on YES, (may be wrong) if not your only hope is MLB network.
looks like the 3 yankee pitchers that would pitch in the series against Boston (if everyone stays in turn) would be Wang,Burnett,Pettitte. I can’t wait to see burnett poop all over them.
1st reg game series that is
That’s a good three to put up vs. Boston, but I’d like to see Joba pitch vs. them more than Pettite.
That’s a good three to put up v. Boston, but I’d like to see Joba pitch v. them more than Pettite.
Sorry, duplicate comment.
I would think that after last season and his injury, even though he lost the arbitration battle, he didn’t have that much to complain about. He still was paid big enough money and he was out. Given the culture he grew up in, I would think that those negative feelings are mitigated because he couldn’t help the Yankees even though he was getting paid.
Remember Hideki apologizing for breaking his wrist?
While they are from different countries, the culture isn’t that different.
Call it karma or whatever, he will get his payday soon enough, and any bad feelings will be done with. He seemed to do OK this go around with the Yankees. If anything, his case with the Yankees got stronger by him being out as they really struggled to find an arm to put out there in his stead.
I can understand the logic behind trading Wang. It’s a smart move a’la Billy Beane.
However, that’s pretty cold if a Yankee fan would seriously suggest it. Shame on you.
Did you want to trade Jeter, Mo, Posada, Andy?
I’m finding this amazing because my name is also Ryan and I talk 100% the same exact way as you are talking. It’s quite the trip to see those words coming from a poster named Ryan haha.
Trade Wang? You crazy? Wang’s a greta pitcher! He was our ace in ’06 and ’07, and he’ll help us out a lot this year. Come on!
It was a pretty cold 2 Postseason performances in 07.
Pretty cold the yanks offering Cano a contract and bring a 2 time 19 game winner to arb. It’s chillie in NY what can you do?
chilly*
Wang’s young, he has time to fix those postseason blues. He’s a very good pitcher. Trading him would be a huge mistake!
A.J. Burnett will win the Cy young this year. Mark it down ladies and gents.
He did pitch well in his first potseason i think
Is there anyway to listen to the games for free? Like using MyP2P?
You call Burnett winning Cy Young? I call Texeira winning mvp. We get rookie of the year with Brett Gardner and the Yanks got the tripe crown!
great interview with gardy on 1050
I wonder who has a better year, Wang or Burnett?
“Wang is expendable?
What idiocy. He had one more year of arbitration and would probably be agreeable to a deal to stay in New York. He loves playing for the Yankees and he’s comfortable where he lives. Beyond that, he’s a terrific starter who never gives them an ounce of trouble.”
Amen Peter. Wang will resign the Yankees have the money and he is automatic as a number 2. If he his next 2 years look anything like his 2006-2007 seasons look for Wanger to get a big deal.
“I wonder who has a better year, Wang or Burnett?”
Wang will get more wins A.J. will get more K’s and have more dominant stats.
Great article on Tex – I’m sorry, but a 7 year old Tex idolizing Donnie? That is worth an “awwwwwww” or two.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03.....ref=sports
“Guys were saying words to me that I didn’t understand at that age,” Teixeira said. “But I had to support Mattingly.”
LOL gotta give the young Tex credit – he picked the right player to worship. Donnie is still a god….
Ryan-definitely Wang, in Burnett’s “career year” he had an ERA of four, Wang’s ERA has never been that high for a full season’s work. Burnett’s decent, but injury prone. Even if he’s hurt, we stick in Hughes w/o missing a beat and go on with business as usual.
yeah I can definitely see tex cleaning up the GG and MVP hardware. The more I think about it I can also see gardner making a run at ROY. If he can hit .280 then he pretty much is stealing 50-60 bases.
Just so everyone knows, Wang has two more years of arbitration left, not one.
He’s a free agent after 2011. He gets four years of arbitration because he was a super-two. The Yankees might try and sign him to a long-term deal while the market is down, and if Wang can prove he’s healthy this year.
I hope, but don’t expect, Gardner to hit 300 with an OBP of 420+…if not this year than soon. If he doesn’t, we may as well sign another center fielder, Gardner just won’t be worth it. I think he can, but if he will is another matter…
for those wih mlb.con the game is being broadcast via the houstion radio feed
Gayle-is it free?
I cannot believe anyone thinks Wang is expendable. The guy’s had nothing but good consistent results and only one (freak) injury.
Is there a ‘Wang is not an ace’ reasoning behind the notion that he’s expendable? Until he got hurt and Mussina pulled it together last year, Wang may have been the best & most reliable pitcher on the team. This year he may be the 2nd or 3rd best pitcher on the team going into ST and there’s no reason to believe he won’t be as good as he was before his foot injury. It’ll be a surprise if he doesn’t win 16-17 games. If he pitches like he always did, he’ll probably win more. What’s so expendable about that?
I wonder. A year ago some people raved Santana as the best pitcher in the universe, ever, and insisted he be acquired at all costs for Hughes, because he’d be an immediate impact and Hughes probably wasn’t ever going to be worth waiting for. How many of these people are these the same people who think it’s safe for the Yanks to unload Wang – WANG – anytime soon because of the A-level prospects they have in the system?
Oh, by the way … who knows for certain how Santana’s elbow is going to hold up this season?
mlb gameday link for today:
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday.....b_houmlb_1
I dont know if it is free I am a mlb.com premium subscriber so it comes up but it may be something hat you have to be a subscriber for
SJ.
Your nephew is off to a strong start for my alma mater. Congrats. I hope you have had a chance to see him play either in Deland or in Ft.Meyers.
Take Care-
dennis
For the second day in a row get to hear a baseball radio legend broadcast. Yesterday is was Marty Brenaman and today Mylo Hamilton
Wow LaTroy replaces Joe Nathan, we are really getting to the bottom of the barrel here huh?
Where’s Carl or Trisha to give us the updates today? Haha, some of us still have to work today despite the snow and need some distraction.
single by damon triple by melky. no outs.
So it seems like Gameday is actually updating today pretty well!
LaTroy Hawkins replaces Joe Nathan? LOL
swisher down 0-2 works a walk. men on first and third no outs. 1-0 yankees.
The Astros must rate, gameday seems to be “live”?
o/t but they found 1 of the men missing off the coast of florida. One of the ex-college players.
gameday is on point today huh? moving way faster
nice on gameday. If it freezes let me know.
jorge
gameday is actually useful today
Swish is doing just what we’d hoped to see from him – his patience is pretty remarkable. A good eye will never go into a slump, so even when Swish does slump, we can still expect him to get on base at a decent clip.
m- just read that. Amazing they found at least one of them. Sadly the other 3 are probably dead.
sa- what did jorge do?
jennifer-he had a single.
I celebrate everything.
Loving the offense the last 3 games.
Nice to see jorge has his swing back.
Swisher has been a walk machine this Spring
Very nice to see that, guys hardly ever try to walk in the Spring. Swisher knows what his game is about and he is developing good habits early.
Even with yesterday’s horrendous pitching performance, I have to agree that the offense did some very good things yesterday……..that small ball in the 3rd inning (I think) was beautiful to see (two bunts and a Sac fly? sweet!)…….
God, I hope Girardi starts Swisher in right. He fits our lineup like a glove with his patience, switch-hitting ability, and high OBP/power.
But I understand how difficult is must be for Joe— you can’t just bench Nady coming off a .305/25/97 year going into his contract year.
Very tough decision for Joe
The offense has been excellent this Spring. It’s the guys competing for spots in the bullpen that have been horrific.
Last night on Mike’d Up, Mike was saying that Girardi really wants Swisher out in RF over Nady. Said that Swisher and Gardner are the type of players Girardi likes.
lee is out 12 pitches for wang
Yeah, Francessa repeated that this afternoon— that Girardi likes those type of guys and fit the makeup of the team well.
I hope Cashman doesn’t meddle and make him play Nady/Melky. Joe is the manager, let him decide who plays. Just because Nady is going into a contract yr, doesn’t mean he should play when Swisher is the superior player
Do all the NL teams use the DH in the spring or only when playing AL teams?
And are teams still required to take 3 “regulars” even in they have guys in the WBC?
Fairly easy inning for Wang. 12 pitches (8 strikes), 1 ground ball single.
So he could have been out of the inning in less than 12 pitches. AUHHH Wanger is back.
m- I believe the Yankees have to ask the NL team if it is okay to use the dh. They give the yes or no. More often than it seems they say okay. I do recall one game last year when they let the Yankees use the dh and their pitcher hit.
Good question re: WBC although I do believe the number is 4. But I don’t see how they can force a team to bring 4 regulars.
Welcome back Wang.
Wow, Berroa is 31? Seems like just last year he was ROY.
Angel Berroa is outperforming Ransom in Spring thus far
and today Melky shows up…getting interesting
the demise of Melky is a tad premature.
2 for 2 with 2 RBI today.
Melk man is going away quietly.
Melky outperforming Gardner today so far.
RBI single for the Melkman.
**isn’t
it’ll be interesting to see how Girardi makes his decisions this spring. Does he use ST stats or does he rely on what he saw from guys last year? Ransom hit 300 and filling in, How much does that out weigh a ST slump?
One thing I like seeing is Swisher putting wood on the ball this spring. Not striking out much.
Unless we take a 3rd catcher… Melky will still make the team even if Gardner beats him out.
well i guess melky is the future HOF’er now that he went 2 for 2
Berroa is giving Jeter a good battle for the starting shortstop job.
If anything, the Yankees should just have Melky and Brett battle it out in a steel cage match.
“Berroa is giving Jeter a good battle for the starting shortstop job.”
I guess that makes Jeter expendable as well as Wang. =))
Girardi has some tough decisions to make…
Swisher vs. Nady
Gardner vs. Melky
Berroa vs. Ransom
Plus the bullpen competition.
I do think last year’s results will factor into his decision slightly if its close– this is especially true in the pen where guys like Veras and Edwar who earned his trust will have a slight leg up on the other guys.
The other positions will be very interesting. Cashman is going to have a lot of input too considering 40 man considerations, options, and so forth.
wang’s getting a lot of fly ball outs, a little odd, but its his first start in a long time, as long as he’s getting outs and doing it the way he usually does, economically, I’m fine.
Boys looking good today…
Ralphie, I signed up for centsports with ya.
In the case of Swisher/Nady and Melky/Brett… all 4 of those guys will probably make the team anyway, so you can always tell the loser of the competition that they can easily earn their job back. You have options too if the other guy doesn’t perform.
And in the case of Melky/Brett… I think thats the most important thing to them personally. Not whether or not they start, but whether or not they make the team.
Wang’s control off a tad in the 2nd. 11 pitches (5 strikes), 1 hit. Total 23 pitches 13 strikes, 2 soft singles. Not bad at all.
That it for Wang? If so, nice job.
Nice outing for Wang. Looked like that second hit was a bloop single.
Who is better defensively between Ransom and Berroa?
Mark in Tampa
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:43 pm
“Berroa is giving Jeter a good battle for the starting shortstop job.”
I guess that makes Jeter expendable as well as Wang. =))
————————————————————
Package them together for a solid utility infielder.
I’m listening to the game on mlb The Houston announcers. we are lucking to have John & Susan. These two guy are just plain awful
Milo Hamilton is really working it for the Astros.
One inning he’s hawking season ticket plans, this inning he’s pushing the Stros ST gift shop.
Next inning he’ll be out of the both selling popcorn.
Most radio announcers are unbearable unless they are the guys for your team. Radio tends to have more homers than TV, which drives you up the wall if you are for the opposing team. I guess they figure only the hometown fans are listening.
‘Houston RHP LaTroy Hawkins has joined Team USA in place of Joe Nathan.’
Did I read this correctly ?
Just a hunch but I think Swisher will be our starting OF over Nady. I just get that vibe.
I wonder if Berroa brought his ROY award to ST, so Matsui could have a look at what he should have won.
DT
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Milo Hamilton is really working it for the Astros.
One inning he’s hawking season ticket plans, this inning he’s pushing the Stros ST gift shop.
Next inning he’ll be out of the both selling popcorn.
————————————————————
Milo Hamilton has been great forever. He’s been aroung for over 50 years, starting out announcing with the great Bob Elson with the White Sox.
“I wonder if Berroa brought his ROY award to ST, so Matsui could have a look at what he should have won.”
It really annoyed me that the voters chose to consider Matsui an established player in his rookie year, shortly after handing ROY to the 8 (or 9?) time batting champ from Japan.
The team USA pen is nasty– Broxton, Putz, Shields, Thorton, Hawkins
Corey-Nady will start. He had an excellent year last year, and swish had a bad one. It’s a no-brainer. I loved the Nady move, think he’s a classy guy who’ll contribute more than people think.
Milo Hamilton is 81. Amazing.
I knew he’s been around forever, but didn’t realize he was that old.
GB – did you go to school with him?
tomko doing well too…
“I guess that makes Jeter expendable as well as Wang. =))”
I would easily trade Jeter in the right deal. Jeter is going to hurt us more than help us in the future, especially when we are forced to give him a huge ‘true yankee’ deal to keep him until he gets 3000 hits and / or retires.
All the while butchering defensively at short still because we don’t really have anywhere to move him.
I’d trade Wang too, but only in a package for a legit CFer or SS.
good inning for tomko
Mark in Tampa
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:56 pm
“I wonder if Berroa brought his ROY award to ST, so Matsui could have a look at what he should have won.”
It really annoyed me that the voters chose to consider Matsui an established player in his rookie year, shortly after handing ROY to the 8 (or 9?) time batting champ from Japan.
————————————————————
Had two of the writers not have made the stupid remarks about his time in Japan, it wouldn’t have been an issue, because Matsui and Berroa’s numbers were nearly identical. The difference was that Berroa did it as a shortstop.
DT
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Milo Hamilton is 81. Amazing.
I knew he’s been around forever, but didn’t realize he was that old.
GB – did you go to school with him?
————————————————————
Nah, he’s my younger cousin and was a couple of grades behind me.
thanks Steve…good luck
Jerkface it serves you right to have a name like that. Trade away the face of the franchise and your #2 starter for CFer or SS???? Thats just nonsense.
I hate John Sterling. I remember listening to a game vs. the Mets, Yanks down by one. Every ball hit to the outfield: “It is high! It is far! It is…caught at the wall. Wow, how did that not go out?” Drove me bananas. Sterling annoys me.
I love this fast Gameday… I no longer have to keep hitting refresh on this blog every 5 seconds
Berroa goes deep. Jeter turns into Wally Pipp.
Nice Angel-HR
I was thinking the same thing, DT
And Berroa hits a fly ball to deep center field, at the track, at the wall-GONE! Wow, I thought that would stay in…-
John Sterling
Late to the discussion and I do not think he should be traded…but if the Blue Jays put Doc Halladay on the block and wanted Wang, I would listen.
DT
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Berroa goes deep. Jeter turns into Wally Pipp.
————————————————————
Good God…you’re just trying to start a fight. Let’s see how many other rumors we can start to pull in the suckers.
UPDATE, 2:03 p.m.: Striking a blow for senior citizens everywhere, Angel Berroa just homered to center. 5-0 Yankees.
Awww…. Pete giving ya some love GB. Nice to see.
GB – you may be old, but you still have to call Bob Sheppard, sir. Respect your elders.
Is Halladay a free agent at the end of the season? If so, the Yanks should definitely get him…that would just about make them unbeatable.
GB7, Mark in Tampa
Interesting points on both sides of the ‘established foreign player or MLB rookie’ argument. I doubt Matsui himself was ever too concerned about whether he got the rookie of the year award though.
DT
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:08 pm
UPDATE, 2:03 p.m.: Striking a blow for senior citizens everywhere, Angel Berroa just homered to center. 5-0 Yankees.
Awww…. Pete giving ya some love GB. Nice to see.
GB – you may be old, but you still have to call Bob Sheppard, sir. Respect your elders.
————————————————————
I’m not old….just well seasoned. The advantage is, that I got to see some of the all-time greats growing up and into their prime. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
“Jerkface it serves you right to have a name like that. Trade away the face of the franchise and your #2 starter for CFer or SS???? Thats just nonsense”
I said I would trade Wang for a CFer or SS, not BOTH.
A good CFer or a good SS is worth more than a #2 starter. They have far more impact on games and having one who is good offensively and defensively greatly helps the pitching staff.
I would trade Jeter for… maybe anything. Face of the franchise or not he isn’t that good anymore.
Sometimes you have to make tough decisions like that.
Lance Berkman = HOF ?
Yes or No.
Also I hate not being able to edit my previous post but posit this:
Would you trade the Florida Marlins Wang for Hanley Ramirez?
If you hesitate for a moment with this answer your trade discussion priviledges are revoked.
ANSKY
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:11 pm
GB7, Mark in Tampa
Interesting points on both sides of the ‘established foreign player or MLB rookie’ argument. I doubt Matsui himself was ever too concerned about whether he got the rookie of the year award though.
————————————————————
Yeah, I don’t imagine that Matsui ever thinks about anything after the game is over that day, as long as the team wins. He can take consolation in the fact that his career has remained on the same high level as his rookie season.
I can’t believe there is talk in this thread of trading Wang to open up spots for the amazing wonder prospects on the horizon.
I swear, some of you fans make fans like me who like to see the NY Yankees win HATE prospects with all the clamoring and projecting and fantasizing of what these little acorns are going to turn out to be.
You all should quit your jobs and go work in a greenhouse since you are so hell bent on seeing seeds turn into plants.
Wang is now our #3 starter which is an amazing place for him to be. If Joba continues to develop Wang could be a #4 starter in a few years with #1 stuff.
Stop worrying about Brackman and Betances and Phil Hughes for awhile and enjoy the team that is going to NY.
If any of your seedlings happen to make it the big club great. That means they were needed and hopefully earned it.
But talking about trading one of the better starters in baseball (outside of the 2007 post season) so we can open spots for unproven unready prospects is just dumb.
ANSKY,
Good point. If I was Matsui, I would have felt awkward getting the award. Maybe even insulted that I got the award because the only league I played in previously was considered inferior. But, I would have been happy to take any bonus money that came with it.
“Lance Berkman = HOF ?
Yes or No.”
Absolutely not good player with solid numbers but no rings, no MVP’s and not enough numbers.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=3941742
Good article on Yuri Sucart, and why labeling him Alex’s “drug mule,” while technically true, is misleading in it’s characterization of the two men’s relationship. That he’s been ordered to stay away from MLB property is nothing more than blame-shifting things to a guy who has been nothing but loyal to his family.
That it why Damon cannot play CF he literally hurts the team with his arm.
Jerkface,
Hanley Ramirez is not a “good” SS though, he is the best SS in baseball.
Why the Jeter hate though, he still managed to hit .300 last year?
“Would you trade the Florida Marlins Wang for Hanley Ramirez?”
In a NY minute. However Florida knows better because Wang is closer to arbitration. They would never trade Hanley he is all-world, Wang is a very good pitcher but is he great? Ramirez is GREAT.
DT
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Lance Berkman = HOF ?
Yes or No.
————————————————————
Another three-four years at his career averages, and, he’ll be right there with Jeff Bagwell’s numbers. It’ll be close.
Good job by Tomko getting out of that only allowing 1 run (and if Damon had an arm, it may not even have been that).
So far, he has show by far the most of the long-men candidates.
It’s been said before ( when Cashman signed him ) Angel Berroa is going to be worth his weight in gold ….
well he’s certainly going to worth more than ransom…
“you can’t just bench Nady coming off a .305/25/97 year going into his contract year”
yes you can.
“It’s been said before ( when Cashman signed him ) Angel Berroa is going to be worth his weight in gold”
and Tomko, also
Nady only hit 260 with us. he wont hit close to 300 next year.
268
Berroa weighs 175 lb.
If he’s worth his weight in gold, I say we kidnap him and hold him for Ransom.
have you seen gold prices lately?
Billy Traber pitching to Justin Christian in the Boston/Baltimore game
DT
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Berroa weighs 175 lb.
If he’s worth his weight in gold, I say we kidnap him and hold him for Ransom.
have you seen gold prices lately?
————————————————————
Certainly makes more sense that holding Ransom for Berroa.
“Would you trade the Florida Marlins Wang for Hanley Ramirez?
If you hesitate for a moment with this answer your trade discussion priviledges are revoked”
yes. In 0.5 seconds
Wang is all-conference. Hanley Ramirez is all-world.
“Nady only hit 260 with us. he wont hit close to 300 next year”
word to your mother
If the Yankees could only play 5 inning ST games – they would never lose.
Dispite the homer that Claggett allowed, he and Whelen will produce more than Sanchez will. Claggett and Whelen are good.
“Billy Traber pitching to Justin Christian in the Boston/Baltimore game”
I like Justin Christian
So Gameday is back to half inning updates?
***Despite*** the homer
Never could spell that word.
vinny-b – Christian “won” the battle and hit a double…ended up scoring the second run of the inning
ugh gameday was doing so good, now its back to sucking.
gameday link please?
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday.....b_houmlb_1
I don’t know if anyone is listening to Michael Kay, but he was pretty interesting: he went off on a complete rant against the WBC for all of the usual reasons and I completely agree. The biggest reason is fear of injuries and the fact that you really can’t trust, for instance, the USA team’s staff to treat Jeter as well/cautiously as the Yankees’ own staff would. David Lennon of Newsday was on and at the end blabbed on about how Cynthia brought Alex’s two daughters and how Alex took the girls onto the field for a photo opp. The guy made a big stinking deal out of nothing – Alex is divorced and doesn’t live with his daughters. Gee Dave, think maybe Alex just wanted to see them?
That led into Kay talking about his interview with Alex on Saturday which will air at some point on YES. He said that Alex was very honest – in fact, that he came out and said that he has accepted the fact that people don’t like him, for whatever reason. He just cares now about whether his teammates like him. I think that’s a great sign – now Alex doesn’t have to worry about pleasing people. Kay said that Alex comes off well in this interview…….I’m actually looking forward to seeing it.
Claggett back out for another inning.
Peter, Angel Berroa is 31 correct? How is he a senior citizen? Or am I missing an inside joke…
“Christian “won” the battle and hit a double…ended up scoring the second run of the inning”
Rishi: thank you, for the word
Well, luckily Wang wouldn’t be coveted by Toronto, the Marlins, or even the A’s.
It’s not that he’s not a primo pitcher. He is. But he’ll be drawing some serious payroll soon. Not exactly what teams are looking for when they want to trade away Halladay or Ramirez.
Betsy
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:44 pm
I don’t know if anyone is listening to Michael Kay, but he was pretty interesting: he went off on a complete rant against the WBC for all of the usual reasons and I completely agree. The biggest reason is fear of injuries and the fact that you really can’t trust, for instance, the USA team’s staff to treat Jeter as well/cautiously as the Yankees’ own staff would. David Lennon of Newsday was on and at the end blabbed on about how Cynthia brought Alex’s two daughters and how Alex took the girls onto the field for a photo opp. The guy made a big stinking deal out of nothing – Alex is divorced and doesn’t live with his daughters. Gee Dave, think maybe Alex just wanted to see them?
————————————————————
Apparently, Lennon’s not aware that people don’t normally divorce their kids when they divorce their spouses.
Pete said that Angel looks like hes 50. He is now continuing on with that joke.
Chris,
pete says that he looks like he’s 50, hence the senior citizen jokes lol
Chris,
pete says that he looks like he’s 50, hence the senior citizen jokes lol
the contstant complaining/whining, regarding the WBC really gets tired.
would understand, if the WBC were an annual event. However, it is only once every 4 years. Big deal
What happens if Hughes has a better spring than Joba?
The WBC is every 3 years, no? It’s every 3 years because people can’t wait 4. It’s that exciting!!!
“David Lennon of Newsday was on and at the end blabbed on about how Cynthia brought Alex’s two daughters and how Alex took the girls onto the field for a photo opp. The guy made a big stinking deal out of nothing – Alex is divorced and doesn’t live with his daughters. Gee Dave, think maybe Alex just wanted to see them?”
Geez. Now people are questioning what he does with his kids? You can say whatever you want about the guy but hes allowed to see his children journalists should never concern themselves with an athletes family life, leave that garbage to TMZ.
The Astros still have Erstad playing in the 7th inning?
did he break curfew or something?..haha
maybe it’s a “must” win for Houston.
Berroa and Tomko are the kind of blue-collar players who contribute on championship calibur teams
What happens if Hughes has a better spring than Joba?
Hughes goes to Scranton and Joba is the fifth starter.
Joba isn’t fighting for a job. He already is in the rotation. There is no competition between Hughes and Joba for that spot.
Start the WBC in November: crisis averted.
Get rid of the WBC: problem solved.
GB, I suppose he was complaining that Alex was using his girls…..like “ooh, come on kids, let the media take your pics with daddy”……Kay couldn’t believe it either and made the point that Alex just doesn’t get it. I don’t get it either, lol – it’s like a pavlovian reaction to anything Alex does. Sad.
Berroa is a keeper, might be the best utility player since Vizciano, or Soto…..Tomko is audtioning for a team after he gets cut or reassigned
Alex wants to be seen, thats why he does things like that
SJ, I meant to thank you about your earlier response to me about whether the team would have enough time to mesh on-field after the WBC………
Hughes is going to pitch tomorrow against the USA team – that will be interesting. I know it shouldn’t matter, but I hope he does pretty well……I thought he looked good his first time out. If Phil is just allowed to pitch every 5th day in AAA (no calling him up one spot start here and there), he’s going to be just fine. That will really be the best thing for him and will serve him well in the future. He can work on his FB command, consistency with secondary pitches, etc…..
Do we say the same thing when countless other players are photographed with their children on the field…GMAB
At this point, the media has already staked its position with Alex. Its not going to change. Some of that is Alex’s fault and some of it is the media’s fault.
They will follow him around all season and report on it the way they choose.
If he is with his daughters, he’s “using them”.
If he is with his cousin, he’s “buying drugs”.
If he is by himself, “his teammates hate him”.
It is what it is.
All that matters is that he plays well.
Personally, I think he is going to have a monster season.
He’s like Reggie in the sense that he has a certain love for this kind of attention. Sounds crazy but, its true.
In the end, it won’t affect his play one bit and that’s all that matters.
Right Tom – he’s not allowed to see his daughters, check out the practice field, etc……He should just remain in a bunker.
“Start the WBC in November: crisis averted. Get rid of the WBC: problem solved”
there is no crisis regarding the WBC. Some people (particularly those outside this country) even love it.
Betsy
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:05 pm
GB, I suppose he was complaining that Alex was using his girls…..like “ooh, come on kids, let the media take your pics with daddy”……Kay couldn’t believe it either and made the point that Alex just doesn’t get it. I don’t get it either, lol – it’s like a pavlovian reaction to anything Alex does. Sad.
————————————————————
I wonder what reason Girardi has or having his kids in the clubhouse, his son in uniform and a playroom for his kids at the new park? Maybe he’s trying to get the writers to think he’s a nice guy, and all the time, Girardi’s lying to the press. It seems to work. Will Sabathia be the next phoney for using his kids as a prop?
You’re probably right, SJ….if Alex has accepted this stuff (like Kay said he did with people just not liking him), then yes……I think he’s going to have a huge season. I do think his teammates like him, even if they do think he’s a diva or if they do get annoyed at some of his distractions. It’s not a black and white kind of thing – be a perfect person and we like you, say/do something wrong, we don’t.
Alex aside, ST is tough on the media. A lot of it is boring and there are only so many stories you can write.
Its a time for optimism and, at least from the NY media’s standpoint, optimism isn’t really on the agenda.
If Posada’s shoulder is sore, its about to be amputated.
Same for Santana’s elbow.
Sheer, abject panic is often the order of the day.
All you have to do is listen to sports radio and you will see the audience a lot of these guys attract. Basically, the hysterical, moron sports fan.
Its why Pete’s blog took off. A forum was created to actually have intelligent baseball talk. Pete also contributes in a positive way by covering the team right down to the prospects. You don’t see that with the other papers.
Doesn’t mean everybody agrees all the time. The discussions however are at least better than most of the swill on talk radio and in the other papers/forums.
“He’s like Reggie in the sense that he has a certain love for this kind of attention. Sounds crazy but, its true”
SJ44:
I don’t doubt you. And yes, it does sound crazy. Cuz, Arod is the type of person, who can least afford this type of ‘attention’
Alex is held to a different standard, whether thats fair or unfair is not the point. Why do you guys continue to consume yourself in his live and how the world perceives him?
The only thing people should be concerned about is whether he hits or not, not how the media reacts to his personal life. Thats why they write and say provoking things like that… they know it will get a large segment of the fans riled up.
You guys complain about the media and how you will ignore them, yet you take the bait time after time, just as they want you to.
SJ44, Good to have you back as you lend a sense of sanity to the site…Your nephew is playing lights out…Seems as though he’s feeling comfortable and as you know tha’s key….What’s the current crop of cather’s nationwide looking like ???
I gave Gameday too much credit earlier
*Alex wants to be seen, thats why he does things like that.*
================
http://www.newsday.com/media/p.....093514.jpg
http://www.newsday.com/media/p.....093516.jpg
Ugh…could you believe how starved for attention this guy is?!
Truly despicable.
I think it is pretty obvious that A-Rod LOVES attention, as negative as it may be. He is a narcissist. Nothing wrong with that, thats his personality. As a result, he shouldn’t be offended when the media over-analyzes every action of his. He brings it on himself and does things that are not normal.
But that’s fine, its his life. As long as he plays well for us, thats all that matters.
it is wonderful to know, many high school baseball teams, are switching to wood bats.
per Francessa show
“Right Tom – he’s not allowed to see his daughters, check out the practice field, etc……He should just remain in a bunker.”
Some people would like it if Alex only appeared when he was coming to bat then disappear like a mythical creature only regenerating when his bat is needed, its not like any other players bring their kids to the ballpark.
Betsy,
Most of the media’s problems with Alex are twofold.
One, Alex himself. His lack of social skills has put off a lot of the guys in the media. Forget the Lupica’s and Madden’s of the world. I am talking about guys who are much fairer in their dealings such as Pete, Feinsand and Kepner. Its unnecessary on Alex’s part and I have no idea why he acts the way he acts. Bottom line though, its oft-putting and guys will make you pay for it when things go awry.
The second part of it is, there are some members of the media who are so high on their own vapors they want Alex to act the way THEY want him to act.
Any deviation from that and its payback time.
Take Cousin Yuri for example. If you read some of these guys, you would think he was Pablo Escobar.
Should Alex have Yuri around the locker room right now? Probably not. Is Yuri Public Enemy #1? No.
He’s about the most loyal person in Alex’s life. Yuri only did what Alex told him to do. Blaming him for what happened is stupid.
If Alex cut him off, he would get ripped to no end by the same media who ripped him about having Yuri around.
For appearances sake, which is really at its about, not having Yuri around the team is probably best.
Calling him a “drug mule”, IMO, was over the top and unnecessary.
I don’t like ignoring stupidity, ignorance or double standards from people in a position of power and/or influence. I’d rather call them on it.
And honestly the more he does that sends people into a tizzy over the smallest thing the more I’m amused by it all.
At a certain point, how you treat and what you think of someone says more about you than it does about the person you’re judging.
I still worry about Ms. Roberts book.
The media will eat that tabloid stuff up.
Most fans care about what Arod does on the field. Between the lines.
Did he chase Jose’s wife? Does he like weight-lifting women?
Did he dress up like Little Bo Peep for Halloween?
Who cares? The fans care about the strike out with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 9th.
But the media cares. It sells papers.
The media spurs what the talk shows gab about.
Until the next TMZ tabloid event comes along….
I think Michael Kay has a lot to say for a guy who made a career welching off of John Sterling. He wears his Jeter fanboy attitude on his sleeve I’ll tell you what.
“The second part of it is, there are some members of the media who are so high on their own vapors they want Alex to act the way THEY want him to act.
Any deviation from that and its payback time.”
Those are the ones I don’t like.
And I honestly believe those guys write for the broke, bitter fan who resents these athletes as well.
DT,
That Roberts book is going to cause an absolute circus.
Pat M,
Thanks. Between hustling back and forth to NYC for business and heading to DeLand and Fort Myers to see my nephew play, its been crazy.
8 games, 15-36 (.444) 2 HR, and 9 RBI. Only 1 error and has thrown out all 4 guys who have tried to steal so far.
The Angels, Rays, Yankees and Red Sox have filmed every AB during the Fort Myers trip.
The overall outlook for catchers in the draft this year is weak. There are 2 HS kids, one is California and one in Georgia, who are supposed to be good.
The Stock kid from USC was supposed to be the top rated college catcher. My nephew outplayed him by a wide margin in the Cape last summer.
We’ve had a lot of encouraging reports from teams thus far.
But, as you know, the process is just starting. We have a LONG way to go.
Apparently the rest of the Roberts book is filler. Obviously she will say there is “alot” more info but that is probably bull. I suspect the rest of it to be one big personal attack and questions about Madonna, his sex-life etc. Basically paparazzi caliber journalism.
If you are interested in the ST game –
Kontos is letting the Stros back in the game.
5-4 Yanks. 1st and 3rd one out for Houston.
At the plate….. Aaron Boone!
Francesa still talking about bats.
Our hot pitching prospects have been giving it up late in games evry day.
Boone pops up. Next dude gets a single. Then 3rd out.
5-5 going into the 9th. If this goes extra innings, you’ll be able to hear Pete groan all the way from Florida to NY.
tishbi
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Our hot pitching prospects have been giving it up late in games evry day.
————————————————————
Hard to believe that Single and Double A pitchers getting hit by mostly major league batters.
Most spring training games are called after 9.
SJ I live in Agoura Hills Ca.. Stock went to the local high school. man I bet he regrets not going pro!!
He wnet to USC after his JR yr in high school so he could get drafted after 3 yrs in college I think..I guess he is doing OK at USC but not matt dominguez and mike moustakas good. they are from chatsworth about 12 miles from here…
Cutter Dykstra is from the next town over…
SJ, The Angels are very concerned about their # 1 pick from 06 (?)catcher Hank congers who has been injuried on and off and though he posted insane numbers at A Rancho Cocamunga, hes fallen behind in his development….Are the Eagles making a trip to Southern Ca. at all this season ??? Hope for an injury free season for him, man good hitting catchers are a valuablr commodity…Are you going to rep him when that time occurs ???
Green Beret- late in games its our A/AA guys against thier A/AA guys, and were not matching up.
cant wait to see the game tomaroww thats gonna b crazy seen jeter playin against his own team
This stinks when did we become the Mets 4 consecutive pen meltdowns.
i think everybody here knows i have very strong feelings about arod, but i have refrained from commenting much about him since the day after the press conference.
but micro analyzing him playing with his kids is bordering on obsession. it is not germain to steroids, baseball, the yankees or the media’s relationship with alex.
its a father playing with his kids.
i say hands off for both the people who want to rip him and the people who want to praise him.
Did the font change for anybody else?
Russo, the supposed “hitman” cant buy a hit.
Pel – Yes.
Al,
The pen has been awful in the spring thus far
we’ve had leads in all these games and blown every single one of them
Pat M,
No, They aren’t making any West Coast trips this year.
I’m not repping him. I am going to be involved with the advisors who will rep him.
My philosophy is, when you represent family, only bad things can happen.
I’ll be in the room for the strategy/negotiations but, I’ll leave it to the guys I’m bringing in. They are one of the best firms in the business.
Pel -
Font changed for me as well.
None of our prospects have distinguished themselves so far in ST.
None of our prospects have distinguished themselves so far in ST.
two other things about what i read.
first they did the wbc in 2006 intending for it to be every 4 years, but then decided to shift this one to this year so the tournament would be in non-olympic years.
second, if hughes outpitches joba it means nothing. joba is not in ST to try out so as long as he’s healthy, he’ll be in the rotation when they break camp. as for huhges, barring an injury to one of the starting 5 (and maybe even with one), he will be in scranton.
Stop fretting over results of ST games. Its just about guys getting their work in. Its not about results, especially this early in the spring.
“I think the biggest thing that has brought my personality back out is a true testament to the way these guys have welcomed me in,” Swisher said. “That makes you feel so good, especially a team as historic as the New York Yankees.
“The way these guys welcomed in a nobody like me, I feel like I can really be myself and I don’t have to walk on eggshells. I’m back to having that fire and that passion for this game.”
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com.....8;c_id=nyy
SJ -
Good to hear your nephew is raking. Hopefully he can keep it up and his talent/approach impresses the scouts as well. Sounds like he’s getting it done at the plate AND behind it. Does he have a set range he’d have to get drafted in to leave BC? Or more like a set $ figure?
1st and 3d for the stros in the bottom of the 9th
9 inning tie game. Extra innings?
Man, this is annoying – these kids stink. I know they are not making the team, but they are really showing nothing……
im pretty addicted to the yankees and baseball and i play fantasy baseball and even i dont give a crap about ST performance. the only thing i pay attention to is who’s starting for who where. nothing means any less than ST results and im talking about hitting as well as pitching.
being a ST hero or goat almost never carries over into the regular season.
health is all that matters now.
Its a final 5-5
“Stop fretting over results of ST games. Its just about guys getting their work in. Its not about results, especially this early in the spring.”
Its not the losses that matter its the way were losing. 4 consecutive blown games! If this was the regular season have of us would be on the ledge. But seriously isnt our pen highly touted and our prospects lights-out? It doesnt seem like it so far.
I know its only Spring Training… but losing 4 consecutive games in the late innings by the bullpen is kind of deflating.
A tie!
Obviously this game doesn’t determine World Series home field advantage.
Francessa talking to Jets Tannenbaum about wood bats
Well atleast we didn’t lose
We didn’t win, but we didn’t lose either.
Ham- nobody is frustrated about the ST losses, its just that we expected to see more from the kids and they havent shown anything so far.
Amen, Ham, Amen. That’s why it’s bothersome that our CF situation may decided by ST results. I guess there’s just not a better way to do it, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the winner out of the spring isn’t replaced by the loser at some point during the season.
Kontos seems to be a carbon-copy of Ohlendorf… nasty, strikeout stuff but spotty control and even worse mental makeup/mound temperament— can’t come through in big spots and seems to ‘lose it’ at random times on the mound.
Al,
Relax, it doesn’t mean anything. Pitchers aren’t even throwing all of their pitches right now. How do you evalute things when guys aren’t even throwing their entire arsonal yet? Its a non-issue.
If people want to freak out over it, by my guest. Just means you don’t understand the game.
There is NOTHING deflating about ST losses. Nobody connected with the team cares about the results. Its about getting in your work and staying healthy.
Don’t worry about ST.
“Unless you are playing Boston, Tampa, NY Mets – or the game is being televised back to NY” – George S.
yawn….im so tired of hearing whining about ST….
SJ44
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Stop fretting over results of ST games. Its just about guys getting their work in. Its not about results, especially this early in the spring.
————————————————————
I remember back in ’66 or ’67 when NYY had something like a 24-5 spring record and then proceded to have the worst season in their history….and years when they had ugly springs…we’re talking 8-10 wins and went on to win everything. I only hope for ST where everybody ends it healthy. It means more to the rookies and old vets hanging on and trying to win spots. Even George Steinbrenner quit screaming about losses in ST…unless it was against the Mets or Boston.
ST results are only meaningless if you have a guaranteed starting job.
I doubt Swisher, Nady, Gardner, Melky, Veras, Albaladejo, Robertson, Tomko, Aceves, Giese, Melancon, Berroa, Ransom, Edwar, Coke etc. think that it is meaningless.
“Kontos seems to be a carbon-copy of Ohlendorf… nasty, strikeout stuff but spotty control and even worse mental makeup/mound temperament—- can’t come through in big spots and seems to ‘lose it’ at random times on the mound.”
please tell me your not basing this on 2 games
SJ, I guess you’d know more about Alex behind the scenes – the fact is, though, the media is still supposed to be objective. Kepner, Feinsand, etc…. – it’s fine if they dislike Alex, but to let it creep into their reporting is unprofessional.
Sheesh – again, I know these kids are not making the team, but can they show any ability? Even the guys competing for spots have sucked 1/2 the time…It’s just a tad frustating.
I like the new font…
Smart move SJ….Is it a requirement here to over react and over value early Spring Training games ?? Under normal circustances, pitchers are throwing bp or throwing in inrasquad games right about now….Wait until March 17th to offer an opinion on how players are performing…..
Pretty solid scouting report on Kontos.
You really think ST represents “big” spots that would make him “lose it” on the mound?
Stick to fantasy baseball because your evaluation skills on players leave a lot to be desired.
We go through this every year on this blog. People say, ST doesn’t matter, and they go off the ledge when the team doesn’t win or a guy gets hit hard.
It never fails.
Pretty solid scouting report on Kontos.
You really think ST represents “big” spots that would make him “lose it” on the mound?
Stick to fantasy baseball because your evaluation skills on players leave a lot to be desired.
We go through this every year on this blog. People say, ST doesn’t matter, and they go off the ledge when the team doesn’t win or a guy gets hit hard.
It never fails.
New font-me like
LOL SJ I know you’re right, but I’m a natural worrier. Also, people are frustrated because a Kontos is supposed to have some talent and he’s getting smacked around. You always want to see your prospects showing SOMETHING…..
Ok, I know there WERE positives today: Swish taking another 0-2 count and working it for a walk, Wang pitching fine, Tomko looking fine, Jorge (not sure how his shoulder feels about now, though) still smacking the ball………..Maybe if we concentrate on those things, we’ll feel better. Yesterday’s pitching stank, but the small ball by the Yanks was beautiul – more positives. When is the last time we saw two successful bunts in one inning, never mind a sacrifice fly?
Taiwan is in love with Yankees because of Wang. So maybe Yankee will weigh up on the economy side of things and sign Wang long term.. Anyway, just a thought.
It’s not like these guys are 18 yr old single A pitchers facing Major League stars.
These are AA-AAA pitchers facing fellow AA-AAA hitters (no team leaves their ML starters in the game past the 5th inning). So the talent level is equal.
So it’s not like these guys are overmatched, level-wise. They are facing guys they SHOULD get out otherwise they wouldn’t be here with the team. Did Girardi really bring these guys to pitch if he thought they would get tattooed and be overmatched?
Derek Jeter = Barry Larkin
Jeter is not going anywhere. We have to live with it.
I like the new font too – it’s what I use at work
Also, I think Berroa had a couple of hits as well….
yeah, im uncomfortable going into ST with gardner/melky but there didnt seem to be any good alternatives available. to be honest, what melky does is pretty irrelevant, whats going on is they are giving gardner all of ST to convince them that he can hold the job. i think both are going north anyway.
as for the other guys, results arent going to be the deciding factor for those guys either, options, roster space, starting the arbitration clock, etc are all going to figure into who goes north in the BP.
Tomorrow’s game will be fun, and it’s not an ‘official’ game so if we lose, it won’t count in the standings! Same with the Team Canada game on Thursday.
who goes north in april
The first few outings for pitchers in the spring is about building arm strength. The results don’t matter.
Most are not even throwing all of their pitches yet. Their velocity isn’t what it will be later in the spring.
I know some of you are new to the game and don’t understand the nuances of it. However, when it comes to ST and pitchers, the most important thing, more important than results, is getting your work in and building arm strength.
If pitchers do that, they accomplish their goals for the spring.
George Kontos, whether he is perfect or terrible, is going to start the year in AA this year. That means, his job is to get himself ready for his season.
What he does in the season, not in the spring, will determine his future as a prospect.
Obviously ST is not to be losing sleep over. However the other teams pitchers are just as out of practice as ours and they havent blown huge leads 4 games in a row, just sayin’. Its early but I was expecting our kids to be at least even if not better than other teams pitchers.
Right now
Swisher is ahead of Nady
Gardner is SLIGHTLY ahead of Melky
Berroa is clearly ahead of Ransom
The Bullpen guys are all even— as they have all looked pretty shaky. No one has yet to step up and establish themselves so nobody has lost ground, or gained any.
Only March 2nd though
Al,
Agree 100%. The Red Sox and Mets pitching has looked great. Why are our pitchers the only ones who look inept thus far?
Girardi should use Mariano for 6 out saves this Spring so we can pick up some wins!!
I did like the way De La Rosa handled the middle of the Houston order in Berkman, Lee, Pence and Erstad (striking out Erstad). Not bad for a Single A pitcher with a year and a half of experience as a pitcher. Control was off a little, but, he’s going to be good….either as a starter or in the bullpen. I still wish the Yanks had brought Jonathan Ortiz to camp.
Our pitching sucks. We suck.
I see some are in mid-season form on the blog.
March 2 and panic has set in.
Why are the Red Sox and Mets pitching looking so great? Well, it must be that Cashman has no idea what he is doing.
Then again, since we haven’t seen Sabathia, Burnett, Pettitte and Wang just started out today, its certainly smart to panic and worry over the pitching staff on March 2, isn’t it?
lol I agree Weather Man.
No worries guys…It’s March 2nd, nobody cares about garbage time runs on March 2nd. The pen will be a strength of this team, especially with Girardi running the team spreading the workload around.
“Al,
Agree 100%. The Red Sox and Mets pitching has looked great. Why are our pitchers the only ones who look inept thus far?”
I just hope this is an aberration and our pitching steps up, big time. Can’t wait til CC gets on the hill!
Never ceases to amaze me.
So because of two or three meaningless spring training games the Yankees are in the tank this season? Thanks for letting me know.
Folks, spring training – especially the early part – is for getting the kinks out, so to speak. Pitchers get in a couple of innings, try to harness their offspeed stuff, etc. Sometimes it can turn into batting practice. So be it.
Take Joba for instance. It was clear he wasn’t going full bore in his first start. Why should the team want him touching 95 or up in his first start?
Is anyone actually watching these games? Did you really think something was wrong with Chamberlain’s arm the other day when he was hitting 88 to 90 on the gun? Really? Just stop it.
The team will be fine. As long as injuries don’t pop up as often as they did last year, the team is more than set up to compete for the division crown.
“I see some are in mid-season form on the blog”
SJ: it is good to see you : )
Sorry Vinny but, whining about ST brings out the worst in me.
Its dumb. There is no other way to say it.
These games are meaningless. For pitchers, its about building arm strength one outing at a time. Its not about winning.
Everything about ST games are run differently from regular season games which is why drawing conclusions from them are fools gold.
Right now on the MLB network there doing highlights of World Series…Right now is the 59 series, then the Yanks / Reds from 61 then Yanks / Dodgers from 63….If anyone wants to see Sandy Koufax check out the 63 series…My first time to a World Series was Game 1 of the 63 series…Koufax whiffed 15 Yankees on their way to sweeping the Bombers….Yanks featured Ford, Downing , Bouton ( both very young and very good )..Ford throws a 2 hitter I think in Game 4 and looses to Koufax again…..It was then that I understood that good pitching beats good hitting….The Yanks had a great hitting team in 63…Moose Skowran was now the Dodgers 1b man….GB, I hope you’re out there and get this in time…..
I just watched the 59 WS on tape – and I’m going to be watching the 57 and 58 WS as well. I tape all these WS highlight shows – I just can’t get enough of theme.
PAT M.
March 2nd, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Right now on the MLB network there doing highlights of World Series…Right now is the 59 series, then the Yanks / Reds from 61 then Yanks / Dodgers from 63….If anyone wants to see Sandy Koufax check out the 63 series…My first time to a World Series was Game 1 of the 63 series…Koufax whiffed 15 Yankees on their way to sweeping the Bombers….Yanks featured Ford, Downing , Bouton ( both very young and very good )..Ford throws a 2 hitter I think in Game 4 and looses to Koufax again…..It was then that I understood that good pitching beats good hitting….The Yanks had a great hitting team in 63…Moose Skowran was now the Dodgers 1b man….GB, I hope you’re out there and get this in time…..
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Yeah, watching it, now. If I had not been in class during the first game of the ’63 Series, I would have cried. Mantle got a little revenge in game 4, though with an absolute rocket into the center field bleachers at Dodger Stadium. Damned Frank Howard, anyway.
That Skowren for Stan Williams trade really didn’t help either team during the season, but, to nobody’s surprise, Skowren came up big in the Series.
Berroa is 30 years old. If he’s a senior citizen, what are you?