Joba will answer your questions
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- March
- 16
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We are pleased to announce that Joba Chamberlain has agreed to answer questions from readers of the LoHud Yankees Blog and The Journal News.
Here is how it works: You have until Wednesday at 6 p.m. to submit one question via e-mail. I will pick the 10 best questions and ask them to Joba later this week.
The answers — and audio — will appear on the blog later this week, probably on Saturday morning.
(Be advised, I will not ask him the reliever/starter question. It’s pointless at this stage.)
Only questions submitted via e-mail will be accepted. One per person. The answers will appear exclusively on this blog.
In previous years, we’ve had reader Q&As with:
and Jason Giambi
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LoHud.com is running a NCAA pool contest. If you can pick a perfect bracket, you can win $100 million. Sure, perfect bracket, piece of cake.
We are giving away a La-Z-Boy Recliner each week. To enter, all you have to do is answer the weekly poll question below and pick the recliner you want to win. The winner will be randomly selected at the end of each week.
Meanwhile, two readers have formed pools for your amusement. Go to the LoHud Yankees Blog pool on Yahoo.com.
Click “join existing group” and put in this info:
Group ID: 8523
Password: smooch
You’ll need to be signed up for a Yahoo account if you don’t already have one. It takes a minute if you don’t have one.
There’s a second Yahoo group as well. The Yankees Lohud Blog group ID is 76489. The password: yankees.
This entry was posted
on Monday, March 16th, 2009 at 5:55 pm by Peter Abraham.
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Sam Borden
Question cannot be submitted here. Only via e-mail.
Thanks, Pete. Going to put on my thinking cap. The one with the interlocking NY logo on it.
Joba: what do you think of the rule that mandates question submissions via email and not the blog itself?
See you later.
Thanks for the pool info. I’m gonna take my best guesstimate and give it a try.
Question for Yankee season ticket holders: Does anyone know when the Partial Plan pre-sale is taking place? Your password can be found in your Yankees Account,but like they did with ticket relocations,did not send out an e-mail with any info.
Thanks!
Joba,
How do feel about not being eligible for the Warren Spahn Award? Would you consider pitching as a lefty?
Love the strip club ads.
Joba – What are your thoughts on pitching the 8th inning and taking over for Mariano?
http://bleacherreport.com/arti.....re-preview
It would be very tempting to want to ask Joba if he thought Mariano should be a starter…
… but I won’t.
Joba:
How many idiots will ask their question here?
Well being that Cashman reads this blog, maybe he can relay this question for me. Joba, how do you feel about the “Generation Trey” nickname going up in flames? Are you going to ask for any percentage of profits for either Nick in sf duo nicknames or my “and then there was one” “the one” “Numero Uno” and many more.
“We are giving away a La-Z-Boy Recliner each week.”
Surely there’s a Carl Pavano joke somewhere in here…
Darkmoonfire: LOL, that’s classic. Maybe Pete could throw that in as a witty extra after the 10 more serious questions are answered? I would love to hear how Joba would react to that one!
Oh yeah, one more question to relay for me Cashman. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Rishi,
Thanks for that preview. Even if our bullpen is “a little thin” we’ve got some good reinforcements.
And lose to the Sox in the CS? I don’t know about that one. We play Boston very well.
Sheesh – don’t expect Ken Davidoff to say good things about the Yankees when he does his 2009 season preview. I just read the transcript of his chat and basically he said the Yankees have serious questions with age, defense and their manager. This was in response to a Met fan (since it was a Met/Yankee chat – which ended up being 90% Met) who said the Yankees will not approach 90 wins in the AL East (or something like that). It’s amazing to me that Joe makes an effort to be better with the media and some folks just won’t give him another chance. Of course with Davidoff, he actually thinks Joe is a pretty mediocre on-field manager, so it’s different with him. He doesn’t like Joe and he doesn’t like Cash(he dislikes the moves the Yankees made this winter) – it’s just hard reading this guy.
Davidoff grew up a Yankees fan, FYI (he’s said that numerous times). He’s just trying to be objective.
Drive 4-5… this i from Pete’s post from a couple of days ago…
“Prior to the public on-sale, all Yankees Premium, Full-Season and 41-Game Ticket Licensees will be able to purchase individual-game tickets, online only, via a pre-on-sale on Thursday, March 19. On the following day, Friday, March 20, all other Partial Plan Licensees (of 20-, 15-, 12- and 11-Game Plans) will be permitted to purchase individual-game tickets online only as well.”
So either Thursday or Friday depending on your plan…not sure what time though.
“he dislikes the moves the Yankees made this winter”
Do you blame him? I mean we only got 3 of the top 4 free agents this winter. Why not the fourth? Did I forget to mention one of the most versatile bench guys for a strikeout king riding the bench.
All I here is how the bosox got the highest upside low risk players and we got the opposite. Im getting tired of listening to all this hate. If I was Cash and the Steins, I would threaten to take the team to Japan and have them play there if this bias crap doesnt get fixed. What would the MLB be without the Yanks? I hope Pete likes Japanese food.
Jack, objective is fine…….but SERIOUS problems? He’s entitled to his opinion, though I think he’s way too negative.
Davidoff says quite a few good things about the Yanks. He’s said a number of times that he thinks they are still one of the two best teams in baseball.
He’s far more accurate and knowledgeable than many of his colleagues like King, Sherman, Madden, etc, etc.
Pete, weren’t you looking at getting A-Rod to do one of these last year? It looks like the fan-favorite friendly Yanks jump all over this & love the questions, so I could see him saying “no” … lol
Ill think of a question & email it to you. There was a great short Q&A with Joba in the new Maxim if anyone was interested, check it out. I just got mine in the mail today.
Hey does anyone know who will be pitching Thursday against the Jays? I am going over to Tampa for the game and was just curious.
Drive us partials go THIS Friday have noit found a place where they tell you the time yet though. In the past it has been 10AM. DId you see that a lot of people who rejected their initial assigment and were assigned weekday plans got weekend plans when they went back in the pool?
Joba gets interviews in Maxim? Dayum, he really is a rock star!
Also, I hope the writer who said our bullpen was “a little thin” wasnt taking shots at Edwar!
Davidoff loved the Swisher move and even said the CC move was necessary. He didn’t like the Burnett move (and lets be real– it is a questionable signing), 3 years for Marte, and thought signing Teixeria was over-kill (he thought the offense was good enough).
He also thinks these are not wise investments for the long term and hinders our future flexibility, which is 100% correct. In 5 years, we will have a 36 yr old Burnett, 34 yr old CC, 39 yr old A-Rod, 34 yr old Teixeria… all on the downsides making enormous money. That’s a fact. And we are one of the oldest teams in the league (and brittle in many areas) and finished at the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency for years. Overall, other writers said much worse than Ken did. He’s just providing a realistic out look.
I don’t think his problem is being Anti-Yankee as he is pro anything Red Sox/Theo, thinking they can do no wrong. Then again, winning 2 titles in 4 years does give you immense credibility. But he takes it too far. IMO. He’s still a very good writer.
56Bomber,
Thanks for the info. I’ve been out of the baseball loop for over a week.
Joba has become an overnight celebrity. He’s going to be one of the faces of the team for a long time
Eh, who cares what these guys think? As a fan, I’m very confident in the abilities of the guys we have. It’s just a matter of the rotation, bullpen, bats, and gloves being on the same page for more than 2/3 of the season.
The players are probably jazzed about the possibilities as well. New stadium, new mates, new season.
Bring it on.
“[Davidoff] thought signing Teixeria was over-kill (he thought the offense was good enough)”
Weather: Thanks for putting this part first so I knew not to take the rest of what he says seriously!
I’m half kidding, because I do see where he was coming from in terms of the flexibility worries down the road with locking up both IF corners for the next 8 years. That was a worry of mine too. But in the end it had to be done, imo, precisely *because* the offense wasn’t good enough.
I dont read Newsday much and Davidoff does seem smarter than other writers, but that comment about our offense having been good enough before, I don’t even believe that HE really believes that. And thats where he and many other writers (present company meaning Pete excluded of course) annoy me. They destroy all their credibility by saying things even they know are outlandish and nonsensical, just to garner attention for their pieces.
I know they need to sell papers and all, and thats cool….just venting after a looong offseason largely composed of baseball writer idiocy!
Even his comments as far as how old Burnett, CC, ARod, etc., will be in 5 years…I say, how much does that really matter if the Yankees have another title or 2?
I like the idea of hiding pitchers from division rivals.
Let them quietly get their work done in the minor league complex.
Drive 4-5… looks like it starts at 10 AM each day.
I think Davidoff has good intentions, but he is such a buzz-kill.
After we signed CC… his article the next day was about how it was a convenient 3 year marriage with CC and he was definitely opting out to go West in 3 years. He said thats why it was a great deal for us because we’ll get his 3 best years then send him off and he gets to go West, which is where he really wanted to be, when he’s 32.
Now, that may be true but did he really have to put that in our heads the day after we signed the guy?
After we signed Teixeria, he did some 12 days of Christmas blog post about baseball (I don’t remember what it was) and one of the items was how the Red Sox should not hang their heads about losing Teix because at the end of the day, they are the smarter run organization with a better long term outlook.
That also may be true, but why even write it and ruin the mood?
He does write some good stuff though but he has such a pessimistic viewpoint on things, even if they are true.
Joba,
Can you recommend a good DWI defense attorney?
Guiseppe Franco, Davidoff is……well, being better than Madden and the ilk is not saying much. There are times I like him quite a bit – others, not so much. I don’t think he’s a big fan of Jeter – he constantly harps on Jeter not making a statement in support of Alex before he actually spoke officially with the media and now he’s complaining because Jeter will start the next game for USA instead of Rollins. It’s fine if you think Rollins should start, but complaining about Jeter is just silly……
If he chooses to write positive things… Sherman is an excellent writer. Probably the best pure journalist of the bunch.
Game 5 of the 2000 World Series on ESPN Classic
Good times
Chris, it’s supposed to be AJ, but since CC is not pitching against the Rays, I’ll bet AJ will be held out of his next games against the Jays and Sox. I think this is really silly – the Rays have seen CC before. What exactly does Joe think he’s gaining by hiding him? Sending AJ to minor league games instead of allowing him to pitch to the Jays and Sox (if Joe does this) is also stupid – the Jays know him very well (obviously) and he’s no stranger to the Red Sox.
Pete is obviously the best writer in NY
Most of the journalists in NY are hot and cold– Davidoff, Sherman, Kernan, Klapich, Feinsand etc.
That new guy from the Star Ledger is pretty good. Though he doesn’t write many articles, mainly gives news updates.
Caldera and O’Brien are good for the most part. The Times is pretty good but they don’t have as many Yankees articles as the other papers.
The worst are anyone from the Daily News (Lupica, Madden, Raissman etc.), Anyone from the Post not named Sherman (King, Vacarro etc.), and Wally Matthews.
Weather Man, I completely disagree. Getting Manny on top of TEx would have been overkill……and now with A-Rod out, will Davidoff admit he was wrong? What happens if Alex was out for more than 6-9 weeks? You can never have too much hitting or pitching…….Mark Texeira at 34 is hardly going to be ancient and either will CC. AJ will be older, ok. Let’s see – did Davidoff want the Yankees to sign Lowe instead of AJ? Lowe who is 36 now and was not going to accept less than 4 years? I think these moves only made the Yankees more flexible. What prospects have they given up? None……and so we have a bunch of youngsters who won’t have places on this team and who will be traded to help fortify areas of need. Sounds good to me – and Davidoff consistently neglects to mention this.
Did Joe say anywhere that he wasn’t going to pitch Burnett against the Jays?
Seems like speculation. What Joe does with CC is different than what he’ll do with someone else.
I’m cool with AJ not facing the Jays, but the rest? Seems silly. But it wouldn’t be the first time, nor the last.
Anyone thinks that Cutler is a tad bit immature?
I agree with Davidoff on the long term flexibility angle. These moves were made for NOW, not 5 yrs in the future.
Having 1\2 your payroll tied up in aging stars in 2013 is a concern, but one we don’t have to deal with for a long time.
m
If the jets get him no. If they don’t yes.
I think holding out Burnett and Sabathia has more to do with not subjecting them to the long road trips than prohibiting them from pitching against division rivals.
My bet is they’d be making their starts as scheduled if the games were in Tampa instead of the two-hour bus rides to other towns.
Not one blog has mentioned that AJ won’t start against the Jays.
Overreaction for nothing.
Caps, I remember those articles like they were written yesterday. Davidoff goes WAY overboard on the Sox, but then, most of the media does; he can barely contain his disdain for Cash…….and especially Girardi.
I thought the offense would have been fine without Tex, but that was assuming everything went right. To say signing the guy was overkill is just nuts ……He’s a good writer, which is more than I can say about many of his peers, but buzzkill is pretty much describes him.
M, I agree with you in all respects – the team really does seem energized with the possibilities. The new guys have added life to the clubhouse, but they are also high quality players. There is no reason this team should not be a serious playoff contender…….even in a brutal AL East.
Anyone thinks that Cutler is a tad bit immature?
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Someone needs to change his diaper. I don’t know if he could handle NY(if the Jets did make a move for him). He’s a good QB though, but he might need a few hugs.
K-Zone, I really like the blog guy from the Star-Ledger (NJ.com) – Marc Carig? He does a good job…….I agree, Caldera also does a good job. As you say, most of these writers blow hot and cold; there are times I like them and times where I can’t stand them. Then there are the Lupicas of the world who just suck 24/7.
Travis, that is just my speculation based on the fact that CC will not be facing the Rays. I could be dead wrong, but if that’s the case, why allow AJ to pitch against division rivals and not CC? I don’t think it’s a huge deal, but it seems kind of silly.
GF, if the Yankees are going to Ft. Myers, then I’m fine with “skipping” AJ………Isn’t Dundedin near Tampa, though?
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn.....id=3983722
Speaking of good writers, this lady is a good one. Too bad she’s leaving as espn’s ombudsman.
A little lengthy, but worth the read. Can’t help but wonder how much of her mail was Yankee related, and how much came from the “informed, passionate, often eloquent” LoHud fans.
I plan on winning the La-z-Boy recliner and the 100 million cash in the NCAA pool.
To spur the economy I will spend the money like a drunken sailor.
My first purchase will be an Alex Rodriguez Mercedes Benz. (with a custom vanity plate)
My second purchase will be 12 million for Kei Igawa’s contract. (a rich man needs a personal chauffeur to drive him to Yankee home games- a chauffeur with cool shades is a bonus)
Next, I’ll buy front row seats to all Yankee games.
If there is any money left over – I’ll take Joba out to dinner and ask him 11 questions.
I might have to sell the recliner to pay for ballpark beer and snacks.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he would rather have Wang ditch the game altogether and throw somewhere else, perhaps in a Yankees minor league contest. But, no such option exists. So, Wang will make the trip, and take his at-bats, though he is under strict orders to be nothing more than statuesque.
“No swinging, no running,” Girardi said on Monday. “Don’t do anything, Stand in the corner of the box and look good taking pitches.”
Earlier in the day, Wang said he’d already been given his instructions. Despite reliever Dan Giese’s selective hearing problem earlier this spring – he collected a single against the Atlanta Braves — the standing order for Yankee pitchers is to, well, just stand. That’s it. No need to take a chance.
http://www.nj.com/yankees/inde.....es_pi.html
===========================
Just stand still Wang.
How about they go up without a bat. Is that legal?
Betsy,
As Pete said in his last post, Pettitte isn’t traveling to Fort Myers to make his next start.
The Twins play in Fort Myers, so no division rival there.
This has more to do with avoiding bus rides than avoiding division rivals.
dt- LOL!! You’ll blow through that money so quickly!!
There have been virtually no good-long term deals outside of Mussina and Manny.
A-Rod?
Kevin Brown?
Todd Helton?
Zito?
Griffey?
Hampton?
Giambi?
Chan Ho Park?
Vernon Wells?
CC, AJ, and Tex (though I think he’ll be fine) have to defy the odds. Long term deals for pitchers especially are very risky.
You guys do realize that the Rays ST home is in Port Charlotte–which is almost 100 miles south of Tampa right?
Why make CC travel all that way? I doubt it has to do with ‘hiding’ him.
“CC, AJ, and Tex (though I think he’ll be fine) have to defy the odds. ”
I would say that add A Rod’s contract and if two of the four turn out to be good deals, I think we have a few championships in the near future.
I’ve enjoyed the columns by the new Star Ledger guy, too.
I think it’s really tough to rate the writers, because if I’m honest with myself, I’d say I like them when I agree with them, and dislike them when I don’t. (Of course, it’s not quite that simple, but often that’s what it comes down to.)
All I really ask is that there is no discernable “chip on the shoulder attitude” coming through in the writing. An at least a stab at objectivity.
Any preference as to whom you would like to see Team USA face next?
“I dare not specify which one!” DUH!
Girardi needs a back-up plan in case Wang draws a walk.
1)Proceed to first base slowly. Walk! Don’t run, trot or skip briskly. Take baby steps if you have to.
2) Take your lead off of first in foul territory – we don’t want you getting hit by a batted ball.
3) If a batted ball is put in play – run out of the baseline immediately avoiding contact with any opposing player.
4) If the ump doesn’t call you out right away, lie prone on the field until I send out Shelly Duncan to carry you back to the dugout.
I don’t mind writers who have a different viewpoint as long as they can make their case for why they believe it. Doesn’t mean I have to agree but the good ones at least make you think.
Too many in NY play devil’s advocate or say things they can’t really believe just to be controversial.
If Wang draws a walk. Then as soon as he gets on 1st he should walk slowly to 2nd so he can get caught stealing and go back to the dugout.
venezuela vs. PR is hopping in florida.
40,000 to attend and it’s a party atmosphere. crowd is pumped.
should be fun…
Hey DT!
Well just because I saw one of the PR players (the pitcher I believe) praying out on the warning track before the game began, I think I will root for PR. I am a real sucker for prayerful people. (That would leave out satan and all of his pals everywhere…)
The Venz and PR are very evenly matched. I do think the Venz middle relief is weaker (though they have the best closer of the bunch).
I’d probably say Venezuela… but if Peavy is pitching, they will get eliminated by even a little league team.
pat -
Good point about the writing. I agree with that. An opposing viewpoint based in fact that makes you look at something another way is a good thing. It may not change your mind, but you can appreciate the point.
Controversy for controversy’s sake is just annoying.
DT March 16th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Girardi needs a back-up plan in case Wang draws a walk.
1)Proceed to first base slowly. Walk! Don’t run, trot or skip briskly. Take baby steps if you have to.
2) Take your lead off of first in foul territory – we don’t want you getting hit by a batted ball.
3) If a batted ball is put in play – run out of the baseline immediately avoiding contact with any opposing player.
4) If the ump doesn’t call you out right away, lie prone on the field until I send out Shelly Duncan to carry you back to the dugout.
=============================================
LOL
Much better crowd tonight in Miami
Still not at San Diego’s level from last night, but much better.
“I’d probably say Venezuela… but if Peavy is pitching, they will get eliminated by even a little league team.”
I can laugh of course, because Peavy isn’t pitching right now…
best crowds so far have been:
1. canada crowd for us vs. canada in the 1st game of the WBC
2. petco yesterday for japan vs. cuba
3. tonight
haven’t seen the asian pool so i’m not sure how those crowds were at 5am…
FYI, AJ was on with Colin Cowherd on 1050 a couple of days ago
http://stations.espn.go.com/st.....Id=theherd
Just click on the appropriate link. I’m listening to it now – good interview and AJ sounds very good. He’s got a good sense of humor and he seems to have a good grip on the pressures of playing in NY
He’s “all in”…….love to hear that.
For those that aren’t watching now, ESPN Classics have interviewed both Derek Jeter and Yogi Berra. Great interviews.
One thing that came out about Yogisms. When talking about “when you come to the fork in the road, take it”. It was really about giving directions to his home. The road actually is one road that forks and completes a circle.
ZMan, I didn’t realize Port Charlotte was so far away – you’re probably right.
Eh, I guess as long as the guys get their work in, it’s no big deal.
I hope Wang doesn’t forget his instructions……..
I am a real sucker for prayerful people. (That would leave out satan and all of his pals everywhere…)
I agree, leave out satan. Let’s make this a Scott Boras free blog tonight.
You know its spring training when the three best hitters on the team are Angel Berroa, Cody Ransom and Brett Gardner with shelly duncan in a close fourth.
Did anyone else send pete an email about joba and the starter/reliever stuff and THEN, read that he didnt want those questions? Yeaaaa …
I love how the media can talk about the same question for two years or so but we are banned from asking him anything about it. MAYBE WE HAVE A FRESH PERSPECTIVE on an old topic. Who knows?
Dear Joba, can I have a million dollars?
GB, I missed those interviews – I’m sorry about that, too. I especially regret missing Yogi……. The funny thing about Yogisms is that they make a lot of sense. It sounds funny to say that “it gets late early out other” or “it’s so crowded that nobody goes there anymore”, but behind the humor is a lot of truth. I’m so grateful that Suzyn Waldman was able to broker a peace between the Yankees and Yogi……..
Dear Sean,
Sure you can. That’s what’s great about America. Work hard and you can have anything you want. Heck, look at me.
Best,
Joba
betsy- I can’t find it.
Joba, can you please let me know the next time you plan on going out for drinks so I can stay off the road?
Yeah DT, that would definitely leave Boras out! And also maybe at least one poster though I dare not specify which one!
IMO Alex Rios is one of the best players in the majors.
article on Brian Bruney:
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com.....p;c_id=nyy
I am rooting for Venezuela because of Bobby Abreu
That ball did hit him.
Dave –
you need to be subtle.
Try something like this –
Dear Joba:
I started to ask the same question you have already heard 1000 times, but I stopped myself. Are you *relieved*? Or do you wish I finished what I *started*?
Swisher Spring OBP .389
Nady Spring OBP .267
Yanks shouldn’t have much trouble figuring it out.
That ball hit him
Joba,
Why did you lie to us and the media about your mom not being in your life? You made it sound like your dad only wanted to raise you.
Next time tell us the truth.
Your real friend,
Trevor
Okay Rolex here’s my compromise. I’ll root for Venezuela because of Abreu (and Sojo) but I’ll root for the pitcher from PR to have a great outing.
Rios is so underrated
I love the WBC because you get to see all these players that you may not normally see, or you’re so caught up in the Yankees, you don’t notice the players on the other team they are playing. This is fun to watch.
Mike,
Dont worry – if he didnt learn his lesson, everyone will just forgive him within a week anyway. So, he threatened the life of everyone else on the road that night – big freakin deal. That is like giving a kid some candy before bed time compared to arod taking steroids ten years ago. Isnt that what the death penalty is for? How can we let this menace to society out of our grasp just because he is having major surgery? I think its just a ploy to get rid of the media attention – of course, arod is selfish enough to leave the team for two months for his own benefit. And look where joba is now – pretending like he never even was guilty of DWI – now thats a real hero.
Jen, I wish I could link directly to the podcast, but go to http://www.1050espnradio.com and click on The Herd at the top (next to Michael Kay, etc…….). That should lead you to the link to AJ’s interview; it’s really good. Let me know if you still have problems…..
Felix Hernandez is so nasty
Love his movement.
DT
That is awesome! too bad pete would prolly see right through that. Otherwise, id say you should run with it.
Betsy
March 16th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
GB, I missed those interviews – I’m sorry about that, too. I especially regret missing Yogi……. The funny thing about Yogisms is that they make a lot of sense. It sounds funny to say that “it gets late early out other” or “it’s so crowded that nobody goes there anymore”, but behind the humor is a lot of truth. I’m so grateful that Suzyn Waldman was able to broker a peace between the Yankees and Yogi……..
————————————————————
Betsy, not sure when the interviews were done, but, I’m assumming back in 2005 or 2006. The show was from “60 Minutes”, but, ESPN showed it as “60 Minutes Classics”, so they could be on line at either site. Ed Bradley did the Jeter interview.
Oh great… here comes the DUI vs. Steroids debate.
This is going to be worse then last night’s debate of the Netherlands’ government democracy.
Forget who you are rooting for as an emotional favorite. Who do you think that the Team USA has the best chance against? Because it looks like we play the loser of this game tomorrow (but it really won’t matter in the long run because we would then eventually play the winner of tonight’s game. BUT what team gives us a better chance of getting to a game Wednesday.
Oh dear God no. If we make it to Wednesday, Roy Oswalt won’t be starting since he pitched last night. And we know that Lilly won’t be starting because he’s starting tomorrow night.
Hey it’ll be good to have Derek back in camp.
Rishi, fantastic article on Bruney – thanks for posting! It’s hard not to like this guy – he’s motivated and dedicated, a great combination.
GB, thanks! I’m sure I can find those interviews with just a little digging…….
USA just doesn’t have enough pitching to advance. Oswalt can’t do it himself.
The PR/Venz lineups are lethal. I don’t trust Guthrie or Peavy at all against them.
USA is going to have to win a shoot-out to advance and the Venz pitching staff is weaker than the PR one. Silva, Victor Zombrano etc… the USA can hit them.
PR has too much balance for the USA in a non-Oswalt pitched game.
I love those personality/human interest stories!
Betsy
March 16th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
GB, thanks! I’m sure I can find those interviews with just a little digging…….
————————————————————
My pleasure, Betsy.
oh – and I’m rooting for PR…
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories.....0059.shtml
Jeter 60 min.
Abreu’s base running and bat will be a huge missing part of the Yanks this coming year.
Don, I’m definitely with you. We’d have our best chance with Lilly on the mound against PR and then pray that we can cobble something together against Venezuela and that Davey Johnson has a very fast hook. He could use the entire pen because our next game wouldn’t be at least until Saturday.
Every time I see Abreu at the plate and on the base paths it still makes me sick that he’s not back with the Yankees.
Oh well.
Absolutely… we’re going to miss Abreu much more than people think.
run scores thanks to an abreu stolen base.
I’m rooting for Venezuela hands down. I’d rather face PR with a chance of winning, and that’s with Lilly starting the game.
abreu takes alot of pitches. such a good hitter. we will miss his presence in the lineup. probably not so much in the field tho.
Without Abreu, we’re going to be even more of a station to station team.
He fit us like a glove. For all his flaws on defense, he is the a great multi-dimensional offensive player.
We;re going to miss him
Travis I’m still in mourning that Bobby wasn’t invited back. But the majority of posters here, it seems, wanted him far far away. I think those people absolutely hated his defense. I still say he did a more than adequate job defensively, and dammit, runners never run on him.
I disagree, GB7 – Bobby made some baserunning blunders during the season (like getting thrown out at 2nd a couple of times to end innings, with this Rodriguez guy at-bat), and his hitting didn’t seem the same, until the last couple of weeks (free-agent push?). Couple that with OF play that seemed noticeably worse (even to a non-professional like me), and I think I agree with Cash (and others) that it was time to say goodbye.
I seem to remember that Bobby carried this team last season many times with his offense. He was one of the most consistent hitters on the team. It had nothing to do with the last few weeks of the season.
Found it thanks Betsy, I was clicking on podcast that was my problem.
Garralaga starting for VZ tomorrow
Jonathan Sanchez starting for PR
Flip a coin… both hard throwing guys who have pitched well in their first starts.
Garralaga actually faced the US in his first start and pitched well. Victor Zombrano got shelled though and lost the game for Venz.
Sea Net what scares me more is whoever we face on Wednesday, though if it is just for the pool, maybe they’ll let down. After Ted Lilly we are in big trouble with our starting pitching.
Abreu’s throws were strong and accurate, as long as he didn’t have to make more than one or two a game. After that, he lost strength. It was his right shoulder that he seperated back in 1997. It’s also why Houston left him unprotected in the expansion draft. They never thought he’d be able to throw well again. It’s gotten weaker over the last couple of years. It’s a big reason he stopped challenging walls.
Bobby Abreu = most underrated Yankee over the past 2 years
Sometimes you don’t realize what you have until it’s gone….
“Bobby Abreu = most underrated Yankee over the past 2 years
Sometimes you don’t realize what you have until it’s gone….”
Damn
teixeria was a great fit, but not at the expense of abreu…..
you could rely on abreu during his career with the yanks. you knew what you were going to get. he was very consistent for us. hopefully nady/swisher can provide that as well.
don’t agree with that jobber. tex will make our whole infield better. our firstbasemen’s fielding last year cost us many games.
We could have had Tex AND Abreu
Would much rather have Abreu over Swisher or Nady
Joe from Long Island
March 16th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
I disagree, GB7 – Bobby made some baserunning blunders during the season (like getting thrown out at 2nd a couple of times to end innings, with this Rodriguez guy at-bat), and his hitting didn’t seem the same, until the last couple of weeks (free-agent push?). Couple that with OF play that seemed noticeably worse (even to a non-professional like me), and I think I agree with Cash (and others) that it was time to say goodbye.
————————————————————
Abreu still stole bases at a better rate than anybody other than Damon and Rodriguez. A few were on busted hit and runs. Getting caught stealing isn’t a blunder. It didn’t seem like a blunder the year before when he stole 25. As far as his hitting, other than Damon, who had their normal seasons on offense?
king felix in a bit of a jam here…
can rios step up?
I’m sorry, Trisha, but I have a much different memory than you do. And I think Bobby’s skills will continue to deteriorate.
Not to mention that I’d rather take his money and put it towards, I don’t know, maybe a younger, switch-hitting first baseman who can rake and who can save our IF countless errors this season and help bail out our pitchers.
Why do people continue to assume that we could get these players for bargain basement prices. Just caused they signed with other teams for cheap slaries doesn’t mean they would sign with the Yankees for that price.
Abreu was our best clutch hitter over the past couple of years and hit .300 combined in the playoffs in 06 and 07.
Abreu ended up with a 296 average. It isn’t possible to do that with a two-week push at the end of the season.
I’m not saying abreu was under rated, but, he did make the offense click, especially when Rodriguez or Damon were out of the line-up. His defense was getting closer and closer to Vlademir Guerrero’s though.
Swisher’s a better player than Abreu at this point in time.
Abreu destroyed a bunch of his offense with his abominable defense.
That may have been true in 2006-07. But as players age, and amphetamines on the outs, I have serious doubts how much someone in the twilight years can produce. It’s not like he could have slid over to DH.
What happens in the WBC if you run out of pitchers in extra innings? With all these rules, it’s possible. And you don’t have a traditional “long man” available.
I think it’s really nice to see the players from the opposing teams interacting with each other.
Where was all this abreu love during the off-season? I dont think i read more than a handful of comments between october and february with compliments for abreu. I like swisher a whole lot but i would take abreu over nady any day of the week. 16 mil for him is absolutely ridiculous but the contract he ended up signing is a bargain for that guy and he was probably the best all around hitter outside of arod for the time we had him – meaning combo of avg, obp, speed and power.
Guys….rooting for Venezuala is rooting against Bernie!
Go Puerto Rico!!!
“What happens in the WBC if you run out of pitchers in extra innings?”
Good question.
No wait, that probably won’t happen. Remember that rule about a tie in the 13th (?) inning gives each team runners and second and third and one out, automatic? Something like that.
“Where was all this abreu love during the off-season? I dont think i read more than a handful of comments between october and february with compliments for abreu.”
Yeah, well you read my tagline every single time that said “I WANT BOBBY BACK” I never stopped talking about wanting him back.
BBB – at this point all I care about is what team is the best one for us to face next. I’m not rooting against one team or the other. I’m rooting FOR us.
As for Abreu, I’ve seen enough of him with the Phillies and Yankees. I don’t care what numbers he puts up, I’m just not a fan, and the team friendly salary he’s signed for doesnt change my mind and make me pine for him. I’d much rather have had Adam Dunn for $5MM/year more if only we had the spot for him. Abreu’s defense is worse than Dunn’s and obviously Dunn is about 10x the offensive player and will continue to be a horse for many more years. Abreu is in MAJOR decline and his OBP will continue to decrease as it has every year for the past few.
Nats got a way better deal on Dunn than the Angels got on Abreu. No contest. The Angels are unimaginably stupid not to have chosen Dunn.
Seriously, both of these teams are far superior to Team USA IMO.
Trisha – LOL, I’m so partial to Bernie that I keep forgetting the USA is supposed to be “us.” Actually for a second I wasn’t sure if you meant us the Yankees, or us the United States!
I want the USA to win too…..just not against Team Bernie! And Netherlands was my no. 3, still bummed about their elimination. I kinda dig Korea too. I feel almost treasonous, haha.
trisha,
I should have said a handful of comments – i should have said i only remember a few people actually saying they wanted him back. It was the constant complaints about his horrific defense or the praising of the yanks FO brilliance for not offering him arbitration. After the arbitration stuff, how many here even talked about abreu nevermind wanted him back? It was almost a given at that point that he was gone and there was probably 95 percent of the blog talking about how cash was a genius for letting him go and not worrying about the prospects. In hindsight, it was probably a decent call depending on what bobby and his agent’s mindset were but I dont remember much debate about whether or not the yanks should continue to pursue him at a lower cost…
BBB -
adam dunn? That would mean no tex because we would have had swisher and dunn and nady at that point. Id rather have abreu and tex and swish over nady and dunn and swish.
dave I don’t think there was a lot of talk about it. I think people considered it a fait d’acompli at some point. But I still hoped though it wasn’t really realistic after some point.
BBB – I know what you mean. It is easy to start growing attached to some of these teams that play their hearts out and aren’t really expected to go far! I’ve had treasonous moments also!
Marlins must be a bit unhappy. Last night’s Team USA’s relief pitcher, Matt Lindstrom has a strained rotator cuff. He was supposed to close for them.
Here’s the good news. We won’t have to face King Felix in the next few days.
Could be cool.. I’ll submit some questions
But I have a feeling it’s going to be a “what’s your favorite color?” “Who’s the toughest batter you’ve faced?” “Have you been working on any new pitches?” type of interview.
Anyone running a fantasy baseball league still?
Do mermaids exist?