The rotation looking sharp
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Mar 18, 2009 
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19 innings, 8 hits, 2 earned runs, 2 walks, 16 strikeouts.
That’s how A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte, Joba Chamberlain, CC Sabathia and Chien-Ming Wang fared over the last five games.
Yes, it’s spring training. Yes, it doesn’t count. But if those five stay healthy, the Yankees can easily survive for however many weeks it takes for A-Rod to come back. The more you watch the Yankees in spring training, the more you realize what a difference it makes to have a quality starting pitcher walk out to the mound every single day.
Meanwhile, nobody has a better No. 6 than Phil Hughes. Not the way he is pitching this spring.
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As he recovers from surgery in Colorado and lovingly gazes at his reflection in cold mountain streams, A-Rod is providing comic fodder across the nation.
Dave Letterman’s Top Ten list last night was “Top Ten Things You Don’t Want To Hear From A Guy Dressed As A Leprechaun.”
No. 10: “I’m large for a leprechaun because my cousin injectected me in the ass with steroids”
Meanwhile, Jimmy Fallon featured this shot on his new late-night show last night:
Our pals at Yahoo’s Big League Stew also gave their take on A-Rod the model.
Several Yankees, sources said, were scouring Tampa for copies for the Details photos to paper his locker with at some future date. You can bet the boys will have some fun with this. At this point, Alex’s clownish behavior is more amusing than anything else and amusing is good.
Yeah I was thinking his teammates wouldn’t just let it go. How can you not? A-Rod is such a clown lol
Looking forward to the season!!!
Great pitching, it is. As for the rest….Well, the way I look at it…it’s just Alex being Alex. What the heck, that way of looking at it worked for Manny. And Alex hasn’t punched out any 60-something year old traveling secretaries. So, why not?
With time and distance, I am increasingly beginning to view A-Rod as less like a thunderstorm that hits at the worst times and more like a lovable, dimwitted scamp who can always be counted on to provide a nonstop flow of wacky antics.
A-Rod embarrassing himself yet again
At the rate this WBC game is moving, Jeter may not get back for opening day.
The rotation is going be awesome this year
The postseason sadness has been all about the pitching. Shouldn’t have to slug your way through every series.
Any relationship where people are making fun (to someone’s face) is a sign that its a good relationship. Good for them. I never thought players were as uptight and dramatic as the media that covers them and the fans that follow.
I’m calling it now:
Kei will be the key
Of course, I’ve been drinking scotch since I got off work.
Baja March 18th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
I’m calling it now:
Kei will be the key
Of course, I’ve been drinking scotch since I got off work.
___________________________________________
I was thinking tequila.
I like how DeRosa hits a 2-run homer and Team USA has the class not to rush out of the dugout and start with the theatrics like a bunch of k-rods…
Can we not toss out the homophobic slurs?
But yeah, it’s a pretty ridiculous shot. As Pete says, it’s all funny now, more than anything.
A-Rod is hilarious
I think it’s extremely obvious to anyone who looks at this objectively that A-Rod & his camp knew what they were doing with this photo shoot. To me, the photos show that he has the sense of humor to make fun of himself. I think the photo shoot was an intentional jab at the public, the media, and himself.
Of course some people are going to take it the wrong way. But despite everything that’s gone on recently with A-Rod, I’m beginning to like his attitude more and more…. He just doesn’t care what people think anymore.
Pittsburgh sends Jose Tabata to AA Altoona. I was sure that he would be sent to AAA.
Baja: what kind?
Anyone knows were Christian Garcia was reassigned to….Lat week we had some over zealous Garcis fans claiming that he not only had a better arm and better stuff than Young Master Phil Hughes, but the 24 year old Garcia was destined to be in the Bronx real soon…..I saw AA is were he’s headed….
How about the guys putting an heart-shaped mirror on his locker?
I’m sure he’d like that.
And a double down the line for Captain Tangibles!
so the MLBers are rounding into form?
Well well well…
If A-Rod ever gets his butt back to baseball, I think he might actually become a player with some real balls. I mean, he has balls – we know that – but i mean real balls. like clutch homers in the bottom of the ninth WBC game 7.
because you have to admit that shoot took some real balls.
Phil Hughes? He’s not even a number 11. LOL
Frank:
He and his handlers are not remotely that smart, that’s fairly evident in how they have handled everything else. Beyond that, Details is not an ironic magazine. It’s a magazine for a certain demographic.
Also remember, Alex is a 33-year-old guy who frosts his hair and goes to tanning salons. He’s very narcissistic. As one Yankee said with a laugh, “They probably told him to act natural so that’s what he did.”
I take offense.
How dare you compare ARod to me and my brethren.
PAT M, all I’ve seen was that he was reasigned to the minor league camp. I would assume he’s going to Trenton.
http://fantasynews.cbssports.c.....ge/1654383
Harold Reynolds was good on espn. I don’t know what happened to him since. Complain, complain, complain. Lowlights, not highlights.
Leiter not backing up Hawkins, by failing to mention the Yankee fans were jerks.
How is highlighting ones hair and tanning narcissistic? Isn’t that like a woman wearing nail polish or a man wearing a tailored suit?
You whine about him getting a tan outside, so now you whine about him using a tanning booth. Perfect. NY sports writers are so obsorbed with Rodriguez’ every move, they should be writing for Ms Magazine.
PAT M.
March 18th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Anyone knows were Christian Garcia was reassigned to….Lat week we had some over zealous Garcis fans claiming that he not only had a better arm and better stuff than Young Master Phil Hughes, but the 24 year old Garcia was destined to be in the Bronx real soon…..I saw AA is were he’s headed….
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You posted something like this in another thread, and I responded, but I’ll do so again here.
Garcia hasn’t just sprung out of nowhere; you’re kind of making yourself look naive. Anyone who remotely follows prospects knows that Garcia has been an oft-injured pitcher whose stuff has routinely been rated in the Top 10.
No secret to anyone, and it seems to me if you’re so energized to keep harping on this, you might learn a little bit about the guy. No one is saying Dan Giese has front-of-the-rotation stuff, this is Chris Garcia, who has three ML plus pitches, with his curve ball considered in the top 3 in the Yankee system.
People saying he has a future as a front-end pitcher if he remains healthy are hardly going out on a limb, and if he loses the china and can stay healthy, they’re not exactly geniuses if he does what’s been predicted for him.
I don’t know what your deal is; some misguided loyalty to Hughes, perhaps?? We have more than one gifted pitching prospect, fortunately; throw Banuelos, Betances, Brackman in the upside department, as well. The difference is, Garcia’s ETA is 2009. We have a deep staff, so of course he’s not going to “make” the roster. If he stays healthy, and we get hit with injuries, he’s a guy not only talented but very polished and ready to come up here & help us. There’s really nothing particularly bold or original about any of that.
you know, with the new additions in the clubhouse, i think arod’s presence will be downplayed and everyone is going to have fun. this season could be special.
Matsui will be restricted to DH duties until at least June-it has to be because we need Matsui to be healthy, but it means that we have to choose he and Posada on days when Jorge needs to catch. The pitching has got to be be especially good early in the season as the lineup is going to have some weak spots.
It’s pretty fantastic to know that you are going to have a good chance to win on a daily basis with the guys we are throwing out there. I feel for the Rasners and Ponsons because they did give the team everything they had – but they are simply not that good and it showed. I’m encouraged by the competitive spirit of our starting five – and Wang seems to be more a part of the team now (dirty words from AJ notwithstanding, lol). I love how the guys are there to support each other – I’m very impressed by how they hang around, watching each other’s starts, never leaving until the starter is done. Add to this the fact that Andy is imparting his wisdom to the new guys and that AJ is sort of mentoring Wang and Joba and you get the idea that this staff is a real unit. Even the bullpen guys are involved – I’m just impressed with the team overall.
The Alex thing never bothered me – it was just no big deal. I said in another thread that the fact that the guys are going to tease Alex about it (whether that was his intention or not) is a good thing – you don’t tease people you don’t like (I mean, why bother to take the time? I know I don’t). It’s just Alex – that’s all. It bothers fans and the media more than it does the team and the team is all that counts.
***absorbed*** with Rodriguez’
Mel, what did Leiter say about Hawkins? If he knocked him for the O’Neill thing, then that is out of line – Paul was dead wrong and I will always think that no matter how much I adore him.
Good to see Hawkins back in Yankee form.
Max Ramirez takes Mariano Hawkins deep
I don’t care what A-Rod does off the field as long as he keeps performing on it.
BTW, why in the world did the Cubs trade Mark DeRosa?
The guy is a helluva player and extremely versatile.
I sure wish the Yanks had him.
wow latroy hawkins sucks, i know its a meaningless game but lol
LaTroy Hawkins in midseason form.
If you like fantasy baseball…. and WILL play all year… then go to baseball.fantasysports.yahoo .com and join
league ID is 219881
pw: pretzels
ouch. 1 strike from getting out of the inning.
Al uses tanning machines? Not tan-in-a-bottle? Pretty sure he used it too close to the Gammons interview.
Is tonight’s WBC game an elimination game?
that’s the latroy we know and love
maybe the tanning bed was acting loosey goosey
nope – this game is to determine seeding…the WBC seems to call for a lot of these
The Jays signed Dutch pitcher Leon Boyd from the WBC.
Pete:
Thanks for the input. I’ll just have to disagree, I guess. Everyone has differing opinions on how A-Rod’s camp has handled certain situations. It’s not always to everyone’s liking, but I’m willing to give more credit on this one.
I believe the Details article was composed before the steroid story broke…. so the photos don’t look good now in hindsight b/c of the steroid issue. The last thing you would want to do is be on the cover of a magazine. But I believe this would have been taken a bit more light-hearted if not for the steroid issue. As for Details, it’s not a humor mag but does use humorous elements as do other men’s mags such as Esquire. A-Rod is, without a doubt, narcissistic, and it’s my opinion that the photos purposely play on that.
At least this holds us over until Selena Roberts’ book comes out in a few weeks! I was having A-Rod withdrawals.
Thanks – I have no idea how the WBC works.
Betsy,
Nothing like that. Reynolds was going on and on about how bad he was with the Yankees, but was lights out with the Astros.
Leiter said something lame. Of course he’s not going to say that the fans were on his ass from the first pitch because of some stupid number on his back, but still, LaTroy started behind the 8-ball in my mind. Sure he’s not the best pitcher, but he wasn’t even given a chance by the fans.
I thought Arod’s glow came from within.
I agree Pete, the Yanks will be confident every night because of who is on the mound. They will win or lose with their pitching, having posada and Matsui will be a bonus but they will really win or lose with the pitching.
I’d be happy to get a healthy season out of Christian Garcia at this point. Anything beyond that is a major bonus.
I don’t think he’ll be making his major league debut until September call ups and the only reason for that is because he’s now n the 40-man roster.
No doubt Garcia has huge ability – one of the best in the organization. But he hasn’t proved he can take the mound with any consistency for me to be extremely high on him just yet.
He needs to get through a full season unscathed and people will really begin to notice him.
‘I thought Arod’s glow came from within. ‘
he’s no Leroy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWVhiIisH30
Leiter said something lame. Of course he’s not going to say that the fans were on his ass from the first pitch because of some stupid number on his back, but still, LaTroy started behind the 8-ball in my mind. Sure he’s not the best pitcher, but he wasn’t even given a chance by the fans.
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What the fans did was stupid, but lets not forget that Hawkins didn’t help his cause in any way because he was terrible in pinstripes (5.71 ERA, 1.44 WHIP).
No hindsight here. It was a terrible signing by Cashman from the get-go. Everyone saw that disaster coming a mile away.
switch to espn2 – japan vs. cuba elimination game…
As one Yankee said with a laugh, “They probably told him to act natural so that’s what he did.”
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HAHA Just wait to Alex gets back. He won’t be able to find his seat with all the pictures posted.
He really needs to fire all his handlers. As fran (I think it was her) aptly pointed out he has Hollywood handlers. So this is ‘normal’ to them. It is not ‘normal’ for a sports star. He is not going to connect with the fans or show another side of himself to the fans. All it will do is turn them off.
Bodhisvatta,,I’ve been following the Yankee farm system in earnest since the early 70′s….So I didn’t just arrive at the party….And yes I know whow Christian Garcia is and his issues with staying on the mound…My comments was to point out the absudity that he has more upside and overall talent than Phil Hughes….Garcia once he proves he can stay healthy, and then prove he can hit the strike zone on a consistant level, then he may make it to AAA…As for the Hughes comparison that’s real reach at this time….I admire your coming out and making a stand on Garcia’s talent and what may prove to be a promising career…However he’s two years older than Hughes, and is still a work in progress…..He does have a live arm, but I don’t see him being in the starting rotation in the Bronx anytime soon….
“How is highlighting ones hair and tanning narcissistic? Isn’t that like a woman wearing nail polish or a man wearing a tailored suit?”
One factor of narcissism is being very concerned with one’s appearance.
How about… From dictionary.com,
Dictionary: nar·cis·sism (när’s?-s?z’?m) pronunciation also nar·cism
1 Excessive love or admiration of oneself. See synonyms at conceit.
2 A psychological condition characterized by self-preoccupation, lack of empathy, and unconscious deficits in self-esteem.
3 Erotic pleasure derived from contemplation or admiration of one’s own body or self
I think #3 describes A-rod’s recent photo shoot pretty well.
Did anyone listen to Howard Stern this morning? Yeah I think A-rod probably would score 40/40 on the Narcissism test.
and “Captain Never Say Die” is at it again
And let’s remember that Phil was completely dominating the minor leagues just a couple of years ago – and ended up pitching extremely well in the post-season (quite a chore for a 21 year old). Phil has had his own issues in staying healthy, but now he finally appears to be back – he has tremendous ability and a great makeup. I know he’s not the pitcher du jour that he was in 2007, but I will venture to say that he will make some experts look completely foolish in the not-too-distant future.
Mel, thanks!
Jennifer
March 18th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
As one Yankee said with a laugh, “They probably told him to act natural so that’s what he did.” ———————————————————————————-
HAHA Just wait to Alex gets back. He won’t be able to find his seat with all the pictures posted.
He really needs to fire all his handlers. As fran (I think it was her) aptly pointed out he has Hollywood handlers. So this is ‘normal’ to them. It is not ‘normal’ for a sports star. He is not going to connect with the fans or show another side of himself to the fans. All it will do is turn them off.
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Dennis Rodman. Reggie Jackson would stand in front of a mirror, flex each bicep and kiss them, telling everyone that they were his moneymakers.
Giuseppe Franco
March 18th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
I’d be happy to get a healthy season out of Christian Garcia at this point. Anything beyond that is a major bonus.
I don’t think he’ll be making his major league debut until September call ups and the only reason for that is because he’s now n the 40-man roster.
No doubt Garcia has huge ability – one of the best in the organization. But he hasn’t proved he can take the mound with any consistency for me to be extremely high on him just yet.
He needs to get through a full season unscathed and people will really begin to notice him.
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It’s all about his health, that’s the only X-factor on this kid, not ability:
http://www.replacementlevel.co.....e_cut_pt_1
“Chris Garcia, RHP, 22 If he can somehow get healthy and stay that way, Garcia has the ability to make me look stupid for leaving him off. However, having missed time due to TJ surgery and then a knee injury while rehabbing, which followed a ‘06 where he also struggled with injuries…I’m beginning to think Garcia just won’t stay healthy enough for long enough to show why some talent evaluators felt he had more ability than Phil Hughes.”
http://i43.tinypic.com/mcq6wy.jpg
Rollins was squeezed.
PAT M.
March 18th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Bodhisvatta,,I’ve been following the Yankee farm system in earnest since the early 70’s….So I didn’t just arrive at the party….And yes I know whow Christian Garcia is and his issues with staying on the mound…My comments was to point out the absudity that he has more upside and overall talent than Phil Hughes….Garcia once he proves he can stay healthy, and then prove he can hit the strike zone on a consistant level, then he may make it to AAA…As for the Hughes comparison that’s real reach at this time….I admire your coming out and making a stand on Garcia’s talent and what may prove to be a promising career…However he’s two years older than Hughes, and is still a work in progress…..He does have a live arm, but I don’t see him being in the starting rotation in the Bronx anytime soon….
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Lol, not sure admiration is due me for stating the obvious. I traveled to see both these kids in AA, and they were both oozing ability when I saw them. I frankly can’t become impassioned by a Hughes contra Garcia debate, they’re really two gifted young pitchers in our system.
Hughes is selling the changeup and cutter this year. Garcia already has a plus changeup and 3 polished pitches. He doesn’t have to air out an in-progress pitch in the minors, he just has to prove he can stay healthy.
And Fabian McNally is who ??? I’m not going to get into a pissing match over this, but until he shows something on the mound for any lenght of time he’s still a prospect who may get promoted to AA ball….I’m going to see if I can reach out to some local scouts that I know and see if they have anything on him….As for Mr. Mcnally, before I decided to stay here at LoHud, Replacement Yankee level is were I hung out for awhile…..Some good guys there, but for the most part they were stat guys who for the most part never played the game…..Most of them were want a be CB, who knows the game quite well……GB has seen him throw, and I think the Bronx is still off in the distance…..
“Pittsburgh sends Jose Tabata to AA Altoona. I was sure that he would be sent to AAA”
me too. Based on last night, he is the Pirate’s best player
A-Rod being A-Rod
Pete: very solid post. Phil Hughes = #6
point taken.
that jimmy fallon pic is too funny. Awwwww.. Pete misses arod. He can’t go a day without bringing his name up.
anyone know if the player for Cuba hitting the cover off the ball (Cepeda) is a prospect?
Of course the Knicks not showing up again tonight geez the Yanks cant get on the field soon enough. Tex has been flashing the leather and I’ve only seen a few games with him playing, hes as advertised.
“Phil Hughes? He’s not even a number 11. LOL”
Bernie: never mind #6
it have to do with 1-5
and no. We will not trade starting rotations, with you
off topic:
why do Nathan’s hot dogs taste so good.
didn’t like hot dogs. Until Nathan’s
vinny-b __NYY fan and WBC promoter__
March 18th, 2009 at 11:56 pm
off topic:
why do Nathan’s hot dogs taste so good.
didn’t like hot dogs. Until Nathan’s
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Nathan’s feed their rats a better grade of food.
lol
‘anyone know if the player for Cuba hitting the cover off the ball (Cepeda) is a prospect?’
The US would wish. He’s basically Carlos Beltran athleticism plus speed/Bernie Williams of Cuba.
Put it this way if Cespedes were to defect he’d be our opening day CF.
“The US would wish. He’s basically Carlos Beltran athleticism plus speed”
boiiiiing !
“Put it this way if Cespedes were to defect he’d be our opening day CF.”
You jinxed him.
Joe I the smoke blocked his view of that ball, the latin announcers even pointed that out, I’m suprised he caught up to that ball.
I don’t know. That fog is heavy
baseball + fog doesn’t mix well. lol
“Joe I the smoke blocked his view of that ball, the latin announcers even pointed that out, I’m suprised he caught up to that ball.”
That’s some pretty bad fog out there. I’m with you, at first I thought it was a gapper. Oh, I agree with your original point, he would be the Yankees CF.
wasn’t Cespedes suppose to deflect earlier this offseason or something?
‘wasn’t Cespedes suppose to deflect earlier this offseason or something?’
Yup. Him and Chapman the Cuban gov’t will be watching them very closely.
“Yup. Him and Chapman the Cuban gov’t will be watching them very closely”
NYY really needs a 5-tool OF’er in their system
Brandon, you heard Jorge Vasquez reporting to Yankee camp asap?
Ichiro ??
when the regular season begins, watch Ichiro reach safely in his first 40 games
There is another athlete who has appeared in Details and other mens lifestyle magazines, is arguably the best at his position, been known to wear a looped scarf, dated celebrities, gets hounded by paparazzi, missed part of a season because of injury, been on a team involved in a cheating scandal, been photographed in the gear of the local fans biggest rival, dumped his pregnant girlfriend, and does artsy photo shoots including one hugging a goat.
Maybe his people are available to help Alex or better yet, maybe if Alex gets a ring it might help people care less about all the other stuff.
“Meanwhile, nobody has a better No. 6 than Phil Hughes”
I’m sure David Price and Rick Porcello would beg to differ.
‘Brandon, you heard Jorge Vasquez reporting to Yankee camp asap?’
I didn’t, maybe they want him to work w/ Long asap
didn’t Igawa win 21 games in Japan?
That was w/o the sunglasses
This should stir up the Chamberlain controversy, again. Why don’t the “three officials” just put a zipper in their faces and shut up?
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com.....8;c_id=nyy
I for one am glad that the Yankees have a backup plan in the event they need to “Break Glass in Case of Emergency”.
I would rather put Joba in that position short term than wonder who’s going going to close out games. It’ll give us time to figure out a better solution and he’s on an IP limit anyway.
Joba is more valuable as a starter, but no Mo=emergency.
Saying Joba would close for Mariano right now doesn’t mean much unless Rivera suffers a setback and can’t start the season.
If Rivera gets hurt midseason, we’ll know alot more about the rotation and the bullpen than we do now.
If there are injuries in the rotation, things change. If Bruney, Melancon, or someone else are pitching well, things change.
If it’s even true, Joba closing for Rivera only applies if Rivera isn’t ready for opening day – which thankfully doesn’t appear to be an issue.
Running a quality starter every day was the key for the Rays. They a had a lot of young talent but never more than 1 or 2 real starters. Their bullpen would be blown out by the end of May. Last year 14-11 and 183 innings pitched from their 5 starter Edwin Jackson and they win division and go to the series. Our playoff drought ends after 1 year.
james,
having the #1 pick for many years doesn’t hurt, but the Matt Garza for Delmon Young trade was huge for the reason you mentioned.
It’s also the reason the Rays will be contenders for the foreseeable future. Shields, Kazmir, Garza, Price, Davis, McGee, etc.
They may not see another World Series but similar to the Oakland A’s of 5-8 years ago, they’ll be competitive and a playoff caliber team for a while.
o’mel
March 19th, 2009 at 1:35 am
I for one am glad that the Yankees have a backup plan in the event they need to “Break Glass in Case of Emergency”.
I would rather put Joba in that position short term than wonder who’s going going to close out games. It’ll give us time to figure out a better solution and he’s on an IP limit anyway.
Joba is more valuable as a starter, but no Mo=emergency.
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Well, it stands to reason that as long as the other 4 in the rotation are healthy and effective, that Chamberlain would most likely step in. All this will do is get the fools go back to asking him the same stupid questions about whether he wasnt to start or be in the bullpen, or yammer on and on about what he should do. Like the media would know what’s best for the team or the player. They’re like a pack of wild dogs with a piece of raw meat. They’ll keep bugging him every day, regardless of what his answer is, they’ll be back to ask again.
Boston Dave,
They are going to be such a pain in the #@*! Boston always is and in a few Years Baltimore is gonna be good again. This division is getting ridicules. I wonder if the A’s move to North Carolina if they will figure out a away to put them in the East 2. It will be completely unfair to make the La , Seattle and Texas travel 3,000 miles for division games which will only make things worse
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/s.....th-himself
here’s another article about # 13.
SmackCaster has great A-Rod separated at birth http://tinyurl.com/chcy97
Also remember, Alex is a 33-year-old guy who frosts his hair and goes to tanning salons. He’s very narcissistic. As one Yankee said with a laugh, “They probably told him to act natural so that’s what he did.”
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As are you Pete…must be the reason you have to post about Arod EVERY freakin day. You are becoming obssessed with him, that’s what’s scary.
Great site to visit on a rainy day-Adult Entertainment