Spring Game 24: Yankees at Twins
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Mar 20, 2009 
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YANKEES
Gardner CF
Cano 2B
Teixeira 1B
Matsui DH
Molina C
Duncan RF
Jackson LF
Nunez SS
Pena 3B
Pitching today: Phil Hughes, Jason Johnson, Dave Robertson, Anthony Claggett, Kei Igawa.
Notes: The game starts at 1:05 and will not be on television or radio back to New York. … The Yankees have a seven-game win streak with them to Fort Myers. … I will not be attending the game. Instead I’m going over to the minor-league complex to watch Andy Pettitte pitch to Jorge Posada in an intrasquad game. Why? Well, Pettitte and Posada are important players for starters and I’m curious to see how Posada’s shoulder responds to catching a day game after a night game. The Yankees also will set up some situations where he has to throw under game conditions.
I’d also like to get a look at some of the prospects over there and hopefully start the process of getting familiar with them. It’s difficult sometimes to cover that aspect of the team because so much time is needed to keep tabs on the major-league squad.
That game will start at 1 p.m. So check back for some reports on Andy and Jorge.
UPDATE, 8:05 a.m.: I checked with Joe Girardi this morning. The reason Melky Cabrera started three games in a row was that Brett Gardner had to return home to take care of a personal issue. But he is back and back in the lineup today as you can see.
UPDATE, 9:55 a.m.: Our friends at the New Press in Fort Myers Have a live video feed of batting practice set to start at 10:15 a.m.
So you watch the Yankees take some BP this morning. The Twins will be first, then the Yanks.
UPDATE, 12:59 p.m.: Here we are at the minor-league complex.
Pettitte is pitching for AA Trenton against AAA Scranton. He’ll toss four innings. George Kontos and Zach McAllister will oppose Andy.
UPDATE, 1:29 p.m.: Pettitte has thrown two innings. One batter reached on an error and was picked off. Posada is 0 for 2.
UPDATE, 2:05 p.m.: Pettitte has thrown 50 pitches. One run over four innings.
UPDATE, 2:16 p.m.: In Fort Myers, Twins lead 1-0. Hughes has allowed one run over four innings.
UPDATE, 2:59 p.m.: OK, back from the minor-league complex. Just watched Andy Pettitte pitch what amounted to 5.1 innings. He allowed one run on three hits with one walk and seven strikeouts. He threw 44 of 65 pitches for strikes.
Pettitte faced a lineup of minor-league players: Jimmy Paredes, Colin Curtis, Andres Perez, Eric Duncan, Chris Malec, Dave Williams, Emerson Landoni and Jose Gil.
I know that’s eight players. That’s who hit.
Pettitte’s only rough inning was the third when he allowed three singles and a walk. That led to a run.
Jorge Posada, meanwhile, made three game-condition throws to second base as runners were put on first and ordered to steal.
The first throw bounced at the bag but beat the runner. The second one he had no chance on as Pettitte was slow to the plate and Perez went on his first move. Then a kid named Edwar Gonzalez ran in the final inning. He was safe but Posada made a strong throw that the infielder fanned on.
Posada said he felt good. After catching five innings last night, he caught nearly six innings today.
Got a chance to see Zach McAllister, too. He’s a big kid (6-5, 230 pounds) and has a presence on the mound. Hard to get much of a sense of what kind of pitcher he is from watching only a few pitchers. But the coaches over there are very high on him.
Thought this was cool: Phil Coke came over to watch Andy pitch, just to give him a little support.
It’s hard to believe that Posada and Pettitte first worked together in 1992. According to Baseball Reference.com, Posada has caught 161 of Pettitte’s games in the majors, a total of 4,275 plate appearances.
Let’s figure an average of 4.5 pitches per plate appearance just for kicks. That’s roughly 19,300 pitches. Add in minor league games (they were on the same teams in 1992, ’93, ’94 and part of ’95), bullpen sessions and spring training games and Pettitte has probably thrown at least 25,000 pitches to Posada in his career.
“It seems like I’ve known him all my life,” Pettitte said.
UPDATE, 3:20 p.m.: Here’s the line on Phil Hughes today down in Fort Myers: 4.1 IP, 3H, 1R, 1ER, 1BB, 0K. 65 pitches / 41 strikes.
Down 2-0, the Yankees scored one in the sixth on a Mark Teixeira home run and trail 2-1. Brett Gardner is 1 for 3 with a stolen base. Jason Johnson now pitching.
UPDATE, 3:32 p.m.: The Yankees have tied up the Twins at 2-2 on a home run by Todd Linden in the eighth inning.
Phil Hughes: “I felt good about my fastball command today, and I felt good about my changeup. My curve wasn’t great, but was usable. I did throw some good cutters. Overall, I feel good. I feel strong. I’m ready to go.”
Robinson Cano played five innings in the field and went 1 for 3. He handled two groundballs at second and turned a double play. “I felt good. There was no pain. Everything was perfect,” he said.
Thanks to Mike Margolis from the Yankees Media Relations staff for proving the information and quotes from Fort Myers. Mike, you’ll be sorry to hear that Jason and Lauren were over at the complex getting some sun while you were working hard.
UPDATE, 3:49 p.m.: Francisco Cervelli’s sac fly gave the Yankees a 3-2 lead. Then Austin Jackson went yard and the never-say-die Yankees are up 4-2.
UPDATE, 4:04 p.m.: There would appear to be no stopping the marauding Yankees, who beat the Twins 4-2. The K-Man finished up, getting the final two outs.
The Yankees have won eight straight and 10 out of 11. Save that for the season, fellas.
UPDATE, 4:13 p.m.: From what I can gather from afar, the K-Man loaded the bases with one out and got a game-winning double play. Then Brian Cashman yelled out from the stands, “He’s worth every penny! I knew it!”
OK, so maybe Cashman didn’t say that. But the K-Man does have 12.2 scoreless innings this spring. Three words: Trade him now.
For anyone with XM – game is on XM 178 at 105.
Anyone go 16-0 in the brackets yesterday – i scored 15-1 (missed with Butler)
anybody who thinks gardner has the cf job and the yankees should get rid of melky is crazy. sure hes had half a good ST so far but he’s still a .230 mlb hitter. maybe he can handle the job and maybe he cant, you cant just say he’s the guy and get rid of melky. both guys are going north unless they pick up another bona fide CF, you cant go into the season with gardner/damon/swisher as your CF options.
have they even played damon and/or swisher in CF this spring?
AHHHH that makes sense now. Glad to see Brett is back now.
From Nick’s twitter
I don’t know what the point of wearing a shin guard is if I keep fouling balls of the part that isn’t covered. Now that is impressive. Great
How Jorge Became Sado
By Tyler Kepner
Mar 19, 2009
TAMPA, Fla. ? Jorge Posada has been batting first lately, to get as many at-bats as possible before leaving the game when he reaches set number of innings behind the plate. That means the “Hip, hip, Jorge!” chants start early around Steinbrenner Field.
On Thursday, though, one fan greeted Posada with his preferred salute: “Sado!” That is how Posada is known in the clubhouse, and it is the name he writes on the small exercise device ?- a wooden board on an incline -? he keeps by his locker.
The person most likely to bellow “Sado!” across the Yankees’ clubhouse is Derek Jeter, Posada’s closest friend on the team. I asked Jeter once about the origin of the nickname, and he said it came from a mispronunciation by the public-address announcer Bob Sheppard.
It seems that when Posada came into Game 2 of the 1995 division series as a pinch-runner, in just his second career game, Sheppard introduced him as “Jorge Po-Sah-Doh.” You have to hear Jeter do the imitation to get the full effect.
Anyway, Jeter was on the bench for that series but not active, and he thought it was hilarious. He has used the name Sado for his friend ever since.
I read that about Nick……that’s hilarious, but so true.
Good article on AJ, Pete. My impression of him is that he’s quite thoughtful and smart. I guess I’m not surprised at the latter, but I am a bit about the former. This transformation he’s undergone is more than just about becoming a different pitcher – he almost seems to be a different person. It almost sounds as if, in his previous tours of duty (not his last year in Toronto, though), his emotional immaturity overshadowed all of his good qualities. He seems rather at peace now. Also, I agree with Al – AJ still has quite a few good years in him.
Did you see the picture of Andy’s son pitching? It is a righty mini Andy. The way he holds the glove!!
jennifer -
I thought the same thing about Andy’s son.
Loved Swisher’s comment about the shin guards, too.
And how come we never heard about “Sado” before? Or at least I never did.
I can’t believe it is snowing out today. I don’t listen to weather reports, so I was completely surprised. I mean, it IS the first day of spring, right?????
Doreen- I never heard the nickname either.
Yeah today is supposed to to be the first day of spring.
Thank god Brett is back! I don’t have to watch Melky today!
It’s a shame. I thought Jorge was going to be our new lead off batter all the time.
I’m listening to boomer/ kim and I can help but think, is arod that bad off the field that the yankees would actually consider getting rid of him???
Gardner has clearly won this job and I think Girardi is just trying to blow sunshine up Melky’s arse by telling the media that he’s closed the gap.
No, he hasn’t.
I’ve never been a Melky fan and I’d like to see them get rid of him. He’s never going to be more than a 4th/5th outfielder.
Of course, Gardner may not be an everyday regular either but his speed and mental game is leaps and bounds beyond what Melky can offer.
Not sure if the high praise from Girardi towards Melky is aimed at increasing trade value (although I expect that more from Cashman than Girardi) but either way, I would get comforable with the thought of Melky playing center based on the comments. If he stays with the team, which I think he will, he will definitely be called on to contribute. Based on their individual skill sets I’ve become a Gardner fan/supported, but I have come to the conclusion that it will do no one any good to beat up on the Melk Man. If he ends up “winning” the job then he’ll be my CF as much as Gardner will.
I hope we get some reports on Phil – I’d like to see him bounce back from his last outing. Soon enough, he’s going to be joining Ian in minor-league camp and it would be nice if he could leave a last, positive impression.
I was driving to work and the snow was rather wimpy (still surprising though). As I neared my office, I could literally see the snowflakes get bigger and bigger..I still don’t think it’s going to stick, but yeah – not pleasant thing to wake up to. That said, I’ve never been a fan of Spring weather except that it has the virture of not being Winter. Spring is overrated – it rains a ton and, at least in the Northeast, it’s still pretty cold.
Today is the first day of Spring and what do we have..snow. Get with the program mother nature!
I never knew that nickname for Jorge.
I need to check my brackets, I’m a little scared.
No Benny, he is not. Radio is full of shock jocks. Kim Jones is a Red Sox fan.
Spring makes me think of being in college at VT…always the best time of year because winters were typically pretty bad (for Va, not NY bad) and that was the time of year that the short skirts/sun dresses and girls sunning around campus started to appear…I couldn’t help but love spring after that!
I think it was good that Melky got to play 3 games in a row. Playing consistently helps a player get into a groove and show off what he’s got. He is actually swinging the bat fairly well right now. He only has a few hits and RBI’s over the 3 games but he looks a lot better at the plate.
That said, I still think Gardner is the starting CF when the season starts. He is the better player for sure. Melky will make the team and back up Gardner.
Angel Berroa is also looking pretty good right now. He won’t continue hitting this well throughout the season but I wouldn’t be surprised if Kevin Long helps him get better than he has been in the past. He is also a very slick fielder at all 3 spots in the infield. He can’t be a worse hitter than Miguel Cairo can he? If he is at least that good, he will help the team. In fact, once A-rod is back I’d go with Berroa over Ransom as the utility infielder.
Giuseppe Franco – even though I hate you and your hair gel commercials, you are right.
The battle for CF goes full steam ahead for the next 10 days.
I’ve been very impressed with Eduardo Nunez this Spring. He’s shown a quick bat and a good glove so far. Only 21 and is ticketed for Double A. Could he be Jeter’s heir apparent? Also looks like Austin Jackson is finding his stroke. Had another hit and a walk last night. Good to see some young positon players start to shine. With the WBC and extend ST this year these players are getting extended time with the big club, which can only help down the road.
I was just checking out the Yankees schedule. Do you realize that they are at the home opener of 3 different teams the first week? And then their own home opener. I guess teams want to get their cash flow going early.
Gardner in CF = Championship
Why?
http://www2.tbo.com/content/20.....r-leaguer/
“Gardner in CF = Championship”
Joe DiMaggio & Mickey Mantle must be rolling over in his grave.
Good job Pete. You convinced the LOHUD editors to let you stay “home”.
I haven’t been this impressed since I snuck the thermometer under the hot light bulb and fooled mom into letting me stay home from school.
You can get the game on Twins radio it looks like, through MLB.tv. I’ll probably also be on twitter giving updates.
Doreen – Actually, teams usually have little trouble selling out their home openers. They’d be better off using the Yankee drawing power for less glitzy occasions.
My guess is that the scheduling was impacted by the need to delay the Yankee home opener in order to get the new YS ready.
P.S. No snow in RI, but not very warm, either. Whither Spring?
I don’t think Joe G.’s comments are always credible. Last night the announcers asked him what he thought of AJ’s outing. He said AJ was “pretty good”. AJ was able to hold the Jays to 1 run without good stuff, but he clearly wasn’t “pretty good”, even Flash and Singleton thought AJ struggled. I don’t think he threw one good curve and his FB was all over the place. So I take Joe’s comments about Melky with a grain of salt.
Yank407 -
It’s the perfect time to build a huge mansion if you have the money. Land costs, material costs, labor costs are all down significantly compared to two years ago and before. Perfect opportunity to build a house if you have the coin.
Bill…I would agree with Girardi’s comment that A.J. was “pretty good” If he had gotten through locating every pitch and knocking guys down in order it would have been “great.” But A.J. himself said that some of his pitches weren’t there, but he still managed to only give up 1 run despite not being on his A-game…I’d say only 1 run with your C level stuff is “pretty good” I think a bad day for A.J. will beat a lot of good days for other clubs’ #3 starter.
Why is Jeter building such a big house? Is he planning on putting a full baseball field in there? 30,000 sq ft is a lot.
Girardi only said AJ was pretty good after he watched Bruney.
I can’t believe I just spent only 4 dollars on 4 tickets to see a game at the new Stadium–even though it’s an exhibition, it’s still amazing. Partying like it’s 1923.
I guess in Jeter’s case and a lot of athletes for that matter, you just get to a point where there is only so much you can do with the amount of money these guys are making. If you have the means and the desire, then why not? Maybe he just feels like he is doing his part to help the economy…I’m sure that project will make some builder’s year!
“I guess in Jeter’s case and a lot of athletes for that matter, you just get to a point where there is only so much you can do with the amount of money these guys are making.”
True. Lord knows that you don’t want that money in the stock market right now. Still, that’s a big house.
Hope those with presale today did good. I am very happy ended up with 2 tickets to Saturday cubs game and two tickets to opening day, although the two are not together of course if I wanted them together the only ones that showed up were $900 a pop so instead searched for one ticket in main seating level and got it then searched for another solo in main and got it. SO for those still trying that may be the way to go
Let Jeter buy as big of a house as he wants. He’s certainly earned the right to do so.
Who are we to say he can’t or shouldn’t?
Besides, during these economic times – we should applaud rich people who are spending money.
DT- Anyone ever tell you, you are a riot. You should go into stand up.
Jeter can do whatever he wants with money he’s earned but building a house the size of a Best Buy is a little conspicuous for a guy who goes out of his way not to be conspicuous.
Bill, I disagree. AJ struggled, but he was able to make the pitches when it counted – and that is all that matters. Singleton and Flaherty pointed out a couple of times that AJ only gave up 1 run despite being overpumped for the Jays and not having much location with his pitches – that’s the sign of a good pitcher, being able to make do without your best. I don’t even think AJ even had a great FB last night -his velocity was down somewhat – yet he got through it.
I didn’t click on the link, but it’s an article about Jeter building a house? Who cares? He’s allowed to do what he wants…
Let Jeter buy as big of a house as he wants. He’s certainly earned the right to do so.
Who are we to say he can’t or shouldn’t?
Besides, during these economic times – we should applaud rich people who are spending money.
Franco: thank G it wasnt arod. The mediots would have said ” how could aroid spend that much money when the economy is in such bad shape?”
Gayle, congratulations on getting the tickets to opening day. I took your recommendation and Doreen’s and ordered Jane Heller’s book. Looking forward to reading it.
Bill
March 20th, 2009 at 10:00 am
I don’t think Joe G.’s comments are always credible. Last night the announcers asked him what he thought of AJ’s outing. He said AJ was “pretty good”. AJ was able to hold the Jays to 1 run without good stuff, but he clearly wasn’t “pretty good”, even Flash and Singleton thought AJ struggled. I don’t think he threw one good curve and his FB was all over the place. So I take Joe’s comments about Melky with a grain of salt.
======================================================
I disagree. Although Joe clearly prefers Gardner, because of his speed and potential to wreak havoc on the bases, he knows that Gardner’s numbers right now probably aren’t good predictors for how he’ll do once pitchers enjoy velocity bumps and incorporate more breaking stuff.
Joe also knows that Melky is a better contact hitter, better at hitting breaking stuff, and is generally a better pure hitter, and that it’s probbly more likely that Cabrera’s comparative offensive numbers in the long run will build a case for him over Gardner.
If Girardi had his druthers, of course, Gardner would continue to hit and get on base, so that the manager could employ his spectacular speed to give the offense another dimension. But the jury is still out on that, and Girardi certainly doesn’t want to ignore Cabrera, who may not “win” the starting job outright, but will likely reclaim it at some point.
I don’t think they’re trading away Melky. We’re going to need both Melky & G.
Nunez is only 21 and making a name for himself?
Get used to it guys, Girardi won’t say anything negative about the players on the ingame interview. even in the postgame.
Didn’t click on the Jeter house link, but I’m of the opinion that people can do what they wnat with their own money. If he wants to build a McMansion, then fine. If Al wants to sleep on a mattress in a dilapidated warehouse, then fine. Come to think of it, if Al were building a house that big, people would be all over it. Jeter’s a good captain and ‘mate. Building a big house to deflect criticism from Al.
Tyler Kepner is on the phone pouting with his editors as we blog this morning.
“Wahhhh… But Pete doesn’t have to travel 2 1/2 hours to Ft. Myers, why should I!…. It’s NOT FAIR”
“Tyler, If Pete jumped off the Tampa Sunshine Skyway Bridge would you?…now go do your job”
“But, but… I could stay in Tampa and.. and… talk to Hank. Yes, I could interview Hank or maybe even George!
I could disguise my voice as Bill Madden. Please, don’t make me go to Ft. Myers”
“Tyler, I don’t want to hear another word. You are a NY Times reporter, you are above this. You are going to Ft. Myers. You remember what we did to Selena Roberts don’t you?”
He’s moving up from bachelor pad in preparation for marriage and family life?
The fact that everyone assumes that Melky has to take the job away from Gardner is pretty significant.
Did everyone forget that Melky’s out of options, something that will close any gap significantly.
Even Igawa, Tomko, and Berroa are longshots because they’ll require roster moves.
Who are the prime candidates to be moved off the 40 for the next transaction?
m – if Gardner is flat out better than Melky (looks like it) then I don’t think they’ll have a problem releasing him if he doesn’t wanna accept a backup or minor league roll.
In case anyone hasn’t already note this, the game is also on mlb radio (Minny feed)
Why pick on Tyler Kepner?
He’s one of the best beat writers in the business. We’re not talking about George King or Joel Sherman.
Kepner is one of the handful of Yankee beat writers/reports that actually “gets it.”
tagline change
Russ,
I’m a founding member of the Gardner bandwagon and have no patience for Melky and his gaffes (speaking of bleacher creatures).
But, Gardner hasn’t established himself as a full-time major league player yet, so I think they’ll hold on to Melky. If the 25 is crowded with 2 backup IF or an extra catcher, I could see Gardner starting in Scranton. But they’ll have to be prepared for the fan dissatisfaction.
I love Gardner’s speed and his “intangibles” (he’s moving into Jeter territory, haha), but I think it’s easy to forget the business side of the equation. The option will quickly close up any “gap” there is between the two.
Franco: thank G it wasnt arod. The mediots would have said ” how could aroid spend that much money when the economy is in such bad shape?”
—————
Yeah, I’ll never understand the people who complain about people spending a lot of money during these times.
If they can afford it, and Jeter surely can, we should encourage people to spend money. Spending money now is a GOOD thing – not a bad thing.
The economy can stimulate itself if everyone is stuffing all their money under their mattresses.
“Why pick on Tyler Kepner?”
Giuseppe, it’s not personal. I like Tyler. It’s one of the nuances of satire. Ty-ler Kep-ner is a four sylabble name. It roles off the tongue.
Go ahead. Say George King and Joel Sherman outloud. See.
It doesn’t have the same affect! Bald Vinny would understand.
re Melky: Cabrer’a out of options. He will be on the team, despite the fact that he was almost a guaranteed out at the plate last year and is not the best defensive center fielder. His defense is overrated.
Austin Jackson cannot get here soon enough.
What about moving Jeter to center field? And what do the Yankees do with Jeter in 2010? There was an interesting article about this on MVN the other day. The author bashes his defense–who isn’t these days–but clearly Jeter is a good hitter. I would like to see him go to center. He probably does need to replaced at short though.
http://mvn.com/aroundthemajors.....jeter.html
Guys, how do you think they’re gonna split up the catching? Do you think they’re gonna have Posada run out there 4 out of every 5 games? Or only 3/5 games? And any word or personal catchers for Molina?
The economy can stimulate itself if everyone is stuffing all their money under their mattresses.
——–
That’s supposed to be CAN’T stimulate itself.
m -
The player most in danger of losing a roster spot for Berroa/Tomko/Igawa has to be Geise. If he doesn’t make the team as the long man, he’s gone. I also think they could put Humberto Sanchez on the 60 day DL to open up a spot that way. Has he even pitched this spring??
For some reason… I believe that Molina will catch Burnett and Joba on the days that they pitch. It’s just my hunch.
Melky is out of options so he’d have to pass waivers to get to SWB. In this market I’m not sure any team would want to take on his $1.4 million salary. (I think the acquiring team would have to pay it.)Abreau is making “just” $5MM and Pudge about $1.5MM, so teams may think $1.4MM is a lot to pay for Melky. I think he’ll stay on the NYY. Once ARod comes back however, the Yanks will have to decide if they should keep Melky or the backup inf (Berroa?), because Ransom will then move into the backup inf role.
I think Berroa is more suited for the backup IF role than Ransom. When A-rod comes back I think Berroa will stay and Ransom will go. Unless of course Ransom plays well at third.
Don’t forget Alex will be going on the 60 day dl. So you open up a spot with him.
rodg,
Thanks for that. Makes sense. Giese really is fighting for his spot.
All these players will be useful. So it’ll come down to need and risk reward.
Who would fly if released?
Igawa-under control
Gardner-already on the 40 man
Berroa-I think he’ll get picked up, if we don’t sign him
Tomko-I fear that he’ll revert to his former self if we sign him and on the flip side, that he’ll be lights out for ome team like the Red Sox
Ransom-will be the second most popular utility player behind Miggy.
Giese-can’t see another team picking him up. What does that say about him?
I want to see Gardner take it all this game. I want to see him dominate in this game so much that the starting position will go to him after today.
Forgot Melky. Agree with Bill, he won’t be picked up for that money. Every team has 4th and 5th OF.
Thanks for the reminder about the 60 day.
‘I want to see Gardner take it all this game. I want to see him dominate in this game so much that the starting position will go to him after today.’
I just want to SEE the game but the Yankees cancelled that out already.
Action Jackson in LF today ofcourse he starts no TV.
“Let Jeter buy as big of a house as he wants. He’s certainly earned the right to do so. Who are we to say he can’t or shouldn’t?”
I didn’t say that he couldn’t or shouldn’t. I was just wondering why it had to be so large. I’d ask the same thing of Aaron Spelling (if he were still alive). I believe his house is the largest in California. Tori Spelling once said that she could be in one part of the house and never see another person for weeks.
Doesn’t putting Alex on the 60 day keep him out of game action until June or can they backdate into the preseason?
Jeter probably just taking advantage of the plummeting property/land values in Florida
Not sure, pat. Someone suggested putting Sanchez on the 60-day.
Pat- I am pretty sure I read they can back date it to the last day he played in a spring training game. In fact I am 99.9% sure.
Longoria is joining Team USA
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=3998363
A Smoltz DL stint could be backdated up to nine days into spring training, provided he doesn’t pitch in a Grapefruit League game in that period. If he pitches later this week, it will be in a simulated or minor league game.
found this, I’ll continue looking.
True m. But if Gardner’s intangibles are significant (that could conceivably turn every single into a triple with his speed) and he gets on base at a good enough clip then Melky becomes expendable. I agree you need Melky’s cushion right now but if Gardner gets on base at a 330-350 clip for the first 3 months of the season I’d be surprised if Melky gets any time in CF at all.
But that can be backdated into spring training, so Wang could back earlier than initially expected This is a good news , I expect Yankees being careful and cautious with him, since He’s ace of Yankees.
Thanks Jennifer. Back dating injuries to spring training just seems redundant because there are no rosters.
The Jeter house isn’t new news. We talked about it here months ago.
Jennifer,
Why does it matter to you how large someone’s house is?
As long as he can afford it, and the taxpayers don’t have to bail them out, Jeter can buy the entire city of Tampa for all I care.
Let them do whatever they want with their money.
Any indication as to who will play 1st for USA in the upcoming WBC game?
“Hokiehill March 20th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Any indication as to who will play 1st for USA in the upcoming WBC game?”
yeah I hope it’s not Dunn, he was horrible at 1st the last game
It’s kind of funny the beat writers didn’t notice Brett Gardner was MIA even without the distraction of Alex.
Giuseppe Franco
?? I didn’t make a comment about the house.
It’s kind of funny the beat writers didn’t notice Brett Gardner was MIA even without the distraction of Alex.
~Very ironic indeed.
pat- I was thinking the same thing!! I guess with 50 guys walking around it isn’t hard to miss him.
Although I’d be more worried if they didn’t notice Johnny Damon or Jorge etc was mia.
Could Marlon Byrd being available in a trade change the Melky/Gardner discussion?
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.c.....ref=sircrc
Why is Jeter building such a big house?
~ahh come on all. Clearly Jeter with his good heart is only building a house that big to help the greater good of society. The bigger the house the more people needed to build it, thus more jobs. Not to mention 10,000 sq ft will be used to house inner city kids who need to get away from the streets of the Tampa/Clearwater area for a while.
During last USA WBC game, the announcers mentioned Longoria might play 1B.
Jeter shuld not be building a house. He should give money to tthe local community to build schools and playgrounds.
“Why is Jeter building such a big house?”
Because he’s getting married soon and settling down. If I had to guess.
“Jeter shuld not be building a house. He should give money to tthe local community to build schools and playgrounds.”
Do you mean in addition to the moeny he already gives to charity to help young people through his Turn 2 Foundation or instead of that?
I know some of you aren’t going to get even slightly serious about these jokes regarding Jeter.
Interesting story about “sado” — but I find it funnier that Jorge was used as a pinch runner. Who could he have been faster than?
Jason- He actually ran track. He said he was faster till he broke his ankle.
Lead off single for Gardner
nice catch by Young according to announcers for out by Cano
SB Gardner
gameday anyone
SB – man I love the sound of that.
Thanks Gayle.
Brett isn’t taking this lying down.
GO BRETT
Tex grounds out to 3rd, Matsui drives deep but caught. Inning over with Gardner stranded at 2nd.
3 up 3down for Hughes
Link for gameday please?
How come I can never find it – All i can find is box, gamdeday audio, or mlb.tv…
Great stuff. I also like the name, “Ham Fighters.”
Cor Shep,
Here you go. Just bookmark it and click on “today” at the top for the current games.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday.....b_minmlb_1
BTW, Tex is really flying under the radar, but did you guys watch the WBC and thank the gods that we signed him?
Hughes walked a guy but good a DP.
Always fun reading some of the totally uneducated comments on here. But let me break it down for you as it will happen. And you can bet the ranch on it…
Gardner wins the CF job. Easily. Melky isn’t even a factor. He roared into camp competing for the job by hitting all of .250 with zero home runs. Basically thats what he is anyway, a .250 hitter with no power or speed. His only decent tool is a pretty good throwing arm. And thats it.
Cabrera will make the team. He’s valuable as a 4th OF who can play all 3 positions, and is a perfect late inning defensive replacement. He will also guard against the possibility of Gardner failing, which remains a possibility. Cabrera is also out of options. He will NOT be traded, released, put on waivers or anything else. He’s on the team.
As for Berroa, he will probably also make the team, unfortunately, by virtue of his getting hot with the stick this spring, he’ll be here. Helps that A-Rod is out too.
But Berroa is awful. Both offensively and defensively, and also at least 2 years older than he claims. Maybe 3.
Teix is flying under the radar— you never even hear about him
There has been more talk about Eduardo Nunez and Brett Tomko than there has Teix lol
m
What happened in the WBC that made you appreciate Tex more?
Exactly, I don’t see what the big deal is. Both Melky and Gardner will be on the team and whoever starts will be on a short leash since the other guy is on the bench.
Same thing with Swisher/Nady.
The only way this becomes an issue is if we need a 3rd catcher, then Joe/Cashman has a tough decision to make about how to configure the bench (40 man spots, options, etc.)
pat,
Sorry, should’ve been clearer. Watching Adam Dunn’s fielding, uh, skills.
Another 3 up and 3 down for Hughes in the 2nd
6 groundouts by Phil Hughes (incl. DP). Very good. Facing the Minny starting lineup sans Morneau and Mauer.
“Sorry, should’ve been clearer. Watching Adam Dunn’s fielding, uh, skills.”
Or his non fielding skills. His errors led to 4 unearned runs. He should not have been at 1B, but they are short staff with Pukelis injured.
Phil seems to be doing good.
yeah, that’s why I broached the 1st base question (WBC)…we basically don’t have a 1st baseman on the roster other than Dunn who is not even a first baseman (even though he’s listed as 1st base / outfield on the Nat’s roster). I’ve already read that the Rays dont want Longoria to play first, although every team has said that about the players Johnson has mentioned possibly playing there, including Dunn. Not sure what the other rosters in the WBC look like, but the US is proof that they need to adjust the roster rules next go around!
I got an email from the Yankees saying I won the opportunity to buy Yankee tickets on March 23!! Anyone else?
I KNEW the real Phil would return!
But anyway, check this out. The beneficent earth mother, that would be me, has happily shared her mlb.tv internet account with any who have asked. I consider the world of Yankee fans – plus a select few non-fans – my friends.
I of course don’t always recognize the screennames of people who ask, but I go with it anyway.
I just went to sign in today to listen to the audio and I guess someone thought it would be a good idea to change my password! Hmph!
So now when that person goes to sign in again, alas, he or she won’t be able to get in as I needed to have a new password sent to me so I could get into my account.
speaking of Pukelis…does anyone else think he looks like he could be a character from Mike Tyson’s Punch Out when he’s standing/bouncing at the plate? I’m thinking Soda-Pop Bedinksi!
Cor Shep – I advise taking out a loan for the tickets. As a former Sunday plan holder, I had the right to buy tickets today. I didn’t find anything under $1,000 (per seat). Thanks Randy Levine!
But anyway, check this out. The beneficent earth mother, that would be me, has happily shared her mlb.tv internet account with any who have asked. I consider the world of Yankee fans – plus a select few non-fans – my friends.
I of course don’t always recognize the screennames of people who ask, but I go with it anyway.
I just went to sign in today to listen to the audio and I guess someone thought it would be a good idea to change my password! Hmph!
=====================================
Whoever did that..that’s not cool!
Sorry to hear that, Trisha.
Too bad people don’t appreciate a free gift.
I’d ask for the account info but I understand if you don’t want to give it out to anyone else.
Pete, give us your impressions of Zack McAllister. He is supposed to be damn good. ERA below 2.00 for two A ball stops last year. Will be in Trenton this year. Hard sinking fastball.
How does Pettitte pitch today for AA Trenton facing AAA Scranton? In all seriousness, most of the guys who are supposed to be at AAA, and many in AA are still in big league camp. So it is really like an A ball game, but no matter, Andy will get his work in.
i got opening 2 day tickets for 55 bucks.
A 3-3-6 double play when was the last time the Yankees had one of those. WHat a great thing to have Tex on our team.
Cor congratulation on making the cut. I did pre sale today and got opening day and saturday cubs game. Found that if you did your homework and set stuff up beforehand it really paid off. Was able to get main level tickets (albeit 2 singles) for opening day.
Flyout, double, single, double play. 1-0 Minny.
“I got an email from the Yankees saying I won the opportunity to buy Yankee tickets on March 23!! Anyone else?”
Not I. I’ll have to stick with my old ways of doing business – StubHub and eBay.
The Nats signed Dunn to play 1B. I wonder if they are cringing. As a firstbaseman, Dunn is a good DH.
Every day Phil Coke,
If Coke had not gotten hit with that line drive and needed a couple days to heal the bruise, we would have seen him yesterday and today and tomorrow and the day after.
trisha that sucks!
Can’t you still go back and change your password? Isn’t there somewhere to say you forgot it? Or call and say your niece or nephew changed it on you. Make up a story.
I didn’t get an e-mail yet but my job offered us a chance to buy tix. I thought “how cool” until I tried to buy Subway Series tix…they wanted $100 for bleacher seats w/ potential obstructed view. I said no way. Opening day bleacher tix were in the $300-400 range. Outrageous.
trisha- call mlb and tell them your nephew changed the password on you so you need to reset it.
I know it probably has great meaning to some people, but being at the first game at the Stadium, unless someone sold me some reasonably-priced tickets, doesn’t have any great meaning for me. The fact that I got to the last game at the old Stadium will last me the rest of my life. I will definitely make it to the new place this season, just not sure when.
jen, they sent me a new one. The good thing about having your email address on file is that email will get to ust your address. Thanks though.
SA – that’s really messed up man. I’d be so pissed if I were you.
Beth – Really? Can you elaborate? Cuz I expected to be able to buy bleachers and upper deck? All those are already given to season ticket holders? Jeez
m, how did you possibly find the gameday? I am so incredibly happy that you found that, “live box scores” just weren’t doing it for me. So thanks a bunch! Where did you actually find it though? I’ve been looking for like the past 2 weeks, and I can’t find it anywhere on mlb.com
Giuseppe, I’d give it to you. Give me your email address.
Hey Pete, let us know what you think about McAlister’s pitching in today’s game (if you are able to check it out).
btw, to supplement the current discussion…Gardner led off today’s game with a single, then stole second
Cor Shep-that happened to trisha, not me. Still not cool what happened to her.
Screw my brackets, c’mon North Dakota State!!
Anyone know how many pitches Phil has thrown?
tony,
last spring i had a link to a page that you couldn’t find from the main page. it as a gameday index page with links to audio/video. couldn’t find that page this year. but someone hacked the first gameday of the spring by changing the dates/teams. we’ve just been using old gamedays to find the game of the day.
and yes, it’s been great. even though it’s just as slow as “live” box score, we get to make fun of the mugshot gameday photos.
Tony, they make it impossible to find!
One day when I was watching the game via gameday I saved it as a favorite. Now all I do is open it up and link to “today’s games” and then just click on the Yankee game.
About tickets – I’m totally screwed unless I get a ticket either in the bleachers or in one of the lower levels. I found out last year that I can’t do any of the tier levels (fear of heights and oh boy did I have a problem). Thank God I ended up being able to trade off with someone and so I ended up in the bleachers – first row (well they let me sit there, that wasn’t my seat) right behind the bullpen.
I was in heaven.
Wow, Trish. Thanks. I appreciate it very much.
viperstrike74@gmail.com
Cor Shep – thanks. I wasn’t real happy that someone would do that!
trish “the Pipsqueak ”
What was “fancy pants” in my posts?
GameDay says that Hughes has thrown 17 pitches through 4 innings
is anyone else watching the gameday right now? It says that phil hughes has thrown 17 pitches through 4 innings and is about to start the 5th….is it possible that that’s correct?
no tony gameday is basically always wrong on pitch counts in ST
P.S. Marion Byrd has been a figment of his home field except for last year. Even including last year, his 3-year stats away from his home field have been very ordinary.
And he contributed less in 109 games last year on defense than Gardner did in 39 games.
Anyone ever use Windows Movie Maker? My teacher is making us make a movie 4 minutes long using images and audio without teaching us the basics of it. Very annoying.
I think walks gives you 4 balls, strikeouts give you 3 strikes, and balls put in play give you one pitch. If there’s a stolen base or something, then they’ll show the balls and strikes for that at-bat.
GB7 usually counts pitches, but he’s not here today.
“What was “fancy pants” in my posts?”
You know how the mob operates. They give you the information but they ain’t gonna do your dirty work!
Everyone that was around was provided me their mafia nickname for the day, in honor of St. Josephs’s Day – not that he was a member of the mafia of course!
Even I, a card-carrying Italo thoroughbred, was forced to go in and change my own tagline.
Fancy Pants! That was pretty funny Jay.
Thanks tom-my gameday was frozen for a while and I couldn’t tell
I have made short little movies in Movie Maker with just photos and audio. Its pretty simple if that’s all you need to do. I don’t remember the particulars but I suggest you find a tutorial if you are worried.
Cor Shep – I logged on today (admittedly 45 minutes after the pre-sale started) and tried to find affordable tickets for a number of games–not Mets, Red Sox, etc., just Twins, Orioles, Tampa Bay and their ilk. I would try upper deck and then main (which is up to $80, if I am remembering it correctly) Four seats were never available, even when I tried to get them near each other but not in the same row. I did not try the bleachers. When I tried “Best Available” I got $1000 seats, sometimes more. As if.
phillip hughes..is knocking on the door. Can someone please answer it?
Are there going to be any “cheap” tickets by the time it gets to general public on sale? Or will they keep trying to force $350 seats down everyone’s throat.
Big tex goes deeeep!
Pill’s done for the day. 4.1, 3, 1, 1, 1, 0, 0, 2.19
Jason Johnson came in and gave up a run on 2 hits. 2-0 Minn
y
Teix hits a HR off Joe Nathan
Beth–
Problem one you waited 45 minutes into the pre sale. That is a huge amount of time when it comes to pre sales like this most of the tickets in groups like you want will be gone.
I was lucky enough to follow peoples experiences from yesterday on another message board nyyfans.com and learned from some of there experiences one of them being do not if possible put in best available as you will automatically get sent to the high price tickets. The only one I did that for was the cubs game as those tickets are priced cheaper than regular season games.
For OPening Day which is the only other game I wanted again i had 2 browsers going at once so I could do the Cubs on one browser and opening day on the other I was only going for 2 tickets. I ended up splitting them and doing a search for 2 individual seats in the main level and got them no problem.
I think your biggest issue is probably waiting 45 minutes into the pre sale and trying to get 4 together might be better to do a search for 2 and 2??
That’s Tex’s “first” homerun with the Yankees. Hopefully, the floodgates will be open now.
Gardner has another hit and a SB? This guy is disgusting.
trish “the Pipsqueak “,
It may have been the other Jay who provided that handle. But either way, I’m cool with it (or without it), Pipsqueak.
‘Gardner has another hit and a SB? This guy is disgusting.’
If we’re calling him disgusting then Austin Jackson is going to be trash bag snot filthy.
Another good day for Phil – nice to see him bounce back off of last time. I’m surprised he only went 4 + innings, though……M, were you listening to the game? How’d the announcers think Phil looked? Thanks!
Phillip Hughes is going to be a Star Pitcher….
Any idea why they took Phil out in the middle of an inning after getting the first out? Can probably see where I’m going with this.
jay – if you’d stop preening long enough with your fancy pants self, you’d realize that I was the one who assigned the names! (Actually I didn’t explain myself very well.) There’s a mafia name generator http://pages.prodigy.net/mlemu.....erator.htm
and I went and put in everybody’s names, well those who were online during the game, and yours came up Fancy Pants!
Because I understand that even though it’s nothing personal, the mafia doesn’t like it when people don’t take orders. So I went with the names as they were generated!
Signed
pipsqueak!
Don’t go there
hi all – just got a new laptop and still getting stuff set up – Phil and co looking good?
10 ground ball outs for Hughes. He seems to have figured some stuff out this year.
PH probably just reached his pitch count. Same thing happened to AJ last night. He came out in middle of an inning.
S.A., if you’re talking to me, i’d rather not. so, someone please talk me down from the ledge
trisha,
that is weak… what kind of person does that?
I’ll be signing up for mlb.tv for the regular season.
did you get the hdtv package or the regular? I can’t decide if it’s worth it.
“Phillip Hughes is going to be a Star Pitcher….”
I am so down with that concept it isn’t funny. I guarantee you that you are right on that.
hope you’re right bill. would love confirmation though
“if you’re talking to me, i’d rather not. so, someone please talk me down from the ledge”
Ever heard of a pitch limit?
of course, but just seemed kinda odd to be removed in the middle of the inning. but if happened with AJ too, guess common in ST
Love all the ground balls. That was Phil a few years back.
If he goes back to the extreme ground ball tendencies that would be fantastic.
S.A., if you’re talking to me, i’d rather not. so, someone please talk me down from the ledge
==================
I was-think happy thoughts of reaching his pitch count and letting the others get some work in
“of course, but just seemed kinda odd to be removed in the middle of the inning. but if happened with AJ too, guess common in ST”
It happens all of the time. I think every Yankee starting pitcher has been taking in the middle of the inning this spring.
Boston Dave, I hate to say it but I didn’t even realize they offered an HD package!
Since I have Extra Innings through DirectTv, I actually only need the mlb account for the times that there are day games or if for some reason the Yanks are on the local cable channel in NY and not part of Extra Innings. So I have to think I would go with the bare minimum. If I didn’t have Extra Innings, I would probably definitely go the extra for HD.
I also pay extra for the sportspak on DirectTv ($10 a month extra) because it’s the only way I get to see YES network tv. Every guy in the world has told me it’s worth it because with the sportpak you get to see a trillion different sports channels, but for someone like me who only really cares about baseball, it’s worthless. If I didn’t love the pre and postgames on YES so damned much, I wouldn’t bother with it.
Can’t wait until june when gardner is hitting .259 -3 homeruns and 20 rbi’s.People here put so much hype on there prospects.Gardner is going to be what Melky is a fourth outfielder.
You people know that Kei Igawa last year lead this team in strikeouts right?
if it was anyone but hughes, i wouldn’t have thought anything of it. but with his injury history, seeing that made me nervous
Trish,
Now I understand.
By the way, the Godfather asked me to pass something along to you. He told me that if you prefer Trish, you’ll hereafter be known as The Spaniard; but if you prefer Trisha, you’ll have the very unfortunate (and unhealthy) name of The Squealer. If you think I’m kidding, go ask him yourself — if you dare.
very nice trisha.
I’ll be traveling quite a bit this summer so mlb.tv is the only real option for me. Otherwise I’d have Extra Innings.
Nobody can doubt your love of the Yanks… that’s for sure.
“I don’t know what the point of wearing a shin guard is if I keep fouling balls of the part that isn’t covered. Now that is impressive. Great.”
- swisher’s twitter
lol
‘You people know that Kei Igawa last year lead this team in strikeouts right?’
AAA doesn’t count for Igawasan
Papelbon has a 5.14 ERA this Spring
Not that it means anything but still
Obviously Hughes has all the tools to be a frontline pitcher.
He’s got to throw more of his offspeed pitches for strikes and stop nibbling around the plate – which most young pitchers. He seems to have gotten better about that in ST, but the true test will come in a month or so.
I don’t know what Gardner will do. But according to FanGraphs, just what he did last year when he was awful on offense, but a super stud on defense, made him worth $4.9 million per year. If you extrapolate it to a full year – again, assuming he’s a black hole on offense — he would be a very valuable player for the team indeed. (He would be worth roughly the same as Jeter, by the way.)
And as has been pointed out by others, his pattern has been to be MUCH better his second hear at each level. For example,
AA OPS in 2006 — 670 (in 212 at bats)
AA OPS in 2007 — 811 (in 203 at bats)
AAA OPS in 2007 — 674 (in 181 at bats)
AAA OPS in 2008 — 836 (in 341 at bats)
Majors OPS in 2008 — 582 (in 127 at bats)
Majors OPS in 2009 — ??? (in ??? at bats)
And in his second year at each level, his on base percentage was up around 400 (higher in AAA with a .414 on base percentage) — and he scored around .2 runs for each at bat.
McLovin – We’re not expecting too much from Gardner. Get on base, steal some bases and cause some havoc. He can hit .260 (hopefully .280+), as long as he’s getting his share of walks. We’re not expeceting Bernie numbers in CF from him.
Edit:
Of course, I meant second “year”, not second “hear”.
If Hughes makes more than a few starts at the ML level this year, something went wrong— somebody got injured or Joba was unimpressive.
So hopefully we see less of Phil this year.
“By the way, the Godfather asked me to pass something along to you. He told me that if you prefer Trish, you’ll hereafter be known as The Spaniard; but if you prefer Trisha, you’ll have the very unfortunate (and unhealthy) name of The Squealer.. Realluy If you think I’m kidding, go ask him yourself — if you dare.”
LMAO!!!!! Well, just a little laughter, and certainly not at the nicknames. They are absolutely divine really!
You know FP, I think sometimes they are just testing our allegiance to them. It’s a test, by the way, I always want to pass!
(I stupidly put in my first and last name. That’s how they knew that I was only 5’2. You know the mafia knows all! I should have just stayed with “trisha”. Dammit. Now they know where to find me.) Rat-a-tat-tat! Rat-a-tat-tat!!!
And PH is only 22 years old.
… And what if Pettitte has a bounce back year and wins us a bunch of big games in the playoffs and is willing to come back for the same $$ in 2010. Are we just going to discard him if he carries us deep into October?
A lot can change in a year. I wouldn’t create a hypothetical 2010 just yet. Too many variables.
Great stat on Pettite and Posada. I wonder what the stat is for Mo closing out Andy’s games when you factor in Minor league as I believe they also were on the same teams for a bit as well. I think they already hold the record or are tied for best starter-reliever combo in the majors.
“AAA doesn’t count for Igawasan”
Hey hey hey! Show some respect for Kei.
Or else.
The Pipsqueak!
“Pettitte faced a lineup of minor-league players: Jimmy Paredes, Colin Curtis, Andres Perez, Eric Duncan, Chris Malec, Dave Williams, Emerson Landoni and Jose Gil.”
And he actually gave up 4 baserunners (and 1 run) to that lineup? Release him now!
It’s the “never say die” Spring Training Yankees!
Austin Jackson goes deep. 4-2 Yanks in the 9th.
Jackson hits solo homer in top of the 9th off of old pal and team mate, Jason Jones. 4-2 Yanks.
I still want to see
- A-Jax score from 2nd on a single
- Make a throw from the warning track to try and gun out someone
Seth Fortenberry hit a long fly to the middle of the track in right field into the wind. If he gets control of his strike zone, he’s a good bet to be playing in right field sometime this year. Outstanding power areally good base runner. Great arm and plays all three outfield spots well.
GAYLE I think mussina is right there too.
Robertson pitched an inning and a third, 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, 3 strikeouts.
Igawa pitching.
Kei Igawa comes in with one down in the bottom of the 9th.
The Yanks are serious, they are bringing in their top 0.00 ERA pitcher.
Linden tied up the game on a HR, but small ball pushed the go-ahead run across the plate. I’d like to see (yeah right) more of that by our overpriced superstars.
If we go on to win this game, it’ll be a nice turn around. Wasn’t this team 5-8 or something? I know the records are meaningless, but it’s good to see the “never say die” ST Yankees!
The NYY need to trade Veras, Marte, Bruney, Giese, etc. to make room for the younger pitchers like Melancon, Dunn, Albaladejo, Robertson etc.
I think Edwar is the only keeper of the current group
Gayle, Mo and Pettitte do indeed hold that record! If I’m not mistaken, they passed Dennis Eckersley and Bob Welch this past year.
The good news keeps on coming – Phil did very well and feels good. I’m very happy that the change is coming along -soon enough, he’ll get the curve, FB and change going at the same time. The FB command is very encouraging….
Great news on Posada; he’s always had a good arm – what he needs now is practice practice practice. It really is amazing when you think what our core has gone through together – I have a hard time believing that young kid who pitched game 5 of the 1996 WS is our resident graybeard of the pitching staff, and that Jeter is 34 years old.
Keep it coming, Robby – I think he’s going to have a big year – and I’m loving me some AJ. He’s going to have his struggles at AAA, but the journey from prospect to potential major leaguer is going to be fun to watch.
Yep we were 5-8-1 after Wang got shelled by the Red Sox
And if you count the USA/Canada games, we actually had a stretch where we went 7 gamed without winning (6 losses and 1 tie) after the 2-0 start.
Igawa walks the first batter on a full count after being ahead 0-2. Next batter singles. Walk. Bases loaded, 1 out, Span is batting.
Where is Trisha? Igawa needs some help here.
2 walks and a hit – bases are loaded.
Looks like Mo might get his job back.
I always liked Jason Jones when he was in Trenton, but wasn’t he one of the ones that cried when he was picked up in Rule 5 by the Twins, about how glad he was to be out of the Yankee system because they never give young pitchers a chance? That definitely changed my opinion of him. Sorry Jason but that excuse went out the door with Bubba Crosby! If he was good enough, the Yankees would have given him a chance!
Robertson is looking good – even if he doesn’t make the team, he’ll be a potential call up at some point.
Igawa gets a game ending double play…
Span hits into a double play 6-4-3, Yanks win 4-2.
DP !!
Igawa’s perfect spring ERA lives on. Yanks win!
I still don’t think Igawa should give up the lease on that Scranton apartment yet… that was ugly.
Did the K-Man do it or did the K-Man do it?!?
Robertson is too good not to be taken North… but there’s no room for him if you take Coke and Edwar as your final 2 relievers. Coke has been great this Spring and Edwar has thrown 3 scoreless innings so far and Girardi indicated he will get the final spot if he pitches well.
Bruney and Veras will make the team because they are out of options. Marte, MO, and the long man are locks too.
There’s gotta be at least a chance that AJax kicks butt so much at AAA the first couple months that he becomes our everyday CF sometime this year. At least a chance, right? Anyone else with me?
It would have been another well pitched game with 7 hits and two runs, except for the 6 walks.
I was sure Igawa was going to fall back down to earth, but he got the dp ball. Good for him.
Sounds like it was yet another good day of Yankee baseball. Yawn. (JUST KIDDING on the yawn!!!!)
rodg, I still say September at the earliest. He’s been looking so fantastic the past week or so. Now I am starting to get really excited about his future, and would hate to see him rushed up too early and have it inevitably add some time to his development the way it did with Hughes.
Also, I think it’s important for him to spend a good chunk of time in Triple A cause he’ll be facing more pitchers who have had MLB experience.
Rodg, Jackson still has some things to work on. Still chasing high fastballs.
rodg12,
um no, why push him? let him develope fully before you throw him out there. you even said it yourself, hes only in AA
Igawa teased all the Igawa bashers. Loaded the bases with ine out. They were salivating, getting ready to pounce, and then, bang! Game ending DP. Sorry bashers! His Spring ERA is still 0.00 LOL!!!!!!!!!!!
murphydog March 20th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
“Why is Jeter building such a big house?”
Because he’s getting married soon and settling down. If I had to guess.
- – - – - – - – -
no, i think he just needs separate wings to stay organized… you know: one wing for models, one for movie starletts, one for playboy playmate bunnies, etc. etc.
Don’t want to rush him like DET did with Cameron Maybin
Yeah, I have to concur with those saying A Jackson needs a little more seasoning and certainly there’s no need to rush him.
Gardner and Melky may not be the perfect answer, but they should certainly be able to hold the fort for a season.
I think they’ll ask Jackson to come up in September, much like they did Jeter way back when.
But, even that’s jumping the gun a bit, right? Let’s see what he gives in AAA.
Igawa obviously loaded the bases on purpose, just to prove to Manager Joe that he can extricate himself from dire predicaments.
He’s a regular Houdini.
Pete -
I said it yesterday – they need to stop spring training right now! No more wasting these good performances!!!!
Just forfeit the rest of the games and work out for the next 2 weeks. They’re peaking too early.
Oh, no!
Things didn’t end well for Houdini.
Pete,
Jackson tacked on that meaningless 4th run. Small ball pushed the go-ahead run.
“Things didn’t end well for Houdini.”
awww Nick… aren’t you supposed to say “SPOILER ALERT” first?
Ok, ok. Hopes dashed. Resigned to the fact AJax will be in the minors all of this year. I do agree with you guys that we shouldn’t rush him.
“Jackson tacked on that meaningless 4th run”
Stat-padder!!! Trade him and Rodriguez for Scutaro, Crede and Eckstein immediately!!!!1!
Encouraged by PH’s comment that he felt good about his changeup. That’s a pitch he’s worked on for some time but has struggled with(He even changed his grip on it to a splitter grip). Looks like his hard work in AZ & this ST is paying off. Good for him!
************SPOILER ALERT*************
Rosebud’s superlative AAA and Spring Training numbers didn’t translate to the regular season; General Manager Kane felt endless longing and grief.
How is the 4th run in a 4-2 game meaningless?
“How is the 4th run in a 4-2 game meaningless?”
Same way that a 1st or 2nd inning HR is.
rodg –
I only see two scenarios where Austin gets called up in 2009 and they are both bad.
1) Everyone who can play CF is injured. (that would mean Brett, Melky, Damon, Swish, and Nady!)
2) The Yanks are playing so pitiful and lethargic for the first three months and Austin is lights out in AAA.
Then they might bring him up as a “spark”. (after firing Joe G and trying other “grasp at straw” ideas)
I don’t see Jackson getting called up until September and maybe not even then because he’s not on the 40-man roster.
He’s extremely raw. It makes no sense to rush the kid.
Screw my brackets-let’s go E Tenn State!!
while on the subjest- this really grinds my gears
I heard one of the annoucers call a run to put a team up by 3 a “tack on run” but by the context he meant “insurance run” there’s a differnce
and Flash saying that Melky tried to drag bunt from the RIGHT side of the plate (someone on here ponted it out last night) Phil Rizzuto turned over in is grave – twice
“Rosebud’s superlative AAA and Spring Training numbers didn’t translate to the regular season; General Manager Kane felt endless longing and grief.”
Nick
You sleigh me.
pat
nicely done
I can’t wait until Kei “Houdini” Igawa makes the team and the Yanks hit the road to other AL cities. He’ll be a tremendous road draw.
Visiting fans will say – WHO?
Yankee fans will say not – “Who” – it’s “HOUdini”.
With tremendous exploits like –
“Buried Alive in AAA”
“Suspended in the Pavano MRI straitjacket”
“The Dreaded Wang Water Torture Cell”
“The Luis Polonia handcuff challenge” –
Kei escapes them all!
Yankee fans will scream “HOU” “HOU” in honor of the great 0.00 ERA pitcher – bringing back memories of those old Lou-Lou Pinella days.
Uncle Ellsworth -
Oy!
pat
March 20th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
“Rosebud’s superlative AAA and Spring Training numbers didn’t translate to the regular season; General Manager Kane felt endless longing and grief.”
Nick
You sleigh me.
————————————————————
One of the all-time great movies. Welles was as eccentric as Howard Hughes, but, they made great movies, and Welles was a fantastic actor.
pat -
That was a GREAT comeback! I was trying to think of a way to work sled into a response. But you nailed it!!!
okay
so if we trade for igawa what are we looking for in return?
defensive utlity infielder?
bp arm?
straight up for another potential prospect?
personally i dont see igawa having any success in a yankee uniform with the big league club, trade him now to a NL team and get something good in return.
is it me or austin jackson could be the next soriano? (added by Mobile using Mippin)
Can we trade Ian Kennedy too?
Before he gets too old.
I don’t think Ajax projects as much power, but is a much better fielder. Remember Soriano was a 2b who had to move because of a lack of athleticism. I think more of Sizemore, anyone agree?
As for Kei-If we trade him I think we should go after a SS prospect…
I don’t think anyone else has brought up the fact that Posada was an infielder in 1992 and 1993, not a catcher. The stats are indeed impressive, but inaccurate nonetheless.
Bad Scooter
March 20th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
McLovin – We’re not expecting too much from Gardner. Get on base, steal some bases and cause some havoc. He can hit .260 (hopefully .280+), as long as he’s getting his share of walks. We’re not expeceting Bernie numbers in CF from him.
=====================================================
You’re not getting Bernie defense from him in CF either.
trade K and someone worth something for a CF they could put out there everyday.
Angel Berroa is a TERRIBLE infielder.
Angel Berroa is a TERRIBLE infielder.
Angel Berroa is a TERRIBLE infielder.
Is that clear, now?
And, yes, there is MERCURY in that soda you’re guzzling!!!!!!
Bad for you. Really, really bad for you.
High Fructose Corn Syrup is poison.