Spring Game 29: Yankees at Phillies
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc, Podcast on Mar 26, 2009 
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YANKEES
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Matsui DH
Swisher RF
Cano 2B
Ransom 3B
Molina C
Cabrera CF
Pitching today: Joba Chamberlain, Phil Coke, Brian Bruney, Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez and Jon Albaladejo.
PHILLIES
Rollins SS
Victorino CF
Utley 2B
Howard 1B
Ibanez LF
Werth RF
Stairs DH
Feliz 3B
Paulino C
Pitching today: Carlos Carrasco.
Notes: The Yankees are 15-12-1 with nine exhibition games left to play. Doesn’t 37 games seem like an awful lot? That’s nearly 23 percent of the season. … Anyway, the game today will be on YES. … Cano is 8 of 25 (.320) since he got back from the WBC. … Brett Gardner has an eight game hitting streak and is 8 for 18 during the stretch.
Back later on from Clearwater.
UPDATE, 9:31 a.m.: Girardi just named CC the starter for Opening Day and the home opener.
Joba will start the sixth game.
They’re also toying with Jeter hitting leadoff with Damon second.
UPDATE, 10:15 p.m.: So here is how the pitching sets up now:
April 6 at Baltimore: Sabathia
April 8 at Baltimore: Wang
April 9 at Baltimore: Burnett
April 10: at Kansas City: Pettitte
April 11 at Kansas City: Sabathia
April 12 at Kansas City: Chamberlain
April 13 at Tampa Bay: Wang
April 14 at Tampa Bay: Burnett
April 15 at Tampa Bay: Pettitte
April 16 vs. Cleveland: Sabathia
April 17 vs. Cleveland: Chamberlain
April 18 vs. Cleveland: Wang
April 19 vs. Cleveland: Burnett
April 20: vs. Oakland: Pettitte
April 21: vs. Oakland: Sabathia
April 22: vs. Oakland: Chamberlain
April 24 at Boston: Wang
April 25 at Boston: Burnett
April 26 at Boston: Pettitte
They could, in theory, skip Pettitte and pitch Sabathia against Boston. But there’s no reason to do that. There’s also no reason to get ahead of ourselves.
As for the leadoff situation, it came about when Posada was hitting first when he caught to get some at-bats. They coaches liked what Damon was doing in the second spot advancing runners. He us very adept at pulling the ball in the hole, which could lead to a single and a first-and-third situation.
I’ve never been one to get caught up with lineups as long as the best players get the most at-bats. I’m not sure using Damon or Jeter first or second would make that much of a change.
What I wonder is whether this is a sign that Brett Gardner is the CF. Using Jeter first means you can break up the lefties.
So the order would be:
Jeter R
Damon L
Tex S
Matsui L
Posada S
Cano L
Nady R
Ransom R
Gardner L
UPDATE, 10:30 a.m.: Here’s CC Sabathia talking about the Opening Day and first game at the Stadium assignment:
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UPDATE, 12:51 p.m.: Gotta love spring training. Two first pitches were thrown out today. One was by famed boxing trainer Angelo Dundee. The other was by Marie the Hooters Girl. The original Hooters is in Clearwater and they take their Hooters seriously around here.
Now there’s a sentence I never thought I would write.
Anyway, it’s a nice sunny day here and a big crowd on hands.
UPDATE, 1:10 p.m.: Jeter had a nine-pitch at-bat and reached on a bad-hop single. Joe Girardi is a genius.
The Yankees would never say this, of course. But Jeter hitting leadoff should cutdown on his GIDPs. He has 45 over the last two seasons.
UPDATE, 1:15 p.m.: Godzilla goes deep to right field. 2-0 Yankees.
UPDATE, 1:27 p.m.: Joba just allowed back-to-back jacks by Utley (right field) and Howard (left field). 2-2.
UPDATE, 2:03 p.m.: Cody Ransom goes deep. 3-2 Yankees.
What will John Sterling do with him? “That ball was held for Ransom!”
“Pay the Ransom!”
UPDATE, 2:31 p.m.: Joba is done after 4.1 innings. Phil Coke is the new pitcher. Yankees lead 4-2.
Joba: 4.1 3 2 2 3 3.
Meanwhile, Newsday reports that Bob Sheppard will not be able to work on Opening Day.
Mr. Sheppard is 97. Isn’t it time to name him “announcer emeritus” and hire somebody else to do the job? He could come back whenever he wanted. Having the faux-Sheppard fill-in last season didn’t work so well.
UPDATE, 3:17 p.m.: Swisher solo shot, 6-2 Yankees. He’ll show them.
Does seem like a lot. Then again, the length of the NFL preseason is 25% of their regular season too…….though that seems like it might change.
No Derek Jeter? Seems like he wouldn’t want a second day off in a row…
I don’t like having 2 shortstops and no CF. I think they might give up too many extra base hits.
sorry – just saw that
Does seem like a lot of games. Is it due to the extended ST caused by the WBC? Or are there this many games every season?
Rishi:
Lineup says Jeter is leading off.
Wow for a second there I thought they were letting Melky try short out…
The NFL is going to cut at least one pre-season game, maybe two.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/bl.....nfl,150196
The NFL can have a shorter pre-season, since they have camp before hand. That stretches out the legs. Plus they have mini-camps throughout the Spring.
With Baseball, some guys have a regimen, and some don’t. But many guys come into camp cold, and out of shape.
What baseball should do is begin pre-season games a week early, and give teams the option to begin workouts early. You would figure with the money players make they could try and keep off a few pounds, and stay sharp through the off-season. Then the preseason can start around the third week in March. To make it even more feasible to MLB, you can have a week of International games the end of March, that count in the standings, to promote the game Worldwide. Tis would end the regular season the third week in September, with the playoffs beginning the last week. This should take care of having games run into late October, early November, which no matter how they rationalize it, is no good at all.
Kay was saying that most likely Melky will stay with the club because he’s out of options. So does that mean our only speed demon Gardner will be sent down? I really hope he stays.
“Then the preseason can start around the third week in March.”
Correction: Regular Season
So the other day we had two second basemen, today we have two SS. FIRE GIRARDI, what is wrong with him. Is he trying to reinvent the wheel?
Garder earned CF…for now. Melky is the 4th OF, because Matsui has no knees left.
Melky moves to short alongside Jeter. lol
Melky is actually the 5th outfielder. Swisher is the 4th.
Tom
March 26th, 2009 at 8:55 am
GB, have you ever thought about starting a River-Dogs blog? You’d be good at it-and I’d read it. There’s little or no coverage for that team and it’s players.
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NOOOOOOOO!!!! Are you kidding? I can’t type two words without a typo or misspelled word. If I could go to more of the games, it would something to do, but, I can only get to about half of the games. I will be happy to post things about the games that I attend, though, if anybody wants updates and the proprietor has no objections.
There is a pretty decent link to all of the goings on and pix of the team, though. I’ll add it in here. I’ll tell you, though….last year’s group was fun to watch. Hopefully, one of the Tampa dwellers that attend the games can post and update those games. Be nice to see that for all of the system’s teams. Not the fluff/polished pieces of pro writers, but, from a lowly fan’s point of view.
http://www.riverdogs.com/news/.....le_id=1673
There is also info in Spanish on this site.
I’m liking that lineup with Jete leading off! All the sabre guys say that Jeter’s higher OBP (over Damon’s) and his propensity to hit weakly to left (subsequently setting up double plays) make him a better candidate for the leadoff slot. He also doesn’t hit for much power nowadays.
Why is jeter leading off….doesnt make sense….maybe im not thinking outside the box but I cant think of any reason to flip flop damon and jeter this close to the season….
delv…that makes sense, but its just totally random at this point. hes been in the two hole for so long, and to just flip it like that seems out of the blue!
Doreen,
You made me laugh with your Pedroia-Gardner comparison. And they both suffer form pre-mature male pattern baldness! Although I’d prefer Gardners receding temple Eddie Munster look to Dustins bald spot.
On the other hand if you compare their body types, Gardner is a chiseled masterpiece of a human specimen. Pedroia’s kind of frumpy and blah.
I’ll wait on comparing their skill set at the plate until a further date.
It makes sense to have Jeter leading off. With Gardner on in front of him, there will be fewer GIDPs from Jeter and fewer wasted hits from Damon.
Maybe Jeter’s batting lead-off to get the most at bats. I think that he had less at bats than usual because of the WBC.
Gardner’s more likely to, at best, a clone of Brett Butler and, at worst, Juan Pierre, though, he will be a better defensive player than either.
Of course it makes sense. Joe wants to get Jeter AB’s. He is below what he should have at this point.
Those are valid points for having jeter lead off…i guess im not thinking outside the box…only on my first cup of coffee! anyway, I personally like jeter in the two hole, but whatever makes the team better is alright by me!
Bronx Jeers -
If Gardner could hit like Pedroia has over the last couple of seasons and prove to be as pesky and annoying a player (to the opposition, of course), I won’t even notice that his head seems too big for his body anymore.
The commercial Pedroia does for the videogame – he really doesn’t look like much of an athlete, does he?
jeter has had just about the same amount of at bats as all the other starters though…so that really isnt to big of an issue…GB7, very good point…
GB7, Im refering to the point of snadwiching jeter between gardner and damon….
He only played in like 8 games or something like that. He is well below what he should have to this point.
Jeter is behind due to the WBC. He needs at bats. That’s why he’s leading off.
Gardner’s value is hard to determine but he can help a team like the Yanks who are lacking in speed, defense and intensity. It depends on whether he can hit .280 with a .350 OBP. If so he can really be a fine player with the Yanks. He’ll score a lot of runs and keep in mind he’s doing that from the 9th position in the batting order. But put him on a team like K.C. or Pittsburgh where he’s at the top of the batting order out of necessity and maybe he’s not as valuable.
Anyway, Austin Jackson’s coming for 2010 if all goes according to plans. Then, Gardner becomes a 4th outfielder, pinch runner. If I was Gardner I would start trying to learn the infield (2b, a little 3b..ala Chone Figgins) to increase my value even more as a utility man.
The only “of’er” we have under contract for next year is Swisher.
If Gardner is going to hit above .270-.275, he needs to start bunting for hits about once a game or every other game.
Thank you for the link GB. Well, I’m looking forward for your input on this years River-Dogs, typos and all.
BTW, being that there seems to be other “Tom”s posting here, I’ll change my name to Tom in NJ.
The Yanks would be ecstatic to get .270 BA/.350 OBP out of Gardner.
Hell, he might steal 40+ bases with that kind of production.
He only played in like 8 games or something like that. He is well below what he should have to this point.
you are talking about at-bats….he had at bats in the WBC….he didnt play as much as he or any of us would have liked, but was getting at bats…..and hes not getting to many more at bats then batting second….. as of yeasterday, he had one more at bat then johnny damon. he said himself, he needs to get work in the field!
Isn’t Jeter like 4th in the league in hitting into double plays? If that’s the case then you want him first dont u?
“If I was Gardner I would start trying to learn the infield (2b, a little 3b..ala Chone Figgins) to increase my value even more as a utility man.”
Except for the fact that he is left handed and all.
“Anyway, Austin Jackson’s coming for 2010 if all goes according to plans. Then, Gardner becomes a 4th outfielder, pinch runner. If I was Gardner I would start trying to learn the infield (2b, a little 3b..ala Chone Figgins) to increase my value even more as a utility man.”
A left handed infielder?????
Joba needs to make sure he doesnt throw 85 pitches in 4 innings.
“The Yanks would be ecstatic to get .270 BA/.350 OBP out of Gardner.”
That would be mint! I could see a .270 BA but the .350 OBP is high. He’s got the eye for it, but pitchers are going to attack the zone against him.
Still I could see .270/.320 which would be great for a rookie, #9 hitter, especially with his speed.
With the amount of fastballs Gardner will be getting he could break 70 homerun’s this season…
So pitches the fifth game?
All studies have shown Jeter would be a better lead off hitter because of gidp and obp. RAB has some nice articles that really makes you rethink his forever #2 spot. I’de love to see Damon in the two hole – he has one of the lowest gidp rates of all time – # 6 i believe.
Yea, I saw that too Cor Shep and they are right. Damon also hits more homeruns. With ARod out you wanna put more power in the core.
I find the idea of Jeter hitting leadoff odd – mainly because I’m so accustomed to him batting 2nd. We’ll see though – I’m headed out to the game in just a little bit, so maybe it’ll make more sense to me once I see it in person
I hate you Melissa
The commercial Pedroia does for the videogame – he really doesn’t look like much of an athlete, does he?
—————————————————–
Yeah he looks like a lazy frat boy. His delivery of the MVP line came off as too pompous as well. It’s like Papelbon was his acting coach or something.
Gardners avg.?
1 well placed bunt a week could mean the difference between hitting .250 and .300! (I’m paraphrasing Crash Davis on that one but it’s true!)
wow – CC’s drawing the season and home opener? nice
I love the Cabrera/Jeter double shortstop idea that they are trying today. It solves so many problems. No more range problems at short, we don’t have to worry about somebody picking up Melky on waivers, and Gardner has the opportunity to show us what he can do as the everyday CF. Jeter should be able to play 10 more years with this configuration.
Now, they just have to get Bud drunk enough to allow it under the “best interests of baseball” clause.
I’ve been calling for Jeter to lead off all spring and got mostly dismissed by this board. Jeter, I was told is better hitting second with his natural tendency to hit to the opposite field.
I personally think that Jeter should lead off because of the following reasons:
1. Jeter hits great leading off. As face of the franchise I like that he is the first guy we see.
2. Damon hits with more power than Jeter.
3. Jeter hits into too many double plays. With Gardner in front of him, his speed will negate a lot of that.
My ideal lineup is:
Jeter
Damon
A Rod
Teix
Posada
Matsui
Nady
Cano
Gardner
Glad to see Girardi has more of an open mind than a lot of the posters on this board.
“Yeah he looks like a lazy frat boy.”
Better to look like one than play like one. Hope that’s a lesson Cano carries into the ’09 season.
More on the Tabata craziness:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09085/958487-63.stm
“3. Jeter hits into too many double plays. With Gardner in front of him, his speed will negate a lot of that.”
The way Damon’s did???
another reason to bat Jeter lead off is that if Gardener bats ninth we can separate the left handed bats.
Gardner is much faster than Damon, plus we won’t have to worry about him being on base as much as Damon
Batting order doesn’t make too much of a difference in terms of run production but…Jeter’s for leadoff is a great idea for 2 reasons:
(1) OBP
(2) GIDP – Jeter does it a lot, and it would be harder if he was hitting leadoff.
Good to see management thinking outside the box.
Bronx Jeers – I won’t try to defend Pedroia’s body type, but he’s a better “actor” than you give him credit for. Pedroia is supposed to act pompous while polishing his MVP trophy. The whole concept of the commercial is to have the ESPN announcer poke fun at Pedroia, and his pomposity.
By acting the way he does, he’s allowing himself to be ridiculed.
Isn’t it a little disingenuous to praise Damon for hitting into less double plays when he has been hitting as a leadoff man for the better part of his career? Especially when just saying that it would be better for Jeter to move to lead off hitter so he wouldn’t hit into as many GIDP?
I don’t see where it will make a whole lot of difference.
Tom in NJ
March 26th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Thank you for the link GB. Well, I’m looking forward for your input on this years River-Dogs, typos and all.
BTW, being that there seems to be other “Tom”s posting here, I’ll change my name to Tom in NJ.
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Not a problem, Tom. I’d change my SN, too, but, this is my given name, and I’d hate to upset my dad, GB7, Sr. Not only that, but, there aren’t too many people with this name.
Like I said earlier, we’ve got people in every city in the system. Hopefully they’ll take up the reports. Maybe they can add additional entries on the right side where the updates can be added without choking this blog.
Yeah . I don’t see a big difference from Jeter batting 1st or 2nd .
No biggie in my mind !
Steve B
March 26th, 2009 at 10:13 am
“3. Jeter hits into too many double plays. With Gardner in front of him, his speed will negate a lot of that.”
The way Damon’s did???
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Gardner, when he gets on and there’s an open base at second is more likely to steal on one of the first two pitches than Damon is.
So, I guess we’ve resigned to/accepted the idea that Jeter’s GIDP rate over the last two seasons was neither a fluke nor the result of playing while (slightly) injured?
Neyer’s thoughts on the Melky/Gardner issue:
http://insider.espn.go.com/esp.....=Neyer_Rob
Steve – you might have to post the text (it’s what I usually do) since a lot of folks don’t have insider access
love the idea of Damon behind Jeter…Damon has more power and turning DP’s on Damon would be much harder than on Jeet
GB7, if Gardner does show himself to steal on the early pitches, then his steal rate will go down as the league adjusts. Anytime you become too predictable it bites you. Some of the Rays players were caught out for doing that last season. It changed their running game some because the league pretty much knew they were going to attempt to steal second early on.
Not saying that having a speedster on the team is a bad thing. Some pitchers are highly affected by having a fast runner on base.
I thought your dad’s name was GB6?
Rishi -
I was able to read it from Steve’s link.
Brian(Red Sox fan),
Do you have red hair and freckles LOL.
http://claybuchholzloveslaptop.....ts_19.html
Doreen
March 26th, 2009 at 10:23 am
So, I guess we’ve resigned to/accepted the idea that Jeter’s GIDP rate over the last two seasons was neither a fluke nor the result of playing while (slightly) injured?
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Not necessarily the last two years, but, 92 in the last 5 years is too high for a #2 batter, and, he seems to lose a step or so a year. Infield single 2-3 years ago are now droundouts and his steals are decreasing as the caught stealings increase. Damon still has the better speed by a lot.
Tom in NJ
March 26th, 2009 at 10:31 am
I thought your dad’s name was GB6?
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Nah…that was my grandfather’s name and my brother is GB6, II. We have a strange family.I’m just happy that I wasn’t named after my mother’s father….Mortimer.
“bdog375
So pitches the fifth game?”
+++ Bdog I think it will be Sabathia as well, it looks like
Sabathia, Wang, Burnett, Pettitte – Games 1,2,3,4, Apr 6-10, off day on the 7th
Sabathia, Chamberlain, Wang, Burnett, Pettitte – Games 5,6,7,8,9, April 11-15
Home opener
Sabathia, Wang, Burnett, Pettite, Chamberlain – Games 10,11,12,13,14, April 16-20
Thanks for the post on the Tabata story, Rishi. Such a strange story! Right down to the details:
“She and Mr. Tabata, then 19 1/2 and having just completed a season with Class A Tampa in the New York Yankees organization, were wed in January 2008 at a check-cashing and tax outlet called Amscot, the Times reported”
Ok, that’s a first.
Brian (Red Sox Fan),
I’ve got a good story for you.
Last year at the parade prior to the All Star game, Papelbon come riding up 6th ave and his truck/float gets stuck at a light at 57th st. and a bunch of Yankee fans are of course start screaming at him and just causing a riot. So Papelbon just lifts his hand and starts to perform an exaggerated polishing act of his WS ring. I thought it was pretty funny.
It was too bad what happened last year at the ASG with all the commotion over him. I always thought Feinsand (Daily News writer) sort of screwed him over and was just stirring up the hornets nest for no reason.
GB7 -
Just difficult to watch the aging process of even an elite athlete right in front of your eyes.
Also, I suppose his hits are not finding the holes they once were or are not getting slapped far enough fast enough. (But wouldn’t the bat speed, at least last season, have something to do with the “broken” hand?)
Bull….
March 26th, 2009 at 10:29 am
GB7, if Gardner does show himself to steal on the early pitches, then his steal rate will go down as the league adjusts. Anytime you become too predictable it bites you. Some of the Rays players were caught out for doing that last season. It changed their running game some because the league pretty much knew they were going to attempt to steal second early on.
Not saying that having a speedster on the team is a bad thing. Some pitchers are highly affected by having a fast runner on base.
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I didn’t say that Gardner would or should, only that he’s more likely to. First of all, if he’s on base, they’re not likely to pitch out on two pitches in a row. Then, too, they have to catch him.
Doreen
March 26th, 2009 at 10:41 am
GB7 –
Just difficult to watch the aging process of even an elite athlete right in front of your eyes.
Also, I suppose his hits are not finding the holes they once were or are not getting slapped far enough fast enough. (But wouldn’t the bat speed, at least last season, have something to do with the “broken” hand?)
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I don’t think that his bat has lost speed, but, hand injuries for two years in a row did sap his extra base power. I think that he’s lost some of that footspeed, especially, that first step.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=4013539
Jose Tabata’s (our former prospect) wife is accused of taking her baby from a health clinic.
Clay – funny video …. reminds me of my sister’s kids, who do have reddish hair and (some) freckles. I had my bouts with delinquency 9w/o the advantages of auburn pigmentation), but have grown up to be a marginally civilized Red Sox Fan (except when they lost out on Teixeira).
P.S. If the Yankees drop Jeter to second in the order, won’t he figure out that it’s as a result of perceived (real?) deficiencies ….. sort of the beginning of the end?
oops
9w/0 = (w/o ……
Brian (Red Sox Fan)
March 26th, 2009 at 10:46 am
Clay – funny video …. reminds me of my sister’s kids, who do have reddish hair and (some) freckles. I had my bouts with delinquency 9w/o the advantages of auburn pigmentation), but have grown up to be a marginally civilized Red Sox Fan (except when they lost out on Teixeira).
P.S. If the Yankees drop Jeter to second in the order, won’t he figure out that it’s as a result of perceived (real?) deficiencies ….. sort of the beginning of the end?
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Jeter’s been the #2 hitter in the order pretty much all the time since his 2nd year in 1997.
oops #2 …. I meant pushing Jeter to the top of the order; I’m fully aware that he’s batted second all these years.
Time for a nap.
So it looks like CC’s not pitching in the first Boston series
If anyone can answer this question for me, I’d appreciate it. Wasn’t there a pitcher a few years ago (maybe 8 or 9?) that was ambidexterous? I’m pretty sure he was not able to switch from left to right during the course of a game – I think the rule is that a pitcher has to declare which arm he is throwing with before the start of the game. Anyone know if this is true? Thanks!
Brian (Red Sox Fan)
March 26th, 2009 at 10:50 am
oops #2 …. I meant pushing Jeter to the top of the order; I’m fully aware that he’s batted second all these years.
Time for a nap.
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Nah…they can just tell him that it’s a promotion.
Seriously, though, Damon could drive in 100 runs hitting behind Gardner and Jeter.
everyone’s commented on how Damon has fewer GIDP and that Jeter would have fewer if he batted first. Is one major reason Damon currently has good stats as far as GIDP is concerned due to the fact that he has been a lead-off hitter for a while? Any chance this isn’t the case once he starts batting 2nd in the order?
Betsy
March 26th, 2009 at 10:53 am
If anyone can answer this question for me, I’d appreciate it. Wasn’t there a pitcher a few years ago (maybe 8 or 9?) that was ambidexterous? I’m pretty sure he was not able to switch from left to right during the course of a game – I think the rule is that a pitcher has to declare which arm he is throwing with before the start of the game. Anyone know if this is true? Thanks!
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Yes, there was. He pitched for Boston, San Diego, Seattle and even the Yanks…Greg Harris.
All the work that Brett Gardner has been doing with Kevin Long is now paying dividends and he’s also doing a lot of bunting practice to add to his arsenal.
Betsy:
Greg Harris, who pitched for several teams over the course of his career, including a short stint in the Bronx, was capable of doing it. As I understand it, most teams he played with wouldn’t allow it. In 1995, the last year of his career, he was once allowed to switch to lefty to face two lefthanded batters, walking one and retiring the other.
Damon is also considerably faster than Jeter.
Betsy…I heard of a college player recently doing that. Rules are probably different for college but basically they made the pitcher decide before each batter but not for the whole game. i think there was a situation where the batter was also a switch hitter and he and the pitcher were doing a lefty/righty tango for a while and finally the ump told the pitcher to pick one and stick with it.
even if the pitcher has to stick with one for a whole game, the intriguing thing is, an ambidexterous pitcher could pitch 2 days in a row. One lefty and the next righty!
So I looked at the projected starters and can’t find a series that I think the yanks shouldn’t win 2 out of 3. That’s a good thing right?
I get to see Wang at my first game on Apr 18th. Would rather see CC, AJ or Joba, but that’s fine. Besides it rains a lot in early April, so rotation projections are always off.
GB7 – agreed about Damon being a better RBI guy in that situation. But that’s an implicit slap at Jeter, I would think.
Hokiehill – Damon is left-handed, fast, and quick out of the box. He’s tough to double up because he’s tough to double up.
“it looks like CC’s not pitching in the first Boston series”
Neh, like Pete said on the front page they could just skip Andy’s turn and use Sabathia because of the off day on the 23rd. Even though that would mean 7 days between starts for Pettitte.
April 20: vs. Oakland: Pettitte
April 21: vs. Oakland: Sabathia
April 22: vs. Oakland: Chamberlain
April 24 at Boston: Wang
April 25 at Boston: Burnett
April 26 at Boston: Pettitte
Betsy, I don’t know about the majors, but there was a guy in the minors that was ambidextrous, and had to face a switch hitter. They decided that he had to decide what hand he was pitching with first, and then the hitter would decide what side he would hit from, but he got to switch during the course of the game.
I read somewhere that the Yanks may use Melky for defensive purposes at the end of the game because of his arm, to help hold on to a tight lead. That is if they don’t trade him. They could just hold on to two CFs if they have room on the roster, they may not want to have Gardner penciled in as CF for the whole season, and none of our other OF can really play the position well enough.
Um, that guy in the minors is our very own Pat Venditte. Pay attention people, their will be a pop quiz soon.
“As for Jeter hitting leadoff, when they were using Posada to hit leadoff to get him some at-bats when he started catching, they liked what Damon did in the No. 2. So they’re toying with the idea of using Jeter atop the lineup. Damon is a good pull hitter and adept at advancing runners.
Personally, I don’t think the configuration of the lineup much matters as long as you get your best hitters the most at-bats.”
Very interesting point raised Pete, Damon does have that ability to pull the ball to the right side.
Wouldn’t mind seeing
Jeter – R
Damon – L
Teixeira – S
Matsui – L
Posada – S
Nady – R
Cano – L
Ransom – R
Gardner – L
and when Arod returns
Jeter – R
Damon – L
Teixeira – S
Rodriguez – R
Matsui – L
Posada – S
Cano – L
Nady – R
Gardner – L
“Neh, like Pete said on the front page they could just skip Andy’s turn and use Sabathia because of the off day on the 23rd. Even though that would mean 7 days between starts for Pettitte.”
Bad form to skip Pettitte that early. Sends the wrong message to Pettitte and is on the cusp of a panic move which I don’t envision Joe G making. We may not like hearing it, but the Yankees know the 18 games versus Boston count the same as the other 144 do. It’d be one thing if the teams are within a few games of each other in mid to late August, but this early in the season, that kind of adjustment to the rotation doesn’t make a lot of sense.
Greg Harris, was his name Betsy.
Harris is best known as the only pitcher in the modern era to pitch with both left and right arms. A natural right-hander, by 1986 he could throw well enough left-handed that he felt he could pitch with either hand in a game, but the opportunity did not arise. Harris wasn’t allowed to throw lefty in a regular-season game until September 28, 1995, the next-to-last game of his career, for the Expos. In the ninth inning, Harris retired Reggie Sanders pitching right-handed, then switched to his left hand for the next two hitters, Hal Morris and Ed Taubensee, who both batted lefty. Harris walked Morris but got Taubensee to ground out. He then went back to his right hand to retire Bret Boone to end the inning.
(Three 19th-century pitchers are known to have thrown with both hands: Tony Mullane in 1882 and again in 1893, Elton Chamberlain in 1888, and Larry Corcoran in 1884.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_A._Harris
This player is batting .341 with 6 homers, 10 runs, and 16 RBI this spring.
Good morning, guys.
Repost from last night:
This is also from Kat’s blog. Makes no sense to me. If there’s room for Melky, why wouldn’t there be room for Gardner? Definitely room for a pinch runner on the bench.
*Cashman said that if Melky Cabrera is the starting centerfielder, Brett Gardner would likely go to Triple-A. If Gardner is the starter, Cabrera (who has no minor league options remaining) would likely be a reserve on the bench.
“Bad form to skip Pettitte that early. Sends the wrong message to Pettitte and is on the cusp of a panic move which I don’t envision Joe G making. We may not like hearing it, but the Yankees know the 18 games versus Boston count the same as the other 144 do. It’d be one thing if the teams are within a few games of each other in mid to late August, but this early in the season, that kind of adjustment to the rotation doesn’t make a lot of sense.”
You’re right they likely won’t do that for one game in a series unless it was later on in the stretch run. Odds are Pettitte will start in that series.
Nice to know we can actually talk about skipping Pettitte instead of talking about Jeff Weaver, Jeff Karstens, Jaret Wright and the duo of the elk of Chase Wright, Matt DeSalvo. Man can’t believe this was our starting pitching.
It can’t be a panic move if you are planning it a month in advance.
“*Cashman said that if Melky Cabrera is the starting centerfielder, Brett Gardner would likely go to Triple-A”
To me it says the Yankees think enough of Gardner as a player to allow him to continue his development by playing everyday in SWB rather than retarding it by pigeon holing him as a pinch runner in the bigs.
“Good morning, guys.
Repost from last night:
This is also from Kat’s blog. Makes no sense to me. If there’s room for Melky, why wouldn’t there be room for Gardner? Definitely room for a pinch runner on the bench.
*Cashman said that if Melky Cabrera is the starting centerfielder, Brett Gardner would likely go to Triple-A. If Gardner is the starter, Cabrera (who has no minor league options remaining) would likely be a reserve on the bench.”
Well with Arod in Vail something has to be talked about by the media, LOL, so they will fish for anything to print, remember when it was the Yankees were supposedly trading Nady or Swisher
Gardner will be starting in CF come opening day and Melky will be on the bench, pinch runner, late inning defensive replacement. He is the fastest guy on our bench
I mean
Molina
Swisher
Berroa
aren’t exactly barn buners
No reason Melky won’t be on the opening day roster and if the Yankees trade him they aren’t getting much anyway so what’s the point, when they can use him in defensive late inning roles, better speed option off the bench, spot starts to keep Damon, Gardner fresh and to keep Gardner on his toes and take nothing for granted, even though Gardner doesn’t strike me as that type of player who will take his starting position for granted you never know. Better to be safe than sorry.
not sure if this was talked about already but there was a big study done about the impact of DPs. bottom line is, they’re not good. and jeter has a propensity to hit into them, while damon is one of the all-time best in not hitting into them. hence, jeter batting in front of damon would make sense.
I can’t see a trade for Melky. OF are a dime a dozen.
Cashman’s comments about Brett to AAA don’t seem realistic to me. I think the point is moot anyway. If the NYY are entertaining offers for Melky, as has been reported, what does that tell you? It tells you Brett has won the CF job. IMO who knows what kind of year Brett will have, but he has certainly earned the right to start in CF and see what he can do. I think he’ will have a good year.
“It can’t be a panic move if you are planning it a month in advance.”
Hence the “on the cusp” qualifier.
Fact is the game on 26th isn’t anymore important than the one on the 27th. Further, Game 1 of that Red Sox series is the first of 33 games in a 34 day period. Just not a good spot to make such an adjustment.
Zach; Wilson Betemit!!!
I don’t think they’ll skip Pettitte so early in the season. He does have incentive clauses, and for them to deny him the opportunities so early when he does need the blow is uncool.
Bill,
Agreed. Someone said last night that they hoped it was a smoke screen.
I mean who do you want to pinch run? Gardner or the octogenarian Berroa?
This proposed rotation schedule for the month of April is absolutely subject to change and almost assuredly will change.
There will probably be a rain out or two in there somewhere and teams don’t make up those games this early in the season.
That is unless, like last season, the opener was postponed and they ended up playing it the next day because it was a scheduled off day.
I think the odds the rotation plays out exactly as Pete illustrated above is very very slim.
Wondering what day we get Pavano, no way they pitch him opening day at the stadium.
seb,
I hope not. Pavano has a winning record on home openers at the stadium.
*doesn’t need
Re: Keep all outfielders
We’re losing Matsui and Damon next year. If they let Nady walk for the draft picks then that leaves only 4 OF’s: Swisher, Jackson, Cabrera, Gardner. If Nady proves to be in his prime and matches his 2008 campaign then they’ll keep Nady, evaluate Jackson’s readiness and decide what to do with the 5th OF from there.
Tejada gets 1 year probation:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=4017558
Having Joba follow CC is actually smart since CC figures to go deep in games. That way you have a well rested bullpen if Joba can’t go deep in games due to pitch count issues. They rotation probably won’t stay that way but for April it makes sense.
Since negotiations for his contract extension aren’t just flying along, I wonder who would be worth trading for this guy:
http://trsullivan.mlblogs.com/.....offer.html
JOJO
To further your observation on CC going deep into games and Joba not … if Wang follows Joba, he can go pretty deep into games too. CC – Joba – Wang.
Even the good pitchers have shaky starts once in a while, so it won’t happen that way every time through the rotation. But it seems like a good ‘conserve the bullpen’ strategy.
Ansky:
He’s still a good distance from free agency, no? I’m sure signing him would be nice, but they control him for another 3-4 seasons no matter what.
No disrespect to Andy and the Andy lovers, but he’s no spring chicken and if I recall correctly, he broke down in the second half of last season. So, if the Yanks skip his spot in the rotation in April, he’ll need to accept it as being for his own good and that of the team.
any predictions for joba’s line today?
True, Steve B – Hamilton is FA eligible in 2012. But I think it said he’s only under contract thru this year.
Does that mean arbitration, or can he request a trade?
Ansky:
Means arbitration.
PREDICTION:
Joba’s line today:
4.2 innings, 4 hits, 2 runs, 2 BB, 5 SO, 74 pitches.
I trust Big Game Andy in Fenway on Sunday Night
Thanks for all the responses to my question! Greg Harris, now I remember….I would imagine (if this has been brought up, I apologize, but I can’t read the answers in detail right now) that being a switch pitcher is sort of a nice gimmick, but that it would be far better to concentrate on being one or the other.
JOJO,
Any other month and your point is valid. But the first month of the season?
Wang for Josh Hamilton?
“any predictions for joba’s line today?”
5 IP, 2 ER, 4 hits, 1 walk, 5 K’s………….129 pitches
OK…75 pitches.
“Wang for Josh Hamilton?”
Rangers might find that good for a chuckle. Perhaps even a hearty guffaw.
My brother and I are making our first ever trip to George M. Steinbrenner field tomorrow. We’re both twenty-somethings that are looking to get into something crazy after Friday night’s game.
Any recommendations for what to do in Tampa? I’ve heard all about the strip clubs, but the no-alcohol rule seems lame.
Please make suggestions for:
Restaurants
Bars
Clubs
Strip Clubs
Escort Services
etc.
“Frontier March 26th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Wang for Josh Hamilton?”
not sure if Hamilton would fit in NYC w/ all the distractions considering his past issues
Personally, I would like the Yanks to try to skip Joba as much as possible to save his innings. If we make the playoffs, and we better, I want Joba to come of the bullpen. So he needs to have some bullets left in the gun at the end of the season.
Update on Alex’s rehab:
“Rodriguez has been working out on stationary bikes and working with his own personal trainer in the weight room and exercise gym….. One source reported seeing Rodriguez brushing up on his swing, hitting a punching bag with a baseball bat…….he is not on crutches but has a bit of a limp when he enters the club. When he leaves, they said the limp is less noticeable, presumably because his muscles have loosened.”
http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/133427
I want to see Josh do it twice before I trade a two time 19 game winner for him. Everybody hits in Texas. Freakin’ Milton Bradley turned into Honus Wagner there.
JOJO – Every season, a pitcher or two goes down on every team. Keeping in mind I really HOPE nobody gets hurt, I’m just being realistic … my guess at ranking this year’s candidates for injury from most likely to least likely is: Pettitte, Burnett, Chamberlain, Wang, Sabathia.
If any team can get through the season with only 1 starter being hurt for even a little while, they’re pretty fortunate.
Also, although I put Sabathia down as least likely to get hurt out of this rotation, I think he can’t go the whole length of his contract without feeling it from a heavy workload over time. Does that mean he’ll go on the DL at some point? Hard to say. Will he eventually be aching and need a little down time? Of course … who wouldn’t?
“any predictions for joba’s line today?”
5.0 2 2 2 5 – 73 pitches (49/24), 1HR (Howard)
Prediction: Some time during this season the lineup will change to have Gardner and Damon hitting 1-2 with Jeter hitting 8th or 9th.
Agreed. Joba’s the one that needs to be skipped the most.
I was going to say that Joba was going to be more efficient today, attacking the zone instead of “nibbling” (his words). But he’s facing a stacked lineup, will he even make it through twice? lol.
Hamilton’s no Sizemore. What I mean is that Hamilton is high maintenance, requiring constant supervision. Might not take as much to acquire as other primo outfielders.
Ansky, you’re right. At some point we’ll probably need Hughes, Acevedo, IPK and GOD FORBID…Kei Igawa to start some games.
Seriously…”Kei Igawa – 2009 AL COMeBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR”
My guess at Joba’s line:
5 innings (2 perfect)
3 hits
2 walks
2 runs (1 earned)
1 wild pitch (hey why not guess)
Not his best game this time, but he’ll get some good work in.
Career stats for the month of APRIL:
CC 11-10 4.51 era
Wang 6-3 4.08 era
Burnett 11-9 3.75 era
Pettite 27-21 3.72 era
JOBA ( we shall see)
And their record after 25 games will be??
“If Gardner is going to hit above .270-.275, he needs to start bunting for hits about once a game or every other game”
yup.
waiting for the whirlwind of anti-bunters & Brett Gardner apologists (even tho i’m a Brett Gardner apologist) factions to kick in…
“Please make suggestions for:
Strip Clubs
Escort Services ”
What kind of blog do you think this is? We’re baseball fans not pimps.
Yankees will likely be in 3rd at the end of April, but will only be a few games back. By the time alex comes back, i say we are 2 games in first.
“Prediction: Some time during this season the lineup will change to have Gardner and Damon hitting 1-2 with Jeter hitting 8th or 9th”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JOJO
A lot of people expect Joba to be the one skipped over the most throughout the year, just because of the innings limit. Of course it makes sense to use him that way.
I’m also guessing they won’t let him pitch into the 7th inning until later in the year. We’ll see though.
Hamilton is arbitration eligible for the first time this year. No one is going to be able to trade for him. If we offered Wang and Joba/Phil and Austin Jackson, that might warrant consideration, though.
Um yeah lets trade away young studs for a guy who had one good year, and is one hit away from falling off the face of the earth again.
“So does that mean our only speed demon Gardner will be sent down? I really hope he stays”
that would be ascinine.
Gardner starts unless he completely tanks it, over the next 9
and I don’t mean a baseball hit.
My guess:
9 innings
0 hits
0 walks
27 strikeouts
.5 passed balls
Not his best outing. But it will be getting his work in.
Josh Hamilton in NY ?
doesnt really seem like a fit (off the field)
Number 2: I’ll quote you on your laugh track later in the year. I have all the respect in the world for Jeter, but I don’t like what I’m seeing. His bat is slowing, his power and base stealing ability are fading and his propensity to hit into double plays is an offense killer. The Yanks will be in a tight race for the playoffs this year and won’t be able to afford to keep him hitting first or second just for old times sake. Sad to say, but I think it’s true.
Indians plan to have Pavano as the #3 starter with Lee and Carmona in front of him and Scott Lewis and Anthony Reyes behind him.
Everyone’s expecting the Yanks to be better this year than last year. As long as all the pitchers don’t get hurt again that’s very likely to be true.
I’m predicting Tampa will be better than they were last year too. No crystal ball, but all with their starting pitchers it’s possible they could go out & win the East again.
Should be an interesting race to watch … I don’t think I can even try to objectively predict the division winner between NY & TB, so I’ll just say ‘GO YANKS!’.
I do objectively see Boston finishing 3rd though. just too many question marks on their team.
Wang is the best pitcher on this team.
I chose Tuesday the 28th for my annual Yankee game in Comerica Park because I was projecting CC’s turn to come up on that day. Oh well, I can certainly live with Joba.
1. Yankees
2A. Boston
2B. Rays
4. Jays
5. Orioles (Wieters isn’t good enough to save this club by himself!)
Assuming the yankees top four starters each make 5-6 starts for the month of april, their records could look like the following.
CC 3-1 4.17
Wang 3-0 3.90
Burnett 2-1 3.60
Pettite 2-2 3.50 (I’m being generous only because I think he will have a boune back year).
is it just me or is cabrera getting alot of playing time lately? maybe i’m just imagining it.
Jeter doesn’t steal anymore
Guthrie is projected to be the Baltimore Opening Day starter against the Yankees.
Wow, I messed up. When I was on the field I went to use my iPhone to correct a typo in the post. When I saved it, it saved only the version on the iPhone, not what I had updated on my MacBook upstairs
Turns out you need to hit to refresh the blog on the iPhone app before editing it. Lesson learned.
So I think the post is up to date now and the audio is back Sorry about that
Brian,
Not your imagination. The theory here is that Cabrera’s being given a chance to show why he should be the CF. I guess Brett’s made a pretty good case already.
ok ed h…..quote me on it! please! there is absolutely no way jeter is batting anywhere else except 1 or 2. and IMO, I think he will stay in the two spot. Either lead off or the two spot is fine by me. but 8th or 9th…you gotta be kidding! the guy hits, hits , and hits time after time. all you morons that reda the back of cards to get your facts, it goes beyond that. jeter is the face and the heart of the team. you dont put a guy like that at the bottom of the line up. i respect your “prediction”….but its just plain stupid!
Does anyone know who would be starting the April 4th exhibition game??? I got some good tickets there yesterday and I was hoping I would get to see Joba or Burnett
Does anybody think it’s worth trading Melky, Kennedy and someone else not named Joba, Hughes, Wang or Melancon to Washington for the rights to draft this Strasburg kid?
That’d be dependent on Washington believing that the Boras team will be asking way to much buckage for Washington to commit to Strasburg of course.
If Washington skipped over him, Seattle would be next in line to draft him. King Felix and Stasburg would be potentially devastating 1-2 combination. If Strasburg lived up to the hype of course.
Now let’s say he lives up to the hype in the same rotation as CC, Wang, Joba, Hughes an maybe AJ if AJ’s still around by the time Stasburg is ready to go 200 innings? I know AJ’s under contract for 5 years but there’s always the chance of CC opting out after 3 years too.
pat,
Is that the guy who only pitches well against the Yankees?
dynasty – I think they said yesterday it was going to be andy and burnett – wang is going april 3rd
“is it just me or is cabrera getting alot of playing time lately? maybe i’m just imagining it”
Girardi’s probably applying common sense and trying to pace Gardner a bit. He is a high-energy player. No need for him to leave it all in spring training.
I don’t understand why Jeter’s abilities seem to be fading as significantly as they are at the age he is now. He obviously is in top physical condition, hasn’t been beaten down by many major injuries and has taken excellent care of himself.
dynasty,
I think Wanger for the first game and Burnett/Pettitte for the second game. Thats Burnett AND Pettitte.
Does anybody think it’s worth trading Melky, Kennedy and someone else not named Joba, Hughes, Wang or Melancon to Washington for the rights to draft this Strasburg kid?
————-
This isn’t the NFL. You can’t trade draft picks.
m
I think the Yankees hit him pretty well last year.
“I don’t understand why Jeter’s abilities seem to be fading as significantly as they are at the age he is now. He obviously is in top physical condition, hasn’t been beaten down by many major injuries and has taken excellent care of himself”
as for fielding, his skills were very marginal to begin with. Not like he used to be Omar Visguel
pat,
Daniel Cabrera and someone else. Isn’t Cabrera on another team now?
“Does anybody think it’s worth trading Melky, Kennedy and someone else not named Joba, Hughes, Wang or Melancon to Washington for the rights to draft this Strasburg kid?”
1) It can’t be done. Draft picks can’t be traded and drafted players can’t be moved for one year after they are signed.
2) If it could be done, the package you’re proposing to send the Nats is laughable.
UPDATE, 12:51 p.m.: Gotta love spring training. Two first pitches were thrown out today. One was by famed boxing trainer Angelo Dundee. The other was by Marie the Hooters Girl. The original Hooters is in Clearwater and they take their Hooters seriously around here.
too funny
Number2: No, I’m not really a stats guy, just somebody who has been watching the Yankees and the game of baseball for many, many years. Rizzuto was released. Berra and Mantle changed positions when they got older. Mattingly had to retire at a young age. Bernie walked away when he was offered a minor league contract. It happens to the very best of them when age takes its toll.
Jeter is the captain and a Yankee icon. I hope that I am wrong and that he bounces back to have a great year. I just haven’t liked what I’ve seen from him on the field. Despite the respect that the Yanks have for Derek they are, above all else, about winning. If they have to bump him down in the order to make the playoffs this year, they will do so.
Jimmy Rollins throws his ex-team mate a bone
Hey all! Just jumping in to tell you about something very very cool! You may remember me telling you that a friend and colleague of mine is the consultant on designing space in the new Stadium dealing with the Negro Leagues and games they played at the old Yankee Stadium. Well he has done a ton of research on the Negro Leagues and was interviewed by MLB about black baseball and music during the Jim Crowe era.
Anyway, for anyone interested, here is the link for the interview!
http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.....3043964143
Hooters, and Lace is cool unless A-Rod is involved, then we should take it seriously.
saw this on /sp/
*What if theses names were part of the 103 that tested positive*
*Joe Girardi*
*Ricky Henderson*
It was really nice to watch the game without commentators for those ninety seconds.
I dont understand this jeter stuff. HE IS STILL AN ELITE PLAYER AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL! He bats 300 every year…ok, maybe he doesn’t go to the left as well as he should, but c’mon, get over it, hes been what he is for the last 13 years and I wouldnt change it for anything.
Jeter’s BBs and OBP:
2005 — 77, .389
2006 — 69, .417
2007 — 56, .388
2008 — 52, .363
Jeter was a fine leadoff hitter in 2005 (despite the media clamors to acquire a “true leadoff hitter” in Damon — which Cashman, to his credit, dismissed), but no more.
But ah, perhaps Jeter will change his approach when leading off? Don’t think so.
OBP when batting 1st: .389
OBJ when batting 2nd: .386
Re Gardner:
“Still I could see .270/.320 which would be great for a rookie, #9 hitter, especially with his speed.”
What good is speed if you can’t get on base a third of the time? With those numbers (especially if his ST power surge turns out to be a fluke), I’d rather keep in on the bench and utilize his speed when it’s needed most.
Kinda doubt that. Joe’s obp in 2003 was -1, he had 1 rbi. If he was on it, he should sue.
I am adding in my own commentary. Its working out well.
“What if theses names were part of the 103 that tested positive – Rickey Henderson and Joe Girardi”
I would be thinking more in terms of Albert Pujols and (gulp) Mark Texeria. But that’s just me.
Godzilla just crushed that ball.
BIG BIG year for him.
If Ricky Henderson is on that list does A-Rod catch a break (with the HoF)?
If Joe Girardi is on that list does he apologize to the team in a press conference while being grilled by NY reporters?
*Dun Dun Dunnnnnnn*
GODZILLA GOES DEEP!
They should give us the option of shutting em up sometimes.
YES network on the ball this year
Nick swisher is a walking machine.
Pujols has more of a chance of being on that list than Girardi. Albert’s built like a linebacker.
What do you know Robbie Cano !!!
Pete, Just want to take a moment to thank you, and Chad Jennings, for your great blogs. I don’t always agree with what you write, but the info, analysis, updates, opinions and yes even the photos (!)make following the Yankees organization a lot of fun. You guys make the long winters go by a lot faster! Opening Day can’t get here fast enough!
“Jeter is the captain and a Yankee icon. I hope that I am wrong and that he bounces back to have a great year. I just haven’t liked what I’ve seen from him on the field. Despite the respect that the Yanks have for Derek they are, above all else, about winning. If they have to bump him down in the order to make the playoffs this year, they will do so.”
1. bounces back from what?
2. who will replace him at short, and do the things that he does?
3. not making the playoffs and winning had nothing to do with derek jeter!
I’m just saying, jeters defense is the last thing on any yankees mind, and his offense is there every year. he will be one of the most productive/valuble yankees on both sides of the ball for years to come.(without moving him alll over the field or up and down the batting order) regardless of what stats these so-called expert writers want to dig up about him.
We just had 4 lefties in a row against the RHP. Damon Tex Matsui Swish.
Tex an Swisher both switch hit.
I don’t understand that much of a difference it is though having Jeter hit first. I mean, technically, your only guarenteed to be leading off once in a game.
where joba velocity
“The Yankees would never say this, of course. But Jeter hitting leadoff should cutdown on his GIDPs. He has 45 over the last two seasons.”
Yep.
MLB TV in HD (online) is PHENOMENAL!!!!!
(first time I’ve seen it in HD. I just might have to sign up for that version!)
If Cano and Nady get off to .250 starts that’s a pretty weak backside of the lineup
Back to back HRs for Utley and Howard
Christina,
Agreed. I mean, as long as you’re in the top half of the lineup you should be getting more ABs.
But, I think that Jeter can hit anywhere. It’s a matter of where Damon feels comfortable. He’s led off for many years, hard to change those spots.
Uh oh! Here we go now with the Joba in the bullpen argument
wow…joba is losing his “mystique”
What’s the lunch special? Meatballs?!
Uh Oh Is the Joba crisis back on?
“I don’t understand that much of a difference it is though having Jeter hit first. I mean, technically, your only guarenteed to be leading off once in a game.”
Even if it’s once, it’s better than nothing. On top of it, statistically your bottom hitters should get on base less so with fewer people on first base statistically speaking, he isn’t going to have as much chance to hit into a DP!
so is this the dead arm period of ST for Joba considering his lack of velocity…
forget the bp arguement. why is he throwing 90 mph meatballs
Either Joba is throwing really slow or as usual YES gun is way off.
Ive been worried about joba for awhile now…
No way Jeter will hit 8th this year. He didn’t have the same XBH production last year, but his OBP was .363. Damon was at .370, and is also a better hitter for power. The double play thing is overstated, in that they won’t be saving a huge number of outs with the flip flop. But it makes sense to the limited extent that lineups affect total team output.
Jeter hitting 8th wouldn’t just be offensive, it would be nonsensical from a baseball perspective. Can’t see both of those things happening.
Thank God!
He’s a DP machine.
90mph fastball??
The game is on for free on yankees.com if anyone needs a way to watch at work.
Why is Ian Kennedy wearing Joba’s number?
Does Joba have a dead arm? Hughes had that last year.
Trisha, Iam saying, whats the difference if he hits first or second. The only inning it really matters is in the first.
Melky, you have a greyhound on you
JR Yankees
March 26th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
“any predictions for joba’s line today?”
5.0 2 2 2 5 – 73 pitches (49/24), 1HR (Howard)
Wow: I predicted the HR by Howard on my line for Joba today. Now he’s just got to throw 4 more innings w/o giving up another run.
Link to today’s game: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday.....b_phimlb_1
“Melky, you have a greyhound on you”
Hahahahahahahahaha… hahahahahaha
We all need to calm down . .I think he’s throwing slower just to get better command and controll of his pitches .
I thought Joba pitched fine to the 3 guys he got out. Didn’t throw a lot of pitches. I thought he was too careful with Utley and Howard.
just saw a 94 mph heater
“Trisha, Iam saying, whats the difference if he hits first or second. The only inning it really matters is in the first.”
Christina:
You also have to consider having jeter hit first will have him back to back with Gardner who will be batting 9th. Jeter takes a lot of pitches and will give Brett ample time to steal second preventing many potential DP’s.
Now you could also say that having Damon in front of Jeter allows the same base-stealing opportunity but Brett is much faster than Damon.
“I thought he was too careful with Utley and Howard.”
Not careful enough as it ended up.
Joba really needs to get control of his fastball. His velocity looks to be down he isn’t overpowering anyone all spring, but he has had zero control of his fastball. Hopefully he improves his next start.
Damon has more power and is a better gap hitter than Jeter
He also hardly ever grounds into DPs.
The location to Utley and Howard was not good. You must be careful with great hitters like them… you just can’t overpower them, especially with Joba being RH pitcher.
He’ll learn though– thats what bring a young pitcher is about.
Its spring training. You want him to be perfect every time?
jobas fb command is off but i think i notice a greater commitment to offspeed pitches (and better command of them as a result) which will be essential to him becoming starter….hes not gonna have that blazing speed every time out so hell have something to fall back on
I have to say, I’m flattered so many pitching coaches read my blog.
Joba is not going to throw 100 when he starts. Get used to it. His command is fine. Utley and Howard are really good players. HRs happen sometimes in windy spring training parks.
He just struck out Werth and Felix. So he’s fixed now?
People need to stop overreacting to one batter or one pitch.
Christina, I absolutely understand that. But I am also thinking that the top of your lineup usually hits better than the bottom. So if Jeter is in the first spot, after his first AB he would always follow the bottom of the lineup. Thus he would have less of a chance to hit into a DP since usually the bottom of your lineup wouldn’t be on base as much as the top. I don’t know if I am explaining this very well, but I know what I am trying to say!
we love you Pete !
Pete – I respectfully disagree. I think his command is a bit off. He is also off his velocity by a couple mph from last year. It is still early, but as a starter he was sitting around 93-95. He is 90-92 this year.
93-95 last year and get got tendinitis. I am sure they told him not to go all out until the season starts.
The YES audio problems are really irritating me.
People need to stop overreacting to one batter or one pitch.
====================================
That’s gonna be like asking some people to stop breathing
Pete — you seem surprised that many of your readers are pitching experts. They’re also psychologists, spiritual leads, and arbiters on morality.
“I have to say, I’m flattered so many pitching coaches read my blog.”
Haha oh man that is great. Got a good laugh out of that one.
I think Joba is going to have a career 10.52 ERA because of what I’m seeing today, particularly in the one at-bat with Utley.
His FB command is off. but has good command of the curve and slider.
Pete its good to hear your a pitching coach too. I expect Joba to throw 100mph on every pitch, nothing more, nothing less. It doesnt matter he has three other pitches. He should take the fastball and go in the bullpen.
i don’t care about the hr nor do i expect 96 to 99. it just seem odd joba throwing 88 mph. your right. joba got breaking stuff today and good command
Damon was caught stealing. Could this be a sign that his career is coming to an end? Could this be a changing point in his career from a speed guy to a power guy?
Both of the HR’s were on sinking FB’s. Howards was definetley a sinker away, hence the 90 mph and as we know a high sinker can go a long way. Not to worried.
just as I expected…the sky is falling in here! can we rest up on the over-reactions at least until the season has started?
Why is Mike Francesa posting as “Christina”?
Gotcha Trisha, you make sense and I agree with what you are saying.
Nice play by Tex.
Nice play by Tex.
Tex’s glove is pricelesss
“I have to say, I’m flattered so many pitching coaches read my blog.”
Might be my next tag
Nice call pat
Russ, Damon has been caught a lot this spring. I think he is not going full speed in spring. Once the season starts I expect he would be better at stealing.
For anybody that interested in pitching mechanics, late last night I posted some links to Dr. Mike Marshall’s demonstrations and discussions on correct mechanics to help cut down on arm injuries, in particular, rotator and unlner collateral ligament tears. Great stuff, if anybody wants to look at the 11 videos that he has. The videos run a total of 2.5 hours and can be saved on your computer.
http://www.drmikemarshall.com/.....Video.html
The videos are linked on the right side.
He also has an email if there are questions you want answered.
For those that don’t know about Mike Marshall, he was the ’74 NL Cy Young winner for the Dodgers and holds the league records for games and games finished in each league.
He has a doctorate in Kinesiology.
http://www.drmikemarshall.com
I will take that as a compliment. Franceser’ is a great guy to be assimilated with.
I wouldnt be surprised to hear that joba was working on his two seamer today.
I will take that as a compliment. Franceser’ is a great guy to be assimilated with.
================
Oh dear
‘I will take that as a compliment. Franceser’ is a great guy to be assimilated with.’
He really isn’t.
well i hope you don’t want joba in the pen, cause thats just not that smart
Joba is facing one of the best lineups in baseball, the defending WS champs, and is being economical, showing good command of his off-speed stuff…
and all people can talk about is the HRs to Utley and Howard (two great hitters who have killed a lot of pitchers) and the fact that he isin’t throwing 98 in the Spring.
Tough crowd.
Who thinks that Damon does not look “athletic.” I have never though that he looks smooth either at bat or in the field. Can’t argue with results though.
So other than the 2 HR, he has allowed 1 baserunner. WTF!!! UNACCEPTABLE!!
Got Joba at 55 pitches thru 3.
Assimilating with Fran? Ewww.
Maybe you meant associated?
” don’t care about the hr nor do i expect 96 to 99. it just seem odd joba throwing 88 mph. your right. joba got breaking stuff today and good command”
I think we should hire Moose as a personal pitching coach to Joba and teach him how to be effective throwing his fastballs in the 80′s after losing his velocity over night.
Just got in, what did i miss? Is Joba demoted to the pen yet?
Sarcasm at its finest, guys.
1. bounces back from what?
2. who will replace him at short, and do the things that he does?
3. not making the playoffs and winning had nothing to do with derek jeter!
I’m just saying, jeters defense is the last thing on any yankees mind, and his offense is there every year. he will be one of the most productive/valuble yankees on both sides of the ball for years to come.(without moving him alll over the field or up and down the batting order) regardless of what stats these so-called expert writers want to dig up about him.
His home runs, extra base hits, walks, OBP and stolen bases were all down last year. I don’t think Jeter is done, but his abilities are down significantly from 2006, his last great year. As to who will replace him, I don’t know. We don’t have the answer to that one yet.
I think that Jeter is a very important player for the Yanks and making the playoffs and winning the championship will have a lot to do with Derek Jeter. Jeter is a winner and we need him to perform. I watched the final game of the second round of the WBC and was really saddened watching Derek play. The Puerto Rico team’s hits that drove in both the go-ahead and insurance runs were grounders to Jeter’s right that he couldn’t get to. During the game winning rally in the 9th, Jeter was the one US player who didn’t come through with a hit in the winning rally. That’s not the Jeter I’ve loved watching these bast 13 years.
“I will take that as a compliment. Franceser’ is a great guy to be assimilated with”
*crickets chirping*
GB: Mike Marshall is fascinating. That stuff is really something to see.
Christina: Come in off the ledge.
Is this game online? Can someone give me the link if so.
Thanks in advance.
Assimilate into the BORG!
Very well hit out by Cano. If he returns to form, or at worst plays like he did that second half of last year that will be huge for the team.
Back to back jacks? Oh Joba
Is the yankees/cubs game on the 3rd and 4th on tv? does anyone know where to get streaming yes network at?
Cody Ransom says, i’m not a scrub
who needs arod we got hansome ransom
cody crushed that pitched
Arod who?
Who needs Arod?
‘Sarcasm at its finest, guys.’
We’ll let that one slip Christina, just don’t go to that ledge.
That’s a pitch Ransom won’t see most of the season, good job hitting it though.
GB7,
I saw the Mike Marshall interview last night. I am not sure how much it would affect a pitcher to change their mechanics like he suggests. He says it is a small adjustment, but at the ML or high minor league level, that could be a big difference in results as far as movement and command are concerned, at least until the changes are second nature. It could be a case of two steps back to get better in the long run. Not many teams or pitchers would have the patience for that. That is probably why he has found such little interest at the highest levels for his services. His best bet is probably to train younger pitchers so they are throwing the right way from an early age.
I just hope nobody will be pushing me off the ledge.
If he only crushes it the 15 times he will see it, I’ll be content.
atta boy Cody
Forget 100 mph; how about six innings in 100 pitches or less?
This sound is terrible. YES needs to figure their crap out.
I would like to have Francessa’s salary
*If* Jeter is really going to become the leadoff hitter and *if the primary thinking behind that is to cut down on his GIDPs and *if* Gardner is going to be in the lineup batting 9th, I think the idea is not to much to have Jeter bat behind guys with lower OBPs but rather to have him sandwiched between two faster players who will be harder to double up (Gardner on the front end and Damon on the back end).
It will be interesting to hear the rationale given if this all comes to pass.
Speaking of Joba I’d rather see him have some games where he challenges guys and gives up some bombs…than games where he nibbles and tries to hit the corners like he wants to be Greg Maddux or something.
Atonement from Joba – K Howard.
Peter Abraham
March 26th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
GB: Mike Marshall is fascinating. That stuff is really something to see.
Christina: Come in off the ledge.
————————————————————
Marshall was doing demonstrations on MLB Tonight, last night. I watched these 11 videos of his and they are amazing to watch. He has xrays of his elbow and shoulder and the difference between his and Andy Messersmith’s. Also showed a new way of throwing a curveball. He’s the only screwball pitcher who’s palm didn’t face outwards. It’s a must see for high school and little league coaches.
“Forget 100 mph; how about six innings in 100 pitches or less?”
Don’t know if thats possible.
oops
*oops*
messed up my *s
C’mon Joba DP.
goto phillies.com and run the newplayer and login, it’s on for free
“Is the yankees/cubs game on the 3rd and 4th on tv? does anyone know where to get streaming yes network at?”
Both games will be on YES. I don’t think YES streams online only MLB TV does.
You can get the game live on Yankees.com…it’s free today. I’m watching at work ..:o). It’s a tough job but somebody has to do it..lol
Go Yankees 2009 !!
Wilson Betemit is hitting .341 with 6 HRs, 16 RBIs and a .408 OBP in 44 ABs.
Swisher is so showing off, he ran that pop up down harder than normal outfielders
Joba’s curveball looks great today.
Mark in Tampa
March 26th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
GB7,
I saw the Mike Marshall interview last night. I am not sure how much it would affect a pitcher to change their mechanics like he suggests. He says it is a small adjustment, but at the ML or high minor league level, that could be a big difference in results as far as movement and command are concerned, at least until the changes are second nature. It could be a case of two steps back to get better in the long run. Not many teams or pitchers would have the patience for that. That is probably why he has found such little interest at the highest levels for his services. His best bet is probably to train younger pitchers so they are throwing the right way from an early age.
————————————————————
Marshall said he could change every pitcher in the course of one winter. The videos I linked went well beyond last night’s demos.
Jeter turned in an average defensive season last year after a horrible April and May. I expect that he’ll get off to a slow start this year. That has nothing to do with the silly forecast that he’ll hit 8.
‘Speaking of Joba I’d rather see him have some games where he challenges guys and gives up some bombs…than games where he nibbles and tries to hit the corners like he wants to be Greg Maddux or something.’
We talking about Greg Maddux in his prime ?
I don’t know. Swish might have been running hard to avoid any confusion and a dropped ball?
Christina
March 26th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
This sound is terrible. YES needs to figure their crap out.
————————————————————
The audio issues are most likely coming from the park connections.
“Wilson Betemit is hitting .341 with 6 HRs, 16 RBIs and a .408 OBP in 44 ABs.”
If he has 6 HRs and 16 RBIs in the regular season by the end of May, I will be shocked. If he has a .341 avg and .408 OBP any time after the first week of the season, I will be shocked. All that means absolutely nothing.
“What will John Sterling do with him? “That ball was held for Ransom!”
“Pay the Ransom!””
pete that quote is flat out brilant
“Wilson Betemit is hitting .341 with 6 HRs, 16 RBIs and a .408 OBP in 44 ABs”
yet he makes Angel Berroa look like the perrenial All-Star
For people worried about Joba – just look at the pitch sequence he used against Ryan Howard.
Think about it – Joba did not throw Howard one slider. Not even one.
What’s the probability that in the regular season that he wouldn’t throw Howard his slider in an at bat – not even one in the dirt?
He’s clearly just working on developing his other pitches. He’s throwing many more curve balls and change ups. He’s also working on his two seam fastball.
It’s funny people keep complaining about Joba throwing too many pitches and not being efficient enough.
Then when Joba actually tries to work on pitches that would allow him to be more efficient by getting quicker outs people complain about his velocity and/ or location.
When are people going to stop worrying about Joba. I can’t remember any pitcher for whom so much hand wringing and trepidation has been engaged in for no reason.
The only thing that matters for him this spring is that he’s throwing easy and is healthy.
Michael Kay is raving about the Yankees. In particular, he said that Cano is in fantastic shape and has a swagger about him. He also said that Tex and Kevin Long are on the same page – they’re clicking. Obviously he’s very positive about the pitching, but he also mentioned how good Jorge looks. He also doesn’t like Jeter as a leadoff hitter. About that…….I don’t see what the big deal is if he bats leadoff or 2nd. After the first inning, he won’t be leading off most of the time anyway……
My point is Greg Maddux had to hit corners. He didn’t have the pure stuff Joba does.
Can’t see the game, but 68 pitches thru 4 and 36 strikes and 32 balls don’t seem to spell command.
Is it just the fastball command that’s off?
What will John Sterling do with him? “That ball was held for Ransom!”
“Pay the Ransom!”
=========================
Hmmm. I kinda like Pay the Ransom
That Damon behind Jeter thing is working out great!
CB, you’re right. The way people wanted Phil to work on his pitches, well Joba needs to do the same as well. For some reason, so-called experts and some fans forget he’s all of 23 years old. Somehow, Joba is held to ridiculous standards. He’s supposed to be an ace right this very moment (in other words, he should skip right over the growing pains that every young pitcher has had) or else he stinks…….
Thanks yanksgal07. Try not to work so hard.
Nice hitting and running there.
By both Jeter and Damon.
I like this Jeter-Damon switch!
“Yes we Can-Some Ransom!”
is Betamit starting any of those games? Or, is he having fun with some minor league pitching?
GB7,
I know what he says, but if you are Tim Lincecum, do you do it? He was a high first round pick, Cy Young in his first season, the most dominant pitcher in the game right now. Also hasn’t been hurt. He has pitched this way his whole life. Changing his motion could cost him some movement or command of some of his pitches, because you can’t be 100% sure of what will happen when you change anything.
But, if he does get hurt, as Marshall says is likely, maybe he would be open to exploring some changes. Typically, nobody will change when they have had success a certain way.
“What will John Sterling do with him? “That ball was held for Ransom!”
“Pay the Ransom!””
Well he played last year. Didn’t he hit HRs in his first two at bats or something? What did Sterling use then?
If only Mark Teixieria could get off to a stron start……It wont happen because he never does and add the fact that he is new to NY and all the presure on his shoulder because of the absence of Arod, he is gonna get off to a terrible start. That is why I dont see this season being any different than the last few. With Arod out, Tex slow start plus all the improvemnets TB and Boston have made we will probably be 8 games behind them by the end of May and have to work all sumer just to get close to the division leader.
If Alex Rodriguez is A-Rod – is Cody Ransom C-Ran?
Is so that homer was a C-Ran Berry Bash.
i like the jetta S commercial.. when he looks at the camera about her being high maintenence.. i laughed
What will John Sterling do with him? “That ball was held for Ransom!”
“Pay the Ransom!”
=====================
Hmmm. I kinda like Pay the Ransom
- – - – - – - – - -
Or: “Cody ransom around the bases but slowed down after he saw it go over the wall.”
‘Wilson Betemit is hitting .341 with 6 HRs, 16 RBIs and a .408 OBP in 44 ABs’
You know how many crappy pitchers he’s seen in those 44 ABs ? This is why ST is not taken serious, there are 7-8 pitchers per game in game 6 out of those 8 pitchers are raw and can’t locate worth a damn. He might see one pitcher that has an off day in those days.
OH SWISH
Cody delivers the Ransom!!!
watching the game on the free test run of the new mlb.tv premium player. the picture is improved a lot for the 3rd straight year which is good, but the audio kind of took a hit. maybe its just a kink that will be worked out soon enough or maybe it has something to do with the press box at the phillies ST park, but it sounds kind of muffled and there was a very noticeable delay between the crack of the bat and seeing the bat and ball connect. good picture though. just hope this isn’t how the audio will be the whole year.
2 solo homies and that’s all they got!
Hahaha @ Brad Pitt – took me a second to get that
Oh he went
“How about that for a King’s Ransom!”
Ransom demands a Homerun!!
Well I have to say it seems to me like Joba is a shell of his former self. Clearly he has lost something.
Ever since that shoulder injury last year I haven’t seen the + fastball and he doesn’t seem sharp at all.
Low 90s? Is his name Dan Giese?
I say stick him back in the 8th inning and sign Pedro. Pedro is the missing piece.
This is the only way we’re gonna see that 98 MPH heater again.
Come on Cashman. Don’t let me down!
Our pitching will dominate in April and make up for Tex’s slow start and ARod being out. We’ll be in first place on May 1.
By Aug 1, we’ll be in 4th but…
Just kidding.
Joba may be facing the Phillies in May, so he may not want to preview his slider to Howard.
Joba is not pitching particularly well today, but he has not been getting any help from the home plate ump either.
Mark in Tampa
March 26th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
GB7,
I know what he says, but if you are Tim Lincecum, do you do it? He was a high first round pick, Cy Young in his first season, the most dominant pitcher in the game right now. Also hasn’t been hurt. He has pitched this way his whole life. Changing his motion could cost him some movement or command of some of his pitches, because you can’t be 100% sure of what will happen when you change anything.
But, if he does get hurt, as Marshall says is likely, maybe he would be open to exploring some changes. Typically, nobody will change when they have had success a certain way.
————————————————————
Like Marshall said about Lincecum, he see’s arm problems coming, but, he seemed more concerned about him having injuries to both knees and his hips. He does have a bit of Britt Burns motion in him. He won 18 games for the White Sox and NYY traded for him and he had to retire before he ever threw a pitch for the Yanks, with hip and knee problems.
I’m really surprised that a young GM and organization doesn’t bring him on board.
miggs, I’d sign Pedro to set up, before I’d move Joba back there and have Pedro start. Are you kidding?
I love the Ransom love, but I hope you guys don’t think he’s going to hit .280 w/ a .350 or up OBP %, that’s not going to happen.
Ah Coke is getting ready.
“Well I have to say it seems to me like Joba is a shell of his former self. Clearly he has lost something.
Ever since that shoulder injury last year I haven’t seen the + fastball and he doesn’t seem sharp at all.
Low 90s? Is his name Dan Giese?”
sad…just sad….
Brian, that is YES’s problem not the new player
One other thing on Joba and his velocity.
All off season and into the spring yankee fans have been raving about AJ Burnett – both his comments about how he’s matured and evolved and with how he’s pitched this spring. In particular people have been happy about how he now realizes that he doesn’t have to throw as hard as he can in order to win games. About how much he learned from Halladay as he watched Doc throw 80-90 pitch complete games. About how he’s learned to take care of his arm by not over throwing.
Yankee fans have generally been very happy to hear all of those comments and to actually see Burnett put those words into practice so far this spring. Just think about how good he looked last game were he was trying to induce quick outs on the ground. He was often throwing around 93 – which isn’t even remotely close to how hard he can throw.
And yet at the same time many yankee fans are in a panic about Joba’s velocity.
So its a great sign of maturity if Burnett doesn’t try to throw 98-100 but if Joba makes that same decision (at the age of 23) its cause for sheer panic. The paradox is really odd.
The one variable most people agree makes a pitcher more likely to get hurt is throwing at high velocities.
Joba to date in his career has not only thrown his fastball very hard but also has thrown his slider very hard. I personally don’t like that much at all. I very much want him to stop using his slider so often because of the stress i likely places on his arm. He really needs to become more comfortable using his curve ball much more often and to use his two seam fastball to get quick outs.
Kind of a bleh outing for Joba
Did some good things early, but command was off from the 3rd inning on. Lots of borderline calls though.
As a #5 starter, I’ll take it. Atleast he gives us a chance everytime he takes the mound, even if he does only go 4.1 innings.
Coke is back… that means he is going to pitch every day now! That’s why they call him Every Day Phil Coke.
That was strike three to Victarino
yea joba been squueze, bad break on the wind in rf. joba strikes to ball wasn’t great. outside of he been good
I like the video game ad with Tim Lincecum and his video double. I especially like the part where they are sitting in the lockeroom, Lincecum is talking to his double and the double is staring at the ceiling, not paying attention. I laugh when I see that.
I know im in the minority here. But im digging the spring training unis.
How about Cody hits it long,far..See Yaa!! Naaa that still sucks.
Hell with all this how to call Cody’s homerun call. Watch us jinx him and he doesnt get a single one in the regular season. HOMERUN FOR CODY RANSOM!! Will be enough music to my ears.
“I’m really surprised that a young GM and organization doesn’t bring him on board.”
He would be ideal in that type of role that Billy Connors had. He would be able to work and indoctrinate all of the young pitchers as they come into the organization, and be able to continue following up with them as they progress towards the bigs.
Hooters ball girls ? oh yeah.
Bill
March 26th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
I like the video game ad with Tim Lincecum and his video double. I especially like the part where they are sitting in the lockeroom, Lincecum is talking to his double and the double is staring at the ceiling, not paying attention. I laugh when I see that.
————————————————————
It looks more like he’s fascinated to see the ceiling fans turning around.
That was the game right there. the ball girl going after the foul ball. Wow now it happened twice in a row…..this is my lucky day.
They’re running out of things to ask Joe.
JOJO
March 26th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
PREDICTION:
Joba’s line today:
4.2 innings, 4 hits, 2 runs, 2 BB, 5 SO, 74 pitches.
close
gotta love the Phillies Hooter ball girl:)
Mark in Tampa
March 26th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
“I’m really surprised that a young GM and organization doesn’t bring him on board.”
He would be ideal in that type of role that Billy Connors had. He would be able to work and indoctrinate all of the young pitchers as they come into the organization, and be able to continue following up with them as they progress towards the bigs.
————————————————————
He’d be perfect. He lives about 40 miles from Tampa.
Coke strikes out Victorino and Utley (after a long AB)
coke has been nasty now pretty consistently as a reliever.
Can we call that pitch the matrix ?
JT and Ralphie….
Yeah I was just joking around and making fun of some of the lunatics that post here. I guess if you haven’t seen me post it could be interpreted as serious.
Sign Pedro? Joba a shell of his former self? Nah.
UPDATE, 2:31 p.m.: Joba is done after 4.1 innings. Phil Coke is the new pitcher. Yankees lead 4-2.
Joba: 4.1 3 2 2 3 3.
Meanwhile, Newsday reports that Bob Sheppard will not be able to work on Opening Day.
Mr. Sheppard is 97. Isn’t it time to name him “announcer emeritus” and hire somebody else to do the job? He could come back whenever he wanted. Having the faux-Sheppard fill-in last season didn’t work so well.
Thats the worst part about Clearwater. They have great food, a beautiful ball park, but hooter girls as their ballgirl. It kills the mood.
Miggy looking all gangsta with the facial hair.
Joba started out rough but recovered to have a good outing. Thought he got squeezed a bit by the umpire and Swisher should have caught that fly ball other wise he could have at least finished the 5th inning. He was hitting 92-93 on the gun consistenly though his command was a little shaky. Those who worry abut his velocity you have to realize that as a starter he is not going to be dialing it up at 98 all the time. He has to pace himself as a starter, just like Burnett has learned to do. He will be fine.
Robi is drawing walks again I don’t believe it.
There’s a rumor that there’s a stipulation to the new partnership with PepsiCola.
Phil Coke has to change his name to P.E. Psi
did cano just walk
“Thats the worst part about Clearwater. They have great food, a beautiful ball park, but hooter girls as their ballgirl. It kills the mood.”
Dammitt!! How do i get to Clearwater? Some peoples trash is others treasure.
“About how much he learned from Halladay as he watched Doc throw 80-90 pitch complete games.”
He may have learned how to watch them but still doesn’t know a damn thing about throwing ‘em.
We gonna see what Melky can do in his 3rd at-bat.
Phil Coke has an absolute wipe out slider. Unbelievably impressive.
Think about how he struck out Utley and Victorino. He struck them both out on essentially the same exact pitch. Utley is a lefty so him waving at that nasty slider isn’t that unexpected. But Victorino was hitting right handed. Even as a righty batter Victorino didn’t even come close to hitting that pitch.
Essentially the same breaking pitch – two very tough hitters hitting from opposite sides of the plate wave at it. That’s a quality pitch.
That’s what make Coke such a promising arm – right handed hitters don’t square up his slider. That and the terrific tailing action he gets on his two seam fastball make him very effective against right handed batters. He’s not even remotely close to being some kind of lefty specialist.
Yankees fans can worry all we want about Bruney and Marte right now but there’s a very good chance that before long it’s Coke setting up Mo. Coke simply has the best combination of stuff and command of anyone in the pen besides Mo.
I think sterling already has one for ransom. I believe it is handsome ransom.
““Thats the worst part about Clearwater. They have great food, a beautiful ball park, but hooter girls as their ballgirl. It kills the mood.”
Dammitt!! How do i get to Clearwater? Some peoples trash is others treasure.”
ha I thinks it great for Spring Training, a ‘not too serious’ environment, they have a a beautiful ST Park, probably the best in Florida
That’s disappointing about Bob Sheppard. I thought he was on track to at least do opening day. I hope he hasn’t gotten ill again. But at 97, coming back from a long illness, you can’t be too surprised.
Wait, Cano walked? The end is near
Nice ABs for both Robbie and Melky.
“Thats the worst part about Clearwater. They have great food, a beautiful ball park, but hooter girls as their ballgirl. It kills the mood.”
Kills what mood?
Nice hit by Melky. Did the sound just go up for you guys, too?
Cabrera increases his trade value with a single. Yes!!!
Melky’s not leaving without a fight:)
He’s in our thoughts:
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Aaron Boone went into surgery at approximately 11:30 a.m. ET on Thursday at the Stanford University Medical Center.
Boone is undergoing open heart surgery to correct a problem with his aorta and aortic valve. The procedure is expected to last approximately three hours, according to a club spokesperson.
yeah they fixed the sound after 6 inninhgs
Drooling over Hooters Ball Girls on TV is a surefire sign you need to step away from the computer and get a life.
I didn’t watch the game, but like trisha said earlier, could Joba have been working on his 2-seamer today? That would explain lower velocity, as well as less-precise command (since he uses it less frequently and it should have some movement).
Don’t mistake me; I’m not panicking about Joba. Far from it, in fact; I think he will do well, and improve as he goes. You couldn’t ask for more from a number 5 most of the time.
All the Joba-to-the-pen guys: would you REALLY prefer to have Joba pitch one inning and be stuck with Ponson once every five days like last year, if someone gets hurt long-term? Just an example…
I like Joba throwing a wider variety of pitches (especially the curve), but I think he should get some control of that fastball in his last couple starts before the season; breaking pitches don’t work as well when you can’t set them up well.
miggs, good to hear. My blood pressure rises when i read things like that first post. I mean, Joba gave up two solo homers to two of the best HR hitters in the game. I can live with that. He went after them and got burned for one run each. Oh well. And its still Spring Training. I’m not at all concerned about Joba.
I’m ready for some games that count though! Just got my tickets for Opening Day at the new stadium. Is ST over yet?
unbelievable…jeter struck out…move him to 8th in the line up!
This could be an ugly experience for Ramirez.
Eddie and Howard. Not a fair fight. Howard could snap Edwar in half like a toothpick.
I meant to say Howard, of course. Typo.
Might the Newsday article be incorrect? I’ve seen other reports in recent days that say Bob Sheppard is back for opening day. Also, wasn’t he out with pneumonia, not a bronchial infection?
Someone’s gotta do some fact checking…I’m not trusting Newsday quite yet on this one. While I don’t doubt that he’ll miss Opening Day, all other reports I’ve seen this week say that he’s on track…
Best wishes to Aaron Boone
edward is nasty at times as well. i love the bullpen
Edwar GOD DAM! THAT WAS NASTY
Very nice inning by Edwar. As long as he’s more miss than hit, he’ll be very good.
Great thing about our bullpen is that we got so many different types of pitcchers.
Good job Edwar, someone feed him.
Flaco had it working today.
Next weeks game friday.. BETTER be on mlb network…
hope all goes well w/ Aaron Boone and that he has a speedy recovery
Love my daily fix of coke
Seems like Miggy is getting the heat from the Yankee dugout.
Has there even been a more Jeckyl & Hyde pitcher than Edwar Ramirez? Either he’s striking out the side or he’s giving up back-to-back grand slams. Ya gotta love him!
“JT and Ralphie….
Yeah I was just joking around and making fun of some of the lunatics that post here. I guess if you haven’t seen me post it could be interpreted as serious.
Sign Pedro? Joba a shell of his former self? Nah.”
sorry about that then…but sadly there are people who would say that
was it announced who is pitching those 2 exhibition games?
Christina, does baseball get you in the mood?? If so, you really need to talk to MY wife!
CB – Agree 100%. Coke is very very intriguing. I wouldn’t be shocked at all if he’s the guy setting up MO.
JOJO
March 26th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Has there even been a more Jeckyl & Hyde pitcher than Edwar Ramirez? Either he’s striking out the side or he’s giving up back-to-back grand slams. Ya gotta love him!
————————————————————
Back-to-Back grand slams? I’ve gotta see that.
Edwar’s making the team. He has been great this Spring
What a nasty change
Another test for Bruney. If he bombs then we gotta worry right?
Burney needs to step it up
Bruney looks way too skinny.
I wonder if that is affecting his stuff/command.
i mean bruney needs to step up
should swisher have had that ball?
Yes, I agree. Bruney needs to start showing me something.
Girardi said he wanted to see improvement from Bruney… so if he bombs, we should worry.
Very important inning for Bruney. Even though it is only ST, he has had too many bad outings, and needs to have a couple good ones for his own confidence, and for the confidence that Girardi needs to have to put him in an important regular season game.
Yes, we should worry.
I liked the Hooter girls.
NYY pen is not only really good, but what depth they have. Hard to believe that probably 2 of Edwar, Veras, Albaldejho and Roberston (most likely last 2 ) will be in SWB along with Melancon. Funny but 2 shakiest have been Bruney and Marte, 2 guys who are “locks” for the pen.
How many times has a pitcher given up multiple grand slams in a single game?
Bruney looks dangerously skinny. He looks like he is in high school now
He’s maybe just a tad heavier than Edwar now. I hope he followed the Yankees workout program and didn’t just lose weight for the heck of it, thinking that it would make him better.
Bruney is on the Edwar diet?
The hooters girls need to go.
What the Yankees should do is send a recording engineer over to Bob Shepard’s house, and have him record everyone’s name on the roster, and just play the recording.
I think the ST jerseys are slimming. Joba looks much slimmer too – although Joba stands next CC a lot, and CC makes everyone look smaller.
“How many times has a pitcher given up multiple grand slams in a single game?”
It’s probably never been done. But given the chance I think Edwar could do it. I love him though!!!
“What the Yankees should do is send a recording engineer over to Bob Shepard’s house, and have him record everyone’s name on the roster, and just play the recording.”
There are algorithms that can reproduce his voice to pronounce any name (including the Yankees that will be winning the 50th and 100th WS titles) given enough recordings of him saying words that cover the range of sounds his voice makes. Maybe he will let the Yankees record his every breath for the next month and he can last an eternity!
A-List
March 26th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Bruney looks dangerously skinny. He looks like he is in high school now
He’s maybe just a tad heavier than Edwar now. I hope he followed the Yankees workout program and didn’t just lose weight for the heck of it, thinking that it would make him better.
————————————————————
A few times. The last time I remember was Chan Ho Park giving up two grand slams in the first inning….to Fernando Tatis.
Fernando tatis is the only player to hit 2 grand slams in one inning. He did it off of the same pitcher Chan Ho Park.
http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.....8123297525
SWISHHHHHHH
“What the Yankees should do is send a recording engineer over to Bob Shepard’s house, and have him record everyone’s name on the roster, and just play the recording.”
But what about the visiting team’s players?
I would look like one of the munchkin people if I stood next to CC. I’m only 5’1!
Ok -so what is Sterling’s line for Swisher going to be?
“But what about the visiting team’s players?”
Do we really care about them anyway?
man – I’m working from home and it’s taking a lot of discipline to not go watch the game
Rishi – that is why i would fail if i ever worked from home…I don’t have enough self discipline to stop checking this site every 10 minutes and I’m at the office!
Looks like Pena’s put on a few pounds and been lifting weights. He was never that strong to get a ball through the infield like that.
Eyre getting the smack down
bdog375 -
Do you watch “Numb3rs?”
The algorithm you described sounds like something the main character in that show would jump in with!
Nicole,
Chien-Ming Wang is pitching the first game at the new Stadium on Friday night, and then Saturday Andy Pettitte and AJ Burnett are both scheduled to pitch. As for others pitching on those days, couldn’t tell you. That info is per the Post.
Our Yankees are working overtime giving Joe Girardi some really tough decisions!
You know you suck when you give up a homerun to Melky Cabrera.
Melky has been red hot as of late
Wouldn’t shock me at all if he steals the job from Gardner in this final week.
Melky!
“Melky has been red hot as of late
Wouldn’t shock me at all if he steals the job from Gardner in this final week.”
DONT YOU SAY THAT!!! AHHHHHHHH! Gardner got out =(
Did you guys see Girardi’s face after Melky’s blast? He’s like, “Crap. Now what do I do?”.
Man we look good!
Hey – it’s good when the kids make the manager work every once in a while…
“I’m really surprised that a young GM and organization doesn’t bring him on board.”
gb7-
what i wonder about with marshall is why he hasn’t he been able to develop some obscure pitcher into a soild major league pitcher.
who using his ideas has really blossomed? if his ideas are revolutionary , why hasn’t someone emerged who was developed by marshall ?
it seems one successful major league pitcher that he developed would back up his ideas.
I know Bob Sheppard isn’t going anywhere else – but would it surprise anyone if Hank swooped in and offered him a 10 year guaranteed contract? (with bonus payments for reaching his 99th, 100th birthdays)
better to have too many options and a tough decision than barely enough options and an easy decision!
RussW210
March 26th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
You know you suck when you give up a homerun to Melky Cabrera.
========================================================
Actually, Melky has the tools to be an above average hitter with some developing power.
Hokiehill
March 26th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Rishi – that is why i would fail if i ever worked from home…I don’t have enough self discipline to stop checking this site every 10 minutes and I’m at the office!
_______________________________________________________
Lately I’ve been spending some quality mid-night hours getting stuff done so I can take more “breaks” during the day
It’s a shame that Robertson and Albaladejo won’t make this team and that one of Melky/Gardner gets CF. They’re all working so hard and there’s not much more any of them can do. It’s gotta be frustrating to them.
Melky and Brett are both making the team anyway and will be pushing eachother all year, unless they find a trade partner for Melky of course.
MELKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
you know you’re not having a good day when the team has 12 hits and you are the only one with…
Melky and Brett will both see playing time. Swish will not be in CF. Brett may have earned the start, but there is no guarantee and it cannot hurt to have melky there as long as we dont need a third catcher.
Is John Mayberry Jr. like his dad?
“Actually, Melky has the tools to be an above average hitter with some developing power.”
I know I know… it’s just my bias that wants Gardner to win so we can FINALLY get some legitimate speed on this team.
Lori
March 26th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Ok -so what is Sterling’s line for Swisher going to be?
“Swisher homers in the NICK if time”
“SWISH…St. Nick delivers again!” It’s
Christmas in June!!!
”…It is high it is far it’s gone a SWISHER SWEET for Nick”
” a Nick nack paddywack gives the Yanks a lead!!!!!!!”
why didn’t the faux-Sheppard work so well? i thought he was fine.
Gardner is making the team. For once, we have speed AND two lefties in the pen. Recipe for success…
John Mayberry Jr is a lot skinnier than his dad was. dad was left handed 1st baseman, I think…
randy l.
March 26th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
“I’m really surprised that a young GM and organization doesn’t bring him on board.”
gb7-
what i wonder about with marshall is why he hasn’t he been able to develop some obscure pitcher into a soild major league pitcher.
who using his ideas has really blossomed? if his ideas are revolutionary , why hasn’t someone emerged who was developed by marshall ?
it seems one successful major league pitcher that he developed would back up his ideas.
————————————————————
Marshall is still teaching with a full professorship at the U of Michigan. He works with the school pitching staff and others on a case by case basis. The only organization that’s ever offered him a job was Bill Veeck when he owned the White Sox.
Sterling: Swish-Boom-Ba!
I volunteer to announce the opposing players.
“Now batting for the Boston Red Sux, S**t Stain Mcgillicutty.”
“Actually, Melky has the tools to be an above average hitter with some developing power.”
I’m no scout, but I’ll resepctfully disagree. Nothing he’s shown offensively indicates even average, never mind above average capabilities. He’s borderline useless against LHP’s and plumetting slugging percentage doesn’t seem to back the developing power theory. I know he’s still young, but he was never especially strong as a minor league hitter and has gone backwards since ’06 as a big leaguer.
Albaladejo doesn’t look overly impressive. all he does is get batters out.
Has there been thought given to having Bob Sheppard announce the first game at the new Stadium, or even just the first inning of the first game, then calling it a career?
If he’s not up to the announcing work, could the team invite him to the first game to announce his retirement in person, or have the team do it for him on the scoreboard?
But if he simple can’t even get around enough to make a public appearance, that’d be understandable. I have no idea what his physical condition is like at this point … that supersedes everything of course.
HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!10101010101lolzLOLZOLOZLOLZHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAH!!!
I just realized that Peter mad a mistake and put Cabrera down as playing short stop. THAT IS THE FUNNIEST HING IVE EVER SEEN!!!! PETE YOURE KILLING ME!!!!! BWHWHWHWHWHWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHa
“Melky and Brett will both see playing time. Swish will not be in CF. Brett may have earned the start, but there is no guarantee and it cannot hurt to have melky there as long as we dont need a third catcher.”
Exactly I like the competition, it will drive both guys to be at the top of their game when they get their playing time.
Plus Melky can be used to replace Damon defensively late in the game, he can also pitch run for these following guys
Teixeira – Who Swisher could replace at 1st (on the rare occasion that situation presents itself over the season)
Posada – Who Molina would replace
Nady – Who Swisher or Cabera can sub in for in RF
Matsui – two surgically repaired knees, surely Melky would be subbed in for him on the basepaths in a late inning situation.
No I don’t think Melky is Lou Brock on the bases, but he is faster than Swisher, Ransom, Molina, Berroa in other words anyone on our bench.
Man must suck to be Albaladejo and Robertson (is he even pitching any more, haven’t seen him in a while)
Nice to know that on the farm the Yankees will have Robertson, Melancon, Albaladejo (still think he should get that long relief spot over Tomko, but probably better off pitching regularly in Scranton)
Good points Steve B. Not to mention he thinks he can hit curveballs 10 feet off the plate low and away.
Albaladjo reminds me of Britton
Nice arm to have around in Scranton if someone gets injured or we need a fresh arm after a long extra inning game or something.
“Albaladejo doesn’t look overly impressive. all he does is get batters out.”
He kind of sneaks up on the batter with his pitching style, good job by Cashman of getting him.
Albaladejoramalamdingdong. Too much name, not enough game.
I agree with Singleton – the best thing is for Alba do to well in Scranton then he could be traded somewhere where he’d actually get a chance to pitch at the ML level.
Here, he is buried behind too many guys. He isin’t going to overtake Robertson or Melancon and the other young arms we have coming up.
GB:
I seem to recall seeing a piece on Marshall on 60 Minutes or once of new magazine shows. I have not looked at the link you posted, but seem to recall a rather odd looking motion that he was advocating. Thought I’d heard that one kid pitching under the “Marshall Plan” either is or was in the minors.
Was he at all bitter about how he was used, particularly in ’73 and ’74 when he threw almost 400 relief innings over 2 seasons, including an incredible 208 in his Cy Young season?
jack
March 26th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Albaladjo reminds me of Britton
Nice arm to have around in Scranton if someone gets injured or we need a fresh arm after a long extra inning game or something.
————————————————————
The difference is that Albaladejo gets strikeouts and grounders and doesn’t walk batters.
“I’m no scout, but I’ll resepctfully disagree. Nothing he’s shown offensively indicates even average, never mind above average capabilities. He’s borderline useless against LHP’s and plumetting slugging percentage doesn’t seem to back the developing power theory. I know he’s still young, but he was never especially strong as a minor league hitter and has gone backwards since ‘06 as a big leaguer.”
+++ Which is all the more reason to have him as a reserve where you can maximize his abilities that are positive such as a good outfielder, decent speed and minimize his offensive weaknesses by limiting his exposure to extended at bats at the plate.
I like Alabadejo – if he doesn’t make the team out of camp, I feel like he’ll be up at some point. It’s a tough call, as Robertson has also pitched well, but I think Robertson could still use more polishing at AAA despite his great spring.
How’d Coke and Bruney look? I look forward to catching this game on YES tonight so I can see for myself. Thanks!
Swish has been swinging a fairly hot bat since his new stance kicked in – and he’s still walking. I love to see that – I hope his patience at the plate rubs off on the team as I’d love to see them start wearing pitchers out again
“The difference is that Albaladejo gets strikeouts and grounders and doesn’t walk batters.”
That is an attribute I like about him, he doesn’t seem to mess around and nit pick the zone but attacks it and challenges hitters to put the ball in play.
The baseball season is long and tedious we know as last season showed that you need all the depth you can afford for such a campaign. Last season demonstrated that clearly.
Steve B
March 26th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
GB:
I seem to recall seeing a piece on Marshall on 60 Minutes or once of new magazine shows. I have not looked at the link you posted, but seem to recall a rather odd looking motion that he was advocating. Thought I’d heard that one kid pitching under the “Marshall Plan” either is or was in the minors.
Was he at all bitter about how he was used, particularly in ‘73 and ‘74 when he threw almost 400 relief innings over 2 seasons, including an incredible 208 in his Cy Young season?
————————————————————
No, he was mad because he wasn’t used more often. Last night, he was talking about when he got to LA, he was surprised that walt Alston had taken a basic course in Kinesiology. He told Marshall to tell him everything he knows. It was Lasorda that didn’t like using him like that. He preferred Charlie Hough and LA traded Marshall to Atlanta. When he went to the Twins, Mauch used him a lot.
Robertson has much more potential than Alba
Girardi speaks highly of him too— I think Robs will be the 1st guy up if we need someone.
YANKEES ARTE GONNA DOMINATE
whichever Geico executive opted to pull the plug on the cavemen, in favor of the new Geico commercials need to be put in the electric chair. Very weird ads.
ditto for the annoying Progressive ads.
Joba has me a bit concerned…not much, but concerned none theless. He’s been the springs worst starter. I dont recall him being as wild as he has been this spring…maybe Im wrong, but he needs to work that out…maybe send him to scranton to star the season and recall hughes to take his slot.
Ok, begin ripping me now
Re: Trade Albaladejo?
What can we get for him that would be more useful than a middle reliever?
I’d rather trade Veras who has setup potential with some NL teams. We might be able to get something for him that we’ll actually put to good use someplace else on the roster.
With Melancon, Robertson and Albaladejo, I think we can afford to deal from the pen.
It’s frustrating though. I remember a day when teams had to pay top dollar for relievers but now since the Yankees have all this surplus, suddenly, nobody’s willing to trade anything decent for them.
Steve B
March 26th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
“Actually, Melky has the tools to be an above average hitter with some developing power.”
I’m no scout, but I’ll resepctfully disagree. Nothing he’s shown offensively indicates even average, never mind above average capabilities. He’s borderline useless against LHP’s and plumetting slugging percentage doesn’t seem to back the developing power theory. I know he’s still young, but he was never especially strong as a minor league hitter and has gone backwards since ‘06 as a big leaguer.
======================================================
He’s 24 years old, has a pretty quick bat, can hit breaking pitches, and has good plate coverage. I don’t buy the “trending down” theory either, because it’s too small a sample size for such a young player who is still discovering his bat. Last season was transitional and awkward, because of the developing power. I see the work that was put in paying dividends, and I am not talking about results in ST, but results in terms of plate mechanics, fouling off pitches he was missing last season, etc.
From Twitter
bryanhoch: Across the front of Jose Molina’s t-shirt: “My clothes are better than yours.”
Posted by mark: “why didn’t the faux-Sheppard work so well? i thought he was fine.”
If I remember correctly, it was because the Yankees asked Jim Hall to imitate Bob’s voice. Jim Hall’s normal voice doesn’t sound anything like Bob Sheppard’s.
“Ok, begin ripping me now”
No ripping here although I’m not ready to be concerned about Joba just yet. I want to see how he starts the season. If he is still having a slight problem with his command, then my panic will set in.
I just fllipped on the MLB network. It does not look like it is being aired in HD. Anyone else think the same? The difference between this game and the Yankees game visually is huge. This looks like when I put the Yankees on the non-HD YES network.
Jonathan Albaladejo for Tyler Clippard was one of Cashman’s better deals.
Deal Veras, Miranda, and Steven Jackson for a good position player to help clear 40-man roster space.
Doreen – not sure what service you use, we have Verizon FiOS and just recently got MLB network in HD
Don’t forget – Melky is just 24 years old.
The Yankees called him up at age 20. Very few hitters get rushed that quickly. I don’t see him being an elite hitter but IMO, it’s foolish to think he’s not going to get better over the next 3-5 seasons.
Laura, like I said, Im not very concerned, just a little. Id like to see his command a lot better…not only has he walked a lot of batters, but he got into a lot of deep counts and has thrown a lot of wild pitches. His command has not been bad, its been downright awful. Again, Im not too concerned, but it has me a little uneasy
From 06 on – Britton and Albaladejo has been basically the same minor league pitcher.
ERA – 2.42 – Britton
ERA – 3.05 – Alba
BB/9 – 2.34 – Britton
BB/9 – 2.53 – Alba
K/9 – 9.61 – Britton
K/ 9 – 8.03 – Alba
Why would you trade Veras when he is better and more proven than Albaladejo?
You’re not going to get much for either of them anyway.
We have Comcast and it is supposed to be HD. Maybe it’s me. It’s just got a more muted look than I get on YESHD.
That crawler across the screen on MLB didn’t look real good about John Lackey….some pain just below his right elbow, and is being shut down for a few days. Anything happens to him for any length of time and the angels are in trouble.
middle relief pitchers are a dime a dozen. very few are consistant from year to year..those that are become closers or dont get traded. There is virtually no trade market for middle relief pitchers.
Boston Dave
March 26th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Don’t forget – Melky is just 24 years old.
The Yankees called him up at age 20. Very few hitters get rushed that quickly. I don’t see him being an elite hitter but IMO, it’s foolish to think he’s not going to get better over the next 3-5 seasons.
=======================================================
Agree. He was rushed and he’s just NOW starting to work on things he might have in the minors. Elite would be a stretch, but I see a decent upside and a good hitter in the making. Some guys can never hit a breaking ball, and it keeps them from the majors. He can.
Seth
March 26th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
From 06 on – Britton and Albaladejo has been basically the same minor league pitcher.
ERA – 2.42 – Britton
ERA – 3.05 – Alba
BB/9 – 2.34 – Britton
BB/9 – 2.53 – Alba
K/9 – 9.61 – Britton
K/ 9 – 8.03 – Alba
————————————————————
and Britton has all but eaten himself out of baseball. Even San Diego cut him loose.
“Anything happens to him for any length of time and the angels are in trouble.”
No doubt. Ervin Santana is already out for at least all of April and quite possibly longer. The Angels might be the worst team in the division without those two.
“middle relief pitchers are a dime a dozen. very few are consistant from year to year..those that are become closers or dont get traded. There is virtually no trade market for middle relief pitchers.”
middle relievers have historically been very valuable at the trade deadline often netting some very good prospects in return.
Boston Dave
March 26th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
“Anything happens to him for any length of time and the angels are in trouble.”
No doubt. Ervin Santana is already out for at least all of April and quite possibly longer. The Angels might be the worst team in the division without those two.
————————————————————
Escobar is also out. He’ll be out until well after the all star break.
“middle relief pitchers are a dime a dozen. very few are consistant from year to year..those that are become closers or dont get traded. There is virtually no trade market for middle relief pitchers.”
Yep. Unless you’re a proven commodity like a Marte or someone, middle relief has minimal value. You might get a filler prospect back thats about it.
Look at the Royals– they trades away Ramon Ramirez (who had a better year than any of our relievers, not named Bruney) and all they got back was Coco Crisp. Ramirez is now going to be a late inning guy for Boston.
Might as well just hang on to the middle relievers… you will never get back proper value
Update that I just looked at says Escobar may finish rehabbing 4 months ahead of time, recovering from surgery on torn labrum in his shoulder.
When I heard Mike Francesa accept the invitation of Mets executive VP Dave Howard Wednesday to visit the dunk tank at Citi Field, I assumed one of two things:
That Francesa was kidding, or perhaps that he thought the invite was to be the dunker, not the dunkee.
I asked him about it Thursday. Turns out he was not kidding and that he is up for getting wet in public – for a cause.
“As long as it’s a nice, warm day and it would be for charity, I’ll gladly go in the tank,’’ he said.
Um, really? “I’m sure I will draw quite a crowd of Mets fans looking to dunk me. I’m looking forward to it.’’
What would he charge? “We’ll try to make it very steep for the media
http://weblogs.newsday.com/spo.....l#comments
==================================================
Can we have something like this at Yankee Stadium? Pleeeeaaasssee?
If you can trade a decent center fielder for a middle relief pitcher, that’s a good return.
really dave? not saying youre wrong, but I dont recall too many being traded for at the trade deadline…no special ones for that matter that hwere just middle relievers with no closing experience.
I saw nothing to worry about in Joba today.
In the first inning, he threw nothing but fast balls. He was clearly working on something, and the two HRs resulted. I don’t see that as indicative of some deeper problem.
He mixed in the slider from the second on and did fine. He got in a little trouble in the fifth when the wind and Swisher played havoc on an easy fly to right, and came out when he hit his pitch limit.
Edwar and Coke both looked devastating today.
Boston dave,
Worse than Texas??
-dennis
IMO, the only important thing about Joba today was that he walked off the mound healthy. Other than that his stats/line/velocity are meaningless.
Again, JMO.
-dennis
sad that it takes fans from other teams to set the record straight. ur absolutely right costanza
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