Spring Game 33: Yankees at Blue Jays
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Mar 30, 2009 
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YANKEES
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Matsui DH
Swisher RF
Cano 2B
Ransom 3B
Molina C
Gardner CF
Pitching today: Andy Pettitte followed by Damaso Marte, Brian Bruney, Jose Veras and Edwar Ramirez.
BLUE JAYS
Scutaro SS
Hill 2B
Rios CF
Millar DH
Overbay 1B
Rolen 3B
Lind LF
Snider RF
Barrett C
Pitching today: David Purcey followed by B.J. Ryan, Scott Downs and Jason Frasor.
Notes: The Yankees return to bucolic Dunedin for a 1:05 p.m. start. There’s no television or radio back to New York. … The Yankees have won five straight and 14 of their last 16. … Pettitte pitched in a minor-league game in his last start and wanted to face Toronto instead of going back to the complex. “I need to see big-league hitters,” he said.
Back with more later.
UPDATE, 10:32 a.m.: The Yankees several minor leaguers to the roster today. They are:
RHP Kevin Whelan
Catcher Mitch Abeita
Catcher Kyle Anson
Infielder Eric Duncan
Infielder Luis Nunez
Infielder Justin Snyder
Outfielder James Cooper
Outfielder Jack Rye
UPDATE, 10:55 a.m.: During our pre-game chat with Joe Girardi, he said no decisions on the other roster spots have been made yet. Those could carry into the Cubs series.
To be honest, the last man on the bench and the last man in the bullpen is not really a big deal. Both of those positions will be flux all year anyway.
UPDATE, 11:15 a.m.: Mariano Rivera will throw an inning in the minor leagues tomorrow and then come back against the Phillies on Wednesday. That would be his first back to back. Then he’ll pitch one of the Cubs game. That would give him nine innings for the spring, which is what he wanted.
So why doesn’t Mariano go to Sarasota to face the Reds? Because Mariano Rivera doesn’t do spring training road games, that’s why. When you’re the Greatest Closer Of All-Time you can pick your spots.
Back with more at game time.
UPDATE, 1:12 p.m: We’re underway and just like that, it’s 1-0 Yankees. Jeter doubles, Damon walked and Tex singled.
UPDATE, 1:33 p.m.: Middle of the second. 1-0 Yankees.
UPDATE, 1:45 p.m.: The Yankees flashed some serious leather in the second inning. Scott Rolen tried to go first to third on a single to center. Brett Gardner charged and made a high throw to third. Cody Ransom climbed the ladder, caught the ball and as he came down, he put a back-handed tag on the bag that caught Rolen.
Then Travis Snider grounded hard to the right side, a ball that Tex stopped on a dive. He got up and tagged the bag. Just like The Big G used to.
Still 1-0 Yankees.
UPDATE, 1:58 p.m.: Still 1-0 Yankees, now in the middle of the fourth. Ransom walked with two outs in the top of the inning then got picked off.
Pettitte so far: 3 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, three strikeouts.
UPDATE, 2:24 p.m.: Jeter and Damon drew two-out walks in the fifth. But Tex lined a ball off the pitcher’s foot and was thrown out. For Jeter, it was an 11-pitch at-bat.
1-0, bottom of the fifth.
UPDATE, 2:31 p.m.: Pettitte has retired 10 straight. 5 3 0 0 0 6. Terrific start for him so far.
UPDATE, 2:41 p.m.: Barrett singled, went to second on a wild pitch and scored on a double by Scutaro. 1-1. Is it me or does Scutaro kill the Yankees? Seems like he does.
UPDATE, 2:58 p.m.: Yankees lead 2-1.
Molina single
Gardner fielder’ choice
Melky singles
Pena struck out
Tex doubles off the 1B’s glove
Matsui flew out to end the inning.
Pettitte back out for the seventh.
UPDATE, 3:03 p.m.: Pettitte is finished after 6.2 innings, having reached his pitch limit. His line: 6.2 innings, 5 hits, 1 run, 1 earned run, 0 walks, 7 strikeouts, 1 wild pitch.
He’ll relieve A.J. Burnett on Saturday at the Stadium as a final tune-up.
Damaso Marte in to pitch.
UPDATE, 3:10 p.m.: Counting two minor-league games, Pettitte has thrown 22 innings this spring and allowed three earned runs while striking out 20. He has allowed 18 hits. Looks like he is ready to go.
UPDATE, 3:25 p.m.: Yankees lead 3-1 going into the ninth inning. Headed down to the clubhouse.
Can you believe the season final begins just ONE WEEK FROM TODAY?????
It has been a really, really, really, long spring training.
I’m looking forward to reading all the “reviews” on the new stadium from all of you fortunate enough to have tickets to either of the two exhibition games this weekend.
I hope the weather cooperates.
I’m going to Saturdays game. I’ll be sure to take LOTS of pictures and post them on photobucket or something. I cannot wait!!!
I’ll be at Friday’s game and opening day in Baltimore (I live there).
As of now, there is a 60% chance of rain in Baltimore next Monday.
http://www.weather.com/weather.....undeclared
March 30th, 2009 at 9:05 am
its very easy now to say that the yankees dont want to see swisher in cf. of course they dont, that would mean that gardner and melky arent cutting it. and with gardner burning up the grapefruit league, it seems there will be no reason to put swisher in as a cf.
but wait a minute. gardners mlb obp is around .280 so far. melky has proven to be a dissappointment. so IF gardner cant get on and melky doesnt improve, you will find yourself wishing swisher could play some cf, not as a starter, but just to help out when they need his bat in the lineup.
saying they expect swisher to play some cf this year is like saying they expect ransom to get 300 ab’s or hughes to make 18 starts, it would be going into the season expecting someone else to fail or miss significant time.
but we all know that some people do fail and some people do get hurt. and if the yankees have a cf problem this season, which is still very possible despite brett’s stellar SPRING TRAINING, the yankees attitude toward nick in CF may change drastically. the question then would be how’s nick’s attitude?
WWGGBGD ?
“As of now, there is a 60% chance of rain in Baltimore next Monday.”
Which means 40% chance of rain lol
I never put much faith in advance weather reports. In fact, it’s my custom to get up in the morning and look out to the window to get an accurate report of the weather!
Ken Davidoff in his blog in Newsday raises a somewhat touchy question today.
“At the risk of upsetting some people, if Derek Jeter can’t improve his range to his left, would it make sense to start lifting Jeter for defense in the late innings of games the Yankees are leading?”
It has been done with Damon, would they consider doing it with Derek?
From Twitter:
bryanhoch: Brett Gardner says now he can start looking for a NYC apartment.
pat -
I don’t see it happening.
I want to make it clear that I am not on the “Jeter is in severe decline and is a detriment to the team” bandwagon.
But, I think there will be a blind spot where Jeter is concerned and unless his defense is absolutely abysmal, and it costs them games in a way that is very directly attributable to poor play on his part, Jeter is not going to be lifted for a defensive replacement. In my very humble opinion.
However, it may be possible for the Yankees to put a different spin on the situation. They can begin to take Jeter out of blow-out type games in a more regular fashion, giving him a bit of a break in the heat of the summer.
I had read that Jeter’s defense actually improved last year, though. So, I think we should see what actually unfolds in the games.
pat, just my opinion but I don’t think we will ever see that with Derek. Okay, ever is a long time, but for some reason I don’t think Girardi would go near that in a game with the Yankees leading and would prefer to close things out with good relief. Pulling Jeter out of games would become a highly controversial thing and bring out all kinds of questions that would be very uncomfortable for the Yankees to answer. I think before you see that, you’d probably see Jeter at a new position.
JMO.
pat -
And Damon had some durability issues, which right now, it doesn’t appear Jeter has succumbed to on the same scale as Damon.
And Damon’s arm is a publicly acknowledged weakness.
I would hope jeter would be lifted for defnse in the right situations…but only if a guy like pena was replacing him…ill take jeter’s d over berroa any day
How often do you get up in the morning, look out your window, and see Baltimore Doreen?
I know this is just minor league stats but the lowest OBP Gardner has had in a full year in the minors was .369. Good plate discipline.
Melky and Gardner both had good spring trainings. I’m curious what the chances are that the ’10 outfield is Gardner, Jackson & Melky with Swisher backing up LF/RF/1B. Everyone would be younger, faster, more athletic and better defensively compared to last year.
Getting WAY ahead of things – a full season to be exact – but I’m curious if it could work out that way. Remains to be seen how Nady’s ’09 season and ensuing FA status unfold too … it’s possible he could be here instead of one of the other four.
I like Matsui but unless he can prove he’s still at least a worthy backup OF at some point, they may let him go and use Posada as DH in future seasons. If Posada can catch successfully all year and shows signs of still having a year or two left behind the plate, and if Matsui’s defense just isn’t up to it, then I’d like to see Matsui offered a 1-2 year contract as DH. He’s probably still a good hitter and RBI guy for a little while longer than his current contract.
RussW210 -
On a clear day, you can see forever.
I mean local weather, of course.
But, if we’re planning a trip, I figure any data over 3 days in advance is pushing it. I guess at least you get some idea. It’s just that I’ve gotten sooooo tired of the weather report not even being CLOSE to accurate that I’m a cynic where meteorology is concerned.
“I know this is just minor league stats but the lowest OBP Gardner has had in a full year in the minors was .369. Good plate discipline.”
Melky had 3 seasons where he hit under Gardner’s worst OBP:
2003 – .338
2004 – .352
2005 – .319
I think all of this talk of Jeter and his decline in defenisve range is a little too much like Chicken Little saying the “sky is falling”. First of all, Jeter’s “range” was never great to begin with, but historically games that are “late and close”, I always see Jeter make all the plays … for every person who overrates him defensively, I think there are about 10 or so who underrate him and give a really bad rap.
Also, name the last “big game” where his defense cost the Yankees a win late in the game … I cant think of one off the top of my head. The way some people talk about him, you would think this guy is bothcing one play after another and costing the Yankees 10 games in the standings.
Again, he is not (and has never been, Ozzie Smith) … but he is not exactly Roy Smalley either.
Exactly Doreen… I don’t even let the weather forecast THE DAY before get me down. You always have those patches of sun that allow to get some game time in.
“I’m curious what the chances are that the ‘10 outfield is Gardner, Jackson & Melky with Swisher backing up LF/RF/1B.”
Close to zero percent.
Despite what will likely be very high end production from the infield, you have to get something out of the outfield. That trio won’t give it to you….at least not this soon.
I know some people have Jeter in mind for the old folks’ home and full time DH duty as soon as next year, but he has more life left at SS than he’s given credit for here. If Matsui or Posada were DH through Posada’s current contract (maaaybe 1-2 years more) then Jeter would be winding down his life as SS. But that’s 4+ years away.
Doreen
I don’t think Jeter’s a detriment to the team but I do think he has had a decline in range that comes naturally through aging.
I’ve read where “sources” have said that positioning becomes more important with Jeter than ever because that can mask some of the range issues. He still more than adequately makes the plays he gets to but the question is what can’t he get to anymore.
I think raising the question is more about the bigger picture issue of whether Girardi and Cashman have decided “sacred cows” are a thing of the past and winning is all that matters. One could suggest, the Jeter/Damon flip flop was a babystep in that regard.
As it has been pointed out as Jeter has gotten a little older his skills have declined some.
With that being said however, as a Sox fan I can’t think of any other Yankee player that I fear more than Jeter when the Sox are playing the Yankees. He has a way of coming up big when it counts.
this year is all about rolling out rolling out five good starters every game. if there are no injuries to the starting five, it will be a very good year for the yankees.
if this happens it won’t matter who plays centerfield between melky and gardner.
if a scenario happens where one or more of the starters misses considerable time, then it’s a different situation. offense will become more important . then offensive production in centerfield and everywhere becomes much more important.
spring training is just getting ready to begin . the starters are all healthy which is not a given out of spring training. so far ,so good.
now it’s time to see the real thing when the real games start. pitchers will be amping it up when the season starts and if there’s physical weaknesses that’s where you’ll see them pop up.
i’m watching the health of the starting pitchers in the first month. if they make it through the cold weather in good shape, things will be very interesting.
If you subscribe to MLB.com’s audio service, the game today is available there.
“I’m curious what the chances are that the ‘10 outfield is Gardner, Jackson & Melky with Swisher backing up LF/RF/1B.”
If Jackson is legit and you have Swisher in RF with Melky backing up then it could work. But Gardner and Jackson would have to bring decent production to the table. Good defensively though.
It will be an interesting watch. I think that DJ is as close to Yankee royalty as we have and that there are a different set of rules that will always be applied to him. I agree that the flip-flop with Damon is a step in the right direction, but with that (I haven’t ready whether Girardi was asked questions or made statements about it) people were already suggesting that it might be for reasons other than his defense, so there was plausible deniability if it was needed. I don’t know if the same could be said for removing Jeter from games in later innings – though as someone already pointed out, it could be “written off” as nothing more than wanting to give him a breather in blow outs.
The more interesting question is whether the Yankee organization believes that Jeter’s range to the left is so detrimental as to consider it necessary to make any moves. We all know that the media operates with its own set of rules so that because some writer is putting something out there does not necessarily mean that it is something that truly needs addressing.
““I’m curious what the chances are that the ‘10 outfield is Gardner, Jackson & Melky with Swisher backing up LF/RF/1B.””
so Brett Garnder and Melky Cabrera are starting in corner OF spots over Nick Swisher?
ok….so that’s what, like 20 total HRs from your OF?
Hello All, I’ve been thinking about this “Jeter hits into DPs issue, and him leading off.
Doesn’t it make sense that Damon has hit into less because he led off every game? So there was never anyone already on base?
So that would be 20%-25% less opportunities to hit into a double play as compared to Jeter (assuming damon got on)?
So Damon’s DP #s are sure to go up, correct? Since there will be more potential opportunities?
I think there is a good possibility of Gardner and Jackson in the 2010 outfield. If Gardner performs at the ML level this year, he could be the LF next year, and leading off unless the Yanks stick with the Jeter leading off config. Jackson could be the CF if he tears up AAA this year, maybe gets a taste of the majors at the end of the year. I think that RF, however, will come from outside the organization, maybe Holliday. The ideal situation, IMO, would be Alex Rios, but I don’t know when/if he hits FA.
“Doesn’t it make sense that Damon has hit into less because he led off every game? ”
yes. but if you look at Damon’s double plays PER OPPORTUNITY, he’s somewhere in the top 10 players in history at avoiding DPs.
“ok….so that’s what, like 20 total HRs from your OF?”
Not as big a deal when your infield + catcher can give you 160+ homers.
Tom’s scouting report was very thorough. Nothing that we haven’t discussed openly here.
My one question, though, would be if scouts are really that tuned in to the machinations and thought processes of the front office. What I’m trying to get at is how would the scouts know that the job would be Bowa’s if he wanted it?
Everything else made sense, but I’m skeptical about that one.
Is there really a DP/DP Opportunity stat?
Marte and bruny need to get it going….. its prediction time so i will go with boston 101 wins yankees 98 wins and tampa 97 wins.
ray ( red sox fan)-
just curious ,out of spring training last year, did the red sox announce who the starting center fielder would be between crisp and ellsbury ?
Time,
You can say Boston will win more games than the Yankees, but there is no way they’re hitting triple digits.
M, you have to like bostons pitching and their bullpen is rock solid, thats why im going with triple digits.
Time,
Actually, I don’t like their pitching and bullpen. No one here does. We respect it, but they’re full of questions. Smoltz won’t even pitch until June. Saito’s arm is being held together by human glue.
They don’t have the depth that we do. They really don’t have anyone they can dip into Pawtucket and bring up if there’s a problem. They’ve gone out and signed marginal guys to shore up their pitching pool.
randy l.
March 30th, 2009 at 10:35 am
ray ( red sox fan)-
“just curious ,out of spring training last year, did the red sox announce who the starting center fielder would be between crisp and ellsbury ?”
randy, I might be wrong on this but I don’t remember the Sox making any announcement last year between cococ and ellsbury. They kept switching them back and forth all year with the starter role.
Patch – agreed, Damon’s GIDP number will go up (of course – about 25% more chances as you point out) but the expectation is that he still won’t have as many as Jeter has the past couple years.
“Is there really a DP/DP Opportunity stat?”
someone did a study:
http://www.hardballtimes.com/m.....er-can-do/
also, Jeter has been one of the leaders in ground ball % over the last few years.
it’s not an accident he is hitting into lots of DPs. he’s not as fast as he used to be and hits tons of ground balls.
m – not true.
I live in Boston and follow the team from a “know thine enemy” perspective. They have Masterson,Bucholz, Bard and Bowden who can step in and help the pen and the rotation. I like our group better, but do not sleep on Boston’s pitching. Their overall staff: starting, pen, majors, minors is closer to the Yankees than I would like.
How do you stop playing on the field Babe Ruth played on? How do you waste all those funds when the city is in such hard times?
“Not as big a deal when your infield + catcher can give you 160+ homers.”
ok, but are we talking about the Yankees?
b/c their infield and catcher won’t hit 160+ HRs.
even if A-Rod and Teixeira hit 40 each, that leaves 80 for Posada, Cano, and Jeter.
Jeter is good for about 12 these days. Posada usually hits around 20, Cano has yet to hit 20.
the Yankees can’t, and won’t, go with such a weak hitting OF. there is almost no chance of it.
Melky Cabrera has no value in a corner. Gardner probably won’t either.
curious,
Thanks for that. We all know it’s a problem, and we’ve acknowledged the problem. The Yankees have tackled the issue. Just wondering why the poor thing was being beaten to death.
“Not as big a deal when your infield + catcher can give you 160+ homers.”
….Really? haha
Let’s say A-Rod gives you 40+ homers and Tex gives you 30+ homers. That’s 70 – 80 homers between them.
Are we saying that Posada, Cano and Jeter are going to hit 70 – 80 home runs between them?
Posada will hit you maybe 20, Cano will give you 15 – 20 and Jeter is lucky if he’ll hit 10 anymore. So really, you’re looking at your infield giving you 130 homers in a miraculous situation. You can’t win when your offense is giving you less power production than the Kansas City Royals
“How do you stop playing on the field Babe Ruth played on?”
i don’t know, but this happened in 1975.
you owe me a coke, Chris.
five,
Really. It sounds like that group is better than what they’ve got in the bigs now.
I had assumed that Masterson would be on the big league roster, correct? Buccholz? I’ve got to see a larger sample before I make any comment on him.
From Twitter:
CC_Sabathia: packing up in tampa and getting ready to move to my new home in NJ!
curious is right about Jeter being a leader in ground ball outs. Damon, interestingly, is not in the top of that heap for the Yankees. His ratio of ground ball outs to fly outs has been under 1.00 for 2 of the last 3 seasons (I didn’t go further back.)
I am wondering if you can find the stat for GIDP opportunities under splits. I’m going to take a look.
Boston looks good, but no way Dice-K goes 18-3 again. He skated on thin ice all last year with the walks. Asian pitchers have the tendency to be very successful at first but later on…less so, as the leaugue gets used to them. See Hideo Nomo and Chan Ho Park.
mel,
check it out! How cool is this? We can see how many GIDP players committed, by team!
(I think I got that right…)
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com.....;statSet=2
I used Damon’s stats from last year as an example.
haha it would seem that i do owe you a coke. I read what you wrote after I already posted, so it’s nice to know that someone else was thinking exactly like me, albeit before me.
Is it just me or does it seem like Dice-K has gotten incredibly lucky throughout his career. I mean how many other players walked 100 batters and went 15 games over .500?
It’s not a huge deal, but it’s not really the “last man on the bench”. The “last man on the bench” is Melky. The spot thats open is the backup infielders job, and with Ranson at third, that might actually matter in the first month of the season.
“The spot thats open is the backup infielders job, and with Ranson at third, that might actually matter in the first month of the season.”
it’s not going to matter much, b/c in the event that something happens that causes it to matter, they can make a change.
if they go with Berroa, and Jeter gets hurt on opening day, they can always cut Berroa and call up Pena.
but if not, they can just hide Berroa on the bench until A-Rod gets back.
Huh, the Rays hit just as many HRs as the Yankees did last year-180, and more then the slugging Red Sox. This is apropos of nothing, but the perception that is given of them is that they were a scrappy bunch of players who grinded out every run they could.
G-C.O.A.T.?
“Is it just me or does it seem like Dice-K has gotten incredibly lucky throughout his career. I mean how many other players walked 100 batters and went 15 games over .500?”
Yeah he has been a bit lucky. Not the 1st guy to be successful walking a lot of people (See: Zambrano, Carlos), but his average against with runners on base was otherworldly last season and not likely to be repeated. His WHIP was the same as it was in 2007. Yet there was a gap of one and a half runs in his ERA for those two years. I suspect the truth is somewhere in the middle.
Manager Joe Maddon of the Rays said more emphasis will be put with speed on the basepaths this year.
They drove teams crazy last year. How much faster do they need to be ? Not the best news for Jorge but at the same time neither is it for Varitek.
“They drove teams crazy last year. How much faster do they need to be ? Not the best news for Jorge but at the same time neither is it for Varitek.”
It’s on the pitchers, not the catchers. Yankees have to do a much better job holding runners than they have in the past.
The Rays have a lot of talent no doubt. But I have a feeling they experience a drop off this year. When you rely on a lot of young players, you will have some inconsistency. Guys have been working their butt off for years trying to make it. And then when they do, there is a tendency to relax a bit (see Cano, Robinson & Cabrera, Melky). Not saying all their young players will fall off, but some undoubtably will.
Gardner may not be a home run hitter, but he will manufacture several extra runs with bunting on base and stealing a few bags to make up for it. I agree the outfield will need more power than jackson, melky and gardner can provide, but I do like the speed options.
What does everyone think of Cody’s spring training numbers?
Are they good enough til Arod gets back? Or do we need to look for someone else?
PLAYER AVG G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI
C Ransom .266 23 64 13 17 25 3 1 1 4
“Gardner may not be a home run hitter, but he will manufacture several extra runs with bunting on base and stealing a few bags to make up for it.”
Has Gardner had more HRs or bunt basehits in ST?
JoJo:
Thing with the Rays was that nobody had that otherworldly career season that teams sometimes need to carry them to the playoffs. Think about it. Crawford missed 50 games and had his worst year. Longoria only played 120 games. Pena saw his production drop from 46 homers and 121 RBI in ’07 to 31 and 102 last season. Upton played most of ’08 with a bad shoulder.
What did go well for the Rays and may not be repeated is getting 153 starts from their 5 man rotation and general overachievement across their bullpen.
Still a very scary team.
Rishi March 30th, 2009 at 10:55 am
From Twitter:
CC_Sabathia: packing up in tampa and getting ready to move to my new home in NJ!
========================
Cool.
Brandon here is a story for you
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....NHeadlines
Don’t forget B.J. Upton. He played last season with a torn labrum in his shoulder that sapped his power. If he comes back healthy and plays like he did in ’07, watch out.
I just believe Gardner can be a good player for the Yanks. We’ve tried the “having an All-Star slugger at every position” for many years now and it hasn’t got it done. Will Gardner ever be an All-Star? Probably not but the Phillies won a WS last year with Shane Victorino as their centerfielder. He’s listed at 5’9″, 180 lbs. Boston won a WS with Coco Crisp. You gonna tell me Brett can’t be at least as good as those guys eventually???
http://weblogs.newsday.com/spo.....kees/blog/
Great attidue from Brett:
Don’t worry about Brett Gardner getting a big head over the centerfield job. His reaction to winning the starting centerfield job was decidedly low-key. Said Gardner: “I’m really excited, but at the same time, I know the hard work has just begun.”
***I like this, and I also like the fact that BG recognized Melky’s good spring. The fact that the players are all genuinely supporting each other (even the non-roster players or rookies -like when they all congratulated Pena a few days ago for his great play the field against the Braves) can only be a good thing. Everyone seems to have the right attitude – the new guys this year truly fit, there has been no real transition period as the Yankees just seem to have clicked from the first. It’s more than just about chemistry – it’s about a certain team first mentality. The article I posted about AJ in the prior thread is a good example. Everyone wants to do their part to win – and while I have no doubts that recent Yankee teams wanted to win, I do have doubts about how far the Sheffields of the world would GO to win. If Swisher is asked to play CF for any period of time, I ‘m sure he will do so willingly -it’s the impression I get from him.. It just didn’t work for him in Chicago – it was just a perfect storm of bad events for him there. We shall see how this all plays out, of course, but this Yankees team seems awfully strong to me in many aspects.
“just curious ,out of spring training last year, did the red sox announce who the starting center fielder would be between crisp and ellsbury ?”
Crisp was traded to the Royals.
I understand the Rays have room to improve. But they won 98 games last year. How much better can they get? If I remember anything from kindergarten it’s that what goes up must come down.
Bill James has written “When a team improves sharply one season they will almost always decline in the next.” And the Rays had one of the greatest increases in wins from one year to the next in the history of the game.
“They drove teams crazy last year. How much faster do they need to be ? Not the best news for Jorge but at the same time neither is it for Varitek.”
the yankees were almost as good as the Rays on the basepaths last year.
the Rays stole more bases, but they also got caught more often.
works out to almost the same.
and the Yankees got rid of their worst basestealer, Abreu, and will have Gardner in the lineup full-time.
no one gives the yankees credit for their basestealing, but they are quietly very solid in this aspect.
““just curious ,out of spring training last year, did the red sox announce who the starting center fielder would be between crisp and ellsbury ?”
Crisp was traded to the Royals.”
My bad – read that wrong.
“What did go well for the Rays and may not be repeated is getting 153 starts from their 5 man rotation and general overachievement across their bullpen.”
That is the main reason why the Rays were so good last year. It is incredible how healthy and consistent their starting rotation was. The Yankees are obviously trying to capture that same success with the starting rotation they have assembled.
randy was right on the mark I think when he said the health of our starting 5 is the key to winning.
OT but necessary -
Just want to clear up a “misconception” that was put out last night concerning my reaction to Jon Lester’s no hitter.
“-dennis”
said the following about me:
“I have posted here for well over a year and the only time my blood gets a tad warm is when she posts. *We got into it after the Lester no hitter as she stated she could not be happy for the guy.* That said it all.”
Do to the wonders of Google, I was easily able to find the posts surrounding Lester’s no hitter. Here is what I said:
__________________________________________
trisha – never underestimate the power of a few words from Hank.
May 19th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Unfortunately I noticed it too late…
*That said – congratulations to Jon Lester. After what he has been through in life, this has to be a sweet moment for him.*
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It’s one thing for Nick from SF and -dennis to have their perpetual little child gossip parties about me when I’m not around and tear me down personally, and then for Nick to come back with his indignant “oh oh oh!” response when I actually respond in-kind to one of his out-of-left-field shots at me. It’s quite another for “-dennis” to tell lies about my responses to someone who has had cancer.
Gardner said he wasn’t anticipating anything coming into camp and hasn’t even started looking for a place in New York yet. He will have to now, as he has no intention of living in the same New Jersey extended stay hotel he used during his stints with the Yankees last year. Good luck to him on the search – we hear it’s a buyer’s market out there.
http://bombersbeat.mlblogs.com/
==================================
Anyone wanna help find Brett a home?
Does anyone know whether any decisions have been made on Phil Coke?
Can i know why we signed marte for 3 years? another bad pitching contract by cashman!!!
pat — don’t have time/know where to look up gardner’s bunt stats for ST but i know he’s ended up on base a couple times on bunts and would imagine the numbers are pretty close…
Such self-absorption here!
“randy, I might be wrong on this but I don’t remember the Sox making any announcement last year between cococ and ellsbury. They kept switching them back and forth all year with the starter role.”
ray (sox fan)-
that’s what i remembered too. not that it’s a big deal, but i would think that keeps both players sharper because they both go the ballpark each day ready to start. with a rookie ,like ellsbury was last year or gardener this year, you never know when the pressure will snowball and they need a break. why make it see like demotion?
i think without naming a starter by having both play lessens the pressure on the rookie and keeps the more veteran player from getting down. i’m a little surprised girardi named a starter. i don’t see the benefit of doing that because it’s such a long season.
it also devaluates the value of a back up if one is created. last year crisp remained better trade bait because he was playing .
but whatever girardi says changes fast if gardener doesn’t hit. i would say it’s 50/50 he will which really puts a lot of pressure on him in april. i would have rather seen both players playing.
Time, this is the scouting report I found on Marte:
“Marte is generally a two-pitch pitcher, with a low-90s fastball and a slider that acts like a slurve. He has dabbled with a cut fastball but does not really need a third pitch in the relief role. *Marte is a migraine for lefthanded batters, holding them to less than a .150 average in two of the last three seasons.* He is not especially quick in handling comebackers but hasn’t committed an error in 241 career games. Opposing basestealers can take advantage of him.”
I thought that when we got Marte he was going to be the left-handed specialist. If Marte has had problems, is it possible that he has been asked to be more than a left-handed specialist?
Just a thought.
hey guys random question:
will a-rod be put on the 15-day DL when the season starts or no?
Marte hasn’t pitched well I admit. But at some point you have to blame the player for not getting it done, and not Cashman. Marte has been lights out most of his career.
“Such self-absorption here!”
If that was for me, I don’t think many people like to have personal shots taken at them when they aren’t around to defend themselves, nor at any time in fact. I don’t mind any responses to my posts but to tear me down personally really isn’t called for. We can’t all like each other. My style is just to stay away from posters who may bug me. But I feel I have the right to defend myself when I’m minding my own business and get busted in the jaw. Only two posters do that to me with any regularity.
Last night was way over the line saying that I was insensitive to someone who had cancer.
natty,
Per Pete, that’s the deal.
re: a regular CF. I think they had Gardner in mind all along when they said they don’t want a platoon. They want his legs to affect as many games as possible. I think everyone associated with the team is excited about his element of speed.
This is not unfair for Melky. Melky’s had the job for 2+ years, so no one should feel sorry for Melky.
In other news, Gary Matthews Jr. has been named the 5th OF. Now that’s someone you should feel sorry for. How long before the trade rumors to the Yankees heat up? -cough- 3/50M
Marte can get right handers out too. He’s never been used solely as a left-handed specialist.
Last year righties hit .196 in 158 at bats on Marte. Lefties hit .247 in 85.
CJ with an interesting nugget on Hughes not starting today.
http://community.thetimes-trib.....rting.aspx
Yes, Arod will start the season on the 15 day DL. I think it was in one of Pete’s posts yesterday.
Gameday for today:
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday.....b_tormlb_1
thanks, I remember him saying something about it, but couldn’t remember if he said he was or not.
In other news, Gary Matthews Jr. has been named the 5th OF. Now that’s someone you should feel sorry for. How long before the trade rumors to the Yankees heat up? cough 3/50M
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Apparently, Mr. GMJ was a bit miffed…
http://latimesblogs.latimes.co.....thews.html
About Marte. We all know that pitchers making the transition from NL to AL have some difficulty and that NL pitchers typically do much better ERA-wise when they are in the NL. So maybe it shouldn’t be unusual for Marte to have the same transitional problem?
And Jeter leads off the game with a double down the right field line.
Another benefit of the switch at the top of the order. We’ll have a lot of leadoff doubles, rather than leadoff singles.
I wonder which hotel in NJ he stayed in. Sounds like it was a dump.
Damon walks, 2 on, none out
Not worried about Marte. I’ll be worried about him if he pitches badly in the regular season. But this bullpen does not hinge on him. He’s another cog in the machine.
That’s a bit offputting about Hughes………
Francesca’s crazy. He hates the idea of Yankees/Cubs. His idea was for the Yankees and Mets to open at each other’s new stadiums and have the games count. That’s ridiculous – I guess there was no buzz at Citi Field yesterday, but still. The idea of the Yankees opener at new YS being against an NL team, even the Mets, is ludicrous.
Teixeira singles to left, Jeter scores
Matsui lines out to left
Hey jen, I ended up drafting a player without a contract! How did I know???? (That was toward the end of the draft. Shouldn’t they remove those players???)
Francesa is always complaining about something.
Swisher flies out to left
Why is Gary Matthews Jr. mad? He should be thanking God that he hit free agency when he did. If he was a free agent this year he would be lucky to make the major league minimum. As far as I’m concerned, this guy hit the jackpot and should keep his mouth shut. And NO I do not want this guy on the Yankees. He is not a good player at all.
Jennifer -
There are extended stay hotels in NJ that aren’t dumps.
But even if it were the most well-appointed extended stay hotel, the operative word is “hotel.” He probably just wants a home, with his own stuff, ya know?
Jeter/Damon/Tex – nice, and Matsui had a good at bat, too.
trisha,
you’re the misunderstood virtuoso of lohud.
3 things have to happen in order to be a true lohudder.
1. you must get reprimanded by Pete
2. You must get belittled by GB7
3. you must go mano a mano with Trisha.
The lohud rites of passage.
Are either of the Cubs games on national TV – ESPN or MLB?
Thanks.
“1. you must get reprimanded by Pete
2. You must get belittled by GB7
3. you must go mano a mano with Trisha.”
1. Pete deleted some of my posts awhile back, that counts right?
2. Not yet, please get this done soon GB7, I could use a little belittling.
3. Who hasn’t?
Also, GB7, thanks for posting game updates.
Trisha:
Marte has done a decent amount of time in the AL before coming to the Yankees. His first 4 full seasons in the bigs were with the White Sox. He should be used to it.
I know you are what your numbers say you are, but his Yankees ERA was really skewed by that night in Texas when he walked the bases loaded in the 9th and was allowed to pitch to Marlon Byrd, who promtly smacked Marte’s 42nd pitch of the evening deep into the Texas night for a game winning grand slam. In his other Yankees appearances, his ERA was about 3.60.
Cano lines out to deep left on foul ball. 1-0 Yanks
Also regarding Marte – he got “Torried” after pitching three days straight. If you look at the other appearances outside the games following this and the elbow tendinitis he was really good.
By Sept. it really won’t matter much as Coke and Dunn will have surpassed him.
The first Cubs game is ESPN I believe. If not ESPN then MLB. But I know it’s being televised nationally.
promptly > promtly
“3. Who hasn’t?”
Yeah, I realize my posting style isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But here’s the difference. Most of us who have had disagreements a la #3 managed to get past them and still cheerily post here and post to each other. It takes a “special” person to hold a grudge over Yankee posts!
trisha- who did you pick up? btw my pitching stinks!! ugh
Btw I think it is cool we are opening against the Cubs. Much better than Mike F’s idea of opening against the Mets. EWWW And make them count? WHAT? they need to iron out the issues with the stadium. But yeah lets do it in a game that counts.
Rob Neyer on Pena:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn.....=Neyer_Rob
You can never have too many hard throwing releivers. Especially a left handed one. Not really sure what Marte’s role will eventually end up being. But he can definitely help.
Steve B., I have no problems whatsoever with Marte. I was just trying to think of things that could account for any problems he might be having – if he is having any.
I also believe in giving anyone coming to the Yankees adjustment time since we all know that the pressure of being in pinstripes adds its own dimension.
It’s all good to me. I’m happy having him here!
Hey jen, I ended up drafting a player without a contract! How did I know???? (That was toward the end of the draft. Shouldn’t they remove those players???)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
ECS ~
Good luck though – glad to see you join the fantasy world – I really is pretty fun.
That’s why they stress the importance of “ranking” your players … so you can put the ones who won’t be a factor (injuries, contract stuff, etc.) at the bottom of your list
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday.....b_tormlb_1
Gameday for anyone that needs it
trisha, there is no doubt you are a true Yankee fan and I can appreciate that. However, it is more than just your posting style that gets on people’s nerves. You tend to lack logic in your arguments and completely ignore the facts sometimes. Who remembers the “Wang is inconsistent” argument?
Anyways, I don’t want to get into anything with you, have fun watching the Yankees this season.
Why is Gary Matthews Jr. mad? He should be thanking God that he hit free agency when he did. If he was a free agent this year he would be lucky to make the major league minimum. As far as I’m concerned, this guy hit the jackpot and should keep his mouth shut.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I’m quite certain most Halo fans would agree.
jen, Mark Grudzalanik (I know spelling has to be incorrect.)
His stats for last year looked okay! I picked him at the end to be a bench player. I went and looked at our entire league and seriously if you look at percent of ownership of the players, my team is really the most suspect! He he he.
I figured 90 seconds was a lot of time to draft. Not so when you don’t really know what you’re doing!
Congrats to GB7, You made the top three….Maybe a bit dubious but none the less a top three……Is some sort of hazing ????
Pettitte pitching.
strikeout
single to center
groundout 4-3
strikeout
1 inning, 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 walks, 2 strikeouts
13 pitches, 11 strikes, 2 balls
Will be interesting to see if there is anything to a healthy Hughes being skipped today with SWB.
I would stick him on the bench, there is always a chance some team will pick him up.
JOJO – Thanks.
As far as Pena – I think it depends how you would like to rank prospects. Nunez and probably Angelini have higher overall ceilings than Pena. Lassiter may get moved off of SS.
Nunez – High ceiling. Great spring. Needs to make sure he is “in the game” at all times.
Angelini – Last year was a learning experience for a guy right out of high school. From some reports he is having a terrific spring.
Lassiter – May get moved off of short. Good bat.
“3 things have to happen in order to be a true lohudder.”
I guess I won’t get there… but that’s ok.
It must be like they say about Beauty..
“it’s in the eyes of the Be-LoHudder”
Trish – thanks for setting things straight. I may be a newbie but that didn’t sound like something you’d say.
It’s easy to dislike Lester the Red Sox, but it’s hard to dislike Lester the cancer survivor.
Rishi,
That’s a pretty funny article. Bill Madden is a buffoon. Pena might be a utility IF in the future but he will never be a starting SS in the majors.
Trisha:
Among Yankees relievers, non-closer division, Marte is the guy I trust most right now. I like their arms, but Marte is the only guy in the group who has consistently gotten MLB batters out over an extended period of time. Where middle relief/set up guys go, he’s had an outstanding career. The Yankees seem to recognize the value in that having locked him up thru 2011.
PAT M.
March 30th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Congrats to GB7, You made the top three….Maybe a bit dubious but none the less a top three……Is some sort of hazing ????
————————————————————
at least they recognize greatnessm PAT M. One of these days they may be of enough consequence to belittle.
Ransmon strikes out
“You tend to lack logic in your arguments and completely ignore the facts sometimes. Who remembers the “Wang is inconsistent” argument?”
Patrick, Geezeus Louiseus, there were posters who came back on after the beginning of the season and said it looked like I was correct in what I had said about Wang! Come on, because you don’t agree with something doesn’t mean that I am ignoring the facts! I don’t want to resurrect the whole argument, but Wang HAD been inconsistent the previous season.
I tend to look at things through a different prism and sometimes have been accused of thinking “outside the box” on certain arguments. I always understand someone disagreeing and looking at the same set of facts and coming up with a different conclusion! Therein lies the difference. I understand that there might be more than one way to look at the same issue.
Enjoy the season too.
Molina lines out to third
Any way to know if Ransom looked overmatched? Kinda stopped paying attention to him in the “Melky v. Gardner” match up.
Billy – That has me puzzled as well.
Pete – perhaps the intrepid reporter can track down some news. Perhaps showcasing someone or reorganizing the rotation.
Based on the spring, other than temporary 3b where do you need help? Starters have been as advertised, MO has been perfect, relief has shown depth and quality, Gardner won the job and had a great spring, infield outside 3b is set, Arod is ahead of schedule on rehab, Swisher & Nady can man right.
They don’t need anyone now.
Gardner grounds out to short
NYY leads after 1.5 innings 1-0
I’m not going to get into a Wang argument again.
I was referring to your posts in general, not just that argument. There have been SEVERAL times that you have, in my opinion, acted in the way I described.
“I tend to look at things through a different prism and sometimes have been accused of thinking “outside the box” on certain arguments.”
Well that’s certainly one way to put it.. I’ll leave it at that.
Patrick – I wouldn’t be so sure. Pena has gold glove caliber defense, can bunt, run, and seems to have come around with the bat. He is still young. In generally, unless a guy has no talent, or a head case, you have to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Last season in 43 ABs Cody Ransom hit: .302 .400 .651
He will be fine. There is no way we’ll repeat that power, but he can hit. If he is around a .350 OBP we’ll be golden.
Ransom striking out – I think we’ll be seeing a lot of that this year.
Someone brought up on another board the possiblity that Phil was traded, but I’d be shocked if that was the case. Also, he wouldn’t be hanging around the stadium if he was dealt…I hope Chad can give us an update, soon – this is making me uncomfortable.
One scout said that Ransom will be in trouble because he won’t see a fastball in the strike zone. He’s going to be seeing sliders and change ups in his sleep, so don’t expect much offense from him.
I just realized why all the concern with a “healthy” Hughes being skipped. I’m slow. I hope it’s not what I think it is. I’ve grown accustomed to his face.
Maybe Phil skipping today has more to do with lining up the rotation so that it matches up with the AAA schedule?
Tom made an interesting note in his scouting report from the last thread. The scout said Phil should be the #5 starter. Did that scout mean instead of Andy or instead of Joba?
Also just so you guys know, Ransom’s first home run for the yankees was on a slider or change. 81 mph breaking pitch.
Patrick, you have been sometimes strident in your responses to things I post. I still say that because you may disagree with my posts doesn’t necessarily make me the one who is wrong-thinking.
I’ll leave it at that also.
DT – thanks. I knew I didn’t say anything like that. Just happy I was able to find it. When I read the posts of that night, it appears that what rankled -dennis (the Sox fan) had nothing to do with Lester and everything to do with my negative posts about the Red Sox in general.
Horrors! Imagine being negative about the Red Sox on a Yankees forum.
Pena has never had an OPS of .700 or better in the minor leagues. He has 3 HR’s in his entire minor league career. His average OBP is .319. He is basically a replacement level hitter or worse. That is pretty bad if you ask me. He could be the best fielder in the world but if he can’t hit he isn’t going to start in the majors.
Even a guy like Alex Gonzalez was a better hitter when he was in the minors. He is a fringe starter at best.
Pena is destined to be on the bench for most of his career, there is no doubt in my mind.
What’s the big deal? Alex has a hard time with the breaking ball, too.
Marte = Felix Heredia part 2
another live arm with mediocre control that can’t handle a big market
Any idea how the bottom half of the 2nd is going? Gameday (at least mine) is no longer updating
Ransom has a slightly better than .700 OPS this spring. If he can give the Yankees that for a 40 days or so, we should be thrilled.
My ranking
Eduardo Nunez
Carmen Angelini
Ramiro Pena
Corban Joseph
Addison Murusiak
Garrison Lassiter
Eduardo left ST early, it’s almost like they wanted to see if it’s a hot streak or not but the kid improved big time w/ the patience. 26 ABs 10 Hits and a 4 BB : 0 K ratio, pretty damn impressive.
and as I type that – it updates:)
I still see Phil Hughes as the future face of the Yankees. I will be shocked beyond belief if Hughes is traded. I ust don’t see the Yankees as their near-sighted.
Pettitte pitching.
12 strikes, 7 balls
strikeout
line single to center
line single to center, Rolen thrown out at third
ground out to 1st
2 inning, 3 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 3 strikeouts
32 pitches, 23 strikes, 9 balls
Jerkface,
A hanging slider is the easiest pitch in baseball to hit. Thats what Ransom hit for that homer. If a slider breaks the way it is supposed to, its much more difficult.
Rob Neyer is correct. Pena was a guy who nobody even considered a prospect, he wasn’t ranked in any of our prospect lists.
now all of a sudden he is our SS of the future? Based on a few ST games?
trish,
I don’t mind when people disagree with me or argue but I expect their arguments to carry some logic or facts backing them up. I have no problem admitting when I’m wrong IF the other person can prove their point. I have never encountered that when speaking with you.
Thanks, GB7…
Jeter grounds out
Patrick – guys do improve. Sometimes the light goes on. Pena has played against some good pitching and held his own this spring. Now it is ST, but lets first see if this is a true improvement or just another tease during ST.
Damon lines out to track in left
did gardner throw rolen out?
No problem, Rishi
No problem, Rishi
Ransom is going to be such a liability
Pena should go to Scranton where he can play every day and continue to improve then. That way the Yanks can tell if he really does have a chance to be an everyday player or if he is just a utility guy. Berroa should get the job as the backup IF for that reason.
Dee
March 30th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
did gardner throw rolen out?
————————————————————
yes, on a high throw from Gardner went up and caught it, tagged runner
Teixeira walks
Matsui grounds out
see update on defense…
“UPDATE, 1:45 p.m.: The Yankees flashed some serious leather in the second inning. Scott Rolen tried to go first to third on a single to center. Brett Gardner charged and made a high throw to third. Cody Ransom climbed the ladder, caught the ball and as he came down, he put a back-handed tag on the bag that caught Rolen.
Then Travis Snider grounded hard to the right side, a ball that Tex stopped on a dive. He got up and tagged the bag. Just like The Big G used to.
Still 1-0 Yankees.”
Reegie Corona’s chances of making the M’s took a blow with the acquisition of Burke. Corona has done fairly well and if he’s returned, he’s another middle inf prospect.
yes, on a high throw from Gardner, ***Ransom*** went up
Fair enough five iron. I just don’t see it happening. I’d be as happy as anyone if he makes the team and becomes a valuable player off the bench. Not everyone has to be a star. For example, I also expect Francisco Cervelli to be a backup catcher at best. He is another guy that is great with the glove but lacking at the plate. I would be very satisfied with both guys if they only end up being bench players.
‘Patrick – guys do improve. Sometimes the light goes on. Pena has played against some good pitching and held his own this spring. Now it is ST, but lets first see if this is a true improvement or just another tease during ST.’
I still think he’s gonna be a better hitting Rey Ordonez type, not a superstar, just a basic player, like Melky, Nunez and Angelini have the next title. Watching them progress will be interesting.
I agree with Brandon.
i know it’s still early but im getting a little concerned about matsui
Pettitte pitching.
6 strikes, 4 balls
lineout to right center
Pop fly to Gardner
groundout 4-3
3 inning, 3 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 3 strikeouts
42 pitches, 29 strikes, 13 balls
re: the Ransom tag. Ha. Everyone laughed about the YouTube video. YouTube don’t lie!
“One scout said that Ransom will be in trouble because he won’t see a fastball in the strike zone”
It is not good to steal Jobu’s rum!
sorry about the “rites of passage” thing. Didn’t mean to stir up a hornets nest. just another bad joke from Bronx Jeers.
“During our pre-game chat with Joe Girardi, he said no decisions on the other roster spots have been made yet. Those could carry into the Cubs series.”
The delay in making an announcement could also be because these moves may require roster moves and Cashman is trying to find a deal for any one of several roster players (Melky, Miranda, Giese or possibly even Kennedy if the offer is attractive enough). I believe the Yankees can also put Sanchez on a 60 day DL and A-Rod on a 15 day DL.
Swisher flies out to right
Patrick,
I agree. He might not be star as the article suggests but I guy that can play everyday. It also might not be for the Yankees. Having depth and some guys behind him that might be better all around he can be trade bait.
I just think making blanket comments about prospects based on past performance is wrong. Jeter (like Angelini) was miserable his first year in the minors. Gardner has been disparaged his whole career but never gave up and he will be the opening day CF for the Yankees.
Pena may flame out. Certainly guys with better tools than him have before and will after. But I just want to leave the door open. With his glove, speed, youth – if his bat truly makes strides than he is a professional player.
Patrick, my arguments always have logic and facts backing them up. Sorry to disagree with you there. If you disagree with the interpretation, I can live with that.
Again, I don’t agree with everything everyone puts out here, and I may feel that the facts do not support their interpretations. But I can understand how people can look at the same set of facts and come out on different sides of any issue.
How about we leave it at that?
Interesting that Hughes is being skipped today. Not sure that they are lining up AAA rotation? Opening day is April 9th for Scranton. If Hughes pitched today he would have 4 days rest before next start and then 4 more before starting opening day assuming he was the opening day starter.
Something is not right with him skipping today unless he is sick or hurt?
He certainly won’t be traded for a stop gap 3B. The only things he could be traded for is a stud CF or if we could land a Holliday type in a multi player trade.
Not sure where the Holliday rumors started but it is interesting today with Hughes being skipped.
How about a Holliday Wells package lol.
Did I just hear correctly that the Blue Jays moved their AAA team from Syracuse to Las Vegas. SOmeone please tell me how that makes any sense to move your team from relative closeness to halfway on the other side of the country.
“i know it’s still early but im getting a little concerned about matsui”
Only seen a couple of games on TV, but his swing looked awful. One of those was against Wakefield, so we may want to discount that game. He’s been the consummate professional here and I trust he’ll be pretty good this year, but I’m a little worried too.
Pena is an excellent defensive shortstop, by all accounts, which means by default, he must be a helluva athlete. Don’t see why he couldn’t learn to hit. The last 15 years all scouts care about is how well a guy can hit. You got guys getting to the majors now who can’t even play a position. The way the game is now a guy like Ozzie Smith, Bucky Dent or Larry Bowa would have never gotten a chance. Look at that guy Lowrie in Boston. He makes all the plays and he hits just enough.
Cano grounds out to short
Ransom climbed? That 64-inch vertical is good for something!
Ransom walks
Sis, I didn’t mean to ignore you. I was busy defending my right to have an opinion.
The draft was wild. Since it was my first time, I don’t think I did it very well. But it will be a learning process.
Molina batting, Ransom picked off, caught stealing
Las Vegas is crazy for professional sports. And the city has money. The team will probably have a nice fancy stadium (with slots no doubt) and a good fan base. Purely a financial move for the Blue Jays.
Hughes, Igawa, Veres, Melky and Miranda for Holliday and Wells. Maybe AJax goes in that package. Throw in Kennedy as well. Financial relief for the Jays and they get a couple of starters and a reliever along with a CF and 1B.
Thats a good April 1st trade for ya.
“How about we leave it at that?”
Sure.
I wasn’t trying to begin an argument with you, my intention was to try and point out what I think are the reasons why some people butt heads with you so often. After reading your responses, I think I have a better idea of where you are coming from.
Anyways, back to the Yankees… sounds like Pettitte is pitching well. I hope he bounces back this year.
trisha,
I’m going to butt in here. Love you girl, but a fair amount of emotion bleeds into your posts as well. You love people and you hate people.
Just yesterday, you said that you were happy to see Gardner fail at the end of last season simply because it shut up BrettIsGod. I’m sure that you were exagerrating because you’re a good Yankee fan, and a true Yankee fan doesn’t want to see anyone in pinstripes fail.
Besides which, Gardner did not fail at the end of the season. He failed in his first callup, not his second. He finished quite strong, which is probably why the Yankees decided against trading for a CF.
So, yes, you are quite logical and back up your arguments with facts like a good lawyer would. But a lot of emotion is evident in your posts that could lead to a lot of the misunderstandings.
Hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but I thought I’d speak up because that comment you posted about Gardner was bugging me.
“I was busy defending my right to have an opinion.”
Whoa whoa whoa, I never said you shouldn’t have an opinion!
Pettite’s liking the Ks today!
Pettitte pitching.
10 strikes, 4 balls
lineout to deep right
strikeout (has struck Millar out twice)
strikeout
4 inning, 3 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 5 strikeouts
56 pitches, 39 strikes, 17 balls
Very well stated m ( is for mlb…will this be will all season ? nothing wrong with it..)
mel, always happy to hear anything anyone has to say when it is well intended! My post was really meant to be a bust on brettisgod and nothing more. Truly!
Heck I’m on board with Gardner as much as anyone. I was a Melky supporter from the beginning but am rooting for Gardner to succeed because his success is the Yankees’ success!
Molina strikes out
trisha,
Good. See guys? Just say it to her face! j/k. j/k.
Patrick, it’s all good. Seriously. We’re all on the same team here, at least that’s the way I see it. Lawyers spend a lot of time defending their opinions and that probably bleeds into my posts here. But honest to God it doesn’t mean that I don’t respect others’ opinions or understand where they may be coming from.
Gardner grounds out to short
But mel, you’re absolutely right. You told me something you were thinking and you said it respectfully. Hell I can deal with that 24-7. I’d much rather clear up misunderstandings on the spot.
Thanks for that!
Who remembers the “Wang is inconsistent” argument?
Haha, I remember I got in a heated argument with Trisha over this last year. But she’s good people and a yankee fan to boot so its all in the past.
The only people on here that really bother me (aside from the trolls) are people who put down ideas because they don’t understand them. (eg the constant arguments on sabermetrics)
way to work a walk!
Jeter walks
11 pitches
jete steals second
Damon batting, Jeter steals 2nd
Damon walks
Dontrelle Willis to the 15-day DL with anxiety:
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/articl.....8;c_id=mlb
“Jeter steals second”
Teixeira lines back to pitcher, out at first
The Yankees like Austin Jackson – how many stud CFers are there that teams would be willing to trade? I really don’t understand this at all – and Nardi/Newman didn’t help things. I just don’t see why the Yankees would trade this kid – I think it’s a big mistake if they do.
Ramiro Pena can be another Cano
Damon Sublett can be another Cano
Why do I think that the course of treatment for Willis will be some sort of ADD medication and he will have an exemption from MLB in order to take it.
Hey it’s looking like one of the best moves the Yankees made was to flip-flop Jeter and Damon!
Betsy,
Have you heard something reliable that we haven’t?
Pete,
Does Andy look good, or are the Jays looking bad?
Pettitte pitching.
9 strikes, 5 balls
fly out to right
ground out to short
strikeout
5 inning, 3 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 6 strikeouts
70 pitches, 48 strikes, 22 balls
Man I love the way Molina calls games.
Matsui HBP in right shoulder
There are 3 OF spots… Jackson can always move over to left (or the new guy we acquire can move to left/right).
As long as one of them can play center, thats all that matters.
Was any explanation ever given why Hughes was skipped today?
Sui just got hit and the broadcasters are saying it sounds like it hit some bone…
GB7 – any idea how many pitches is Andy trying to get to today?
Molina is so awesome… I just wish he could hit a little more.
I love watching real defensive catchers. Game calling is so underappreciated. Molina is one of the best at it
“Does Andy look good, or are the Jays looking bad?”
The Jays are bad, but the numbers GB has been updating suggest Pettitte has been outstanding.
Swisher flies out to center
Why all this trade talk, did I miss something, or is this judt some NY Post sports scribe trying to fill his column ??? First Hughes and now Jackson….This has to be some bs
Cano lines out to center field track
“The Yankees like Austin Jackson – how many stud CFers are there that teams would be willing to trade? I really don’t understand this at all – and Nardi/Newman didn’t help things. I just don’t see why the Yankees would trade this kid – I think it’s a big mistake if they do.”
If said trade is for Roy Halladay you have to make AJAX available.
Any links to these hughes trade rumors?
This rumor started on some talk show on XM radio.
I can’t wait for the Halladay-CC-Wang-Burnett-Pettitte rotation!!!!!
PC Dave
March 30th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I can’t wait for the Halladay-CC-Wang-Burnett-Pettitte rotation!!!!!
____________
So we dropped CC and Joba?
sorry! rather – just Joba…
Wheels falling off wagon? (and yes, i am multitasking a little too much today)
Trade rumor is from XM Radio. If true, why Cano and AJax playing today? I don’t believe it.
As good as Pettite is today, Pursey has given up just 2 hits ,,,is this correct…
“Molina is so awesome… I just wish he could hit a little more.
I love watching real defensive catchers. Game calling is so underappreciated. Molina is one of the best at it”
RC, couldn’t agree more about game calling. All you have to do is think about the criticism lodged at Pudge about calling for outside pitches all the time so he can showcase his arm. Think of what that does to a pitcher whose game is on the inside. And when newer pitchers are dealing with established catchers (and a catcher like Pudge) you can imagine that they would be very reluctant to shake them off.
Then think about what it potentially does to a pitcher’s ERA, that pitcher’s reputation, and the ability of a team to win those games!
You can’t say enough about a good defensive catcher. Yankees and Yankee fans should kiss the ground to have Molina.
The NYY should trade some of their excess relievers to try and get Scutero. He is a great utility player.
not a lot of hits…a lot of walks.
“Why all this trade talk, did I miss something, or is this judt some NY Post sports scribe trying to fill his column ??? First Hughes and now Jackson….This has to be some bs”
It sure doesn’t seem to make any sense Pat M.
“Trade rumor is from XM Radio. If true, why Cano and AJax playing today? I don’t believe it.”
No way we trade Cano and the Jays are satisfied with Aaron Hill at 2nd. The trade would likely be Hughes, Ajax, Betances or perhaps Hughes, Betances and Romine/Montero. I’d do it who knows what Hughes will be he did little to blow me away this spring and the others are just prospects hit and miss.
On Hughes trade talk:
See me previous 2 posts above. Makes no sense to skip him today.
Pete any word on why he was skipped?
RC, I think Molina heard you!
“The Yankees like Austin Jackson – how many stud CFers are there that teams would be willing to trade? I really don’t understand this at all – and Nardi/Newman didn’t help things. I just don’t see why the Yankees would trade this kid – I think it’s a big mistake if they do.”
what on earth are you talking about?
I don’t believe it. Cash has made Hughes the poster boy for our revamped minor league system and resisted the Santana deal, despite pressure from every taking head idiot and purple penned columnist.
He’s our Golden Boy, and he’s going to be in our rotation for the next decade. With the changeup and cutter working, he’s ready to go.
We trade Hughes for Halladay I am just going to go to Hawaii early. That would be a daggger. Part of the fun of rooting is to see your own blue chippers come up and contribute. Bunch of BS.
This about Huges:
“The lineup’s all different, take it as that,” pitching coordinator Nardi Contreras said.
I think I’ll take it as that unless we hear otherwise.
Al from BK
March 30th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
“Trade rumor is from XM Radio. If true, why Cano and AJax playing today? I don’t believe it.”
No way we trade Cano and the Jays are satisfied with Aaron Hill at 2nd. The trade would likely be Hughes, Ajax, Betances or perhaps Hughes, Betances and Romine/Montero. I’d do it who knows what Hughes will be he did little to blow me away this spring and the others are just prospects hit and miss.
==========================================
Cano in the talk? OK, it’s officially garbage.
Melky having a better day than Brett?
I hate trade rumors. Hate them.
I can deal with “fantasy” trades – the stuff of conversation.
But not trade rumors.
This one makes no sense. Why would they “trade the farm” now?
I’m going to try to not have a meltdown about this. (Well, a mini-Yankee-fan meltdown, not a major life crisis meltdown.)
one more hit for melky and his average will be higher than gardner.
God Brett SUCKS. Get him out of there!!!! BOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Maybe Igawa will be the ace in Scranton.
Pena:
Called Strike
Called Strike
Called Strike
lol
Why would anybody think that the Jays would part with Halliday? They’re not trying to destroy their team!
Plus if they trade Hughes to a team in their own division, they will be literally faced with it for as long as Hughes pitches.
And then what’s left in AAA? Kennedy? I’m not as down on Kennedy as some here are, but of the two, I want Hughes as the #6, next guy up.
Tex double and Yanks take the lead.
‘If said trade is for Roy Halladay you have to make AJAX available.’
No we don’t.
“Why would anybody think that the Jays would part with Halliday? They’re not trying to destroy their team!”
Too late, its already destroyed. The Jays will have to fight to stay out of last place this season. I don’t think the Yankees need Halladay and he would cost too much (prospects and money).
Matsui is officially at .200
i think tex should be our #4 hitter until arod gets back
Those trade rumors are completely bogus.
Megan Fox will show up on my doorstep before that deal happens.
Is anyone going to be at game on Friday?
‘No way we trade Cano and the Jays are satisfied with Aaron Hill at 2nd. The trade would likely be Hughes, Ajax, Betances or perhaps Hughes, Betances and Romine/Montero. I’d do it who knows what Hughes will be he did little to blow me away this spring and the others are just prospects hit and miss.’
None of this is true, Betances isn’t going anywhere, Montero/Romine sure as hell ain’t going anywhere, Hughes isn’t nor Austin Jackson, call complete BS on this one.
gayle
March 30th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Did I just hear correctly that the Blue Jays moved their AAA team from Syracuse to Las Vegas. SOmeone please tell me how that makes any sense to move your team from relative closeness to halfway on the other side of the country.
It was a game of musical chairs.
Syracuse dumped the Blue Jays after 31 years. (23 losing seasons)
Syracuse wanted the Mets. So did Buffalo. (NY war going on)
The Mets wanted out of New Orleans. (somewhere closer)
Marlins were in Albuquerque last year. Dodgers were in Las Vegas.
Dodgers jumped to Albuquerque.
Mets picked Buffalo.
Marlins grabbed New Orleans.
Syracuse sadly took Nationals.
Blue Jays were left holding the bag in Vegas. Not only is it 2200 miles from Toronto. Their AA site is in Manchester, NH. (even farther away)
Doreen, you’d have to be on serious acid to believe any of it, and the teams would have to be on serious acid to do it.
Is that convincing enough?
Logically speaking, bringing in Halliday would relegate one of the current pitchers to the pen. Are the Yankees going to put Pettitte, Wang, AJ or CC in the pen? You think they’re going to do it to Joba after clearly saying Joba is in the rotation?
On top of it, why would anyone think the Jays would trade their biggest weapon to one of their main competitors? Their GM would be out of a job if they did that!
All of that said, I too hate those rumors. That’s why I said I refuse to believe anything I hear unless I hear it from the Yankee organization. Even though this one makes no sense whatsoever, it’s still annoying to have to deal with it!
Bunch of crap.
Glad I didn’t let it raise my heart rate.
Unlike Bugs Bunny, Dodgers knew to take that left turn at Albuquerque!
“Why would anybody think that the Jays would part with Halliday? They’re not trying to destroy their team!”
Couple reasons:
1)They aren’t winning shyte this year. Infield offense is brutal. They’ve lost McGowan, Marcum and Burnett from a team that won what 85-86 games. They have injuries/issues thru their bullpen. This could be a 5th place team.
2) Hallday is an FA after the 2010 season. They move him this year, they can score pretty big on their return because whoever gets him will have him for a year plus. This differs a little from the Santana situation.
I haven’t heard a peep from these Jays broadcasters. You know that if there was anything to it they would be talking about it nonstop.
This nonsense came up last night here at LoHud…..Absolute insanity to suggest this trade….The Yankee organization would be set back by 4 years, and by that time Doc Halliday will be a back of the rotation guy, if he is still with the Yanks….Crazy talk
Why would anyone think we’d trade all that for Halladay, it’s not like he’s going to get better, he’s damn good but eventually will hit his wall in the future.
Halladay is good but he’s like 32. No way I trade Hughes, Jackson + package for him.
“I haven’t heard a peep from these Jays broadcasters. You know that if there was anything to it they would be talking about it nonstop.”
Trisha:
It’s almost certainly BS, but don’t be shocked if the Jays move Halladay on or before 7/31/09.
What’s with the Halladay talk? We don’t have pitching or something?
Marte is the modern day Felix Heredia.
Brandon – You also said Tabata was going nowhere, and that we were not signing Teixeria
Do not underestimate Cahsman, he is a snake.
Retire #6
March 30th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Is anyone going to be at game on Friday?
======================================================
Yes. Saturday as well. You?
Where the heck did all these trade rumors come from?
Trisha -
I know, I know.
I was able to ignore all of it last night. Today, not as easy to do.
Because I think a trade is going to happen – not this one, though.
“Where the heck did all these trade rumors come from?”
No where, just people starting crap.
“Blue Jays were left holding the bag in Vegas. Not only is it 2200 miles from Toronto. Their AA site is in Manchester, NH. (even farther away)”
We’ll take anyone’s AAA team here in Richmond, VA now that the R-Braves have left!
“Marte is the modern day Felix Heredia.”
Yep. Can’t believe Cashman gave him a 3 yr contract when all he had to do was pick up his option for 1 year.
‘Brandon – You also said Tabata was going nowhere, and that we were not signing Teixeria’
They still hate that deal. Marte has been inconsistant, Nady is what 1 yr. away from being a rental and you nearly gave up Phil Coke in that deal.
Do you not understand Cashman making that type of deal is ala CC Sabathia (non deal) you make that deal you set back the organization 3 – 4 yrs. and your left w/ a longtime staff going into thier 40′s
Marte can’t handle a big market. White Sox fans cringed when he came into the games. The only time he pitched in the postseason for them was in the World Series in the 14th inning when they had no other pitchers available, and even then, they used Mark Burhlee (who started the previous night) to get the final out because Marte was about to choke away the game.
When he was racking up meaningless saves in Pittsburgh, he was fine.
No where, just people starting crap.
==========================
Oh whew!
Back in the real world, Andy seems good to go.
““Where the heck did all these trade rumors come from?”
No where, just people starting crap.”
They started when Roy Halladay relieved Andy Pettitte in today’s game and announced his love for AJ Burnett.
Doreen, do you want to talk about which one you think? Are you thinking that the Yanks aren’t satisified with CF? I’m thinking that we’re so good to go it isn’t funny. It isn’t like ST has been a disaster.
Well BJ Ryan not showing much so far triple followed by double and these were to a minor leaguer and Berroa
Pete, do you get on here under a different name and start these trade rumors to increase traffic/posts?! if so, it’s working!
problem is, it’s too hard to believe any player will or won’t be traded away or traded for because every time some one says, “Cashman would never do that…” he goes ahead and does it. I agree with most though that it doesn’t make any sense to trade for Halladay (at least not giving up what has been suggested)
What is Tex’s BA?
“They started when Roy Halladay relieved Andy Pettitte in today’s game and announced his love for AJ Burnett.”
Remember when Marte and Robby both came back from the WBC with injuries? Anyone think it’s possible that Marte is still hurting?
“Pettitte has thrown 22 innings this spring and allowed three earned runs while striking out 20. He has allowed 18 hits”
yet people wanted to kick Andy to the curb.
dissapointing.
Trisha -
No, I think the Yankees are fine with Gardner in CF.
And I really don’t have a real idea – just a feeling. Not a blockbuster trade, just a “bookkeeping” trade.
Toronto would NEVER trade Halladay within the division. Unless the package was twice as good than that of other teams.
Eve if they were willing, Boston’s farm is better than ours and Riccardi probably hates them less than he does us.
Halladay is a mere pipe-dream. He is the best pitcher in baseball, efficiency wise. And has dominated in the AL East his whole career. He will cost a king’s ransom for any team. We don’t have the chips tha some of these other teams do.
“Remember when Marte and Robby both came back from the WBC with injuries? Anyone think it’s possible that Marte is still hurting?”
I don’t think the Yanks would play around like that so early in the season. Especially when we have more capable bullpen guys than we have spots.
Then again, Alby could be getting work in with us thinking they are trying to replace the long reliever, when in fact he could be replacing Marte!
“Yep. Can’t believe Cashman gave Marte 3 yr contract when all he had to do was pick up his option for 1 year”
have had Cashman’s back, from day 1. However, in my view it have become apparent, Cashman is a middle of the pact GM. Not a bad GM. And not in the top tier, either.
Mike, Tex’s BA is 408