No cause for concern yet … right?
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Apr 28, 2009 
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Brian from San Francisco, a loyal reader, checked in via e-mail with a comment that made me laugh.
“The Yankees are like swine flu,” he wrote. “There’s cause for concern but there’s no reason to panic.”
I would say that sums it up nicely.
Meanwhile, if you’re concerned about the swine flu, the Yankees have a perfect solution. Purchase one of the $2,626 Legends Seats behind the plate. You are guaranteed to be at least 10 feet away from anybody else, so the odds of catching the flu are slim.
And often, the hitting ain’t the problem. They’ve been held to under 4 runs, what, 3 times? They put an 8 spot on Beckett, for crying out loud. Decent pitching (namely, league average instead of Wang) is the difference between 9-10 and 14-5 at this point.
If you guys think Sabathia will end the year with a 4.73 ERA instead of a 3.2-3.4, Burnett will end up with a 5.5 instead of a 3.5-4, Joba will end up with a 1.80 WHIP, and our #5 pitcher will have a 34.50 ERA, then yeah, things don’t look good in the long run.
However, let those pitchers improve to their career norms, and things look OK.
There is no reason to buy the Legends Seats, they are empty anyway…
Hey Pete, since you brought up those expensive tickets, have you heard anything about the price being lowered? Boomer and Carton (can’t stand him) said the Yankees would be cutting those prices significantly, and an announcement would be made sometime between now and next week… Have you heard anything?
I do have to say, I was looking for at least a .250 line from Ransom this year. Give us .250/.320 lines from Ransom and CF, 4.00 ERAs from CC, Burnett, and Wang, and things are awesome at this point.
Also, like swine flu, they can make you feel sick to your stomach.
Hughes Da Man.
Do you know how many $2625 seats there are in the Stadium?
146 and 3/4 of them are already accounted for.
Are the Yankees still last in team ERA?
“the Yankees have a perfect solution. Purchase one of the $2,626 Legends Seats behind the plate. You are guaranteed to be at least 10 feet away from anybody else,”
There’s probably a big manilla envelope filled with legends tickets wasting away at will call under the name “Yuri Sucart & guests”
hey, don’t forget those seats are all sold. It’s the expensive metrocards that are keeping fans away.
Uncle Ellsworth
April 28th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Are the Yankees still last in team ERA?
Yes.
LOL @ the “solution”.
De La Rosa 7K 1 BB, 3H through six.
Montero 2HR.
God Pete. Being so negative is not gonna help fill out those seats.
This is a great team. I have no idea what you all are talking about. They are tying their hardest and that’s all we can ask of them.
If you don’t understand what criticism, complaining, pressure and a negative attitude can do to a human being then I suggest you all watch old episodes of Davey and Goliath. It’s a great show and you always learn a moral at the end.
Like the moral here would be to try and have fun. Why not just root for baseball instead of feeling like you need to root for the Yankees or NEED them to win. They are like big old kids out there, just having fun on the grass, getting all muddy when they slide. They’re having a good time out there, but I guarantee you that they won’t be for long if they see the hurtful unnecessarily critical things you guys are writing here or if they look in the stands and see a bunch of sourpusses.
Lighten up and have some fun. Try laughing when that big old guy CC gives up a home run! Tell him, “Hey nice try CC! I know you were doing your best to get him out! Maybe next time!”
Be positive and don’t be mean.
The Yankees have already said they’d be lowering the LS prices.
There slow start April grace period is ending.
Time for the stars to earn their $
So far this is 2008 redux
Of Verlander’s top ten games more than half must have come against the Yankees… what a joke
You all know Hughes is going to get shelled tonight and that Rick Porcello is going 7 strong scattering 4 hits and no runs
Opposite Day -
If only!
Montero batting .313 vs LHP
.380 vs. RHP (.436 OBP vs. righties).
“Of Verlander’s top ten games more than half must have come against the Yankees… what a joke
You all know Hughes is going to get shelled tonight and that Rick Porcello is going 7 strong scattering 4 hits and no runs”
That’s going to be difficult for Rick tonight.
Edwin Jackson is pitching.
Doreen
April 28th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Opposite Day –
If only!
======
Err…I think that poster was being tongue-in-cheek, but I’m w/you Doreen.
Being negative is a much more exaggerated form of sentimentalism, if you ask me. It’s the disappointment bully getting ahold of your heart and blinding you.
Being negative is a colossal bore. How about being objective: it’s April and the starters we assembled as our staff should give us something we haven’t had since 2003. BP is going to be lights out, like last year.
No one is running away from us in April.
bodhisattva
April 28th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Doreen
April 28th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Opposite Day –
If only!
==
Err…I think that poster was being tongue-in-cheek, but I’m w/you Doreen.
Being negative is a much more exaggerated form of sentimentalism, if you ask me. It’s the disappointment bully getting ahold of your heart and blinding you.
Being negative is a colossal bore. How about being objective: it’s April and the starters we assembled as our staff should give us something we haven’t had since 2003. BP is going to be lights out, like last year.
No one is running away from us in April.
YES!
lol. I guess trolls don’t do their homework.
V
April 28th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
“Of Verlander’s top ten games more than half must have come against the Yankees… what a joke
You all know Hughes is going to get shelled tonight and that Rick Porcello is going 7 strong scattering 4 hits and no runs”
That’s going to be difficult for Rick tonight.
Edwin Jackson is pitching.
================
Lol. Talk about being blinded by rage. Can’t even read.
Dont buy the legends suite, get the terrace suite that is a bargain for 120 bucks on stubhub
In case you guys forgot, Arizona won 20 games last April and didn’t even make the playoffs.
The standings in April don’t tell the whole story.
Possible cases of swine flu in NJ now. Yeesh
The swine jokes were funny yesterday. Not so much today.
Earlier (previous subject), Gayle posted the 40 man roster, looking to make some space.
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gayle
April 28th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
I am somewhat confused by all of this complaining about the 40 man roster issue. Other than Berroa which they just brought up can who else would you take off the 40 man roster? I guess you could argue that they put Brackman on there too early but would he have signed if they hadnt?? Most of hte roster space is used for pitchers and as we have seen you can never have too many of those. I would just be interested to see where you see the mistakes and who you would take off.
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As great a potential arm as he has, he’s never healthy, I’d remove Christian Garcia and the other is Cervelli. NYY already has a Cervelli type hitter in the majors in Molina, and Cervelli’s defense isn’t that special.
SA where in NJ?
In case you forgot Rebecca, the Yankees won 14 games last April and didn’t make the playoffs.
The standings in April don’t… oh wait
stand up career blossoming? Your audience would be like the legend seats…
Betsy,
From the other thread…..
ST games and stats are meaningless to me. I don’t evaluate a team in ST. Its a wasted exercise.
There is a lot to like about this team. They have also tried to change the culture (more team, less 25 guys, 25 cabs) and that is working.
However, the issue we are talking about today, roster construction/40 man roster, is not a new issue.
Bringing it up also has NOTHING to do with the current losing streak.
Its an issue guys like Wave, CB, myself and plenty of others have discussed all winter as being a potential big problem for this team if injuries take place.
Whether folks want to believe it or not, it has hurt the Yankees and continues to hurt them.
Several examples:
1. If Ramiro Pena makes the team, he has to play. If not, you are tying up 40 man roster space and limiting yourself in other areas. Not the least of which is Pena is a better player than either Ransom or Berroa.
I’ll go one further. If it is, “all about the team”, when Arod returns, he not only should remain on the roster, he should be the defensive replacement in the late innings for Jeter in every close game they play.
I get the fact that move would be “controversial”. However, if it is, “all about the team”, then you play the better defensive option in the late innings. At this point in their respective careers, Pena is a better defensive SS than Jeter.
If Joe Torre can take out Bernie Williams in CF, and bench guys like Paul O’Neill and Tino Martinez in playoff and World Series games, then Girardi can make late inning defensive replacements for guys who aren’t good defensive players anymore.
A guy like Angel Berroa should never sniff a NY Yankee roster. That’s just a horrible piece of work by the baseball ops folks to bring in a guy with his limited skillset and tie up roster and development space.
They should have signed Alex Cora to be the utility infielder. He ties up one spot (not two like Berroa and Ransom did), is a better player than either Berroa or Ransom, and Pena gets to play SS everyday in the minors.
That’s an example of poor roster management.
Another example….
If your OF roster consists of the following: Damon, Nady, Matsui, Swisher, Cabrera and Gardner, looks good on paper, right? Problem is, when you look at it from a baseball perspective, all that has to happen is either Nady or Damon get hurt and you are screwed.
Why do I say that?
Matsui can’t play the OF until June. Yankee code: “We want to avoid playing a guy with 2 bad knees and deteriorating OF skills in the OF at all costs”. That limits your options.
Gardner/Cabrera: Basically, the same type of players. Reserve/4th OF’s. Disagree with my assessment? Ok, trade one, give the job to the other with a veteran, capable backup CF in reserve. This way if the guy you give the job to bombs, you have a suitable replacement to get through the year until Austin Jackson is ready.
The way the Yankees did it was actually the worst case scenario. Gardner hasn’t measured up to the task and now they are back to Melky in center. A guy who they didn’t want to be the CF because of his limitations. Again, weakening the team.
With Damon’s fragile injury situation, Matsui’s knees and the Gardner/ Cabrera conumdrum, doesn’t it make sense to have OF(s) on the 40 man roster you can call up if everything doesn’t go as planned?
Its not like the scenario’s I outlined above couldn’t happen. In fact, smart money would have predicted all of the above to happen with the exception of Nady’s freak injury.
Again, this isn’t a second guess. These are issues that we discussed all winter.
My big issue is this. The Yankees go into every season believing that everything is going to work out a certain way.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that. Players get hurt and you have to have contingency plans that make sense.
The 40 man roster situation hurts the Yankees. Sorry but, that’s on the GM.
Those of you who read this blog know I am a Cashman fan. However, the mismanagement of the 40 man roster is something that falls at his feet.
What it does is hamstring the manager and the team at the major league level.
Even today, its still a mess.
Why do they insist on having 9 pitchers on the roster? It makes no sense.
This has NOTHING to do with liking the team or any of that other stuff. Its basic, fundamental baseball business.
Stuff happens and you have to address it. For reasons known only to the Yankees, they choose to address many of these issues in a non-proactive manner. All that does is make the valleys last longer.
John Rodriquez should be on this roster and playing LF until Damon is healthy. If he has to go on the DL, so be it. They need a HEALTHY Johnny Damon this season. Not a guy trying to gut it out on the last year of his contract.
This isn’t taking place because of roster mismanagement and I don’t think that’s right.
JMO, others can feel free to disagree.
GB7, I would be reluctant to remove Garcia.
I’d at least like to see where he is after his extended ST.
============================
BTW, DLR went five, not six, today. My bad.
Uncle E: not sure where exactly.
http://www.nj.com/news/index.s.....ine_f.html
**9** pitchers in the bullpen. My mistake.
I know Porcello is pitching tomorrow
“Dont buy the legends suite, get the terrace suite that is a bargain for 120 bucks on stubhub”
Um, I’ve seen them for $50 for some games.
If I didn’t love my husband, I’d leave him for SJ44. You are smart and interesting. Thanks for that.
Full disclosure: I’m a Mariners fan – but enjoy your blog because there are a lot of smart baseball fans on it.
The M’s played Detroit the other day and we were lucky to beat Verlander, but got mowed down by Jackson and Porcello. Wait till you see how Jackson is pitching this year, and this new guy (age 20) Porcello is just unbelievable.
That said, the Yankees will survive this stretch and return – just get A-Rod back. Also, give some Harlem kids the seats behind home plate, please. And move the right field fence out about 10 feet. Then everything will be A-OK.
Ah, Matty C. Apologies. So you’re predicting two losses? Tell, us. What’s it like to see the future? It must be a heavy burden on you.
m… I hope you are a female winking at me
bodhisattva
April 28th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
GB7, I would be reluctant to remove Garcia.
I’d at least like to see where he is after his extended ST.
========================
BTW, DLR went five, not six, today. My bad.
————————————————————
Yes, but, Garcia is back on the DL and has yet to pitch. It’s a necessary risk worth taking.
And another possible case of swine flu in my building. A teacher at the Robin Ward School, the new school where there is a possible outbreak, lives here and came down with symptoms. She went to be tested.
Matty C,
Obviously you’re new here. Otherwise you wouldn’t have to wonder! Welcome to the board.
Anyhoo. I wasn’t flirting. lol. Good one.
“Joe, Cranston RI
April 28th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
God Pete. Being so negative is not gonna help fill out those seats.”
Pete is a beat reporter. He does not care about filling seats.
Nor do I. I care about getting myself a cheap seat maybe, but mostly I just care about the Yankees winning.
This begs a closer look: Explain to me why Hughes has a better shot than Kennedy? It looks like they’re both pitching lights out with Kennedy having the slight edge.
Hughes
ERA GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP
1.86 3 19.1 17 4 4 2 7 19 1.03
Kennedy
ERA GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP
1.59 4 22.2 18 5 4 0 7 25 1.10
Fran be careful. Now 5 cases in NJ, I didn’t see in the article where in Jersey.
So who wants to play the drinking game on how many times Fatboy sends Joba to the BP.
Why would we remove Cervelli from the 40 man? If we lose Molina or Posada to injury we then have no back up on the 40 man.
Then you maroons would be complaining about 40 man management when we have to DFA a talent to bring in a backup catcher.
SJ44 your points are mostly bunk unless you can prove we didn’t go after the guys you wanted. Perhaps they didn’t want to play for the yankees?
Damon crashed in a wall this weekend and still put a charge into one on sunday night, so maybe Cashman wanted to wait and see if he was too hurt to play before putting him on the DL.
Good golly you guys are the biggest overthinkin’ overreactin’ I’ve ever read.
GreenBeret7
April 28th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
bodhisattva
April 28th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
GB7, I would be reluctant to remove Garcia.
I’d at least like to see where he is after his extended ST.
====================
BTW, DLR went five, not six, today. My bad.
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Yes, but, Garcia is back on the DL and has yet to pitch. It’s a necessary risk worth taking.
———————————————–
He was on 7-day DL to build arm strength, & apparently has yet to come off it. Can’t seem to find any updates.
I understand your thinking here, but I just don’t want to let that horse out of the barn. Hope the Yankees look elsewhere to solve problems.
SJ—
I agree completely on the 40-man issue. The biggest problem there is the overabundance of not ready for prime time RHP prospects. Cashman has to move at least two or three of them either by release or trade and get some position players into the mix.
It was a foregone conclusion that Damon and Matsui would each have a DL stint (or two) this year. That’s why I was adamant about holding on to Nady AND Swisher. If Nady doesn’t get hurt things fit a whole lot better.
I would move Claggett and Hacker and set fire to Berroa and see about adding a couple of veterans like Durham, Grudzielanek and/or Catalanotto.
You’re also right about Jeter in late innings, but do you honestly think that’ll happen? I sure don’t.
“This begs a closer look: Explain to me why Hughes has a better shot than Kennedy? It looks like they’re both pitching lights out with Kennedy having the slight edge.”
Hughes has superior stuff that will translate much better against major league bats.
Kennedy’s stuff = fairly ordinary.
LOL it’s not even a minute into the show
Its not bunk at all. Cora wanted to play with the Yankees. The Yankees weren’t interested. He signed with the Mets instead.
How exactly is Damon going on the DL when he doesn’t even want his shoulder examined? The guy was flexing his shoulder all night. He’s hurt yet, he’s playing.
Mainly because, they don’t have anybody else.
Again, poor roster management.
All you have to do is look at the 40 man roster and see how limited the Yankees are in making certain moves.
Its not out of line to ask the question, “why”? Especially since, this is not a new issue with the team.
Let’s agree they were both rushed up last year and many were comparing IPK to Mike Mussina who won 20 games last year with “fairly ordinary” stuff
I agree with Francessa
A bullpen of Melancon and Bruney setting up Jobber setting up Mariano would be isnane
abt…
I’m going to see Jackson v. Hughes tonight, here in Detroit. Looking forward!
The old adage says pennants are not won in April, only lost.
Nothing has been lost, yet. One decent (better yet, prolonged) winning streak and voilà, all is forgiven.
oh that’s the right word for it
Why no love?
Lots of reasons, but let’s go with the obvious ones for now because I don’t want to say bad things. haha.
First of all, Hughes and Wang’s pitching days matched up. Secondly, IPK pitched last night and was pulled. Some are saying blister.
“A bullpen of Melancon and Bruney setting up Jobber setting up Mariano would be isnane”
He’s not going into the BP
Francesa’s main goal in life right now is to have Jobber back in the pen.
SJ44: The 40 man roster is not the problem, we do not have players to put on the 40 man roster, THAT is the problem. And you need to cite some sources on that Cora thing. I am not just going to accept some second/third hand information about that.
And as for Damon, baseball players play through injury all the time, sometimes to the detriment of their team. However you were saying that John Rodriguez should be up playing for damon *right now*, but we don’t know the extent of Damon’s injury nor how it impacts his play. If it hurts his throwing, WHO CARES?
Kennedy left last nights start with a blister. He would be unavailable to pitch today even if he got the call. The blister is something that has been bothering him his last couple of starts.
86,
Agree completely. I look at the RH arms on the 40 man and there aren’t that many who will be with the Yankees in 2 years.
However, they do have value to other teams.
Even if you move them for a mid-20′s reserve OF, its a move you make because its something they don’t have right now.
Re: the Jeter move….I don’t expect them to do it, probably because its too controversial.
That’s a shame though because for a team so dependent on pitching like the Yankees, with so many issues in the bullpen and hitting with RISP, giving away baserunners and runs because of poor defense at SS in the late innings is not a desired way to go.
Damon knows he’s hurt but he’s going to play it out like Andy did last year because the options available are worse.
The fact that he said he’s black and blue and not from where he hit the wall is concerning though.
“Why no love?
Lots of reasons, but let’s go with the obvious ones for now because I don’t want to say bad things. haha.
First of all, Hughes and Wang’s pitching days matched up. Secondly, IPK pitched last night and was pulled. Some are saying blister.”
Well those are valid points, knew IPK pitched 4.2 scoreless last night striking out 3 but didn’t hear about the blister.
Let’s move CC to the bullpen. That’d be AWESOME!
Seems to me Damon is afraid of what they would find if they did tests on his shoulder.
sa- that is right behind his goal of betting Bronson here. So Jobber to the pen, and Yankees trade Mark for Bronson?
baseball is a results business. even with the vast financial resources available to them, the present management can’t compete with the red sox or even some teams with half the resources.
it’s clear the management can’t cut it. this year was their last shot. they do have an amazing ability to take what looks good on paper and screw it up.
i’m not even going to give any reasons or break anything down.
it’s simply time for a change.
What makes him think we’re long-terming Wang into this rotation ? and if Joba succeeds in the rotation why mess that up to chance on a BP that might get overused ? This guy’s common sense doesn’t follow.
One thing I am fed up with is older players soldiering on through injuries.
We’re going to run into this w/Nady, who understandably wants to avoid surgery and get himself a nice payday. What that means for us is a guy wasting ABs and the Yankees putting him in there anyway hoping he can overcome.
Matsui has been surprisingly productive, but those knees are a constant concern. How I long for Miranda on that bench. We would just be loaded w/lefties for Stadium – the Yankee trademark. Find a way to get that boy’s bat here.
Jerkface
April 28th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Why would we remove Cervelli from the 40 man? If we lose Molina or Posada to injury we then have no back up on the 40 man.
Then you maroons would be complaining about 40 man management when we have to DFA a talent to bring in a backup catcher.
SJ44 your points are mostly bunk unless you can prove we didn’t go after the guys you wanted. Perhaps they didn’t want to play for the yankees?
Damon crashed in a wall this weekend and still put a charge into one on sunday night, so maybe Cashman wanted to wait and see if he was too hurt to play before putting him on the DL.
Good golly you guys are the biggest overthinkin’ overreactin’ I’ve ever read.
————————————————————
Besides living up to your SN perfectly, is protecting a .200 hitting AA catcher with average defensive skills worth protecting?
“sa- that is right behind his goal of betting Bronson here. So Jobber to the pen, and Yankees trade Mark for Bronson?”
You look up Bronson Arroyo you’ll find a pic of Francesa kissing his …
“I’ll go one further. If it is, “all about the team”, when Arod returns, Pena not only should remain on the roster, he should be the defensive replacement in the late innings for Jeter in every close game they play.”
SJ44, I’d like to see you go tell Jeter he’s being replaced for defensive reasons. Yeah, good luck with that!
I really think the concerns on certain players are validated, on others they are not:
Damon is banged up because he crashed into the wall at Fenway, that would hurt a player whether he’s 22 or 34.
Damon is still super athletic and has wheels for his age, he’ll be fine.
ARod with his physical fitness and work out discipline (roids or not) will be in his prime till he hits 37 I pretty much guarantee you.
Derek Jeter is by UZR/150, currently the 4th best defensive SS in the AL. Not that he won’t be a problem in the future, but so far this season he looks like the is still in good shape to do some serious ballin.
Matsui worries me, although he seems to be hitting and his knee actually seems better than it was earlier, it isn’t comforting to know he’s constantly on the verge of falling apart.
Disastrous: Jorge Posada, teams are running all over us, and he’s getting slower literally by the minute… even though this didn’t become true of Mo, I thought it was the dumbest thing we offered them the contracts we did 2 years ago. Sure it was the morally right thing to do, but it was the wrong move for a baseball club that wants to win.
No matter how we put it, right now we are way better off with JoMo behind the plate, shitty bat or not.
SJ – Don’t listen to the haters… you are 100% correct.
Unfortunately, a lot of people just wear pinstriped glasses all the time and think the Yankees are perfect and management can do no wrong.
GB7: Its not about protecting cervelli, its about not subjecting someone who isn’t in ruleV status to the 40 man.
With posada coming off surgey and only 1 backup on the 25 man I don’t see what is so crazy about having a backupbackup on the 40 man.
Not rocket science.
“I’ll go one further. If it is, “all about the team”, when Arod returns, Pena not only should remain on the roster, he should be the defensive replacement in the late innings for Jeter in every close game they play.”
I’ll second that.
that is right behind his goal of betting Bronson here. So Jobber to the pen, and Yankees trade Mark for Bronson?
=============================
LOL Jennifer. I forgot about his love for Bronson Arroyo.
If I’m his wife, I would worry. Arroyo, the McLouth kid, Inge, Jobber as the bridge to Mo..
I wonder who will be his new love for this year?
Big, big outing for Hughes tonight. Not a good matchup at all but let’s see.
We’ve hit Jackson well in the past, but that doesn’t mean anything now. We need to score runs tonight. Let’s see if this team has some backbone
Okay, I started out a tome this morning by saying I hated reading baseball tomes and therefore try not to write them too often. But I think it is because my lifestyle is so “hit and run” that I never get time to read them. There are some tome writers here who have very good stuff to say. And on the days I have been on vacation and actually had time to stop and breathe, I’ve enoyed reading them and gotten a lot out of them.
That said, here is my tome. I was going to start it by asking the question “How many times did the Yankees lose four in a row and still make the playoffs/win the world series” but that would have taken research on my part and I think you know the reason I am posing the question. I’m sure the answer is “many”. I have felt good about Yankee teams in the past when they were 9.5 games out in May and in last place, so there is no reason I see to push a panic button on this team right now.
This blog offers, on a daily basis, something for everyone. If you want to bridge jump daily, there will be posters who will give you posts that make you feel like now is the time to do it. If you want to play goat du jour, those posts are also here. If you want to micromanage per game, there are posters who step up and do it for you. (Personally I think micromanaging is for fools, but then again I am way on the other end of the patience scale, so I would feel that way.) If you want to continue to feel optimistic despite some stinging defeats, there are posters who will also be there, ahem. I think the point is that NOBODY here corners the market on “THE truth”. On any given day, a different poster may step to the plate with an accurate assessment. But most of the time we are all merely feeding into our needs, looking at the game through different prisms, and looking for others who may feel the same way.
If you are someone who believed this team was set up to win, on paper, out of spring training, then you’re probably the people I am talking to right now. Although it wasn’t my dream team, I did (and do) believe that the Yankees are built to take it all – on paper. The wild card is always whether or not they will execute. As always, we have been sidelined by some injuries. But good teams keep afloat until they are back at full strength. I believe the Yankees will do the same thing.
Am I disappointed that we haven’t been winning? Sure I am. You’d be foolish not to be. Do I think irreparable harm has been done or that the Yankees won’t pull out of the duldroms and get going? Hardly. I still believe in this team. So therefore, I cannot find it in myself to flip out either on a daily basis, or pretty much ever. Teams will win and teams will lose. Quality teams will right the ship and stop the losing. I believe the Yankees have a quality team. I also believe that they will address whatever needs they have. They always have.
If you believe the Yankees, on paper, and when at full health, have a team capable of winning, then stop blaming individual players on a daily basis, the manager, the GM, the owners, etc. They have to get going as a team. There are always other realities to address, and with the Yankees, a reality is that they are basically a no-nonsense team that is out there to win it all. They put extra pressure on themselves because they are the Yankees. This isn’t unusual, by the way. The Yankees in the 90′s were out there having a blast and feeling confident. The Angels, when they took the World Series, said that there was no pressure on them to win because nobody believed they belonged there; therefore they played looser, had fun, and got it done. Ever since the Angels have realized that winning is what they want, and some of that “fun” has disappeared. Interesting what self-imposed pressure can do, for the good or for the bad. I am not making excuses for the Yankees, just mentioning a reality that isn’t always an easy reality.
I believe in this team and therefore intend to sit back and enjoy the season. I believe that when Arod and Wang return, they will have it together and the team will be stronger than ever. Nothing like winning a few games to get that confidence back.
I was listening to the Sox shill Ken Rosenthal on my way back from the dentist. I have to say I gained one degree of respect for him because no matter how hard Dale and Holly groveled and begged him to say that the Red Sox were the bomb, he wouldn’t do it. He said that it was far too early in the season to make that call and that we all knew that things would change at some point and the Red Sox wouldn’t be in the middle of 12-game winning streaks. The point is that 4 losses doesn’t equal fatality. Good teams find a way to get the job done. I believe the Yankees are a very good team that needs to find a way to get the job done. I believe they will find the way to do it. In the meantime I will do my best to ignore the pervasive negativity that is here whether the Yankees win or lose (obviously by degree it is less when they win.)
When I signed up to love this team I did so unconditionally. But that’s me. Some call it blind loyalty…
Oh yeah, my dream team would have (in their prime) an outfield that had Ichiro, Griffey Jr. and Vernon Wells. I absolutely hate what the Yankees do with the outfield. I don’t know if I have ever been in love with our outfield. But I have always seen the Yankees make up for the deficiencies in other ways. I admit that if there is anything that makes me cringe (and want to cover my pinstriped eyes, even momentarily) it’s watching the on-the-bases merry-go-round that accompanies balls hit to the Yankee outfield. I hate that teams run freely on our outfield (and with good reason, of course.) I probably wouldn’t want to know how many runs have been plated because of weak Yankee arms and how the games/season has been affected because of it. It’s also likely the reason I always feel comfort with Melky in the game. But you can’t have everything, you take the less good with the good, and trust that it will all come out fine in the end.
P.S. If you get nothing more out of this then this axiom, please always remember that it isn’t always the “best” team that wins the world series – it’s the team that’s the hottest at that point in time. However, as I am always wont to point out, the only exception where you can count on them to be one and the same is the New York Yankees.
GO YANKEES!
Jerkface,
Did you see Damon’s swings last night? The guy is hurt.
So, you really think it makes sense for a team to play a guy that’s hurting like that, given their offensive and OF defensive issues?
Really, what sense does that make?
As far as Cora is concerned, I really don’t care if you believe me or not. His agent represents me on several business deals. I know for a fact he wanted to play in NY.
Once the Yankees turned him down, he went to the Mets.
I’m not saying its the pivotal move of the season. I am saying that they had better options than Angel Berroa and chose to not take advantage of them.
Sorry but, that’s on the baseball ops folks if they believe Berroa is a better player than Alex Cora.
If Hughes pitches well, they may want to think about trading Wang for a stud OF prospect or something
Need to get younger and more athletic now.
randy l.
April 28th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
baseball is a results business. even with the vast financial resources available to them, the present management can’t compete with the red sox or even some teams with half the resources.
it’s clear the management can’t cut it. this year was their last shot. they do have an amazing ability to take what looks good on paper and screw it up.
==================================
Except those paper tigers never had pitching – that was the rub.
This one does. I’ll never forget the disdain Posada tried to stifle after we were ousted by the Tigers in 2006.
Some talking head asked: “Are you surprised that lineup hasn’t produced in the series?”
“You guys keep talking about the lineup this, the lineup that…but if you don’t pitch…”
Why not see if our staff here can get into a groove before declaring our season over with five months to go?
6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K for Jeremy Bleich’s last start.
Interesting LH prospect, hopefully he’s not the LH Ian Kennedy and actually pans out.
“Pena not only should remain on the roster, he should be the defensive replacement in the late innings for Jeter in every close game they play.”
It’s possible that they may have to use Pena to replace Alex in late innings depending on Alex’s mobility.
Talltenor:
whats the weather like today in Detroit? Did they get rain? Hope there is a game tonight.
The season is over and A-Rod didn’t even get to play in a real game.
If the Red Sox trade for Miguel Cabrera (highly probable due to the financial situation in Detroit and Epstein looking to bring Manny II to Boston), that will move Cabrera to 3rd and Lowell will become a backup 1B/3B, and the full-time DH if Ortiz continues his rapid decline.
Imagine facing a 3-4-5-6 of Cabrera, Youkilis, Bay and Lowell? That would be the apocalypse.
“Even if you move them for a mid-20’s reserve OF, its a move you make because its something they don’t have right now”
David Murphy?
Matt Murton?
Seth Smith?
SJ – I think one of the main issues with the 40 man is the bench.
The majority of ML clubs cannot replace starters (let alone the top 1-3 players in all of baseball) with an adequate replacement. Can STL replace Pujols if he were to go on the DL.
The Yankees had a serviceable BACKUP in Ransom who showed he could play a bit last year. He plays solid defense and was just beginning to hit a bit before he got injured. We are now on 3b # 3 which is Pena/Berroa. Berroa was not on the 40 man and had to be added when the backup 3b got injured.
The outfield provided some flexibility with Swisher as a capable backup to Nady. Swisher would also be one of the better bench players in the league – multiple innings, good obp, power etc. You lose your starting RF and replace it with your # 1 bench player and you lose depth.
Molina is the best back-up catcher in baseball. With Arod, Tex, Jeter, Cano etc in a line-up a team should be able to carry him offensively for a couple of games a week.
The bullpen has been poor, in part because of overuse. But how can you say the overall roster is mismanaged in one breath and then can’t wait to see guys like Robertson and Melancon in the other. My bold prediction is the bullpen will be a STRENGTH of the team in about a month.
Wang – coming off injury but it is hard to lose your #2 pitcher, one has been remarkably consistent (not an ace but consistently giving the team a chance to win) and not take a step backwards. In many ways this is the hardest hit, not only did he in essence lose 3 of the games by himself, he also obliterated the bullpen for several days after his games.
Depth – how about we see how Hughes does. Then maybe Kennedy and Aceves.
We need more upper level position talent to plug in, but I do not know any team that prepares to have the depth for third string guys to replace Hall of Famers and still operate at maximum efficiency.
You know Boston – the Nick Green guy. He was on the Yankees and sucked. He goes to Boston hits a homerun and all of a sudden Theo is a genius. Boston had Alex Cora too – obviously they didn’t want him back.
Carlos Beltran would look real good right now
I was so mad when we turned him down
I think Cash’s head would have to be examined if he kept Angel instead of Pena. That would be nuts.
“If Hughes pitches well, they may want to think about trading Wang for a stud OF prospect or something
Need to get younger and more athletic now.”
Colorado would be my first choice. I like thier OF propects and maybe they throw in that Morales LHP. Can we package Marte w/ Wang ?
People are complaining about an inflxible roster filled with aging, one dimensional players, but are drooling over getting Durham, Grudzielanek and/or Catalanotto on the roster. Never mind that they are all in their late 30′s have had no spring training and none can play shortstop or third base and can play a marginally acceptable 2nd base, except for Catalanotto who plays the outfield about as well as Shelley Duncan or Matsui (now).
Matty C
Just think if we got Carlos, we wouldn’t have gotten Randy and won those World Series’s. Oh wait, never mind. Yeah we should have gotten Carlos, but you know George, he had a man crush on Randy.
SJ44: I am not saying that what you said is true, because anyone can say anything on the internet and I don’t see any proof that you involved with Alex Cora’s agent. HOWEVER, if that is true maybe the fact that Cora got a 2 million dollar contract had something to do with it? While Berroa is busy playing for league minimum.
Not to mention that Berroa was not even supposed to be playing for the yankees this season. He signed a minor league deal worth 1.4 million less than Cora got.
Maybe Yankees officials thought that 2 million dollars for a player that isn’t going to see that many at bats is too much?
When healthy our infield averages more than 150 games per season.
If you’re trying to be funny, be funny.
Heard Alan Horne headed to Trenton. That’s good news for him.
Just because it won’t happen is no reason to suggest it.
Didn’t get any reaction to my personnel moves and would like some. Wouldn’t Grudzielanek/Durham plus Catanotto help this team a lot more than Berroa/Stephen Jackson.
Jay Payton and Damion Easley are also available I believe.
SJ, I can’t disagree with a word you said. The only thing I question is replacing Jeter late in games – not because it’s controversial, because I want his bat late in games. Pena has to play or else he’s just a wasted spot on the roster.
The Damon situation is ridiculous. Since when do the Yankees let players dictate their actions? I don’t blame Johnny – he’s a gamer and wants to play – I blame the Yankees. If he aggravates this further and a bad situation (if it is bad) becomes worse, that is on this organization. That scares me, frankly. What happens if CC or AJ come up sore? Of course they are going to want to play through it….and the Yankees will let them?
You’re spot on about CF as well….
This is extremely frustrating and rather depressing because after last year, I felt bummed…..then I felt hopeful…..then excited. There is a long season ahead of us and I find it hard to be either hopeful OR excited.
Beltran wouldn’t have won us a WS, a rd. maybe vs the Angels other than that I don’t see much special, he chokes under pressure w/ the best of them.
“You know Boston – the Nick Green guy.”
He can hit a little, but he’s been disasterous at SS.
This team needs Alex to cause one of his famous “distractions” so everyone could stop focusing on how bad the Yanks are playing for a few days and let the team re-group.
Great news on Alan, hopefully he can stay healthy and we can see him by July.
Re. Swisher – multiple positions not multiple innings.
“Heard Alan Horne headed to Trenton. That’s good news for him.”
For us, maybe we stick him in the BP.
“If Hughes pitches well, they may want to think about trading Wang for a stud OF prospect or something”
Wang doesn’t get you a stud OF prospect.
Why are Jackson, Claggett, Hacker etc. on the 40 man?
Why is Berroa even on the team? Why we Pena added to the roster if he will never play?
Cervelli is nothing special, you can always add Kevin Cash to the roster if you need a catcher.
Why is Veras still here?
Where is Miranda? We are pinch hitting for .180 hitters with a .220 hitters. We desperately need a bat off the bench
John Rodriguez is our best OFer not named Damon and has proved he can hit, why isin’t he here? Damon is playing on 1\2 a shoulder and Girardi couldn’t even pinch run Gardner because of that.
If Garcia isin’t healthy, why wasn’t he put on the 60 day DL?
Where is the long man? We are carrying 9 short relievers and they are all seemingly burned out every night.
ennifer
April 28th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Matty C
Just think if we got Carlos, we wouldn’t have gotten Randy and won those World Series’s. Oh wait, never mind. Yeah we should have gotten Carlos, but you know George, he had a man crush on Randy.
==============
The kid was dying to be a Yankee. As you said, that’s squarely on George. Huge mistake. As was making Damon our CF.
F this. All this panic. The Yanks are going to win the pennant. F yea. F.
“You know Boston – the Nick Green guy.”
Nothing is special about him.
“While Berroa is busy playing for league minimum.”
His play has been at about the league minimum too.
“Why do they insist on having 9 pitchers on the roster? It makes no sense.
This has NOTHING to do with liking the team or any of that other stuff. Its basic, fundamental baseball business.
I totally agree.”
I pray hughes pitches well tonight.
“F this. All this panic. The Yanks are going to win the pennant. F yea. F.”
Definitely agree with the sentiment!
You guys were naive for using spring stats to think this team has ‘changed’.
It is the same story every year. The team looks great in spring… chemistry is great, they are scoring runs, pen looks good, they are doing little thing etc.
Then the season starts and it is the same story.
“His play has been at about the league minimum too.”
Don’t insult the league minimum, he’s been senior citizen discount.
GB 7 —
“DROOLING” over those older guys??!!?
Don’t make stuff up and attribute it to me. If you think this team is better with Berroa and Stephen Jackson than it would be with Grudy and Catalanotto that’s fine, but WRONG.
I’m looking into real possibilities to upgrade the bench. Make a better suggestion if you wish, but don’t take my suggestion and turn it into something that it wasn’t.
Steve B – that’s my point.
The Yankees never truly thought they would use Berroa. They thought Arod, Ransom, Pena, Berroa – he was worst case. We just happened to get worst case immediately.
The only thing that bothers me, and I have no statistical proof of this, is that Boston tends to bring guys in, bring guys up and they succeed. The Yankees bring guys in, bring guys up and they fail.
I do not know if this is attributable to culture, to cultivation of the farm, to overhyping Yankee prospects etc.
No team, not the Yankees, Red Sox or anybody else, goes through a season unscathed by the injury bug.
Especially in today’s non-steroid, no greenies world of MLB.
The key is, how do teams deal with injuries? How do their fortify their rosters to cover for injuries and how do they develop players?
Now, honestly, and we are all Yankee fans here, do you really give the Yankees great grades in those 3 areas?
I have a nephew who may be the best catching prospect in the draft, and it scares the living daylights out of me that this organization does such a poor job in handling their roster and developing talent.
I have a spread sheet in my office of every organization’s player development departments and the evaluations of those departments from GM’s and other baseball folks who are friends of mine. I had it done to have a leg up on things when the draft comes around.
The Yankees, while a LOT better than they were a few years ago, are still average at best in overall player development.
I’m sorry but, for a team with their resources, that’s not good enough.
Its almost as if you have to have HOF talent to get through the system. That’s not how its supposed to be.
Consequently, they throw money, huge money in some cases, at trying to solve their problems. Instead, it often creates bigger problems. The roster issue is one example of it.
They just have to be better at it. If not, there will be a whole new regime getting their crack at it after this season.
You can’t keep chasing your tail in this business. Its too competitive.
I’m convinced.
Yankees’ fans, as a whole, are just as bad as Red Sox fans. Bridge-jumping, bandwagoning morons.
Do you guys think Pete has figured out the Gardner sucks? Haven’t seen as much of a man-crush for him lately.
you know, thats a big offensive team…
you know, thats a big offensive team…
you know, thats a big offensive team..
We all know what will happen
We will send down Jackson tonight
Hughes will be out after 2 innings and Robertson will pitch in long relief.
You have to be kidding if you think Kevin Cash is better than Cerveilli.
You would be safer down in Florida at a Marlins game. THe capital region has one confirmed case so i’m high tailing it out of here. At least I will see some good baseball in Miami.
Brandon If Melancon doesn’t K the first batter he’s a bust “I LOVE ME SOME ME !”
April 28th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
“Heard Alan Horne headed to Trenton. That’s good news for him.”
For us, maybe we stick him in the BP.
=======================
Needs some time but yeah, good fill-in guy who’s mature and able to give us some innings down the road. Probably would have been spot guy last year if he hadn’t gotten hurt.
That name shouldn’t be used until Sept. Austin Jackson should never come out of Fatcessa’s mouth.
In the past, Mr. Torre had a way of keeping the players from panicking and not get caught up on the failures, but rather stressing to the team to keep playing hard. Run out every ball, etc and good things will come their way. I wonder if Giradi is communicating the same message?
Right now I just think the team needs to play small ball and do some unconventional things – i.e. safety squeezes, double steals, more hit and runs, start a brawl. Whatever will work to get the fire in the belly going.
“Why not see if our staff here can get into a groove before declaring our season over with five months to go?”
bodhisattva
have you ever read the art of war?
there’s the scene where the general attempting to show the emperor how he can organize the troops has the servants march to his orders. they don’t do a good job.
there’s a few giggles from some servants.
the general takes out a sword and cuts off a couple of heads.
no more giggles.
attentive marching from then on from everyone.
the yankees are an organization of gigglers.
i think the next step is obvious.
of course you could wait for later , but why wait?
a few heads need to roll to get the attention of everyone else.
All started with Burnett’s choke job on Saturday.
6-0 lead to a team he dominates. How did we lose that game?
Oh, I love the hindsight. I will grant you that many of you pointed out the shortcomings before the season, but please don’t say you thought we’d miss the postseason with the rotation we had.
So some of you are mad. Mad at the Yankees because our back ups didn’t have back ups? Be glad that we at least have Hughes and Melancon to plug in right now. Because in the not too distant past, those two guys would’ve been gone for an aging CF.
Woulda, coulda, shoulda. Time to move forward.
86w183
April 28th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
GB 7—-
“DROOLING” over those older guys??!!?
Don’t make stuff up and attribute it to me. If you think this team is better with Berroa and Stephen Jackson than it would be with Grudy and Catalanotto that’s fine, but WRONG.
I’m looking into real possibilities to upgrade the bench. Make a better suggestion if you wish, but don’t take my suggestion and turn it into something that it wasn’t.
————————————————————
You aren’t the only one talking about those three statues. None can play shortstop and only one has ever played 3rd base (7 years ago, 13 games). Exactly where are they going to play?
Bring up A-Jax
Brandon
Wait he knows the name Austin Jackson. Who told him? Usually he doesn’t know of a player till they come up and do well.
Francessa is right
We spent $423 million this winter. What do you want Cashman to do… spend $200 million more? Just so we can compete with teams with 30-50% less payroll than us?
We can’t win without Mike Cameron? So we have to plug all of our holes with $10 million dollar talent for us to win? Why don’t other teams have to do that?
Do you think if the situation becomes serious with Damon they’ll be forced to bring up A-Jax.
Also has anyone heard an update on Nady? How is his rehab going?
“Right now I just think the team needs to play small ball and do some unconventional things – i.e. safety squeezes, double steals, more hit and runs, start a brawl. Whatever will work to get the fire in the belly going.”
Yeah, that’ll get us some Ws.
You do realize they’ve scored plenty of runs, right?
JohnC:
It rained hard last night & this morning, but the rain stopped around noon. Just checked weather.com for the area, and though there are clouds around still, and there may be afternoon showers, things are supposed to clear by early evening.
Gametime temp projected around 50 degrees, and the air will of course still be damp. I’ve got my layers ready!
Austin Jackson ain’t ready – he needs better plate discipline. Bringing him up would be Grade-A stupid.
John Rodriguez should be the first OF up if one is needed.
And jesus Alex Cora is batting .150!!!
Oh I could only imagine some of you if we paid 2 million for Alex Cora and got that production.
“Cashman is a dolt! He has guys like Cody Ransom(.300 4 hr last year!) and Pena on the roster and he overpays for Alex Cora!!”
While I hate to rip Damon (because he’s an absolute gamer and also somewhat underrated offensively), his coordination abilities in the outfield are ridiculously bad.
Am I being unreasonable in believing that there is a way to run into outfield walls with a modicum of grace which in turn minimizes the chances of getting hurt?
“All started with Burnett’s choke job on Saturday.
6-0 lead to a team he dominates. How did we lose that game?”
Negative, but it all started when Mo blew the game on Friday. It’s rare and when a team beats him they build up this rollercoaster edge vs us. The Yankees still have that deadwood reaction when a team shows them that they can beat thier best. It was only symbolic that Mo makes one mistake pitch, then AJ makes one and it balls up to more momentum for the other team, then Sunday w/ Georgy and the Ellsbury steal. This all started on Friday.
“Yankees’ fans, as a whole, are just as bad as Red Sox fans. Bridge-jumping, bandwagoning morons.”
I’m having a hard time disagreeing.
But thankfully there are exceptions.
All started with Burnett’s choke job on Saturday.
6-0 lead to a team he dominates. How did we lose that game?
—
All started with Rivera’s homerun to Bay on Friday.
jennifer
April 28th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Brandon
Wait he knows the name Austin Jackson. Who told him? Usually he doesn’t know of a player till they come up and do well.
======================
Right. He is clueless about the farm. He is a one-trick pony. Harangues on Joba to the BP.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I am so tired of all the complaining..
Trish, Glad to see you got a filling in one of your 3 remaining teeth! LOL You forgot to mention how Rosenthol stated every team fears the Sox bullpen. Just a reminder.
“then Sunday w/ Georgy and the Ellsbury steal. This all started on Friday”
That steal was on Pettitte.
Ajax is not ready. He needs to learn the strike zone better. Otherwise he’ll be over-matched.
Jerkface,
Did you hear the latest? When the Royals fall out of the race, they’re going to trade us Coco Crisp!
Hey All,
I live out of market and wanted to know your opinions: is Extra Innings still the way to go to watch the games or MLB.tv? I have comcast cable so dish is not an option.
Thanks!
Michael
“You do realize they’ve scored plenty of runs, right?”
I’m not talking about scoring runs. Talking about getting this team to stop playing so tight – especially with runners in scoring position. They all seem to be a bunch of tight wads right now. They seriously have to be the least entertaining team to watch.
Jerkface,
It was a money issue. They didn’t want to pay Cora what the Mets paid him.
When you think about it, that’s pretty dumb and here’s why.
They didn’t know which Robbie Cano was going to show up this year. They hired Mick Kelleher to coach first in large part because of his relationship with Cano. Meaning, they had real concerns about Robbie.
Alex, like his brother Joey (third base coach of the White Sox) is very well respected within the latin baseball community. Both are future manager/high baseball IQ types that latin players all around the game go to for advice.
I can’t help but think he would be great with Cano.
Also, given Jeter’s age, and not knowing in the winter if Pena was ready to emerge as an option, is 2 million too much to plug a guy like Cora into this team?
Not the least of which is the fact he spent the last several years in Boston and could give some insight on the pitchers there?
Again, small move but, the kind of move proactive organizations make, IMO.
They have 800K invested in Ransom and Berroa this year. For 1.2 more, they get a better player.
Ransom and Berroa have already cost them 3 wins with their play in April. Call me crazy but, I don’t see Cora costing them 3 April wins.
Doesn’t sound like much now. However, if they miss the post-season by a couple of games, how “smart” do they look saving 1.2 million bucks for 2 career minor league players over Cora?
Remember, this is a team that has always had guys like Sojo, Vizcaino, Mariano Duncan, etc, as backup INF on title teams. Cora is cut from that cloth. Ransom and Berroa are not.
Sometimes, its the small moves that pay off. Hopefully, this one won’t come back to bite them in the butt.
When is Ben Sheets ready to pitch?
We need to sign him. That would be like making a trade for an ace pitcher.
That steal was on Pettitte.
===================
That steal was definitely on Pettitte, but it would’ve helped a tiny bit if Berroa was playing 3B instead of LF.
GB 7 —
As usual, you make no suggestions. Is it because you have no ideas or you’re afraid some jerk will misrepresent your ideas and insult you unfairly?
I believe Grudzielanek or Durham would be far better than Ransom or Berroa at 3B. Catalanotto is at least a comperable OF to Damon or Swisher and a solid, professional hitter.
I don’t want any of them starting, necessarily. I just want veterans with something left in the tank on the bench instead of the sludge that’s there now.
Francesa mentioned AJax?
I’m surprised he even knows who he is
Zach
He crashed into a ‘metal’ wall, not exactly sure how you can brace yourself for it.
Yankee fans are tough, but we support the team. A blog is to discuss what is happening at the time, and there is just more negative than positive to talk about right now.
“a few heads need to roll to get the attention of everyone else.”
those heads wouldn’t roll to far… they’d be left on base like everyone else.
Happy to see that the only one who read my tome is a Red Sox troll!
Well it just goes to show they still want to hang out with Yankee fans.
“Brandon
Wait he knows the name Austin Jackson. Who told him? Usually he doesn’t know of a player till they come up and do well.”
IDK who told him, but fatboy needs to get his name away from his mind. Knowing him he’ll demand for him to be traded or rushed.
As for who to bring up for the OF John Rodriguez is a good option but a guy earning it right now is Eric Duncan. YES THAT ERIC DUNCAN.
Burnett had a chance to stop the bleeding and failed.
Mariano is going to blown a few saves a year. He has picked up the team so many times, we needed someone to pick him up.
Burnett let Varitek beat him. Embarrassing. Though not as embarrassing as Ellsbury stealing home.
The team just beat us in every way imaginable this weekend.
The Angels have been hurt by injuries this year. Most of their rotation is on the DL. They lost a pitcher to a horrible accident. Then, their best hitter went on the DL. But they’re not panic stricken. They brought up some kids and they’re just going to keep playing. The Yanks always try to just throw money at every problem, because they can. Other teams don’t have the luxury to do that, so they trust their players, and their coaches and their scouts. Maybe the Yanks need to do the same.
This year, more than ever, teams will be studying the Yankees system all year, waiting for the chance to dump their old, expensive players on us and get some of our young, cheap prospects in return.
Let things play out. Tex will get hot, CC will get hot, ARod will be back. And we’ll roll. Just give it time.
m
April 28th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Be glad that we at least have Hughes and Melancon to plug in right now.
————
Indeed, and that’s not a fluke, that’s a product of a plan in place to have pitching depth.
I’d prefer it there than anywhere else. This is a credit to Cashman.
“That steal was on Pettitte.”
LHP back turned w/ the defense playing back, that’s on Georgy he’s the one that is suppose to look off and give Pettite the sign to throw or fake to 3B.
I actually enjoy reading your comments and look for them, for what it’s worth.
Cora is not in the majors for 10 years because of his bat.
His glove and the ability to play 3 INF positions, certainly a lot better than Ransom or Berroa, is why he is still in the game.
So, quoting is BA is a pretty meaningless stat.
It would be a major developmental mistake to call up Austin Jackson anytime prior to September.
I don’t care what his stats are, the kid needs more development time.
He is still working on hitting curveballs and off speed pitches.
IMO, if they call him up now, you set him back.
If they need a CF, trade one of 1,000 pitchers on the 40 man for a serviceable veteran.
Leave Austin in AAA and let him continue to develop.
S.A.–Honk if you hate hobbits
April 28th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Francesa mentioned AJax?
I’m surprised he even knows who he is
====
Lol. When George Kind knows who a prospect is, the cat’s officially out of the bag.
‘They just have to be better at it. If not, there will be a whole new regime getting their crack at it after this season.
sj44-
i said in the winter that this summer was the last shot for the present management. intuitively, i didn’t like how they were going about things. i looked at it as the same old ,same old. when they signed the big names and rolled out the nice rotation i thought maybe i might be wrong.
let me just say if you want your nephew to reach his full potential make sure he goes to the rays or the twins, but definitely not the yankees.
there are building blocks in place for this team to get good fast. the first thing to do is fire the “ceo” , put in someone new and get some fresh thoughts and ideas.
the yankees have become the General Motors of baseball.
time for a change.today is not too soon.
Mariano picks the absolute worst time to blow his saves in the regular season and playoffs.
Why can’t he just blow a game to the Royals or something in June?
George King, that is
Posada doesn’t seem to have his head in the game these days.
13.1 m/year should be enough to keep you focused on winning.
This is it for Hughes!! haha
The Diet Coke machine never fails to make me laugh
tex’s friend,
Good point. But some people seem to enjoy wallowing in misery. And take great joy out of being Captain Obvious. I’m not talking about anyone in particular, but jeez get a grip.
I guess I’m just not so vested in this team that I let it affect my general outlook in life.
Someone told Francessa at noon who Austin Jackson is
All started with Rivera’s homerun to Bay on Friday.
———————–
It all started in the 2004 playoffs up 3-0.
I have to admit yesterday was the first game that i could have watched and purposely avoided. Sometimes you need to just step back and remember its just a game. For some of us its easier said than done.
Im not sure why everyone is panicking though. Arod is on his way back. Hughes will pitch well enough to win tonight. and most importantly.
WE HAVNT STARTED 11-18 YET.
BTW Gardner as iv mentioned since winter = podsednic. All speed but cant steal first.
“He crashed into a ‘metal’ wall, not exactly sure how you can brace yourself for it.”
===================================
Well thats the thing…you can’t exactly brace yourself for running into anything, but I believe there are ways to reduce the impact considerably. However, to do so, it requires one to have a semblance of coordination, which Johnny Damon is not.
Listen, I’m not sayin’…I’m just sayin’.
JOJO – you mean the last place Angels who have a worse record then the Yankees.
The demoralization started with two outs in the bottom of the ninth of Friday – no question.
“Indeed, and that’s not a fluke, that’s a product of a plan in place to have pitching depth.
I’d prefer it there than anywhere else. This is a credit to Cashman.”
there is always the latest plan or new dream on the horizon .
Nady’s out, Damon’s playing hurt, Swish is merely an average OF, and Melky/Gardner are 4th OF’s. Damon never had a good arm in the first place, now it’s hurt. Swisher/Gardner/Melky aren’t great hitters, and weren’t touted as such going in. There was a lot of ‘if they can step up’ talk going on, but any of them pulling a Brosius at the plate was never a given. Matsui’s knees were in doubt enough for him to be listed as a DH (and not as an OF) going into the season. Good teammates & characters or not, we have a weak outfield and that’s a big prob.
Nady was the only OF without a glaring weakness (though he’s still not an all-star) but he ended up being the one of the five OF’s (or six if you count Matsui) to go down with a serious injury.
This coming trade deadline and off season will see the OF addressed the way the starting rotation was addressed this past off season.
The only OF’s producing reasonably well at the plate now are Matsui (actually DH) & Damon. Damon can’t throw, and Matsui can’t run. As SJ pointed out, if the rest of the team’s not hitting well when A-Rod comes back, A-Rod will just get pitched around and his impact will be less. Contrary to popular belief, he can’t do it all himself. Having Tiexiera there will help, but it’s still hard to overcome a handful of guys who aren’t really producing.
Every team has injuries.
Boston lost a guy who won 18 games with a 2.75 ERA and his replacement has been flawless. They lost their starting SS and replaced him with Nick Green and he is hitting over .300.
Brad Penny is 2-0 (and the Sox have won all 3 of his starts) and if you take out his Baltimore game, he has pitched well.
Why are we the only team that falls off a cliff when there are injuries?
Not to say that I’m not grouchy after a loss. Just saying that I’m still a glass half-full kind of person, even if this team currently is a mess.
S.O.S,
Correct. What is happening now is just a byproduct of 2004. The two franchises went on complete opposite courses following that disaster. They have become us and we have become them– a team that just can’t get over the hump and seems plagued by bad luck.
Can we just steal Milledge from Washington. I mean while his price level is down.
Another one of those mysteries that’ll never be solved. How Penny is 2-0, with 3 wins in his starts with a 7+ ERA.
there is always the latest plan or new dream on the horizon .
show me some results.
if it’s going to take time then blow it up and start over so it all comes together at the same time.
i could respect that.
but spending a fortune to have a team that underachieves.
i don’t respect that.
“Correct. What is happening now is just a byproduct of 2004. The two franchises went on complete opposite courses following that disaster. They have become us and we have become them—a team that just can’t get over the hump and seems plagued by bad luck.”
Wow, how insightful.
The Yankees losing 4 straight to Boston in 2004 is the reason Nick Green is hitting .300.
Wow.
SJ – Serious point about catching prospects as that seems (after RHP) to be the place of most opportunity in the Yankees org.
Some have said that Cervelli is one of the best defensive catchers in the minors.
They have converted guys to catcher like Anson who is pretty decent.
They have the twin tandem of Romine and Montero (2 hrs today and hitting almost .400) in Tampa.
They have Weems and Higashoaka lower down.
Should we be worried that these guys will all be obliterated before they get to NY.
Everyone complains about age etc. When the Yankees keep Cervelli who replaces Molina soon to get younger that is a problem because the 40 man judgment isn’t farsighted enough.
The Yankees played this offseason as perfectly as could be with signing the best available pitching talent, and the top position player. They got younger. They got rid of older players. They will get rid of older players after this year (bye bye Damon and Matsui). It cannot be done immediately.
The farm is significantly better than in years past and the talent is creeping closer to NY. This does not change overnight.
Sorry but Cora over Ransom as a BACKUP to a hall of famer is not something you regret with hindsight.
Hunter Jones is developed ?
Yankee fans.
What would surprise you most:
1. 95 wins by this team
2. Girardi is fired by June
3. Matsui avoids the DL all season
4. The Yankees finish 2 games over .500
Randy,
As a catcher yourself, you will appreciate his weekend at Duke.
First game, hits a bomb, walked twice and throws out 2 runners. The pitching staff couldn’t throw a strike, 210 pitches, 11 walks, and 5 HR’s allowed in a 3 1/2 hour night game.
Second game, 1 pm day game, 90 degrees, takes a bat off the back of the head on a backswing in the 4th inning. In the 8th inning, he takes one off the cup and breaks the cup. You know you are living large when you spend Saturday night in Durham, NC looking for another cup so he can play on Sunday! They lose again.
Third day: First inning, 3-2 pitch, takes one off the right hand and it pins against the bat. They think he has a fracture in it but, he insists on playing. In the 8th inning, he hits a 430ft bomb to tie the game and they win in 11 innings. Another game behind the plate in 90 degree heat.
Yesterday is spent getting X-Rays and CT scans on the hand. Thankfully, no break. Not sure if he is going to be in the lineup today.
After this weekend, I really have some regrets about buying him his first set of catching equipment at age 11. Makes me think I failed him in some way1 lol
We need a complete player at utility, if defense is all we needed then we have that in Pena who I would wager is a better defender than Cora.
If we had signed Cora to be the backup backup or straight backup for 2 million and he came in with his no power and 3 walks .150 batting average in a months worth of play you’d be talking about some other agent you knew and what great player we were missing out on.
Not getting Cora is just a non-starter.
When is Ben Sheets ready to pitch?
We need to sign him. That would be like making a trade for an ace pitcher.
——————————
Didnt he already sign with Texas? It would be exactly like trading for an ACE pitcher. Texas would have to want to trade him.
Well Grand Papi, I am tempted to say that makes you someone with good sense and great objectivity, because my posts are obviously not for the weak nor for classic knee jerkers!
no one here should let this ruin their outlook on life, but if we didnt care and just sat back, we’d be the marlins or the royals fans, or jays fans, selling 1000 seats a game with no money to afford these expensive players.
Just have too many guys like Damon-Posada-Matsui who can’t play everyday, banged up often, can’t run much anymore, don’t play defense. You can even throw Jeter into that mix except he isin’t injury prone. We are essentially a team full of over 30 DHs. Swisher is a .240 hitter without a position, no speed, and million strikeouts and killed rallies.
Need some youth and fresh legs. Explosive players. Guys who can be 2-way players. Not a guy like Gardner who is a track star with no skill.
Sheets didn’t sign with Texas. He is using the Rangers rehab facility to rehab but, has not signed with the Rangers.
8-51 with RISP during this losing streak
And this team is 1-14 with the bases loaded on the year, dead last in every RISP category for the year.
Mop Up — #1 would surprise me somewhat, but #3 would be most surprising.
Almost as frightening as the Swine Flu is the RISP Flu, which has struck the entire Yankee squad and has persisted for over a year now, with no signs of abatement. Researchers are searching desperately for a cure.
V
April 28th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
“Correct. What is happening now is just a byproduct of 2004. The two franchises went on complete opposite courses following that disaster. They have become us and we have become them—a team that just can’t get over the hump and seems plagued by bad luck.”
Wow, how insightful.
The Yankees losing 4 straight to Boston in 2004 is the reason Nick Green is hitting .300.
Wow.
=========
There are others touting this crap on here.
We’ve basically become the Jets
There are no “complete” utility players.
Alex Cora is a better player than either Ransom or Berroa. That is an undeniable fact.
Not signing him was a money decision. In essence, they decided for a little over a million dollars more, they were better off with Ransom and Berroa.
That decision has turned out to be incorrect.
Not a season alterning decision mind you. Just another incorrect player evaluation that has cost them games this month.
If it was an isolated instance, no big deal. But, along with the 40 man roster issues, its just another example of making the wrong calls on baseball issues to the detriment of the franchise. That ain’t good, regardless of the month it occurs.
i will say one thing. this yankee team will not be playing the way they are now later in the year. they will of course get better , but they have shown nothing that can make anyone think they will excel and overachieve.
they can go through the motions and they will get better, but there’s no indication there’s any drive to excel as part of the present team culture. they’re good ,they’re rich, they play. if they win , they win, if they don’t, they don’t and it’s no one’s fault.
time for a change. real leadership is needed form someone who simply knows how to win.
Article on Hughesie:
http://www.nj.com/yankees/inde....._impr.html
Crow — we’ve been saying that for a long time, but the team is what it is; and, a number of the older folks are going to be with us for a while. Athleticism is hardly a trademark of this team.
SJ44 – brief writeup, but here’s a quick analysis of college catchers in the draft: http://www.redreporter.com/200.....e-catchers
86w183
April 28th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
GB 7—-
As usual, you make no suggestions. Is it because you have no ideas or you’re afraid some jerk will misrepresent your ideas and insult you unfairly?
I believe Grudzielanek or Durham would be far better than Ransom or Berroa at 3B. Catalanotto is at least a comperable OF to Damon or Swisher and a solid, professional hitter.
I don’t want any of them starting, necessarily. I just want veterans with something left in the tank on the bench instead of the sludge that’s there now.
————————————————————
What good are any of them if they don’t fill a need on the team/ NYY needs a backup middle infielder/third baseman for the short term. What is it that you don’t understand that none of those three fill that position? There are few if any short term players for fill it that are available? NYY had a chance to get Teahen or Cora this off season. They also never looked into getting a Derosa type player when the Cubs were moving him. NYY could have topped that deal. They didn’t do it. Izturis was on the market most of the spring. Right now, only Chris Gomez is available that would be acceptable
I too believe this team will play a lot better at some point in the season.
However, there are some issues that just don’t seem to go away.
The lack of hitting with RISP and with the bases loaded being very high on the list.
Its going to be interesting to see how they fix some things.
Right now, with Damon hurting, they don’t have an OF on the major league roster capable of being an above average ML hitter. That’s pretty scary.
April or not, they are going to have to address some of these issues.
If they stay in denial, like they did last year with the offense, this team is going to have a hard time this year.
I hope Hughes comes up big today. If he does, and can be a guy to depend on in the rotation, that would be a BIG help.
SJ:
Your nephew playing for Duke??? Is Alex Hassan still down there playing for them. Have a young cousin who played with him in high school in the Boston area.
Teahen is a super sub now, and Derosa is a starter coming off of a career year. Of course we should have traded for them.
You guys make me laugh.
SJ,
What is your nephews name? Id like to follow his career. Seems like he has the right makeup to make it to the dance. Have you discussed bein his personal agent yet?
Trisha -
I read your tome!
You know for the most part, I’m in your camp of realistic positivism.
SJ44 -
When you say a player needs to have HOF talent to get through the Yankees system, do you mean they have to be talented enough to make it on their own because they’re not going to improve further once they get to the Yankees system, OR do you mean unless you have HOF talent you’re not going to get to the major league level with the Yankees? It was an interesting statement.
And you also said they’ve improved a lot. So what would they need to improve further – is it personnel or philosophy or technology or some combination?
And their system did produce an excellent core of players at one time (Jeter, et al). What was different then, besides Gene Michaels?
The sponsor message from Melky’s player page on baseball reference:
“Oh, what you, Leche, could have been. With only 280 ABs in AAA they wasted all your options before your 24th birthday. Bernie got 468 ABs in AAA and almost two full seasons in AA. Hopefully you find a chance to develop as a hitter.”
And despite all that, he’s currently 7th in OPS among all AL outfielders.
SJ — excellent point on this outfield’s offensive productivity. I’m sure it’s in the bottom three in all of baseball.
SJ..we get it, you like Alex Cora…..
I wouldnt have signed him for 2 mill either..
SJ44 – Just checked a couple other writeups – it’s looking like he might be the top catcher in the draft this year. I’m seeing projected 2nd round a few places.
“The two franchises went on complete opposite courses following that disaster. They have become us and we have become them—a team that just can’t get over the hump and seems plagued by bad luck.”
i don’t think that’s a crazy thing to say. it’s becoming more and more obvious cashman can’t keep up with epstein.
and the guys down in tampa did a number on epstein last year.
the yankees are playing catch up and they really need to just make the change. move on. get a new leader.
Thanks for the heads up V!
Brian Bruney should knock Francesa in the mouth. It really is getting to ho-ing him to the BP now.
“i don’t think that’s a crazy thing to say. it’s becoming more and more obvious cashman can’t keep up with epstein.
and the guys down in tampa did a number on epstein last year.
the yankees are playing catch up and they really need to just make the change. move on. get a new leader.”
And for Randy Levine to admit this is quite telling
Just having some fun — I know you’re not THAT Randy.
“There are no “complete” utility players.
=======================
I take offense to that SJ. What about Wilson Betemit.
Heh heh. Sorry, I couldnt resist.
SJ44 no offense but if you’re half as important as you think you are you wouldn’t be wasting your time on this blog and would actually be doing things that important people, such as yourself, should be doing. So get out of mommy’s basement and go deliver the papers on your route before old man higgins next door calls to complain.
If you were so smart and important you’d stop flip flopping on what the yankees need to do from one week to the next – based on if they win the next 3 games or not….
I can see it now. If Hughes does not pitch well enough to get the win, “Yankee Fans” will beg for him to be sent back to the minors with a quickness.
We have lost 4 in a row, but I am not worried yet. A-Rod is coming back probably on the 8th. Just in time to inject some offense into the line-up and get our team back on track.
In the meantime, playing approx .500 would be just fine.
when the country sucks for 4 years we don’t leave the same guy in charge.
why are the yankees any different ?
Fatboy: “Joba has no life”
“And for Randy Levine to admit this is quite telling Just having some fun—I know you’re not THAT Randy.”
some randy’s give other randy’s a bad name
The only available utility infielder worth looking into right now is Chris Gomez, who’s a free agent. He can hit some, and he plays decent defense at all for infield spots and left field.
John Rodriquez :
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.....pid=431138
I’m just using Alex Cora as an example. I’m not saying they definitely should have signed him.
I’m saying that not signing him over a little over a million dollar difference over Ransom/Berroa is as nonsensical as not giving the scouts and support personnel World Series Rings in 2000. It doesn’t make any sense.
My nephew plays for Boston College. In fact, Alex Hassan is the guy who hit him on Sunday! lol
He’s a good kid and didn’t mean it….just one of those things.
V,
That’s pretty much what he (myself and his advisors) are hearing. First 3 rounds for sure, hopefully first 2 rounds.
But, as with any draft, you never know. We are just taking it day by day and looking for him to finish strong these last 2 weeks of the season.
Randy, The Yankees have sucked for 8 years (eg. No WS trip)
randy l -
In the post game last night I saw something from both Teixeira and CC that raised my eyebrows a bit. Annoyance. Annoyance at how things are going now. CC would not give credit to Ordonez for hitting a mistake pitch. Teixeira’s whole demeanor was annoyed, in my opinion. He said, “Good at bats don’t do anyone any good.” I thought that was a far cry from something we usually hear: “We had some good at-bats, but he was dominating.”
Perhaps the next wave of spokepeople/team leaders for this team are a reason to be optimistic.
I thought the guys in Tampa are sooo smart.
The Rays have not been nearly as decimated with injuries and at last check are still behind the Yankees in the standings.
They are the only team to follow. If the Yankees stay ahead of Tampa they will be in the playoffs. No one else is of any consideration.
Hey, speaking of Randys and utility players, one of my all-time favorites was Randy Velarde. I heard he might have been implicated in the steroid scandal. I really enjoyed his versatility, professionalism, and approach to the game.
kick SJ44 out
April 28th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
SJ44 no offense but if you’re half …..
no offense? I’m pretty sure you mean “all offense intended”
You better be prepared, randy l, Levine might come after you. randy l? Undermining Cashman at every turn. Hey! What’s your last name?
Since my mother died in 1993, I’m pretty far removed from mommy’s basement.
I don’t think I’m important at all. Just someone who writes on the blog, like everybody else in here.
I’m also not a gutless little twerp issuing orders to leave this place when you have no power to do so.
If you don’t like the opinions, challenge them or don’t read them.
But, don’t take this the wrong way, I’m not going anywhere so, you are just going to have to deal with opinions you don’t like.
Don’t worry, you will survive.
Since my mother died in 1993, I’m pretty far removed from mommy’s basement.
I don’t think I’m important at all. Just someone who writes on the blog, like everybody else in here.
I’m also not a gutless little twerp issuing orders to leave this place when you have no power to do so.
If you don’t like the opinions, challenge them or don’t read them.
But, don’t take this the wrong way, I’m not going anywhere so, you are just going to have to deal with opinions you don’t like.
Don’t worry, you will survive.
April 28th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
“And for Randy Levine to admit this is quite telling Just having some fun—I know you’re not THAT Randy.”
some randy’s give other randy’s a bad name
————————————————————
I’m sure that Levine and the other Randys forgive you.
“Third day: First inning, 3-2 pitch, takes one off the right hand and it pins against the bat. They think he has a fracture in it but, he insists on playing. In the 8th inning, he hits a 430ft bomb to tie the game and they win in 11 innings. Another game behind the plate in 90 degree heat.”
i’ve played with the fractures, the balls off the cup, and the bat off the back of the head, but i don’t remember hitting the 430 ft bomb after all that.
sounds like a pretty special kid.
I swear. Someone needs to challenge Francesa to meet them under the O’Neil banner at Yankee Stadium and set him straight.
Where is our friend that wants to fight with everyone?
SJ44 –
When you say a player needs to have HOF talent to get through the Yankees system, do you mean they have to be talented enough to make it on their own because they’re not going to improve further once they get to the Yankees system, OR do you mean unless you have HOF talent you’re not going to get to the major league level with the Yankees? It was an interesting statement.
And you also said they’ve improved a lot. So what would they need to improve further – is it personnel or philosophy or technology or some combination?
And their system did produce an excellent core of players at one time (Jeter, et al). What was different then, besides Gene Michaels?
I sit here and I wonder if we’re getting to the point that players like Jeter and Posada are hurting more than helping.
I know it sounds ludicrous, but there is something that has been lingering on this team for awhile.
Could the holdovers from the dynasty years be hurting more than helping?
Do they have a lack of patience for failure so the new guys are playing tight and unable to perform? Is the specter of Jeter and Mo intimidate their new teammates?
I’m not saying I believe that, I’m just throwing it out there.
We don’t know what goes in the clubhouse, but clearly this team is getting beat. It’s the end of April (almost) and we are an under .500 team.
We’ve seen the team play poorly in April before. We’ve seen them struggle to hit with RISP. We’ve seen the pitchers struggle and force the pen to burn out early.
This is a pattern.
The next part of the pattern is a poorly played May.
Why is it happening again?
We’ve seen the mental lapses. The pressure mounting. The team meetings that are supposed to stop the nonsense.
And then the excuses come.
As a fan, I’m tired of excuses. I think with a lineup of Jeter, Damon, Tex, Swish, Cano, Posada, Matsui etc. that is more than enough to win on a daily basis.
Arod should be the cherry on top, not the whole sundae.
Cano, who I have been harsh on in the past, is playing his butt off right now and looks amazing. You think that might inspire some of the vets to step it up. Instead, they keep doing the same thing they’ve always done.
Something exists on this team that has them playing like this. There’s no urgency at times and then when there is urgency they tighten up.
I don’t think it’s fun for a lot of them. I think some of them may have a hard time adjusting to how the game is changing and how teams that normally were doormats for the Yankees are playing their tails off against the Yankees.
The Yankees need to step it up. They need to play with confidence and crush their opponents. I know that sounds very “George like” but it’s the truth.
I can hear these guys already calling it a marathon and not a sprint and telling us all it’s a long season.
The only problem is they’ve been telling us that for a seasons now and the results haven’t matched up.
We all know July will come and they will get hot and get back in it. But as we saw last season, sometimes waiting for that isn’t enough.
Cashman has to do some roster reconstruction and make some tough choices.
I don’t think there’s one player you can put the finger on. I just think it’s a team wide issue.
I guess I’m confused. Are we saying that the Yankees players don’t care about winning? I can’t say that and I won’t believe that. There is a difference between not executing and not caring. You don’t think these guys are trying?
I guess I’m confused. Are we saying that the Yankees players don’t care about winning? I can’t say that and I won’t believe that. There is a difference between not executing and not caring. You don’t think these guys are trying?
Doreen
it’s Gene Michael -we leave off the ‘s’ for “Stick”
(insert smiley face)
looks like we’re getting the version of texeira that played in the playoffs for the angels. the texeira that’s looking to walk and pass the buck down the line. so many of us lauded his .467 playoff batting average, but failed to notice that those were all singles. he is not the superstar in the making we all thought he was.
predictions for tonight……
hughes 3.1 IP / 7 ER / 5BB / 1 K
“Are we saying that the Yankees players don’t care about winning?”
Ruben Sierra once said that’s all they care about.
We talked about business models yesterday. Eventually, the Yankees need to look at limiting this endless practice of throwing huge bucks at big names and aging players. Hopefully, young talent will emerge and be augmented by mid-priced veterans. I hate to say it, but that seems to be the way Boston and Tampa Bay are doing it.
Uncle E -
I couldn’t remember! I had Michael, then Michaels, then Michael, then Michaels.
But good way to remember – leave off the “s” for Stick! Good.
Doreen, OR he’s not related to a member of WHAM!
The award for most asinine post of the day goes to….
hughes wang small chacons
Congrats kid.
I know how Tampa did it (finishing last for a lot of years), but I would be interested to find out how Boston does it – not that I’m granting that they’re the be all and end all – since they, too, have not had good ‘draft placement.’
Where are the corporate spies?? That’s where the Yankees need to begin investing their money.
wow he spells it the same way too
my bad
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....8;type=reg
As you will see on the following link, the Yankees are the fourth-worst team in all of MLB batting with runners in scoring position. Granted, this is only through 19 games which comprises less than 12% of the MLB season. But for a team with a $200 million payroll, could anyone agree that is remotely acceptable, even 12% of the way through the season?
These sportswriters, pundits and nerdy statisticians can come up with every statistic under the sun and point out every shortcoming that the Yankees have now and have had for the past several seasons. But I will save everyone the time and energy as to why the Yankees haven’t won the World Series since 2000 and haven’t performed well when they’ve made the Playoffs– They do not hit when it matters. They haven’t hit with runners in scoring position during the Playoffs the past 8 years and they aren’t even hitting well now during the regular season with men on base. They finished 17th out of 30 teams last year batting with runners in scoring position. Surprise, surprise; they missed the Playoffs.
For all of the hype about this new ballpark (which was completely unnecessary) and all of the money that they dumped on a few prized free agents– all of the spending in the world cannot hide the fact that they aren’t doing the “little things” right. The little things, which of course, mean everything in winning baseball games.
The only way Jeter is hurting this team is w/his cadaver-like range to his left.
You live w/it, since he obviously has no intention of moving off the position.
Have you ever noticed his behavior in the dugout when, on that rare occasion, his sub @SS plays well? It’s as if he’s overtly marking his territory.
“As you will see on the following link, the Yankees are the fourth-worst team in all of MLB batting with runners in scoring position. Granted, this is only through 19 games which comprises less than 12% of the MLB season. But for a team with a $200 million payroll, could anyone agree that is remotely acceptable, even 12% of the way through the season?”
Tell me the answers to the following questions:
1) Who was worst in the AL with RISP in 2008?
2) Who hit better with RISP in the World Series? Who won?
“NESN cameraman Bob Tomaselli suffered a broken orbital bone when hit by a throw from Jeter during batting practice Saturday while working for Fox.”
OUCH!
Posada got his last contract… he is mailing it in now.
Let’s get some sense of sanity here….This is a very talented ballclub..Slow starts are alarming due to the fact that in years past ( under Torre ) there was always a sense of relief knowing that eventually they will right themselves and will be playing in October…That security blanket is in LA, and having the Stadium dark last October is causing panic..Let’s get everyone back ( Alex, Nady, Wang , Bruney ) and see were the club is on May 30th…A winning streak will do wonders for the morale of all concern,including the LoHod ….GM’s spend the first 1/3 of the season finding out what they need, spend the next 1/3 obtaing those pieces, and the last 1/3 hoping it works out….This team will be fine…However Cashamn is on the clock….I always thought Torre should have had 09 as his swan season….That’s an arguement that is old news…
Tampa is 8-12. Winning the series against them proved nothing.
haha.
You know how you throw all your receipts, mail, and notes into a big pile to deal with later? Well I’m dealing with mine now, and I just came across the Yankees 2009 schedule I printed before the season started.
ESPN formats it into 4 columns, portrait-formatted.
We’re not even halfway down the first column. That’s all the perspective I need.
“hughes 3.1 IP / 7 ER / 5BB / 1 K”
Ehhhhhh.. nah the cutter will get him the ground outs, his curve ball has improved, I think he ocassional throws a slider. I think the RHBs will struggle a bit vs him.
I see
5 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, 3 BB, 3 K
“My only regret is that I can’t sit in the stands and watch me pitch.”
The team does have plenty of heart, except when there are runners on base (for our hitters AND pitchers).
Nothing you can do about that. They are just a mentally weak team. We’ve seen this for YEARS, why should it change now?
Doreen,
When I say that I mean, it seems that the guys that get through the system are guys like Jeter, Posada, Pettitte, etc. Guys with HOF level talent.
They don’t really develop guys. Especially in the last 6-8 years.
Even Wang and Cano weren’t “developed”, per se. They were called up in 2005 because the team was a mess and they were looking to shake things up. Both guys basically had to learn the nuances of the game at the major league level and that’s pretty tough to do.
Guys either flame out or don’t pan out. Its frustrating.
Some of it is, they have lost some pretty solid instructors at the lower levels of the organization in recent years. Ironically enough, many to the Rays because they didn’t want to pay these guys what they should be making.
In the past few years, things have shown improvement. I LOVE the Charleston staff. Those guys do a great job down there.
Scott Aldred in Scranton is an outstanding pitching coach.
The Staten Island staff has been in a state of flux the past few years. The Tampa staff does little for me.
Its an up and down organization when it comes to player development. It can be better.
The best thing Cashman did in the off-season was get Dr. Ahmed and revamp the medical side of the organization. That will have more positive long term effects than almost anything he did in the off-season.
In a lot of ways, the Yankees organization isn’t cutting edge. Change is a S-L-O-W thing within the organization at a lot of levels.
As a fan of the team, I’d like some things to move at a faster pace. Especially when I see the gains the Orioles (wait until folks see Matt Weiters and the pitchers they have coming), Red Sox and Rays are making in player development areas.
Its going to be a big challenge in the AL East in the next several years and you can’t continue to try and buy your way in. They have to develop their own talent. Sooner rather than later.
That’s why I don’t want to see them rush Austin Jackson. Let him spend the entire year in AAA and don’t rush him to the majors because of the issues in CF.
I remember that, Steve…..
I just don’t see how this team doesn’t care about winning. It’s frustrating to see them struggle, but unless I see proof that they aren’t trying or that they don’t want to win, I can’t get on them for that.
The new guys have done ok for the most part. Tex is always a slow starter – that’s not going to change – and he’s had the wrist injury to contend with. However, he’s still done quite well with RISP. Swish is obviously cooling off now, but he helped carry the lineup for a couple of weeks. Notwithstanding his performance on Saturday, AJ’s been good….CC has not been that good, but he’s a guy who’s had some bad Aprils in his career. Whatever “attitude” permeates the clubhouse, I don’t think it’s infecting them. It’s an interesting thought though, GL. Actually, I think the new guys like the idea that it’s win or bust. I can actually only speak to AJ because he’s repeatedly said he agrees with Jeter, but I’m sure CC and Tex feel the same. If they didn’t, they didn’t have to take the $$. They know the deal in NY…
Girardi isin’t using Marte correctly
Use him against lefties only like the Mets use Feliciano.
He loses stamina after 15 pitches. One or two big lefties in the game. Use Coke as the full innings guy.
“I’m sure that Levine and the other Randys forgive you.”
gb7
good one.
you’ve been on a roll lately.
new pharmaceuticals ? : )
Hey m, did you get my letter?
You guys are trying to pinpoint the exact point when the season turned? How about when Cody blew out his quad?
“Girardi isin’t using Marte correctly”
LOL this guy we gave away a 19 yr. that could potentially be a damn good hitter, so he better be more than a LH specialists otherwise deal him and rob talent, because he’s a waste.
dude i don’t doubt you’ve got experience but you have been talking like a whiney 12 year old the last couple of days..hence my name…
to even think that alex cora would have won us 2 or 3 extra games is ludicrous – alex f’ing cora is the answer to the yankees problems? not the starting pitching, not the bullpen but alex cora – even if arod was healthy and playing they would’ve lost those games because neither alex (cora or rodriguez) can pitch….if they were going to waste 2 million on cora wouldn’t it have been better to spend 18 million more and get a top 3 batter with RISP in the history of the game?
about the 40 man roster – yes the yankees have to clear some pitchers out of there because with cc, aj, joba and wang and hughes next year they won’t have a need for the 22 pitchers they currently have in the minors that are thisclose to pitching in the majors – the reason they don’t have any position players on the 40 man roster is because they drafted mainly pitchers – so now is a good time to start trading some of them….but a bad time to complain about them not having anyone ready – if the crystal ball cashman has on his desk would’ve told him that arod & nady were going to be out for 2 months then maybe he would’ve shaped up the 40 man roster better…if you only have pitchers who are good in the minors than you have to protect them and not put scrub position players on it…
you more than anyone else should know this and thats why you are sounding kinda inexperienced the last few days..
I don’t think anyone is saying they are not trying to win.
I think they’re just having a harder time winning and they are having a hard time adjusting to that.
I think the team psych’s itself out a lot.
How do you even try to fix that? I have no idea.
The team is pressing. George isin’t around, but his mandate still resonates with the team.
They also have the media to remind them of that. They know they play in the toughest division in baseball and the margin for error is slim. The guys who were hear last year saw how the season unfolded and they sat home in October and know another slow start is not what they need and they can’t expect the teams in front of them to collapse. They waited and waited for Tampa to fall off and they never did. The pressure of a quick start has caught up to them.
They just don’t look comfortable or loose like they did earlier. Look at how the Sox played, compare the body language. Sox are just calm and cool. Pressure is foreign to them. They have a winning mindest and nothing to prove.
SJ, what you’ve just described is why I don’t like bringing Phil Hughes. Can we let this kid develop? No – his development seems to be secondary to what the big club needs. I realize he’s had injuries, but he was rushed in 2007 (Cash said he wouldn’t be up until September at the earliest) and he’s being rushed now. How is this helpful to him at all?
Cashman, please learn how to draft a few position players instead of drafting every high ceiling pitcher.
randy l.
April 28th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
“I’m sure that Levine and the other Randys forgive you.”
gb7
good one.
you’ve been on a roll lately.
new pharmaceuticals ? : )
————————————————————
Yeah….it’s some good stuff, man. Far out. Look at all of the pretty colors.
hardwired,
Yes! I finally got it. Your handwriting is so bad, it went to my neighbor, n.
CC has pitched well considering he usually tanks in April.
He is the least of our problems. He may be the only starter I have confidence in to carry us the entire year.
Joba has a 3.91 ERA.
Better than CC, better than $82 million Burnett, better than Wang. And better than any reliever not named MO/Bruney.
He isin’t pretty, but he has limited the damage.
“Cashman, please learn how to draft a few position players instead of drafting every high ceiling pitcher.”
Umm…CJ Henry saids Hi. That’s why they went high ceiling SP better, because you get something for your #1 pick. High end position players are a gamble. Didn’t the Padres draft someone #1 overall pos. player and how did that turn out ?
Thanks, SJ44.
It does amaze me that the Yankees are not cutting edge in every facet of their business. They certainly have the resources.
It’s encouraging that they’re making improvements, but it would be nice if they could speed it up. You wonder where the hesitation is coming from – for some reason I don’t think it’s Cashman. And actually, it makes sense that it’s been a little slow in coming because of the transition from George to his sons, and the emphasis on building the new stadium (probably for George).
The image that comes to mind is people who buy a McMansion, but have those paper shades on the windows and no furniture inside. I would hope the Yankees are not that badly set up.
As a fan, you probably want your nephew (a part of you, that is) to be a part of the organization you’re a fan of, but you seem like you’re a smart and well-informed guy and it sounds like we won’t be cheering for your nephew (as a Yankee) in coming years.
Betsy – agreed. I would have liked to see Hughes get about 4-6 more starts to really develop the change.
I forgot where I saw the interview after his last start, but he had his fastball location, curve going well, slider coming around and then change on and off.
I really hope he can continue to throw the change. If that ever comes around he will be special.
The team wants to win so badly, they are pressing.
This group has never handled pressure well. The only new guy we brought in who has faced any pressure in his career has been CC.
They just don’t look comfortable right now.
Betsy,
I share your concern about Hughes, but sooner or later we have to cease with excuses on his behalf.
Injuries are injuries…they are a bummer, but they happened to Phil and he has to bounce back. All indications say that he is healthy right now and teh Yankees need a starter. He is teh best option they have.
I will have to agree that this may be Hughes’s last chance. If he gets 3-4 starts over the next few weeks and does not perform decently, it will only be a matter of time until he is shipped away.
i have a thought.
if cashman is an untouchable and irremovable, and rooting against him is rooting against the yankees, i think we just need to call the yankees the New York Cashmans.
i have to admit i’m conflicted. i can smell blood in the water with cashman. a few more problems and sayonara brian. so close.
unfortunately, i really like hughes and think he just might be ready this time around. i’ d rather have waited till summer fro him to come up, but he actually may be ready now.
unfortunately, that ‘ll give cashman a reprieve.
gotta root for hughes though.
As far as Hughes is concerned, at some point, you have to see what the kid can do. If not, you have the pitching version of Eric Duncan. A career non-propsect, regardless of minor league stats.
Phil can pitch well at this level right now. He doesn’t have to be an all star out of the gate.
If he can give them representative outings and keep the team in the game, that’s a BIG step in his development.
Much bigger than just owning AAA hitters.
Is it a lot of pressure? I don’t think so.
CC, AJ and Pettitte have the pressure on the staff now. Phil Hughes does not.
He just has to trust his stuff, attack the hitters, and let it fly. If he does that, he will get the job done.
Yanks will be fine……Do remember some of these postings and remember who wrote them…..I’m on the record, they’ll be playing deep into October….Think Halloween time
Hughes tonight.. I’m thinking 6 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 7 K
SJ44,
I think that bit about Hughes was well-spoken.
Solid innings, keep em in the game, let the offense earn their paychecks.
Pat M.,
I honestly think your optimism is what people on here truly need. It is only April after all.
Plenty of times to patch up the team and get everyone healthy and playing up to their career norms.
Phil just needs to keep us in the game.
Though, right now that might mean a complete game shutout with the way the Yankees are (not) scoring runs.
Mad Prince, that would hardly be fair to Phil. The Yankees would have left him in AAA if they could have afforded to – he’s not up here because he’s ready, he’s up here because he’s the best available option. I certainly don’t think they’re going to give up on him if he doesn’t pitch well…
Good point, SJ. I have a lot of faith in his ability and makeup – I think the Yankees would just be happy if he kept the team in his games.
The fact that Steven Jackson did not throw a single pitch will be fodder for years to come.
In essence, the Yanks were playing w/a 24-man roster for this entire period. That’s just not sound management in an aggressive league like this.
He’s become a meme.
Any player who is called up from this point forward, and sees no action, gets ‘Steven Jacksoned’.
3:00 pm & it’s raining again. Hoping the game won’t be called.
“You wonder where the hesitation is coming from – for some reason I don’t think it’s Cashman.”
doreen-
..and i have an unwavering hunch it is cashman.
you have to admit i’m not wishy washy about it or inconsistent.
don’t get me wrong . i think there’s a place for him in baseball.
he would be perfect for an opposing gm.
it appears we have conficting hunches.
actually i might like him staying in charge of the yankees because he’s making me look smart with me saying he’s so bad. every year that goes by he’s proving me right.
three or four years from now if he stays in charge, i’ll be a certified genius
( gb7- i realize that’s an easy fast ball right down the middle)
It’s so easy to call for the wolves when things are a little rough…Not so fashionable to stay with what you believe….It’s been a spotty 20 game stretch, but there’s another 7 20 game stretches to come…A nice 15-5 will restore the lost faith
Randy l-
Surprise, surprise!
The reason I think it might not be Cashman is because I think he does see Boston and does see at least some of what’s going on up there. I think he wants to change things, and started to. I think he meets with resistance from the office guys – you know who. And I do think they put everything on a back burner to get this stadium done.
I’d be happy if they didn’t have the other randy l around. I also don’t trust the other guy who says he hasn’t take a vacation with his family in way too many years – it ruins your perspective to be so bound to your employer.
“Yanks will be fine……Do remember some of these postings and remember who wrote them…..I’m on the record, they’ll be playing deep into October….Think Halloween time”
pat m-
if there is a yankee team playing then , i don’t think it’ll be the same players and coaches we’re seeing now.
hughes though could be one of the changes for the better. it’ll be interesting seeing him pitch tonight.
Randy I, ( The Original Tin Cup ) Agreed, I think the current group has until lets say Memorial Day to right the ship….Until people get healthy they have some time…But all are on the clock…
Pat M:
I bet my buddy in DC an over/under on whether or not Girardi would still be the manager on Memorial Day… I took the over. I wonder…
randy l.
April 28th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
“You wonder where the hesitation is coming from – for some reason I don’t think it’s Cashman.”
( gb7- i realize that’s an easy fast ball right down the middle)
————————————————————
Go to Hell, Randy. I’ve already wasted my best material on you.
pat m-
i feel the yankees need some billy martin like ass kicking to shake things up.
if i were the manager i would have taken both pettitte and posada out of the game before the next pitch after ellsbury stole home as a signal that two veterans can’t let that happen.
that was an embarrassment that should have never happened.
and with two core veterans yet.
talltenor, That 15-5 streak I spoke of better start soon for you to win……Yanks took a hit when Torre left…He took Bowa and Mattingly with him
Pat M,
I hear ya. Cano sure looked lost last year, w/o Bowa riding him. And the Dodgers are doing well, so far. I don’t believe in coincidences, myself.
Randy, That steal of home resenated all over over the country..
Randy, That steal of home resenated all over over the country..
randy
I figured out why some of your posts have me scratching my head. To many hits from the backswing.
let’s count the live bats currently in the lineup:
Cano
am I forgetting anyone???
during this time of year, I generally gauge how well the Yanks are doing by my drink of choice.
If all is well, I’m laying low w/a couple of Sierra Nevada pale ales.
tonight, It’s boilermakers (featuring my old pal, Jim Beam).
i think minka kelly exploiting derek in public is taking a strain. her new show has her playing a woman from michigan. and she runs around new york city in a yankees cap so the press can follow her. go back to california with that press-whore mentality. how can he concentrate on work when he has to be her publicity. she’s like a curse to the yankees as long as she’s around it all goes down. goldigger.yuck!
in my opiniom minka kelly is the reason derek can’t lead his team to victory!