Furlough Week Mailbag
Posted by: Sam Borden - Posted in Misc on May 22, 2009 
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A few things before we get started:
1. Pete did not quit. He did not resign. He did not take a job as the guy who cleans Springsteen’s guitar every night (though I’m sure he’s probably considered it at various points). He’s just on furlough, which every Gannett employee (including me) has had to do. Rest easy; he will return to your daily consciousness on Monday.
2. This mailbag post is long. Very long. So, if that’s not your particular brand of vodka, I apologize. It’s actually your fault, though, since the number of emails I received was considerable. More emails equals more words. It’s a vicious cycle.
So here we go. You ask, I answer. The first-ever Furlough Week Mailbag. For everyone’s sake – including my paycheck’s – let’s hope there doesn’t have to be a second.
John writes: My question for you is whether Melky got a pie in the face of shaving or whipped cream? He seemed to be rubbing his eyes a little too much for the whipped variety.
Sources tell me it was whipped. Actually, knowing how much of a health nut Girardi is, it wouldn’t surprise me if he forces Burnett to use low-fat Cool Whip in the future.
Steve writes: I’ve noticed that Nick Swisher always looks “toward heaven” as he readies for each pitch. Is there some reason for that?
It’s to recognize his grandmother, who raised him, Betty Lorraine Swisher. She passed away from brain cancer in 2005. He also has her initials tattooed on his chest. On the bottom of his bat handles, he has her initials and his grandfather’s initials, and usually kisses the handle as he walks to the plate. In a story in the Daily News, Swisher was quoted as saying, “A lot of people ask me if I’m looking up at the sky, but the one thing that really helped me get through the tough times of losing those two were to give them the best seats in the house. In my mind, that’s the top of the stadium. At Yankee Stadium, it’s actually the top of the (scoreboard screen), so I visualize them sitting there, watching me play. I know they’re cheering for me. I just wish they could be here in person to see all this.”
Ryan (among others) writes: When Molina and Posada are healthy what is going to happen to Cervelli? Do you think there is a chance they would carry 3 catchers? Moving forward do you think Cervelli will be the backup catcher next year since Molina is in the final year of his contract? What about making Posada mostly a DH next year and having Cervelli catch most games?
I think it’s a stretch to make any long-term predictions about Cervelli at this point – remember, as good as he’s been (and he’s been very good), he’s still only had 36 big-league at-bats in his entire career. That said, I do think carrying three catchers would be a good idea for the Yankees, especially if Posada may have to DH with any kind of regularity. Being able to pinch-hit (or run) and still have a catcher on the bench would make late-game decisions a lot easier for Girardi.
Sean writes: I’ve read a lot about the new stadium (and been to one game myself) but I still haven’t heard anything about whether or not the Yankees have changed their oft-draconian bag/purse/backpack policy and their ridiculous “solution” of renting lockers at the nearby bowling alley. Any word on this?
Sean, I checked with a Yankee rep and was told the bag policy at the new stadium is the same as before. I was also referred to this link that lays out all the rules. Here’s one I didn’t know: You’re allowed to bring in your own bottled water. If I were a fan, I’d rather buy a bottle for a buck on the street versus five bucks inside. But that’s just me.
Adam writes: For the Yankees to win the AL East, do they need to take the Chuck Norris or Jack Bauer approach? Chuck Norris is more of the loud roundhouse-kick to your face while Jack Bauer is the covert, suddenly shooting at you and then strangling 40 terrorists all of a sudden. The obvious, in your face, ever-present Chuck Norris? Or the suddenly resurgent Jack Bauer that comes like a storm and overtakes his opponents?
Great question, Adam. I’d say Chuck Norris is the better bet in the AL East, though in less-stacked divisions like the AL Central I think a Jack Bauer will end up doing the trick (you could even make the argument that the Minnesota Twins were Jack Bauer before Jack Bauer even existed). It’s also worth noting that I’m fairly sure some Yankees fans would prefer the team go “Rambo” style over either of the two options you mentioned.
Grant writes: Dave Eiland has escaped virtually any criticism from the Yankees early poor pitching performances. … How is Eiland wearing teflon? Do we have a pitching coach problem?
Well, at this point, I’d say the pitching has certainly gotten a lot better. But even beyond that, I look at Eiland as behind Girardi on the watch list; to me, the manager in this situation will be on the hot-seat before the pitching coach. Of course, at this point, in the midst of a 10-game winning streak, talking about anybody going anywhere seems a little silly. BTW, in the earlier Steinbrenner days, is there any doubt that Eiland would have been gone a month ago? The way things are now, though, I think he’s safe (and doing a fine job).
Joe writes: Since you’re doing such a great job filling in for Peter Abraham this week, I’m dedicating this brief “Sam the Butcher” clip to you.
Anyway, congratulations, and keep up the good work!
PS: My original thought was to send you a clip of Sam from Diff’rent Strokes, but I couldn’t find an appropriate YouTube clip. The clips were all strange. I wouldn’t want you to think I’m a weirdo or anything.
Uh … why would I think that?
Ron writes: Is there any reason against using Joba in the bullpen when the Yankees begin the post-season?
The only one I can think of is that they want to use him as their fourth starter because Wang still isn’t right. Otherwise, I’d have no problem with it — and I’m someone who thinks that, for the longterm, Joba should absolutely be a starter.
Sean writes: Is it just me or are players too nice to opposing players? Sure, every once and awhile they’ll be a bench-clearing brawl or a a temper flare between pitcher and batter but, overall, it seems like every time I turn around a player gets a hit and is laughing with the opposing fielder instead of talking trash. It seems to me that the rivalry is more important to the fans than it is to the players. Any chance we are ever going to go back to the good old days of Thurman Munson and Fisk? Why is everyone so nice to each other!?
I tell you, Sean, it’s such a shame how everyone is so nice these days. We need more anger in this world!
Seriously, though, I have no problem with players being friendly with each other. One of the downsides of free-market pro sports is the movement from team-to-team by players, and these days most veterans have gotten to know a high number of their colleagues from around the league. Chatting at first base shouldn’t be seen as being disloyal.
Martin writes: Why do hitters so often take a 3-0 pitch but swing at a 3-1 pitch? Isn’t the 3-0 pitch (maybe a get-it-over fastball) usually a better pitch than the 3-1 pitch? Wouldn’t the same reasons apply to not swinging at the 3-1 that were in place for not swinging at the 3-0? Especially with runner(s) on and 2 outs, wouldn’t it be better for a batter to be at 3-2, so the runner(s) can get a running start (if the batter hasn’t already walked)?
I’m with you, Martin, this is one of those things that I’ve never liked. Especially if you’re a good hitter, why are you taking 3-and-0? It’s the best pitch you’ll see all day! The risk that you might pop-up is far outweighed by the reward of you crushing a meatball 500 feet. I also always thought hitters like Mike Piazza, who ALWAYS took the first pitch, should have changed it up more often since pitchers often threw a cookie right down the middle on the first pitch just to get ahead. Crush the first pitch on to a LaGuardia runway once or twice and suddenly you might get ahead 1-and-0 a little more often.
Eric writes: Do you think Torre and the Yankees will ever patch things up?
I certainly hope so, Eric. For a team that values its history as much as the Yankees say they do, it’s the height of pettiness to hold a grudge against how Torre’s career here ended. Say what you want about him, but he did bring four championships here and was a part of one of the franchise’s greatest eras. He can’t be ignored.
Jake writes: Don’t you find some merit in the argument that every time a Yankee pitcher has a pop fly sail out of the park he (or his replacement) then has to pitch to another batter? Don’t you think those scenarios will build up over 81 games to make every pitcher’s arm that much more tired?
I do find some merit in that, Jake, and you’re not the only person to make that point. I just think it’s not as big a deal as people are making it out to be. Are there issues that come with a park playing smaller? Of course there are. But having a lot of home runs hit doesn’t make the park a disgrace or a travesty; it just makes it a park where home runs are hit. And, let’s not forget, I also said I think it’s still too early to be putting permanent labels on the new Stadium. Fans often criticize the media for being in a “rush to judge” something or someone; don’t turn around and do the same thing here.
Brendan writes: What do you think will happen to Johnny Damon after this season ends? Do people think he would accept a two-year deal, and that the Yanks would offer a two-year deal?
It’s pretty amazing how often players who are in a contract year perform, isn’t it? Give Johnny credit – if he keeps up this pace, he’s going to make it hard for the Yankees not to try and bring him back. That said, he’ll be 36 next season and probably looking for one last contract — I’m not sure a two-year deal will get the job done and, if I were the Yankees, I wouldn’t go beyond that.
Duhfok writes: How about Phil Hughes as the closer after Mo, a la Papelbon?
Interesting theory, but – in the same vein as my Joba opinion – I still believe Hughes has the stuff to be a starter. Until he shows, once and for all, that he doesn’t, I’m sticking with him a starter.
Skip writes: What’s going to happen to newspapers?
Beats me. Maybe instead of “National Mulligan Day,” I should have created, “National Buy-a-half-page-ad-in-The-Journal-News Day.”
“Maybe what Hughes needs is to face more major league hitters. What’s really not clear is if he will get substantial opportunities to do that in the near future.”
So are you suggesting that we loan him to the Pirates for a couple months? Not a bad thought.
1st!
Damn, 2nd!
I see this thread has started off with a bang.
Teams that play in bandboxes dont win championships. The phillies last year were the exception that proves the rule. I can’t think of another. It taxes the bullpen — case closed. Are there examples that I am forgetting of bandbox teams winning?
“If I’ve counted right, of Toronto’s 118 remaining games, 53 are against the Yanks, Red Sox and Rays.”
If that is correct, then that is one BRUTAL schedule.
Of course there are benefits to starting off the year with a cupcake schedule – get out to a big lead, give your guys some confidence, overcome any early season injuries, etc. Jays fans better hope that their players have deluded themselves enough to think that they can compete in the division (kind of like last year’s Rays).
“Teams that play in bandboxes dont win championships. The phillies last year were the exception that proves the rule. I can’t think of another”
2005 White Sox were in the Cell, no?
If, hypothetically (don’t want to rush to conclusions) the NYS is Coors Feild East, pitchers will want to be there less. Pitching wins championships and pitching stats earn contracts and the Rockies have 1 less championship than David Ortiz has homeruns. That’s all I’m saying.
the ‘first!’ morons should be banned from posting for life, and I’m not joking.
“Are there examples that I am forgetting of bandbox teams winning?”
Red Sox, White Sox, Astros (made WS), Rockies (made WS). Teams like the Orioles and Indians had a lot of success in their small ballparks – of course they had very good teams, with just enough pitching. None of those teams succeeded BECAUSE of their ballpark, but rather because they had talent.
Having good players is the most important part of winning, IMO. You need to build a roster that responds to the ballparks needs. Having fast outfielders helps in SF or SD, but not so much in LF at Fenway, for example. Just think about those 80s Astroturf teams, and how they were constructed.
Mo (NYC): Forget his batting avg, it’s a mirage. Why does Girardi think Melky is an everyday player? I just don’t get it. Maybe you do.
Jerry Crasnick: (12:45 PM ET ) Mo, I think the Yankees have enough offense at the other spots that they can live with Melky in center until Austin Jackson is ready in 2010. But I tend to agree with you. I think Melky is a pretty darned good fourth outfielder.
HUH??
Adam, Minnesota: Hey Jerry, I don’t care what anyone else says…. Mauer and Morneau are the best 3-4 combo in the MLB… what do you think?
Jerry Crasnick: (12:47 PM ET ) Adam, Good question. They’d have to be right up there. Off the top of my head, Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder would have to be in the conversation. And so would Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. I’m sure I’m overlooking some others.
ban them from procreating, as well.
Vorak: (NYC): Hi Jerry. With Santana, KRod, Wright, Reyes, Beltran, I think the Mets have the best 5 player combo (when healthy) of any team in baseball. Do you agree?
Jerry Crasnick: (12:55 PM ET ) Vorak, You could certainly make a case for the contingent of A-Rod, Teixeira, Sabathia, Rivera and Jeter, couldn’t you?
“If, hypothetically (don’t want to rush to conclusions) the NYS is Coors Feild East, pitchers will want to be there less. Pitching wins championships and pitching stats earn contracts and the Rockies have 1 less championship than David Ortiz has homeruns”
Yet the Yankees already have Sabathia, Joba, Burnett, Wang and Hughes for the forseeable future, on top of numerous high-potential minor league arms a year or two away…so why is this a major worry? The Yankees’ pitching is in extremely good shape looking into the future as it stands now–they shouldn’t have to heavily recruit multiple bigtime pitchers come this offseason or next offseason, and by that time the “Coors Field” tendencies of NYS may have been leveled out, either naturally or by force of re-engineering.
Melky is playing like a starting CF so far this year. His BA isn’t the only reason some people are high on him right now.
I doubt it will continue for very long but I have no complaints about Melky thus far.
Contact your favorite Met fan and watch the games with them tonight.
Anyone who questions why Melky is playing right now shouldn’t be allowed to talk baseball. He’s been outstanding – giving the bottom of the order a significant presence.
Jerry Crasnick & Rob Neyer – two guys who know their baseball.
“the Rockies have 1 less championship than David Ortiz has homeruns. That’s all I’m saying.”
Forgive me, but the park doesn’t play the games, the players do. The park can affect the game, but you’re not going to convice me it controls games, let alone the season.
Steve, Cleveland: I’d love for Mo in NYC to explain his reasoning behind Melky. His LD% fully supports his BABIP. That batting average isn’t a mirage so far.
Jerry Crasnick: (1:00 PM ET ) Steve, I think the anti-Melky argument revolves around the perception that he’s not an elite defender in center, yet he lacks the home run pop to play a corner outfield spot. He’s still a pretty good player, though.
If the Rockies couldn’t win with Mike Hampton, can they win with anybody?
Melky had better stats after 115 ABs last year than he does right now. Cool the jets.
Jerry Crasnick: (12:47 PM ET ) Adam, Good question. They’d have to be right up there. Off the top of my head, Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder would have to be in the conversation. And so would Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. I’m sure I’m overlooking some others.
***********
You’re sure you are forgetting others. Um Yeah! Tex and Alex.
Jennifer – that was a particularily interesting response…I only post the ones I think people here would care about
“I think the Yankees are relatively sure that he IS healthy therefore he should get his spot back.”
patrick-
this talk about wang being traded or having to prove himslef has become my number one new pet peeve.
my old one was ” he has nothing left to prove at triple a”.
WANG IS THE YANKEES SECOND BEST PITCHER !!!!
are people that lame to forget so quickly how good wang has been ?
i will say if wand doesn’t come back, it’s on the yankees staff. they have been right on the edge of forgetting that he was no big deal until he learned the sinker.
if wang doesn’t come back , the question is not what to do with him, but what to do with who screwed him up.
that said, i think he’ll be back to normal fairly quickly and all this trade talk will be in the rear view mirror.
I like Pete a lot and I think he does a great job, but if the Yanks are riding a 12 game winning streak he ain’t coming back til they lose
We need Wang, not Hughes. Hughes is far, far more of a ? than Wang is.
LOL Fatcessa’s voice right now
Randy, I agree with you.
Wow, it felt weird typing that with no winky emoticon or joke or disclaimer.
Melky, 2008:
http://www.baseball-reference......g_gamelogs
Melky, 2009:
http://www.baseball-reference......g_gamelogs
Nick in SF in Vallejo
May 22nd, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Randy, I agree with you.
Wow, it felt weird typing that with no winky emoticon or joke or disclaimer.
————————————————
Writing the name randy and agree doesn’t come easy does it.
eric old bridge nj [via mobile]: Why does it matter how many home runs have been hit a yankee stadium. Both teams have the same opportunity
Jayson Stark: (1:17 PM ET ) Now there’s a concept you haven’t heard voiced much. But remember, the Yankees have hitched their future to pitching (see contracts to Sabathia, CC, and Burnett, AJ). And if this is how this stadium is going to play, they may have to revise their blueprint. The question now — and there’s more on this in Rumblings, too — whether the removal of the old stadium is going to have the pitcher-friendly effect on wind currents that has supposedly been forecast. If it doesn’t, time to call 1-800-WINDSHIELDS.
dear “amazin” mets,
please for your sakes and for yankee fans, dont get swept by the sox.
sincerly,
the yankee universe
Wang has pretty much always been under appreciated. Good to see some love for him here. I hope he back to his old self.
So going to game tomorrow. Andy is pitching. He pitched in the last 2 games I went to and won both. Here’s to streaks!
Wang in the pen is a good idea
A guy coming out of the pen throwing a 95 MPH power sinker with guys on base to get the DP
AJ starts to implode in the 6th inning again, has 1st and 3rd 1 out. We bring in Wang to face Ryan Howard and gets him to GIDP
I’m really not comfortable Wang’s return becaue he’s not quite ready for major league hitters yet (or he wouldn’t have been scheduled for one more start in AAA)….on the other hand, was there really any choice? Aceves is unavailable for the Phillies series now……and the pen is taxed as is.
Rishi-I disagree. I think the fact that we’re built toward pitching and that we have a lot of lefties and switch hitters means that we’ll be able to score and shut down teams.
This is the only weekend of the season to be rootin’ for the ugly stepbrother.
Go Mets!
Dude – none of that is from me
I”m just copy/pasting out of ESPN chats…it’s a good way to get discussions going 
Rishi-Ah. Okay.
“But remember, the Yankees have hitched their future to pitching (see contracts to Sabathia, CC, and Burnett, AJ). And if this is how this stadium is going to play, they may have to revise their blueprint. ”
Shouldn’t that be the exact blueprint? I’m so done with ESPN…
randy, I agree with you.
People have very short memories, especially NY fans. Wang is a great pitcher. Not just good, he is great. All this talk about trading him or putting him in the bullpen is silly. When healthy, he is the 2nd best starter on the team. I think a lot of people overlook him because he has a quiet demeanor and he doesn’t strike a lot of people out.
I am not so quick to assign potential blame because I don’t know how the Yankees work. If Wang never comes back maybe it’s someone’s fault, I just don’t know. Frankly I don’t want to think about the prospect of Wang never reaching his former levels of brilliance.
Hughes is still a developing pitcher with lots to prove. He is not going to keep Wang from his rightful spot in the rotation.
vin I’m assuming the stats you posted show Melk is in fact having a better year than last year. brief synopsis??
Maybe our band box will scare future pitching free agents aways and this is a good thing so we can develop our own talent.
Doug: I’m a Yankees fan and I want Mauer, now. We know the Twins can’t pay him so why doesn’t Cashman call the Twins GM and say “I’ll give you 60 cents on the dollar for Mauer now. Make me wait a year, it’ll be 50 cents.” Obviously, he says it nicer than that.
Jayson Stark: (1:24 PM ET ) I need to respond to this, because I get posts like this every single week. I’m always amazed by how Yankees fans think they can just grab any great player on any team out there, based solely on the theory is that all great players should play in New York, and of course the Yankees can afford any old star they lust after. First off, the Twins are interested in winning, too. And Joe Mauer is their best, and most popular, player. Just as important, he’s a Minnesota kid. He’s allowed to have other priorities as he mulls his future besides how soon he can hit the lottery in the Bronx. So I understand why every Yankees fan would love to have this guy. But it’s not your natural-born right to just reach out and drop him into your shopping cart. Sorry.
——————————————————————————–
Mike (NJ): oh c’mon Jason, don’t paint us Yankee fans with one braush by licking the looney quetions
Jayson Stark: (1:25 PM ET ) I love it when one Yankee fan calls another Yankee fan “looney.” So thanks. I really didn’t intend to paint you all with one brush. But I really do get those questions every week, without fail.
Not sure why the Yankees need to “change their blueprint”. You still need the good pitching. If the stadium does prove out to “play small”, it’s still better to have pitchers who pitch to 4.00 ERAs than 5.00 ERAs. Stark obviously should know this.
As for it affecting pitchers wanting to come here or whatever else, this is just so blown out of proportion. First of all, money speaks louder than the ballpark does. Second of all, people act as if they are playing on a little league field – if you can get ground balls and keep the ball towards the center of the field, you’ll be fine as a pitcher in this ballpark. It really isn’t a change from the past – you’ve always wanted to keep hitters away from the right field corner in Yankee Stadium. Now, that imaginary line extends a little further into straightaway right field.
Bottom line is that pitchers CAN pitch in this ballpark.
If they wanted a guy in the pen to eat innings, they could have just brought up Claggett.
The only time you’re going to use Wang is if the starter leaves early or the game is a blowout late. So if we plays close games, there is a chance he doesn’t even pitch this weekend. Then what?
Betsy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9K4BKkLaCI
Um has Mike watched any games? They’ve showed lots of sailors in legends seats.
“Randy, I agree with you.
Wow, it felt weird typing that with no winky emoticon or joke or disclaimer.”
nick in sf-
you agree with me? i need to rethink my position
“AJ starts to implode in the 6th inning again, has 1st and 3rd 1 out. We bring in Wang to face Ryan Howard and gets him to GIDP”
More like 3-R HR. Wang should NOT pitch in any close game
Jayson- Maybe cause there are more Yankee fans than any other team. Wow what a concept.
and just cause he gets one email from the same moron every week he paints all Yankee fans with a broad brush.
If they push AJ back to Friday vs. Cleveland and put Wang on Wednesday in Texas, then AJ would be pitching on 1 week rest in his next start.
Though they could just give Joba an extended break and pitch Wang in his spot on Tuesday
Oi, this Wang in the bullpen talk is making my head explode. To our readers to the left of my time zone, please don’t take offense because I’m on of the biggest Wang supporters here.
But you want to bring in Wang with men on base? Man on third?
This move is so puzzling. If we’re short relievers they could’ve sent down Alby and brought up Robertson. Do something with Berroa and bring up Melancon (please-I don’t need a lecture about how he’s getting lit up in Scranton).
Oh, hey. What about using your long man, Tomko?
Grrrr @ the Yankees, giving people hope that Wang will actually stay in the bullpen. If they didn’t think he was ready to start, they wouldn’t activate him.
I hope AJ goes 9 innings just to shut everyone up. Grrrr.
Mike: “Texas has always been a tough place for the Yankees”
Prior to last year, we won 9 straight in Texas. We went 2-2 there last year.
vtred
he talks out of his butt.
“vin I’m assuming the stats you posted show Melk is in fact having a better year than last year. brief synopsis??”
yeah – the baseball-reference pages threw up on me before I could transcribe any info…
Melky, 2008 (first 114 AB’s)
.272 BA, .336 OBP, .465 SLG, .801 OPS, 16 R, 31 H, 6 HR, 17 RBI, 12 BB, 16 SO
Melky, 2009 (first 116 AB’s)
.319 BA, .370 OBP, .500 SLG, .870 OPS, 20 R, 37 H, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 10 BB, 16 SO
The only reason I can see them bringing Wang in this early, is to minimize the pressure. After the three traumatic outings, I can see them putting Wang in there to start an inning of relief to get his feet wet.
Why are they being so cautious with Tomko like he is some prized young prospect and are afraid to “stretch him out”?
He is a 36 yr old journeyman who has been on 12 different teams and has alternated between the pen and starting numerous times in the same season in his career. Just because he was a short man in Scranton, doesn’t mean that is how he should be used. He is a veteran, he knows how to pace himself and stretch himself out.
Aceves was a starter in the minors, yet they brought him up here and used him in a number of roles– long man, short man, 2 innings, 1 inning etc. things he is not used to despite the fact he alluded to some shoulder soreness that he had.
They are being more cautious with Tomko than they are Aceves. Tomko can easily be stretched out as a long man.
apparently – it’s causing a lot of drama:
Moiuz (LA) [via mobile]: Jason, what’s wrong with us yankee fan wanting good players,potential great players, on our time. I am sick and tired of everyone hating on the yankees. Who’s fault is it that we are run better than most teams in the league? Also, just because our owner wants to win more than anything its not so bad. Is it? atleast our owner cares unlike most teams in the league (nationals, marlins etc)
Jayson Stark: (1:38 PM ET ) OK, this is where I hold up one hand and ask if we can stop all the Doug-bashing on one hand and all the finger-pointing at me as some kind of Yankee-hater on the other hand. Let me say this about the Yankees, and I’ve said it a million times. They’re the greatest franchise in sports. I applaud the Steinbrenners for putting the money they make back in the franchise. I applaud the whole organization for committing to winning every single year. All that is great, And it’s the way it ought to be. I just needed to make a point that fans of big-market teams — not just the Yankees — don’t deserve to have that sense of entitlement to every great player that plays on a team with lesser means. It’s arrogant, and it’s tiresome. So now that I’ve explained where I stand on all this, let’s talk about some real baseball issues for the next 20 minutes. Agreed?
Small m: don’t fret, I don’t think anyone is taking this Wang/bullpen stuff seriously.
Tomko is not the long man in his current incarnation. This isn’t about being short a couple of 1-2-inning guys, it’s about having someone who can step in if they need bulk innings. It’s not a knock on your special guy!
Taiwan is to your west, but they’re not behind you, they’re waaaaaay ahead.
vtred: Would have been 3-1 if Joba hadn’t gotten hurt.
Someone call a wahbulance for Jayson.
I dunno why Stark is missing this:
reason number one the Yankees don’t want Mauer right now?
Jesus Montero, Austin Romine, and, apparently, Francisco Cervelli.
“Melky, 2008 (first 114 AB’s)
.272 BA, .336 OBP, .465 SLG, .801 OPS, 16 R, 31 H, 6 HR, 17 RBI, 12 BB, 16 SO
Melky, 2009 (first 116 AB’s)
.319 BA, .370 OBP, .500 SLG, .870 OPS, 20 R, 37 H, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 10 BB, 16 SO”
Isn’t it funny how 6 hits are the difference between batting .272 and batting .319. 6 hits.
I agree with Jason Stark on this one. It is infuriating how some Yankee fans expect other teams to give us their best players.
Nick,
Well, right now they’re to my right, does that make me waaaaay ahead?
If Wang’s sinker isin’t 100% back to what it should be, then facing the power Phillies lefties and getting hammered will do nothing for him
And if the games are close, he may not pitch at all. Then they would be giving Hughes another start anyway so Wang gets another rehab outing.
That depends, m, where are you? Not in your usual time zone/hemesphere?
Patrick May 22nd, 2009 at 1:43 pm
I agree with Jason Stark on this one. It is infuriating how some Yankee fans expect other teams to give us their best players.
**********
the key is SOME!!! Not all are morons.
Wonder if there is any possibility that the Yanks called Wang back because there is a question as to whether AJ will be able to make his start tonight, and the Yanks want a back-up plan. I haven’t heard anything, but just wondering
REZ,
Where would Wang get another outing? Certainly not with Scranton if he’s on the ML roster.
I’m going to stick with my “toe in the water” theory. They’re not bringing him in to clean up messes, eat up innings, or do much of anything. Dude is scheduled to pitch 5 days from now.
“Isn’t it funny how 6 hits are the difference between batting .272 and batting .319. 6 hits.”
Yes it is, but when it comes to guys hitting in the bottom of the order, a few extra hits can make a world of difference for a team. We all saw it earlier in the year with guys like Ransom, Garnder, Molina killing any rallies that came there way.
Hate to say it, but Ransom getting injured, and Gardner slumping so badly have been two of the biggest blessings for the Yanks.
Nick,
Nope, just facing south.
Gardner slumping is no blessing. Gardner slumping is one less effective benh guy. And Codey was a sub for third base, not CF. No blessing on either one.
benh of course is bench.
Eric: Best interleague series to watch this weekend?
Jayson Stark: (1:48 PM ET ) Ooh. Good question. For me personally, it’s Phillies-Yankees. But I’ll definitely be checking in on Mets-Red Sox, Cardinals-Royals and Angels-Dodgers. Did I miss anybody? Rockies-Tigers anyone?
——————————————————————————–
Dan (Philadelphia): Out-of-Nowhere Question: Which is the more impressive streak, Ripken’s 2632 or DiMaggio’s 56? Which is less likely to ever be broken?
Jayson Stark: (1:49 PM ET ) You’re right. That’s as out of nowhere as any question all year. I’ll take DiMaggio on both counts. Much as I admire the Ripken streak, consider that DiMaggio’s streak is now nearly seven decades old. And the closest anyone has come was Pete Rose, who was still two solid weeks of hit-streakdom away from breaking that record. Amazing.
“Frankly I don’t want to think about the prospect of Wang never reaching his former levels of brilliance.”
patrick-
i agree. the most likely scenario is that wang will get his sinker and velocity back after perhaps a few occasional hiccups and be the wang we’ve seen in the past.
I hope Mike doesn’t have the swine flu.
He sounds awful.
K-just checking in now. Wang is going to the pen for a bit as the long man?
Francesa have a sore throat?
Ah, well, then Taiwan is still waaaaay ahead of you. But if you visit Japan you can be an hour ahead of them and waaaaaaaaaaay ahead of me. Plus you could visit Muji and help me buy a couple shirts.
You know the Who song “Substitute”?
“I was born with a plastic spoon in my mouth
The North side my town faced east and the east side faces south”
“Gardner slumping is no blessing. Gardner slumping is one less effective benh guy. And Codey was a sub for third base, not CF. No blessing on either one.”
My point is, if those guys were hitting .240 or so, they may still be playing (obviously not after Alex came back in Ransom’s case). No playoff contender can consistently put two guys in the lineup every day who were hitting so poorly (I won’t mention Tex because he was still reaching base). Throw in the games where Molina started and that is a very weak lineup. Doesn’t matter now, hopefully it’s all behind us.
Beltran/Pelfrey for Cain, Molina, and Rowand LOL
Is there such thing as a good WFAN caller?
Rishi
How exactly is that an out of nowhere question? I constantly hear that debated. Is Stark on drugs?
lefties are 2 for 19 against Aceves so far this year. that’s about half the # needed for a decent sample size (about 40 ABs, imho), but impressive when combined with the fact that they only hit .238 against him last year.
generally when a RHP does well vs. left-handed hitters, they have an effective changeup.
HAHAHAHAH
Met fan wants to trade Beltran and Pelfrey to SF
for Cain, Rowand, and Bengi Monlina…HAHAHAHAHA
You know with all this talk of getting Mauer, I’d mych rather have Ichiro. Similar situation, bad small market team comes to NY and superstardom where he can be appreciated.
No, I’m not being serious, but it would be nice.
2 blogs for the price of one
Is a blowout game really the best way to gauge Wang?
Most hitters are in swing mode anyway and want to get the game over with
jennifer – I think Stark needs to think before he speaks or “types” whatever…the “Yankee Fan” comments were ridiculous, especiallly if you consider someone is picking the questions for him to answer (or maybe he’s doing it himself), but rather than walk into that huge pile of doodoo he could have just not answered it.
and then he starts with the backpeddling.
I read along b/c it is something to do as a mental break at work and some of them get people here engaged…reading responses is another good “work break”.
I read/follow discussions more than I post during the day.
vin-I’m confused. What if Gardner were hitting 300? The fact he was hitting 240 was bad. Same with Codey.
jennifer-It was out of nowhere because nobody was talking about it.
If Joba didn’t get knocked out yesterday, Wang would be in Pawtucket tonight.
He is here because we don’t have any other long men on the 40 man. This wasn’t by design. They adjusted their plan on the fly.
Having the extra arm that can go multiple innings isn’t such a bad deal aceves is out for at least the next three days. NYY has 6 games against two high powered offenses. They’ll need that type of arm. With Aceves, Wang and Tomko ready by Sunday/Monday, they’d be in better shape than having 3 or four 1/2 inning pitchers. Tonight, they’ll have Wang/Tomko, Coke and Bruney rested and ready to go.
Steve Phillips filling in for Michael Kay on his show
This should be fun
Correction…Toronto has 48 of its remaining games against the Yanks, Boston and Tampa. Still a lot though.
Wave Your Hat-A real lot.
“vin-I’m confused. What if Gardner were hitting 300? The fact he was hitting 240 was bad. Same with Codey.”
OK, here goes…
Girardi picked both Ransom and Gardner out of ST. Both stunk and had to be replaced by the fallback options (one due to injury). Turns out, these fallback options produced better than Ransom and Gardner. If those guys were bad (.240-ish with decent OBP), but not AS bad as they were, then maybe they would never have been replaced, and Melky and Pena would have gotten more time on the bench then they deserved (knowing what we know now). That’s all I’m saying.
Hey Jayson Stark:
Not that I think it’s attractive for Yankees (or any other team’s) fans to covet other team’s best players, but…
The players created free agency with the help of an arbitrator and Marvin Miller. Free agents go to the highest bidder. Small market teams frequently let good players go because they can’t meet their salary demands because of their alleged small market budgets – in other words, their fans aren’t worth a bigger budget. And before I forget, as you constantly remind us silly fans, baseball is a business, isn’t it?
So shove your holier-than-thou condescension when it comes to Yankee fans wanting to try to “buy” the best talent. The owners think that way and baseball actually works that way. But when it comes to Yankee fans, the Bible According to Stark says they should be seen and not heard? Spare me.
Guy
Why do you want Ichiro. He is old, has played a ton of games, is owed a lot of scratch. Just wait till he loses a step. All those infield singles will be gone. He is a singles hitter that is it.
Guy
May 22nd, 2009 at 1:58 pm
vin-I’m confused. What if Gardner were hitting 300? The fact he was hitting 240 was bad. Same with Codey.
jennifer-It was out of nowhere because nobody was talking about it.
————————————————————
Nobody was talking about the Yankees, either, before the first question.
vin-Ah. I get it. All right, makes sense.
I have zero problem with Jayson’s comment.
# 5 years/$90M (2008-12)
* signed extension with Seattle 7/13/07
* $5M signing bonus
* 08:$17M, 09:$17M, 10:$17M, 11:$17M, 12:$17M
* $25M ($5M annually) deferred at 5.5% interest, reducing deal’s average annual value to $16.1M (deferred money to be paid in annual installments Jan. 30 beginning year after his retirement)
* limited no-trade clause allowing Ichiro to specify 10 clubs to which he may not be traded without his consent
* performance and award bonuses, including $50,000 for All Star selection
* interpreter, trainer, transportation for Spring Training & regular season
* 4 annual round-trip airline tickets from Seattle to Japan
* housing allowance: $32,000 in 2008, $33,000 in 2009, $34,000 in 2010, $35,000 in 2011, $36,000 in 2012
Yeah lets trade and give all this to a singles hitter. Good idea.
Mind you, he was never once condescending at the Brewers, Indians and Dodgers fans who chimed in with ridiculous plans to get Peavy
I cant believe what im reading here!! All this Yankee talk when we need to get to the bottom of the main topic.
Jack Bower would kick Chuck Norris’s A–. I mean its not even close. Jack would put him to sleep, with a sneaky sleeper hold. Ties him up to that ridiculous olyptical trainer thing he’s been selling for years but hasnt gotten bigger,inject him with truth searum and begins doing some of his special opps torture tactics(yelling really loud at him/feather to the nose and scratching a chalk board to his ear to make Chuck tell the truth about”who’s his daddy”. Everyone knows how it would end. Do i need to spell it out? Jack walks away with the girl-Christy Brinkley. Case closed.
jennifer-He is awesome.
GreenBeret7-They were having a different discussion when the topic was brought up despite having no connection with the previous discussion.
Ichiro would be a phenomenal addition to this team. As long as the Mariners eat some of that.
jennifer-What is your problem? Like the Mauer talk was serious?
I just pointed out that I think Ichiro is a fantastic player and it would be nice to have him.
“Melky, 2008 (first 114 AB’s)
.272 BA, .336 OBP, .465 SLG, .801 OPS, 16 R, 31 H, 6 HR, 17 RBI, 12 BB, 16 SO
Melky, 2009 (first 116 AB’s)
.319 BA, .370 OBP, .500 SLG, .870 OPS, 20 R, 37 H, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 10 BB, 16 SO”
Isn’t it funny how 6 hits are the difference between batting .272 and batting .319. 6 hits.
_________________
It’s not just the 6 hits its the fact he has been more patient.
“Mind you, he was never once condescending at the Brewers, Indians and Dodgers fans who chimed in with ridiculous plans to get Peavy”
Because they are not the Evil Empire’s Fans
HAHAHAHA
Putz and Murphy for Victor martinez…HAHAHAHAHAHA
Wi Zak,
You have a good point about Wang would be in Scranton if Joba got hurt.
But your second part presumes that the Yankees are making Wang available to pitch in case of disaster tonight. my point is that’s what Tomko’s here for. And what happens if disaster strikes tomorrow or Sunday? Do they use Wang for extended innings on those days knowing that he’s slotted to slide into the rotation just a few days later?
ouch did a touch a nerve. I didn’t even say anything. I think Guy submitted those questions to Stark.
What confuses me is at this time yesterday, the Yanks didn’t seem comfortable putting Wang back in the rotation until they had seen him start at least one more time in Scranton.
I don’t see how Joba coming out last night changes that calculus. I know their pen is shorthanded, but Tomko has been a starter all his life – it seems he would have been made for the long relief role tonight.
I would guess if Joba can’t make his next start, Wang would be ticketed for that role, because an extra starter is needed. Maybe that’s why he’s not pitching in Scranton, because then he’d be on short rest for Joba’s start.
But I think folks who think Wang is automatically back in the rotation are getting ahead of themselves.
If Wang doesn’t pitch tonight, or pitches indifferently or heaven forbid poorly, what are the Yanks going to do?
By the way, he does hit a fairly decent amt. of HR’s. Like 20, right?
Jack Bauer would have had Chloe send the wind-study results to his PDA months ago and uncovered Lonn Trost’s perfidy.
murphydog
May 22nd, 2009 at 2:12 pm
“Mind you, he was never once condescending at the Brewers, Indians and Dodgers fans who chimed in with ridiculous plans to get Peavy”
Because they are not the Evil Empire’s Fans
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Fair enough – the Phillies fans got a pass, too – but you expect that
These callers are weird
Jennifer:
I totally agree, I definitely wanted Ichiro four or five years ago but that would be a stupid signing now.
It IS worth noting that the Yanks WILL however need a bona fide leadoff hitter in 2010 or 2011; Damon will be long gone by then and Jeter won’t have the wheels for it…A-Jax?
Jackson cf
Jeter ss
Teixeira 1b
Rodriguez 3b
Cano 2b
Nady dh
Posada c
Cabrera rf
Gardner lf
jennifer-Yeah, you did. You were supremely condescending, like my idea was so ridiculous.
It’s not. So calm down.
Yeah lets trade and give all this to a singles hitter. Good idea.
———-
Did you take into account that in batting practice, he launces balls over on a regular basis? Doesnt that count for anything?
BTW,
We have a singles hitter on the team that makes over 20 mil. Not saying i would want him on my team with that contract.
My Ichiro comments were not serious.
There is no way we could get him, but if we had him it’d be nice.
“Jack Bauer would have had Chloe send the wind-study results to his PDA months ago and uncovered Lonn Trost’s perfidy.”
No doubt. Then lots of screaming and shooting and shattered glass.
The real question, IMO, is whether Bauer would have taken A-Rod aside months ago and told him, man to man, to straighten out his personal life or he’d kick him in the knickers?
“I dunno why Stark is missing this:
reason number one the Yankees don’t want Mauer right now?
Jesus Montero, Austin Romine, and, apparently, Francisco Cervelli.”
The Yankees would trade all 3 of those guys and Phil Hughes for a chance to have Mauer in pinstripes.
This is comical.
no.27-No, they wouldn’t.
jennifer,
No idea how they plan on using Wang. I would think they have certain restrictions. I also don’t think they plan on using him as a short reliever. A curious move but one that has a lot of moving parts
Ichiro is a great athlete. Last year I would’ve considered taking on the salary dump, but I think we’re okay without him.
Check out what the Orioles pitchers said about our lineup:
http://today.sportingnews.com/.....;folio=CGI
jennifer-Serious question: What, exactly?
Bret Tomko stepping in for bulk innings if AJ has a boo-boo?
Talk about a debacle!
Would like to point out, as dumb as it was, my question was the first that Sam answered. Yay for me. Now maybe since I trumped those other two, they will stop with their I’m first posts.
Would be nice to see Dice K be a little rusty and King Johan to take advantage tonight.
Time for AJ to step up, he was money the first two games and meh the rest.
“The Yankees would trade all 3 of those guys and Phil Hughes for a chance to have Mauer in pinstripes.”
Gotta go with no.27. I’d have to really consider making a trade like that.
AJ can make a big statement if he holds down this lineup.
But he does need to give us innings.
Personally, and I know it’s blasphemous, but Liam Neeson in Taken was almost as badass as Jack Bauer.
murphydog-Really? So many good prospects for one player?
I wouldn’t.
vin – I don’t think it was as much as GGBG playing bad. He was’t playing particulary well, but I’m sure they would’ve given him more time if Melky didn’t produce every single chance he had. That is why Melky is getting the majority of time now, he produced when given the opportunity.
We’re the Yankees… why can’t we get both Ichiro AND Mauer?
We can certainly afford it. If we get Ichiro, it will make it easier to move Joba to the pen.
Stark is stating a fact with most of the Yankee fans. They feel entitled for the best and everybody should bow to them because of all the money they have and the 26 championships that nobody else has. Then you have some of them coming up with trades looking to get good players for their trash. Like last year somebody came up with the idea of trading Matsui for Lincecum the NL Cy award. Like the Giants are stupid enough to get an injury prone player for their best pitcher.
“The real question, IMO, is whether Bauer would have taken A-Rod aside months ago and told him, man to man, to straighten out his personal life or he’d kick him in the knickers?”
A-Rod in a room alone with Jack Bauer? Let’s just say we might need a new 3rd baseman after that.
“We’re the Yankees… why can’t we get both Ichiro AND Mauer?
We can certainly afford it. If we get Ichiro, it will make it easier to move Joba to the pen.”
I really hope this is sarcasm.
Just checked out Alex’s stats for the year. He has 7 hits, 5 of them went over the fense. When was the last time thats happened? Ever? Did he become Dave Kingman all of a sudden?
Fellas. Bottom line is no one beats Bauer. The only chance chuck would have had is if they kidnapped Jacks daughter first and he then allowed Chuck to beat him up.
Another thing to consider regarding Wang, once he is activated and put on the NYY roster, if they are not satisfied with his pitching and for whatever reason send him back to AAA he can’t come back up for another 10 days. They must feel he is very close to being able contribute at the ML level or they wouldn’t do this.
Thanks for the link, m. It’s nice to hear other players say something other than the macho “they’re no different than any other lineup” type statements.
murphydog-Really? So many good prospects for one player?
________________
He is not good he is great best catcher in the MLB
Christina-Get away, troll.
“Like the Giants are stupid enough to get an injury prone player for their best pitcher.”
Not the Giants, but…
Mets Send:
Scott Kazmir
Rays Send:
Victor Zambrano
comes pretty damn close.
“Fellas. Bottom line is no one beats Bauer. The only chance chuck would have had is if they kidnapped Jacks daughter first and he then allowed Chuck to beat him up.”
Then Bauer would strangle Chuck with a USB cord.
vb03-Christina is a troll. She came before. All she does is act like a jerk. Don’t respond.
If they kidnapped Jack Bauer’s daughter, m would just say she had it coming for dating too many hockey players.
The sportsnews link doesn’t work.
When Jayson Stark, Rob Neyer, Peter Gammons, and the rest of those ESPN fools (or tools?) are reduced to complaining that Yankee Stadium is a “bandbox,” it is the equivalent of them digitally wetting their pants.
This team looks more and more like the team that dominated spring training, and they haven’t even got going yet.
When you throw out a starter that has the potential to go 7 and keep the game within 1-2 runs late, this team will always have a chance to win.
Figure out a way to spin off Marte and Veras for some other bullpen rehab “projects” and that’s icing on the cake.
Sorry, ESPN, that’s the way it is–the baseball era of parity may be drawing to a temporary close.
“If they kidnapped Jack Bauer’s daughter, m would just say she had it coming for dating too many hockey players.”
Kim Bauer really took the edge out of the last few episodes of this season. I hope she stays in retirement permanently from now on.
A-Rod in a room alone with Jack Bauer? Let’s just say we might need a new 3rd baseman after that.
——–
Im not so sure. I mean a pie in the face didnt faze him. What makes us think he wouldnt tough it out? Tough call if you ask me. I would lean towards yes if Jack used pop fly tactics in that room.
jennifer – worked for me…try right click -> open in new tab
Stark is stating a fact with most of the Yankee fans. They feel entitled for the best and everybody should bow to them because of all the money they have and the 26 championships that nobody else has. Then you have some of them coming up with trades looking to get good players for their trash. Like last year somebody came up with the idea of trading Matsui for Lincecum the NL Cy award. Like the Giants are stupid enough to get an injury prone player for their best pitcher.
_______________________
We want to be egotistical jerks but when you root for the greatest team in history of sports, who play in the greatest city in the world, who has had the greatest baseball players in history. It is really hard not to be proud and it’s really hard not winning and it’s really hard not to think you deserve to win everything.
Christina,
Have you seen ray (red sox fan) and dennis costanza here? They’re excellent contributors that happen to be Sox fans. They came because they can have some good discussions about baseball here. They don’t talk trash and treat the others with respect. And in return they’re very well respected here.
“vin – I don’t think it was as much as GGBG playing bad. He was’t playing particulary well, but I’m sure they would’ve given him more time if Melky didn’t produce every single chance he had. That is why Melky is getting the majority of time now, he produced when given the opportunity.”
Perhaps, but for awhile there, Gardner wasn’t even on Girardi’s radar. You’re definitely right that a lot of the credit has to go to Melky – he’s shown me quite a bit thus far (for whatever that’s worth).
I admittedly wasn’t too high on him this past year or so, but now he’s hitting the ball to all fields, showing great patience. The fact that he’s 24, and has only had 280 ABs in AAA needs to be taken into account regarding his future (same with Hughes).
“Im not so sure. I mean a pie in the face didnt faze him. What makes us think he wouldnt tough it out? Tough call if you ask me. I would lean towards yes if Jack used pop fly tactics in that room.”
Screaming obscenities in A-Rod’s face sure wouldn’t work, he’s used to that.
Maybe pictures of Madonna without makeup would break him, but I can’t be sure.
Mark-Cant Touch This: I wouldn’t respond. You’ll empower the troll.
BTW – if you want to talk about stupid trade proposals, you really need to read what people think can net them Peavy…I’ll try to copy/paste some of the gems from today.
At the very least the Yankees have the money to get what they want and are not opposed to doing just that.
“no.27-No, they wouldn’t.”
Why not? He’s switch hitting catcher with good defense that has a .321 career BA and just turned 26. Montero and Romine are supposed to be 2 years away from the majors. A lot can happen in that time. The Yankees have 4 spots in their rotation locked up for the next 5 years.
By the way, I’m not suggesting this trade in any way. All I’m saying is that Montero, Romine, and Cervelli have pretty much nothing to do with whether or not the Yankees would show interest in Mauer.
well I’m one of those Yankee fans that thinks its my birthright that the Yankees win a world series every year and I have no problem being that way
no.27-If something changes the Yanks mind, maybe. But there is no way they’d trade so many great prospects for one guy.
“A-Rod in a room alone with Jack Bauer?”
Jack Bauer’s the only one that can rescue Alex AND the mirror.
Nick, haha. Saw her name yesteday, and thought that the name was familiar. Completely forgot about that whole “episode”
vb03,
That had to be the worst 24 ever. Even worst was the season finalle. What was that? Did they try to mimic Sopranos with the “Choose your own ending” tactic? It sucked and i hope thats the last of it. I thought someday they were going to bring in CHASE(Kims boyfriend)to take over the main spot. Its a bit late now for it.
Seasons one and two were the absolute best ever.
keep getting this message
This is a protected site. You have exceeded your accepted usage for this magazine.
Guy:
It’s the old “prospect” versus proven player debate. Prospects may or may not pan out. Romine, Montero and Cervelli are catching prospects, while Mauer is proven as one of the best young lefty catchers with pop currently in MLB. High average, pop, great D and regularly gets MVP votes. At some point, prospects can be useful to the team as potential trade chips to get proven players.
The pain is in letting Hughes go. But every good trade has to hurt each side a little.
hmmm– I just got back to the article…i have no idea why it is not working for you
“vb03,
That had to be the worst 24 ever. Even worst was the season finalle. What was that? Did they try to mimic Sopranos with the “Choose your own ending” tactic? It sucked and i hope thats the last of it. I thought someday they were going to bring in CHASEto take over the main spot. Its a bit late now for it.
Seasons one and two were the absolute best ever.”
Personally, I thought Season 5 was freakin awesome.
Frank Flynn? Jack Bauer as an ordinary laborer then kicking some serious behind, exposing the greatest scandal to rock a presidency? That season was pure ecstasy every single hour.
On the other hand, Season 6 was crap with that family affair thing.
7 was better than 6, but not nearly as good as 5.
murphydog-But so many, all of who have the potential to be great, for oe guy? Also, I know Mauer is young but these prospects are younger.
jennifer,
That’s the daily electronic newspaper (you should subscribe, it’s great).
Here’s the article via sportingnews.com
http://www.sportingnews.com/yo.....p?t=551781
Yeah, I’m on Guy’s side of the debate.
What’s all this 24 talk? Everyone knows LOST is the official non-Yankee programming of this blog.
“Maybe pictures of Madonna without makeup would break him, but I can’t be sure.”
A-Rod would probably agree to waterboarding before he’d submit to that kind of torture!
“Have you seen ray (red sox fan) and dennis costanza here? They’re excellent contributors that happen to be Sox fans. They came because they can have some good discussions about baseball here. They don’t talk trash and treat the others with respect. And in return they’re very well respected here.”
Also, the Blue Jays guy. Can’t remember his name right now because he doesn’t come around as often as he used to, but he’s a good egg as well.
“What’s all this 24 talk? Everyone knows LOST is the official non-Yankee programming of this blog.”
You tell ‘em, vin!
In season one, when Kim Bauer was being held captive by that wannabe-hipster slacker guy, the Yo La Tengo song “Saturday” was heard playing in his bedroom.
True story.
Also true: both of the Chase character’s names are real-life names in my family and, after his character was introduced my little bother said: “I feel like a hero.”
Arod is nowhere near 100% right now. He looks stiff at 3b and he can’t run too well. It’s going to take some time. All I know is the Yanks are 11-2 since he came back.
Madonna with make-up is bad enough, without is enough to make any man put out his eyes so he may never see.
I barely have enough time to devote to LOST, the Lakers, and the Dodgers (long story) because of my Yankee obsession. Good thing there’s so much garbage on tv otherwise I’d have to quit my job.
“Arod is nowhere near 100% right now. He looks stiff at 3b and he can’t run too well. It’s going to take some time. All I know is the Yanks are 11-2 since he came back.”
Alex probably came back too early. In a perfect world, he probably should have waited another month. However, the domino affect his presence has had in the end, is worth him being 50% ready.
Christina THE TROLL
May 22nd, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Like last year somebody came up with the idea of trading Matsui for Lincecum the NL Cy award. Like the Giants are stupid enough to get an injury prone player for their best pitcher.
I don’t know if that trade proposal was ever suggested, but I do know that the Giants WERE stupid enough to trade, Boof Bonser, Joe Nathan and Francisco Liriano for AJ Pierzynski. We don’t mind Sox fans here, but please, only if you’re going to add something constructive like ray (red sox fan) and dennis costanza.
We need A-Rod with eyes…
7 was better than 6, but not nearly as good as 5.
———
Theres been 7 of them already? I get them all mixed up. #1 was the kill the president or your wife and daughter dies. #2 was a nuclear bomb in L.A.. I got into the series in season 2. Liked it so much i rented season 1 and watched it in like 4 days with the wife. Its 40 minutes a show on dvd. Not easy to turn it off at 2 in the morning when all the episodes end with “same bat time same bat chanel type endings”.
I don’t think the team needs Ichiro, but he would certainly be a defensive upgrade in right. All I can say to the people who brush off Ichiro with the “he’s just a singles hitter” line is that they haven’t watched him play much. He hits a lot of singles, but it is A LOT of singles. He’s a lot like Jeter only from the other side of the plate and with range in the field. They both look to drive the ball the other way and get on base anyway they can. Once on Ichiro can steal 30-40 bases a year and will save runs in the outfield.
It is totally beside the point, but it would be nice to a player that good get some quality time in the post season.
Person:
“murphydog-But so many, all of who have the potential to be great, for oe guy? Also, I know Mauer is young but these prospects are younger.”
Obviously you are entitled ot your opinion, and you have your reasons. But it’s really not close in my opinion. Youth is not always an unblemished asset, as in the younger the better and more youth is not a value in and of itself. A young mlb level star (Mauer) beats 3 younger unproven talents by far, IMO. Besides, how do the Yankees replace Jorge? Joe Mauer would be a great way to go.
Giving up 3 “maybe” good one day prospects for a proven catcher who lacks only speed in the 5 tool department is not a close call for me. To be honest even with Hughes, I’m not sure you’d get Mauer in a trade with Minnesota. I’d guess that they’d want more pitching instead of 3 catching prospects before they’d even consider moving Mauer in a trade. Minny wanted plenty of talent in return for Johan.
Madonna doesn’t have the prettiest face in the world, but you have to give her credit for keeping herself in such good shape. The woman is 50 years old, but she has the body of a 25 yr old. That’s not easy to do.
Palmer was a senator running for president in season one. Louis Diamond Philips and Dennis Hopper shoed up near the end of the season. Jack’s wife was kidnapped multiple times. Kim was very young.
Madonna doesn’t have the prettiest face in the world, but you have to give her credit for keeping herself in such good shape. The woman is 50 years old, but she has the body of a 25 yr old. That’s not easy to do.
—–
If you look up BUTTERFACE in the dictionary. Youd find a picture of the terminator chick from the old movies and Madonna.
murphydog-All right, agree to disagree.
Pat (Evansville, IN): Keith, I’ve seen a lot of mock drafts that have the Red Sox taking a catcher (Sanchez, Stassi) at #28. Not only would that be a pretty awful pick, it’s assuming the Sox would be drafting for need, which is pretty absurd in itself. With that said, it’s inevitable they’ll be going after whomever drops due to signability concerns. So my question to you is, which name in the first round could you most see falling due to signability?
Keith Law: First off, neither of those would be a “pretty awful pick” or even a “slightly awful pick” or even a “really, it’s okay, I’d just rather not talk about it for a few minutes” pick. Stassi was probably a top-20 guy until his shoulder got sore and he didn’t throw for a few weeks, although he’s back now and throwing fine. I think I answered the second part above – Tate for sure, Green maybe, Turner if the price is too high. And Matt Purke; I’ve heard $3MM on him and Kevin Goldstein heard $5MM.
Believe or not but somebody on the Yankee board suggested this trade idea. I couldnt believe it myself. Somebody from the Giants board came at the time and was telling them that the Giants are not their b…
and the debate never dies:
Chris (NY): Crazy to say that Phil Hughes should be in the bullpen from here on out as a quality multiple innings reliever?
Keith Law: Not crazy at all.
I wouldn’t touch Madonna with a 50 foot pull, but that’s just me lol
“The woman is 50 years old, but she has the body of a 25 yr old.”
Yeah and she has him chained to the radiator so he can’t get away. (Actually the kid, Jesus, is like 22 years old).
“If you look up BUTTERFACE in the dictionary. Youd find a picture of the terminator chick from the old movies and Madonna.”
The terminator chick, known to the rest of the world as Linda Hamilton, didn’t keep up the muscular build after the movie ended. I think she’s regular looking now.
Nick,
I cant remember. Was he trying to assasinate Palmer in 1? Didnt his wife get killed in one or was it the end of 2?
I don’t give Madonna credit, she’s the same old vapid, self-obsessed person she’s always been, and that ruins it for me. Forget the face and the body, she has the soul of a harpy. I’ve been around women like that and you couldn’t pay me to spend time with them.
“Yeah and she has him chained to the radiator so he can’t get away. (Actually the kid, Jesus, is like 22 years old).”
What is with the Madonna hate around here? I’ve been a fan of her music since I was 16. She can’t sing worth a damn, but she knows how to package herself and she’s an incredible business woman. Name 5 other 80′s acts that are still relavent today and still putting out good music (and making millions to boot). Yeah, I know – you can’t do it. Give credit where credit is due.
The Christinas are correct. That proposal (only 1 person) was among the many that wanted to send matsui to San Francisco for primo players. Lots of Hideki for Rowand or Sanchez. It was craziness. Like SF was going to take Hideki coming off 3 knee surgeries.
I give madonna for staying relevant ALL these years. The young girls nowadays would kill to have her success. She might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but she knows how to work it.
He was supposed to be trying to assassinate Senator Palmer in season one for the first third of the season or so (maybe half) until his wife and daughter escaped from the evil clutches of the bad guys. Then it turned out the whole thing was really about the Serbian war criminal getting busted out of Federal custody. And there was a mole deep inside of CTU and it ended badly for Teri Bauer.
“What is with the Madonna hate around here? I’ve been a fan of her music since I was 16. She can’t sing worth a damn, but she knows how to package herself and she’s an incredible business woman. Name 5 other 80’s acts that are still relavent today and still putting out good music (and making millions to boot). Yeah, I know – you can’t do it. Give credit where credit is due.”
still putting out good music?
OMG did Steve Phillips now join Kay’s show? He’s everywhere on ESPN.
This would make it more difficult to listen to Kay’s show now.
Sorry Laura, disagree. Also, making millions does not equal great music. But that’s a debate for another time. Personally, I find her music to be garbage.
Murphydog, i like the humor.
Trevor – He fills in for Kay or La Graca if they are off, usually on Friday’s.
Thankfully he isin’t a regular
“I give madonna for staying relevant ALL these years. The young girls nowadays would kill to have her success. She might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but she knows how to work it.”
She does. I bought her latest disc. I liked it quite a bit. She had some of the up and coming stars collaborate with her. That’s how you stay relevant. Keep up with what the kids are doing, but put your own spin on it.
I think Maddonna hypnotizes latin men into sleeping w/ her
Not good music, but wasn’t “sticky & sweet” among the highest grossing tours last season?
“still putting out good music?”
Like I said in another post, I have her last disc and I think it’s good. She also did well with her Ray of Light disc a few years ago. She may not be your cup of tea, but there are millions of people out there who still enjoy her music.
It’s true that a few LoHuders have been guilty (coughBrandoncough) of making very silly trade suggestions involving Yankees and the Giants. Sometimes the phrase “Japan revenue” has also been used.
“He fills in for Kay or La Graca if they are off, usually on Friday’s”
Oh okay! Whew!
but she knows how to package herself
———–
Can you be more specific?
BTW, i think she has a better body now then she did in her 20′s. She should do a Jane Fonda type dvd’s. Shed make a killing.
Kay not a fan of the Wang in the pen move
It will be funny, after all this pre-hype about how many HRs will be hit and the offense explosion this weekend, if we play a bunch of 2-1 games
Baseball Blog desperatly seeking gamethread. Must have killer lineps, cute titles for stories and injury updates Berroa jokes a plus but not a dealbreaker.
Please respond to the right
SoS: my reply was eaten. Yes, that was season one.
SNL shorts had the wayne’s world video with madonna rolling around on the bed. She was voluptuous, not all cubic like a picasso subject.
sos, youtube mickey avalon’s “do the jane fonda”
Rishi can you link to that Law chat?
“Theres been 7 of them already? I get them all mixed up. #1 was the kill the president or your wife and daughter dies. #2 was a nuclear bomb in L.A.. I got into the series in season 2. Liked it so much i rented season 1 and watched it in like 4 days with the wife. Its 40 minutes a show on dvd. Not easy to turn it off at 2 in the morning when all the episodes end with “same bat time same bat chanel type endings””
It’s impossible to turn off. I watched Seasons 1 and 2 in a span of 3 days. Needless to say, I didn’t get much sleep.
“but she knows how to package herself”
“Can you be more specific?”
Sure. Madonna knows (like the rest of us) that she does not have a great voice. She will not be beating Mariah Carey in any singing competitions. In order to hide this shortcoming, she wraps her voice around good beats and dancable music in order to distract the listener. Think back to her best hits like “Holiday”, “Lucky Star” and “Vogue”. When I think of those songs, the first thing that pops into my mind is the music and how much I like dancing to those songs. I never hear myself say “Wow, that Madonna can really sing”. However, when I listen to a Mariah or a Whitney song, my first thought is always their voice.
That’s how I see it.
The bullpen move is questionable. Kay is right– you are kind of back at ground 0.
The only way it is successful is if he pitches 3 scoreless innings tonight (in a blowout) or something after Burnett goes 6 and then slot him in somewhere in Texas.
Creates more questions than it does answers.
I’m sure Maddona can still turn a few tricks and would not be turned down by single guy on this blog for sheer celeb status alone.
Putting a spin on an old chestnut:
“Can 50 million Madonna fans be wrong?”
Why yes. Yes, they can.
me thinks K-Law is making the all too common mistake of giving up on young master hughe too early.
DB,
Wrong, see my previous post.
DB – (officially panicked 5/13/09)
May 22nd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
I’m sure Maddona can still turn a few tricks and would not be turned down by single guy on this blog for sheer celeb status alone.
TRUE
don’t kid yourselves gents – you would
Guard,
Thank you. I was along on an island about Wang. Now I have you to guard me from Kay.
SM, wrong about?
Never Ellsworth, never. Not for money. Never. Now stop with the nonsense.
Hell, even Britney would do madonna.
“Name 5 other 80’s acts that are still relavent today and still putting out good music (and making millions to boot). Yeah, I know – you can’t do it. Give credit where credit is due.”
I didn’t realize the discussion was limited to the commercial viability of 80s pop acts. My bad.
OK Stults.
maybe not you.
DB,
This is what I said about Madonna a few minutes ago:
“Forget the face and the body, she has the soul of a harpy. I’ve been around women like that and you couldn’t pay me to spend time with them.”
So I meant, not every single guy would give her the time of day.
*alone
Okay, the plan is for Wang to be available for long relief. Hoch seemed to imply that he would be insurance in the event that Joba’s not ready to go next week.
DB – (officially panicked 5/13/09)
May 22nd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
I’m sure Maddona can still turn a few tricks and would not be turned down by single guy on this blog for sheer celeb status alone.
TRUE
don’t kid yourselves gents – you would
_______
Not me, Madonna 20 years ago yes, now no thanks
Men never turn down free action. That’s just a fact of life. It doesn’t matter who is offering.
1. Van Halen
2. Beastie Boys
3. Bon Jovi
4. U2
5. Bruce Springsteen
I can keep going
db,
They all would. Some would use the 2 paper bags rule. One over hers and one over theirs. Just in case hers fell off.
Flava Flav would give her the time of day.
Wow, did not realize that madonna was so…polarizing. Hmmm.
Luara,
For a minute there i thought you were describing Britney Spears. I was looking for the part of minumal clothing.
My kids and I did like the Justin Timberlake and Madonna 4 minute(i believe)song.
Men never turn down free action. That’s just a fact of life. It doesn’t matter who is offering.
______
I do, there are some places that a young man just shouldn’t explore, Madonna is one of those places, now demi moore is a different story lol
http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/.....t_id=26571
Who gives a rat’s rearend about Madonna? Sheesh
So what is Cindy Crawford doing these days?
“Baseball Blog desperatly seeking gamethread. Must have killer lineps, cute titles for stories and injury updates Berroa jokes a plus but not a dealbreaker.
Please respond to the right”
Thank you.
Madonna or Melky?
Laura,
LOL. She’s a lot better looking that what guys pay for on the streets. Uh, not suggesting that anyone here would ever, ever do that.
no – thank you for noticing m-dog
“Who gives a rat’s rearend about Madonna? Sheesh
So what is Cindy Crawford doing these days?”
What’s with the old lady talk?
Small m: you had some unique opinion/position about Wang?
What was it?
Madonna? Never could stand her. Still can’t. She is a slut and brought that on stage. That isn’t talent. Its soft porn for the masses.
“So what is Cindy Crawford doing these days?”
Selling furniture I believe.
halley berry, madonna, demi moore….
which one does not belong?
Men never turn down free action. That’s just a fact of life. It doesn’t matter who is offering.
———
Laura,
Not all of us are/were ugly/fat/desperate/low self esteem.
Maybe a little gray now at a young age but not that. Id turn gay(no offense to gay people) before i was in that catagory.
Wow Keith Law’s description of Jeff Francouer is BRUTAL … but hilarious
Laura,
Wow, wrong about a couple things and offending along the way. I love the ladies, but a dude’s gotta have standards. And one of them, for me, is not spending a minute with a b@tch no matter who they are.
Thanks you, S.o.S.!
“LOL. She’s a lot better looking that what guys pay for on the streets. Uh, not suggesting that anyone here would ever, ever do that.”
I’ve never paid for it but I was just in Amsterdam and this is not true
Actually I’d like to see Wang throw 2-3 innings tonight and then start in Joba’s place three days later.
He gets over the leg bruise and skippng a start can be useful considering his innings situation. And the sinker might be sharper for Wang if he’s a touch on the tired side. Then he slides into Hughes’ spot once Joba is ready to go.
Nick,
Not thrilled about the move because I don’t see any real need for it. I want to see Wang, but I think a fresh bullpen arm or two would’ve covered in the event of long relief. So I think there’s some ulterior motive. I think they want to see him against big-league hitters before making any further decisions. But for now, I’ll buy Girardi’s explanation that it’s because a thin bullpen was made even thinner by last night’s events.
I’ve never paid for it but I was just in Amsterdam and this is not true
——–
Everyone pays for it. You might not know it, but you do.
Stultus
Unless you know Madonna personally, don’t believe her stage persona is what she’s like in real life.
Halle is the only one who dates people her own age and/or species!
I’m trapped at my desk waiting to pick up my daughter for the weekend. There’s nobody else here – not even the phones are ringing with some innocent person telling me they got locked up for no reason and need my services – and there’s no news on the wires. So I’m wasting my valuable time debating the relative worth of the wretched excess known as Madonna.
Please Sam… if you’re out here, post a game thread already!
murphy
church
beltran
sheff
wright
reed
santos
martinez
castillo
if anyone cares
Is Madonna still seeing young Jesus?
“Halle is the only one who dates people her own age and/or species!”
Her baby daddy/boyfriend is about 10 years younger than her.
Damn, when’s the line-up coming in???
True NYYanksFan, but if it’s anything close, then no thank you.
Guys, I have the swine flu, please don’t make me yell today.
Oh yeah and Jobber to the Pen!
SA,
Wow. Talk about smoldering. made Alex look like a grandpa.
Uncle,
I could be wrong but I think you posted wrong team. Unless Stealth went stealth on us and traded away the whole team for that.
ouch, i would be suprised if the mets win 1 game with that horrible line up.
Conspiracy theory + too close to AJ’s start. Gotcha.
Hopefully we see Wang in the 7th or beyond with a nice lead if we see him at all. Getting AJ going is important too.
Good luck, Mets. Last time they got swept in Boston and that was the year they actually had a shot at the WS title.
Too bad Beltran struck out…looking.
“Everyone pays for it. You might not know it, but you do.”
Wow that’s deep SoS :rolleyes:
Yuck at the Met lineup.
Yeah umm they’re not winning any games at Fenway.
Personally, if the Yanks get a decent lead tonight, I’d say have Wang pitch the last three innings. And then if he does well, that’s the end of it. Starting next time…
We should lend the Mets GGBG for the night.
There may be some use for this site after all:
http://mets.lohudblogs.com/
if johan gets shelled tonight – does that change the “we shoulda traded for him” debate ?
STORM THE METS BLOG!!!
Who’s with me???!!!
Melky needs to come up with a better picture pose:
http://cache.gawker.com/assets.....ure_43.png
Madonna and young Jesus. Not bad at all
http://www.thevine.com.au/reso.....us-455.jpg
Wow, every time I take a look at Mets LoHud, I expect it to pick up some fans. But every time I check the place is a ghost town. No post from today???
Pete’s good.
Uncle Ellsworth (relax Chief):
I was trying to nap.
I’m in!
I remember when some of us had to hide in the metsblog cuz this place was nuts(we were losing). Wild and wacky times
“STORM THE METS BLOG!!!
Who’s with me???!!!
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon behind them
Volley’d and thunder’d;
Storm’d at with shot and shell,
While horse and hero fell,
They that had fought so well
Came thro’ the jaws of Death
Back from the mouth of Hell,
All that was left of them,
Left of six hundred.
All this old 24 episode stuff is giving me flashbacks….
I can’t believe I bet on the cougar.
to qoute monty python “you’re no fun anymore”
bye bye alba.
Albaladejo down to AAA
Jeter
Damon
Tex
Arod
Matsui
Swisher
Cano
Cabrera
Cash
via wfan
jeter
damon
tex
arod
matsui
swisher
cano
cabrera
cash
Per Francessa -
Damon back in lineup, Cash is catching
Albaladejo down
Damon
Jeter
Teixeria
Matsui
Swisher
Cano
Cabrera
Cash
is the lineup
i cant wait till posada is back, our linup will be sickkkkkkkk.
Later alba
Albaladejo down?
Who’s up/off the D.L.?
Tom
Wang
First Edwar, now Alba
All we need is to get rid of Veras and the pen will be purified!!
I hope it’s Robertson that’s up.
Cool, thanks, pat.
Interesting Alba move. Or not? I don’t know. He didn’t inspire hige confidence last night. Robertson or Melancon to come up if/when Hughes goes down?
“to qoute monty python “you’re no fun anymore” ”
I stopped being fun a while ago. Now when I get together with friends we have no more than two beers because we’re scared to death of getting locked up for DWI and we talk about all the times we were drunk and did dumb things instead of getting drunk and doing dumb things.
I just paused to re-read that. sigh.
Time for my Metamucil and FLOMAX.
Robertson will probably come up once Hughes gets sent down.
game thread —————->
“we talk about all the times we were drunk and did dumb things instead of getting drunk and doing dumb things.”
Reliving youth is only something you need to try once and you realize just how old you are.
The Yankee Stadium bag/backpack policy actually did undergo a major change this year. Last year, bags, other than purses, had to be clear. Security had clear bags available and you had to transfer everything from an opaque bag to a clear plastic bag before entering. Then you had to either get rid of the offending bag or use the bag check service. This year security allows bags in as long as they can search them. Backpacks are still not permitted. That’s still a carryover from the Atlanta Olympics. Coolers are not permitted, not even the soft ones. Bottled waters were allowed last year and are still allowed BUT they must be unopened. So don’t buy a $1 water, drink from it, and expect to still get in with it. I am sure of these rules. I went to 28 home games last year and 6 so far this year.
FYI – Sam the butcher was on Brady Bunch, not Diff’rent Strokes. He dated skanky-old Alice the maid.