Today in The Journal News
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Jul 01, 2009 
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Mariano Rivera threw out the first pitch and the fired the last as the Yankees beat the Mariners. That’s six in a row.
Eric Hinske brings the Yankees some versatility. This notebook also has an update on A-Rod, Brian Bruney and Tony Romo. Yes, Tony Romo.
Phil Hughes has taken to the bullpen.
Bernie Williams played last night, too. That would be the guitar at a performance close to his home. Good story here by our interns, Tony Olivero and Peter Ferraro.
“I feel like I have more control, my stuff plays up a little bit,” Hughes said. “It feels like a good fit for me. Who’s to say what the future will be? Maybe this is what I do for the rest of my career.”
Shocked!
Don’t get caught up in quotes. Hughes doesn’t want to make it a big deal. Smart on his part.
A guy nobody mentioned, but who may end up being the 6th starter if he continues pitching well, is Sergio Mitre.
He’s throwing the ball very well in Scranton.
A scout I know that saw one of his Tampa rehab starts was really impressed with him.
A name to keep an eye on as the season goes on.
What sort of arsenal does Sergio Mitre have?
I know I’ve asked this before, but what’s the diddy on Damian Arredondo? Is he a highly touted potential prospect?
Fastball, slider, changeup. Before his elbow injury, he had a pretty good curveball. Don’t know if he is still using it.
He was throwing the ball well for the Marlins last year before he blew out his elbow.
He’s not a bad option as a 5th/6th starter if needed and healthy.
“What sort of arsenal does Sergio Mitre have?”
The kind that never missed bats in when he was in the bigs.
Good stuff from Phil…….I don’t care about the BA against as SP versus the pen because Phil was just finding himself as a starter and it includes that dreadful Baltimore game. He definitely wants to be a starter, but you can see he’s trying to defuse the situation by saying that maybe being in the pen is what he’ll do from now on. I’m sure he’ll still be able to hit 96 from time to time as a starter – but even if he ends up at 92-94, it doesn’t matter. His stuff is so good – swing and miss stuff – with that same late life that hitters have always said was there. His curve has just been so good – again, nice benefit of AJ being there to show him how to throw a harder one. I would just love to see Phil develop a change – but in the meantime, the confidence he’s gaining is priceless. He doesn’t belong in the minors…
not sure why it’s getting filtered out, but the last paragraph of the NYT article (that I’ve now tried to post at least 10 times)…
Cashman on Hughes: “I can’t look Mariano Rivera in the face and say, ‘I’m going to weaken your bullpen right now for the future,’ ”
Helping Hughes’s case to stay is the veteran Sergio Mitre, who is 2-0 with a 2.88 E.R.A. in four starts for Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Having Mitre as insurance for the rotation lessens the need for Hughes to fill that role.
giving up on posting hte last paragraph of the NYT article on the game (now tried 10 times), but they say Mitre is helping Hughes’ case to stay in the BP and that Cashman says “I can’t look Mariano Rivera in the face and say, ‘I’m going to weaken your bullpen right now for the future,’ ”
“giving up on posting hte last paragraph of the NYT article on the game (now tried 10 times), but they say Mitre is helping Hughes’ case to stay in the BP and that Cashman says “I can’t look Mariano Rivera in the face and say, ‘I’m going to weaken your bullpen right now for the future,’ ””
That sounds ridiculously short-sighted.
Meanwhile, Papelbon is still bawling his eyes out over last night’s blown save.
Yeah, he deserved it as did his teammates.
Interesting quote by Cashman that Hughes being effective out of the bullpen changes their situation from “desperate” to “if something makes sense” as far as trading for relief help. They are not going to, and they shouldn’t have to, overpay for someone at this point, and they won’t have to add someone for this year only who won’t necessarily be a fit next season. Also, they hold the upper hand in any negotiations. It’s always easier when you can walk away from the table.
good to see Papelbum blow a save last night and the Yankees pick up another win.
Joba may be boring but in the majority of his games he gives the Yankees a chance to win the game which *should* be the expectations for him at this point IMO. Count Pete among those with astronomical expectations and little patience…if I had to pick one bone it would be the lack of progression with his “being too careful” issues. I couldn’t watch the game so I have no idea how he was looking, but would it have been reasonable for Joe to let him finish the 6th or was he pretty much done?
Not short sighted at all. Right now, Hughes is needed in the bullpen. They want to try and win a World Series and that’s the best place for him to do so at this time.
How is that shortsighted? Next year, he will back in the rotation, and a better pitcher because of his work in the pen.
Joba was pretty much spent last night when he came out. Plus, I love the matchup of Coke against back to back lefties in their lineup.
That’s why you don’t stack lefties in a lineup. It leaves you vulnerable for the lefty specialist matchup in a key situation later in the game.
thanks SJ…sounds like it was the right move then.
A while back, Pete posted that JB Cox was demoted to Trenton (AA) and reported that JB Cox quit baseball. I’ve been searching for any reports that might verify this… but can’t find any… is this true or just scuttle butt?
You look at this team and they really don’t need much.
A healthy Arod, as long as they don’t overplay him, makes them very dangerous offensively.
If Wang and Pettitte get it going, regardless of Joba’s trevails, that’s a top shelf rotation.
Personally, I think they need another veteran bullpen arm because you can’t win with all kids and a compromised (I don’t think he’s fully healthy) Brian Bruney out there.
However, if Phil Hughes keeps pitching like this, it gives the Yankees huge leverage in any trade talk.
Love the Hinske deal because it gives them another veteran off the bench.
They just have to keep the valleys down to a minimum.
If they do, and stay healthy, they are going to be very dangerous the rest of the way.
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I don’t usually bother with the all star voting, but Teixeira fell behind Youkilis this week, so I just got on there and spent five minutes voting 30 times for Tex. If everyone who reads this blog does the same, we can make up some ground.
I don’t want to see the Red Sox with more starters than the yanks.
I just hope A-Rod stays home and rests up during the All Star Break. I’d rather see him not get in at all.
That break would do him a ton of good.
As everyone knows, A-Rod is the lynchpin of that offense. If he’s feeling good and strong, this lineup is as dangerous as any in baseball.
I happen to think that Youkilis deserves the all-star start over Tex. He’s having just as good a year as Tex and I’m one of those that won’t just vote for Yankees, I vote for who I think deserves to be there and IMO that’s Youkilis right now
Here’s a good article about Phil and Joe’s use of him last night:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/07.....176928.htm
SJ, did you see the post game reviews of the game with WV Power? Some really nice write-up and kudos on your nephew. Congratulations to him, you and the proud family.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.....8;sid=t525
I have more faith in Wang being at least servicable than I do in Andy turning it around and starting to pitch really well….but that faith in Wang is fairly shaky. It’s a lot to ask CC and AJ to carry the load – the Yankees need both Andy and Wang desperately.
“I happen to think that Youkilis deserves the all-star start over Tex.”
Morneau deserves it over both of them.
Teix has a better glove than Youk
Youk deserves nothing because he looks like an idiot…
“I happen to think that Youkilis deserves the all-star start over Tex. He’s having just as good a year as Tex and I’m one of those that won’t just vote for Yankees, I vote for who I think deserves to be there and IMO that’s Youkilis right now”
If Pukelis is having as good a year as Tex, why would you want him over a guy that plays for a team that you supposedly root for? It would be one thing if you believed that Pukelis was having a superior year over Tex, but you don’t. Are you sure you’re not part of Red Sox Nation?
http://www.nydailynews.com/spo.....tml?page=1
And another one……..I love how Phil wants the pressure situations – that is half the battle and why I think he’ll do well (and has done well in his brief career – like, the ALDS).
Touche Morneau does deserve it over both of them. And Miguel Cabrera is having a terrific season as well too.
“I happen to think that Youkilis deserves the all-star start over Tex. He’s having just as good a year as Tex and I’m one of those that won’t just vote for Yankees, I vote for who I think deserves to be there and IMO that’s Youkilis right now”
So self-respecting Yankee fan would EVER vote for the Red Sox for anything.
You need to leave your fan card at the door, thanks very much.
Off topic but I just was watching ESPN Sportscenter and all I can say is this:
Sage Steele *Thumbs Up*
I didn’t see that GB, thanks for finding it for me.
They play at 11 am and he’s off today. Day game after night game deal.
Slacker! lol
Mike and Mike this morning are discussing a stat from Elias called LIPS- late inning pressure situations.
Does anyone know if that is the same stat people call close and late?
I’m definitely not part of Red Sox nation, I’m a diehard Yankee fan, but let’s be serious. Tex has 7 homers and 15 more rbi than Youkilis, but Youk is batting almost 45 points higher than Tex. Actually, when looking at the seasons all the first baseman are having, like Steve B said, Morneau deserves it over both of them. And Miguel Cabrera should be the backup
For the month of June the Bullpen’s ERA was 2.63.
“So self-respecting Yankee fan would EVER vote for the Red Sox for anything.”
Should say NO self-respecting Yankee fan……..
Has there been any progress with Marte…because if he is healthy that would give them another vet in the BP…and a lefty to boot.
My gut feeling is that he won’t be back for awhile…the WBC has reeked havoc this year.
Hughes does give Cash some leverage in trade talks…but there are too many teams in it and the trade market will not take shape until the end of July. As such, he needs to look within if needed, until a deal can be made if needed.
there are two RP who are up for trades, Sherrill & Qualls would both make nice 8th innings RP & take this team to the next level…go get one
“I’m definitely not part of Red Sox nation, I’m a diehard Yankee fan, but let’s be serious. Tex has 7 homers and 15 more rbi than Youkilis, but Youk is batting almost 45 points higher than Tex. Actually, when looking at the seasons all the first baseman are having, like Steve B said, Morneau deserves it over both of them. And Miguel Cabrera should be the backup”
But you said you would vote for Youkilis over Texiera and there’s no way a real Yankee fan would ever vote for a Red Sox.
I think my fingers would fall off if I voted for a Sox player over a Yankee player.
“Actually, when looking at the seasons all the first baseman are having, like Steve B said, Morneau deserves it over both of them. And Miguel Cabrera should be the backup”
That may be true, but that’s not how the voting is going so far. That also doesn’t explain why a Yankees fan would pick a BOS player over one of their own. Pukelis doesn’t get the nod just because he hits for a higher average. Tex has better power numbers and is a better fielder. Plus, he’s a Yankee. That should have made your choice clear.
SJ, would you, or, do you think the Yanks will consider Mitre as a bullpen piece if he remains effective and health by the middle/end of July. He’s been impressive and no control issues. That would put him in around 60-65 innings, this year.
“I know I’ve asked this before, but what’s the diddy on Damian Arredondo? Is he a highly touted potential prospect?”
Sunny,
From what I’ve read, Arredondo is a slick fielding shortstop with a plus arm and great speed and range. His bat needs some work, but he has great tools.
“It’s a lot to ask CC and AJ to carry the load – the Yankees need both Andy and Wang desperately”
AJ and CC were paid great money this offseason to carry the load. It’s not asking them a lot at all, it’s asking them to do their job.
The Yankees are 11-4 in Pettitte’s starts and 10-5 in Joba’s starts anyway, so neither of them are killing the team.
I’m not saying Tex isn’t having a good year, because we’d be in last place without his contributions in the field and at the plate, but I don’t think he should be in the all-star game over the likes of Morneau, Cabrera or even Youkilis.
I’m a Yankee fan first and foremost, but I’m also a baseball fan too. And I hate the Red Sox just as much as anyone, but I won’t not vote for someone just because of the uniform they’re wearing. If that was the case I’d never vote for any Angel either because I dislike them too.
I just vote for the player who is having the season that warrants being in the all-star game, regardless of uniform. I try to keep my bias and allegiance towards the Yankees out of my decision, because I just want to see the best players in the game at their position.
Isn’t that what the all-star game is all about?
I have never cared much about the umber of Yankees in the All-Star game. As far as I’m concerned Jeter can go alone this year.
Tex vs Youk vs Morneau is a good debate and chance are all three name it because you can’t find three all-star 3B in the American League no matter how hard you look.
Joba’s problems are pretty simple. He throws too few fastballs (which contributes to the drop in velocity), he works too many deep counts because he doesn’t challenge hitters enough and he shakes off his catchers WAY too much. I’d like Girardi to slap a “No shaking off” rule on him for two starts.
Isn’t it time the Yankees went to 11 pitchers? Tomko has made seven appearances in the last 32 games and the margin was four or more in five opf those. The 12th pitcher is a waste of space on a team where the starters are good.
SJ44
July 1st, 2009 at 9:28 am
I didn’t see that GB, thanks for finding it for me.
They play at 11 am and he’s off today. Day game after night game deal.
Slacker! lol
————————————————————
My pleasure, SJ. This is one of the few post game reviews that I have seen on lower level minor league games. Not sure if this was an every game occurance with WV Power.
Yeah….You need to ride that kid. He’ll never amount to anything by begging off from work. Nice way to break in for the youngster.
SJ — Is Tony in a short season league? Top college players are way too good for that level.
“I just want to see the best players in the game at their position. Isn’t that what the all-star game is all about?”
Absolutely not…the all-star game (unfortunately) is a popularity contest that for some odd reason decides home field advantage for the WS…
Another morning
Another Joba debate
Lohud at its best
He’s in full season Low A ball….SALLY League
GB,
LOL. I wouldn’t consider Mitre for bullpen work because his stuff doesn’t translate for it. Not a huge fastball, and his other pitches are ok, not great.
He’s more a back of a rotation guy/6th starter type than a bullpen option, IMO.
I must say that I get a thrill every time I see Hughes on the mound developing before our eyes and really pitching with a mojo he hasn’t had since his rookie season.
Hughes took a lot of flak last year and early this season being labeled a bust by a lot of fans and the media as well because he had the audacity to struggle as a 21-22 yr old kid in the bigs.
And Cashman took a lot of flak because he didn’t trade Hughes for Johan Santana. I’m sure he privately waives his middle finger at those who scorned him for not pulling that trigger.
You could see from his first outing in Spring Training that Hughes had a purpose this season and his body language and attitude was completely different.
He trusts his stuff a lot more and he’s throwing everything with a lot of conviction.
I don’t think I’m the only Yankee fan here who gets a little satisfaction watching this kid turn into a man before our very eyes after sticking with the kid through all the ups and downs he’s had to endure the last couple of years.
Lace and Stilleto
A Lohud blog favorite
A-rod buys the ads
5 years ago today was the Jeter Dive game.
I’m getting old because it doesn’t seem like 5 years ago.
86,
Full Season A Ball in the South Atlantic League.
He played 4 games in short season ball because the SAL was on their ASB when he signed.
He will spend the rest of the year in West Virginia.
It’s so weird how the roles of Youuuuuse and Jobber have reversed.
I’m a tad worried about Andy going today. Hopefully he has a bounce back performance
“5 years ago today was the Jeter Dive game.”
Great game. Added to Jeter’s legend and was the beginning of the end of Nomar as a Red Sox player…….plus of course the Yankees won.
OK, thanks, SJ. I haven’t seen him pitch since he was with the Cubs a few years ago. I didn’t know if the doctors had stuck a Nolan Ryan fastball into his arm or not. Was just looking at the 28 strikeouts/4 walks in 35 innings, so far.
The bullpen has changed his career trajectory because he got his swagger back.
We can talk about stuff and stats until we are blue in the face.
Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, changes a player more than success. That brings confidence and confidence brings results.
When Hughes looks back a year from now, I bet he says going to the bullpen is the best thing that ever happened to him.
It will make him a better starting pitcher.
David Cone was right. His stuff does translate to the bullpen and having success there is better than starting in the minors.
Great call by Coney.
“General manager Brian Cashman in no hurry to take Phil Hughes out of New York Yankees bullpen”
http://www.nj.com/yankees/inde.....shman.html
As always, I’m concerned about Hughes’ innings limits but if Girardi keeps using him, I’m happy. He will get above 100 innings and that’s all that matters. And I must admit, he is electric out of the pen and a lot of fun to watch.
He is never going to sit at 95 as a starter but its fun to see him jack it up and blow guys away out of the pen.
Its just more proof that if you are a good starting pitcher, BIG SHOCK you will be an even better bullpen pitcher.
I think Joe Benigno might actually cry on the air today.
I think we hear “Oh the Pain” 6 times this morning.
Quick question for those who’ve voted for the ASG….when you reach your limit of 25 does it tell you?
rodg12-yeah it tells you when you have reached your limit.
“Absolutely not…the all-star game (unfortunately) is a popularity contest that for some odd reason decides home field advantage for the WS”
Yea, you’re right. That’s what it’s become, but I at least treat it the way it’s supposed to be lol
SJ44,
Yes, I remembered three weeks or so ago, when you and I argued about Hughes going to the bullpen as you thought he should go back to Scranton to start games while a couple of us thought he should stay up here because we thought he had nothing left to prove down in Scranton and that he can get enough innings (130) pitching out of the Yankee bullpen this season. My thought on that matter was his lack of confidence and the need for him to learn how to get ML hitters out on a consistent basis while those hitters in AAA ball give him little trouble in that regard.
One thing about this great game of baseball, circumstances make you change your mind from time to time as these are players and not machines like some fans think they should operate as, case in point, Joba.
Hughes looks great. His fastball has a lot of life and his curve is really sharp.
Unless Girardi plans to use Hughes again tonight (or wants to have him available for tonight), I don’t see why he pulled Hughes after one dominant inning last night. As Pete said, it is paint by the numbers. I don’t get it at all.
A-Rod should sit tonight. I don’t care how hot he is. He has been grimacing a lot and grabbing his hip from time to time in the field.
Thanks, S.A.
new thread
Hughes should be the eighth inning guy!
And Joba is really annoying me w/the bad starts.
SJ44
July 1st, 2009 at 9:02 am
That’s why you don’t stack lefties in a lineup. It leaves you vulnerable for the lefty specialist matchup in a key situation later in the game.
Thats one of the reasons Cano is batting 5th. When you throw a switch hitter in that spot it’s hard to break up the lefties legitametely. I think Girardi takes it a little too far but for all intents and purposes it’s really not that big a deal unless everyone is in a funk. (circa 1 week ago)
What’s really made putting Cano into the 5th spot is the constant issues with players not being available. First was the unavailability of Rodriguez, then Posada, the deep slump by Swisher, injuries to Matsui, and finally the 9 straight games in NL parks.
I doubt that Cano would have been there without these things taking place. Too much is made about the DPs anyway. Nothing’s being said about the 8 from Jeter out of the leadoff spot. Cano’s not going to walk 60-70 times a year, but, the leadoff hitter isn’t exactly a walk machine either, and tends to swing at a lot of 1st and 2nd pitches….the same complaints about Cano.
GB 7 — I don’t know what you’ve been reading, but there’s been a ton said about Captain DP.
I don’t think Cano is an ideal # 5 guy because he has way too many undisciplined AB. Actually my preferredlineup right now would be
Gardner 8
Jeter 6
Damon 7
Alex 5
Tex 3
Jorge 2
Cano 5
Mat/Swi DH
Melky 9
Obviously you mix and match with Damon/Melky/Swish/Mats but only Damon should hit # 3 of that group.
Whatcha think gang?
Cano
Am I early with this? Late with this? Not spending much time here so have no idea if this was posted. Just a bit of speculation I guess.
If this turns out be be actual, then what was described as the greatest choke in Yankee history (2004) may be nothing more than a juiced up story…
Got this off the other forum where I spend my time.
http://rotoinfo.com/read_article.php?articleId=318
ignore that Cano at the end… sloppy editing