Wrapping it up from the Bronx
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Jul 03, 2009 
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Not much worthwhile to put up today in terms of audio. But here are a few statistics and observations:
• It’s interesting how much more confident Phil Hughes looks as a reliever. For his sake, hopefully he is learning lessons that will help him as a starter. Hughes is challenging hitters with his fastball and curveball and pitching with the “go ahead and try and hit this” attitude everybody saw back in 2007. Hughes has walked three in 13.2 innings as a reliever. He walked 15 in 34.2 innings as a starter. Part of it is abandoning his change-up in favor of only four-seamers, curveballs and splits. “I don’t want to get beat with my fourth-best pitch,” Hughes said.
I wrote back in spring training that Hughes would throw 100 innings in the majors and be a huge factor. He has thrown 48.1 innings so far. Joe Girardi would be smart to use him two innings at a time once in a while, sort of like Mariano back in the day or Ramiro Mendoza.
• Speaking of Mariano, he has allowed one run on two hits in his last 10.1 innings while striking out 14. He has converted 35 straight save chances at home going back to 2007.
• Of A-Rod’s 14 homers, half have come in the sixth inning or beyond with the margin no more than two runs either way.
• Robinson Cano is a .348 career hitter in July. That said, he is 0 for his last 15 with runners in scoring position.
• A.J. Burnett’s last four games: 27.1 innings, 16 hits, 3 earned runs, 12 walks, 33 strikeouts. That’s an 0.99 ERA. He was 8-2, 2.86 after the All-Star break last season. I asked him if he felt like he was building toward that again. “I do,” he said. “I really do. It’s all confidence.”
• Quote of the day is from Brian Tallet: “It’s a little different but they spent a billion dollars to build the same ballpark.”
$1.5 billion, actually.
• Toronto has lost five of six. If they don’t make some sort of move before the break, J.P. Ricciardi is putting out a “For Sale” sign.
• Scott Rolen is not the hitter he once was. But he is every bit the third baseman. He is a pleasure to watch out there.
Thanks to everybody for reading today. Back at it tomorrow for another day game.
After listening to Heyman on MLB channel, it’s quite obvious he sometimes doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
If he puts up that For Sale sign, we need to either trade for Roy or hope he gets traded to the NL.
OT : Did anyone see the Jeremy Jeffress story?
http://www.panthersfanatic.net has the story if interested.
There is no way that the Jays will trade Halladay. Other teams would cut off their right arm to get him. Not the Yankees wouldn’t either, just that we’ll never have the chance. Halladay on either the Red Sox or Yankees means that Toronto would never see the light of day for years to come.
From the previous thread:
CB,
Perhaps I worded my posts a little too harshly about Burnett.
It wasn’t my intention at all to set the bar so high on him. I’m not expecting him to be Greg Maddux or Sabathia on the mound and never missing start.
I’d just like him to be considerably more durable than he had been the first 9 years of his career.
I don’t think that’s asking for a lot. I’d be happy if he made 27+ starts a season.
But he’d only pitched a full season three times in nine seasons coming into 2009.
I’m not being unrealistic and asking for the moon – just a little more durability than he shown earlier in his career.
—————
Betsy,
Results matter much more than words. He does look like a different pitcher right now but it did take him a long time to get there.
Case in point, he hasn’t completely recovered from his old habits. He displayed it a few times this season already (such as the 6-run lead against the Red Sox) and we all know he’s been extremely stubborn with not incorporating his changeup more often.
He still doesn’t throw it very much and that’s just mind-boggling to me considering how good it really is and how much it would improve his game.
And for the record, my problem with his game(s) against the Red Sox for the sake of complaining that it happened against the Red Sox.
My issue was that he exhibited some old habits of completely losing his composure on the mound. It didn’t matter who the opponent was.
Like I said, I’m thrilled with the way he’s pitched so far. I hope it continues. That’s really what we all want.
For the record, Hughes has the same curve now that he had at the end of last season after returning from the DL.
Burnett didn’t have anything to do with it.
Cash is King July 3rd, 2009 at 6:58 pm
After listening to Heyman on MLB channel, it’s quite obvious he sometimes doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
———–
You’ve got that right, brother.
I often shake my head in disbelief after reading his column on SI or hearing his opinion on Francesa or the MLB Network.
OK Yank fans….
You ready to send a little love and luck to Felix and the M’s???
Here’s to “Fenway Felix” continuing his dominance in Beantown.
Click on my name for the stats…
Go M’s!
Remember when many wanted Derrick Lowe instead of AJ Burnett? Thank God Brian Cashman is running this team and not these people. The AJ Burnett signing has been a tremendous success.
# CompassRosy July 3rd, 2009 at 7:05 pm
OK Yank fans….
You ready to send a little love and luck to Felix and the M’s???
Here’s to “Fenway Felix” continuing his dominance in Beantown.
Click on my name for the stats…
Go M’s!
now thats what im talking about
I wouldn’t want the Yankees to trade fro Halladay because I get more enjoyment out of watching prospects develop.
• Quote of the day is from Brian Tallet: “It’s a little different but they spent a billion dollars to build the same ballpark.”
__
I agree with this sentiment. The more I see the NYS, the less I like it.
Doesn’t Phil sport 2 curves now? The hammer & a slurvy curve like AJ’s?
SJ,
lol. I’m not concerned about Coke at all. In general, I’m against using a guy for one out. I just want to see more Huuughes.
Pete, Rolen is hitting .332 so far this season. He (along with Lind and Hill, possibly Scutaro) have been a big reason that the Jays have been able to stay in it for this long.
He may not be the player he was (only hitting 6 HRs so far this year), but he certainly still has some pop to his bat. The Jays are also probably just happy his arm has stayed together and that he hasn’t been on the DL for too much of his career as a Jay. This definitely was a deal that worked out well for the Jays as Troy Glaus is still chilling on the DL.
Unless the Yankees want to part with Hughes and Montero, and even that may not be enough, the Blue Jays aren’t trading Roy Halladay within the division. That’s professional suicide for JP and he’s not that dumb.
In fact, they aren’t trading Roy Halladay at all. There are other guys they will move before Roy, if they move guys at all.
Duh, that was their intention to build the same ballpark.
Cash is King
Duh, that was their intention to build the same ballpark.
__
Really? Wow, who would have known.
The same ballpark in regard to the field of play.
Pete, Phil was pitching better as a starter when he joined the pen. His K/BB ratio was much better. I don’t like the idea that he now isn’t developing his change – I understand about the confidence that being in the pen is given him and that it will serve him well as a starter. I just think his development will take something of a hit for next year and people need to understand that.
Ritchie,
Then what is your problem if you realized that?
Build the same ballpark, but just increase the price of a majority of the seats. Just wait until next year when you see the prices of the tiers.
I would stay far away from trading for anyone from Toronto.
The Vernon Wells contract may be the worst in baseball.
I love what Girardi is doing because it causes matchup problems. Teams can’t just key on innings or situations and figure out who he is going to use.
If they can get one more lefty out of the pen (they are looking at John Grabow and still holding out hope Marte can come back), this bullpen goes from terrible to strong in a little over a month.
Think about it. A month ago, Veras, Albie, and Ramirez were batting practice out there. They were using Mo too much too early from his shoulder surgery because the other guys stunk it up.
They had no long man, half the rotation couldn’t go 4 innings, and they were playing uphill (from a pitching perspective) almost every night.
Now, you have Hughes, Coke, Aceves and Bruney in front of Mo. A completely different look and much more effective.
Robertson is functional in low leverage situations and Tomko is around when you to blow out a veteran arm on a night the pen is short.
If you take out Tomko and add another situational lefty, it practically insures one or two guys won’t get overworked.
Especially if the starters continue to eat up innings.
They are thisclose to putting together a real, real tough team to play in the second half of the year. Just need to clean up a few things.
If they built a completely different park there would be an outcry about how it doesn’t look like or feel like YS.
Their intentions was to make it look exactly like the OYS/RYS.
Cash is King
My problem is that it’s boring. When I first saw it, I thought the newly minted replica was kind of cool, but the shelf-life, at least for me, has been very short. I like Citifield a lot more even though it pains me to say that.
btw, My college roommate spelled his last name the way you spelled my first name.
It didnt look that bad when they first made that deal. Many Jays fans were supportive of it and loved the way the organization had structured it over the years.
Until he starts producing, it looks like a huge joke. At his age he shouldnt have declined this fast. Can’t give up on him though.
What did Heyman say?
GF, I actually thought Phil’s new curve was something he broke out in ST this year? In any case, I’m sure AJ has helped him refine it. I don’t disagree with a lot of what you’re saying. IMO, I think that first Sox game was pretty emotional for him. I know it meant a lot for him to be pitching inside the rivalry and I think he was very tightly wound for that game. He got off to a great start, but once one bad thing happened, he was like a live wire and just exploded. The other start, he would have been bad no matter where he pitched – just not a good start. I’m sure he’s still going to have those types of starts, but you take the bad with the good. Really, I think for the most part AJ has been very solid – for much of the year, I actually don’t think he had particularly great stuff. He battled through a lot of games, which I think the team (if not fans) appreciated.
SJ44
Robertson is functional in low leverage situations…
___
I think he could be a lot more than that if given the opportunity. I think Girardi overuses Aceves and underuses Roberstson.
Robertson’s issue is control. If he’s not walking people, he’s as unhittable as anyone.
But IMO Hughes and Aceves have been the non-Mo stars out of the ‘pen.
I’d hate to think where the Yanks would be right now without him.
It would be a sad, sad day if the Jays ever traded Halladay…….
Pete, I agree with you on this point – Phil needs to pitch a couple of innings here and there. He just has to….
Sigh. Felix is down 2-0. Going to the top of the 1st.
It would not be sad if we got Halladay.
Frankly I care more about winning than developing prospects who may or may not be good, and Halladay is an outstanding pitcher. Outstanding. Along with Tim Linececum he’s one of my favorite pitchers in the league.
Every time they have given Robertson high leverage situations this year, he walks too many guys, pitches in bad counts, and gives up runs.
Good arm, not yet ready for prime time.
Still like him on the roster and love him in low leverage situations as he learns his craft.
Aceves is MUCH better than Robertson. I do think though, Joe extended him a little last night unnecessarily.
I think that was more of him not yet trusting Robertson in those situations yet.
David gets his command under control, he moves up the manager’s trust ladder.
m-Top of the second?
“Quote of the day is from Brian Tallet: “It’s a little different but they spent a billion dollars to build the same ballpark.””
LOL. Pure gold
Halladay is a fantasy trade that has no chance of happening.
The last thing the Jays are going to do is make the Yankees stronger. They have it tough enough in the division as it is.
//You ready to send a little love and luck to Felix and the M’s???
Here’s to “Fenway Felix” continuing his dominance in Beantown.//
Sorry 2-0 Red Sox first inning. We have the best home record and we are playing 3 of the worst teams in the AL, at home the next 10 games. What do you think is going to happen? I’d say 10-0.
Hope you can keep up, but I doubt it. Have fun on the west coast. I’d say Sox up on whoever is in second place at the all star break by 6 or 7 games.
Best team in the AL! Best Record in the AL: The Red Sox baby!
Nice try! Maybe your $210 mil payroll can finish a decent 3rd place this year???????
I disagree. New Yankee Stadium is a great Stadium. I loved it. Much, much less cramped than the old stadium.
Tip: Buy seats in the grandstands then if you don’t mind standing just stand behind home plate and watch.
What are the chances that Aceves wins rookie of the year if he continues to pitch this well?
SJ44-You’re right about that.
Wait till they come to OUR house AGAIN-A fan is right. It’d never happen anyway.
Sorry about posting my own name. Weird.
Hughes has 48 major league and 19 minor league innings so far this year. 67 total.
Seems to me he will have no problem hitting 110-120 innings this year.
I expect him to get “Mariano of ’96″ use in the second half of the year.
Girardi has been going baby steps with him, which is smart.
Today was the 8th inning, come in during the middle of an inning, test and he passed with flying colors.
Next will be pitching in back to back games. Once he does that, and his arm is good, he’s able to used like Mariano was in ’96.
The proper way to use him instead of just pigeonholing him as an “8th inning guy”, IMO.
By the way, King Felix looks really bad today.
Robertson has faced 17 batters with RISP. That’s too small a sample size to have much meaning. His stuff and his mL stats should earn him a longer look in high leverage situations.
SJ, I still say they need another arm in the pen….It’s a fragile situation if Hughes has to come out and go to the rotation….A righthanded bat is needed as well….They are real close for a late run into the October nights…. Baseball the week of Halloween….
Richie,
Nevermind.
I’m waiting to see the replay of the game – we were out all day and tuned in to the radio after ARod’s HR, so essentially, we missed the game. But I do know they won, I did watch the post game.
NYS – yeah, Tallett may be correct, but it is what they wanted to do. The Yankees were between a rock and a hard place once they decided they wanted a new stadium. They tried to straddle the fence, and I’d say, for the most part, good job. Not great, but good and there is room for improvement (though after spending what they did, here shouldn’t be). There are just too many things people would miss if the Yankees had built, say, a Citifield. However, people would not have stayed away simply because it didn’t look like the old YS. But history and tradition are big buzz words over in Yankeeland and so they had a lot less freedom in designing something new/old.
I think Hughes and Bruney said it all in the post game. Most pointedly Bruney, when he said, they have 5 starters and Mo, and all of the guys in between have an important job in getting from one to the other. They’re all important, no matter when they come into a game. I agree with SJ44 that it is good that the other team really can’t say what Girardi is going to do with a degree of certainty, outside of Mo.
I am holding out hope for Cano in the #5 spot, just because I feel like it. He’s a good hitter. He’s never lasted in higher spots for very long- like it would be tried for a short period of time, it wouldn’t really “work,” and they’d immediately push him back down. Right now, they’re playing well enough to give it time to work. If it doesn’t, okay, fine, then he’s gonna be the #7 guy. Which is not bad. It lengthens the lineup – I mean Cano is a good hitter and at #7, he’s great. But I’d like to think, and I know what the numbers say, that at some point, it’s going to work. It’s okay if I’m wrong. I’m not declaring war here. Just saying, I’d like to see it work.
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com.....8;c_id=nyy
["Brian Bruney is our eighth-inning guy," he would say. Clear and concise. Difficult to argue. Simple to understand.
So imagine the surprise when the eighth inning rolled around on Friday afternoon, with the Yankees leading by just one run, and Bruney never left his comfortable seat on the bullpen bench. Instead, Phil Coke and Phil Hughes combined to get through the frame and bridge the gap to Mariano Rivera in an eventual 4-2 victory over the Blue Jays.
Despite Girardi's comments the past several days, it appears Bruney, in fact, is no longer considered the eighth-inning guy. And after the game this time, Girardi went from being a broken record to a man with a whole new plan.
"I said the other day Bruney was our eighth-inning guy, but I need to get him going," Girardi said. "We need to get him right, and we'll get him right. Hughesy is throwing the ball real well right now, and I went to Hughesy."]
…Montero just scored on a bases loaded walk. No clue how he got on base, however.
Small sample size or not, he was the same way last year.
There is enough to show he isn’t yet ready for primetime, which is ok.
We are getting to the point of the year where tryout season is just about over. Its going to be pretty tough for Robertson to supplant Aceves, Hughes and Bruney for high leverage work in the pen right now from the right side.
Pat M,
I agree. They are looking hard at John Grabow, LH reliever from the Pirates. He would help and wouldn’t as much as costly as some of the other guys on the market.
they need to get some help in Rf if that is Hinske on occasion or Melky.
They need to not have swisher get 600 AB’s….
Betsy July 3rd, 2009 at 7:22 pm
GF, I actually thought Phil’s new curve was something he broke out in ST this year?
—————-
No, he had it last season.
Ironically enough, Hughes had his best game of the season last season against Toronto and matched up against Burnett.
He matched Burnett pitch-for-pitch that night and the curve was nasty.
Check out the recap:
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com.....8;c_id=nyy
People make too much of quotes. Girardi changed his mind, so what? Sue him.
He should have said, “I have 7 8th inning guys. Everybody in the pen should be able to pitch the 8th inning”.
Instead, he misspoke. That’s life.
We have already had the silly, “Arod is done” and Posada-gate” manufactured controversies.
It seems the next manufactured controversy will be “Bruney-Gate”.
Wakefield starting to get hit. 2-1 Sox, M’s still threatening to tie the score.
SJ44-Didn’t seem like you were referring to me, but in any case I was just posting something I thought people would be interested in.
A Couple of weeks ago someone said pay attention to the scouts following the team read in today’s paper Pirates had 2 scouts at last nights game as did Dodgers and Rockie and Heyman is reporting that Rangers and Phils interested in Wang and that Phils had some scouts on hand as well
swisher 246 official ab’s..65 K and 50 BB’s
almost 50% of the time the ball is not in play….235 BA and a 364 OBP…
he needs to hit 8th…………
Small sample size or not? Huh?
Reality is defined by sample size.
If a manager doesn’t change his mind due to circumstances then he should be fired right away.
I don’t think Girardi misspoke. He just wasn’t going to explain to the media that Bruney’s no longer the guy. If fans and the media pay attention to the games and notice the trends, it’s easy to figure out.
the bruney issue is a non issue..
mix and match but if Hughes continues like this he can be like MO in 96…………..
Jr. up. tying run on.
Perhaps is significantly slowed bat speed wil help hit the k-ball.
Here is what I would like to see, lineup-wise, the rest of the weekend:
Hinske for Swisher tomorrow in RF. Hinske has good #’s against Halladay and this is a good game to get him into the flow.
Damon sits on Monday (with a LH going), Melky in LF and Gardner in CF, and Tex DH’s on Monday.
I would rather give Tex his “DH day” when he’s hitting RH.
If they win tomorrow, sit Arod on Sunday. If not, he sits the first game of the Twins series.
“A Couple of weeks ago someone said pay attention to the scouts following the team read in today’s paper Pirates had 2 scouts at last nights game as did Dodgers and Rockie and Heyman is reporting that Rangers and Phils interested in Wang and that Phils had some scouts on hand as well”
That’s what Heyman said and he should know better that Cashman isn’t going to trade Wang low. Furthermore, it changes the dynamics of the team too much and the Yankees need all the pitching they can get from their personnel.
Three out.
The Bruney issue is only an issue because the manager made a point of saying that he is the 8th inning guy just a couple of days ago.
Personally, as long as he makes the right moves, I don’t care what he says.
SJ44 July 3rd, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Hughes has 48 major league and 19 minor league innings so far this year. 67 total.
Seems to me he will have no problem hitting 110-120 innings this year.
I expect him to get “Mariano of ‘96? use in the second half of the year.
Girardi has been going baby steps with him, which is smart.
Today was the 8th inning, come in during the middle of an inning, test and he passed with flying colors.
Next will be pitching in back to back games. Once he does that, and his arm is good, he’s able to used like Mariano was in ‘96.
The proper way to use him instead of just pigeonholing him as an “8th inning guy”, IMO.
———————————————–
wasn’t he supposed to throw 160 innings this year?
For that night, Bruney was still his 8th inning guy. It’s not that Girardi misspoke-Bruney didn’t pitch well, they spoke with him (as Girardi said, we didn’t hear that conversation), and now he’s not the “8th inning guy.” Not a big deal to me at all.
Wait,
Wasn’t referring to you, just talking about “Bruney-Gate” in general.
Reality is, Robertson hasn’t pitched well in high leverage spots and doesn’t have the managers confidence.
Hopefully, that changes at some point in the season.
Right now though, he’s where he should be as far as the bullpen pecking order.
“We have already had the silly, “Arod is done” and Posada-gate” manufactured controversies.”
We know that A-Rod doesn’t come through in the clutch in the post season. To me, he is a disgrace. When he proves to me that he can hit in the post season, then I’ll lift the disgrace tag from him.
with hughes in the pen will it hurt his developement as a starter?
did he scrap his cutter?
if he goes back to a starter will he be able to handle getting smacked around?
Could we move Cano to 6 o 7 in the lineup? Pretty please???
OK, who bats 5th? Posada or Hideke. They can both hit either R or L pitching, and they’re both power threats.
m –
Again – we use the same words! I tell ya, great minds and all that!
Meh, I don’t live and die with whatever Boston is doing. You live longer that way.
It’s too early for the nightly scoreboard watching.
Hughes was not slated to pitch 160 innings this year. Not after pitching only 70 innings for the entire year last year.
GF, that was a memorable game for me because it came on my birthday, lol. Phil was great that night – and he did have a GREAT curve.
SJ, I agree that baby steps with Phil is a good idea – his arm is precious, so anything they do to protect it is a good thing. By “MO of ’96″ use, do you mean that Phil would be used for multiple innings at a time, shortening the game? It’s been ages, so my memory is shaky, but did Mo come into games where it was still early but the game was at stake? Let’s say, for example, that it it’s the 5th inning, the opposing team has two on, they’re already up by a few runs and there are one or two outs….Did Mo come into those types of situations or was he saved for the 6th/7th/8th? Again, it’s been so long, I can’t remember that well, lol
GF,
You’re so right. I’m more concern about the Yankees winning every series then come August 1st, you see where you’re at and then start scoreboard watching.
J. Vasquez: 2-2, HR and 2b
J. Montero: 2-2, 2 singles.
Vasquez is the only guy on trenton outhitting Montero, btw…but he’s not 19 years old. I don’t think.
The wheels have really fallen off the Mets. Every player looks out of position and every fly ball is an adventure. Livan is not pitching well, but he’s going to have to stay in the game, because who else do they have? 3rd inning, already 5-0 Phila.
Doreen,
We must’ve been separated at birth.
Sean Serritella-Ifyou measure sucess by postseason performance, you’re blinding yourself to how much he helps us everywhere else.
Yazstremski (probably spelled wrong) was a fantastic clutch hitter for the Red Sox. When he reached the WS, he had one of the worst WS of all time.
Of course w/o him they wouldn’t have gotten there, but nevertheless, by your logic, Yaz is a “disgrace”.
A-Rod has been extremely clutch this year. W/o him we were a barely above 500 team. With him we’ve been a top five team in baseball. Don’t forget that.
Just saw the highlights from Phil in Toronto – gorgeous, nasty curve, but I think he’s got a harder, sharper curve now…..
Girardi should say an unnamed scout told him that Bruney was the 8th inning guy. It wasn’t his opinion. Just reporting what he was told.
Scoreboard wathcing is fun and something to do.
Arod has hit in the post-season in his career. Folks conveinently forget the Twins series in ’04, when he was the Yankees best player in that series, and the first 2 games of the ’04 ALCS.
Since then, he has struggled, no question about that.
So has the rest of the team, BTW, including Jeter.
To say he “never” hits in the post-season is inaccurate. Look at his post-season numbers. They are much better than advertised.
If you are only going to consider his play in October than its kind of a waste of time watching him until then, isn’t it?
SJ44 July 3rd, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Hughes was not slated to pitch 160 innings this year. Not after pitching only 70 innings for the entire year last year.
———————————-
He got to 100 in winter ball. ANd I remember they said he was gonna be given more innings than Joba this year. They didn’t say how many. But since Joba is slated to pitch about 150-160innings. I figured Hughes will get that much.
Montero 2-2 with 2 singles.
I’m sure Alex cares whether the “disgraceful” tag is lifted from him, lol……..
Girardi still has to be careful with the way he uses Hughes.
We’re talking about a guy who missed three months of the 2007 season and another three months of 2008.
My #1 goal for Hughes this season was to stay healthy. If he simply did that, his talent was inevitably going to take over and he’d make great progress this season as a major league pitcher.
So far, he’s done just that.
Mets are getting crushed.
Langerhans just doubled with one out in the 4th.
Carl -
It’s an ugly game.
Pat,
LOL.
Betsy,
In ’96, there were games Mo came in and pitched the 7th and 8th innings and was lights out, getting the ball to Wetteland.
Didn’t do it all the time. However, when he did, it was almost unfair to the opposition.
Little known fact…..
Mo had not even developed the cutter yet. He was a two seam, four seam, slider pitcher in ’96.
The cutter wasn’t “discovered” by Mo until ’97.
He catch partner was Ramiro Mendoza. Messing around in the OF, he started finding the feel for the cutter.
One could argue his cutter may be the single greatest pitch in the history of baseball, and he learned how to throw it playing catch in the OF before games.
Amazing.
Wait till they come to OUR house AGAIN July 3rd, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Montero 2-2 with 2 singles.
————
Sigh. C’mon, Jesus. You’re just not trying anymore! LOL.
That dude is going to be beast. His upside is through the roof.
Seattle ties it up
A Red Sox fan gets in Youk’s way and catches a foul ball with his hat. Next pitch, Ryan hits a double, next batter hits a double to score the run and tie the game.
Red Sox fans chanting “all your fault” to the fan with the hat
2 run homer. Seattle up 4-2
Does Jason Bay love the Green Monster or hate it?
I mean, the real estate is the size of a postage stamp, but dang it must suck.
RONNIE!!!!
SJ44: I spent half of this evening trying to do a blog post on Mo before giving up.
I can’t do that guy justice.
A-Rod has been extremely clutch this year. W/o him we were a barely above 500 team. With him we’ve been a top five team in baseball. Don’t forget that.
————————————————–
I don’t know about now. But as of last Sunday during the ESPN game. They showed since his return. The Yanks have the best record in baseball.
I don’t care who is pitching the 8th.
Bruney, Youuuuuuse, Coke, random fan from the stands..just don’t give up any runs and get the 3 outs
Even counting winter ball, moving up 60 innings in one year, after all his injuries, is risky.
Basically, he’s looking at 110-120 innings this year, even if he remained a starter.
Used intelligently, he will hit that number out of the pen and help the team immensely in that role.
Best of both world’s.
HR Cedeno!
M’s lead 3-2!
Wakefield does not deserve to be an all star (regardless of the game’s outcome just saying. If Wakefield gets in this year that’s an insult to Moose)!
SJ44
Reality is, Robertson hasn’t pitched well in high leverage spots and doesn’t have the managers confidence.
__
That’s a slippery slope to circular reasoning. He hasn’t pitched well in high leverage situations in the major leagues in a very small sample size. That’s not atypical for most developing players. So of course he doesn’t have the manager’s confidence. The only way for him to pitch well and to get the manager’s confidence is to pitch in more high leverage situations. That’s the reality as well.
igotid88-You’re right.
Betsy July 3rd, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Just saw the highlights from Phil in Toronto – gorgeous, nasty curve, but I think he’s got a harder, sharper curve now…..
————
I thought the announcer’s reference to Burnett’s curve in that recap was quite revealing.
But I do think it’s got a much tighter spin on it now because he’s been throwing it for awhile.
That curve was still new to him and in it’s infant stages last September.
Wait till they come to OUR house AGAIN
4-2
mr sean,
to call arod a disgrace is absurd. u must be joking…. at first i thought u were serious. cute.
Carl-Haha you’re right. Nice.
King Felix doesn’t seem to be having his best day, but he’s grinding.
phils and rangers want wang
Why is it that these nobody players feel the need to take shots at the Yankees and their stadium? It must kill them to have to play for these crappy teams. Ah, jealousy.
SJ, yep – I just wasn’t sure if he came in earlier than the late innings. Mo literally stopped the other teams in their tracks, he literally made games 6 innings instead of 9. Frankly, I had more faith in him than Wetteland (who could be a little shaky). Isn’t it odd with Mo that he woke up one day throwing 4 MPH harder than he ever did and that his cutter was an accident of fate? It’s as if things were meant to be – and I don’t normally think along those lines. I still remember Mo showing Halladay his cutter at the All-Star game last year. Here is Halladay, a remarkable pitcher in his own right, and he wanted Mo to show him the grip for his famous pitch – that says it all.
g July 3rd, 2009 at 8:11 pm
phils and rangers want wang
I laughed when I read this
dey do ?? wuz dere to laugh abt?
Rebecca,
In my lifetime, he’s the best player I’ve ever seen. He’s amazing.
What’s even more amazing is his history.
Signed for $3,000. Has elbow surgery and is up and down as a starter.
Put in the bullpen and dominates at the end of ’95 and ’96.
He then teaches himself a cutter, completely changes the way he pitches and becomes a one pitch demon.
Dominates the steroid era, is able to pitch with the microscopic strike zones of today, and has set records that may never be broken.
Throughout all of it, the rings, the records, the contracts, the accolades, etc, he remains the same guy he was in the minors.
Immensely professional, polite, friendly, and an all around good guy.
Nothing has changed the man for the worst.
Not only the best player I’ve ever seen but, the best person I’ve ever been around in the game. He’s just an amazing man.
Nephew watch tonight: 2-2, 1 HBP, 1 run scored, 1 RBI.
Now hitting .333 as a pro.
His team is winning 5-0 in the 4th.
With the way Aceves is pitching out of the long reliever role, what are the chances that he wins Rookie of the Year?
Right now:
J Vasquez: .341
J Montero: .342
Best 4/5 combo in AA?
Balk by Felix. Green on second.
charlestonchew-I’d imagine pretty high.
I’m very gald I was totally wrong about Ace. I saw signs of regression. Or apparently not.
By the way, balk wasted as Kottaras K’s.
SJ want something to make you laugh listen to David Weels’ interview with Francesa from earlier this week he basically takes credit for Mo and the cutter very funny although he totally called out those Posaa haters until he got it right UNTIL he said Jorge had a gun
GF, I heard that – how ironic, lol……yet, true. That curve definitely was AJ-like……I’ve said it before, but Phil has an aptitude for pitching. He picked up the cutter and new curve pretty quickly; it’s just strange that he hasn’t done so well with the change. I guess he’ll have to practice that in pen sessions or over the winter.
the mets players do all look out of position.
very bizarre.
SJ: It really is incredible.
You know what my favorite Mo story is?
At the end of the 2001 World Series, Mo said that it was a blessing that he had lost the series.
Why?
Because, he told reporters, if the Yankees had won, Enrique Wilson would have flown home to the DR the next day.
The flight Wilson was on was an AA flight that crashed out of LGA, killing all aboard.
The quote:
“I am glad we lost the World Series,” Rivera told Wilson, “because it means that I still have a friend.”
Aceves has no chance to win Rookie of the Year as long as Rick Porcello keeps pitching as he is.
Setup guys don’t win those kind of awards.
Gayle,
Gotta love Boomer…. doin’ what it takes to get his name out there! lol
If Hughes had stayed as a closer I think we’d be looking at 140 innings from him this year. As it is I think 110-120 is fine. If he can do that we can look to him for 160 in 2010 which is plenty as a fifth starter.
Right now Hughes is probably the fourth or fifth best pitcher on the staff so he needs to stay in the majors and give us some quality innings.
The only worry I have is he has basically abandoned the cutter and change-up. Two very important weapons to get lefties out. When he rejoins the starting rotations those are two pitches he will NEED to throw.
Also, Pete, I’m pretty positive that Hughes does not throw a splitter and never has. I’m not really sure what you’re talking about there. I’ve seen him throw 4-seam fastballs, curves and a cutter here and there.
Rebecca-Wow. I can never look at that series the same way again.
I think I’m going to be forced to look at it as a lessing because of 2 outstanding games won by the Yanks and even moore of a blessing for saving the life of another Yankee.
Speaking of Enrique Wilson anyone know what he is doing now
Go, Tony!
Well said, SJ. There are no words for Mo anymore – he’s the only player I’ve never gotten upset with for failing (I just can’t bring myself to do it). He’s The Natural, both on and off the field – really, too good to be true. He’s a living legend in baseball – almost like Mattingly was (in the sense that Donnie was truly beloevd). Do you think Mo has an interest in coaching? If the Yankees could keep him around after he retires, that would be so perfect. He could pass on his unique wisdom to all the kdis, not just the pitchers. He’s practically a coach now – always encouraging the pitchers (or taking them aside when need be to give a slight kick in the behind), talking to them, that kind of thing. Mo is a natural teacher….
lessing is blessing.
the yankees would be insane to have joba pitch 150-160 innings this year.
last year 100.
i can see 140 but i would not go over that.
why take a chance?
Heyman sez rangers, phils want wang. might be worth finding out what they would give. Aceves or Hughes could step in
No way we should get rid of Wang. He’s been making progress. That would be insane.
“Rebecca-Wow. I can never look at that series the same way again.
I think I’m going to be forced to look at it as a lessing because of 2 outstanding games won by the Yanks and even moore of a blessing for saving the life of another Yankee.”
I cried that night.
And then I got over it.
You know why?
Because that Series was about SO much more than baseball. And in that respect–in every respect except the ultimate result of Game 7, we won that series.
In terms of healing a city, in terms of helping everyone to their feet, in terms of giving people something to hold onto, something normal and familiar, we won.
And you know what?
It was one heck of a series, too.
The Rangers probably expect the Yanks to give Wang up for peanuts given the season he’s had.
That’s not going to happen. I don’t see Wang going anywhere.
Patrick, I share your concerns as well – if he’s not using those pitches at all, they are going to become almost useless to him. That is a big problem.
Rebecca,
That’s a great story. There will never be another Mo.
Never.
SJ: Never.
That’s why I can’t write about him. I won’t because I know I can’t do him justice. And he only deserves the best.
Phils and Rangers can want Wang all they want, they aren’t getting him.
They are smart to be looking at that kind of pitcher though considering the parks they play in.
Philly you want him? Dominic Brown and Carlos Carrasco step right up.
Rangers? Neftali Feliz, Justin Smoak please.
I don’t care how bad Wang has been, he’s still a #1 starter. And with the new ballpark the Yankees are in they need guys that can generate ground balls.
We know that A-Rod doesn’t come through in the clutch in the post season. To me, he is a disgrace. When he proves to me that he can hit in the post season, then I’ll lift the disgrace tag from him.
*********************************************************
I feel like primal screaming sometimes when I read things like this, lol.
Then I remember that this is the kind of stuff that is the bread and butter of ESPN, the NY Post and assorted sports journalists/columnists everyone and wonder if there is a handy clue x fact I can smack people over the head with instead.
A pitcher may come along with as much talent as Mo. Maybe even more talent.
Maybe he’ll pitch for the Yankees. Heck, he may close. Maybe he’ll dazzle us with incredible pitching, unbelievable postseason performaces, and a fantastic HOF career. And he’ll be loved by the fans.
But he won’t be Mo. He won’t replace Mo.
Nobody will.
Too much worry about Hughes for nothing.
Succeeding at the ML level is much more important than developing 3rd and 4th pitches, which he still can work on in his bullpens every other day.
This is the “old way” of developing starting pitchers.
Its how guys like Sandy Koufax learned how to pitch.
This is the best thing that can happen to his career because he is having success. HUGE success so far.
That, more than anything else, is what makes guys stars because confidence is a big, big thing in this game.
There is no way the Yankees are trading Wang at his lowest value, which it is, right now. More fantasy trade talk.
To put what Montero and Vasquez are doing in perspective, both hitting .340ish:
No one on Erie, the team Trenton is facing tonight, is hitting over .293.
I know Montero still has a small sample size, but it’s not that small.
Wang is not being traded – they need the guy to return to some semblance of his old form and if he does, the Yanks will be very dangerous.
SJ I’m not worried about Hughes. I’m happy he’s in the majors, he’s a pleasure to watch. Like I said, right now he’s the 4th or 5th best pitcher on the Yankees.
I just think we should keep in mind that he does need work on the cutter and change. It is a minor concern but it IS a concern.
What Montero is doing is going to affect a lot of off-season moves for the Yankees.
If he continues at this pace, its probably 70/30 he’s the backup catcher in NY next year.
His bat is too good to keep in the minors. With Tony Pena in NY, by mid-season, he will be more than adequate behind the plate, and he will only be 20 years old.
That bat in the new stadium? It could be scary how many HR’s he will hit.
SJ, so Phil would work on his cutter and change in side sessions? Wouldn’t you think that he’d have to work on his FB/curve so they remain sharp for game time? I didn’t know Koufax pitched out of the pen, wow
Holy crap Montero is a stud, another 2 hits tonight and the game is only in the 5th. He is on fire right now. I can’t wait to see where he ends up at the end of the season, what an exciting player.
Ellsbury singles with man on second on 0-2 pitch. Man on second can’t score. 2 outs.
Vasquez flew out but reached the warning track.
Montero pops out.
Then what happens to Cervelli? Montero’s bat may be too good for the minors, but the majors are a different story…… a completely different story. I would not rush him……
“That bat in the new stadium? It could be scary how many HR’s he will hit.”
Don’t tease me, bro.
Ellsbury steals second. Tying runs in scoring position for Boston.
Anybody getting a a bad feeling?
Very funny Rebecca
Nck Green works the count full.
I hate drama.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.c.....index.html
Is this guy any good?
Never mind. King Felix strikes out Green.
Don’t you just love dramatic ballgames?
Betsy,
He can probably hit better than Cervelli in the majors right now.
What’ he’s doing has not been done in minor league baseball since Miguel Cabrera in 2003. That’s how rare it is.
Its not rushing Montero to think he can be in the majors next year. His talent is making it an easy call for the Yankees.
You don’t keep a bat like that in minor league baseball. He’s too good.
What happens to Cervelli? He probably starts the year in AAA.
I hate to break it to Cervelli fans. He’s not the future catcher of the NY Yankees. Not with Jesus Montero in the organization.
“Then what happens to Cervelli? Montero’s bat may be too good for the minors, but the majors are a different story…… a completely different story. I would not rush him……”
Majors are completley different, but Montero right now is in a different league than the rest of the AA guys.
There’s such a dearth of catching in the ML that if there is no place for Cervelli the Yankees could trade him, but IMO the most likely scenario is in 2011 Posada is the full time DH, Montero the starting C and Cervelli the back up.
Of course, given that Romine’s no slouch and Gary Sanchez is gonna join the GCL League as a SIXTEEN year old, who knows…
SJ44
Wow since Miguel Cabrera? And he signed for 1.6 million? Amazing.
Whoa. Trenton just had a hit with 2 out and RISP. I can’t remember the last time that happened for the big club… =P (j/k)
Rebecca,
Inglesias is great defensively, Omar Vizquel-like. The bat? Not sure if its enough.
If he hits .260, he’s a ML SS, because his defensive skills are very good. Don’t know if the bat is there though.
He’s not a good hitter at all. Needs a lot of work in that area.
SJ44-So, kind of like Pena?
SJ: Wasn’t me that asked, but thanks =P
Similar, although Pena is a better hitter than Inglesias.
He used to get PH for often when he played for the Cuban National Team.
Its one reason why he defected. He got ticked off for being lifted all the time! lol
Miguel Cabrera was a September call-up before the 2003 playoffs, if I remember correctly, and I’m sure most of us remember what he did in those playoffs.
Talk radio for me after the Mets game
Mets are getting crushed.
SJ44-So Pena is a BETTER hitter? I’m a bit surprised. I thought he hit 260 in the minors but with very little power?
I also heard he was the best defensive SS in the minors and quite possibly majors.
mets are so bad, it’s not even fun rooting against them.
SJ, thanks. I love Frankie, but I’m a Yankee fan first, so if Montero is that good and he’s ready……ok. Maybe Frankie will end up being the backup to Montero in a few years, lol. The Yanks have a bunch of talented catchers – nice to see, though some of them will have to be moved eventually.
I just feel bad for the Mets at this point.
John Grabow’s bio :
http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb......_id=346848
That was me who asked, lol……..thanks, SJ!
Vader, Yeah I remember what he did…After getting dusted by the Rocket, he takes a 97 mph fastball on the outside black over the right field wall for a dinger…..Next game Wells comes up lame, series over….
Not rooting against them. I just love to hear the callers on WFAN when they lose.
I never feel bad for the Mets.
I’m an evil fan. I hate the Mets. When they’re really bad, I laugh at their misery.
See, i can’t gloat. I believe in karma too much. Enjoy your wins but be gracious. And keep the schadenfreude to yourself.
When I hear the name John Grabow, I keep thinking of that guy from excercise infomercials, John Blasdow……….I hope Grabow is a better pitcher. Are the Bucs and Yankees joined at the hip or something? I’ve never even heard of him……any good?
Let me put in perspective what Montero is doing and how rare it is…..
The Eastern League is a pitchers league. The teams in it have their best pitchers in AA and usually keep them there all year.
These days, AA are for teams best prospects.
Eastern League ballparks are parks in which the balls do not carry well. One reason why pitchers put up good numbers in the EL, aside from the fact they are good is, the ballparks are big and balls don’t carry well in them.
He’s the youngest player in the EL at 19. He’s doing this as a college freshman if you will. Unreal.
Add to that, he was a mid-season callup. Meaning, he doesn’t even know these pitchers yet!
He also got hurt in one of his first few games on a HP collision and hasn’t missed a beat.
To do all of this as a catcher, the most physically demanding position on the field, is just amazing.
If he keeps this up, he’s going to make it real hard for the Yankees not to make him their backup C next year.
The upside is just too enormous to waste him in Scranton for any period of time.
I’d like to point out I was one of the first to suggest they use Hughes like they did Rivera in 96.
I wouldn’t get too giddy – the Yanks have a tough chore tomorrow against Halladay. We may be completely bummed out by the end of the day, lol
HR JD Drew. BoSox cut the lead to one in the seventh.
http://dictionary.reference.co.....adenfreude
So THAT’S what Schadenfreude means!
But schadenfreude is fun.
Rebecca–Optimist Prime
July 3rd, 2009 at 8:50 pm
I just feel bad for the Mets at this point.
—————————————–
I agree, Rebecca, was thinking the same thing the other day – wanting them to lose is one thing, but this is pathetic
M’s escape the seventh with a lead.
The prospect of facing Halladay is scary. Best pitcher in the majors right now – hands down.
SJ: Did you see my post the other day?
For comparison:
At age 19, Miguel Cabrera:
.274/.333/.421/.754
Age 19 Jesus Montero, total:
346/.403/.580/.983
At AA Trenton:
.325/.395/.571/.967
And that’s without today’s two hits, too.
Betsy: Tomorrow is not something a little fireworks watching can’t make better!
SJ44
Thanks for putting it into perspective. That’s amazing.
ErikSec. 309-Nah, Right now Greinke.
But Halladay is a beast.
Seattle is back up by 2. 5-3
SJ, if your premonition was to come true…which I think is a long shot…and I know having your back-up catcher pinch hit is a bad idea…but having him on the bench would make other managers have to think little bit harder in late game situations.
Jose Lopez HR!
M’s still up by 2.
Rebecca,
I did. Its amazing.
I remember when the Marlins called up Miguel Cabrera in 2003.
The reporters all crowded around Jack McKeon, the manager at the time, and asked him, “where is he going to play”?
He said, “anywhere I can put him because his bat is too good for him to sit next to me in the dugout”.
That’s how its going to be for Montero. He can DH and catch next year and get at least 400 AB’s.
If that were to happen, I bet he hits 25 HR’s and helps the 2010 Yankees win some games.
He is going to be something else to watch if he can keep his health and his head.
Im sure Tallet enjoys playing in the cavernous toilet known as The Rodgers Center. It was state of the art when it was new, as far as the structure goes, but the field itself looked liked 1970 with its horrible astroturf surface that was outdated by that point and is REALLY outdated now. It looks like a derelict field that the team should be ashamed of.
Though, judging by his mustache, Brian Tallet doesnt know much about shame.
Riverdogs are doing well, they’re leading 3-0 going into the bottom of the 8th on fireworks (over 7,300 there), and Phelps has 9 strikeouts.
LOL. Jose Lopez whiffed on high “cheese” on the first pitch. But he had the last laugh.
“He is going to be something else to watch if he can keep his health and his head.”
That interview he did with YES makes it seem like he’s doing a good job keeping his head.
Long way to go yet, however.
Langerhans with a ground rule double…and amazingly Boston keeps in Wakefield!
What!?!
Works out for Sox though.
I know he’s eating up AA pitchers, let’s hope that’s all he eats up…He appears to be a growing boy….
I think the Yankees carry 3 catchers next year. And I won’t be surprised if Montero isn’t a September call up.
By all accounts, Montero is supposed to be a very, very nice kid.
Completely dedicated to baseball and making a better life for his family.
IIRC, I think he still lives at home in the off-season.
I know a couple of the guys who played with him in Charleston last year and they said he’s a real nice kid.
That’s good to hear because, if he keeps this up, the hype machine for him will exceed Joba’s because everybody loves the long ball.
Clearing this up about the fake umps sitting behind home plate. My source told me that they purchased them on stubhub no help from yanks.
from the wfan twitter.
Those fake umps are so freaking annoying.
“Completely dedicated to baseball and making a better life for his family.
IIRC, I think he still lives at home in the off-season.”
Shades of Mo.
Sean White looks like Halladay when he throws.
“if he keeps this up, the hype machine for him will exceed Joba’s because everybody loves the long ball.”
You wonder if Diet Coke will want him to be in the bullpen??
Nephew watch……His team is winning 11-0 in the 7th.
He’s 2-4 with a double 2 runs scored and an RBI tonight. Hitting .312 so far for West Virginia.
Trying to catch his second shutout in 4 games.
Vader July 3rd, 2009 at 9:10 pm
“if he keeps this up, the hype machine for him will exceed Joba’s because everybody loves the long ball.”
You wonder if Diet Coke will want him to be in the bullpen??
BP Catcher
Sean White is imploding for the M’s.
Wait till they come to OUR house AGAIN July 3rd, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Sean White is imploding for the M’s.
Not really an implosion yet.
Its funny how things change.
Two years ago, the organization was bare with catching help.
Now, its loaded. It also may contain the 2010 #1 overall position player prospect in Montero.
Funny how things change.
Carl-Well on his way, though.
SJ: Congratulations on your nephew!
Those interested, Vasquez and Montero are due up 1-2 next inning for TRE.
You just wonder when and what Cash will turn all of the catching and pitching prospects into?
Ms need a pitching change pronto
M’s change pitchers.
Good!
SJ44 -
Calling his own game, too?
“You just wonder when and what Cash will turn all of the catching and pitching prospects into?”
Replacements for Jeter, Damon, Matsui and Posada in time.
SJ44
Bryce Harper or Jesus Montero if you could have only 1.
Rebecca, true!
I expect the Sox to win, so I will not be that disappointed or surprised when they do. As long as the Yankees play well, that’s all I can ask. Keep the Sox within striking distance – then, win a few games against them when next they meet.
Rebecca…you hope.
Montero walks.
He’s reached base 3 of 4 times tonight. Showing hitting for average and a decent eye. No K tonight.
May get one more AB.
Ellsbury flies out.
Betsy-I am a believer in the Ben Franklin philosophy, “Expect the best, prepare for the worst”.
But to each his/her own.
Boston ties it up. Nick green with a double off the wall.
Nick Green & The Green Monster…5-5
Carl beat me to it. Yep.
Darn. They’re on a Yankee-like streak of comebacks.
No way they lose this one unless a reliever implodes.
How much do I hate Nick freaking Green
Doreen,
Yes. Calling every pitch.
Montero because Bryce Harper is still in HS.
As talented as Bryce is, he hasn’t taken an AB as a pro.
Montero is doing his thing as a pro. Big difference.
Anson just hit a grand slam
Big surprise, lol……..
sean white is terrible. blows the game against the yanks and now the sox
Betsy-Seriously that should be a surprise. The M’s pen is good.
“Bryce Harper or Jesus Montero if you could have only 1.”
Oof. Probably Harper, but not an easy choice, lol.
Its really amazing that Nick Green is hitting .500 with 2 outs and RISP this year.
That may be the most unbelievable stat in baseball so far this season.
He’s playing 4 levels over his head.
You wonder how long he can keep it up.
“How much do I hate Nick freaking Green”
(arms spread really really wide) This much!
But joe is right. Sean White sucks.
Seattle ; /
Sj44 -
Terrific!
I know you had written that that was one area that he needed experience with.
dude is playing miles over his head!
Rishi July 3rd, 2009 at 9:21 pm
How much do I hate Nick freaking Green
===============
The Yanks could use him. He’s batting 0.378 with RISP.
And the guy didn’t do jack with the Yankees – that’s what gets me. The Sox seem to have all the luck…..on the other hand, they’re just a better team than the Ms. The Yanks took 2/3 from the Ms and the Sox will do at least that. The East is brutal…….Too many good things happened for the Yanks today for me to be upset if the Sox win, though.
Sweet_Lou_in_Vermont
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Rishi July 3rd, 2009 at 9:21 pm
How much do I hate Nick freaking Green
===============
The Yanks could use him. He’s batting 0.378 with RISP.
——————————–
We HAD him – and he was nothing like this…
Betsy-You’re right. We won, that’s the important thing.
Just hope he keeps playing over his head until the 31st.
Albert Pujols = if Montero is only half this good, it will be awesome.
Vader
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Just hope he keeps playing over his head until the 31st.
=====================
and then crashes back down to earth
LOL I wonder if gameday said “in play-outs(s)” when Castillo dropped the ball.
# Rebecca–Optimist Prime July 3rd, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Albert Pujols = if Montero is only half this good, it will be awesome.
I don’t think Pujols is clean to be quite honest.
Gotta be Montero, Carl. He is raking in AA right now. We’ve only seen Harper hit with a metal bat in high school.
SJ44,Patrick
Gotcha
M-s=IMPLOSION.
But joe is right. Sean White sucks.
==================================
He was out for a week just prior to his appearance vs. the Yanks – I think maybe he’s still hurt.
Prior to that – he’d been stellar…
(2 wins, 8 holds and 1 save with a 1.78ERA)
Rishi July 3rd, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Sweet_Lou_in_Vermont
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Rishi July 3rd, 2009 at 9:21 pm
How much do I hate Nick freaking Green
===============
The Yanks could use him. He’s batting 0.378 with RISP.
——————————–
We HAD him – and he was nothing like this…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I know. My sarcasm wasn’t obvious with my choice of words.
Mets radio announcers talking about the genius of Joe Torre
CompassRosy-Regardless, he sucks now.
Wouldn’t be shocked if Youk ended it.
“I put myself in that position,” Tallet said. “No disrespect to Brett Gardner: He’s the guy we don’t walk in that lineup. It’s inexcusable.”
Tallet thinks Melky is better than Brett.
Youk K’s.
Sweet_Lou_in_Vermont
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Rishi July 3rd, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Sweet_Lou_in_Vermont
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Rishi July 3rd, 2009 at 9:21 pm
How much do I hate Nick freaking Green
===============
The Yanks could use him. He’s batting 0.378 with RISP.
——————————–
We HAD him – and he was nothing like this…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I know. My sarcasm wasn’t obvious with my choice of words.
==========================
Sorry – gotcha now
And Shawn Kelley had to come right into the fire just off the DL … he was also stellar before his injury (oblique) 1.46ERA
Be kinda cool if Jr. won it.
Yeah the Yankees catching depth is ridiculous. Just look at Austin Romine, he’s hitting .291 with 21 doubles and 11 HR in the FSL. That’s great for a catcher.
The Yanks are absolutely STACKED with prospects at catcher. When Posada is done (and who knows when that will be, he’s still a great hitter) we have Montero, Cervelli, Romine, Higashioka and Sanchez who are ALL very legit prospects.
That is just a ridiculous stable of catching prospects.
I love how the Yankees are developing talent right now. Look at some of the young home-grown players that will get significant play time in 2010:
Jesus Montero, Austin Jackson, Brett Gardner, Melky Cabrera, Robinson Cano, Dave Robertson, Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, Zach McAllister, Mark Melancon, Phil Coke, Alfredo Aceves, Francisco Cervelli, Ramiro Pena
All of those guys are under 30, came up through the Yankees system and will play big roles on the 2010 team. Heck, half of them are big players for the 2009 team.
PeteAbe: Jose Molina caught six innings and was 1 for 2 with a double and a walk in a rehab game for Triple-A Scranton l
Jose Lopez singles.
This is why I don’t do any scoreboard watching in early July. Too much baseball to be played over the next few months.
The pennant races don’t get interesting until after the trade deadline passes.
And now for Jr.
I’m calling it. Jr. wins it.
I don’t care what Boston does until they play the Yankees.
If the Yankees keep winning series, they will be fine.
The rest of it to me is just noise.
I don’t know about that. Early it may be, but Boston losing can’t hurt.
Would be nice to see Griffey and Gutierrez wake the F up and score some runs here.
“rangers want wang”
It starts w/ Neftali Feliz then Justin Smoak or they can take a hike.
Three out.
Darn.
True SJ, I concentrate on the Yankees but this is a nice distraction while they aren’t playing. It’s always enjoyable seeing the Sox lose
Montero’s last AB of the night
WFAN time
Choo has 7 rbis
Haha Brandon that’s exactly what I said.
And if the Phils want him it starts with Brown, Carrasco, Donald .. at least 2 of those
Montero RBI hit hard off of third base…
3 hits and a walk.
9 multihit games in 22 games. 28 hits in 22 games.
I can’t tell if Montero’s on 1st or 2nd but I think it’s 1st.
I do feel bad for the Mets. I wonder if Jerry Manuel will be giggling in the post-game? I’m not even a mets fan and that irks me
SA,
He may not be giggling but, I’m sure Willie Randolph is laughing pretty hard! lol
“And if the Phils want him it starts with Brown, Carrasco, Donald .. at least 2 of those”
Bastardo and Taylor
And to think Willie wasn’t good enough for this team?
More fantasy trades . lol
The Phillies, or any other team, are not trading their two best prospects for Chein Ming Wang.
Try again.
Rebecca,
Hes amazing
LOL! So true SJ44.
I still can’t believe how they fired Willie last season.
looking at montero’s numbers then looking at his age then looking at the level hes playing at and i just drool endlessly….
If Montero doesn’t move up to SWB this season then I don’t think he breaks spring training with the Yankees. Also, if he stays at Trenton for the rest of this season, I can see the Yankees having him play the AFL this Fall to work on his catching some more. If that happens and he continues to rake at SWB, his stay there will be a short one indeed.
“The Phillies, or any other team, are not trading their two best prospects for Chein Ming Wang.”
Then they stay w/ Moyer and Rodrigo Lopez, it’s ok to me, I’m not desperate.
SJ44
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:48 pm
SA,
He may not be giggling but, I’m sure Willie Randolph is laughing pretty hard! lol
——————————————————
When does Manuel get the Randolph treatment? The Mets have been playing some bad fundamental baseball.
Pete -
Mariano Rivera has allowed one run on two hits in his last 10.1 innings while striking out 14. He has converted 35 straight save chances at home going back to 2007.
………………………………
I doubt there are very many on this site who would disagree with me on this -
Mariano Rivera, in my estimation, is the best relief pitcher in the history of MLB. Trevor Hoffman, Dennis Eckersely, Lee Smith, and Bruce Sutter, et.al. are great relief pitchers in their own right, but Mariano is in a class by himself.
I don’t know of any other closer who gives you the feeling that when he comes in you can relax, because the game is over. The Yankees are always searching for someone to be the bridge to Rivera, why? because everyone knows that’s all they need, just get the ball to Mariano and Yankees win. He has ice water in his veins, but that is not what sets him apart, for me he has the most relaxed delivery in baseball. It’s like he’s not even throwing hard. When Hoffman, or K-Rod throw, you think they are going to hurt themselves (Hoffman has shown he’s the real deal though, 42 years old and still effective). I can easily see Mariano pitching into his mid 40′s, maybe even beyond. He takes great care of his body, and he has the mechanics to last well beyond the norm.
Granted, he blows a save once in a while, but, we are all shocked when he does, because we know it is such an anomaly for him NOT to get the save.
For me, it is such a pleasure to watch him work, that I actually (not always mind you!) hope that the game is close so Mo gets to come in.
I’ve been watching baseball for 45 years (yes, I know, he is a closer and not a starter), and, in my opinion, he is the closest thing to Sandy Koufax I’ve seen. Like Sandy, when Mariano takes the mound, you think, “OK, game over.” The other team is probably thinking, “Whatever you do, don’t give up the lead, or we will have to face Rivera.” I remember one player, I think it was Harvey Kuehn of the Cubs, who said that players would often feign injury, or come up with some kind of excuse to get out of the lineup so they wouldn’t have to face Koufax. I think Mariano has that same kind of aura about him.
When he does retire, like Mickey, Whitey, Yogi, and others before him, we can tell our kids and grandkids that we got to see Mariano Rivera pitch.
i don’t know why but i thought montero was in scranton
Nephew watch….
Just got his third hit of the game. His team is winning 12-0 in the 9th. Now hitting .352 with WVA and .333 overall.
Congrats, SJ – that nephew looks like he wants to be on the fast track
SJ44,
Grats to the Nephew
I wonder if Chester the cheetah will be laughing tonight.
Congrats regarding your nephew SJ44!
SJ: Heh. My nephew update is like “had x number of bottles and diaper changes today” =P
“If Montero doesn’t move up to SWB this season then I don’t think he breaks spring training with the Yankees. Also, if he stays at Trenton for the rest of this season, I can see the Yankees having him play the AFL this Fall to work on his catching some more. If that happens and he continues to rake at SWB, his stay there will be a short one indeed.”
Miguel Cabrera and Albert Pujols skipped entire levels of the minors.
It is not completley out of the question that this happens with Montero.
anyone on the Ms bench who can get this done…
SJ44,
Kudos to your nephew, that kid rocks!
I wasn’t offering prospective trades I hope you know. I was simply saying that if the Phillies want Wang thats the kind of stuff they would have to offer.
Obviously the Rangers would never give away Feliz and Smoak for Wang. And obvious the Phils wouldn’t give away 2 of their top 3 prospects.
But if they really wanted Wang that’s what I hope the Yanks would demand.
I don’t think the yanks will trade Wang, I don’t want the Yanks to trade Wang. I’m just expressing how much I value Wang by saying what prospects I’d want for him.
The diffence is Montero is a catcher not a first baseman.
I think you can make a very good argument that Mariano Rivera is one of the 10 best pitchers in baseball history.
You look at how he has dominated hitters in his career, and consider this is the Steroid Era with microscopic strikezones, along with new, smaller ballparks, and its simply amazing what he has done in his career.
If Mo had the strikezone of the 80′s, his numbers would be even more unbelievable.
I think the comparisons to Koufax are very valid. Both dominated their eras in ways no other pitcher has.
Scary thing is, Sandy did it for 6 years until his elbow blew out. Mo has been doing it for 14 years and shows no signs of losing it.
Its historic what the man is doing.
Seattle scores 2
Pepitone -
Oddly enough, I’m always nervous when Mo comes in. It’s like he’s too good to be true, and I don’t know why I’m like that. It’s not that I doubt Mo will do the job. It’s more like, well, he’s been so good he’s due to have a bad outing. I’m almost always happily wrong!
Thank you, Rob Johnson.
thats a hughe hit for rob johnson right there….7-5 mariners…lets go cedeno!
By the way, I would love to see Montero with the Yankees next April, but unless Cashman changes his spots, they want to make sure he can handle ML pitchers first and I’m not talking about his bat.
Patrick,
I know. I sometimes have to calm Brandon down when he wants to make trades that have no chance of happening! lol
Just stopping by to say
I have faith in the Mariners.
Robby!!!
bottom of the order gettin’ ‘er done
I have faith in the Mariners.
=============================
On THAT I am counting, Sis
CompassRosy – we are all on the same page tonight
You know, the Yankees seem to have a lot of luck with guys with M names.
Miller Huggins
Mantle
Maris
Murcer
Martinez (Tino)
Mariano
Montero
=P Just sayin’
So where are the Yanks in terms of the Wild Card (yes, I know it’s way too early to think in those terms)?
sj talking about montero being in the bigs next year as a dh/backup catcher is so tantalizing…he would get consistent ab’s and learn how to catch from posada and pena…seems like a great idea but also seems like something the yankees would not do…too cutting edge for a team that is always in a playoff hunt…id love it though
the red sox are struggling over their last 3 or 4 games.
Hopefully they keep Montero at AA at least till after the first of Sept.
Trenton is coming to Portland and I hope to see him then.
I missed him last month. I went to the next game after the hp collision.
SJ44 -
“I think you can make a very good argument that Mariano Rivera is one of the 10 best pitchers in baseball history.
You look at how he has dominated hitters in his career, and consider this is the Steroid Era with microscopic strikezones, along with new, smaller ballparks, and its simply amazing what he has done in his career.
If Mo had the strikezone of the 80’s, his numbers would be even more unbelievable.”
…………………………………………..
Absolutely! Can you imagine if the mound was like it was in the 60′s? He would be practically unhittable.
He is amazing, a guy like that only comes along every two or three decades.
Enjoy him while you can folks, you won’t see his like for a long long time.
aardsma pitch yet?
didn’t he play for boston?
It’s sad the Mets plaers have to get blamed for this.
Think about it, Daniel Murphy is learning a new position in the MAJORS !
Nick Evans isn’t ready, Tatis is old, F-Mart well look at Evans. This is just sad to watch that happen to players, if your going to learn new positions that’s what the minors are for, hearing Jerry hold Murphy accountable for errors that lets be honest should be happening in AAA is just ridiculous.
Mark Lowe is their closer?
CompassRosy – we are all on the same page tonight
===================================================
Yesiree, Rishi!!
Cross your fingers and toes for Mark Lowe…
(he pitched 2 vs. your guys just yesterday)
*players*
Betsy
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:03 pm
So where are the Yanks in terms of the Wild Card (yes, I know it’s way too early to think in those terms)?
………………………..
Betsy, the last time I looked the Yankees had a 2 game lead over the Devil Rays in leading the Wild Card. That’s all they need to do, just make the playoffs, then the fun begins.
CompassRosy
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:08 pm
CompassRosy – we are all on the same page tonight
===================================================
Yesiree, Rishi!!
Cross your fingers and toes for Mark Lowe…
and tomorrow and the day after that and the day after that, too 
(he pitched 2 vs. your guys just yesterday)
—————————————-
I’ll cross my fingers for your team tonight
Betsy-The Yankee are in the wild card lead. They are in front of the Rays by 2.5 games as of right this moment
The Yankees spent more time with Montero this spring than any other catcher.
He caught every veteran pitcher and Tony Pena worked with him all the time. Even after practices.
Folks, they are grooming him to be a fast mover.
I bet even moreso now that his bat is so dominant.
Its actually easier for him to learn how to handle ML pitchers at the ML level, and work with Pena and Girardi everyday, than it is toiling in Scranton and ripping moon shots off AAAA pitchers.
The guy is too good to keep in the minors too long next year, if at all.
Betsy: Way too early to be thinking about that, but Yanks lead TB by 2.5 pending the outcome of tonight’s TB/TEX game.
“The guy is too good to keep in the minors too long next year, if at all.”
SJ stop talking like this!…i cant handle the excitement!!!
Aardsma’s the closer, but he actually had more pitches yesterday in his one than Lowe did in his two…
Ahead of the Rays by 3 in the loss column in the WC race and the Rays are losing to Texas 3-1 in the 6th tonight.
Aardsma threw over 30 pitches last night. Probably why he isn’t available.
Hey Sis!!!
You are probably here more than I am but I will definitely catch up with you on the other forum. I know we’re like ships passing in the night there.
SJ44 -
“The guy is too good to keep in the minors too long next year, if at all.”
……………………………..
I’m curious, because I know you have your ear to the ground on the Yankees minor league talent, do you think they bring him up this year, if yes, then when?
Sounds good, Sis. I have updated the M’s thread there a bit.
Mark Lowe sitting 98, touching 100.
What in tarnation?!?!?
Jiminey!
Mark throwing the heat mostly 98, but has 99 a couple times and even 100!
ONE MORE…..
SIT DOWN GREEN.
Ugh, I’ve grown to really detest the guy!
How has Melancon been doing down in AAA? Is he getting things straightened out or are things still bumpy for him?
Pepitone # 25…Your tribute to Mariano Rivera speaks for all baseball fans, not just us privledged Yankee Fans…..
What makes Mo’s run so amazing is that he’s got the most stressful job in baseball – so many closers have burnt out, but Mo takes his successes and failures in stride and keeps on going – he’s like the Everready Bunny, lol. Mo has his faith and I think that’s what helps him – he recognizes that when he fails, he’s done the best he can. He doesn’t stress or fret about it – he moves on. I don’t get anyone who says the Sox are in his head – no one is ever in Mo’s head. They’re just a very good team who has seem him a million times…….
Also, Mo has the quietest, smoothest delivery I’ve ever seen – very efficient, just no wasted motion. He also doesn’t show other teams up – that’s why (at least in part) he’s so respected and admired across the sport
“Mark Lowe sitting 98, touching 100.
What in tarnation?!?!?”
he’s pissed.
crum
All while giving up bombs. Come on Seattle
As I always say, having the Sux come close makes it even sweeter when they lose. Let all of RSN get their hopes up…
“How has Melancon been doing down in AAA? Is he getting things straightened out or are things still bumpy for him?”
he pitched 2.2 ip yesterday hitless…
Just got in from datenight with the Mrs….
Re: the Mets – They are killing Daniel Murphy. Last year, he was an up and coming hitter, with great potential, to hear them tell it. So what do they do? They try to force feed him not one, but 2 new positions, at the ML level, in addition to learning ML pitching. No wonder he’s struggling. And they don’t even play him everyday.
The best thing for that kid’s career would be to be traded, to a team that will let him develop.
See you all tomorrow. Let’s win another. (I know, Halladay’s pitching. Don’t remind me.)
Rodrigo Lopez wah waaaaaah
come on m’s…live look-in on mlb network right now
Man you have to have veins of ice water to close.
COME 0N MARINERS. DON’T LET THIS GET AWAY!
How was that 2-2 pitch a ball?
Malusis is killing me here w/ the sound effects
how is it boston never goes away at the end?
That’s good. Thanks RalphieD
I don’t think they would bring up Montero this year regardless of what he does the rest of the way.
I think they want Posada and Molina to go the rest of the way.
I could see them calling him up in September, not to be in uniform but to work out, sit on the bench and observe.
They did that with Jeter in 1995.
Next year? If he continues at this pace, I honestly don’t see any way he doesn’t make the club out of ST.
His bat is so advanced, its too good to keep him in the minors.
As far as his catching skills, he’s not bad back there. He really isn’t.
Most people you read to are critical of his catching have never seen him catch for more than a few innings or a game here and there.
His biggest problem as a catcher is the ball transfer from glove to hand when throwing. That can be fixed and he’s much better at it than he was 18 months ago.
You have two catchers, Girardi and Pena, on the staff. Two guys who can really ween him in the right way.
His bat though is the kind of bat that wins games for you. An impact, power bat.
Arod, Junior, Cabrera, are basically the only 19 years olds that come to mind who have the kind of “light tower power” this kid has and none of those guys were catchers.
He’s a rare, rare, bird and one who is going to fly into the Bronx sooner rather than later if he keeps playing like this.
That pitch before the single SURE looked like a strike to me ;-(
its amazing they chant mvp when pedroia is up…simply amazing
Game over!
GAME. BLOUSES.
sox lose!
thank god
thhhhhhhhhhhhhhhheeeee maaaaaaaaaaaaariners WIN!
“how is it boston never goes away at the end?”
Because the baseball gods have deemed that they will build their fans up to a fever pitch, only to have their hopes dashed to hell. Is why.
Happy to help out.
SIS – WOO HOO!! Keep up the great work M’s!!!
copngrats, CompassRosy
and oh by the way…
Mariners are now 20-13 in one run victories this season.
Lets go Texas!!!!
Pat M and Betsy -
Thanks for your input. I think everybody on this site could tell a story about what makes Mariano special. Those of us that have been watching him since the beginning (I still can’t believe he started out setting up for John Wettland?), marvel at what he has accomplished, and what he can still do on that mound.
Tim McCarver once said, Bob Gibson considered the pitcher’s mound his office, for Mariano Rivera, it’s a top floor penthouse!
Tomorrow should be an interesting matchup with Halladay going against Wang. Do you give A-Rod a day off or DH him tomorrow?
Melancon pitched better yesterday. He’s been up and down though. Having a hard time gaining real consistency with the curveball. Until he does that, he can’t come back to NY.
One thing folks should always remember and Pat M will verify….
Bad major league hitters are still better than good AAA hitters.
If you can’t dominate AAA out of the pen, and he isn’t, its not going to get easier for him at the big league level.
He still has a ways to go before he can make it back to NY, IMO.
bang bang Pedroia chokes !
SJ: Montero’s basically throwing guys out at a 30% rate.
That’s a good year for Posada.
That’s all I need to know.
“”"”sj talking about montero being in the bigs next year as a dh/backup catcher is so tantalizing…he would get consistent ab’s and learn how to catch from posada and pena…seems like a great idea but also seems like something the yankees would not do…too cutting edge for a team that is always in a playoff hunt…id love it though”"”
The yanks don’t do that because they rarely have a prospect like the Jesus.
wouldn’t be the worst thing if he spent a whole year at SWB to refine his D there, As Jorge is still signed and very Competent behind the dish (great hitter, too)
Sox it to Me!
July 3rd, 2009 at 7:33 pm
“Sorry 2-0 Red Sox first inning. We have the best home record and we are playing 3 of the worst teams in the AL, at home the next 10 games. What do you think is going to happen? I’d say 10-0.”
way to jinx your team, ya first inning sewer troll. We all thank you.
“and oh by the way…
Mariners are now 20-13 in one run victories this season.”
Just awesome. And so great to see your pen getting back to what it was a few seasons ago.
By the way, I have both Branyan and Lopez on my fantasy team!
DT – OPPC member (it’s in our blood),
lol
Thanks guys. It’s sort a fun to be on the same side. Unfortunately, there are only 2 more games for that – we already played the Sox at Safeco (and took the series as I’m sure you remember
)
But – our teams still have 7 games together…
all at the Safe.
He’s a rare, rare, bird and one who is going to fly into the Bronx sooner rather than later if he keeps playing like this.
……………………………
Thanks for the scouting report, SJ. I will be looking forward to seeing the kid next year. if he is what you say he is, WOW!
PeteAbeJose Molina caught six innings and was 1 for 2 with a double and a walk in a rehab game for Triple-A Scranton
Hurry back Molina!
SJ-
I am a little last replying to you Alex post season statement.
I think it was in 2006 when he was DRILLED in the side, I think he was really hurt. After that he absolutely stunk in the post season. People only see what they want to see. Yes Jeter has come up clutch in the post season, but there have been plenty of times when he stunk, same for Pettitte.
Rebecca,
Much different at the major league level when it comes to throwing guys out. He’s much better than he was. No question about that.
However, the game at the big league level is entirely different.
If he throws guys out at 20% in his first year in the majors, and I believe that’s lower than Mike Piazza’s career numbers, he’s a plus guy to have on the team because of his bat.
That’s how good he is.
The Yankees haven’t had a power bat like his in their organization in over 25 years. Perhaps not since Steve Balboni and Balboni was never the all around hitter Montero is at this time.
That’s how long its been since the Yankees have developed a pure, light tower power hitter of their own.
regarding Melancon-Thanks SJ44. Let him find consistency down there. We will see him again.
Lord, coming up later on SNY-Do the Yankees have a bullpen controversy(The Great 8th inning Hughes/Bruney debate)?
Remember when we didn’t even have a functioning bullpen, now we have a controversy of who will pitch when?
Guess it’s the drama for the week
Put on channel 11. They are talking about the furries (sp) convention. This is what was held in Pitt last year. Those are the ‘people’ that scared the living you know what out of the Yankee players.
I’m sure this has been talked about today so forgive me, but I just don’t have time to go back and read all the posts, but, what was the deal with those two morons behind the plate in the umpire uniforms?
Why in the world would the Yankees allow that? I know if I paid all that money to sit down there and had those 2 clowns ruining the game for me I’d be more than a little upset. Not to mention how annoying it was watching on TV.
Thanks for the info, all!
Pepitone, nice post on Mo. My real memories only go back as far as the early 80′s Yankees, but in that time I’ve idolized Donnie Baseball and Mo – I can’t complain about that at all. On the eve of Lou Gehrig day, I can honestly say that Yankee fans are the luckiest fans on the face of the earth……
Carl-
Johnny Damon doesn’t suck. But you were right.. he is my pretend boyfriend
I really hope for the sake of my sanity- he goes on a serious second half hitting spree and makes zero errors. So then the Yanks will resign him and I will be so so happy
“Just awesome. And so great to see your pen getting back to what it was a few seasons ago.”
==================================================
Yes indeedy!
I think a certain Mr. Wetteland has had a bit to do with that
_______________________________________
“By the way, I have both Branyan and Lopez on my fantasy team!”
===================================================
Go Trisha’s fantasy team!
Youuuuse needs a haircut
DT-
I am here now. I am not sure if I will recommend it as a Phil Hughes entry song, but I am up for an “I Feel Pretty” sing along at anytime. In fact I will start…
I feel pretty
Oh, so pretty
I feel pretty and witty and gaaaaaaaaaaaaaay
And I pity any girl who isn’t me today
S.A.–The sun will come out tomorrow; I’m down with the OPPC
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Youuuuse needs a haircut
———————
Just told my sister the same thing!
Just awesome. And so great to see your pen getting back to what it was a few seasons ago.
By the way, I have both Branyan and Lopez on my fantasy team!
=======================================================
Yes indeedy re: the bullpen. I think a certain Mr. Wetteland has had a bit to do with that
Go Trisha’s fantasy team!
I’m watching the Twilight Zone marathon – much better than watching some dopey manufactured controversy….
Wait till they come to OUR house AGAIN
July 3rd, 2009 at 8:51 pm
I never feel bad for the Mets.
I’m an evil fan. I hate the Mets. When they’re really bad, I laugh at their misery.
***
Does it botyher anyone else that for all of the Mets stinky baseball they are still breathing on first place?? How luxurious it must be to play in a slumping division.
It seems like every team in the AL East is always riding some sort of hot streak
Jennifer,
The Arod hate from some Yankee fans reach laughable levels. It really does.
Its just a bunch of children who know nothing about baseball and just choose to hate someone they don’t know.
In the end, its real simple….
When Alex hits, the team wins. When Alex is in the lineup, they have the best record in baseball so far this year.
Don’t believe me? Look it up.
The guy could have said, “I’m having full blown hip surgery, see ya in 2010″ and NOBODY associated with the Yankees would have said a word.
He has 8 more years on his deal and if he was just about himself, he could have shut it down this year and worry about 2010. He didn’t.
He chose to have the intermediate procedure to try and come back and help the team win this year. That won him HUGE respect in that locker room. HUGE.
Funny thing is, (and its not just fans, some guys in the media do it too), when I read or hear he is a “locker room cancer”, I often wonder, “have you ever spoken to a Yankee player about him”? He’s ANYTHING but a cancer.
In fact, he’s well liked in the locker room. He can be a diva and can say some dumb, dumb things at times. However, overall, guys on the team like Alex because he’s harmless and he takes a LOT of the pressure off them.
He’s not a bad guy. Just a little “out there” at times.
Just tells me God created another dumb Yankee fan for the day when I read that nonsense.
Rishi July 3rd, 2009 at 10:33 pm
S.A.–The sun will come out tomorrow; I’m down with the OPPC
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Youuuuse needs a haircut
———————
Just told my sister the same thing!
======================
LOL! Seriously, he needs a trim or something.
Aww, I love Phil’s longish hair…….if it stays where it is. I hate men with long hair – ick. Apparently Joba’s been making fun of Phil’s new do, but maybe it’s the reason he’s been Sampson out of the bullpen, lol
S.A.–The sun will come out tomorrow; I’m down with the OPPC
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Rishi July 3rd, 2009 at 10:33 pm
S.A.–The sun will come out tomorrow; I’m down with the OPPC
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Youuuuse needs a haircut
———————
Just told my sister the same thing!
======================
LOL! Seriously, he needs a trim or something.
—————–
there was a bush of curls under that hat today! definitely needs a clean up
Well, I’m really glad the M’s were able to get it done tonight. I can’t say that I’m real confident for the next two games (Olson tomorrow and Morrow on Sunday) especially since the pen (save for Aardsma and Batista) got pretty used up today.
But, I said at the start of this trip if they were able to go at least 4-5 it would be a good trip. So far, so good…
~won the Dodgers series 2-1
~ got 1 win at The Stadium
~ got 1 win (so far) at Fenway
So, really anything else is gravy
Erica – newly OPPC SJ44,
I love Johnny but that was a horrible looking play lmao. I was just speaking in the moment.
SJ44 I couldn’t agree with you more.
CompassRosy,
Grats
“Arod, Junior, Cabrera, are basically the only 19 years olds that come to mind who have the kind of “light tower power” this kid has and none of those guys were catchers.”
Add Justin Upton to that list. He can hit some BOMBS.
“Youuuuse needs a haircut”
He’s throwing 96 w/ a swagga….he can grow an afro for all I care. He even has a badass tattoo
Think I’ll go read the SoSH gameday thread.
Should be quite entertaining
Brandon-
GB7 told me you stole his rain jacket.
Also, “I’m awesome” is my line. I tell that to every new guy I start dating
In the end, it only matters what Alex’ teammates think of him. It’s very encouraging that he doesn’t give a hoot what fans think. Let’s face it – they’re never going to warm up to him, so why should Alex try and get them to do so? Yankee fans are not known for their intelligence – and that’s being kind. It’s their problem if they can’t appreciate Alex – it only betrays their lack of baseball knowledge and their emotional IQ (which is probably a collective negative #).
bring some quotes back
Carl-
I was listening on radio at the beach today, so I never actually saw the play.
If i didn’t see it, it didn’t happen and Johnny Damon is still wonderful in my world
SJ, Is Montero heading to Fall Ball in October ???? I can see him staying in Trenton for awhile though to see if he’ll adjust to the pitching adjustments that await him as the season unfolds…..Sounds very promising so far, as he’s tearing up the AA Ball so far….
He’s throwing 96 w/ a swagga….he can grow an afro for all I care. He even has a badass tattoo
============================
Haha
All he needs now is a theme song
Erica
Lets be honest I don’t think GB has a jacket worth me wanting to borrow.
“Also, “I’m awesome” is my line. I tell that to every new guy I start dating”
“I’m Awesome” were my first words
Erica – newly OPPC,
lol you have to see it
True Tales of LoHud: I have about 4500 songs on my ipod. Driving with shuffle mode on, a Van Morrison song and “Something’s Coming” from West Side Story played back-to-back.
No wonder the Yanks won and Sox lost.
Nick in SF
Play it everyday
SJ
I also don’t get where he brings controversy with him. Who cares that his girl friend was sitting front row, or that he was making out in a restaurant with her. It isn’t anyone’s business. I’m quite sure Jeter does the same, but the media turns a blind eye to it cause they like him.
And you are right, what has he done to be called a cancer? I really don’t get the hate and nonsense.
Brandon-
I believe your first words were “I’m awesome”. I am pretty sure mine were something normal, like “daddy”
However, it does not change the facts.. THAT’S MY LINE!!!
Nick in SF
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:47 pm
True Tales of LoHud: I have about 4500 songs on my ipod. Driving with shuffle mode on, a Van Morrison song and “Something’s Coming” from West Side Story played back-to-back.
***
I love when the stars are in alignment. If Fleetwood Mac came on after, its an automatic sign of a world series win
Carl-
No. Denial is a very happy place.
Whoa that is my line. I recite it every night
Anyone catch the reaction to Manny?
One more thing, Alex faced the music, whether or not you think he was being 100% truthful, he sat down and answered questions from the media.
Manny, on the other hand
“I don’t want to get into [that part of my] career. Right now, I’m happy to be here. I’m ready to play. I practiced at Triple-A, and I can’t wait to get out on the field.”
Is this going to be let go? I mean Alex didn’t test positive and get suspended for 50 games. The Dodgers brought back Mannywood.
jennifer – check out espn.com – they are pretty much saying the same thing
Brandon… I’M AWESOME !
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Whoa that is my line. I recite it every night
***
It doesn’t count when you say it to yourself while looking in the mirror before you go out to try to pick up girls
Jennifer-
I still think its amazing that Manny would rather tell the world he has erectile dysfunction than just admit steroid use
Yeah, Jennifer, the whole Manny thing really annoys me. Not that I really care about him, just that we all watched Alex get raked over the coals while Manny gets treated like the returning hero.
“It doesn’t count when you say it to yourself while looking in the mirror before you go out to try to pick up girls”
Trust me that dept. is fine
Erica, I thought Denial was a river in Egypt……..
No Fleetwood Mac in that particular shuffle, but I just got a package in the mail with a recording of a 2007 SF concert by one of my favorite indie bands, Yo La Tengo, in which they cover “Dreams” by the Mac.
Thunder only happens when it’s raining.
Maybe that means we’ll win tomorrow too.
Reports: Chapman 26, not 21
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07.....038;st=cse
Betsy
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Erica, I thought Denial was a river in Egypt……..
****
Hahaha. Denial is the happy place I choose to live while I refuse to accept that my pretend boyfriend’s time in pinstripes is probably coming to an end.
However, I do believe in baseball miracles.
“That dreadlocked bon vivant, Manny Ramirez, will rejoin us — and the Dodgers — this weekend after eight weeks of purgatory on Planet Manny. Whoop-de-doo.
If this were a logical world, we’d be greeting him like the team-wrecking, alibi-distorting, female-fertility-drug-popping scoundrel he is. But friends, this planet clearly has lost its grip on logic.
The Dodgers were 29-21 in the 50 games that Manny Ramirez missed due to suspension.
So instead, the reaction to Manny, from Albuquerque to Ensenada, has been — what else? — downright hero worship. You’d think the guy had spent the past 57 days curing cancer, dousing tensions in Iran and smoothing out plot glitches for the final season of “Lost.”
But why? That’s the question we’ve been struggling with since Manny-mania busted out in Albuquerque last week.”
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....ings090703
Brandon-
Glad to hear. I don’t want you to have to turn to PEDs because of “personal problems” or anything like that like Manny did.
If Chapman is 26 he should be a lot cheaper. Lets sign him.
Nick in SF-
Well, the matchup is Wang vs. Halladay
Like I told my dad at 9 tonight and Betsy in the post at 10:59 above….
I believe in baseball miracles
If Chapman is 26 it means there’s a lot less in terms of potential an a lot more in terms of ‘he is what he is’
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07.....038;st=cse
Chapman 26 not 21. How much does this change who goes after him? 5 years is a HUGE difference.
Erica: You shouldn’t–I have tickets to tomorrow’s game and an awful track record =P
Oh oops, sorry for posting line again!
what is the “OPPC” you guys have in your Name lines?
“If Chapman is 26 he should be a lot cheaper. Lets sign him.”
Wonderful news I still sign him !
Chapman may be 26?
This reaction to Manny being back is weird. It’s so laa-dee-daa
Rebecca-
I only go to maybe 2 games a season. Going back the last 3 seasons I have been wearing the same plain white t-shirt to every game with my Yankee hat. I believe its now 6 games. I am 6-0 since I started wearing this shirt.
Joe in Texas-
Optimist Prime Posters Club. In other words.. no negativity allowed
Nick in SF, I fully expect Wang to have his best outing to date tomorrow….I wonder what the line will be ???? Yanks a dog at home ??? Halliday is going to get banged around tomorrow……
Jesus, this might be the first time I tell a girl this Erica, but don’t take off that shirt.
Erica, you need a new pretend boyfriend. Mine just signed a 5 year contract with the Yankees, so I’m in good shape…..actually, I have two – and both of them, I’m robbing the cradle, lol.
Good night for the Yanks, with Rays and Sox losing.
I posted that article on Chapman last night – if he’s 26, that makes a huge difference. I hope the Yankees do their research on this guy….
Lets go O’s!!
Brandon… I’M AWESOME !
July 3rd, 2009 at 11:18 pm
Jesus, this might be the first time I tell a girl this Erica, but don’t take off that shirt.
****
Hahaha. Thats okay Brandon. Thats probably the first time I ever heard that from a guy so we are even
Betsy- Don’t forget the Jays lost too.
We are the only ones to win in our division.
Good stuff from Jayson Stark…..
Betsy-
Johnny Damon will be my pretned boyfriend until I have definite reason to find my replacement. You do know he was the Steinbrenner gift to me for my 25th birthday right??
Kate Hudson Can’t Get Enough A-Rod
You guys saw this. I mean none of our business.
BTW Erica you ever heard “what size are they ?” (just curious)
Another great cover song on the recording is “Heroes”, the Bowie song. It’s epic. The Yankees can be heroes vs. Halladay tomorrow. I believe.
At AT&T Park, instant replay overturned a call and gave the Giants a home run and a 9-0 lead vs. the Astros.
Oops, got a phone call while I was typing that. Now it’s 13-0 in favor of the light-hitting Giants.
Heh.
RT @inthephilshouse: The Phils’ 7-2 victory over the Mets on Friday night marked their first win at Citizens Bank Park since June 14
Brandon… I’M AWESOME !
Look for Alex to have a Monster game as Chieng Ming Wang earns his 2nd consecutive victory out-dueling Roy Halladay.
Chien**
Brandon-
Common sense tells me not to answer that question on a Yankee blog. (Esp since I will get dogged by every sleazy guy who reads my answer
)
Jen, lol – that’s right. What a crappy division…..
Carl why would you say that ?
Lets go O’s!!
=============
Well, I guess we are on the same page here too!
I was just coming back to ask a favor of you Yank fans to root for the O’s (even though they are in your division, they are so far back, a couple of games won’t matter)
But – maybe you all hate the halos as much as I do
GO O’s!!!!!!!!!
currently 6-1 going to the 5th in Anaheim…
p.s. I was right – SoSH game day thread was quite entertaining
Erica, understood.
CompassRosy, no copy & paste quotes ?
Brandon… I’M AWESOME ! July 3rd, 2009 at 11:26 pm
Carl why would you say that ?
Kate Hudson is staying the night with Alex
wait, why are we rooting for the O’s?
wow Rebecca thats insane. The Phils sure to be struggling. Are they still first in their division?
Erica, I didn’t know you were so close to the Steinbrenners’s, lol……….
Brandon, I don’t care about Alex’ love life (or Jeter’s or anyones), so no – whatever the article says, I haven’t read it.
we are rooting for the Os to beat the Angels…
Chapman may really be 21…Someone floating bad info? Like the NFL draft?
Betsy-
I developed my crush on Damon in 2003. Obviously, this was a big problem for me. Esp since I would find myself cheering for him against the Yankees. I predicted in 2003, he would be a Yankee someday and everyone said i was completely insane and that Johnny Damon would die in his Red Sox uniform.
Well…. On December 20, 2005 (the day after my 25th birthday), the joyous news came out that the Yankees struck a deal with Damon and he would be joining the Yankees. I always say he was the Steinbrenner birthday present to me
Christina: It is a mark of how bad the NL East is that the Phillies are still, in fact, in first place.
Carl I’ve said eversince she showed up in that Twins night game, good things have been happening. Hell Al is hitting balls to RF more often, he’s hitting walk offs on easy outs.
Regarding Chapman :
I saw it at this website too ; http://panthersfanatic.net
I cant believe that he may not be 21. It is so sad that people have to lie about their age just to get some extra money.
Brandon-
If A-Rod has a good October, I will declare Kate Hudson the unofficial MVP
CompassRosy, no copy & paste quotes ?
=======================================
I would, but Pete would ban me….
Pretty colorful language over there
Pablo Sandoval or Jesus Montero is a good debate
Erica, wouldn’t that be something.
“When he does retire, like Mickey, Whitey, Yogi, and others before him, we can tell our kids and grandkids that we got to see Mariano Rivera pitch.”
Pepitone,
Read your tribute to mo. It was great.
If you haven’t done so yet – you must read the article that Joe Posnanski wrote about Mo this week in the wake of his 500th save.
In the piece Posnanski basically makes the point that Mo is the modern day incarnation of Joe Dimaggio in terms of what he means to yankee tradition. It’s wonderful and picks up on a number of the themes you touched on.
Everyone needs to read it – it’s just great writing about an incomparable athlete.
“http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/07/01/rivera/index.html”
Joe: It’s about more than just money for Chapman. It’s a chance to live in a country where he’s free politically.
Erica, I could never stand looking at Damon in Sox uniform – he looked like a caveman, just hideous.
I used to have a crush on Tino Martinez, lol
CB:
I read that article. It’s now bookmarked. I’m tempted to print and frame it.
It’s that good.
Rebecca- Im going to the game also tomorrow. Should be fun. Do you get there early for BP?
“This reaction to Manny being back is weird. It’s so laa-dee-daa”
It’s so LA.
The question was asked on ESPN if Manny’s press conference in LA today ever would have flown in NY or Boston where the media questions instead of in LA where the media promotes.
Hearing people like Lasorda and Torre deflect questions on PEDs also amused me. Stance was much more forthright when the offending party was a NY 3rd baseman instead of a LA LFer.
That SI article really was a wonderful tribute to Mo. I can only imagine the tributes will hear after he retires……they might as well just let him into the HOF now.
I think every batter should take the first pitches against halladay.
Rebecca,
While I agree with political freedom, I do not understand the need to lie about his age. His stuff and pitching prowess are good enough to play in the Major Leagues. He is better that 80% of bullpen pitchers in baseball already, just given his electric stuff. He could reasonably sign a 10 M dollar contract at 26.
Christina: Not for a day game; I’m really not a morning person.
Where are you sitting? Would love to be able to say hi. I’m in terrace 309, I think.
first 2 pitches
Wait a minute did I read this right ?
HR: Curtis (2, 8th inning off Jones, H, 3 on, 1 out).
A grandslam for Colin Curtis off of the immortal Hunter Jones as Diet Coke deems him.
Betsy July 3rd, 2009 at 11:40 pm
Erica, I could never stand looking at Damon in Sox uniform – he looked like a caveman, just hideous.
I used to have a crush on Tino Martinez, lol
_______________________________________________________________
Betsy I agree! 2003 was my first year in Boston ( at college) and I absolutely loathed Damon and I thought he looked like a gorilla. I was so upset when he first came to the yankees because I thought he was such a trader(i’m very big on team loyalties, I didnt want him on our team). It took me about a year to warm up to Damon, but now I really like him. He looks sooo much better with short hair, and seems like a great guy. My friends and I refer to him as “Mr. Fun-loving”. Have you seen what he does during the roll call? He is hilarious.
Also, who doesnt have a crush on Tino
?
Betsy-
I think I liked the caveman look. LOL. He was different. I liked that. Although, I do have a thing for facial hair
El Nino played SS last night was 2 for 4, played 2B tonight 1 for 4.
Oh I so had a crush on Tino. Love him
I’m in section 111. I’d love to say hello. Where about is section 306?
Christina: Hmm, that’ll be a problem b/c of security–can you IM me? Fireroseboudicca i’ll give you my phone and we can set something up.
Brandon: Yes, he hit a salami.
I might be reading that NY Times article – but Curry was not reporting definitively that Chapman is 26.
He simply said that there were reports from the World Baseball Classic that he was 26.
Not sure what reports Curry is talking about or what his source would be. Curry seemed to be calling doubt into Chapman’s age but he wasn’t reporting that Chapman is 26. Those are two different things.
Either way becuase of the extensive international ball Chapman’s played his age has been investigated and it will not take long to verify his age one way or another.
Clubs will have a much higher level of certainty over what his age is compared to most international guys.
NYY26, I’ve always welcomed new Yankees with open arms, even if they had played for the “enemy”. All of my one-time hates (Straw, Cone, Damon, Boggs, Clemens – not Doc, because I loved him) came to the Yankees and I never held any resentment towards them.
Tino WAS (and apparently still is) very popular with the ladies, lol……
Montero is entering nutsy koo koo territory
Jesus Montero, C, Yankees (Double-A Trenton)
Thursday’s stats: 2-for-5, HR (5), R, 2 RBI, K
Basically, if you go deep in a fourth straight game, you make the Minor League Update, and continue to do so until the streak ends. If you need someone else to keep track, the 19-year-old Venezuelan product is now 8-for-14 in those four games with 24 total bases, upping his season averages to .325/.395/.571. For a teenager in Double-A, that is entering nutsy koo-koo territory.
http://www.baseballprospectus......gueupdate/
Rebecca,
Lying about his age (if it’s true) has nothing to do with political asylum.
Fibbing on his age would make him the best prospect in baseball, rather than a 26 y.o. journeyman. Again, if it’s true.
These things are easily verifiable. Just like the Chinese gymnasts.
Erica, I usually don’t like facial hair, but I admit that I liked what AJ had going on in Toronto with that little fuzz…..Mattingly had a great mustache and I couldn’t stand it when he shaved it off, lol. He just didn’t look the same…..sort of naked, to be honest.
Betsy…I guess I just couldn’t believe he came to the Yankees. He was the heart of that Sox team in 03-04. He was the closest thing they had to a “Jeter”. I just kept thinking that if Jeter ever went to the sox I probably couldn’t be a baseball fan anymore. There are some lines you do not cross! LOL.
Anyways, I’m over it
. My sox friends are still bitter about Damon tho. They hate him!
Here’s Tallet’s full quote. Not disrespectful imo.
“They spent a billion dollars to build the same ballpark,” Tallet said. “That’s what we’ve been saying all year. This is the first time we’ve seen it. The clubhouse is nice and all that, but the surrounding atmosphere is still the same. It’s still Yankee Stadium.”
M: Wow, that completley changes its meaning.
NYY626-
On my bulletin board, I have a great newspaper ad from right after Johnny signed with the Yankees. He is hanging out of a yellow taxi window with his arms outstretched for a hug. And the top says “Lets let bygones be bygones”.
How can you not love a guy who does that??
Betsy-
Whenever I think of Mattingly, in my head- he has a mustache. It’s just who he is. I don’t care that its not there anymore. To me he will always have a mustache
To everyone-
The only player I ever had a hard time accepting as a Yankee was Jose Canseco. Something about it felt so unnatural
“Anyways, I’m over it . My sox friends are still bitter about Damon tho. They hate him!”
The thing that bothered me about Damon was that he made a big deal six months before signing with the Yankees that he would never ever sign with the Yankees.
You can hate on Papelbon as much as you want. I even admit that he is a jerk sometimes. But at least he has the honesty right now to say that he is open to signing with whatever team may offer him the best contract.
Haha Erica thats great! I dont think I’ve ever seen that. After getting to know him the past few years, he is a a very hard guy to dislike!
I was at the only playoff game in 2007 that the Yankees won. When Damon hit the go-ahead home run that game, the stadium was positively rockin. So I have good Yankee memories of him
I’m off to bed, goodnight everyone!
NYY626-
I actually have a great story about that playoff game. Its not very blog appropriate though. It must have been a great night to be at the stadium though
I am heading off to bed as well everyone. I have a very long day at the beach ahead of me so I won’t be near my computer. Happy Yankee viewing!!!
Good night Yankee folk!!!!!
Twins about to win in the 14th.
0 outs, runners on 1st & 3rd.
I hope the Mariners can continue their winning streak…
Some men have very delicate sensibilities:
http://www.tampabay.com/sports.....015753.ece
Going to the 15th in Minni. Good for us, I know it is still 3 games away, but what ever will beat up there pen is good.
going to the 16th
Twins damn near playing 2 games in one. Ouch.
I was just thinking during the Sox game, “Where’s that knuckleballer, Dickey?”
Well, there’s our answer. Giving it up to Detroit.
As loathe as I am to cheer for the Tigers, it’s best they win. Don’t want minny to gain on us.
Richie, about that link…. I am an intern with the Renegades right now. We are really looking forward to Tuesday it should be a lot of fun. the PA announcer is going to be in a cherry picker beyond the center field wall calling the game for the first 5 innings so technically he isn’t in the stadium. Should be fun
I hope the Mariners can continue their winning streak…
========================================================
Me too – but we may be hoping against hope with Olson going tomorrow (though he DID beat the Dodgers) and Morrow on Sunday (not to mention an awfully spent pen from the past two nights).
But, stranger things have happened…
Like the O’s beating the Halos tonight
M’s 2.5 back…
twins go down.
oh well.
People going to the game tomorrow? I’ll be in Grandstand 306, I think.
“Youuuuse needs a haircut”
I would most respectfully have to disagree. Saw his hair during the postgame – it’s curly and almost as gorgeous as his pitching lol.
m
July 4th, 2009 at 12:02 am
Here’s Tallet’s full quote. Not disrespectful imo.
“They spent a billion dollars to build the same ballpark,” Tallet said. “That’s what we’ve been saying all year. This is the first time we’ve seen it. The clubhouse is nice and all that, but the surrounding atmosphere is still the same. It’s still Yankee Stadium.”
——————————————
That statement should make the yankees happy thats what they were trying to do.
Nice night for the Yanks.
Yanks win, sox lose, blue jays lose (duh), rays lose, Montero goes 3 for 4 with a walk.
Looking for a nice outing from Wang tomorrow afternoon!
Yanks magic number to clinch AL East: 86
Yanks magic number to clinch Wild Card: 82
Happy 79th Bithday George M. Steinbrenner 111
7/4/30
Brandon… I’M AWESOME !
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:42 pm
“Youuuuse needs a haircut”
He’s throwing 96 w/ a swagga….he can grow an afro for all I care. He even has a badass tattoo..
Thanks Brandon, some of the folks here need to cool it. I really feel sorry for the fashion fascists who insist that everybody should look the same. I thought that we Americans welcomed diversity and applauded those who have the courage to be different, not require all our heroes to look like storm troopers. Hey, if you don’t like the look, just watch how he pitches; that’s all that should really matter.
Montero and Vasquez are tearing up the Eastern League….Not only average but also homeruns….