Today in The Journal News
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Jul 10, 2009 
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Phil Hughes returns to Orange County today succeeding in a role he did not envision but is enjoying. He and the Yankees swept the Twins yesterday.
The Yankees bid farewell to the Metrodome. This notebook also has updates on Joba Chamberlain, David Cone, Johnny Damon, Mark Melancon and Brett Gardner.
IMO, Robertson is the obvious choice to send down. Albaledejo is a better pitcher and he’s done a very nice job since being called up – I don’t want to lose him for 10 days because I think he’ll be useful to use. Let Robertson go down and stay down until he can throw strikes.
Nick, I’ve heard of Steve’s Prince of Steaks, but I won’t have a car, so it’s bit out of my way. I may take a cab to John’s Roast Pork or Tony Luke’s because those are short cab rides……if not, all I know is that I will avoid Pat’s/Geno’s. Locals believe those are overrated tourist traps.
Betsy,
It is such a small and funny world. I had never heard of either Pat’s or Geno’s. But yesterday I went out to lunch with a couple of friends and one of them went with her husband this week to Philly specifically for cheesesteak and specifically to — you guessed it – Pat’s AND Geno’s!!!
Said the lines are incredibly long, cash only and if you don’t have your order ready when it’s your turn it’s like the soup nazi guy on Seinfeld – you have to go back to the end of the line!
Pete, great article on Phil – thanks! I love hearing Mo and Jeter compliment him, but I don’t think he’ll get a big head. He said last year he doesn’t read the sports pages (not about him or the Yankees, anyway) or listen to sports radio. He’s got a good head on his shoulders.
“It’s nice to know that I have some value, wherever it is,” Hughes said. “I’ve always felt that when I’m right, I can do a lot of things.”
**I like this one because it show show confident Phil is.
“It’s nice to know that I have some value, wherever it is,” Hughes said. “I’ve always felt that when I’m right, I can do a lot of things.”
Hughes was eager to get to California afterward, knowing he could spend the coming All-Star break at home.
“There is one problem,” he said. “I need tickets for every game now. You never know when I’m going to pitch.”
Doreen, in all of the cheesesteak places in Philly, you need to know what you want when you step up to the order counter – that’s the ritual. If you want onions, you say “wit”. If you want cheese whiz, you say “whiz” – so onions with cheese whiz would be “wit wiz”. The whole business of ordering a cheesesteak is definitely ritualized – I like provolone myself.
Yep, tourists go to Pat’s and Geno’s. Locals do as well, probably because they are institutions, but for those looking for really good cheesesteaks, those are not the first choices. It happens that Pat’s and Geno’s are in a good location, very convenient ….the best places are somewhat out of the way.
“I will avoid Pat’s/Geno’s. Locals believe those are overrated tourist traps.”
That is a good idea. I lived in Philly for 5 years, and I can tell you that just about any steak place except Pats or Genos is the place to go. As long as they use the Amoroso rolls, which about 99.9% do.
Mark, were you also a fan of the roast pork sandwiches? I had one last time I was in Philly – yum!
glad to get another win! Pulling for Joba to have a solid start today. we need at least 6 innings Joba!
After yesterday it shouldn’t be much of a debate who goes…Ace did fine considering the circumstances but Robertson was just putrid…then Albie came in and set things right again…other than not having a stretched out starter there was only one thing wrong with the pitching yesterday, and that was Robertson…no excuse as a reliver to walk 3 guys in your one inning of work…
Worrying about Papelbon
July 9, 2009 7:20 PM
Being a Red Sox fan is all about worrying, even when they’ve got the best record in the American League. So, what’s there to worry about? Julio Lugo? Dice-K? Young Clay Buchholz’s fragile psyche?
No, no, and once again, no. Instead, NESN.com’s Michael Hurley is worried about the All-Star closer with 22 saves and a 1.89 ERA. No, seriously:
Despite converting 22 saves in 24 opportunities and owning a solid 1.89 ERA, the Papelbon of 2009 is worlds apart from the Papelbon of 2006-08. In previous years, when Papelbon emerged from the bullpen door, pounded the fist of the Boston cop on the warning track and sprinted toward the mound, the game was over. Guaranteed.
–snip–
While the projected number for this year may not be far off from last year’s pace, the alarming stat is in the strikeout totals. In his eight perfect one-inning saves this year, Papelbon has recorded just three strikeouts, two of which came on Opening Day. Last year, in his 20 innings that went 1-2-3, Papelbon threw 26 strikeouts. On top of that, in 2008, Papelbon recorded six perfect four-out saves, striking out 12 batters in those outings.
The fact is, that this year, Papelbon is getting hit. Fifty of his outs have come on fly balls. Last year, he only gave up 54 fly-ball outs during the entire season, and he’s currently on pace to pass his career-high of 73 from 2006. He’s also surrendered four home runs already this year, with his career-high being five in 2007.
Beyond that, when Papelbon isn’t getting hit, he’s giving up walks. His walk total has been well-documented this season, as he has already eclipsed his career-high with 18 free passes in just 38 innings this year. As a closer, his season tallies for walks were 13 in 2006, 15 in 2007 and eight in 2008. He’s also hit two batters so far in ’09, after going 83 games without hitting anyone, a stretch that lasted from Sept. 2, 2007 to April 17 of this year.
Two hit batters is two more than zero, and thus practically irrelevant. The walks are a bit more disturbing, but on the other hand we’re talking about eight walks. If Papelbon had walked eight fewer batters this season — roughly three per month — his walk rate would be perfectly wonderful. Sure, it would still be quite a bit higher than last year’s … but last year was a season for the ages. Last year, Papelbon struck out 77 batters and walked only eight (in 69 innings).
Well, maybe it wasn’t a season for the ages. It was probably anomalous, though, in terms of strikeout-to-walk ratio. These things do tend to go up and down.
I was looking at Mariano Rivera’s career yesterday. Beginning in 1999, he made eight straight All-Star teams. He averaged 41 saves per season, with a 2.04 ERA. He was obviously the best reliever in the majors. His strikeout-to-walk ratio, though? All over the map, ranging from 2.3 to 6.9.*
* You know what might be the most amazing thing about Rivera’s amazing career? From his debut with the Yankees through 2007, Rivera’s K/BB ratio was 3.6, which is of course excellent by virtually any standard.
From 2008 through now?
It’s 13.3.
Rivera turns 40 this fall.
The only thing that really gives me pause are the fly balls. If you give up too many fly balls, some of them are going to wind up flying over the fence. But when looking at a relief pitcher’s statistics, one must always guard against the illusions of the inherently small sample sizes that come along with throwing only 60 or 70 innings per season. Or, as in this case, 38 innings in half a season.
Papelbon’s throwing as hard as ever, and he has blown just two saves. I wouldn’t worry much about him.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/swe.....elbon.html
Betsy -
I have a hard time at Starbucks, I don’t think I’d do very well ordering a cheesesteak in Philly!
I have watched the end of quite a few sox games this year, and Papelbon has gotten the job done, but he has had an inordinate amount of 20+ pitch innings and quite a few 30+ innings that could very well catch up with him later on. Hopefully.
Betsy,
Not a big fan of the pork. Chicken Philly’s were very good, though. If you only have time/room for one, it has to be the regular Philly steak with peppers, onions, and provolone! No cheese whiz!
As far as pork, if you ever come to Tampa, you have to get a pressed Cuban. Roast pork, roast beef, and ham. Doesn’t sound great, but it really works.
The thing that distinguishes Mo from K-Rod and Papelbon is this; he does not allow free passes. Period.
When you don’t allow free passes you keep your pitch count lower consistently and you don’t open yourself up to so many 9th innings where everyone in the ballpark is on the edge of their seats.
K-Rod walks too many hitters and throws too many pitches. Papelbon does the same. They make things interesting more often than not.
Mo does not and his pitch counts are almost low.
That’s why Mo at 39 years old is still the best closer in baseball.
“I love it. (Hughes) looks like he has been there for years. He is throwing strikes, and that’s the key,” Rivera said. “You have to come out of the bullpen throwing strikes, and he’s doing that. He is attacking, attacking, attacking with everything that he has.”
===============================
Mo sounds like he is in love.
Now I want a chicken cheesesteak for lunch. With the peppers and onions. Mmmhhh Mmmhhh good.
Oops……
Mo does not and his pitch counts are almost low.
——————-
Mo does not and that’s why his pitch counts are almost always low and he rarely labors.
The key to Starbucks is to order the same thing every time!
IF they are going to stick with Aceves I’d send him down, let him start in Scranton Thursday to keep building up his pitch count and stamina. If they are going to go with Mitre then you send out Robertson.
86w183 -
If I could remember what I ordered last time it would be a big help!!!!
I guess it doesn’t matter too much which of Albie or Robertson they send down. Robertson has shown flashes, but unfortunately not in those “high leverage” situations. He looked pretty disgusted with himself in yesterday’s postgame. Here on the blog, there were those who said based on Gameday, or pitch f/x, or whatever, that Robertson was getting squeezed a bit. But he himself just bluntly stated he didn’t throw strikes. At least he was accountable, but, that a $2.00 will get you a regular coffee at Starbucks (I think).
I like Pat’s but the lines are a pain.
Can’t go wrong with Tony Luke’s. Steve’s is also good.
If you are going out for dinner any night, try Fork. Funky place, good food, and it won’t bust the wallet.
Lot’s of interesting talk regarding Halladay today. Reports are the players are saying go get him. The cost would be big. My fav was the fan that just called to say he doesn’t want to trade for Halladay because Joba will be our 7th, 8th inning guy for years to come. If that is the case, then you absolutely that trade. If you intend to keep him a starter, then you have a tough choice.
Went to bed last night at a normal hour and was woken up to the phone ringing around 2 am. My husband answered, handed it to me and told me it was someone who works in the S. Cal. office of the company I work for who I’m phone friendly with.
I took the phone confused why the person was calling me in the middle of the night and asked “what’s wrong.”
The alcohol fueled answer I got was nothing was wrong, but one of the people she was out with pointed out that Yankees just came into the bar they were at so she was calling to tell me.
I told her, it was the middle of the night here and she shouldn’t call me back unless they wanted to talk to me.
I wasn’t amused at 2am and while my husband this morning still didn’t find it amusing, I’ve been chuckling thinking about it now.
Now I want a chicken cheesesteak for lunch. With the peppers and onions. Mmmhhh Mmmhhh good.
Errrr, how can you have a chicken cheesesteak? Is it with both steak and chicken? If not isn’t really just a chicken sandwich with cheese?
For dinner menu(s)—
Juke
Orders
Beat
Angels
“The key to Starbucks is to order the same thing every time!
IF they are going to stick with Aceves I’d send him down, let him start in Scranton Thursday to keep building up his pitch count and stamina. If they are going to go with Mitre then you send out Robertson.”
Every once in a while I’ll be in line and want to order something different, but by the time I get to the counter I’ve thought better of it and just order the same ole thing…
I agree on the second point…
“Lot’s of interesting talk regarding Halladay today. Reports are the players are saying go get him. The cost would be big. My fav was the fan that just called to say he doesn’t want to trade for Halladay because Joba will be our 7th, 8th inning guy for years to come. If that is the case, then you absolutely that trade. If you intend to keep him a starter, then you have a tough choice.”
LOL they don’t run this team. the players nor the fans, there are alot of factors in this trade talk. He’s going to the NL.
Pat,
I would have said ” If you can’t put Derek Jeter on the phone then good night”
When push comes to shove, Cashman will et cold feet like he did with Santana. Any deal is going to involve some projected hih end guys and he is never willing to deal those. Fortunately, these aren’t the days of Jay Buhner and Fred McGriff.
One thing is certain, if it is Aceves who gets sent down, he’s our fifth starter. Anyone know the deal with Mitre?
Pat-
I think that story is very funny
“Cashman will et cold feet like he did with Santana.”
So he’s going to make an offer that will be declined for an offer that’s not quite as good?
Regarding Papelbon, while his ERA is 1.89, his FIP is a full two runs higher at 3.89. He’s still effective, but he’s nowhere near as good as he was before.
New thread!!!
Btw- What is a FIP??
They are sending Hughes down to stretch him out. They realized that Wang will be out for most of the year.
Yankee E-Fans are always so fickle.
“Joba’s lost it”–No, he hasn’t lost “it”(Hughes Fans)–see the Clev game or TB earlier. He hit 98 throughout and went deep.
His arm is being “saved”. Kept on Ice. In the cooler.
You don’t just “lose it” unless somethin is really wrong physically. This usually would require surgery too.
He did great–even if throwing at 80%–yesterday. In the 5th he had a 5 – 2 lead.
He made a bad pitch and they tied it.
If he were “allowed” to throw at 100%; then E-Fans wouldn’t have anything to panic about and call one’s talent into question.
He is developing at the major league level too, having skipped the minors.
Would u rather not witness that development? I can’t wait til its over, so that I can re-visit this very site.
Great marketing or serious concern??
He still has a winning record. Is 4-1 on the road. And has a decent ERA, despite being “held back” and having “lost it”
Go Yanks
Aceves stays a starter til Wang is back. Hughes in 8th.
Why all the denial about the real problem??
The outfield!
Gardy, MELKY and Damon SHOULD be NY’s daily OF. Theyre the best bats. Gardy and Melky are the best defensively. And Damon is fine in LF.
Ps–I haven’t seen this strong a bench and bull pen in NY since the 90s$
Kudos Cash and Joe for that.