Eric Hinske, mall cop
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Jul 11, 2009 
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We’ll try and leave you with something to laugh about after two rough games …
Eric Hinske looks an awful lot like the actor Kevin James. Some of the Angels fans near the on-deck circle were giving him a hard time about it and when Hinske hit his second homer, he playfully pointed at them after he crossed the plate.
“It was just a fun thing,” he said.
Hinske has three homers in nine at-bats as a Yankee. He had one home run in 106 at-bats with the Pirates. If he keeps hitting like that, he can look like Rick James for all anybody will care.
LOL he does look like him. Hope his bat continues to produce like he has so far.
Now watch Girardi sit him for another 5 games…
I don’t see it, lol……..but in any case, Hinske looks like he’ll be a good pick up. He certainly has a good sense of humor and has gotten off to a good start with the fans (flexing his muscles during the roll call)…..
I repeat from before:
Andrew Brackman tonight: Brackman 5.0 6 3 3 0 4 0 5.97 ZERO WALKS !!!
Haha my dad said this today during the game.
Great bat off the bench, glad that he was acquired for absolutely nothing and he has definitely been a welcome addition so far. If only he brought an above-average reliever with him when he joined the team, then I would really like him
I’m sure Rick James got more than both of them combined if you know what I mean.
Meanwhile, Rick James looks like Chone Figgins.
http://extremecatholic.blogspo.....-james.jpg
Lol the Pirates at times seem like our own Farm system, we do so many trades with them.
Like picking cherries from their garden.
Anyways, Good trade for Eric Hinske.
Still like the damo/Xavier trade as well even though there both injured.
Wow all I can say is that as much pain as I had watching the Yankees todayis as much joy as I had watching the Phillies tonight. What a comeback that was all in the 9th inning.
Hinske was an excellent pickup by Cashman.
Seems like every time he hits a HR we lose though.
Can’t wait for tomorrow. CC is going to be light out, and we’ll go into the ASB on a positive note.
Get a few days off, and hopefully everyone, including the bloggers and readers and everyone in between, can get some time away from this team and gear up for the stretch run.
We start a big ten game homestand right out of the gate, and I think we’ll go on another big run.
Personally, I know a lot of people have been clamoring for outside help on this site after these last 2 days, but I believe all the answers exist in house.
Some guys just need to perform better, specifically Joba and Pettitte. And hopefully Wang can get AND stay healthy.
gayle-What happened?
ok come on, little feedback, would you give:
cano, joba and austin jackson for halladay?
then
give delin betances melky/gardner and player x (not named jesus montero) for freddy sanchez
?
Kelvin,
I as well liked the Marte/Nady trade. At the time it was a good deal.
I’m still hoping that Marte can bounce back and be somewhat effective in the 2nd half. It’d be nice to have another lefty in the pen other than Phil Coke all the time.
James: We don’t need both Halladay and Sanchez.
If Cano-Jackson-Joba got you Halladay they would have probably done it already. And the Yankees would be short a second baseman.
I know Cano can’t hit with guys on base, but a .300 avg is still a .300 avg.
James-They wouldn’t do it. They don’t need Cano.
Wait-
They were down 7-3 bottom of the 9th and came back and won 8-7
STairs HR (PH)
Rollins SIngle
Victorino flies out
Rollins teals 2
Utley singles
Howard HR
Ibanex double
they walk the bases loaded for paul Bako who hits a walkoff single
I still say Phils get Halladay.
I don’t see the Yankees getting him.
Of course, I have NO idea what is going on behind closed doors, so if Cash can make it happen, make it happen.
gayle-Wow.
Thanks.
Montero is a monster.
I have a feeling that he’s going to be something really special.
It’s pretty hilarious how down on Joba people are. Take him out of the rotation and replace him with Mitre? Please get real. I’m glad Cashman isn’t silly enough to do that. Mitre > Joba ? Uhhhhhh….
Sick and tired of the complete panic around here. 2 losses and everyone is ready to blow their brains out.
I really do wonder how some of you deal with real life problems if 2 Yankee losses sends you into hysterics. Before you all get too suicidal please go see a doctor. I hope the Yanks win tomorrow just so you all don’t jump off the brooklyn bridge.
It reminded me of the game earlier in the year when they came back I think from like 8 runs down to win the game. THey are totally on a roll right now and even better they are doing it at home where they have been god awful up until this last homestand
Wait,
I agree with you, which is why I think I have a hard time with everyone’s obsession with obtaining Halliday.
At the end of the day, I truly believe Cashman thinks he has enough in house to avoid making a deal on that level. I think Cashman has long wanted to develop some talent from within, and I think he’s on the right track. I can’t see him selling the farm for Halliday.
I think Cash might make a move for another veteran bullpen arm, or maybe another starter, but I’d be shocked if we see any blockbusters.
“Dave Miley doesn’t always want to talk about his pitchers, he usually leaves that to Scott Aldred. Today, though, he was raving about Ivan Nova (right). “He showed, I don’t know if fire is the right word or not, but a pitcher can feel the sense of how a game’s going,” Miley said. “And the fire and the way he went out and competed, that’s a tip of the hat to him.”
Nova was 90-94 with his fastball, and the 15-to-3 groundout-to-flyout ratio was outrageous. He got the first batter to fly out to left, but that was his only out hit to the outfield. He said he was getting groundballs with everything — fastball, changeup and curveball. I tried to ask what’s made him so effective this year, and he just kept saying, “Everything.” He said he’s making better adjustments, his arm feels stronger, his command has improved. “Every time I get on the mound, I feel good,” he said.”
WHY ISN’T HE HERE ?
“Wet conditions kept Ramiro Pena from playing the outfield, but Miley said Pena will play center field tomorrow if it doesn’t rain. “I was working on fly balls and ground balls, trying to throw to the bases to see the distance,” Pena said. “I feel pretty good, but it’s different in the game than in BP.””
Keep work El Nino.
Patrick,
Not sure if you followed the game thread today, but it was pure chaos on here during the game.
Thanks for the input Rebecca and others, pretty good package/offer though right, will be interesting to see what they really get (never thought santana would only bring what he did, granted that sets no bar).
Freddy Sanchez (never seen him play daily) gets my respect for putting up numbers consistently on a terrible team, solid contact hitter i think.
Patrick-He should be sent to the minors to straighten out his issues. He has many. And to send a message.
That is not an overreaction, it is trying to light a fire under Joba’s a…behind.
Boogie Bob-I really want to get Halladay, but I think that the Jays may say “Only for Montero”.
NOOOOOOO….
Pettitte is not a useful pitcher anymore. Umps aren’t giving him the corners and you can’t count on 1-2-3 innings anymore , let alone giving you 5 solid innings. Hurt-Maybe, but he won’t tell you because of his incentive clause.
Chamberlain is a mess. Putting him back in the bullpen doesn’t help, where he’s likely to drive the coaching staff nuts, being so erratic.
Hughes to the rotation would make him a #3, but besides Rivera, I don’t trust anyone else, including Coke, to stem the bleeding in the bullpen.
So far we haven’t beaten the teams we’re likely to face in the playoffs, if we make the playoffs. This Angel team is a shell offensively of what they were, which shows you how bad are pitching has become. We hit 5 homeruns and got killed by the little gnats named Aybars and Co.
Used to be Spahn and Sain and pray for rain.
Now it’s CC and AJ and after that all’s not OK
Wait,
Again, I agree. I would not consider parting with Montero. No way in hell.
Duck the next time you see Hinske, Pete.
rebecca freddy is pitts 2nd baseman two time allstar, great number for where he’s at, not a pitcher
Why is Nova getting spot starts if not to atleast showcase him ? why someone answer me that.
Hinske was a great pickup adds a power bat off the bench.
At the end of the day, I truly believe Cashman thinks he has enough in house to avoid making a deal on that level. I think Cashman has long wanted to develop some talent from within, and I think he’s on the right track. I can’t see him selling the farm for Halliday.
===========================================================
and come november 1st (or earlier if they lose to the angels or redsox in the playoffs)cashman will be out of a job…
Montero is now my favorite minor league prospect of all time.
I love this kid. He may become a cornerstone of the organization.
I think the best playoff matchup for us in the Divisional series would be Texas.
Not sure how comfortable I’d feel playing Anaheim in a 5 game series, or Detroit for that matter.
Given how well Verlander and Jackson have pitched for Detroit, they could be a tough matchup for any team, Boston included.
Why *ISN’T* Nova getting spot starts if not to atleast showcase him ? why someone answer me that.
With the amount of runs we scored the last two days we should have won both games. The way the starters pitched, and the guys from the pen did is unacceptable. They have to be better than this. They are facing a team missing their top two guys, totally unacceptable.
To be honest, no team, even Boston, scares me.
We have lost all 8 to Boston this year. But many of them, as Rebecca pointed out a while ago, were wacky wins in odd situations.
Joba in his career has always pitched well against Boston; A.J. too, this year nowithstanding (I think he’ll get back to that although that is only my opinion). CC is good enough to beat anyone. And Pettite, as someone said on the prev. page, is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get. Good Pettite is very good.
As for Anaheim eh if we win tomorrow the season series is tied, they don’t scare me.
“Why *ISN’T* Nova getting spot starts if not to atleast showcase him ? why someone answer me that.”
Teams do have scouts in AAA too. They can see him there if they need to.
Not only do I not see Cashman selling the farm for Halladay, but I don’t see them adding another pitcher requiring an extension to push his yearly salary to 20+M/year.
Where do we hear Brian Bannister might even be available?
The only way I trade Joba is if we get another young pitcher in return-a Joaquim Soria for instance, who in my opinion could be the 2nd or 3rd best closer in the AL after Rivera and Nathan.
sab,
So I take it that you are in the camp that thinks Cashman needs to make a major deal?
Ivan – stop posting on here as Brandon…I’M AWESOME…
This is the bullpen w/o Aceves.
There is no way that he will make another start, the bullpen is dying a slow painful death w/o him.
Yankee Trader,
I agree with you re: not adding Halladay and taking on the salary it would require.
The Yankees have more money coming off the books after this season, and I think they’d like to see the payroll well below the 200 million threshhold.
I wouldn’t trade for Soria until I knew that Rivera was going.
Eh I don’t think money means crap to the Yankees. I really don’t care it matters at all to them the cost of players.
Wait,
Aceves will be back in the Pen after the break. According to the NY Post the other day, Yankees brass will watch Mitre on Sunday. If all goes well, look for him to go into the rotation after the break.
I cant be sure, but I think thats a good sign that they dont envision Wang missing much time.
Second sentence should be, “I really don’t think they care at all about the cost of players.”
I am with Brandon, let’s try Nova.
“Ivan – stop posting on here as Brandon…I’M AWESOME…”
He could be a 5th starter for this rotation. All I ask is what is he still doing in AAA if he could help us.
“As for Anaheim eh if we win tomorrow the season series is tied, they don’t scare me.”
They shouldn’t scare anyone, without Vlad and Hunter, and their own pitching staff in disarray.
make me a yankee – http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/pl.....0127aFCLcF
Call me crazy, but I think the key to the Yankees season is Wang.
If Sabathia and Burnett remain solid, and I believe they will, what team out there can match a top 3 of CC, AJ, and Wang if Wang is Wang?
boogie down –
i think he needs to either make a major deal – or several smaller ones..
i’d prefer a major deal if its halladay – only because if they are going to part with some good minor leaguers it may as well be for halladay and not bannister or washburn…
halladay is your ace for the next 5 years (with cc being ace#2) bannister and washburn may revert back to their old selves while here – so i’d take my chances with halladay..
but if he’s trying to find the answers in scranton or in AA then have fun watching tampa and the redsox playing again for the world series..
Yankee Trader-They shouldn’t scare anyone yet there is a reason they’re fast becoming one of the best teams in the league.
I don’t think Wang is the key to the season. They’ve done quite well w/him being really bad.
Boston now leads 15-9.
Argh, two games back.
Oh well.
Call me crazy, but I think Aceves being in the bullpen has made a huge, huge difference.
sab,
Fair enough. Me personally, I wouldnt do the Halladay deal, because I like the direction the farm is going, and I don’t want to blow it all up.
As great as Halladay is, there are no guarantees if he came to the Bronx. That said, there are no guarantees with the prospects either.
But I fall in the camp that believes we need a few tweaks. And if Wang comes back and FINALLY gets it together, that solves a major issue for us.
Needless to say, it’s going to be interesting. I think if they do make a move, it won’t be until right at the deadline. I think Cash is going to see how the 10 game homestand after the break goes, and decide what direction to go in after that.
Come on, we’re up several games on the Rays and only 2 back of Boston, we’re making the playoffs.
Rebecca-What ever gave you that idea?
Wait,
Very true. That said, given how Pettitte and Joba have pitched, you have to wonder if their struggles will continue in the 2nd half.
Especially Joba. As we get deeper into the summer, Joba is going to venture into foreign territory a bit, as hes going to reach an innings amount that hes never been at. So theres some uncertainty as to how he’ll respond.
So I guess I should have said that if Andy and Joba continue to go downhill, theres no way we can survive Wang not performing either, and his success becomes much more critical to the staff and the team overall.
“He should be sent to the minors to straighten out his issues. He has many. And to send a message.”
Terrible idea!
The only message that sends is “We think Mitre is better than Chamberlain”.
Pure insanity.
My AL Playoff teams:
Yankees
Tigers
Red Sox
Rangers
What is Montero’s ceiling, realistically?
Bryce Harper?
Bob-Fair enough.
However, I think that our team as a whole can certainly overcome the loss of Wang as long as Joba improves even a bit, to an ERA under 3.80 say.
“Call me crazy, but I think Aceves being in the bullpen has made a huge, huge difference.”
You’re crazy…..but right. This was talked about earlier in the week. We knew with Aceves starting and Chamberlain and Pettitte following that 10-12 innings would be needed from a bullpen that would not include Aceves. It ended up being even more than that and the results were not at all good.
Nick.
Hopefully his ceilings (not roof) are tin. That would be a good sign of his success.
-dennis
Nick in SF-Realistically the ceiling is that of Pujols. The CEILING.
He is that good.
Patrick-No, the message is “Nobody is untoucahable, if you expect to be a major league pitcher get your act together.”
Ceiling is capitalized to emphasize that that is what he could be at his absolute best.
“Nick in SF in Larkspur July 11th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
What is Montero’s ceiling, realistically?
Bryce Harper?”
I think the most apt comparison people are throwing around is Mike Piazza
Montero’s ceiling is NOT Pujols. He’s not that good.
Piazza is the name that’s been mentioned a few times.
I heard Piazza but with a better arm, and he’s not even that good defensively.
My AL Playoff teams:
Red Sox
Tigers
Angels
Rangers
better yet freddy sans is not pitcher
JB,
You honestly think two teams from the AL West are getting in?
“My AL Playoff teams:
Red Sox
Tigers
Angels
Rangers”
Oh lord so one road trip and the Yankees suck
Fez-His numbers are historically great.
When he gets up here, yes he may end up as good as Pujols.
Of course, that’s if every iota of potential is reached.
My AL playoff teams:
Red Sox
Twinkies
Angels
Yankees
Dom Dimaggio, maybe?
Zeppo Dimaggio?
There is no chance the WC is not coming out of the AL East.
Again, IMO.
-dennis
“If he keeps hitting like that, he can look like Rick James for all anybody will care.”
What did the bat say to the ball? CRACK! I’M ERIC HINSKE, B**CH!
dennis-Rays or Yankees for WC?
> You honestly think two teams from the AL West are getting in?
Yes. Both the Angels and the Rangers have better records vs. the AL East than the Yankees.
It’s possible the WC comes from the AL West, as all things are possible.
But it’s also possible that the Washington Nationals can still make the playoffs.
JB-Yet incredibly, the Yankees have the better record overall and a better head to head record against the Rangers.
And it’s possible that the Yankees can win the AL East and go winless vs. Boston.
Nick.
Dom was a great dude. Nice memory by you.
He asked more questions of Amy and I than we of him. What does that say about him?
You would have enjoyed his company IMO.
-dennis
“Yes. Both the Angels and the Rangers have better records vs. the AL East than the Yankees.”
Yankees are 10-6 vs AL West
Texas is 12-13 vs AL East.
LAA has better record against AL East, but poor record against AL West.
It evens out.
“Fez-His numbers are historically great”
No, they aren’t. Look no further than Delmon Young if you’re looking for a guy who had better minor league numbers in the minors at 18 and 19 years old. How’s that working out for him in the bigs?
“Yes. Both the Angels and the Rangers have better records vs. the AL East than the Yankees.”
And we have the better overall record ! what’s your point. You realize this is us w/o Wang, w/o Marte, w/ Joba pitching mediocore to poor and Pettitte being so and so.
Wait-
Sox or Yanks for the WC or Div. TB was on a good ride last year IMO. Too much too soon, see Sarah Palin.
-dennis
Fez-Fair enough. But you asked about ceiling.
Delmon Young, at that time in the minors, had a Pujols-like ceiling.
Obviously he’s no Pujols.
The same can end up being true for Montero.
But his ceiling, as of right now, is Pujols-like.
Dennis:
The TB/Palin comparison is quite possibly the greatest thing I have ever heard. Cheers mate!
dennis-I’ll brush aside the Sarah Palin reference (rolls eyes smiling) and say that I agree.
Tampa Bay is good-very good-but not as good as either of our teams.
I would like to know who the Levi Johnson is on the Rays’ roster.
Nonetheless, I hope you’re correct.
Wait:
Pujols is by far the best right handed hitter we’ve seen in at least 20 years. Better than Arod. Better than Ramirez. Montero doesn’t project to that, even on the high end.
Off to bed.
Cheers, in the words of Rebecca.
The Yankees could definitely win the AL East but I have a funny feeling the WC won’t be the Yanks or the Sox.
Tampa Bay is good-very good-but not as good as either of our teams.
—————————————————————-
Hmmm, not sure I buy into that.
Fez-Better than A-Rod and Ramirez is a debate.
Buddy-Don’t have to, JMO.
“I would like to know who the Levi Johnson is on the Rays’ roster.
Nonetheless, I hope you’re correct.”
Ben Zobrist.
I’m taking a good look at how Washburn does tonight..
Rebecca-
Cheers to you. I have read your blog the last few weeks when I have had time and your writing has been great.
Hope the Jesuits are treating you well!
Go Rams.
-dennis
Dennis:
Thank you! Since I’m putting off coursework (blame the Jesuits), the blog’s been coming together nicely…done a lot of work I’m proud of recently!
Nick.
Any new photos?
Again, great memory on Dom.
-dennis
“Fez-Better than A-Rod and Ramirez is a debate.”
Not a winning one, it isn’t. Really isn’t close. Pujols is clearly a better hitter than both. Take a look at his numbers. .336 career average. .417 OBP. 1.058 OPS. Walks way more than he strikes out. Best hitter we’ve seen in ages.
Rebecca, You make s compelling case for replays…Maybe someday they’ll be an umpire official upstairs, and can relay quickly that they need to confer and then it can be overturned without a major interuption it the flow of the game…..It maybe years away, but after witnessing how poor the level of officiating has become, who knows if the Commish Office can push the Umpires Unon to see it their way…..As always, you write a good and refreshing column
Won’t the Yankees have to move Joba out of the starting rotation at some point this year regardless of how well or not well he is pitching because of the 150 inning limit they have with him?
If so, then by mid-August they will have both Joba and Hughes in the pen. With the uncertainty of Wang and his shoulder injury and with Andy continuing to struggle, I would think that the move to make before the trade deadline is for another starter.
Take Halladay out of the equation and you still need to have another starter to take over for Joba. Who is it going to be?
I have taken a few photos, but now I’m too embarassed to put them up, mine are all so amateurish and low-quality. Most have been taken lately with by blackberry.
I snapped a photo last night of a screen cap showing LoHud commenter Pat M. at the game last night. Except it wasn’t him.
I also snapped a couple of our blog father when he was shown a couple games ago. I’ll try to put them up soon.
did not get to read all the posts and only saw the first 3 innings but here is a nobservation that I thinks make sense. Aceves pitched the other day in Minny and has not been available to bail them out early in the game 2 days in a row and it sounds like the pen blew up.
robertson sounds like he is just not ready to get any big outs, I think his inherited runner %’s are terrible terrible.
GIrardi like every other manager are clueless and do not deviate from the standard routine. What I mean is why not bring in Hughes in the hig leverage situation and pitch him 2 innings? You are thinking then what do we do in the 8th, and my reply is worry about the 8th when it is time… None of these managers have clue and follow and damn script and never can deviate from it……………
hughes therefore is well rested and the yanks stellar pitching staff has given up 25 runs in 2 games about 21 earned. But hey tomko got a inning in and gave up his obligatory run..
Again why is a 37 year old hasbeen on the team??? Educate me on that one….Pettitte manned up bigtime today with a jobaesqu outing nad the bats hit 4 or 5 solo jacks…
the angels hit with men on base and there you have a disgraceful game..
THis is why aceves cannot get into the rotation, or girarid absolutely has to take the training wheels off hughes and allow him to go multiple innings, why is this hard to see???????????????????????????????????
“Won’t the Yankees have to move Joba out of the starting rotation at some point this year regardless of how well or not well he is pitching because of the 150 inning limit they have with him?”
Not if he keeps averaging 5 IP per start (he’s averaging 5.23 right now). Yankees are 54% thru the season and Joba is at 60% of his 150 IP limit.
Brian Wilson one of the most underrated closer in the game just threw 5 straight fastballs at 99 mph according to CBS
I agree we have to take Halladay out of the equation. The Jays are trading within the division.
Pat M: Thank you, again!
It’s weird because in a lot of respects I am a purist and there’s something to be said for the human element…but when it affects the outcome of the game…I think there’s something to be said for comparing an umpire’s blown call to an error if you’re on the receiving end in the field, and perhaps GIDP if you’re at bat.
Sorry. I meant the Jays AREN’T trading within the division.
jeez…
I like seeing your shots. Amy is an amateur as well. I just liked seeing your travels and sites.
-dennis
If they are going to move Joba into the pen then I would imagine it would be well before he gets to 150 innings. You dont have him pitch 150 innings as a starter, THEN move him to the bullpen for the rest of the year.
So if that is the case I would guess when he gets to around 130 innings they will transition him to the BP and let him pitch the remaining 20 or so innings in the pen – that would cover the regular season and hopefully the playoffs.
So montero’s nickname is “The Ceiling”? Does he point up when he crosses home plate?
Hey, since we’re talking about happy things, yesterday’s no-hitter? Three cool things:
1. Sanchez’s papi had never seen him pitch at at&t (or whatever it’s called)
2. Sanchez had been pitching out of the bullpen, but replaced the injured Randy Johnson. So? Guess who was the last pitcher to pitch a perfect game?
3. Sanchez was not pitching to Benjie Molina, because he was at the hospital with his expecting wife.
So what you’re saying is, my real gift is for captions?
The truth is, the link to my photos was dropped when they did the LoHud site construction, I have haven’t bothered to re-post it, but I’ll try to throw a few goofy photos up there and put it back out for the people.
how about we worry less about the king joba’s innings and maybe he can try to get someone out.
he has pitched like —-… before we rearrange everything for the next great one, maybe he can show any itsy bitsy sign of at least being a #3 starter in the league…
not having aceves in the pen the last 2 games has killed them, he is more valuable in the pen, it is not even close.. If robertson could geta inherited runner out, if tomko was dfa’d, if melancon improves, etc. then maybe, but not now……………
Probably right Disco Stu. 125-130 would seem about right for the transition.
Hinske >>> Swisher.
pat,
We haven’t had a Good Things segment for a while.
Today’s good things:
-Hinske & Alex both homered twice (what a waste, huh?)
-Nice catch by Gardner in the first inning
Anything else? Help me out, guys.
tomko has given up 5 jacks in 20 innings and has a 5.60 ERA.. Again why is this piece of crap on the team???
really teams like the tigers dump non performers in a heartbeat yanks you need to give them 3 months to fail..
why is he on the team, the guy is 37 yr old scrub, I do not care that he is a good painter……………………….
Nick.
No chance. You had a great shot of the pelicans. You do have great captions though but that is a different deal.
Mel.
Great post. I just pointed at my tin ceiling…:)
-dennis
“how about we worry less about the king joba’s innings and maybe he can try to get someone out.”
Hey, you are preaching to the choir … I am growing more and more tired about how Yankees pander to Joba.
Regardless, he does have apparently have an innings limit. If he is going to be moved into the pen at some point before the stretch run, then I would think that with the uncertainty of Wang’s health, the Yankees would be wise to trade for another starter … unless you think Sergio Mitre is going to step in and fill the void.
angels went 7 for 14 with risp.
yeah the yanks hit 4 solo homers, the yare so clutch….
another good thing is maybe tomko and ransom will get cut soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
24 runs in 2 games…that is a disgrace, but hey Joba appears to have no innings limit especially since the guy cannot pitch 5 innings…………..
Yeah, let’s give the Joba talk a rest. At best, he’s our #4 starter. There are many more worthwhile topics. For one thing, we have CC going tomorrow!!!
“Hinske >>> Swisher.”
No.
“Brian Wilson one of the most underrated closer in the game just threw 5 straight fastballs at 99 mph according to CBS”
underrated ? we know who he is, he just has his Farnsy moments too. I seem to remember the Mets waxing his prosterior poetically.
Good thing – they didn’t give up and kept getting hits to the end even when they were down.
This mass panic over the starting rotation is really beginning to remind me of the mass panic earlier this season regarding the bull pen.
The conversation has the same tenor and arc.
Remember that – everyone was convinced the bull pen was doomed with out massive trades. It was the doom of the team, there was no way they could make the playoffs with that pen, Cashman is an idiot, etc., etc.
The team figured out what to do with the pen and it’s been a strength for a while now.
The rotation will turn out to be the same. They could make a trade for a guy like Bannister. Or more likely the guys on the staff now will revert back to form and just pitch better. Or something surprising and positive will develop from the minors.
This reaction to the past two days is wildly disproportionate to the situation.
It’s exactly like the doom over the pen’s poor performance earlier this year.
This is a very good team with a great deal of depth throughout the organization in pitching. They’ll figure it out. It might not be pretty but they are positioned well.
I think we can give up on the notion of Halladay, unless we want to offer Montero. The focus if any at the deadline should be to get a quality relief arm and put Ace back in the bullpen for Pete’s sake(no pun intended):D
CB what would nab Jonathan Sanchez from the Giants ?
>We haven’t had a Good Things segment for a while.
>
>Today’s good things:
>
>-Hinske & Alex both homered twice (what a waste, huh?)
>-Nice catch by Gardner in the first inning
>
>Anything else? Help me out, guys.
1. The game didn’t start @ 10PM.
2. Tomorrow’s game starts @ 3:30PM.
CB.
Great post and very true. This is not the NFL.
Hope you are well.
-dennis
Thanks for the sobriety, CB.
Brandon- We should have traded for Sanchez when his value was in the toilet. You and I both know the potential that he has and he could have been had in the off-season and at a lesser tag.
“what would nab Jonathan Sanchez from the Giants ?”
A lot more than what would have been required prior to yesterday.
There’s a reason why Sanchez was in the Giants pen and it’s not simply because they have a deep staff.
Al from BK- I still believe we can get him, especially if Freddy Sanchez is the biggest fish being dangled for him. Juan Miranda + Reegie Corona might get it done.
SF needs offense I wonder if they’d ask us for Damon or Swisher ?
dennis,
Things are well. Hope you and Amy are enjoying the summer.
You’re point on the NFL is a very apt one. Though not as apt as your Sarah Pallin reference before!
Your comment reminded me of something you posted earlier this season on AJ Burnett. You kept saying over and over that AJ would be fine.
And you were right.
Baseball if funny like that.
Just like it was almost inevitable that Lester and Beckett would turn it around and move back towards their expected performance.
The division is brutal. I’m more concerned about the Rays than you are but I also agree that the strong probability that the sox and yanks will be in the playoffs.
Cash is right: We have what we need. Heck, we’re almost in first place! A little more elbow grease, and we sail into the playoffs.
Angel,
Good one.
CB,
Of course everything will resolve itself. We just ran into a buzzsaw yesterday and today. Andy is Andy, not pretty, but pretty steady. The question is when will the lightbulb go on for Joba? It went on for Hughes, so it can definitely happen for Joba. He just needs to trust his stuff and his battery mate.
And for the record, I hand the ball to the following in descending order: Aceves (because he’s more stretched out), Hughes, Mitre, & Nova before I trade for a 2nd tier pitcher.
“Al from BK- I still believe we can get him, especially if Freddy Sanchez is the biggest fish being dangled for him. Juan Miranda + Reegie Corona might get it done.”
Has Miranda produced this year? I’m not really following any farm guys besides Montero and Ajax.
Brandon-
You do not have the autorization to trade Damon. Denied
Erica-
I 4got he’s your BF LOL, my bad.
I have big concerns with Joba. I think the injury that put him on the DL last season was more serious than was let on, and I think its had an affect on him this season.
Additionally, I dont think hes in good enough shape. Specifically, I dont think his legs are strong enough, which could explain the decrease in velocity.
Also, he has horrible mechanics. He’s all arm. I hate to say this, but if you want to see what great mechanincs look like, watch John Lester, and watch how he uses his whole body to pitch.
Joba needs to get to that point. He has the ability.
“And for the record, I hand the ball to the following in descending order: Aceves (because he’s more stretched out), Hughes, Mitre, & Nova before I trade for a 2nd tier pitcher.”
m,
I think a lot of that depends on how the economy is motivating teams.
There really could be bargins to be had for teams that are cash rich.
So on the whole i agree with you, but I also think they could find a starter without giving up a whole lot of talent if they are willing to take money back.
This is a good team. I’m not that worried about them. Maybe I’m underplaying or not seeing substantial risk but I just don’t see terminal flaws.
Every team has important questions at this time of the year. People keep talking about the Rays staff for instance and are talking about David Price as some king of given. He’s been even more wildly inconsistent than Joba. Their pen is underwhelming at best.
And they have no capacity to make a move as they’re budget is maxed out.
CB.
Sorry for the political reference. I crossed the line. I just do not like/understand folks that are disingeniuos IMO.
It happens on both sides.
I wish everything in life was as easy to predict that AJ was going to be OK. He has the best stuff in MLB. When he has 3 pitches going it is unfair to MLB HITTERS!
-dennis
This mass panic over the starting rotation is really beginning to remind me of the mass panic earlier this season regarding the bull pen.
===========================
Time to bring this back out:
http://www.blueherald.com/uplo.....h_noes.gif
Honestly now is the time to trade Joba, his value is still high and I’m not really sure he ever fully recovered from that shoulder pull last August. If we can trade him to an NL team in free fall. I think the perfect trade is Joba+Ajax to Arizona for Dan Haren. How good would he look in the Yankee rotation?
CB,
True, we have the ability to make certain moves (ahem-Toronto) that other teams won’t.
Of the contenders (of which there are more than usual), the Yankees and Phillies would be looking for pitching. Anyone else? And the Phillies may be filling their need with Pedro (lol). So, maybe you’re right. It might be a buyers’ market for 2nd tier pitching.
I like Haren. I wouldn’t mind seeing him in Pinstripes. I used to dread facing him when he was with Oakland
AL,
Thats bold. Personally, I dont think I’d want to trade him, because he has the ability to be great. Hes demonstrated many times he has what it takes to be a front line big league pitcher.
That said, he needs a lot of work. I think he needs to get stronger, and he needs some work in his mechanics. Leg and core strength, along with an improved focus on proper mechanics will help reduce strain on the shoulder and elbow and lead to an increase in velocity.
Dennis,
No lines crossed at all. It was a great reference, though probably a bit unfair to the Rays!
It’s good to have you back on the blog this season.
I don’t think the team needs to make a high profile trade.
We don’t need to trade for an ace, just someone that can give us more than five innings (if that’s the way we go).
Aaron Small wasn’t a high profile move and it worked wonders.
“I think the perfect trade is Joba+Ajax to Arizona for Dan Haren. How good would he look in the Yankee rotation?”
WHY ?
I hope the Rays resign from the AL East race.
CB…..I do believe that Joba will bounce back and round out to be a good 6 inning starter and maybe even win 7-8 games on the back end of the season…..Pettite needs rest, he ran into trouble today when everything was up in the zone….This is usually a sign of fatigue ( legs )…The break will aid him the most…..Here’s where we differ CB, I do think the club needs another starter to replace Wang, and it doesn’t mean Doc Halliday ….With Kennedy out & Aceves solidifing the pen it has to come from outside the organization I feel…..As for a right handed stick, simply employ Swisher for that role now that Hinske is in uniform…..Another lefty to assist Coke is needed, the question is what’s up with Marte ??? And for that matter what’s with Bruney…..Thisis a very good club, just some fine tuning is required…….KC is reported to be shopping Brian Banister, he’d fill the bill quite nicely…..
Nick.
Resign or quit or other?
-dennis
““I think the perfect trade is Joba+Ajax to Arizona for Dan Haren. How good would he look in the Yankee rotation?”
WHY ?”
2.01 ERA, 129 K’s and only 16 walks in 130 IP, 0.81 WHIP. 0.81 WHIP! The numbers he is putting up are just filthy and the Diamondbacks know they must rebuild being 20 games behind the Dodgers and all. I hate to give up Ajax, but Haren is signed through 2012 at 11 mil per, for a pitcher of his caliber an insane bargain. I would look into it heavily.
Rebecca,
I agree with your line of thinking. I firmly believe all of the pieces are in house.
I think our greatest need would be another starter. Someone who is solid and can give us consistent innings, and give us insurance and options because there are no guarantees with Joba, Wang, and Pettitte.
The concern I have is that with so many teams still in it, there wont be much on the market. And what is on the market, there will be stiff competition for.
I just hope they lose to the A’s tomorrow for starters.
Am I the only (domestic) LoHudder who’s optimistic about Chien-ming Wang in 2009???
“Thisis a very good club, just some fine tuning is required…….KC is reported to be shopping Brian Banister, he’d fill the bill quite nicely…..”
Completely agree with your assessment. They do need fine tuning – like teams most often do mid-season.
I think they’d benefit from adding a pitcher. But I think that could be either a reliever or a starter. I know you disagree but I’d move hughes back to the rotation and look to bolster the pen via a trade.
I like the Bannister idea. And part of the reason why I like it because of the Dayton Moore factor. His is a terrible GM. How can you possibly sign Farnsworth and trade for Yunesky Betancourt? Betancourt is horrible. Clearly one of the 5 worst starters in baseball.
Moore a great reputation coming from Atlanta but has done an awful job with their major league roster.
And I also don’t understand how the royals drafted Mike Mousakas over Matt Wieters two years ago and drafted Eric Hosmer over Buster Posey and Justin Smoak but that’s another issue.
The Royals are lost as an organization and I could see them making a terrible deal to dump Bannister or Meche.
General rule of thumb: you’re always going to overpay at the deadline, unless you’re dealing at literally the last minute.
Think of it like buying tickets to a game.
Except for premium games–which flout normal rules anyway–the best value to be had comes when you buy on game day.
Except for the most premium players–in which case normal rules go by the wayside–players will be cheaper as the deadline nears/
“Am I the only (domestic) LoHudder who’s optimistic about Chien-ming Wang in 2009??? ”
I for one think Wang is done, he had a few dominant years as a sinker baller and I fear that busted foot has done something to his delivery for good. He has not once shown the CMW of old this season.
Oh man, if we could get Haren from Arizona that would be amazing. No chance it happens though.
“I for one think Wang is done, he had a few dominant years as a sinker baller and I fear that busted foot has done something to his delivery for good. He has not once shown the CMW of old this season.”
He did, on the fourth. I was there. He was with Halladay every step of the way, pitch by pitch–pitching more efficiently, too–until it was clear he got hurt.
““I for one think Wang is done, he had a few dominant years as a sinker baller and I fear that busted foot has done something to his delivery for good. He has not once shown the CMW of old this season.”
He did, on the fourth. I was there. He was with Halladay every step of the way, pitch by pitch–pitching more efficiently, too–until it was clear he got hurt.”
Oddly enough that was the only game I missed. Well if he had indeed found the old CMW then the injury certainly came at a bad time
“Oh man, if we could get Haren from Arizona that would be amazing. No chance it happens though.”
It could happen, you just have to get Byrnes on the phone and let him know you are “all in” with Joba and Ajax in the same deal. I guarantee that gets it done, however if they want Montero no dice.
You’d be buying high on Haren.
And remember the division he’s pitching in, too.
I’m with CB in that I think a Bannister or my idea of even seeing what Paul Byrd has left (I just love he throws nothing but strikes) is a better idea than going out after a Washburn type who is going to cost more than he did last year at this time.
However, if the opportunity presents itself to acquire Halladay and JP will deal him w/in the division that’s a different story.
I still strongly believe Toronto is motivated by money concerns and that the first team that agrees to take a portion of Wells gets Halladay for Karstens types.
Rebecca- Certainly buying high on Haren, but since we know Ricciardi would not trade Doc within division, why not trade out of league for a starter who is nearly as good and 3 years younger?
Am I the only (domestic) LoHudder who’s optimistic about Chien-ming Wang in 2009???
==========================================================
I’m with you bro. Wang Truthers all the way.
Trade Austin Jackson and Igawa for Dan Haren
Do remember that Halliday has a full no trade contract, so it’s his call and of course it depends on how badly Toronto wants to clear their payroll……It can happen that he falls into Cashman’s lap, but either Rios or more likely Vernon accompanies The Doc…..
by the time Wang is back… we may be out of the race, or atleast chasing tampa for 2nd place…..
detroit coming in next facing verlander, jackson, porcello followed by a much improved oakland team with good pitching and a motivated giambi
fix the pitching nOW
Thanks, Buddy. If there’s anyone listening upstairs, you and I will see our faith rewarded with a vintage Wang performance in Oakland.
A motivated Giambi?
You mean he’ll bring a glove?
“Trade Austin Jackson and Igawa for Dan Haren”
If that’s all it took the deal would have been done ages ago.
“Rebecca- Certainly buying high on Haren, but since we know Ricciardi would not trade Doc within division, why not trade out of league for a starter who is nearly as good and 3 years younger?”
Because AZ hasn’t put Haren on the block so the Yankees would literally have to offer the farm, really to have a shot. At any rate isn’t Haren still fairly cost controlled?
“by the time Wang is back… we may be out of the race, or atleast chasing tampa for 2nd place…..
detroit coming in next facing verlander, jackson, porcello followed by a much improved oakland team with good pitching and a motivated giambi”
We beat Jackson and Porcello before, no reason to think we can’t do it again.
We also didn’t seem to have a problem handling Oakland last time around.
Piazza was very overrated. I hope Montero is better than him.
Piazza was a good, not great player. I’m thinking more along the lines of Miguel Cabrera or Manny for Montero.
Rebecca-Haren is a bargain at 11 per, however AZ might be looking to completely rebuild and a pitcher approaching 30 with 2 years left on his deal might be able to net them some good young players, they would certainly consider it.
Pat M,
Remember the little flap with Alex Rios dropping F-bombs outside a charity event? The writers were making like he had just punched his ticket out of town. Of course you hear nothing about it now. Rios is preferable to Wells. Perhaps Ricciardi realizes that Wells is the immovable iceberg and work with the slightly more palatable Rios contract.
I’m with G. Love, just as in investigative work, follow the money.
Fantasy Trade:
-Washburn
-Halladay(I’d give up any prospects + Joba as long as we can keep Hughes and Montero)
I really want Washburn cause now I believe we need two more starters. Joba and Pettitte are both #5 starter at best at the moment
You guys realize, even with Joba and Pettitte standing on the mound dazed and confused every five days, there are still what, 25 other teams that would kill for our rotation?
My mind is running now, I want Haren
well i still say we got the wrong OF from last years trade..i mean look at bay compared to nady lol. bay is destroying, while nady is on the dl till next year =\.
times when i see cody ransom i miss ramiro pena so much more
Haren will be painfully costly as well. To add on to what Rebecca said: He’s young, he’s good, and he cost a lot for the D-backs to acquire. They’re going to recoup some of the cost.
m,
Toronto has to be motivated by money here in “exploring” a Halladay trade.
First off, why trade him? He likes the city and the team. He’s the best pitcher in baseball by many accounts.
If their pitching were healthy this year they’d be closer in the race.
JP has another off season to let starting pitching get healthy/experience and fill in holes offensively and take a shot at the division next year. He has a better chance with Halladay than without.
The minute they announced he was available I thought immediately this is them trying to dump that Wells contract.
I still think Rios can bring back talent in a deal and I don’t think he’s as much of an albatross as Wells.
That said, when you look at Wells’ numbers the past couple years they are not horrible, they are just not worth the money.
If the Blue Jays pick up enough money to make Wells a 7 million dollar a year player for the team that acquires him I think a team will take him to get Hallady w/o having to give up the farm.
The problem the Yankees have though is Wells’ money counts on the cap and will bring a huge luxury tax hit.
Then the question becomes whether getting Halladay w/o having to blow up the farm is worth the luxury tax hit Wells and he would bring?
That’s a question only the people who run the Yankees know. They know how much profit this team makes each year. If the luxury tax hit equates to tip money for the Yankees, I can see them doing this.
I’d feel bad for Wells though because if he didn’t produce, the fans would be brutal on him here.
What would most likely happen is the Yankees would deal him to another team and pay a portion of the salary they are on the hook for or just outright release the guy.
If this scenario ever came to pass though, Igawa would have to go to Toronto as part of the salary relief game they’d be playing.
If Doc would come cheaper, I would take on the Wells albatross. Rios would be nicer however.
Ah, G. Love, million dollar questions.
I don’t think Toronto chips in that much for Wells.
And the Yankees would be taking on two expensive players.
That’s why I feel that what melky gardner does is very important. If you can COUNT on them to produce (we already know they’re great in the field), then you can let Damon go. I don’t see matsui coming back. Pettitte’s gone.
Good food for thought. Unlikely to come to fruition, but tasty nonetheless.
I still would rather have Halladay and Wells or Rios rather than no Halladay and Bay or Holliday next year.
The Yankees are going to need another outfielder next year anyway. I do not want either Bay or Holliday who will be overpaid.
Give me Halladay and an overpaid Rios or Wells please.
A rotation of CC/AJ/Halladay/Wang and Joba or Hughes is winning you championships for the next few years.
If I’m Cashman I’m trying to get Doc in pinstripes. The only prospect I will not trade is Monstero and they can have one of Joba and Hughes but not both.
The interesting thing about that horrible contract they signed Wells to is that Wells actually has a player opt out in the contract he can take before the last 3 seasons in 2011.
Of course there is no chance in Hell that he will opt out, but I could see Toronto telling a potential trade partner that they will pick up everything post opt out which equals $63 million which could make the club acquiring him responsible for $49 million spread out over the 6 remaining years (really 5.5 years).
The way I see it Toronto cannot expect any team to take the whole Wells contract. According to SJ they already offered Wells to the Yanks and Boston and offered to eat a piece of his deal.
I think before all is said and done this whole Halladay thing is a ruse to get Halladay to a team he wants to play for (NY or BOS) and get Wells off the books for Toronto.
If Toronto ate 1/2 of Wells remaining dollars, about $112 million, would you take that on if it meant we got Halladay as well and didn’t have to give up anything significant on the fame?
The one thing that I keep coming back to is the luxury tax implications. Even if Toronto paid for a portion of Wells’ salary, it’s still on our books 100% and not on theirs.
Vernon Wells is a silky smooth CF, he wouldn’t look bad in pinstripes, neither would Doc
Al from Bk – Have you looked at Vernon Wells deal its one of the worst deals every. I think its funny how people think the Yankees can just add a 20 million a year guy to the team as an add on in a trade.
“Al from Bk – Have you looked at Vernon Wells deal its one of the worst deals every. I think its funny how people think the Yankees can just add a 20 million a year guy to the team as an add on in a trade.”
If it gets you Halladay for the next 2 years, it’s worth it.
Serenity now.
And I think it’s funny what they’re charging for tickets and beverages and food….Once again it’s what dollar amount they put on winning a Championship….AChampionship just adds what 70 million or so ( maybe more ) to the net worth of the NY Yankees Franchise…..Bottom line, The Yankees have to make a good showing in 2009…..Playoffs are a must, going deep is a necessity, and winning it all is a priority……What all this translate to in Yankee Dollars I really don’t know…..But make no mistake about this, Yankee Stadium cannot be dark for another October…
Al from BK – Let me get this straight its worth taking on 116.5 million bucks for a 30 year old CF hitting .260 with 9 homers and being stuck with him until 2014. Not to mention the new 100 million deal you are going to have to give Halladay on top of the money he is owed the second half on this season and next. Still think its worth it?
Doc Halladay is the perfect prescription.
Vernon Wells is the poison pill.
“If it gets you Halladay for the next 2 years, it’s worth it.”
Not if you get that Wells contract and release all your depth and force you to sign the replacement players.
You have to pay Doc
You have to Wells
You have to pay the next COF
You have to pay for your next CF
You have to pay for your #4 or 5 replacement SP
You have to pay for your SU man
It took 4-5 yrs. to add depth into this farmsystem, players that you can plug in to help you ala what the Angels do, what Boston does, what good full system teams do. That’s atleast a $250 MIL dollar swing. Just for the desperate move.
If you think the Yankees are into throwing money like that and recieve nothing for it b/c quite honest there ain’t no championship guaranteed w/ those moves, and we have yet to see one for the last what 8-9 yrs ?
Brandon what’s another 250 million to Al from BK its not his money.
Its just crazy to me the Yanks lose to crazy games back to back and people want Halladay and Haren.
yea the yanks who got the pirates to give them $400k for Hinske in a near depression are going to spend money like idiot fans want them to…
wells contract is horrible, he has about 4 or 5 more years on it, where do you fools think this garbage up? Rios is about 5 yrs younger and making much less moolah….
the yanks have numerous younger players on the way who are much cheaper then these silly ideas.
BTW; pettitte, damon, matsui, molina, and nady are off the books for sure after this year. that is about $50 mill..
they will sign one OF but not Holliday or Bay at stupid prices for long term hellish contracts…
BTW Pettittes ERA is almost 5, that is pathetic..
Not having aceves out of the pen to bail them out shows how important he is to the team, starting him long term is stupid and will not happen………….
“Its just crazy to me the Yanks lose to crazy games back to back and people want Halladay and Haren.”
So you’re implying that we don’t need another starter with Wang out with a shoulder injury and Aceves better suited for the pen? I also like the way Hughes has looked coming out of the pen, why mess with success. Maybe not Haren or Halladay but we should get a decent starter. Jarrod Washburn/Gil Meche come to mind.
for the economically challenged that post idiotic player acquisitions on this site.. The economy is really really bad, it even affects baseball and the yanks.. If you do not know that you are about 12 years old…
the yanks payroll next year will be $180 mill or less, mark my word that is at least a $20 mill reduction or 10% if not more…the yanks do not print money and advertising dollars are down…………….
gil meche stinks and is expensive, washburn is realistic and he is a battler…
meche will not be a yank….
lets DFA tomko and ransom weds after the break and act like a team that wants to win and no longer has the seniority system but actually has a merit system for setting the roster…..
Stuart- I understand they want him to develop, but Pena belongs on this team Ransom is a bum.
AL from BK we agree on your Pena/Ransom analysis..
Ransom has to field error free else he has no right to be on the team…
Pena long term value is as a utility guy not a everyday guy so really not playing every day will cause what?
BTW the figgin double play in the first was another blown call, did not hurt the yanks but was a blown call regardless and it sounds like the umps blew another call at 2nd that went agaisnt the yanks and led to 3 runs.
really get the officiating be any worse? These clowns get it wrong all the time, it is amazing……………….
Stuart- Yep, umps were terrible, Figgins was out on 3 separate occasions, but what are you gonna do that’s baseball.
The Yanks might need a starter but that doesn’t mean you just go out and get and ace. They just need someone who can hold a 4 run lead. Look at the Sox rotation Smoltz is a 5 inning pitcher and Penny has a 5 ERA. I know it looks bad but the guys the Yankees have just need to be better. Joba and Andy have to step it up its not like the Yanks are going to kick them out of the rotation. If you think Wang is going to be done for the season then you go get an 8th inning guy and put Hughes back in the rotation. You know that Cash will do something before the deadline its just not going to be Haren or Halladay.
“Stuart- I understand they want him to develop, but Pena belongs on this team Ransom is a bum.”
But he needs his ABs so what do you want to do ? it was evident he went from being a .290 hitter to .240 at one point this season, he needs to gain the per bat experience. He needs to play that way my guess is a few weeks from now he can help us and Ransom gets his walking papers.
ABK
“Figgins was out on 3 separate occasions, but what are you gonna do that’s baseball.”
The umps felt sorry for him not getting selected for the AL ALL Star team.
ace should of never gotten the start the other day.
now they can’t use him till after the break.
every time they play with the rotation or pen they struggle.
took hughes out of the rotation,they struggled.took ace out of the pen,they are struggling.
hughes should of been left in the rotation & they should of traded for a pen arm.
we wen’t from 6 starters to only 2 reliable ones now.
why is ransom still on the team?
trade joba and austin romine, wilkins de la rosa for halladay
To acquire the six-time All-Star and 2003 Cy Young Award winner, the Yankees would have to send a major league-ready arm like Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain to the Blue Jays along with once-untouchable talents Austin Jackson and Austin Romine, the New York Post reported Saturday.
===========================================================
Thats it?
Joba, AJAX and Romine – send the plane to get Doc right now!!!
on a side note – doesn’t halladay and washburn look like they could be brothers?
wouldnt give up ajax….i heard that they need salary relief and are looking to add Rios or Wells to any deal,why dont we take Rios off them aswell, but we lessen the quality of prospects
Joba,Romine,Swisher,Banuelos for Halladay + Rios
my fellow yankee fans,
we all love andy pettitte, the consummate warrior. led us through our dynasty years.
that was 10 years ago. times change. when i look in the mirror, i see that i have aged. so did u. so did andy. living with a maturing joba or hughes is better than watching a great veteran struggle with the inevitable aging process. it is time to get young. the other option is to wheel out whitey and gator. they are warriors also.
help!!! My work added certain sports blogs to the list of sites we cant get to. 5 of us read this blog all day and now can not, we are going crazy! Any ideas for getting around it?
i believe that we should focus on upside. at some point, joba and hughes are gonna ‘get it’, and win in anaheim. we could throw mr andy out there the next 3 times we go there, and the results will probably be the same.
“My work added certain sports blogs to the list of sites we cant get to. 5 of us read this blog all day and now can not, we are going crazy! Any ideas for getting around it”
Blackberry, Iphone?
Pete,
Seems Rob Neyer has some input on your Joba concerns.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/swe.....-Joba.html
Unless the pitching straightens itself out with quality outings right after the All Star break, Roy Halladay will be the prime target.
Never mind Boston, it’s the Rays sneaking in the back door.
Today’s a big game – the Yankees do not want to get swept in Anaheim after starting the road trip 3-0. I don’t think the Angels are in their heads – the Angels got the soft underbelly of our rotation and took advantage of it. Hopefully the hitters can keep it going for one more day and CC can do a SLIGHTLY better job of keeping his team in the game. No need to push him for 8 innings today unless he’s very efficient – let Phil pitch an inning or two or even AJ (one inning). Either way, it’s important for CC to pitch well.
so all we have to do to beat the Angels is either to A) Don’t get a 4 run lead on them that the starting pitcher feels obligated to blow or B) Score 18 runs and hope the bullpen can hold the lead DOH !
Has anyone heard definitively that Wang is out for the year? Why are people just casting him aside as if it’s a done deal he won’t come back? Why do some Yankee fans love to dramatize everything?
“No politician in history has been treated as viciously as Sarah Palin.”
who gives a crap ?
this is a baseball blog.
take it somewhere else.
Gah! Why do people post asinine political jiberish on a baseball blog?
bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes
July 12th, 2009 at 9:25 am
SJ44
July 11th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
It depends on how you look at it.
They are 0-8 against Boston, 4-4 against Tampa, and 2-3 against Anaheim. That’s 6-15 against 3 teams they are fighting with for the division and/or the WC. That’s not good.
Right now 3/5th of the rotation is in shambles. Also not good.
Does it mean the season is “over”? Of course not.
However, you ain’t lookin’ hard if you haven’t seen the leaks that have sprung and not see easy solutions to the problems.
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The record vs. Boston is an anomaly, skewing the final mark.
The whole thing has been disabled by Wang. Were he himself, he would stabilize the rotation as the No. 3 starter (or 2b). That would give us contextual relief in terms of Pettitte and Joba, assuming spots more conducive to an aging veteran and a future, but green, stud-in-the-making.
Nothing to do about that. They can certainly stretch out Aceves and make him a starter. Melancon is very palatable in either short or long relief. He was throwing 3 innings at a time last year – admittedly, to get his pitch counts up – but his stuff lends itself well to long relief.
Basically, Aceves “becomes” Wang and Melancon becomes Aceves.
I see no reason why that cannot work.
Addendum to repost: I agree w/CB that Hughes should go back into rotation. It’s not an afterthought – people forget that start down in Baltimore skews his numbers as a starter – he pitched dominantly after that.
I don’t introduce the idea, because the Yankees apparently have given up the idea for 2009. Of course, that could change, but I think they are loathe to take him out of the BP as things currently stand.
Brandon – Right on all counts: you don’t gut your farm system to get the doggy in the window. Been there, done that.
Doreen said it best: Halladay looks like a no-brainer, until you realize the prohibitive cost.
The Yankees need to jump on Lackey early today and that entirely possible. CC pitching with a lead has been nearly untouchable this year. He’ll also pitch deep into the game to give a bullpen extra rest heading into the AS break
It was my fault. I made a joke re:Palin. I will never do it again.
-dennis
randy/Tom in N.J.:
If passion runs strong in the Yankee – Boston rivalry, it runs stronger in politics these days. Posting political stuff is like a beanball. Someone posts something from one side of the aisle and then the other side of the aisle feels compelled to respond. So, the one who posts first gets away with violating the “no politics” rule and the other side gets steamed.
Have to say that this blog “polices” itself pretty well though and the “no politics” rule is a good one. Both benches are hereby warned.
Imagine my surprise this morning reading the Sunday paper and seeing Pete thinks Alex was the AL MVP for the 1st half of the season.
I thought someone put something in my Earl Grey and I was hallucinating.
on a baseball note, i think it’s heard for the a yankees to stick to a developmental plan with young pitchers and it’s hurting the pitchers and the team in the long run.
ideas about hughes are now being tossed around about going back into the rotation to plug holes that have developed. the problem in this is that his long term growth can be hindered if the yankee do it wrong.
joba has never had the same fastball since he was rushed into starting last year to plug a hole in the rotation. now hughes may be asked to do the same thing. if the yankees are serious about developing young pitchers i think it would be better to go out and get veteran depth and develop a powerhouse that they are so far in first they don’t have pitching crises that necessitate changing course so often with their blue chip pitching prospects.
this would have meant signing one more good veteran for this year. it might mean going after halliday this year.
whatever the yankees do they need to get past depending on phil hughes to always come to the rescue when he’s doing fine in another developmental place.
he’s survived it, but it doesn’t seem a smart way to be developing him. with all the emphasis on developing young pitchers , the yankees really need to come up with a btter way than they’ve handled joba and phil.
“It was my fault. I made a joke re:Palin. I will never do it again.”
that’s ok dennis, your wife takes nice photos so you are forgiven( i took a look at her website-very nice work).
I do see A-rod as the MVP.
Not as it’s given out in it’s normal, non-literal sense.
But he has been the biggest factor in his teams success. You know, it’s most valuable player.
I’m not thrilled with how they’ve developed Phil either. His growth is always being stunted – first in 2007 when he was rushed up here and now in the pen. I realize it’s great for his confidence, but the kid needs to be pitching. Sorry – 1 inning at a time doesn’t cut it. Not only will he have a severe innings restriction next year, but his secondary pitches have been put on the shelf. Next year when he struggles at times, the Yankees had better live with his growing pains since they brought it on themselves with their decision to send him to the pen this year. He hasn’t pitched since Minnesota – it’s a complete waste to save him for 8th innings that the Yankees might not even see. I think he should have come in for a couple of innings yesterday – the game may have ended up differently. However, Joe felt it important to trust Robertson and Tomko. Hmm……….
“Doreen said it best: Halladay looks like a no-brainer, until you realize the prohibitive cost.”
bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes-
but then there’s the cost of rushing blue chip young pitchers.
joba and hughes are a lesson in what not to do.
add halladay and there’s no need to rush the good young pitchers you have left( you’d likely have to give up one of hughes or joba ).
there’s no easy answer, but if the yankees want to get back to dominance they need to figure something out.
Thanks RandyI.
I will pass along the kind words.
Looking through stats in the paper this AM I one player jumped out as having a great year that seems to me is under the radar. Jermaine Dye. Hitting .303 20hr 55rbi. How is he at the very least not on the internet fan ASG vote?
-dennis
What was the dude griping about? Something that was said yesterday? because I can’t even find it.
I love how he worked A-Rod into his post though.
Yeah that legitimizes it. Nice work Smitty!
Taking Phil out of the pen now seems a little like robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Weakening one area to strengthen another doesn’t seem to make much sense in the overall best interest of the team and the player.
So these past 2 games haven’t been some nightmare I dreamed up.
I don’t know how the price of Halladay can be prohibitive until it’s known. Maybe Toronto would do a deal without Joba, Hughes or Montero… accepting something aling the lines of Austin Jackson/Romine/Cervelli + Pena/Nunez + Dunn/Kroenke/Robertson + McAllister/Betances/Brackman.
Keep in mind we have no idea where Halladay will and will not go, though there have been guesses thay NY, Bos and Philly are acceptable. I just think the Yankees have to find out, just like they did with Santana.
“Doreen said it best: Halladay looks like a no-brainer, until you realize the prohibitive cost.”
yes and the prohibitive cost is not making the playoffs again…
but then there’s the cost of rushing blue chip young pitchers.
WHAT blue chip pitchers?!?!? Other then Joba (said with a huge smirk) and hughes (semi smirk) they have no blue chip pitchers – and they are both on the major league team so its not like they are being rushed…tim lincecum is a blue chip pitcher – and he’s just as young (ok a year or so older but he won the cy young when he was their age)as joba and hughes and he looks OK being rushed..
add halladay and there’s no need to rush the good young pitchers you have left( you’d likely have to give up one of hughes or joba ) exactly!!!
Let’s “assume” the Yankees don’t want to add significant payroll, because all dollars cost them $1.40 for luxury tax purposes, unless they can trade away $$$$ in return.
Second let’s look at teams that are 12 games or more behind in their division races and “assume” they might be willing trading partners, and let’s assume the other teams still in the race for a wild card need pitching also.
Orioles
Indians
A’s
Diamondbacks
Padres
Nationals
Which pitchers would interest you, both starters and relievers, and at what cost, from the above “out of the race” teams? Let’s also look at non rookie pitchers with current sub 4.00 ERA’s and pitchers having pitched > 20 innings so far.
George Sherrill
Cliff Lee
Zack Greinke
Brian Bannister
Joakim Soria
Dallas Braden
Michael Wurtz
Brad Ziegler
Doug Davis
Dan Haren
Max Scherzer
Chad Qualls
Scott Schoeneweis
Edward Mujica
Heath Bell
Cla Meredith
John Lannan
Sean Burnett
Joe Beimel
Ron Villone
Mike MacDougal
What would it take given the above parameters? Who do you think we realistically have a chance for without giving up Jackson, Montero, Joba and Hughes from our roster?
Dialogue welcome
They indeed rushed BOTH Hughes and Joba, and now one has to endure daily character assassination crap about Joba (see Hughes and Wang for more speculative B.S. on their “make-up.”).
That’s a nice, but idyllic, scenario Randy – where we’re so far ahead we can employ “low leverage” starts for our young guys. Except the price – one of those two blue chippers – is too high.
And don’t you know, were we to do this, Halladay would pull his groin again, or CC would go down…Joba or Hughes would go to Toronto and get it figured out, and haunt us for the rest of their career.
I think we can ameliorate without giving up the farm for Roy Halladay. What do we need?
We need a starter; what’s wrong with putting the Mexican Gangsta in the rotation? He’s a guy with command-able pitches and in-game intelligence – not like he’s some 2-trick pony who gets exposed with more innings. His last start was a matter of tiring – needs to be built back up.
I understand the questions about Melancon, because people here haven’t seen him nearly enough to get that he has the goods – but he does – another guy with a mixed bag and ability to get two outs on a single pitch – in other words, long relief.
Why do we give up one of our talented young pups – and AJax and/or Montero? For a 32 year old pitcher? To help the pup that’s left behind develop better? I can’t see that as sensible.
randy:
“the yankees really need to come up with a better way than they’ve handled joba and phil.”
Welcome to “Rebuilding – Yankee style.” Had Joba or Phil gone to another team, frankly IMO, their careers may be off to a better start.
Because it’s the first time in more than 10 years that they seem to be putting a value on an in-house future, the Yankees seem to be learning all over again about identifying and evaluating talent. That means, IMO, that they are also in the position of having to re-establish the quality of and commitment to their player development program. Unfortunately the Yankees’ corporate culture is never too far from “win now,” so there are going to be many compromises and mistakes with player development, IMO.
It may be that Phil and Joba will look back and say that they were on the Yankees at the wrong time.
I don’t think you are going to get many people who will make trade proposals for 20 different guys
I think Wuertz would be a solid, affordable acquisition for the bullpen and he might be gettable for Robertson and Kontos. I wouldn’t be inclined to pay more than that.
The real key is the price for Halliday and if you take the top four guys offr the board you’re going to lose the next two which means perhaps McAllister and Romine plus some extras.
Tom in NJ: I was walking around Drew campus the other day as people were filing into Shakespeare theatre. I haven’t checked how long Tempest run is: was it last Wed. you went to show? Or are you attending upcoming Wednesday?
Either way, give me your “scouting” report, lol. I’m fearful to go and get stuck with a droning Prospero, or one who hath “a drowning mark upon him.”
Hinske is a beast!
haha, yea i see the resemblance. maybe they are distant cousins!
-Jack
i don’t see it… other then them being heavy-set and white