Wrapping it up from Safeco Field
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Aug 14, 2009 
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Anybody still up?
Joe Girardi said after the game that it was 50-50 whether Alex Rodriguez starts tonight.
Like it matters. The Yankees have Jerry Hairston Jr. He is hitting .389 in 12 games as a Yankee and has driven in five runs in 18 at-bats.
CC Sabathia has allowed one earned run and struck out 19 over 15.2 innings in his last two starts, dropping his ERA to 3.64. Sabathia 5-1 with a 2.98 ERA in his last six starts. “I feel like this is my time of the year,” he said.
The Yankees are 72-43 (.626). That’s a 101-win pace.
Finally, there was a good line from Hideki Matsui. After going 4 for 5 with two homers and five RBI, he was asked how he enjoyed hitting cleanup again.
“I don’t hate it,” he said.
matsui with the humor!
Nice to see a Yankee Fan on the Road help out the visiting team. Great catch by the guy in Right Field on Matsui’s Home run.
Great to see the contrast between a young team swinging at the first pitch and helping an experienced pitcher like CC. Pitch cont was low throughout the game. The Yankees ofcourse are very good at taking pitches and forcing pitchers out of the game even when they are pitching well.
Young V Old and the Mariners have been plagued with subpar coaching for the last decade. Just another example.
Watching their starting pitcher consistently throw only two pitches and at the same speeds made it batting practice for the Yanks whenever he missed location.
I’m up Pete here in San Diego, poker night is over.
That was a sweet win by the best team in baseball.
That’s all well and good, but I thought Mr. Girardi was going to announce something about Joba and the rotation for the next few days? I’m curious who’s going to be pitching in Oakland!
lol @ the Matsui comment
The years that both Godzilla and Damon are having are double-edged swords. I’m happy they’re contributing mightily to this year’s march towards a championship, but I’m afraid that their performance this year might make and/or force the front office into offering them silly contracts for next year. As a Yankees fan, I’m going to hate seeing them in different uniforms in 2010-I really don’t know what the right answer is. That’s why they pay Cash-money the big bucks I suppose…
Hey Pete, overseas we just got up, sweden is 9 hours ahead you in seattle so keep them posts coming…
I think Matsui is definitely gone due to his DH only role and inability to run, Damon on the other hand might take a short term contract and return in the pinstripes……..Sign Holliday, move Damon to RF, Swisher DH….Magic. lol
The fan who caught Matsui’s second HR threw it back, so he probably wasn’t a Yankees fan. There were a lot of us there though. Matsui was a monster tonight. It was pretty clear that yankee stadium is responsible for the homerun surge. Put them in a pitchers park like Safeco and the power disappears.
I hope it is AJ Monday CC Tuesday and Joba Wednesday then set it up with Andy AJ and CC in Fenway.
That is my hope too, Mark H, for the reason you outline and ‘cos those are they guys I want to see in person in Oakland. I love Andy, but I’ve seen him pitch a few times. AJ, CC, and Joba would be great.
It was a sweet game today, utter domination by the Yankees. I am in the CST so it is just late here thank goodness school has not started yet. Hopefully Pettitte can win one tommorow before the torturous game with Mitre.
jerry jerry jerry!
I think there’s a pretty good chance that Damon returns for next season (that is, if he agrees to a one-year deal) but there’s no chance Matsui returns.
The Yanks really need a stop gap for next year and the pickens this upcoming offseason are slim to say the least.
The guy I want patrolling LF over the long run is Carl Crawford. But he’s not going to be a FA until after the 2010 season.
With Matsui gone, they could use Damon as a DH half the time and divvy up the other half to everyone else to keep them relatively fresh.
Replacing both Matsui’s and Damon’s production in the lineup would be a damn near impossible task.
BTW, Sabathia is a beast. That dude doesn’t get enough credit for the number of innings he saves that pen every time he takes the mound.
He’s already thrown 170.2 IP for the season and we’re approaching the middle of August. He’s thrown at least 7.0 IP in 17 of his 25 starts on the season.
In a perfect world, Sabathia (and Burnett too for that matter) should get some extra rest when the rosters expand so he won’t be so worn out come October.
I prefer to live in the now, and worry about Damon and Hideki-sama later.
I hope the Yankees prove me wrong. I’m on record with a guestimate of 100 games. I wanted to go higher at the time, but I thought it was ridiculous to even think such a thing.
I may have to revise my guess, depending on how they fare on this road trip. I don’t even know who they play after Boston! Just enjoying the team on a day to day basis. Not even worried about matchups because the starters have done well, giving their team a chance to win day in, day out. You’ve heard a couple people outside the blog already say this is a special team.
Hey Pete, I’m actually oddly in Sweden as well peaceout. About to fly back to New York. Been traveling for a month and I just want to say how invaluable this blog has been for giving me more understanding into how the yanks have been doing than just the numbers. Although the numbers have been great to wake up to everyday. When I left I think the yanks were 4 1/2 back and now were 6 1/2 ahead. Couldn’t be happier. Can’t wait to watch tommorow nights game finally.
Goodmorning from Stockholm
Corey August 14th, 2009 at 3:16 am
I think Matsui is definitely gone due to his DH only role and inability to run, Damon on the other hand might take a short term contract and return in the pinstripes……..Sign Holliday, move Damon to RF, Swisher DH….Magic. lol
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I wouldn’t touch Holliday and I don’t think Cashman will either.
Mike C August 14th, 2009 at 3:29 am
It was a sweet game today, utter domination by the Yankees. I am in the CST so it is just late here thank goodness school has not started yet
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What grade are you in?
Did Girardi mention if he was sticking to the plan of playing Mitre than Gaudin on the weekend?
“I prefer to live in the now…”
Is this a new policy??? I’ve seen you opine on which players you’d bring back all season long!
But I’m with you on a possible win total revision. I plan to get my final answer in before the last week of September.
“Sign Holliday, move Damon to RF, Swisher DH….Magic.”
I like having Matsui and Damon in their walk years. Players playing for a contract rarely disappoint. I can see bring Damon back (two years at $8 mill per, with second year as club option with big buyout?), but do you really want his arm in RF??? If he comes back, he comes back as the primary DH keeping that spot warm for Posada.
“Replacing both Matsui’s and Damon’s production in the lineup would be a damn near impossible task.”
I remember the same thing being said about Abreu and Giambi last year.
Unless Matsui can play the field in some capacity, he provides a team and manager that seems to want flexibility;
none.
Damon makes a stronger case. His defensive skills are limited but still exist. He might benefit from 2-3 DH days a week.
As iffy as Mitre has been, the team has managed to squeeze out wins after he leaves the game. Hopefully the same pattern continues on Saturday although it would be good for him to pitch a gem for once.
Replacing Damon and Matsui next year will be very hard,production wise. Not much out there on the FA that can really replace their production. You could sign Holliday. Holliday would be a nice addition, if you ask me. If the Rays don’t pick up Crawford’s option (which could be unlikely) then you could always sign him. Then there is Bay,Vlad,etc. It will be interesting to see what happens this upcoming offseason.
I’d keep Damon simply because he could play the field sometimes. I cannot have Matsui because I feel like Posada will be DHing at least 2X a week (catching 3 and sitting 1). You could DH Damon in the other games (or use them to give regulars a 1/2 day off).
The shift away from the “power DH” has already began and while Matsui has been nothing but a professional and clutch hitter there simply is no room for him.
But let’s worry about that next year. Right now I love it when opposing managers go to the pen for a lefty and Matsui hits a HR.
Only 1 earned run over CC’s last 2 starts… right?
I agree. . Lets worry about winning tonight !.. and we’ll worry about next year.. next year.
It’s a shame Matsui has to go. I love having him on the team. Such a great hitter and run producer. I wonder if next year’s the year when Posada starts DHing half the time and Cervelli gets the other half of the catcher gig.
“Sign Holliday, move Damon to RF, Swisher DH….Magic. lol”
having Damon’s arm in RF, would not be magic.
The Yankees Win! The Yankees Win!
I love that call….
If Damon will take a one year deal for 8-10mil, he’ll be back as a LF/DH. I’d say the odds are against that though.
Sui is in his last year as a Yankee. No more full time DH on this team.
They would be better off carrying 3 catchers with Georgie DH’n 50% of the games he plays in.
Cervelli isn’t catching half the game next year because his bat is not good enough in my opinion.
I went to sleep last night around the 6th inning. Was there a reason Damon came out of the game for Hinske other than the Yanks had a lead and it was an opportunity for extra rest???
Alex’ injury is concerning – even when he returns, that elbow is going to be problematic. Hopefully it won’t effect his swing…..
The at bat I will remember is CC making Ichiro look downright silly – CC’s last at bat, as a matter of fact. He only threw 105 pitches, with 10 Ks – that’s amazing. I like that Bruney pitched – getting him going is important and he’s pitched a lot better lately. Also, no need to push CC.
I can’t believe where Jeter hit that ball – he just crushedd that HR……….
Great win – the Yankees just stomped all over the Ms, smothered them with brilliant pitching and timely hitting.
“The Yankees Win! The Yankees Win!
I love that call”
didn’t even know there were any Yankee fans, who liked that call.
Is Molina signed for next year? If he is we can split Posada & Molina at catcher and Posada & Damon at DH. Melky could play LF/CF while Gardner gets CF and possibly AJ in a timeshare.
It doesn’t look bad at all. Matsui’s bat wouldn’t be missed that much. And that’s if the Yanks don’t sign anyone to help…
vinny-b (thankful to have Girardi in charge)
August 14th, 2009 at 8:12 am
“The Yankees Win! The Yankees Win!
I love that call”
didn’t even know there were any Yankee fans, who liked that call.
***
I wasn’t aware there were Yankee fans who didn’t like that call. What’s not to like about it????
The Yankees Win!!!!!!!
Molina is gone after this year
“That lineup is just stupid. They shouldn’t be allowed to have a lineup like that, but that is why their payroll is what it is,” Snell said.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....=290813112
*** Somehow had Snell been traded to the Yankees, I think he’d be singing a different tune. Sounds like he bought into the Yankee hating propaganda. Boy, people like that just sound dumb.
There would be no need to resign Molina then since Cervelli offers similar defensive skills and batting average.
“Erica – always OPPC
August 14th, 2009 at 8:09 am
I went to sleep last night around the 6th inning. Was there a reason Damon came out of the game for Hinske other than the Yanks had a lead and it was an opportunity for extra rest???”
Your pretend lover just wanted to hang out on the bench with A-Rod and Jorge for the rest of the game
Betsy-
Those sound like fighting words.
Ramey – Traded his Girlfriend to the Pirates for a PTBNL
August 14th, 2009 at 8:19 am
“Erica – always OPPC
August 14th, 2009 at 8:09 am
I went to sleep last night around the 6th inning. Was there a reason Damon came out of the game for Hinske other than the Yanks had a lead and it was an opportunity for extra rest???”
Your pretend lover just wanted to hang out on the bench with A-Rod and Jorge for the rest of the game
****
Ramey-
He is my pretend boyfriend. Don’t turn this into something seedy.
Also, good luck today!!!
“Alex’ injury is concerning – even when he returns, that elbow is going to be problematic. Hopefully it won’t effect his swing…..”
Is there an injury you’re not concern with? By the way, you said Jeter’s injury would affect him if he trys to play too.
Erica-
I figured the two just went hand in hand! And thank you very much for the well wishes! To say I am nervous would be the understatement of the century! lol
Ramey-
No worries, you’ll be fine. When you get stuck just throw out an obscure Canadian hockey player.
Saw the piece in the previous thread re: CC not opting out. I think all 3 FAs have said this is the best chemistry of any team they’ve ever been on – they seem so happy to be here. I love hearing that….
If Matsui tries to hit tonight with his bat as hot as it is it could be problematic. Maybe he should sit until his bat cools.
I didn’t read the blog during the game last night but I sure hope it was a complaint-free evening. It would be difficult for one team to dominate another any more than last night.
And, with CC now 13-7, he is moving into the ‘Ace’ category for at least some doubters…
I knew Hairston would be a hit.
new thread
Erica – always OPPC
August 14th, 2009 at 8:24 am
Ramey-
No worries, you’ll be fine. When you get stuck just throw out an obscure Canadian hockey player.
——————————————–
Thank you and sadly, that was my plan all along. I’m glad we’re on the same page for that at least!
“Erica – always OPPC
August 14th, 2009 at 8:09 am
I went to sleep last night around the 6th inning. Was there a reason Damon came out of the game for Hinske other than the Yanks had a lead and it was an opportunity for extra rest???”
Well I’m not a lip reader but I believe Damon said :
“If I have lost my biggest fan Erica to the sleep fairy, I might as well take off the ice skates and call it a day”
As for 2010 I have said all along I expect Damon back but not Matsui. They’ll be adding speed and defense to offset the loss of productivity in the power department. I would be at all surprised to see Swisher/Damon in LF/DH, Gardner/AJax in CF and Melky in right.
They could decide to try and trade for an everyday RF with power, but who would you get? Bay and Holliday are not worth mega deals. Jermaine Dye might be an affordable alternative though he and the Chisox have a mutual option at $ 10 M.
Jorge will catch 110-120 games and Cervelli will catch the rest.
Ugh, no thanks on Holliday……..He’s not close to being worth the $$$ and years he’ll be demanding.
Corey
August 14th, 2009 at 3:16 am
I think Matsui is definitely gone due to his DH only role and inability to run, Damon on the other hand might take a short term contract and return in the pinstripes……..Sign Holliday, move Damon to RF, Swisher DH….Magic. lol
============================================================
Did you just seriously write “Move Damon to RF” or are you joking and I didn’t get it? Damon to RF?
He wouldn’t be able to throw the ball 2nd base on a fly!
As much as I will hate to see it, Matsui is probably on his way out. But fans cannot forget that in his first few Yankee years, he was without a doubt the best hitter in that lineup to drive in runs when it mattered. Never had an issue and was a fighter his entire career. It’s not over yet and I would do anything to see him return. But right now, it’s all about a championship and Matsui can only help the Yankees.
I love Matsui, but they can’t keep him. I still think they will need amother starter for next year replacing Pettitte, You think Kennedy will be ready?
For 2010, I don’t see much change in the current batting lineup. I don’t see Girardi wanting to change the Jeter/Damon leadoff pair that he set up this year, and which is working so well. So Damon would be kept as the DH and would bat # 2. I don’t see Matsui coming back, only because of his knees and not his power bat which will be missed. Catchers will be Posada and Cervelli, as Molina will have to move on. Hinske gone because of both his limited range and bat. Hairston comes back for sure, his versatility and bat are equal to two players. Outfield could be Swish/Damon as LF/DH, Gardner/Ajax in CF, and Melky in RF. As for pitching, I think Andy will come back another year for a possible championship. Both Joba and Hughes will be in the rotation. Gaudin and Aceves for long relief with Mitre gone and replaced by LHP in pen. Coke, Robertson, and Bruney keep their spots in the pen.
Pete, your hate for ARod is making you a lesser writer. Hairston should not even be on the roster when Gardner comes back. Consider the Yankees lucky that he happens to be putting together a few hits while playing, but he is a very weak hitter and will revert back at some point.
I believe it would be a mistake to let Matsui leave – I wouldn’t give him any long-term deal, but after Jeter, he’s the best clutch hitter on this team.
I feel like this year – he’s gotten a bit of a short shrift in the DH spot. Any time anyone else needs a day off – they go to the DH hole, and he sits…
His numbers are pretty good:
.269/19/58 in 316 ABs
A-Rod is:
.257/21/63 in 300 ABs
About the same, except A-Rod missed 5 weeks. Matsui was here, but he’s not getting the regular ABs I think he needs to be even better. (Also shows how good A-Rod is, by the way.)
I realize he’s a liability since he can’t play the field. Will he be able to play the field on a semiregular basis in 2010 – he’s had a year off after all? Would he be willing to take a lesser role to stay in NY? Won’t it really hurt when he kills us in the playoffs as an Angel in 2010?
And I think Melky repeatedly shows us that he’s not ready to be a full-time player…
I bet Holliday stays in St. Louis – he’s probably being treated like a god there – or god-B – after Puljois. (not that I want him here anyway)
Matsui is definitely gone and most likely Damon as well. Unless he is willing to accept a 2 year contract below market value he will be gone. The Yanks can use that money elsewhere because it would not make sense to overpay for Damon regardless of how well he is doing this year (and he has been excellent at the plate). BTW, Hairston has a lifetime OPS of .700 folks…don’t confuse him with a good hitter, Pena plays better defense than he does and so does Gardner and Melky.
NJ Steve August 14th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Pete, your hate for ARod is making you a lesser writer. Hairston should not even be on the roster when Gardner comes back. Consider the Yankees lucky that he happens to be putting together a few hits while playing, but he is a very weak hitter and will revert back at some point.
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Pete was making an obvious, very obvious, joke about not needing A-Rod in order to make the main point to highlight how well Hairston is batting. I thought it was funny, as Pete intended. What have you got against Hairston? He is doing more than was expected as a versatile infielder sub and is better than Pena at this point. Pena was brought up to replace Ransom. When Gardner gets back Pena will be sent back down.
By the way I have nothing against Pena. He is one of my favorites for the future, (I preferred him over Ransom, but saw the logic in sending him now for more experience. Right now Hairston has more experience at more positions and that ML experience is needed for the race and post season.