Not his favorite team to face
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Aug 28, 2009 
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Mark Buehrle is an accomplished Major League pitcher. He is nearly 40 games over .500 for this career. He has been an All-Star four times, a World Champion and has both a no-hitter and a perfect game on his resume.
So why does he stink out loud against the Yankees?
Buehrle is 1-6 with a 6.84 ERA in nine career starts against the Yankees. In 50 innings, he has put 85 runners on base via hit or walk. It happened again on Aug. 2 in Chicago when he allowed seven runs on 12 hits over 4.1 innings. The Yankees, down 4-3, won 8-5.
Buehrle faces the Yankees and CC Sabathia tonight. CC has been terrific of late and is 6-0 in 10 career starts against Buehrle. Makes for an interesting game.
Fear the Empire, Buehrle!
I expect a dominating performance from CC.
I wonder what Damon thinks is fair for a return trip to the Yankees… According to several reports, the Yanks are interested in Damon returning for a discount from the $13 mil he currently makes on maybe a two year deal (lone enough for Austin Jackson to develop and make the regular roster by 2011). Damon (with the help of the new Yankee stadium) is having a great year, and it would be logical that he uses those numbers to get what he would consider a “fair deal”. Can the two come to a consensus? How much ego will Damon put into this process?
According to the New York Daily News, Mets shortstop Jose Reyes (hamstring) may be next in line for surgery.
Reyes, who has been out since May 20, reportedly has a completely torn hamstring tendon behind his right knee. It wouldn’t be a major procedure, but could speed up his recovery as he prepares for next season. He’ll join fellow Mets teammates Oliver Perez and Johan Santana in the operating room. Aug. 28 – 8:47 am et
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Speed up the process? I think he has been out the longest in bb history for a torn hammy. LOL
Reports also seem to think that if the Yankees can resign Damon on a 2 year stretch, they’ll forego the Holliday/Bay sweepstakes.
Ideally I’d like to sign Damon at one year plus vesting option. maybe at 9 per. I think that is fair. It is a discount, but not a huge cut.
I think they meant speed up in regards that surgery is faster than rehabbing it.
Should the Yanks make a play for Crawford in the offseason? What do you think is a fair cost (prospects) in a trade with the Rays? What is he worth?
I’d love to see Damon for 2 years, Matsui for 1 more year.
We have to live with Johnny in LF for 2010, but then he can slide over and become a professional hitter after Matsui leaves.
sunny615
August 28th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
I think they meant speed up in regards that surgery is faster than rehabbing it.
Should the Yanks make a play for Crawford in the offseason? What do you think is a fair cost (prospects) in a trade with the Rays? What is he worth?
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Tampa has a strong dislike for the Yankees so I would doubt it. Plus I doubt if they trade him within the division.
Vin
Matsui is too hot and cold. You just don’t know if his knees will hold up. Plus Matsui ties up the dh spot. You need it for Jorge, Damon if you re-sign him. Matsui no longer being here gives Joe greater roster flexibility.
the problem w/ CC is that the rays would prolly prefer to deal him out of the div. that’s if the even do it in the winter, they contenders now, and he gives them the best shot to get off to a good start.
but i would chase cc as a FA
As much as I like what Matsui has given the Yankees it’s time to move on.
They’ve been fortunate to have gotten anything from him this season given how bad his knees are.
Someone was talking about Reyes yesterday and the description of the injury sounded like the one Posada had in 2006. I don’t think Jorge missed any significant time from it though granted one guys game is his legs and the other not so much.
pat- I would think it would affect Jorge just as much. He squats behind the plate for 3 hours. That can’t feel too good.
Tampa’s owner is a NY guy and I believe was a Yankee fan. Maybe he’d do them a favor.
– that means I’m kidding.
This is what I found re: Jorge
May 29, 2006 Missed 4 games (knee injury).
May 25, 2006 Knee injury, day-to-day.
You can see the games he missed for various injuries
http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/pl.....rge_Posada
pat
August 28th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Tampa’s owner is a NY guy and I believe was a Yankee fan. Maybe he’d do them a favor. – that means I’m kidding.
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You mean because George was always such a nice guy?
Yankees want some Buehrle tonight.
On a more serious note. http://www.newsday.com is reporting Joe as saying, Posada really needs 10 days for his finger to completely heal.
So why not put him on the 15 day DL,and bring back Cerevelli? All of the pitchers worked great with him,and Posada gets to heal.He can’t play hurt in post season and contribute.
rosters will expand soon anyway.
as long as the finger’s not jammed again, playing won’t hurt.
jennifer
If I’m not misremembering, Jorge’s knee tendon was referred to as the appendix of tendons- it can give you pain but you can live without it.
Not sure if it is the same tendon on Reyes but it sounded similiar.
For Mel
mel, as I find you to be a voice of reason on this forum I just want to say that it feels peaceful to know that there are certain things having to do with an on-going “debate” upon which we agree wholeheartedly. You have a very nice way about you and a nice way of defending your position. I respect that you continue to do that in the face of a lot of vocal and vociferous opposition and some people telling you how it is (as opposed to how they BELIEVE it to be. No Nick, not you.)
I thought it was amusing that someone came on and referred to some band of forum loyal whatevers (the implication being they knew more than everyone else) and that they were unfortunately “pissing in the wind” – I hate that phrase – to try to teach I guess the unwashed masses all that they know. The great irony is that the majority out there beyond the lohud blog seem to agree with our opinion concerning the current “debate” and that includes just about all of the Media (maybe except for Pete) and sportsannouncers who were former players – and I am not including YES here. So I find it amusing whenever someone says it is good to ignore everything you are hearing and seeing because they are the way, the truth, and the light.
Anyway, just want to thank you for hanging tough. My personality sets off firestorms (best suited for a court room, I guess) and when I decide to retreat it is never because I think the other side has won the argument. It’s just easier.
Here’s hoping the odds are on his side for a change tonight!
Go White Sox! How about a Burle perfect game just for fun!
haiku-man
August 28th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Yankees want some Buehrle tonight.
On a more serious note. http://www.newsday.com is reporting Joe as saying, Posada really needs 10 days for his finger to completely heal.
So why not put him on the 15 day DL,and bring back Cerevelli? All of the pitchers worked great with him,and Posada gets to heal.He can’t play hurt in post season and contribute.
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The chances are he could hit even if he can’t catch.
If they DL him you lose the bat.
They don’t need to DL Posada to bring up Cervelli, who will be here in any case in Sept. 1 call-ups.
But I do think it wise to rest Jorge for as long as reasonably possible. An even bigger weapon in the postseason than having a power, switch-hitting catcher who can draw walks is having a power, switch-hitting catcher who can draw walks who is also refreshed, rarin’ to go, and only tired in that he’s tired of us not winning in the playoffs.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn.....id=2458545
NEW YORK – Yankees catcher Jorge Posada has a torn hamstring tendon in his left knee and will be sidelined at least a few days.
Posada wasn’t placed on the disabled list following his MRI exam that revealed the injury, but the club said Thursday that it planned to call up a catcher from the minor leagues on Friday. Posada is scheduled to be evaluated in the next few days.
It is the latest in a string of injuries that have hit the Yankees recently.
Posada was not in the starting lineup Wednesday for New York’s 8-6 victory over Boston because his hamstring was sore from the night before. Kelly Stinnett, the only other catcher on the team, started and batted ninth against the Red Sox.
Posada also missed all but 1 1/2 innings of last weekend’s Subway Series against the Mets when back spasms in the opener forced him to come out.
I read also that the tendon they would remove (?) from Reyes is the same one they often use for TJ surgery.
If anyone on this blog is at all interested in pitching and what goes on in a pitcher’s head when he’s on the mound, I strongly recommend you read this blog entry: http://phuturephillies.com/200.....-pitching/
It’s written by Mike Schwimmer, he is a relief prospect playing for high-A ball in the Phillies organization. He has video of two innings he pitched and a pitch-by-pitch commentary. The different things a pitcher thinks about while facing hitters is really incredible. The strategy is incredibly complex, more so than I think most fans imagine.
Just read the blog entry, it’s great.
pat found it.
Cashman added: “The M.R.I. had to show something. As it was explained to me, there are several tendons that connect to the knee. This one is an unusual injury, but on the good side, it’s a tendon that you don’t need to function.”
Cashman said that the injury should not limit Posada’s ability to play catcher once the swelling and the pain subsided.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05.....ref=slogin
I have good news concerning my last three days in Verizon hell. They have agreed to my having DirecTV reinstalled so that I can get my former ExtraInnings package, and they are going to foot the bill every month. Talk about a win win. Now I get the benefit of that phenomenal FIOS for all of my other television watching and also get to watch the Yankee feed for all the games. And when Verizon has the Yankee feed, well I get to see it through FIOS. A heck of a deal! (I’m thinking the only times I would have been without it would be with My9 feeds or something. But now I get all of the other team feeds again, also, in case I want to watch another game and want to see it with a particular broadcast.)
Life is good.
Jennifer that post you just made scared the crap out of me. Torn hamstring? Jeez I thought that just happened then I clicked the link and saw 2006.
Jorge will miss a few days and will probably play the rest of the year with a hurt finger.
Is AJax a good fielder? It would be nice to have a stud outfielder again one of these days. It’s been a while.
PEOPLE THIS IS NOT TRUE. POSADA IS NOT INJURED. THOSE REPORTS ARE FROM 2006.
yeah, trisha. it’s all cool, though it sucks that i get sucked into your maelstrom (word?), haha. j/k
people want it to go away, but gloating comments from both sides prevent that from happening. (includes you!)
i believe in trying to get the best out of each player, but joe g. and i have different ideas on how to do that.
but yeah, it’s cool how we can all get along and nick has moved up to the #27 spot.
Patrick, I’m sorry!! Forgive me. I realized after I posted it that I should have gave a warning that it was from 2006!!
I also figured people would read it and see the name Kelly Stinket and know it was old.
jennifer, they wouldn’t even get that far. they’d be clutching their hearts on the floor.
bobshantz
August 28th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Is AJax a good fielder? It would be nice to have a stud outfielder again one of these days. It’s been a while.
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Ajax is an excellent defender. Gets a good jump, covers ground, decent arm, good speed. For those who enjoy flair, he also has good leaping ability, times his jumps at the wall well and can steal a HR.
Nik Turley, one of our organizational lefties on the rise, threw 6 no-hit inns in the GCL.
I know Five Iron will be interested, lol.
“people want it to go away, but gloating comments from both sides prevent that from happening. (includes you!)”
Won’t disagree.
“i believe in trying to get the best out of each player, but joe g. and i have different ideas on how to do that.”
Joe G. has a lot on his plate and I agree that he sometimes might need to sacrifice something for the overall product and knows that doing things one way might cause a worse problem, despite it possibly being a better way to go. And as he said earlier, the playoffs by and large belong to Posada so all of the pitchers need to learn to be paired with him. It will be interesting to see how this all evolves and whether Molina is inserted into the playoffs and paired with AJ.
“but yeah, it’s cool how we can all get along and nick has moved up to the #27 spot.”
Nick has certainly moved up on my list! Tell me you know everything and everyone who disagrees with you is wrong and I’ll tune you right out. Tell me you are committed to your position but understand there are always other possibilities and I will listen to what you have to say.
Joba Chamberlain:
Pitch 1 – I’ve got a good fastball today, so I am going to try to hit the outside corner with it ,and I do, 0-1
Pitch 2 – Gonna stick with the fastball, Posada’s in good rythmn today, batter fouls it off 0-2
Pitch 3 – Time to put him away, he can’t catch up to my fastball so we’re gonna try to blow one by him on the inside. He taps it foul! Still 0-2
Pitch 4 – Posada’s plan ain’t werkin fer beans, I shake off until I get to the slider. My out pitch! He spits on it. 1-2
Pitch 5 – He is probably thinking fastball, so I shake off back to my slider, I bet he is way out in front! He spits on it again. 2-2
Pitch 6 – Even count, but I got him off balance, one more slider should do it! I shake off until I get to it, because its my best pitch and I got a gatorade commercial out of it. I’m so G! 3-2
Pitch 7 – Whatever Posada I’ll try your stupid fastball. He fouled it again! 3-2
Pitch 8 – See? That didn’t work, back to my A game, the slider! He spits on it and walks.
jennifer
August 28th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
I also figured people would read it and see the name Kelly Stinket and know it was old.
====
SInce I was reading more thoroughly instead of my usual skimming habit, I fortunately followed the flow and saw it in context.
Otherwise, I would have been given quite a start, lol.
Bout time Nik got in. All the scouting stuff I read on him made him sound really good but he just never really got it together. Spent a lot of time in instructional working on his mechanics, and I think was injured as well at some point.
So Jorge’s knee is hurt? You couldn’t see the confusion coming?
What’s the deal with Ajax? will he get the call?
Joe
I said 2006 in my original post to Jennifer. Sorry if you got freaked out but no need to shout.
People: don’t worry about aj he’s a great pitcher with great stuff & I’m confident that he’ll dominate the post season (even better then sabathia) there is no point for him to agravate his arm now he’s protecting it now, as long the yanks are in the driver seat they don’t have to worry its like spring training when the players are working on mechanics & try diff things even the results arnt there (its like sometimes you have to loose the battle to win the war) he knows he have time now to try out diff aproaches-& he hasn’t pitched that bad exept for the bosox series-actually the bunt girardy tried this week with swish was the same thing he wanted to try a diff weapon come post season he knows what to do & if we loose well we still have the best record in baseball.
The other thing I wanna coment is look back @ becket in 07 he had a 5 era in the reg season & under 15 wins, come post season he was just dominating, & don’t forget they were teamates in florida & burnet might be the same this year,
WATCH OUT THE YANKS ARE COMING!!!LETS GO YANKEES!!!#27!!
Jay,
LOL. All I can say is past record is not an accurate predictor of future results.
Including Buerhle v. Yankees.
But I’m hoping we continue to trend a certain way against him.
Yeah, Jerkface, he’s starting to win the battle a bit with command of his pitches.
Got a little late start last year, so he had to “stay back in school”, lol. He seems to be responding now.
Jay – I still have a ton of faith in AJ. I’m truly not worried about him.
I’m also ready for the world series, just don’t know who our opponent will be!
Someone posted a cover of SI with their prediction for the world series. Holy crap!!! You have to wonder if someone in the organization in question each year has done something to tick them off…
jennifer
August 28th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Patrick, I’m sorry!! Forgive me. I realized after I posted it that I should have gave a warning that it was from 2006!!
***
You scared me too. LOL. I didn’t know it was old until I got to the 4th paragraph
Patrick
August 28th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
If anyone on this blog is at all interested in pitching and what goes on in a pitcher’s head when he’s on the mound, I strongly recommend you read this blog entry: http://phuturephillies.com/200…..-pitching/
======
TY for a great link. Looks interesting. Don’t have time to pour over it now but made sure to save it to favorites for a more ruminative read with my hand wrapped around a cup of tea.
Buehrle is 40 games over .500 because he gets to face the Royals, Indians, and Tigers 5+ times a year. Being an all star anymore is akin to being the prom king. Its a popularity contest. World champ means hes been on a good team, and a no-hitter and perfect game means he made two good starts. Eric Milton threw a no hitter and Len Barker threw a perfect game. Youre not going to confuse either of those with great pitchers.
Dont get me wrong, Buehrle is a good pitcher, but he has some inflated stats from playing in a garbage division. Hes hardly an elite pitcher.
How many catchers are good on offense and defense? When Posada signed a 4 year contract it was not to be a DH. Toward the end, yes, but as of now he is the #1 catcher.
Jose Molina is an excellent catcher, but he cannot hit. His 2 brothers are also excellent catchers and they can hit. Jose will always be a back up.
Jerkface: After 4 pitches “Posada’s plan ain’t werkin’ fer beans” LOL!
Uncle Ellsworth (#2 needs 17 to tie #4)
August 28th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
So Jorge’s knee is hurt? You couldn’t see the confusion coming?
What’s the deal with Ajax? will he get the call?
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Been wondering that myself.
He may, unless they don’t want to interfere with his bat getting such loving attention.
He’s pretty tired at this point – typical for young players – so they may see it as an opportunity to add his glove and tell him not to worry AT ALL about offense. Just give him a taste.
I know they are highly focused on working on ABs two-strike counts. There’s a great story in pp on his progress, in anyone subscribes. Can’t write it out here or it’ll get bounced, lol.
Is there really a Sox troll on the blog?
I thought I just read someone named “BostonSoxMan” hoping for a perfect game from Buerle.
If so, may I ask you a question? Do you think the Sawx are going to post DiceK back to Japan when their season ends on October 3rd? Could he take Kei Igawa back with him, please?
Here are the current standings for “Guess the Line Up”.
After 25 rounds, there have been 66 different winners. Here are the participants with 3 wins or more:
Miggs – 8 wins – 7/23, 8/6, 8/11, 8/13, 8/18, 8/21, 8/25, 8/26
Ramey – 6 Wins – 7/22, 7/21, 8/6, 8/7, 8/11, 8/21
Andrew – 5 wins – 7/27, 8/6, 8/11, 8/21, 8/25
NYY626 – 4 wins – 8/4, 8/6, 8/7, 8/25
RayVT – 4 wins – 8/5, 8/7, 8/21, 8/25
Upstate Kate – 4 wins – 8/6, 8/7, 8/21, 8/25
WTTALDS- 4 Wins – 7/24, 8/6, 8/11, 8/25
Yanksfan – 4 Wins – 7/28, 7/29, 8/6, 8/21
CM – 3 wins – 8/5, 8/6, 8/7
Henner – 3 wins – 7/27, 8/7, 8/25
Hokiehill – 3 wins – 7/22, 8/21, 8/25
Patrick (the Prospect Hugger) – 3 Wins – 7/27,7/17, 8/7
SA – 3 wins – 8/6, 8/7, 8/25
UnKnown – 3 wins – 8/17, 8/21, 8/26
YankeeRay – 3 Wins – 8/5, 8/6, 8/7
Rose
August 28th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
How many catchers are good on offense and defense? When Posada signed a 4 year contract it was not to be a DH
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Yes, exactly.
The whole notion of having him exclusively DH fails to acknowledge that having him hit as a catcher allows us to ALSO have a DH. I earnestly don’t understand how the different value – Jorge at catcher, Jorge at DH – escapes people.
FYI-
After GTLU ends today, I am introducing a ONE day only game called “Guess the Call Up” rules to be explained after 3:30
“Matsui is too hot and cold. You just don’t know if his knees will hold up. Plus Matsui ties up the dh spot. You need it for Jorge, Damon if you re-sign him. Matsui no longer being here gives Joe greater roster flexibility.”
Matsui is a very streaky hitter… but his good streaks FAR outweigh his bad ones. The knees are an issue, but if he can end the year healthy then I think the risk is worth taking.
My biggest issue is the fallacy that many people have regarding the Yankees being a better team with an open DH spot so that the vets can get regular rest. There is no way that you can convince me that the team is better off by having one of Ramiro Pena, Jose Molina, Jerry Hairston Jr., Eric Hinske in the lineup instead of Matsui. It seems to me that Girardi has done a fine job of resting the guys who need it (Alex notwithstanding).
Damon has been great the last two years. Posada has gotten a fair amount of days off this year. Jeter has been given some innings off in blow-outs, and he’s having a great year. Your goal of resting guys is being accomplished right now WITH Matsui on the roster… and the Yanks have the best record in the game to boot.
Would not bringing back Matsui give Joe G. more roster flexibility? Sure. Would it make them a better team? I don’t think so.
Been wondering that myself.
He may, unless they don’t want to interfere with his bat getting such loving attention.
He’s pretty tired at this point – typical for young players – so they may see it as an opportunity to add his glove and tell him not to worry AT ALL about offense. Just give him a taste.
I know they are highly focused on working on ABs two-strike counts. There’s a great story in pp on his progress, in anyone subscribes. Can’t write it out here or it’ll get bounced, lol.
so it’s a process?
Rose, Varitek can’t hit either and he is their first-string catcher.
Although some people may have called for Posada to be left behind altogether, some other of us have just wanted Molina to have a start or two more per week. That would make him the back-up catcher.
Never heard it put that way bodhisattva. But how’s about Jesus Montero or Cervelli at catcher? Preeeettyyyyyy sweet.
It’s now time for another thrilling round of “Guess the Line Up”.
Let’s all be optimistic and pretend its not pouring outside and submit your line ups to me here (or any new threads) with positions. No revisions allowed. Line up submissions until 3:30.
After today only one more round remains in this season of GTLU. Statistics will be reset when I pass the reigns on
Just reading back:
Pettitte in the pecking order, to me, isn’t as relevant as Pettitte being placed in the best strategic position to succeed.
I can’t imagine, for instance, Pettitte not getting the Game 3, road assignment in the ALDS.
“I can’t imagine, for instance, Pettitte not getting the Game 3, road assignment in the ALDS.”
Absolutely. Not to mention Joba starting on the road is a must. His home numbers are still poor.
http://www.baseball-reference......;t=p#hmvis
mel, all I can tell you is that my introduction to this forum was when I came on for the first time and gave my views on CM and how he had been somewhat inconsistent in starts the year before. I was called stupid, and idiot (those were the nicer names), told I didn’t know anything about baseball, and was insulted roundly. I fought the good fight though it was tough because the opposition included some of the (I called them) Founding Fathers of the Forum – those who thought that they had some kind of leg up because they might have had a drink with a baseball player once in life! A few people welcomed me and told me to hold my ground and to expect that kind of reaction if I disagreed with a few of the “top guns” here.
Later that year, when things started to go wrong with CM, a few of the same posters said it looked like maybe I had been right about CM. Miggs and I definitely started out on the wrong foot, but he and I are best of friends now.
I never take my lead from someone here telling me that he or she knows more about baseball than I do. Those are the last people I listen to. If someone lays out a convincing argument, then I certainly consider it. If it makes more sense than mine, I will change my opinion. I did it with my position on Andy. I’m not afraid to stand up and say I got it wrong. But I’m also not afraid to stay the course when I know I have a lot on my side of the argument, despite who is banding together and deciding they have all baseball matters knocked and their say takes the day just because.
Sometimes I find their greatest strength though is in shouting you down. But that is hardly the same as being correct in their position – though in the course of shouting you down they will tell you they are correct in their position!
My dad always said, my side, your side, and the truth. Middle ground is always such a nice place and usually the real place.
Erica, a special GTLU?
Game 3 is the pivotal game.
You are either tied 1-1 going on the road (like we were in 06 and had Randy Johnson going)
Or you are up 2-0 looking for the sweep and to throw the hammer down.
Or you are down 0-2 looking for a miracle performance to avoid elimination and get back in the series (like we were in 2007 and had Clemens starting)
You want your most trustworthy pitcher starting that game 3.
“Varitek can’t hit either and he is their first-string catcher.”
That’s true, but if Posada was on the Sox, Varitek would be a back-up.
benfica356
August 28th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Erica, a special GTLU?
***
No, I am running GTLU today as if there is still a game. It wasn’t cancelled right??
I am waiting for line up submissions!!!
Benfica, are you definitely taking over on Tuesday? Will you still do it every weekday as normal?
Peter Rabbit
August 28th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Never heard it put that way bodhisattva. But how’s about Jesus Montero or Cervelli at catcher? Preeeettyyyyyy sweet.
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That’s why the Yankees are taking pain-staking steps for their power-hitting pupil with serous catching aspirations.
The argument against putting such a gifted bat at catcher always seems to be “he’ll wear down.” Fair enough, but weighed against having a crazy bat like Montero’s at catcher, plus the luxury of more offense at DH, trumps those concerns, IMO, especially since you can also give Jesus a blow now and again.
Cervelli’s bat puts him in the backup role, which is great for us.
Edward, that’s an intersting point. At this point I would start Andy and go with CC as my third. But at the same time, Andy is so post-season tested that he might be the best third. I guess either or wouldn’t be bad. I would want AJ as my second if since we will have home field advantage. How’s that for being positive!
“That’s true, but if Posada was on the Sox, Varitek would be a back-up.”
No question. Just pointing out that there are teams whose catchers don’t hit well. I would bet that is the majority.
I think AJ will get the call for any potential game 2 in the postseason, regardless of how both of them finish the season. That’s just how the rotation is.
But I think Joe Torre said it best. He loved havin Andy in the #2 spot. If we won game 1, then he gave us a good chance to go up 2-0. If we lost game 2, he gave us a good chance to tie up the series (because of his excellent record of wins after losses).
I know Andy has the mental fortitude to take on a game 2, but I doubt it happens.
Varitek was never the offensive force Posada can be, but he is a switchy who has power. His bat is so slow, though, now, and his arm isn’t good at all.
I remember watching ALCS last year, and at a certain crisis point in a tight game, Varitek was coming to the plate with guys on, against Price.
I thought, game over.
It was actually sort of pathetic watching Varitek attempt to catch up with Price’s heat. He should have just stood there and prayed for a walk.
Guess the Line Up people!!!!!!!!!!!
Come on.. where are you all???
Erica – always OPPC
August 28th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
FYI-
After GTLU ends today, I am introducing a ONE day only game called “Guess the Call Up” rules to be explained after 3:30
____________________________________________________________
Haha you crack me up! Was that you who announced the “guess when jeter breaks the hit record” or was that someone else?
“You want your most trustworthy pitcher starting that game 3.”
I think you want your 3rd most trustworthy pitcher going in game 3. You don’t want a complete wildcard like Joba, but an experienced guy like Pettitte makes sense.
You need your top 2 guys going in games 1 and 2 so they can be ready to pitch again in game 5 (or maybe even game 4 if the schedule allows it)
I know Andy has the mental fortitude to take on a game 2, but I doubt it happens.
====
He has it, and that’s why I think he’s a shoo-in for Game 3. Has pitched big games on the road in his career, if you split the first two, Andy gets the assignment for the potential swing game.
ALDS schedule A should definitely be:
CC
AJ
AP
CC
AJ
Our 2 best pitchers with the best chance to throw a shut down performance get the most chances and our 3rd best pitcher gets to be either a lifesaver or a shutdown guy on the road where he is at his best.
That is assuming that we get Schedule A
NYY626-
That was Uncle Ellsworth. I just lent it credibility
yes Erica and I wil submit my lineup now.
SS Jeter
LF Damon
1B Tex
3B Arod
DH Matsui
RF Swish
2B Cano
CF Melky
C Molina
Erica, here you go!
Jeter ss
Damon lf
Tex 1b
ARod 3b
Matsui dh
Swisher rf
Cano 2b
Melky cf
Molina c
“No question. Just pointing out that there are teams whose catchers don’t hit well. I would bet that is the majority.”
Not sure what your your point is here. The majority of teams don’t make the playoffs. It goes without saying that having a better catcher is to be preferred to having a worse one, even if some teams have a worse one.
SS Jeter
LF Damon
1B Tex
3B Arod
DH Matsui
RF Swisher
2B Hairston
CF Melky
C Molina
Erica-
If the correct lineup is posted but the game is postponed does that count towards the standings?
Also, if I write PPD as my lineup and the game never starts, do I get credit for a victory?
“Erica – always OPPC
August 28th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
NYY626-
That was Uncle Ellsworth. I just lent it credibility”
The Erica stamp of approval goes a long way.
For the exact same reasons Cano cant hit with RISP.
The same reason Jetes has only one grand slam.
Its baseball and almost nothing has reason. It just is.
miggs
August 28th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Erica-
If the correct lineup is posted but the game is postponed does that count towards the standings?
Also, if I write PPD as my lineup and the game never starts, do I get credit for a victory?
*****
As long as a line up is posted by Pete that matches the submissions of the good people of LoHud, a winner will be awarded. Regardless of a baseball game being actually played or not.
In other words. I am expecting Pete to post a line up around 3:45, so you better match it mister!
“Not sure what your your point is here. The majority of teams don’t make the playoffs. It goes without saying that having a better catcher is to be preferred to having a worse one, even if some teams have a worse one.”
The Red Sox won the world series with Varitek behind the dish.
Sometimes statements stand on their own, without some other greater point having to be made.
Catcher is by far the most stacked position in the farm system. So much so, it may be tough to find places for all of the guys in the minor leagues.
Closest to the majors – Cervelli. We’ve seen him and he will likely be the heir to Molina.
AAA – Montero. Perhaps not to start but soon enough. Got hurt a month or so ago, but was putting up historic offensive numbers for a guy his age.
AA – Romine. Has had a terrific year for Tampa and will likely by in Trenton to start next year. Near the top of the league in offensive stats, decent average and power in a league that surpresses offense ridiculously.
Others:
Murphy – just drafted in second round and has a nice little professional debut in the GCL. The Yankees are really high on his bat.
Sanchez – top international signing this year. The Yankees believed he was 1 or 1A in the entire IFA market this year. Can’t play in games and is far, far away, but one to watch.
Higashioka – Another all around, offense/defense catcher in the Romine mold but a step or two below him in the development ladder.
Depending on how things pan out some of these guys will be playing for other teams. They will however, be coming in waves starting this Sept.
i’ll play
1. Jeter SS
2. Damon LF
3. Tex 1B
4. Arod DH
5. Posada C
6. Swisher RF
7. Cano 2B
8. Hairston 3B
9. Cabrera CF
those who thought that they had some kind of leg up because they might have had a drink with a baseball player once in life!
=====
Trisha,
LMAO. The wannabe, name dropping stuff is r-e-a-l-l-y tedious, and transparent.
I covered pro sports for 10 years, and I can say with confidence, there are scouts who KNOW NOTHING and fans who know a lot.
It just depends. Trying to buoy an opinions by saying you played a round of golf with a player is a joke. You may have an inside track of that player’s view on this or that, but to assume a player isn’t someone who might have his own agenda is also a big leap.
I actually had a source who was Director of Scouting of a team that had just won a championship, and this guy was actually running down HIS TEAM’S OWN high draft pick, because his SON was on the team and said player – a very talented European – was threatening his kid’s position. This guy also clearly had a bias against European players, because he made subtle (well, he thought they were) knocks against them all the time.
I did quote him, but I also would not be used to run his agenda out there, and always sought the other side.
benfica-
I will formally announce the tradition when the submission window closes. You may want a speech ready
“My personality sets off firestorms (best suited for a court room, I guess) and when I decide to retreat it is never because I think the other side has won the argument.”
… so even when the other side it right you never acknowledge it to yourself.
interesting.
good to know.
Re. Sanchez – his age precludes him from playing in games this season, but will be eligible next year (perhaps in the GCL if he is really that advanced).
Jackson – I would reiterate Bod’s post from above that this a process. The tools are there. He has range, defense, speed and tremendous athletic ability. Really seems the Yankees have a plan to develop his offense.
Here’s who is in today’s thrilling round of “Guess the Line Up” so far-
Benfica 356, NYYROC
Keith
Eric
Come on folks!!!!! Submissions until 3:30
Jerkface
Being able to pick Schedule A would be one of the advantages of keeping best record.
Kim J the other day made the point that people are fretting over Joba in the postseason but it’s likely he would be in the bullpen in the ALDS.
No randy, only a loser doesn’t acknowledge the other side’s position when there is something to be said for it…
Now why don’t you rattle off all the names of the players you’ve been around. It’s always good to know what has happened in someone’s life 100 years ago.
By the way, that you were able to try to TWIST my words and attribute a meaning that makes no sense at all tells me everything I need to know about you.
I don’t know Erica…. I’m still a little upset you and Betsy didn’t invite me to join you on your trip to see Phil.
Its all good though, Betsy and I are going to a game together on the next homestand.
If anyone on this blog is at all interested in pitching and what goes on in a pitcher’s head when he’s on the mound, I strongly recommend you read this blog entry: http://phuturephillies.com/200…..-pitching/
======
TY for a great link. Looks interesting. Don’t have time to pour over it now but made sure to save it to favorites for a more ruminative read with my hand wrapped around a cup of tea.
======
Sure bod, hope you enjoy it. It is extremely cool IMO. Best blog entry about baseball I’ve read in a long long time.
If anyone missed it, check out the link above.
“The wannabe, name dropping stuff is r-e-a-l-l-y tedious, and transparent.”
“The Red Sox won the world series with Varitek behind the dish.
Sometimes statements stand on their own, without some other greater point having to be made.”
When the Red Sox won in 2007, Varitek was an average hitting catcher, and when they won in 2004 he was a significantly better than average hitter.
If I understand you correctly, you’ve been touting Molina (and Cervelli), and neither are even average hitters, to say the least. And if the Sox had a better hitting catcher, I suspect they’d have played him.
Weird, the link doesn’t work. Here it is again: http://phuturephillies.com/200.....-pitching/
Patrick, I will definitely read it because it sounds very interesting.
Great find, Patrick. Thanks for posting the link.
miggs
August 28th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I don’t know Erica…. I’m still a little upset you and Betsy didn’t invite me to join you on your trip to see Phil.
Its all good though, Betsy and I are going to a game together on the next homestand.
****
I didn’t know you were interested. It wasn’t really a private thing, we talked about it on the blog. Anyone could have jumped in
Congrats, Trisha – you changed the dynamic of the board. Good for you. Your need for attention is exhausting… I quit you.
I used to hunt for buffalo on the ole trail with William H. Blog, so I think that makes me an expert on blogs, and you all are the worst bloggers ever. And your opinions and incorrect. And your facts are the opposite of true.
Patrick
That was excellent. Reading all that goes through a pitchers mind is fascinating.
How great would it be to have a pitcher and hitter both do that on the same at bats and read what both sides were thinking.
Erica I was just joking. Sorry, I thought I made it obvious.
Next time I’ll put a little smiley face on the end.
“Congrats, Trisha – you changed the dynamic of the board. Good for you. Your need for attention is exhausting… I quit you.”
Thank you God in heaven. Now if a few more blowhards here do the same thing, life will be good.
Need for attention = backing down if your position isn’t being accepted by the posters at hand.
AWWWW
This board, in particular Trisha and others who have made it the center of their lives, is depressing and absurd.
Five Iron,
Many fans groan when they see high-level prospect’s numbers dip, but that developing of AJax’s bat as a priority runs all the way through our system now.
That’s great news for future Yankees.
Yankee fans should be really pleased that our organization went from a black hole to being incredibly conscientious about developing our young hitters in a systematic way, all through the system.
We are clearly focused on shortening up swings, making our kids more selective, and quieting them down at the plate. It might be something we all should consider when power – usually late developing any way – doesn’t surface for a while in a young bat that projects future power.
It’s pouring here. Wonder if we play tonight. Speaking of play, time for me to do some actual work.
Go Yanks!
Jeter ss
Damon lf
Tex 1b
ARod 3b
Matsui dh
Swisher rf
Cano 2b
Melky cf
Molina c
Erica, who needs a speech lol.
The board isn’t the center of my life Gary. I am more often not here than here.
And as I remember you’re the ivy leaguer who was telling us all about your front-row seats at the Stadium and the fact that you resented when we talked about how to eat french fries.
Okay then!
“How great would it be to have a pitcher and hitter both do that on the same at bats and read what both sides were thinking.”
That would be incredible. The strategy of the pitcher and catcher vs the hitter is fascinating.
I wonder where it is written that a player is automatically a good full time DH?
I’m uncertain that just anyone can take on that role and achieve real success.
Seems there needs to be a true acceptance of the role to DH really adequately. I don’t believe relatively good pinch stats translate exactly to DH.
Personally I think it difficult to accept just not getting the job done as a starter.Seems to be a very distinct separation that goes on in a players mind. DHing for a game or two not so much easily acceptable. Full time is different so it seems.
Matsuis heritage seems better suited for the whatever it takes to contribute attitude than Jorges, Who knows though Jorge could adapt really well, but I don’t actually see that. Personally I believe we should hold on to sui for another year atleast. Drain his knees when necessary and let him thrive. Im not sure this is the very best time to move him out. Im not sure that jorge is quite ready to embrace the role.
let me just say continental airlines STINKS! I have to go pick someone up from the airport. Originally they were going to take the train, but now because the flight is delayed over 2 hours, they called and asked if I could pick them up.
benfica356
August 28th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Erica, who needs a speech lol.
*****
I never waste a good opportunity to make a speech
jennifer
August 28th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
let me just say continental airlines STINKS! I have to go pick someone up from the airport. Originally they were going to take the train, but now because the flight is delayed over 2 hours, they called and asked if I could pick them up.
****
In the defense of airlines, it is gross outside today and raining hard
Most people are happy to have their opinions heard.
Others are only happy when their opinions are agreed with.
Jason Varitek, even now, with a fork stikcing out of his bak, is a far superior hitter to either Jose Molina or Francisco Cervelli.
In 2004, Varitek had a .872 OPS, making him one of the best hitting catchers in baseball that year.
In 2007, he had a .787 OPS. Still way above average.
Don’t compare Molina with Varitek.
Molina is a terrible hitter. There is no debate there. He finished last year with a .576 OPS, which is dreadful.
Whatever pitching “magic” he supposedly folks believe he brings behind the plate, he should never be a full-time player, or even close to it.
Not having Posada was one of the major reasons the team didn’t make the playoffs.
Posada is still an elite hitting catcher, a borderline Hall of Fame player.
Sticking Molina in the lineup for any length of time to replace Posada would go a long way toward sinking the team.
He’s a fine backup, he’s better at throwing out baserunners, and that’s about it.
Molina has our one grand slam this season.
Molina > *
Patrick that was awesome.
the yankees also won a game that mitre started but no manager alive would start him over sabathia ever.
it is pretty simple.
we are a better team with posada catching & if people cant see that they at the very minimum are in a very small minority.
people can try to argue against it til the end of time but this is a fact not an opinion.
if you took the approach with starting molina over posada with every position on the field what will happen??
ill tell you.
you are sitting a far superior player at every single position on the field.
not too bright
there is not enough evidence that any of our pitchers pitch better with molina catching
it is called reasonable doubt
there is plenty of evidence that posada is much better offensively
Here I am with my lineup. Thanks again.
jetes ss
damon lf
texy 1b
alex dh
swishy rf
robbie 2b
melky cf
hairston 3b
molina c
Author Erin Arvedlund told Ben Klayman of Reuters Mets owners will sell due to Madoff losses:
http://www.reuters.com/article.....KY20090828
Erica- true. The odd thing Continentals website doesn’t s how it as delayed. But flightaware does.
It is just very frustrating any time i’ve flown continental it has been delayed. Last year coming back from Toronto, with all the beat writers, (pete included) our flight was delayed over 2 hours, they claimed there were storms, meanwhile we looked on the radar and saw none.
rconn, probably true about Varitek v. Molina and Cervelli.
I don’t think anyone was doing a comparison between Varitek, and Molina and Cervelli. If so, I missed it.
Well most of us agree with you rconn23, but trisha sees through those things to the true heart of the matter. She can’t really explain it – true mysteries can never be explained in words – you need the gift of insight.
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Tex DH
Arod 3B
Swisher 1B
Cano 2B
Jerry Jr RF
Cabrera CF
Molina C
This will be missed, Erica.
Different Gary. Weirdo.
“Different Gary. Weirdo.”
Namecalling. Very mature. I don’t intend to return the favor. It’s not my thing.
I love when eager people put their feet in their mouth Wave.
“I love when eager people put their feet in their mouth Wave.”
Help me, I’m completely confused by that response.
jeter 6
damon 7
tex 3
alex 5
matsui x
posada 2
cano 4
hairston 9
cabrera 8
Trisha: Quentin Tarantino also has a foot fetish, what do you think of that in the context of his movies?
We’re supposed to be getting some of the hurricane vestiges tomorrow so I would think they would be hitting NY earlier. Right now it looks a little gray but not terribly foreboding. I would think that the Sux get their game in tonight but it could be more questionable over the weekend.
Anyone in the beantown area who can add more about the current status of the weather?
tophitter August 28th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Author Erin Arvedlund told Ben Klayman of Reuters Mets owners will sell due to Madoff losses:
http://www.reuters.com/article…..KY20090828
======================================
Maybe we should start taking up a collection.
The new owners of the NY Mets: The people who post on the Lohud Yankee Blog
“Trisha: Quentin Tarantino also has a foot fetish, what do you think of that in the context of his movies?”
Dunno because I’m not a huge Tarantino fan. I guess if you watched the movies you could look to see whether there are things in it that could point back to that.
Was that a trick question?
the rs are doing now what every manager does.
sitting a player (varitek) much more when there is a better offensive option & all this when varitek is supposed to be great with his pitchers & vmart not so good at all defensively.
this tells you all you need to know.
Hopefully they’ll play tonight.
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Tex 1B
ARod 3B
Matsui DH
Swisher RF
Cano 2B
Melky CF
Molina C
El Capitano ss
c
Damon lf
Tex 1b
Alex 3b
Matsui dh
Swisher rf
Cano 2b
Melky cf
The Backup
bru, you definitely want to do that if you are 6 games out of first at the end of August. You might not need to do it as much if you are ahead of the pack with an offense that is clicking up a storm – to use a hypothetical.
Was that a trick question?
–
No, its just you love to see eager people put feet in their mouths, soooo
“It’s always good to know what has happened in someone’s life 100 years ago.”
trisha-
gee sorry i actually did something with my time instead of just sitting on my butt at a keyboard spouting off opinions about stuff i watch on tv.
there’s a world out there . why don’t you go outdoors and actually do something.
“No, its just you love to see eager people put feet in their mouths, soooo”
I think I am going to buy a share of the Mets when I win the lottery tonight
I want to be like the owner in Major League
SS Jeter
LF Damon
1B Tex
3B A-Rod
DH Matsui
RF Swisher
2B Cano
CF Melky
C Molina
SS Jeter
LF Damon
1B Teixera
3B Rodriguez
DH Matsui
RF Swisher
2B Cano
CF Melky
C Molina
Here’s who is in today’s thrilling round of “Guess the Line Up” so far-
Benfica 356, NYYROC, Blackaccord, NYY626
Keith
Eric
SA
William Buckner
Henner
Come on folks!!!!! 22 minutes left!!!!
“It’s always good to know what has happened in someone’s life 100 years ago.”
Did Willard Scott wish you a happy birthday when you turned 100?
“gee sorry i actually did something with my time instead of just sitting on my butt at a keyboard spouting off opinions about stuff i watch on tv.
there’s a world out there . why don’t you go outdoors and actually do something.”
Until I quit my job I was a civil rights attorney very dedicated to my work and not making a ton of money since I chose to work for the goverment over private practice. I also volunteer at my church’s food bank and provide free legal services to my church. My next venture will be pro bono law.
I feel I’ve done a lot, despite not owning my own store.
White Sox are a .500 team
If I win the lottery I’m not going to buy the Mets. I want to own a major league team!
I’m going to win the lottery tonight, buy the Mets
and move them to Delaware.
I feel bad for the Mets.
And how about Bernie Madoff and the latest on him and his mistress? Boy people worship money and anyone who has it so this guy was on top of the world – until he wasn’t.
Yikes.
Jon Locke (LOST the FINAL season 1-??-2010)
August 28th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
I’m going to win the lottery tonight, buy the Mets
and move them to Delaware.
****
Why Delaware???
All right, Erica, I’m in –
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Alex DH
Posada C
Swisher RF
Cano 2B
Hairston 3B
Cabrera CF
Jeter ss
Damon lf
Tex 1b
ARod 3b
Matsui dh
Swisher rf
Melky cf
Jr 2b
Molina c
Thanks, Erica.
trisha – OPPC lifetime member and true believer in Ortiz karma.
———————————————————–
managers will always go with offense unless an injury or rest is needed or a complete inability to catch a pitcher like wakefield.
it just doesnt happen
ask every mangager who they play as much as possible & 9 or 10 out of 10 will play posada
i would love to have you playing in my fantasy league.
at least i wont finish last
Hi Erica:
I wouldn’t bother buying tickets for Mega Millions. Crossed the river and bought the winner yesterday. Nice to dream isn’t it?
Cheers,
Keith
BTW thanks for running the line up game!
Trisha your answers are truly confusing me.
Let me get this straight. Isn’t it your position that Molina should have more playing time than Posada? And didn’t you bring up Varitek as an argument that a catcher didn’t have to be a good hitter (leaving aside the fact that Varitek has been an excellent hitting catcher for almost all of his career)?
Erica,
Here is my entry:
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez DH
Swisher RF
Cano 2B
Hairston 3B
Cabrera CF
Molina C
Erica- To get them far away from NY. I was going to pick Oklahoma City, but that is a little unreasonable. I would at least like to keep them on the East Coast, so all the happy Mets fans can still see the team once or twice a year.
The only question would be, what could I do with Citi Field?
I’d love to invite the Oakland As to NY and the National League. Make them the Flushing As. Then we could have 15/15 split in the AL/NL.
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez DH
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Hariston 3B
Cabrera CF
Molina C
I played Yankee uni numbers for Mega Millions tonight.
Now we’ll see just how clutch these guys can be.
Keith-
Hahaha. Best of luck to you!! If you do win, please remember the girl who did the GTLU game who really wants her bathroom redone
sunny615 from the post on top, it’s not about the ego but the money. It’s always about the money.
SS jeter
LF damon
1B tex
DH AROD
RF Swish
2B Cano
3B Hariston
CF Melk
C Molina
I’ve been meaning to ask–who ARE the Founding Fathers of this blog? It seems I’ll need to be careful.
Erica,
Here’s my first attempt at GTLU – on your last GTLU!
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixera 1B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Swisher RF
Cano 2B
Hairston 3B
Cabrera CF
I’ve had fun watching – figured I’d play along for a change.:) Thanks!
Last call for “Guess the Line Up”. No submissions after 3:30
“I feel I’ve done a lot, despite not owning my own store.”
trisha-
i’m talking about doing vs watching .
i would be surprised if i have watched more baseball than i’ve played in my life.
the reason i find you so annoying is that you spout non stop nonsense about something you’ve never done and trivialize other people’s actual experience.
and you are monopolizing the blog. don’t be afraid to try to keep it under a hundred posts today .
The bottom line is, Jorge Posada is the 2nd best pitcher in MLB. The only guy that’s better is Joe Mauer. Brian McCann is close but not quite Posada. Posada should play as much as he is physically able to.
If you want Cervelli or Molina to catch rather than Posada you are crazy.
hey all – I heard there might be a window to get the game in (though I”m not a weather person so I have no way of knowing for sure
)
just got back from part 2 of 3 on the root canal. fun stuff for sure
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Tex 1B
A Rod DH
Swisher RF
Cano 2B
Hairston 3B
Cabrera CF
Molina C
Duh obviously I meant Posada is the 2nd best CATCHER. Brain fart.
“Duh obviously I meant Posada is the 2nd best CATCHER. Brain fart.”
Now if you had been talking about Nick Green…
I wonder if A-Rod bought a Mega Millions ticket for tonight’s drawing
Jon Locke (LOST the FINAL season 1-??-2010)
August 28th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Erica- To get them far away from NY. I was going to pick Oklahoma City, but that is a little unreasonable. I would at least like to keep them on the East Coast, so all the happy Mets fans can still see the team once or twice a year.
The only question would be, what could I do with Citi Field?
I’d love to invite the Oakland As to NY and the National League. Make them the Flushing As. Then we could have 15/15 split in the AL/NL.
****
I would move them to Vegas, not Delware. In the DE area you already have Philly, Washington and Baltimore. You need fans to come to the games
Vegas wants a baseball team and there is no nearby teams to divert your attendance
First time and (perhaps)last time
SS Jeter
LF Damon
1B Texeira
3B Hairston
DH Matsui
RF Swisher
2B Cano
CF Melky
C Molina
rb-
Glad you decided to join us
Trisha vs. Randy L.
This is like a steel cage death match right now.
trisha – OPPC lifetime member and true believer in Ortiz karma.
August 28th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
bru, you definitely want to do that if you are 6 games out of first at the end of August. You might not need to do it as much if you are ahead of the pack with an offense that is clicking up a storm – to use a hypothetical
———————————————————–
that is the most contradicting statement you can make against your debate
it is better to play a better offensive player when you need to win because you are 6 games out but because we are 6 games ahead you sit your better player?
only if he needs the rest wich he does but the debate was never about that
you alwys play your better players.ask torre.
we havnt locked anything up yet & if the rs ever got close i bet girardi & every other manager plays posada every day
No Wave – I have said that I think Molina should get more playing time, not than he should have more playing time than Posada.
And I didn’t bring up any argument to prove that a catcher did not have to be a good hitter (mentioning Varitek). I mentioned to Rose that not all catchers are good hitters and I mentioned Varitek as a case in point. That is why I said some statements stand for themselves. It wasn’t to prove anything, it was a simple statement.
********************************************
“managers will always go with offense unless an injury or rest is needed or a complete inability to catch a pitcher like wakefield.”
Molina was Mussina’s catcher last year because Mussina preferred to have Molina catch his games. In the rare instances that pitchers and catchers just cannot get on the same page, personal catchers have been assigned and it obviously has nothing to do with the best offense. Maddox refused to have Javy Lopez catch his games, and that stuck as long as he was there.
“I got to catch him for essentially two years — not consecutive — but over two years, I got to catch every start of his,” said Bako, who played in Atlanta in 2000 and 2001. “And yeah, it was a blast. It was special.”
Instead of having Javy Lopez’s bat in the lineup while he was pitching, Maddux felt more comfortable throwing to a catcher who had spent the previous four days with him analyzing the strengths, weaknesses and tendencies of an opponent.
“He wanted his catcher to be on the same page,” Perez said. “To do that you had to be with him in the dugout with him, watching the hitters, watching the other guys throw and all of that stuff. He’d always want to know what I was thinking in certain situations.”
Thank you.
I don’t always have it wrong.
Jeter SS – the kid from Kalamazoo
Damon LF – the ice man cometh
Teixeira 1B – Danger Will Robinson Danger
Rodriguez DH – Kiss Me Kate
Swisher RF – Clowns have feelings too
Cano 2B – Do the hustle is so Donna Summers
Hairston 3B – Don’t call me Scott
Cabrera CF – I work for peanuts
Molina – C – I love Jorge more than u do
No more submissions
Thanks Erica. But of course, now I’m thinking I should have DH’d A-Rod…
trisha & randy l,
Truce! Please!
And if there’s one thing we can all agree on, is that you don’t have experience as a ballplayer to have an opinion on a baseball blog.
Stop bickering like children!
woohooo I beat the deadline !!!
“the reason i find you so annoying is that you spout non stop nonsense about something you’ve never done and trivialize other people’s actual experience. ”
Once again, god2, because you consider it nonsense doesn’t necessarily make it so. The fact that the entire baseball world off this blog agree with my position tells me your parade isn’t as large as you would think.
And now I am done with you because I don’t need to deal with someone who plays the role of spiteful child. As I said, I’m away from this forum more than I’m on it.
See you now.
m
August 28th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
trisha & randy l,
Truce! Please!
And if there’s one thing we can all agree on, is that you don’t have experience as a ballplayer to have an opinion on a baseball blog.
Stop bickering like children!
Call in that guy who brokered the peace between Nick and Trisha. I can’t remember who it was, but he was good.
okay, that would have more impact if I actually typed it like I thought it.
If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that you don’t need to have experience as a professional ballplayer to have an opinion on a baseball blog.
Let’s all act professional, shall we?
new post
DT – OPPC member
August 28th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Jeter SS – the kid from Kalamazoo
Damon LF – the ice man cometh *
Teixeira 1B – Danger Will Robinson Danger *
Rodriguez DH – Kiss Me Kate
Swisher RF – Clowns have feelings too
Cano 2B – Do the hustle is so Donna Summers
Hairston 3B – Don’t call me Scott
Cabrera CF – I work for peanuts *
Molina – C – I love Jorge more than u do
DT I like – but please explain the ones with asterisks.
“The fact that the entire baseball world off this blog agree with my position tells me your parade isn’t as large as you would think”
Entire? Seriously?
By no means expert advice, but I think someone wanted this, the final scores of last seasons postseason games
3-1
5-2
4-1
6-2
7-2
10-3
3-1
4-1
7-5
5-4
3-2
6-4
6-2
5-3
6-2
3-2
8-5
7-2
7-5
5-1
2-0
9-8
9-1
13-4
7-8
4-2
3-1
3-2
4-2
5-4
10-2
4-3
Mean Win Scr:5.677419355 Lose Scr:2.6875 Margin:3.0625
Conclusion: Playoff games are just as high scoring as regular season games. Winning is important.
Mel, I’m done with Randy. He can ramble on if he so chooses.
And I will continue to state my opinion here as that is what a blog is for. It isn’t necessary that others agree with it. Some do some don’t. That’s life. I don’t agree with all opinions here but I respect peoples’ rights to have them and voice them even if I don’t agree with them. I don’t remember the last time I called someone’s idea stupid, silly, spouting nonsense, or any of the like. But I will respectfully disagree and will respond to anyone who respectfully disagrees with me.
“Entire? Seriously?”
Okay, not entire. Large majority.
What I don’t get is all the piling on in defense (pun only partially intended) of Posada. He doesn’t need to be defended, because he is a winner and a borderline HOF-er, as someone noted.He also needs to catch most days.
Cannot there also be an argument that SOME pitchers work better with Molina or other catcher X? In that case, if said pitcher blows up when pitching to Posada, would it not be better to have the back-up in the line-up, even if it means a weak bat? Better than a pitcher melt down.
Okay, fire your shots, boys.
“DT I like – but please explain the ones with asterisks.”
Uncle E –
I’m trying to be esoteric… lol
But since you asked nicely -
Damon is the ice skater in LF. (the way he glides precariously for each incoming missle)
Tex – is a robot. You need to watch some Lost in Space reruns. That’s what the robot always said.
Melky – loves his peanuts and porn stars. Watch the hotel video.
“Maddux felt more comfortable throwing to a catcher who had spent the previous four days with him analyzing the strengths, weaknesses and tendencies of an opponent.”
the fallacy of your argument s that mussina and maddox were and are incredibly bright guys.
their approach was so complex i could see them having a personal catcher who would spend the time to understand the complexity of their approach.
you really think aj burnett spends the time between starts coming up with a complex plan?
he throws two pitches that he doesn’t know where they are going to go from game to game.
what would burnett and his personal catcher go over?
Cindy G
Good point
“The fact that the entire baseball world off this blog agree with my position tells me your parade isn’t as large as you would think.”
you’re delusional.
it’s good you’re going to work pro bono because i can’t imagine anyone paying to have you around.
“Cannot there also be an argument that SOME pitchers work better with Molina or other catcher X?”
If you just do a little googling, you can find several in-depth studies of that very issue. Surprisingly, the answer seems to be if it is the case, it can’t be detected in the statistics.
So I tend to believe that it isn’t the case.
No, I don’t think that Burnett is bright and complex. But IF for any reason whatsoever he and Posada can’t get on the same page and IF for any reason whatsoever he and Molina click better and that combination wins games I would see no reason to match them up.
I don’t think the reason why a particular combination works better should be the question. On the other hand, if you can resolve the issue between a catcher and a pitcher that is the best way to go.
“So I tend to believe that it isn’t the case.”
What about Molina and Mussina, and what about Maddux and anyone but Javy Lopez? Mussina won his first 20 game season with Molina as his personal ctcher.
“you’re delusional.
it’s good you’re going to work pro bono because i can’t imagine anyone paying to have you around.”
I guess when all else fails in your life, resort to insults.
Good job.
Although this has entertainment merit, I’m still amazed that this issue is still on the board…..Jorge Posoda is a borderline Hall of Fame catcher….And if he could stay healthy for the duration of his contract andput up a few more Jorge like numbers he’ll find his way to Copperstown…..
“But IF for any reason whatsoever he and Posada can’t get on the same page”
Why should anyone assume this premise is true? The number surely don’t support it.
“Just pointing out that there are teams whose catchers don’t hit well. I would bet that is the majority.”
You are correct, most catchers don’t hit well. That’s why Posada catches unless he needs a day off. Good hitting catchers are hard to find. When you have one, you catch him as much as possible.
“Mussina won his first 20 game season with Molina as his personal ctcher.”
Last year wasn’t one of the 5 best seasons Mussina had in his career. Wasn’t even his best as a Yankee. He doesn’t get a sniff of 20 if the bullpen isn’t getting 9-10 outs per outing for him. Secondly, wins is not an entirely pitcher-drvien stat. Lot of variables, many of which went Mussina’s way last year and hadn’t in year’s past.