Live video chat on Thursday at 4 p.m.
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Sep 23, 2009 
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Our next live video chat will be Thursday at 4 p.m. I will be joined by Sam Borden from the newsroom of The Journal News to discuss the upcoming Red Sox series and whatever else you would like to talk about.
Go to www.LoHud.com/protalklive to participate and ask questions.
A few other matters to make you aware of:
• My last day covering the Yankees will be Sept. 29. Sam Borden will take over the blog at that point and coverage of the team through the end of the season. Sam is an award-winning columnist and the former Yankees beat writer at The Daily News. You will be in good hands.
• The Journal News is aggressively moving to hire a new beat writer and make the transition a smooth one. I have every faith that they will hire a great person. This blog will not be going anywhere.
• If you have any questions, concerns or comments, feel free to drop me an e-mail.
No post-season coverage from Pete? That’s a real shame…..
where do i send my resume and to whose attention? thanks
Doreen
September 23rd, 2009 at 8:56 am
MG -
I appreciate your frustration – even totally empathize with it – but once was really enough! I was following the game via game thread last night; at times it was unbearable.
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Doreen, good point. All of these juvenile ‘experts’ know less about baseball than a gnat, they just want to complain and vent about everything that doesn’t go exactly the way they want. I wonder how any of them can possibly cope with life’s up and downs. Can you imagine what they would do if they had a real job?
Good luck to you Pete and thanks for the great blog! Isn’t it going to seem weird though. Covering, maybe even rooting for the NYY all through this season; you get excited about GGBG, Huuuuuuugggghhheeess, etc. and then just as the playoffs start you “change horses in mid-stream” so to speak. You then have to “root” and get excited about players your former team has been trying to beat, and blog readers hate. Anyway, thanks again for all the info, stories, humor and opinions!
Abdababdaserser September 23rd, 2009 at 9:01 am
GF, yes the Yankees didn’t do Wang a great service in his rehab, but hind sight always helps with that. Wang wasn’t ready, but there were times when he looked like he was very close. His bullpen sessions were said to be going well, but in games it would fall apart.
—————-
It’s not hindsight at all. Several of us said the day he was activated that it was a predictably bad bad idea.
They clearly didn’t think he was ready yet and wanted him to make at least a couple more minor league starts for Scranton.
But, again, that plan changed when Joba was hit by that liner.
upstate kate
September 23rd, 2009 at 8:40 am
MG…part of the reason I don’t check this blog at night, too many people live and die w/ each pitch.
lets hope we get the good AJ today.
——————————————-
kate, he’s been good 2 out of the last 3 starts, I’m guessing he’ll be pretty good today. It’s a 12:30 start and going to be hot in Anaheim (90+ at game time), both teams are probably tired so I’d expect a low scoring game-it’s also getaway day, sometimes they just want to get these games over as quickly as possible.
Scoscia said something interesting last night about pushing for HFA-’why put the gas to the floor when you might run out when you get there’ or something like that. The Angels, Yankees, and Sox all know they are in the playoffs, none of them is going to play every game like it is the playoffs from now through the end of the season. I would expect all 3 teams to be at or near .500 for the rest of the year and for the standings to remain pretty much as is.
what was encouraging about AJ’s last start (besides how well he pitched) was that when he got in trouble he didn’t go into melt down mode. AJ often seems to have that one bad inning that unravels him.
As Alex said later, “Today was a good team win. A lot of good things happened. We gave up the lead, Gardner gets on base, steals second on a 1-1 pitch, a pitchout, then Johnny Damon wins the game with his bunt. That was huge.
Johnny Damon never gets enough credit!!!
MG-
That post was like a “Worst of LoHud”. LOL
For the record, I never lost faith!
I think a number of us will be compelled to follow your Red Sox blogging…maybe put a human face on The Enemy!
Is it true that if the Yankees win this afternoon they finish the season series 5-5 with the unbeatable, gritty, fundamental, in-their-heads, thorn-in-their-sides Angels? Seems unfathomable.
“Verlander is at no big advantage with Game 1 at Yankee Stadium and squaring off against Sabathia.
Verlander is great. No question. But Sabathia has been better this season, especially the last three months.
It’s not like the guy is going to face off against Sergio Mitre. Sabathia is as tough to beat right now as any pitcher in the majors.”
Would you rather face Verlander in games 1 and (4 or 5) or Nick Blackburn?
Maybe you can say that Verlander is as good as Sabathia so the Tigers have no advantage but it takes away a Yankee advantage. You have to think that the Yankees have a good shot at winning any game Sabathia starts. Put Verlander against him and that advantage is gone. That’s why I’d rather the Yankees face the Twins.
Yankee Lineup >>> Tiger Lineup, there is still an advantage.
Is it true that if they win this afternoon, the Yankees could finish the season series tied 5-5 with the gritty, fundamentally perfect, in-their-heads, play-the-game-the-right-way, pesky Anaheim Angels? Seems unfathomable.
that was a great bunt by Johnny. I am sure w/ 2 strikes, the angels never expected it.
Erica – always OPPC
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:19 am
MG-
That post was like a “Worst of LoHud”. LOL
For the record, I never lost faith!
——————————————
Erica, neither of us do, this team has earned that faith, something the bridge jumnpers will never understand.
Coach are you trying to tell me that you don’t care whether you face Verlander or Blackburn for 2 games of the divisional series?
It doesn’t matter who the Yankees have pitching or who is in our lineup. I’m simply looking at the pitching for the opposing team. Especially in a short series, one GREAT starter can make a gigantic difference.
Pov September 23rd, 2009 at 9:26 am
Lots to gain from a win today, so I think it’s a big game:
Beating Kazmir who has owned the Yanks on his new team in their ballpark
Taking 2-3 in LA and 3 out of the last four from LA
A second consecutive good outing from AJ
Winning a series and setting maybe some good momentum for the upcoming Boston series.
Reducing the magic number again so pitching lineups for the playoffs can be set earlier
MG
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:24 am
——————————————
Erica, neither of us do, this team has earned that faith, something the bridge jumnpers will never understand.
*****
That’s why I like you!
this concern about Verlander and the Tigers astounds me. Even assuming Verlander and CC are about even, the Yankees lineup is so much better than the Tigers it’s a huge advantage. Plus, even if the series went 5 games, #5 would be either AJ or Andy vs. Jackson, who has been awful recently-at that would be at Yankee Stadium as well.
The Twins don’t worry me either but they are playing much better baseball than the Tigers so could actually be tougher in the playoffs. But, either way, the Yankees win the ALDS either 3-0 or 3-1 against either team.
upstate kate
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:24 am
that was a great bunt by Johnny. I am sure w/ 2 strikes, the angels never expected it.
***
No, definitely not. And it was a beauty. To think- people said he couldn’t bunt.
MG September 23rd, 2009 at 9:24 am
Erica – always OPPC
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:19 am
MG-
That post was like a “Worst of LoHud”. LOL
For the record, I never lost faith!
——————————————
Erica, neither of us do, this team has earned that faith, something the bridge jumnpers will never understand.
To me the bridge jumpers comments are getting old. It’s just other people voicing opinions like everyone does on this page. No one is right all the time, just let them have their say who really cares.
MG you are looking at it all wrong. Simply ask yourself, would you rather face Justin Verlander in 2 games out of a 5 game series or Nick Blackburn? Anyone that would rather face Verlander or doesn’t care either way is an idiot. That’s all I’m saying.
Erica – in case you were curious I went with the Venti skinny vanilla latte today instead of the grande. I think I’m about ready for another one..
Anyway, I’m exhausted but glad I stayed up. That was an “interesting” game to say the least.
pov, it’s not comments, it’s complaints, accusations, and name calling. As a reasonably intelligent baseball fan who roots for the Yankees it is unacceptable to hear other alleged ‘fans’ scream that the players suck, have no guts, quit, fall down, or are afraid of the Angels or any other team. They have no right to call themselves fans with the lack of loyalty and trust that this year’s team has EARNED.
Man – I fell asleep when Ace got the last out in the 5th (too many late nights and an early meeting this morning) – glad I did…either way I would have had trouble sleeping last night!
It will be interesting to see how the successor thing works out. The strengths of this blog have really been reportorial — lots and lots of info handed out rapid-fire — and this has been the place to come to find out what’s happening with the team, sometimes on an almost hourly basis. I go elsewhere for analysis.
It seems obvious to me that this reportorial stream can only be maintained by someone who has the constant access of a beat writer who is always around the team, plus the passion (or ambition) to keep that flow pouring into the site all the time and devil take the rest of life. A columnist needs more analytical skills than a reporter, less terrier-like pursuit of data to feed the machine.
Sam is a columnist and the analytical aspects of the blog may improve while he’s in charge, but he’ll have his work cut out for him to compete with the frontrunner in that field (River Avenue Blues). Mark Feinsand (beat writer at the Daily News) is already trying to position himself as the go-to blogger for ‘the facts, ma’am’, increasing the number of updates and the informational content of his blog now that the king of the NYY info stream is about out of here — looks like he’s positioning himself to give the new LoHud beat writer a run for the soon-to-be-vacant throne.
What niche will the new beat writer claim? Lots of commenters on this blog seem to be longing most of all for a cheerleader (something Pete never claimed to be) and that might be a viable corner of the readership market for the new person to compete in.
Interesting times ahead.
I’d always prefer the path of least resistance, Patrick. However, as it stands right now, the Tigers are in first place. Also, don’t rule out that Verlander may not be the Tigers game 1 starter-they may not get to ‘set’ their rotation for the playoffs-depending on when they clinch.
Great great game last night. Hughes really showed me something last night. He could have caved in against the Angels, but he went right after them. If it not easy to get a fastball by Vladdy, and Hughes did so for strike three in a big situation in the game.
Last night’s game was sort of like a pop quiz for the postseason, and the Yankees aced it. Blowing a five run lead was not good, but the Yankees withstood the challenge. Gaudin was very good until the wheels came off in the 5th. Hughes was tremendous. The strike’m out throw’em out DP in the 8th was fantastic.
A win today would be a bonus. As with Andy’s recent start, AJ’s start is more important than the outcome of the game today. If AJ can put together a strong outing, things are suddenly looking a lot better for the postseason.
Watching the game on Extra Innings, I had to suffer through the Angels broadcast. At one point late in the game, the camera flashed to a woman holding her rally monkey. How pathetic.
If I had to make a choice today between Gaudin and Joba for the postseason roster, I would have to go with Gaudin. He throws all of his pitches for strkes and he works quickly. Gaudin isn’t great, but he is better than Joba right now.
Patrick, don’t call me an idiot. I’ve forgotten more baseball than you will ever know.
What I’m saying is that it doesn’t matter, the Yankees are a much better team than the Tigers or the Twins but if the Twins win the division it might make them tougher in the playoffs than a team like the Tigers that fell apart in the past couple of weeks. Pitching staffs, in case you haven’t figured it out, are more than one pitcher. The Tigers bullpen is weak and Verlander has been inconsistent since early August, if you took 2 minutes and checked his stats and game logs since then maybe you would learn something.
NYY626
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:32 am
Erica – in case you were curious I went with the Venti skinny vanilla latte today instead of the grande. I think I’m about ready for another one..
Anyway, I’m exhausted but glad I stayed up. That was an “interesting” game to say the least.
****
Personally, I feel like I aged about a year during that game. And its not even the playoffs yet.
My coffee count so far is at one twenty ounce. But its not Starbucks strong. I work on Long Island so I have to actually get in my car to have starbucks
MG September 23rd, 2009 at 9:34 am
pov, it’s not comments, it’s complaints, accusations, and name calling. As a reasonably intelligent baseball fan who roots for the Yankees it is unacceptable to hear other alleged ‘fans’ scream that the players suck, have no guts, quit, fall down, or are afraid of the Angels or any other team. They have no right to call themselves fans with the lack of loyalty and trust that this year’s team has EARNED.
MG I’ll just say they have as much right as anyone else to say what is on their mind. I’ve been attacked also and I’ve coached watched and followed baseball for decades, yet I get called stupid moron ect on a few occasions and knowing nothing about baseball. It seems like for many no negative comments are acceptable and some who I won’t name it’s my way or high way I’m right and your wrong regardless of the diccussion and your lesser of a person for making the comments you did. Just my opinion, I’ve chosen to stgop the toit for tat stuff it’s a lose lose with some.
My eyes don’t wanna stay open.
What time is the game? Yes network?
The Verlander talk would be irrevelant if the Twins played close to decent against the Yankees. Those losses aginst NYY will loom large if they lose the division by a few games.
Game starts 3:35 I think on YES and MLBN
SA thanks
“and then just as the playoffs start you “change horses in mid-stream” so to speak”
never change horses in mid-stream.
anyone know which movie this is from ?
Joey’s Poodle -
So true. Because the blog is associated with a newspaper, I wouldn’t expect the “leader of the blog” to be a cheerleader. In fact, I much prefer he/she not be. (Oh, who are we kidding – “he” not be.) There are plenty of other blogs that provide that aspect of the fan experience.
What Pete really brings to the table here is a real hands-on management of the blog. The constant updates, not just with information, but with other eclectic entries, keep the conversation moving and above all refresh the conversation, which does tend to get stale on the rare occasions that Pete is otherwise occupied and can’t update.
He will be a difficult act to follow. I enjoyed when Sam subbed for Pete, and enjoy his writing. Seems like he’ll be the pinch-hitter though, and not the permanent replacement. Whoever that is, I hope he realizes what makes this blog breathe.
The thing I like most is precisely that the threads are not just disjointed, singular entries, but (at least most of the time) a real discourse among the both the regulars and the drop-bys. (Even the trolls lend some comic relief when they’re not totally aggravating –
)
wait Pete… does this mean Sam is NOT going to be the beat writer next year, only finishing off this year???
Why isn’t Sam taking over? We like Sam.
__________________________________________
For me, it’s bridge jumpers aren’t “unacceptable” because the team has “earned our faith.” My problem is not with loyalty or trust. It’s just not intelligent baseball talk, and it doesn’t move the conversation forward in any meaningful and significant way.
MG I didn’t call you an idiot, relax. I like how that if I disagree with you that means I know nothing about baseball. Great job there buddy.
You are criticizing my knowledge but everything you are talking about in your post I’ve already addressed. I’m sick of you old folks on here strutting around like you know everything. You don’t. Show a little modesty, you aren’t an expert. There are 4 people on this blog I consider experts in some area of baseball – SJ44, randy, Pat M and CB. Prove that you’re an expert and I’ll respect you. You haven’t done that, you are just spouting crap and insulting others. Anyone that thinks Nick Blackburn is better than Justin Verlander is an idiot. Plain and simple.
My point is simple. In a short series, one ace can make a huge difference. More so than in the regular season and more so than in a 7 game series. Justin Verlander is one of the top 5 starting pitchers this year. The Twins don’t have anyone like that.
Verlander had a dip in August but so far in September he’s been okay. And as a baseball expert you should know that trends in the regular season rarely continue in the postseason.
I don’t care if the Tigers have looked bad in the last few weeks and I don’t care if the Twins are on a little streak right now. Look at the best players on both teams. The Tigers have by far the best starting pitcher and in a 5 game series that’s what counts the most.
You can talk about lineups, bullpen, back of the rotation starters, bench players, I don’t care. The fact of the matter is, in a 5 game series your #1 and #2 pitchers are the key to winning. That’s why I’d rather face the twins, they don’t have a guy like Verlander.
Sam has made it clear that he likes to sepnd time with his wife. Life on the road as a beat writer is awfully tough on journalists. Sam made a choice to become a columnist where travel is much more limited.
Billy September 23rd, 2009 at 9:45 am
The Verlander talk would be irrevelant if the Twins played close to decent against the Yankees. Those losses aginst NYY will loom large if they lose the division by a few games.
I still have nightmares about the last short series with the Tigers in 2006 which we should have won but somehow didn’t. Jumped out to a 1-0 lead then we lose the second game 4-2 and then the Verlander SO 6-0 in game three before we lost in 4 to them 8-3.
Great win for the yankees last night. I’m glad that they didnt pop the bubbly either. They have bigger fish to fry.
I fell asleep after the 7th inning and was dreading turning on sportscenter this morning but to my surpirse, the yankees win!
AJ has to go out build off of his last start. 8 shut-out innings would be nice.
Just watched the replay of Alex’s homer and that was absolutely crushed!
Would you rather face Verlander in games 1 and (4 or 5) or Nick Blackburn?
Maybe you can say that Verlander is as good as Sabathia so the Tigers have no advantage but it takes away a Yankee advantage. You have to think that the Yankees have a good shot at winning any game Sabathia starts. Put Verlander against him and that advantage is gone. That’s why I’d rather the Yankees face the Twins.
—————
I’d rather see the Yanks face the Twins as well. But you made the point that the Tigers would have the advantage with Verlander on the mound pitching Games 1 and 4 or 5.
I say he wouldn’t because at least one of those games would be at the Stadium against Sabathia.
And the Yankee bullpen is better than the Tigers. The Yankee lineup is better as well. Not to mention the Yanks are tough to beat at home and Verlander’s splits are significant away from Comerica.
If anything, Sabathia and the Yanks would be favored in those games.
Joey’s Poodle
the format ,text,etc of this blog & the fact that it is a 24/7 im session involving a group of people who have added their ingredients over time to make it special is better than the others because the posts keep coming.
as long as the new blog moderator,writer covers the team,has inside access to the team & is willing to share the intimate results,details,updates it enough & interacts with us like pete did this blog will stay strong.
Ahh, that Tiger series. “Murderers Row and then Cano.” Sigh.
I seem to recall the Tigers getting miffed because of a rain delay thing?
Let’s hope there are no subtexts going on this time around to jumpstart anyone.
I remember watching the replay of the post-game interviews after the first game of the Tiger series, where Jeter was the star and it all looked good. I was so smug at the time, and I couldn’t get enough of it. Who knew it would be so short-lived?
I’m confident in our Yankees, but I take nothing for granted.
“MG I didn’t call you an idiot, relax. I like how that if I disagree with you that means I know nothing about baseball. Great job there buddy”
Patrick: I have noticed you talk to people, the same way on this board. Relax, homie.
vinny,
When I say something like “Anyone that would rather face Verlander or doesn’t care either way is an idiot.” I’m not inferring that MG is an idiot because I don’t think he actually believes that Verlander is worse than Blackburn.
I apologize if I offended anyone but I stand by my words about the Tigers/Twins.
I just looked at the games left
Minn: WSox (1), KC (6), Det (3)
Det: WSox (6), Clev(2), Min (3)
Assuming no one sweeps the series between them it becomes the battle of the spoilers KC and WSox
I didn’t look up any records so I’m not sure right now who has the edge, but Det does have the couple games in hand right now.
http://www.flipflopflyin.com/f.....ecord.html
http://www.flipflopflyin.com/f.....fdays.html
So apparently it is not good to end the season with the best recordin baseball, but it is good to have more days off than your opponent….
so my comment is “awaiting moderation”, but check out this link to see how you end the season impacts your post season:
http://www.flipflopflyin.com/f.....ecord.html
Yanks win today, and all those miserable memories of year past at Disneyland Stadium, will be that , in the past….One thing I noticed and overheard from Halo fans last night, the magical spell the Angels had over the Yankees maybe over and these fans are shaken up……I’ll be there for today’s series winning afternoon business man special…….
Pat M. September 23rd, 2009 at 10:06 am
Yanks win today, and all those miserable memories of year past at Disneyland Stadium, will be that , in the past….One thing I noticed and overheard from Halo fans last night, the magical spell the Angels had over the Yankees maybe over and these fans are shaken up……I’ll be there for today’s series winning afternoon business man special…….
I think beating Scott Kazmir is the big deal today, this guy has been really tough on us and to have a good outing against him to me is priority #1.
Giuseppe Franco,
I hear what you’re saying but I’m trying to simplify this discussion as much as possible. For me, the bottom line is that the top 2 starters in a 5 game series are the most important players and have the most effect on the outcome. That’s why I’m concentrating on Blackburn vs Verlander.
You can qualify Verlander’s performance all you want by looking at splits, etc, but the bottom line is he is far and away the best pitcher on either the Twins or the Tigers. You don’t even have to think about the rest of the team or the Yankees team. You know that the #1 and #2 starters on either team will start 80% of the games and basically decide the outcome.
The bottom line is, if you ask me “Would you rather see Sabathia vs Blackburn in games 1 and 4 or Sabathia vs Verlander?” I’d choose Sabathia vs Blackburn every time and I think the vast majority of fans would as well.
“Yanks win today, and all those miserable memories of year past at Disneyland Stadium, will be that , in the past….One thing I noticed and overheard from Halo fans last night, the magical spell the Angels had over the Yankees maybe over and these fans are shaken up……I’ll be there for today’s series winning afternoon business man special”
Pat M
word. And it will not be over, unless the Yankees win today and/or defeat the Angels in a playoff series this year.
POV – “I still have nightmares about the last short series with the Tigers in 2006 which we should have won but somehow didn’t. Jumped out to a 1-0 lead then we lose the second game 4-2 and then the Verlander SO 6-0 in game three before we lost in 4 to them 8-3.”
I believe Verlander pitched Game 2 that series (we had him on the ropes very early, but didn’t take full advantage), Nate Robertson was Game 1, and it was Kenny Rogers who shut us out in Game 3 (with palm load of pine tar).
Bonderman beat us in Game 4.
You can’t just look at the pitcher and say that’s the only factor to consider. Obviously Verlander is the best starter on either team. The Twins are a better defensive team with a much better bullpen, but Morneau is out.
You can argue either side, but basing it all on Verlander vs Blackburn is as sensible as basing the judgement on Mauer vs Cabrera, which is to say not at all.
That said, I would prefer to avoid an ace pitcher in the post season and would really like to pound Paguano in October.
Per Joe and Evan, the Angels have deeper starting pitching…..
Patrick
i agree with a lot of what you are saying but aces on paper mean nothing
verlander can self destruct & baker & blackburn can become aces in a series
we just dont know
it has more to to with how our team plays,pitchers pitch than anything else imo.
either we have a special team or we dont
BigSix
Yes your right, mistyped it was the miracle of Kenny Rogers how could I forget that. I think it was also the Ganderson Extra Base hit in game 2 that turned it around.
Welcome to Lohud, where Coach sees everything through pinstriped- colored glasses.
Pavano???? He’s pitching for Detroit????? Or Minny? I forget. Either way, I really don’t want any part of THAT!!
Something about Leyland though in playoffs – he seems to always have something up his sleeve.
The Kenny Rogers pitching performance was something that will always bother me. Rogers never sniffed 94 while with NY, but was hitting that number in the 7th and 8th innings.
If we was loading the ball, there’s no way Leyland was ignorant to that – hell, he may have even encouraged it.
In fact, Rogers tried it again in the WS and LaRussa caught it.
Pat M-
Did you take my advice and shower before you went to the game last night to erase the baseball stink?
How great is ARod?
He neeeds 3 HR and 11 RBI to get to 30/100 on the season. After all the steroid problems, the surgery and missing 6 weeks if he has a hot week to end the season he’ll have a final line something like .290 / 30 / 100.
Amazing.
POV –
Granderson game up big in that game – it was Carlos Guillen’s homerun off a hanging Mussina breaking ball that was the big blow.
Then Zumaya came in the blew away Giambi, Arod with a lengthening shadow in front of home plate, throwing triple digits. Players after the game said they never even saw the ball.
I remember that series like it was yesterday – it still haunts.
Jeter was 5 for 5 in Game 1.
Patrick,
My only dispute was that you first mentioned the Tigers would have the advantage against the Yanks with Verlander on the mound.
I say he wouldn’t and gave you several examples why.
There’s no dispute that Yankee fans would prefer to face the Twins and I’m sure the Yankee players are quietly rooting for them as well.
off topic: is George Michael a baseball fan. And does he pay attention when NYY plays the Angels ??
Don’t look now
There’s a monkey on your back
Don’t look now
There’s a monkey on you…
Don’t look now
There’s a monkey on your back
Don’t look now
There’s a monkey on you…
Why can’t you do it?
Why can’t you set your monkey free?
Always giving into it
Don’t be misled by our regular season record against the Twins. If memory serves, at least 3 of those games could have gone either way. We got some breaks; they didn’t. Any playoff contender will have to be taken seriously. Given the choice though, I would rather face MIN than DET. Verlander is a heck of a lot more dangerous than Blackburn.
Betsy,
I certainly don’t see everything through pinstriped colored glasses, but i certainly don’t see the doom and gloom that you see. We have the best record in baseball for a reason. We are a solid team from top to bottom. We have a better bench than most, we have a better bullpen than all, our lineup is the best, and our rotation is also one of the best. Every team has flaws, however, our team has less flaws than anyone else. They are set up nicely, have been resting players, and are on the verge of clinching the division and HF advantage. Even with our rotation struggles, we are better suited than other teams. No team is running our 4 Grienkes, or 4 Verlander, or 4 CC’s.
Is Gaudin going to make the post-season roster? The problem with him starting is that he can’t seem to get past the 4th inning…….maybe he could be useful in the pen, but who would he replace?
Rogers’ performance was the most upsetting thing from ’06. That, combined with The Big Unit following his gutless showing in 2005 with a similarly blech performance against Los Tigres.
Angels starters: Lackey, Kazmir, Weaver, Saunders and Santana
Yankees starters: Sabathia, Burnett, Pettitte, Joba, Mitre/Gaudin
How they’re pitching right now, I’d have to say:
Sabathia is better than Lackey
Kazmir is better than Burnett
Pettitte is better than Weaver
Saunders is better than Joba
Santana is better than Mitre or Gaudin
I’d say it’s very close but the edge Saunders has over Joba probably tips the favor to LA in the SP department.
Laura – Matsui in pinstripes for 2010
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:18 am
Don’t be misled by our regular season record against the Twins. If memory serves, at least 3 of those games could have gone either way. We got some breaks; they didn’t. Any playoff contender will have to be taken seriously. Given the choice though, I would rather face MIN than DET. Verlander is a heck of a lot more dangerous than Blackburn.
****
You are right there Laura. The Twins were the victims of “Walk-off Weekend”. As I recall when they left they were anxious to not only leave the Stadium, but the entire city of New York.
They have been playing great baseball to get in playoff contention. Lets hope if they are the Yanks opponents that they wore themselves out getting there
betsy
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:20 am
Is Gaudin going to make the post-season roster? The problem with him starting is that he can’t seem to get past the 4th inning…….maybe he could be useful in the pen, but who would he replace?
****
Neither can Joba. So who is the 4th starter alternative?
And this is not a problem until the ALCS
Holy crap, I just bought two tickets to ALDS game 2 right behind home plate, section 120A for $290 each. I’m a partial ticket holder and I won some lottery to buy tickets. Thank You Yankees, you made my day!
I must be missing it but where does it say Pete is leaving to cover the red sox? it only says he isn’t covering the yankees anymore.
Erica, I did….When I came home last night I read thru the game posts…..Man it’s incredible to read what is written here during the game, especially when you view from the outside……Erica, I’ll take an additonal shower before heading up to a very hot Anaheim later this morning……Wash away the demons…….Another win today and all those games lost at the Chamber of horrors ( Anaheim Stadium ) will be a distant memory…Wacking Kasmir will be icing on the cake….
“verlander can self destruct & baker & blackburn can become aces in a series
we just dont know ”
True, but the chance Verlander pitches a great game is higher than the chance Blackburn/Baker does the same.
“My only dispute was that you first mentioned the Tigers would have the advantage against the Yanks with Verlander on the mound.
I say he wouldn’t and gave you several examples why.”
Indeed I did but I was forming my argument looking solely at Verlander. If you want to say the Yankees would still have the advantage over the Tigers even if Verlander is starting well they would have an even BIGGER advantage over a pitcher like Blackburn.
“You can’t just look at the pitcher and say that’s the only factor to consider. ”
Normally I would agree but in a five game series the top two starting pitchers have an overwhelming influence on the outcome of the games. In this case, when you have such a special talent like Verlander in a short 5 game series I think it is valid to look solely at the pitching matchup and draw some conclusions from it.
Jeff NJ
Congrats! Bring a “LoHud Yankees Blog Rules!” sign so we know who you are!
Pete, thanks for everything. Any chance you and Sam can have a crossover coverage if the Sox face the Yanks in the playoffs, a little guest appearence maybe?????
Pat M.
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:24 am
Erica, I did….When I came home last night I read thru the game posts…..Man it’s incredible to read what is written here during the game, especially when you view from the outside……Erica, I’ll take an additonal shower before heading up to a very hot Anaheim later this morning……Wash away the demons…….Another win today and all those games lost at the Chamber of horrors ( Anaheim Stadium ) will be a distant memory…Wacking Kasmir will be icing on the cake….
*****
Awesome. The crazy showering susperstition lives on!!!! LOL
Coach, I guess that’s the thing – I don’t think I’m being negative, I’m being realistic. I never said this wasn’t a very good team – the Yankees have proven they are over the course of the whole year. I just have concerns…..and it seems like anyone who has concerns is laughed at, like the Yankees are so far superior to the other teams.
Saying that no teams are running out 4 Verlanders is besides the point. The Yankees have CC as a stud…but the rest of the SP is not quite solid as a rock. If Andy’s healthy, he’ll probably be fine……I love AJ, but no one knows how he’ll do in the playoffs simply because he has not pitched well in awhile, aside from last outing. I suppose I’ll be flamed for these comments, but at this point, I’m used to it, so it doesn’t bother me.
As to the offense, although they are slumping, it’s a very good offense…..but, I think they have a lot to prove in the playoffs. Except for Tex and Swish, the lineup is made up of veterans of playoffs past. Our recent playoff history stinks…..aside from horrible pitching, the offense has been anemic. That’s how I see it. Overall, I think the Yankees are the best team…..but the playoffs are a different animal.
betsy,
Maybe Gaudin would be useful as a long reliever? You say he can’t get out of the 4th but can Joba do any better? Game 4 of the ALCS (if the Yankees get there) is going to be scary.
I got the pre[presale as well. Got decent seats for the ALCS game 1. But I tried to buy seats to one of the divisional and said no more for my promo code. I thought you could get two seats for one game per round? If that wasn’t the case, glad I started with the divisional series.
Since neither Joba or Gaudin can go a full game, why not have them share Game 4. Joba can start and give us his patented 3 innings, then Gaudin can come in and give 4 or 5. Then it’s Hughes and Mo to finish. Works for me!
Enjoy your last week on the job Pete. Thanx for keeping the blog great over the last few years.
Any chance Sam Borden will be the one taking over the blog???
BigSix, it’s tough to load the ball to make it go faster.
Betsy,
Cash hinted at 10 pitchers.
I’ve got Gaudin & Joba in, Bruney out.
Cervelli and Guzman in.
In fact, after the way Gardner won the game, I’d wager good money that Guzman will be on the roster.
I doubt Girardi pulls out the stops and goes with Posada today. Day after night game and day before on off day (yay for the players!).
Lester @ Huchavar today. I said before this series, that the Royals have given the Sox fits late in the season in recent years. So hopefully, that continues for the next two days.
Phrancise, same thing happened to me. The e-mail said you could buy tickets to one game in round 1 and/or one game in round 2. After I bought Round 1 and tried to buy round 2, it said it was no longer available. Guess they covered themselves with the “and/or”. Oh well.
Betsy,
I don’t have a problem with a concern here or a concern here, but you have a concern about everything. Whether it be the Red Sox, The Angles, The Tigers, this person, that person. Instead of looking at the positive, you immediately find the negative, no matter, how big or small it is. That attitude is draining.
The playoffs are a crap shoot. But this is a different team. A completely different team. This is the best team we have had going into the playoffs since 98 or 99.
Betsy, was 6 effective innings against the 2nd best team in the AL without any real hedging about his health afterward not enough to prove that Pettitte is healthy?
Some nice highlights on espnews. “Blah, blah, blah. ESPN baseball analyst Peter Gammons on why the Yankees should be worried.”
Hey, Pete. How about worrying about your team?
Laura – brilliant suggestion. It wouldn’t be the first time that a team pieced together pitchers! I really don’t see it as such a big deal. In the postseason Girardi will have a quicker hook, depending on the WL situation. If you can have Gaudin, Mitre, and Joba give you innings (if the situation calls for it) you have the ability to piece together a good game.
SJ if you are in the vicinity, I have a question for you. You were pretty adamant that (1) Matsui would be gone at the end of the season and (2) Gaudin would never be on the postseason roster. Have you changed your opinion on either thing?
joba will pitch 2 more times.
if he struggles gaudin will get the 4th spot with maybe joba relieving him in the 4th or 5th inning
cash & girrardi will not go with joba because of what he can do they are going to go with who is pitching better & right now it is everybody over joba
i truly believe it is mechanical with him
Jeff go back and try now. I got in and bought good seats for the Divisional Game 1. It must have been a glitch, just like every year. Working now though. I got game 1 to both series
I think the ALDS roster will be the following:
Starters: Jeter, Damon, Teixeira, Rodriguez, Matsui, Posada, Cano, Swisher, Gardner
Bench: Cabrera, Molina, Hinske, Hairston, Guzman
Rotation: Sabathia, Burnett, Pettitte
Bullpen: Rivera, Hughes, Aceves, Coke, Robertson, Marte, Bruney, Chamberlain
For the ALCS I’d put Chamberlain as a starter, drop Guzman, bring in Gaudin.
Jeff again, go back and try to buy seats now, it appears they fixed it and you can buy 1 game for each round, just did it.
Patrick
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:31 am
MG you are looking at it all wrong. Simply ask yourself, would you rather face Justin Verlander in 2 games out of a 5 game series or Nick Blackburn? Anyone that would rather face Verlander or doesn’t care either way is an idiot.
——————————————
Patrick, since I had said in a prior post I didn’t much care one way or the other you called me an idiot. I guess reading comprehension is another one of your missing skill sets.
You’ve know repeated yourself about 10 times this morning on one point, that Verlander is a good pitcher. He may be one of the best in the league but that doesn’t make him better than CC, who has been the best pitcher in the league since August 1st. So excuse me if I don’t really give a crap who the Yankees play in the ALDS as long as CC continues to pitch the way he has since the ASB.
Yankees lineup+CC+Yankee Stadium=win over Verlander or anyone else in game 1 of the ALDS
“Especially in a short series, one GREAT starter can make a gigantic difference.”
One mediocre starter who pitches great in the postseason can make a huge difference as well.
I like the Yankees chances against anybody.
I think the ALDS roster will be the following:
Starters: Jeter, Damon, Teixeira, Rodriguez, Matsui, Posada, Cano, Swisher, Gardner
Bench: Cabrera, Molina, Hinske, Hairston, Guzman
Rotation: Sabathia, Burnett, Pettitte
Bullpen: Rivera, Hughes, Aceves, Coke, Robertson, Marte, Bruney, Chamberlain
For the ALCS I’d put Chamberlain as a starter, drop Guzman, bring in Gaudin.
—-
would do the same but leave Bruney off both series and add Gaudin
joba is flicking the ball towards home plate & it looks like he is throwing against his body instead of everything driving towards home plate
good power pitchers drive off their legs in a straight downwards motion
joba is throwing the ball with what looks like all arms against his body
Now that we know Pete’s last day with the blog I’m wondering when will be his first day covering the Sox?
Also had to suffer thru Angels telecast (altho I had Yanks on internet radio). In between stupid rally monkey nonsense and showing the Angles owner a 150 times, did anybody see
the sour-grapes posting comparing Morales to Teix?…….close to same stats EXCEPT salary, $1 million
vs. $20 million………..implied meaning—- Angels were
smart in losing Teix and saving $$$$$……
More left coast thinking………..
Pete, what are you going to do in October? ;p
I think the ALDS roster will be the following:
Starters: Jeter, Damon, Teixeira, Rodriguez, Matsui, Posada, Cano, Swisher, Gardner
Bench: Cabrera, Molina, Hinske, Hairston, Guzman
Rotation: Sabathia, Burnett, Pettitte
Bullpen: Rivera, Hughes, Aceves, Coke, Robertson, Marte, Bruney, Chamberlain
——————————————————–
Gardner is much more valuable for the Yankees coming off the bench in a key situation. They can bring his speed right when is needed and then leave him in as defensive replacement.
Here’s my guess at the ALDS roster:
CC, AJ, Andy, Mo, Hughes, Ace, Coke, Marte, DRob, Joba, Gaudin
Posada, Tex, Cano, Jeter, ARod, Matsui, Gardner, Hairston, Molina, Hinske, Guzman, Damon, Melky, Swisher
Good riddance traitor.
Pat M
No showering and wear the same clothes you did last night. It took monumental effort for you to be at a win so don’t mess with success. Angel fans might keep their distance but true Yankee fans will understand.
So Sam will only be the interem head blogger? Too bad. He’s young, but I guess he’s not crazy to do the beat writer thing. I would think there’d be lots of interest in the beat writer job, but will the candidates thin out when they realize that holding our hands is a job requirement?
I commend the Journal News for their committment to this living, breathing medium. I wish I could repay their generosity by buying a Friedrich air conditioner, but the logistics thing…
=================================
Hey, look at the future New York Football Giant. Such a cutey patootey:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.c.....index.html
can you lobby for either Chad Jennings or Mike Axisa??
Patrick-
Hold on to that guess. I will be starting “Guess the Postseason Roster” after lunch
Specific details to follow
Joe
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:43 am
Now that we know Pete’s last day with the blog I’m wondering when will be his first day covering the Sox?
————————————————————
bite yer tounge
how sweet when we beat them in the alds
I would love Chad Jennings to get the job. He does a great job on the farm. He deserves a shot with the big club. Pete, make it happen
Erica – always OPPC
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:49 am
Patrick-
Hold on to that guess. I will be starting “Guess the Postseason Roster” after lunch
Specific details to follow
GTPSR!
Woooo!
I read Chad Jennings SWB blog and it is similar to the way Pete runs this blog, lots of interviews, in game comments etc. He’d be a good choice.
When is Pete last day?
MG,
You are completely missing my point but that’s really nothing new around here. You tend to do that when you’ve been proven wrong. Or you’re just stupid and never understood what I was talking about to begin with. I’m done repeating myself to you.
“would do the same but leave Bruney off both series and add Gaudin”
Yeah I think that’s actually probably a better idea.
“I like the Yankees chances against anybody.”
As do I. I think the Yanks can (and will) beat any team. However, you have to admit, facing Verlander in a short series is going to be tough.
When Artie Moreno sees A-Rod play insane in Anaheim, does he ever think, he could have been doing that for us?
Now that the Yankees drama is starting to settle, Pete’s leaving is sinking in.
We’re going to miss you Pete.
Congratulations go out to our “Guess What Day the Yankees Clinch” winners-
09/22/2009:
Uncle E
Unknown
m
Eights
L to the 2nd
William Buckner
These 6 correctly predicted on 8/21 that the Yankees would clinch their playoff spot on 9/22. Good job!
“Pov
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:02 am
I just looked at the games left
Minn: WSox (1), KC (6), Det (3)
Det: WSox (6), Clev(2), Min (3)
Assuming no one sweeps the series between them it becomes the battle of the spoilers KC and WSox
I didn’t look up any records so I’m not sure right now who has the edge, but Det does have the couple games in hand right now.”
You are completly forgettign the first week in October. Minn and Det have a 4 game series, last game is October 1. Then they each have a 3 game series after that. Lots of baseball left for them!
Uncle Ellsworth
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:53 am
When is Pete last day?
***
Sept 29th- read the post- DUH! LOL
(sorry, couldn’t help it)
Guy – sorry…
Point 1 is that Rogers was throwing much harder than normal – tough to explain that one.
Point 2 is that LaRussa’s Cardinals were complaining that Rogers’ ball was doing some funny things, just as I’m sure the Yankees noticed in that Game 3.
So Rogers was throwing unusually hard, and he was loading the ball (pine tar or grease being the suspect) to get unusual movement…not meant to be related.
Erica-
will the winner get a Yankee Snoopy?
A contest that will run a week? Will you allow for changes? Talk about a logistical nightmare, lol.
Bruney, Joba (he’s a lock), Gaudin, Guzman, Cervelli.
4 of the 5 are in, which ones will depend on if they go 10 pitchers or 11.
I prefer the 10 pitchers because the starters can throw an inning of relief if necessary.
But Bruney will need to be banned if he’s left off any roster. He might try to burn down the clubhouse or something if they leave him off the roster.
upstate kate
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:56 am
Erica-
will the winner get a Yankee Snoopy?
****
No. And I wish people will stop trying to steal my Yankee Snoopy. We cuddle on the couch!!!
The winner gets bragging rights and me to back them up at their choosing
I checked out Chad’s blog last night. He was doing an interesting series on each part of the team. Yesterday’s entry (after a furlough day) was about the state of the outfield.
I didn’t realize that Austin Jackson was a rookie. Congrats to him for winning the IL ROY award. Jennings thinks he’s the best CF prospect in the last 7 years, but has him penciled in for Scranton.
Chone Figgins is going to make some mice money this offseason. Who wouldn’t want that guy at the top of their lineup?
“As do I. I think the Yanks can (and will) beat any team. However, you have to admit, facing Verlander in a short series is going to be tough.”
Might be tough, but Blackburn could prove to be just as tough. In a short series anybody can get hot for a couple of games.
I’m not worried in the least bit about who the Yankees are going to be going up against.
Pat, I’m sitting in the Diamond Club today with the Sushi, Wine & Cheese crowd …..I’m hoping for at least a 30 % Yankee crowd in this section…..The past 2 nights a very heavy Yankee fan prescence at the ball park……The heat may drive some of the locals to their pools and AC homes…..I’m 3 rows brhind the plate so I get to see what kind of stuff this AJ Burnett character has……
m, I started reading Chad’s SWB blog last year, and he really does a lot of interesting reports. He also has a sense of humor and engages in some in game comments with readers. He knows the NYY minors very well. Pete did a great job and his hard work was rewarded with his new opportunity. It’d be nice to see Chad get a shot in the “Bigs”. He deserves it.
Erica – always OPPC
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:55 am
Congratulations go out to our “Guess What Day the Yankees Clinch” winners-
09/22/2009:
Uncle E
Unknown
m
Eights
L to the 2nd
William Buckner
These 6 correctly predicted on 8/21 that the Yankees would clinch their playoff spot on 9/22. Good job!
————————————————————
I predicted that back on 5 February of this year. I only kept it to myself so people wouldn’t be bugging me for lottery numbers and the date that the world will end.
Erica – always OPPC
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:59 am
upstate kate
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:56 am
Erica-
will the winner get a Yankee Snoopy?
****
No. And I wish people will stop trying to steal my Yankee Snoopy. We cuddle on the couch!!!
The winner gets bragging rights and me to back them up at their choosing
————————————————————
I don’t know who I’m more jealous of….you or Snoopy.
m
September 23rd, 2009 at 11:00 am
I checked out Chad’s blog last night. He was doing an interesting series on each part of the team. Yesterday’s entry (after a furlough day) was about the state of the outfield.
I didn’t realize that Austin Jackson was a rookie. Congrats to him for winning the IL ROY award. Jennings thinks he’s the best CF prospect in the last 7 years, but has him penciled in for Scranton.
————————————————————
Mel, defensively, Jackson would quite likely be the best defensive outfielder at any of the three outfield spots right now. Offensively, he’s got to lower his strikeouts a little more and learn to pick his spots on when to turn on a pitch and pull it out. I think that he’s going to be a bit like Jeter in that his power will be to right and right center. He still needs to learn when to pull.
GreenBeret7
September 23rd, 2009 at 11:13 am
I don’t know who I’m more jealous of….you or Snoopy.
*****
I don’t know what to tell you GB7. Snoopy and I are a very cute couple.
Sam Borden should do a good job on the blog. In fact it will be fun!
Sam Borden should do a good job on the blog. In fact it will be fun!
testes, testes, 1,2,3
This is about as turncoat as it gets when a writer covering a team from a (real) metropolitan area goes to cover a team with poor history in a so called city of not much more than 600,000.
sad to see you go pete….. i wish you the best of luck