Notes from the clubhouse
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Oct 06, 2009 
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First thing I learned during my first day on the job: The 4 train goes to the stadium. The 5 train does not.
I got to see a little more of the city than I expected this morning, but I ultimately got to the park in plenty of time for the Yankees workout day, which seems as good a day as any to say hello.
I’m Chad. I’ve been in Scranton for a little more than six years, and after a few days spent packing and searching for a place to live, I’m thrilled to be back at work. I’m sure we’ll get to know one another a little better through the coming days and months, but for now, please know that I’m happy to be here and look forward to being a part of this community. I’ve followed the Lohud blog for years and hope to keep up the information flowing with Sam and Josh.
A few things I noticed in the clubhouse this afternoon…
• The Yankees haven’t announced an active roster for the first round, but 30 players still have a name plate on their lockers. That likely means a group of five extra players traveling with the Yankees through the playoffs.
• Among the players who still have a locker in the clubhouse: Francisco Cervelli, Freddy Guzman, Ramiro Pena and Sergio Mitre. Among the players who do not: Edwar Ramirez, Jonathan Albaladejo, Mark Melancon and Shelley Duncan.
• Derek Jeter was the first player surrounded by media. It amazes me how good he is at answering every question without saying anything remotely controversial. We’ve all seen it happen on television, and I’ve seen it happen a few times in person, but he really does find a million ways to say, “I don’t care who we play in the first round.”
• Brett Gardner does not expect to start in the playoffs.
• Phil Hughes has shaved. The first thing I said to him was that he had the worse mustache I’d ever seen, to which he laughed. “The worse the better,” he said. Hughes shaved the thing last night. “It was starting to get irritating,” he said.
Sam and Josh had the breaking news of Jose Molina starting ahead of Jorge Posada at least once this series. I have the breaking news of Phil Hughes’ facial hair.
It’s nice to pull my weight on my first day.
Great to have you at the blog, Chad! You did a fantastic job reporting on the Scranton team
as you 1st heard it here:
AJ got his way (yes betsy and m AJ whispered in Joe’s ear)
welcome aboard chad- loved your SWB blog-i’m sure everyone here is happy you have joined the LoHud team
Welcome Chad. I’ve admired your work covering Scranton and know you will be a great addition here.
Welcome Chad! I grew up in Scranton, and just moved south after 24 years. Glad to see you are doing well, and I look forward to reading your work!
CHAD IS IN THE HOUSE!!!!!
Welcome Chad!!!!
Haha, welcome Chad! I’m glad you found your way eventually…and thank goodness Phil shaved that hideous thing.
Nice scoop! Welcome to the big show.
Welcome Chad
Welcome Chad! You have BIG shoes to fill!
Poor Chad-
5 is only one more than 4 (thank you again Sesame Street) but what a world of difference it makes.
Aloha, Chad. Your reputation preceded you. (nothing but good)
Welcome Chad!
“Phil Hughes has shaved. The first thing I said to him was that he had the worse mustache I’d ever seen, to which he laughed. “The worse the better,” he said. Hughes shaved the thing last night. “It was starting to get irritating,” he said.”
OMG. Thank the good lord in heaven that boy finally shaved that thing off.
Believe it or not the Phil Hughes shaving the mustache finally is more of a surprise than Molina catching AJ
Welcome Chad! Nice start.
Welcome Chad, I’m looking forward to seeing what you bring to the table, good luck! Big shoes to fill…
Welcome Chad! Man am I glad Hughes shaved that mustache…
“Phil Hughes has shaved. The first thing I said to him was that he had the worse mustache I’d ever seen, to which he laughed. “The worse the better,” he said. Hughes shaved the thing last night. “It was starting to get irritating,” he said”
Rest in peace lip fungus
Classic rookie mistake, Chad. It happens to a lot of people, though, so no sweat–plus, you get to see parts of the Bronx on the 5 train that not many people otherwise venture to (except residents of course, no offense intended!)
Hi Chad. Welcome! I’ve enjoyed your writing on SWB and look forward to reading your blog on loHud.
Welcome Chad! Glad to have you on board!
Welcome on board, Chad! I’m sure you’ll do great. Phil’s facial hair is just as important.
a great start!
Glad to see Chad has arrived and will bring his knowledge from Scranton to the big leagues. This should give us a lot of great insights for several years as those minor leaguers make their way to MLB, or get traded away. I like Sam and Josh, but something tells me that Chad is going to be a great replacement for Pete.
Welcome Chad and your breaking news about the mustache is something I’ve been waiting to hear since, oh I don’t know, I guess the first time I saw it!!!! And yes, you will find that Jeter finds a way to say nothing about any question you can ask – and NEVER bring up a streak EVER….lol
Welcome, Chad. Nice to see a fellow Tiger on board.
Welcome Chad!
Your first assignment? To analyze and report on Posada-gate!
Bronx Jeers,
The big plate of shutup is only served to those who said some very unflattering things about AJ. Last time I saw him in the Bronx he was pinstripes.
welcome aboard!
welcome Chad. I am glad that the Journal news got a credible beat reporter in here and I look forward to your coverage of the Yankees.
Welcome Chad!
Tell Phil the dirt on his lip had been irritating me too.
Chad – Hope we see your Cardinals against our Yanks in the WS… that should be fun.
Hi Chad and welcome ! We are glad to have you!
Thank god Phil shaved that thing – but what is he trying to do? What’s next – nipple rings?
Those who disagree with the decision to start Molina are not true fans… that’s the bottom line.
Welcome Chad.
m, what makes you think that a single Yankee fan here would root against AJ?
Get us some more juicy quotes from the clubhouse about this Posada decision, Chad!
Go to each player and ask them how they feel about this and ask them their reaction if AJ gets bombed in game 2!
Hi Chad.
Don’t worry about filling anyones shoes.
Just have fun and be yourself.
Welcome!
Welcome aboard Chad!
all these “look what Pete said” posts are getting stale.
Wish the ex-man well and look to the future.
We have the cool NKOTB now. Chad “He’s bad” Jennings.
We have Smilin Sam I am Borden.
We have Josh “Tampa is overrated” Thomson.
It’s all good.
The Chad was great
Chad, welcome! You’ve been here before and that’s a good thing. For you and for us.
Welcome aboard Chad….the only thing we ask is you post news at all hours of the day to prevent us from getting any work done lol.
Welcome, Chad!! So happy to have you here.
Welcome aboard, Chad.
Should be a very fun month.
M, are you telling me to shut up? I guess you are since you implied I am not a real Yankee fan…….
Welcome Chad,
Let’s change the subject away from AJ pitching to Molina.
We need to get over that and talk about the team the Yankees will play and the roster.
Until tomorrow you all….
Welcome Chad! I read your SWB blog daily and I’m sure you’ll do a great job covering the NYY!!! Fans love clubhouse info, so thanks for the update!!
I don’t know anyone who would root against AJ…that would be insane. No matter how much I loathe this decision, I want to win!
Welcome to the bronx Chad!!
Nick, are you implying that I will root against AJ? Nice…..sheesh
I didn’t say they would root against AJ. But some have had such a visceral reaction to this whole thing. (Some) people are literally flipping out. Like it’s the end of the world.
I guess not everyone is like myself. I (almost always) accept what the Yankees decide and what they do.
Welcome abord Chad.
Welcome Chad, good luck, can’t wait for your game thread tomorrow!
yanks won’t win a WS while posada is the catcher…
Best of luck, Chad. I always enjoyed your blog on the SWB Yankees and am certain you will be outstanding on this one.
welcome! I have enjoyed this blog for a while now, and while you have some rather large shoes to fill (especially in terms of number of posts per day) it is actually sort of nice to see a changing of the guard, and I look forward to a fresh perspective! Seeing how Pete is off to Boston now though, an up-front statement about your allegiance (or lack of allegiance) to the yanks would be nice to see.
Good luck for the next couple weeks.
I want AJ to bring his good stuff, because he’s definitely got it. We want him to succeed. If it means with Molina, then so be it. But theres a lot invested in him and we must get it out of him.
Welcome CHAD! Glad to have you!
lol did you get out at 149th Street and 3rd? Great neighborhood!
I’ve made the same mistake myself Chad dont sweat it
Welcome Chad!!
Betsy, I did not imply that, I quoted what the Voice of Reason had to say on the subject and asked her about it.
The suggestion that any of us will be rooting against AJ or are not real Yankee fans is not a wise one.
Betsy,
Half the comments were, “I hate it but it’ll be okay if AJ wins”
or “AJ better win”.
So if he’s lights out, then he’s done his job and people can stop talking about how bad he is for this club. Ruining it with his divaness.
mel, I think you know that right now those who support Girardi’s decision (or lobbied for the same thing in the past) are in a no win situation.
The other thing I want to say is that I don’t think that everyone from “the other side” would have been nearly as gracious if the decision had gone the other way. In fact I think we would have been dumped on and crucified mercilessly and a few posters would have demanded that I acknowledge that I was wrong all along. Glad to have escaped that misery anyway.
Mr. Jennings,
If you approach this blog the same way you did with the Scranton one, the transition to the big leagues will be seamless. I have faith in you considering the quality of your work in Scranton. Please enjoy yourself and welcome to the LoHud Yankees Blog sir.
Burnett loves Molina
Suzyn said he waited until the game was over to hug him and thank him.
What is wrong with pairing up our #2 starter with the guy he is most comfortable with?
I was a little down over the AJ/Molina thing, but the news of Phil shaving off his mustache completely cheered me up
Welcome Chad, I was an avid reader of your Scranton blog and I’m happy to have you here. Cheers!
Welcome Chad.
Atleast you got your unexpected train tour of NYC today instead of on a more important day, say, like tomorrow…
I’ve read articles in the media about how the pressure is on A-Rod to perform in the postseason. In truth, the pressure is going to be on the pitchers to perform, especially AJ. If he pitches poorly with Molina behind the dish, this place will be unbearable.
You’re mostly referring to me, M…….I don’t feel like getting into an argument with you, so I’m going to drop it.
Nick, it’s not only unwise, it’s ridiculous and stupid to accuse or even imply that a Yankee fan would root against one of their players because of personal feelings.
Welcome Chad. Perfect time to start a new job, right? It doesnt get any better than this (well, unless the Yankees lose a game, or are losing in the 1st inning, then beware of crazy posts and/or insane emails). Enjoy the ride.
welcome Chad, and thanks for the update on Phil’s mustache, I really didn’t like it.
Welcome Chad and Good Luck!!
Nick-
My Better Midler tickets on New Years Eve are a prize for no one other than myself and my friend
The way both of them acted in that Boston game was probably the last straw.
Burnett shouting obscenities every other pitch and screaming “WHY WOULD YOU THROW THAT”, and Posada saying after the game that it is frustrating to keep getting shaken off. I imagine that was the boiling point.
I have not seen our guys cower once this season. There is a certain fire in the belly
Congrads on your promotion Chad. Lots of luck to you and your family. Welcome aboard.
Welcome Chad and congratulations!
Loved your work at the old blog. I’m sure I’ll love it here too. Fascinating to get your insight on the kids we have now and next year too.
I see you’re getting a warmer welcome than Pete at his new gig hahah!
This is a dumb question, but I’m heading to the game tomorrow night and want to take Grand Concourse through the Bronx to the River Ave lot where I’m parking.
I usually take the Deegan or the train, but I have to drive tomorrow night and people keep telling me to take the Concourse.
So, do I take Saw Mill to Mosholu Parkway South and stay on that until I can make a right onto the Grand Concourse? It looks like I can make a right onto the Grand Concourse from the Mosholu after I pass Jerome Ave on the Mosholu from the maps.
Also, is the Grand Concourse clearly marked?
Thanks to anyone who can help & keep me off the Deegan.
Hi Chad. Congrats on escaping SWB
Harper, it was incumbent upon AJ to work with the best catcher on the team. He pitched great to Jorge in July and August…..Well, as others have said, AJ will find the kitchen very, very hot if he doesn’t pitch well….
No, Betsy, I’m not referring to you.
Unless you said that AJ should be traded because he’s a diva.
I addressed you earlier when I told you that it SEEMED like AJ was dead to you.
But otherwise, you were not the target of my “plate of shutup” comment.
Welcome aboard and good luck.
Erica, when things get snippy in here, you are the wind beneath my wings.
Did someone just say the Yanks wont win a WS with Posada catching? Introduce yourself to the late 90′s. His catching skills were the same then as they are today. As a matter of fact, he probably throws a little better now than he did back then.
Too bad they couldn’t get AJ comfortable with Cervelli instead of Molina. At least Cervelli can hit. Molina will have no chance against Verlander otherwise it will probably be the Idle Pavano.
Oh and welcome aboard Chad! I loved the Scranton blog.
Chad – Welcome aboard!
Great first official post here. And the most important news of the day.
I always knew Phil Hughes was a sensible boy. Willing to try new things, but knowing when to give it up!
First the long hair – cut it because it was too much work; then then the mustache – shaved it because it was irritating. Sensible, sensible boy! 
Welcome to the majors Mr. Hobbes.
betsy
so now you hate AJ?
yesterday you thought it was speculation about him wanting molina.
what do you think now?
still no proof huh?
easy mistake to make Chad. Completely understandable…
In Scranton, I think the # 5 train drops you off at the stadium.
The # 4 train takes you to the Kei Igawa statue.
Welcome, Chad …. thanks for the updates and keeping the humor!!
Welcome Chad. I enjoyed your SWB work and look forward to your keeping us informed at the bigt league level.
I do believe the facial hair story is a critical one. Can’t we all agree that was not a world champion mustache? Could the Yankees have overcome it? That worry can be set aside. I can sleep a little better thanks to your news.
“What is wrong with pairing up our #2 starter with the guy he is most comfortable with?”
AJ is a big league pitcher, who should be able to throw to anyone who is behind the plate. That is the sign of a true professional. By pairing AJ up with Molina, Girardi and Cash are implying that AJ’s success is dependent on Molina when in truth, the responsibility to pitch well is on AJ.
While I do believe that a catcher does have some hand in how well a pitcher does, it is a very small percent. In the end, it’s going to be up to AJ to pitch well because all hell is going to break loose if he doesn’t.
Don’t worry about the mistake on the train, Chad. It’s pretty easy to do. The 4-train goes to Yankee Stadium. The 5-train goes to the Bronx Zoo. So it’s pretty easy to understand the confusion on your first day.
Good luck!!!
Welcome, Chad! Looking forward to reading your work! Good luck!
welcome chad.
Josey knows how to call a game. He is a calm, cool, and collection. Burnett wants to throw a pitch, Josey lets him. They are on the same page. He blocks balls in the dirt and AJ is confident in throwing that 2-2 slurve in the dirt because Josey will block it. He can throw that curve that clips the outside corner to a lefty because Josey knows how to frame it and get the call strike 3.
Josey is a true catcher and knows how to call a ball game. He will help Burnett.
Chad welcome to the area and good luck.
Erica,
I missed your Sesame Street post when you first did it, but I think Jorge is the perfect Oscar the Grouch. Jeter and Arod are Bert and Ernie, in no particular order. And Jose Molina is a dead ringer for Snuffulufugus. Yes, I have seen too much Sesame Street in my life.
Nephews.
“What is wrong with pairing up our #2 starter with the guy he is most comfortable with?”
We did, but unfortunately it was Chien-ming Wang with Dr. Andrews.
“My Better Midler tickets on New Years Eve are a prize for no one other than myself and my friend ”
my condolences Erica.
just remember –
” it’s been a long journey from Milan to Minsk, Rochelle, Rochelle”
I love how overly-sensitive people are on here.
To Nick’s defense, he’s a fun loving, witty fella who strives to have good conversation and fun on this blog.
That should be the sole purpose of this blog, no?
>do I take Saw Mill to Mosholu Parkway South and stay on that until I can make a right onto the Grand Concourse? It looks like I can make a right onto the Grand Concourse from the Mosholu after I pass Jerome Ave on the Mosholu from the maps.
Yes, make a right. It will be immediately after you go under the 4 train.
> Also, is the Grand Concourse clearly marked?
Yes.
Welcome, Chad!
As we say in opera, “in bocca al lupo!”
talltenor
So Nino is still there?
Can someone explain this to me, please? Maybe I’m not seeing something, that everyone else is seeing?
I don’t get why the Yankees would take Guzman over Pena.
Is there really that much of an upside? Yeah, Guzman can run, but so can Pena. Pena also is a plus defensively, with some light at the plate. He can pr late int he game also?
Like I said, is there really that much of an upgrade in Guzman?
Hi Chad!
What’s playing on your iPod right now?!
What happens in the World Series, assuming we get there?
Will Posada sit 2 games?
The lineup for the 2-3 road games won’t be pretty with Molina and the pitcher at the bottom.
Well alls well if we win.
Welocome Chad!
I am sure you will be great. Enjoy!
“We did, but unfortunately it was Chien-ming Wang with Dr. Andrews.
”
Case in point.
Remember.. if AJ doesn’t pitch well this winter, Cashman will take a hit too for signing him when everyone said it was a risky signing.
He was probably on board with this decision because it is the best chance to get AJ to pitch well.
Thanks jk!
AJ is a big league pitcher, who should be able to throw to anyone who is behind the plate. That is the sign of a true professional. By pairing AJ up with Molina, Girardi and Cash are implying that AJ’s success is dependent on Molina when in truth, the responsibility to pitch well is on AJ.
While I do believe that a catcher does have some hand in how well a pitcher does, it is a very small percent. In the end, it’s going to be up to AJ to pitch well because all hell is going to break loose if he doesn’t.
________________________________________________________
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!
And the other sidebar to Game 2?
Pavano will be starting for Minnesota if they make it.
As if that game wasn’t intriguing enough.
mick,
The thinking around the club is probably this: “Let’s get out of the first round first before we start worrying about the World Series”.
That has to be rough for Pena if Guzman who has been on the yankees since the middle of september makes the alds roster over him.
Welcome to New York Chad. You’ll learn from the Great Subway Race at the Stadium that the “B”, the “D” and the “4″ trains all go to the 161st Street, Yankee Stadium stop. The “5″, the “6″, the “F” or the “V”, do not. I’ve followed the SWB blog for about a year now and I have to say we are all very lucky and very happy to have you to write the LoHud blog after losing Pete Abe. Your relationship with the SWB players will be an interesting read for sure being that you saw a lot of them for the last couple of years come up through the system.
Would Posada’s feelings be less hurt if he were the DH for game 2?
Surprised he might not be but Matsui will probably bat against a righty.
If AJ pitches poorly in game 2, then him and Girardi need to leave the Stadium in their Gorilla suits before the media can talk to them….
Welcome Chad. We’re glad to have you.
Welcome Chad! Loved your work covering SWB and was glad to hear you were stepping in. Any other breaking facial hair news?
TZ October 6th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Remember.. if AJ doesn’t pitch well this winter, Cashman will take a hit too for signing him when everyone said it was a risky signing.
He was probably on board with this decision because it is the best chance to get AJ to pitch well.
And do you think Cashman will care?
The optimists around here seem to be completely ignoring the possibility that the Yanks won’t score many runs for AJ.
If it’s the Twins, their bullpen is as good as ours, if not better.
I vote for as much offense as possible, as early in the game as possible.
Erica – always OPPC
October 6th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Nick-
My Better Midler tickets on New Years Eve are a prize for no one other than myself and my friend
____________________________________________________________
I saw Bette in Vegas last March.! I am 95% positive that we were the only people at the concert under age 50 (well besides the gay men), but she was AMAZING live!
If the Yankees make it to the WS, they will have to try to work the rotation so that AJ only pitches at home, so long as they continue to pair him with Molina. They are not going to have a 7-man lineup. No way.
And AJ is probably going to pitch at home, because, apparently his splits are better when he pitches at home.
Interesting thing, though – what happens to all this careful planning, choosing the “long” series, etc., if the weather doesn’t cooperate????
if they make it to the WS, things might be going well with AJ and Molina, so let it be.
Good see you made it Chad. Welcome!
Welcome to the big leagues Chad. Where today you are a promising future star.. today, but if you ever screw up we will band together and await your banning from ever working in the big leauges again.
But hey it’s no pressure, it’s only day 1.
Seven October 6th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
That has to be rough for Pena if Guzman who has been on the yankees since the middle of september makes the alds roster over him.
Where would Pena play?
“That has to be rough for Pena if Guzman who has been on the yankees since the middle of september makes the alds roster over him.”
__________________________________________
Yup. I’d prefer Pena.
If I’m Jeter, MO, or Andy… I lose all respect for Girardi and AJ after this
Welcome to New York, Chad, The Land of 1000s of Comments!
SteveB
POTY
Welcome, Chad! I am thrilled to have you here.
m
so do you think AJ “requested” Molina yet?
Mark in Tampa
October 6th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Erica,
I missed your Sesame Street post when you first did it, but I think Jorge is the perfect Oscar the Grouch. Jeter and Arod are Bert and Ernie, in no particular order. And Jose Molina is a dead ringer for Snuffulufugus. Yes, I have seen too much Sesame Street in my life. Nephews.
****
I thought to better to stay away from Posada as Oscar today. Too intense. LOL.
I went with the following (thanks again Erin):
Jeter= Ernie
Posada= Bert (they are BFFS)
A-Rod= Big Bird (tall and just enough innocence)
Damon= Elmo (oddly childlike)
Tex= Grover
Swisher= Cookie Monster
Cano & Melky= Two Headed Monster
Matsui= The Count
Molina= Mr. Snuffleupagus (thats a keeper)
“Where would Pena play?”,
Well neither one would probably play at all, except PR. I’m just saying, I’m not seeing a major upgrade with Guzman.
Hey, Randy l, some of those games that Molina caught AJ in September, how many of them were because Jorge had the stiff neck or the sore hand? And how many earlier in the season were when Posada went down with the leg injury (before Molina himself went down)?
‘Cause I think that may have started the whole thing snowballing. Posada can’t catch AJ if he’s not available, which gave AJ the chance to be caught by other catchers, and delayed a smoother relationship between AJ/Posada.
As opposed to it necessarily being a poor decision by Girardi to have Molina catch most of AJ’s games. Which could have been the case. I’m just offering another explanation.
Welcome aboard Chad … as a fellow Scrantonite it was great hearing you would be handling the LoHud Blog. Look at the brightside … you no longer have to work with Joby. ha ha!
mick,
Do you know something I don’t?
And like I told you yesterday. It’s up to Girardi to squash it.
But it looks like this has been in the works since Jorge’s suspension/stiff neck/trap issue.
Who cares? It’s a done deal.
NYY626
October 6th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Erica – always OPPC
October 6th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Nick-
My Better Midler tickets on New Years Eve are a prize for no one other than myself and my friend
____________________________________________________________
I saw Bette in Vegas last March.! I am 95% positive that we were the only people at the concert under age 50 (well besides the gay men), but she was AMAZING live!
****
Awesome
So you think Pavano is going to shut us down and AJ is going to get rocked?
I am not that impressed w/ Guzman, he is fast, but doesn’t seem to get a good lead. I would rather see Gardner or Pena.
Ah, thank you Mad Prince. I’d rather be drinking a beer with you at Yankee Stadium West than being served a plate of shut up!
That said, I have to take off, but I would like to close with a parting thought. I pretty much agree now with what one commenter said on this blog back on June 15:
“…some pitchers do get it in their heads that they work better with a particular catcher, sometimes for good reason.
There is no good reason why AJ Burnett can’t be just as successful with Posada as he can be with Cervelli or Molina. In fact, we’ve seen it happen with our own eyes.
But as Yogi said, “”Baseball is 90% mental — the other half is physical.” If a knucklehead like AJ does better throwing to another catcher and they can match it up with Jorge’s off days, no problem for now. But down the road, AJ will have to throw to Posada.”
That sounds about right, but ‘down the road’ is still a little ways to go.
Enjoy the playoff.
Nick in SF
October 6th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Erica, when things get snippy in here, you are the wind beneath my wings.
****
Aww- thanks Nick
I will let you know when the next declared “Happy Day” is LOL
Erica – always OPPC
October 6th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
I went with the following (thanks again Erin)
******
My pleasure Erica. That was a fun way to lighten the mood. Getting a bit tense in the other thread.
I meant “I’d rather be drinking a beer with you at Yankee Stadium West than be served a plate of shut up!”
Poor grammar can sometimes be an early indicator for poor fandom.
Chad, I read your SWB blog from time to time. I was very relieved to hear you’re one of the guys replacing PeteAbe, couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of the opportunity!
Welcome Chad! Nice to see you on board.
Erica-
can you declare a happy hour? No discussing catchers for a little while?
Welcome Chad enjoy the ride.
Melancon will be better for the struggles this year and contribute big time next year.
Gaudin deserves to make the roster…The molina move is because of burnett. who better come thru else him being a knucklehead will really hurt the yanks……….
WELCOME TO THE BIG LEAGUES CHAD!!!
Carl
October 6th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Seven October 6th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
That has to be rough for Pena if Guzman who has been on the yankees since the middle of september makes the alds roster over him.
Where would Pena play?
————————————
Pena could of been a pinch runner he has good speed. You already have Gardner on the team if you need a stolen base. I think it is very unlikely that they will need both Gardner and Guzman to steal bases in the alds. I even thought they would of been better off carrying an extra bullpen pitcher.
I loved the Scranton blog, welcome aboard Chad! Cant wait for tomorrow, pleeeeeeaase not the Twins… please…..
So Chad…
What kind of a guy is Michael Scott in real life?
Good to have you here!
Welcome aboard Chad!
The problem with Pena is that he would only see the field as a pinch runner, and Guzman is faster. Neither is going to pinch hit for anybody, and the Yanks won’t need defensive replacements in the infield. However, they may need a late innings defensive sub for Damon. Guzman is suited for that, Pena hasn’t played enough outfield to trust him there in the playoffs. Guzman makes more sense for the playoff sprint, Pena for the regular season.
does anyone know what time the gates will be opening tomorrow and friday?
“Brett Gardner does not expect to start in the playoffs.”
At all? Since when? I thought everyone (except Joe of course) already panned him down as one of the 25….
Did I miss anything between now and then?
Jose Molina was the third worst hitter in the AL this year.
Unless A.J. Burnett pitches lights out because of his magic chemistry with Molina it’s a
http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/shareit/myShh
With Molina starting at least one game does this assure that Cervelli makes the PS Roster?
The problem is that steroids have been prevalent in baseball for over a decade and it is a problem that developed under Selig’s watch. We were all spectators though and cheering the McGuire/Sosa HR chase because it revived the sport after the strike. However, turning a blind eye to it is coming back to haunt us now. Al though I think all of them should be allowed in the hall just because they were unlucky to get caught doesn’t mean they should be penalized.
*poor decision.
Welcome Chad.
Keep on f*cking that chicken!
(NYC inside joke, lol)
“Sam and Josh had the breaking news of Jose Molina starting ahead of Jorge Posada at least once this series. I have the breaking news of Phil Hughes’ facial hair.”
Well….at least you got to break the “good news”.
Welcome Aboard Chad!
I’m sure I speak for many when I say that we’re excited to have you here.
Oooh. Don’t go to espn.com. It’ll just upset you guys.
Chad, you can take the 5 but have get off at 125th and take the bus.
welcome Chad. now are you ready to rent some cahs?
No doubt Nick…soon enough my friend, soon enough.
Why don’t we all just let AJ get out on the mound and see what he’s got before we judge him a failure.
He has the ability to be lights out and he has shown that he can get shelled.
Twins or Tigers, Apples or Oranges.
If the Yankees play their game the way they have all season, AS A TEAM, then they can be successful.
Remember…this team has played about as good of regular season baseball as any team we’ve had this decade. The ability is there.
Chad, welcome. I’ve been reading your Scranton Blog for a few years, it’s great. Glad you got this job, many of us, I’m thinking thousands of people, love this site and look to it first for Yankee news. You have big shoes to fill, but you’re the right man for the job. Congrats!
Welcome, Chad, A lot more people posting here than at SWB. Jersey Girl that I am, I once was supposed to meet someone in the Bronx and ended up in Brooklyn. You found your way, now enjoy the ride.
m, i’ve noticed recently that the only reason i go to espn.com is to get myself upset over something.
when nothing on their front page irritates me i don’t feel like i’m getting my moneys worth..
Welcome to the Chadmeister. Like others, I have followed you over at the SWB blog for a while and was thrilled to hear you were the choice to take over.
Great first post – from the train story to the news and notes. Way to pull your weight, man.
Welcome Chad.. Loved ur blog on the scranton yankees.. Looking forward to a great playoff series and greater blogging from you on the series..
Cervelli is better than Molina. If you are going to use the backup catcher atleast use the better backup.
And also, I don’t see why people are so terrified of Molina catching AJ when AJ is a wild thrower and Jose is the better defensive catcher.
Jorge wants to play and I DIG that about him, big time. He’s a competitor, is tough as nails, and has a lot of pride. But he is also a team guy and a leader and will back up his manager’s decision when its all said and done.
saucY,
Then, by all means, go!
Click, saucY, click!
Chad:
Welcome aboard and congrats on your post season “call up”. We’re a rowdy and demanding bunch…but lovable…kinda like the Bleacher Creatures.
So that being said rookie boy…repeat after me…B…D…4…..B….D…..4!
Welcome to Da Bronx!
Pris
October 6th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
“Brett Gardner does not expect to start in the playoffs.”
At all? Since when? I thought everyone (except Joe of course) already panned him down as one of the 25….
Did I miss anything between now and then?
*******
Pris, I just took that to mean that Gardner doesn’t expect to start any games as center fielder-he’ll be coming off the bench as a pinch runner/late inning defensive replacement.
huh?
What is upsetting about Sam Bradford hopeful about returning Saturday for the Sooners?
Bottom line… if we don’t hit Pavano, we don’t deserve to win anyway.
IDC what he has done against us in the regular season. Lots of subpar pitchers have shut us down during the regular season, does that mean they are going to shut us down in October?
does everybody agree that theres no way that molina catches a decisive game 5? i dont think there is any chance of that…elimination game, you gotta go with your best
m, all i see is a preview for the twins/tigers game with “edge of your seat” as the headline. maybe they changed it since you were there?
huge news: MLB.TV is now available for the postseason (and tonight’s tigers/twins game) for $10 extra. Great value for someone like me who has internet but no cable.
Mr. PeteAbe in his second post at Globe.com
“I spent the last four seasons covering the DREADED Yankees and the three years before that on the dreadful Mets”
Hey Chad, welcome to the blog! I hope you enjoy it here as a writer as much as we do as readers.
Pris
You missed the word start. Gardner is going to make the roster but Melky will start the games in CF.
Well, if Burnett pitches well in game 2 with Molina… can they really go away from him? What if he gets lit up in game 5 with Posada? Then Girardi will get crucified for going away from what worked the first time.
If he gets rocked ing ame 2, then there is no question we go to Jorge in game 5
m-
that is teasing, of course we have to look
Rafael…that’s a compliment to the Yankees. They’re dreaded by the Sox because we’ve dominated them so thoroughly throughout the rivalry
Sam and Josh had the breaking news of Jose Molina starting ahead of Jorge Posada at least once this series. I have the breaking news of Phil Hughes’ facial hair.
It’s nice to pull my weight on my first day.
=====================================================
Chad,
Don’t be so hard on yourself. The Molina story wasn’t exactly breaking news. Second worst kept secret behind the Series A decision.
I might cry trying to see Molina catch up to Verlander’s 99 MPH moving fastball
Glad to have you Chad. I wasn’t a fan of Petes, but he was good at what he did. As long as you don’t make cracks at the Jets while I’m half a handle of Jaeger deep after a loss I should be back for good.
saucY,
Look harder. There’s a link under the headlines. Very inflammatory lead-in.
Maybe AJ punched Posada like The Raiders coach did to his Defensive Coordinator.
Welcome, Chad – great to have you onboard!
He meant dreaded, as in, dreaded for Sox fans (and he is one). Not dreaded as in awful.
Welcome to your new home Chad! As one of the fans who followed your excellent Scranton reporting I’m glad to see you on board.
Welcome aboard Chad. You’ll do the same great job as you did with the SWB blog. I can’t imagine the players not taking to a writer with your style.
All the best !
Rafael, he said DREADED not DREADFUL, which is what he called the Mets. In case your vocabulary is limited:
dread (drd)
1. To be in terror of.
2. To anticipate with alarm, distaste, or reluctance: dreaded the long drive home.
3. Archaic To hold in awe or reverence.
v.intr.
To be very afraid.
So the Red Sox feared the Yankees. If anything, think of it as a positive remark for Yankee fans. Stop reading into the posts. It’s going to be a long postseason if everyone is going to try and tear apart every sentence Pete writes.
Cabrera apologizes to teammates for being drunk?
Pretty funny headline, but not inflammatory
Glad to have you here Chad. Good Luck with the new job.
“miffed”
“Posada miffed to hear that Molina is Burnett’s personal catcher”
Erin – Thanks!
“Start” is the key word I guess I missed~
Welcome aboard Chad! Followed you at SWB and glad to see joining the major league team.
& Welcome Chad! I read your blog for SWB. You’re one of the best.
Welcome Chad! It will be nice to get a fresh take on things with a new writer.
I hope you don’t have any personal vendettas against any of the players yet!
Sam’s great too.
Why does Cabrera have to apologize for being drunk?
Chad!! 4, D, and B are all Yankee Stadium trains silly.
The Pete Era is now offcially over! YAY
Chad, dont disappoint!
The media just asked Charlie Manuel who his closer is? He said we will see, it depends on the situation lol. I would obviously rather have the Posada gate issue than not having a closer.
this decision doesn’t make nearly as much of an impact if AJ pitches the 3rd game in each series as it does if he’s the 2nd game pitcher all the way through. In that event, if Molina is catching, Jorge sits 2 games in the ALDS plus 2 in both the ALCS and WS. That’s potentially 6 games out of 19, way too many times for the backup to be in the lineup-the real number should be ZERO, no one needs rest in the post season and there are no day games after night games.
I don’t think Girardi should have allowed Jorge to take the heat on this, he should have made it public before Jorge spoke with the press and gave specific reasons why he made the decision. As Randy says, if its ‘managers intuition’ that’s fine because it could be a one game decision. If it’s a game 5 ALDS with AJ on the mound Jorge has to be in the lineup along with Matsui. If not, and the Yankees lose, Girardi will be skewered along with AJ and deservedly so.
it’s entirely possible that Jorge will DH when Molina is catching since Matsui ended the season in a cold spell-he is very streaky and if he doesn’t hit the ball well in game 1 then Jorge (who has been hot all September) should be the DH.
So far I am licking Sam, John, and Chad more than Pete.
No snarky comments, no vendettas, etc. just great commentary. Keep up the good work.
If you’re Omar, how comfortable are you with the rumour that a big name like Towers or Ricciardi could be joining the Mets?
Welcome aboard Chad, and welcome to the NYC subway system.
Mick, I don’t HATE anyone…….I just don’t feel the same way about him, so sue me. What is this, 5th grade, where you go “nah nah, I was right and you were wrong”?
This dissection of every word on Pete’s Boston blog kind of reminds me of how someone would act asking if an exboyfriend was talking about you. Leave Pete alone
Welcome Chad an good luck!
When are you getting your Yankee’s Tattoo?
Did the Lohud mention it was required after Pete’s recent turncoating. I think its line 7885 of your contract
Brad Lidge has handled his uncertainty about being the closer better than Posada has this.
Did Lidge say that he hopes Madson does well and thats it?
Tom, Pavano has shut us down twice……….and Doreen, how ridiculous is it that the Yankees would have to jump through hoops to make this work with AJ should they make the WS? They paid $15 million for this? I have never once thrown $$$ around in my posts, but seriously…Laura is exactly right.
The only reason that Riccardi or Towers would take the Mets job as an adviser is because they know Omar is on thin ice and can take his job soon.
Mets job is very attractive. Largest payroll in the NL, a division that is much easier than the AL East, good fans, big market.
Omar is doing it for PR reasons to try and show the world that he is bringing smart baseball people to help turn the Mets around. If they win, Omar stays and he looks good for hiring them. If they lose, he’s fired and replaced by one of them. No lose situation for him. He’s going to be fired if he loses anyway so might as well try and get as much help as possible.
Who cares what Pete says. It’s time to move on people. I am happy I don’t have to hear about all of the Arod BS anymore from a Yankee hater.
You don’t feel the same way about Burnett anymore because he likes another catcher more?
That makes no sense…
Welcome Chad. Great news to hear Hughes got rid of the porn ‘stache.
pete was a red sox fan… good riddance…
chad is a cardinals fan. cardinals you can respect.
Welcome Aboard Chad
welcome chad
Mike,
Totally agreed. Guys like Towers/Ricciardi aren’t going to the Mets to play wingman.
Not with jobs like San Diego (lol) and the Nats (another lol for different reasons).
http://www.nydailynews.com/blo.....-rota.html
Let the second guessing begin, which it has……..Ballgame in 30 minutes……..SJ, Good to see you back,great explanation about catching breaking balls as opposed to hitting them….GB asked that last night….Hitting them is hell, recieving them not so
Chad – Tell us now…do you have family still living in Michigan (or from wherever you originally are) and one day plan to move back for a better job blogging the Detroit Tigers? We want to bring you in as family but after what Pete did we don’t want our hearts stomped on again…
AJ to start game 2. Bruney,Pena,Mitre are off the roster.
“In fact I think we would have been dumped on and crucified mercilessly and a few posters would have demanded that I acknowledge that I was wrong all along. Glad to have escaped that misery anyway.”
trisha-
let me understand this.
so you are saying you are right that molina would catch burnett in the playoffs.
that’s fine. no problem there
there’s a distinction to be made though.
that isn’t the same as saying that the yankees should have all along groomed molina to catch burnett in the playoffs.
i personally think that was a mistake.
i think the yankees should have had posada catch bunett the whole summer to get ready for having him catch burnett in the playoffs.
your position seems to be that the yankees were right to have had molina catch burnett most of the summer and at the end of the year.
there appear to be layers to your position.
if part of your position says molina should have caught burnett the last few months
making the decision inevitable that girardi would pick molina to catch burnett in the playoffs, then that’s different than just simply saying molina would catch in the playoffs.
sj44 , me and a lot of others are saying the yankees should not be going into the playoffs with the back up catcher who is one of the worst hitters in baseball starting games, and that it’s not even close to ideal.
i think what would have been ideal is for burnett to have gotten used to pitching to the yankee starter posada so he could still roll out his nasty stuff and still have posada’s bat in the whole game.
you do realize if molina gets bombed or loses a close scoring game where molina doesn’t hit wll you really haven’t escaped anything.
girardi too. this is a high wire act without a net. pull it and off and it’s going to look great.
but have it blow up and girardi may not have a job.
it’s a kind of bet the business kind of decision.
if the yankees are one and done and molina catches two losses by burnett, girardi will be on the hot seat.
Danny F, you have completely reduced my argument to a childish leveal of reasoning. I detest personal catchers – there is nothing (almost nothing) in the game that bothers me more. I still think Greg Maddux’ situation was ridiculous……..and he’s an all-time great. I definitely think Joe erred by letting it get this far, but then, as the pitcher, it’s up to AJ to realize that his performance is on HIM, not the catcher. I’ve already explained my reasoning a million times – it’s certainly not as simple as “AJ likes Molina better so phooey on him”.
m
Omar is the one who called them. He’s either very secure in his job, has dirt on Jeff Wilpon or is delusional.
Rather than directing all the anger and viciousness towards Girardi, Burnett, Jorge etc,. why not direct some happiness towards Molina? He is a great guy who is getting a chance to start a playoff game. Why not feel good for him?
Chad have LoHud make a message board for all these pathetic losers already will you.
as i told you all weeks ago, girardi had to start molina with burnett…jorges reaction also shows what a clown he is…what happened to the yankee way and being all about winning and team? the captain talks bout how important team is and to check attitude and selfishness at the door…apparently jorge isnt held to those standards…
Chad,
nice to have you, I look forward to having you run the show from this point on. Welcome!
m October 6th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Bronx Jeers,
The big plate of shutup is only served to those who said some very unflattering things about AJ. Last time I saw him in the Bronx he was pinstripes.
————————————————————-
I hear you. I’d root for Papelbon pitching to Carlton Fisk if they were playing for the Yankees. I think most, if not all, in here would.
Some are upset because they feel that Posada in the line-up gives them the best chance to win.
Personally I think AJ pitching lights out ball gives them the best chance to win.
If Molina gives AJ some sort of a mental boost, a better level of comfort, so be it.
It may not be optimal but it’s on AJ to prove that the move was worth it.
Hopefully next season as AJ becomes more comfortable, the situation resolves itself.
whats the big deal if Molina does catch AJ? Ever thought that maybe Girardi asked AJ who he feels more comfortable with and he opted for Molina? Loosing Posada’s bat will hurt but the Yankees still have plenty of hitters to make up for it in return for a comfortable AJ and better defense.
Not a big issue to me.
“Why does Cabrera have to apologize for being drunk?”
Cabrera is the star on a team that was limping down the stretch and he’s going out drinking with the opponents during the final games of the season? It’s not like DET had a 7 game lead. The Twins were breathing down their necks and instead of being focused on the task at hand, he’s staying up late drinking. That’s wrong any way you look at it.
Strange to say, but welcome to YOUR blog Chad! This must be such a thrill for you after toiling in the minors! I am really, genuinely excited for you, what a story to start this job on the eve of the playoffs at Yankee Stadium! Thrilled for you sincerely!
Chad. Good luck on the new job, enjoyed what I briefly read of your SWB blog this year. Hope to see Sam stay very involved as Chad gets his legs.
Sey
October 6th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
So far I am licking Sam, John, and Chad more than Pete.
No snarky comments, no vendettas, etc. just great commentary. Keep up the good work.
——————————————-
Really? How often did you lick Pete?
Joe Girardi announced that A.J. Burnett will pitch Game 2 and Andy Pettitte will start Game 3.
The roster has not been announced, but Girardi said Brian Bruney, Ramiro Pena and Sergio Mitre will go to Tampa to stay in game shape, meaning they will not be on the roster.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/blo.....z0TBqmO4FY
Betsy -
Sigh.
It is what it is. I was really confident that when push came to shove, Posada would be the catcher, period. I don’t blame AJ, I don’t “blame” anyone. I just hope it works out.
It’s true that other big name pitchers in the history of baseball have had catchers they preferred to work with. It’s not a crime. So, it’s not really unprecedented. I guess we should have read between the lines a little better – Jorge did, apparently – when Girardi said he was not for or against “personal catchers,” but he was for doing whatever a pitcher needs to feel comfortable (I believe he said something like that a couple of times).
In a perfect world, AJ and Jorge work out their communications problems in the month of September (at the latest!). But I’m not ready to condemn AJ, Betsy. We don’t know what was said, we don’t know what exactly went on in the meetings about the playoffs.
I do think it’s going to work out. The Yankees are a strong team and they’ve worked together unselfishly all season. No reason for them to stop doing that now.
And also, you never really know someone until you live with them. So, now we know a little bit more about the care and handling of AJ Burnett. I knew he’d be inconsistent. I didn’t know he was high maintenance (which is not meant as a criticism – some people just are that way).
I appreciate what you guys (and evrybody else) seems to be saying. But increasing the chance of AJ being good while Molina swings and misses surely improves our chances more to win than AJ being bad but Posada hitting well. Jorge could go 4-4 and contribute no runs but if AJ is good we have a great chance to win.
NB: I would play Posada. But Giradi knows AJ better than anyone here
Welcome Chad, and best of luck! Great first post.
Talk about jumping right into the fire with the playoffs starting.
funny story about Pete. He banned me from posting many months ago because I told people on this blog that anything negative to he says about AROD to take it with a grain of salt since he(pete) is a redsox fan. He wrote me an email telling me off and saying how dare I question his professionalism.
Don’t get me wrong I loved Pete’s updates and work on this blog but the dude has some issues. Needless to say I welcome Chad and am pleasently suprised I am allowed to post again.
Many thanks,
Starks
UKYankee,
very well said man, I agree 100%
Outside of Joe’s loyalty to Mitre, why is he even there? Under what possible circumstances would the NYY ever use him in a post season game this year?
Welcome Chad.
I think that players facial hair is 100x more important that any silly starting catcher anyway!
Welcome Chad !! I enjoyed reading your SWB blog. I hope you’ll enjoy our fair city !!! Like your first post.
I’m going to enjoy Mr. Jennings.
Hi Chad! It sounds a little bit like an AA meeting. Or maybe a AAA meeting.
Glad you’re here.
Dude, you took the 5 to Yankee Stadium!?!! How am I supposed to respect you when you don’t even know how to get the ballpark!
Welcome aboard Chad! Best of luck!
Vintage Chad Jennings. Great first post. Good luck in the Big Apple. SWB just won’t be the same.
You’re the man, Chad. I followed your Scranton blog for the past 2 years. Good luck and great to have you here!
By the way, I am more interested in Phil Hughes’ mustache. We all already knew Molina was going to catch Burnett.
“Oooh. Don’t go to espn.com. It’ll just upset you guys.”
mel, you knew that was just a matter of time.
Randy there are no guarantees and life is full of Monday morning quarterbacks. I refuse to be one of them. You know that is Posada were the choice and it bombed, there would be just as many questioning Girardi and villifying the decision. It’s the nature of disgruntled fans. What can you say.
I have always had the ability to understand that I don’t know better than the manager. As much as I root for certain players, if a decision is made that they are going to be traded, etc., then I support the team’s decision. That comes from TRULY understanding that I don’t know better than the team’s manager.
I’m surprised that you aren’t more supportive of the “pitching wins championships” school of thought. I would rather feel that my pitcher was in control than worry about one hitter, especially with the lineup the Yankees have.
My statement about what mel and I would have put up with, were the decision the opposite, stands. That’s because I saw what we put up with throughout the discussions.
YAY!! Welcome aboard Chad and good luck to you.
haha… I know how you feel Chad. On my way to my first game at O.Y.S. I boarded the 4 train, and stood smiling vacantly out the window, in my jersey and cap. After a couple of stops a New Yorker looked up from his paper, and said “If your going to the game, you wanna go uptown, not downtown.” hahahaha… Yutz.
Good luck Chad, welcome aboard.
Cool. I like your writing, Chad. Looks like the LoHud editors made a good choice.
Ah…the 5 train. Rookie mistake.
Welcome to the bigs, Chad!
LoHud won out, great start Chad!
Hey Chad, great to have you here after your fine work at the SWB blog. Good luck to you.
Good Luck Chad!
You definitely deserve this and I believe you were the man for this job, after reading your blog several times on the SWB Yankees.
Keep up the good work and I hope you have long career here.
Nice first post! Good luck and have fun with your new job.
Very nice…welcome to the team.
Welcome Chad.
Welcome aboard Chad!
Chad, good luck.
welcome chad. the good thing about the 5 train mistake is that you will only make it once in your life. i think it happens to everyone once.
Looking forward to your posts, Chad! Glad you asked Phil about his stache.
Welcome to the Show, Chad!
Chad,
Enjoyed your work with the SWB Yankees; your promotion is well-deserved. Looking forward to reading you here.
More comfortable or not, babycakes will have to adjust next season because his nanny will be gone.
Chad,
Welcome and good luck.
Wait till you find out not all D trains stop at The Stadium. Best of luck!
Welcome aboard, Chad!
I’m sure Chad’ll do just fine, but to hire a new guy in October is, well, I guess The Globe is more responsible for that; but to hire a guy that doesn’t know what train takes you to 161st street? Seriously? Ugh.
Yanks in 3
Chad. Nice first post. Welcome to the show.
Hey Chad nice to see you! I look forward to your work
Welcome to NY Chad. Both of my parents are from the Scranton area (Carbondale and Pittson) so I have always had an affinity for the team and your blogs. I hope you enjoy it.
John Cerra
Appreciated your work covering the SWB Yankees very much. Thanks for that and good luck.
Chad it’s *great* to have you on board. I’ve followed your SWB work for a few years & I’m rather beside myself that you’re taking over for Pete. Best of luck, buddy, and congratulations!
Welcome Chad! Glad to have you here!