Flash Points: John Flaherty breaks down the Game 3 pitching match-up
Posted by: Sam Borden - Posted in Misc on Oct 19, 2009 
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Former Yankee and current YES Network analyst John Flaherty has agreed to break down the pitching match-up for every Yankees postseason game exclusively on the LoHud Yankees blog. Be sure to check out John on the YES pre- and post-game shows today. Because of the short time before the game today (and the time change), here’s his mini-take on the Game 3 starters:
YANKEES: LHP Andy Pettitte
“Andy will throw cut fastballs to both sides of the plate. He will also sink the fastball away to righties, throw curves to both and change-ups to the righties. This mix is what has made him effective, as his velocity has decreased through the years. If you are a hitter against him you have to cover a lot: Both sides of the plate, up and down and cut movement as well as sinking movement.”
ANGELS: RHP Jered Weaver
“Weaver could be the ace of this staff in that he has the best stuff overall. Good fastball which is pretty straight. Nice, big, sweeping ‘slurve’-type breaking ball and a really good change. What makes him tough is that he really hides the ball so well. He throws across his body so much that he is real deceptive, especially for the righties. His numbers at home are fantastic and the only downside is that he gives up a lot of fly balls – which might be dangerous against the Yankee line up. I like him in that he is confident, almost cocky, out on the mound.”
EDGE: “If I had to give the edge it would be to Andy because of his postseason experience and the fact that there will be some much pressure put on Weaver to save the Angels’ season.”
About time for a new thread, I was getting a little too anxious.
There is still time to get in on Guess the Line Up:
Submissions until the earlier of 12:30 or when it gets leaked
I have line ups from:
Upstate Kate, Ed H, Fran, Chris 2, NYY626, Andrew GTLU Bronze Medalist (same)
The Blogger FKA Dan
Trevor
Lineup that I share with Girardi…
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Cabrera CF
Erica,
Wow, you left a happy girl and had a great time and came home a happy girl and had a blast with friends while rooting on your favorite team to a thrilling victory, and you were only down $60. That’s a win in my book.
Erica, that’s funny. At least you got to see the whole game! You must have been proud of your friend for getting caught up in the game
True, if Weaver overcomes all the pressure and does well, this will no doubt define him as an ace. However, that’s not going to happen this year
Erica,
My lineup was on the last thread
Betsy,
I saw you worrying on the other thread and just thought I’d tell you that the Yankees have a team OPS of .899 against Weaver in seven starts against him. He also has an ERA of 5.88 against them in his career.
I have a feeling he gets hammered today.
It’s games like this I’m glad the Yanks only have 2 RH batters in the lineup (and they’re bothing going to the HOF anyway). Righties are OPSing .615 against him.
Tough draw for Weaver – good move starting him in Anaheim though. I expect a big day from Robi and Melky. Hopefully Tex breaks out of his slump.
KF
October 19th, 2009 at 11:54 am
Erica,
Wow, you left a happy girl and had a great time and came home a happy girl and had a blast with friends while rooting on your favorite team to a thrilling victory, and you were only down $60. That’s a win in my book.
****
Pretty much. And the casino gave me a camcorder for going
I’m going with the A lineup also and going to follow upstate kate’s lead
SS- The man, the captain
LF- Erica’s amazing PBF
1B -Goggle man, Tex
3B -Hey, look I can finally hit in the clutch!
DH -Konichiwah Matsuisan
C – Hip Hip…
2B -Ninja fighter
RF -I trademark my own t-shirts
CF -I make videos while eating peanuts
Weaver also has a career WHIP of 1.427 against the Yankees. All this spells trouble for Weaver today IMO.
Time for the bats to wake up.
We’re undefeated in the playoffs despite 7 of our hitters not doing much thanks to A-Rod and Jeter being monsters combined with a 1.59 team ERA so far. Now we just need the rest of the team to play like they can and things could get awesome.
KF & vin, I have you guys.
Sorry- too much multitasking
Does anyone else think it’s an oxymoron that someone could be the ace of the staff despite the face that his fastball his pretty straight?
Erica, I posted the A lineup in the previous thread.
“Does anyone else think it’s an oxymoron that someone could be the ace of the staff despite the face that his fastball his pretty straight?”
Goes to show just how good his secondary stuff is. Besides, there have been a lot of great pitchers with straight fastballs… of course they usually get away with it by throwing in the mid to upper 90s.
I have it Vin
I hate all Weavers.
Jeff, Jered and there’s some guy my wife dated before she met me that she’ll bring up if she wants to make me angry.
His name was Weaver.
I even hate that song “Dream Weaver”
Earl Weaver was alright though.
Doesn’t Weaver also make turkey or chicken???
John Flaherty is suddenly giving the Yankees the Edge,wow!!
Keep at it John you’ll eventually get it right(when the season’s over perhaps!)
“Goes to show just how good his secondary stuff is. Besides, there have been a lot of great pitchers with straight fastballs… of course they usually get away with it by throwing in the mid to upper 90s.”
He just doesn’t have ace like stuff to me. His best year by far was his rookie year when nobody really knew what type of pitcher he was.
You won’t get away with throwing a fastball that’s pretty straight for long.
Erica,
My line up guess.
Jeter – ss
Damon – lf
Tex – 1b
Alex – 3b
Matsui – dh
Posada – c
Cano – 2b
Swisher – RF
Gardner – Cf
Thanks,
DaveF
raymagnetic,
If Weaver steps up his game considering he’s at home and pitching in the stopper’s role he could be tougher than usual. That being said, with the patience of the Yanks I like our chances.
Kyle Farnsworth has a straight fastball in the upper 90′s,he wasn’t a threat,when Yankees faced Tampa!
haiku-man
October 19th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
John Flaherty is suddenly giving the Yankees the Edge,wow!!
Keep at it John you’ll eventually get it right(when the season’s over perhaps!)
**************
I’m hoping it’s not a bad sign-didn’t he give the edge to the Angels for the first two games?
Yankees always get Younger Weaver on the ropes but have had a hard time delivering the knockout blow. They could have put up bigger numbers against him in his career starts against the NYY, but he manages to relatively limit the damage. The key is the first few innings for Andy: if he gets into a rhythm, I’m confident the Yankees can put runs on the board against a combination of Weaver and the Angels’ pen. Darren Oliver as their 2nd best set-up man is comical. Also, Jespen is Daniel Bard with stupid facial hair: a straight fastball that, if left over the plate, can go a long way.
Haiku-man,
But that’s pretty much all he had. Weave is much better than Farnsworth. Location of the fast ball for him is critical, I like the Yanks in this game especially after they know him out and get into the pen.
Aw, Betsy, if we sweep both series, we only see AJ one more time, that’s all.
I am not WORRIED about seeing him twice more. Three times night be less charming.
Pettite with his great move should neutralize the Angel running game when they get on base. Figgins and Morales again wil be batting from their weaker side. yanks have usually hit Weaver pretty well.
If Andy is hitting his spots and feels loose, it should be a fun game.
Here’s my lineup Erica:
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Tex 1B
Arod 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Swisher RF
Cano 2B
Melky CF
If I’m the Angels, I’m really worried about his platoon splits. Lefties really hurt him. So much so that he actually faced more LHB this year than RHB. Opposing managers have been stacking their lineups against him.
Facing all those switch hitters and lefties SHOULD make for a long day for Weaver.
He really reminds me of AJ – similar kind of delivery, same kind of breaking ball. The key may be how often/well he throws his changeups to lefties… just like AJ.
My lineup matches Dave F…. same hunch that it’s the regular lineup except Gardner getting the start over Melky
Looking forward (and I think it’s safe to do that) to see our game against Cliff Lee. Also salivating to see what we do with the Phillies bullpen
I agree with John Flaherty, Weaver has great stuff and has been great this year, especially at home, but he is facing being down 0-2 in this series against post-season vet Andy Pettitte. I think a lot of pressure is going to be on him and I would definitely give the edge to Pettitte.
“Kyle Farnsworth has a straight fastball in the upper 90’s,he wasn’t a threat,when Yankees faced Tampa!”
Yeah, I actually thought about Krazy Kyle when I was typing that. But I just assumed we all know that Farnsworth legitimately stinks. His fastball is fast and straight, but he can’t command it consistently. There’s little point in swinging at the breaking ball because he never can throw it for strikes. Just sit back, get your timing, and wait for him to groove one (it’ll happen twice per AB).
I think the Yankees will be loose today up 2-0 and will get some good at bats against Weaver.
Arod LOVES hitting in this stadium. I don’t expect that to change.
The key to today’s game is Andy.
If we get locked in Andy with the cap pulled down tight, it’s curtains for the Halos.
Lineup:
Jete
Damon
Tex
Arod
Matsui
Po
Cano
Swish
Cabrera
As long as Boras is sitting his seats behind the plate today, I expect big things from Alex. He seems to always mash when Mr. Super Agent is looking on.
zmaster
October 19th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
****
PLEASE list positions
I’m looking forward to CC in front of his family,friends and birth place vs Kazmir.
Even though the Angels won the game in the ALDS(they came from behind against the socks.
Kazmir boasted how much he loved playing in fenway,and was smacked all over the place in that game.He was traded because his velocity was in decline if I remember correctly.
Nick, oh – that’s true. Well you know me, always defending AJ’s honor.
Ray, I hope you’re right – I would love for the Yankees to put a hurting on the Angels. I do remember the last time they faced him at the Stadium – Weaver gave up 4 runs in the first, then nothing after that. Of course, this is a completely different situation. I guess we’ll find out in a few hours…..
Erica,
This is my lineup guess:
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Gardner CF
Weave has killed Melky in the past and lefties seem to do well vs him so I think Girardi will go with Gardner tonight.
First try at lineup
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Tex 1B
Arod 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Swisher RF
Cano 2B
Melky CF
though definitely not a challenge as it was during regular season!
Final call for today’s Guess the Line Up:
Submissions until the earlier of 12:30 or when it gets leaked
I have line ups from:
Upstate Kate, Ed H, Fran, Chris 2, NYY626, Andrew GTLU Bronze Medalist, KF, vin, Blackaccord, Christina, Shawn (same)
The Blogger FKA Dan
Trevor, Dave F, Patrick
All Time – This Time
Jeter – Jeter
Dimaggio – Damon
Gehrig – Tex
Ruth – Arod
Mantle – Matsui
Arod – Posada
Reggie – Cano
Berra – Swisher
Gordan – Cano
Hey, I asked this question last night, but I put it on a dead thread (oops)…
Considering the WS schedule, does anyone know what day the parade would be if the yankees are in it and win?
SS. Jeter
LF. Damon
1B. Teix
3B. A-Rod
DH. Matui
C. Posada
2B. Cano
RF. Swish
CF. Gardner
Melky has awful numbers vs. Weaver, plus Weaver can be run on as evidence by his numbers this year.
Erica,
My Game 3 GTLU
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Tex 1B
ARod 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Melky CF
“Weave has killed Melky in the past and lefties seem to do well vs him so I think Girardi will go with Gardner tonight.”
I too entertained that thought. But I can’t see Girardi getting “cute” with the lineup. This lineup is 3-0 this postseason.
Yankeeray-
Is that supposed to be a line up submission??
If so you have Cano twice and are missing positions.
Please note to all players – I AM REALLY tired of telling people they are missing positions.
Jeter 6
Damon 7
Teixeira 3
Rodriguez 5
Matsui DH
Posada 2
Cano 4
Cabrera 9
Gardner 8
I don’t want to see any idiot Angels fans harras-sing Swisher with thunder sticks on the RF wall
:shudder:
Thunder only happens when it’s raining, suckas!
scratch my prior submission
Jeter 6
Damon 7
Teixeira 3
Rodriguez 5
Matsui DH
Posada 2
Cano 4
Swisher 9
Gardner 8
How is that getting “cute” ? Gardner started a lot more than Molina did this season. He’s getting “cute” by going with Jose over Jorge. Melky struggles against Weaver and Weaver struggles against lefties. Seems pretty cut and dry to me.
Yankees are still undefeated in postseason,the Only team to wear that title,even the Phillies dropped the first one.
So the hottest team in baseball,since the ASB,is still the Yankees!!
Thunder only happens when it’s raining, suckas!
Lovely Nick
Another note,Alex is hot,and he plays well in LA.I don’t have the stats(maybe someone does) but he loves the west coast.
This round of “Guess the Line Up” is now closed.
I am not accepting any more submissions.
Please note, if you sent me an incomplete line up, it got disregarded
Tomorrows potential headline for the ‘Onion” Who stole the rally monkey?
Erica, can you list the ones who made the deadline?
Erica,
Here’s mine. I agree that Gardy could be a force with Weaver’s long stride:
SS Jeter
LF Damon
1B Tex
3B A-Rod
DH Matsui
C Posada
2B Cano
RF Swisher
CF Gardner
Thanks to all who particpated. No new GTLU entries. I will post the winners soon.
I have line ups from:
Upstate Kate, Ed H, Fran, Chris 2, NYY626, Andrew GTLU Bronze Medalist, KF, vin, Blackaccord, Christina, Shawn, iiicollies, Rob in VT (same)
The Blogger FKA Dan
Trevor, Dave F, Patrick, Don, Gardner in CF
WHen you read Sunday’s La times.com,the story by Greg Beacham.
“Yankees at Angels,”it zero’s in on the necessity for the Angels to win game 2.
They were banking on a repeat of past poseason game 2 victory play against the Yankees.
Game 3 is crucial for them to stay alive.
Frank,
I’ll add you cause you are a regular.
But try to get in before the deadline.
No more submissions
Nice analysis. In the end, I like Andy’s experience. Postseason and otherwise.
I’ve seen good JW and bad JW. I’m fully expecting to see good JW because he’s fully capable of it, and the Angels pitchers are following a plan based on some good scouting. But I won’t be surprised to see bad JW either. The Yankees offense is pretty good, and there’s a lot of pressure on JW to avoid an 0-3 hole.
“How is that getting “cute” ? Gardner started a lot more than Molina did this season. He’s getting “cute” by going with Jose over Jorge. Melky struggles against Weaver and Weaver struggles against lefties. Seems pretty cut and dry to me.”
It’s getting cute because Melky has started 130 games this year, and that’s after losing his job to Gardner out of ST. I know Gardy missed about 5 weeks with the broken thumb, but the team was rolling with Melky starting in CF.
When the team is 5-0 in the post season, you don’t deviate from the original plan. Molina was part of the original plan and caught AJ exclusively down the stretch.
Melky has put together a lot of tough ABs so far this series. Weaver has owned him, but only in 13 plate appearances – hardly and adequate sample size.
I also think Gardner is Girardi’s 1st choice off the bench to PR, and that could be very big in this game.
Going with Gardy wouldn’t be terrible, but it would be highly questionable.
I’m guessing a higher scoring game today.
Andy goes 6 and gives up 3.
Weaver will go 6+ and leave the game after a big 2 or 3 run blast that will put the Yankees ahead to stay…
Yankees win today 7-5!
To be fair- Flash never said he expected the Angels to win any game, he only commented on the starting pitchers. Not to down play the great job CC and AJ did, but the Angels starting pitchers have been good.
Erica is back. Hurray.
Erica – are you working today? Will you be able to shower at work?
If the middle three of LA continues to stay quiet, big IF, but if they do..I think the Yanks go up three. Also Tex has to start hitting to give us a shot to clean-up and head home Wed for the WS.
best post in a while:
Bronx Jeers October 19th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
I hate all Weavers.
Jeff, Jered and there’s some guy my wife dated before she met me that she’ll bring up if she wants to make me angry.
His name was Weaver.
I even hate that song “Dream Weaver”
Earl Weaver was alright though.
DT – OPPC member
October 19th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Erica is back. Hurray.
Erica – are you working today? Will you be able to shower at work?
*****
I am home. I took a vacation day. I am still recovering
3 hours and 19 minutes until Game 3!!!!!
Melky starts today, you can count on that.
BG will get in the game in the 8th or 9th.
Outside of Brian Duensing, the Yanks have faced nothing but good pitching (although some shoddy closer performances).
My guess is that Weaver is dealing today, but hopefully all the various advantages (platoon splits/pressure/Andy P/ARod in Anaheim/etc.) tilt the game in the Yanks’ favor.
I love Gardner, but I can’t see Girardi messing with the lineup.
He only said Gardner might start to throw off the GTLU contestants.
Seriously, Melky’s having a better series at the plate than some much higher than him. Not fair to sit him now.
“I hate all Weavers.”
I’ll take Charlie Weaver to block.
Erica, I’ve never played your game, but put me down for Jeter, Damon, Tex, and Arod.
Oh, and Cano too!
Nick in SF in Los Angeles of Irvine
October 19th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Erica, I’ve never played your game, but put me down for Jeter, Damon, Tex, and Arod.
Oh, and Cano too!
****
Whatever you say. I won’t hiss at you because I liked your Fleetwood Mac reference earlier
Erica heres my linuep – thanks
1. jeter ss
2. damon lf
3. tex 1b
4. arod 3b
5. matsui dh
6. posada c
7. cano 2b
8. swisher rf
9. melky cf
upstate kate
October 19th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
To be fair- Flash never said he expected the Angels to win any game, he only commented on the starting pitchers. Not to down play the great job CC and AJ did, but the Angels starting pitchers have been good.
*************
True. It’s just me being paranoid. To quote Michael Scott “I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious.”
PLEASE NO MORE SUBMISSIONS
And I always liked Sigourney Weaver
Angel did fine in your absence Erica. She did shower a little prematurely. (she needs to work on the shower tease)
I had to shower later in the game to curtail a Halo rally. When the game went past midnight, I told her to shower again, since it was technically a new day. Angel was still in Central Time, so we didn’t know what to do. WWED?
Luckily it all worked out in the end. I told her she certainly had some big shoes to fill.
I couldn’t remember what size exactly, but my guess was 12 1/2.
oops
All Time – This Time
Jeter ss– Jeter ss
Dimaggio cf– Damon lf
Gehrig 1b – Tex 1b
Ruth dh– Arod 3b
Mantle lf – Matsui dh
Arod 3b – Posada c
Reggie rf – Cano 2b
Berra c – Swisher rf
Gordan 2b – Melky cf
Just a few thoughts…
1. I watched the Ken Rosenthal inteview with Andy last night. I really hope this isnt his last year. I am very excited to see him pitch tonight ( even though I’ll miss half the game
)
2. Its kind of funny how Jeter seems to start us off every game and alex seems to finish it.
3. Random question: If we end up in the WS vs the Phillies, is there any chance we can bring back the “who’s your daddy chant” for Pedro?
Whew, in that case let me add Posada and Matsui too, I like those guys!
I’ll take Jose Molina to block. Even though Posada could be the secret square.
NYY626 -GO ANDY,
I’m sure the chant will be in his head.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=4575831
Good take on Game 2. If I’m reading it correctly the big mistake of game 2 in Bryant’s opinion was Fuentes challenging Alex.
DT-
I will never reveal my shoe size. We will just stick with Amazonian
I scrolled thru the comments when i got back. Angel actually showered when I would have in the 4th. She did it right.
I was sending you lots of telepathic messages. As for WWED…
1) I would have sent a letter to the Yankees beginning them to make the game end. I saw some people try this. But the important part is at the end, always say “thank you in advace for your cooperaton”
2) By the 12th inning I would have played my trump card. And I only use this in dire emergencies. I would say “If the Yankees win I will run around the blog naked”
new thread
If Pedro Martinez steps back in the Bronx it’s on!!
m,
I thought that in the big leagues, challenging someone was a good thing. My best against your best.
“By the 12th inning I would have played my trump card. And I only use this in dire emergencies. I would say “If the Yankees win I will run around the blog naked” ”
Brandon did mention running around the blog naked if the Yankees won.
It just wasn’t the same. Thankfully I didn’t type the customary I will chase you post.
All this “tell me your positions” and “run around the blog naked” stuff is too much, I’m heading out into cloudy Orange County to meet up with my buddy and ticket benefactor.
I will try to check in from inside the stadium, but in the meantime:
Go Yankees!
go to the new thread
I think that the Angels thought that they could just show up and the Yankees would roll over for them because they have done so well against them. The same thing with the Red Sox vs. the Angels. The Red Sox found out the hard way, and I think the Angels will find out the hard way.
Melky is either in for a long day or Melky is due? I’m hoping he is due.
i hope the jeff weaver version shows up
testing…….
Joe you are not Joe Torre
Joe G. you should stay in the dugout till the game is over and let the team play. Your moves are all wrong. That is it. If we lost this round then you should be fired.