Going strong in the Fall League
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- October
- 21
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Things are going well for the Yankees down in the Arizona Fall League. Brandon Laird was named the Week 1 co-Player of the Week, Ian Kennedy has yet to allow a walk and leads the league in strikeouts through two starts and Colin Curtis moved up to No. 3 in the Surprise Rafters batting order and went 3-for-5 with a home run, his team-leading second of the young season. He’s batting .367.
Also, Mike Dunn and Grant Duff have combined for 5.1 scoreless innings, Zach Kroenke has allowed one run in four innings and Austin Romine is batting .400 through 15 at-bats. It’s only been six games and the Fall League is a hitter’s league, so take some of those offensive numbers with a grain of salt, but so far, so good.
Other winter league notes…
• Jesus Montero is hitting .143 through four games in Venezuela. He’s clearly a bust.*
• Romulo Sanchez, who the Yankees got in a mid-season trade with the Pirates, has allowed one hit through 4.2 innings with two different Venezuelan teams. Why two? I have no idea. I know the guy was hitting 97 mph with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the Triple-A playoffs.
• Also in Venezuela, Reegie Corona is batting .300 with two doubles through six games while Josh Schmidt has yet to allow an earned run through 11 innings. Schmidt is a relatively nondescript right-hander, but he did nothing but put up great numbers in Double-A this season. He he never got a chance to move up, but he seems to be pitching like he has something to prove.
• Everyone’s favorite switch-pitcher, Pat Venditte, went two scoreless in his first winter league outing but got knocked around for three runs, two earned, in an 1.1 innings yesterday.
———-
* I’m kidding. Montero hasn’t played in two-plus months. He’ll be fine.
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on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 at 10:00 pm by Chad Jennings.
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Sam Borden
Josh Thomson
Chad Jennings, with some RAB-style humor in there!
I would love to see Venditte pitch well through the winter. I know he’s not seen as much of a prospect but he has been solid at SI, Charleston, and Tampa. I’ll be interested to see where he ends up next year.
Also, anyone know if the beat will be both Borden and Jennings next year, or just Jennings?
Chad, what’s your take on Curtis? Is he a “sleeper” type of prospect? We were impressed with the way he played at Trenton, though I never got to see him at SWB. Could he be someone that has a shot in spring training? Or might he be an attractive addition to a trade package?
Chad, your experience with the minor league system is one of the reasons I’m so happy you’re in on this blog. Good stuff.
I think that Sanchez was traded to another Venezuelan team…not that uncommon. Dunn hasn’t allowed any runs, but, he’s still walking everybody.
Doreen, your question wasn’t addressed to me, but, he’s kind of a Melky Cabrera type, or, was the last time that I saw much of him. Good outfielder, a little power, a little speed. Not great at anything, but, good at most of them.
Chad – How was Sanchez’ control at Scranton?
GB7 -
Thanks. I saw your post about this w-a–a-a-a-y back there and meant to post the question to you but got caught up in that other topic.
Sounds like he could be useful – maybe.
Kershaw pitching? Who will start Game 6 if the Dodgers miraculously win tonight?
Check out this AWESOME photo of Jesus Montero
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Yv4m.....itting.bmp
Doreen
October 21st, 2009 at 10:13 pm
GB7 -
Thanks. I saw your post about this w-a–a-a-a-y back there and meant to post the question to you but got caught up in that other topic.
Sounds like he could be useful – maybe.
————————————————————
Yeah, he’s pretty much a corner-type outfielder. I’d hate to say that he’s a 4th outfielder type, but, with Cabrera, they’d need Gardner more than Curtis. For someone that doesn’t show a ton of power, at least, not yet, he’s pretty good size. Around 6 feet, 1 inch and 200 pounds.
Good stuff Chad. Thanks
Looks like the Giants may sing Mateo
.
Guess we’re prepared to let it happen.
Kershaw should have started the game.
Doreen, if you haven’t seen Montero in person, yet. You’re going to love him. He’s rather shy, but, friendly (at least in Charleston and Tampa), but, don’t miss batting pratice with him. He hits Dave Winfield type home runs. They stay hit.
“Kershaw pitching? Who will start Game 6 if the Dodgers miraculously win tonight?”
Scott Proctor.
Ken
They will be a tough opponent but the Yankees are better than them plain and simple. Why are you scared ? Man Up !
Why ? Because they are beating a Dodgers team with no pitching in the rotation ?
The Yankees have better pitching and pitching wins in October. Our starters are on a roll with the best ERA of the playoff teams.
repost
If Venditte can develop a bit from both sides he could be an interesting relief pitcher. A lefty/righty/switchhitter specialist. It might be good enough for short outings.
Bad play by Belliard. Orlando Hudson doesn’t screw that up.
Scott Proctor, now thats funny.
Is Kershaw a Civil War reenactor?
Kershaw looks good…. if the Dodgers don’t come back, the media will probably second guess Torre for starting Padilla.
I hope the Angels make it as easy on the Yanks tomorrow as the Dodgers did on the Phillies tonight.
Boy, if the Yankees make the WS, the Phillies are going to be one tough team to defeat. They have an unbelievable offense and are just as tough and resilient as the Yankees..plus, they’ve done it before.
I can respect that Ken is worried about facing the Phillies. They are a good team.
I just don’t think their pitching is as good at holding balls in the yard as the Yankees have. I also think the Yankee lineup represents a deeper, tougher match up that the Phillies pitchers haven’t faced this year.
Despite the talk that Lidge is “back”, I don’t completely see that. Granted he blew a number of saves, but he also had some saves through the year. Too small a sample size for them, especially with the never quit Yankee lineup.
When we see so many pitchers go from being flops in the AL, to being dominating in the NL, it tells me that our pitchers have a very good chance at holding down the Phillies.
Anyway, I am hoping that the Yankees can get to Lackey early and often tomorrow and send the Angel players to the golf courses.
GB7 -
I got to see Montero once at Trenton before he got injured. He is impressive. We weren’t there for BP, but next time we get out there, I’ll plan on that. Thanks.
bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes
I asked if you were a fan of Becker & Fagen in an earlier thread yesterday.
Becker and Fagen formed a band called Steely Dan in the late 60s. The band was popular in the 70s and then again in the 90s. BODHISATTVA is a cut from their 2nd album called Countdown to Ecstasy.
Needless to say, I am a SD fan.
100 pitches of fun… October 21st, 2009 at 10:28 pm
I hope the Angels make it as easy on the Yanks tomorrow as the Dodgers did on the Phillies tonight.
************
If we score runs right of way they will. Step on their neck early and often.
Betsy , have you met Ken?
I saw Montero make the last out in an exhibition game in Fla this year .
It sounded like a bomb went off.
Isn’t Betsy suppose to be on vacation?
Betsy and Ken are the same person. She’s joking with us.
I’m not always this way but I’m sorta curious.
Why is it that when I asked about Manny and his shower, I only got one flip answer from GB7 (which was really funny but not helpful, because I didn’t actually know the story yet.)
However when Doreen asked the same question, she got a multitude of answers.
Luck of the draw or I’m just not Doreen?
Otherwise, maybe my posts are annoying somehow and get ignored in general. If so, tell me – I promise to reform.
I saw Montero @ the futures game at yankee stadium. he seemed to be looking around, and taking it all in. the guy is an absolute monster.
For those with an interest….here’s what the Yankee players are doing in Winter Ball, not counting today.
http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/stats/org.jsp?id=nyy
Check out this AWESOME photo of Jesus Montero
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Yv4m…..itting.bmp
—
Its really awesome of Jesus to teach JC how to bat
iiicollies
it’s the nature of this place…mostly people on soap boxes…don’t take it personally
The Phillies pitching is really nothing special besides Lee. Hamels hasn’t been good at all but of course he can pitch a good game. If the Yanks make it to the WS I don’t think they will have a problem hitting their pitching. But their lineup is very tough and much more consistent than the Yanks. Our pitchers might have trouble shutting them down.
100 pitches
have you checked our #s vs Lee?
esp jeter 416/467
Any lineup can hit cold spells – even the Phillies.
And the Philly relievers remain their glaring weak spot
A moment of silence for the Dodger 2009 season….
Yankees in 6.
Um, no I’m not…..and I disagree with most of Ken’s posts anyway.
I’m on vacation and using the inn’s computer.
GB, we we went to dinner tonight at a terrific restaurant…which just happens to be across the street from Casbah. I think my parents REALLY want to go there even though I’ve already made reservations elsewhere. We were allowed inside just after the place closed, to look around – the manager/owner (whomever he was) was very nice.
The Phillies beat the Yankees 2/3 in YS when the Yanks were hot….I admit, I don’t have a lot of confidence in our starters against the Phillies’ lineup, which is more powerful than ours. Plus, Lee has been very tough on the Yankees this year
m
Are you proud?
Frank from Chatham, NJ
October 21st, 2009 at 10:31 pm
bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes
I asked if you were a fan of Becker & Fagen in an earlier thread yesterday.
Becker and Fagen formed a band called Steely Dan in the late 60s. The band was popular in the 70s and then again in the 90s. BODHISATTVA is a cut from their 2nd album called Countdown to Ecstasy.
Needless to say, I am a SD fan.
========
Frank,
Yeah, I answered you, but I guess they jumped to a new thread and you never saw it.
The song was great. I had heard it before, but never paid attention to the words. A good friend of mine, a serious Buddhist (which is kind of a contradiction, lol) loved it. I emailed it to her, courtesy of you. Thanks for that!
I’m fairly square these days re music. I listen to classical and stuff like the Anonymous 4, plus old Hawaiian songs from my childhood, lol.
Thanks, also, for the kind comment.
There’s that death knell for the Dodgers again…
When do they pull the plug?
Love the insight into the prospects. Keep the posts coming!
Goodbye Dodgers.
Now that sounds like Betsy!!
The chant of “beat la” is really corny. Can’t the Phils fans just say let’s go Phillies?
“Lee has been tough on the Yankees this year.”
What are you talking about Betsy.
Check out lee’s #s vs the Yanks esp Jeter 416/467
The Dodgers look so pathetic. Time for Golf.
Betsy,
one of the games was lost by Brett Tomko in extra innings. meanwhile, Lidge had blown back to back saves.
iiicollies
no response to moi? how inconsistent of you. don;t be a hypocrite now.
Ed,
That Tomko game was awful. 94, 94, 94, boom.
Betsy, Alex was barely himself yet back then.
They’re a good team, and their LH Starting Pitching and LH power hitting poses some inconveniences, but I’ll put my money on us.
I agree, it’s great getting the updates on the prospects, thanks Chad – it’s makes this great blog even better.
Well, I think I’m being realistic. I’m not sure why all fans need to be ridiculously optimistic and think the Yankees are far superior to the Phillies….it’s not true.
Mick,
I’m sorry … Thanks for your advice
Doreen
October 21st, 2009 at 10:31 pm
GB7 -
I got to see Montero once at Trenton before he got injured. He is impressive. We weren’t there for BP, but next time we get out there, I’ll plan on that. Thanks.
————————————————————
He’s an impressive hitter, to be sure. His power is unreal. I go to a lot of the Charleston games and anytime they play in Savannah. They have a historic minor league park here, Grayson Stadium that’s been here forever, but, remodeled many times. The Yanks would stop here on the way North by train after ST and play a series of games. This old fella that has season tickets was sitting next to me any we were talking, when Montero was batting. After he hit his first homer of the game, the old gent said in 60 years, he’d only seen one ball hit where Montero hit that one…Mickey Mantle, back in 1957. A line drive over the pine trees in center field. Montero hit two in the same spot. The old guy says that the kid is the real deal.
Our pitching can shut them down. If bad Al pitchers could shut them down then our pitchers can.
Who ever pitches the best wins. And If we could shut down a top offense like the Angels then we can shut down the Phillies.
If I had a beard as moth-eaten as Kershaw’s I would never let it grow more than 1 day.
Why do so many players have such terrible looking facial hair and think it looks good? I just don’t get it.
GB7
You add something to the blog that is really appreciated
GB7,
Someone better tell Jesus that smiling while waiting on deck, and boppin’ to the music, will not be popular with the blowhards.
Of course, once he starts doing a great deal of trotting, they may deign to overlook this.
bodhisattva,
Andy lost the other game, correct?
I also saw Romulo Sanchez pitch a game with Scranton. He was a beast. He’s a big guy. Great fastball, overpowered the AAA batters. kind of a hothead on the mound. I seem to remember him getting all worked up over an error. His control was just ok.
Betsy
I’m sorry but the Yankees are better than the Phillies. Everyone was worried about the Angels because they always beat us and the fact that they had a better team. But the Yankees are the better team and they are on the verge of going to the World Series. On top of that the offense is starting to pick it up. I like our chances.
Fans are optimistic Betsy because of PITCHING.
It’s what wins in the playoffs. Not vaunted offenses. See current ALCS.
Good pitching stops good hitting. Even if it’s the 27 Yankees. Dodger pitching blows that’s why Philly is hitting. Much like the Angel pen yesterday hence a Yankee blowout.
have you checked our #s vs Lee?
—————
They have great numbers against him but you have to take those numbers with a grain of salt when a pitcher is on such a roll. Lee has been untouchable in the post season. This season against the Yanks he pitched 12 innings and gave up only 4 runs. We would just have to hope that CC would be able to match him.
“karma would be certain people getting laryngitis .”
Wah!
No Posada catching, no Mr. Torre in the world series. I understand your lashing out, since your “managerial moves” never materialized, while mine did. I know it’s gotta kill ya.
Go ahead. Have a lash.
Betsy
October 21st, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Um, no I’m not…..and I disagree with most of Ken’s posts anyway.
I’m on vacation and using the inn’s computer.
GB, we we went to dinner tonight at a terrific restaurant…which just happens to be across the street from Casbah. I think my parents REALLY want to go there even though I’ve already made reservations elsewhere. We were allowed inside just after the place closed, to look around – the manager/owner (whomever he was) was very nice.
————————————————————
Where did you go today and for dinner, Betsy? Are you going to drive out to Tybee Island? Ft. Pulaski and Wilmington Island (Johnny Mercer’s home on “Moon River”) are on the way. Wherever you go, you’ll love it. You missed spring when the azalias bloom everywhere. It looks like Walt Disney painted everything. You’re about 4-5 blocks from the squares and fountains…Forest Gump’s bus stop bench.
bodhisattva,
never mind, Aj lost the other game. he gave up 3 homers and 5 runs, while striking out 7 and giving up 8 hits.
“Well, I think I’m being realistic. I’m not sure why all fans need to be ridiculously optimistic and think the Yankees are far superior to the Phillies….it’s not true.”
Um, Bets, what if we sincerely believe it?
The Yanks would have an edge over them in the 3rd starter and in the bullpen. The bullpen is not even close.
Betsy
October 21st, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Well, I think I’m being realistic. I’m not sure why all fans need to be ridiculously optimistic and think the Yankees are far superior to the Phillies….it’s not true.
====
It’s a good team there in Philadelphia. We should win the series, however. We’re just better.
But it certainly looks as though we’re going to find out just who’s being realistic
.
Ed,
I just don’t put much stock in a weekend series.
The games were fun, and the market will double, of course. I imagine I’ll see more fights in the stands than I’d care to.
GB7–Thanks for the winter league website. It is now a favorite.
It was so nice when someone went on hiatus. And now we’re back to Wah. Oh well – see you all tomorrow.
Is it wrong to say I think Jayson Werth and Chase Utley are rather cute?
No worries, there is no cheating on MPB Johnny Damon
iiicollies
October 21st, 2009 at 10:50 pm
GB7
You add something to the blog that is really appreciated
————————————————————
Happy to help with anything that I’ve had a chance to see. Nothing better outside of watching the Big Yankees than watching the kids grow up and be something. I prefer seeing these kids after I read their scouting reports and making up my own mind. I’m no pro scout, but, there are some kids that just look different than others. You guys are going to love Romine’s and Laird’s bats, too.
bodhisattva,
I have a friend that is a Phillies fan (she moved to Philly, got converted from a Met fan to a Phillies fan, and came back to NYC recently), she texted me a little while ago “see you in the series if they do make it there”
I replied, the Phillies got nothing on the Yankees.
awww…a Yankee suck chant.
They are already practicing “Yankees Suck” in Philly???
If Montero can hit the ball like Mantle… the power of Mickey’s HR’s is what made me a Yankee fan. I’ve missed seeing anyone hit like that.
Jason Werth looks like some guy from the Renaissance. He could also be a member of Jethro Tull.
Hey, Aqualung.
Good OF arm, too.
Ha ha Yankees suck chants. City of retard love.
Are they seriously chanting Yankees suck?
Andre Etheir, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth would be the only ones that I would give up Austin Jackson for.
erica- really? LOL be careful what you wish for you just might get it. Look at Bobby abreau wishing for the Yankees. Now we are one game away from closing it out.
Yankees vs Phillies, Yankees win the World Series. Yankees have better starters and relievers. Lidge is not the same closer he was last year when he was perfect.
But the Phillie line-up matches up well with the Yankee line-up. Their 3 outfielders are better than the Yankee outfielders offensively and defensively.
catcher-edge Posada
1st base-if Tex is hitting-even
2nd base-edge Utely
ss-edge DJ
3rd base-edge Alex
Wait are they saying a Yankees Suck chant ? LOL !
iii, if you’re still here. About questions getting answered. I’ve noticed that if posters here are in the middle of discussion about a particular topic, it is hard to break in with a question. If it is just general baseball chatter, it is easier. It has nothing to do with you. There are times that people will come on and ask a question and I will go out of my way to answer it if I am around, just because I really think one of the weak points of this forum is automatically embracing newcomers, and often newcomers are the ones who will break in with some kind of question. Trust me it has nothing to do with you.
Ed – 2009 will be the year of the Yanks
October 21st, 2009 at 11:00 pm
bodhisattva,
I have a friend that is a Phillies fan (she moved to Philly, got converted from a Met fan to a Phillies fan, and came back to NYC recently), she texted me a little while ago “see you in the series if they do make it there”
I replied, the Phillies got nothing on the Yankees.
====
No offense to your friend, but how substantive a baseball fan can she be, if she converted from the Mets to the Phillies?
The Phillies ballpark is MUCH more of a joke than YS is. YS is bad to RF but any ball in the air is a home run in this ballpark to LF, RF or CF. I know some of the balls thrown were up in the zone but the ball absolutely flies.
“Wait are they saying a Yankees Suck chant ? LOL !”
Ha ha ha! I guess they feel pretty confident the Yankees will be their next opponent.
That said, the gloves are off, Phillies fans!
Jeremy
October 21st, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Wait are they saying a Yankees Suck chant ? LOL !
*****
They sure were. Talk about getting ahead of yourselves
“Andre Etheir, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth would be the only ones that I would give up Austin Jackson for.”
LOL
This old fella that has season tickets was sitting next to me any we were talking, when Montero was batting. After he hit his first homer of the game, the old gent said in 60 years, he’d only seen one ball hit where Montero hit that one…Mickey Mantle, back in 1957. A line drive over the pine trees in center field. Montero hit two in the same spot. The old guy says that the kid is the real deal.
–
Thank god an old guy thinks jesus is the real deal. I was worried for a second
jennifer
October 21st, 2009 at 11:01 pm
erica- really? LOL be careful what you wish for you just might get it. Look at Bobby abreau wishing for the Yankees. Now we are one game away from closing it out.
****
All I wish for is a Yankee parade. I have neber been to one
jennifer
Who is wishing for the Phillies ? The Yanks are going to face them anyway if they advance.
20 hours and 56 minutes until Game 5!!!!!!!!
bodhisattva,
I think its because of her friends that she met while she was working there. they must had done something good to convert her.
If the Yankees make it past the Angels, it will be the best two offensive teams meeting in the World Series in a very long time.
It really should be an epic series. The Phillies are a great team and the defending champs. They deserve a hell of a lot of respect.
People who are calling for a sweep are just fooling themselves.
austinmac
October 21st, 2009 at 10:58 pm
GB7–Thanks for the winter league website. It is now a favorite.
————————————————————
Sure thing, Austin (Texas?). You can refresh (I think they update around 10 AM every day). You can also get Gameday on the winter league games, too. Not sure about all of the Caribbean leagues, but the ALF does. Most games are day games.
Fretting over the Phillies…. here we go.
The Phillies do not have a better offense than the Yankees. That’s an uninformed fan talking.
Yeah they’re good. Newsflash…. any team that makes the world series is good.
To say they’re better than the Yankees and use a 3 game series back in May to support that argument is almost not worthy of a response.
Then again, we’re talking about a woman in her 40s taking a vaction with her parents and posting on a hotel lobby computer, so take it for what its worth.
Erica – always OPPC
October 21st, 2009 at 11:05 pm
20 hours and 56 minutes until Game 5!!!!!!!!
21 hours and 56 minutes until your game 5 shower!!!!!
“Andre Etheir, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth would be the only ones that I would give up Austin Jackson for.”
LOL
==================
what’s so funny? wanna know who did Billy Beane gave Etheir up for? Milton Bradley.
Are there people calling for a sweep?
Trish, thanks
That was the answer I was coming close to realize. Sometimes the activity here is similar to a dance where you have good timing to find the right opening. And, alas, I have horrible timing and worst rhythm
Final nail in the coffin for Met fans; Yankees Phillies WS
No, Erica is NOT going to need a shower during tomorrow’s game
Is Manny going to stay in for his at bat or is he going in the shower?
Trevor
October 21st, 2009 at 11:08 pm
Final nail in the coffin for Met fans; Yankees Phillies WS
****
I started a mini poll amongst Mets fans I know of who they would root for. Here are a sample of the responses i got
1) Phillies, need to align the NL
2) Who cares, I have the Giants
I think it’s great that Betsy vacationed with her parents and that her family is so close.
Her Dad recently gave the family a scare, and thank goodness he’s fine now.
Having lost my own beloved father from the physical realm in 2008, I would trade all four limbs to spend two minutes with him.
Someone else had mention this earlier today and it’s ironic.
Meeting Philadelphia is like a mirror of 1986 – one member of the NYC rivalry is playing the major out of town rival
“That was the answer I was coming close to realize. Sometimes the activity here is similar to a dance where you have good timing to find the right opening. And, alas, I have horrible timing and worst rhythm”
I think we’ve all been there, iii.
Andre Etheir, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth would be the only ones that I would give up Austin Jackson for.
—
Ethier… ok, I see that.
Victorino… 28 years old, pretty much a kind of 75th percentile Austin Jackson, I guess I could see that.
Werth… 30 years old history of injury. I dunno.
I guess the only LOL worthy thing is that these are the ONLY guys you’d give up Ajax for.
iiicollies
October 21st, 2009 at 11:08 pm
No, Erica is NOT going to need a shower during tomorrow’s game
*****
I hope you are right.
I meant business in Game 4. I showered in the 3rd inning.
I am flattered that Manny is a reader of this blog and stole my shower thing. But I wish he would leave me alone. I don’t like him
Cole Hamels
J.A. Happ
Cliff Lee
Pedro Martinez
Three tough lefties and one Pedro.
IF the Yanks make it past the Angels, the Phillies will definitely be the toughest team the Yanks face in 2009.
The Phils are probably the only team in the NL that would win well in the AL.
That said, my pick is the Yanks in 6.
By my count the Yankees will put the Phillies loss total at
10,171.
“No Posada catching, no Mr. Torre in the world series. I understand your lashing out, since your “managerial moves” never materialized, while mine did. I know it’s gotta kill ya.”
trisha -
you are a legend in your own mind.
posada doesn’t catch?
you mean the guy with the 1.054 ops.
oh i see.
torre hasn’t been in 14 straight playoffs.
oh i see.
keep talking about karma though.
you know as much about that as baseball.
Let’s just win tomorrow
Abdababdaserser
October 21st, 2009 at 11:00 pm
If Montero can hit the ball like Mantle… the power of Mickey’s HR’s is what made me a Yankee fan. I’ve missed seeing anyone hit like that.
————————————————————
No way that I’d compare the two, but, the sound is unmistakable. For a 19 year old, he knows the strike zone. He doesn’t walk a lot, yet, but, he doesn’t strike out. If only he could run a little better. He’s not Posada or Molina, but, he’s not Gardner, either. A little slower than Teixeira. Very strong arm. When he gets to AAA, he’ll work with Butch Wynegar behind the plate. That should really help him and Romine a lot.
Madson and Lidge will make this interesting. They always do.
Ed – 2009 will be the year of the Yanks
October 21st, 2009 at 11:05 pm
bodhisattva,
I think its because of her friends that she met while she was working there. they must had done something good to convert her.
====
Hmmmm….I’m unimpressed with that explanation. She gets relegated to baseball dilettante.
And let’s see what she has to say two weeks from now
.
Let’s go Dodgers..Make the Phils sweat a little bit..lol
Kind of getting interesting. Lets see Philly pen blow this one.
Frank, I think that’s a healthy pick.
The Yankees will meet with Cuban free-agent pitcher Aroldis Chapman next week in New York, Newsday has learned.
Chapman, a 21-year-old lefthander, also will meet with Red Sox officials in Boston. As of now, he doesn’t have plans to meet with the Mets. ESPN.com reported that Chapman already has arrived in New York City, but Yankees officials, including general manager Brian Cashman, are currently in California for the American League Championship Series.
Following his tour of interested teams, Chapman will pitch for talent evaluators in the Miami area. It will be an important session for Chapman, as not everyone in the industry is convinced that he is ready for the major leagues.
It’s not yet clear how much money Chapman will get on the open market. While some reports have speculated that he could match the $52 million that Boston’s Daisuke Matsuzaka received in December 2006, one major-league official theorized Wednesday that the figure would be far closer to the $15.1 million that Washington paid its top amateur draft pick, Stephen Strasburg.
http://www.newsday.com/sports/.....-1.1539343
Well, this game isn’t over just yet
If Phillies lose this, then confirmation we really don’t have to worry about their pen
Madson has been dreadful recently.
All I wish for is a Yankee parade. I have neber been to one
________________________________________________________________
Sad story: In October 2000 I took a week off from school to go to Disney. A week or so later, we won the WS and all of my friends were taking off from school to go to the parade. I however, being a super nerd, freaked out about missing so many days of school so early in the year, and I decided I couldn’t take off again. So I said “I’ll go next year”. Not only am I still waiting for next year, but my friends had an awesome time. One of them made a “I’m a chuck-o-holic” sign. Knobby saw the sign, pointed at it and video taped her on his camcorder. She still talks about this moment all the time.
I still regret not going, so I am definitely playing hooky from work this year if we make it!
“you are a legend in your own mind.”
Yes, and let me regale you with all of my stories of being in a bullpen, or is it throwing the bullcrap?
So let me see, I was right about the Ortiz karma; and it looks like I’m going to be right about the infamous Mr. Torre karma and the manny karma!
I’m done with you now kid, you bore me, you bore me.
They aren’t chanting “Yankee Suck” now
Austin Jackson for Andre Ethier? That’s funny. I’m sure the Dodgers would give up one of the best young hitters in the National League for a guy who hit 4 homeruns in AAA.
Jayson Werth hit 36 homes runs this year. Again, the Phillies would laugh at that offer.
Don’t overvalue prospects. The kid is good. He’s not THAT good.
Go Dodgers!
Swinging at the 1st pitch looks like some people we know…
Trevor
October 21st, 2009 at 11:08 pm
Final nail in the coffin for Met fans; Yankees Phillies WS
====
It does present something of a moral dilemma, doesn’t it?
I am flirting with going to two of three down in Philly, but I don’t know if I can stomach the Piltdown crowd.
My Dodgers in 5 prediction isn’t looking too good right now. Luckily my Yanks in 5 is still very much in play.
I’m not sure if I overrated the Dodgers or underrated the Phils.
I’m not talking about a Philly and Yankee World Series until both teams win 4 games of their LCS.
I’m optimistic, but cautious.
Frank
If the Yankees get to the World Series, I’m not too worried about the Philles.
Hamels and Happ aren’t exactly lighting the world of fire in the postseason, Pedro is running on some deal with the devil, and Cliff Lee, while dominant, will face CC like in at least two games of seven, and the Yankees have his number.
NL power unfortunately is not AL power.
Okay if people are trying to say that the Phillies are better because they won a series months ago. Then the Yankees should be on the verge of elimination because the Angels have had our number for years.
Past events in the season mean nothing. The Yankees had pitching issues and offensive issues at that time so it’s hard to judge based on a small sample size when the Yankees were down.
Yankee fans who have been paying attention, the Phils bullpen hasn’t been infallible. Happ has had problems, Madsen has had problems. Lidge I think has straightened himself out. I think Park has been really good.
NYY626-
Don’t feel bad. I made that mistake in 1996. I was only 15 and too much of a wimp to skip school and go to the city by myself. I didn’t really know the city then and I was scared.
1998-2000 I was in college in Albany and couldn’t get home
Ugh this inning isn’t going anywhere.
randy-
You think Posada catches tomorrow night? I wouldn’t be surprised if he did or at least DH’d.
I just saw the special guests they added to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert on October 29th. I am so happy right now. This concert is going to be amazing
randy l.
October 21st, 2009 at 11:12 pm
I read your posts during the day and they are very interesting.
Then, you come here at night, see Trisha on board and start acting out.
After a while, it does reflect on you because that stuff – the personal attacks on Trisha (or, anyone) – do not belong here.
The forest IS important.
Dodgers with RISP: Fail
What happened to Russell Martin this year? He looks awful.
Frank, thank you.
The Phillies bullpen is mediocre, and the Yankees have the advantage there.
However, the lineups are very similar. Patient and with tons of power. The Phillies have an AL lineup in the NL.
If the Yankees make it past the Angels, it’s going to be a 6 or 7 game series.
“Yes, and let me regale you with all of my stories of being in a bullpen, or is it throwing the bullcrap?”
trisha-
you are absolutely right.
what could i ever learn about baseball by catching pitchers?
everyone knows going to law school makes that person an expert on anything and everything.
sorry your posada hating turned out so bad for you.
still think he should play less?
Buddy,
I heard Joe on the radio today saying Molina’s catching.
I was very disappointed to hear this.
I assumed Girardi would see tomorrow as a great opportunity to begin a bonding process between AJ and Posada. We have a 3-1 lead, and they would be in a position to clinch as a tandem.
That would leave AJ with good feelings about the pairing, and more crucially, Posada’s bat will put us in a much better position to win the game.
When asked what he’d do in the WS, after the obligatory: “I hope I have that problem to worry about,” preamble, he said he hasn’t “really thought about it.”
Not thought about having Molina-pitcher, 8 & 9 in the order? I find that hard to believe, myself.
He also said he’d consider the AJ/Jorge pairing for WS road game. Guy has a perfect opportunity to pair them tomorrow, and he’s balking.
Very disappointing.
rconn I think the Phils will certainly be the most challenging of all of the NL teams, for sure.
If there is a parade (which I’m sure there will be), does anyone know what DAY of the week it will most likely be on? Or is it like thr day after? Or what are the rules? I’ve never been to a parade and am too young to remember 2000. Thanks
This Dodger lineup stinks. Manny looks shot. Casey Blake? Catcher didn’t hit this year. Not a great lineup other then Ethier Kemp imo.
This is a pretty decent at bat. These are the at bats that kill fans
Erica – always OPPC
October 21st, 2009 at 11:20 pm
Dodgers with RISP: Fail
————————————————————
Good thing that you didn’t say, “EPIC Fail” or worse, “Wicked Fail”. I would have tossed my cookies.
NitO LiNk
October 21st, 2009 at 11:24 pm
If there is a parade (which I’m sure there will be), does anyone know what DAY of the week it will most likely be on? Or is it like thr day after? Or what are the rules? I’ve never been to a parade and am too young to remember 2000. Thanks
****
There is no way to know yet. It could be any day at all
what could i ever learn about baseball by catching pitchers?
==
Playing baseball doesn’t qualify you as an expert on baseball. Jorge Posada barely understands the rules of baseball and he is a catcher!
Well that was boring…
Frank
You were not around last offseason were you?
Let me just say the offseason is not for the faint of heart.
Erica – always OPPC October 21st, 2009 at 11:18 pm
NYY626-
Don’t feel bad. I made that mistake in 1996. I was only 15 and too much of a wimp to skip school and go to the city by myself. I didn’t really know the city then and I was scared.
1998-2000 I was in college in Albany and couldn’t get home
________________________________________________________________
Well thanks I guess I wasn’t the only one who missed out on the fun
:keeping fingers crossed for this year:
As far as Posada goes for tomorrow. Girardi said on the wfan today that Molina has caught AJ and he doesn’t see them making a move there. Then he was asked if Posada would DH? He gave some stupid answer how Posada isn’t used to DHing and some guys aren’t good at it so he will probably just stay with Matsui.
GreenBeret7
October 21st, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Erica – always OPPC
October 21st, 2009 at 11:20 pm
Dodgers with RISP: Fail
————————————————————
Good thing that you didn’t say, “EPIC Fail” or worse, “Wicked Fail”. I would have tossed my cookies.
******
LOL. No. I am allowed to act like a troll when its about other teams. Its almost refreshing.
I also find it strangely comforting when other teams fail with RISP. Its like, “wait, you sometimes stink too”
“If there is a parade (which I’m sure there will be), does anyone know what DAY of the week it will most likely be on? Or is it like thr day after? Or what are the rules? I’ve never been to a parade and am too young to remember 2000. Thanks”
I don’t know if there is any standard they use for the parades. Maybe NY people or people close to NY will have an answer for you.
Trevor, a last night (or was it game 3), you were very upset with the team and said it was same old, same old…that they can’t hit with RISP, they can’t hit period, etc……..Now it’s all about the pitching only? I guess we’ll see, but just because the Phillies play in the NL does not mean they shouldn’t be respected. As the WS champions, they deserve respect – they are an excellent team.
IMO Girardi has got his ego tied up with the AJ-Molina thing.
It’s hard to understand sitting a borderline Hall of Famer, who has a career 1.055 OPS against Lackey, who is having a better post-season offensively than all but two other Yankees, for one of the worst hitters in baseball who isn’t even that good defensively anymore.
It’s too bad for the Yanks, (most) Yank fans and Jorge.
bodhi-
Thanks for the info, that stinks. As for a WS game, that is awful strategy. Although it would only be one time,where it would be Molina & then Burnett hitting. Still, a bad decision.
“what could i ever learn about baseball by catching pitchers?”
Apparently not enough since you were so very sure that Posada had all of the games in the postseason – until he didn’t.
As others here have attempted to point out to you on various occasions, people don’t have to play the game to know it.
“If there is a parade (which I’m sure there will be), does anyone know what DAY of the week it will most likely be on? Or is it like thr day after? Or what are the rules? I’ve never been to a parade and am too young to remember 2000. Thanks”
most likely a week after the World Series ends.
Matsui has good numbers against Lackey, so I guess that’s OK to start him.
Cliff Lee has to be near perfect for the Phils to win the WS. After him, I’m not so impressed, and their BP isn’t very good.
That said, the Phils are good. Their fans, on the other hand, can make Sox fans look like Emily Post at times.
Bodhissatva -
Just so you are clear, when it comes to the world series, AJ would start games 2 and 6 at yankee stadium where a DH will be used. The 8/9 spot, for the first 6 innings or so mind you, will be melky and molina, not molina and a pitcher.
People have made way too much about this Molina/posada thing. The upside posada gives over molina in a one game scenario with respect to run production for the team is so minimal that its really a nonissue. If AJ is better with molina, and he obviously prefers pitching to him and trusts him far more than Jorge, then that’s what you do. Posada doesn’t produce 2 more runs over 3 at bats than Molina……but burnett to molina allows almost two less runs than burnett to posada.
there is no way in heck i would catch posada tomorrow. we need to WIN. aj feels more comfortable with molina so that’s that. this ain’t april or may or june. this is game 5 – each game is a must win, there are no throwaway games.
The Dodgers are pathetic. They are making the Phillies look better than what they really are. I wan’t to see sad faces when the Phillies fail in the World Series.
Blow off, you loser Miggs….sexist *****. Obsessive, too, I might add. What are YOU doing up so late at night? HOw pathetic – a middle aged man on a computer chatting with perfect strangers. Some life you have, lol. Freaking hypocrite. You have NO idea how old I am, so shut the **** up.
While I do not believe tomorrow is a “must win”. I do believe its a “I really, really want to win”.
2004 is still too bitter
what a difference a day makes.
Two days ago after the Yanks lost their FIRST post season game – there was wide spread panic and doom in Yankee fan land. People were calling for Girardi’s head on a platter.
The Yanks win game three of the ALCS and people are talking about WS parades already?
Russell Martin wasn’t all that special with the bat in 2008, either. Certainly nothing like 2007.
The Phillies are good, but I think the Yanks will have a field day with their bullpen.
They do have an AL lineup, but that doesn’t really scare me. After all, the Yanks are an AL team and are used to facing those types of lineups.
Yeah, Wave, because Burnett has looked bad so far with Molina catching him. It’s all about Girardi’s ego.
Unbelievable.
Are they really comparing the Phillies to the Big Red Machine ? LOL ! what a joke. You have to win a few World Series before declaring a dynasty.
I see Priggs thinks the Yankees are far superior to the Phillies and expects them (IF the Yankees get to the WS) to sweep. What a clown.
Guys, I’m sorry about this, but I’ve had enough with this schmuck and his personal attacks.
Wave,
Yeah, he may be over-identifying and therefore his judgment may be clouded.
Or it could mean that he considers AJ extremely fragile.
He should have just pulled the plug on the Molina thing after AJ got his playoff feet wet. This guy throws 96 and has a ridiculous breaking pitch. It’s not the catcher, genius. And if it’s the catcher, then the pitcher needs to visit some sort of mental health professional in the offseason, so we don’t have to go through this nonsense next year.
What annoys one – aside from the obvious idiocy of removing Posada’s bat from a finite number of games where every AB is magnified – is the coddling of one player and the cavalier, lack of feeling for the other.
Against Lackey..Matsui is hitting .286, Posada .414. Posada is swinging a much better bat right now. It’s not even close. He has to be the DH tomorrow, for his bat and protection for Arod. If Matsui bats 5th tomorrow Scoiscia will have no problem pitching around Arod.
DT-
For the record, I never called for anyone’s head and I really like parades
torre’s bullpens strike again…
GB, I expect we’ll make it out to Fort Pulaski and Tybee Island. Tomorrow, we’re going to see the city and check out more of the historic homes.
We ended up tonight at Bistro 45 in the Marshall Hotel ….what a beautiful place. I’m very happy with the Kehoe Inn, though..
Betsy-
No worries. Personally, I wish I went on more family vacations
“there is no way in heck i would catch posada tomorrow. we need to WIN. aj feels more comfortable with molina so that’s that. this ain’t april or may or june. this is game 5 – each game is a must win, there are no throwaway games.”
It’s really that simple.
‘Yeah, Wave, because Burnett has looked bad so far with Molina catching him. It’s all about Girardi’s ego.
Unbelievable.”
I don’t understand how you think so little of AJ.
According to you, AJ is a lousy pitcher who can only pitch under the influence of Molina’s mystical power over him.
I have more confidence in AJ than that.
Torre is clueless. You have to have your closer there. You’re facing elimination, joe! wake up!
Probably had too much tea.
Tarheelyank
Reading this Blog is like watching couples dance in the Spotlight Dance on American Bandstand when I was a teenager.
We have about 10or more in the Blog that constantly have a chat going. It may be the theme of that thread or how to bake gingerbread (which I did tonight).
Either way, it’s very interesting. It’s especially awesome when some get VERY techie with the stats and such. At some point, we have a real conflict of thoughts and stats. Bloggers trying to be more of an expert.
And, then we have those who just want to attack a few others because of their ideas and before I know it, there’s a food fight going on.
Like Randy and Trisha.
I enjoy a fight. Certainly if the gloves are above the waist. But occasionally one of them looses their cool and starts on the personal attacks. Constantly hitting below the belt.
It’s at that point that someone has to blow their whistle.
Black boots
Jerkface
October 21st, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Torre is clueless. You have to have your closer there. You’re facing elimination, joe! wake up!
Probably had too much tea.
****
He is probably groggy from the Bruce Springsteen concert last night
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/ne.....;type=lgns
Black sheep. “Baaaaaah”.
Erica – Parades are cool. Let’s just march into the lucky shower for 5 more wins first!
Bodh, this all on Girardi for not having faith in AJ and thinking this guy needs a crutch. I assume Joe was MIA in June and July, when AJ pitched great to Jorge. I don’t have any faith anymore in Joe’s decision making abilities..please, the Yankees have gotten here because they are supremely talented, not because the guy is a genius.
DT – OPPC member (blood type – Positive)
October 21st, 2009 at 11:40 pm
Erica – Parades are cool. Let’s just march into the lucky shower for 5 more wins first!
*****
Yes sir!!! Parade in the shower!
“Apparently not enough since you were so very sure that Posada had all of the games in the postseason – until he didn’t.”
trisha-
if you can find me saying that, i’ll never post on this blog again.
if you can’t, how about you doing the same?
as usual you’re loose with the facts.
posada’s a great player and i’m glad he’s the yankee starting catcher.
you on the other hand are a posada hater as many on the blog are.
i could care less what people like you who have no real clue about the game think.
and as far as baseball experience mattering.
yeah it does matter.
Jerkface
October 21st, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Torre is clueless. You have to have your closer there. You’re facing elimination, joe! wake up!
Probably had too much tea.
__________________________________________________________
That’s very uncharacteristic of him considering he has used Broxton in every game so far. Maybe his arm is tired… Scott Proctor redux….
Betsy
October 21st, 2009 at 11:35 pm
I see Priggs thinks the Yankees are far superior to the Phillies and expects them (IF the Yankees get to the WS) to sweep. What a clown.
Guys, I’m sorry about this, but I’ve had enough with this schmuck and his personal attacks.
====
Betsy,
Please pay this no mind.
You obviously have good friends on here.
Well the LA Dodgers are going home, and with that goes my chance to see a World Series game on both coasts…..
Black sheep? I want the black taco.
NJ Turnpike series? They need to get James Gandolfini to throw out the first pitch…
Erica, I probably shouldn’t have reacted the way I did, but I’m only human and this guy is obsessed and obnoxious. I don’t give a hoot what he thinks..and I’m having a great time.
Is anyone else starting to think that Randy and Trisha are actually an old married couple and this is like, “fun” for them????
Phillies are a good team but they have yet to face good pitching this postseason.
They’ve had a few blowouts in the playoffs which isn’t normal. Come on Colorado? Dodgers?
If the Yankees pitch up to their capability they will win.
Also the Phillies only won 93 games in an awful division and the rest of the NL wasn’t anything to right home about.
Meanwhile the Yankees won 103 games in a better league and division.
Also their pitching will be facing a better offense then what the Dodgers was throwing out there.
You said it, bodhisattva. 100% correct.
Betsy
October 21st, 2009 at 11:43 pm
Erica, I probably shouldn’t have reacted the way I did, but I’m only human and this guy is obsessed and obnoxious. I don’t give a hoot what he thinks..and I’m having a great time.
****
I probably would not have reacted any differently
Bodh, thanks for understanding. I’m sure I’ll be reported and banned, lol……..
To whoever asked about the ticker tape parade timing. In 1996, the yanks won it on a saturday night. They held the parade Tuesday. If we assume the series goes 7 and the yanks win it on a thursday, I assume it will be the following monday. If they win it in game 5, which is a Monday, then I would venture to guess they do it Friday. The one thing that is obviously an X factor is that the need for security now, and hence the preparation time now, is far greater than 1996.
AJ has gone almost 2 months now without Posada catching him. There is absolutely no way they are going to make a change now in the middle of the post season. Posada would be coming out to the mound 5 times an inning because they aren’t on the same page. Next season they have to get them on the same page, but it won’t happen now.
“I don’t understand how you think so little of AJ.
According to you, AJ is a lousy pitcher who can only pitch under the influence of Molina’s mystical power over him.
I have more confidence in AJ than that.”
According to me – and obviously Girardi, and certainly many others – for whatever reason, AJ seems to have more confidence when Molina catches his game. He gives up fewer overall hits, fewer overall runs, fewer homers, and has more Ks.
I am about winning. Pitching is supreme in the postseason. I sure don’t want to chance a meltdown.
That’s the alpha and the omega. If he and Posada can work things out next season I’m all for it. I just don’t see a need to mess with success at this point.
if the yanks do get to the ws (which looks good) i definitly think the phillies will be a worthy competitor..but lets not forget that EVERYBODY said that the ALCS would go 6 or 7 games…and lets be honest, it should of been a yankee sweep if they just hit a couple sac flys in game 3…you cant predict baseball as mr. sterling would say..
Has anyone posted this? Greasing the poles in Philly:
http://bases.nbcsports.com/200.....a.html.php
crazy
Erica
So you think one needs to be old & married to act like T & R?
I’m old and loving every moment! and 7 grandkids to sustain that thought.
Frank from Chatham
Guess you like my analogy?
bye bye Dodgers.
The Phillies are in
“Is anyone else starting to think that Randy and Trisha are actually an old married couple and this is like, “fun” for them????”
If you think it’s fun for someone to stalk your posts and take shots at them every opportunity they get then you’re not as smart as I’ve given you credit for being Erica. You might notice that the trouble always starts with one person – and it isn’t me. I hope that answers your question.
Erica, I appreciate it!
I always want Po in the lineup, even over Matsui (who looks awful now).
Frank from Chatham, NJ
October 21st, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Erica
So you think one needs to be old & married to act like T & R?
I’m old and loving every moment! and 7 grandkids to sustain that thought.
*****
Your post earlier about the spotlight dance on Bandstand completely gave your age away
BYE BYE DODGERS!!!! Now Joe Torre can start on his Dodger book.
Trisha-
It was a joke. An attempt to lighten the mood. That is when you laugh.
So much for Yankees Dodgers
I think the decision to catch Molina for AJ has nothing to do with AJ’s psyche and more to do with posada’s pitch calling. Or maybe it has nothing to do with Posada’s pitch calling, and more to do with MOLINA’S PITCH SELECTION.
Posada calls more fastballs.
AJ loves his curve.
Molina calls more curves.
It doesn’t have to be all about psyche. Sometimes its just strategy.
Don’t know about you, bit I can’t wait until we play the reigning champs!!!
‘but’, not ‘bit’
Betsy
October 21st, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Um, no I’m not…..and I disagree with most of Ken’s posts anyway.
I’m on vacation and using the inn’s computer.
GB, we we went to dinner tonight at a terrific restaurant…which just happens to be across the street from Casbah. I think my parents REALLY want to go there even though I’ve already made reservations elsewhere. We were allowed inside just after the place closed, to look around – the manager/owner (whomever he was) was very nice.
————————————————————
Where did you go today and for dinner, Betsy? Are you going to drive out to Tybee Island? Ft. Pulaski and Wilmington Island (Johnny Mercer’s home on “Moon River”) are on the way. Wherever you go, you’ll love it. You missed spring when the azalias bloom everywhere. It looks like Walt Disney painted everything. You’re about 4-5 blocks from the squares and fountains…Forest Gump’s bus stop bench.
Well said Frank.
There have been some epic battles on this blog. It’s not always pretty.
I like you as the whistle blower. A referee perhaps.
I officially nominate Frank as the whistle blower. If he blows, you chill.
Jayson Werth looks and even sounds like that dude from Scooby Doo.
Betsy
October 21st, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Bodh, this all on Girardi for not having faith in AJ and thinking this guy needs a crutch. I assume Joe was MIA in June and July, when AJ pitched great to Jorge. I don’t have any faith anymore in Joe’s decision making abilities..please, the Yankees have gotten here because they are supremely talented, not because the guy is a genius.
=======
Betsy,
I agree to an extent.
Things I’d say for Joe is that he was extremely careful and alert in managing older players’ time throughout the season; that may be the most important factor in how far we’ve come and how well we’re playing.
The manager in baseball just needs to stay out of the way of the talent, when it comes to a team like the Yankees. Joe is a good manager, but he’s getting far too clever for his own good.
Another feather for Joe is handing over such high leverage responsibilities to guys like Coke, D-Rob, Hughes, etc. Also, to his credit, he gave up playing Gardner – his preference – over Melky when the latter started hitting LHP.
This thing with AJ is most definitely on Girardi. It’s just dead wrong. I think Joe may know this, but he feels he’s taken it too far to turn back, but he can change it any time, and that time is now.
DT – OPPC member (blood type – Positive)
October 21st, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Jayson Werth looks and even sounds like that dude from Scooby Doo.
****
You are right. And not in a good way.
I take back my earlier comment. Now I just think Chase Utley is cute
Erica – always OPPC
October 21st, 2009 at 11:48 pm
___________________________
Are YOU sure!
Randy I guess you’ve never gotten that I don’t think that you have superior knowledge. To me you’re like everyone else on this blog. Opinionated and wrong as much as you are right. Sorry to burst your bubble.
Jayson Werth looks like Edge from WWE. I’m waiting for John Cena to run in and hit him with a chair.
Reigning champs going down!!
“You’re about 4-5 blocks from the squares and fountains…Forest Gump’s bus stop bench.”
when you find the box of chocolates you are there?
Tarheelyank
Or, Erica.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/.....?track=rss‘
Nice article on AJ……
What is Lidge talking about ? Philly fans are horrible fans.
I always want Po in the lineup, even over Matsui (who looks awful now).
=====
The fact that we’re even debating the either/or of Posada/Matsui is the height of absurdity.
Jeremy
October 21st, 2009 at 11:54 pm
What is Lidge talking about ? Philly fans are horrible fans.
****
If he doesn’t say they are wonderful fans they will boo him
I wonder if Brad Lidge will start sweating and sputtering his lips like Joe Nathan did once he had to close out a game against the Yanks… A-Rod already crushed a game-tying home run against Lidge once this season and he will gladly do so again…
“Erica – always OPPC
It was a joke. An attempt to lighten the mood. That is when you laugh.”
I don’t take his harassment as a joke, nor any mention of it. Sorry. By the way, I otherwise have a very good sense of humor.
trisha-
Like I said, you clearly think AJ is only trustworthy as a pitcher due to Molina. That’s a pretty big knock on AJ. Basically saying he lacks professionalism.
And I also point out that AJ doesn’t have a decision in this post-season, and he’s hit 4 batters, and walked a boatload.
Meanwhile, the Yanks haven’t scored much when he’s on the mound, both games went extra innings and were anyone’s game to win.
Plus, he barely got out of the sixth inning in the first series, and only pitched six in the second.
So, while AJ’s ERA is good, other aspects of the games he’s been in haven’t been great.
iiicollies
October 21st, 2009 at 11:47 pm
_______________________
Yes!
“I take back my earlier comment. Now I just think Chase Utley is cute”
No pretend cheating here miss!
As Tammmy Wynette once said – Stand by your pretend man.
trisha – OPPC lifetime member and a true believer in the AJ-Molina tandem and Chad Gaudin’s effectiveness
October 21st, 2009 at 11:55 pm
I don’t take his harassment as a joke, nor any mention of it. Sorry. By the way, I otherwise have a very good sense of humor.
****
I am way too tired to get into any sort of argument. So I am just going to apologize for making crummy jokes. Although, I happen to think I am hilarious. I am sorry you feel you are being harrassed, but I am not the source of it. I will not bring anything up to you again
GB, we’ll make it to Ft. Pulaski and Tybee…….probably Friday. Tomorrow, it’s the historic district and the various historic homes. We went to Bistro 45 tonight in the Marshall Hotel…beautiful, beautiful place. Dinner was delish….
DT – OPPC member (blood type – Positive)
October 21st, 2009 at 11:57 pm
“I take back my earlier comment. Now I just think Chase Utley is cute”
No pretend cheating here miss!
As Tammmy Wynette once said – Stand by your pretend man.
*****
I said earlier, no cheating!!!!! Johnny and I are very happy in our pretend relationship
LOL! TBS hearing the Philly boo’s!
Personally, I see no need for referees or whistle blowers on this blog. Each post speaks for itself, we can all read them and make up our own minds.
Erica – always OPPC October 21st, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Jeremy
October 21st, 2009 at 11:54 pm
What is Lidge talking about ? Philly fans are horrible fans.
****
If he doesn’t say they are wonderful fans they will boo him
===========================
Forget booing him.
He wants to make it home alive.
Betsy, excuse the repost. Will you drive (strongly advise not….traffic is terrible around the squares). If your parents are up to it, you might want to walk. to the squares. That’s where the best of the mansions are. Also, a carriage ride is nice. You could go past Jim Williams’ home…the most salacious murder in Savannah in 100 years. (Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil” was based on it. Lot of characters around there..
“BYE BYE DODGERS!!!! Now Joe Torre can start on his Dodger book.”
you mean the one that says” how i made the playoffs 14 straight times and counting”
yup, that torre sure messed up this year taking them to the second round of the playoffs.
AJ’s game has far more upside with Molina.
And, I think he is the one guy on the Yank staff who could provide a no hitter, when least exoected … bit only with Molina.
I’ve never seen Forrest Gump and I don’t intend to, but my folks keep trumpeting it as if it’s the greatest movie ever. I’m sure we’ll stop by the bench……but I still won’t watch the movie (I already know how it ends, anyway)
“I take back my earlier comment. Now I just think Chase Utley is cute ”
Not sure if it was mentioned here or not, but Rebecca has a thing for Werth (and apparently some of the other “bad guys”).
We can’t have our female fans lose focus. LOOK INTO FRANCISCO’S EYES…
Wave, the fear that he would be worse with Posada is too real to ignore.
Anyway, those of us who believe it is the right move are as convinced as those of you who believe it is not. So it’s probably not even discussion worthy anymore.
The point is to win games. If we win this way, we do.
I know it may not be worth bringing this to your attention, but you probably realize that every member of the Yankee broadcasting team, including former major league catchers and pitchers, consider it the right move to have Molina catch AJ. So it isn’t like we’re coming from outer space with the notion.
Don’t let Chase Utley speak to the crowd, unless you have a 5 second delay FOX.
Brad Lidge says Phillies fans supported him all year. Of course, in Philadelphia, “supported” means “threatened” and “all year” means “with chainsaws set on fire”
Good grief at the this presentation. I’m about to cut my tv off.
DT – OPPC member (blood type – Positive)
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:00 am
Don’t let Chase Utley speak to the crowd, unless you have a 5 second delay FOX.
*****
His potty mouth cracks me up
I laughed when he cursed into the mic at the 2008 ASG
so anyone excited to face pedro?
Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil
A great CD produced by Eastwood.
Irony: only he and his daughter’s voice should have been left off the CD.
nature boy
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:01 am
so anyone excited to face pedro?
****
Who’s your daddy???
“According to me – and obviously Girardi, and certainly many others – for whatever reason, AJ seems to have more confidence when Molina catches his game.”
————-
It’s not just about AJ/Molina. It’s about putting the team on the field that has the best chance to win games.
Is AJ that much better with Molina that it outweighs a middle of the lineup bat with the equivalent of a pitcher batting?
maybe, maybe not.
as long as the Yanks are winning games, I guess it’s a moot point.
I dont care what anybody says about Charlie Manuel…I love the guy.
I hope we close this ting out with A.J. on the mound. I want the Yankees to destroy the Phillies hopes and dreams.
GB, no problem! No, we’ll take the trolley – we’ve got our tickets already and we can get on and off where we please. I’m sure we’ll stop by the Mercer-Williams house…I never read the book or saw the movie, lol. Right now, I heard from this girl (who helped give us directions and who, ironically, is from a town about 5 minutes from where I live) that Robert Redford is in town shooting The Conspirator….I wonder if I’ll bump into him, lol
Erica, again I have no sense of humor when it comes to being oppressed by disgruntled posters. Luckily there is only one who’s off enough to be doing it.
Let’s just leave it at that.
Erica
No, she’s more like our Queen. Too much youthful, exuberance for refereeing.
I like your calm, experienced voice. You are the referee.
“Personally, I see no need for referees or whistle blowers on this blog. Each post speaks for itself, we can all read them and make up our own minds.”
Wave
I made up my mind. Shut up!
Every single person that has spoken on that podium has horrendous public speaking skills.
Nicely done, JasonR.
I like Charlie Manuel.
One Jon & Kate Plus 8, Jon took all the boys to see a Phillies game. They got to sit in a luxary box with Manuel’s wife. Apparently the Manuels are big fans of the show. After the game, Jon took the boys into the clubhouse. Charlie ran into the room and hugged each of the little boys. he said he watches them whenever he can’t sleep. LOL.
It was very sweet
“BYE BYE DODGERS!!!! Now Joe Torre can start on his Dodger book.”
Another shot at Torre. You are always making your snide remarks about Torre every chance you get. And add Posada to your list too.
There are others who agree with your points, but don’t have to mention it over and over like you do. Give it a rest.
Bodh, all good points….Joe has done some things right, but he’s obsessive-compulsive. I’m not sure he’s the right man for this team despite it’s success.
Tarheelyank-
I have always wanted to be the Queen of something
LOL
Dodgers whole team had a major meltdown.
Made the Phillies look much better than they are.
Big mistake of Joe losing 1 at home,and trying to clinch in freezing cold Philly.
In the the NL that challenged the Phillies were The Rockies they struggled with them.
Those first two games ate huge,in a 7 game series.
Erica
You’re to young to be a Queen…. how about a Princess!
“Wave, the fear that he would be worse with Posada is too real to ignore.”
trisha, I understand that fear can be a terrible thing. It can make the most imaginary things seem absolutely real. But, I think someone once said, the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.
We are up 3 to 1. Even if we lose tomorrow, we are still in the catbird’s seat. Seems to me, for those who have fears, the thing to do is start Posada with AJ.
If AJ pitches poorly, no huge harm done. But if he pitches well, the fear is gone, the sky is blue and we are all young once more.
“But if I’m right, you, Mr. Mayor, will have saved the lives of millions of registered voters…”
Frank from Chatham, NJ
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:07 am
Erica
You’re to young to be a Queen…. how about a Princess!
*****
Deal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BD, if people were to be honest about this, all it is, is a reiteration of what has been said before, with those who defended Posada still defending it, and those who preferred Molina catching AJ, still preferring it. There is nothing novel being presented. I see it an emotional as opposed to a rational argument, because nobody should want to mess with success “just because”.
Bring on the Yankees?
Be careful what you wish for.
Torre is fake crying right now…
An old friend from Philly just rang me up rambling on about how the Phillies won 2/3 in May against the Yanks and should have swept if it wasn’t for Lidge.
My response: “Yeah, that’s right…Good thing Lidge isn’t closing for the Phillies anymore…oh wait.”
We are up 3-1
It’s time to close this out.
AJ w/ Molina
Carlo
October 21st, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Bodhissatva -
Just so you are clear, when it comes to the world series, AJ would start games 2 and 6 at yankee stadium where a DH will be used. The 8/9 spot, for the first 6 innings or so mind you, will be melky and molina, not molina and a pitcher.
People have made way too much about this Molina/posada thing. The upside posada gives over molina in a one game scenario with respect to run production for the team is so minimal that its really a nonissue. If AJ is better with molina, and he obviously prefers pitching to him and trusts him far more than Jorge, then that’s what you do. Posada doesn’t produce 2 more runs over 3 at bats than Molina……but burnett to molina allows almost two less runs than burnett to posada.
======
Yes, I realize I’m going by ALCS schedule, that doesn’t apply to WS. No break between 4 & 5 (otherwise he would have pitched 5 on Tues – my bad).
Thanks for clarifying.
As to the rest of the post, there is no way I am going to buy that Yankees have a better chance of winning with Molina behind the plate and in the lineup, than with Posada behind the plate and in the lineup.
Not to be rude, but it’s really just not something one cannot debate with a straight face. Take a look at Jorge Posada’s numbers. Have a look at what happened to Philly’s options pitching to ARod with Jorge protecting him.
And do we really have to even discuss Posada’s numbers at home? Way to take advantage of the ballpark factor, there, Joe.
I
WYH-
Awesome Ghostbusters reference
“What did you do Ray??????”
19 hours and 48 minutes until Game 5!!!!!!!!!!
Yeah Wave, and then you’ve probably heard the saying “just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean you don’t have reason to be.” Sometimes fear is founded.
I personally wouldn’t take the chance to see if an experiment worked if I thought I had a better chance of having it work with something that already has been proven.
I continue to say that Girardi knows more than all of us put together. If he decides to go with Posada at any point, then I believe it has to be the right move because he is doing it based on what he knows and observes as a manager.
I’m good with whatever he does.
Yanks in 4….called it.
But posting/complaining about a manager of the team with best record in season and playoffs incessantly to the point of midnight on the first day of your vacation isn’t obsessive compulsive? Ok. Cuckoo-cuckoo
“as long as the Yanks are winning games, I guess it’s a moot point.”
boston dave-
once girardi fell into having molina catch burnett the last two months of the season, he really kind of had no choice but to have that continue.
posada obviously has no trouble catching the other pitchers and his bat is huge in the playoffs.
they can still run the table with this arrangement. next year they’ll take care of it and pair up posada and burnett early and get them used to each other.
the yankees need burnett so you do what you have to do.
i like molina as a catcher. i just don’t like seeing him play too often. but situationally he can do some things on offense.
Tricia
Games at NL parks bring up an added dimension to the argument. Do you feel that Molina should start at NL parks as well?
Past series don’t mean anything. If past series meant something then the Yankees would be in trouble right now with the Angels. Some Philly fans are idiots.
Tarheelyank-
That is a really excellent question. I am going to debate that to myself when i go to sleep
Posada has a ton of trouble catching other pitchers. He doesn’t even know the count or number of outs half the time. Oh wait, your the closeted genius that said cashman would be fired by now right randyl?
Tricia, Let me ask you this….Come World Series time, will you still be advocating Molina to catch Burnett ??? You do understand that will be the equvilent of having to pitchers hitting in the lineup….That’s 2 deadholes in the order….AJ will have to be a big boy and have Posada be his catcher…..By the way, Jorge called a nifty game last night, even though he forgot the outs in one inning….And yes the double by Cano, however his stick is needed when in Philly……No cooment on HOF Mgr. Joe Torre asa per My agreement
Betsy,
Thanks for the link for to the AJ article – it was a good one. But I think it’s the only time Teixeira has been referred to as a “free spirit.”
Pat M-
Did you see the special guests they added to the Rock & Roll hall of fame show next week????? You were going too right???
Wave Your Hat
October 21st, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Personally, I see no need for referees or whistle blowers on this blog. Each post speaks for itself, we can all read them and make up our own minds.
=====
I agree with that. The exception is ugly, personal attacks. Silence is conspiracy when it comes to these.
Cole Hamels sounds like such a weasel.
I dont know much about him, but from everything I gather, he seems extremely unlikeable.
This is just for Bod because I know he will at least listen.
Bod stop right now.
This is me and you. AJ’s numbers with Posada are nowhere near as good as AJ’s numbers with Molina. AJ gives up fewer runs with Molina than he does with Posada. Pitching is critical in the postseason. You go with the tandem that gives you the best shot of shutting the other team down.
Thank you!
Goodnight princess
Imback
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:14 am
_________________________
Sorry – it’s called passion. Yankee passion. Difficult to ignore even at the Inn.
“Posada has a ton of trouble catching other pitchers. He doesn’t even know the count or number of outs half the time. Oh wait, your the closeted genius that said cashman would be fired by now right randyl?”
imback-
you want to be a posada hater be my guest.
and had cashman not spent $400 million he would have missed the playoffs and been fired.
i’m glad he spent the 400 million
Betsy
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:03 am
GB, no problem! No, we’ll take the trolley – we’ve got our tickets already and we can get on and off where we please. I’m sure we’ll stop by the Mercer-Williams house…I never read the book or saw the movie, lol. Right now, I heard from this girl (who helped give us directions and who, ironically, is from a town about 5 minutes from where I live) that Robert Redford is in town shooting The Conspirator….I wonder if I’ll bump into him, lol
————————————————————
LMAO. If you bump into Redford, just don’t try to pick his pockets. They make a lot of movies around here, now. They used to shoot parts of the TV show “China Beach” here, also. You should get a lot of the gossip from the tour guides. They love to tell everything. “Midnight In The Garden” was with Kevin Spacey and John Cusack who played John Kelso (John Berendt – author). Pretty good movie, great book. Movie was about 80% fact. Berendt didn’t meet Williams until after the murders.
[first lines]
Minerva: Quit eye balling me, Flavius. I knew you when you was a two bit hustler on Bull Street.
Pat M,
I’m usually not a fan of armchair psychology, but I really wonder if Posada has ADHD. How many times has he forgotten the count or how many outs there are this year? I can almost understand it in a game in April or August, but in the playoffs? I love the guy, but his brain is clearly not in the game sometimes.
randy l,
I am a believer in Posada, though his baserunning gaffs, have tested my patience
If it were my call, Posada would be catching every game because I believe it gives the Yanks the best chance to win games, despite any disadvantage for AJ.
I’m also a fan of Molina so it’s not like it’s hard for me to root for him. I think most of us are going to root for him every time he walks on the field to hit or catch.
But you’re right – Girardi kind of forced his hand.
At what point does the superior hitting catcher outweigh a better defensive catcher or “gamecaller” (for sake of argument let’s assume molina is the choice in that regard)?
Would it make sense for some to bench joe mauer if Mike Redmond was better with Scott Baker?
Matsui will rake in Philly. We need Molina in WS for Burnett. Posada is a joke. The phillies don’t have an offensive powerhouse batting every slot. Either should we. Pitching wins playoffs. But I’m sure your threats are amusing to the players and managers. You guys realize that this Trisha person has beat all you experts to shame this year? I’m talking to you sj44. Randyl, cb, and bodh. She’s been the most knowledgeable on here this year by far re: the Yankees.
The last team an NL team had a chance to defend their title was in 1996, and we all know what happened then. It’s like destiny….
Pat M, is it a cop out to say that if Girardi feels it is better for Posada to catch because it is an NL park then I am down with it?
If Girardi changes direction at any point then I have to believe that he has good reason to do so. I trust the guy with my life, always have. His knowledge of the ins and outs of the Yankee situation puts everyone else’s to shame.
That is an honest answer and I stand by it. The guy got this team to 103 wins. I trust he knows what he’s doing.
(If he made the decision I would know that it had to do with losing the DH in the NL park.)
This was supposed to be my early night. Oops. Anyway…
Good night Yankee people!!!!!
Wow Imback. I really really really really appreciate you!
Trisha-
Did you pay off Imback or what!
trisha – OPPC lifetime member and a true believer in the AJ-Molina tandem and Chad Gaudin’s effectiveness
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:18 am
This is just for Bod because I know he will at least listen.
Bod stop right now.
This is me and you. AJ’s numbers with Posada are nowhere near as good as AJ’s numbers with Molina. AJ gives up fewer runs with Molina than he does with Posada. Pitching is critical in the postseason. You go with the tandem that gives you the best shot of shutting the other team down.
Thank you!
=====
Aj is not reliant on Molina to make him a great pitcher.
Reports of Posada’s subpar defense have been grossly exaggerated, and his bat’s impact on the lineup dismissed as if he were Nick Swisher.
That is just the land of the ridiculous.
Therefore, we can agree there is no common ground for discussion.
Erica, The last I heard was that James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Sting…Who am I missing ??? Yes, I’m taking a Red Eye out of LAX ( I hate LAX, but at least I’m returning by way of John Wayne Airport )..Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday, Concert @ The Garden….I’m hoping that The Stadium will be open for Saturday’s game from Philly…..
The only time Posada should not be catching is when he needs a day off. During the World Series you don’t need a day off.
Hey Tar, now Pat M has you calling me Tricia!!!
Scared of the Wall
Yes the situation is very similar.
1995 Braves win the WS, go back to the WS in 1996 only to lose to the Yankees. I hope that happens to the Phillies.
It is what it is. You got guys who caught a minor league pitcher thirty years ago using that as justification to criticize the most successful general manager in sports. You have some guy that uses a different physics theorem a week to prove his points of view. The same equations I’m sure he used to get higher derivatives and bankrupt us. Another guy got lucky that his sibling had a talented kid and then wanted to trade arod, cano, melky, swisher, Hughes, joba, and Burnett this year bc they wrent tough enough. Yeah a lot of resident geniuses here
bod, sometimes pitchers prefer certain catchers. It’s happened before and it will happen again. It really doesn’t matter whether you or I like it or agree with it. It really isn’t the land of the absurd since it’s working out just fine. I can’t help but believe this is more an emotional Posada argument with all of you guys because if it weren’t, you wouldn’t care as long as we won. Which we have been doing.
Anyway, it’s senseless to debate it because I am happy with the way things are. So why bring myself down!
If the Yanks advance to the WS there is no way Molina can catch AJ on the road. Without the DH you would lose Matsui and Posada’s bats and add 2 pitchers to the lineup. They can’t afford to lose that much offense.
Imback October 22nd, 2009 at 12:23 am
Matsui will rake in Philly. We need Molina in WS for Burnett. Posada is a joke.
=====================
I stopped right after that.
Can AJ hit? Because if he could, then Posada could DH for Molina.
I was not overly concerned that Molina was catching AJ. Pitching is the thing that wins ultimately. However, the Yankees’ offense had been missing until yesterday’s game. They seem to not score a lot of runs whenever AJ is pitching (surely coincidence, because it’s happened when Posada caught him as well). Posada has been swinging a hot bat. I hate to lose it tomorrow. I imagine, since Matsui hasn’t been hitting that well, that there is a chance that Posada could DH tomorrow.
So, anyone else think the hats the Phillies were wearing were ugly? And will the Yankees have similar ones?
iiicollies -
Just to put your mind further at ease about asking questions, I did have to ask twice.
GB7 -
Cool story about the “old guy” watching Montero. I’ve read how much he wants to improve his catching skills. It could be nice having him ready at about the time Jorge is ready to relinquish the starting job.
Sorry trisha
If you haven’t noticed my spelling makes GB look like a English professor.
Good night all.
The #3 game also had a little attention deficit behind the plate when the umpire tried to call Posada out on 2 strikes. It happens in high pressure games like these.
I’m less concerned about Posada’s catching and game calling than I am about Molina’s ability to hit or even move runners.
“It is what it is. You got guys who caught a minor league pitcher thirty years ago using that as justification to criticize the most successful general manager in sports. You have some guy that uses a different physics theorem a week to prove his points of view. The same equations I’m sure he used to get higher derivatives and bankrupt us. Another guy got lucky that his sibling had a talented kid and then wanted to trade arod, cano, melky, swisher, Hughes, joba, and Burnett this year bc they wrent tough enough. Yeah a lot of resident geniuses here”
Sorry but you’ve got my vote. And my proxy. I would be pleased to tell people to talk to you because you speak for me. I agree with everything you have said. People here try to use a lot of smoke and mirrors to mask the practical. You cut right through it.
Good job.
Trisha however, understands that Joe girardi has a comprehensive approach to each ab, inning, game, series, season and beyond. He has built the best bullpen this year. Best record. Best playoffs. Managed arod thru steroids and injury. Purging demon of Angels. Rested stud ace. Got joba his innings and twenty wins in his starts. Got Hughes his mojo. But bc he puts in one of the top defensive catchers in game to a stud with wild tendencies ge is a moron? Trisha knows that cashman and Joe are building something big here. The egos are being set down.
trisha-
Catcher’s ERA is meaningless. Quick, what were the opposing teams when Molina caught AJ? What teams did Posada catch? Home or away? Wind blowing in or out? Were the lineups lefty heavy or not? In which games did AJ have his slider working, which not? What was the breakdown of innings in which runs were scored? Did most of the runs scored when Posada caught occur in a few innings, or were they evenly distributed? How many innings do you have to look at in each category?
Catcher’s ERA is not a significant statistic. This has been explained at length more than once here, with links to studies showing it. That’s “rational”. The fact that Posad’s ERA with AJ is higher this year is not significant, it is a result which cannot be shown to be anything other than random.
Believing otherwise is “emotional”.
Also, trisha, there have been detailed, multi-year at-bat by at-bat studies of whether pitchers pitch better to certain catchers, and no evidence of it has ever been found.
But it is what it is. For purposes here, my proposal is to let Posada catch tomorrow (I do understand this isn’t happening). If the Yanks lose, we are still up 3-2, going home to the Stadium and in great shape.
But if we win, then it will have been “proven” (at least to those who thing that th eAJ/Molina thing is “proven”), that Posada can catch AJ. Then the best catcher can catch.
How can you argue with that? Though I’m sure you will.
I’m signing out. Hope the Yanks finish it out tomorrow, whoever catches.
I agree with everything you have said.
========================
He said Posada is a joke, so I guess you agree with that too?
As a sidebar to the ongoing debate of pitching/catching match-ups…
1. Did anyone see the Phillies fan with the sign “from Broad St. to Broadway” Sure we welcome the Phillies fans to our parade down the Canyon of Heroes when the Yankees win the World Series…
(P.S. For those who have never been to a Yankee parade I highly recommend.)
2. It goes without saying that their are many people on this blog who are super passionate. Everyone is entitled to their opinions but in the end it is in null since the ones paid to make the decisions regarding line-ups and match-ups are Joe Girardi and his staff Dave Eiland, Tony Peña and company. That is just my humble opinion.
In the end the only thing that matters is…
LET’S GO YANKEE’S…I can’t wait for tomorrow night’s game!
Frank, I swear I didn’t pay him off. But I will in the future if I can continue to get that kind of support!
Thanks for your help tonight. I really do appreciate it so much. And Bod’s as well. You guys make this forum a very nice place.
“I am a believer in Posada, though his baserunning gaffs, have tested my patience If it were my call, Posada would be catching every game because I believe it gives the Yanks the best chance to win games, despite any disadvantage for AJ.”
boston dave-
i actually wouldn’t want to see posada catch burnett at this point just because it’s been so long that he hasn’t caught him.
as far as posada’s base running gaffes , he’s never been a good base runner. i’m actually puzzled about the outs thing because everyone forgets sometimes which is why after every out players signal the number of outs to each other, but all posada has to do is ask the ump who’s right there breathing down his neck if he’s not sure.
to merge two stories concerning wang and posada,
wang’s pitching coach and long time advisor neil allen told me he told wang repeatedly to knock red sox hitters off the plate when they stepped up on him to get to the sinker before it sunk.
allen said posada didn’t like calling for that pitch for some reason and told wang to do it on his own and wang did. it wouldn’t cross up posada , but instead of a low and away sinker wang would throw an up and in four seam fastball.
this is some of the real stuff that goes on behind the scenes. pitchers and catchers don’t always see eye to eye.
that doesn’t mean posada shouldn’t be the starting catcher who catches the overwhelming majority of games.
to me posada has been the yankee co captain all these years.
he sets a tone about winning.
and he goes after it.
trisha – OPPC lifetime member and a true believer in the AJ-Molina tandem and Chad Gaudin’s effectiveness
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:32 am
sometimes pitchers prefer certain catchers. It’s happened before and it will happen again. It really doesn’t matter whether you or I like it or agree with it. It really isn’t the land of the absurd since it’s working out just fine.
______________________________________________________
Earlier today I made the point to someone that Mike Mussina and Greg Maddux used personal catchers in their career.
The response I got was that Mussina has no rings and Maddux only has 1. Apparently having a personal catcher singlehandedly cost them a World Series, a real logical argument.
It’s unfortunate that Posada’s bat will be taken out of the lineup, but we haven’t lost a game yet with Molina catching AJ. Can’t really complain about it until Molina and/or AJ costs us a game.
Glad you enjoyed it, Doreen. The old guy has had season tickets for 60 years. Loves to talk about the Yankees and all of the greats that passed through here. He’s not real happy that the Mets have the franchise, now. I think the people around him listen to his stories more than watching the games. He’s a jewel around the park.
Wave, I don’t think I mentioned any catcher ERA.
Anyway, the experts seem to disagree with you. So if you don’t mind I’ll continue to go with the experts. That would be those who run the Yankees and those who used to play for the Yankees and now broadcast for them. It amazes me that you would try to assert that your knowledge of how to run the game is superior to theirs. Wow.
Anyway, no need to debate this any further. The opinions that matter aren’t on this blog.
Night now!
You think it’s not a joke that arod had to sprint down the line bc posada was running off field? If that was manny it’d be on all the highlight reels.
Or running all the way back to third and stepping on it triumphantly but veering off onto foul territory lime you were beating out a single and leaving cano there thinking he was in the twilight zone?
That’s not a joke of a player to you?
“I’m less concerned about Posada’s catching and game calling than I am about Molina’s ability to hit or even move runners.”
Don’t be concerned about Molina. Girardi knows everything and has not made 1 mistake all year. Even taking Robertson out and bringing in Aceves to lose the game was not a mistake.
Girardi knows Molina will hit like Alex and run like Gardner. So don’t worry.
imback-
hey its great to have another imbecile on trisha crack baseball advisory team.
she gets low on them from time to time.
Trisha, I wondered how long before you decided to alert me of alteration of your name…..Frankly, you’re only the second Tricia / Trisha I’ve known in my lifetime….I have a cousin Tricia so when I need to focus on the keyboard, I always went with my cousins spelling…..Just understand there’s no hidden purpose to it….It’s just a reduction of one less thing for me to deal with as I attempt to type…..The GB syndrome
You all realize that by arguing with “Trisha” you are by in essence arguing with Giradi?
It’s not hard to see the point. AJ is Comfortable, AJ pitches better, the Yankees win.
I believe Posada gives the Yankees a better chance to win. But I can see thier point.
I am willing to bet Joe does not start Molina at Philly regardless of who pitches.
I hope Lackey has nothing. I want this game to be a blow out. I don’t want to hear about 2004 and comebacks, and personally I hate the Angels just like the Red Sox.
GB7,
You’re right about the umpire’s attention deficit problem.
I’ve probably mentioned it before, but I saw Montero’s first ever MLB at-bat in his first spring training – a monster opposite field homerun. I saw him in spring training this year as well. I can’t wait til he gets to the Bronx.
And this unofficial co- captain of the Yankees has led us to a decade of futility so I’m not sure how his “passion” to win has really had an impact?
“How can you argue with that? Though I’m sure you will.”
No Wave, the postseason, ALCS is the time to experiment! What the hell, if we lose we have 2 more chances, right?
And if they don’t work out well at least we know that Posada shouldn’t be catching AJ! No harm done.
Sleep well Wave.
“You think it’s not a joke that arod had to sprint down the line bc posada was running off field?”
imback-
so you’re a posada hater too ?
should posada even catch sabathia ?
what’s your position?
Randyl, personal attacks is so Provincetown. Are you ready to take off your heels and hit me with them?
“Trisha, I wondered how long before you decided to alert me of alteration of your name…..Frankly, you’re only the second Tricia / Trisha I’ve known in my lifetime….I have a cousin Tricia so when I need to focus on the keyboard, I always went with my cousins spelling…..Just understand there’s no hidden purpose to it….It’s just a reduction of one less thing for me to deal with as I attempt to type…..The GB syndrome”
Pat M, actually I always thought it was kind of sweet.
Trisha,
The numbers here should put to rest any assumption that “emotion” is driving the stance that Posada needs to play every game:
Jorge Posada vs. John Lackey:
.414 .469 .586 1.055 (29 career ABs).
Jorge Posada ALCS 2009:
.308 .471 .615 1.086 (13 ABs).
Geeze Tarheel, thanks.
Ultimately the only horse I want in the race is the one that wins.
Only in NY would missing the playoffs once in the years since 2000 be considered a decade of futility. And, coincidentally or not, the year that was missed, Jorge Posada was on the DL and had season-ending surgery.
Posada should be benched. He is a bad catcher. Ask your buddy Neil Allen if a pitcher would feel more comfortable throwing to a catcher who knows the number of outs in inning or strikes in ab versus one that doesn’t? Or maybe it doesn’t make a difference? Apparently he lives under your bed as you pull out a “conversation” you’ve had with him when it suits you so just roll over and ask… I’ll wait.
I don’t think it was a decade of futility. Randyl often refers to cashmans inability to field a ws title team this decade as a sign of failure, yet same teams are proof of success of posada. He can’t have it both ways.
Bod, you are more concerned with offense. I am more concerned with pitching.
I still adore you so let’s agree to disagree because neither of us is going to change her/his perspective. And that’s okay.
Lovely that we can do that and still end up really caring about each other. It’s a pity that posters can’t do that as a general rule. It’s called respecting the other person’s position even if you disagree with it.
And there will be joy in Yville
The mighty Yankees will win it all…
And respectfully Doreen it was coincidence. The yanks missed playoofs last year by six games. Those can easily be seen as loss of Wang and ipk and Hughes not getting a victory and having Radner sir Sidney Geisel etc. Also matsui was out too. In fact this year we turned it around not only when arod came back but when posada was injured. Member?
Clare
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:47 am
GB7,
You’re right about the umpire’s attention deficit problem.
I’ve probably mentioned it before, but I saw Montero’s first ever MLB at-bat in his first spring training – a monster opposite field homerun. I saw him in spring training this year as well. I can’t wait til he gets to the Bronx.
————————————————————
Evening, Clare. Montero is a BIG kid, but, some people have the impression that he’s got fat. He’s just big, but, pretty agile. I’d like to see him drop a few pounds (10 or so) because he’ll need to catch more than 80 games a year. He’s got quick hands and so far, impresses me more on defense than Romine does. Like you, it should be fun watching him scare major league pitchers. It would be great to see him in NYY before Jeter, Rivera, Posada, Rodriguez and Pettitte leave….changing of the guard without a break, so to speak. They’ve got some hitters and pitchers coming…..fast.
“Posada should be benched. He is a bad catcher.”
————–
I respect everyone’s opinions on the Posada issue and the fact the Yankees are winning with the formula Girardi is using is good enough for me.
But I also respect how important Posada is to the team. A catcher who can hit is quite a luxury and it’s one of the edges the Yanks have on their competition. Can’t see how too many people can argue with that.
“Ultimately the only horse I want in the race is the one that wins”
Exactly.It seems that everybody is so invested in thier postion that they are losing sight of that.
Has anybody else thought that maybe Alex and Tex should switch in the order. I am too tired to explain why but will check in the AM.
Good night all.
“You think it’s not a joke that arod had to sprint down the line bc posada was running off field? If that was manny it’d be on all the highlight reels.”
It was on all the highlight reels.
“Or running all the way back to third and stepping on it triumphantly but veering off onto foul territory lime you were beating out a single and leaving cano there thinking he was in the twilight zone?”
Posada made a bad base running play.
That’s not a joke of a player to you?”
Cano was the joke for standing a foot away from the base looking like he was lost. Real heads up.
imback (posada hater)_
gee i’m sorry to throw out personal baseball anecdotes.
guess we don’t have to worry about that with you.
BD- that’s cool. I just am a bigger proonent of defense than offense. You said it: he’s a luxury not a necesseity in this lineup. When your number nine guy gets four rbis in a game (2 clutch)and it barely gets a mention your lineup us all good. Just my opinion. I think catcher is most mental position on field and we have arguably the most unfocused and stubborn player there.
“It’s unfortunate that Posada’s bat will be taken out of the lineup, but we haven’t lost a game yet with Molina catching AJ. Can’t really complain about it until Molina and/or AJ costs us a game.”
Exactly right. Losing Posada’s bat is a tradeoff, no question, but on balance it appears to be one we need to make.
Imback, Are you new ???? If not, I guess you never really posted anything that would catch my attention…Until now of course as you have stood out tonight in earnest….And by no means is that meant to be flattering
Imback, I think you rock. Seriously.
“They’ve got some hitters and pitchers coming…..fast.”
————–
With all this talk about Montero staying at catcher or not, do you think it makes sense to season him as both a catcher and a corner OF?
in the games Romine catches, Montero can try out of the OF or 1b. he’d also catch 80+ games at AAA.
I think we’ve talked about the value in this type of flexibility before.
I am 100% for Montero being a fulltime catcher. But the reality is, it’s at least possible that he won’t be able to play 140 games at catcher in the majors.
whatever can get his bat to the majors the quickest, while still expecting to be primarily a catcher in the long run, seems the best bet to me.
trisha – OPPC lifetime member and a true believer in the AJ-Molina tandem and Chad Gaudin’s effectiveness
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:55 am
Bod, you are more concerned with offense. I am more concerned with pitching.
I still adore you so let’s agree to disagree because neither of us is going to change her/his perspective. And that’s okay.
Lovely that we can do that and still end up really caring about each other. It’s a pity that posters can’t do that as a general rule. It’s called respecting the other person’s position even if you disagree with it.
And there will be joy in Yville
The mighty Yankees will win it all…
=====
I adore you. That goes without saying.
But you are over simplifying.
I am just as concerned with pitching as you are. That’s why I want Posada batting fifth, behind Alex. Taking Posada out of the lineup makes life infinitely easier on John Lackey – the pitcher for the opponent, whose runs allowed, after all, impact the game.
I am really, really tired at this point, and I have been over this on here more times than I care to admit – but it’s just not that cut and dry.
Posada removed from the lineup is not a matter of just a few ABs exchanged for the defensive wizardry of Jose Molina, and with all due respect, that seems to be your position.
If that were the case, I would be as enthusiastically on board as you are.
There isn’t much more to say on this, because I have said it all before. The reasons are the same. But let’s recess and enjoy the clincher tomorrow
.
” A catcher who can hit is quite a luxury and it’s one of the edges the Yanks have on their competition. Can’t see how too many people can argue with that.”
boston dave-
sj44. cb, pat m, nick in sf, patrick, wave your hat all agree with you on that.
i think it’s a tough call on girardi simply because burnett is a handfull for any catcher simply because he’s so erratic.
i doubt very much girardi will let it happen next year.
sometimes you put the funny little spare tire on your car until you get to the gas station.
Imback,
I can respect that. I believe in defense as well.
I guess we just disagree on how good or bad Posada is defensively as a catcher.
And right now, Posada has been making his share of mental mistakes so my argument for him being good enough defensively has some leaks in it
I still think the Yanks have the best chance to win when he’s behind the plate, though, because he gives them such a clear advantage over other teams catchers in the lineup.
It’s why there is such a premium these days on catchers who can hit (and yes, they need to be able to play the position as well).
“I think catcher is most mental position on field and we have arguably the most unfocused and stubborn player there.”
If you are correct why didn’t Cashman let Posada go when his contract was up?
Its great reading when you get the Trisha/Randy give-and-take.
Earlier I was just making a joke regarding Betsy being on a hotel lobby computer while on vacation with her parents. Sorry but that’s funny to me, blogging in a hotel lobby in the middle of the night, people walking in and out. If I didn’t have a handheld device and I needed to use the hotel lobby computer I’d hop on for a sec and check email or something important. Its just funny picturing her blogging from it for hours at a time.
I wasn’t poking fun at her for taking a vacation with her parents however, and maybe I should have been more clear on that. She’s easy bait though. Apparently she blew a gasket but I wasn’t here to see it until now. Priceless.
Bod, I vote for what gives us the best chance of winning. I vote for believing in Girardi. And if that means that I disagree with your take, that’s what it means.
I think AJ with Molina catching gives us the best chance of winning the game in the postseason.
I believe in KISS also. Sometimes I think you guys make it more complicated than it really is.
Anyway, it’s talked out and decided where it matters – that would not be here.
Sleep well mon amor. We have a big fish to fry soon enough!
Imback -
I simply reacted to your statement about the decade of futility.
Of course Posada’s absence wasn’t the ONLY reason they missed the playoffs last year. They missed for all the reasons you cite. I disagree with you that Posada is a terrible baseball player (not your exact words, but the sentiment I took from the words you did use).
One cannot deny that Posada has been swinging a good bat during this series and that his bat will be missed when Molina catches AJ. I don’t believe Molina catching AJ is a referendum on Posada. It is merely a matchup that for whatever reason this manager has decided will give his pitcher enough of an edge that he’s willing to sacrifice some offense. My concern is that the Yankees, last night notwithstanding, have been offense-deficient. My other concern is, that even with Molina catching, AJ has his customary “wild” inning. Last start, the damage was controlled. But last start, AJ was at Yankee Stadium. I am concerned about what the Angels might do in their own stadium if they are given bases by walks and/or HBPs. It’s a different dynamic in Anaheim.
But all that being said, I root for the Yankees regardless, I appreciate every player on that team, and bottom line is I hope for them to win. Their lineup and pitching rotation and who catches whom is not something I can control, so while at times it’s fun to discuss the options, it’s not important what I think.
Sleep well mon amor. We have a big fish to fry soon enough!
=====
d’accord on that, sweetheart.
See you later tonight
.
randy l,
I’m not going to argue with success. AJ is getting the job done with Molina so it’s fine with me (I like the spare tire analogy).
But I have almost always had a problem with pitchers, in general, who want a personal catcher (not suggesting AJ is demanding Molina).
I understand how superstitious pitchers are but they need to get over it if it’s detrimental to the team.
At the end of the day, if a talented pitcher executes their pitches, they’ll be fine.
As CB has said in the past, if AJ has his curveball working, he could tell the hitters it’s coming and they wouldn’t be able to hit it.
Wasn’it amusing to see Brad Lidge be trusted to close a game with a 7 point lead?
Joe trusted Gaudin,who hadn’t pitched all postseason!
I MEANT A 6 POINT LEAD.
“Its great reading when you get the Trisha/Randy give-and-take.”
get it while you can.
she’ll quit like she did during the twin series when the heat gets too much with her posada bashing.
that was an enjoyable series by the way
peaceful.
Doreen,
The man is getting on base at nearly a .500 clip.
That is not merely good, that is absurdly, studly good.
In fact, that is All Redeeming good.
You want simple guys?
Give that man with the .471 on base percentage a catcher’s mitt and a bat.
I’ll take my chances
.
Goodnight, indeed!
I should clarify – I am concerned about AJ’s wild inning regardless who is catching, but having the ability to produce offense of their own, because Posada is in the mix, and the lineup is not compromised at all, would ease some of my concern.
I guess my concern is ultimately AJ, and not the catcher, and the loss of a bat against a pitcher (Lackey) who can really control a game.
bodhi -
Yes. He’s been All-Redeeming good.
I am just uncomfortable about seeming to overstate my case without the numbers to back it up. Thanks for providing them.
Doreen. I’m just psyched they are playing in October and I got something to watch after work. Oh and that torre isn’t manager, that used to drive me nuts. It’s all gravy now.
I don’t think cashman is infallible, he got steamrolled to sign posada by media. Should have let him go to mets for more $. We could then keep Damon and matsui next year. And just bc posadas hit this series I still recall all the double plays from the past cour years. No defense. No speed. No brains. Very stubborn. Not good for team in my book. I think they’d have 110 wins without him. How many games has ge won with bat this year?
“I think AJ with Molina catching gives us the best chance of winning the game in the postseason. ”
——
I can’t argue with that but I’d like to know why.
If AJ could theoretically pitch the same way with Posada behind the plate, it would clearly give the Yanks the best chance to win.
CC and Pettitte have been great with Posada and I expect they’d have been great with Molina too. Why? Because they are great pitchers.
Why does Girardi believe that AJ need a crutch, or an excuse, in order to do his job but nobody else does?
I hate hearing the “chemistry” excuse too. That sounds fine and dandy but AJ primarily throws TWO pitches (3 if you count the 2 seamer). He should be able to throw a fastball and a curveball at a fire hydrant behind home plate and still do well.
As randy suggested, it’s an issue that will likely be tackled in 2010.
Doreen,
You are welcome.
Are you going to any of the games?
“As CB has said in the past, if AJ has his curveball working, he could tell the hitters it’s coming and they wouldn’t be able to hit it.”
boston dave-
CB is right about that as he usually is.
it’s just become a thing in burnett’s head with molina catching him and there’s just no time to change that right now.
i don’t think giradi took the decision lightly.
if by some chance molina was injured, i have no doubt burnett would be fine with posada catching him.
Imback -
We will never see eye to eye on Posada.
That said, I’m psyched there’s October baseball, too.
nite everyone -
let’s hope AJ can keep the train rolling tomorrow.
I can’t wait for the Phillies to start with the “Yankees Suck” chant in the first few innings followed by silence in the last few.
new thread –>
bodhi -
No games in person. I’ll enjoy watching at home, though.
You are going, right?
*Phillies fans, that is
Yes ma’am.
I am tempted to go to Philly for a game or two, but it’s really a jungle in that town when you show up in enemy colors, and I’m like Nick in SF – can’t go without wearing the colors.
Wouldn’t be right.
Enjoy the games and see you on the board.
Sweet Dreams.
Sweet dreams back to you, bodhi.
I wouldn’t venture into Philly – no how, now way! They’re crazy there!!!
Goodnight all. It’s way past my bedtime.
Nobody f’s with the Jesus, Chad