Today in The Journal News
Posted by: Sam Borden - Posted in Misc on Oct 30, 2009 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
One night after doom and gloom in the opener, the Yankees came back to level the World Series with a tight Game 2 victory over the Phillies. Chad Jennings has the details.
In my column, I focused on A.J. Burnett, who was not only pitching his first World Series game but was doing it on a night when a win was an absolute must. Whatever you want to say about Burnett’s inconsistency during the season, you have to give it up for him last night: He was an ace.
Hideki Matsui has had big hits against Pedro Martinez before (Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS comes to mind) and he did it again, hitting the go-ahead homer in the sixth inning of Game 2. Rick Carpiniello takes a look at the growing history between Matsui and Martinez.
Of course, Matsui wouldn’t have had the chance to give the Yankees the lead if not for Mark Teixeira, who homered to tie the game two innings earlier. Josh Thomson wrote about the uneven postseason Teixeira has had, though he has shown an ability to get big hits in important situations.
Meanwhile, Alex Rodriguez has already struck out more in the first two games of the World Series than he had in both previous rounds combined, but no one is panicking about where A-Rod’s power has gone. The notebook also has news on a lineup change, an honor for Derek Jeter, some thoughts from Bud Selig on replay and more.
From the Philly side, Martin Frank from the News-Journal writes about the Phillies struggling slugger – Ryan Howard, like A-Rod, had a rough night at the plate and struck out three times against Burnett.
What will the AJ bashers do now?
Still ecstatic over yesterday – I’m so happy for AJ because his only post-season experience was watching his teammates celebrate at YS while he was on the sidelines. He said this was the first time he’s been part of something, where he’s truly been needed, and he came up HUGE
As to Pete, really – who cares what he thinks? He’s probably bitter that his team got swept out of the playoffs………I’m not saying he shoot root, but he covered these guys for a long time. I’m not sure whey he appears to be so angry towards theme. Oh well…………I’ve not thought of Pete in awhile.
Sam, terrific article on AJ. He came up aces when the Yankees needed one most…….
Great job by AJ. He really seems to feed off the YS crowd. Good job by Pedro too, can’t take that away from him.
Betsy, you are right, Pete is so yesterday, Chad, Sam and Josh are doing a great job.
Great win, great coverage. We get a lot more with this collaborative effort and I like it.
Big battle of lefties. Thank God for satellite radio since I’ll be in my car from 8:30-10:30 tomorrow night. And Thank God that XM carries all three broadcasts so I wont have to listen to “it is high, it is far iiit iiis… caught in shallow right center field”
Next year keep Matsui and dump Damon.
GREAT JOB AJ! SERIES TIED HEADING TO PHILLY WITH PETTITE GOING AGAINST HAMELS. YOU GOT TO LIKE ANDY IN THAT SPOT.
WHERE O WHERE HAS ALEX RODRIGUEZ GONE???
GOT TO TIP MY CAP TO PEDRO. ALTHOUGH I REFUSE TO CALL HIM MY DADDY!
I wouldn’t call him “the king of NY” either
The Yankees grant interviews with Fox Sports or ESPN only because of requirement and not out of willingness.
Boy, Sam – you got started early today!
(Repost)
Good morning, everyone.
Much better day today, no?
AJ came to play last night. I had a feeling he would. Oddly enough, I think it was good that he HAD to win last night – maybe it put more pressure on, or maybe he really had to focus more – whatever. Doesn’t matter. He really came through. (Although according to Kruk, to whom I never listen, but my husband flipped to ESPN, the Phillies “allowed” AJ to strike them out – sigh – and later in the game, EVEN THOUGH THEY DID NOT SCORE against Mariano, the fact that they got a couple of hits against them let them know that they could score against Mariano. And he gets paid for this. Sigh.)
Pedro is a piece of work. Pitched a great game. He’s a real competitor and loves the spotlight, and to some extent,I agree, if he was in pinstripes people would love him. He’s a little over the top, but he doesn’t offend me, as I thought he should. I did find it slightly funny, though, how he said he didn’t want to make excuses and then went on to mention no fewer than 3 times about how he was under the weather last night. I guess that means if he was feeling better, he would have thrown a no-hitter? I mean, he did very well – for a guy who was sick.
All that aside, it was a great game. Great to see Tex and Matsui come through as they did. Make it a series again. This is gonna be some series, guys. A good one.
And I guess the umpires, after the first two rounds, decided they should have meetings after close calls. But even if they all agree on a wrong call, it doesn’t mean “they got it right,” just that they all got it wrong.
And on that DP against the Yankees, please tell me how anyone but the 1st base umpire had any more clear a view? Oh, well. I guess the DP against the Phillies makes up for it. The umpires giveth and the umpires taketh away. Until they decide on a proper course of action (a 5th – or 7th – umpire in the booth who can over-rule the call on the field), this is what we have.
AJ was great and nice to see Tex and Hideki break out. Hope we can have a Game 3 win free of blown calls by the umps. For or against the Yankees, get them right!
CD
October 30th, 2009 at 8:07 am
What will the AJ bashers do now?
******************
Great question. I have a feeling we won’t be hearing much from them today.
That was a fantastic game-awesome job by AJ. He stepped up big time.
Ryan Howard got the golden sombrero last night.
Doreen, Kruk was ridiculous………but then, that’s his MO. He didn’t give credit to AJ as much as he discredited the Phillies, lol
I seem to remember AJ coming up big early in the season when CC was struggling as well.
The ESPN guys didn’t spend a lot of time this AM on either blown call, but they said something that made me curiuos. They said the DP call on Jorge was the right call, b/c Jorge didn’t appeal the play properly. I know the pitcher throws to the base when he wants to appeal, but what is a base runner supposed to do?
AHAHAHAHAHA!! That’s for all of you idiots who whined all afternoon about Hairston and Molina in the lineup! I guess I was off with Molina getting the double (although I’ll trade that for the pick off) and Hairston scoring a run (although he would have if Gardner wasn’t brought in to pinch run for him) but neither of those guys came close to costing us the game and BOTH contributed to us winning it.
Betsy -
I’ve read here some of the things Kruk has said over the course of the season, but never heard for myself. Just wow! My jaw dropped.
(He’s an old Phillie guy, right? With Dykstra way back when?)
A few things.
Fantastic job by AJ last night. He probably shouldn’t have given up any runs. He matched Pedro pitch for pitch, but was better.
When is Bud going to realize that something needs to be done with these umps. First the blow call with Howard. Why in the world would Howard throw to second if he thought he caught it on the fly?
And to those two morons broadcasting that were carrying on about the blown call at first against the Phililes. I saw a great picture of the turned dp in the Bergen record. Shane was no where near the bag. It should have been called a dp on him going out of the baseline. But no mention of that!
On Pedro’s post game interview. First what in the world was that suit? Who dressed him? Second, his head is so big. Deep down Yankee fans HATE YOUR GUTS. We don’t want to root for you! Talk about delusional!
“Doreen, Kruk was ridiculous………but then, that’s his MO. He didn’t give credit to AJ as much as he discredited the Phillies, lol”
I knew it was going to be a bad night of coverage when I flipped in the pregame from Ozzie Guillen because I couldn’t understand him over to ESPN to see Lou Holtz! My Hokies let me down in a big way, good thing the Yankees looked solid yesterday and helped me keep my head up this morning.
Oh another thing about Pedro. He commented that he was smirking when walking off the mound because someone behind homeplate holding a child a beer were saying some not so nice things to him? Um you were so far from the dugout, and walking like a turtle. That wasn’t why he was smirking. He was smirking cause of the who’s your daddy chants.
A great day to be a Yankee fan. Matsui, AJ, Tex Hairston, Molina and the GREAT Rivera
This is truly a team. A heart warming, tough minded team.
I expected Pedro to tip his cap as he walked off…certainly no lack of ego there!
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0.....?q=yankees
So where is the base? No where near.
the comments are moving pretty slow this morning…either a lot of the bridge jumpers actually jumped before the game last night, or they’re just too embarrassed because they spent hours spouting off about how stupid Girardi was for putting Hairston and Molina in the lineup…it’s kind of pleasant actually!
Hokiehill-I have a feeling this place might be on the slow side today. What are people going to do if they can’t complain about AJ or call Girardi an idiot for putting Molina and Hairston in the starting lineup?
upstate kate
He is the most humble human being alive!
The first couple of innings I had the television set on “mute” so I wouldn’t have to hear all the Pedro adoration or the Phillie love going on. But that didn’t work because I had no alternate source of sound. All my stereo equipment, and I have no idea how to get AM radio!
I am somewhat amazed at how, with the Phillies up 1-0, so many people were rushing to change their predictions – no way the Yankees could win if they didn’t win the first game, etc. Yet, had the Yankees gone up 1-0, I don’t think anyone would have been saying it was over for the Phillies. I think I understand some of the thinking – the Yankee bullpen has gone from a strength to a question mark. But in a 7-game series, with two really strong teams who have found ways to win all year (especially the Yankees, with whom I a more familiar), how do you write off a series after one game? And that one game was more a product of Cliff Lee’s outstanding outing as opposed to the Yankees falling apart. That game’s outcome was never a sure thing, CC Sabathia notwithstanding.
Now, the real contest comes. On paper it looks good for the Yankees – the matchups, that is. I feel good, but I think it’s going to close games all the way.
In case you missed last nite’s Jay-Z & Alicia Keys performance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ShdWa1Zabk
Jeter’s reaction at the 2:29 mark is cute.
I didn’t trust AJ tonight
I didn’t like Hairston playing
I didn’t like Molina playing
I didn’t like pinch running for Hairston
All these moves worked and Girardi has to be given a lot of credit. He pinch hit Posada at the perfect time also.
“Oddly enough, I think it was good that he HAD to win last night – maybe it put more pressure on, or maybe he really had to focus more – whatever. Doesn’t matter. He really came through. ”
doreen-
my position on aj all along is that he’s going to be inconsistent during the regular season because of his touchy mechanical issues thus the good aj and bad aj tag, but if he can come up big in post season games he’ll earn his pin stripes.
last night was pivotal for him because of the stinker in his last start . if he can somehow get his emotions together like he did last night and be clutch in the postseason and bring out good aj when it counts then the yankees have themselves a pitcher.
i will say that that it will take more than last night’s win to make me totally warm up to burnett. last night was huge, but he needs to do it again .
now the question is when his aj’s next start? does he get the 5th game on three days rest or the 6th game on four days rest?
i’ve read in a few places he’s had a history of doing well on three days rest. if he can do that , even better.
A few comments from the other side of Pennsylvania.
(1) Turn off our sound and listen to the WCBS feed on the internet. Why give those Fox guys any more advertising time than they need. You don’t need to listen to McCarver and Buck. The internet is a beutiful thing.
(2) Charlie Manuel complaining about the call on the DP in the 8th? We got a saying for that–chutzpah. Twice in this series the umps have given his team potential game changing calls, where they could have (and should have) invoked the infield fly rule if they wanted to avoid controversy. Instead, the ump at first clearly missed Ryan Howard’s trap, and the third base and home plate umps couldn’t help him out? Please.
(3) Pete? The former founder of this blog? Who is he? A complete non factor and non entity to this blog now, like the team he now covers. Leave him alone and ignore him–I think he wants it that way.
guys its simple . becarefull with Utley and go after Howard.
how to beat howard , fastball in… curveballs outside.
Doreen, I was thinking the same thing yesterday about people changing their predictions and suddenly thinking the Yankees were doomed. Of all the predictions I saw before the series started, I only saw 1 (and it was here) that predicted a Yankees sweep…that means everyone else was expecting the Yankees to drop at least one. then they actually drop one (in a coin-flip game with 2 aces on the mound) and all of a sudden we’re doomed and Girardi should be fired! It makes me a little nervous the way so many people think (or don’t think) these days…
oh.. I had the volume off the whole game. its wierd at first .. but you get use to it .
AJ should remember this game for the future because it just shows how good he can be if he pitches ahead. When he pitches ahead he can be dominate with that curveball.
His 2 seamer had extra life last night but if he throws strikes then he could pitch similarly to this every time out.
One thing that does bother me a little is having to use Mo for 2 innings. You can’t use this formula to win all 4 games needed. Somebody else in the bullpen is gonna have to step up if the Yanks are gonna win their 27th
Last night was the best sports night in my house I can remember. The Yankees won and my tarheels actually beat VT at Lane Stadium… i’m walking on air this morning.
randy l -
In the beginning of the season, when it seemed like everyone else had trouble getting going, AJ kept them steady – stopped any losing streaks cold. It was like he had ice water in his veins. And then he didn’t. Perhaps, winning a “must-win” (or as close as you can get without it being an elimination game) in the WS can put him over the hump, emotionally. Perhaps it can be something he can use in the future – reach back and remember, recall, to give him confidence going forward.
I know a lot has to do with his mechanics. But also, with him, it seems (I have no knowledge) that his emotions rule his mechanics. I was happy last night when he got men on base, he did not fall apart, though at one point early, he was teetering on that edge – but he pulled it together.
Didn’t the Blue Jays always mess with their rotation when the Yankees were on their schedule? I mean, Doc & AJ, didn’t they pitch on all kinds of weird rest, 3, 4, 5, whatever days, just so he could line both of them up to face the Yankees every time? And AJ was almost always able to have success – mucho success – whatever the particulars.
I will say I have no feel at all for what Girardi is going to with the rotation after Pettitte pitches on Saturday.
Obviously it was a great night for AJ but why do some of you feel the need to childlishly taunt other posters who voiced legit concerns heading into the games?
I’m not in that camp this time, but it’s still infantile.
Interesting this post-season that the Phillies are 0-3 in Game Two and 8-0 in all the other games.
Would like to see some better AB from Alex in game three. These things tend to snowball with him.
Is Matsui a better re-sign than Damon? I can’t imagine the Yanks bringing back both.
You are right, the bullpen has to step up. I doubt Girardi continues to use Mo for 2 innings. I think he really wanted to win this one, and given that tomorrow is a day off, why not.
I wish somebody would get Keith Law on for an interview this morning so he could eat crow about AJ. He’s like the biggest AJ hater in the media
Did anyone else think Pedro was going to tip his cap as he walked off the field?
they wouldnt have used mo for 2 innings had he not had 3 days rest and off today. he wont make a habit of that.
Kate, I would have used him for 2 last night too. It was really a game they had to have.
But we can’t expect every starter to go 7 and as great as Mo is he can’t do that every night especially with no off days between some games. Joba or Hughes or somebody has to step it up out there and get some big outs if the Yanks gonna win
If I were a Philly fan I wouldn’t be too happy that he walks off the mound smiling when he was LOSING!
i have to agree that the outrage from manuel and the announcers on the blown call against the phillies took some grapefruits considering what happened on the bases to the yankees a half inning before.
i just cannot believe even after the umps huddled, they let the wrong call slide. should have been bases loaded one out.
the yankees keep winning in spite of the horrible umping.
Agree about the rest of the bullpen (well, mainly Hughes) having to find it within themselves for just a few more games. Personally, I find it hard to believe that Hughes just stopped attacking because he’s nervous. I think he’s almost baked for the season. But that’s strictly opinion.
I was starting to be convinced the Matsui would not be resigned, even though I want him back. I read a quote by Derek Jeter calling Matsui his “favorite teammate.” Hmmm. If Jeter wants him back, does he come back?
Seriously, though, I think if they win the WS, Matsui does not come back. If they don’t, I don’t know. I’m also on the fence about Damon again. Was certain they’d try to work something out, but…I just wish I could see what out there is better than either of them.
I may be in the minority here, but i kinda like Pedro Martinez. He knows how to antagonize, how to get into the mood of the game, and he can take what he dishes out. He was laughing at it all when he walked off the field.
Does this mean everyone is going to freak out and change their predictions again? Still going with Yankees in 6 myself, that never changed.
tex’s friend
If you have access to the Bergen Record you have to see the photo of Shane taking out Jeter. He wasn’t near the base. So the outs should have been called no matter what!
The DP call against Damon/posada cost the yanks two outs.. Howard did not tag 1st and posada was safe at 2nd.. So it should have been bases loaded with one out.. Instead the inning was over.. Fox never mentioned that part.. All they were saying was the umpire threw the hand up when howard caught it.. The DP call against Utley is a call that happens almost 90% of the time.. The 1st baseman always sells it off the ump and it goes against both teams.. If Charlie felt he was safe, why didnt he come and put up an argument ??
tex’s friend -
I wouldn’t say I liked Pedro, but he’s sure a character.
Does Girardi stick with Hairston Saturday or go back to Swisher against Hamels?
I agree someone needs to step up in the pen. We can’t have Mo going 2 every night.
Joba, Hughes, Dave. Their mission is to step up and take the 8th inning. Right now no one wants it, except , well Mo.
jennifer
October 30th, 2009 at 9:27 am
tex’s friend
If you have access to the Bergen Record you have to see the photo of Shane taking out Jeter. He wasn’t near the base. So the outs should have been called no matter what!
—————————–
can you provide a link of that phot?
Lets go Yanks !!.. LETS kick some butt Saturday !
Black…
the ump didnt even throw his hand up immediately. not until howard made the stumble move to first before throwing to second. the ump at third indicated ball in play like posada was pointing out.
The umping has been deplorable this year and especially in the postseason all the way around, and something has to be done.
And can anyone with comcast tell me if their ESPNEWS channel suddenly disappeared yesterday?
Pedro to me is kinda like Favre. He is totally polarizing and whether you like him or not he is must watch TV. I was more excited to watch last nights game than any all year just because Pedro was pitching. Love him or hate him, hes awfully fun to watch pitch.
86w183, you’re right on…I may have stepped over the line with the “in your face” approach to posters from yesterday, but my taunts are not aimed at “posters who voiced legit concerns heading into the game.” They are aimed at the posters who constantly over-react to every loss by firing Girardi and doom the Yankees because of one loss. They’re also aimed at the individuals that think Joe makes any move without thinking it through and feel the need to bash his every decision despite the fact that his decision making is what got us here. But you’re right…my over-reaction is a poor reaction to their over-reaction…should be an easy lesson for an adult (me) to follow, two wrongs don’t make a right.
~Even though I’m tired of the AJ/Molina/Pasada.Molina deserves credit for a great called game.I especially loved his pickoff play,reminding us all,he’s a Molina.
~AJ was great,he said earlier in the day on the radio,that he was excited to pitch in his first WS game,and he proved it all 7 innings.
~Joe put the book down,and benched Swisher,Hairston proved it was the right move.
~THE BEST PART OF THE NIGHT,Charlie Manuel’s Grady Little moment,of leaving “Who’s your Daddy” in the game with 2 on no outs.Allowing the Yankees to take the lead,so Deja Vu!!
I know this is overly simplistic, but the point was made about AJ’s success due in large part to 1st pitch strikes, same for Lee. That is what Hughes in particular needs to get back to, he is nibbling too much.
If I scan it where can I upload it to post a link?
Looks like the Posada-or-bust snipers will be joining their CC-or-bust pals today for a little crow cacciatore. Yum YUM!
I don’t understand why anybody would be against instant replay.
1. it absoluely won’t slow the game down. Everyone in the stadium and at home knew within seconds what the right calls were last night. They spend more time with huddling up and with managers protesting.
2. The only real judgement calls in baseball are balls and strikes and check swings. If you stay away from that then everything else is black or white.
Its ridiculous that in this day and age of 500 camera angles that there should be any wrong calls made in sports. Especially in the World Series..
“~Joe put the book down,and benched Swisher,Hairston proved it was the right move.”
Joe cited “the book” as the reason he went with Hairston over Gardner…although you’d be right in that the slump and not the book is why he benched Swish in the first place…
I love personalities in sports so count me as a pro-Pedro guy. I’m also opposed to all those stupid celebration penalties in college football.
Is there any doubt that CC and AJ will pitch games four and five respectively?
Not for me, unless the Yanks win both games three and five. Then they might decide to go with Gaudin and save AJ for a possible clincher on extra rest rather than less rest.
hokiehill… we’re good. Tough night for your boys. Feel bad for Ryan Williams coughing it up like that. Georgia Tech should have clear sailing now.
Just wanted to bring up Pedro’s comments from 2 threads ago, here they are summarized,
“I also wanted to post the postgame chat with Pedro, who, among other things, said: 1) Yankee fans want to root for him, deep-down; 2) If he played here, he’d be a king at Yankee Stadium; and 3) He thought a man sitting in the front row, holding his daughter in one hand and a beer in the other was disgusting. He’s a father, after all, he said.”
Pedro is the man. I don’t care that he was a Red Sox or a Met, he is hilarious. At this point it’s obvious he’s just trolling Yankee fans and I find it hilarious.
Anyways, back to Burnett, dude was awesome last night. I’d also like to point out that I predicted Matsui would have a big hit and Burnett would have 7+ strikeouts. You can look back at my 3:44 pm post yesterday. Sorry, just had to toot my own horn a bit
Burnett actually bucked a trend last night. If you look at his stats, his ERA is actually lower if he gives up more walks. It probably has to do with movement on his fastball, when it’s good it’s moving a lot and hard to control, when it’s bad it’s straight. Last night he dominated AND he gave up only 2 walks.
Now the Yanks have to go to Philly and hopefully take 2 if not 3 games. Obviously at a minimum they need just 1 win in Philly but I’d be a lot more comfortable coming back to NY up 3-2 rather than down 3-2.
So what do you all think will be the rotation in Philly? Here are the choices as I see it:
Pettitte, Sabathia, Burnett
Pettitte, Gaudin, Sabathia
Pettitte, Sabathia, Gaudin
Tough choice, I think it all depends on what happens in Game 3. If we go down 2-1 you gotta think Girardi will go back to Sabathia in Game 4. If not maybe he gives a shot to Gaudin.
R E P O S T
JeterJobaCanoFanForever, enough said
October 30th, 2009 at 9:15 am
ELKEAL487
October 30th, 2009 at 4:40 am
I think Joba will be gone as a Yankee next year. The Yankees are about ready to call it quits with Joba, poor attitude, will not listen to the pitching coaches, or his catcher. Either he grows up, or he’s with a different club next season.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Do you have authentic information about your post above or are you repeating what SS44 has posted recently.
The Yankees have too much time and effort invested in Joba to let him go. Unless they know that Joba’s season was affected by a shoulder problem.
Joba was drafted out of college in 2006 and first pitched in the majors late season of 2007. Phil was drafted in 04 and has been in the minors before coming up in (07?) and did not do well. Back to the minors for him.
My point is that a healthy Joba deserves as many chances as Phil has been given to develop in his years as a Yankee.
You must admit that the Joba Rules were more of a hindrance than help to Joba this year. Give him credit for following the rules and changes no matter how much it hindered him.
This young man has a lot of talent.
Looking forward to the weekend.
Joe is going to have to use some of the other guys in the pen to get to Mo. Mo will burnout if every save is for 6 outs. Let’s not forget that he is old for a pitcher and had surgery in the off season.
I would have no problem with Marte right now against the power lefties for the Phillies. Hughes and Joba need to be used selectively.
CC will likely go in game 4, but i dont see aj and andy on 3 days rest. not with their injury histories.
So Pete Abe said on twitter last night that the game last night would be a referendum on the A.J. Burnett signing. If that’s the case, then way to go Cashman it was a good signing.
Obviously the fact is we have several more years of Burnett and he will probably get 1 more start in this postseason. Hopefully we see more games like last night and not many like his previous start.
I’m with you on instant replay Blake…the TV and camera crews typically have the calls figured out before the next pitch is even thrown. If you have a replay official (seperate from the field crew) review the play and somehow get the attention of the crew chief you could eliminate the umpire huddle up and the manager questioning the call…
“CC will likely go in game 4, but i dont see aj and andy on 3 days rest. not with their injury histories”.
Me neither but Aj has pitched well on 3 days when he has done it. I think with Andy its out of the question but I wouldn’t count it out with AJ
Joba & Phil are still growin up, so young but play for the Yankees. Big time pressure. Al Leiter once said ya gotta be patient with good young pitchers. He should know.
Can someone answer my question from earlier… on ESPN this am they said the umpires made the right call on Jorge b/c he didn’t appeal the DP properly…what is the proper way for a base runner to appeal?
tex’s friend, when was the last time A.J. was injured? He’s looked strong all year and he even pitched on 3 days in 2008. I think he can handle it perfectly fine. Obviously we will have the same issues where you never know if you get good A.J. or bad A.J. but health-wise I think he can do it.
Pettitte is another issue, he has this ongoing shoulder problem that is never going to go away. However, depending on how he pitches tomorrow night I might chance him on 3 days rest. He’s been amazing since the all-star break; easily our second best starter since that point. I would probably chance him on short rest.
Again, this all depends on what happens in game 3 in my opinion.
Hokiehill, are you a VT fan? Sorry bout last night. I’m a UNC alum but my wife and her whole family went to VT so I usually cheer for them unless they are playin the heels. We got lucky last night.
Gone are the days of A-Rod bashing because of his last 2 nights at the plate.
That’s gone 200 miles north to a boring / no interest blog manned by a thin-skinned writer.
upstate kate
October 30th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Can someone answer my question from earlier… on ESPN this am they said the umpires made the right call on Jorge b/c he didn’t appeal the DP properly…what is the proper way for a base runner to appeal?
************
I must not have heard what you did-I caught a little bit of Mike and Mike and they were both saying it was a blown call. Sorry, I know that doesn’t answer your question
Jennifer: I do not believe that Joba, Phil and Dave “don’t want it”. It is not their decision to make – it is Girardi’s. So if Girardi doesn’t pencil in their name how can they step up?? Joe is going to have to trust someone in the BP not named Mariano…
The 2 games have been exciting to watch. Great pitching by both sides. Wish the Yankee bats wake up in the next game.
Congratulations to Derek Jeter for winning the Roberto Clemente award.
Kate, I don’t see there was anything to appeal. The umpires got together and rules that the ball was caught in the air and honestly without replay you couldn’t tell that it wasn’t. (which is why we need replay, some things happen so fast in baseball its impossble to tell for sure with he naked eye)
I think Kate wrote this: “One thing that does bother me a little is having to use Mo for 2 innings. You can’t use this formula to win all 4 games needed. Somebody else in the bullpen is gonna have to step up if the Yanks are gonna win their 27th.”
I didn’t like Mo in for 2 one bit, and it played out just as I feared: Mo gets into a jam in the 8th and has to throw a bunch of pitches, with the bug sluggers coming up in the 9th. He pulled it off but yikes.
My kingdom for a setup man.
Bug sluggers? BIG sluggers.
yeah, I’m a VT fan…thanks for the condolences…tough to see a season with so much promise go down the drain…I had little hope to win the ACC Championship anyway with GT not having much in front of them…now the hope is we win out, right the ship and keep our streak of 10 wins a year alive (if we can win a bowl game).
“Can someone answer my question from earlier… on ESPN this am they said the umpires made the right call on Jorge b/c he didn’t appeal the DP properly…what is the proper way for a base runner to appeal?”
Not sure, that’s just a silly comment (not by you, by ESPN). It’s not like every baserunner is given a red flag that he can pull out of his pants when he doesn’t like a call. There is no proper way to appeal that call.
The bottom line is, there’s nothing the Yanks can do in that spot. There is no replay on a play like that and the umps made their decision. Luckily it didn’t end up effecting the result.
I can complain about a number of things from last night (Jeter bunt, hitting with RISP, lack of an 8th inning option) but the bottom line is, I’m happy they won.
I think the games in Philly are going to be a test of the bullpens. We’ve seen the best pitchers start already now we will see the back end guys or guys on short rest. I think a lot of this series is going to rest on our young guys in the pen – Hughes, Chamberlain, Coke, Robertson. Those guys have to step it up ASAP. Especially Phil and Joba.
guys lets face it . .we ain’t seeing the bullpen unless we have a 3 run lead or more .
Mo can rest in the offseason
why isn’t an excellent umpire like Ed Rapuano in this series ? its mind boggling
I just wondered if that was an excuse by the ESPN guys, making it Jorge’s fault somehow about the bad call. I have seen pitchers throw to the base in question to appeal, but I never saw a base runner appeal.
so when did AROD move out of his “Good Place”…was there a press conference?
I have to give thanks to God that I was born a Yankee Fan. Is there anything better?
If the Yankees only keep 1 of Damon and Matsui, which would you keep? Both are similar type players at this point. Neither can play the outfield anymore but both are still good hitters and both get big hits at times. Matsui has gotten so many big hits over his career and Damon has done his share of that as well.
I give the edge to Damon because he can hit leadoff and he’s healthier overall but you hate to lose Matsui’s clutch bat
“So Pete Abe said on twitter last night that the game last night would be a referendum on the A.J. Burnett signing. If that’s the case, then way to go Cashman it was a good signing.”
====================
Who is Pete Abe?
Nice blog about Girardi from the perspective of his former college coach:
http://www.journalnow.net/inde.....man-right/
Doreen, everyone forgot that AJ came up big early this season when the Yanks were struggling and CC wasn’t at his best. I’m past trying to convince anyone of anything. Suffice to say that the guy is not a horrible pitcher like people are making him out to be. Maybe they have higher standards for him because of his stuff, but then I think that’s unfair. He’s doing the best he can do – if he’s not capable of harnessing his stuff all the time, so be it, that’s part of him. The man stepped up big time last night. I don’t think last night can be underestimated – he was brilliant.
CC goes in game 4 regardless of what happens in game 3. I think Gaudin goes in game 5 unless we are down 3-1. Then Burnett would get the start. I think tommorrow night is another must win with Andy going against Hamels, who has struggled, not going past the 5th inning yet this postseason. Lee threw 126 pitches the other night, and has never pitched on short rest, so i wonder how effective he will be if he starts game 4. I think if not, Happ gets the start instead of Blanton cause Manuel likes the lefties agaisnt the Yanks.
Just so ESPN knows Jorge was arguing and trying to state his case to the ump.
the 2 biggest transgressions in sports..
1)No replay in baseball
2)No Playoffs in college football
Also, I would be hesitant to pitch AJ on 3 days rest. When is the last time he did that? I’m not worried about injury – I think he’s past that.
The Yankees pen stinks right now and I admit I don’t have much confidence. Doreen, it almost seems like Phil is melting down. His performances are not good and then he’s also jawing at the umpire. I agree with you – he could be toast at this point.
“Can someone answer my question from earlier… on ESPN this am they said the umpires made the right call on Jorge b/c he didn’t appeal the DP properly…what is the proper way for a base runner to appeal?”
==================================================
You can’t appeal. The first base umpire said it was caught. Period. I have never seen one umpire overturn another umpire decision on whether a ball was caught or trapped. They wouldn’t even overturn CB Buckner’s horrible calls at first base in the Red Sox – Angels series which clearly botched to the naked eye.
I think people get frustrated with AJ because he never has become what he could be. He has maybe the best stuff in baseball but he leads the league in walk rate.
People just want him to be what he can be and was last night every night. With great talent comes great expectations…
“If the Yankees only keep 1 of Damon and Matsui, which would you keep?”
I’ve said it since the all-star break, I want to keep both. Damon can still hold it down in LF. He’s got a terrible arm but his range is still average-ish.
I hate the idea of platooning at DH, I’d much rather give it to Matsui.
the 2 biggest transgressions in sports..
1)No replay in baseball
2)No Playoffs in college football
Agree… SI has mock bracket for a ncaa football playoff that they update weekly. I get excited reading it and then sad once i realize its not real. a 16 team football playoff would be the greatest sporting event in the world..
As frustrating as AJ can be, it’s true. He was huge for us this year and was a big part of our success when CC had his early season struggles. It will take more big outings for me to truly trust him, but he’s certainly had some big wins for us this year.
Gone are the days of A-Rod bashing because of his last 2 nights at the plate.
That’s gone 200 miles north to a boring / no interest blog manned by a thin-skinned writer.
_____
who blocked out the proper spelling of nooo0 maaas . orgg a great yankee fan web site
Patrick, I’d like to keep both for sentimental reasons but I have to think the Yankees will go after Holiday or Bay one. If so I like keeping Damon and letting him split DH duties with Jorge.
I also think the Yankees shoud start mixing in one of their young catchers more next year.
A few points about last night.
- The Yankees won as I expected but in a way I didn’t expect, AJ dominant, Hairston and Molina making key contributions. I had the Yankees 6-4, vs 3-1.
- Still disagree with Molina catching AJ, but it sure as hell worked last night.
- Still disagree with Hairston IPO Swisher, I would have opted for Gardner.
Tremendous game by AJ, and also, not commented on was the excellent framing of pitches by Jose. They were in sync all nhight they obviously had a game plan to get strike 1 and it was flawlessly executed.
ALso, key hit and run by Melky with Gardner. Good heads up play too bad some of which was offset by the ridiculous attempt at bunting by Jeter.
Lets take 2 in Phillie!
Yes, what did Jeter day about his bunt attempt? Head scratcher.
I’m worried about A-Rod. He’s got that look.
Blake October 30th, 2009 at 10:04 am
I think people get frustrated with AJ because he never has become what he could be. He has maybe the best stuff in baseball but he leads the league in walk rate.
People just want him to be what he can be and was last night every night. With great talent comes great expectations…
=============================
Sounds like Nolan Ryan.
Six times led the league in BOTH strike outs and walks.
He won 324 games and lost 292 games.
In the end, he was elected to the HOF on the first ballot receiving 491 of 497 votes.
That was a great hit and run, it provided a little breathing room. Do you think Melky really intended to bunt at first, or was that a fake out?
betsy,
I agree, I think A.J. can handle a start on 3 days. He’s been healthy for quite some time now.
I also agree that the bullpen looks bad right now. Other than Mo (who has been amazing and might end up being the most valuable Yankee this postseason) it’s been pretty shaky. I’m not sold that Phil is done, he was just too damn good in the regular season for me to come to that conclusion. He looks nervous out there and I hope Mo talks to him or something to get him calmed down.
Joba, I expect nothing out of him. Ever since the Yankees shut him down to limit his innings he’s been awful. I think SJ44 had it pegged when he said that Joba entered the season out of shape. That’s one of the reasons his velocity has been down all year. He’s just not right at the moment.
Patrick,
Matsui figures to be a fairly cheap signing as well.
It would be tough for any team to give him 2 years. Maybe they sign him for 1yr/$6M (which is probably more than he’d get on the market)
Damon could get interesting with Boras doing the negotiation.
“AHAHAHAHAHA!! That’s for all of you idiots who whined all afternoon about Hairston and Molina in the lineup! I guess I was off with Molina getting the double (although I’ll trade that for the pick off) and Hairston scoring a run (although he would have if Gardner wasn’t brought in to pinch run for him) but neither of those guys came close to costing us the game and BOTH contributed to us winning it.”
Last night’s game was orchestrated by the baseball gods – and one baseball god, Joe Girardi. Hokie, I was absolutely thrilled to watch each and every move that he made pay off. Every one! And of course, every one that was disected, trisected, and criticized by so many people who KNEW Girardi got it wrong.
Love the guy but I’m still waiting for the day that SJ44 shows up and says he got something wrong, rather than using excuses like “they won in spite of Girardi.”
Girardi didn’t get his team to 103 wins and the world series, with the spate of injuries to some of his most important players, because it happened in SPITE of his managing. It was because of his managing.
To ward this off at the pass immediately, yes I have absolutely admitted I called things wrong. If it isn’t often it’s because it doesn’t happen all THAT often.
My worst call – that Andy Pettitte was not going to be a good signing and that if he came back he should probably be their 5th starter. WOW!
I didn’t think either of the “bad” umpiring calls was really that bad. They were both really close. It’s only because of today’s high-resolution cameras and slo-mo replays that we can even spot some of these “bad” calls.
Someone above suggested the umps could have avoided controversy by invoking the infield fly rule last night and in Monday’s game when Matsui was walking off the field instead of going back to first. The IFR didn’t apply in Matsui’s case because he was the only baserunner; you need runners at first and second or bases loaded). As for last night’s game, a sinking line drive is not a fly ball within the meaning of the rule. Moreover, it wouldn’t have changed the play to invoke the rule, because the batter would still be out — just as the umpire in fact ruled –and Posada would still have been out for not getting back to first safely.
Patrick,
since I’m going to Game 5, I sure hope it’s AJ and not Gaudin.
the problem with short rest for AJ is that it also means short rest for Andy, doesn’t it?
BD,
I agree with that on the umps.
It was hard for me to be mad at the umps. They were tough calls. But I am mad that they don’t have instant replay for the playoffs.
oops, gotta update my name to “3″
The ESPN comment on Jorge’ appealing the call properly was pure nonsense. Of course, the Phillies did not properly appeal Swisher leaving early either, but they still got the bogus call.
Really lame for the national boys not to acknowledge that the runner was out of the baseline so the missed call on the DP should not have mattered.
I must admit I have trouble with the Damon/Matsui decision. While Damon is a lousy OF at least he can go out there some and his bat should benefit from DHing a lot. Matsui however is such a good hitter and has pounded lefties this year.
I guess I’d stick with Damon because of his ability to play some defense and add some speed on the bases. Damon is about seven months older so that’s no factor.
“Patrick, I’d like to keep both for sentimental reasons but I have to think the Yankees will go after Holiday or Bay one. If so I like keeping Damon and letting him split DH duties with Jorge.
I also think the Yankees shoud start mixing in one of their young catchers more next year. ”
Blake,
I don’t really think keeping both would be just for sentiment. I believe that Holliday or Bay would be an awful signing. Bay is a worse fielder than Damon and while his bat is very good, it’s not special. I wouldn’t spend a ton of money on him; he’d be a pretty big defensive liability. Signing Damon to a 2 yr deal at less money would be a better choice IMO.
Holliday is the whole package but we saw how he played in the AL this year. Not so good. He is definitely a very good hitter but he’s not elite at the plate either. Additionally, he will cost 100 million or more.
The way I see it, Damon can hold LF for 1 or 2 more years. Austin Jackson could be ready at that point to take over. Matsui is healthy enough to DH for another year or two as well. If you keep Damon, make him the full-time LF and don’t sign Matsui who is the DH? Posada can still catch, A-rod can still play third, Jeter had a great season at short. I am not sold on this platoon DH idea.
I agree, Cervelli will catch some more next year but Molina’s contract is up. Let Molina go and make Cervelli the back-up.
“Tremendous game by AJ, and also, not commented on was the excellent framing of pitches by Jose. They were in sync all nhight they obviously had a game plan to get strike 1 and it was flawlessly executed.”
I have never seen anyone frame pitches better than Jose Molina.
About Jose – many people have said that the pivotal play in the game was that pickoff at first base. There are some things that he does defensively that probably aren’t done by Posada.
I hope the demon about the AJ-Molina necessity is final exorcized and people see that for whatever AJ’s needs are, especially at this point in time, Molina works best. He and Jorge need to find a way to get on the same page, and that is their responsibility to find a way. They get paid enough to work it out. Just not right now, please.
BD, have you made a decision about going to the game in Philly?
Doreen, if you’re listening –
I don’t know what got in to me last night. I’m sorry for letting a simple discussion continue far too long.
As does everyone here, I look forward to and respect your posts quite a bit.
upstate kate, I believe Melky was sent up their to bunt on the first pitch if it was good then the h&r was put on for the 2nd pitch. That sequence really showed what kind of great manager Girardi is when he plays small ball. He’s had a great knack for calling them all year. I can only remember a handful of times it hasn’t resulted in something positive. My only qualm with Joe is that he seems to forget about small ball for long stretches of games. Any manager can be seduced by the long ball but most of the Yankees success this year has been initiated by moving runners. I hope he doesn’t forget that in these next 5 games.
trisha,
yeah, perhaps i was caught up in my excitement after the game last night but I decided to go to Philly.
Nick in SF had a good point. Since I don’t know if I’d be getting Game 6 or Game 7, the odds that I would miss out were enough to scare me into taking Game 5.
I just really want to see a Yankees WS game, especially this year, since I think it is and will be a special one. If that means Philly, so be it.
I’ll wear my Yankee hat, shirts, and do my best to represent.
“I have never seen anyone frame pitches better than Jose Molina.”
just curious.
serious question.
when did you start following baseball?
tex’s friend, when was the last time A.J. was injured? He’s looked strong all year and he even pitched on 3 days in 2008. I think he can handle it perfectly fine. Obviously we will have the same issues where you never know if you get good A.J. or bad A.J. but health-wise I think he can do it.
___
Correct, and they want to keep him not injured. You can throw gaudin in there anytime, so how bout cc game 4, and if they are up 3-1, gaudin game 5, aj 6, andy 7.
Boston Dave – 4 wins til 27
I don’t see a market for Damon.
He’ll be 36 next year and he had a horrible September (.247 no homers) which I’m sure triggered alarm bells.
There was a report yesterday that the RS might offer Bay 4 years @ $15 million per. There’s no way I’d want to see the Yankees make that kind of commitment for a bad defensive LF on the wrong side of 30. Pass.
Not to be snide, but isn’t the game plan ALWAYS to get strike 1? No matter who is pitching or catching? The trouble is not the plan, usually, but the execution. Last night AJ was able to execute the plan. I would imagine that Molina frames pitches the same every time he catches. Again, the framing is only as good as the pitcher’s execution. Last night was great. AJ did the job. I loved Molina’s pick-off move. There was a great rhythm between the pitcher and catcher last night. AJ did not fall apart when anyone reached base.
Betsy -
I think, after last night, AJ could go on 3 days. It would be his last start of the season. And all hands would be on deck. (Whether that is comforting or not, I don’t know –
)
Patrick,
Assuming Damon and Matsui come back at a discount, which is pretty much an absolute certainty, they can resign Pettitte with the extra loot.
Not that they needed to free up money for Andy, but perhaps it will allow them to take some chances on one of the high risk/ high reward pitchers in the offseason -
Sheets – Harden – Bedard – Aroldis Chapman
“There was a report yesterday that the RS might offer Bay 4 years @ $15 million per.”
————–
That might get it done if Bay prefers Boston. There have been “reports” that Bay could get 5 years at $15M per but I don’t see it.
I don’t know why I read ESPN story comments. It’s like the worst trolling scum of the earth comment there, and they’re morons on top of that !
It’s kind of funny, but very often angers me.
If a pitcher establishes a strike zone in a game and the umpire is consistent, then no one can cry about balls hitting the corners being strikes. They were saying Mariano’s calls were 5 inches off the plate, on what? The Fox strike zone? Yeah that’s legit.
Patrick, I didn’t say its what I would do but I think the Yankees will go after Bay or Holliday. I’d much rather have Holliday if so.
I don’t see them putting Jackson and Melky in the same outfield. I think they will make a Melky or jackson decision soon for CF
Boston Dave -
Hey, we all get a little “defensive” at times around here.
And, you’re right; it wasn’t as simple as defense vs. offense, and I presented it too much as a definitive statement in my original post. It would have been more accurate to state that in general, over the course of the playoffs, Girardi is willing to give up some offense.
Do they really need a travel day to get to Philadelphia?
I hate these off days.
CD,
I had heard that many GM’s feel Damon’s big year was a product of the new Yankee Stadium.
It’s hard to argue that, though I think that isn’t fair to how well Johnny played for most of the season.
I also believe Johnny loves playing for the Yankees.
I could see a situation like Andy Pettitte’s. 1 year deal for Damon at a reduced rate with the opportunity to make it more lucrative if he continues to play at an all-star level (at the plate).
On the YES post-game it was said that Matsui “possibly” could play the field in Philly. Did these words come from Girardi, or was it just conjecture?
thank you Doreen
Boston Dave -
You’re welcome.
Get Yer Damn hands Off Of her! October 30th, 2009 at 10:31 am
I don’t know why I read ESPN story comments. It’s like the worst trolling scum of the earth comment there, and they’re morons on top of that !
==============================================
ESPN has always bashed the yankees (on tuesday Gammons said the phills have a better catcher than the yankees), so we can’t expect their commentators to be different.
Tom in N.J.
October 30th, 2009 at 10:33 am
On the YES post-game it was said that Matsui “possibly” could play the field in Philly. Did these words come from Girardi, or was it just conjecture?
***************
Tom, I believe Girardi did say he was considering it. It might be part of a double switch situation. I doubt he would start any games in the field.
CD, Aj and Nolan are similar but Nolan did throw 7 no hitters.
Nolan walked a lot of guys but was so overpowering that it didn’t end up hurting him sometimes. Nolan lost so many games in part because he was on some very bad teams.
Aj could win a Cy young if he would throw more strikes.
No I’m talking about the story comments. Reader’s comments.
re: Bay and Holliday
I think it’s important to look at some of the free agents in 2011, 2012, etc.
Bay and Holliday are big fish in a little pond this offseason.
The Yankees don’t “need” them.
They might be better off saving their chips for 2011 with guys like Carl Crawford, Joe Mauer, Roy Halladay, Josh Beckett, Cliff Lee, Brandon Webb and more.
Thank you Erin.
I am actually a HUGE fan of Damon and Matsui, but an even bigger fan of out with the old and in with the new.
It has worked very well for us, and to develop our farm system further by giving the young guys a chance at maturity is great.
Remember, over paid veterans has staggered this team for the past 8 years.
Tom in N.J. October 30th, 2009 at 10:33 am
On the YES post-game it was said that Matsui “possibly” could play the field in Philly. Did these words come from Girardi, or was it just conjecture?
============================================
I don’t see how. Zilla didn’t play a single inning in the outfield this year, not one.
I’d love to see the Yanks put together a package for a corner OF entering his prime (Andre Ethier?) but it’s hard to see how they can do that without Joba, Phil or Robbie being in the deal.
Whether Damon or Matsui returns it will definitely be at lower $$$.
Then Pettite decisions have to be made. If he doesn’t come back doesn’t Lackey have to be pursued? Revisit a Halladay trade?
Guess this can all wait a week, huh?
“Patrick, I didn’t say its what I would do but I think the Yankees will go after Bay or Holliday. I’d much rather have Holliday if so.
I don’t see them putting Jackson and Melky in the same outfield. I think they will make a Melky or jackson decision soon for CF”
I hope you are wrong about Bay/Holliday. I don’t think either one will be worth they contract they get. However, I do agree with you, if the Yanks go that route I’d prefer Holliday.
If Jackson increases his power as he gets older I could see a Melky/Jackson CF/LF combo. If not, then I do agree. For now (and the next 2 years) I am fine with Damon staying in LF and a platoon of Melky/Gardner.
“Burnett actually bucked a trend last night. If you look at his stats, his ERA is actually lower if he gives up more walks.”
patrick-
interesting observation.
i’ve been just looking at his game logs trying to see some pattern to his performances.
higher pitch counts seem to create a bump, but it’s not definitive.
have to check out the walk/era relationship.
“Assuming Damon and Matsui come back at a discount, which is pretty much an absolute certainty, they can resign Pettitte with the extra loot.”
I consider Pettitte a must-sign this offseason. As it stands right now the rotation will be Sabathia-Burnett-Chamberlain-Hughes.
Wang is out for awhile, maybe he never rejoins the team. Pettitte has been great this year, they must resign him.
“They might be better off saving their chips for 2011 with guys like Carl Crawford, Joe Mauer, Roy Halladay, Josh Beckett, Cliff Lee, Brandon Webb and more”.
I agree, again I wasn’t saying what I thought they should do, but what I think they will do.
Crawford- love that idea
Mauer – don’t think he’ll leave the Twins
Halladay- love that idea
Beckett – in decline
Lee- love that idea
Webb- hurt and in decline
I don’t know about you guys but these 6 out saves are absolutely killing me. Tension city.
For the life of me, I don’t know how Mariano does it.
And he didn’t seem himself in the dugout between innings. I commented last night that he didn’t look well. A little glassy eyed.
Obviously over the next three games, this can’t continue.
Not counting Gaudin, there’s 7 other arms out there.
Don’t get me wrong because I think Joe showed some chutzpah by going straight to Mo with an essential game on the line and the day off. But if they are going to pull this off, those 7 arms are going to have to contribute somewhere at some point.
But who?
“Remember, over paid veterans has staggered this team for the past 8 years.”
———
yes, on huge long-term contracts.
thanks to the current market, the Yankees can possibly retain important parts of this championship caliber team on 1 year contracts.
In the past, that would never be possible.
Going year to year with older players is a dream come true for GM’s. Take advantage of it!
game 3 cant come soon enough
When do you guys expect the Yankees to start mixing in their plethora of young catching talent?
“Burnett actually bucked a trend last night. If you look at his stats, his ERA is actually lower if he gives up more walks.”
—————
very interesting, Patrick.
I’d love to see those #s if you do pull them up Randy.
randy,
AJ’s era when walking 2 or less batters per game: 5.34
AJ’s era when walking 3 or more batters per game: 2.96
Question to people who advocate for video replay…
If they had a replay, what would they have done to the blown call with Posada?? Technically after the replay it should have been bases loaded 1 out but the 1st base ump had called damon out and that’s why howard threw to posada.. He had ample time to get to first base and get Damon out if the 1st base ump didnt rule it a catch…. So does it become a judgment call after the replay??
By the way these numbers are not compiled by me, I ripped them shamefully from Scoobi on another sports forum,
Burnett:
“2007-2009
600 IP sample size
2 BB or Less: 4.55 ERA
3 BB or more: 2.17 ERA”
Girardi always says he’s considering everything. I can’t see Matsui playing the outfield in Philly. But, stranger things have happened. They say he always practices out there before games. I think Hinske gets the call, and then if Molina catches AJ, Posada will DH.
Blake,
I agree with Patrick and hope you’re wrong.
The Yankees had the top scoring offense with an OF of Damon, Melky, Swisher.
If they could sign Bay or Holliday for 2 years, great.
Otherwise, I’d rather they didn’t clog up the OF when there are so many great options in the next several years of free agency -
not to mention guys like AJax or perhaps in the future – Slade Heathcott
The worst part about the 2 DPs called incorrectly, is that the one that hurt the Phillies is getting more attention and everyone is acting like Rollins would have scored. All are forgetting that the Phillies did not get handed 1 out of the 27 precious outs you get in a game, they got handed 2 outs, and the Yankees were taken out of a direct scoring opportunity via an out. The Phillies, with 2 outs, would have had a scoring opportunity, but not a direct scoring opportunity via an out.
33 hours and 10 minutes until Game 3!!!!!!
The “I told you so crowd” is beyond tiresome.
Every poster here is ecstatic the Yanks won last night. No one was rooting for them to lose to prove some silly anonymous poster’s point. And I didn’t see any comments yesterday that said we were certain to lose, just that the Phillies chances of winning had improved. And it was a darned close game.
Almost everone here likes AJ and thinks he’s capable of pitching great games. He has pitched lots of great games in the past. Some folks here feel he hasn’t been as consistent this year as would be expected from him, but I don’t think anyone feels he shouldn’t start and I don’t think anyone roots against him.
I don’t think what happened last night justified Girardi’s strategy one way or another. I’ve seen AJ throw great games with Posada catching him, and with Molina catching him. AJ threw the great game, not Molina or Posada. Who’s to say he wouldn’t have done the same thing no matter who caught him?
And I’ve seen Posada pick runners off at first – all catchers are capable of that. That’s not a knock on Molina, it was a great and helpful play.
The fact that Hairston got a bloop single just means he got a bloop single. Anyone think Gardner or Hinske was incapable of a bloop single? Or Swish for that matter?
Let’s just be glad the Yanks tied the series, and let’s all move on.
I’m cool with the 6 out saves just so long as they don’t happen every game. Since I see Mariano and second to God, I think he can easily handle it.
Besty, I am waiting for you to say that you think Girardi managed the game perfectly last night – or at least for you to acknolwedge that he isn’t quite as stupid as you portray him to be. Come one, “man up”. He he he.
I think either way, most of us agree. We don’t take either back unless it’s at a reduced rate…which you’d imagine they’d have to be open to .
Doreen
October 30th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Girardi always says he’s considering everything. I can’t see Matsui playing the outfield in Philly. But, stranger things have happened. They say he always practices out there before games. I think Hinske gets the call, and then if Molina catches AJ, Posada will DH.
**********
Doreen, very true re: Girardi. I don’t really see it happening either. It seems like a risky move considering he hasn’t played in the field at all this year.
The first two games show why it was a waste of a roster spot to add another pitcher. the only way the last two guys get use is in virtually hopeless situations. It was foolish to use Bruney in game one when he’s been off for two weeks.
I’m not concerned about two inning saves when there’s an off-day to follow, but not when there’s a game the next day. It was my biggest complaint about game four of 2004 treating it like a must win.
Lots of options for the Yanks in 2010 and lots of cash to play with. Matsui, Damon, Pettite, Wang, Nady and Molina add up to almost $ 50 Million in pay this year. It’s more than that if you decline to hold on to Gaudin, Mitre, Hairston and Hinske.
I also read someone’s post on here including the quote from the umpire who said they got the “Howard catch” correct. Is there something truly wrong with umpires. Are they all that mentally ill, that they cannot even admit that they cheated us “accidentally” or whatever. I have always despised Tim McClelland, but at least he admitted Swish did not leave 3rd base early….i forgot, he said “I’ll always believe in my heart he did, but replay shows differently”…hahahahaha
“They might be better off saving their chips for 2011 with guys like Carl Crawford, Joe Mauer, Roy Halladay, Josh Beckett, Cliff Lee, Brandon Webb and more.”
boston dave-
the yankees are in the unusual position of having an infield that puts up huge offensive numbers at every position.
they really don’t need high priced corner outfielders the way most good teams do.
i think they can develop from within or get deals like swisher as long as the infield is so strong offensively.
i agree with you on passing on holliday and bay and waiting until 2011 for a better free agent market. it’s still premature to declare aj as a solid #2 starter. the yankees might still need one depending on how hughes develops and burnett matures.
Sure thing Wave. Not of course that any one you would have come on and said a word if AJ melted down and the Yankees lost the game “without Posada’s bat in the lineup.” That’s not your style. None of you. Ever.
So we’ll just move on, shall we?
hey i agree with patrick as well and also hope they don’t go after Holliday or Bay but I think they will.
Their biggest need IMO is experienced (and good) short and middle relief. Hughes is probably goin in the rotation next year and who knows what they’ll do with Joba.
I think you offer Pettite a similar contract as this year and roll the dice with either Sheets or Bedard if they come cheap and save the rest for the 2011 offseason
“Burnett:
“2007-2009
600 IP sample size
2 BB or Less: 4.55 ERA
3 BB or more: 2.17 ERA”
Also, don’t forget that he walked about 10 batters in his no-hitter with the Marlins.
Doreen October 30th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Girardi always says he’s considering everything. I can’t see Matsui playing the outfield in Philly. But, stranger things have happened. They say he always practices out there before games. I think Hinske gets the call, and then if Molina catches AJ, Posada will DH.
*******************
I thought Hinske was pretty bad in RF. I can see him coming off the bench to pinch hit though. Swisher might get the start as many times being forced to sit for a game seems to refocus the player.
trisha, why do feel the need to attack other people in most of your posts?
Maybe the possibility of Matsui playing in the outfield is equal to the status of his knees? I’m pretty sure he has been in the outfield this year, even if it wasn’t in a lot of games. Maybe I got that wrong. I know that sometimes he has had his knee drained and then seems to fare much better.
How are the Yankees getting to Philadelphia? Are they taking the train like the Phillies did?
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/ga.....lphia_%3A1
Here’s the picture of Victorino taking Jeter with the slide.. IMO, that was way off the 2nd base bag..
I don’t think Howard threw to 2nd to get posada for the double play, he threw because he was the (a) lead runner and the ball got to him quickly, they could have had the force out there.
Therefore, no do overs, the fielder should KNOW whether he caught it on the fly or not, so him throwing to 2nd doesn’t negate the fact that he could have had Damon at 1st.
He could have easily jaunted over and tagged Posada out.
Wave, I’ve noticed that the extent to which I “attach” is roughly equal to the extent to which I am attacked.
If the shoe doesn’t fit, pal, don’t wear it. But you’ve taken snide little shots at me at times, just like you accused me of running away one day when I decided I had had enough of the pounding that the Posada over-the-toppers were giving me.
So how about we don’t go there? You’re not picture perfect either.
“Burnett:
“2007-2009
600 IP sample size
2 BB or Less: 4.55 ERA
3 BB or more: 2.17 ERA”
i don’t care what these numbers say. The 2 BB or less games are probably ones that he got knocked out of early for the most part and the 3 BB or more games are ones where he went deep and pitched well. I can guarantee you that if AJ comes out next year with even an average walk rate then he will be in the cy young picture
And MOST of my posts aren’t directed to or at anyone in particular.
Erica (if you’re around)- How was the concert last night?
Exactly.
If Howard thought he caught the ball, he would just walked to 1st base and stepped on the bag.
He was trying to get thr lead runner or the double play.
Well, he got the double play alright.
Whatever, it was a tough call.
I tnink that the Yankees will bring back one of Matsui and Damon, not both. I also think that Damon is hitting, or not hitting, his way out of town since August or so.
I do think they will be able to get Matsui back at a good discount. It seems like he wants to play here more than anywhere else, and there will be a lot of DHs on the market, as well as teams still not wanting to pay big bucks in this economy.
DHs on the market will include: Matsui, Thome, Giambi, Vladimir Guerrero, Damon, and Nady. While Nady and Damon will want to play the field, probably, most teams will view them for DH. I don’t want the others in NY, but the number of DHs available will drive their contract demands down.
Hey, guys.
Someone mentioned it would take a couple more starts like this to trust AJ. You’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
He’s the box of chocolates of pitchers. You never know what you’re going to get from game to game or even inning to inning.
I hate to say this, but that stupid idiot Mark Grace got it write last night. He said, “If AJ can reduce his inevitable 20 pitch period when he loses it to maybe a 10 pitch period when he loses it, then he’ll….” AJ didn’t really lose it, Ibanez and Stairs both should never have reached base, but if you want to call that a bad inning then the damage was limited.
So anyway, you can’t expect perfection from AJ (why are people’s expectations so ridiculously high anyway where they slam him when he’s not perfect-and some of you guys do). Just hope for the best, and brace for the worst. You won’t be disappointed.
We did get the benefit of a missed call on the Utley DP in the 8th. Makeup call?
“If the shoe doesn’t fit, pal, don’t wear it. But you’ve taken snide little shots at me at times, just like you accused me of running away one day when I decided I had had enough of the pounding that the Posada over-the-toppers were giving me.”
You flat-out said Posada had a streak where the Yanks lost more than they won with Posada catching. All I said was I would go to the game logs and check. I found that wasn’t the case, and said so. You didn’t come back that day and say you were wrong – if you did then I apologise.
BTW, Pedro probably was sick. But that was pretty weak to bring it up.
Dobbs was hospitalized (I think) for the flu.
And Jeter still has that cough. I don’t like it.
Trisha,
I was curious what advise you gave to Boston Dave regarding his ticket choices?
So to get onto something more pleasant, this is the most updated WS MVP chart. If anyone is intersted in getting added to it, please make sure you put my name in the post.
http://members.cox.net/lsdorga.....%20MVP.pdf
Thanks!
BD – good move I guess. I still say we’ll be back to the Stadium but again I’m not big on going to the other team’s house, so that could play into it. If it’s seeing a WS game as opposed to seeing the winning game (who knows when that is) then absolutely you are doing the right thing. I hope you get to see a great yankee game!
“i don’t care what these numbers say. The 2 BB or less games are probably ones that he got knocked out of early for the most part and the 3 BB or more games are ones where he went deep and pitched well. ”
The first set of numbers I quoted were career, the second were from 2007-2009 a 600 IP sample. You can’t explain that sample size away so easily.
Another fact, courtesy of Scoobi,
“2 BB or less, 9.3 H/9, 9.1 K/9, GB% drops to 39%, FB% increases to 44%, LD% increases to 16%
3 BB or less, 7.01 H/9, 9.1 K/9, GB% at 43%, FB% at 41% LD% at 14% ”
Again, when he walks more guys he allows fewer hits, gets more grounders and has less fly balls and line drives.
Burnett is more effective when he walks more batters, most likely because his stuff is better.
Matsui has not played one single inning in the OF. Putting him out there for the first time in the World Series would be very strange indeed.
I have no interest in pursuing Holliday or Bay for the OF, but I’d love to find out the price for Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier. My concern is it probably would involve Cano so you’re borrowing from Peter to pay Paul in that situation.
Any other OF worth trading for?
In retrospect, I think my biggest concern with AJ coming in was his health. He’s proven me wrong there and he’s proven me wrong on the mound 7 out of 10 times. I’ll take it.
m,
I watched Pedro’s interview and even chuckled a bit, but don’t you find him a bit narcissistic?
Another issue w/ the blown call is it ended the inning, when the Yankees could have potentially blown it open. If they had, then Girardi doesn’t have to go to Mo for 6 outs.
KF, I actually thought he should wait and see a game at the Stadium. But I think a lot of that had to do with the way I would have played it. I would have no desire to go to Philly to see the Yankees. And of course, if he did it my way, he would be playing the odds that the Yankees won at least one in Philly. I thought he said he wanted to see the Yankees get #4. They’d have to sweep in Philly for that to happen, so that’s another reason I suggested the Stadium. But as he said, he was swept up in the moment and just wants to see the Yanks in the WS. So going to Philly takes care of that.
(I wouldn’t go there on a bet. I hear they are pretty bad!)
In regards to Bay and Holliday:
I would be careful in trying to sign these high priced free-agents…We all know what happened to Yanks after 2001: They tried and build a team with brute force, and has been pitchers….I rather them build their farm team, and sprinkle in some free agents where applicable…..
KF -
My mistake! I forgot what the heck I was talking about! No, no. No Hinske in the field, and of course, no Posada DH – there IS NO DH in the NL park.
Sorry for the TOTAL brain freeze!
Please disregard.
“Any other OF worth trading for?”
Alex Rios is costing the WS a lot of money, but they got him for nothing. Maybe they would like to get him off their books. I am not sure they really wanted him in the first place when they put in the claim on him. Not sure we have what the WS would want though, since we traded Betemit last year.
We did get the benefit of a missed call on the Utley DP in the 8th. Makeup call?
___
no because that one was close. the one we got screwed on was another badly blown call. doesnt seem to matter if there is 4 or 6 umps. they still suck.
Blake-
I think these next few games are the last we see of Molina in a Yankees uniform. Next season Cervelli will probably back up Jorge. I personally would sign one of either Matsui or Damon (tough decision) to DH and in Damons case play the occasional LF and let Posada get quite a few starts as the DH working Cervelli into more games behind the plate. As far as Montero and Romine they can stay in AAA next season to gain more experience and polish their skills. (not sure if the Yankees view them as catchers. I know Romine may be more of an of type player) The two of them could possibly be September call-ups. In 2011 I feel either Montero or Romine will be taught and develop propely into a big league catcher and split time with Cervelli eventually starting. The other will probably become a corner outfielder or DH. Keep in mind Gary Sanchez as well although i think he is a little further off.
They made ONE good point on Sportscenter …. a tie DOES NOT go to the runner, the runner HAS TO BEAT the ball to the bag.
The Utley play was VERY CLOSE, but the point is that its a bang bang play, he was not clearly safe like everyone is saying, that is a tough call to make.
“You flat-out said Posada had a streak where the Yanks lost more than they won with Posada catching. All I said was I would go to the game logs and check. I found that wasn’t the case, and said so. You didn’t come back that day and say you were wrong – if you did then I apologise.”
He did. I got the numbers wrong, but I was right. However I didn’t feel the need to come back on and prove anything since the Posdada gang was particularly obnoxious that day, IMO, and I didn’t feel the need to be gang banged any further.
I said the Yankees were 12 and 23. They were 11 and 12 (which is where I obviously got the 23). Last I looked that was a losing record.
Patrick,
You can make stats say whatever you want them too. They have said Jeter was the worst defensive SS in baseball for years. Do you believe that too?
The only reason AJ hasn’t had a HOF career is because he has never been able to combine his great stuff with great command on a consistant basis. The had the highest walk rate in the league this year and had a decent year. Most pitchers with that walk rate are awful. Its just a testiment to how good his stuff is. If he got rid of the walks and pitched ahead like he did last night then he’s one of the best in baseball..
we dont need holliday and certainly dont need bay. just bring up jackson and see how it falls.
“Any other OF worth trading for?”
Brad Hawpe?
Josh Willingham?
Jeremy Hermida?
I don’t think you can argue that it’s walks that make him more effective.
It’s the movement on his pitches. The walks are just the consequence.
Remember the no hitter. 9 walks.
That’s even more walks than Doc Ellis had. And he was on LSD!
wouldnt yankees go after 2011 fA mauer ?
Christina, the filters keep eating ym reply for some reason. I e-mailed you my detailed answer.
Here I will just say the concert was AMAZING!!!!
“I said the Yankees were 12 and 23. They were 11 and 12 (which is where I obviously got the 23). Last I looked that was a losing record.”
FYI, 12 and 23 means “12 wins, 23 losses”. That’s been the verbiage since they started keeping track of wins and losses. So you can’t really get mad at people for being confused by what you were trying to say.
Trisha,
I didn’t get involved in the discussion last night but I tend to agree with your view point if I had the same decision to make. I find everyone weighs things differently and if his seeing the Yanks in the WS was important then he made the right decision for him.
the worst part about the missed call on the Ryan Howard catch was that the umps still think they got it right
“”The objective is to get it right, we asked each other what we had seen and the replay confirmed we got it right,” crew chief Jerry Davis said, according to the Post.”
the replay confirmed it? are they serious?
maybe instant replay is a waste after all. they can’t even get calls right on slo-mo.
“You can make stats say whatever you want them too. They have said Jeter was the worst defensive SS in baseball for years. Do you believe that too?”
The stats about A.J.’s effectivness compared to his walk rate are hardly twisting the facts. It is pretty well laid out for you. Rather than criticize my use of statistics, why don’t you show facts to back up your own points?
The simple fact is, A.J. cannot get rid of the walks. His pitches just move too much to control with any consistency.
And yes, Derek Jeter was indeed one of the worst defensive shortstops in the league from 2005-2007.
Mr october, From everything i’ve read Romaine is an all-around good catcher defense and all and Montero is more of just a Masher. I think one of these guys has to the the catcher of the future unless they can wrestle Mauer away from the Twins…
“I watched Pedro’s interview and even chuckled a bit, but don’t you find him a bit narcissistic?”
He is, he’s one of the biggest divas in the game and that’s why fans hate him, not just Yankee fans.
But he’s absolutely right that he’d be treated like a king if he pitched in New York. If he played for the Yankees in his prime from 1997-2001 when he was the best pitcher in the game, people would put him up there with DiMaggio and Mantle as one of the greatest Yankees of all time. That’s how good he was.
“I don’t think you can argue that it’s walks that make him more effective.
It’s the movement on his pitches. The walks are just the consequence.”
———–
I think that is what Patrick eluded to with his follow-up #s.
Perhaps having a better curveball on a given night means he is throwing it more and often out of the strikezone.
“He did. I got the numbers wrong, but I was right. However I didn’t feel the need to come back on and prove anything since the Posdada gang was particularly obnoxious that day, IMO, and I didn’t feel the need to be gang banged any further.
I said the Yankees were 12 and 23. They were 11 and 12 (which is where I obviously got the 23). Last I looked that was a losing record.”
Trisha-
Not so. You were being attacked that day (and not by me, I hadn’t been part of the conversation) because you said the Yanks had a losing record with Posada catching. I forget what the record you quoted was, but it was fairly lopsided on the losing side).
I came into the conversation late. I didn’t attack you. All I said was I would go to the game logs and check.
You then came back and said you were tired of being attacked and were going away. I then came back and announced that the game logs showed that the Yanks never had a losing period of any length under Jorge.
You never came back and admitted you were wrong.
And the Yanks never had a streak where they were 11-12 with Jorge catching. Not even close.
Doreen,
Sorry for the TOTAL brain freeze!
I have these more times than I’d like. I’m sure Girardi and his brain trust will come up with the best lineup they feel will put the Yanks in a position to win.
The Yankees only go after Mauer because the Red Sox are CLEARLY in the market for a catcher.
“And the Yanks never had a streak where they were 11-12 with Jorge catching. Not even close.”
Wrong.
And let me say this. I don’t need you on the side like the Greek chorus answering for me. I don’t need your interpretations on things I say since I am perfectly capable of answering for myself. So I don’t need you telling posters that the reason I was down on Torre’s managing in 2006 was because of a book he wrote in 2009. Get it? That is pretty obnoxious. And by the way, you can look back and note that I have never taken off on you, either directly or indirectly.
“they really don’t need high priced corner outfielders the way most good teams do.
i think they can develop from within or get deals like swisher as long as the infield is so strong offensively.”
————–
exactly.
and with the higher than expected output they got from Damon, Melky, and Swisher during the regular season, why change that strategy?
Patrick,
Are you saying Burnett should walk more people? I’m not sure what point you are trying to make. Its common knowledge that the only thing separates AJ from an elite pitcher is his inconsistent command.
The only thing that those stats prove is how good his stuff is and that like Nolan Ryan he’s one of the few pitchers who can succeed in spite of his wildness. All i’m saying is that he could be better if he threw more strikes like he did last night, if you don’t agree with that then we will just have to agree to disagree
wave your hat ate some sour grapes
“a tie DOES NOT go to the runner”
What? I have always heard the opposite. If you’re right, then the commentators don’t know what they’re talking about, as usual.
“The “I told you so crowd” is beyond tiresome.”
wave your hat-
some people see the world in very black and white terms with no grays .
baseball is a probability game with a lot of randomness which is why i love reading someone like CB who has a very good handle on this aspect of the game.
no one can say what’s going to happen in an upcoming game or predict consistently on individual games.
fixating on one part of the game or one player and making a contest who is right or wrong because of what happens in one game is simplistic.
i like it that sj44 puts his feelings and hunches out there. he’s not always right on an individual game. but overall he’s solid in his analyses.
i know what he thinks about multiple aspects of the yankees and what he thinks of every player. we of course disagree about some things, cashman for example.
the people who fixate say on molina don’t really interest me much because molina is the back up catcher on the team and simply is just one small part of the team. my interest in responding to them is just so they don’t drive away good posters who look at the whole team with their fixation tendencies.
small parts do matter and i’m thrilled to have such a good back up in molina, but my big concern right now is what has happened to alex’s swing, the question of three day’s rest for burnett and pettitte, how to work the role players into the games when they’ve sat for so long, etc.
i’m thankful for the posters who can look at the whole team and consistently come up with insightful observations and hunches whether i agree with them or not.
one of the best posters here ever was whozat who absolutely hated what i wrote and vice versa, but he was good and not fixated.
agreement isn’t what it’s about. it’s about adding to the whole conversation to see the game as a whole.
CR9
This is what they said on SportsCenter, to elaborate, in an umpires mind, there is no such thing as a tie.
Thats why you have to beat the throw CLEARLY to be safe.
“The Yankees only go after Mauer because the Red Sox are CLEARLY in the market for a catcher.”
—————
The Red Sox are foaming at the mouth to get a guy like Joe Mauer, as well as King Felix, and Adrian Gonzalez.
I hope Mauer stays in Minnesota because he is such a big part of that team. He is their Jeter.
I pray the Sox don’t get Felix and I don’t think they can pull it off until he hits free agency.
AGonz is another story. We’ll see how those talks go this winter. I don’t think they can pull that off either but we’ll see. Jed Hoyer better get one heck of a return if he moves the current foundation of the franchise.
““The “I told you so crowd” is beyond tiresome.””
well said Wave.
“agreement isn’t what it’s about. it’s about adding to the whole conversation to see the game as a whole.”
ditto randy.
new thread
BD, I think you are sincere in what you are saying, really I do, but I think it is easy for someone on the losing side of the equation (for lack of a better term, but you know what I mean) to say the “I told you so” crowd is tiring.
There is no question in my mind that if last night’s game had gone down the tubes there would have been a heck of a lot more “I told you so’s” going on. JMO
trisha-
The Yanks were never 11-12 in any streak of 23 games with Jorge catching. They just weren’t. Go to the game logs and check for yourself. If I’m wrong I’ll admit it, but I don’t think I am.
randy-
I always look forward to your posts. I think you are one of the most interesting posters on the blog.
Blake-
Yea I saw Romine play a few times and thought he looked good behind the plate as well. (my mistake I meant Montero as the possible corner outfield/dh type) Anyway I agree about the Mauer thing but I think he stays in Minny. (new stadium should bring in some money and they dont want to tick fans off) Montero is nuts and can probably come to bigs next season but will probably stay down for another year or half year to mature a little more. As a Yankee fan you got to be excited about these guys. (esp Montero) With that I think Jorge catches around 90 games and DHs another 40 or so with Cervelli behind the plate for the rest. Romine/Cervelli split time year after (Jorge full time DH at this point) with Romine eventually full time starter and Cervelli backing up. All I do know for sure is Romine looks good and Montero looks REALLY GOOD!!! Dont know to much about young Gary Sanchez
“The Yanks were never 11-12 in any streak of 23 games with Jorge catching. They just weren’t. Go to the game logs and check for yourself. If I’m wrong I’ll admit it, but I don’t think I am.”
Since you put it that way, I’ll show you when it happened.
Mr. October,
Does it look like Montero would be able to transition to another position other than 1B (that one is locked up for awhile)?
Posada was activated on May 29th. From that day, the Yankees went 11 and 12 in the next 23 games.
Blake-
MAYBE corner outfield but if not than DH. (probably best suited for 1b but obviously thats a problem) I read he really likes catching and is determined to better his catching skills but in the end its up to the team. The problem is that he is already a big dude and he is still young so he most likely will keep growing. Should be interesting.
Hawpe and Willingham are interesting possibilities. Hawpe gives you LH power, is 31 in June and might be expendable. His home/away splits are no concern at all and he has 46 assists in RF the last five years. Willingham is a LF with lesser stats across the board and about the same age.
Assuming Matsui or Damon is gone, Hawpe is a much better fit.
on off days I like to think about next year’s team. Let’s assume they re-sign either Damon or Matsui. That leave the team with a significant loss in offense. Each player had a lot of key hits over the course of a year. I don’t think Jackson is the answer next year. This offense will need to be replaced. Plus, I think we can all see Swisher’s shortcomings. With either Damon or Matsui leaving that leaves $13 million to use as a replacement. Many people want Holliday if it is 2 or 3 years That isn’t happening. I believe he is the best available replacement, and in fact, better than the non-signed current player. Free agents in 2011 or beyond are pure speculation because they very often sign with their old team or get traded and then sign. In short, can’t count on their availability so far in advance.
trisha-
The game was to count the games Posada started, not all games.
In the first 23 games Jorge started beginning May 29, the Yanks went 14-9. There were two additional games the Yanks lost in that time period in which Jorge appeared, but they were games in which Jorge appeared at the end and it’s not fair to count those.
On May 31st, Jorge entered the game tied 4-4 in the 8th. The Yanks lost 5-4. I didn’t think it fair to assign that loss to Jorge.
On June 18th, the Yanks lost 3-0, with Jorge entering the game in the 7th when the Yanks were already down 3-0. I didn’t think it fair to assign that loss to Jorge either.
So I believe I was right after all.
“The ‘I told you so crowd’ is beyond tiresome.”
haha you have got be kidding. It would be one thing if there hadn’t been a relentless, obnoxious tirade about what an IDIOT Girardi is and how he was WEAKENING the lineup in the WORLD SERIES!! and should be FIRED and why can’t AJ get with the LoHud posters’ program and have Posada catch, all without a shred of humility or the tiniest concession to legitimate counterarguments. It was downright comical. And nobody is confusing that kind of pissing contest with lively and constructive debate.
Then you complain that the “I told you so crowd is beyond tiresome”?! Boo f hoo.
God I can’t stand McCarver and Buck! They really don’t know what they are talking about, but he insist on speaking their garbage with the utmost conviction! Did anyone else hear them talk about Melky in the 8th inning? They said, “Melky Cabrera doesn’t have that strong an arm, but because he charged the ball in the 8th, Rollins decided to hold up at 2nd instead of going to 3rd on Victorino’s single to right.” They were trying to make the point that, if an outfielder charges the ball it makes the baserunner think twice before taking an extra base. I don’t think Rollins would dare to test Melky’s arm whether he charged the ball or not.
Why are we being subjected to all this second rated talent in the broadcasting booth?
Cheap Seats-
Sheesh, how many cups of coffee have you had this morning?
I don’t believe you will find a post where I said Girardi was an idiot or should be fired, epecially since I think neither of those things.
He did weaken the lineup – batting Molina for Posada wekens the lineup, I believe even trisha would admit that much.
What’s wrong with debating these things? What’s the comment section for, anyway?
Wave, when I made my post I didn’t realize I was playing by rules you set up. When I said the Yankees went 11 and 12 I meant exactly that – Yankees went 11 and 12. They had a losing record in the first 23 games since Posada returned. That is exactly what I said and that is exactly what meant.
Again, for future reference, please don’t interpret posts for me or take shots on the side. I don’t do it to you, I don’t expect you to do it to me.
Thanks.
trisha-
You moved the goalposts. You were using those numbers to make a point about Posada’s importance vs. Molina’s and Cervelli’s importance. Of course games Posada started were at issue, otherwise the reference to the record was meaningless.
And I’ll make the comments I want to make. Although, generally speaking, I believe I’ve defended you more than attacked you.
“all without a shred of humility or the tiniest concession to legitimate counterarguments. It was downright comical. And nobody is confusing that kind of pissing contest with lively and constructive debate.”
This says it all. Thank you Cheap Seats. I definitely give a pass to any posters who tried to make it constructive debate. I think Boston Dave did that much of that time, and Randy did it once be got past the need to be insulting. But they were in the vast minority.
Wave, I think it would speak more to your character if you removed attacks altogether. Unless of course you feel the need to pile on behooves you. For any support I thank you. But of course it gets washed away when you attack and especially when you make snide remarks on the side. But you’re right. Be who you are. I’ll just respond accordingly. And if you are going to take little side shots, please don’t ever ask me again why I attack in posts.
No I didn’t move the goal posts. When I originally posted about that stuff, way back when, the Yankees had a winning record when Posada went on the DL and then a losing record once Posada came back. Mixed in there was the HIGHLY PUBLICIZED fact that both CC and AJ were having difficulty winning games when Posada was catching them. Surely you remember when that was happening? So it was a mixed bag with lots of “lively” conversation. As I remember it you and a host of others had me as being dead wrong, and as I remember a great deal of the criticism I received for my views had to do with the fact that Posada was a great Yankee and had 4 rings. It also took on a new life when Randy decided that I wanted Molina to be the primary catcher and he took off on me for an extended period of time on something I never said. It’s a real joy to be here when the boys decide to get together and bully.
Thanks for helping me relive such fun times. I think I’ll move on now.
About Buck and McCarver, they made the mistake talking about Melky’s arm (showing their ignorance) but it also works the other way too. Have you noticed that whenever Cano is on base, they say he has good speed. They just don’t know the team very well.
Pete Abe…
Who’s Your Daddy???
The Lohud Yankees Blog…of course
Pete always liked to troll his Yankee audience when things were slow in Blog-World…
Note his nice, even, journalistic tone in reports on George Steinbrenner’s illness, NYS and all things Yankee!
All in fun of course!