Up from the bottom
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Nov 05, 2009 
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At one point last night, I could help but laugh when he looked into one of the far corners of the Yankees clubhouse and saw Francisco Cervelli priming a champagne bottle for an attack on an unsuspecting teammate. Six months earlier, Cervelli was a Double-A catcher hitting .190. Last night he was a World Series winning plotting celebration shenanigans with Tony Pena.
Cervelli, Dave Robertson, Alfredo Aceves and Phil Hughes opened the season in the minor leagues. Sergio Mitre opened on the minor league DL, Freddy Guzman opened in the minor league system of another team and Ramiro Pena went into spring training as an extreme long shot to make the big league roster. All of them were in the clubhouse last night having played one role or another along the way. There are others — Edwar Ramirez, Mark Melancon, Jonathan Albaldejo, etc. — who will certainly get rings.
“It’s night and day,” Robertson said. “It’s unbelievable here. It’s amazing to be a part of this organization, and I’m just so glad to be a part of it.”
When Jorge Posada and Jose Molina were hurt during the season, the Yankees needed Cervelli to step in and put that slow Double-A start behind him. When the eighth inning became suspect, they needed Hughes to move into a role he’d never played in his life. When Alex Rodriguez was injured, they needed Pena to skip two levels and become a major league quality utility man right away. Last night’s focus was on Rodriguez and Jeter and Pettitte and the rest — and that’s the way it should have been — but a lot of those guys talked about this being a 25-man team that needed a lot of contributions to make No. 27 possible.
“I feel like I played a small role,” Hughes said. “Everybody else played a much bigger role than I did. I was happy to contribute in any little way I could.”
Will all the guys on the September roster get a ring?
2010 opening day lineup.
Jeter
Figgins
Tex
ARod
Posada
Swisher
Cano
Melky
Cervili
——————
Never understood the infatuation with Figgins. He’s a nice player but I think all the damage he once did against the Yanks has escalated his value to absurd levels among Yankee fans.
I don’t want Figgins and I bet Cashman doesn’t either.
And Cervelli has no business in the Opening Day lineup next season. In fact, I hope they resign Molina. He’s far more valuable to this team than he’s given credit for and that’s a shame.
I understand the notion about getting younger and it’s one I support in most cases. But getting younger does not necessarily translate to getting better so Cashman and Co. has a lot of important decisions to make this offseason.
I must say this is probably the sweetest champ I’ve seen from the Yanks. Even better than 98 for me. maybe because we got a little spoiled those years, this yr was different. this was SPECIAL
if I take the LIRR to Brooklyn tomorrow and then transfer to the 4 or 5 to Wall Street & Broadway. Does that get me to a good parade spot???
I’m trying to make a post about the WS rings. It’s totally appropriate, with no curse words or obscene words and nothing that looks close, and it’s related to the subject; I can’t believe the filter is blocking me.
Giuseppe,
are you out of the hospital?? I hope you feel better..
Giuseppe
Really glad to hear you are feeling better.
“I’m one of those people who believes this blog is far better off now than it was 5 weeks ago.”
Without a doubt. I know for fact You, GB, me and others haven’t received a nasty, ignorant e-mail in at least 5 weeks.
The next time someone whines about the payroll:
http://tinyurl.com/ye52amu
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/articl.....8;c_id=mlb
Homegrown talent can be a real boost
Percentage of homegrown players on each team’s 25-man roster
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Team Pct.
New York Yankees 56%
Detroit Tigers 52%
Los Angeles Angels 52%
Boston Red Sox 48%
Minnesota Twins 48%
Seattle Mariners 40%
Oakland Athletics 36%
Cleveland Indians 32%
Texas Rangers 32%
Toronto Blue Jays 32%
Baltimore Orioles 28%
Chicago White Sox 28%
Tampa Bay Rays 28%
Kansas City Royals 20%
AL Average: 38%
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Team Pct.
Colorado Rockies 64%
San Francisco Giants 48%
Los Angeles Dodgers 44%
Chicago Cubs 40%
San Diego Padres 40%
St. Louis Cardinals 40%
Arizona Diamondbacks 36%
Atlanta Braves 36%
Cincinnati Reds 36%
Milwaukee Brewers 32%
Philadelphia Phillies 32%
Florida Marlins 28%
Pittsburgh Pirates 28%
New York Mets 20%
Washington Nationals 20%
Houston Astros 16%
NL Average: 35%
tim lincecum busted for marijuana http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=4627319
who would have thought…?
Chad, excellent entry- you’re exactly right. It’s amazing, but Cervelli made it palatable while Po and Molina were out. Pena had some huge hits for us…….and Robertson grew up before eyes. Hughes? Without Phil, we don’t sniff the post-season. It was frustrating watching him struggle recently, but he’s underestimating the job he did…..
Also, Cervelli apparently doused his mom with champagne, lol
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/articl.....8;c_id=mlb
That’s doubly impressive for the Rockies because it’s hard to grow that much talent at altitude.
Part of tonight’s Letterman show.
http://www.facebook.com/permal.....7326583374
Erica, yes that works fine. Get there early!!
Hughes is downplaying his role on the yankees. NYY may still have won the Dision and WS, but, without him, it wouldn’t have been as thorough as it was. He was a major factor, as was Chamberlain. Cervelli and Pena had their major league moments, too and contributed to multiple wins. They made the loss of players a lot easier to deal with.
Great post Chad, one of the best!!
I’m also glad that I don’t have to change my tag line again this year!!
Random side note: TARHEELYANK – was Pete sending you nasty e-mails????
Stephen
November 5th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Erica, yes that works fine. Get there early!!
****
Thank you! I will be there around 9
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.c.....index.html
Blackaccord,
Nah, not out of the hospital yet. Hopefully within the next 10 days. Been here for a month. Yuck.
Still very unsteady on my feet and I need help just to stand up.
Making progress but it’s sssssssslllllooooooooooowwwwww as hell.
Nick in SF in Larkspur
LOL! That’s a nice one.
For Christmas (but any other day during the off-season will also do) what I want is a real CF for our outfield.
Last year I whined a lot about wanting a real 1B after years of drougth at that position. Perhaps if I start whining now about desperately wanting a real CF, the cosmos will again take notice.
Tarheel,
Yeah, we had some battles with Pete. I don’t hate the guy, but he was a bit full of himself.
Oh well, he’s in a better place right now and so is LoHud with the trio of Chad, Sam, and Josh.
All three have done an outstanding job the last month.
Oh yeah, and thanks for the well wishes.
Giuseppe – Good to hear that you’re doing well. Stay strong.
“One thing that as a Pettitte fan I really enjoyed about the season and the post-season is that it gave those fans an opportunity to understand how great a Yankee Andy was and is.”
Wave Your Hat
Exactly! You were the point man in defending Andy over the winter. The payroll debates with SJ were epic. You should feel vindicated, I know I do. Thanks!
GF,
I believe you are an old regular from a now-defunct but once special blog, posting here under another handle — as am I.
As one nomad to another, very warm wishes for the best possible recovery and excellent times to come, wherever and under whatever names we pass…
You think Edwar will get a ring? i suspect it will be cubic zirconia.
Joey’s Poodle,
If you are referring to the old Newsday blog, you’d be correct.
Although I’ve been a LoHud regular longer than I was a regular there.
My moniker was Viper. What was yours?
And thank you to you and everyone else for the well wishes.
I’ll survive. It’s just going to take awhile.
GF,
get back on your feet and on this blog…get well buddy
Giuseppe…hope you were able to enjoy last night and hope that you get well soon.
I can only imagine what a month of hospital food has done for you.
G’nite Yankee people! I am going to try to sleep this off because it is getting worse…cough, chills and sniffles…and I really want to go to the parade.
To those going have a safe ride from wherever is your destination!
What’s the chances that for once in his life that Jon Heyman is right about something? He says that Damon may be offered a deal by the yanks of about 2 years @ $20 mil, but may look for a Posada deal. Both have a love affair with each other. Also said that NYY may be rethinking Matsui for a year. The other piece is Pettitte for one year at a time at about $11-12 Mil, slightly more than his incentive laden contract got him. All depends on his family. Says that he could get a 3 year deal elsewhere. Keep in mind, though, the only time that Heyman is right is when his employer, Scott Boras says he can be right.
I can only imagine what a month of hospital food has done for you.
————–
LOL. Now I know what prison meals are like day after day.
I’ll never complain about my GF’s cooking again!
Hughes played a bigger role than he thinks. He didn’t do a whole lot in the playoffs, but he really helped the bullpen throughout the season.
Cody Ransom get a ring too?
Guys, HELP!
How do I get to the parade tomorrow from brooklyn? Only the L and M trains are nearby where I’ll be leaving from.
Buddy Biancalana
November 5th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Cody Ransom get a ring too?
They all do.
I strongly believe Andy will be back on a one year deal. I would not guarantee more than a year to Damon or Matsui. One will be the primary DH next year. Hard to see the sense in bringing both back.
I like Molina, but if you aren’t willing to take a chance on a younger player at back up catcher when/where would you be?
Giuseppe…. hang in there my man. I think of you often and would pray for you if I was on better terms with the big guy.
Canyon of Heroes Bound…hopefully
November 5th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Guys, HELP!
How do I get to the parade tomorrow from brooklyn? Only the L and M trains are nearby where I’ll be leaving from.
MTA.COM
Just read up on a David Robertson,DID YOU KNOW,the team calls him HOUDINI?
He earned it twice by coming in high pressure situations,with multiple runners on base.Once in the ALDS,and ALCS,managing to escape the inning,without letting any runs score.
He’s also a newlywed married this Jan 2009 to Erin.
I always felt he was under used this postseason,he seemed to always attacked the strike zone.
Hughes most definitely earned his piece of that championship trophy.
He was just plain old unhittable for roughly four months and helped form the best 1-2 punch in baseball in the late innings.
I’m not one of those people who believes he crumbled on the big stage. He just happened to struggle at a bad time.
I want the AJ/Molina/Posada ovah! Bye Bye Molina.
Hoping Carl Crawford becomes a free agent. He would look great in pinstripes. I think Pettitte gets another contract, one yr at a time for him. I think he has to talk it over with the “woman of the house”. I dont conceivably see both Matsui and Damon back, but where would Matsui go? Who could afford him?
Then we’ll have AJ/Cervelli
The Yankees need to do some hard thinking about Matsui. If his knees can respond to offseason rehab, so that he can at least play some OF, I can see them bringing him back for one year. Ditto Damon, one year deal.
However, if they do that, then someone else has to go. I think that may be Brett Gardner +/- Xavier Nady, again depending on the medicals. They will need some backup plan if Austin Jackson doesn’t materialize in 2010.
I don’t think they’ll go after either Bay or Holliday, though they may feign interest in Bay just to drive his price up for Boston.
I do wonder which OF will be available, either FA after 2010 season, or who might be acquired by trading some of those young arms.
AJ has (or will have) a ring by then.He’ll make the adjustment.
Joe won’t do that again,Yankees were at a disadvantage in the NL park.
Hughes also had not completed a full season for a couple of years, what with his injuries. I wonder if he was just a bit tired.
He will be much more consistent next year.
I’m more concerned with the recurrence of Damon’s calves problem.
jay-z performing at the parade??? heard that on the news- said a hip hop artist who LOVES the yankees will perform. surprise guest?
“Cody Ransom get a ring too?”
They might make him jump over the trophy to get it.
I like Monila, but Cevelli should be really given a chance to develop. How many more years can Posada catch? Two?
Count me as one of those who would love Carl Crawford in LF.
Unfortunately, I think there’s a better chance that I’ll run a marathon next month.
TB is not going to let him go, especially since they freed up cash by trading Kazmir away.
Between Damon and Matsui, I prefer Matsui. It’s fair to say that without Matsui, the Yankees may not have won Game 6.
MLB is really doing a tremendous job – they’re running a 2 hour loop (recap of series, of the season). Tomorrow, they cover the parade and tomorrow night, there’s a 2 hour WS recap special. I’m going to tape that……….
Phil was just fantastic this year and I hope he takes the positives from his season; I’m sure Joe and Cash have already told him how pleased they are with him. His season was no fluke…….I just hope he didn’t lose his confidence.
Tampa’s more likely to move their problem child, BJ Upton than letting Crawford get out of town.
Boy CC has A CY,an ALCS MVP,and a WS ring,HE HAS TOBE HAPPY!
What about Damaso Marte,he was nasty on those lefties,brutal,attack,attack!
97 days before pitchers & catchers report
Chamberlain > AZ. performance Institute like Hughes ? Can the
Yankees require it this off season, or only suggest it ?
what channels is the parade on?
currently I have yes set to record 10-2 is that long enough?
bru, when I meet Jorge, i’ll tell him only 95 days till pitchers and catchers.
Marte was awesome, he had so much confidence.
Olney was saying this morning that there may be a lot(he said @100) players on the market this winter because teams will non-tender instead of going to arbitration. I think this may be inflated, but certainly there should be some unexpected talent on the market. This will affect the Yankees plans for sure.
I think who they bring back between Matsui and Damon depends a lot on what type of player they are able to pick up. If they can get a young, dynamic outfielder who can bat in the 2 slot, Damon goes. If their best acquisition is a DH type slugger, Matsui goes. IMO though, if they are going to just sign another, slightly younger DH to replace Matsui, I would prefer to keep the WS MVP.
Tarheel, are you from NC?
All the rookies are pretty much awesome. They’re all energetic & fun to watch. I always especially see Pena & Cervelli w/ smiles on
I was looking up something up on
http://www.bing.com
and guess what picture popped up BEFORE I used the search bar….are you ready?
The Yankees celebration in the middle of the field.
i let damon go,sign matsui & pettitte for a year & go hard after a number 2 pitcher so burnett can be our number 3
hughes & joba in the rotation at the same time is taking a chance
lackey,bay,holliday filed for fa
not sure about lackey because of what he will want & the market he is in
webb would be nice
he wont get a ton because he is coming off an injury & coming from a smaller market team where players are not spoiled yet
his injury was not nearly as bad as thought according to the doctors when they went in
So I think Hughes goes into the rotation next year as the 5th starter and Joba to the bullpen. What say you guys…
Jen, it’s on YES and MLB – also the regular networks like CBS. The parade starts at l1, though I think YES’ coverage starts at 10 (MLB starts at 11). 10-2 should be fine…….I might tape it until 2:30, I haven’t decided yet.
Rotation for 10
CC, AJ, Pettitte, Joba, Hughes.
Wang signs a deal to avoid being non-tendered.
I say that AJ is going to have a better year and he will prove to be a fine #2 (still think he was better than people think this year). Joba is a starter, just like Phil is…..
Guess what picture pops up when you used bing.com?
The whole Yankee team celebrating mid field last night.
I love this article:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=4624979
Sorry for the double post on same topic,the filters have been weird today.
Lackey is gonna want a fortune and honestly other than his willingness to compete, he has never greatly impressed me. Webb’s delivery and injury history also scares me.
I’d rather re-sign Pettitte, insert Hughes into the rotation and take a chance on Sheets or Bedard. Either would likely come fairly cheap and you may could get one to a short term deal. I think Joba is a reliever after watching him this season and postseason
You think Pena will be back next season or go to AAA?
“The Globetrotters Win! THEEEEEEEEE GLOBETROTTERS WIN!
Japan’s Hideki Matsui, The Indians’ CC Sabathia, Texas Rangers’ Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira, Toronto’s A.J. Burnett, and Boston’s Johnny Damon Lead the Way”
Can anyone guess what is the biggest joke in all of that.
Via BDD by the way
YES is covering the parade from 11-2
btw if you guys are truly offended by the anti-Yankee crap Pete Abe is posting over at the globe, you should just not reply.
Can’t you tell he’s doing it on purpose to get you to reply and up the comment count there and keep himself employed? Don’t be a tool nor a fool, just enjoy the 5-13 comments a day that blog was “enjoying”.
The continued success of this blog could lead to one conclusion–LOHUD Yanks blog is what it is *inspite* of Pete Abe’s egotistical, self-serving bad attitude and ramblings…not because of him.
I don’t know which part is the biggest joke, but how about how only CC Sabathia and Tex, from their list, came out of the system of the clubs they listed them as coming from? I don’t count Japan as a club.
If the Yankees don’t bring back Matsui then they are going to need somebody to protect Arod. Otherwise he’ll get pitched around all year.
Johnny Damon was Kansas City’s and they act as if he was theirs.
The Globetrotters analogy is also nonsensical. Maybe that’s the biggest joke.
Damon: Kansas City —> Oakland —> Boston —> New York
The Bruins fans tonight were chanting “Yankees Suck”
Abreu re-signed with the Halos.
2 yrs for 19 mil.
Blake, Sheets isn’t healthy and I don’t want Bedard at all. His health is iffy, but more importantly, he’s apparently a self-centered jerk…..
The Angels can have him, he’s a stat compiler, been there done that
Anyone watching the mlb network highlight show? Those guys have fun…glad they had a good first season of coverage
Good for Bobby. Got a roughly 90% raise.
Will he still hold a grudge about the $11 million from this year?
blake November 5th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
“The Angels can have him, he’s a stat compiler, been there done that”
But have you seen the man’s intangibles? They’re enormous!
Nick in SF in Larkspur
November 5th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Damon: Kansas City —> Oakland —> Boston —> New York
*******
You forgot something important….
Damon: Kansas City —> Oakland —> Boston —> New York -> Erica
I think the WS MVP should’ve been between Mariano and Matsui.
Mo played more games and Matsui played 3 fulltime.
Schilling and Johnson shared it in 2001.
Mo played with sore ribs,double innings,at his age.He was the ONLY closer in the postseason,that didn’t implode in all of the MLB.
You never guessed played WDNHFDLN so I just ignored you.
Don’t bother playing now, you wouldn’t get it with 27 guesses!
Nick…
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Sushi?
I dont think there is a player who did less to get a ring than Freddy Guzman.
Anyway yankees got great contributions from there young players throughout the season (Cano, Chamberlain, Robertson, Hughes, Melky, Gardner, Coke, Cervelli & Pena) They had a nice balance this year of veterans and young players.
No, the Japanese place was closed. Seriously, you can’t get it, so just give up, I will declare there to have been no winner, and it can be over.
“MT.
November 5th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Part of tonight’s Letterman show.
http://www.facebook.com/permal…..7326583374”
thanks for that… now I have to stay up and watch the whole thing now… I thought it might just be a top 10 list or something.
I’ve never seen Posada laugh so hard. And Jeter giving it right back to Letterman – love it… haha
Am I too early for GTPL ?
Float 1 – Cervelli, Pena, Robertson and ummmm…. John Sterling.
Nick in SF in Larkspur
November 5th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
No, the Japanese place was closed. Seriously, you can’t get it, so just give up, I will declare there to have been no winner, and it can be over.
*******
Hisssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
DT-
GTPL….
Guess the Parade L……. Lollipops????
Betsy, Sheets will be healthy by spring training and has top tier stuff when he is. I don’t know anything about Bedard’s personality but I know he’s a good pitcher and he could be just irritated cause he’s been on crappy teams his whole career. You could probably get one of them fairly cheap and short term for a 4th or 5th starter..
Guess the Parade Lineup silly!
Players who were on the Yankee active 25 man roster during the season that did almost nothing to contribute and you may have missed if you blinked:
Claggett
Towers
Note: There were 46 active players during the course of the season. I can make some sort of argument of contribution for anyone else.
DT – OPPC member
November 5th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
Guess the Parade Lineup silly!
******
Duh! Silly Erica
One minute until submissions for GWNHFDLN will be refused and anyone who has entered an incorrect submission will be judged as having lost.
Losing entrants will be placed in the Benfica Pool until further notice.
Nick-
Meatball pizza
Nick-
In-and-Out Double???
Come on.. I only have a minute
Man… is there anyone out there who can NOT answer a question better than Jeter????
Letterman: “Are you engaged? Are people saying you’re engaged?”
Jeter: “I heard that one. I heard I was engaged. I heard I’ve been engaged a few times. I’ve heard I’ve been married, kids, all kinds of stuff.”
Letterman: “But are you engaged?”
Jeter: “Are you engaged?”
Nick-
You are officially the worst host of WDNHFDLN ever
The Yanks should generously give rings to others who helped them win – I nominate Luis Castillo.
Heyman says the word on the street is that Ichiro doesn’t want Matsui in Seattle.
I see why though.
Matsui’s a real troublemaker. Big time attitude.
blake
November 5th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Betsy, Sheets will be healthy by spring training and has top tier stuff when he is. I don’t know anything about Bedard’s personality but I know he’s a good pitcher and he could be just irritated cause he’s been on crappy teams his whole career. You could probably get one of them fairly cheap and short term for a 4th or 5th starter..
————————————————————
we need a number 2 or 3 starter not 5 number 4 or 5 starters
joba,hughes,pettitte are all 4 or 5,s right now
Nick is a dinner guessing game nazi. who knew?
Erica, your mistake was not believing me! You can’t guess it. I mean, you could, since I went to a real place with a real type of food, so it’s theoretically guessible, but… you won’t guess it. You want an extension? Is that what I’m hearing? In this contest, extensions are given to nice people, so it’s no problem. But you could have one minute or 27 minutes, you won’t guess it. So just give up!
DT – OPPC member
November 5th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Nick is a dinner guessing game nazi. who knew?
*****
It doesn’t matter. I just fired him as host
Nick I really really want to play.
Can I have a chance about an hour after the deadline?
Please? My dog ate my homework.
LOL at DT
Nick- I just responded on the new thread
Letterman time!
Hiya Erica!! Did you see the Google Doodle pic I sent you last night. That may just be the cutest one ever and top the Big Bird one!
I think Joba has to be in the rotation next year. You have to see what he can do as a normal starter (180-190ip). He was pitching well until they started skipping and shortening his starts. They spent all that effort to watch his innings it would be all a waste and they would look stupid if they made him a reliever next year. Stop flip floping him every season. You are only hurting his devolopment.
They need to give Chamberlain and Hughes a real shot next year as the 4th and 5th starters. You are never going to devolop young starters if you keep sending them to the bullpen.
Burnett is getting paid 80 million he is going to have to step up a little bit and pitch like a number 2 starter next year. And I would try to bring back Andy for another year.
bru, thats great but who do you suggest? Lackey is going to want a huge contract and I don’t think the Yanks will commit it to him after last offseason. Burnett and Andy are pretty good. Sure it would be great to have a legit #2 but I’m not sure who that would be…Joba is gonna be in the pen
new thread
Angel, I replied there (twice)
blake
November 5th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
bru, thats great but who do you suggest? Lackey is going to want a huge contract and I don’t think the Yanks will commit it to him after last offseason. Burnett and Andy are pretty good. Sure it would be great to have a legit #2 but I’m not sure who that would be…Joba is gonna be in the pen
————————————————————
joba might end up in the pen but he will not start out that way
the problem with this blog is no matter what name or trade scenario is thrown out there every single person argues against everything & gives you a ton of reasons why like they know but the reality is they know nothing just like myself
i think we need a number 2 or 3 pitcher & believe we can get one
who knows or cares who it is?
it can be done that is all that counts
if i can trade joba or huhes for a solid # 2 pitcher i do it even if it takes another player or 2
hughes & joba in the rotation at the same time is way to risky
we also have mitre,gaudin & kennedy
Hi guys
Just wondering, who get WS rings? Only active roster or everyone that had played in the season?? Or something else?
Thanks!
my posts should go to the hall
Cashman needs to get CC to take a pitcher with his ALCS MVP trophy, and his World Series ring to place in his packet for reluctant prospective free agents
Jase, there is no absolute rule on who gets and doesn’t get a ring but it’s been the Yankees policy in the past to give rings to pretty much everyone who made a contribution to the team during the season and from what I remember even Yankee front office employees get rings as well.