Come see the trophy
Posted by: Sam Borden - Posted in Misc on Feb 03, 2010 
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After returning home from its trip to Asia, the World Series trophy will be on display this Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Westchester County Center. Admission is free, display hours are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and folks are encouraged to bring cameras because you’ll be allowed to take pictures with the trophy. I’m sure it will be a mob scene but it’s a pretty cool opportunity for local fans.
For details on how to get to the County Center, check out its website.
I’m working this weekend. Any chance, Sam, that I can get a private showing another day?
Bring the trophy up to Albany!!
aww as usual we upstate nyers don’t count
Grrr, yet another reason to lament not being in Westchester any longer. Unless they make a stop in the UK I will miss my chance to get a peek…
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/bl.....mlb,217403
i agree.
if granderson does not turn it around against lefties he will sit against them
i also don’t understand the winn signing
he bat .158 against lefties last year & is costing us 2 million.reed johnson got 500,000 & kills lefties
johnson batted .324 with an ops of .903 against them
we have granderson who can’t hit lefties,winn who hit .158 against lefties last year & gardner ????
winn is a 4th o.f. now based on last year,gardner is possibly a 4th o.f. & granderson might have too be benched against lefties
pitchers were also told too pitch against matsui carefully
no pitcher is going too pitch too nj carefully
I saw Harold Reynolds interview Derek Jeter on mlb hot stove this am. Derek was commenting that Matsui was one of his all time favorite team mates, and that he would miss both him and Johnny.
“if granderson does not turn it around against lefties he will sit against them
i also don’t understand the winn signing”
Granderson has to get most of the season to prove that he can hit LHP, but like Buck did with O’Neill, he should sit against the toughest matchups until or unless he gets it going.
The Winn signing is a head scratcher.
“pitchers were also told too pitch against matsui carefully
no pitcher is going too pitch too nj carefully”
Nick’s career OPS+ is basically identical to Matsui’s (125 v. 124). The only issue with Nick is health. If he remains on the field, he’ll rake.
Also, Nick’s OBP career is over .400. It doesn’t matter how you pitch him. He’s going to be selective.
I don’t think Granderson will sit at all against lefties this year even if he struggles. I think they will give him a full year to try and figure it out and at this point who would they sit him in favor of? He would still be valuable defensively and Winn and Gardner would be no real improvement.
Now if hes still struggling next year and they have signed other outfield options then you may see some platooning with him but I think they will give him every chance they can to improve at it
I don’t see how sitting against lefties helps you to learn to hit them. Seems counterintuitive. Anyway, I’d rather think positively and hope both Winn and Granderson figure it out. From what I understand of the their histories, last year was particularly bad for both of them as far as hitting lhp goes.
“I saw Harold Reynolds interview Derek Jeter on mlb hot stove this am. Derek was commenting that Matsui was one of his all time favorite team mates, and that he would miss both him and Johnny.”
So will the offense. Look for the boys to score less runs this season. Hopefully, the pitching will carry them through.
I also find it so funny that until the Yankees got NJ, he was one of the guys you kept reading about here that the Yankees should get – what a great hitter he is, and all the good stuff. As soon as the Yankees sign him, the other side comes out of the woodwork – he’s always getting hurt, etc.
I’m hoping his karma will change and the freak injuries will stop. At least he doesn’t have a chronic condition.
He was one Yankee I hated to see go when he was traded, yet I didn’t pine for him to return. Now that he back, I’m hoping for the best, to see the Nick Johnson I didn’t want to see traded.
I think the Yankees will score more runs. They had a diminished A-Rod for much of last season.
I think the only reason the Yankees would score less runs is if Jeter and Posada regress or injuries hit the team.
The Yanks lost Matsui, Damon and Cabrera but they gained Granderson, Johnson and Winn. I think that’s basically a push but the guys we’ve gained are younger with the exception of Winn which means they are less likely to regress like Matsui and Damon.
“if granderson does not turn it around against lefties he will sit against them”
Not much reason to think he will. Aside from one year, where he was OK against LHP’s, he’s been flat miserable against them. The OK season was the exception, not the rule. That said, in his best year he was absolutely putrid against lefties (.494 OPS) and still had over 80 extra base hits.
“i also don’t understand the winn signing
he bat .158 against lefties last year & is costing us 2 million.reed johnson got 500,000 & kills lefties”
Last year’s numbers against LHP’s were an aberration. He’s been a .280 career hitter against LHP’s with a .750+ OPS. Plus he’s never hurt. Guy’s played in 149 or more games for the past 8 seasons. Reed Johnson’s made of glass.
“pitchers were also told too pitch against matsui carefully
no pitcher is going too pitch too nj carefully”
Pitchers have never pitched Johnson carefully and he still got on base. He doesn’t strike fear in anyone, but you do have throw strikes to get him out.
Patrick
Of course, they’d score less runs if they have injuries, but that’s true of any team.
Patrick:
Generally agree, but Nick Johnson does not play younger than Matsui at DH. He’s an old 31. Fragile and slow.
“Granderson has to get most of the season to prove that he can hit LHP, but like Buck did with O’Neill, he should sit against the toughest matchups until or unless he gets it going.”
rich in nj-
just to get some perspective, what was bernie williams OPS and OPS+ against lefties in his last year ?
“Nick Johnson does not play younger than Matsui at DH.”
Yet the Yankees’ doctors reportedly believe that Matsui’s knees won’t hold up over a full season. Consequently, it’s logical to believe that if they held a similar position on Nick’s health, they wouldn’t have signed him.
Pitching Better? Check.
Defense Better? Check.
Lineup Better? Maybe.
Guys we picked up 11 games on the Sox after the allstar break, and that was with a patchwork of #5 starters. This team is going to crush the competition this year in the regular season.
Johnson is slow but the Yankees are not getting him for his speed. He just needs to get on base ahead of Tex and Alex.
randy
2006:
v. RHP: .261 .305 .383 .689 tOPS+: 80
v. LHP: .323 .387 .549 .936 tOPS+: 142
http://www.baseball-reference......6&t=b
“Yet the Yankees’ doctors reportedly believe that Matsui’s knees won’t hold up over a full season. Consequently, it’s logical to believe that if they held a similar position on Nick’s health, they wouldn’t have signed him.”
If both were available, they’d have likely signed Matsui. It’s a DH job, and Matsui is the superior offensvie player. They told Matsui they were interested but that Damon was their priority and Matsui didn’t want to wait. So he took the job with the Angels.
When all is said and done, it wouldn’t shock me if Granderson ended up being the #2 hitter.
Jeter, Granderson, Tex, Arod, Cano, Posada, Johnson Swisher, and Gardner may end up being their most balanced lineup.
It would mean a few things:
1. Granderson has to hit lefties a little better.
2. Cano has to be able to handle the #5 spot in the order.
If the above 2 things occur, that’s a pretty devastating lineup.
Two words on Granderson and Johnson at the plate….
Kevin Long
It does appear that when NJ gets injured, it is not of the garden variety, doesn’t it? Which leads me to believe as a DH, he won’t have as much opportunity since he won’t be on the field half the time. No guarantees, but it cuts the odds, right?
In 2005 and 2006 (before the September femur fracture), he was having the best stretch of his career. So, I’m going to keep my fingers crossed for Mr. NJ.
They weren’t bringing Matsui back. If they really wanted him, they could have made an offer to keep Tellem interested.
They made no offer because their doctors believe his knees are a chronic issue.
Nick Johnson has no chronic injuries. That’s the distinction between the two.
“Predicting” injuries by fans is always a slippery slope. Last year, we had a ton of people in here convinced AJ Burnett would spend most of the year on the DL. How did that turn out?
They drained Matsui’s knees 3 times last year in season and once in ST. That’s a lot.
IIRC, he’s bone on bone (no cartlidge) on one of his knees.
I think those issues gave them pause about re-signing him.
“I don’t see how sitting against lefties helps you to learn to hit them.”
doreen-
if you remember the conversations from last night, according to some, the less you play the more you know.
it’s a sabermetric thing. you have to be really smart to understand it.
The team will probably carry Miranda as a bench guy & he kills LHP. Also, Hoffman may be a lot better than we think. The Dodgers were loaded last year with OF and he is quite a defensive upgrade over any corner OF on the Yankees. NJ will hit better in Yankee stadium and is a great hitter anyway. I am glad the Yanks didn’t go after Reed Johnson.
A Comparison of Positions below:
C Posada & Cervelli & Montero (Even)
1B Tex (+) more acclimated
2B Cano (+) improved
SS Jeter (Even)
3B ARod (+) whole season
LF Gardner Hoffman Winn (-) Damon better hitter lousy in OF
CF Granderson (+) (Could say he is + over Damon & LF=Melky)
RF Swish (Even)
DH NJ, Miranda (Even) Matsui was great but 100% of NJ is = to 60% of Matsui
SP1 CC (Even)
SP2 AJ (Even)
SP3 AP (Even)
SP4 Vasquez (+)
SP5 Joba/Phil (+)
BP (+) with Marte being better & Joba/Phil in setup role all year. Also note Aceves & Gaudin all year too.
All in all this look like a plus in pitching, speed, and hitting. A younger & better team IMO.
SJ44 -
And, with Matsui, each time just before his knees were drained he looked miserable at the plate. When he was good, he was good; but let’s not forget he had his issues.
randy l -
Stayin’ away from that one with a ten foot pole!!!!! LOL
SJ44
February 4th, 2010 at 9:21 am
When all is said and done, it wouldn’t shock me if Granderson ended up being the #2 hitter.
Jeter, Granderson, Tex, Arod, Cano, Posada, Johnson Swisher, and Gardner may end up being their most balanced lineup.
That would be my lineup too, except for Gardner would be replaced by Hoffman/Winn. I think Cano has an AS year.
I also think that the Yankees team defense improves markedly. Pitching & Defense are much better. Good Combination.
Cano is the key. He has to be able to handle hitting fifth.
The talent is there. His mind now has to catch up with his talent.
He’s not a kid in terms of experience anymore.
This is his 6th season in the majors and he has the talent to be a dominant fifth place hitter in this lineup.
If he can’t hit with RISP, this lineup is as tough or tougher than last year. If not, and they have to scramble around to find a guy capable of hitting fifth, it makes things a bit tougher.
Randy
How many times do I need to tell you, it is always GOOD & correct to say it is based on Sabermetrics! So the BAD parts were all based on visual scouting!
“When all is said and done, it wouldn’t shock me if Granderson ended up being the #2 hitter.”
sj44-
that’s where i’d like to see him especially if he can improve as a lefty hitter.
even though he has the great OBP , i really don’t like the idea of a lumbering nick johnson in the #2 spot.
i don’t know what to make of granderson’s problems with lefties. watching him as a player will help . if his problems continue with lefties, can you imagine the blog conversation when the playoffs come.
how do you play him in big post season games with a lefty pitching if he continues his funk against lefties?
girardi is going to earn his money managing around granderson’s problem with lefties this year.
SJ44
February 4th, 2010 at 9:39 am
Cano is the key. He has to be able to handle hitting fifth.
I agree! I think Girardi thought so last year too when he tried him there quite a bit. I think Cano will excel there this year. Granderson batting 2nd will have protection of Tex & ARod to make teams think twice about bringing in a LHP.
randy l.
February 4th, 2010 at 9:29 am
“I don’t see how sitting against lefties helps you to learn to hit them.”
doreen-
if you remember the conversations from last night, according to some, the less you play the more you know.
it’s a sabermetric thing. you have to be really smart to understand it.
————————————————————
Jesus….what a troublemaker. Why can’t you just be more genteel and thoughtful and considerate of others…like me. You never see me trying to start controversies on here.
blake
February 4th, 2010 at 8:50 am
I don’t think Granderson will sit at all against lefties this year even if he struggles. I think they will give him a full year to try and figure it out and at this point who would they sit him in favor of? He would still be valuable defensively and Winn and Gardner would be no real improvement.
Now if hes still struggling next year and they have signed other outfield options then you may see some platooning with him but I think they will give him every chance they can to improve at it
———————————————————–
if cg does not get much better against lefties gardner is a massive improvement against lefties
“Stayin’ away from that one with a ten foot pole!!!!! LOL”
I would not be surprised to see Tex & ARod flip positions this year in the batting order.
R – Jeter
L – Granderson
R – ARod
S – Tex
L – Cano
S – Posada
L – NJ
S – Swish
L/R/S – Gardner/Hoffman/Winn
LOL GB!
You’re a pacifist right!! LOL!
RayVT
February 4th, 2010 at 9:47 am
LOL GB!
You’re a pacifist right!! LOL!
————————————————————
Exactly. I’ll beat the crap out of anybody that denies it, too.
bru
February 4th, 2010 at 9:45 am
if cg does not get much better against lefties gardner is a massive improvement against lefties
Ah, Nope!!!!!!!!! No way is CG a massive improvement on anyone on the roster on offense. I expect Hoffman to start over Gardner anyway. Hoffman is a better defender as well. Just my opinion!
On Cano:
Let me start off by saying I love the guy. So glad we didn’t trade him.
This may sound contradictory, but I think Cano is going to have a breakout season this year and yet not be able to handle the # 5 spot.
I think he’s going to up his game in every way but that one.
More homers, higher average, and gold glove defense.
Just don’t think the weight of the evidence so far shows he can handle the 5 slot. I have no idea why. It’s been tried a number of times to no avail.
Hope I’m wrong about the 5 slot.
GB
LOL!! Meek & Mild!
Rich in NJ
February 4th, 2010 at 8:58 am
I think the Yankees will score more runs. They had a diminished A-Rod for much of last season.
==============
Jeter and Posada did better than expected, especially Jeter. Everyone else should be about the same with ARod playing a full season but then you are assuming no other injuries. I would expect a few less runs, but not a considerable amount less.
“what a troublemaker. Why can’t you just be more genteel and thoughtful and considerate of others…like me.”
i think i need a 12 step program.
Smart A– Anonymous
it all started in first grade…
no way cg is the 2 hitter against lefties unless he turns it around
GB-
“Exactly. I’ll beat the crap out of anybody that denies it, too.”
Take it easy GB you’re just getting over a surgery Man !
MTU
February 4th, 2010 at 9:50 am
You may be right. If so the Yanks have some options for 5th slot & 2nd slot.
OPTION 1:
Granderson 2nd & Cano 5th
OPTION 2:
Cano 2nd & Granderson 5th
OPTION 3:
NJ 5th
OPTION 4:
Posada 5th
OPTION 5:
Trade for 5th hitter.
randy l.
February 4th, 2010 at 9:52 am
Smart A– Anonymous
How about just SA.
Sabermetrics Anonymous!!!
i agree cano needs to step up and take a more important spot in the line up.
it’s just like the phobia he seems to have with the bases loaded.
he’s too good to have problems with the bases loaded or in a more important spot in the lineup.
with help from long on his approach with pitch selection in his at bats, i’d throw him in there until he gets used to hitting with more pressure on him.
eventually he’ll get used to it.
he’s too good not to.
Ray-
Just for the sake of discussion.
Do you think with Cano’s athleticism that he could play Right Field ?
Do you think he has enough speed to play Right ?
Just curious for some opinions on this.
bru
February 4th, 2010 at 9:52 am
no way cg is the 2 hitter against lefties unless he turns it around
If they switch Tex & ARod I believe Granderson can bat 2nd easier. The Yanks won’t face that many LHP anyway & with ARod behind him then the idea of a specialist coming in to face Granderson is less likely.
RayVT
February 4th, 2010 at 9:50 am
bru
February 4th, 2010 at 9:45 am
if cg does not get much better against lefties gardner is a massive improvement against lefties
Ah, Nope!!!!!!!!! No way is CG a massive improvement on anyone on the roster on offense. I expect Hoffman to start over Gardner anyway. Hoffman is a better defender as well. Just my opinion!
——————————————————
no way is gardner a massive improvement over granderson against lefties?
is that what u are saying?
listen i don’t know if cg will turn it around against lefties but you really need too look at grandersons numbers against lefties
they are disgusting
183 .245 .239 .484 this is cg 09 numbers against lefties in 180 ab
i won’t put up gardners because we just don’t know what we have with him.
i also don’t know much about hoffman so i won’t comment
SJ44
Good post about Matsui and the Yankees choosing the option that has no chronic injury. That being said, my feeling is that the Yankees blundered by not signing Matsui for 7 mil because he pays for himself with the Japanese marketing dollars, but recovered extremely well in signing NJ, who I think will play VERY well. I love his working the count and his OBP in front of Tex and ARod. People who are concerned about him being too slow don;t get it. How fast do you have to run when you will score via the Homer at least 30 times?
GB-
Aren’t Golson and GGBG almost equivalent at this point in time ?
MTU
February 4th, 2010 at 9:57 am
I think Cano could play better than average at SS, LF, CF & RF. I also think he is too valuable to move from 2B. IMO, the best starting OF would be Hoffman, Granderson & Swish with either Winn or Gardner coming in for Swish as a defensive replacement.
Does anyone know when the Ring’s will be presented? I doubt it is on Opening Day. If you KNOW, your knowledge will be greatly appreciated.
BTW, Cano started as a SS in the Yankee organization and unlike Peds, he has a terrific arm. He was an AS SS in his 1st minor league season.
Ray-
It was only a hypothetical with Cano.
He seems to shag flys well,and has a great arm. I just wondered if he has sufficient footspeed to cover Right.
He also has the power to be a corner outfielder as well.
RayVT
February 4th, 2010 at 9:59 am
bru
February 4th, 2010 at 9:52 am
no way cg is the 2 hitter against lefties unless he turns it around
If they switch Tex & ARod I believe Granderson can bat 2nd easier. The Yanks won’t face that many LHP anyway & with ARod behind him then the idea of a specialist coming in to face Granderson is less likely.
———————————————————-
i just don’t see girrardi batting cg in the 2 hole when every single player on the team probably has better numbers against lefties
an almost automatic out before tex,arod,etc…
many better options
swisher,cano,johnson,etc.. before granderson against lefties
i might agree against righties
now if we try him there at first maybe but i doubt it.
309 .335 .541 .876 cano in the 2 hole against lefties is better
granderson against lefties should be in the bottom of the order
8th or 9th
“How about just SA.
Sabermetrics Anonymous!!!”
rayvt-
i’m mad.
i just took a quiz- sabermetrics for dummies- and i got one wrong.
http://www.funtrivia.com/submi.....uiz=255048
MTU
February 4th, 2010 at 10:05 am
IMO Cano is fast enough to play any OF position for the Yanks. He would be a great SB threat if he studied/worked enough to know how to get a good jump. I agree he has the arm & power to play a corner OF position. Last year quite a few people wanted the Yanks to sign Hudson and move Cano to the OF. I believe he will markedly improve with power and RBIs this year and in the future. Great talent. Very smooth.
http://www.funtrivia.com/trivi.....55048.html
Cano have pretty good speed and it’s evident on his doubles and triples. What he doesn’t have is that explosive first two steps on the bases. Whether that would be an issue in left or right field, I don’t know.
randy l.
February 4th, 2010 at 10:09 am
Oops! The link got blocked by my company’s filter! LOL! Old guys like us know how to guess “c” on multiple choice tests when we don’t know.
Cano ***has*** pretty
GreenBeret7
February 4th, 2010 at 10:12 am
I’ve watched him on the bases and cringed. He hesitates. I believe he could easily benefit from some specific coaching on getting that jump.
I have never seen Cano hesitate on a batted ball at 2B. He is so smooth it may appear slower than some midges that get dirty, but he is quite quick there at reacting.
GreenBeret7
February 4th, 2010 at 10:13 am
Cano ***has*** pretty
I didn’t know you cared that much for Cano or men in general!! **GRINS**
uh, back to the subject for a moment: the WS trophy. isn’t it in asia right now?? is there more than one WS trophy? which is the one the players actually celebrated with?