No Joba or Phil in spring opener
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Feb 25, 2010 
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Some fairly minor news about the upcoming rotation.
Joe Girardi previously indicated that CC Sabathia will start the second game of spring training, not the opener. One of the fifth starter candidates will start that first spring training game on Wednesday.
Today, Girardi said he does not expect Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain to start that opener.
“I don’t think it will be Joba or Phil,” he said.
Girardi said the Yankees have mapped out the early spring rotation, but because the players haven’t been told, he’s not ready to announce it. Sounds like either Chad Gaudin, Alfredo Aceves or Sergio Mitre will get that first start.
Boo!! lol, j/k. I remember in 2008 (I think), Phil started a bunch of games in ST and he was never on YES once – annoying.
The photos from photo day are fantastic! The AJ pic rocks and I LOVE Javy with the sun behind him
http://www.gettyimages.com/Sea.....es%202010#
I love the pic with AJ tossing the ball in the air
Baseballs Tonights Peter Pascarelli has been fired! I am so mad at ESPN!
That guy was so funny! Please write an email to espn! and support FREE PETER!
Glad to see Johnson back in a Yankee uniform. It just looks right. Also, Granderson looks like he was born to be a Yankee as well(notice him sporting the yankee long sleeve undershirt as well). The man has pinstripes running in his veins.
The pictures were great! Well, except for the ones against the white backdrop – those were horrendous! But the ones out in the Tampa sun, the action shots – they were great!!!
Doreen
February 25th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
The pictures were great! Well, except for the ones against the white backdrop – those were horrendous! But the ones out in the Tampa sun, the action shots – they were great!!!
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My thoughts exactly! I love the ones where they’re out in the sun. I don’t think those shots they take against the white backdrop ever come out well. I remember last year’s being really weird too. lol
“I mean, he’s young in terms of being a major leaguer, but if he’s going to be an impact starter for a long time, he has to get going soon.”
Betsy, understand as a fan where you’re coming from, but I’m not sure the Yankees can, or should, be concerned with how many years Hughes will be a starter.
I mean like you I’d love to look back someday and see Hughes win 200-225+ games, but that’s not the Yankees’ priority.
If Hughes can help them best in 2010 (this is assuming Chamberlain performs) as a reliever and then fill a role in the rotation as a starter in 2011, I think that will be the determining factor.
I don’t think they can concern themselves with starting the clock on his starting career or things like how many wins he high get by 30, or something like that.
“If the Yankees were totally confident with what went on with Joba last year then why would they even be having a competition. ”
I’m not assuming they are “totally confident” or that there is competition where they’re all starting evenly.
If there is ANY fire to the smoke about Chamberlains conditioning, his perhaps overly-confident beliefs in his role, how he dealt with his immediate rise as a celebrity, it stands to reason they wanted Chamberlain to spend the off-season and to come into ST with some doubt as to how locked in he was for the rotation. And I don’t necessarily disagree with that rational.
I think Chamberlain could certainly lose the competition, but I think he’d had to not look very good and someone would have to look VERY good in comparison.
Not out of the realm of possibility.
The pictures were great! Well, except for the ones against the white backdrop – those were horrendous! But the ones out in the Tampa sun, the action shots – they were great!!!
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Go with the family picture style and do those cloudy things on the edges. That got me to anti up everytime.
Thanks for sharing the pics, Betsy. I liked the ones with the sun better, too. One of my favorites is the one with Swish looking right at the camera. He looks so intense there. I actually thought Jeter’s pictures looked really forced and uncomfortable.
“Boo!! lol, j/k. I remember in 2008 (I think), Phil started a bunch of games in ST and he was never on YES once – annoying.”
So I’m not the only one who was a little ticked off about that…
stuckey
February 25th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
You are right!
“Baseballs Tonights Peter Pascarelli has been fired! I am so mad at ESPN!
That guy was so funny! Please write an email to espn! and support FREE PETER!”
You could see that coming from a mile away after he had the audacity to make a joke about the statue erected for King Bud in Milwaukee. ESPN didn’t have him apologize during the next week’s podcast, but put out a special podcast the very next day for his “clarification”. Then last Thursday, normal release date, there was no podcast. I do find this decision ridiculous though. The guy made stupid jokes about everybody any opportunity he got, but when it comes to Bud…I haven’t listened to today’s episode yet, who is his replacement? Hopefully it’s someone good because Karabell sure can’t carry the show. Are you going to unsubscribe in protest?
Stuckey, I replied in the other thread.
Maybe GI JOE/Cash goes with a combo of Mitre/Gaudin to stir up interest from other clubs… just a far out guess..
I rarely watch baseball tonight anymore..Mlb tonight is a much better product.
Rangers void khalil green’s contract. How understanding of them.
Is it me or does it look like the Yanks need a tailor.
Maybe Costanza picked out the uniforms again?
By Memorial Day ( if not much sooner ) Phillip Hughes will be the club’s # 5 statrter…..
(Appearing menacingly in front of Joba and Phil)
Tik tik tiktik…tik tik tiktik…tik tiktiktik…
Pat M,
I think Phil will be the 5th starter by the end of March.
I’m with you Blake…..I just didn’t want a stressed out debate about it, as I’m still exhausted from the other evening’s rumble…..I also say as I did amonth ago, Granderson in CF, hitting 2nd, Cano hitting 5th…Winn may get the nod in LF….
Bernie Williams is on the Mkay show.
Is that because you believe Joba’s “natural” roll is in the pen?
Lucky for you most of the argumentative people are on Hughes’ side.
I don’t want them to throw away Joba’s career as a starter, especially if he has his velocity back, but I like Hughes better as a starter.
I say if Joba’s fastball velocity and breaking pitches are 2008 quality, he wins the job. If they aren’t, the yankees set him to the pen and reevaluate next season.
As blake mentioned earlier. They wouldnt have had the #5 spot open if they werent possibly looking elsewhere. I will go a step further and say tie goes to Phil. Im not sure if Joba is in the family circle right now.
Pat, im with you on Winn and o.k. with that lineup. Where does Johnson bat?
On Joba/Hughes, Either/Or, Yanks should have taken Yogi’s advice:
“When you come to a fork in the road – take it!”
Could you guys see the Yanks trading Joba if he doesnt win them over this spring? Maybe thinking that they are selling high? Joba in the pen doesnt get you as much as Joba as a starter out there.
Bernie Williams is late
Pat M ,
I also hope Cano steps up into that role. If he does then watch out AL.
Stuckey, I understand that, too……but Phil as an impact starter would help them tremendously.
G.R. you’re welcome! I haven’t had a chance to look at them all – but so far, so good.
S.o.S…Nick hits in the lower end of the lineup, as he’s too slow to be hitting # 2….You hit him in front of Swisher and the lineup turns real fast to the top of the order……Joba is still more of a thrower than a pitcher in regards to the rotation…..I think he lacks the physical and mental makeup to be a starter…In time it would be excellent to have both he & Phil in the roles of starting pitchers, and that very well may still happen….However right now, I don’t see that….
Phil the Thrill
February 25th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Is that because you believe Joba’s “natural” roll is in the pen?
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I’d say Joba’s rolls are natural, which is why I have no patience with people speculating he doesn’t train hard.
I’ve also noticed, they don’t seem to complain about this when he gets on a roll.
Here’s an important question-
When I tell my employer I am working from home tomorrow, how much of an effort do I pretend to have made to actually get to work
Bernie forgot to pick up his kid and had to turn back halfway to the broadcast.
“Bernie Williams is late”
He’s a jazzman now; time doesn’t matter.
Pat M,
I’m not opposed to Grandy hitting 2nd vs RHP, since his career OBP is .367. It’s not as if Damon brought a world-beating OBP to the table and we did alright, there.
But I’m not as concerned about Nick’s ponderous ways, with Teix and ARod hitting behind him. Let Grandy hit 7th vs LHP w/Nick in 2-spot.
Bodhi,
you are not in Buddha mind you we grow impatient with others.
Tom in NJ
February 25th, 2010 at 5:18 pm
“Bernie Williams is late”
He’s a jazzman now; time doesn’t matter.
===
Well said, Tom in NJ. LOL. When he got that concussion and they asked what day is was, he replied: “I never know what day it is.”
I relayed this to my ancient friend/Yankee fan, and he said: “Spoken like a true jazz musician.”
My buddy was a big band guy himself, so he knew from whence he spoke.
Erica,
As an owner, its nice when employees earn their pay. Chew gum and walk.
Pat,
My only concern about Phil is does he have quality secondary pitches to be above average as a starter? Last year he seemed to throw 90% fastballs and seemed to do away with the great curve. I know you dont need your whole repotoire in the bullpen. But im hoping he can keep hitters off balance as i assume he did in the minors.
“I will go a step further and say tie goes to Phil. Im not sure if Joba is in the family circle right now.”
I’m trying to be on my best behavior but does ANYONE want to take a stab on what has happened between 9/25/2009 and now??
S.o.S.
February 25th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
Erica,
As an owner, its nice when employees earn their pay. Chew gum and walk.
**********
Its only 25 miles. Sure. I would actually work from home. I swear
“Stuckey, I understand that, too……but Phil as an impact starter would help them tremendously.”
No argument, but again, it’s not a question of that. It’s simply 2 starters. 1 spot. EITHER Hughes or Chamberlain will help them tremendously in 2010. And hopefully both in 2011.
Phil the Thrill
February 25th, 2010 at 5:19 pm
Bodhi,
you are not in Buddha mind you we grow impatient with others.
====
Hahaha. Buddha says “laugh” my friend.
“You hit him in front of Swisher and the lineup turns real fast to the top of the order……”
——————————
Both Swisher and NJ see a ton of pitches. It will take a long time to get back to Jeter. UCWIDT?
“…just have a feeling, don’t ask me to explain why.”
Lol… I quite honestly can’t help myself…
Bod, Ideally you want to have as much consistency in your lineup from day to day…That being said, if Curtis displays that he can hit lefties even decently, Giradi may keep him in the 2 hole…..I think this winter has overblown the Granderson hitting vs. lefties as well as Johnson’s on base %…Both are over inflated and underinflated to a degree….Both players ( Curtis & Nick ) 2009 numbers are not a clear image as to what they bring to the game….
I’m trying to be on my best behavior but does ANYONE want to take a stab on what has happened between 9/25/2009 and now??
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Stuckey,
Thanks for restraining yourself. Yes. The Yankees won the championship with 3 starters. That says it all. They had no confidence bringing Joba out to start any game. He also ramped up his velocity while coming out of the pen. As i mentioned earlier, he looked like the dominating pitcher he was when he was called up.
For Joba
93 fastball = average pitcher
97/98 = INTIMIDATING and dominating
Its only 25 miles. Sure. I would actually work from home. I swear
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Any employee thats willing to walk 25 miles and still have the energy to work for me. Is o.k. in my book. YOUR HIRED!!
Pat M,
I agree to a certain extent, especially since Granderson, though he possesses putrid career numbers vs. lefties, is a talented hitter.
Talent is fundamental to making adjustments and being given the benefit of the doubt. Our ballpark’s going to help him, generally.
I do think Teix and Alex minimize the Nicky slow factor, though.
Pat,
The only concern i have is having Posada, Swish and Johnson consecutively. We would have to play musical bases for them to score. They would need Winn or Gardner to hit homers to get an rbi from third.
How many times over the course of the season will NJ not score from 2nd on a single that Granderson otherwise would have?
How many times over the course of the season will NJ be standing on base for a Tex or A-Rod HR, when Granderson would be sitting in the dug-out?
if I were making out the line-up until the middle of May, the line-up would be:
Jeter
Granderson
Teixeira
Rodriguez
Cano
Posada
Johnson
Swisher
Gardner
Winn
Give Cano and Granderson 40-45 games to contribute and show that they can perform at a high rate.
Keeping as much speed at the top of the line-up/in order when the line-up turns over.
Obviously more question to answer but those 2 come to mind first
I miss Bernie.
Granderson will have to prove he can hit lefties. You can’t think of letting him hit 2nd against them until he does.
I’d start him out slow, dodge Lester in the opening series, let him see what he can do against weaker lefties before throwing him into the fire.
I don’t think platooning the 2 spot makes sense. NJ has no discernible platoon advantage, you can put him in the 2 spot and you can focus on other things.
Granderson can hit somewhere in the 5-8 spots in the lineup depending on how he ends up hitting lefties.
Correction:
Jeter
Granderson
Teixeira
Rodriguez
Cano
Posada
Johnson
Swisher
Gardner or Winn
Lets go Yankees….More than you’ll want to see….Johnson gets on first, he’ll nee at least 2 hits to score….With Granderson 1st to 3rd & 2nd to home is a given, not so with Nick……I’m certain you’ll find all sorts of numbers to prove your point…..Trust me, during the course of the season, you’ll be seeing Nick either being pinch ran for, being he held up at 3rd and 2nd more than you’ll like …..
GB,
Hope you’re doing well. I like your line-up except I would bat Gardner 9th so you have speed at the top and the bottom of the line-up.
Granderson doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone except Girardi.
It’s rather difficult to “prove” anything of value during spring training. It’s a good thing that Jeter didn’t have to “prove” anything to the public in the spring of 1996. he only got the job because of a fluke injury to Tony Fernandez.
Pat,
I agree it would be nice if NJ was faster. I also agree that if NJ gets held at 3rd because he is slow I am not going to be happy when watching the game.
But, at the end of the season you are going to lose more runs on the board with not having Granderson on base when NJ would be for Tex and A-Rod HR’s and doubles.
Wave,
Your forgetting one important thing. Granderson recieved his new bionic contacts. Looking through them will have a taget looking thing with the ball as big as a beach ball right in the middle of it. Lefties shlefties. Problem solved.
GB7–I hate it when you fix your mistakes before we can tease you about them. Don’t you know proofreading is forbidden.
fran, I had an error there and had 10 names for 9 spots, I had intended to combine Gardner and Winn, depending on the pitcher or Garardi’s whims. Sorry about the confusion.
GB,
Never mind. I see you changed the line-up.
Mac. I know that must have shocked you. You didn’t think that i was that fast, did you?
Lets go Yankess…First of, extract the homerun factor, as that’s not a solid approach to designing your offense …See Torre’s mid 2000 club……However, if there was a way of extrapulating the numbers, how many times did Jeter & Damon score from first on a double as compared to Texeria & Posada scoring from 1st on doubles….The % will be alarming….You just don’t place a slow stick in the 2 hole. especially when the 3 hitter is equally as slow….It’ll kill you late in the game…..Speed is vital to a club’s offense at the top of the order….Getting Johnson in scoring position is always going to require a hit…..
you’ll be seeing Nick either being pinch ran for, being he held up at 3rd and 2nd more than you’ll like …..
=======
Maybe we should have went for a package deal and also picked up Bowa for third.
Stuckey,
Here’s what happened between 9/25 and now…the playoffs and Joba coming out of the pen showed a different attitude and approach and 3-4 more MPH on his fastball and reminded everyone what he used to look like on the mound. You can’t tell me they are just going to ignore that transformation.
The more important question is what did Joba do before 9/25 as a starter…answer is not much of anything good. They are going to do what’s best for 2010 and beyond and I doubt 2009 roles will have much if anything to do with the decision.
Also, Cashman said that NJ is the 2 hitter. Him and Girardi know that NJ is slow and I am sure considered all the scenarios/implications of that decision.
What is going to happen (other than NJ getting hurt) a month or two into the season that would take them by surprise?
GreenBeret7
February 25th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Jeter
Granderson
Teixeira
Rodriguez
Cano
Posada
Johnson
Swisher
Winn, Gardner or Hoffmann
Hey GB That is my lineup too!
I don’t like Granderson batting 2nd against righties as that’s a complete waste of his power.
RayVT
February 25th, 2010 at 5:52 pm
GreenBeret7
February 25th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Jeter
Granderson
Teixeira
Rodriguez
Cano
Posada
Johnson
Swisher
Winn, Gardner or Hoffmann
Hey GB That is my lineup too!
————————————————————
Yeah, but, at least I spelled the names right this time. that gives me extra credit. Like you, I prefer keeping all of the speed available together.
You just don’t place a slow stick in the 2 hole. especially when the 3 hitter is equally as slow….
=======
Take that back. How many #3 hitters do you know that can score from second on a pop up to the second baseman?
That is a good point also Betsy.
By slotting Granderson 2nd you are minimizing 2 players in the lineup’s best assets offensively.
Gb7,
You so butchered the spelling of Girardi that I suddenly had a desire to hear Garabaldi’s Hymn, sung by Caruso, which I haven’t heard in a long time. So thanks for that.
Hey GB, hope all is well.
We’re experiencing some sort of snowy NorEaster here in NYC. Messed up my shoes.
Speed is great, but I prefer that the lineup be constructed so that the best hitters get the most AB.
If speed is that important, shouldn’t A-Rod bat ahead of Teix?
Betsy – Romine wasn’t built in a day
February 25th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
I don’t like Granderson batting 2nd against righties as that’s a complete waste of his power.
————————————————————
Betsy, it didn’t appear to hurt the NYYs very much to have Damon in the #2 spot last year.
Betsy,
Thanks for posting those pictures earlier.
How is the weather by you? Change over to snow yet?
NJ is also a significantly better fastball hitter than Granderson and the 2 spot in the Yankee order last year saw the 4th most fastballs in the league.
http://img716.imageshack.us/im.....todayb.jpg
The man…
Sleeping in class(myself)
Stuckey,
Thanks for restraining yourself. Yes. The Yankees won the championship with 3 starters. That says it all. They had no confidence bringing Joba out to start any game. He also ramped up his velocity while coming out of the pen. As i mentioned earlier, he looked like the dominating pitcher he was when he was called up.
Listening in class(blake)
Stuckey,
Here’s what happened between 9/25 and now…the playoffs and Joba coming out of the pen showed a different attitude and approach and 3-4 more MPH on his fastball and reminded everyone what he used to look like on the mound. You can’t tell me they are just going to ignore that transformation.
========
I should have gotten my caffein high when i had the chance.
GB, that’s true, but Granderson will hit more HR than Damon, who was mostly a product of his park.
Stucky, true -2 starters do not fit into 1 role. I guess we’ll see…
Bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes
February 25th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
Gb7,
You so butchered the spelling of Girardi that I suddenly had a desire to hear Garabaldi’s Hymn, sung by Caruso, which I haven’t heard in a long time. So thanks for that.
————————————————————
Girardi doesn’t count. He’s only a manager. However, I’ll stand in the corner and spell Girardi, even if I have to stay inside during recess.
“Betsy, it didn’t appear to hurt the NYYs very much to have Damon in the #2 spot last year.”
——————————
That is because the only guy in the Yankee lineup that hit 5-8 in the order with less HRs than Damon last year was Posada.
And, Posada is definitely not suited for the 2-hole.
The comparison does not line up with what Betsy said.
GB7,
Love that lineup. I’d like for them to give Cano a chance in the #5 spot one way or another.
I havnt had any takers for having this top 5 lineup.
Jeter
Johnson(on base machine)
Granderson(will hit 40 bombs with Alex behind him)
Alex
Teix(protection)
Blake, as much as I want Joba in the pen and Phil in the rotation, I do not understand why people think Joba pitched so well in the post-season. He blew game 4, for one. Otherwise, he looked ok, but nothing that would make me go “wow”…..
The chances that Granderson will bat 2nd v. LHP are pretty small.
Hi Fran ! Nice to see you around again – glad you’re feeling better!
By my house, it’s still rain, but in Westbury, it’s snowing. I heard that it was snowing in the City – looks like it’s moving east now. I expect to go to work in the morning and probably get out early
DaSaint007
February 25th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
Hey GB, hope all is well.
We’re experiencing some sort of snowy NorEaster here in NYC. Messed up my shoes.
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Gee, that’s tough, Simon. It’s better than the alternative that I have. Running my air conditioner today will jack up my electric bill.
The blueprint for a batting order is to insert 2 fast guys at the top of the order…..Just look back at teams that won and or were always in the postseason hunt…..Get on, get over and get in……This is all academic at this juncture, time will tell….As for Alex being in the 2 hole, he actually hit there for the Yanks at one time, although on this club that’s not needed….He certainly could easily be solid in the 3 hole though…..
Betsy
“I do not understand why people think Joba pitched so well in the post-season.”
Because his velo was up and, more importantly, it fits their preconceived notion that he should be in the pen.
What sense would it make to put base stealing potential behind a plowhorse?
Hey Betsy,
Yes it has changed over to snow now. There seems to be a lot of problems with falling tree limbs and falling power lines. Someone was just killed in Central Park by a falling tree. Be careful tomorrow when you go out.
Girardi doesn’t count. He’s only a manager. However, I’ll stand in the corner and spell Girardi, even if I have to stay inside during recess.
=====
I think ten Girardis in a row will probably be acceptable to the teacher.
Quite miraculously, you already have two in a row in this post, so eight more without an error will likely fetch you some playground time. (Unless, of course, this is just a ploy so you can go smoke in the john while the kids are outside).
Wow. Not one mention that Phil threw some changeups today. Shock!
it fits their preconceived notion that he should be in the pen.
====
Rich, you win the toaster. And you’re right in my book, here.
blake
February 25th, 2010 at 6:05 pm
GB7,
Love that lineup. I’d like for them to give Cano a chance in the #5 spot one way or another
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Cano hits best in the 7 slot, but, he still hits at a .300 clip with production in both the #5 and #6 slot.
I wonder if Torre thought Alex wasnt as fast as we think he is and therefore putting him in the 8th spot once?
GreenBeret7
February 25th, 2010 at 5:56 pm
It is scary how many times I agree with you!! LOL! I can’t see clogging the bases either. Also, Girardi kept trying Cano at the #5 slot last year. I believe Cano’s time has come for that slot this year.
Betsy – Romine wasn’t built in a day
February 25th, 2010 at 6:07 pm
Hi Fran ! Nice to see you around again – glad you’re feeling better!
By my house, it’s still rain, but in Westbury, it’s snowing. I heard that it was snowing in the City – looks like it’s moving east now. I expect to go to work in the morning and probably get out early
**********
I am west near JFK and we have like 2 inches. I drove home from Westbury and it wasn’t pretty
Damon only stole 12 bases last year. Jeter only stole 11 bases the year before in the 2 hole.
“Blake, as much as I want Joba in the pen and Phil in the rotation, I do not understand why people think Joba pitched so well in the post-season. He blew game 4, for one. Otherwise, he looked ok, but nothing that would make me go “wow”…..”
Betsy, its more about his demeanor and velocity for me. He looked like a totally different guy out of the pen and I’m not ready to dismiss that. He got some big outs also in the playoffs and the game he blew he screwed around with his slider and got in a count where the hitter knew a fastball was coming.
As I’ve said before I think you go with the guy who you know is a starter, and that guy is Phil.
“Here’s what happened between 9/25 and now…the playoffs and Joba coming out of the pen showed a different attitude and approach and 3-4 more MPH on his fastball and reminded everyone what he used to look like on the mound. You can’t tell me they are just going to ignore that transformation.”
Blake, with all due courtesy, I think this is somewhat a superficial and shortsighted argument, the attitude, approach thing I mean.
He threw 6.1 innings on the postseason to the tune of a 2.84 ERA.
In his 3 starts right after the All-Star break, he threw 21.2 innings to the tune of a sub-2.00 ERA, which much of the same attitude and approach he brought as a reliever. He took the ball and threw it for strikes.
So I wonder why people focus on those 6.2 innings as opposed to those 21.2?
Understand I think Chamberlain IS something of a headcase right now, but we’ve all see he is capable of doing it as a starter. I think he guy is too convinced he has to pitch completely differently as a starter.
Oh, and he wasn’t throwing 98 in the postseason, best as I can remember. If memory serves, he was sitting around 95 and dialed it up occasionally.
I honestly think appearances are playing a role in this Hughes/Chamberlain, which is what I meant by superficial.
If you were to make a baseball movie, the calm, quiet, slender Hughes would be cast in the role of starter and Chamberlain as the burly, quirky, off-the-wall late inning reliever.
But in their short careers struggles and all, Chamberlain has been as good if not better than Hughes as a starter, and Hughes as been as good as Chamberlain as a reliever.
As I say, to anyone who thinks the post-season was state of the art Chamberlain, I’d again remind them of July 19-29th.
THAT exists inside Chamberlain somewhere. Not sure the Yankees are ready to give up drawing it out.
Bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes
February 25th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Girardi doesn’t count. He’s only a manager. However, I’ll stand in the corner and spell Girardi, even if I have to stay inside during recess.
=====
I think ten Girardis in a row will probably be acceptable to the teacher.
Quite miraculously, you already have two in a row in this post, so eight more without an error will likely fetch you some playground time. (Unless, of course, this is just a ploy so you can go smoke in the john while the kids are outside).
————————————————————
I’ll give it my best shot, but, just don’t put the baby’s new shoe money on it.
Pat M
“The blueprint for a batting order is to insert 2 fast guys at the top of the order….”
For the sake of argument, let’s say Granderson went on the DL for a few weeks, you wouldn’t want Gardner to replace him in the 2 hole merely because he’s fast, right? So there are other factors involved.
I like Granderson’s pop and ability to make things happen on the bases more than NJ’s OBP out of the 2 hole. I think Jeter and Granderson would create havok in front of the mashers behind them.
RayVT
February 25th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
GreenBeret7
February 25th, 2010 at 5:56 pm
It is scary how many times I agree with you!! LOL! I can’t see clogging the bases either. Also, Girardi kept trying Cano at the #5 slot last year. I believe Cano’s time has come for that slot this year.
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You’ve got a real problem. Use an electric razor, Ray, Nothing sharp against your throat.
Erica – always OPPC
February 25th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
Here’s an important question-
When I tell my employer I am working from home tomorrow, how much of an effort do I pretend to have made to actually get to work
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As much as you can to make it believable. Working from home on a Friday sounds pretty good to me!
blake,
Under Girardi’s watch he has not run very much from the 2-hole.
Also while Granderson is fast, he has not been a particularly good base stealer in the past 2 years. His success rate has been 76%.
Erica
“I am west near JFK and we have like 2 inches. I drove home from Westbury and it wasn’t pretty”
We have much more.
On second thought, GB7, given your confidence level here, reform, in your case, is probably over rated.
S.o.S.
February 25th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
I wonder if Torre thought Alex wasnt as fast as we think he is and therefore putting him in the 8th spot once?
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LOL Don’t remind me about that. What a joke.
“Understand I think Chamberlain IS something of a headcase right now, but we’ve all see he is capable of doing it as a starter. I think he guy is too convinced he has to pitch completely differently as a starter.”
Heres the thing. I don’t disagree at all that Joba has it in him. Its just that at this moment in time he doesn’t seem to have the mindset or stamina to be a starter. I think Hughes does.
New post.
Rich,
What part of New Jersey are you in? You guys are really getting hammered. I am in Queens and we just changed over to snow after rain all day.
[In my best John Sterling]…
And here’s the 2-2 pitch to Teixeira… Hit deep to right field. IT IS HIGH. IT IS FAR. Granderson crosses the plate, boy is he fast. IT IS GONE.”
Which of these things is irrelevant?
Just playin…
lets go yankees
February 25th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
blake,
Under Girardi’s watch he has not run very much from the 2-hole.
Also while Granderson is fast, he has not been a particularly good base stealer in the past 2 years. His success rate has been 76%.
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I’d think that such an intelligent advanced stats believer like you would know that a 76% steal rate is extremely good. Even old time stat lovers realize that.
Bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes
February 25th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
On second thought, GB7, given your confidence level here, reform, in your case, is probably over rated.
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safe and wise decision. You’re learning, kid.
“Under Girardi’s watch he has not run very much from the 2-hole. Also while Granderson is fast, he has not been a particularly good base stealer in the past 2 years. His success rate has been 76%.”
Could that have been to protect Damon’s legs? NJ would be a fine #2 hitter but as I think Pat M said a couple days ago he’s not walking much in front of Tex, pitchers are going to challenge him. I know he’s a good fastball hitter but I think Granderson could make more things happen at least against righties in that spot.
Fran (the original) and OPPC member
Northern Bergen County.
Even if Jeter and Granderson get on base and steal, they aren’t going to walk Teixeira to get to Rodriguez. That’s suicide.
>>>>>>
“Under Girardi’s watch he has not run very much from the 2-hole.
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Guess he wants to make sure there are runners on base for Tex or Alex.
Here in Central NJ, we have gone from snow to sleet to rain to sleet to snow a few times. No accumulation on the streets; our driveway is kind of a slushy mess, but no real accumulation. It looks like it’s starting to stick now, though.
I haven’t asked my daughter what the weather is in Central Islip right now. It was raining all day, though.
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I’m not guessing at the lineup yet. I’d like to see NJ and Grandy in ST. Even though Girardi and Cash have said NJ is in the 2 hole, we know that these things are fluid and nothing is ever written in stone.
Pat M -
You talked a bit about having a consistent lineup everyday. My question is, if whatever changes Girardi makes in the lineup are consistent (moving 2 batters when certain lefties are pitching, for instance), wouldn’t that be an acceptable situation? Meaning, no random crazy lineups just to switch things up, but well-though out, reasoned alternate lineups based on matchups, etc.
NJ would get his walks if he batted in front of Ruth and Gehrig.
Late to the party.
Here’s my take on the 3 main issues:
1) Joba is a Stahting Pitcha until he shows he’s not. I agree with stuckey in regards to what Joba was able to do after the ASB.
May the best man win.
2) I like pat’s idea of platooning the #2 slot.
3) I do not think Cano can handle the 5 slot though I do think he is going to have a breakout season.