A few more pitches, but not many swings
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Feb 26, 2010 
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Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain just finished batting practice.
I had Hughes at 29 pitches — I would say he surely threw 30, but the writer next to me also had 29 — getting six swings. He pitched to a good group, but Curtis Granderson didn’t take a single swing, Robinson Cano hit one routine grounder and Derek Jeter had a foul ball and a sharp grounder that Juan Miranda snagged at first. Jesus Montero lifted two fly balls that hit off the cage and also bounced one up the middle, which might have been a base hit.
Joba Chamberlain threw 30 pitches and got seven swings. Brett Gardner took all 10 pitches he saw, and Jamie Hoffmann took five pitches. Nick Swisher hit three ground balls and fouled one off. Jorge Posada fouled one, hit one routine grounder and might have singled on a ground ball to the right side.
If I had to guess, I’d say Chamberlain had better command, but it was pretty hard to tell from where I was standing. I couldn’t see side-to-side at all, but Hughes seemed to be up on a few pitches. Really, they seemed pretty much the same. I wouldn’t say either was especially wild, both were right around the plate with most of their pitches.
Chamberlain did bounce one at Posada’s feet, and Posada had to dance out of the way. He made a big show out of it, running out of the cage with his hands up in the air, which was pretty funny.
Chad, Thanks for the play by play there.
Thanks Chad!
Have I mentioned yet today that I wish I was in Florida???
If not, I was due!
Phil Hughes and Jesus Montero, remember the names!!!
Erica, this snow storm is brutal; where are you experiencing it? or y’all?
jetmacClutch
February 26th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Erica, this snow storm is brutal; where are you experiencing it? or y’all?
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I live near JFK airport. We have about 9 inches I think
Have I mentioned yet today that I wish I was in Florida???
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Erica,
If you could get out of here to get there!
Fran (the original) and OPPC member
February 26th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
Have I mentioned yet today that I wish I was in Florida???
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Erica,
If you could get out of here to get there!
*******************
I live roughly 4 miles from the airport. I think I could bundle up and do the walk if the planes were taking off
yeah, hughes and montero, ill try to remember those up and coming guys i’ve never heard of before, thanks for the heads-up….
Erica,
Yes, if the planes were taking off. And believe it or not I just heard that we may get more snow on Tuesday night.
AJ working on his change? That’s good news……I like how he asked out loud if he would throw it ? LOL
Great Yankees Magazine today – it will be repeated at midnight. There was a feature on Austin Romine, who was adorable. He seems like a great kid, despite growing up a Sox fan. He said his dad (who played for the Sox) said that he was glad Austin was drafted by the Yankees, a team that knows how to take care of it’s players. I thought that was an hilarious dig at the Sox.
Coming up? A feature on Phil. Tonight on Yankee Classics? AJ’s 10 K performance at Shea in June.
“but the point is my lowly bullpen catcher eyes knew there was something very wrong going on with wang last spring training. why didn’t the yankees?
so yeah, we know the yankees didn’t do strength testing until inadvertently wang and arod’s hip coach crossed paths.
even the great stuckey would admit that was a little late.”
And as usual, in your zeal to try to win a fight rather than have a discussion, you completely misunderstood what I said.
I don’t argue that the Yankees missed Wang’s injury. So let me publicly kneel down and concede that point (which I never contested, but far be it for me to rain on your parade) to you.
I merely suggested if the Yankees made any changes off of that experience, they’d never publicly address it.
That another player suffers an an injury won’t answer the question. Because other players will get injuries not matter what.
So the open question remains, how will your question ever be answered? That they responded specifically to the fallout of the Wang situation
Please reread my post. If it says ANYTHING other than that, you let me know.
for any Yanks fans living or visiting Florida April 9th-11th(Friday-Sunday)…The Yankees are playing the Rays that first weekend of the regular season and single game tickets went on sale today. Get them today b/c they will probably go quick(I just bought 4), especially the Saturday 3pm game.
http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/t.....etix022310
“I mentioned this a few days ago, about only 3% of his pitches being his changeup. It’s strange that he’s afraid to use it, because it’s so good.”
That’s one of the more frustrating thing about A.J. isn’t it? I remember CB talking last season about A.J.’s talent level being insane. IIRC he talked about the fastball velocity, the slider-like movement on his curve, and then about the sick movement on his changeup–a devastating pitch he essentially refused to throw.
I’m not very knowledgable about pitchfx, but after scanning A.J.’s page on FanGraph’s it looks like his changeup has about an additional inch of horizontal movement compared to the average CH (-7.5 vs. -6.4 in 2009). Looking at the vertical numbers his CH also appears to have greater downward movement (less ‘rise’) than average. BTW, it looks like A.J.’s curve had a lot less movement last year than in previous years, here’s ’07, ’08, ’09–horizontal (6.9, 6, 5) vertical (-6.9, -6.8, -5.9). It will be interesting to see if 2009 was just an outlier or the beginning of a trend.
thrill, there are fans who only support players when they are achieving and there are fans who support players through thick and thin. I’m more the latter than the former when it comes to someone in pinstripes.
Bernie is on with Cowherd right now.
Fran (the original) and OPPC member
February 26th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Erica,
Yes, if the planes were taking off. And believe it or not I just heard that we may get more snow on Tuesday night.
*****************
Don’t say that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is Bernie promoting a new album?
Saw him last year in Midtown. He brought th house down.
trisha, does the fact that igawa totally let the team down and failed miserably to do what he was hired for say anything about him? he wasnt some kid they signed because he had upside, he was an established japanese league picther who was expected to contribute at the major league level he is a complete failure at that.
do u still have the same love for kevin brown as you do for igawa? brown at least contributed at the major league level. how about fat sid ponson?
tampayank,
I am very wary of that team you have down there with Longoria, Garza and guys like Desmond Jennings and Wade Davis riding in on the next wave.
You’d think I’d be stating the obvious, but it astounds me how many people talk of the AL East this year as a two-team race.
Bernie called him Brent Gardner…
Erica,
It hurt just to type it. I am so snowed out. It seems like this snow will never end.
blake
February 26th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Bernie called him Brent Gardner…
***********
If that’s what Bernie calls him, then we are all mistaken
From the last thread:
stuckey
February 26th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
“I haven’t been able to figure out what these people saw in his relief performance last year either.”
As has been astutely pointed out previously, it can be interpreted that way if it seemingly supports your preconceived notion.
_____________________________
If you guys had actually read my post you might have noticed that I made a simple statement about Joba’s velocity, not about the quality of his pitching.
His velocity did improve from low to mid nineties to mid to upper nineties once he moved to the pen and I used this as evidence that his shoulder was not the source of his decreased velocity as a starter.
In fact, I’m not a big fan of Joba’s, although I would love to be proven wrong about his potential.
Some of you might read a bit more carefully and snipe at others with a tad more reserve.
Fran (the original) and OPPC member
February 26th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Erica,
It hurt just to type it. I am so snowed out. It seems like this snow will never end.
****************
I don’t think it will.
I blame the groundhog more than ever. Everything was so smooth until he saw his shadow.
AJ has his reasons for not throwing it – maybe he never felt comfortable. He’s said that he was disappointed in his year last year in some respects and seems to be motivated to improve. He doesn’t have to throw the change a lot, just enough to give hitters something to think about.
is brent gardner related to brett?
“does the fact that igawa totally let the team down and failed miserably to do what he was hired for say anything about him? he wasnt some kid they signed because he had upside, he was an established japanese league picther who was expected to contribute at the major league level he is a complete failure at that.”
Thrill, extrapolating performance in the Japanese leagues to the ML is an art, not a science. And a inherently imperfect one at that. I think Igawa was likely more a failure on the Yankees part than it was Igawa suddenly becoming a whole different pitcher when he arrived here.
I think the problem is this – this is who Igawa is and always was. Except that was good enough in the Japanese leagues. To hold animosity towards him for being who he always was in my judgment is misplaced.
Blame the Yankees for misjudging his talent. Not him for never having enough in the first place.
Hey Boddy!
Just decided to check in! As always the Yankees are doing fine without my counsel, so I continue to do what I do best – sick back and wait for the show to begin!
Did ya know that 28 is on its way? I am betting you did.
explain it any way you want, igawa still sucks
blake
February 26th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Bernie called him Brent Gardner…
====
He should probably change his name.
trisha – OPPC member who sees, hears, and knows all. 28 is on its way!!!!!
February 26th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Hey Boddy!
Just decided to check in! As always the Yankees are doing fine without my counsel, so I continue to do what I do best – sick back and wait for the show to begin!
Did ya know that 28 is on its way? I am betting you did.
====
Hi Angel,
I left you a greeting on the last thread.
Are the squirrels still being treated to chocolate cake? (My favorite post in 2010, BTW
).
“His velocity did improve from low to mid nineties to mid to upper nineties once he moved to the pen and I used this as evidence that his shoulder was not the source of his decreased velocity as a starter. ”
The point of the rebuttal was ANY power pitcher’s velocity – whether he’s in peak form, nursing something sore or whatever – will change in those roles.
The further rebuttal is that the 2009 bullpen Chamberlain wasn’t throwing as hard as the 2007-08 bullpen Chamberlain, just as the 2009 starter Chamberlain wasn’t throwing as hard as the 2007-08 starter Chamberlain.
No one disputes he will always throw relatively harder as a 1 inning guy and a starter. Again, that’s true of ANY power pitcher. Hughes threw harder as a reliever than as a starter. It’s documented.
The question is, will be sit at 92.5-93, or 94-95 as a starter.
“Bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes February 26th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
tampayank,
I am very wary of that team you have down there with Longoria, Garza and guys like Desmond Jennings and Wade Davis riding in on the next wave.
You’d think I’d be stating the obvious, but it astounds me how many people talk of the AL East this year as a two-team race.”
3 keys for their team…Garza and Shield rebounding..and Upton getting better at the plate for their lineup and they can be very dangerous….The thing w/ the Rays it seems is they have a lot of #2 starters but no true #1. I honestly think they are better than Boston this year, Boston still getting picked as the wild card simply on name and reputation in my opinion…they are OLD
Betsy – Romine wasn’t built in a day
February 26th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
AJ has his reasons for not throwing it – maybe he never felt comfortable. He’s said that he was disappointed in his year last year in some respects and seems to be motivated to improve. He doesn’t have to throw the change a lot, just enough to give hitters something to think about.
————————————————————
In the interview, he said the concerns he had was controlling which way it would break, left or right. It’s different from start to start. I’ll try to locate the articles again.
“His velocity did improve from low to mid nineties to mid to upper nineties once he moved to the pen and I used this as evidence that his shoulder was not the source of his decreased velocity as a starter.”
I’m not sure that slight jump can be used to rule out any cause. While Joba’s velocity increased, it was still considerably less than he had demonstrated out of the pen previously, in much the same way his velocity as a starter was below what we’ve seen from him before. I don’t know what the source of Joba’s difficulties were last year, but I think the bullpen stint only suggests that pitching in short bursts can partially mask a pitcher’s flaws.
“explain it any way you want, igawa still sucks”
Then so do thousands of players playing in the minor leagues and Japan and pro leagues around the world. If not being good enough to play in the major’s means you “suck”, I can’t argue with that.
I just think it would be a tad immature to hold as much animosity as you do towards all those thousands of other players who try hard but just don’t possess the necessary talent.
And I think its safe to assume EVERY single one of them would have signed the same contract the Yankees offered to Igama if offered to them.
YOU included.
Ledger_Yankees Hughes says he has returned to a normal circle-change grip. about 1 minute ago
tk
February 26th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
“I mentioned this a few days ago, about only 3% of his pitches being his changeup. It’s strange that he’s afraid to use it, because it’s so good.”
That’s one of the more frustrating thing about A.J. isn’t it? I remember CB talking last season about A.J.’s talent level being insane. IIRC he talked about the fastball velocity, the slider-like movement on his curve, and then about the sick movement on his changeup–a devastating pitch he essentially refused to throw.
I’m not very knowledgable about pitchfx, but after scanning A.J.’s page on FanGraph’s it looks like his changeup has about an additional inch of horizontal movement compared to the average CH (-7.5 vs. -6.4 in 2009). Looking at the vertical numbers his CH also appears to have greater downward movement (less ‘rise’) than average. BTW, it looks like A.J.’s curve had a lot less movement last year than in previous years, here’s ‘07, ‘08, ‘09–horizontal (6.9, 6, 5) vertical (-6.9, -6.8, -5.9). It will be interesting to see if 2009 was just an outlier or the beginning of a trend.
————————————————————
It’s a thing of beauty. Just 6 or 7 a game would scare the hitters to death. Not sure if it’s because he’s afraid to hang it or that the catchers couldn’t get to it. He also said that it was a little fast, like about 83-85 MPH. Perhaps that’s a problem, bit, that’s still 12+ MPH slower than his fastball.
Ahhh my internet was about for the past few hours ( TORTURE! I was so bored I started cleaning my basement, and now I have to finish this fun project…). Anyway did I miss any important news? lol
GB, I don’t blame AJ for not throwing it if he doesn’t think he can control the change.
I didn’t know Phil had changed grips on his change?
NYY626
February 26th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Ahhh my internet was about for the past few hours ( TORTURE! I was so bored I started cleaning my basement, and now I have to finish this fun project…). Anyway did I miss any important news? lol
**************
If you are still bored, my carpet perpetually needs to be vacuumed
NYY626
February 26th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Ahhh my internet was about for the past few hours ( TORTURE! I was so bored I started cleaning my basement, and now I have to finish this fun project…). Anyway did I miss any important news? lol
***************************
Will this cheer you up??
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0.....?q=Yankees
” Hughes says he has returned to a normal circle-change grip. ”
“The point of the rebuttal was ANY power pitcher’s velocity – whether he’s in peak form, nursing something sore or whatever – will change in those roles.”
“I don’t know what the source of Joba’s difficulties were last year, but I think the bullpen stint only suggests that pitching in short bursts can partially mask a pitcher’s flaws.”
____________________________
I agree that power pitchers will show some increase in velocity when they go to the pen. I just think that this could not have happened for him if there was a physical limitation there that a current injury might have caused. It is possible though that there was some residual effect from his shoulder injury in ’08 that caused a permanent reduction to his capacity.
It’s also probable that there were other factors that caused his poor performance. Makeup, poor conditioning and the league catching up to him are some other possible factors.
Why are you so upset about it, MTU?
Erica – always OPPC February 26th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
NYY626
February 26th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Ahhh my internet was about for the past few hours ( TORTURE! I was so bored I started cleaning my basement, and now I have to finish this fun project…). Anyway did I miss any important news? lol
**************
If you are still bored, my carpet perpetually needs to be vacuumed
______________________________________________________________
Oh sure I’ll hop in the car right now…should be an easy/non terrifying drive to LI right?
Ledger_YankeesGirardi says team outing still scheduled for Tuesday.
less than a minute ago via TweetDeck
GB-
“Not sure if it’s because he’s afraid to hang it or that the catchers couldn’t get to it. ”
He admitted in an article posted on one of the earlier threads that “stubborness” had a lot to do with it.
I don’t think he is afraid to throw it, just resistant.
He should break that bad habit. It will most likely help him
rather than hurt.
tampayank
February 26th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
“Bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes February 26th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
tampayank,
I am very wary of that team you have down there with Longoria, Garza and guys like Desmond Jennings and Wade Davis riding in on the next wave.
You’d think I’d be stating the obvious, but it astounds me how many people talk of the AL East this year as a two-team race.”
======
3 keys for their team…Garza and Shield rebounding..and Upton getting better at the plate for their lineup and they can be very dangerous….The thing w/ the Rays it seems is they have a lot of #2 starters but no true #1. I honestly think they are better than Boston this year, Boston still getting picked as the wild card simply on name and reputation in my opinion…they are OLD
=====
Agree – Boston does have a nice staff, but they are ancient and it seems no one ever wants to break from the formula on these prediction deals.
I think Garza and Shields will rebound, and that Price will be a big key, being a lefty.
There was an interesting story I read the other day re Price and how his repertoire last season was somewhat limited because he was trying to make the club. He said this year he’s glad he can throw his other pitches in counts where they’re not expected because the pressure’s off…of course this makes me think of Joba/Phil THIS year.
Their bottom 3 are Price, Neimann and Davis – that’s saying something.
Soriano should help, even though he’s not a top closer.
Upton needs to get his OBP up, but what a talent he is; some people wanted to throw away the key on him after his awful year. He’s just an elite talent. Interesting, also, to see what happens with Crawford, who’s making 10MM this year.
One thing that will also help enormously is if Burrell can bounce back. They’re stuck with him and his 9MM salary. I think Pena, whose also coming off, is making like 8.5.
We’ll see if Zobrist can do what he did again. Unlikely he repeats those numbers, though.
It’s a fun team to watch. Kind of wish they weren’t in our division so I could enjoy them more.
Erin February 26th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
NYY626
February 26th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Ahhh my internet was about for the past few hours ( TORTURE! I was so bored I started cleaning my basement, and now I have to finish this fun project…). Anyway did I miss any important news? lol
***************************
Will this cheer you up??
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0…..?q=Yankees
______________________________________________________________
Haha yes! They all look so unnatural in their photo day pictures tho!
Ed H.
I agree…:-)
stuckey February 26th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
I think the mostly like answer in regards to Chamberlain is “all of the above”.
It’s probably part conditioning, part recovering shoulder, part mental approach, part inconsistent mechanics, part sometimes power pitchers just have offish years, and maybe a little bit of we might never see the September 2007 Chamberlain ever again.
The half-full view is all or most of the first five can be corrected.
Betsy – Romine wasn’t built in a day
February 26th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
GB, I don’t blame AJ for not throwing it if he doesn’t think he can control the change.
————————————————————
He can keep it in or near the strike zone, just predicting the direction of the break. When he figures that out, he’s going to be big with a capital BIG.
NYY626
February 26th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Erin February 26th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
NYY626
February 26th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Ahhh my internet was about for the past few hours ( TORTURE! I was so bored I started cleaning my basement, and now I have to finish this fun project…). Anyway did I miss any important news? lol
***************************
Will this cheer you up??
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0…..?q=Yankees
______________________________________________________________
Haha yes! They all look so unnatural in their photo day pictures tho!
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I know! But the ones they took against the grey background turned out SO much better than the white one. Those were awful! I was looking for Cano’s grey one, but they don’t have it up.
Betsy,
Did they say where the team outing will be?
MTU
February 26th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
GB-
“Not sure if it’s because he’s afraid to hang it or that the catchers couldn’t get to it. ”
He admitted in an article posted on one of the earlier threads that “stubborness” had a lot to do with it.
I don’t think he is afraid to throw it, just resistant.
He should break that bad habit. It will most likely help him
rather than hurt.
————————————————————
Yep. Just throw whatever the catcher puts down and if it’s the wrong pitch, it’s on the catcher. If Pettitte can trust the catcher with his stuff, Burnett should be able to. This also goes for Chamberlain, too.
Fran (the original) and OPPC member
February 26th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Betsy,
Did they say where the team outing will be?
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I think it’s supposed to be a surprise. I’m still pulling for Disney World. I want to see them in Mickey Mouse ears.
Boddy –
I’ll have to check the other thread. I have trouble with this site sometimes. I think I might not wait long enough for the page to download, what with everything on it that’s typically at least three hours! Then I try to rush it and it goes totally screwy. In fact, I kept hitting the “enter” key and every time I did a new lohud page would open up – or pretend to! All I had was that spinning symbol telling you that something isn’t ready. I actually had to manually shut down to keep lohud at bay!!!
I think I might have left you a post about the yellow cake with raspberry filling and raspberry cream frosting. That was the most recent big-time treat. Today it was just white bread, but they were grateful. Something really sweet. The other day I was coming home from going out to dinner and one of my friends noticed one of the kookies on my neighbor’s roof and pointed it out to me. I said “I’ll let you know if it’s one of mine.” So when I was getting out of the car I yelled out “Kookie!” The little guy flew off the roof and into my yard. Definitely one of mine!!
Naturally I flew to the refrig and out onto the deck to feed him for his loyalty!
Betsy-
“Why are you so upset about it, MTU?”
Because I am not a big fan of the circle change.
It is a “feel” pitch and for some difficult to master.
When poorly thrown it tends to hang in the zone.
IMHO I think with Phil’s large hands that he could master the splitter, or palmball nuch more easily.
And therefore would have an effective changeup more quickly.
Obviously, either Eiland, Phil, or both don’t seem to agree with my take.
For example, that great change that edwar throws is a “palmball”, and it’s a really good one.
Erin
February 26th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Fran (the original) and OPPC member
February 26th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Betsy,
Did they say where the team outing will be?
********************
I think it’s supposed to be a surprise. I’m still pulling for Disney World. I want to see them in Mickey Mouse ears.
————————————————————
Would it be a cruel thing to make the rookies wear the ears with the pink bows on them?
Erin and GB,
LOL. But I think the ears would look kind of cool!
MTU, I’m definitely not interested in Phil picking up a splitter. He threw that change in Texas 2 years ago and he can do it again….I’m confident of that
GB, absolutely. He should throw that change a lot in ST to get comfortable with it.
Nope, no idea where the outing is – I’m glad it’s a surprise.
Fran (the original) and OPPC member
February 26th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Erin and GB,
LOL. But I think the ears would look kind of cool!
————————————————————
Sabathia as the biggest mouse in the world would be a very scary thing.
Trisha, your squirrels are sensitive creatures. They have the best taste and standards, but they’re also smart and understand we’re in a recession. Probably why they deigned to eat the plain bread with gratitude
.
Plus, they obviously adore the lady with the gourmet pantry.
“Did they say where the team outing will be?”
Mini golf and you have to do a shot for every stroke above par is always a good ice breaker.
NYY626
February 26th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
If you are still bored, my carpet perpetually needs to be vacuumed
______________________________________________________________
Oh sure I’ll hop in the car right now…should be an easy/non terrifying drive to LI right?
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Not at all. It’ll be a piece of cake. Just think of the pride you will feel when you are done!!!
PH does not need a world-beating change.
He just needs to give the hitters something to think about.
Has it been announced who’s pitching on Wed?
Betsy – Romine wasn’t built in a day
February 26th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
MTU, I’m definitely not interested in Phil picking up a splitter. He threw that change in Texas 2 years ago and he can do it again….I’m confident of that
GB, absolutely. He should throw that change a lot in ST to get comfortable with it.
Nope, no idea where the outing is – I’m glad it’s a surprise.
————————————————————
A real stunner is watching Rivera throw his to Ryan Howard. Twice last year in ST he threw strike three at Howard and the first one totally froze and shocked him. The 2nd time, Howard swung at it three times on strike 3, I think. It still hasn’t made it to the plate.
Also Bod, and this is serious, I know that once the season begins – maybe even ST – I am once again going to be hooked to this site. So I am really taking advantage of the “meantime” to live outside of baseball! Maybe if the Olympics weren’t around I would have already been back to stay.
I also attribute it to the ease one feels when one’s team has just won the world series, especially if the one is one who really never feels the need to armchair manage! You know I enjoy letting the Yankees do their thing without my help.
LOL GB – I would love to see Mo throw that in a real game, but I can’t blame him if he doesn’t. It’s not like it’s his best pitch and why get beat on less than your best?
Betsy-
“I’m definitely not interested in Phil picking up a splitter”
May I ask why not ? It’s a very effective pitch and easier to
master than the CC ? So is the “palmball”.
I know we don’t like him but look at Papelbon’s splitter. Very effective.
Clemens also made great use of it.
I am not nearly as confident as you that Phil can master the CC anytime soon.
Why doesn’t it surprise me that Swisher is cracking up?
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0.....?q=Yankees
I can’t help but feel extremely saddened by a certain missing now former Yankee
Who should be the 5th starter? Chime in here:
http://newyorkstateofsports.sp.....r/blog.htm
“I know we don’t like him but look at Papelbon’s splitter. Very effective.”
‘Cept for last year.
Here’s my latest prediction. Phil Hughes will win at least 13 games.
Pat,
Would probably be the highest miniature golf scores ever seen
Bod, if Wednesday if first game, it’s CC. If Wednesday if something else, I don’t know.
I’d rather see guys like Hughes and Chamberlain learn to throw a sinker as opposed to a split finger. It’s got to be easier on the elbow.
GB7,
I wish Burnett wouldn’t let the velocity of his change discourage him. CC throws a pretty hard change too and it’s still effective. The run AJ gets on his change would more than compensate for any lack of velocity differential. We’ve seen the run on A.J.’s fastball cause it to end up in the heart of the plate at times, so I’m not sure why he would view the changeup differently. I just hope he continues to practice it this spring and learns to trust it, because I fully agree with you that it could be huge for him. Perhaps the greatest benefit would be in those games where one of his two pitches isn’t working and he inevitably gets blasted. If he could use the change to transform “Bad A.J.” into “Mediocre A.J.” just think of the difference it would make in his season.
Frank-
Anytime Papelbon is not effective in any way is fine with me.;)
But i think you saw my general point which is that a “one size” fits all approach to pitching is not my POV.
Especially when it comes to teaching changeups.
They come into and go out of vogue.
Right now the CC is in “vogue”. It ain’t necessarily the most effective, or the easiet to teach.
Wednesday is the first televised game.
When is the first game? I’m confusing the two, perhaps. I know they said none of the top four and neither Joba nor Hughes for the first one.
GB-
“I’d rather see guys like Hughes and Chamberlain learn to throw a sinker as opposed to a split finger. It’s got to be easier on the elbow.”
Fine.
But see my above response to Frank.
I am not a fan of the one size fits all approach to pitching.
It doesn’t show a lot of creativity.
Hmmm. I know Girardi said CC would open.
Edwar throws a circle change, it just happens to move like a palm ball.
I think Hughes would have to change his arm angle a bit to throw a sinker well.
Bod, I looked. Wednesday is first games.
Jerkface-
If you look up pitcher’s who have used the palmball edwar’s name appears as one of them.
Are you saying he no longer employs it, or that he never threw it ?
And how do you know it’s a CC instead of a “palmball” ?
Change up, Splitter, palmball, or Gyroball, Hughes’s success will be determined by his fastball command. That’s what made him great in the minors and great as a reliever last year. He needs one of those pitches to develop also but the key is locating his fastball as it is with most pitchers.
“We’ll see if Zobrist can do what he did again. Unlikely he repeats those numbers, though.”
Same can likely be said for Jason Bartlett.
“Notable pitchers who have been known to throw the palmball include Steve Farr, Edwar Ramirez, Dave Giusti, Bob Stanley, Orlando Hernández, reliever Tony Fiore, Bryn Smith, “changeup” pitcher Trevor Hoffman[1], Kenneth Brown and 1990s reliever Joe Boever. Philadelphia Phillies ace Roy Halladay was known to have thrown a palmball early in his career, though he rarely uses it today.”
From wikipedia- palmball
“Change up, Splitter, palmball, or Gyroball, Hughes’s success will be determined by his fastball command. That’s what made him great in the minors and great as a reliever last year. He needs one of those pitches to develop also but the key is locating his fastball as it is with most pitchers.”
Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!
We have a winner…
Tricia, Get back soon, Tricia logic is needed here at The LoHud…It’s been a tough neighborhood as of late
I think CC is pitching the 2nd ST game. The #5 slot is due to open, but we know don’t know who it is yet. What we do know is that it won’t be Joba or Phil.
Blake-
I don’t think Phil’s FB command is an issue.
It’s generally a “given”.
The changeup is. And if he master’s it IMO it will take him to the next level.
Great picture of Swish – captures his essence, I think. Good pics against the gray background.
Trisha, Bod,
I am be wrong, but I thought that the first game was going to be pitched by one of the pitchers going for the #5 spot NOT Joba or Phil. CC was never going to start the first game.
That’s my memory of the situation, anyway.
Trisha –
Not too many birdies stopping by lately. A bunch of big blue jays last week, but I couldn’t get a picture. They are restless creatures. Didn’t just park on a branch and relax – more purposeful than that.
It’s O.K. Erica. He’s moved on:
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0.....hnny+Damon
Agree, blake.
He doesn’t need a Christian Garcia special for his change. He doesn’t need to try and miss bats with it. Let them get themselves out by actually hitting his change.
Edwar? Notable?
erkface-
If you look up pitcher’s who have used the palmball edwar’s name appears as one of them.
Are you saying he no longer employs it, or that he never threw it ?
And how do you know it’s a CC instead of a “palmball” ?
–
Edwar’s individual wikipedia states he throws a circle change so we know how reliable that is.
If you look at still photos of him throwing the change he has the circle side grip on the ball.
M-
Blame that on Wiki.
But his changeup is certainly a plus pitch. maybe even ++.
Brett Gardner took all 10 pitches he saw
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Glad to see GGBG is in postseason form. They must have been fastballs right down the middle – oh the horror!!
‘Johan Santana, Pedro Martínez, Cole Hamels, Huston Street, Edwar Ramírez are current pitchers who rely heavily on their circle changeup”
Fromm wikipedia – circle changeup
Lesson?
Never, ever rely on wikipedia…
Stuckey-
Bastards !!!!
YankeesWFAN Any other team, #62 and #65 throwing batting practice is no big deal. With Yanks (Joba and Hughes) its biggest story of the day. 9 minutes ago
Pat M I totally trust your opinion and judgement by the way, and I think that once you are convinced that something is the case you should just leave it out there and not bother fighting the good fight with someone who continues to disagree.
Good lord, if there’s craziness now, imagine what we’re in for once the season begins.
If everyone would just do it the way I do – leave it to the Yankees because your opinion doesn’t change anything, and then sit back and enjoy the show – we’d have a really cohesive and joyful forum!!!!!
But if first game is next Wednesday I am going to be back soon. You know I’m your catcher.
MTU,
I think Phils fastball command will be a given but as a starter in the big leagues it hadn’t been yet. It was awesome in the minors and out of the pen last year but he hasn’t to this point shown it consistently as a starter at the big league level for whatever reason…when he does he will take off.
GreenBeret7
February 26th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Erin
February 26th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Fran (the original) and OPPC member
February 26th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Betsy,
Did they say where the team outing will be?
********************
I think it’s supposed to be a surprise. I’m still pulling for Disney World. I want to see them in Mickey Mouse ears.
————————————————————
Would it be a cruel thing to make the rookies wear the ears with the pink bows on them?
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LOL While it would be funny, the rookies probably wouldn’t like having to be Minnie.
Frank
February 26th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
“We’ll see if Zobrist can do what he did again. Unlikely he repeats those numbers, though.”
Same can likely be said for Jason Bartlett.
====
You’re right, Bartlett, too, had a monster year, but I’d guess Bartlett would dip more than Zobrist. Upton, OTOH, surely will have a better season.
Doreen, I obviously read it wrong. That’s what happens when you are really in hit-and-run mode! I though Girardi announced CC.
BryanHoch http://twitpic.com/15h6ii – Yogi Berra watches Derek Jeter take infield 55 seconds ago
Qwik, guys. Look up “Bugs Bunny changeup”.
Doreen, speaking of gorgeous photos, yours have dissapeared again…
BryanHoch http://twitpic.com/15h6n5 – Tino Martinez helps out with the infield 10 seconds ago
trisha – OPPC member who sees, hears, and knows all. 28 is on its way!!!!!
February 26th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Bod, I looked. Wednesday is first games.
===
Thanks, Trisha.
On how one roots: very personal, subjective thing. Whatever gives one pleasure. There is nothing material to be gained from the Yankees winning, so anyone preaching on how one should root is slightly ridiculous. Your style works for you – which works for me!
Erin,
I really don’t like how Phil and Joba are operating under a microscope. But it is the biggest story of the spring. Too bad Alex cleaned out his closet.
Tricia, Need new Prom pictures for 2010…..
Trisha, Bod,
I am be wrong, but I thought that the first game was going to be pitched by one of the pitchers going for the #5 spot NOT Joba or Phil. CC was never going to start the first game.
That’s my memory of the situation, anyway.
===
That’s my understanding, too, Doreen.
FB command is a given, but that doesn’t mean Phil couldn’t use another pitch.
MTU, we will have to agree to disagree. I don’t see why Phil can’t pick up a decent change with hard work – he’s very capable of it. Naturally, he hasn’t worked on it recently because of injuries (after which regaining FB command was the first priority) and circumstances (being in the pen). It’s not like he’s spent years working on a change and just can’t pick it up. I am not interested in a splitter because it’s not easy on the elbow/shoulder and I see no reason why Phil should go there.
Blake, as a starter, his FB command was very good last year; his K/BB ratio, if I recall, was outstanding.
Here is something for those that want to see the loser of the Hughes/Chamberlain battle for the #5 spot in the rotation.
“There is a rule rarely invoked in baseball that creates a situation where a player who has options remaining still has to clear waivers to be sent on an optional assignment. If the assignment is to begin at least three full calendar years from the date of the player’s first appearance on a 25-man roster, then the player can not be sent on an optional assignment without first clearing major league waivers.”
Guess which two Yankee pitchers this rule fits?
Erin February 26th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
BryanHoch http://twitpic.com/15h6n5 – Tino Martinez helps out with the infield 10 seconds ago
________________________________________________________________
Seriously, Tino Martinez is a good looking man.
Apparently next January he’s hosting a yankees fantasy league for women down in Tampa, I wonder how people will actually be paying attention to his instructions lol….
CXorrection: That rule doesn’t fit Chamberlain, yet.
http://twitpic.com/15h83m
m
February 26th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Erin,
I really don’t like how Phil and Joba are operating under a microscope. But it is the biggest story of the spring. Too bad Alex cleaned out his closet.
**************************
I know what you mean-although I’m happy Alex cleaned out his closet! lol
Tom in NJ
February 26th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
It’s O.K. Erica. He’s moved on:
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0…..hnny+Damon
******************
That doesn’t make me feel better!!!!!!!!!!
Betsy,
Agree on the change.
Garcia has a crazy-sick change, but it was honed because his injuries didn’t allow him to throw virtually anything else while he rehabbed. Necessity is the mother of invention, and that’s now a plus, swing-and-miss change.
Phil just needs to bait hitters he’s throwing his FB and let them get themselves out. Doesn’t need any other trickery here. It’ll get more effective, also, as these guys’ velocity climbs through ST, causing more separation.
GB7,
RAB had a thing on it. If you refuse to visit there, they said late April for Phil. Early August for Joba.
So, technically Joba could be optioned to AAA…
Phil used change ups in game the last 3 seasons. Its not like he is just picking it up. Pitchers dont generally work on pitches in a game, they do it on the side until they feel confident bringing it into a game.
NYY626
February 26th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Erin February 26th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
BryanHoch http://twitpic.com/15h6n5 – Tino Martinez helps out with the infield 10 seconds ago
________________________________________________________________
Seriously, Tino Martinez is a good looking man.
Apparently next January he’s hosting a yankees fantasy league for women down in Tampa, I wonder how people will actually be paying attention to his instructions lol….
*********************
I know-I love Tino. That’s kind of cool about the fantasy league. I bet he’ll get quite a few women to sign up!
Bod, I was just giving the formula for living a relatively stress-free baseball life. Now if people would rather tie themselves up in knots fighting the organization every step of the way and believing they know more than the organization does about running the Yankees, who am I to deprive them of that pleasure!!!!! And if people choose to get frustrated when flesh-and-blood men are less than perfect and they choose to want those men off the team for being less than perfect, who am I to deprive them of that pleasure!
But for me, just give me the simple life.
Ledger_Yankees Yankees granted use of DH for Grapefruit League games at PHI (3/4) at WAS (3/12) at PHI (3/17) and at HOU (3/20). 11 minutes ago
“I think that once you are convinced that something is the case you should just leave it out there and not bother fighting the good fight with someone who continues to disagree.”
Just remember Trisha, for some, the pleasure comes not in the destination, but the journey.
Now we’re talking:
BryanHoch http://twitpic.com/15h6w0 – Robinson Cano gets in position 10 minutes ago
Bodh, Phil has such unbelievable FB command that he’s already ahead of the game. I agree completely about not needing trickery for him to get through. What is needed is patience – the poor kid lost 2 years to injury, precious years. Fortunately, his arm is sound and he’s fully healthy……..Phil is a smart, hard-working kid; I just see no reason not to have confidence that he will get at least a workable change. Hard work will pay off, I believe that whole-heartedly.
Trisha,
Bidding you farewell for now.
My mom is ailing somewhat so she slept through the long program. She loves figure skating, and once skated very well herself.
I taped it last night for her, and need to deliver to her and watch with her.
Have a great day, dear girl.
Afternoon, all
.
Erin, that’s good news. Man, I hate interleague games.
Pat M -
I’ll work on thst!
“Now if people would rather tie themselves up in knots fighting the organization every step of the way and believing they know more than the organization does about running the Yankees, who am I to deprive them of that pleasure!!!!! And if people choose to get frustrated when flesh-and-blood men are less than perfect and they choose to want those men off the team for being less than perfect, who am I to deprive them of that pleasure!”
Now THIS I agree with.
Just got back from the clubhouse. New post.
New Post: Changeups, lots of them
Erin – if it wasnt so expensive I would have signed up already lol. I’m sure after the initial shock of being with Tino I’d actual pay attention to his instructions. I haven’t played softball since the 8th grade and I miss it. (Well actually, I did play during my senior week in college 2 years ago. We were outside playing for a good 4 or 5 hours. I was sore for 3 days afterwards and my finger was swollen for a week because I got hit in the hand with a softball. Still it was a good time!)
Erin
February 26th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
Now we’re talking:
BryanHoch http://twitpic.com/15h6w0 – Robinson Cano gets in position 10 minutes ago
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I hope that Cano makes the team out of spring training. He could really help the team, even if it’s as a utility player.
Have a wonderful afternoon Boddy!
Phil’s circle change had really been coming along when he got hurt throwing the no-hittier. He K’d Tex with three of them in a row during that game. Since he came back for the injuries he hasn’t used it as much, and then he switched it to the split grip last year and didn’t use that one either. When Joba and Phil get a little older I hope they both add a splitter. It did wonders for Clemens and Smoltz, and they didn’t start out with them, either.
trisha – OPPC member who sees, hears, and knows all. 28 is on its way!!!!!
February 26th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Bod, I was just giving the formula for living a relatively stress-free baseball life. Now if people would rather tie themselves up in knots fighting the organization every step of the way and believing they know more than the organization does about running the Yankees, who am I to deprive them of that pleasure!!!!! And if people choose to get frustrated when flesh-and-blood men are less than perfect and they choose to want those men off the team for being less than perfect, who am I to deprive them of that pleasure!
But for me, just give me the simple life.
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Trisha,
I missed this post while typing. The Simple Life is also my idea of paradise, but I do have some issues with the construction, thus far, of the 2010 team and some handling issues.
Doesn’t mean they can’t repeat in 2010, but my concerns stretch beyond this coming season. I am looking forward to it, nonetheless, of course.
Your energy and love for the Yanks – and the squirrels – is awesome! I always brighten when I see your username
.
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Betsy,
The beauty is the pitch is thrown with FB arm speed and doesn’t tax his arm, but gets the job done and gives more velo to his FB. He’ll use it wisely and well, I’m sure.
Day all.