Today in The Journal News
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Feb 26, 2010 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
After a year of the lowest lows and the highest highs, Alex Rodriguez addressed the media on Thursday from the same spot where he last year admitted using steroids. This time, the scene could hardly have been more different. One year ago, 2009 was shaping up as a year to forget, but Rodriguez now seems happy to relive it.
On the field, the Yankees hitters faced live pitching for the first time. The notebook also has items on the spring training rotation, Brett Gardner and Curtis Granderson taking fly balls in left field, Andy Pettitte working in the bullpen and Reggie Jackson arriving in camp.
I hate when I make a comment (not really, just frustrated) and it turns out that a new thread has been posted, lol.
Chad-
I’d like to see a Q and A w. Golson, and Montero.
Keep up the great work.
1. MTU, around my neck of the woods, between 7-12; I can’t believe the # of big storms we’ve had this winter…..
Kate, where in upstate NY do you live? Wait – you’ve had 6-8 inches every DAY?
One good thing about today: Joba and Phil throw live BP! According to Feinsand, hitters generally take most of the pitches they see, so I’m not sure we’ll learn anything, but it’s exciting (still trying to remember that Phil is going to throw his change a lot, even if he gets hit, so I need to lower my expectations)
Betsy-
Thanks and stay warm.
Working from home!!! Woohoo!!!!
Betsy
that happens to me all the time!
repost:
Potsdam, about as far north as you can go and not be in Canada. We have been lucky to escape from the major snow storms that you guys got this year, but I am sick of snow.
Don’t worry about Phil, he will be fine
Betsy -
That happens to me all the time! And I’ve even gotten into the habit of checking to make sure a new thread isn’t up. But, lo and behold, while I’m typing, up it must go! it’s so frustrating. I don’t always repost, though. Depends.
We have at least a foot here in central NJ already. My husband got up at 5 and shoveled the driveway, and by the time he left for work at about 7, there was already another inch, probably 2.
Even the trees in my yard look tired from the snow!
Do you guys remember when you were little and snow was actually fun???
I do- but barely
No Jury duty today and work is closed. I guess you can have your cake and eat it too.
Doreen-
Were you able to get to your daughter?
Doreen
will you be able to get your daughter, or did you already?
Erica – always OPPC
February 26th, 2010 at 8:30 am
Working from home!!! Woohoo!!!!
**********************
Lucky you!
Hey Betsy,
Glad you got a snow day! We have about a foot on the ground with more to come. I went out to see if I could find my car and I did see it buried in.
Erica,
I bet you didn’t even have to make any excuses to your boss.
jinx
Betsy-
IMO it’s going to take a while to sort out the Phil/Joba thing.
Should be interesting to see who rises to the challenge.
I want both young men to reach their full potential, and for me that means they both need to become frontline starters.
Fran (the original) and OPPC member
February 26th, 2010 at 8:33 am
Erica,
I bet you didn’t even have to make any excuses to your boss.
**********
I cleared it with the partner I am working for yesterday. Basically, I asked if it was okay with him if I found conditions appropriate. As for the rest of the office- I don’t care
upstate kate
February 26th, 2010 at 8:33 am
jinx
***********
LOL.. Quit stealing my thoughts!
Joba should be given first shot at the 5th spot. After all he went through last year he deserves it. Plus if he goes out and has a good year it will make Francessa’s head spin
This passage from “Yankees Notebook” by Mark Feinsand (in the Star Ledger) really wrankled:
“Derek Jeter may not be discussing his future anymore, but that didn’t stop Alex Rodriguez from offering his take on the shortstop’s contract situation.”
Hello? I listened to the audio Chad posted here yesterday. Rodriguez “offered” nothing. He was asked a ridiculous question about what he thought should comprise Jeter’s contract and he sidestepped that pointed and obnoxious and inappropriate question. His “take” was not on the contract, but simply that Jeter was born to wear pinstripes.
Why, oh why, does it always have to try to make things controversial that were not?
If a person did not hear this particular part of the press conference, you know darn well the reaction will be, what nerve ARod has commenting on Jeter’s contract, when even Jeter isn’t talking about it.
I really, really despise tbat.
Chad, thank you again for posting the audio. It really helps in situations like this.
Erica,
That’s was a smart move. It looks really bad out there.
I sent you the invitation for Fantasy Baseball. Hope you got it.
MTU, thanks! I’m wearing my Yankees WS sweatshirt, so I’m very warm and comfy………..
Kate, I’m more like very anxious to see what Phil can do rather than worried……I really think he’s going to get that change to be a good pitch for him because he works hard and he’s got an aptititude for pitching. I refuse to believe that hard work won’t pay off eventually (plus, he’s capable, as shown in his near-no hitter in 2007).
Doreen, I don’t always repost either – but usually I do. I tend not to go back to old threads once a new one is posted and I like to try and keep the conversation going.
“he deserves it.”
I prefer an open competition as envisioned by the team, and “May the best man win.”
I don’t want to see anything handed to a young player anytime soon.
Competition brings out the best in these guys, and none should have a sense of “entitlement”.
I looked at the weather report on Wednesday and realized there was no way I’d be able to go out and get her today. I couldn’t get her yesterday, because she has an internship as part of her program, and she had to work. And I am loathe to drive out to the Island at night. So, I cancelled her dentist appointment and I’m going to drive out there either tomorrow or Sunday (depending on the conditions on the road) and just have a nice visit with her. Take her to lunch and shopping.
Triple Short – accuweather wasn’t quite so accurate for LI, was it? Good for you!
Fran, wow! My father went out to the supermarket for the NY Times and he said it’s bad out there. I say this because normally in snow storms, Jericho Tpk is usually clear of the snow – it’s usually black and wet, but not white with snow. This was very unusual.. I suspect we’re not going to see snow plows until the wee small hours.
Doreen,
I saw the Alex interview on TV and all he said was that Derek was born to be a Yankee. I thought Alex handled the press conference really well. Guess things are quiet in Tampa and they feel the need to create some news.
Fran (the original) and OPPC member
February 26th, 2010 at 8:37 am
Erica,
That’s was a smart move. It looks really bad out there.
I sent you the invitation for Fantasy Baseball. Hope you got it.
****************
I got it. I am sorry.
I left work early due to the weather and brought it home with me. I worked until 8:30 and at that point I didn’t want to look at this computer anymore.
I will check it out later
Doreen, I mentioned that yesterday. That idiot that asked the ? was Andrew Marchand, who appears on 1050 with Kay from time to time. He said (with Kay, yesterday) that Alex sidestepped the question. Well, what did he expect? I thought that was ridiculous………I swear, the mediots continue to try and make Alex/Jeter an issue. I saw some mentions in articles yesterday of how Jeter could be jealous of Alex’ contract and that will affect their relationship and Jeter’s contract negotiations. Yeah, right.
Betsy,
I saw on TV that the main roads are covered. I live in an apartment building and my doorman was telling me he drove here from Staten Island this morning and said it was the worst he has ever driven in.
Doreen,
The funny thing is when I checked yesterday for Jury Duty it said everyone else remaining was cleared for good service so it didn’t even matter that the courts were closed today.
5:30 this morning found out my job was opening an hour and a half late. Then about an hour ago they decided to close. Third time this year we have closed. Makes up for 6 years straight of not closing. Felt like I was a NYC school teacher for those 6 years
Joba deserves it based on what he went through? What exactly did he go through? He was awful the 2nd half of last year and even if the Yankees weren’t quite sure how to handle his innings, that doesn’t mean he gets a pass for being brutal. Joba will have to earn a starting spot – he shouldn’t be given anything.
El Nino is playing havoc again.
And here I thought he was just a baseball player.
Erica,
You can do it later:) Work may be more important especially during tax season. Just wanted to make sure you got it. I know you’ll have fun playing.
I hate how the Shermans of the world (not just him) are practically laying odds to see when Alex will falter and become this ego-monster again. Ugh.
Fran, he drove from SI? Ouch – that’s a long, hard drive; glad he got there safely. I live close to the office and I do regret (somewhat) that the work will be piled up on Monday now, but if the roads are that bad, I’m perfectly happy to stay home
Betsy – Romine wasn’t built in a day
February 26th, 2010 at 8:38 am
MTU, thanks! I’m wearing my Yankees WS sweatshirt, so I’m very warm and comfy………..
**********************
I have my Yankees sweatshirt on today too!! I love casual Fridays.
Triple Short -
That’s cool. It does seem as though this winter is trying to make up for the last several, doesn’t it?
Betsy, I was telling my husband about that question by Marchand last night, and his comment was, “I doubt he’ll get the chance to ask too many more questions in the future.” I wouldn’t be surprised. Him and the guy asking Jeter about his house in Tampa.
Betsy,
Unless Joba goes out this spring and is God awful yes he does deserve it. If he goes out and fails then the questions of bullpen or starter are finally answered. If you give Hughes the spot you are going to have the same problems you did with Joba last year.
Alex would never answer a question on Jeter’s contract, a player isn’t going to willfully hurt the bargaining position of another player. The media is morons sometimes.
Erin
February 26th, 2010 at 8:47 am
I have my Yankees sweatshirt on today too!! I love casual Fridays
*****************
When working from home the dress code is strictly pjs!!!!!!!!
Triple-
Don’t agree.
Joba seems to need to be fully challenged to bring out the best in him.
PH is capable of pitching at least 150 innings if not more, and that is all that would be required out of the 5 slot.
The best man gets the job, and like it or not the other goes to the BP.
I don’t think you can say one of those two “deserves” to be starter any more than the other, really. They’ve both worked hard, they’ve both had obstacles. They both were put into situations early in their careers that perhaps they’d have been better off without (Hughes being called up early that spring and Joba as a magical piece to the bullpen).
Whoever they think has pitched better this spring will get the starting assignment. But we don’t now what their particular definition of “pitching better” is. And they may pitch equally well this spring, so it will come down to something else – intuition?
I am still undecided in my mind about where the guy who is not the 5th starter should end up. It’s a tough one. And I think that no matter what the Yankees say for public consumption, they haven’t decided either. It could come down to how everyone else performs out of the bullpen.
By the way, great discussion last night on Granderson v. Johnson as #2 batter.
Here’s Alex’s full quote on Jeter: “Derek Jeter was born to be a Yankee, and he was born to wear pinstripes,” Rodriguez said. “He’s our captain and we need him here, and I envision he’ll finish his career here. When you think of Derek, I can’t envision him wearing any other uniform.”
Him and the guy asking Jeter about his house in Tampa.
*********************
Missed that one. Sure it went over really well with Derek.
Ok I am off to watch the movie Damned United
Erin,
Thanks for posting the quote. That is bascially the same thing that Derek said the day before about always wanting to be a Yankee and never thought of playing for another team.
Joba and Phil are both very young.
Nothing in their performances so far is all that atypical of most talented young pitchers other than the flashes of brillance both have shown.
Most young pitchers :
1 Are inconsistent
2 Tend to nibble
3 need to keep refining their stuff.
They both just need to keep working as hard as they can.
The yankees want their production in the Majors so I think that’s where they both will be this year.
Kind of a funny list because it is so long, but here is a list of the top 2000 Minor League Prospects…yup, 2000!!!
NYY have 81 on the list, BOS has 76
1-0 NYY
Forgot to attach the website…
http://milbprospects.blogspot......-2010.html
I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree as I have no clue why Joba deserves anything. Phil will not have the same types of innings limitations as Joba does and, anyway, with the innings eaters we have in our rotation, it wouldn’t be a big deal.
Doreen, I like your husband. Jerkface, try most of the time.
Erica, we have casual Fridays AND Mondays at work – yay!
There is no correlation whatsoever between a starting pitcher’s mound “tempermant” and their success.
Emotional is fine.
Cool as ice is fine.
Both approaches have been shown to work.
I do not agree with the idea that emoting, or being demonstrative on the mound in any way diminishes a pitcher’s chances for success.
In fact, one could easily argue the opposite.
Can we put that one to bed, or does anyone disagree ?
So let’s just put that one to bed shall we ?
I don’t pretend to know how, but by 2011 I think both Joba and Phil are in the starting rotation.
I like the new, more humble Arod. ’07 was the first year I really appreciated him as a player, the Yankees would not have made the post season w/o him. Last year was the first year I liked him over all.
The word:
A well executed pitch can be thrown with Emotion or with Stoicism and will yield the same result.
The ball just follows the physics imparted to it and does not know the pitcher’s emotional state.
A swing and a miss is usally the result.;)
Meant “usually”.
For you Long Islanders:
When I visit my daughter this weekend, and take her shopping, is there a mall other than the Smith Haven mall that would be relatively easy to get to from Central Islip? We always go to the SH Mall because it’s the only one I know how to get to. And I’m a little bored with it.
How does a pitcher keep a batter from putting an effective swing on a pitch ?
1 Pure power
2 Movement
3 Deception in motion- can’t pick up the ball well out of the hand
4 Disruption of timing- adding and subtracting
5 Location
6 Other
opinions welcome.
Doreen
February 26th, 2010 at 9:25 am
For you Long Islanders:
When I visit my daughter this weekend, and take her shopping, is there a mall other than the Smith Haven mall that would be relatively easy to get to from Central Islip? We always go to the SH Mall because it’s the only one I know how to get to. And I’m a little bored with it.
******************
Sorry Doreen- that’s a little too far east for my knowledge.
Although, I am a big fan of the Smith Haven mall. My cousin lives 5 minutes from there and visiting her is my excuse to to go the mall. That mall has one of the only 2 Eddie Bauers left in New York!!!!
Thanks, Erica.
It wouldn’t be so bad just to go to Smith Haven – but you know how it is, sometimes you just want to switch things up a bit.
mtu, pitching coaches constantly talk about confidence in pitchers. this one needs confidence,this one has confidence in his stuff, etc. so when you say that emotion plays no part,i disagree. i think the pitchers emotional state greatly effects his confidence which coaches seem to rate as very important. same for qb’s by the way…
When working from home the dress code is strictly pjs!!!!!!!!
–
When I work from home the dress code is strictly, Don’t!
Makes video conferencing awkward though
Jerkface
February 26th, 2010 at 9:38 am
When working from home the dress code is strictly pjs!!!!!!!!
–
When I work from home the dress code is strictly, Don’t!
Makes video conferencing awkward though
******************
LOL!
Doreen
February 26th, 2010 at 9:35 am
Thanks, Erica.
It wouldn’t be so bad just to go to Smith Haven – but you know how it is, sometimes you just want to switch things up a bit.
*************
Yes, I do. Sorry I can’t help more. I usually know my malls quite well
Y-
Ever hear of “quiet confidence” ?
Doreen,
I don’t know Long Island very well, but I know there is a Centereach Mall in Centereach, LI and Bellport Outlets. They are both in Suffolk County. Maybe you could check their websites and see if they are near your daughter’s school. Sorry I can’t be of more help.
mtu, u just pretty much said that emotion plays no role in pitching, now you seem to be saying that quiet confidence is a good quality in pitchers, which goes against your whole premise
How does a pitcher keep a batter from putting an effective swing on a pitch ?
1 Pure power
2 Movement
3 Deception in motion- can’t pick up the ball well out of the hand
4 Disruption of timing- adding and subtracting
5 Location
6 Other
opinions welcome.
—————————
7 – All of the above…
Thanks, Fran. I’ll check them out.
Doreen-
I have been asked to bake again a dessert for Sunday morning brunch. (I must be better at it than I thought).
Any ideas for something easy?
Y-
I am not saying that emotion plays no role.
It certainly can, and does.
I just don’t think it is required for success.
My point is that emotional, or unemotional types of pitchers can be equally as successful.
I don’t think that emotion imparts either an added advantage, or disadvantage.
Sorry, if I did not make myself clear.
It’s seems you think it affects the confidence level of a pitcher ?
I do not think emotionality relates to, or equates to confidence.
JMO
i agree that it doesnt matter whether a guy is outwardly demontrative with his emotions, like joba or mark fydrich whether he is as cool as a cucumber like cliff lee. either style can be tremendously effective. but that doesnt mean emotion has no effect on pitchers, it definitly does.
Y-
I think we basically are in agreement.:)
Doreen,
You could go to south shore mall or you could go to the outlets in deer park
theres nothing in the mall that you need. save your money and take the kids sledding
Doreen – I think Smith Haven is your best bet for near Central Islip. If you’re expanding your geographical a bit, Walt Whitman in Huntington would be closest, I think. It’s a bit larger than Smith Haven, decent food options. It’s right on Route 110, just south of Jericho Turnpike, in Huntington Station.
FYI – there’s about 8″ on the ground where I live, with another 2 or so potentially on the way. Just got back from getting gas for the snowblower. Looks like another day for aerobics and cardio training.
Joe-
“Looks like another day for aerobics and cardio training.”
Forgive me for asking but how is that the case if the snowblower does all the work ?
Doreen
Walt Whitman in Huntington and Sunrise in Massapequa are probably the next closest but are 15 miles from Islip so not close.
Erica, do you have any froze puff pastry in your freezer?
MTU – Because I have to maneuver the snowblower, and then do the steps, clean off my wife’s car, and do those areas where the snowblower don’t go – which are many
pat -
I don’t mind driving if it’s not more than 1/2 hour. I’ll check those two out. Thanks. (Where I live, every shopping center worth going to is no less than 20 minutes drive.
)
I grew up back East but I do not miss the snow or the cold.
You people are a hearty breed.
Much like the Vikings and Viqueens.
George Vescey in the NYT took a different angle on Alex’s presser. Good to read he is honoring his commitment.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02.....38;emc=rss
Doreen
February 26th, 2010 at 10:10 am
Erica, do you have any froze puff pastry in your freezer?
**************
Doreen-
The only thing in my freezer is a collection of frozen meals which I bring to work everyday and a neverending supply of brocolli (I really like brocolli)
And, thanks, Joe in LI, as well. I’m skimming here, so I missed your post.
Y’s Guy -
Well, window shopping never costs anything! (But I always like to do my part for the economy.) We’re a bit old for sledding.
pat
February 26th, 2010 at 10:13 am
George Vescey in the NYT took a different angle on Alex’s presser. Good to read he is honoring his commitment.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02…..mp;emc=rss
***************************
Thanks for the link, pat! That’s a great article. Good for Alex!!
Erica – always OPPC
February 26th, 2010 at 10:14 am
(I really like brocolli)
**************************
Captain Vegetable would be proud
Doreen
Like Joe said, Huntington is more upscale- Bloomies, Saks, Macys, Coach, etc…. More than a food court restaurants. Also better resaurants and the MarMaxx kind of stores on the street just outside the mall.
thanks Pat, good for Alex and good for Vescey for writing a positive article, instead of micro analyzing everything Alex says.
I just did a mapquest on Walt Whitman. It’s certainly doable from where I’d be coming from. About a 1/2 hour away. Not bad. Depending on what the weather and conditions are like, I think we’ll be adventurous and try it. Thanks guys!
d im 50 and took my gf’s kids sledding last week.
Erica
now you are making me miss my son…I don’t think there is a fruit he will eat, but broccoli, he loves it. When he was little he would eat the flower part and flip the stems to the dog.
Erica -
Okay. I had found a really easy recipe for sticky buns where you didn’t have to make the dough if you had puff pastry sheets. I wonder if those Pillsbury refrigerated crescent rolls would work? Probably. (I used to work for Pampered Chef and they used that product for just about everything!)
Anyway, trying to find recipes that don’t call for going out to the store for a special ingredient.
Brownies/blondies are always a good, easy choice. Do you have sour cream in the house? there are some coffee cake recipes, but they all use sour cream. I don’t always have that. Plain yogurt is a good substitute for sour cream, if you have that.
What kind of dessert are you in the mood for?
NY Sports Info
http://newyorkstateofsports.spruz.com
Wow we got buried here in brooklyn and its still coming down. I couldn’t make it into work. Now I have to lay around in my pjs all day. This is so sad.
pat -
Great article. thanks.
Y’s Guy -
But how old are your gf’s kids? My daughter is 22.
I’m debating going out and shoveling half the driveway so my husband can get in. Our snowblower has been unreliable to say the least (despite being “repaired” recently, it didn’t start last snowstorm). There’s a lull in the storm right now, so I’m thinking it would be a good idea to clear some of the snow, anyway.
Doreen-
I actually have sour cream; not much- but I have some left from the dips I made last week.
I don’t mind if I have to run out tomorrow and pick up a few things. I don’t need a finished product until Sunday
BryanHoch Who’s ready for a Hughes-Joba debate? Both throwing live BP this morning at GMS Field. about 1 minute ago
NYY626
February 26th, 2010 at 10:32 am
Wow we got buried here in brooklyn and its still coming down. I couldn’t make it into work. Now I have to lay around in my pjs all day. This is so sad.
************************
That’s too bad-I’m sure you’re really disappointed
NYY626
February 26th, 2010 at 10:32 am
Wow we got buried here in brooklyn and its still coming down. I couldn’t make it into work. Now I have to lay around in my pjs all day. This is so sad.
**************
Sad????
Funny how one person’s idea of sad, is another person’s idea of perfect. LOL
I had to bring it home with me
Tough call, Doreen, on when to start cleanup. Here, they’re calling for light snow off-and-on thru the day, with another 1-2″. I want to do this just once, so I’ll probably wait till after lunch. (Obviously, I’m taking the day off. I’m fortunate in that I’m able to do that.)
In the meantime, it’s books and paying the bills.
upstate kate
February 26th, 2010 at 10:26 am
Erica
now you are making me miss my son…I don’t think there is a fruit he will eat, but broccoli, he loves it. When he was little he would eat the flower part and flip the stems to the dog.
**************
I actually prefer the stem to the top; but my love for brocolli is very odd. I try to eat it with dinner every night.
I buy those Green Giant veggie’s for one. When I am in Target and see them there I buy like 5 boxes at once
New Post: Hughes and Chamberlain throwing BP today
Just got back from the clubhouse. New post.
McGwire – so he finally comes clean a month or two before his brother’s book comes out. Very magnanimous of Marky Mark.
So let me see…
We are to forgive Mark but he banishes his brother for writing a book that affirms Mark’s own story…that he took PEDS to recover from injuries.
Mark you are a complete creep!
You can easily get to a grocery store, Erica?
This is the sticky bun recipe:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/rec.....index.html
Erica, -
Or, pecan squares:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/rec.....index.html
Erica I also have a recipe for a chocolate streusel coffee cake that looks pretty easy. It’s not online anywhere though, so I have to type it out. If you’re interested, I’ll put it up at my facebook page, so we don’t take up space here.