Five questions with Colin Curtis
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Mar 03, 2010 
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If you followed today’s spring training opener, you surely know the name Colin Curtis. In his third big league camp, Curtis hit the walk-off home run that beat the Pirates today at George M. Steinbrenner Field. He’s been hitting for a lot power lately, having just led the Arizona Fall League with a .731 slugging percentage.
What was that feeling like today?
Curtis: It felt really good. Coming in, it’s the first day, so you’re going out there basically just trying to get your timing down and get everything going. To be able to come through and win a ball game with a walk-off home run, any time you do that is a good feeling, especially in the first big league spring training game. It was really fun… Before the game you saw everybody that came out. We kind of had all of those festivities from last year so it was a good vibe going into today. Everybody was happy to get going and playing against someone from the opposite team. To get off to a win in kind of exciting fashion, it was pretty fun.
The numbers in Arizona were so good. What were you doing out there?
Curtis: The last few years I’ve spent so much time thinking about what I’m doing hitting, I just haven’t been very consistent. I actually went back and threw on high school video tape and tried to get back to how I swing naturally and not really think about it. I went down there with one swing and didn’t make any adjustments, just focused on seeing the ball. I was just going to give it a shot, see how it worked out, and it ended up I was really successful. I’m just trying to stay with that approach.
When you looked at old tape, did you change anything yourself?
Curtis: Yeah, it was a lot different. It was kind of funny. You get going and you make a little tweak here and then another tweak, and pretty soon it’s completely different. I just kind of tried to go back to what I do naturally. Not try to get any mechanics out of it.
What did you notice? What is it you do naturally?
Curtis: When you’re hitting, you have kind of a feel. Sometimes you kind of lose that feel when you’re trying to do things mechanically. I was just seeing how I swing. I think I can pick out things that are kind of hard to articulate. I kind of see how I went about it, and the smooth and the feel that I had. I was trying to find that and get that back. I went down to the Fall League with that intention and it turned out to work really well.
Who were you a fan of growing up?
Curtis: I’m from Seattle, so I was a big Griffey fan. Growing up, I feel like everybody watches their home team and then the Yankees. There’s tons of other teams. You’re always cheering for your home team, but every day you’re watching the Yankees. I watched guys like Jeter when I was younger, and A-Rod when he was coming up with Seattle. These are guys you’ve been watching since you were little, and then you have an opportunity to play with them.
Colin Curtis to the pen!
sean penn to the colin curtis !
Suppose a regular platoon partner is needed for Gardy or Grandy (or both, Heaven forbid!) Who gets the job? Winn doesn’t hit lefties well. Thames is a poor fielder? Curtis, Hoffmann, and Golson are not really major league players. My guess is None of the Above. I think if the Yanks need another outfielder to play regularly, they’ll trade for someone better than any of their in house candidates.
Trade Joba for some stylish Hubcaps and a set of Mag wheels.
I got hooked on Colin Curtis when he was at Trenton. I wish him success. Great way to start the season.
Chad – Had you lined Curtis up for this Q&A before the game? If so, what a stroke of luck.
David,
Don’t forget Jamie “I can catch any fly ball no matter how hard the wind is blowing Hoffmann
Doreen-
Colin sure put a charge into 1 today.
I don’t think Granderson will be platooned at all, at least not this year. I think they can cover LF with a combo of those players and I won’t be surprised in the least if Winn takes over LF full time at some point early in the season.
(repost)
SJ44
March 3rd, 2010 at 9:58 pm
Most teams in baseball don’t see Joba’s future as a starter let’s go. Don’t you recall the comments by teams when they put him in the rotation?
————————————
I recall a number of anonymous executives making those comments.
Something goes wrong and suddenly Scout X and 15 other scouts or executives are proclaiming Joba in the BP.
Joba shuts down the Red Sox in Fenway and suddenly 15 anonymous scouts or executives see him as an Ace.
It is why I do not take anything serious from an anonymous scout of executive.
Remember when every anonymous scout or exec in baseball wanted Joba over Hughes when the Santana trade talks were going on.
Timely.
Anyone who doesn’t think that a healthy Joba can be a very good starter really needs to rethink.
MTU -
He sure did!
You can reject it as much as you want. Doesn’t make it untrue.
You also have guys like Gossage, Flaherty, Cone and O’Neill who also believe he belongs in the pen.
My point is, there is no clear consensus from many people in the game who believe he is a starter.
They may be right or wrong. Time will tell.
Pat M
I never count out coach K until it’s over. My prediction- Vasquez with a late dagger.
I think the MLB should have a 4 man outfield like the little leagues.
Imagine Gardner, Hoffmann, Golson, and Grandy flying around the outfield…
Where has it been reported that Hughes is considered a favorite over Joba?
Define healthy. Healthy enough to pitch 200+ innings per year with consistent mechanics? Yes, I agree with you.
The question is, what if he can’t do that?
If he can’t, his future may be in the pen.
Doreen-
The thing about ST is that guys like Colin will have a chance to open some eyes, and force people to notice them if they perform.
He may not be a favorite to win a job but like some others he has a chance and is in the mix
until they say he isn’t.
Gossage is hardly unbiased. Flaherty never impressed me. Cone has been all over the map.
Do we know if Joba is in fact healthy, though?
We really don’t know anything, except what we could see. And velocity and location aside, Joba more often than not did not look comfortable pitching last season. And I don’t think it’s necessarily a starter/reliever thing. I prefer not to speculate. I know I sat at the stadium one June night during one of Joba’s starts and it was painful. Joba in 2008 was not a hesitant pitcher. In 2009, he pitched like someone frustrated with what was going on.
He had 3 fantastic starts after the All-Star break. Fantastic.
Personally, I don’t care who gets the spot. But I am interested to see how Joba pitches this spring.
No. I waited for Colin after the game and got him after the home run. It was me and one other writer. The “who were you a fan of” question was actually the other guy’s, but it’s pretty much exactly the kind of question I’ve been asking so I was glad he asked it.
SJ,
I cant exactly distinguish who you prefer for the 5th spot in your posts, can you clarify this for me because you seem heavily educated on this matter.
My thoughts are the Yankees are a better team with BOTH Phil and Joba starting.
Is this possible?
Week 1
CC
AJ on Joba’s throw day he’s available for relief
Vaz
Andy
Phil
Week 2
CC
AJ
Vaz On Andy’s throw day he’s available for relief
Phil
Joba
Week 3
CC
AJ On Phil’s throw day he’s available for relief
Vaz
Joba
Andy
Etc. You get the idea. Kind of a hybrid 6 man. Limits Andy’s innings, and keeps both Phil and Joba stretched out.
John Hart has been very clear about his take on Joba ever since last January ( 2009 ) Bullpen…….I hate Duke, even more than the Heels ( sorry Tarheel yank )…..And by the way, John Hart isn’t some hack baseball writer….
Pat M,
Its spelled Dook.
It might be nice if Joba would get healthy mentally, too. Shaking Jorge off and being stubborn overall did not help his cause; there’s more to being a pitcher than just throwing hard
MTU -
It’s the fun part of spring training.
You never know when an extra outfielder might be needed during the season.
And as far as the kids themselves go, it’s an audition not only for the Yankees, but for other teams whose needs may be more urgent.
Chad -
Thanks.
MLB TV started their 30 clubs in 30 days today with the Tigers – the Yankees are on tomorrow at 5 and 10 pm, so don’t forget to watch!
They could just let CC pitch every game and put everybody in the bullpen.
Tarheel Yank, your idea sounds like a good one to me, but I see no sign that the Yanks have interest in a non-traditional rotation. It seems clear that they’re going to go with the usual 5-man rotation. Too bad, because your plan has the additional advantage that when a 6th starter is needed, due to injury or double-headers, you just re-arrange the 6 guys already in the rotation.
Pat M
“John Hart has been very clear about his take on Joba ever since last January ( 2009 ) Bullpen…”
Was he awake in 2008?
If the same Joba that pitched out of the bullpen in the playoffs last year shows up in 2009 then he will not last long in the 8th inning let alone as the heir to Mo.
I hope Joba can find his
Nardi Contreras Joba instead of his Cornhusker Joba before it’s too late.
He’s in there somewhere waiting to come out and dominate again.
David in Cal
I agree, not likely. The only real negative I come up with is you essentially lose a 25 man spot. That is somewhat offset if the odd man out is available for relief on his bull pen day.
Good gracious. If Chamberlain doesn’t throw at least 95 on Friday and has the audacity to give up a hit or two, and this forum (and the baseball world) is going to break in half.
I just heard Jack Curry on with Chris Shearn on YES.com – he didn’t mention that he thought Phil had the inside track.
I hope Montero plays some tommorow.
Betsy-
So would you be happy if Phil becomes the #5 starter and Joba is banished to the pen for good ?
What would you like to see happen ?
“It might be nice if Joba would get healthy mentally, too. Shaking Jorge off and being stubborn overall did not help his cause; there’s more to being a pitcher than just throwing hard.”
Betsy:
Sticking to one’s guns has its place in the pro athlete’s toolbox. Jorge is a stubborn guy, for sure. Maybe it’s his greatest gift, keeping him going all the while the organization treated him like a second class catcher. If Posada were a different guy back then, he’s either out of baseball now or playing for a different team, IMO. And the ’96 to early 2000s Yankees don’t happen.
On reflection, I’m not sure anymore if Joba was being stubborn – does he “mule up” under pressure? Or was he just so shook up to find himself in a fight with Posada that he kind of wet his pants? I recall the TV shot of the bench after one bad inning in that game. Joba was at one end of the bench seemingly pleading his case to Molina while Posada was at the skipper’s end of the bench ignoring the crap out of Joba. Maybe it was especially hard for Joba to have been so successful in the beginning out of the pen and then really having to grind it as a starter.
But maybe he’s fine this year and will electrify everyone all over again. I’ll let Girardi make that call
“I hope Joba can find his Nardi Contreras”
I may hold a minority view, but I wish Nardi was the ML pitching coach.
MTU, are you implying that I’m being unreasonable by suggesting I want Joba “banished” to the pen?
Rich-
I am not an Eiland fan (sorry SJ).
So if you think Contreras could do better I’m with you.
I think it is very very likely that Joba Chamberlain will be a starting pitcher in the long run.
Murphy, I don’t think Joba’s earned the right to be stubborn (and despite what you said about Jorge, it’s not a good trait).
One could argue that Contreras has the more important role.
Why is this all about Joba anyway? Phil deserves an honest to goodness crack at the #5 spot and it should have nothing to do with how Joba pitches.
Joba needs Crash Davis.
Betsy-
No. Just that it would constitute failure, and for me that is sad.
Same would be true for Phil.
It represents a reordering of reality in a way that to put it bluntly “sucks”.
Just wondered if you have a solution that does mean Joba is done and Phil ascends or vice versa.
I hope I am making myself clear ?
It’s difficult for me to express.
Betsy -
I think the conversation started in the last thread with the premise that Phil seems to be the favorite. And it went from there.
During the game Michael Kay was stupidly trying to sell that it is a 5 man race for the 5th starter. On what planet would the Yankees want someone other than Joba or Hughes starting. As Jack said if someone other than Joba or Hughes were the 5th starter the Yankees would be in big trouble.
Rich in NJ…..My John Hart reference was dated upon the arrival of the MLB Network which was in January 2009…..It was just a counterpoint to the Agent X comment…Right now I’m embroiled in my Maryland investment
I got an idea for the whole Joba/Phil controversy.
Joba gets the 5th spot all year, no exceptions (unless injury)and if by seasons end he is that bad, I’m pretty sure he will know it himself.
Phil stays in the bullpen all year (unless to spot start) and he gets his chance at a rotation spot when javy/andy leave/retire.
There you go, can anyone give me Girardi’s personal email address? I have the solution!
“One could argue that Contreras has the more important role.”
I think it may be like the blind men looking at the elephant, but here’s the problem as I see it.
Eiland was supposedly made the pitching coach to shepherd the big three’s transition to being ML starters. Two years later, it’s the big two, and only one of them, at best, will begin the 2010 season as a starter.
Meanwhile, Jon Lester, who was long compared to Hughes in the mLs (even though Lester is two years older) has become a top tier ML starter, despite the fact that many people had ranked Hughes ahead of Lester because of his superior command. Somehow, Lester’s command has been fixed, and it can be argued that Hughes and Joba have regressed.
Hamsrting, rolled ankle, pulled rib muscle and led to a cracked rib….This is why Hughes has fallen behind…..His time has come….
MTU, I sort of agreed with Ray, who suggested earlier that it’s a shame if either Phil or Joba just get 1 year to prove himself as a starter. That said, if we are being forced to choose, I’m rooting for Phil. I really would prefer the loser of the competition to go to AAA as I think it’s ridiculous to make him a set-up man, but that doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen.
Doreen, I meant that people are making it sound as if the only way Phil would get the #5 spot would be if Joba failed and I don’t think that’s fair or right.
Betsy, I’d be interested in hearing your response to MTU’s question too.
In your perfect world, what role would both Hughes and Chamberlain play in 2010?
“Hamsrting, rolled ankle, pulled rib muscle and led to a cracked rib….This is why Hughes has fallen behind…..His time has come….”
What about last season? The decision to relegate him to the pen was made above Eiland’s pay grade? People may argue that Hughes’s performance in the pen saved the season, but their reliance on three starters could have doomed them in the playoffs.
What about Joba? Should all of his problems be attributed to his shoulder injury?
I try to stay out of these Eiland discussions because I think it’s ridiculous the abuse he takes. He had nothing to do with Phil getting hurt. Phil didn’t just miss a few starts; he missed a huge bulk of the 2007 and 2008 seasons. Last year, he showed a lot of promise as a starter and he pitched great out of the pen (so – Eiland gets the blame for Phil’s struggles, but no credit for his successes)? Rich, last I checked Phil had phenomenal command last year. I also think it’s a cop out to blame the pitching coach for Joba’s problems last year.
Betsy,
Before 2009 Hughes had made 21 starts for the NYY
Before 2009 Joba had made 12 starts for the NYY
Hughes had his chances before 2009 to stake himself a spot in the rotation and he failed or got injured when called upon. You can’t say he has not gotten a chance. He has to earn it if he wants another one.
Joba earned his chance in 2009 with his performance in 2008. He did not live up to the expectations in 2009.
Neither guy should just be handed a spot in the rotation. The Yankees do not owe them anything.
Stuckey, we’ve already been through this a million times. I suspect I’m being asked this because it’s obvious I’m rooting for Phil when most fans drool over Joba.
Hughes had a 5.45 ERA as a starter last year
pcaldera
Yankees to experiment with Cano batting 5th, Posada 6th. And, sounds like they prefer Nick Johnson batting 2nd.
“Hughes had a 5.45 ERA as a starter last year”
In 34 ip.
I’m not viewing Hughes/Joba as an either/or thing. They should both be starters (unless Joba’s shoulder presents a permanent problem that affects his ability to maintain his velo over a prolonged outing).
Right – he had one awful start which blew his ERA up completely. I’m pretty sure we’re not going to agree on Phil’s performance last year (I love how people forget his games against Detroit or Texas) so let’s just agree to disagree.
Let’s go Yanks, you’re a numbers guy..Extract the Baltimore outing….What are his line score then ????
Pat M, Blake
That was an enjoyable game.
WHO THE HELL IS COLIN CURTIS AND WHO THE HELL CARES?!!?!?!?! JUST BECAUSE YOU CANNOT GET INTERVIEWS WITH REAL PLAYERS DOES NOT MEAN YOU SHOULD WASTE OUR TIME WITH PEOPLE WHO WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY NEVER, EVER, EVER MAKE IT ON TO THE YANKEES’ MAJOR LEAGUE ROSTER!
Hughes 2009 as a starter
Innings/ER
6/0
4/3 (translates to 6.75 ERA)
1.2/8 (60 ERA)
5/3 (5.4)
5/3 (5.4)
8/0
5/4 (7.2)
2 great starts and, 1 horrendous, and 4 bad outings.
Take out Baltimore and his ERA is 3.54
“WHO THE HELL IS COLIN CURTIS AND WHO THE HELL CARES”
I care, and stop shouting Pete.
So Hughes has a learning curve to surmount as a starter and/or he needs a better pitching coach.
I think SJ has it half right. The Vasquez trade imo has not much to do with Joba. But the competitition for the 5th slot has everything to do with Joba.
Let’s go Yanks….Thank you for the research……….Tarheelyank, a very good game indeed..Shame Nick in SF wasn’t here to cash in like I did tonight….Beating Duke makes every Jackson that much more crisper
“Stuckey, we’ve already been through this a million times. I suspect I’m being asked this because it’s obvious I’m rooting for Phil when most fans drool over Joba.”
Don’t recall asking you even once. I understand you want Hughes to be the 5th starter. I’m just curious in your mind what that means for Chamberlain.
There is no right or wrong here. I’m just genuinely curious?
Is it start in AAA in 2010 and join the rotation with Hughes in 2011?
“I suspect I’m being asked this because it’s obvious I’m drooling over Phil when most fans root for Joba.”
That would have worked too.
I’m watching the rewind.
So far…
Alex made a play low & to his left that he had a lot of trouble making last season.
Just saw Hoffman’s & Gardy’s “wind plays” in the OF. If it was Damon was out there many would have called it ice skating.
“People may argue that Hughes’s performance in the pen saved the season, but their reliance on three starters could have doomed them in the playoffs.”
Rich, I think you’re a little off the reservation on this one.
What do you mean it could’ve doomed then in the playoffs?
It looked to me like it was a strength…
It’s Joba’s to lose because Joba had it last season. I really think it’s as simple as that.
There is a competition because both Hughes and Joba are capable of being the 5th starter.
I really hate that the one who doesn’t get the spot is being termed the “loser.” I know technically that is true, but it’s awfully negative.
“Beating Duke makes every Jackson that much more crisper”
And my day at work much more pleasant.
Francesa’s new thing is that he wants both Hughes and Joba in the pen.
I think it’s too much to say that Hughes saved the season. Or we don’t make the playoffs without him.
But he was really, really good in his role. I think he opened a lot of eyes. Especially ones that count.
Good nite all.
Where is King Solomon when you need him ?
Unfortunately, Nothing in Ecclesiastes which speaks to the 5th starter problem directly.
I guess Solomon was a Mets fan.
Pat M, just saw your post, my ears must have been burning… I haven’t checked any lines in a few days, sad that I missed a chance to cash in against Duke. Glad it worked out well for you!
m
“But he was really, really good in his role. I think he opened a lot of eyes. Especially ones that count.”
The best way to look at it, imo, is that it served as a confidence builder for his future role as a dominant ML starter.
If Mo wasn’t still Mo, I could understand if Hughes and Joba were being considered as a closer, but to waste talent like that in a set up role is terrible waste of talent and value.
Stuckey, I hate to relegate Joba to the pen at this stage of his career, but I feel as strongly about Phil to the pen. The only alternative is to have both of them in the rotation, but that’s not happening. I would have preferred the loser to go to AAA, but again, that’s not happening. IMO, there is no ideal solution. If Joba goes to the pen, I think he’s there permanently. As I’ve said, I didn’t think he was that great in the pen this past post-season, so I have my doubts that he will be a great reliever. If Phil goes to the pen, then he’s set back another year and by the time we get to 2011, IF he’s given another chance, he’s not going to have developed at all.
Jack Curry says the “undercurrent” in Tampa seems to favor Hughes.
And meanwhile the “underbelly” remains on the fence?
Rich,
Oh, totally. People will say, “Phil was so good, he’s destined for it!” I still think he’s a starter. And his stint as a reliever may have reminded the Yankees that he’s pretty darn good in his own right. Good demeanor. Good attitude.
Joba is Joba. Hughes is Hughes. One day we’ll be able to talk about one without talking about the other.
I couldn’t even understand it if Mo wasn’t Mo. I’ll not comment on Joba, but I would be pretty angry if the Yankees consigned their once-prized prospect (Phil) to be a closer because he got hurt for two years.
It’s comments like the one Jack Curry just made (YES is replaying the game) that tick me off. Basically he said that Joba should get more of a chance than Phil because he was in the rotation for all of last year. I hate that argument – it just strikes me as unfair.
Oh, and someone said that Phil or Joba wouldn’t want to be a closer.
I think the opportunity to replace Mo, and chase his records at a much younger age is something worth considering.
Betsy,
I’m not a fan of a sense of entitlement like that. Most teams would give the job to the best pitcher. Of course severe IP limitations should be taken into consideration, but it’s my understanding that those don’t apply in this case.
Nate Silver on the value of a closer v. a starter:
http://www.baseballprospectus......cleid=5471
I’ll check it out, Rich. But I guess it’s those who can start, those who can’t relieve.
My wife just came home with 25 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies….And I’m on this 1500 calorie bs diet…Oh boy…
“Basically he said that Joba should get more of a chance than Phil because he was in the rotation for all of last year. I hate that argument – it just strikes me as unfair.”
I would be unfair if like in the Olympics that point was to simply see who is best. To award based on merit for no other reason than that.. But that’s not what happening here.
The goal is for the TEAM to succeed in 2010 and beyond. The individual careers of Hughes and Chamberlain are not primary in that equation. What’s “fair” to an individual player takes a back seat to what’s best for the team.
Well Rich in NJ, I’m a firm believer in the need for a solid bullpen if a team is to succeed…..Without going on and on, I’ll just point to October 2004…As average as the rotation was that season, the pen was the make it or break it that season…And when it was on the line, a worn out and very thin pen was the deciding factor in the Sox comeback…..Yes of course many things when right and then bad, however I have a far more value for a closer than most here….A good pen keeps things in check and gives your offense a chance to pull outy wins…..Every team has at least 2 good to above average starters, only a handful have elite 8th & 9th inning pitchers….Those clubs are usually playing in October…..
Pat M
Are you talking about closers or setup relievers?
Yes, Gordon had a great season, despite being underappreciated by too many Yankee fans, but he was overworked, in part because the Yankees’ starters couldn’t go deeper into games.
As for the current Yankees, I think Robertson can be an elite 8th inning reliever, and possibly a very good closer, in time. I just hope his elbow is ok.
I think Cashman and the front office are a little concern about Rivera this season….They want pen depth, deep depth…
Pat M. March 4th, 2010 at 12:02 am
My wife just came home with 25 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies….And I’m on this 1500 calorie bs diet…Oh boy…
Chocolate Mints?
Carl, 10 boses of the cookie mint delight,5 tagalongs, 5 peanutbutter,5 dos-se does…And my kids complained anbit some other flavors that were omitted……..I suppose that ecery deduction counts nowadays…There goes by Maryland Duke money…….
Tiwan just suffered a major quake,,,,Hatia, Chile, Japan, now Tiwain all in the past 5 weeks……Nick in SF, man the land is moving all around and about us in a circle….It’s been quient in both San Francisco & Los Angeles….
YEAH COLIN!!
Pat M. March 4th, 2010 at 2:48 am
Carl, 10 boses of the cookie mint delight,5 tagalongs, 5 peanutbutter,5 dos-se does…And my kids complained anbit some other flavors that were omitted……..I suppose that ecery deduction counts nowadays…There goes by Maryland Duke money…….
Yuuuuum. Sucks about your diet. I would wait a week
Pat M -
GS Cookies supposedly freeze well.
(I never tried doing it.)
GTLU Today. Because it’s spring training, and everything’s a bit different, I will take entries starting at 8 this morning. They went up a bit early yesterday, so I will accept lineups until the Girardi lineup is posted. Let’s see how this works today. Bear with me, this will be my first attempt in real time (I’ve practiced with old lineups from last season).
the mint cookies are actually better frozen, I never tried freezing any of the other kinds. How can you not have Samoas? They are the best!
Doreen
I will try to get my brain in gear to come up w/ a line up
Hi Chad–
Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t it Colin Curtis who once had a bout with cancer? Or maybe I’m thinking of someone else?
Yes Colin had testicular cancer during his freshman year of high school in 2000. It was during basketball season, he recovered quickly and played baseball in the spring, the team won the state title.
Hey Jeff, Take a deep breath, Chill out man! It was the first game of Spring Training. Colin Curtis is a great story still be written.
You could be right, he might never play outfield for the Yankees, that’s a hard outfield to get your foot in the door with. Although, I would love to see him prove you wrong!