Notes from Thursday
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Mar 04, 2010 
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Nick Johnson said he could have played today. He “for sure” would have played if this were a regular-season game, but he felt something in his lower back and the Yankees decided to play it safe.
“You’re cautious in spring training because it’s a time when you can give guys a couple of days,” Joe Girardi said. “And as a DH you can make up at-bats pretty easy.”
Girardi said he didn’t treat Johnson any differently because of his injury history, and Johnson said his injury history didn’t cause him to overreact to today’s relatively mild situation. To be on the safe side, Girardi said Johnson will likely sit out tomorrow as well.
“It won’t be too long,” Johnson said. “I’m not really worried about that.”
• Joba Chamberlain should be good to go tomorrow. Girardi had no update on him this morning, but said this afternoon that he expects Chamberlain to be healthy enough to pitch. “He’ll be OK tomorrow unless something comes back,” Girardi said.
• Nice work by Boone Logan today. He retired all four batters he faced, and three of them were lefties.
• Speaking of relievers pitching well, Mark Melancon looked sharp today. He struck out two in his one inning of work, and made Jayson Werth look pretty bad on a curveball.
• Zack Segovia, Zach McAllister and Ivan Nova each pitched a hitless inning… Jose Gil and David Winfree each had ninth-inning RBIs… Colin Curtis had another hit… Greg Golson pinch ran, stole a base and scored a run.
• Jesus Montero singled in his first spring at-bat. I was in the clubhouse at the time, but I assume it circled the globe before dropping into right field.
• I know it’s spring training and it’s too early to be especially impressed or disappointed by a pitcher, but Roy Halladay looked awfully good this afternoon. He threw 24 pitches, 21 for strikes. “He hasn’t changed much, that’s for sure,” Girardi said. “That’s who he is, he’s a strike-throwing machine who knows how to locate with movement.”
• Turns out, Melancon grew up near Halladay and watched him pitch in high school. When Melancon was younger, Halladay actually called to give him some advice about the draft.
Add a hit and another steal by Nunez, another hit by Laird. The kids are doing well, so far. That first pitch single to right by Montero was a bullet. He’s a real Mashah”.
Did we hit any Phillies today?
For the WS beanings of ARod.
Jesus Montero singled in his first spring at-bat. I was in the clubhouse at the time, but I assume it circled the globe before dropping into right field.
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LOL
Anybody that thought the team would go 34-0 for their scheduled exhibition games is completely delusional.
Many good things were seen in today’s game particularly with the pitching.
I am actually encouraged by today’s game. Some good things happened. Results (final score) don’t really matter (as I’ve learned over the years) and I pay attention to other things. The Yankees’ kids are impressing and that’s a good thing. the pitching the last two games has been very good for early March (of course, only Halladay is Halladay!). There’s always gonna be a little rust.
And as we move along, the Arias’ of the world will not be pitching at the ML level, so all is good, right?
I suppose Charlie Manuel is feeling good after today? Ha ha!
I am glad Melancon looked sharp today, and I hope he is able to keep it going. I expect he’ll be called up sometime during the season; I don’t expect him to make the team out of ST, but that’s just personal opinion, and of course, what do I know?
Just a reminder – tomorrow there is no official GTLU – I have to take my daughter to a 9 a.m. dentist appointment. But, feel free to post lineups if that is what you like to do. Just be aware that they won’t “count” toward the Grapefruit League GTLU Championship!
Chad, thanks!
You can tell (and I was one of them) that NJ’s scratch is getting the fans and beat writers into a tizzy. I’m sure tomorrows papers will be filled with articles on how the Johnson signing was a bad one.
Seems like lots of good stuff happened today pitching wise. I was particuarly glad to see Melancon do well..
Doreen, is there a Guess the Dentist contest?
can we trade for damon and matsui?
I have no problems with Johnson as a hitter, but, I was never all that impressed with him on defense. My issues with him that the injury big always finds him. If a satellite fell out of the sky and everything burned up on reentry except for a sliver, Johnson would get hit by that sliver. It’s understandable, though. He’s so slow that he can’t get out of the way.
Wait, are we actually finding it necessary to state that we’re not worried by a Spring Training loss?
Isn’t it just one of those obvious, self-evident things that the results really don’t matter?
the point I think that some on here will realize is how much talent is actually in the farm system waiting to come up.
Some guys may get overlooked by the Keith Laws’ and Jim Callis’ of the world but they are extremely talented players that are developing and honing their craft.
Guys like Nunez,Melancon,McCallister,Vazquez,Romine may emerge to be major contributors to this team over the next season or two.
Jesus is a HOF’er in diapers and the amount of high ceiling talent stocked at the lower levels is stunning.
Come midseason the Yanks farm system will be the talk of the sport as I see many,many of our guys have breakout seasons this year from the A- AA levels.
Betsy – Romine wasn’t built in a day
March 4th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
Doreen, is there a Guess the Dentist contest?
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Betsy, that doesn’t sound like a very fun game
GB-
How’s that headache ?
I was a little concerned when I didn’t see you around in the morning, or last night.
So Erin, I guess the Yankees will not do that for their next ST bonding experience?
At 10 PM tonight, MLB-TV will have 30 teams in 30 days, the Yankees.
Nick is not as slow as he looks or most think he is and he’s good good instincts on the basepaths….he’s no burner but he’ll take the extra base when he can and will score from second on a single….
Betsy
Melancon is one of the best arms/pitchers in the entire organization.Period.
When he’s given his chance he will be a stud. He’s a more talented pitcher than Dave Robertson and D Rob is a stud!
Betsy -
Guess the Dentist – that could be interesting!
Oh, I’m sure the papers are going to go crazy on NJ. They need something to write about. Yankees camp has been so calm, I don’t think they can handle it!
The problem is, they can’t spin it against the Yankees. They can’t. Anyone who was following this knows that the Yankees tried to sign Damon and the offer was a legit one. Damon was looking for more. And if you’re looking at just a one-year dollar amount, I guess he got more. But when you look at the fact that he wanted a multiple year contract and no one but the Yankees offered more than 1 year, you just can’t spin against the Yankees on this one.
Johnson has his history, there’s not doubt about it. But he’s also a good hitter, a good on-base guy. He was worth taking a chance on.
Matsui was never an option. First, I don’t think the Yankees were comfortable with the knees – AND – what gets overlooked, is Matsui did not consider himself strictly a DH and the Yankees did not want to play him in the field. Whether the Angels ever play him in the field or not, they TOLD him they would consider it. And Matsui’s agents were very smart, and got him a very good deal. I am glad that we didn’t see Matsui hanging on looking for a contract. He’s too good, and too professional a player/person for that.
So, if not Johnson for DH, who?
If anything happens during the course of the season, the Yankees have the financial resources to try to do something; but they also have some guys (Vazquez, Montero), who might be able to fill in.
I won’t be reading the papers tomorrow. Let them have an NJ field day.
MTU
March 4th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
GB-
How’s that headache ?
I was a little concerned when I didn’t see you around in the morning, or last night.
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It’s not too bad, MTU. Thanks for asking. After reading these trolls and the whining, though, the pain has moved to down around my hip pocket.
Exhale on the HOF talk for Montero.
How about we see how he does in AAA first before we talk about Cooperstown for him.
Overrating and overstating the farm system is as bad as guys who ignore it.
Nobody can accurately project the guys at the lower levels. It’s impossible until you see them play a lot of games.
It’s a good system with some interesting guys. Why not just leave it at that?
This way, if some guys scuffle, fans won’t get in a panic.
Johnsom’s not as fast as you seem to think, either. The only person he could beat in a footrace is Posada, but, not by much.
SJ-
Too sensible.
“This way, if some guys scuffle, fans won’t get in a panic.”
The panic will still be there. In the form of “Cashman and all of the system coaches need to be fired for allowing the farm to be in this shape. The scouts, too. what are these bums looking at?”
Betsy – Romine wasn’t built in a day
March 4th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
So Erin, I guess the Yankees will not do that for their next ST bonding experience?
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LOL Somehow going to the dentist together doesn’t scream “fun” to me. Maybe it’s just me.
Hi guys –
Interesting article by Mike Axixa over at RAB, about how the Yanks’ lineup with Granderson and Johnson shapes up, and contrasts with last year with Damon and Matsui – specifically in regards to pitches per PA. This is something the Yanks have excelled in over the years, and is felt to play into their offensive success.
If you like patience at the plate, things look good.
Melancon will merge as a factor this season.
Joe from LI -
Thanks for the heads up on that piece. Good reading. It could be a good year.
Wait. OBP Jesus takes pitches?
Crazy thought: Nick swisher in the 2 spot
Discuss
Im in FLA – not so crazy, I think. If the Yanks want somebody to get on in front of Tex and Alex, he can do it. The thing is, Johnson is even better at it.
It sounds like Granderson has very little shot of batting in the 2 hole and that Cano is going to bat 5th. So Swish is probably the 2nd option. He strikes out so much that you don’t have to worry about DP, which is good.
how about a score of the game??
I know the outcomes of the game do not matter. I get it. I know it. I know it’s NOT cool to think the games do matter. Pete wouldn’t ever post the score because it just didn’t matter. He was actually kind of obnoxious about it.
But I don’t understand it. If it didn’t matter, they wouldn’t keep the score. I understand what spring training and these games are for. However, I would still like to know a final score. One would think that this Yankee blog would be able to provide something as basic as the score of the game.
Just a score. Not too much to ask. Or is it?
Jesus Montero singled in his first spring at-bat. The ball landed so hard, aftershocks were felt in Chile.
It’s weird seeing a lefty glove playing 1st.
Last night Johnson took a pick next to his right foot.
So used to seeing guys stretch out and grab it backhanded.
ok, I know I am late to the party, but today’s game is on the mlb network right now for those who didn’t get to see it. Halladay looks sharp.
Jason
3-2
Erin, believe it or not, I always laugh a lot when I go to the dentist and not because of nitrous oxide. My dentist is hilarious and, like GB, is a fan of a bad pun (so am I, lol). LOL A group visit to the dentist would be hilarious in a twisted sort of way.
I agree we need to let the kids breathe. Poor Montero – when he comes up and proves himself human, fans are going to be all over him
Tomorrow Phil and Joba are on tv – should be fun.
Just what was needed. some fool crying about wanting the score of a game that was played this afternoon. Try looking it up.
The score doesn’t matter. If you think it does, you know nothing about baseball.
If you need the score so badly, it’s easy to find it.
Why dumb down the blog with a meaningless score from a meaningless game?
Jason,
All you have to do is post – what was today’s score, and about 10 people will answer you.
Testing
Doreen – 2010 GTLU Hostess
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so, does this make you Erica’s replacement as the GLTU Hostess Cupcake, Doreen?
The score is you need to get a life.
I did look up the score. That wasn’t and isn’t the problem. I’m just saying if I’m going to follow this blog all day, and ONLY this blog, then drop a freakin score update. It’s not dumbing down the blog, it’s just giving information.
Jason
I don’t think it’s a big deal either way, but you would be well-served to check out multiple sources, imo.
GB7 =
I’m trying to get rid of the “hostess” part. Between my “bunny” post the other night and the “hostess” thing, I’m sure I’m giving the wrong impression!!!
It’s a replay from a game played early today. i updated it every inning then. go back and read those.
Jason -
Instead of getting upset, why don’t you drop an e-mail to Chad. I’m sure he’d accommodate that request if you stated it in a calm manner.
“so, does this make you Erica’s replacement as the GLTU Hostess Cupcake, Doreen?”
As long as she’s not a Ding Dong.
Doreen – 2010 GTLU
March 4th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
GB7 =
I’m trying to get rid of the “hostess” part. Between my “bunny” post the other night and the “hostess” thing, I’m sure I’m giving the wrong impression!!!
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sounds like you’re just too sweet, Doreen. Add a ‘grrr’ or and “arhhggg, you #^$@!%^*” to your posts. That makes you sound tough.
hey guys, I’m back on my favorite yankee site ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How’s everything going so far everyone? Also, would like to mention that Chad and the rest of the lohud blog are way better than Pete and have transformed this blog tremendously. Thanks alot guys!
Grrr.
Tarheel Yankee -
Nope. Not a Ding Dong.
Yankee Doodle!!
benfica
you came back just in time for a new round of GTLU, w/ our new host, sweet Doreen
sadly, I think Girardi will win the grapefruit GTLU
Doreen – 2010 GTLU
March 4th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Grrr.
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That’s not bad for a beginner, Doreen. More throaty and squint your eyes and bare your teeth. That will really scare the bejeebus out of them. It keeps ‘em in line.
upstate kate -
I’m thinking of trying to keep track of whether people at least guess right in terms of which non 25-man guy is in the starting lineup on a given day. A couple of people guessed Miranda at first today. Whoever guesses the most on a given day “wins.” Maybe.
Buster_ESPN
Heard this: The Reds are interested in acquiring Gary Matthews, Jr. from the Mets in the event Angel Pagan wins NY’s CF job (as expected)
I wonder what the ROI would be, if any.
I’m looking forward to Chad’s interviews with Romine, Montero and McAllister, as well as the others. maybe they can do some live interviews with them on the web. Montero is quite well spoken and at ease with the English language. Everybody could submit a question a week in advance and Chad could pick some of the best ones to ask the guys.
GB7 -
I reserve that stuff for my kids.
SS Jeter
CF Granderson
1B Tex
3B Arod
DH Hoffmann
LF Winn
C Cervelli
RF Swisher
CF Gardner
That’s my lineup for tommorow(I won’t be on tommorow)
GB-
Here’s my question for Montero.
How are you going to pay for all the damage you do with your bat ? You are a very destructive young man !
Doreen
that is a good idea for ST.
and GB, I like your idea too, it is nice to get to know these young guys.
Doreen – 2010 GTLU
March 4th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
GB7 -
I reserve that stuff for my kids.
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And this board isn’t like dealing with your kids? You love us all, but. you’d like to strangle us all….for our own good, of course.
Gb-
Or
Jesus, When you hit your first Major League homerun and it goes into orbit.
How do you expect us to retrieve the ball ?
upstate kate
March 4th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
Doreen
that is a good idea for ST.
and GB, I like your idea too, it is nice to get to know these young guys.
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YouTube has a real good interview with him right after he got to Trenton, last year. Those kids from that group are really nice kids. They’d talk to the fans and sign autographs for the kids. Torre Tyson taught them well. Carman Angelini was probably the least cooperative of that groul. DeLaRosa, Romine and a kid named Austin Krim were real fan favorites. Montero was everybody’s most favorite. Never see him not smiling.
cooperative of that ***group***
GB7 -
My kids’ll still love me tomorrow. 3-plus years isn’t enough time to take you all for granted yet!
Benfica, Doreen’s not running GTLU tomorrow – dentist visit.
That name is Austin ***Krum***
that was a nice play by gardy in the gap…
Chuck -
no official game, but if people want to guess the lineup, that’s okay.
Doreen – 2010 GTLU
March 4th, 2010 at 8:18 pm
GB7 -
My kids’ll still love me tomorrow. 3-plus years isn’t enough time to take you all for granted yet!
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You’ll be right at home on here. Just to make sure, I’ll give you my best, “You always get away with things because Mom likes you best”.
is it too late to give you todays starting lineup?
I was at the game today. It was awesome to finally see Montero in a game, and I was even more surprised to see Romine hitting after him.
Halladay looked amazing as always, though I was annoyed with some of the Philly fans today as they were still complaining about the fact they lost Lee. Umm, hello, you just got one of the bet pitchers in baseball. It kills me I tell you.
Props also to Mark Melancon. He did load up qa few counts, but ended up with 2K’s. I hope the Yankees give him more of a chance this season. do you guys think theres a chance he could make it out of ST or it is more of a mid-season call-up?
“do you guys think theres a chance he could make it out of ST or it is more of a mid-season call-up?”
i think its extremely unlikely he makes the team out of ST but a mid season (or earlier) call up is very likely
Christina
it is good to hear from you, I was wondering if you made it to ST this year
How may pitchers do they bring North, 12?
CC, AJ, Andy, Vazquez, Hughes/Joba
Mo, Robertson, Marte, Park, Aceves
Yeah, if Melancon shows he has command, he should make the team.
Mitre and Gaudin aren’t good enough to block him.
hey all…so glad baseball & the yanks r back!!
Anyone watch the 30 clubs in 30 days on MLB? It looks like it’ll be a pretty good show….