A couple of firsts
Posted by: Sam Borden - Posted in Misc on Mar 08, 2010 
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Normally, pitchers are a sullen lot on the day they’re pitching. They show up late, go about their business quietly and generally steer clear of interactions with anyone else.
In spring training, though, everyone’s a little more relaxed and Javier Vazquez was grinning as he walked into the clubhouse this morning. You could then hear him literally whistling as he pulled on his socks. Today is his first start of the spring and, obviously, Vazquez is ready to get going.
Today should also be Nick Johnson’s first appearance in a game since last week. The oft-injured Johnson was oft-injured yet again when he tweaked his back, but he took batting practice yesterday and is in the lineup for the home game against Philly.
For those who are wondering why Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Curtis Granderson would be playing in Bradenton today as opposed to at home, it’s probably because they made a trade – a shorter road trip today in exchange for not going on the long ride to Viera to face the Nationals on Friday. Such are the perks of being a veteran.
Speaking of Rodriguez, the vigil to find out when he’s speaking to the FBI continued this morning. As he headed to the parking lot, a few of us writers approached him and asked (yet again) if anything was new. His response was succinct and bilingual:
“Nada. Nada. Nothing.”
UPDATE, 10:17 a.m.: A few other firsts: Mariano Rivera and Damaso Marte are throwing live BP right now. Actually, Marte is throwing and the great Mariano is signing an endless line of autographs.
I’d be “Whistle while you work”, too if I found my way back into pinstripes! Hopefully, Javy has a good debut (it’ll make things much easier) and NJ makes it through his 2-3 AB intact.
repost:
Good morning, folks!
I watched Oscars last night, so I stayed off the blog in case there were any spoilers.
I must say, that I’m not a huge Oscar person in the sense that I’ll watch it in its entirety. But I thought last night’s presentation was pretty good. There were a few awkward things like there was a bit totally unrelated to the movie they were previewing. And the lady that chased some guy and ripped the mic out of that poor guys hand and finished his speech was just plain rude.
And, unfortunately, I missed the one acceptance speech I really wanted to see. “Sandy”. And I never, ever watch Baba Wawa’s specials, but I did. Not realizing it would be her last. So that was lucky coincidence.
Needless to say, I never got back on to see the spoilers. Just saw the thread was spoiled.
As for Mitre. I’m glad he’s coming back nicely. I do believe that he is better just from the sheer standpoint of being farther removed from TJS. And he could beat out Joba for the #5. But I think it would be difficult for him to beat out Phil. Now, the edge Mitre has is he’s out of options. So, he’ll probably make the big-league roster regardless. And it would be nice to have a groundball pitcher out of the bullpen.
trisha,
Thanks for that heads up on the E! thing. It’ll probably run ad nauseum today.
m, That lady running up on stage to talk was just weird. I read this morning that she was a journalist who had worked on the film, but left due to creative differences. It’s kind of funny if you think about. She’s the new Kanye. lol
Sandra’s speech was great, she was very emotional especially towards the end when she thanked her mom. I’m sure somebody’s got it up so you can see it.
Didn’t Nick Johnson play in the Opener? had an rbi double.
m-
If you remember where you found it could you please post the link from RAB regarding option rules for Phil or Joba.
Thanks.
Erin,
Thanks, I saw that in the last thread.
Now to be clear, guys. I, too, think that Phil and Joba would have to completely fall apart for Mitre to get that spot.
BUT, Phil has mentioned that AAA is not out of the question (such a good kid).
And I do think that Joba is likely headed to the bullpen.
I just wish that the org. didn’t already say the “loser” goes to the pen. But that comment in and of itself should shed more light on the quasi-competition and the 3 runner-ups chances of getting the 5th spot.
NJ has played in two games I think. One as DH and at first a little.
Ledger_Yankees Mo throws his live BP at 10:05 and Marte at 10:15. Facing minor leaguers. Park was slated to face hitters today but was apparently bumped. 42 seconds ago
mel, I agree with your take on Mitre.
I don’t really care who wins the 5th starter spot as long as its the one the Yankees feel give us the best chance of winning.
Unlike any posters who believe in conspiracy theories or whatever else fits their needs, I actually believe the best in human nature. Therefore I don’t believe that Cashman and Girardi would announce that the 5th starter position is open and the competition is between 5 guys if that wasn’t the case. But that’s likely because I’m not in a twist about who gets it and who doesn’t. Do I think it would benefit the club more if Joba or Phil won it, in terms of the youth movement? Of course. But neither is a shoe in, and whoever lands the 5th spot will earn it. That means Joba, Phil, Chad, Sergio, or Ace.
Here you go, MTU.
http://riveraveblues.com/2010/.....lem-23835/
Should be interesting to see Javy Vasquez today. Glad to see how relaxed he is.
Also, looking forward to Miranda’s day. Hope no set backs with Nick Johnson.
Guys: Dropped a few words in the line about Johnson. First game since last week (obviously). Thanks for catching.
For those (the one?) who asked: Christian Garcia is not on the travel roster.
mel, I too have the feeling that Joba will end up in the pen. In fact I’m thinking that Joba could actually end up being the heir apparent to Mo…
No reason for Javy to do anything but whistle! He’s back with the Yankees in a guaranteed spot.
m-
Thanks.
trisha,
But part of Mo’s brilliance is his uncanny ability to repeat his delivery.
Seriously, if Joba’s still out of whack at the end of spring, my Rx is to give Joba the Halladay treatment.
Fingers crossed, though. Like CB said a few days ago. Whatever role he’s in, he needs to clean it up.
mel, is really far too early to know how this whole thing is going to shake out, I think you would agree. I just intend to sit back and enjoy the show.
m-
The option situation with Phil is slightly more precarious than w. Joba.
There is more time to decide what to do with Joba than Phil because of their Anniversary dates.
It seems either could be optioned but they will be on revocable waivers as protection.
The situation as pointed out in the article just wasn’t as simple as many would have thought.
Christina and Joe from LI
have a great time at the game.
Christina, on the Yankee episode of 30/30, Guidry was talking about having his locker in the middle of flaky LHPs Righetti and Leiter, then they showed Leiter’s response, it made me think of you.
I sometimes knock Eiland, but when/if he deserves credit, I’m happy to give it to him:
Ledger_Yankees
Lefty Boone Logan says Dave Eiland made a slight mechanical adjustment that makes it easier to command his fastball. He’s been good so far.
Ledger_Yankees 34 pitches for the closer; faced seven minor league batters; one got a legit hit. 2 minutes ago
Sam Borden
March 8th, 2010 at 10:04 am
Guys: Dropped a few words in the line about Johnson. First game since last week (obviously). Thanks for catching.
For those (the one?) who asked: Christian Garcia is not on the travel roster.
======
Much thanks, Sam.
Do we want to keep Hoffman regardless of his ST performance ?
If the answer is yes.
Then maybe the Yankees go Mitre for Hoffman ?
Rich-
same with me.
And I agree.
Give credit when credit is due.
Logan has looked terrific.
Oops, I don’t think he said Joba needs to clean it up. Just that this is a pitching problem, not a “role” problem.
Anyway, I do think that the Yankees believe in Joba, will try to help him reach his potential. But I also believe that Joba may have approached “high maintenance” territory last season. Something they have little time or patience for.
Bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes
March 8th, 2010 at 10:19 am
Logan has looked terrific.
_________________________________________
He has, but remember, so did Billy Traber a couple of years ago and he was a disaster when the season got underway. Won’t get my hopes up on him yet.
Bohdi-
If i recall correctly when Logan first appeared out of the Pen for the White sox he was pretty good.
If eiland has helped him find FB command again he could be an effective LOOGY again ala Coke.
MTU,
The way I read it is that that Joba has more time to be optioned than Phil. But once they’re down, they can stay down (not that they likely would). They just have to go through waivers if they’re optioned after those dates.
mel, que sera sera. We will eventually see que sera! The best anyone here can do is posit what they THINK will be the case (despite those who attempt to posit that they KNOW what will be the case!)
I posit that the Yankees will hold onto Sergio if he continues with his progress. Time will tell if I am correct.
Don’t we already have a LGY?
Programming alert! Tonight is the season finale of “My Life as Liz” (MTV)
m-
That’s basically the way i read it too.
With one caveat.
If the Yankees need to repeat the process for some reason after the date they would have to pass thru revocable waivers.
IMO These guys are gonna be fixed one way or another before that event triggers so it’s moot really.
Ledger_Yankees Park out because he felt tightness in glutes after running. and no thats not from dr nick riviera. That’s from Girardi. live bp tue or wed 2 minutes ago
When does the new season of South Park start?
JohnC
March 8th, 2010 at 10:21 am
Bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes
March 8th, 2010 at 10:19 am
Logan has looked terrific.
_________________________________________
He has, but remember, so did Billy Traber a couple of years ago and he was a disaster when the season got underway. Won’t get my hopes up on him yet.
====
Yeah, except I was never excited about Traber. I knew who he was. Logan has an arm.
m-
it’s better to have 2 LGY’ s than just one IMO.
More options for Joe G.
Though it’s true that some of our Righties are very good against LH hitters.
I believe Robertson was cited as one of them.
Time will tell.
JohnC,
Soon. They’re running the teaser. Has South Park always been on MTV? I’ve only seen it on Comedy Channel. That’s how clueless I am!
What is Logan’s situation? What happens if he doesn’t make the team?
Randy, I couldn’t agree more re: the 5th spot. That’s why I don’t believe anything Joe or Cash say about Mitre, Gaudin or Aceves having a shot – and I can’t believe the mediots are actually buying it, lol. I don’t know how I feel about Joba – I do think it would be a shame for him to be given one plus years as a starter before being converted to a reliever permanently (unless the organization REALLY thinks that’s where he’s best suited). It just doesn’t seem right to give any young pitcher that short a time to develop. I don’t love his attitude, though. As to Phil, he should not get short shrift just because the Yankees decided to send him to the pen last year instead of giving him innings in AAA. I detest the argument that Joba should get first crack at the #5 spot simply because he was in the rotation last year, as if it’s perfectly fine to delay Phil’s development. You would never think it by the way things have worked out, but at one time, Phil was the pride and joy of this organization. He’s all of 23, yet he hasn’t had any chance to develop as a starter. I don’t blame the Yankees for his injuries, but his time has come as well. I don’t care about Mitre or Gaudin in that sense – they are not the future of this organization.
As to who to keep, I think Gaudin is a very nice piece to have in the pen.
JohnC
March 8th, 2010 at 10:31 am
When does the new season of South Park start?
********************
As far as I know it’s March 17. Think they’ll do a St. Patrick’s Day theme?
Oh, MTU.
I guess you didn’t see where “let’s go yankees” changed their handle to LGY because that’s what we call him/her anyway!
Anyway, I was joking. But that tweet about Park isn’t funny.
Who’s guaranteed a spot?
-Mo
-Joba/Phil
-Marte
-Park
-Aceves
So we’re talking Mitre/Gaudin/Logan for 2 spots? Maybe Melancan? Though I can’t see him beating out Mitre/Gaudin because of he still has options.
Tightness in his butt? LOL
South Park starts 3/17….
I just love Javy, who is clearly very happy to be back. I remember reading a recent article that mentioned that players know when other players are quitters/chokers/of that ilk and that the Yankees never, ever thought of Javy like that (unlike Pavano). So, I still believe that Ozzie Guillen is dead wrong about him and that he will prove how good he really is. I just worry that the fans won’t give him much of a shot if he gets off to a slow start. For some reason, JV is blamed for 2004 as if he was the only one to do badly.
Argh, forgot Robertson.
I want to try the lol effect and see if it packs any more of a punch.
I can’t believe that anyone actually thinks that Cashman and Girardi are using a ruse with regard to the 5th starter position, lol
MTU
March 8th, 2010 at 10:22 am
Bohdi-
If i recall correctly when Logan first appeared out of the Pen for the White sox he was pretty good.
If eiland has helped him find FB command again he could be an effective LOOGY again ala Coke.
====
He could be. Has enough velo for a lefty and his pitches really move. Have to see more. Traber was BP waiting to happen.
Erin, no – they never do that. I already know they are doing a Tiger Woods episode.
Why it does!
Betsy -Romine wasn’t built in a day
March 8th, 2010 at 10:40 am
Erin, no – they never do that.
*****************
Betsy,I know-I was kidding.
m-
I mistakenly thought you were talking about LOOGY’s instead of LGY.
Sorry, my error.
I don’t doubt the validity of the 5 man competition for the 5th spot, but I would be surprised and disappointed if it wasn’t Phil or Joba
Does anhyone know if there is a formula to when they stop filming episodes, with respect to when they actually air? In other words, are all of the episodes filmed before they hit the air? I’m trying to figure out whether Giuliana Rancic is pregnant. If you believe what she said on the View recently, then she isn’t. Of course the scenes they show you of the finale totally leave you thinking it could be possible. If she is, she definitely faked out the people on the View, maybe intentionally.
Cashman to Park and Nick Johnson the last couple days re: their minor physical ailments: don’t rush back, “you’ve already made the team.”
4 minutes ago
*revision*
Who’s guaranteed a spot?
-Mo
-Joba/Phil
-Robertson
-Marte
-Park
-Aceves
So we’re talking Mitre/Gaudin/Logan for 1 spots? Maybe Melancan? Though I can’t see him beating out Mitre/Gaudin because of he still has options.
=======================================================
That’s just an embarrassment of riches. Long removed from the days of, we’ll just protect their identities.
Anyway, there’s very little space left. Even though I’m for stockpiling arms, it looks like we’ll need to trade 1 or 2 of the pitchers without options.
MTU,
lol, sorry didn’t mean to sound like I was scolding you. LGY does look better than LOOGY though.
Upstate, I can absolutely agree with what you just said. I can also totally accept that Joba and Phil might have the edge going in, if that be the case, and that the organization would be happiest if one of them win the competition. But I can also tell you that after watching both of them lose their spots in the rotation at one point or another, I find it hard to believe that if they both turned in terrible spring trainings that either one would win the spot. I think most of us know the Yankee way much better than that!
“I can’t believe that anyone actually thinks that Cashman and Girardi are using a ruse with regard to the 5th starter position, lol”
if aceves, mitre , and gaudin are really in a competition for the fifth spot it means that brian cashman has spect the past 5 years developing a farm system that couldn’t beat out three journeymen pitchers for the fifth spot.
if it really is a competition in cashman’s mind , he’s admitting his failure in his minor league developmental system.
i think it’s more likely he’s trying t give joba a kick in the butt.
seriously, if neither joba or hughes gets the fifth spot, cashman’s ability to develop pitching has to be questioned.
pat, absolutely loved the Blind Side. That is definitely a movie that causes you to both cry and cheer.
Ledger_Yankees I saw a handful of Yankees piled into the back of a speeding flatbed golf cart. You get one guess as to who was behind the wheel… about 1 minute ago
I can’t believe anyone thinks that Mitre, Gaudin and Aceves are in serious competition for the 5th spot.
If neither gets the 5th spot then I agree that there are questions to be answered. Cashman can only go so far, unless you mean dropping down layers and questioning his choice in coaches, etc.
AJ!
Randy, don’t you find it sad that Joba needs this kick in the butt? I know Phil doesn’t.
New post on an injury to Park and a schedule for Mariano
New Post: Park scratched; Mo scheduled
Igawa – except he can’t turn left!
Erin – Nick Swisher.
What does Ledger_Yankees mean?
Betsy,
I don’t think many if anybody really beieve that will be the case. Cashman has said as much when he said that wouldn’t be in the best long term interest of the team. Honestly I will be shocked of Hughes isn’t named the #5 in a couple weeks.
blake, quite a few of us have said we believe it to be an open competition, even though it might be Joba’s or Phil’s to lose in terms of the long-term interest. Is it hard to wrap your mind around that? How about if both fall flat on their faces? Do you think one or the other would be chosen?
Neither do I, lol.