Finding a routine
Posted by: Sam Borden - Posted in Misc on Mar 08, 2010 
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To some players, the idea of being the designated hitter sounds great – hit three or four times a day and take it easy the rest of the time. Not a bad gig, if you can get it.
To others, though, it’s an incomplete task. Whenever Joe Torre would give Derek Jeter the famous “half day off” by having him DH, Jeter would make a point to sit right next to Torre on the bench and – for lack of a better word – nag him as much as possible. If Torre ever said anything, Jeter would just point out that he could solve the problem by putting Jeter back in the field.
Now, Nick Johnson is trying to transition into the idea of being a full-time DH. There are, obviously, a lot of upsides to Johnson being the DH, not the least of which being that it would sure seem like there’s a far decreased chance of injury when he’s not in the field. For someone with Johnson’s run of bad luck, that’s not a small thing.
The challenge, though, as it was for Jason Giambi a few years back, is to find a routine between at-bats that a) keeps you loose and warm, while b) not overdoing it. “I’m going to find one,” Johnson said earlier today, and then he mentioned that he tried riding the stationary bike as well as “throwing a few medicine balls” to keep his blood moving. I remember Giambi mentioning once that he’d talked to Don Baylor about the DH routine and said Baylor was a big fan of the stationary bike; Giambi added some dry swings to keep his shoulders loose.
Joe Girardi said he can’t offer many suggestions about DH routines, but expects Kevin Long to help Johnson figure out what works. They’ll also give Johnson plenty of chances to try things out this spring. “We want to DH him a lot of days in spring training, as opposed to playing him at first – we want him to get used to it,” Girardi said. “He knows how to do the first base thing.”
I don’t like the DH, however, I hate watching pitchers bat. More importantly, I wish the two leagues would adopt a uniform rule, but that’s not going to happen.
Has anyone else noticed that Cano could wake up from sleeping in middle of the night and hit a baseball? This guy can flat out hit.
“Has anyone else noticed that Cano could wake up from sleeping in middle of the night and hit a baseball? This guy can flat out hit.”
And the year before last people couldn’t wait to trade him !
Facepalm. Facepalm. Facepalm.
Yup, cano is a born hitter. He may be ready to break out this year and show the rest of baseball how good he can be.
“Has anyone else noticed that Cano could wake up from sleeping in middle of the night and hit a baseball? This guy can flat out hit.”
Except in April (2007-09):
http://espndb.go.com/mlb/playe.....e=batting3
.257 .305 .378 .683
I would hope that is about to change.
I sort of feel sorry for Nick – I wonder if he feels as if he’s half a player. I’d be like Jeter, too – very antsy; I know I couldn’t hack it.
Loving all of the Cano posts
I understand, but cano is a career 300 hitter. He had one bad year. If he puts it all together, that will be both scary and fun to watch.
I don’t like the DH, however, I hate watching pitchers bat.
——————————————————
Haha, so you won’t be happy either way.
“Has anyone else noticed that Cano could wake up from sleeping in middle of the night and hit a baseball? This guy can flat out hit.”
I also think he will win a Gold Glove. Solid ballplayer.
“Solid ballplayer.”
I love your flare for understatement.
If cano were on another team, we all (including myself) would be clammoring to get our hands on him.
between at-bats lap dances would keep Nick nice and loose.
In my opinion Johnson made a bad choice signing with the Yanks because he’s a fantastic 1B. He really should have went to the Giants and played fulltime there. Then sign a big deal once he proves he can stay healthy.
Regardless, I’m happy he’s with us because he’s a great hitter but he knew coming in he’d be a full-time DH. I doubt it will be much of a problem for him, hitting is hitting.
“If cano were on another team, we all (including myself) would be clammoring to get our hands on him.”
Erin certainly would.
Rich,
Cano (April 2009): .366/.400/.581/.981
whatever april struggles he had in the past disappeared last season
Cano is awesome but at the same time incredibly frustrating. If he could learn how to take a pitch once in awhile he’d be one of the best players in the league. He’s still very good but he could be elite.
Patrick-
“He’s still very good but he could be elite.”
What’s your definition of “elite” ?
Good point, KP. But I don’t think good performances in April 2006 and 2009 are necessarily sufficient to say that his problems have disappeared.
“Except in April (2007-09):
http://espndb.go.com/mlb/playe…..e=batting3
.257 .305 .378 .683
I would hope that is about to change.”
Cano hit .366/.400/.581/.981 last year in April.
toooo late
Rich in NJ -
2005 – in season call-up
2006 – good April
2007- not so good?
2008 – not good at all?
2009 – good April
Half the Aprils good, half the Aprils not so good. Glass half full? Glass half empty?
If half was good and half was bad, can you really even say it’s a problem? Or was it simply 2 not so good Aprils? I think a lot more Aprils have to come and go before anyone can definitively make that call.
“Warning Track, I’m with you re: Cervelli. In fact, and not to start a firestorm or tears here, but if Jorge and AJ don’t get it together by the end of ST – just saying IF – I’d love to see Cervelli catch AJ’s games.”
in that case, i hope that you are traded for a fan to be named later .
Dassit
I already responded to that point made by KP.
Cano’s gonna have a breakout age 27 year.
Also, the DH rocks. Nothing sucks worse than pitchers batting and the push button strategies that surround that bad decision.
Doreen
“If half was good and half was bad, can you really even say it’s a problem? Or was it simply 2 not so good Aprils? I think a lot more Aprils have to come and go before anyone can definitively make that call.”
April has been his worst month over the last three seasons. I merely noting that.
Rich-
Would you say that cano is an “elite” 2nd baseman ?
And if he isn’t IYO, who among 2nd basemen would you say are elite ?
MTU
March 8th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
“If cano were on another team, we all (including myself) would be clammoring to get our hands on him.”
Erin certainly would.
*****************
Absolutely
People just insist on making an issue out of AJ and Jorge, lol
MTU
Yes. Obviously, Utley is probably the best in MLB right now. We need to see more from Zobrist. The only issue with Cano is that he offers glimpses that he can be great, but whether it’s hitting with RISP or defensive lapses, he isn’t quite there yet.
.316, .270, .151, .366.
I only see one terrible year. One good year, one okay year and one great year. I don’t think you can make a general statement about Cano’s Aprils just yet.
Patrick
March 8th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
“Probably owe Patrick an apology. Just saying..”
Actually I’m crazy white, I was lying earlier. I’m so white my boss compliments me on my grittiness during performance reviews.
——————————–
Unless you get your suit dirty at lunch I am not buying it.
Rich-
Well Patrick doesn’t seem to agree.
Can you tell him why you think Cano is an elite 2nd baseman and not merely a very good one ?
In my mind elite means superior, one of the best of a group.
Or
To give memebers of the group that are elite and see if Cano fits in.
For example, Utley, Pedroia, Hill, Cano, etc.
I would say that defines Cano as elite as well.
“I only see one terrible year. One good year, one okay year and one great year. I don’t think you can make a general statement about Cano’s Aprils just yet.”
2007: .270 .320 .337 .657
2008: .151 .211 .236 .447
2009: 366 .400 .581 .981
AVG means very little to me compared to OPS.
That’s two of the last three years.
We’re not talking about some middling player. We’re talking about a player that should be great.
Cano is easily one of the top second baseman in the league, period.
Benny-
“Cano is easily one of the top second baseman in the league, period”
And that makes him elite among 2nd baseman.
Not just solid.
Not just very good.
Not going to be great.
Elite.
And threatening to become a one off.
Wow- here is where everyone went. I hate when I get left behind on old threads.
I have a dilemma-
I got a new laptop bag and I have to give back the old one and am currently emptying it out.
Inside, I have tons of old GTLU post its from when I ran the game from client sites. I am honestly afraid to throw them in my garbage can. It could be incriminating
Cano has been my favorite player for a while but at the same time I hoped he would get more patient at the plate. At this point though I think he may become a different hitter AND a less valuable hitter if he takes more pitches. IMO, the last thing you want to do with Cano is take away his aggressiveness at the plate.
When you hit .320 your OBP is not nearly as important as a guy hitting .270.
Rich in NJ -
My point is simply that it’s too early.
Cano will never walk a lot, so I don’t really care about OPS in his case.
And I don’t see .270 BA as being “bad.” No, it’s not as good as he can be, but it’s far from the .151 he had in 2008. In my mind 2007 was a slow start; 2008 was an awful April. I don’t think when a guy has played 4 major league Aprils, 2 of which have been good, one awful and one so-so that you can make a sweeping statement that he has bad Aprils.
Erica -
Bring ‘em home and shred them. I wouldn’t even shred them at work, unless you’re no one goes through the shredder.
As much as I hate to leave when the topic is Robinson Cano, I’m off. Have a good night everyone
Doreen – 2010 GTLU
March 8th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Erica -
Bring ‘em home and shred them. I wouldn’t even shred them at work, unless you’re no one goes through the shredder.
*********
I might do that. We have people here that do shredding for us.
Btw- on one batch of post-its from a round of GTLU we had 38 players with over 20 different line up combos
MTU
“Can you tell him why you think Cano is an elite 2nd baseman and not merely a very good one ?”
As I said, Utley is the best. Zobrist may be better, but we have to see more. I don’t think that any other 2B is better.
In 2009, going by OPS he was ranked 3rd among 2B in MLB. Zobrist was first, Utley was 2nd.
He stunk in 2008.
In 2007, he was fourth in in MLB. Utley was first, Kent and Polanco were 2nd and 3rd. They are no longer factors.
In 2006, he was third. Utley was first, Durham was second. He is no longer a factor.
That’s three out of four years in which only Cano and Utley are in the top four.
Defensively, as much as I like UZR, it can miss the positive attributes of some players. I think Cano is one of them.
Taken together, compared to the competition, I think Cano is elite.
Why can’t people just accept the notion that Cano is an elite 2nd baseman threatening to become the top 2nd baseman in baseball.
His hitting is elite.
His fielding is elite (at least last year).
I’ll take 10 more just like him please.
Doreen
“My point is simply that it’s too early.”
I’m not writing this in stone. I am merely making an observation based on the available data.
Again, AVG doesn’t mean much to me.
IDK how to define elite, but Cano is either the second or third best 2B in baseball. If he can take is defense to the next level and do it consistently he will bridge the gap to Utley. IMO:
Utley
(gap)
Cano-Pedroia
(gap)
Hill
Erica -
Wow. I didn’t think one could come up with that many different variations. Though, I’m sure there’s math somewhere that could tell us PRECISELY how many different lineups are possible!
Rich-
Beautiful summation.
Case Closed.
Cano is guilty as charged of being an “elite” 2nd baseman.
Thank you.
Fun Fact: Cano will be the third highest paid 2B in baseball next year
Love the “love” for an elite ball player like Robinson Cano. I haven’t had the opportunity to see any ST games but will be able to see my faves, Jeter, Joba and Cano in July.
Go Robbie!
Doreen – 2010 GTLU
March 8th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
Erica -
Wow. I didn’t think one could come up with that many different variations. Though, I’m sure there’s math somewhere that could tell us PRECISELY how many different lineups are possible!
****************
I am pretty sure the most variation I ever had was 27.
Those were the days that made my head spin.
Anyway, I am leaving work. Good night for now everyone!
F Y I – - And all 5 comments were positive!
Joba Chamberlain pays for Lincoln family’s vacation
Story Discussion By The Associated Press | Posted: Thursday, March 4, 2010 6:43 pm | (5) Comments
..Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain has paid for another Lincoln student’s family trip to Disney World. Another article said he does this because he never had a vacation as a child.
Each year, Chamberlain selects a student from one of his former elementary schools — Belmont or Clinton — who demonstrates hard work and good character. This is the third year he’s done so.
Belmont fifth-grader Riley Ressen, his mother and his little sister benefited this year. They were in Orlando, Fla., for four days and spent time with the baseball player.
The boy says he had fun.
His mother, Donna Cossette, says her family had never been to Disney World and never could have afforded it.
Chamberlain pitched for Nebraska before being drafted by the Yankees in 2006.
JeterJoba-
I would say the Yankees have and have had many “elite” ballplayers.
It’s part of their glorious tradition, and very much why we stand at 27 ready for 28.
JeterJoba-
thanks for posting that story about Joba.
He may have some things going on in his head but there appears to be nothing wrong with his heart.
“Taken together, compared to the competition, I think Cano is elite.”
———————–
I agree with this statement. Cano is elite for a 2B. He has not gotten to that level yet of being elite period. The only 2B there right now is Utley.
MTU,
So right that the Yankees have had many elite ball players. I have only been a Yankee fan since Mussina joined the team from my then favorite team, the O’s. At first I only watched when Moose pitched but was so intrigued by the athleticism of Jeter and became an avid fan.
The quality of the players has always been awesome. I used to believe that Bernie Williams batted every inning against the O’s because he was always at bat. And Andy Petitte seemmingly won every game he pitched.
Everyone has his or her favorite players but the accolades for Mickey Mantle are huge.
Benny Blanco
March 8th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Has anyone else noticed that Cano could wake up from sleeping in middle of the night and hit a baseball? This guy can flat out hit.
=====
Yeah, Benny. First time I saw him swing.
JeterJoba-
MM is the “elite” of the elite.
enjoying your posts.
I think Cano can and will be great but if he’s going to be he needs to make it as a 5 hole hitter. No superstars bat 7th. The Yanks have a gaping hole at no. 5 since Matsui left. Pasada is far better suited a little lower with his switch hitting ability and if Cano could hit 5th it would give the 5 hole a little more speed and a higher batting avg. I think and hope Cano can do it, ability will not stand in his way, if anything does it will be mental. By the way I have been ridiculed for lobbying for Damon over the dynamic duo of Gardner/Winn. Good to see a healthy competition there in Spring Training is bringing out the best in them. Gardner’s at .083 and Winn .143. I know everyone will tell me it’s early. Want to bet you’ll be singing the same song in July when Cashman spends prospects and money to get a bat. Trust me it’ll happen. Manny anyone?
MTU,
Joba’s heart is bigger than his alleged large waistline!
He may have some things going on in his head but there appears to be nothing wrong with his heart.
.
====
Joba’s good people. So are you, MTU.
pistol pete -
A lot of people’s first preference was Damon and/or Matsui. Matsui made a quick deal with the Angels (and I realize it’s debatable whether the Yankees would have re-signed him). They tried to sign Damon. Damon didn’t want the deal(s) they offered. You move on. Or most people do.
Why not wait to see exactly how the season unfolds before you deem it an unmitigated disaster on March 8th?
Is anyone else having problems with MLB network? My screen is blacked out – thanks!
pistol,
Who is this Pasada fellow you speak of?
No Betsy, Harold Reynolds is as loquacious as ever.
JeterJoba-
I think Harlan is Joba’s hero. He has said as much.
Perhaps, that is the source ?
Last year when Joba returned from Nebraska I wondered if what lead to his series of 3 really good starts was his time with his Father and family. Clearing his head.
Having heard Joba speak during more extended interviews my personal impression of him was positive.
I never saw him as stubborn, or as anything other than an intelligent young man.
I hope he reaches his cieling as a pitcher.
And above are some of the reasons I am pulling for him.
(And I want Phil to succeed as well, Betsy).
“Gardner’s at .083 and Winn .143. I know everyone will tell me it’s early.”
Gardner hit 367/.436/.673 in ST last year
It is not that it is early. It is that Spring Training does not matter, at all.
Bohdi-
Thanks. Likewise. I hope we can continue to be allys along with others of similar persuasion.
Sorry but it will be a surprise if Marcus Thames shows enough to make the roster going north. Fortunately he was only given a minor league deal and can be a free agent if he doesn’t make the final cut.
Colin Curtis deserves the chance unless Jamie Hoffman has a terrific rest of March.
Thames is a sub par fielder and a hit or miss long ball hitter.
Curtis tracks balls well in the OF and has a Matsui type swing.
This from being there at GMS Field and not TV.
Losing one of Matsui/Damon was acceptable but I’m not in favor of both. We’re losing too much experience, too much power, too many tough late game at bats especially vs leftys. Part time players are just that and always have been. Damon at 1 yr 8m was cheap enough. I just don’t buy the budget nonsense. Remember a couple yrs ago the Yanks paid $28m for Clemens and his juiced up 44 yr old body to go 6 and 6 nearly 1/2 way through the season, Please! Watch how much Cashman spends to fix the lineup when leftfield underperforms and if Johnson’s not healthy. It’ll be a lot more than what it would have cost for Damon or Matsui for a year.
Correction, Gardner hit .379/.446/.621 in ST last year
His OPS. Drumroll please……..
1.067. He was basically Albert Pujols in ST
Bohdi-
And like I think you do.
I try to use my eyes to inform my soul.
pistol pete -
It’s done.
Not only that, it’s not up to the fans.
And, again, Damon turned the Yankees down, and Matsui moved on quickly.
And as for Manny? Just no.
The baseball movie “sugar” is on HBO now.
The only thing dumber than suggesting the Yankees will trade for Manny is using ST stats, especially in the first 10 days, to compare players.
It’s amazing to me how little some people understand about the game despite having somuch information available to learn about the game.
MTU
March 8th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Bohdi-
And like I think you do.
I try to use my eyes to inform my soul.
====
I think Bill James or some other postmodern baseball guru made the observation that people remember a great catch, or an heroic display of base running in a given game, etc., and form a general opinion about a player, based on a subjective, sentimental snapshot.
Certain people take this dogma to to the extreme: “don’t trust your eyes – your eyes lie,” even when you watch a team play 81 home games and see these guys over and over again.
Meanwhile, you’re supposed to give way to some intern sitting in the stands with a notebook checking numbers into a box in an attempt to tell a story about that player’s defense.
It is beyond ridiculous.
If you can’t “trust” your eyes, and you’ve been watching baseball since 1965, find another spectator sport. And if you can’t, statistics are in no way going to illuminate what you fail to see in the first place.
Stats are useful but they are not a substitute for observation. If they were, teams would surely save the money and fire their scouting staffs.
MTU:
Agree with your post of 8:57 regarding Joba. Well, maybe not the last sentence. LOL.
His Dad Harlan has indeed been a big influence on him. From all articles I have read Harlan seems to be a task master. The photos of them together show a lot of warmth.
Joba and I share the same heritage although different tribes. Before I retired I worked for a law firm in DC with a practice in Indian law. Joba’s tribe was one of our clients and I thoroughly enjoyed working for them.
My younger son shares some of the traits of Joba and I can relate to that. That is why I can be so defensive when ill is spoken of Joba. My son was a large child also and had a gift of gab and could get along with anyone, even if he was the only Indian child in the group. They both have big hearts and a great sense of humor.
When Mussina was still pitching Joba asked him, among others to play a video game with him. Mussina ignored him and kept walking. Joba playfully asked him if he knew that loss of hearing was the first sign of old age.
I sincerely believe that both Joba and Phil have the talent to be in the rotation. Hopefully, management will be patient with both and enjoy the results of two great pitchers who are home grown.
JeterJobaCano,
Great post!
Joba’s individualism rubs button-down types the wrong way. Too bad for them – probably jealous of his vitality!
Love the remark to Mussina. I’m sure even crotchety Moose couldn’t help but crack a smile.
SJ44 You’re right, using St stats are ridiculous but do you really think the Gardner/Winn experiment will work, Johnson will stay healthy and the Yankees won’t need a bat, please. Part timers are part timers and Winn’s best years which weren’t that great are behind him. No worry we’ve got Cervelli, Pena, and Thames to pinch hit. I just get angry with the arrogance of Cashman. One title in 9 yrs with by far the largest payroll and he acts like God’s gift to GM ing. Do you think other GM’s wouldn’t have 1 ring in 9 yrs with a 70 million dollar advantage. We’re the Yankees, we expect the best players. We had a very good leftfielder and now we get cheap over net 6 million for 1 yr. with Damon. It’s was a mistake. We will be looking for a bat, trust me.
Bodhisattva:
Thanks! I have always enjoyed reading your posts on this board and appreciate the fact you are a Joba fan.
Agreed that his individualism probably does rub some people the wrong way. But that is Joba and in some manner, I believe it helps him cope with adversity.
I would still like to see the fist pumping and roar like a lion pitcher. Some one said it was his way of releasing the pressure.
I stopped literally being an O’s fan when one of the O’s hit a home run off Joba and made a big play of it. Some of the O’s were at home plate and laughing and clapping at the ridicule. B.Robb among them who was one of my favorites. Not anymore.
It is understandable that his actions on the mound are likened to showing up the batter and not the Yankee way. But if it helped him be productive ? ?
Sorry but I can’t help myself, the left field competition is heating up. Winn’s at 143 leading the pack, Golson is 125, Gardner and Thames 111 and Hoffman 071. Granderson’s spot is locked up, he’s at 000. The Yankees have always always been about quality over quantity. Oh are they going to miss Johnny.