Spring Training Game 7: Pirates at Yankees
Posted by: Sam Borden - Posted in Misc on Mar 09, 2010 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
YANKEES
Derek Jeter SS
Nick Johnson DH
Jorge Posada C
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Curtis Granderson CF
Nick Swisher RF
Randy Winn LF
Juan Miranda 1B
Kevin Russo 2B
Pitching: CC Sabathia (19-8, 3.37 ERA in 2009)
PIRATES
Andrew McCutchen CF
Ronnie Cedeno SS
Lastings Milledge LF
Garrett Jones RF
Andy LaRoche 3B
Jeff Clement 1B
Bobby Crosby DH
Delwyn Young 2B
Jason Jaramillo C
Pitching: Charlie Morton (5-9, 4.55 in 2009)
TIME/TV: 1:05 p.m., YES
WEATHER: Cloudy and a little bit of a chill in the air (for Florida). Temps are in the 60s with light wind.
UMPIRES: HP Damien Beal, 1B Eric Cooper, 3B Andy Fletcher (three-man crew today)
IN THE PEN: Following Sabathia to the mound today will be (among others who are available) Boone Logan, Dustin Moseley, Hector Noesi, Royce Ring and Romulo Sanchez. Tomorrow will see Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain in action.
BOWLING FOR DOLLARS: The Yankees announced this morning that the college bowl game at the Stadium this winter will be called the Pinstripe Bowl. I think Big Apple Bowl would have been better, but so it goes. The game will be between teams from the Big East and Big 12, and will be played on Dec. 30.
FAMILIAR FOES: This is the third the time the Yankees will play the Pirates this spring. They’ve won both previous games, including a 6-0 one-hitter yesterday in Bradenton.
CONGRATS: Yankees VP and assistant GM Jean Afterman has been honored by Women in Sports and Events as one of its Women of the Year. Kudos to Jean, who does a great job.
Back with more throughout the afternoon.
UPDATE, 1:14 p.m.: Whoa. Went downstairs to get a post-workout interview with Francisco Cervelli – he’s feeling better, hoping to play Friday – and when I come back up it’s 4-0. Not exactly the start CC was looking for, I’d imagine. Garrett Jones absolutely crushed one over the right-field fence.
UPDATE, 1:17 p.m.: Another hard-hit ball, but this one is a comebacker that CC spears and, after stepping calmly out of the way of a flying bat shard, throws to first.
UPDATE, 1:25 p.m.: Guess Nick Johnson is finding a routine he likes. That was a rocket over the right-center field fence for his first homer of the spring. 4-1 Pirates.
UPDATE, 1:33 p.m.: Another rocket, another RBI for Nick Swisher. That’s a team-high four RBI in five games for Swisher this spring.
UPDATE, 1:35 p.m.: For all you Edwar Ramirez fans out there: The Yankees just announced they’ve traded him to the Rangers for the immortal “cash considerations.” Ramirez was designated when Chan Ho Park was put on the roster.
UPDATE, 1:42 p.m.: That was better for CC. He’s slated to go three innings. Still 4-2 Pirates.
UPDATE, 1:55 p.m.: Garrett Jones, apparently, likes facing CC. Double for him, single for LaRoche and it’s 5-2.
UPDATE, 1:57 p.m.: A walk to Jeff Clement and that’s it for Sabathia. He’s out and Dustin Moseley is coming on with two on, one out in the third. Sabathia threw 55 pitches, 34 strikes.
UPDATE, 2:06 p.m.: Yup, he’s found a good routine. Whatever you’re doing today, Nick Johnson, write it down. Two homers today and it’s 5-3 Pirates.
UPDATE, 2:14 p.m.: Final line on Sabathia: 2.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 W, 2 K, 1 HR. Clearly this means he’s washed up. I’ll be sure to ask if he’s planning to give some of that $161 million back.
UPDATE, 2:31 p.m.: Getting interesting here: Kevin Russo works a walk and now the bases are loaded for the Captain. Yanks down three but one swing here could be big.
UPDATE, 2:35 p.m.: Well, I think we all predicted that, didn’t we? Jeter bounces to third (did score one run) and Jon Weber – yes, Jon Weber – delivers the big blow, slicing a double down the left-field line to score two and tie the game at 6.
UPDATE, 2:37 p.m.: Single up the middle for Posada and it’s 7-6 Yankees.
UPDATE, 3:08 p.m.: Just got back up from talking to CC Sabathia. As much as he knows these games don’t matter, he wasn’t too pleased. “Everything was up – belt-high and above. It’s pretty easy to hit when it’s like that,” he said. Of course, CC got knocked around in Lakeland last year too and, obviously, that didn’t exactly ruin his season.
Is JAROMIR 1st!
Is anybody else just desperate for real baseball?
twenty some odd days remaining!
Montero playing today???
BP reasons that “upper-level pitchers have low ceilings, and after Montero, there’s not a hitter in the system close to contributing.”
—————————–
I am not seeing what is inaccurate, wrong, stupid, etc. with this statement. This seems spot-on to me.
What am I missing here?
Where has Chad been?
Blake-
“Where has Chad been?”
Probably just been hangin’
CR9 this has been the longest offseason ever…a week after the World Series, I was ready for baseball again. Glad it’s back but I’m also want to get the real thing started in April
Blake: Every beat writer takes a break at some point, plus it’s helpful for a writer who is going to write about the team as often as I will to spend some time in spring training. Chad will be back on Friday.
Jerkface,
The blackout comment was hysterical and probably true.
Chip,
Gardner isn’t going to make the team? Really? Come on dude now you are just acting crazy
Is Romine going to get some action today? Also, is Melancon ok? He was supposed to pitch yesterday and he didn’t…and now he’s not pitching today.
I’m not interested in any of those pitchers except CC….
Since we all know that ST is just tune up time (unless there’s a 5th starter spot open, and then you have to wait and watch…) people might be interested in watching the Nats v. Tigers. Game is on MLB TV. Stephen Straburg makes his debut for the Nats. And people who want a little auld lang syne might even see Johnny Damon.
Number one overall draft pick. Pretty cool. (Plus the Nats are my adopted team so I will be rooting for them today even though it’s just ST.)
Another local interest connection. Wil Nieves is the catcher!!!
(Just announced Damon not playing in this game.)
Am I the only one that rather see Colin Curtis in LF than Winn?
trisha,
Don’t forget, Porcello is also pitching that game. In a few years those two guys could be 2 of the best pitchers in the game.
“Am I the only one that rather see Colin Curtis in LF than Winn?”
WIth the way Curtis is hitting right now, heck yea
Austin Jackson is also in the game, and they just announced that Phil Coke is vying for the 5th spot in the rotation.
Wow…
CONGRATS: Yankees VP and assistant GM Jean Afterman has been honored by Women in Sports and Events as one of its Women of the Year.
**************************
Good for Jean
Brandon Awesome (B/c I’m more AWESOME than the ARod HGH mob)
March 9th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Colin Curtis is intriguing I must admit. I like Hoffmann, Colin C, Winn, Thames & Gardner in LF in that order. LOL! I am probably the only one!
Can anybody give me a list of the probable starters for the games up till the 16th of March??? I’m heading down to see some games and want to look forward to who I will be seeing when. Thanks guys!
They’re hitting CC today. I’m glad its spring training.
And Porcello just turned 21.
Now that’s someone to watch.
(Screen info just said Nathan went for MRI and CT scan and Twins are waiting for results.)
benshpigel Sabathia has faced four hitters: single, double, single, home run (garrett jones). 4-0, Pirates #yankees
2 minutes ago via web
========================
well, that’s not good
“Don’t forget, Porcello is also pitching that game. In a few years those two guys could be 2 of the best pitchers in the game.”
Speaking of young pitchers, Chapman once again played to glowing reviews in two scoreless innings yesterday. Keith Law was there in person and referred to his slider as toxic.
I want to see Colin get more ABs he’s improved so much more than what I remembered, I mean really I know Winn is a good guy but I’m hoping he doesn’t block Colin’s potential on this squad for the 4th OF spot.
Steev
March 9th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Can anybody give me a list of the probable starters for the games up till the 16th of March??? I’m heading down to see some games and want to look forward to who I will be seeing when. Thanks guys!
***********************
I believe that’s the date that Mo is making his first ST game appearance
Let’s not get carried away over early spring AB’s.
Randy Winn is a better player than Colin Curtis.
Strasburg got out of the first inning with 7 pitches.
“I mean really I know Winn is a good guy but I’m hoping he doesn’t block Colin’s potential on this squad for the 4th OF spot.”
There’s a couple million reasons why that’s probably exactly what will happen.
CC better go to the 8th inning…complacent son of a gun.
Congrats Jean!
Anyone want to fill me in as to why the lambasted the BP ranking/description of the Yankees? Bueller?
Would like to learn about the system if I am missing someone.
The head injury topic was last thread, but I figure this article is still very well worth reading, so here be a repost:
http://www.gq.com/sports/profi.....rentPage=1
Some guys are just horrible ST pitchers and CC may be one of them. I don’t like to see it, but I sort of think he’s proven enough in the regular/post-seasons that he’ll be ok.
So Frankie is hoping to play Friday; the Yankees are completely foolish if they don’t tell him he’s not playing for a few weeks at least.
UPDATE, 1:25 p.m.: Guess Nick Johnson is finding a routine he likes. That was a rocket over the right-center field fence for his first homer of the spring. 4-1 Pirates.
For the 1,000th time, its not about results in ST for guys like CC. Its about building arm strength, getting your pitch count up, and experimenting on different things.
Fans get caught up in ST results. The players could care less about them. Especially veteran players.
The beauty in the draft system is that sometimes it is the only thing that helps the smaller market teams to become competitive – witness the Rays.
BloggingBombers Last year, people thought it was the end of the world when Sabathia got rocked in an early-spring start. I don’t think that’ll happen today. 21 seconds ago
“Guess Nick Johnson is finding a routine he likes.”
Yeah. Facing Charlie Morton.
Grandy strikes out looking with two on and 1 out. 2 on and 2 down for Swish.
SJ44
March 9th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
For the 1,000th time, its not about results in ST for guys like CC. Its about building arm strength, getting your pitch count up, and experimenting on different things.
Fans get caught up in ST results. The players could care less about them. Especially veteran players.
================================================
One more time SJ….I dont think they heard you…LOL
Thought you’d like this one, Trish:
jaysonst One scout’s instant review of Strasburg: “Makes Porcello look like he’s playing catch with his sister.”
half a minute ago via web
“March 9th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
For the 1,000th time, its not about results in ST for guys like CC. Its about building arm strength, getting your pitch count up, and experimenting on different things.
Fans get caught up in ST results. The players could care less about them. Especially veteran players.”
SJ why do you even bother, srsly just let them think he sucks, it’s more fun.
“The beauty in the draft system is that sometimes it is the only thing that helps the smaller market teams to become competitive – witness the Rays.”
Operative word = sometimes – witness today’s opposition
“Guess Nick Johnson is finding a routine he likes.”
“Yeah. Facing Charlie Morton.”
Would you rather he just stand there with the bat on his shoulders?
Yeah, Frank,
cause Nick Johnson has never shown himself to be a very good hitter before.
****NEWS*****
JackCurry1 Yankees have traded Edwar Ramirez to Texas Rangers for cash considerations
less than a minute ago via web
Erin,
Don’t be so sure. I’m sure we will have people in here post that CC is showing signs of wear and tear from all the innings he’s worked the past few years.
I would say the chances everybody shrugs off this outing, despite it being the smart thing to do, is nil.
“Would you rather he just stand there with the bat on his shoulders?”
No, not really.
RBI single for Swish.
Nick hits a homer??? ICY HOT does wonders for the back.
SJ, of course – FYI, I was not implying any worry on my behalf about CC. I was just making a comment. For all we know, he could be trying out new pitches. AJ may get killed tomorrow as well, given that he’s throwing change ups in place of his curves and everyone knows what’s coming. You just know the back pages are going to be freaking out, though – they did last year.
If healthy, Nick is going to be a terrific pick up for us. Also (that is, I was referring to NJ above), Swisher looked good yesterday. Flaherty was mentioning his stance and how quiet it is now.
JackCurry1 Yankees have traded Edwar Ramirez to Texas Rangers for cash considerations 2 minutes ago
Lighten Phil. Just joking. It was an indictment of Morton and his technicolor ERA, not Johnson.
Wynn flies out. 4-2 going into the second. With the pitchers we have going today, and 4 runs already in, there’s a good chance we give up double digits.
* Lighten UP…
Vazquez laughed yesterday after giving up the HR to Rollins.
These guys do not care about the outcome nor should they. If they cared about the outcome they would not experiment with things, and that would be a very bad thing for development. Even if CC went out there and three 6 scoreless innings that is not necessarily a good sign of where he is at right now or how he will perform in season.
This is Gardner’s line in ST last year.
.379/.446/.621
When you see stuff like that you know the scores, statistics, etc. do not matter. It is just about how these guys feel, how confident they are in their pitches, how strong they are, and if they have gotten a good handle on a new pitch or grip.
LOL speak of the devil……
Aww, poor Edwar. I hope he does well in Texas…
Rish –
Really impressive. The kid is really poised, plus he has a nasty breaking ball. They said his fastball is 100 mph and his changeup is clocked at 78. And he has 4 pitches but only went to 2 of them throughout college.
Thanks Rishi!
Frank,
that was unclear, and given the context of this blog, you never know when someone is going to say something really stupid.
SJ44
March 9th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Erin,
Don’t be so sure. I’m sure we will have people in here post that CC is showing signs of wear and tear from all the innings he’s worked the past few years.
I would say the chances everybody shrugs off this outing, despite it being the smart thing to do, is nil.
**********************
LOL You’re so right!
Nick has always been a splendid hitter w/ high upside, he just needs to stay healthy for a season. If Youk is greek god of walks, Nick is devil of on base %
Phil, true, lol – not exactly the cream of the crop. Is Royce Ring signed to a minor league deal? If so, then I certainly hope he pitches well – maybe he can help us during the year (I’m sure we’ll need relief help from the minors at some point).
“UPDATE, 1:35 p.m.: For all you Edwar Ramirez fans out there: The Yankees just announced they’ve traded him to the Rangers for the immortal “cash considerations.” Ramirez was designated when Chan Ho Park was put on the roster.”
I would have taken a water bucket to be named later for edwar ramirez
I’m in for a long afternoon at work-I forgot to charge my ipod last night, and my battery just ran out.
Edwar is the classic case of fans not getting too caught up in minor league numbers.
He was unhittable in the minors because hitters at that level have real trouble with changeups. Especially good one’s like Edwar’s.
However, at the major league level, his lack of a second pitch, preferably a well located fastball, doomed him.
Hope it works out for him in Texas. Although, that ballpark is certainly not a pitcher friendly ballpark.
God pls let Golson learn how to hit.
Cash considerations are good.
With us!
Best of luck to Edwar
Edwar better start his milkshake diet now.
Poor guy will whither away to nothing if he ever pitches in that sweatbox.
1-2-3 for CC in the second. Now let’s take the lead!
When Tony and Pedro come up to the majors, that Pirates team if they keep thier own can make some noise.
If Colin doesn’t get 2 or 3 ABs today I swear…
Maybe Texas is paying for Edwar to teach Feliz the change up.
No easy out there.
I would have taken a water bucket to be named later for edwar ramirez
–
You’d never get a water bucket for Edwar from Texas, its too damn arid.
Edwar to the Rangers? Angels are probably happy to see him in back in the AL West lol.
Kevin your eye is better than that.
John Harper is really struggling to find stories to write this spring.
Today he decides to write a “put both Phil and Joba in the bullpen” story that’s on the Daily News website at this time.
I’m always humored at how a guy who has been around the game as long as Harper could have such a hard time finding stories to write.
To do that (putting both in the pen) is as ridiculous as moving Tex to LF so Juan Miranda can play first base.
He even contradicts himself in the middle of the story when Cashman pretty much shoots down the idea.
You have to be able to find something more logical to write than putting both Phil and Joba in the bullpen.
If you can’t, stop taking the Daily News’ per diem, go home, and just have the paper take their stories off the wire and from Feinsand.
“When Tony and Pedro come up to the majors, that Pirates team if they keep thier own can make some noise.”
McCutchen should be a terrific player and Milledge and LaRoche may be solid contributors to go along with Pedro and Tony, but not sure where the hurlers are coming from?
Edwar in Texas? In that summer heat? He’s gonna melt away to nothing..Oh, wait a minute…
Good for Eddie.
Today’s gameday:
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday.....b_nyamlb_1
Is anybody else having problems with MLC.net…..The feed gets frozen after a few minutes, this is the 2nd time this week….
“McCutchen should be a terrific player and Milledge and LaRoche may be solid contributors to go along with Pedro and Tony, but not sure where the hurlers are coming from?”
Prbly Scranton.
Man I love Swish. Hes gonna have a monster year this year.
“Prbly Scranton.”
LOL.
Sadly, that’s probably why they won’t be making much noise for awhile.
Way to go CC. This is why you need to show up to Spring Training in shape.
Did I miss something?? Is there a prize for winning spring training games? I thought they were just a mechanism for getting ready for the actual season…
my bad
The Pirates have some decent young arms. Brad Lincoln is very talented and he’s 2 years off of TJ Surgery.
They have Tim Atherton, who they got from the Giants in the Freddie Sanchez deal, who was one of the top Giants pitching propsects last year.
The guy to watch is a LH named Rudy Owens. He may start the year in either Bradenton (A) or Altoona (AA), he’s only 20 and he really knows how to pitch. A very talented kid who has the potential of being a fast mover through the system.
They drafted several arms last year, led by Victor Black, and paid over slot to sign them.
Their position players are a bit ahead of their pitching propsects. But, there are 4-6 arms that are definitely worth watching.
EEK is a perfect name for you.
thats it . .i had enough . .TRADE CC .. get him off this team !
Gotta love the kids on third grade recess whining about ST results.
Always a fun moment on the blog!
Way to make an idiot of yourself there EEK! You are now the newest member of the bridgejumpers club.
Garrett Jones straight up murders baseballs.
Not really the dominant CC today.
JohnC, the bridgejumpers club are laughing at him, he’s more the slityourwrist club.
I don’t want pitchers dominant in March. Its wasting bullets. Save them for the game that count.
Moseley K’s Crosby.
SJ, The Bucs stole Tim Atherton…..He can very well will be an impact arm for them real soon
Young flies out to Granderson. 5-2, let’s take the lead!
Hector Noesi is the only intriguing guy we have listed for the pen today.
SJ:
Was familiar with Lincoln and Alderson (though he seems to fallen into lower regard among the prospect/scouting yahoos). Not familiar with the others. It’ll be interesting to see how they make it work, because they will have some players in their everyday 8.
CC usually doesnt get hot until mid may anyway, so lets not panic when he is 1-3 in april.
Hi Nick
Nick the Stick homers again. 5-3 0 outs.
To be honest, I get a little nervous when anyone is “too good” in ST. 2008 with Cano and Giambi sticks out.
Po walks!
Nick said when he worked w/ Long, he learned that he never used his legs when he was swinging before, so this is using your legs.
I thought Nick Johnson was permanently disabled after his injury the other day. At least that’s what the bridgejumpers were selling on here all last week.
Pat M,
I agree. Tony said Tim has a great arm and solid command. He has caught of couple of his bullpens and was very impressed.
ARod GIDP’s.
Granderson grounds out. 5-3 after 3.
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports.....EONm6EjFJJ
i thought they hated each other. LOL
Moseley’s in a jam.
SJ, I think that they’ll be spending some quality time with each other for many years…..Well you hope so, Pirate front office seems to be very stable with a sound blueprint looking forward…..I miss the Bucs , they’re one of my favorite teams, regardless of 1960…Loved the uni’s when I was a kid……Baseball is back in Pitt.
6-3. 2 outs.
Thank God for the draft system and the way it’s set up or some of these smaller market teams would never be competitive. The draft system definitely helped the Rays get where they are.
I just love watching the talent in the game of baseball, not all of which is located within the New York Yankees!
They pick off Cedeno after Po throws down to Arod. Gotta catch up here in the 4th, only down 3.
Swisher walks. Let’s rally!
Wynn walks. Tie er up, Miranda!
Vamos Juan, dale don dale.
im thinking that granderson is one of those guys we are going to have to be patient with early on.
I still don’t like Winn he’s getting in the way of Colin Curtis’s and Greg Golsen’s ABs.
Good to see the Yanks ship off Edwar. I hear they saved money on Ramirez by simply faxing him over to the Rangers…
Miranda K’s swinging on a 3-2 pitch.
Aeronatic,
nice!
…
that was an interesting article on concussions and pro football. Some of that was discussed on ESPN’s Outside the Lines
Russo walks. Juiced for Jete.
Brandon,
Randy Winn is going to make the team. Curtis and Golston are not.
Winn is getting AB’s to get ready for the season. He’s not in a competition with 2 AAA OF’s for a roster spot.
Ledger_Yankees Was covering the O’s and stifling my laughter when an irate Kevin Millar called Edwar Ramirez a “cute little fella” and “good hittin’” 7 minutes ago
On Miranda’s AB for the pitcher to have to throw him his out pitch there on 3-2 in ST, tells you how he will find a spot on this team, somehow somewhere, Juan is going to be in the majors this season.
Jeter tries to GIDP, but can’t and a run scores.
Weber hitting for Nick.
SJ, I know I personally don’t like him in the way of them. That’s just my take.
Philthe Thrill, he battled back from 0-2 and got the count to 3-2…..Just knew Burris was hooking him down and away, and he bit……Wonder what becomes of Miranda in 2010 ???
Weber doubles, Wynn and Russo score. The game is TIED!
“Jeter tries to GIDP, but can’t and a run scores.”
We’re grinding our AB’s this inning. Gotta alway do that.
SJ, I still think leftfield is Randy’s to lose, regardless of all the Gardner believers and comments
How good is everyone’s memory?
http://www.sporcle.com/games/y.....09_yankees
Austin Jackson just went yard, a bomb no less
Po singles home Weber and we have taken the lead. Pitching change!
I didn’t see that article this morning, SJ. LOL Are you kidding? Harper has been awful this spring……I can’t begin to go into why Joba and Hughes both in the pen is asinine. I sort of somewhat understand why people think Joba is better as a reliever, but for them to come to that conclusion about Phil is absolutely ridiculous. He’s only pitched parts of 3 years and he showed a lot of promise last year. These writes know zilch about developing pitchers.
Austin Jackson really doing it up for the Tigers both in the field and at the plate. Broadcasters gushed about him for quite a while.
NYPost_Kernan If Twitter were around in Mantle’s day in spring training. Mantle K’s for 3rd time, looks like he has a hangover, #Yankees should trade him. 9 seconds ago
Side Note : why is it taking so long for the OLD YANKEE STADIUM to be demolished?
How’d Russo do today? I like what I’ve heard of him – I’m still rooting for him over Pena. So far, so good for Swish… liking this new stance.
Russo K’d, walked and scored so far.
Laird guns out Clement as Ring gets a 1-2-3 inning.
Granderson leading off the 5th.
Chip,
Gardner isn’t going to make the team? Really? Come on dude now you are just acting crazy
—————————————
Patrick –
I think it’s possible he doesn’t make the team.
If you give it some thought it does make sense – if Randy Winn beats out Gardner for the job in LF (which I think is more than a little likely to happen) that leaves two spots for three guys (Thames, Hoffmann and Gardner).
Figure Thames will get one of those spots for his power off the bench that leaves one spot for either Hoffmann or Gardner.
If you listen to both Cashman and Stick over the last couple of weeks, both are very high on Hoffmann’s potential. He’s a very strong defensive outfielder and (unlike Gardner) is capable of playing all three spots. As a Rule V pick the club can’t send Hoffmann to AAA – but they can send Gardner there.
What’s the real value of Gardner if he’s not starting? He’s a very good pinch runner and defensive replacement – well Hoffmann can handle the defensive replacement part of the gig and between him and Ramiro Pena they’re fine with pinch runners.
Granderson triples off the wall in center. That right there is exactly what I was talking about.
Trish – next time Cashman goes to trade a minor leaguer, better the opposing GM says “they traded AJax and look how good he turned out” than “remember how good AJax was supposed to be but now he’s out of baseball”. Yes I will be sad if he turns into a perennial all-star but we want the rest of baseball thinking the Yanks turn out quality players from the minors.
Phil, thanks!
Curtis runs so funny, but damn can he run
Detroit destroying the Nats today.
Life happens.
Betsy – I think they’ll go with Pena just because he’s a better middle infielder than Russo. If Cano or Alex were to miss significant time (Knock on wood) I think you would see Russo get the call to play on a more regular basis.
Swish K’s but only because he tensed up with 0 outs and a man at 3rd.
still can’t stand Randy Winn
Wynn K’s but only because there was 1 out and a man on third.
Gardner is a lock to make the team.
If, for no other reason, speed and defense off the bench.
The Yankees didn’t re-sign Johnny Damon to not have Brett Gardner not make the team.
He’s on the team. His role however, is to be determined.
Miranda grounds out to first and we strand the man at third.
Josh I absolutely agree with you. You wish you could keep and develop them all, but of course that’s impossible. And it’s a credit to the Yankee organization when one of our prospects really turns out well. It just makes me a little sad when someone who is highly regarded ends up leaving.
By the way, if anyone knows, is IPK still with the Yankees?
In what universe is Brett Gardner unable to play other outfield positions? He had a million UZR in LF in his limited time there. I’m not saying UZR is accurate, or anything, but I’d sooner believe that than Brandon. He has played 17 games in LF in the majors and is rated 10 runs better than he is in CF.
Hoffman has only EVER played RF in the majors.
Gardner has played 30 more games in LF than Hoffman in his career.
Please, stop making stuff up.
Montero now catching. Sanchez pitching, pop out to Corona at second.
What exactly has Hoffman done in ST so far that makes anybody think he is making the team?
Just because Gene Michael says in a radio interview he’s an interesting guy, that isn’t an indication he is making the team.
He isn’t a better defender than Gardner. Isn’t a better runner than Gardner and it remains to be seen if he is a better hitter than Gardner.
Just as chip insisted Aceves is getting traded, which he isn’t, Gardner isn’t going to AAA.
He’s a lock to start the season in NY.
IPK was traded to Arizona in the Granderson deal
Put me down for 12 three baggers for Curtis this season
By the way, if anyone knows, is IPK still with the Yankees?
–
Uh we traded his ass to Arizona with a stop in Detroit.
Thank god there is a Colin Curtis sighting.
SJ44
March 9th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Gardner is a lock to make the team.
If, for no other reason, speed and defense off the bench.
The Yankees didn’t re-sign Johnny Damon to not have Brett Gardner not make the team.
He’s on the team. His role however, is to be determined.
—————————–
SJ –
Hoffmann and Gardner provide almost the exact same qualities off the bench. Gardner has a little more speed but Hoffmann has a better arm and can back up all three spots.
The Yankee brain trust likes Hoffmann – assuming they take Thames with them then sending Brett to AAA is the only way to keep both Hoffmann and Gardner in the organization.
kid? he’s 27
Sanchez with a 1-2-3 6th.
Hoffmann and Gardner provide almost the exact same qualities off the bench. Gardner has a little more speed but Hoffmann has a better arm and can back up all three spots.
The Yankee brain trust likes Hoffmann – assuming they take Thames with them then sending Brett to AAA is the only way to keep both Hoffmann and Gardner in the organization.
–
Why are you assuming we are taking Thames with us anywhere? He hasn’t shown anything yet.
Thanks for the info on IPK – both the straight and humorous versions!!!
Now there’s one guy I was happy to see go bon voyage. I wish him well but I am glad he’s not with the Yanks anymore. Talk about promise going unfulfilled – at least at this point in time.
Reegie up.
Never like to see that, stranding a runner at third. Randy Winn’s a pro – it doesn’t matter if he has a bad spring or not unless you think that it’s just a continuation of a horrible 2009. Hoffman hasn’t done anything, but if the Yankees like him, they’ll pull a deal off with the Dodgers and send him to AAA.
If Yankees baseball were WWE wrestling, Flash would be the heel commentator, but he brings so much LOLs.
Eduardo and he’s black today.
I don’t see Thames making the team, he’s a poor defender with one trick, power against lefties, Yankees already have enough power and don’t need a pinch hitter that much, who would he pinch hit for? Gardner on occasion? I’d rather have another player in Hoffman that can play all three outfield positions well and improve the versatility and defense late in games.
Reegie works the count full before k’ing
ROMULO IS DA BOMB!!!!!!!!
Chip, I suppose that’s true, but Russo seems to be a better hitter period. Can’t he learn to play SS or is it too late at this point?
Sanchez is a pitcher the Yanks got from the Bucs I believe, correct? Is he a starter or reliever? LOL Probably a reliever- it seems they have a zillion of those types down in the minors.
IPK was always a low ceiling guy who was never going to pan out in the AL east, too much offense with hitters ballparks for someone who doesn’t strike guys out to succeed, he’ll do better as a back of the rotation guy in the pitcher friendly NL West.
Nunez K’s.
Gorecki, Golson and Hoffmann are basically the same players. If NYY wants to keep Hoffmann for whatever reason, just send one of the other two to LA for Hoffmann and stash him at Scranton. He hasn’t even fielded that well, which is supposed to be his biggest selling point.
Weber grounds out.
Montero should be hitting leadoff in the 7th.
Rumulo learned to hit triple digits when the Yankees retuned him, he could be Jose Veras v2.0
Wassup with Melancon?
Sanchez really impressed me
Hoffman has made a couple of good plays on balls that were swirling in the wind, he’s a role player and I don’t mind him being #25 on the roster.
Russo’s range isn’t good enough to put in much more than emergency time at shortstop. Pena has done nothing to lose his spot.
“By the way, if anyone knows, is IPK still with the Yankees?”
“Now there’s one guy I was happy to see go bon voyage. I wish him well but I am glad he’s not with the Yanks anymore. Talk about promise going unfulfilled – at least at this point in time.”
wow, it sounds like someone else needs spring training to get up to speed.
Ledger_Yankees CC evaluated his performance thusly: “Tough. Terrible.” Says he’s still fighting with his delivery. Went through it last spring, too. 2 minutes ago
Hoffmann has looked a lot like Lonnie (Skates) Smith in the outfield too many times.
R. Sanchez – they just took him out. Did he hit his pitch limit or do they want to bring someone else in with a guy on base? Or both?
Yankees are better off leaving Russo in the minors and allowing him to continue to develop in a pressure free situation rather than retarding his progress by allowing him to waste away on the bench, how many days off will Cano, Jeter and A-Rod end up taking off anyways, whoever it is playing utility infield wont see much time in the field anyways.
Purr no more
Chato is getting some PT at 1B
They probably took Sanchez out so Logan could face the lefty, they want to see him against lefties because thats what he’s trying out for, situational lefty reliever.
GB
about time you got up
I’d like to know what’s up with Melancon as well….
Thanks, Uke. Makes sense.
Chip,
I’ll make a friendly wager with you. I will bet you Gardner makes this team. In fact, I’ll say he’s a lock if he is healthy.
They may “like” Hoffman, but they like Gardner more. That’s why they were willing to let Damon go.
Hoffman doesn’t provide the same things Gardner provides.
He hasn’t shown he can hit at all. Not in his brief stop with the Dodgers last year and not so far this spring.
Defense and speed, Gardner is much better.
Gardner’s spot on the team is secure.
I know you don’t believe that. Just as you insisted Aceves was a lock to be traded for financial reasons even though a bunch of us explained to you how that argument wasn’t logical.
So, here are the terms of the bet….
If Gardner is on the team Opening Day, you don’t post here for a week.
If he is in AAA, I will not post here for a week.
Deal?
“R. Sanchez – they just took him out. Did he hit his pitch limit or do they want to bring someone else in with a guy on base? Or both?”
LHB came up, they wanted Logan to pitch to him. Logan is impressive if he can keep throwing strikes, love Coke but Logan also sits 93-94 and touches 95 from what I’ve seen this ST.
maybe the acquisition of Boone Logan will be a … boon…for the Yankees ?
Jerkface
March 9th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
Hoffmann and Gardner provide almost the exact same qualities off the bench. Gardner has a little more speed but Hoffmann has a better arm and can back up all three spots.
The Yankee brain trust likes Hoffmann – assuming they take Thames with them then sending Brett to AAA is the only way to keep both Hoffmann and Gardner in the organization.
–
Why are you assuming we are taking Thames with us anywhere? He hasn’t shown anything yet.
——-
Jerkface –
Three reasons:
1. The Yankee bench lacks any sort of power and he would provide some
2. He’s got a very strong track record against LHP through his ML career
3. If the Yankees don’t take him North he can opt out of his deal.
Again – if the Yankees can only take two of the three guys with them, wouldn’t it make sense to do so in a way that keeps all three of them in the organization?
Only way to do that is by sending Brett to AAA.
Pat M-
I got a present from you in the mail yesterday. Thank you!!!
And I thought the “thank you” stationary was a nice touch
Chad just got a shout-out by Bob Lorenz, as did “our friends at the Lohud Blog.”
Lorenz just mentioned Chad Jenning and the LoHud blog. =)
Deal – with one caveat – loser of the bet does have to post on here once a day to say that the winner was right all along…sound fair?
Hey SJ you can’t have it both ways. You can’t tap dance all over peoples’ heads when they make judgements on what people have done so far in ST and then use the same thing (what has he done in ST so far?) as a justification for saying you’re right about something! If it’s too early to know, then it’s too early to know.
IMO there are certain things that are sewn up (Jeter will start in short, Arod will be at 3rd, we have 4 starters, Mariano will close) and then there are some things that are less certain. Everyone has the right to posit what they think the eventual outcome will be because nothing is etched in stone. Lots of decisions are made based on what happens during the course of ST. Nobody corners the market on knowing for sure because there are a lot of uncertainties and unknowns, especially at this point in time!
Gardner started in center last year based on what Girardi saw in the course of ST. Most people, if not all, would have had Melky starting in center without question. So see, the one thing ya know is that things will shake out while ST plays out – allow people to have a variety of thoughts, sit back, wait, and watch! And dammit, enjoy the show.
and, not that it really has anything to do with the terms of the bet – but Brett Gardner is not the reason why Johnny Damon is not a Yankee. Scott Boras and Johnny Damon are the reasons why Johnny Damon is not a Yankee.
Hey I’m thinking that maybe Cervelli should catch AJ this year.
3 pitch inning? Patience, young ones…
upstate kate
March 9th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
GB
about time you got up
————————————————————
I’m just not awake, yet. When I start making typos, that’s when you will know that I’m awake.
LoHud getting some on air love…..Chip I’ll get in on that wager, I’ll disappear for the following week as well, as will you to…
If they were guaranteed to take Thames north they’d have signed him to a major league deal. He has to show something to make the team.
No problem Doreen, and do the Yankees really need power off the bench? I don’t think so, they have enough power and can afford to go the defense route with the bench which is why I think Thames won’t be with the Yankees this season, also, although the idea of Logan is a good one, I don’t think he’ll be on the 25 man roster either, his numbers against lefties just aren’t that good.
Jerkface -
Can’t argue with that. I just think that it makes the most sense.
If the Yankees were to take, Hoffmann, Gardner, Pena and Cervelli as their bench – that’s a good defensive bench but not a hitter in the bunch.
The sluggers for the bench are really Miranda or Thames and I don’t see the need for the Yankees to carry another left handed bat/1b on their bench.
Erica, Did you see who’s name was on the envelope ???? # 44
Gardner will be on the team. I don’t know how long he will be a starter but he’s valuable off the bench and has shown he can perform in that role (not everyone can).
Way to go Chad!
Pat M, because I’m not crazy about IPK doesn’t mean I’m not crazy about you!
Thames one ability is power, and he didn’t show the normal ‘thames’ power in 2009. His last good year vs LHP was 2007. He is not lock. The Yankees are not going to bring him North if he is only going to hit 15 HRs and provide nothing else. Those 15 HRs require a ton of ABs where Thames will be not hitting or getting on base for the majority.
I reckon you bring Miranda north and you get a better on base vs lefties and superior results vs righties. He can probably play the outfield about as good as well.
The LF battle is between Gardner and Winn, loser to the bench, not AAA.
No, that’s one reason Chip.
The other reason is they had Gardner as a guy they liked at 400K to hit 9th and provide what he could provide and that’s why they didn’t give Damon the 2/20 deal he was looking for.
Also, having Hoffman and Thames on the team makes them too righthanded off the bench. That’s something Girardi doesn’t want.
The Yankees have put in a ton of time with Brett Gardner.
They didn’t do it to send him to AAA.
Just as, despite John Harper’s contention, they didn’t spend all this time developing Hughes and Chamberlain to put both of them in the bullpen.
Trisha,
Honestly, you shouldn’t even involve yourself in roster conversations. You don’t understand them and you don’t want to understand.
Just take your own advice and “sit back and watch”.
Some of us on the blog like talking about the roster machinations. If you don’t, just stay out of those conversations.
Pat M.
March 9th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
Erica, Did you see who’s name was on the envelope ???? # 44
***********
YES!!!! I was quite honored the great Reggie Jackson (and Pat M) were sending me mail
What happens if both Thames and Hoffman strike out this spring? I guess go with Thames – he’s a pro. Some guys just don’t have good springs – I’m sure he’d do well for us.
YankeesWFAN CC: “Everything was up…pretty easy to hit when its like that.” 2.1 inn, 7 hits, 5 runs. 57 seconds ago
gorecki =o….ouch
Damn that was some horrible CF’ing
Pat M., do you think that the Twins will go out looking for a closer, or do they use Pat Neshek and Jesse Crain as the main closers? Neshek was out for the last year and a half for the same issues.
GB,
They are talking about Jon Rauch or Matt Guerrer possibly closing for them. At least for right now.
GB’s scouting report on Laird’s arm is there in full view
What happens if both Thames and Hoffman strike out this spring? I guess go with Thames – he’s a pro. Some guys just don’t have good springs – I’m sure he’d do well for us.
–
Theres a possibility that neither of them make the team, Hoffman goes back to the Dodgers and Thames can opt out if he wants. Given the yankees outfield prospects I’d take a minor league deal unless my agent scored major league playing time somewhere else. If not I’d def go to scranton and see what develops in the majors, he’d be the first called up.
Hoffman has to show more than defense to make the team. He has to have a 2009 gardner type spring training, or show some promise atleast.
Gardner has on based .340 in the majors with 20 steals. He has proven he can play. I like Hoffman’s upside, but he is just a luxury rule 5 pick.
Not a good throw by Laird. He had a lot more time than he thought. Montero made a good catch while trying to block off the plate, though.
If Thames and Hoffman both strike out, Hoffman gets the spot IMO, It’s his spot to lose because the Yankees don’t want to give him back, Thames was on the market for 32 teams to sign and nobody took a chance until late in the free agency period, Hoffman has a higher upside than Thames.
montero looks more than capable behind the plate
Good to see CC’s pitch count get up. That’s all that matters at this point in ST. Hell be fine.. The guy is a beast, he didn’t even make the AS team last year and was the 3rd best pitcher in the AL. No worries for BIG C!
still 7-6?
Nobody talks about Randy Winn, he’s a solid player. He can actually start in LF and hit 9th just as well as Gardner.
The yankees aren’t going to carry Hoffman on the 25 man roster for the fun of it.
I think everyone is overrating a rule 5 guy here.
I think you’re overstating their interest in Brett Gardner.
The Yankees have always looked at Gardner (and Melky) as spare part outfielders. Placeholders and nothing more. Originally they were there as stopgaps until Austin Jackson was ready. I don’t think it would cause anyone any undo distress to send Brett to AAA to open the season until an injury makes it necessary to recall him.
There’s not that much difference between Gardner and Hoffmann at this stage and I believe that they think Hoffmann may offer a little more upside than Gardner and if they want to keep Hoffmann in the organization the only way to do it is by carrying him on the 25 man roster.
Actually better than Gardner.
Montero seemed pretty fluid on that play at the plate. And I think his height saved that throw by Laird from going past.
Too bad it wasn’t an accurate throw, because the play was good and the throw was strong.
SJ44
March 9th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
GB,
They are talking about Jon Rauch or Matt Guerrer possibly closing for them. At least for right now.
————————————————————
Thanks, SJ. Completely forgot about Rauch being there. Guerrer has some nasty pitches. He’d look good in Yankee pinstripes, if there was room for him.
Jerkface, who would you give the spot to, Thames?
montero looks more than capable behind the plate
–
Complete amateur take on Montero but he looks like any major league catcher outside of the ‘great ones’. He doesn’t look awkward catching the ball, and certainly seems capable enough to be carried by his bat.
I said the same thing last season when I saw him in Tampa. For a guy to ‘not make it at catcher’ I think he’d have to be more obviously bad.
As long as the throwing motion the coaches taught him works out and he can throw out a runner every now and then I think he’ll be a success.
I feel like anyone who says he won’t stick at catcher looks at his size and ignores all the other huge catchers.
Tripps,
I’ve said several times I thought Winn would be the LFer by May if not out of ST.
As for Hoffmann and Thames making the Yankee bench too right handed…
If the deciding factor that you’re pinning your Brett Gardner hopes on is that he’s left handed then that should tell you you’re grasping at straws. I don’t see the Yankees lacking for left handed bats.
The Yankees have a lineup that has only 2 right handed bats in it against right handed pitching (3 LH, 4 S)
Triva: “Who……….wants………to hit…………
my…….. invite pitch??”
What baseball movie is this from?
SJ, I am rooting for roster conversations. What I am rooting against is you continually telling people that you’re right and they’re wrong!
By the way, don’t mistake my ennui when it comes to certain topics of discussion with a lack of understanding. Because I’m content to let the Yankees run the organization doesn’t mean I’m not watching what goes on.
IMO you always take the position that once you’ve announced it, it’s etched in stone and anyone who disagrees with you is an idiot, you have a bridge for them to buy, etc. (On the other hand, I wish the guy would come around who continually told everyone that I was right more of the time than you and a lot of others were.
Can’t remember his screename but I do hope he’s back this season!)
You are knowledgeable about baseball, let there be no question. But you are not always correct in your guesses, let there be no question. Even if you’re right more often than not, you are not always right. I’ll name names if you’d like. Not everyone who disagrees with you is a troll, nor are they always incorrect!
The only person who was right all the time was crucified. The rest of us are human, and as such subject to error.
There is a big difference between Gardner and Hoffman Chip.
Gardner had a .340 OBP, played solid enough D, and stole 20 bases as a rookie in the major leagues.
Hoffman has yet to show anything like that in his career.
His weakness on every teams scouting reports is his bat. Its why the Dodgers didn’t keep him.
You have one guy who has shown to be able to play at the major league level and another guy, an older one at that, who has yet to show he can play at the major league level.
I’m not overstating their interest in Gardner. I’m stating exactly what they think of the guy.
The battle isn’t between Gardner and Hoffman for a roster spot. Its because Hoffman and Thames.
Winn and Gardner have locked up spots on the team.
Doreen – 2010 GTLU
March 9th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Montero seemed pretty fluid on that play at the plate. And I think his height saved that throw by Laird from going past.
Too bad it wasn’t an accurate throw, because the play was good and the throw was strong.
————————————————————
Laird has the same problem on defense that Nunez and a lot of the minor league infielders in the system has….footwork. The glove and arm strength is there.
And Trisha wasn’t commenting about roster decisions, she was, I believe – saying that it’s hypocritical for you to blast people who talk about how a player is performing in spring training and then use spring training performance to back up your own argument.
You never responded – are the revised terms of the bet acceptable to you?
Loser has to come on once-a-day and post the following: “This will be my only post today because I was wrong and (Chip/SJ44) was right”
Chip,
I’m not pining for Gardner. I’m just telling you that only in your mind is he fighting for a roster spot.
Its not an opinion shared by the Yankees.
As you will see when the 25 man roster is announced.
Jerkface, who would you give the spot to, Thames?
–
If they both suck I give it to someone else. I’d rather keep Miranda on the 25 man than give a spot to the best loser. If Hoffman and Thames suck then Hoffman goes back to dodgers, and Thames can go to the minors or opt out.
Hoffmans upside is not good enough to give up a 25 man spot if he is bad. All he brings is defense. His minor league hitting doesn’t suggest a superb talent.
.283 .355 .401 .756 in 600 games
Brett Gardner is at .289 .389 .383 .772 in 388 games. He also has 60 more stolen bases than Hoffman in 220 less games.
” Nobody corners the market on knowing for sure because there are a lot of uncertainties and unknowns, especially at this point in time!”
trisha-
good point.
but i think i’ll pay attention to people who KNOW ian kennedy was traded in one of the biggest deals of the year for the yankees.
i don’t follow low level minor league players like many do, but how could someone not know ian kennedy was traded?
i know you are proud of being able to argue about anything even when you know little about it, but surely you realize how uninformed it is to not know ian kennedy was traded.
i stay out of conversations about minor league players because i clearly am not up to speed on them.
sj44’s advice to stay out of conversations you don’t have a clue about is spot on.
Lets go CandyMan
You have one guy who has shown to be able to play at the major league level and another guy, an older one at that, who has yet to show he can play at the major league level.
Not to nit pick or anything – but Brett Gardner is a year older than Jamie Hoffmann.
Gardner – Born 8/24/83
Hoffmann – Born 8/20/84
Ok, Chip, deal.
Jerkface, real interesting take on Thames…I still expect his to get it going….GB, just the other day you mentioned the injury factor to Nathan….Wonder how many games their stock drops from 82 wins……Twins have so many in house options that must of the casual non Twinkee fan knows of…Matt Guerrer I’d think gets first crack, but Rauch has a track record…….Tricia, It’s always been hard to be completely unbaised when it came to Ian, as I known him since he was 11 years old…Phil is differnet becasues even though I had coaching run ins with him, he’s such a major talent…Ian will do well in Zona…He’ll be a 14 game winner # 3 / 4 guy…..Erica, now I can watch Wang just remind me every time he’s on the hill of my Erica smack down this spring…..
Golson walks. Let’s tie this back up!
YankeesWFAN Nick Johnson working on turning his back foot, helps him turn on inside pitches. Always an opp field hitter, today pulled 2 HR. 57 seconds ago
If I were Thames, I’d take a minor league deal with the Yanks as well……of course that’s contingent on not getting a major league deal elsewhere. One of them has to make the team, right? I assume that would be Thames. Cash did say it was Hoffman’s job to lose, though, and he was pretty firm about it. That said, if Hoffman can’t hit, Hoffman should lose the job even if Thames doesn’t have a great spring (because we know Thames can hit big league pitching).
None of the OFs the Yankees have brought in have done anything- Golson, Winfree, Gorecki – so their OF depth is still poor. Are all these guys on minor league deals?
I wish him the best of luck but Edwar Ramirez is going to get destroyed playing in Arlington.
The Nathan injury is projected (by those evil numbers you all hate) to cost them 2 wins.
I was so engrossed here, I missed what Colin did to get on base. What did he do?
And nice staying out of a DP there.
I assume it was Noesi or Mosely who gave up the runs; they’re not long for the Yankees, so it doesn’t matter.
Of course CC is going to be upset – no one wants to be knocked around even if it is ST.
Pat M.
March 9th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Erica, now I can watch Wang just remind me every time he’s on the hill of my Erica smack down this spring…..
************************
Logan gave up the runs. Poor assuming there, Betsy.
“I was so engrossed here, I missed what Colin did to get on base. What did he do?”
Veal couldn’t throw a strike, so Colin walked.
Pat M, I really did mean it when I said I wished him well. I never saw him as a good fit with the Yanks and there were certain things about him that really irked me. But I believe there is a lot of unfulfilled promise there and maybe a start with another team is what he needed.
But I’m still on the Phil wagon, that’s for sure. I have been from the beginning. I see him as having all of the goods, plus the maturity to boot. I know a good thing when I see it. He needs to develop at his own pace because he’s going to be around for a long time. However long it takes, he will definitely get there.
Next year, NYYs need to bring back Casey Stengel’s instructional school for the best of the prospects in the system. Include bringing in a couple of classical dance instructors to work with the kids on rhythm and timing.
Complete amateur take on Montero but he looks like any major league catcher outside of the ‘great ones’. He doesn’t look awkward catching the ball, and certainly seems capable enough to be carried by his bat.
jerkface-
totally agree .
the quick reaction he had on the play at the plate to put out his leg to block the plate showed montero is into it.
a lot of being a catcher is attitude and montero showed me a lot on that bang bang play.
BloggingBombers Nick Johnson hit two homers. Cashman is brilliant! RT @MLB Hideki Matsui making debut 4 #Angels; whiffed on 4 pitches in 1st AB 26 seconds ago
Thank you Brandon.
JackCurry1 With Yankees heading to Damon-land tomorrow, Nick Johnson picked a good time to pop 2 Hrs today. about 1 minute ago
Phil, darn – he was looking ok, too. Well, he’s human and it’s spring – no biggie. We all know what assuming gets you – well, it gets me, anyway.
Even if Thames doesn’t have a great spring, I think we can expect him to hit once the regular season begins. I’m fine with him making the team.
CC: “I always say results don’t matter until you give up eight runs in two innings to the #Pirates” But you gave up 5? “Should have been 8″
14 minutes ago via web
Easier to
about that exchange in ST.
Noesi a pretty decent pitcher, but, NYYs have a lot just like him. He’s a candidate for inclusion in a trade.
Montero has some quick hands. Nice job at snaring that hard slider in the dirt. It took an odd bounce.
Pat M, what I find so fascinating (and also refreshing) is that you are the person on this forum with the most real baseball experience and yet you are the one who talks about it least. It’s the combination of your experience and humility in the face of it that causes me to both trust your judgements and enjoy checking things out with you in the process.
I’d really like to hear some of your baseball stories sometime, including your experiences coaching, working with players, anything else. After all, that’s the real deal.
Granderson is on with Mkay
‘Montero has some quick hands. Nice job at snaring that hard slider in the dirt. It took an odd bounce.”
gb7-
some players have a slow lower body , but a quick upper body. graig nettles is a perfect example. pinnella is another though not to the extent of nettles.
nettles had really fast eye/hand speed and agility.
Ugh, what are you doing, Hector?
SJ 44 -
I have tried to resist writing this, but you should check some of your facts before writing in your Gardner v. Hoffman debate.
First, you said earlier Hoffman is older than Gardner. Not true: Hoffman was born in 1984, Gardner in 1983 (see your earlier comment: You have one guy who has shown to be able to play at the major league level [here you meant Gardner] and another guy, an older one at that [here you meant Hoffman], who has yet to show he can play at the major league level)
Second, you say that Gardner is better defensively than Hoffman. According to Baseball America, a respected publication by baseball outsiders and insiders, Hoffman was rated the best defensive OFer in the Dodgers’ organization in 2009 and the Yankees’ farm system going into 2010. Now, Gardner did not factor into either of those determinations because he never was a Dodger and is no longer considered a rookie for farm system purposes in the 2010 evaluations – but please do not discount that Hoffman is a pretty good defensive OFer, and possibly better than Gardner – there is a legitimate possibility of that. It is bad sometimes to deal in absolutes. Gardner does have more mlb experience, is LH, and has more speed for SB purposes on his side – all valid points that you previously made.
Erin
March 9th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
JackCurry1 With Yankees heading to Damon-land tomorrow, Nick Johnson picked a good time to pop 2 Hrs today. about 1 minute ago
*****************
I am not sure I am yet able to mentally handle the Yanks playing against Johnny Damon.
Its like running into an ex in the mall when they are with their new significant other
Oh Please Erica! Get over it already!! Players come and go. Its been padrt of the game since Free agency began.
Erica –
I definitely am NOT ready for that. Also not ready to see Coke and Jackson, either.
And Thursday is Melky-day. Not looking forward to that either.
I’ll get over it.
Bleich in.
Being a good defender at the minor league level is a much different thing than being considered a good defender at the major league level. Which Gardner is at the present time.
The entire point of the debate is that Gardner is not fighting Hoffman for a roster spot. Gardner’s spot on the team is secure.
The roster battle is between Hoffman and Thames.
Darn, Logan is NOT a boon to us
This sh.. always gets to me how Bleich gets 1 batter
“OH OH!! I can’t bear to watch Johnny Damon in another uniform! OH God. Please help me get through this difficult period of my life. BOO HOO HOO!!”
Its like running into an ex in the mall when they are with their new significant other
–
Only this time Damon’s new girlfriend looks busted and just got done blowing her unemployment at Kohls.
Johnny Damon is the cute ex that you had good times with but have forgotten about because you got a new younger steady who’s fit (Inbetweeners reference) called Curtis Granderson. You wave at Johnny at the mall and keep on going.
Erica – always OPPC
March 9th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
I am not sure I am yet able to mentally handle the Yanks playing against Johnny Damon.
Its like running into an ex in the mall when they are with their new significant other
*****************************
I know-it’s kind of depressing, isn’t it? Especially for you
We make an error to prolong the 9th.
randy l.
March 9th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
‘Montero has some quick hands. Nice job at snaring that hard slider in the dirt. It took an odd bounce.”
gb7-
some players have a slow lower body , but a quick upper body. graig nettles is a perfect example. pinnella is another though not to the extent of nettles.
nettles had really fast eye/hand speed and agility.
————————————————————
In the few games he’s had so far this spring, he should dispell the fallacy that he’s too big and slow to be a catcher. He’s down a lot to show that while Noesi was in there. He made it tough to catch for anyone.
Poor Nats. 0-7 in ST so far.
COME ON NATS!
cono agara esa bolla!
JohnC -
What is with you? You made your point, did you really have to continue?
Bleich gives up and RBI single. C’mon, Bleich.
should dispel the fallacy
ouch 12-7? Logan and Noesi were awful… I guess Kay wasn’t doing the game today?
Tricia, Thank you for those kind comments…However I was a Minor League player who spent exactly 19 days at AAA…..I was sent back to AA to repeat that class, and not long into that stint I called it a career….I did hope to hang long enough for the 1976 expansion, but my knee was bad, and I lost that needed commitment and zeal for the game….This blog is graced with former ballplayers,team owners, some have the knowledge to be GM’s in the Minor levels…..One thing is for certain, is we LoHuders are a very special group, and it’s the best in town…….Ian Kennedy will have a very nice career, and will end up making at least 50 million dollars when it’s all said and done……
Bleich gets Tabata to fly out. Down 5 going into the bottom of the ninth. WHO WANTS PIE?
I agree that Gardner is a lock for the major league club. He is young and he gives you great speed and defense.
Winn? He seems more like insurance to me.
Sorry Doreen. It just amazes me how some people carry such personal torches for a player who was here for only 4 years. If it was someone like Jeter or Posada or Rivera who spent their whole career here, I could understand. But Damon? Can’t see it.
Phil the Thrill,
If they come back from this one, I want a Viennese Table!
Is Noesi at AAA? This is not to be taken negatively, but it would be nice if some of our young pitchers showed something. Logan has been ok and so has Melancon (sorry, but Sam, can you ask about him? He hasn’t pitched in a few days), but everyone else has been pretty bad. I keep thinking of Mets camp where their prospects are hot as firecrackers.
It’s like MLB knew you wouldn’t be able to watch Johnny so the game isn’t being televised tomorrow.
Montero flies out to Tabata on the warning track. Weak Sauce!
This might be the first time I ever see Claggett gets 3 outs in the 9th.
pat m-
just checking ian kennedy’s minor league stats-
1.95 era in 248 innings.
.985 whip
i could see him winning 13 -14 games with arizona.
kennedy may be someone the yankees later wish they had kept.
but you have to trade something to get something.
so i’m glad they made the trade, but your point is well taken.
kennedy can pitch.
JohnC, I just couldn’t help but noticed that you have a gift in making friends….You should be getting ready for your upcoming tee-ball league
Pat M,
There are some very knowledgable baseball people on this blog. I read it as much for the general baseball discussion as I do for Yankee news.
Laird also flies out to the track. Game over.
JohnC
March 9th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Oh Please Erica! Get over it already!! Players come and go. Its been padrt of the game since Free agency began.
*************
Oh Please JohnC! Bite me!! Fans are not allowed to have favorite players that they are sorry to see go???
btw, I accurately projected double digits for the Pirates earlier in the thread.
I want to see what Kennedy can do for Arizona. I always thought he’d be good.
Pat M.
Funny, I notice the same thing about you.
Brandon Awesome (B/c I’m more AWESOME than the ARod HGH mob)
March 9th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
This might be the first time I ever see Claggett gets 3 outs in the 9th.
************************
LOL
Erica:
Of course, but to be so dramatic about it? Cmon. You gotta move on.
Randy: Check out andy sonnanstines stats in the minors. They are not approximate to Kennedys but they are close.
Guys with good control can get by in the minors. Kennedy doesn’t have a true plus pitch. The move to the NL will be good for him, but I don’t think the Yankees are going to wish they kept him, because I think they realize he would never reall make it in the AL east.
# randy l. March 9th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
pat m-
just checking ian kennedy’s minor league stats-
1.95 era in 248 innings.
.985 whip
i could see him winning 13 -14 games with arizona.
kennedy may be someone the yankees later wish they had kept.
but you have to trade something to get something.
so i’m glad they made the trade, but your point is well taken.
kennedy can pitch.
He wasn’t gonna do that in the AL East anytime soon.
JohnC
March 9th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Sorry Doreen. It just amazes me how some people carry such personal torches for a player who was here for only 4 years. If it was someone like Jeter or Posada or Rivera who spent their whole career here, I could understand. But Damon? Can’t see it.
****************
For your information- I have been a Johnny Damon fan throughout his career, even before his time with the Yankees. I like his style of playing. He gives it his all.
I was ELATED when the Yankees signed him
Too bad tomorrow’s game isn’t being televised, whatwith Joba and Phil going. I think Thursday’s game is, though. Boo, winning streak over – I can’t believe they lost to the Bucs, lol
Erica:
Fine. I apologize if I offended you.
Kennedy was always the guy I pegged as the trade bait out of the ‘big 3′. I am really glad we were able to get such a good player for him. It really paid off, as he was connected in a bunch of really crap trade rumors (Gagne, anyone?).
The order of trade likelyness went:
Kennedy
Joba
Hughes
Now if only we can get Cleveland to give us Shin Soo Choo..
Randy I ( The Original Tin Cup ) 2008 was an implosion for Ian…Shame is he was so very good in his Sept. callup…In fact, many here were questioning him not being on the Post Season rooster…..By the way, you’re call to arms the other night was most admirable and quite impressive…..You must have been a great teammate, and I think you still are…..I’ll leave it at that….Respect is yours Tin Cup
Betsy, Hector Noesi has exactly 41 innings of High Single A baseball experience at Tampa. He’s in camp for the experience and to get in some innings.
JohnC
March 9th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Erica:
Fine. I apologize if I offended you.
***********
Apology accepted. Thank you
“You should be getting ready for your upcoming tee-ball league”
pat m-
speaking of tees, why is it so easy to hit a baseball on a tee, but so hard to hit a golf ball sitting on a tee?
JohnC,
Maybe it’s time for you to move on.
You’re boring.
Ian Kennedy has always gotten a lot of swings and misses and K’s. I think he’ll have a pretty good career. He needs his secondary stuff, but when he has it, he’s good.
speaking of tees, why is it so easy to hit a baseball on a tee, but so hard to hit a golf ball sitting on a tee?
–
Most bats aren’t 3+ feet long with a weighted end? Also a golf ball is like 1/3rd the size of a baseball?
Pat M., here’s something you’ll enjoy. I downloaded a song called “Ol Tin Cup”, by Lorne Greene (Ben Cartwright)
GB, thanks. I don’t know – it’s nice to get innings, but what about the damage it could do to his confidence?
It doesn’t do any damage to his confidence Betsy.
A guy like that, being in major league camp is what its all about.
The experience you gain and the teaching and learning you receieve from veteran players, outweigh any game results.
That’s why you have these young guys in camp. The experience they are receiving is invaluable.
but what about the damage it could do to his confidence?
–
If you are at 1 level of competition and you are placed in a situation where you are facing opponents 4+ levels better than you, and you fail, it should be humbling. Its not going to hurt his confidence, but he will be armed with the knowledge of what he has to work on to move up.
Getting destroyed by your peers is confidence damaging. Losing to experts just shows you what you need to work on.
Only people with wild delusions of their own greatness could be hurt by losing to professionals.
JackCurry1 Girardi as concussion monitor: He asked Melancon how Cervelli did catching b.p. session. “I would never do that before,” Girardi said. about one minute ago
SJ and Jerkface – good stuff, thanks a lot! I love this board because I get a whole new perspective on things. Even the best players are going to fail, so it can’t hurt to learn that lesson early.
I can’t believe they had Cervelli catching a BP session already – pretty ridiculous. I don’t understand how this kid got clearance to resume baseball activities a few days after suffering his 4th concussion in a fairly short span of time.
Pat M, a stint in AAA and then AA is more baseball than I’ve seen anyone else here speak of! It tells me that you obviously know baseball. And I will say again, your style of communication is really pleasing. So you remain my go-to guy.
Randy I, I’ve been asking that very same question since 1982 when I decided it was time to pickup the easy relaxing game of golf…..Humbing then and still humbling to this day……It just sits down there and you have a mallet in your hands, and you just can’t contain yourself…..Never was a hooker, but a long drifting slice…….You playing to a 8 yet ???
Betsy – One thing to consider is that the lucky guys who make major league camp are receiving a reward/treat/prize. They could be stuck in minor league camp just waiting to head back to their crappy hotel rooms and beef-a-roni after game spreads.
The chance to be in major league camp with guys who have made it, and learning from the best is a valuable experience.
4th concussion?
Jerkface, I agree with that. I’m not sure why I didn’t consider that before I posted….
“He wasn’t gonna do that in the AL East anytime soon.”
carl -
that’s true about ian kennedy and one reason why it’s so hard for the yankees to develop a young starter.
who would have thought three years ago that not one of the big three would be established as a starter at this point ?
first of all, a good starting arm is always rushed to fill a need at the mlb level because the yankees are always having one crisis or another in their ever preset quest for the next championship.
hughes, chamberlain , and kennedy were all rushed and not allowed to develop slowly and surely at the minor league level.
people will say they had nothing left to learn in the minors. well, edwar had pretty good stats down there and he obviously had something else to learn. the big three were no different in that they were incomplete pitchers.
they all had things they could have learned with a longer minor league apprenticeship.
ironicall a good change up jumps out at me for joba and hughes though that’s all edwar had.
there is all the more reason for cashman to give either hughes or joba the 5th spot because if he doesn’t he might just as well forget trying to develop starting pitching and just buy them already made.
what i mean by that is if cashman is going to rush them to fill a need, he owes them some room to develop as a starter in that fifth slot.
if one of them doesn’t get the fifth spot, cashman needs to be removed from having any say in the development of young starting pitchers.
that’s not hyperbole either.
i mean it.
Betsy, baseball is a game of failure. Ted Williams failed 6 out of 10 times in his very best season. These kids are tickled to death to be in big league camp and they are there for the experience, if failing against big leaguers destroys their confidence then they will never make it anyway.
Holden, there was an earlier thread where Sam posted about Cervelli having two earlier concussions (besides this one and the one during the off-season)
“after suffering his 4th concussion in a fairly short span of time.” is what you said.
Randy, I don’t always agree with you about Cash, but I definitely do here. Now, Phil has been injured, so that’s not the Yankees’ fault, but I still don’t think they’ve done a great job with him. If Joba wins the #5 spot, it’s just not a good thing for Phil’s development as a starter (which is where he is best suited and where he will help the team most in the future) if he’s stuck being a set -up man again.
Bringing those three kids up wasn’t by design, though. They were done because of emergency needs. They are taking their time with McAllister and the rest of that group. NYY was in a bind for a starter early in 2007 and it turned into a pennant race later. They were just beginning to build pitching depth.
I think that had not Hughes have had that early injury, he would have been just fine. Add the ankle injury and it set him back a year. The mistake was not putting him back in AAA in 2008. Kennedy, who knows what went wrong, there?
“You playing to a 8 yet ???”
pat m-
it got so bad i went back to basics and played for the past three or four days with just my PW and putter. i shot a 91 with those two clubs, but started hitting the ball really well.
after a few more days when i’m confident i’m hitting the ball on the right spot on the club, i’ll go back to using my other irons.
the reason that it’s so hard to hit a golf ball is that the ground gets in the way. a baseball on a tee can be attacked from all directions, but a golf ball has to be hit down on with the club head arc bottoming out well ahead of the ball( pro divots are always consistently ahead of the ball).
that’s really the first thing any golfer has to get down and it’s not been easy for me after 8 years off. i’ll get it, but the golf gods are going to get their pound of flesh first.
Hughes wasn’t rushed. AAA is the least important stop on a minor leaguers journey and he had just made AAA that season. Injuries conspired against Hughes.
Chamberlain and Kennedy both had college careers, Kennedy extensively so, and were not rushed.
Chamberlain hit the innings limit and was brought up to get some innings and help the major league club. Kennedy was only a september call up. They were the victims of their own success.
Hughes was the victim of injuries.
Pat M.
March 9th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Randy I, I’ve been asking that very same question since 1982 when I decided it was time to pickup the easy relaxing game of golf…..Humbing then and still humbling to this day……It just sits down there and you have a mallet in your hands, and you just can’t contain yourself…..Never was a hooker, but a long drifting slice…….You playing to a 8 yet ???
————————————————————
I doubt that you would have made much of a living as a hooker, Pat.
Wait!!! Are you still talking about golf?
You want a medal?