Off to Lakeland
Posted by: Sam Borden - Posted in Misc on Mar 10, 2010 
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After finishing up with the daily A-Rod update, we’re headed over to Lakeland for what should be an interesting afternoon of baseball. Word is that Johnny Damon is NOT in the Tigers lineup, but he’ll surely get to meet and greet his former teammates. More importantly, Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain will be taking the mound for the Yankees, with each slated to throw about three innings or 50 pitches. Andrew Brackman is among the other pitchers on the trip, and Austin Romine and Juan Miranda are also on the roster for the day.
Joe Girardi said that while these starts are certainly important in the fifth-starter derby, this is really the last “tune-up” start before he’ll really start judging the pitchers. “The next start, not including this one, is when you got to start making evaluations,” Girardi said.
We’ve seen a variety of different lineups over the past week or so, and at some point toward the end of spring training Girardi wants to get his “regular” lineup together for an extended period of time. If you’re looking for a preview of what that lineup will be – and I know everyone who plays “Guess the Lineup” on a daily basis is always looking for an edge – than pay close attention on March 16. That’s the first game after the Yankees off-day and Girardi said it’s a good bet he’ll have all his regulars playing. That day could also be the first time Mariano Rivera pitches in a game.
As I get ready to head for the car, the Yankees who are staying behind have come outside and started their stretching in right field. Andy Pettitte is throwing in the bullpen today, as is Javier Vazquez, Damaso Marte and Rivera. Francisco Cervelli will catch Pettitte (as well as Alfredo Aceves a few minutes later), and Jesus Montero will be catching Vazquez. Montero will also catch Chad Gaudin’s side session.
That’s pretty much it from here. Check back all afternoon for updates from Lakeland.
Sam
Would you ask Girardi how often he thinks the 5th starter will be needed in April, and if the winner could remain in FLA in order to get more work?
I admit I’m somewhat nervous about Phil – I want him to be the 5th starter very badly. I hope you guys are right about the Yankees looking at other things besides stats as he’s still working on his change.
I’m also glad to see Romine on the trip; it would be nice if he could have a good day offensively, but really I just hope he does fine defensively. It’s too bad this game isn’t being televised.
@Rich
I would think that if Joba or Phil Hughes wins the job, they would pitch out of the pen if a fifth starter isn’t needed right away. By my estimate, they won’t “need” a fifth starter until April 24, but that doesn’t mean they won’t use one. They could just use the off days as extra rest for the entire rotation.
Sam,
Thanks for answering my question. You didn’t need to do a whole post on it.
MTU,
I was thinking, that if we’re crunched for space re: pitchers then the “winner” could start out at AAA. If they conveniently forget to call up Joba so he can iron out the wrinkle, that works for me, too! Guadin/Mitre no options, but pitching well is problematic. Melancon will get the raw deal on this one.
Mark in Tampa,
You know the timing is rather convenient. But that’s how teams and the government even work. When did the assistant get busted? And why didn’t they talk about Alex at the same time they mentioned Tiger (around the time he gave his public apology)? Anyway, the feds move much slower than local authorities.
GreenBeret7
March 10th, 2010 at 10:24 am
CountryClub
March 10th, 2010 at 9:52 am
Rich in NJ,
Thanks for the link. As amateur coaches, we all seem to think Jesus is doing fine behind the plate. But that article shows how little we know. It’s the small things that matter; the things we generally have no idea about. With his work ethic, I’m sure he’ll improve in this area.
————————————————————
Girardi had three catchers in there, including a 28 year old minor league catcher and they all were being corrected on the same thing. This is the 2nd ST for Romine and Montero. They haven’t had a minor league catching instructor for two years, other than the roving instructor. Montero will for the first time will have an instructor for the full season. Butch Wynegar was one of the better defensive catchers of the 70s and 80s.
Not sure why you’d mention anything about Montero’s “work ethic”. He’s never done anything but work as hard as he could?
———————-
I think you misinterpreted what I wrote. I brought up his work ethic because it’s known publicly to be very good. That’s why I said i’m sure he’ll improve in this area.
m-
It’s good that Joe G. is a smart guy because he has lot’s of options to sort through.
It’s an embarrassment of riches if you will.
But the depth is good because injuries are likely to occur.
As SJ likes to say, things are gonna get sorted out on the field.
Funny that a lot of big names keep popping up in regard to Galea, but, nobody seems concerned about them. The new name is Houston Street and he’s been seeing Galea since 2006. If it was a big deal, either MLB isn’t doing their job, or, there’s nothing to it.
I think you misinterpreted what I wrote. I brought up his work ethic because it’s known publicly to be very good. That’s why I said i’m sure he’ll improve in this area.
————————————————————
Then why mention it at all that it needs to improve?
That Conlin article discussed in the last couple of threads was horribly inaccurate. The Phillies don’t have the best infield today, let alone of the entire modern era. Even if you exclude C, the Yankee infield is easily better than that of the Phillies. (If the author wanted to make an argument for all-time greatness he would have been better off focusing on the right side of the Phillies infield.) In 2009, Utley, Howard, Rollins, & Polanco combined for about 60 batting runs above replacement. By comparison, the Yankee infield was worth 140 runs above replacement. Cano & A-Rod produced the fewest RAR of the Yankee infield, yet their total (58.3) is almost equal to the Philly’s group (59.9)–Tex & Jeter combined for 81 runs above replacement. Factoring in defensive becomes more subjective, but using UZR as an approximation, the Yankee infield was still worth about 3.5 wins more than their counterparts in Philadelphia.
Unfortunately, it looks like A-Rod has reverted back to his other nickname L-Rod (ligthning Rod).
I’ve seen and heard nothing but good things about Montero’s work ethic. Of course, I haven’t been following him since he was 11 years old.
Hey, GB7. Aren’t you classmates with Chuck Norris? Are you in great shape, too?
“If it was a big deal, either MLB isn’t doing their job, or, there’s nothing to it.”
Sadly, this is a 50/50 proposition.
GB7,
Country Club meant the “small things” will likely improve, given Montero’s work ethic.
A bit of an overstatement.
Arod isn’t holding daily briefings. In fact, he’s not doing anything.
Once he talks to the Feds, it will be a one day story.
Until then, the media will speculate because that’s what they do. Arod can’t do anything about that.
“Unfortunately, it looks like A-Rod has reverted back to his other nickname L-Rod (ligthning Rod).”
- 10 points for saying “reverted back” 8(
m-
“Hey, GB7. Aren’t you classmates with Chuck Norris? Are you in great shape, too?”
Where have you been ?
Get with the program.
GB is the real deal. Chuck is just an actor.
Gb taught Chuck everything he knows.
Unfortunately, it looks like A-Rod has reverted back to his other nickname L-Rod (ligthning Rod).
___
This isn’t a big deal. The only people who think it is are the Boston media and a few frustrated yankee fans. The majority don’t care unless it affects his focus on baseball, but he is handling this a lot better than he probably would hve 2 years ago.
Frank-
It was his fault.
That’s what a lightning Rod is.
All Montero and Romine need to improve on is technique and game calling. The difference between 2008 and 2009 is the difference between night and day. My major concern with Romine is the extraordinary amount of catcher’s interference calls against him in two years….13. What’s causing it and how are they correcting it?
Frank-
I meant to say Wasn’t his fault. Oops !!
Well there seems to be no coverage of today’s away game.
Can’t find any Detroit coverage, either.
bohdi-
from my perspective that’s an oversight.
My major concern with Romine is the extraordinary amount of catcher’s interference calls against him in two years….13. What’s causing it and how are they correcting it?
–
He got called for it in one of the games I saw last season. He looked like he was too close to the plate and he reached out to catch the ball and clipped the players bat.
Maybe they can work on his positioning and receiving?
Off topic:
Where are you guys ?
G. Franco
Abda
Brett
G. Love
Da Saint
Nick (?)
Miss your posts.
Come on back.
I guess ESPN had to hire Nomar to counteract hiring Aaron Boone
Austin Jackson
“The only people who think it is are the Boston media and a few frustrated yankee fans”
FWIW, I read both Boston papers pretty regularly, and this topic gets somewhere between minimal play and no play at all. You need look no further than the NYC-area scribes to learn who’s trying to give this story legs.
Tampa-
When grandy is busy clubbing 35 hrs., stealing bases and making great plays this year maybe then you’ll stop thinking about Ajax ?
Gotta give to get.
Turf Toe for Damon – I’m not missing him already…
Anyone else feeling shut out from the world, not being able to see or hear about Phil/Joba today?
We need play-by-play from someone who’s there. Hmmm…who could help us out?
Jerkface
March 10th, 2010 at 10:53 am
My major concern with Romine is the extraordinary amount of catcher’s interference calls against him in two years….13. What’s causing it and how are they correcting it?
–
He got called for it in one of the games I saw last season. He looked like he was too close to the plate and he reached out to catch the ball and clipped the players bat.
Maybe they can work on his positioning and receiving?
————————————————————
He’s got a strong and accurate arm, but, 16 errors in 134 games caught in those two years and 13 on interference calls. His position always seemed ok, but, looked like more tha a few times, he’d reach towards the plate too soon. Luckily, he hasn’t gotten his hand broken by the bat.
Frank – its early spring, the beat reporters have nothing better to do than ask the same 3 stupid questions every day…
What did a-rod do wrong today?
Have you reversed direction in the Joejetermo contracts?
Will Jobil Hugheserlain be going to the bullpen/rotation?
It get’s real old, too bad that our only contact with the team is completely unoriginal and stale
here’s a scary thought.
What if the Dynamic Duo turns into the Dynamic Uno ?
How has Romine looked behind the plate thus far? I don’t suppose he’s had much chance…..and now he won’t even be on tv, lol.
The game is on the computer feed today, as is audio.
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=nyy
on garciaparra retiring as a red sox with a one day contract:
it’s a facade on so many levels.
the present management hated the way garciaparra played and garciaparr pouted and quit on this red sox management at the end.
what they are both doing is making like that never happened .
garciaparra gets a team to have a legacy with.
the red sox get to act like they are a good family team where one for all and all for one is the rule.
actually the rule is ,if you use PEDS to go from 135 pounds in the cape cod league at orleans to the incredible hulk shortstop a few years later and show signs of decline because of said use when you are a free swinging first pitch guy when a sabermetric management comes in, you will be dumped.
he should have shown some guts and class and stayed dumped.
Betsy-
I got a new one for you.
Romine G*l*a*d*i*a*t*o*r .
RE: The Twins
I Would think they would want to go hard after a guy like Heath Bell… The Padres will take anything to shed some dollars…
“MTU March 10th, 2010 at 10:57 am
Tampa-
When grandy is busy clubbing 35 hrs., stealing bases and making great plays this year maybe then you’ll stop thinking about Ajax ?
Gotta give to get.”
yeah I know but kind of followed him for a few years down in the farm and heard stories of Reggie Jackson mentoring him so always thought he’d eventually be patrolling the outfield at Yankee Stadium…..so was surprised when the deal went down this winter but rooting for Grandy to rename right field ‘Grandy’s Porch’
Amen Randy L !!
i would think if i am a player if there is no test for hgh,blood tests are not allowed according to the cba how can one get caught?
as long as urine or blood test samples are not being kept for future testing how on earth can a player get caught???
mlb can not follow every player around or prevent anyone from doing anything so by saying mlb is either not doing their job or there is nothing to it is not true imo
if a player want’s to do hgh & knows that it won’t show up in any mlb test that is allowed,does not create a paper trail & limits the witnesses then it sounds impossible for one to get caught without a he said she said situation
if there is no test for hgh & mlb has restrictions they are limited in what they can do.
the crazy thing about arod getting caught using steroids is the tests were voluntary & should have been destroyed wich by law & agreement was allowed
there are players using hgh in baseball
that is a fact so unless the tests are beink kept for future tests i just don’t see how a player can get caught
if players know this they will exploit this
Tom B – pro-yankee/pro-sabre/anti-uninformed opinions
March 10th, 2010 at 11:01 am
Frank – its early spring, the beat reporters have nothing better to do than ask the same 3 stupid questions every day…
What did a-rod do wrong today?
Have you reversed direction in the Joejetermo contracts?
Will Jobil Hugheserlain be going to the bullpen/rotation?
************************
LOL
I love the name Jobil Hugheserlain
13.Bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes March 10th, 2010 at 10:42 am
GB7,
Country Club meant the “small things” will likely improve, given Montero’s work ethic.
————–
Correct.
GreenBeret7
March 10th, 2010 at 11:04 am
The game is on the computer feed today, as is audio.
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=nyy
===
yeah thanks no online visuals though. Sucks. Really wanted, like everyone here, to see the two kids. Brack probably pitching, too.
“Amen Randy L !!”
uh oh.
must be preaching to the choir again
MTU:
Don’t think anyone’s truly lamenting the acquisition of Granderson, but I do think there remains some interest in how Jackson works out and, especially among the prospect huggers (I use the term with endearment, not scorn), a little sadness that a player the Yankees drafted and raised thru the system won’t be a member of the major league team. Nothing wrong with that. You have to give something to get something and that’s what happened. I hope Jackson does great.
Bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes
March 10th, 2010 at 11:09 am
GreenBeret7
March 10th, 2010 at 11:04 am
The game is on the computer feed today, as is audio.
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=nyy
===
yeah thanks no online visuals though. Sucks. Really wanted, like everyone here, to see the two kids. Brack probably pitching, too.
————————————————————
The next two weeks show zero games available on video or audio. It’s just not up yet, as far as I can tell.
tampayank
March 10th, 2010 at 11:05 am
“MTU March 10th, 2010 at 10:57 am
Tampa-
When grandy is busy clubbing 35 hrs., stealing bases and making great plays this year maybe then you’ll stop thinking about Ajax ?
Gotta give to get.”
yeah I know but kind of followed him for a few years down in the farm and heard stories of Reggie Jackson mentoring him so always thought he’d eventually be patrolling the outfield at Yankee Stadium…..so was surprised when the deal went down this winter but rooting for Grandy to rename right field ‘Grandy’s Porch’
=====
Tampa,
I’m rooting for AJax to have a good year. I followed his minor league career also and traveled to see him quite a few times.
I was impressed with his thorough commitment to to making dramatic changes at the plate. I have no problem rooting for his success for its own sake, and I also think the better our farm guys do for other teams we trade them too, the higher regard around the league for our inventory.
BTW, I guess Hellickson’s slated for Durham. How long do you think it’ll take him to punch his ticket to the majors? His command is something. Do you think they may put him in that bullpen late in the season? I know he’s on the 40-man.
Also, how far along do you think McGee is? Think he has a shot at being a LOOGY this year or too soon since TJS? Not sure when he had it.
baseball tonight, which has been on in the afternoon, at least will show the highlights. yesterday, they showed most of Strasburg’s outing, including all of his 7 pitch 1st inning.
The next two weeks show zero games available on video or audio. It’s just not up yet, as far as I can tell.
===
Thanks. WIsh they had gotten their crap together before ST.
upstate Kate,
Is that MLB Tonight or ESPN’s Baseball Tonight? Thanks.
Right field seats will be renamed “Granderson’s Garden”.
Once a cheat, always a cheat. In everything that you do. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure this one out.
He should be banished from Baseball and made to play back everything that he has earned by playing the great game of baseball in this country.
Left center will be A-Rod Alley and the second deck on right is Tex’s Terrace.
MTU, not bad, lol. I just hope we never have to hear about the Rise and Fall of the Romine Empire.
Boss Tun March 10th, 2010 at 11:20 am
Once a cheat, always a cheat. In everything that you do. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure this one out.
He should be banished from Baseball and made to play back everything that he has earned by playing the great game of baseball in this country.
——————————-
You talking about David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez??
Seems a little early for the trolling idiots, but, I suppose that McDonald’s french fryer isn’t working today.
Once a troll, always a troll; a troll doesn’t change his spots.
GB – ‘Granderson’s Garden’, ‘A-Rod’s Alley’, ‘Tex’s Terrace.’ I like it! How you feeling today?
Bodhi
its ESPN’s baseball tonight, I think it is on sometime between 3 and 4. I have it set on the DVR to automatically record, so I am not sure exactly when it comes on.
As for ARod, think about it, there are 0 legit reasons for going to a Canadian doctor to get anti inflammatory injections. This doctor was not approved by the Yankees or his hip surgeon, so why go to him unless you are getting something from him you can’t get from anybody else…
I’d like to think that he was and is ‘clean’, but going to this guy just smells. This will be interesting to see how he plays it.
rodg12
March 10th, 2010 at 11:25 am
GB – ‘Granderson’s Garden’, ‘A-Rod’s Alley’, ‘Tex’s Terrace.’ I like it! How you feeling today?
———————————————————–
Not too bad, Rodg. headach has eased up some. Thanks for asking. How’s things in Blizzardville, Iowa?
Upstate Kate,
TYVM. I stopped watching those clowns but I will tune in and take advantage of the mute button
.
Seems a little early for the trolling idiots, but, I suppose that McDonald’s french fryer isn’t working today.
———————————————-
He shouldn’t be using the Computers there to post on blogs. I need him to get my order right.
Noreaster
March 10th, 2010 at 11:26 am
As for ARod, think about it, there are 0 legit reasons for going to a Canadian doctor to get anti inflammatory injections. This doctor was not approved by the Yankees or his hip surgeon, so why go to him unless you are getting something from him you can’t get from anybody else…
I’d like to think that he was and is ‘clean’, but going to this guy just smells. This will be interesting to see how he plays it.
————————————————————
Why would Houston Street fly from Oakland and Colorado to see galea to get checked out for shoulder and hip injuries?
Tampa/ bohdi,
Much as we might like to I guess we can’t keep em all.
I am not rooting against Ajax. I wish him well.
But the Yankees seem to like a mixture of Vets and young guys.
We don’t take a complete small market approach like the Rays or others.
It’s one of our competitive advantages.
Hey, i’m the one who is hoping the Yankees don’t trade Russo.
If that isn’t a prospect hugger I don’t know what is.
Gotta go climb a mountain.
Catch up with you guys later.
Bodhi
actually they aren’t as bad as sports center…they even have Yankees highlights/players in the opening credits.
GB-
You forgot Cano’s Corners.
Later.
GreenBeret7 March 10th, 2010 at 11:27 am
Not too bad, Rodg. headach has eased up some. Thanks for asking. How’s things in Blizzardville, Iowa?
—————————
Good to hear. Things are going good here. Snow has really melted away the last couple days. Been really foggy though and there’s potential for some flooding. Hopefully it’s not too bad. That said, I’m just glad to see the grass again.
GB7:
Why would Houston Street fly from Oakland and Colorado to see galea to get checked out for shoulder and hip injuries?
———————————————————–
Exactly my point sir. ARod was already seeing the best hip guy, why see this guy to get basic shots and why do it below the Yankee radar? I hope you are correct it thinking this guy has some value other than PED’s.
Do we have video and/or audio?
This is the index which has shown links when available. Maybe they don’t show up until a certain time.
I’ve used this index this spring to open game links.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter.....d=20100310
:confused:
GreenBeret7
March 10th, 2010 at 11:23 am
Seems a little early for the trolling idiots, but, I suppose that McDonald’s french fryer isn’t working today.
***********************
LOL
Noreaster,
LOL. Isn’t the best hip guy in Colorado?
MTU
March 10th, 2010 at 11:32 am
GB-
You forgot Cano’s Corners.
*********************
Love it!!
Anyway, as long as there are no written records and everyone gives the same story, they can’t bust A-rod for anything even if he was doing something.
The only way they can trip up is inconsistencies in their statements to the authorities. Or if someone sings to save their behind.
So, there shouldn’t be any more issues. Right?
rodg12
March 10th, 2010 at 11:33 am
GreenBeret7 March 10th, 2010 at 11:27 am
Not too bad, Rodg. headach has eased up some. Thanks for asking. How’s things in Blizzardville, Iowa?
—————————
Good to hear. Things are going good here. Snow has really melted away the last couple days. Been really foggy though and there’s potential for some flooding. Hopefully it’s not too bad. That said, I’m just glad to see the grass again.
————————————————————
I take it that you’re either close to the Mississippi River or the Des Moines River. Either one, just keep your feet and your old baseball cards dry, Bud. Floods are nasty business.
GB, could you help me?
I’m trying to fix this McDonald french fryer!
Yaz sends his greeting to Bucky.
Well, on to better topics…If Johnson really has fixed a mechanical problem in his swing, he could be a monster in the 2 hole…If Granderson hits 5th does that put Cano in the 7th slot, seems a little low for Cano. I think I’d prefer to see Cano hitting 5th this year.
“This is the index which has shown links when available. Maybe they don’t show up until a certain time.”
The links don’t show up until a certain time, but if the game is going to be broadcast, the stations are listed well ahead of time. So it looks like several games will be broadcast today, but apparently the Yankee game will not be.
Noreaster
March 10th, 2010 at 11:33 am
GB7:
Why would Houston Street fly from Oakland and Colorado to see galea to get checked out for shoulder and hip injuries?
———————————————————–
Exactly my point sir. ARod was already seeing the best hip guy, why see this guy to get basic shots and why do it below the Yankee radar? I hope you are correct it thinking this guy has some value other than PED’s.
————————————————————
I suppose it would depend on when he saw the doctor. Was it when the Yanks were in Toronto? If so, perhaps he saw them then and didn’t want Girardi to know he was hurting. Like everything else…purely speculation.
GreenBeret7 March 10th, 2010 at 11:40 am
I take it that you’re either close to the Mississippi River or the Des Moines River. Either one, just keep your feet and your old baseball cards dry, Bud. Floods are nasty business.
——————————-
Iowa River, actually.
Dealt with the floods real bad back in the summer of ’08. I actually didn’t get it too bad, just some water in my basement. Nothing close to what a lot of people along the Cedar River in Waverly/Cedar Falls/Waterloo/Cedar Rapid/Iowa City had to deal with. Google any of those towns and ‘Flood 2008′ for some crazy pictures. Hoping to never have to go through that again. This shouldn’t come close to approaching that though. Just some minor flooding, hopefully.
tk,
It could be that mlb is using this to promote their product. Tune in for the Granderson v. Jackson Showdown!
Or it could be a tease.
I followed the ‘follow live’ link on the yankees homepage and it took me to today’s scoreboard. And every single game listed has an mlb.tv link. That can’t be right.
Clicking on the mlb.tv link on the Yankees game takes me to a promo screen for mlb.tv.
Johnson is a pro hitter. The problem is and always has been keeping him in the lineup..if he can play 140+ plus games with the kind of protection he will receive then it wouldn’t be surprising for him to pass all his career highs.
ray (sox fan)
March 10th, 2010 at 11:40 am
GB, could you help me?
I’m trying to fix this McDonald french fryer!
Yaz sends his greeting to Bucky.
————————————————————
Morning, Ray. How are things going with you and the )sox fan) family?
By the way, even with 4 legs, yaz will never catch that ball.
“Bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes March 10th, 2010 at 11:17 am
tampayank
March 10th, 2010 at 11:05 am
“MTU March 10th, 2010 at 10:57 am
Tampa-
When grandy is busy clubbing 35 hrs., stealing bases and making great plays this year maybe then you’ll stop thinking about Ajax ?
Gotta give to get.”
yeah I know but kind of followed him for a few years down in the farm and heard stories of Reggie Jackson mentoring him so always thought he’d eventually be patrolling the outfield at Yankee Stadium…..so was surprised when the deal went down this winter but rooting for Grandy to rename right field ‘Grandy’s Porch’
=====
Tampa,
I’m rooting for AJax to have a good year. I followed his minor league career also and traveled to see him quite a few times.
I was impressed with his thorough commitment to to making dramatic changes at the plate. I have no problem rooting for his success for its own sake, and I also think the better our farm guys do for other teams we trade them too, the higher regard around the league for our inventory.
BTW, I guess Hellickson’s slated for Durham. How long do you think it’ll take him to punch his ticket to the majors? His command is something. Do you think they may put him in that bullpen late in the season? I know he’s on the 40-man.
Also, how far along do you think McGee is? Think he has a shot at being a LOOGY this year or too soon since TJS? Not sure when he had it.”
I don’t follow the Rays farm as closely as the Yanks but Hellickson looks to have a good arm. My guess he’ll be an extra arm called up in September if they are contending for a playoff spot, maybe earlier if something happens w/ Soriano who has that injury risk
rodg12
March 10th, 2010 at 11:46 am
GreenBeret7 March 10th, 2010 at 11:40 am
I take it that you’re either close to the Mississippi River or the Des Moines River. Either one, just keep your feet and your old baseball cards dry, Bud. Floods are nasty business.
——————————-
Iowa River, actually.
Dealt with the floods real bad back in the summer of ‘08. I actually didn’t get it too bad, just some water in my basement. Nothing close to what a lot of people along the Cedar River in Waverly/Cedar Falls/Waterloo/Cedar Rapid/Iowa City had to deal with. Google any of those towns and ‘Flood 2008? for some crazy pictures. Hoping to never have to go through that again. This shouldn’t come close to approaching that though. Just some minor flooding, hopefully.
————————————————————
Completely forgot about the Iowa River. That can get to be wild and unpredictable. at least you know that the Mississippi can be nasty. Just be safe.
MTU,
Great day for it!
My points about AJax aren’t strictly sentimental. As I said, I will applaud his successes, because he’s a player with some exciting tools and we reared him, and because it helps us when our product guys do well.
The two are not mutually exclusive and it has nothing to do with Prospect Hugging, which, I find, is a derisive term used as a bluff by people who don’t know how to evaluate players until they’ve “made it.”
It’s suppose to bring to heel people who actually enjoy and find worthwhile following the guys in the system.
Not directed at you personally, it’s a tirade of certain posters, here and on other boards. They lump all prospects as one, and also apparently don’t realize that every ML player was once a – gasp – prospect.
Enjoy the climb and the view from the top
.
“Clicking on the mlb.tv link on the Yankees game takes me to a promo screen for mlb.tv.”
m,
Yep, from there you can click the “Current Subscribers” link and it leads to the page you linked to previously. I think you’re right about the tease…’follow live’ gives the impression of live video/audio, but in this case we’ll be following the live scoreboard (and hopefully gameday if anyone has a link).
i think the yankees will experiment with cano in the 5 hole. he can hit lefties and righties, hits over .300 and if he can start coming through in the clutch, he fits in perfectly behind a-rod.
Even on granderson’s good days, he will still be a lefty/lefty matchup waiting to happen and will often force teams to walk arod and take their chances.
I don’t follow the Rays farm as closely as the Yanks but Hellickson looks to have a good arm. My guess he’ll be an extra arm called up in September if they are contending for a playoff spot, maybe earlier if something happens w/ Soriano who has that injury risk
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I’m guessing we see Hellickson when the rosters expand. Tx.
Regarding the all-time great infields, I would nominate the Reds’ mid-70s infield of Tony Perez (1B), Joe Morgan (2B), Dave Concepcion (SS), Pete Rose (3B), and Johnny Bench (C).
Why see Dr. G when he’s already got Dr. Phillippon? Dr. Lindsay has already acknowledged he’s sent Dr. P’s patients to see Galea before. Dr. Phillipon didnt handle the day to day observation of the rehab. He tapped Dr. Galea’s partner to do that.
Marion Jones to play in the WNBA.
“We’re thrilled to have her,” Richardson said, according to the Tulsa World. “In the workouts last week I saw how hard she works. She has things you can’t teach, like speed and great hand and eye coordination. She looks chiseled Her age [34] might be saying one thing but everything about her is saying she’s young.”
She looks chiseled? Really?
Stick Cano in the 5-spot and leave him there for the whole season.
tex’s friend, I’d have to agree. This might be Cano’s year to put it all together. We are really lucky to have such a deep lineup that we can put a guy like Granderson in the 7th slot in our lineup. Then mix in our pitching staff 1-12, and we should have a monster year.
I think the Yankee lineup would be at its best if Cano could step into the 5 spot and perform. He will have to improve with RISP but he is maybe the only guy other than Tex that could provide some true protection for Arod. We’ll see how it shakes out.
Joelsherman1 Former Met/Yankee among others good guy Tony Clark has been named by MLBPA to newly created spot of dir. of player relations 3 minutes ago
I would prefer not to stick Cano there until he can prove he’s capable of doing it. I know we get seduced by his talent, but he’s got to fix these flaws in his game – he does have them.
I think 1-5 will be fixed
Jeter
NJ
Tex
Arod
Cano
Posada
Granderson
Swisher
Gardner
If Gardner’s not the starter, then insert whoever. On days Posada sits, you can play around with the 6-9 spots.
I just want Cano in the 2 hole. Now, as for the baseball lineup, I don’t care where he hits.
Someone was on the radio the other day (Crasnick?)previewing the NL Central. Talking about the Cardinals and it’s their division to lose. They said they have the best 1-2 punch in baseball. Hopefully Tex & Alex can prove him wrong!
Eric K, just said the difference between the Yankees and red sox payrolls was equal to the difference between the Red Sox and the Marlins…..what?
Just some news, notes and numbers. Also a list of uniform numbers.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/presspass/index.jsp
Noreaster
March 10th, 2010 at 11:33 am
GB7:
Why would Houston Street fly from Oakland and Colorado to see galea to get checked out for shoulder and hip injuries?
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Exactly my point sir. ARod was already seeing the best hip guy, why see this guy to get basic shots and why do it below the Yankee radar? I hope you are correct it thinking this guy has some value other than PED’s.
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If the “best hip guy” you are refering to is Dr. Phillipon he’s the Dr. who performed the surgery…..he then farmed out the re-hab work to Dr. Lindsey who is a partner of Dr. Galea’s.
If there was an issue of inflammation that occured during the re hab then it makes sense that Dr. Lindsey would send ARod to his partner Dr.Galea- who btw although not licensed in the US clearly is well regarded and runs one of the top Sports Medicine agencies in North America- to treat him….
makes sense no?
Ledger_Yankees AJax hitting leadoff and playing center for Tigers; Damon stubbed his toe and is out of the lineup. 2 minutes ago
blake,
He means that the difference between the Yankees & Marlins payrolls is twice the difference between the Red Sox & the Marlins.
I don’t know why that fact is particularly relevant though. Everyone knows we have a huge payroll!
NYPost_Kernan damon just held round 2 with NY reporters, he admitted he misses us 2 minutes ago
“But to be able to have that dream come true, I really just can’t put into words because of what this organization has always meant to me, meant to my family, the fans. I always tell people Red Sox Nation is bigger than any nation out there, and to be able to tell people that I came back home to be back to Red Sox Nation is truly a thrill.”
Garciaparra, after the way the Sox treated him, very funny stuff.
LOL @ Nomar for never winning anything. He got what he deserved, no World Series titles!
How do you know if Cano can hit in the 5th spot unless you put him there?
I put him in the spot and leave him there until he shows he can’t hit fifth.
Only way to do it, IMO.
It’s a new year and a fresh start for everybody. Even Robbie.
Some guys flourish when given more responsibility. How so we know Cano isn’t the genious level student that makes bad grades in school because he isn’t being challenged? Of course its not exactly the same thing but Cano has the talent, maybe the challenge of hitting fifth takes him to the next level. Its worth finding out I think.
Didn’t Cano hit 5th for a significant number of AB’s last year, was bad with RISP, and got taken out of that spot?
Not saying he can’t do it, but he was already given an opportunity previously.
There was a small twitter war going on between some Sox and Yanks fans this morning about the Nomar retirement thing. Basically all of the Sox fans were saying that “this is so special because Nomar means so much to the organization” blah blah blah. Yankee fans began calling the Sox fans out on this, saying Boston treated him horribly and that Nomar retired from being a red sock on 7/1/04. Then someone had the audacity to say that Nomar means as much to the sox as Jeter does to the yankees. ( yes, seriously).
Its fun following random people on twitter, if only for the LOL factor.
Ok, then how long do you give Cano in the 5th spot given how awful he’s been there? If the idea is for the team to win, at some point (no matter how much people may want it to work), Cano has to be dropped. I believe in Cano’s talent, but I’m still very skeptical of him in many ways. Long has already admitted more than once that he gets very jumpy at the plate, especially when he’s ahead in the count. The Yankees also know there is an issue with RISP. I don’t think just having blind faith is the right way to go. Cano is not a baby anymore.
Blake, he’s hit quite a bit in the 5th spot and he’s never done well. Cano has never really done well anywhere except the bottom of the order (6th or below).
Robinson Cano is the perfect hitter for the 5 hole….Hits to all fields, high contact swing, good power…..Been saying all winter, thisis the year Cano grows into his potential…….331 ba, 30 hr’s, 40 doubles, 95-100 rbi’s…..His time has come…..
Betsy
actually Cano’s a .299 career hitter in the #5 hole….
JackCurry1 In Lakeland, Johnny Damon saw former teammates. “Secretly, they all miss me,” he said 2 minutes ago
Erin
March 10th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
JackCurry1 In Lakeland, Johnny Damon saw former teammates. “Secretly, they all miss me,” he said 2 minutes ago
*************
LOL
I don’t even attempt to keep it secret
NYY626
March 10th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
There was a small twitter war going on between some Sox and Yanks fans this morning about the Nomar retirement thing. Basically all of the Sox fans were saying that “this is so special because Nomar means so much to the organization” blah blah blah. Yankee fans began calling the Sox fans out on this, saying Boston treated him horribly and that Nomar retired from being a red sock on 7/1/04. Then someone had the audacity to say that Nomar means as much to the sox as Jeter does to the yankees. ( yes, seriously).
Its fun following random people on twitter, if only for the LOL factor.
**************
In all seriousness, Red Sox fans have really selective memories
Remember when they said Nomar was better than Jeter…..
Betsy,
Cano had a little over 200 ABs in the 5 hole last year and hit .299. He’s one of the 5 best hitters in the team and possibly the best natural pure hitter. They need him to take a more prominent role in the offense for them to be the best they can be.
champ809
March 10th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Betsy
actually Cano’s a .299 career hitter in the #5 hole….
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Yes, but his career OBP is .320 and his SLG is .453.
In the 6th hole in his career he has hit .298, but his OBP is .340, and SLG .494.
And in the 7th hole, well, his line is .337/.371/.515.
He has been demonstrably different hitter in the 5 hole
My friend and I had a running joke that anytime Damon slid in the outfield or hard into the bases, he was out for a few days.
Oh oh, dove for that ball on Friday night out until Sunday.
Blake is right on. Robbie can rake. He should be the fifth hitter. Who cares about last years RISP numbers. They are mind-numbing. He’s an awesome hitter who can be lethal when he is on.
Pinpointing 2009, since the vast majority of his time in the 5 hole came there
Hitting 5th: 299/.318/.477
Hitting 6th: .322/.360/.520
Hitting 7th: 328/.368/.523
Those are MAJOR differences even in AVG. Citing his AVG alone in the 5th hole does not tell nearly enough of the story.
Aren’t sabermetrician prospects still supposed to be in class?
New Post- Spring Training Game 9: Yankees at Tigers
LGY,
Isn’t it one of a Sabermetricians core beliefs that there is no such thing as clutch and everything can be explained away through lack of sample size? If that’s what you belief then it shouldn’t matter where Cano hits right? Either that or you have some splainin to do to Bill….
Class is only until 12. We spend the early afternoon forcing our views on members of local boards and blogs.
Oh and just so you know in case you encounter any others, most of us prefer to be called prodigies, not prospects.
Eddie Haskell wanna-bes.
blake,
That discussion was beaten to death a few weeks ago because randy thought that as well. Bill says I have to move on to forcing other beliefs/views now.
But basically, it is not that with a sufficient sample size it will magically/automatically correct itself. It is assumed that these guys are good enough hitters and with enough resources that the problem in some fashion even by the coaching of Kevin Long will be corrected. With Cano, though I am just not sure it has been corrected yet so I would hesitate just throwing him into the 5 hole.
He has had less than 300 at bats in the 5 hole, so he still has plenty of time to make that correction before the sample becomes sufficient to make any conclusions though.
Check out Posada’s split in the 5 hole last year. Pretty ugly. Don’t want Granderson there because of his issue with lefties. Might as well give Cano another shot.
No game, nowhere?
Posada in his career has been fine in the 5th hole. Less than 200 at bats there last year does not change that.
Posada in the 5 hole is better than any other option because of his consistency. You can’t really afford a streaky hitter behind A-Rod or he’ll be IBB’d like mad when the 5 hitter is slumping.
Every year is different.
You put Cano in the 5 hole and leave him there until he shows he can’t do it. At least the first 25 games of the season.
You can’t be bound over what happened last year.
Last year at this time, according to the “experts”, CC couldn’t pitch in the post-season and Arod was a post-season failure.
How did that work out?
You can’t use Posada there because he doesn’t play everyday and it causes you to stack lefties in the lineup. Something Girardi is loathe to do because of late inning matchup problems.
OFF TOPIC: I’ve been following this blog for a number of months now. I also receive the Journal News when I am in NY. I have been a Yankee fan for about 60 yrs. since I was old enough to understand baseball.
As a girl I never played real baseball, but I have been an avid spectator. I don’t always know the type of pitch a pitcher throws, but I do know when he has his ‘stuff’, and I watch every game I can and have for more years than many of you have been alive.
I cannot tell you how it upsets me when you call anyone who asks a question…who is not a regular contributor to the blog… a Troll. In my case, I have learned a lot from reading the blog. Not everyone is as knowledgeable about the intricacies of the game as some of you are. Then there are a couple of people who just like to chatter for the sake of it.
To the best of my knowledge this is not a private club you belong to, but rather a forum to discuss the Yankees and other things you find of common interest.
As far back as I can remember…a little of Joe D., I have loved ‘my’ Yankees and always will.
“Eddie Haskell” lived diagonally across the street from us.
LOL. I guess every neighborhood has one. Diabolical kid.
David Price took a bat off the chin and was removed from the Rays’ game vs. Boston.
Walked off on his own, but he received a nice cut, according to the radio guys. Beltre was at the plate.
Oddly, he narrowly missed a comebacker to the head during the previous AB.
Rays led 1-0, and wasn’t paying that much attention, but apparently a Boston catcher threw a ball over Pedroia’s head into the outfield – perhaps contributing to the run.
Boston backstops getting started early on their throwing game
.
Bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes March 10th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
a Boston catcher threw a ball over Pedroia’s head into the outfield
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In the Boston catcher’s defense, that’s not a very hard thing to do…