Spring Training Game 15: Yankees vs. Rays
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Mar 18, 2010 
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YANKEES
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Nick Swisher RF
Jorge Posada C
Robinson Cano 2B
Marcus Thames DH
Randy Winn LF
Juan Miranda 1B
Ramiro Pena 3B
RHP Javier Vazquez
RAYS
Jason Bartlett SS
Carl Crawford LF
Ben Zobrist RF
Carlos Pena 1B
Willy Aybar 3B
B.J. Upton CF
Pat Burrell DH
Sean Rodriguez 2B
Dioner Navarro C
LHP Carlos Hernandez
TIME/TV: 7:05 p.m., YES Network
WEATHER: Some clouds, but ultimately a sunny sky and blue sky. Temperatures will be in the upper-50s.
UMPIRES: HP Eric Cooper, 1B Marty Foster, 2B Mark Carlson, 3B Andy Fletcher
ON THE LINE: None of the fifth starter candidates will be pitching out of the bullpen, instead the Yankees will get their first look at Chan Ho Park… Marcus Thames, Randy Winn and Brett Gardner also have another chance to get three at-bats or so, trying to improve their numbers. Joe Girardi said this afternoon that Gardner is indeed the favorite to open the season as the Yankees third outfield starter.
UPDATE, 6:51 p.m.: A few notes from this afternoon’s session with Girardi.
• Girardi has said every fifth starter candidate will get a chance to pitch at least once more before being eliminated from the race. It’s possible either Chad Gaudin or Sergio Mitre could be knocked out tomorrow. “It’s conceivable,” Girardi said. “It’s not necessary.”
• The Yankees would like to make a decision on the fifth starter by the end of next week, but they could push it until the final week of spring training. “If everyone pitches great, we might run them all out again,” Girardi said.
• Trainer Steve Donohue told Girardi that Damaso Marte is “better than he thought he would be.” Marte will probably pitch tomorrow at home.
• The final job on the bench is pretty much between Marcus Thames and Jamie Hoffmann. Girardi once again mentioned David Winfree as someone the Yankees are interested in, but that right-handed outfield role will probably come down to Thames or Hoffmann. “Those are the two main guys we’re looking at right now,” Girardi said.
• For those of you trying to guess the lineup every day, most guys are not going to play three days in a row at this point. That’s why Alex Rodriguez, for example, is out of the lineup today. “He played two days in a row,” Girardi said. “That’s kind of where we’re at right now. Two days in a row and then we’ll work to three eventually.” Girardi didn’t say so, but it does seem that some guys might have to play three in a row for tomorrow’s split squad.
UPDATE, 8:02 p.m.: Sorry for the lack of updates tonight. My deadlines are early and I’ve been frantically writing for the newspaper. After some miscommunication with Jorge Posada — both went after a ball in front of the plate, but neither ultimately fielded it — Vazquez has escaped a two on, two out jam in the third and has so far allowed one run through three innings. I assume most of you are watching on TV, but if you’re not, Derek Jeter’s two-out, two-run double has given the Yankees a 2-1 lead.
UPDATE, 8:20 p.m.: Javier Vazquez is finished, Romulo Sanchez is in. Vazquez went 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K. He threw 60 pitches, 38 strikes.
UPDATE, 8:33 p.m.: So, Romulo Sanchez. He wasn’t very good. Loaded the bases for Boone Logan, who struck out Carl Crawford to end it, but not before a passed ball scored a run. Rays lead it, 3-2.
UPDATE, 9:13 p.m.: Ladies and gentlemen, Colin Curtis! Three run home run has put the Yankees back in front, 5-3. If those offseason adjustments are going to make this sort of difference, Curtis could really push for a big league call-up this season. The upper levels are thin in the outfield, and Curtis could easily begin to stand out. A lot of talent there, just hasn’t led to big numbers in the minors.
UPDATE, 9:18 p.m.: Mark Melancon is in to pitch for the Yankees in the seventh. Every starting position player is out of the game.
Heyya – we’re playing the Rays, not the Phils.
Finally, a game on YES.
What’s it going to take to lose Marty Foster?
A restraining order?
Moat with boiling oil?
An autograaphed copy of “The Yankees Are Just Not Into You”?
Marty Foster again!
He’s going to qualify for playoff money.
He’s worked more Yankee games than Arod this Spring!
Chip,
Guess vacation time for you is coming up!
Looking forward to the game tonight. Seems like weeks since I saw a game via the MLB Network.
Marty Foster again??? lol
BryanHoch Six Navy SEALs just parachuted into the outfield. I don’t think I could work in an office where random things didn’t happen out my window.
32 seconds ago
Marty Foster has nothing left to learn in AAA.
Marty Foster is as good as those Umps behind the plate at Blue Jays games.
“Navy SEALs just parachuted into the outfield. I don’t think I could work in an office where random things didn’t happen out my window.”
Perhaps hired by the Yanks to terminate Marty Foster with extreme prejudice.
Bronx Jeers
March 18th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
“Navy SEALs just parachuted into the outfield. I don’t think I could work in an office where random things didn’t happen out my window.”
Perhaps hired by the Yanks to terminate Marty Foster with extreme prejudice.
*****************************
Nick in SF
March 18th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
Marty Foster has nothing left to learn in AAA.
—————————————————————-
Classic.
Brad (Essexville)
Can Austin Jackson keep this up in the regualr season. Spring Training means nothing but it sure looks like Detroit got the better end of the Granderson deal
Klaw (2:33 PM)
What you’re saying is that two weeks of spring data outweigh the last three years of regular-season and AFL performance data … that sounds like solid logic.
LOL. Do people really not like Keith Law?
the Macdill AFB Air Show is tomorrow, the Seals were probably getting some extra practice
My first time seeing Javy this year…kinda excited
just a sick change to Crawford..
kind random. but i was listening to the michael kay show and he mentioned something interesting. carlos pena was interviewed by a dominican reporter, and pena told him that the only place carl crawford wants to play in 2011 is with the yankees
One minute after we won our 2009 championship, I believe it was I who had made the prediction that the 2010 home opener will be delay/postpone by rain.
Sterling and Waldman are in action tonight.
Lets build something tooogethaaahh!
Granderson is still terribly off-balance vs lefties…
“kind random. but i was listening to the michael kay show and he mentioned something interesting. carlos pena was interviewed by a dominican reporter, and pena told him that the only place carl crawford wants to play in 2011 is with the yankees.”
==================================
I was listening too.
BTW, does anyone else think Swish will hit 270..30 90 this year?
Praise the Lord, Yankee baseball on TV! Tino sounds great.
And BFARBS, that is interesting. Could just be an early negotiating ploy, but it is intetesting.
I like sick secondary stuff Vaz better than hanging fastball Vaz.
That was a nice pitch to Cano
Cano in midseason form with RISP.
so from this inning, we can say.
curtis can’t leftys.
cano can’t drives in runs, despite that breaking pitch being a quality one
Go ETSU!
Let’s just give up on the season. Cano should never make an out with RISP and Granderson must bat .1000 against lefties. Oy vey.
of course i was joking, that k to cano was a pretty dar good one
So far from this inning you can say nothing.
I hope Romulan Sanchez takes it to those Federation b#stards tonight!
Ready to draw conclusions already?
Only fools draw conclusions from ST games.
Unless you believe Sean Rodriquez will lead the league in HR’s this year.
So Crawford wants to get paid?
How in the world did I get roped into UTEP, Butlet has been my buddy all season…
Betsy – that’s the spirit! Let’s declare the season a failure now and beat the rush.
heck no
Nick in SF…I’m getting slammed today in the NC2A games….UTEP Yikes
“Nick in SF March 18th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
So Crawford wants to get paid?
How in the world did I get roped into UTEP, Butlet has been my buddy all season…
”
I picked UTEP also :facepalm:
It’s March Madness at our house. My husband loves this time of year. We watch all basketball all the time. So, needless to say, I don’t have the Yankees game on (I could watch it upstairs, but, I’d rather be with hubby.)
Catching up…there are no statistics for the intangibles of the game, so of course an Elijah Dukes might look just as attractive as a Derek Jeter. But teams can’t dis-count what a player might bring to team in terms of personality – plus and minus. Strawberry and Gooden were never clubhouse problems. Theirs was an entirely different situation. (Though Strawberry did have some issues with his first wife, no?) Cashman is working overtime to keep that clubhouse filled with good clubhouse guys, so why introduce a potential problem. If you end up spending any energy at all on trying to keep players like Dukes, Bradley, Sheffield on an even keel, it takes away from the energy you should be spending on the field.
Anyway, enjoy the game all.
And, unfortunately I will not be able to run GTLU tomorrow. I am picking up my daughter from school – another run to LI – so we can go on vacation!!!!!!!!
Rodriguez wanted HR #6.
That looks like the S Rod that plays for the Knicks.
That’s right, Joe – this way it will save us from worrying. If we assume the Yankees will be bad, then we can only be pleasantly surprised.
I had UTEP winning a couple of rounds, lol. Oh well – as long as I’m going ok in comparison to my co-workers, all is good.
Doreen, don’t really care about all that personal stuff but you’re right on your analysis of Dukes.
The only thing Jeter and Dukes have in common is they both play baseball.
That 3-1 swing by Thames looked odd. Almost like his bat stopped mid-way for a split second….a hitch after starting his swing.
if Hernandez pitches to left handed hitters and throws a pitch like the strike three call to Cano, lefties are going to get about 3 hits off of him this season.
atta boy Jete
Jeter in mid-career form.
And that Jeter at-bat brought to you courtesy of baby Jeter.
theres our real captain! ( who’s the imposter with the 217 avg? lol_
Terrible tracking and read by Upton
Elijah Dukes?
Pimpin’ ain’t easy !
if granderson or gardner played that ball like upton, they would be shot on sight by some fans
RalphieD,
You got half of that correct!
We can safely and accurately say that BJ is not a great defensive CF now right?
Anyone wanna guess how The Three Greatest Pitchers of All Time and All Universes — Lester, Beckett, Lackey — are doing this spring?
Lights Out.
Every year you wonder if this is the season when either Jeter or Posada will start to show some age and their bat speed will start to ebb.
But every spring training there they are squaring the ball up.
Both guys have had their problems with injuries – especially Posada.
But both have looked terrific this spring. The bat speed is still there for both of them. The season is so long and things change a lot but right now they both look very good.
Nick in SF…At the Golf Club there’s 30 of us who play action for many years and we have this consensus list of games that everyone picks games independent of each other….26 guys had UTEP …..Besides UTEP had been playing well…..Spotlight now shifts to San Diego State…I have played Washington lightly, Go Pac 10
Eiland is spinning Kim, worse, she’s blithely repeating it.
“We can safely and accurately say that BJ is not a great defensive CF now right?”
I think BJ over relies on his talent at the expense of fundamentals.
Am I mistaken, or was Upton a middle IF up until 2 years ago?
The good news is that Dicey-K has become Pavano.
I wonder what ever happened to Kim Jones?
I think Jeter can play as long as he wants to play – he’s just a born hitter. He’s not a big, bulky guy and keeps himself in tremendous shape. I can’t wait until he gets his 3000th hit – that’s going to be one of the most special moments in Yankee history.
You are correct, m.
CB, Good call on the bat speed concern….I think if Posada displays any indication of bat speed loss it’ll manifest itself from the left side…He has a little longer speed from the leftside plus his shoulder and his right side muscle domination is my concern….
That was a really good throw.
Upton channeled his inner Granderson in the OF LOL
what’s that… scouts have been raving about Mitre
maybe Trisha and myself, do know something about pitching
keep Mitre
Uncle D -
Sorry about the personal stuff. It’s kind of my signature here. I’ll try and rein it in.
Looks like Marty Foster is rubbing off on his crewmates.
Posada’s hitting like he was 28 instead of 38. That was a great throw by Posada, by the way. It looked like the call could have gone either way without an arguement.
Every time the Yankees and Rays are FOX or ESPN, we’ll be hearing (ad nauseum) that Crawford is auditioning for the Yankees.
lol. st for a reason
Betsy – Romine wasn’t built in a day March 18th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
I wonder what ever happened to Kim Jones?
I think Jeter can play as long as he wants to play – he’s just a born hitter. He’s not a big, bulky guy and keeps himself in tremendous shape. I can’t wait until he gets his 3000th hit – that’s going to be one of the most special moments in Yankee history.
______________________________________________________________Seriously I’m stocking up on tissues when he starts getting close to 3000. I cried like a baby when he broke the hit record lol. My good friend, who is a die hard sox fan, even admitted to tearing up…( she said it was a great moment for baseball)
Not a good play there. Probably wouldn’t have gotten him but they need to communicate a little better.
Girardi’s on WCBS right now.
He really likes Jorge’s shoulder.
(Games on – commercial time for NCAA)
Pena is slooooooow.
Check that, he really didn’t run.
“My good friend, who is a die hard sox fan, even admitted to tearing up…”
Whoa.
No room for Mitre. They now have guys in AAA that can be a #6 or #7 starter.
I hope he pitches well enough so they can deal him for a decent position player prospect.
That would be the best case scenario for the Yankees.
I wonder how Scout X feels about Mitre
Rich in NJ -
I was not comparing Dukes to Jeter as ballplayers. The point I was trying to make is that numbers alone don’t tell you everything about a player, and because Jeter is Mr. Intangibles I used him as my example of Positive Intangibles. Dukes would be Negative Intangibles. That’s it.
Vazquez has become such a complete pitcher. He is so much better than he was in 2004.
He really has a fantastic well rounded arsenal. He has three legit plus pitches.
The quality of the pitches he’s breaking off is terrific. His change up is just phenomenal now.
He is going to have a big year. The yankees traded for a legit #2, all star caliber starter.
National league, american league – it’s not going to matter. His stuff is that good now.
is it me or does jorge look younger? Maybe he just looks nice and tan??
NYY626 -
Jorge does look pretty good. Maybe that hair stuff that Keith Hernandez and Wilt Chamberlain hawk?
Doreen
Gotcha, but I really don’t think Jeter is about intangibles. He’s tangibly a very, very good player.
Pat M,
Excellent point on Posada. I believe he’s a natural right handed hitter. He’s been better from that side for most of his career.
If he loses something it will probably show on the left side first.
It’s really remarkable. I know he didn’t start catching full time until relatively late in his career, but I keep thinking that father time has to catch up with him. It is in the field some, but it really isn’t with the stick.
The swing is still a well balanced weapon.
SJ44
March 18th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
No room for Mitre. They now have guys in AAA that can be a #6 or #7 starter.
I hope he pitches well enough so they can deal him for a decent position player prospect.
That would be the best case scenario for the Yankees.
————————————————————
I count 10 pitchers that could make starts right now without including Igawa. It’s getting close to being time to move a couple of the older AAA starters and one of Gaudin/Mitre. I’d like to see NYY keep Hirsh, though. Maybe give him a spot starter/long relief job to go with Aceves.
Swish and Posada are gonna have huge years.
Sometimes the wisdom of crowds is overrated.
By they way, Alex Chilton R.I.P.
cano got robbed
Not a strike.
“By they way, Alex Chilton R.I.P.”
I was shocked to find out how young he was when “The Letter” was released.
Marty Foster… National Treasure.
Marty has a midnight tee time he needs to get to.
Good that Cano didn’t swing.
Not often that you see Cano take strike three calls twice in a month, much less twice in a game, but, those were two perfect pitches.
“The Yankees would like to make a decision on the fifth starter by the end of next week, but they could push it until the final week of spring training. “If everyone pitches great, we might run them all out again,” Girardi said.”
B”ut, but, he said it was the 24th or 25th for several days in a row, didn’t he”? he asks obnoxiously in SJ44’s direction…
Hirsh is the best pitcher nobody talks about in camp.
He can fill in for starts this year. Love his stuff.
Rich in NJ -
Absolutely! He’s intangibles PLUS! Dukes has tools, but then the other stuff takes away.
It’s so difficult sometimes to be exact when you’re writing on a blog. I’m too wordy as it is.
Bronx, did he say anything else? Thanks!
NYY, that was a wonderful moment when all the Yankees came out to greet him. When Jeter tied the record, the Rays were very respectful; when he broke it, the Orioles didn’t do jack.
# Doreen – 2010 GTLU March 18th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
NYY626 -
Jorge does look pretty good. Maybe that hair stuff that Keith Hernandez and Wilt Chamberlain hawk?
______________________________________________________________
LOL! I met Keith Hernandez once when I was about 9 or 10. He was signing autographs at a store near my house. My mom tried to joke around with him saying that we were yankee fans and were getting the autograph for my grandfather. He had NO sense of humor at all and gave us a dirty look!
Why does this pitcher have a huge strike zone?
Wow. That was much clearer than Robinson’s punchout.
That pitch was no where near the corner.
Mid-season form for Eric Cooper.
GB7 has been high on Hirsch for a while. It’s nice to see that they really might have gotten a useful piece there. They really acquired him almost out of desperation as the AAA rotation was in shambles last year at times.
stuckey,
Seriously?
We’re watching one of the very greatest SS of all time – I really can’t help bursting with pride over him. Not just Jeter, but Posada, Mo and Andy, too.
“stuckey,
Seriously?”
No.
“We’re watching one of the very greatest SS of all time”
Two of the best, except the other plays 3B.
Stuckey,
I’ll bet the decision is made next week.
I’ll stand by it while you parse quotes.
Hirsch seems like a nice guy based on Chad’s 5 questions. How old is he?
Ponson’s back?
Who’s Jason Hirsh?
Hirsh is another brought up too soon by Houston and he just could never stay healthy. As a reliever, and with his height, he could be a Jeff Nelson type to keep right handed hitters away from the plate. He was outstanding in Scranton once he got out of the mountains where his breaking pitches didn’t work well.
“Ponson’s back?”
The 2003 version.
LGY – Child Prodigy/GB7’s Bestest Buddy March 18th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Who’s Jason Hirsh?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q-psVKy9v4
One of the things I’ve really liked about what the yankees have done over the past few years is the way they’ve used so many different routes to get talent.
Romulo Sanchez is a good example. That was a very nice trade given the context.
The Yanks DFA’d the mediocre Eric Hacker and during the 10 day trade period they were able to trade him to the Bucs for Sanchez.
Sanchez too might be a useful piece. He might be the hardest thrower in the entire yankee system now.
To get him for a AAA guy you DFA’d to clear a roster spot for Brett Tomko is a nice move.
They almost got him.
That looked like Prince rounding the bases.
Betsy – Romine wasn’t built in a day March 18th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
We’re watching one of the very greatest SS of all time – I really can’t help bursting with pride over him. Not just Jeter, but Posada, Mo and Andy, too.
________________________________________________________________
Agreed. We really struck gold with these guys.
If this kid Sanchez could ever refine his mechanics, he could be a bullpen arm down the line.
His mechanics though are so whacked, he’s an arm injury waiting to happen.
LOL Rich……I’m very glad that Jeter and Alex are good friends again and I still think it’s way cool that they are on the same team.
I would be beyond shocked if the 5th starter is anyone other than Phil or Joba. I’m sure Joe just said that to keep the others motivated – he’s no dummy.
Can’t the Yankees just change his mechanics instead of just letting him pitch like this?
That was reachable for some SS, but it’s ST.
Crap, Jeter.
Jeter keeps flexing his hand -I hope he’s ok
another terrible game by curtis granderson.. tell me, is this what we can expect all year? jeter getting on base, and granderson flying out with weak quick at bats? where’s the heart that a guy like damon brings?
marcus thames.. the hole in his swing is so big its ridiculus… I miss the grittyness of Melky.
and don’t even get me started on randy winn, a complete waste of a human being.. I CAN PERFORM BETTER THAN THIS GUY. If he’s on the roster I will be very embarassed.
Are you saying he should have gotten that, Rich? I didn’t think so…..
Betsy
I’m saying some SS would.
Girardi sees his lineup card flashing before his eyes.
CB,
There are a lot of arms in this organization right now.
I’m not even counting the guys in A Ball like Warren, Phelps, Brackman and Banuelos who could make a big leap this year.
I think Jose A Ramirez may start the year in Charleston. If he does, that’s a kid you pay to see.
He’s got a great arm.
“another terrible game by curtis granderson.. tell me, is this what we can expect all year?”
This is what you can expect. Honestly.
SJ, gentleman’s bet. Decision is made public, and it’s Chamberlain.
You in?
made public until at least the 29th, that was supposed to read
Nice throw by Granderson.
“marcus thames.. the hole in his swing is so big its ridiculus… I miss the grittyness of Melky.”
I though Gardner was the gritty one and Melky was the clutch but lazy one
If you can perform better, go to Tampa and tryout.
If not, stop posting nonsense. We already get you are clueless.
Rich, was that an implicit criticism of Jeter? I’m just asking – he is 35.
Only two injuries to the rotation would put Aceves in the rotation. He has more value to NYY in the role that he’s in than as a #5 pitcher. Not only that, but, if he has back issues, it’s easier to deal with out of the bullpen than moving in another starter.
Betsy
I’m just trying to be objective.
Count me as another who was hurt by the UTEP loss today. UGH! At least I had Murray State to make up for it…
HUGHES should be the 5th starter… I keep hearing that Joba is starting to act like himself again.. YOU KNOW WHO JOBA IS? YOU KNOW WHAT HIS PERSONALITY IS ALL ABOUT? ITS ABOUT COMING OUT OF THE PEN with his TEETH GRINDING AND HIS SHOES ON FIRE.. THATS JOBA, THATS WHAT HE’S ABOUT…
and now, not only have the ruined joba with their stubborness, but they’ve also in the process of ruining Hughes as well.
I will say the decision will be made by next Saturday at the latest (I think it will be Friday) and it will be Hughes.
LOL that was nice……….
The Yankees have the tallest pitchers, lol
That’s Po’s biggest weakness.
should have kept phil coke, I don’t like logan at all, not even close… bad trade.
I don’t even think that Aceves being valuable in the pen has anything to do with it. Joba and Hughes are the future – they are both studs. Aceves is a nice pitcher, but that’s basically it.
Boone has been a beast
whatever
March 18th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
another terrible game by curtis granderson.. tell me, is this what we can expect all year? jeter getting on base, and granderson flying out with weak quick at bats? where’s the heart that a guy like damon brings?
marcus thames.. the hole in his swing is so big its ridiculus… I miss the grittyness of Melky.
and don’t even get me started on randy winn, a complete waste of a human being.. I CAN PERFORM BETTER THAN THIS GUY. If he’s on the roster I will be very embarassed.
————————————————————
If you’re embarrassed, I’d suggest a bag over your head to disguise yourself. May I suggest one of those brown plastic leaf bags with the drawstrings?
Logan looked very good against Crawford….Who is this masked man, lol? I wonder if he has a shot to make the team…..and if not, can he go to AAA? Can Ring?
whatever
“should have kept phil coke”
whatever
Rich, true……I expect he and AJ will be absolutely fine this year, but we’ll see a few of those, lol
whatever is my favorite poster. Priceless.
Joba’s shoes are on fire?
Maybe that’s why he looks so uncomfortable on the mound sometimes
LOL GB – how are you doing?
Posada is going to have to be a DH next year….
good evening, GB, how have you been? I see your sense of the appropriate is pretty good, as always….
Logan has good stuff. If used properly he can be a nice part of the bullpen. He made the White Sox after pitching in Rookie Ball for the season. Probably not the smartest decision by them though at such a young age.
Jeterian
Oh and Betsy, Logan can go to AAA.
whatever,
What you’ve just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
I am going to boo Granderson opening day for having such a poor spring. Bring Back Johnny.
LGY, thanks! I guess that gives Ring an advantage? Logan was trashed when the trade was made – what did people expect? He was a throw in……….but maybe he’ll develop into something more.
“I am going to boo Granderson opening day for having such a poor spring. Bring Back Johnny.”
I suspect that something other than Granderson is bothering you.
Betsy – Romine wasn’t built in a day
March 18th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
LOL GB – how are you doing?
Posada is going to have to be a DH next year….
————————————————————
Doing pretty well, Betsy…just a bit tired and a slight headache. Thank you for asking. Hope all is well at your end.
As long as Posada’s healthy and effective next year, I would think that he’ll start about half of the games as a catcher and split the DH duties.
If you’re embarrassed, I’d suggest a bag over your head to disguise yourself. May I suggest one of those brown plastic leaf bags with the drawstrings?
———————————————————-
This is just terrible and wrong in so many ways.
Those bags have far too much residual oxygen in them.
CB, What I meant to say, is that Jorge’s swing from the left side is a bit long and if it begins to get longer that”’ be the first sign…….Nick in SF, Thank’s for reminding me…However the Huskies are going to knock out Marquette…….San Diego can make things right in a hurry tonight
CHAN HO!!!!!!
Melancon should make the team over Ring or Logan.
A shorn Park looks quite different
Unless your mother allows you to miss your Kindergarden class, I doubt you will be booing anybody at the Stadium on Opening Day.
Booing someone over ST.
You may be the dumbest person who has ever posted on this blog and that’s saying something.
Your parents must heartbroken over your stupidity.
GB, things are fine, thanks. How are the wonder twins? I guess that’s fair about Posada – I wouldn’t want to yank the C job away from him if he’s not awful back there. Hopefully Montero can split the duties with him, like he did with Girardi years ago.
Joe from Long Island
March 18th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
good evening, GB, how have you been? I see your sense of the appropriate is pretty good, as always….
————————————————————
Evening, Joe. Doing well…I had good reports from the docs. Hope that you’re enjoying your heatwave up north.
i’m still trying to shake off the winter rust, but, I’m rounding into regular season troll banging shape.
Besty,
I am higher on Logan than most people on here. He has had quite an odd career bouncing between the minors and majors since he was 20. I think he can be a nice second LOOGY in the pen if he just faces LH and has some stability in terms of staying in one place for the year. But if I am wrong, because like you said he was just a fill in and he still has minor league options.
How do they get 1 or 2 more starts for Joba & Hughes before the 25th?
atta boy Chan
Good movement by Park.
Park has developed a nice change up. I think he throws a split change. I was impressed with it last year when I saw him throw.
It has nice downward action. He is going to be a good addition to the pen.
oops. How do they get 2 more starts.
Chan Ho Park looked nice……. Who was Phil talking to?
Betsy
Hoffman
But if I am wrong, *not big deal*
Nice inning for Park in his first outing.
GB,
happy to hear about the positive Dr. Report.
Best news of the evening.
Park made that first outing look ridiculously easy. He could be another big bullpen weapon for Girardi.
M, it’s impossible. If Phil pitches Sunday, the 21st and Joba pitches Monday the 22nd, there’s no way. I would like to think they’ve seen what they need to see from Phil or Joba – it would stink if either one of them had bad starts next out and that was the deciding factor.
Nice work by Park. He and Robertson could really give us a sturdy bridge.
I love Phil Hughes, I have been his biggest fan for about 5 years.. and IT makes me SOOOO angry how the Yankees focus so much attention to Joba and leave Hughes in the dust, as if his opinion doesn’t matter. HUGHES was the golden boy in the Yankees organization long before Joba.. If anyone gets to decide if they want to start or relieve, it’s Hughes. I am so tired of Joba, the guy should just come out and admit that his personality is better suited for relieving but won’t because he wants the big money from being a starter. It’s really selfish.
I violated my #1 rule of filling out brackets:
NEVER PICK GEORGETOWN!
I deserve my fate.
Betsy,
I think we will all die of anticipation if they both pitch well, and they have to go to OT.
SJ,
There are a lot of arms in the organization. They’ve done a very nice job of building depth and having guys like Robertson and even a Coke emerge.
Amongst Warren, Bleich, Pope, Duff, De La Rosa, etc. I don’t know who will be a contributor – but there’s a real good job at least a few of them will – especially in the pen.
I’m looking forward to following Ramirez this year. I hope they send him to Charleston to start the season. He has a very good arm, lots of room to fill out/ project and it’s always a good sign when a kid that young has a good change up. He seems like a nice combination of talent, arm and pitchability for a kid his age.
Carl, thanks! GB – that’s great news!
Clean 1st outing for Chan Ho Park. No nonsense …. around the plate. He could pick up a good share of “holds” out of the pen this year.
I picked Georgetown to win the darn thing, lol. I’ve liked them because I was a huge Knicks/Patrick Ewing fan.
M, Kay teased on his radio show today that he was going to have Joba news……….and then he never said what it was. I kept wondering if he was given the #5 spot. I admit – I will be really disappointed if Phil doesn’t get it.
er, extra innings. haha.
Betsy,
that’s not going to factor into it.
These guys know what they are doing. It’s not their first rodeo. They have it mapped out.
SJ44 -
I don’t know why I picked them. And I think I do pick them every year. I guess I keep thinking they still have Patrick Ewing.
lol, Kay will be the last person to find out. Right, Chad?!
Um, ok – Georgetown is toast.
SJ44
March 18th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Nice inning for Park in his first outing.
GB,
happy to hear about the positive Dr. Report.
Best news of the evening.
————————————————————
Yeah, I was really happy about that news and the surgeon was pleased. still getting smaller colds so, I have to limit the times around people. They didn’t say anything about leaving trolls alone, though. Still can’t bring the dog home. Of course, he wouldn’t leave his favorite toys with Morgan’s. He loves playing with the twins. Still sleeps in the playpen with them. Can’t keep him out. Really strange for a male dog to be that protective.
I think people are forgetting that it’s not solely based on ST results. The fact is the frontrunners can all chuck it.
I think they take 2009 and those turrible “intangibles” into consideration.
Kay is a really weird guy.
Well, Girardi did clear up a few things….
Decision by the 25th.
Whoever doesn’t get it, goes to the pen.
That should end the AAA talk.
SJ, I figured that – I guess I needed to get in one good worry for the evening. That’s out of the way, so I’m good to go now.
Kay did say that Alex is not worried at all about his talk with the Feds – and he looked and sounded great. Kay will be interviewing Alex for YES’ ST special (not sure when it’s airing).
GB – “troll banging” – I wonder if Freddie can get a picture of a troll for his frying pan, and go banging them throughout the ballpark?
In fact, maybe the Yanks can have can have “Troll Banging” day at the Stadium? First 20,000 fans get a small bat and a pan or something with a picture of a troll on it. They can hold it when Tampa comes into NY, to get even with them for those annoying cowbells at the Trop.
I still don’t know which way he swings.
Jeter should probably come out, but he won’t, lol.
Strange. All of a sudden, YES is posting radar readings.
whatever
March 18th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
another terrible game by curtis granderson.. tell me, is this what we can expect all year? jeter getting on base, and granderson flying out with weak quick at bats? where’s the heart that a guy like damon brings?
marcus thames.. the hole in his swing is so big its ridiculus… I miss the grittyness of Melky.
and don’t even get me started on randy winn, a complete waste of a human being.. I CAN PERFORM BETTER THAN THIS GUY. If he’s on the roster I will be very embarassed.
Whatever, your name perfectly describes how I feel about anything you post…… whatever
nasty curve
M, are you channeling Cleveland from Family Guy? Turrible? LOL
No problem with the pen as long as they pitch multiple innings…….
m
“I still don’t know which way he swings.”
Kay?
m -
You mean Kay?
Nasty curveball.
You don’t see a lot of guys throwing 12 to 6 curveballs anymore. When hiiters see it, their knees buckle.
Hmm? Oh, did I say that out loud?
Two gorgeous pitches from Robertson.
I really like Bleich, CB. People will see a really young Andy Pettitte there. I haven’t heard the concerns about his elbow that I heard in college or in Tampa. Some thought that he’d have had surgery by now. With luck, he can strengthen it and avoid a visit to James Andrews.
“YES’ ST special (not sure when it’s airing).”
Premieres 3/28
Very nice outings by Park and the Bridge
Uncle Charlie ………..I love a good curve; it’s my favorite pitch. Gooden’s was so good it was called Lord Charles. I remember the curve Phil threw to Zimmerman of the National’s last year – ridiculous. I hope he throws that more often this year.
m -
He’s certainly a persnickety type. Limited appeal either way.
(And yes, you did say that out loud!)
I think the YES gun is messed up again.
I predict Robertson will be the primary Yankee setup man by June, if not sooner.
Pat, thanks!
M,
he has a GF and they are pretty serious.
Isn’t Kay dating Jody Applegate?
Andrew, only if Phil or Joba can’t go because they pitched multiple innings the game before. I think D-Rob will have to wait until both kids are in the rotation.
“Isn’t Kay dating Jody Applegate?”
RUFKM?
And here’s how it’s going to go.
They’ll say all the guys threw well, but they could only pick one.
We liked how Hughesy (ugh) was pitching as a starter before he did us a solid in the bullpen. He did what we told him and came into camp ready. Really got after the changeup. We’re expecting good things from Hughesy (ugh).
OR
Joba showed us that he’s got that fastball command under control. He doesn’t have any innings restrictions so he’s going to let it fly. We’re expecting good things from Joba.
GB, I saw Bleich quite alot when he toiled in the Pac 10….Really is a gamer type guy who out thinks the opposition…..Is that what a crafty lefty is all about….Moves the ball around and for a guy without much heat he will come up in the zone but never leaves it out over the plate….I guess you’ll see him this season….
Joe from Long Island
March 18th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
GB – “troll banging” – I wonder if Freddie can get a picture of a troll for his frying pan, and go banging them throughout the ballpark?
In fact, maybe the Yanks can have can have “Troll Banging” day at the Stadium? First 20,000 fans get a small bat and a pan or something with a picture of a troll on it. They can hold it when Tampa comes into NY, to get even with them for those annoying cowbells at the Trop
————————————————————
freddy might be a nice guy, but, Lord, I’d hate to have a seat anywhere near him. It would be as bad as sitting next to the guy in Cleveland that beats on that bass drum. Maybe he can paint a picture of Loopyca on his frying pan and let everyone channel their inner angst into that spoon.
GB7 -
I’m very happy to hear that you got positive news from the men in white coats. That is very good to hear. I’m sure you get tired of talking about it, but I just wanted to say that.
Back to baseball – it’s good to hear that you like Bleich. The yanks seem to like him quite a bit. The reports from Mark Newman on Bleich’s stuff and velocity are very encouraging. He seemed like a good command guy in college. Last year his velocity had an uptick so hopefully this year he’ll be able to command his fastball better.
A lefty that can throw 92-94 is very valuable.
Pena is pretty good at putting the bat on the ball.
Rich
Do I have the wrong name? A friend told me she saw them in a restaurant together.
Ah! A Jeterian swing!
SJ,
How evil is it that the “loser” will set up Mariano? Other teams must be thinking she-it. Pick your poison.
Pat M.
March 18th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
GB, I saw Bleich quite alot when he toiled in the Pac 10….Really is a gamer type guy who out thinks the opposition…..Is that what a crafty lefty is all about….Moves the ball around and for a guy without much heat he will come up in the zone but never leaves it out over the plate….I guess you’ll see him this season….
————————————————————
Like Pettitte, he’s a thinker with stuff. I believe that he opens the season at Trenton. he’s moving fast. 1 game at rookie level after signing and went straight to Tampa last year and split the 2009 season at Trenton.
Pat,
Yes.
Colin Curtis baby!
Will there be a time when we have 3 CC’s on the team?
Colin Curtis Crushed it
Colin Curtis is ready.
LOL I was just saying that Curtis shouldn’t have swung for the fences on the previous pitch as he didn’t need a HR…and then he hits one, lol
pat
I don’t know, but that would be upset my “just world” theory. She must have an organic brain disorder.
Curtis put a nice easy swing on that and drove that ball well.
The pitcher missed his spot and Curtis really crushed it. Driving out those kind of mistake pitches are how most major league hitters hit home runs.
Hopefully the improvement Curtis has shown in the AFL/ minors recently are legit and he can continue to put his game together.
GB / CB…I didn’t remember him being in possesion of that type of heat…..Curtis has a real nice swing with a quick set of hands….
Marty Foster should be sent to AAA to be humbled.
CB
March 18th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
GB7 -
I’m very happy to hear that you got positive news from the men in white coats. That is very good to hear. I’m sure you get tired of talking about it, but I just wanted to say that.
Back to baseball – it’s good to hear that you like Bleich. The yanks seem to like him quite a bit. The reports from Mark Newman on Bleich’s stuff and velocity are very encouraging. He seemed like a good command guy in college. Last year his velocity had an uptick so hopefully this year he’ll be able to command his fastball better.
A lefty that can throw 92-94 is very valuable.
————————————————————
I was able to see about 6 of his starts for tampa last year when I’d visit the docs and then down in Ft. Myers. He’s mature well ahead of his years….much like Mussina. Must be that Stanford education mixing with Cajun blood. NYY has had a lot of luck with Louisiana pitchers.
What’s Curtis’ upside? 4th OF? I don’t see how he makes the team…but good for him that he seems to have taken his game to another level.
Bleich battled abuse during college, but when the Yanks got him, the abuse ended and the velo rose.
Golson stinks– he is another Gardner…. Speed, but no instincts at all……
M,
The “loser” setting up Mo, along with a healthy season from the starters, and it’s a 100+ win team.
The sound you hear is Brandon screaming to buy a Colin Curtis jersey! LOL
This guy Bennett is the guy who busted his pitching hand punching a door after Cervelli hit a HR against him last year in Atlanta.
Man…has Curtis change his swing over the last year or what? He never did that to a baseball before. He was always a line drive/ping hitter.
Javy looks 18.
Quiksilver>>>Ed Hardy
I am rooting against Ring and Logan because I want Melancon to make the team.
No walks, Mark!
Melancon walked the first hitter….
Melancon getting squeezed a bit.
oh yay, Romine is behind the plate. I sort of want to see him have a chance to throw the runner out……
i think the radar gun is a little weak today…
Colin Curtis played well in the AFL, showing some signs of getting his hitting together. He looks like he’s continuing this ST. However, I think he might best be served by playing fulltime in Scranton.
From what I understand, he still needs to demonstrate consistency. Once he does that, then he can make a push for a major league job Putting him on a ML roster now and He wouldn’t see enough playing time to hit well enough.
Just my thoughts.
If Curtis can take that swing to Scranton and continue to hit, he’s going to give the Yankees a lot to think about this year.
Melancon has to learn walking people will keep him in Tampa.
“I didn’t remember him being in possesion of that type of heat”
Pat M.,
You’re memory is not failing you. The reason why you don’t remember Bleich having that kind of heat at Stanford is because he didn’t have it. He was a guy who was 88-91, pitchability kind of lefty.
But evidently last year he found a few extra ticks after he turned pro.
As the year was going along he didn’t put up very good numbers – especially in AA.
But Chad asked Mark Newman over the winter about which pitchers in the minors might surprise and move quickly and this is what Newman had to say:
“”Jeremy Bleich might,” Newman said. “He had an okay year, not a great year, in some ways. In some ways he had an outstanding year. His stuff was really good. He was getting it up to 94 with regularity. His stuff was better than it was in college, his command wasn’t quite as good. I’ll take that, because the command will come. I really believe that.””
That’s great news. Perhaps they changed his mechanics some and he found some more velocity. Sometimes lefties can get by without tapping into their talent the way they should because they can succeed just based on being lefties. Bleich actually walked more people than one would expect for a command lefty – but that’s probably related to him finding something extra and needing to adjust.
Newman said similar things about Bleich in an interview just today over at John Sickels blog (i’ll post the link separately to avoid two links in one post – it was a good interview):
“” His stuff is better than I thought it was when he came out of college. We thought he’d be an 89-92 MPH guy, but last year he was throwing 92-94 and hit 95 at times. We like his secondary stuff but he needs to command his fastball better. Fourth starter sounds about right, but there might be more in there if he can keep that kind of stuff this year. He will start the season in Double-A.”
http://yankees.lhblogs.com/200.....rk-newman/
I think Freddie spends most of the game roaming the stadium.
Link to Sickels interview with Newman:
http://www.minorleagueball.com.....an-yankees
Hey look, Melancon is pitching like he is in the big leagues again LOL
“Will there be a time when we have 3 CC’s on the team?”
CC (Sabathia)
Colin Curtis
Carl Crawford
?!?!?!
M, I thought it’s the opposite – he’s not close to the strike zone
atta boy Romine
Nice recovery and a nice throw.
Romine!!!
I think Melancon walked the first better just to give Romine a chance to show off his arm.
Leah,
Yes. Unless CC opts out. Or CC re-ups with TB. or CC stays in AAAA.
Melancon is a victim of the numbers game
He isin’t beating out
MO
Joba/Hughes
Park
Robertson
Marte
Aceves
Gaudin
2nd lefty (if Girardi decides to take 1)
He stays in Scranton until there is an injury.
I like Melancon and I think he’s going to be a good reliever based on what I know about him.
But I have to say, watching him pitch makes me a bit uneasy the more I see him.
He still has bad arm action. He’s very long.
That kind of long arm action can make it difficult to command pitches.
What happens to a lot of college pitchers, especially starters is, once they get away from their coaches, they can build up arm strength and get stronger because they aren’t getting abused.
Apparently, that has happened to Phelps, Bleich, and Warren.
College coaches kill pitchers.
That was a really nice throw by Romine. In his limited time so far, no signs of getting his glove in the way of the bat. Something to watch this year.
CB,
I agree. That’s why talk from some about him being the future closer is nonsense. It ain’t happenin’.
Hopefully, he can find a way to throw more strikes to big league hitters.
His arm action is scary.
“Yes. Unless CC opts out. Or CC re-ups with TB. or CC stays in AAAA.”
My gut feelings tell me that CC won’t opt out (this is NY after all), that CC won’t be back w/ the Rays (probably because he wants more $$), and that CC will (at some point in the future) get a call-up especially if an outfield injury occurs.
Time will tell…
“College coaches kill pitchers.”
I can’t believe James Taillon is even semi-seriously thinking about going to any college next year – never mind Rice.
If Taillon has a good season it’ll be interesting to see if the Bucs pull the trigger and put a Taillon-Sanchez batter in place!
It does sound like the Pirates are still gun shy about drafting arms – especially high school arms high in the draft but Taillon seems like the real deal.
Nardi raves about him.
Singleton on the broadcast just said you could tell an incoming pitch off of something like arm speed and delivery. I think that validates me a little bit by suggesting a change in arm slot might tip a pitch as well.
I trust Singleton on that >:)
It must not have taken long to cull through the “highlights” of Flaherty’s career…
Yeah Melancon’s arm action is just asking for injury. Don’t think he will last very long… just scary looking.
I love watching the AAA guys do their thing.
nice to see Pilittere get the RBI single. He’s well down on the catching list, but, you never read about him complaining. A future system coach?
SJ,
Watching Melancon pitch is somewhat strange because the guy you see doesn’t match up with the level of performance in the minors.
There’s a gap there. I really hope this is a case where the numbers win out and he’s just an unorthodox exception to the rule…
But he really does have bad arm action. It is not pretty to watch. I can see that being a problem at the major league level. I hope I’m completely arm and past performance does indicate future performance but…
It’s not good to watch. I know the yankees worked with him on that but it may just be one of those things that can’t be changed too much at this point.
Johnson.
Arm speed and delivery is different from arm angle.
Hitters can pick up changeups if arm speed is slower.
The same if you slow down or alter your delivery.
Arm angle is much different.
GB so glad to hear about the medicos… Good on you my friend…
Russo is really, really short to the ball. He’s short even on pitches on the outer half.
That’s a very efficient approach/ swing he’s got.
CC is a good guy and all indications point to him really liking NY so far but I will be incredibly surprised if he does not opt out.
I don’t think CC opts out. Who’s going to pay him more than the Yankees? Serious question.
Russo can flat out hit. He should be in the majors.
I can’t see Taillon going to Rice when he’s gonna get drafted in the top 3-5 picks in the draft.
He does look like a beast.
LGY
For a contract with a greater AAV or more years? I’m not sure that will be out there for him. Unless he wants to go back to the west coast.
CB,
To me, it’s like Edwar. Great minor league numbers, but they don’t translate to the majors because of deficiencies in his game.
In Melancon’s case, he can’t have that arm action and be successful at the major league level because hitters are MUCH more selective.
Despite fan clamor, he’s not yet ready to be in the Yankee bullpen.
Thanks for the kind words, Bronx. Much appreciated. Hope all is well down where you’re at. best early birthday gift I could have gotten.
heaven help us. Melancon can pitch in the bigs. He just needs a little time there to get adjusted.
And that is why Pena is coming up with the big club and not Russo. Russo cannot play SS.
If he opts out, he leaves 92 million on the table. That’s a lot of coin and mo guarantees he makes that up in his next deal.
JB Cox was supposed to be our heir to MO
Then it was Humberto Sanchez
Then Melancon
And our rotation was supposed to have Wang-Marquez-Garcia-Betances-Horne.
and Tabata was a can’t miss stud who was the next Manny.
Folks gets too caught up in prospects….
Romine has really good hand/eye coordination.
Russo is not a shortstop, except in an emergency. He’s better off at second and the outfield. Not very good at third, either.
When is your birthday GB mine is on March 31.
“JB Cox was supposed to be our heir to MO
Then it was Humberto Sanchez”
This is false. No one in authority ever thought that.
Bleich was abused by Stanford during the NCAA playoffs….
“Russo can flat out hit. He should be in the majors.”
Would you rather have his bat on the Opening Day roster or Ramiro Pena’s glove?
He needs more than time. He needs to throw more quality strikes and not walk so many people.
His arm action doesn’t help in that regard.
Not yet ready.
No one in authority ever said anything about anyone being heir apparent to MO.
At this point, I would settle for Melancon being a useful player.
Phil,
It’s not a question of whether he can pitch in the bigs – it’s just a question of how effective he’s going to be. He’ll pitch in the bigs.
But with any young player there is a question about how his performance in the minors generalizes to the majors.
Melancon does have very long arm action. That can be an issue. Not saying it will and it’s not a reason to not give him a shot.
But it is cause for concern that he might have problems with command at the majors despite his minor league performance.
Again – I hope he’s just a guy who is unorthodox and can make it work for him. But that’s something to watch for, IMO.
How did Melancon dominate the minors with those mechanics?
He’s going to fool no one at the ML level. ML hitters have plate discipline.
Cox and Edwar couldn’t throw 94-95, and the lack of velo in both cases, and the fact that Cox was a jerk was the end for both of them. I don’t know anyone with a good knowledge of the minors or our system who was terribly high on JB Cox.
Right. The only pitcher who has been talked about to replace Mo, for better or worse, is Joba.
JB Cox is seriously considering retirement. NYY also lost their other AA catcher in Kyle Anson, who just retired.
You can still pitch in the bigs if you have spotty command… but you need to be able to K guys. Melancon can do that.
When it comes to the bullpen, you don’t earn a spot on potential. You earn it with results (or lack of options).
Throwing 95 doesn’t help if you have trouble throwing strikes.
If he can cut down on the walks, different conversation.
That’s why he needs more time in AAA.
DC,
You forgot Tyler Clippard. He was supposed to “just know how to pitch” with impeccable command like Mussina.
He’s found a nice little home in the DC pen, but far cry from a rotation mainstay that fans thought he could be.
Bronx Born
March 18th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
When is your birthday GB mine is on March 31.
————————————————————
The 24th of March. I’ll be 20 years old….starting my 4th time around.
I assume robertson gets a pass because he strikes out 13/9?
Funny face by Golson, that was a terrible strike call.
If CC can get better than 4yrs @ 23 mil after 2011?
Well that’ll mean he’s had a very good 3 years with the Yanks!
Robertson doesn’t have the mechanical issues that Melancon does.
I’m not surprised to see Robertson continue to improve his command. There were no clear problems with his mechanics.
You can pitch for the Pirates with spotty command.
The Yankees? Not so much.
I’ll take Aceves, Park, Robertson and Chamberlain in the pen until or if Melancon can show he is good enough to assume one of those roles. So far, he’s not there yet, IMO.
The heir to Mo talk reminds me of every highly touted rookie player who came into the NBA and was called “the next Jordan”.
There were plenty of fans here who talked about Melancon as the heir to Mo. I believe SJ was very high on Melancon prior to last season and I think his excitement carried over and led people to believe that this guy was can’t miss.
Dave DC’s main point was valid… of course… it’s a lot of fun to get excited about prospects. You just have to be realistic about it.
The fact that the Yankees farm system has so many legit prospects is a good thing. If a handful of them work out, the Yanks will be in pretty good shape.
(p.s. Melancon could very well end up being a solid reliever)
Melancon put up excellent numbers in AAA the last 2 seasons. He has nothing left to learn there. He needs to have a sub-1 ERA to get promoted?
He’s ready. He is one of our 12 best arms.
Robertson could close.
“JB Cox was supposed to be our heir to MO
Then it was Humberto Sanchez
Then Melancon
And our rotation was supposed to have Wang-Marquez-Garcia-Betances-Horne.
and Tabata was a can’t miss stud who was the next Manny.
Folks gets too caught up in prospects…. ”
Unbiased observers of the minor leagues never believed any of this to be true.
“Dave DC’s main point was valid… of course… it’s a lot of fun to get excited about prospects. You just have to be realistic about it.”
OTOH, a lot fans thought Cano would never be any good when he was in the mL.
Melancon didn’t look great, but he didn’t look bad either. He didn’t have much command, but he could have gotten out of the inning without that run if Russo hadn’t booted it; Russo (who I like a lot) didn’t help his cause there.
Didn’t people say Cox was better than Huston Street?
Any judgments on how Romine looked behind the plate?
Robertson is a better pitcher than Melancon with much cleaner mechanics.
That’s why he has a spot on the roster locked up while Melancon does not.
There is no way Bleich can touch 95, that same kid I saw for Stanford didn’t touch over 92. That’s some type of improvement by Nardi if he gets 95 mph out of him.
By the way Colin Curtis continues to show his bat is better than Randy Winn’s in ST.
“Didn’t people say Cox was better than Huston Street?”
No one with a working brain.
That girl means business, pink Yankees hat, pink fielding glove.
“OTOH, a lot fans thought Cano would never be any good when he was in the mL.”
————
I could very well be wrong but it seemed to me like Cano sort of came out of nowhere that year he was called up. I remember the Soriano / D’Angelo Jimenez days but for some reason I can’t really remember much hype about Cano in the minors.
Park won’t replace Mo, but he will prove to be an important pick-up this year. And Vasquez will have a greater impact than Curtis.
“Robertson is a better pitcher than Melancon with much cleaner mechanics.
That’s why he has a spot on the roster locked up while Melancon does not.”
It’s also because he has about 1000000000x more ML experience and has proven that he can pitch in pressure situations during the post-season.
“Didn’t people say Cox was better than Huston Street?”
———–
are we talking pitching or bar fights?
The hype for Melancon is way out of control. NYYFans is a Melancon board – they will explode if he doesn’t make the team. They were penciling him in for the set up man role this time last year………
“There is no way Bleich can touch 95, that same kid I saw for Stanford didn’t touch over 92. That’s some type of improvement by Nardi if he gets 95 mph out of him.”
So Newman is lying or just making publicly inaccurate statements on radar gun readings?
And Curtis’ spring makes it even more important that he goes to AAA. He seems to be legitimately developing a new approach/ swing. He should go to AAA and get reps not sit on the bench. He needs to play.
““Didn’t people say Cox was better than Huston Street?”
No one with a working brain.”
Before JB Cox got hurt he was touted by his own school better than Houston Streets, add to that he hit 95 on the gun.
Melancon isn’t one of the 12 best arms on the team. Do the math.
He may be one day. He isn’t yet and, barring injury, isn’t likely to be heading north.
Hopefully, he can clean up his mechanics and contribute at some point during the season.
Atta boy Marty!!!
That’s the way I used to do it at 2nd.
I am a Colin Curtis fan.
I want Colin Curtis to start the year in SWB, continue hitting as well as he has and be ready for a mid-season call-up. He wouldn’t get enough playing time in ML.
He certainly might give the Yankees something to think about this winter.
Groundhog day with Brandon and Randy Winn..and Curtis hasn’t proven jack.
Betsy, Romine has been really quiet behind the plate…not as jerky with his glove and moving his feet better than I’ve seen before this spring.
Who’s pitching by the way? I missed it………thanks!
“I could very well be wrong but it seemed to me like Cano sort of came out of nowhere that year he was called up. I remember the Soriano / D’Angelo Jimenez days but for some reason I can’t really remember much hype about Cano in the minors.”
He showed signs in A ball, and started really putting it together in Trenton in 2004. He followed that up in winter ball, and then took off at AAA in 2005 before his call up.
CB, I’m not saying he’s lieing, I’ll just believe it when I see it. If that kid can top out at 95 mph and locate, he’s in the bronx by 2011.
“Before JB Cox got hurt he was touted by his own school better than Houston Streets, add to that he hit 95 on the gun.”
Every draft report I read said otherwise, and his FB topped out at like 90.
GB, that’s good to hear. I don’t care what he hits in ST – he’s just a kid and barely out of A ball – as long as he shows he’s a potentially good C. He made a very nice throw to get the runner and the guys on YES were impressed with his catch on that pop up.
Oops, Mosely …
Nardi didn’t do anything with Bleich.
A rested arm, and adjustments made by Scott Aldred increased his velocity.
In his last 3 starts last year, scouts had him consistently at 94-95 with his fastball.
“Groundhog day with Brandon and Randy Winn..and Curtis hasn’t proven jack.”
Keep saying that, I would have agreed last yr., not this yr.
i dont see how melancon is gonna fix his mechanics…hes known for his funky delivery…changing that would mean a total overhaul of his delivery…pretty tough to ask a guy to do who has done nothing but dominate in the minors
Melancon doesn’t have to fix his mechanics, only his command. He will have to live (or die) with the consequences of his mechanics.
You watching, Pat M???
UW!!
If I recall correctly, last year at this time, many questioned Robertson’s ability to contribute at the ML level (appropriatley, as he did not have a ML track record of success.) He had some rough spots last year, but got it together and was very solid, which carried through to the playoffs.
I think that with the inevitable need for pitching reinforcements during the season, Melancon will get the opportunity to show what he can do. From what I’ve seen of Joe, players will get opportunities, and he will try to put them in positions to succeed. It will be up to Melancon to make the most of it.
I love it when the Yanks beat the Rays whether it’s a ST game or not.
I just don’t like Joe Maddon.
How about Russo as the right-handed bench bat? I know typically we get a guy with power, but I’m ok with a nice high average instead.
SJ give me the full info on the Bleich kid. What does he top out at according to the people you speak to, what does he sit at and what’s his ceiling.
Betsy -
This is the opportunity that a player like Colin Curtis has to show any improvement, make an impression. As stated above, I don’t think he should make the team, but as far as not proving “jack,” I think you’re wrong. He’s proven that he warrants attention.
He started improving in AA, then AAA, just by increments. Then he had a terrific season at AFL and is following that up with this very good showing in ST. What more can you ask of a guy in his position?
Winn is 36 years old.
Last year could have just as easily been him falling off a cliff and losing his bat speed as it could be an anomaly.
When a 29 yr old like Granderson or Swisher has a down year… it is a good bet that it is an anomaly. When a guy like Winn does? You can’t discount age catching up to him.
Winn just looks old and slow this spring. Maybe it takes him longer to get in shape…. or maybe he is cooked, as a good portion of 36 yr old outfielders are.
I really hate when you spend so much time going over brackets to have them fall apart within hours! Sheesh.
UDub just saved my brackets!
Brandon,
If his velocity can stay in the 93-95 range with crisper secondary pitches, he can top out at a 2.
If not, a 3 or 4.
Rich,
Agreed re: Melancon.
Doreen, we’ll have to agree to disagree. Exactly what has Curtis proven? Randy Winn had a terrible year last year, but he’s been a nice major leaguer – I’m disagreeing with Brandon, who suggested that Curtis is a better bat than Winn. Until he does it in the big leagues, he’s not.
Park looked pretty impressive in his one inning. The Yankee pen should be pretty darn good.
SJ, so your telling me they have 2 possible top of the rotation LHPs if they reach thier ceilings?
LOL..Ok Betsy.
Melancon isn’t one of the 12 best arms on the team. Do the math.
–
Then lets hope Ring or Boone don’t make the team either. As they are probably not in the top 20 of arms in the system.
Reed Johnson this Spring -
.292 with a .370 OBP and a HR, 6 RBIs, 3 walks, 1 K
Johnny Gomes -
.333 with 3 HRs, 3 doubles, 9 RBIs
Yet we signed the 36 year old Randy Winn. Not a smart choice. Not good when he is coming off the worst yr of his career AND he looks helpless at the plate in the spring.
8-4 on my bracket.
LOL What Brandon? Double LOL at you and your comments about Winn.
So, when did ST stats start counting? Did baseball cards start to put ST stats on the back? Let’s open a new wing of the HOF for players who looked great in ST..
Betsy -
But he’s a prospect.
You’re correct, that we won’t know if he’s better than Winn until he does it in the majors, but he’s sure making a case to get there soon. Everyone starts somewhere. You don’t just appear on the scene a fully-formed player. I missed where Brandon said Curtis is better than Winn; but I’m saying Colin Curtis has proven he is worthy of a long look and keeping an eye on his progress in AAA. And that’s what he’s supposed to do in ST as a minor league prospect.
Curtis is certainly having a better spring than Winn. And that means nothing as far as who’s making the team. But, again, Curtis is making himself known.
When Randy Winn ends up on the Mets we’ll LOL together Betsy.
After 1 day, I can forget following the tournament as I had Georgetown winning it all
J.B. Cox never hit 95 on the gun, he was always known more for his slider than anything
HUSKIES …..San Diego State is up next….
Why is it so hard to phantom that Winn MAY be shot?
He isin’t a spring chicken anymore and is coming off an awful year. The people who say he is shot are no less irrational than the people who are convinced he is going to return to his 07 form.
To answer a couple of questions in regard to my post about saying CC will opt out:
-AAV: Probably a little less than now, but hard to speculate now 2 years from now. I do not see a significant decrease though if there is a decrease.
-More years? Absolutely. If AJ and Lackey are getting 5 years at 32 years old with injury histories CC is getting a bare minimum of 6 years at 31.
-Who? Would have to look at money coming off the books for each team, but the first 2 that come to mind are the Angels and well the Yankees with the Yankees probably being first in line.
The years are really what’s important and thats why I will be really surprised if he does not opt out.
I love to laugh, Brandon – fine with me. By the way, I’m happy for Curtis – as I said before, good for him that he’s apparently taken his game to a new level. If he can help us at any point, then that would be great. Tonight was a good night for the Yankee kids…
Doreen, well he said it. I know all about prospects – you’re misreading my posts. I’m not criticizing him – I’m saying that he has not proven (as per Brandon) that he’s a better bat than Winn just because he’s had a good ST and Winn hasn’t.
Doreen, I also never said Curtis wasn’t having a good spring or doing a good job. Kevin Russo is having a good spring, too, but he’s very likely not making the team………
thanks Rich
I must have been asleep on Cano in 2005.
Brandon – LOL. You are right… he does seem like a Mets type player. Looks like Gardy is going to be getting a lot of PT
The happiest person this Spring is Gardner. This is his competition for a spot? At least Melky posed an actual threat to him (and ended up taking his job).
“I don’t think CC opts out. Who’s going to pay him more than the Yankees? Serious question.”
Serious answer.
The Yankees.
Which is the beauty of the player option.
Quoting ST stats isn’t worth the bandwidth you just used. Especially with zero context.
Brandon,
the best thing for Curtis is to go to Scranton, play everyday, and rake.
If he does that, and the LF’s struggle for the first few months of the season, he gives the Yankees something to think about.
Getting ga ga over ST stats is beneath you. You are smarter than that.
Jim – he’s suppose to be pushing Gardy, Gardy must be LOL’in when he thinks of him as competition.
Apparently 20 Spring Training AB’s is all Randy Winn gets to prove his worth to this crowd.
Randy Winn can be like Julio Franco was for the Mets in 06-07… give you a professional AB and might hit a single every now and then.
But his role is to mentor the young pitchers and be a positive influence for them. Don’t think he’ll be getting too many important ABs and that’s fine. If he is like Julio Franco, that is fine by me.
“Melancon doesn’t have to fix his mechanics, only his command. He will have to live (or die) with the consequences of his mechanics. ”
Haha how do you think pitchers fix their command?
Betsy
Maybe it’s just the phrasing. “Hasn’t proved jack” really made it sound worse than what you were apparently trying to say.
I’m sorry that I misinterpreted your post.
As you can see, we agree that Curtis is having a good spring, but shouldn’t make the major league team just yet.
Love is a Tabatafield!
“Getting ga ga over ST stats is beneath you. You are smarter than that.”
SJ I didn’t say put him on the 40, I just can’t believe Randy Winn is on the 40…
Watching Yankeeography 2009, when the MTA line started heating up…man that brings back goosebumps.
It’d be pretty cool if this hot streak that Curtis is in turns out to be legit. It is possible for players to completely change their swing and approach and have sustained success. The most recent being Ben Zobrist. I’d love for Curtis to come out of nowhere and be an above average player
As long as Curtis continues to make the improvements that he has since the middle of last season, he’ll keep moving up the ladder. In truth, one of the best pure bats in the system beyond Montero is probably Daniel Brewer, and he can play 5 positions, 4 of them very well. That’s the hitter to watch at Trenton, along with Laird, whose defense is improving daily.
Dude I didn’t like the Winn signing when it happened but if he bounces back from 2009 he’s a great pickup. Great defender, good average
pat -
I’d love to be 8-4. I’m 5-7. In fact, all of us in my house are 5-7 and we picked some different teams. Weird. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day.
” I just can’t believe Randy Winn is on the 40″
You mean on the 25.
Doreen, I didn’t mean it to come out that way – I’m sorry. I didn’t have to put it quite like that. I hope Curtis does well and it’s obvious that he worked hard, which I admire. I just feel like it’s unfair to trash (not that you are) any player for having a bad spring when it’s a small sample size AND it doesn’t even count. One bad year doesn’t mean another bad year will follow…..and I think Winn deserves a real shot.
Even worse Nick.
Just added some post game notes in a new post.
I’m 6-6 so far today
2 sweet 16 teams gone
1 elite 8 team gone
Big east why have you failed me?
Betsy -
I agree with you.
Forget spring training, don’t even bother to look at batting statistics until after Mother’s Day.
“Apparently 20 Spring Training AB’s is all Randy Winn gets to prove his worth to this crowd.”
————
seriously.
Winn was low risk with potentially very good reward. There are far worse options for the 4th/5th OF spot.
The low risk part helps in the event that he doesn’t perform well 2-3 months into the season and Curtis or someone else can take his place.
For now, he deserves the benefit of the doubt. He’s been in the league for a long time with a solid record.
I just finally disconnected from India and seem to be on the computer home stretch. Just thought I’d report in.
You know, I’m thinking that maybe it is worth it to listen to a bunch of screaming kids in a smelly auditorium. I am not a basketball fan, and there is no way I could have gone anywhere tonight except in front of my computer. But I think I would have liked to watch Georgetown and Ohio, just because it’s Georgetown and Ohio!
So I have decided that I am going to go to the games on Saturday. And if it interferes with our game on Saturday, that’s what my DVR is for!
GO YANKEES!!!