Today in The Journal News
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Today in the Journal News on Apr 12, 2010 
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The Yankees played pretty good baseball their past two days in baseball, and now they’re coming home. Yesterday the Yankees won their second straight against the Rays, giving them four of six games on this season opening road trip. They’ll play the home opener on Tuesday.
Speaking of home, I’m on my way there right now. I had an early morning flight out of Tampa — if everything worked correctly, this post went live while I was in the air — and I’ll spend the day trying to find my way around my apartment. The Yankees are holding an optional workout at the Stadium, and Josh will be checking in with the details.
See you Tuesday. Until then, enjoy the day off. The rings are coming!
That’s the Associated Press photo of Curtis Granderson’s sliding catch yesterday. It was ruled a hit, but Granderson clearly caught it.
The Yanks are probably flying somewhat under the radar because everyone is hot to trot for the Tigers, but that’s fine. They deserve a lot credit for taking 4 of 6 from their division rivals, both of whom play very well at home.
AJ was nice and efficient; I actually saw some people complaining that he pitched a bad (or lucky) game because he only struck out 1 :rolleyes:
I thought I read somewhere that, in Tampa, that thing that the ball it is considered in play – maybe that’s why the umpire ruled it a fair ball. If I’m wrong, then I want to know how that umpire still has a job.
Excuse me, it was a catwalk.
I like a good day off as much as the next, but it stinks that the Yankees are using up some of their days off so early in the season.
Betsy,
SJ44 was actually at the game, sitting behind home plate. After the play happened he commented on the blog that the speaker the ball hit was clearly behind the plate and out of play.
Oh SJ also said that none of the umpires bothered to even look up at the foul ball to see if it was going to hit anything. So none of them even saw where it hit, they just guessed.
Patrick April 12th, 2010 at 9:14 am
Oh SJ also said that none of the umpires bothered to even look up at the foul ball to see if it was going to hit anything. So none of them even saw where it hit, they just guessed.
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Wow, really? I guess that doesn’t really surprise me. lol
Still don’t know how the ump missed that call..he was 10 feet away from it and it was right in front of him. It was clear as day on TV before even seeing a replay… Oh well didn’t matter much but Grandy has played as excellent CF thus far.
Can’t wait to go to the game tomorrow. Should be a great day, Rings, Banner, Matsui’s return and most important get a win. Go Yanks!
Erin,
This is what SJ44 posted yesterday:
—-
SJ44 April 11th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
I’m sitting behind HP and it was obvious the ball hit the speaker in foul ground.
If you look up, which they are suppose to do here, it’s hard to miss.
Nobody looked up on this crew.
Arod adds insurance which is nice.
Selig needs to get his “think tank” together and set some kind of ground rule regarding balls hitting the roof. I don’t think it should just be played as a live ball…
OK, purely just for kicks and to give our old friend Betsy something else to worry about – should Cervelli now become CC’s personal catcher?
Thanks Patrick! I have a feeling the umpires are going to be a big issue this year.
The ground rule is:
If it hits the catwalk and lands fair, it is a single. If it lands foul. it is a foul ball.
If it hits the speaker, it is a foul ball.
They ruled that it hit the catwalk, thus, fair ball. It if did, in fact, hit the speaker, they obviously missed that and assumed that it hit the catwalk, rather than mis-applied the ground rule.
It seems likely to me that nobody watched the ball go up, because in real baseball, there is nothing to hit on a pop fly. I can actually understand the umpires incorrect call on that one.
“should Cervelli now become CC’s personal catcher?”
Only in the playoffs!
Signs of a good season.
When what gets discussed are bad calls by umpires, and who should catch our Ace.
MTU (aka GBURL) April 12th, 2010 at 9:33 am
Signs of a good season.
When what gets discussed are bad calls by umpires, and who should catch our Ace.
***********************
LOL
The Yankees should hire someone to drop leaflets from planes saying:
“Warning the Yankee Juggernaut is coming to a city near you.
Your season is over. Resistance is futile.”
-Correction- here are the actual ground rules:
A batted ball that hits the catwalk, lights or suspended objects in foul territory will automatically be ruled a dead ball and it shall be called a strike.
A batted ball that hits a catwalk, lights or suspended objects in fair territory shall be judged fair of foul in relation to the striking point on the ground or where it is touched by the fielder. If the ball hits the catwalk, lights or suspended objects in fair territory and lands in the field in fair territory or is touched by a fielder in fair territory, it shall be judged a fair ball. If the ball strikes the catwalk, lights or suspended objects in fair territory and is caught by a fielder in fair or foul territory, then the batter is out and the base runners run at their own risk.
A batted ball that hits the catwalk, lights or suspended objects and remains on or in the catwalk, lights or suspended objects in foul territory is a foul ball and it shall be called a strike.
A batted ball that hits the catwalk, lights or suspended objects and remains on or in the catwalk, lights or suspended objects in fair territory is a fair ball and it shall be called a double.
A batted ball that hits either of the lower two catwalks, lights or suspended objects in fair territory is a home run.
And, new for 2010:
Any batted ball that goes through the clown’s mouth is a grand slam regardless of how many base runners, plus one free at bat.
During Saturday’s game, Chad said Chan Ho Park is warming up and that’s something that we don’t want. He mentioned that he would say why after the game and never did.
Does anyone know what he was talking about?!
This will become a familiar pattern this season.
Yankee starter keeps game close.
Opposing Pitcher worn out by Yankee lineup exiting early.
Middle relief enters game.
Yankees pound middle relief and take commanding lead.
Yankee BP shuts door.
Yankees win.
MTU, I think it’s a very bad thing when bad umpire calls are being discussed. Missing a call occasionally is going to happen as they are human, but on a constant basis? There’s already a question of their integrity – now add to it their complete incompetence?
Jose, he didnt want to come out and say CC had a no hitter. Didnt want to jinx it.
40% chance of rain tomorrow starting at 1pm. Doesn’t sound like it’s the kind of rain that will cancel the game, though.
Betsy-
Nobody likes bad umpiring but the Yankees are good enough to overcome even that most of the time.
So why worry. Be happy. Repeat is on the way.
MTU, um I’m not worrying and the Yankees (or any other team) should not have to worry about overcoming bad umpiring.
Betsy-
Great. then we’re on the same page.
CC is on Regis &Kelly right now.
Amber is there – she’s having a baby boy.
And the Sabathia’s just got a puppy.
Doreen-
“Amber is there – she’s having a baby boy.”
Good. Send over a scout to examine the ultrasound.
We don’t want to miss out on signing him.
CC says it’s easier to ptich in NY because of the other players on the team.
CC is gonna pitch to Regis.
I wish I had known CC was going to be on-I would have set my DVR. Thanks for the updates Doreen!!
MTU, not really…. your comment that I responded to sounded like you’re not overly bothered by bad umpiring. I am and it has nothing to do with being worried.
# Patrick April 12th, 2010 at 9:14 am
Oh SJ also said that none of the umpires bothered to even look up at the foul ball to see if it was going to hit anything. So none of them even saw where it hit, they just guessed.
===================================
So that’s why Girardi was so mad when he went out and argued the call.
Someone should ask Joe West if he thinks the umps at yesterday’s game were “pathetic”.
Will the home opener be on MLB network, or any other national networks?
Erin -
You’re welcome.
My mom called me to tell me. I don’t usually watch morning tv and I don’t look at the tv guide page to see who’s on. It’s nice to have a mom who does!
Man i wish i could see CC.
Wow Regis can’t connect. lol
pretty funny on regis w/CC
CC is making Regis look silly, and he’s just lobbing the ball. Pretty funny.
Betsy-
No. I don’t like it either. Who could.
But I wont loose any sleep over it if that’s what you mean.
CountryClub,
Haha, ok that makes sense. I was actually at the game Saturday (and Sunday) and read the blog update on my phone. Thought maybe the comment was pertaining to something else.
Great job Chad from when the pitchers and catchers reported in February, the exhibition games in March, the 2 opening series in Boston and St. Pete, and finally on to the Bronx.
The over and above coverage of prospects in the minor league levels is outstanding and appreciated by all on this blog.
The coverage that yourself, Sam, and Josh will continue to be the best of it’s kind throughout the rest of the schedule and beyond.
I guess Lohud has seen the light NOW, when Pete did it all on this blog. It now takes a platoon of blog masters to keep it updated!!
Yankees get their rings tomorrow, I so happy for them.
I’m sorry Mussina missed out on a ring.
NY Yankees.
Lords of the rings.
Gio April 12th, 2010 at 10:04 am
I guess Lohud has seen the light NOW, when Pete did it all on this blog. It now takes a platoon of blog masters to keep it updated!!
Yankees get their rings tomorrow, I so happy for them.
———————————————————————————————————————-
You can always go over and stay on his site…he might even let you move in with him and be his little buddy. He has plenty of room on his site for you. Nobody ever goes there.
anyone find it amazing that Cervelli caught two no hitters in a week in A ball – both with multiple pitchers? The more I see of this kid the more I think Montero will make a great future Yankee DH.
“anyone find it amazing that Cervelli caught two no hitters in a week in A ball – both with multiple pitchers? The more I see of this kid the more I think Montero will make a great future Yankee DH.”
Cervelli has one huge problem. He can’t really hit. He didn’t even in the minors.
Having said that, he is a good defensive catcher, good receiver, who calls a good game. If he can maintain acceptable offensive numbers he can have a long career.
I am just watching the replay of yesterday’s game as I am home from work today – what do u think Maddon was thinking by putting Choate to face Posada?
Montero is going to be the Yankees future catcher unless he just completely stalls out in his defense development and if that occured them it would likely be Romine. I love Cervelli though for the role he’s playing now, he will get his shot with somebody if he continues to do well.
Montero is the Yankee catcher of the not too distant future.
His skills behind the plate continue to improve, and after this season’s work at AAA he will be ready for a part-time catching assignment.
Romine is a much better hitter than Cervelli and if his catching skills continue to improve Cervelli will find himself as the odd man out.
I would not be surprised to see him as a trade chip at some point.
I was simply pointing out how much work goes into this blog, and how it now takes 3 people to contribute, when Pete did it all except for the occasional game line up post, but an OLD fart like you read something negative as usual.
I think Madden was thinking he would rather have Posada hit Right handed and have a lefty to face Granderson. Obviously it backfired but it probably was the right move…he really doesn’t have many options in that bullpen.
The umps blowing the foul ball call on the ricochet in the Tupperware Dome helped overshadow the blown call on Granderson’s outstanding catch of the bloop in shallow CF.
Still amazing to me baseball has done nothing with Joe West. Would love to hear a former player — current ones can’t risk retaliation — say what’s truly pathetic and a disgrace to the game is fat, lazy umpires who think the strike zone is from the belt buckle to the very top of the kneecap.
Blake-
If Choate is what the Rays have for lefty relievers it’s going to be another long season for Maddon.
MTU – you are absolutely right. Either Cisco or Romine might be used in a trade at some point. However, I don’t think it would be impossible for all three to be on NYY roster at some point, IF Romine can play another position (OF?). On the whole, I think that is less likely, though, than a trade.
Whether it’s Cisco or Romine would depend, of course, on what the proposed deal is. Sounds like each guy is on track for a solid ML career.
William Buckner wrote:
Cervelli has one huge problem. He can’t really hit. He didn’t even in the minors.
________
I don’t know how that meme still exists. Everyone seemed to just focus on the 58 AB Cervelli had in Trenton last year before he was called up but his overall BA in the minors was a very serviceable .273, do you know what Jorge Posada’s lifetime minor league BA was? .258 and he’s widely considered one of the top hitting catchers of all time – lifetime BA .279.
86w183 – Dennis Eckersly did an interview on ESPN 1050 in NY the other day, and criticized West, as well as the strike zone issue.
MTU,
That’s going to be the thing with the Rays..their pen is really thin especially with Howell out. They are a really good team but they will probably have to address that to stay in the race IMO.
Cerevelli has cemented his place on the Yankees. Every pitcher responds well to him. I hope Montero is as good or better when his time comes.
Pete, did seem to be stretched a little thin especially right after the game. He needed to write for the blog and submit an article for the paper.
Joe-
Romine is a better hitter. Cervelli is a better defender.
Cervelli has very good foot speed for a Catcher, and so does Romine.
I think Cervelli was converted to catcher ?
We have the best depth at catcher of any team in baseball.
There’s gold in them thar hills.
And I am sure the Yankees will have plans for it’s use.
Thanx Joe — appreciate the info. Always liked Eckersley…. especially after he left Bahston.
Blake-
Exactamundo.
A team with a poor or weak BP is in for a very rocky ride in the AL East.
Romine is going to be a much better overall player than Cervelli; I don’t see Cervelli being kept over Romine. If Montero is going to stick at C, then convert Romine to OF. I guess in that way you can keep Cervelli as backup.
on that catch by Granderson ( ruled a hit ) one ump was heard saying ” i missed it i was looking at my watch “
MTU, how do you know about Cervelli being a better defensive catcher than Romine? Scouts (per a report on the Trenton blog recently) were very impressed with Romine and so was Girardi.
These ump’s blown calls: The speaker clearly out of play, and Granderson’s catch are ‘embarrassing’ and ‘are a disgrace to baseball’.
MTU,
Actually the Sox are probably going to have to find someone besides Bard and Papelbon they can get solid innings out of as well.
Betsy-
I think that’s the conventional wisdom ( and it could be wrong).
Romine still has work to do as a Catcher from what I have heard.
Doesn’t mean he won’t continue to improve.
Watching Cervy in the Majors IMO he is a very good catcher. He seems to do it all very well. That part wont be easy to match.
Maybe GB will weigh in on this as he has seen Romine a good deal.
Busy weekend so sorry if any of this has already been discussed:
1. I hope Girardi was kidding when he said that whether or not CC had a no-hitter he was still going to pull him. Great way to lose your players Skip.
2. Sean Rodriguez is learning that hitting in the Spring is easier than hitting in the season
3. Not at all concerned about Javy’s poor start. No more than I was concerned about CC’s poor start in Boston.
4. Wonder if now there is going to be a controversy about how poorly CC pitched with Jorge behind the dish and how well he pitched with Cervelli back there.
5. Sadly, it sounds like another lost season for Chris Garcia. Every year I say this will be the year Garcia stays healthy and every year I’m disappointed. He’s probably the most talented player you’re never going to see.
Blake-
I hope they can’t or don’t.
It will be fun taking them apart after 5 or so.
Speaking of Montero. He caught the first three games of the AAA season a hop, skip and a jump away. I’d figured we’d see some sort of scouting report on his defense already … somewhere.
He’s caught a shut-out, a 2-run game in extras, and a 7-run game (nothing alarming there).
Seems like he’s 0-3 in stolen base attempts.
Anyone seen anything from a first-hand account?
I just don’t see Cervelli as a big part of the Yankees future, but as Romine won’t be ready for another 2 years, it’s not a problem now. On the other hand, if Montero comes up next year to be a DH/sort of back up to Posada, I don’t know what that means for Cervelli even next year.
Even if Cervelli is a better defensive catcher than Romine, Romine will be a much better hitter and that combo of very good D and offense will be harder to match.
I could be wrong, but I think Romine’s bat projects very well AS a catcher, but not so sure about a corner outfielder.
I think if converted to a corner, Romine value as a prospect takes a significant hit.
Chip, I hardly think Joe lost his players.
Doreen
Thanks for the heads up on CC being on with Regis and Kelly.
Found the video on youtube if anyone wants to see it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6sRXr1E6yQ
GB has mentioned Romine as a sort of Paul O’Neill type hitter; if that’s the case, Romine would be fine as a corner OF. Of course, if he’s a really good defensive catcher, I’d rather see him stick there.
Cervelli can learn to be a back up infielder/3rd catcher.
I stand by my postion of an instant replay challenge system in MLB-
Two challenges per team to be used at the Manager’s discretion for situations just like these. End of story
Thank you very much
CC was fine for 4 innings with posada there. he hit a wall as his pitch count rose. Not much posada would have done there.
I stand by my postion of an instant replay challenge system in MLB-
Two challenges per team to be used at the Manager’s discretion for situations just like these. End of story
Thank you very much
_____
Just have a 5th ump in the booth to fix these crappy calls.
Scouts (per a report on the Trenton blog recently) were very impressed with Romine and so was Girardi.
_______
Cervelli in his short tenure as a Yankee catcher has been off the charts amazing. Jose Molina was the best defensive catcher the Yankees have had in my lifetime and Cervelli outclassed him as a rookie to the point that the Yankees didn’t even consider bringing him back. If Cervelli had 1/2 the power of Montero and Romine there would be no discussion of replacing him when either mature. The question that needs to be posed: Do you value a power hitting catcher over a superlative pitch caller? I always value defense first in a catcher. I think the Red Sox are going to find out that having Victor Martinez behind the plate every night with his superior power hitting ability is going to pale in comparison to having the light hitting Varitek calling pitches. A catcher that knows how to handle a pitcher can affect a game every time he steps on a field. A great hitter can affect – at best – 1/3 of the games he’s involved in.
tex’s friend April 12th, 2010 at 11:04 am
Cervelli can learn to be a back up infielder/3rd catcher.
*************************
Anything that will keep Cisco on the team would be just fine with me.
I think Montero threw out approx. 30% of runners last season.
He’s no Jose Molina(40-50%) back there but he ain’t no Varitek/Martinez either (around 10%).
If he can throw out aprrox. 20% or so in the Bigs do all the rest of things well with his bat it isn’t going to be a problem.
Is Pena the only one on the 25 man roster who hasnt seen playing time yet?
Pena pinch ran in a game
It’s a little silly to judge a minor league catcher’s throwing ability on the number or percentages of how many runners steal. About one in ten pitchers even have a clue about holding runners on base…especially at the A Ball level.
Aldo, you make it sound as if Romine is a hack behind the plate. If Montero can catch at all, he’ll be the catcher, but Romine combines good D and good hitting ability -at the least. He’s a much better all-around catcher than Cervelli.
On the catwalk call, I don’t think there was a replay that actually showed where the ball hit.
GB-
Thanks for that. Then that only makes Montero even better in my eyes.
On the catwalk call, I don’t think there was a replay that actually showed where the ball hit.
___
How bout an umpire actually paying attention???
“Is Pena the only one on the 25 man roster who hasnt seen playing time yet?”
He played the 9th inning at 3rd on Saturday
Let’s just wait until mid-season before we start dividing the jobs about who plays where 3 years from now. If they are all still Yankees, my guess is that they’ll all play multiple positions.
Betsy, I guess I’m higher on Cervelli because he’s doing it on the big stage – and he’s only going to get better. The Yankees have had a lot of fantastic minor leaguers who just couldn’t make the jump for whatever reason. Romine and Montero may very well be the real deal but I’m going to get depressed if the Yankees move Cervelli before either prove it in the majors.
Is Pena the only one on the 25 man roster who hasnt seen playing time yet?
—————
Actually, Hughes is the only one.
You’re right, GB – we’re getting ahead of ourselves.
Phil is the only one who hasn’t seen playing time; I guess he’s not fast like Buchholz or else he could have been used as a pinch runner.
GB -
How you feeling these days? The Yanks have been playing really good ball early in the season. Playing well in all facets. Excited to see them get their rings tomorrow…
One thing is certain.
The Yankees have a lot of talent at Catcher.
realized hughes after i said it.
GB7
Trenton is playing here in Portland this weekend and I’m in hopes to get to at least one game. I’m trying to find the pitching matchups so I maybe I can see one of the better prospects.
Aldo — A great hitter affects EVERY game he is in. He affects the pitching patterns one or two batters ahead of him and behind him and scores and/or drives in a run just about every game.
Why the rush to project the eventual destination for all three young catchers? Just let it be. I do think Montero’s bat will get him to the Bronx on opening day 2011 if not sooner.
Teams don’t run on the Yanks all that much for two main reasons. They are usually behind in the game and they are facing excellent pitching and hate to run into outs. Last year teams stole 125 bases, but were thrown out 52 times (29%). Not great, but not terrible.
Boston threw out a pathetic (according to Joe West) 13 % (23 of 174) but it still only a difference of 55 bases over the course of a season.
An excellent hitting catcher will be more bases than that above a mediocre hitting catcher.
If Montero continues to develope his catching skills and Cervelli continues to play as he has, I can see Romine as the trading chip for the Yanks. I can see Montero and Cervelli as the catchers next year with Jorge as the DH. If Romine is a big time prospect his value will be greater as a trading chip as opposed to a part time catcher. Hopefully everyone stays healthy and the quality of thier play will determine how this plays out. Don’t forget JR Murphy and Gary Sanchez.
Morning, rodg. Hope all is well there in Korn County, Iowa. I haven’t seen any flooding in your area, so I guess all is well.
They’ve been playing well in 4 of the 6 games, and a .667 winning percentage is a pace of 108 games. I suppose that’s acceptable. Seriously though, they have been doing really well, and that’s without some of their big guns like Rodriguez, Teixeria and Johnson misfiring. Even at that, those three are still producing some runs and great defense. I’m really satisfied with the rotation and the bullpen.
I think the most likely scenario with the trio of Romine, Montero, Cervelli is this.
Cervelli stays as back up catcher
Montero comes up next year and is worked into the starting role splitting time at DH.
When Romine is ready, the two of them can split C/DH duties with Cervelli still there as the backup.
Eventually Montero will likely move to 1b (he’ll be 27 when Tex’s contract runs out) and Romine will be the everyday catcher.
MaineYankee April 12th, 2010 at 11:29 am
GB7
Trenton is playing here in Portland this weekend and I’m in hopes to get to at least one game. I’m trying to find the pitching matchups so I maybe I can see one of the better prospects.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Lucky you, Maine. A real pity that Garcia won’t be among the pitchers. Maybe you’ll get lucky and see Bleich, Pope or Phelps. Keep an eye on Daniel Brewer and Laird. Luis Nunez is the shortstop. They have some very good young players in Trenton this year. They all came out of Torre Tyson’s Charm School Of Charleston. all nice young guys and very good with the kids, if you have any.
Here’s hoping that Matsui gets a very loud and long ovation tomorrow. A true pro, and a credit to the pinstripes during his Yankees tenure.
Could someone please tell me what inning was that catch by Granderson that was ruled a hit. I’d like to go back and look at it. Thanks.
what is wrong with these umpires nowadays? Joe West made inane comments, and then there is yesterdays blown calls. pretty pathetic.
GB7
It is some consolation to at least see some of the prospects. I’m only 50 miles from Portland so it’s easy to get to see them. Only an hour drive for me.
Chip,
That scenario is as likely as any other. It’s too early to tell what will happen in the next 5-10 years. I think we can predict with reasonable certainty what will happen at catcher for this year and next. This year, Posada is the main guy, Cervelli is his backup. Montero stays at AAA for the entire year with maybe a september callup. I doubt he catches a single game in the majors in 2010 though.
In 2011 I think we’ll carry 3 catchers. Posada and Montero will split time at C and DH with Cervelli around as the backup in case one goes down. I could also see Cervelli getting a start here and there if we face a team with a lot of speed (ie – Tampa). Romine spends the full year at AAA.
After that it’s just too hard to predict. We could see Montero and Cervelli split time. Maybe Romine comes up and splits time with Montero. Maybe one of Romine/Cervelli gets traded. I do think that long-term the Yankees will try their very hardest to make Montero stick at C. His value skyrockets if he can stick at catcher.
TylerKepner Just arrived at Target Field. Breathtaking.
From Baggie to Breathtaking.
NYPost_Kernan Here’s Yankee Intimidation on display At the Stadium now for workout, flags representing all 27 #Yankees World Championships are on display.
The Yankees are in for a week of really nice weather……..quite a change from last year.
GB -
Things are good here. No flooding and the weather has been beautiful.
Betsy,
it’s supposed to rain tomorrow and Saturday. Of course, the Saturday forecast you can take with a grain of salt.
The Yankees like to break in their catchers slowly at the big league level.
Its why those who think Montero will catch anymore than 30-40 games next year (if that) are being WAY too optimistic.
The advantage the Yankees have with Montero is, he’s young enough to where he doesn’t have to assume fulltime catching duties for awhile but, can still contribute to the team as a DH because of his bat.
Unless he can’t do it physically, Posada will be the fulltime catcher again next year.
Montero? How he progresses defensively will determine whether they carry 3 catchers or 2 on the roster next year.
Webcams on Target Field:
http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com.....webcam.jsp
The Yankees don’t have that for the Stadium, do they?
Matsui’s got a new nickname
“?The Godzilla of Japan, the Godzilla of New York,? teammate Torii Hunter began, ?and now the Godzilla of Los Angeles?or Anaheim.?
Reminded of his team?s official name, Hunter reconsidered.
?The Los Angeles Godzilla of Anaheim,? he proclaimed, christening perhaps the most awkward and least-likely-to-stick nickname in the history of baseball, North America and Asia.”
http://www.ocregister.com/arti.....atsui.html
SJ44,
I could see Montero catching more than 30-40 games next year but that is probably an accurate number. I do think he’ll be in the big leagues for all of 2011 and in the everyday lineup.
Then what happens to Nick Johnson? The Yankees are going to give the DH spot to Montero (and by the way, if they do that, they’d better hope he hits and hits ASAP. No matter how good a prospect is, there’s no guarantee he’s going to come out smoking. If Montero struggles, then we have a black hole as DH.
I think Montero will catch about the same amount of games next year as Cervelli will this year and DH the rest of the time…of course they will need a new #2 hitter…one that plays great LF defense would be nice…if only there were going to be such a player available
“TylerKepner Just arrived at Target Field. Breathtaking. ”
Breathtaking at 500 mil? Inconceivable!
Actually it looks like quite interesting. You can see from this phot that the upper deck is open air like new Yankee stadium.
Ant it’s small with 40,00
Hello LOHUDERS,
The Yankees catching surplus is a good problem to have, one of the best predicaments in baseball. I am a huge Cervelli fan and strongly believe fans should treat him as more than just an afterthought in this discussion. Along the same lines of what Aldo said earlier, Cisco has proven himself with big league pitchers of all persuasions. He was requested as a battery mate by seasoned veterans last year. He was included on the post season roster as a third catcher. He hit near .300 last year while playing good fundamental offense. He can bunt, sacrifice, move the runners, put the ball in play etc. etc. The Tigers demanded him in the original Curtis Granderson trade proposal but Cashman wisely balked. He plays with intensity and leadership. He has potential to be a team captain.
That being said, if the Yankees ever decide to put him on the block, I will throw a fit if the Yankees relinquished him without raking in substantial talent in return. However, the Yankees will never let him go without a serious fight. He’s a well-rounded ballplayer proven on the big league level at a pivotal position. He’s more than just a throw-in.
Cervelli has at least 2 more years on this team.
Romine won’t be ready in 2010 nor 2011. He’s in AA this year and will move to AAA next season.
When Romine arrives, Posada will be gone.
The Yankees will have 3 catchers vying for 3 spots in 2012. Those 3 spots are DH, starting catcher and backup catcher.
If the Yankees decide that the best way to maximize value of those 3 players is to keep all of them and fit them into those 3 openings then none will be traded.
I am of the opinion that the Yankees aren’t adamantly against using Jesus Montero as a DH in order to maximize the number of games played and AB’s. If he catches, you’ll only see his bat in 130 of 160 games. If he catches, his career will be shorter due to wear and tear. I’m not saying the Yankees will make him the DH in 2012 because Cervelli and Romine still have a great deal to prove but I would not be so quick to rule out the possibility that the Yankees can accommodate all 3 players. Again, I don’t think the Yankees have ruled out Montero as DH because there are some advantages to it.
Lots of possibilities but no one way is locked in stone and all paths have advantages for the Yankees. There’s a ton of talent at catcher so it’s a fantastic conundrum.
Oops,
Here’s the photo of Target field
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F....._Field.jpg
Here’s hoping that Matsui gets a very loud and long ovation tomorrow. A true pro, and a credit to the pinstripes during his Yankees tenure.
_______
the WS MVP notwithstanding, I think Matsui insured his long sustained ovation upon his return the minute the news leaked that he apologized to the team for breaking his wrist in 2006. He was a team-first guy from the moment he stepped into the stadium. He wore the pinstripes with honor and was the epitome of Yankee pride and grace.
Betsy
Nick is only signed for this year with an option for next year. I can see Jorge as the DH next year. Jorge’s skills behind the plate are going to get worse.
Besty if Nick Johnson stays healthy all year and produces numbers like he’s capable of offensively, a team will sign him to play first base every day. Teams (San Francisco in particular, he would still look better than Aubrey Huff for them) wanted to sign him last offseason to play first.
It’s all premature with speculating about 2011 obviously, but the plan of Montero starting out as the full-time DH and catching a little here and there makes sense for next year. The Yankees seem happy to roll the dice on one full-time lineup spot to start each year (Gardner/Thames in LF right now) considering their lineup’s depth. Could be the same situation in 2011 with giving a rookie a chance to hit every day and learn how to catch in the bigs. But, how Montero does in 2010 in Scranton will be the key to the 2011 plans.
At some point, and sooner than later, the bad umpiring has to be dealt with. All 30 teams in the game have experienced bad decisions.
It’s started already by having replay calls on balls hit over or on top of walls for home runs. The replays take far less time than NFL replay decisions and take less time than with managers or players arguing the calls on the field for multiple minutes.
The next move should be base calls having replays. This could serve notice to umpires that ball and strike calls could result in center field cameras overruling bad calls and force a more consistent strike zone.
This is the age of high technology for virtually everything. The ship has sailed for the horse and buggy days of the late 1800′s.
The umpires and the Commissioners Office want the game speeded up ? Well ………….
“Then what happens to Nick Johnson? The Yankees are going to give the DH spot to Montero (and by the way, if they do that, they’d better hope he hits and hits ASAP. No matter how good a prospect is, there’s no guarantee he’s going to come out smoking. If Montero struggles, then we have a black hole as DH.”
Betsy, Yanks will be where all major league teams are when they commit to breaking in a rookie, like The Braves and Tigers are this year.
It’s are to have to starting quality back-up on the bench just in case. It’s rarer to have what Yankee fans consider/demand a starting quality back-up on the bench.
If Montero is given that job next year, it will be because he earned it this year, which means he’ll have hit at EVERY level he’s been, and well.
They’ll just take their chances and adjust from there.
They’re kinda/sorta doing that with Gardner this year.
I would love NJ back for another year and I think it’s foolish for the Yankees to entrust a lineup spot to Montero. If he doesn’t produce at least decent numbers, then the Yankees lineup will not be so great…….
Andrew is correct. If NJ has a good season then someone will sign him to play 1B next year. He’s not really a DH..he’s a great defensive firstbaseman.
Andrew, the lineup will be another year older; we have yet to see what kind of years Jeter and Posada will produce. I expect them to be fine, but you never know. Heyward is not expected to carry the team as a DH. Montero will be expected to be a linchpin and I just don’t see it. Who exactly is going to be our #2 hitter? That’s an awful lot of question marks.
“I would love NJ back for another year and I think it’s foolish for the Yankees to entrust a lineup spot to Montero.”
Betsy replace “NJ” with Johnny Damon and “Montero” with Gardner. Their lineup is still great right now with a young player who you’re not sure about production-wise getting a large # of ABs. If you add a corner outfielder in the offseason who can perhaps hit 2nd in the lineup and is left-handed, the DH spot/Nick Johnson won’t be required to hit 2nd and play as key a role as it is this year. That gives you a chance to break in Montero by starting him out hitting at the bottom of the lineup and seeing what he can do offensively, while also getting him so valuable experience behind the plate when it makes sense.
Patrick,
The only way he does is if there are injuries.
He’s just not that advanced from a gamecalling and defensive standpoint to play more than that behind the plate.
If you look at how the Yankees broke in Posada, it will give you an idea of how they will do it.
They aren’t going to have a 21 year old kid handle a veteran pitching staff in the AL East. Especially one who is far from a finished product as Montero.
Betsy,
They won’t give him a spot in the lineup unless he rakes in AAA this year. Which he will. I don’t see why it’s a mistake if he does well in AAA this year to give him a spot in the lineup next year.
I think that Romine may emerge as an important trade chip as well- sorry Betsy- as early as this season.
There is a dearth of good two way catchers in the game and the Yanks have an abundance of it in there inventory.
Based on projected ceiling at least internally the pecking order is something like
Jesus
Gary Sanchez
J.R. Murphy
Austin Romine
Higgy
With Romine basically being as close to the majors as he is and Montero getting a real shot at being the heir apparent to Jorge the Yanks I believe would certainly be open to trading Romine for the right piece.
SJ44,
You can’t predict how far he’ll advance after catching 100 games in AAA this year. He might become a much more polished receiver in that time.
When I said that I could see him catching more, I meant that he could catch 50-60 games next year. That still gives the majority of the catching duties to Posada/Cervelli. Any more than 50-60 games, I agree, would only happen due to injury.
Betsy,
If I had to guess right now I’d say Carl Crawford, now that could change. The Yankees lineup will be plenty good enough either way to ease Montero in.
The yankee’s catching situation is evolving in an almost ideal fashion.
One of the best parts of Montero’s rapid development is that it’s going to maximize his chance of staying behind the plate long term in certain ways because it’s gives him a chance to overlap with Posada.
Posada should still be ok to catch 100 games or so next year. That gives Montero and Cervelli around 60 games to catch.
That works out very well. It allows Montero to get acclimated at the plate while minimzing the pressure of working on the weaker parts of his game behind the plate. It’ll give him a chance to get used to the speed of the game in the bigs while not needing to be the primary backstop.
And as an aside – there is much more pressure on Heyward this year in that Braves line up than there will be on Montero next year as the Yankees DH. That Braves line up has very little power and struggled to score last year. They really needed a power bat and that’s partly why they made the move with Heyward this year.
‘I would love NJ back for another year and I think it’s foolish for the Yankees to entrust a lineup spot to Montero. If he doesn’t produce at least decent numbers, then the Yankees lineup will not be so great…….”
Then how do you EVER break in a rookie?
Andrew, that makes sense. Blake, I guess we’ll have to see how this year goes; the Yankees are very old and that makes it hard to predict from year to year how “great” the lineup will be.
Patrick, the only problem I see is if the Yankees are counting on Montero; I wouldn’t want to count on any rookie. As long as that’s not the case, then I’m fine; he’s got to start at some point.
Stuckey, I SAID I don’t want the Yankees to count on Montero as I don’t think that’s fair. That’s a lot different than not wanting to give a kid a shot.
That shot of Target Field is reminiscent of Progressive Field in Cleveland. (Which I liked when we went there)
Champ, how do you know exactly where the Yankees rank Romine on that list?
CB, that’s only true if the Yankees older players don’t regress.
Don’t forget that if Posada only catches 80-100 games next yr, that he’ll be the DH in almost all of the other games. So it’s not like Jesus would be the full time DH in 2011.
Did they ever tear down old Municipal Stadiumin Minnesota?
“Stuckey, I SAID I don’t want the Yankees to count on Montero as I don’t think that’s fair. That’s a lot different than not wanting to give a kid a shot.”
But you have to consider the pragmatism of that.
No free agent of starting productive caliber is going to want to come and sit on the bench for the Yankees IF Montero does work out. Nor would the Yankees want to pick up the pricetag of one in that scenario.
Starting rookies is by nature and practice something of a leap of faith. Just like it was when Jeter broke in.
Rookies are given starting jobs ALL the time. Not sure anyone would say its unfair to them.
“that’s only true if the Yankees older players don’t regress.”
You can say the same thing about every single decision the club needs to make moving forward.
You’re not going to have a situation of 100% certainty.
If that’s what the club wanted then Phil Hughes shouldn’t be in the rotation this year and he shouldnt’ have been given the chance to be the primary set up guy last year.
The yanks were interested in Jarrod Washburn last year. They could have signed him or a Joel Pineiro or whoever to the be the 5th starter this year. Again, even this year it’s possible for an older player like Pettitte to regress.
I dont know anything about Romine.
All I hear is Montero can really hit but he’s too big for a catcher. Then why would they want to convert him? make him a DH or outfielder.
But I love Cervelli. His enthusiasm and drive is wondeful to see. His defensive play is outstanding and way better than Posada. And now we notice is game calling is stellar too and can frame pitches unlike Posada. I would have Posada DH’ing and backing up Cervelli.
CB, very fair point. I do also agree that Montero would be coming into an ideal situation and shouldn’t have the pressure that Heyward as. I’ve always assumed that Jeter will be good for as long as he wants to play and I won’t ever predict Jorge’s demise because he seems to be ageless.
Ok, Stuckey – I agree with you; I don’t even mean to imply that Montero wouldn’t be good. If he’s as good as people say, he should be very good.
Now I’ve heard it all – Posada backing up Cervelli?
I doubt NJ will be back next year. I suspect the Yanks will sign an OF (Werth or Crawford come to mind.). That will free up Gardner to be the 4th OF. Granderson most likely will move to batting 2nd if Werth is signed or Crawford will if he is signed.
I also expect the Yanks to sign one SP, probably Lee if he is available & injury free.
I expect Montero to be a backup Catcher & part-time DH with Posada being full-time Catcher & part-time DH.
I wouldn’t expect NJ, Thames or Winn to be back.
I dont know anything about Romine.
All I hear is Montero can really hit but he’s too big for a catcher. Then why would they want to convert him? make him a DH or outfielder.
But I love Cervelli. His enthusiasm and drive is wondeful to see. His defensive play is outstanding and way better than Posada. And now we notice is game calling is stellar too and can frame pitches unlike Posada. I would have Posada DH’ing and backing up Cervelli.
————————
Everything you said about Cervelli & Posada is accurate. However, the Yanks have won 4 titles with Jorge getting major time behind the plate. This should tell you that a competent defensive catcher with a big time bat can more than work. Cervelli is great behind the plate, but nothing in his history says he going to be anything more than a singles hitter.
This is why Montero (and Romine, etc..) are so important. Teams struggle to find catchers that can hit like Jorge. The Yanks have another one that’s at the brink of being able to contribute. And they have others that, if they continue to progress, will be great trade chips in a couple of years.
Betsy,
Would you want to keep Montero in AAA another year if he’s ready? The risk of regression by the older players is all the more reason to start mixing in younger guys so that when the regression does occur they will be ready for the baton to be passed.
I would expect Cervelli to be gone (traded) after the 2011 season. If another backup would be needed Romine would be the guy. I think Posada still plays the most at Catcher in 2011 & 2012.
“Posada should still be ok to catch 100 games or so next year. That gives Montero and Cervelli around 60 games to catch.”
I would almost guess that was the plan the way they handled the DH last off season.
If Cisco is a better catcher, Id rather see him catch and Posada as DH. Nick the stick, I dont know about him. Jury is out…
Can Romine get it done at AA before we start writing him into any future lineup?
I would be interested to see what people think the percentage is that Romine contributes to the Yankees in any fashion in his career if anyone wants to weigh in.
JohnC April 12th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Did they ever tear down old Municipal Stadiumin Minnesota?
——————–
Yes. it is now Mall of America
“Ok, Stuckey – I agree with you; I don’t even mean to imply that Montero wouldn’t be good. If he’s as good as people say, he should be very good.”
Nah, didn’t take it as such. Not really about any guarantees about how good he’s be. You’re right, even if he KILLS in AAA, it’s always a risk. Just part of the game though.
That said, and not trying to argue, you have EVERY right to regard prospects as you like, but I do get a sense you’re less enamored with Montero as you are with Romine.
Accurate/no? If so, how come?
“I would expect Cervelli to be gone (traded) after the 2011 season. If another backup would be needed Romine would be the guy. I think Posada still plays the most at Catcher in 2011 & 2012.”
Why would Romine be a backup if he becomes a really good hitter? I would think they would either trade him or change his position.
“The risk of regression by the older players is all the more reason to start mixing in younger guys so that when the regression does occur they will be ready for the baton to be passed.”
One of the potential positive unintended outcomes of Matsui not coming back is the effect it seems to have had on Cano.
If Matsui comes back, Cano is going to be hitting 7nth again.
Matsui not coming back seems to have forced Cano to alter his approach at the plate to better prepare to hit higher up in the order.
And that’s is one of the single most important things that can happen to help mitigate the impact of the other players getting older and falling off.
With the catching experience the Yankees have on the coaching staff I think they have a better handle on the future catchers than any of us here.
Can Romine get it done at AA before we start writing him into any future lineup?
I would be interested to see what people think the percentage is that Romine contributes to the Yankees in any fashion in his career if anyone wants to weigh in.
—————-
Depends what you mean by contribute. If it’s to actually suit for the Yanks, I’d day 25%. If it’s suit up OR be packaged in a legit trade, I’d say 60%. As you mentioned, we’ll know much more after this year. those percentages could go up or down considerably.
Blake, if he’s ready? No I wouldn’t. I think kids can sour if they are too good for the level they are playing at. At some point, they need the challenge of facing better players and if Montero is ready, then he needs to be up here. As Stuckey said, playing a rookie/young player is always a leap of faith, but you deal with the risk for the potential reward.
Stuckey, it’s not that I think Romine is better than Montero, it’s just that for some reason I’ve taken a liking to him. I like the potential he has as a very good offensive/defensive catcher, though I realize he’s a couple of years away. I like Montero, though, so don’t get me wrong.
trevor,
If Romine continues to progress and becomes a good all around catcher, it would make sense to hold onto him as a backup until he hits his arb years. You hold onto good young/cheap talent.
Plus, I imagine Alex’s talk had to have thrown some cold water on Cano. He’s not old, but as Alex said, he’s closer to being 30 than 20 and it’s time he started living up to his incredible potential. I think players, more than coaches even, don’t want to see other players wasting their ability (Clemens encouraged Schilling for one).
Betsy, fair enough.
I have to admit i’m a little confused about Romine’s prospect status myself.
I haven’t been under the impression that based on offense alone, he’s a high-end prospect.
I was always under the impression he projected to be a good defensive catcher who could perhaps be an average hitter (or so), which would make him VERY valuable.
Never had the sense his bat projected as “plus” at a corner position or DH.
Perhaps I’m wrong..?
I think at some point this season Yankee fans are going to have to accept the fact that Jorge is going to finish his career as a DH. Cervelli is a much better catcher than Jorge right now. All you need to do is look how smooth and quiet he is behind the plate. There is nothing wrong with Jorge’s bat, nor is there nothing wrong with him passing the torch. Would like to see Cervelli catch and Jorge DH against lefties. Get Cervelli abs and see if he can hit.
CB
Your point about Cano is one thing that probably plays a role in some of the offseason moves that none of us would be aware of. They are around these players and have a handle on their mental maturity as well as physical.
Romine projects to be a .280 type hitter with 18 – 20 hr power. The only lacking part of his offensive game is his walk total.
CB, let’s be careful. 6 games is still just a hot road trip. I know you’re liking his “approach” more than the results per se, but it’s still WAY early.
And that equally applies to Gardner and Granderson and Swisher and Tex and Vasquez… anyone who’s looked above or below expectations.
2010
Catcher – Posada
Backup Catchers – Cervelli
Sept 1 Backup Catcher – Montero
2011
Catcher/DH – Posada
Backup Catchers – Cervelli & Montero (DH)
Sept 1 Backup Catcher – Romine
2012
Catcher/DH – Posada & Montero
Backup Catchers – Romine
Sept 1 Backup Catcher – Kyle Higashioka & J.R Murphy
“Romine projects to be a .280 type hitter with 18 – 20 hr power. The only lacking part of his offensive game is his walk total.”
Which to me means that makes his a premium prospect anywhere up the middle, but a middling one as a corner or DH.
Ledger_Yankees Back in my seat at the Stadium. 1923 championship flying above right field foul pole. 2009 flag all the way in left. In between? 25 more.
From what I’ve seen, Cervelli’s a pretty good catcher. We can’t expect them all to be good hitters like Posada, he’s a rare cat.
If, heaven forbid, something should happen to Posada, Cervelli’s your guy. Learn to love him!
Mental picture
Ledger_Yankees Back in my seat at the Stadium. 1923 championship flying above right field foul pole. 2009 flag all the way in left. In between? 25 more.
Stuckey, I’m going on a lot of what GB says. I know that the year he had in the Florida State League (I think?) was considered very good considering that’s a pitcher’s league. He’s so young so who knows what leaps he’ll make (hopefully he won’t regress)? He seems to have made huge strides defensively which is the best news of all.
CB —
I disagree. I think improvement from Cano was an intended outcome of letting Matsui move on. Whenever a team moves out a veteran talent the hope/plan/expectation is that a younger guy will step up and take on the responsibility of raising his game.
The Yanks got a lot younger with Granderson and Johnson replacing Matsui and Damon, but expecting Cano to develop and be more productive was undoubtedly part of the plan.
Next year the Yankees’ only realistic chances to get younger is if Pettite retired and making the bench younger. It makes sense to assume Rivera will be back and the rest of the bullpen is pretty young anyway.
CB,
That’s a really good point. Everyone was questioning this offseason who was going to hit 5th and protect Alex (including me). It appears that a very positive by product of not signing Matsui may be emerging.
m April 12th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
If, heaven forbid, something should happen to Posada, Cervelli?s your guy. Learn to love him!
************************
Already done.
Mental picture
Ledger_Yankees Back in my seat at the Stadium. 1923 championship flying above right field foul pole. 2009 flag all the way in left. In between? 25 more.
_____________________________________
Caption contest?
my entry: “Dayum!”
Betsy
How would it ever be the case that the Yanks would be COUNTING on Montero with Jeter,ARod,Tex,Cano,Granderson,Posada in the lineup.
That’s CB’s point about the difference in the pressure say a Jason Heyward is facing to kind of carry that lineup as opposed to Jesus who would be able to come in, fit in and just contibute.
Champ, I only mentioned that because the lineup is aging…….but as I admitted to CB, he cut the legs out of my argument.
Montero would likely hit 8th or 9th in the yankees line up next year.
There’s already talk of Heyward hitting clean up for the Braves at some point this season because he’s being perceived to be their most talented power hitter already.
Betsy,
Please don’t get offended at all, this is totally a compliment.
But you have the greatest knack for spurring conversation. People couldn’t do what you do if they tried.
Any blogmaster should welcome you with open arms.
posada will not be in the mix in 2012. his contract is up after 2011 and i do not see the yankees trying to hold onto him after that with what is coming up behind him.
M, lol……thank you. I need a smiley that’s taking a bow, lol. I don’t know if I spur conversation because I say crazy things or because people think I’m constantly on the edge of a nervous breakdown or because I’m the Shakespeare of Yankee fans…….but whatever it is, I’ll take it!
Betsy,
Add in “different perspective” and the answer would be all of the above.
tex’s friend April 12th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
I would expect Posada being signed for 2012 in a 1 year contract as a backup Catcher & part-time DH.
Could Rick Ankiel play LF? Dude is always on base.
i think that depends on romine/montero/cervelli and how they progress.
Heyman says 8 yrs/$200+M is the ballpark Fielder is looking for.
I’m guessing that ballpark won’t be in Milwaukee.
Ray,
Good point. A big unknown in all of this speculation is how long Posada continues to play. He’s another Yankee lifer and if he is still effective after 2011 the Yanks will keep him. I can’t imagine a 40 year old catcher being able to catch and hit at a high level but then again it’s almost as hard to imagine a 37 or 38 year old catcher doing it. Posada turned 38 in August of last year and he ended up with a 133 OPS+ while still being roughly average behind the plate. That’s freaking incredible.
pat, but don’t forget it’s also all the Yankees fault that Prince won’t be in Milwaukee long-term.
Gene Monahan is battling cancer and will be at the stadium tomorrow!
http://zellspinstripeblog.com/.....-tomorrow/
m,
Ankiel has started the year on a hot streak but don’t let that fool you. His career OBP is .313. Not so good..
man…I wouldn’t give prince that contract. 30 somethings don’t carry that weight around quite as well as 20 somethings do. Doesn’t mean it will be an issue but it would be enough to give me pause for that kind of cash.
im guessing the yankees homerun numbers will start to increase tomorrow.
Ankiel must be exhausted. Guillen just made an out after 12 pitches. 6 of which were “Foul (runner going)”
Haha Fielder wants more than 20 mil a year? I’d give him like 7 yrs 110 but thats it.
Heyman says 8 yrs/$200+M is the ballpark Fielder is looking for.
I’m guessing that ballpark won’t be in Milwaukee.
____
milwaukee doesnt have to worry. no one is giving fielder that deal. more than Tex and Mauer? No way!
Some of you people are so clueless it’s incredible (and by some I mean all). As if you can predict who the catchers are going to be in 2012 or even 2011. Luckily for you, I can.
Posada is not going anywhere. He will finish out his contract as the primary starter and then be re-signed to be a Catcher Emeritus and Dean of the Catching Corps.
Cervelli is also not going anywhere when Montero and Romine arrive. That kid has moxie.
By 2012, all four of them will be on the roster, splitting time between catcher, DH, backup catcher, and assistant bench coach.
But that’s not all. Most of you probably haven’t noticed, but Tony Pena and Joe Girardi have been working out behind the scenes to get into what they call “backup game shape”. By 2012 they will have assumed the titles of Player-Coach and Player-Manager, respectively. The purpose?
So that, for at least one inning, the Yankees can have a minimum of six catchers on the field at once (I say minimum because I’m being conservative in my projections). The ultimate goal is to have a catcher at every position for a full inning and hopefully a catcher who can also pitch.
Of course all nine catchers will also be wearing Pinstriped Snuggies and the Yankees will have a World Record that can never be surpassed.
Good day to you.
He wants more than Teix?
Then again, don’t we all….
M, I’m a bit skewed, but that’s ok – aren’t we all?
Nick
Awesome.
“Heyman says 8 yrs/$200+M is the ballpark Fielder is looking for.
I’m guessing that ballpark won’t be in Milwaukee.”
Yeah, that’s nuts, but San Fran should do what it can to give him $1.00 more than whatever his best offer is.
With their front three, he’d be a division-altering presence in that line-up.
“Cervelli is a much better catcher than Jorge right now. All you need to do is look how smooth and quiet he is behind the plate. There is nothing wrong with Jorge?s bat, nor is there nothing wrong with him passing the torch”
One of my very favorite topics!
IMO, we are dealing with the same kind of thing you get when Torre supporters need smelling salts when someone criticizes anything about him. All we hear is about how Torre did this and Torre did that. Yes indeed, but that was then and this is now. It is totally hollow for someone to use as a reason to support Jorge “We won four championships with him behind the dish.” B blankin’ D! That was then and this is now. So get rid of all of the hero woship and love from what has been. Pull out the present. Then make your argument.
I love Cervelli. I think he is smooth as silk and he has already proven to me that he can hit. What I can’t know is what he would he would do as an everyday catcher, over the course of an entire season. I guess there would be no way to know that unless we actually tried it out. And in fairness to Jorge, we are seeing him after his putting in 13 (?) great seasons for the Yankees. We are seeing the product of a lot of wear and tear on his body and I have to admit that he still does a pretty good job behind the dish. Maybe because he has commandered their so many seasons he has earned the right not to be questioned, I don’t know. There sure isn’t any question that his offense is off the charts. He remains my clutch player on the team in terms of delivering, yes even over Jeter.
I admit that I like the results we get with Cervelli behind the dish more than I like what we get with Jorge. That is strictly from what I see Cervelli getting out of the pitchers v. what Jorge gets out of the pitchers. I think Jorge falls in love with having the ball put in certain spots, and maybe he plays to his own strengths in doing so, where I see Cervelli as more of a purist, willing to play to the pitchers’ strengths. Maybe Cervelli after 13 seasons would be doing it the way Jorge does it now. Who’s to know?
While I’m not ready to have the torch passed entirely (I think the Yankees definitely need Jorge) I do believe that Cervelli is a better defensive catcher at this point and if it weren’t for the Yankees stunning offense – of which Jorge is a part – we could be on the losing end of a lot more games with Jorge behind the dish than with Cervelli behind the dish.
JMO
Nick, lol
I can’t see the Yankees giving Posada a multi-year deal after 2011; maybe they’ll go year to year, but I can’t see anything beyond that.
why would anyone want to play for that whiny owner in milwaukee anyway? spends more time complaining about the yankees than putting a team together. that being said, no way fielder is getting even close to what he wants, and especially with the yankees not in the mix.
cashman should be funny and get in on the fielder bidding just to jack the price up further.
Cervelli is certainly a better defensive catcher but keep in mind, pitching performance has very little to do with what catcher is behind the plate. Additionally, I don’t see how Cervelli has proven that he can hit in the majors. He only has 111 major league at bats with a .665 OPS. Tiny sample size and the numbers are underwhelming. He’s perfectly suited as a backup catcher, lets not try to make him something more.
nick,
impressive. i hate to admit, your schtick has been awesome lately. catchers in snuggies? you must be trying to get me fired as i was laughing out loud and my boss walked by my office
have to admit, not hate to admit. sorry
Now that Ortiz is well, DONE
Does anyone else see Boston as a potential landing spot for Fielder?
Thank you, but little did I know that my attempt at satire would be topped just five comments later.
Erica – always OPPC – Sesame Street Mafia and GTLU supporter April 12th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
Now that Ortiz is well, DONE
Does anyone else see Boston as a potential landing spot for Fielder?
—————————————————————————————
The problem with that is the same as for Gonzales. I’m not sure they are willing to part with the prospects it would take.
Jorge seemed to get an awful lot out of AJ yesterday.
Normally, AJ meltsdown in situations like yesterday. Jorge not only got him through it, he had him throw 5 changeups in the game.
Those are the most AJ has ever thrown in a start in his career. That’s a significant achievement. It shows he trusts his catcher.
Jorge is the favorite whipping boy of many. Most of whom know nothing about catching.
Its a position in which good catchers are going to clash with pitchers from time to time.
Show me a timid catchers with pitchers and I will show you a guy who never makes it in the majors.
Bottom line, Posada is still one of the 5 best catchers in the game. That’s more of a significant achievement than many want to give him credit for in the blogosphere.
He also had the same amount of PB’s as Joe Mauer last year. So, this notion that he doesn’t block balls well, doesn’t always add up.
Is he as good as he was 8 years ago defensively? No. However, he’s also not bad either.
That seems to get lost in the analysis.
Does anyone else see Boston as a potential landing spot for Fielder?
___
only if they don’t trade for gonzalez.
I’m not sure why anyone is surprised by how well AJ and Jorge are doing. AJ pitched extremely well for 2 months with Jorge behind the plate and he had games where he had to gut it out. Actually, that was AJ for most of the year because I don’t remember a lot of games where he had his great stuff.
I don’t get this obsession with velocity or strikeouts. I’ve seen some folks criticizing AJ for having a poor K to BB ratio and now I’ve seem people freaking out that Buchholz hit 97 yesterday while Joba and Phil have lost velocity.
Joining the Cervelli thread.
I agree with Trish that Cervelli is the bomb! I’ve liked the kid from the start and in his first game this season he was awesome. I have every expectation that he will do a superb job this year in whatever the Yanks ask him to do both behind and at the plate. He gives you 110% all the time and has incredible instincts for the game.
I also agree with Nick, who said that none of us (and probably not even Girardi and Pena) know what the catching situation is going to be in 2012 or even next year. Just think of all the hot air that was wasted in this blog and elsewhere last year making predictions for Austin Jackson and Joba Chamberlain-the-starter and their long and glorious future with the Bombers. OOOPS!
Look, we are very lucky to have a great hitting, experienced catcher in Posada. We are also lucky to have a great back-up catcher this year in Cervelli, who has proven himself in the majors thus far. Cervelli is already good enough to be a starting catcher for many teams. Hitting in the high 200s without much power would not be a problem for many teams with an excellent defensive catcher who can also sacrifice and is a heads up base runner. We are also blessed with two excellent minor league prospects in Romine and Montero.
Do we need four catchers? Of course not. Posada will need to be transitioned to a mostly DH role whether he likes it or not and someone will get traded. Maybe even two guys will get traded as it would not be fair to relegate any of the three incredibly promising young catchers to permanent back-up status.
Erica
Damon just got hit in the foot. It had been so long since he got a hit they had to tell him where first was.
Betsy
If you read the interviews by the Mark Newman,Damon Oppenheimer and even some of Cashman’s interviews regarding some of these prospects and the internal opinions regarding the ceilings and talents of each of them and extrapolate.
for instance the yanks feel that Gary Sanchez is a more advanced hitter than Montero was at the same age and has the skills and athleticism to be the best defensively of all the guys in the system.
With Murphu for instance they love his bat and feel he’s one of the most advanced young hitters they’ve signed since Jeter. He’s new to catching as I think he played 3B in high school but he’s really taken to it and they feel he’ll be above average defensively with a higher offensive ceiling than say Romine.
Romine again profiles to be a .280-.300/18-20hr guy that can run some and maybe steal 10-15 bases. Which is great and would be a very valuable trade chip in the next year or so. if the Yanks wanted to get a young arm lets say Romine in a package may get them that where as ‘Velli prob wouldn’t.
Posada is a hall of famer
Betsy,
The obsession with K’s come from the fantasy baseball crowd.
There are times those who are bound by numbers sufficate themselves with them.
I remember the costernation from some on here re: CC’s “lower” K numbers through June of last year.
The argument from some was that it was a sign of “decline”. We now see how foolish that argument is.
Personally, I like low pitch counts. If a guy can throw more two seamers and get easier outs, especially early in games, instead of K’s, it makes him have a longer and more effective outing. Even though the fantasy guys don’t get their points for K’s.
“He?s perfectly suited as a backup catcher, lets not try to make him something more.”
Um, I seem to remember that when Jorge and Molina were down it was Cervelli who caught the majority of the games. And his record was sterling. So let’s not automatically dismiss his skills without really knowing a little bit more about what he’s capable of.
By the way, there were posters here who were saying that he was suited to be nothing more than a AA catcher. I guess some people like the taste of crow.
********************
SJ – I like what I see now with AJ and Jorge. I don’t question that he is still one of the top catchers in the game. That said, I love what I see Cervelli get out of pitchers, plus his defensive skills seem to be better than Jorge’s. It doesn’t have to be a one or the other deal. Admitting that Cervelli does a good job doesn’t mean that you have to turn in your Jorge card – and vice versa.
In regard to K’s, in yesterday’s Postgame AJ told Kim he didn’t care that he only had 1 K.
It’s about getting outs. His low K mark also helped keep his pitch count down, so he stayed in the game longer.
Patrick
I do think that a catchers performance behind the plate does have something to do with the pitchers performance. If the catcher can’t throw out base runners then the pitcher has to focus more on the runners on base. If the catcher can’t handle balls in the dirt then the pitcher will be less likely to pitches out of the zone, trying to get hitters to chase bad pitches. I’m not a Jorge hater. His strength is his bat. Love that he is a switch hitter. I would like to continue to see what Cervelli can do. He has shown nothing but positve things since he came up. Can’t teach heart. This Yankee team is so strong they can afford to see what Cervelli and Gardner can do.
He also had the same amount of PB’s as Joe Mauer last year. So, this notion that he doesn’t block balls well, doesn’t always add up.
–
SJ44 I agree with you that Posada gets a bum rap and should be far more beloved than he is, but this stat doesn’t add up. What would be more illuminating is PB / # of pitches in the dirt/pitches off target Or a similiar stat. Pitchers might throw more breaking pitches in the dirt to Mauer because they are more confident in his ability to block them.
SJ, one guy said that AJ’s performance in Boston was better than his performance yesterday. At this point, it has to be just about fantasy numbers; is this what baseball has been reduced to? Everyone knows AJ can strike people out – this is not Wang, where people were concerned about him pitching to contact too much. I don’t know if AJ threw more two seamers yesterday – he apparently didn’t have a curve – but he was very efficient and I will take that any day of the week. I do remember people were worried about CC and his lack of K’s, but he was really struggling and I think some were associating his lack of Ks with his heavy workload the year before.
This velocity thing really is annoying as well. Do they hand out Cy Youngs based on velocity? I guess if someone throws 97, their ceiling is considered higher than someone who doesn’t, but then plenty of pitchers throw hard and aren’t very good.
NYYROC, and in the end – that is all that counts. What does AJ have to prove by striking out people?
LOL
TylerKepner Q to Joe Mauer: Is there anything you’ll miss about the Metrodome? A: Um, not really.
“I don’t get this obsession with velocity or strikeouts. I’ve seen some folks criticizing AJ for having a poor K to BB ratio and now I’ve seem people freaking out that Buchholz hit 97 yesterday while Joba and Phil have lost velocity.”
Yes, I’M saying this – it’s when sabremetrics are regarded as gospel to those now astute enough to see the bigger picture.
Sabremetrics are about individual performance minus stats an individual has no control over. So despite Burnett getting the win and only giving up 2 in 7 innings, there are knuckleheads who are going to instead measure his performance based on his metrics, rather than the result.
Disregarding that he gave up just 6 hits and 2 runs in 7 innings on the road to a very good team is the dark side of the science – when lunkheads who don’t fully grasp it misapply it.
I worry about Carlos Pena going to Boston. He’s a FA after this season, and if TB doesn’t resign him, he could very well end up in Boston. Youkilis is athletic enough to move to the outfield if they needed him to to open up 1b for Pena.
Guillen stayed alive on a dropped pop foul error by miggy cabrera.
A few pitches later, Guillen made them pay. 22 pitches total seen by Guillen in just 2 at-bats against Scherzer.
Remind me again, what Arizona got? They got Kennedy & Jackson (who hit a HR yesterday) and gave up Scherzer?
Why worry about who goes to Boston? I don’t get that.
Worry about the Yankees.
You have no control over who Boston gets and whomever they get is a guarantee of nothing.
FWIW, the Tampa people I know say Crawford is gone and Pena will give them a hometown discount and comeback.
pat April 12th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
LOL
TylerKepner Q to Joe Mauer: Is there anything you?ll miss about the Metrodome? A: Um, not really.
***************************
MaineYankee April 12th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
Erica
Damon just got hit in the foot. It had been so long since he got a hit they had to tell him where first was.
**************
Someone needs to follow their Detroit boxscores better………
FYI- Damon had a bases loaded walk to tie the game the other day
As far as Cervelli, I think he is a very good, young catcher.
Long term, his defense will hold up. Its solid.
Truth is though, his bat is not in Montero’s league. It never will be.
Romine? Too early to say. I think Romine’s bat will project. However, we have to see how he does in AA to know for sure.
Sanchez and Murphy? Let’s see them play games before we determine who they are.
In Sanchez’s case, its like looking at a high school junior or senior and trying to predict major league greatness. In other words, its impossible.
The Yankees are in a GREAT situation with their catching. The guys are talented and spaced out enough to develop properly.
They are the envy of baseball at that position.
“Cervelli is certainly a better defensive catcher but keep in mind, pitching performance has very little to do with what catcher is behind the plate.”
Patrick, not having to do with Cervelli or Jorge but having to do with catchers in general. Here is how pitching performance has to do with what catcher is behind the plate. If you have a catcher who calls for a certain pitch throughout the game and it either isn’t one of the pitchers best pitches that day (or ever for that matter) and for some reason the pitcher doesn’t shake off that catcher, pitching performance might have everything to do with what catcher is behind the plate. You might remember one criticism of Pudge was that he was constantly calling for pitches on the outside when runners were on base just so he could show off his arm.
I could definitely see Pena giving Tampa enough of a discount to stay. Tampa is the first organization to really give him a chance and he has been a big part of their turn around.
Things must be real good in Yankee land if the talk is all about the catcher in 2011.
My guess is the Posada will be the primary DH in 2011 with Cervelli seeing the most time behind the plate. Montero will have to play great at AAA this year to make the team next year.
Erica
Thanks for spoiling my fun.
SJ, I agree – that’s why I don’t get all the play by play of Boston games (or other teams for that matter). It’s way too early in the season to be concerned by that stuff.
I agree about the catching situation and that it’s way too early to project Murphy, Sanchez, etc… The only issue I have with Romine and whatever stats he puts up in AA is that Trenton is considered a huge pitcher’s park. If his power stats decline, will that be held against him?
As long as Posada is on the 25 man roster, he is going to be the primary catcher.
Unless Posada gets hurt, Cervelli is not catching more games than Posada next year.
Barring a complete collapse with bat, highly unlikely, Montero will be on the 25 man roster next year.
I like seeing Posada catch and hit too much to think about the next few years.
He does both very well now so why think about it.
Well, it’s too early to be concerned about Boston. But does it make me a bad Yankee fan if I’m a Pavano fan for today?
RE: SJ’s inside scoop on Crawford and Pena in their walk years –
Just as a baseball fan, it would be a big hit to that team and their fans to lose those two guys at once. Crawford came up in that orgnization when it was nothing, and Pena’s career there has coincided with their ascent as a contender. Things being what they are, if things could work out so that one of them (Pena?) stayed, it would be best for that franchise and their fans.
As a Yankee fan, I, of course, want Crawford in our LF in 2011.
Betsy,
Power stats, or lack of them, in the Eastern League are never held against players by organizations. Fans make judgments but, they don’t count.
The Florida State League is the same way.
On the other side of the token, teams playing in altitude in the PCL have inflated offensive numbers and teams discount them.
Organizations know the limits of the respective ballparks and leagues. They don’t penalize their players for those type of things.
m April 12th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Well, it?s too early to be concerned about Boston. But does it make me a bad Yankee fan if I?m a Pavano fan for today?
***************
If you are, so am I.
He is on my fantasy team!!! Come on, Idle!!!
The enemy of your enemy is your friend?
m April 12th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Well, it?s too early to be concerned about Boston. But does it make me a bad Yankee fan if I?m a Pavano fan for today?
********************
If it does, that would make me a bad Yankee fan too.
SJ44 April 12th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
As long as Posada is on the 25 man roster, he is going to be the primary catcher.
Unless Posada gets hurt, Cervelli is not catching more games than Posada next year.
Barring a complete collapse with bat, highly unlikely, Montero will be on the 25 man roster next year.
===============================================================
We shall see SJ44.
Cervelli sure has been impressive in his 50 or so MLB games. Jesus hasn’t played in the ML yet.
Posada is going to catch as long as he can, I agree, but I do remember him say something to the effect that he would give up the primary job next year.
On an unrelated note, I know it’s early, and I love the trade for Granderson, but I can’t help but remark that after 3 at-bats this afternoon, Austin Jackson has a .333 average thus far this year. I say that not to second-guess the trade, which I again favored. Plus, I think that JD, who is struggling thus far, planted in the second spot behind him clearly helps a lot. But it’s good to see the kid get a chance and show some early promise. Good for him.
Still, Granderson is already high on my list. Love his game and personality.
SJ, that must make it very hard to judge just how good a player is if you can’t trust the numbers. I would imagine it’s harder to judge a player in the PCL as they’re all putting up ridiculous #s. Obviously the scouts know what they’re doing, but they must be looking for specific things that wouldn’t be obvious in just glancing at the #s.
M, lol – that makes you a good Yankee fan, not a bad one.
Speaking of fans, it must be hard to be a Met fan when your manager says, after the 6th game of the season, that the team was unprepared.
Granderson is showing why he is one of the best all around CF in the game.
I can’t think of a guy that would have been a better fit replacing JD.
Joe has made the right call playing him in CF now if he’ll just stop batting him 9th against leftys…
Granderson rocks. How do the Tigers let this guy go? Oh well, their loss.
joe g knows what he is doing. we just won 2 division series. grandy wont bat 9th all season vs. lefties, but if it is working now, then thats that.
This takes talent. Kid enters, gets two outs. Then walks two. He’s 2-1 on the next guy. He’s thrown 5 strikes to 13 balls.
To Nick in SF
I’m coming out to SF next week (two Yankee games in Oakland, and a Giant game at ATT). Can you suggest your favorite Chinese and Italian restaurants? I’ll be staying downtown, a nice long walk from Chinatown and North Beach.
I genuinely hope Austin Jackson does well, but folks need to slow down on him.
Google “Chris Shelton, Tigers, 2006, splits” if you need a cautionary tale about early April results.
Posada has never said he would “give up” his job. He has said he wouldn’t hang around if he can’t play the game at the level he currently plays it at.
Cervelli is not being groomed at the catcher of the future. Montero is.
That’s just the reality of the situation.
If it takes Montero 3 years to be the fulltime catcher, he would still only be 24 years old.
However, his bat, one that is MUCH bigger than Cervelli’s, will be in the lineup next year, whether its as a backup catcher or a DH.
Guys with bats like Montero’s find their way into lineups.
Defensive guys like Cervelli, don’t usually overtake those guys on depth charts.
As the saying goes, “Once around the league”. Pitchers aren’t familiar with the weaknesses of Austin Jackson and every hitter has them.
The pitcher’s “grapevine” will discover what pitches he has trouble with and bring him back to earth.
#Yankees fans be prepared. It’s going to be a jolt your senses to see the old Stadium in ruins. There’s truly only one Yankee Stadium now
13 minutes ago via web
Something tells me Cervelli would be perfectly happy to be the backup catcher on the yankees.
Stuckey,
‘Ya think? Folks are WAY too caught up with Austin Jackson.
Talk to me in June and let’s see his numbers after the league makes their adjustments on him.
Betsy,
Its very hard. Its much harder to judge guys that play in altitude or very hot, dry weather, that put up big offensive numbers than it is judging guys that play in pitcher friendly leagues and ballparks.
Brandon Wood of the Angels is a great example. He hit 40+ HR’s one year at Rancho Cucamongo, which is in the desert and the ball flies out of the ballpark.
Everybody considered him the future power star of the Angels. It never happened and this is his final shot with the Angels to see if it can.
Same with Dallas McPherson before him.
Its a very tough thing to make sure your eyes don’t deceive you when you watch guys in those leagues.
Its why scouts look more at swing mechanics than results and try to project whether or not the mechanics will hold up as the players advance through the system.
Pavano is on my fantasy MRI team. I won my league 4 years in a row when he was a Yankee!
Dr. Andrews’ All-Stars.
pat -
Wow, they finished the job? I kind thought they would make sure it was done by tomorrow. Any pics up?
Just out of curiousity-
Did anyone try the new KFC Double Down sandwich that debuted today??
It looks really interesting, but I enjoy having a heart that beats
Ledger_Yankees CC has no plans to wear his ring; Joba’s giving it to his father. Has had it planned out since last November.
If the Yankees feel they have a catching quagmire, it might be best for the career of Austin Romine to try his skills as a corner OF.
A catching tandum of Montero / Cervelli could be around for several years unless Montero is seen as a DH being able to hit either LH or RH pitching with authority. Too early to make full judgements with the young catching at either of the “A” levels.
Hey GrouchNYY, please drop me an email at sftweeindieguy at yahoo dot com and I’d be hapy to answer at length. I’m on my mobile right now and can’t write long entries.
Erica -
What is it? I haven’t heard of it. Not a fan of fast food…
SJ, I don’t envy the scouts because they’d better be right more often than not.
I imagine players will wear the rings for a bit, but then they’ll take them off; they’re awfully heavy.
There’s a new concession in the right field upper deck called the Malibu Terrace Deck with a full bar and a grill. Interesting.
Also, I don’t see a mention of Lobel’s in the Yankee Stadium A-Z guide which could either be an oversight or a horrible loss of the stadiums best food cart.
Doreen
I don’t know if they finished.
I drove by Friday and the lower deck walls were still up on the west and south side of the stadium.
SJ44 April 12th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
Posada has never said he would ?give up? his job. He has said he wouldn?t hang around if he can?t play the game at the level he currently plays it at.
Cervelli is not being groomed at the catcher of the future. Montero is.
That?s just the reality of the situation.
If it takes Montero 3 years to be the fulltime catcher, he would still only be 24 years old.
However, his bat, one that is MUCH bigger than Cervelli?s, will be in the lineup next year, whether its as a backup catcher or a DH.
Guys with bats like Montero?s find their way into lineups.
Defensive guys like Cervelli, don?t usually overtake those guys on depth charts.
=================================================================
Well, you are more informed than I, but if I remember the quote from Georgie correctly it went something like this, “He can’t have my job this year but maybe next year.” He was refering to Jesus of corse.
Georgie’s time behind the plate is going to be limited in 2011 and he will become the primary DH, mark my words.
What we see with Cervelli is what we get. An energetic good young defensive catcher that hustles. That is about his ceiling.
Montero has a tremendous bat that awed folks in spring training and in the minors. He will be up in Sept this year at the latest IMO. He is a hitter/slugger. He is being groomed to be the man behind the plate. Romine is being groomed too as a catcher. Romine hits far better than Cervelli too. That is why I believe Cervelli will be gone after next year.
Posada is special. He will be the starting catcher for as long as he is able. He & Montero will alternate C/DH & DH/C IMO next year & for as long as Posada is able.
Doreen – 2010 GTLU April 12th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Erica -
What is it? I haven?t heard of it. Not a fan of fast food?
**************
Its a sandwich made up of two fried boneless chicken patties instead of bread, with cheese and bacon in the middle. LOL
I have to admit, it intrigues me- but I would never eat it. LOL
Oh, Erica -
That sounds awful!!!!
Doreen – 2010 GTLU April 12th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
Oh, Erica -
That sounds awful!!!!
************
I know. It sounds so completely gluttonous that its funny. KFC’s website has it at 560 calories, but I think that seems kind of low for bacon and cheese sandwiched between fried chicken
wow Ben Rothlesberger basically raped a 20 yr. old
The KFC thing reminds of a hot dog stand in L.A. – Pinks, if I recall correctly (though there is a lot of semi-famous hot dog stands there – so I could be off).
Anyway – two hot dogs, wrapped in pastrami, put in a pita, filled with chili and cheese.
Boneless chicken patties is code for processed chicken cakes with artificial flavoring. Mmmm Mmmm Good!
Erica…that sounds awesome, where do I get one of these sandwiches? Does it come with a side of Lipitor?
pcaldera At Stadium press box w/ the great Dom Amore @AmoreCourant. Sprinklers on. Grounds look great. Game 6 WS lineup still posted on chalkboard.
Stadium demo photo from today
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0.....7?q=yankee
Erica -
I wonder if that’s a per serving number and that “sandwich” is actually considered 2 servings?
New Post: Schedule of Opening Day events
Damon is having a miserable start to the season.
if I remember the quote from Georgie correctly it went something like this, “He can’t have my job this year but maybe next year.” He was refering to Jesus of corse.
====
Nope.
I heard that interview also.
He said, jokingly, “he can have it in 2012,” alluding playfully to the fact that his contract runs out after next season.
Re next season, he said he could see himself catching between 100-110 games.
=====
I think it’s great how AJax looks. I’m not the least surprised – he’s a talented young CF and the adjustments he was working on while here have paid off.
Bravo for AJax and may he have continued success. I will be rooting for him.
Hey Bod, I put Christian on some prayer lines. Now we sit and wait for the miracle to happen.
trisha,
Power of prayer is real.
Smart thinking
.
With the team gone on a road trip from 4/19 – 4/29, the old Stadium should be in the final demolition stage by the time the team returns to the Bronx.
Bod, I’m usually good to go with outcomes, but with Garcia this one goes a lot deeper for me. I can’t explain exactly why but from the first time I “saw” him in ST (actually I heard the game on the radio) I just knew in my heart we were onto to something amazing with him. Maybe I feel even closer to him because his first name is Christian
(That’s meant to be a joke). Anyway, it destroys me that he has been through what he has with injuries, and now this. I just have a hard time accepting this one. I too believe in the power of prayer and the use of prayer lines. Anyway, I refuse to accept defeat on this one. So I will sit and wait for some quick healing.
I also believe in the skills of Francisco Cervelli. So no matter how many people tell me they “know” otherwise, I will continue to see him as having a rosy future as the Yankees primary catcher, even for a short time. Just not sure when it will start.
Erica, KFC puts MSG in their food. Not a good thing to eat at all. I never eat there.
I’m in agreement with SJ44 about Austin Jackson; way too early to give any definitive prognosis. I’m just glad he’s started well. He could fade, be mediocre, or tremendous. I’m just glad he’s playing every day and getting off on the right foot. Good for the kid.
Being overly enamored with Jackson now would be even worse than being down over Teixeira’s slow start. Teixeira often starts slowly and, unlike Jackson, actually has a track record as a major-leaguer.
Trisha, I am not sure how well Cervelli will hit, but in the last year, he’s had an OK stick coupled with an excellent arm and game-calling capacity. It’s hard not to like who the Yanks are developing as young catchers, with him, Montero, and Romine.
Bronx Born April 12th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
Erica, KFC puts MSG in their food. Not a good thing to eat at all. I never eat there.
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I do very, very rarely. I just saw that sandwich and it made me laugh
new thread