For Vazquez, it’s all mechanical
Posted by: Josh Thomson - Posted in Misc on Apr 19, 2010 
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Joe Girardi isn’t prone to overstatement. Take Sunday, when he disagreed with the notion that Nick Johnson had been too passive, saying he hoped Johnson kept relying on what returned him to the Yankees in the first place, his renowned selectivity.
So it was at least a little noteworthy yesterday when even Girardi said it is time for Javier Vazquez to produce.
“You want to see him get a win under his belt and start pitching like he’s accustomed to doing,” Girardi said. “So, yes, it is somewhat of a big start.”
Vazquez is the biggest worry at the moment for the Yankees, which is a nice luxury to have. He expects to alleviate those concerns soon, and said that a common mechanical issue has been the main culprit in his poor start (0-2, 9.82 ERA).
Vazquez said he has dragged his arm behind his body, causing his ball to sail rather than sink. “That’s my key,” he said.
The subject of his pedestrian velocity was brought up as well. Vazquez’s fastball has hovered around 89-90. He said it will normally reside in the 91-93 range, and maybe even top out at 94.
His explanation was that he’s still building arm strength. The difference before the 2009 season was he pitched winter ball and competed for team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.
“My arm was in better shape last April,” he said. “But this is something that happened to me in the past, then all of a sudden you start throwing hard.”
There’s a lot more with Vazquez from the audio file below. He discusses why he didn’t think the escape from the Bronx would help him pitch better. He also touched on how Yankee fans booed Derek Jeter when he played here in 2004, so boos are to be expected until he pitches better.
I’ll have a story on Vazquez in tomorrow’s paper and on the web. For now, here’s more from Javy:
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Here’s to looking forward to Vazquez whittling down that spacious ERA in Oakland.
Girardi to Vasquez.
It’s time to produce son.
It’s a big start for Javy? That’s an overreaction by Joe. If it’s a big start, it’s ONLY because Javy is already on the hot seat with the fans.
And if they can ever get Wang up and running, they will really be able to run along with the pack. Their games with the Phils have been high scoring, for the most part, even the games they?ve lost. They?re always in there.
# Betsy – Hughes rules (pleading the Fifth) April 19th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
GF, that wasn’t the case with Damon; they valued him at a certain “price point” and that was it. I’m not saying the Yankees won’t be high bidders anymore on FA, just that they are going to be more discretionary with how they spend their money. I for one hope they do not just throw money at every player that captures their fancy.
———————-
Damon didn’t fit into their long term plans. Cashman has made no bones about the fact that he wants this team to get younger and more athletic – hence, the Granderson deal.
Guys like Sabathia, Burnett, and Teixeira did fit into their long term plans and the Yanks were the highest bidder on all three.
I like Vazquez.
I’ll definitely be pulling for him.
He’s just too good of a pitcher not to do well over the long run here.
A good manager or coach knows when and when not to prod a player, particularly publicly.
Joelsherman1
“Alfonso Soriano not running hard, turning a triple into a double. Where have I seen that before?”
IMO, Sori changed as a player after Raul Mondesi became a Yankee.
Too bad Damon is no longer with us he could have “talked” to Javy, or maybe Jorge speaks his language.
“Do you pay him for the player he’ll be from 2011-2016, or do you pay him for what he means to the franchise?”
That’s what I’m saying BD. Starting at age 36 and playing SS I’m not sure you could offer MORE than 19.5m/ per. I guess I could understand the argument that he has to be paid for all that he has meant to this franchise but by the end that’s what it’d be, a thank you. The Yanks don’t want to be paying a 40+ year old Derek Jeter if his skills have, at that time, declined. I’d have to guess it would never become a Giambi situation but his albatross still weighs heavy on my mind when it comes to this stuff.
Trying to negotiate that contract is not something I would want to have the misfortune of being responsible for. :/
GF, I agree………but the Yankees offered those guys what they thought they were worth. If they value Crawford at $16 million, so be it (even though I completely disagree). If they don’t, but they still give him the $$, then that’s a mistake.
I’m not worried about Javy. I think he will be fine.
Boston Dave, Betsy
I respect your opinions.
Javy needs to get a win if he wants to win back the fans.
“Angel Campos does a killer version of ‘Light My Fire’
no wait, that’s Jose Feliciano.
(that ump from the Red Sox/Rays game today had an insane strike zone.)”
It was not insane. It was a purposefully executed strike zone, given the Sox early season struggles.
CR, thanks – I appreciate that. I respect yours as well – where do you stand on Crawford?
Rob NY,
Agreed
Jeter is still playing at such a high level and for everything he’s meant, it’s tough to play hardball in negotiations with him.
Just get it done Cashman!
Caleb Cotham… Slade Heathcott… Melky Mesa… wow, I hope some of these guys stick, they have awesome names. We could have the best Runyonesque team in the bigs by 2015.
By the way, it’s the end of the 5th in Toronto and something special has been happening to this point…
so are the Cubs and the Mets equally bad – that game looks painful!
trisha,
Brandon Morrow hasn’t walked anybody?
that’s impossible!
oh wait, no hits? eh.
he’s more likely to throw a no-hitter these days than to throw a no-walker.
but I’ll keep my eye on it anyway
Jeter is the face of the Yankees. His existence on the team makes them more money than anyone, I would guess.
That’s why hes worth more than other players. He is good on the field, but that is the plus. He is a legend. He sells tickets and merchandise.
Betsy
Crawford
It was either CB or SJ44 (or I could be wrong altogether and it was neither) that is concerned with his legs holding up much longer, given his history on Tampa’s home field.
His main attribute is his speed. Without his speed, he is not what we’d be paying for.
The Yankees have a Jorge VaZquez at AA Trenton and Javier VaSquez as the No. 4 starter.
Rob Thompson is not a 3rd base coach for the Yankees but Rob Thomson is.
Crawford’s legs are fine. The fieldturf he plays on in Tampa is very easy on the legs.
I’m not worried about his legs. The guy is one of the more fit players in the game and the last 4 years of playing on the friendly turf has certainly helped him stay healthy.
BD, 1 BB, 6 K
spellcheck
It’s Javier Vazquez.
I really believe the Yankees have been keeping a “piggy bank” called the “Jeter Fund” since he signed his last contract.
And our hero Jose Molina is catching the game.
Who else!
ooof, spellcheck… I adjusted my spelling to conform with our blog’s… thank you.
Now spellcheck might be wrong… how can this be settled?
SJ44
My mistake. I guess, then, I think Crawford would be a great addition, and would actually constitute defensive run prevention, and not the Strategy of the 2010 Red Sox, offensive run prevention.
The Jays keep churning out these young pitchers……says I enviously
$16 million for a mostly defensive player? No matter how good he is, I can’t justify that.
it’s Javier Vazquez. spell check has failed me before!
Morrow was acquired by Toronto via the three way Halladay trade from the Mariners.
DB I was about to tell you I thought Morrow was tiring, and Bettancourt got a hit.
Oh well. Nice job anyway. And the shutout is now gone.
spellcheck FTW: http://tinyurl.com/y3a6kwn
As someone who has played sports on both field turf and astro turf I can attest that the difference is huge.
Crawford should not suffer an adverse affects from the field turf.
Yes, that’s true about Morrow, but the point about the Jays still stands…
He’s not a mostly defensive player. He’s a .330 hitter, can score 100 runs and steal 50-60 bases.
That’s not “mostly a defensive player” at all.
.300 hitter, not .330 hitter. Sorry for the typo.
Morrow was acquired by Toronto via the three way Halladay trade from the Mariners.
–
Morrow was traded for Brandon League and a minor league OF, i think that was a separate transaction.
I mean, JOSH/CR9 FTW! http://tinyurl.com/y3a6kwn
Who have they developed Betsy? Most of their pitchers have had serious arm injuries the past 4 years.
If anything, that organization has done more damage to young arms than anybody in the game.
That’s why they don’t contend.
SJ I think he was primarily a reliever with the Mariners so this will likely be his first full season starting. I don’t know if he’s set up to go 9 straight yet.
Oh, earlier, I should have mentioned VAZQUEZ in the list of hottie NYY. He is very very cute.
I know that Mo is not the most attractive, by any stretch of the imagination, but I find him to be quite beautiful as well, of course in a heterosexual way! Beautiful on the inside, and out! A near perfect human being
The Mariners were trying him in the rotation on and off the past two years. He started out in the bullpen.
He’s got great stuff but, command has always been an issue.
Will be interesting to see how he pans out as a starter in Toronto. I always thought he would make a better closer than starter.
“I really believe the Yankees have been keeping a “piggy bank” called the “Jeter Fund” since he signed his last contract.”
Corporate sponsorship is the way to go.
SJ, The other day I mentioned to the multitude here that when discussing Carl Crawford, think Tim Raines and Rickey Henderson…….It’s not a stretch at all, he’s that good
McAllister: no asterisk for FDR? He had 3.5 terms to work with.
Silent Cal had the best # of championships : # of terms ratio, no?
Let us hope that President Obama can match that %.
“I know that Mo is not the most attractive, by any stretch of the imagination”
Mo has a great smile.
CR9,
Are you are a male or a female?
Not that there’s anything wrong with being neither!
If you are going to be obnoxious and post as ‘spellcheck’ you would think the guy/gal would at least know how to spell Javy’s last name.
Just want to let whoever is interested know that I will be running GTLU tomorrow and that it will start at 4 p.m. and run to 7p.m. This is a trial west coast lineup submission window.
I’m just saying that the Jays always have talented young pitchers in their organization, not necessarily that they’ve treated them right. I don’t know if those kids are genetically disposed to arm injuries or if the Jays broke them..
His main attribute is his speed. Without his speed, he is not what we’d be paying for.
===
Where’s his speed going?
If the Yankees win the next 3 World Series, you can GUARANTEE the rest of the country will put aside the importance of health/financial/real world issues to elect a Republican!!
SJ, A few years ago when Morrow was setting up for JJ Putz, they were for awhile lights out……
There’s a difference between playing hardball with Jeter and being prudent. Negotiations are a give and take. Jeter has to give as well.
Toronto is like the twins, with a seemingly endless supply of middling starters breaking into the league every year. Except far more fragile and short lived.
bodhi
My 8:36 and 8:40 pm posts.
Bronx
Im a shemale!!
Im a male, but an admirer of beauty in men also!
Bronx Jeers April 19th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
CR9,
Are you are a male or a female?
Not that there’s anything wrong with being neither!
====
Bronx Jeers,
You’re one of the funniest posters on here. Some of your posts have me roaring.
Pat M,
I remember that. I remember Morrow striking ARod out on 3 straight 98 MPH fastballs that were pure gas.
I think he closed in his last year at Cal. I thought the Mariners were setting him up to take Putz’s place as their future closer. They then started tinkering with him in the rotation and his mechanics really got out of whack.
Still was surprised they gave up on him so soon though. He has a great arm.
SJ, I know he had started in Seattle but sparingly. He definitely never got the equivalent of starts that a 5th starter would get. His stuff has looked very good but it looked like he was tiring in the 6th. I’m sure it will take a while to get him really stretched out.
CR9,
Read it. So, where’s his speed going?
I have done close to a complete 180 on all things Crawford.
I thought Gardner’s performance would play a role in whether the Yankees go after Crawford. But, after the first 12 games of the season the writing is on the wall that the Yankees think very little of Mr. Gardner and he is not in their long term plans. If he was you would think the Yankees would at least give him a shot to prove them wrong against LHP. Instead he is being benched for the likes of Marcus Thames. Not a good sign for Brett’s career outlook as the Yankee LF. Honestly, I think Gardner will play a very small role in the Crawford decision. He is going to have to really impress the Yankees and force his way into the lineup against LHP for his name to even be brought up in the board room when Crawford is being discussed IMO.
Like I said before, Crawford may not be a superstar, but he can be a superstar in the role he would play as a Yankee. That’s my line and I am sticking to it.
yeah, when Seattle tried starting Morrow originally, he 1-hit the Yankees in a dominating performance.
The Jays have had some great young arms recently but SJ44 is right, they keep getting hurt.
I remember watching Dustin McGowan and thinking “this guy is going to be great”. Hurt.
Marcum is on his way back but before he got hurt he was turning into a solid starter.
Jesse Litsch was next.
Romero looks great so far but we’ll see.
I think Mo is adorable! He has a beautiful smile and beautiful eyes.
bodhi
It’s not going anywhere! I was concerned over a misinformed belief!
GreenBeret7 April 19th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
trenton in the top of the 8th inning.
Brewer strikeout
Nunez safe on error
Krum grounds out to 2nd. runner out at 2nd, stolen base
Adams strikeout
going into bottom of the 8th. 5-4 NH
Bartleski for tampa got knocked around for 5 hits and 4 runs. 5-1 Clearwater in the bottom of the 6th.
I believe that was Morrow’s first big league start (1998)
when he almost no-hit the Yankees
I don’t think the Yankees would sign both Lee and Crawford (in addition to re-upping Mo and Jeter) unless they subtracted payroll elsewhere. IMO, Swish would be the most likely candidate.
I think Toronto’s problem was ignoring innings pitched for all three guys.
“I think Mo is adorable! He has a beautiful smile and beautiful eyes.”
I just didnt want to get any sh** for saying it, so I qualified my statements!
They ruined Gustavo Chacin and overused Casey Janssen and blew his arm out.
Its amazing to me how many arms have been abused in that organization.
If they knew how to handle arms, they could have been pretty formidable and perhaps talked Halladay into sticking around.
Instead, Dr. Andrews has his vacation home paid for with the surgical fees on Blue Jay pitchers.
Eventually the kids are going to stop getting hurt and Toronto will be very dangerous.
CR9,
Agreed. It’s not going anywhere. Sign him up.
For Charleston, Stoneburner….5 innings, 7 hits, 1 run, 3 walks 7 strikeouts. Charleston leads 2-1
Gustavo Chacin was one of the fugliest people I have EVER seen!
Liked the way he pitched against the Sox though!
BD, if Morrow has been around that long, since 1998, I doubt he’s going to find himself all of a sudden…..
BD,
I think you meant 2008.
I wonder how many vacation homes Dr. James Andrews has.
GB, thanks! Sounds like an ok performance from Stonebruner…
I agree Rich. I think Crawford is contingent on shoring up the rotation first. I hope Hughes takes the step forward this year where the Yanks see him as a #3 starter in 2011 and one or both of Andy/Javy come back. Also, if Phil takes that step forward and Andy or Javy return it makes it a lot easier to revisit Joba as a SP.
Morrow was a starter (very good 2 era with a lot of K’s) in his last year at college. I don’t think the mariners drafted him 5th overall to be a relief pitcher, but it didn’t work out for them.
They rushed the heck out of him, he debut’d the year after being drafted and never got a chance to establish a professional routine. He only pitched 16 Innings in the minors before making the team in 2007.
Blake-
“I wonder how many vacation homes Dr. James Andrews has.”
I don’t think his budget is stretched too thin, or near the breaking point.
Or not Betsy.
Their organization is a mess. They have a mismatched roster and their minor league system is average at best.
Its hard to be very dangerous without talent and their overall talent is lacking.
Since their owner died, they have showed no real desire to engage in the FA market.
Absent that, they are going to really have to take care of their pitching prospects or they will never compete.
Overall, they are nothing to worry about the next few years. The talent just isn’t there.
LGY
True, Hughes’s development is the most important goal of the season apart from winning the WS.
Are we talking about the same organization, SJ? They made out nicely with the Doc trade and I think AA has them headed in the right direction. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see…
DeLaRosa with a perfect 8th inning
2 innings, 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 walks 1 strikeout
Top of the 9th.
Romine strikeout
Laird single to left
Sublett grounds into DP. Game over.
5-4 NH.
After the bad 2nd inning, Pope retired 11 in a row. too little, too late.
Here’s the box score.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.....x_nhmaax_1
Rich,
Oh yeah. Hughes’ development or lack thereof this year will have huge ripple effects on the construction of the 2011 roster and beyond. The Yanks have a lot riding on Young Master Hughes’ arm.
(cue Betsy that is not fair to put so much pressure on him
I keed, I keed…kind of)
yes, 2008
thanks
Rich, it’s absolutely HUGE…… I don’t think he has to have great #s, but Phil has to show real progress this year. I think asking him to be a #3 next year is asking a lot, but if he’s going to live up to his potential, he’s got to start now. It’s vital that he lives up to expectations in the next few years because we have quite a wait before some high quality reach the upper levels of the minors. I know Cash’s goal is to have a mostly home grown rotation, but I don’t see that happening anytime soon.
SJ, I saw him ( Morrow ) a few years ago in Seattle vs. the Yanks and he was electric that night out of the pen……..By the way folks, if you ever get the chance, Safeco Field is a great place to watch a game……I make the trek every season if I can….Lot’s of Yankee fans…I still can see Mo standing on the mound in shock after Ichio went deep to close out the game……It was more shocking than when Scuturo pulled off the same trick a few years ago in Oakland
I always felt bad for Gustavo Chacin. He had so much promise and then he was hurt.
Was Joe Torre an advisor to the Jays???
I’m not one who believes they made out nicely trading Halladay. I don’t think you ever get fair value when you trade your best player.
They are in complete rebuilding mode with some overpriced players and an average (at best) farm system.
They are stuck in a division with the Yankees and Red Sox and a team like the Rays, who out develop them at all levels of their organization.
That’s a tall order to fix that situation absent a large payroll. Which isn’t likely.
Yea a breakout season from Hughes could possibly make Cliff Lee less of a priority. They may still choose to pursue him but I doubt it would be with as much urgency.
Booo
2-1 Bruins
A guy left wide open right out in front.
Does anyone know what the deal is with Brandon Webb? When is he coming back?
Ted Lilly (if he is healthy) is also someone I would consider for the back of the rotation on a short term contract if Andy does not return. Then again I am a bit biased because I have always liked Lilly and am still bitter for the Yankees passing on him to sign Kei Igawa
Oh well, there could have been an interference call, according to the commentators, but I guess the referees were influenced by the proceedings earlier in the day at Fenway Field.
LGY, I don’t think Phil will take the mound each time thinking that the weight of the franchise is on his shoulders. I think he’s probably just thrilled to be healthy and with the chance to start again. 2008 was a nightmare for him; I can’t imagine what an athlete goes through when he suffers a crisis of confidence.
http://www.nj.com/yankees/inde.....ng_he.html
This is a really good article…
The problem with the BJs trade of Halladay is that they weren’t willing to seriously entertain comparable offers from the Yankees and RS. If they had, it would have likely upped the Phillies’ offer.
LGY-
Webb was placed on the 60 day DL the other day.
Webb is just starting to throw off a mound. They are looking at Mid-June at the earliest last I heard.
Pat M, I really want to go to Seattle as it looks like a beautiful city; I would kill to go to a game at Safeco. I remember that game – I was stunned. Afterwards, Mo went out for an ice cream cone, lol; that epitomizes whey he’s been able to last (in part anyway) for so long. He doesn’t internalize failures; when a game is over, it’s over.
Yikes. Bad news in his contract year.
Probably is going to have to sign a 1 year contract and prove he can stay healthy like Sheets
Rich, AA lied, lol. He said he would trade within the division (even if it meant asking for a bit more) and then it turned out he practically refused to. I still don’t know whether to believe the rumor that Cash offered Montero; I tend to doubt it.
“But, after the first 12 games of the season the writing is on the wall that the Yankees think very little of Mr. Gardner and he is not in their long term plans. ”
I believe “after the first 12 games” and “writing is on the wall” is oxymoronic.
Cash did offer Montero straight up for Halladay and was turned down.
Stoneburner is done for the night. 6 innings, 8 hits, 1 run, 3 walks, 8 strikeouts.
Ronny Marte is pitching.
Game over in tampa. Yanks lose 5-1. Here’s the box.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.....a_tbyafa_2
stuckey,
It is really not. When you are in the Yankees long term plans you do not get benched for Marcus Thames.
Maybe you bench Gardner against Lester and Price and that is understandable. But, he has not started against the 6 LHP so far this year. If you do not think the writing is on the wall for if the Yankees are even considering Brett as an everyday player long term you are probably not looking at the right wall.
Well, that was pretty stupid of Cash; I’m glad the Jays turned them down. The Yankees don’t have a good farm system as is; I don’t understand that thought process at all. How long did Cashman think Posada could go? Was he planning on signing Jorge to a long-term extension? If not, what was his plan for catcher? Really dumb …
Something tells me that years from now the fine people of New England will not be waxing poetic about the 2010 Red Sox.
I have a feeling the Yanks are enamored with Cliff Lee.
I could be wrong for sure, but it just seems like whenever a player shuts the Yanks down (Pavano in the WS, AJ Burnett with Toronto, Lee, etc) the Yanks get that player when they become available.
I know we had this discussion already and nothing’s changed since then.
But I imagine the Yanks will be in the mix for Lee.
“Well, that was pretty stupid of Cash”
—————
for the best pitcher in the game?? (apologies to Felix or Tim)
Yanks have a ton of catchers in the system, probably the most in baseball.
Montero looks like a monster but it wouldn’t have been a bad thing if he netted them Roy Halladay.
The rest of the league would just waive the white flag if they saw CC and Halladay coming as the 1-2.
Why is that stupid? Roy Halladay is the best pitcher in baseball and the Yankees are loaded with young catchers.
That’s a great move by Cash. If the Jays took it, they have Halladay and CC st the front of their rotation and still are loaded with catchers.
Cash tried to trade for Lee before the Phillies moved him (and before the Yankees traded for Vazquez) but they weren’t interested.
speaking of Halladay.
How is Cole Hammels doing so far this season ?
Where is this notion the Yankees don’t have a farm system?
That’s not true at all.
Cash also may not be convinced that Montero profiles as a C or any position for that matter.
I wouldn’t have traded Montero for Halladay (because I am an unabashed prospect hugger and because I think it’s important to start replacing the aging core with cost controlled players), but from a business perspective, I can understand why the Yankees would.
Jeter, Mo, Pettitte, Posada, and A-Rod may not have many great years left. Adding Halladay would have greatly increased the chances of winning more WS for the next few years before the window closes.
With one out in the 7th, Marte gives up two hits.
Francisco Rondon pitching…runners on 1st and 2nd.
walk
wild pitch, run scored…2-2 tie. By radio account, Higashioka had no chance.
Rondon has thrown 6 pitches in the dirt so far.
intentional walk
pop up to right. No advance
Long fly to right field fence
Bruins win. With the help of referees who did not give 1 3rd period PP to the Sabres. No surprise.
Game winning Goal scored after a penalty, too.
SICK!
Oh well, the Bruins dirty tactics took out the Sabres best offensive player, and they had absolutely no offense without him tonight. Could barely possess the puck, couldnt pass the puck, and couldnt even get good shots on net.
Romine is 2 years away at least and the other kids are closer to 4 years away..
I guess the Jays wanted Phil and Montero (I remember reading that they were not that enamored of Joba); they viewed Montero as more of a 1B than a catcher.
I don’t blame the Phillies for not wanting to trade with their WS conquerers; the Yanks tried for Lee before the Indians moved him, but they refused to part with Phil.
MTU,
Hamels looks ok but he’s faced Washington twice and Florida.
Too early to tell.
I only actually watched him pitch for a small part of 1 game and he looked fine.
But time will tell if he’s recovered from that long, tiring 2008 WS season he had.
LGY,
Your math is a tad off. He’s started 8 of 12, not 6.
“If you do not think the writing is on the wall for if the Yankees are even considering Brett as an everyday player long term you are probably not looking at the right wall.”
I think what you’re overlooking is the 2010 season not adding new writing to said wall.
You’re assuming that because they’re platooning him early, this indicates a negative view of him, as opposed to a pragmatic one, which is fine. Don’t necessarily agree, i don’t think being put in the bullpen is a punishment for a pitcher and I don’t think a platoon situation equates to a hearty F-U, but we’ll likely get nowhere on that one.
But you do SEEM to be suggesting the remaining 150 games left in the season are irrelevant to the equation. That the Yankees view of him is solidified and nothing – including perhaps sustained success in 2010 – can alter the now written in permanent ink on the permanent wall plan.
Even as an platoon player he’s going to double his career ABs. Can’t imagine why that can’t factor into what happens next year and why the Yankees wouldn’t be open to making an evaluation – on way or another – in 7 months based of it.
I will sign on with what Rich said. I would not have traded Montero but I would understand the move.
SJ44,
Aside from the Pirates, of course….
can you think of another team with half as many quality catching prospects as the Yankees?
Everytime I go down the list, I just can’t believe they have so many guys in the system at such a difficult position to fill.
Just so many guys, I always forget 1 or 2.
BD-
Since the Phils traded Lee away I would expect they were hoping Hammels would have a bounce back year.
If he doesn’t the loss of Lee is more striking.
MLB is not happy w/ the Sox getting swept, they’re going after Maddon!
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=5114892
I was one of only a few who really wanted the Sox to take down the Rays a bit.
Too bad.
Didn’t happen.
The upper levels of the minors are fairly barren; the kids at A are not developed enough for anyone to tell whether they will be major leaguers or not.
BD, the thing is, beyond Romine, those kids are very young. They may progress, but they also may stall out…
Betsy-
Depends on your definition of “fairly barren”.
Ichiro totally cheated on that HR. The pitch was way inside, too. Why would Mo, or any pitcher, be upset about giving that one up?
Me too, MTU. I think many consider the Rays better than the Yankees because they dominated the Sox while the Yankees barely beat the Sox. That was the thrust of Howard Bryant’s article on ESPN Boston anyway…
Oops, I forgot about Stoneburner in my Runyonesque names list… we can’t fall too far behind the Mets… the Ike Davis gap.
why is every one still wearing the number 42…mets vs. Cubs?
lots of empty seats at Citi Field
Betsy-
I don’t think the Rays are better than the Yanks but I wanted the Rays bloodied a bit just the same.
Doesn’t hurt to spoil some of their momentum.
“Since the Phils traded Lee away I would expect they were hoping Hammels would have a bounce back year.”
————-
MTU,
Well, I think they are hoping Hamels bounces back regardless. He was dominant at the end of 2008.
Losing Lee was a conscious decision in an effort improve the team and get Halladay.
I think they were faced with trying to resign Lee, or trade for Halladay and resign him instead.
Halladay is better and maybe cheaper in total money (3yrs/$60M) than Lee (who may get close to $90-100 – who knows?)
Not really, MTU – there’s only one definition of barren. We have Montero (and I still think Cash was wrong in offering him for Doc); Romine is at least 2 years away. McAllister is by most counts a back of the rotation starter at best. Montero is the only “big” prospect there. Who else in AA or AAA impresses you as potential high quality major leaguers
stuckey,
I am not overlooking 2010. I said Gardner would have to force his way into the lineup in 2010 and then perform against LHP.
There is a huge difference between a pitcher going to the bullpen and an OF being platooned. RP have a permanent role on this team. The Yankees and Cash have emphasized building a solid bullpen. Even if Joba goes to the bullpen permanently he has a very real and very secure role on this team. Platoon OF are on life support every at bat they take with a team like the Yankees. These type of guys do not stick around and are upgraded to everyday players when the right opportunity presents itself. The Yankees are not going with a platoon for the next few years. 2 roster spots devoted to one position and the opportunity to upgrade are too valuable to a team like the Yankees.
If Gardner had a future on this team, the perfect time to see if he could handle LHP would be at the beginning of the season. The Yankees are not even giving him that chance and that says a lot about how they view him as a player. He is going to have to do something to force the Yankees to look at him as an everyday player, because right now they do not.
The Yankees could very well not even view Gardner’s ceiling as an acceptable solution to LF.
MTU, that’s what I’m saying; I was actually rooting for the Sox today. I’m almost as sick of the Rays as I am of the Sox to be honest.
Betsy,
that’s true.
But I think if it meant getting Halladay, they could have “gotten by” with Cervelli and/or Romine for 2-3 years.
There is no guarantee Montero is going to stay at catcher anyway – though I figure the Yanks will give him every opportunity to stay there and as GB7 will tell us, he is better behind the plate than some in the media would like us to think.
They really do have so many catching prospects that I think that position will be the least of their worries over the next 7-8 years.
BD, so happy I decided to sit Matt Capps this week.
That will definitely come back to bite me.
Betsy-
You just gave me your definiton- “high quality”.
In that sense, outside of Montero, and possibly Z-Mac I would agree with you.
Some people are quite high on Nunez as well.
MTU/Betsy,
there were actually Rays trolls on the Red Sox blogs today.
They may only have 4,000 fans… but they are out trolling now that they’re in first place.
trisha,
Nunez and Capps is a coin toss.
With Florida playing Houston, you probably made the right call. That’s all you can do as the manager, and then hope the players do their part
BD, I think Cervelli/Po would be a really iffy proposition; forget Romine – he’s not in play until at least 2012. Frankly, I think they’ve drafted way too many catchers. The younger kids are too far away to be used as chips anytime soon and they could have used those picks on position players.
Rays trolls? LOL Now I’ve heard everything. Ooh, they’re in first place by all of 1/2 game (thought that could be stretched out as the Yanks are about to embark on a grueling road trip). Until the Rays win a WS, their fans shouldn’t be trolling on any boards.
My prediction:
The Yankees will win > 105 games.
Can the Rays top that ?
Can the Sox top that ?
Can anybody in baseball top that ?
We had a Rays troll here for most of the 2008 season.
And he was right!
yanks at 105, rays at 93, bosox at 88
I just hope the AL wins the All-Star game again so the Yankees have home field advantage throughout the the playoffs.
There is no such thing as drafting too many catchers.
It’s a need position and those assets can help you a variety of different ways.
Nick, would this guy’s name be Pynchonesque?
http://www.baseball-reference......ru01.shtml
SJ-
I think you’re a little biased on Catchers.
Congrats on your nephew’s performance so far.
“The Yankees will win > 105 games.
Can the Rays top that ?
Can the Sox top that ?”
I’m not sure that it matters that much. The AL East race is probably about two securing playoff spots and then taking your chances in the crapshoot that is the MLB playoffs.
I understand that, SJ, but they won’t be of any use as assets for another 3 years………except for Romine (hopefully not).
Can’t top that, but this is an old classic:
http://www.baseball-reference......di01.shtml
Rich-
It is a crapshoot but home field advantage is a plus.
rich, good point.
The one downside of the Wild Card is it diminishes the value of winning the Division.
Like you said, the AL east will produce 2 playoff spots. there isnt much of a disadvantage to winning a wild card spot as currently constructed.
Betsy – Hughes rules (pleading the Fifth) April 19th, 2010 at 9:50 pm
MTU, that’s what I’m saying; I was actually rooting for the Sox today. I’m almost as sick of the Rays as I am of the Sox to be honest
——————————————————————————————————-
Now that’s the spirit Betsy.
I keep telling myself it is early in the season, but the Sox are not looking good….to state the obvious I guess.
I wonder if Pole played with this guy;
http://www.baseball-reference......pe01.shtml
Ike Davis also pitched at ASU. He was a closer.
Met’s could have used him in the 19th inning the other night. (Instead of K-Rod)
He went 2-4 with an RBI tonight.
“Platoon OF are on life support every at bat they take with a team like the Yankees.”
I can’t say I’ve ever seen any practical evidence of that.
“The Yankees are not going with a platoon for the next few years.”
And they might not necessarily platoon Garder for two years either. 4 games doesn’t not a season-plan make, which is sort of the whole point.
“If Gardner had a future on this team, the perfect time to see if he could handle LHP would be at the beginning of the season. The Yankees are not even giving him that chance and that says a lot about how they view him as a player.”
I think it’s a highly subjective interpretation of a situation. One can easily make the argument that they want to build up his confidence (considering he started slowly last year) and put him in situations where he can succeed early, and let him ease into more responsibility.
This is a time honored tradition the game of baseball.
I’ll remind you that when Derek Jeter had to miss a game, and the Yankees had options such as Curtis Granderson, high OBP guys like Johnson and Swisher, they chose Gardner to lead-off yesterday.
“The Yankees could very well not even view Gardner’s ceiling as an acceptable solution to LF.”
Can’t argue with a speculative assumption, so I won’t even try, other than to say they could see him as the next great Yankee leftfielder.
Who the hell knows? The point is reading too much into him platooning for the first 12 games strikes as as reading too much into him platooning for the first 12 games.
Ray-
You’re lucky that GB is pre-occupied with his game calling, or he would be all over you for trying to convert Betsy.
MTU-
You probably know that GB has busted my chops more than once on here…..but it’s all in good fun!
Ray, keep the faith; the Sox will be fine. I’m used to hating the Sox, it’s like breathing, but the Rays are just ticking me off, lol. We took 2/3 from you guys, from the Rays, from the Angels and swept the Rangers and all everyone wants to talk about is Tampa. Blech……
I guess I’ll keep the radio off tomorrow; I don’t feel like hearing about how Ike Davis is going to the HOF……..
During the off season a number of people wondered why the Phils traded for Halladay when they had Lee.
Over and over people compared their respective era, wins, k/9, BB/9, etc. They were similar so they concluded they were similar value.
But that was never true. Their signability was obviously a major issue. But more than that what wasn’t factored in in those comparisons was the tremendous length and durability Halladay has. He just presented much less risk than Lee and there’s real value in that.
And that’s come to bear. The M’s have Lee for one year and have already lost him for at least 5 weeks.
Halladay on the other hand in wracking up innings for the Phillies.
The Phils made a poor deal trading Lee – and the yankees should be very thankful they did – but Lee was never the value that Halladay was going to be.
I would have traded Montero straight up for Halladay…still would. Montero may be a fantastic prospect but he’s still just that…a prospect.
CC+Halladay would have made the Yankees about as unstoppable as a team can realistically be for the next 2-3 years and the Yankees have the deepest stockpile of catchers maybe in all of baseball. Its hindsight now but I don’t think Cashman was crazy at all for making that trade offer.
set a few brain cells aside: Roger Waters performing The Wall @the Izod Center on Nov. 3rd.
“I guess I’ll keep the radio off tomorrow; I don’t feel like hearing about how Ike Davis is going to the HOF……..”
I need Ike to help that team. You can’t even talk baseball with Mets fans these days. They just mumble something about Omar and walk away!
Sometimes these young guys can serve as a sparkplug. Besides, if you don’t hear about the Yanks on the radio? That’s a good thing. It means they’re playing well.
Blake, I still don’t see what the Yankees would have done at catcher. I would not have wanted them to sign Jorge to another long term deal and Cervelli is not a starter. Romine is not close and the other kids are far away; I honestly don’t get how anyone can project these kids when they are so young and raw.
BD, thanks! You really did make me feel better about the move I made.
If you need any players you might want to see if there are any Nats lying around…
Bronx, I detest the Mets, I really do. That said, I don’t spend any time thinking about them; we’ve talked a lot of Mets on this board recently. Outside of this, I never talk about them with anyone.
Betsy,
Posada is going to be their catcher this year and next year…Romine would likely be ready by 2012 and Cervelli could have spelled until he was. Cashman wouldn’t have offered the trade if he didn’t have a plan at catcher in case the Jays accepted.
hardwired,
I’ve been signed up for the presale for RW for a while.
can’t wait
Wow, I turned on Baseball Tonight – first time I’ve had it on this season and probably most of last – and I got very nervous because the crew was speaking in almost hushed and somber tones. I thought I was going to hear about a death or something. I guess I did – in a sense. They were discussing the Suxers. It was painful to see the expressions on their faces and the level of distress.
Nomar did manage to get a shot in though, which was pretty funny. He kind of shook his head talking about how Jason Bay carried them at times last season and how if they hadn’t let Bay go…
My boss is a Mets fan. So is my brother in law.
I cannot talk to them about baseball-it’s like trying to describe the color blue to a blind person.
trisha,
I am one step ahead of you.
I added their catcher, good ol Pudge, the other day and he went 2-4 with a run in his first game for me.
(and yes, I’m hurting at catcher)
“During the off season a number of people wondered why the Phils traded for Halladay when they had Lee.”
My question has always been, why didn’t they bite the bullet and try to keep them both, even if it was just for one year. Halladay and Lee with that lineup would have made it tough on all of baseball. Good for the Yankees that they didn’t.
Blake, maybe so. I’m still glad it didn’t go through……..I didn’t want Phil traded for Santana and I wouldn’t have offered Montero up for Doc. He’s the only real star we have in our system and the team is really getting up there in age.
Betsy,
thats fair enough…its a non-issue now and we still have Montero, which is a very good thing.
Eh, I never ever concede anything. IF the Yankees ended up facing the Phils in the WS, they’d deal with it then. They got to Lee the 2nd time they faced him – he’s not unbeatable.
Blake, I did want Doc very much, but let’s face it. Despite what he said, AA had no intention of trading him within the division….. Too bad Doc couldn’t wait the extra year and signed with Philly, but that’s apparently where he really wanted to go, so what can you do?
Hi Chad,
Welcome to the Bay Area! (Note: San Jose does not qualify unless you like salt marshes. ). You are in for a treat up in Oakland/SF, and the wine country up here north of SF. If I make it to one of the games I’ll look up any Lohud’ers. I have taken too much abuse from A’s fans. Was at the game where Scutaro hit the walkoff against Mariano.
Glad you all are here. Tough being a Yankees fan out here, but it could be worse. I could be in Boston!
Cheers,Pam
Not conceding anything but the Phils gave the Yankees quite a fight last year…add 2-3 Halladay starts to that and it could have tipped the scales if they met again. Doesn’t mean the Yankees couldn’t have still beat them but the odds wouldn’t be as great IMO.
stuckey,
When was the last time the Yankees went with a platoon at any a position for a sustained period of time? That is the practical evidence.
The notion that I speculated that Gardner’s ceiling may not even meet their standards and viewing him as the next great Yankee LF are not equal. There is much more leaning towards my view than yours. He was benched a month into the season last year and thus far his role on the team seems to be as a platoon player with Marcus Thames. They brought 3 players on board (Hoffman, Thames, and Winn) to compete with Gardner, play with Gardner, and provide insurance for him. All for one position.
I appreciate your rosy outlook regarding Gardner, but you seem to be taking the glass half full way too often when evaluating decisions the Yankees make about him. Even if they are easing Gardner in as you suggest, that does not say a lot about how they view him. At best they have a ton of uncertainty about him because they can not even trust him to handle the position full time without being cradled into a full time starting role.
Finally, I did not see Gardner leading off as any sort of telling move. It was a move that lead to the least amount of shake up of the lineup. And even if it was, again it was against a RHP.
“It was painful to see the expressions on their faces and the level of distress. ”
I saw the segment too. That thought never even occurerd to me until I just read your post.
I think you really need to be looking for it to come off that way.
But more than that what wasn’t factored in in those comparisons was the tremendous length and durability Halladay has. He just presented much less risk than Lee and there’s real value in that.
Which is one reason why I think the Yankees should be very reluctant to give Lee more than four years.
“add 2-3 Halladay starts to that and it could have tipped the scales if they met again.”
It would have to be the third start because even thought Lee was beatable in Game 5, baseball is a zero sum game and Lee did beat them twice.
blake-
I don’t know what Amaro was thinking. If they needed to dump salary they should have traded Blanton. Lee is only making 8M this year.
It seems like financial issues created a context in which the phils felt like they had to trade Lee at the same time they acquired Halladay. It was strange why the two had to be done together as it wasn’t a 3 team deal.
If the Phil have Halladay and Lee they are the favorites to win the world series.
“If the Phil have Halladay and Lee they are the favorites to win the world series.”
I agree, Its doubtful they could have kept both longterm because Lee clearly wasn’t giving a discount but wouldn’t it have been worth it to have them both for a year and try to win another title? I think it would have…like you said they could have dumped Blanton if they wanted to shed payroll. Glad they didn’t think that way.
Blake-
It isn’t likely to happen but Felix and Lee is a pretty deadly combination.
The Phils have such an easy road to the WS; the AL is just so much better than the NL….
MTU,
Thats true but the M’s don’t have the team the Phillies do to go with them.
Blake-
I was talking strictly from a pitching perspective.
Betsy,
that’s true…
but I wouldn’t want to face the Cardinals or even the Giants, especially in a short series.
Carpenter/Wainright is pretty scary – as is Lincecum/Cain
And the way Dave Duncan has reinvented Brad Penny, he could end up being one of the better #3′s in the NL.
Zito looks great for SF too.
And then there is the Ludwick/Pujols/Holliday combo.
Blake-
Do you think the Yanks can afford both CC and CL if they want them both next season ?
MTU,
From a pitching perspective its comparable…I’d rather have Halladay than Felix in 2010 but that duo is pretty darn good also.
I think Javy gets the train back on the tracks tomorrow…I feel it.
“It isn’t likely to happen but Felix and Lee is a pretty deadly combination.”
————–
It is, which makes the rest of their offseason moves (or lack thereof) interesting.
Lee apparently had no intention of signing an extension, so this was always going to be a 1-yr rental for the Mariners.
If you trade for a guy like Lee for 1 year, shouldn’t you “go for it” in an AL West that is ripe for the picking?
I personally don’t want to see them in the playoffs though. Give me Anaheim, Oakland, or Texas, please!!!
“I saw the segment too. That thought never even occurerd to me until I just read your post.
I think you really need to be looking for it to come off that way.”
It was a little bit fact and a little bit parody on ESPN’s love for the Sux. And Kruck was rather agitated.
Have you heard about ESPN’s bias toward the Sux?
******************
Bd, you could do worse than Pudge. That whole team has something going on so ride him as long as it keeps going!
BD, I don’t know what Penny’s #s are, but the Cards folded pretty badly in the post-season last year. Still, you’re right – and Zito has definitely come around. I wonder what he discovered or re-discovered?
It’s such a long season that there’s no point in even thinking that far ahead. I hope the Yankees get to the WS, but there is no guarantee they even win their division; there’s no guarantee they even make the playoffs. The AL East is brutal and it’s going to be that way for a long time. A part of me likes it that way because the quality of baseball is very high; the other part thinks it stinks, lol.
Blake-
Girardi sure thinks he needs to.
That should be plenty of extra motivation.
Big ballpark w lot’s of foul ground should help a guy like Vasquez.
“Do you think the Yanks can afford both CC and CL if they want them both next season ?”
They could probably afford to buy the Cardinals and Twins to obtain Pujols and Mauer if they really wanted (kidding, sorta). I think they can afford it but I don’t know if they would sign both..I think a lot depends on whether Andy retires, what kind of year Hughes has, how Gardner does, whether they win the WS, and what they set their budget at. I wouldn’t mind them both
“When was the last time the Yankees went with a platoon at any a position for a sustained period of time? That is the practical evidence.”
Until he got hurt, weren’t we looking at some sort of Nady/Swisher platoon just last year?
“They brought 3 players on board (Hoffman, Thames, and Winn) to compete with Gardner, play with Gardner, and provide insurance for him. All for one position.”
But they didn’t bring in a player that would more certainly unseat him.
Yes, you can speculate that the right option didn’t present itself, but again, it’s speculation.
I put some weight in the fact he IS the Yankees “more” everyday LF. The Yankees certainly aren’t panicking.
“I appreciate your rosy outlook regarding Gardner,”
I don’t have a rosy outlook. I’m looking at the FACT he’s playing 2 of every 2 days. You’re looking fact he’s not playing every third day. ”
NO one has every accused me of being a glass half-full guy. But I’m pretty certain I can recognize when the glass is 2/3rds full or 1/3 empty, whichever you prefer.
“At best they have a ton of uncertainty about him because they can not even trust him to handle the position full time without being cradled into a full time starting role.”
Of course there is a ton of uncertainty. The difference between you and I I believe is I don’t think of “uncertainty” as a pejorative by rule.
I guess I don’t understand why the Yankees can’t have questions without it being regarded as an indictment.
“Finally, I did not see Gardner leading off as any sort of telling move. It was a move that lead to the least amount of shake up of the lineup. And even if it was, again it was against a RHP.”
Pena would have been the least amount of shake-up.
The Yankees actually rank fairly low on the list of playoff contenders when it comes to their top 2/3 starters. The Sox are better, the Ms are better, possibly the Rays….. The Yankees have depth, but that doesn’t really help in the playoffs. If AJ could have a huge year, that would help.
# Betsy – Hughes rules (pleading the Fifth) April 19th, 2010 at 10:58 pm
The Yankees actually rank fairly low on the list of playoff contenders when it comes to their top 2/3 starters. The Sox are better, the Ms are better, possibly the Rays….. The Yankees have depth, but that doesn’t really help in the playoffs. If AJ could have a huge year, that would help.
Now this is crazy. I’ll take Pettitte over almost any number 1 in a postseason game.
Holliday just hit a scud missile over the LF wall…that thing didn’t get a foot over the top of the fence in height it didn’t look like.
Holliday’s shot was very impressive. Still hard to believe the Red Sox didn’t make a run at him.
How can mitch williams say that he was picking matt holliday as his MVP? That’s just silly.
Carl, whoa, lol. I can’t do that. I don’t see how it’s crazy. CC is the best, but I have said consistently since the off-season that the Sox have a much better top 3. We don’t know what Price is yet, so I won’t put the Rays there, but the Ms top 2 beats ours. I guess I’d have to rank the Yankees after the Ms and before the Angels.
Mitch says stuff just to say it I think…that guy that hits in front of Holliday has a good shot at MVP I’d think.
Betsy, the Sox and M’s may not make the playoffs.
Doug Fister is no hitting the Orioles through 5.
Blake, of course………but the Yankees might not either. What I said goes for the regular season as well. Now if AJ keeps this up, then things are different, but we have to see about that.
Actually, once you get to pitcher’s 3 and 4 the yankees start generating large marginal advantages against most of the teams that could make that playoff that have strong 1-2 combos.
Compared to the number of teams with strong 1-2′s very few have 3-4′s even close to Andy and Javy.
“but the Ms top 2 beats ours. ”
You’re really a chinese puzzle sometimes Betsy.:-). Sabathia was terrific last post-season, Hernandez has never pitched a postseason game.
You’re perhaps the biggest Burnett fan here, and repeatedly warn from signing Lee. Yet you rate Hernandez/Lee better than Sabathia/Burnett.
You’re an enigma wrapped in a riddle. lol
Nady and Swisher was not a platoon. Nady was the Yankee RF and Swish was the 4th OF and back-up 1B. Even though Girardi was committed to getting Swisher playing time any sort of platoon was not a long term solution as Nady was on the last year of his contract. Swisher was also not brought in to be part of a platoon. He was brought in as the Yankee 1B until they signed Tex and then his role on the team became much more uncertain.
While the Yankees did not bring in a player that would certainly unseat him there was no one really out there that fit into their budget that could. They also tried to extend the budget and bring back Damon. If Damon agrees to that final $6 million offer Gardner becomes the 4th OF.
When the Yankees are not playing Gardner is much more telling than when they are. Of course his is starting against RHP. After failing to sign Damon there is no one on this roster that could really unseat him in that role. Winn is not exactly stiff competition and Thames is not the answer against RHP.
It is fine to have questions about a player, but the Yankees seem to either already have the answer to whether they believe Gardner can play against LHP or do not seem like it is worth it to explore the question.
You think that if Brett Gardner performs at a certain level this year the Yankees consider him as their LF instead of going out an upgrading the position at a higher cost. At one point I thought that was a possibility. At this point, I very much disagree. The actions of Cashman and Girardi are usually very telling. Much more than their words. Not everything is an issue of small sample sizes. Of course the answer becomes more concrete 50, 60, 70 games into the season, but there is much more than the 12 games here. Not every point is completely dismissable this early in the season. There is space for objective and logical thinking like the Red Sox have serious flaws in their roster that is not just going to be fixed with a larger sample.
It is the history of the Yankees in regards to spending, the reality of teams of this nature employing platoons, Cash’s offseason moves, and Girardi not even giving Gardner a chance against LHP even though Thames is not an ideal solution considering how bad he is in the field. And, finally Gardner’s ceiling is not exactly impressive. How often has someone like Gardner with his skillset been long term solutions to contending teams?
When you say Pena would be the least amount of shake up you get to the point where many of your discussions become much more argumentative over minor flaws instead of actually insightful discourse. So, I am not going to continue this further and constrain the other discussions on this blog as I have laid out my position already.
CB, that’s true, but in an opening round, the 3 and 4 pitches may not be needed and it’s definitely possible to get away with not having to face the #4 starter. I need to see Javy perform before I’m going to sing his praises. I expect him to be fine, but you never know and he doesn’t have the best rep in big spots.
Who are the Red Sox waiting for on the FA market?
They took a hard line on Tex and did not even make an attempt at Holliday. They have had money to spend and will have even more in the next few years with some bad contracts coming off the books. But who do they plan on spending this money on?
Tampa is really the only concern of the current leaders (sorry Oakland, I’ll believe it when it happens)
Tampa – Garza, Shields, Price, Niemann
Minny – Baker, Slowey, Liriano, Pavano
Anaheim – Weaver, Pineiro, Santana, Kazmir
If Detroit made it – Verlander, Porcello, Scherzer (not that imposing yet)
Seattle is really the only 1-2 that scares me, and their 3/4 pitchers are below average.
Stuckey, CC is great – no doubts there. Yes, I love AJ and I make no bones about it, but he is inconsistent. You can be a fan of someone and embrace their quirks/flaws/whatever.
I don’t want to sign Lee because I dont want to give him that much $$$ for that many years, not because I don’t think he’s a formidable pitcher.
Betsy, The S.F. Giants rotation is very good….Watch out for Sanchez to really break out this season……..Looks like Barry Zito has returned to planet earth from his space odyssey……The Giants may very well be the talk of the NL this season
I think Boston does have better 1-3 starters on paper. However CC is the best pitcher on either staff and thats important.
You could make the argument that Boston doesn’t have a true #1 starter right now. Lester is likely on his way there but isn’t quite yet IMO and Beckett is just too inconsistent for that label. The Yankees have a true ace, Boston has more like three #2′s to me. I think Pettite will be who he’s always been but if AJ has turned some kind of corner in his career and is going to consistently throw strikes then that closes the gap quickly.
I forgot about Minny and Detroit, BD. If Liriano regains his form, they are very formidable. I despise him, but Pavano is a good pitcher……..
Pat M, I think you’re right and maybe they even have an offense? I don’t worry about the NL at this point because the Yankees have a long way to go before they get to the WS……but yes, the Giants are very dangerous.
What more does Lester have to do to be a #1? Even if he’s not, he pitches like one and that’s what counts.
If AJ has turned the corner, then that changes the equation. I want to make it clear that I wasn’t criticizing him as a pitcher; inconsistent as he’s been, he’s still a good pitcher (and I will continue to think that no matter if I’m the only one who does, lol).
The Giants staff does have the potential to be just unreal 1-5.
“While the Yankees did not bring in a player that would certainly unseat him there was no one really out there that fit into their budget that could. They also tried to extend the budget and bring back Damon. If Damon agrees to that final $6 million offer Gardner becomes the 4th OF.”
That’s circumstance, not a conclusion.
“It is fine to have questions about a player, but the Yankees seem to either already have the answer to whether they believe Gardner can play against LHP or do not seem like it is worth it to explore the question.”
So I assume according to your position that Gardner will not get regular starts against lefties anytime this year?
“Not everything is an issue of small sample sizes.”
Not a sample size issue. It’s a calendar issue.
“And, finally Gardner’s ceiling is not exactly impressive.”
What’s his ceiling?
“How often has someone like Gardner with his skillset been long term solutions to contending teams?”
I don’t see the relevancy of the question. I don’t think Brian Cashman is a paint-by-numbers GM and that his primary goal is staying within the lines.
“When you say Pena would be the least amount of shake up you get to the point where many of your discussions become much more argumentative over minor flaws instead of actually insightful discourse.”
I admit I’m at a loss when a simple fact becomes sort of strategy…
Will Carroll is such a dope. He tweets that there is a PED suspension coming, but he has zero information and he’s getting upset when people ask him who it is. If he has no clue, why the heck even post something like that?
The O’s should be ashamed of themselves.
There are very few guys who I think have a legit chance to just shut down the Yanks offense and King Felix and Cliff Lee are two of them. So I’m rooting against Seattle, personally.
Aside from that, there just aren’t any complete teams in the AL like NY and Tampa – and Tampa needs to improve that bullpen first.
The Yanks are the team to beat because of that. They may be as complete a team as they have been in years.
From Will Carroll:
“More on suspension — has already been through appeals process. This + came in spring training, most likely.”
Carl
Maybe the O’s will turn it on versus the Sox. Then, they have nothing to be ashamed of
It’ll be interesting to see how Tim Lincecum’s season goes.
He’s been terrific as usual in terms of results this year. But he’s really not throwing as hard as he used to.
It’s a significant difference and has been even more evident so far this season than last. I know he’s trying to mix in more two seamers. And he could be going through some dead arm but he really looks like a different pitcher. Better in many ways but also with less gas.
I don’t know if it’s intentional on his part or what’s going on but it’s different.
It had better not be a Yankee. What kind of reputable journalist or whatever he is puts out this info without any real info?
CB
Barca take on Inter tomorrow! Excited?! It should be an excellent matchup!
CB,
They have really worked Lincecum hard the past 2 years, at least for his age and prior workload.
I remember when it was a no-brainer to shut him down for the season in 2008 but they kept pushing him so he could go for the Cy Young award – which he won and deserved.
I know it could have nothing to do with that, but if he has a dead arm or any issues, it will be a shame.
They should have listened to Verducci!!
and Lincecum was on the 2009 Verducci list of “At-risk pitchers” !
Pujols
Betsy,
out there on the blogs there are plenty praying it’s a Yankee (Tex, ARod, and Granderson).
But there are also plenty hoping it’s PEDroia and his 5 HR.
Of course, that is all nonsense.
SPOILER ALERT
s
p
o
i
l
e
r
Just terrible by the 24 writers. Expected storyline tonight, but same storyline over and over and over again. It’s pretty clear why 24 got canceled this year. Because President Taylor the character, and the acting done by Cherry whatever her name is, is absolutely terrible. Just putred.
NO Hitter gone!
BD, I think it’s rather sad news; I’m not rooting for it to be anyone, even a Sox.
Speaking of Alex, I’m surprised he’s off to such a “slow” start….
Markakis breaks up the no hitter.
That is, it’s obviously someone, but I’m not rooting for it to be anyone in particular.
Oh, no. A PED suspension coming?
CR9,
Yeah, as Betsy mentioned – Will Carroll tweeted it earlier:
“More on suspension — has already been through appeals process. This + came in spring training, most likely.”
I also wish there was no suspension for anybody. Bad news no matter who it is.
According to Will Carroll, but he’s probably wrong. The guy posted it hours ago and has no info; I wonder how trustworthy his other info is. I read that Kelly Shoppach had knee surgery and is out for about 6 weeks….
BD
Only bad news if it’s a Yankee.
And why would Will Carroll be excited about this unless it was.
It’s bad news if it’s any player; why would you want the sport you presumably love to be tainted? The game of baseball doesn’t revolve around the Yankees…
# CR9 April 19th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
BD
Only bad news if it’s a Yankee.
And why would Will Carroll be excited about this unless it was.
Because hes trying to figure out who it is.
Chad needs to find out if anyone was particularly tense and upset in ST, lol.
I know I should root for Boston vs Tampa but I just can’t. Boston stinks and I’m loving it, maybe Theo isn’t such a genius after all. I mean signing Cameron(stinks strikes out too much), Scutaro (off a record yr but a lifetime parttimer), and Beltre(a known juicer, didn’t they have enough with Papi), these are all bad signings. Papi is finished, I hope they ride him all year before releasing him, Lowell is finished, Dice K is always messed up, and I think there’s a hole in Paplebon. Nice outfield, Ellsbury, Cameron and Drew, none have much power and none can carry a team, I’m loving it.
Betsy
Again, I more than respect your opinion. I can only hope that you do the same of mine.
I dont love baseball, football, basketball, or hockey. In fact, I despise them all.
The games to me are already tainted with bias by commissioners, rules specifically designed to hamper the Yankees and other NY teams.
And most of all, the umpires and referees taint every single one of these leagues (I believe partly due to bias, which nobody else will believe) with their absolute unprofessionalism, laziness, etc.
I wouldnt even watch sports if it weren’t for my NY teams.
Yes it will be a terrific match. I’m guessing Inter will try to make a muck of it and be overly physical.
The havoc with the air travel and Barca being forced to travel by bus was unfortunate. It’s also probably getting too much attention.
Eto’o. Mourhino and his history with Barca. Nice subtexts for the match.
Soccer is a strange sport because there can be such a disconnect between who plays the best and what the score turns out to be.
That said, Barca is simply the better team and it’s not that close.
Throwing in on Gardner, I believe he is still a work in progress. Developmentally he is still a long way behing his peers. He was a walk on in a little college, not a product of some high level program. In the minors they just seemed to let him be. It wasn’t until the Majors until they worked on his swing. Then came the thumb injury. So I don’t think we’ll know until later this year what the Yankees have in Gardner, if then. He has a lot of value as a CF for other teams.
Then there is Golson, now there is an intriguing talent. If he’s had a Eureka epiphany, that might be Gold. There’s a kid that has the arm for RF. Now Crawford, Granderson, Golson would put the OF at Seattle level. Hmm? Along with Hirsh and Montero someone to watch in the Minors.
Agree. Barca is the better team. Inter will play physical.
I completely forgot about Zlatan and Eto’s returning against former teams!
Is Zlatan fit to play tomorrow? He has missed a couple matches recently due to injury.
If Barca get an away goal, it’s probably over.
Hmm, I guess Bo does know.
Well, obviously you are entitled to your opinion CR; I can’t say that I understand it, but I don’t need to understand it. No one ever should feel the need to explain their feelings.
“Lincecum was on the 2009 Verducci list of “At-risk pitchers” !”
I want to know how Ron Washington ended up on the same list.
Zlatan played this weekend, though not for many minutes. My sense is that he’s likely to play though he might not start.
It’s remarkable that a team could lose a world class player like that and still really not miss a beat. They are a machine.
Boy, I really have to quit NYYFans.com, lol. One guy claimed that Phil has stunk his entire career as a starter and that Buchhoz has developed a great deal this year. He then went on to state that Phil was went to the pen because he was “owned” as a starter last year. I know these pitchers are going to be compared as long as they wear their current uniforms, but really – a little fact checking might go a long way.
Phil’s #s as a starter are not good, but they are hindered by his August 2007 performance when he was not close to being fully healthy and his early 2008 performances when he was pitching with a broken rib. Last year he was fine as a starter aside from one terrible performance. He was put in the pen because the Yankees rushed Wang back, not because he got outpitched by Mitre and Gaudin,lol.
I had a post all typed up explaining this and adding that Clay’s first start againt the Royals this year got very mixed reviews. While he settled down against Tampa after the first, that inning still counts. He did put those runners on and he did give up the big base hit to Burrell. In the end, I decided to delete the post; what’s the point ? People are just going to believe what they want.
By the way, I’m not saying Phil is or is not better than CB – I have no idea.l
Betsy
I partly overstated my feelings above. My feelings were like after 2003, and subsided quite a bit after the Giants Super Bowl XLII victory. Then, the “despising” lessened even further when the Rays won Game 7 over the Sox and then lost in the World Series, and then finally, the 2009 World Series.
I have a lot better feeling now than I did several years ago.
But one thing I have learned is, and I think you might understand this….
Nobody cares about the Yankees, but their fans and the Yankees themselves. Nobody cares if Mariano gets injured, nobody cares if Cano gets outed as a steroid user. In fact, the anti-Yankees sentiment across the country would cheer either one of those things.
So what I have learned is to not care about anyone but the Yankees. Because ‘aint nobody gonna care about us.’
“Soccer is a strange sport because there can be such a disconnect between who plays the best and what the score turns out to be.”
It is just so difficult to score in soccer that dominating a game or out-playing a team so easily does not show up on the scoreboard. One little mistake or one miscue and suddenly a team dominating possession and goal scoring chances go home losing 1-0.
H ell, I have seen a team more than once dominate a game but then lose because they scored on themselves.
I want to know when Tom Verducci became some pitching guru, lol. If he’s so smart, why doesn’t he have a job with some team?
CB
I dont know anything about Pep (aside from his 6 titles last year) as a manager, but I have to imagine that he is extraordinary tactically and at developing players strengths for them to not miss a beat losing a world class athlete like Zlatan.
CR, I wouldn’t expect anyone to care if Mo got hurt or Cano got “outed” as a user…only Yankee fans. The same thing goes for other teams. If someone on the Cardinals gets hurt, am I going to spend time thinking about it? No……..If someone on the Rangers gets hurt, will I think care? Well, I’m certainly not rooting for ANY injury, but again, I won’t be thinking about it.
Betsy,
He’s no guru.
He just came up with an idea – the 30 inning rule for pitchers 25 and younger – that some people in the game believe deserves some consideration.
He’s no genius and the rule is just an unproven theory. But the general idea makes sense and there is at least some evidence to support it.
“I want to know when Tom Verducci became some pitching guru, lol. If he’s so smart, why doesn’t he have a job with some team?”
Perhaps he like the job he has?
Not saying Verducci could work for a major league team, but not everyone that has this opportunity wants to. The quality of life as a major league employee is not exactly very enticing. You are forced to relocate, the hours are long, the travel is bad, and there is very little job security. The salary is not as high as many people think and is not overwhelming enough to compensate for the negatives for many people.
Sitting at home with your family and typing up articles for SI sounds much more appealing.
Betsy
Yes. That’s exactly my feeling. My thoughts about not caring were in response to this.
“It’s bad news if it’s any player”
Since there is supposedly a suspension coming, there is nothing I can do about that. All I can do is hope that it is not a Yankee. To me, it’s only bad news if it’s a Yankee.
Personally, I actually like Pedroia (I know, I know, with my Boston bias, it’s kind of hypocritical), so I might actually feel bad if it was him.
Stuckey, I was being sarcastic.
BD, I made my comment because I didn’t realize Verducci had an “at risk” list, lol. I’m not saying the idea doesn’t make sense, but all of a sudden this theory is taking over the sport. I just find it somewhat funny because baseball existed for over a hundred years before Verducci.
**I’m not at all bothered by Verducci, I’m just sort of fascinated by how “important” he’s become
LGY, I wasn’t being serious when I made that comment.
My apologies Betsy
Maybe Jon Lester is just a year late on his 30-inning rule demise (though most of us know why he was limited in 2007 and it was unfortunate)
2006 – 81 innings
2007 – 72 total innings
2008 – 237 total innings
wow
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=5114892
So it’s not just the Yankees the MLB fashion police are targeting, lol.
In regards to steroids and the media, the biggest joke of all, THAT NOBODY mentions…
Is that all these media personnel, like Olney and Stark, KNEW who were using way back when.
And none of the media personnel did anything about it.
But now, they all demand answers (except of David Ortiz) and are upset for the players ruining the game.
Where was their indignation back in the 90s?
Because at least some of them DEFINITELY knew what was going on.
Verducci and Lincecum are reputed to be working on a book:
“The At-Risk Years — High Times with the San Francisco Giants”
Lester threw 153 in 2007 including minor leagues.
Betsy,
I don’t think it’s that important. He is a writer so I guess he comes up with “the list” as one of his articles for Sports Illustrated? not sure.
I don’t think he professes to be an expert, though maybe he does.
Either way, innings caps for young pitchers is probably here to stay for a while… and that’s really all it is about.
LGY, no need to apologize at all……..I’m sure Tom has a very nice life as head baseball writer at SI, lol.
Wow, BD – that’s unbelievable; Lester must be a horse. He’s always a slow starter; I’m sure he’ll be his usual tough self soon enough. Oddly, Sox fans were getting on him during his most recent start. I saw a comment from one Sox “fan” (but I put the quotes on purpose) who wondered if his cancer was back. It’s just a freaking sport, people.
Still a huge jump though
“but I have to imagine that he is extraordinary tactically and at developing players strengths for them to not miss a beat losing a world class athlete like Zlatan.”
Pep is just terrific. That said, managers get too much credit and fault.
What makes Barca so special – what makes them able to absorb the loss of someone like Zlatan is that they really are a system.
That’s why Real is going to have a lot of trouble catching up.
It’s Barca’s entire development system. Part of what makes Pep so valuable is that he is particularly suited to coach this team. He came out of that system. He was part of Cruyff and Rijkaard built.
But Barca needs to stick with this philosphy.
The best thing that ever happened to them was probably not being able to sign Beckham. That’s why they signed Ronaldhino and cleaned out the old guard. Then in came Xavi and Iniesta and that generation under Rijkaard.
You’re not just playing the 11 men on the field when you fact Barca. You’re facing the entire development process and organization. And when you marry that foundation to the ability to bring in top notch international talent it creates something very formidable.
Man U is similar obviously though not to the same extent, IMO. I also think Man U is almost too dependent on Sir Alex.
LGY,
thank you. I knew the disparity seemed too much… but I just figured it was a result of his cancer treatment and missing time.
Lester still had an 80+ inning spike, but that is obviously more realistic.
thanks for the correction.
Nick, lol. Now THAT will be a fun read………they can put a scratch and sniff sticker on the cover so every time you pick up the book, you can get the same wonderful feeling Timmy did.
BD, it’s hear to stay……..except for may in the Ranger’s organization. Why do I have a feeling that Ryan is going to be proven right? I don’t know what his exact philosophy is, but I think it’s basically to let kids pitch.
LGY, thanks. Yeah, that seemed to bad to be believed.
One other thing I’ll say about Pep. He is great tactically. But Barca’s biggest advantage isn’t tactics – it’s strategy. And that comes out of the entire organization’s philosophy.
80 still seems like a big jump though
Lester seems fine, though……he’s a big, strong pitcher.
Betsy,
having played sports my entire life, and plenty of torn ligaments, rotator cuff, (broken bones dont count) etc, I think it’s a simple and very sound philosophy.
Don’t start anything going 100mph. You have to build yourself up for it. You don’t run a marathon without considerable training to build yourself up.
That said, everyone is different and some people need more building up. There simply can’t be a static rule – and I don’t think there is in MLB.
But it does seem like a safe and sound plan to limit most or all young pitchers to some degree.
If Nolan Ryan wants to let his prized young early 20′s starters, the future of his club, jump from 100 to 200 innings…. then he is playing with fire, IMO. And I’m not talking about their 100mph fastballs
“Still a huge jump though”
The Red Sox don’t subscribe to innings limits as most team do. They have their own system based on strength testing over the course of a season.
In their testing, Lester didn’t lose strength as the season went on, IIRC, so they let him keep throwing.
To my knowledge, this strength based system is more based on a theory than empirical evidence.
I’m not sure how they validated it, though I’d guess they did in some way.
Not sure what strength tells you about the condition of ligaments and tendons.
oops. Did not include playoffs. It was actually 162 (every inning counts
)
“Man U is similar obviously though not to the same extent, IMO. I also think Man U is almost too dependent on Sir Alex.”
I agree with both those statements. Generally, you are right about the manager getting too much credit or fault for success, but in Sir Alex’s case, the entire play of the team is dependent on his managerial decisions and tactical decisions.
Also, we definitely do not develop interchangeable parts like Barca have been able to. From what you say, and from listening to commentators during their CL matches, they can plug in players and “not miss a beat”
Not to the extent, but similar to the current Yankees organization. The way a Pena, or a Cervelli help win games when given one opportunity a week.
Man U generally have trouble when they are without their top talent. Fletcher in the CL Final against Barca. Ferdinand has suffered severe back injuries and is not the same player as when Man U reeled off a record 14, I think, Premier League clean sheets in a row last year. And obviously, Rooney.
Though, I thought for sure that we were going to be unable to compete for the PL title and the CL title this year without Ronaldo, but somehow Fergie makes it work. Even with the poor managerial decision to continue starting Michael Carrick.
They say in the United forums, no one player is bigger than the team.
Thanks CB. Interesting.
I love Pep!
For once, I actually wasnt so devastated at a Finals loss, with the CL Final last year, because we were so thoroughly outplayed and dominated, with no help from the referees.
Because of that, I watched the celebration and saw the team carrying around Pep. His face was quite amusing while getting carried around, like the joy of a (hate to steal a Michael Kay cliche) ‘kid in a candy shop’!
BD, I definitely agree with you that innings limits are a fine idea if used correctly. That said, there is something to be said for going too far. Phil has said that he was always taken out of games at a certain pitch count; ok, I know it’s not innings limits, but it’s the same principal. . He was taken out whether he was pitching poorly or throwing a no-hitter. I don’t see how that kind of treatment builds stamina. What it does is train the body to shut down after a certain point.
If Ryan is advocating 100 inning jumps, then I agree he’s playing with fire.
It is interesting and it seems to have worked. What the Yankees have done does not seem to have worked….
“getting too much credit or fault for success”
that should have been……..for the outcome!
“Though, I thought for sure that we were going to be unable to compete for the PL title and the CL title this year without Ronaldo, but somehow Fergie makes it work.”
I agree with that. I just couldn’t see where the scoring was going to come from.
Man U had a remarkable year all things considered. Really remarkable when you think of all the firepower they lost.
Let’s hope Cano has his Wayne Rooney season this year!
It’s ironic because Messi is the best player in the world, but the one guy on Barca who is probably least replaceable than Xavi. He is just incomparable.
Betsy,
that is probably also true.
I can’t speak specifically to building arm strength at the professional level, of course.
But for running, for example, you generally have 1 day a week that you really push on. The other days are typically easy runs. And there is a 10% rule that some use – if you ran 10miles on your push day last week, you can’t run more than 11miles this week (though most dont even jump 10%).
I figure in Phil’s case, though, they were just so happy to have a top pitching prospect again that they were terrified of injury.
Good news is it sounds like for the most part, they’re ready to take the kid gloves off and let him rip.
Poor Phil – he was a guinea pig in the Yankees lab,lol. At first, I was not happy with Joe letting him go out for the sixth, but now I’m very glad he did. Phil is a big, strong kid – he can handle this.
“Let’s hope Cano has his Wayne Rooney season this year!”
Great comparison!!
As you already know, Cano has been working with ARod and Long at getting better, and also busting his tail in the weight room, etc. Basically, the Yankees and Cano have altered his approach to the game.
Much like the way SAF did with Rooney. Without Ronaldo, SAF altered our system, and made Rooney more of a central strike, unlike before. That has allowed him to flourish. And Antonio Valencia has provided greatly to Rooney’s success, and at a relatively low purchase price.
I know Xavi is irreplaceable, but I have to imagine they would struggle without Messi. Messi can create remarkable scores and opportunities by his lonesome. Like a one man wrecking crew!
Ok, this has been a fascinating discussion, but I need my beauty sleep, lol. Have a good evening all!
One more thing, it is even more remarkable the success United have had this year, because our defense has been absolutely atrocious, at least compared to last year.
We used to get clean sheets with regularity. Not so much this year.
Will Carroll alert: David Eckstein hits walkoff in Petco!
lol Nick
at Petco especially, that just doesnt seem possible
“Sitting at home with your family and typing up articles for SI sounds much more appealing.”
Especially when you have the likes of The Great Joe Torre™
leakingfeeding you stories.haha Rich
nice use of the html ascii too
They would clearly have more difficulty scoring as many goals without Messi. I think they could rig pieces together to try to make up for the front line scoring.
Without Xavi the entire way they play would have to change. The style would be altered rather than the critical finish.
The entire team works off of dominating possession. Xavi is the central cog in that.
They are both great. I’m not taking anything way from Messi who I think the world of. Messi is clearly the best player in the world. Xavi just plays such a unique and integral role. He’s the guy who makes everyone else on the team better.
Then again, Barca has won when Xavi was out in 2005…
And Iniesta is just so fantastic that he could probably adapt to make up for Xavi’s loss.
Thanks, BD.
Will Johnson ever hit or forever wait for walks. Eventually pitchers will see he’s not hitting and stop walking him. Then we’ll see if he can hit. It sure does not look like he can, never seems to center the ball to the bat, fouls off pitches right down the middle, frustrating. If he can stay in this lineup and hit he’d be great, he wears out pitchers, I’d just like to see him hit once in a while.
April 20th…the day Vazquez pitches well and makes the Yankee rotation a perfect circle of goodness.
Blake, I like the way you think
Kate…I’m in a good mood, feeling optimstic today. Plus Javy is too good for this to continue no matter how many folks think he’s an “NL Pitcher”.
I totally agree, and I know that Nick J./Tex/Arod will all start hitting as well
Other than a HR # lower than people might expect, I don’t think Alex is not hitting well.
Probably not in Oakland; that place is where hitters go to die.
Pat, he’s hitting “ok”, but not great. He’s at .279 or something like that and coupled that with his lack of power #s? I think that’s a slow start.
Oakland is good place for line drive hitters to find gaps.
And we have plenty of line drive hitters.
Gio Gonzalez is going to rue the day he met the Yankees.
demolition photos from zelly:
http://zellspinstripeblog.com/.....-the-week/
Kate-
Back at it.
I don’t want to sound trollish – but I seem to remember Gio starting against the Yanks last year and doing well. Don’t have time to look it up, have to get going this AM.
Later.
Joe-
I think you are correct but that was last year.
This is this year.
“He’s at .279 or something like that and coupled that with his lack of power #s? I think that’s a slow start.”
.295 BA/.415 OBP
7 extra base hits (5 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR)- only Cano has more
Just so there is no confusion I propose the following conventions for next year.
CC = Sabbathia
and
cc= Crawford
That way during our discourse we won’t get them confused.
Pat, thanks. I was just a little off on his BA, lol.
MTU (aka GBURL) April 20th, 2010 at 8:35 am
Just so there is no confusion I propose the following conventions for next year.
CC = Sabbathia
and
cc= Crawford
That way during our discourse we won?t get them confused.
********************
I like this. I was already getting confused yesterday.
pat -
I agree. ARod’s off to a decent start. Not “hot,” but certainly good enough!
Nick J, right now I’ll take the walks. He’ll be fine. Tex, same thing. And with Tex you have the added value of his defense!
Maybe I’m just not overly critical. But I think what helps is to realize that players will go through slow periods – when the team is winning anyway, it’s all good. There will be fluctuations. Right now Jeter, Cano & Grandy are off to really good starts. Chances are they’ll cool a bit, but Tex, NJ & Swish will heat up. As long as they don’t all cool off together, they will have offense.
re: Cliff Lee
Any thoughts of him being a Yankee depends on his health this year, what Andy does and if he intends to come back, the progress of Phil Hughes, the progress of Zach McAllister / Ivan Nova at AAA.
At this point Carl Crawford ranks highest of the Yankees 2011 radar. His on base, running skills, and outfield skills by themselves relieve the team from LF concerns for several years to come.
The Rays have enough young OF’s to put them in a position of not suffering when Crawford is gone.
Walks are fine for NJ, but he has to start hitting the ball.
Arod is fine. There was at least one bullet at Fenway that hit the monster that would’ve been out of any park and he hit another off the top of the wall in Tampa. The HR’s will come.
Nick’s BABIP is .217, so with the obligatory sample size caveats, he has probably been at least somewhat unlucky.
Alex’s OPS is .938. It’s below his career .965, but it’s still good.
Doreen
“when the team is winning anyway, it’s all good.”
Absolutely. Girardi and every player has made it known loud and clear that individual stats take a back seat to wins.
OK, I was the one who made the original statement about Nick/Tex/Arod, based on what Girardi said about the great performance of the 5-9 hitters, and that the top of the order would come around. I should have looked up Arod’s stats before including him…sorry…its all good
I have faith that the guys will hit “to the back of their baseball card.” Baseball is cyclical. It’s pretty rare that a player stays on an even production level throughout the season. More of a roller coaster than a speedway.
The Yankees have averaged 5.75 runs per game thru the 1st 12 games.
If things continued at that rate they score 931.5 runs for the season.
Alex is hitting and getting on base. But because he only has 1 HR it seems like he isn’t doing a lot.
Do you guys think that cash will sign jeter to Arod type numbers?
4 years 110m
I’m certainly not worried about Nick, I’m just suggesting that he has to take the bat off his shoulders instead of always looking to walk.
Jeter isn’t worth A-Rod’s contract, and more importantly, neither is A-Rod, so it would be foolish to compound the mistake.
i dont think jeter will go that high. i think he will be reasonable (even though everyone thinks he should get more than tex). 4/80 for jeter and 2/30 for rivera. 3/9 for girardi. 4/72 for lee with 5th year option.
truthfully with alex, if he hits 1 homerun all year and has 125 rbis, i would be happy.
As for crawford, as much as i dont like when people overstate gardner, if he has a good year, i dont see why the yankees spend alot of money on Crawford instead of a starting pitcher to likely replace Javy.
“Rich in NJ says:
April 20, 2010 at 9:27 am
Jeter isn’t worth A-Rod’s contract, and more importantly, neither is A-Rod, so it would be foolish to compound the mistake.”
Jeter wants to get to 4000 hits he will. The merchandising dollars will be crazy. He may well be worth his contract when it’s all said and done.
Meant to say ‘If Jeter’
Rich
Agreed but the Yankees are in a unique position with certain players that they can overspend because of the returns it pays. It counts as payroll but is off-set in other ways.
People may have thought I was kidding about the Yankees getting corporate sponsorship to help defray salary costs yesterday but they are already doing it with Alex. His contract was as much about YES revenues as Yankee revenues. His “March to 600 HRs” is being “presented by AT&T”? Think AT&T might be paying for that?
They may not sell the naming rights to the Stadium but corporate sponsorship can take on many different forms and Derek is the ultimate player that would translate well with.
Pat,
I seem to remember reading that the Steinbrenner family said they will never sell the naming rights to Yankee Stadium, but would consider selling naming rights to the areas around the stadium like the plaza outside.
There is a PED suspension coming today. It’s not a repeat offender, any guesses who it will be?
tex’s friend April 20th, 2010 at 9:38 am
As for crawford, as much as i dont like when people overstate gardner, if he has a good year, i dont see why the yankees spend alot of money on Crawford instead of a starting pitcher to likely replace Javy.
=====
This guy can barely hit a ball out of the infield. Please. He’ll be the fourth outfielder eventually.
“Jeter wants to get to 4000 hits he will. The merchandising dollars will be crazy. He may well be worth his contract when it’s all said and done.”
Wanting something and doing something are often two very different things. The likelihood that Jeter can remain effective offensively for that long is quite low (the odds that he can remain effective defensively at SS anywhere near that long are near zero).
So the Yankees should not bear the financial risk that Jeter can reach that milestone. Consequently, if in fact Jeter ends up pursuing that goal, he should be on year to year contracts, and if he is worth the money, then he will get it as he demonstrates his ability to produce at a high level at such an advanced age.
Equally important, as I alluded to above, is the position Jeter would be able to play.
If the primary goal is to win, and Jeter can only DH, while Montero has to also DH, the DH should be the player who produces the most. If that’s Jeter, so be it. If not, that’s fine too.
If the choice is Montero at DH and a .950 OPS and Jeter at DH with a .800 OPS, then there is no way that Jeter should have the job.
So there are multiple potential impediments to Jeter reaching that goal as a Yankee, and a big contract should not be allowed to complicate what should be a purely baseball decision.
Again, winning trumps personal stats, or at least it should.
Someone on NYYFans said that he read a rumor that it was Tex……..
That said, I seriously doubt it’s true……..it had better not be true, lol.
pat
The Yankees could probably turn a nice profit if the payroll was $250m. The problem is that ownership probably doesn’t want to spend more than $200m, and they may even want to decrease the payroll over time because they don’t want to give the small market owners ammunition to an enact an even more onerous Yankee tax or some other anti-capitalist measure.
I’m not sure how corporate sponsorship would enable them to overcome that hurdle.
if it’s Tex that would be a disaster….
Besty
What rumor?
Sorry BETSY!
tampayank April 20th, 2010 at 10:05 am
if it?s Tex that would be a disaster?.
***************************
I’d be willing to bet that it’s not Tex.
There is no PED suspension. It’s false.
AT&T presents Alex Rodriguez’ “March to 600 HR’s”?
That’s kind of funny. How about Dino’s Italian Family Restaurant & Pizzeria presents Nick Johnson’s March to 100 BB’s?
Rich, that poster didn’t even bother posting the link that he found the rumor on. I asked him to post it; if he does, I will post it here.
I don’t believe it for a moment, but boy if it’s true……:(
Fran
They’ve already sold naming rights to suites, lounges and areas inside the Stadium so outside the Stadium wouldn’t be a stretch.
Betsy
“That said, I seriously doubt it’s true……..it had better not be true, lol.”
Then don’t spread it by repeating it if you don’t think it’s true.
Bronx Jeers April 20th, 2010 at 10:07 am
AT&T presents Alex Rodriguez? ?March to 600 HR?s??
That?s kind of funny. How about Dino?s Italian Family Restaurant & Pizzeria presents Nick Johnson?s March to 100 BB?s?
*********************************
Trevor, I’m still ticked off at how unprofessional Will Carroll is. He’s no better than Cindy Adam and the National Enquirer, tweeting this crap and providing NO information. Then, he has the gall to get upset at people who are asking him for more info. As I said last night, it would be a sad story for baseball no matter who it is; I hope it’s not true.
http://www.bostondirtdogs.com Sux being ripped to threads, by their own.
Pat, excuse me, but someone brought the subject up and I thought I would chime in with what I heard. If you don’t like it, sorry. If you’re accusing me of being a gossip-mongerer, then I don’t know what to say.
“Rich, that poster didn’t even bother posting the link that he found the rumor on. I asked him to post it; if he does, I will post it here.
I don’t believe it for a moment, but boy if it’s true……:(”
You mean Will Carroll http://twitter.com/InjuryExpert
Trevor, that’s where the whole thing started, but that’s not where this poster found that Tex rumor.
Will Carroll says he was told a suspension was coming but wasn’t told a name.
anyone know if their is a link w/ the Tex rumor?
http://bleacherreport.com/arti.....r-steroids
Has Carroll deleted that tweet because I don’t see it on his twitter page.
If it is false, that stupid Bob person ought to be fined a large amount of $$$ for tainting Tex’ reputation.
IncarceratedBob, from the popular and very legit news source, Twitter.
*shrug*
Seems legit enough to me!
Funny how the Sox go 4-9 and suddenly a Yankee is possibly being accused of HGH use. Interesting timing for the news and even if it isnt true, this will spread real quick.
Sounds like a whole bunch of speculation. You have fans throwing around names. That Teixeira rumor sounds like it’s from a fan.
Will Carroll gave no names. The only thing he said that it’s from a good source of his. But strangely, no one else has picked up on this? There are others who are more creditable than him. Sounds pretty fishy to me.
Hard to take a guy name Incarcerated Bob seriously but even more so when he spells lost; “lossed”
People are freakin’ nut.
Where is Damon when you need him? If Javy needs to get his act together Johnny is the man.
I have faith in Tex….
pat April 20th, 2010 at 10:21 am
Hard to take a guy name Incarcerated Bob seriously but even more so when he spells lost; ?lossed?
***************************
my thoughts exactly.
I have faith in reality.
There is a rumor on the internet that something will happen. Then, there is another rumor that someome is the person this will happen to. Why do I have trouble with this?
Rich,
May I ask what the exact odds are of Jeter getting 4000 hits?
Also, what are the exact odds of Montero needing to DH?
“that’s where the whole thing started, but that’s not where this poster found that Tex rumor.”
This entire conversation is a good example of the internet at close to its worst.
It’s just sheer rumor mongering in which the tissue of connections are ridiculous sourcing, internet chat rooms and blogs.
One of the most common sources of frustration voiced on this blog relates to the media and the “mediots” etc.
I can’t imagine the flurry of anger on this if a player’s name was being dragged through the mud in this manner in the mainstream media.
Everytime you discuss or link to this garbage it just worsens the problem because that’s how nonsense diffuses on the internet.
That ridiculous website is running this story because it will drive traffic to its website.
Transfer and posting this stuff from one website to another is how the problem becomes worse.
ha. if tex was doing hgh, that is a sure example that it doesnt help, as proven by 1 homerun and a .100 average through 12 games.
ha. if tex was doing hgh, that is a sure example that it doesnt help, as proven by 1 homerun and a .100 average through 12 games.
“I have faith in reality.”
is that a religious statement or a scientific one ?
I agree with you, CB. I’m sorry I posted that link, but it’s too late now. As I said, I don’t believe it. This all started with Will Carroll – how can anyone take him seriously anymore?
randy
Both.
This whole thing is a joke as usual.
We get off to a hot start, and the Sox get out of the gate struggling, and all of a sudden some fat loser Will Carroll has decided to do his best Pete Abe impression, create controversy where there is none. Then some other anti-Yankee loser actually writes an article suggesting it’s our under .100 batting 1st baseman.
I STILL DONT see anyone trying to find out what David Ortiz took. Certainly not the “unbiased” George Mitchell!
randy l. April 20th, 2010 at 10:29 am
?I have faith in reality.?
is that a religious statement or a scientific one ?
****************************
“Everytime you discuss or link to this garbage it just worsens the problem because that’s how nonsense diffuses on the internet.”
EXACTLY… rumor-mongering is aiding in the spreading of rumors. Saying “Here’s the link, but I don’t believe it’ does NOT give you cover.
You’re helping propagate a rumors to other people who might have a different reaction as you.
If you don’t believe it, ignore it.
raymagnetic
I have no idea, but I don’t want to foreclose any option because of a contract premised on what ifs.
By the way, I do not consider myself a rumor mongerer….
Fine, Stuckey. If you want to think the worst of me, go ahead; I’m not going to bother trying to dissuade you or anyone as that would be a pointless waste of time.
So back to baseball….
Will NJ sit tonight or Gardner or both?
I think Gardner or Winn will start in left and Thames will DH.
Rumor mongerers rarely do.
and Mike Cameron just hit the DL.
“I’m sorry I posted that link, but it’s too late now. ”
Betsy-
I’m really not sure what you’re deal with that ny yankee fans blog is but if people here wanted to read that stuff we would just visit the site.
I personally don’t because on the few occasions in the past where I have visited it, it’s just filled with garbage.
It’s really not helpful to bring up here and discuss things you hate about articles in the media or rumors on other blogs.
It just spreads garbage from one place to another. If you want to involve yourself in marginal sources and frustration that’s your choice but it’s not something of general interest.
i heard a rumor that will carrol will soon be getting an advanced degree in something that has something to do with the things he’s an “expert “on.
will is really smart though.
you and i have to go to med school or get a degree in exercise science to know about such things.
it just goes to show how smart he is that he doesn’t have to go through such formalities.
Fine, Jerkface.
Ok, well my rep on this board is now trash, so like Alex I guess I can just be myself now.
Why are people blaming Will Carroll for this? I don’t get it.
Why are people following his twitter stream then? Is Will Carroll forcing people to discuss what he’s writing?
Why are people discussing what they think is garbage information either from other sites or from people they consider to be “mediots?”
CB, I won’t bring up anything on that board again; what do you want me to do? This was a story because Will Carroll tweeted it. You can think whatever you want to of me; none of us really know each other, so what’s the difference? I was misguided in posting that link and I made a mistake. Sorry.
“Fine, Stuckey. If you want to think the worst of me, go ahead; I’m not going to bother trying to dissuade you or anyone as that would be a pointless waste of time.”
Betsy, can you separate yourself from this incident for one second? You and I are screennames on a text-based forum to one another. I have NO idea what’s going through your head. I was reacting and commenting on what you DID.
You helped spread this rumor. Whether or not you intended to I don’t know and frankly doesn’t interest me.
Raining hard in NorCal
Betsy,
Is having standing with stuckey really standing at all? I just wouldn’t worry about it.
I read everything on the internet, no matter how asinine. Some is good for a laugh.
I don’t think we should blame Betsy. It can be hard to distinguish what rumors are worth re-posting and what should be ignored. She erred, but who among us hasn’t at some point?
Blog commenting is serious business.
“Rich in NJ says:
April 20, 2010 at 10:31 am
raymagnetic
I have no idea, but I don’t want to foreclose any option because of a contract premised on what ifs.”
the whole discussion is premised on what ifs. Montero may struggle mightily and Jeter may maintain his current goodness.
I tend to believe that should Jeyer decide he wants 4000 hits that based on his HOF resume he’ll do it. People have been predicting Jeter’s demise for years now.
The old Stadium could be completely demolished by the end of the week and certainly before the Yankees return to the Bronx on April 30th.
The Zell pictues didn’t all come out but one was enough.
http://zellspinstripeblog.com/
Jerkface, you made a comment. Look at this point, what does it matter? If people want to think the worst of me, they are certainly entitled. I don’t ever engage in this sort of thing – I made a mistake and I’m sorry. There’s nothing I can do about it anymore and I don’t feel like I need to be lectured.
Caroll has done nothing wrong. He reported what was told to him by someone he considers a credible source.
Another person who says they are in the know backs up what he said but neither have been reckless about tossing out names.
I don’t think you need to be sorry for posting a link.
Rich, thanks for your defense, but it’s ok….
Rich in NJ April 20th, 2010 at 10:39 am
I don’t think we should blame Betsy. It can be hard to distinguish what rumors are worth re-posting and what should be ignored. She erred, but who among us hasn’t at some point?
====
Blame game is just too much fun for some.
raymagnetic
You’re free to believe whatever you want.
As a Yankee fan, I don’t want a massive contract being the dispositive factor in the Yankees’ decision making process. Call me crazy, but I want the best players on the field and sentiment to be aside in the achievement of that goal.
As for any player’s predicted demise, the odds tend to go up a bit as one reaches their late 30s and early 40s, don’t you think?
But if you think merely because Jeter wants something it will happen and that the Yankees should be willing to give him a huge contract because of that want, that’s your right.
Apparently I do, Jerkface. Whatever – it’s over now. I can’t control what people think of me; frankly, they could curse me out, think I’m a stooge or whatever, but if they just think it and not post it, then it’s fine.
Who is NY’s Best Shorstop?
http://newyorkstateofsports.co.....hortstops/
rich-
now here’s an interesting confluence of topics- will carroll getting religious.
http://twitter.com/account/pro.....reflang=en
i have faith i know what he’s praying for in that photo.
This is a baseball blog. What better place to discuss a rumor, as long as it is reported as a rumor, and not reported as fact?
Lay off the ” reporter” on this site, I appreciate anyone “posting” rumors, as long as they are indicated as such.
randy
“i have faith i know what he’s praying for in that photo.”
You know I actually read that as “paying for.”
Back to work. Later.
Rich,
thanks for giving me permission to believe what I want to believe.
There are plenty of examples of hall of fame type players however who defy the odds.
People are free to post whatever they want here.
But it’s really pointless to at the same time complain about Yankee players reputations being dragged in the mud.
semi big name? ugh.
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports......t.html.php
Cameron with an abdominal tear. Unknown whether surgery is necessary and should be out less than a month if it isn’t.
a month is a long time to be out for the starting centerfielder.
reddick is a lf no? ellsbury is a cf but still hurt also.
The problem is, most people don’t even have a proper working definition of what a “rumor” is.
A rumors, as it pertains to the media, was traditionally something that came from someone with proven connections. They weren’t always right, but had a track record that suggested they might.
Now, anyone can write anything, based on absolutely nothing, and if published on the internet, it’s a “rumor”.
I just heard that MLB is going to declare bankruptcy this week.
There, I just started a “rumor”. Go spread it around, just so long as you qualify it as such.
Why is using our brains such an unappealing practice these days?
Better not post that stuff, Carl…
How does one get an abdominal tear?
pat,
Ouch! That must’ve been some stone he passed.
Rumor (actually I heard it on the radio) is that they were going to DL someone and bring up Redick. Ellsbury isn’t too injured to DL (even though he’s missed a good number days?!).
Wow, Stuckey – I made a mistake and you are going to keep twisting that knife deeper, aren’t you? Does it make you feel better?
What’s a semi-big name?
When the abdomen is sad and it cries.
Doreen – GTLU Standings & Rules April 20th, 2010 at 11:02 am
How does one get an abdominal tear?
**********************
I don’t think I want to know. Sounds very painful.
baseballfab -
Why is using our brains such an unappealing practice these days?
–
Because we’ve all seen what you do with yours.
Why is being understanding such an unappealing practice these days?
Is it a swinging the bat injury? A laying out to catch a fly ball at full speed injury? A leaping over the fence to make a catch injury? Bad workout injury?
Hey Napoli not happy with his playing time in LA. Scoscia says they need a defensive presence back there.
Wonder if he would like playing in Boston? :tee hee:
Posted based on a Tweet by MLB’s J. Morosi but here’s the long version from Amelie of the Cameron injury if you are interested. Ouch!
http://www.boston.com/sports/b.....to_dl.html
I don’t think I’d want Napoli on the Red Sox, he can swing the stick. It is really dumb how Soscia runs out Jeff Mathis though when he has a 20 HR catcher sitting on the bench.
Betsy
You did nothing wrong!!!!!!! You posted a message from a ‘supposed person in the know.’ It’s no different than what gets posted here ALL THE TIME!!!!
# Trevor April 20th, 2010 at 11:04 am
What’s a semi-big name?
some scrub we don’t care about.
Thank you, pat.
CR, the moral arbiters of the blog have decided I should be flogged for being somewhat misguided, lol.
Abdomial tear sounds benign compared to ” perforated bowel”
Was there a Will Carroll tweet or not?
“Cameron with an abdominal tear. Unknown whether surgery is necessary and should be out less than a month if it isn’t.”
Wow. That is very bad news for the Sox. Abdominal tears can be very difficult to deal with, especially in a 38 year old centerfielder.
It’s very hard to develop torque in the upper body with that kind of injury and so much of hitting is about torque in the midsection.
@tex’s friend
Back to Baseball sounds good. i also hope BG gets to play, as we could use his defense in LF.
Since Joe likes match-up, from a very small sample size, least Bret has a hit against Oakland pitcher.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....erId=28962
I’d like to see Nick J. DH, so he can help build up the pich count as we have been doing.
A semi-big name isn’t going to be someone like saltalamacchia, or Mientkiewicz. Nor Granderson. Jeter, Cano, and Hall are semi-small.
I imagine the name to be between 5 and 7 letters.
“I don’t think I’d want Napoli on the Red Sox, he can swing the stick.”
I can’s see the Angels doing the Sox any favors. The Sox have beaten up the Angels far too often in the playoffs.
# m April 20th, 2010 at 11:11 am
Was there a Will Carroll tweet or not?
Yes, and now Craig Calcaterra has confirmed it to be true. He says it is not a huge name. It is a semi big name.
Betsy
You’re so misguided
that Craig Calceterra (sp?) has now posted
“Or it’s a source so well-placed that if he or she gave me the name he or she would be outed as the source because so few people know the information.”
I can’t see anything wrong with referring to the twitter post. I draw a line at attaching the rumor to specific names when you are just speculating in the first place.
Betsy – Hughes rules (Pleading the Fifth) April 20th, 2010 at 11:05 am
Why is being understanding such an unappealing practice these days?
===
touche
I think regardless of how Napoli feels, an organization isn’t going to remove a good backup like that for nothing. I say this, because I’d also be worried about LAA trading Napoli simply because Soscia doesn’t like him.
Mike Napoli doesnt help the Sox needs. The reason he has fallen out of favor is he has no defense. The Sox dont need another no defense catcher.
Jerkface -
Ouch. I had to read that twice. Groan.
Uncle Ellsworth April 20th, 2010 at 11:10 am
Abdomial tear sounds benign compared to ? perforated bowel?
*************************
Thanks for that pleasant thought Uncle E.
SJ44, if the yankees do bid on Crawford, where does that leave the yankee’s payroll flexibility? the only players coming off the payroll are jorge, mo and jete. the payroll either goes up into the 220s+ or the core 4 is going to have to take a paycut. What is the front office thinking?
Wouldnt it be a better bet to keep a platoon in LF (since offense is not really a concern at this point) and leave some financial and personnel room for moves in the future?
Why in the world would Tex fail a drug test after seeing what A-Rod went through last year?
He was at that press conference… does he really want to go through that?
Jerkface April 20th, 2010 at 11:12 am
A semi-big name isn?t going to be someone like saltalamacchia, or Mientkiewicz. Nor Granderson. Jeter, Cano, and Hall are semi-small.
I imagine the name to be between 5 and 7 letters.
**************************
Nice.
Jerkface
once again you have me LOL at the comment on the “semi-big” name
Also, the Angels have always carried 3 catchers on their roster, because Scioscia is a former catcher and values the position.
CB
The RS have had Reddick staying in a hotel in Boston for several days trying to decide if they needed him. He has been traveling to the AAA games from there.
jerkface -
I am referring to the semi-big/semi-small name comment you made, of course.
The Angels are struggling to hit. I don’t think they can just afford to trade Napoli. Scioscia does have a great deal of power there but the Angels don’t have a surplus of bats.
CR9, don’t be fooled. Napoli is not the best behind the dish but he has decent CS%, which would be a vast improvement over what Boston has now and he has had an OPS over .800 the last 2 years (1 year over .900).
Does anyone remember how funny Pete’s posts would be when he was in airports about to board a flight? haha
Jose -
Yes. I miss those reports from the Gate.
Bodh, yet the digs still keep coming. You know, when Joba got caught drinking and driving, people asked “haven’t you ever made a mistake?”. I make a very innocent mistake and I can’t escape it? What’s up with that?
Does anyone how big of name will be released ???
the red sox are really scuffling with cameron now going on the disabled list.
the team has a strange make up with bill hall backing up so many positions.
he hadn’t played center field in years and hasn’t played shortstop since 2006 if i’m reading his fielding stats correctly.
he’s the back up shortstop and he hit .201 last year in over 300 at bats.
now of course the red sox are only paying him about 1.5 million so that’s not so bad i guess.
what are the yankees paying pena?
is theo slipping?
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports......p#comments
“Why in the world would Tex fail a drug test after seeing what A-Rod went through last year?”
It’s not always a steroid that one gets suspended for. Sometimes, it’s just an everyday prescription drug that is on the banned list.
Ive got a friend who got suspended in the Rays minor league system for something similar.
Doesnt say its a Yankee
Maine,
I saw that on Reddick just hanging out in the hotel. They’ve been strangely indecisive on this issue.
I really don’t see how you play Bill Hall in CF for even 2 games.
Reddick also makes more sense as a 4th OF than Hermida, but that’s another issue I guess.
Reddick is a very good athlete but boy does he have a long swing.
Angels traded us Jose Molina
Don’t think they would have any problem unloading one of their excess catchers if Boston gives them something decent like Delcarmen or Ramirez.
The PED rumor was leaked by a caller named Incarcerated Bob, he’s a loyally WFAN caller, he also has his sources, not good sources more like underground. The NY player was suspended last season.
So scratch everyone on the Yankees starting lineup. It’s a semi big name so I already have an idea who it could be…still not sure.
I wonder if Joe will sit Nick J against one of the lefties and play Thames at DH and Gardner in LF. With Vazquez pitching, I’d give that arrangement a try tonight.
I wonder if Angels fans are complaining about losing Vladdy…he is hitting quite well for Texas
Why won’t the PA allow teams to put steroid clauses in contracts and allow them to be voided and/or make it so that team can recoup money?
It would discourage steroid use for the big stars. You think A-Rod is forfeiting $200+ million on his contract if he risks getting caught?
semi-big = GRANDerson
randy
You read the stats correctly. I guess they use the term backup loosely.
“now of course the red sox are only paying him about 1.5 million so that’s not so bad i guess.
what are the yankees paying pena?”
The net cost Hall presented to the Sox was discussed quite a bit over the winter. He would only cost net 1.5M or whatever so it was a decent move.
But forget the money – the question for teams like the yankees and sox should be is this guy worth the roster spot and can he adequately fill the role his is supposed to?
Bill Hall is basically a LF/DH now. That he played SS badly several years ago isn’t relevant to today.
And no, the Sox don’t have a player like Pena in their system. They don’t even have a player like Nunez in AAA.
I can’t criticize the Sox for any deficiencies in their fifth outfielder. There have been times in recent memory when the Yanks didn’t have a fourth outfielder, let alone a fifth.
Carl,
Thanks for that.
If, indeed the rumor was true, then Betsy did nothing wrong by referencing the original tweet.
But, Betsy, stop the self-flagellation, please! It’s painful to watch.
FYI
The real “Incarcerated Bob” passed away a few months ago, apparantly. Joe and Evan mentioned it a while back. Unless it was just a rumor that they treated as fact.
Betsy
Let it go and others will too. Let it get under your skin and it will continue.
I have 3 older brothers. I speak from experience.
Betsy – Hughes rules (Pleading the Fifth) April 20th, 2010 at 11:18 am
Bodh, yet the digs still keep coming. You know, when Joba got caught drinking and driving, people asked “haven’t you ever made a mistake?”. I make a very innocent mistake and I can’t escape it? What’s up with that?
====
Reflects back on the needler. Believe me.
“I can’t criticize the Sox for any deficiencies in their fifth outfielder. There have been times in recent memory when the Yanks didn’t have a fourth outfielder, let alone a fifth.”
And it was a big problem. One that you, rightly, criticized the yankees for.
Roster construction was discussed over and over with that 2008 team and ones before.
Joe supposively there’s another one. Trust me WFAN wouldn’t let fake rumors through Boomer speaks w/ him regularly too. So…
But, Betsy, stop the self-flagellation, please! It’s painful to watch.
====
Isn’t that, though, what the gratuitous, sadistic glee banks on?
Personally, I don’t care if any Yankee did steroids.
The media reaction is what I am afraid of. The Yankee bashing and tainting our season or perhaps last season is going to be in full-force… going to totally dampen the season in the short term if it is someone like Tex.
# Joe April 20th, 2010 at 11:25 am
FYI
The real “Incarcerated Bob” passed away a few months ago, apparantly. Joe and Evan mentioned it a while back. Unless it was just a rumor that they treated as fact.
He claimed someone hacked his twitter account.
CB
From some of what I’ve seen Hermida isn’t very good defensively. Seems to misjudge flyballs.
Incarcerated Bob was the big Yankee/Jets fan right? He always used to call up and defend Cano when Evan bashed him…
Did this move help the sox in CF? Ellsbury said he is not ready to come back yet or ‘didnt seem optimistic”. Reddick played LF for them last year for a bit. Who plays CF today?
There is no user, no suspension. You think if this was true, that someone else would have picked it up by now? No one is talking about it but us.
Gosh, Drew has the best range and reads than anyone else they’ve got.
As for the lineups, I hope that Girardi opts for good OF defense in the Oakland series.
Again, it comes down to roster spots.
The Red Sox have to rely on Bill Hall to be backup for multiple positions – including ones he hasn’t played in ages – because they don’t have the roster spot for available for legitimate backups at those other positions.
Good fielding SSs and OFs are a dime a dozen. Cash said as much when he didn’t sweat finding OFs this offseason, and got Randy Winn. I’d bet Francona would love to have a Randy Winn as a backup OF right now.
The catch is they can’t do anything like that, because they are short three roster spots – the ones being taken up by Ortiz, Lowell, and Varitek. Guys who can’t hit very good pitching, field a position, or run the bases. The money they are paying those guys (about $28M in total) is almost inconsequential to them being useless to Francona in the Sox’ time of need.
Incarcerated Bob, was? he’s still alive, the WFAN caller is IB..he told them the real one died, so he uses that name as his alias. And yes he’s the one that calls Evan out for ripping Robi.
“Reddick played LF for them last year for a bit. Who plays CF today?”
Reddick can play CF. He can play all three OF positions at least on a back up level.
Wait, now there are TWO incarcerated Bob’s?
Yanks 22 April 20th, 2010 at 11:30 am
Incarcerated Bob was the big Yankee/Jets fan right? He always used to call up and defend Cano when Evan bashed him?
************************
If he defended Cano, he’s OK in my book.
“As for the lineups, I hope that Girardi opts for good OF defense in the Oakland series.”
I vote for run support at least for tonight until they know Javy’s mechanical issues are ironed out.
this blog is sucking lately. besides the terribly intrusive Toyota ad at the top and the poor new site design, the content is lacking. fewer updates and nothing more that I couldn’t read in the Post. the blog was usually good for a few good insights a week, now it’s just comes across as a beat writer taking notes for his newspaper article.
bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes April 20th, 2010 at 11:31 am
Gosh, Drew has the best range and reads than anyone else they?ve got.
———————————————————————————
They have used Drew in CF in the past. Not sure why they haven’t this year unless his back is to much of a problem.
d town,
What are the odds?
Yesterday, someone posted that Carl Crawford absolutely refuses to play CF. Where did that come from?
CB-
I’ll get slammed for this, probably, but on the whole I think that over the years Boston has done a bit better job with the bench than the Yanks with their bench. For instance, this year they had Hermidia as a fourth OF, who on the whole (offense + defense) I think is better at this point than the Yank’s fourth OF, be it Thames or Winn. They had to lose two OF simultaneously to get to Hall. Back in 2008, the Yanks couldn’t even afford to lose one OF.
m April 20th, 2010 at 11:31 am
As for the lineups, I hope that Girardi opts for good OF defense in the Oakland series.
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run prevention!!!
You can fairly be critical of Bostons decision to give a a 38 year old CFer the contract they did and then build your stategy around his ability to both be great defensively and stay healthy.
Is this the longest we have ever had a thread????
Wave – you have a point. What happened to the Sox is that Lowell Ortiz and Varitek all got old. They’re on the last years of their contracts, and none are playing well so far.
I think the Yanks might have this same issue as Jeter, Alex, Tex get on in years. It will be a major challenge for Cash. All the more important to get younger players to step up in the lineup.
As SJ is fond of saying, you need the right mix of vets and younger players.
Wave your Hat
You have to remember that Winn and Thames were signed as free agents.
Genius Theo was able to get the Marlins to gift them Hermida for chicken scraps (Hunter Jones IIRC) because of a non wanted salary.
If Cashman could have gotten Hermida for Jonathan Albaladejo, I believe he would have done it in a heartbeat.
I agree, Eric. Regardless how people thought of Pete as a person, his work ethic and dedication to this blog were incredible. I miss him covering the Yankees
“I’ll get slammed for this, probably, but on the whole I think that over the years Boston has done a bit better job with the bench than the Yanks with their bench.”
I agree with that in the past though I don’t know if that’s the case this year.
I like Mike Cameron. But ultimately, if you are going to play a 38 CF you must anticipate him getting hurt at some point in the season.
Hermida is a better hitter than Winn or Thames. But part of the issue is context.
If you are going to lay your stake in the ground on run prevention, then you should probably have a 4th or 5th OF that can legitimately back up CF and preferably all three OF positions.
Part of why I say this is that Ellsbury has to learn how to play LF in Fenway and it’s not ideal to move him around a great deal.
And he’s not a plus CF defensively as it is.
If you are going to go with run prevention and you have a 34 year old SS and 38 year old CF and an injury prone RF then that should inform your back ups.
Ah the immortal Red Sox bench, featuring such luminaries as Mark Kotsay, Jeff Bailey, Jonathan Van Every, and Kevin Cash.
“You can fairly be critical of Bostons decision to give a a 38 year old CFer the contract they did and then build your stategy around his ability to both be great defensively and stay healthy.”
Cameron has a track record of avoiding injuries and the Sox had a decent back-up in Hermida. But I have to admit I wanted the Yanks to sign Cameron this winter so I guess I would have made the same mistake Theo did.
Is this the longest we have ever had a thread????
Who knows
overnight shift dropped the ball from
1:14 – 6:32
“Ah the immortal Red Sox bench, featuring such luminaries as Mark Kotsay, Jeff Bailey, Jonathan Van Every, and Kevin Cash.”
I’m not going to go any farther down this road as I have no desire to play the Yank basher or Sox apologist, but if you want to cherry-pick names from the Yank bench over the years it might not be that pretty either.
Erin,
lol. “So how’s that run-prevention thingy working out for ya?”
I shouldn’t laugh, they’ll probably rip off an 8-game win streak or something. They can’t possibly be this bad. They went 0-30 with RISP in one stretch this weekend.
But yeah, the Yankees’ run differential is -19. The Yankees are at +25 (tops in the AL).
Does anybody remember Roberto Petagine?!?!?!
I absolutely HATED that guy!!!!
I used to sing Roberto Peta Genie in a Bottle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Boston run differential is -19, Yankees are at +25
“Wow, Stuckey – I made a mistake and you are going to keep twisting that knife deeper, aren’t you?”
Betsy, believe it or not, not everything is about you.
I am responding in general to the notion, that has been expressed by OTHERS, that so long as you qualify it as a rumor, that’s it all cool.
In fact, given the context of the post you are replying to, I have a hard time understanding why you even think it was directed at you.
Eric -
If you were here before, and read the newspaper articles written by the person who ran the blog before, you’d know that he did the same thing. The content here was fleshed out for the articles, but aside from the personal anecdotes (movies, Springsteen, Gate reports), everything here turned up in the newspaper.
MaineYankee April 20th, 2010 at 11:36 am
bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes April 20th, 2010 at 11:31 am
Gosh, Drew has the best range and reads than anyone else they?ve got.
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They have used Drew in CF in the past. Not sure why they haven’t this year unless his back is to much of a problem.
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Yeah, he does have a cranky back. What a good defender he is. Sorry I missed his turns in CF, would have been interesting.
” have learned that the PED suspension is NOT a New York player. WFAN is reporting otherwise. They should go to journalism school. 10 minutes ago via web “
Craig Calceterra
Uncle Ellsworth April 20th, 2010 at 11:46 am
Is this the longest we have ever had a thread????
Who knows
overnight shift dropped the ball from
1:14 ? 6:32
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We need to have a talk with the west coasters. They are slacking!
Wave,
Cameron may have had a history of good health but at 38 both injuries and decline in play can happen very quickly…especially for marginal players and players whose main value is tied up in defensive ability.
WYH -
Was 2008 the year they had Mientkiewicz and Phelps and all the extra 1st basemen because of Giambi? Or am I misremembering the year?
Because that would align with what Joe from Long Island is saying with regard to Boston this year having to carry players that take up roster spots that could be used better.
I don’t think Wave was suggesting the Boston bench was some kind of gathering of the stars.
Kevin Reese, Kevin Thompson, Alberto Gonzalez, Ensberg, Kelly Stinett, Josh Phelps, Andy Phillips, Miguel Cairo, Andy Cannizaro, Nick Green, Fasano, Nieves, Duncan, Betimit, Ransom, etc.
We’ve had some god-awful benches prior to the 2nd half of last year when we had Hairston and Hinske.
can someone give a quick summary of the ped thing? i’m in rainy san francisco and at the office. thanks
Boston.com article,reporting owner John Henry’s ANXIETY about his team,that means media, fans and the owner are worried about the tam Theo fielded. The comments aren’t pro Theo.
Its DAVID WRIGHT!!!!
TheBigLead Is this for real?? RT @fangsbites @BronXoo: Newsday reports David Wright suspended 50 games for PEDs! WOW! SHOCKING! #MLB #Mets #Steroids
“Was 2008 the year they had Mientkiewicz and Phelps and all the extra 1st basemen because of Giambi? Or am I misremembering the year?”
Misremebering or actively trying to purge from memory?
Phelps and Minky were 2007. Giambi was 2008.
It is remarkable for how long 1b was a complete black hole for the yanks. Just amazing that a team could spend so much money and have so little to show.
edit tam=team
Henry should look at himself in the mirror. Him, along with Lucchino, are the reasons Teixeria is not wearing a “B” on his cap right now.
If he had left it to Theo to close the deal rather than intervene, they would already have their big bat.
To quote from Princess Bride – “…Let me sum up” the PED conversation.
There may or may not be a PED suspension coming.
The player may or may not be from NY, play in NY, have relatives in NY.
The player may big a big name, a semi-big name, or a small name.
The player’s name may have anywhere from 2 to 20 letters in it.
Will Carroll is a good writer and a not so good writer who may or may not have graduated or earned a degree.
Craig Calceterra is either right or wrong and thinks the NY media may either be right or wrong.
Uhh – how many more hours to the game?
Just saw that Phil and Joba are 1st year arbitration eligible.
They’d be smart to settle beforehand. It won’t be pretty. They may even bring back Damon for the proceedings.
five iron from fenway April 20th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
To quote from Princess Bride ? ??Let me sum up?
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You get a gold star for the Princess Bride reference.
Great summary, BTW
Cairo and Phillips weren’t awful for bench players.
But I’m glad you put that list together. I think I attended the only good game Kelly Stinett played in his Yankee career.
And Ensberg… what a fall from grace. In his only full season (150 g with Houston) he put together a very good season. Did pretty much nothing respectable after that.
First off, David Wright is not a “semi-big” name, he is an enormous name… he is the face of the Mets.
So that alone should invalidate that report.
Cairo was solid.
New Post: Up next for Vazquez
“he is the face of the Mets.”
But wouldn’t that in itself make him only a semi-big name? Couldn’t resist, I am kidding of course. Most importantly, that report is probably bogus
Since everybody in the media’s initial instinct is to hate the NY team and hope the NY team fails, then I’ll believe Craig Calca for reporting it’s not a NY player….
But then again, he could be intentionally trying to give peace of mind to NY fans, only to have them devastated later. Hmmm….
thanks five.
“First off, David Wright is not a “semi-big” name, he is an enormous name… he is the face of the Mets.
So that alone should invalidate that report”
True about Wright. And there’s a report that it’s not a NY player. But I do think “semi-big” name is probably just Carroll’s view/opinion. Everyone has their own opinion on what they think is a “semi-big” name.
five iron – great reference to Princess Bride. One of my favorite movies, I have to admit. Very creative.