Post-game show
Posted by: Brian Heyman - Posted in Misc on May 02, 2010 
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There were many good signs for the Yankees in their 12-3 win over the White Sox on Sunday.
Mark Teixeira had his career-high-tying four hits, giving him six in his first eight May at-bats after delivering 11 hits in all of April. This was his second straight poor April here. Why? “If I knew, I wouldn’t be doing it,” he said after the game. Teixeira batted .136 in April. Now he’s up to .189.
Robinson Cano has nine homers already after his three-run shot off Mark Buehrle, including a major-league-best six for lefty hitters against lefty pitchers. But he said he doesn’t want to think about hitting homers, that he’s after line drive. He leads the majors at .387. “I’m not surprised because I work very hard,” Cano said.
Brett Gardner is up to .429 (9 for 21) against lefty pitching and .342 overall. His solo shot off Buehrle was his first-ever in the majors against a lefty. ”I’ve always thought of him as as an everyday player because he hits lefties,” Joe Girardi said.
Nick Swisher, who has struggled at home, homered for the second straight game and had three hits.
Girardi thought Nick Johnson’s two-run double to left-center in the seventh was a good sign, although he preceded that by going 0 for 4. The hit brought his average to .141.
Phil Hughes looks like an ace instead of a No. 5 starter, now 3-0 with a 1.44 ERA after seven shutout innings and only four hits allowed. The stunning stat is just 10 hits allowed in 25 innings over four starts. ”The confidence is incredible,” Teixeira said about watching him pitch. Hughes doesn’t think of himself as the fifth starter. “I’m just a starter,” he said.
Javier Vazquez is scheduled to have a bullpen session on Monday. Girardi indicated that he will see how that goes before internal discussions take place and a final call is made on whether to start him or skip him Friday at Fenway.
Mark Melancon was called up as a 13th pitcher and worked the final two innings, allowing a three-run shot to Paul Konerko in the ninth. But Melancon replaced Curtis Granderson on the roster because the bullpen was used extensively on Saturday. Girardi said another outfielder will probably be summoned shortly, perhaps as soon as Monday.
Granderson got hurt when he was trying to go from first to third on a single by Gardner after originally having taken off on a steal attempt of second. He felt a grab, not a pop or snap. He said he was reminded of a cramping feeling. After I got home yesterday, I was like, man, it’s killing,” Granderson said. “Today I woke up expecting it to feel the same. It feels better.” But he’s still not expected back for about a month, according to Girardi.
Francisco Cervelli made his regular-season debut as a third baseman in the eighth. “He takes ground balls almost every day when he’s not catching,” Girardi said. It’s an option when Girardi wants to rest A-Rod and Derek Jeter at the same time, with Ramiro Pena taking short.
Girardi said A-Rod had stiffness – there were reports of a muscle injury in his right leg suffered while running the bases in the ninth inning Saturday – but that he was not injured and will be back in the lineup Monday night against the Orioles after resting on Sunday.
The Yankees have won seven of their eight series so far. And that’s it for now.
Thanks!
Thanks
Great job, Brian – thanks!
Wow, way too many good things to talk about.
Tex is at .189 -wow. I don’t know what his average will end up being this year, but it doesn’t even matter as long as he just turns it on from here and is his usual self.
I’m glad Grandy is feeling better, but let’s be cautious with him; if he’s a fast healer, that’s great – I hope he is.
Gardner is doing a terrific job. I won’t even bother wondering if he can keep it up; I’m just going to enjoy watching him.
Phil has been monstrous. Tex’s quote is fantastic; he actually went into more detail than that. This is his full quote:
“His confidence is incredible. He’s throwing every single pitch with authority,” said Mark Teixeira. “Even if he misses his spot, he gets right back on the mound and goes after the guy on his next pitch. It’s pretty fun to watch.”
**and this is Phil’s quote:
“We’ll see how long that lasts,” Hughes said with a smile about his ERA, although he could have just as easily been talking about his position in the Yankees’ rotation. “You come into the season and have labels on what starter you are, but they’re just numbers. … I really have confidence and trust in my stuff that I can get anybody out.”
I really don’t understand why Cash would say one thing to ESPNNY (about Alex having a knee issue) and then expounding on it later, saying it’s more “nothing than something” while Joe is saying it’s practically nothing at all.
Santana just walked in a run
Maine, lol – no – I won’t grade you, but I will judge you!
Boston in mourning as they get swept by the worst team in baseball.
Grand slam
It’s awesome to see Hughes as the pitcher we’ve all imagined him being since 2004. Anyone that questioned his ability to be an ace is probably very silent at the moment. He looks great out there.
Santana getting lit up.
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Grand Slam Phillies!!!! punch Mets HARD!!!!
Johnson hit the ball pretty hard three other times before his double, so bad luck was a large component of his 0-4.
”I’ve always thought of him as as an everyday player because he hits lefties,” Joe Girardi said.
———-
I think Girardi is telling a little fib. Until recently, he had always benched Gardner against lefties – even mediocre ones.
holy hat
I don’t ever remember Santana imploding like this
91-95 mph Hughes > 88-92 mph Santana lol
ironic how on the day that Hughes pitched so well..Santana, the man he might of been traded for, is getting his bell rung hard.
”I’ve always thought of him as as an everyday player because he hits lefties,” Joe Girardi said.
——
Um Joe, we were trying to tell you that because we’d knew that all the time. You just didn’t believe it and had to see it for yourself.
Brett actually hits lefties just as well if not better than righties. Let him play regularly and you will be rewarded.
to think, six weeks ago, Gammons predicted Dice-K would win 20 games this season.
*Hugs Cashman for keeping Hughes*
ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ANOTHER HOMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL Santana getting blasted
Santana is not the best pitcher in baseball. Halladay is !
what in the world is going on with Santana – crazy 2-out run
God bless CC Sabathia
Some ace LMAO ! I rather have Sabathia and a future ace in the making in Hughes.
Gardner is doing a terrific job. I won’t even bother wondering if he can keep it up; I’m just going to enjoy watching him. – Betsy
———–
Hallelujah!
halladay isn’t as good as Lincecum.
Santana gave up 9 runs last year to the Yankees. His FB is not nearly the same as it was with the Twins. Not the same pitcher.
Patrick, noticeably silent. That ‘s why I said earlier I want to see the media praise this kid; they didn’t mind killing him.
Wow, I haven’t been paying attention, but Santana sounds like he’s getting mauled.
CC was better than Santana in 2007 in the AL & He was better than Santana in the NL in 2008.
god, I love to see Mets got crushed!!!
“I think Girardi is telling a little fib. Until recently, he had always benched Gardner against lefties – even mediocre ones.”
He said in the post-game that he sat Gardner against lefties early on because he wanted to get Thames ABs early in the season and get him going.
Given that it worked, and given that some of us speculated at the time it wasn’t necessarily indicative of a year-long plan, I’ll take Girardi’s word for it.
Dice K done
Beckett done both second tier from here on out
Halladay is on another planet when it comes to pitching; I don’t understand him, but I won’t try to – he’s a freak.
Betsy
Gardner is doing a terrific job. I won?t even bother wondering if he can keep it up; I?m just going to enjoy watching him.
—————————————————————————-
I like that thought.
If you judge me I’m in trouble.
Santana was an ace when he touched 95-96 mph….. this guy is a shell of his former self
We got VERY VERY lucky that Bill Smith asked for, then turned down, Phil Hughes. Hank, the blowhard, was the one who insisted that Phil be put on the table. I remember the agonizing feeling I had that I was going to wake up with Phil in a Twins uniform.
‘god, I love to see Mets got crushed!!!’
I don’t WFAN becomes suicide watch.
I have never seen Johan handed his butt like that.
Betsy – like 8 2-out runs
LOL Maine, along with trying to just enjoy Brett (and others), I will try hard not to judge you. So far, I have not noticed any particular grammatical errors and, to be honest, I have made some of my own!
Sabathia was better than Santana when he was in the NL. And in the past couple of years he has been better in general.
Hughes is going to be the real deal and one of the best. I rather have Sabathia and Hughes.
I was so happy about Phil that I wasn’t going to care about the Mets, but I am thrilled to see them being crushed (though the game is a long way from being over). I like when WFAN is on suicide watch.
Girardi’s body language frequently betrays his words. I find him hard to look at, let alone listen to.
P.S. I don’t care if he has a ring. Sometimes I think that they won it in spite of his heavy handed managing.
wow – and it still doesn’t end.
Rishi – ouch! Cue the “what’s wrong with Santana” talks even if the Mets win.
I guess Gardner is doing too well. If he hadn’t got a hit Granderson wouldn’t have gotten hurt.
How does Francesa still think Santana is better than Sabathia? He’s not even top 5 anymore.
He got his butt handed by us like this last year
Adrian Gonzalez, born in Tijuana, says to USA Today, he won’t play in the All Star Game if Arizona keeps that law. He says he will support the MLBPA 100%. Since Latin Players make up 27% of MLB, I’ll bet more will follow!
Yeah I think Girardi is definitely being a bit deceptive. Actions speak louder than words and Joe’s actions clearly indicated he saw Gardner as more of a platoon player.
Now he has little choice but to play him every day so he’s probably saying this stuff to boost Brett’s confidence. Not like he needs it as well as he’s hitting recently
johan tonight: 8 hits, 10 earned runs
phil hughes entire season: 10 hits 4 earned runs
I hope Francesa is watching. Since 2007, CC has taken the crown from santana as the best left handed pitcher in the league!
KenDavidoff You think Mark Teixeira slipped the black Spiderman suit in Santana’s locker when the clock struck May? #Mets-#Phillies
5 minutes ago via web
Betsy,
Bill Smith didn’t turn down Hughes. He was never on the table! Cashman was never going to trade him for Santana and then pay Santana 140M. He just had to figure out how to get around Hank. He pleaded with Pettitte to come back so they wouldn’t be forced to do something stupid.
When Pettitte came back they didnt have the money left for Santana.
Betsy – Hughes rules (pleading the Fifth) May 2nd, 2010 at 9:40 pm
I was so happy about Phil that I wasn?t going to care about the Mets, but I am thrilled to see them being crushed (though the game is a long way from being over). I like when WFAN is on suicide watch.
———————————————————————————————
That’s how we who live in RS territory feel about the RS. I will enjoy listening to local sports radio in the a.m.
The Phillies have a offense just like the Yanks. Give them an inch and the game will most likely be lost.
pat,
U still up?
The Mets rotation was going to have a market correction facing the Phillies…. they have an AL east lineup
m
I’m here.
Cervelli did not field a ball but said he was ready to. “Every day, I take ground balls,” he said. “I’m a good third baseman, but I like to catch better.”
That’s from matthews’ wrapup. Talk about trying to stir the pot. Granderson is not an “issue”. He’s an injury with an ETA. Javy is an issue. And if A-rod is in the lineup tomorrow, he’s not an issue either.
Goodness, gracious. Find another team to dissect.
# stuckey May 2nd, 2010 at 9:36 pm
He said in the post-game that he sat Gardner against lefties early on because he wanted to get Thames ABs early in the season and get him going.
Given that it worked, and given that some of us speculated at the time it wasn’t necessarily indicative of a year-long plan, I’ll take Girardi’s word for it.
————-
Maybe, but I’m not so sure about that because his words deeply contrast his use of Gardner during the entire 2009 season.
Gardner never played against left handed starters and was usually PH for against lefties coming out of the pen.
That was a topic of discussion quite a bit last season.
Maybe he’s changed his mind a little bit now since Melky is gone and Gardner has been asked to take on a bigger role.
That was a nice job by Girardi basically saying sorry we doubted you Brett!
If Gardner is an everyday player in LF, there is not much need to get your occasional late game pinch hitter going.
Coming into this season how Hughes’ 3rd and 4th pitches would develop were critical questions as they were the questions that were going to help shape what kind of starter he could be and what his ultimate upside in the rotation would be.
That said, that wasn’t the question of most fundamental importance.
The most important question on Hughes was how much of the quality of the fastball he demonstrated last year out of the pen (both in terms of command and velocity) he would be able to retain over starts.
That was the absolute central issue for Hughes. Now, I think many had a great deal of confidence in Hughes’ fastball (including I think the organization) so a great deal of attention was placed on his 3/4th pitch.
But until you see how Hughes’ fastball plays as a starter at the big league level it’s an open question.
And to date what we’ve seen has far surpassed reasonable expectation.
Out of the bull pen last year, Hughes had a dominant fastball – one of the best in the game. And he has retained almost all of the quality in that pitch he showed last year in one inning stints only now is demonstrating he has the stamina and endurance to do it for 7 innings. The only thing Hughes seems to have given up on his fastball compared to the pen were the occasions last year when he would dial it up to 95+.
But in terms of overall command, velocity and life Hughes’ fastball as a starter has been essentially the same as his fastball out of the pen.
And that pitch looks to be the baseball equivalent of a scalpel. He is able to dissect hitters apart with that tool in an extraordinary fashion. Very few pitchers over the past 20 years have the kind of fastball we’ve seen Hughes throw last year out of the pen and this year as a starter.
It’s wonderful to watch.
Did you see Tom last night?
Betsy,
I took a cheap shot; I apologize.
I was frustrated in your seemingly (IMO) unacceptance Gardner. I do not think he is the end all, but just a player who is contributing right now. Him being a Yankee next year is a maybe, but for now I am enjoying his contributions.
Believe it or not, I am probably only a single notch below you in Phil Phandom! Phil being a Yankee next year is a 100% guarantee. I also think that he one of the most important pieces for success in the future.
Definitely want Phil to get the ball Friday in Boston.
NL is all whacked.
how are the cardinals 17-8 with that atrocious lineup?
I think there was doubt about Gardner being an everyday player, but not much. After all, they traded away his platoon partner.
I feel like they wanted him to prove himself, but that was difficult to do in the early going. He was fibbing a bit, because the last priority would be getting Thames going.
Girardi left on Gardner’s training wheels until he was sure he had his balance.
Granderson’s injury has removed the training wheels out of necessity so go Brett, go!
Granderson will be in LF when he comes back
Gardner only started 13 games last year with a LH starter on the mound. All his PA’s against LHP also came in games when a left-hander started the game.
That means, that last year in the 50 games he started against a RH starter, not once was Gardner left in to face a LH reliever.
I think Flaherty, err, CB is trying to say that Hughes is proud of his fastball.
I know I’ve raved about this a thousand times, but Gardner has a terrific eye at the plate. With more experience, I expect him to be more aggressive early in the count. But someone mentioned today how it’s pretty uncanny how he can go from 0-2 to a full count regularly.
m
I did! I was the +1 of a friend and had a fun night of A-List people watching. More a sighting than an encounter since we did not speak.
He looked good but his hair was looking more surfer cool rather than GQ chic which kind of surprised me.
CB-
I have been astonished by what I have seen from PH thus far.
Not that I didn’t think he was talented, or capable.
It’s just that he seems to be on a whole other level right now.
If it’s the FB that is responsible then I can only be nothing but optimistic going forward.
Because he is only getting stronger as the season progresses.
And that scalpel you spoke of will only get sharper.
He’s scary good right now.
Gardy can’t keep up this torrid pace all season. Soon, hitters will start throwing him breaking balls on the corners and he will take them for strike 3 of swing through them.
Yes, he can hit 96 MPH fastballs from Thorton or a 86 MPH cutter from Buerhlee, but let’s see what he does when he is busted in on the hands by breaking stuff…
I still don’t think he’ll hit more than .270.
Can’t wait to hear whiny little Evan Roberts tomorrow morning.
Beningo will be his usual self, but I love hearing Evan whine… its so fun.
CB,
I wasn’t following closely on gameday, but I did check on Beckham. It was clear he couldn’t handle the cutter. Whiffing on it 3x in one at-bat.
But, did you notice an unusually high % of FB being thrown? It seems to be that he’s falling in love with it as long as hitters can’t square up on it. (Didn’t see every at-bat, but I only recall one hard, well hit ball today).
Early on I saw the Sox fouling off a lot of pitches, not so much later as the ball was put into play more. Any idea of why?
I brought that up about BG working counts that start out at 0-2. He seems to have good plate discipline and rarely chases pitches.
Do wish he would square up a first pitch once in a while just to make them think. A couple of times the past few days he has squared to bunt on the first pitch and each time it was a ball.
Anyway, a great start for NYYs this season; with weather warming and some home stands we should really take off.
pat,
How fun. Did you think, “mel would love this!”
“what in the world is going on with Santana – crazy 2-out run”
I’m not watching that game but on the whole the phillies aren’t a great line up for Santana to have to face anymore.
Santana once had a terrific slider. That pitch is gone and that’s the biggest difference between santana now and what he once was. It’s just not nearly as good a pitch as it used to be. That’s probably an even bigger issue for Santana than the loss of velocity on his fastball (though both are big issues and may have the same root cause in lost arm speed).
But Santana can’t use that change up the same way against left handed hitters as he can against righties. He doesn’t throw it as often as he can to righties and it’s not as effective. He has to be careful with it because if it fades down to his arm side it can wind up in the power zone of LH hitters.
And the phillies are a big LH power hitting team. His tools against them are somewhat limited because he’s going to be very dependent on his 4 seam fastball being very good.
So since Gardner is performing now we need to retroactively dismiss him by theorizing that the 2010 year-long plan was a Thames (in LF mind you)/Gardner platoon?
Exactly where was Gardner going to get many at bats with the players they had in the outfield last year?
“I still don’t think he’ll hit more than .270.”
Which given his speed, plate discipline and the fact he hits 9th, will be just fine.
cash here, your gm, you know, the one who is smarter that ‘tard boy wonder or genius or whatever he likes to call himself. despite signing for the no good nick “all KO & no hit” johnson, trading for javy “must be my mechanics” vazquez, and giving away our #1 outfield prospect for curtis “i am no damon” granderson, we banged out 16 hits today – for a change. i like to take full credit for that.
don’t worry about javy – we’ll just leave him permanently in scranton-wilkes barre like crappy igawa. btw, don’t blame me for his hall of fame AAA player. i mean – i had to counter boston after they signed dice gay, did’t i? at least i didn’t pay $103 mil – $45 mil for a bargain compared to that. again i outsmarted theo there!
to take javy’s place we will trade austine romaine for brad penny. i mean he’s done very well since moving from the AL east to the NL. again, the boy wonder gave up too soon last year.
as for johnson, let me call theo tomorrow and see if he will let me have papi for nick straight up. even though papi strikes out 2 or 3 times a game at least he swings the bat. but don’t worry about our outfield – possibly the worst in the majors – i can convince hal to open the vault for werth and/or crawford in the off-season. you’ll see, i will once again outsmart theo, just like that time when i signed contreras.
JK, Phil was definitely on the table – for a period of about 36 hours or so. Hank basically forced Cash to do it and then withdrew the offer when he got ticked off that the Twins hadn’t accepted it.
Who at the paper do we contact to get rid of that annoying scrolling advertisement? I don’t mind ads, but not ones that dynamically change the structure of the page.
GreenBeret7 May 2nd, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Exactly where was Gardner going to get many at bats with the players they had in the outfield last year?
==================
Agree, but he is getting them this because of who we now have. So far, nice ride.
Again, not sure he will be with us next year. Succeeding this year will definitely upgrade his trade value.
Thank you Santana for possibly taking some media attention away from Vazquez. Javy has been bad…but not 9 runs allowed w/2 outs bad!
Boo on manuel for leaving in Santana that long.
It’s scary to think that the Yankees entertained giving up Hughes/Jackson/+ for Santana and the Red Sox considered giving up Lester/Ellsbury/+.
I hope the media mentions Hughes and speaks glowingly about his season so far. I really will be upset if all the radio tomorrow is about Vazquez, A-Rod, and the Mets.
Hughes needs to be recognized by talk radio. They have the time to put Mike Pelfrey and Jon Niese in the HOF. Hughes deserves to be acknowledged by the NY media.
Im more surprised about the Red Sox. The Mets are what they are: a mediocre club who certainly cant be taken for granted but arent more than a .500 club team. The Red Sox were supposed to challenge us for the Division but may be waving a white flag by Memorial Day Weekend if they dont get going soon. The Red Sox are the biggest surprise in baseball if you ask me.
I had the displeasure of listening to Hawk Harrelson (and Steve Stone) call the games this weekend since I live in the Chicagoland area.
I think they called Gardner a “pest” about 450 times during the 3-game span, which is about the most accurate description there is regarding his game (and the same term Girardi uses).
It’s too bad Stone has to endure such an agonizing job partnering with Hawk because he was an outstanding analyst with the Cubs for a long time (until he was essentially fired because he was too critical of the team when they played like crap).
When Hughes is on he can work his fastball to all corners of the plate as well as anyone in baseball. The fact that his cutter is ever improving and he now has planted a changeup in the minds of hitters only makes his fastball even better. Hes really fun to watch so far this year.
Cash May 2nd, 2010 at 10:08 pm
to take javy’s place we will trade ***austine romaine*** for brad [Penny. i mean he’s done very well since moving from the AL east to the NL. again, the boy wonder gave up too soon last year.
———————————————————————————————————————-
St Louis isn’t trading Penny for a head of lettuce, you trolling idiot. Not sure that anything could be more stupid than this paragraph, but, you managed even four more that were worse.
Funny how Buchholz and Joba were the untouchables in those 2007 trades, yet Hughes and Lester are the ones who have become aces, while Buchholz had been mediocre and Joba’s future is now up in the air.
CB, I was wondering where you were because I wanted to get your opinion on Phil. Wonderful is a good word for it – we are watching a young man grow up before our eyes. He literally can place his FB wherever he wants to and whenever he wants to – it’s like watching an artist paint. Frankly, I get a bigger kick out of pitching like this than just flame throwers blowing it by people. The thing is, Phil is a real pitcher- he’s cerebral out there, he knows what he’s doing. That cutter is a real weapon for him, plus or not. His curve is already very good and now he’s got a nice change. Phil is a very mature kid out there and he’s very confident. Maybe I’m the only one who’s noticed, but after an out, he puts his hand on his hip and strolls around the mound like he owns that. TEx’s comment today was very telling.
By the way, someone mentioned elsewhere that they saw Phil squatting (sort of) near the end of some of his pitches, like Moose did. Did anyone notice that?
GB-
Great game by Hirsch today.
7 innings on just 1 hit.
I would think if the Yankees happen to need a starter from AAA at some point the way he is pitching he might just get the call.
Ummm, Buchholz has pitched pretty well this year…
“But, did you notice an unusually high % of FB being thrown? It seems to be that he’s falling in love with it as long as hitters can’t square up on it. (Didn’t see every at-bat, but I only recall one hard, well hit ball today).”
m-
If a team cannot hit your fastball throw it. And then throw it some more. And then keep throwing it.
Hughes threw 63% fastballs (four seam and two seam) today. That’s not too many for him. His fastball has so much life on it that hitters don’t square it up consistently.
The best fastball I’ve seen from any pitcher this year was David Price against the yanks. Price did the yankees a favor by trying to mix in more breaking pitches the second time through. But other than Price that night, I think Hughes’ fastball has been the best I’ve seen any pitcher throw so far this season.
The thing that I think is happening this season is that Hughes is gaining a great deal of confidence in his cut fastball. That’s the pitch that is starting to develop very rapidly. In some ways it’s almost becoming his second pitch.
So part of what’s interesting with Hughes is that a huge proportion of the pitches he’s throwing are all hard.
Hughes only threw 11 curve balls today and 3 change ups.
So 86% of all the pitches he threw were 4 seam, 2 seam and cut fastballs.
Here it is folks, see if you can hit it.
That’s what hughes has been doing all year. And his fastball has so much life on it and his cutter is developing so rapidly that line ups can’t react even in their 3rd time through the order.
Mike, thank you and I accept your apology. I never had anything personal against Brett, I just didn’t like him as a player. However, I must give credit where credit is due and the truth is – he’s a Yankee, so I want him to succeed. We’ll see if he can keep this up or even just be a consistently productive player, but I’m not going to keep harping on the fact that he might not be able to do it because it’s not fair to him.
“I had the displeasure of listening to Hawk Harrelson (and Steve Stone) call the games this weekend since I live in the Chicagoland area.”
Yea Stone isn’t bad at all…I can’t handle Hawk though, if I must watch on WGN then it gets muted.
I actually like Ozzie Guillen. Funny guy, great with the media, and is able to motivate his team.
If Girardi gets canned in the next few years, I wouldn’t mind seeing Ozzie take over.
Betsy,
I apologized earlier for my cheap shot towards you. It was out of frustration, no excuse though, no more snarky comments from me.
I am sorry, bad behavior on my part!
Mike WV
We will be driving through Wheeling WV tomorrow. I will wave as we go by. I think we are in WV for about 10 minutes or so it seems.
CB I am a Santana fan. He had nothing tonight. If you watched carefully he was throwing meatballs from the first inning but didnt get hit hard until the 2nd time through. No movement on his pitches. But he will probably come back and pitch a gem next time out. Good pitchers have a way of doing that. He definitely isnt a CY Young winner anymore but when his change up is moving he is still very dangerous especially in the weaker NL. Philly has an AL line up that can pile on in a hurry and they scare me if we have to rematch up with them this Fall. Its ludicrous that mets fans on their blogs are labelling him as “done” after 1 bad start. Its baseball. I wish fans would realize this and not jump on players, including Javy after a few bad starts. The season is a marathon. But nowdays we play 162 one game seasons it seems due to the blogs and talk radio.
First it was Eric Chavez who said that Phil’s FB was explosive (or had late life on it). Then, per CB, Ty Wigginton said that Phil’s FB was the most explosive the O’s had seen. Now Ozzie is giving Phil very high praise……….this is pretty remarkable. I’m very happy for Phil because a LOT of people jumped off his bandwagon and he had some sleepless nights (his own words) wondering about his struggles. He’s a damn good kid to boot.
As long as Gardner continues to play and hit at a nearly .300 clip, score runs and get on base, Garner will be around. NYYs will still make a strong push for Crawford, so the real question will be, do the NYYs keep Swisher around to DH and play some corner outfield or will they move him with 1 year to go on his contract.
CB,
Thanks for confirming that. Seems like Phil reads the blog and listens the the YES broadcasts. Smart boy, that Phil.
Wasnt Hawk Harreslson briefly a Yankees announcer back on SportsChannel in the 80s ??
Was he that bad on SportsChannel ?? You cant get away with that stuff in NY with his unabashed homerism. Sterling is the closest we have in this city but even he doesnt say “we”…
# GreenBeret7 May 2nd, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Exactly where was Gardner going to get many at bats with the players they had in the outfield last year?
————
That’s a fair point.
But Girardi does get way too caught up in the matchups game at times, especially his bullpen management.
Gardner has been great so far and a God’s send with Granderson’s injury and slow start. They need outfield help though. Winn is no help, he’s washed up, Thames can only play occasionally in the outfield since he fields so poorly, and Johnson provides no defensive flexibility as some DH’s do, so it’s imperitive to get another outfielder and DFA Winn. They may even try to fill in from the Triple AAA minors to improve the outfiels. It’s incredible how good the Yankees record is when all of the off season moves have yet to bear much fruit. Johnson has stunk, Granderson was playing poorly when he got hurt, and Vazquez could be the bust of the year at $11.5m. Just shows how good the core Yankee team is. If another GM bombed that bad he wouldn’t have what Cashman has to fall back on and be in deep trouble. Any ideas who could move up from Triple AAA or be available for outfield help in the majors on the cheap?
Also, Phil is a very big kid – 6’5 and 240 with a very strong lower half; he should have the stamina to go consistently deep in games.
Ed, yes he was. I still remember his term for a dunker into the OF – a ducksnort. I used to call Claudell Washington “ducksnort” – I liked Claudell a lot.
Phil makes the Ace look uhm….no so Ace like, Phil has the Best ERA in the league!!!
Giuseppe Franco
Hawk must be a bit more bearable to listen to when the WS are getting pounded.
I also like Claudell Washington. I remember he was cross eyed. How on Earth he could hit a 90 mph baseball being cross eyed and be a succesful major league player is a ? I still dont know the answer to.
“The thing that I think is happening this season is that Hughes is gaining a great deal of confidence in his cut fastball. That’s the pitch that is starting to develop very rapidly.”
He threw a few today that were very “Rivera like”, I know thats high praise but both velocity and movement looked similar to me. Obviously its not as consistent and Mo’s is but its improving all the time. He ate Beckham up all game with that pitch and he looked totally overmatched. Moving fastballs both ways and locating them makes it very tough on the hitters.
pistol pete,
Thanks for reminding me. A little nugget was buried deep in matthews whatever you want to call it.
Help, of sorts, is on the way in the form of Greg Golson — currently hitting .260 with two homers and seven RBIs for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre — who could be called up as early as Monday afternoon. But he, too, will be used only in case of emergency — he is hitless in seven career major-league at-bats, with five strikeouts.
http://sports.espn.go.com/new-.....id=5156534
GreenBeret7 May 2nd, 2010 at 10:20 pm
As long as Gardner continues to play and hit at a nearly .300 clip, score runs and get on base, Garner will be around. NYYs will still make a strong push for Crawford, so the real question will be, do the NYYs keep Swisher around to DH and play some corner outfield or will they move him with 1 year to go on his contract.
—————————————————————————
Do you see Crawford or Gardner as a RF. Gardner doesn’t have arm enough for it and I don’t know how good an arm Crawford has.
GB,
Interesting take on Swisher being the variable. If they get Crawford, would the outfield be Crawford (LF), Grandy (CF) & Gardner (RF)??
I still love a good curve, so I hope Phil doesn’t “abandon” it…………I like him throwing the 2-seamer so he can get groundballs; he’s got a bunch of weapons he can turn to now.
I still do miss Jim Kaat to balance some of the YES propoganda that we are forced to endure. Kaat was a maverick who said what he wanted to very insightfully. The booth hasnt been the same since he left. Not a big Cone guy myself and Al Leiter is even worse. They need a solid pitching analysis guy and stop with the rotating booth nonsense that they do. Give the Mets credit for one thing: they have a solid booth that displays continuity. Best listen to in NY in my mind.
I think they keep Swisher because he can play first base and outfield or DH. They need a 4th outfielder regardless, and when Swisher is hot, he sizzles.
oh yeah,
Gotta be careful with that claim. Fister of Seattle has passed Hughes.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/statistics
Ed, I didn’t know that………aww. He was tall and thin, if I recall – very lanky. I still loved the team even though they weren’t very good.
MTU(aka GBURL) May 2nd, 2010 at 10:17 pm
GB-
Great game by Hirsch today.
7 innings on just 1 hit.
I would think if the Yankees happen to need a starter from AAA at some point the way he is pitching he might just get the call.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Yeah, Hirsh looked really good today, judging by the numbers and results. David Phelps was exceptional, too for Trenton. The win was all his until Dunn came in and gave up a two out, two strike 2 run homer in the 9th inning. Heredia was very good for tampa, too. 3 unearned first inning run was all he gave up after, Pirela committed 2 errors. Ramirez was outstading last night for Charleston giving up a cheap 1st inning run and losing 1-0.
Hughes is going to add some velo as the year goes on. And over the next few years. He’s already throwing the cutter harder this year and he usually has gotten his best velo going after around May 15.
Yuck – oh well, I’ll take 2nd, lol. Phil has a .122 BA against him; that must be amongst the league leaders as well.
m
I did. I thought not real GQ looking tonight but my sister in law and mel would definitely approve.
I texted her from there but thought I had to let you know this morning before I headed out for the day.
Keep Swisher at DH… we need someone to replace NJ next year.
Gardner doing well does not in any way prevent us from getting Crawford.
Phil’s curve is looking more like AJ’s “hook” and less like Zito’s “12-to-6″
GB, was Romine just given a day off or is he hurt?
Phil, and he was throwing 95 in the 6th; boy, if he throws 95 regularly with that command – whew.
Actually, if they sign Crawford and move Swisher or DH him, I think that Granderson moves to right field. He’s got the best arm.
M, I admit I used to love the Doc Gooden “Lord Charles” – and, still do, but an AJ curve is quite effective.
MaineYankee May 2nd, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Giuseppe Franco
Hawk must be a bit more bearable to listen to when the WS are getting pounded.
———-
Absolutely. He talks a lot less when the Sox are getting hammered.
That makes a ChiSox broadcast about as enjoyable as it gets.
I’ve always hated the White Sox. Always. Ever since I was old enough to hold a baseball. My hatred for them is about as venomous as it is for the Red Sox.
Sadly, I think Hawk has a lot to do with that. I don’t mind a homer. But he simply acts like a jackass and his schtick is so mind-numbingly annoying.
Romine just had a day off. He had caught 6 straight games.
“When Hughes is on he can work his fastball to all corners of the plate as well as anyone in baseball. ”
I completely agree. He has a freakishly good fastball. His fastball this year has been close to an 80 (as it was out of the pen last year). Now I know some guys won’t call it an 80 because of the velocity but it’s an utterly dominant pitch. As good as nearly any in the game.
And I honestly can’t remember too many guys who would throw 92-94 leaving me with the impression that they were throwing an 80 fastball.
I didn’t think Hughes would be able to retain this much of his fastball moving into the rotation. It is extremely difficult to be that precise while throwing that hard and with that much movement over 7 innings. Very impressive to watch him carve through a line up.
Right now Hughes is throwing 3 pitches which are just exceedingly difficult to get the sweet spot of the bat on – this four seamer, two seamer and cutter. Hitters just cannot get the barrel on those pitches squarely with any consistency.
And there is still a lot of room for him to get better. He’s not using his change up much – and he hasn’t “needed” it but I hope he continues to expand it’s use. That strike out of Mark Teahan today was fantastic. Teahan had no clue what to do on that pitch.
I liked Kaat as well. I love Singleton and I like Leiter; I used to like Kubek a lot – I respected his opinion. My favorites EVER were White and Rizzuto..
GB-
In your Swisher available for trade scenario I would think cc in LF, GGBG in cf, and CG in rf because Grandy might have the best arm of the three.
I do not think GGBG has the arm to be a rf’er. Don’t see cc in rf either.
All hypothetical of course.
pat,
You’re so sweet.
I’m assuming it was in the city?
# GreenBeret7 May 2nd, 2010 at 10:31 pm
Actually, if they sign Crawford and move Swisher or DH him, I think that Granderson moves to right field. He’s got the best arm.
That would be a nice outfield.
That change was great, lol – that was my favorite out of the day.
Thanks, GB!
Can’t wait till Hughes’ next start in Fenway
GB7
Isn’t Crawford kindof picky about only wanting to play LF?
GreenBeret7 May 2nd, 2010 at 10:31 pm
Actually, if they sign Crawford and move Swisher or DH him, I think that Granderson moves to right field. He’s got the best arm
==========================
Seems logical – wow.
If you are a Yankee pitcher, I think that would put a smile on your face.
CB, if not for the long inning, would you have sent Phil out for the 8th ? I would have – he was getting stronger as the game went on. I understand the rationale of saving his arm, but he’s not going to gain stamina by anything other than pitching.
Didn’t Swisher say he had too much energy to be a DH?
Well not like he decides anyway, if we get Crawford (and Gardner has a good year), it is either DH or traded.
Kaat was an atavistic fool, but avuncular and likable as he criticized books he had never and would never read or perhaps understand.
Back in 2006, which was Phil’s last healthy year before last year, he kept adding velo well into the summer.
My pleasure, Betsy.
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0.....hil-Hughes
I love this pic of Phil; I have it on my desktop
Ed-
Santana is still a terrific pitcher. But he’s obviously evolved into a very different pitcher. For him to get wracked like that must have meant it was just one of those days.
But he really doesn’t have much of plan B now other than what he can do with his pitching intelligence.
Very difficult to pitch without that sharp slider and the arm speed he once had.
He’s very good but just very different.
Phil, then he’s going to be very hard to beat – teams can’t hit him now.
Unlike Mo’s cutter Hughe’s cutter has more of a vertical plane break than horizontal.
It has more of a mini-slider type action.
It is still effective at keeping hitters from putting the sweet part of the bat on the ball but it makes it more difficult to “jam” hitters with it the way Mo does.
It’s an interesting difference as a result.
Thought the outcome is similar.
Giuseppe Franco
I really don’t understand how Hawk keeps that job. I’ve listened to him at times and it’s unbearable. I don’t know why the WS can’t see how bad he is.
I never disliked the WS to much in the past. Ozzie makes it a bit harder for me now. I guess if I lived in the vicinity I might feel differently.
Not sure I understand why there is so much speculation about Swisher being moved eventually.
Now I acknowledge he has something to prove about being able to hit what he currently is, but it’s going to get on base, and he’s going to slug and he’s good enough in RF.
If his work with Long helps keep his BA up to .275, I got news for some of you, he’s one of the best 6 or 7 RFs in the game.
I can’t help but wonder even how much *better* the yanks would have been if they just re-signed Matsui for DH, kept Jackson for center, and *didn’t* trade for Vazquez.
Why do they have to kill their farm system for Granderson-
I’m sorry but Jackson looks like a star in the making. He will adjust down for the number of strikeouts….and will eventually add power.. Already has 7 doubles and is 2nd in average after cano…
Bad one cashman..
Cardinals and Phillies play later this coming week, a precurser maybe to postseason.
Pujols is 0-4 against Holliday.
FYI Pujols is also 0-1 against Mariano too!!
Stuckey, I like Swish – I’m not anxious to see him go.
I would not have sent Hughes out for the 8th inning.
One of the reasons why the pen has been so bad is that they simply aren’t getting a lot of consistent work.
The yankee starters just go so deep (outside of Vazquez obviously).
I do think that Robertson’s problems this year are largely due to not getting into games often enough.
I think it was good to get Melancon in the game and get him some innings up by so much. Though I was again somewhat concerned about what we saw from him – and I’m not referring to the home run.
“Unlike Mo’s cutter Hughe’s cutter has more of a vertical plane break than horizontal.”
The ones he threw to Beckham broke on two planes. The biggest difference to me is the consistency of quality of the pitch that Mo has. Phil is still developing his and it doesn’t really have to be the same as Rivera’s just an effective compliment to his #1 pitch.
CB, I can understand that….I wonder what Joe would have done. Oh well, I guess we’ll never know, but I suppose it was for the best.
Robertson didn’t lose his ability, so I still have faith that he will rebound, even if for now it has to be in lower leverage situations.
What did you see from Melancon that concerned you (not the HR)? I know MG said earlier that, unlike with Phil where the Sox just could not square him up, the Sox WERE squaring up MM.
AJack’s babip is unsustainable, unless someone here believes we have traded the best baseball player ever. His K’s are alarming.
I’m taping the game replay so I can watch these individual at bats again and catch what I missed before
“Isn’t Crawford kindof picky about only wanting to play LF?”
Very much so. And about not leading off, even though it would probably be best for his team if he did.
If Gardner proves himself to be the everyday LF, look for the Yankees to possibly shift gears and go after Werth instead. If they already have left and center covered, Werth is a better fir in right instead of trying to have Grandy or Gardner play somewhere they are not suited.
Or keep the current OF and save money for pitching by replacing NJ with Miranda at DH. It is time soon for him to play in the majors or trade him to someplace he can play.
It seems like Phil gets more swing and misses on his cutter than Rivera does?
Watching today’s game one of the things that spontaneously popped into my mind was that one of the few hitters in baseball I could see hitting Hughes hard (given how he’s throwing now) would be Robinson Cano.
Cano’s hands and ability to keep the bat in the zone for so long are the kind of tools needed to hit pitches with the kind of life Hughes is throwing.
Oh well… tough break for the rest of the league.
Blake-
I was just pointing out the difference not saying it isn’t an effective pitch.
It is.
It just has a different action than the Great One’s, and of course his command with the pitch will likely never be as good as Mo’s.
But hey, it hard to match perfection.
http://www.nydailynews.com/spo.....hite_.html
Hughes is thriving because he has four different pitches – a fastball, cutter, curve and change – that he is throwing for strikes. He struck out cleanup hitter Paul Konerko with a changeup in the sixth. When Hughes was flourishing as the setup man for Mariano Rivera last season he was strictly a fastball-curveball guy. “All the rest of his pitches have come along,” Girardi said.
“I’m really comfortable with all four pitches,” Hughes said. “It’s allowing me to throw them in counts where they aren’t expecting a particular pitch.”
Hughes also is bringing an attitude to his role that is refreshing next to hearing Vazquez be accountable but also lament that he is “trying too hard.”
“Everytime I go out there I want to throw a no-hitter. That’s what it boils down to,” Hughes said. “Maybe not much was expected of me from some other people, but it doesn’t change my focus. You come into the season and you have labels of what starter you are, but that’s just numbers. I faced Buehrle and he’s not their No. 5 starter. … Now I’m just a starter.”
*****************
Phil has confidence in all 4 pitches – that’s huge. I know he K’d Konerko on a 3-2 pitch, but I don’t recall that as being a change. Either way, he made him look bad, lol
“Watching today’s game one of the things that spontaneously popped into my mind was that one of the few hitters in baseball I could see hitting Hughes hard (given how he’s throwing now) would be Robinson Cano.”
Kinda like Halladay pitching for the only team in the NL that can hit.
If they get Crawford, would the outfield be Crawford (LF), Grandy (CF) & Gardner (RF)??
——
That would be one helluva outfield. No balls would ever fall in between them!
I think the longer Phil goes just being able to do his thing without being thronged by a fawning media, the better it’s going to be for Phil as he continues to adjust to being a regular in the rotation. Phil will get his due recognition in time. In the meantime, don’t wish the media attention on him because if he’s in lights, he’s going to be equally annihilated if he has a game where things go south. Then some of you are going to be freaking out at the negative press.
I admit I totally don’t get the need recognition from the press some of you are ambling for him to get. (I’ve read it from several posters, so there any one person I’m talking about.) Seriously why do you care? He will get all the recognition he needs in terms of records and accolades from the baseball community and things that actually have meaning to him. It’s funny because a lot of players totally avoid reading press articles because they know how biased or stitled they can be. Yet fans can’t seem to satiate their need to “read all about it.”
I think your eyes tell you all you need to know. If you want additional information, listen to what the manager has to say about a player’s outing, what the player himself says, or what other players are saying. That’s where you get the best baseball information, not from the media. Or what poster’s here whom you trust have to say if for some reason you don’t trust your own judgement. But reaching out to the press is just a formula for disaster. For every article you read that makes you happy, you’ll probably find two that don’t. Then you’re in a media frenzy!
******************
Phil Hughes is obviously on his way to being everything he was predicted to be when he was first scouted by the Yankees. Celebrate what your eyes tell you and don’t worry about press approval. He’s going to be the number one pitcher in the Yankee rotation in the not too distant future, or certainly tied for first place until he occupies the spot all by himself.
Mo’s cutter is maybe the greatest pitch ever; no one will come close to duplicating it. That said, Phil has an aptitude for pitching and seems to be able to pick up pitches pretty quickly. He certainly has taken to the cutter…
I thought it was a changeup to Konerko, mostly because he was shaking his head walking back to the dugout. A look at gameday confirmed it.
“I thought it was a changeup to Konerko, mostly because he was shaking his head walking back to the dugout. A look at gameday confirmed it.”
Gameday showed Konerko shaking his head? Man, they get better and better every year.
Trish, what you say is true, it’s just that it upset me to see so many people just completely give up on Phil. I’m not even just talking about the media, I’m talking about scouts, etc… Phil doesn’t read the sports pages or listen to talk radio (at least that’s what he said in 2008), so I’m not worried about him one bit. I will say that comments like Tex made mean more to me than anything anyone else can say.
That would be one helluva outfield. No balls would ever fall in between them!
——————
That outfield (along with our infield) would define for the RedSox what the phrase “run prevention” really means.
“What did you see from Melancon that concerned you (not the HR)?”
Melancon misses his spot frequently on his fastball. That makes me very uncertain about how he is going to do in the bigs.
So far he just hasn’t been that precise in his location. It’s always hard to infer anything about a reliever in a game up 12-0 but Melancon didn’t look good.
He really does have a long arm action and guys with long arm actions often aren’t very precise with location.
Now guys with long arm actions often do have a lot of life on the ball so that when they are locked in and locating they are very good (marte is a bit like this).
But Melancon is also so over the top that he doesn’t really have a lot of life on the ball.
Everything about Melancon’s track record and pedigree tell me that he should be very successful as a big league reliever. And I still think he will.
It’s just that when I see him pitch I don’t feel like I’m watching the guy with the track record and pedigree Melancon has.
Hopefully it’s just a transition phase as he learns what’s required to succeed in the majors. Robertson went though the same things last year. At the same time however, Robertson has better stuff than Melancon has shown so far as pros.
Mark,
Yes, but it’s the super-duper premium version.
Santana giving up 10 runs, to old man Moyer’s 5 unbelievable!!
I hate when YES skips innings when they air their replay show, so they had better not skip the Beckham or Konerko innings, lol
Gnight all…CC goin tomorrow. Pretty nice to get a start like Phil’s and then have your ace going the next day.
Another great thing for Hughes development is the opportunity to be around so many quality veteran pitchers to observe, speak with, and thereby learn from their various approaches to pitching.
Who better to learn how to pitch from than the likes of Mo, AP, and CC ?
Talk about a school that rocks.
CB, thanks! When you say long arm action, do you mean that he extends his arm (as he brings it back down when he throws the ball) further than is ideal?
MTU, lol – and from what I hear, Phil just loves talking pitching. He had the opportunity to chat up Jim Palmer recently and he’s always talking pitching with Andy, CC and AJ.
The thing that makes Crawford even more attractive than he already is as a player (Werth somewhat also but his age/health is a concern) is that there is literally no other top flight free agent OF hitting the market in the next 3-4 years.
Swisher is signed through 2011. In 2012 the Yankees have a club option but there is only a $1 million buyout. So, after this year with Crawford, Nick Swisher is going to be one of the better if not best OF to hit the FA market in the next couple years.
Do the Yankees want to pay a premium for Nick Swisher? Do they want to bid on him in the open market? I am not so sure about that and would probably lean towards no.
So if Gardner has a very good year and they want to keep him as a starter on this team, they could plan ahead for Swisher’s departure (if that is what they want) and sign the better player in Carl Crawford.
m
West Village, NYC.
Just called my friend to say thanks and she said the Good Luck charm was there too! Neither of us saw her but Google says she was.
In-N-Out visit #3 in the books:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9.....573598580/
LOL Nick, I’d forgotten about this – phor shame on me!
What did you have ? A regular burger and phries?
“it’s just that it upset me to see so many people just completely give up on Phil. I’m not even just talking about the media, I’m talking about scouts, etc”
Betsy,
To be fair, Phil really didn’t show much in ’08. If he was still pitching like that, he wouldn’t be having the results he is having right now, and last season, for that matter. Whether it was injury or something else, it is a credit to Phil and anybody who helped him that he is becoming the pitcher everybody thought he would be back when he was the #1 prospect in baseball.
pat & Nick with the double whammy.
Nick,
Glad to see you’re okay. I kinda, sorta accused SAS of locking you in her trunk on her cross-country trek.
Betsy-
Why wouldn’t like it ?
It’s like he’s the star pupil at the Yankees internal academy of pitching.
And so far, it appears he is learning his lessons extremely well.
Straight Ace student so far.
Betsy
Mariano taught Holliday his cutter, and Posada reminds him of that mistake.
Phil should move up to #4 but he has an innings limit this year.
If you think Nick Swisher is going to make a lot in the open market in 2013, then that means he’ll be pretty good in 2010-2012.
And given what he makes during those years, it wouldn’t make sense to move him.
I’ve been very bearish on Gardner, but even I’m not ready to begin thinking of choosing him long(er) term over Nick Swisher.
Double-Double, fries, Coca-Cola.
m, I was on a secret mission down in Big Sur. Actually, I said where I was going on this very blog, but no one pays attention to my blatherings.
I encountered some Yankee fans from Singapore along the way. Photos were taken.
Cb I noticed you said Phil threw only 3 changeups which is what pitchfx says. However I’m pretty sure he threw more. Didn’t he get a swinging strikeout on someone with the change? Pitchfx says he got zero swings on it which doesn’t jive with what I saw. Also leiter said at one point that Phil had thrown 5-6 changes and he’s usually pretty accurate about that stuff.
I can’t be sure but I think pitchfx mistook a few changes for 2-seamers
“To be fair, Phil really didn’t show much in ‘08. If he was still pitching like that, he wouldn’t be having the results he is having right now, and last season, for that matter. Whether it was injury or something else, it is a credit to Phil and anybody who helped him that he is becoming the pitcher everybody thought he would be back when he was the #1 prospect in baseball.”
Not to change the subject, but this is exhibit A in why fans and the media needs to stop writing the history of Joba Chamberlain’s stuff and career right now. What can happen year-to-year in the life of a young pitcher can be like night and day and highly unpredictable.
Mark, Phil was injured in 2008; that explains why he was so awful. I felt people gave up on him in August of 2007 when he struggled after coming back from his severe leg injuries. I just never got that, to be honest. When he returned to the bigs in 2008, he looked good, especially in his game against AJ. That said, this is just me feeling that way. Phil doesn’t care and I don’t think he likes to rehash 2008 anyway, lol.
Meant t say “bullish”, about Gardner, above..
Mariano did not teach Halladay this cut fastball. He showed him his grip on the pitch. Mariano shows everyone his grip on the pitch and how he throws the ball. Doesn’t matter who he shows because no one else can throw that pitch.
Mel Queen taught Halladay his cut fastball and his two seam fastball when he was sent down to A ball and they completely broke down his mechanics.
Nice, Nick……..
Yeah, the pitch to strikeout Konerko to end the 6th, right after being cheated by the HP umpire, was definitely a change. He fooled Konerko with it like the Orioles fooled the Sox this weekend!
Nick in SF May 2nd, 2010 at 11:11 pm
Double-Double, fries, Coca-Cola.
m, I was on a secret mission down in Big Sur. Actually, I said where I was going on this very blog, but no one pays attention to my blatherings.
I encountered some Yankee fans from Singapore along the way. Photos were taken.
*********
People need to see pictures to believe it happened, silly!
Here’s to hoping that Yankee hitters knock the stuffing out of the Birds thereby cooking their collective geese.
And that CC so confounds their hitters that it drives them cuckoo turning them into quepons.
Nite all.
Betsy,
Thanks for that picture of Phil. I just made it my background too.
Is Mel Queen still in baseball? I remember he was the Jays’ pitching coach a few years ago…….he deserves a place in the HOF for what he did for Doc, lol
Clare, nice to see you again!
Isn’t that a great pic? He looks very determined, lol
Oh, I remember that pitch; Phil got screwed on the pitch before – that was definitely a strike.
“Didn’t he get a swinging strikeout on someone with the change? ”
Mark Teahan early in the game. That was a change up.
Thanks for pointing out that inconsistency. I was just using Pitch F/x as a summary.
You’re right – they must have misclassified at least a few pitches. Maybe as cut fastballs? Don’t know if pitch f/x would mistake a two seamer with the change given the velocity differentials. It is odd though.
On the whole as it is I don’t think Phil threw many change ups. Maybe 5 or so? I don’t think it was much more than that.
Erica, he probably scarfed it down so quickly that he didn’t have a chance to take a picture!
Nick-
How was the show?
I would hope my word is good enough.
I signed MPB Johnny Damon to Erica’s Avengers.
I decided that having an actual reason to root for MPB Johnny Damon made so much more sense
Pictures are a blog rule aren’t they???
And Mr. Nick said he took pictures!!!!!
AL West Oakland is the leader with 13-13, a 500 record, wow!
If CWS hadn’t won the game yesterday, they would be in last place in the AL Central, now they’re tied with KC at the bottom.
“I would hope my word is good enough.”
“Yeah, the pitch to strikeout Konerko to end the 6th, right after being cheated by the HP umpire, was definitely a change. He fooled Konerko with it like the Orioles fooled the Sox this weekend!
”
CR9, you missed one element in this post that would have covered all of your reliable cliches.
It should read:
“Yeah, the pitch to strikeout Konerko to end the 6th, right after being cheated by the HP umpire, was definitely a change. He fooled that hottie Konerko with it like the Orioles fooled the Sox this weekend!
”
You’re welcome.
Betsy, all I can say is those scouts, members of the media, and anyone else who underestimates Phil, are absolute blithering idiots. I know I always give myself credit for being perspicacious when it comes to things
– Doreen are you here? – but seriously I think someone would have to be totally devoid of any kind of baseball knowledge whatsoever if they can watch Phil pitch and not see star/future star written all over him. Betsy he’s so good it’s almost scary. And it’s only going to get better. His potential is almost limitless. To be the Yankees 1st round draft pick is probably the highest honor a player can get (look at Jeter and Munson). There are certain first round draft picks you can look at and say the Yankees absolutely had it right. Phil definitely is there.
Betsy, I found a nice article on Phil. You may have already read it, as it was written several years ago, but I think you will really like reading it if you haven’t already.
http://www.hardballtimes.com/m.....ip-hughes/
That’s a picture, Erica, lol – I’ve taken pics of restaurants before and, yes, even food. I live to eat
CB: I’ve seen Yo La Tengo many, many times, and in places as far-flung as Belfast, Amsterdam, Torino, and, er, Hoboken. This ranked as one of the very best.
It was a benefit show for the Henry Miller Library. It was an outdoor show but in a very small space in a redwood grove and under the stars. Ralph Carney ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Carney ) was their special guest; he played with them on just about every song.
The performance was truly beautiful. They did a lot of quieter stuff and interesting, slower arrangements of some of their usually-louder songs. “Sugarcube”, for example, was transformed from one of their poppier rockers to a slow, almost hypnotic lullaby.
The combination of what they played, how they played it, and the intimate/mystical setting really made for a magical evening. Very much worth the 5-hour rountrip drive and the hefty benefit-show price tag. I’m still on a YLT high two days later!
stuckey
Correction:
Yeah, the pitch by that GORGEOUS piece of filet mignon Hughes to strikeout Konerko to end the 6th, right after being cheated by the HP umpire, was definitely a change. He fooled Konerko with it like the Orioles fooled the Sox this weekend!
Trish, I did read that awhile ago, but I don’t mind reading it again, lol. I do agree with you – and I’m not going to be upset (promise!) if Phil doesn’t get write ups. I’m so happy now – why let anyone ruin it?
Betsy – Hughes rules (pleading the Fifth) May 2nd, 2010 at 11:23 pm
That’s a picture, Erica, lol – I’ve taken pics of restaurants before and, yes, even food. I live to eat
**************************
I have taken pictures of food too. And sometimes I look at pictures of it as well.
I have also been known to make up guessing games where I ask what certain people have had for dinner.
I prefer to think of it as eating vicariously
OMG on that note…since Michael Kay full of cliches….
His nickname should be….
Michael ClichKay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yeah I doubt Phil threw more than 5 changeups. Either way, he used it as an effective pitch which is pretty impressive. Fastball, curve, cutter, changeup. And it looks like he has 2 kinds of fastballs, straight 4-seamers and 2-seamers that run. But the great thing is, even his 4-seamer has a ton of movement.
He’s lights out right now and easily my favorite pitcher to watch thus far in the season. He’s the one Yankee starter that I absolutely cannot miss no matter what. Obviously I love watching A.J., CC, Andy and Javy (when he’s doing well) but Phil is just so much fun to watch.
It’s kind of funny, I usually forget to get haircuts until my hair gets really long and looks awful. Now that the season has begun I do a better job of remembering – my last haircut was Phil’s first start of the year
I figure I need a haircut every 6-8 Hughes starts.
Wait, there is blog confusion???? Shocking.
Erica is referring to picture I referred to of the happy Singapore Yankee fans.
I didn’t take a picture of my burger tonight, I just took one of the signage. I’m anticipating another 12-15 trips to In-N-Out for Phil this year, so I’m going to have to try to mix up the pictures a bit.
In `08 Phil tried to pitch through a broken rib.
Phil is starting to remind me of Halladay. Back when he was in the minors, he reminded me more of Seaver.
Hey Nick I don’t appreciate the knock on Hoboken! I live here after all. How can you not put it on the same level as Amsterdam and Belfast!?
Patrick,
I really get up for a Hughes start. I also hate to say I do the same for Javy lol.
One of the major advantages of a change up is that the batter knows you have one and will throw it any time in the count.
I need to make a blog confession-
One of my friends texted me around 10pm last night to inform me had an extra ticket to todays game and invite me along. I was tempted by the offer, but I had plans to be at my aunts today at 11 and was baking cookies. I thought it was too late to back out on my family. I thanked him, but declined.
Am I a bad fan for turning down the ticket to hang with my family and little cousins??????
Erica
No! Certainly not a bad fan!
You watch nearly every game, right? That’s a true fan!
Nick in SF May 2nd, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Wait, there is blog confusion???? Shocking.
Erica is referring to picture I referred to of the happy Singapore Yankee fans.
I didn’t take a picture of my burger tonight, I just took one of the signage. I’m anticipating another 12-15 trips to In-N-Out for Phil this year, so I’m going to have to try to mix up the pictures a bit.
******************
You may also want to consider cholesterol monitoring too!
And yes, the Singapore fans were in fact the pictures I was referring to. But I never turn down food pics either.
Patrick, I will certainly put Hoboken on the same level as certain neighborhoods I’ve seen in Belfast!
And don’t get me wrong, I love Hoboken. I love the Clam Broth House, I love Maxwells, and I love the PATH train home.
Nick-
That sounds like a wonderful show. Can’t imaging a better setting. Good that you were able to go! They’ve carved out a really terrific spot in music and continue to explore that space while still growing in creative directions.
Not an easy thing to do.
Erica do you live in the city? If you do then yes it’s a bad thing you turned down the offer. If not I can understand it
Gosh, it never occurred to me that people would want to see the picture of the Singapore Yankee fans posing on the California coast north of Big Sur. Should I post it????
Patrick May 2nd, 2010 at 11:31 pm
Erica do you live in the city? If you do then yes it’s a bad thing you turned down the offer. If not I can understand it
**************
I live on Long Island near JFK. Not far from the Bronx, but far enough to not make it very easy to get to the Stadium
But I do have tickets to two other games during the season
Oops, I think I got confused – my bad!
Nick is underselling Phil; he may have to go to In and Out 20 times, lol.
“Trish, I did read that awhile ago, but I don?t mind reading it again, lol. I do agree with you ? and I?m not going to be upset (promise!) if Phil doesn?t get write ups. I?m so happy now ? why let anyone ruin it?”
Now you’re cooking with gas Bets! And I guess I should have figured that you would have read lots of stuff on Phil. But yeah, sometimes it feels good to read stuff like that again.
You have everything to be happy about with Phil. Absolutely and unequivocally. The guy shines. And nothing shakes him. That is the price of admission.
Nick in SF May 2nd, 2010 at 11:32 pm
Gosh, it never occurred to me that people would want to see the picture of the Singapore Yankee fans posing on the California coast north of Big Sur. Should I post it????
************
Of course silly!
Nick I live a block from Maxwell’s and Yo La Tengo used to play there I guess. I don’t know who they are really other then a few mentions from people I know.
Post as long as there’s no incriminating evidence of them littering.
Has YLT ever played the opera house in Singapore. Beautiful building.
Phil, yeah he did – I’m sorry he did, too, because it skewed his #s terribly.
How did Phil remind you of Seaver back then and how does he remind you of Halladay now? For some reason, I always remember Tom saying that it was very important for a power pitcher to use his legs – that’s where most of the power comes from (also, if you have the arm do all the work, that’s a recipe for disaster). Ever since then, I always look out for that – and Phil does have that strong lower half.
Trish, I read anything I can get my hands on about Phil, but that’s how I am in real life. When I get interested in a subject, I can’t let it go – I’m very passionate in that sense; I have intense likes and dislikes, lol
Hughes is a monster. I love watching him pitch.
Holy Hell this heat is annoying. I can’t sleep!
When Phil was in the minors, before he came up and pulled his hammy, he used to sort of tumble toward the plate with his fastball, curve and change like Seaver. And he used to K everyone, like Seaver.
Now, with the cutter mixed in he reminds me more of Roy Halladay. There were some scouts back in 2006 who were already comparing him to Halladay.
He’s talller than Seaver and Clemens, who he was often compared to in the minors.
I just witnessed Marcus Thames make an impressive sliding catch so I would like to formally apologize to Mr. Thames for doubting hi abilities this morning.
Patrick, I’ve only seen YLT at Maxwells four times.
They’re America’s finest indie rock band. Unfortunately, they’re also Mets fans.
Singapore Yankee fans:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9.....573075245/
pat May 2nd, 2010 at 11:39 pm
I just witnessed Marcus Thames make an impressive sliding catch so I would like to formally apologize to Mr. Thames for doubting hi abilities this morning.
******************
pat-
I think even the most faithful had their doubts when they saw the line up this morning.
And what do the Yankees do???
They put on their largest offensive showing of the young season.
So what have we learned???
Joe Girardi is a genius!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nick in SF-
Thats a beautiful picture!
CB: don’t tell anyone, but I recorded the show. It sounds beautiful.
Contact me via my flickr/yahoo email addy if you’d like a copy.
stuckey,
I do not think anyone is getting ready to ship out Swisher. People are just imagining how the Yankees would handle a very good scenario for them to have where Gardner keeps playing so well, but they also want Crawford because apparently they are so interested in him.
It is also an enticing/somewhat exciting idea because of how fun it would be to watch a Crawford-Gardner-Granderson OF both offensively and defensively.
Phil, who do you prefer that Phil take after?
Phil-
I agree with you on the echoes of Halladay. Blake and I have discussed that a few times.
He really doesn’t remind me of a drop and drive guy ( nor a tall and fall guy).
His ball has so much life through the zone it’s remarkable. And the fastball and cutter offer different types of life late in the zone.
Halladay can precisely direct that movement in the zone in remarkable ways. But qualitatively, Hughes has that kind of feeling. The combination of tremendous life in the zone coupled to precise command.
It’s an extremely rare and effective combination.
Betsy – Hughes rules (pleading the Fifth) May 2nd, 2010 at 11:43 pm
Phil, who do you prefer that Phil take after?
***********
Betsy,
When you read this comment without realizing who you are responding to, it kind of looks like you’ve cracked. LOL
“Trish, I read anything I can get my hands on about Phil, but that?s how I am in real life. When I get interested in a subject, I can?t let it go ? I?m very passionate in that sense; I have intense likes and dislikes, lol”
Sounds familiar.
“Holy Hell this heat is annoying. I can?t sleep!”
I’ve had my air conditioner on all weekend. And the heat isn’t going to break all week.
Betsy, any of the Hall of Famers he’s been compared to would be fine with me. Right now, I think the best comp is Halladay, but that could change.
The better Gardner plays, the less likely the Yanks go after Crawford.
Fastball/Cutter? Paint the corners? Halladay. Of course he’s not as efficient as Doc…yet. But he’ll learn to get just enough black for them to put the ball into play, but not in the seats.
“pat-
I think even the most faithful had their doubts when they saw the line up this morning. ”
Not I. But I’ve been roundly criticized for refusing to doubt!
With all the bashing of Girardi here the past couple days, with his poor managing decisions, I’ll remind everyone that Joe Girardi brought the Yankees something we lost under Torre.
Direction. Purpose.
I know that cant be quantified into wins and losses, and his in-game managing may not be the best or even good, but he brought our team together last year, and led us in the proper direction!
♥ the one, the only, the HOT! Joe Girardi!!!
Don’t move Swisher to DH of trade him, he’s valuable. He’ll hit 250/260 but will obp between 370-390. His ops is excellent, has substantial power, switch hits, and has a personality. I’d keep him over Granderson or Gardner right now. I think if the Yanks sign Crawford or Worth it’s going to be a decision between Granderson of Gardner. Or save the outfield money and get Cliff Lee, pitching always wins. CC, AJ, Andy, Lee, and PH, wow.
Nick-
I’ll email you.
CB,
I agree that Halladay is the best comp now. It will be interesting to see if he becomes one of those guys who invents things when he needs to. His starts are “must see TV” right now.
And meanwhile, on the other side of “town” Joba’s velo is starting to inch up…
Here’s hoping they’re both rotational next year.
Krispy Kremes!
The lack of Krispy Kremes now available in NYC is almost a tragedy.
The only thing that keeps it from being a full blown tragedy is the existence of the Doughnut Plant who may actually have better dougnuts. Tough call.
Did anyone think that if Phil shows he can be a front of the rotation pitcher, that they won’t have to go after Lee? I think so. Lee on top of CC is not ideal. (heehee).
If I get emails from CB and CR9 on the same day, my head might explode.
Its bedtime-
Good night Yankee people
(As I try not to have nightmares caused by the mental image of Mr Nick in SF’s head exploding
)
CR9,
You are very strange.
In terms of trying to imagine who posters are/what they are like in real life, you may be the most difficult.
Erica, I did that on purpose, lol – I thought it was rather clever myself. I am a bit cracked, however….no doubt.
Nick
Dont worry! I’ll email you another day!
Im a wackadoodle, but a good guy!!
Phil, good point, lol – being compared in any way to HOFers is a good thing. Any resemblance to Doc is way cool, but I’d like Phil to carve out his own niche…
M, you naughty girl.
I think they will go after Lee regardless of what Phil shows. I’m not keen on giving him big $$$ for long years, but at this point, Javy is not an option (though it’s WAY to early to say) and who knows about Andy?
LGY
Thanks! I’ll take that as a compliment! I get angry over sports, but I like to have fun with the rest of life. Life is short! I love hot guys and hot women! I am attracted by beauty. I am turned off by Bostonian accents!
Most importantly, I hide my anti-Boston life philosophy from everyone I personally know or meet!!!!
LGY, I used to like Krispy Kreme, but now the idea of eating them makes my teeth hurt. I sometimes eat Dunkin Donuts, but I know they are just processed garbage. I don’t think there is a really good donut place on LI, which is a food tragedy.
Erica
Just dream of Jeetie, Alexei, and Robi all together at once!!!
It always gets me to sleep fast!!!!
Betsy
You CANT eat Dunkin Donuts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They are an official sponsor of the Boston Red Sox!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Yankees just seems like a lesser team without Gardner. Besides contributing in the tangibles, he is also provides a spark.
Look how they were tight at the plate until after his homerun today. Then everybody relax and pour it on.
I like to see Swisher but if it was between him or Gardner, it would definitely be Swisher that goes.
Nick-
Email sent. I take no responsibilities for any cranial fireworks.
True fact – first line every written on the Lohud Yankees Blog:
A screaming comes across the sky…
Betsy,
I know that Phil won’t sustain this start. But seriously, Lee is going to ink a very large contract. We already have a lefty ace.
CC/AJ/Andy/Hughes/$500K guy.
If Andy has a good, healthy year I think he’ll pitch another year. He’s found another gear. The 5th guy could be Joba, Aceves, someone from the minors.
People will scold me for looking ahead, but I’m just suggesting that Lee is not a must-get.
LOL. Really?
I’ll never buy from Dunkin’ Donuts again!!!
LGY
Oh, and I love to save animals (dogs) from being euthanized by Kill Shelters.
It’s a passion of mine!!!
i dont see the yanks letting brett go if he plays decently
hits .270, patrols left and steals a bunch of bases.
gay yankee fan
YES!! Those sickie poos on NESN are always plugging Dunkin Donuts and Finagle-A-Bagle…..YUCK!!!
M, if Andy comes back (and let’s see if he can pitch well the whole year) and Phil has a good year (and remember, the Yanks don’t think he’s fully developed yet), then I agree that Lee is probably not a must get.
CR9,
Do you keep the dogs or foster them?
CR, despite that affiliation, I still sometimes have them…….but usually only when someone in the office brings them in, lol. If I go there, it’s usually to a Baskin Robbins/DD combo store and I always go for Baskin Robbins.
I have 3 of my own, so I cant keep any more….
I keep them until I can find them a better home!!!
Phil-
Hughes looks great obviously. Joba… yes his velocity is trending up. And I do hope he can find his way back into the rotation.
But even when he’s throwing at a higher velocity than he was as a starter last year, the ball doesn’t have nearly as much life as it had prior nor does it have the same nice downwards plane.
96 now isn’t close to what 96 was two years ago.
Hopefully as the year progresses he’ll get better – but he’s just such a different pitcher, even at higher velocities.
If Phil keeps pitching like an ace, getting Lee would be somewhat pointless, and would probably only be internally justifiable to the Yanks if Andy indeed retires. The encouraging thing, other than Phil early season dominance is that Joba’s velo is ticking back up and his slider is more often plus than not. Seems like he’s still mixing in some curveballs, to keep that pitch around so he can go back into the ro next year.
Y’all know there’s a Krispy Kreme in Penn Station, right?
Betsy
I was only joking…You can do whatever you want, lol.
I just like to spread the word!!!
CB.
I think Joba will get to a tipping point with the fastball where it’s either gonna be “explosive” again, or it’s not. But he’s still young and I tend to think it will be again. I’m glad to see him keeping his secondary stuff in order.
CR, I know you were!
Also, gas stations and supermarkets sell Krispy Kreme………
CB: got it. Head still intact, pending further inbox developments.
So, more likely that Crawford is a Yankee than Lee?
Cliff Lee may represent an opportunity to make another historic run for the team that management just does not want to pass up.
It’ll be very interesting to see whether they go after him. There aren’t many attractive free agent pitchers available over the next several seasons.
And there aren’t many high end arms who project to be ready over the next several seasons.
They could DH Miranda and/ or Montero next season and save some money at DH while playing Gardner in LF and allocate resources to the rotation.
It’ll be interesting to see. And ultimately much of it is going to get down to how they feel about Joba.
“Y’all know there’s a Krispy Kreme in Penn Station, right?”
Completely subpar product. That location is a disgrace to the great Krispy Kreme doughnut
Nick, if you’re going to explode, please do it outside as I have a queasy stomach
Im thinking of Jeetie and Robi and Alexei…..Im ready to explode
I haven’t been overly impressed with Joba, but I think it would be great if he could make it as a starter, even if he’s not a #1 or #2 type. I’m not sure what the Yankees hope to see from him as a reliever that they think will make him a good starter, but I do think that would be ideal if he could slip into the #5 spot. On the other hand, I can see the rationale of going after Lee…what a rotation we’d have.
CR9,
What kind of dogs?
If you look at what some of the dominant themes in yankee history have been – particularly factors associated with their dynasty runs – two that stick out are having a plus offensive player at catcher and left handed starting pitching.
Those have been critical ingredients in some of the great teams the yankees have assembled again and again.
That’s why they are going to do everything possible to keep montero as a catcher.
And it’ll factor in with how they approach Cliff Lee vs. Carl Crawford in the off season.
“Completely subpar product. That location is a disgrace to the great Krispy Kreme doughnut
”
I have a hard time believing a deepfried piece of dough varies greatly from location to location…
“So, more likely that Crawford is a Yankee than Lee?”
—————
I’m probably in the minority, but I don’t think so.
I just have a feeling that the Yanks front office is in love with Lee.
We all know the importance of a good, reliable lefty at YS.
Saying “we already have a lefty ace” doesn’t mean that you can’t have 2 or 3.
Sabathia/AJ/Lee/Hughes/Andy ?
The Red Sox can take their “we have the best rotation in baseball” and shove it.
That might be the best rotation in a very long time in MLB.
Brett Gardner is doing his best job over the first month to make the Yanks pass on Crawford, as well.
LGY
rescue dog…..Husky/Corgi Mix…Tiki, Tookie, Tusky the Husky
rescue dog….Shiba Inu Mix….Teddy/Red Bone
Chihuahua…..LT, Taylor, Soob, Soobieman
My n*ece (censor doesn’t like the word or didn’t all last year anyway and part of this year) is a VP in the PR firm that represents the Sux, the Pats, and the Celtics. I have pictures of her grinning near the trophies and grinning near some of the players. She does a lot of the “up front” work at events where they or their trophies appear. I forget the technical name for what she does at those events.
If anyone is interested in losing their lunch I will be happy to find some of the pictures and post them. I agree. Who in hell cares to see those? (mel, that’s my n*ece who is half Italian and half Japanese)
CC kind of covers the dominant lefty thing. And yes they’ve generally had + offense at C and CF during their dynastic runs. Also, they usually win multiple titles, not just 1 when they are championship quality.
I’m not saying it’s bad to have 2 or 3 or 4 aces (why not 5?!).
I’m just saying they shelled out big bucks to CC/AJ and Lee would be another big pitching contract (which history tells us, don’t always work out).
But if the pitching class encompassing the second half of AJ’s contract doesn’t look so hot, then, yes, I can see them making a strong run @ Lee.
Too bad Beckett’s locked up already. HooHaHa.
I think it’s just way too early to conclude one way or another which way the Yankees will lean….
“I have a hard time believing a deepfried piece of dough varies greatly from location to location… ”
That’s blasphemy stuckey. I take my doughnuts very serious. You must only have dined on the subpar type of product they sell at the Penn Station Krispy Kreme.
You need to try a fresh and warm doughnut from Krispy Kreme or Doughnut Plant.
Betsy,
What supermarkets?
Oh yeah. The reason I mentioned my n*ece is because her PR firm also represents Dunkin Donuts!
Trisha
LOL
Anybody that is related to you cant be bad, regardless of team affiliations!!
That said, there is no reason to see pictures of any of those trophies, that none of those teams earned!
Dunkin Donuts? Yuck!!!!!!!!!! Puke!!!!!!!!!
When you look at what the FO has done over the past several seasons – they have basically tried to reproduce again the structure that has produced yankee dynasties in the past.
Signing CC. The incessant drafting and signing of catchers. Trading for Granderson.
They aren’t just trying to win. They are trying to recreate another dynasty team.
CC is clearly the lefty ace to build the staff around. But i don’t know if the team has a threshold for how much left handed pitching is enough.
You put three plus lefty pitchers in the rotation next year while having a line up stacked with left handed hitting power playing at Yankee Stadium and you are going to win a lot of games.
LGY, if you’re a donut connoisseur, ever been to Martha’s Vineyard?
In most of their championship runs they have also had a great player at second. Lazzeri, Gordon, Randolph, Cano. Casey used to switch up 2B’s a lot, but only Gil McDougald of that group approached greatness. Bobby Richardson was brutally overrated. And Knobby stopped being great when he found out you could by drugs all over town in NYC in the late `90s.
Half Japanese is great:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndWQxThfB70
LGY, I THINK I’ve seen them at Stop and Shop and ShopRight, but I could be wrong; I don’t think I am, though.
m,
I know – you are definitely right too.
I believe the Yankees will continue to try to be financially conscious next year, as well (i.e. try to keep the payroll at or below $200M).
It’s quite possible that they resign Derek and Mo, and that’s it. You can’t forget that some contracts go up (Swisher gets more than a $2M raise, for example, plus arbitration eligible guys getting raises)
It’s very difficult to speculate…. but I just think that if they decide they’re going to carry another big contract, it will be Lee rather than Crawford.
I could be very wrong, of course.
stuckey,
I have not. I have not traveled at all really within the US.
With Gardner playing like and all-star and Cano playing like an MVP, we should stop and give the Yanks farm system a lot of credit for producing these two guys (as well as Hughes, of course.)
Also, as I recall, neither Gardner nor Cano was that high up on the list of promising minor leaguers. It just goes to show that it’s not always easy to predict how minor league players will perform in the majors.
The yankee model for success over and over and over has been to create overwhelming force up the middle at skilled positions most other teams don’t get very much production from.
This is one of the central hallmarks of the yankees and one of the most important factors in their dynasties.
In a certain way, the yankees have understood the notion of “replacement level players” over almost 90 years.
They yankees assemble all start to hall of fame caliber players at positions where most teams usually play their worst producing players.
Catcher. Center Field. 2b. SS – though less so than the other positions.
They generate massive relative advantage in those position over and over going back to the 1920′s. The dynasties often have this characteristic.
Offensive strength up the middle with good pitching – particularly left handed pitching has been the yankees model for success over the course of the franchise’s history.
And over the past few years – whether it’s signing Cano to that long term deal, paying Montero a huge signing bonus only to give an even larger one to Gary Sancez a few years later, to signing CC and bringing back Andy, to trading for Granderson – the team has been carefully putting those ingredients to create a dynasty back together again.
David in Cal,
I was just thinking this a little while ago.
Austin Jackson is getting a ton of praise, and rightfully so.
Yet, somehow… the favorite to be rookie of the year was only 75th on the baseball list of prospects and had tons of holes in his game when he was a Yankee.
For most “expert” analysts it’s already a forgone conclusion that Montero simply cannot play catcher.
Bottom line, the Yanks are doing a much better job with scouting, the draft, IFA signings, etc.
Sooner or later, there will be no way around it. The farm system will command respect and credit will be given for that.
“That said, there is no reason to see pictures of any of those trophies, that none of those teams earned!”
They really look so ordinary – the trophies. They look like something you could buy from an athletic store and give out at a high school banquet!
How old is Lee, 31? He’s probably looking for 5 years…..I don’t know, I’m torn. I don’t want another big $$$, long term deal to hamper the Yanks (because no one knows how he’ll age, it’s all speculation). Then again, we’d have a great shot at another title. On the other hand, our position players are getting old and I don’t think I want to go so top-heavy with the pitching that we neglect improving the lineup.
CB,
As more in baseball pick up on that, along with revenue sharing, it’s becoming nearly impossible to obtain a quality catcher via free agency. Under 30 front of the rotation starters are scarce to the free agent market.
The Yankees have a renewed focus on the positions you presented at just the right time.
BD-
I know people think the drafting and signing of catchers is a little overboard to nutty but there is a reason why they are doing it.
If you have a Bill Dickey, a Yogi Berra, an Elston Howard, a Thurman Munson, or a Jorge Posada on your team you tend to win. And win frequently.
Now it’s not all that single player of course. But the yankees for decades have demolished the opposition behind the plate.
And it’s no accident that they now have 6 high quality young players at catcher younger than 25.
Betsy,
Cliff Lee will turn 32 this season and you are right to be concerned.
I will say that he’s capable of pitching well by deception rather than overpowering guys…
e.g. he can succeed like Pettitte is now, or Mussina did in 2008.
If he loses velocity as he ages, it’s not as critical as a power pitcher.
But still, there is risk involved for sure. Crawford is the safer signing. Lee is the “Let’s try for another 3-4 more WS ring dynasty” signing.
Trisha
LOL. That’s all they deserve!
I know your love for animals, do you have any pets?
And have you seen mine? If not, or you want to…..
http://pets.lohudblogs.com/201.....nd-taylor/
Interestingly, during Yankee dynasties, the only truly great 1b they had who also won championships was Gehrig. Tex has a chance to make it two. Mize was never the regual 1B when he was winning titles with the Yanks, and guys like Skowron and Tino were just “very good.” Skowron was a righty hitter who was punished by playing in OYS.
I would be one of those. I understand the need for a surplus of catchers, but outside of Romine/Montero, the kids are so far away that they are not of any use as assets. The Yankees need prospects in the OF and they could use an INF or two (though I know the INF is set for years), esp. a SS.
BD, I don’t think Crawford is worth the $$ he’d get, but I admit he’s very intriguing. If Andy has another very good year (not 2.12 good,lol) and he comes back, then we only need one more pitcher (presuming Phil has a good year as well). If he doesn’t, then we need two. Even if Andy comes back, and the Yanks are satisfied with what they’ve seen from Joba in the pen to the point they think he can start, I don’t know that they would want 2 kids in the rotation. They would only do that if they were sure that Phil was on his way.
CB,
The Yanks are limiting the risk of not having a very good catcher at the MLB level. If Montero were their only legit catching prospect, they’d be in better shape than many teams. But still, there is no guarantee. Perhaps he won’t be able to catch. By having 6 guys, the odds are very high that catcher will not be a concern for a long time.
You can never have too much pitching.
And I’ve never heard of a team saying they had too many good catchers.
If the Yankees are presented with that “problem”, oh what a good problem it will be, because they can name their price to other teams.
If the Yanks ever needed a corner OF or IF, they could probably always look to free agency. If they needed a C, they might be in deep trouble.
Betsy,
Montero and Romine were in low A in `08. Now they are AAA and AA respectively. The other catchers aren’t all that far away. Catchers can move quickly, particularly Sanchez.
CR9, they are beautiful! I don’t have any pets only because I do not have the time that they deserve. I don’t think it’s fair to animals for people to get them as pets and then to leave them by themselves all the time or tie them up outside. But I am an aunt to many.
Betsy,
I’m glad the Yanks got Heathcott and his future looks bright, but the fact is, the likelihood of outfielders being available via free agency is typically very good. There isn’t as much scarcity.
You just don’t see young pitchers or quality catchers hit free agency very often.
The Yankees have filled their system with both. And I imagine it’s not a coincidence.
Has anyone read the new Gammons column? I think he’s gone off the deep end.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/articl.....8;c_id=mlb
It’s basically about the recent resurgence of athletic black players in baseball. He’s actually breaking it down to race.
I really found the premise of the piece to be offensive.
Guess this is what happens when the Red Sox stink.
Phil, ok thanks! Then I guess I was wrong and I’m perfectly happy to be so. Romine is doing very well at AA so far and hopefully the other kids will develop as well. It’s inevitable that one or two will be traded; I’ve heard great things about Murphy. What I wonder is why they converted him from the OF to catcher when they have a paucity of OF in the system.
BD, they’ve drafted so many that one or two have to stick as SP, right? It seems like so many of these kids project as relievers, so it would be nice if a Ramirez or Banuelos pan out.
Trisha
Thanks! They are truly the best little puppies!!
You’re right about pets needing time and love!
Im sure you’re the best Aunt to humans and doggies/kitties!!!
Betsy,
They didn’t convert him to catcher, the folks at IMG Academy, where he went to school converted him to catcher. He might be converted to OF at some point. Elston Howard played out there of a number of years. Yogi even played some OF at the beginning and toward the end of his career. The guy to keep an eye on is Sanchez. He’s the youngest but might have the greatest upside as a two way catcher.
Phil the Thrill.
Richardson wasn’t over rated. He wasn’t HOF quality, but he played his position superbly and was a good batter. IMO, you could say the same about Gil McDougal. I think Cano has the potential to supercede all prior Yankee 2nd basemen, but he has a lot of years to play very well before this will be considered.
I don’t particularly see the need for Crawford. This is a guy who two years ago posted a mammoth .273/.319/.400 line, and who in his best season logged a 117 OPS +. He’s a high volume basestealer but not a particularly skilled one.
I’m not suggesting that Brett Gardner is a long term option for this team in the outfield yet. But at this point, unless Gardner totally falls off a cliff this year, I really don’t see how paying Crawford mammoth money is worth the difference in value between the two players. Gardner has a career .337 OBP, Crawford a career .336 OBP. Crawford isn’t going to get any better than he is now, and given what we’ve seen from Gardner this year, there’s a damn good chance that the .337 career OBP he sports right now is on the lower end of what we can expect from him in the next couple of years.
Curtis is going to play center for the next few years whether we like it or not, and Swisher really does look like a long-term option in right. If you are going to add to this outfield you want to add a power bat out in left, not one that is a glorified, overpaid version of what Gardner already gives you.
SAS from Dayton,
Bobby Richardson had a crappy OBP and no power and made outs at the plate for a living. He was a bad hitter and a terrible choice of a lead off hitter. He was a good fielder, though. McDougald, particularly before the awful Score incident where he contemplated quitting was a much better hitter and even a better fielder.
I agree that Cano has a chance to be better than Gordon, Tony and Willie. Willie is as underrated as Richardson was overrated.
Phil, thanks for the info!
“The guy to keep an eye on is Sanchez. He’s the youngest but might have the greatest upside as a two way catcher.”
————
Agreed.
Even Keith Law had no choice but to say nice things about him
from scout.com:
“(Gary) Sanchez could be Montero-like with the bat”
“already his offensive game has been compared to the top position prospects in the organization and his defensive skills to some of the elite catchers in the farm system.”
“If the Yanks ever needed a corner OF or IF, they could probably always look to free agency. If they needed a C, they might be in deep trouble.”
Over the past two years the yankees have been able to sign Mark Teixeira and then trade for Nick Swisher and Curtis Granderson.
During that same period of time the Red Sox were unable to trade or acquire a stable stwo way catcher of any kind for the price they were willing to pay.
They Yankees got Nick Swisher for close to nothing as a salary dump. The Sox weren’t able to trade for Miguel Montero without giving up their best pitching prospect.
Yes they traded for Victor Martinez but when they got him he was no longer catching everyday for the Indians and he is obviously a huge problem defensively now.
In fact, during the time in which the yanks acquired Tex, Swisher, and Granderson I can’t think of too many significant catchers who can play behind the plate everyday switching teams.
Catchers are just too hard to get and when a team has a good one they are going to keep him.
The Yanks left Ausmus unprotected in an expansion draft about 20 years ago, and look how long he’s lasted. Has he finally retired?
That article by Gammons was confusing. What was the point he was trying to make?
When does Gary Sanchez start playing in the minors?
mel
The only point in that article that Gammons was trying to make….
“Some Red Sox people privately would not be surprised if shortstop Jose Iglesias and catcher Adalberto Ibarra are in Boston at some point next season.”
That’s all!
CB, what do you think of my perspective on the Yankees and Crawford? Do you believe he’s a viable target at such a price?
Q: Mr. Gammons, what’s the point of this story?
A: I like stories.
Gardner’s MLB history shows that he gets better after every promotion. He is proving it in the big show. I think his best work is ahead of him for the next 4 years!
Oh to have AJax back. I don’t care that Grandy is proven. With the lineup the NYY have, it wold have been easy to insert him in the 7th or 8th spot. Tis a shame.
JR Murphy is the kid that might get Jesus or Gary traded one day. That kid is unreal.
The Tiger’s are laughing all of the way to the bank with Ajax. Now with Grandy’s groin issue, which is a very tough injury to heal from, we will see the true internal fortitude of a man named Curtis.
He’s also 5’10. He’s not getting Jesus or Gary traded. He may end up in LF.
Q: Mr Gammons, is there a prospect in the Red Sox system that is not a future Hall of Famer
A: Yes. Jesus Montero.
Q: Montero is in the Yankees farm system. Any Red Sox not destined for the Hall of Fame, Pete?
A: No. All of them are. Especially this 12 year old kid we are going to sign in 4 years. It’s our 4 year plan, like Mark Teixeira was our 2 year plan. His name is Derrick Jitter! He’s destined for stardom!
“He’s also 5?10. He’s not getting Jesus or Gary traded. He may end up in LF.”
Murpy is 6’0 and yes he might get them traded, the bat and arm on him is well advanced.
Murpy? Sounds Dutch. Why hasn’t Roger hyped him?
When did he grow to 6’0″? And no he’s not getting them traded. He’s 19 and he’s not even in full league yet. I like him a lot and if he’s an O’Murchada Murphy, I am also related to him, but he’s not ranked with Montero and Sanchez in terms of upside, and what they liked about his 60 time was that it was fast enough for OF if we have a logjam.
Actually he’ll be 19 in 12 days, this is his age 19 season. Jesus Montero, for example spent his age 19 season in High A and AA.
Reasons why I would like to see javy start on friday:
1. 4 of the 5 starters are doing well right now. U want to ride the wave of Phil-CC-AJ-Andy as long as u can.
2. I know boston is a good offensive team at home but it’s not like there setting the world on fire right now, I mean baltimore just swept them. All the yankees have to do is win 2 out of 3 over there not sweep them (though it would fun to see
)
3. The only way for javy to get out of this funk is to keep throwing him out there, plus it’s little early to start skipping him. The team is 16-8 and they have the luxuary to throw him out there right now.
Al
I understand the need to get Javy back in there, but there’s NO NEED to throw him in there in Fenway, that bandbox.
Also, we dont have the luxury of throwing the Red Sox a free game. No need to wake a sleeping, or in the Sox case, undertalented old giant.
Putting Javy in Fenway is more likely to have negative results on his psyche and the team’s record, than it is to work out in our favor.
His bat is rated better than Sanchez, he catches and throws better than Jesus. Soon his bat will make a name for himself. Don’t be surprised if Jesus is put on the block, it’s the Yankees and they stocked catching prospects for a reason.
CR9
All good points, but if the yankees really have confidence him (which I believe they will) the only way is for him to go against the red sox. Plus by skipping him adds more fuel to the fire
Brandon Awesome,
Where is his bat rated better than Sanchez’s? Not by the Yanks, I can assure you of that. Scout has him at 5’10″ and, again, I like him and was happy he showed plate disc last summer in the few games he played. But, again, if he’s what you are saying, why is he not in full season league right now? He’s not injured. Both Montero and Romine were in full season leagues by 19. Montero was at 18. And they are not putting Montero on the block.
Al
It doesnt add any fuel to the fire.
You have to remember that the media and the media created fire is not the Yankees.
Javy understands more than anyone that he has struggled, and needs to straighten out his mechanics.
Im sure Javy also understands that there probably is no good to come out of pitching at that crappy bandbox of a stadium.
The Yankees surely do have confidence in him. I have confidence in him. I just dont see a point in sending a lamb to the slaughter in Fenway Field.
Getting a win vs. the decrepit Socks would be a good… who knows, Javy might do it.
Nick
I dont doubt that Javy could beat the Sox. I have all the confidence in the world in him.
It’s just that we have an opportunity, the advantage, having an off day going into the Sox series, to set our rotation up.
Why potentially give them a free win, or a free beatdown of Javy.
Fenway Field isnt even good enough to be a little league park, never mind a major league park. I wouldnt want Javy, with his recent struggles, anywhere near that dump.
Hey, it’s all set up if they want to skip Javy, give him a chance to break things down and build them back up again, whatever.
But don’t think that skipping him, especially to avoid the Socks, won’t add fuel to the fire.
I tentatively vote for sweeping the Orioles and then letting Javy pitch on Friday. But if they figure out that something is up with him, that changes the equation.
“You have to remember that the media and the media created fire”
That right there is why javy should be starting on friday. The only to shut them up is by vasquez having a good start and the team winning that day. This team is coming off a world championsihp and the last thing they should be doing is worrying what they think. Haven’t u noticed even with the wally mathews article, there trying to start something that’s not even there?
”The only way to shut them up”
fixed
Sorry for the error.
http://www.latimesmagazine.com.....e-hot.html
Interesting……..
@Nick
Murphy doesn’t sound Dutch a all.He’s definitely not one of us.He’s not that lucky
This guy at Scranton(John Van Benschoten ) HAS to be Dutch. He has some great numbers at Scraton as well.Doesn’t surprise me one bit
Another idiot getting a paycheck for coming up with ideas that would get shot down on this blog… and with good reason. Read this for a laugh.
According to BIG John Harper at the Daily News, the Mets should take Javy Vazquez and his $11.5 million in salary and the Yankees should be glad to get a Met prospect back.
OK, where are the Mets getting $11.5 mil to pay Javy and why are they giving the Yankees salary relief? And why are they taking a pitcher who is currently mentally disabled? And why are the Yankees taking a Met prospect even-up in return when they need a pitcher to eat innings the rest of the year? Is there even a Met prospect worth having? Notice Harper doesn’t put himself through the hard work of identifying this “prospect.”
What a boob!
http://www.nydailynews.com/spo.....or_bo.html
As if BIG John Harper wasn’t enough of an assault on one’s senses this a.m., Walmatt (Wallace Matthews) continues to snarl, beat his chest and fart loudly:
http://sports.espn.go.com/new-.....id=5156534
hello…is Wally really that stupid? On a hot day, with a 12 run lead, why wouldn’t you take some of your regulars out? It happens all the time. And what a perfect spot to give Melancon a chance to pitch in and out of trouble.
Why not focus on the positives, Phil pitched great, Robbie, GGBG, Tex had good days, even NJ got a hit.
Kate, If you listen to ESPN radio they do “New York” sportscenters. On days when the Yankees win they have somebody (a beat writer who’s name escapes me) give a 30-45 second recap on the Yanks. It’s very ‘just the facts’ and there is usually a sense that this is a good team.
When the Yankees lose Wally comes on and gives a disertation on why this loss is indicative of a larger problem the Yankees have and he expects the team to go into a funk because of it. It’s funny.
if i had to choose between crawford and werth…i choose werth.
I don’t get ESPN radio up here. I usually check out espn or mlb network before work, and whatever links other posters provide. I guess controversy sells, but I get tired of the negativity, especially for a team that has won 7 of 8 series.
CB, I’m sure you’re long gone but I just read some of your posts from late last night and they were really interesting. Your talk about how the Yankees have built their teams to be strong up the middle since the 1920′s is very cool. It’s pretty awesome that what worked back in the 20′s (strong catching, pitching, SS, CF) still works now. Baseball really is a timeless sport.
Also when I read this line, “They aren’t just trying to win. They are trying to recreate another dynasty team.” I thought I could hear a hint of the Imperial March song playing. The Evil Empire rises again…
Yankees off to a great start despite slow starts by Tex, Johnson, and Vazquez.
Nick Johnson looks like his bat has slowed considerrably and Randy Winn just looks overmatched. Girardi not starting Winn despite facing two consecutive tough lefties tells me that Randy is will not be a Yankee very long.
Going to the Stadium to watch C.C. tonight. I hope that they get the game in!
My guess is that Colin Curtis may become a bpomber tonight or tomorrow.
Latham Joe-
Colin Curtis is on the DL with an ankle injury.
I’ll bet the’s banging his head against the wall somewhere.
It’s raining in NY, but I think this shall pass………
It will most likely be Golson, especially since he’s on the 40-man roster. Curtis wasn’t on the 40-man roster even before the injury.
Golson probably won’t get a ton of ABs, but he’ll be a late inning defensive replacement for Thames and certainly a pinch runner as well.
Lots of speed. Not much of a bat.
Now he’s a nice article on Phil (yes, by Sherman) and I agree with him about the part I’m highlighting:
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports.....wWs66KILzJ
The intent of the 94-mph dart was to freeze Paul Konerko for a strikeout, and Hughes believed he had accomplished just that with his 2-2 pitch. But home-plate umpire Dan Iassogna did not, moving the normally stoic Hughes to let out a yell and momentarily pace off the mound.
“It was the perfect pitch in a big spot and I let my emotions slip,” Hughes said.
But something happened at that moment that was as meaningful as anything in Hughes’ seven shutout innings in the Yankees’ 12-3 triumph over the White Sox: He gathered himself and returned to the mound quickly without even a glance at Iassogna. Konerko leads the AL in homers. One swing against a distracted Hughes could have drawn Chicago within two runs and forced Yankees manager Joe Girardi to begin thinking about deploying a recently overused bullpen.
“You cannot get caught up in the last pitch,” Hughes said. “I had to settle down, forget it and execute the next pitch.”
Jorge Posada and Hughes agreed Konerko would be looking for Hughes’ best fastball. So to disrupt the slugger’s timing, Hughes delivered his blossoming cutter and Konerko swung through it.
***I could live without the rush to judgment on the trades, but I’ll ignore that part and focus on the main thrust of the article**
Betsy -
I think this shows how valuable the stint in the bullpen was to Hughes – being able to forget the last pitch and move on – because you can’t survive in the bullpen without being able to do that.
I wondered last night why no one was mentioning that he only walked one batter yesterday. He’s really come into his own, and it’s great to watch.
I tried to watch the game last night on replay, but I was sooooo tired. I fell asleep with the TV on. Oddly enough, I guess it must get louder when something good happens, because I woke up to see Cano’s double and Gardner’s rbi single (but saw nothing in between!), Cano’s homerun and Thames’ nice catch. Fortunately I did DVR the replay, so at some point today, before tonight’s game, I’ll FF through it to catch the highlights and some of Phil’s pitching. It must have been that seaside air.
By the way, I saw your post about not liking to stay out on the beach. I don’t much care for that either; we don’t swim in the ocean or set up on the beach. We usually go mid-afternoon and just enjoy the ambience. Occasionally, if it’s not too crowded, we’ll walk on the shoreline, but yesterday there were too many sea gulls and they were very aggressive.
KenDavidoff You think Mark Teixeira slipped the black Spiderman suit in Santana’s locker when the clock struck May?
Phil shows a maturity beyond his years by the way he doesn’t get rattled on the mound.
I don’t get caught up in the numbers game as far as pitchers go. I think originally Phil was placed between Javy and CC b/c they are, or were supposed to be, innings eaters.
GF
how are you doing?
Thanks Doreen/Guiseppe. Didn’t realize Curtis was hurt and that Huffman is now on the 40-man. Not much to choose from in the OF at Scranton.
Doreen, since you spent a day in the sun, I’m not surprise you were tired last night. Now you can watch the game at your own leisure, lol. It still bugs me that YES skips innings when replaying a game, but they only skipped the top of the 3rd. I like to catch as much Phil as I can, so that’s slightly slightly annoying, lol.
Phil’s walk total will come down (at least the ration of BB/KK) as he gains more command. He really only had issues in his first (and it wasn’t that bad at all -and, it was understandable) and in Baltimore when he felt awful. The thing is, teams can not hit him; his stuff is incredible.
I think the pen was good for Phil in another way: it gave him a chance to have consistent success. 2008 was a nightmare for him, whatwith trying to pitch through his rib injury and understanding that many people looked at him as a bust. Phil has said he’s very grateful for 2009 and I can see why. Actually, he was fine as a starter, but the pen did seem to do him a world of good. I think he thrived in part because of his attitude – he welcomed the challenge.
Murph– you forget that Javy has the loser gene and as such would fit in with the ‘other’ baseball team in NY quite nicely behind Ollie Perez and Rod Barajas. (I’ll take 1 sarcasm and 1 mean spiritedness in my large Dunkin’ dark, thank you.)
NOISY NEIGHBOR
There’s more to the arrangement of lockers in a clubhouse than most people realize. Some players like to have an empty locker next to theirs. Some players need it because they get so much media attention.
There is an empty locker next to Mariano Rivera’s, but it?s not because the closer requested it.
When the Yankees had their home opener on April 13, Damaso Marte was stationed in that locker – and when he saw that, he did not wait for a clubhouse attendant or anyone else. On his own he moved the nameplate and locker’s contents down the row to where he is now, what had been an empty spot between Chan Ho Park and Curtis Granderson.
There is constant traffic in front of Rivera’s locker. It might be more activity than some would enjoy.
When Mark Melancon arrived Sunday after his call-up, he had a choice of three spots and chose one near the front door between Boone Logan and Alfredo Aceves, a long-time buddy in the organization. He could have gone in next to Rivera, but chose not to.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/spo.....z0mrzotHCs
Doreen,
You make a great point about Hughes’ time in the bullpen. Its why I have always felt the folks who opined about Hughes, or Joba for that matter, going to AAA to start everyday were offbase.
Going to the bullpen changed the course of Phil Hughes’ career for the better. It forced him to be more aggressive, especially with his fastball, stay focused on the next pitch, and more importantly, have success.
That success increased his confidence, which increased his focus. It all goes hand in hnd.
Its much better than dominating minor league hitters.
There is no substitute for success at the major league level. Even if it comes out of the bullpen.
Doing very well, Kate. Thank you for asking.
I’m not completely back to normal, and I have no idea if I ever will be, but I’m not that far away.
It was just three months ago that I was bedridden and could barely move. Now I’m walking without the assistance of a walker, cane, or anything.
I’ve zoomed through this rehab pretty fast, although I have a lot more ahead of me.
SJ44 -
It’s why, in spite of how it turned out, I didn’t think it was necessarily a bad thing when Hughes and Kennedy started for the major league team in 2008. It didn’t turn out well, but the thinking behind it wasn’t as flawed as people think it was. Both guys (and Joba, for that matter) were having an easy time of getting hitters out in AAA, they flew threw the system (well, Phil didn’t fly, but did move rather easily, and that’s because he was younger, and no college) and didn’t face enough challenges.
I do like the idea of the bullpen transition better than throwing these guys into the rotation, though.
Well, I have to run a few errands this morning, including driving all the way up to Bayonne. I’m hoping to be back home by 12:30 to start GTLU. If I am not, I trust you guys to start it on your own.
I won’t be back much later than that, though.
See you later.
continued success GF, glad you are going in the right direction. I always enjoy your posts, it is good to have you back.
New Post: Today in The Journal News
Will the Yankees get any credit for not plunking anybody?