Today in The Journal News
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Today in the Journal News on May 18, 2010 
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Alex Rodriguez tied it with a two-run home run, Marcus Thames won it with a two-run home run and A.J. Burnett celebrated the Yankees 11-9 win against Boston with the first whipped cream pie of the season. The Yankees squandered a five-run lead, but their four-run ninth made all the difference.
Before the game, the Nick Johnson announced that he will undergo surgery on his right wrist. The notebook also has items on Jorge Posada, Nick Swisher, Javier Vazquez and Chan Ho Park.
Ahhh, its always nice to wake up to sports pages full of articles about a Yankees win. Hope you’re all still as giddy as I am from last night.
repost from last thread:
“I mean, I’d rather the Yankees win handily, as exciting as ninth inning walk-offs are.”
We are going to be in for a lot of games like last night if something doesn’t happen soon with the Yankees middle relief. Despite Sunday’s loss, the Yankees are still the best team in baseball when they have the lead going into the 8th with Joba and Rivera.
However, when the starter can’t go 7, they are in trouble. No lead is safe with this crew. I knew last night was trouble when Phil threw 20 pitches to get the 3rd out in the 5th. Even if he hadn’t given up the 3 run shot, having to go 2 innings with these firestarters is asking for trouble. And, it was worse than I thought, because Joba wasn’t available for the 8th. It isn’t just last night, I have been saying ths since the 2nd week of the season.
The answer? The guys they have out there have to pitch better. There is no trade market speak of, besides, who would you get? If they didn’t have Marte or Park, those are the type of guys you would go after. Robertson has to get his confidence back, or whatever it is that he is missing.
Last year, the pen was in a similar state at this time, however, they still hadn’t yet added Hughes. Joba is already there, so now who is the savior of the middle relief this year?
Here’s a really scary thought if you are the rest of the AL.
Right now the Yankees are the #1 hitting team, and are #2 in Pitching.
All that w/o Vasquez pitching well, and with all the injuries to their players.
Watch out baseball because an 800 lb. is coming to a town near you.
Shame Spencer May 18th, 2010 at 9:32 am
Ahhh, its always nice to wake up to sports pages full of articles about a Yankees win. Hope you?re all still as giddy as I am from last night.
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I am!!!
Erin, you’re a perpetual fountain of giddiness. You’re like one of the Brady Bunch or a Von Trappe kid.
Except maybe that isn’t quite the automatic it once was. Just as familiarity has allowed the Sox more success against Rivera — the greatest closer of them all — than other teams, so are the Yankees showing signs of figuring out Papelbon.
Elias Sports Bureau did the math. In his past 18 appearances against the Yankees, dating to June 3, 2007, Papelbon is 0-5 with a 7.85 ERA. He has seven saves against the Bombers, but they have hit five home runs in 18 1/3 innings off him, are batting .293 overall and slugging .547.
http://sports.espn.go.com/bost.....id=5197385
Good things always happen on May 17th for the Yankees it seems; the 12 year anniversary of Wells’ perfect game !
Soon as the A-Rod start playing well and you try and go on the Web to read about the game then the tabloids start. I tried to read about the game and what come up him and Cameron Diaz and Kate Hudson. Is this the only way these women can get their movies promoted?
GreenBeret7 May 18th, 2010 at 9:38 am
Erin, you?re a perpetual fountain of giddiness. You?re like one of the Brady Bunch or a Von Trappe kid.
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LMAO. Thank you….I think.
still giddy as well. I got up this am, and saw the last of the game on espn, then it was the lead story on espn, even over kobe. I caught the top 10 before leaving for work and the Alex/Thames HRs were #1
That was one of the best wins I’ve ever experienced. LOL After Alex hit his HR, I screamed so loudly that I disturbed my family – they were really ticked off because they thought something was wrong, lol. After Thames hit his, I started to scream, then had to mute it……but I was running around like a lunatic, lol.
The Sox pitching has still not found it’s groove, but they can really hit.
Maybe they can fix up Javy with Kate Hudson to turn his luck around, or maybe they have already and its working !
edit: I meant to say “800 lb. Gorilla”.
Is there any update on Aceves. I feel like he went down and was forgotten about. after last night, it makes you realize his importance and value to this team.
Any news on Ace?
Mark in Tampa -
I know…this bullpen crew hasn’t gelled yet. For every day they show some promise, the next day it’s gone. I’m not overly concerned yet, but it is definitely something that needs watching.
I think most of the time, they are going to get 7 out of their starters.
But then there’s the issue of keeping the bulllpen sharp. It seems like a darned if you do, darned if you don’t situation. If they don’t get enough work, they’re “rusty;” if they get too much work, they’re “exposed” or tired or whatever adjective you want to put on it. No balance has yet been struck.
And perhaps they do need that “one more arm” that will almost magically fit all the pieces into place. I don’t think that arm is here yet. Which minor league guy will it be? It will be interesting to see.
I still believe Robertson will sharpen up, but that’s based on last year, not this year. Park will be mostly okay. Marte – who knows? Logan – so far he doesn’t inspire much hope. Ace needs to be able to pitch. Mitre will be okay. If Ace can’t really overcome the back issues, then there really is a problem. Last night was a game where Ace normally would have come in after Hughes and shut the door.
It was a very exciting win. After Alex tied the game I just knew the Yankees would win it.
http://www.newsday.com/sports/.....-1.1917286
All you need to know about Marcus Thames is that, had every Yankee been healthier last night, he never would’ve had the chance to be pied in the face.
With the score tied after Alex Rodriguez crushed a two-run homer off Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon in the ninth inning, and with Francisco Cervelli on first with two outs, Joe Girardi would’ve turned to Nick Swisher, had Swisher’s left biceps not been bothering him, or Jorge Posada, had Posada not been sidelined by a foot injury.
But Thames has made a nice little career by defying low expectations. By surprising people. When he drilled a walk-off shot to leftfield off Papelbon, sending the Yankees home 11-9 winners and electrifying Yankee Stadium, he added an all-time moment to his impressive career.
“If you’ve ever seen me, I’m the same way. It doesn’t matter,” a fired-up Thames said afterward. “I was a 30th-round draft pick. I wasn’t a first-round pick. Nothing has ever been given to me. So I’ve earned everything I’ve always had.
“I’m going to come out, keep working and see what happens. You like that?”
He directed that last question at reporters, as in “Does that quote work for you?” He’s a likable guy, but also a proud guy. Proud, as he should be, of what he has accomplished since the Yankees selected him, indeed, in the 30th round of the 1996 draft.
This blast off Papelbon evoked just one other memory of his career: On June 10, 2002, as a 25-year-old rookie, he crushed the very first big-league pitch he saw over the leftfield wall at the old Stadium. Oh, and the pitch came from the left hand of Arizona’s Randy Johnson.
He got postgame pie that night, too, from long-forgotten backup catcher Alberto Castillo. Yet no one in the park that night will ever forget that homer, and last night brought the predictable question over which was better.
“This one’s a walk-off,” said Nick Johnson, Thames’ buddy from their days together in the Yankees’ minor-league system. “That was for his first hit.” Johnson couldn’t decide.
“I think this one is up there, too,” Thames said. “This one, you can’t take that away from me.”
He pointed out that he has more career homers against righties than lefties, yet that reflects quantity of opportunities and nothing else. Thames owns far better on-base and slugging percentages against lefty pitchers than against righties.
So with Papelbon appearing to lose his cool, Thames thought to himself, “Hit a fastball,” and not to be overly aggressive, as he was during an eighth-inning strikeout against Daniel Bard. Just as with Johnson in ’02, he finished his work on the first pitch.
These Yankees are 25-13, comfortably ahead of the fourth-place Red Sox (19-20) despite enduring a rash of injuries and a slow start from important players. They owe gratitude to a small core of players, including their top four starting pitchers – Phil Hughes endured his first bad start of 2010, as the Red Sox wore him down after the Yankees jumped out to a 5-0 lead – Robinson Cano, Brett Gardner, Cervelli and Thames.
The Mississippi native picked up only 13 plate appearances during his first go-round as a Yankee, and after seven years away (six with Detroit), he found himself having to sign a minor-league contract and make the team in spring training.
Now, with Johnson out for an extended period and other guys shut down for the moment, Thames has his real Yankees playing time. He once again is surprising us and thrilling his teammates, who appreciate his down-to-earth personality and strong work ethic.
“Just a great man,” A-Rod said of Thames afterward. And for those of us on the outside, a great underdog story.
Two questions for everyone now that we are getting deeper into the season:
1) are we set at DH now that Johnson is showing he old injured self? Can Miranda play there all season or does this team need to look for a DH (too bad Montero isn’t smashing it in AAA or he could be an option). Can Jorge be an everyday DH and let Cervelli catch most of the games? which brings me to Q2…
2) Is this the real Gardner and Cervelli or should we be expecting them to regress to something less. I don’t mean Cervelli hitting .400 for the season, I just mean him being a very productive everyday catcher. And for Gardner, I mean a guy that can be a legit .400 OBP guy that can be in the top few in the league in SB and runs scored. Or will we will the same thing that happened last year and he starts to fade?
upstate kate – I love that what will probably end up being considered a ‘meaningless game in May’ for the Yankees still trumps the NBA playoffs lol
We read about the big guys all the time and heaven knows I can’t read enough about Phil, but this is a really nice story; I’m glad Thames got his moment in the spotlight.
If this is Papelbon’s contract year, he has 1 BS, 1-3 Wins. bosox will have some leverage if this continues, and he not get the big payday he wants. I hope IF THEY LET HIM WALK Cashman isn’t there waiting with open checkbook, he’s no Mo!
Every team has shaky middle relief corps. Its the underbelly of every team.
That’s why length from a starting pitcher is so important.
If your starter gets you into the 7th inning most nights, its much easier for a manager to run his bullpen.
Not a lot of teams in baseball can get 4 innings, 12 clean outs, against a good team.
When you have a couple of guys unavailable (Robertson and Chamberlain) and Aceves on the DL, its even tougher.
That’s just the way it is.
On those nights, you have to find a different way to win and the Yankees did last night.
Any news on Ace?
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I heard Kim Jones say last night that Ace had received an epidural and that his back was feeling much better. He expects to be back when his time on the DL is up.
SJ44 -
Yes – it’s the nature of the beast.
And most nights it shouldn’t be an issue for the Yankees.
The other nights, you do the best you can, and sometimes you DO hope for pie.
(But it would be nice if they found this year’s equivalent to Hughes – or even Robertson – wouldn’t it?)
Paco,
I think the DH position will be manned by different guys for awhile. At least until a trade market begins to form in June.
I believe Miranda is going to get an opportunity, at least against righties. Hopefully, he takes advantage of it.
I don’t think Posada is going to be the everyday DH. They need his experience behind the plate. Cervelli’s lack of experience showed a little last night in some key spots.
Cervelli has done an outstanding job in the role he currently has on the team. I wouldn’t mess with that role.
Its still too early to say if both Gardner and Cervelli are “for real” as in both being everyday players for a contending team.
I will say this about Gardner though…..
If you look at how he played this year, and how he was playing last year up until he broke his thumb, its clear the guy is good enough to be an effective player at this level for a team like the Yankees. What he brings to the table changes a game and that not a lot of guys have that ability to do that in today’s baseball.
How effective he can be over the long haul may still be up for debate. However, IMO, he has shown he belongs at this level and is continuing to get better.
That’s all you can ask from a young player.
Erin May 18th, 2010 at 9:41 am
GreenBeret7 May 18th, 2010 at 9:38 am
Erin, you?re a perpetual fountain of giddiness. You?re like one of the Brady Bunch or a Von Trappe kid.
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LMAO. Thank you….I think.
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I can picture you now, singing and yodeling your way across the Alps. I feel like telling out the window and telling you to chill down. I’m trying to take a nap.
Kate-
If you’re still there. Please don’t forget that you owe me some photos.
Paco Dooley – to answer your second question you’d have to look no further than Robinson Cano.
I’m not saying that Gardy and Cervelli won’t be average players but I have a feeling their numbers will come down to earth. Personally, I figured if Gardy could hit .280 for the season with a good OBP that would be fantastic. Hopefully, he’ll come out with better numbers than I expected, but if he falls off a bit he should still make out ok with his hot start. Cervelli is a big question mark. No one has any clue how he’ll perform over an entire season. I don’t think I’ll be disappointed either way but I do feel bad for them to some degree because as soon as they start to scuffle people will be calling for them to be traded/demoted/murdered.
“Every team has shaky middle relief corps. Its the underbelly of every team”
That is true, and will always be that way. If they were better, these guys would be starting, or pitching at the back end of games. But, generally the better teams are, the better their middle relief is. The Yankees can’t go through the season like this. Every single game that the starter goes out before the 7th is an exercise in frustration. Just one guy needs to step up, at least. If we had a solid 7th inning pitcher, which we thought we had with Robertson, then the occasional time that a starter can’t go 6, you can live with piecing together one shaky inning. But these guys are pure stomach acid on the mound for anything more than one inning.
Youtube: Ballad of Terry Francona a must see!
GreenBeret7 May 18th, 2010 at 9:53 am
I can picture you now, singing and yodeling your way across the Alps. I feel like telling out the window and telling you to chill down. I?m trying to take a nap.
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LOL Don’t you want to know that the hills are alive with the sound of music???
Trust me, you’ll never catch me bursting in to song. My singing voice is not pretty.
Doreen,
Its tougher this year because, at least as I see it, there is only one candidate this year and that’s Melancon.
If he steps up, he can be the “Robertson” of this year. That would help.
However, he has his own issues when it comes to consistency because of his arm action. His mechanics really have to be true in order for him to repeat his delivery on a more consistent basis.
Quoting minor league stats does little for this debate. Minor league hitters aren’t as good as ML hitters. They swing at pitches ML hitters lay off or foul off, forcing you to throw more pitches. Edwar Ramirez had better minor league stats than Melancon and he didn’t make it.
If Melancon gets another shot (which I believe he will at some point), and trusts his stuff enough to attack the zone and not be so fine, he has the talent and the guts to assume that role.
If he, like a lot of young pitchers, tries too hard to be fine, he isn’t going to help.
I do think however, the Great Boone Logan Experiment has to end. Its one thing to not be good. Its another to not be good and refuse to throw the ball over the plate.
That kills you and makes the managers life much more difficult when it comes to managing a bullpen.
People seem to have almost ignored the job that Marte did last night to stop the bleeding for almost two innings. He deserves a huge amount of credit for that job. There was no win without him, last night.
Erin May 18th, 2010 at 9:59 am
GreenBeret7 May 18th, 2010 at 9:53 am
I can picture you now, singing and yodeling your way across the Alps. I feel like telling out the window and telling you to chill down. I?m trying to take a nap.
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LOL Don’t you want to know that the hills are alive with the sound of music???
Trust me, you’ll never catch me bursting in to song. My singing voice is not pretty.
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So I take it that you haven’t been offered a spot on “American Idol” with your opera voice?
Gardner is trying to show Cashman they don’t need Crawford. He’s showcasing his abilities, and his audition is all season long.
GreenBeret7 May 18th, 2010 at 10:04 am
So I take it that you haven?t been offered a spot on ?American Idol? with your opera voice?
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That would be correct.
If NYYs have to go to another long reliever, short of a trade, I think the Yanks might bring Hirsh in to give it a shot at eating some quality innings, at least until Aceves is back in the saddle. I would like to see Melancon come in and do what Robertson did last year…just not sure if he can.
GB7 -
You’re right about Marte. It’s easy to forget that Park came out for that second inning but didn’t record any outs and Marte came in and kept it quiet out there.
So for the record, Ace doesn’t have a serious bulging disc issue? and he should be back by months end, if not a few days later.
JoeyA May 18th, 2010 at 10:12 am
So for the record, Ace doesn?t have a serious bulging disc issue? and he should be back by months end, if not a few days later.
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From what Kim Jones was saying last night, it doesn’t seem serious.
Yankees are a couple games shy of the quarter-pole of the season. It’s starting to get into the territory of when you can stop wondering whether players can continue this and whether the team can get by with that…
This team is still winning 2 of every 3 games in the midst of the toughest quarter they’ll play schedule wise (both in difficulty and home/away) all year, and with pretty much a 22-23 man roster.
You want to see a bullpen find a grove? Games against much inferior opponents in June will go a long way in that regards.
It’s easy to worry about the holes, but the cure for it is just to look at the standings every night.
I also look at this take on the season so far – http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/rpi
As for Tampa, I’m not going to worry about homefield until late August and I’m fine with two teams running away from everyone else, but the team’s line-up is showing some weakness. They’re not scoring a helluva lot right now.
I look for some record correction down the road.
Ace said he’s hopeful the epidural worked. I think its best to see what the doctors say.
That’s going to be a situation they will have to manage carefully the rest of the season.
GB,
Agreed on Marte. He really took one for the team last night. I don’t remember the last time he worked multiple innings and threw that many pitches. He definitely was an unsung hero from last night.
This may have been covered in a previous thread, if so, sorry. Montero hit a granny last night and also walked twice. And Murphy was promoted to Charleston and hit a double in his first game. Now we need to see where Slade goes.
GB, you are right, Marte was an unsung hero
MTU, I haven’t forgotten
Perfect!
Grandy looked good snagging fly balls in the OF yesterday.
It’s amazing this team has sustained itself with a 30/30 threat @ CF out for a month, Tex batting under .200 in April, Park, Ace, NickyJ all slipping on the DL @ one point or another, and Javy way underperforming his career line.
Scary to think what’s going to happen when it ALL works together.
Its scarier to think the lineup that half this blog revolted over last night scored 11 runs.
This team finds ways to win. Doing it with half a lineup, with another 9th inning comeback, is really impressive.
GB
There was a story on how the call-ups were effecting the SWB team a few days ago and Hirsch was quoted in it saying, there’s a sign up sheet to the Bronx somewhere in this clubhouse and some of us are looking for it so we can write our name on it.
I liked the attitude and the article mentioned how he had kicked it up a notch lately. Does he have the stuff to back up the words?
I can’t wait until Granderson gets back, I really can’t; he’s a terrific player and he’s been sorely missed.
Is Hirsch on the 40 man? If so, I’m surprised he hasn’t been called up already.
http://www.bostondirtdogs.com for some great belly laughs, they feel shame in being beaten by Thames the most. Will Papelbon be traded in July 31 ?
Let’s not forget Vazquez last night too.
A few days ago some folks wondered about the (presumably) long-term psychological effects of him being skipped again.
Funny how things work out. He comes off a good start, make an appearance, is effective (albeit briefly) and gets a win at HOME and as Jack Curry mentioned on the post-game, was seen smiling in a post-game interview for the first time all year.
I’m not a big believer in the psychological stuff, but if you DO believe in it, things couldn’t have worked out better in that regards if you wrote it up yourself.
I was glad to see that Phil said he was frustrated and embarrassed by his performance last night. Personally, I didn’t think he had anything to be embarrassed about, the top of the order put some great ABs on him in the 5th, ran his pitch count up. Any one pitch could have gotten him out of the inning.
But, if he is upset with that performance, that tells me that he has become a true top of the line type starter. He isn’t satisfied to “do my job and keep my team in the game” (see: RJ ’05, Joba ’09). He wants to dominate and completely shut the door on the other team. That is a great attitude, and an attitude very few, if any, of us thought that he had when he struggled a few years ago.
That’s what I think about when people on this board scream and cry over Nick J.
The best part about Cash, is he doesn’t neglect the bench, but instead, uses it as a strength. With our ever-aging Posada, DJ, and even Alex, having a door at DH at points in the season isn’t a bad idea.
It becomes an even easier decision to do so when you have the likes of Pena, Cervelli, and Thames to fill in. Cash recognizes the importance of having value in those spots.
Add that to the fact we have a better bat than Johnny in CF now, and Gardy seems to be outperforming Melky, and we’ve upgraded our OF offense and defense.
This team will not live or die by the DH.
It’s not scary at all, that’s baseball. That lineup isn’t going to score 11 runs very often, but I am certainly glad that it did last night. Boston fans had to be pulling their hair out.
Thames deserved his pie last night, but against RHP he will disappoint more often than he pleases. He isn’t terrible against RHP because he does have some power against righties, as he showed last night, but he will also have a low BA and OBP against them and isn’t what you want as a regular thing if you can help it.
It’s a good thing he did hit that homer, because it was Javy till the end of the game and hitting because we had lost the DH. Which goes to show that we don’t need three catchers to let Posada DH and Cervelli catch, Girardi evidently isn’t too afraid of losing the DH.
What gets lost last night is the fact hat Javy came up big vs Youkilis and got the win.
Guess we have to give him his next start against the mess Sat.
make that Friday.
Mark, I completely agree – well said.
Stuckey, I really think Javy turned a corner; he looked so happy. Now he feels as if he’s contributing and he should only get better from here. I want him to do well for many reasons, one of which being is that I want him shut the “loser gene” people up.
What gets lost last night is the fact hat Javy came up big vs Youkilis and got the win.
Guess we have to give him his next start against the mess Sat.
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Javy starts Friday. not Saturday.
Wonder who Cashman will target in Free Agency, and if he will look for a DH? Pitching = My easy guess is Cliff Lee. Hughes would be the 5th starter assuming Andy returns.
mick May 18th, 2010 at 10:29 am
What gets lost last night is the fact hat Javy came up big vs Youkilis and got the win.
Guess we have to give him his next start against the mess Sat.
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Isn’t Javy going on Friday?
Anyone remember those old western movies where the cavalry charges up over the hill guns- a-blazin’ at just the right time?
Alex and Teixeira remind me of that.
Here’s how I would answer my two questions:
1. They cannot obviously give up on Johnson unless it becomes obvious he is lost until near August or so. If it goes that direction, they should develop some stability for the DH spot. Yes, it’s nice to give guys a day off, but when you DH A-Rod and it means you have Pena playing 3rd, then you obviously need a DH. Posada as a half-time DH isn’t too bad an idea if Cervelli continues to play well, where Posada would get a lot more time off behind the plate and stay healthy while you sort out the DH. He could platoon with Miranda, but I don’t know if his R/L splits as a switch hitter make that logical.
2. I think Gardner is mostly for real, though I see him more as a .280 hitter long term, but one that can annoy the opponent and give them a dimension that they haven’t had in ages. I find it very hard to believe that Cervelli is for real. I would assume that his BA will regress and he’ll eventually look more like a backup catcher. But right now he looks like a ML starter give his ability to work with pitchers, make contact at the plate and run the bases better than most catchers.
Wonder who Cashman will target in Free Agency, and if he will look for a DH? Pitching = My easy guess is Cliff Lee. Hughes would be the 5th starter assuming Andy returns.
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Bring back Matsui!!! I think Cliff Lee is the first target though.
That would just be an unbelievable rotation with CC, AJ, Lee, Pettitte and Hughes.
How long does Cervelli have to play before people will accept he is not going to regress so badly he will be an obvious back up catcher? Sure .404 is not how he will end the year, but there is no reason to think he will not hit .280 or so. He knows how to play to his strengths and doesnt try to do more than he can.
I believe there is a place for Cervelli on this team long after Montero and Romine hit town. All three will be on this team for years and each will have a role beyond catcher. My guess…..
Romine = Starting Catcher
Montero = C/DH
Cervelli = C/IF
Although this is a tough break for Nick Johnson that you would never wish on anybody, this wrist surgery may be a blessing in disguise for the Yankees. Now they know he is out. The way things were going with the wrist, back, legs, neck, etc, he was going to be questionable all year long. Teamwise, you would rather have an injury that has a timetable and likely full recovery than a nagging in and out of the lineup type of thing. Now Cashman can plan accordingly, I think they will use the platoon of Thames/Miranda extensively once Granderson comes back. Throw in Jorge, Alex, and Swisher every so often, and they will be fine at DH.
Now, hopefully, Granderson, Posada, and Swisher get over their injuries quickly and they don’t become nagging year-long problems.
Paco
Why would Cervelli not be for real…?It’s not as if he hits lucky bloopers.He’s hitting the ball hard en never looks lost at the plate.This kid is for real
I don’t care what minor league numbers say.He found out how to hit and has done nothing to think he isn’t for real
We know Thames will struggle against RH pitching. However, he’s only being used in that situation because they are shorthanded. Its not going to be an everyday thing.
A guy comes off the bench to help the team win is a valuable piece of the puzzle.
He’s done a very good job with the bat so far this year, despite playing more than anybody thought possible at this time.
“How long does Cervelli have to play before people will accept he is not going to regress so badly he will be an obvious back up catcher?”
Two years hitting well.
Sure, Thames is valuable, very valuable right now, as a DH vs left handed pitching. With NJ out for who knows how long now, though, the Yanks will obviously need a solution vs right handed pitching, although I guess the pickings are slim right now.
I know we are playing well, but i am still looking forward to Granderson getting back. I really liked him in Detroit and was real happy when Cash traded for him. Plus, he will extend this lineup even more.
WaveYour Hat -
Jerkface brought it up last night , and I mentioned too, how the first five runs were really scored by the top of the lineup, which on any given day IS capable of scoring 5-plus runs. 2 of the 4 runs in the 9th were top of the order runs. I think the balance of the lineup in combination with the top is certainly capable of scoring 4 runs in a game.
I think last night, all facets of the possible offense was put together.
Also, the opening day lineup is more than likely not going to score 11 runs with any regularity, either.
If the top of the lineup does what it’s capable of doing, it really doesn’t matter about the bottom as much.
Certainly, the Yankees are more formidable when they have that circularity going.
Why would Cervelli not be for real…?It’s not as if he hits lucky bloopers.He’s hitting the ball hard en never looks lost at the plate.This kid is for real
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He had a lucky bloop just last night!
Sure, Thames is valuable, very valuable right now, as a DH vs left handed pitching. With NJ out for who knows how long now, though, the Yanks will obviously need a solution vs right handed pitching, although I guess the pickings are slim right now.
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Agreed, however he hasnt bee horrible vs. Righties either this year. i.e. Papelbon….
Why would Cervelli not be for real…?It’s not as if he hits lucky bloopers.He’s hitting the ball hard en never looks lost at the plate.This kid is for real
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He had a lucky bloop just last night!
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Everyone gets lucky hits here and there. you cannot call .404 this late in the season all lucky bloops.
ac1,
I think Cervelli has a long-term place on this team, but that it will be as the backup catcher. However, he has shown enough that the team would not panic if he had to start for extended lengths of time.
I think the future may be Montero starting, Cervelli backing up. I have heard others say that Romine may be able to fill a corner outfield spot. If his bat can produce, that may be the way they go unless Montero proves to be a liability behind the plate. Then, Montero DHs with Romine and Cervelli doing the catching.
This is assuming that all will be able to make the transition to the majors, admittedly a huge assumption.
Jim, Phil would not be the #5 starter next year if they got Lee and Andy returned……He’d be the #4 (and a hell of a #4 at that, lol).
When Cash signed Nick Johnson, he knew only too well about the injury history. But Cash also knew he needed the DH spot this year for Posada, A-Rod, Jete and to a lesser extent Teix. I have to figure Cashman knew they would lose Nick Johnson for a while at some point this season, and that would be OK; but while he was still healthy, Cash saw him as a very valuable, OBP plus pop lefty. The bottom line here i think is that losing Nick Johnson isn’t a big blow, although he could have been the icing on the cake in a devastating lineup. They probably don’t need to replace Johnson, but they might pick up a regular lefty bat at the deadline or after for the bench, somebody other than Miranda.
As for Gardner, I see a much different player this year, far more confident, far more at home in pinstripes. He’s become cemented in as an everyday player primarily due to the injury to Granderson, but Brett’s still got the tools that kept him on as a role player: speedy, pinch running, defensive replacement. The real difference this year is that he’s producing offensively. Like Melky, however, some of that production is due solely to the lineup he’s in.
I just don’t like the rotating DH idea. That means you have a weak spot in the lineup all the time……….
Doreen-
My comments have to be taken in context, which is that the Yanks are a really, really good team, the best in the majors, even with their current issues.
However, they aren’t so good that I don’t worry about the Rays, and in fact I worry about the Tigers because, with the AL Central being so weak and Toronto looking like they aren’t bad, with the unbalanced schedule there’s no guarantee the wild card comes from the AL East.
So, every win is important and the Yank roster is nothing to rest easy about.
Is Betsy Phil Hughes’ Ombudsman?
Cervelli has to be hearing the footsteps of Romine and Montero behind him. Both are projected with higher ceilings, with Montero spoken about in awed whispers for his offense. Still Cervy seems to be oblivious and makes the most of every opportunity. Gotta love that kid.
Ledger_Yankees Entertained by radio debate in search of a Marcus Thames home run call
*********************
What was Sterling’s call last night??
SJ44,
Keep it up.
Next time you’re wrong I’ll be sure to remind you in every post I make.
“How long does Cervelli have to play before people will accept he is not going to regress so badly he will be an obvious back up catcher?”
2 MVPs, a World Series championship, a ton of walk-off and game tying hits with the Yankees in 6 seasons, and I am still not sure that Arod has gained himself anymore than a 10 day slump without the boobirds coming back. So, Cervelli probably has a ways to go in a lot of people’s eyes.
The good thing about Arod is that it appears that he doesn’t care if the boobirds were to return.
Erin
They played Sterling on ESPN last night, and it was nothing special.
Betsy, I don’t think Girardi has starting rotating the lineup to get Pena’s bat in the game. I think there are bigger issues driving that choice over which Girardi has little control.
Sure, Thames is valuable, very valuable right now, as a DH vs left handed pitching. With NJ out for who knows how long now, though, the Yanks will obviously need a solution vs right handed pitching, although I guess the pickings are slim right now.
—-
Juan Miranda
The Yanks should have a Helmet Day ! Give out plastic batting helmets similar to Cervelli’s huge batting helmet . Make them green similar to the Great Gazoo’s head gear on the Flintstones.
Cervelli had a .325 BABIP last year. He posted a good season for a backup that defied expectation from what he was doing in the minor leagues (though was more in line with his minors performance before he was hurt)
Right now its .404. He has been pretty lucky on groundballs but he is hitting a lot of them along with line drives. He doesn’t really hit a lot of long fly balls.
Lets say he plays the rest of the year at his current pace, but posts up a .325 babip instead of a .404. A grounder will find a glove here and there, and maybe some liners get caught.
He will end the season with 238 ABs and a .294 average. Pretty good for a backup.
Patrick, the results of one game don’t prove anything. Now, I don’t agree with the manuevers you were suggesting last night, but the results of last night’s game don’t prove you wrong.
CR9 May 18th, 2010 at 10:56 am
Erin
They played Sterling on ESPN last night, and it was nothing special.
*********************
Thanks CR9. It must have been pretty bad if they’re searching for a new one already. LOL
Patrick, if Juan Miranda plays regularly I don’t think you will like the results much, although I root for him to prove me wrong.
“However, they aren’t so good that I don’t worry about the Rays, and in fact I worry about the Tigers because, with the AL Central being so weak and Toronto looking like they aren’t bad, with the unbalanced schedule there’s no guarantee the wild card comes from the AL East.”
The way that Leyland uses his bullpen does not make for a sustainable season-long healthy unit. That combined with their offense revolving around 1-5 and not because of injury as much as, they just don’t have that many bats, I am not a buyer on the Tigers challenging an AL East team for the Wild Card come the late summer. They may be hanging around but I can’t see them outpacing either Tampa, New York or even Boston, since I think Boston will pull itself together and put a winning streak out there that gets them back to relevancy.
Jim
on the batting practice show they showed Jeet wearing the gazoo helmet
Jim May 18th, 2010 at 10:57 am
The Yanks should have a Helmet Day ! Give out plastic batting helmets similar to Cervelli?s huge batting helmet . Make them green similar to the Great Gazoo?s head gear on the Flintstones.
**************************
LOL
Love it.
Patrick, the results of one game don’t prove anything. Now, I don’t agree with the manuevers you were suggesting last night, but the results of last night’s game don’t prove you wrong.
—
You’re absolutely right but if I keep arguing that I’m right after the team scored 11 runs it just looks like I’m being stubborn and unreasonable.
And if SJ44 wants to come to the conclusion that the lineup last night was fine, based on one game, I’ll use similar “evidence” when “proving” him wrong the next time we disagree.
Erin
Im sorry. I meant not “nothing special.” It was nothing at all.
Besides Thames hits a 2 run walkoff homer to right…
Basically, there was no “Gardy goes Yardy” or “Tex Message”
Patrick, if Juan Miranda plays regularly I don’t think you will like the results much, although I root for him to prove me wrong.
—
Sign Barry Bonds
Sterling:
” Thames, helps the Yankees win!”
Who was it that said the thames experiment should end ??
Bronx Jeers May 18th, 2010 at 11:01 am
Sterling:
? Thames, helps the Yankees win!?
***************************
That was it???? Wow, that is bad. LOL
Andrew-
I forgot, I worry about Boston too.
Patrick,
You do already! lol
Relax, it’s all good.
You were hardly the worst of the lineup whine brigade last night.
Although you have to admit, the idea of moving Tex to third was not logical.
pat May 18th, 2010 at 10:24 am
GB
There was a story on how the call-ups were effecting the SWB team a few days ago and Hirsch was quoted in it saying, there’s a sign up sheet to the Bronx somewhere in this clubhouse and some of us are looking for it so we can write our name on it.
I liked the attitude and the article mentioned how he had kicked it up a notch lately. Does he have the stuff to back up the words?
———————————————————————————————————————-
Hirsh’s game isn’t the big fastball, despite being about 6 foot 8 inches and around 240 or so punds. He’s a control and movement pitcher. He still can hit 91-93 MPH, though. Throws a curve, slider and change with the two fastballs. He was a 2nd round draft pick back in ’02 or ’03 for Houston, but kept getting set back by injuries. He’s sort of a Jon Garland type of pitcher. Strictly a contact type hitter. Can’t judge his minor league an his time with the Rockies, because his breaking pitches didn’t break in the thin mountain air. He’s certainly worth a look, though. He’s pitched very well for Scranton since last summer.
Thames helped the Yankees win …….I believe that’s what Sterling used, lol – not bad
Suboptimal line up with optimal results?
Sterling is probably working on a nickname for Marcus today for a better call in the future !
Juan Miranda needs to attach himself to Kevin Long for a week and figure it out. If Long can work his magic with Gardner and Cervelli, then Miranda should be able to make some headway, too.
Yesterday’s lineup was out of necessity, not by choice. There’s really no sense in making too much out of it.
The role players are contributing, and that should make everyone happy. Of course, it’s not enough.
People worry too much about the last guys on the roster. Worry about Jeter, Tex, and when Swisher and Granderson are coming back.
I think the 3 biggest surprises of the season so far are:
Brett Gardner- He is 9th in the league batting .323, and he is tied for 2nd in the league with 31 runs scored. He is also on pace to steal 76 bases and he has only been caught once all year (on a play where he got picked off). He also played a great left field, before moving over to center field when Grandy got hurt and not losing any momentum. He also hardly ever strikes out any more, in fact he is leading the league in 2-strike hits. It looks like he could be around for a long time. He might be the most exciting player on the team.
Francisco Cervelli- Everyone knew that he was a great defensive player, but his ability to hit with RISP is shocking. He is 11-14 in those situations. He also has a ridiculous .400 (and 471 OBP). He is currently on pace to drive in 108 runs in only 432 at bats. Could he be the catcher of the future? Montero isn’t very good defensively and might be better suited for DH. We all know Girardi loves good defensive catchers. I could see Cervelli sticking around for a long time.
Phil Hughes- We all knew he had electric stuff, but it seems like he finally put it all together this year. Despite his bad outing last night, he is 5-0 with a 2.23 ERA in 7 starts, and the Yankees have had a lead every time he left the game. He has 42 Ks and 15 walks, which is very impressive considering he had problems with throwing strikes in the past. With Vazsquez struggling, Hughes has really stepped up. He is a legitimate Cy Young contender.
Honestly, I’m getting tired of Sterling’s schtick -his Tex call is sort of annoying now. Gardy goes Yardy is disgusting
“They probably don’t need to replace Johnson, but they might pick up a regular lefty bat at the deadline or after for the bench”
Here’s an off the wall suggestion that will probably never happen, but food for thought. If Boston is way out in July(15 ganes or more), would Cashman talk to them about Ortiz or Drew? I don’t think Ortiz has much left, despite his resurgence, and I really don’t want to see him in a Yankee uniform. But JD Drew for two months and playoffs? I would consider that. He is a good outfielder, so they could have Swisher DH even. If I am not mistaken, he is in the last year of his deal, so the financial obligation would be limited. I wouldn’t want to see him here for a full season, but he could be a valuable late season addition.
I could see Cervelli sticking around for a long time.
______________________________
I hope he doesn’t get a big head !
Although you have to admit, the idea of moving Tex to third was not logical.
—
I disagree, but lets move on.
Just to prove I’m not all negative when it comes to Girardi, I don’t have any major problems with his bullpen management last night. It was the correct thing to stay away from Robertson/Chamberlain/Rivera. And I get why he tried to stretch Park for 2 innings. The only minor problem I had was why Logan against VMart? Well, turns out, Martinez crushes both Park and Logan so it doesn’t really matter
No love for Miranda being patient and taking a walk off Bard? Got the tying run to the plate and gave the top of the order a chance, even though Jeter failed in that situation, it also insured that A-Rod would have an AB in the 9th against Papelbomb. Otherwise it would have been 1-2-3 and no guarantee that Alex hits. Not exactly a huge moment but as all the broadcasters were saying last night about the Red Sox potentially winning that game, it could be something to build on for Juan. Knowing Girardi though, he won’t play tonight against Beckett.
“Honestly, I’m getting tired of Sterling’s schtick”
I have to admit that Gardner is shocking me. I don’t know if he can keep it up, but he’s come through when we needed him and he deserves an enormous amount of credit.
Cervelli’s been a wonder, but his future with the Yankees really is up in the air depending on Montero/Romine. However, Romine is a couple of years away, so this kid isn’t going anywhere just yet.
Phil? He’s shocked me by being this good, this early. Even last night, not a good night for him, he didn’t blow up. He got by for as long as he could before it all caught up with him. Unbelievable stuff, though – and when he’s on, ridiculously confident.
Thames has done a fine job as well. I have to promise myself not to get PO’d when he plays the OF because I know that Joe probably has no choice.
Swisher has been very good as well; his work with Long has paid off.
Andy has been a very pleasant surprise; he’s been fantastic. AJ’s been terrific as well.
Hi everyone –
That was a great – and not-so-great – game last night, for all the reasons that have been stated.
But if you take a step back and look at the forest, you see a few things that may be more important that a single game, exciting though it was –
1. Yanks came back. With what had transpired, they could have packed it in. As a team, they didn’t.
2. Alex continues to find his stroke. Bad news for the rest of the league.
3. Phil and Cisco got away with a learning experience that did not cost the team a W.
4. Marte pitched well.
5. They beat division rival – again.
6. Forget about complaining about Thames in the OF. The Red Sox reserve OFs – Hermida and McDonald – were bad last night, and helped cost them the game. Unless Cameron and Ellsbury are playing, that’s a risk factor for them.
7. Papelbon is on a downslope, since last year. His velocity is down, he’s not getting the strikeouts, and his FB was flat; the Kyle Farnsworth pitch. And I don’t think he threw any splits, which used to be a killer pitch for him. Why? Too much strain on his arm? Can Theo unload him fast enough?
Enough with the ramblings. Time to work.
Later.
Hirsh isn’t on the 40 man roster, so a spot would have to be made for him. The Yanks could do that by moving Johnson to the 60 Day DL because they can backdate it and he won’t be ready to play before the All-Star Break anyway.
Also, it’s not entirely bad that Phil got knocked around a bit. Let’s just call it a teaching moment. Can’t have him slicing through the league like a hot knife through butter.
CR, you ♥ Sterling?
Listening to John Sterling is like having your grandfather who suffers from dementia try to give you a play by play. Charlie used to rein him in but between he and Susan its like they are fanning the flames of crazy.
Singy and Flaherty said Phil’s arm angle was off and Eiland would have to remind him of that.
I understand that Yankees fans were upset by Girardi putting Logan in, but honestly, who else was he going to use? Joba and Robertson were unavailable and Aceves is hurt. Girardi was trying not to use Vazsquez so that wasn’t an option at the time either. I think Logan needs to be sent down. Nova pitched very well and deserves to get some more chances.
Oh, yeah. And it was great seeing Granderson moving so well. Now if he could just fix that LHP thingy.
Sterling’s the biggest Yankees fan in the media. His announcing is horrible, but a true Yankees fan gets the benefit of the doubt in my book!!
I’d rather listen to Sterling botch calls than listen to the Michael Kay Show, starring Michael Kay, oh and of course, the New York Yankees!
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Sterlie
M, I can’t wait until they post his interview with Kim yesterday; he was so funny. Francesca doesn’t know him at all if he had to question whether he had a personality. Someone sent him a Dunder Mifflin t-shirt (from The Office) and Kim asked him about it. He said he did receive it, but he ripped it because it was too small, lol. The shirt was a medium and he’s a double XL or something like that; he ended up giving it to his nephew, lol. He told Kim that he liked the questions from the tweeters better than her usual questions
Didn’t Logan go to 3-0 his first batter (V-Mart?).
It’s not his fault he’s semi-bad. It’s not his fault Girardi keeps calling his number.
I try to love all my Yankees, but he’s making it hard. And making me feel bad for thinking bad thoughts.
When Sterling calls something HR and it’s not, I just want to strangle him. That said, I almost never listen to the radio, so it really doesn’t bother me.
Dylan and Joe from LI- good posts
really enjoying the success of our young guys- Phil, Cisco, GGBG…still hoping to see Joba get another crack at the starting rotation. Working out of the bullpen worked for Phil, I am hopeful it works for Joba as well.
Betsy,
Can’t wait to see that. Phil is sneaky fast.
Subtly telling her that she’s a lame interview. 
I will scream if she runs out of questions and has to resort to “What was the name of your first pet?” kind of questions.
Logan has to get optioned today for a fresh arm considering the sad state of affairs the ‘pen is in, no? Maybe this is the moment that Melancon finally gets a more extended look. I figure it has to be him or Romulo Sanchez. Sanchez looked good in his 1 appearance, plus he can go multiple innings which Girardi is obsessed with. He might have the inside track.
I really don’t see why people are so worried about this lineup or the DH spot. People keep bringing up that last night’s lineup wouldn’t score that many runs usually or over the long haul.
They were facing one of the worst starters in the AL last night. There is no point in projecting that lineup over the long haul because they are not going to being facing someone as bad as Matsuzaka every night and it is not going to be the lineup over the long haul.
When Granderson and Swisher get back, Thames/Miranda will be hitting 9th in this lineup.
How many teams in baseball are going to have a 7-8-9 as good as them? I would say, none.
This offense is going to continue to be the best in baseball with or without Nick Johnson. I have a feeling Cashman knew that when he decided to take the risk on his health.
Andrew,
We wouldn’t need to make a move if they had optioned Logan instead of Sanchez!
If I’m being impartial I have to say that Sterling and Waldman are terrible announcers.
That being said, I still really enjoy listening to them.
Wave -
I answered your response to me, and it got filtered and I REALLY don’t know why this time. Sigh.
Anyway, bottom line – AHA – I just realized the offending word. Anyway, it’s true that there is competition abounding in the Rays, Jays, Twins and Tigers, and every win is precious and necessary.
I tend to look at the Yankees through “pinstriped colored lenses” (the offending word!) and choose to see the positives. However, that doesn’t mean I’m not aware of potential weaknesses and that there could be the need to address some things in the future.
I like that the Yankees really play as a team.
Cameron’s returned is delayed a few more days because of a sore abdomen. Seems that it is not the same injury as before bu just some tenderness. It will be very interesting to see how the Red Sox play over the upcoming few weeks. They have a brutal schedule. Depending on where things stand it may not be inconceivable for them to be sellers (VMart) at the deadline. They have some really interesting questions this year with VMart, Papelbon, Ortiz, Lowell, Varitek all possibly gone. Will need to remake at least half of the positional player roster.
BTW – I know some are getting on Hughes a bit today. But you have to credit Scutaro and Pedroia. Those were fantastic at bats in the 5th and clearly drained Hughes a bit. If Phil managed an out against one of those two it would be considered an outstanding game against a top 3 (look it up) offense in the league.
Patrick May 18th, 2010 at 11:21 am
If I?m being impartial I have to say that Sterling and Waldman are terrible announcers.
That being said, I still really enjoy listening to them.
****************************
Totally agree. I love John and Suzyn.
But his Thames home run call is seriously bad. LOL
Guess who’s back to covering baseball – - Loopyca!
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/spo.....z0oIIHKp00
Will someone PUH-LEASE buy this fathead a copy of Strunk and White? The repetitive use of “This,” the repetitive use of “blown” and later the repetitive use of “Now” Am I supposed to be channeling Breslin? Ring Lardner, but without the wit or sense of humor? I am SOOOO sick of this guy’s heavy-handed, self satisfied regurgitation of plain facts in the form of gilded lilies.
Doreen, the filter gets me too and it is really frustrating when it does, especially as it then won’t let you repost the comment because the filter thinks you’ve already posted it!
When Posada and Swisher are back at full strength what is the everyday lineup? I guess the main question is Gardner or Swisher your #2. If it is Swisher is Gardner your #9 after the DH of the day?
at this point, i want joba to stay in the pen and one day, if rivera retires, joba can close. no benefit to trying to mess with joba anymore.
Patrick -
Thinking back on yesterday and the lineup stuff, what it boils down to for me was that given YESTERDAY’s situation, there wasn’t much else he could do. Russo and Nunez weren’t here. Now, whether they should start considering making a move regarding one or the other of the two, that’s a good debate, but it didn’t help last night.
Healthier personnel will make for better (and easier) lineup and roster decisions going forward. But I do think Pena is there because he can play all three infield spots. (Admittedly, he doesn’t look at all good at the plate lately, but if you have 8 healthy guys, it’s not an issue. The problem is Swisher and Posada both needing to be out)
“SJ44,
Keep it up.
Next time you’re wrong I’ll be sure to remind you in every post I make.”-patrick
sj44-
i can’t believe you’re rubbing it in to patrick just because he was a little wrong about something .
i would never do that.
like when he thought it was a great idea to bring up hughes and kennedy to start in 2008 , i didn’t remind him of it for much more than a year or so .
damn , i just brought it up again
five iron,
That’s a good question.
Don’t forget Granderson, too. The good thing about the Yankees playing well without him, is there won’t be pressure on him when he comes back. He can just slide right in, and not worry about carrying the team.
Gardner at the bottom really makes the lineup circular. Swish is patient enough at the plate to bat 2nd, too.
Imagine how good Gardy would be if he could/ would bunt for hits? He seldom attempts it.
I think the beginning of this story about the BoSox’ failed run prevention plan was posted on a previous thread. Here’s a link to the whole story from si.com. Interesting….
http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/0.....or00000002
What are the chances they get tonight’s game in? Weather forecast is not looking good.
Five iron, no one’s getting on Phil; I think part of it is that he spoiled us – even though he’s only 23, we probably half expected him to just keep dominating even though that is completely unrealistic. It was sort of a shock to see him give up those runs, which tells you how good he’s been. Phil’s fine….M, as long as they keep these interviews going, I don’t care what Kim asks him, lol
I still don’t get why ni ec e is a bad word, lol
M – Yeah totally forgot about Granderson for a moment. Theoretically he can slot in at #2 as well depending on how he hits. You maintain the right left thing that Girardi likes so much.
It really is amazing how well the Yankees have played with roughly a 22 person roster for the last couple of weeks during the most difficult stretch of the season. Last night you literally had 15 players available – makes for some interest lineups, bullpens moves and in-game decisions.
Yeah but randy, you’re funny about it! That comment didn’t bother me at all because it made me laugh a bit. SJ44 just calls those of us that didn’t like the lineup whiners and morons which isn’t very funny at all
By the way, randy, I thought for sure I had finally gotten the best of you when it looked like Livan was done. Now he’s having another great season, how is this possible!? He just threw his worst start of the year… 6 IP 3 ER. Yeah a quality start is his worst start of the year. This guy is older than you ((and that’s saying something)), how is he still pitching like this!?
Is Alba currently the best reliever in SWB right now? Do they want to go there again?
Last comment on Cervelli and Gardner – I really hope they stick since they add a lot of excitement (which is why I am a little disappointed to see Austin Jackson in a Tigers uniform). I really hope Cervelli sticks as a major league player and can allow the Yankees to trade one of their premium catching prospects for young talent at another position of need (like a shortstop to replace Jeter in a few years, or an outfielder).
I also love to see the hitting approach that Gardner has that mirrors Ichiro a little bit (though Ichiro is still the king of running out of the box while hitting a ball). The idea of slapping the ball and taking off for first.
I have been one questioning Gardner’s ability to hit on a consistent basis. So far, I couldn’t be more wrong. I hope I continue to be wrong. I am most impressed with his patience and willingness to hit with two strikes.
I do think another DH will be acquired in the future. The Yankees cannot realistically rely on Johnson to return with strength or durability in his twice surgically repaired wrist. Until then, I would go with Thames and Miranda.
Saturday’s potential pitching match up when the Phillies play the Red Sox:
Halladay vs. Dice-K
Yikes!
Betsy,
Actually it is pretty funny. If I have to leave the game for a it to get something done I would much rather leave while the Yankees are batting and watch Hughes. It is very refreshing watching all of these homegrown, young guys have great success and be integral parts of the team.
I forgot which game I was watching last week, I think it was Detroit, but the announcers (I watch extra innings so it was the opposing team) said “isn’t it nice to be the Yankees when you have former all stars on your bench. Implying obviously the Yankees just buy the players they want. This is so entirely untrue the last two years. Your bench, key call ups, and significant contributors include: Gardner, Cervelli, Pena, Romulo Sanchez, Ivan Nova, Kevin Russo, Juan Miranda, etc.
fun fact from Dan Shaughnessy:
“This is the latest the Sox have been under .500 in a season since Nomar Garciaparra was a rookie in 1997.”
five iron,
Theoretically he could, and Pat M. is a huge proponent of Granderson hitting 2nd. But I think his lefty issues are an issue there. I think I’ve said this a thousand times, too. But we need a bat to hit behind Cano & Posada. Swisher & Granderson both qualify there. Girardi must be a kid in the candy store (you know, if he actually ate candy) when he has all his players available. I don’t think NJ makes it back for much meaningful baseball in the regular season.
They are playing great, but the downside (one that’s very real) of playing with a short roster for this long is that it can wear on the guys both mentally & physically.
I don’t think there is any way Nick Johnson is back with the Yankees next year. I think that Montero and Posada will DH next year, and Cervelli will catch about 50% of the games. For the remainder of the season, the I think Thames, Miranda, and Posada (with Cervelli catching) will take turns at DH. A-Rod and Jeter will also continue to get half days off. I have a feeling that Nick Johnson won’t be back this year.
If you watch the celebration last night and see Posada hugging Thames at the end, you can see him limping back toward the dugout.
I’d be *shocked* if Posada plays at all today, nevermind DHing.
It’s gonna be a few more days.
Patrick,
You are neither a whiner nor a moron.
You know I’m not referring to you when you read some of the drivel on here.
You just got sucked in too much on the lineup negativity yesterday.
It was an emergency lineup due to Swisher and Posada being out and Girardi wanting to give Arod a half day. There was only so much he could do.
I will say though that the lineup complaints seem to go over the top whenever Hughes starts.
All we seem to read when he starts is, “He is going to have to pitch a shutout because of the rotten lineup Girardi has given him”.
Those “rotten lineups” have scored 41 runs in his last four starts.
That game last night was great!!!
As for the lineup Thames, Miranda, and Posada will share equally DH time with others sprinkled in. Nick Johnson will not be missed a whole lot at HD or in the #2 hole.
Gardy has been great! Cervelli has been great! Thames has been great with the bat! And now Tex and ARod are heating up just in time to cover for a cold Cano and Jeter. As soon as Posada, Swish and Granderson are healthy, this team will be alomost unbeatable…
A rainout today would be a good thing to help Posada and Swish get ready for the Rays.
Bring them on……………..
So does CC retaliate like he did when Beckett hit Cano and Jeter?
sox are lamenting their schedule this week, after the cream puff schedule they started with this season. It seems like they Never left home to play.
austinmac,
The difference between Gardner in the first couple of weeks to know is very striking.
He was irritating even his staunchest supporters (me) with the bat on the shoulder approach at the plate.
Everyday you learn something new. ESPN mentioned (I think) that Gardner’s all over the leaderboards. He lead in some seldom discussed stats. But I think he leads in hits with 2 strikes? I could be mistaken, but it would seem that he’s not afraid to swing with 2 strikes. And if Gardner lets a ball go, it’s almost always not a strike.
I take that back, late in the count it’s not a strike if he lets a ball go.
Five Iron, that’s just lazy announcing…….
Well, I still don’t think I was whining and I think I was misunderstood, but I also had a stressful day, so if I came off like a whiner, I apologize, lol.
I’ve never been one to get to worked up over Joba’s “missing” mph on his fastball.
However, seeing what happened to Papelbon last night when he was missing 3-4 mph does make you think about the impact of a diminished heater.
Do Alex and Thames get around on those pitches if they’re at 96 instead of 92-93?
Of course, better location would’ve helped Papelbon’s cause…not that I’m complaining.
hopefully Beckett doesn’t hit anyone, intentionally or otherwise. If he does, I think CC will retaliate.
Possible HR call for Marcus Thames:
“Marcus Do It To Me One More Thames.”
it’s terrible, I know.
I don’t think Logan would be available tonight. – Given the weather there’s a chance for a rain delay or two, I’d like to see them bring up someone who could pitch multiple innings if need be.
Sterling lets his home run calls get in the way, I personally am sick of them.
New Post: A cut above
SJ44,
Fair enough.
I sense a call up coming later in the day. They need another reliever for tonight’s game, so I could see them recalling Mark Melancon from AAA.
Boone Logan needs to go. He was a disgrace last night and he has not been getting the job done out of the bullpen.
This from a sox fan in comment section, “Pap….got smeared,” ouch!
I want to reiterate this because I don’t know that anyone could see it through all the other posts.
If you watch the footage from last night, when Posada congratulates Thames near the end of the celebration, you can see a very serious limp as he walks back toward the dugout.
I wouldn’t expect him to start for a few days. I’d assume he can pinch hit tonight if it’s late in the game, but I wouldn’t be expecting him behind the plate for a few more days.
This is my first post although I have been an avid reader of the blog for a few years. It surprises me how our informed bloggers have not noted that all levels Gardner’s performance improves in his second year.
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