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Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Podcast on Aug 02, 2010 
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For the first time in his major league career, Lance Berkman is preparing to play a home game outside of Houston. There can be no doubt that he’s happy to be with the Yankees, and last night he said he was excited about tonight’s Yankee Stadium experience, but it’s hard to overstate just how overwhelming his weekend has been.
“I told Andy (Pettitte) that several times over the past day and a half I’ve been about to burst into tears, literally,” Berkman said. “The emotion is incredible. I’ve never felt anything like it. It’s just weird. I’m thrilled to be here. This is a great opportunity… It can fluster you a little bit. I’m sure a couple of weeks from now it won’t be a big deal, but at first there’s a lot of emotions, and there’s a lot of things that go through my mind. I’m dealing with it, and I think it will be great. I’m still excited about everything and wouldn’t change it, but it’s been a tough couple of days emotionally.”
On the day he arrived in Tampa, Berkman said going from the out-of-the-race Astros to the first-place Yankees could be “revolutionary,” forcing him to feel the same nervous energy that he remembers from his first year in the big leagues.
“I don’t think I’ve played a meaningful game in like three years,” he said last night. “I hate to put it like that, but you have to learn how to manage your emotions again. When we were going through our little playoff run there in Houston, I learned how to do it. You kind of have to be in the environment and realize it’s the same game, and kind of slow everything down. The tendency is for everything to speed up and be real nervous and be real excited. It takes a little bit of being in that environment to get used to it.”
Here’s what Pettitte said to expect when Berkman makes that adjustment: “One of the best hitters I’ve ever played with, for sure. And in the postseason I saw him take it to another level. You hope that he can get back to that. I think that he surroundings that we have here, the players we have around here, he’s got an opportunity to do great things. He’s a great hitter, so I don’t think there’s any way he can fail.”
Here’s the audio of Berkman’s dugout interview on Saturday, not long after he put on the Yankees uniform for the first time.
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Associated Press photo
Ok, it’s official – I love Sir Lancelot.
Always nice to have a guy who really loves the team and is excited about the opportunity to make his mark. I hope he can live up to it, because fans love guys who love the team.
I would give up all my Big Lebowski action figures for the news of a positive report that Schilling used steroids.
Is it too late to test the blood on the sock just in case it wasn’t kethcup?
That Robinson Cano ball will soon be mine!!!
CB,
Are you advancing a theory that Alex’s hip condition is due to Alex working so intensely and swinging so hard rather than factors like age and steroid abuse?
Lots of baseball players work hard and swing with a vengeance.
They never develop hip problems.
How about Frankie Pilliere wait another year before he decides Alex is not the same or will never be the same?
Schilling is nothing compared to Lupica, who headlined his article with “Yanks insecure” for making these moves. LOL Ok, they’re not allowed to make any moves in-season because……….?
Ok, I realize the Rangers are very dangerous, but on WFAN, STeve Phillips basically said they are a terrible matchup for the Yankees because they have two lefty aces (is Wilson an ace after just over 1/2 a year) and a lineup that can overwhelm. I agree they are dangerous, but when did they become unbeatable?
Playing Toronto always makes me a bit nervous as they always play us tough. LOL I wish Phil were pitching on the road…….I don’t think he is, but he almost seems spooked by YS.
has it been 10 days Erin? That Jeter ball will soon be mine
I think Pilliere’s analysis of Alex’s season has been one of the most well-thought non sky is falling opinions out there.
I hope berk does well,great guy,i’m rooting hard for him.
I agree what he says about emotions & how he has to slow the game down.
What do you expect Lupica to say, it’s his shtick, his opinion, somebody has to appeal to the Yankee haters out there.
you know what, watching the Yankees play Toronto and Baltimore, is boring as helll.
bring back the balanced schedule.
Donnie Baseball developed a major back problem that shortened his career because of all the swings he used to take daily.
Liek A-Rod, Mattingly really had to cut down on those swings in the second half of his career as a result and was roughly 30 years old when his back issues really started to take it’s toll.
A-Rod is not alone.
I love him too!!!!!
I hope they have Berkman stuff at the Stadium tomorrow
Giuseppe Franco August 2nd, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Donnie Baseball developed a major back problem that shortened his career because of all the swings he used to take daily.
***********
I thought he developed a major back problem because he got hit square in the back with a ball
Interesting comment on the previous thread about ARod still having 7 years left.
Flash forward three years from now: If he is a .230 hitter with 10-15 home runs (a la Giambi), does he hang it up, or stick around for the money? Further down the road…the thought of a 42 year-old pinch hitter making $25M makes me nauseous.
Just a thought…
Erin and Kate,
I just hope I win! Any ball will do
Flash forward three years from now: If he is a .230 hitter with 10-15 home runs (a la Giambi), does he hang it up, or stick around for the money? Further down the road…the thought of a 42 year-old pinch hitter making $25M makes me nauseous.
=================================
What about Jeter and Mo? Not that they have the long term contract but will Yanks go year to year with them?
I was listening to yesterday’s game on xm, w/ the Ray’s announcers. They sounded like such Yankee fans. They kept waiting (as we all were) for the Yankee bats to break out, kept saying that 3 runs were not enough and the Rays had some missed opportunities that could come back to haunt them.
The part that really made me laugh was when Alex argued the called 3rd strike. They commented that the Yankees are usually such a classy organization, never whining about calls like the Red Sox do…then they said that GGBG was a whiner, which I actually some what agree w/
One other problem that Mattingly suffered from was carpal tunnel syndrome in his left wrist and that didn’t help his swing, either. This popped up around 1988.
I have my eyes on that Marcus Thames ball!
Clare
Mientkiewicz was cut from the Dodgers and signed a minor league deal with the Marlins that he opted out of when he wasn’t called up.
He’s taking the year off and working out to see if his shoulder can hold up and try to find a team next year in ST looking for a pinch hitter/ utility player before he is ready to call it a career.
# Erica in NY August 2nd, 2010 at 1:10 pm
I thought he developed a major back problem because he got hit square in the back with a ball
————
I don’t remember it that way but you could be right.
I do remember how Mattingly was very much like A-Rod in a sense that he was forced to limit his swings off the field because his back really plagued him the last several years.
Last season, we were told by Girardi that A-Rod had to limit his swings because of all the abuse it put on his hip.
I heard that Mattingly’s orginal back injury was caused by Bob Shirley. They were wrestling in the clubhouse and Don blew out 2 disks in his back.
Mattingly didn’t develop back issues because of being hit in the back – he just developed them.
Lots of ballplayers take vicious swings throughout their careers and put in 110% effort into the season and continue working through the off-season.
There are literally hundreds who never develop HIP problems attributable to that type of investment.
On the flip side, you see hundreds of cases where a combination of advancing age and prolonged steroid abuse deteriorate the abilities of ballplayers almost overnight.
McGwire, Sosa, Bonds, Giambi, Bagwell, Giles, Caminiti, Juan Gonzalez etc. etc.
Hopefully Berkman can use this series to get used to Yankee baseball. Wait until the loser Sox come in and the place is going crazy. Then he will see what real baseball is. I am assuming it’s a little different than Astros vs Cubs lol
g love,
the one thing i always point to with schilling was that congressional hearing. why was he there if there were no concerns about him and steroid use? everyone else there was a user, canseco, mcgwire, sosa, palmiero.
look at his numbers as well, he got better in his late thirties. ala bonds. you really gotta wonder with that guy.
I remember a game i saw where mattingly got hit square in the back,i still remember the look on his face.
Don’t know if that was the cause of his back problems though.
“Lots of baseball players work hard and swing with a vengeance.
They never develop hip problems.”
No player in the game generates as much power from his hips as Alex. Hanley Ramirez is the closest.
I’ve never seen anyone hit the way Alex does. When’s he keeps his swing short, his arms do almost nothing. I’ve said this before – Alex’s swing reminds me of the way Justin Verlander throws his fastball.
With both, their arms are mechanically just like the end of a whip. It’s the “handle,” that is the base/hips, that generate all the power.
And no hitter in the game uses his hips more or better to develop explosion than Alex. As an example, compare the way Alex hits to the way say Tex does. Or say Ryan Howard. They are nothing alike.
That’s why Alex is able to generate so much backspin on the ball and so much power to the opposite field. He’s mechanically different than nearly all other hitters.
What the exact cause of his hip problems is difficult to say. It’s probably multiple factors. Steroids could be one. But chase utley and mike lowell and carlos delgado all had the same exact problem surgically corrected.
Alex also works on his swing and his game maniacally. He’s always in the cage working and swinging. So it’s reasonable to assume he’s put in far more swings over his career than most other players have.
Both the way he functions mechanically and his work ethic have unquestionably put far more stress on that hip than an average plus power hitter would experience.
YankeeBlue222 August 2nd, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Interesting comment on the previous thread about ARod still having 7 years left.
Flash forward three years from now: If he is a .230 hitter with 10-15 home runs (a la Giambi), does he hang it up, or stick around for the money?
**********
What do you think?
i can’t stand this berkman deal. we were doing just fine (best record in the majors) and didn’t need to make a move for a has-been bat and a hack in the field. he better be mostly a bench player and not an every day player or we’re in for some trouble.
How good was Don Mattingly during his best years?
Between 1985 and 1987, Mattingly hit 96 home runs with just 114 strikeouts
I rather think about A-Rod drving in 130 runs this year and getting big hits like he has done all year.
The Yankees had better hope that Alex is ok because they’re tied to him for a long time………
Mattingly was a remarkable player – It still frustrates me to no end that his career was cut short (in terms of how good he was) before he could accumulate HOF stats. He was undoubtedly the best player in the game.
CB, it’s obvious there’s a lower body issue somewhere. A huge part of his skillset was his base running. Just 2 steals in 4 attempts tells you that. On certain days, he runs like a young colt on the bases, but, it’s been a while. He still slides into the bases hard, though. You know that Girardi must hold his breath when he does that.
It’ll be interesting to see just how “random” this drawing is (judging by the popularity contest-like pre-registration emails that were sent out, I’m guessing not very random).
Okay according to various websites-
The back injury occured in 1987 during clubhouse horseplay with Bob Shirley
http://www.yuddy.com/celebrity/don-mattingly/bio
Mike Lowell and Chase Utley have had hip surgery.
Ryan Braun and Evan Longoria have been bothered by hip problems all year.
None of these players have been associated with PED use.
For years, this injury was misdiagnosed as a sports hernia.
The violent swings and torque these guys generate are more likely to cause these problems than anything else.
ron August 2nd, 2010 at 1:20 pm
I remember a game i saw where mattingly got hit square in the back,i still remember the look on his face.
Don?t know if that was the cause of his back problems though.
***********
Thank you!
My dad always blamed Mattingly’s back problems on getting hit by a pitch and said he was never the same.
SJ44 August 2nd, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Mike Lowell and Chase Utley have had hip surgery.
************
They’re both steroid suspects, especially Lowell.
GB7-
I agree. And I’m hopeful that with some extended rest over the winter he’ll be back next season.
Most older players who deteriorate lose hand speed. I don’t see that with Alex.
Again – he’s still having a very solid season and he’s adjusted well. He’s much more efficient in situations where he can drive in runs.
It’s just that there’s a difference. That was very clear just in the Tampa series with the way he was pitched. They challenged him with fastball’s far more often than they have in the past. It was strange to see. Even last year that would have been an unacceptable risk for a pitcher to take. Now they are willing to take that risk.
Steroid abuse impacts the joints, not the muscles used in the forearms to generate hand speed.
Other than Bo Jackson’s football injury, the saddest hip injury was Britt Burns. He had a chance to be a really special pitcher. The Yanks got him about 4 years too late.
i think alex will break out this week big time
It is amazing how many super star players say to “slow it down” when they are in a big moment in order to perform better. For instance, Rivera and Jeter, two of the most clutch performers ever in my opinion, say it all of the time.
The thing is that this advice is also applicable to normal life, especially on the job. I use it in my own life to great success.
Whenever things feel like they are getting crazy and you have a big exam, meeting, court appearance, etc. really take this advice and just “slow it down.” It really does produce awesome results.
Very interesting analysis CB. It’s a great point about A-Rod taking more swings than anyone else. I also never really noticed how much Alex uses his hips when he swings, but it’s very obvious now that you mention it.
There are times this season that Alex has looked great, I’m just waiting for him to turn it on. Hopefully the days of him contending for and winning MVPs aren’t over
“They’re both steroid suspects, especially Lowell”.
Never heard that on either guy. Also don’t recall Lowell making much of a recovery. He still hit a little, but was never close as a runner or fielder again.
Guy I always felt bad for was Brian Anderson – he was on his way to having a very nice career, then he threw a pitch, broke his shoulder, worked all the way back and after two years took the mound again, threw another pitch and broke the same shoulder.
Bret The Hitman August 2nd, 2010 at 1:20 pm
YankeeBlue222 August 2nd, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Interesting comment on the previous thread about ARod still having 7 years left.
Flash forward three years from now: If he is a .230 hitter with 10-15 home runs (a la Giambi), does he hang it up, or stick around for the money?
**********
What do you think?
********************
I’d like to think he’d be wise enough to call it a career and not stick around. However, who knows with him.
Given his steroid use, I wonder if he feels any guilt in the fact that he was paid on the premise of breaking the HR chase and being effective into his 40′s. Personally, I would.
“And I’m hopeful that with some extended rest over the winter he’ll be back next season.”
How would that be different than this past winter?
If the problem is in his hips, then I fear that he will need the hip surgery he avoided last summer to correct the problem.
If ARod deteriorates to where he is merely a good, above-average ballplayer then his contract will be a huge albatross.
Yeah, it’s pretty obvious that Rodriguez has been more of an arm hitter the last month or so, which tells people just how talented he really is.
“They’re both steroid suspects, especially Lowell.”
Link? Evidence? I haven’t seen or heard that in any definitive fashion.
Nor have I seen “hundreds” of players who used steroids suddenly deteriorate. In fact many of the guys linked to steroids didn’t fall off a cliff at all. They gradually declined. Bonds for example.
It’s difficult to generalize on what the exact effects have been regarding age and injury.
Ultimately, there’s no definitive proof or evidence regarding causality of injuries that can be brought to bear to the discussion isn’t going to progress too far.
All I know is that Alex generates massive power through his hips and works like a fiend on his swing.
From those two facts, it seems very reasonable to believe that both factors would likely impact the hip the generates torque through. What impact steroids has had is more speculative, IMO.
Many players in the game have had trouble with their hips. It tends to be power hitters who hit in a certain way.
And the point still remains – what has made Alex so special his entire career is his mechanics and the remarkable way he can generate power from his base and hips. I haven’t seen any player do it as efficiently. It one of the reasons why Alex has hit so many more home runs than Manny Ramirez, who overall is probably a more balanced hitter.
CB/SJ, do you think that the Yanks take a chance and shut down Rodriguez against a team like KC for a 3 game series?
On the flip side, you see (ok, dozens) of cases where a combination of advancing age and prolonged steroid abuse deteriorate the abilities of ballplayers almost overnight.
Canseco, McGwire, Sosa, Bonds, Giambi, Bagwell, Giles, Caminiti, Juan Gonzalez etc. etc.
What more do you need to see?
“Given his steroid use, I wonder if he feels any guilt in the fact that he was paid on the premise of breaking the HR chase and being effective into his 40?s. Personally, I would.”
Do you think the Yankees feel guilty about paying Robbie $9M dollars this year to put up the numbers he has?
It’s business.
Robbie has what reason to feel guilty?
Did he cheat?
“How would that be different than this past winter?
If the problem is in his hips, then I fear that he will need the hip surgery he avoided last summer to correct the problem.”
It could be inflammation in the joint that he only developed at the start of this season.
Last october his hip looked fine. His swing was phenomenal.
If it is a physical problem it must be something that developed after last October.
He had a tear in his hip last season. This year they diagnosd him with tendinitis in the hip – his symptoms were different and that’s why they thought he might have had a groin strain first. It sounds like it’s a new, discrete problem, but one that’s part of a larger fundamental issue with recurrent stress being placed on his hip.
So that’s good news and bad news I guess. Overall, there seems to be signficant wear and tear on the hip. This particular problem with tendinitis however my be responsive to rest alone.
It’s tough to tell right now.
~~~Erica in NY :
Don’t know if getting hit caused his problems but i remember watching the game & he made a face that i will remember forever,back,lat area,square.
He was at first base hurting like you know what,not sure if he stayed in the game.
I remember him missing a ton of games with back problems,i remember going to the stadium upset because he was not in the lineup.
Erica, do i win GHDMHHB?
Didn’t realize Rodriguez’s OBP since since 5/31 is .306
44 RBI over that period (including an incredible 31 in July) covers that wart, but for a guy who is a .390 career OBP guy, .306 is troubling, epsecially when he has a Top 3 MVP candidate batting behind him.
He needs to see some Red Sox pitching.
Don’t worry Lance…I’ve been on the brink of bursting into tears watching your at bats. Things can only get better…(I hope).
by Frankie Piliere
The key to all this is Rodriguez’s leg kick, something that has been an on-again, off-again part of his swing for years. This season it’s become a major part of the problem for him. With that leg kick, he is leaking much of his power to his front side, leaving much less flexion and strength on that back leg. Not only that, but the kick, which he uses as a timing device, is making it much more difficult for him to get his foot down on time and spin on the inside pitch consistently.
http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/0.....00-or-not/
Brett
Re-read what I wrote. A TEAM feels no guilt for underpaying a player so why should a player feel guilt for being “overpaid”.
I put overpaid in quotes because some players value to a team is in more than the numbers they put up on the field.
Mike Lupica is an idiot.
Just jumping on. What happened? Is Alex in the hospital? Some of the comments make it sound like he’s gravely ill.
“….he is leaking much of his power to his front side, leaving much less flexion and strength on that back leg.”
Back leg= side surgery was done on.
What about dh’ing arod in 2011 & getting a 3rd baseman???
“Canseco, McGwire, Sosa, Bonds, Giambi, Bagwell, Giles, Caminiti, Juan Gonzalez etc. etc.”
None of these players to my knowledge had significant injuries to their hips.
The point that Piliere was rightly making was to be specific rather than group everything into non-specific catgories like “falling off a cliff.” That was the point of his analysis and why it was interesting and different from what’s usually written about a player who’s game is off, especially with an older player.
Attributing causality in less specific rather than more specific ways doesn’t seem particularly helpful.
For instance, Bonds and Sosa didn’t deteriorate in the same way. Not at all. Not even remotely the same. I watched them both pretty extensively. Just grouping them together as “steroid users” suggests that they had the same patter of decline and they didn’t.
For real M,
People act like he cannot hit a ball to the outfield any more. A-Rod can produce a 4HR and 12 RBI week at any time. Kind of hard to look good against Tampa pitching. Those dudes were painting corners and throwing heat all weekend.
Lowell and Utley aren’t steroid users bret.
“Back leg= side surgery was done on.”
Back leg = side he also had tendinitis in.
The back leg/hip is the pivot that forms the axis around which torque is developed.
That’s why there seems to be a significant mechanical component to Alex’s hip problems.
It’s not an accident that it’s his back hip and not his front hip which is the problem.
The whole ’ thing TICKS ME OFF! Haha.
Just grouping them together as “steroid users” suggests that they had the same patter of decline and they didn’t.
****************
Nevertheless, the decline was drastic despite slight variations.
Is Alex declining due to steroid abuse?
It’s a fair question given the circumstances.
The secondary question is, what will be Alex’s specific pattern of decline?
How many years will it take for him to break down?
What other types of symptoms will surface?
Intestinal parasites?
Pituitary Gland tumor?
Ankle injury?
Back problems?
Hip problems?
We’ll see
A-Rod runs the risk of needing a total hip replacement secondary to injury and/ or steroid use plus needing labral repair of that right hip. There is that chance he will not be able to finish that contract.
If there’s still time for GTLU
Jeter SS
Berkman DH
Tex 1B
A-Rod 3B
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Posada C
Granderson CF
Gardner LF
I know the Yankees have scored the most runs and have the best record, but I wonder if it’s time to think about Gardner who owns the best Yankee OBP to hit 1st, especially against righties and Jeter, who leads the Yankees with 13 GIDP’s batting further down the lineup. Swisher leads the Yankees in striking out and that is why he is not in the two hole.
Tampa has more team speed, or maybe they utilize their speed better. Any thoughts would be welcome, as I always believe the Yankees have room for improvement.
memo to the Jets:
show Revis the money
Revis is the best CB i’ve ever watched (even better then Darrell Green). Yet there are 7 DB’s on HIS OWN TEAM, who will make more than him this year. Unlike baseball, i am for football players getting as much as they can. Cut the bullsh*t and pay Revis
why was Leon Washington dealt?
Bret,
You’re no better lawyer than you are a GM.
cb-
Tendinitis is inflammation. It is not the underlying condition causing the inflammation.
In 2009 Arod had minor hip surgery to repair a labrum tear, stabilize cartilege and remove a pincer impingement. The Yanks decided to avoid major surgery for a cam impingement which is reportedly also a problem in his hip.
That’s what could be causing the tendinitis, and if so more (and more intrusive) surgery will be required. Or possibly there is arthritis in the hip, which is linked to labrum tears and cartilege issues.
All in all, very worrisome when linked to a player with ARod’s contract.
“Nevertheless, the decline was drastic despite slight variations.”
The variations weren’t slight. They were dramatically different. Bonds, Sosa and Mcguire for example didn’t have slight variation in decline. They were dramatically different.
Also – have you found the link for where Utley and Lowell are supposed to be steroid users? I haven’t ever heard either linked in any tangible way so I’m interested in seeing why you’re using them as evidence of Alex’s hip tear being steroid related.
Barry Bonds was still playing pretty darned well when last seen in a baseball uniform at age 42.
Franco,
And you suck at being a conversationalist which is really all we’re doing here.
Tom in N.J. August 2nd, 2010 at 1:41 pm
Erica, do i win GHDMHHB?
************
Sorry, but no.
Too depressing of a topic
“show Revis the money”
Despise the Jets and look forward to them extending their 4 deacades of failure, but could not agree with you more.
Not only was he the best CB in the game last year, he was arguably one of the 5 best players of any position, period. That defense goes from outstanding to quite ordinary without him.
Jets mgmnt=Mets mgmnt
More concerned w/ bottom line than winning.
Don’t they know it goes hand in hand in NY, at least.
Why take on “stars” like LD and J. Taylor and tick off Revis and dump Leon W?
“why was Leon Washington dealt?”
———————————–
this is why Revis is holding them up. Leon is one of his best friends, and the Jets front-office showed their colors (no loyalty). Stick it to them, Revis
Just jumping on. What happened? Is Alex in the hospital? Some of the comments make it sound like he’s gravely ill.
————————————————————————————————–
His swing caught pneumonia.
# Bret The Hitman August 2nd, 2010 at 1:59 pm
Franco,
And you suck at being a conversationalist which is really all we’re doing here.
———-
Convicting those who haven’t been proved to take PEDs or steroids is just being a conversationalist?
People have rights in this country and don’t deserve to be convicted of a crime when you have ZERO evidence.
Wave-
From everything we’ve been told his residual impingement isn’t a significant issue and doesn’t need further surgical correction.. Now if that was the reason causing the tendinitis that indeed would be a real concern. But we haven’t seen anything from the surgeon’s that would suggest this. However, as you point out that’s very possible and could clearly cause the inflammation.
That seem like the big question – is the tendinitis related to any residual impingement. I was assuming that this was unlikely given what we’ve heard about their decision not to do the second surgery and the first surgery being fairly extensive as it was.
Also – agree with you that Bonds was playing well at the age of 42. It wasn’t performance that forced him out of the game. That’s a stark contrast to say Sosa.
Thank god I’ma Yankee fan.
Jets and Knicks are abyssmal.
There’s a Hell of a lot of difference between having a conversation and throwing out unsubstantiated rumors and accusations….which is what you’re doing.
pat,
Thanks for the response. I became a big Dougie fan when he was a Yankee – it was a shame he broke his wrist that year.
The sewer used to be more active… need some controversey…….
A suspicion is an opinion.
It is not unlawful to state one as protected by the first amendment.
Are you one of those conversationalists who hates the 1st Amendment?
Why take on “stars” like LD and J. Taylor and tick off Revis and dump Leon W?
==================
I’ll answer my own question: to sell PSL’s, which are ridiculous.
Do any other teams have these psl’s?
True, very, very true, Erica.
From 1987 until 1990, I was Don Mattingly every year for halloween.
A-Rod’s Work … As Own Agent Signing bonus 10
2008 27
2009 32
2010 32
2011 31
2012 29
2013 28
2014 25
2015 21
2016 20
2017 20
Total 275
Signing Bonus
Paid as follows: $2 million upon approval by commissioner’s office; $1 million each Jan. 15 from 2009-13; and $3 million on Jan. 15, 2014.
Historic Achievement
A-Rod could receive an additional $6 million each for five milestones that the team designates as historic achievements. They are contemplated to be tying the home run marks of Willie Mays (660), Babe Ruth (714), Hank Aaron (755) and Barry Bonds, and breaking Bonds’ major league record.
Bret
“It?s a fair question given the circumstances.”
It is a fair question to ask but not one that can be answered with any certainty. Too many variables at play.
CB
You and I have been having this hip/power discussion since before the “groin” injury was talked about.
Girardi’s comment yesterday about him knowing things others don’t on top of me hearing Mientkiewicz talking about seeing Derek and Alex playing through things others wouldn’t get out of bed with because they understand that the team counts on them to post does provide more questions than answers in my mind.
GreenBeret7 August 2nd, 2010 at 2:05 pm
There’s a Hell of a lot of difference between having a conversation and throwing out unsubstantiated rumors and accusations….which is what you’re doing.
*********
Like what?
The accusation that Alex Rodriguez abused steroids?
Is that an unsubstantiated rumor?
Do I retain the right to suspicion in other cases?
Tom in N.J. August 2nd, 2010 at 2:07 pm
True, very, very true, Erica.
From 1987 until 1990, I was Don Mattingly every year for halloween.
***********
Mustache and all?
Now it makes sense why Arod didn’t pay in the all star game. They probably figured it would be good to give him 5 days off with out him swinging the bat. At the time I knew it had to be some kind of injury.
Bret:
“They’re both steroid suspects, especially Lowell”
That’s your quote. Since you stand largely alone in your suspicions, perhaps you should should indicate that YOU suspect them, rather than throwing out a cheapie that suggests they are suspected by the masses.
GTLU
Jeter SS
FatElvis DH
Tex 1B
ARod 3B
ALMVP 2B
Swish RF
Jorge C
Grandy CF
Gardy LF
AJ- live stuff tonight 7 innings 9ks/3 BBs and a 4-3 win @ home….
“Why take on “stars” like LD and J. Taylor and tick off Revis and dump Leon Washington”
————————-
solid point, Mick.
the part i didn’t like regarding the Leon Washington issue, is when Rex Ryan got his fat *** involved. Rex wasn’t part of the Jets, the year before when Leon Washington was the team’s best player and single-handedly won at least 3-4 games by himself. IMO, it was not in Rex’s place to get involved in Leon’s contract dispute. He should have left that to Tannenbaum. But Rex has a big mouth. Btw, expect i may be the only Jets fan who doesn’t like Ryan as a person. His father had no class, and you know how that goes. Ryan had better hope, he continues winning
# Bret The Hitman August 2nd, 2010 at 2:06 pm
A suspicion is an opinion.
It is not unlawful to state one as protected by the first amendment.
Are you one of those conversationalists who hates the 1st Amendment?
————-
There are things called “slander” and “liable” that prohibit people from spouting unsubstantiated rumors with no evidence.
The First Amendment doesn’t protect your right to smear anyone you like without consequences.
Just like it doesn’t protect you from shouting FIRE in a crowded theater.
One of you said something about tendinitis coming from steroids. I got tendinitis from diapering my son with safety pins and pampers before there was tape. My hand was cast for 3 weeks and that took care of it. By the way, I wasn’t using steroids.
“Do I retain the right to suspicion in other cases?”
Sure, but your statement was this:
“They’re both steroid suspects, especially Lowell.”
Kind of implies they are suspected by the masses, which is not true. Perhaps you should have indicated that these suspicions are yours alone.
Erica,
Yes, it was a fake one-I was 7-10 years old. Eye black and franklin batting gloves too.
I alternated between home and away uniforms. I loved Mattingly when I was a kid….
Bret The Hitman August 2nd, 2010 at 2:08 pm
GreenBeret7 August 2nd, 2010 at 2:05 pm
There’s a Hell of a lot of difference between having a conversation and throwing out unsubstantiated rumors and accusations….which is what you’re doing.
*********
Like what?
The accusation that Alex Rodriguez abused steroids?
Is that an unsubstantiated rumor?
Do I retain the right to suspicion in other cases?
———————————————————————————————————————-
Typical. You didn’t present the others as opinion. You presented them as fact. An accusation that you had no proof of and no reason for.
When an opinion is presented as such, and not stated as fact, there is no case for slander or libel.
Not a Berkman fan. He looked like crap when the Yankees swept Houston earlier this year and he generally has a defeatist look about him. Maybe he’ll prove me wrong, but I doubt it.
I also doubt Wood sees much of the eighth inning when the Yankees are clinging to a lead. He’s too erratic.
Kearns? Who knows? At least we won’t have to watch Granderson flail as often.
GreenBeret7 August 2nd, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Typical. You didn’t present the others as opinion. You presented them as fact.
************
False.
Who cares how many years left Arod has on his contract. When he isn’t performing up to his usual levels anymore he will retire. He isn’t going to continue play if he is only hitting .250 with 5 homeruns. He will know when it’s time to hang them up and go home. Now that the homeruns don’t really mean anything he will probably retire when he is 37-38.
Bret:
“They’re both steroid suspects, especially Lowell.”
That’s your quote. Implies they are universally suspected, which isn’t the case at all. If it’s your opinion/suspicion, you should probably present it in that manner.
Not a Berkman fan. He looked like crap when the Yankees swept Houston earlier this year and he generally has a defeatist look about him. Maybe he’ll prove me wrong, but I doubt it.
================
Was it me or did Berkman just sit there with a stoic look on his face when Cano hit that game winning HR?
Gardner was going nuts right in front of him.
Who cares how many years left Arod has on his contract. When he isn?t performing up to his usual levels anymore he will retire. He isn?t going to continue play if he is only hitting .250 with 5 homeruns. He will know when it?s time to hang them up and go home. Now that the homeruns don?t really mean anything he will probably retire when he is 37-38.
Totally disagree. He will play and get paid for the remainder of his contract.
YankFanCA August 2nd, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Kearns? Who knows? At least we won’t have to watch Granderson flail as often.
*************
Couldn’t agree more. I wonder what Grandy’s statistics are against breaking balls? It can’t be good at all.
If he’s not traded this offseason, I certainly hope Long can work with him. His batting stance makes it appear as if he’s swinging on the tip of his toes. It’s strange.
mick August 2nd, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Thank god I?ma Yankee fan.
Jets and Knicks are abyssmal.
————————————————
I’m Yankee, NY Giants, and Knicks, so I get a taste of both ends of the spectrum
The term “suspect” in this case implies a description of an opinion sense there is no mention of a trial where actual “suspects” are being arranged.
Has Tex opened his stance batting lefty?
SAS,
Prove it! lol
You sure you weren’t using steroids to speed up your ability to diaper your son?
You know, if you impove your speed, you can compete in national diapering contests for big money! lol
bret,
I’d be leery of smearing people who have never been tied into PED use or try to paint with too wide a brush on this issue.
There isn’t a definitive study anywhere that can conclusively link PED use to hip injuries.
In addition, unless you know what guys were taking, how they were cycling, and how long they were taking, its impossible to draw conclusions on any player.
I know guys who used in their careers and they didn’t suffer any symtoms. Their careers played out and they haven’t suffered any post-career injuries or illnesses.
I’m as anti-drug as you can be.
However, this is a subject on which so many falsehoods have been written, its impossible to draw logical conclusions.
In fact, if you speak to the folks on the frontlines on this issue in MLB, they will tell you banning greenies and not steroids have had a bigger impact on the game today.
pat-
I’m with you. Alex from August 2009-October 2009 was one of the single best hitters I’ve ever seen – not just in terms of results but in terms of mechanics and the quality of his swing. That doesn’t just vanish for no reason.
Jeter was just so-so in 2008. 2009 was one of the best years of his career. Could be random variation, but it seems likely that Jeter was injured in 2008 – probably when Cabrera hit him on the hand.
Neither Jeter nor Alex is going to admit to any kind of injury. They’re just not built that way. Girardi’s and Minky’s comments make sense in that context. And Minky knows Alex very well.
mick — his body language is awful . . . like he knows something bad is just around the corner
Ron,
I think the Yankees should give serious thought to acquiring a great 3b this off season and moving Arod to full time DH.
I would even use Montero or Romine to aid that pursuit and get a 3b here in trade that could achieve that.
But I don’t see it happening. The problem is there are not great 3b to be had.
David Wright and Evan Longoria are not gonna happen here for obvious reasons.
Ryan Zimmerman won’t happen even if we traded the farm for him. The Nats just traded for Ramos to be their C of the future and I don’t think they would jump at Montero nor trade their franchise player.
The best guy you could shoot for in a trade would be Mark Reynolds from AZ since they are in salary crunch mode all the time now. The problem there is Reynolds may not be worth it. He’s 26 and his for amazing power (which is good), but K’s all the time and hits for a very low average. I don’t think he’s any great shakes defensively either.
Maybe the Royals would trade Alex Gordon and the Yankees can try giving him a shot at 3b? Not a great solution, but interesting nonetheless.
The Yankees function the way they do because they get positional advantages at most of their positions. Putting an average 3b in for Arod and moving him to DH doesn’t help their process.
The only thing they could do is sign Adrian Beltre if they believe he can hit for the kind of numbers he’s hitting right now next year out of Fenway. That’s a big “if” to me. Defensively he’s an asset and if his bat is for real he could be a great sub in the lineup to move Arod from 3b to full time DH a la Edgar Martinez. However, I think he’s on a salary drive right now. When he’s playing for a contract he’s a different player.
I think the best option is get Arod rest and healthy, find a good backup to spell him and hope Brandon Laird keeps hitting in the minors. If he does, he can transition to becoming the next Yankee 3b and allow Arod to slide over to DH in a year or two.
Problem there is Montero will have nowhere to play if he can’t stick at catcher which is why Cashman is willing to move him for the right piece.
The good thing though is the Yankees have some potential solutions in house like Laird and potentially Nunez.
That said, if the Nats were ever dumb enough to put Zimmerman on the market, the Yankees should go all in and get him.
What percentage of home runs is steroids accountable for? 5%? 10%? Over 3 three year Texas stay, that’s 8-15 homers.
GTLU
SS Jeet
DH Fat Elvis
1B Tex
3B ARod – tonite’s his nite
2B AL MVP
RF Swishie
C Jorge
CF Grandy
LF Gardy
AJ- live stuff tonight 7ip/ 9 ks/ 3 BBs….5-3 Yanks Win!!!!
“Totally disagree. He will play and get paid for the remainder of his contract.”
The playing part is up to the Yankees, not Alex.
“Was it me or did Berkman just sit there with a stoic look on his face when Cano hit that game winning HR?”
He was quietly thinking “Damn! That one went almost as far as the bomb Pujols hit off of Lidge in the ’05 NCLS……………….and I need to find a place to stay”.
“On the flip side, you see (ok, dozens) of cases where a combination of advancing age and prolonged steroid abuse deteriorate the abilities of ballplayers almost overnight.”
————————————-
How do you know this combination caused their decline?
How do you how much steroids each player took and how much effect it had on their body?
Can you point me in the direction of the study that shows the link between steroid use and particular health effects like Alex’s hip?
Or are you just advancing a theory based on a small group of people who went through drastically different circumstances at the of the their career in which you do not know how extensive each of their steroid abuse was, that the combination of aging and steroid use causes the deterioration of baseball abilities overnight?
SAS-
That was one of the more memorable posts we’ve ever had here!
You also make a good point – with tendinitis at times it requires complete rest to get better. The yanks can’t afford to rest Alex completely – not with Tampa on their backs.
GB7 brought up the idea of resting Alex for a series. It would be great if they could open up a lead and wrap up the division early as they did last year. If they could I’d imagine they’d rest Alex for a while.
But they aren’t likely to have that luxury this season the way the Rays are playing.
I wonder if Alex Rodriguez power loss is unrelated to his hip problem. Last year, I noticed that ARod’s range at thirdbase was greatly reduced…especially on balls hit to his right. This year it seems that he has much better (although not as great as it was 3 years ago). Is it possible that he might be experiencing another health issue?
Also, ARod was a workout warrior last year, trying to recover from the hip surgery. I read that he still works out vigorously…even on game days. Is it possible that maybe he should dial back the workouts and get some rest?
Totally disagree. He will play and get paid for the remainder of his contract
————
No chance the Yanks allow that to happen. The extra 4 years on that contract are only there because the Yanks thought he would be breaking a record. Now that he won’t be he will know when he isn’t playing to his usual level. When the time comes I am sure the team will sit down with him and they will come to an agreement. He will not embarrass himself on the field.
SJ44,
lol…I’ll take my 39 year old son to the next diaper changing contest and see how I do.
A-Rod runs the risk of needing a total hip replacement, not only from injury, but from prior anabolic steroid use and previous labral surgery. There is probably early osteoarthritis of his right hip socket already.
Gardner leads the team in OBP and stolen bases.
Swisher leads in strikeouts
Jeter leads in Double Plays with 13.
Is there a lineup, especially against righthanders that would generate more runs and be more efficient. Even though the Yankees lead in runs scored, there’s always room for improvement.
Interested in your thoughts!
YankFanCA,
If you were playing in Houston the past few years, you’d look as shell shocked as Berkman looks.
Give him some time to get used to playing real meaningful baseball again before condemning him for bad body language.
I think he’s going to do some big surprising things for us this season once he settles into the fact he’s playing for a title.
I also think Kerry Wood is going to rise up and surprise a lot of people.
If you were watching the game yesterday, Eiland spotted something in Woods’ mechanics and went out to correct it after the first walk. Then Wood started throwing better before losing it before he got yanked. There were glimpses of the stuff. That curve he K’d Longoria on was filthy.
Just relax and let these guys play a little bit here before we start panning the moves.
Cashman did a great job fixing some holes this team had. I think these trades are going to work once the dust settles.
CB, that was the reason that I suggested the Royals as the “rest team”. That’s one of the teams besides Baltimore that NYY could probably cover his absence.
Forget his production… the more importance question is, based on what we’ve seen, is he even a lock to break Bonds’ HR record anymore?
To get to 762, he has to average 24 HRs for the next 7 years. And considering his skills are going to really erode at the back end, he probably needs to average 30 over the next 5 years.
i think once you accuse Chase Utley of being a possible steroid user you lose all credibility
That was one of the more memorable posts we’ve ever had here!
You also make a good point – with tendinitis at times it requires complete rest to get better. The yanks can’t afford to rest Alex completely – not with Tampa on their backs.
————————————————————————————————–
CB if rest is truly necesary to rejuvenate ARod then the Yankees should rest him…even if Tampa wins the AL East. The reality is there isn’t much difference between making the playoffs as a wildcard and winning the division. Last year we only had 3 starting pitchers so it was necesary to win the playoffs and pick the right ALDS format. This year, with Javy on board the Yankees can survive with 4 pitchers.
I’m worried more about missing out on the wildcard than winning the division. The Yankees shouldn’t push their players to the wall simply to win the division versus making teh playoffs. This isn’t like football or basketball where home field advantage is so huge.
After 2 games we are critical of Berkman’s reaction to homeruns? Maybe he’s just saving his cartwheels for Yankee Stadium.
G. Love — I’m very relaxed, thanks. .245 after 4 months is not going to all of a sudden turn around. As far as Wood is concerned, he walks way too many hitters and his ERA is high for a reason. A new uniform doesn’t change things much. It also appears that Granderson really is a .240 – .250 hitter.
G. Love,
Interesting speculation.
I think if Alex can get through Posada’s final year in 2011, the DH spot will be wide open for him in 2012.
At that point, I think Montero, if his 2nd year in AAA proves he can’t stick at catcher, can be used as trade bait for a 3b. Laird could be part of that deal or if a fair deal doesn’t materialize, Laird could be the 3b.
I’m convinced now that Nunez will be kept through 2010 and 2011 at the very least as he’ll serve in Pena’s role as backup for Jeter and Arod.
I hope in a couple years the Yankees make a run at someone like you mentioned Zimmerman or maybe even Hanley Ramirez who could switch positions.
The injury to the right hip, the constant physical abuse, the anabolic steroid use, and the previous labral surgery to that hip, all can lead to osteoarthritis of the socket, which might require, some day, a total hip replacement.
CB
2007 was the year Mientkiewicz talked about Jeter being hurt but he wasn’t in NY in 2008 so he wouldn’t know what was ailing him that year.
He said in 2007, Jeter had a knee injury that he couldn’t walk on but spent hours in the trainers room everyday just so he could take the field because he knew the organization was counting on him.
“The Yankees shouldn’t push their players to the wall simply to win the division versus making teh playoffs. This isn’t like football or basketball where home field advantage is so huge.”
Can only half agree with this. Obviously going to the playoffs with Arod in reasonably good health is vitally important regardless of who they play. But winning the division can be the difference between facing Cliff Lee twice in a 5 game series or playing a more manageable White Sox or Twins team with homefield advantage. HFA has been important to the Yankees this year. They score nearly 1.5 more runs per game at home than on the road and are 130 OPS points better as a team. They want the HFA.
Tom in N.J. August 2nd, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Erica,
Yes, it was a fake one-I was 7-10 years old. Eye black and franklin batting gloves too.
I alternated between home and away uniforms. I loved Mattingly when I was a kid?.
*************
Me too.
We still have my dad’s framed “Hit Man” poster
blake August 2nd, 2010 at 2:30 pm
After 2 games we are critical of Berkman?s reaction to homeruns? Maybe he?s just saving his cartwheels for Yankee Stadium.
************
It was his first game in a Yankee uniform. After spending 10 years with Houston. Maybe he and Robbie Cano didn’t have a chance to formally become blood brothers yet
Bret,
What I think is most interesting is there aren’t a lot of great 3b anymore. The one’s that are great are franchise players who won’t get traded.
I don’t see the Nats ever parting with Zimmerman. If they can’t pay him, who do they pay?
It’s not an easy thing to go into the off season and find an above average 3b worth trading your top prospects for.
I wouldn’t touch Beltre with a ten foot cattle prod unless we learned that Arod was injured and needed more surgery.
Other than that, I think Girardi is handling this well. Rest him. Keep him as fresh as possible.
If Laird and Nunez can both come up and be part of the conversation next season, the teams depth saves them from making a dumb move for a guy like Mark Reynolds or even Chone Figgins if Arod can’t field his position every day.
That said, none of us should be writing the obit of Alex Rodriguez just yet.
I think he’ll get back on track soon enough.
As for the rest of his contract with the Yankees, I don’t think there’s a player in baseball who would walk away from that kind of guaranteed money no matter what physical condition they were in. Expecting Arod to not take the Yankees for every penny owed to him is foolish. He’ll get the full value of his contract save some of the HR clauses if he doesn’t hit them.
I’m sure the Yankees internally already know that at some point way down the line, a buyout would be in the best interest of the team and Arod if his production vanishes.
But that conversation isn’t for today. He still hits the ball very hard and he’s using the whole field.
He’s going to get back on track this season and put up some huge numbers.
Bob -
Yes, Mike Lupica is an idiot.
I don’t know what you’re refering to but I’ll be glad to agree with you on the point.
Saying that the Yankees “Come off looking scared” by making midseason trades to better themselves is the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen anyone in sport’s writing ever write.
The Yankees “look scared” because they went out and made some tweaks to their roster to fill the minor holes that they had? Scared would have been trading Montero for Ted Lilly or Romine for Jake Westbrook; dealing nothing for three guys who may help the final push isn’t looking scared, it’s looking like a champion. Of course as a Met fan Lupica would have no idea what that means.
i’m shocked the Orioles did not trade Ty Wigginton
gamer, good power, tough, can play a lot of positions, a ton of teams wanted him
considering the rebuilding mode they’re in, what’s the point of holding onto a guy like that who actually has really good value?
i really wanted him for the Yanks, and i’m sure Cashman asked, but man i just can’t figure out the Orioles’ thought process
Berkman, Wood and Kearns came from 2 teams that were never going to compete this year. Both teams probably have laissez-faire attitudes. It has to rub off on these guys. So what if they won a 3 game series.
They will love the competitiveness of the Yankees, and if they don’t they will be shipped right back to a team like they came from.
i’m shocked the Orioles did not trade Ty Wigginton
gamer, good power, tough, can play a lot of positions, a ton of teams wanted him
considering the rebuilding mode they’re in, what’s the point of holding onto a guy like that who actually has really good value?
i really wanted him for the Yanks, and i’m sure Cashman asked, but man i just can’t figure out the Orioles’ thought process
=======================================================
I would bet that if the Orioles hadn’t signed Buck Showlater to be their manager last week then they would have dealt Wigginton and maybe one or two others. But, I suspect that Showalter doesn’t want any of the players or minor leaguers traded until he can take over and make his assessment of the talent there and decide which guys fit into his plan.
“There are things called “slander” and “liable” that prohibit people from spouting unsubstantiated rumors with no evidence.”
Gspp Frnc
You may want to spell the word right before speaking as if you know what you are talking about. It’s
LIBEL
Gspp Frnc
You may want to spell the word right before speaking as if you know what you are talking about. It’s
LIBEL
“There are things called “slander” and “liable” that prohibit people from spouting unsubstantiated rumors with no evidence.”
Gspp Frnc
You may actually want use the correct term before you speak like you know what you are talking about. It’s
LIBEL
“They will love the competitiveness of the Yankees, and if they don’t they will be shipped right back to a team like they came from.”
Doesn’t matter if they tattoo their backsides with pinstripes. All three will almost certainly be invited to seek work elsewhere in 2011.
This late into the season, there’s no reason for Baltimore to trade Wigginton. Scott is another story, however. Wigginton is a Type A FA this year. Scott isn’t a FA.
Chip, you are right, Lupica doesn’t know anything about baseball. I saw him on the Sports Reporters this weekend and he was clueless.
The Yankees made some minor moves and didn’t disrupt there minor leagues at all. I know many were really high on Melancon, but at the major league level he was not going to get guys out with what he had. Maybe he works it out wouldn’t be teh 1st time but against every righty the Yanks are a better team with Berkman and Berkman will help this team a lot more in this one year than Melancon would in his career.
Once Alex gets HR No. 600 off his back he can go back to making contact to all fields, especially right center field where many of his RBI have come from this year.
I accuse Chase Utley of pomade abuse.
You want proof? Check the inside of his hats. They’re virtual petroleum bowls.
It is possible Wood could stay
With that idiot Lupica, they’re damned if the do and damned if they don’t. Cashman actually did a fine job keeping the top prospects we have. Did he mention the team payroll like he always mentions ? He is so concerned about how much money the organization spends. I wonder where all our luxury tax money goes ?
“I accuse Chase Utley of pomade abuse”
Chase Utley don’t want Fop! He’s a Dapper Dan man!
# Eduardo August 2nd, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Gspp Frnc
You may actually want use the correct term before you speak like you know what you are talking about. It’s
LIBEL
———-
Yeah, thanks jackass.
But misspelling the term doesn’t mean I don’t know it’s definition, especially when it was clear what I meant because it was grouped with the word “slander.”
Slander = speech, Libel = written.
so what if Wigginton is a type A Free Agent? you get two high draft picks, congrats. i’d rather take some prospects now which are still young, but have already proven something in the minors. get them into the system now. there’s no reason to wait.
Hopefully Arod hits #600 against the Jays so he can get back to being himself against the Sox. Otherwise they will really have him chasing crap in the dirt. Now that the Yanks are back at YS where RF is only about 280 feet the homerun should come.
GB -
Problem with your Wiggington point is that, much like Scott Downs, to ge the draft picks three things have to happen:
1. O’s have to offer Wiggington arbitration
2. A team will have to decide that signing Wiggington is worth surrendering a draft pick
3. The team that signs Wiggington would have to not sign another, more valuable free agent.
And of course the team that signs Wiggington would have to be one of the better teams around.
In the end, I think the O’s lose Wiggington as a free agent and don’t get anything back for him, or else Ty sticks around as the O’s 3b for next season.
“Wigginton is a Type A FA this year.”
Actually, this isn’t the case. He’s a no comp free agent.
“Yeah, thanks jackass.”
Gssp Frnc
Nice witty repartee
Wiggington is neither a type ‘A’ nor type ‘B’ FA. At least MLBTR doesn’t have him listed as one:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/.....pdate.html
“Wiggington is neither a type ‘A’ nor type ‘B’ FA. At least MLBTR doesn’t have him listed as one”
No he’s not. In fact, he’s a long ways a way from being a Type B. He’s grouped with the 1B/DH/OF cluster for purposes of measuring. He’s very close to the bottom of the cluster.
can’t believe Wigginton isn’t even a type B. his numbers are nothing to scoff at. i have seen some names that i’ve been surprised at that WERE type B or type A though. i guess it depends a lot on who you’re being compared to.
Question –
If you’re Cashman would you take a chance at picking up Nate McLouth?
He’s not too far removed from very good seasons, and I’m guesssing the Braves would pop him on waivers…and probably let him go to any team that might claim him.
In other words I don’t think he would cost the Yankees anything other than money.
McLouth is terrible. No reason to touch him.
Colin Curtis has more of a big league future right now than Nate McLouth.
SJ -
Don’t hold back, tell me what you really think.
I just find it amazing that he went from being as good as he was in Pitt to as bad as he is now…
“McLouth is terrible. No reason to touch him”
Remember when Francessa used to say “That kid McLouth, he’s got Yankee written all over him”
Good times.
It happens. He has been trending downward for two years and is pretty much done.
Plus, he’s coming off a head injury that further clouds his ability to come back.
The Pirates got rid of him at the right time.
i’m shocked the Orioles did not trade Ty Wigginton
==================================================
With the new manager in Baltimore (Buck Showalter) they probably decided not to move anyone until he takes over and makes his own decision as to who he wants on the team going forward.
If Showalter decides that Wigginton doesn’t fit then I would look for them to put him on waivers before Aug. 30th.
I remember those days Bill. Mike made it his personal crusade to try and bring McLouth to NY.
His flock filled blogs on how Cashman is a “fool” for not trading for him.
Problem is, scouts who saw him felt he was in severe decline. Turns out, they were right.
OK, so, I was wrong about Wigginton’s ranking. He’d never get out of the AL on waivers.
If you’re Cashman would you take a chance at picking up Nate McLouth?
**************************
Maybe not mcclouth but what about:
grady sizemore (7.5m salary in 2011 but out for the season?) if the indians decide to put him on waivers
vernon wells (and trade granderson for ???) or lyle overbay (DH next year)?
wilson betemit for the stretch run in place of pena?
or if you’re cashman do you put:
Nick Johnson on waivers and hope some dummy GM picks him up?
“OK, so, I was wrong about Wigginton’s ranking. He’d never get out of the AL on waivers.”
No, he won’t. FWIW, if Wigginton played just one position, he’d probably sneak into Type B status. That system doesn’t seem kind to the “jack of all trades” types.
Maybe McClouth’s head injury is the main reason to project having know value, but he has more upside than Melky Cabrera. Guys don’t all of a sudden put up their worst year when they are 28…barring major injury, but saying the guy is terrible because of this year is a little short sighted.
SJ44 August 2nd, 2010 at 3:25 pm
I remember those days Bill. Mike made it his personal crusade to try and bring McLouth to NY.
His flock filled blogs on how Cashman is a ?fool? for not trading for him.
Problem is, scouts who saw him felt he was in severe decline. Turns out, they were right.
—————————-
And Bronson Arroyo…don’t forget Bronson Arroyo…
Just testing my ability to log on. Earlier could not get my posting thru.
He also struggled last year and he didn’t have a head injury.
He’s been trending downward since the second half of 2008.
Pass, they don’t need him.
Chip August 2nd, 2010 at 3:33 pm
SJ44 August 2nd, 2010 at 3:25 pm
I remember those days Bill. Mike made it his personal crusade to try and bring McLouth to NY.
His flock filled blogs on how Cashman is a ?fool? for not trading for him.
Problem is, scouts who saw him felt he was in severe decline. Turns out, they were right.
?????????-
And Bronson Arroyo?don?t forget Bronson Arroyo?
___________________________________________________
He loves Bronson Arroyo so much it’s sickening.
GTLU
Jeter ss
Swisher rf
Tex 1b
Arod 3b
Cano 2b
Berkman dh
Posada c
Granderson cf
Gardner lf
I guess most of you will be happy with the lineup. Swisher back in the 2 hole.
SJ44 August 2nd, 2010 at 3:36 pm
He also struggled last year and he didn’t have a head injury.
He’s been trending downward since the second half of 2008.
Pass, they don’t need him
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I haven’t followed either mclouth’s downward trend nor granderson’s but from what i read wouldn’t granderson also be labeled as trending downward since mid 2008?
Jeter ss
Swisher rf
Tex 1b
Arod 3b
Cano 2b
Berkman dh
Posada c
Granderson cf
Gardner lf
This will be the 1st game that the full new and improved lineup is together.
SJ, what severe decline over years are your referring too? He went from an OPS of .678 to .810 to .853 and then last year he was at .788. This year he has been awful (.544), but he finished his last 100 AB’s last year with an OPS of .791 so really his only major drop off is this year at 28 after 3 productive years (and 5 in the bigs) It doesn’t take teams 3 years to make adjustments…obviously something else is up with him.
RiverAveBlues Lineup: The Ghost of Derek Jeter, #SendSwish, Marky Mark, 599, Don’t ya know?, Hip Hip, Fat Elvis, Curtis, Brett. AJ on the mound.
less than a minute ago via Echofon
Girardi listened to me! Berkman and Swisher have been flipped!
The bottom 3rd of the lineup tonight is pretty awesome. Would be the top of the order for a ton of teams in the league.
*Scratch the last lineup, this is my new one:
Jeter ss
Swisher rf
Tex 1b
Arod 3b
Cano 2b
Posada c
Berkman dh
Granderson cf
Gardner lf
McClouth has fallen off the planet and you have to think there are health issues.
Wigginton is such a perfect fit for the Yanks… its why I’ve been mentioning him here for two years or as long as I’ve been on.
Guys with afordable contracts will get claimed but no big deals will. Sizemore is a player I really like, but the Yanks don’t need a LH bat now or next year.
Having more “upside” than Melky Cabrera is not saying much. Nate McClouth is just not that good.
Chad & fellow bloggers:
Gardner leads the Yankees in OBP and steals.
Swisher leads in strikeouts.
Jeter leads with 13 HIDP’s
I know we lead the league in runs scored, but it was painfully obvious in the last three games that Tampa utilizes their speed much better than the Yankees.
Is it time to think about using Gardner in the leadoff spot against righties and move Jeter down in the order? I can see why Girardi is trying to use Berkman at #2 while moving Swisher to a more RBI position.
Doreen is away for the week
Any line up guessing is for practice only and will not count towards GTLU stats
Ledger_Yankees Jeter 6, Swisher 9, Teixeira 3, Rodriguez 5, Cano 4, Posada 2, Berkman DH, Granderson 8, Gardner 7, Burnett 1.
3 minutes ago via web
Have we talked about Sterling’s home run call for Berkman?
It has to be “Fat Elvis has left the ballpark” right?
Erica-
Damon will likely pass thru waivers. Does he get claimed and traded?
Granderson is a much better player than McLouth.
Better defensively, faster, more power. There isn’t a single part of McLouth’s game these days that equals Granderson.
You are talking about a guy who is hitting .168 this year. Since the mid-season mark of 2008, he has been worse than Melky Cabrera.
Where exactly does he fit on this team? The bench? Austin Kearns is better.
If you are going to take on money, you have to have a guy capable of being able to help you. He isn’t.
Let somebody else fix him. The Yankees don’t need him.
If the Braves, a very estute organization, felt he could help them this year, they wouldn’t have traded for Rick Ankiel. Especially since they aren’t happy with Melky.
Yay-Swisher’s back in the 2 hole!!
Yankee Trader August 2nd, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Erica-
Damon will likely pass thru waivers. Does he get claimed and traded?
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ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t want to have to choose between my two pretend boyfriends
Can I have Damon and Berkman???????????????
Erica in NY August 2nd, 2010 at 3:43 pm
Doreen is away for the week
Any line up guessing is for practice only and will not count towards GTLU stats
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You just shattered the spirits of anyone quessing it correctly, Erica.
New Post w/lineup
GreenBeret7 August 2nd, 2010 at 3:51 pm
You just shattered the spirits of anyone quessing it correctly, Erica.
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My evil knows no boundaries
McLouth is a perfect fit in Boston.
Yay-Swisher’s back in the 2 hole!!
–
The ladies love swish in the 2 hole!
GTLU
SS DJ
RF SWISH
1B TEX
3B AROD
2B CANO
DH BERKMAN
C POSADA
CF GRANDERSON
LF GARDNER
I’m glad Berk’s not hitting 2nd.
I guess I understood putting him in there to get him on the fast track contributor-wise but the lineup works with Swish there.
BTW, I have no skin in the game about wanting McClouth I just wanted to point out that one year where a guy still has a decent OPS (where he finishes the last 100 AB’s higher than his year total) is hard to say he has a downward trend…Of course when teh next year he goes down again it will be a 2 year trend :p
Of course Jeter had a downward trend form an OPS of .900 in 06 to .840 and then in 08 had a .770 for 3 years at the age of 35 so 3 year trend couldn’t expect the great .871 he put up last year…
Cano went from .890 – .841 – .715 in 08…was he done? Of course not, he has incredible wrists and anyone who knew anything about hitting knew he would be at least an .800 OPS guy with huge upside.
I really don’t know McClouths game, but let’s stop with the theatrics please.
Let’s get real. Comparing McLouth, Jeter and Cano is absurd.
Derek Jeter is still a functional baseball player. Nate McLouth is not.
He was a marginal player who had a couple of good years.
Now, he is in the minors after hitting .168.
That’s trending downward.
You can play with the numbers all you want.
Derek Jeter is still one of the 3 best SS’s in the AL. Nate McLouth can’t even sit on the Atlanta Braves bench.
The comparison is not remotely valid.