Postgame notes: “Nothing ever really surprises you”
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Notes, Podcast on Aug 15, 2010 
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Alex Rodriguez said several times this season that his low power numbers did not bother him. As at-bat after at-bat passed without career home run No. 600, Rodriguez remained one of the top RBI men in baseball, and that seemed more than enough to satisfy him. Tonight, Rodriguez admitted feeling some frustration.
“I haven’t really hit for any power this year, so it’s been frustrating,” he said. “Being stuck at 599 was really a microcosm of what’s been going on all year. I’ve been able to drive in runs and hit some doubles here and there, but overall I’ve hit for no power.”
This has been his worst season since 1995, but tonight was a reminder of how dangerous and productive he remains. Rodriguez now leads the major leagues in RBI, and he’s nine away from his 13th consecutive 30-home-run season. With three more RBI, he’ll be the first player in baseball history to drive in 100 runs in 14 different seasons.
“He’s been such a great talent for a long time, nothing ever really surprising you,” Girardi said. “I don’t think he’s been pressing, because I think if he were pressing he wouldn’t have the RBIs… I think he’s not trying to do too much with runners in scoring position. He’s not trying to hit home runs. He’s just saying, I’m going to have a good at-bat and drive in the run.”
Rodriguez said he made some minor adjustments with Kevin Long this week, working to clear his hips a little more. He estimated that he’d been clearing only 70 percent, but Long worked to get him closer to 100. Whatever the cause, the result was obvious.
“It was nice to carry the team for one night,” Rodriguez said. “These guys have done a lot of carrying me all year.”
Here’s A-Rod.
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• Phil Hughes got his 14th win, the second most in baseball. He did it on a night when he struck out none for the first time this season. “I’m not going to try to strike guys out anyway,” he said. “If they’re going to swing early, so be it… Physically I felt really good tonight with my fastball, and they’re a real aggressive team so I really just took the approach of throwing a lot of fastballs and getting some quick outs.”
• What was Hughes thinking as he saw Rodriguez put on that show? “Why can’t he do that every time when I’m pitching?” he said.
• Also, if you look at the box score, you’ll see Hughes gave up nine hits. At least half of them were weak singles. Aside from a first-inning double and sixth-inning home runs, Hughes was not hit hard tonight. Not at all.
• Joba Chamberlain has held opponents scoreless in his past nine outings. That’s a span of 8.2 innings with two hits allowed.
• Derek Jeter tied Zack Wheat for 36th place all-time in hits. They both have 2,884, and Jeter has a hit in 13 of the past 16 games. According to the postgame notes, Wheat is from Missouri. He and I never met.
• About the lost fly ball that fell for a hit in front of Brett Gardner… Gardner saw it off the bat but lost it in the twilight. “I hoped it would reappear, and it never did,” Gardner said. From his spot on the mound, Hughes thought it was a sure out, but then again, “My eyesight’s not the best,” Hughes said. “I thought Granderson was going to catch it. Just looking out there I had no idea. Then I saw it fall nowhere near anybody.”
• Girardi’s story of the lost fly ball: “When it went up I said, ‘Tomper, does he see it?’ It looked like he was camped under it and he goes, ‘Yeah, he sees it,’ which made me feel better. And then that changed pretty quickly.”
• Tomper is third-base coach Rob Thomson, and I have no idea whether I spelled Tomper correctly.
• Girardi on pulling Hughes after six innings and 99 pitches: “I just thought he had had enough. It was extremely hot again. He had done a great job and had to work real hard getting out of that inning. Our bullpen has been very good, so I went to them.”
• Gardner is 5-for-15 this road trip and might be slowly breaking out of a hitting slump.
• Jorge Posada and Curtis Granderson hit the Yankees fourth pair of back-to-back home runs this season.
• Random quote from Girardi: Sweeny Murti asked him how hard is it to hit three home runs off three different pitchers, which Rodriguez did tonight. “I’ve got no idea Sweeny,” Girardi said. “I’ve never done it.”
Associated Press photos of Rodriguez, Hughes and Jeter
Good game by all. And oddly again both TB and Boston won today. Must be a Saturday the 14th kinda thing.
When Hughes starts mastering the change up – he’s going to be even better. That’s going to be something to see.
Huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuughes
Great night all around for the Yanks.
These last two games, Chad’s officially replaced Pete Abe as king of the Yankees beat bloggers as far as I’m concerned. Hilarious and informative stuff.
Yeah, you spelled it wrong. All of Girardi’s nicknamed end with a “y”.
Good win for the whole team.
apparently A-Rod has no troubles DH’ing.
lol, i got more points in my fantasy league with Arod then i did with Hughes (21-17).
I believe that years from now, Alex will be a very productive DH. And probably a decent back-up infielder. Will there be a day in the future when we see him at SS for a game?
I’d certainly enjoy that.
5 more to catch Sammy Sosa. 26 to catch Griffey.
In pregame ceremony, Royals honored the team that beat the Yankees for the 1980 pennant.
LOL
Derek Jeter has gone 51 straight games at shortstop without an error.
“Alex will be a very productive DH”
Great point. Tonight’s display makes the out years of his contract look far more palatable. One by one those milestones will fall and Kevin Kennedy’s statement will quiet the critics.
“I’m not going to try to strike guys out anyway,”
Either this is not credible, or some pitch to contact nonsense has infected the Yankees’ rotation.
“Derek Jeter has gone 51 straight games at shortstop without an error.”
That says nothing about how many balls a fielder gets to or doesn’t get to, which is more important.
Sweet dreams, Yankeeland.
test…
good morning early birds
nice win last night, good to have a blow out, and YAY for Alex.
Morning, Kate.
A little number that was overlooked in last night’s game was the fact that Alex Rodriguez passed 1800 RBI and moved into 20th place all time and 21st in runs scored.
seems like these Yankees are breaking records all the time!
I looked at the stats today and Gardener has struck out almost as many times as Arod with 50+ less at bats. If Gardener is not going to hit for power he needs to cut down on his K`s
I was surprised by Kim Jones’ interview w/ Joba last night. She was tougher than usual, asked some pointed questions. She asked him about losing the 8th inning spot. He mostly gave the standard answers, but did admit he “sucked for quite a while”. Its encouraging to see the bullpen pitching so well.
upstate kate August 15th, 2010 at 8:23 am
I was surprised by Kim Jones’ interview w/ Joba last night. She was tougher than usual, asked some pointed questions. She asked him about losing the 8th inning spot. He mostly gave the standard answers, but did admit he “sucked for quite a while”. Its encouraging to see the bullpen pitching so well
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Yeah, he knows that things needed to get better for him to start helping. It has. 9 straight games without allowing a run. He’s knocked 1 full run off of his ERA in that time. 2 hits and 3 walks in those 8.2 innings. Whether people think they are non-pressure situations or not, he wasn’t doing that earlier, regardless of the “pressure”. I’d say that there was pressure to keep him out of the minors at the rate he was going.
Phil Hughes tribute # 14 Mayan style( Compliments of Bronx Jeers).
Going hiking today. Enjoy.
http://picasaweb.google.com/cy.....AndOthers#
” looked at the stats today and Gardener has struck out almost as many times as Arod with 50+ less at bats. If Gardener is not going to hit for power he needs to cut down on his K`s”
Just about every player that takes a lot of pitches per at-bat and goes deep in counts has high totals in bases on balls and strikeouts.
“Derek Jeter has gone 51 straight games at shortstop without an error.”
……………………………………………………………………….
For some success is not to be enjoyed. There are few SS playing today with a better record at SS, including range. I’ve seen Jeter get to balls I thought he never would, and make great throws to 1st for the out. I guess for some the glass is always half empty!
Big Al
I’ll never understand the hate people have for Jeter or Posada.
They act like they can’t wait for them to retire.
All the hand ringing over Jeters next contract is just foolish.
GB7
I saw that you and MTU were stirring up trouble here yesterday.
Maine-
Good morning. GB is little like the photo of the Black Panther licking his chops. I’m kinda like the Harpy’s eagle.
MTU -
Very nice!
MaineYankee August 15th, 2010 at 8:48 am
GB7
I saw that you and MTU were stirring up trouble here yesterday.
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Yeah, that bum has become the board problem child. He’s getting as bad as Matt The Mook.
The new faces on the team seems to have stirred up an awakening.
Players are stepping up and being counted, both position and bullpen.
GB-
My status just keeps rising. I’ve gone from just sick to sick bum in 1 day. I’m legendary around these parts. Maybe even a legend in my own mind.
Al-
Glad you enjoyed them.
Jeter’s going to get what the Steinbrenner family says. They understand that a contentious contract battle is no good for them, Jeter or the team. Same with Rivera, Posada and Pettitte. Thise are the guys that pay a large share of the bills in production and merchandise.
My favorite part of last night’s game was ARod’s (and the rest of the team’s) reaction to Posada’s homerun.
Since I’ve gotta run soon (or hike) I’ll provide a little more info. on the photos.
The Countries were Belize and Guatemala.
The animal photos were taken at the Belize City Zoo (which I thought was great).
Tikal and Caracol were the NYC and Chicago of the Maya world.
MTU August 15th, 2010 at 9:07 am
GB-
My status just keeps rising. I’ve gone from just sick to sick bum in 1 day. I’m legendary around these parts. Maybe even a legend in my own mind.
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That you believe that you have a mind left is a good thing. Everyone needs hope.
How are things going this morning. Taking the dust bunnies for a walk? Be careful that the snakes don’t mistake them for mice.
It appears Posada loves home cooking. Did not realize until last nights game, Posada is a .300 hitter at home, and under .200 on the road.
I’ve seen players with differences between home and away, but, that’s a huge spread. I don’t see any difference to his approach at the plate, so it’s a hard one to understand.
Maybe the Yankees can take his bed on the road with them.
GB7
Some think that those guys value is only what they get from them on the field.
I think the powers that be know differently.
MTU, great pics. Thanks for sharing. Like you, I’m going to do a hike today, on this end of the country though.
Doreen August 15th, 2010 at 9:09 am
My favorite part of last night’s game was ARod’s (and the rest of the team’s) reaction to Posada’s homerun.
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Posada’s blast was as hard as he’s hit a ball this year. Without the heavy air, NYYs might have had 4 or 5 more homers last night. Those were some impressive shots, and Granderson’s hit some long bombs to left in the last couple of games. That bodes well for the rest of the year.
MTU
I see your doing your usual by holding this place hostage.
GB-
Going good Thanks. Finally getting a chance to leave home base, and go hiking. The pups are sad because they don’t get to go on this one.
I’ll try to catch you all later. That Panther is how you feel towards trolls.
have a good hike MTU!
GB7
Have you noticed that when the Yankees start doing well it’s like turning the lights on in here and the rats scurry for their holes.
MaineYankee August 15th, 2010 at 9:12 am
GB7
Some think that those guys value is only what they get from them on the field.
I think the powers that be know differently.
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The leadership as well as the production provides much. That and the instruction and help they provide to others is important. That’s one thing that Rodriguez gets little credit for. For whatever reason, Jeter gets no credit for that, either. That’s as professional a baseball team as there is.
Doreen mentioned the bench’s reaction to Posada’s bomb. Rodriguez was the most impressed. Maybe that’s what spurred him on to top it with that 9th inning rocket. Not a cheapie among them.
MaineYankee August 15th, 2010 at 9:18 am
GB7
Have you noticed that when the Yankees start doing well it’s like turning the lights on in here and the rats scurry for their holes.
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The same ones that were dogging them the night before and in Texas were slobbering all over them last night. That really was a shocker, huh?
Guess I’d better not post for awhile. Maine will accuse me of Bogarting the board.
Good morning all
Great coverage Chad. Thanks
from reading the comments some times you wouldn’t think the Yankees have the best record in baseball! I know better than to read the game threads, but sometimes even after a win, the negativity is surprising.
I thought it was funny – in Kim’s postgame interview with Alex he said that Posada’s & Granderson’s homeruns made his (in that inning) look silly. Then he hits that monster shot in the 9th — nothing silly about that!
GB7 -
True about Granderson. Even when he hasn’t gotten a hit in the last couple of games, there’s something a lot more solid about his at-bats. And this was just an in-season tune-up. I’m sure K-Long has off-season ideas. Which remind me – K-Long has got to be a bachelor.
MTU -
Have fun today, be safe.
GB7 -
If the weather holds up we’re going to Trenton this evening.
“Guess I’d better not post for awhile. Maine will accuse me of Bogarting the board.”
GB
Careful, I noticed you’re posting percentage is a little on the high end. Maine might report you to Randy.
Doreen August 15th, 2010 at 9:29 am
GB7 -
True about Granderson. Even when he hasn’t gotten a hit in the last couple of games, there’s something a lot more solid about his at-bats. And this was just an in-season tune-up. I’m sure K-Long has off-season ideas. Which remind me – K-Long has got to be a bachelor.
MTU -
Have fun today, be safe.
GB7 -
If the weather holds up we’re going to Trenton this evening.
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I’m a little surprised that Jeter and Posada haven’t gone to Long, yet. Or, at least, nobody has written about it. Granderson could easily have had about 4 more hits in this series anlong with a couple more homers. Cano is just not getting them to drop. Hope he hasn’t used up all of his good fortune this year.
Teixeira has had a few ugly at bats this past week with the infield pop-ups.
Do you know who’s pitching for your trenton game? You saw that Gorecki and Pendleton are now in Scranton, right?
GB7
I’m offended.
Home runs are nice to look at but pushing runs across the plate with timely hits beats all. Stranding runners is not an uplifting baseball moment.
Jeter and Posada have been doing a lot of extra work with KLong on this roadtrip.
Jeter is notorious for never talking about his work regimen.
Jorge will talk a little more about it if asked.
I enjoy the HR, but I love when they scratch out runs. Really liked Pena’s bunt for base hit, wish GGBG would try that more often.
Tar August 15th, 2010 at 9:33 am
“Guess I’d better not post for awhile. Maine will accuse me of Bogarting the board.”
GB
Careful, I noticed you’re posting percentage is a little on the high end. Maine might report you to Randy.
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I’d like to see Randy come back. I’m getting tired of having only MTU and Maine to hara ss.
Doreen
K Long may just have an understanding wife.
SJ44 August 15th, 2010 at 9:37 am
Jeter and Posada have been doing a lot of extra work with KLong on this roadtrip.
Jeter is notorious for never talking about his work regimen.
Jorge will talk a little more about it if asked
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I would have thought so, but, usually some spy reports on it. How’s the nephew doing with his recovery, SJ?
“Home runs are nice to look at but pushing runs across the plate with timely hits beats all.”
You obviously didn’t get the memo. RBI’s are not an important statistic.
SJ44
Thats why when some think they know what’s going on with these guys based on what they see from the outside it is very misguided.
What the press writes and what the players say to them is only part of the story.
We also know that some in the press have an agenda which also distorts the reality.
GB,
He’s doing well
He’s starting to hit live pitching this week.
His strength is returning slowly.
No timetable from the Pirates yet re: his fall plans.
Hopefully, they can find a way to get him 20 games somewhere just to get back in the swing of things this year.
He’s going to be working out with Posada this off-season.
He’s really looking forward to that because Jorge has been a great mentor to him.
I’m hoping his luck improves next year. He didn’t have much of it this season.
We also know that some in the press have an agenda which also distorts the reality.
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Say it ain’t so.
Everybody knows that the media is the conscience of America and sports writers are the keepers of the game.
Great to hear the news on Tony, SJ. Can’t get better than having a mentor with multiple World Championship rings!
GreenBeret7 August 15th, 2010 at 9:49 am
We also know that some in the press have an agenda which also distorts the reality.
???????????????????????????????????????-
Say it ain?t so.
Everybody knows that the media is the conscience of America and sports writers are the keepers of the game.
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You know how to kill a guys hopes and dreams.
That’s great to hear, sJ. Best of luck to him. No word on him going to the Arizona Fall League, or is that going to be too soon for games?
SJ44
You should find a better mentor than one of the worse catchers in the game.
Maine, please tell me that you’re not one of those.
GB7
I get a little more excited about Hughes all the time. Barring injury, guys with great fastball command that can pound the zone with low-mid 90′s with movement generally take off once they refine their offspeed pitches and learn how to pitch. (Lester, Halladay, Lee).
Hughes is just a strike throwing machine and I love his demeanor and mound presence. When his offspeed stuff is fully developed and he learns to exploit counts and hitter’s weaknesses then he’ll have a chance to be special. Phil at age 26/27 could be one of the best pitchers in baseball.
Good morning.
“Everybody knows that the media is the conscience of America and sports writers are the keepers of the game.”
I “amused” my husband just this morning because I pay for newspaper subscriptions and then get angry reading something I insist on paying for because I like the turn the pages experience especially on weekends.
There is however a very nice story about Robbie in the Daily News today that didn’t tick me off.
Doreen-
K. Long has a wife and children.
MaineYankee August 15th, 2010 at 9:54 am
GB7
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Media types.
I guess not, because they can read minds.
Jeter’s last 10 games:
.364/ .417/ .477/ .894
pat August 15th, 2010 at 9:57 am
Good morning.
“Everybody knows that the media is the conscience of America and sports writers are the keepers of the game.”
I “amused” my husband just this morning because I pay for newspaper subscriptions and then get angry reading something I insist on paying for because I like the turn the pages experience especially on weekends.
There is however a very nice story about Robbie in the Daily News today that didn’t tick me off.
Doreen-
K. Long has a wife and children.
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Just remind hubby that it could be worse, pat. If you didn’t have the papers to be mad at, he’d be the target of frustation and anger.
GB7
I don’t type fast enough or spell well enough.
Of course if I took lessons from you I’m sure I’d improve.
If all things stay status quo for Burnett, he should do well against KC.
Here are the KC batters career numbers against him. You can forget about Guillen, Ankiel, Callaspo, Dejesus and Posednik.
http://www.baseball-reference......as=pitcher
GB7
“I guess not, because they can read minds.”
There are alot of them that would be scary if you could read them.
MaineYankee August 15th, 2010 at 10:07 am
GB7
I don’t type fast enough or spell well enough.
Of course if I took lessons from you I’m sure I’d improve.
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I’ll send you my own CD version of “Touch Typing And spelling For Fun And Profit” and you can open your own typing and spelling school. I designed it myself.
If A-Rod can push his avearge above .280, he will be a legitimate candidate for MVP.
If continues to be hot, he will make the difference in the Yankees pulling away from Rays for division title.
GB7
I’m afraid it would be too advanced for us hicks up here.
I said last night that Rodriguez had moved into a tie for 3rd spot in most 3+ homer games behind Gehrig and Stargell. I wasn’t even close. They both had 4 such games. Here’s the list for those interested.
http://www.baseball-reference......hives/7806
BBFan August 15th, 2010 at 10:15 am
If A-Rod can push his avearge above .280, he will be a legitimate candidate for MVP.
If continues to be hot, he will make the difference in the Yankees pulling away from Rays for division title.
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I think he would have to be far above the others because of his steroid usage.
Also Hamilton is having a huge year.
I think that the AL MVP is as of now, Hamilton with Cano a distant 2nd. Rodriguez is well down the list.
hamilton is probably mvp, and it helps that texas is a good team this year too…
GB7
What about the guy in Detroit?
No not Damon Erica.
“If A-Rod can push his avearge above .280, he will be a legitimate candidate for MVP”
I love Alex but even at .280 he would come in third on the Yankees for MVP.
” According to the postgame notes, Wheat is from Missouri. He and I never met.”
chad-
that’s too bad because gb7 says zack( or good old “buck” as gb7 liked to call him) , was the best fielding outfielder he ever saw back when wheat was with the brooklyn superbas.
At least Cano will get a gold glove and silver slugger award, and hopefully MVP of WS!!
Cabrera is probably 3rd behind Hamilton and Cano….depending on where Detroit finishes.
This bullpen is putting together a pretty amazing run. Seems like every night its another scoreless three or more innings. Maybe AJ can give them a bit of a breather today cuz Joba, Robertson and Logan could all use a day off. AJ, Wood and Mo sounds about right.
SJ — Pretty cool Tony will get to learn from Jorge in the off season. No one could be a better mentor about conducting yourself as a professional, let alone catching. I really admire Jorge, though his contract next year will be a bit of an albatross.
It is remarkable to see all the milestones that keep flying by. Jeter is 16 hits from 2,900 and next year will be the 28th to reach 3,000. I guess that happens when you have great players in their mid-thirties.
I am also concerned about all the strikeouts (70) for Gardner. He has to be closer to even with his walks (50) and strikeouts.
Cabrera would be a candidate, but the tigers are toast.
pat -
Thanks, didn’t know KLong was married with children.
As for newspapers, well, I tell myself I need to be better informed about the state of the world, both local and elsewhere, but everytime I make the effort, I get disgusted and turn to the fluff stuff. I’m not particularly proud of this.
SJ44 -
Glad your nephew is able to work out a bit. It’s ended up being a tough year for him, from the heights to disappointment due to the injury. I hope better times are ahead.
GB7 -
Didn’t know about the promotions. Thanks.
randy l. August 15th, 2010 at 10:22 am
” According to the postgame notes, Wheat is from Missouri. He and I never met.”
chad-
that’s too bad because gb7 says zack( or good old “buck” as gb7 liked to call him) , was the best fielding outfielder he ever saw back when wheat was with the brooklyn superbas.
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LMAO. His brother “Whole” Wheat was a better ball player, but, he was started putting on so much weight that he became known as “Puffed” Wheat.
I agree that Hamilton is the front runner for MVP right now..he’s having a great season. If Cano can close the the gap in the offense numbers then he may have a shot because of his defense but he’ll have to really get hit down the stretch.
Arod is having a good season, especially with the physical issues he’s played through. I know statheads like to discount the RBI stat but I still like it. It means you’re generating runs and if you watch the games this year you’ll see just how many big hits Alex has gotten and how many times he’s come through with RISP.
Main thing now is making sure he’s as close to 100% as possible for the month of October and if the hip both mechanically and health wise is improving then that’s a really good think for a Yankee fan.
randy
It’s nice of them to let out of the home once in a while.
Think it’s funny that Hughes said ” Why can’t he do that everytime while I’m pitching?”
How many more than the 7+ runs/game of support do you want? lol
Morning, Randy. How are things going up in enemy (or enema) territory? Nice to see you around.
“K Long may just have an understanding wife.”
Yeah. She understands that he is the highest paid hitting coach in the universe
Hughes does get a lot of support, but, I’m going to go back and see how many of those runs came late or when he was out of the game. Quite a good percentage, I’d think.
MaineYankee August 15th, 2010 at 10:21 am
GB7
What about the guy in Detroit?
No not Damon Erica.
**********
hey! What did I do???
Btw- some guy at the beach told me Friday he heard they are trying to get Damon back. I don’t believe this piece of information, but I told him it was very unfair to tease
Erica
Just taking a shot at ya.
I should have known you was lurking.
murphydog -
That’s pretty much what my husband pointed out – that probably for the first time in his career he is making some serious money.
I imagine that if NYYs hadn’t picked up Kearns or Berkman, Damon may have been a target.
GreenBeret7 August 15th, 2010 at 10:37 am
I imagine that if NYYs hadn?t picked up Kearns or Berkman, Damon may have been a target.
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What will they use?
Darts or arrows.
MaineYankee August 15th, 2010 at 10:36 am
Erica
Just taking a shot at ya.
I should have known you was lurking.
***********
You caught me in the perfect “I just got up and should be getting dressed to leave” time.
I also really, really need a cup of coffee
Good morning all.
I think most players would give anything to have Alex’s “bad” season. He is leading the league in RBIs and even though he is not hitting as many HRs, he is still driving in runs.
MaineYankee August 15th, 2010 at 10:40 am
GreenBeret7 August 15th, 2010 at 10:37 am
I imagine that if NYYs hadn?t picked up Kearns or Berkman, Damon may have been a target.
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What will they use?
Darts or arrows.
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You like living dangerouslt, Bud. Erica has a ling reach and gets vicious when her Sweet Baa-Boo is attacked.
You like living ***dangerously**, Bud. Erica has a ***long***
GB7
I have lots of trees to hide behind.
Erica’s “hisses” are legendary!
Leaving now to go to the beach
MaineYankee…. my back will be turned but I will be checking this thread when I get home tonight
I’ve said a few times that Alex is on pace for the most doubles (38) that’s he’s had in a long time. The hip and mechanical issues have turned a few homers into doubles most likely this year but there are signs that that may be coming to an end.
GreenBeret7 August 15th, 2010 at 10:44 am
You like living ***dangerously**, Bud. Erica has a ***long***
**********
Hahaha. I haven’t had coffee yet and was wondering what “ling reach” was
Okay, now I am leaving
“His brother “Whole” Wheat was a better ball player, but, he was started putting on so much weight that he became known as “Puffed” Wheat.”
not many fans know this , but his italian cousin ,semolina wheat, was a really great fielding catcher.
as a matter of fact he was the great great grandfather of the molina bothers of today ( seems they shortened the name when the family moved to puerto rico ).
hey, thanks for asking. things are good up here on cape cod. i think the recession is over at least on our main street.i’d invite you up for a visit, but it’d be bad for business if killer ate a tourist.
Morning, Fran. Hope all is well with you and family. have you noticed that nobody talks about the great Longoria’s lack of power or the fact that his average is about the only thing better than Rodriguez’?
“If Cano can close the the gap in the offense numbers then he may have a shot because of his defense but he’ll have to really get hit down the stretch”
Blake
I am probably most impressed with how selective he has become. He went from a Vlady disciple to a disciplined hitter. An example is Robbie has a .384 OBP and has already surpassed his career high in BB at 40. I beleive he can get real hot down the stretch.
Is this Long, maturity as a hitter, or all of the above? Whatever it is I like it.
“She understands that he is the highest paid hitting coach in the universe”
Is he? What do hitting coaches make?
I seem to think he had something like a 3 year/ $1M deal but not sure where I heard that.
$333 thousand is nice coin but for what he has contributed and the hours he seems to put in it seems like a bargain to me adjusted to Yankee dollars.
randy
If killer ate one with a B on it’s hat he’d probably die from poisoning.
randy l. August 15th, 2010 at 10:46 am
“His brother “Whole” Wheat was a better ball player, but, he was started putting on so much weight that he became known as “Puffed” Wheat.”
not many fans know this , but his italian cousin ,semolina wheat, was a really great fielding catcher.
as a matter of fact he was the great great grandfather of the molina bothers of today ( seems they shortened the name when the family moved to puerto rico ).
hey, thanks for asking. things are good up here on cape cod. i think the recession is over at least on our main street.i’d invite you up for a visit, but it’d be bad for business if killer ate a tourist.
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It’s amazing what you can learn just by reading this blog. I never connected the Wheats and Molinas.
“Killer” has a discerning taste, but, to help clear the problem tourists, he’ll work for a fee.
That’s “FEE”, not fleas. He already has those.
Tar,
Its proabably both and its the number #1 reason he’s taken this leap this season. CB said it a few times but he’s now swinging at pitches because he should hit them, not because he could hit them. Vlad is a great hitter but just imagine how good he could have been if he had ever cut out all the times he got himself out by swinging at everything.
Morning, Fran. Hope all is well with you and family. have you noticed that nobody talks about the great Longoria’s lack of power or the fact that his average is about the only thing better than Rodriguez’?
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Hi GB,
All is good here. Thanks for asking. Hope all is well with you.
Good point about Longoria. It seems like it is only the Yankee players that get ripped around here. Especially in game threads. And even before the game begins.
GB7
I think an all you can eat buffet is a good reward.
MaineYankee August 15th, 2010 at 10:54 am
GB7
I think an all you can eat buffet is a good reward.
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As long as he can find some female companionship and free food, he’s happy.
GB7
He’d never be able to get them all though because they seem to reproduce like fleas up here.
“It is remarkable to see all the milestones that keep flying by. Jeter is 16 hits from 2,900 and next year will be the 28th to reach 3,000. I guess that happens when you have great players in their mid-thirties.”
Right now we are focussed on Jeter, rightfully so.
A-Rod is not that far behind and the year after (2012) he will attain 3,000 hits health permitting.
Also, RBIs and HRs are expected from A-Rod, but he leads Jeter in runs scored in less career at bats. That is amazing.
GB,
Good point about Longoria. He’s a good player…he’s not on Alex’s talent level and never has been. Few players ever have been. When Alex is healthy he’s still the best 3B in baseball and one of the best overall players as well… Arods numbers at Longorias age dwarf his and that was as a SS.
Fran the original August 15th, 2010 at 10:54 am
Morning, Fran. Hope all is well with you and family. have you noticed that nobody talks about the great Longoria’s lack of power or the fact that his average is about the only thing better than Rodriguez’?
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Hi GB,
All is good here. Thanks for asking. Hope all is well with you.
Good point about Longoria. It seems like it is only the Yankee players that get ripped around here. Especially in game threads. And even before the game begins.
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That’s great to hear, Fran. All is just peachy keen down here. The twins just turned 1 year old and are a mess. Funny kids already. They’re walking, so everything is now up 5 feet higher than normal. Locks on all cabinets. I’ve got to finish doing that here, now.
Longoria isn’t having that great a season, at least not equal to the talk about him. Belre is probably the most offensive 3rd baseman right now, but, I look for that gap to close.
MaineYankee August 15th, 2010 at 10:56 am
GB7
He’d never be able to get them all though because they seem to reproduce like fleas up here.
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He’s got a good appettite and does not like anybody that where’s red socks.
that ***wears*** red socks
GB,
1 year old twins. What a handful they must be. I have twin brothers and I remember how tough it was for my parents doing everything twice.
Fran the original August 15th, 2010 at 11:05 am
GB,
1 year old twins. What a handful they must be. I have twin brothers and I remember how tough it was for my parents doing everything twice.
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I’m lucky. They have a home of their own to explore.
They really are great, though. They love music and TV. That and riding in cars. still sleep with “Killer”, though. That’s going to be a tough habit to break.
Yanks could have a pretty interesting internal HR race with Tex (26) in front but Swish (22), Alex and Robbie (21 each) in striking distance.
I think the top three for MVP right now would be Hamilton, Cano and Cabrera, but with 46 games to go it’s possible that Tex, Alex, Konerko or Mauer could get into the discussion.
just back from a run and I see there are a lot of good posters on…so here is my baseball question regarding pitching match ups:
if you are able to set up your rotation for a series anyway you want, would you always put your ace against their ace? or would you sometimes hold your ace back for an easier match up, and potentially a better opportunity to win?
Kate, this is no place to ask tough questions. You’re just trying to stir up trouble.
Seriously, I think that you have to go Ace vs Ace, but, that’s just me.
I’m lucky. They have a home of their own to explore.
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GB,
That’s the best way. Spoil them and send them home
GB7
My Grandaughter was reading the blog with me yesterday but I had to scroll past your comments fast so as to not corrupt her.
She’s 10wks old so I don’t want to scar her for life.
Kate
Ace vs Ace.
Fran, I’m trying to get even with Morgan. I want these kids to be as rotten as she was.
Hi Kate,
I would start with my ace. You want to try and win the 1st game of any series, especially if it’s a short series.
GB7
You are right about Longoria. Because of the media’s and fans dislike of Arod, as soon as some one came along that could be the next king of the 3b throne they put them on it. Longoria is a good ballplayer and right now the only thing he for sure has over Arod is his age.
MaineYankee August 15th, 2010 at 11:18 am
GB7
My Grandaughter was reading the blog with me yesterday but I had to scroll past your comments fast so as to not corrupt her.
She’s 10wks old so I don’t want to scar her for life.
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With you for a grandfather, that poor kid hasn’t a chance.
Fran, I’m trying to get even with Morgan. I want these kids to be as rotten as she was.
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GB,
The old “I hope your children treat you the way you treat me” line.
Ah, I remember it well.
Kate,
Another reason you want your #1 going in game 1 is because that maximizes the number of times he can pitch in that series….especially for the Yankees with CC.
Aside from that I think you have to believe your ace can best theirs or its gonna be tough to win the series anyway.
Phil, Longoria has a chance to be one of the best 3rd basemen in any era, given his talents, but, that’s a high mountain to climb. He’ll do well to be better than Ron Santo, much less a Mike Schmidt. In just his 7 years as a 3rd baseman, Rodriguez is getting into that level of Santo and by the time he’s done, could rival Matthews and Schmidt. Rodriguez is also somewhat maligned as a defensive 3rd baseman because of one season.
Fran the original August 15th, 2010 at 11:21 am
Fran, I’m trying to get even with Morgan. I want these kids to be as rotten as she was.
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GB,
The old “I hope your children treat you the way you treat me” line.
Ah, I remember it well.
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Morgan was actually a sweet kid. Very pretty, cheerleader, smart….and the biggest tomboy anywhere. Drove her grandmother crazy when she’d crawl under the car and change the oil or replace sparkplugs. Ruined her manicures.