HOPE Week continues with Mohamed Kamara
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Aug 18, 2010 
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First, a picture of Joe Girardi with yesterday’s HOPE Week honoree Jane Lang. It’s a picture from after the game when Girardi took Jane around the field and back to home plate.
HOPE Week continues this morning. A little before 9 a.m., Derek Jeter, CC Sabathia, Marcus Thames, Curtis Granderson and Brian Cashman took Sierra Leone-native, civil war survivor and recent high school graduate Mohamed Kamara on a surprise tour of the New York Stock Exchange. Later this morning, the group will go to City Hall where Mayor Michael Bloomberg will meet with Mohamed and the Yankees.
From the Yankees, here’s Mohamed’s story.
Mohamed was born in 1992 in the midst of civil war in his West African homeland of Sierra Leone. Any semblance of a normal childhood was unavailable to him. As the oldest of three brothers and two sisters with an absent father and a mother suddenly ill, he was forced to become the “man of the house” at age 9, providing for his family by foraging on his own to prevent their starvation.
When the war subsided approximately six years ago, Mohamed, who did not speak English at the time, made the difficult decision to come to the United States to join his aunt and uncle in an impoverished section of the Bronx.
Since arriving in the United States, Mohamed has simultaneously created a life for himself and improved the lives of others. He graduated in the top quarter of his class at Bronx Leadership Academy High School and earned a partial scholarship to Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, where he will work toward a business degree.
Over the last four years, he has remained the breadwinner for his family in Africa despite being a full-time Bronx high school student, working as a caddie at Montammy Golf Club in Alpine, N.J., which requires him to wake up for work at 4:00 a.m. and spend nearly five hours a day in transit in an effort to send every last possible dollar back to Africa.
He also displays selflessness in his treatment of his peers. He became a mentor and sounding board for other African students in his school, and he founded the Sierra Leone Gentlemen, which organizes benefits at his local church to raise money for children in his homeland to attend school. Despite being a student in name, his actions prove he is a teacher in life.
Associated Press photo
Unbelievable. HOPE week is truly inspiring and makes our daily struggles seem trivial.
I’m very proud to be a fan of an organization dedicated to endeavors such as HOPE week.
Let’s go Yankees!
Very cool.
Nice story. Congrats to young Mr. Kamara. He richly deserves this day. Hope he enjoys it.
a nice win last night, hope week continues to inspire and give great feelings to all… who can complain?
I am loving these stories.
Bravo Yankees
Are any relievers going to KRODs house for hope week
What a remarkable young man, and what a great story.
He deserves to be treated special because he is.
Another wonderful story. A great way to start the morning.
I see that Hughes was once again a popular topic last night.
In 7 of his last 8 starts, he’s given up 3 runs or less. The only negative is that he hasn’t been going very deep into games. But ultimately, he’s pitched well enough for the Yanks to win in 7 of his last 8. What more do you want?
I really enjoy seeing the human side of the players.
You can in their faces how much they enjoy giving of themselves to the ones involved in Hope Week.
It seems at times that pro athletes only get attention for all the money they earn.
There are alot of them that use their status to help and encourage others.
It’s nice to see them get some recognition for this.
These stories really leave me speechless. I know the Yankees will show him a great time today.
CC-
YMH is still just learning his craft.
Can you imagine how good he is going to be when we see the finished product ?
Scary good. That’s how. Who wouldn’t be thrilled to death with his record in their first full season of pitching. Got to admit I never expected this much this soon. I like these kinds of surprises.
Hughes does seem to always be a go-to topic on the boards..
Maine-
Morning. Stayin’ clear of the milking machines ?
Hey all –
Been busy with work and a family wedding, but I had to pop in and say these HOPE Week stories are simply amazing! What a way to help keep perspective!
I am going to the game tomorrow and looking forward to seeing Phil Hughes again (I have been to six games so far, this will be number seven, and he has pitched in three of the games I’ve attended so far).
I don’t really understand the complaints about him. I had high hopes for him going into this season but never would have predicted he’d be an All-Star with 14 wins already.
What an amazing story…gotta be a good day to spend with that crowd.
MTU
Good morning.
No more of that for me.
What’s the walk of the day?
Is it cooling off yet? Under 100.
By the way, if you want to read an absolutely incredible book about the fighting in Sierra Leone, including the forced recruitment of child soldiers, check out “A Long Way Gone” by Ishmael Beah. It is one of the most horrifying, but eventually uplifting books I’ve read in a long time.
It’s absolutely horrific and unimaginable to us living here to read about what has happened to a generation of children in that country.
Doreen
I guess m would find it silly to hear us talk about what we have to do to go to a game.
What a great story!
Maine-
Today’s the wife’s birthday. It’s funny how she never seems to age because every year she’s 21.
Gonna take her and the dustmops for a ride in the country.
We are just getting below 100 around now. Soon it will be Fall. My favorite season in SW. Cool clear nights with a million stars in the sky.
What’s up with you ?
A very inspirational young man who has seen and lived things as a child that even adults haven’t and shouldn’t have to experience.
Happy birthday to the to the misses, MTU.
MTU
Enjoy the day.
When my grandson asks how old I am I say 29. I don’t think he believes me.
Hopefully just a slow quiet day today.
Starting to feel like fall the last few days.
Your fall is probably like our summers.
Tom-
Thanks. We’ll avoid the dairy farms today.
Maine Yankee -
Absolutely.
pat August 18th, 2010 at 9:37 am
A very inspirational young man who has seen and lived things as a child that even adults haven?t and shouldn?t have to experience.
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It shows the strength of the human spirit.
A wise choice, MTU.
Maine-
Our Falls are magnificent. Never wanted to be anywhere else than the SW at that time of the year. If my loved one continues OK It is also a very busy time for me. Tons of hiking.
Where were you working the past few days ?
I was out last night during the game but I stayed up until 2 am to watch the encore because I didnt want to miss any Hope Week stuff. Im exhausted, but it was worth it. When Jane was hugging the players at the end of the game I was tearing up. I absolutely love that they do this and it makes it really hard to be “mad” at this team ( especially cause ya know, they are still in first place…)
very nicely put Pat.
enjoy the day w/ your child bride and pups MTU
Your fall weather is probably warmer than our summer weather…it was barely 60 degrees this am
MTU
I drive taxi part time.
14 hrs the last couple of days.
I’ll have to show some fall pictues when the time comes.
The color is something.
Weve talked some of going to Acadia to see the fall colors.
when was the last time the Yankees had only 1 starter batting over .500 this late in the season?
I meant .300
Stars?
What are those?
yankee players can learn as much if not more from mohamed as he can learn from them.
mohamed obviously has learned to adapt to changing conditions and learn new things quickly.
there’s really no real comparison between what he’s gone through and what yankee players go through when they have to make a change, but if we’re going to act like baseball is some kind of metaphor for life , yankee players react to change like someone is trying to kill them.
it’s great granderson is shortening his swing, but really how stubborn can you be when you are as bad against lefties as granderson and it takes this long to do something as simple as shortening your swing.
it’s an incredibly easy adjustment.
the problem is modern players almost always have one swing. they have the one that if they swing with it all the time will produce the most numbers. the problem is it makes them lousy situational hitters and often actually lowers their overall numbers because they don’t even have a two strike swing and are horrible in that situation.
traditionally hitters have always had different swing approaches for different situations. it’s really the more sophisticated approach. the modern approach of one big swing for all situations is largely a product of the PED era where one big swing could put up big numbers. in that era it maybe even made sense.
not any more. players like granderson need to learn bat control and the ability to alter their swing in different situations. and there are situations where granderson should not use his new short stroke. there are times to let it rip.
any hitter can open his stance, put his hands closer to the hitting area, flatten the bat, and make contact every time. but he sacrifices is power. there’s a happy medium where contact and power is maximized. the hitter can find it if he becomes adept at adjusting. but the hitter has to practice adjusting and few hitters do it.
but good for granderson he’s making the attempt and is getting results.
Kate
I would guess your weather is similar to mine.
Kate-
Thanks. We hit that in the Winter sometimes Kate. Hope you and the Ironman are doing well.
Bronx Jeers August 18th, 2010 at 9:47 am
Stars?
What are those?
——————————————-
Yankee players.
Good post by RAB; I agree that it’s time for the younger core of players to start to take the lead.
http://riveraveblues.com/2010/.....ber-33994/
Bronx Jeers August 18th, 2010 at 9:47 am
Stars?
What are those?
——————————————-
Yankee players.
————————————————
Yeah but it seems like they got lots of red giants on the offense. Maybe even some white dwarfs.
Maine-
Please post those pics when the time comes.
Our fall colors are very nice also. There is a website that the state of Utah administers which tracks the Fall colors telling folks the best times for each area. I usually go up to a place about an hour north.
It’s pretty spectacular by our standards.
Jeer-
It’s those folks from Hollywood.
MTU,
Happy birthday to your wife.
Randy,
Interesting point about modern day hitters and how the art of hitting has changed over the years. As you say, many players these days have a swing groove and are unwilling to change that no matter the situation. I think more than anything it was a result of the PED and watered down pitching of the last 15 years or so. Teams played for the 3 run homer and that’s how they won games. As pitching has caught up and PEDs have been reduced, I think we may see a shift back towards the more traditional way of hitting that yoj speak of….where a hitter swings to the situation more often. Its an intersting topic.
Blake-
Thanks. Keep a good eye on our “investment” while I’m gone.
Randy-
Good to see you posting again. Hope buisness is good and you are doing a good job of harassing all those Suxers on the Cape.
CountryClub August 18th, 2010 at 9:50 am
Good post by RAB; I agree that it?s time for the younger core of players to start to take the lead.
http://riveraveblues.com/2010/…..ber-33994/
——————————————————————————
I notice that Gardners name is absent from that list.
Probably because they consider him tradeable.
I’m not sure I agree.
If he continues to improve he is an asset they haven’t had in a long time.
Country Club -
Thanks for the link. I don’t always read these things, but this one was well-written, without hysteria or histrionics. Just the bare facts of this year’s situation, and the honest truth that no one likes to admit to aging.
Now, it could be that these guys are just struggling this year; but age still plays into recovery time and just plain old wear and tear and slowing down. But at least this article did focus on the fact that the Yankees do have talented players who could step up and into lead roles.
“Good post by RAB; I agree that it’s time for the younger core of players to start to take the lead.”
ben k is a baseball doofus.
always was , always will be.
veteran presence is a key to passing the torch. when a team has players like posada, jeter, rivera, and pettitte you want to ride them into the sunset and have them pass everything they can to players like cano, gardner, hughes,joba,pena, cervelli, montero,etc.
the biggest mistake cashman ever made was how he treated bernie williams. hopefully he learned form his mistake there and treats the big four with respect and dignity and lets them go out on their own terms.
MTU,
Stars are what I miss the most from my days in the desert.
Friday nights we would take some recreational medicines, drive out to Saguaro National Monument and ponder the universe.
MaineYankee -
They also make no mention of the pitching staff. Personally, I consider some of our young arms a BIG part of our future.
randy
There’s two sides to the Bernie story.
Did he realize it was time?
I not sure he did.
That’s one of the problems for alot of pro athletes. Ask Favre.
As much as I enjoyed watching Bernie play it was tough to see at the end.
MaineYankee, you could be right..or it could have been just an oversight.
Doreen, no problem. I agree it was well written.
Randy l: You’re obviously entitled to your opinion, but that article was derogatory to the older players. it was simply stating the truth. It’s time for guys like Cano and Tex to get hot and carry the load. They’re in their prime, it’s their time.
Bronx
You sure those were stars you were seeing?
Country Club
I’m pretty sure they have included him in their list of tradeable assets.
Bronx,
That is a simultaneously hilarious and awesome story.
Randy,
Welcome back!
You have missed all the fun! lol
The poormouthing of Phil Hughes today’s Topic De Jour.
On the bright side, the world is coming around to see the criticisms you and I had with Cervelli weren’t without merit as he has come crashing down to earth both offensively and defensively.
One would hope people now realize how important Posada is to this team. Especially down the stretch.
Bronx-
I bet that wasn’t all you pondered but I understand that feeling very well. Magic.
I don’t have to travel quite that far. Just go out my back door on a Moonless night (No wisecracks GB) and get that “peaceful easy feelin’ “.
In many respects CC is the most important Yankee now….
MaineYankee August 18th, 2010 at 10:07 am
randy
There’s two sides to the Bernie story.
Did he realize it was time?
——————
People forget that Cash signed Bernie to a 1 yr deal after he was coming off an awful season…and really, a couple bad years. he brought him back anyway and Bernie had a solid year. That was supposed to be his swan song. But then Bernie wanted to come back again. I have no problem with Cash not wanting to give him a guaranteed contract. And I’m sure Posada will face the same situation if he wants to come back after 2011. He’ll have to take a 1 yr deal at like 2 or 3 mil. I doubt he’ll do that. Hopefully, he just walks away. I’d hate to see him playing for the Royals just because they offered him 5 mil. But that’s obviously up to him.
MaineYankee August 18th, 2010 at 10:09 am
Country Club
I’m pretty sure they have included him in their list of tradeable assets.
————————–
Yes, there was a post that had him as one of their more marketable trade chips. But that’s only because he was playing well and he’s so cheap (also reasons why you wouldn’t want to trade him). But keep in mind that they have 3 writers over there. What one guy puts in an article might not be an opinion the other two agree with.
Agreed about CC being the most important Yankee right now.
I think second and third are Cano and Tex.
Those two guys are healthy and are the best bets to get this team out of its offensive funk.
One game doesn’t do it.
They haven’t hit with any level of consistency in over a month.
With Arod and Swisher hurting and Jeter having the worst year of his career, its time for Cano and Tex to pick up the slack. Both are certainly capable.
Overall though, I agree CC is the most important player on the team right now, given the injuries, inconsistencies and innings limit (on Hughes) of the rest of the starters.
That article was hardly enlightening, nothing new or groundbreaking.
SJ44
Notice the ones championing for Cervelli are noticeably silent on the subject now.
CC is obviously the most important pitchert. And he’s come through all yr. The stat mentioned last night should not be glossed over. He has 15 straight starts of at least 6 innings and 3 earned runs or less. He really can’t do any more than he’s already doing. It’s time for one of the younger bats to get hot and carry the O.
This team reminds me of Yankee teams of old that assumed their place in the post-season and did everything necessary to gear up for the stretch drive.
This includes resting guys like Posada, Arod and Andy.
Self-imposed rests like injuries sometimes are a blessing in disguise.
Aside from the recent “slump” they believe they are the best team in baseball and will be ready for the postseason where “old” veterans get their second winds.
Maine-
A few pics from last Fall a little North of home.
We do not have as many deciduous trees. Our’s are box elder, Scrub Oak, and “Quakies” mostly.
http://picasaweb.google.com/cybermrb03/Parowan#
Enjoy.
“In many respects CC is the most important Yankee now”
No doubt about it. Even moreso with Pettitte being out.
“The Braves are close to trading for Derrek Lee, according to David Kaplan of CSNChicago.com. ”
-MLBTR
You could live with Cervelli’s bat if he was playing good D. But his D has been bad this yr. He leads all catchers in errors and he’s only played around half the games. Think about that. A guy that came up through the minors as a defensive oriented player, has 11 errors.
Young Mohamed comes to this country not speaking English, traumatized and robbed of his childhood yet is welcomed, manages to excel, achieve and give back. Thus the other side of the Mohamed story: where was the racism, the xenophobia, the class warfare that is all over the editorial boards of our progressive media proclaiming the inoperable cancer in our society? Where is the doomed experiment that is America? Obviously Mohamed is an exemplary human being, not just for his magnificent character but because he managed to find all the good that is here, even in difficult times. We sell ourselves short.
I say we get Randy to fill in at Catcher next season.
What do you say Randy ? The Yanks need you. Will you answer the call ?
Randy l -
The article didn’t say the older guys should be put to pasture; it seemed to say to me it’s time for transition, which implies an overlapping, which is kind of what I think you’re saying.
The Bernie situation was not a good one. But I think both sides were off in that one.
Maine,
You need an Amber Alert to find the, “Cervelli is the catcher of the future, bench Posada” folks now. lol
Seriously though, I remember when Randy and I posted about some troubling flaws in his game, some folks on here went bonkers.
Funny how those folks have now disappeared.
Cervelli is what he is….a somewhat serviceable backup catcher.
Although, if he doesn’t pick it up defensively, he’s going to have a hard time sticking in the majors because his bat is very weak.
Tom in N.J. August 18th, 2010 at 10:26 am
?The Braves are close to trading for Derrek Lee, according to David Kaplan of CSNChicago.com. ?
-MLBTR
———————————————————————————–
The RS are getting ready for Christmas.
They got their elf back.
Maine-
They are only gonna find a lump of coal in their stocking.
MTU August 18th, 2010 at 10:32 am
I say we get Randy to fill in at Catcher next season.
What do you say Randy ? The Yanks need you. Will you answer the call ?
————————————————————–
What’s that for, the old timers game?
Maine-
You dissin’ Randy already ?
“The Braves are close to trading for Derrek Lee, according to David Kaplan of CSNChicago.com. ?”
1) Little surprised SF wasn’t there for the block
2) This means Glaus at 3B. Yikes!
“Thus the other side of the Mohamed story: where was the racism, the xenophobia, the class warfare that is all over the editorial boards of our progressive media proclaiming the inoperable cancer in our society? Where is the doomed experiment that is America?”
ummmm…..are you kidding me?
Would be a good pick up for the Braves IMO…I think D lee has a little left in the tank.
The fans that fell in love with Cervelli are the same people (for the most part) that fell in love with Melky. A lot of fans love young, homegrown players. They tend to overlook obvious flaws.
SJ44 -
They haven’t disppeared; they’re championing different causes. Also, I wouldn’t say there’s any kind of wholesale badmouthing of Phil Hughes. Just the usual.
MTU
He would think it was an imposter if I was nice to him.
What the Yankees need to do to some degree is like the Celtics did last season.
Just try to make it to the playoffs keeping the older players healthy and then take your chances.
Country Club -
It’s not a good idea to generalize. I liked Melky Cabrera a lot. I never thought he was a superstar, or superstar material, but I thought he provided solid defense and he seemed to have a knack for timely hits. I was disappointed he was traded, but if you can upgrade, you do.
I didn’t think Cervelli should be considered a full-time catcher for the NY Yankees.
So the two conditions aren’t necessarily linked (that is, liking Melky and considering Cervelli the be-all and end-all).
“On the bright side, the world is coming around to see the criticisms you and I had with Cervelli weren’t without merit as he has come crashing down to earth both offensively and defensively.”
sj-
i’m getting my numbers in i need to get in my business so i’m getting a little more time to check the blog.
it was really a no brainer with cervelli if you’ve ever been around pro catchers. that said, people are over reacting in the other direction now. he’s not bad as a back up. montero and romine are in the wings so all cervelli has to do is hit .230 and do a good job defensively and he’ll be fine. as long as they don’t use him too much he should be able to do that.
back to work.it’s not done yet. can’t wait till labor day.
Ol’ Blue Eyes did a lot of great songs but from a baseball perspective, this was terrific.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QF_cV-2SmGA
MTU-
I see. Your theory is he likes the abuse. OK. It’s your party. Good of you to make him feel welcome again.
I’m just waiting for GB to enter the fray.He has been noticeably absent. Randy is one of his favorite targets.
I wouldn’t underestimate the importance of Pettitte esp in the postseason.
It would be scary going in with a rotation of CC,AJ, Hughes and Javy/Moseley.
As of now I see Phil as the #2 starter with or without Andy, in the playoffs.
Country Club -
I should get my reading glasses – I now notice you did put in parentheses “for the most part.”
Sorry.
Maine-
There I go talking to myself again. Mean’t to address those Randy comments to you. I’m further gone than I thought.
I think the entire focus is to have Andy healthy for the playoffs.
As a veteran pitcher, he would only need 2-3 starts to be in post-season form.
In fact, he would probably be fresher coming into the post-season than he was last year.
That’s why they are being very cautious with him.
If he can get back by Mid-September, he should be ready to go in the post-season.
MTU
Thats what you get for living out in the middle of nowhere.
Also when you go for a walk with the dustmopes it’s hard to have a long conversation.
MTU August 18th, 2010 at 9:34 am
Maine-
Soon it will be Fall. My favorite season in SW. Cool clear nights with a million stars in the sky.
—————————————————
I agree. But you also have these reasons like Maine talks about…… some pics here are obviously from out west though…….. enjoy
http://picasaweb.google.com/10.....CIuuLzwQE#
I still like Cervelli. I never thought he was the heir apparent to Posada, and I never thought he was better than Po, but I still like him.
and I also liked Melky, and was sorry to see him go…that doesn’t mean I am not happy w/ Granderson, I am.
for that matter, I still miss Abreu, Johnny D, Sui and Coke. That doesn’t necessarily mean I want them back, just that I valued what they brought while they were here.
MTU,
I recall seeing photos of your “backyard” a while back and being impressed.
Wide open space? That falls into the same category as “stars” for me. Foreign concepts.
The Finger Lakes region of Central New York is beautiful in the autumn….
Maine-
Yeah. Does make you wonder. By the way, their personal record is 8 miles. Not exactly just lap dogs, or dustmops but true wilderness hounds. You underrate them.
I would have thought the “Great White Snark” would have made his appearance by now. He missed his chance to take some potshots at Randy. Very unlike him.
JCPD
Nice pics.
Very similar to here.
Tom in N.J. August 18th, 2010 at 11:00 am
The Finger Lakes region of Central New York is beautiful in the autumn….
———————————————–
Ding, ding, ding, ding………… we have a winner. I love Skaneateles, worked at a restaurant there on the lake 10 years ago, now living south of Seneca Lake
Thanks Maine. Love getting up your way when I can to visit my brother, although it has been several years now.
Kate
You can see them at Old Timers Day.
JCPD-
Showoff ! Thanks. Magnificent. You win.
Jeers-
Sounds like a change of scenery might do you some good. Time for another vacation to Ecuador.
JCPD August 18th, 2010 at 11:04 am
Thanks Maine. Love getting up your way when I can to visit my brother, although it has been several years now.
——————————————————–
Where does your brother live?
You may have told me but if so I don’t rember.
You know when your stuck on 29 the memory gets stuck too.
MTU, I just point the camera. The guy upstairs does everything else, just like in the GZ.
Granderson deserves a lot of credit for asking for help and not waiting until the off season to address his hitting issues.
I wonder if he started to think if he didn’t show anything more than he was he would be on the trade block again after this season.
I hope he keeps it up. He looks like a different hitter. Amazing how quick it all happened.
I also was very happy to see Gardner produce in the lead off spot last night. Considering what Jeter has been doing there, I think it’s time to give Brett a run at the top of the order for awhile and see if he can kick start the lineup in the first inning.
Jeter in the 2 hole doesn’t bother me as much if Brett is committed to run when he’s on 1b. Jeter can start working on his situational at bats and moving the runner over more which he hasn’t been able to do at all this season. Maybe more sac bunts are in order for the captain.
As for Cervelli, he’s a backup catcher. I wouldn’t get too attached to him if I were a fan because I don’t think he’s going to be here much longer. If Cashman can find a good hitting catcher to pair up with Posada next year, Cervelli will be somewhere else.
I realize its early to talk about next year when we’re about to make our final push to October but since there is a lot of Cervelli discussion: Does Cervelli have the same role next season?
I assume his playing time in the playoffs will be fairly limited as long as Posada is healthy, but next year at the catcher’s position it should be interesting to see how things play out.
MTU August 18th, 2010 at 10:50 am
Maine-
There I go talking to myself again. Mean’t to address those Randy comments to you. I’m further gone than I thought
———————————————————————————————————————-
So the truth comes out. You forgot who you were supposed to be “talking” to. Maine and MTU are one and the same person.
Just a few thoughts and questions:
1. The Dodgers are likely to put Manny on waivers when he comes back off the DL. Wonder if the Yankees put in a claim? They did it before with Jose Canseco and the result would likely be the same – the team would say “take him.” I don’t like Manny, don’t want him on the Yankees, but there’s no doubt his bat would be nice in the lineup at DH.
2. No way the Mets win this battle with K-Rod. MLBPA just has to say, “if he tore his thumb during the fight then how is it that he went out and pitched two days later…effectively” and there’s very little chance that the Mets will cut him if they have to eat the contract.
3. Mets and Red Sox should pull off this trade over the winter: Jose Reyes for Papelbon and Lowrie
4. People talk all the time about how bad a season Curtis Granderson is having, but no mention is made of the fact that Jorge Posada is also having an awful offensive year.
JCPD-
Skaneateles is beautiful. And I love me some Doug’s Fish Fry…
Maine, he’s up in Ellsworth. He went to UMaine in 69 and never left.
Tom in NJ. Now that’s what I’m talking about. I was working at the Bluewater Grill. I could see Doug’s from the front door.
GB7
Now I see what’s going on.
Since registration you and randy don’t seem to be here at the same time.
Shame Spencer August 18th, 2010 at 11:07 am
I realize its early to talk about next year when we?re about to make our final push to October but since there is a lot of Cervelli discussion: Does Cervelli have the same role next season?
I assume his playing time in the playoffs will be fairly limited as long as Posada is healthy, but next year at the catcher?s position it should be interesting to see how things play out.
——————————–
My guess is that the Yankees carry three catchers next season with Jorge, Montero and Cervelli.
provided everyone’s healthy Jorge and Montero will split the majority of the catching and DH duties with Cervelli getting maybe 30 starts.
Of course that will change when Jorge makes his regular trip to the DL
G. Love -
You hit the nail on the head – if Brett’s going to lead off, he’s got to get on second base in a hurry in order for it to make a difference!
JCPD August 18th, 2010 at 11:09 am
Maine, he?s up in Ellsworth. He went to UMaine in 69 and never left.
————————————————-
I was in Ellsworth the weekend of July 24.
Actually went to Acadia.
My first visit. Got alot of nice pictures.
We might go up to see the fall colors.
MaineYankee August 18th, 2010 at 11:11 am
GB7
Now I see what’s going on.
Since registration you and randy don’t seem to be here at the same time.
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Now that’s really the lowest blow anybody could ever receive….being accused of being Randy.
4. People talk all the time about how bad a season Curtis Granderson is having, but no mention is made of the fact that Jorge Posada is also having an awful offensive year.
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Posada’s season has been way better than Grandersons. Are you kidding me? Posada’s OPS > Granderson, OBP > Granderson. Even his average !
JCPD-
You are too modest. You do a lot more than just point and shoot.
That’s my level. You’re like the movie “The Natural”. Please remember my offer.
But you are right that the Master has provided the scenery. You’re a lucky man to seen what you have. it’s a joy to share it.
Doreen,
Jeter’s going to need to be told not to swing at the first pitch then and allow Brett a chance to steal.
Maine, if you ever have trouble with the law in Ellsworth, let me know, I’ll put in a good word for you.
I always thought that fall weather and changing of the leaves in Maine started on the 4th of July.
G. Love -
Yes, there’s that part of it, too.
GreenBeret7 August 18th, 2010 at 11:17 am
I always thought that fall weather and changing of the leaves in Maine started on the 4th of July.
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No, it’s just red white and blue then.
Unless I missed something from Girardi (and it’s possible I did), I don’t think Gardner has suddenly become the everyday leadoff man. Last night wasn’t the 1st time this yr he’s moved jeter to the 2 hole when the Yanks were dealing with some injuries.
GB7
Actually thats when our summer starts.
Chip – thats what I was thinking, but MTU brought up a good point yesterday that having two (essentially) rookies taking the bulk of the catching duty for a full season might be a stretch if Posada does indeed struggle with injuries again.
Personally, I like the idea of introducing Montero in the least stressful way possible, which I think is the 3-way split of catching duty. The only problem is that three roster spots would be taken up by catchers.
I’m glad that the Yankees are doing so many great things for HOPE week.
But how in the world does EVERYONE seem to lump ALL OF AFRICA into the same category, as if all the people in Africa are in the same economic, social, and military conditions?
Sierra Leone is different than Ethiopia which is different from Egypt and Somalia, so on and so forth. Mohammed is sending every last possible dollar to Sierra Leone. Not “Africa.”
Sorry for the rant, but on of the biggest problems in our inescapably Western society is the perception of Africa as an all-suffering, homogeneous continent.
Chip
What possible reason would the Mets make that trade for?
If they trade Reyes I would think they could get more of a return than that.
Maine-
We have opposite types of situations. Our Summer almost never seems to end. Yours barely ever seems to get started. If the World ends in fire you’re in trouble. You better hope for Ice.
The RAB story made me think back to ST when K.Long and Alex challeneged Robbie to step up.
The Yankees seem to have a veteran team that isn’t afraid to help groom the future which is a huge resource for the “young ones” who want to take advantage of that.
Sounds like a change of scenery might do you some good. Time for another vacation to Ecuador.
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Actually I’m leaving in 48 hours.
And before I ever went down there I always had this image of me lounging in a hammock. Maybe under a mango tree or something. Like Pedro Martinez.
But the reality is quite different. Guayaquil is a big city. I usually head off to to this little hippie/surfing village on the coast and get a room right on the beach.
MTU
Actually it’s more the lies made up by some from the south( GB7) that gives us a poor rep in regards to our summer.
“1. The Dodgers are likely to put Manny on waivers when he comes back off the DL. Wonder if the Yankees put in a claim? They did it before with Jose Canseco and the result would likely be the same ? the team would say ?take him.? ”
Yankees claimed Jose Canseco to block him to going to a better team. The yankees have the best record, if they claim Manny it wouldn’t be to block him. What would be more likely is that the Red Soxs end up with him to block him from the yanks or tbr
MaineYankee August 18th, 2010 at 11:22 am
GB7
Actually thats when our summer starts.
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snowman building contests begin 5 July, huh?
“Unless I missed something from Girardi (and it?s possible I did), I don?t think Gardner has suddenly become the everyday leadoff man.”
Maybe not, but he should be. Someone should check his stats when he’s leading off. I bet that they are pretty good.
Jeers-
Have a fantastic trip ! Take some pics to share. I’ve spent plenty of time under Mango trees. Used to bring home buckets of them when I lived in the Caribbean. My wife used to call it “Mangomania”. What a hoot.
Country Club
Girardi said last night he likes the Gardner/Jeter line-up like this because he needs Swisher lower in the order until Alex gets back.
Howe Farr
“Yankees claimed Jose Canseco to block him to going to a better team. The yankees have the best record, if they claim Manny it wouldn?t be to block him. What would be more likely is that the Red Soxs end up with him to block him from the yanks or tbr”
I would say with 99.99% certainty the RS would never do that.
That ship has sailed to never return.
GB7
To tame in here last night so you have some arrows left to sling?
Maine-
The Eaters of the Dead only come out during and after losses.
Manny returning to Boston at the end of september (I mean early October) in a Yankees uniform !! OH What a sight ! Then he hits one out of the pahk , admires how far he hit it, and the place goes crazy. I wouldn’t be opposed to that if he helped us win.
Thanks, Pat.
MaineYankee August 18th, 2010 at 11:37 am
GB7
To tame in here last night so you have some arrows left to sling?
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I’m just using my soft material for now., just to keep in practice. I haul out the heavy artillery when Randy becomes more than a hit and run poster.
Hello all –
1. Nice to get a win, with some timely hitting. Let’s hope it continues.
2. I was at that game in Tampa in ST, 2008, when Cervelli got run over and had his wrist broken. Ever since then, I’ve been rooting for him. Having said that, I never thought he would be more than a backup catcher – which is still pretty good (right, randy?). Depending on how they construct their roster for next year, he might stick as third catcher after Posada and Montero. Being able to play 3B helps him, no doubt.
3. I’m a city boy. The country is fine, and many parts are truly gorgeous. But, give my NYC anytime.
4. CharlestonChew – 100% right. The same thought applies to a lot of things.
For those that want Manny.
Look at the type of “people” the Yankees have tried to get.
Then ask yourself if Manny fits that mold.
I think we all know what the answer is.
Maybe i am wrong about the catching situation but if montero were brought up next year how much worse can it be than when cervelli is catching?
Cervelli is an automatic out,it’s like we are a nl team with the pitcher batting.I am sure montero needs a lot more work & from everything i read romine or someone else will be our future catcher,maybe sanchez some years down the road but if montero’s bat is ready but might not be our future catcher why not dh him next year out of st or trade him?
Another question,what would we have done if montero was traded for lee?
No Manny.
Not ever.
Forget Ramirez in pinstripes. More than a few Yankee fans would upchuck in their oatmeal if that happened.
Joe
It takes us country boys to allow you to be a city boy.
GB-
Staying sharp. That’s smart. Gettin’ ready for the “Big dance” when Randy returns.
Never show a batter too much too soon.;)
The Yankees pick up Manny? Why? They didn’t go for him and his entourage when he was a decade younger and a better hitter, why on earth now? I guess it would be great theatre, but along the lines of the theatre of the absurd….
Shame-
If I made a good point at any time I guarantee you it was just an accident. I’ll try to never ever let that happen again.
MTU August 18th, 2010 at 11:45 am
GB-
Staying sharp. That’s smart. Gettin’ ready for the “Big dance” when Randy returns.
Never show a batter too much too soon.;)
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That’s exactly right. Soft away early and hard, up and in late. Always leave something in the tank for the late push.
Joe
Just some playing fantasy baseball.
Maine – that’s the beauty of this country – it takes all of us to make it go.
“Now that’s really the lowest blow anybody could ever receive….being accused of being Randy.”
yeah , well think how i feel being accused of being gb7.
i’m think i’m going to need therapy.
Erica
Maybe he can join his buddy in Detroit.
Matching mohawks.
What a site.
Joe from Long Island August 18th, 2010 at 11:47 am
The Yankees pick up Manny? Why? They didn’t go for him and his entourage when he was a decade younger and a better hitter, why on earth now? I guess it would be great theatre, but along the lines of the theatre of the absurd….
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Shock Theatre/Friday Night Frights
Manny is never going to be a Yankee.
They neither need the distraction nor the player.
He hasn’t played in a ML game since July 17.
He’s not on their radar.
I don’t think you will see a three catcher rotation next year.
That makes it tough on pitchers, ties up a roster spot with a non-flexible player, and also makes it tough for each guy to get into a rhythm behind the plate. A must for a catcher.
It’s going to be interesting to see how it shakes out.
I’m OK either way about getting or not getting Manny but wouldn’t his slash line of :
.317/.409/.516/.925 look really good batting 6th? .409 OBP!!!
It would be a 1 and a half month of seeing his ugly mug but if he can do what he did for the Dodgers 2 years ago and help win #28 I can deal with that. Plus how cool would it be if he had to swallow his pride and get rid of those hideous hair extensions to play here.
randy
“i?m think i?m going to need therapy.”
That’s a given, living among the enemy.
murohy dog with his political jiberish. isn’t this a yankee baseball site???????
anecdotal evidence to prove a twisted point, nice. in a country of over 300 million people I can find at least 1 of anything if i would try.
cervelli still may be on the team next year if they go with 3 catchers… montero at 21 or romine at the same age probably will not be ready to carry such a huge load…..
tex, cano, gardner, swisher, and granderson are all 30 or younger and a few of them still can get better. if they did it obviously would help the offense…
randy l. August 18th, 2010 at 11:49 am
“Now that’s really the lowest blow anybody could ever receive….being accused of being Randy.”
yeah , well think how i feel being accused of being gb7.
i’m think i’m going to need therapy.
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You just received the ultimate compliment.
How about that? Multiple syllable words and no typos/now spell check.
Morning Randy. Hope all is well your way.
I’m only saying that because I want to ruin your day. If I’m nice to you, you’ll worry about when the is going to fall.
It isn’t able slash lines. It’s about the player and all of the baggage and distractions he brings.
He’s not cutting his dreadlocks to be a Yankee. There’s your first distraction in the middle of a pennant race.
The media circus, his entourage, and nonsense are distractions 2, 3, and 4. All before he takes an AB.
It’s why the Yankees will pass on him.
MaineYankee August 18th, 2010 at 11:50 am
Erica
Maybe he can join his buddy in Detroit.
Matching mohawks.
What a site.
*************
Please don’t put MPB Johnny Damon into the same category as Manny being Manny
MTU – I’ll try to play the “common sense” police from now on and make sure you don’t slip up again
SJ – you say how the catching situation shakes out next season could be interesting.. any insight into what approach the club takes?
’m only saying that because I want to ruin your day. If I’m nice to you, you’ll worry about when the ***hammer*** is going to fall.
The real interesting question to me is would the Yankees put in a claim on Manny if Tampa were ahead of them in the standings?
Would blocking him from getting to Tampa be worth it to the Yankees?
sab
What has Manny done this season to make you think he can repeat what he did two years ago?
Think about what happened after that, that might cause his numbers to drop.
Manny is also a nonconformist. If you think he’ll change because of the Yankees I don’t see it.
Randy-
Keep your Snarkometer right alongside your Geiger counter so you’ll
be able to know the exact amount of deadly snark you are being exposed to. Deadly amounts of snark sometimes eminate from various unnamed posters. You need to avoid an overdose, or your lips will pucker up like Papelbum’s, and your skin will just shrivel all up. It can be deadly.
Erica
I couldn’t resist.
G. Love -
I would say stranger things have happened, but in that case (Manny to Yankees for the block), I’m not so sure that would be true.
The recent discussion about Hughes is interesting. It was pointed out that he has 5.2 ERA in his last 12 starts, etc. It’s important to realize those numbers are largely driven by a period where he had three bad starts in four games (Jun 13 – Jul 4). In those four starts Hughes threw 24 innings with an ERA of 7. A big reason for that was that he allowed 7 HR in those 24 innings, while only allowing 10 in his other 110 IP. Outside of those four starts, Hughes has a 3.26 ERA. Those starts happened, so we can’t just ignore them; however, I think it would be misguided to interpret those selective stats as a proper indication of Hughes’ future performance instead of looking at it as a temporary slump caused by fatigue, and perhaps bad luck.
Doreen August 18th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
G. Love -
I would say stranger things have happened, but in that case (Manny to Yankees for the block), I?m not so sure that would be true.
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Sounds like we’re playing Hollywood Squares.
Doreen,
I too would block Tampa from getting him. I would almost think you have to do it if it’s about beating them in the post season and they, at that moment, have a better record than us.
I know the hair thing is a big deal.
Still, I can’t see long hair being a valid enough reason to let Manny slip to your biggest obstacle to another world series championship this season.
Is the revenue generated from 3 World Series games and a possible championship worth giving up because Manny has dreds?
That’s up to Hal I guess.
MaineYankee August 18th, 2010 at 11:59 am
Erica
I couldn?t resist.
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HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
I dunno guys, the idea of the Rays messing around with their line up by adding a player like Manny could end up serving us well.. Imagine BJ Upton and Manny on the same squad?!
G. Love
The dreds are the least of the problem.
Ask any RS fan if they would take Manny back.
The answer would for the most part be NO.
“How about that? Multiple syllable words and no typos/now spell check.”
that spells impostor to me.
it’s not possible for the real gb7 to make it through that many words without at least a typo.
maine yankee-
i have to quit taking the bait and responding to your insulant irreverent posts because i’m losing money at about a two hundred dollars an hour rate every word i post at this time of the year.
of course if i can get a shot in at gb7, it’s worth a few bucks
Except for one at bat, and that on a good pitch, Yankee pitchers have kept Cabrera very quiet in the first two games. No damage from Damon or Boesch, either. Quite a turn around from the last time the Yanks faced them.
I think it depends on how well Montero plays in Winter League and whether they just tell Jorge he’s a full-time DH…..something he’s not adverse to being.
I think not catching last winter in winter ball set Montero back.
He still isn’t ready to be a full-time ML catcher.
IMO, they have to exhaust every opportunity to see if he can be a full-time catcher at some point in his career because it would give them a HUGE advantage over their competitors.
They could sign a veteran C in the off-season, make Jorge a full-time DH, and have Montero catch 60-70 games next year for example.
It all hindges though on Montero’s ability to catch.
That’s the great unknown right now.
SJ and Maine –
I totally understand and agree with your reasoning. But Manny is in a contract year and he behaved rather well in LA when he was traded there in his last contract year. I’m totally fine with him staying in LA but a .409 OBP is higher than any current yankee and gives you protection for Cano. Even if he can’t produce his numbers from the last 2 months of 2008, its still better than what the yankees put up there right now in the 6 spot.
As for not cutting his hair, if he treasures his hair more than one more possible contract then I hope him and his hair have a nice life. Also the yankees are the closest thing to rock stars, I’m pretty sure they’ve dealt with distractions and media circuses worse than Manny for 45 days. If anything it may take away from the daily stupid questions that the media asks girardi every night.
Again I’m sure it won’t happen and am not sad if it doesn’t but I think I’d rather see Manny at bat with the game on the line instead of Marcus Thames or Lance Berkman – no offense to either (especially Thames who’s done all that was asked of him)
of course if i can get a shot in at gb7, it’s worth a few bucks
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LMAO. You deserve to have a thrill in your last remaining days. I’d never begrudge an old geezer one last thrill.
Maine,
I understand he’s a nutcase. But you’d only have him for a month and a half. I doubt he destroys team chemistry that quickly.
For the record, I only claim him if it stops Tampa from claiming him. If they are in first and we are somehow in 2nd when/if Manny hits the wire, I just can’t let him slip to them.
It’s going to be hard enough to beat them in the playoffs. Add Manny to their lineup and it gets harder, especially since Boras will explain to him he’s playing for his next contract.
I don’t think it will happen since I don’t see us slipping behind Tampa, but if the doomsday scenario occurs the Yankees have to give it some real thought because he could change a pennant race.
SJ44 August 18th, 2010 at 11:51 am
I don?t think you will see a three catcher rotation next year.
____________________________
Are you thinking Montero gets another year in the minors? It would be great if he and Posada could split the catching duties, but Posada’s health and the reported state of Montero’s defense makes that a longshot. Unless the Yankees plan to eventually trade Montero or are confident he’ll ultimately be a full-time catcher, I can’t see them keeping his bat out of the 2011 lineup. How do you think it will play out?
SJ, Speaking of Winter League, you should tell your nephew to play in the Puertorican winter league. Great players have played there and when I was a kid I use to love going to games, super fun.
“Ask any RS fan if they would take Manny back.”
Red Sox fans were like the parents of a 5 year old that had never been told “no” and had a meltdown the first time someone said it.
They created the monster but didn’t want to deal with it once it was built.
NYYs would be better off to move Cervelli in a multi-player package and signing John Buck to handle the majority of the catching duties if the plan is to bring up Montero next year.
new thread
The back up plan
Ideally Jorge is primary DH and is able to catch a game or 2 a week to give whoever a rest.
And at this point, “whoever” doesn’t look like Cisco.
John Buck would be ideal but I think he should be seeking a multi-year deal. Or at least a 2 year deal.
And I do think the Yanks could swing it. I’m sure if they decide that Montero is indeed ready, a player like Buck will always be in demand.
I read a post yesterday on this site about WFAN and the writer was spot on. I enjoy listening to sports radio but how come virtually every presenter on this station is a Mets fan? I have to listen to these idiots drone on and on about the Mets for hour after hour without so much as a mention for the first-placed Yankees. And when Francesa is away, which he seems to be for most of the summer, it’s even worse. As for Craig Carton, how can anyone tolerate this Mets muppet in the morning? He pretends to admire the Yanks when you know that, secretly, he despises them. I know WFAN broadcasts the Mets games but how about a little more balance and journalistic impartiality?
I heard he was offered an internship, I think at the stock exchange. Very well deserved!