Yankees postgame
Posted by: Brian Heyman - Posted in Misc on Aug 22, 2010 
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Much of the talk after the Yankees’ 10-0 win was about their MVP candidate and their Cy Young candidate. But both Robinson Cano and CC Sabathia are more focused on team goals, which certainly helps the cause.
Cano has played in all but one game and is hitting .325 with a career-high-tying 25 homers and 86 RBI after delivering a grand slam and a career-high six RBI. Plus, he has made only three errors.
“I’ll let you guys decide anything about myself,” Cano said to the reporters surrounding his locker. “In my mind, I want to go back to the World Series.”
Cano is now one of just three Yankees second basemen with multiple 25-homer seasons, joining Joe Gordon and Alfonso Soriano. Cano said Alex Rodriguez is like a big brother to him. Joe Girardi said that Cano has taken off since A-Rod sat him down for a 45-minute chat in spring training about situational hitting. Now Cano has taken Rodriguez’s place in the cleanup spot while he’s on the DL, and he feels a responsibility to live up the high standards.
“The guy who was there is a guy who every year has 100 RBI, 30 home runs, always does his job with men on base,” Cano said. “Now it’s time for me to step it up and help the team win games.”
Sabathia is 17-5 with a 3.02 ERA. He leads the AL in wins and is tied for the major-league lead. He could be in line for to win 20 for the first time and claim his second Cy Young.
“I’d rather win a World Series than win a Cy Young,” Sabathia said.
Good luck beating him at Yankee Stadium. He’s undefeated in his last 20 starts here dating to the 2009 All-Star break, winning 15 decisions and posting a 2.17 ERA.
At first he said, “Give my wife credit for that — home cooking,” Sabathia said. But he added that he really can’t explain his home dominance. He broke Ron Guidry’s 1978 record today with his 16th straight quality start, so he’s pretty good home and away.
Mark Teixeira was given a free pass to load the bases for Cano in the fifth, and Cano hit his grand slam. When will teams learn not to walk Teixeira to load the bases? It almost never works. In these last two years, it has happened 10 times. The batter behind Teixeira is 7 for 8 with a walk, a sac fly, four homers and 25 RBI. …
So now the Super Nova hits Toronto. Ivan Nova will make his first big-league start Monday night against the Blue Jays.
That’s it from here tonight.
Love the quotes from Cano………….what a year he’s having. He seems to relish the responsibility placed on his shoulders – I’m really proud of him.
CC is a stud – a true horse and, I still maintain, is underrated.
Nova has a tough chore – the Jays are a powerful team – but if he can be halfway decent, that’s good enough.
Can’t wait to see Nova pitch.
Wow, lol:
http://www.notsocheapseats.com.....um=twitter
Lincecum’s arm is well worth protecting, as indicated by his two Cy Young Awards. Mark Prior’s career was worth protecting, too, but he was fed to Dusty Baker, Destroyer of Arms. I’m talking about top-of-rotation, ace-type pitchers.
To this point, Phil Hughes has not shown he is that kind of pitcher.
Hughes is good, but he’s in the middle of his best season right now and his ERA is a good-but-not-great 3.90. His career ERA is 4.08. His similarity scores at Baseball-Reference.com compare him favorably with such luminaries as Vicente Padilla, Cloyd Boyer, Ike Delock, John Urrea and Joey McLaughlin. He doesn’t project to be an ace on the level of Lincecum or Halladay or Lee or Sabathia.
“Super Nova”, huh? I like it.
Let’s hope Ivan Nova gets good run support to take the pressure off his 1st start. If he gives a quality start of 6-7 innings it will put him at ease.
That Teixeira IBB stat is nice!
Fun exercise for the night. Name all the Yankees who’ve hit GS this season.
Betsy-
You really ought to do yourself a favor and stop reading these idiots.
MTU, I’m laughing actually …….
What’s the point of that article? Don’t protect Phil’s arm because he’s not the kind worth protecting?
Betsy,
Not to mention his using a pitcher of Brett Tomko as Phil Hughes. What an idiot.
The Blue got shut out in a complete mail it in performance today.
I suspect their approach at the plate will be completely different tomorrow night.
Hopefully, Nova can survive the early innings and give them a quality start.
The better he pitches, the greater the chance they DL Javy, IMO.
If Nova doesn’t pitch well, or seems overwhelmed by the assignment, they will probably continue to soldier on with Javy.
Hopefully, the kid comes up big tomorrow night.
Betsy,
Agree with you on Cano’s comments. What a nice kid or should I say Man now.
M, that’s exactly the point. Obviously the guy is not high on Phil so he wants the Yankees to trash the innings limits……….I honestly did “wow” and then laugh after I read it…I loved the one comment as well, lol
“The Blue got shut out in a complete mail it in performance today.
I suspect their approach at the plate will be completely different tomorrow night. ”
Yep… seems to be a common theme with that team.
I’m always humored to how stupid some bloggers are and how much their hatred for the Yankees clouds every observation.
That story Betsy just posted is Exhibit A addressing my point.
Carl ,lol -I didn’t even notice that that wasn’t Phil……….hilarious. Similarity scores? Baseball-reference.com? I think what the guy is saying is you’d better fall out of bed winning a Cy Young or you should be sacrificed to the baseball gods.
“The Blue got shut out in a complete mail it in performance today.
I suspect their approach at the plate will be completely different tomorrow night. ”
I wonder what would be said if those words were attributed to CR9? No, I dont wonder. And I know the answer that will be given: I say it all the time and SJ44 doesn’t ever say it – and I’m the resident crazy!
However, say it once or say it 50 times, it doesn’t make it any less true! The Blue Jays put on a masterful offensive display on Friday, and beat Papelbon in their last game against the Sox in Toronto.
_____
Now, look at the approach that the Mariners took against the Yankees in the first 2 games in this series. Great at bats put together, 5+ home runs for Ichiro and Branyan.
I suspect their approach beginning tomorrow night will be different. Yes, tomorrow night, they face the Red Sox!
SJ-
Toronto is not an easy assignment for your first start.
At least they have never seen Nova.
They are an aggressive hitting team. If Nova can command his off speed stuff he should be able to keep them off balance, and help them to get themselves out.
Wonder who catches him ?
Oh. Just clicked it. Yes, that was his point. Trade a year of Phil’s career for a WS.
I for one, think that Phil could handle the load, but that’s not the point. The point is that they’e not going to burn his arm because of injuries and issues by the other starters. Because the Yankees themselves believe that Phil has an arm worth protecting.
And yes, idiot Big Fuzz, that’s not even a picture of Phil Hughes. It’s the artist who painted Phil Hughes. Because his arm was worth painting.
SJ, but he’s supposedly a Yankee fan, lol. I mean, to have a blog site, you don’t have to have any kind of baseball IQ – you just have to have a keyboard and a computer.
And what about Felix Hernandez? 26 innings, 1 run on the season against the Yankees. I suspect his approach will be different also!
By the way, Felix Hernandez sort of looks like Melky Cabrera!
The guy referred to Little Leaguers as “shits”………….really, what else is there to say?
Phil could probably handle another 10 innings or so, but I really think the Yankees are doing the right thing. I’m sure not everyone thinks he’s a future ace, but I don’t think even those people think his arm is not worth protecting.
THIS is the best article I’ve read to date on Phil and his innings limit:
http://web.sny.tv/news/article.....38;vkey=10
Hughes isn’t supposed to be the most vital cog in the Yankees’ 2010 rotation. CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Javier Vazquez and Andy Pettitte are supposed to be those. They are/were supposed to be good enough that Hughes could be a fifth starter, skipped every now and then, generally not relied on as a horse because there were already enough horses in the pinstriped barn. The fact that he’s pitched better (or stayed healthier) than three of those guys is not a good reason for the team to change its plan. Not at the risk of wrecking a 24-year-old with Hughes’ immense talent.
Don’t get on Cashman for the “Hughes Rules.” His and the Yankees’ hearts are in the right place. They’re trying to do right by the kid, the team and the future. The fact is, these Yankees are good enough to win it all without asking more of Hughes than what was initially planned. They’re taking the long view. Fans and old-school grumblers would do well to follow their lead.
oh well, that’s it outta me tonight! A pretty decent day, Yanks and Rays win!
I’m guessing the Jays just wanted to go home today…………..they’re a good team and I think 20-13 since the ASB. I really just hope Nova gives a representative effort because I think SJ is right – if he doesn’t, Javy is not going to be skipped. They are not going to stretch Gaudin and Mitre out – that would take too long and they need them in the pen.
See, the thing is. Is that the Yankees chart everything. They chart every pitch these young guys throw.
They’re basically watching how hard they’re laboring, which is why Joba was pulled so quickly last year. He labored laboriously!
I haven’t watched every inning of Phil’s work, so I may have missed it. But Phil doesn’t look like he’s laboring terribly out there.
That’s why I think that his body can handle it.
“Name all the Yankees who?ve hit GS this season.”
Swisher, Tex Alex, Robbie, Posada, Ganderson?
“Betsy August 22nd, 2010 at 7:43 pm
SJ, but he’s supposedly a Yankee fan, lol. I mean, to have a blog site, you don’t have to have any kind of baseball IQ – you just have to have a keyboard and a computer.”
weren’t you arguing the same points on wednesday of this week?
Can’t forget the Brett Gardner grandslam
lol, pat. I don’t know, that’s why I asked.
But, yes, I think Gardner hit one, too.
Somebody probably did it multiple times. Did Brian say there were 10 this season?
Betsy – not that I want to dump on you – believe me, that’s not it – one question I have about that reference list is – how frequently is it updated? And what is the construct validity – how do we know that it’s accurate, what is it’s gold standard. It also assumes that the player in question will be static – no improvement. Now, I understand why it does that – it’s impossible to project. But, these are some of the questions one must have with any such scale or scoring system. Does it make sense.
Cloyd Boyer? Really? Did Cloyd Boyer have a major league season like Phil this year? I just looked it up – Cloyd’s best year – 1950 – he went 7-7. For his career, he was 20-23, ERA 4.73, ERA+ or 86 (so, he was 14% worse than a league average pitcher).
So, either some of their system validity just went out the window, or they don’t update their ratings too often.
“And what about Felix Hernandez? 26 innings, 1 run on the season against the Yankees. I suspect his approach will be different also!”
Queen Felix faces the Sox on Wednesday… will be interesting to see if he is as tough on them as he has been on us this season. Of course, he is going up against Lester who will probably eat the Ms for lunch.
Also, the Toronto Red Jays are now 4-11 against the Sox. Had a chance to win yesterday, runner on 2nd, no outs against Bard yesterday and left him there. When they are not hitting HRs, they have no ability to situationally hit (except against us of course).
And your Ron McDonald line in the previous thread was great lol
A-Rod 3 Cano 2 Posada 2 Tex 1 BG 1 Granderson 1 are the slams this year M
Joe,
Why dump on Betsy? Big Fuzz came up with those names.
I believe Gardner has also hit a GS this year.
I think Arod, Cano and Posada have 2 each.
Swisher, Tex, Granderson and Gardner have hit one apiece.
“But, yes, I think Gardner hit one, too.”
So then everyone but Jeter is the answer.
He doesn’t like pie or grandslams? Do we really want this guy back?
Alex has 3 this year and Posada and now Robbie have 2.
Did Swisher hit a grandslam? If he did I count 6 players.
FWIW at age 24 the player who’s career was most similar to Bob Gibson is Kent Bottenfield…
That’s right, Alex has three and Swish doesn’t have a slam.
Good catch Carl.
Jeter is batting under .100 with the bases loaded
Joe, I think that guy is a joke for a bunch of reasons; I never even heard of the site he was referencing.
Thanks, Carl. Now I’ll have the answers when pat or Kay ask trivia questions.
Oops. I thought Swisher had one but I’m wrong.
Wow, was I off. I forgot Granderson. I knew Posada, Arod, and Cano had more than one.
Jeter has one GS in his career, I believe.
NP
Jeter has one GS in his career, I believe.
–
Vs the Cubs! I saw it!
Um, not even close Howe Farr. Why don’t you go point out where I said Phil should be tossed aside like a rag doll?
I already admitted I’ve been hard on him recently, probably because my expectations in terms of his secondary pitches, etc.. were out of whack.
Am I crazy (don’t answer that) or is that a lot of grand slams in a year?
Phil Hughes is a very good young pitcher who at 6-5 240 lbs. has the size & frame to be a top of the rotation pitcher for years to come.
At 24 yrs. old he is: (15-5 with a 3.90 E.R.A.) pitching in the toughest division in MLB.
At 24: (Mark Prior was 11-7 / 3.67 E.R.A.)
(Roy Holiday: 5-3 / 3.16 E.R.A.)
(CC Sebasttia: 15-10 / 4.03 E.R.A.)
I think Phil’s numbers compare pretty favorably.
SAS it is. And still 4 or 5 off the team record the Indians set back in 06.
Super Nova? Ask Joba how the skyrocket thing worked out.
2009= The year of the walkoff
2010 seems like the year of the grandslam and/or the year of the triple.
From the comment section of that “article”:
“After his age 24 season, Roy Halladay was 18-17 with a 4.95 ERA, 1.537 WHIP, BB/9 of 4.0, K/9 of 6.3, and an ERA+ of 95.
Maybe, just maybe, Girardi and Cashman have a little bit more knowledge about young pitchers and their potential then some doofus wasting precious Internet space.
Oh, and stop stealing oxygen man.”
YES, that’s a funny thing. CC was not a Cy Young award winner right away – he struggled some. Imagine if this guy ran the Indians? The guy doesn’t look like Roger Clemens, so lets blow his arm out.
M, that’s a good point and I wonder how much the Yankees take that stuff into account. In ST, they said that they would consider the ease or difficulty of the innings pitched….I expect we’ll find out soon enough.
next year will be walkoff slams
The 10 slams have tied the team record set in 1987.
FYI: Donnie Baseball hit 6 of them in ’87.
betsy, you were trashing phil hughes, somehow you got a change of heart and now you are quoting other blogs that have the same low opinion you had on Hughes a couple of days ago. Not only that, but you are ridiculing those guys. If you have a problem with the what the guy wrote, post it on his blog, don’t bring it here, especially because you were spilling the same nonsense a couple of days ago. And it is not surprising that you have no idea what baseball reference is….
M, when I posted that, the only comment there was from Uncle Ray, who agreed with the blogger…………love the other comments, lol
I did some checking on some choice pitchers. Price was not great last year. CC had struggled some early in his career. Santana was phenomenal, lol – he was not a good example. Lester wasn’t great – then again, he didn’t have many innings pitched. Chris Carpenter was also a late developer ( I believe he was also injury prone in Toronto). I didn’t bother checking on Halladay because that story is well known. I was surprised that Lee was as good as he was early on, but we all know that he had an awful year a few years ago and then came back better than ever.
Hughes has a dominate fastball. When he masters his change and curve its a wrap.
Excuse me, Howe Farr, I’ll post what I want to post. How long have you been posting here? A month? A few months? I’ve supported Phil and was in his corner for years – I had faith in him when few didn’t. What do you want, blood from a stone? I admitted I’ve been rough on him – and NO, not thinking he was potentially an ace is NOT trashing him. You find me where I personally insulted him. Go ahead – find those posts from me. Since you can’t, I have absolutely nothing to say to you anymore.
Betsy – please excuse me, I was reading quickly and thought it was you.
But the points remain the same – 1. It was not an attempt to dump on you, as I stated; even thinking it reflected your thoughts, it was to discuss, not dump on you or anyone. 2. If that’s who that site compares Phil Hughes to, I have serious questions about the validity of what they say.
Re: the Blue Jays – I think they do play differently when they play the Yankees, possibly reflecting the red meat that Cito dishes out to them. And, from what I’ve read, he has them swinging from the heals this year (hence the high HiR totals; assuming it’s not something more nefarious), so Nova may be ok if his offspeed stuff working.
If Nova does well, and impresses Joe and Dave Eiland, look for Javy to be DL’d. That’s my thought.
dominant
Carl, he needs to master or at least make the curve a plus pitch; I don’t think he needs to master the change – just make it a decent/good pitch.
Joe, I didn’t think you were dumping on me – that’s not your style.
I posted that because I thought it was a fairly humorous example of how anyone with a computer can put their thoughts out for all the world to see – and because Phil’s innings limits are a current topic of discussion.
Re: the Blue Jays – I think they do play differently when they play the Yankees
===================
Dr Joe
Don’t all teams get up for the Yankees.
Some play over their heads, some have inferiority complexes.
We are the Gold standard, after all.
SJ44,
That was exciting, for those days, watching Donnie hit all those slams
I don’t mean it like hes gonna throw the best change or Curve in the league. I meant just get a good feel for it.
“FYI: Donnie Baseball hit 6 of them in ‘87.”
I remember that season. One of the many reasons Mattingly is an all time Yankee favorite.
“Don’t all teams get up for the Yankees.”
No doubt. Look at King Felix’s stats. Take away his wins against us and he’s a .500 pitcher.
Carl, ok, I misunderstood…………I agree. He used to have a plus curve – weird. I wonder if the knuckle curve Moose taught him just isn’t for him.
I remember Donnie’s GS and his hitting HRs in 8 straight games………….what a player he was.
“I’d rather win a World Series than win a Cy Young,” Sabathia said.
==============================================
There’s the reason why CC is a team leader and a Mensch.
Truth is, he means it.
Donnie hit his 6th GS (tying Gehrig, I think) at home – he hit it in the upper RF deck. It was on ch 11 and Spencer Ross called it……………
? I think they do play differently when they play the Yankees”
Players on other teams have said it isn’t really the Yankees but the crowds they bring that get players fired up. The energy level playing in front of 5000 and 25000 is just different.
I agree, teams seem to play harder against the Yankees (just like they do against the Lakers
).
However. Cito does have that red meat thing going. He hates the Yankees with a passion. Hopefully a clubbie will put poison in the red meat, and their bats will go to sleep.
As far as Phil is concerned, I think since we’re already short on arms, I would have him make his starts and have him go 5 innings per. Or something like that. Skipping Phil does him no favors.
betsy, i didnt say you insulted phil hughes, you were arguing that he wasn’t a swing and miss pitcher a couple of days ago. Im just pointing out your hypocrisy. Anyways, i don’t want to get into in a pissing match with you, it’s not worth it.
and don’t assume that you havent seen a name on this board means a person hasn’t been posting under a different handle.
I would love to ignore your post, but they come so often, they are hard to miss.
No doubt. Look at King Felix’s stats. Take away his wins against us and he’s a .500 pitcher.
====================
That is remarkable!
Such a great pitcher with nothing to show for it.
Perhaps someday he may be a Yankee.
Betsy-
“I wonder if the knuckle curve Moose taught him just isn’t for him.”
How do you know Moose taught Phil the knuckle curve ? Do you know this or are you just assuming this ? And if you know, is there a source I could look at ? Thanks.
If Nova does well, and impresses Joe and Dave Eiland, look for Javy to be DL’d. That’s my thought.
=================================================
Javy’s days here appear to be numbered.
Why else make the move for Nova?
Even if he falls on his face, Sept 1 is coming and so will the callups.
If not him, someone else, will take his place till Andy is back.
Phil pitches every 5 days but his pitching is disected every day.
It’s become overkill.
Knuckle curve? He needs to learn AJ’s knuckle curve!
Anyway, I think this season is about staying healthy and making it through a full year. Get his legs under him, so to speak.
I’m sure that he’ll find ways to be more effective and efficient out there.
Another thing, Andy and a couple other pitchers gave up quite a few HR last year but adjusted to the park. I’m confident Phil will do the same.
Yanks appear to be back in cruise control mode.
What a difference a week at home makes.
As predicted here a week ago, they took 5 of 7 and have the easy part of their schedule coming up with 10 of next 16 at home.
m-
Mussina’s KC was more of a lollypop variety.
AJ’s is like a buzzsaw.
Phil’s almost seems like a hybrid of the two.
I wish it were more like AJ’s.
I wonder if Phil ever used a more conventional CB grip. Do you know ?
# pat August 22nd, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Phil pitches every 5 days but his pitching is disected every day.
It’s become overkill.
Better than the Cervelli/Posada/Montero talk
Phil pitches every 5 days but his pitching is disected every day.
========================================
Pat—It doesn’t bother him a bit and that’s all that matters.
argh, Betsy would know.
cariaga’s site had a video clip of Phil talking about his curveball grip and how it’s different from before.
m-
I asked her some questions about YMH’s KC above. No response yet.
I though Betsy raised an interesting point.
Players on other teams have said it isn’t really the Yankees but the crowds they bring that get players fired up. The energy level playing in front of 5000 and 25000 is just different.
=================
The Yanks are rock stars, so playing them makes you one too.
betsy is busy ignoring Howe Farr…
From the way that writer used similarity score as a knock on Phil, I don’t think that he understands what similar score’s measuring.
http://www.baseball-reference......rity.shtml
Young pitching develops in numerous ways… there is no one set formula. Porcello comes out of the gate firing and looks like a star, and is awful this year. Price has a bad first year and is great this year. Jiminiez’ numbers have gotten better each of his first 4 years…
Verlander, Hamels, and Linceucm became stars their first couple of years in the league, then out of nowhere, had bad years (for them) and their stuff diminished drastically. Verlander had a 5 ERA in 2008, Hamels was awful last year… now both are back to being front end guys. Lincecum is going through that this year.
Guys like, Buchholz, Pelfrey have all had uneven growth patterns, with some mechanical/mental hurdles to overcome. Cain, Weaver, King Felix has excellent debuts, then had multiple seasons with solid or mediocre numbers, then became aces after a few years in the league.
And guys like Greinke, Zombrano, Shields, Nolasco, Carmona are guys with killer stuff who have been in the league for a while, but have only had one season where they put it altogether (though Greinke has an excuse). Then a guy like Matuz, who everyone seems to love, has an ERA almost 5 through his first 180 something innings in the big leagues. Then you have the Garzas and Edwin Jacksons of the world who have yet to have a “dominant” season from start to finish, all have shown flashes. Pelfrey could fall into this category too if he doesn’t finish the year well.
Young pitching come in different shapes and sizes… shouldn’t be shocked if Hughes takes a step back next year, nor should we if he wins the CY young, or if he stays exactly the same. He has a good head on his shoulders and a high pitching aptitude, so he’s on the right track.
MTU-
You’ll remember when Hughes came up he threw the lollipop variety curve. In that no hit bid against Texas they would have looked helpless against it if they were using a 10 foot pole as a bat. It had that much vertical movement. It was even more lollipopish than Moose’s was.
“Pat?It doesn?t bother him a bit and that?s all that matters.”
Thank goodness. Analysis Paralysis comes to mind.
G-C
Why do you think he abandoned throwing it that way then ?
Apparently he didn’t think it was as effective as the type he features now.
G-C is correct, it was not quite, but almost Zito-esque.
“Why do you think he abandoned throwing it that way then ?
Apparently he didn’t think it was as effective as the type he features now.”
___________________________________________________________
If I remember correctly he was still featuring it in his horrendous ’08 campaign, or at the beginning at least. When he came back in September I believe one of the adjustments he made was tightening it up. He had struggled so much with the lollipop at times and that essentially made him a one pitch guy; by tightening it up I think he felt he could command it better in the strike zone.
“Why do you think he abandoned throwing it that way then ?
Apparently he didn’t think it was as effective as the type he features now.”
___________________________________________________________
If I remember correctly he was still featuring it in his horrendous ’08 campaign, or at the beginning at least. When he came back in September I believe one of the adjustments he made was tightening it up. He had struggled so much with the lollipop at times and that essentially made him a one pitch guy; by tightening it up I think he felt he could command it better in the strike zone.
you know, just looking at the comments on here, most of the time it’d be difficult to tell if this was a Phil Hughes blog or a Yankees blog. pretty unbelievable the guy generates this much discussion all the time. he’s young, talented, and projects to be near the top of the Yankee rotation for years. dominance in his future? probably not, but who cares? he will be a solid #2 or #3 type starter for years for this team and i’m fine with that. he’s progressing nicely and my only complaint is that he throws his changeup more often. i’m just shocked at the constant discussion about the guy. honestly, he’s not that interesting.
Since we’re dissecting Phil’s pitching, some numbers on Phil.
I know you can’t take away the HR, but I was curious what the numbers looked like.
Phil’s made 23 starts. He’s given up 18 HR in 12 of them. In 5 of the 12, the only runs scored came via the HR.
He’s given up 62 Runs (61 ER). Of the 62, 30 runs were scored off the HR.
What does it mean? Absolutely nothing!
*he SHOULD throw his changeup more often, i meant.
theREALkevin August 22nd, 2010 at 9:02 pm
you know, just looking at the comments on here, most of the time it’d be difficult to tell if this was a Phil Hughes blog or a Yankees blog.
=============================
This was mostly Betsy-driven.
She has stated it is part of her past so you should be rewarded with much less Phil talk.
G-C
Thanks for your opinion. It could also have been done at the request of Eiland.
Aj’s arm action and Phil’s are so different. AJ’s is more of a long whipping action and Phil’s is short and compact. I think Aj’s unique mechanics are what allows him to get the added velocity he gets on his KC. I doubt Phil will be able to emulate that. Hence he has more of a hybrid between the lollipop version and AJ’s.
No pitcher is going to completely change their CB grip in the middle of a season but I wonder if what Phil could do using a more conventional CB grip. I would imagine he has experimented with it.
It would be interesting to hear about the results of that.
There aren’t that many guys who throw the KC. It must not be that easy of pitch to throw.
Lot’s of questions. Unfortunately, few answers.
MTU—here’s an answer for you. What you know about baseball in general and pitching in particular could fit in a thimble.
To pick up on the previous discussed clubhouse topic….
“With the recent additions Wood and Kearns contributing Sunday and the call-up Eduardo Nunez delivering the key hit in Saturday?s victory, the veteran Yankees are blending well with the new names to make a formidable roster.
?The guys really understand the bigger picture,? Girardi said. ?They welcome new players with open arms.?
Wood, acquired from Cleveland last month, noted Sunday, ?I was pleasantly surprised by how down to earth everybody was and how welcoming they were.?
Not all clubhouses are like this. One of the primary contributors to the atmosphere around the Yankees is Sabathia, one of the most unassuming superstars in sports.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08.....nkees.html
Bum Knee-
Well. that’s one thimblefull more than you. If you’re such a genius why don’t you just go ahead and explain all to me then.
MTU–here’s the only explanation you need to have. Betsy needs help with the dishes and ironing. Get over there and assist her. You would both be much more productive doing that than coming here and hallucinating about things not in your galaxy.
Bum Knee-
Well I’ve got an explanation for you too. If you want to know what an idiot looks like just look in your mirror. And talk about being from another Galaxy. That’s your province pecker. I haven’t a clue what your problem is and I don’t care. get some help.
MTU–go work on your knuckle curve. Burt Hooten is waiting for you, Bozo.
Look who’s talking Clarabell.
Hey Chad/Brian,
Can you lose the PC Richard ad at the top of the page? It takes too long to load and drives me nuts. Secondly, the birthday/zip data you ask for….don’t you have enough survey info yet? Such a hassle.
Sorry to be such a pain, but had to let you know.
MTU the knuckle curve is a hard pitch to control, you aim it generally because no one, not even the pitcher, knows where it will end up.
Look at Wakefield, he needs a special catcher and wind/humidity/temperature all affect its movement or lack there of. If it isn’t dancing it will get hit hard.
if you use firefox, install adblock plus.
it puts an end to the drop-downs, banners, etc.
the downside is having to say good-bye to the Stiletto girls…
Yogi-
I wasn’t talking about the Knuckleball but the Spike, or knuckle curveball.
Here’s a reference :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knuckle_curve
I think Phil needs a Gyroball, it works so well for Dice K …oh wait….
MTU, I will try to find a link about Phil and Mussina……….all I know also is that in 2009, ST, he came to camp with a new power curve and everyone loved it. It was fine then – for some reason, whether it was being in the pen or something else, he’s lost the feel.
Actually Mick I was watching a tape of Murder She Wrote, lol – I needed a break from the computer.
Here is the link M was talking about:
http://www.nj.com/yankees/inde.....l_hug.html
Nice quote from Kerry………would like to see him re-sign if he keeps this up
Betsy-
thanks for link.
I’m not really sure that Phil has lost his curveball.
Maybe I’m not seeing the same things other people are, but it looks to me like he’s more comfortable than ever throwing his curve for strikes. He might have spun off 4 or 5 really tight ones for first pitch strikes in his last start.
I wonder if anyone has ever told Phil to toy around with a splitter. It seems like its becoming a lost art in baseball these days- I can’t remember a single Yankee pitcher since Clemens that has featured it prominently. The thing is, the reason people made the silly Clemens/Hughes comparisons actually had some basis in terms of their short, compact arm action. Schilling featured that same tall delivery and short, compact arm action.
He honestly for some reason “looks” to me like someone that would throw a splitter. I guess its because his arm action to me has always kind of resembled that of Clemens and Schilling. Short, compact, and very over the top.
Hardwire,
How do you install that adblocker? Do you buy it or have it. I am a computer idiot.
MTU, thanks!
LOL I’m not going to apologize for posting something or bringing up a topic. If people don’t like it, they can ignore it …………it’s as simple as that. Talking about young pitching is interesting to me – maybe it’s interesting to other people. If it’s not, then they won’t talk about it.
MTU, work over ruled pleasure this weekend, so no hikes. So tomorrow I’ll share some international flavor with you. Architecture and some nature, of course.
G-C, isn’t the splitter considered hard on the arm? You’re right, it used to be the “IT” pitch…….now it’s the cutter.
Maybe he just needs to toy around with the curve some more. He spent so much time on the change this off-season, maybe that affected him. I wonder if that affected AJ as well. Normally the curve is a great pitch for AJ and it comes quickly in ST for him. Not this ST – and he was another one who spent the off-season working on the change.
SAS,
it’s a free program. here’s a video showing how to install it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNvb2SjVjjI
definitely a must-have lately w/seemingly every site now ad crazy
“He honestly for some reason “looks” to me like someone that would throw a splitter. ”
I can see that. A lot of folks will advise against it at Phil’s age though. I don’t think he’s lost his curveball, just think he needs to tighten it up a bit and throw it in better counts and locations. To me, if Hughes continues to throw the cutter (and he should) then developing his changeup will be a more beneficial pitch to him than the curve. Still needs to keep the curveball around and improve it further to give hitters something else to think about but when he’s fully developed it should probably be the pitch he throws the least. There are a lot of ways he could go with secondary stuff but as long as he keeps the plus fastball and plus fastball command he’ll be ok.
JCPD-
Sounds good. Looking forward to it.
Blake, you really think the change should be more imporant than the curve?
I think he’ll have an easier time making the curve a plus pitch again than the change, which he really has struggled with…….
Hardwired 7,
I will have my son do it in the morning. Thanks so much. I can’t read what to do either because the print is too small or because I am tired.
Betsy-
I guess so. Although it seems like the slider is traditionally the pitch that is junked because its tough on the arm. Per BA scouting reports, it was Phil’s only secondary pitch as he was coming into the organization, and they almost immediately had him junk it because they didn’t like his arm action on it and the stress it was putting on his arm. Rumor has it though that it was really, really, really good. I’ve always wondered if he’d spontaneously break it out one day- although his skill and feel for the pitch has probably been manifested in how quickly he learned the cutter. They are similar pitches and its rare that someone will just “learn” a cutter as quickly and easily as Phil did- I gather that part of the reason he did it so quickly is because he knew really well how to throw a slider already.
AJ is who AJ is though. If you listen to his interviews he absolutely is the kind of guy who wants to improve and who isn’t content being who he is at this point in his career. It never quite seems to show through on the mound though.
“Blake, you really think the change should be more imporant than the curve?”
not necessarily more important but if he could get comfortable with it and make it a plus pitch then he’d have 3 pitches that look like a fastball out of the hand…all 3 at different speeds and moving different ways….so not really more important but probably a pitch he would throw more IMO.
Betsy,
You are right. When I find what you are talking about boring, I skip it. Other times I read every word. I am not that interested in the fine tuning of pitching maybe because I don’t see the finer points and never have. I think it is just great that you are so involved in that area.
MTU
If you can manage to climb out of your thimble and over the piles of dishes, when will you be hiking again? I saw your pictures of the pyramids and they were awesome. I never realized how steep they are.
G-C, I think they gave Phil the OK to try the slider again a year or so ago and he’d lost it completely. I guess that’s a shame, but on the other hand, if the pitch is so stressful on arms, maybe I’m glad it didn’t work out. He did seem to pick up the cutter very quickly; I imagine there is still some improvement yet to come in that pitch. It’s better this year than it was last; no reason why it should be different next.
I agree about AJ – except that he ends up not throwing the change. It’s not like the guy doesn’t care – I would never every accuse any player of not caring; I just think that’s taking criticism too far.
Blake, he had a nice change going in ST – and then he just didn’t use it. He should have earlier in the season, while he was still excited about it. I think Phil needs to get over the fear of being beat with less than his best or 2nd best pitch………..the more he throws it, the better it will get. It’s great if he works on it over the off-season and in ST, but if he’s not going to throw it in real games, what’s the point? I don’t know much about the change, but everyone raves about it……….so I think I agree with you. SJ said the scouts he talked to figure the change will come in time.
SAS, that’s how I treat other posts………..and how I assume everyone else treats other posts. People read and respond to what they are interested in; everything else they leave for others to discuss. I think it’s beyond ridiculous for people to imply or even say outright that people should keep quiet on certain topics. It’s also arrogant.
I don’t know anything about pitching, but by following Phil, I’m learning a lot……….he’s sort of a guinea pig, lol.
One more thing about Phil’s change: he’s obviously capable of throwing a good one since he did it in 2007 and he did it in ST.
SAS
I installed the blocker 3 days ago, it’s very easy. Just go to firefox’s website and click the link for add ons, then find ad blocker plus. It will walk you through it and be done in 2 minutes or less.
KPB-
I’ll give it my best shot.
Here’s some pics from one of favorites done yesterday.
http://picasaweb.google.com/cy.....downGorge#
And you are absolutely right about those Mayan pyramids they are very steep and very tall. The steps are narrow too. It’s as if the people had very small feet.
What I would really love would be for the Oakland A’s to get on a tear while the Rangers go into the tank. The Angels can keep plodding along as is.
I doubt anything like that will happen, however.
So, here is Freedy Johnson covering Matthew Sweet’s “I’ve Been Waiting” live. Kind of a sweet song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77lLaIl6uo0
My poor brother…………had a 9:30 pm flight to Ft. Lauderdale tonight and it won’t be taking off, if it does, until at least 11:45 pm. It’s raining cats and dogs right now……….
Betsy,
Yea, I believe it will. It has potential to be a really good pitch for him, he just has to gain confidence in it and that only comes with time. The team is counting on him, he’s going to go with whatever he feels like he can best get outs with at this moment in time. The most important thing in pitching is being able to consistently locate a good fastball….he’s way ahead of the curve in that area at 24….the secondary stuff should come and when it does the result could be special.
Betsy
Glad to see you have come to ease up on Phil. I have to admit I was confused by how you went from being so supportive of him to what seemed like doubting him. That’s why I asked you the other day. Speaking of which, 17 doesn’t seem so far fetched now. Also, I hope your problem with Mens Warehouse has been resolved.
Blake-
I know what you mean but the results are already special.
MTU,
I mean even specialer….Bumknee should change his name to BumBrain….I think his condition has spread since the Youkka went down.
MTU
Great pics as always. Love the different colors in the rock. Are you in any of the pictures or are you the one taking them all?
The one question we must ask ourselves, if not for the fluke injuries in 07-08 that virtually wiped out 2 seasons , where would Young Phillip be on the development scale today
Excited to see Nova throw tomorrow. Tough place to make your first start but we should see what he’s got.
Thanks KPR
================================
Betsy,
I can’t even get our dog to go out to the ‘cats and dogs’
MTU
The dogs were funny too. They reminded me of bears trying to get fish in a stream.
KPB, I think I tend to be tougher on my favorites, but I never stopped being a Phil Phan. I think he’s not just a very good young pitcher, but he’s really a great kid…… Most of my “knocks” against him were just the result of me worrying too much about his secondary pitches. I worry about EVERYTHING, not just Yankees, but EVERYTHING, lol.
As to the other thing, so far so good – nothing since. Maybe the fact that I posted about getting the police involved helped; I hope no one else has to deal with that.
Blake, that’s a good point. Phil is pitching in NY, for the Yankees, not in Pittsburgh, for the Pirates. I guess he couldn’t get away with experimenting in the regular season. It really is hard to develop a young pitcher in NY because winning and developing are at odd with each other and winning always takes precedence. One thing he is is a pitcher, not a thrower; he really has a plan out there. He’s more mature off the mound, by the way, at age 24, then I am at age 38.
KPB, I think I tend to be tougher on my favorites, but I never stopped being a Phil Phan. I think he’s not just a very good young pitcher, but he’s really a great kid…… Most of my “knocks” against him were just the result of me worrying too much about his secondary pitches. I worry about EVERYTHING, not just Yankees, but EVERYTHING, lol.
As to the other thing, so far so good – nothing since. Maybe the fact that I posted about getting the police involved helped; I hope no one else has to deal with that.
Blake, that’s a good point. Phil is pitching in NY, for the Yankees, not in Pittsburgh, for the Pirates. I guess he couldn’t get away with experimenting in the regular season. It really is hard to develop a young pitcher in NY because winning and developing are at odd with each other and winning always takes precedence. One thing he is is a pitcher, not a thrower; he really has a plan out there. He’s more mature off the mound, by the way, at age 24, then I am at age 38.
Betsy, if you’re interested and want to read a little more about the art of pitching, check out “Living on the Black” by John Feinstein. It follows Mussina and Glavine through their respective 2007 seasons. 2007, if you remember, was a year in which Moose really struggled, so it made it even more interesting from that standpoint. There’s also a lot of cool little Yankee stories there and the book flows really nicely.
Blake-
They must have left the door to asylum wide open and he just slipped out before they noticed. I’m talking to m and Betsy about YMH’s curveball and before I know it all kinds of insults are being hurled my way. Can’t understand why people just don’t skip other people’s posts if they don’t like em’. No need to get nasty about it. If you don’t like what someone has to say just move on past em’.
Pat M, I don’t get into “what ifs” with Phil because if I did it would drive me crazy. I’m going to try and make lemonade with the lemons life handed Phil those 2 years: he face a lot of adversity (being trade bait, being trashed by fans, being called a bust by the media and, worst of all, the loss of confidence). I remember him saying in ST that 2008 was the worst because he wondered if he’d ever make it back to the big leagues – or something like that. When Eiland went on leave, Phil said that Dave played huge part in bucking him up and not letting him get down. Anyway, I have to believe that adversity will help make him a better pitcher.
“The one question we must ask ourselves, if not for the fluke injuries in 07-08 that virtually wiped out 2 seasons , where would Young Phillip be on the development scale today”
Interesting question…he could be one of the best pitchers in baseball with that extra development time. Though I do think he greatly benefited from his time in the bullpen last year….If he never got hurt, would he have gained that experience?, would he still be featuring the cutter? would his curve and change be better? Guess we’ll just have to wonder…..
KPB-
Nope. I’m the one taking em’. Those dogs are blue tick coonhounds.
They originated down your way. Those pooches were wearing radio collars and were there to track a bear who had been killing local rancher’s stock. Fortunately, for us they didn’t locate the bear while we were around.
Betsy
Understand completely. He’s one of mine also. As happy as I am about him, I can’t wait to see what he can do next year. That’s when I have more expectations from him. Who knows, if things get dicey next year we might be consoling each other to get through it. lol
SAS, lol…………
G-C, thanks for the rec; I think I’ll check it out. Yes, I find pitching endlessly interesting – and this is a new thing for me. I was serious when I said Phil was like a guinea pig; through watching him develop, I’m learning all about pitching.
By the way, I tweeted Frankie Piliere about Phil because he had written an article praising Phil in April and I wanted to see what he thought of him now; this was his response:
*** He’s been outstanding. Given the circumstances, skipping starts, looming innings limit, I don’t think you could ask for more ***
MTU
If all else fails you could send in the dust mops to sweep the bear out. I couldn’t resist, I think Maine has taking a bad influence over me.
I used to have a blue tick, pretty dogs.
Blake-
Nova’s got a tough assignment for his first start. Hope is off speed stuff is working so he can keep the aggressive Toronto hitters off balance, and help them to get themselves out.
If he is successful it might give the Yankees the chance to rest Javy, or replace Moseley, if he stumbles.
KPB, pitchers often struggle in their 2nd year, so it will be interesting to see if Phil takes that path or if he improves. I don’t know if pitchers struggle because of the previous year’s workload or because teams have even more scouting reports on them………….not sure.
He’s a very level-headed kid – funny and down to earth. I wish he still had his blog, but I guess he’s just a little too busy doing other things.
Blake, that’s a good point about the pen. Earlier this season, Phil said that he was scared to death in 2007 – thought he had to be perfect. Given his success in September and October, I thought that was interesting.
MTU, some people just want to control the conversation………..they shouldn’t be on a blog if they want to do that.
I’m looking forward to seeing Nova, also; isn’t he considered a ground ball pitcher? That will help – although of course he’s pitching on the turf, so that could mean more basehits. He just has to be competitive -give the team a chance to win. I really hope he does well, not just because I want to win the game, but because this has to be just so exciting for him.
Learn something new everyday, I didn’t know he had a blog. Do you remember the name of it, so I can try and find the old entries?
KPB-
The DM’s would be way too scary for any bear. They’d vacate the area immediately and they’d never get em’.
Don’t imitiate Maine too much. He still hasn’t figured out how not to hurt himself around a milking machine, and the scary part is that he claims to be a dairy farmer.
Blake-
Those dogs didn’t make a sound the whole time. I imagine they track an animal silently, tree it, and then bark like mad to alert the owner.
MTU,
I think you have to consider skipping Javy a turn at the least or perhaps even a DL stint. He just has nothing, I feel bad for him really. His stuff has just left him, but the Yankees can’t continue to send him out there knowing the bullpen is going to have to give 6 or 7 innings….that’s a good way to turn a thriving pen back the wrong way. Hopefully Nova shows that he can fill a hole until Andy gets back and Javy (hopefully) gets straightened out.
I’m excited about Nova tomorrow.
I was thinking back to the days where the Yankees minor league depth was so awful that they resorted to plucking guys like Chase Wright and Sean Henn from DOUBLE A when they needed spot starters. Things have changed an awful lot in the last 4-5 years.
“Those dogs didn’t make a sound the whole time. I imagine they track an animal silently, tree it, and then bark like mad to alert the owner.”
lol, well that’s kinda what they are supposed to do….alas mine would hit a deer trail in about 5 minutes and bark all night while I chased him down. He wasn’t the best hunting dog but he was a good dog nonetheless.
MTU
Are the pictures you show most of the time close to your home, if so you’re very lucky.
Betsy-
Everyone is entitled to their take on things. What’s not gonna cut it is people being agressive and tryin’ to push others around.
I try to respect everyone’s opinion wether I agree with or not, and I always try to be polite. Sometimes that’s just not possible.
If I don’t find a post interesting I just skip it. How difficult is that. Why cause trouble and be belligerent. No need for that IMO.
We have a chocolate Cocker Spaniel, but like her parents she is getting old. The sweetest dog in the world
KPB:
http://philhughes.wordpress.com/
Don’t go to Yardbarker, which he moved to from this blog; they’re both inactive, but the Word Press blog is what you want to look at. He’s terrific – you’ll get a kick out of it.
blake
That’s funny. It reminds me of that old cartoon of the dog on the trail and the narrator saying it was a pointer dog. All of a sudden it jumps up and starts pointing everywhere saying “There it is, there it is.”
MTU, exactly………. I don’t like being told what to do, especially by some people who I have NO clue who they are. Too bad if they aren’t interested in Phil or whomever- other people are. Maybe they should go start a blog where they can set the rules. If they are unable to ignore topics that don’t interest them, then they have some issues.
Blake, agreed about Javy………..and the pen. I do feel bad for him…….
“That’s funny. It reminds me of that old cartoon of the dog on the trail and the narrator saying it was a pointer dog. All of a sudden it jumps up and starts pointing everywhere saying “There it is, there it is.”
yea pretty much….he enjoyed himself, that’s for sure
Betsy
Thanks for the link. I bookmarked the page so I can read it tomorrow.
Gotta go to bed. Nite everyone.
KPB-
Many times yes depending on your defintion of close. The ones posted tonight were of a location about an hours drive from home.
Glad you appreciate what I appreciate. I love it here and enjoy sharing the photos of what I get to see. And I absolutely feel lucky, and priviledged to see what we have seen. It’s humbling really.
If you ever want to see it for yourself you just let me know.
On the subject of a change-up, my son who is a good college hitter will tell you a good one is the toughest pitch to hit unless you anticipate it. The spin is so similar to a fastball.
KPB, you’ll be on there for awhile ………..enjoy!
Night Blake!
I think I’d better check out as well………..need to be fresh for work tomorrow.
Have a good night all and thanks for the interesting conversation!
Have a good nite everyone. See you all tomorrow.
MTU
I consider close to home about 2 hours away. I appreciate the offer, but how can I be sure to make it back down the mountain after calling out the DMs.
Good night all
KPB-
Just take your chances I guess. They’re very forgiving just like me.;)
MTU
Just kidding, they do look like they would be fun to be around( especially since they can fetch beer and pizza). Do they have a lot of energy like most small dogs?
Age vs the NYYs and how it may impact the rest of the season.
http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/0.....st-hurdle/
“Slow,” one scout said of Jeter, describing his movement and his swings.
“He’s getting killed inside,” the scout said. “Lazy swings on breaking balls.”
“Slow,” one scout said of Jeter, describing his movement and his swings. “He’s getting killed inside,” the scout said. “Lazy swings on breaking balls.”
All scouts are infallible.
Bookmark this page.
http://www.coolstandings.com/b.....gs.asp?i=1
Coolstandings say they’re on espn.com, but the percentages aren’t showing up yet, but strength of scedule for contenders is.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/huntforoctober
Don’t boss me!
According to those projections, I’m going to hit 23 over / under winners & nail all 5 of my large plays……
Good for you, Pat M. What were your large plays?
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports.....8;FEEDNAME=
CC says again he isn’t opting out.
That is excellent! Thanks for the good news, Carl
From reading that article on CC it sounds like Mrs. CC might need to be co cy young winner. Happy to hear he loves being here so much, because the Yankees feel the same way about him. It also warms my heart knowing we’ll be able to watch him for many more years in pinstripes.
Yay. I hope CC is the first of the important Yankees who start leaving money on the table.
The costs of contracts in terms of dollar amount has never bothered me, because the Yankees aren’t going to spend so much that they will go broke. I love how they put so much back into the team as opposed to pocketing it like some do.
Recall 2004 when the Yankees decided not to sign Beltran because they already had Bernie under contract. Bernie stayed in CF long past the time he was hurting the team in part because of the contract.
AJ’s contract will probably keep him in the rotation long past the time he has become ineffective and it will probably prevent them from signing or promoting someone, at least until he falls off of a cliff in terms of performance.
Even Chan Ho Park’s contract got him more chances and his contract wasn’t that big in baseball terms.
Contracts dictate playing time.
It’s not about the bottomline, it’s about putting the best team on the field.
Good Morning.
So I see the Big Man has decided to lay his cards on the table.
Home cookin’. Great team. Wise choice.
I agree that some contracts seem to be a little long in years after the fact, but when they were signed they thought it was the best option. I only mentioned dollar amount in reference to the leaving money on the table comment. I think a player would be foolish to do so, and if they were hurting the team that badly I’m sure the Yankees would find a way to get rid of them.
KPB-
What are doin’ here so early. Don’t you believe in sleep down on the Bayou ?
MTU
Good morning. Reading that was a good way of getting the day started. I don’t know if you saw it above at 11:31, but was just kidding around. I would love to take you up on your offer someday.
MTU
Sometimes the best fishing and gator hunting is at night, but this time it’s just lack of sleep from a restless night.
KPB-
Just let me know. It’s strictly first come first served. In your case though, we might just make an exception and take a reservation.
Cajuns are a special case.
MTU
Thanks. To ease your reservations, I might be willing to bring you some crawfish.
KPB-
Then Life will be good.
“I agree that some contracts seem to be a little long in years after the fact, but when they were signed they thought it was the best option.”
No, I think a lot of contracts are long even on the day they are signed. AJ and Alex’s contracts were both bad on the day they were signed, as was Marte’s.
“I think a player would be foolish to do so, and if they were hurting the team that badly I’m sure the Yankees would find a way to get rid of them.”
It’s probably going to be tested with AJ, and maybe Alex and Jeter too.
So you think CC is foolish for not trying to extract more money from the Yankees by exercising his opt out?
It’s unfortunate that demonstrations of good character are viewed that way.
We’re not even talking about making a few million a year which is good money, but there is probably some accompanying risk because poor judgment could cause it to run out instead of growing.
No, we are talking about people who are making or have made hundreds of millions. Money that can secure future generations and fund needy causes.
We are talking about the ability to play with a team that surrounds great players with other great players so that they are in a position to win a WS almost every year.
Under those circumstances, the fool is the person who seeks every last dollar instead of a reasonable amount that both parties can live with and not think they were taken.
MTU
When you went to the pyramids did you have to go through much of the jungle, or were those close to the edge? And if you had to go through a lot what animals did you see in the wild?
KPB-
The Gov’t's of Guatemala and Belize make a lot of money from the tourism. The jungle surrounds, as you saw in some of the photos, but a primitive dirt road has been cut through to allow access for tourists.
The only ones we actually saw and heard were howler Monkeys although I’m sure others are out there such as Tapir and Jaguar.
So you think CC is foolish for not trying to extract more money from the Yankees by exercising his opt out?
No I don’t think he is foolish for not opting out. I think that is a good thing because he is happy with it and since he isn’t opting out for more money that will be more to spend on others.
——————————
No, we are talking about people who are making or have made hundreds of millions. Money that can secure future generations and fund needy causes.
The Yankees help fund many different needy causes regardless of what any player makes. One only needs to look no further than Hope week a few days ago as a prime example. Not to mention how much the players on their own contribute to different causes. Is it not better for contributions from different sources to many than to a few from just one?
MTU
That’s pretty cool that you have been there. Are there any other places you would like to travel to outside the U.S.?
KPB-
More than I dare name here, and plenty right here at home as well.
How about you ? Where would you like to go ?
MTU
In the U.S. I’d like to see the Grand Canyon and Mt Rushmore along with many others. Overseas I’d like to see Greece, the pictures I’ve seen of the islands with all that blue water and ancient ruins is absolutely beautiful.
KPB-
You have good taste.
I’ll can help you out a bit with the Grand Canyon. Watch your step.
http://picasaweb.google.com/cybermrb03/Toroweap#
Good to hear that from CC. Really didn’t think he would opt out anyway but sounds like he’s made NY home and that should only help him in the future.
CC’s wife must be some kind of cook.
Donnie Collins, who covers Trenton, was on WFAN late last night (I just happened to flip it on) and he was quite adamant in his opinion that Montero is not ready for the major leagues. He says that there are pitchers with good stuff who completely overmatch him – and that defensively he’s absolutely not there. He said that if a team were absolutely desperate, perhaps he could be brought up to TRY and get a few good at bats in………….but in essence he said that that team is not the Yankees and that it would be a real mistake to bring him up now and expect him to hit (that he might hit a few mistakes, but basically that he’d struggle).
I knew CC wouldn’t opt out………..now you watch, there will be mediots saying that that is unfortunate for the Yankees because in a few years CC will be on the decline (along with Lee, if we get him)
MTU
Nice pics. It’s amazing how water can cut rock so deep and wide.
Blake
look at CC…doesn’t it look like his wife is a good cook
Isn’t it possible that CC had that opt out clause just in case he didn’t like being a Yankee
New Post: Heading back to Canada
Betsy
Good morning. Thanks for the link last night. I spent about an hour looking over it so far. I find it fascinating to hear about the players and what they do outside of baseball from their own mouth.