What to think of Ivan Nova
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Sep 15, 2010 
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For four innings, last night seemed to be the high point of Ivan Nova’s already eye-opening debut. He had allowed a two-out single to Carl Crawford in the first inning, but hadn’t allowed another hit leading into the fifth inning. That’s when his night unraveled in a big way.
“We like the kid’s stuff and we like his poise and the way he’s throwing the ball,” Joe Girardi said. “I know he ended up giving up six in that inning, but we still like the way he’s throwing the ball.”
Nova said the fifth inning was about focus. He gave up a lead-off home run to Carlos Pena and tried to be too fine the rest of the inning. The result, to use his words, was “bad location, bad pitch selection.” At the end of the day, though, you take the good with the bad and there was still a lot to like about those first four innings.
“(It was) positive,” Nova said. “I was pitching good. It was one inning. Everybody has one bad inning. That was a long one, six runs.”
Nova has made five major league starts. As a general rule — and this was very much the case last night — he’s been terrific through the first four innings, but he’s had trouble in the fifth. Here are the numbers.
First inning: 5 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 5 K — 1.80 ERA
Second inning: 5 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 3 K — 0.00 ERA
Third inning: 5 IP, 5 H, 0 BB, 2 K — 3.60 ERA
Fourth inning: 5 IP, 4 H, 0 BB, 4 K — 3.60 ERA
Fifth inning: 4.1 IP, 11 H, 3 BB, 4 K — 18.69 ERA
Sixth inning: 2 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 0 K — 0.00 ERA
There’s enough good coming from those first four innings to make Nova an intriguing starter down the stretch. Girardi has not announced a rotation beyond tonight’s game, but with Andy Pettitte due back in the next few days, the Yankees have seven options for five spots. In reality, the decision might come down to three candidates — Nova, Javier Vazquez and Dustin Moseley — for one spot.
“We’ll continue to evaluate,” Girardi said. “We’ll evaluate this weekend what we’re going to do.”
Associated Press photo
Yankee 2011 schedule:
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com…..amp;y=2011
__
only two west coast trips in 2011.
He’ll be a good option for the pen in post season.
truthfully, i like the idea of a start by Nova (4 innings), then 4 from Javy. Basically make the two of them one starter. Nova good through 4 and Javy good out of the pen.
I thought Nova would have gotten out of the 5th with the lead if Kearns made the catch in LF with 2 outs. I don’t know what happened there, but Kearns looked awful coming in on that hit and should have made the play.
Gardner, healthy in LF, makes that play and the inning is over and I think the score would have been 6-3 or 6-4 at that point.
I like Nova. I feel better with him on the mound than Javy who is throwing pure slop.
Kenny made a point several times during last night’s broadcast about how the 5th inning is different b/c you need to pitch 5 as a starter to get a win…any thoughts on that?
could also be he is getting a little tired or the opposing team has figured him out by then, or other things I haven’t thought of.
Bret The Hitman September 15th, 2010 at 9:51 am –
Good lord I wish you were around during the games! You’d be the perfect antidote for SJ’s nonstop ranting about everything Girardi does, probably including the way he takes his pants off at night!
I think you’re post was excellent and spot on.
“He’s a thinker, a strategist and an extraordinary planner with an elephant-like memory of player tendencies and pitcher strengths/weaknesses. He’s Buck Showalter in his knowledge of the game and in his talent evaluation”
You betcha. You don’t get to first place in the AL East without being all of that and more when you are dealing with an almost non-existent starting rotation (in comparison to what you expected) and an overspent and oft-injured offense and relief staff!
******************
My walking buddy (Brian Red Sox fan, who used to post here quite a bit) agreed with me several days ago that fans who have difficulty putting a game in the rear view mirror – and he admits to being one of them – are horrible when it comes to perspective. And he also agreed that the acuity of vision necessary to accurately parse the moves made in something as long as a baseball season does not come without the abillity to apply perspective.
Perspective, perspective, perspective.
Cashman’s favorite word = process
Girardi’s favorite word = evaluate
Kate, that 5th inning has been the bugaboo (short and long-term) of many a pitcher. Andy Pettitte went through it for a while and Ted Lily never seemed to get past it when he was with the Yanks. It’s crazy but that’s probably what gets into their heads, not on the most conscious of levels. You need 5 to win.
With Nova I don’t know if that played at all. But tell you what. I wouldn’t hesitate to start him in a postseason game. I agree with the posters who said that Girardi stayed with him for a variety of reasons, one being that he thought the kid could get out of it. He didn’t have an exorbitant pitch count.
That said, I think Girardi saw what he needed to see and would certainly have him on a shorter leash were he to put him in a postseason game. And that’s fine too.
Also wanted to say something about the state of the blog lately.
CR9 has made this place unbearable especially during games. Last night I didn’t even think to check in the game thread as he (or she) has taken it over and you can’t read cogent thoughts. It’s a minefield of a sick person’s insane ramblings. I’m pretty close to walking away as any fun from reading in here and responding to people is starting to wane.
I wish some of you would stop enabling this idiot to keep up with the incessant nonsense posted in here. I think I actually saw Trisha defending the posts and adding gas to the fire. Ugh.
I do believe that there is a better poster inside CR9, but he’s become a blog terrorist here and it’s driving people away.
I know the blog put registration in and it’s been a big helper in some respects.
I just wonder how feasible it is to add an ignore button here. It’s sorely needed and this place should catch up to the times and be more customizable to enhance our experience since our clicks makes the paper money.
I know everyone says don’t read the CR9 posts and I don’t anymore. It’s just difficult to follow any train of thought in here when it’s interrupted every other post by a deranged individual who believes they are enlightening the world and saving it with their ramblings.
We could conceivably have 3 CCs lurking about next season – CC S, Carl Crawford, and Colin Curtis!
CC the horse, CC the quick, and CC the… tiny?
Joe sure looked like a genius last night by pinch hitting Posada and putting Golson in RF.
I am sure that Girardi makes mistakes, but the Yankees are in 1st place with the best record in baseball so he must be doing more good than not.
“I think I actually saw Trisha defending the posts and adding gas to the fire. Ugh”
Oh dear. I wasn’t defending the posts. I have been extremely upset with the totally inept umpire calling, especially this season, and used one of his posts as a jumping-off point.
GLove – I agree. I thought last night that Kearns looked confused – Trop effect? – and that’s why he didn’t get to it. Gardner has a better chance for catching it, even with potentially losing the ball for an instant.
Talking MVP, while I agree with CB and SJ that CC is in the top 5, I think Cano is the clear choice right now. He’s playing GG caliber defense and last night with the bat is exactly the type of night that MVP’s produce in a pennant chase. Nothing against the Hamilton, who’s hurt now and Miggy playing on a non contender, but I don’t see how Robbie doesn’t win this thing. He has carried this team…CC will be just fine with his 2nd CY.
Trisha,
As I answered in the other thread, try taking your own advice re: perspective and stop trying to tell people how to think and post on this blog.
You believe every Yankee manager and player should be given immunity from any criticism.
You believe the “Yankees always know best”.
That works for you.
Others however, enjoy debating baseball strategy and topics as opposed to the Baghdad Bob view of the world.
Take your own advice when it comes to perspective and allow for the fact that BOTH viewpoints, and those in between, are welcome here.
Anybody inside Girardi’s head and know who he’s going to pitch Friday? I’m going to Baltimore for the game and was just wondering.
G. Love — I totally agree. CR9 is twisted and monotonous. His posts are so demented and frequent, that you can’t help but lose any flow that might be occurring from less psychotic posters.
nova’s performance is wierd. the difficulty comes when his pitch count is quite manageable..
he looks like a keeper but he gave up I think 6 hits and 1 walk in the 5th.
his stuff looks good just needs to concentrate more, any mistakes in the bigs can get hit hard.
kearns is a bad leftfielder, gardner catches the joyce ball.
kearns is a hack, no baseball IQ, he sits dead red every every pitch……..
Just looking at the Encore showing of that throw last night. Pure Roberto Clemente.
SJ44 — I don’t always agree with you, but Trisha is second only to CR9 in claiming the most insufferable poster award.
The yankees very much need to add a balanced bat that provides batting average, on base skills and power.
————————————————
Seems like Cashman was hoping Nick Johnson would have been that type of player.
“CC the horse, CC the quick, and CC the… tiny?”
“Joe sure looked like a genius last night by pinch hitting Posada and putting Golson in RF.
I am sure that Girardi makes mistakes, but the Yankees are in 1st place with the best record in baseball so he must be doing more good than not.”
Fran, that would be a bingo. I’m sure Girardi has second-guessed himself on any number of occasions. I know I’ve heard him go there during at least a few post-game interviews. And you might guess that there have been other times that he hasn’t talked about it. But the one thing you can’t go by is the pulse of this forum. They have a play-by-play microscope and on-going commentary about what Girardi should have done, as opposed to what he did do! Again, he’s paid to think beyond the game at hand. (Most) fans only care about what’s in front of their noses at the moment.
Cashman gets a lot of criticism on here (and in some cases, rightly so, IMO) but just wanted to give him a little love for the Kerry Wood pick-up. The guy is a real gem. I know he’ll probably want closer money and a closer’s job after this season but I sure wish there was a way to keep him around.
Every time I read CR9′s rants I think of DeNiro’s character in “The Fan”, Gil Renard when he is the umpire at the end of the movie. Would really be concerned if I’m a Red Sox player on a rainy night in the Bronx and I’m at bat.
Joe from LI,
Definitely think Kearns was crossed up out there on that play. That should have ended the inning and then Nova could have come out for the 6th or Joe could have put a fresh arm in the 6th with no one on base.
It was a catchable ball.
It’s why I’m not feeling that Nova imploded like it appears he did this morning.
I think Nova is a work in progress.
Has potential, not quite ready for primetime.
He seems to get distracted when guys reach base and that makes him tentative.
He’s only 23.
While he certainly isn’t a top of the rotation type of prospect, he can be an effective back end of the rotation type of guy with a little more polish.
There’s a lot to like about Ivan Nova-works quickly, shows confidence has a nice changeup. Clearly the long wait on the bench at the top of 5th inning plus the lineup seeing him for the 3rd time thru, had some effect. Before that inning, pitching a one-hitter at the time, I was sure he’d warranted a spot on the post season roster, with a possible start.
Nova needs to be more consistent with the curve.
I don’t know if he ever gets there – getting “more consistent with the curve” is something many pitchers never achieve.
I still like him though and think he could make be an acceptable #5 starter for us next year, depending on who the #3 and #4 starters were.
“SJ44 — I don’t always agree with you, but Trisha is second only to CR9 in claiming the most insufferable poster award”
And you would know that how?
Unlike you, I don’t bother reading posts from posters I consider insufferable. The very definition of insufferable would seem to indicate that you just…cannot…bear…it…any…more!
Now since I have just proven your proffered axiom, stop reading my posts. That will make us both happy!
Ciao now.
PH Posada for Cervelli wasn’t some genius move.
That’s Managing 101.
Even Joe Torre would have made that move.
The entire debate over Girardi’s moves the past 9 days have been over the INCONSISTENCY of them.
Even last night, he went against his OWN policy in using Wood AND Logan for the 4th time in 5 days.
Instead of being personally offended at someone criticizing Girardi, try looking at WHY.
If you do, you will realize why the criticism isn’t off base.
Is the 5th inning thing a problem because they know they need it to get the win or is it because the other batters are able to get a second or third look at a guy?
Small sample size but Nova appears to have trouble second or third time through the order or in the case of Toronto second time facing them in a game.
Young, teachable and a good make-up so there is value there.
My take is that Nova was cruising along well through the 4 innings, good pitch count, and it might have given him too much confidence. Then the HR blast shook him as it tends to do to some pitchers. Even some experienced pitchers can “lose it” after a bit of struggle or a big hit like that.
Not every pitcher can put it behind them quickly. They start over thinking it and instead of just rolling with it, try to become too fine, nibbling the plate. With his short time up he has done pretty well, but last night turned ugly in a hurry. Thing is the bigger damage was done because of him leaving so many on base. While he is charged with the majority of those runs, it was Boone who gave up the bigger damage blow.
The Rays are a good team. They will hurt any pitcher who makes mistakes. So will the Yankees. Frankly, I think Nova did a better job than Garza did. Especially when you look at the body of work of each of them, Nova is the novice.
This might not be a bad thing for him to have experienced. It will take some time, but he has a good attitude on the mound.
I actually think Nova is going to fetch us something good in trade. There are a lot of teams he can start for in this league.
If Andy returns and we sign Lee to replace Javy, there is no room for him here in the rotation.
I imagine a young starter performing like he has will have value in the league.
“There’s a lot to like about Ivan Nova-works quickly, shows confidence has a nice changeup. Clearly the long wait on the bench at the top of 5th inning plus the lineup seeing him for the 3rd time thru, had some effect. Before that inning, pitching a one-hitter at the time, I was sure he’d warranted a spot on the post season roster, with a possible start”
Trader definitely agree. He has so much poise out there on the mound, confidence in his stuff, fluid motion. It will be interesting to see how the postseason plays out. I think he could end up being a front-end rotation guy on a lot of teams. But all of that remains to be seen. Without question the kid has good stuff.
Nova is 2nd in innings pitched behind CC with 174 including Scranton.
I thinks he’s been great but lacks a bit of stamina.
SJ44 – hello kettle.
“try taking your own advice re: perspective and stop trying to tell people how to think and post on this blog.”
That is all.
Re: Joe’s recent in-game moves. Makes me wonder if he’s trying to juggle several agendas on any given day. Injuries, resting guys, workload, who knows what else. Overrall, he seems like a logical, by the book kind of guy, so I wonder if there’s some reason for why on certain things.
Off to the vet with the dog. Later.
Girardi irritates me when he starts over-managing, such as bunting and pinch running unnecessarily. He also irritates me when, like the post-season last year, he sits Posada for a light-hitting backup unnecessarily.
His lineup moves recently haven’t irritated me, because they seem to be health-driven and are probably organizational decisions as much as his decisions.
Now, if he sits Posada for Cervelli in the post-season, I’ll be re-irritated all over again.
Thoughts on Kearns, winner of the golden sombrero award last night. If Swisher and Gardner are 100% for the postseason will the postseason outfield roster be Grandy, Swish, Gardner, Thames and Golson? Or will the Yankees take Kearns?
Sorry Golson was added after the 1st-not eligible. My bad.
“but he has a good attitude on the mound”
Absolutely. I was so immersed in hearing about Golson, Granderson, etc. at the end of the game that I didn’t get to hear what Nova had to say about his game. Joe was very impressed with his pitching, as I remember. I will go back and listen to the postgame interview (I would think the audio is in one of these threads).
And then there’s Dustin Moseley.
Face it, we lucked out.
“They fire Carmen Fusco over the trade while Leuke is still pitching for them in the AAA playoffs. And this while Jon Daniels has offered to trade back for Leuke given the Mariner?s claims that they didn?t ?google? leuke?s background and didn?t know about his crimes.”
CB
Rick Adair, who was let get in the Wakamatsu departure previously worked with the Rangers and said he told M’s management about Lueke’s history before the deal was done.
“I imagine a young starter performing like he has will have value in the league.”
Yes, but what do the Yanks need that trading Nova would get?
The yankees very much need to add a balanced bat that provides batting average, on base skills and power.
——-
So you’re looking for one of the best hitters in baseball
Nova at 174 innings AAA+Majors. Hughes at 156. Nova’s inning count might make some decisions by itself.
Wave
prepare to be irritated! my guess is that AJ pitches in the post season w/ Cisco as his catcher
Now, if he sits Posada for Cervelli in the post-season, I’ll be re-irritated all over again.
————————————————————
WYH-
Cortisone cream might help with that!!
I’m hoping a “sane” mind prevails and he puts the team in the best position to win in the postseason.
Reading some of Keith Law’s blog posts – here are some interesting excerpts:
• Austin Romine’s troubles catching appear to be season-long — he can throw, but his hands are just not soft enough for him to catch, and he struggled with above-average velocity for the second night in a row. With J.R. Murphy and especially Gary Sanchez storming up behind him, I think Romine is going to get squeezed out of that “catcher of the future” bucket in a hurry.
Austin Romine looked tired behind the plate, including one passed ball on a catchable fastball up, and his arm wasn’t as strong as it was last fall in Arizona. He had one hit the other way against Drabek but otherwise couldn’t catch up to the velocity and had no shot against the curveball.
• Adam Warren, who ended up throwing six innings of relief (from Pettitte) as the game was scoreless for next to forever, and struck out ten more of the hapless Fisher Cat hitters. Warren, a fourth-round pick out of UNC in 2009, has a fastball and is not afraid to use it, touching 95, working mostly 91-94, running as low as 89, but throwing the thing through pinholes, up, down, to both sides of the plate, and using it as his two-strike pitch, especially going for the inside corner to left- or right-handed hitters in those counts.
He doesn’t have an average second pitch — his slider has good tilt, but it wasn’t sharp enough to call it average, and he barely used his mid-70s curveball without showing a changeup at all — so while he has the velocity and fastball command to start, I’m not sure that’s his future without an improved slider. He keeps himself online through his delivery and gets on top of the ball from a 3/4 slot, repeating everything from pitch to pitch, all signs that the command he had tonight is legitimate, and at worst he should be a valuable trade commodity for the Yankees this winter.
• Dellin Betances has a big size advantage on Drabek and a better changeup, but otherwise he was the inferior pitcher in every category. He sat mostly 91-93, touching 96 once and dialing up to 94-95 a handful of times. His changeup has good fading action and arm speed and is probably an average pitch in the majors right now, but he had to guide it to throw it for strikes. He throws a hard-breaking curve at 80-85 but had absolutely no feel for the pitch, failing to finish it, leaving it up or having it back up on him.
Betances also doesn’t get great extension out front and a slightly early release point may be behind his inability to command the curve, although his command in general was well below average. He also made two errant throws with men on base and generally seemed to lose focus with a guy on first, even though with a man on third he was able to bear down and focus on the hitter. He’s just 22, has good arm strength and has a workhorse, top-of-the-rotation body, but the poor command and secondary stuff put him far from any kind of high-end starter ceiling.
• The Yankees spent, but avoided high-dollar guys in favor of spreading the money around. They only topped a million dollars on one player, fourth-rounder Mason Williams, the son of former New England Patriot Derwin Williams; Mason is a slight, 6-foot-1 outfielder with a fairly simple swing and above-average speed, but he lacks power and is raw enough that he wasn’t a consideration in the first round for clubs. I’m still surprised that the Yanks didn’t go for more ceiling, without a single player in this draft who was seen as a first-rounder by the industry; they added some nice talent like Ben Gamel (Mat’s brother, an undersized corner outfielder with a great left-handed swing but limited power potential) and Taylor Morton (a converted catcher who’ll touch 94), but there’s no impact guy here. I have to wonder if ownership isn’t opening the wallets enough for their amateur scouting staff.
Wood has been great. His addition to the pen has lengthened it greatly. I think they still have the best pen ERA in the AL, and when you consider the amount of innings they’ve pitched in the 2nd half of the yr, that’s no small feat.
Berkman has crushed the ball since coming off the DL. His BA is .444 and his OBP is .550 for the month of Sept.
“Girardi irritates me when he starts over-managing, such as bunting and pinch running unnecessarily. He also irritates me when, like the post-season last year, he sits Posada for a light-hitting backup unnecessarily.
His lineup moves recently haven’t irritated me, because they seem to be health-driven and are probably organizational decisions as much as his decisions.
Now, if he sits Posada for Cervelli in the post-season, I’ll be re-irritated all over again”
Wave, yet posters here are also ballistic when he doesn’t call for a bunt. And about last season, there were a variety of people who didn’t see his sitting Posada as “unnecessary”.
But I don’t think you are going to have worry on the point of being “re-irritated all over again” Yogi.
Joe sure looked like a genius last night by pinch hitting Posada and putting Golson in RF.
I am sure that Girardi makes mistakes, but the Yankees are in 1st place with the best record in baseball so he must be doing more good than not.”
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Come on now?!?! A genius for making the moves that 30 managers out of 30 in the majors would have made – or to be even more specific the 30 managers AND the 3,000 bloggers on this blog would have made.
Cervelli sucks with the bat – posada was on the bench = no brainer
Miranda P/H for curtis – golson the only other outfielder that has 2 working legs available to play the OF = no brainer
being a good fan is one thing – looking at things blindly is something totally different
jacksquat- Good point. Nova had some 140+ innings in the minors.
totally agree regarding CC from the last thread. Imagine where the Yankees would be without him. The pen would likely be just exhausted for most games. In addition to pitching so well has has virtually given the bullpen a night off every 5th day and has allowed it to become the stregth that it is. He won’t won’t win the MVP but I don’t know if there is any player that’s presence would be more missed on any team this year.
upstate kate-
I’d rather go with Nova or Moseley, and Posada, than with AJ and Cervelli.
Girardi probably won’t see it that way. But I hope he sees AJ and Jorge together.
Did I tell you or did I tell you that while I was the main reason the team was losing-my absence from this board.
LOL!!
I like Phil Columbus’ post. I would be worried about me too if Im a Red Sox player at the plate in the Bronx. I never know when Im gonna snap!
Just to clear up your post, though, that movie “The Fan” was made from a book and is centered around a fan of a player, and the player calls the fan a “psycho” and so the fan turns against him.
See, that would never would happen with me. I will NEVER turn my back on the Yankees, even if the entire organization calls me psycho – which I am.
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The flow, the flow, the flow, the flow, the flow, the flow, the flow….. Just skip over my posts. How absolutely immature do you all have to be to continue reading my ramblings and complaining about them?????
“Wave
prepare to be irritated! my guess is that AJ pitches in the post season w/ Cisco as his catcher”
Kate, I don’t see that, though anything is possible. I think that unless Girardi has any concerns about Jorge’s health, or there is a day game after a night game or something that would call for a back-up, Posada has the games.
By the way, Wave, Cervelli has started to come around again with swinging the bat. He will never be Jorge but he isn’t killing the team either.
“Wave
prepare to be irritated! my guess is that AJ pitches in the post season w/ Cisco as his catcher”
Kate, I don’t see that, though anything is possible. I think that unless Girardi has any concerns about Jorge’s health, or there is a day game after a night game or something that would call for a back-up, Posada has the games.
By the way, Wave, Cervelli has started to come around again with swinging the bat. He will never be Jorge but he isn’t killing the team either.
“Wave, yet posters here are also ballistic when he doesn’t call for a bunt. And about last season, there were a variety of people who didn’t see his sitting Posada as “unnecessary”.”
trisha, I know. I’m only speaking for myself!
And Im trying to enlighten Yankees fans so that one day, the umpires may be fair to us, and then we can World Series titles every year.
Shame on me for wanting what’s best for the greatest organization in all of the world, the New York Yankees.
“try taking your own advice re: perspective and stop trying to tell people how to think and post on this blog.”
The phrase on the first LoHud t-shirt line?
Sunny – Thanks for that informative post from Keith Law.
Unlike some on this board, I don’t take a writer’s analysis of our team and its prospects personally.
For the most part, they report and write on what they know better than the rest of us.
Great insight there on Romine, Warren and Betances.
If Posada is going to catch AJ in the post-season, one would think he would catch him once or twice over the next 17 games.
Jorge is catching CC, Andy and Phil regularly.
If he doesn’t catch AJ in any of the remaining regular season games, I think its safe to assume Cervelli will catch him in any post-season starts.
I do not know what gives the posters on here the idea that they have the right to tell someone what to or what not to post. This is not a blog owned by the fans. It is a blog owned by Gannett.
Posada needs to catch every postseason game….every one.
IMO, Nova is auditioning for the #5 spot in next year’s rotation if Pettitte doesn’t come back (or #4 if AJ continues to suck wind).
Nova is the exact type of pitcher I think Cash would want for the 5 spot – young, cost controlled and consistently keeps us in the game.
CC/Lee/Hughes/AJ/Nova
Re: use of bullpen arms, I don’t know if many will follow this logic or agree with me, but here goes nothing:
Whether its the 5th, 7th or 8th inning, you always have to play to win the game. That being said, why not bring in one of our late relievers not named Mo? just because it’s the 5th isn’t a good arguement. nobody knows how the rest of the game will play out.
What they do know is there are runners on base now and the game is close. Just because it’s not the 7th or 8th inning, doesn’t mean we should use our 2nd tier relievers. That situation may be the deciding factor between winning and losing.
Maybe it’s just me, but, aside from the closer, bullpen arms should be interchangeable with what the situation calls for. So, if the bases are loaded in a tie game in the 5th instead of the 8th, why would we use different relievers in that situation based on what inning it is.
I don’t know if iI made my point, so please ask me to clarify if you don’t follow me.
The second line of shirts will read: “Got a Problem?” on the front and “Meet me under the Paul O’Neill Banner.” on the back.
Erica in NY September 15th, 2010 at 11:02 am
NYY626-
So happy to see you back!!!!!
How did stalking er… seeing Andy in Trenton go? Did you get close?
) It was a hike to get to trenton, but im glad I went. The stadium is really nice and minor league baseball games are fun! They play corny walk up music for the other team, such as “its raining men”, “spice up your life” and “genie in a bottle, which was amusing. Also, like I already mentioned, the trip was worth it alone just to see Andy in those high socks. He needs to wear those all the time 
__________________________________________________________________
I know! I’ve had a hectic few weeks at work i havent been able to get online much. Well the stadium in Trenton is small so I did get pretty close. Everyone was waiting on the right field line before the game. It was kinda crazy when Andy came out to warm up. Lots of screaming ( and no, it wasnt just me
As far as 2011, John Buck will price himself out of a part-time role with his solid season this year.
I would like to see the Yankees bring Molina back and have Montero here from Day One.
Montero can catch 30-40 games next year.
If Jorge catches 80, you have Molina to catch the rest.
I would trade Cervelli while he has some value (perhaps in a package with a young arm or two) and go with Posada-Molina-Montero trio behind the plate.
Between DH and catching some games, Montero can get 400 AB’s at the major league level next year.
Between Molina, Posada and Pena, he would have the perfect tudors to learn the position at the major league level.
Its also cost effective since Montero would be making the minimum and the Yankees can pay Molina more than most teams would pay him to start.
Posada and Montero are also very close so, there won’t be any jealousy issues.
Posada got Montero to sign with his agents in order to help protect the kids future.
I think it would be the ideal way to break in Montero.
Eduardo-
),
I don’t think anyone believes they have the right to tell people what to write/feel/think (other than SJ
I think the point is, if you decide to transpose idiotic and unfounded ideas/feelings/claims onto a blog sight, be prepared to get called on it and ridiculed for being completely wrong.
This is a public forum and, for the most part, people come here to have healthy, intelligent, coherent conversations/debates re: the Yankees. It’s when you have people saying things based completely on unfounded proof and evidence.
I.E. Hughes not having a great year/Umpires conspiring against the Yankees/Nova taking Aj’s spot in the post-season rotation/benching Jeter/etc.
“Trenton is small so I did get pretty close. Everyone was waiting on the right field line before the game. It was kinda crazy when Andy came out to warm up. Lots of screaming ( and no, it wasnt just me ) It was a hike to get to trenton, but im glad I went. The stadium is really nice and minor league baseball games are fun!”
—–
And they sell Crab Fries from a Chickie’s and Pete’s stand!!
SJ-
Not too fast on Pena mentoring Montero:
http://joefrisaro.mlblogs.com/.....idate.html
SJ,
I think that’s a good and realistic plan for the catching situation next season….kinda hope that’s what happens.
JoeyA, They are all opinions. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. The only problem I have with CR9 is the volume of his posts, not his content.
I think the talk of everyone competing for a playoff spot is similar to the competition for the 5th starter in ST…more than likely it will be AJ, not Nova, Mosely etc, and if it is, Cervelli will catch him
Shame
that is priceless, I haven’t seen that comment in awhile
Joey
I think that is what Girardi has been doing, more of the mix and match than a strictly EIG
SJ, CB’s is viewpoint. Yours turns into repettive demented hysteria at times. When you are in a twist about a player or Girardi or anything else that sticks in your craw, you don’t present it as viewpoint but rather as a sermon on the mount. And then you basically tell anyone who sees it as otherwise that they are insane.
Several posters have alluded to your “bi-polar” (not my word) nature. It’s also what led some posters to question whether you had a stalker using your screenname or that was really you in both cases.
You have the ability to be one of the most rational, level-headed, thinking posters on this forum with really good perspective and thoughts. But in a blink you can also go in a completely opposite direction. And unfortunately you have the ability to take some others who only spend their time on the dark side with you. That’s when the game thread can become unreadable.
I’m sure my “only think good thoughts kids” can be very annoying, and I certainly don’t do it for that reason. I do it to try to balance out what is ALWAYS hell on game threads because of the hypercritical nature of the fans watching the games. That’s where perspective becomes invaluable. I at least try to offer that. If you did the same more of the time, maybe people would lighten up and actually enjoy the games and remain upbeat for the wins that do come.
joeya – just because the marlins say they want him to be their manager doesn’t mean he’s even interviewing for the job.
CountryClub September 15th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
And they sell Crab Fries from a Chickie’s and Pete’s stand!!
___________________________________________________
Heh, i did notice the crab fries but the line was long so I just opted for regular fries. Ohh and the beer was $2 bc it was thirsty thursday!
NYY626 – Andy in 2011 September 15th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Erica in NY September 15th, 2010 at 11:02 am
NYY626-
So happy to see you back!!!!!
How did stalking er… seeing Andy in Trenton go? Did you get close?
__________________________________________________________________
I know! I?ve had a hectic few weeks at work i havent been able to get online much. Well the stadium in Trenton is small so I did get pretty close. Everyone was waiting on the right field line before the game. It was kinda crazy when Andy came out to warm up. Lots of screaming ( and no, it wasnt just me ) It was a hike to get to trenton, but im glad I went. The stadium is really nice and minor league baseball games are fun! They play corny walk up music for the other team, such as ?its raining men?, ?spice up your life? and ?genie in a bottle, which was amusing. Also, like I already mentioned, the trip was worth it alone just to see Andy in those high socks. He needs to wear those all the time
******************
Glad you had fun.
Its really nice to see you back
“trisha, I know. I’m only speaking for myself!”
And more often than not, I like from whence you speak!
A catcher genetically engineered from the DNA of Bench, Carter, Mauer and Pudge couldn’t prevent an AJ meltdown.
I’m thinking Hideki Iarabu wasn’t that bad after all.
SJ44 September 15th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Sounds like a great idea! Thanks for sharing it!
Trisha,
That’s your viewpoint on my posts. A viewpoint not shared by everybody.
Quoting CR9′s responses to my posts as a basis for you telling me what and how to post, doesn’t pass the laugh test.
I’m going to post the way I post. If you don’t like it, skip over them.
JoeyA,
I think Girardi would be the ultimate sounding board on the positives and negatives of the Marlins job.
I would love to be a fly on the wall to hear that conversation! lol
Kate, if Cervelli catches, so be it. I’m fine with it either way, including Jorge doing all the catching. Whatever helps the Yankees to win is what I want.
“Just because the marlins say they want him to be their manager doesn’t mean he’s even interviewing for the job.”
You may be 100% correct, but if I had the chance to manage vs. 3rd base coach, no matter what the teams were, I’d manage.
Than again, I’d do just about anything to work for baseball in any long term capacity.
SJ-Do the Yanks need to give permission for Pena to interview, or is that just organizational employees?
Does it work like free agency and players?
That would be a great conversation to hear. Probably ends with, “No matter what you do, don’t go against Hanley.”
joeya – i would rather be the bat boy for the yankees than manage the marlins.
AJ has always taken the blame for his bad outings. It doesn’t appear to matter who is catching him. Since Cervelli has caught him all season, I think that is what Girardi will do in the post season as well. And actually Cisco would be fine. Po could always come in later in the game.
“That’s your viewpoint on my posts. A viewpoint not shared by everybody.”
Certainly not shared by everbody, but mentioned by some.
“Quoting CR9’s responses to my posts as a basis for you telling me what and how to post, doesn’t pass the laugh test.”
I wasn’t quoting CR9s response to your posts. I have no idea what you’re talking about.
“I’m going to post the way I post. If you don’t like it, skip over them.”
As it should be. I expect that to be the same model followed re: my posts.
JoeyA,
The Yankees would have to give permission for Pena to be interviewed while under contract.
Coaches contracts expire at the end of the season. I don’t believe Tony has a multi-year contract.
“I wasn’t quoting CR9s response to your posts. I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I agree, Tricia. Many others on here have called SJ out for his fickled personality.
CC/NYY626
what are crab fries? they sound delicious
trisha – there’s no sense reasoning with him. he just ignores anyone that presents a valid argument.
his “credibility” is a bad joke.
upstate kate September 15th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
CC/NYY626
what are crab fries? they sound delicious
____________________________________
Well i didnt actually try them, but im guessing fries with old bay seasoning? ( i could be wrong…)
Thanks ID.
It was Einstein who said that insanity was doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, right?
Must we have the same conversations on this blog every week, without fail? If you don’t like a poster, ignore them. If it drives you and other posters from the blog, tough. If you can’t deal with criticism of your opinion, don’t give it. Are these fair rules? Maybe we should start compiling real rules for the blog and enforce them by committee so this inane conversation can end.
I’m not seeking credibility ID and I could care less about what you think of the posts.
I’ll take Nova over Vasquez/Moseley in a heart beat….
Shame,
Did you say you went to the concert last night? If so, how was it? There are glowing reviews online about the night before.
Ivan Nova seems to be gasses by the 5th inning for what ever reason. Last night Joe left him in too long trying to get him a win. Nova should have been pulled for Logan 2 batters earlier. I know Joe explained his move with the whole RH pinch hitter vs Logan, what ever, Nova was in there too long. Joe made a mistake, not the worst he’s made in the past week, but a mistake for sure.
Andy will be back in that rotation spot come Sunday; let’s hope he’s healthy and ready to go.
It looks like the rotation going forward will be CC, Andy, Phil, AJ, ??
“I could care less about what you think of the posts”
Can someone PLEASE GET IT RIGHT??????????????
It’s could not care less. COULD NOT CARE LESS.
SJ44 September 15th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
As far as 2011, John Buck will price himself out of a part-time role with his solid season this year.
I would like to see the Yankees bring Molina back and have Montero here from Day One.
Montero can catch 30-40 games next year.
If Jorge catches 80, you have Molina to catch the rest.
I would trade Cervelli while he has some value (perhaps in a package with a young arm or two) and go with Posada-Molina-Montero trio behind the plate.
Between DH and catching some games, Montero can get 400 AB’s at the major league level next year.
Between Molina, Posada and Pena, he would have the perfect tudors to learn the position at the major league level.
Its also cost effective since Montero would be making the minimum and the Yankees can pay Molina more than most teams would pay him to start.
Posada and Montero are also very close so, there won’t be any jealousy issues.
Posada got Montero to sign with his agents in order to help protect the kids future.
I think it would be the ideal way to break in Montero.
—
This is what I’ve been saying for a while now. Although the third catcher does not have to be Molina. And I would have Montero catch more than 30-40 games. He needs more practice than that.
Thanks Shame. I know Im a genius, but Im not quite Einstein! I keep posting about the umpires repeatedly hoping that one time – JUST ONE TIME – it will sink in with Yankees fans and I will achieve the results I seek.
Patrick from CT September 15th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Ivan Nova seems to be gasses by the 5th inning for what ever reason.
***********
I can’t decide if he is gassed or its “I want a win”-itis
Girardi’s downfall last night was trying to let him get those two outs to earn him the Win
It was Einstein who said that insanity was doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, right
One I would like to see is for the censor to catch “and if you don’t agree with this you are insane/delusional/a moron.” There is obviously nowhere to go with that except back with a vengeance at the poster!
SJ,
I like your idea of bring back Molina and have Georgie and Jesus both catch and get 400ABs. Georgie can’t catch more than 1/2 the games going forward.
Sorry Cervelli, I think Molina is better than you…
“I’ll take Nova over Vasquez/Moseley in a heart beat….”
I really like both Nova and Moseley. There are definitely some hard decisions to be made. Hopefully there will be roles for all of them in the postseason.
JM – I was at the concert last night and it was AMAZING.
I’m a live music junkie and I can say it was definitely one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. Both guys played for almost 2 hours a piece and everyone and their mother was there as a guest. Kanye, Beyonce, Mary J., Drake, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent.. it was just unreal. Everyone sounded incredible and I was pretty impressed with the sound system in the Stadium. An incredible night for hip hop music for sure.
Patrick,
I think its a matter of looking at the future realistically.
Despite Keith Law’s less than glowing scouting report on Romine (some of which is accurate, IMO), he’s going to catch in the majors one day. Whether its with the Yankees or someone else.
Jorge can still play. He can’t catch 125 games anymore.
However, he can catch 80, DH another 40, and still help this team win.
Montero’s upside is so big, perhaps as large as any Yankee prospect since Jeter in 1996.
If he spends this off-season busting his tail to get ready for the season and report to ST in shape, its going to be tough to send him back to AAA.
With JR Murphy and Gary Sanchez at the lower levels, I just don’t see Cervelli having a long term future here.
I would rather sell him high and give his PT to Montero next year.
Even with the expected growing pains that will take place, Montero’s upside is too big to ignore.
Greg Golson deserves more time in the Spotlight.
So I am sharing this cute column from Yahoo
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/bl.....ng-content
I’m not trying to defend or criticize anyone in particular to be honest. All I’m saying is this conversation is more stale than week old biscotti. For a bunch of people that constantly refer to trolls as “children” you’d think you’d all want to behave a little more like adults.
No one here is better than anyone else: We each spend all our time here because we hate our lives and would prefer to waste it in a virtual forum speaking with total strangers.
I don’t think its neccasarily because Molina is better than Cervelli at this point (though defensively he is). Cervelli could have some trade value this winter and Molina is in a better position to mentor. I think its possible that Cervelli would be better next seasom having learned from mistakes this season but he really has no longterm future with the yanks, he could possibly fetch something in a trade, and Molina is more equipped to provide what the 2011 Yanks will need.
Ivan Nova has now pitched 175 innings this year. His previous maximum was 148 innings. Does anyone know what Nova’s innings limit is this season?
# Shame Spencer September 15th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
JM – I was at the concert last night and it was AMAZING.
I’m a live music junkie and I can say it was definitely one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. Both guys played for almost 2 hours a piece and everyone and their mother was there as a guest. Kanye, Beyonce, Mary J., Drake, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent.. it was just unreal. Everyone sounded incredible and I was pretty impressed with the sound system in the Stadium. An incredible night for hip hop music for sure.
______________
I was going to ask about the sound. The special guests looked amazing. I wonder if it was recorded and they will consider putting out a live DVD.
JM – I wasn’t sure how the sound would be, given that the stadium seems more open than the old one, but the way they set up the speakers made all the difference. On the center field stage, they had speakers set up as at any concert. Behind the floor audience though, there were more (very large and tall) speakers set up all around the first and third base lines as well as the backstop. It created an unbelievably clear sound. It was so good that we could hear B.o.B. from OUTSIDE and still sing along to every word he said (and when I say outside, I mean still in a car waiting in traffic to park).
I hope they do a DVD, I’d buy it in a heartbeat. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten so much bang for my buck at a show before. Jay-Z literally didn’t want to get off stage. We didn’t leave till well after 1 and B.o.B. went on before 8pm, just to give you guys an idea of what a marathon this concert was. The Stadium is really a great place for stuff like this. I hope they do more concerts, boxing matches, football games, Winter Classics, and whatever else they can do in there because its just a great venue.
One more item regarding Robbie for MVP. No 2nd basemen, in his entire career, not any 1 season, has won a GG and a silver slugger. That’s incredible…
Erica
thanks for the post, that was sweet
Shame
sounds like a great concert…here is a laugh for you younger posters…my son told me he was going to see Vampire Weekend and it took me days to figure out that he was actually going to a concert and not some spooky festival
“No one here is better than anyone else”
Hear hear!
“We each spend all our time here because we hate our lives and would prefer to waste it in a virtual forum speaking with total strangers.”
I don’t know if you’re being funny, but for the record I love my life, spend the time I do here primarily because I am a Yankee fan living in Sux territory and this forum is the closest place I can find that provides me with the camraderie I want as a Yankee fan, and frankly I have gotten to really like and enjoy lots of the posters here.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that, of course…
Mike,
I’d imagine that will change this season as Robbie should win both.
Shame – Speak for yourself
I love my life. I love living luxuriously. I spend some of my time here to convince other Yankees fans of the plight our Yankees suffer in hopes that it will one day change.
You know what they say, those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. Well, in my variation of that, it’s those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.
And I will make sure that NONE OF YOU ever ignore or forget the plight that our Yankees suffer!
The Blue Jays have an option on Molina, so he may not be available.
However (sly grin here), old Heart and Soul himself, he of the “C” on his uniform, is.
actually, its possible that the entire Yankee infield (minus Arod) could win gold gloves this season.
Shame Spencer – Random question… was Rivers Cuomo or Haley Williams there? I’ve heard about all of the guests and I’m just wondering if B.o.B had any guests (since his two big singles both have guest appearances)
Kate,
I must be old too. I never heard of Vampire Weekend.
Erica in NY September 15th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
Greg Golson deserves more time in the Spotlight.
So I am sharing this cute column from Yahoo
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/bl…..ng-content
______________________________________________________
Love Crawford’s face in the picture.
Very true Blake, it’s also part of the reason why he should win MVP, no one at his position has ever done this in an entire career (there have been some pretty good HOF 2nd basemen obviously), that has to be worth some extra votes!
“However (sly grin here), old Heart and Soul himself, he of the “C” on his uniform, is.”
hubby reading paper, “*-Rod was arrested again.”
I said, “Who?!”
“K-rod”
“Ah, him. What a loser.”
I totally heard him say “A-rod”. Of course I had to explain why he was arrested in the first place.
Some FA catchers this Winter: Rod Barajas, John Buck, Miguel Olivo, Bengie Molina, Jose Molina(Toronto has $1.2MM option)
“We each spend all our time here because we hate our lives and would prefer to waste it in a virtual forum speaking with total strangers.”
This was meant to be facetious. I’m sure we all have full, healthy lives.
Mike,
Yea that is pretty amazing that its never happened….can’t believe Robbie Alomar or someone never won both in the same season…
Shame – I knew that. Thus, the
. I just wanted to use the opportunity to get my umpires point across one more time, as if I hadnt already repeated the same thing 20,000 times previous 
Toronto will gladly pick up Jose’s option. Spiting us is worth the cost alone.
Vampire Weekend – great band
Jason Voorhees – Neither of them were there unfortunately. As a Weezer fan, I woulda loved that though. Now its my turn to ask a random question: Do you know who Lars Voorhees is and are you related?
Blake,
I didn’t look this up myself, heard it on MLB tv I think, but according to that source no 2B has won those 2 awards in their career, not just any 1 season. So that would mean that Alomar only won 1 of those awards and not both, is that true?
I usually just lurk here, mostly to see what a few very good posters have to say. I would love an ignore button. Atleast we haven’t had a thread hijacked about the muppets lately…
I had to google Lars Voorhees and I still don’t know who he is.
Jacksquat, when Phil first came up, he nearly threw a no-hitter; how is that pitching scared? If you’re referring to August of 2007, he was rehabbing basically and didn’t trust his legs; it’s not fair to compare him then to Nova now. In September of 2007, he pitched very well……….
SJ44, good stuff about the catchers for 2011. I would love to see Montero in the Bronx next year. And, it would be great to have Molina back too. No question, even at his age, he’s better behind the dish than Cervelli. The only issue I see is that Molina can’t hit his weight (even if he lost 40 pounds). I hate giving away outs offensively.
I’m also curious of your thoughts about Carl Crawford. Will he be in pinstripes next year? And if so, which outfielder would be left without a seat? I think Gardner is too good to be a 4th outfielder (plus, the price is right with him). But, I also think Crawford is better than Granderson. Tough choices.
Oh and a Weezer side note: They are all over YouTube right now. They’ve been pairing up with all of the “YouTube stars” and appearing in their videos as a means to promote their new album.
SJ44 thanks for the catchers posts..
Its tough choosing which of the 3 OF to let go, if you had to.
Gardner is cheap, but doesn’t have much power. Granderson and Swisher are expensive all of a sudden. Granderson can’t hit for average. Swisher is the keeper. We need power. And he’s a switch-hitter.
The problem with trading Gardner is it only saves you $400K (multiply that by # of cost-controlled years).
If, IF you had to dump one, I think Granderson would be the one. But, why not keep all three?
“I had to google Lars Voorhees and I still don’t know who he is.”
WHOA, talk about your ridiculous typing errors. I actually meant to say Lark Voorhies (which is, from what I understand, pronounced the same as your name) who is Lisa Turtle from Saved by the Bell.
I don’t believe in pitchers winning MVPs, but CC should get consideration. I would amend CB’s comment because up until the time Phil was first skipped, there is no question he was providing length. Unfortunately, for the past 2 months, he hasn’t………but we should give credit where credit is due.
CC should get the Cy Young and major MVP consideration because he has to win every time and he has to go deep. He’s underrated, he really is – probably because he’s not flashy enough. I’m sorry that he’s not appreciated by some for how great he is.
As to last night, man, I could watch that throw over and over again – Golson has to make the post-season roster. How many runners will try and advance on an arm like that?
Big game tonight for Phil, I think. He has pitched very badly off of long rest, so my expectations aren’t too high, but going forward it would be nice if he could step up and give us some length.
..and thanks for the Weezer info, I didn’t know that but now I’ll have something else to keep me from doing work.
NYYROC September 15th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Some FA catchers this Winter: Rod Barajas, John Buck, Miguel Olivo, Bengie Molina, Jose Molina(Toronto has $1.2MM option)
—————————————————
possible trade targets David Ross , Mike Napoli ,Chris Iannetta, Ramon Castro, Ramon Hernandez. These are guys I think who can co-catch with Posada and might available via trade in addition to the above list.
GLove, I think an ignore button is a necessity; I mentioned it a long time ago to Jeff and he never got back.
Willis September 15th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
SJ44 thanks for the catchers posts..
—–
I second that – thanks for “talking” baseball on a baseball blog.
Your input and insight is appreciated.
Hard for me to see Crawford in pinstripes for several reasons:
1. Even though the Yankees love him, I don’t think they love him enough to make him a 100 million dollar player. I think that kind of money is earmarked for Cliff Lee this off-season.
2. He’s a low key guy who lives in AZ in the off-season. He’s not a big city guy. He’s also one of Torii Hunter’s best friends.
3. Given #2, and the fact the Angels have a ton of money to spend, I think he winds up in Anaheim next year.
# Betsy September 15th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
GLove, I think an ignore button is a necessity; I mentioned it a long time ago to Jeff and he never got back.
=========
I’ll join in and say it would be greatly appreciated but given how long it took them to get a proper registration system, I assume the technical side would be the biggest issue. Hopefully it’s something that can be introduced before next season.
Mike,
I’m not anywhere that I can look it up but that would be amazing if true….I love Alomar won loads of gold gloves but I would think he surely won a Silver sluggar as well at some point…
Other Phil, I hope so; I use the ignore function elsewhere, and while it’s not perfect (if someone quotes that person, you end up reading that person’s posts anyway), I find that it’s a big help.
I don’t want Crawford. He can’t even tag up to 3rd anymore!
From the article Erica posted:
” Crawford could not remember being thrown out on a similar play. “I went because I always make it,” he said ”
Used to always make it….
Jorge almost nailed him as well. What a slowpoke!
I think betsy has a lot to say, she very smart and knows what she talking about. from bemikey2010@aol.com plainveiw, li
GoYanks
Talking Baseball on a Baseball blog isn’t that refreshing? No muppets!
I see Crawford going to the Angels. I don’t mind trading Gardner when his value is high. The problem is what can you get for him. He is not the centerpiece in a trade for a premium pitcher. Unless you are trading him for elite player for a premium position SS, C, CF, he is value is higher to the Yankees than what you can get for him.
I think now that we all log in individually here, introducing an ignore feature that stays in place once you log in under you username shouldn’t be that difficult to achieve.
I think it would be downright hilarious to see some of the people being ignored realizing they really are just talking to themselves in here when no one ever responds to them.
That said, this is a great place to talk Yankees. I can’t even talk Yankees like this with friends and co-workers because they don’t care as much I do about this. When baseball season ends I don’t really get into other sports as much as this.
It’s frustrating coming in here and seeing the same garbage on a daily basis. I realize by complaining about it, I’m adding to it, but I’m hoping somewhere in CR9′s little pea brain a switch might get flipped to transform from functional moron to a good valued poster.
Matt used to get torn to shreds as a sideshow in here and he’s moved into the conversation as a regular poster because he does say intelligent things about the team from time to time. He just likes to point out negatives which I don’t find anything wrong with when it’s not some doofus rhyming and writing the same poem again and again and again, sometimes 4 times in 5 minutes in game threads.
Hopefully, the blog evolves and allows us to customize our experience and block out the people who just get under our nerves. In all seriousness, I would only block out CR9 because there is nothing there other than static. Everyone else from the Pollyanna’s to the Bridge Jumper’s I can handle.
Shame,
Jay must have loved playing in the stadium, given his connection to the Yankees, friendship and business dealings with Arod, etc. etc. Kind of like another pinnacle for a guy whose already on top of the mountain, pretty much.
Glad to hear the sound was great. I, too go to tons of shows and am always uneasy about the sound in stadium venues but it seems like they did it right this time.
Seems like Crawford to the Angels is a no-brainer.. I think most agree Cliff Lee will be
the Yanks #1. priority during the off season. IF that happens what will priority #2 be?
Willis September 15th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
GoYanks
Talking Baseball on a Baseball blog isn?t that refreshing? No muppets!
***************
Why don’t you go back to lurking?
Muppets are not exactly the biggest problem with this blog. Its harmless, friendly banter.
G Love-
All I can say is hang in there
SJ, what are the odds that Kerry re-signs? I know he can get closer $$$ from a mediocre team, but I’ll bet being on a contender has energized him and I think that he realizes he could get some closing opportunities here because of Mo’s age. He’s taken to the city, the team and the pennant race and I would love to have him back.
There aren’t that many true FA catchers next year. Most have a team option attached to them. Of the ones that don’t, with a few exceptions I either would not want them, or their current teams will, or some team will pay them to catch full time.
Of the true FAs, Varitek is probably the best hitting part-time catcher available, BUT…
With respect to Jose Molina, I think the Jays will probably exercise their option on him, but even if they don’t I wouldn’t want him (I’d have taken him this year, but he isn’t likely to hit as well next year).
Perhaps San Diego won’t exercise their option on Torrealba (it’s pretty steep), or perhaps Greg Zaun would be worth a gamble (although he may retire), but it’s likely other teams would outbid us for them.
I see the trade market being a more likely source to obtain a replacement for Cervelli, if that’s what the Yanks do.
@G love , you are really are letting CR9′s antics bother you too much. Just scroll past it, if you don’t care for redundancy.
Erica, did you see the cover of Newsday Part 2 today?
betsy what odds, he’s just a great player
With respect to Jose Molina, I think the Jays will probably exercise their option on him
————————————
Do you think so? Are you assuming Buck will leave and Arencibia might be catching regularly?
Betsy September 15th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Erica, did you see the cover of Newsday Part 2 today?
**************
No. What was it?
If you like Muppets more then the Yankees then that is your choice..
I’d vote against an ignore feature, assuming I had a vote. I’m not all that sure I like registration.
G. Love, You need to get over it. You should not allow a poster on a blog to upset you this much.
# Willis September 15th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Seems like Crawford to the Angels is a no-brainer.. I think most agree Cliff Lee will be
the Yanks #1. priority during the off season. IF that happens what will priority #2 be?
==========
I like Crawford’s talent, but for the money that he’ll command, I’d rather see the Yankees spend elsewhere like Lee. I am good with an outfield of Gardner, Grandy and Swish (health pending, of course). Grandy will have a full off-season with his new swing and I have great hopes that Gardner spends the entire winter bunting 1000 times a day.
The thing that concerns me is the future of the left side of the infield. That needs be addressed soon.
Cookie Monster – with a giant C is for Cookie on it!
I’m no Sesame Street freak (always preferred Electric Company), but I adore Cookie Monster. I think I’m going to put that cover on my cubicle wall.
The Other Phil
I get you on the left side of the infield.. Jeter’s future at SS , long term…how long do you see him there on a daily basis?
Cashmoney-
Buck is a FA and will probably get a big pay raise, will want a multi-year deal and has no long term attachment to Toronto. I was assuming he’d go elsewhere.
I think the Carl Crawford in Anaheim and Cliff Lee on the Yankees ideas sound about right. I think the Yankees can live with their OF.
In terms of the left side of the infield, it is what it is–until at least 2013-2014. Nothing is going to change there, unless you believe the Mayans about 2012, and then it doesn’t matter.
Betsy September 15th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Jacksquat, when Phil first came up, he nearly threw a no-hitter; how is that pitching scared? If you’re referring to August of 2007, he was rehabbing basically and didn’t trust his legs; it’s not fair to compare him then to Nova now. In September of 2007, he pitched very well……….
—
In general, in his time before last year when he relieved, he had problems sometimes trying to be too fine on the corners. So he’d walk more hitters, get behind in counts, etc. Now he is much more aggressive, sometimes too aggressive!
Willis September 15th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Seems like Crawford to the Angels is a no-brainer.. I think most agree Cliff Lee will be
the Yanks #1. priority during the off season. IF that happens what will priority #2 be?
——————————————
2. more pitching if Andy retires , someone like Kuroda is a good option to me
3. A catcher who can co catch with Posada until Montero is ready ( mid season?)
4. DH
Those are the things which supersedes Crawford to me .
Betsy September 15th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Cookie Monster ? with a giant C is for Cookie on it!
I?m no Sesame Street freak (always preferred Electric Company), but I adore Cookie Monster. I think I?m going to put that cover on my cubicle wall.
**************
I found it. Very cute.
Just don’t make your cubicle look like this guy did….
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/l.....hoto_num=4
Willis September 15th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
If you like Muppets more then the Yankees then that is your choice..
************
Who ever said that I love Muppets more than Yankees?
I am not allowed to have more than one thing I love??? If you only have one thing that makes you happy, then I feel bad for you.
And I hope you are happy, cause you bringing it up triggered a Muppet discussion.
So please just go back into whatever hole you crawled out of
Wave Your Hat September 15th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Cashmoney-
Buck is a FA and will probably get a big pay raise, will want a multi-year deal and has no long term attachment to Toronto. I was assuming he’d go elsewhere.
——————————————-
Wave, I don’t know how the convo in regard to Montero will tie into this. But I think they need an offensive upgrade from Cervelli to co catch with Posada, If Montero needs more time in the minor. I don’t think Molina fits that mode, He is very good defensive catcher. But I think he will broke down if he catches semi regularly. And offensively, he is not much upgrade from Cervelli.
Earlier someone posted somewhat negative comments from Law on Betances. And as it usually works in these things, Goldstein came out with an article on the Yanks pitching and he basically has a completely different opinion. Only part of the article is free, so I’ll post what I can below:
by Kevin Goldstein
The minor league season is over, so it’s time to step back and measure talent. Every organization fell somewhere on the arc from good farm systems to bad, but one clearly stands out when it comes to organizational pitching talent: the Yankees.
Nine guys clearly distinguished themselves this summer in the minors for the Bombers, and they can be divided into three categories: those coming back from injury, international prospects and traditional draft finds.
Back from injury
The Yankees’ 2007 first-round pick, Andrew Brackman—who had Tommy John surgery two years ago—recovered from a slow start to prove many of his doubters wrong. The key to his breakout was more consistent mechanics, which led to more consistent velocity, as the 92-96 mph heat (seen at times last year) suddenly showed up every time out. His breaking ball also earned raves from scouts. It was once a flat, sweeping offering, but is now a big power breaker that gives him a second plus pitch. Turning 25 in December, he’s still a bit behind the age/level curve, but he’s always been a unique prospect that the industry felt would take time to put it all together.
More impressive than Brackman was 22-year-old Dellin Betances, another returnee from Tommy John surgery (after four years and 49 mostly average performances). At 6-foot-8 and 250 pounds, he strikes nearly as imposing figure on the mound as the 6-foot-10 Brackman, and his stuff is even better, with 1-2 mph more on his fastball, an equally solid curveball and even better command. In the span of three months, Betances has gone from all but off the radar to arguably the highest-ceiling pitcher in the system.
The rest of this article is restricted to Baseball Prospectus Subscribers.
http://www.baseballprospectus......leid=11999
i always loved big bird, hes the best
I still don’t see the need to get Crawford and pay him all that money and be locked into him long term.
The OF we have right now is a good OF. I wish it would hit for a higher batting average and make more contact, but I really think our OF is a 4 person OF when all is said and done and the 4th piece can be the kind of player who has more bat control if chosen wisely.
Clearly, we need a RH OF who can come in and play a lot and get 400 AB’s or so.
If Cashman could find the right RH OF’er who makes more contact it would be a nice addition.
Crawford is a great player, but I don’t see the need to break up the OF we have just yet. I think we’re better off adding a productive piece to our OF since it clearly can’t stay intact vs. LHP.
If we have to give Jeter what we all think we have to give him and we resign Mo and Andy, the money should go to Lee and then to some smaller pieces.
And I really want to the team to figure out how to keep Kerry Wood here next year.
That said, if the Yankees decide to blow up the budget and want Crawford I won’t be angry. But if it comes down to Crawford vs. Lee, I want Lee.
I do think Cashman is going to explore some interesting trade options this year though and if I would not be shocked if he moved Gardner or Granderson if he thought he had a deal he couldn’t pass us.
With guys like Rasmus, Kemp, Ethier potentially out there, he might make a big deal.
Jack, it’s hard to judge honestly because in 2008 he was pitching with a broken rib. I try not to spend time wishing he hadn’t missed 2 years because it’s a waste of time, but occasionally I do stop and think how unlucky he was. Well, the best thing from his season thus far is that he’s made all his starts and has remained healthy.
The ignore function is in your minds. All you have to do is choose to ignore. I do it, and I am much happier for it. You do not need an “Ignore” function to ignore somebody.
Not everything in life is going to be exactly the way you want it to be. That is not the way that life works.
I guess I touched a nerve.. sorry if I offended you. It wasn’t the idea.. just my pet peeve.. I come here to see what some great Baseball minds think about the team I love. Light banter is good for some.. not my thing.. seems more like nyyfanforums talk ….. sorry
@other phil
I think the in house options are obviously Laird and Nunez to back up eventually next year.
I don’t want to see Pena on this team personally. As far as FA goes in that particular area i have look at.
Cashman has claimed the difficulty to finding a good sub due to lack of promised playing time.
In lieu of what happen this season with Arod and others, He can definitely sell whomever they will playing times avail in the yankee infield next season.
# PittsburghYankeeFan September 15th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
In terms of the left side of the infield, it is what it is–until at least 2013-2014. Nothing is going to change there, unless you believe the Mayans about 2012, and then it doesn’t matter.
============
That’s probably about right. Jeets will probably get a 3 year deal and then retire, but I am not sure that he plays SS the entire time. Where he does play? Good question…
Not that there’s a suitable replacement SS that can be had via FA this year or next to sit and wait. I’m not that familiar with the farm to know if there’s anyone down there that can step in a couple of years from now. It’s just something that will be a concern in the coming years.
As for this off-season, I also agree that things hinge on Andy. I’m not so sure about Kuroda. Living in LA, I’ve seen him quite a bit (and done a little bit of work with him). Really nice guy. Good not great stuff. But he pitches in the NL West, so that scares me off.
Patrick from CT September 15th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
SJ,
I like your idea of bring back Molina and have Georgie and Jesus both catch and get 400ABs. Georgie can’t catch more than 1/2 the games going forward.
Sorry Cervelli, I think Molina is better than you…
—
Munson Fan September 15th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
SJ44, good stuff about the catchers for 2011. I would love to see Montero in the Bronx next year. And, it would be great to have Molina back too. No question, even at his age, he’s better behind the dish than Cervelli. The only issue I see is that Molina can’t hit his weight (even if he lost 40 pounds). I hate giving away outs offensively.
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Willis September 15th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
SJ44 thanks for the catchers posts..
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GoYanks September 15th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Willis September 15th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
SJ44 thanks for the catchers posts..
—–
I second that – thanks for “talking” baseball on a baseball blog.
Your input and insight is appreciated.
—
It’s funny all these positive reactions to a post by SJ, that was remarkably (and curiously not the first time) similar to something I posted on the same subject recently (and in the past), yet I received absolutely no feedback at the time…
Betsy,
Its a tough call.
I think with Wood, if a team wants to pay him closer money, that’s going to be tough to turn down.
Its kind of a Catch-22. The better he pitches, the more he helps the Yankees and increases his value in the off-season.
It gets interesting if he doesn’t get the kind of offers he will seek.
If that happens, then I think he has a shot at coming back.
Erica, that’s hilarious, lol.
The beating that Nova took may help to season him a bit, it’s all part of the game. He will get another chance to prove himself.
its nice and sunny and windy here in plainveiw, li library.
SJ, thanks. Well, I wish Kerry the best of luck. He seems like a good guy and it would be a nice change of pace to see someone with lousy luck injuries wise finally be able to put together a productive rest of his career instead of being only remembered for what might have been.
Patrick in CT
I always enjoy your insight..
I wonder if paying Wood to be our closer of the “near future” would be a good idea? He has the 2nd highest career k/9 in the history of baseball. it would give us some leeway on the ticking clock that is mariano.
cashmoney-
I don’t want Molina, so you are preaching to the choir there. With Posada missing so many games, I think the Yanks need a back-up catcher who can hit some (OPS in the .700s somewhere), and who can catch full time if Posada is hurt or if Montero can’t catch at the major league level (which is still a risk).
Of the FA catchers (including those whose options might not be exercised) who won’t obviously land a full time job, it seems to me only Pierzynski, Torrealba, Varitek and Zaun fit the above requirements, and for each one of them there are reasons the Yanks won’t sign them.
So, I think they look to the trade market for a back-up catcher.
jacksquat – that’s because they all kiss his feet around here, no matter how rude he is to people he doesn’t agree with.
# Cashmoney September 15th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
I think the in house options are obviously Laird and Nunez to back up eventually next year.
I don’t want to see Pena on this team personally. As far as FA goes in that particular area i have look at.
Cashman has claimed the difficulty to finding a good sub due to lack of promised playing time.
In lieu of what happen this season with Arod and others, He can definitely sell whomever they will playing times avail in the yankee infield next season.
========
That all sounds good to me. I’ve never been a fan of Ramiro Pena. Don’t hate him but just felt very ‘meh’ about him. It would be great to get a solid backup that could play multiple positions. An Omar Infante-type guy.
“He’s taken to the city, the team and the pennant race and I would love to have him back.”
———————————————————————————————————
How has Kerry Wood “taken to the city”?
I’m not trying to be difficult here, just wondering what your source is on this?
Goose, he’s pitching well in NY – that’s what I mean; that’s not a given for pitchers.
WYH – gotta stay away from those “potential starter” type catchers, they are way more expensive.
i wouldn’t mind a guy like napoli as the backup. he mashes baseballs.
i think he has the most HR per plate appearance for catcher over the last few years.
might have to trade for him though, he’s still arb eligible. he shoudl be cheap since scoscia does everything in his power to NOT play the guy.
Ok, later!
Perhaps you ought to join the black helicopters club ID with all of your theories.
jacksquat September 15th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
You missed my post thanking SJ! Missing someones post of things is easy! There are some folks I look for their thoughts and I read them, others not so much. Kind of like you missing mine! LOL! SJ, Trisha, CB, Erica, Erin, Doreen, GB, Wave, Betsy, Patrick, m, Kate & some others I tend to read all the time!
# Irreverent Discourse September 15th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
WYH – gotta stay away from those “potential starter” type catchers, they are way more expensive.
i wouldn’t mind a guy like napoli as the backup. he mashes baseballs.
i think he has the most HR per plate appearance for catcher over the last few years.
might have to trade for him though, he’s still arb eligible. he shoudl be cheap since scoscia does everything in his power to NOT play the guy.
==============
Interesting you mention Napoli. Check this out: http://tinyurl.com/2bz9ms4
ID-
Mike Napoli’s defensive skills are a matter of some debate…
“I think with Wood, if a team wants to pay him closer money, that’s going to be tough to turn down”
Agreed. Hate to say it, but he’s probably pitched too well to remain a Yankee beyond this season.
Thank you RayVT for the kind mention. I always read your comments too!
@other phil, one intriguing name to is felipe Lopez, I think he signed late with ST for about 2.3 mil. here is a guy who is capable of playing anywhere on the infield and has a very good stick considering his role.
He is having a subpar season this year , but here you go.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/players.....yerId=4254
RayVT September 15th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
jacksquat September 15th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
You missed my post thanking SJ! Missing someones post of things is easy! There are some folks I look for their thoughts and I read them, others not so much. Kind of like you missing mine! LOL! SJ, Trisha, CB, Erica, Erin, Doreen, GB, Wave, Betsy, Patrick, m, Kate & some others I tend to read all the time!
—
Admittedly I did not excercise a great deal of care picking out all the replies to SJ. I do read most posts though. I tend to skim over most of the off topic stuff.
And CR9. Man, if you are going to troll, at least give us some variety. The umpire conspiracy stuff is getting old and has lost it’s entertainment value.
If the Yankees win the WC and play Minnesota in the ALDS, yet finish with a better record than Minnesota, who has HFA?
WC always has the HFDisadvantage.
Goose:
Wild Card never has HFA.
Thanks RayVT
Hopefully, Wood wants to win and stay in NYC and likes the Yankee organization. He also could be the closer when Mo retires for a year or two. Maybe the Yanks will give him a great deal for 3 years.
@Cashmoney
Definitely an intriguing prospect. Good age, versatile, has good history with the stick. I like it!
Thanks – should have known.
Bad Scooter – with that injury history, I think anything more than a year or two is too risky with Wood.
@other Phil, I was wrong. The cards signed him late for a cool 1 mil. I always like him, I think Yankees should definitely consider him as a jack of all option next year.
Didn’t Wood have a hard time staying healthy? They shoulda put him in the bullpen earlier.
“Hopefully, Wood wants to win and stay in NYC and likes the Yankee organization”
Winning and being a Yankee won’t trump money. Off of his performance with the Yankees since being traded, he stands to get closer money from any number of teams. Would really come down to whether the Yankees would want to pay him closer money to be the EIG, which seems kinda unlikely.
SJ44 September 15th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
As far as 2011, John Buck will price himself out of a part-time role with his solid season this year.
I would like to see the Yankees bring Molina back and have Montero here from Day One.
Montero can catch 30-40 games next year.
If Jorge catches 80, you have Molina to catch the rest.
I would trade Cervelli while he has some value (perhaps in a package with a young arm or two) and go with Posada-Molina-Montero trio behind the plate.
Between DH and catching some games, Montero can get 400 AB’s at the major league level next year.
Between Molina, Posada and Pena, he would have the perfect tudors to learn the position at the major league level.
Its also cost effective since Montero would be making the minimum and the Yankees can pay Molina more than most teams would pay him to start.
Posada and Montero are also very close so, there won’t be any jealousy issues.
Posada got Montero to sign with his agents in order to help protect the kids future.
I think it would be the ideal way to break in Montero.
*******************************************************************
My thoughts exactly on this subject.
As far as Nova is concerned, He will be traded either in the offseason of if he grabs the 5th starter role next year then at the trade deadline.
If Pettite retires then Nova has the inside track on the 5th starters spot next season…if he pitches well he will be an overvalued commodity come the trade deadline next season and 1 of Brackman, Phelps or DJ Mitchell should be ready to graduate up and assume that spot.
With 13 million dollars earmarked for Posada, with Montero so close to the majors and with the amount of depth at the position throughout the minors, I doubt the Yankees will expend resources signing or trading for a one year stop gap at catcher.
Cervelli is the transitional catcher. He’s on pace to catch 100 games this season. He has handled the staff and worked closely with Posada, Pena and Girardi.
He’s still only 24 and thus a candidate to improve upon his .666 OPS. It’s a one year bet I think the Yankees will make.
I think the Yankees will spend big on Lee and Crawford and round out the roster with filler.
Crawford is a really good player, but signing him sends a message that the Yankees are heading back to the “All-Star at every position” mentality. The Yankees have enough power in the infield and the other two outfield spots that they can afford to keep a guy like Gardner in left. Granderson could build on his first year in Pinstripes and hit 30 homers next year, and Swisher could hit 25-30 homers again assuming that his current health issues are not long term in nature.
The catching situation is interesting. SJ thinks that Posada can catch 80 games next year, but I wonder sometimes. Posada does not get a lot of help from the Yankee pitchers, but I think the stat that they showed on MLB network last night said the runners have an 83% success rate against him this year. Not good and not likely to improve as he gets older. That said, they guy can still hit. What a bomb last night in a huge moment.
Mo did not look sharp again last night. I wonder if he injured himself in Texas. Mo is the best, but I feel a lot better knowing that Wood is looking like a viable back-up. The Yankees would be very smart to try to lock up Wood for 3 or 4 years, with the understanding that he can become the closer when Mo’s time is up. Then again, Mo sometimes looks as if he could pitch until he is 50.
By the way, sorry for the doom and gloom yesterday. I was approaching the ledge as the wheels were coming off. Thank God for Granderson, Posada and Golson. I might be on my third can of cashews but for those guys.
jacksquat – Im not here to troll or kowtow to what you or anyone else wants me to do. Im here to vent my rage in a constructive manner – as advised by my therapist. And Im also here to make people see the plight that our Yankees suffer.
I think they will spend big on Lee. Not sure about Crawford. He’ll make at least $15M. And we really need to fill out the roster. $100M earmarked for 9-10 players. Add Lee, Pettitte(?), Jeter, Mo. Tack on arbie raises for some, notably Joba & Hughes.
Yes, I can see all the pluses of Crawford, but we have a good OF. What other areas can we improve?
“Didn’t Wood have a hard time staying healthy?”
He got Dusty Bakered as a young pitcher. Pretty much missed all of his age 29 and 30 year old seasons. Was an all star closer for Sweet Lou and the Cubs in 2008. Took FA money to go close for Cleveland. Fought some injuries while there and now here he is. In fact, he was on the DL in July and was activated just before being traded to the Yankees.
I like Wood but he’s a closer and will command closer money. Good for him. I think the Yankees will continue to groom Joba for the closer role next year and look to make an acquisition for an elite reliever at next year’s deadline should Joba falter. That’s another bet I think the Yankees make because they will have so much money tied up in Mo and have an ongoing project in Joba that they’re just not willing to abandon yet. They’ll give him one more half season to prove himself.
at least Law is consistent.
Every evaluation of a Yanks prospect from him always has an extremely negative slant.
He’d find something negative to say about Cano at this point….ex” I’ve always felt he spreads his legs to far apart in his set up robbing him of extra base power…. However I love Lars Andersons hand positioning in his recoil…future batting champion!….”
He’s so transparent
Crawford IMO goes for $20+MM per. Too many teams are in the hunt for him, and he’s too good.
Can’t see how the Yanks would spend $75+MM for Lee, Crawford, Jeter and Rivera. That would put them at $220MM+ with 12 players to sign.
Just doesn’t seem likely to me.
I don’t think the Yankees will be going after Crawford. Possibly if Pettitte retires and they replace him with Nova. But really Gardner does a good chunk of what Crawford does for far less money. And I don’t think they would be able to move Granderson without paying a significant portion of his salary. I’d rather not do that. Granderson has looked much improved recently and I have no problem with him being the CF next year.
A lot has been made of HFA recently…
Imagine the Rays and the Yanks play in the ALCS. Imagine the series started two days ago.
Some would say the Rays have lost HFA having lost a game at home. Now it’s a best of 5 with three games at the Stadium.
But does anyone really believe the Yanks would win the next 3 games?
To me, HFA is really about those last games at home. A small safety net.
If you’re down 2-3 you still got a shot. You’re up 3-2 and you’re golden.
Unless it’s 2004. Then you’re just screwed. No Pettitte – No Pennant.
sj44 – i save my black helicopters for real conspiracies… they are still on the way home from their “revis was holding out for HBO” mission.
Crawford is really good, but he doesn’t have power typical of a corner OF does he? I know the talk is he refuses to play CF, but does anyone know how he ended up a LF? He really has the speed and glove to play CF.
Anyway, back to the Angels, they paid Hunter big bucks to play CF. They moved him to RF I heard. What happened to Bobby A-boo-boo?
I realize that mlb players have a limited shelf life, and would want to earn as much as possible while they are able to…however, at some point would you say I have made enough, I would rather take a lesser role on a contender…just wondering about Kerry…especially if he could eventually move into Mo’s spot
Last year Billy Wagner set up for Boston, but made it clear he wanted to close again.
and thanks RayVT…I enjoy your posts as well
The budget seems overly bloated if you fixate on 2011. Beyond that, Lee and Crawford fit nice and snug as part of the long term plan.
Posada, Marte and Igawa alone free up 21 million after 2011. Those are players that can be replaced internally with cost-controlled players.
That’s why I don’t see Crawford as an option.
The Angels are going to spend for Crawford the way the Yankees will go after Lee.
That is, taking the, “Whatever it takes mentality” when it comes to signing him.
If The yankees were to target any OFs in the FA , I will assume they will look for a RH bat who can crush Lefites in the mode of Thames but who can play passable or plus def.
Those type of guys are mostly regulars. Unless we are trading Gardner as a center piece for a guy like Kemp which I think the Dodgers would laugh at.
Oh yeah,
RayVT-
Bill D- Thanks.
“Posada, Marte and Igawa alone free up 21 million after 2011. Those are players that can be replaced internally with cost-controlled players.”
But, arbitration with Hughes, Joba, Gardner and others will eat a lot if not all of that up.
Its not just 2011. Its projecting Crawford as a 100 million dollar player long term and I’m not sure the Yankees want to go in that direction.
SJ44-
I tend to agree, unless John Henry has to have him.
The Yankees aren’t stuck with Joba and Gardner.
Frankie Piliere: I think Banuelos has a #1 ceiling, no doubt in my mind. Betances can be a 1-2 if he can stay durable enough and that’s a big if. We have to see how his stuff responds over the course of a full season. Brackman, I still don’t love, but he came a long way this year. I think he could be very interesting in the pen. He has frontline stuff, but his command has a lot of catching up to do. Noesi – mid rotation starter. Nova – 2/3. Stoneburner…the jury is still out for me. Phelps is a 4 for me. Warren I haven’t seen this season. Saw Marshall last year and the raw velo was fantastic but he has a ways to go.
@m
Abreu moved to LF, Hunter in RF. Peter Bourjos is in CF. Not sure why Juan Rivera lost his job in LF.
I also don’t really understand the ‘typical’ corner/center power stuff. Some talked about that the beginning of this year with Gardner moving to LF and Grandy in CF. If you get corner production from your CF, doesn’t it make the ‘typical’ corner stuff a non-issue?
You eventually have to subtract Mo’s 15 million and Pettitte’s 15 million. That’s 30 million not part of the long term plan.
The Yankees have plenty of cost controlled resources to add to the rotation and pen.
Igawa cleared waivers, I don’t think he counts against the major league team’s payroll anymore. So technically, he doesn’t free up anything when his contact expires.
John Henry is too freaked out about going over the luxury tax and I heard Crawford is not a big fan of Boston.
Crawford kills the Yankees. It would be good to see him on the left coast where they will not see him as often.
“Posada, Marte and Igawa alone free up 21 million after 2011. Those are players that can be replaced internally with cost-controlled players.”
Do they really need to replace Marte and Igawa?
# Chambliss September 15th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Crawford kills the Yankees. It would be good to see him on the left coast where they will not see him as often.
====
He should go to the NL then…
SJ44 September 15th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Its not just 2011. Its projecting Crawford as a 100 million dollar player long term and I’m not sure the Yankees want to go in that direction.
—————————————–
I would not give 100 mil to Crawford . He is very good play but not for superstar money.
You don’t want to commit years and length for a guy who is fast approaching 30 and who rely on speed as one of his major tools. His lefty split is average. Here is a guy whose highest OPS is 847 (this year) in his career. Sure, he will serve as an upgrade over Gardner. But the marginal cost is simply too great in this case for me. There are other areas we can relocate our resources then giving Crawford that kinda of money.
The age argument doesn’t apply to Crawford. He’d be 34 through most of a 6 year deal. He’d turn 35 at the very end of year 6.
Bronx Jeers,
especially Igawa.
“John Henry is too freaked out about going over the luxury tax and I heard Crawford is not a big fan of Boston.”
Also think Boston would be more inclined to look for a right handed hitting outfielder.
“The age argument doesn’t apply to Crawford. He’d be 34 through most of a 6 year deal. He’d turn 35 at the very end of year 6″
But the value argument does. He’s not a $100M player, especially on this team.
“The age argument doesn’t apply to Crawford. He’d be 34 through most of a 6 year deal. He’d turn 35 at the very end of year 6″
But the value argument does. He’s not a $100M player, especially on this team.
That’s the rub.
He’s not 100 million dollars better than Brett Gardner.
Its a big commitment.
Unlike the Tex deal, which they had to do IMO, they don’t really NEED Carl Crawford.
He’s a luxury. Not a necessity.
Cliff Lee? They NEED Cliff Lee.
To me, that’s the tipping point when deciding which of the two guys you give that kind of deal to, since giving them both huge deals doesn’t seem to be in the cards at this time.
Bret The Hitman September 15th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
The age argument doesn’t apply to Crawford. He’d be 34 through most of a 6 year deal. He’d turn 35 at the very end of year 6.
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aight, the biggest point is that the cost over a marginal upgrade over Gardner makes it an unsound signing. The yankees can allocate that resources better in other areas of needs. i.e starting pitching.
Shyte! Sorry bout that double post.
If I were Cashman with $100 million to spend on one guy, my choice would also be Lee. CC is a rock and Hughes should be a very good #3 or #4 next year, but the rest of the rotation is filled with question marks. Lee seems like the guy to fill the void.
Lee is 32, and giving a guy that age a long term deal, on top of the deals to CC and AJ, does concern me.
If AJ continues to perform poorly, I wonder if Cashman will try to move him in the offseason, even if it means that the Yankees will have to eat some salary.
By the way – has anyone seen how many players the Tampa Bay Rays have that will be free agents next year?
Pretty much their entire bullpen, namely soriano, benoit, grant ball-four, yesterdays hero dan wheeler( 4 million team option which i doubt they’d invoke), randy choate
and then carl crawford and carlos pena….
for a team looking to CUT payroll this may be the last year they will be as competitive as they are before the rookies start to produce and make them dangerous again (in what like 2 years if all goes well?)
Interesting take on whether or not home field advantage means anything in the playoffs:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.c.....index.html