Gardner yes, Swisher no
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Sep 17, 2010 
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There is a Sanchez listed as an available reliever, which I assume means Romulo is here.
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Lance Berkman DH
Austin Kearns RF
Brett Gardner LF
Francisco Cervelli C
Kearnsy still in there – those photos he’s using to blackmail the powers that be must be doozies!!!
1 of 2 is better than 0 of 2. Hopefully Swish isn’t too far away and hopefully Kearns can have some better hacks tonight. On Wednesday he kinda looked like he was swinging at a pinata up there….
Go Yanks.
Wow Kearns again? Can’t try something else, huh Joe.
Roll the dice with Marcus and his glove, my goodness.
Paul Konerko gets hit in the face with a pitch and he stays in the game and girardi takes his players out of the game when they sneeze…..
I say Ozzie Guillen for manager next year!!!!
(kidding)
Blake-
I could have used some support on the replacement coaches thing.
Where were you ?
Oh, on second thought I know. Never mind.
cortisone shots work miracles.
not surprised that Gardner is now ready to start. Swisher will be starting before the weekend is over.
The Yanks will need Kearns in the post-season, with Lee and Wilson, or Liriano and Duensing, plus Price on the menu. They should give him every opportunity to break out of his slump.
So I’m glad to see him in the lineup and hope he starts hitting. Besides, it’s not like there are a whole lot of wonderful options.
So exactly what is Girardi supposed to do for RF while Swisher is out?
Kearns isn’t a great option but at least he can play defense. You certainly don’t want Thames out there.
Despite his throw to end the game the other night, Golson isn’t exactly Ted Williams.
There’s probably a “match-up” for Kearns that leans positive. Sigh. Well, I guess they’ve decided he’s got a better chance of getting a hit then Colin Curtis or Golson.
That’s okay. It’ll be okay.
MTU – see previous thread.
MTU,
what’s up?
As soon as the AA playoff’s are over I want to see Brackman join the BP staff.
RF in camden is fine to hide a mediocre outfielder. Relatively short distance with a high fence. Maybe he will prove ppl wrong tonight but kearns choked in every big at bat against tampa. He’s useless at even getting the runner in from third w less than 2 outs. Meanwhile, thames has been one of our most clutch hitters all year. I love it.
Trisha-
Glad you enjoyed them, and you are welcome to see them in person any time you like.
Blake-
Just kidding around about the replacement coaches thing you started this morning. Not worth continuing.
I always miss Posada’s bat when he’s not in the line-up.
I’m fine with Kearns being in there as well…obviously I would rather it be Swisher but of the choices available he’s the best bat that can acceptably play the outfield…also as Wave said, it would be a plus of they could have him start hitting again.
I’m sure Swisher really hates not being in the lineup at Camden Yards. He’s really mashed there as a Yankee.
GF -
Of course, you’re correct. There really aren’t too many options. Kearns wasn’t supposed to be starting.
Kearns is the best choice today to play in RF.
We will need his base down the stretch and in the playoffs.
Thames playing defense???
I don’t think so
Kearns missed some games, too. I think it was a hand injury? Anyway, my point is, perhaps he never fully healed either, perhaps he’s also trying to play through some discomfort. That might explain him going from being decent to non-existent.
Trisha-
One more thing.
I add the Pics @ my discretion nothing automatic about it.
If It were automatic with all of hiking and pics the website would just be overloaded.
MTU,
As long as you and I stay in charge of late night chaperoning then I’m fine with the rest
OPPOSING HITTER AB H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS
Nick Swisher 39 14 2 0 4 9 6 8 .359 .444 .718 1.162
Curtis Granderson 36 9 0 2 2 8 5 11 .250 .341 .528 .869
Derek Jeter 34 10 2 1 0 2 4 3 .294 .368 .412 .780
Alex Rodriguez 30 10 1 0 2 4 2 4 .333 .375 .567 .942
Lance Berkman 25 8 1 0 1 3 4 4 .320 .433 .480 .913
Robinson Cano 25 11 1 0 1 4 2 2 .440 .481 .600 1.081
Jorge Posada 21 5 0 0 2 3 5 10 .238 .385 .524 .908
Mark Teixeira 19 8 2 0 1 1 6 4 .421 .560 .684 1.244
Brett Gardner 14 4 0 0 1 2 0 4 .286 .286 .500 .786
Austin Kearns 8 3 1 0 1 2 0 2 .375 .375 .875 1.250
Francisco Cervelli 8 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 .250 .333 .250 .583
Chad Moeller 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 .000 .000 .000 .000
Marcus Thames 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 .000 .000 .000 .000
Lots of good numbers vs Millwood.
great job posting those numbers.
tonight is a great night to win a game.
get an early lead.
watching a.j. throw strikes and going 7 innings.
Blake-
What will we tell our wives ?
I love when MPF Lance Berkman is in the line up
Kearns is swinging the bat well but his bat keeps connecting with air.
Yesterday was a day off. And despite that today Cervelli is still catching Burnett. Very unclear why a pitcher this bad gets a personal catcher even after a day off and only 16 games to go.
Either way it seems like Cervelli is going to start games in the post season and that posada won’t be playing every game. If he was at some point you’d want Jorge to catch AJ again and the day after an off day is as good as any especially when the offense is struggling.
108 stitches September 17th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
Kearns is swinging the bat well but his bat keeps connecting with air.
**************
Unless he is trying to kill flies, I don’t consider that swinging the bat well
MTU,
Eh, we will think of something.
CB,
Posada should catch every game in the playoffs….every one.
so the yankees had a day off yesterday, play a night game tonight and tomorrow AND posada isn’t catching tonight….so i guess burnett DOES have his own personal catcher and/or hates pitching to posada….this also means that cervelli plays again on sunday since old man posada can’t catch a day game after a night game…i guess girardi isn’t convinced thats its burnett that sucks and not the catcher that makes him feel more or less comfortable…this also means cervelli catches at least 1 game and maybe 2 in each playoff series while posada sits….unbelievable…
Wild Card here we come….
CB,
Should the Yankees get to the WS, do you think Posada will catch everyday they play in a National League park? To me this is kind of disconcerting.
Burnett throws a lot of errant pitches. I wonder if Joe thinks Cervelli is more mobile behind the plate?
The personal catcher thing worked out OK last year, but that’s no reason to suppose it will this year. And Cervelli is no Molina defensively.
Plus, if AJ has to have Cervelli catching him, the Yanks would be better of starting Nova or even Moseley, and getting Jorge behind the plate.
I’m still going to hope reason prevails.
Don’t worry. Burnett will get knocked out early in the game, allowing Posada to pinch hit for Cervelli.
Seriously, bottom of the order is very weak again. Kearns, Gardner and Cervelli are all rally killers. Let’s hope that the top of the order can get the job done against Millwood.
Via wally matthews twitter:
Jeter: It’s comical. I didn’t make the call
More Jeter: what was I supposed to do? Say it didn’t hit me?
Kearns again??! I thought we’ve been down this road. The guy is in a horrendous slump/mini-slump and completely wastes at bats. Rather have Golson, a guy with speed, that can perhaps use his speed to get on base.
Chambliss September 17th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Seriously, bottom of the order is very weak again. Kearns, Gardner and Cervelli are all rally killers. Let’s hope that the top of the order can get the job done against Millwood.
***************
Agreed but you have to admit its better than kearns, colin curtis and cervelli…
Blake
Posada should of course catch every game in the post season but that seems very unlikely. If that’s the plan you have to get them working together. The notion that Cervelli magically made pitchers pitch better- including AJ- has been demonsrably proven to be utter nonsense as AJ has been far worse this season with Cervelli catching him almost every game.
Not only does AJ hurt this team’s ability to prevent runs due to his awful pitching he hurts their ability to score runs simultaneously because posada doesn’t play behind the plate. On top of that Cervelli has been poor defensively so it’s not like he’s a back up that saves runs defensively.
It ‘s literally a lose-lose-lose situation.
us Yankees versus them Currently the Best Team in the AL East.
Jeez, I wonder who will win.
WYH-
Are auditions for the 3 and 4 th playoff starters still ongoing even at this late date ?
IMO, yes.
If AP stays healthy and gets back to form then it will most certainly be CC and him as playoff starters.
But of the others it appears to me that Joe G. is still evaluating his options. Hughes, AJ, Nova, or Moseley.
Who is a better 3rd starter option at this point Hughes or AJ ?
Right now it’s really a tossup isn’t it ? Or do you think the answer is more clearcut ?
Ledger_Yankees – Jeter also points out another fact: the Yankees lost.
Other than salary and organizational pride, there is no reason to start AJ/Cervelli over Moseley/Posada or Nova/Posada.
I wish we had re-signed Carl Pavano instead.
“Paul Konerko gets hit in the face with a pitch and he stays in the game and girardi takes his players out of the game when they sneeze…..”
And how are the Chi Sox doing? Out of contention I believe.
Hughes/Posada is a clear winner over AJ/Cervelli.
CB,
Totally agree. If Cervelli catches in the postseason in place of Posada because of AJ then to me that’s just uncomprehendable….you consider doing something like that with Greg Maddux…. not AJ Burnett.
It ’s literally a lose-lose-lose situation.
***********
Girardi’s response :” We felt the cervy gives us the best chance at getting Burnsy going again and pitching the way he is accustomed to. We’ve evaluated what cervy brings to the table and have decided we’re going to use him in these games. (then he looks up towards the media and nods his head a few times in no particular direction)
Blake-
Didn’t you get the memo ?
In a paralell universe AJ Burnett IS Gregg Maddux.
SAS
I have no idea what Girardi’s plans are for the very important situation you described.
At this point if posada doesn’t catch AJ at least a couple of regular season games I don’t see how you all of a sudden put posada behind the plate in tbd post season to handle AJ. That seems like a terrible plan and is part of why I was expecting (hoping?) Posada would catch tonight.
Until we see evidence otherwise I think it’s only reasonable to believe girardi will not have posada catch AJ even in the NL park and no Dh.
This is very concerning Cervelli is the lineup in terms of the implications for the playoffs as well as a very disturbing trend when discussing the merits of Girardi managing this team. I don’t want to say one thing/one action will make me sour on Girardi as a manager, but if Cervelli starts in the postseason I will really have to reevaluate how I feel about him.
Another thing that doesn’t make sense is why Posada was not playing in game 2 of the Tampa series. If you planned to give him 2 days off, including the off day yesterday, he had to be in the lineup.
It is hard to believe Girardi would compromise his team like this, again.
WHY CAN’T RUSSO PLAY????
If, in fact, Torre is finished managing the Dodgers after this season, will anyone in the mainstream press finally ask Torre and Yankees’ management whatever happened to the 6 year consulting agreement that was, according to Cot’s, a part of Torre’s contract extension he signed in 2004 to manage 2005 through 2007? Have the Yankees and Torre had a continuing contractual arrangement the last 3 years? If so, how much were the Yankees paying him? Do they have a continuing contractual arrangement years into the future? If all contractual obligations of one party to the other were not terminated after 2007, what duty of loyalty and confidentiality did one party owe to the other? And, if Torre’s consulting agreement with the Yankees doesn’t start until now, what duty of loyalty and confidentiality, especially as to clubhouse communications, does Torre now have to the Dodgers and Dodger personnel?
And, while we are on a transparency binge, will the NY Daily News ever disclose how much it paid Torre to say all those nice things about the NY Daily News and its reporters by name in all of those radio commercials over the years? And are we to believe that such payments and laudatory words would have had absolutely no effect on Daily News coverage of the Yankees or of Torre over the years? Couldn’t possibly affect a book review or promotion, could it? Has any Daily News reporter ever mentioned the Torre consulting agreement with the Yankees or the Torre Daily News commercials in print?
I don’t live in the NY area, so I don’t see the Daily News daily. I am not saying they haven’t covered these stories adequately; I just don’t know. Sorry to take up Gannett’s bandwidth to ask these questions, but I would think that these are questions that any responsible sports journalists in the New York or LA markets would want to address for their readers.
WYH-
So are you saying that for the #3 playoff starter you prefer YMH because Posada gets to catch ?
Just for argument’s sake, let’s say Po can can catch either.
Who do you prefer as your 3rd starter ? AJ or Hughes ?
Chuck September 17th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
“Paul Konerko gets hit in the face with a pitch and he stays in the game and girardi takes his players out of the game when they sneeze…..”
And how are the Chi Sox doing? Out of contention I believe
*******************
Not mathematically – but yes…..give Ozzie 75 more million dollars in salary and then get back to me…..he had the white sox – with Bobby Jenks as their closer, competitive until the last week in the season…put bobby jenks as the yankee closer this year and see where the yankees would be…
Burnsy???
Ugh…
Jorge usually gets Fri nights off and then plays the the rest of the weekend.
Still Cervelli has gotten roughly 40% of the catcher AB’s this season while compiling a .666 OPS.
Tonight lets hope AJ holds it together long enough to keep them in the game. It’s crazy that he’s just a complete question mark with 16 games left in the season.
There should be no reason – aside from injury or concussion – why Posada should not start every playoff game. Only back to back games a couple times, and a day off between travel days. OTOH, if Cervelli actually learns how to play defense or bothers to put up defensive effort, then that’s another story. Cervelli – while playing good defense – could catch while Posada DH against a right hander instead of Thames….and also Berkman if Berk has bad numbers against the right hander
Can anyone answer my question about Kevin Russo? I thought he did pretty well in left field this year.
Ohhhhh thre joy of having “Kearnsy” in the line up again
Luckily (for lack of a better word because I have a really hard time viewing this as lucky), the Yankees do not have HFA in the WS, so if it got to that point AJ would likely be starting at home.
MTU-
Hughes.
Jeers-
Unfortunately, AJ’s pitching is unstable but prone to streaks.
No one, not even AJ, knows when the pendulum is going to swing the other way and good AJ shows up.
Usually, when it does, good things happen for a semi-predictable amount of time.
Let’s hope the pendulum starts swinging the other way tonite.
GoldGlove – You’re right. Russo did as good or as bad a job as Kearns and Thames out there in the field. And he actually put together some very quality at bats, including the game winning 2 run double against the Mets.
I think Burnett is Maddux in a perpendicular rather than parallel universe.
Not catching Posada is a total loss because of how productive the Thames/Berkman DH combo is.
Hopefully, this is all part of resting Jorge so he is as close to 100% as possible for the post-season.
I remember Russo making some good plays in Minnesota as well in a big outfield. No idea why Kearns keeps playing. This is a Torre move- going with the guys who have “experience.”
Wave-
I think I know the answer but I like to hear why you chose YMH.
Also, do you think Girardi agrees with you ?
Jose Molina asks:
“Do you miss me now?”
I’ll repeat, because of the quality lefties the Yanks will see in the post season, it is crucial to get Kearns swinging the bat well.
Russo, Golson, Chad Curtis aren’t going to impact the post-season, but Kearns could if his bat gets going.
“Hopefully, this is all part of resting Jorge so he is as close to 100% as possible for the post-season.”
I believe that this is the case.
Hughes is more consistent. No, I doubt that Girardi agrees with me.
If Burnett happens to get lined up against a left handed we very well may see both Cervelli and kearns in the line up together.
WYH – As CB and others have noted, there’s a reason why Kearns has never stuck. His ability to put forth non quality at bats CANNOT happen in the postseason. You cant just throw away at bats swinging at pitches that bounce 50 feet in front of home plate or that are in the other batter’s box.
WYH-
I agree that Phil is more consistent right now but if AJ gets on one his famous “rolls” I’m not so sure.
And I agree with your answer on Joe G. as well. I think he is still evaluating his options.
CR9-
I can’t agree, because I don’t think there is any good option to Kearns vs. left handed starters of the quality the Yanks will face in the post-season.
backbench September 17th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Jose Molina asks:
“Do you miss me now?”
******************
BTW molina’s salary for 2010 = $800,000
Cervelli’s = $410,800
and just for laughs..
nick johnson – 5.5 million
jim thome – 1.5 million
Since May 4th, the longest stretch of Good AJ we have seen this season is 2 games.
WYH – I see your point. No quality lefthanded opposition. However, what is there to suggest this guy can actually put forth quality at bats on a regular basis, or in limited duty, against a non quality lefty?
LGY-
Then he’s overdue.
Amend that.
ALL season, the longest stretch of Good AJ has been 2 games.
Let’s hope the pendulum starts swinging the other way tonite.
MTU,
————————————————————————————
The Pit and the Pendulum. Mostly with AJ it’s been the pit. But there couldn’t be a better city than Poe’s hometown to get the pendulum swinging in the right direction.
And AJ had one of his best starts this season here at Camden but that seems like eons ago. This has easily been his worst season ever.
It’s funny but we were all so worried about his health when they signed him. Now I feel like we should be saying “Damn you AJ! Why do you have to be so healthy all the time? Can’t you miss a start every now and then?”
LGY-
Then I repeat, maybe he is overdue.
CR9-
I’m not ready to follow you down the rabbit hole.
WYH – I understand. And to be honest, if Kearns starts a game in the postseason, I will be riding his bandwagon hoping for success for the guy just as you will be.
“No quality lefthanded opposition”
Really? Lee. Price, etc. Did we miss something?
Austin Kearns has mediocre speed, a mediocre arm, is uncertain in the OF judging paths to the ball and regularly comes to the plate with no apparent plan for what to do against a given pitcher.
But other than that, he’s a terrific option in the post season (or any other time).
Jeers-
That’s definitely ironic as well as sardonic.
Seriously though. I am not predicting an AJ turnaround at this late date but it could happen all by itself.
That’s how it is with AJ.
And should that happen he is a dominating pitcher.
I take late over never.
and just for laughs..
nick johnson – 5.5 million
jim thome – 1.5 million
——————————–
To add to that….
Vlad Guerrero – 5.5 million
Cervelli should be catching 1 out of every 4 games AT THE MOST. It’s absurd how much Girardi plays him.
With all due respect to the Twins and the baseball they’ve played over the last few weeks, it’s been seen many times that a team can peak too early and then go flat in October.
Given a choice, I’d rather see the Yankees elevate their game now and carry it into October.
backbench – We obviously knew about Lee and Price, but Kearns wont be in the lineup versus them anyway. No use discussing those 2.
To add to that….
Vlad Guerrero – 5.5 million
*************
true and sad at the same time
“Then I repeat, maybe he is overdue”
MTU-
Who are you talking about? AJ, Jeter, Tex, Kearns, Gardner, Cervelli, Gaudin, Mitre, someone else? Girardi perhaps?? LOL
I dont blame Cashman for Guerrero. Guerrero would have been nothing but a stinkpile with us. Double play after strikeout after weak popout. Think of Guerrero with the Angels against the Red Sox – but worse. We would have had the worse Guerrero
CR9 September 17th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
I dont blame Cashman for Guerrero. Guerrero would have been nothing but a stinkpile with us. Double play after strikeout after weak popout. Think of Guerrero with the Angels against the Red Sox – but worse. We would have had the worse Guerrero
*************
didn’t guerrero get the game and series clinching hit versus papelbum in last years alds?
Hopefully next year Montero can shoulder some of the catching duties.
I am really surprised Posada is not playing tonight.
Cashman – Yes he did. For one hit does not make a career of flops against them.
…be forgotten
Kearns has hit Liriano and CJ Wilson well this year, though of course not many PAs.
He hasn’t hit Lee or Price well, but not many do.
YT-
For the moment, I was focusing on AJ.
So because he goes to Texas… he becomes good, but if he went to the Yankees he’d be the worst player imaginable?
yes but it was a hit that ended the redsox’s year – shouldn’t more importance be given to a hit like that as compared to a regular season hit?
Jason Voorhees – Pretty much. Remember Roger Clemens with us. He was very good, a 20 game winner, a CY Young winner because of 20 games won, but he wasn’t Toronto Blue Jays Roger Clemens with us.
Perhaps that was because he was off the juice with us, but I like to think other factors affect players’ success with other teams versus their lack of success with us.
Not the worst player imaginable, but worse than his performances against the Sox with the Angels.
CB, it had better not be because Cervelli is starting in place of Jorge in the playoffs. If so, they should fire Joe on the spot.
I don’t trust anyone in this rotation outside of CC and Andy, AJ least of all, so I admit I’m expecting an implosion. The O’s are playing very well – the Yanks need to get their heads out of their fannies and start winning a few games.
As an aside, anyone rooting to face the Twins because because it means we don’t face Lee may regret their wish. They have Liriano and Pavano (who always shuts us down) and they’ve won a ton of games without Morneau. If he comes back……… The point is, I don’t think the Yankees or Rays are so much better, if they are better, than the Twins……….and certainly they are not unbeatable.
Austin Kearns potential value in the post season is going to be closely related to how he’s swinging the bat going into the post season.
He has a very long, top hand dominant swing that is filled with holes. It’s a swing with very little margin for error.
If he’s locked in he could be an asset. If he’s swinging like he is now they’re better off playing Granderson against LH pitching.
Kearns is going to see a steady diet of off speed junk in the post season and I could see him having enormous difficulty adjusting if his timing isn’t absolutely correct.
I would have played Thames tonight in RF but I can see an argument to try to get Kearns going as well. Though I don’t think that long term argument is as valuable as Thames bat would have been while playing a RF that is relatively small.
On the flip side if there’s any thought of playing Thames in defensively in the post season he should definitely be playing tonight.
Cashman – Not really. They were up 2-0 in the series anyway. Juan Rivera also got a key 2 run hit the inning before, but I aint gonna sing his praises either. If Guerrero did what Willy Aybar did in a Game 7 versus the Red Sox, then Id appreciate him.
not only does burnett stink but he has his own special catcher who cannot hit. kinda like steve acarlton…….oops, i forgot carlton was great and deserved to have his own catcher.
i ment kinda like greg maddox!!! oops i forgot maddox was great and burnett stinks..
personal catcher and he still stink.s got his pitching coach back and he still stinks…
maybe he needs a binky and a blanket and that will help tough guy aj… it most be complicated to catch he after all he throws 2 pitches.
good news, kearns the hack is still in the lineup…hey austin ever hear of the word off speed???????????????
Why would AJ get on a roll? It’s been all season – he’s not going to. He’s been horrendous……..
I don’t see how you can criticize Cash for not signing Vlad. The guy looked DONE last year and his numbers this year are greatly inflated by playing in Texas.
Voorhees – I’ll give you a sort of apples and oranges example with a non sports celebrity.
Dane Cook. If he was a Yankees fan, nobody would find the guy funny. People would despise him and boo him off the stage. He’s a Red Sox fan, and so there are people – and get this, Yankees “fans” – that think he is funny. Same with the “comedian” Louis CK.
Why would AJ get on a roll? It’s been all season – he’s not going to. He’s been horrendous……
–
Why can’t he get on a roll? He’s done it in his career, why not now. He was on a roll early on in the season
Patrick – Of course it’s possible, and I certainly believe in him. But what I think Betsy means is “she’s not going to pin her hopes on something that hasn’t happened in a long while.”
If Cervelli is catching this much to keep Jorge fresh for the playoffs then fine….if its part of a rotation that will carry over into the playoffs…not fine. I’m hoping its the former but as CB pointed out if it were then it looks like Joe would mix it up a bit so that Posada caugh everyone at least part of the time (including AJ).
If Cervelli is catching this much to keep Jorge fresh for the playoffs then fine….if its part of a rotation that will carry over into the playoffs…not fine. I’m hoping its the former but as CB pointed out if it were then it looks like Joe would mix it up a bit so that Posada caugh everyone at least part of the time (including AJ).
Betsy-
I wasn’t predicting one as much as just hoping for one.
There’s still time for it to happen however slight the chance may be.
Don’t you believe in the “tooth fairy”, or in miracles in general ?
Dane Cook is a disgrace to the word comedy. I wasn’t aware he was a Sox fan.
Louis CK is decent.
I think it’s funny that everyone thought Vlad was cooked after having one down year and he’s put together an impressive year for a 5.5 million dollar signing.
Patrick, that was ages ago and he’s been worse this year than any other year. I’d be shocked if he did……and I’m not counting on it.
No MTU, I don’t.
Betsy-
That’s too bad because they happen every day.
Betsy,
I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility for A.J. to get on a roll. It’s false to say he simply can’t do it.
Voorhees – YES! Someone agrees with me on Cook. I can muster up a “decent” for CK. There are a few decent scenes Ive seen of him. However, there was one that was just so disgraceful – and not in the pushing boundaries type of way.
He actually thought it was funny to say that he would have sex with animals if he could be sure the animal enjoyed it. Better yet, he said he’d “love to” have sex with animals. I cant imagine anybody finding that funny. That’s not even remotely funny.
The curious case of Kei Igawa:
http://riveraveblues.com/2010/.....kee-32818/
The Yanks didn’t sign Vlad for the same reasons they didn’t sign Matsui:
A.) Age
B.) Knees are shot
C.) Can’t play the outfield.
And so you are aware, he’s just another of those Red Sox “fans”
You know, the ones that only came into existence post-2004. Which Im pretty sure were all of them.
MTU, they do?
Patrick, it can happen – but I am not holding my breath given how absolutely atrocious he’s been this year.
We need a few long men on this team in the post-season the way our rotation is stacking up, especially if all but Andy and CC get very, very short leashes.
Betsy,
Maybe it’s crazy but I AM counting on A.J. getting on a roll for the playoffs
But then again, I am sometimes unreasonably optimistic.
Either way, I expect Nova and Vazquez to be on the playoff roster. That’s two very quality long relievers in case one of the starters stinks
Betsy-
Depending on how you define “miracle” yes each and every day throughout the World.
Without a doubt.
vlad could barely get around the bases last year.
Honestly, I don’t think Girardi cares all that much about winning the division. I think he would prefer to win it, but thats not his main priority. His main priorities right now are making sure his players are healthy and rested, figuring out his playoff roster, and figuring out a playoff rotation. I think he realizes that he has a veteran team, and keeping them fresh for the playoffs is more important than home field advantage. I think he also realizes that playing Minny (who the Yankees own) on the road wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
CB-
I think the Yanks aren’t going to play Thames in the OF any more.
They dont need a million long relievers.
javy, nova, AJ is enough to cover the 4 spot and any long relief.
Blake-
We have our own version of Vlad.
His name is Kerry Wood.
Except for CC, the pen has been providing 40-50% of the innings over this losing streak-not a very good recipe for success.
Even in the highly unlikely scenario that AJ gets on a roll given how poorly he has pitched this season, that doesn’t really mean anything for the playoffs.
He is so incredibly unpredictable, especially this season. Anytime this year he has pitched well for 1 or 2 starts, he proceeds to implode the next game or for several games after.
Maybe Girardi doesn’t want Posada beat up blocking, stretching, reaching for all those errant pitches. Catching AJ is a bit of a workout. “Wild in the zone” and all that. Let Cervelli take the abuse tonight.
Looking forward to another bizarre weekend of Girardi managerial moves. (not) It will be hard to top Granderson bunting on 2-0 with Curtis on deck, but I’m sure Joe will give it his best shot.
LGY-
It may not to you but it might to Joe.
This is a saying that AJ should follow: “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say ‘I used everything you gave me’”
Go AJ! Prove ‘em all wrong! Use your talent!
Which of the following statements is true of AJ Burnett ? :
A) Past performance is not a predictor of future results.
B) Past performance is a predictor of future results.
C) Both
D) Neither
cr9,
who said that?
“Maybe Girardi doesn’t want Posada beat up blocking, stretching, reaching for all those errant pitches. Catching AJ is a bit of a workout.”
I hope so. This is really one of the very few legitimate reasons for Posada to not have been catching AJ this season.
It’s not because it was a concession to AJ or for his benefit but because it was in Posada’s benefit.
That’s why I really didn’t think it was much of an issue for Cervelli to catch AJ exclusively. Posada needed to rest and had recurrent injuries. Just let Cervelli catch the mad bomber.
But it’s untenable to not have Posada play every single game in the post season. And eventually you will need to get Jorge back there to catch AJ during the regular season. Not a good idea just to go the shock therapy route and just throw Jorge back there in the post season with AJ.
And given that there was a day off yesterday, Swisher being out, Gardner still banged up, the offense struggling and the team needing a win, tonight seemed like a very good night to get Posada and AJ reacclimated.
They can do it later as well. Not a big deal – as long as it’s done. But I am a bit concerned.
I think that CR9 was quoting Tim McLelland…
MTU,
C and D.
Cross fingers, maybe the entire lineup will be available tomorrow for CC to go for #20….Swisher, Gardner, and Posada.
When was the last game that Arod, Berkman, Swisher, Posada, and Gardner all started in the same game? Has that ever happened?
Yeah, I was quoting Tim McClelland, lol
If there is such a thing as heaven and …., we all know that Tim aint going to heaven!!
Sorry for not giving you the author of the quote: it is Erma Bombeck
Regarding Jorge. I am surprised anyone is surprised. This is typical Girardi. IMO, there is no way Jorge will ever catch/DH all three games in a series before the playoffs.
My crystal ball says AJ is going to pitch a very good game tonight.
I will watch the game later, as I am off to see the Durham Bulls (with fireworks). It was supposed to be against Scranton, but unfortunately they lost. Enjoy the game tonight everybody.
The answer is…
E. All of the above
Blake-
My point exactly. AJ is essentially unpredictable but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t just as easily throw a No-No on a given day.
For me he profiles like a “Knuckleballer”.
When “off” he’s disaster. When “on” unhittable.
Keep hoping for “on”.
As far as CC goes you’re right. It’s seems like a distant memory since the “full-strength” lineup has been in there.
I have can’t wait to give CC his 20th win tribute. The sooner the better. It’s gonna be spectacular.
When was the last time that AJ was unhittable?
Jeers-
That wasn’t a choice but it’s true nonetheless.
Come on, someone has to laugh at my Tim McClelland response COME ON! Im getting cheated!
Cashman in Baltimore for O’s series.
Tar,
Have fun heckleing those rays prospects
…I miss bulls games.
How to win over fans and influence people.
AJ ERA May 1st – 1.99
AJ ERA June 1st – 3.72
AJ ERA July 1st – 4.90
AJ ERA August 1st – 4.93
AJ ERA September 1st – 5.15
Cashman wants to see how a truly excellent team operates. Good for him.
WCYF-
I’m not going to try to defend AJ or to tell you it was recently.
All I’m trying to say is that AJ has the type of stuff to shutdown a team, any team, when he’s on.
And you never know when that will occurr. Maybe tonite is the night.
Maybe not.
Since he is the starting pitcher tonite that’s what I’m gonna hope for.
No guarantees whatsoever with Burnett. Just potential. And possibility.
Some guys don’t even have that much going for them.
Girardi’s not quite wetting himself, but I’m sure the sweat stains on his uniform are growing very pronounced.
Note to Joe: You are free to start managing with winning the game in mind. In many cases, that means NOT over-managing. Do try to avoid becoming a terrible joke in Yankee Land.
Jerkface, I don’t get it.
Phil and AJ will be on extremely short leashes – possibly out after the 1st or 2nd inning if you believe, like SJ does, that any sign of trouble means they go. I find it a little difficult to believe that either or both of those pitchers won’t find themselves in a pickle at some point and since the Yankees will probably not trust them, yes – they need more than Nova and Javy.
Patrick, what you just described isn’t merely optimism, lol. Wow- I hope you aren’t disappointed.
Javy and Nova are not enough to cover Phil and AJ getting yanked from the game early.
I have seen the future.
Here’s A.J. Burnett’s line from tonight:
2.2 innings, 8 hits, 6 runs, 4 walks, 4 strikeouts.
It’s been several months since AJ has been on. At this point, I not only don’t expect him to be or get on, but I’d be shocked if he doesn’t just blow up.
MTU – I’ll buy that. Hope springs eternal even with AJ. That’s what being a fan is all about.
Betsy in all fairness it hasn’t been several months. He shut down Kansas City on August 15th – 8IP – 4 Hits – 1 Run.
WCYF-
We’ve got nothing to lose hoping since Girardi has assigned him as tonite’s starter.
If he busts he busts. Let’s just hope Joe G. has him on a short leash so the damage can be limited if it goes that way.
AJ pitched better in his last outing and apparently Eiland thinks he’s “getting close”…we can hope. Jumping on Millwood early would certainly help.
Ok, but that was just 1 start…..
First things first, though – he has to pitch well tonight and give the team a chance to win.
MTU,
I agree…you have Javy, Mosely, and Mitre out there. If AJ struggles or shows signs that the wheels are starting to wobble…pull the hook quickly tonight.
I wonder what the over-under is on passed balls/wild pitches tonight? Cervelli has been a disappointment defensively and AJ has to bounce his curve ball now and then to be effective.
Blake-
I’m with you. I want to see the offense PULVERIZE Millwood.
Just turn him into dust. Then we won’t have to worry about AJ as much.
Besides. It’s about time for Mt. Vesuvius to erupt. Don’t you think ?
I second, third and fourth the complaint about Cervelli being in the lineup yet again. So he can bunt 3-0 again? WHY does a pitcher as crappy as Burnett get a personal catcher? Like Burnett is so predictable and consistent that you have any clue who he’s going to pitch better to? Posada’s bat NEEDS to be in the lineup, especially since the lineup has stunk so badly and is so inconsistent. It needs all the help it can get. Having Cervelli in it is like having a pitcher in there. Good God, the Yankees baby their players more than every other team combined.
Blake-
And I want Trenton to kick some azz too !
The good news is AJ couldn’t be facing a better opponent. Millwood has lost 15 games and has an era of 5.30. We should score early and often against him.
MTU,
Yes, I’ve said a couple times that the Yankees are badly in need of a nice comfortable win….they have played nothing but nail biters for over a week.
Blake-
OK then. let’s get ‘er done !
Agree completely on the Cervelli comments. Posada’s bat needs to be in there. If they get close to clinching a spot, then put the .250 singles hitter in there occasionally.
MTU,
Me too….go Thunder..whonis pitching for them tonight?
Blake-
It was supposed to be Warren yesterday so I’m assuming he goes tonite. GB will probably chime in on it.
I found a positive for Cervelli.
He has a .365 obp since the all-star break.
Hey, it’s something…
MTU,
That’s right. I’m sure it’ll be him. BTW…there is going to be a new addition to the blake household…saw the 10 week ultrasound today..just amazing.
Good evening, all –
I think the discussions, above, about Kearns v. Thames in RF – need to get Kearns going, especially with the problems in his swing; Thames’ well noted problems in the field; Cisco v. Posada, need to rest Jorge, Cisco’s defensive and offensive issues, need to protect Jorge from AJ; getting the team ready for October, as well as finalizing your position in the October….These are pretty heavy decisions that have to be made.
That’s a lot of considerations. Plus, whatever going on in the training room and clubhouse that we have no idea of.
It’s always easier to make decisions when you’re ignorant of the issues. You tend to feel smarter, louder, and more confident of what you decide. Especially when you don’t have to answer for the results.
I know that to be the case, because I see that at work, all too often.
cervelli has ONE HR in 346 at bats!
R u kidding me????