Considering the postseason bench
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Oct 04, 2010 
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Joe Girardi left little doubt yesterday that he plans to carry Austin Kearns on the playoff roster. Kearns is a career .375 hitter against the members of the Twins pitching staff not named Matt Capps. He’s 0-for-10 against the Twins new closer, but Kearns has been pretty good against the rest of the Twins pitchers. Even if he weren’t, the Yankees don’t exactly a strong offensive alternative. Starting Kearns ahead of Brett Gardner might be a bit much at this point, but as a right-handed bat off the bench, he’s the best non-Thames option the Yankees have.
Beyond Kearns, we can confidently assume these 11 position players will also make the postseason roster: Jorge Posada, Francisco Cervelli, Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson, Nick Swisher, Lance Berkman and Marcus Thames.
That leaves room for two — three if the Yankees carry only 10 pitchers — to round out the bench. There seem to be three leading candidates, and a handful of secondary options.
Greg Golson
Outfielder
Pros: Plus speed and arm… Can play all three outfield spots… Defensive upgrade as a late-inning substitution in right field; offensive upgrade as a pinch runner… Two starts in the final two weeks of the season, with at least one hit in each.
Cons: Career .260 hitter in Triple-A, career .200 hitter in the big leagues… Limited major league experience; has only two career big league RBI… Not considered as much of a base-stealing threat as Eduardo Nunez… Yankees already have five outfield options.
Eduardo Nunez
Infielder
Pros: Considered the Yankees top base-stealing threat off the bench… Comfortable at shortstop and could play second ot third… Hit .280 in limited big league action after an all-star season in Triple-A… Better offensive utility infielder than Ramiro Pena.
Cons: Roughly a month and a half of major league experience… Counting the big leagues, played six games at second and 26 at third this season. Before that, had just 20 career appearances away from shortstop… Eight at-bats since September 4… Not as good defensively as Ramiro Pena.
Ramiro Pena
Infielder
Pros: Been with the big league club all season… Arguably the Yankees best defensive infielder at three different positions… Despite poor offensive numbers, has shown a knack for big hits in big situations… Enough speed to help on the bases as a pinch runner… Most versatile bench option with some additional experience in the outfield if needed in a pinch.
Con: Two extra-base hits all season, even in the minors he was only a .255 hitter with no power… Eduardo Nunez could play the same utility role with more offensive upside… Yankees are unlikely to rest any of their infielders during the playoffs.
Colin Curtis
Outfielder
Pros: Does a little bit of everything: Has some power, has some speed, plays quality defense at all three outfield spots… Hit pretty well during his brief window of consistent playing time.
Cons: Doesn’t do one thing especially well. Doesn’t have Greg Golson’s speed or Juan Miranda’s left-handed power… Yankees already have two lefty outfielders.
Juan Miranda
First baseman
Pros: Powerful left-handed bat off the bench… Has three home runs in limited major league duty… Most of the Yankees bench options are right-handed.
Cons: Gives almost no defensive flexibility… Limited to a pinch hitter, and the Yankees aren’t likely to pinch hit very often.
Chad Moeller
Catcher
Pros: The Yankees did carry three catchers last postseason.
Cons: A.J. Burnett was also lined up to start Games 2 and 5 in each playoff series last year. That meant the potential for two games each series caught by the Yankees backup. That shouldn’t be the case this year.
Kevin Russo
Utility
Pros: Could play every position except pitcher and catcher… Consistent minor league hitter; gave the Yankees a surprising boost in left field earlier this season.
Cons: Limited shortstop experience… One major league at-bat since July 11… Clearly behind Eduardo Nunez and Ramiro Pena in the infield pecking order.
Nunez and Golson.
Golson and Pena is what I would go with. Nunez scares me a little but defensively right now and Pena has more experience. Golson as a defensive replacement.
Nunez has more offensive upside but Pena is a much better defender at all 3 spots. If either is in the game then the main thing they do is catch the ball.
Pena and Golson.
Pena is the better fielder over Nunez and Golson has the legs and a cannon for an arm as a late inning defensive replacement/pinch runner.
Repost:
It took me all morning to find, but someone posted the YES closing credits on YouTube. It’s not good quality, especially sound-wise – it’s someone’s video capture of their tv set. But it’s all I could find so far, and I hadn’t seen it at all. None of the YES stuff this morning includes those closing credits – Just the post-game interviews, the booth report and the Joe Girardi Show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rypTMZTmNpM
***
One thing that stands out to me is how truly incredibly magical last season was.
But the other thing is this Yankee team has had to gut out a lot of stuff this season, and they still have a chance to win it all. It was certainly not as pretty a season, this 2010 season, but it had its moments, too. And 95 wins is nothing to sneeze at, thank you very much.
I have to agree with what Michael Kay said on yesterday’s booth report, though. Last year, there was no way the Yankees weren’t going to the WS. Everything was pointing to that, all year. But this season, it really can turn out at either extreme. It’s been that kind of season.
Pena doesn’t really fit because none of the infielders are going to be rested, pinch hit for or replaced for defense.
I’d take Nunez for pinch running and emergency (injury), where I want his bat.
Golson for defensive replacement in RF and secondary pinch runner.
My pick would be Golson and Pena.
I think.
no kearns please.
Jerkface October 4th, 2010 at 11:34 am
If Hughes isnt good enough for game 2 in the ALDS where it makes sense (Flyball pitcher in huge park, Andy a lefty in NYS vs lefty heavy lineup), why do you think they’d pitch him Game 2 in a bigger series?
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It has nothing to do with Hughes not being good enough. Your points above are valid. However, if I have a choice, I want Pettitte and CC pitching 4 of the 5 games in a 5 game series. I think you’d agree with that. In a 7 game series, they’d both (Hughes & Pettitte) have to pitch 2 games, anyway…if the series went long enough. So it doesnt really matter who pitches game 2 vs game 3.
I love that the Rays got a little paragraph in the New York Times on the bottom of page 3 sports saying they won the AL East and the Yankees get some of page 1 and half of page 2. I’ve been avoiding all Tampa papers and probably will until the Rays are eliminated. Hopefully by the beginning of next week.
They won’t be pinch hit for but Arod may be pinch ran for at some point…which at that time I’d rather have Pena going in to play 3rd than Nunez. Nunez doesn’t have a lot of experience at 3rd.
Now, jacksquat, that also makes sense regarding Nunez vs. Pena. Sigh.
Glad I don’t have to make these decisions.
It doesn’t matter. Does it?
Can we stop the romantic narratives that Pena has a knack for big hit , he is a 250 hitter in high leverage situations and almost never with power. Nunez is a better choice. But given Joe and Org love for the guy, he will be on the roster under most scenarios.
Pena and Golson. Pena is a better defensive player then Nunez and seeing it will be a shock for any of these utility if types to get an AB, got to go with the defense. Nunez is also not much faster than Pena although Nunez is a better base-stealer (albeit small sample size).
Got to carry Golson both to pinch run but to also avoid,at all costs, having Thames wander the OF in the playoffs. The closest Thames should be to a glove is handing it to Golson to man the oF if Thames was a PH.
Really, really doubt the Yankees carry only 10 Pitchers,,, not their style.
Remember that the postseason is not the same as the regular season. Likely the only use for Nunez/Pena is going to be pinch running, at which Nunez is better (better than Golson also). Defense really only becomes a factor if there is an injury.
Off the bench you want the most a pinch runner (Nunez) and some offense (Nunez) so I figure Nunez is the first option. The second would be a defensive option in case someone gets pinch hit or pinch run (ran)?… so considering Granderson or Gardner would get PH vs Arod or Jeter in key situations, my guess would be an OF… so Golson fits that bill.
Pena lacks the offensive power and Nunez could adequately fit the bill if Arod get’s PRed during a game (which I would think would be highly unlikely).
Nunez is their best base stealer of the bench , which should prioritize him over Pena , not DEFENSE, because Pena won’t be playing defense for anyone unless he is pinching running for some infielders.
Jacksquat,
Let’s say Yanks are up 5-4 in the top of the 9th and Girardi pinch runs for Arod….who do you want playing third base in the Bottom of the 9th with the lead..
Nunez or Pena?…I want Pena.
Yeah I also think it’s pretty unlikely Arod gets pinch ran for. Has to be exactly the right situation because he does run ok and taking his bat out of the lineup is a big sacrifice that could come back to bite you.
I do feel badly for guys who helped the team all year and then get left off the PS roster because you can’t fit everybody and the roster is more tailor-made (or tries to be).
But that’s the “mom” in me, I guess. I know it’s not little league.
2 Days, 8 Hours, and 18 Minutes until Game 1 of the ALDS
Let’s say Yanks are up 5-4 in the top of the 9th and Girardi pinch runs for Arod
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why would Joe want to pinch run for Arod up by a run in that situation?
The most likely scenario would Yanks down one run , Nunez pinch run for Tex on 1st and needing a stolen base badly. Who would you want , Nunez or Pena?
“tyanksfan36 says:
October 4, 2010 at 12:05 pm
I love that the Rays got a little paragraph in the New York Times on the bottom of page 3 sports saying they won the AL East and the Yankees get some of page 1 and half of page 2. I’ve been avoiding all Tampa papers and probably will until the Rays are eliminated. Hopefully by the beginning of next week.”
Well it is called The New York Times
It may not be a choice between Pena and Nunez. I think two of Nunez, Pena and Golson make the roster. So the question is, which 2 would you take? My guess is he takes Pena and Nunez and Golson stays home.
ARod’s a really good baserunner, unless field conditions are poor or something, I don’t think Girardi is going to pinch run for ARod here. He’s been rested over the course of the season in preparation for this. Are there even any stretches of 3 consecutive games without an off day in the post-season?
blakeOctober 4th, 2010 at 12:10 pmJacksquat,
Let’s say Yanks are up 5-4 in the top of the 9th and Girardi pinch runs for Arod….who do you want playing third base in the Bottom of the 9th with the lead..
Nunez or Pena?…I want Pena.
—
See my post above. That would be pretty much the only situaton I might favor Pena over Nunez, but not if you need him to steal also.
El Nino and Golson is my guess.
BTW, did they release any pictures from the rookie hazing yesterday?
The most likely pinch run candidates are Swisher, Tex, Posada, Thames, Berkman. So Golson is definite.
Because they do it all the time…I didn’t say I agreed with it but they pinch run for Alex a lot late in games for some reason….I’m just not overly confident in Nunez’s ability to play 3rd in a big game…he just doesn’t have a lot of experience there and its the spot a player off the bench is most likely to play.
I would take Golson and Nunez , because Golson can actually replace Swisher in late game as far superior defensive upgrade. Nunez can be the stolen base threat. R. Pena has a little use on a post season roster IMO.
Tampayank
I know that, which is why I picked it up. I didn’t want to see the Rays on every single page of the paper(we get the tribune) and I figured the New York Times wouldn’t give them much. Glad I was right.
Doreen,
I hate when they pinch run for Alex but they have done it quite a bit in the past. I recall one game where Pena ran for Arod and someone asked Girardi after the game why he did it and he responded ” because Pena is faster than Alex”. I don’t agree with it but I can see them doing it. Pena has more experience than Nunez and I think they will choose him.
The times Arod has been pinch run for I think it has been partly as part of his rest/injury prevention program. I don’t think that will be as much of a factor in the postseason. Arod can still run pretty well when he needs to.
But I won’t be terribly upset or anything if it’s Pena over Nunez. I like Pena.
Phil Hughes has not faced the Twins this year, so it might be an advantage for us, the Twins not being familiar with Phil.
I would rather not put Nunez on the roster because his presence might tempt Girardi to take hitters like Teix out of the lineup in a close and late game in which they might need the bat later on.
Yankees carried 3 catchers in the PS last year?
Are they considering ramiro pena as the 3rd catcher?
“I vow to let go of all worries and anxiety in order to be light and free.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh
For 28 will be ours! Destiny!
If either Pena or Nunez sees significant time then they are in trouble anyway so it shouldn’t matter that much….I just tend to lean towards the better defender for a utility bench role in the playoffs….runs are hard to come by so you want to make sure the guy coming in has the best chance to not give them away defensively.
blake -
I just wonder if he’d do it in the playoffs? (Pinch run for ARod) The regular season is one thing. Especially in a close game where one swing from Alex can win a close game late.
Kearns is not going to help the Yankees.
In 2010 he has SO 28.78% of AB.
As a Yankee he is worse, SO 37.25% of AB.
I’ll take any of the rookies over this guy.
I like Pena over Nunez as well because he is so versatile, he is a fairly decent baserunner and he has been excellent defensively. He does not have much power which is why I think Nunez would get picked over him. They really won’t need someone to handle defense unless there is an injury. None of their bench players have much power so I think they would only be there to pinch run, in which case Nunez has been chosen as a pinch runner over everyone else. I think they will have a tough time figuring out who to take.
Love the countdown Erica in NY. Makes me excited nervous whenever I see it.
I?ve been following the Yankees avidly for 44 years and I must say that these past several weeks have been as frustrating as any I?ve experienced. We have no starting pitching beyond CC, we have two catchers who couldn?t throw Yogi Berra out, and our bench is filled with guys who couldn?t start for the Royals.
That being said, we still have a 50/50 shot of beating the Twins and I?m glad we don?t have to face Cliff Lee twice in a short series.
We can still win it all if ARod, Tex, and Cano all get hot, Pettitte pitches well, Gardner learns to bunt, Jeter doesn?t hit it into any DPs, Posada throws out one f***ing baserunner, and Kearns remains on the bench. Oh, and Mo needs to be Mo.
Come to think of it, we?re screwed.
Doreen,
I hope not.that’s one thing that he does that drives me nuts…he pinch runs way too much especially with guys like Arod that can still run.
It bit Francona the other night when he pinch ran for everybody and then had nobody to hit in extra innings.
Golson is the easiest choice for me because he is a defensive upgrade over the starter in RF. Pena and Nunez are not upgrades and unlikely to play at all.
But I’d bring all three of them and go with ten pitchers. No way on earth you need 11 pitchers in a five game series with an off date.
I think I go with Pena and Golson.
Over the course of a season, I’d take Nunez over Pena. But, in a short playoff series, runs will be at a premium, hence D takes preference. Also, while Alex is a great baserunner, if not as fast as he once was, I could see Pena running for him late in a game, on a cold, Minnesota night. Remember, no dome anymore, and the last thing we want is Alex to pull a hammy….As blake said, above, I’d rather have Pena at 3rd in the 9th inning than Nunez.
86w183 -
Unless you want that 2nd lefty out of the pen to give you some wiggle room with the Minny lefty hitters.
Doreen – I could see Joe taking Ring as the second lefty, for just that reason.
Now, if you really, really, really wanted to think outside the box…and be like Joe Maddon – you could use CC or Andy as that second lefty for a batter, late in the game. Just sayin’.
UnKnown October 4th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
Love the countdown Erica in NY. Makes me excited nervous whenever I see it.
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Thank you.
I did it last year from the moment the regular season ended throughout the entire postseason- and they won the World Series. I can’t mess with that pattern
Are you gonna put Royce Ring in a key post-season situation?
No way on earth I would do that, none.
“Are you gonna put Royce Ring in a key post-season situation?”
nfw
Eric Weston October 4th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Come to think of it, we?re screwed.
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You have “followed” the Yankees for 44 years, but, based on your comments, I doubt you are an avid fan, not with those remarks.
My choice would be Pena/Nunez/Golson/10 pitchers, none named AJ
86w183 -
I really don’t know. But the Yankees have to be thinking a little along those lines.
I do know, from watching the Joe Girardi show, that they believe Kerry Wood and Dave Robertson are very capable of getting out lefties; so more than likely Ring won’t be on the roster. But he might be. And he may never be used.
Joe from Long Island -
That idea makes me nervous!
Over under on “Mo being Mo” this postseason?
Joe
Great idea thinking to use Andy or CC as a lefty batter. I think CC would be the wisest choice if it came down to it. He probably has more power than any of the bench guys combined, and he will need some practice for the world series;) spending all that time in the NL parks cause we lost homefield.
I think Logan will be the lone lefty in the pen. That makes it even more improtant as to when he’s used.
I’d like Girardi to leave his book at home, and when a RP is doing well, let him pitch, and not make a change for the sake of changing because your book says you need to match up.
Rich in NJ October 4th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
?Are you gonna put Royce Ring in a key post-season situation??
nfw
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my thoughts exactly. The very thought makes me cringe.
BIG AL
October 4th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
“…..I’d like Girardi to leave his book at home, and when a RP is doing well, let him pitch, and not make a change for the sake of changing because your book says you need to match up”.
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hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Someone mentioned Hughes would be facing Pavano in a potential game 5?
It would be Liriano. But CC would be facing Blackburn in a game 4.
When’s the last time Alex stole a base straight up?
Pena, as a “just in case an infielder gets hurt” bit of insurance. He’s gotten decent speed, so…he could pinch run for Thames or “Fat Elvis” if they REALLY needed him.
Golson, because he’s the best option for a pinch runner that you have. Yes, we have 5 options in the OF..but if Thames is playing meaningful innings in the OF during the AL playoffs, the rest of the OF’ers must have the plague. Golson can pinch run AND stay in and provide solid defense. He’d make a nice defensive sub for Kearns if we’re late with a big lead.
Not a Moeller fan by any means but the Yankee catching situation scares me. Posada is just flat out terrible in every aspect of the game right now and Cervelli’s defense has been atrocious. He’s picked it up with the bat recently but by no means is he good offensively. I hate to waste a spot on Moeller but a third catcher could come in handy for the Yanks if they have to pinch hit or one of those guys goes down…
Add Pirates and Brewers to teams looking for new managers.
So many openings this year.
In a tight, late-inning game, Cano would undoubtedly be walked in the event Alex stole second.
Shame Spencer October 4th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Over under on “Mo being Mo” this postseason?
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Mo will be fine. The only thing that scares me is that if a man does get on base via walk or single then they are going to run wild especially if Noodle Arm Posada is back there. A walk is going to be like a double or triple as the Red Sox exposed.
But Mo ill not be an issue. The guys done it countless times to mitigate any worry…
I’ll be surprised if Ring makes the squad. I expect an 11 man squad due to the uncertainty of how many innings/pitches Pettitte can give. Hope that homerun leader Gaudin isn’t one of the postseason picks.
If the Yanks can split in Minny I like their chances at the Stadium. Blackburn can be tough on the Yanks but I think they scratch out enough runs to win. Duensing should be like a pinata for this team. He has nothing. If they can go back to the stadium 1-1 and Pettite can beat Blackburn then CC can bring it home. Just need 1 in Minny.
When’s the last time Alex stole a base straight up?
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August 14 vs KCR
SI_JonHeyman RT @kellythesier #twins shutting down Morneau for postseason. No setback. More to come at MLB.com
m-
I agree. Don’t think A-Rod will get the green light to steal.
Big Al -
I’m just trying to inject a little humor. Trust me, I’m as big a fan as you’ll ever meet. I live and die with this team! I am hopeful, but deeply concerned, based on what I’ve seen over the past month.
Erin,
I was at Fenway a couple of nights ago and found Robbie outside the locker room listening to his Ipod.
http://oi52.tinypic.com/x25uzk.jpg
Does anyone else get redirected to an ad when they try to refresh the comments page? Its usually done it to me a couple times throughout the day, but today almost every time I reload the page I’m getting redirected..
I am surprised that Jeter has never stolen 40 bases in his career , While Alex was the only SS who had a 40/40 season. What a freak of physical specimen!
Bronx Jeers October 4th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
Erin,
I was at Fenway a couple of nights ago and found Robbie outside the locker room listening to his Ipod.
http://oi52.tinypic.com/x25uzk.jpg
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OMG, that is so cool!!
Thanks so much for posting it so I could see.
Pena and Golson. No need to overthink it.
Only way AJ should pitch is in a blowout game to save the pen. Anything else would be foolish.
Just have to see if this team can gear it up and find a way to win 3 games.
They have the veteran leadership to do it.
Do they have enough in the tank to do it AND to keep the manager from overmanaging them out of the playoffs? Time will tell.
Sometimes, I think Girardi and some of these managers make the game more complicated than it needs to be.
The last five weeks have shown us that.
Hopefully, Girardi has learned from these mistakes and handles the team well this post-season.
Losing Cano’s bat in a crucial situation is more detrimental to the team than losing the differences of Nunez’s speed and bat to those of Pena.
What’s more, Alex is a heads-up base runner, his bat would be lost and then you have Nunez’s bat that would allow Teixeira to be pitched around.
Too much to give up to justify taking Nunez over Pena for the ALDS bench.
M,
That may have been me…you’re right. It would be Liriano.
If the Yanks can split in Minny I like their chances at the Stadium. Blackburn can be tough on the Yanks but I think they scratch out enough runs to win. Duensing should be like a pinata for this team. He has nothing. If they can go back to the stadium 1-1 and Pettite can beat Blackburn then CC can bring it home. Just need 1 in Minny.
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Do we know if Pettitte is pitching game 2 or 3 yet?
Liriano is nasty against lefties , it would be interesting to see that match up.
“Don?t think A-Rod will get the green light to steal.”
Alex has the green light to steal anytime he’s on base unless they give him the red light.
ac-
I don’t know if it’s been announced yet. I’m hoping its Pettite in game 3 as he will provide a nice matchup against Blackburn and I like him at home limiting the leftys of the Twins. not totally sure though just predicting what i hope.
. Blackburn can be tough on the Yanks but I think they scratch out enough runs to win. Duensing should be like a pinata for this team.
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blackburn has 5ish era and Duensing 2.63 … I am confused. the other way around?
Cashmoney October 4th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
. Blackburn can be tough on the Yanks but I think they scratch out enough runs to win. Duensing should be like a pinata for this team.
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blackburn has 5ish era and Duensing 2.63 … I am confused. the other way around?
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Yeah, I switched the names. Blackburn should be the better matchup though the Yanks always let him hang around in the game.
SJ and CB can I get an official preditiction from you guys?
I think sanity prevails and Yanks win the first round in 4.
Must win games are 1 and 4 with CC on the mound. He has really earned every penny of that contract but really needs to continue to do so. I really only trust 2 guys on this team completely. CC and AROD.
I like Hughes in game two. He’s been very good on the road (3.47) this year.
Liriano vs Lefties has .91 WHIP and Duesing .72 WHIP ! also, 225 and 164 avg respectively, Cano will be tested as a NO 5 hitter against those two.
That’s a lot of hoping SJ44.
The guy who could feast this series is Jeter. He has always been so strong against leftys. I remember he hit a homerun in that continued game against Duensing which won the game 1-0. He is a guy who could have a big series setting the table for Tex, Arod, and Cano.
I wonder if they’ll even let Javy sit in the dugout?
It’d be best to have him be far, far away from the rest of the team!
Up close and personal with a madman as he rehearses for the final act in his one-man show of mayhem.
http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=2w53vj9&s=7
Sad to read that NY sports writer extraordinaire Maury Allen passed away…This comes a week after Michael Celizic passed away as well…..Great loss …..
I want to take this time to say congrats to Brett Gardner for proving me wrong and having a much better season than I thought he would. 47 steals and solid defense…not bad.
I don’t think it’s quite fair to make it sound like throwing Phil in game 2 is the obvious solution. It’s not. He’s still an unknown and while Andy is somewhat as well due to rust, I want Andy in game 5.
Phil is going to have to learn to deal with YS; if he doesn’t, then that’s not a good thing. When he was pitching well early in the season, he didn’t give up HRs period – at home or on the road. He struggled for a chunk of the season and gave up a lot of HRs period. In fact, recently he gave up HRs in Toronto and Tampa. He’s pitching better now and better at home. There’s a risk, but I think at some point you have to trust Phil at home.
I have noticed that the Yankees rotation is getting slammed beyond CC. Clearly Andy is looked at as a ? and Phil is looked at as a non-factor in a positive way. That is, people see his 4.19 ERA , his over 4 ERA after the ASB and see a pitcher who’s not very good. That’s the analysis you’re seeing and will continue to see.
I also play Curtis every day – I’d say he’s earned it. I expect him to be a dynamic player for us, granted we’ll be facing 2 lefties.
The Yankees had better start getting their act together against lefties – 0-8 in their last 8 games.
I’m tired of Joe’s machinations, but to be fair, he has the backing of his GM, so if we kill Joe, we have to kill Cashman as well.
“There’s a risk, but I think at some point you have to trust Phil at home.”
Actually Betsy, I think Phil should start on the road more because I’m worried about Andy than because I’d be worried about Phil. I can’t speak for everyone else on that, I’m sure we all have our reasons for wanting the rotation to shake out one way or another, just thought I’d share.
PS- I might be alone on this but I trust Phil more than Andy at the moment. I love Andy, but this whole situation can’t be easy for him. Hughes has been in more of a routine and I think thats a big factor.
I would choose Golson.
Pena and Golson would be good. Nunez is good offensively but he didn’t look very good in the field. I really don’t want to see any more of Kearns, but in any case it is up to Joe, not me.
Only way AJ should pitch is in a blowout game to save the pen. Anything else would be foolish
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I would think if its a blowout and the yankees are losing the game…..if its a blowout and the yankees are winning I still wouldn’t trust AJ – even if they were up 15 – 0…
Betsy October 4th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
I’m tired of Joe’s machinations, but to be fair, he has the backing of his GM, so if we kill Joe, we have to kill Cashman as well.
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Ding ding ding…give the lady a prize!!!
All the reports I’ve read say the Yankees, despite some concerns, are the team to beat.
We look at the concerns the Yankees have with a magnifying glass, because we are fans, and close to the team.
Others see the weaknesses, and still fear the team, for they know what the potential is, regardless of their late season struggles.
Jeers,
Love the picture of Cano…thanks.
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I go with Golson and Nunez, but wouldn’t be upset with Pena. I also don’t like Kearns at all, but he supposedly has a good record against the Twinkies.
I would carry 11 pitchers too. You never know with the number of extra inning games we have had.
Shame, IMO, Phil is still an unknown. We know his playoff history – good and bad. He came up huge for us recently of course and I am by NO means predicting that he fail, but he’s still a kid. I think there are reasonable arguments to be made on both sides, but IMO, the Yankee feel that Andy is their security blanket and they will want him to go in game 5. I admit, though, that Andy being rusty raises some issues that I ordinarily wouldn’t have.
Big Al,
I have you beat by about 10 yrs as a Yankee fan. You’re just a kid.
Cashman, don’t ding me yet. I LOVE Cashman and by NO means do I want him to go.
If you’ve got Golson and Thames on the roster, i dont really see the need for KKKKKKKKKKKearns
Betsy,
Hughes as a kid is millions of times better than Vazquez as a has-been. He pitched in the post season last year. He is just fine. I think he will prove his mettle.
Betsy is right. Granderson needs to play every game, regardless if it’s a lefty or righty pitching.
Besides, he’s hit some tough lefties recently, and has earned the right to play every day, IMO.
I despise when Joe pinch runs for Alex or other lumbering giants (not that Alex is lumbering).
Betsy – “…so if we kill Joe….”
Do I need a bodyguard?
SAS -
Are you kidding me, when was the last time a 67 year old was called a kid, unless you’re 90.
SAS, where did I compare Phil to Javy? We’ll have to wait and see if he’ll be fine; for me, I go with Andy in game 5.
Granderson and Gardy need to be starting each game, with Thames either DHing or available off the bench for a clutch Thamesian blast!
LOL or a bulletproof vest, Joe
Time to see if this team can turn on a switch or whether the 9 – 17 performance down the stretch is more than an aberration. They haven’t won a series in forever. Let’s hope they remember how.
Any idea what the umpiring crew is?
Hughes isn’t a rookie and he has experience in big games. As someone mentioned this morning he cleaned after Clemens went down in 2007 plus he pitched essentially exclusively in high leverage situations last year as the EIG. If he doesn’t throw well then I don’t see the situation being the reason why with him.
CR9 -
In your honer Joe West will do all Yankees game, at all 4 bases.
Honor … not honer
Lol AL! I was being serious, though. If anyone could umpire all 4 bases, Joe West is large enough to cover the space.
There’s 6 umpires a series; Id be surprised if we didnt get West.
CC, Phil, and Andy, in that order. This way, you start Andy the lefty at the Stadium.
Big Al,
Sorry you got me by a year or so…lol You are my husband’s age. I started watching the Yankees about 1950 with my Dad.
Shame,
I’m with you. Live Andy, but penciling in Hughes for Game 2 has everything to do with how they’re pitching right now. Hughes is pitching well, and Andy still looks rusty. I like them both, but Hughes on the road makes more sense right now.
CR9 -
I usually do not go along with your thoughts about the umpires, but, in the case of Joe West I agree.
Blake, I know he’s not a rookie, but this is the first time he’s starting in the playoffs. Really, I don’t know what I’ve said that is so wrong.
Joe,
That’s how I’d do it too but as long as its those three only (in whatever order) in the ALDS then ill be fine with it.
Bets,
You always talk about Phil as a kid…that’s all. He has 18 wins, and we both love him
Also, he struggled last year in the playoffs.
I never said I expect him to fail, but I can’t write him down as an absolutely sure thing to be solid.
Golson, Pena & Nunez.
You can probably bring all three if you leave the K-Man home.
Big Al – Nobody does. That’s quite alright
One thing for superstition – I dont want to fight/argue with any of you or mention Ted or the Red Sox during the next month.
The only thing that ever matters to me in October is winning the World Series.
SAS -
I was born into a Yankees family. On any given day my Mom could quote you the ERA’s of each Yankees pitcher. Talk about life time Yankees fan, I must have been conceived on an off day.
CR9 -
On that I believe we are all on the same page.
Betsy,
You didn’t say anything wrong…giving your opinion is ok. That said, nobody is a sure thing. I have confidence that Hughes will give the team a chance to win because I’ve seen him consistently do that all year. They aren’t playing in Toronto so I like his chances.
SAS, I don’t think I’m talking about him as a kid.
I think we’re getting bogged down in semantics, to be honest. I suspect Phil will pitch well – and I want him to, not just because he’d help us win, but because I want him to shut the clowns up who think he’s nothing special (yes, I’ve been one of those clowns, but that was out of worry, not conviction).
When is some cybermetric geek going to come up with WAR statistics for managers?
Big AL – On your note about Girardi throwing out the book, I honestly dont believe that these playoff games are going to be book-managed games. I know Girardi is an over-manager extraordinaire, but I think when it comes down it, our bullpen is going to be managed pretty cut and dry. Regular season is regular season, and that’s gone now. Now the real season begins.
WCYF – I think there has been some in depth analysis on managers. And all the conclusions say that managers lose a team more games than they win a team – strategical-moves-wise.
Blake, that’s true. I was only saying that because I think Andy should go in game 5. However, I recognize that there are issues with that opinion because he’s really rusty.
Andy in game 5 is fine, but if het smacks around like he did in Boston, I would have Phil take over in relief.
CR9 -
I hope you’re right. Stats are a good thing to have, but, there are times in big games a manager has to simply go with a gut feeling. Me, I believe if a pitcher is throwing well, and pitch count is not a big factor, I leave him in until the situation changes. I do however believe in knowing at what point a pitcher is about to go south, and prepare the pen to be ready.
When is some cybermetric geek going to come up with WAR statistics for managers?
————————
Prolly already have and is still in a testing stage. From my understanding , Ralph Houk ranks no 1 on the WAR list as far as manager goes .
Morneau out for entire post-season.
Girardi has shown me no inclination to manage any differently than he has always done. He didn’t in the 2009 post season and I don’t see him changing now.
What will be especially interesting to me is how he uses Boone Logan against Minnesota’s predominantly left-handed lineup. Will he bring Logan in to face one batter in the 6th or 7th as he has been known to do? Then what against Mauer, Span, Kubel and Thome?
m -
How could you have Phil as a starter, and still use him in relief of Andy?
Got to go Yankees fans…see you all later
The Twins are 26th in MLB in SB with only 68 on the season.
People say every year the Yankees are going to get run all over in the postseason because of Posada behind the plate. That the running game will the the X factor that aggressive teams like the Angels will exploit.
We heard this all last year leading up to the ALCS.
The Angels stole 4 bases in the 6 game series.
Not concerned.
“Andy in game 5 is fine, but if het smacks around like he did in Boston, I would have Phil take over in relief.”
If Phil starts game 2 and Andy game 3, there is no Andy in Game 5
Did anyone see the commercials for that movie ESPN is making about the 2004 ALCS? Puke. Are they ever, EVER going to let that go?
LGY -
I believe you are right. A lot of stolen bases this year were stolen off the pitchers, not the catcher. When AJ pitched, he did not know the meaning of holding runners on.
The players go to a different level come the PS, and this Yankees team will rise to the challenge.
Big Al,
If it’s CC/Andy/Hughes/CC/Andy, I would think Hughes would be available, no?
That’s if it’s clear that Andy simply doesn’t have it.
Still, I like Hughes after CC.
There is no such thing as a “sure thing.” Yes, Andy has more big game experience than Phil, and it’s natural to want him on the mound in Game 5. But for all of his successes, Andy has had some big time implosions in his own right (think Game 6 of the 2001 WS).
With Andy still being a bit rusty after 2 months off, it might be a better bet to start Phil in Game 2 and have him available for Game 5.
Phil is not a rookie anymore. Yes, he’s young (24). But this is his 4th season in the Big Leagues. He was 18-8, 4.19 – not much worse than the 24 year old Andy Pettitte delivered in 1996 when he was 21-8, 3.87, and nearly won the Cy Young award.
That Andy Pettitte delivered a 1-0 gem in Game 5 of the WS, after being blown out in Game 1. There are no guarantees!
Big AL – I agree. There’s an importance to stats and to knowing when your pitchers runs out of steam/doesnt have it.
LGY – Thanks for that info on the Twins ranking in stolen bases. That’s like less than half a game. I was very concerned about that. I will be much less concerned about it now.
*doesnt have it or is pitching well
yep ,I saw those commercials….that what happens when a team wins a World Series once a century…plus ESPN=Exclusive Sox Pats Network
Since the beginning of August Hughes has had 10 starts. 7 home and 3 away.
He has given up 5 HR at home (3 in one game vs the Blue Jays) and 4 away.
Just a little tidbit of info.
JsDad, good point. I still think that Andy will go game #2 (also, that 2001 implosion was ages ago) based on the trust factor the Yanks feel with him.
LGY, that’s why I don’t think pitching him at home is a big deal at this point. If he’s pitching well, he won’t give up a ton of HRs; if he’s not, he will – home or road.
Ok, interesting stuff – later!
MLB today approved changes to balls hitting catwalks at the the Trop for the postseason and going forward.
Batted balls hitting C and D rings remain HRs but batted balls hitting A and B rings are now dead balls and the pitch doesn’t count.
Listening to Jeff Wilpon with Francesa… I got the feeling there might some wholesale changes coming for the Mets for the next year. It won’t surprise me if Reyes or even Wright wind up with the Red Sox or some other teams next season.
I take Golson & Pena. Nunez & Pena is pretty much a toss-up, Pena wins because he can be the emergency cather if need be.
Ramiro Pena is “arguably the best defensive player on the team at three different infield positions.”
So he’s “arguably” better at 2nd base than Cano?
Uhhh, no. Not even arguably.
I can’t see the Mets trading away the left side of their IF.
AL, I think it’s everything goes with that team if the right offers comes along. I can see a Ellsbury +Scutaro for Reyes trade for example….
I would be shocked if Girardi chose Nunez over Pena. I think that Pena making the postseason roster is a lock. He plays more positions than Nunez, and is a better defender. I think Nunez is a better hitter, but it doesn’t matter because Jeter, A-Rod, Cano, and Tex are going to start every game. Pena is just an insurance policy, in case anyone gets injured. I think Golson makes the playoff roster as well. He has a cannon of an arm, and will be a late inning replacement for Swisher. He can also pinch run, which adds to his value.