Up next: The Twins
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Oct 04, 2010 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
Last time the Yankees played the Twins was May 27. The Yankees starter that day was Javier Vazquez. Their left fielder was Kevin Russo, their designated hitter was Juan Miranda and the first two relievers out of their bullpen were Chan Ho Park and Damaso Marte.
In other words, it’s been a while. A quick recap of the team the Yankees will be facing in the Division Series.
Rotation
The Twins have already announced a four-man rotation for the division series: LHP Francisco Liriano, RHP Carl Pavano, LHP Brian Duensing and RHP Nick Blackburn.
Liriano is probably the weakest of the four aces in the American League playoffs, but he has a 3.11 ERA and a .239 opponents batting average at Target Field. He’s faced the Yankees twice this season. He allowed 17 hits in those games, but he gave the Twins a chance to win both times. Pavano — as you might have heard — won 17 games this season. He threw seven complete games. You can’t predict baseball.
Duensing and Blackburn are clearly step behind the Twins’ top two. Blackburn has a 5.42 ERA and a losing record, but he did beat the Yankees twice this season. Duensing has only faced the Yankees as a reliever. Marcus Thames is 3-for-6 against him.
Bullpen
Joe Nathan was supposed to be the Twins closer, but he had Tommy John surgery before the season. Jon Rauch opened the season as the Twins closer, but then the Twins made a trade with the Nationals. Now Matt Capps handles the ninth.
Assuming Rauch is healthy — he’s said he’ll be fine after a knee injury — the Twins have a strong group of setup relievers. Rauch, Matt Guerrier, Jesse Crain and Brian Fuentes are Minnesota’s version of Kerry Wood, Joba Chamberlain, Dave Robertson and Boone Logan. Like the Yankees, the Twins seem to be deciding between some long relievers and potential second lefties.
Lineup
Justin Morneau will not play in the division series after a concussion that cost him the second half and a shot at the AL MVP. Without Morneau, Delmon Young has been a beast, Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer have been plenty productive and Joe Mauer has been very good even in a down year.
Danny Valencia is a name worth knowing. He was a 19th round back in 2006 and the Yankees have never seen him, but Valencia has become a solid Rookie of the Year candidate while filling the Twins hole at third base. Nothing flashy, just a nice all-around hitter.
Injuries
Rauch and Mauer both have knee injuries. Mauer was able to play a little bit this weekend — one at-bat Saturday, five innings Sunday — but Rauch hasn’t pitched in a week. Duensing felt some tightness in his shoulder during his last start.
Best I can tell, those are the most pressing non-Morneau injury concerns. Denard Span got an MRI last month, but he missed only one game in the final two weeks. Scott Baker almost certainly would have been in the rotation had he stayed healthy, but elbow problems forced him to the bullpen. He might be available as a long reliever.
Associated Press photos of Liriano and Mauer
If we play to our potential we should come out on top.
I think any analysis pretty much concludes – IF the Yankees are healthy, IF their starting pitching is there; IF they can get some key hits, they’ll do fine.
But I think you can say that for all teams.
I’m hoping that 1st half Yankees show up.
Doreen-
At peak levels the Yankees are a much better team than the Twins.
Better in every respect.
Is that what we will see ????
Let’s hope so.
If if’s and but’s were candy and nuts, oh what a wonderful postseason it would be.
Postseason games often come down to a reliever getting or not getting an out in a big spot or an error by a fielder (or umpire) capitalized on.
Fingers crossed the breaks go the Yankees way.
BloggingBombers Humorous moment of the day: Watching Josh Beckett go through airport security with the commoners. He seemed amazed at the entire process.
MTU
how is the pup? and your family member that had health issues?
2 Days, 11 Hours, and 3 Minutes until Game 1 of the ALDS
Kate-
Kind of you to ask.
The pup is on the mend. Improving every day. It wasn’t an overly serious surgery just unexpected.
The Family member is doing likewise. It’s just gonna be a longer road.
Again. Thank you for asking. Hope all is well in your world.
Another reason you pencil in CC for game 4 is that you have to like that matchup at home against Blackburn.
Thanks for the rundown, Chad. Can’t say I’ve kept up with the Twins and it seems ages since we last played them. Sorry to hear Morneau is out, OK not really…
Ohh…just had a little earthquake here. Haven’t had one in ages. Probably only a 4 or 5.sthg. Nothing big.
Yay-the countdown is back!!
Blackburn I mean…
How many more days before we have a game again??
What am I going to do without the Yankees? Hate the end of the season…even when we win the WS, it’s still sad.
THANKS ERICA!!
MTU,
You’re right. They are the best team in baseball if they play like it. Their best is better than anyone elses but then that’s what the postseason is all about….who plays best.
Erin October 4th, 2010 at 9:31 am
Yay-the countdown is back!!
***********
I know!!!! I missed it so much
Wang IS Taiwan October 4th, 2010 at 9:33 am
THANKS ERICA!!
**************
You’re welcome
pat October 4th, 2010 at 8:43 am
Someones MPB is going to be on the move again.
Detroit informed Damon, Bonderman and Laird yesterday ?the team will not be pursuing you next year?.
****************
Do I dare to dream??????????????????????????????
Facing left-handed starters in 2 out of the first 3 games.
Hope Kearns does not start in place of Gardner.
I’d rather have Bret’s speed & defense to Kearns in LF.
I’d also rather see Gardner trying to slap something by the infield rather than another 3 to 4 strikeout performance from Kearns stranding 7 base runners.
Blake-
Yup. In the end there can only be one left standing. It takes skill and luck.
Let’s just hope we have ‘em both.
“Detroit informed Damon, Bonderman and Laird yesterday ?the team will not be pursuing you next year?”
~~~~~~~~~~
Wow. Slap in the face to Damon. He was so loyal in staying with his team when he had the chance to go to Boston. Of course, I wouldn’t have gone back either, but he sure had nice things to say about Detroit.
Oh Erica,
For your sake, I hope your dream DOES come true.
I think most of us knows what that entails.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/articl.....Id=rss_nyy
First thing I read this morning.
I think Granderson and Gardner should play every game regardless of who is pitching and Thames and Berkmam should platoon at DH. Keep that lineup throughout…Runs are always at a premium in the playoffs and you want you’re best defensive outfield and their speed in there as much as possible.
The Twins play aggressive baseball. Kearns in LF is not the answer with the speed and range Gardner provides. Kearns as a pinch hitter only if the matchup against the pitcher is favorable.
Would still rather have Golson than Kearns.
yes, I agree Blake. They have both earned the right, and give the Yankees the best chance. I loved watching GGBG run at will this weekend. And hopefully no AJ, at least in the first round.
Erica
the Yankees do need a DH
Kearns hasn’t swung the bat nearly well enough to warrant taking either Gardner or Granderson off the field. Time to play your best 9 every game and then see what happens.
upstate kate October 4th, 2010 at 9:54 am
Erica
the Yankees do need a DH
**************
Personally, I think its a great fit
I just read in one of the local papers that there are people that believe the Yankees are the weakest of the 4 AL teams to qualify for the playoffs.
I respectfully disagree.
Game 1 lineup:
Jeter
Swisher
Tex
Arod
Cano
Thames
Posada
Granderson
Gardner.
Game 2:
Jeter
Granderson
Tex
Arod
Cano
Swisher
Posada
Berkman
Gardner.
Shame
being respectful so early in the day?
I think the teams are more evenly matched this year, but I still think the Yankees have the best team.
Shame Spencer October 4th, 2010 at 10:01 am
I just read in one of the local papers that there are people that believe the Yankees are the weakest of the 4 AL teams to qualify for the playoffs.
***************************
I don’t know, I still think the Yankees are the team to beat.
RiverAveBlues From the realm of non-predictive stats: Derek Jeter is very good in Game 1s of playoff series. http://es.pn/c8EAIP
I know MLB hasn’t announced the schedule past the first three games, but how likely is Sunday’s Game 4 going to be an afternoon game?
My goal is to be as polite as possible during the post season. I try it every year as a way to make up for the fact that I never give anything up for lent.
I just find it really amusing we’re being painted as a team that has no weapons while being told that we need to watch out for the dangerous ones on other teams.
Personally, I like the idea of starting Hughes 2nd and Andy 3rd even though thats not what most people are predicting. I just like the idea of Andy and CC being the 3 and 4 game starters at home. I like our chances in those games and I still think Phil has a more than decent chance of winning a game 2.
I have basically learned – there is no perfect manager. No one is going to be happy 100% of the time. Torre stunk because he favored players too much, and now Girardi is crappy because he does the exact opposite (and I’ve criticized Girardi for that as well).
IMO, does the regular season mean nothing? Literally yes. But honestly, you can’t just dimiss the level of play last month like it never happened. It happened. The offense struggled. Pitching struggled and as a result, the pen struggled. Girardi couldn’t make up his mind on whether to play to win the division or rest his players. Dungy had to come in to give a pep talk. The Yanks lost both the best record in baseball and the division within the span of a month and had the worst September in a dozen years and basically limped into the playoffs. Pettitte still hasn’t re-established himself or his routine. AJ is having a really bad year even by AJ standards. The bench is really thin – (I would take Hairston Jr over Berkman and Kearns everyday of the week and twice on Sunday) and the bullpen outside of Mo, Wood, and Robertson has been leaky lately.
This isn’t a new team going into the playoffs. It’s the same one. Those issues I mentioned above aren’t criticisms, they’re concerns. Legitimate ones I think. I am hoping beyond hope that the offense will come alive and everyone will hit for average or better. That Pettitte is the playoff Pettitte of old. That Mo finds his old playoff magic. And Girardi doesn’t overmanage again.
I hope.
I would like to see Phil as the #2 starter as well.
From the mlb article linked above by ConcernedCitizen:
I thought this was actually kind of funny, since we’ve all suffered through sad pitching for the past month or more:
“Some starter beyond CC Sabathia is going to have to pitch at least competently for the Yankees to prevail. And in the bullpen, the bridge to Mariano Rivera must be open for business, not under repair.”
My favorite is the part about how “some starter…is going to have to pitch at least competently” for the Yanks to prevail. No kidding.
I actually think there is a descent chance that Hughes starts in Game 2….
upstate kate – I really think it would set up the best scenario with Phil going in game 2. I’m sorta hoping Girardi sees it our way lol.
@Wang – Yeah, I was hoping others would find the not so hidden humor in that article.
blake,
My fingers are crossed that Hughes does pitch Game 2. It just seems so logical/reasonable to most of us. That’s why I’m afraid it won’t to Girardi and Cashman.
My only concern with Phil in game 2 is the long ball because he’s been a little more prone to giving it up lately..
ConcernedCitizen,
We come out looking OK in the article, considering the kinds of performances we’ve been watching lately. But those stats they quote are from earlier this year, right? We were MUCH better the first half of the season.
Some will say small sample size but Mitre’s recent appearances suggest his sinker is working and he’s had several good long relief stints during the year. He’s on the 40-man roster.
Put him in the bullpen as a plus inning reliever rather than Gaudin, Mosely, or Vazquez.
It’s now a matter of trust …… audition time is over with.
Cashman already has an injury replacement to use with Marte out for the year. Then there’s the phantom injury thing.
I have the feeling that by Wednesday night the anxiety level and tension on this blog will have reached epic proportions and be manifested by written conflict not seen since Nancy Drew, the Hardy boys and Tom Swift squared of.
@Wang Well, they had to go with the stats they had. Last time we faced them was in May. They seem to be favoring the Twins to win. I think it goes without saying that Game 1 is a must win game, and it will most likely decide the series (given our starting pitching situation).
“I think it goes without saying that Game 1 is a must win game, and it will most likely decide the series (given our starting pitching situation).”
I’m not going to say you’re wrong, especially in a 5 game set, but doesn’t Game 1 always feel like a must win? I remember when we lost the first game of the World Series last year and I read the blog… it honestly seemed like we lost the whole thing right then and there.
Target field works more to Hughes strenghts than YS. If you can work a split in Minnesota then you can go for the kill with Andy and CC going against their 3rd and 4th starters at YS. I think you want the lefties going at home if possible. It makes sense to me but if they choose to go with Andy in game 2 then there is also an understandable arguement for that as well.
“I would like to see Phil as the #2 starter as well.”
But do you like him as the game 5 starter if it comes to that because that’s part of the decision.
Andy did not look confident in his last start. Hughes looked great in his short stint over the weekend.
Another big game for MVP Sabathia on Wednesday. A win by the Yankees means they will be playing with house money on Thursday. A loss spells trouble.
s.omara1988-
Francesa said last night on Mike’d Up that Game 4 would most likely be at 7pm on Sunday.
@Shame If the AJ of the second half of 2010 was pitching Game 2 of the WS, I would of been standing on the edge of the cliff along with everyone else.
What I meant by Game 1 being a must win game was that the rest of our starting pitching is shaky, so if we can win behind CC Wednesday, we’ll know the worst that’ll happen is that we’ll see CC again.
We are going to see if this team can turn it up for the post-season.
The fact is, Girardi and the entire organization (Girardi doesn’t breathe a Yankee thought without the organization’s approval) took their foot off the gas too early.
They decided resting players overrides the division title and HFA.
Problem with that is, the team lost its edge and has played horrible baseball the past 5 weeks. You can choose to ignore it. However, that doesn’t make it go away.
Can they get back to what they were prior to punting the last 5 weeks of the season?
They better hope so because if they don’t, the decision to put rest over competing will rage on for a long time.
I meant to ad that I think Hughes should start in game 2. I am fine with him going in Game 5 if necessary. I did not like the look on Andy’s face after he came out of the game on Saturday. He looked concerned. His performance was mediocre against a very weak Boston lineup.
I would trust Hughes in a game 5 against Pavano and that’s part of the reason I would throw him in Game 2.
Game 1 isn’t a must win, but if you lose it then Game 2 becomes one. You have to get at least a split in Minnesota.
Pat
yes, I guess I would be ok w/ Phil in game 5, altho I would certainly hope it doesn’t come to that.
I would be shocked to see Hughes in Game 2 because that would line him up to be the Game 5 starter.
At this stage of Phil’s career, I think the Yankees would rather have a fully rested Andy Pettitte pitching Game 2 and a possible Game 5 of an ALDS than Phil Hughes.
@ConcernedCit & Shame,
We seem to lose the first game a lot in playoff series (no data to back it up, just a feeling from the past haunting me). It’s horrible, and then we move on. CC will be pitching against every team’s best, so unless we hit with some authority, he must pitch a near-perfect game. That’s tough to ask of the big guy, considering the load he’s been pulling alone this year since Andy went down.
I’d feel less concerned about losing the first game if we hadn’t already been in such a funk these past few weeks. I know folks feel the guys will just start their motors in the post-season, but I’m not so sure.
Lol, I wouldn’t blame you ConcernedCitizen!!
I completely agree, Game 1 is a must win in this case especially because of two things 1) five game series are scary and 2) our pitching hasn’t been as solid as we’d all like. I was just saying that every Game 1 seems to have an apocalyptic aura about it no matter what.
In this case though, like I said, I totally agree. If we can’t win behind CC in the first game we’re in for trouble. Andy has been pretty rusty so my hope is that Phil gets the ball in the second game and holds it down. I don’t think you worry about Game 5 until you get that far. At that point, regardless of the starter, you have all hands on deck in the pen.
Why are you thinking about losing the first game… CC is pitching. He’s better than Liriano and he can neutralize Minnesota’s lefty bats. Advantage Yankees in Game 1 even if they are on the road.
In fact the Yankees are better than the Twins. They have more talent. If they execute they win. Simple as that.
“I guess I would be ok w/ Phil in game 5″
OK but once you take the training wheels off, no Mommying allowed.
Sometimes the games you think you have in the bag (CC’s) don’t always end up with you winning. We’ve lost some of CC’s games and have gone on to win some with questionable starters.
I would like to see some luck break our way, though…we’ve been in a severe drought.
I’m fine with Phil in Game 5, but I agree with SJ44 that management will likely not allow it.
In my opinion far too much is being made of who starts what game. It doesn’t really matter. No one knows how any given pitcher is going to do on any given day and both Hughes and Pettitte have been far from automatic. Either or is ok with me.
Also, as important as pitching is in the post season, the Yankees have to hit or we lose. Sabathia could easily give up four runs, who knows. And I do not believe that our right-handed bullpen is going to totally shut down Minnesota’s very good left-handed hitting lineup, especially with Posada behind the plate which he will be. I just don’t see us winning 2-1 and 4-3 games.
On paper, we should score a lot of runs. A-Rod, Cano, Swisher, Teixeira, Granderson, Jeter, etc. are more than capable. We need to see more than a few 2-4′s and 3-5′s, good situational hitting moving runners and good results hitting with RISP. We hit we win.
SJ,
You’re probably right. However they split up the lefties last year and threw AJ in game 2. If we are just looking at match ups then I’d prefer Hughes in the spacious Target Field and Pettite at the stadium to neutralize their lefties…they may not see it that way though and may lean towards Pettite’s experience for a Game 2 and possible Game 5…I really can’t argue with that if they choose to do it.
Pat
ok, deal
I think we can all forgive Pavano for his horrendous time in NY if he helps the Yankees win a game against the Twins. I don’t even want to consider the embarrassment of losing to him in the playoffs. Come on, he owes it to NY to throw a few gifts their way…
My main hope is that the days off will help this Yankees team recoup and look fresh in the playoffs. This is basically the same team that went on an absolute tear earlier in the year, but they did indeed look tired and injured down the stretch. Indeed, this team has the potential to be better than that team, and perhaps match ‘09 team if they start clicking on all cylinders.
Last year, Detroit spent all season in first place only to lose even a place in the playoffs in their last game of the year. Minnesota ended the season as the “hottest team in baseball” and went on to being swept by the Yankees in the ALDS.
You just never now what can happen.
I think Phil #2 is nice, but as has been said, Phil #5 is part of that equation, unless they go with Andy on short rest, right?
I think it’s a hard decision. And I blame AJ for this mess. Just because.
****
The Yankees may come “limping in” off a bad September, but so are the other 3 AL teams.
The past 162 don’t matter anymore. Let’s see if the Yankees can turn it on for the playoffs. I believe they can.
Vandelay Industries:
Thanks, I appreciate it.
Without question the key to Yankees success in the PS is their offense. If they hit even close to what they are capable of, they can run the table and maul teams into the dirt and can beat anybody’s ace. Conversely, if they don’t hit, they are absolute toast. Their pitching is not good enough to withstand garbage offensive efforts.
It seems for the most part over the last 9 years, excepting 2004 in the first four games and Arod in 2009 along with Matsui in game 6, this team has generally not hit well in the PS, which has created nail biting wins or frustrating losses.
I have enough confidence in CC, Phil and Andy to pitch competively as well as the BP pitching decently. The key is the offense. Can they step up or not? No excuses, no tip of the hat spin, no theres always tomorrow, they need to produce. Yes that means even the Captain and even TEX need to show up and make things happen.
As for Kearns, if Joe G runs him out there as a starter for Gardner or Granderson, than NYY are in trouble-he has looked atrocius at the plate.
The reason I’m ok with Phil being number 2 is because I don’t think you should play to game 5 in a short, best of 5 series. That’s just me of course..
Yankee21 – you nailed it. Back of the baseball card means jack squat this month. Just do it means everything.
Andy going in game 5 puts him in game 3-4 of the ALCS, so unless you’re committing to AJ in Game 2 of the ALCS, I think it makes sense to pitch Hughes in the spacious confines of Target in Game 2 of the ALDS.
Take your chances with an all hands on deck Game 5 with Hughes starting, and that lines ANdy up to get 1 start in the ALDS, then be able to work 2 games in the ALCS.
any guesses as to the starting time on Sunday for Game 4? Has to be night game right?
Jerface,
good point.
any guesses as to the starting time on Sunday for Game 4? Has to be night game right?
******************************
Probably depends on whether or not the other series are still going.
“On paper, we should score a lot of runs. ”
On paper, Tex is 3 for 16 with 1 RBI and Alex is 1 for 9 with 1 RBI against Liriano.
Yanks win in 3 or 4. Pettitte will be the game 2 starter because they’ll want him lined up for game 5. The only way he starts game 3 is if he came out of yesterday more sore than normal.
Yanks certainly limped into the playoffs…but so did every other AL team.
I’m sure Girardi is already planning to rest Arod game 2 and put Pena and Cervelli in the same lineup together. You know, to keep the guys fresh.
I’m sure Joba is his high leverage 8th inning guy because he’s done it for us before.
If he even considers benching Gardner for Kearns against the lefties, he should just pack his bags for Chicago.
That’s how much faith I have in the Yankee manager. He pays about as much attention to what his team is actually doing that an ADD riddled dog pays to his toys.
The team, on the other hand, can win in spite of him if they still remember how.
What they can’t do is go out on the field and expect the wins to come to them because they are the Yankees and the world champions.
Right now they are a second place team who won a wild card who nose dived in September.
Let’s see them turn it around. But they don’t only have to beat the Twins. They have defeat the moves of their manager.
If we can’t be Minnesota in the first round, the season was a failure. We should destroy the team despite all those wonderful fundamentals we’ll hear about non-stop that Gardenhire & and Twins make their players play with.
The Yankees may come “limping in” off a bad September, but so are the other 3 AL teams.
The past 162 don’t matter anymore. Let’s see if the Yankees can turn it on for the playoffs. I believe they can.
___
agreed. We are so hung up on how bad this team was in september, but tampa was barely better, minny was almost worst in the last 2 weeks, and texas had the same struggles as we did in the end.
it’s wide open.
And no matter what, i am convinced we are better off against minny than texas pitching wise.
Jerkface October 4th, 2010 at 11:18 am
Andy going in game 5 puts him in game 3-4 of the ALCS, so unless you’re committing to AJ in Game 2 of the ALCS, I think it makes sense to pitch Hughes in the spacious confines of Target in Game 2 of the ALDS.
Take your chances with an all hands on deck Game 5 with Hughes starting, and that lines ANdy up to get 1 start in the ALDS, then be able to work 2 games in the ALCS
——————
If your scenario played out, Hughes would pitch game 2 (not AJ) of the ALCS and Pettitte would pitch game 3. AJ gets game 4. And then you have CC, Hughes and Andy ready for 5,6 & 7.
Battle Of The Playoff Payrolls:
Yankees – 206 Million
Twins – 97 Million
Rays – 71 Million
Texas – 55 Million
Phils – 141 Million
Reds – 72 Million
Giants – 97 Million
Braves – 84 Million
You can make a reasonable argument either way for who starts Game 2 (Hughes or Pettite). What you can’t make a reasonable argument for is anybody besides CC, Hughes, or Pettite making a start in this series.
Side note-
Where is Trisha with the wins prediction chart from the start of the season? I know I predicted somewhere between 95-97. I need to know if I am right
“the team lost its edge and has played horrible baseball the past 5 weeks.”
The past 5 weeks dont matter now. The next 5 weeks do. Do the players want to win? Yes Do the players understand that the playoffs are do or die? Yes I dont think we have to worry about their “edge” They want to win, and that’s the bottom line!
pat
October 4th, 2010 at 11:24 am
“On paper, we should score a lot of runs. ” On paper, Tex is 3 for 16 with 1 RBI and Alex is 1 for 9 with 1 RBI against Liriano.
************************
As a team, the Yankees, not two players for one game against one pitcher.
If your scenario played out, Hughes would pitch game 2 (not AJ) of the ALCS and Pettitte would pitch game 3. AJ gets game 4. And then you have CC, Hughes and Andy ready for 5,6 & 7
–
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?
G. Love October 4th, 2010 at 11:28 am
I’m sure Girardi is already planning to rest Arod game 2 and put Pena and Cervelli in the same lineup together. You know, to keep the guys fresh.
I’m sure Joba is his high leverage 8th inning guy because he’s done it for us before.
If he even considers benching Gardner for Kearns against the lefties, he should just pack his bags for Chicago.
That’s how much faith I have in the Yankee manager. He pays about as much attention to what his team is actually doing that an ADD riddled dog pays to his toys.
The team, on the other hand, can win in spite of him if they still remember how.
What they can’t do is go out on the field and expect the wins to come to them because they are the Yankees and the world champions.
Right now they are a second place team who won a wild card who nose dived in September.
Let’s see them turn it around. But they don’t only have to beat the Twins. They have defeat the moves of their manager.
If we can’t be Minnesota in the first round, the season was a failure. We should destroy the team despite all those wonderful fundamentals we’ll hear about non-stop that Gardenhire & and Twins make their players play with.
__
BLAH BLAH BLAH…
same complaining different morning.
The whole reason for resting the players was to have them fresh for the playoffs, so he doesnt have to rest them in the playoffs.
And i dont remember the last time he went to Joba as the 8th inning man to bridge to Mo.
Also, i know we are all supposed to hate cervelli, but he has been one of the only consistent hitters in September, and has hit way better lately than Posada, so i am less concerned about Cervelli.
I will agree with you that we should not see Kearns starting at all, that the only change to the lineup should be Berkman/Thames.
SP is the key. If they pitch well, the Yankees can score a few runs and win. They can’t be expected to score a ton of runs every game. They will not be facing weak pitching.
I highly doubt there will be any “resting” from here on out…and I also doubt we will see Cervelli unless AJ pitches which will mean they have made it to the ALCS.
The ‘X’ factor. Gardenhire versus Girardi.
There will not be any resting from here on out. It’s time for the big boys to win themselves a World Series. Mission 28!
G. Love October 4th, 2010 at 11:28 am
If he even considers benching Gardner for Kearns against the lefties, he should just pack his bags for Chicago.
*********
Ugh…I agree. If Gardner doesn’t start against lefties, I am going to be ripped!
Every run counts in the playoffs. Gardner being on base is important for this team to win.
Once, just once, I’d love to see mark teixeira bunt for a basehit lefthanded with the shift on and the 3rd baseman playing shortstop….its bone headed disregards like that that I just can’t understand why this team doesn’t take advantage of..
if fat, dead and bloated david ortiz can bunt for a basehit (and he’s done it quite a few times) and jim muscle head thome can go the other way on the shift why can’t super athletic mark teixeira do it? why can’t all seeing and all knowing kevin long work on that for awhile?
oh thats right because he’s busy working on the infield popup with the bases loaded and less than 2 outs…
……I highly doubt there will be any ?resting? from here on out?and I also doubt we will see Cervelli unless AJ pitches which will mean they have made it to the ALCS….
Agreed on the rest part… the Cervelli issue becomes interesting on two fronts;
as much as a block head PO has looked the last few weeks can PO find his old-self and do some damage with the stick or will he continue to be a block head? If no, Cervelli may pop in and reap some defensive havoc aside from any AJ siting
If AJ takes the mound, Joe G and the brass are idiots,, he doesn’t deserve a PS appearance other than as an extra innings guy of last resort..
For arguments sake, and knowing how Girardi is so skittish about bruising egos….what if he figures on CC winning Game 1 and goes with AJ in Game 2 hoping for at least a split. Then hopes to ride Pettitte and Hughes to close it out in NY with CC as insurance for Game 5?
Personally, I agree with everyone that AJ shouldn’t start any game…but Girardi is pretty unpredictable.
(ring – ring)
Francona: Hello?
Gardenhire: He Terry it’s Ron. Ron Gardenhire.
Francona: Oh hey Ron. Just putting new line on my fishing reel. What’s up?
Gardenhire: Just wondering what advice you might have on playing those guys from the Bronx. I won’t say anything.
Francona: No problem, glad to help. Everyone in Boston is rooting for you, that’s public knowledge.
Gardenhire: So, what’s your advice?
Francona: Run, run and then run some more. Throw the book out the window. Forget the count, inning, or risk factor. Just run, run, run. Double steals, second, third, home, just run. Posada can’t throw anyone out, the Yankee pitchers can’t hold anyone on, except Andy. Just run, run, run. When you think you can’t run anymore. Run some more. Just go. They get rattled, balls will skip into center field, bounce twenty feet in front of the bag, sail over their heads. Run, run, run.
Gardenhire: Thanks Terry, Catch a snook for me. Gotta’ run.
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.
new thread
….what if he figures on CC winning Game 1 and goes with AJ in Game 2 hoping for at least a split.
—————————————————————————————————————–
So he’s hoping to lose a game?
MTU -
AJ is indeed the “X” factor, as in, to be crossed off your list of SP.
Phil Hughes has not faced the Twins this year, so it might be an advantage for us, the Twins not being familiar with Phil.
New York papers are reporting AJ is out the the rotation for the first round.