Now or never for Hughes and the changeup
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Oct 09, 2010 
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On the day he was drafted, Phil Hughes already had velocity and command of his fastball. There was work to be done, obviously, but the fastball was good from the beginning. He’s always had some sort of breaking ball, too – a slider for a while, then a curveball – and the cutter seemed to come to him in an instant.
The changeup, though, has always been a work in progress, and Hughes is going to need it tonight.
“It’s another weapon, especially in his ballpark to left-handers,” pitching coach Dave Eiland said. “You need something soft going down and away from left-handers. He’s also used it effectively against right-handers as well. It’s been a big pitch for him and we knew it would be, that’s why we hammered it home so hard in Spring Training.”
To neutralize the Twins left-heavy lineup, the Yankees threw left-handed starters in Games 1 and 2, but there are no lefties left for Game 3.
Right-handed pitchers use changeups against left-handed hitters. That’s just standard procedure, and in a ballpark that’s known to be friendly to left-handed power hitters – the Twins have three good ones – Hughes is going to need his fourth-best pitch.
“I think my change-up has been a big key my last couple of starts in being effective against lefties,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a big pitch for me again (tonight). Obviously, CC with his slider and Andy with his cutter, they can neutralize lefties really well. For me, I have to take a little bit different approach. Maybe some cutters in, fastballs, I think that changeup is going to be a big key for me.”
Hughes threw the changeup a lot in Spring Training. Joe Girardi said the development of that pitch was one of the reasons Hughes won the fifth spot in the rotation. There were times during the season when Hughes hardly used the changeup at all, but we’ve seen it a little more in the past few weeks. We’ll see it tonight when the Yankees look to wrap up a series sweep.
“We did what we had to do in Minnesota,” Hughes said. “Now we have the opportunity to close it out here in Game 3, and we can’t take anything off. We have one more game to win and we know this is a dangerous team. And just because we’re at home, it’s not going to be any easier. So we’re in a good position right now. But we still have one more to get.”
Associated Press photo of Hughes
Get em Phil
Phil -
We’re all pulling for you. My grandson says hi, and go get them.
BIG AL’s grandson with Phil.
http://members.cox.net/lsdorga.....%20007.jpg
Phil. Throw all the CU’s you want just miss LOW.
Keep it close and the Team should do the rest.
Give it all you’ve got. Nobody can ask for more than that.
We’ll all be pulling for you. Best of luck.
0 Days, 9 Hours, and 3 Minutes until Game 3 of the ALDS
Al-
That’s a great shot and your grandson looks like a handsome little buck.
Big Al
great pix, your grandson is a cutie!
Big Al, your grandson is GORGEOUS! I bet he takes after his grandpa.
The maturity of Phil Hughes is showing through realizing that he can neutralize a lineup with an occasional use of his changeup.
If only Burnett will allow Dave Eiland to re-work his mechanics and incorporate a changeup over the winter it will be like Cashman made a deal for a useful pitcher he had on the roster already.
Hughes also needs a catcher that insists that he throws a changeup.
I am glad it is Phil on the mound tonight, he has a quiet confidence.
I don’t believe that the Twins are due, nor do I believe they are cursed. I do think the Yankees are the better team, and they certainly will be the more relaxed team.
How Hughes Handles Thome and Kubel could decide the game tonight…can’t make mistakes to either of those guys at YS. I feel good about him and think he’ll give them a shot at winning as he’s done all year.
Big Al -
Nice looking grandson you’ve got there! And a terrific picture with Phil.
Big Al,
Awesome pick.
I’m not sure why Phil abandoned the change mid-year, but whatever at this point. I was glad to see him specifically mention that pitch in the presser because I was concerned that perhaps in the excitement of pitching, he’d fall back on what was easiest for him.
It’s obvious that Phil has the ability to throw a darn good change – and he’ll need it.
What he also will need tonight is command. He’s been walking a lot lately – perhaps due to fatigue? He can’t afford that tonight. That said, he’s pitched 1 inning in 12 days – that’s nothing. I don’t expect him to have great command tonight as a result – plus, of course, there’s that adrenaline thing. I feel like I felt when he made his season’s debut against the Angels…….
Anyway, there’s nothing to fear pitching at YS; Phil just has to make good pitches. He is certainly giving off the right vibes.
Al-
Bet you’ve been savin’ that one just for this moment.
http://www.projo.com/redsox/co.....61cec.html
Nice article……..talk about a cute kid. That kid now has a chance to pitch the Yanks into the ALCS.
Big AL, great pic………….
Here’s an article that Sam wrote………..I can’t imagine what the Hughes’ family is going through.
http://www.lohud.com/article/2.....irst-start
Sorry to break into this thread since it’s Phil talk but we were discussing this last thread and I saw this photo.
“To me, Bruce saw it and just missed it. His glove was there and he seemed to be tracking the ball with his eyes. But who knows? Maybe it was the towels. ”
http://mlb.mlb.com/images/2010/10/08/w3dDmR5j.jpg
Looks more like towels to me. Anyone?
good morning peeps! Let’s go Yanks!
From the prvious thread:
Bloomberg as Ruby tuesday ? I like it. What a coverup for his honor !
This is what now inhabits Big Lance!!!
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/ho.....mplex.html
Cute picture, Big AL!!!
PHIL!! PHIL!! PHIL!! PHIL!!!!!!!
Hughes has sound mechanics and command. A.J. at this point is a lost cause. He is too old to go through a drastic change and this stage ofhis career. Maybe he can improve a little bit but I don’t see any major changes around the corner.
I’m really, really excited for Phil’s start tonight.
The kid has been everything we’ve expected this year and then some. I mean, I know I for one certainly wasn’t predicting a selection to the All-Star team. I just have a good feeling about Phil’s contributions during these playoffs. I know he’s going to come up big for us!
# Betsy October 9th, 2010 at 11:42 am
Big AL, great pic………….
Here’s an article that Sam wrote………..I can’t imagine what the Hughes’ family is going through.
http://www.lohud.com/article/2…..irst-start
___
That was a really good article. I watch games like that too. When things start going bad, I change the channel or leave the room and come back a few minutes later and hope that its all over. I feel like they are all my family members because I watch them so much, I get so nervous for them. I could not imagine how nervous I would be for my child to be performing in such a big game on such a big stage, I bet they will never not get nervous watching him.
Great picture, Big Al.
Go, Phil! Go, Yankees!
While I have the utmost confidence in Phil and the Yankees, I will be nervous until the final out. And I also sometimes have to leave in a tense spot and rewind it after to watch.
It would be a crying shame for the Twinkies to have to fly in yesterday and then turn around and leave tonight via the broom. To think that Halloween is almost here and they might get swept out the door. Poor Carl.
CR9
great pix…PUMA POWER!!!
Rich in NJ
October 9th, 2010 at 11:31 am
Hughes also needs a catcher that insists that he throws a changeup.
**********************
It’s the pitcher’s decision what pitch he winds up throwing. If he doesn’t like the sign he should shake it off until he gets what he wants to throw. A pitcher throws what he has confidence in. If Hughes isn’t feeling his change up is effective on any given night. He shouldn’t throw it much.
Wanting to throw a change up and being able to throw one effectively are two entirely different things. How many pitchers do you think have admired Mo’s cutter and tried to throw it the way he does? Many. How many can? None.
I’m pulling for you Phil! I know you can finish the WHOLE XXL Chalupa
Duensing has been tough on left handed hitter this year, but I see a good match up with Cano, if he stays in the zone.
WCYF:
You been hanging out at that bar where Billy and Art used to frequent ?
Phil’s a professional. He knows what he has to do. Just execute your pitches.
No matter how it comes out he has had a great season. He has exceeded most people’s
expectations. He’s gonna shine ever more brightly as time goes on.
He is young and still learning on the job. I just hope he stays healthy so he can give us many more years of great Yankee baseball.
We are incredibly fortunate to have a young arm like him in our system.
Luck be with you Mr. Hughes. Wind at your back. Sails full. Onwards to victory.
Trisha :
The towels were likely a factor but don’t expect Selig to address it. That’s ruffling feathers which is not his style.
Just got back from a hike and photo session at a wetlands area. Don’t know who Billy and Art are?
Kate, I do that, too, lol…………..
Great pic AL, but I know you put your grandson up to it just so you could have a pic of Phil, right?
Remember. This isn’t all on Phil. This is a team. They need to hit, and they need to defend.
And they need to execute too.
So they need to do their part as well. I hope they do. Would love to see Phil have a cushion to work with early. Help him to relax and get into a groove.
Minny has their backs to the wall. They know it. We know it. They’re fighting for their playoff lives. They have to win three in a row. 2 at NYS. All we need to do is win 1.
I don’t think they can do it.
Billy Martin and Art Fowler. Was the photo shoot a naked one with raccoons and alligators ?
MTU -
Yes, this is Phil’s day. I kind of look at it as his coming out big game.
Although Phil is young at 24, I can tell you first hand, he is mature beyond his years, and he’ll most likely handle the pressure of tonights game far better than his Mom & Dad.
It’s always tough on a parent watching their child doing some thing like this, you get a helpless feeling, and can only sit back and pray all goes well.
Regardless of tonights outcome, Phil will remain a bright star in the Yankees future.
GO PHIL ………… GO YANKEES!
I think the reason I’m so confident about tonight is that I don’t envision Phil not giving this team a chance to win this game.
Of course I’m nervous. Its the playoffs.. so thats a feeling I get pretty comfortable with for about a month. But I know even if Phil struggles tonight our team will still have an opportunity to win this game. Can’t really ask for anything better.
JCPD -
Busted.
You’re twisted Vineyard.
Al-
We’re on the same wavelength. Pity for you.
Every reason to be optimistic.
Shame-
The Yankees are in the process of reducing you anxiety levels.
Just give them a little more time.
I may be mistaken but I think we lost our last nine games started by lefties. Thought I heard an announcer say that. I hope we play good ball today, no letdown, pedal to the metal and bury them. I think guys like Jeter and Posada know that. What did Yogi say, or was it Jimmy Piersal? Oh that’s right, it was me! “Until you win you can always lose”.
we play today… we win today
it’s sweep time
WCYF-
I see the glass as 2/3′s full not 1/3rd empty.
Twisted from grinding all those grapes in the hot sun. A sort of sun stroke with juice.
MTU – Depends what’s in the glass. No?
That streak was stopped when we beat Liriano.
Watching several of the PS games, I get a strong feeling it’s the Yankees and Phillies in the WS, and #28 coming to The Bronx.
Vineyard – stop rubbing it in. Yes, I know you live in the most beautiful place in the country.
What’s that song ………. There ain’t no stopping us now?
WCYF-
Mine is 2/3′s full of victory. What’s in yours ?
trisha -
You are so kind, thank you.
WCYF-
“Yes, I know you live in the most beautiful place in the country.”
That’s a matter of opinion. I think it’s it’s here. And I think I’ve proven it.
MTU -
Full of victory …. Is that like magic in a bottle?
That’s right Betsy. I thought I had heard it somewhere. Thanks.
One big advantage Minnesota has today is their good left-handed lineup hitting against a right-handed pitcher in Yankee Stadium. And Hughes has given up 20 home runs in 18 home games.
And we are going against a lefty, with a right-handed lineup. A lot tougher in our ballpark.
I am not rubbing it in. You know you have an open invite including my open cellar.
Where is that MTU?
MTU’s glass is spiked with more than victory
MTU -
By all accounts, you win hands down. I only wish I could see all that you’ve pictured for us.
blake -
We’re not suppose to talk about that – remember.
WC, you’re welcome!
If Phil makes his pitches, he’ll be fine; if he doesn’t, he won’t. He gave up a lot of HRs in the middle of the year, but he gave them up to bad hitters many times – meaning, he was just struggling, period.
“I may be mistaken but I think we lost our last nine games started by lefties.”
I thought the Sux beat Andy. No?
big Al,
. How great is the weather today. I’m in Asheville and its just gorgeous.
Oh yea
Al-
I’m pullin’ out all the stops today.
Victory in a glass. My Rabbitt’s foot. Lucky rock. Alladin’s lamp. Minnesota Voo Doo dolls.
You name it. Whatever it takes.
But if that doesn’t get it I’ll back again tomorrow with the same enthusiasm and even more magic.
With this being such a big game for Phil, I believe his concentration level will be much higher, thus, he’ll make better pitches.
Yes Hughes struggled at times. I wish we had a number 4 and 2 starter that struggled as much as he did!
It’s just tougher for a righty in the Stadium though. No matter who it is.
WC, I heard you left the forum the other night as soon as the Yankees started winning. Which movie was it this time?
MTU October 9th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
WCYF-
“Yes, I know you live in the most beautiful place in the country.”
That’s a matter of opinion. I think it’s it’s here. And I think I’ve proven it.
————————– I think I could give you a little argument there. Anyway, I just sent you and BIG AL an e-mail
The Yankees lost their last 9 regular season games started by lefties.
They are 1-0 in such games in the 2010 postseason.
Both NLDS games showed how critical good, solid defense is in the postseason.
Cincy and San Fran both had 4-0 leads, but lost the game to (multiple) errors.
The first game was almost unbearable to watch, but the second one ended up being a very good game.
Those Braves have proven to be a resilient bunch this season. Yankees South. With a few ex-Yankees to boot.
Would love to see the Yanks close it out and the Rays push Texas to game 4 today.
trisha – true pinstriped blue
October 9th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
“I may be mistaken but I think we lost our last nine games started by lefties.”
I thought the Sux beat Andy. No?
*************
“We” lost.
Trisha – I never got the opportunity to show you pictures of Pongo! Pongo has a new home already! Here are some pics from a couple months ago http://s744.photobucket.com/al.....lor/Pongo/
http://tinyurl.com/394hw3d And one of the Tiki Bear!
MTU so where do you live? I was talking about where Vineyard lives, not me. He lives in Sonoma County California. It’s as beautiful as can be.
““We” lost.”"
Wrong. The Sux beat the Yankees. Your team won.
Blake-
You’re in Asheville. And you didn’t even let me know ? Always wanted to see it. I hope Bret isn’t lurking. You’re gonna break his heart with that.
WCYF-
Haven’t you seen all the pics I’ve posted. That’s where it is. It’s Utah.
trisha – true pinstriped blue October 9th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
“I may be mistaken but I think we lost our last nine games started by lefties.”
I thought the Sux beat Andy. No?
………………………………………………
Andy left with a lead in that game ….. a no-decision. The bullpen faltered.
Isn’t the stat re: opposing starting lefties?
I actually like the Braves chances now. That was a huge game last night for them to steal…now if they can win tomorrow with their ace onnthe mound then they will either face Lincecum on short rest or Bumgardner (who in a good ole NC boy but still a rookie) in Game 4.
108, thanks. I was really referring to the Sux as West Coast’s team of choice.
I’m going to repost Orel Herschiser’s comments about Phil because I think they are very interesting:
When Hughes has struggled, it is when he doesn’t attack as much. Former Cy Young Award winner Orel Hershiser thinks Hughes neutralized that issue when he entered the pen last season.
“Phil Hughes grew as a pitcher when he went from a laid-back guy who really didn’t have aggressiveness in the strike zone, who really didn’t see an urgency to going after the hitters,” said Hershiser, now an ESPN analyst. “They moved him to the bullpen and developed that adrenaline that, ‘I’m only going to be out here one inning and I’m going to let it all hang out.’ I think he found he had a gear that he didn’t know existed almost.”
While Hughes shot out of the gates this season to return home as an All-Star, Hershiser thought Hughes’ midseason struggles could have been related to the Yankees’ innings’ restrictions, which may have stripped Hughes of some of his newfound aggressiveness.
“I think this playoff structure and the adrenaline will remind him of his reliever days and remind him of the importance of every pitch and not worrying about saving stuff, but actually coming in and getting every out he could and not worrying about endurance,” Hershiser said. “The playoffs could be a good balance for him.”
trisha – true pinstriped blue October 9th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
WC, I heard you left the forum the other night as soon as the Yankees started winning. Which movie was it this time?
*******************
That’s not true. I had a large group over and cooked. If you don’t have a life and choose to live on the computer – that’s your right. I’m as big a Yankee fan as there is on earth. Better luck next time trying to conjure up an argument. I’m not interested in your absurdity this morning.
CR9 – very pretty dogs!!!!!
I think tonight will be a shining moment for Phil. Rested and ready to go and show his stuff sending the Twinkies home for the winter.
Go Yankees !
“That’s not true. I had a large group over and cooked. If you don’t have a life and choose to live on the computer – that’s your right. I’m as big a Yankee fan as there is on earth. Better luck next time trying to conjure up an argument. I’m not interested in your absurdity this morning.”
As my father would always say to us, you have to get up pretty early in the morning to fool me.
You’re a fraud and everyone knows it. So keep on keepin’ on. You may still have a few on the hook here.
Y
A
W
N
!!!
MTU,
Its really nice today…about 72 and clear as a bell..
Leaves are just starting to turn a bit, shouod be beautiful in a couple weeks.
“I think tonight will be a shining moment for Phil. Rested and ready to go and show his stuff sending the Twinkies home for the winter.
Go Yankees !”
I agree. I dont need to read a ton of stuff on Phil to believe Phil will get the job done.
We have apple picking on the agenda. Just waiting for the family to show up to get me.
HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGHES
blake -
You live in Ashville?
My wife and I live just south of Winston-Salem, but, have been looking at home in the Ashville – Hendersonville area.
Do you enjoy living there? Any plus or minus things to consider.
trisha,
lol. I get it now.
Do you remember ER? (Ruby’s previous incarnation?) I accused him of being a mets fan one time, and he came roaring back at me. “Nobody’s a bigger Yankee fan than I am!”
I apologized at the time, but I think I did tell him he had a weird way of showing it. I should have just given him a big internet middle finger.
What a doosh he is.
Can’t we get rid of that phony WCYF. Nothing comes out of his mouth but cra*.
blake, I spent a few days in Asheville in 2003 interviewing for a job-they wound up putting me in SoCal instead of the corporate HQ-it’s a really nice town, I played golf at Asheville Country Club while I was there and enjoyed it a lot.
Utah is beautiful MTU. I have spent lots of time there. Do you know where Manti La Sal National Forest is
AL,
I don’t live in Asheville but grew up really close to there and visit often….live about an hour away now.
I love it and its really spreading towards Hendersonville. Real estate is rather pricey but that’s the only draw back I can think of.
BIG AL October 9th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Can’t we get rid of that phony WCYF. Nothing comes out of his mouth but cra*.
——————–
Big Al, he polluted the Daily News Yankees blog for over a year before they finally banned him. It will probably be the same here.
Not going anywhere Al. Tough eh?
trisha – true pinstriped blue
October 9th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
108, thanks. I was really referring to the Sux as West Coast’s team of choice.
===========
That is not so WC luvs the Yankees. Why start an argument on such a great day ?
Blake-
Aside from where I am that would be a great choice i would think.
Take some pictures and I will teach you how to post them if you don’t already know how.
Our weather is postcard perfect as well. Beautiful blue skies temps in the 70′s.
WCYF-
That area is very nice but ours is one of the most unique in all of the country/world IMO.
I am very, very biased though which should be over-the-top obvious by now.
JCPD-
I like your area very much. Just way, way too cold for someone like me.
Vineyard, Trish is just an idiot. Don’t waste your time.
Wrong guy MG.
MG,
Cool…I like it though it is a little different than the rest of NC.
Ill be in SoCal next week…
No question Utah has some spectacular scenery. Have you ever been up to Napa and Sonoma? Northern Ca is spectacular. Vineyards, rolling hills, orchards, farms, amazing coastline and redwoods.
MTU -
Saying it’s cold where Jim is it’s like saying it gets warm by you.
Having lived in the mountains for 24 years, I miss the beauty, but not those winters.
WCYF-
Not as much as I have. Manti LaSal would be the Arches NP area. Been there numerous times.
No one I know has climbed the La Sal’s themselves. Even me. And I love to explore. And I also know a sh*tload of hikers. Got some a few nice pics of them though.
Al-
I would love to show you some of those sights. I know we can always do that.
trisha -
Can I come, I love apples.
I wonder if anybody that ever used WasWatching a few years ago could have guessed my handle there?
I was on there a few years back, but I whined about umpires all the time, without any use of vulgarity, and I still got banned.
“trisha,
lol. I get it now.
Do you remember ER? (Ruby’s previous incarnation?) I accused him of being a mets fan one time, and he came roaring back at me. “Nobody’s a bigger Yankee fan than I am!”
I apologized at the time, but I think I did tell him he had a weird way of showing it. I should have just given him a big internet middle finger.
What a doosh he is.”
mel, its the oldest fan forum blog trick in the book. posters like ruby/ER, WCSF (S for Sux), jetergroundintodp, and the like come on and try to convince everyone they are Yankee fans by throwing up a gratuitous post or two. And people get pulled in. Then once that happens they start with the depracating insults. They work out their Yankee hatred that way!
And especially in the postseason when the Yankees win, they head for the hills (or a movie or to make dinner for all of their friend (singular) ).
Catch you later. Apple picking time has arrived!
Jack Curry always does a good job:
http://www.myyesnetwork.com/16.....gest_stage
If Alex every needs a break, Phil can play 3rd base.
blake,
Tarheels dismissed a player (Graves?) Will that hurt much? I know you guys made your last title run without him, but he was the 3rd leading scorer right?
MTU, it’s not so much the cold that bothers me, one can find some beautiful spots while snowshoeing, it’s just the fact that it lasts too long for me anymore. Where my road ends, nobody knows. My best friend is a cruise director and is trying to get me to move down to the Charlotte area. Who knows.
Trisha I guess you missed my numerous and lengthy posts ridiculing and expressing my disdain for the Red Sux. I’m not surprised.
WCYF-
Yes. Been there. Lived in Ca. for a while before moving on. Northern Ca. is a very different animal from So Cal that’s for sure. Not trying to take anything away from it really. I just love where i am and I think it shows. Apologize for my abundance of enthusiasm. I have been lucky and had the opportunity to see some truly wonderful and spectacular things in my travels.
I have shared many with LoHud. They are my tributes to the Yankees.
MTU – when you come out of Arches going East (uranium mines etc.) there is a dirt road that winds it’s way up in the mountains in the Manti La Sal area. It takes a good hour plus to get up there. It was the most beautiful wilderness camping I’ve ever done. Pristine streams with moss covered rocks and banks, grassy open area and groves of beautiful Big Tooth Aspens. Just incredible and no one to be seen.
I’m not taking either side here, but WCYF, I’ve seen you disparage Girardi’s moves and the players failures with RISP more than anything.
But I’m not accusing you of being anything more than a frustrated Yankee fan.
cute dogs c3PO , are those Siberian huskies ? so some kinda mix with that gene in it.
JCPD-
I think you should move here. What with your interests and all. And it’s warm pretty much all year round.
Good for keepin’ those old bones warm.
And Mormon women are very beautiful and welcoming.
Convinced yet ?
Betsy -
Great piece by Jack Curry, thanks for sharing.
I’ve been reading the Daily News Blogging the Bombers blog, as well as NYT Yankee discussion board, and here for a few years…and I believe the poster you are referring to is called Redfish.
Over the past year or so, there were daily battles between him and a few posters including Aldotheapache (who I see is now here), Commonsense, Bradscompany, JoseV, and Paul. They relentlessly hounded him for blatant lying, using fake accounts to post as other posters, using multiple names, and being a troll. They apparently even exposed his real name, parts of his online resume, and links to other blogs he supposedly got thrown off of. A few of the posters even set up a separate discussion board just to get away from him and his multiple personalities. It really detracted from the blog, and eventually the censor there started deleting everything he posted.
I don’t have any proof one way or another as to who was right…I just hope it doesn’t come to that here.
WCYF,
“If you don’t have a life and choose to live on the computer”
So the fact that most of the stuff you post during a game just happens to be when the Yankees are in a tough spot means that you only have a life going to movies and cook for a great number of people when they Yankees win right? See Trisha he IS a Yankees fan. I wish they had “sarcasm font.”
Big Al, thanks!
I wish this game wasn’t so late – 8:37? Sheesh.
WCYF is entitled to his opinions of the Yankees, and ppl have rights to counter his arguments with facts , hard data or beliefs , I don’t get all these personal attacks on dude’s fandom.
West Coast Yankee Fan October 9th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Wrong guy MG
——————
sure, sport. Same writing style, same stupid opinions, and just coincidentally, the same friendship with a Yankees fan who happens to live in Sonoma who started posting at the same time as you. Yeah, you really are putting one over here.
m October 9th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
I’m not taking either side here, but WCYF, I’ve seen you disparage Girardi’s moves and the players failures with RISP more than anything. But I’m not accusing you of being anything more than a frustrated Yankee fan.
************************
You are exactly right! I am not a Girardi fan, just as many were not Torre fans. I also was very frustrated with the failure to hit with RISP. It was hard to watch this year. That does not make me any less of a fan.
WCYF-
It is common for me to see no one and see pristine things in my travels.
I’ll probably get there sooner or later. I’m on a quest of sorts and it won’t end until I’m either unable to hike, or when I’m six feet under whichever comes first.
Kind of like those car warranty’s I guess.
Glad you had that experience. It’s essential Utah.
Betsy I agree game is so late they make us get there at 3 and game is at 8:37. Very boring and long day till game time.
WCYF,
Was just trying to point out that you don’t disparage the Sox much if any at all.
CR9 takes care of that for all of us.
Why do you have to get there at 3? That’s ridiculous.
Betsy -
You’ll be up late any way, but, I agree, a 7 PM start would be nice. TV controls every game, not MLB. You want their money, you play by their rules. At least it’s not 9 PM like they use to do years ago. That’s so they could pick up the west coast fans.
Cashmoney – Yes, the little lady is a Siberian Husky/Corgi mix rescue dog!
Cash,
I totally agree with you on that… not just toward WCYF but to the whole topic of “personal attacks.” I guess that is just how most humans feel content about proving a point by taking personal shots at a person that they are debating against. Not the most intellectual way to prove a point but we are all human and I am also guilty of handling situations like that sometimes and I’m sure everyone else on here has done it in some point in their life.
Whoa, whoa, where are all the college football fans? You know the ones that say it’s the greatest thing?!
Anyone else nervous for Phil? Good kind nervous? I feel like such a mommy.
We need to get to Duncey. And early.
m -
CR9 has been much better of late, he is really trying.
faiaz, it’s bunch of Ad Hominem drivels that serves zero prospectives on baseball except it makes us all look like 10 years old in a bad way.
I have no idea but pressbox is open early so that’s my guess. I can imagine more media for postseason probably.
Cashmoney October 9th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
WCYF is entitled to his opinions of the Yankees, and ppl have rights to counter his arguments with facts , hard data or beliefs , I don’t get all these personal attacks on dude’s fandom.
+++++++++++
I think that is a very good point. The posters over at the Daily News apparently let it get personal, and it got ugly.
I’ll be happy to post my original diatribe against the Sox for you doubters at some point.
“Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education” Martin Luther King Jr.
Phil has that education, and that education will be on display tonight under the bright shining lights of the greatest place in the world!
Big Al,
Agreed. We all need to keep the eye on the prize.
BTW, if you’re TB, how sick are you that you get stuck with the leastest prime times imaginable?
Big Al, that’s for sure – no early nights for me, lol.
M, yes I am – mostly because I want him to quiet his critics.
Lefthanded hitters had really bad numbers against Duensing this year.
.162 .217 .239 (142 ab)
I hope Girardi still plays Gardner though. His defense alone makes him better than Kearns.
Faiaz – I emailed you for the link of the New Zealand/Bangladesh cricket match. But when you didnt get back to me, I searched and found that it was postponed due to rain.
Question, Day 3 of 5 is this Monday. Does Day 2 get completely canceled? Like, not postponed, but completely canceled?
Betsy,
It’s really hard because you never know when he’s going to whip out one of those magical performances.
I know one thing, though. Phil came of age this year. He’s been very solid. I think out of all his starts, he only got chased once. And it wasn’t early in the game.
So, if anything, I know that Phil will be solid. At the very least.
m -
They can cry all that want, but, the fact remains the Yankees are the biggest draw, so they get prime time. the Rays, like most teams, go to sleep and can only dream that one day they will be looked upon, as the Yankees are, world wide. TV knows, whether you root for or against the Yankees, you’ll tune-in when they play.
I want to see Gardner start, jack.
But with the smaller field, I could “live” with Kearns in LF.
But I’ll be disappointed. Gardner’s had a good year, and I think he deserves the start.
m,
He was their best 3 point shooter last year but he’s always been on Roy’s bad side for various things. I’m sure he just got tired of dealing with him.
Big Al,
I heard some guy on the radio say that the Rays window of opportunity is really small now. And as an owner, how can you tell your fanbase (well in advance) that you’re cutting payroll by $22 million? That’s why they’ll never be much.
And in reality, it will always be Yankees/Red Sox at the top of the heap. Even the Dodgers didn’t grab anyone’s imagination. And the Cubs?
M, I’m excited that Phil has this opportunity………..
The Yankees beat of tough lefty in game 1, tonight will be no different.
If the twins thought he was that good, he’d been pitching game 2.
Gardner needs to stay in the line-up, better defense will be worth more than Kearns could possible offer on offense.
and I think he’ll do well………..but man, I really am nervous, lol
No Kearns. There’s no reason for Kearns to start. Gardner is fine, even against a tough lefty. You dont have to be able to hit versus tough lefties, you have to be able to reach base, and Gardner provides a better opportunity at reaching base than Kearns.
We’re all nervous.
And we’re up 2-0 in the series!
I’m really disappointed that Cincy couldn’t get the split. It would’ve been good for baseball. lol.
Girardi isn’t going to make any changes tonight. Gardner will be in left, he just brings so much more to the table than Kearns. He finished with the 7th highest OBP in the AL, that’s not a platoon player. If Gardner looks horrible in his first 2 abs then maybe Girardi will pinch hit Kearns but that’s as close and he’ll get to the field.
Later folks. It’s mountain bike ridin’ time. First one in a while.
Have to stick with Gardner. Play the best 9. Even when he doesn’t hit he drives up pitch counts and plays great defense.
I hope we win today so our guys can rest before ALCS.
Would not want CC going on short rest for 2 consecutive starts. Win tonight, please.
Also, can TB please stretch it to 5, so Cliff Lee will miss game 1 of the ALCS (or the ALCS altogether)?
Wishing is free of charge, right?
m -
The Rays get money from MLB, profit sharing from the large clubs, plus a ton of money from being in the PS.
the fact they want to cut pay-roll, and let Crawford and others to walk has one purpose, bigger profits for the owners.
The Rays feel they can continue to remain in contention by bring up young players from the farm, although Madden told the team this was the year they needed to win because of the changes coming next season.
I think the Jays are the #3 team next year, behind the Yankees and Sox.
Small market teams just can’t compete between the lines; they can win one year or two but their stars inevitably leave for big money. It’s a problem for the fans of the sport but the owners don’t care; they are making money hand over fist. The Marlins, Nationals, Padres, and Twins are all in the top 10 in operating income. And, the average team is now worth $491 million, a 2 percent increase from 2009, and that’s in a poor economy.
m October 9th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Big Al,
I heard some guy on the radio say that the Rays window of opportunity is really small now. And as an owner, how can you tell your fanbase (well in advance) that you’re cutting payroll by $22 million? That’s why they’ll never be much.
And in reality, it will always be Yankees/Red Sox at the top of the heap.
++++++++++++
I think the Orioles and Jays are very quickly going to be strong competitors (depending on who the Jays hire to manage). And the Rays will remain fairly competitive. It is going to be very tough in the AL East next year, and the wild card could come out of the west, as the AL East teams will beat each other up.
At some point, the Rays will run out of #1 picks to run out there.
Well, my supermarket didn’t have ground chuck, so I had to buy chuck cubes and I’ll have to grind it myself.
I’ve already got a knot in my stomach – I’m not sure I’ll even be able to eat this hamburger at all!!!!!
I want Phil to pitch well. I, like Betsy, want to make all those know-it-alls out there who said it was Sabathia and ?? to eat their words. And I want the offense to show up.
Is it too much to ask, I ask you?
Now, I have to go out and buy my baby girl a birthday present.
CR9,
I didn’t send you the link for that exact reason. If the matches aren’t exhibition matches like these ones are then they get made up. But both Bangladesh and New Zealand are getting ready for the World Cup in February and are using games like the ones on this series as practice so the 2nd match won’t be made up. The next match is on the 11th at 11:00PM and you can watch it on ESPN3. If you’re unable to sign on there then you can go to webcric.com, hitcric.info or extracover.net. They are showing a replay of India vs. Australia test match right now. Also for cricket, “cricinfo.com” is the closest equivalent of mlb.com so go on there for any info you need instead of Google. Reply on here if you are still on, if I don’t get a reply I will E-mail the info to you.
Betsy -
You need to take that walk outside if men get on base, and listen for cheers or silence. You and his Mom, nervous together.
Kelvin,
The only thing that bothers me about long rest is C.C. He performs better on short rest than long rest but the time off should obviously be a plus point for the whole team in general.
Faiaz – Gotcha. I get ESPN3. And Ill save the other sites.
Game time.
Account for all the managerial openings.
mets
Later folks – Got to get things done before game time.
CR9,
Can you believe Argentina lost to Japan the other day on the international friendly?
BIG AL October 9th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
That is what many people fail to understand. Despite our high payroll, GMS III was not even close to the richest owner in baseball. The late Carl Pohlad of the Twins was the richest iirc, and John Henry has significantly more money than the Yankees. However, the Yankees care about their fans and put the most into their field product for the good of their fans.
What a great sports weekend for NY Sports fans…..you have the Redbulls vs RSL at RBA today to start things off, then the Yankees vs Twins tonight, and then tomorrow Giants vs Texans, Monday night Jets vs Vikes, not to mention the Rangers open their season tonight in Buffalo….does it get any better then this??
mets
cubs
mariners
jays
marlins (?)
Faiaz – lol, I was stunned by that. But I wondered if Messi or anyone good actually played…
pittsburgh
I always take long walks when men get on base, sometimes on both sides. I hate to see doubles get wasted but on the flip side, I always want the other team to strand their runners. I’m nervous already and the game doesn’t start for another 6 hours. Hopefully they can take care of business tonight so we don’t have to stress for a few days.
S1ARK5 – is that handle supposed to be in honor of Starks? Starksie!
CR9,
Forget about who is richer than the boss. Look at these numbers…
Nationals – Theodore Lerner (3.2 Billion) Payroll 2009: 59.3 million (27th in MLB)
Reds: Carl Linder (1.4 Billion) Payroll 2009: 70.9 million (20th in MLB)
Athletics: John Fisher (1.2 Billion) Payroll 2009: 62.3 million (26th in MLB)
Rangers: Tom Hicks (1 Billion) Payroll 2009: 68.7 million (22nd in MLB)
On a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon like today, why can’t MLB start the games at 1pm and 7pm? I miss the daytime post season games of the 60s!
Brewers….
tyanksfan – Your description of Ernie Johnson last night literally had me dying of laughter.
Just need 6 solid from Hughes tonight, Yankee bats will handle the rest.
CR9,
Messi, Milito AND Tevez started. Here are the highlights.
http://hastaelgolsiempre.com/2.....ighlights/
6 hours 25 mins to go.
SWEEP is coming!
CR9 October 9th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
BIG AL October 9th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
That is what many people fail to understand. Despite our high payroll, GMS III was not even close to the richest owner in baseball. The late Carl Pohlad of the Twins was the richest iirc, and John Henry has significantly more money than the Yankees. However, the Yankees care about their fans and put the most into their field product for the good of their fans.
*****************************
It’s not about the wealth of the owner, it’s about the operating revenue and profit of the franchise. The owners don’t write personal for players these days. The Yankees are valued at approximately $2 billion dollars.
…correction – the owners don’t write personal checks….
West Coast Yankee Fan October 9th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
CR9 October 9th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
BIG AL October 9th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
That is what many people fail to understand. Despite our high payroll, GMS III was not even close to the richest owner in baseball. The late Carl Pohlad of the Twins was the richest iirc, and John Henry has significantly more money than the Yankees. However, the Yankees care about their fans and put the most into their field product for the good of their fans.
*****************************
It’s not about the wealth of the owner
=====================================
Tell that to Fred Wilpon, einstein.
BoJo October 9th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
Cashmoney October 9th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
WCYF is entitled to his opinions of the Yankees, and ppl have rights to counter his arguments with facts , hard data or beliefs , I don’t get all these personal attacks on dude’s fandom.
+++++++++++
I think that is a very good point. The posters over at the Daily News apparently let it get personal, and it got ugly.
==================================
It might have had something to do with his being anti-Israel, anti-American troops, and anti-Yankees, all rolled up into one.
And believe me when I tell you, it was unanimously against him over at TDN, even the docile posters were asking him that he should leave.
Eventually, you’ll see for yourself.
I saw all of that, and never posted because it got so ugly at times. I think a lot of posters were turned off by it.
CR9 yessir it is….good catch.