Pretty quiet at Yankee Stadium
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Oct 13, 2010 
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One last calm day in the Bronx before the Yankees fly to Texas. Right now everything is pretty quiet. The field is setup for today’s simulated game, and just after I snapped a picture, A.J. Burnett and Javier Vazquez walked into center field to begin warming up.
In what might be a telling assignment, Francisco Cervelli has his gear on and is playing catch with Burnett. Looks like Cervelli is going to catch the sim game.
UPDATE, 12:14 p.m.: The simulated baseball has begun with a surprise addition to the Yankees lineup. Curtis Granderson got two “first inning” at-bats against Burnett. He chopped one a ball back to the mound, then struck out swinging. The highlight so far: Austin Kearns losing the grip on his bat and sending it flying into the stands behind the third-base dugout
Cervelli is, in fact, catching Burnett.
UPDATE, 12:19 p.m.: Brett Gardner has come onto the field, but he’s strictly going through some base-running drills at third base with Rob Thomson. He getting his lead, taking his secondary lead, then deciding whether to go or stay on every pitch. There’s a screen in front of Gardner, so at most he can only take a few steps toward the plate, but he seems to be working on his reads. It’s the kind of drill a high school team would find incredibly boring, but here’s Gardner — a good runner — working on it two days before the ALCS. Pretty cool.
UPDATE, 12:25 p.m.: We have a new highlight of the day, and this one will be tough to beat. There has been absolutely nothing on the video board, but out of no where, the scoreboard staff just showed the clip of first-base coach Mick Kelleher getting hit in the … umm … middle of his body … by a bad throw during the ALDS. The sim game had to be stopped for just a moment so everyone could finish laughing, including Kelleher.
thanks for that info Chad. I was hoping Posada would catch AJ.
He still might in Game 4. It depends I suppose on the situation. I would think tho that the Yankees would be in kill mode whether or not they were up 2-1 or 3-0 at that point…?
Got to get the beer ready for Game 1 on Friday. Drink one every two innings for good luck.
I forgot about this, I’d rather he face the A-Team.
Stupid…….Posada should have been catching AJ recently and now it means that Cervelli is going to catch AJ. AWFUL decision.
The quiet before the storm. Let the games begin !
Stupid…….Posada should have been catching AJ recently and now it means that Cervelli is going to catch AJ. AWFUL decision
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We have no idea if this is the case. Cervelli caught both simulated games. Why would the yankees make Posada catch a simulated game?
Betsy – Not necessarily… altho it does seem likely – but if the Yankees need Posada’s bat in the lineup, I would wager all hands on deck would be in play here and Cervelli would be warming the bench in the dugout.
It’s a SIMULATED game!
Anyway, I’m fine with what the Yankees decide.
Chad,
Tomorrow is travel day?
Its not like Posada has forgotten what AJ burnett throws.
Jerkface
Posada has not caught AJ in forever. Why wouldn’t it be a good idea to have him catch AJ? I would rather have Posada behind the plate than Cervelli during the actual games.
Who catches AJ will reveal a lot about Girardi.
stuckey – This isn’t the time for me to go too far in depth on the matter. There is little point in doing so anyway, as you would disagree with me on just about any subject, feverishly, with one hand on the keyboard.
So Ill make it simple for you: The light in which the Red Sox organization is viewed in has an effect on free agents. The media undisputedly affects (either positively or negatively) the way in which the Red Sox – or any organization – are viewed.
Why in the world would Posada catch a simulated game?
Not really smart to have your 40 year old catcher catch a simulated game.
I wouldn’t read anything into it.
Oh, Jerkface beat me to it. LOL
AJ Burnett and Cervelli. OK. So they both rise to the occasion it’s possible. Cervelli goes 2-4 and Burnet goes 6 and allows 3 runs. Can’t help you on the wild pitches, passed balls and stolen bases though.
What happens if Posada catches AJ in a simulated game, gets nailed with a foul ball, gets hurt, and misses the series?
The battle cry would then be, “How could they have Posada catch a SIMULATED game”?
You don’t risk that under any circumstances.
SJ, that’s fair. I’ll hold off on further criticism until I actually see Cervelli catching AJ.
SJ44 October 13th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
Perfectly stated. No need for Jorge to catch any simulated game.
I like Posada, but Cervelli has been playing pretty well lately. If he catches AJ it isn’t the end of the world.
“Who catches AJ will reveal a lot about Girardi.”
The respective two revelations will be what?
I was reading on RAB about the pen and they make a good point. Aceves is eventually going to have to have surgery ( I don’t know what he’s waiting for) and Marte probably will have. It’s hard to say what their availability will be like next year, so the Yankees might want to groom some arms for the pen. Well, they’re not going to groom a lefty reliever, so they’ll have to find someone else, but perhaps one of their young starters can take Aceves’ place
“The light in which the Red Sox organization is viewed in has an effect on free agents.”
Ah, the PLAYERS and their agents are the sheep who are not as savvy on the ways of the media as YOU are.
Got it.
Appreciate the explanation.
“The respective two revelations will be what?”
If Joe is bullheaded or broad-minded.
“The respective two revelations will be what?”
I think it would be a misguided attempt to placate AJ at the expense of the better offensive catcher, which could be costly in a short series.
Thanks Rich.
Rich, why are you assuming AJ has anything to do with this? That was unfair last year and it’s unfair now. If Frankie catches, it’s because Joe wants him to.
OK OK
That is, it was unfair for fans and the media to assume AJ had anything to do with Joe’s decision – not you.
2 Days, 7 Hours, and 45 Minutes until Game 1 of the ALCS
Short series? We’re tied at 1 before we start?
AJ will pitch a grand total of one game max en route to the WS (fingers crossed).
AJ and/or Cervelli is getting overblown.
The highlight so far: Austin Kearns loosing the grip on his bat and sending it flying into the stands behind the third-base dugout
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Thanks, Chad, for the simulated updates.
Betsy
If AJ is fine with pitching to Posada and Girardi still uses Cervelli, it would be even more revealing.
I do know if it’s unfair or not. I think actions speak louder than words, so if Posada almost never catches AJ, I think at least part of it is because of AJ.
Granderson’s a good teammate, placating AJ like that.
npbtracker: Sponichi says that the D-Backs are preparing $80m to acquire Darvish: http://bit.ly/cYAmNm. Amazing if it’s true.
After seeing Cliff Lee last night it’s even more obvious how much of an elite, big game pitcher he is. The combination of his electric stuff, command and ice-water in his veins is lethal. (don’t laugh, he’s young but I see that demeanor in Phil Hughes as well. It’s what Joba does not have).
I think Nolan Ryan and the Rangers will pull out all the stops to retain Cliff Lee. Not only will their cable deal allow them to throw money at him, they will probably come up with other creative approaches to try and convince him to stay, nothing would surprise me. I would never under estimate Nolan Ryan. He’s a bulldog. And Chuck Greenberg understands the value in dollars of a Cliff Lee to their marketing and television revenue. He would be Babe Ruth in Texas if he signed a long term deal.
That having been said, IMO Lee will go to the Yankees in the end for obvious reasons. Money. But you can be assured they will overpay, probably more in length of contract than annual salary. If they have to give Lee six years they will. The major advantage the Yankees have over other teams, is not so much the ability to pay a high annual salary, it’s that they can afford to have him break down after 4 years and absorb the $40+ million as a cost of doing business. That’s what other teams, including the Rangers, can’t do.
When the Yankees want a free agent, they will get him. Only Greg Maddux spurned them and he didn’t want to pitch in NY. Lee will be in pinstripes.
LOL at the NY Post trying to make a big deal out of Alex struggling the last 6 games of the season and against Minny. However, I agree that we’ll need him against Texas, a much more powerful team than the Twins
stuckey – I urge you to read this and enlighten yourself. However, if your choice is naivety, then that is your right.
From ESPN Insider – http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl.....id=5661959
Rich, I don’t get how you come to that conclusion, but we’ll just have to agree to disagree.
Actions speak louder than words? That would hold true for Girardi, not AJ. Girardi is the one who makes the decisions
“Granderson’s a good teammate, placating AJ like that. ”
A future manager????
Betsy
Here’s how: Posada is still one of the best offensive catchers in MLB. You want him on the field as much as his aging body will permit. In the playoffs, that should be every game. As such, he should have had sufficient time catching every pitcher on the staff in order to facilitate that.
If that’s not happening solely because of Girardi, why is he here?
Yes, Rich!
Which current Yankee will be the first to manage in the big leagues?
You know who has the acumen and is developing into a people person? Alex.
Rich, I’m confused. Obviously I think Posada should be catching every game…….it is all because of Joe, but you said that he’d be placating AJ, as if AJ wants it this way. I don’t believe he does. I just think Joe believes this is the right way to go…………..
Poor Mick. He’s never going to live that down. What a good sport he is.
The sim game had to be stopped for just a moment so everyone could finish laughing, including Kelleher.
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He does, m. Alex is a true student of the game and a great teammate.
Given that financial realities make managing an incredibly unlikely option, how cool would it be if Alex and Jeter co-own a team someday…like if the Steinbrenners sell.
Maybe the poly getting to me?
Rich – I agree with Betsy’s 12:30 pm comment. I dont believe that Joe would be placating AJ if he decided to start Frankie. Rather, I believe it would be because Joe thought it was the right thing to do.
Betsy
I find it hard to believe that it’s all because of Girardi. Maybe it is; that just seems hard to believe, but obviously that’s just an uninformed opinion.
Alright, Yankee people. Sun is up now.
Enjoy the game. I predict a Yankees win.
I am simulating work!
CR9
Make the case for why it’s the right thing to do.
“I am simulating work!”
While you’re at it, Erica, simulate your billable hours as well.
Rich – I dont believe it is the right thing to do. But Joe Girardi might.
Anyway, it appears AJ has had personal issues to deal with; I hope the’s able to resolve them for his sake.
http://www.northjersey.com/spo....._ALCS.html
CR9
I understand, but why do you think he might think that?
I am simulating work!
—————-
lol
“From ESPN Insider – http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl…..id=5661959”
I’m going to have to assume in your head this passage makes a point of some kind…
Or that (of course) it does not, and all this is manufactured schtick, part of some odd attempt to invent an online persona for yourself.
I’m beginning to lean towards the latter.
Betsy -
RAB does not know what the hell their talking about when it come to Alfredo Aceves, period. You read some conjecture, written by someone that has not spoken with Aceves, or the Yankees concerning the present, or future plans, relating to Alfredo’s treatment, and believe it to be true, it is not.
no more cowbell
Rich – Because Joe appears very set in his ways; started Cervelli with AJ much of the season and may feel like there’s more of a comfort level between the two.
I expect to see Jorge catching AJ; but will be neither shocked nor disgusted if we see Cervelli.
RayVT -
We spoke of this before, and I hope you’re right, and Tampa moves to Charlotte, NC. That way I get to see the Yankees 9 times when they play the Rays.
I do believe AJ starts game 4, Cashman all but spelled it out.
I think Girardi goes with the same 3 pitchers as in the ALDS, and the same order. If this sets up Hughes for a possible game 7, I believe he’s up to winning that, or any other game he pitches against Texas.
Cliff Lee, IMO, will get $22 M for 5 years, with a 6th year option.
CC will be house shopping with Cliff, right after the Yankees sew up #28.
Unlike some fans, I do not fret over how much money the Yankees offer Lee, or how many years he gets. That’s a Yankees business decision, not mine. And no, what ever deal is made, will not affect my life one bit.
Those that continue to be concerned on this blog, as if it were their money being spent, I find you amusing.
stuckey – I already had this typed out, as I expected your utter nonsense. In that excerpt, the author of the article, David Fleming, is demonstrating the misconceptions that many have of the image of the Patriots organization. Those misconceptions are due in part to the media.
Someone must have dosed your Red Sox Koolaid with extra Ex-lax today, as the pseudo-intellectual diarrhea is a flowin’
FYI, David Fleming will eventually be fired by ESPN, solely for daring to write that article. I 100% GUARANTEE it!
That’s a decent take, stuckey.
Betsy, its AJ’s inaction that speaks louder than his words.
If he’s so “fine” throwing to Posada, he should waltz into Girardi’s office and demand that such happens.
I like AJ, but coming off the worst pitching season in team history, he’s in no position to have a personal freaking catcher at great expense to the team. I will be livid at all parties- both AJ and Girardi – if Cervelli catches any of his games for the remainder of the postseason.
Big AL – I forgot about your close friendship with Ace. Sorry about his injury this year – mainly because it hurt the Yankees; secondarily because you’re close with him. Hopefully, he comes back next year healthy.
CR9 -
Thank you.
Sorry to see you got yourself into a pissing contest with stuckey, really not necessary, it brings the blog down when things get to that level. You do what you think is necessary – just saying.
Big AL – You’re right. I was planning on ignoring stuckey once again beginning tomorrow, but it’s probably better if I begin today.
G-C, he’s a player – he’s not the manager. I disagree with you………and anyway, he told that to Joe last year and Joe didn’t listen.
AJ doesn’t know where the hell the ball is going.
Cervelli is 23-24 and has trouble catching him.
Posada will be worse.
If AJ is on like he was in game 2 of the World Series last year, anyone can catch him.
G-COctober 13th, 2010 at 12:52 pmBetsy, its AJ’s inaction that speaks louder than his words.
If he’s so “fine” throwing to Posada, he should waltz into Girardi’s office and demand that such happens.
I like AJ, but coming off the worst pitching season in team history, he’s in no position to have a personal freaking catcher at great expense to the team. I will be livid at all parties- both AJ and Girardi – if Cervelli catches any of his games for the remainder of the postseason.
—
We can’t assume that AJ is asking to pitch to Cervelli. For all we know Posada got so frustrated with AJ he told Girardi he didn’t want to catch him.
Or, maybe neither AJ or Posada made a demand and it’s all Girardi thinking AJ and Posada can’t work together, or that AJ pitches better with Cervelli behind the plate.
“In that excerpt, the author of the article, David Fleming, is demonstrating the misconceptions that many have of the image of the Patriots organization. Those misconceptions are due in part to the media.”
Which again, apparently only he and you are hip to.
I can only the gratitude coming your way from the professional athletetic community when you finally convince them how dumb they’ve all been all this time.
You truly are a hero.
Joe’s presser on now
Chad–
How many simulated bases have been stolen off AJ so far? I hope Cervelli is practicing his simulated throws to 2B.
I don’t have a huge problem haveing Cervelli catch AJ in the play-offs. AJ will be gone after 3 or 4 innings, and Posada can replace Cervelli in the line-up…so Po loses one AB.
As far as back-up to Posada if he goes down, let’s see who Girardi names on his roster this round.
Rich in NJ October 13th, 2010 at 10:10 am
I?m giving Lee every game he pitches. The Yankees would be well-served to just rest their regulars, and punt the game with Gaudin or some such.
*******
Not sure if you were bing sarcastic or not, but I wouldn’t worry at all about the other team and I would setup my rotation my way. I will worry about the WS if I get there, but I start with the mindset that CC is pitching on short rest twice and so are Phil and Pettitte. Depending on the bullpen use and the outcome of the games I decide whether game is CC or not. If we are up 3-0 I may consider starting Burnett (or someone else) for game 4, otherwise CC goes in game 4.
back to a question I had, what do you think Jeter after this year would fetch on the open market as a free agent? Forget the yankees
but here’s Gardner — a good runner — working on it two days before the ALCS. Pretty cool.
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The reason he’s working on it is the same reason you chose the word “runner” and not “baserunner”