Notes from Texas: Nothing left to do but play
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Notes on Oct 14, 2010 
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Derek Jeter sat at a table in the back corner of a Rangers Ballpark restaurant this afternoon. He had been answering questions for a while by the time I got over there — the room was full of Yankees answering questions at various tables — but the first question I heard Jeter answer was about a gyro ball and whether C.J. Wilson throws one.
“I haven’t seen it,” Jeter said. “Hopefully I won’t. I’m not looking for it.”
Apparently after five days off, there really wasn’t much left to ask these guys.
The Yankees are ready to play. They went through one last workout this afternoon, and the Texas writers were amazed at Robinson Cano launching home runs in that now famous net drill he does with Kevin Long. The ALCS logos are painted, there is bunting hanging all over the outfield, and there’s a fancy TBS camera hanging from a wire along the first-base line. There’s nothing left to do but play.
“We’ve got no choice (but to take the time off),” Jeter said. “That’s pretty much how it is. If you play well after they say it helped. If you don’t they say it hurt. The way I look at it is we have no choice, so you deal with it.”
• When CC Sabathia had extra time off leading into his ALDS start, he threw only one bullpen in between. This time he threw two bullpens, and did his flatground work twice. “Last time I was a little too strong and tend to get out of whack and it’s tough for me to throw strikes,” Sabathai said. “The toughest thing is making sure that my mechanics stay good and I’m standing tall and throwing downhill.”
• Even though he’s not planning on it, Sabathia said he could throw on three-days rest in Game 4 if necessary. “If they tell me that, I just go for it,” he said. “The only thing is (Girardi) would have to tell me before I throw a bullpen, because if I’ve thrown one on three days, I normally don’t throw a bullpen and just do two flat grounds and be ready to go.”
• One fairly minor lineup note for the Rangers, manager Ron Washington said he will start catcher Matt Treanor in Game 1. Treanor is the backup to Bengie Molina, but he’s been catching C.J. Wilson all year. Washington said he hasn’t decided on a first baseman.
• As for the Yankees, Girardi made no lineup announcement, but with a lefty starter on the mound, you can bet Marcus Thames will be in there. Thames has hit C.J. Wilson pretty well in his career. ”Knowing I’m going to be in Game 1, make sure I get myself prepared and ready to compete against these guys,” Thames said. “He’s a strike thrower. Make sure you’re ready to hit. He’s going to try to get strike one, so you have to make sure you’re ready to hit.”
• In a big late-inning situation, it’s reasonable to expect Boone Logan to face Josh Hamilton, who’s 0-for-3 with a strikeout in his career against Logan. “No approach,” Logan said. “I know he’s Josh Hamilton. He’s one of my favorite players to watch. But he’s in my eyes he’s just another lefty to go in and get out. I’m not going to approach it any differently.”
• Dave Eiland remains encouraged by what he saw from Mariano Rivera in the division series. “Crisp,” Eiland said. “He located the ball where he wanted to, both sides of the plate. He was working ahead of the count. You could just see the way the ball was coming out of his hand, he was feeling good.”
• Girardi on A.J. Burnett’s simulated game: “I actually thought he threw the ball pretty well. I know a lot was made of him hitting a couple of hitters, and we talk about that with our hitters all the time and obviously you never want to hit your own hitters. It happens, and we don’t want to see the guys get beat up and I am confident in him and I’ve seen what A.J. can do and I saw what A.J. did in the last season for us. He went through some difficult times during the course of the last season, he did. And he also ran off 12 or 13 good starts in a row. We know that A.J. can do and we are looking for a good start from A.J.”
• There was even more talk today about the Rangers aggressive base running in the ALDS. “The other night, Bengie Molina stole his first base since September 9, 2006, if I remember right,” Brett Gardner said. “Suddenly it’s important to get in scoring position, I guess. Nothing against him but, that’s how guys are playing now because every game and every play is so important. That’s obviously heads up on his part. He saw something from the pitcher that he got a read against.”
• Any difference opening an ALCS on the road? “I don’t feel any different,” Sabathia said. “We’re a veteran ballclub, and we knew what the situation we got into getting the Wild Card and we knew that we had to win games on the road to win in the series. For me, I don’t pitch any different in any other park and it seems not to have affected us up to this point.”
• Girardi turned 46 years old today, on the same day our great friend Sam Borden celebrated his anniversary.
Associated Press photos of Posada, Sabathia and Jeter
Derek looks cute
I enjoyed the time off, but I’m seriously ready for some baseball, win or lose.
yeah derek’s smile will never fail to kill me. ( it had to be said). This was the longest week ever btw. ONE MORE DAY!
The gap between games almost makes it feel like the offseason.
For anyone who’s an ESPN Insider, could you please post Keith Law’s scouting report for the Yanks/Rangers ALCS? Thanks!
Scratch that – I don’t think he did one for the ALCS.
Sams anniversary and he’s spending it Chad in Texas?
A Lohud hero.
Congratulations Sam.
Here you go Betsy:
Over the course of the time I’ve worked for ESPN, it seems that no matter what I write or say about the Yankees, one group of commenters chimes in that I hate the club (I actually have New York roots) and one chimes in that I’m fawning over them because of an East Coast bias (I actually live in Arizona now). So rather than any type of pithy intro, let’s just get into the details of their roster.
Hitting
This Yankees club, for all the money they’ve plowed into pitching (and for all the arms they have in a rejuvenated farm system), are still built mostly around a smashmouth offense. The Yankees led the AL in runs scored and OBP by wide margins — that’s not a coincidence, folks — and were comfortably third in home runs. Robinson Cano was a mild surprise this year as their best player and a legitimate MVP candidate through about two-thirds of the season; he has to be hitting coach Kevin Long’s first major success story, hitting .314/.357/.511 since the start of July 2008, right after Long worked with Cano on both his swing and on his pitch recognition. Nick Swisher has seen his walk rate drop dramatically as he changed from a take-and-rake hitter to more of a free swinger, but the overall results are positive and he’ll still wreck a fastball in the zone. Mark Teixeira pulled his usual second-half revival act, while Curtis Granderson was similarly more productive after the All-Star break, the result of working with Long to cut down his long swing.
That offensive output comes despite another step down in production from Alex Rodriguez, whose hip has sapped his power — in relative terms — over the past two years, as he gets less power from his lower half and less plate coverage than he did before the injury. He’s still good, and dangerous, but can be beaten in ways that were not options for pitchers before he got hurt.
And I suppose the elephant in the room here is Derek Jeter, who seems to have lost a significant amount of bat speed between 2009 and 2010, to the point where he would probably be platooned against tough right-handed pitchers if he wasn’t the living, breathing exemplar of a True Yankee. Even his two-strike approach, long among the best in the game, hasn’t survived, as his stats in two-strike counts are all down. His role as leadoff hitter/”sparkplug” has been usurped by Brett Gardner, who has next to no power but has good bat control and a decent eye; he tends to foul off pitches until he gets something he can punch into play, then uses his speed (his only plus tool) to reach base or add an extra base.
Pitching
CC Sabathia is about as critical a player to the his team’s playoff hopes as any player this October, as every other starter the Yanks might run out there has a concern like injury (Andy Pettitte), high workloads (Phil Hughes), or knuckleheadedness (A.J. Burnett). Sabathia is a three-pitch ace, all pitches plus on his best days, setting hitters up with the fastball and usually putting them away with the low-80s slider. He’s handled heavy workloads before, but if the Yanks use him repeatedly on short rest, he may wear down as he did in 2008.
Pettitte has battled groin and back injuries this year, so while he’s effective when healthy, his health could go south at any time. He’ll work with an average fastball but cuts almost everything he throws, mixing in a few curveballs, pounding the strike zone the way he did prior to an uptick in his walks in 2009. Hughes has looked stronger after skipping a start in early September, but he’s not efficient despite good control, and the Yanks have wisely limited his pitches with the consequence that he hasn’t finished the seventh inning since July 9. He’s pitching with above-average velocity and can miss some bats with the fastball, but the pitch is flat and it’s made him homer-prone, particularly at Yankee Stadium.
A.J. Burnett may be pressed into playoff service if Andy Pettitte’s various aches and pains push him out of the rotation, and Burnett does still have plus velocity and a sharp curveball, but his lack of command and focus make him a dicey bet for a start in any playoff situation. He’ll probably sit out the Division Series but would be the fourth starter if the Yankees advance to the ALCS.
In the ‘pen, Mariano Rivera hasn’t missed as many bats this year, but his cutter’s velocity has been steady and he’s still a ground-ball machine who’s very stingy with free passes. The right-handed middle relief crew of Joba Chamberlain, David Robertson and Kerry Wood all miss bats, two with velocity and Robertson with his curveball; none of the three is the picture of health, with Robertson missing time in September due to back spasms, but the Yanks could get by if any one of the three goes down. Wood’s become the primary eighth-inning guy, using both a hard curve and a cutter/slider; his control may never be average again, but he can get swings and misses at any of the three offerings. Chamberlain’s approach has changed now that he’s strictly a reliever and throwing a little harder, using his curve more and saving that knockout slider for two-strike situations. Joe Girardi likes to play matchup games in late innings, and he has Boone Logan as a lefty killer to face a Jim Thome or a Ryan Howard in the postseason.
Defense
The Yanks run out two plus defenders in left (Gardner) and center (Granderson) and above-average gloves at second (Cano) and first (Teixeira), but the left side of their infield hurts them and Swisher isn’t as rangy as he was a few years ago in right. Neither catcher offers much defensively, so they should just play Jorge Posada for his bat unless he can’t stand up.
Summary
The Yankees are strong enough to win another World Series, but not as strong as the team that made it there last year, and they’ll face tougher competition this year, with no opponent as weak as the ’09 Twins. If the Yankees do give their fans another ring, it’ll likely be because their offense was strong enough to overcome the high-quality starters they’ll face in the postseason, or because one of their non-Sabathia starters steps up and gives an unexpectedly strong performance.
With Chad….
Edit.
WC, thanks!
I had read that elsewhere, but then I thought that he did a separate one for the ALCS.
Romine, Laird and Pirela all in the line-up tonight for the AFL Desert Dogs.
Romine batting third, FYI. Laird again playing LF.
“Over the course of the time I’ve worked for ESPN, it seems that no matter what I write or say about the Yankees, one group of commenters chimes in that I hate the club (I actually have New York roots) and one chimes in that I’m fawning over them because of an East Coast bias (I actually live in Arizona now).”
Exactly right Keith, exactly right.
I’m actually looking forward to the NLCS game more than our game tomorrow. I don’t think a Wilson/Sabathia game is as exciting as Halladay/lincecum. Also, they are handing out rally towels in texas? Those things are so annoying. Though I’d take a rally towel over a cowbell anyday. I’m thinking of watching last years world series film to get myself pumped up for the ALCS.
AFL game in live time gameday.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday.....n_scowin_1
Romine with a two out single. I have no concerns about his bat, but, the defense has to be cleaned up. That was supposed to be his strong suit.
0 Days, 22 Hours, and 15 Minutes until Game 1 of the ALCS
If they don’t convert Romine into Elston Howard, I’d prefer to trade him and get some value… maybe a corner OF, starter, closer, or 3B prospect.
Provided they think Montero can catch, however.
GB-
Thanks for the heads up.
Any ideas on what’s going on with Romine’s D ? What seems to be the problem area(s) IYO ?
Texas Rangers will S W E E P .
“But most of all, who the hell cares?”
Hmmm. I would say someone who wants to be the Ruby Tuesday of the forum. You know, try to list all the reasons that other pitchers are better than Yankee pitchers; list all the reasons that people should run like crazy on the poor and weak Yankee arms; list all the Texas players who will get on base and score. You know, someone pretending to be a Yankee fan and obviously sucking in a ton of you.
SJ has seen right through this fraud’s drivel, as have many others here. But a number of posters keep up the banter with him.
I’m gonna really laugh if he finally gets to have his say. You know, rub your noses in it if anything goes bad with the Yanks.
And oh yeah, you ALWAYS do “objective” comparisons between AL and NL pitchers because, you know, they pitch to the same calibre of hitting, 1-9.
Ruby, you don’t need to be here! Did I just conjure you up by speaking your name???? Your partner West Coast Sux Fan has been doing the job for you, though he does it through his Yankee fandom, wink wink, and you know, being objective (aka trashing the Yankees with left-handed compliments and comments whenever he can) though it hurts him to have to expose all of their flaws that way!
MTU, for the last three years at least, he’s had real issues with catcher’s interference calls and passed balls. He’s not real aggressive on defense. what i’ve seen as that he has a real bad habit of reaching for a pitch too early, like he’s trying to get it before the hitter can swing. The passed balls appears to be from slow hands and slower feet as far as shifting them. That’s just my opinion based on what I’ve seen over the past few years.
Maybe SJ or others that have actually seen him more than once can offer up another opinion. Pat M. had seen him often when he was in high school and has offered similar opinions, but, it’s something that he needs to answer.
2nd inning, Laird has a out single but erased on a double play grounder. 2Bman Jose Pirela bats in the 3rd inning.
Okay here it is so far. Some of you are here/were here? who still haven’t given your latest predictions.
Pony up kids! One hour before ACLS/NCLS is deadline.
http://members.cox.net/lsdorga.....SERIES.pdf
GB-
Thanks for your take. I have never had the opportunity to see Romine catch.
Is it possible he gets converted to another position ? He has pretty good foot speed.
Maybe a corner OF’er ?
If anyone sees Blake, SAS, Joe from L.I., Joeman, Elias in NH, Pat M, Yankeetrader, LGY, Indy42, Sevrox, or RichFl, could you please remind them that predictions are due?
Thank you!
Pirela is 0-1 with an RBI groundout
The Rangers wills WEEP!
Fixed!
Trisha – this is my last word to you on this, and was precipitated by your gratuitous attacks on me. I have done nothing but engage in polite conversations here with many participants. Perhaps you should read the blog before you go on. I don’t address you anymore, if you persist in being disruptive by your childish and combative posts, you only prove my point. You seem to have some sense misguided sense of entitlement, you see yourself as the blog scold and accordingly think you get to establish what a good Yankee fan is or isn’t. And what one should say or not say. You don’t.
MTU October 14th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
GB-
Thanks for your take. I have never had the opportunity to see Romine catch.
Is it possible he gets converted to another position ? He has pretty good foot speed.
Maybe a corner OF’er ?
———————————————————————————————————————-
Yeah, Romine has pretty good footspeed and a really strong arm. He’s pretty athletic and I think that he could play a solid 4 corners defense as well as catch. Laird isn’t slow but he doesn’t have a lot of footspeed. About like Swisher, I’d say. Laird could also play the four corners. That, at least is my belief. Montero is probably pretty much confined to catcher and first. Not sure if he can play a competent outfield or not. Another catcher that gets no play in the press is Jose Gil. Good defensive catcher, strong arm and pretty good power. He’s been stuck floating throughout all levels of the system, but, I think that if he gets a chance, he could surprise. He’s certainly no worse than Cervelli and is still young. He’ll be in Trenton in 2011…maybe in Scranton to share the spot with Romine.
Yankees in 6, no sweat.
Romine is now 2-2 with a pair of singles.
GB-
Thanks. Next year I’m hoping to get the MiLB package so I can watch games for myself.
Appreciate it.
Bedtime for this old Man. I’m tired from today’s hike.
See you tomorrow. Have a good night.
Romine really had a bad 2nd half last year; I think his prospect status took a hit.
Props to MLB – great coverage. Lots and lots of good Yankee reporting
West Coast Yankee Fan October 14th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Trisha – this is my last word to you on this
—————————–
Don’t you wish, Trish?
GB7
I was about to bring up Gil and even Abeita, I don’t think I saw much bad defense in the games they played in Tampa this year. I sat right by the on deck circle so I was up by the action. I may not know exactly what to look for but they were both able to throw runners out and I don’t really remember them throwing the ball away when going to second. I’m looking forward to seeing Murphy next season.
Romine will be fine. he still has a bat that produces plenty of runs and extra base hits, even in a pitcher’s park and pitcher’s league like the Eastern League.
TYanks, I like Gil a lot. abeita is a pretty solid defensive catcher, too, but, the bat is really streaky. Reminds me a lot of PJ Pilittere. He’ll be in trenton, but, it will be interesting to see if he progresses. Gil has played at the AA and AAA levels.
GB, I think so too – maybe he just got tired.
Watching preview shows will just get me aggravated, so I’ve avoided them.
Murphy is one to watch in Tampa….big bat. Not sure that Higashioka is ready for tampa, but, he might get there. One player’s bat that will make fans happy will be Rob Lyerly a first baseman/third baseman.
SJ’s nephew had a nice day. 3-4 RBI and 2 runs scored
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/articl.....8;c_id=mlb
Laird is 1-2 with a single and a strikeout.
Yankee pitcher Craig Heyer had a perfect 4th inning with 1 strikeout.
Trisha
I think you got my prediction backwards, or maybe I typed it in backwards. I was posting it on my phone at a stoplight. I want Giants in 7 and Yankees in 5
Leiter is doing a good job raving about the Yankees, nice piece on Kerry Wood.
The Yankees were so strong defensively this year, especially the infield.
-Teixeira made 3 errors, FEWEST in MLB among first-basemen (min 120 gs).
-Cano made 3 errors, tied for FEWEST among MLB second-basemen (min 120 gs)
- Jeter made 6 errors, FEWEST among MLB shortstops (min 120 gs).
- Rodriguez made 7 errors, FEWEST among AL third-basemen (min. 120 gs).
Now, if we only had a decent defensive catcher, this infield would be ridiculous.
Undoubtedly, Ruby has spent days sitting around the tea set with her sock puppets working on new material. Sad to say, but she (and her imaginary friends Oscar, Felix, UnKnown and Gay Yankee Fan) will have oodles of stupidity ready for us during the game tomorrow.
Nice post ZachA. Those are absolutely sick stats and are often overlooked.
What did Leiter say? Thanks!
Pirela is 1-2 with an infield single and a run scored.
Good night Yankee people!
Leiter showed footage of Wood with Cleveland, how his fastball was straight and his arm angle flat and how he got pounded. Then he showed some footage of Mo standing with Wood in the outfield and talked about how Mo is such a good and willing teacher. Leading to more super-slo mo footage of the Yankee Wood. How his ball cuts and moves in the strike zone and out. Nice close ups of his fingers on the ball showing the different grips and how the ball comes out of his hand.
“Over the course of the time I’ve worked for ESPN, it seems that no matter what I write or say about the Yankees, one group of commenters chimes in that I hate the club (I actually have New York roots) and one chimes in that I’m fawning over them because of an East Coast bias (I actually live in Arizona now). So rather than any type of pithy intro, let’s just get into the details of their roster.”
Yeah. Right, Klaw! You couldnt give a flying ….. about your NY roots. And those others claiming that you fawn over the Yankees are delusional Red Sox fans.
Let’s hear some more about Jose Iglesias being able to field grounders behind his back while an ALCS and NLCS are about to begin! And not grounders within a game, just grounders during practice! Never been done before in the history of baseball :sarcasm:
Continue lying, Keith. For one day, you may actually fool yourself into believing your lies.
GB
I like Gil too, I enjoyed watching him and Abeita in Tampa this past season. On the last regular season game they did a “shirt off your back” kind of promotion and I got Abeita’s jersey top so im secretly hoping that he makes it somewhere. I remember a game at the end of this season in Dunedin and Gil tried to get some guy in a rundown and there was some issue with interference and they called the guy safe at home even though he tagged him. He flipped out but didnt get kicked out of the game. The whole rest of the game when he would go out to catch, the fans behind the net would harass him and also when he wouldnt get a hit as a batter. On his last at-bat he sent an opposite field home run. They still lost but I bet he felt good about himself and I was glad cause he shut them up.
Im going to miss Brad Suttle. He is a pretty decent defender and has some good power. We really missed when Joseph got promoted but maybe after having that wrist surgery he might end up back in Tampa for a while.
Im looking forward to all the new guys coming up next season. I actually look forward to the minor league games more than the major league ones because I can be right there every home game and I like getting an early look at some of the guys coming through the system when they dont get as much coverage as in AA and AAA
Thanks! Mo is always willing to teach, that’s very true. He doesn’t believe he “owns” the cutter, so he’s always willing to show other pitchers his grip. It’s one of the things I love best about Mo.
What did he say about the Yanks? If it’s good stuff, I’ll make a point to catch the replay at 12 am.
Lots was covered. It was a fair and impartial show, I recommend it. I can’t get enough!
WC, ok – thanks! I think the first hour must have been ALCS and now it’s about the NLCS. I like Al, so I’ll watch/tape it.
WC
what show are you talking about?
“Don’t you wish, Trish?”
**************
Betsy, I think the smartest thing you can do is avoid those preview shows. You probably should avoid reading stuff too because you never know where the dufusses are coming from, or whether they have any built-in prejudice.
I swear I haven’t watched one of them, haven’t read any of the stuff, and haven’t checked out any of the “expert” predictions. I don’t need to read/hear about stuff as filtered through somebody else’s lens.
I’m good to go, waiting for my Yanks to take center stage and kick some y’ass!
(I will say that playing fantasy baseball has kept me pretty informed about most of the players in the league, and watching games has also kept me updated; I guess there could be value for fans who want some insight into the different players and don’t really know a lot about them.)
“Trisha
I think you got my prediction backwards, or maybe I typed it in backwards. I was posting it on my phone at a stoplight. I want Giants in 7 and Yankees in 5″
Tyanks, more likely I just typed it in wrong! That’s why I ask everyone to check my numbers. I’ll change it right now.
Ruby, Oscar, Felix, UnKnown & Gay Yankee Fan=
The Real Housewives of Nantucket
Hmm,. Yankees have never faced Lewis before – and we know how they do against pitchers they’ve never faced
Heyer has another perfect inning in the 5th inning. 6 outs, 1 strikeout, 3 ground outs and 2 infield pop-ups.
TY, what was your impressions of Craig Heyer this year? He has been used in about every role possible for the last couple of seasons…starter, long relief and closer. He does nothing special except get outs.
Ive got to go drop a Keith Law, shower, and shave!
Hey BX is Burning not sure what your deal is but you calling me out is so ridiculous. Unfortunately for you I will post as much as I want. So keep on throwing my name out there. Fortunately for others I am not going to get into a verbal spat with someone who has no basis to be attacking me on this blog thus taking up space on this blog for others to post and causing them to continue to scroll over that sort of drivel.
So with that said, you Bx is Burning no longer exist to me and GO YANKEES!
Won’t be around to post much tomorrow night (I don’t post much the way it is) except for the occasional stuff to keep my good buddy Bx entertained. Enjoy!
The people who saved the Chilean miners didn’t try this hard…
http://members.cox.net/lsdorgan/LC%20SERIES.pdf
I almost didn’t recognize Jeter in that picture.
Please keep at it, UnKnown.
I’m here, listening.
…and ‘Go Yankees,’ naturally.
“I almost didn’t recognize Jeter in that picture.”
What? Has that .270 look about him?
I absolutely love Swisher. Love his personality you can totally tell he loves being a Yankee. And why wouldn’t he, best organization in all of sports. Always up to listen to him get interviewed. Swisher Salute Baby
Watching ALCS preview on YES.
Interesting approach to running the bases from Lance.
Betsy
If im not mistaken, didnt they handle Kyle Drabek well?
GB
I like Heyer. He was pretty impressive in the last game of the FSL playoffs. Nothing really stood out special but I tend to pay attention to the fielding and offense more than the pitching, ill focus on that more next season.
One guy that I am interested in seeing more next season is Josh Romanski, a lefty pitcher who I think got promoted up to Tampa at the end of the season, not sure where he was before but I really liked him. he didnt seem to get rattled much in the few games that he pitched and he even won a game in the championships.
“What? Has that .270 look about him?”
So you’re saying that his subpar season has taken a toll?
Rich – Jeter has that familiar look of greatness. His eyes and smile scream “Champion!!”
My Keith Law came out like Gammo (‘rhea). Always lets me know when a playoff series is around the corner! Woot Woot!
Jeter also has played in 141 postseason games. That is absolutely incredible. Almost another season under his belt. One has to wonder how that takes a toll on the body.
Sheesh, Klapisch just ripped Joe apart for not starting Andy in game two. Everything is ticking me off tonight, lol
Unknown – Excellent observation. Maybe Jeter was managing himself during the season so that he could be in top form for the postseason! JETER!
“I almost didn’t recognize Jeter in that picture.”
What? Has that .270 look about him?”
Nah– You must have been blinded by the gleam of the 5 RINGS he has.
Good night all.
Romine is now 3-4 with a 2 run double.
Girardi has the rotation layed out very well. I thought he managed the ALDS basically flawless. Helps too when the players perform at a high level. Ha. Seriously though Andy with the ball in a potential Game 7 is fine with me. Really hoping however the Yankees can do this thing in 6 or less. 5 would be just fine giving CC one more start and a final tune up for the World Series with 6 days rest in between Game 5 and Game 1 of the W.S.
Jeter a pros pro, my favorite Yankee of all time no doubt. I look for him to be huge in this series. Dare I say first ever pie coming early next week. Go Yankees!
Betsy,
You’ve been complaining about what the writers have said about the Yanks ALL SEASON. Yet, you continue to read them anyways.
May I ask why? Are you always in such a good mood that you need to be knocked down a couple of notches?
I learned not to read most of these chumps a long time ago. Moe importantly, I’ve also learned many of them don’t have a freakin’ clue what they’re talking about.
Their jobs is not always to report newsworthy tidbits. It’s also to rile people up and sell newspapers.
Here’s the article:
http://www.victoriaadvocate.co.....s&mlb
Also, it wasn’t just Joe’s decision; Eiland and Cash also had serious input
GF, I was just googling stuff and came upon this article. I had no idea it was going to be so negative – I’m not looking for negative stuff. I wanted to read what Klapisch had to say about the rotation – didn’t exect a rip job.
Romanski came out of the Brewer system a couple of years ago. He was an infielder for one year and got hurt and converted to a pitcher this past season. He’s still young, so he’ll be an interesting project to watch for.
My error. Romanski was not an infielder. Just an oft injured pitcher, though he’s just 23 years old. This was just his 2nd pro season.
tyanksfan36 – sorry had some work to do. Was MLB coverage.
Laird is 2-4 with a leadoff 8th inning double off of the left field wall.
Trisha,
I just got home after too long a day. I tried to sign up and the page didn’t work.
I’ll take the Yankees in 6
and
SF in 7
Thanks a lot. Let me know if you get this.
Most of what Klapisch writes are rip jobs, which is why I don’t bother reading his columns.
Well from what I saw from Romanski he is good. Didnt know he came through another organization but that might explain how he was able to handle himself in A-advanced. He will probably start in Tampa next season so ill be able to keep a better eye on him. Im thinking depending on my homework load next season, to keep a blog so I can stay organized on who is who and anything interesting I see throughout the season.
All the starting pitching in the minor leagues starts to blend together especially when they only go out to pitch the first 5. most times the SP is out before the game is even decided. One thing that the Tampa Yankees do at least, that is like the NYY is that they dont give up. I went to so many games where they were losing and by the 5th or 6th they had chipped away and ended up winning the game.
You’re undoubtedly all the better for it, GF.
He does raise a good point. You could argue that pitching CC and Andy would have given us a leg up (2-0) in the series and made Lee’s game 3 sort of “eh”. I’m starting to think that might have been the best way to go.
Betsy –
1. No playoff game is “eh.”
2. Andy is setup for a potential Game 7
3. Phil Hughes has said he likes pitching in Texas and has good stats there – in a small sample size.
4. Phil Hughes is a better pitcher than Colby Lewis could ever dream of being. Advantage: Yankees.
5. We can beat Lee with Phil or Andy on the mound.
I don’t have any issues with Girardi’s decision on the rotation.
Hughes does pitch better on the road. The stats prove that by a significant margin (during the regular season, anyway). If Hughes pitches anything he did in Game 3 of the ALDS, they’ll be in good shape.
And I like the idea of the all-time postseason leader in wins starting a potential Game 7.
I’m not one of those people who believe Lee is unbeatable despite what the mediots have said recently.
My two favorite words of the night …
“you never know where the dufusses are coming from” (Trisha)
Lee is unbeatable despite what the mediots have said recently. (GF)
someone mentioned one of the reasons they didnt want to start phil against Lee is because they didnt want him to get rattled and think he has to pitch a perfect game just to beat them. Now, i think that Phil can handle himself and he showed on Saturday that he is capable of being great at least in his first postseason start, I dont think he would get too rattled but Andy is perfect for that game. He has been in a ton of big games against big time pitchers and he has said before that he doesnt let himself think too much. I too like the idea of having Andy for a potential game 7. I cant wait for this series to start win or lose.
“I’m not one of those people who believe Lee is unbeatable despite what the mediots have said recently.”
And those who list’ with rapt attention to the mediots are idiots!!!
Aldo – good timing!!!
In fairness, to not misrepresent GF’s words …
“I’m not one of those people who believe Lee is unbeatable despite what the mediots have said recently.”
I have to say that I was suprised that someone called out Unknown also. Unknown always seemed like a decent poster to me.
Great minds, Trisha
“Hmm,. Yankees have never faced Lewis before – and we know how they do against pitchers they’ve never faced”
When’s the last time the faced a pitcher in the postseason they’ve never faced before, and what was the result? (I don’t know the answer to the question, that’s why I’m asking it.)
We also know that your postseason Yankees are NOT the same as your regular season Yankees. They notch it WAY up.
***********
Haven’t been doing the lohud vigil the way some posters have so I certainly have no idea whether this was discussed, but I heard Cashman tell Francesa that he expects Joe Girardi to be the Yankee manager for a long time to come. And he said that same thing quite a few times in the conversation.
YES!!!
GF, you coined the phrase. And now you’ve got me going …
Topping the list of mediots I have no interest in reading or listening to …
mini-mike lupica
Mike Francesa
Tim McGargle
Joe Morgan
The entire Tampa Bay Rays broadcast team
Gammons (almost goes without saying)
By no means a comprehensive list …
GF, I wanted Phil in game 2, but I have total confidence in him at home at this point. I don’t think the Yankees should be spooked by YS re: Phil at this point. To me, it all comes down to making pitches. He’s given up HRs on the road as well as at home……..and earlier in the season he didn’t give up HRs at home either. Now Andy lining up for game 7 is a good idea, so I’m not saying I disagree with the move now. Problem is, Klapisch couched a good idea in nasty language. He could have suggested that he disagreed with the move without being pissy. I hope that the YS splits are not the main reason why they went with Phil on the road; that would disappoint me (and it would make no sense given the ALDS)
“Great minds, Trisha”
You betcha!
trisha,
Yankees in 6
Phillies in 6
TYfans, Ryan Rucco on 1050 ESPN said that – at least that’s where I heard it and I think that’s idiotic. Jack Curry said tonight that the Yankees wanting Andy against Lee has nothing to do with a lack of confidence in Phil and everything to do with wanting an experienced, proven veteran in that situation. I really believe that. I do not think they think Phil would necessarily get rattled – and I don’t think he would either. Phil might not pitch well, but he’s pitched in games before where he’s had to be perfect – remember the game against the Sox in late September? He also pitched well against Lester earlier. Perhaps had he pitched against Lee he wouldn’t have pitched well – but IMO that would have nothing to do with pressure
The term “mediots” was coined a long time ago by someone probably earning more money than me.
I’d like to say that was mine, but that would be a lie.
I admit I have reached the breaking point with regards to Lee. He’s a great pitcher, I get it. However, if I hear one more time how the Yankees want to avoid a game 7 at ALL costs, I’m going to scream. No team wants to go to a game 7 if they can help it and I realize Lee would be very tough, but what kind of defeatist attitude is that? Lee Lee Lee. I’m starting to hate him right now, lol
I thought I made it up, lol. I started using it this earlier this year, I think!
The Yankees have a history of getting to good pitchers after a certain amount of times they have seen them….they have see Cliff several times now. He’s really good, but the Yankees can hit him.
SAS, I had one of my friends try to sign up and she had no problem whatsoever. All you do is go to the site, hit the link to “apply for membership” and wait for approval. I am having trouble understanding what you are having difficulty with.
Trisha,
Yankees in 6
Giants in 7
Thanks
Game 5 2009 WS: Cliff Lee: 7 IP, 5 ERs, 7 hits, 3 K’s, 3 walks.
The Yankees lost that game only because AJ was horrible and gave up 6 earned in 2 innings. Everyone seems to forget that the Yankees got to”their kryptonite” in his 2nd start of that series, and have beat him this year as well in come from behind fashion.
He has pitched really well against them at times but not every time.
I am having trouble with the contest…lol
More mediots – honorary mention …
Ozzie Guillen (I swear I didn’t understand two words he said as a playoff game analyst)
Mel Kiper
Buster Olney
Ron Jaworski (I can never pay attention to anything he says … I can’t stop staring at the humongous cheeks on his face)
SAS – got it. You too Blake.
I knew someone had quoted that. I dont agree with it either. I think Phil can handle a start against Lee. im sure some of it too had to do with the short porch in YS and Phil being a righty though he did a great job against the Twins. I dont care who pitches for us and when they pitch. I worry most about our offense.(I know the A lineup produces top to bottom though so I probably wont get too caught up in them getting runs)
also, a general question for anyone out there
I know this is probably a stupid question but its something that ive been trying to figure out for a while. I know they talk about how Cano stepped into the 5 spot to protect Alex. What exactly does that mean? I was trying to explain to my dad something I heard about the reason the Rays have low BA is because the lineup changes and it effects the way pitchers pitch to guys so they never get good pitches consistently.
Best tool for handling the media is understanding it.
1.) If you read these articles, you’re part of creating the market for it. It’s a symbiotic relationship. People will continue to write things you find ill-conceived, biased or unfair so long as you continue to read the same.
2.) Blogs have assumed the role of pure, advanced, statistical analysis for the informed, “knowledgeable” fans. While the arguments are often biased in their own rights, more so than newspaper and TV network off-shoots, they’ll reply on numbers to try to support
3.) Columnists and beat reporters, more and more, and by necessity, are becoming storytellers. The need to feed beast creates a marker for stories well after the games end and long before they begin, so writer seek narratives.
It’s less cynical than it sounds, it’s what writers are trained to do, find and tell a compelling story.
So Cliff Lee becomes Superman – because it makes for a more interesting narrative.
A grain of salt is required by default.
tyanks, there are no stupid questions, just arrogant people who think someone’s question is stupid!
I would think they mean that since Robby is such a dangerous hitter, they will not pitch around Alex to get to Robby, so therefore Robby is protecting Alex. I can’t figure out what else it would mean.
I can’t take too much from Phil’s #s in TX. Personnel is a bit different.
But, I think he likes pitching in that park.
Meaning that by not pitching around Alex, they are going to give him good stuff to hit.
“A grain of salt is required by default.”
BINGO!
OK, GF … let’s say you and Betsy coined the phrase HERE.
Stuckey, good points. However, using Klapisch’s article as an example, that could have been a good article had he not been such an jerk about the whole thing. That’s what really bothered me.
A real good night for the Yankee kids in the AFL.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday.....n_scowin_1
Ron Jaworski, lol, i hate that guy! And Mike Tirico! And NBC’s Cris without “H”onor Collinsworth!
stuckey, interesting points about the media.
But how do you explain Lupica being pond scum? I refuse to click on his articles.
Trisha
thanks, the thing I have trouble with is explaining it to other people. I was watching game one of the ALDS and they talked about how Posada probably wouldnt get much to hit because of the two lefties behind them who they assume will be automatic outs. With Cano behind Alex, the pitchers have to be aggressive with him which may lead to him getting hits. The other thing I can think of is that Alex doesnt have to try to bring everyone in because he knows that if he can get a base hit or even a walk then Robbie can come up behind him and try to bring the runners in. If Alex were to have a guy like…pena behind him then maybe he would try too hard to do big things and he would end up striking out or hitting a pitch that may result in an out because hes trying too hard.
I think it was Ricciardi saying that the RHP will need to neutralize Robi because besides Granderson and Gardner the others are basically righties and switch hitters. I forgot what the question was, but I it was an interesting answer.
I need to go back and read that Keith Law preview, but I think I saw a couple of mistakes. Was that a Minny preview or Texas preview? Looks like he cut & pasted some stuff in.
Aldo – Lupica is a Mets fan and Red Sox shill.
I just saw the MLB tonight preview of the ALCS
They brought up the thing that scared me most when I found out we were facing the Rangers. They have beat Mo twice since July and now they have confidence that they can beat him. Some of his domination is fear and now they arent as fearful. I dont think Mo will let it get to him but they certainly will think they can beat him which may factor in their approach against him(I know he had command issues in september so hopefully thats all cleared up)
I too dont like how they talk about Phils numbers in Texas. Anyone can pitch a good game or so anywhere but they can also pitch a stinker.
Betsy, I read it. I didn’t find it as objectionable as you. But I think what you’re reacting adversely to is exactly what I’m talking about – the “narrative”.
Only uber-fans like us are going to captivated by a dissertation of the virtues of road splits.
So the story becomes blind allegiance to advanced stats vs. going with the gut. Old vs. new. Information vs. instinct, and he takes a position to invoke a visceral response.
M, that was a general playoff preview – otherwise he never would have said Phil’s FB is flat, lol
tyanks, I think you have a good explanation as well!
I guess another way to look at it is this. They’re not going to give Jorge much to hit, meaning they are going to throw him junk and risk walking him, because they don’t have to worry about the guys behind him getting hits and hitting him in. With Robby behind Alex, they have to pitch to Alex and risk giving him good stuff to hit because if they don’t and let him get on base by walking him (not throwing him strikes), there’s a good chance Robby is going to hit him in.
TY, if you go to the Tampa Yankee games, hopefully you can share your witnessed views and thoughts on here when you get home after the games. Put in the things that you see, the speed of pitches…there are a lot of people on here enjoy reading what the kids are up to, beyond what the little that can be gleaned from the little reporting from the team sites.
tyanks – they can pretend as if they dont fear Mariano, but everyone fears the great Mo!
The thing is, Stuckey, Klapisch assumes a lot in that article. He assumes that his decision was mostly based on Phil’s home/road splits (but neglects to mention that Phil pitched at home during the ALDS – and dominated). He assumes that HIS way – going with Andy in game 2 – is the only way. Worst of all, it’s like the end of the world if we end up facing Lee in game 7 – oh no, what ever will we do, lol?
What good does it do to constantly complain about TV guys, ‘journalists’. etc. Nobody cares what we think. These guys have jobs for life or so it seems. We are lucky to have Chad and Sam…I like Sweeny too.
I still can’t imagine that anyone with a working brain would pay attention to what the majority of these columnists have to say.
As someone said of something else, who the hell cares what they say or think? If anyone needs the “support” of a columnist to feel good about her or his team’s chances of winning, the person is obviously in deep doo doo.
Thanks, Betsy. Well off the top of my head was that crack about the setup trio not being exactly the picture of good health? He mentions Robertsons back spasm…and…? Joba’s shoulder injury 2008 and Wood’s medical records matter what now?
Trisha,
I took another long shot with the Giants. I am not at all sure about this pick, but I am not thrilled with the idea of the Phillies getting another shot at the WS. It is much the way many people feel about the Yankees.
“What good does it do to constantly complain about TV guys, ‘journalists’. etc”
None whatsoever. Even less to complain about them but continue to watch or read them!
SAS – It doesn’t do any good. That’s why I stopped reading articles – as Giuseppe Franco – long ago. Unfortunately, I cant watch playoff games or big games with the television on mute. So it’s fun to come on here and rip the Tv guys.
My personal favorite is Cris without “H”onor. It’s almost as if his parents knew he would be dishonorable, so they spelled his name Cris!
SAS, I am definitely bringing up the rear with the chart! I went with the Giants for two reasons. One is that I definitely think they have a chance of beating the Phils. And the other is that I want them to beat the Phils!
Aldo, haven’t read Lupica in years. Lupica is a very good WRITER, in the technical sense, but he writes (well, wrote anyway) the same 4 or 5 stories over and over. They had the same structure and cadence and they became impossible for me to read in any way but analytically, and wasn’t enjoyable any more.
Probably haven’t read more than 4 pieces of his in 10 years.
If what you say is true, he probably just got jaded.
Common occupational hazard.
Oops, Law didn’t exactly mention why Wood and Joba were lumped in with Robertson. I could only surmise that their past injuries + Robertsons spasms were reason enough.
GB
That’s my thoughts. I’m not too wise when it comes to baseball knowledge but I can tell that even if a guy went O-4, he may have hit the ball hard but there happened to be a guy there to catch it. Unfortunately they don’t post the pitch speed but the scouts and other pitcher do have radar guns and I’ve sat behind them to see what kind of pitch the guy is throwing. It sucks that there aren’t any writers for the Tampa Yankees so no one really gets to hear about them besides just looking at a box score. I will also probably be able to go to games at the start of the season. Because of school I didn’t get to go until mid june so I had already missed a lot.
M, you’re welcome! I really just skimmed the report when I realized it wasn’t for the ALCS
“Worst of all, it’s like the end of the world if we end up facing Lee in game 7 – oh no, what ever will we do, lol?”
But again, that’s the WHOLE point, to elicit a reaction.
Betsy,
Just wanted to say hello. Nothing really interesting to say.
tyanksfan36, the best example I can recall of a hitter being protected (or not) is with Alex in 2008. That was the season that Matsui (#5 hitter) and Posada (usu. #6) both went down for extended periods of time.
Alex’ BA with RISP dropped over 60 points that season, from .333 in ’07 to .271 in ’08.
Hi SAS
how are you?
Well Stuckey, I fell for it hook, line and sinker.
The end if the world would be losing the series before Game 7.
spoil’d fan’d
Meant to mention the umpires earlier. Angel Hernandez UGH! UGH! At least no Joe West or Tim McClelland. Maybe Angel could find it in his heart to act fairly.
Fans want to read columnists and hear commentators speak as positively about their favorite teams as they feel. When the enthusiasm doesn’t match, fans feel the commentators are being harsh and “hate” their team.
If you’ve ever been to ANY ESPN chat, an indisputable, universal truth is fans of EVERY team think the columnists short change their team and favors their rivals.
It looks a special kind of ignoramus to think THEIR team is the one, true victim of this.
Watching 30 Rock (live). Looks like the SNL set. Lol
Boli, Boli, Boli!
Aldo
Thanks for that example. So that meant that they walked him a lot more? Or did he try to do more because he knew there might not have been anyone besides him to bring in the runs? Or both? I wasnt really able to follow the team as closely until this season when I could buy mlb.tv and watch them all the time.
Two minutes into the show, and I’ve already seen 2 SNL alumni.
“If you’ve ever been to ANY ESPN chat, an indisputable, universal truth is fans of EVERY team think the columnists short change their team and favors their rivals”
stuckey99
Do you have any statistics or evidence to support that claim?
Stuckey, that’s true…….
What ticks me off though is just plain ignorance and stupidity. I just had it on the Daily News Live show and they were going through reasons why Phil is going in game 2. If they had stuck to the ” Yankees want the veteran on the mound” theory in for games 3/7 and against Lee, then fine. However, to say that Phil would be more relaxed on the road when by all accounts he was extremely relaxed before his dominating start against the Twins – at HOME – is silly. Of course the same group just referenced Andy’s start in the 2001 WS in AZ as to why he’s still a question mark.
“Maybe Angel could find it in his heart to act fairly.”
I so wouldn’t count on that it isn’t funny. Does a leopard change its spots? They probably had to make sure that at least one umpire was in there who could shut the Yankees down if need be…
TY, it’s annoying that the Tampa Yanks are one of the few teams in the Florida State League that don’t have radio feeds available. Not even sure if there is a radio station in town that carries them. Even Staten Island has feeds available for free on MiLB.com. Whatever info you are able to provide is greatly appreciated. Hopefully, others in the other cities can provide coverage and insight of their area teams.
Eduardo – Stuckey doesnt come to the table backed with evidence. He comes backed with universal truths – HIS universal truths and HIS ONLY.
“Do you have any statistics or evidence to support that claim?”
Of course.
http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chats
EVERY ESPN chat.
Cr9
I did not ask for your opinion. Zip it.
I’m just glad we didn’t get Iasoggna or whatever his name is. It always seems we lose the series he umps in. Guys got it out for us.
stuckey99
That does not provide any statistic. Is there a percentage of overall questions, comments that make those claims? Fans of how many teams make that claim?
“I just had it on the Daily News Live show and they were going through reasons why Phil is going in game 2. ”
Betsy, this reminded me of something. Ever see that show “Loud Mouths”? Ever wonder how two guys have a different position on EVERY issue involving NY sports.
That they never agree on anything?
It’s because it’s theater.
Knowing is half the battle.
Trisha – LOL! But going into every game and every series, I always hope for fairness. Maybe Angel will have a change of heart – if only for one game.
I saw Iasogna’s name in the ump thread?
GB
April can’t come soon enough. I had such a good time watch the Tampa Yankees and getting to “know” them, its going to be fun to see a new batch of guys next season though I’m sure ill miss the 2010 crowd. I don’t know why they don’t have live radio of the TY games either. I have just listened to the other teams radio feed when a guy I liked was pitching or I can’t make it to a game.
Iassogna is another Boston name. Anyone named Fieldin is a scumpile. And you add Culbreth to Fieldin, and you’ve got a scumdirtpile.
“That does not provide any statistic. Is there a percentage of overall questions, comments that make those claims? Fans of how many teams make that claim?”
Eduardo, can’t tell if you’re being serious or not.
Are you genuinely asking me if there is some sort of database that tracks statistics from ESPN chats, or is your question rhetorical?
You asked for evidence, I believe the full text of every ESPN chat that ever was qualifies … amply, if that’s the road you want to go down, which I’m more than happy meet you on.
tyanksfan36 October 15th, 2010 at 1:34 am
Aldo
Thanks for that example. So that meant that they walked him a lot more? Or did he try to do more because he knew there might not have been anyone besides him to bring in the runs? Or both? I wasnt really able to follow the team as closely until this season when I could buy mlb.tv and watch them all the time.
———————————————————
It’s subjective, but I thought Alex became LESS selective at the plate as the season wore on.
For context, that was the season Wang went down after an 8-2 start, Andy pitched in pain the second half and had one of his worst seasons, Phil Hughes was hurt, and the rest of the rotation was awful, outside of Mussina (20 wins).
Too many games that season, the Yankee starter bombed out early and they played catchup. After a while, Alex was just trying to do too much with one swing.
“Stuckey doesnt come to the table backed with evidence. He comes backed with universal truths – HIS universal truths and HIS ONLY.”
Yesterday’s declaration lasted all of 27 hours or so…
Gerry Davis, who is in his 27th year as a Major League Umpire, will be the crew chief in the 2010 ALCS, marking the 21st postseason series of his career, including his eighth LCS. Davis will work with regular season crew chief Brian Gorman, Angel Hernandez, Fieldin Culbreth, Jim Reynolds and Tony Randazzo.
___
Anyone with their name spelled “Gerry” cant be trusted. Gorman is an untrusting name. I already went through Angel and Fieldin. Jim Reynolds sounds normal, but is probably pro-Boston. The only one there that might be fair is Randazzo.
Anyone else think Betsy has the brain of a ten year old? She’s like someone’s idiot kid sister that you have to explain the same thing to over and over and over and over and over and over and over…
2008? Alex?
Turned out that his hip had been bothering him during the season.
Don’t know if he ever got it fixed, though.
I guess that the Yankees are the only team left in the post season that doesn’t have a gimmick to help get the fans excited. The Phillies have their hankies, the Rangers have their antlers and the giants have their fake beards and whatever else it is that plastic California “fans” do to get excited.
I guess the Yanks will just fly a bunch of WS Championship flags to get the fans excited.
stuckey99
I am serious. I am asking if you have compiled the statistics. If you are going to state claims in absolute certainties, then you should have compiled the evidence to support the claim.
“I guess the Yanks will just fly a bunch of WS Championship flags to get the fans excited.”
Yeah and not bother reading what the media has to say about them!
Thanks Aldo
I was having the conversation with my director on why(besides cause they just plain suck) the Rays have such a low team BA. I was trying to remember what I had heard or read about when guys constantly have someone else behind them in the lineup they are either going to get crap to hit or are going to try too hard to do everything on their own. Though looking back over their season, I recall they struck out looking a ton of times which probably supports my theory that they do just plain suck.
But thanks to you, if it comes up again then ill have an example to provide.
good night all
“Media is just a word that has come to mean bad journalism.” – Graham Greene
trisha – true pinstriped blue October 15th, 2010 at 1:55 am
“I guess the Yanks will just fly a bunch of WS Championship flags to get the fans excited.”
Yeah and not bother reading what the media has to say about them!
———————————————————————————————————————-
I seldom if ever read newspaper/internet BS from the writers. They have little to say that I’m interested in hearing. I only read a half or less of what’s written at the top of these subject pages on this blog.
rabbit, I like Betsy just fine. She contributes a lot to the blog.
You, on the other hand, bring nothing to the table.
—————————————
Ed, to quote John McEnroe …
You CANNOT be serious!
As long as the Yanks continue to play stellar defense and take advantage of mistakes by the Rangers, they’ll have a huge leg up on the post season.
“If you keep your mind sufficiently open, people will throw a lot of Red Sox rubbish into it.” – William A. Orton
“I am serious. I am asking if you have compiled the statistics.”
Fair enough. What statistical model do you suggest to that would satisfy or disprove my theorem that there are fans of every team who feel the way I described?
Let’s work together on this.
“I seldom if ever read newspaper/internet BS from the writers. They have little to say that I’m interested in hearing. I only read a half or less of what’s written at the top of these subject pages on this blog.”
I also, and that’s no offense to Chad and company. If the topic interests me I will read it but since I don’t have a whole lot of time to devote to lohud, I tend to read the heading more than anything else.
stuckey99
I am not familiar with statistical models. I would like to collaborate with you. How would you like proceed together on this?
Well I guess I will turn in. Pouring here, a nice night to sleep!
Night all.
“The job of the baseball media is to create Red Sox fans, not to supply the public with baseball knowledge – Christopher Lasch
They brought up the thing that scared me most when I found out we were facing the Rangers. They have beat Mo twice since July and now they have confidence that they can beat him. Some of his domination is fear and now they arent as fearful. I dont think Mo will let it get to him but they certainly will think they can beat him which may factor in their approach against him
–
I think this is bunk. Didn’t Jimmy Rollins and Charlie Manuel say they had figured Mo out and weren’t scared of him? Didn’t go so well for them did it? Mo does not succeed through intimidation, or fear. He succeeds through sheer robotic repetition of pitching away from the middle of the plate with various fastballs that all look the same until they break in some direction at the plate, where by Hitters officially don’t know what the f is going on and either take it for a strike, or swing and break their bats.
Sure, some guys can close their eyes and get lucky, or fight a pitch off the handle and dunk one, but its laughable to suggest that somehow the Rangers ‘lack of fear’ is going to contribute to success against Mo.
Mariano makes his pitch, Rangers hitters will walk back to the dugout.
K. Just heard some statistics on All Night with Jason Smith.
The 4 Rangers starters in this series all make less than Mo.
The highest paid player on the Yankees gets paid $33M. The highest paid Ranger, Michael Young gets paid $13M. The difference is enough to pay Mark Teixeira.
The Rangers could triple the salary of every player AND sign back Teixeira at his present salary and still spend less than the Yankees.
The Cubs are big spenders, too, right? The difference between the payrolls of the Yankees and Rangers is enough to cover the payroll of the Cubs.
Anyway, it wasn’t really a slam at the Yankees, just a numerical illustration of how deep the chasm is between the payrolls of the two ALCS teams.
Where is Tuesday ?
Finally the day is here to start the ALCS. Caught up with the programs on my DVR and I am ready.
Let’s go Yankees!
Hi, Fran. Nice to see a friendly face.
Hi Mel,
Aren’t you up early. All ready for the game tonight?
I am going to make a cheesecake today using a recipe Doreen sent me.
Up in the middle? I fell asleep at about 10, but woke up a couple of hours later. I usually stay up for however long I “napped”. I’ll be messed up tomorrow.
I’m hoping we win tomorrow because I’m looking at my Saturday schedule. Talk about conflicts. I won’t even be able to watch Phil (and the rest of the Yankees). PSAT for one and tennis for the other. I was really hoping for a 2:00 start my time, but it wasn’t meant to be.
I am going to miss tomorrow’s Game 2 also. Have an engagement party at 5. Try and catch the game there, but I’ll also set the DVR.
Great piece on Robinson Cano by my least favorite Star Ledger writer (the last two days, though, he’s hit one out of the park as far as I’m concerned). Too bad the picture is not the same as the one on the front of the SL sports section. This one’s good, that one is AWESOME.
http://www.nj.com/yankees/inde.....binso.html
The game will be on at the engagement party?!
Sounds like something out of Seinfeld.
No DVR, so I will have to make sure my mobile device is fully charged. Will sneak a peek on the changeovers.
Lots of good stuff on the “Emerging Core” in today’s Star Ledger, with Marc Carig also writing a nice story in that vein.
http://www.nj.com/yankees/inde.....ng_co.html
These are the types of articles I enjoy. I shy away from the comparison articles. Game has to be played and you never know how they will unfold. I’m confident that the Yankees “A” Team, which was dominating in the first half of the season, is able to put forth a great effort and capable of winning. That’s all I need to know.
Good morning, ladies.
I know someone last weekend got grief for this, but my husband and I have a date on Saturday night. We will probably miss the end of the game. We don’t get a lot of opportunities to go out alone and we have to take advantage of the availability and offer of a good friend to give us some “alone” time.
I’m thinking we shouldnt’ even start to watch the game. Just DVR it. If the game isn’t a certain way when we go out, I don’t know how I’d even enjoy the time out!!!
Mel,
The engagement party is at a restaurant that has a bar so I am sure the game will be on. I may have to sneak over to watch and catch the score, but I am sure I won’t be the only one
Good morning, Doreen. I really liked the article on the next core. Emerging Core? Doesn’t roll off the tongue. How about More Core or Got More? Core.
You got your priorities straight. You’re all good.
m -
I agree “Emerging Core” sound way too clinical and forced. They’ll come up with something better, I have faith.
I like “Got More? Core.
Doreen,
I got one for the Core Four. Forever More Core. Yuk yuk yuk.
So psyched. A win would start the weekend off just right.
Emerging Core? They looked pretty emerged to me this year.
The media may not have noticed because they were too busy trying to revisit the past.
Trisha
Yankees in 5
Gigantes in 6
I know someone last weekend got grief for this, but my husband and I have a date on Saturday night. We will probably miss the end of the game.
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That was WCYF and he had it coming to him
You’re a Lohud treasure. Enjoy your date. You certainly deserve it.
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I just saw Alex on the news being interviewed about playing Texas. The black & white checkered shirt was in full effect.
Lol. Watching sports center. Tex and Alex were asked about their time in Texas.
pat, Alex wearing THE shirt.
They just showed highlights of the season series. I don’t think Texas can count on Mo & Joba blowing 3 games.
In the Sporting News article from Auguest, Cano, Swish and Phil called themselves the Core Three. I would have expected something a little more original than that, lol.
Mo was struggling at that point, so whatever he did or didn’t do against the Rangers means very little………..
I almost wish Phil wouldn’t get so much run support next year; it’s like a pavlovian reaction whenever his 18 wins are mentioned – ok, we get it, he got run support.
I’m not sure I’d put Joba/Robertson/Gardner as part of the core ………….
Betsy, I had blocked out that series. Walk off by Murphy off Mo. He walked in the winning run. And apparently Joba gave up a bomb.
Tabula Rasa.
Put that on a t-shirt.
Betsy October 15th, 2010 at 8:21 am
In the Sporting News article from Auguest, Cano, Swish and Phil called themselves the Core Three. I would have expected something a little more original than that, lol.
Mo was struggling at that point, so whatever he did or didn’t do against the Rangers means very little………..
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How about “The Not So Free Three”?
M, no need for a clean slate; before the series, the Yankees had beaten the Rangers 4/5 times (I think).
I’m just sick and tired of hearing how the Yankees do not want this to go to a game 7 because MY GOD THEY CAN’T BEAT CLIFF LEE. I’m starting to hate Cliff Lee right now.
GB, two of them will be FA within a few years, ,so I doubt that would work. How about the Second bananas?
I heard there’s a ballgame today.
Texas caught a very sub-par Yankees team in September. Injured, banged up, etc. Didn’t face their best pitchers, and Mo was in a “slump.”
I certainly don’t discount the Rangers’ talent and abilities, but I think this series they will be facing a more typical Yankees team. Clean slate, so to speak.
I’m just watching Lance Berkman’s base running antics during practice. Funny? Strange? Funny.
Oh – and I lost my train of thought about that Sept. series. I also wanted to say – the games were close weren’t they?
Betsy October 15th, 2010 at 8:28 am
GB, two of them will be FA within a few years, ,so I doubt that would work. How about the Second bananas?
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They’ll be around for more than a few years. Cano told me that he was signing a lifetime contract with the yankees.
Ooh, Cliff Lee is looming in game 3………….scary! We’d better take 2 games in TX or we’re DOOMED, DOOMED I tell ya!
I know the Rangers won’t be totally caught off guard because they obviously saw a focused, almost surgical effort by the Yankees in the LDS.
But they may lulled a bit. Seeing intensity and facing intensity are two different things.
Let’s just hope they’re just happy to win the first series in franchise history. That’s a nice consolation prize.
GB, what did Phil tell you?
Doreen,
Absolutely right that this is not the same team that faced Texas in September. Now the Yanks are healthy.
Enjoy date night tomorrow. You can catch the game after. That’s why they invented DVRs.
I have to laugh at the various talk on espn, mlb network and xm about how the Yankees and Rangers split, totally ignoring the Yankees did not have their A team out there. Also apparently Cliff Lee can do no wrong, while CC is a mediocre pitcher, and only dominates weak teams.
Betsy October 15th, 2010 at 8:36 am
GB, what did Phil tell you?
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That he was going to pass all of Andy Pettitte’s team an career mark.
Anyway, it doesn’t matter what the mediots think; the Yankees aren’t going to concede any game to Lee.
GB, fantastic!
Later!
CJ Wilson taking about his choice to live drug and alcohol free life. I had never heard the term straight-edge before. Even though I’ve been living that way for years.
Doreen/Fran
enjoy your date night/party
for my part, I am hoping the Yankees win in 5, b/c otherwise I have a conflict w/ parents’ weekend at my son’s college.
Thanks, upstate kate.
I don’t care how Wilson lives his life or anybody else for that matter, as long as they don’t yammer about it for a week. Not more boring or obnoxious than some holier than thou clown preaching to others on how to live their lives, and Wilson never misses an opportunity to bring it up.
m
Might have been beneficial if THE shirt was made of Kevlar yesterday.
Straight Edge is about more than abstinence. There’s a culture involved too.
Doreen
Lance’s antics went beyond what YES showed. It ended with a “Brandi Chastain” moment sans the sports bra but including one might have been a good choice.
GB
Beneficial teammate for Hamilton to have around. Hamilton said good to know theres a safe door to knock on when the on the road because you know what’s not happeneing on the other side of it.
pat, what hamilton does is his own business, but, he has issues and has spent a year trying to sweep his last party under the rug and the last year preaching about his struggles. His wife must have the patience of a saint. Any other wife would have kicked him to the curb by know.
GB-
Morning.
You mean you believe in “Live and let live” ?
What a novel concept.
0 Days, 10 Hours, and 52 Minutes until Game 1 of the ALCS
new thread
Erica -
Good morning.
I’m starting to get nervous about taking over the countdown responsibility!!!
MTU October 15th, 2010 at 9:07 am
GB-
Morning.
You mean you believe in “Live and let live” ?
What a novel concept.
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As long as they are hypocritical about it. I still can’t figure out how anybody can stick $7 mil in their nose in less than 3 years. He’s a fine ball player, but, I have no admiration for his “struggles” and no desire to see him to ever become a Yankee.
As long as they ***aren’t*** hypocritical about it
GB-
Actually my comment was referring more to Wilson and his being “preachy”.
Two things that I miss that seem notably missing in our culture are
modesty and dignity.
A lot of things seem very in your face today.
Pat’s right about there being a “culture” involved with being Straight Edge. There were a lot of Straight Edge kids in my high school and they were zealots about being drug and alcohol free. They were preachy and judgemental and whatnot. Plus they had to listen to certain music and dress a certain way. They were odd.
MTU, athletes are becoming like actors and feel that anybody cares what their personal beliefs on politics and life are. Just be ballplayers and shut up.
GB-
Amen to that.