Sunday night notes and links
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Jan 16, 2011 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
Looks like I’m going to miss out on the Rafael Soriano conference call. I only get so many weeks off each year, and I have to take one of those weeks in the first three months, so I’m going to spend the next week skiing with a few friends in Colorado. While I’m gone, I’m sure Sam and Brian will hold down the fort.
Things to watch for next week:
1. Rafael Soriano becoming official. I have to think the physical will be finished and the signing complete in the next few days. That’s going to be an interesting conversation with Brian Cashman.
2. Andruw Jones pursuit continues. All indications are that the Yankees are making a push for Jones to be their fourth outfielder. At this point in the offseason, it wouldn’t be surprising for Jones to pick a destination any day now.
3. Andy Pettitte news, maybe. Every day brings the possibility of some sort of final decision from Pettitte. Maybe it will happen this week. Maybe it won’t happen until the middle of the season. Maybe Pettitte will simply fade away with no official announcement.
4. Added rotation depth. I have no idea how close the Yankees are to signing one of the many risk-reward starters on the market, but given the current rotation, signing someone like Justin Duchscherer would make some sense.
5. Spring training invitations. Two years ago, the Yankees announced their non-roster invitees on January 14. Last year, they didn’t make that announcement until February. It might happen this week. It might not.
A few Sunday night notes and links…
• Bill Madden reports that the Yankees have some concerns about Rafael Soriano’s attitude, but the team decided to move forward with the signing anyway. This isn’t the first time Soriano’s makeup has been questioned, but Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey told the Daily News that Soriano ultimately overcame a bad first impression to fit in really well in Tampa Bay. “I wish we were the ones signed up for three more years with him,” Hickey said.
• Russell Martin, who’s from Canada, was reportedly offered equal money to play for the Blue Jays, but chose the Yankees because he saw it as a better chance to win.
• The Athletics are reportedly closer to a deal with Brian Fuentes, a move that would further solidify a strong bullpen behind a good, young rotation.
• The Pirates have signed former Yankees reliever Jose Veras to a minor league deal.
• Josh Hamilton is out of the hospital after being treated for pneumonia.
• The organs of Christina Taylor Green — Dallas Green’s granddaughter who was killed in the Arizona shootings – were used to save the life of a young girl living in Boston.
• I goofed up yesterday. Maybe it was my Missouri bias coming out of me, but I accidentally listed Shaeffer Hall as coming out of Florida State when he actually went to Kansas. Embarrassing as it is, I honestly believe I saw Florida State League on Hall’s milb.com page and somehow got Florida State stuck in my head. Not good, and I really do apologize. I apparently greatly offended one reader who emailed me calling for a correction and a recall of my mistake about “Schaeffer” Hall. See, mistakes are easy to make. I’m sorry about mine.
showboating has no place in sports
That was amusing Nick, sounds like something he would do I thought it was true! lol
showboating has no place in sports
–
Sport is all about showboating, especially sport for entertainment.
RIP, Christina Taylor Green.
Don’t worry about the “big” mistake Chad, the guy who gave it was probably a nerd.
Keep up the good work and enjoy your skiing!
Braylon talking about his postgame celebration on SNY.
Funnily enough, one thing I’m not big on is trash talking before the game. Leaves too much room to look foolish. I like post-performance smack talk though. And showboating.
But with great showboating comes great responsibility, if you showboat and it messes up or causes some sort of game related trouble (lose an extra base, fumble, whatever) you get scolded.
I’m not big on trash talking either, for the same reason.
****
Anyone know anything about the player who got hurt during the Bears/Seahawks game? I didn’t see the play, only saw them carrying a player off the field (immobilized).
man a week of skiing in Colorado sounds great about now….have fun Chad. Don’t showboat unless you can back it up on the slopes.
When I was in high school in band they sometimes set us up behind the endzone for the visiting team. Our director got a kick out of us playing really screechy notes on our instruments to mess with the other team so they wouldn’t score. A few weeks later they stopped putting us there and stuck us back in the stands.
I enjoyed it when Jeff Van Gundy clung to Alonzo Mourning’s ankle. I’d like to see Rex Ryan try that.
Of course that’s not really relevant to the current discussion and the incident proved disasterous to the Knicks.
Never mind.
Bray invoking Dennis byrd to will is way into the endzone got me choked up. I was there the day Byrd went down. If anyone missed it,Byrd spoke to the Jets last night & told them “I just wish I could be in on one more play,” & Braylon said he couldn’t even sleep after hearing that.He told the media gathering, he carried Byrd’s inspiration as he muscled into the endzone, saying, “I’m not trying to be cheesy, just bein honest.” Now he’s talking about taking the game for granted & how nothing’s promised: “I wil trade anything in this world for one play.” Bray: “You know what one play is?? Maybe six seconds…” That’s a great sidebar for the morning papers.Good stuff from Bray,who along with Holmes was too badass for New England to cope with.Props to Cotchery,too of that sweet grab that set up the heartbreaker.
I’d like to see polamalu deck Ryan to the ground
The Holmes catch was Super Bowl-esque.
Doreen, that was the Seahalk’s starting tight end. I think he had some movement in his extremities as they carted him off.
They’re deciding now between a funeral at sea and a full recovery.
J. Alfred Prufrock,
Maybe he could heed that advice the next time he gets behind the wheel half crocked
I’d like to see polamalu deck Ryan to the ground
–
The Steelers are the least likable team in the league outside of their headcoach. I’d like to see the Jets force their will upon Roethlisberger, don’t take no for an answer. Just grab him relentlessly and throw him to the ground.
Go Jets-Knicks-Yanks!!!
Doreen January 16th, 2011 at 8:35 pm
I’m not big on trash talking either, for the same reason.
****
Anyone know anything about the player who got hurt during the Bears/Seahawks game? I didn’t see the play, only saw them carrying a player off the field
_______
I didn’t see it, but I read two Seattle players went off with head injuries. How often does that happen. Hopefully, they are both all right. Here’s a link on who they are:
(immobilized)http://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-
seahawks/2011/1/16/1938702/marcus-trufant-injury-bears-seahawks-update
yankeefeminista January 16th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
Braylon talking about his postgame celebration on SNY.
///
. Did you hear Braylon talk about easing Sanchez in each week to get him comfortable?they are taking good care of the youngster,and he seems to get stronger & return the favor late in games,when there’s less time to think & and gut takes over.
the receivers are bringin the kid up right
The Jets are more serious about this win than last weeks. Last week they were giddy. This time they expected it.
Triple Short of a Cycle January 16th, 2011 at 8:41 pm
J. Alfred Prufrock,
Maybe he could heed that advice the next time he gets behind the wheel half crocked
///
Sure,maybe.Evolution is ongoing for everyone.
Jerkface,
How are the Steelers more likable then the Jets? Other then Big Ben who is a disgrace nobody else comes close to unlikable
J. Alfred Prufrock January 16th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
Bray invoking Dennis byrd to will is way into the endzone got me choked up. I was there the day Byrd went down. If anyone missed it,Byrd spoke to the Jets last night & told them “I just wish I could be in on one more play,” & Braylon said he couldn’t even sleep after hearing that.He told the media gathering, he carried Byrd’s inspiration as he muscled into the endzone, saying, “I’m not trying to be cheesy, just bein honest.” Now he’s talking about taking the game for granted & how nothing’s promised: “I wil trade anything in this world for one play.” Bray: “You know what one play is?? Maybe six seconds…” That’s a great sidebar for the morning papers.Good stuff from Bray,who along with Holmes was too badass for New England to cope with.Props to Cotchery,too of that sweet grab that set up the heartbreaker.
____Yes, Pruf, watched the interview also. Very moving. Braylon is always a great interview. Very thoughtful and forthcoming.
I predict a Steelers/Packers superbowl which should be played in the snow but obviously won’t be.
Triple Short
_____
Clearly very angry after the Jets win.:D
Thanks for the info guys and gals.
blake,
I’d sign on for that.
How are the Steelers more likable then the Jets? Other then Big Ben who is a disgrace nobody else comes close to unlikable
–
Harrison who whines ‘wahhh i can’t play football if i’m not intentionally tackling to injure’, Hines Ward who is nothing but a thug on the field.
yankeefeminista,
I had no problem with the Jets until Woody Johnson and Fatso and the rest of them started talking trash about the Giants
mick,I expected it too cos I haven’t thought much of NE’s defense this season,plus we got shelled up there & I thought that might have a cleansing effect on the Jets,plus it puts such pressure on New England,because people often make the mistake of thinking a blowout reflects the talent gap between two teams.New England was supposed to blow us out, right? So you’re playin in this game & you’re goin’ ‘hey, we’re in this game against the Mighty Pats (ironic tone) & we ain’t getting killed, in fact, we’re AHEAD!” etc.my main concern was no leonard,Sanchez’s health & Woody,but it worked out.I also think sometimes the bye hurts a team,unless they’re just a juggernaut & I don’t view NE that way.the jets got away with a stinker from the punter,I’ll say that, lol.
Does your space bar malfunction?
Blake, I predict you will be wrong, lol – well, I hope the Steelers beat the Jets, but the Bears are going to suprise everyone. They’re going to be underdogs even though they are at home and they’ve beaten the Packers already. It will be a hard fought battle, tooth and nail, just like the black and blue division is supposed to be.
Did the Yanks just trade Gardner and Laird for Ervin Santana of the Angels?
Did the Yanks just trade Gardner and Laird for Ervin Santana of the Angels?
–
No, that was a fake tweet.
So much for Yankee fans being Giant fans
I’d like to stay and chat but I have to go and listen to WEEI nonstop for the next four or five days!!!!!
It’s all good. I’m sure as soon as Tommy Bundchen has a nice wash and fluff from his stylist and a relaxing manicure, he’ll be good to go. That and a new stylish scarf to wrap around his neck just so, and he’ll forget all about the big bad loss.
This is pure bliss. Congrats to all of Jet fans. For any who are not, I would hope that we are all dealing with the same maxim: I root for any team playing the Pats.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
martin-from-providence January 16th, 2011 at 8:52 pm
Did the Yanks just trade Gardner and Laird for Ervin Santana of the Angels?
///
sure as hell hope not.ewwwww.
Gardner and Laird for Ervin, I would not be a fan of. If that were the kind of deal we had to make, I say, play the kids instead.
“So much for Yankee fans being Giant fans”
More (and the more authentic) Yankee fans are Giants fan. Many of us are happy to see the Boston team lose, and some of us have Jets-fan friends and relatives. Personally, I don’t begrudge the Jets their moments of joy and I am happy for my father and brother and happy also for the pain of my Pats/Sox-fan cousin.
This is pure bliss. Congrats to all of Jet fans. For any who are not, I would hope that we are all dealing with the same maxim: I root for any team playing the Pats.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
////
TY!Belichick didn’t look too happy,lol.
Triple Short of a Cycle January 16th, 2011 at 8:53 pm
So much for Yankee fans being Giant fans
________________
There are all kinds of splits. My brother actually roots for all the NY teams. I am strictly Yankees, Jets, but I am indebted to the Giants for beating the Pats in the SuperBowl, and I have always liked Eli.
I am not a fan of Woody (owner), but yes to Damien Woody.
and yes, Rex has a big mouth, if he is *your* big mouth though and you are winning, he becomes lovable. Not sure what they said about the Giants, but I find the whole incestuous Giants-Jets rivalry on both sides to be tedious, ditto Yankees-Mets.
Pruf, how can you tell? Belichick looks the same whether happy or sad.
Doreen January 16th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
Thanks for the info guys and gals.
____
You’re welcome. Hopefully, they are both OK.
yankeefeminista January 16th, 2011 at 8:56 pm
Gardner and Laird for Ervin, I would not be a fan of. If that were the kind of deal we had to make, I say, play the kids instead.
///
ever since E. Santana relieved Colon in that doomed 2005 series,yankee fans have over rated him.he’s nothing special.I sure wouldn’t give them Gardner/Laird for him.
trisha – true pinstriped blue January 16th, 2011 at 8:55 pm
I’d like to stay and chat but I have to go and listen to WEEI nonstop for the next four or five days!!!!!
It’s all good. I’m sure as soon as Tommy Bundchen has a nice wash and fluff from his stylist and a relaxing manicure, he’ll be good to go. That and a new stylish scarf to wrap around his neck just so, and he’ll forget all about the big bad loss.
This is pure bliss. Congrats to all of Jet fans. For any who are not, I would hope that we are all dealing with the same maxim: I root for any team playing the Pats.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
_____
LOL, I went to school in Boston and Providence. I would love to be up there now.
Betsy,
I really don’t care…Steelers/Bears would be good too.
yankfem – you know you’re right about that.I always felt sorry for him really,because he is a man in despair,win or lose.
Ervin Santana would require more than Gardner and Laird….
Happy skiing, Chad. Thanks for all the great prospect write-ups.
Packers-Jets would be the greenest Super Bowl ever.
Blake, sorry to annoy you.
Well anyway, as a Bears fan, I’m thrilled. However, if we lose to the Packers, I’m not sure if I should root for them or not. I really shouldn’t, but I’m an NFC girl – I detest the AFC and I’m sick of hearing how great that conference is.
Gardner and Laird for Ervin Santana might have been a trade you consider if they had signed Crawford….as it is though you really can’t because they need Gardner.
Nick, and that would be great for the environment, wouldn’t it?
Betsy,
You’re not annoying me…I really don’t have a preference, just want to see a good matchup. I’m a Panthers fan so I have nothing to cheer for during NFL season…..Stanford’s QB just decided to stay in college to avoid us for crying out loud.
Nick in SF January 16th, 2011 at 8:59 pm
“So much for Yankee fans being Giant fans”
More (and the more authentic) Yankee fans are Giants fan. Many of us are happy to see the Boston team lose, and some of us have Jets-fan friends and relatives. Personally, I don’t begrudge the Jets their moments of joy and I am happy for my father and brother and happy also for the pain of my Pats/Sox-fan cousin.
_________
Define “authentic.”
Blake, I was just joking – anyone picking the Packers is not someone I’m a fan of, lol…….. GB will be very tough, no doubt. I’m pretty shocked at the Jets……I suppose I should be happy for them as they are a NY team and an AFC team that doesn’t affect my bears, but I can’t get into them. Oh well – I guess the fact that Boston fans are crying in their beers should make me happy, lol
With Fuentes just about off the boards, that leaves Jon Rauch prominently left standing as far as key relievers go.
Go Bears!
yankeefeminista – I live in Rhody. Believe me when I tell you, there is no discernible sound in the state right now.
Kind of a funny story. I am surrounded by Pats fans, family members included. Though they know I am a Yankee fan, I’ve never really followed football until this season (played fantasy football so got into it). So I’ve never really made it obvious to them that I cannot stomach the Pats. I don’t want to hurt their feelings when there is no need. Well one of my sisters always has postseason game-time parties where the Pats are involved. And she always invites me to come over, though she knows that typically I only show to grab food, since I have no interest. Well this year since I played fantasy football and have been talking about the different series, it was impossible for me to get out of going to her party. I knew it was going to KILL me to sit there and listen to the hooting and hollering of Pats’ fans, and I absolutely wasn’t going to go and announce that I was rooting for the Jets. So I had to pretend that I was rooting for the Pats. Two times I accidently yelled out GO! when the Jets did something good. I was so hoping nobody would catch it. I was bursting with happiness throughout the game, and as it became more clear to me that the Jets were going to win the game, it was easier for me to pretend to participate in rooting the Pats on and expressing dismay when things weren’t working out. I think they had to have been convinced that I wanted the Pats to win, despite my being extremely animated at the end when everyone else could barely talk. I think it was just me being me.
********************
On a more sober note, I saw the plays where both Seattle players went down and all I can say, besides the fact that I said some fast prayers, is that only by the grace of God does it appear they will be okay. John Carlson bounced on his head and slammed onto the field on the side of his face. It was frightening to watch. Trufant wasnt much better. Both were out cold.
I cry whenever I see someone carted off the field in a sporting event, probably because I’m scared to death of what the outcome might be. It’s really scary stuff.
BD, are you a Bears fan or do you just hate the Pack?
“Define “authentic.”
In this context, more real, more legitimate, more pure.
Maybe I’m confusing authentic Yankee fans with authentic New York sports fans, though there is quite a bit of overlap there. The purest axis is Yankees-Giants-Knicks-Rangers.
It’s painful for the less authentic to discover, I know, and most are in bitter denial. I’m sorry about that.
trisha – true pinstriped blue January 16th, 2011 at 9:16 pm
yankeefeminista – I live in Rhody. Believe me when I tell you, there is no discernible sound in the state right now.
Kind of a funny story. I am surrounded by Pats fans, family members included. Though they know I am a Yankee fan, I’ve never really followed football until this season (played fantasy football so got into it). So I’ve never really made it obvious to them that I cannot stomach the Pats. I don’t want to hurt their feelings when there is no need. Well one of my sisters always has postseason game-time parties where the Pats are involved. And she always invites me to come over, though she knows that typically I only show to grab food, since I have no interest. Well this year since I played fantasy football and have been talking about the different series, it was impossible for me to get out of going to her party. I knew it was going to KILL me to sit there and listen to the hooting and hollering of Pats’ fans, and I absolutely wasn’t going to go and announce that I was rooting for the Jets. So I had to pretend that I was rooting for the Pats. Two times I accidently yelled out GO! when the Jets did something good. I was so hoping nobody would catch it. I was bursting with happiness throughout the game, and as it became more clear to me that the Jets were going to win the game, it was easier for me to pretend to participate in rooting the Pats on and expressing dismay when things weren’t working out. I think they had to have been convinced that I wanted the Pats to win, despite my being extremely animated at the end when everyone else could barely talk. I think it was just me being me.
********************
On a more sober note, I saw the plays where both Seattle players went down and all I can say, besides the fact that I said some fast prayers, is that only by the grace of God does it appear they will be okay. John Carlson bounced on his head and slammed onto the field on the side of his face. It was frightening to watch. Trufant wasnt much better. Both were out cold.
I cry whenever I see someone carted off the field in a sporting event, probably because I’m scared to death of what the outcome might be. It’s really scary stuff.
________
Trisha, I *love* the Pats story. I lived up in Rhode Island for quite a few years while the Yanks were winning. I also attended a couple of Jets games in Foxboro. I can well imagine how silent it is. I just told my bf that I would love to take a little trip up to NE about now. After we won the 2009 WS, I spent the summer in Newport, RI, and people would be happily doing their thing, and then they would see my hat or necklace and get this glazed over look on their faces. I only slightly felt bad ruining their day.
_______
As for the players who went down, no matter how bad it looked, they may still be OK. Just keep praying and thinking good thoughts, as we all should.
Maybe Nick meant “Traditional” Yankee fans root for the traditional New York sports teams-Yanks, Knicks, Giants, Rangers?
It’s painful for the less authentic to discover, I know, and most are in bitter denial. I’m sorry about that.
////
my father was watching the yankees before you were a gleam in your papa’s eye.next.
Some Yankees/Jets/Nets etc. fans may, in fact, be Cylons.
Nick in SF January 16th, 2011 at 9:19 pm
“Define “authentic.”
In this context, more real, more legitimate, more pure.
Maybe I’m confusing authentic Yankee fans with authentic New York sports fans, though there is quite a bit of overlap there. The purest axis is Yankees-Giants-Knicks-Rangers.
It’s painful for the less authentic to discover, I know, and most are in bitter denial. I’m sorry about that.
______
lol. Tell that to Red Sox, Giant fans. Or to someone like me who was born into a family line that followed Babe Ruth and the Titans at their inception. We are plenty “pure.”
As for pain, not quite feeling it, but I guess one person’s pain is another person’s pleasure. I am very happy with my very “authentic” rooting, and your dogma sounds very chauvinistic and anachronistic to me.
Nick in SF……Bears and Steelers favored by 3 as the openning line….
Tom in N.J. January 16th, 2011 at 9:29 pm
Maybe Nick meant “Traditional” Yankee fans root for the traditional New York sports teams-Yanks, Knicks, Giants, Rangers?
_____
Now this I understand.
Hey everyone
Chad made an appearance on my radio show tonight. We talked Soriano, Joba, the catching situation, and his thoughts on Jones or Damon signing.
If you are interested you can download or listen in the enclosed
http://nybaseballdigest.com/?p=33220
hey bud,you love the yanks so much you moved clear across the country to get away from ‘em. so much for being ‘authentic.’
Yankfem – in Rhode Island (as I’m sure Trisha can attest to),there are plenty of hardcore italian yank fans who followed Joe D. He split a lot of neighborhoods up there.there are twists & plots on the path to the pinstripes that west coast simulators know not of
.
“Pedrioa- Since I’m from Western Mass, I like all the teams from around here except for the Sox. The reasoning is that a long time ago my grandpa growing up in Boston was not a Sox fan and rather a Yankees fan (along with the Boston Braves) because the owner at the time was Antisemitic and my great-grandmother would not let him root for them (and he didn’t want to because of it, not to mention he was always a Yanks fan). I took after him, and today I am the only Yankees fan in my family”
This is on Pro Sports Daily’s Patriots forum from today’s game thread,speaking of origins of rooting. One poster is explaining to another why he is a Pats & yank fan:
I could be wrong, but, I’d imagine that Joe D had a lot fans out in San Francisco.
Nobody likes to find out that they’re different, so I certainly understand your reactions, although Prufrock continues to traffic in non-sequitur silliness.
Although seperate, you are certainly equal in my eyes. I look forward to the day when these divisions will even further diminish. Websites such as this one certainly help.
yankeefeminista, I used to work on a college campus and there was a very small group of us who were Yankee fans. So we had a special kind of cameraderie. Those of us who were Y fans were also anti-Pats. Well I will never forget the year the Giants beat the Pats in the Superbowl. I’m sure that the kind of pain the Pats fans were feeling was the kind that comes from the innermost core of the being, permeates out, and absolutely overtakes every fiber of the body. Well, they always had mass on campus, and right after the Super Bowl was the beginning of lent. So I attended mass there. Well the priest came in and he too looked shaken. He asked us to bow our heads and pray and started off by saying that he knew that everyone in that room still had to be feeling great pain from the Patriots’ loss. One of my Yankee fan compadres was at the mass and all I remember was turning my bowed head slightly to look over at him, to find that he was looking back at me. We both started smirking at the same time and then turned back to trying to look reverently pained by the Pats’ loss. It was really a beautiful moment, though I wondered if I would be banished to hell for disrespecting the sanctity of the moment!
“Yankfem – in Rhode Island (as I’m sure Trisha can attest to),there are plenty of hardcore italian yank fans who followed Joe D”
Not a question.
J. Alfred Prufrock January 16th, 2011 at 9:38 pm
hey bud,you love the yanks so much you moved clear across the country to get away from ‘em. so much for being ‘authentic.’
Yankfem – in Rhode Island (as I’m sure Trisha can attest to),there are plenty of hardcore italian yank fans who followed Joe D. He split a lot of neighborhoods up there.there are twists & plots on the path to the pinstripes that west coast simulators know not of.
______
Yes, I recall on Federal Hill in Providence that some of the Italian families were Yankees fans among the RS majority. I also have friends in Hartford who are diehard Red Sox and Giants fans b/c of the geography. Probably age also plays a lot into it and who was winning when. Also kids rebelling against parents rather than following that tradition, etc. It is actually very interesting. However, in my family we all root Yankees, Jets…
Tom in N.J. January 16th, 2011 at 9:43 pm
I could be wrong, but, I’d imagine that Joe D had a lot fans out in San Francisco.
///
no doubt,& ruth has a following in Baltimore.
Nick in SF January 16th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
Nobody likes to find out that they’re different, so I certainly understand your reactions, although Prufrock continues to traffic in non-sequitur silliness.
///
.
lol friend, atleast you posted something that approximates a baseball opinion
trisha – true pinstriped blue January 16th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
yankeefeminista, I used to work on a college campus and there was a very small group of us who were Yankee fans. So we had a special kind of cameraderie. Those of us who were Y fans were also anti-Pats. Well I will never forget the year the Giants beat the Pats in the Superbowl. I’m sure that the kind of pain the Pats fans were feeling was the kind that comes from the innermost core of the being, permeates out, and absolutely overtakes every fiber of the body. Well, they always had mass on campus, and right after the Super Bowl was the beginning of lent. So I attended mass there. Well the priest came in and he too looked shaken. He asked us to bow our heads and pray and started off by saying that he knew that everyone in that room still had to be feeling great pain from the Patriots’ loss. One of my Yankee fan compadres was at the mass and all I remember was turning my bowed head slightly to look over at him, to find that he was looking back at me. We both started smirking at the same time and then turned back to trying to look reverently pained by the Pats’ loss. It was really a beautiful moment, though I wondered if I would be banished to hell for disrespecting the sanctity of the moment!
____
lol. I hope you went to confession afterwards, Trisha, of course somewhere far away where no one knew you. Classic stuff. You should write a book.
Nobody likes to find out that they’re different,
.
///
see you got that wrong,too.those of us who are authentic,don’t hanker to be part of the sameness you yearn for
Don’t shoot the messenger.
Chad,
Have an excellent vacation. You will be missed, but it is supposed to be beautiful in Colorado this time of year. Yes, you need to take vacation when you can get it.
——————————————————————–
I am a weird duck, no comments please, but I am a fan of the Jets and Giants. At least that way I have something to be excited about tonight. Go J E T S.
——————————————————————————
Trisha,
Any team but the Pats or Cowboys is more my thinking.
I didn’t watched the early game or the Jets for that matter. I am sorry those players were hurt. When you play a violent sport professionally, bad things can happen. Then I pray they will be OK. If I hated the violence, I wouldn’t watch…like I can’t stand Boxing and don’t watch it.
Glad you are here today.
And sadly, Joe DiMaggio’s Italian Chophouse has now closed:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/joe-di.....-francisco
That was a great thread on relief pitching Chad…good job…
Did Colter Bean ever reach the next level…you know, Colter Coffee?
1. Rafael Soriano becoming official. I have to think the physical will be finished and the signing complete in the next few days. That’s going to be an interesting conversation with Brian Cashman.
+++++++++++++
Maybe you could have Justin sit in for you during the conference call.
Cashman: “Next question…eh..Lohud.”
Justin:” Could you tell us WHY YOU S*CK?!?!?”
Cashman: “?”
yankeefeminista January 16th, 2011 at 6:58 pm
I have no problem with either AJ or Chamberlain starting, and certainly not at the same time.
+++++++++++++
I’m opposed to this…and I just want to voice my vote now. I think it would be very cofusing to Martin to have them both start at the same time…to say nothing of how awkward and crowded it would be on the ound.
Yeah, call me old-fashioned, but I don’t play it that way.
Before you think that San Francisco has forgotten the great DiMaggio, please consider these wise words from Yelper Diane G:
“So, Joe DiMaggio’s Chop House is closed.
Whatever could of been the reason?
Obviously, poor management, poor customer relations and
food and service that obviously turned customers off.
This was a chain…….the DiMaggio family had very, very little
interest in it, except to receive $$ for using Joe DiMaggio’s name.
It is truly a shame, as this corner location in Prime North Beach
facing Washington Square and the beautiful Sts. Peter & Paul Church.
For years prior, Fior D’Italia ran a first class business here with the
food being the best there could be. Then change of hands, etc, caused
it to close and move away. Thus, it has never been the same since.
DiMaggio’s was running into financial hardships for a while…..not paying
for services rendered to them and probably to a point of not being able
to pay their wait staff and employees. So……it closed. Obviously, they
did not have their act together. Strange, it’s hard to find anything on
the internet that discloses what the problem was – they just closed up,
and everyone was surprised. Don’t blame Joe’s family, please,
please blame the franchise/chain that took on poor Joe’s name.”
I just saw it again, and I have to admire that Edwards stuck that cart wheel-back flip combo.
BoJo
Surprised Ruby Tuesday isn’t around…….hahahahahahaha. Not a good day for good old ruby tuesday.
BoJo January 16th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
yankeefeminista January 16th, 2011 at 6:58 pm
Very funny. Well, at least if both were on the mound, they would have each other out there for moral support. And if one were inconsistent he could defer and the other one could take over. It’s a win-win.
SAS January 16th, 2011 at 9:58 pm
I am a weird duck, no comments please, but I am a fan of the Jets and Giants. At least that way I have something to be excited about tonight. Go J E T S.
__________
I don’t dislike the Giants. I have mellowed since they beat the Pats in the Super Bowl. I will root for them against odious teams like the Eagles and Dallas. Also helps that the Jets are competitive again. :0
Bojo,
Cash is usually pretty honest, so it will be interesting to see what he says about the Soriano signing.
yankeefeminista January 16th, 2011 at 10:15 pm
+++++++++++++++++++
You have a point…and no one would be expecting that…(in my best Robert Stack impersonation)
That radio interview is pretty good…
http://nybaseballdigest.com/?p=33220
Chad is on there for first 15 minutes.
BoJo January 16th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
yankeefeminista January 16th, 2011 at 10:15 pm
+++++++++++++++++++
You have a point…and no one would be expecting that…(in my best Robert Stack impersonation)
___
I confess I had to look up who Robert Stack is. Was that something he said in The Untouchables?
As per radio show, what are the issues with Soriano? I never read in any of the Rays blogs I follow that he was a “problem child.”
Betsy,
Bears are my favorite team
I am a weird duck, no comments please, but I am a fan of the Jets and Giants. At least that way I have something to be excited about tonight. Go J E T S.
———
///
.
SAS – I have a fair amount of friends who are Giant fans first but if the Giants are out they root for the Jets.Two of ‘em are lifelong Giant season ticket holders who have had the tickets in their families for a few generations,so they are serious Giant fans.I think because the teams don’t really play each other & are both competitive it gives people two decent teams to watch.If the teams played each other in the Super Bowl,they’d root for the Giants of course.As a Jet fan,I watch the Giants sort of neutrally & feel bad for my friends when they don’t get in (like this yr,going 10-6 & you don’t make it but Seattle is 7-9 & gets in).When we finally meet in the SB,I’ll surely become less philosophical
To Jerky and the rest of you Jets fans..my name says it all.
While united with all of you in my love of the Yankees, I, like Johnny Damon and the Yankees of 2010, must PART WAYS on this one.
I will be sitting 15 rows up behind the Jets bench on the 40 at Heinz Field at 630 PM with my 8 year old son next Sunday night, and I expect a great game. Both excellent defensive clubs, but the Steelers run D is something the Jets will have to overcome if they want to win this one. Throw out the 22-17 loss last month, just like you threw out the 45-3 beating of the Jets by the Pats last month. This is a whole different ball of wax, and a much different team than Indianapolis and New England.
Ben Rothlisberger? Santonio Holmes, brother. Hines Ward? Antonio Crowmartie. Mike Tomlin? Well, not quite sure about Big Rex just yet.
A comment on the team we can both agree on despising. The fourth quarter, 7’30″ drive comprised of mostly running plays when you are down by 7 is the height of arrogance in a coach and in a team. The Patriots and their fans (I was in the Boston area this weekend and actually stayed in the Patriots hotel in Norwood last night) so clearly expected to dominate the Jets and win that they figured they could eat up the clock and still have enough time to pull this one out. Tough noogies, New England.
I never thought I’d be going to the AFC Championship this weekend. Thanks, Jets. Looking forward to next week.
CHAD–
You still don’t get the point of view of pro_Joba fans. You mention in radio interview that folks don’t trust him for EIG but he can do job as starter…and that confuses you.
The point is that Joba would be #4 or #5 starter and isn’t being looked at as the #1. In the #4 or #5 role, he can give up a few runs and still be a winner.
Also, you mention his stuff (slider and FB movement) having regressed…That is what Rothschild pointed out as a result of a dropped arm angle…and what he will be addressing.
And the interview guy stating that Joba was below league average in 2009 ignores his work in his first 30 starts (up until Aug 6). Just shows that cherry picking stats without looking at game logs can be very misleading.
PittsburghYankeeFan-
I fully understand your position, no offense taken. While I really do wish you and your son a great family moment, and decent weather for you to sit thru, we must part ways on this one.
Fortunately, we can reunite come springtime.
Silva as host pondered whether Yankee fans would rather have Montero catch over Martin…he thinks the fans do prefer Montero.
I disagree…I think the knowledgeable fans would pick the better defender at C, with Montero becoming the DH.
What does everyone else here think?
A simple mechanical issue like a dropped arm angle would never have escaped the countless hours of studying tape that Eiland and Girardi did. Not in a million years. Those kinds of issues are easy to spot and easy to correct.
PittsburghYankeeFan
_________
Enjoy it! It should be a great game, but don’t underrate us.;)
I am half-tempted to go. Come in Friday, catch a Penguins game the night before at Consol, hang out in the Strip District Sunday, eat at Kaya. Pittsburgh is an underrated town. Tickets didn’t seem too expensive a couple of hours ago, but that was seconds after we won. I am assuming ticket prices will have skyrocketed now that the game will actually be played.
yea Bojo I don’t see where he doesn’t realize there’s MORE margin for error as a starter,you have time to find your rhythm,etc.I do have high expectations for Joba if he’s healthy & back as an SP but I agree that if he is reasonably competitive that solves the yanks’ problem for a number 4,& if AP comes back, he’s a 5 (although in that event, it would probably be Nova instead,based on the yanks’ anti-Joba stance).
BoJo January 16th, 2011 at 10:44 pm
Silva as host pondered whether Yankee fans would rather have Montero catch over Martin…he thinks the fans do prefer Montero.
I disagree…I think the knowledgeable fans would pick the better defender at C, with Montero becoming the DH.
What does everyone else here think?
_______
It depends on how Montero looks back there, and if he costs us in some big way. Would definitely like to see Montero get some time behind the plate, as opposed to solely DH’ing. Also let’s see what Martin looks like, coming back from the hip. Is it a given that he will be 100%? Bottomline is if Montero can catch, he should be our catcher.
Of course, I am all for bringing Montero along slowly. Whatever he needs to be successful. However, I am still concerned with all the recent Montero rumors for Lee, Halliday and most recently Soria, as to what the lowdown is on how we see him going forward. Have to think with the constant dangling that they don’t have confidence in the Jesus behind the dish, unfortunately.
What does everyone else here think?
///
Bojo – I’ve no ambivalence about this: Montero should be the catcher.I’ve seen a lot of Montero live,I have confidence he’ll be adequate enough behind the plate & his presence there preserves one huge advantage the yanks have had for years: production& power out of the C spot.I don’t even like Martin hanging around because I fear they’ll delay Montero’s initiation if not altogether postpone it until next year or late in the season.I want him to have the benefit of a learning curve that can get started early in the season for his bat also, so the latter can be plugged in to help win a division & in the playoffs. I view Martin as I would a middling starter brought in that blocks a young starter’s path (like Having Javy here not only blocked but effectively ended Chamberlain’s role as a SP).
Well,time to make the doughnuts.Good Jets win for those in sympathy.Night all.
BoJo January 16th, 2011 at 10:35 pm
CHAD–
You still don’t get the point of view of pro_Joba fans. You mention in radio interview that folks don’t trust him for EIG but he can do job as starter…and that confuses you.
The point is that Joba would be #4 or #5 starter and isn’t being looked at as the #1. In the #4 or #5 role, he can give up a few runs and still be a winner.
Also, you mention his stuff (slider and FB movement) having regressed…That is what Rothschild pointed out as a result of a dropped arm angle…and what he will be addressing.
And the interview guy stating that Joba was below league average in 2009 ignores his work in his first 30 starts (up until Aug 6). Just shows that cherry picking stats without looking at game logs can be very misleading.
______
I always wonder again about the too quick indictment of Joba as a starter. What does starting have to do with relieving? Just start getting him into starter shape, work on the mechanics and see what he can bring. He has so much more value as a starter; what is not to get? I truly don’t understand.
I harken back to watching him start in 2008 vs. Red Sox. His slider was incredible that night vs. Beckett. I was sitting right behind home plate in terrace. Ugh. Give him a chance. If he fails, then relegate him to the pen? But at least see what he has.
Interesting results so far…let’s hear from as many as possible on our own little survey…
yankeefeminista
The Pens are playing Carolina Saturday night–should be a good game, and Consol is a really nice arena. Kaya is good (I like the Korean place around the corner on Penn Ave) and it’s only about a 10-15 minute walk across town from Consol.
Tickets aren’t too terrible for the AFC Championship (about $250-300 for the upper deck, with a face value of $150-200).
Joe from LI
My uncle lives in Syosset and has been a Jets fan forever, so someone in my family will be happy no matter what happens.
As for me…I’m a defense guy…and love the idea of having a gold glove behind the plate to join with our 3 infield GG, and LF GG. I’m fine with bringing along Montero slowly and understand his value as full time catcher, but heck–if he only is back up for 50 games and DHs like Labert Puljois could the other 112, I would be a happy camper.
J. Alfred Prufrock January 16th, 2011 at 10:52 pm
What does everyone else here think?
///
Bojo – I’ve no ambivalence about this: Montero should be the catcher.I’ve seen a lot of Montero live,I have confidence he’ll be adequate enough behind the plate & his presence there preserves one huge advantage the yanks have had for years: production& power out of the C spot.I don’t even like Martin hanging around because I fear they’ll delay Montero’s initiation if not altogether postpone it until next year or late in the season.I want him to have the benefit of a learning curve that can get started early in the season for his bat also, so the latter can be plugged in to help win a division & in the playoffs. I view Martin as I would a middling starter brought in that blocks a young starter’s path (like Having Javy here not only blocked but effectively ended Chamberlain’s role as a SP)
________
Well, the Yankees tend to always go with the sure thing. This troubles me, b/c we usually don’t take risks or let players grow into a position. As a result, we sometimes make hasty decisions. I concur. I like the idea of Martin there, but on the other hand, I hope it doesn’t mean 1.) that Montero is considered not catcher material, or 2.) Montero’s maturation will be delayed because Yanks don’t want to have him learn on the job. If he is indeed up, he needs to play. Otherwise, keep him in AAA.
BoJo January 16th, 2011 at 10:44 pm
Silva as host pondered whether Yankee fans would rather have Montero catch over Martin…he thinks the fans do prefer Montero.
I disagree…I think the knowledgeable fans would pick the better defender at C, with Montero becoming the DH.
What does everyone else here think?
———————————————————————————————————————-
There is the distinct possibility that Martin can’t move around well enough behind the plate to catch or at the plate well enough to hit and keep the job.
I’m not a jets fan.
PittsburghYankeeFan January 16th, 2011 at 10:59 pm
yankeefeminista
The Pens are playing Carolina Saturday night–should be a good game, and Consol is a really nice arena. Kaya is good (I like the Korean place around the corner on Penn Ave) and it’s only about a 10-15 minute walk across town from Consol.
Tickets aren’t too terrible for the AFC Championship (about $250-300 for the upper deck, with a face value of $150-200).
_______
Yes, I would love to see Consol. I have been to the Igloo a lot, and I will miss it. Sorry to see Sid is still out though. I am really concerned about him. Where is Consol exactly in relation to the Igloo?
Yes, I have also been to the Korean place.
Tix then have gone up somewhat. Second level were upper deck prices a few hours ago. I probably wouldn’t want to sit upstairs, as a rival fan… I have had some bad experiences sitting higher up at different sporting events while rooting for the opposition.
I think that Montero should be given a chance with NYY. Maybe not to start the season depending on his numbers and so that they can see how Martin does. I think it would be dumb to trade him because he is supposed to have a positive upside that I just dont want to see them give him up.
Jerkface
Im not a Jets fan either. Im not really a football fan unless its the Bucs or the USF Bulls.
BD, I knew I liked you, lol…………actually, the Pack are favored, but that doesn’t surprise me. The Bears never get any respect and they like that- anyway, this kind of stuff used to bother me a lot, but now it just bothers me a little. No matter what the experts predict, they don’t effect how the game is played.
BoJo January 16th, 2011 at 11:01 pm
As for me…I’m a defense guy…and love the idea of having a gold glove behind the plate to join with our 3 infield GG, and LF GG. I’m fine with bringing along Montero slowly and understand his value as full time catcher, but heck–if he only is back up for 50 games and DHs like Labert Puljois could the other 112, I would be a happy camper.
_______
I love defense too, but an offensive catcher has to be more valuable. I am all for bringing Montero along slowly, as long as they aren’t going to jerk him around. He needs to play.
GB7
There is the distinct possibility that Martin can’t move around well enough behind the plate to catch or at the plate well enough to hit and keep the job
__________
Well, this is the thing. Martin is also an unknown in his own way b/c of the injury. We must think he will be 100%. Otherwise, aside from Cervelli, who is a backup, we are going into the season with three question marks at catcher in Martin, Montero, and Posada (our DH).
Pittsburgh, I’m a neighbor of your uncle – he probably lives within 5 minutes of me, lol
I love the idea of Montero being brought along slowly (and that’s assuming he has a good ST; if he doesn’t, then he’ll probably be sent to AAA and I’m fine with that). I hated the idea of him being the primary catcher……….hopefully Martin can provide solid leadership as C
I love the GB-Bears match-up. A classic. I hope it snows again. Perfect football weather.
That’s it for me tonight, another busy day tomorrow.
Good night, all. Let’s go Jets!
Buster Posey did alright as the primary catcher,as I recall.Carlos Santana for Cleveland is another,which is why they cut Victor Martinez loose.Sometimes you just have to jump in with both feet.I don’t like straddling one foot in & one foot out.You have Posada in his twilight yrs.You could have eased the kid in with a Posada/Cervelli combo working the rest of those games. The problem with Martin is the perception that he’s some high profile guy,& he’s just going to block Montero,whereas Posada is seen as being less & less able to catch & Cervelli is coming off a down yr & is a system guy.The Yankees sign someone & they keep throwing the guy in there.That’d be OK if he weren’t delaying a breakout power bat that can dominate the middle of the order for yrs to come.
YF,
What do you mean the Yankees don’t give their own a chance…that may be true for pitchers, but there are a fair number of starters who came up through the ranks who recently did or are still playing for the team.
I would like Montero to be eased into catching in the majors. I am far less comfortable with him than many around here. In the meantime, the Yanks got a proven catcher. All teams need 2 good catchers and IMO Cervelli isn’t good enough. I am anxious to see Montero play, but from what I have read about him, he isn’t the greatest defensive catcher. The Yankees cannot afford to give up runs on defensive inadequacies like they did last year.
yankeefeminista January 16th, 2011 at 11:15 pm
I love the GB-Bears match-up. A classic. I hope it snows again. Perfect football weather.
////
that should be worth the watch & having no rooting interest it should be painless & enjoyable.well,goodnight all.
Jerky
Thought you were a Jets fans…sorry for the error.
Yankeefeminista
Consol is right across the street from the Igloo.
SAS – Montero is serviceable behind the plate.Reports of his lack of athleticism are greatly exaggerated.Before I went to his games I was expecting to see a clutz.It’s not the case – he will be fine & if he gets into hot water,he’s got GI Joe,Pena & Posada to pound home the fundamentals.I find it comical that people stress out over catching,like it’s baseball’s version of astrophysics.He will be fine,now they just have to let him jump into the deep end.He’ll swim
.
////
can’t seem to leave,it must be that Jets’ buzz.
Jerkface: I went to USF for grad school GO BULLS!
As for the rest of my alligiances, Im a non traditional Yankee fan, both parents grew up in New York, dad was drafted by the yankees but only played in the rookie league before tearing up his knee (he was a catcher). I was born and raised in south florida, so I am a Miami dolphins fan (which is just murder these days), a miami heat fan and a huge huge “the U” fan!
But the Yankees are my darlings and i never really had a choice in the matter, my dad bled pinstripes and instilled in me oppprtunity to become the fan of the best sports team in all of professional sports. My mom on the other hand, he family summered in florida and they were huge Orioles fans….so she roots for the O’s and lately she has become a bigger fan of the Marlins after living in south florida for the last 37 yrs.
now if you were promoting Montero for outfield,THAT would be a highwire act
.
‘nite.
PittsburghYankeeFan January 16th, 2011 at 11:26 pm
Consol is right across the street from the Igloo.
_______
Which way? Toward the hospital. Behind the Igloo where the parking lot used to be? Can you still walk up the hill from the hotels and see it? I loved that about the ‘Gloo, its shining silver top, beckoning like a space ship.
Now i live in Oakland and i am a season ticket hold for the A’s, but only to get my spectacular seats for yankee games. I usually sell my Sox series tickets and make more than my season tickets cost me.. The A’s are the best bargain in baseball.
PS todays AFC game was rough for me i was hoping they both lost…Yuck i hate both teams!
Im not a Jets fan either. Im not really a football fan unless its the Bucs or the USF Bulls.aa
–
I’m actually a Bucs fan, because my grandparents retired to Tampa when my Mother was in her teens and she stayed in Florida instead of moving back to the tri-state area when she got older, and was around for the Bucs original induction into the NFL. Something about the creamsicles and the lovable losers kept the interest of my parents, even had season tickets during their first playoff run. Luckily that fascination with Tampa sports didn’t carry over to the Rays. My Dad knew it was foolish to drop the Yanks for the Devil Rays and I told him as much, though we did go to many of their games
Had season tickets to the Bucs actually until last awful year at the stadium.
Michelle B. of Yankee Stadium West
We have a lot in common. I am going to USF to get my bachelors in Elementary Education. I am a non traditional Yankee fan as well. Ive lived in Tampa my whole life and my only connection to the Yankees is my grandfather who went grew up a Yankee fan in New Jersey. Since Tampa didnt get a major league baseball team until 1998 we didnt really have allegiance to any team. My grandfather took us to Spring Training games once the Yankees moved to Legends field and they immediately became my team. My dad is a Rays fan because he thinks you should root for the hometown team. My grandfather actually roots for the Rays when they arent playing the Yankees now because they are the only team consistently on TV here though he always expects the Yankees to win so he doesnt mind rooting for the opposition. I am a stubborn Yankee fan who will never give them up.
SAS January 16th, 2011 at 11:21 pm
YF,
What do you mean the Yankees don’t give their own a chance…that may be true for pitchers, but there are a fair number of starters who came up through the ranks who recently did or are still playing for the team.
I would like Montero to be eased into catching in the majors. I am far less comfortable with him than many around here. In the meantime, the Yanks got a proven catcher. All teams need 2 good catchers and IMO Cervelli isn’t good enough. I am anxious to see Montero play, but from what I have read about him, he isn’t the greatest defensive catcher. The Yankees cannot afford to give up runs on defensive inadequacies like they did last year.
_________
We tend to go with the sure thing with occasional exceptions, but you are right mostly with our pitchers. As for Montero, I don’t know at what stage the Yanks consider his development, and I agree we shouldn’t rush him. However, I hope that they don’t retard his progress by having him DH too much and not catch enough. Although, I assume if that happens, they are then not considering him a viable catching candidate.
As for giving up runs, if catcher defense was so important than why do so many teams, Yankees and Red Sox included, in the case of Posada and V-Mart, go with average to below average catchers. I just think defense is overrated. Sure, if you can have a Mauer, I am all for it, but that is not the norm. So, again question is how do Yanks rate Montero? What I do know is when I have seen him in Trenton, he has certainly been adequate, no passed balls, very strong arm (threw out a runner at second
, maybe a little slow transferring the ball, somewhat slow footwork, but nothing glaring in the 3 times I have seen him. Granted AA isn’t the mlb. I do know he is considered a very good leader, very involved with his pitchers, and loves to call a good game. Plus family has a tradition of catching. Also, I still wonder where Martin is at in terms of his rehab, and his viability as a catcher following his injury.
I am sure we will make the right decisions, but I still am curious as to why we would dangle a catcher of Montero’s offensive quality unless we are indeed not projecting him as a catcher.
See how my little Swiftian exercise has brought people together?
Mission accomplished.
Jerkface
The Bucs were good this season. I was happy for them but they made a big oops when they lost to the Lions. As for baseball, I take a lot of flack for being from Tampa and not being a Rays fan. Not quite sure why other people care where my allegiances lie but it definitely gets annoying sometimes. I never got asked or had someone make snide comments when I wore my Yankee shirts in the past or made comments that I was a Yankee fan until 2008 when the Rays went to the World Series. Now the Rays “fans” feel entitled or something and their team didnt even win!
& I agree with Prufrock Montero has nothing to learn in AAA as far as hitting goes. He was considered the most advanced and best overall hitter (power and average combo) of the prospect catchers, and Posey and Santana have pretty much destroyed mlb pitching. Although Santana’s stint was abbreviated by injury, and his hitting vs. lefties is probably therefore taking longer to evolve.
I am enjoying these origins of rooting stories. Keep them coming!
One of the most common things you hear is that Posada was never a good defensive catcher and the Yankees still won with him behind the plate. Having Montero who is regarded as the best hitter in the Minor Leagues knocking on the door the the ML is something I dont think they should give up on. Having a decent starter in 2011 and no Montero doesnt sound good to me.
I think you will know which catcher is best when we see them play. If Montero plays adequate defense and hits like some suspect he will, he’ll never see the minor leagues again. If he doesn’t and Martin shows he can do a good job – he will be the guy this year. Simple.
Personally< I am hoping Montero makes it big here either as C or DH. I cannot wait to hear JohN Sterling's home run calls for him.
I'm guessing it will be something like"
"It is high! It is far! It is GONE!!!! PRAISE JESUS! It's a Holy Homer!!!"
And then he will be struck by lightning…finally.
WCYF, I don’t think it is as cut and dry as you say, though. It is always a risk when someone is breathing down your neck that you will be given the time to develop. Look at Posey for example. Giants finally decided to go with him. Of course, he is better defensively than Montero, but everyone was questioning the Giants’ decision at one point, Posey’s inexperience and his ability to play D, handle his pitchers, etc. but he was fine and won a WS. Ditto, Santana, whose D is even worse than Posey’s. It is not that we want bad D behind the plate. However, if you want to develop a player, then play him, and let him grow into the job. If he is hurting the team, then of course, you don’t take that approach, but you have to commit in some capacity vs. being lukewarm about your decision and changing your mind on a daily basis, based on a small sample size result. JMO.
BoJo January 16th, 2011 at 11:55 pm
Personally< I am hoping Montero makes it big here either as C or DH. I cannot wait to hear JohN Sterling's home run calls for him.
I'm guessing it will be something like"
"It is high! It is far! It is GONE!!!! PRAISE JESUS! It's a Holy Homer!!!"
And then he will be struck by lightning…finally.
___
lol. & I am thinking b/c of his Hispanic roots, Sterling should yell out, "JESUS CRISTO, and another bomb by Montero!!!! (or would that be sacrilegious, even though it is the Jesus?)
tyanksfan36 January 16th, 2011 at 11:52 pm
One of the most common things you hear is that Posada was never a good defensive catcher and the Yankees still won with him behind the plate. Having Montero who is regarded as the best hitter in the Minor Leagues knocking on the door the the ML is something I dont think they should give up on. Having a decent starter in 2011 and no Montero doesnt sound good to me.
________
I 100% agree.
The relief pitcher talk in the previous thread got me thinking about Venditte and Ortiz…I posted an entry of them on my blog, check it out and comment there what you think. Just click on my handle and it will take you to my blog. Also check out my pics and videos on the sidebar.
P.S. I wish Buster Posey was in the AL so I’d actually get to see him. I guess ill have to settle for Mauer
tyanksfan36 January 17th, 2011 at 12:10 am
The relief pitcher talk in the previous thread got me thinking about Venditte and Ortiz…I posted an entry of them on my blog, check it out and comment there what you think. Just click on my handle and it will take you to my blog. Also check out my pics and videos on the sidebar.
P.S. I wish Buster Posey was in the AL so I’d actually get to see him. I guess ill have to settle for Mauer
_____
I took a quick look at your site. Overly tired at this late hour to read too much, but it looks really good. Great job, and I will be excited to read it this year. You will have a lot of nice players there. Keep an eye on Jose Ramirez for me. I especially would like reports on how his curveball is progressing. Unlike you, I am most interested in the pitchers. Although I will be happy to have Corban Joseph and co. at Trenton. Last year, late in the season, Trenton had no good bats b/c Joseph was hurt, and Laird had been called up. Romine was struggling somewhat. It is no wonder they lost in the playoffs. However, their pitching was ridiculously good, and I look forward to watching at least two of the three Killer B’s again. I am hoping Brackman starts a few games at AA before moving up, although I have my doubts.
SAS:
We could have won it all last year with 2 terrible catchers & we won the ws with a blind left fielder.
As long as montero is not absolutely attrocious,i’ll take the offense,especially conidering it is probably considerable.
If martin is struggling or hurt montero will be up,if montero has a great spring while cervelli struggles,i think montero should back up martin.
It might help neutralize bostons signings ofcc & gonzalez.
YankeeFem
You will get my favorite Bradley Suttle. He not only makes the uniform look good but he is a really good player. Good offense and decent at 3rd. I’m jealous you get the Killer B’s though, too bad they had to move up. Tampa is losing a lot of good guys but I’m sure we will get decent replacements for them. Ill keep an eye out for Ramirez for you though even though I like my hitting better.
yankeefeminista – I don’t know how anyone can answer this until we see them perform. I thought Cashman was patently idiotic (nothing new) when he promised Martin the starting catcher position. Really?
Can’t wait to see this blog if Montero hits .375 with eight home runs and 20 RBI’s in spring training and Cashman sends him to AAA.
tyanksfan36 January 17th, 2011 at 12:40 am
YankeeFem
You will get my favorite Bradley Suttle. He not only makes the uniform look good but he is a really good player. Good offense and decent at 3rd. I’m jealous you get the Killer B’s though, too bad they had to move up. Tampa is losing a lot of good guys but I’m sure we will get decent replacements for them. Ill keep an eye out for Ramirez for you though even though I like my hitting better.
_________
Thanks! Ramirez is a treat to watch, nasty nasty stuff. I saw mostly Betances of the three Killer B’s last year. I am hoping to make all their starts the first week of the season, although the Yankees are also in town. So, I will have to pick and choose.
Yes, thanks for reminding me. I am very excited to see Suttle. He had so much promise, until he got hurt. Glad the bat is back. & I know he is supposed to be fantastic defensively. How’d his D look?
West Coast Yankee Fan January 17th, 2011 at 12:56 am
yankeefeminista – I don’t know how anyone can answer this until we see them perform. I thought Cashman was patently idiotic (nothing new) when he promised Martin the starting catcher position. Really?
Can’t wait to see this blog if Montero hits .375 with eight home runs and 20 RBI’s in spring training and Cashman sends him to AAA.
______
We can’t and yet the Montero trade rumors have been so curious that you have to wonder and have trepidation regarding what the Yankees are thinking.
Is Montero hits like that, they would never send him down.
These Jets highlights never get old.
*If*
There’s nothing wrong with telling Martin he’ll start because there is an implied competition for almost every job in ST anyway, except for guys who have been starting for years.
Even under the most optimal scenario, I can’t see Montero catching more than 60 or so games anyway.
The real issue is will they give him a shot to do that in ST. If not, then yes, Cashman, Girardi or the Owner/GMs are stupid.
At least Brady can soon go back to his other pastime now that football season is over: Rooting for the Yankees.
Thanks all for your comments on Montero. I hope you are right and that he will be our catcher for the next 15 years. As you must know from my lack of knowledge about him, I have never seen anything but a picture of him.
This is my second winter with the blog, and I really have learned so much about our minor leagues. I am not terribly interested in all the sabermetric stuff and probably never will be.
I just wonder how they will justify continuing to start Martin if Montero dominates and is obviously the better player. From everything I have read and the clips that I have seen, Montero’s defensive shortcomings have been overstated.
This is a little older, but better reception b/c it was done by Yes Network:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....ature=fvwp
Anyway, I am out. Have a good night all!
It’s not so much about defensive shortcoming, which offensive production can easily balance out, it’s more about handling pitches, calling a game, etc. Plus, he’s only 21. So even if he hits, they need Martin. If he hits really well, and he gets a legitimate opportunity, he’s also likely to take AB away from Posada at DH as well as catch 60 or so games.
But with the Soriano signing providing just the latest example that Cashman isn’t fully in change, I don’t understand how people can blame him for everything that goes wrong.
For better or worse, he’s a one voice in the organization that gets usurped whenever the owners feel like it.
If Montero starts the season in AAA it may well be because the owners want it that way.
Montero was never catching 90-100 games in his first season. I will be happy if by the end of the year he has caught 40-50.
Unless he dominates Spring Training and is clearly better than Cervelli, bring him up in late May to get the extra year out of him.
On a more sober note, I saw the plays where both Seattle players went down and all I can say, besides the fact that I said some fast prayers, is that only by the grace of God does it appear they will be okay. John Carlson bounced on his head and slammed onto the field on the side of his face. It was frightening to watch. Trufant wasnt much better. Both were out cold.
I cry whenever I see someone carted off the field in a sporting event, probably because I’m scared to death of what the outcome might be. It’s really scary stuff.
:::::::
Trisha (and others who asked or were wondering)…
Both John Carlson and Marcus Trufant stayed behind at a Chicago hospital for precautionary measures, but both are expected to make a full recovery from “just” a concussion. John’s injury was especially frightening, so the most important thing is that he’s going to be OK. But, he had such a great game against the Saints and was apparently a big part of the game plan today…. that injury doesn’t happen and a couple passed aren’t dropped … who knows? But, them’s the breaks. That’s sports.
At least I got to see my team play in two more games than anyone thought possible (especially considering the new coach, new GM and 200+ roster moves) and it seems there’s hope for the future.
Oh, and whodathunk the Seahawks would win one more playoff game than the Pats?
Rich,
No GM is fully in charge.
good morning early birds
brrrr….it is 12 below this am…my dog kept picking up her paws when we went for our walk…at least the stars are brilliant
Doreen
I hope you DVRed the game for your husband!
where is every one this morning?
Kate-
Good morning.
Didn’t want you think you were out there all by your lonesome.
Yankeefem
Suttle is no Jeter over there in regards to his D. He isn’t the most sure handed 3rd baseman but he has a good and accurate throwing arm. He sometimes bobbles the ball and doesn’t do that great on balls with a bad hop but he isn’t awful, I think he makes up for it with his arm. I am glad he didn’t play in 2009 because it gave me the opportunity to see him. I really missed CoJo, he was a fan favorite and a great hitter. Batted sans gloves too which isn’t something you see often.
Kate
I’m here, still snuggled up in bed with my puppy because its storming outside. Thankfully I don’t work til 1230 but I’m sure it will still be raining. Are you fortunate enough to have today off?
no, I am at work…I wish I was snuggling w/ my pup too…she is 8, but still very puppyish
This feels like the week we sign Andruw.
But I actually prefer Justin Christian.
He wouldn’t hit for as much power but he is better in every other way.
tyanksfan36 January 17th, 2011 at 12:40 am
YankeeFem
You will get my favorite Bradley Suttle. He not only makes the uniform look good but he is a really good player.
++++++++++++++++
Does he iron his own uniform? Use a special detergent? Embroider it? Is it something he should be doing for all the players?
Kate-
Our pups sleep with us all night so the snugglin’ never stops.
MTU,
im a bit mixed on a Jones signing. I think it could be a great addition if he reports in shape and ready to play, but I also think he could be a waste of money. Id rather have Damon.
Kate
Well my puppy is going to be 3 in March. Not so much a puppy anymore but I still refer to him as one. Its lightning here so he refuses to come out from the covers, its going to be interesting trying to get him outside to do his business.
Good morning everyone.
Still excited about the Jets yesterday.
Maybe we’ll get some mmore Yankees news this week.
Bojo
Haha, Suttle is a good looking guy who fills out the pinstripes nicely. Maybe he does iron his uniform though, it never looks wrinkly.
Good morning, upstate kate and other morning people.
I slept in this morning. I did DVR the game. For once I actually remembered we have the capability. LOL I plan on watching it myself sometime today.
I was driving home from White Plains just about the time the game started. I don’t like to listen to football on the radio, but every so often I’d put the game on the catch a score. I heard the Jets early interception, but I switched back to music before the next play. Then I switched back and heard they missed a field goal. I didn’t have high hopes at that point. Then later on I heard they’d sacked Brady 3 times, so I figured it might turn out okay.
When I got home I opted to watch To Sir With Love rather than the end of the game (since it was being DVR’d!!!) and my daughter called to tell me about the final score.
Very Happy for the Jets!
Blake-
Forget the part about reporting in shape. That ain’t happening.
Damon may fall to us.
Not sure if he is willing to accept a reduced role.
He may have no choice though.
Bojo,
Funny uniform comment.
Austin-
There is nothing uniform about Bojo’s comments.
We have to give him a break though.
He is from Philly after all.
Fran-
What the Jets have been able to do these past 2 weeks is nothing short of spectacular.
Shades of Joe Willie.
MTU–
At least I don’t root for the Eagles! (I do root for Flyers though…)
MTU–
Did I detect a level of “soft pretzel with mustard” and “Philly Cheesesteak” envy just now?
MTU,
yea I.don’t.know if be would either, I do think that he’d play more than it may seem he would. I also think they could work around the issue that he can only play LF. If Swisher got hurt you could move Granderson to RF and slide Gardner over to CF. Having 2 guys that can play CF gives you a lot of flexibilty that way…..only way its really a problem is if both Gardner and Granderson get hurt at the same time bitthen you’re in trouble anyway.
When the Jets beat the Pats yesterday it reminded me of the “Honeymooners” and the famous line by Ralph Kramden.
“How sweet it is.”
Blake–
I really don’t think they want a weak arm in RF. If they carry Damon, then they have to carry Golson too for defense. That means only 1 util inf. I guess it is possible, but we aren’t hearing any interest in that approach.
I put up a new post on my blog about Pat Venditte for all the non-believers. You should check it out if you’re bored.
Bojo-
“soft pretzel envy”. Why would anybody envy that ?
Blake-
I really don’t like seeing Johnny D play the OF to be honest.
I prefer to think of him mainly as a DH.
He does bring a certain quality to the clubhouse though.
And he offers some true grit.
We’ll see. I wouldn’t mind giving Christian a shot. I think he is surprisingly good.
Bojo,
Granderson isn’t Ichiro but he throws well enough to play RF for a short while…..Gardner does as well really. The Yanks have a lot of flexibility with their starting outfielders so they could get by. Gardner and Granderson both can play all 3 so as long as both aren’t hurt at the same time they’d be fine.
I just think Damon is better than Jones and you know more what you’re getting out of him…..the biggest thing is whether he’d accept a reduced role or not. If so, then it’s an easy decision to me.
MTU,
I didn’t know he was from Philly. I should be more understanding. I would like him to give Cliff Lee a message. Not web suitable.
MTU January 17th, 2011 at 8:47 am
Bojo-
“soft pretzel envy”. Why would anybody envy that ?
++++++++++++++
It’s not like we have to sprinkle Viagra on our pretzels or anything. No, not like that at all….We don’t HAVE to (we just do because we want to).
Don’t worry…I know what to tell Cliff Lee.
Austin-
Just as long as he leaves Cliff’s wife out of it I’m down with it.
MTU,
Has been pretty amazing beating Manning andd Brady in back to back weeks. Hope Big Ben is next on their list
Hmmm–
Having some router troubles this morning…May be offline for a while…c u l8r
Bojo-
I shouldn’t encourage you. But……..
Just remember to see the Doc after three hours.
Fran-
Let’s hope that by the time Big Ben strikes 12 Midnight Big Ben has been sent to the pig pen.
And the Jets are flying high. On their way to the SB.
MTU,
Sounds good to me
I just got the best news. A friend I used to work with has some connection to whoever sells tickets at Tropicana and he got free tickets to the Yankees game on my birthday and the tix are for right behind the Yankees dugout. Like FREE tickets!! Behind the Yankees dugout on my Birthday! I don’t even care if they win or not.
tyanksfan36 -
THAT is a great birthday present!!!!
wow, congrats tyanks!!! what a great birthday present, and what a great friend (the tix are for you, right?!!)
Ty36-
Congrats. Just make sure you send Maddon my love.
MTU
I hope so, I made a comment to him on New Years about how cool it would be if he could get me tickets for behind the Yankees dugout for my birthday, he made a snarky comment when I said behind the Yankees dugout but I said its my bday and it would make my day. He said he would see what he could do and I got a text from my friend this morning saying he had gotten them.
Oops that comment was for Kate. I know this guy is reputable because he got a bunch of free tickets for a game against the bluejays last season. When I made my comment for him to try to get me tickets behind the yanks dugout for my bday I didn’t think he would remember. I’m going to have to go find him today and thank him. I am so excited.
Oh MTU ill definitely send Maddon some love.
“But with the Soriano signing providing just the latest example that Cashman isn’t fully in change, I don’t understand how people can blame him for everything that goes wrong.”
rich in nj-
the new mantra has been found
hahhahahahhahahahahhahahahahahahhaaha