Andy Pettitte: In their words
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Feb 03, 2011 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
Great job by the Yankees PR department, which just passed along a series of quotes about the career of Andy Pettitte.
“Andy played with a competitive spirit that brought out the best in the teams he played for, and he exemplified this franchise’s commitment and will to win. He was an anchor for the tremendous success our team has achieved since the mid-1990s. A person and player the caliber of Andy Pettitte does not come around often, and he has earned the right to be considered among the greats that have worn the Pinstripes.
“We thank Andy, his wife, Laura, and their family for their many contributions to this organization. We hope the Pettitte family remains a part of the Yankees family for years to come, and we wish them nothing but the best moving forward.”
-Yankees Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner and Yankees General Partner Hank Steinbrenner
—
“It’s been a pleasure to play with Andy for all these years, and the Yankees have been fortunate to have him representing the organization both on and off the field.
“More importantly it’s been an honor to get to know him as a person, and I consider him family. I wish for nothing but happiness for him and his family, as I know how important they are to him.”
-Derek Jeter (current Yankee and teammate of Pettitte from 1995-2003 and ’07-10)
—
“Andy was a great teammate and a wonderful guy. He was a fighter and all about winning, and he was respected by every person in the clubhouse.”
- Mariano Rivera (current Yankee and teammate of Pettitte from 1995-2003 and ‘07-10)
—
“I’m really sad that Andy is going to retire. He was so much more than a teammate to me — he was one of my closest friends. I admire everything that he has accomplished as a Yankee, but Andy was someone who always put the team first. I’m going to miss him deeply.”
- Jorge Posada (current Yankee, who was a catcher for Pettitte from 1995-2003 and ‘07-10)
—
“He is one of the greatest pitchers in Yankees history. Whitey Ford might have more wins as a left hander, but through the seasons we won all those World Series, he was the anchor of our staff every year. Without him we don’t win all four World Series.
“Since I’ve been retired, I’m always asked, ’Who would you have pitch a World Series Game 7?’ And I always say, ‘Andy Pettitte.’ When people ask why, I tell them it was because he was so prepared for every start. When the time comes for a big game, you want a guy who’s going to give you seven strong innings. And that’s what he did time and time again.
“Andy was one of my favorite teammates in my entire career, and he is a great person off the field. In the clubhouse, he cared about the team winning, and he wasn’t interested in his individual stats. No matter how he was feeling he went out there every five days and gave us a chance to win.”
-Tino Martinez (former Yankees first baseman and teammate of Pettitte from 1996-2001)
—
“Andy took the ball every five days, and if he had it his way, he’d get it more often than that. What’s really unusual about him is that a lot of times pitchers are more consumed with themselves. Andy was probably the consummate team player, especially for a pitcher. He was so concerned not only about the day he pitched but he always had his arm around a young guy in between starts.
“He’s been a huge favorite of mine because he’s such a stand up guy, and he hasn’t changed from day one. He’s a great teammate, and I think that’s why he won so many games. The guys that play behind him understand how intense he is, and it becomes contagious.
“I think the impact he had on the teams we had in the mid-to-late 1990’s was enormous even though he was never the guy in the spotlight. He liked the fact that he wasn’t the No. 1 guy even though I trusted him like a No. 1 guy. But he didn’t have an ego that dictated he needed all that attention.
“He did a great job of channeling his energy into competing, and he was about as consistent a performer as anybody in terms of getting your money’s worth. He glued our staff together. When you’re performing with the same people year-in and year-out, it’s always nice to have that security blanket. He was certainly that guy on the pitching staff.
-Joe Torre (Yankees manager from 1996-2007; managed Pettitte from 1996-2003 and from ‘06-07)
—
“When I saw him early in his career, back in the early ‘90s, I could tell he was going to be good. But at that stage of his career it was hard for me to be sure how good he would become. When he broke in with the Major League club, he was already on a quality team, but with that influx of young talent—Jeter, Posada, Mariano and Andy—those teams became great.
“As the years came and went, my wife, Bonnie, and I had the opportunity to get to know him, and he became one of our favorites. Even though he lives in Texas, he has Louisiana in his blood, and I always kid him about that.
“I always told him that when his time was done in this game, his name would be right up there with the greatest left-handed pitchers to put on a Yankees uniform. I feel like he was the greatest left-handed pitcher I ever saw pitch at Yankee Stadium. I never had the chance to see Whitey (Ford) pitch, so the first person I think of is Andy.
“To me, the way he carried himself was head and shoulders above the great majority of other players. You knew he was going to represent the team with a certain type of class. If he made a mistake, he owned up to it. That’s the mark of a true pro. Athletes admire other athletes who have that quality.
“I wish Andy and his family nothing but the best as they move forward in their life.”
- Ron Guidry (Yankees pitcher from 1975-88 and Pettitte’s pitching coach with the Yankees from 2006-07. Guidry is fifth on the Yankees all-time wins list with 170 victories).
—
“I liked the guy from the first moment I met him, and after watching him a few times, I really thought he could be a great pitcher.
“He did right by his fellow players, the fans and the press. He is a wonderful guy and was a great pitcher.”
- Whitey Ford (Yankees Hall of Fame pitcher in 1950 and from ’53-67. Ford is the club’s all-time wins leader with 236 victories.)
—
“Andy has been a wonderful pitcher, one of the tops the Yankees ever had. He’s always a guy you always depend on and we’re gonna miss him.”
- Yogi Berra (Yankees Hall of Fame catcher from 1946-63 and Yankees manager in 1964 and ’84-85)
Associated Press photo
Disappointing that Andy Pettitte would quit when the Yankees so desperately need him.
That said, we all know who dug this hole in which the Yankees reside.
Hint: it wasn’t Andy Pettitte.
It is past time for a change
Great posts. Unfortunately this tops had to start with yankeesnmore’s dumb comment. His comments are really getting tiring…
It’s sad, when a mother has to speak the words that condemn her own son. But I couldn’t allow them to believe that I would commit murder. They’ll put him away now, as I should have years ago. He was always bad, and in the end he intended to tell them I killed those girls and that man… as if I could do anything but just sit and stare, like one of his stuffed birds. They know I can’t move a finger, and I won’t. I’ll just sit here and be quiet, just in case they do… suspect me. They’re probably watching me. Well, let them. Let them see what kind of a person I am. I’m not even going to swat that fly. I hope they are watching… they’ll see. They’ll see and they’ll know, and they’ll say, “Why, she wouldn’t even harm a fly…”
” He liked the fact that he wasn’t the No. 1 guy even though I trusted him like a No. 1 guy.”
————————————————————————————————————————————
How many game 2′s did he win for them after going down a game?
Raise a beer to Andy tonight. The King of Game 2
Bronx Jeers February 3rd, 2011 at 8:29 pm
It’s sad, when a mother has to speak the words that condemn her own son. But I couldn’t allow them to believe that I would commit murder. They’ll put him away now, as I should have years ago. He was always bad, and in the end he intended to tell them I killed those girls and that man… as if I could do anything but just sit and stare, like one of his stuffed birds. They know I can’t move a finger, and I won’t. I’ll just sit here and be quiet, just in case they do… suspect me. They’re probably watching me. Well, let them. Let them see what kind of a person I am. I’m not even going to swat that fly. I hope they are watching… they’ll see. They’ll see and they’ll know, and they’ll say, “Why, she wouldn’t even harm a fly…”
///
why, she’s as harmless as one of those stuffed birds!
YankeesNMore,you have a serious problem that requires a professional…
Great quotes about Andy.The season already feels strange.
well as if I wasn’t emotional enough….wow.
I would like to read a quote from Buck Showalter. No Yankee decision-maker was higher on Andy from an earlier date.
You really do have a mental condition, don’t you?
Seriously, you need professional help.
Usually people like you can get better when under medication.
To post the same psychotic babble everyday truly is a sign of mental illness.
Get on some meds and you will feel better.
You may even be able to write something logical one day.
ctyankeefan. February 3rd, 2011 at 8:26 pm
Great posts. Unfortunately this tops had to start with yankeesnmore’s dumb comment. His comments are really getting tiring…
———————————————————————————————————————-
He’s trolled every sports board that ESPN, with the same crap. Including the soccer, golf, women’s basketball and NASCAR boards. They finally booted him out. That tells you all you need to know about Larry The Idiot.
Nice quotes from his teammates and others.
LOHUD,
Quick study break. I do not recommend science majors. I have 3 labs and not a moment to spare. But I’m doing well and aiming to become an R.D. as soon as possible. It looks like I picked the right season to go back to school and bury my face in books.
Bret
ps
Nick in SF
I will send you you’re money when i can. School is costing me a ton and things are up in the air with my house, my dog and just my life in general. Sorry for the delay.
wallacematthews Reading Luppys column on the Wilpons today, I could almost hear his little feet stamping in frustration. How cute
I think the name Norman is what you shall always be known by from here on in. It will remind us to treat you with kindness, for you are a little off.
ohh…the tail here is fantastic.
I agree with the other poster .
This site has become unbearable today — with blind idealists , stubborn optimists , and persistent yeasayers abound .
Time to face the inevitable and accept it .
No ?
Geez. Move over Jon Heyman.
“The Yankees will be no worse for the wear without the services of the aging and declining Pettitte.” — Jon Paul Morosi FOXSports.com
Great quotes.
I am happy for Andy. He gave the fans everything he had, and now he can ride off into the sunset and enjoy a wonderful life with his family. I hope he has years and years of happiness, and get to watch his kids perhaps play for the big club someday.
Not that I’m getting any at the moment…but it’s nice. It makes me happy.
Bret The Hitman February 3rd, 2011 at 8:46 pm
ohh…the tail here is fantastic
++++++++++++++
I hope you’re not having sex with animals, are you?
Weird, looks like MLBTR was a little sloppy? I just read the Morosi article and didn’t see that he said that about Pettitte.
“The King of Game 2″
Bronx Jeers:
Ain’t that the truth
“95 PLAYOFFS;Game 2: Pettitte Has Nerves Of Steel”
http://select.nytimes.com/gst/.....94DD494D81
Repost
BoJo February 3rd, 2011 at 8:28 pm
SJ44 February 3rd, 2011 at 8:03 pm
Between Nova, Garcia, Colon, Noesi, Mitchell, Phelps, Brackman, Warren, and perhaps, Stoneburner, what are the odds 2 guys emerge from this list of 9 arms to help them win games this year? For at least the first 2 months?
++++++++++++++
What other team in the majors has the prospect depth at high levels that this team does? They are well suited for call-ups or that trade for a good starter.
Regardless of what people said earlier today, i still think the Yankees are fore-runners for Santana, as they have both the prospects and can absorb the salary. Alderson won’t care about the PR hit, and Mets fans will accept a deal that fills holes in their weak mnior league development pool.
There will be other potential pick-ups that might include the usual suspects (Carmona), plus others that show improvement (Bruce Chen or Luke Hochevar (whom I think will make great strides this year)), plus even others that are having comeback seasons (Chien Ming Wang, Erik Bedard). It always happens, and I expect there to be options in July that we can’t forsee at the moment.
This must really be one heck of a blog that we have such jerks who keep coming back here…..
One of my favorites all time. Thank you Andy.
I will very much miss that stare!
Chad needs to ban these clowns permanently.
Hey Norman–
Do you really have your own blog? what is the URL?
Also, do you mind if we post endless crap there about stuff no one wants to hear?
I’m guilty of responding to trolls at times too, but people who post outrageous stuff are just looking for attention. Ignore them and they may go away.
What great quotes – makes the retirement seem real now.
In a matter of time we will be reading the same about Mo, Posada and Jeter.
All the best to Andy – will miss watching him play with such intensity.
I don’t know if anyone else is interested in this, but I just found a site for downloading the public domain file for “Bang the Drum Slowly”–the 1954 US Steel Hour TV drama starring Paul Newman and George Peppard.
http://tv-vault.me/torrents.ph.....ntid=13913
It’s free but you need to know how to download torrent files.
It seems to me that Andy’s absence makes getting ‘Ace’ back in the fold even more important.
He’s in Tampa, has been working hard to get ready for the season both mentally and physically, and represents a far more viable end or rotation option for the NYYs than some of the other players brought in on contracts of one form or another. He’s committed to doing whatever the NYYs need from him.
The NYY FO seems to have forgotten about him, however. The RS FO has not and is exploring ways to make sure this proven resource is taken off the Yankee table.
If there is someone out there in LoHud land with access to the NYY ‘ear,’ tell them to get on this, please.
BoJo, that site is nothing but cut and pastes and more of this sort of crap. It’s so bad that nobody has even bothered to post on it.
I like Yogi’s quote especially, I can just picture him saying that.
“The Bronx Bombers should have assumed Pettitte was going to retire and executed an offseason plan accordingly, writes Wallace Matthews of ESPNNewYork.com. Instead, they’re now in a bind with the prospect of Ivan Nova, Sergio Mitre, Freddy Garcia, Bartolo Colon and a handful of promising but young prospects battling for two rotation spots.”
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com
Like what exactly Wally….you mean like forcing the Mariners, Marlins, or Dodgers to trade them their #1 starters?
Andy had a great career, tarnished only by the hgh incident and his close friendship with Clemens.
wallace matthews sounds like one of the crazed posters here.
wait a minute…..
That would explain a lot, now, wouldn’t it.
Joe,
seriously….maybe he is.
GB7–
Kind of what I expected.
BTW JAP–
Superb job on the dialogue from Psycho. Exactly the scene I was referencing!
Opps–Sorry–
That was Bronx Jeers who did the great job.
jesus, ruby tuesday… you keep this up in the offseason too? it’s worse than i ever thought. at some point, admit it: part of you likes the Yankees if you stick around this much with the never ending comments. there is obviously an admiration at least.
Andy Pettitte was a winner. As a Yankee fan you respect and admire the way he went about his business. He was a grinder. Alot of young pitchers could learn from him.
Joe In LI,
have you ever done any sort of study on whether HGH actually helps athletes, other than maybe psychologically? I’ve read all sorts of medical reports and it seems to be an even split on whether it does or not.
i’m disappointed as a yankee fan that andy decided to hand em up when pitchers like maddox and glavine kept going for four more years.
he seemed to have so much more in him, but only he knows the price he was paying to keep pitching.
so here’s to andy. looking forward to seeing his plaque up there with the other yankee greats.
In the immortal words of yankeesnmore………… it’s past time for a change. PLEASE LoHud techs, PLEASE give us an ignore button!!!!
I didn’t want to see Andy hang on too long. Of course he had more left. But some athletes go out shells of themselves. I am glad he went out on his terms.
Norman’s justification for his rants–
”They told me I was crazy, but what do cherios know?”
hard foul on Howard…
GB7 – I’ve never been into that area, my past research interests focused more on cardiovascular physiology. Regardless, from what I have read, I get the impression that it aids in muscle building less than anabolic steroids.
HGH, in children, stimulates physical growth, but I’m not sure how that would translate in those who have already achieved physical maturity.
Sorry I can’t be of more help.
Thanks, Joe. I didn’t know your field of expertise, so thought i’d ask. I read some of the online medical studies from Mayo Clinic and they absolutely denied any benefits to formal sized adults and nothing that helps to recover any faster from injuries than rest, diet and proper exercise. I don’t even bother with the doctors that write the testimonials for companies that sell it.
The only thing that can hurt my heart more than reading about Andy retiring is actually watching him announce it in a press conference. I’m sure I will cry my way through it.
What can I say. I feel deeply. I don’t remember having this kind of sadness when any other Yankee left the scene. I felt bad but not like this. I think we can all say that if there is a textbook definition of a true Yankee, Andy’s picture is right next to it.
It hurts.
typo….***normal sized adults***
For those that miss the press conference tomorrow at 10:30 AM, it will be on live on http://WWW.YESNetwork.com and posted to it’s site later in the day.
trisha,
I agree with your sympathy but your tears for Andy don’t compare to Thurman for me.
# GreenBeret7 February 3rd, 2011 at 9:49 pm
typo….***normal sized adults***
——————–
I was going to ask what you were talking about, but realized I had forgotten my tux and bow tie.
How are you tonight?
trisha – true pinstriped blue February 3rd, 2011 at 9:49 pm
The only thing that can hurt my heart more than reading about Andy retiring is actually watching him announce it in a press conference. I’m sure I will cry my way through it.
————————————————————-
I’m sure Andy is going to cry as well. I wonder if the team will be there?
Trisha
I just realized ill be home for his press conference tomorrow. Not sure if ill actually be able to watch it or if it will be too much. Ill have to get my tissues though I’m sure. I was looking through my spring training programs, one from 2001 I think had family pictures. Andy and his wife and their 2 oldest boys were in there. They were all so young looking and now they have 2 more kids. I’m happy that he cares so much for his family that he would give this up for them. But as a big fan its kinda sad.
trisha
I agree. I knew it’d happen eventually, but I still felt numb as the news was breaking.
Trisha, this will be the first time that I’ve been in country (not deployed) in 43 years when a major yankee name retired…Mantle, Ford, Murcer, Guidry, Mattingly…not sure how i’ll react. Sad, definately, but, not sure if I’ll be squirting tears,,,very possible, though. It makes it all that much closer for the other 3.
YankeesNmore, I have no idea what you are talking about when you reference a deep hole, but I do know that it’s really up to the players to bring it to the field. Once someone is signed, it’s really on them. So beyond allowing for human error or a potential mistake in judgement (the only perfect person who walked the earth was already crucified) I certainly bear no malice toward anyone in the Yankee organization. They have spent top dollar year after year to field the best team possible. That should be enough for any Yankee fan.
Andy doesn’t owe us or the Yankees anything. He probably played one year beyond what he thought he would already. He has other issues outside of playing ball with two upcoming federal trials. He might have unselfishly thought that it would be too much of a distraction and as such it might have hurt rather than helped the Yankees for him to come back.
Andy owes us nothing. We owe him the hugest debt of gratitude and thanks for all the years of pleasure he gave us. He never once left anything out on the field.
I feel bad for you because I think your discontent is genuine. I don’t think it’s necessarily valid, but I think it’s genuine. If you can’t be happy being a Yankee fan, I don’t know what could make you happy. I have felt nothing but joy and privilege being able to root for the Yankees. In an imperfect world, to me they are as close to perfection as you can get.
JMO
KPB February 3rd, 2011 at 9:54 pm
# GreenBeret7 February 3rd, 2011 at 9:49 pm
typo….***normal sized adults***
——————–
I was going to ask what you were talking about, but realized I had forgotten my tux and bow tie.
How are you tonight?
———————————————————————————————————————-
Damned. Just once, I want to make a typo without anybody seeing it or making a snarky comment about it.
Evening, KPB. All is fine here. (excuse me while I crank the cool A/C to cool this place off). Thanks for asking. Hope all is well in your little corner.
trisha
I know he has the Clemens trial, what is the other one for?
Tears and religion – where am I?
This conference is gonna be airing at what time?
Damned. Just once, I want to make a typo without anybody seeing it or making a snarky comment about it.
Evening, KPB. All is fine here. (excuse me while I crank the cool A/C to cool this place off). Thanks for asking. Hope all is well in your little corner.
Besides, it’s how I show I care.
—————-
If it was just once this place would explode.
Everything is good here, thanks. Just gearing up for ST to start.
Andy Pettitte,
Thanks for the memories.
I enjoyed your years with the Yanks.
You pitched… man did you pitch!
Your duel with Schmoltz in the World Series was one if the best games in World Series history!
Be Well!
@Cano I think it starts at 10:30
Another one time Yankee name announced his retirement. One time voice of the Yankees announced that he was retiring as the voice of the Twins.
ooops. That shou;d be John Gordon.
I’ve been reading The Last Boy, Jane Leavy’s book about Mickey Mantle. There’s a great story in the book about how Mickey Mantle answered one of these Yankee PR department questionnaires.
Unfortunately, I can’t recount it or even summarize it here, for perhaps obvious reasons, but in response to a question about his most memorable experience in Yankee Stadium, the Mick said it occurred under the right field stands near the bullpen.
Hey, I want everyone that rags on my spelling that I once went 15 straight posts without a typo.
Thank God for short words.
It might not be too late if Cashman sweetens the pot — it’s worked before:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9.....180546378/
I was disappointed when I got the email alert that Andy is retiring. I was hoping that he would give us one more season. You have to respect the guy for coming to the conclusion that it was time for him to hand up the spikes and call it a career. It wasn’t money that moved Andy, it was the pull of family and the strong spiritual qualities that make up Andy’s character. The guy is all class and the quotes from teammates, the Steinbrenners, yankee greats and joe Torre are all true. The guy was a competitor, he wore the pinstripes with pride and in the end he was a great teammate. Thank you Andy for those great yankee moments. You made all of us proud and we look forward to you returning for Old Timers Day!
I’ll bet that memory of Mantle’s had nothing to do with watching Billy Martin beat Jimmy Piersall to a bloody pulp.
GB7
Just messing with you. Sorry if I took it to far. I would go after MTU, but I told him to take a hike and haven’t heard back.
“I’ll bet that memory of Mantle’s had nothing to do with watching Billy Martin beat Jimmy Piersall to a bloody pulp.”
My understanding from the book is that Martin’s pugilistic success was highly correlated with his tendency to throw the first punch. I may have gotten that wrong though.
“My understanding from the book is that Martin’s pugilistic success was highly correlated with his tendency to throw the first punch. I may have gotten that wrong though.”
Given his size, it had to be.
Well, MTU is like Randy. East targets. Almost no challenge.
Nice comments there, especially by Joe.
Nick
What elitist beer should I toast Andy with??
Well, sometimes Martin would beat the other time to the draw, but, Piersall had a thing about Martin. He’d try to spike him, elbows to the face, and make remarks about his nose and ears, along with his heritage and mother. After the second fight that led to Piersall being sent to an asylum, Martin’s remark was: “If I had known that SOB was nuts, I wouldn’t have hit him that third time.” Piersall’s fighting ability was on par with Anthony Perkins’ ability to look like a baseball player in “Fear Strikes Out”.
Well, MTU is like Randy. East targets. Almost no challenge.
——–
That’s why I wanted to try someone with special training. As long as it’s just snark and bad puns, I might have a chance.
Nobody is a bigger Andy fan than me, but he should have come back. I sure don’t feel like toasting his retirement.
beat the other ***guy*** to the draw
Canned Whisky:
http://eater.com/archives/2011.....hiskey.php
Well, at any rate, Mantle’s memory involved a more cooperative, and at least to me more enjoyable, activity than watching someone get beat up.
Please don’t respond to the following 2 goofballs:
Ruby Tuesday and
YankeesNmore
KPB,
Snarks and bad puns are the best . That’s why I still watch “Rocky and Bullwinkle”. They had the best bad puns ever on TV.
GB, I think that’s definitely part of it. Thinking of one member of the core four being ready to retire definitely brings to mind the eventuality of being without the other three. It does hurt.
KPB, they’re both Clemens trials. The second one is the one that Clemens tried to get thrown out, but it was announced today that the NY court intends to hear it. I do believe that two trials of which he will definitely be a part would have acted as a distraction, and I think Andy knew that. It would have caused him to be available to testify and thus be away from the team. It also would have caused a media circus.
***************
“Tears and religion ? where am I?”
With a bunch of humans with feelings, passion, and compassion. Vulcans forum – - – - – - – - ->
# Wave Your Hat February 3rd, 2011 at 10:29 pm
Nobody is a bigger Andy fan than me, but he should have come back. I sure don’t feel like toasting his retirement.
—————————————–
He had a right to leave
Why not toast?
So I guess one of the posters has decided that this should be an optimists club – well, fortunately he doesn’t run this place
http://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/.....-oral-sex/
The Mantle Thing
“He had a right to leave
Why not toast?”
He has a right to do what he wants, but I don’t have to like it.
Aww Face, make ‘em buy the book.
An elitist like you should toast Andy with a good local Houston microbrew such as Saint Arnold.
He kind of looks like Andy, no?
http://www.howsaboutabeer.com/.....arnold.jpg
Tom,
How do you always find this weird stuff?
Whisky in a can. Can’t imagine that ends well.
But ignore the ‘of Metz’ part.
Geez, those are such wonderful quotes – I miss Andy already.He was such a rock on the mound – the epitome of “bend, but don’t break”. Whether or not he gets into the HOF, he’s a HOF person in my mind. He’s going to be sorely, sorely missed on the mound, but also in the clubhouse. Andy was the guy who kids looked up to; he gave them advice and just passed on the knowledge he gained through years of experience. It wasn’t even just the kids he mentored – I know he helped AJ and CC deal with NY their first year. Someone will have to step up to be that leader of the staff – it has to be CC
# Wave Your Hat February 3rd, 2011 at 10:36 pm
“He had a right to leave
Why not toast?”
He has a right to do what he wants, but I don’t have to like it.
———————————————————
I understand
trisha
One’s for perjury, what’s the other one for? Sorry for my forgetfulness (setting myself up for GB’s retaliation), but thanks for answering.
And, I don’t think Mantle was being serious. It’s an old joke, and under his name he wrote “The All-American Boy”
Trisha, there’s a very good possibility that the Yankees and fans will lose one a year for 4 straight years. That’s going to be like a 4 throbbing toothaches and your dentist is on vacation. Does the pain hurt more now than just waiting and having them pulled all at once?
Wow, did Moroni really say that? Considering that Andy may have never been better than he was last year, that’s something; it takes chutzpah to make such a stupid, utterly false comment
Nick in SF-
LOL. Now hold a glove up right under those eyes…
RMS, one thing I did like about Pete was that he did not hesitate to dump idiot trolls who were just here to bust chops. If you remember he got rid of the Bunny or whatever fool name that it used, since Bunny’s only raison d’etre here was to trash the Yankees and serve as an annoyance. That’s the same role Ruby Foolsday plays here. With YankeesNmore, even though I don’t get his total miseria perspective when it comes to the Yankees, he is a Yankee fan. He may be one that people need to ignore because otherwise it can become total frustration, but Ruby Tuesday should be run out of town on a rail on the same principle that Pete banished losers like her/him whenever they showed up.
Randy, I guess he felt that he’d been paying the price for years, not being with his family. He thought about this long and hard and I think he’s at peace with his decision; I don’t see him having regrets about hanging it up when he can still pitch……….
I’ve been reading The Last Boy, Jane Leavy’s book about Mickey Mantle. There’s a great story in the book about how Mickey Mantle answered one of these Yankee PR department questionnaires.
—————————————————-
I saw this on the “It is High” blog.
Hysterical.
I’ll post a link to it one late night when the ladies have gone to bed.
# GreenBeret7 February 3rd, 2011 at 10:33 pm
KPB,
Snarks and bad puns are the best . That’s why I still watch “Rocky and Bullwinkle”. They had the best bad puns ever on TV.
———————-
Have you listened to any Jack Benny radio programs? They are awesomely bad with bad puns and corny jokes. His TV show was ok, but can’t compare to his radio broadcasts.
Wow, did Moroni really say that? Considering that Andy may have never been better than he was last year, that’s something; it takes chutzpah to make such a stupid, utterly false comment
–
He didn’t use the exact wordage that MLBTR used, but the gist of his article is that while Andy had great success last year, the amount of innings he was throwing were trending down the last 3 years and he probably would not have succeeded at his 2010 levels. Thus, even though Pettitte is a great name and a great yankee, it was still not a perfect solution to the rotation. I’m surprised you didnt read the actual article since I was under the impression you read like every article
I don’t know what is worse, having to scroll past 50 comments a thread about the way they Yankees are screwed by the umpiring or the moronic, repetitive comments about Cashman from BrainsNoMore, what do the rest of you think?
The book on cashman is still being written if you will.
He put a massive effort into the farm system.
I read the article about it,it was very interesting.
Let’s wait a few more years before we judge him.
What if hughes,banuelos,betances turn into 1-3 pitchers,brackman a good closer,montero turns into a monster at the catching position & we can develope 1 real good infielder,1 good outfielder & cashman becomes a genius.
Trisha, this is one of the very few sites that YankeesNNore has not been banned on. All for the same reason. I posted all of the ESPN sites he trolled, including women’s basketball, tennis, soccer and golf along with every major sport and college team.
KPB, I have listened to the Benny shows. I have a lot of them stored on the computer from “Old Time Radio”.
Brackman can be a pretty good starter or an elite closer. Big, fast and scary as Hell.
Jerkface, I haven’t read any articles on Andy as I find the whole deal depressing; if I did, I would just get more aggravated over the staff
Well Moroni is a dope; I don’t think Andy would have pitched like he did last year either, but it’s a safe bet he’d be a lot better than who we have now or whoever we may get
GB7
Did he post his dislike of Yankees on all of them, or just dislike for what teams were the topic of the post?
Did you ever get the audio from MTU of a Benny program with Bob Feller making an appearance? I sent it to him and asked him to email it to you a couple of days after his passing.
# ron February 3rd, 2011 at 10:49 pm
The book on cashman is still being written if you will.
He put a massive effort into the farm system.
I read the article about it,it was very interesting.
Let’s wait a few more years before we judge him.
What if hughes,banuelos,betances turn into 1-3 pitchers,brackman a good closer,montero turns into a monster at the catching position & we can develope 1 real good infielder,1 good outfielder & cashman becomes a genius.
————————————————-
If all of that happens Cashman will be the king of the city
But if it doesn’t happen…..
O
http://www.newsday.com/sports/.....-1.2660177
Their overall organization is strong, but with Pettitte officially off the board, the Yankees face a potential “bridge” season in 2011.
Actually, the Throgs Neck, Robert F. Kennedy and Whitestone bridges put together might not cover the ditch that is the current starting rotation.
A great deal can happen in a baseball season. You certainly don’t write off anyone in February, especially the team willing to spend more than $200 million on player talent.
But my goodness, it takes neither a psychic nor Hall of Fame front-office guru Pat Gillick to be very skeptical about the Yankees’ chances this season. Especially when you consider the Red Sox’s improvements (most notably Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez) and Tampa Bay’s still impressive well of young talent and interesting gambles on Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez.
****************
Ok, so I checked this one out.
Well I can’t say I disagree about this being the worst off-season in many a moon, whatwith the rejection by Lee and Andy’s retiring. However, the Yankees won’t ever allow themselves to have a bridge season. Also, his comments about the Rays are pretty asinine given that the young starters he’s referring to (not Price, obviously, are completely unproven).
KPB, no need to apologize. I admit that I have had an avid interest in the whole thing and for that reason have been following the ins and outs. Otherwise I wouldn’t have known. The second trial is a defamation of character suit filed by McNamee against Clemens. Clemens tried to get it thrown out but the NY court announced today that the case will go to trial. Interestingly enough Clemens filed a defamation of character suit against McNamee in Houston and the courts threw it out. Clemens appealed it and his appeal was turned down. It looks like the handwriting may be on the wall. But Andy will likely be part of both of those trials.
************
GB, I hate to say it but one some level I think it would be kinder if we got hit one time. It would be a huge hit, like a tidal wave, and it would take a long time for us to recover. But it would be over. (Not that I want any of them to leave, of course.) I think you got it right when you described it as a throbbing toothache that stays with you. It feels like the beginning of sucksville. We certainly will be able to put it on the back burner once the season starts (I hope) but it’s that nagging thing that doesn’t ever go completely away. That thing that happens when you’ve had something traumatic happen and you wake up in the morning and immediately have an awful feeling in the pit of your stomach.
Damn.
This is better later than never: Andy you have my total admiration. You have been the type of player that every Yankee fan loves. Reading some of the comments on here has been heart warming and sad for me.
Andy was one of my favorite Yankees from the beginning. I suffer from loving too many of the guys. Andy was special. I wish him and his family all the best for many happy years. See you at Old Timer’s Day my friend.
If not a bridge than maybe tranistion is the better word to use
KPB February 3rd, 2011 at 10:57 pm
GB7
Did he post his dislike of Yankees on all of them, or just dislike for what teams were the topic of the post?
Did you ever get the audio from MTU of a Benny program with Bob Feller making an appearance? I sent it to him and asked him to email it to you a couple of days after his passing.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Yeah, KPB, that idiot posted the same crap where ever he showed up at.
Loved the Feller piece on jack Benny. I meant to thank you for it after I saved it on my computer.
Here’s a site for you to enjoy.
http://www.oldtimeradiofans.co....._name=Jack Benny
KPB, here’s the site with a lot of other shows.
http://www.oldtimeradiofans.com/
KPB, GB and Trisha,
Good evening.
GB7–
How do you know that Norman was the same guy as the ESPN troll? Did he use the same name?
By the way, I didn’t mean to exclude anyone from my greeting.
GreenBeret7 February 3rd, 2011 at 11:07 pm
KPB, here’s the site with a lot of other shows.
http://www.oldtimeradiofans.com/
++++++++
Thanks a MILLION!!! I love that old-time stuff!
Night dear SAS. We’re all in this together, through good times and bad.
Has there been any consensus as to who 4 and 5 are going to be this season. I had to skip some comments or everyone would be asleep.
Trisha, if they all left at the same time, that would be a crusher. Right now, it’s having a toothach and the only way to forget it is to drop a hammer on your thumb. This will be easier to deal with if the young ones are even close to those 4 along with Rodriguez. Hard to believe that Cano is now becoming an elder statesman on the team. This is his 6th year coming up.
Trisha,
I am so sad, but the day had to come. I just wish it was later on.
Against the Odds, I normally like Davidoff, but this was his worst piece in many a moon for so many different reasons…………I don’t love the Yankees going into the season, but I don’t think they are as bad as a transition team.
BoJo, he posted under his real name. Larry The Idiot, I think.
I for one am glad we will have a year by year erosion of hte core four. It allows us to focus on that one player nad show them gratitude in the year they retire as well as in the special day the team has for them the following year.
These guys may/should all be HOFers, and certainly will each have their numbers retired, and a plaque in Monument Park. Each should have the day all to themselves.
GreenBeret7 February 3rd, 2011 at 11:14 pm
BoJo, he posted under his real name. Larry The Idiot, I think.
++++++++++++++++++
How did you figure out it was the same guy as here?
I prefer to lose them one at a time, or 1-1-2 (if Jeter doesn’t play the 4th year option).
All four at once would have been a catastrophe.
Good evening, SAS. Hope all is well with you and family.
BoJo, he had the same site that nobody visited then, either.
# Betsy February 3rd, 2011 at 11:13 pm
Against the Odds, I normally like Davidoff, but this was his worst piece in many a moon for so many different reasons…………I don’t love the Yankees going into the season, but I don’t think they are as bad as a transition team.
—————————————————
True they might not be as bad a transition team but the season might work out that way. But we all know the Yankees won’t go down w/o a fight.
Oh duh, it will be 1-1-1-1 even if Jeter plays only 3 more years…
Good night all…didn’t notice it was so late.
My pleasure on the link, BoJo. Enjoy.
GB,
Thank you. All is well. I hope the same is true of yours. It has been bitter cold for AZ, but my northern blood is helping me survive.
I am sad today about Andy. I really don’t know if one at a time is better than all at once because it means more sadness to come. Andy is a man I truly admire.
Of course I agree that losing four at once would be unbearable. I guess the nagging toothache replaced by the hammer on your toe is the way to go. I don’t want to lose them at all, let alone all of them at once.
Unbelievable that Robby is going into his sixth year. Absolutelyt unbelievable. It doesn’t seem possible. Wow.
Wave Your Hat says:
February 3, 2011 at 10:15 pm
I’ve been reading The Last Boy, Jane Leavy’s book about Mickey Mantle. There’s a great story in the book about how Mickey Mantle answered one of these Yankee PR department questionnaires.
Unfortunately, I can’t recount it or even summarize it here, for perhaps obvious reasons, but in response to a question about his most memorable experience in Yankee Stadium, the Mick said it occurred under the right field stands near the bullpen.
—–
I just passed that part of the book. I think I laughed out loud for real at that one. I have really liked the book a lot so far. Because I was born in the late 80s I am not knowledgeable about the pre- mid to late Yankees dynasty so I’ve been buying a lot of books to familiarize myself with them.
GB7
You’re welcome. I thought you’d enjoy it. Thanks for the link, I’ve been looking for Fred Allen. Let me know if you’d like more of JB, as I have over 340 hours of it.
I think I’ll go and watch some mindless television. I want to get my mind off this, at least for now.
Night all.
Losing Andy as a member of the Yankees is hard, I remember when he was gone with the Astros, I made my dad get tickets for ST against the Astros so we could see him. For someone like me though. As long as I have been a fan of the Yankees its been Posada, Jeter, Mo and Andy, they’ve always been there. Its going to be a sad day when the last of the four are retired. I don’t think it will be the same without at least one of them around.
Obscene that Pettitte quits while still on top of his game, meanwhile Jeter sucks but gets re-signed to a $56 million guarantee.
Past time for a change.
SAS
Hello, I hope all is well in your neck of the woods. I was a little numb when the Andy news was breaking. Still saddened, but have feelings back. I’m sure I’ll lose them again as I watch the press conference tomorrow.
Against all Odds, one thing I’ve learned is that baseball is an incredibly long season and anything can happen. Even if they don’t do well, I expect some of the kids to make some noise and that’s exciting.
I think the issue I’m having with Andy’s retirement that I hope I don’t have with Jeter and Mo is that the Yankees really hadn’t replaced him.
With Jorge, when he retires, it’ll be a sad day. However, we know we have Montero/Romine/Sanchez and maybe even Martin to step in.
With Andy there is no one they have to step in. None of the prospects, sans Nova, are ready. They didn’t replace him in a trade or signing.
There’s just a hole there that will grow bigger if someone doesn’t step up to fill it.
I imagine Cashman is learning from this and realizes he has to be prepared for the day Jeter walks off. At least with Mo they made the effort of bringing in Soriano before Mo walks off into the sunset.
I imagine he’s going to have a SS in waiting ready for Jeter to go. Maybe it’s Nunez. Maybe it’ll be someone else.
With Andy leaving there is no heir apparent. There’s just a pretty big hole in the rotation. Not only are we losing a great Yankee, we’re losing one of the best left handed starters in the game last year.
I know there’s the contingent of posters on here who snap at those of us who felt the team should have been better prepared for this scenario, but I can’t help but think that and I know I’m not alone.
It’s too late to point fingers, but the reality that the Yankees had no plan B in case Andy retired and Lee went somewhere else is tough to swallow when there is no viable replacement other than best case scenario’s.
KPB, I’ll take whatever of the Benny shows you get time to send. I have a lot of the old camp shows with Jolson and Cantor, Hope. There some of the old movies that were done for radio, following the movie script. Bogart, John Wayne, Grant. Some really great stuff…old news broadcasts. Same with the old music from the 40s, 50s, 60s and ’70s. If there are songs you want, I might have them that I can e-mail.
Goodnight Trisha and thanks for the answers.
Do you, any of you know whether the press conference will be on ESPN or MLB?
# Betsy February 3rd, 2011 at 11:29 pm
Against all Odds, one thing I’ve learned is that baseball is an incredibly long season and anything can happen. Even if they don’t do well, I expect some of the kids to make some noise and that’s exciting.
———————–
Yes it will be exciting to see the kids come up and get their feet wet. I can’t wait to see Montero come up.
@SAS YES will cover the press conference
tyanksfan36
I was torn when Andy went to the Astros. He was no longer on the NYY, but I lived in the Houston market at the time and only got Astros games on TV and radio regularly. So, I was happy I was able to see him.
I watched all the old Jack Benny Shows. Eddie Cantor is a name I haven’t heard in ages. I’m not a fan of Jolson…he was before my time, I think.
SAS, probably both, but, definately on MLB. it will also be on http://www.yesnetwork.com, too. live and will be archived.
SAS, check that site I linked earlier. I think you’ll love it.
G.Love, I’m thinking Banuelos will replace Andy, it will just be another 1-2 seasons.
It will be exciting to see the kids come up unless we’re treated to 3 inning starts night after night with them reaching 100 pitches before the 4th.
God help us if that happens a lot this season. This place will implode.
Rothschild has his work cut out for him. He better get in the rookies heads and faces and let them know that nibbling and fear of throwing strikes to major league hitters is the quickest way to get them sent back down to the minors.
A lot of us will not be able to sit through 2-3 starts a week of people afraid to throw the ball over the plate.
Hopefully, some of the AAA arms are strike throwers and realize that’s the quickest way to stay in the majors.
GB,
10:30 EST?
jacksquat,
I hope that’s the case and Banuelos comes up and adds a top of the rotation lefty to the mix.
The Yankees should always have 2 lefties in the rotation if not more. It’s an advantage considering the park.
yes, SAS. 10:30 AM tomorrow.
GB7
If you want I can ask Chad to send you my email. I think I can only send 3 or 4 at a time because of attachment size limits. If nothing else, it would kill time over the summer as all the shows total size is over 4 gigs.
SAS
The TV shows were good, but for my money his radio programs were a lot better.
KPB
Well when he left for houston I wasn’t aware that he had left until I got the spring training program and saw he wasn’t in there, I looked it up online after that game and saw he had gone to Houston. In 2006 I found the ST schedule and picked the game against the Astros but I don’t remember if he pitched or not. ST in 2010 he came out to pitch and only faced one batter before the game got rained out.
GLove, I’m not THAT excited to see these kids, lol, because asking them to step up from AAA and be productive AND give us innings is asking a lot. I’m sorry, but I feel the bullpen is going to be shredded by May, whatwith ticking time bomb AJ, Nova, Mitre (!!), etc…
I mean, I would be more excited if they had some room to grow – but they don’t. Seriously, Nova, who has all of a month under his belt as a major league starter, is our #4…
KPB, that would be great. I thought that I had your e-mail, but, I lost it. I’d appreciate it a lot.
G. Love, do you think it’s like pulling a rabbit out of a hat? The Yankees should have had plans in place in case they didn’t get Lee and Andy retired? Like what? Like maybe getting some MLB players and signing them to minor league contracts? What possibility could they have had in place in case Andy retired? A big league pitcher signed up just in case? And then if Andy came back, then what? Lots of bucks spent for a possible rental? I think the Yankees did the best they could with the circumstances with which they were dealing. Pitchers weren’t just sitting around waiting for the possibility that the Yankees might come a calling.
The Yankees have a lot of options right now with the signing of Prior, Colon, and Garcia. It’s tough if you don’t like the options. Some of us are fine with them. We have kids in place, and we have major league pitchers who are going to try out to see if they make the rotation. I love where the Yankees are right now and I love watching this process play out.
I remember when Carl Pavano came to the Yankees. Do you? How did that work out?
What I find hard to fathom is the group of posters here whose only concern about Andy leaving is that there is no ready replacement for him. Not even a “thanks for the memories.” I believe that the self-entitlement is come by honestly. I don’t think any of you are faking your demands.
As has been said by so many, much better than I, thanks Andy for all you brought to the Yankees, and the Yankees fans.
Always a gentleman, always the team first, you will be greatly missed, once again thank you.
Good night folks, I’m sure we’ll all be watching tomorrow morning.
It would be nice to see Pettitte come to ST in the future and teach these you pitchers things…especially a pick-off, or at least, how to hold runners.
I know I’m probably supposed to be worried about the Yankees this season but I just can’t seem to get myself worked up about all the issues we have. Don’t know if its just I don’t care or because I’m too tired to care. I can’t really play the “I pay for Yankee games so I expect for them to win” game because I don’t and I know the Yankees are all about winning but I just haven’t gotten worked up or worried about them.
tyanksfan36
Do you go to ST every year? I think it would be pretty cool to go and see them getting ready for the season. Going from cold to game ready over time would be pretty neat to watch the transformation.
these ***young*** pitchers
With a little bit of luck, one of the veteran pitchers the Yankees have signed will be able to fill #4 and Nova #5, therefore you don’t have to rush the “B” boys.
I’d be more excited about the kids if we were seeing the killer Bs.
At least in 2008… we were watching the cream of the crop, guys who we projected to be in our rotation for decades (moreso in the case of Joba/Hughes). Both of them had front-rotation potential.
This year? Guys like Nova, Phelps, Noesi, etc. who probably don’t have long term futures with us as mainstays in our rotation (unless they unlikely turn in a strong year and seize it like Wang did). More likely, they are place holders for the killer Bs and/or a young stud that becomes available at the deadline or next winter from another team.
SAS, amen. Or as my parents always taught us, where there’s life there’s hope! Myabe two of them will step up. Or all three. We certainly have options right now.
GB7
I just sent Chad an email asking for him to send you my address. Let me Know when you get it.
andy was a pleasure to watch and root for.
a winner, great pick off move, i always believed what he said also.
man we are all getting old. the good news is many good prospects are on the way, keep the faith yankee fans….
tyanksfan36
I haven’t forgotten our deal, I asked Chad to send you my address also. Please let me know when you receive it.
trisha,
We knew last June when the Rangers got Lee over us that there was a serious potential that Lee could go elsewhere and that Pettitte, who was injured, could retire.
Couple that with Javier Vazquez and AJ Burnett pitching like scrubs and it was very apparent that the Yankees had a rotation problem looming in the very near future.
There were plenty of pitchers who were traded since last June that the Yankees could have gone the extra mile to get. And that’s only what we know about because they were traded. I’m sure there were conversations with other teams that could have resulted in deals.
Dan Haren being one of them. He was young, signed to a fair deal and available and we balked at the price.
You want to praise the minor league deals the team has made in the past few weeks I won’t argue with you.
But don’t sit here and try to sell me that was the Yankees planning for this happening.
They didn’t plan. They’re scrambling. Colon and Garcia were never high on the Yankee board. Colon has been out of baseball for years and Garcia had to wait until 2 weeks before the season to get a deal.
You want to spin the Yankees off season plan failing into gold that’s your right.
It’s also my right to sit here and be ticked off that the team wasn’t proactive before the other shoe dropped.
Trisha,
I just can’t panic the 3rd of February. Something good is going to come of this. I think CC and Mo will be wonderful influences on the younger guys and a guy like Soriano as a veteran also.
Sure will, KPB. Thanks. Let me know if you need music or some of these old broadcasts from “The Hollywood Canteen” and “Mail Call”
KPB
I do go every year since 1998 I think. We took an ST hiatus from 2007 to 2009. My dad buys the tickets and he was mad because in 2006 half the team was in the baseball classic when we went to the game. He said he didn’t want to pay for another game if the big names weren’t there. No one took charge the following years and my grandparents who we go with were out of the state so we didn’t go again. When they won last year I told my dad I wanted too start going again.
I just like being able to see everyone. Mostly the starters go 2 innings each and the relievers do 1 inning. The starting position players go til the 4th or 5th and then are replaced by the minor leaguers or bench players.
In 2006 I got to see a lot of Cano and Melky though. I thought their names were cool so I never forgot about them.
G. Love,
I don’t disagree with you. I think the Yankees thought Andy would be back even though he told the Yankees to go forward without him. There weren’t that many really good pitchers to be had this off season. I don’t think it is fair to blame anyone for not getting Haren last year.
The Yankees made it to within 2 games of WS with so many players having awful years. Why trade away the ranch. I do think Girardi panicked a bit especially with Nova, but time will tell.
GB7
Thanks, will do. Do you know where to find more of Fred Allen? I’ve been looking so I could hear the other side of his and Benny’s feud.
SAS says:
February 4, 2011 at 12:14 am
Trisha,
I just can’t panic the 3rd of February. Something good is going to come of this. I think CC and Mo will be wonderful influences on the younger guys and a guy like Soriano as a veteran also.
___
I haven’t been panicking either. I just don’t feel worried right now. No games have been played, I mean, Look at the Red Sox. They probably went into last season feeling really good. Then one by one all their core guys went down and they couldn’t recover. We know going into the season that there’s issues so maybe its easier to accept that things might be rough for a while. I’m definitely not worried. Its kind of pointless to fret about it now.
Excellent post G Love.
That is the thing about the Yankees they didn’t plan on the off season going this way. It was Lee or bust and bust won out. We can’t blame them for Pettitte retiring or Lee going somewhere else but there were no back ups plans in place. Cashman admitted waiting for Lee’s decision cost them from making other moves and the only thing they could do was go after low risk pitchers. I want ppl to think about it this way a couple of yrs after getting CC the Yankees went back into free agency because they desperately needed another ace That speaks volumes about the rotation, No?
Against all Odds, it speaks volumes about the rotation that they continue to have to delve into FA – every year, their rotation is in flux.
# SAS February 4th, 2011 at 12:18 am
G. Love,
I don’t disagree with you. I think the Yankees thought Andy would be back even though he told the Yankees to go forward without him. There weren’t that many really good pitchers to be had this off season. I don’t think it is fair to blame anyone for not getting Haren last year.
The Yankees made it to within 2 games of WS with so many players having awful years. Why trade away the ranch. I do think Girardi panicked a bit especially with Nova, but time will tell.
——————————————-
Maybe not blame them for Haren but at least question the non move. Maybe they thought Lee was in the bag
KPB, I’ll look around for some downloads on fred allen and others. There are sites to buy them, but a lot of free downloads, too.
KPB
Thanks, ill look for it in the next few days. I know you haven’t been around here much lately. I bought some cards of the prospects who I think will be in Tampa this season. If I get multiple cards signed ill send you one.
tyanksfan36
I got to see ST games for the first time last year with MLB.TV. It was fun watching the kids and listening to Joe G. give in game interviews during an inning. I was also fascinated by Pat Venditte (I think that’s the spelling).
SAS, I agree.
G. Love, I’m not spinning the Yankees off season plan “failing” into gold. I’m sitting here totally believing that the Yankees will be the ones spinning something into gold. There’s the difference. I’m psyched to watch it all fall into place, whichever way it does. I don’t need everything tied into a neat package to enjoy the hell out of a season. I have that much faith and belief in the Yankees ability to work it out. I am going to enjoy watching the process. To me that’s competitive baseball. It isn’t as if the Yankees have nothing going for them. Let them pull it together and show the rest of the baseball world that they aren’t about only winning when they go out and buy everything out there. I guess I just love the process and the uncertainty of it. I want to watch a work in progress. I don’t want a stable of bought studs. My boredom factor with bought teams is high.
thanks for the memories andy…my favorite yankee pitcher is retiring…the yanks needed him but he had to do what was best for him and his family.
ps yankseesNmore is a negative person….
“We knew last June when the Rangers got Lee over us that there was a serious potential that Lee could go elsewhere and that Pettitte, who was injured, could retire. ”
That’s the thing… I don’t think the Yankees thought either of these 2 scenieros would manifest themselves. In fact, I think they were so confident on Lee, that they figured if they could form a CC-Lee 1-2 punch, it would give them more flexibility to fill out the rest of the rotation when you have 2 dominant studs on top. So even if Andy retired unexpectedly, they wouldn’t be screwed.
That’s probably also why they passed on Haren. The cost wasn’t that outrageous, but not cheap enough, especially when they knew they were likely getting Lee after the year anyway so Haren wasn’t much of a priority and they tried to get him for peanuts.
This whole thing stems from overconfidence in Lee IMO. He was perceived as a guy who wanted to badly be a Yankee and a mercenary who would go to the highest bidder (which is why PHI traded him in the first place). Even the “insiders” on the blog last year were posting how it was the “worst kept secret in baseball” and he even told CC he couldn’t wait to be a Yankee. Media-types never gave Texas much of a chance to retain him, knowing they couldn’t match the Yankee dollars.
Their one and only plan was Lee. Once that failed, everything else went up in smoke.
Betsy you’re right it tells us that the rotation is in a state of flux. Now I know ppl will bring up the B’s being on their way and I can’t wait to see them pitch in the ML but at the same time we have to expect there to be bumps in the road. If there are bumps will the Yankees stick with them?
on the ML level*
# GreenBeret7 February 4th, 2011 at 12:23 am
KPB, I’ll look around for some downloads on fred allen and others. There are sites to buy them, but a lot of free downloads, too.
——————
Thanks, isn’t it old enough to be public domain? I don’t mind paying if it’s to the copyright holder, but if it’s expired I have trouble doing it to just some random guy.
I wasn’t high on signing Lee so losing out on him didn’t bother me. I’m also not bothered by growth years if we have to have them. Other teams go through that, why not the Yankees. Some people can only enjoy the Yankees when they win. I enjoy them win or lose. That’s why I don’t feel any consternation or discomfort. I also have enough faith in the savvy in the organization to believe that they know how to configure a team and that it doesn’t have to be sewn up on February 3rd to be successful.
If all of that makes me an oddity as a fan, oh well.
KPB
I have always enjoyed the Spring Training games because the atmosphere at the games is so relaxed. Being in Tampa when I want to see the Yankees in the regular season I have to go to the Trop which is an away game for them. Its different because the bulk of the crowd is cheering for the Rays. Spring Training is the only time I can go to a Yankees game and the majority of the people around me are wanting the Yankees to win. We only go to one ST game a year because it gets expensive but this year I’m going to see them play the Nationals on the other FL coast where the nationals play because my friends husband pitches in their minor league system. He can get free tickets and said he would get an extra for me so I’m looking forward to that in addition to the one at Steinbrenner field.
I agree. I think the Yankees thought Lee was in the bag with some justification, like CC being his best friend and all that, and I think the Yankees believed Andy would be back. Had the Yankees gone after some second rate pitcher and spent big bucks, all we would be hearing is: How can you do that?
Well, things didn’t work according to plan so now the Yankees need to go in another direction even if they don’t make it to the playoffs.
No one on here is ever satisfied. I am glad I don’t have to take the garbage Cashman takes on here every day.
Trisha
I agree with you. I too wouldn’t jump off the bandwagon like a lot of people if we don’t contend this season. Its stupid to stress so much over a game. That being said, I think NYY has the resources to put forth a winning team every year. If it can all come together remains to be seen but I wouldn’t write them off just yet.
If teams would stop asking for the top four and five players in the system and then settling for 2nd tier players from other team, trades could get made. Look at what ‘Zona asked from NY and what they settled for from the Angels, Seattle for Lee and what they settled for from Texas, Minnesota for Santana or KC for Greinke. That’s BS and I’d hang up the phone, too. When they get serious and stop asking for the moon, then settling for much less, something will happen. None of those players were worth their asking price.
“I want ppl to think about it this way a couple of yrs after getting CC the Yankees went back into free agency because they desperately needed another ace That speaks volumes about the rotation, No?”
—————————–
That is the thing though. They didn’t desperately need another Ace.
The Yankees financial power actually hurt them this offseason with this FA class. Basically any other team in baseball (except for the Phillies apparently) with a stud anchor like CC at the top, Hughes, Burnett, the possibility of Andy returning, and a bunch of pitching prospects on the horizon would not be targeting Cliff Lee.
That the Phillies signed Lee was so shocking because of the rotation they already had in place.
If the Yankees were a “normal” team they would have just signed a Kuroda or a Garland right off the bat and not really entered the Cliff Lee sweepstakes while those names came off the board.
Waiting on Cliff Lee was a boom or bust scenario. You get Lee and have a dynamite rotation or you sign someone like Kuroda and take the “safe” way out. Personally, like Robby Cano I go for BOOM everytime if I am the Yankees.
# trisha – true pinstriped blue February 4th, 2011 at 12:31 am
I wasn’t high on signing Lee so losing out on him didn’t bother me. I’m also not bothered by growth years if we have to have them. Other teams go through that, why not the Yankees. Some people can only enjoy the Yankees when they win. I enjoy them win or lose. That’s why I don’t feel any consternation or discomfort. I also have enough faith in the savvy in the organization to believe that they know how to configure a team and that it doesn’t have to be sewn up on February 3rd to be successful.
If all of that makes me an oddity as a fan, oh well.
————————————————-
I enjoy growth yrs as well. I liked seeing Joba start despite the struggles he went through. I can’t wait to see Montero catch CC, Hughes, Burnett, and co. The thing is Lee was a make or break for their entire off season and since he chose to go to the Phils it threw everything off. I don’t think ppl would be this concerned if they had steady options.
KZPB, most probably are, but much of it is packaged sales and others are MP3 downloads. Not sure who, if anyone owns the rights or when something passes into public domain.
tyanksfan36
Can’t beat that, seeing a game on someone else dime. How much are the Yanks ST tickets? Are they cheaper than going to the Trop to watch during the season?
GB
Today I went online and bought some cards of some of the guys who will be in Tampa this season. Rob lyerly and brett marshall were first in my cart. Hopefully I can get them signed when the season starts.
# LGY February 4th, 2011 at 12:37 am
“I want ppl to think about it this way a couple of yrs after getting CC the Yankees went back into free agency because they desperately needed another ace That speaks volumes about the rotation, No?”
—————————–
That is the thing though. They didn’t desperately need another Ace.
The Yankees financial power actually hurt them this offseason with this FA class. Basically any other team in baseball (except for the Phillies apparently) with a stud anchor like CC at the top, Hughes, Burnett, the possibility of Andy returning, and a bunch of pitching prospects on the horizon would not be targeting Cliff Lee.
That the Phillies signed Lee was so shocking because of the rotation they already had in place.
If the Yankees were a “normal” team they would have just signed a Kuroda or a Garland right off the bat and not really entered the Cliff Lee sweepstakes while those names came off the board.
Waiting on Cliff Lee was a boom or bust scenario. You get Lee and have a dynamite rotation or you sign someone like Kuroda and take the “safe” way out. Personally, like Robby Cano I go for BOOM everytime if I am the Yankees.
————————————————————
Oh yea I go for the boom too because the possibilities are too great to pass up.
Maybe I went a little overboard with desperately needed but they definitely had to improve the top of the rotation.
So what really gets me is how there can be an article on Yahoo Sports saying that the Yankees can’t compete with Boston unless they go get another starter outside of what they already have.
I mean that is pretty bold to just write an article based around if this than that stuff.
G. Love – Couldn’t agree more. I don’t think they thought for a second that Lee would turn them down.
I also don’t think they thought Andy would seriously retire. They prob. thought as ST approached, he would get the itch to get back on the mound. And once the reports came out that he was working out, they probably grew more optimistic.
I thought they should have made more of an effort for Pavano considering he was still out there long after the Lee fiasco and when Andy’s situation looked uncertain.
KPB
Tickets to spring training are relatively cheap. We got seats in the 202 section for 17 and its far away but those seats at a Rays game would probably be 35. To sit in the upper deck at a Rays game is between 17 and 21 dollars I think but you’re way up high. GMS field is like the lower infield of most stadiums so there’s hardly a bad seat. Regardless of price though I’d rather take in a Spring game than regular season at the Trop.
GB,
It is too bad that it is so hard to make a fair deal anymore. I also think teams ask more of the Yankees than other teams.
tyanks,
You can’t buy decent tickets to a Yankees game in NY for those prices …. so enjoy.
Sounds great, TY. You’re gonna ove watching Lyerly hit. Not sure if he’ll play at first or third. Whichever it is, cover your eyes. Luke Murton is a big first base bat, too. Brett Marshall and Jose Ramirez now, but watch for pitcher Bryan Mitchell by mid-to-late season.
I think the Yankees are going to be better than what some on here feel. I really believe AJ will be better and that the bats are going to be back closer to normal for them. Last year was frustrating at times and seemed like it was worse than it was. Not only being 2 games from the WS, but looking back at the numbers, this team was pretty good. And had it not been the Yanks I think people would view the season more of a success instead of failure for not winning the WS.
Baseball is the best looking team on paper finishing 3rd & a team out of nowhere winning the ws.
There were years when our offseason was boring & we didn’t have the best looking team & we were as tough as can be.
We have great looking prospects knocking at the door to the majors.
The rs farm system took a beating with the adrian gonzalez trade,they also have major question marks in their rotation.
Cashman will trade for a pitcher,mark it down.
Their is not one position that you can clearly say that the rs have an edge on us except lf.
Granderson is better than ellsbury,arod is better than youk,jeter is better than scoot,cano is better than pedroia,1b,rf,dh is a toss up & if montero is included we have an edge at catcher.
The only edge they have is pitching debth.
SAS, they do, and when they finally realize that those days are over, they’ll stop then, they’ll still get a good deal with some of these youngsters. They cant ask for 3 of the top four in the system from NY and 2nd and 3rd tier from others. They will end up with less than they could have.
KPB
The first thing I do when I get to the Nationals spring training game and see my friends husband is tell him to point me in the direction of Bryce Harper to have him sign something for me. They’ll be spending all of ST playing against eachother, (friends husband is a pitcher.) Harper is going to the team he was with last season so if he doesn’t get promoted they’ll be teammates. Also will try to get a Strasburg autograph, if only my friends husband could get them for me.
Later kids. Time for my nap. I get the twins all day tomorrow. That should be interesting.
It has always bugged me how teams seem to ask more from the Yanks. I wonder how long it will take to sink in that Cash isn’t willing to be raked over the coals any longer. I don’t mind them paying a little extra if need be, but to the extent it has been is irksome.
SAS
I know. The tickets for my birthday are called “lower infield box” and are rows M-Q and are 80. The seats right at the dugout are only 115. If only the Rays weren’t in the same division it would be more enjoyable to go to a game. I don’t really have complaints about the Trop its not as bad as people make it out to be.
Good night everyone take care
GB7
Goodnight and don’t let the twins and killer take advantage of you.
I’m about to pass out too, been up since 5am and running on fumes now. Will definitely be at my computer with my tissues at 1030 tomorrow morning.
tyanksfan36
Harper should be fun to watch and see if he can live up to the hype. Strasburg I wonder if he can recover and be in form to before the injury. Either way good luck on getting both.
Good night GB…all.
Have fun tomorrow GB. That’s a handful.
SAS
Goodnight. And with that I guess I’ll turn in too.
“Oh yea I go for the boom too because the possibilities are too great to pass up.”
Actually, the difference between boom and bust didn’t have to be as stark as it turned out to be, because as Cashman said, the owners didn’t listen to him when he recommended taking their offer off of the table because he sensed Lee’s interest was no longer genuine.
Perhaps if they had, there would have been sufficient time to use the money more productively.
Yet another example of how Cashman is blamed for the failings of those above him.
Good point Rich.
It would be really interesting to know the exact timetable on when Cashman made that recommendation.
G. Love’s post above was right on the money IMO. Hal and Cashman thought Lee was in the bag and had no backup plan. Given the Yankees financial wherewithal and minor league talent there is no excuse for Cashman not making a deal. What that deal should have been, is not for fans to speculate on.
Cashman’s job was to get it done. The bottom line is it didn’t get done. One judges leadership, by results, not by making and/or enabling excuses.
Morning crew, please do not fail to mock the 2:19 am post.
There are no “results” — it’s the first week of February.
IMO Cashman got it done, IMO.
It has come to my attention that I don’t know what “it” is. But of course it is my opinion so it doesn’t need to have any basis in reality. Therefore, yes, Cashman did get it done, IMO.
“Cashman’s job was to get it done. The bottom line is it didn’t get done. One judges leadership, by results, not by making and/or enabling excuses.”
Screw the art of the possible, huh?
What was he supposed to do, offer him $35m a year for life and the hottest women in Manhattan whenever he has the urge?
Using your logic, every American president since 1959 has failed because Castro still leads Cuba.
Three months have gone by, it’s not unreasonable to think that many opportunities are no longer there as other teams have made their roster decisions.
I would hope that Cashman with Hals support will get something done.
If we had determined the results for most painfully redundant lohud poster of the 2011 offseason a month ago, WCYF would have run away with the title.
However, with YankeesNoMorePlease burst onto the scene we now have a real race to the finish line.
This example clearly shows the peril of PRE (premature result evaluation).
You’re certainly entitled to your opinion as I am to mine. There is gratuitous Cashman support as well as criticism. I have rational reasons for my opinion, you may not agree that’s all.
If you were happy with Winn, Vazquez, Nick Johnson, Chan Ho Park, Kearns and Berkman that’s your right. (wood turned out to be a good move)
If you’re happy with Sabathia, Hughes, Burnett, Nova and Mitre and the crap shoot that is Garcia and Colon, again that is your right.
I believe that Cashman and Hal should have known a long time ago that Lee and Pettitte were no sure things in 2011. They knew Vazquez wasn’t coming back last year, they knew Burnett was not dependable, they knew Nova had not proven himself and they knew the young guys weren’t going to be ready.
They could have, should have done something, made a deal a long time ago. We had/have the prospects. That’s my opinion.
“It has always bugged me how teams seem to ask more from the Yanks. I wonder how long it will take to sink in that Cash isn’t willing to be raked over the coals any longer. I don’t mind them paying a little extra if need be, but to the extent it has been is irksome.”
—————————————-
The Rangers final offer to Cliff Lee was AT LEAST as strong as the Yankees’ offer, and probably stronger, given the tax differences.
More importantly, the Phillies deal is MUCH stronger than most are willing to admit because everybody ignores the $12.5 million buyout.
Lee’s deal w/Philly is not 5 for $120 million, it’s either 5 for $132.5 million OR, if option vests, 6 for $147.5 million.
The Yankees final offer to Lee was 7 years (the 7th year being a player option) for a total of $148 million.
So Lee either makes a total of $15.5 million less and hits the market again TWO YEARS SOONER, or he makes $1 million less, TOTAL, and gets out one year sooner.
So can we all stop pretending the Yankees offer was SO MUCH better. Unless Cliff Lee can’t pitch at all five years from now, he will EASILY make up that money and then some.
I should be fair and mention that IMO Martin was a decent pickup and I understand why that move was made. I think Feliciano was a decent move too. I loved the Soriano pickup, I said so and comended Cashman here minutes after it was announced. I didn’t know at the time Cashman wouldn’t have made that deal.
When I believe Cashman makes a good move I say so. He has done a poor job dealing with the rotation so far.
I clearly understand why Yankee fans no longer care for Mike Lupica ( he used to be Yankee homer at one time ), but man does he put the wood to numb nut James Dolan in his column today, especially in the closing paragraph……..All NY Knick fans will love it, I know I did…….
In borrowing a line from the great late Georhe Harrson ” All Things Must Pass”….So to Andy Pettite, I thank You, The NY Yanks thanks you and all of baseball thanks you…And most importantly to those to whom it mattered the most, your teammates for they will forever thank you…..You reached it on all levels, a true professional and a true gentleman,youwill be missed
Good Night and good morning morning people…..Signing off from a very foggy Newport Beach Ca.
So we have the official spokesman for “the ny yanks” and “Andy Pettitte’s teammates” AND “all of baseball.”
That’s some gig!
I sometimes wonder what standard is used by various posters to judge Cashman and the Yankees FO. Nostradamus?
I guess winning a WC a year ago is not good enough…Nor having the team in position to win every year since 1995 is not good enough…Nor having one of hte best 5 minor league systems in baseball is not good enough…nor developing a strategy to take advantage of their financial strength by putting together an outstanding scouting and development organization is not good enough…not developing great young talent like Cano, Huighes, Gardner, Montero, Joba, or RObertson is not good enough…not trading for talent like Swisher, Granderson, Wood, or Logan is not good enough….not putting out the financial resources to sign CC, Tex, AJ, ARod, Fleiciano, Martin, Soriano, and Jones is not good enough…Not locking up our own FAs (unlike many other teams) like Jeter, Posada, and Mo is not good enough…
No…the FO and Cashman must also be able to both anticipate and influence (via mind control?) actual future events. The standard for the team is not to just get to the play-offs or win the WC, it is to go 162-0 and have a HOFer at each position–including bench roles.
I do appreciate that most of the posters here view these posters as idiots and ridicule them though. They certainly deserve it. I wonder if they judge their own lives and careers with the same standard. Somehow, I doubt it.
Good morning morning people…today ends the Andy Pettitte era, but begins the next era of “who steps up to replace a Yanke legend?” era. I for one look forweard to watching players like Banuelos and Betances and others progress to fill the void. It is an exciting time for fans who like to watch young Yankee prospects grow and mature into potential stars.
The perfect ending was placing Yogi’s quote last. We are gonna miss you on the mound Andy Pettitte. But your contributions to New York Yankees set the bar for the Phil Hughes’ and the other young pitchers that we have coming through the system. In a word: if you model your career after Andy Pettitte you are setting yourself up for success.
BTW–What is really humorous about the Nostradamus set is that they critique but rarely offer alternative suggestions ahead of time. They wait until after the fact to gain the benefit of 20-20 hindsight in their opinions.
I could certainly abide by critiques of Cashman if the posters had spoken up before hand and suggested alternatives, taken a stand, and defended their suggestions…that actually is something I can respect. But 20-20 hindsight and Monday morning quarterbacking is just tiresome.
Step up and suggest future actions, and let’s talk about what can be done…that’s interesting to others here…
As an example, I will offer some critiques of Cashman that I’ve mentioned before…
1. I criticized Cashman for his stubborness to not consider Joba for SP. Even if there is a shoulder injury that Joba has to recover from, or if he can’t ever throw 99 again, what is to stop him from being an effective #4 or #5 SP? I think Cashman is wrong to exclude him from the competition.
2. I criticized Cashman for not getting on board the Soriano signing and trying to work a 3 way deal with Nationals so as to avoid giving up a pick. I think once he learned that Hal wanted to sign Soriano, he should have been on the phones working a deal.
3. I criticized Cashman for not working harder to trade for Greinke. I disagree with his assessment that Greinke can’t handle NYC, and think that he is enough of a talent that even if he couldn’t handle NYC, he still had value as a trading chip. I think Cashman could have beaten the offer Milwaukee put on table without giving up any of the top 5 prospects
4. I will criticize Cashman if he doesn’t pursue Santan and Beltran at the trading deadline. I think Santan is the perfect fit for the rotation (both short- and long-term), and Beltran could provide a huge push for pennant run in August. Mets will be desperate to move them, and Cashman will have the resources.
These are examples I and others have been willing to put out there to discuss. IMO, this is the type of discussion that makes a baseball discussion blog interesting, as opposed to simply continuously whining about the past.
So Norman–please pick up your game.
“I sometimes wonder what standard is used by various posters to judge Cashman and the Yankees FO. Nostradamus?”
———————————-
Quoting Hal Steinbrenner: “We expect to be in the World Series every year, and we expect to win it more often than not.”
His words, not mine.
Family aside I think this Clemens thing had a lot to do with his decision to retire
# YankeesNmore February 4th, 2011 at 3:14 am
“It has always bugged me how teams seem to ask more from the Yanks. I wonder how long it will take to sink in that Cash isn’t willing to be raked over the coals any longer. I don’t mind them paying a little extra if need be, but to the extent it has been is irksome.”
—————————————-
The Rangers final offer to Cliff Lee was AT LEAST as strong as the Yankees’ offer, and probably stronger, given the tax differences.
More importantly, the Phillies deal is MUCH stronger than most are willing to admit because everybody ignores the $12.5 million buyout.
Lee’s deal w/Philly is not 5 for $120 million, it’s either 5 for $132.5 million OR, if option vests, 6 for $147.5 million.
The Yankees final offer to Lee was 7 years (the 7th year being a player option) for a total of $148 million.
So Lee either makes a total of $15.5 million less and hits the market again TWO YEARS SOONER, or he makes $1 million less, TOTAL, and gets out one year sooner.
So can we all stop pretending the Yankees offer was SO MUCH better. Unless Cliff Lee can’t pitch at all five years from now, he will EASILY make up that money and then some.
———————
Can you please stop purposely changing what I said to fit your agenda? Please re read what I wrote, it clearly says teams (meaning trades) not FA. Thank you.
Good morning, morning people.
Wasn’t able to sleep last night and tossed and turned. Which is why I’m here so early. Was wanting to watch Andy’s presser, but don’t know if I’ll be awake for it now. Hopefully it’ll be posted online for later viewing.
MTU are you up yet? Or anyone else?
Good morning, morning people.
First, I loved the quotes above. There is no doubt that Andy Pettitte is going to be missed. I’m looking forward to and dreading this morning’s press conference. But I am glad he agreed to do one.
****
I don’t think the Yankees ever counted on Pettitte coming back this season. I think they wanted him to, and hoped he would, but I don’t think they counted on it. They’ve been kind of dealing with this scenario for the past 3 seasons, and I think they knew it was a distinct possibility that he would retire. Cashman has said that Andy’s statements to him at the end of the season were differerent in tone from years past.
I think the problem was the scarcity of GOOD pitchers being available this off-season.
I do agree that perhaps they counted too much on Lee coming here. I don’t entirely blame them; especially since they made him a really good offer, they went above and beyond the number of years they were comfortable with. That the Phillies swooped in was unanticipated by EVERYONE. That Lee was apparently hoping they WOULD swoop in was a double whammy.
There is no doubt that with Lee there, for at least a season or two or three, the rest of the rotation offered some flexibility.
Well, for once, the Yankees got saddled with the worst-case scenario. It happens. They’re not immune.
So, this year becomes a really interesting one. They should have a strong offense; they should have a strong bullpen; they should have a strong #1 and a very good #2 in the starting rotation. AJ will be around .500, hopefully on the plus side of that. So it will come down to how the #4 and #5 match up against other teams’ #4 and #5 pitchers. No doubt there will be some frustration, but since no one knows for sure what will be, I choose to think that the Yankees will find someone out of the bunch who will come up and be a solid #4, with perhaps the #5 being the “flux” pitcher – which the Yankees have dealt with many times in recent years.
And moves will be made during the season.
The one thing I’m not overly overly concerned with is Boston being the juggernaut some people are thinking they’ll be. I’m not saying they won’t be good, even very good – that would just be foolish. But the “improvements” they made aren’t as big as they look. They replaced two solid offensive players with two solid offensive players. They do not have a solid catcher. They did not improve their starting pitching, which had a questionable 3-5 last season. They’re hoping, as the Yankees are hoping, for some rebound years by a couple of their pitchers, and another solid year from their youngster. Both have solid aces in CC and Lester.
So, we’ll watch them play the season out and see what happens.
****
AN-DY PETT-ITTE clap clap clap clap clap!!!!
Doreen
Good morning, so this is what the mornings look like.
I agree That the moves the Sox made were lateral moves, with some of their players rebounding. As well I expect ours will too (sorry I mean Yankees, I read what you wrote yesterday 
).
Are there any updates on when you might get your car delivered? Unless I’m “misremembering” I thought it should be around this time.
Morning everyone
Great Career Andy, thanks for all those wonderful memories. The core 4 now becomes the core 3.
I can now join my fellow bloggers and complain about the snow. I can’t get out of my very hilly street, schools are closed and I have never seen a snow blower.
It should give me plenty of time to advise Cashman on all the ace pitchers he can now acquire with C prospects. I hope he appreciates it.
KPB -
I did write that I have that “pet peeve,” but I also wrote that I’ve come to understand the underlying sentiment and so most of the time I don’t even notice it! Only sometimes – mainly when people speak about spending “our” money.
I have come to understand that all people mean by it is this is their team and they feel as if they’re a real part of it. But to me, that should stop short of the accounting office.
About the car – I’m going to have to make a phone call. It’s now reached the 3rd week of 2-3 weeks. I’m not in a particular hurry, and I don’t want to drive the car in this snowy mess, but I also want the car! I suspect they’ve had delays in shipping because of the weather, too. But I do have to now be pro-active. And I’m slightly annoyed they haven’t called to give me an update.
Doreen, very thoughtful comments. While not a Boston Fan, I think the Sox’s will overtake the Yanks this year. So much is ignored about the Boston injury situation last year and it’s impact on their finishing 6 games back, lightning can strike twice but I doubt it.
What bothers me is that in even a off year it tests your metal to make that deal that will help your ballclub. In the past the Yanks were able to get it done. For the second year in a row Cashman’s winter has been the winter were expectations have not been meet. The best player we acquired this winter is the player he didn’t want.
Good morning folks.
KPB-
Gest some rest. It looks like you’ve been up all night.
Doreen
I can understand not wanting to drive it in the snow right from the get go. Will you be keeping your old car? If so, you could keep the new one in the garage until better weather. And yes updates would be great. People tend to be more understanding when the line of communication is open.
I agree, people complaining about the money is a pet peeve of mine also. The FAs salary, like anything else, is only worth what someone is willing to pay. And it only takes one person for it to be sky high. Regardless, it isn’t my money. Win, lose, or draw, I’ll be there cheering (may get frustrated at times, but we’re not guaranteed wins, only games played.)
Gary -
There is a difference between last off-season and this one, though.
With the exception of Nick Johnson, I thought most of the moves Cashman made would have, as they say, “up side.” I expected Nick Johnson to spend some time on the DL. I don’t think anyone expected he’d spend 90% of the season there. Randy Winn I thought was a “nothiing” move but I wouldn’t quarrel with it, as he wasn’t taken on to be an impact player. Javy Vazquez was the biggest disappointment to me, but I wouldn’t say that I “knew” at the time that it wouldn’t work. On the face of it, and before the season played out, Cashman had a pretty good off-season in 2009/2010.
This off-season, there weren’t very many moves to make. But the small moves that were made could prove to be good ones. Or they may have no impact at all. Not getting Lee was a disappointment, but since I believe Cashman and the Yankees made a solid effort to get him, I can’t say they failed as much as I would say they were foiled (and fooled).
Just like last season, you don’t know until the season plays out whether or not your off-season was successful, overall.
I expect there to be the same battle between the Red Sox and the Yankees as has been ongoing for the better part of a decade. I don’t know what to expect from the Rays, and on the surface, it looks like the Orioles and Blue Jays will be teams to contend with. It will not surprise me if the wild card does not come from the AL East because I expect all those teams to be beating up on each other. There aren’t enough games against “weak” teams like the Royals and Mariners.
MTU
Hello, are you trying to get rid of me already? I haven’t even messed with you yet.
Yes an all niter and with out any party, just toss and turn. How ya been?
As someone pointed out in the past (I don’t remember who) the CL was a high risk/high reward strategy.
It didn’t go our way. The result was the backend of the high risk.
It had an opportunity cost associated with.
But it’s over so we have no choice but to suck it up and move on.
Same with Andy’s retirement. We’ll all miss him deeply.
I am not going to add my thoughts on what could or should have been done to mitigate some of the risk of those possibilities occuring.
That has been beaten to death.
For me it’s time to move on, and to focus on the future which is bright.
We have a dyn-o-mite farm system which is getting ready to produce.
That excites me. I’m looking forward to seeing new Yankee stars emerge and to who steps up.
If this season is a year of transition so be it. I have plenty of Killer instinct especially when it comes to the Sux. But our time will come
soon enough.
I’m not writing off the season before one game has even been played.
You never know what will happen over the course of 162 games.
Bring it on ! I’m ready.
That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it.
KPB -
We’re trading in the old car.
KPB-
I’m good. Busy hiking schedule as always. You ? How’s that rotten
Nephew of yours doin’ ?
edit: “CL pursuit”. sorry. It’s early.
Speaking of Nick Johnson, MTU sorry I sent his auto to you. I was just so ticked I couldn’t look at it. Like Cash I traded for it and it was a bust, oh well. If all else fails you could use it as a snake repellent.
KPB-
I’ll put it in storage for April when they come out. Thank you. But you must really save all of your energy for spoiling your Nephew.
That’s a full-time job. N’est Pas ?
Now, much as I like you, go get some sleep !
MTU
He’s doing good. He enjoys his job at a sushi place. He’s putting in about 40 hours a week and going to school. Not bad for someone who’s turning 18 next month.
good morning early birds
I quit reading last night due to some of the nonsense being posted, so didn’t see the Andy quotes until now. They made me cry. I am going to miss him very much. Today is my day off, so I will be able to watch the coverage of his retirement.
Despite Andy leaving, I am not worried about the Yankees.
KPB-
You’ll need your energy for battling with Trolls and Naysayers.
KPB-
Sounds like he has reformed.
Write down the “secret”, copyright it, and sell it to the masses.
You be more famous than Dr. Spock, and richer too !
Kate-
I’m not worried either. The future looks bright.
Even if the present is somewhat in doubt.
It’s too early to write this team off. Not a single game has been played.
Projections are just that. There are always surprises and things to look forward to.
Now, much as I like you, go get some sleep !
————-
Will be in a little while. I want to make sure I’m completely exhausted, as not to toss and turn again. I got mad doing that during the night and it made me even more awake than I was.
Do you hike in the same areas when you go just about everyday, or do you go out of state a lot also?
I spoke to GB last night and he said he got the Feller audio, thanks for emailing it to him for me.
“4. I will criticize Cashman if he doesn’t pursue Santan and Beltran at the trading deadline. I think Santan is the perfect fit for the rotation (both short- and long-term), and Beltran could provide a huge push for pennant run in August. Mets will be desperate to move them, and Cashman will have the resources.”
At this time, I will criticize Cashman if he goes anywhere near Santana and Beltran.
You’ll need your energy for battling with Trolls and Naysayers.
——————
It takes little effort to scroll past and ignore. Except this morning when my words were deliberately twisted to say something completely different to fit the negative propaganda he constantly spews.
KPB-
I try to do a mixture of both. I’ll be heading to Tucson in about a week or so for a series of hikes.
There is so much I want to see and do that I am constantly planning ahead.
This year is no different but will be extremely spectacular if I can pull it off.
My list is long and filled with jewels. Most right here in GZ but a few otuside.
I have barely scratched the surface of Northern Utah for example.
And it is as wondrous as the Southern part just in a different way.
You’re welcome on the GB thing. I try my best to keep my word.
upstate kate
Good morning.
It isn’t so much the Pettitte numbers that he puts up that the Yankees will miss, it’s the quiet leadership with the younger pitchers, especially the starters that they’ll miss during games. That’s the role that Sabathia has started to take on, and, maybe it forces a change in Burnett also. Yanks will surely miss the numbers, but, the young pitchers and reclamation projects could replace much of that.
Of the remarks and thoughts on Pettitte from players/former players that showed just how good Pettitte was are the words of Whitey Ford and Ron Guidry. They were among the 4 best left handers in team history. Ford was never able to hide his thoughts about Pettitte. he loved watching him and he’s mentioned that often. A few years ago, he spent about 3 innings talking about him when YES was broadcasting the Staten Island games and Ed Randell was doing the broadcasts and Ford would be there adding his analysis. I expect Stottlemyre to make a statement, too.
Also, unless the Yankees have good medical reason for not doing it, I think Cashman and his staff are making a mistake not giving Joba another chance as a starter.
Craw-
IMHO, there is a good medical reason.
good morning KPB
I had the same issue w/ words being twisted as you. Usually I just try to ignore.
good morning GB
you are up early! Nice post regarding Andy.
GB7
Good morning. I hope you enjoy your time with the twins today. Just don’t let Killer corrupt them and all three take advantage of you.
Boy, there sure are a lot of pet lovers on here and exotic pets, too. Now you guys are making pets out of peeves and I’ve never heard of that breed. Are they dogs or cats?
GB-
Since you’re up bright and early this AM I thought I’d mention some good news.
Looks like there has been minimal loss of life in Oz.
Lot’s of physical destruction though.
I loved Sydney too. One of the nicer big cities I have ever had the pleasure of visiting.
That says a lot because I don’t generally like big cities.
I guess you went to OZ for R and R. Interesting that you were there just 4 years ago. Our visit was much earlier.
I would love to see Perth and the West coast some time. I think of that as a real Paradise.
NZ was phenomenal too.
So Cash was supposed to hold Lee at gunpoint and make him choose the Yankees? I like that.
GB-
And one more follow up to something you said.
I agree that the warrior part of Andy is more replaceable than the other.
The Gentleman, the role model, and the Mentor.
That will be the most difficult to replace although the other won’t be easy either.
Morning, Kate. Hope all is well, and I speak for others when I say that although you are a generous and giving person, we here in Georgia wouldn’t feel right about accepting gifts of snow and ice from the lovely folks of the North East. We of the southeast will be more than happy to ship some of our warm weather and sunshine to you, though. Because of your weather, the delivery may be delays for 3 months, though.
why yes Betsy, don’t you know people ALWAYS choose the job that offers them the most money, regardless of where they would rather be…oh wait…maybe that isn’t true!
GB-
Peeves are another kind of water fowl.
The stand on one leg only, and they can’t get off the ground at all.
About as useful as a one-legged Man in a butt-kickin’ contest.
Each to their own.
GB7 -
Have a great day with your twins!
Peeves are a rare breed. More cat than dog, I’d say, as they’re quite independent and can be more persnickety than dogs.
****
Guys, I don’t usually set much store in “curses” an superstitions, but I have in front of me the SI issue with the Core Four as its cover story. On the date it was published all four were going like a house afire, looking to have excellent seasons, each one of them. One by one, though, they fell. Derek was hitting over .300 and looked mighty fine and then, well, we know how it went. Same with Posada. Next was Andy, pitching like a 20-year-old and then succumbing to the groin injury. Mo is the only one who seemed to have a stable season, but even he was pitching through some issues, no? Two years earlier, CMW had the early cover story and we know what happened to him.
So, I’m hoping that no Yankees are featured on the cover of SI this season. Just to be safe, you know???
(I know it’s co-inky-dink, but still….)
GB
you send warm weather sooner, we will take back the snow and ice…deal?
Cashman’s biggest failing was assuming Lee was his (that’s unacceptable) and failing to trade for Haren. He also has to take responsibility for the state of the rotation where we have a new band called CC and the question marks. I completely understand the AJ move and I liked it (did not want Lowe), but AJ has NOT been what Cash thought to say the least. Not only is he not an improving pitcher (2008 was a career year), but he’s getting worse – and he is awful against the Sox, particularly at Fenway. Javy didn’t work out at all ………..Is he not a good evaluator of pitching? It looks that way.
Craw, I want nothing to do with Santana either – and Beltran? Why? I agree completely
# Rich in NJ February 4th, 2011 at 1:19 am
“Oh yea I go for the boom too because the possibilities are too great to pass up.”
Actually, the difference between boom and bust didn’t have to be as stark as it turned out to be, because as Cashman said, the owners didn’t listen to him when he recommended taking their offer off of the table because he sensed Lee’s interest was no longer genuine.
Perhaps if they had, there would have been sufficient time to use the money more productively.
Yet another example of how Cashman is blamed for the failings of those above him.
——————————————————————————
True Cashman was taking the blame for being in it so long. At least he came out and let it be known that he felt Lee wasn’t going to come here and the best course of action was to walk away. Unfortunately it was too late to do it in the minds of the Steinbrenners
Craw, they’ve already suggested that’s the case with Joba…………they’re not going to say anymore than they already have.
KPB, I’m just saddle up “Killer” and let the twins go for a ride. He’ll be happy to see them. I had to bring him home because he absolutely did not like the twins father. “Killer” is really possessive and overly protective of them. Strangest thing I’ve ever seen. Loves my granddaughter but, very few grown people. Loves any kid, though. Should be a great day for him. He knows something is up. The playpen is set up and he’s in it and laying on the kids’ blankets now.
CC is going to have to step up and fill the void that Andy’s absence has left. The kids need to turn to someone – although even CC turned to Andy.
upstate kate February 4th, 2011 at 8:15 am
GB
you send warm weather sooner, we will take back the snow and ice…deal?
———————————————————————————————————————-
I’ll call Fed-Ex and see what they can do. No expense will be spared.
Betsy-
CC is a natural leader. If anyone can do it he can. I think he will.
People respect him greatly, and he is kind and open.
And one heck of a competitor.
No concern on my part.
Doreen
Didn’t some company send a roll of bubble wrap for Jeter after they started getting hurt, to “protect” him?
MTU, but it’s not the same without Andy. CC is a leader, but Andy has wisdom gained through years of experience – he was older than CC and wise in the ways of pitching in NY. He’s really going to be missed..but then, maybe this will make the kids grow up a bit. Andy wasn’t going to stay around forever.
GB-
That should keep “Killer” out of trouble for a while.
He needs a break from all that drinking and carousing.
And has yet another chance to reform himself.
OK…so there are different kinds of pet peeves, huh? A one legged water fowl that’s more cat than dog. They must be so ugly that they’re cute.
Either that or you guys are just trying to confuse me and keep the peeves to yourselves.
GB7
You ought to take a picture of him lying in the playpen, waiting, would love to see it.
KPB -
YES! I forgot about that! Very funny, that.
****
The thing Andy had over CC is that he came through the Yankees system, he’d been there awhile. He could really talk about the “Yankee experience,” especially to young pitchers. Mo probably does the same over in the ‘pen. CC can be a great mentor overall, but as far as the specificity to pitching on the Yankees, especially as a young man coming up through the ranks, he can’t match Andy.
“Craw-
IMHO, there is a good medical reason.”
From my vantage point as a Yankee fan, I have to assume that’s the case too, but if it isn’t then Cashman and his staff are making a mistake.
Either that or you guys are just trying to confuse me and keep the peeves to yourselves.
———————–
If it were Peeps, then I’d be guilty.
Betsy-
I think CC has learned plenty from Andy and from pitching in NY.
He will be up to the challenge. No sweat whatsoever IMO.
And yes, the time had to come sooner or later.
Most preferred as late as possible.
New stars will emerge even as the old ones leave the scene.
That is way it always was and that is the way it will continue to be.
Bank it.
I can’t believe I read Bill Madden today and, actually, agree with him. Now everyone is simply going to have to step up………….that means everyone from CC (a given) on down. He’s right – we do have the farm system assets to make a trade, but as he said, teams are just not trading their young pitchers. The type of pitcher who will be available is not likely to be a difference maker
GB7 -
From now on, I do intend to keep my peeves to myself, since I was told yesterday it’s not very grown up to have them.
MTU, I definitely think CC is up to it…….
There isn’t a better role model for that pitching staff than Rivera and Sabathia. Sabathia has become a team leader in just 2 short seasons, and he’ll take on more of Pettitte’s role, now. He’s hardly short on wisdom and experience. That part of the team is in great hands. Rivera is like the Godfather for everyone.
Craw-
Speaking for myself. I am convinced. My theory is that Joba is subject to chronic Tendonitis. That is especially agggravated by greater use. As a reliever that is mitigated somewhat, and more manageable. As a starter is could be destructive and not suitable for
a rotation mate.
My 2 cents.
From now on, I do intend to keep my peeves to myself, since I was told yesterday it’s not very grown up to have them.
—————
It’s not very grown up not to share either. What to do, what to do?
Right, Mo and CC will lead this staff in 2011 and will do a good job doing so.
Betsy-
Yes M’am. Totally. He’s a stud in every way.
MTU
My 2 cents.
————–
Come on you can afford more than that.
I did forget about Mo – I agree he’s the godfather. I trust him above anyone else and he’s just a player I basically worship.
Doreen, share your peeves. There’s a little child in all of us (we are here, after all). Nothing wrong with being a little childlike with favorite things teams, players, etc. It’s being childish that many need to stop. They and everyone knows who they are. I have reverted to that phase more than I care to admit.
“Craw-
Speaking for myself. I am convinced. My theory is that Joba is subject to chronic Tendonitis. That is especially agggravated by greater use. As a reliever that is mitigated somewhat, and more manageable. As a starter is could be destructive and not suitable for
a rotation mate.”
I won’t make that jump because I don’t have enough solid information to make that assumption so at this point, I have to hope that Cashman makes the best decision pitching-wise and doesn’t screw the pooch like he apparently did with Haren. I’m not so sure about the Haren non-trade which is why I used the word “apparently”, but other Yankee fans seem convinced of that screw up.
Betsy-
That is not to say won’t miss Pettitte. I will.
Time moves on. And waits for no one.
KPB February 4th, 2011 at 8:35 am
MTU
My 2 cents.
————–
Come on you can afford more than that.
———————————————————————————————————————-
I’m not so sure about that. He seems a little cash poor at times.
KPB-
Think so ?
GB7 -
If you insist, I will share my peeves on occasion.
It’s too early to throw dirt on AJ Burnett’s career.
He had a bad year last year. Nobody was complaining about the signing after the ’09 season were they?
I think we need to see what happens with AJ this year.
What if he has a better year? If he does, he solves a lot of problems.
Dan Haren? Hindsight is always 20-20.
If the Yankees knew Cliff Lee wasn’t going to sign with them, then you give up prospects for Haren.
However, seeing at the time of the Haren trade, just about everybody in baseball knew Lee was ticked off over not being traded to the Yankees and was telling his friends in the game he was going to sign with the Yankees as a FA, I don’t know many people who would have traded for Haren.
Stuff happens and you deal with it.
As far as a “backup plan” not being in place, I disagree.
Look at the marketplace. There wasn’t a lot of good pitching available in the marketplace this winter.
Rightly or wrongly, they determined Zach Greinke couldn’t pitch in NY so he wasn’t an option.
Aside from Greinke, it was a weak pitching market this off-season.
So, what is the “backup plan”? Exactly what’s happening now.
Have 9 arms compete for two spots in the rotation, be patient, and wait until the market opens again……..which it always does.
Good grief… I had refrained from posting as I have been praying to the Yankee Gods to bring Pettitte back, but I guess it was for naught.
We’re in trouble now…
Let’s all hope Seattle’s GM Jack Z get bonked in the noggin and makes King Felix available when they’re 1-80 by mid season.
Good morning everyone.
IMO I still think AJ is the key to this season. If he pitches well, the Yanks will be fine.
GB-
I’m gonna try and go for the MiLB package this year.
Just take a little from the hiking budget is all.
MTU
At least up it to 3 cents on occasion to be sporty about it.
I think AJ can pitch better. A question of how much.
Please don’t expect him to 18-8 with a 3.00 ERA.
If that is your expectation I believe you are in for a disappointment.
Like 2009 ? Yup. I hope that’s good enough for all of you.
It is for me.
SJ44
How’s your nephew doing? Has he fully recovered from his injury?
You have to recall the situation at the trade deadline last season.
Pettitte was coasting along just fine. The Yankees as a team were doing just fine. The word was that trading for Lee was overkill by the Yankees. Not necessary. Gilding the lily, so to speak.
Cashman rightly tried to get him because he was available, and we will never know if Lee would have stayed or not.
But Lee is Lee and Haren is Haren and at the time, neither was a necessity. One could say that by trying to get Lee at that time, instead of waiting for FA, Cashman WAS anticipating the possibility of Andy’s retirement. Although, it would also be fair to say that the way Andy was pitching at the time, his retirement seemed a long way off.
Haren’s good, but he’s not Lee. If Lee were not available, I don’t think Cashman even goes into the marketplace for a pitcher last season. I think they kicked the tires on Haren, but didn’t like the asking price.
Everything changed after Pettitte went down. But who knew he was going to get a groin injury??
KPB-
Some people would already like to shoot me for my 2, and your encouraging me to go to 3 ?
Some friend you are.
MTU, you’ll enjoy MiLB tv feeds. They do show some of the Trenton games, but, not many. They do make about half or a bit more of the Scranton games though. You will also get all of the minor league radio feed, except for the Tampa Yanks, unless you listen to the other team feeds.
MTU February 4th, 2011 at 8:40 am
GB-
I’m gonna try and go for the MiLB package this year.
Just take a little from the hiking budget is all.
———————————————————————————————————————-
You could sell some of your peeves to somebody that needs food.
My biggest concern is that right now the Yankees are as Brian Cashman said “incomplete”. I know at some point that will change and pieces (hopefully impact pieces) will be added. But until such time the holes and lingering quesions on the pitching staff remain a concern.
However, I still feel optimistic about this team – there is so much talent.
So my question to the naysayers and ledge hangers is simply this, even with the issues in the rotation, are the Yankees within 5 games of at least the Wild Card lead on July 31st?
I dont see how they would not be. With our lineup (among the best), bullpen (arguably, the best in baseball), and top 3 starters (we still have an ace in CC, Hughes with no innings limits this year, and A.J. looking to rebound), there will be plenty of wins in the seasons first 3 months.
Even if Boston runs away and hides in division, what other non-division leading teams are that much better than what the Yankees currently are that we would be absolutely buried in the Wild Card standings by the summer?
So, that is how I rationalize the upcoming season. We are not starting off as a paper jauggernaut as in other years and there is room to improve. But improvements will be made and in the meantime, there is plenty of talent on the roster to win enough games to (at the very least) keep us in the hunt until we finally have the complete team our GM promised we would be.
GB-
Sounds good. I have a friend who often gifts me the MLB one, and I
should be able to spring for the other.
We live a very good life out here. No complaints whatsoever. It’s just mainly the fixed income sort of thing so no going overboard all the time. Just some of it.
disco stu -
As far as the wild card goes, I think it gets dicey because it will depend on how improved the Orioles really are, and the Jays, and whether or not Tampa stays strong. Because the AL East is a bear, and thanks to the unbalanced schedule, the Yankees don’t get to play as often against the perceived “weaker teams.”
But I wouldn’t go so far as to say they can’t win either the division or the wild card on February 4th.
GB-
I’d prefer to give tours of the desert to selected individuals.
“People would love to have their problems”, an AL Executive said. “On paper, they are still as good as you want to be. As long as you have a deep farm system, and they do, they won’t let the division get away from them”.
Taken from Joel Sherman’s column this AM.
Just for some perspective.
nicely said disco stu
I am concerned about the SR. But looking on the bright side, as I prefer to do, it gives some youngsters and some question marks the chance to compete…you never know who might step up.
GB7
With the MiLB package do they archive the games so they can be watched at a later time, Like the MLB package? I’d like to get it this year, but don’t know the time they usually start. If it’s the same time as the big club, I’ll choose to watch them.
KPB,
Doing great thanks. Fully healthy, spent the off-season working out with a couple of Yankees who helped him tremendously, and is getting a head start for ST by heading to Bradenton today.
Doreen
That’s the thing that is overlooked. Everyone was saying that there was no need for Lee, someone would have to go to the BP to fit him in the rotation. I know a lot of people(myself included) wanted him to come to NY but when he didn’t we weren’t worried. It was just a little over a week later when Andy went down and we realized how if we had gotten Lee it wouldn’t have been as big a hit. I think criticizing that deal is a bit unfair because now hindsight is 20/20 and we can see that we would have eventually really needed him.
The Vazquez trade I don’t think was a bad one at the time, you have to be leary of his past with the Yankees but I’m sure they didn’t see much harm in his one year deal, thankfully that’s all he was here for. you look at someone like crawford. He had a career year in 2010 and the sox locked him up, that could be a bad move for them because maybe he doesn’t ever do as well as he did last year. You never know until sometimes its too late.
MTU, I know about fixed incomes. It’s probably only worth the $30-$35 dollars a year if you really enjoy watching the youngsters.
MTU
You’re right and I’m sorry. To make us right again I’ll throw in the 1 cent and split the trouble with you on those who gun for you and your 2 cents.
tampayanks36 -
It would be so nice to have a crystal ball sometimes. Sigh.
The good thing is that every season starts 0-0 and the possibilities are endless.
2009 was the result of a total team effort. I see no reason why 2011 can’t be, as well. To win it all, so many things have to “go your way” in addition to simply being a good team.
GB-
Understood. And who ever said I was smart about the way things are allocated ? I definitely like watching or hearing about our future.
Not much to spend really. A bargain.
# Crawdaddy February 4th, 2011 at 8:01 am
Also, unless the Yankees have good medical reason for not doing it, I think Cashman and his staff are making a mistake not giving Joba another chance as a starter.
——————————————
It better be medical if they are looking at a guy like Colon as an option.
People always talk about Vazquez and his issues of 2004. If you look at the first half of the season, he was well on his way to a low ERA and a 20 win season. He came up with a bad arm and tried pitching through it and his numbers collapsed, and he’s been labeled as a loser, a choker ever since. He was booed from opening day in 2010 and it never stopped. Veteran or not, that has to bother a player.
KPB-
Thanks. That should put it right. The World can now go on unaffected.
I’m just re-reading some of those quote. I’m going to miss seeing Andy on his non-pitch days hanging over the dugout barrier, reacting to the game with his fellow pitchers.
I will admit to my pet peeve – or one of them anyway. Self-entitled crybabies who seem to think that the world revolves around them and if things don’t go the way they want, they intend to continue to act out ad nauseum. Sorry to say that YankeesNmore and West Coast Yankee Fan are topping the list. Either these two were brought up by parents who told them they were perfect little people and the world should bow down to them – or they are for some reason the kinds that need to find a bathroom whenever things don’t go their way. Either way it is horribly unattractive.
Grow up and get a life. This is baseball – a game, not your only oxygen; you don’t own the freakin’ team; and you don’t know spit about what goes on behind the scenes or what kinds of things were in the works, may not have worked out, etc. And grow a brain. Brian Cashman is NOT the entire Yankee organization but I see he is a good punching bag for your immaturity. STOP LOOKING AND ACTING SO DAMNED STUPID!
->
sorry
SJ-
Can you tell us which Yankees he worked with? Always interesting to hear Yankees mentoring younger guys.
One disagreement I have with your statement….
“Have 9 arms compete for two spots in the rotation, be patient, and wait until the market opens again……..which it always does.”
While I see what you’re saying, you have to agree teams are recognizing the premium value of SP and choosing to lock these guys up long term at younger ages. Hence guys like Felix, Johnson, Weaver, Liriano, etc.
So while I do believe the market for guys like Carmona will open up, gone are the days when teams let premium starting pitching walk, or trade it away, especially if they are anywhere near contention.
Which is why the killer B’s development is all the more important to the success of the Yankees in 2012 and beyond.
SJ44
Happy to hear he’s making progress. I don’t usually follow non Yankees, but since he is from someone on the blog family I’m excited for him. I even went so far as to get an autograph card of him. I can only imagine how proud you must be.
“Everyone was saying that there was no need for Lee”
Not Cashman. He saw the need. Not suggesting he knew Pettitte was going to go down, but am suggesting that he knows the chances of his rotation making it thru a full season intact in any season is exceedingly slim, especially after a 2009 season where the Yankees saw four starters make 30 or more starts for the 1st time since 2003. It was the reason he went out and got Vazquez, and it’s the reason he pursued Lee. It’s a stale adage, but it’s as true now as ever. You can never have too much pitching.
Doreen February 4th, 2011 at 9:02 am
I’m just re-reading some of those quote. I’m going to miss seeing Andy on his non-pitch days hanging over the dugout barrier, reacting to the game with his fellow pitchers.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Whether he was standing by the railing or sitting in the dugout, one of the young pitchers was always glued to his side and Pettitte doing the talking. You look in the bullpen, and Rivera’s doing all of the talking. Those are the sorts of things that this team will miss. If you go to ST, you’ll see Posada holding court with the young catchers. His main project for the past 3 years has been Montero. He doesn’t seem to be especially close to Cervelli, though. Not sure that Posada appreciates some of his theatrics.
I wasn’t done. I was so mad I hit the wrong key and it posted!
The Yankees want to either win or be in the world series every year? BFD. Lots of things can happen between day one and the last day of the season. Remember 2006 crybabies? Remember the signing of Carl Pavano? Remember just about every year in the 2000 Torre tenure? The Yankees probably fielded the BEST teams in the majors all of those years. How many World Series rings did they take home?
The Yankees aren’t privileged to have you as fans. You’re privileged to root for the team. If the only thing that works for you is having things the way you want them as opposed to dealing with some hard reality sometimes, then go and play solitaire.
And by the way, you have NO way of knowing how this year will work out. I won’t even bother giving you examples of teams that had much less than the Yankees and won the world series. So shut up with your whining. It’s disgusting. After the 100th time of hearing the same thing from both of you, nobody needs to hear it ever again. GET OVER IT.
Doreen I disagree that the Yankees are seeing worst case scenario. Worst case scenario is going to spring training without any credible prospects whatsoever for your rotation.
And SJ THANK YOU for pointing out what these stooges obviously cannot see. They have NO WAY of knowing how AJ will work out this year. Crybabies like I’ve never seen.
Try rooting for the Pirates or the Royals you spoiled little rats. Then come back and tell us what a terrible job the Yankees have done!
I still think that the Yankees will make a run on Scott Kazmir. The Angels will try to get Trevor Bell into the rotation this year and Kazmir seems to be the logical one to go. He’s still got great stuff and he’s still young. Keeping him healthy and fixing whatever pitching issues he has is key. Very much an left handed version of AJ Burnett at that age.
Joey A,
He worked out with the third baseman and the former starting catcher.
No question, teams are locking up their younger arms earlier.
It’s why it’s imperative the Yankees have a deep farm system…..and they do.
It gives you so many more options.
Here’s the thing………I named 9 arms that could help the Yankees win games this year. Take Colon and Garcia out, and it leaves 7 young guys.
Ironically, I’m not even counting the two best arms, Betances and Banuelos, because they aren’t quite ready yet.
Any team, let alone the Yankees, are in good shape if you have this kind of depth. It gives you a myriad of options.
Trisha you want to start being an ass again go ahead. I have clear lucid rational criticisms of Brian Cashmans job perfoance. Maybe I’m right maybe I’m wrong but that’s my opinion. I don’t appreciate you’re acrimonious ad homonym personal insults and would appreciate you keeping your criticism to my baseball comments – and leave my parents out of it.
Sic – your