Video chat begins at 12:15
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Feb 09, 2011 
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In just a few minutes — or right now, depending on when you’re looking at this post — Sam and I will be video chatting live and in living color from the spacious studio of The Journal News sports department.
Get in on the conversation by going to www.lohud.com/protalklive and submitting a question or a comment.
The chat begins at 12:15.
Ledger_Yankees RT @BrianCoz: Cervelli said he’s not worried about the catching competition. “I want to concentrate on myself.” #yankees
GreenBeret7 February 9th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
Ohlendorff wins arbitration case. Will they now trade him?
**************
I would welcome him back
I was sad they traded him
eboland11 Cervelli spent 2 months in Dominican over winter with Cano: “Good friend, good teacher.”
re-post
The Yankee hierarchy is not aloof of what Cashman has been doing since given broader responsibility as the health of George Steinbrenner was declining.
They’re fully aware of how the farm system has shown fruition after so many years of it being stripped. They’re also aware of 2011 and 2012 being a less than stellar free agent class and how some of the sterling prospects with reach the major leagues on or about 2012 and in some cases sooner.
Cashman’s job is not in jeopardy regardless of how the 2011 season fares.
Erica, Ohlendorff could do at least as well as the others fighting for the 4 and 5 slots, I think. It’s about buying time for the youngsters.
A Joba question? Really? We haven’t beat that dead horse for months already?
Fanhouse released their top 100 prospects. 5 Yankees:
Montero #4
Banuelos #13
Sanchez #34
Betances #44 (one spot behind Tony Sanchez at #43)
Brackman #60
# Asd February 9th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
A Joba question? Really? We haven’t beat that dead horse for months already?
——————–
He’s the gift that keeps on giving lol
LGY: From a distance looks like Chip is reported to the blog dumber this morning. Trying to confirm.
LGY: Chip says he enrolled in PSAT prep clas last night.Feeling smarter. Draw conclusions as you see fit.
Law ranked Banuelos #12 but a #13 ranking by Piliere carries more weight with me….lot of good pitching prospects he’s ranked ahead of on that list…..pretty exciting.
pat & GB7 -
Thanks for the laughs. I’m feeling better. Gotta bookmark that YouTube thingie!
****
The writers’ tweets are also oddly amusing, too.
****
It sounds like there’s a lot of early action down in Tampa. Yay!
LGY February 9th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
LGY: From a distance looks like Chip is reported to the blog dumber this morning. Trying to confirm.
LGY: Chip says he enrolled in PSAT prep clas last night.Feeling smarter. Draw conclusions as you see fit.
—————————————–
When attempting to mock the intelligence of others you might want to think about not flooding your post with typos.
Kinda brings to mind an old saying about pots and kettles of a certain color.
The tweet that launched a thousand twits?
Wave Your Hat February 9th, 2011 at 11:37 am
“I don’t think there’s any chance Cashman gets fired after this year – unless the Yankees completely bottom out and finish third or fourth in the division.”
“If Cashman’s not with the Yankees next year it will be because he walked away – not because he was fired.”
______________________________________
Since I was premising the argument on the Yanks not making the post-season, and since second place in the AL East has usually made the post-season, I don’t think you are even thinking about what you arguing about.
————————————
well you got part of that right – you don’t think.
Tom in N.J. February 9th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
The tweet that launched a thousand twits?
——————
Tom – as a Yankee fan I don’t find anything wrong with getting annoyed over the possibility of Joba, in what is a make or break year for him, coming in out of shape.
I’ve said numerous times that perhaps I overreacted and should have waited before reacting to Costello’s comment; but you know what – I’m not going to apologize for my opinion that Chamberlain hasn’t done a single thing since 2007 to earn him the benefit of the doubt when it comes to his off season work ethic.
Each year he has come in to camp in worse shape than the year before.
Pilliere had 4 Yankees (2 C’s and 2 B’s
) in his top 50.
http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/0.....re_twitter
Doreen,
It almost sounds like mother-in-law problems which I didn’t have, but I am mighty careful what I say to my daughter-in-law and she is a sweet heart. I hope you can get things under control. You sound like the most level-headed person I know.
Pat,
And two Pirates! lol
Interestingly, my nephew is catching Tallion’s BP today.
The Yankees have had pitchers recently who showed up for ST in the best shape of their lives (BSOHL!) and it didn’t help their pitching a lick.
Too much focus on weight instead of conditioning here.
SJ,
doesn’t sound like Tony is too far from Pittsburg. Read some good things about him this winter and saw him briefly in the AFL on TV…….sounds great, let’s hope he faces pitchers with a little better control this year!
SJ
I saw Tony in the Top 50. Congrats. It has to be nice for him (and you) to see all the hours invested paying dividends.
Pat,
Bingo. It isn’t about weight. It’s all about conditioning. I think folks miss that point.
There isn’t any evidence Joba isn’t in condition to pitch. Until there is, I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Blake,
This is an important year for him.
The Pirates 2 catchers are both FA’s at the end of the season.
In a perfect world, per Pat M’s prediction on draft night 2009, He could be in Pittsburgh at some point next season.
Altoona is in a pitchers league. If he can handle the staff well,a DN swing the stick good enough to possibly finish the year in AAA, that would be huge for him.
“i find this an odd thing to say because the blog seems 95% pro cashman to me.”
It may seem that way because so much of the anti-Cashman sentiment here is so nit-picky, irrational, and unhinged, there’s often a pro-Cashman backlash.
When someone says something ridiculous and/or stupid about Cashman, the normal response is to defend him rather than replying with a more valid criticism.
SJ44 February 9th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
Pat,
Bingo. It isn’t about weight. It’s all about conditioning. I think folks miss that point.
There isn’t any evidence Joba isn’t in condition to pitch. Until there is, I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
——————–
I’m willing to keep an open mind on this – but what has Joba done to earn that benefit of the doubt?
I found Chad’s final Pettitte answer funny… Paraphrasing: ‘If the Yankees get to that point (mid- to late-season) and still need pitching, are they really going to turn to a 39-year-old who hasn’t pitched in nearly a year???
Correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t old guys who haven’t played in a long time EXACTLY the type of players Brian Cashman has been repeatedly signing all winter???
“what has Joba done to earn that benefit of the doubt?”
—————————————————————
A – FREAKING – MEN!
Thank you Pat.
It’s a shame he lost half a season to injury last year.
In a way though, it’s been a blessing in disguise.
He’s really focused heading into camp. More of a professional and less of a college attitude.
Very businesslike.
I think spending a few weeks training with a couple of Yankees really helped him. More mentally than anything else.
More like he feels he belongs now, if that makes sense.
His weight is back to pre-injury levels and he got great insight this winter in terms of how to handle a pitching staff, gamecalling, and how to handle the life of being a catcher in the pros.
It’s so much more detailed than many fans believe.
He’s being force fed……much more than Montero for example.
That’s because, between college and HS ball, he’s probably caught 150 more games than Montero has since they were both 16 years old.
Even with that, there is a lot of pressure to live up to the hype, and he’s in a low pressure city, compared to NY.
It’s a tough position for young players to master professionally.
i care how chamberlain throws, i couldnt care less about his weight.
he’s going to throw about 15 pitches every other day. i really dont think the gut has anything to do with it.
SAS -
Thank you.
Without going into detail we didn’t do enough due diligence before we chose a roommate. I have a tendency to “give the benefit of the doubt,” and this time it came back to bite us. I told my husband, who doesn’t worry about being “nice,” that he has final say on choosing a new roommate – and yes, it has gotten to that.
Thanks for the chat and views, guys. Much appreciated.
YankeesNmore February 9th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
“what has Joba done to earn that benefit of the doubt?”
—————————————————————
A – FREAKING – MEN!
————————–
awww crud. This is like finding out that Bernie Madoff if the only person who doesn’t think your business practices are shady.
And now Cashman has agreed to terms with Luis Ayala… Another 30-something who didn’t pitch in the majors AT ALL last season, and SUCKED in 2009!
BRILLIANT!
Mark Prior, Ronnie Belliard, Eric Chavez, Russell Martin, Andruw Jones, Freddy Garcia, Bartolo Colon, and now Luis Ayala.
What a wonderful winter for Brian Cashman.
We are, as I have said before, one Flux Capacitor away from being pretty damned good.
I’m sure Joba is in good enough shape to be an effective reliever.
As far as I’m concerned though, every ballplayer should treat their fitness like A-rod does. It’s part of your job, get in the best shape possible.
YankeesNmore February 9th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
I found Chad’s final Pettitte answer funny… Paraphrasing: ‘If the Yankees get to that point (mid- to late-season) and still need pitching, are they really going to turn to a 39-year-old who hasn’t pitched in nearly a year???
Correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t old guys who haven’t played in a long time EXACTLY the type of players Brian Cashman has been repeatedly signing all winter???
———————-
No it isn’t.
Freddy Garcia pitched all of last season.
Bartolo Colon pitched in winter ball.
Really the only guy who didn’t do much pitching in the last year was Mark Prior.
Joba looks little chubby to me. As to how that correlates to pitching I have no idea. I would imaging it differs from one individual to another. But Wockeez does looks little out of shape. But the… I tend to think of baseball players as baseball player and not always great athletes.
Chip, i will give you garcia. But Colon seem like a stretch to me after god knows how long of a hiatus. Never mind when he was lastly effective.
SJ
Your job is now to remind him to say within himself, cheer loudly and pray alot.
You’re welcome, Doreen. Nothing better than a lighter mood after some of the other stuff from last night and earlier today. Bob and Doug McKenzie (Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis) are great viewing. I always liked the SCTV better than Saturday Night Live, especially when they started changing the cast. John Candy and the others were as good as it got back then.
Bartolo Colon pitched in winter ball.
——————————————————
That’s the same as the majors…
When was the last time Bartolo Colon pitched in the major leagues?
What about Luis Ayala?
Eric Chavez has played a TOTAL of 64 games the last THREE YEARS.
Fact of the matter is, the large majority of the players Brian Cashman has signed this winter either have not played in the majors for a year or more, have SUCKED when they did, or some combination of both.
SJ,
Yea from everything you read it sounds like he is their catcher of the future. Hope he has a good year and that begins in 2012 for him…..the Pirates are making small strides towards being decent. They sure have a nice ballpark.
its really sad that ynm ISNT a troll. how anyone could be that negative and hatefull toward a team he professes to root for is beyind my ability to comprehend.
any sane person who loathes his own team that much would just give it up or switch to another team or sport or take up stamp collecting. but this guy prefers to wallow in mysery and loathing like golum in mordor.
i might feel bad for him if he weren’t so annoying.
SJ, going on the assumption that Ryan Doumit is going to be moved by mid-summer, do you think that nephew goes up to Pittsburgh or still things to work on, like Montero and Romine?
Nick in SF February 9th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
“i find this an odd thing to say because the blog seems 95% pro cashman to me.”
It may seem that way because so much of the anti-Cashman sentiment here is so nit-picky, irrational, and unhinged, there’s often a pro-Cashman backlash.
When someone says something ridiculous and/or stupid about Cashman, the normal response is to defend him rather than replying with a more valid criticism.
***
At least for me, this hits the nail on the head.
Ys Guy
he has yet to mention a player he actually likes, so I am not sure how much of a fan he is
Pat,
Exactly! lol
I know everybody has the right to create a blog.
However, it would be nice to have some concept of what you are talking about.
To lose your mind over non roster invites shows everybody you haven’t the slightest clue about the business of baseball.
These are no risk signings that cost the Yankees NOTHING but ST meal money.
Nobody is building a team around them.
The daily, hysterical, fan boy nonsense you spam this blog with daily only shows folks in here how little you know about the game.
It’s funny in a way how someone is so committed to showing an audience just how how dumb he is.
Last time I saw someone that committed to such a “noble” goal was Tom Arnold.
I don’t “loathe” the Yankees, I despise the general manager. Big difference.
And what in the hell is a “golum in mordor”? lol
Amazing that so many “fans” want to pull the cork on Chamberlain because he “sucks” but only want to trade him for top tier talent. The guy is 25 years old. Just a bit too early to toss in into the garbage.
GB,
I think he stays in the minors all season.
He still has things he needs to work on.
Best case scenario for me would be half the season in AA and the second half in AAA.
If/when they move Doumit, who has been a great help to Tony, I suspect they will have Jason Jaramillio (the only other C they have on the 40 man) take his place.
this is the internet, look it up!
You despise the GM out of stupidity and it shows with eveyone of your stalking posts.
Perhaps one day you will have an actual point to the stalking posts.
Now? It comes off as cartoonish, fan boy rantings that hold little or no value.
I always thought it was ‘gollum’ … I think Tolkien use it as reference to guttural sound that Smeagol made… He was quite a linguist on par with Nabokov.
“To lose your mind over non roster invites shows everybody you haven’t the slightest clue about the business of baseball.
These are no risk signings that cost the Yankees NOTHING but ST meal money.
Nobody is building a team around them.”
————————————————————————–
They’re not???
Could’a fooled me. Near as I can tell, Cashman’s last 15 months have been SO ridiculous, the Yankees currently have ONE reliable starter and now forced to count on at least SOME of these “no-risk signings” to play a role, perhaps even a signifcant role.
Cashman signed Russel Martin to be the starting catcher, did he not? Last time I checked, Martin has been hurt much of the last 2+ seasons and hasn’t been any good for at least 3.
And if guys like Colon and/or Garcia don’t step up, we’re left with some the likes of Sergio Mitre and Ivan Nova.
If you can’t see the similarities between 2011 and 2008, you’re not paying attention.
i went to ynm’s blog a while back. it is well laid out, has a ton of info and he keeps it updated very well, it would be a good secondary source for yankees info, but he keeps coming on here and making himself look like a hatefull clown, so nobody ever goes to his blog.
all that work down the crapper b/c he has branded himself as a semi-troll. not quite the buisness plan i’d go for, but you know what forrest gump said….
Thanks, SJ. Looking forward to his games against Trenton (or is he in the Southern League in 2011?). Should be an interesting duel between he and Romine. Romine needs to reestablish his game on defense, I think. Not worried about his bat.
Ys Guy February 9th, 2011 at 1:06 pm
i care how chamberlain throws, i couldnt care less about his weight.
he’s going to throw about 15 pitches every other day. i really dont think the gut has anything to do with it.
——————
You’re certainly entitled to that opinion.
I just think, if it’s true that he’s not in shape, that it is a symptom of a bigger problem.
If in the span of one year you went from potential starter to middle reliever one would think that pride and competative nature would inspire you to bust your butt that winter to come back and show everyone that the year before was a blip on the radar.
if it’s true that he’s not in shape, that it is a symptom of a bigger problem.
—————-
booze and food?
as i said, i dont care about chamberlain’s girth. that does not mean that i put any faith in the conflicting reports about how he looked today. i dont believe he is not in shape, in fact, since he said he built a gym, and is in camp a week early, i expect that he is probably in great shape.
but i just don’t think it matters what his weight is.
GreenBeret7 February 9th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
Amazing that so many “fans” want to pull the cork on Chamberlain because he “sucks” but only want to trade him for top tier talent. The guy is 25 years old. Just a bit too early to toss in into the garbage.
———————–
As one who is very nearly ready to pull the plug on Joba I feel it’s important to point out that I don’t believe the Yankees could get top level talent for him.
I think he can be a part of a larger trade package that gets a good player; but on his own? I think the Yankees would be lucky right now to get a guy in a similar situation – a player who was once highly thought of but has fallen off in recent years – think Alex Gordon type.
He was quite a linguist on par with Nabokov.
——————–
I’ll take Anthony Burgess for the win.
(thumbs up on Nabokov, btw – an absolute genius.)
# YankeesNmore February 9th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
I don’t “loathe” the Yankees, I despise the general manager. Big difference.
And what in the hell is a “golum in mordor”? lol
————————————————————
Helpful link…
http://tinyurl.com/4v4wt6u
if it’s true that he’s not in shape, that it is a symptom of a bigger problem.
—————-
booze and food?
———————————-
I would lean more towards crappy work ethic… No control of booze and food are simply a symptom of that problem.
Joba has come across as a guy who “made it” for years. He acts as if his spot on the roster is guaranteed, and the Yankees have validated that thought-process by refusing to option him to the minors, despite being given NUMEROUS opportunities to do so.
All you need to know about jon heyman. Says he’s a proponent of new-age numbers but, bangs Ohlendorff’s win in arbitration with a 1-11 record.
GB,
He will start out at Altoona in the EL.
There is nothing about this team that resembles 2008.
Was there a first baseman as good as Tex on the 2008 team? Nope.
A CF as good as Granderson? Nope.
A RF as good as Swisher? Nope.
A #1 starter as good as Sabathia? Nope.
A fully developed Cano? Nope.
4-6 young arms knocking at the door? Nope.
The 4th best prospect in MLB possibly being called up at sometime this year? Nope.
A 24 year old, all star #2 or #3 starter? Nope.
If you honestly believe this team resembles 2008, I would submit it’s you who isn’t paying attention.
Cashmoney February 9th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
Chip, i will give you garcia. But Colon seem like a stretch to me after god knows how long of a hiatus. Never mind when he was lastly effective.
———————
It’s a no risk move.
I don’t think there has ever been a minor league signing that was worth getting in a twist over.
If I had to rank the “high profile” minor league signings in terms of their potential for making the club I would say:
Garcia
Chavez
Prior
Sisco
Belliard
Colon
Anderson
Ayala
Mr Nick-
If you are around, I just sent you an e-mail
thanks rodg! and sorry about misspelling gollum but misspelling is pretty much what i do….
# YankeesNmore February 9th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
I don’t “loathe” the Yankees, I despise the general manager. Big difference.
And what in the hell is a “golum in mordor”? lol
————————————————————
Helpful link…
http://tinyurl.com/4v4wt6u
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Had I been forced to guess, I actually would have gone with some sort of Dungeons and Dragons or Lord of the Rings type of nonsense.
Thanks again for nephew update, SJ.
# Ys Guy February 9th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
as i said, i dont care about chamberlain’s girth. that does not mean that i put any faith in the conflicting reports about how he looked today. i dont believe he is not in shape, in fact, since he said he built a gym, and is in camp a week early, i expect that he is probably in great shape.
but i just don’t think it matters what his weight is.
——————————————–
I always believed who cares what weight he is as long as his arm is healthy but as the season went along I thought he can stand to lose a few pounds. He’s never going to be Jeter in terms of his weight but if he can get back to his 2007 weight then it might help him in the long run.
YNm that’s a logical assertion , but not a definitive conclusion. U r welcome to train of thought of course.
Belliard has no spot on the Yankees. The only position that he can play competently is second base, and i think he’s blocked there.
YNM’s “train of thought” was derailed at least 5 years ago.
Hard, Can’t say i am familiar with his body of work… A clockwork orange? I say nabokov because English was his third language (kinda like Conrad in that sense), his masterful command of it’s usage is something to be recognized.
People do know that muscle weighs more than fat? So a # for his weight won’t necessarily tell you much.
Doreen,
Sorry you have stressful issues in your life right now. Here’s my suggestion for some youtube laughs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwQHxI7A0BQ
SJ-
Well stated. The other question for YNM is, who would you have acquired? Almost every “available” player came either with a degree of injury risk or would have cost too much either in dollars or prospects vis-a-vis their level of performance. I happen to think the Garcia signing will end up being a productive move. Colon is a low risk gamble and the other veterans are in camp to make the other young bench players work harder.
Muscle can definitely look like fat. Phil looks awfully heavy when you see him and if you didn’t know it was muscle, you’d think he was fat. I think there’s such a thing as too much muscle……….. In any case, I’m glad Joba gained muscle, not fat, weight – but he’s still overweight based on what he looked like in 2007. Back then he was lean – now he’s just round all over the place.
i think one thing that works against chamberlain is the fact that he cant tie his shoe without someone criticizing the way he did it. the guy must feel like he’s in a glass box all the time. how’s his weight, is he fist-pumping, is he injured, did they ruin him, should he start or close, what was the velocity of the last fastball he threw, has he been drinking, etc, etc, etc.
i realize there’s not much to talk about until games start so speculation about player’s physique seems like some indicator of what kind of year a guy is going to have, but really, its not.
i say let chamberlain go about his buisness like all the other pitchers, let him get loose, let him make a few ST appearances and then decide if you like what you see. if not, so what he’s a middle reliever and there are a ton more available. this team isnt going to succeed or fail based on chamberlain’s weight, just leave him be and let him get on with getting ready for the season.
I think, if healthy (say even for 3/4 a season), Garcia will put up some respectable numbers in BP or spot starting. feel the same about Chris Young of the Mets.
Re: Ross Ohlendorf
It’s doubtful that the Yankees make a move to re-acquire him until it’s seen what shakes out by the last full week of March when the 2nd wave of cuts happen.
(IF) he’s still available and the need is there, he could be a good thought provided it can be worked out reasonably with Pittsburgh.
That’s a bit of an urban legend about Nabokov – he actually learned to speak and write English as a very young child. That doesn’t diminish his staggering ability as a novelist & linguist, though.
There’s another fascinating element to Nabokov. He was a world-renowned expert on butterflies. In fact, he posited a theory on a breed of butterfly and how they were able to colonize over a vast distance.
During his day his theory was either ridiculed or ignored. A group of a scientists recently discovered that he was 100% correct, and he was completely vindicated:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02.....erfly.html
What an amazing mind…
(Burgess did write A Clockwork Orange, but more impressive than that benchmark was the fact that he created an entire pre-historic language for the movie “A Quest For Fire”. Check out his wiki pg if you get a chance.)
The worst thing about Ronnie Belliard signing with the Yankees is that team hair rules will prevent him from going with what I like to call his “Mini-Manny look,” which is the most amusing thing he does on a baseball field.
As for the lot of who is more of polish lump of coal of Belliard, Chavez, I prefer Aybar over both of them. In any cases, it’s much ado with nothing. Nunez might be the best option if the NYY is only carrying one back up inf. I have mentioned Felipe Lopez’s name in the past, but I think he is with Tampa, hence a moot point.
Thx for the info, I was aware of Nabokov’s love affair with butterflies but never read his take on the particulars … will look up ‘ A quest for fire’.
Pale Fire…
http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/.....3zIYQGjCVL
Clare -
Thanks!
Now I think I’ve seen it all.
i loved “A Clockwork Orange” but prefer the Gene Kelly version of “Singing In the Rain.”
It’s actually a better read than flick (which is saying something.) Just make sure to get a copy that has the Nadsat glossary included.
If you forget about past expectations with Joba and just focus on the present then there is really no reason he can’t be one of the better if not the best 6th or 7th inning guys in the league. If he’s not going to start and they can’t trade him for good value then perhaps that’s what we should focus on…..he was really good at times last year, a little more consistency and he could help form an absolute lights out back end of the pen.
No disrespect in anyway Blake but is him being a middle reliever really something to get excited about?
or look forward too
Odds, not really – I didn’t even think he was that good last year. Still, 2011 is a new year and everyone gets to start over.
Against all,
I mean not really but its the reality of the situation. If he’s a good middle reliever then he can help the team in a significant way so I do think that’s important. I just think the “what could have been” stuff with Joba is always the focus…..when the only thing that really matters is how he can help the team now.
Too bad that Michael Young has no outfield experience aside from one inning in the minors. he’d make a good Randy Velarde type…other than salary.
Bluster Only says that Yanks aren’t expected to pusue him.
Really going out on a limb with that one, Bluster.
im with blake, i’m just hoping chamberlain can do a good job in middle relief this season, thats all. if we hold him up against being mo or being a top of the rotation starter, he’s going to come up short. if he has a good year this year, then next year he probably becomes the set-up man, but for now, just a good solid year where he is, throwing good pitches and getting guys out in critical situations is all im looking for.
Chavez is officially a Yankee farm hand. If he makes the roster, he gets $1.5 mil.
Tom in N.J. February 9th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
Pale Fire…
///
Speak, Memory…
# Betsy February 9th, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Odds, not really – I didn’t even think he was that good last year. Still, 2011 is a new year and everyone gets to start over.
——————————————–
I will be rooting for him despite still be angry about how all of this played out.
Chavez made one of the best plays I’ve ever seen a few years back when he was with the A’s….sliding into the dugout play…..he was an unreal defended before all the injuries.
If Chamberlain is a key to chopping these games down to 5 and 6 inning games and has a big year, yeah, he’s very important.
Do 6th inning guy’s get their own entrance music? Joba always came in to the game to “Shout at the Devil”
Seems inappropriate to give a middle reliever his own music.
# blake February 9th, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Against all,
I mean not really but its the reality of the situation. If he’s a good middle reliever then he can help the team in a significant way so I do think that’s important. I just think the “what could have been” stuff with Joba is always the focus…..when the only thing that really matters is how he can help the team now.
————————————————
True I guess I just have to adjust to what he is but that’s probably not going to happen unfortunately.
If Joba pitches well — really well — then it would be pretty exciting, even if it’s in middle relief, because that would help the Yankees win games and it could open up avenues for other ways to use him.
wow, the blog has been over run by the resident pharisees today. the joba-hate is thick,mainly from the same few sources braying on & on.let’s shoot him at dawn and be done with it.better yet,let’s shoot you!
.
Blake, always saw him as a Rolen/Nettles type player. Power,,,nose in the dirt type. His body just played games with him.
That was Eric Duncan’s problems, too. He just never got the chance to stay healthy. His back never allowed it. Duncan had the skills…just not the health.
My expectation for Wockeez is pretty low at this point, I hope he will be pleasantly surprise. He is a useful piece even in his 6-7 inning role. I think 3/4 time Wockeez were very good, 1/4 of time he was ugly. So I am holding the same expectation about him this year. His meteoric rise was glorious in 07. but it was ephemeral and frankly a small sample. Injury in 2008 could be a contributing factor. But overall, I take Joba as he comes. Of course,I hope he does something exciting… The Bs ,others and Montero are some of ppl i am looking forward to possibly seeing in 11.
Nick in SF February 9th, 2011 at 2:24 pm
If Joba pitches well — really well — then it would be pretty exciting, even if it’s in middle relief, because that would help the Yankees win games and it could open up avenues for other ways to use him.
///
If Joba Chamberlain picks up where he left off, experiencing another uptick in speed, & Rothschild can help him repeat his delivery & get over the top once again consistently,not looking at a revisit to eventual starting would just be weird.To me,if those things occur, the other avenue to open up to is a one-way street…to the rotation.no sense in wasting what Chamberlain, at optimal effectiveness,could brrrrrring.
Closer talent in the 6th or 7th inning certainly isn’t a bad thing.
GB,
Yea I don’t know what he has left but before all the injuries he was a real good player with a nice swing. Good flyer pick up by the Yanks.
When Greg Golson has pinch-running entrance music, THEN they will have gone too far.
# J. Alfred Prufrock February 9th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
Nick in SF February 9th, 2011 at 2:24 pm
If Joba pitches well — really well — then it would be pretty exciting, even if it’s in middle relief, because that would help the Yankees win games and it could open up avenues for other ways to use him.
///
If Joba Chamberlain picks up where he left off, experiencing another uptick in speed, & Rothschild can help him repeat his delivery & get over the top once again consistently,not looking at a revisit to eventual starting would just be weird.To me,if those things occur, the other avenue to open up to is a one-way street…to the rotation.no sense in wasting what Chamberlain, at optimal effectiveness,could brrrrrring.
————————————————-
The fight continues
Pharisees?
Cool.
We’re one small step from me being able to work a “Smomer Shabbaz” reference somewhere in here.
Golson is golden.I love that kid & wish they’d school his stick more.he has no weakness defensively that I can see.
Bronx Jeers February 9th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
Pharisees?
Cool.
We’re one small step from me being able to work a “Smomer Shabbaz” reference somewhere in here.
///
Hey dude, just trying to keep the theme goin.the other day, cashmoney wanted to trade Jesus for the entire Gaza Strip.I considered it,realizing it made a certain amount of historical sense,but ultimately rejected it,since Jesus will probably prove more stable,even behind the plate.
Ironic all the heat (pun intended) that Joba gets, considering although not my choice, Joba is actually doing a decent job in his MR role. Anyone else ever look at reliever stats, and how bad most of them are? and how inconsistent they can be from year to year? Joba, although wasted in the pen, has actually been rather consistent. The second half of the 2010 season when he was at his least popular from the fanbase, Joba was especially very good w/a 79OPS+ against, and very good K rates throughout the year: 9.7 2nd half, (9.6 first half). His BB rates were up in second half, but his second half WHIP was 1.078 and his FIP in 2010 (for the stat heads) was 2.98. So, his numbers are much better than people give him credit for.
Joba may not be the 2007 Joba, but he is doing a good job. Alas, Joba still should have gotten the chance and would have more value as a starter. Note his good 2008 SP numbers (a constant omission or revisionist history here by some).
blake February 9th, 2011 at 2:30 pm
Closer talent in the 6th or 7th inning certainly isn’t a bad thing.
GB,
Yea I don’t know what he has left but before all the injuries he was a real good player with a nice swing. Good flyer pick up by the Yanks.
the Chavez as a Yankee prior to Rodriguez would have been a YS killer. He didn’t do too badly in that airport in Oakland, either.
yankeefeminista February 9th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
Note his good 2008 SP numbers (a constant omission or revisionist history here by some).
———————————–
he started in 08?????
J. Alfred Prufrock February 9th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
Tom in N.J. February 9th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
Pale Fire…
///
Speak, Memory…
_____
Bend, Sinister
Swisher isn’t an absolute butcher @1B, but you’d have to think Chavez would be a defensive upgrade over him when they need to give Tex some rest.
Yankeefem,
Yea that was part of my point as well. Most middle relievers in baseball are awful and not all that talented….the Yanks have two very talented guys (Joba and Robertson) in those roles. If Joba did vet it together this year then their own could be a monster to get through.
The fight continues
////
.
I must SEE EVIDENCE that he cannot start.like they say in Missouri,SHOW ME
*if Joba did get it together their pen could be a monster *
Tex played 156 and 158 games in 2009 and 2010 respectively. If the Yankees carry Chavez on the roster it wouldn’t be to give Tex rest.
hardwired7 February 9th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
When Greg Golson has pinch-running entrance music, THEN they will have gone too far.
************************
Would his entrance song be “Should I stay or should I go” by the Clash?
Swish actually looks pretty brutal playing 1B. Always an adventure.
I guess that of all of the bargin signings that NYYs made this year, Brian Anderson and andrew Sisco will be the two to really watch at Scranton.
In NYY, my money is on Garcia and Chavez. Colon as a curiosity.
throw enough crap against the wall in time something will stick
Garcia
Chavez
Prior
Sisco
Belliard
Colon
Anderson
Ayala
# GreenBeret7 February 9th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
I guess that of all of the bargin signings that NYYs made this year, Brian Anderson and andrew Sisco will be the two to really watch at Scranton.
In NYY, my money is on Garcia and Chavez. Colon as a curiosity.
———————————————–
really going out on a limb here
yankeefeminista February 9th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
Ironic all the heat (pun intended) that Joba gets, considering although not my choice, Joba is actually doing a decent job in his MR role. Anyone else ever look at reliever stats, and how bad most of them are? and how inconsistent they can be from year to year? Joba, although wasted in the pen, has actually been rather consistent. The second half of the 2010 season when he was at his least popular from the fanbase, Joba was especially very good w/a 79OPS+ against, and very good K rates throughout the year: 9.7 2nd half, (9.6 first half). His BB rates were up in second half, but his second half WHIP was 1.078 and his FIP in 2010 (for the stat heads) was 2.98. So, his numbers are much better than people give him credit for.
Joba may not be the 2007 Joba, but he is doing a good job. Alas, Joba still should have gotten the chance and would have more value as a starter. Note his good 2008 SP numbers (a constant omission or revisionist history here by some)
///
yea his numbers last yr are good.in addition to what you cite,Joba was sitting 94.6 & topping out at 97,98,99, after sitting at 92.5 in ’09.Yet Cashman was content to throw out his ’09 velocity,a difference of 2.1 mph (uhh, HU-UGE) less than what’s most current,which,I thought,was kinda strange.What his velo would rest at as a starter is something the yankees aren’t going to allow to be discovered,of course, but any increase is noteworthy & indicates the arm got stronger from one season to the next.
Jesus will probably prove more stable,even behind the plate.
——————————————————————————————–
Plus, unlike the original, he can hit a curveball.
I liked Golson as well. I was watching top 100 defensive plays and his gun-down of Crawford was like #10. He makes it look easy out there.
“Would his entrance song be “Should I stay or should I go” by the Clash?”
nice choice.
I’d go with “Run Like Hell” by Pink Floyd.
If Garcia is healthy he will make the team as a starter. Other than that I think it’s a crapshoot
Joba will have a lower ERA than Soriano this year.
blake February 9th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
Yankeefem,
Yea that was part of my point as well. Most middle relievers in baseball are awful and not all that talented….the Yanks have two very talented guys (Joba and Robertson) in those roles. If Joba did vet it together this year then their own could be a monster to get through.
_____
Right, so if we have to accept a different kind of value, Joba as MR, we should at least see him objectively for how he has performed in that role, and acknowledge that he has done a good job. I agree that Joba should at least get the credit he deserves for the role assigned to him, not for a role he is not be asked to perform.
LGY,
Alfonso or Rafael?
*been* asked
J. Alfred Prufrock February 9th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
yea his numbers last yr are good.in addition to what you cite,Joba was sitting 94.6 & topping out at 97,98,99, after sitting at 92.5 in ’09.Yet Cashman was content to throw out his ’09 velocity,a difference of 2.1 mph (uhh, HU-UGE) less than what’s most current,which,I thought,was kinda strange.What his velo would rest at as a starter is something the yankees aren’t going to allow to be discovered,of course, but any increase is noteworthy & indicates the arm got stronger from one season to the next.
______
Yep, 2 mph bump in velocity with pretty decent control is a big positive.
Speaking of the Garcia surname, did the live chat have any update on Christian’s health? I saw someone had asked that question, but didn’t know what the answer was.
Quoting Joba’s velocity as a starter and comparing it to him as a reliever is a bad idea
Against All Odds February 9th, 2011 at 2:43 pm
yankeefeminista February 9th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
Note his good 2008 SP numbers (a constant omission or revisionist history here by some).
———————————–
he started in 08?????
_____
:Scratches head: Dang, now maybe ma memory ain’t so good no more.;)
Yes Joba started in 2008, during his time as a starter he was one of the best in the league. Then he hurt his shoulder and hasn’t been the same since
NJ has been on the field in 59 games in two years compared to Chavez who’s been on the field 60 times in three years…..Chances of him playing a full year with the Yankees is zero..
I’d like to see Kevin Long get a chance to spend some time with Cody Johnson and fix that hole in his swing. Big, strong and young. huge power, but, a lot of strikeouts and for a big guy, he runs well. Not much of an outfielder, but, he could and should get better. Hard to ignore those moon shots in Savannah and Charleston, though. Impressive distances.
# J. Alfred Prufrock February 9th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
The fight continues
////
.
I must SEE EVIDENCE that he cannot start.like they say in Missouri,SHOW ME
——————————————————————-
He would have to have his arm literally fall off lol
I doubt Chavez even makes the team, but it’s possible if they plan on resting A-rod a lot. I’d rather have Chavez playing 3rd base every fifth day if the alternative is Pena or Nunez.
Patrick,
I think that’s exactly why they signed him…..to see if he’s got enough left to give them more at 3rd than Nunez when Arod needs a day off…..
Patrick February 9th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
Quoting Joba’s velocity as a starter and comparing it to him as a reliever is a bad idea
///
you make a reasonable point but his velo out of the pen in the ’09 playoffs wasn’t as oomphy as it was last year,& though he had technically started the whole season & you could say some fatigue would be a factor,he was on that ridiculous “short starts” schedule & wasn’t exactly allowed to air it out.Also,the ball showed more late life & movement at times in 2010, more like the old or ‘young’ joba,whereas in ’09 he was pretty flat with the FB in postseason,even when he was 96-97 (which he topped out at,as I recall).
He had more snap,more life,more speed.His arm looked like it had gained some strength & his mechanics looked much better.To me,that indicates better health.
# J. Alfred Prufrock February 9th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
yankeefeminista February 9th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
Ironic all the heat (pun intended) that Joba gets, considering although not my choice, Joba is actually doing a decent job in his MR role. Anyone else ever look at reliever stats, and how bad most of them are? and how inconsistent they can be from year to year? Joba, although wasted in the pen, has actually been rather consistent. The second half of the 2010 season when he was at his least popular from the fanbase, Joba was especially very good w/a 79OPS+ against, and very good K rates throughout the year: 9.7 2nd half, (9.6 first half). His BB rates were up in second half, but his second half WHIP was 1.078 and his FIP in 2010 (for the stat heads) was 2.98. So, his numbers are much better than people give him credit for.
Joba may not be the 2007 Joba, but he is doing a good job. Alas, Joba still should have gotten the chance and would have more value as a starter. Note his good 2008 SP numbers (a constant omission or revisionist history here by some)
///
yea his numbers last yr are good.in addition to what you cite,Joba was sitting 94.6 & topping out at 97,98,99, after sitting at 92.5 in ’09.Yet Cashman was content to throw out his ’09 velocity,a difference of 2.1 mph (uhh, HU-UGE) less than what’s most current,which,I thought,was kinda strange.What his velo would rest at as a starter is something the yankees aren’t going to allow to be discovered,of course, but any increase is noteworthy & indicates the arm got stronger from one season to the next.
——————————
That’s what I felt would happen after the injury he sustained in 09. It would take him a couple of yrs to completely strengthen his shoulder. Look at guys like Verlander and Liriano…it took them a while to regain their form.
I’d love to see Chavez healthy and productive for them. And they could use a lefty with pop on the bench.
Against All Odds February 9th, 2011 at 3:10 pm
# J. Alfred Prufrock February 9th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
The fight continues
////
I must SEE EVIDENCE that he cannot start.like they say in Missouri,SHOW ME .
——————————————————————-
He would have to have his arm literally fall off lol
///
that would do it, alright,lol. The thing is,the opposite seemed to be happening last yr. I did see an arm that looked like it might be coming around to a better state of health.
Blake
Lol
# yankeefeminista February 9th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
Against All Odds February 9th, 2011 at 2:43 pm
yankeefeminista February 9th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
Note his good 2008 SP numbers (a constant omission or revisionist history here by some).
———————————–
he started in 08?????
_____
:Scratches head: Dang, now maybe ma memory ain’t so good no more.;)
————————————-
Lol, if he started I’m sure ppl would bring it up. For example he started in 09 and that’s the only thing ppl reference when it comes to being a starter. No *shakes head* no you must be yankeefeminista there is no way he started that yr because no one ever repeat ever brings it up.
Yes, Bumgarner especially comes to mind. He was 89.2 FB ’09, and was damned to hell. But in 2010 his velo was back up to 91.3.
That’s what I felt would happen after the injury he sustained in 09. It would take him a couple of yrs to completely strengthen his shoulder. Look at guys like Verlander and Liriano…it took them a while to regain their form.
///
Liriano,VErlander,and less established guys like Morrow,Bumgarner.what’s gnawing is I just don’t buy the yankees’ explanation,because it is so preclusive of ANY future at starting.My hunch is they don’t care to spend the time building him back up over time,as per your examples,& that’s just so disappointing of them.
LGY,
I do like the confidence in Jobber…..why not. Im interested to see how he responds to a full season in which he knows his role going into ST. I saw enough in flashes from him last year to know the dominant stuff is still there when he’s in sync mechanically…..if Rothschild can get that out on a more consistent basis then look out.
# J. Alfred Prufrock February 9th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
Against All Odds February 9th, 2011 at 3:10 pm
# J. Alfred Prufrock February 9th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
The fight continues
////
I must SEE EVIDENCE that he cannot start.like they say in Missouri,SHOW ME .
——————————————————————-
He would have to have his arm literally fall off lol
///
that would do it, alright,lol. The thing is,the opposite seemed to be happening last yr. I did see an arm that looked like it might be coming around to a better state of health.
——————————————
That’s a good thing no matter what role he’s in.
yankeefeminista February 9th, 2011 at 3:27 pm
Yes, Bumgarner especially comes to mind. He was 89.2 FB ’09, and was damned to hell. But in 2010 his velo was back up to 91.3.
///
I thought of him too,because here’s a guy who they were running down & who was dramatically a factor in the most recent World Series.the same stuff was said about his arm,ditto Morrow.
Patrick February 9th, 2011 at 3:05 pm
Yes Joba started in 2008, during his time as a starter he was one of the best in the league. Then he hurt his shoulder and hasn’t been the same since
///
well,awfully short leash to determine whether or not he could be the same in the future – that’s the problem.
well,awfully short leash to determine whether or not he could be the same in the future – that’s the problem.
—
The problem is he got injured and his velocity dropped across the board. His arm/body can’t handle a full starter workload so we will never know if he would have been a great starter.
# J. Alfred Prufrock February 9th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
That’s what I felt would happen after the injury he sustained in 09. It would take him a couple of yrs to completely strengthen his shoulder. Look at guys like Verlander and Liriano…it took them a while to regain their form.
///
Liriano,VErlander,and less established guys like Morrow,Bumgarner.what’s gnawing is I just don’t buy the yankees’ explanation,because it is so preclusive of ANY future at starting.My hunch is they don’t care to spend the time building him back up over time,as per your examples,& that’s just so disappointing of them.
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Yea maybe they don’t even want to go through the whole circus of starting him again. They did take a lot of heat for it and it was something that no one had ever seen before.
It’s funny a couple of yrs back a majority of ppl said pick a role and just stick with it. Now they have picked a role and a even someYankee fans that want him as a reliever question is this the right move?
His arm/body can’t handle a full starter workload
///
the problem I have with this is that we don’t really know that.If the Tigers,Twins,Blue Jays & Giants,to name a few,had folded on pitchers they had who had lost velo,suffered injuries,lost arm slot and became unglued,there would be no such thing as developing a starter.is it possible that the yanks have some other info that gives them the ammo to say ‘never’ with this guy?possible,but there’s nothing evidential to confirm that,just the usual delivery problems,velo drops,command issues that nearly every budding starter has experienced at some point.I think it’s more they’d rather take advantage of his arm in the BP rather than take their lumps in the slower,less immediately gratifying task of actually developing him.
Dumb question……
how can you be ‘Conditioned ” to pitch, yet fat?
Seriously…..
CC was Big or Fat last year? he looked fat to me….yet pitched great…
now he lost weight,,,why if he was conditioned?
Joba can be fatter looking, but is conditioned to pitch people say?
Dont both conditioning and good weight go together?
So why did CC lose weight?