Tuesday notes: Posada accepting and adjusting
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Notes on Feb 15, 2011 
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Sitting at his familiar locker in the back corner of the Yankees clubhouse, Jorge Posada seemed to be at ease with his new role. He did not appear agitated or frustrated (and Posada has rarely been one to hide his agitation or frustration).
“I think knowing before spring training started that you’re going to be a DH, I think that helped me a little bit,” he said. “That mentality has changed for me a little bit.”
When he got the news this winter, Posada didn’t want to hear it. In the months since, Posada’s feelings seem to have settled. I’m sure there’s still a part of him that wants to catch everything — and thinks he could catch every day — but at 39 years old, Posada recognizes several truths: It’s been three years since he had 400 at-bats, he’s entering the last year of his contract, and the Yankees have plenty of young catchers on the verge.
“I don’t know (what happens after this season),” he said. “A lot has to do with this year. How I feel this year, how I come out after this season. I would like to stay healthy. I think DHing will help me. After the season, see how my body responded the whole year and how I feel after the season and make the decision then. I’m happy with everything that’s gone on.”
Posada has reached out to Edgar Martinez for advice but hasn’t been able to reach him. He said he’ll try to find a routine this summer — Joe Girardi suggested occasional catching drills in the cage during the game — and he’ll pick the brain of any veteran DH the Yankees play against along the way.
As for the physical and mental toll of catching 130-plus games season after season?
“I wouldn’t have done it any other way,” Posada said.
Here’s audio from Posada. That weird sound at the beginning is Posada taping a bat.
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• Assuming he does come back for another season, Posada said he can’t imagine playing for any other team. “I really can’t,” he said. “After the year it will be really tough to look somewhere else. We’ll see. If I want to play, I would like to stay here.”
• Joe Girardi indicated that he’d like to give Posada a few spring games at catcher, but that’s not a sure thing. “I think anyone would like to have reps if the possibility is going to occur during he course of the season,” Girardi said. “We’ll just see how he’s doing and make some judgment calls as we go.” Clearly Girardi wants Posada to get most of his spring at-bats as a DH so he can adjust to the role.
• Speaking of the catcher position, Girardi and Brian Cashman were both encouraged by what they saw out of Jesus Montero in the bullpen today. “I think he sits more comfortable,” Girardi said. “I think his hands work better. He’s in outstanding shape. We’ll see as spring training goes along, we’ll get a chance to see him do everything, but he just looks more comfortable (than last spring).”
• Larry Rothschild spoke quite a bit about A.J. Burnett this afternoon — more on that later — but he also touched on Joba Chamberlain. “Really, for him, it’s getting the ball downhill, creating the angle so it’s not flattening out going up to the plate,” Rothschild said. “I think that will help the slider. Pretty much, I think it’s that simple.”
• Most of the guys who threw bullpens today were around 25 pitches, all fastballs.
• Although the Yankees still want to take things slowly with Russell Martin, Cashman said the Yankees are not really worried about him. There’s just some stiffness in his surgically repaired knee. Nothing major, just enough for the Yankees to move with caution.
• Brett Gardner was in camp today. He said he’s allowed to be here ahead of the other position players because he’s doing rehab work. The wrist, though, feels good. He’s been able to throw and hit with no problems. “I’m ready to roll,” he said. “I feel good, man.”
• By the way, Gardner had a series of trips planned for this winter, but had to cancel all of them because of the wrist injury. I told him I went skiing this winter. Gardner said he went once in high school but won’t go again until he’s finished playing. The reason? He broke his wrist that day.
• Spent a little bit of time talking to Rule 5 pick Robert Fish today. He said this is his first big league camp — he was never in big league camp with the Angels — and he was surprised at just how hard the Yankees worked on Day 1. This was no light day.
• Speaking of the Rule 5 picks, Fish and Daniel Turpen are pretty big guys, but the biggest new guy in camp is easily Andy Sisco. He looks a little bit like Shelley Duncan, but even bigger. If he decided to attack Manny Banuelos, poor Manny would never have a chance.
Associated Press photos of Posada with Francisco Cervelli; Mark Prior crouched after sprints; and Martin going through catching drills
I love that picture of Posada and Cervelli.
-and Gardner should definitely stay away from the ski slopes. LOL
pat -
No, no. Melky esta in la MFDSV (la mejor forma de su vida) – best shape of his life en espanol.
He looks good, I must say. No fiestas.
“terreno” means what? He wants to recover his lost what?
***
I think Jorge is going to embrace both the DH role and a role as a de facto coach. I really do.
Banuelos looks like a little kid asking for Bentances’ autographs in one of tyanks pics.
I really do hope that Robert Fish manages to stay with the Yankees as a minor leaguer – the organization is just so light on LHRP.
Andy Sisco is my darkhorse candidate this spring. I don’t know that the Yankees would even consider him for the rotation but if he is throwing strikes I certainly love his upside.
**REPOST**
ty -
Good stuff!! Thanks for sharing. Gotta say…I’m a bit envious of your ability to be there to take those pictures. Tampa is the place to be this time of year!
LGY February 15th, 2011 at 4:49 pm
Banuelos looks like a little kid asking for Bentances’ autographs in one of tyanks pics.
———–
In 1994 there was a picture of Luis Polona on 1b vs. Detroit with Cecil Fielder there – the caption read “Bring your kid to work day?”
# LGY February 15th, 2011 at 4:49 pm
Banuelos looks like a little kid asking for Bentances’ autographs in one of tyanks pics.
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LOL. I noticed the same thing. Manny’s not a big guy to begin with and standing next to Betances just isn’t doing him any favors…
GREAT pics. I agree about the envy thing. I said that earlier.
Chip February 15th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
Andy Sisco is my darkhorse candidate this spring. I don’t know that the Yankees would even consider him for the rotation but if he is throwing strikes I certainly love his upside.
++++++++++++++++
The Sisco Kid reminds me of Chuck Cary from the 80/90s, and I would take his numbers on this team.
Joba’s looking like the Hamburglar in this pic
http://www.flickr.com/photos/5.....448625567/
Montero may make it tough for them to send him to Scranton.
blake February 15th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
Montero may make it tough for them to send him to Scranton.
—————-
I hope he does.
In the end though, unless Martin just is abysmal/hurt this spring I think he will start down there to play everyday and get in a routine and then come up around Memorial Day.
I did have a good time but I wish I would have been able to stay for the whole time. I was jealous of the people who got to stay for the whole thing. I tried to just gets lots of pictures of everyone since I wasn’t able to see them throwing bullpens and catching drills. Sunday I will be able to stay for the whole thing. Its going to be a great baseball weekend between fanfest and the workout day.
I noticed Betances and Banuelos right away when they took the field. Probably because I saw them so much last season, that’s why I have so many pictures of them. I didn’t see Montero, well I didn’t get a picture of him but I’m sure he was out there.
Chad – if you’re reading this – thanks a million for your coverage. Very informative post.
Joba
http://www.google.com/imgres?i.....9,r:14,s:0
BoJo February 15th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
Chip February 15th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
Andy Sisco is my darkhorse candidate this spring. I don’t know that the Yankees would even consider him for the rotation but if he is throwing strikes I certainly love his upside.
++++++++++++++++
The Sisco Kid reminds me of Chuck Cary from the 80/90s, and I would take his numbers on this team
——————-
I don’t know if he throws as hard as he used to but I remember him from his KC days just having filthy stuff. Look, if the Mets can strike gold with Dic key and the Rangers can hit on Colby Lewis – why not the Yankees and Andy Sisco – a kid more talented than either of them right?
Bowden just said he thought Nova and Joba would get it done for Liriano……why can’t he be the Twins GM?
Trisha -
There is a bunch of stuff at ESPN. That’s where I got my info.
****
Bojo -
It’s one thing for the hitting coach to tell them to do something; it’s another that so many were so successful! (Toronto’s HR spree of 2010)
LGY February 15th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Joba
http://www.google.com/imgres?i…..9,r:14,s:0
*****************************
blake February 15th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
Bowden just said he thought Nova and Joba would get it done for Liriano……why can’t he be the Twins GM?
————–
See, whenever people wonder why a guy who used to be a GM is now doing radio or TV they throw out a comment like that and remind you.
# Chip February 15th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
Giuseppe Franco February 15th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
I have more energy now than I’ve had in the last 10 years.
———————–
Well yeah man, all that fruit is loading you up with some serious sugar that’s where the energy comes from.
But yeah other than that it’s very good for you.
————
That’s a bit of an exaggeration. It’s not that much sugar.
You’d ingest more sugar eating pancakes (with a few tablespoons of syrup) and a glass of orange juice. Or perhaps even flavored oatmeal with a glass of OJ.
It’s not like I’m downing a half gallon of ice cream and washing it down with Mountain Dew.
Thanks for the wrap-up. I’m glad Posada is settling into his new role. I’d like him to catch some in ST if possible. You never know when he’s going to be called upon.
I’m glad to head Gardner’s wrist feels good.
For some reason Joba’s hair is bugging me. Get a haircut Joba!!!!
blake February 15th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
Bowden just said he thought Nova and Joba would get it done for Liriano……why can’t he be the Twins GM?
+++++++++++++++++
Probably not enough international money he could skim to make it worth his while.
Chip,
Yea I agree but hopefully he will give them pause about it.
Thanks for sharing your pictures tyanksfan36. Almost as good as being there.
David Ortiz’s advice on DH to Posada: “GNC has some killer milkshakes that seem to help me, just don’t ask them or me what is in them”
tyanks-I can’t wait to see your pictures from Sunday! Remember-get lots of Cano
LGY February 15th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Joba
http://www.google.com/imgres?i…..9,r:14,s:0
+++++++++++++
Separated at girth
Still waitin on Papi to “get back to us”
# Bronx Jeers February 15th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
Giuseppe Franco,
Good for the bowels too.
How have you been? Haven’t seen you in here in ages.
———-
Yeah, I’d say it’s good for the bowels. LOL. Hummers don’t pass too many gas stations and I don’t pass many restrooms.
Feeling great. Thanks for asking. This place just got too stupid and took a break from the idiocy. Unfortunately, things haven’t changed much but at least baseball season is now upon us.
Giuseppe Franco February 15th, 2011 at 4:59 pm
# Chip February 15th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
Giuseppe Franco February 15th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
I have more energy now than I’ve had in the last 10 years.
———————–
Well yeah man, all that fruit is loading you up with some serious sugar that’s where the energy comes from.
But yeah other than that it’s very good for you.
————
That’s a bit of an exaggeration. It’s not that much sugar.
You’d ingest more sugar eating pancakes (with a few tablespoons of syrup) and a glass of orange juice. Or perhaps even flavored oatmeal with a glass of OJ.
It’s not like I’m downing a half gallon of ice cream and washing it down with Mountain Dew.
————-
I’m just messing with you
trisha – true pinstriped blue -
Stop playing so hard with the little kids, they’ll get nervous and need a diaper change.
Doreen
Terreno perdido = lost land? I’m guessing it is an idiom about making up lost ground because of his bad year last year.
I started following a few writers from ESPN Deportes after I saw an article on Robbie and it has helped me brush up on my Spanish.
“terreno” means what? He wants to recover his lost what?
—————————————————————————
It’s terrain . Ground
He wants to make up for lost ground or he wants to regain his position.
Something like that.
I will definitely get lots of pictures on Sunday. I was there for 15 minutes today and had 30 pictures. The rest of this week is going to drag by because I want it to be sat/sun so bad. I tried to just get a lot of pictures so you can just pretend like you were there in the stands.
I have a feeling Cashman and Joba will have a sit down soon.
I suspect by the time they break camp, Joba will shed some pounds.
“Andy Sisco is my darkhorse candidate this spring. I don’t know that the Yankees would even consider him for the rotation but if he is throwing strikes I certainly love his upside.”
The Sisco bandwagon is filling up! GB and I have been talking about him for months.
pat February 15th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
“Andy Sisco is my darkhorse candidate this spring. I don’t know that the Yankees would even consider him for the rotation but if he is throwing strikes I certainly love his upside.”
The Sisco bandwagon is filling up! GB and I have been talking about him for months
______________
I too have liked him since the day he was picked up
I have a feeling Cashman and Joba will have a sit down soon.
I suspect by the time they break camp, Joba will shed some pounds.
—
Honestly, if I was Cashman I’d sit down with him and tell him that he has to lose weight and that his job depends on it. In fact, I’d put him in AAA for the first 2 months of the season and tell him to drop 20 pounds.
Thanks for confirming Jeers.
I like the fact there are spots open on this roster.
Competition not only makes it interesting, it also makes it fun and makes players better.
It’s going to make this spring muchnmore interesting than previous years.
I’m still one of those fans who believes Posada is going to end up catching more games than initially planned.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he catches 40 games this season.
Bojo
A guy the size of a mountain who can throw as hard as he can and you’re never really sure if the ball is going to be over the plate or in your ribs can be effective.
Giuseppe Franco February 15th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
I’m still one of those fans who believes Posada is going to end up catching more games than initially planned.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he catches 40 games this season.
********************************************
I hope you’re wrong, because that most likely means Montero is not on the rooster.
BIG AL February 15th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
trisha – true pinstriped blue -
Stop playing so hard with the little kids, they’ll get nervous and need a diaper change.
Wow. Spring really is in the air. The Lo Hud’s top two jerks are throwing a side session.
roster not rooster
Patrick,
Theoretically, he could lose the weight over the next six weeks of camp.
Obviously, if he throws the ball well, he can justify being bigger.
However, if he doesn’t, he places a bullseye on his back and I don’t think that’s going to help him in the long run.
Especially if other arms emerge in camp as viable alternatives.
I’ve accepted what Joba is and will cheer for him this year as usual but for the life of me I just can’t understand how he could show up in Tampa heavier than he was last year……
bruceb -
I guess that proves a point, you consider yourself a little kid in diapers, well done in making an ass of yourself.
SJ44,
I agree, he could definitely lose weight during camp, there’s no reason not to.
pat February 15th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
Bojo
A guy the size of a mountain who can throw as hard as he can and you’re never really sure if the ball is going to be over the plate or in your ribs can be effective.
______________________
He should throw the ball to back stop as last pitch of his warm ups…
Gracias, pat y Bronx Jeers.
I should have know that one.
GF,
I thought the same thing over the winter. Now, I don’t think so.
I think the only way that happens is if both Martin and Cervelli are hurt over a long period of time.
I know they won’t put Montero in a position to catch the majority of the games this year.
In the case of an emergency, I think Jorge catches more.
Absent that, they seem really committed to him DH’ing full-time.
Sisco proved a lot of things this past year. After 3 years of not pitching, he pitched and relieved in 46 games and pitched well. He cut the walks and struck out a boatload. Then he went to Mexico for the winter and started 15 games. Again, low walks and high strikeouts. Until his last game his numbers were much better. A single and three walks did him in, along with no help from the pen. Would love to see him shove his way onto the team in long relief or spot starting. Still with the big fastball and slider. Having another big, hard throwing lefty is never a bad thing.
GB7 -
I’ve not seen Sisco, but you think he can jump over all the talent in front of him, is he that good?
Bottom line, Joba needs to pitch well. If he pitches well, he can be a blimp for all anyone’s going to care. If he doesn’t pitch well, then whatever he does is going to be a problem.
It wasn’t ok for Damon and Abreu to come into camp overweight and it’s not ok for Joba or whomever to do it; these guys have one job – it’s not hard to stay in shape over the off-season.
“We thought Posada was special and we think Montero is special,” Cashman said. “We were right on Posada and I think we will be right on Montero, but Posada transferred that potential into reality. Montero is still doing that.”
Cashman was clear on why he brought in Martin. The GM knows how hard it is to be broken in in New York.
“It is harder to drink from that fire hose in New York,” Cashman said. “When Yadier Molina does it in St. Louis he does it in somwhat obscurity.”
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-yo.....-of-posada
I think Cashman is making a mistake insisting that Jorge won’t catch under anything other than the most extreme emergencies. What’s the harm in letting Jorge catch once in awhile? It will keep him sharp and I still think he can catch; I really don’t think this “cold turkey” thing was necessary.
Girardi will be the one that determines when and if Posada catches, not Cashman.
AL, depending on the springs they have, he could replace Mitre. It’s all in the hands of The Sisco Kid (The Robin Hood Of The Old West) and Pancho.
Jorge is old.
He knows it. He accepted the fact he won’t catch.
You should do the same Betsy.
What is the point of having Posada catch when you have potentially 4 other guys that could do it at the major league level?
GB7 -
Where did Sisco pitch last season, AAA or AA?
Joba and Burnett both need to be focused, ready and have good to great years in 2011. If they can’t do the job consistently this year Cashman should attempt to include them in a trade or release them if inclusion is not possible.
I see Sisco starting oiut in SWB and being called up if Boone Logan falters…
Sisco was in AA last year with Giants
News channel 8 was showing Montero in the cage and catchers doing drill in their 3 minute spot on Spring Training in Tampa. I bet they will receive hundreds of emails from “rays” fans complaining about them showing a Yankee spot on the 5:30 news.
AL he pitched in AA Eastern League.
Carl February 15th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
Jorge is old.
He knows it. He accepted the fact he won’t catch.
You should do the same Betsy.
+++++++++++++
Are you telling Betsy to give up on her dreams of catching? Harsh, real harsh.
# BoJo February 15th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
Carl February 15th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
Jorge is old.
He knows it. He accepted the fact he won’t catch.
You should do the same Betsy.
+++++++++++++
Are you telling Betsy to give up on her dreams of catching? Harsh, real harsh.
lol you know what I mean.
tyanksfan36 February 15th, 2011 at 5:35 pm
News channel 8 was showing Montero in the cage and catchers doing drill in their 3 minute spot on Spring Training in Tampa. I bet they will receive hundreds of emails from “rays” fans complaining about them showing a Yankee spot on the 5:30 news.
++++++++++++
That was probably a gimmick requested by Rays so they could get the e-mail addresses of their entire fan base.
GB7 -
Is this the same Sisco that hasn’t pitched since 2007? If so, that would be a huge leap to come in to ST and displace any other pitcher now in camp.
The way I look at it, the Mexican League is similar to AAA ball.
Carl, thanks for the lecture which I didn’t need.
Patrick, Romine has no shot of catching in the majors this year and I’d rather see Jorge behind the plate for a few games than Cervelli..
Carl February 15th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
++++++
GB7 -
Thanks, I some how missed seeing his info.
Ok Bobby V, like you know anything about the Yankees and the Joba situation; it’s really tiresome to hear people constantly criticize their handling of Joba. Is it any wonder he might have a big head? The guy never has to take responsiblity – it’s always the Yankees’ fault.
AL, he rebounded with a 150 innings this year, pitching in relief and as a starter. Not an impossible idea. He can’t be any worse than Mitre.
Patrick, Romine has no shot of catching in the majors this year and I’d rather see Jorge behind the plate for a few games than Cervelli..
—
Sure Romine has a shot at starting at some point this year. He was in AA last year, that’s not that far from the majors. There was even talk of him starting last year..
I’d rather keep Posada healthy and at this point he’s not a good defensive catcher so I don’t see the benefit of letting him catch.
Betsy–
Who is Bobby V?
http://riveraveblues.com/wp-co.....ipline.gif
Evolution of Gardner’s plate discipline
I bet they will receive hundreds of emails from “rays” fans complaining about them showing a Yankee spot on the 5:30 news.
–
Hundreds of emails? Thats a busy fan.
People sure are edgy here today and things are going so well in camp. I’m fascinated by Rothschild; given the rotation questions and Burnett in particular I’m curious if he will make a difference. I have always thought coaches were given too much, and not enough, credit at the same time.
GB and Pat have talked Sisco for weeks. Don’t know if he’s a real option for the rotation when you consider Garcia and (gasp) Colon though. Is Millwood still lurking out there?
I think that other than Mo, Soriano, and Feliciano, all else is up for grabs. Whoever doesn’t make it will either be traded or sent to AAA, simple as that.
“I’d rather keep Posada healthy and at this point he’s not a good defensive catcher so I don’t see the benefit of letting him catch.”
I’ll reserve judgment on that until I’ve seen Russell Martin catch on a regular basis.
For sake of joining the conversation, I would say that I personally always prefer a gret defensive carcher to a great offensive/poor defensive one. I would hope that Martin really takes the bull by the horns and makes the job his own by playing gold glove defense and hitting 270/360/800 with 10 homers…I’d be thrilled if Cervelli recovers his defensive prowess and serves as back up….
I also would be thrilled if Montero gets moved to DH so hedoesn’t risk injury and that bat gets into line-up ASAP. I’d be willing to start him there and make Jorge backup if Montero hits well enough in ST.
I know people talk about the great advantage of having an offensive catcher, but if Montero’s bat is so great, he will be an advantage at DH too…and Martin/Cervelli/Romine and eventually Sanchez probably can match the numbers put up by most DHs.
Martin Fennelly is the worst newspaper reporter in the Tampa Tribune, if I paid for this paper, I might cancel it so I don’t have to read his annoying articles. He wrote a wonderful one this morning about Rafael Soriano’s salary and all the negatives about the Yankees. I think he is just mad that they didn’t let him go down to Charlotte to cover the Rays, so he wrote a whiny one bashing the Yankees.
Bobby Valentine……….
Patrick, from everything you hear, Romine took a significant step back last year – both offensively and defensively. I really don’t think he’s an option.
Also, I’m perfectly fine with Martin – I just think it wouldn’t be a bad idea to let Jorge catch once in awhile.
WC, it’s been two days – nothing is going on in camp, lol, either good or bad
All in the family, the Detroit Tigers camp this spring.
Patrick Leyland the son of Tigers manager Jim Leyland is at spring training as a non-roster invitee and catcher Alex Avila is the son of Al Avila, Detroit’s assistant general manager.
Pretty cool.
I mentioned this yesterday, but I am psyched about the possibility of having 6 former Gold Glove winners on field at the same time (Martin, Tex, Cano, Jeter, Chavez, Jones). Has any other team ever done that?
Betsy February 15th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
WC, it’s been two days – nothing is going on in camp, lol, either good or bad.
************
It’s all good! Baseball is here, no one is hurt, everyone is optimistic and the boys look good.
Jerkface February 15th, 2011 at 5:43 pm
http://riveraveblues.com/wp-co…..ipline.gif
Evolution of Gardner’s plate discipline
————————————————————————–
Interesting. 2 things here call my attention.
1) How much red there was outside the zone in 2008 vs how much blue there was in 2010.
2) How much green there is in the zone in 2010. He’s laying off pitches in the zone 50% of the time and working the at-bat. I wonder what his numbers would look like if the middle of the zone was yellow?
2) How m
Frankly I’m rooting for Cervelli. Not that I have anything at all against Montero, but I think it more likely that he starts the season as the starting AAA catcher and ends the season as the backup to Martin. If that happens, Cervelli probably gets packaged in a deal.
“I am psyched about the possibility of having 6 former Gold Glove winners on field at the same time (Martin, Tex, Cano, Jeter, Chavez, Jones).”
You are psyched over a lineup that would feature all 6? I don’t think I am.
Jerkface
It will probably be all those cheap “fans” that went to the free game complaining. They brought up the point though of all the money that the Yankees Spring Training brings to the area. I think Yankees ST draws more fans in that one month than the Rays bring in 2 months.
Doreen – thanks. It’s a smart thing to do. Thankfully I have a little time before we have our draft!
*******************
Big Al – you don’t have to worry about “bruceb”. This is what “bruceb” said in the previous thread.
“You are far and away the most obnoxious blogger on this site and one of the reasons why I rarely visit the Lo Hud any more.”
I was gone for just about the entire off season! What are the chances that “bruceb” would choose today as one of his rare visit days!
And for someone who rarely visits, he seems to think he knows you quite well.
To repeat several posters from the last thread – we have a multiple here.
i am surprised that Branyan is still out there. Somebody could use a LH power stick that does his mashing against rhps. Unfortunately he can’t play third or really anywhere besides 1b. He can be good pick up for someone.
Gardner has developed excellent command of the strike zone. That heat map is really impressive.
Wave Your Hat February 15th, 2011 at 5:52 pm
“I am psyched about the possibility of having 6 former Gold Glove winners on field at the same time (Martin, Tex, Cano, Jeter, Chavez, Jones).”
You are psyched over a lineup that would feature all 6? I don’t think I am.
++++++++++++++
Late inning defensive replacements….
That’s a bit tough on Romine. He’s 22 years old and still developing and learning. He’s a highly ranked prospect for a reason. Give him a chance, young players can make corrections.
Like to see a healthy yr from BG.
Patrick, from everything you hear, Romine took a significant step back last year – both offensively and defensively. I really don’t think he’s an option.
Also, I’m perfectly fine with Martin – I just think it wouldn’t be a bad idea to let Jorge catch once in awhile.
—
Romine didn’t have a great year but he’s still in the mix. He’s a pretty advanced prospect and will probably play most of the year in AAA. To say a guy playing in AAA has no shot to play in the majors is silly.
And what possible gain do you get from playing Posada at catcher? There is just no upside there, I don’t see why you want him to catch.
Trish–
From following the Daily news for the past year, there were certain signs that indicated a new poster was a fake account used by the troll there.
1. The person claimed to be a long time blog member who hasn’t been around, but no one recalled him ever being there before
2. The person attacked whomever the troll was arguing with
3. It happened on one of the seven days of the week.
Anyone of these conditions indicated who it really was. The guys over there became experts on identifying the fake accounts within minutes.
Betsy–
If Romine started the year rated as a 80 (on 1-100 scale), and took some steps back to a 70, he would still be ahead of Jorge and Montero who might be rated as 40-50. The only things that matters is how he is rated now, and his potential for future rating.
Trisha -
I’ve never had a fantasy team before, so I’m going to be either very off the cuff or very over prepared.
Romine took a “signicany step backwards” is really pushing it. He moved up the ladder and his offense slipped some. His defense didn’t slip. The problem was that it didn’t improve.
Doreen February 15th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
Trisha -
I’ve never had a fantasy team before, so I’m going to be either very off the cuff or very over prepared.
+++++++++++++++++++
Winning is easy. On November 30, 2011, just send the final stats and game logs back in time to yourself before the draft. No big deal.
WC ,all I said was that Romine won’t be in the big leagues this year; I didn’t say he wasn’t still a good prospect……..
significant
Patrick, I’m sorry, but I don’t see him as having a real chance to play in the majors this year – it’s not like I said he’ll never make it to the majors.
Betsy February 15th, 2011 at 6:07 pm
Patrick, I’m sorry, but I don’t see him as having a real chance to play in the majors this year – it’s not like I said he’ll never make it to the majors.
________________
Agreed
The best thing about Gardner’s discipline is that in 2010 for the most part the only areas he went out of the zone consistently to change from blue to green were areas where umpires were calling balls strikes against him consistently.
“Romine took a “signicany step backwards” is really pushing it. He moved up the ladder and his offense slipped some. His defense didn’t slip. The problem was that it didn’t improve.”
————————
His OPS dropped 37 points. Down 55 points from what he produced in low A ball 2 years ago.
Midseason he was at .290/.370 with 5 HR. Finished .268/.324 10 HR. He basically tanked in the 2nd half. This year is a big year for him. Needs to take a step forward offensively.
Bojo – thanks. The posters here are no fools. They spot them immediately.
*******
Doreen, I don’t think there is any such thing as overprepared. Take it from someone who has gone in totally underprepared. It’s a very bad feeling. Then there’s the autodraft. Fran and I have threatened to let the autodraft do our drafting for us! I depended almost exclusively on the autodraft when I played fantasy football (I don’t – well didn’t, grr – follow football at all) and I won!
But this year I do want to have some things written down before I go into the draft. Believe me, unless you are going to let autodraft do the work for you, do not go totally off the cuff. Your best laid plans will soon be put to rest!
LGY–
Looks like a classic case of late season burn out…He should get stroinger as he matures….
“And what possible gain do you get from playing Posada at catcher?”
Well, there are certainly scenarios that include Jorge catching once in a while.
Let’s say Eric Chavez makes the team and is hitting well — big if, I know.
He could play 3rd while Arod DH’s once in a while and Jorge could catch. This is kind of assuming that Martin is NOT hitting well or, perhaps, is on the DL — another big if.
It would be prudent to keep Jorge semi-sharp, just in case.
Patrick, I’m sorry, but I don’t see him as having a real chance to play in the majors this year – it’s not like I said he’ll never make it to the majors.
—
You said he has “no shot” to catch in the majors this year. That is false, there is a small shot he catches in the majors this year.
trisha – true pinstriped blue February 15th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
Bojo – thanks. The posters here are no fools. They spot them immediately.
++++++++++++++++
Funny thing is–the troll kept doing it. Very strange behavior. everyone there learned to simply ignore him totally. He and his taunts became irrelevant.
As for Romine, who knows about him too? Cervelli didn’t have much of a chance to be playing in the majors in 2009 and then, there he was.
Scenarios where you gain from Posada playing catcher:
Where a lineup featuring Posada at C and any other player at DH+the other positions generates more runs than a lineup including Martin+Any other replacement player
For example, as Nick said above. Lets say martin is below average, and nunez is below average. Posada is above average and A-rod is above average. You want to rest A-rod. Instead of having 2 below average players in the lineup, you let Jorge catch a game, and then you only have 1 below average guy and of course martin or the other catcher can come in for defensive purposes later if needed.
Nick,
True, that’s a good point. But then what would be the point of having Cervelli on the roster?
I can see the argument to make Posada the back-up catcher (although I don’t agree with it because he’s not a good defender anymore and there is a high injury risk) but I don’t see why he needs to catch if Cervelli makes the team.
tyanksfan36 February 15th, 2011 at 5:35 pm
News channel 8 was showing Montero in the cage and catchers doing drill in their 3 minute spot on Spring Training in Tampa. I bet they will receive hundreds of emails from “rays” fans complaining about them showing a Yankee spot on the 5:30 news.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Did you see the guy Natalie Shepard interviewed on Channel 8 ? Guess who ?
tyanks,
I just got a chance to look at your pictures. They were awesome. Thanks a million.
trisha -
Somehow they find a way to out themselves, as he did today.
Alls good.
I’msorry but after watching Posada make several bad plays in the play-offs (throwing thru on double steal, passed balls), I for one hope to never see him again behind the plate…although I would eat my words if Montero was given full-time DH role and Posada had to be kept as back-up catcher to justify his salary.
Great article.
Takeaway courtesy of RAB:
“McKinney found that 52.5% of the top 20 prospects go on to become successful big leaguers (defined as 2.0 WAR per season), an excellent success rate when you consider that approximately 70% of all top 100 prospects flame out. Furthermore, position players ranked in the top ten turn into a successful big leaguer a whopping 62.7% of the time, and a “superior player” (2.5 WAR or more) a little more than 35% of the time.”
http://www.royalsreview.com/20.....-prospects
Because it doesn’t seem like they want Jorge catching enough to be the regular backup catcher, if they even want him catching at all.
But it’s an advantage to have a DH who can also catch if needed, and we don’t know what we’re going to get from Martin or Cervelli yet.
I doubt there is any planin place is to have Jorge cacth in one of the scenarios mentioned, but there are enough roster/health question marks that it could end up happening.
Trisha -
At this point, I’ve spent at least 5 hours on the draft. Between figuring out the ESPN website, finding the information I think I need, putting it into an Excel document and printing it, and then copying some other information I found that wasn’t easily copied and pasted.
Now I have to go through and figure out who I’ll pick after the top choices go…
***
Have I mentioned how much I hate Everybody Loves Raymond?
***
Anyone watching Jeopardy? Champions vs. Computer?
Some more stuff from that article:
* About 70% of Baseball America top 100 prospects fail.
* Position player prospects succeed much more often than pitching prospects.
* About 60% of position players ranked in Baseball America’s top 20 succeed in the majors.
* About 40% of pitchers ranked in the top 20 succeed in the majors.
* About 30% of position players ranked 21-100 succeed in the majors (with the success rate declining over that ranking range from about 36% to about 25%)
* About 20% of pitchers ranked 21-100 succeed in the majors (with the success rate declining over that ranking range from about 22% to about 15%)
* The success rate of prospects (both position player and pitchers) is nearly flat and relatively undifferentiated for players ranked 41-100, and especially those ranked 61-100.
* Corner infield prospects and catchers are the most likely to succeed in the majors, but outfielders, third basemen and shortstops are the most likely to become stars. Second basemen and pitchers are the least likely prospects to succeed in the majors or to become stars.
* Prospect success rates have not improved much over time and there is little data to support the contention that prospects are more likely to succeed now than they have in the past.
I’msorry but after watching Posada make several bad plays in the play-offs (throwing thru on double steal, passed balls), I for one hope to never see him again behind the plate…although I would eat my words if Montero was given full-time DH role and Posada had to be kept as back-up catcher to justify his salary.
–
Posada didn’t hurt at all vs Minny. His defense isn’t great but he isn’t going to single handedly lose a game. Lots of players make bad plays. If the yankees lineup is better with Jorge at catcher you put Jorge at catcher.
Also of interest for our buddy randy.
From 1990-2003 the Twins have had 30 players ranked in BA’s top 100. 80% have been busts putting them at 25 out of 30 teams.
The Yankees have had 34 prospects in the top 100, with a 73.5% bust rate. 16 out of 30.
One way to halt unemployment is to teach these folks how to complie sports stats, and invent new stats to write about. Is there a stat that hasn’t been used to date?
compile not complie, dah
The catching situation will sort itself out but there’s no denying that the Yankees are in an enviable situation that most if not all of baseball would love to have.
LGY -
But randy mostly talks about pitching. How have the Twins’ pitching prospects fared?
Doreen,
The information by organization is not broken down into pitchers and catchers so I am not sure.
Also I wouldn’t let randy off that easy
I am pretty sure I saw him say the other day the Yankees should use the Twins are a sort of farm system for them so guys like Brett Gardner can be developed the right way.
Doreen, we will at 7 pm!
I’m now planning which days to go to which park at WDW, lol -I swear, planning for Disney is like planning for a war.
The Yanks have had some really good luck with their young pitchers the last several years, especially relievers that have stuck around in the majors.
There’s a boatload of them.
LGY -
I missed that one. Don’t tell Randy but when he goes off like that I skip every other of his posts! Shhh.
One Leg Centipede tweets: first major prediction of the spring-Rodriguez will out homer Gardner this season.
Big Al – all’s good indeed.
It will be really interesting to see whether Andy starts to get antsy. Jorge says he thinks Andy may rejoin the team by the All Star break. Andy said that he unequivocally will not be back this year, though he didn’t totally rule out a return at some point.
I’m totally psyched about the rotation competition. I think this is going to be so good.
I’m loving the excitement of the unknown.
TY36-
Thank you for the photos.
Betsy -
So true. I’m in a bind. I used to do all the vacation planning, but it is truly one of my husband’s joys in life to plan “the next vacation.” It gets him through the hours of work. So i let him do it. But he started a new position in his company and he’s been working a lot of hours. So he hasn’t done his usual advance planning. We’re 6 weeks away from our vacation and aside from the first 2 days, dinner at Brown Derby and when we’re seeing Fantasmic, I have NO IDEA what we’re doing!
Believe me, this is not the way things go, usually. I can’t make dinner reservations until I know what parks we’re going to when!!!!!!! I’m going t have to sit him down on Saturday and get it done. It’s too close for comfort.
But, with Disney, the better you plan it out, the better time you have.
I’m finding the computer on Jeopardy really fascinating.
trisha -
It sounded like Andy had some summer plans (I’ll bet his wife made him do it!!!) – between his children’s sporting events and vacation – so I don’t expect him to be back this season.
I think Jorge is having a hard time believing it’s real. Can’t say I blame him….
Doreen-
I watched it last night. Pretty amazing watching that computer nearly beating two terrific opponents.
Raymond Kurzweil, the computer genius, predicts that 2050 will mark the year that computers achieve true AI.
Not too far away.
Doreen, you’ve definitely done your homework. Wait ’til draft night comes. I find that almost as nervewracking as watching postseason games!
Well going about 100 notches down from Jeopardy, Cash Cab now has a Chicago show with a female cab drive. I just can’t get used to seeing someone other than Ben Bailey drive the Cash Cab!
mTU -
If I’m still on this Earth in 2050, it will be an amazing thing to witness (if I’m of sound mind).
Doreen -
Don’t fret, you’ll do well, my moneys on you to win it all.
trisha -
I don’t think anyone, or anything brings Andy back this year. When your 5 year old tugs on your slacks, and says, Daddy, I don’t want you to go play baseball this year, that’s hard to say no to, at this point in his career.
Ha .
Here’s laughing at you, Joba .
Another Yankee whose season is over before spring training even gets started .
Big Al -
I just don’t want to embarrass myself!
MTU -
A guy like you will still be around, but me, I’ll never see it. Even if you’re still around, most likely you won’t know you’re around, so it won’t matter.
I wonder what the blog will be like with AI, can’t be worse than it is, maybe better, lol.
Doreen-
By 2050 “immortality” might be possible at the rate Science is advancing.
That’s if we don’t blow ourselves up 1st.
Doreen -
I don’t think that’s possible. You’ll be fine, just don’t ask MTU or I for help, then you would be in trouble.
I feel sorry for my Fantasy team, I am horrible at keeping with things so I will probably forget to set my lineup for a week. Especially in April and May when I am still in school.
More bad news for our good, old Joba this year :
all food prices expected to hit all time highs .
Doreen,
We have 14 teams but you won’t know your position in the draft till 1 hour before. Make a list of t he top 14 players, knowing t hat you’ll get one of those in the 1st round
******************
SAS,
Did you get my 2nd email? Not sure the team is set up.
tyanksfan36 -
Thanks for all your input from ST, it’s great.
Al-
I think “immortality” here on Earth is right around the corner.
It’s actually a smaller step forward than the ones we have already taken IMO.
Imagine never growing old, or dying.
When this body wears out you simply replace it with your clone.
All of your memories, and the essence of what is you is merely injected into the new one.
Think it’s fantasy ? I believe it’s coming.
MTU -
Like getting a new body, and exchanging your brain into it, or will we all be AI with human memories?
” . . . Over the winter, he got a new tattoo on his right forearm, to match what his wife has on her stomach: Fortius Quo Fidelius, which translates from Latin as strength through loyalty . . . ”
L . o . l .
Thanks, Fran, that’s what I figured I’d do.
There’s so many players, aren’t there?
And I have to change my lineup every week????? Uh-oh. I’m gonna be on vacation the first week of the season. Lovely.
This is gonna be fun, right??? I’m freakin’ out!!!!!
Big Al and MTU
Glad you enjoyed the pictures. I had a really good time and I wish I could have stayed the whole time but I am happy to have been able to go. Its supposed to be excellent weather this sunday so I am really happy about that, hoping to get to see a lot of baseball action from my favorite baseball team.
MTU -
I don’t want to be immortal. I just need to live as long as my kids.
Ruby Tuesday–
Question…Have you been posting on the Daily News blog…or has someone been using your name as a hacked account?
Al-
You probably will have your choice.
You as the Terminator, or you as a endless series of you’s in flesh and blood.
I had a fantasy baseball team back in 2009 but I neglected them. Dont you have to decide who you want to play? Ive never actually done any fantasy baseball stuff but thought Id join to give me something to do since im always online.
Doreen -
Be careful what you wish for.
BoJo , please do not engage the troll.
MTU February 15th, 2011 at 7:12 pm
Al-
I think “immortality” here on Earth is right around the corner.
It’s actually a smaller step forward than the ones we have already taken IMO.
Imagine never growing old, or dying.
When this body wears out you simply replace it with your clone.
All of your memories, and the essence of what is you is merely injected into the new one.
Think it’s fantasy ? I believe it’s coming.
———————————————————————————————————————-
There are a few on here that would be better off keeping their bodies and replacing their brain with a turnip.
Not saying that you’re one of those, of course.
Doreen-
You will have the choice of self-termination at any time of your chosing.
You might be influenced by 2 facts though :
You whole family can achieve immortality together.
You can watch the Yankees forever.
Jerkface February 15th, 2011 at 7:17 pm
BoJo , please do not engage the troll
___________________
Don’t worry…I won’t be marrying him…just curious if there is another troll using his name…
Doreen,
You don’t have to change it, but you probably want to make sure that you have pitchers that are starting that week. You’ll have more pitchers than you can start.
GB-
My brain is already mush but they MIGHT be able to repair it.
MTU -
If I had a choice, I’d take my brain, all my thoughts and emotions, and put them into an terminator body. No limitations, and no getting sick or having to deal with pain.
Living forever would not be fun, I’d get tired of it before long, and I believe most things have a beginning and an end for good reason.
tyanks,
We’re playing head to head. You set the line-up once a week before the first game of the week on Monday.
Fran -
Again, thanks.
Big Al -
In my case it’s necessary. And unless certain things can be changed, I really don’t think living forever would be a good thing, regardless of the condition of one’s body.
What we will see in the future is like comparing a stone wheel with a
Ferrari.
The only similarity being the roundness of the wheels.
Awesome.
GB7 -
A turnip, now there’s an upgrade for some, lol.
Fran
Ok. I wasnt sure how it worked. That shouldnt be a problem then.
Not to mention, what do you do with all the people???????????? if nobody dies???????
Got to go, catch you later folks.
Al-
It will be interesting to see how far Man’s Hubris takes him, and what happens when he bumps up against the provinces of the Creator.
Of course that assumes you believe in a higher power in the first place.
MTU February 15th, 2011 at 7:20 pm
GB-
My brain is already mush but they MIGHT be able to repair it.
———————————————————————————————————————-
At least there’s something to work with. What’s scary is that they could be cloning trolls. Imagine a world full of cloned trolls with AI.
(artificial idiocy). There are some really sick scientists out there that hate the Yankees.
Doreen-
There are a gazillion suitable Planets.
Didn’t you ever watch Star Trek.
Who’s the guy pictured on the warning track?
MTU -
LOL –
Haven’t watched Star Trek in many, many, many years.
****
Boy the Watson is fast.
Doreen, I love the computer, but I have to wonder at his answer for Final Jeopardy, lol.
I LOVE planning vacations – this will keep me occupied for awhile. I’m now going through the park hours to see what the early hours are at certain parks (always avoid parks with early hours). I don’t think I’ll have to do much cancelling of reservations, if any…
Of course that assumes you believe in a higher power in the first place.
———————————————————————————————————————-
No higher power than Jesus and his fellow Yankees.
GB-
Those would be designed to self-terminate after a prescribed period
which would be short.
Sort of like the Androids in the Movie “Blade Runner”.
AJ planning to show off his man boobs?
http://riveraveblues.com/wp-co.....120780.jpg
What if a personal had a neurological disabililty or anomaly? What then? Wouldn’t you also be getting into unnatural selection?
Mark Prior
I’m sorry for being downer with the whole immortality subject.
Gb-
Yes. Jesus and his flock. The new Yankee religion. Led by your friend
“the Messiah of Mash”.
well LGY, i think he is feeling the pressure to produce more with a giant hooters ad in the back ground
MTU February 15th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
GB-
Those would be designed to self-terminate after a prescribed period
which would be short.
Sort of like the Androids in the Movie “Blade Runner”.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Never saw the movie. Not really my type of movies. TV Star-Trek and Twilight Zone is different. They had originality.
Doreen-
Disease and imperfection would be eliminated.
No such thing.
Thanks, Bronx.
So what’s on tap for tomorrow and when do the position players report?
My parents and I still have NO recollection of this Brad guy – we can’t believe anyone could have topped Ken Jennings’ $$$ total. How is it possible?
GB-
“Blade Runner” is a Sci-Fi classic. Not only that. It stars Harrison Ford
and a few rather neat looking ladies.
I Really like that Genre.
Obviously.
Doreen February 15th, 2011 at 7:30 pm
I’m sorry for being downer with the whole immortality subject.
———————————————————————————————————————-
I’m a believer in reincarnation.
Being reborn again as a flower. There’s proof of it on this board. Look at the trolls. They’re all blooming idiots.
Betsy February 15th, 2011 at 7:33 pm
My parents and I still have NO recollection of this Brad guy – we can’t believe anyone could have topped Ken Jennings’ $$$ total. How is it possible?
*************
Good betting on daily doubles and final jeopardy
speaking of the future.
New thread ====>
The light that burns twice as bright, burns half as long. And you have burned so very, very brightly, MTU
new thread
Recently watched Blade Runner. It was better the first time around.
MTU–
The coolest thing about bladerunner is that there are about a dozen different versions of it….extended cuts, revised endings, etc. It really is an interesting movie that lends itself to multiple interpretations.
Computers and Immortality?
Lohud’s become a Philip k. Di-k fan site, which is cool.
For Erica and Erin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related
Cashmoney-
But MY time won’t end until I completely explore ALL of Utah.
That will take a while. After that they can punch my ticket whenever they want.