Thursday notes: Betances pretty good, even on a bad day
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Notes on Mar 03, 2011 
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The difference between a spring training game and a regular season game was on display in today’s seventh inning. That’s when Dellin Betances got into a bases-loaded, two-out jam and ran the count full against Tim Beckham. When he missed with ball four, the Rays scored their only run of the game.
Debacle of a performance? Not necessarily.
“He got in a little bit of trouble in the end, but that was kind of neat to see,” Joe Girardi said.
Betances was as good as ever through his first five hitters, getting B.J. Upton, Desmond Jennings and Evan Longoria in order in the sixth inning. He started the seventh by striking out Manny Ramirez and Matt Joyce. Those are five pretty good hitters, and the kid got them all.
“After I gave up that two-out double, I felt like I didn’t have a feel for my pitches,” Betances said. “I felt like trying to think too much instead of just throwing the ball, and I got away from what I was doing early on.”
He got a little rattled. It was Casey Kotchman who doubled, then Betances walked two batters to load the bases and send Larry Rothschild to the mound.
“He was just trying to say, don’t try to do too much,” Betances said. “Just put the ball there. He basically told me to change up. Try to throw breaking ball first pitch, and I did. It was just one of those days where I couldn’t find the location after the first inning and two-thirds.”
It wasn’t a bad at-bat against Beckham, but Betances lost the battle and missed a spot. He came close to a strike three pitch at one point but didn’t get the call — I thought it was a ball, but it was close — and ultimately Adam Warren came in to clean up the mess and end the inning with a strikeout. But the game wasn’t a waste for Betances, and the Yankees didn’t seem especially disappointed with the fact he finally struggled in this atmosphere.
“I thought he threw the ball pretty good,” Girardi said.
• The Yankees had Freddy Garcia at 88-89 mph this afternoon, which was seen as a plus for him. “Freddy was good,” Girardi said. “His velocity was good too.”
• Immediately after Garcia, Ivan Nova pitched three scoreless innings. It’s still incredibly early, but those two still feel like favorites for these rotation openings.
• Now that Garcia has thrown, all of the rotation candidates — depending on whether you count Andrew Brackman — have gotten in a game and should be stretched out a little more next time through. “You just want to see them be more crisp,” Girardi said. “Sometimes pitchers in this time of the year will go through a little bit of a dead arm phase. We might have to watch that a little bit. I’m not saying we will, but you just want see them get crisp, their breaking balls be sharper and more consistency.”
• Brackman will throw a simulated game on Saturday.
• Girardi has no concerns about Russell Martin playing with a knee brace tomorrow. “He did his drills with it the other day and I didn’t see it really hinder him,” Girardi said. “I think sometimes you feel a little bit more stable mentally with it as well. You know it’s not going to give out.”
• Greg Golson played for the first time since being hit in the head during live batting practice.
• We should probably get used to seeing Eric Chavez getting time at first base. ” I don’t really have a huge concern about him playing third base,” Girardi said. “I will give him some reps at third base, but you’ll see me play him (at first) more in the spring than at third base. He looks good. He’s looked good. He’s picked Tex’s brain a lot, and Tino’s brain a lot. Some times at drills we’ll have Tino follow him around so they can talk about it. But he looks comfortable.”
• Speaking of Chavez, he had one of only four Yankees hits today. Curtis Granderson, Kevin Russo and Gustavo Molina also singled, but for this wasn’t a good day for offense. “There were some balls hit pretty hard today and I think the wind affected that,” Girardi said.
• Rule 5 pick Robert Fish was brought in to face one lefty, Casey Kotchman, and Fish struck him out. Obviously, Fish is still a long shot for this bullpen, but he did his job today. The other Yankees Rule 5 pick, Daniel Turpen, followed by allowing a single before striking out two.
• D.J. Mitchell wasn’t scheduled to throw until tomorrow, but when the game went into a 10th inning, Mitchell got the call and pitched a scoreless inning.
• Johnny Damon on whether he was close to coming back to the Yankees this winter: “I don’t really think it was close at all. I think they were very happy with their outfield situation and thought Posada was not going to be catching much. It really made it easy as far as their decision and as far as mine. I’m not ready to be a part-time player in this game.”
Associated Press photos of Montero, Nova and Pena; Montero blocked the plate and finished off the play to get an out at the plate in the third inning
The kids aren’t going to be lights out all the time, so as long as they show flashes, it’s all good.
Does Freddy’s current velocity mean he normally sits around 90-91 during the season?
Is that Nova? What an odd windup – he makes me think of Hideo Nomo (at least before Nomo went into the other part of his odd windup). It seems kind of early to be hitting 3 innings at this point.
I don’t get why Chavez would play more first than third this spring, though I’m fine with him playing first.
Innings are meaningless, they are stretching pitch counts not innings.
This is a big year for DJ Mitchell. Got it off to a nice start.
ID, good point – thanks
Betsy,
He’s an excellent 3B, but he’s really just learning how to play 1B. There are some throws he is iffy on.
Betsy,
Because Chavez doesn’t have much experience at 1B and if he makes the team he’ll be expected to back up there in addition to 3B…..he’s a natural at 3rd and can still play the position well according to reports so he’s just working where he needs it the most.
Phil-
DJ Mitchell sometimes seems like the forgotten Man.
Phil, ok so he needs to work on his fielding at 1B, that makes sense. I thought he’d been injured for awhile and would need some more time at 3B to become comfortable again, but obviously I was wrong, lol. He could be a good pick up – and a very good one if he allows us to rest Alex and keep him healthy.
Blake, got it. I was under the mistaken impression that he hadn’t played 3B in awhile…..
Betsy, Nova is stretching in that picture. It’s not his windup.
Jackson, oh, lol…………. I forgot how to make the embarrassed smiley, but I would if I could!
Nova may be better than advertised. He’s got a very live arm, I like him a lot.
Nice to see Montero forcing Beckham wide of the plate by blocking off the plate and then tagging him
GB-
If Beckham ever crashed head on into Jesus he’d turn to sawdust.
Montero seems to be motivated by those who insist he can’t catch – good for him, lol and I hope he can stick at C in part to stick it to everyone who thinks the Yankees are on a fool’s errand with him
All Chavez needs to do is hope his back holds up and strengthening his shoulder/arm before playing a lot of third base. He’ll be ready and he’s hitting.
You do know the first time Jesus is behind the plate against the Red Sox, that moron Youkilis is going to try to run him over first chance he gets.
G. Love-
Let him try. Another trip to the disabled list for him is just fine by me.
And while they’re at it. I hope the pipsqueak tries it too.
MTU March 3rd, 2011 at 7:57 pm
GB-
If Beckham ever crashed head on into Jesus he’d turn to sawdust.
———————————————————————————————————————-
That would be like a VW Beetle challenging a Mack Truck to a one on one Demolition Derby.
“You do know the first time Jesus is behind the plate against the Red Sox, that moron Youkilis is going to try to run him over first chance he gets.”
I don’t know…the last he tried something like that he got hip tossed.
Youk won’t mess with Jesus if Joba is waiting in the wings with his improving velocity.
Anyway, Youk prefers taking on skinny pitchers. And still getting body-slammed.
I really hope that Cervelli does not have a hairline fracture. The competition he brings to ST is invaluable.
GB-
It would be like, Tim Beckham meet brick wall; brick wall meet Tim Beckham.
I don’t think most guys crumple zones are gonna do too well against Montero.
Raw Meat, meet Well Done Buffalo Meat
Nick,
I have a feeling that the mercenary Soriano will have no issue throwing at opposing players either.
I still think a Red Sox jerk will get beer muscles and attempt to take Jesus out in a play at the plate out of frustration due the length of their new catcher’s last name.
I thought today was a pretty good game, I didn’t see it but from the play by play and notes it was a good one. And anytime the Rays don’t win is always good in my book. I don’t think we can expect everyone to go out and put up zeroes, the Killer Bs are human afterall. I got invited to go to the game tomorrow night but I have to work late.
And for anyone who cares, I think I did good on my exam tonight. It had Essay questions which are my specialty. And I knew the multiple choice.
Doreen
I forgot there’s one in Hartsdale now too on Central Avenue which is the same street and about a mile from Jennifer.
The kids like their frozen Ciopino, Mac and Cheese and most of the Asian and Mexican entries.
http://www.traderjoes.com
Also- are you familiar with the Christmas Tree Shop? If not, check it out and don’t let the name fool you.
It’s also on Central Ave. and great if you are looking for apt. odds and ends at bargain prices. Owned by Bed Bath and Beyond and really good for nick-nacks, seasonals and things you know she’s going to break often so why spend too much money on.
TY-
You get to throw tomatoes at Maddon if you pass.
I’d like to see our premium hitters hit. I know they will when the season opens, but it annoys me to see so many low averages. Hank Steinbrenner needs to give a decree, more hitting!
The Montero play will be coming up on MLB-TV in about 5-7 minutes.
I think Montero is the type of catcher that’s going to relish at the opportunities of blocking the plate for throws at home.
The Montero play will be coming up on MLB-TV in about 5-7 minutes.”
do you mean the TV channel or the internet site?
Hank needs to keep trying to mate with his prize mares.
The less he is seen and heard the better.
Soriano has probably already seen Youk’s face enough times to dislike him.
Although once should be enough for anyone.
Hank needs to foreclose on his hitters’ homes – that will make them sit up and take notice
Now that Youkilis has shaved his beard he is even uglier because you can see more of his face.
Hank needs to foreclose on his hitters’ homes – that will make them sit up and take notice
–
Funny.
Steinbrenners minting more money……
From MLB.com
“Legends Hospitality Management and New York Cruise Lines announced a 10-year agreement on Thursday to oversee concessions and retail merchandising on board Circle Line Sightseeing ships and Pier 83 on the Hudson River.”
TV channel, Blake Not a bruising collision but, just a good, solid play by a rookie that can’t catch
GB, thanks.
Jerkface, then they can all move in with Hank………one big happy family, with Hank as the father figure
GB7, have Montero highlights been on yet? They are doing 30/30 on Texas Rangers bullpen.
MTU
Sounds like a deal, maybe I should get my birthday seats on the home side. I don’t have a good enough arm to make it from the visitors side. How about rotten tomatoes if I failed my tuesday exam?
Even though it is just ST I am looking forward to the first clash between the Yankees and the Sux.
Always great theater.
TY-
You’ll pass. Use the fresh ones.
The Yankees may be good players but they are good guys too. Excuse me while I go get a tissue…..
http://online.wsj.com/article/.....re_twitter
My claim to fame as a “chef” is when I spent a semester in Italy and made chicken and vegetables one night on an Italian grilled cheese maker called a ‘Toasteria’
I spent the whole time praying I wouldn’t set off the smoke detector because it was connected to a sprinkler system.
Don’t push your luck, Betsy
I am rooting for el chato, don’t think Chavez will hold up and hit for power.
Excellent story pat, thank you for sharing.
Sounds like most of the Sox regulars played today. Not really much to get up for unfortunately. As per ESPN Boston:
“If you’re heading to Tampa for Friday’s game against the New York Yankees, Clay Buchholz, Brandon Duckworth, Randy Williams, Rich Hill and Matt Albers will all pitch for the Red Sox. Also, Jed Lowrie and Jason Varitek are expected to play against the Yankees.”
pat -
I know where Hartsdale is and I’ve been on Central Ave! We have a Christmas Tree Shop in these parts. Some good stuff in there.
Thank you so much!
MTU
I don’t know what to make of DJ. Hopefully he’s a late bloomer, but he hasn’t gained velocity like they thought he would after he switched to full time pitching and he doesn’t K guys like a good minor league prospect should. Sort of live arm, produces grounders… Love to see him keep the grounders but start k’ing dudes and add two ticks this year.
Phil-
GB likes him but other than that you don’t hear much buzz about the guy.
It’s easy to get lost in the sea of talent the Yankees have.
He’ll probably get moved in a trade at some point, or maybe wind up workin’ out of the pen.
Sorry, guys. They changed programming on me. I thought MLB tonight was running back to back like normal. It should show up at about 20 after the hour on their next highlites show.
You can’t trust anybody.
If Nova does well this year.
Next year I figure they work Banuelos in.
The year after AJ is gone.
That opens another slot.
That might be Betances turn.
Or maybe none of that happens.
Who knows.
Doreen, pat,
I was going to suggest the one on Central Avenue too. It is south of the Christmas Tree Store. My son and daughter-in-law who just moved to Westchester think it is the “best thing since sliced bread”. The prices are excellent too.
C U tomorrow folks.
Have a good evening.
No worries, GB7. They will likely show it again at some point but late. I think mlb net is showing the KC-Angels game next. I am so desperate for baseball that I bet I end up watching most of it. Although, I wish it were the replay of *our* game instead.
Royals are a good spring training watch given all their 5 star prospects.
Thanks, SAS.
DJ Mitchell has only been pitching for about 4 years. He was a college outfielder. 2 part time years in college and this is just his 3rd pro season. Not really a late bloomer. He’s moving fast to make AAA in two years
http://www.thebaseballcube.com......-Mitchell
Jerkface March 3rd, 2011 at 8:59 pm
Royals are a good spring training watch given all their 5 star prospects.
_______
QFT
Doreen,
Are you still around?
Man, the Melkman is in great shape.
m -
I’m here.
Watching American Idol.
Apparently Betances is a lifelong Yankee fan, and was AT Wells perfect game in the bleachers.
… which is crazy. I was out there in 39 that day and I didn’t notice any young phenom 10 year olds
oops, forgot the link
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/articl.....Id=rss_nyy
Nothing important. Just saw your bat-signal for easy recipes.
How does chicken noodle soup sound?
Doreen March 3rd, 2011 at 9:10 pm
m -
I’m here.
Watching American Idol.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Why would you want to watch “The Carl Pavano Story”?
I’m going to guess that GB7 wasn’t a comedian for the USO in his spare time.
I’m proud to say that I’ve never watched a minute of American Idol.
m -
Hah! She should definitely be able to make that short-cut style. Thanks for the suggestion.
Doreen,
Does your daughter make her own meals?
Rich,
I thought that was funny…keep it up GB
GB7 -
Why do you think the ”
” ?
He’s not too difficult to look at, even if he was a total disaster in pinstripes.
Carl Pavano is a total hottie.
/cr9′d
Jackson -
Not enough. Too much eating out lately. Too much pizza.
It was good to see The Big Bet (Betances) perform so well against Manny
Doreen, that was a tough for years. Sadly, there’s a repeat with Marte. Title stretch or not.
It does make me wonder if Pavano could actually do the job over the last couple of seasons, though. I don’t think it was lack of “courage” as much as it was just bad luck.
Understood Doreen. My brother loves french fries and Pepsi. And it has to be 1-Liters.
SAS
So did the former blog host.
***tough four years***
Have never watched American Idol or Prancing With The Stars. I’d rather watch reruns of Chuck Barris and The Gong Show.
Doreen,
I am watching Idol too. My niece’s friend Robbie just got a chance at a wild card spot. Hope he gets it.
GB – I would think ‘Combat’ or the ‘Gallant Men’ would be more your style than the ‘Gong Show’, Chuck Barris was just a make believe assassin.
American Idol is a good show if you enjoy the performing arts and singing in particular. There are some very talented young people on there from all walks of life who get a shot at showcasing their talents and making it. As an example, one of the good singers this season was cleaning toilets in a stadium before auditioning.
Love love LOVE the pic of Montero! Beckham is miles away from the plate
The only reality TV I used to watch was Survivor and The Real World. I got stuck on Rock of Love Tour Bus for a while when my friend made me watch it with him so thank goodness that mess isn’t on anymore. Oh and now I love Real Housewives of NYC and New Jersey. Hot messes all of them.
I’m surprised that we haven’t heard a diagnosis on Cervelli yet.
Tyanks,
I am only watching Idol because my niece’s friend is one of the contestants.
Tarheel In NYC says:
March 3, 2011 at 9:47 pm
Love love LOVE the pic of Montero! Beckham is miles away from the plate ?
—
That pic is the new background on my phone, going to show it to my boss in the morning. If I were beckham and big Montero was blocking the plate, I wouldn’t slide into him either.
Rich,
I didn’t know the former blog host except for an occasional article he wrote in the newspaper. We are in good shape now with Chad and Sam, when Chad isn’t available.
Fran,
I think I watched the last episode of the first one. My friend just texted me saying she hates Jennifer Lopez so I think its safe to assume she is watching too. Hope your nieces friend goes far.
Amazing Race and American Idol take care of my reality fix.
tyanksfan36 March 3rd, 2011 at 9:52 pm
Tarheel In NYC says:
March 3, 2011 at 9:47 pm
Love love LOVE the pic of Montero! Beckham is miles away from the plate ?
—
That pic is the new background on my phone, going to show it to my boss in the morning. If I were beckham and big Montero was blocking the plate, I wouldn’t slide into him either.
=================================================================
Excellent choice, tyanks! It’s a great shot! And I agree completely. If I saw Jesus anchored at the plate and waiting for me, I’d try going around him, too.
Incidentally, I’m not sure how that “?” ended up at the end of my sentence there….it was supposed to be a smiley face.
Tyanks,
He just got eliminated so I am done with Idol for the season.
**************
Pat,
I just started wtching Amazing Race. I like it.
So I tell my dad tonight that the Yankees and Rays tied their game today and he starts telling me about this new prospect the Rays got. I’m assuming he is talking about one on the Garza trade. Nope, he is talking about Casey Kotchman. I had to remind him that they picked him up last month and he is not a prospect. I even repeated that I had told him how he went so long without an error, he was like yeah, and they say he is a good on defense.
Fran,
I don’t watch Idol, and knew nothing about this kid until I read about him online. Robbie attends my HS alma mater.
http://www.longislandpress.com.....bie-rosen/
I still won’t watch the show – not my thing – but it’s kind of neat that a kid from Merrick is making news in a positive way. My hometown (and that school district) has had some notorious connections (Amy Fisher, Mepham HS scandal)….
My Life as Liz II on MTV or online.
Refuse to watch IDOL. Waste of my time. Rather watch sports! Seriously Tyler & JLo? Gag.
You know who’s looking great? Gladys Knight. Man vs Food went to her soul food restaurant. Aging well!
Oh I forgot the Lohans
Fran
Bummer, my friend tried out once, she got past the first round of auditions but never made it to the part they show on TV.
Rb,
Triple Short of a Cycle also attended your alma mater. My niece knows Robbie from Junior High. That’s why I watched it.
Now that he’s eliminated, I am done with the show.
And you forgot Lindsey Lohan
Fran,
Selective memory
I didn’t realize there was a fellow Merokian on the board.
Rb,
Yes, he mentioned it Tuesday night when Robbie was singing.
They had a huge rally Tuesday night for him at the school to watch the show and vote.
I am ready for regular season.