Tuesday morning notes: Stranded in Sarasota
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Notes on Mar 08, 2011 
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After last night’s game in Sarasota, the Yankees clubhouse was not the most alert or busy place this morning. “I had to ask what day it was,” Joe Girardi said.
The Yankees bus is making it way to Orlando for this afternoon’s game against the Braves. Girardi’s not on the players bus, but we can be sure he won’t be driving himself. Turns out, his keys went missing last night in Sarasota and he had to leave his rental truck at the Orioles ballpark.
Kevin Long is a suspect in the case. He apparently borrowed the keys to get his hat out of Girardi’s truck. Long claims he gave them back. Girardi doesn’t remember getting them.
It’s a very sensitive and delicate situation.
• Still no diagnosis on Colin Curtis, who still has his arm in a sling. He can’t move it up and down too well. “Kind of unlucky,” he said. “Sick catch though.”
• No significant concern about Greg Golson, who felt some stiffness in his rib cage yesterday. Girardi said there are no tests scheduled. Turns out, Golson felt some discomfort when he woke up yesterday, but he thought it was normal soreness and decided to play through it. He had to be taken out of last night’s game. “Hopefully it’s not too long,” Girardi said.
• Ronnie Belliard is doing hitting, fielding and base running drills this morning. He’s expected to get in a game later this week. “He’s actually progressed a little bit quicker than we thought (he would),” Girardi said.
• Jorge Posada could get in a game at first base later this week.
• Andrew Brackman will make his first spring appearance today. The Yankees have been wildly impressed by Manny Banuelos and Dellin Betances, now it’s Brackman’s turn. He’s been slowed by a groin injury, and Girardi said the only concern is that he’ll try to do too much to make up for lost time. “We have to make sure we watch that,” Girardi said.
• By the way… Any chance Brackman could eventually pitch his way into the bullpen this year? “I think that’s something you could definitely consider,” Girardi said.
• Phil Hughes, David Phelps and Steve Garrison had sides today.
• Available in the bullpen: Dellin Betances, Dave Robertson, Andrew Brackman, Robert Fish, Warner Madrigal, Romulo Sanchez, Daniel Turpen, Brian Anderson and Eric Wordekemper.
• Off the bench: C Gustavo Molina, 1B Jose Gil, 2B Kevin Russo, SS Doug Bernier, 3B Brad Suttle, LF Austin Krum, CF Melky Mesa, RF Jordan Paraz.
• There is no backup DH listed, suggesting the Yankees are going to let Posada get a full game of at-bats.
It?s a very sensitive and delicate situation
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brackman and betances today!
tyanksfan36 March 8th, 2011 at 9:28 am
I really wanted to go to this game today. Its a combo of my two favorite baseball teams. The Yankees are of course My team but the Braves are my NL team. It should be a good game. I’m not at my computer now so I can’t check but is it going to be on mlb.tv?
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Yes, ty36, the game is on mlb-tv.
I am pumped to see 2/3 K-B’s! I hope Brack doesn’t overthrow and has the good command.
Can’t wait to see 2 out of the 3 B’s pitch today
i think i could like the freddy gonzalez braves more than the bobby cox braves….
then again cox was a yankee and melky was there with him last year….
nah….
BRAVES: Today’s lineup (1:05 bs NYY, 1230 AM): Prado 7 Schafer 8 C. Jones DH Uggla 4 Hinske 3 Gonzalez 6 Ross 2 Young 9 Bowman 5 Jurrjens 1
14 minutes ago via TweetDeck
Looks like Melky C. working out in the DR with Cano and Jose has him off to a good spring. Hit a homer yesterday vs. DBacks: batting near .500, I think. Miranda also had a jack. I’d like to see them both do well.
So let me get this straight, if the RS SS prospect can hit .250, he’s an AllStar, but, if Jeter has one bad year and hits .270, he’s no good. Must be the new math they teach these days.
kim jones thinks nova will be #4 and garcia #5.
Yankeefem
Thanks, I’m excited to see it too! I always get nervous when watching the minor league pitchers trying to make an impression. I’m excited to see Brackman cause he’s the only one I haven’t seen.
Big Al…..Derek Jeter is and was a great stick with a good glove….This kid has the potential to be the second coming of Ozzie Smith….If he can hit .250 he’ll make a few All-Star teams….That being said, getting to that plateau will require a significant spike in that area…..Not saying he’s a HOF player like Derek Jeter but this kid has a chance to be very very good defensively……
Ys Guy March 8th, 2011 at 10:09 am
kim jones thinks nova will be #4 and garcia #5.
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That was my expectation also.
kim jones thinks nova will be #4 and garcia #5.
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most likely. if mitre is the long man, they have to make sure he gets actual work and doesnt sit for weeks at a time.
tyanksfan36 March 8th, 2011 at 10:11 am
Yankeefem
Thanks, I’m excited to see it too! I always get nervous when watching the minor league pitchers trying to make an impression. I’m excited to see Brackman cause he’s the only one I haven’t seen.
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Also pumped to see the Brackman. I am just hoping both he and Dealin’ Dellin come in before I have to leave for work. However, archives available 24-7 are a wonderful thing. mlb-tv rocks!
Iglesias has sublime, otherworldly D; RS have to hope he doesn’t kill them with the bat though. A .315 OBP in AA is pretty poor. How is he doing in ST hitting-wise?
Ys Guy March 8th, 2011 at 10:09 am
kim jones thinks nova will be #4 and garcia #5.
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I think most fans believe this.
I’m very concerned about the “truck keys incident”.
Chad, have you heard if Girardi is thinking about replacing K. Long? Is Hank going to make a statement?
“kim jones thinks nova will be #4 and garcia #5.”
This is what I expected. However, It wouldn’t shock me to see Colon make it if he pitches well over the next couple of weeks, with Nova shadowing in AAA.
Yankeefem
My class got cancelled for today. I called my friend whose NL team is also the Braves but he has class and can’t get out of it. It would have been a nice short trip just over to Orlando, if I was more familiar with the area I would go by myself.
tyanksfan36 March 8th, 2011 at 10:24 am
Yankeefem
My class got cancelled for today. I called my friend whose NL team is also the Braves but he has class and can’t get out of it. It would have been a nice short trip just over to Orlando, if I was more familiar with the area I would go by myself.
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I feel for you, tyf. Any other games that you will be attending?
Just curious but I don’t think I have seen much, if anything, of Reegie Corona this Spring. Was he injured or have I just missed his appearances?
If Nova goes to AAA and we pitch both Garcia and Colon back end that would be disappointing. Unless we plan to bring Nova back up and just want him to pitch every 5th day for now in AAA. After April 21st we have a stretch of 18 games without a break and will definitely need a 5th pitcher fairly consistently going forward. With his stuff, I’d prefer that Nova be one of those back end pitchers.
“Looks like Melky C. working out in the DR with Cano and Jose has him off to a good spring. ”
Melky didn’t go home to the DR this off season. He stayed in Miami and worked out with Jorge, Alex and a bunch of other players.
It should be a rather spirited race for the James P. Dawson Award in Yankee camp. It goes to the top rookie in camp.
Vazquez, Betances, Banuelos, Nunez, Noesi and Nova are all having great ST.
Yankeefem
I’m going Saturday at Nationals and then Sunday here in Tampa. The weather channel predicts clear skies all weekend so it should be a good time. Then I might go next wednesday to the game against Baltimore but it depends again on if I can get someone to go with me.
pat March 8th, 2011 at 10:35 am
“Looks like Melky C. working out in the DR with Cano and Jose has him off to a good spring. ”
Melky didn’t go home to the DR this off season. He stayed in Miami and worked out with Jorge, Alex and a bunch of other players.
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He did work out with Cano, maybe not in DR. But yes, I recall as per what you wrote that he also worked out with Alex and Co. in Miami. In any case, he really looks in shape and ready to go.
tyanksfan36 March 8th, 2011 at 10:37 am
Yankeefem
I’m going Saturday at Nationals and then Sunday here in Tampa. The weather channel predicts clear skies all weekend so it should be a good time. Then I might go next wednesday to the game against Baltimore but it depends again on if I can get someone to go with me.
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Sounds good, tyf especially with the nice weather. I am anticipating wearing down and a raincoat once the boys have games in the Bronx. But I will still be happy to see live baseball.
I think Eiland was in the park and stole it. I heard somebody sabotaged Cashman’s tires as well. Coincidence, perhaps.
I hope people realize that saying Jeter will get 1 day a week off means that he will play only 136 games next season.
Do you guys really think Jeter is playing that few games in 2011 health permitting?
I couldn’t quite read Chad’s tone on the Girardi “keys” story, was it a prank or something more sinister?
Do you guys really think Jeter is playing that few games in 2011 health permitting?
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about 145, healthy LGY. If Nunez is competent and shows a bat, Joe might rest him more though Jeter might want to play everyday.
Disclaimer: If Nunez makes the team. If Pena makes it, Jeter might play more, cuz Pena can’t hit.
Yankeefem
Last year we went to one game against the Tigers at the end of the spring and it started pouring at the 4th inning. The game eventually got cancelled but we got to see Johnny Damon and Rivera and Pettitte before the game was called so it wasn’t a total wash.
Fem, sounds like Chad is having a bit of fun to me. G prolly did lose his key.
This was Pena’s line in 2009.
.287/.317/.383 .700 OPS
It is very unlikely Nunez tops that in 2011.
Not sure what people expect for Nuney next year, but based on these conversations it seems like the expectations are too high for him next season. We would be lucky for Nunez to give the Yankees what Pena did 2 years ago.
I think trying to predict the future is impossible, it depends on his performance, how he feels and how the team is doing. In my opinion Girardi believes resting players so they are fresh come October is more important than putting your best lineup on paper on the field every day. I think it likely he will play more before he gets to 3,000 and less after.
700 ops reads like a might fine goal to me for Nuney? LGY, i see both sides of argument. It’s just another case where there is no absolute here, and I won’t expand any energy to convince anyone one way or the other. IMO.
For those that aren’t aware, today’s game is being shown tonight at 7pm on the MLB network.
LGY March 8th, 2011 at 10:53 am
This was Pena’s line in 2009.
.287/.317/.383 .700 OPS
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You’re kidding right? How about his 2010? Forgot?
.227/.258/.247/.504
thanks Country Club
LGY/Cashmoney
Nuney…really??? And yes I did see that Girardi is calling him that
Kate, it’s pretty appalling with ‘Y’ thingie, G might need an intervention… i need find the hotline number for that.
Morning Kate!
Cashmoney March 8th, 2011 at 10:50 am
Fem, sounds like Chad is having a bit of fun to me. G prolly did lose his key.
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That was my read: I realized that Joe G. lost his keys but didn’t quite “get” how I was supposed to take the latter part regarding the keys being given back or not.
Thanks C.Club…..I did not know that.
“You’re kidding right? How about his 2010? Forgot?
.227/.258/.247/.504″
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WCYF,
You are really killing me. You can’t be this dumb.
Honestly, do you read my posts ignore what it says and then just come up with your own version?
“LGY/Cashmoney
Nuney…really???”
—————–
Just discussing where Nuney is taking his talents next season.
CountryClub March 8th, 2011 at 10:56 am
For those that aren’t aware, today’s game is being shown tonight at 7pm on the MLB network
Actually, today’s game will be on both YES and MLB at 1:00pm and repearted tonight on YES at 7pm.
That’s the problem when you cherry pick stats to try and fit an agenda. You have no idea what Nunez or Peña are going to do. They could both just as easily approach his 2010 number as his 2009 – or neither.
What is accepted is that Nunez is a better ballplayer and certainly a better hitter. I dont recall anyone thinking that Peña is thought of as a possible replacement for Jeter down the road. There is talk about Nunez maybe being that guy.
I’m not going to get into all the numbers thing, but just watching them bot play, Nuenz is a Big League ballplayer in my mind…
1. Pena as the BU middle infielder.
2. Nunez goes to AAA where he can play everyday. He gets called up in the event of an injury and plays everyday.
# Pat M. March 8th, 2011 at 11:10 am
I’m not going to get into all the numbers thing, but just watching them bot play, Nuenz is a Big League ballplayer in my mind…
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Big League ballplayer as in starter or bench guy, Pat?
Pena might as well bat with a pool noodle instead of a bat, the results won’t really change much. He’s just not a good hitter.
That said, if Chavez makes the team it takes a lot of play time away from Nunez so it might be a good idea to put Nunez in AAA. It’s not like our middle infielders will miss many games and if one of them goes down with a serious injury Nunez will be sharp and ready to step in.
Pat M,
Agree. He’s looked good defensively this spring and I think he can certainly hit enough to.play SS in the bigs.
WCYF
Last night I post something about Chavez’s OPS. You promptly come back at me with, you think a 6 time GG winner forgot how to play defense???
Today I post something about what to expect from Nunez in 2011. You come back at me with Pena’s 2010 line, which has absolutely nothing to do with what Nunez will do in 2011.
I really die a little inside every time you do this me.
Nunez is a superior prospect to Pena. Pena’s D is stellar, but his bat makes it not even close.
Everything about the story is true. Girardi couldn’t find his keys last night. The last person he remembers having them is K Long. It’s not really a delicate situation, but it’s an accurate situation. As of this morning, Girardi’s truck was still down there.
Man, Bodog has the Yanks at 91.5, got to take the over on that one.
Yanks on YES at 1….replay on MLB tonite.
“I dont recall anyone thinking that Peña is thought of as a possible replacement for Jeter down the road. There is talk about Nunez maybe being that guy.”
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Nunez will be entering his age 28 season when Jeter’s contract expires.
Don’t get your hopes up.
Didnt see anyone touch on this, but nunez is also a pretty decent threat to steal a bag and could go in late in games also for that reason. Pena doesnt seem to be able to steal bags as easily, though its obviously possible. Cant see chavez or jones going into games for that reason.
I really die a little inside every time you do this me.
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Don’t let it get to you
fem, I actually think Pena’s D is better at 3b than at SS. small sample though, I see average range at SS with a good arm.
“I dont recall anyone thinking that Peña is thought of as a possible replacement for Jeter down the road. There is talk about Nunez maybe being that guy.”
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No offense to whoever is making that talk but Nunez will never be a starter for the Yankees unless there is a serious injury. Nunez is a career bench player, maybe a starter on a bad team.
28 is close to when a player enters into his prime on average. That would be perfect.
I don’t know if Nunez is a long term option at SS for the Yankees but he could play for somebody.
Nunez is a good defensive infielder and very good hitter and athlete, and he has played in the minor leagues at different levels for six years now.
How do you know Nunez is a career bench player?
Nunez needs opportunity to play which prolly wont come from the Yanks. But i think he could be a average ss on any teams. Cuz they arent’ that many good ones.
Here’s an article partly on Nunez published today:
“Eduardo Nunez was valued enough that the Yankees wouldn’t include him, along with Jesus Montero, in a trade to Seattle for Cliff Lee last summer.
“He’s an exciting player,” said manager Joe Girardi, though it’s still a question whether the Yanks will include Nunez on the opening day roster. “It’s just about [him] putting everything together.”
http://www.northjersey.com/spo.....heads.html
I’m in no way saying Nunez is the next coming — but I do think he has potential.
How do you know Nunez is a career bench player?
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It’s my opinion after looking at his stats in the minors and watching him play for the better part of a year.
Wasn’t Nunez the reason why the Lee for Montero deal didn’t happen? I thought Cash said no when it got to him and then they struck a deal with Texas?
“Nunez is a good defensive infielder and very good hitter and athlete, and he has played in the minor leagues at different levels for six years now.”
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He has played in the minors that long because he was abysmal for 3 seasons and couldn’t get past high A ball.
Last year he only put up a .721 OPS at AAA. That is not good. He should probably repeat AAA based on how he performed last season.
Patrick March 8th, 2011 at 11:25 am
How do you know Nunez is a career bench player?
It’s my opinion after looking at his stats in the minors and watching him play for the better part of a year.
***********
That’s more then fair.
Wasn’t Nunez the reason why the Lee for Montero deal didn’t happen? I thought Cash said no when it got to him and then they struck a deal with Texas?
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No, they had a deal that both sides agreed on but Seattle pulled out after Texas included Smoak in their offer.
So LGY – you think that Peña is a better ballplayer?
That’s more then fair.
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And by the way, I hope I’m wrong and he ends up being an above average starter in the big leagues.
Cashmoney March 8th, 2011 at 11:17 am
fem, I actually think Pena’s D is better at 3b than at SS. small sample though, I see average range at SS with a good arm.
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Pena has better than average range at SS. He definitely has plus range. But yeah, he is very good at 3B, better than Nunez, who hasn’t played much 3B. Nunez has the better arm though, and is the better overall player with Pena a UT or a starter on someone who doesn’t care about his weak bat, and Nunez a prospective big leaguer with an mlb bat. Nunez just needs to get the plate discipline and OBP up.
KLong will be hearing all about Keygate during Girardi’s “Airing of Grievances” come next Festivus.
Don’t troll me WC.
Fem, being in this lineup might help Nunez’s slashing and hacking ways, if, he makes the team.
I don’t see the plus range at SS by Pena, the uzr stuff is all too unreliable for a guy who doesn’t play regularly. But no matter, Pena is a superior D person. Though, if Nunez fix his throwing bugaboo he can okay.
anyone know if espn is carrying this game
Well I don’t think choosing the 25th man on the roster will be of earth shattering importance. I just remember so many times last year when Peña was an absolute zero at bat at crunch time in games. It was almost painful.
I disagree with you on Nunez and Penna LGY. That’s what’s been discussed on this blog lately. Have a nice day.
“Nunez is a good defensive infielder and very good hitter…”
Let’s take it easy now…
I agree with the defensive part though. Hope everything works out for him though.
Watching Pena at bat gets me angry… well just a little bit.
Cashmoney March 8th, 2011 at 11:36 am
Fem, being in this lineup might help Nunez’s slashing and hacking ways, if, he makes the team.
I don’t see the plus range at SS by Pena, the uzr stuff is all too unreliable for a guy who doesn’t play regularly. But no matter, Pena is a superior D person. Though, if Nunez fix his throwing bugaboo he can okay.
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I loathe UZR, so I am not quoting UZR. I do think Pena has plus range. I also think Nunez is a plus SS when he controls himself. Both he and Pena IMO have very good range. Nunez in the past has been too aggressive charging the ball and yes, overthrowing or not holding onto the ball when he should. However, he has made a bunch of adjustments on D and O. Keep in mind he was a switchhitter through 2007, and has always been an overly aggressive hitter (kind of similar to his fielding). However, he is more comfortable now, just batting righty, is learning plate discipline, and he has a lot more pop than he is given credit for. He has a high ceiling, and obviously the Yankees love his hitting potential for a SS. As a BU, he hopefully gets enough playing time.
One of my co-workers brothers has a son in the Deer Park Little League. He was out with Andy Pettitte all day Saturday working on the field. Happily, he reports that Andy is truly a very nice fellow. Andy said he likes to do it because it keeps him in shape. No, he didn’t say pitching shape.
Keep in mind he was a switchhitter through 2007
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thx for the info fem, i did not know that. I like what i see from him and will root for him to be on the team.
Girardi is more Earl Weaver than Casey Stengle or Whitey Herzog in his managerial style and that means there is only one person he’ll pick to be the leadoff batter:
http://yankeesgameday.blogspot.....rdner.html
fem, i am not on big defense metric stuff either, dont think it provides an accurate pic.
Chuck March 8th, 2011 at 11:40 am
“Nunez is a good defensive infielder and very good hitter…”
Let’s take it easy now…
I agree with the defensive part though. Hope everything works out for him though.
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Saying Nunez can hit is accurate. He’s always been a good hitter,his challenge has been not walking enough.
What some guys should know about Nuney especially LGY when looking at his minor league #’s is that Nuney entered the system as a switch hitter and had a very good first season.
Then the next 3yrs when his #’s were so abysmal he just couldn’t get his swing consistent at all from the left side- his weaker side- and lost his confidence as a hitter.
In ’09 when he abandoned switch hitting and just focused on hitting as a RH’er his natural stronger side his offense came back in a big way. While he will never be a 30 Homer guy he is a guy who if given 600abs profiles to hit .290-300 with 12-15HRs and 30 steals while being a very good defender….basically an alexei ramirez type or a Jose Reyes with less SBs….
As far as being a starting SS on a championship caliber team look at the SS on the last 10 championship teams and then get back to me.
Cashmoney March 8th, 2011 at 11:46 am
Keep in mind he was a switchhitter through 2007
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thx for the info fem, i did not know that. I like what i see from him and will root for him to be on the team.
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Also I think Nunez worked out in the DR with Cano and his dad. Was this tidbit on YES network? I can’t remember, and Nunez too has been working on getting his power from the hips. I think this will help his hitting. When he is more patient and squares up to the ball, he really does have some decent power for a SS. The biggest thing with Nunez is he has been a reaction player on both sides of the ball, and he has been learning more control. Therefore, he has been a work in progress and erratic. Hopefully, as I said he gets enough playing time to progress.
As per UZR, it is an incredibly variable and questionable stat on a bunch of levels from who is viewing to disregard for type of pitch, ballpark measurements, etc.
After giving up switch hitting, Nunez had .349 (AA) and .340 (AAA) OBP’s respectively, which were much improved over his previous milb numbers.
Thanks for the informative discourse Fem. while we on the subject, tangentially I think the defense metric skewers the stat WAR in similar fashion.
the main problem with computing defense into WAR ,to me, is that u can never accurately gauge the ‘run saved’ while first considering the specific contextual of a particular game. Thus, the value of it is highly subjective.