Wednesday notes: Results encouraging, the market is not
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Notes on Mar 09, 2011 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
So far, tonight’s Bartolo Colon start has been the worst outing in this four-man rotation competition, and even Colon wasn’t too bad.
It’s too early to make too much of it, but rotation results have been encouraging this spring, and Brian Cashman said it’s entirely possible the Yankees have all the pieces of their Opening Day rotation already in camp. Cashman said he wouldn’t rule out adding a pitcher before the end of March, but right now an addition doesn’t seem likely.
“I’m not encouraged (by the market),” Cashman said. “I’m only saying there’s a chance because who knows what’s going to happen between now and then? There’s nothing hot. I’ve got nothing going on. Zero. That type of activity doesn’t usually take place right now.”
Colon had a rocky second inning, but that came after he struck out the side in the first inning and before he pitched a scoreless third and fourth. All told, Colon allowed two runs through four innings, striking out seven and walking none.
“I’ve been a little bit more surprised about Colon than (Freddy) Garcia,” Joe Girardi said. “Freddy, I saw Freddy pitch last year so I had a pretty good idea of what he was going to do. Bartolo, the movement on his fastball surprised me a little bit. I’m not surprised with his command and I’m not surprised with the changeup. The breaking ball is a little bit better than it was in the past.”
If the situation changes, could the trade market heat up at the end of March?
“Usually with bad contract guys, out of option guys, that type of stuff,” Cashman said.
• If the Yankees don’t add a starter, they probably won’t add anyone this spring. The lineup is set, the bullpen is deep and Cashman said he’s happy with the bench options. “I don’t think we have to go outside camp unless we have injuries looking for bench help,” he said. “We have the potential of a real good bench going forward to open the season.”
• Colon started his outing by striking out the side in the first inning. “Usually I try to pace myself, but today I went hard right from the very beginning,” he said. “Today I just felt very strong.” Colon allowed two runs in the second inning, but Girardi was impressed that the outing didn’t snowball and Colon pitched a scoreless third and fourth. “You want to see a guy be able to shut it down and get back to making pitches,” Girardi said.
• Rafael Soriano pitched a scoreless inning in his spring debut. Girardi said this could be the best bullpen since he came to New York. “Our bullpen in 2009, at the end, was special,” Girardi said. “With Hughesy down there and Marte back and Robertson, the strides that he made. Joba. Ace. That was pretty good. I think this bullpen has a chance to be better.”
• Girardi was impressed by Soriano’s debut. “I didn’t really expect a whole lot different than that,” Girardi said.
• Eduardo Nunez played left field tonight and caught the only ball hit to him. “It was weird, but good,” Nunez said. The Yankees want Nunez and Ramiro Pena to get a little bit of outfield time this spring, preparing themselves to play there in a pinch this season.
• Nunez also had another hit, raising his spring average to .375. He also got his fifth stolen base.
• Russell Martin and Andruw Jones each hit their first Yankees home runs tonight. The Yankees started seven players likely to make the Opening Day roster, and all seven had a hit. The Yankees won 4-2.
• Manny Banuelos made his third scoreless appearance of the spring. Nice work by Andrew Marchand on this piece about Mariano Rivera’s impressions of the young lefty. Safe to say, the Yankees closer is impressed. Girardi said before the game he thought Banuelos would go three innings, but the Yankees changed their mind and gave him two innings. Banuelos would have pitched three innings if Colon had lasted just three innings, Girardi said.
• Gustavo Molina had a root canal today.
• There’s a chance of rain tomorrow. If that happens, Girardi said CC Sabathia will probably throw a simulated game in the indoor cages. If not, Sabathia will matchup against Roy Halladay in Clearwater.
• Speaking of Clearwater, Ronnie Belliard is scheduled to make the trip. He could get in his first game tomorrow.
• Just a random observation: I hadn’t talked to Melky Mesa much this spring, but talked to him a little bit today. The guy’s a ball of energy, laughing and smiling, even when he’s in the game. He’s definitely one of those “I just love to play the game” kind of guys.
• After today’s paintball outing, someone asked Girardi if he’s still hoping to have a players outing in spring training. “I don’t know,” Girardi said. “We’ll see. A lot of times during the beginning of the season we’ll watch the Final Four together as a team. This was a year that was a little bit different (in spring training). I’ve had some ideas in my mind about things that I could do, but it seems like time gets short sometimes.”
• The Yankees finally posted tomorrow’s travel roster for Clearwater, and it includes one regular infielder — Robinson Cano — traveling with the regular outfielders. It also includes every healthy catcher, including Jorge Posada.
Pitchers who will be making the trip: Brian Anderson, Robert Fish, Warner Madrigal, David Phelps, Ryan Pope, Mark Prior, Dave Robertson, CC Sabathia, Romulo Sanchez, Andy Sisco, Daniel Turpen and Eric Wordekemper.
Players who will not be making the trip: Colin Curtis, Greg Golson, Andruw Jones, Eric Chavez, Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez and Francisco Cervelli.
Associated Press photos of Colon, Bernie Williams and Tino Martinez. Williams threw out the first pitch, Martinez is in camp as a guest instructor.
Nice to have an established pitching coach.
Nunez, Chavez, Jones, Montero.
I think most of us would say that’s the bench if today was March 31st.
Bronx Jeers March 9th, 2011 at 10:40 pm
Nunez, Chavez, Jones, Montero.
I think most of us would say that’s the bench if today was March 31st.
**************************
Agree 100%
What Mo said about Banuelos is just awe inspiring.
He said that he thought he was better than Brien Taylor.
When Mo speaks people listen. When God says your the best prospect he has ever seen
that’s sayin’ something.
wowza.
Our bench and our bullpen are going to be sick. This entire team is so underrated by the MSM, it’s really hilarious.
I would say the writing is on the wall…Girardi referred to Colon as Bartolo, not Barty, that can’t be good!
internet CC cookies on the way to GB
Thank you, Kate. I can almost taste them. They are a little thin, though. Not that I’m complaining, understand.
I don’t understand why some people think the Yankees need to make a trade. They don’t.
MTU, I wish you could have seen Brien Taylor pitch. Sensational.
# West Coast Yankee Fan March 9th, 2011 at 10:40 pm
Giuseppe Franco March 9th, 2011 at 10:35 pm
Nobody cares how “overweight” someone is if they are getting results on the field. We are talking about the same GM that gave Sidney Ponson not one but TWO chances.
*****************
How did that Sidney Ponson thing work out for you?
———–
A pointless comment, but I shouldn’t expect anything else considering the source.
This isn’t my decision and I’m not advocating that Colon should be on the team.
Just making the argument that I could see them going that route. Stockpiling options is part of Cashman’s MO.
Why is that so difficult for you to understand?
Wasn’t Brien Taylor one of the biggest NYY busts ever, high 1st rounder? Pretty sure he was the guy that broke his pitching hand in a fight and never even made the majors. I would hope Banuelos looked better than Taylor! No offense Mo
Just got home from the game. It was awesome. I was happy with myself that I kept my attention on the game cause its been a while since I’ve had to focus my attention on baseball. Besides the people around me who were clueless as to who was who it was a great time.
I got some video and pictures. Ill post as soon as I get my computer working, should be within the hour they’ll be up.
I think Taylor wrecked his shoulder in that fight.
If LeBron needs some advice on how to hit a big shot, he may want to text Melo.
GB-
I would have loved to see him.
But Mo says he thinks Manny is better, and he’s seen ‘em both.
That’s an awesome compliment.
Wow, so a fight literally ended his career, that’s crazy.
from wikipedia:
“In his senior season, Taylor threw 88 innings, striking out 213 hitters while walking 28. His fastball often hit 98 and 99 mph. In 2006, Scott Boras claimed that Taylor was the best high school pitcher he had seen in his life.”
What was Taylor’s ceiling? Who were his comps?
Yeah I am pretty excited actually about this Yankees team. I love the Hunger and wanting to win that I think this club will have over last years team.
Desire is huge at this level, instead of going through the motions.
I believe the story was that Taylor was defending his brother in a bar fight when he was injured in the scuffle.
Brien Taylor didn’t bust his hand in a bar fight. He went to stop a fight between his older brother and another guy outside of a local bar. Taylor was too young to go inside. The brother was packing heat and was going to kill the guy for messing around with his girlfriend. In the fight, the other guy and Taylor’s brother fell on top of B. Taylor’s shoulder and tore everything loose in his shoulder. He still lives in the same house that he bought for his mother…not far from here in Beaufort SC.
MTU is correct.
That’s right, it wasn’t a bar fight.
There was an article about him in the Daily News a year or so ago
If that’s true than I retract my bust statement, what a damn shame. Cashman should go get Manny B. some security, I’m kind of being serious…
?On December 18, 1993 the normally mild-mannered Taylor suffered a dislocated left shoulder and torn labrum while defending his brother Brenden in a fistfight. The New York Times reported that Taylor confronted a man named Ron Wilson, who had fought with in Harlowe, North Carolina. Brenden suffered head lacerations in his fight with Wilson. Once Taylor found out his brother had been hurt, he and a cousin went to Wilson’s trailer home to confront him. There, Taylor got into an altercation with Jamie Morris, Wilson’s friend, and Taylor fell on his shoulder.[2] According to Wilson, Taylor attempted to throw a haymaker at Morris, and missed, which caused the injury (similar to how Sonny Liston dislocated his shoulder by missing a number of hard punches in his first fight with Muhammad Ali).”
Imagine the guilt his big brother lives with now, ouch.
LGY, great game. I know the Knicks nearly blew the game, but we’re still talking about a work in progress. The fact is, for 3 quarters, they were a much better team and in the end, they won the game, which is all that counts. Douglas isn’t perfect by any means, but he’s done a fine job in Billups’ absence. I will be very happy with a competitive game tomorrow.
Michelle, if you are still around, I’m staying at the Contemporary
Taylor may have had a bigger FB than Manny but the thing about him is his composure,
assortment of pitches and command of same, and prodigy-like ability.
When Mo says a pitching prospect is the best he’s ever seen you take notice in a hurry.
2.4 K/inning! that’s just sick!
The other sad end to a very promising career was Andre Robertson, a fine hitter and slick fielding shortstop. He was never the same after breaking his neck on a rainy road in NY. Totaled the car, but, his friend from his hometown, a girl that came to visit him was paralyzes from the neck down. No high speeds, no drinking, just a car that slid on wet pavement.
How close was Taylor to making the big club? What were his numbers like in the minors, does anyone remember?
Made it to AA as a 21 year old 3.4 ERA, lots of walks. 8.3 K/9.
For those that are interested here’s where Verducii gets much of his analysis, very interesting and spot on in many cases: http://www.chrisoleary.com/pro.....dPans.html
Here’s Taylor’s number from the Minors according to Baseball reference.
Mostly A ball. One season at AA
http://www.baseball-reference......ylor002bri
Betsy,
I almost had a heart attack in the 4th quarter. TD was great overall tonight, but they sorely missed Billups in the 4th quarter. Douglas killed them with dumb shots and that lazy pass to Amare in the 4th.
That’s why they got Melo. Really exciting game and like you said only matters that they came away with the W.
They are really starting to jell, which is pretty scary considering their 3rd best player and floor general has been out.
Jesus Montero eating at chilis in Tampa *right now* according to a friend of a friend.
Time to hit the sack.
Gonna dream of the “Man-ster” in the 2012 starting rotation.
That’s a pleasant dream for sure.
Brien Taylor’s 2 minor league seasons combined (ft.lauderdale+albany-colonie)
324 IP, 248H, 337K, 168BB
thats his 2 years pre-injury
Hi Everyone,
I don’t keep up with the minors much or didn’t before the blog, but Brien Taylor was another story. He was supposed to be the “be all and end all” for the Yankees.
It is amazing how little things change careers in baseball and other pro sports. Brien Taylor’s was a sad story
Thank God he isn’t eating at a Ruby Tuesday’s…
Chili’s ?
He should be eating at Columbia or someplace a bit more authentic no?
imagine the 1st overall pick out of h.s. pitching 163 innings his first season!
Good point UnKnown! Even as a kid he’s making the right calls…
That article is wrong on quite a few points. He was born in Beaufort, SOUTH Carolina, not north. That is not the reports in the local papers, nor does it agree with police reports.
You have to fail to be a bust.
gb, not only that but the story has two versions. i’m guessing this isnt a story you’re ever going to hear a definitive version of. the end result is the same.
LGY, I’m looking forward to Billups returning, but I’m trying to take as many positives as I can from the Knicks (I admit I was incredibly bummed and annoyed after the Cavs game, though). So, if TD makes a few bad plays or they go through a cold stretch, I can’t get too upset about it. I’d rather see 3 great quarters and 1 bad quarter than 3 bad and 1 good (assuming you still win, of course).
Billups has been so great, mentoring Douglas – he’s such pro. Melo and Amare work well together – I never doubted they would. When people want to make something work, they’ll get it done -it’s as simple as that. I’ll just assume their defense will come and go until they can improve the roster around the stars.
# stuckey99 March 9th, 2011 at 9:52 pm
Betsy, almost ALL major league relievers were highly touted starting prospects at sometime, including the great relief pitcher of all time.
————————–
Don’t think there is much truth to this at all.
Particularly the part about Mariano. He was never a highly touted prospect. Never in the top 100. He did not even make it to the major leagues until he was 25 years old.
Mike_Boston,
The Verducii effect has been debunked
Yahoo Sports:
“Media outlets are reporting police were summoned to a Fort Pierce restaurant before Detroit Tigers star Miguel Cabrera’s DUI arrest last month because the first baseman allegedly threatened a manager and an off-duty fish and wildlife officer. The Florida state attorney’s office released a 911 audiotape, a police video and a 41-page report on Wednesday.”
Betsy,
Yeah, it definitely seems Billups is helping TD out. He has played really well. He is still young, learning, and not a natural PG so he is going to make mistakes.
ESPN:
“About a half an hour before Cabrera’s disabled 2005 black Land Rover was spotted by police, the manager of a bar in Fort Pierce, Fla., had had an altercation with the Tigers slugger, the police report said.
Cabrera reportedly walked into Cowboys Bar-B-Q & Steak Co. as it was closing and was asked to leave, the report said. Cabrera ignored management’s request, the report said. When he was asked to leave again Cabrera said: “You don’t know me. I will kill you. I know all of you, and I will kill all of you and blow this place up.”
Another witness at the bar, an off-duty wildlife officer, said he was also threatened by Cabrera. Cabrera said “he had a gun in his bag for us,” the officer said. The police reports do not indicate Cabrera had a gun.”
This guy’s analysis of Strassburg is enough to tell me he knows what he’s talking about: http://www.chrisoleary.com/pro.....sburg.html
cabrera still 3rd on my 5×5 draft board.
JackCurryYES @ImTheWitty1 Rothschild told me at least one of the young kids is going to dominate, which could vault him into majors. Could be Banuelos
about 2 hours ago in reply to ImTheWitty1
Could be? Will be.
WCYF,
Will Cabrera be playing this year?
Blake, was he talking about this year?
Y’s Guy,
That’s why I was asking. Where is that 5 x 5 board?
Mike,
Not sure. I doubt we will see him until Sept call up time if at all in 2011. You never know but that just isnt how the Yanks seem to be operating.
cabrera went 1-3 with a run scored today so he’s playing.
Wow. The Knicks had 4 FT attempts while the Griz had 35, and still won… on the road…Freakin’ awesome.
I hope Rothschild really didn’t say that – those are ridiculous expectations to put on a kid (and they aren’t ready anyway, Banuelos due to innings and Betances because he’s just not)
SAS – I’m not that familiar with the details but I believe he will be playing. Cabrera has apologized and agreed to follow a plan set up by the commissioner’s office and the players’ union.
What’s interesting to me, is that Cabrerra was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence and two counts of resisting an officer without violence. Those are misdemeanor charges.
But saying, “You don’t know me. I will kill you. I know all of you, and I will kill all of you and blow this place up” may not have been known until now. I guess it will be up to the District Attorney as to whether any others more serious charges will be filed.
“could vault him into the majors isnt exactly a development plan. i think he’ s pumping them up on their way out the door. i think they’ll be sent out this w/e.
I don’t think it’s a bad thing Betsy, if he did say it he never named names, it could be any of the 3 B’s theoretically. If anything maybe it pushes them all that much harder.
Mike_Boston,
http://www.hardballtimes.com/m.....er-effect/
Betsy,
Hard to know what he meant…could have meant just a late season call up to help out of the pen. Who knows…..
Yeah, Banuelos has an innings cap, right?
I like that Rothschild speaks his mind though.
We finally have a real pitching coach.
I’m guessing Banuelos has a cap of 140-150 innings. I’m all for him throwing most of those at Trenton in 2011……that said if he threw them in NY I do not think his arm would fall off.
Blake, that’s true.
Actually, I misinterpreted the comment and therefore overreacted. I take back my comment, lol
“Don’t think there is much truth to this at all.
“Particularly the part about Mariano. He was never a highly touted prospect. Never in the top 100. He did not even make it to the major leagues until he was 25 years old.”
This is headed toward a disagreement on semantics.
He made it to the Major Leagues has a starter, which alone puts him in the upper echelon of minor league starters under any reasonable definition.
If by “highly touted” you want to define that as someone’s Top 100 prospects, I’m fine with this and will agree to amend my language to any term you take to mean a prospect that organization regarded has having genuine major league potential.
Thanks WCYF
# Betsy March 9th, 2011 at 11:50 pm
I hope Rothschild really didn’t say that – those are ridiculous expectations to put on a kid (and they aren’t ready anyway, Banuelos due to innings and Betances because he’s just not)
He said one of the kids.
It could be Brackman. Could be Phelps. Could be Noesi. Could be anyone. He didn’t say anyone specific.
Got to see Taylor pitch in Ftl in summer of 92 or 93. Very good live arm. Kind of reminds me of a Chapman type of body and threw hard like him.
Too bad we never got to see him in the show.
stuckey,
Based on your amendment, your comment really doesn’t have much value. Really, any prospect that has genuine major league potential?
You may as well just say that most relievers were starting pitchers at some point in their professional career, but that doesn’t address Betsy’s point at all.
Triple,
If the theory has been debunked why are all young starters across the minors having their innings capped, are those not related (I’m seriously asking because I assumed they’re related? I also never mentioned Verducii’s theory, I said this was the guy that provided his data, while not crediting him I might add. He called injuries on guys like Liriano, Johan, Weinright, breaking down mechanics and correctly guessing elbow or shoulder before they happened; that was why I posted that link initially. Some of his analysis was the basis for Verduccii to run with his theory, 2 different things we’re talking about.
Also have a really hard time believing that when you wrote that you meant just basically any pitcher who makes it to the minors.
Mariano was just a pitcher in the Yankee system. He wasn’t particularly noteworthy at all.
*makes it to the majors*
The one thing about Mariano though is that he became a different (better) pitcher after the elbow surgery.
“A disagreement on semantics” ???????
ON THIS BLOG? NO WAY!
Carl, that’s true………….
My videos from tonight’s game are uploaded. Check them out, sorry if some of them are shaky or grainy.
http://www.youtube.com/itsawesomebaby20
enjoy.
I love watching video of Robinson
“Based on your amendment, your comment really doesn’t have much value. Really, any prospect that has genuine major league potential? ”
It does if you understand and appreciate the actual percentages behind making it to the major leagues.
Yes, within the tiny subset of prospects that make it to the majors, there is the upper and lower echelons. But in the general, grand scheme of things, making it there means you are well regarded.
And not for nothing, check Mo’s minor league career.
I don’t have Baseball America archives for the early 90′s, but I have a hard time imagining he wasn’t highly regarded by someone back then.
http://www.thebaseballcube.com.....vera.shtml
I have to say. I am extremely disappointed in stuckey that he just played the semantics card.
You are better than that man. Especially when you are using a phrase like highly touted.
Betsy’s point that it stinks that some pitchers, if they are fully capable of starting in the major leagues, will have to be relegated to the pen just due to a numbers game.
Sure, if the decision is majors as a reliever or bust or languish in the minors as a starter, everyone is picking starting.
However, if the choice is between starting in the majors or relieving in the majors, every single one of them is choosing to start.
It isn’t some accomplishment for a capable major league starter to be turned into a reliever. Most of the guys that this happens go to the pen after failing as a starter or continually getting injured as a starter.
“Signed as a free agent out of Panama in 1990, the skinny right-hander was an intriguing starting prospect, posting low ERAs and high strikeout rates in the lower minor leagues. Baseball America named him the ninth-best prospect in the Yankees’ system;”
As I say, if this doesn’t qualify as “highly touted” then we’re just disagreeing on language.
Mariano started a total of 10 games and then was shifted to the bullpen.
Highly touted starting pitching prospects don’t get only 10 games in the majors to show they are starters.
Mariano started a total of 10 games and then was shifted to the bullpen.
Highly touted starting pitching prospects don’t get only 10 games in the majors to show they are starters
——————————
Try telling that to Joba…
“Try telling that to Joba…”
——————–
Joba Chamberlain with 43 games started in the majors?
Who’s Joba?
“I have to say. I am extremely disappointed in stuckey that he just played the semantics card.
You are better than that man. Especially when you are using a phrase like highly touted.”
I’m just playing the cards you dealt.
“Betsy’s point that it stinks that some pitchers, if they are fully capable of starting in the major leagues, will have to be relegated to the pen just due to a numbers game.”
It isn’t some accomplishment for a capable major league starter to be turned into a reliever. Most of the guys that this happens go to the pen after failing as a starter or continually getting injured as a starter.”
I know Betsy’s point perfectly well. She’d made it before.
And my response is directed towards it’s specifically.
There is no such thing as a “capable major league starter” until you actually are a capable major league starter.
I don’t care how high you are on Baseball America’s Top 100 list, or what your minor league numbers are. There are no locks to perform at the Major League level.
Performing at the Major Leagues is a rare, tremendous accomplishment on any level.
To such it is not under any circumstances is simply completely lacking in perspective.
“Performing at the Major Leagues is a rare, tremendous accomplishment on any level.
To such it is not under any circumstances is simply completely lacking in perspective.”
————————-
No one said otherwise. Certainly, Betsy did not say this.
Really what you are doing is taking Betsy’s post, and crafting it to make some point that no one disagrees with.
“Mariano started a total of 10 games and then was shifted to the bullpen.
Highly touted starting pitching prospects don’t get only 10 games in the majors to show they are starters.”
And the circular logic portion of our evening begins.
So, Rivera could NOT have been a highly touted prospect because he was used as a reliever?
That’s simply restating your premise. It does nothing to support your premise.
Mariano Rivera’s remarkable last few weeks of 1995 was what made him a reliever in 1996, and it was right decision by the Yankees.
My point was he barely got a shot before being sent to the pen, anything under 50 isn’t enough unless the results are plain awful, his were better than average. What were Mo’s?
In fact,
GF said “I’d be willing to bet a large sum of dough that guys like Warren, Phelps, Nova, and Noesi would be thrilled to be pitching in the big leagues out of the pen rather than pitching out of the rotation in Scranton.”
and Betsy replied, “GF, I agree…….and I recall we had this discussion before. I don’t mean that they wouldn’t be happy”
Sometimes it doesn’t matter what they think about you early on . . .
“Few major league teams were very interested in Pujols out of high school, but he was finally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 13th round, with the 402nd overall pick.”
“No one said otherwise. Certainly, Betsy did not say this.”
You did.
12:31.
Tell me how i shouldn’t read that as being a major league reliever isn’t an accomplishment for a starting prospect of some high level of regard?
Is the part where you posted “It isn’t some accomplishment for a capable major league starter to be turned into a reliever” in context to minor league prospects that’s throwing me?
LGY,
Betsy: “I was sort of wondering if a born-starter could be a really terrific reliever, but I guess that’s silly since it’s easier to be a reliever.”
Me: “Betsy, almost ALL major league relievers were highly touted starting prospects at sometime, including the great relief pitcher of all time.”
Simply, if you weren’t looking to create something out of nothing, you’d recognize I merely responded to her question in the affirmative.
But go on, keep digging.
This $#!t does beat gimmick posters.
“Tell me how i shouldn’t read that as being a major league reliever isn’t an accomplishment for a starting prospect of some high level of regard?
Is the part where you posted “It isn’t some accomplishment for a capable major league starter to be turned into a reliever” in context to minor league prospects that’s throwing me?”
———————
I think you misunderstood what I was saying there. I am just saying that major league starters don’t want to go pitch in the bullpen. Like or not, it is a demotion in a way.
If you are a starting pitcher and you never get a chance to start in the majors, simply because of a numbers game it is disappointing at some level.
These guys want to start. And while just making it to the majors trumps all, these guys are not taking solace in the fact that most other relievers failed as starters before going to the bullpen if they never get this opportunity to fail.
For some reason you are trying to find someone that is saying being a reliever in the major leagues is not a major accomplishment.
It’s not there stuckeydude.
“Simply, if you weren’t looking to create something out of nothing, you’d recognize I merely responded to her question in the affirmative.”
———————
In my world, one of these ? tends to signify a question.
“This $#!t does beat gimmick posters.”
——————-
Arguing with stuckey is allowing me to procrastinate and I figure not too many lohudders are awake right now to have to suffer through reading this crap.
“In my world, one of these ? tends to signify a question.”
And in mine, “I was sort of wondering” indicates a question is afoot. And in a discussion form, I think it’s entirely appropriate to respond to it.
Let me reiterate.
“almost ALL major league relievers were highly touted starting prospects at sometime, including the great[est] relief pitcher of all time.”
Other than our disagreement over the term “highly touted” which early on I was perfectly willing to revise to a term of your own choosing, exactly what is the source of your disagreement with this statement again?
“exactly what is the source of your disagreement with this statement again?”
———————-
I believe you are trying to pull a fast one with your revision of highly touted.
Who do you think will go north stuckey, Nuney and Pena?
“Arguing with stuckey is allowing me to procrastinate and I figure not too many lohudders are awake right now to have to suffer through reading this crap.”
There’s been an argument?
Why wasn’t I told?
“I believe you are trying to pull a fast one with your revision of highly touted.”
i didn’t revise it. I invited you to.
“Who do you think will go north stuckey, Nuney and Pena?”
Assuming you mean “or”, Nunez.
Is there really any question?
“Why wasn’t I told?”
——————-
I was too busy pounding your point into submission.
Probably doesn’t feel like much of an argument when you are being taken to task.
“Assuming you mean “or”, Nunez.
Is there really any question?”
——————–
Yeah, meant or.
I think Pena goes over Nunez.
“Probably doesn’t feel like much of an argument when you are being taken to task.”
“I think Pena goes over Nunez.”
I find these two things related.
See you in a few weeks on this.
Didn’t you and I have a 25th man argument a year ago at this time?
“Didn’t you and I have a 25th man argument a year ago at this time?”
—————-
Possibly, but I don’t recall.
Something about the “writing on the wall” involving Thames?
Just wanted everyone to know tomorrow to monday all the games will be televised.
“Something about the “writing on the wall” involving Thames?”
———————
My writing on the wall comment was about Gardner.
I said that if the Yankees don’t stop platooning him, they will sign Crawford.
“My writing on the wall comment was about Gardner.
I said that if the Yankees don’t stop platooning him, they will sign Crawford.”
Ah yes.
Astute observation that one.
“Ah yes.
Astute observation that one.”
———————
Well they stopped platooning him!
My dumb predictions last year were that Joba would be the 5th starter and that Javy would be the 2nd best starter on the team.
Colter Bean was once a highly-touted starting prosect, alone with Chris Britton and the Thin Man himself, Edwar Ramirez.
Who knew?
SICK: along with Chris Britton and Edwar, not alone with. Colter Bean never walked alone.
You got me twice now to actually lol at sick.
Twice will have to do as it’s unlikely that I’ll make any more typos or spelling arrors.
INteresting comment from http://www.chrisoleary.com/pro.....dPans.html
Francisco Liriano 8/17/2007: Very pronounced Inverted W. Is currently out with a torn UCL. I wouldn’t be surprised if his shoulder lets go next, probably a year or two after he recovers from his elbow injury. I think he could be the Twins’ Mark Prior. This is such a waste because his stats are absolutely incredible (e.g. superior to most HOF pitchers). The only way he’s going to last is as a reliever ala Billy Wagner.
And here is an excellent explanatino of the timing problem Joba had in his delviery that any good pitching coach should have been able to help him with
http://www.chrisoleary.com/pro.....rlain.html
Great article.
I do believe in Wackatino vs. Belicoso the court ruled that a writ of explanatino delviery was denied. Sorry.
Boy I had a snootful tonight. WINNING ! !
from the star-tribune:
SARASOTA, FLA. Francisco Liriano was a mess on Wednesday. When he wasn’t spinning around on the mound from trying to throw too hard he was spinning around to see where his pitches were being hit.
“My slider was moving like a cutter,” he said. “My changeup was coming up. My fastball was all over.”
Liriano, who began spring training a little behind the other starters because of shoulder tendinitis, looks as if he’ll need all of spring training to get is mechanics in order. On Wednesday, he gave up five earned runs over 123 innings and set the tone for bad pitching as the Twins were blasted 11-2 by the Orioles.”
123 innings is a bit much this early in ST isnt it?
Must be Lirianos pitching coach.
Safety by Choice, Not by Chance
good morning early birds!
did Stuckey and LGY scare everyone away?
Good morning, morning people.
That Manny B is something else, isn’t he?
*****
Michelle B (Yankee stadium West) -
We’ll be at Disney from 4/2 through 4/9. If you really are looking forward to dinner in Japan, make sure you make reservations now. It is the one country we’ve never eaten at, and we were going to do so this trip, but both days we were interested in, one day we could only get a 3:20 reservation and one day a 4:00 reservation. Even for us, that’s a bit early for dinner, and a bit late for lunch.
Betsy was correct about the quicker food option in Morocco – it is fantastic. The other restaurant in Morocco, with the belly dancing, we’d never ever go back. Horrible acoustics and the food was not very good. It is the only restaurant there we’ve actually hated. Most have been a good experience.
Doreen,
Certainly looks like Manny is the real deal. He’ll be fun to follow this year even if its at Trenton. Glad tonight’s game is televised….Montero should catch I would imagine.
I caught a little bit of the mlb network this am. They were discussing Liriano. They were suspicious regarding why the Twins would want to trade their best pitcher. They also commented that he admitted not doing his pre season work outs. Another example of the best trade is sometimes no trade?
Im wondering what the Phillies do if it turns out that Utley needs surgery or is out a significant amount time. They have built that club for a short term run at a championship so they really can’t afford to mess around.. problem is that reports are that they are already operating in the red so they may not be able to make a trade for someone like Micheal Young and take on payroll…..should be interesting.
Starting to look like the Twins knew he might not be right and were thinking of dealing him before his value tanked.
blaek -
It’s a night game? Uh-oh. American Idol conflict.
Doreen,
I just typically watch the first couple weeks of america idol and the end so Im good.
um, blake. Sorry.
blake -
That sounds like an efficient way to watch that show.
the Yankees website has today and tomorrow’s game at 1 pm.
i thought there was something wrong with liriano the moment i heard he was available.
a team with a $125M payroll isnt going to trade thier best starter unless something is wrong.
they have zero chance doing anything significant this year if they trade him.
btw i read somewhere that the average payroll for al central teams is higher than for al east teams this season.
i LOVE stubhub! since i found them, i have never paid face value for tickets!
You have tix already? Season tix holders selling off games they don’t want?
there is talk on ‘twinkie town’ blog that the twins are discussing trades for kevin slowey at this point, apparently for relief pitching. they have decided to keep duensing in the rotation and the blue jays are apparently scounting slowey.
personally i can’t believe the jays traded shaun marcum and now want to trade for a SP.
It was mentioned today in Newsday that several scouts were on hand last night to see Manny Banuelos pitch … I would be curious to know which teams were represented.
upstat kate-
Good morning. Todays game is at 1:05 per mlb.com
http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter.....d=20110310
kate, yes i bought tix for 2 of the tiger’s games (not opening day) and of course, i never pay more than $25 a ticket.
i dont know the mechanics of it, for the saturaday twins game, they are going to mail me tickets as soon as the owner gets them, for the sunday game, i am going to recieve them in an email. also email for the phils tix for april 7th and the mets on april 11th.
all 8 tickets together including all the fees and everything was just over $150! (the $9 mets-rockies tix really helped there!)
if i was a scout covering any of the nw florida teams and i saw that manny was pitching last night, i’d have gotten my a$$ over there too!
Blake, that is precisely why I wouldn’t give up (even before this episode) good prospects for him……..There is just no reason to trade Liriano unless the Twins know something.
Good morning.
Nunez is having a good spring. Wonder if he gets the bench spot over Pena.
ive only twice paid more than $25 for a baseball ticket, once to repay my brother who got me great seast that i had to repay him for, and once i paid $26 to see the padres at quaalcom, but i had 3rd row seats right behind ryan klesko.
Gossip Break:
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20472252,00.html
Florida getting much needed rain. Don’t count on a Yankees-Phiiles game today. The Yankees won’t travel to Clearwater and will get their work done on the indoor mounds and batting cages at GMS Field.
Ys Guy
you have gotten some great deals! I have paid way more than that, even using stub hub. We usually are not very flexible about the date we go, and since it is a once a year trip, we go for the better seats.
eboland11 Pretty fierce rain this morning in Tampa. For now, game against Phillies in nearby Clearwater is still on
108
are you still down there?
kate it’s funny my brother is a lawyer and he considers it below him to sit in the upper deck. I only sit in the lower deck if someone else gave me the tickets.
when we were kids my dad got front row seats right behind the tarp regularly (i believe they were General Mills tix)
Betsy -
Photographs:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/6.....236844890/
Erin,
Nice picture of Alex and Cameron
Betsy,
I might still trade for him but none of the top guys would be included….if his value drops far enough the Twins are better off keeping him. Sounds like the Twins just wanted to gauge interest and to see if either the Rangers or Yankees would bite and give them.a.big package for him. Cashman’s greatest strength is not letting fan/media pressure affect his decision making.
“Nunez is having a good spring. Wonder if he gets the bench spot over Pena.”
On merit, he would seem close to a lock. Only quesiton in my mind is whether he should be a guy condemned to a utility role on a team that, barring injury, doesn’t really use one all that often. Pena is what he is. A back up. It’s all he’ll ever be. Nunez can be an everyday player at this level, but likely will never be one with the Yankees. IMO, he’s one guy who is probably more valuable as a trade piece for the Yankees than he is an actual Yankee. At least for now.
New Post: Belliard starts at third, Posada at first