First impressions in Yankees camp
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Mar 15, 2011 
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Just a few thoughts through the middle of March…
The rotation looks alright
It’s too early to know anything for certain, but so far so good for the Yankees patchwork rotation. A.J. Burnett has shown much-needed consistency, and the back-of-the-rotation competition has been strong. If just one of Colon, Freddy Garcia, Ivan Nova and Sergio Mitre can become a reliable fourth starter, the Yankees could have a solid group. The rotation concerns won’t be silenced in spring training, but they’ve grown a little quieter in these first few weeks.
Russell Martin fits the mold
There is something to be said for a calming presence behind the plate, and Martin seems to have brought that to Yankees camp. Pitchers say they like throwing to him, and he has an easy personality that seems to be a positive in the clubhouse. This job might not be his for long, but for a Yankees team in transition, Martin has been a good fit at catcher. His hip and knee have not been a problem, and if Montero weren’t here, the Yankees might be looking at both Jesus Montero and Austin Romine trying to learn on the job in the big leagues.
Eric Chavez is going to make this team
As long as he doesn’t hurt himself, it’s become pretty clear that Chavez is a heavy favorite to make the Yankees bench. He’s a perfect fit as a left-handed hitter who can play the corners, but Chavez needed to show something this spring. He looks good at the plate, he looks comfortable enough at first base and there’s little reason to doubt him at third. This is his spot to lose, and he’s only going to lose it if the injury bug finds him again.
Eduardo Nunez is impossible to ignore
The Yankees will carry 13 position players, and Nunez has been one of the 13 best players in camp. His combination of speed, bat and glove are more than enough to put him on the team, but the Yankees need their utility man to get only a handful of at-bats as a backup at shortstop, plus maybe a few pinch running appearances. It’s a tiny role, and the Yankees might prefer to let Ramiro Pena handle that job while Nunez stays sharp in Triple-A. So far, though, Nunez has been the better option. Whether he’s a better choice is a big-picture question the Yankees still have to answer. If I had to guess right now, I’d say Nunez will get the job.
Jesus Montero is not hitting
It might not matter because the Yankees believe fully in Montero’s bat, but for a guy fighting for a spot, it’s hard to miss the fact that Montero is batting just .185 with one extra-base hit, one walk and six strikeouts. Then again, Gustavo Molina and Austin Romine aren’t exactly hitting the cover off the ball. “To me, the defense has to come first,” Girardi said. “That’s the first thing I told (Montero). Not hitting in spring training. Yeah, you want to see everyone swinging great when they leave spring training, but I’ve seen a lot of guys hitting great at the end of spring training that don’t hit the first month of the season and vice versa.”
Hard to say who’s next in line
Aside from Jorge Vazquez, none of the guys likely ticketed for the minors has clearly established himself as someone at the top of the pecking order for an early season call-up. Manny Banuelos has been awesome, but he’s going to open in Trenton, and none of the already reassigned Triple-A guys — Adam Warren, D.J. Mitchell, Hector Noesi and David Phelps — was heads and shoulders above the rest (Warren probably had the best big league camp of the group). Of the three extra outfielders on the 40-man, only Justin Maxwell is currently healthy, and Brandon Laird has just one hit to go with his six strikeouts. Call-ups aren’t decided in spring training, and right now it’s hard to say who would be at the top of the list if someone were hurt in mid-April.
Associated Press photos of Burnett, Chavez and Montero
How many more updates today?
“However, if the real criteria is who best positions the team to get off to a fast start and win games, then Garcia and Colon have as good a chance as Nova.”
“I’d gather it is the “ride the hot hand” theory and try and squeeze as much out of Colon as possible. ”
Bojo, D-Man,
Has Nova been clearly outpitched by both Colon and Garcia this spring?
Yes or no?
I still see some circling around the REAL premise here.
Which is, hedge your bet on the rookie if you can find someone with experience you THINK can give you a few innings.
Good breakdown Chad.
FWIW, in the few days I was around Yankee camp, I got the feeling Nunez is going to make the team and play more than people think.
I agree with Chabez and I think he’s going to help them this year.
Montero? I’m a little concerned with his D. There are times he really struggles back there.
That said, I can’t ignore his bat. I don’t care about ST #’s, the guy can hit.
I think the challenge for Girardi will be balancing his PT to keep him sharp without hurting the team when he scuffles back there.
I like Martin.
You are correct, pitchers really like throwing to him and he’s solid defensively. He’s going to have a good year, IMO.
# RadioKev March 15th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
# Giuseppe Franco March 15th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
What does a pitcher being “overweight” have anything to do with the results he’s had?
It doesn’t.
RESULTS is the name of the game no matter what physical condition the player is in.
The Yanks gave an “overweight” pitcher $162M – the largest (pun intended) contract ever given to a pitcher.
I don’t imagine Cashman has thought twice about that investment ever since.
———
Doesn’t Colon have a history of injuries that many suggest are due to him being overweight? Doesn’t that interfere with having any results?
If your health is unreliable, I think that’s a big consideration. CC is a amongst the most reliable pitchers in baseball today. No comparison.
————–
If Colon’s weight was that much of an issue to the Yanks, he wouldn’t be positioning himself right now to possibly win a role with this club – whether it’s in the pen or rotation.
He’s earned it so far. Will that continue? Nobody knows.
But to downplay someone’s chances of winning a job simply because he’s “overweight,” well, then you haven’t been paying attention to this game very long.
I’m not in love with Colon. Personally, like most people, I thought he was nothing more than a body to throw some innings when he was signed.
But you can’t downplay the results he’s had this spring, and more importantly, the stuff he’s taken to the mound simply because he’s not as svelte as people would like him to be.
“Chavez”. Sorry for the typo.
Not sure all of last night can be solely blamed on Montero. When Betances is off as much as last night, he’s tough on any catcher. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. Banuelos was more geeked up than I’ve ever seen him. Montero’s never likely to win the Gold Glove, but, neither did Girardi, Piazza or Posada.
Nunez and Nova head north is my prediction. Chavez isn’t even a question mark.
Back up catcher might be where the surprise comes in. I got an outside feeling we may see a Cervelli-like jump by Romine to start the year.
FWIW, in the few days I was around Yankee camp, I got the feeling Nunez is going to make the team and play more than people think.
—
If Chavez makes the team where does Nunez get play time?
The starting rotation spots will shake out over the next couple weeks as they face more regular line-ups. It is too early to make many judgments.
I do think this years bench is an upgrade. Good benches were critical to the Yankee teams of the late 90s.
Cervelli might well be the back up absent his injury. From time to time you do see some glaring defensive issues with Montero. He will have to hit to stay once Cervelli is fully ready.
Montero has looked shaky back there the last couple of outings but it doesn’t appear to be things that can’t be corrected or improved upon….most of it is technique related. He’s still raw and unpolished back there so there will be lapses. He had some good swings yesterday….he’ll hit.
Chavez, Montero, Jones, and Nunez would be a strong bench that would provide some offense off the bench as well.
Agree from the last thread that its Nova’s time. You don’t keep him out of the rotation for a 37 year old that hasn’t really done anything in the big leagues since 2005. Colon has looked good and if things hold as they are Id offer him the long man role….but wouldn’t keep Nova out for him.
Yeah, you want to see everyone swinging great when they leave spring training, but I’ve seen a lot of guys hitting great at the end of spring training that don’t hit the first month of the season and vice versa.”
___
I have made this point as well. Montero will probably start hitting as soon as the regular season starts.
I think Chavez is corners and Nunez is central IF, who can also play 3rd. If I’m not mistaken. They have room for both, and I think Jeter gets a lot more regular time off than he’s had in the past, and I know that Girardi will spell Cano from time to time. He has said that Cano definitely could have benefitted from getting more rest last season. Though for Cano, it won’t be a lot, but the guy never sits. And he wore down as the season went on. A little. Not a lot.
GB,
Agree. Betances in particular was all over the place. I think perhaps they should pair Montero with guys that are around the plate and know what they are doing and what pitch they want to throw as they break him in…..Sabathia or Garcia perhaps …..not AJ.
Blake-
Would you release Mitre to keep Colon as the long man ?
I don’t get why Garcia’s bad outing is a big deal, especially since Nova wasn’t great his last outing. It’s hard to ask these guys or anyone to be perfect.
GB,
Betances would have given Bench a tough time in the last game. He missed in every direction. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was competing with Banuelos in his head and putting to much pressure on himself. I know I would.
Isn’t Colon the one with the opt out should he not make the rotation ?
Great stuff. I agree with SJ. Nunez makes the team and plays more than most here expect him to. Hrs made a great impression this spring. Done a lot to get the Yankees to look his way.
I’ve read here that they had Montero do less hitting in order to concentrate on his defense. If so, that might set his bat back. And he truly wasn’t ready behind the plate.
But Cervelli is injured and this is all moot. Ready or not, Montero is going north.
I expect every one of them to have had at least one bad outing during spring, including AJ at some point.
I think what you then look for is how they do next time out. So jury’s out on Garcia.
Austin-
Betances was pitching to the “simulated” plate.
Considering that he didn’t miss by much.
The one he threw behind the guy was a strike in that realm.
Banuelos is way more advanced than Betances IMO.
The allure of Bartolo’s 9 innings surprises me when compared to Garcia and Nova……I mean this is 9 innings not even 9 starts….I see m’s take on having Nova as a fall back option in the event of injuries or failures once the season gets underway….However I do feel it’s time for Nova, move Mitre and keep Colon as the long arm option……..There’s several AAA arms to choose from to slot upward if there’s a need once the season gets under way……Yanks are deep with arms and we’re quite removed from the days of 2007 & 2008
Didn’t see much of Montero behind the plate the other day, but I can’t really blame him for last night.
Betances was so amped up last night that he nearly took out the Goodyear blimp.
Garcia is likely to be a slightly below league average starter.
Colon has more of a boom/bust quality.
So it’s ok if Nova throws a fit if he’s sent down? He acts like he’s got the job already – I could live without that attitude. Phil didn’t throw a fit and better pitchers than Nova have been sent down.
MTU,
If things hold as they are then I think I probably would. I like Mitre better than a lot of folks but really only as a long man. I think there is a better chance of Colon peforming well as a starter from what I’ve seen.
I think it would be foolish to release Colon after the spring he’s had so far, especially from what Chad is saying about the movement on his ball and his control. I can see the arguments made for Nova (I’m looking forward to seeing him compete every week) and Garcia’s seems to be ready to go as well. If colon will accept the long man role (if he won’t this will be a very tough call) for now I say release Mitre as has been floated out there as a rumor. That scenario I would be more than happy with at this point in ST.
Patrick,
Against lefties in games either Jeter or Arod sit. Maybe some LF.
I bet he gets 200-250 AB’s if he’s with the big club this year.
His PT is not going to be affected by Chavez because I think his days at third are over.
From the last thread. Let’s say Nova and Colon are the final two starters. Garcia signs on with another team. Mitre is the long guy. Who gets the first call if one if the starters gets injured?
Blake-
I’m not sure I’d let go of Mitre over Colon as a long man.
# Rich in NJ March 15th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
Garcia is likely to be a slightly below league average starter.
Colon has more of a boom/bust quality.
————-
I’m one of those who believes in stockpiling options if it’s feasible.
All it takes is one injury or missed start by a member of the starting five to be forced to scramble for another starter.
Gove me a pitcher with “attitude” and you have a winner.
This isn’t high school.
Young guys have to go out there and believe they belong out there or they are getting their lunch handed to them.
He doesn’t walk around the clubhouse with attitude. If he did, that’s a problem.
When he takes the mound, he acts as if he belongs out there. I think that’s one of his best qualities.
# m March 15th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
From the last thread. Let’s say Nova and Colon are the final two starters. Garcia signs on with another team. Mitre is the long guy. Who gets the first call if one if the starters gets injured?
—
Who ever is doing best in the minors…just like on any other team. Or make a trade before the deadline.
Rich in NJ…..Was Garcia considered a below league average starter in 2010 or is that how you see him in 2011 ???
MTU,
All Betances pitches were strikes in the other universe. He and Brackman look as if they need to learn to throw more strikes. Manny needs to go back in time, not get appendicitis and pitch more innings. Otherwise, he is, in my opinion, ready to capably compete in the bigs.
MTU,
I don’t have a strong opinion on it but ideally I would rather have the guy I think is a better starter as the long man…..I think Colon has more upside to be good as a starter than Mitre does at this point…..that could change.
SJ,
Why would Chavez’s career at 3B be over?
We know he’s not an everyday player anymore (even he knows that), but A-Rod’s sure to get rested every now and then (at least a half day off as the DH).
Austin-
That about covers it. I agree.
austinmac March 15th, 2011 at 5:40 pm
MTU,
All Betances pitches were strikes in the other universe. He and Brackman look as if they need to learn to throw more strikes. Manny needs to go back in time, not get appendicitis and pitch more innings. Otherwise, he is, in my opinion, ready to capably compete in the bigs.
———–
Brackman was said to be throwing a lot of strikes before that groin problem. Wouldn’t he be the tallest pitcher in history if he makes it to the bigs? The guy’s got a lot of body to control, so I’m not surprised that he was thrown into a funk quickly.
We’ll see if he gets it together, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he does. Big guys can take time.
GF
The best possible scenario is if Colon or Garcia are willing to stay even if it means being in a long relief role initially because they share your view that they will get to start at some point and the Yankees are a team that can get them into the playoffs.
The most compelling case for having Nova in the rotation from Day 1 is that he is the one most likely to be much better by June or July (not to mention 2012 and beyond) through the end of the season. He will probably have to endure an adjustment period as he acclimates himself to MLB, so why not get that out of the way early on.
If Colon/Garcia won’t accept a long relief role, there is a tough decision to make.
I would opt for Nova in the rotation even if it means losing one of the veterans. The Yankees may not share that view.
SJ, I’m sorry, but his sense of entitlement that he has the job already is not something I’m a fan of. I prefer Phil’s approach – as he’s said, he’s taking the approach that he doesn’t even have a job locked up. I like Nova’s chutzpah and think Phil could use some of that on the mound, but I don’t like arrogance.
I have believed this all spring and nothing I have seen has changed my mind. Nunez and Chavez will make this team.
“So it’s ok if Nova throws a fit if he’s sent down?”
No one said that. I read “pissed.”
It’s about setting a tone for your farm system. Making them truly believe they have a shot to make it to the big league team if they perform.
No one is suggesting they shouldn’t or won’t be “good soldiers”, it’s about what’s the BEST motivation.
I think them truly believing they will be called up, rather than the latest waiver wire pick-up, is a superior method of organizational motivation.
MTU says:
March 15, 2011 at 5:30 pm
Austin-
Betances was pitching to the “simulated” plate.
Considering that he didn’t miss by much.
The one he threw behind the guy was a strike in that realm.
Banuelos is way more advanced than Betances IMO.
—-
I don’t think last night was a true indication of how Betances pitches, he has not so far pitched like I saw last year. Banuelos clearly last night and throughout spring training has shown more maturity but Betances is a lot better than we have seen.
“From the last thread. Let’s say Nova and Colon are the final two starters. Garcia signs on with another team. Mitre is the long guy. Who gets the first call if one if the starters gets injured?”
Phelps, Brackman, Warren, Noesi, Mitchell, Banuelos, Betances might all be candidates to make couple of spot starts.
Blake-
What about the long term ?
Who is a better bet for the role in the longer term ?
That’s what I meant.
I don’t see Colon in that role for long one way or another.
And that just means we would wind up having to backfill the long man role again.
Mitre can fill that job for a while. He’s young.
Perhaps, the Yanks would be content with backfilling since they have so many arms on the way and Mitre is just seen as expendable ?
Pat M
Yes, Garcia was a little below league average in 2010: ERA+ 94.
I think he can be a little better, but league average at best, which is fine for a 5th starter
Stuckey, did Phil deserve to be sent to the pen when Wang came back? I recall plenty of folks thinking he ought to have stayed in the rotation……….but he just accepted it instead of getting pissed (well, if he was pissed, he wasn’t in public).
RadioKev,
I don’t think their has ever been anyone taller than Brackman. His delivery looks hard to repeat, but what do I know.
What did people see in the next tier of pitchers such as Warren, Phelps etc.?
GF,
I meant Nunez’s days at third are over with Chavez here.
TY-
Thanks for your take. I know you have seen Betances way more than I.
I was not meaning to downgrade his ability or potential.
I was more joking than anything else.
Would imagine that his control would have to be much better than we saw last eve. Otherwise he would be in the Jose Veras class which he clearly is not.
Rich,
I don’t disagree with that. Personally, if Colon continues to defy the odds, I’d rather keep him over Mitre as the long man (of course, that’s if Colon’s willing to accept that role).
However, they’ve kept Mitre around for three years now. Girardi and Cashman may have a hard time letting him go (since Mitre obviously has some incriminating photos of Girardi and a rubber chicken during the WS celebration).
# SJ44 March 15th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
GF,
I meant Nunez’s days at third are over with Chavez here.
———–
Gotcha.
I think the point is that you want a young guy like Nova to not accept a minor league assignment that willingly or with any sense of resignation. You want him to believe strongly that he should be in the major leagues and to hate not being there. It’s a positive to feel that way and I think any manager and general manager would concur.
162 games is a long season. There will be enough at bats and late inning defensive work to keep Chavez and Nunez sharp in the big picture. Ramiro Pena still has an option.
The 4-5 starting rotation spots and long relief man will sort itself out by March 26th.
Not much margin for bad outings left for the 4 pitchers involved. Somebody will be unhappy.
thanks, stuckey. Phelps is the most likely? Brackman’s in AA?
Betsy,
What you label “arrogance” the Yanks may label “confidence.”
“Stuckey, did Phil deserve to be sent to the pen when Wang came back?”
Who was in front of him to start the year?
It’s all in the context. Garcia and Colon are ST invitees. Wang and Chamberlain were not.
“but he just accepted it instead of getting pissed (well, if he was pissed, he wasn’t in public).”
Not sure what we’re arguing. I clearly said how Nova handled it shouldn’t be a tipping point.
I’ve been very clear I’m talking about a larger organization philosophy and how it’s communicated to ALL Yankee farmhands, rather than one anecdotal instance.
Hughes was bumped for two of the Yankees own, young players from the system with success as Yankees in their own right.
Apples and oranges.
I said “throw a fit” because someone misconstrued my statement that he would be unhappy about it but still take the assignment like a good soldier.
And by throw a fit I meant stuff like throwing furniture. Like Bruney.
Hughes volunteered to go to the pen. Or so the legend goes.
GF, maybe so, but does that mean that pitchers who don’t talk like that are lacking confidence?
“I think he can be a little better, but league average at best, which is fine for a 5th starter.”
League average is absolutely stellar for a 5th starter, relatively/competitively speaking.
May not be good ENOUGH for fans, but if someone had a league average starter going every 5th day and he be their worst starter, they’re postseason ticket is a good as punched.
Unless they hit like the Mariners.
Attitude is a very big component of being a quality pitcher.
Nova pitches with a chip on his shoulder. I like that.
He doesn’t back down. He competes, and he pitches with that edge.
This is a guy that 2-3 yrs ago was a non-prospect. Now, he’s got a great shot at being in this rotation.
You don’t come from as far back on the prospect ladder as he did with a “I’m just happy to be here” attitude.
Like I said, he doesn’t act that way in the clubhouse. If he did, he would get knocked down a few pegs.
On the mound? I love the fact he believes it’s his job and he pitches like it is.
That’s how you make it in a tough business.
Not liking Hollinger’s NBA playoff predictor.
MTU
I didn’t think you were trying to say anything against him. Just what we have seen so far from him is way opposite than what he can do. Banuelos has been himself while getting the benefit of good defense behind him which he didn’t always get at tampa, pretty much every ball hit on the ground off him got through scoring runs, I bet he feels good knowing that the people behind him can handle ground balls.
Albert Pujols in his underwear, thanks to twitter: http://i.imgur.com/ZHGV6.jpg
I missed something – I was out most of the day.
Did Nova actually say something?
I thought we were talking about how he might react if he was sent down.
And by the way, if he is sent down, he will get an explanation of the circumstances.
And yes, Hughes was going to be sent back down to AAA but told the Yankees he’d rather stay and pitch out of the bullpen. I would say that that qualifies as moxie of a sort.
SJ, he’s not my kind of kid off the field, but as I said I like his attitude on it and wish that would rub off on Phil a bit (please, I don’t want to hear from anyone that I’m trashing Phil – I just like a pitcher to be arrogant on the mound)
Out of the guys in the AAA rotation, I would say Noesi and Warren are closer to the majors than Phelps at this time.
Once Brackman gets back up to speed, I suspect he will move to the top of the “next up” list.
# Betsy March 15th, 2011 at 5:59 pm
GF, maybe so, but does that mean that pitchers who don’t talk like that are lacking confidence?
——–
Nah, perhaps it’s just their personality. One is more outgoing than the other.
I don’t imagine Mo was bouncing off the walls in 1995 or 1996, but he quickly proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that nobody could question his confidence.
Lol. I clicked to see if there was any steroid side effects.
Anyway two words: NOT 31!
Doreen,
I forget what he said, but there was a little entitlement there. But was very minor and just a hint.
SJ-
I saw Nova being interviewed after one of his outings by Kim Jones.
He seemed to have a very level-headed attitude about what it would take for him to stick.
Basically, he seemed to have his head screwed on right and sounded like a very hard worker towards that end.
GF, that’s fair……..I do agree with that. I guess I just prefer players who are quietly confident instead of those who talk about how great.
“And yes, Hughes was going to be sent back down to AAA but told the Yankees he’d rather stay and pitch out of the bullpen.”
Exactly… this is what you want from EVERY player. The desire and belief they can make it to the show and stick when they get there.
I’ll say it again. The Yankees very specifically has starting pitching depth at the high minor league level.
Yankees might have 3 maybe even 4 guys that could make a rotation right now somewhere in the big leagues, just in AAA alone.
You really want these guys hoping for a trade thinking that’ll be the only way they get a shot.
To me, having Nova start the season at Scranton tells the other guys they don’t have much of a shot.
TY-
As long as you continue to want to harass Maddon we will always be friends.
That is a permanent bond between us.
Betsy,
Each pitcher is different in personality. Perhaps, you should wait and see more of Nova before making up your mind on what kind of person this young man is.
Did Phil definitely say that? I think that was just sort of a rumor floating out there; I think the Yankees decided that they didn’t want to send him down there.
austinmac and RadioKev,
Not positive, but I think that Jon Rauch is the tallest pitcher in the majors, at 6’11″.
Craw, why? It’s not like I’m ever going to get to know him. I can only judge by what I see – like all of us. I didn’t say he’s a bad kid, but he’s never going to be someone who will be a favorite of mine – not that it really matters. As I said, regardless of what I think of him personally, I love his chutzpah on the mound. Every pitcher should have that.
Betsy says:
March 15, 2011 at 6:04 pm
SJ, he’s not my kind of kid off the field, but as I said I like his attitude on it and wish that would rub off on Phil a bit (please, I don’t want to hear from anyone that I’m trashing Phil – I just like a pitcher to be arrogant on the mound)
—-
So you want him to hit someone with a pitch. something he didn’t do once last season which just sounds unbelievable but is totally true. I’d like to see that too, you’d think a guy that likes Hockey would have a bit of scrap in him.
I like Novas attitude, I like that he isn’t afraid to throw over someone head and stand up for himself like he did when he had that issue with Bautista in Toronto.
Stuckey…..That was my point, this isn’t 2007-2008 whan the system was thin……The only concerns with the Front Office is the time line, but indeed there’s many options from within….
Why? Because maybe your initial take of him is wrong. The more he pitches for the Yankees, the more he’s expose to us as fans.
TY, I didn’t say that, but I remember one incident where a Yankee got hit and Phil didn’t even brush back an opposing hitter the next inning. I do not think he should use hitters as target practice, but he’s too polite…….
“You gotta play this game with fear and arrogance.” – Crash Davis
SJ,
Thanks for your thoughts. Noesi pitches much like Nova. The rest have to learn they have no choice but to trust their stuff.
Isn’t this silly, Craw? Each of us has our own favorites for our own reasons. I don’t cotton to players who are outwardly “arrogant”. It’s my opinion – if you think I’m wrong for not particularly liking Nova, then so be it. There’s no point in arguing it.
By the way, he wins enough big games for the Yankees, he automatically becomes a favorite of mine.
I love Phil’s attitude. He takes nothing for granted.
3 reasons for that:
1. he’s had obstacles along the way
2. good parenting
3. he’s a good soldier.
Don’t let his Cali mellow cool throw you off. When he gets mad, he gets really mad. Try yanking him from a complete game shutout.
MTU -
I like what Colon has done this spring, but, if he don’t make the starting rotation, let him go. He has shown enough, that a team needing a #5 SP will pick him up. Unless Mitre is hurt, I’d keep him as the swingman.
I see Nova as #4 and Freddy as #5.
CC
Hughes
AJ
Nova
Garcia
“Isn’t this silly, Craw? Each of us has our own favorites for our own reasons. I don’t cotton to players who are outwardly “arrogant”. It’s my opinion – if you think I’m wrong for not particularly liking Nova, then so be it. There’s no point in arguing it.”
That’s where you and I differ as I don’t give much thought to how arrogant a player acts. Nova being arrogant after tolling in the minors for 6-7 years, I don’t think so.
# m March 15th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
Don’t let his Cali mellow cool throw you off. When he gets mad, he gets really mad. Try yanking him from a complete game shutout.
————
Good point.
M, I like his attitude, too – coming into camp with the idea that he didn’t have a spot locked up was pretty cool. LOL oh yeah, I remember that – and Joe loved it. I can’t remember another time Phil lost his temper, except in the Angels series in 2009 when he flipped out at the ump and didn’t meet the media. Usually he’s very good about that stuff.
I like all Yankees, but some players are favorites of mine – I tend to like the quieter ones because that’s how I am.
Ok Craw, it’s not worth arguing about – it’s certainly not a big deal.
Thanks for your take Al.
It’ll probably just sort itself out much like I thought the catching situation would before Cervelli was injured.
It will be interesting to see the final result.
Okay fans, time to go on the record. Please fill out this form:
4th starter:
5th starter:
Long man:
Back-up middle infielder:
Back-up catcher:
4th starter: Nova
5th starter: Garcia
Long man: Colon
Back-up middle infielder: Nunez
Back-up catcher: Romine.
MTU
Ill never like Maddon. My friend retweeted some stupid tweet from him and I deleted him from who I follow. Drastic I know. I’m not looking forward to him being on the TV everyday when the season starts.
Coincidentally as I am typing this they are talking to him on the news about todays game. Ugh.
Betsy,
I’m not arguing with you, I’m just saying give a kid another chance before making up your mind about him.
I think you are confusing confidence with arrogance.
If you want to compete at this level you best have confidence, and a little arrogance ain’t all that bad either.
TY-
Keep stocking up on tomatoes, and keep passing those exams.
No way, too early. Need to see one more time through the rotation. But Nunez as the BU middle IF and Montero as the BU catcher. Yes, that means Russell Martin is the starter.
“JUPITER, Fla. — Ian Snell decided to retire at age 29 after the St. Louis Cardinals optioned him to the minors.”
How soon can he be in Tampa. We need “depth” afterall.
Big Al, no I’m not confusing them, but anyway it’s just a matter of personal preference.
Betsy
I’m not trying to put words in your mouth. When you said you wanted him to be more arrogant on the mound it reminded me that he didn’t hit a batter once in 2010.
I’m guessing Betsy wasn’t a fan of one Reginald Martinez Jackson, the King of Arrogance
I tend to like the quieter ones because that’s how I am.
====================================
In real life?
Stuckey,
As of right now.
4th starter: Nova
5th starter: Garcia
Long man: Colon
Back up infielder: Nunez
Back up catcher: Montero
4th starter: Garcia
5th starter: Nova
Long man: Colon
Back-up middle infielder: Nunez
Back-up catcher: Montero
TY, as I said, he’s a bit too polite on the mound. Brushing back or hitting (and with his control, he should be able to hit batters in places where they won’t get hurt) – either way, I think a little of that goes a long way.
” Jesus Montero is not hitting ”
What A Surprise .
I can’t see Romine leaping over Montero.
Stuckey-
Nova, Garcia, Mitre, Nunez, Montero.
I do concede that Colon could displace Mitre though.
Pat M.
IMO, there were few superstar players that weren’t arrogant as I firmly believe it’s part of their makeup that makes them a great player which goes beyond their pure athletic ability.
To be honest, I was never the biggest fan of Jackson and his arrogance had a lot to do with it.
That arrogance also isolated some of his teammates, most notably, the Yankee Captain behind home plate.
I heard the Yankees are considering buying Darrell Rasner’s contract from the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles .
Any news on that , Chad ?
His Mo-Ness is anything but arrogant, and I hear he’s pretty good.
UCONN will lose it’s first rd game……mark it down
tyanksfan,
I completely agree with you about Maddon. I don’t get the media’s fascination with him. I hated his attitude after Cervilli got his wrist broken (he could have at lease faked a little concern) and nothing since then has endeared him to me. Not pitching to Teixeira in 09 to preserve Pena’s HR lead was truly petty – but at least it gave ARod his 30/100.
Al-
Neither can I.
He’s not a high bar jumper is he ?
Future stud starting pitcher: Manny Banuelos.
Pat M-
I am hearing there is a Stevie solo tour this summer after she is done with Rod Stewart.
After that she is going back into the studio with Fleetwood Mac with a tour to follow.
(I hear my checkbook crying already)
Mo is the anti-Reggie. Or rather Reggie is the anti-Mo.
# Betsy March 15th, 2011 at 6:29 pm
TY, as I said, he’s a bit too polite on the mound. Brushing back or hitting (and with his control, he should be able to hit batters in places where they won’t get hurt) – either way, I think a little of that goes a long way.
———–
For some guys, it’s just not in their DNA to do that stuff. Doesn’t make them any less of a pitcher.
Mussina didn’t do that stuff. Pettitte didn’t do it, either. Mo certainly doesn’t.
There’s no problem with a player being confident. You can call it arrogance if you want, but it’s a guy that believes in himself. Arrogance is Terrell Owens….not Ivan Nova. What he has is a belief in his ability, confidence, or inner arrogance, it all means the same thing. If he gets mad/pissed off if sent down, good for him. If he pouts about it, he’ll be useless.
Understand, my guess at Romine has less to do with Romine and more to do with Montero.
I don’t think the Yankees are going to want to start the year with him on the bench struggling behind the plate and next to it.
I think they’ll want to get him started and on solid ground at AAA. Romine will be the guy they’ll bite the bullet on and live through (ala Cerivelli a couple years ago) for a few months, until Montero or another option presents themselves.
MTU – interesting thing happened today. I stopped at GNC and I was talking about the situation in Japan with the salesperson and he told me that two people had stopped in and asked for potassium iodide! He didn’t have any.
Things are more horrific by the moment. The latest is a new fire at one of the nuclear plants.
I read an article this morning where a woman in Japan was beside herself because she said that they had been told not to leave their homes but her home was destroyed by the tsunami. Imagine that dilemma. They’re now saying that the radiaction plume will likely reach Tokyo.
I sometimes think of the music industry as being pretty self absorbed, but a number of groups are leading the effort to help Japan. It started with the Black Eyed Peas. Major kudos to them.
***********
No way can I concentrate on Yankee baseball. Just stopped by to say hello.
GF, and I remember Yankee fans killing Moose for being a wimp and not protecting his hitters…………..You’re right about Andy, though Mo as a closer is usually in very tight games and can’t afford to be putting extra baserunners on. I think Mo, if he’s annoyed, will just make some ridiculous pitch to embarrass a hitter………….I think he did that last year, actually. I can’t recall who he was facing, but he clearly relished making that pitch.
trisha – true pinstriped blue March 15th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
MTU – interesting thing happened today. I stopped at GNC and I was talking about the situation in Japan with the salesperson and he told me that two people had stopped in and asked for potassium iodide! He didn’t have any.
Things are more horrific by the moment. The latest is a new fire at one of the nuclear plants.
I read an article this morning where a woman in Japan was beside herself because she said that they had been told not to leave their homes but her home was destroyed by the tsunami. Imagine that dilemma. They’re now saying that the radiaction plume will likely reach Tokyo.
I sometimes think of the music industry as being pretty self absorbed, but a number of groups are leading the effort to help Japan. It started with the Black Eyed Peas. Major kudos to them.
————————————-
according to a few peeps here yesterday there’s nothing to worry about in Japan as far as the nuke plants are concerned
GB, I’m all for players believing in themselves – if they didn’t, they’d not make it this far. It’s just up to individuals to determine when the line is crossed between confidence and arrogance.
# Betsy March 15th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
GB, I’m all for players believing in themselves – if they didn’t, they’d not make it this far. It’s just up to individuals to determine when the line is crossed between confidence and arrogance.
———————————-
Reggie had both
Clare says:
March 15, 2011 at 6:33 pm
tyanksfan,
I completely agree with you about Maddon. I don’t get the media’s fascination with him. I hated his attitude after Cervilli got his wrist broken (he could have at lease faked a little concern) and nothing since then has endeared him to me. Not pitching to Teixeira in 09 to preserve Pena’s HR lead was truly petty – but at least it gave ARod his 30/100
—
Yep, they make a big deal out of his lineup changes, shifting on Tex, his stupid glasses. He is always on the news here in Tampa obviously. Just something about him I don’t like at all. I didn’t know about his attitude when Cervelli got his wrist broke, that makes me like him even less. And that’s just stupid about not pitching to Tex. He just rubs me the wrong way.
Trisha-
I bought some today at Mrs. MTU’s insistence.
The whole Japanese thing is very affecting. It’s a great tragedy.
I can understand you feeling the way you do.
You’d have to be made of stone not to be.
Joeman-
You’re like Glenn Campbell.
A lineman for the county ?
If so, I’m impressed.
Takes courage to work around that much voltage.
joeman, between yesterday and now it has gotten much worse.
“Dangerous levels of radiation leaking from a crippled nuclear plant forced Japan to order 140,000 people to seal themselves indoors Tuesday after an explosion and a fire dramatically escalated the crisis spawned by a deadly tsunami.
In a nationally televised statement, Prime Minister Naoto Kan said radiation had spread from the four stricken reactors of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant along Japan’s northeastern coast. The region was shattered by Friday’s 9.0-magnitude earthquake and the ensuing tsunami that is believed to have killed more than 10,000 people, plunged millions into misery and pummeled the world’s third-largest economy.”
# Betsy March 15th, 2011 at 6:37 pm
GF, and I remember Yankee fans killing Moose for being a wimp and not protecting his hitters…………..You’re right about Andy, though Mo as a closer is usually in very tight games and can’t afford to be putting extra baserunners on. I think Mo, if he’s annoyed, will just make some ridiculous pitch to embarrass a hitter………….I think he did that last year, actually. I can’t recall who he was facing, but he clearly relished making that pitch.
————
They may have called Moose a “wimp” for that but he’s got borderline Hall of Fame numbers doing it his way.
I think Moose was a much easier target by the fans because of his personalty and the lack of rings on his fingers.
Pettitte pitches the same way but he’s got five rings. That makes all the difference in the world.
MTU – I knew you would understand.
“Mussina didn’t do that stuff. Pettitte didn’t do it, either. Mo certainly doesn’t.”
Mussina was not a meek guy, by no means. Remember when Torre tried to come out to the mound, and Mussina waived him to go back into the dugout?
To me, pro players have an arrogance about them, due to their inner believe they can due their job well. It need not be displayed outwardly, but Pettitte had it when he was on the mound.
Asheville – 4 ….Erica, I’ve been hearing about Stevie touring on her own and rumors about a recording session with the group….Will Christie consider going on the road again ???? Yankee clubhouse embraced Reggie after those 3 dingers that night in October….Everyone but Billy Martin…..
MTU March 15th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
Joeman-
You’re like Glenn Campbell.
A lineman for the county ?
If so, I’m impressed.
Takes courage to work around that much voltage.
———————————————————————-
been doing it for a long time and I still like going to work every day…..
A player thinking that he’s worthy of winning the job when he’s got comparable numbers and says so is not arrogant or a braggart. Girardi wouldn’t want him thinking any other way. Regardless, not every player speaks perfect English and Nova is one of those. Much gets lost in the translation from Spanglish to English. Reading or hearing what he said isn’t the same as understanding the intent. Much like on this board.
# trisha – true pinstriped blue March 15th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
joeman, between yesterday and now it has gotten much worse.
“Dangerous levels of radiation leaking from a crippled nuclear plant forced Japan to order 140,000 people to seal themselves indoors Tuesday after an explosion and a fire dramatically escalated the crisis spawned by a deadly tsunami.
In a nationally televised statement, Prime Minister Naoto Kan said radiation had spread from the four stricken reactors of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant along Japan’s northeastern coast. The region was shattered by Friday’s 9.0-magnitude earthquake and the ensuing tsunami that is believed to have killed more than 10,000 people, plunged millions into misery and pummeled the world’s third-largest economy.”
—————————————————————————————–
well it was a different story here yesterday…some people are full of it, sometimes I say things I shouldn’t but that crap was hard to take
GF, that’s probably true about Moose………..plus, he had the rep of showing up his fielders when they made errors; that didn’t endear him to fans.
Joeman-
I used to work around X-ray equipment which has 10,000 volts attached to it.
It’s a very humbling experience. I imagine your risks are considerably greater.
I appreciate your attitude and your courage. It’s not easy to find people who are willing to take the risk.
However, as to Andy, did he ever throw as hard as Phil? I guess maybe he did since Phil basically sits at 92-93. Maybe the ones you want to be more aggressive are the real power pitchers……….
I think Montero looks -good enough- behind the plate to start off as the bu catcher. He needs some ajustment and practice, but he can get a plethora of ojt from Martin, Posada, Girardi and Tony Pena.
MTU March 15th, 2011 at 6:49 pm
Joeman-
I used to work around X-ray equipment which has 10,000 volts attached to it.
It’s a very humbling experience. I imagine your risks are considerably greater.
I appreciate your attitude and your courage. It’s not easy to find people who are willing to take the risk.
————————————
safety first
MTU -
You need to do what you feel is right for you are yours, but, the reports state the radiation from Japan could reach as far as Hawaii, but not the mainland.
Potassium Iodide can have serious side affects, and is usually taken when exposed to radiation, and the affects last about 24 hrs. If you’re taking any medications, check with your doctor first, there are numerous interactions possible.
There may be a shortage due to so many people buying it, and that may mean folks that really need it, might not get the doses they need to stay healthy.
joeman, yeah I can’t imagine how anyone would have thought people in Japan weren’t in trouble with what had already happened to the reactors yesterday. They knew that two of the reactors had been without water for a dangerous period of time and that the rods had been exposed.
What is happening there is almost unthinkable.
Joeman-
For sure. And that comes from the training and experience but it is not very forgiving.
Errors at that level are usually fatal.
And therein lies the risk.
Al-
Thanks. I understand. We got the more civilized form than KI.
It’s just a precaution to have around in case.
I won’t take anything w/o Dr’s approval.
Appreciate the concern.
# trisha – true pinstriped blue March 15th, 2011 at 6:53 pm
joeman, yeah I can’t imagine how anyone would have thought people in Japan weren’t in trouble with what had already happened to the reactors yesterday. They knew that two of the reactors had been without water for a dangerous period of time and that the rods had been exposed.
What is happening there is almost unthinkable.
——————————————————————-
go back and read what was said here yesterday somewhere between 5-7 pm
Off tangent here, but I was pleasantly surprised at how Montero commanded that interview with himself and Betances. Iirc Soledad Obrien had a Latinos in America series. One of them featured Mo and Montero, contrasting how difficult it was for Spanish language first players back then versus now.
I think I also read somewhere that Zmontero made a very conscious effort to master English as quickly as possible.
Not sure that just because a pitcher doesn’t hit batters, you can call him a wimp or gutless. Guidry hit 13 batters in his career. Ford hit 28. Burnett hit 19 last year, but, he’s hardly a head hunter. Pedro Martinez, Don Drysdale Gibson and Early Wynn were headhunters.
The Red Sox announced earlier today they had raised $35,000 for the relief effort in Japan.
And you call the Yankees owners cheap?
I don’t like headhunters at all and I wouldn’t call a pitcher who doesn’t hit batters gutless – but pitching inside is important.
Still not a serious environmental threat, Joeman. If a fire were to breach containment on the nuclear rods that would be a heavy disaster, but it hasn’t happened yet. Undue panicking isn’t necessary. A newspaper reporting a ‘radioactive plume’ heading towards Tokyo says nothing of the intensity of the radiation emitted by the plume.
So far some people have had to be scrubbed down with soap and water to combat the radioactivity, oh no.
GB7 -
You are right on the money.
Mussina would not throw at a batter, after he was ordered to, and the batter was seriously hurt when he was with the O’s.
That can’t be a good feeling.
I think a pitcher that’s a head hunter in the AL puts his teammates at risk because he doesn’t bat, so the other pitcher throws at one of your star players, does not make sense.
“go back and read what was said here yesterday somewhere between 5-7 pm”
Is this really necessary?
Is the intent here to shame people over what they happened to be reading and seeing yesterday?
I appreciate empathy and the obvious gravity of the situation, but I’m also going on record as saying I don’t believe this forum is the venue for this and wish everyone could be given the respect of dealing it with personally as they so choose.
A lot of the guys AJ hit were lefties in which he got on the side of his curveball and hit them in the back foot.
Surprised the Red Sox didn’t try to donate Dice K instead.
Pat M. March 15th, 2011 at 6:45 pm
Asheville – 4 ….Erica, I’ve been hearing about Stevie touring on her own and rumors about a recording session with the group….Will Christie consider going on the road again ????
**************
I think Christine is done. Apparently as she got older she developed stage fright and hated performing live more and more. Although, I wouldn’t rule out a guest spot on the album.
But the new Fleetwood Mac work sounds like a definite
I thought I hear unlucky Lucchino say on the ESPN game the Red Sox donated $50K. Maybe not.
sp – heard
# stuckey99 March 15th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
“go back and read what was said here yesterday somewhere between 5-7 pm”
Is this really necessary?
Is the intent here to shame people over what they happened to be reading and seeing yesterday?
I appreciate empathy and the obvious gravity of the situation, but I’m also going on record as saying I don’t believe this forum is the venue for this and wish everyone could be given the respect of dealing it with personally as they so choose.
————————————————————————————————–
I didn’t mention names…
Blake-
Dice K isn’t worth a plug nickel.
You ought to know that.
Listening to Arnie Gundersen on CNN. At Reactor 4 they are evacuating the workers because the radiation levels are so high. He’s saying that without the workers there to keep the water pumping in, the danger of what is going to happen there with radiation leaks is much greater than what’s going on at Reactor 2.
Clemens was known as a headhunter as well.
Of course pitching inside is important. These guys wouldn’t have had long major league careers if they had refused to pitch inside.
Dice and Okajima were standing outside the gates collecting. The $35K might be the amount collected from the fans. Anyway, nobody has to give anything, so any amount will be appreciated.
MTU,
exactly.
Montero has been taking English classes since Charleston and began by watching movies with subtitles. he speaks well and understands most everything except those that talk too fasy or uses slang…like Kim Jones. she should never be allowed to interview spanish players. She’s more interested in creating stories and being part of it than reporting the news and playing “gotcha”.
“I think Christine is done. Apparently as she got older she developed stage fright and hated performing live more and more. Although, I wouldn’t rule out a guest spot on the album.”
I always found the psychology of this fascinating. Here is someone as part of a group heralded as one of the great songwriters of all time, have one of the bestselling album’s of all time and play almost exclusively in front of rabid fans of their work and performances, who likely would largely never know the difference if she had a bad night.
Yet she’s scared.
Amazing.
both colon and garcia r injure risks, i think garcia is more of a ‘sure’ thing. But i agree with Rich, Colon may have slightly better upside. Either way, my hope is that we can get three months out of either gentleman then go from there. Perhaps the youngster would be rdy then. Love to have Nova stay in rotation…
GF, that’s all I was saying about Phil. I like Nova’s chutzpah on the mound – I think Phil is a bit too polite, that’s all
A little chin music or a brushback is an effective weapon.
It makes the hitter uncomfortable in the box and opens up the the outside corner for a putaway pitch.
Very sweet when it works.
Giuseppe Franco March 15th, 2011 at 7:07 pm
Clemens was known as a headhunter as well.
Of course pitching inside is important. These guys wouldn’t have had long major league careers if they had refused to pitch inside.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Mike Piazza disagrees with you. One pitch got away and the piece of the bat looked like the ball.
# Giuseppe Franco March 15th, 2011 at 7:07 pm
Clemens was known as a headhunter as well.
Of course pitching inside is important. These guys wouldn’t have had long major league careers if they had refused to pitch inside.
————————————————————–
Andy was one who never pitched inside..there are others but not many
Jerkface March 15th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
Still not a serious environmental threat, Joeman. If a fire were to breach containment on the nuclear rods that would be a heavy disaster, but it hasn’t happened yet. Undue panicking isn’t necessary. A newspaper reporting a ‘radioactive plume’ heading towards Tokyo says nothing of the intensity of the radiation emitted by the plume. So far some people have had to be scrubbed down with soap and water to combat the radioactivity, oh no.
***************
I wonder why you are trying so strongly to minimize this? You are just wrong if you think explosions and fires at nuclear power plants are not serious threats to people and the environment.
Now a fire has broken out again at the number four 4 reactor Wednesday in the outer housing of the reactor’s containment vessel. Yesterday, a fire broke out in the reactor’s fuel storage pond where used nuclear fuel is kept cool causing radioactivity to be released into the atmosphere. Officials said that there was a crack in the roof of the reactor.
“I always found the psychology of this fascinating. Here is someone as part of a group heralded as one of the great songwriters of all time, have one of the bestselling album’s of all time and play almost exclusively in front of rabid fans of their work and performances, who likely would largely never know the difference if she had a bad night.
Yet she’s scared.
Amazing.”
Yet you think this forum is the venue for this?
This forum has been a venue for many many things outside of the world of baseball my friend. What is happening in Japan is of astronomical proportions. I will talk with anyone who chooses to respond. The world is a lot bigger than the Bronx and what’s happening is devastating to humanity.
Cash-
I finished Z. Thank you so much for letting me know.
I enjoyed every minute of it.
What a great story.
“I didn’t mention names…”
I don’t think it makes a difference.
Even if not focused entirely on the NY Yankees at all times, this forum by definition exists for entertainment and diversion.
Yes, what’s happening is horrific. But there is wisdom and health benefits of seeking small diversions from the harsh reality.
I think we should all just respect the nature of the forum.
I wonder why you are trying so strongly to minimize this? You are just wrong if you think explosions and fires at nuclear power plants are not serious threats to people and the environment.
–
I think sensationalism in a time of crisis is unnecessary. Which is what the media is basically contributing to. Radioactivity released into the atmosphere? You mean the radioactive steam which has a half life of seconds and is not harmful to anyone? If fuel rods were actually on fire it would be a big deal.
The fire yesterday burnt out on its own and they made no efforts to make sure it was extinguished, and now it has erupted again. If it were to burn the fuel rods and release actual radioactive smoke, that would be bad, but it hasn’t happened yet.
So why act like its the end of the world? Its not a major disaster yet. Things can change, and the fire is not good, but this is still nowhere in the realm of chernobyl. The other 3 reactors are pretty much in hand now, they just have to deal with the shutdown reactor 4 and the spent fuel rods.
# joeman March 15th, 2011 at 7:10 pm
# Giuseppe Franco March 15th, 2011 at 7:07 pm
Clemens was known as a headhunter as well.
Of course pitching inside is important. These guys wouldn’t have had long major league careers if they had refused to pitch inside.
————————————————————–
Andy was one who never pitched inside..there are others but not many
—————
Pettitte pitched inside. He just didn’t buzz anyone under their chin. Wasn’t his thing.
MTU-
Glad that you enjoyed it. It’s a pretty interesting story involving a fascinating character. I love the read.
stuckey99 March 15th, 2011 at 7:08 pm
“I think Christine is done. Apparently as she got older she developed stage fright and hated performing live more and more. Although, I wouldn’t rule out a guest spot on the album.”
I always found the psychology of this fascinating. Here is someone as part of a group heralded as one of the great songwriters of all time, have one of the bestselling album’s of all time and play almost exclusively in front of rabid fans of their work and performances, who likely would largely never know the difference if she had a bad night.
Yet she’s scared.
Amazing.
********************
I know exactly what you mean. I always joke that Stevie Nicks could stand onstage and burp for two hours and I would call it “the greatest performance ever” and then try to seek out and pay a ridiculous amount for the live recording.
If Christine had a bad night, I would never know the difference. I guess she just figures at her age (she is almost 70) she doesn’t need the money and doesn’t need to have to deal with the anxiety when she can be happy at home.
Trisha-
I was the one who brought up music.
I don’t enjoy talking about the doom and gloom of the world on here.
What’s happening in Japan is truly awful. You just feel helpless watching it on TV….I’ve heard mixed reports/opinions on the nuclear reactor stuff and the actual severity of the situation. I really don’t know enough about it to comment so all I’m going to do is wish the Japanese people the best and pray for them……now is one of those situations where it would be really nice if Superman were real, he could fix all that stuff in a jiff……unfortunately real life isn’t so easy.
“Yet you think this forum is the venue for this?”
As I say, entertainment and diversion. I never said or implied it it has to be solely focused on the NY Yankees.
“What is happening in Japan is of astronomical proportions. The world is a lot bigger than the Bronx and what’s happening is devastating to humanity.”
No one is arguing this point. I just think it’s pretty unfortunate that his moment is being chosen to educate people on how to be as human as they should be.
Now TEPCO is reporting the fire is out.
meh. I think people should talk about what’s on their minds. Whether it’s Joba, Hughes (!), curling, hunting. Wherever LoHud’s stream of conscience leads.
As long as people be respectful and mindful of good taste.
Eventually topics die away. Until then people are free to check out if it’s too much for them.
# Giuseppe Franco March 15th, 2011 at 7:15 pm
# joeman March 15th, 2011 at 7:10 pm
# Giuseppe Franco March 15th, 2011 at 7:07 pm
Clemens was known as a headhunter as well.
Of course pitching inside is important. These guys wouldn’t have had long major league careers if they had refused to pitch inside.
————————————————————–
Andy was one who never pitched inside..there are others but not many
—————
Pettitte pitched inside. He just didn’t buzz anyone under their chin. Wasn’t his thing.
———————————————
very true
No one said it was the end of the world but it is certainly a cause for great concern.
This nuclear reactor stuff, which so far in terms of damage and public health is so far below the actual tsunami and earthquake that hit, has completely obscured OTHER disasters like uh an entire gas refinery blowing up and which is still on fire *right now*. And other power plants being destroyed.
Cash-
It was right up my alley. 1000%
I’ve been to the Amazon but not in THAT fashion.
The guy was superhuman until he met his fate.
WoW.
No one said it was the end of the world but it is certainly a cause for great concern.
–
Concern? Yea, but its not even the third biggest disaster happening *right now*. Until it really hits the fan, there’s just more things to be concerned about in Japan.
“Trisha-
I was the one who brought up music.
I don’t enjoy talking about the doom and gloom of the world on here.”
Erica, I don’t mind the music talk at all. I was only reacting to stuckey saying that this wasn’t the forum to talk about the Japan crisis (implying this is a baseball only forum) and then himself talking about a totally different topic. It could have been about the price of eggs, if you know what I mean.
This forum has been a place where numerous things have been discussed. I nevr have any problem with extracurricular discussion.
I am no authority on tastes or standards of all things human. Watched CNN for 10 mins, they covered it like a paparazzi fest. There isn’t much of real journalism left because most ppl aren’t interested in it. Welcome to the 21 Century where it’s all about ‘me’. anywho, best wishes to the Japanese ppl. Life does go on… hopefully the people of Japan can recover fast enough.
Eventually, the US military will bring in their nuclear radiation teams to help the cleanup. They are some of the best in the world. They also keep charts on every person in the military on how much radiation they’ve received in their lifetime, using all x-rays they’ve received as a starting point and formulas based on natural radiation exposure. Once they’ve reached a certain level, they’re removed from the active teams. Everyone wears a dosemeter badge to give constant readings. Every nuclear powered naval ship has the teams, equipment, supplies.
I appreciate the updates on Japan.
I am almost embarrassed to say that I have learned of many world events here on the Lohud.
I’m not one to sit in front of the news, but I do appreciate knowing what’s going on, and if I want more information, I will look for it after find out the basics (here or somewhere else). I don’t like the dramatization, if you will, of the news networks. I prefer the written form, so I do then go to other sites to get more info.
I know, about as much as anyone could, that Lohud is an escape from more serious things in life. But I don’t mind that the serious has to intrude every once in a while.
No problem with anything that anyone wants to discuss. Debates gets heated sometimes… If the interest is genuine not self serving by all means….
# Jerkface March 15th, 2011 at 7:19 pm
This nuclear reactor stuff, which so far in terms of damage and public health is so far below the actual tsunami and earthquake that hit, has completely obscured OTHER disasters like uh an entire gas refinery blowing up and which is still on fire *right now*. And other power plants being destroyed.
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like I said yesterday lets let this play out, way to early to say either way
I cannot imagine anything happening anywhere that is worst that what the people of Japan are going through right now. A major earthquake with major aftershocks, a tsunami that has wiped out entire towns, and four nuclear reactors with major problems.
Nuclear accidents can have consequences which last far longer than other accidents in non-nuclear power plants. You know this. And by the way, the workers at the damaged nuclear power plant are risking their lives to stay and prevent a catastrophe.
# Cashmoney March 15th, 2011 at 7:21 pm
I am no authority on tastes or standards of all things human. Watched CNN for 10 mins, they covered it like a paparazzi fest. There isn’t much of real journalism left because most ppl aren’t interested in it. Welcome to the 21 Century where it’s all about ‘me’. anywho, best wishes to the Japanese ppl. Life does go on… hopefully the people of Japan can recover fast enough.
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try turning on Fox….wall to wall
worse than
gb….They are by far the best on the world
like I said yesterday lets let this play out, way to early to say either way
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Then let it play out, instead of sensationalizing it. Germany is sold out of Geiger counters because of the way their media is portraying the situation. The rest of the world was not destroyed by Chernobyl, which was a thousand times worse than the likely end result of the Fukushima plant problem. The media is reporting things about radioactivity without taking the care to clarify the amounts, what that means in terms of public health, etc.
If you ever fly on an airplane, you receive radioactivity because the atmosphere is thinner and you’re less protected from the radioactivity of space and the sun. Yet, no one is decrying airplanes.
I find CNN to be extremely responsible in its reporting. I don’t think any news station is treating this like anything more than what it is.
Trisha,
With all due courtesy, I never implied it was a baseball only forum, but as a baseball forum, it’s by nature a forum for entertainment and diversion.
And even that didn’t inspire me to respond.
I responded when the topic turned to people acting incredulously towards the opinions and information put forth last evening.
I obviously like a good argument, but at the end of the day it’s all in good fun.
I just found this sort of chastising in poor taste and inappropriate.
But I genuinely believe everyone’s hearts are in the right place if not their actions, so with that I’ll cede the floor and wish everyone a pleasant an evening as possible.
A person I know has suffered from severe depression. This person is camped out in front of Fox News. She told me she can’t bear what is happening in Japan. I told her to shut it off. To care and to pray, but not to watch the coverage.
This is when these news outlets make their money. It’s awful.
But at least it’s not Charlie Sheen 24/7 for now.
Did anyone see “The Event” last night and think the episode was extremely poorly timed?
FWIW, Reynolds, Bowa, and Mitch Williams all thought the Mariners should trade Felix to the Yankees for the right package…..but they all thought Banuelos would have to be in the deal……..
Doreen-
My 8 year old cousin was running around Sunday yelling “I’m Winning”.
Sick…..
ooh look….
New thread
There were many heroes at Chernobyl. Some who, I believe, paid with their lives so others could live. Heroes by any standard.
These reactors may wind up being sealed in concrete forever before this is over.
RayVT is an expert on this subject.
He works in the field.
He’s the one to really direct questions to if you see him around.
. Fox News – Fair & Balanced
Nuclear accidents can have consequences which last far longer than other accidents in non-nuclear power plants. You know this.
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Uhh well thats up for debate. Coal plants have shredded our atmosphere, the BP oil spill is likely to have longer lasting environmental effects than the Fukushima plant situation.
I find CNN to be extremely responsible in its reporting. I don’t think any news station is treating this like anything more than what it is.
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They have had some deplorable reporting on the subject. Al Jazeera has somehow taken over as one of the best news sources in the world.
Not too certain about that Fox opinion joeman
What would be an example of their deplorable reporting on the subject?
Pat, every brigade in the military has a unit that has been in scholl for years learning everything from recognizing the threats to cleanup procedures to fallout prediction zones (where fallout settles). everything is written down. The navy pulled back from their locations last night and you can bet, every person on those ships are being checked and if the levels were higher than the radiation team leader feels safe, those ships will be scrubbed top to bottom. The math involved in those predictions are mind numbing, though over the years, the books they use have built in formulas for every possibility. I hated those courses, but, every leader goes through them…not to be experts, just to know what these guys are talking about.
One more thing about confidence – Phil had it in SPADES early last year. He would strike a guy out or whatever, and just walk around the mound aftewards like he owned it. Unlike Braden, who had to shout it out to make it clear that the pitcher owns the mound, Phil just showed that that is the pitcher’s domain.
None of them are great.
You have to be able to separate the good reporting from the drivel and sensationalism.
Any of them being left on 24/7 is not good; and you need to jump around to different news outlets to get a better-rounded representation of the situations.
It’s a lot of work to get anywhere close to the real story on anything.
What would be an example of their deplorable reporting on the subject?
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Having ‘experts’ on with no experience in the field. Talking about radioactivity with no basis for what is acceptable and what is actual fatal. Comparing the situation to Chernobyl at its outset. Engaging in worst case scenario sensationalism.
If you look at the Japanese media vs Western Media, its amazing. The Japanese, in a time of crisis, are able to report things in an even keeled manner.
Erica -
it really is amazing what kids will pick up on.
Sheen does not merit this kind of coverage. And, hello? Where is his family? He is clearly out of his right mind. He needs help, not coverage.
Regardless of the outcome, that area will never be inhabited again. Once it’s dismantled, everything will be sealed, encased in cement and buried.
Regardless of the outcome, that area will never be inhabited again.
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This is taking it a little too far at this point. Unless you mean that a specific reactor won’t be used, but Fukushima will be inhabited again at this point.
“Having ‘experts’ on with no experience in the field. Talking about radioactivity with no basis for what is acceptable and what is actual fatal. Comparing the situation to Chernobyl at its outset. Engaging in worst case scenario sensationalism.”
I haven’t had this on 24-7 but Arnie Gundersen is a respected authority.
I haven’t had this on 24-7 but Arnie Gundersen is a respected authority.
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Not to me. He went on CNN and said: “This could be Chernobyl on steroids.” And has had some really shady testimony as an ‘expert’ witness in some other nuclear cases. Theres no basis for saying that.
I find his credentials to be very good.
Let me put it this way. He knows far more about nuclear reactors than I do. The PM of Japan has said the situation with the reactors is extremely precarious. I don’t think anyone is trying to hype it to be more than what it really is.
My opinion.
I don’t think anyone is trying to hype it to be more than what it really is.
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The news allowing someone to say that it is ‘Chernobyl on steroids’ is hyping it to more than what it really is.
The news doesn’t “allow” anyone to say anything. They interview people and since censorship isn’t practiced the person is free to say what he or she wants. Gundersen didn’t say it is “Chernobyl on steroids” he said it could become Chernobyl on steroids. I read from the beginning that even if they were able to contain the damage at Reactor 2 at its earliest point with no additional damage, this could go down as the 3rd worst nuclear disaster in history.
You have damage to reactors and we know that two rods have been uncovered for 3-4 hours.
I’m listening to the person who was in charge during Three Mile Island (Victor Gilinsky) and he doesn’t sound hopeful based on the amount of time the rods were uncovered.
Anyway, it will be a miracle if the damage can be minimized. I pray they get that miracle.
Thanks for the conversation. I believe it is important stuff.
Have a good night.
I read from the beginning that even if they were able to contain the damage at Reactor 2 at its earliest point with no additional damage, this could go down as the 3rd worst nuclear disaster in history.
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3rd worst nuclear disaster in history out of how many? Its easy to be the third worst when you aren’t competing against anything. That is why you have to really read up about this stuff and not let the news dictate to you the terms of what is happening. Of course, you will rightfully say you don’t have to let me do the same either. Still, third worst and what will happen? The plant will be lost, once they pumped seawater in those reactors were done because of salt build up and corrosion. They were due to be decomissioned, but its still billions of dollars in damages.
The impact on human health and quality of life in that prefecture, however, should be minimal. And it certainly won’t, at this time, end up like Chernobyl where you have 40 square miles blocked off.
The rods being uncovered isn’t good, because it means they will melt down and be unusable. Thats a money loss though, not a radiation disaster. Until a fire engulfs the reactor, breaches containment, and sends nuclear smoke billowing into the air, this will go down as an economical disaster.
We are talking about much more than an economical disaster. I’m sure you realize that
radiation has already leaked out.
“In a nationally televised statement, Prime Minister Naoto Kan said radiation has spread from the three reactors of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant in one of the hardest-hit provinces in Friday’s 9.0-magnitude earthquake and the ensuing tsunami.
‘The level seems very high, and there is still a very high risk of more radiation coming out,’ Kan said.
He warned there are dangers of more leaks and told people living within 19 miles of the Fukushima Dai-ichi complex to stay indoors to avoid radiation sickness.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said a fourth reactor at the complex was on fire and more radiation had been released.
‘Now we are talking about levels that can damage human health.’
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‘It’s like a horror movie,’ said 49-year-old Kyoko Nambu as she stood on a hillside overlooking her ruined hometown of Soma, about 25 miles from the plant. ‘Our house is gone and now they are telling us to stay indoors.’”
Imagine that conundrum!
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Later.
I am aware of the radiation levels in both Tokyo, thanks to an online geiger counter, and at the gates the facility from updates provided by the company. The country is doing the sensible thing by warning folks to stay in doors and evacuating so that in case of a real problem risks are diminished. That is great.
The levels of radiation that can damage human health is directly around the reactor itself, not spreading to other parts of the country or impacting Tokyo. The radiation measured at the gates of the facility has seen spikes, but always steadily dropped back down to acceptable ranges.
Basically, saying that radiation has leaked out doesn’t do much without the actual number and unit of the radiation (microsievert and millisievert), because as I’ve stated. You receive doses of radiation every day of your life. If you eat a banana, you have just received a dose of radiation. If you touch a rock, radiation. Spend time outdoors, fly a plane, drive in a car, use a cellphone.
There is an acceptable amount of radiation that humans can take in a years time. The area around Reactor 4 was at an unsafe level, which prevented people from being able to put out the fire that was on the 4th floor, but that radiation had not spread to other areas of the plant or to the prefecture proper.