Pregame notes: Romine back in camp, back in the lineup
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Notes on Mar 19, 2011 
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Still no word on why Russell Martin was removed from today’s lineup, but Austin Romine has been away from the team to deal with a personal matter and he just got back to camp this morning. The change could be as simple as wanting to get Romine back on the field as soon as possible.
Might know more before the start of the game. For now, though, I can only say that Martin seems to be just fine. He seems to be going through drills like he normally would.
• While pitchers threw bullpens this morning, Tony Pena took Jesus Montero through some drills, flipping balls one after another and having Montero catch them barehanded. By the time Montero flipped the first ball back to Pena, the second ball was on its way.
• Speaking of that bullpen, Joba Chamberlain and Pedro Feliciano each threw bullpens this morning and came out saying they felt fine. Chamberlain threw pretty close to 100 percent and said he feels ready for a game. Feliciano threw close to 80 percent, only 15 or 20 pitches, and said he’ll probably throw a full bullpen before he’s ready for a game. Both said they expect to be ready for Opening Day.
• Boone Logan was a late addition to tomorrow’s travel roster. Could mean that his back is better than expected.
• Phil Hughes, Bartolo Colon and Dellin Betances also threw bullpens this morning.
• Eduardo Nunez is starting in left field, with Ramiro Pena playing left field off the bench. The Yankees want to get both utility candidates a few outfield reps so that they can be emergency fifth outfielders if necessary.
• Brett Gardner is not in the lineup, but he said his sore right calf is fine. “I’m good to play today,” he said. The outfielders seem to be getting a regular day off.
• A.J. Burnett has a massive bruise on his lower back after being hit by yesterday’s line drive, but he said he feels fine.
• The most recent cuts are still in camp, with Kevin Russo, Brandon Laird and Melky Mesa scheduled to make tomorrow’s road trip. Those cuts seem to have been paper moves, nothing more. Nothing about their daily routine has changed.
• Off the Bench: C Jesus Montero, 1B Eric Chavez, 2B Kevin Russo, SS Doug Bernier, 3B Ronnie Belliard, LF Ramiro Pena, CF Justin Maxwell, RF Jordan Parraz, DH Gustavo Molina
• Out of the Bullpen: Mariano Rivera, Manny Banuelos, Mark Prior, Luis Ayala, Steve Garrison, Eric Wordekemper, Ryan Pope, Wilkins Arias, Hernandez
• Tomorrow’s Travelers Today: The Yankees are taking almost all of their regulars on the road to Clearwater tomorrow.
Pitchers who will be making the trip: CC Sabathia, Steve Garrison, Boone Logan, Ryan Pope, Dave Robertson, Romulo Sanchez, Rafael Soriano, Eric Wordekemper, Josh Schmidt, Andy Sisco.
Players who will not be making the trip: Jorge Posada, Eduardo Nunez, Ramiro Pena, Greg Golson, Colin Curtis, Francisco Cervelli
• After the Wolverines’ lopsided win over Tennessee, Derek Jeter showed up this morning wearing a Michigan t-shirt.
My guess is that they want Romine to make up some playing time he missed while away.
Blake
I would say so too, he hasn’t started a game in a while and having missed a few days he hasn’t been in a game in a while too. I still think Montero has the spot though. Poor Cervelli, he was doing so good until he went down hurt.
Triple Short of a Cycle March 19th, 2011 at 10:54 am
Erica in NY,
It’s rare when it happens. Most of my dreams are either getting chased my someone or getting shot at besides the usual school dreams. Fun stuff
*************
Hmmm… guilty conscience?
accodring to ken rostehal.
cashman montero and romine in a cagefight for backup job.
i would post the tweet, but don’t how to copy on the pc i am on
Back to normal
cashman’s too short and is slow to 2nd.
Ken_Rosenthal #Yankees GM Cashman: Montero and Romine in “cagefight” for backup catcher’s job. #MLB
Romine would really have to show something the last 10-12 days of ST to get that backup role because he hasn’t shown much yet.
It’s still Montero’s job to lose.
i dont like how this is going. are they trying to put pressure on montero to get it going or are they having second thoughts about starting the season with montero as the b/u?
romine has basically done nothing this ST and now he’s a threat to come north out of aa ball ?
Erica in NY,
we all have out skeletons
at least I finally stopped having the dream where my teeth start falling out
” After the Wolverines’ lopsided win over Tennessee, Derek Jeter showed up this morning wearing a Michigan t-shirt. ”
Duke > Michigan
analogous to
R*d S*x > Yankees ?
blake -
How are those big bad BIG EAST teams doing so far?
SI_JonHeyman Jon Heyman
Final count of undesirables on alligator alley: coppers 4, gators 2
———————————————————————————————————————-
And at least one so-called “sports journalist”
wow weak trash talk,is that all you got
who said uconn out in 1st game?
# Ys Guy March 19th, 2011 at 11:05 am
i dont like how this is going. are they trying to put pressure on montero to get it going or are they having second thoughts about starting the season with montero as the b/u?
romine has basically done nothing this ST and now he’s a threat to come north out of aa ball ?
————————————-
I they definitely want to get Montero going and they competition is can bring the best out of him. When Cervelli went down everyone said it’s a lock that Jesus makes the team.
So, if Joe names Phil the #2 starter, AJ is going to think no one has confidence in him? That would be a really weak reason to name him the #2 – as if Phil wouldn’t feel the same way. The Yankees should name whomever they feel is the better pitcher. I think that will be AJ – and that’s a fine reason. I hope it’s not to placate his ego.
Who is Cashman kidding? Romine has no shot to unseat Montero – and even if Romine hits 1000 and throws out a zillion runners in these last couple of weeks, he still belongs in the minors.
From Pete Abe this morning – man are they full of themselves!
World Series Game 1 preview on Monday?
Posted by Peter Abraham, Globe Staff March 19, 2011 09:20 AM
By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff
FORT MYERS, Fla. — It’ll be Jon Lester against Roy Halladay at Bright House Field on Monday at 1;05 p.m.
Now that will be a tough ticket. Two great pitchers, two teams with rabid fans and the best spring venue in Florida. The game will be on ESPN.
I think they want to get Montero going and having him compete with Romine is the best way to do it.
Back later.
Another look at MM in center. Would love this kid to get it figured out. Great raw talent.
Oh, those Texas boys and their entertainment
http://articles.cnn.com/2011-0.....t?_s=PM:US
ManBan out of the BP? Sweet.
Disregard my post at 11:16 it makes absolutely no sense
More Burnett on possibly being number starter: “It would show Joe has faith in me,” he said
====================================
Not really.
Just Joe trying to con a headcase into thinking he’s #2.
He will never be trusted even if he wins 20.
number starter
===========
should read —#2 starter—
CC sabathathia vs Lincecum or Hanson is just as likely.
I’ll agree with PA on one thing (a first time for everything). Most Red Sox and Phillie fans behave like they have rabies.
burnett is a positive guy. if he was named #3, he will just say he’s cool with it and congrats to phil
i think girardi is just splitting up cc and phil to even out the bp load.
doesnt make much difference either way imo.
Red Sox fans are nowhere near as savage as Phillies fans. Not even close.
So, if Joe names Phil the #2 starter, AJ is going to think no one has confidence in him?
============================================
There is the problem with AJ.
He is so insecure. Lacks confidence in himself.
Why would he even comment on whether he is #2 or #3.
Some idiot reported looking for a story and AJ dignifies it?
Phil would have said: “Whatever helps the team.”
AJ thinking of AJ once again.
Who gives a rat’s ass who is named the #2?
It doesn’t make any difference. Don’t understand why people care so much about what number is next to their name.
reported=reporter
It’s just Pete, lol
Ys Guy,
If Burnett can locate against righties like he’s been, have his usual devastating curve and occasionally dust off that change, he’s goin to be successful. Yea the order isn’t particularly important.
agree with giuseppe. half the teams in the league arent sure who thier #2 is or just have someone there in lieu of actually having a #2. then add in that b/c of rainouts, etc thier #2 and our #2 rarely face each other.
Then why did AJ say being #2 would show that Joe has confidence in him? What he’s saying is if he’s NOT #2, then it means Joe doesn’t have confidence in him.
That picture on CNN and the Times homepages of the crashing plane with the “France Sends Jets” title kinda makes it look like CNN and the New York Times are making fun of the french military.
AJ thinking of AJ once again.
///
reminds me of Chip & others making up character flaws for Posada.
Betsy March 19th, 2011 at 11:29 am
Then why did AJ say being #2 would show that Joe has confidence in him? What he’s saying is if he’s NOT #2, then it means Joe doesn’t have confidence in him.
///
My point is it has no intrinsic meaning.
Unbelievable.
why dont you explain the inconsistency of AJ then prufrock?
more matter over mind?
When is The Big Bet (or as Brackman calls Betances–”Shorty”) pitching again?
i think you’re reading waaaay too much into aj’s quote. he was just giving a good spin in answer
to a question. if he was named #3 he would have said something good about phil and how great
he thinks the rotation is going to be.
its all bs for the papers
So, what did I miss?
Can some one explain to me purpose of the drill that Pena was doing with montero? Just curious as to find out.
I don’t know what you’re referring to J Alfred, but I don’t agree in any case.
nobody wants to get into AJ’s head
Benny Blanco March 19th, 2011 at 11:34 am
Can some one explain to me purpose of the drill that Pena was doing with montero? Just curious as to find out.
___________
Male bonding?
Arguing about semantics and opinions, but that’s to be expected. (wink)
Benny Blanco March 19th, 2011 at 11:34 am
Can some one explain to me purpose of the drill that Pena was doing with montero? Just curious as to find out.
———————————————————————————————————————-
eye-hand coordination and speed up the hands
Benny,
One reason is because it softens your hands. Can’t rely on the mitt to catch the ball…..its a great drill for infielders as well. Also causes you to be more precise win your movements…..no margin for error when catching barehanded.
I just hope AJ can give us 6 strong in game 2 in front of 50,000.
mick March 19th, 2011 at 11:32 am
why dont you explain the inconsistency of AJ then prufrock?
more matter over mind?
///
He’s a guy who doesn’t lack confidence,nor is he selfish. He becomes bewildered when his delivery betrays him. He hasn’t had a self-correcting mechanism but it seems help is here in Rothschild. Did you not hear him when they asked, is your landing leg falling toward HP or 1B? “I have no idea!” He’s not being coy, he isn’t a guy who has “checked in” with himself to understand how his mechanics actually work.
This is true of a lot more pitchers than one would think, because there’s something mysterious about a delivery and guys won’t think about it until it deserts them. When it comes to AJ, think 10-fold. He’s done alright on his heater/hook diet & finally has to become aware of what his body is doing. He also has a pretty damn good changeup he swears he’ll use & then doesn’t. This yr he’s goin to use it & it is goin to make a huge difference in results he gets.
Not everything comes down to ‘attitude’ and ‘character.’
mick March 19th, 2011 at 11:38 am
I just hope AJ can give us 6 strong in game 2 in front of 50,000.
//
well he did that in 2009 & pretty much saved the WS.
He’s a guy who doesn’t lack confidence,nor is he selfish.
===================================
That’s just your opinion as I believe he obviously has a self confidence problem.
Since neither of us can get inside his head there is no definitive proof but he sure has the ability so I say it’s in his head.
P. Abe is out of his skull saying the best venue in Florida is the stinking, smaller version of the Green Sardine Can.
How soon has he forgotten where the best is.
Betsy March 19th, 2011 at 11:34 am
I don’t know what you’re referring to J Alfred, but I don’t agree in any case.
///
I was giving my opinion on the relevance, or lack of it, of being named the Number 2 man in the rotation. It’s only important really when you line guys up for a division-determining series and in the playoffs.My point is, if the media makes a fuss about it as some form of status, the player will react to that. Instrinsically, I can’t see any value in it.
He becomes bewildered when his delivery betrays him.
===================================
Then straighten it out in your brain or get help from your pitching coach (or psychiatrist) it worked for John Smoltz.
mick March 19th, 2011 at 11:42 am
.
He’s a guy who doesn’t lack confidence,nor is he selfish.
===================================
That’s just your opinion as I believe he obviously has a self confidence problem.
Since neither of us can get inside his head there is no definitive proof but he sure has the ability so I say it’s in his head.
///
I gave you my reasons of why I think you’re confusing some innate character trait with bewildering mechanics. Disagreement is of course, fine, but I’m not venturing into AJ’s “head”. As you point out, I couldn’t, unless I wanted to venture into some paranormal state, & I’m just not that curious
Did you not hear him when they asked, is your landing leg falling toward HP or 1B? “I have no idea!” He’s not being coy, he isn’t a guy who has “checked in” with himself to understand how his mechanics actually work.
===========================
His brain has no idea what his body is doing.
He must have such great ability to have succeeded at all in that scenario.
mick, he is working it out with Rotschild & has been in the offseason. Hence, the landing foot question from the media.
mick March 19th, 2011 at 11:44 am
Then straighten it out in your brain or get help from your pitching coach (or psychiatrist) it worked for John Smoltz.
_______________
Actually a pretty good idea…using visualization to improve the consistency of your delivery. I remember using such a book when I was a teenager to pick up golf…never played before, but was able to walk onto a course and shoot a 120 without any trouble.
Of course, he should probably use a better book than I did…
Not everything comes down to ‘attitude’ and ‘character.’
=====================================
Who said it did?
He does have great ability, no doubt about that.
JAP–I think Mick is talking about the process of visualizing his delivery to get more consistency…which ties in to the theme this year very nicely….”It’s a process”
AJ has always been inconsistent, it marks his career.
Has it always been his delivery?
but was able to walk onto a course and shoot a 120 without any trouble.
———————————————————————————————————————-
What did you shoot on the 2nd hole?
BoJo March 19th, 2011 at 11:47 am
mick March 19th, 2011 at 11:44 am
Then straighten it out in your brain or get help from your pitching coach (or psychiatrist) it worked for John Smoltz.
_______________
Actually a pretty good idea…using visualization to improve the consistency of your delivery. I remember using such a book when I was a teenager to pick up golf…never played before, but was able to walk onto a course and shoot a 120 without any trouble.
Of course, he should probably use a better book than I did…
———————-
No offense, but as someone who has played golf for 45 years, a first time player has as much chance of shooting 120 following all the rules and counting every stroke on a regulation length golf course as West Coast Yankees Troll has of winning at anything in his life.
GreenBeret7 March 19th, 2011 at 11:51 am
but was able to walk onto
What did you shoot on the 2nd hole?
_____________
The book….
Obviously the PC can make a difference but there is more to it.
How many PC’s has he had?
It doesn’t seem to have a long term effect.
There has to be more to it than mechanics.
Just a matter of time before he forgets the whole front foot thing.
BoJo March 19th, 2011 at 11:50 am
JAP–I think Mick is talking about the process of visualizing his delivery to get more consistency…which ties in to the theme this year very nicely….”It’s a process”
///
He’s been working with Rothschild for a while now. The foot landing forward obviously curtails the ball moving back over the fat of the plate. Now that he’s more conscious of that & seems to have an inner checkpoint, he won’t be as lost when things go wrong.
MG March 19th, 2011 at 11:51 am
____________
I used to be a very good athlete, and had a brother who played take me along and help me with instructions. I got game down to a 95 in about a year…Haven’t played in years though.
No Mick because once you do it your nervous system records it. You “understand” internally & you take it out of your “head.” Isn’t that what you want?
But my point was visualization is a great technique for athletes to improve their game. I believe Paul O’Neill and Ted Williams used to practice it all the time.
Burnett is 34 years old and has been pitching at a high level for over 15 years. If you think there is anything that is going to make a substantial difference in his performance on a consistent basis you are dreaming.
He was awful in 2010 but that is not indicative of his ability or prior history. The changes made in his delivery and mechanics are all well and good, he’ll probably have a year similar to his career stats, 13-15 wins, low 4 ERA-anything more than that would be classified as a ‘career year’ like the one he had in 2008.
13-15 wins, low 4 ERA-anything more than that would be classified as a ‘career year’ like the one he had in 2008.
===============
Correct. No miracle workers need apply.
2008 was his walk year.
That’ll improve your concentration or focus.
MG March 19th, 2011 at 11:56 am
Burnett is 34 years old and has been pitching at a high level for over 15 years. If you think there is anything that is going to make a substantial difference in his performance on a consistent basis you are dreaming.
_____________
I would strongly disagree…based on history. We saw what the presence of another coach could do for his performance in Toronto (Halladay to guide him) and in 2010 (his strong start when Eiland was around).
This guy let his head get in the way of his talent, but there are many techniques that can improve performance of an athlete…such as visualization and good coaching.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Montero struggled, he’d be better off starting in AAA for a month. Catching is all about lower half agility. Send the kids to Ukrainian dance school.
Lower Half Agility
Cossack Battle Dance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALzZ69HLXuY
No Mick because once you do it your nervous system records it. You “understand” internally & you take it out of your “head.” Isn’t that what you want?
I agree in theory but not for AJ, he’s a different breed.
=====================================
If hypnosis can turn some bum off of the street corner into a 120 golfer the first time, everybody would be hypnotizing themselves into being sandy Koufax every 4th day and Mickey Mantle on the other days. You can teach yourself to relax or concentrate, but, that’s as far as it goes.
Bojo, yea gotcha, the visualization stuff works. the nervous system can’t tell the difference between a physical act & the visualization of one. But this discussion with mick was triggered by his comment that AJ’s problems are “in his head.” I think that’s only true in the most sweeping sense.If you don’t know what you’re doing wrong, you become frustrated,and you may feel helpless about it. That doesn’t make you generally an unconfident individual. That’s my point. AJ has become more enlightened by working with LR. He may now have the tools to self-correct what has previously been unexamined and automatic. That’s all I got on this
.
You can teach yourself to relax or concentrate, but, that’s as far as it goes.
========================================
Maybe that is his problem in a nutshell?
GreenBeret7 March 19th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
If hypnosis can turn some bum off of the street corner into a 120 golfer the first time, everybody would be hypnotizing themselves into being sandy Koufax every 4th day and Mickey Mantle on the other days. You can teach yourself to relax or concentrate, but, that’s as far as it goes.
_________
I wasn’t some bum off the street….I was a very good athlete in several sports–with good coordination. The book talked about visualiing the breaking down of a swing into specific checkpoints, and my brother helped me with navigating the course.
I had strength, hand/eye coordination, floexibility, and an ability to focus.
But playing golf is not like throwing a 95 mph fastball…For all my book reading, I could only get up to 84 mph in high school.
He may now have the tools to self-correct what has previously been unexamined and automatic. That’s all I got on this
.
===================
How do you know this hasn’t been approached before. Maybe he is just stupid and that would be “in his head.”
You can teach yourself to relax or concentrate, but, that’s as far as it goes.
______________
I don’t believe that, nor do athletes that do practice visualization…
You can’t account for the other person you’re competing against. They may have more ability than you and ability is relative.
mick,let’s reconvene around May, shall we? See how the old headcase is getting along
.
Bojo, we’ll just have to agree to disagree on this. Eiland missed a month last year, he wasn’t the reason for Burnett getting off to a great start or the reason he was awful in the 2nd half.
Burnett has credited Halladay helping him understand he could throw a little easier and still be successful and more consistent. The problem for him now is he’s lost something on his fastball and that approach, without reliable secondary pitches, isn’t going to be as successful.
I like the fact that Burnett hasn’t walked anyone in the spring and it would be great to see him win 15 games this year, if he does the Yankees will have a great chance to win the AL East, but all of this psychoanalysis of him is just wasted effort-he is what he is, it isn’t going to change that much at this point in his career. If he was 5 years younger, maybe, but at 34 not likely. The only thing that could help is if the delivery changes help eliminate the pitches that get him hurt, usually the 4 seam fastball that drifts over the plate without any downward movement and get hammered.
How do you know this hasn’t been approached before. Maybe he is just stupid and that would be “in his head.”
///
I don’t,but what I do know is the improvement so far can be witnessed. Deciding someone is “stupid” is the least interesting option.
I’ll call BS on it. Bill faul of the early 60s Cubs and Tigers would hypnotize himself to improve his control make him a better pitcher and he still stunk up the place.
MG March 19th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
Bojo, we’ll just have to agree to disagree on this
_____________
And that is always fine, my friend. I don’t beleive AJ is using visualization, so there really is nothing to wait and see about. I was only suggesting that it is a good technique and has been used by pro athletes to increase their muscle memory and program themselves to perform better.
BTW GB7, visualization is not hypnosis. It is a different process…but still a process.
I would suggest you seek to understand before you condemn and make conclusions.
I don’t,but what I do know is the improvement so far can be witnessed. Deciding someone is “stupid” is the least interesting option.
===========================
Stupid is as stupid does. Forrest Gump
I’ll still call BS on it. you just keep believing that you were almost the next Arnold Palmer.
“So, if Joe names Phil the #2 starter, AJ is going to think no one has confidence in him? That would be a really weak reason to name him the #2 – as if Phil wouldn’t feel the same way. The Yankees should name whomever they feel is the better pitcher. I think that will be AJ – and that’s a fine reason. I hope it’s not to placate his ego.”
So here’s BETSY with the first #2 vs #3 post of the day. G. Franco summarized the insignificance perfectly. Just let it die. It means nothing until you’re going into a meaningful series or the playoffs. Why do I think BETSY will babble on even after the announcement is made? So she can microanalyze Phil Hughes!
GreenBeret7 March 19th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
I’ll still call BS on it. you just keep believing that you were almost the next Arnold Palmer.
___________________
You are certainly welcome to believe whatever you wish. It doesn;’t matter to me. You don’t know me personally so you have no sense of how honest I am or what type of athlete I was…so believe what makes you happy.
And if Arnold Palmer shoots 95 at his best, then I’ll start referring to myself in the same sentance as him…but I don’t think that’s happening.
So she can microanalyze Phil Hughes!
========================
Key word in microanalyze is anal.
“Key word in microanalyze is anal”
How true is that!!!