Yankees offense steps up
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Apr 09, 2011 
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When Ivan Nova finally stumbled, the Yankees offense was there to pick him up. Nova flirted with danger throughout his 4.1 innings this afternoon, and when that thin ice finally cracked in a three-run fourth inning, the Yankees offense picked up the slack in a 9-4 win at Fenway. The Yankees scored seven runs and hit four homers — two by Russell Martin — in a four-inning span from the fourth through the seventh. Dave Robertson, Joba Chamberlain and Luis Ayala kept the Red Sox scoreless in the late innings.
Associated Press photo of Curtis Granderson, who homered
Yankees win
Go for the series win tomorrow night with CC. I like the Yankee chances.
This team can beat you in a lot of different ways, so they can ride out the growing pains and/or adjustments by their young starters.
Postgame on YES
Nice win, lots of good signs. The offense is going to be very good
Solid win. Our starting staff will need to improve going forward. These efforts aren’t going to cut it.
Fran, Grandy is magnificent. Catches everything, hitting when we really need it.
The RS starting pitching may be even worse.
I thought Nova threw the ball pretty well….he had some bad luck and poor defense behind him. He got the be to the bullpen with a lead though and Girardi pulled the correct strings today. Very good win for the Yanks….
Does Chavez get another start at 1st tomorrow with Tex getting a rest?
The Red Sox need to be signing Millwoods and Silva’s.
Martin didn’t hit his 3rd HR until May 9th last year.
He didn’t hit his 3rd HR until July 26th in 2009.
So far I was really wrong about Martin getting his power stroke back. He looks great and it is awesome to see.
The Sux are a mediocre team at best.
I don’t care who disagrees with me. I believe it and so I am saying it.
I picked Russell Martin as the surprise player of the year for the Yankees when Chad made his list. I’m feeling good about that pick. Have we seen enough to maybe be more open to trading Jesus Montero for pitching at some point? The guy is better defensively and can call a game better than Jesus Montero ever will. I also believe we have plenty of offense and more than enough youth in the pipeline.
Agree Rich, but I’m only concerned with us. We play to our potential, we’re the team to beat. Starters need to improve and I expect that to happen.
“and Tampa 1-6″
————
and they should be 0-7.
Thornton and the White Sox D imploded last night.
Could the Fox guys have sounded any less enthusiastic when the Yankees did something good? Unprofessional.
Trisha,
Loved Granderson’s homerun today right after McCarver said he did not hit lefties
If you start Chavez you either have to sit Alex, Tex, or Posada. No way you sit Alex and I wouldn’t sit Tex either…..doubt they’ll sit Posada 2 straight days either. I think I would DH Chavez again just because of how well he was able to use that monster today and I would expect he should be able to do similarly against Beckett……my guess is he doesn’t play though.
“I thought Nova threw the ball pretty well….he had some bad luck and poor defense behind him. He got the be to the bullpen with a lead though and Girardi pulled the correct strings today. Very good win for the Yanks….”
blake, now this I agree with. “On paper” who was supposed to win the game – Chucky Doll Bucholz or Nova?
Nova might have had a 2 run outing but for the botched DP ball. Very respectable against the second coming of Murderer’s Row…
I probably think the tail end of Boston’s bullpen is better than most others on here do – with Jenks, Bard, and Pap.
But the remainder of their bullpen is a huge question mark (with the answer leaning towards ‘not good’)
Joba, Rafael, and Mo are elite.
That said, guys like Robertson, Feliciano, and Colon may be what gives the Yankees a tremendous advantage this season.
It’s hard enough to have 3 dependable bullpen arms. The Yanks may have double that!
The RS starting pitching is worse and they have no depth if their starters continue to struggle or get hurt.
Nova pitched better than his line in his first start at Fenway as a member of the rotation.
If Cano could have turned the DP, he would have gotten the win.
If they stay healthy, they are a very good team.
Russell Martin’s great start has virtually eliminated the mention of Jesus Montero on the blog, that is an amazing development. Hopefully Montero kills AAA pitching and earns a promotion to the big club sometime this year but Martin’s defense is very impressive, he made a couple of backhand catches of balls in the dirt that he made look easy.
Bret,
Montero wasn’t signed for his game calling ability.
Jesus.
“So far I was really wrong about Martin getting his power stroke back”
So was I, but again, but I won’t get too high or too low on anyone right now (which your post implies as well).
Surpisingly, Silva’s peripherals were actually better than his ERA last year. I didn’t expect to see that.
Both his FIP and xFIP were 3.75.
The back of Boston’s pen is pretty good….though Jenks looked very hittable to me yesterday. The middle of their pen is awful though and the seriously have no starting pitching depth beyond the 5 in the rotation.
Jesus Montero is 21 years old.
Look around baseball and see how many 21 year olds are starting catchers in MLB.
The answer is….zero.
There is no reason to trade him.
What you do is continue to develop him.
The D won’t be as bad as it’s been, so that’s a good sign. Martin has been a godsend and I think Chavez will prove to be as well. Remember when we had Cody Ransom replacing Alex?
For the 7 games that I predicted a R*d S*x
win on Peter Abraham’s blog ,
they are 0 – 7 .
L . o . l .
Love it .
Cano owns Beckett and Fenway.
Can’t wait for that matchup tomorrow night.
“That said, guys like Robertson, Feliciano, and Colon may be what gives the Yankees a tremendous advantage this season.
It’s hard enough to have 3 dependable bullpen arms. The Yanks may have double that!”
BD that’s why some of us were so psyched about the bullpen arms and not as worried about the rotation as some others were (at leasts at the time when we weren’t sure about what our rotation would be.) With a strong pen, you can have guys go 5 innings from time to time and not have it hurt you.
The Sux, on the other hand, have diddly squat. So with problems in their rotation they are potentially screwed. And they don’t have a top-notch GM, despite what some Sux worshippers might think. They got Crawford and Agon but gave up Belte and MARTINEZ! And saw no need to replace Martinez. They also rolled the dice with Lackey, Beckett and DiceK and didn’t bother shoring up with backups.
Cashman was brilliant getting veterans like Pryor and Garcia and Colon – and now Silva.
They’re just not that swift in beantown.
J Alfred Prufrock,
Did I say that Jesus Montero was signed for his game calling? I think Russell Martin, given both offense AND defense AND game calling, is a better long term fit than Jesus Montero. Montero is all-bat and I sincerely believe we have an adequate supply of offense (I’d like to add one contact hitter).
I believe we should use Jesus Montero to trade for a pitcher at some point.
I’m perfectly happy with Martin as the guy with Cervelli as his backup and Romine/Sanchez waiting in the wings.
Would I trade Montero for any ole pitcher?
Nope.
But I’m not perfectly happy with the starting pitching?
Are you?
Jesus.
1. Joe Buck has said he doesn’t care for baseball, football is his game. I think his lack of enthusiasm here is more a reflection of that. McCarver, who has a personal feud going on, dating back to when George let him go years ago, may have infected Buck a bit, but I don’t think that’s Buck’s primary problem when he’s doing Yankee games on FOX. He just doesn’t like baseball.
2. Trisha – I wouldn’t be shocked if Boston and Tampa duel for the cellar, and Toronto and Baltimore finish 2/3, or vice-versa. I really think those two teams can do some damage to teams. Another division, and they could win.
Silva is a a no loss signing, he pitched well for Rothschild last year (at least the 1st half of the season) and he is the kind of guy who could give the Yankees a half season like Chacon and Small did 4 or 5 years ago. Or they could release him if he doesn’t show anything. It’s a good move just like signing Millwood.
So glad that they put the Saux down today, even though the starting pitching wasn’t as good as I had hoped for.
Nova did OK, but looked like his yips were coming back. He did better his first start, so hopefully it was just a tough outing.
I think Nova can be a decent starter. Props to the Saux, as they are a tough lineup to face.
Hope CC closes the door tomorrow and gets his first win.
Martin has really stepped up well since joining the Yanks. Good move for Cash on that, and good that they not only got a good catcher who I think we might be seeing for a longer time than his current deal.
Teixeira had a really hot start, but has been fading, despite the views of SJ44. Its an observation. He did terrible today and while I’m glad he started well, he isn’t keeping it up.
SJ44 has a lot of knowledge about baseball, but his know-it-all, narcissistic attitude at times makes me think he had a lot of punches in the nose. His snark on any post other than his own is as if he thinks he is Obama or king.
Who gets the first call……silva or millwood?
the red sox are tied with Houston for the worst run differential in baseball at -24
“The RS starting pitching is worse and they have no depth if their starters continue to struggle or get hurt”
Bingo!
blake……Nova could have had a shutout if 2 plays were made, Gardner’s bobble and Cano’s ball in the web on the dp……Pitching in Fenway vs. The Sox is a sleepless night for many pitchers especially a rook
“Who gets the first call……silva or millwood?”
my guess is neither.
“Both his FIP and xFIP were 3.75.”
Silva’s stuff is not good. I’m unclear why one should feel confident about “regressing” important aspects of his performance back to the “mean.”
The notion that contact made off of one of Silva’s pitches and off of say one of Felix Hernandez’s pitches have the same probability of turning into hits or home runs does not seem plausible to me in any way.
“Have we seen enough to maybe be more open to trading Jesus Montero for pitching at some point?”
If Martin keeps playing like this, he is going to be a Yankee for a while. 27 yr old 2-way catchers with his athleticism don’t come around often. Would be crazy to get rid of him for a DH.
Montero could still contribute for us. just not as a C. Martin’s defensive/aggressive game calling ability shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Montero is batting right now on milb-tv.
Just hit a single, btw.
Pat M,
I agree….if Cano turns that then I think Nova throws 2 more innings. Can’t get on Cano too much….stuff like that happens, I think he rushed because he knew Ellsbury was running.
“2. Trisha – I wouldn’t be shocked if Boston and Tampa duel for the cellar, and Toronto and Baltimore finish 2/3, or vice-versa. I really think those two teams can do some damage to teams. Another division, and they could win”
Joe, from your lips to God’s ears. Honest to God, I agree with you. It has nothing to do with my disdain for them, it has everything to do with my functioning eyes – and my knowledge of their weaknesses, not that those are top secret but to listen to some people continue to fawn over them, you’d think they were!
Girardi with high praise for Martin.
He said Nova was a little off today.
Kim asked Joe about the signing of Silva and he didn’t even know about it. That was funny.
Did I say that Jesus Montero was signed for his game calling? I think Russell Martin, given both offense AND defense AND game calling, is a better long term fit than Jesus Montero. Montero is all-bat and I sincerely believe we have an adequate supply of offense (I’d like to add one contact hitter).
I believe we should use Jesus Montero to trade for a pitcher at some point.
///
They’ll only trade him if they conclude he can’t catch. Not saying I support that, but that’s what they’d do, given how valuable it would be to have a catcher with that kind of offensive profile. If Montero can catch at all, no one is a “better long term fit” (maybe Gary Sanchez down the road if he continues to progress).
The guy’s bat has been compared to Piazza’s, Miggy Cabrera’s, Frank Howard’s for a reason.
“blake……Nova could have had a shutout if 2 plays were made, Gardner’s bobble and Cano’s ball in the web on the dp……Pitching in Fenway vs. The Sox is a sleepless night for many pitchers especially a rook”
Pat M, couldn’t agree with you more. Nova stayed right in there. When he had runners on, he got out of innings. When he gave up runs, he didn’t automatically give up more, nor did he give up runs every time the Yankees scored. I think he looked very mature and professional, and I think he has a permanent home in that rotation.
We are very lucky.
“But the remainder of their bullpen is a huge question mark (with the answer leaning towards ‘not good’)”
That’s the thing. Their pen isn’t very deep and they don’t have much at AAA.
If their starting staff does not given them a lot of length then Tito is going to wind up doing what he did last year – over use the guys at the back.
Yes they have Jenks also and he’ll help but 3 guys can’t make up for volume. The middle of that bull pen is not good.
blake…..Cano got the forceout, went yard, then he and Jeter turn a very nice dp om a deflected ball which is not always easy because you don’t alwatys get your feet right…..My point was Nova pitced a good game considering everyting……
What a sweet DP to end the game.
I am very very very very happy.
That’s always a good thing for the world at large.
Actually, I don’t have a problem with the starting pitching.
CC, AJ, and Nova are solid. Hughes will eventually get his arm strength.
Colon and Garcia are more than serviceable.
They have a slew of options at AAA and in EST. Perhaps an arm emerges out of that group.
If not, you have Banuelos and Betances in AA. Who knows if they become later season options.
I’m not even talking about a deep and talented bullpen that can take some pressure of SP.
Out of all of these options, I find it hard to believe an
option or two won’t step up.
I certainly don’t see any reason to trade Montero when you have that many options.
yanks 27 April 9th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
“Have we seen enough to maybe be more open to trading Jesus Montero for pitching at some point?”
If Martin keeps playing like this, he is going to be a Yankee for a while. 27 yr old 2-way catchers with his athleticism don’t come around often. Would be crazy to get rid of him for a DH.
Montero could still contribute for us. just not as a C. Martin’s defensive/aggressive game calling ability shouldn’t be taken for granted.
*********
That’s what I’m getting at. Martin is really a rare find because he’s excellent defensively, calls a good game, has the confidence of the veteran pitchers, can keep pitchers in their place, runs well, plays hard AND hits.
He looks like a sure thing.
If it comes down to trading Martin or Montero, how could the Yankees pass up the more complete, established player in favor of the defensively challenged rookie?
I understand Montero can mash.
But we need pitching more than offense and Martin is looking like a plus catcher in all aspects of the game. Trading Martin away would be stupid.
” Have we seen enough to maybe be more open to trading Jesus Montero for pitching at some point?”
holy guacamole !!!
we better get some essential fatty acids to your brain
Nova held is own. Which is all you can ask for.
Pat M,
yup, much better than his box score would indicate.
Agreed about the role of Cano’s misplay there. But, in a way, errors and misplays are a part of the game, ML pitchers need to work thru them.
I know Nova is a rookie, and the Red Sox in Fenway are tough. Just part of the learning and developing process.
CB….THat bullpen phone is going to be one of Boston’s most frequently used ….The back of their rotation is much like the gut of their bullpen, very thin
Nova is going to be fine in the rotation, as Pat M said, pitching against the Sox in Fenway the 1st time is never easy and he got a couple of bad breaks. He’ll win a lot of games in his career throwing the way he has the last two times out.
Nice win for the Yankees.
Nova had an ok outing. A bit of bad luck with the no double play, but then again, he should have made his pitches. He got the job done though, and he’s got something to build off of for his next start.
I would hate to see Silva or Millwood take too many mL starts away from bona fide prospects.
Nova coming up next on YES
Pat M, one of your picks (Martin Laird) is making a move at Augusta-anyone within 5 or 6 shots going into Sunday has a chance on that golf course…
What Martin does this season shouldn’t have any impact on what they do with Montero.
Montero’s future is up to him.
Montero is the player you rearrange a roster for. He is a potential franchise player.
Martin is a very good catcher but he’s not going to be the kind of player Montero could.
Montero is only 21. Just let him get more work in at AAA.
“He looks like a sure thing.”
It has been 8 games!
“If it comes down to trading Martin or Montero, how could the Yankees pass up the more complete, established player in favor of the defensively challenged rookie?”
Because catchers that hit like Montero become available about once or twice in a generation.
How can you not love these Yankees? Just how?
You’d have to be a mypalfish or YankeesNMore to find fault with this team.
Geesh.
Yogi,
The guy was on pace to hit 162 HR’s.
Even someone as limited as you can figure out that pace wasn’t going to continue.
If you want to conclude that constitutes a “slump”, more power to you little boy.
You are probably better off sticking to video games.
Understanding baseball seems to be a little too deep for you.
Great win.
I still think Chavez is going to take the DH from Jorge. I had a feeling about this when Chavez started to hit in the spring. He’s a better hitter than Jorge because he hits for average and power and isn’t just a singles/HR hitter. I fully expect Chavez to play a huge role on this team if he stays healthy. The bat is there. He played pepper on the Green Monster like the Red Sox wish their hitters would. That said, Girardi will put Jorge in tomorrow to avoid controvesy, but if Jorge stays around .250, he’ll be benched for Chavez.
Martin is a godesend. It must be something about #55 on this team. Again, if he stays healthy, Cashman looks like a genius and Montero’s arrival will be seriously delayed. He’s playing like a franchise catcher, not like a guy here for a year and gone. You see the leadership qualities in his game. I have a feeling the Yankees are going to hang on to him for his prime years.
Nova pitched good enough for me. The Cano DP would have gotten him out of the inning. Unless you are throwing slop over the plate, this Red Sox team is not going to hit you. If the ball moves in the zone they look baffled.
And let’s give it up for Robertsen and Ayala who both did excellent jobs today.
As for Boston, if anyone throws Saltyalamachia anything but a breaking ball they should have his head examined. Holy cow does he have a major hole in his swing and he’s their starting C?
Girardi did a great job today putting in Chavez and knowing when to cut bait on Nova. Much better than yesterdays little Napoleon act with Hughes.
If the Yankees trade Montero I’ll eat my hat.
That’s how sure I am that Montero is never going to be Yankee trade bait.
Trust me. I’m known for my perspicacity. Just ask Bronx Jeers and Doreen.
Randy,
It may gross you out but I now eat mostly raw foods like raw eggs and marinated raw red meat. I don’t cook my fruits or veggies. I even eat raw sweet potatoes. I get my essential omega 3′s from sushi and marinated raw fish.
Martin is a gamer. I would hate for the Yankees to take him for granted in favor of anyone, including a generational type prospect. Martin is just too good to let go. I don’t see where Montero fits given Martin’s play.
“Silva’s stuff is not good. I’m unclear why one should feel confident about “regressing” important aspects of his performance back to the “mean.”
The notion that contact made off of one of Silva’s pitches and off of say one of Felix Hernandez’s pitches have the same probability of turning into hits or home runs does not seem plausible to me in any way.”
——————–
I guess because Felix has a .294 BABIP and 10.9% HR/FB in his career which are pretty standard?
But, he has keep those two down the past couple years so maybe it’s a product of him improving?
I wasn’t really posting that stuff because I thought Silva would pitch that well. I just thought it was surprising when I saw it.
Because catchers that hit like Montero become available about once or twice in a generation.
//
Yes.
SMH.
Nova said he struggled with his command a bit.
G. Love – I think I helped.
I take responsibility for yesterday’s loss because I couldn’t be here the whole time.
GLove, can’t see the Yankees benching Po
“I would hate to see Silva or Millwood take too many mL starts away from bona fide prospects.”
Yanks probably think they have a greater chance at helping the big club now than Phelps, Warren, Noesi, etc.
If Martin stays healthy and continues to perform at this level, he would be one of the best acquisitions in years. At his age, given his hitting, catching, attitude and relative speed he has to start and you can’t let him go. Unless you really get equal value in a deal next year.
I’m not suggesting we run out and trade Montero, but if you can get a number one or two for him and some lesser chips mid-season, I wouldn’t be against it. Pitching wins.
bret-
having two really good catchers with one who can dh is not a problem but a very good thing.
montero and martin as a tandem would be awesome.
Pretty cool to watch the media in action. DRob giving comments, three race over with their mikes.
“Yanks probably think they have a greater chance at helping the big club now than Phelps, Warren, Noesi, etc.”
They over rely on fungible, often declining veterans, imo, to their detriment.
lol, interview with D-Rob who people constantly underrate. When he is on, he is as good as anyone. But if he doesn’t pitch enough, he invariably will go to a full count or walk that first batter. However, those great K rates are no fluke.
“Martin is just too good to let go. I don’t see where Montero fits given Martin’s play.”
————–
It is 8 games into the season, the Yankees can control Martin for 2 seasons, and Montero is only 21.
What is your rush to make a move?
Everyone should take it easy with the russell martin hysteria.
Would love to see a nice, easy win tomorrow with CC going 7, followed by Soriano and Mo.
yankeefem
And did you see his smile at the end when Kim brought up the win on his birthday.
I don’t see where Montero fits given Martin’s play.
///
One thing to say the yanks have the C position covered for now, but Martin is a better long term fit than a guy who could be Mike Piazza for us for 8-10 yrs?
That’s like sayin I don’t see what value a catcher who could hit 40 HRs and hit for a high average has.
“It may gross you out but I now eat mostly raw foods like raw eggs and marinated raw red meat. I don’t cook my fruits or veggies. I even eat raw sweet potatoes. I get my essential omega 3?s from sushi and marinated raw fish.”
gb7-
just for comic relief, i’d like to hear your reaction to brett’s diet
I like what Chavez brings to the Yankees but you can’t project one game into a whole season.
He hasn’t played regularly in several years and it would be great if he can contribute when he’s in the lineup, it just adds to the offensive strength of the team-he’s probably going to get 15-20 games in the field at both 1st or 3rd during the season, another 15-20 as the DH is about as much as he’s going to play because I don’t see Jorge getting less than 100 starts this year unless he’s having a horrible season, which is very doubtful considering his strong start in the 1st few games this year.
If you’re out there Pat M, my open investmens for the day are parlays I made two ways, Yanks ML and +1.5, with Royals +1.5, Athletics, Rangers in the second game, and the SF Giants. And with Arsenal FC tomorrow morning (to win and hedged for a draw).
randy – on this I can definitely agree with you.
If Martin keeps playing like this (I know he’s not going to keep hitting 2 dingers per game, but you understand what I’m saying), I really can’t see the Yanks letting him go next year, regardless of how well Jesus Montero may be playing.
You just don’t let talent that good get away. Catcher is a premium position.
Competition doesn’t take PT away from anyone.
None of the veterans signed have deals that force them on the roster.
Whoever performs the best will get a shot.
The way it should be.
Echo . Romeo . Returns April 8th, 2011 at 5:55 pm
C . B . has great , great stuff . He will definitely bounce back from a bad first start — just like L*st*r .
My predictions for C . B . tomorrow :
8 innings
3 hits
14 K’s
0 runs
———————————————————
Assclown’s crystal ball remains broken.
Tomorrow’s game will be very interesting. As vaunted as the Red Sox offense was supposed to be it was also constructed as very left handed.
The Sox so far this season have only faced one lefty, IIRC – CJ Wilson opening day. And Wilson struggled with his command that day (which he is prone to doing).
CC represents an interesting test for them. For example, Carl Crawford has a career .309 OBP against CC with a .698 OPS against him.
Montero isn’t likely going to be ready to catch full time next year either if he doesn’t get a lot of time in the big leagues this year. They could hang onto Martin and do next year what they toyed with doing this year….only Montero would likely DH the games he didn’t catch instead of sitting.
Can’t Martin play some 3B? The Yankees could use some type of rotation with Martin, Montero, and Arod.
Martin-C, Montero-DH, Arod-3B
Martin-3B, Montero-C, Arod-DH
This allows all three players to be in the lineup everyday, and Arod still gets his rest.
I don’t see the need to discuss potential trades every damned time someone does well. Can we EVER live for today? Just once? Can we just enjoy the win and what the guys did and leave it at that? Russell Martin was great. If people want to think it’s a good sign, not a big deal. But forget about Montero, forget about tomorrow. Appreciate today dammit.
For once. Render to today that which is today’s. Tomorrow will take care of itself.
Where does their cc bat against our CC?
# yankeefeminista April 9th, 2011 at 5:12 pm
lol, interview with D-Rob who people constantly underrate. When he is on, he is as good as anyone. But if he doesn’t pitch enough, he invariably will go to a full count or walk that first batter. However, those great K rates are no fluke.
///
He’s K-Wood-ish.
None of the guys in the AAA rotation showed in ST they were ready to pitch in the majors yet.
Perhaps they will be later in the year. Or, perhaps not.
Either way, you never have enough pitching.
You stockpile arms and see who emerges.
If Martin keeps playing like this, Montero gets his feet wet later in the season and in 2011 Montero takes over as DH + BUC and they re-up with Martin through arbitration.
What’s the problem?
joe-
yankeed fans got spoiled too with posada catching as many games as he did until he was about 36 when he started hitting the dl.
look at mauer. he has trouble getting in 120 games a year.
two good catchers is a plus.you never know when a guy is going to get hurt.
why have a big drop off in production if you don’t have to?
i like the double barrel shotgun of martin and montero.
Randy,
I suppose they could keep Martin right where he’s at through his prime years and work in Montero as the DH.
But if Phil continues to get bombed and this rotation implodes somehow, Cashman really must get aggressive and use some of that catching depth to bring in a front end starter.
We’re a ways away from that but Russell Martin is making it much easier on Brian Cashman. He certainly has more options now.
Young guys at AAA need regular turns in the rotation in order to develop.
Fran the original April 9th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
yankeefem
And did you see his smile at the end when Kim brought up the win on his birthday.
_____
Yes, lol. I just hope we give him enough work to keep him in a rhythm b/c when he is in sync, commanding his stuff, he is flat out nasty.
Betsy,
If Posada hits .240-.250 this year, he’ll lose the job to Chavez. This Yankee team needs hitters who can get on base with hits other HR’s. You saw it today what high average hitting does with this team. I’m not saying it happens this month, but if Jorge is just hitting homers and nothing else, he will lose the job to Chavez if he’s healthy.
I also think a healthy Chavez is in the Yankees long term plans. When Jorge is let go, you resign Chavez, if healthy, and let him and Arod share 3b and DH next year.
If he hits like he did today, Chavez will force his way into the lineup at Jorge’s expense.
CB,
Matt Harrison shut them down. 7 innings, 1 ER, 5 hits, 2 BB, 8 Ks.
“Carl Crawford has a career .309 OBP against CC with a .698 OPS against him.”
his career numbers against all lefties .269/.315/.381/.696. I agree it’ll be an interesting test for the Sox facing a potential 1-8 start.
I’m not goimg to blame Cano for the non-turn, unless you think that he should be using a smaller glove. Morgan used a glove that was almost little league size for that reason. The ball doesn’t get lost in the glove. I’d say thay he’ll make more run saving plays with the glove he has now than he’ll cost the Yanks.
Forget about Montero?
Kinda hard to do cos I’m watching him catch Noesi right now
.
GLove, I just think it’s too early to say that…………but I like Chavez very much, definitely
MG….I just tuned in a few minutes ago….Has Augusta National ever looked more beautiful ????? Nick in SF….You’re day trading stock abilities are far more advanced than mine…..Everytime I hear Rory McIlory’s name I can’t help but think of Kevin Costner and our own Randy I, The Original Tin Cup
randy l. April 9th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
“It may gross you out but I now eat mostly raw foods like raw eggs and marinated raw red meat. I don’t cook my fruits or veggies. I even eat raw sweet potatoes. I get my essential omega 3?s from sushi and marinated raw fish.”
gb7-
just for comic relief, i’d like to hear your reaction to brett’s diet
———————————————————————————————————————-
Worms, spiders and snakes are better for you. All protein. For dessert eat pine cone seeds.
Damned….I sound like Euell Gibbons.
blake…..But does Crawford hit CC ???? .309 OBP isn’t impressive at all
J. Alfred Prufrock April 9th, 2011 at 5:22 pm
Forget about Montero?
Kinda hard to do cos I’m watching him catch Noesi right now.
____________
Betances is pitching tomorrow, so if no rain outs he should pitch Friday at Trenton.
# yankeefeminista April 9th, 2011 at 5:26 pm
J. Alfred Prufrock April 9th, 2011 at 5:22 pm
Forget about Montero?
Kinda hard to do cos I’m watching him catch Noesi right now.
____________
Betances is pitching tomorrow, so if no rain outs he should pitch Friday at Trenton.
///
Already got tickets behind the plate
.
G. Love,
Chavez has never really been a super high average hitter.
In his prime he hit .280.
What kind of BA are you expecting from him to take over for Jorge?
Pat M,
I was just saying that Crawford can’t hit any lefty….including CC. He needs K. Long but we aren’t sharing
pat m-
you do realize my bullpen catcher nickname was “Clank” my first year on the job.
i earned it too
Posada is going to be one of the top DHs in the American League. He’ll take his walks, he’ll hit HRs, he’ll turn around as a switch hitter, he’ll hit well situationally.
Sam Fuld just made an absolutely ridiculous catch with the bases juiced.
Noesi isn’t have a great day, but, then, neither is Kyle Gbson. Di ckerson is 2-2 with a steal and 2 runs scored. Parraz with a booming homer to deep left center and a single, Montero smoked a shot down the left field line but held to a single because it hit the corner of the stands that jut out like at Fenway. Laird with an RBI single.
If Chavez keeps going 3 for 5 while Posada sends up O-fers, Girardi will have no choice but to use Chavez over Posada. I would. You go with the hot hand.
Tex has reverted to his usual April form. Alex seems to be the only one who remains hot at the plate.
“Matt Harrison shut them down. 7 innings, 1 ER, 5 hits, 2 BB, 8 Ks.”
LGY,
Thanks – I forgot Harrison is Texas’ 3rd starter this season.
Just looked up the box score – he dominated the Sox in that game. And he isn’t even that good.
And on the Silva issue I understand the point you were making. I didn’t think you were making Silva out to be an important addition.
FIP and xFIP are getting overused IMO and used for purposes they weren’t developed for. It’s an issue of the idea behind them not the statistics. Is the fundamental hypothesis valid? Or is it only valid in a very narrow scope?
It’s the kind of thing you see in analysis all of the time in different fields. Making assumptions that make the math easier to do for a model, but assumptions that pull the model away from reality.
But anyway, that’s a longer conversation.
Posada is going to be one of the top DHs in the American League.
—————–
I agree.
It was a given the Jorgie would not DH for 162 games. With the flexibility of this team, Chavez is a key player. He can DH, play 3rd base when Alex DH’s or not embarrass by playing 1st base while Teixeira DH’s.
Randy…..Why in the hell do you think I refer to with great admiration as The Original Tin Cup for…….What many here need to keep in mind is this….Even thought the Boston clubhouse can say it’s still very early ( and it is ) however you know that they wanted and maybe even needed to sweep the Bombers just so they can really believe this to be true….I mean 1-8 is a huge hole, especially in the AL East and they Inter league with Philly on home and home series ???/
J. Alfred Prufrock April 9th, 2011 at 5:30 pm
Posada is going to be one of the top DHs in the American League. He’ll take his walks, he’ll hit HRs, he’ll turn around as a switch hitter, he’ll hit well situationally.
_____
I would also point out that Chavez is a lefty and his career numbers vs. lefties are .313/.402 OBP/SLG respectively. So, I don’t think he is a candidate to be a full time DH.
Laura – I Bleed Blue April 9th, 2011 at 5:30 pm
If Chavez keeps going 3 for 5 while Posada sends up O-fers, Girardi will have no choice but to use Chavez over Posada. I would. You go with the hot hand.
///
You’ve missed a really good offensive career from Jorge Posada, a real pro with a bat in his hands
.
“But does Crawford hit CC ???? .309 OBP isn’t impressive at all”
He’s hit .296 against him but that’s without much power. And he’s struck out 25% of the time against CC. He’s only had 55 PA against CC so even some bloops will make his average look better than the quality of his at bats, especially playing on turf.
For Crawford to damage the yankees (or anyone) he has to get on base. That’s the key for him – especially in the lead off position.
And Crawford just doesn’ t get on base very often against CC or against lefties in general as blake points out.
If Crawford is going to lead off and only get on base 31.5% of the time against lefties, Pedroia, Gonzalez and Youkilis are never going to get a chance to knock him in.
Britton has Texas no hit through 3.1 innings, with a 5-0 lead…2 walks
_____
I would also point out that Chavez is a lefty and his career numbers vs. lefties are .313/.402 OBP/SLG respectively. So, I don’t think he is a candidate to be a full time DH.
///
God bless you, I don’t have the stomach for this. SMFH.
J. Alfred Prufrock April 9th, 2011 at 5:28 pm
# yankeefeminista April 9th, 2011 at 5:26 pm
J. Alfred Prufrock April 9th, 2011 at 5:22 pm
Forget about Montero?
Kinda hard to do cos I’m watching him catch Noesi right now.
____________
Betances is pitching tomorrow, so if no rain outs he should pitch Friday at Trenton.
///
Already got tickets behind the plate .
_____
Ditto.
Banuelos I think pitches Saturday or for some reason those milb twitter types are saying Sunday, which doesn’t make sense to me…
SWB is playing a double header at LHV, probably get to see about 8+ Montero AB’s as C, DH over two games. How I wish that DJ Mitchell and Brackman would both be pitching in those games? But right now, not on sched for that. Nothing a rain out or two can’t correct.
“You’ve missed a really good offensive career from Jorge Posada, a real pro with a bat in his hands.”
I’ve been watching the Yankees since birth, which I hate to say is a REALLY long time ago. I’m well aware of what Jorge is capable off. I’m also aware that he’s got 4 hits, three of them HRs and nothing else. If he keeps doing nothing at the plate, I see no reason he should be penciled in every day at DH just because he’s Jorge Posada.
I wonder if Youk’s thumb is bothering him.
It is obviously still so early, but something looks really off with him at the plate.
Anyone agree or you guys just think it is an early season slump/slow start?
SJ, I’m sorry but you totally suck at life. Anyone who has anything contrary to your view you seem to think it gives you a right to demean them.
Frankly, you are lucky that I would never meet up with you, for you would have a broken nose, then a beat down just as a means of knocking some sense into you.
You, SJ44, are a narcissist of the highest order. A total POS.
NYTimes –
” . . . The Yankees overcame a meager performance from Ivan Nova, who gave up four runs and seven hits in four and a third innings . . . ”
” . . . The fuller team [R*d S*x] challenged Nova, working deep counts and spraying hits to every nook and cranny of the old ballpark . . . ”
But according to many here , Nova is ” solid . ”
L . o . l .
“Worms, spiders and snakes are better for you. All protein. For dessert eat pine cone seeds.
Damned….I sound like Euell Gibbons.”
they’re never going to invite you or brett to pick the annual masters dinner menu.
Texas no hits through 4 innings
MLB.com put the Fuld catch up. You have to see this.
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play......d=13609203
randy l. April 9th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
“Worms, spiders and snakes are better for you. All protein. For dessert eat pine cone seeds.
Damned….I sound like Euell Gibbons.”
they’re never going to invite you or brett to pick the annual masters dinner menu.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Are you kidding? Do you know what a meal like that would cost you in Paris?
Ditto.
Banuelos I think pitches Saturday or for some reason those milb twitter types are saying Sunday, which doesn’t make sense to me…
SWB is playing a double header at LHV, probably get to see about 8+ Montero AB’s as C, DH over two games. How I wish that DJ Mitchell and Brackman would both be pitching in those games? But right now, not on sched for that. Nothing a rain out or two can’t correct.
///
Huh that’s interesting. Wonder if I could convince the wife to take a ride & hang at one of those charming Pa. B&Bs. When is that? the SWB game I mean. Haven’t been out there yet as it’s kinda far.
going out to dinner with mrs.
don’t have any great discussions without me.
PeterAbe : ” The Yankees got their comeuppance after dropping a 9-6 loss Friday in the Red Sox home opener . . . ”
Hmmm ?
Echo . Romeo . Returns April 9th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
NYTimes –
” . . . The Yankees overcame a meager performance from Ivan Nova, who gave up four runs and seven hits in four and a third innings . . . ”
” . . . The fuller team [R*d S*x] challenged Nova, working deep counts and spraying hits to every nook and cranny of the old ballpark . . . ”
But according to many here , Nova is ” solid . ”
L . o . l .
———————————————————————————————————————-
he was a hell of a lot more solid than that nutcase in Boston was today, Daisy.
# LGY April 9th, 2011 at 5:38 pm
I wonder if Youk’s thumb is bothering him.
It is obviously still so early, but something looks really off with him at the plate.
Anyone agree or you guys just think it is an early season slump/slow start?
///
I have noticed this too. Something wrong with him. Was his thumb hurt? Whoops, Montero AB:
The offensive depth this team has is simply phenomenal. We have a rock-solid lineup, especially if Gardener starts hitting like he can. And then we’ve got two guys (Chavez and Jones) good enough to deserve platoon positions competing with guys like Posada for playing time. And then we’ve got Montero waiting in the wings while Martin tears the cover off the ball.
It’ll probably be a month or two before the pitching situation settles out – when Hughes is back to being Hughes, we know which veterans are keepers and which aren’t, and some of the young guys have gotten a chance (Noesi, etc). But this team has enough depth that eventually, we’ll find the right combination, and then we’ll just be *scary*.
Buck is throwing a no-hitter?
Phil Coke in his first start: 6.2 innings, 2 ER.
trisha – true pinstriped blue April 9th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
The Sux are a mediocre team at best.
I don’t care who disagrees with me. I believe it and so I am saying it
***********************************************
I disagree, I don’t rate them that high, lol.
You would have to think that both of Youk’s thumbs are in a contant state of pain, given their proximity to his face.
Bret,
Nice to see you on the blog. How is school going. Your diet of all raw things grosses me out if you care..lol
————————————————————————
My only concern so far this season is Hughes, and I hope he can work out the kinks.
NYT-
“Through eight games, the Red Sox rotation has a 7.46 earned run average, worst in the majors. The E.R.A. swelled after the Yankees tagged Buchholz for five runs (four earned) in three and two-thirds innings. The bottom third of the Yankees’ order tormented Buchholz, reaching five times in six plate appearances. ”
Yet some silly d-bags idolize Klay.
De gustibus non disputatum est, right, girlfriend?
No word if the plumbing in the visitor’s clubhouse is still out of order at Jurassic Park so the Yankees could take showers rather than wait until they’re back at the hotel.
CB…..Boston hasn’t really taken any liberties on the bases so far…….I wonder if ESPN will headline this Yankee win in the same vernacular as they did yesterday …CRUSH
Di ckerson is now 3-3 and Montero is 2-3 for Scranton in the 5th inning, 3-3 tie
I certainly hope Girardi rewards Chevez for his game today, with another DH start tomorrow.
Its time to send the message, if you don’t perform, we’ll give other players a chance to contribute.
Yogi,
I’m a pretty easy guy to reach if you want to carry the internet tough guy act off the blog.
You won’t be breaking anything but wind.
Now take a deep breath and relax before you put yourself in a situation your typing skills, or lack of them, won’t get you out of.
’m also aware that he’s got 4 hits, three of them HRs and nothing else. If he keeps doing nothing at the plate, I see no reason he should be penciled in every day at DH just because he’s Jorge Posada.
///
Yea I’d relax only April 9. He’ll be pencilled in most of the time because he’s Jorge Posada, meaning he gets on base and hits for some power. That’s a good reason to keep him there & give him the benefit of the doubt.
The 3 homers are probably a pretty good sign he’s still got power. He’s not up to speed against lefties yet. He’ll get there.
.
J. Alfred Prufrock April 9th, 2011 at 5:43 pm
Ditto.
Banuelos I think pitches Saturday or for some reason those milb twitter types are saying Sunday, which doesn’t make sense to me…
SWB is playing a double header at LHV, probably get to see about 8+ Montero AB’s as C, DH over two games. How I wish that DJ Mitchell and Brackman would both be pitching in those games? But right now, not on sched for that. Nothing a rain out or two can’t correct.
///
Huh that’s interesting. Wonder if I could convince the wife to take a ride & hang at one of those charming Pa. B&Bs. When is that? the SWB game I mean. Haven’t been out there yet as it’s kinda far.
_________
The double header is on April 18th, easy ride. Also SWB plays 3 more games there through the 21st. Bethlehem is right nearby and is charming. I am shooting for the DJ and Brackman games.
Cruz broke up the no hitter with a clean ground single to right. 1 hitter through 5 innings
“I disagree, I don’t rate them that high, lol.”
You are the best!
Have a great night, all.
GreenBeret7 April 9th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
Di ckerson is now 3-3 and Montero is 2-3 for Scranton in the 5th inning, 3-3 tie
___
Montero, nice last AB, just took what the pitcher gave him and hit a ball right up the middle.
Happy to see SWB back on milb, but all the Charleston listings were bogus. No live games and no archives.
SAS,
Hi. Did you see how well your fantasy team is doing? They are coming on. It’s going to be a race down to the wire between you and Kate.
I wonder if Pedro is next for Cashman?
J. Alfred Prufrock April 9th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
’m also aware that he’s got 4 hits, three of them HRs and nothing else. If he keeps doing nothing at the plate, I see no reason he should be penciled in every day at DH just because he’s Jorge Posada.
///
Yea I’d relax only April 9. He’ll be pencilled in most of the time because he’s Jorge Posada, meaning he gets on base and hits for some power. That’s a good reason to keep him there & give him the benefit of the doubt.
The 3 homers are probably a pretty good sign he’s still got power. He’s not up to speed against lefties yet. He’ll get there. .
____
QFT. He also has two BB and only 1K in his 17AB’s righty AB’s and the weather isn’t even warm yet. Jorge will never be appreciated by some…
SJ…..No dead fish, it’s too early for that, maybe a broken pencil will suffice
Jorge will never be appreciated by some…
——–
True words.
Martinez
Colon
Garcia
Silva
Millwood
Not a bad starting rotation. President Eisenhower’s favorite I hear.
A Prairie Home Companion time !
Pat M, on my way out the door but the leaderboard is tightening up, even guys like Lefty at -3 have a chance. Freddy and Bubba are only 5 back and McElroy could give one back coming in to really make it tight.
How about Angel-Miguel Cabrera? It’s like he hides out for a year or two at a time watching TV on the couch and then shows up and plays lights out at a major.
Tiger lipped out a 2 footer on 11 and it left him a 3 footer coming back, if he doesn’t make that one they would have had to mute every mic on the golf course.
___
Montero, nice last AB, just took what the pitcher gave him and hit a ball right up the middle.
Happy to see SWB back on milb, but all the Charleston listings were bogus. No live games and no archives.
////
Saw that
. Montero’s laying off pitches he was flailing at in ST. He just wasn’t up to speed yet. Yea I gave up looking for Charleston game.
Another former Yankee sporting facial hair…alfredo…but it did not help aceves today…! Ha ha
Ruby’s relentless need for attention is a result of her daddy cutting out when she was very young.
ankeefeminista April 9th, 2011 at 5:55 pm
GreenBeret7 April 9th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
Di ckerson is now 3-3 and Montero is 2-3 for Scranton in the 5th inning, 3-3 tie
___
Montero, nice last AB, just took what the pitcher gave him and hit a ball right up the middle.
Happy to see SWB back on milb, but all the Charleston listings were bogus. No live games and no archives.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Don’t know what the deal was on the Charleston game, but, thought it was unusual they be showing that game. Montero’s been hitting quite a few hard so far. Di ckerson has had a magic wand so far and love that speed. Golson solo homer to deep left center
MG….So much for Tiger being a new person with greater anger management skills…..
QFT. He also has two BB and only 1K in his 17AB’s righty AB’s and the weather isn’t even warm yet. Jorge will never be appreciated by some…
///
Not easy for switch hitters to get going early from both sides of the plate. Value of a switch hitter who’s not just one in name is also not full appreciated by some.
My boy Golson goes deep!
Pat M,
Maybe so, but what a shot he just made on 15!
I just fainted. Pena homers to right field
# Bx is Burning April 9th, 2011 at 6:04 pm
Ruby’s relentless need for attention is a result of her daddy cutting out when she was very young.
.
///
um just an observation but she’s got a lot of company here, I would say
GreenBeret7 April 9th, 2011 at 6:06 pm
ankeefeminista April 9th, 2011 at 5:55 pm
GreenBeret7 April 9th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
Di ckerson is now 3-3 and Montero is 2-3 for Scranton in the 5th inning, 3-3 tie
___
Montero, nice last AB, just took what the pitcher gave him and hit a ball right up the middle.
Happy to see SWB back on milb, but all the Charleston listings were bogus. No live games and no archives.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Don’t know what the deal was on the Charleston game, but, thought it was unusual they be showing that game. Montero’s been hitting quite a few hard so far. Di ckerson has had a magic wand so far and love that speed. Golson solo homer to deep left center.
At least the SWB games are mostly televised, so I would have added a sub eventually.
_______
I thought it was strange that they were televising Charleston, but they had it listed all day and the Dogs’ 2nd game as well. Then after the fact, they removed all semblance of Charleston. I guess it was just a ploy to suck in unsuspecting Yankee prospect nerds b/c I immediately anted up for a subscription.
If only Golson could do that or at least make contact and not K so much in the majors…
J. Alfred Prufrock April 9th, 2011 at 6:09 pm
# Bx is Burning April 9th, 2011 at 6:04 pm
Ruby’s relentless need for attention is a result of her daddy cutting out when she was very young.
///
um just an observation but she’s got a lot of company here, I would say .
———————————————————————————————————————-
Yeah, you do have a lot in common with Ruby. Not much of an honor, though.
The double header is on April 18th, easy ride. Also SWB plays 3 more games there through the 21st. Bethlehem is right nearby and is charming. I am shooting for the DJ and Brackman games.
///
Thanks, I’m really considering this. My daughter (in love with Montero) would help sway my wife on this if we can both escape professional concerns.
BTW, I’m the guy with the 1961 vintage Yanks jacket at Waterfront
.
Boston Globe blog’s Saturday game thread: 181 comments.
LoHud’s Saturday game thread: 1,401 comments.
Who’s got the better fan base???
Yankeefem – I live in NYC but grew up in scranton and am actually in scranton now. Bethlehem is actually a little bit of a hike to the south. Roughly an hour from where the yanks play. Poconos are a pretty short ride and there is obviously lodging around montage mountain where the stadium is located.
Great recovery and catch for Di ckerson in center field
Carlo April 9th, 2011 at 6:15 pm
Yankeefem – I live in NYC but grew up in scranton and am actually in scranton now. Bethlehem is actually a little bit of a hike to the south. Roughly an hour from where the yanks play. Poconos are a pretty short ride and there is obviously lodging around montage mountain where the stadium is located.
_____
Thanks, Carlo. However, I am referring to Lehigh Valley, a road game for SWB, which is actually in/near Allentown, and right next to Bethlehem.
But since you are a dual citizen, how far is it from Yankee Stadium to SWB?
As the season goes on, I think Nova will continue to improve. I like his mound presence. Tough kid, too.
That’s why Wordekemper has been in the minors 7 years now. 2 run homer, another blown save
Prufrock, I will look for you. Don’t you think Banuelos should be pitching on Saturday and not Sunday as is being reported? He is the 5th starter, so not sure why they would repeat Garrison with no off day instead of pitching Banuelos???
Montero HR!!
Yeah, you do have a lot in common with Ruby. Not much of an honor, though.
//
Honor?? I’m not the one in someone’s back pocket.
montero with a solo blast into the left center bullpen
# yankeefeminista April 9th, 2011 at 6:24 pm
Prufrock, I will look for you. Don’t you think Banuelos should be pitching on Saturday and not Sunday as is being reported? He is the 5th starter, so not sure why they would repeat Garrison with no off day instead of pitching Banuelos???
///
Dunno. unless he has somewhere to be on Saturday? Personal day? Did the grandmother pass? I don’t need to see Garrison, lol.
pat m -
i took an anger management class once and i annoyed the teacher so much she signed the paper showing i attended half way through and told me to please leave.
i guess she felt like i had nothing else to learn there.
kind of like hughes at triple a.
i did on my way out get a lot of pens with smiley faces on them that had the address of the anger management shrink on them… i handed them out to my golfing partners when they would miss a two foot putt or duck hooked into a lake.
It seems that the Baby Bombers’ offense is stepping up as well
I think that swipe was for me, Prufrock.
‘salright – it’s only ‘honorable’ when GB takes a shot.
Bx,
Thanks. Snark bores me. I mostly ignore it.
Bx is Burning April 9th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
I think that swipe was for me, Prufrock.
‘salright – it’s only ‘honorable’ when GB takes a shot.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Actually, it wasn’t. I didn’t look at your name. Only the one that thinks he’s the smartest boy on the planet. He tries hard to convince everyone.
J. Alfred Prufrock April 9th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
# yankeefeminista April 9th, 2011 at 6:24 pm
Prufrock, I will look for you. Don’t you think Banuelos should be pitching on Saturday and not Sunday as is being reported? He is the 5th starter, so not sure why they would repeat Garrison with no off day instead of pitching Banuelos???
///
Dunno. unless he has somewhere to be on Saturday? Personal day? Did the grandmother pass? I don’t need to see Garrison, lol.
_____
Until I hear something more substantive, I am thinking it is probably just another error by the Trenton contingent. I will hold off getting tickets, but he should be pitching Saturday.
I am out to dinner. Good game and good night for now!
Montero is just going to be great. That bat is what you build a franchise around.
People are making too much out of his spring training struggles. He’s 21.
He has as good a swing as I’ve seen a young player have in years.
Until I hear something more substantive, I am thinking it is probably just another error by the Trenton contingent. I will hold off getting tickets, but he should be pitching Saturday.
I am out to dinner. Good game and good night for now!
///
We’ll know soon enough. I’ll be out there either Fri/Sat or Fri/Sun, depending on where they put the little lefty
. Hope to see you there.