Pregame notes: Rodriguez scratched, Chavez in lineup
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Notes on Apr 10, 2011 
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First the immediate news: Alex Rodriguez has been scratched from today’s lineup. He’s sick. Robinson Cano is moving into the cleanup spot and Eric Chavez is taking over at third base. Now for the regular notes.
After looking at video from last season, Phil Hughes believes he and Larry Rothschild have found a minor mechanical issue that might be contributing to his early season struggles. Actually, Hughes said it’s more mental than mechanical, but the bottom line is that he’s trying to get his lower half more involved. He believes he was more “deliberate” in his delivery last season.
“Even though I’m fairly confident it’s more of an arm-strength issue, I’m still trying to clean some things up in my delivery and hopefully get things back on track,” he said. “… Looking back at last year I noticed that my delivery was a lot more deliberate. It wasn’t so easy through my motion. I was — I wouldn’t say drop and drive — but pretty aggressive through my delivery to the plate. Hopefully that’s something that can get a little bit better. I’m also hoping the arm strength comes along as well.”
Hughes took that approach into his bullpen this afternoon. He said he couldn’t feel a difference, but he could see a difference. He’s was a little more aggressive than usual in today’s bullpen, and he’s done some more long toss to try to build up arm strength (he guessed he was at about 200 feet today). In the past he’s done two sides between starts, but this time he might do just one plus a flat-ground session. He’s been so aggressive in his side work, he doesn’t want to overdo it.
Is there danger in making a mechanical change when he doesn’t believe it’s a mechanical issue?
“There is,” Hughes said. “But it’s nothing huge or major, just using my lower half a little more.”
• The Yankees rotation is staying on turn for the upcoming series against Baltimore. A.J. Burnett starts Tuesday, Hughes on Wednesday and Ivan Nova on Thursday.
• Freddy Garcia is scheduled to start Friday’s series opener vs. Texas.
• Joe Girardi on not having Chavez in the lineup (before the lineup change, obviously): “You can get caught up in trying to play the hot hand sometimes,” he said. “You can do that. He had a good day yesterday, and I’m extremely proud that he hadn’t played in a while (and still played well), but we’ve said all along that our plan is for Jorge to be our DH. I gave Jorge a day off and then I got him back in there.”
• One other thing to keep in mind, Girardi said he doesn’t want to sit Posada too often right now while he’s adjusting to the designated hitter role. The fact there are a lot of early games at Yankee Stadium — where there’s an accessible cage and Posada’s healthy — could help with the adjustment, Girardi said.
• Girardi guessed that Russell Martin could play 120-130 games this season. “For a guy as strong as he is and his age, I don’t think that’s too much to ask,” he said.
• After his massive first few games, Mark Teixeira’s production has fallen off in recent days. “Just missing balls a little bit, that’s all,” Girardi said. “I think he’s put some pretty good swings on it.”
• Speaking of guys who aren’t necessarily hitting right now, Girardi spent quite a bit of time talking about Derek Jeter this afternoon. I’m sure I’ll get further into it tonight or tomorrow, but the general idea was this: “He’s the fifth leading hitter of our everyday hitters, so we have other guys we need to get going as well,” Girardi said. “To me it’s too early to talk about it every day.”
YANKEES
Brett Gardner LF
Derek Jeter SS
Mark Teixeira 1B
Robinson Cano 2B
Curtis Granderson CF
Nick Swisher RF
Jorge Posada DH
Eric Chavez 3B
Russell Martin C
RED SOX
Carl Crawford LF
Dustin Pedroia 2B
Adrian Gonzalez 1B
Kevin Youkilis 3B
David Ortiz DH
Mike Cameron CF
J.D. Drew RF
Jason Varitek C
Marco Scutaro SS
Associated Press photos
I’d say that outside of Boston, Wrigley Field is more “beloved”. Fenway is tolerated.
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Agreed. Maybe by ‘beloved’ they mean old, falling apart, and just generally crappy?
Beloved by the rats that scamper through it’s dark dirty walkways and underbelly.
tomingeorgia, add SJ 44 to that list.
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I don’t known if ESPN is calling it the most beloved park or if it’s because the rejects at fenway have actually termed it that themselves! Talk about delusional. Best team ever and they play at Americ’a most beloved park!!!
LOVING watching BBT because I want to hear what fat Kruk has to say. I want to watch these worms squirm.
Sucks Alex is out. Good thing for the off day tomorrow.
I’m totally confused as to what Phil is saying about his delivery; is he saying he wants to be as deliberate as he was last year? What I do know is that I’ve seen others saying on other boards that Phil’s delivery (even from last year) doesn’t seem as aggressive as it used to be. Is that what he’s saying?
I always though Phil used his lower half – guess not, lol.
The best description of Fenway Park is that it’s “quaint”.
pat April 10th, 2011 at 7:23 pm
“I imagine it’s the same bug that floats around Fenway everytime the Yankees visit. Rodriguez will most likely get an at bat some time tonight.”
You accusing Henry and Lucchino of “germ warfare”?
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I think that it’s something left over from Teddy Ballgame’s day. Visiting team showers not working….sounds like the old Red Aurbach tricks at the Boston Garden.
I’d put Chavez Ravine after Wrigley in the most beloved – it would be nice is ESPN would acknowledge there are other team than the Pats, Celts and Sox in the sporting world.
“Fenway is a dump.”
Exactly.
Betsy I hope you’re not thinking that everyone trashing fenway is doing it because they aren’t fans of the team. I personally think it is one of the ugliest places I have ever been. To me anyway, it is a small bandbox of pure ugliness, from the vomitous color they’ve painted the whole thing, to the ridiculous seats that are on top of each other, to that dumb-looking wall they call the green munster. I don’t think there is a whit of charm anywhere in the entire structure. And I refuse to use their bathroom facilities.
I would have no difficulty whatsoever saying “nice facility, team sucks” if that’s how I felt. But I just give it a double suck. Seriously, I think it is uglier than ugly.
This Fenway/redsox bonanza on ESPN is both predictable and hilarious.
Cs looked like garbage today.
Knicks probably better off facing them. Should go 7.
Just wondering, but if Martin is still tearing it up at the All Star break and Jesus/ Romine are as well, why not trade Martin for some great prospect? Catchers that can hit and play some D are very valuable and rare in baseball. Thoughts?
MTU
Yes, Maddon is giving me troubles. He apparently thinks that baseball is a game and is doing stupid stuff like trying to eject the umps after they have ejected him. I can’t even read my facebook or twitter without every other person posting video of it.
Trish, I didn’t say anything other than that I don’t think it’s a dump and I personally won’t dump on it because I don’t like the team that plays there. I’m not telling anyone else how to feel.
Blake, how are mother, baby Blake and father doing?
At least the Yankees don’t have to return to dilapidated Boston Field until August.
Hey blakey, you just answered my question. I don’t watch BBT before a game so didn’t know if they pay ho-mage to every team they way they are just absolutely over-covering the Sux.
Congrats daddy! And I so tip my cap to you. A fan who is here despite your adventures of the last 24 hours? You are the bomb.
TY-
I just saw a replay of Maddon’s hissy fit.
It was hilarious but I think it was Maddon who
was the butt of the joke.
What a whiner. Someone should send him a pacifier to suck on during games.
Too funny for words.
Chad,
Is Alex really sick, or did he bow out to appease the LoHud restless?
Tough day for Blaine Boyer, Mets reliever. Gives up an 11th inning game winning 3 run homer and gets DFA’d after the game.
Betsy I hear you. While I am thinking people are dumping on it because they honestly think it’s hideous, I guess it’s possible that someone might dump on it just because.
ESPN did the same thing last year for opening day.
Betsy,
Doing fantastic…..neither of has slept since we got up yesterday morning…..but other than that things are great
Trisha, I guess I don’t see why it’s hideous, but as the French say, chacon a son gout : to each his own (or, as an English saying goes, Beauty is in the eye of the beholder).
MTU
He is always whining, everything is everybody elses fault and not the teams fault or his. I can’t stand him. I have done well avoiding the news and newspapers even though I like to read about their losses.
Houston is going to be done by the end of May…
Robinson batting clean up! Woo hoo!!!
(Since I heard he doesn’t like to be called Robby I’ve switched to Robinson. However during games I think I’ll just go with RC.)
Blake, awwwwwwwww. Is this your first?
Nothing was better than LaRussa after Friday night’s game when he answered 1 question and cried that it wasn’t fair that the writers were asking what was wrong with the team and stomped off.
Fenway is a handyman special.
On more important notes, if Alex is sick, then good thing tomorrow is an off day. And, this is what Chavez if for. Not a bad back up plan.
Interesting, two lineup things –
1. Joe has Cano and Granderson back to back, two lefty batters. Joe must really feel confident that Grandy is comfortable against lefties.
2. Crawford is hitting first, against CC. Francona had him 7th the other day, against a lesser LH pitcher.
And, finally, Tampa and Joe Maddon are falling apart, and it’s only April. I think Joe sees the writing on the wall, and realizes it ain’t pretty for the season. My guess.
Betsy, I’d like to ask you the same thing in reverse, just curiously. I’ve already outlined why I think it’s gross and disgusting. Can you tell me what you find beautiful about it?
Trisha,
Baby is asleep and im just laying here watching TV…..running on fumes though, don’t know how much of the game i’ll make it through.
Blake-
Don’t know if you saw my post this AM.
Just wanted to congratulate you and the Mrs.
on the birth of your son.
Now you have 2 partners to take over your practice, or one to run the Family biz and one
to play for the Yanks.
Works out either way.
All the best that life can offer.
blake, I just impressed all the way around. You’re here with us, where you belong, even if you don’t make it through much of the game. Is “here” the hospital?
Joe from Long Island April 10th, 2011 at 7:42 pm
Fenway is a handyman special.
On more important notes, if Alex is sick, then good thing tomorrow is an off day. And, this is what Chavez if for. Not a bad back up plan.
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-better than the Cody guy
Betsy,
Nah, second……so we know the drill
blake April 10th, 2011 at 7:39 pm
Betsy,
Doing fantastic…..neither of has slept since we got up yesterday morning…..but other than that things are great
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Congrats on the Baby, Blake. Best wishes to you, Momma and little Pinstripe.
Late last night is a must read for you. Plenty of tips for names and how to take care of baby. Start around 9:30=10″00 PM time.
Having never been to Fenway, I’ve read it’s great. And I’ve read it’s a dump that smells like piss and beer.
Since the Sox organization is IMO cheap and dirty, I’m going with the opinion that it’s a dump. A quaint dump.
“so we know the drill”
I bet you do Doc. No pun intended of course.
Trish, I just think it’s aesthetically pleasing. I love the brick, I love the quirky green monster, I love that it’s old……. I took a tour of it and had a great time..
blake
Congratulations on your addition.
I hope mother and baby are doing well.
You better get some sleep now before it’s to late.
Trisha,
Yup.
MTU,
Thanks so much. He’s awesome…..I think he’ll hit Lefty
Blake, my parents have 6 kids, so they know the drill 6 times, lol.
Babies are so cute – I love their little feet especially, lol
“Having never been to Fenway, I’ve read it’s great. And I’ve read it’s a dump that smells like piss and beer.
Since the Sox organization is IMO cheap and dirty, I’m going with the opinion that it’s a dump. A quaint dump”
LMAO!!!!!!!
Good choice you made, by the way.
Fenway is 99 yrs. OLD !!!
FOX gave the Red Sox a 3+ hour infomercial yesterday and ESPN is on their way to doing it again tonight.
Just have the ShamWow guy do these shows and move on.
What a joke.
GB – Boyer got DFA’d, huh…. And, yeah, that talk a while back about how the Yankees should can Joe and hire LaRussa, yeah, he’d go over real well in NY.
blake – how are you? Mom and family well? Name?
Betsy April 10th, 2011 at 7:34 pm
Trish, I didn’t say anything other than that I don’t think it’s a dump and I personally won’t dump on it because I don’t like the team that plays there. I’m not telling anyone else how to feel.
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I actually loved watching games in Fenway when I lived up there (college). Fenway may be a dump, but it is a classic dump. Great place to watch a game depending on where you are sitting. I love that whole scene on a gameday around Kenmore Square and Yawkey Way. I love being the hated rival up there, wearing my Yankee cap. Baseball w/ a capital B. The whole atmosphere gives me goose bumps.
Blake-
Perfect for YS.
GB7,
I push hard for Clete but got vetoed …….
“Is Alex really sick, or did he bow out to appease the LoHud restless?”
Been scarce the last couple of days but please tell me people weren’t advocating sitting Alex and playing Chavez.
OMG, Cashman just announced that Posada and Chavez are in a steel cage death match for more playing time.
Waitasecond…that could be code for more playing time for Gustavo Molina!
(Blake, congrats!)
Somebody posted an interesting video yesterday when discussing Hughes that compared the delivery of Aroldis Chapman to Barry Zito and how the speed of their deliveries contributed to ball velocity. I think it applies even more in light of this.
Anyway I can’t remember who posted it but here it is.
http://www.pitching.com/blog/p.....-the-ride/
Joe from Long Island
Ellsbury is out so he probably was the choice by default.
The pity was that when the stands at Fenway burned that it didn’t take the rest of it down. Ruppert should have held on to the pink sli on Fenway and turned it into a homeless shelter.
Joe from LI – I wouldn’t read too much into Robbie/Grandy because Boston doesn’t really have lefties to go to later in the game. Doubrant faced grandy yday and it didn’t work out to well for doubrant and they let reyes go already. They may not have a lefty to go to tonight.
I like Fenway for the very reasons that Betsy listed.
Interesting that Joe would slot Curtis fifth. He’s only 5-21 against Beckett but with 2 homers and a triple. Will be coming to the plate in some big spots, no doubt.
BTW, in making the announcement about Alex, Ravech commented that Chavez “has been hot.” I thought that amusing given that it was one game (and the blog discussion).
Joe,
Everyone is great. She pushed for 5 minutes max…baby is doing perfect so far.
Time to exit stage right.
Enjoy the game folks.
Wow, two lefties in a row. Is Joe overcoming his fear of the loogy?
What’s Alex sick with? Has it been reported?
As for Fenway, I hate the Red Sox and their fans with a white-hot passion. But I might prefer to see a game in Fenway than Yankee Stadium only because you’re much more on top of the action. I’d burn my clothes after the game and take many showers, of course, but I’d see the game better. Unless you have a fortune or connections, most people sit much farther away from the action at Yankee Stadium. (Now, I’m not saying that Fenway is NICER stadium than Yankee Stadium — just saying you can see the game much better from most spots.)
Madden will be doing a lot of whining this year. Last place whining.
blake April 10th, 2011 at 7:49 pm
GB7,
I push hard for Clete but got vetoed …….
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I assume she would be real receptive to naming him Horace Clarke Blake or Dooley Womack Blake, either?
pat,
No. Chavez for Posada. Alex being the great humanitarian he is…might have opted out for peace on LoHud.
I kind of like Fenway.
Thanks for the congrats everyone….its been an awesome experience. Im going to go now though so I don’t get yelled at
enjoy the game everyone. Go Yanks!
ESPN is really sickening and I never watch BBTN or any games period on it
They should just give Kruk a red nose and rainbow wig.
Did Fenway die or something? Such a moving tribute!
You’re not getting a freaking lobster roll at El Tiante.
Morons I tell you…
what is this %^&&** with showing concession prices at Fenway?
Chad has finally noticed that Tex has reverted to his normal April form – no hits in his last 15 at bats.
Joe from Long Island April 10th, 2011 at 7:48 pm
GB – Boyer got DFA’d, huh…. And, yeah, that talk a while back about how the Yankees should can Joe and hire LaRussa, yeah, he’d go over real well in NY.
blake – how are you? Mom and family well? Name?
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Joe,
Have never understood the appeal for LaRussa. He’s worse than Billy Martin was about trying to reinvent the game. If he stays, Rasmus is history on that team after that dropped fly ball last night.
You know, I have never had a problem with Tropicana field and a lot of people hate that place, I just dislike the cowbells. Completely annoying and unnecessary.
Chavez has been hot this spring. Of course, In his case, hot can also mean healthy.
Nothing wrong with Hershiser and Valentine. They know baseball.
I guess with the team 1-7, ESPN felt the only way they could glorify the Boston franchise is through their ballpark.
$13.50 for a Lobster Roll? And it’s probably like 3 inches long.
I try to avoid ESPN at all costs…..
GB7 – I wonder/hope if Cash has done his due diligence on Colby Rasmus.
incident_57
From what people here say it isn’t that great a place to watch a game.
Seats are small and steel post that block the view.
shulman + valentine + orel are approximately 852 million times better than miller + morgan…
even if orel looks like a zombie…
If Fenway bothers anyone, don’t ever go to the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
Yeah, Hersheiser and Valentine are the Heyman and Law of baseball announcers. All four are pompus jerks. At least Kruk and Sutcliffe have an excuse. They’re just idiots.
“The sudden retirement of Manny Ramirez” …
Hah!
Manny’s like the guy who blurts out “I quit” in between the words “you’re” and “fired.”
Joe from Long Island April 10th, 2011 at 8:01 pm
GB7 – I wonder/hope if Cash has done his due diligence on Colby Rasmus.
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I would like to think that he’s at least inquired about him, Joe. Not sure where he’d play unless Gardner was part of the deal.
The one place that I could really see a fit is a BJ Upton for Rasmus deal.
tyanksfan36 says:
April 10, 2011 at 7:58 pm
You know, I have never had a problem with Tropicana field and a lot of people hate that place, I just dislike the cowbells. Completely annoying and unnecessary.
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You must be easy to please.
It’s a toilet.
Blake
Congrats on the Baby! #2′s sleep better than #1′s because your nerves don’t shake them as much.
m
Thanks. Still knee jerk but but st least a smaller knee.
If Fenway bothers anyone, don’t ever go to the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
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I like both.
Bronx Jeers April 10th, 2011 at 8:10 pm
If Fenway bothers anyone, don’t ever go to the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
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I like both.
__________
How about the Vet? Now that was a true dump in every sense of the word without a single redeeming quality either historical or otherwise.
Darn, Gardy you should have creamed that.
Saw many a baseball game in the Vet in the ’70s. Truly a dump. But it was very easy to sneak down from the cheap seats to seats right behind home plate by the later innings.
Beckett is throwing well.