Martin’s arm could be tested in Toronto
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Apr 19, 2011 
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The Blue Jays don’t necessarily have one Brett Gardner-type base runner. Rajai Davis has a ton of speed, but he’s not an everyday guy, and Toronto’s stolen base leaders are Aaron Hill and Travis Snider, two guys known more for their bats than their legs.
As a team, though, the Blue Jays lead the Major Leagues with 21 stolen bases. They have nine players with at least one steal, and manager John Farrell has encouraged the team to be aggressive on the bases. Hill and Snider already have five stolen bases apiece, one away from a career high for each of them.
That means Russell Martin’s arm could be tested these two games. So far, he’s seen only four stolen base attempts, and he’s thrown out one of them. Last season, Martin threw out 39 percent of base stealers, third-highest caught stealing percentage in the National League.
A few other Blue Jays notes heading into this two-game series.
• Third baseman Edwin Encarnacion just returned to the Blue Jays lineup after missing three games because of a death in the family.
• David Purcey had a nice year out of the Blue Jays bullpen last year, but he’s no longer with the team after being designated for assignment and ultimately traded on Monday. Without Purcey, Toronto is carrying Marc Rzepczynski and Luis Perez as left-handed relievers.
• So far Jose Bautista is more or less living up to last season’s expectations. He has three home runs and a .306/.443/.510 slash line.
AJ on the mound likely increases SB attempts too.
Only 4 sb attempts against us this year?
That’s crazy how little teams run.
Anyone know how many attempts we’ve had?
I know even Martin has stolen at least two .
It’s the 15th game of the year tonight, time flies. Looks like the Red Sox have recovered from their awful start, I don’t think anyone is that surprised.
Game on.
I agree with pat. Most SB are stolen on the pitcher, not the catcher.
“Back up infielders should be non-prospects…..they claim they see Nunez as an every day SS in the big leagues.”
Blake, you’re a smart guy, you know you need to differeniate between what the Yanks say about minor leaguers publicly and what they really may think.
I think it’s possible they see this as his ML role.
He isn’t breaking in at SS for the Yankees any time soon, that’s for sure.
Unless the Yanks are convinced he’ll tear AAA up and some team is going to really covet him, the Yanks should have the best player at their disposal on the ML roster.
I think this whole AAA is a showcase for trade chips premise is vastly overstated.
They said on the broadcast the other night that the Yanks really stressed to their pitchers in ST the importance of holding base runners.
And Martin already has three errors this season.
Is there any update on Arod’s condition?
“Anyone know how many attempts we’ve had?”
9 attempts (5 by Gardner). 6 successes.
“It’s not a big game in the standings, all games are equal. It’s a big game in my opinion for Burnett.”
And Nova’s nest start will be big to get him going in the right direction.
And Hughes’ next start will be big whenever it is.
And Colon’s start will be big to see if he can be a productive member of the rotation.
And Garcia’s will be big to see if he can really do it again and get buy on middling stuff.
And CC doesn’t have a win yet and it’ll be big to get him in the win column his next start.
Yankees are going to be playing some “big” games every day for a few weeks at least.
I haven’t researched this, but good defensive catchers may tend to have more throwing errors because they take chances that catchers with average.bad throwing arms wouldn’t take.
I don’t see Nunez as a hot prospect whose development is being hampered. He looks to me like a marginal starter in the MLB. That’s a good thing on the bench.
You guys crack me up. If Pena makes the team out of spring training you would’ve whined he made it over Nunez. Now Nunez makes the team and isn’t getting any AB’s right now. What do you expect? The utility guy is going to give Jeter and Cano a day off once in awhile. When you factor in the rainouts and offdays these guys are getting enough offdays as it is. You’d think they’d rather have Pena up here and sit on the bench and Nunez playing everyday at Scranton, but like I said, if that was the case you’d be complaining about that, too.
Stuckey,
Yes but I also believe that he has much higher trade value than Pena and would be a much better long term replacement if Jeter or Cano gets injured…..in that event Id rather have him playing every day so that he stays sharp for those two reasons. If he’s going to play once or twice a month then they are better off keeping him ready in AAA and letting Pena back up in the big leagues IMO.
“Is there any update on Arod’s condition?”
JM, you can always check the Twitter feed on the upper right hand part of this page. It’s feed like 4 of Yankees beat writers tweets. That’s as good a place as any to find whatever the latest Yankees updates are.
“You guys crack me up.”
Then you need to read the blog more. LGY made this point all winter. I actually disagreed with him initially, perhaps because I thought that Jeter might get regular rest, but I came around, and he has been proven right.
stuckey none of those players you mentioned had years like Burnett did last season. He started off great last year as well.
Let’s say its June and Jeter or Cano goes down for a month…..would rather 1) call up Nunez who has been playing every day in AAA and is in mid season form 2) insert Nunez who has played like 5 games in the big leagues and has rode the pine the majority of the year 3) call up Pena who has been playing every day. ?
btw. There were others in addition to LGY who wanted Nunez at AAA due to PT.
I also made that point
Stuckey, if injury occurs to Jeter Nunez is the only guy in the system I’d feel comfortable with riding out the storm. As it stands, he is getting no swings on the season. If he wasn’t going to play at all, then they should have kept Pena up here. The reason being that his offense is nonexistant but he brings a solid glove to more positions than Nunez. The positional versatility means he’d get more time as a late inning defensive replacement where he can provide value to the club.
Right now Nunez isn’t doing anything. I figured the backup would get 100-150 PA on the season barring injury, and concluded that Pena ought to be given the role purely because Nunez is a better prospect with trade value and would serve him well to keep playing.
No one wants to trade for Pena, but Nunez is in trade talks constantly. Hiding him on the bench in a useless role is silly.
Especially once they decided to bring Chavez north since he was going to take the bulk of Nunez’ play time.
Good looking female detectives? Sorry I can’t help you there. I dont watch any of the thousand different CSIs or Law and Orders.. but I still feel like David Caruso could save LoHud.
And Big Al – That story from the last thread is the scariest thing I’ve heard about LoHud in a while. Thats just the definition of creepy. I do not understand why anyone would come on here to mess with people like that. Can’t you mess with people in real life? I do it every day on the streets of New York, its much more personal and therefore much less rude.
Blake, “higher trade value than Pena” is a relative term. As I say, I think it’s possible the Yanks see this as his role, and this role needs to be learned like any other.
There are things to learn about being a back-up player at the ML level too.
“There were others in addition to LGY who wanted Nunez at AAA due to PT.”
I was in that club and remain so now.
BlueJays The @BlueJayshave activated RHP FRANK FRANCISCO from the 15-day disabled list and optioned RHP JESSE LITSCH to Las Vegas (AAA).
Blake, “higher trade value than Pena” is a relative term. As I say, I think it’s possible the Yanks see this as his role, and this role needs to be learned like any other.
–
Come on Stuckey, you’re smarter than this. Nunez has been mentioned as a piece in numerous trades, including the Lee and Haren deal. If the Yankees value Nunez purely as a 100 PA backup, they are better off trading him for something more useful.
Stuckey,
Even if they see him as a utility infielder there is no reason to try to convince other teams of the same. I was for bringing him north with the club…..but I also thought he would play some (and he still may), however if the first 14 games are a sample of the season then he’s a waste on the big league roster.
“I actually disagreed with him initially, perhaps because I thought that Jeter might get regular rest,”
Jeter has gotten regular rest. Yankees have played 14 games in 19 days.
How much rest do you want him to get?
“That story from the last thread is the scariest thing I’ve heard about LoHud in a while”
Been away awhile and just read that myself. I seem to recall Nick from SF having some issues awhile back, but it seems in Doreen’s case it’s been taken to a level even worse than what he went thru. Very unfortunate indeed. Hope all works out for her and she can be back a feeling safe about it.
Nunez doesn’t seem like a prospect we’re missing out on here. He has a decent bat and some speed, but so far he hasn’t seemed to be a special prospect. Perhaps he could improve a little at AAA, but if he’s ceiling isn’t especially high, then what’s the point?
Carry with the team and you’ve got a decent backup. We shouldn’t feel ashamed when we plug him into the line up, unlike Pena.
Thnx Mel , I actually thought we’d have a few more.
I guess grandy and gardy only real runners..
but so far he hasn’t seemed to be a special prospect.
–
He doesn’t have to be a special prospect to have value. A shortstop that can OPS over .700 is a valuable commodity.
“stuckey none of those players you mentioned had years like Burnett did last season. He started off great last year as well.”
So shouldn’t we at least wait until May until we get hyperbolic over 1 Burnett start?
I mean “this is a big start for him because he always has a big April so let’s see if he can continue it in May” is still hyperbolic, but at least has something going for it.
By your logic, when will every start by Burnett stop being a “big” one?
You trust him after 4 starts?
5?
6?
If they can get Nunez in there say 3-4 games a month then he’s worth carrying because he’s better than Pena……and that might be the plan. If not though then he’s better off playing every day to stay sharp in case a long term injury occurs.
I do think Jeter will get more days off as the season progresses……the schedule has had a lot of off days early this season and they are likely trying to get Jeter going offensively right now as well.
“Let’s say its June and Jeter or Cano goes down for a month…..would rather 1) call up Nunez who has been playing every day in AAA and is in mid season form 2) insert Nunez who has played like 5 games in the big leagues and has rode the pine the majority of the year 3) call up Pena who has been playing every day. ?”
#2.
I can be convinced otherwise if there is any data suggesting back-up with few PA’s struggle when placed in everyday roles in greater to degree than minor league call ups.
Until then, I suspect the “logic” while apparent might be superficial and overstated.
Jerkface April 19th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
but so far he hasn’t seemed to be a special prospect.
–
He doesn’t have to be a special prospect to have value. A shortstop that can OPS over .700 is a valuable commodity.
——–
Ok, so is the point that you’re suggesting he carries more value for the team by playing at AAA so they can go and trade him? I’d suggest he carries more value if he stays with the team as a decent back up, gives Cano or Jeter a day off every once and a while, and helps us win games.
As it’s been mentioned several times, there’s been a ton of off days. He’ll get to play more as the season continues.
Thanks Stuckey, I do check the Twitter feed but have not seen anything about Arod…yet. Maybe that’s a good sign.
Ok, so is the point that you’re suggesting he carries more value for the team by playing at AAA so they can go and trade him? I’d suggest he carries more value if he stays with the team as a decent back up, gives Cano or Jeter a day off every once and a while, and helps us win games.
–
He isn’t helping us win with 1 PA. And so far his defensive work includes a throwing error. Defense can win games and if a guy is going to get most of his playtime in the field, I’d take the glove. I think if the Yankees value him as a backup, they are better off trading him to a team that values him as a starter.
Its about maximizing assets. Just like Joba is wasted in relief, and if the Yankees thought he was a reliever they should have traded him to a team that valued him as a starter (which could be no team, but the point stands). They already have a similar player in pena to replace Nunez if he were traded, so its not like they are missing much considering the play time.
Jeter isn’t sitting 30-40 games, so Nunez’ play time isn’t going to magically appear.
Stuckey,
You don’t think its logical to suggest that a player who has been playing every day might perform better over a month span than one who has played very little?
I could change my mind if you can provide data that suggests Nunez playing 1 game a month would lead to significantly more wins than Pena playing 1 game a month.
“Come on Stuckey, you’re smarter than this. Nunez has been mentioned as a piece in numerous trades, including the Lee and Haren deal. If the Yankees value Nunez purely as a 100 PA backup, they are better off trading him for something more useful.”
No, I’m not.
If another teams covets him more than the Yankees, they’re going to understand what we (fans) all do, that he’s playing a back-up role right now and that the Yanks have played very few games in April so far.
Another GM isn’t going to dismiss what they may have seen and valued in Nunez due to perfect understandable circumstance.
And Pena can play his way out of favor as AAA as easily has be confirm or enhance it.
Much ado about nothing, IMO. You say I’m smarter than this. I think you need to consider rival GM’s are smarter than you’re giving them credit for.
stuckey99 April 19th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
“stuckey none of those players you mentioned had years like Burnett did last season. He started off great last year as well.”
So shouldn’t we at least wait until May until we get hyperbolic over 1 Burnett start?
***************
There is nothing hyperbolic about having an opinion that this is a big start for Burnett. No Yankee fan knows if Burnett’s good start means he will be consistent throughout the year.
Besides, I don’t have to convince you, I think it’s an important start for him and was giving my opinion. You just want to argue.
It’s a big game for Burnett because he struggled for most of last year after a few strong games at the beginning. So tonight is huge.
Unless he does well. Then that proves nothing and the next game becomes the big game.
Or if he does badly tonight. Then the next game becomes the big game.
Unless he either does well or struggles or something in between. Then the game after that becomes the big game.
p.s. I remember saucY.
“If another teams covets him more than the Yankees, they’re going to understand what we (fans) all do, that he’s playing a back-up role right now and that the Yanks have played very few games in April so far.”
Another team that “covets” him may be willing to overlook his lack of PT, but the probability that more teams will “covet” him increases if he gets regular PT and succeeds.
I’d disagree that I’d take a better glove over a better bat than Nunez. First, Nunez or Pena are frankly upgrades over Jeter, but I wouldn’t say either are upgrades over Cano. So if Nunez provides better defense than Jeter, and provides a better bat than Pena, I think he’s a nice fit for your back up middle infielder.
And what are you maximizing by trading away Nunez or Chamberlain? The Yankees one real need is starting pitching, and it’s unlikely Nunez or Chamberlain will bring over a major upgrade to plug into the rotation. So then you’re just sending off a decent bullpen piece with high upside, and a solid back up infielder.
Why trade those two for so-so prospects (you’re not getting anyone fantastic for those two), when they can contribute and help the team win now?
Rich in NJ April 19th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
“You guys crack me up.”
Then you need to read the blog more. LGY made this point all winter. I actually disagreed with him initially, perhaps because I thought that Jeter might get regular rest, but I came around, and he has been proven right
****************************
Huh? Jeter has gotten regular rest with all the off days and rainouts. Nunez will obviously play more when there’s not all these off days.
“You don’t think its logical to suggest that a player who has been playing every day might perform better over a month span than one who has played very little?”
I think it’s superficial logic. I’d like to see the logic verified. I know I’m personally witnessed plenty of back-up players perform well when thrust into playing every day in my years watching baseball.
I suspect it could be one of those things that SEEM logical, but again, I’d like to see some actual verification.
“I could change my mind if you can provide data that suggests Nunez playing 1 game a month would lead to significantly more wins than Pena playing 1 game a month.”
Understand 2 rainouts is hindsight, and maybe the game situations haven’t lent themselves to the late-game pitch running opportunities that the Yanks anticipated. I know they specifically cited his speed as a reason why they went with him.
Nunez isn’t better defensively than Jeter yet. He has bettter range but that doesn’t mean he’s better. Range is one component to playing SS…..there are many others.
Rich in NJ April 19th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
“If another teams covets him more than the Yankees, they’re going to understand what we (fans) all do, that he’s playing a back-up role right now and that the Yanks have played very few games in April so far.”
Another team that “covets” him may be willing to overlook his lack of PT, but the probability that more teams will “covet” him increases if he gets regular PT and succeeds.
********************
What if he gets regular PT and fails?
blake April 19th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
Nunez isn’t better defensively than Jeter yet. He has bettter range but that doesn’t mean he’s better. Range is one component to playing SS…..there are many others.
———–
I certainly agree that range isn’t everything, but it’s a lot when it comes to making more outs. We all know the argument, Jeter is a smart high percentage SS with poor range. Nunez would make up for his errors by just having a far better range than Jeter.
“Huh? Jeter has gotten regular rest with all the off days and rainouts. Nunez will obviously play more when there’s not all these off days.”
Huh? You really don’t understand the word rest is only operative if and only if it affords Nunez a chance to play?
All of which neglects your false assertion..
You said people would “whine” if Pena made the team, but the reality is, as I pointed out, that many people here wanted Pena on the team because they foresaw that there wouldn’t be much PT for the BUI, and…wait for it…there hasn’t been.
“optioned RHP JESSE LITSCH to Las Vegas (AAA).”
minus the difference in salary, I don’t think going from Canada to Las Vegas is much of a demotion
“There is nothing hyperbolic about having an opinion that this is a big start for Burnett. No Yankee fan knows if Burnett’s good start means he will be consistent throughout the year.”
Nick is $25 dollars richer and 25% smarter today.
He illustrated what I asked.
When does Burnett stop having “big” starts?
“Besides, I don’t have to convince you, I think it’s an important start for him and was giving my opinion. You just want to argue.”
You posted your opinion in a discussion forum. May I ask why you posted it with the intent for others to see if if you so resent someone responding to it with their own opinion?
This is the most inexplicable of discussion forum cliches.
Stuckey,
Bottom line is….I think if the plan is to rest Jeter and Cano some and for Nunez to actually play some games then Im.fine with him on the team because I think he could make a different over Pena……if not though then I think he should be in AAA because Pena is a good “back up” ( as in playing the day someone gets hurt, pinch running or defensive replacement )
“What if he gets regular PT and fails?”
At AAA? His AVG was .289 there last season, after putting up a .322 AVG at AA in 2009.
So why is there reason to believe that he would fail in the mL?
And Pena can play his way out of favor as AAA as easily has be confirm or enhance it.
–
Pena doesn’t matter. His one useful role is as backup that doesnt play alot, currently occupied by Nunez.
RadioKev,
I don’t agree.
The first 14 games aren’t really representative of the rest of the season. There have been more off days than the norm, and 2 rain outs. I’d rather have Nunez as a backup IF than Pena because I think he’s a better overall player. Yes, he would probably be a little sharper if he was playing everyday at AAA, but he will eventually be needed (and soon – 17 consecutive games coming up) and his superior bat compared to Pena could conceivably make the difference between a win and a loss. I’m really not too worried about stunting his long term development. If he sticks with the team (rather than get traded), all signs point to him being groomed for a “super utility” role. He will most likely never be a good enough player to be a starter for us. Maybe another team, but not NY. I suppose an outside chance he could find himself in LF for a short time for us if the team went back to the days of the OF carousel (e.g. Curtis, Ledee, Spencer, Garcia, etc. etc.) Anyway, my point is he has some value, either as a quality backup/utility player, or as a trade chip / throw-in for an area of need (pitching). Meanwhile, until/unless he’s traded, he’s a better bat in the lineup when Jeter/Cano get the occassional day off.
“Another team that “covets” him may be willing to overlook his lack of PT, but the probability that more teams will “covet” him increases if he gets regular PT and succeeds.”
What Bad Scooter says…
Are we all convinced Nunez is for real and he’s going to rake and play solid D at AAA?
I think Burnett will stop having “big starts” when he shows some consistency over time this season. When you have as bad a season as he did last year, that’s reality. There is a difference between pitching poorly once in a while and pitching poorly for an extended period of time.
I am absolutely certain that most Yankee fans have some doubt about Burnett — until he proves differently.
“Pena doesn’t matter.”
I meant Nunez.
Jerkface April 19th, 2011 at 11:02 am
Drabek has a walk issue, Yankees should be patient tonight.
===========================================
The M’s have only won two series so far this season, one was vs. Toronto. due in large part to the benefit of SEVENTEEN walks in the series … ELEVEN in one game … THREE of the bases loaded variety … in-a-row.
Yes, seems patience is indeed a virtue vs. Toronto pitching.
“What Bad Scooter says…”
Seriously? This:
“What if he gets regular PT and fails?”
His .322 and .289 AVG over the last two mL seasons presages failure?
Jerkface, do you check the email on that lohuddrama thingy?
Are we all convinced Nunez is for real and he’s going to rake and play solid D at AAA?
–
Why wouldn’t Nunez rake and play solid D at AAA? Its what he has done at AA and AAA for the past 3 years
2 years I meant.
“I think Burnett will stop having “big starts” when he shows some consistency over time this season. When you have as bad a season as he did last year, that’s reality. There is a difference between pitching poorly once in a while and pitching poorly for an extended period of time.”
Okay, so why don’t you figure out how many decent starts Burnett will have to string together to prove “consistency”? Then you can qualify how many of his next start will all be “big” at in one sitting.
Then at that time we can properly discuss the actual meaning of quantitative adjectives that apparently apply universally.
25% smarter over such a low baseline really isn’t much of a compliment.
I’m afraid I would have to get something like 400% smarter at minimum for anyone to ever notice.
Note: that % was just an estimate; I’m not smart enough to calculate the actual figure.
Every game is a big game.
Burnett basically has to go 2 seasons in a row at 15+ wins for anyone here to consider him consistent… which I don’t think is fair at all. Then again, AJ could win 20 games this year and I’d still assume he’d be inconsistent the next season. He’s just got that label on him. Its a tough stain to get out, but if the guy loses tonight, even if he does so badly, I’m not gonna start calling for a trade. He’s been better so far and that means I’m happy.. so far.
Interview with Cito Culver. Polite and with a great attitude but sooooooo young.
http://minors.mlblogs.com/2011.....to-culver/
Rich in NJ April 19th, 2011 at 12:56 pm
“What if he gets regular PT and fails?”
At AAA? His AVG was .289 there last season, after putting up a .322 AVG at AA in 2009.
So why is there reason to believe that he would fail in the mL?
**********************
My bad. I thought you meant in the Majors. Obviously, he wouldn’t get regular PT in Majors.
But why would other teams then need him to succeed with regular PT in the minors? Like you said, he’s already succeeded there.
No one should expect anything unreasonable from Burnett. Just a much better year than last; some consistency, better outings, keep his team in the game.
Last year he gave up 6 runs or more 9 times. How about no more of that. So far so good.
“Why wouldn’t Nunez rake and play solid D at AAA? Its what he has done at AA and AAA for the past 3 years”
Prospects never struggle? They never step backwards?
Why’d Kevin Russo regress so badly?
Why didn’t Brandon Laird continue what he did in Trenton?
Why did Jesus Montero struggle so mightily in April-June 2010?
I’m not suggesting Nunez would struggle, only pointing out if the entire purpose is “showcase” that’s not a one-sided coin.
Again, the premise of his argument (as it often is) is professional baseball GM’s apparently are less informed than fans.
If the case if being paid Nunez has proven his abilities and there is little chance of regression, then why doesn’t this argument apply to his trade value well.
Why wouldn’t the GM of the Mariners be as convinced as you are?
“My bad. I thought you meant in the Majors. Obviously, he wouldn’t get regular PT in Majors.”
No problem.
“But why would other teams then need him to succeed with regular PT in the minors? Like you said, he’s already succeeded there.”
I think teams always like to see continued development. Some of it may be subtle and might not be necessarily be reflected in stats, e.g., the ability to handle some breaking balls or pitch locations. Also, getting regular PT makes it more likely that he will be able to step in and contribute immediately (i.e, not rust) if another team trades for him.
If the case if being paid Nunez has proven his abilities and there is little chance of regression, then why doesn’t this argument apply to his trade value well.
–
I think Nunez can only enhance his prospect value by playing more.
“Every game is a big game.”
Then no game is a “big” game. The very purpose of the word is to differentiate.
I mean are we really in need of a refresher course in modifiers?
Just a little refresher course in modifiers. We won’t need the big one until Septemberish.
“I think Nunez can only enhance his prospect value by playing more.”
That’s a perfectly valid opinion that baseball history teaches us is a precarious one.
Pat
Thanks for the link on Culver
Rich in NJ April 19th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
“But why would other teams then need him to succeed with regular PT in the minors? Like you said, he’s already succeeded there.”
I think teams always like to see continued development. Some of it may be subtle and might not be necessarily be reflected in stats, e.g., the ability to handle some breaking balls or pitch locations. Also, getting regular PT makes it more likely that he will be able to step in and contribute immediately (i.e, not rust) if another team trades for him.
***************
Makes sense.
# Nick in SF April 19th, 2011 at 1:19 pm
Just a little refresher course in modifiers. We won’t need the big one until Septemberish.
———————-
I agree.
And aren’t the statements ‘every game is a big game’ and ‘every game is equally important’ the same thing?
“No one should expect anything unreasonable from Burnett. Just a much better year than last; some consistency, better outings, keep his team in the game.”
How about we meet in the middle and say every game Burnett pitches well will be “big” for the Yankees?
This at least acknowledges the fact that he and ALL the other Yankee pitchers (perhaps sans Rivera) will pitch poorly sometimes.
I have to continue, however, to object to the premise that if he pitches poorly this evening it will have any greater impact that any of the other 60-67 games the Yankees will lose this year even in the best of circumstances.
Well said stuckey.
Also, Nunez by himself, is not going to fetch a great player in a trade. He could be part of a larger package (that’s likely centered around better players and/or better prospects). I just don’t see his trade value taking much/any of a hit in the short term whether he is playing everyday at AAA or playing sparingly in the ML. Meanwhile, he increases the odds of the Yankees winning games, however slightly, and winning games is more important than keeping Nunez sharp. If you’re talking about a player that has a strong potential of becoming a regular that wins far more games down the road, like Banuelos, then it makes sense to let those players develop further in the minors rather than rush them to the majors in a diminished role. Maybe I’m wrong but I just don’t see Nunez as that type of player. I think he’s a useful piece but also one that’s fairly replacable.
Actually glad this thing has a roof on it tonight. Yankees can’t really afford anymore DH’s to be played later in the season. There schedule is already loaded with games and difficult road trips, to mix to many DH’s would be bad.
“I have to continue, however, to object to the premise that if he pitches poorly this evening it will have any greater impact that any of the other 60-67 games the Yankees will lose this year even in the best of circumstances.”
I agree stuckey.. I think what worries most posters is that one bad outting is enough to shake AJ’s confidence, which appears to be rather fragile at times.
I won’t be ready to throw AJ under the bus if he throws a stinker tonight but I’m worried AJ might toss himself under one. The longer he continues to perform well, the (I hope) easier it will be for him to continue. On the flip side, I suppose it could also be argued that once AJ is met with all these high expectations he will fold under the pressure. Ugh.. I hate when there are this many hours between me and baseball. Talking about it is fun, but watching is better.
“And aren’t the statements ‘every game is a big game’ and ‘every game is equally important’ the same thing?”
Well, not really.
Understand my business is language and I’m somewhat protective of it (spelling not so much).
But that isn’t why I originally responded to West Coast.
If one is an advocate of the premise that every game is “big” because all 162 games are equally important, then qualifying any one game as big or important is superfluous and redundant.
Unless he meant “bigger”, distinguishing any one as even more important than the other 161, in which case my original response also applies.
There are no “bigger” games in April.
Ever.
I’m expecting a tough series. Jays have good pitching and they always play well against the Yanks. AJ hasn’t had a lot of luck pitching in Toronto since he’s been with NY.
….except when you are AJ Burnett who is trying to have a better year than last year in a suspect rotation where his performance takes on a heightened importance this season.
stuckey – Understood.
“Prospects never struggle? They never step backwards?
Why’d Kevin Russo regress so badly?
Why didn’t Brandon Laird continue what he did in Trenton?
Why did Jesus Montero struggle so mightily in April-June 2010?”
Russo has never been in demand or ever envisioned as a ML starter; he’s probably a career mL.
As for Laird and Montero, there is a huge difference between an early struggle when promoted to a more advanced mL level and struggling when a prospect is repeating a level.
With regard to Laird in particular, last season at SWB:
.246 .268 .344 .612
this season in 10 games:
.167 .231 .397
Obviously, he’s still adjusting to the league. That’s not the case with Nunez.
MTU, if you’re around, there’s no way I’m looking forward to getting a new car. This wasn’t my choice and if I have to spend $9000.00 thanks to this jerk in an SUV, I’m not going to be happy about it at all. This is $$$ I didn’t have to spend now if it weren’t for that guy.
WCYF – Just to play devil’s advocate: Does the same rule apply to Phil Hughes, Ivan Nova, and Freddy Garcia? Because if the only pitcher this season who isn’t playing big games is CC, we have a lot of big games on the horizon.
kate
My pleasure. He’s so well mannered that he might be a good one to adopt in the future.
Why exactly is this a big start for AJ? It’s no bigger for him than for anyone else.
CC’s games are the biggest! If we lose those, we’re really lost.
ESPN 1050 revamps their radio lineup, effective May 9th:
Jered Max – 5-6 AM
Mike and Mike – 6-10 AM
Cowherd – 10-noon
Rucco and Lundberg – 12-2 PM
Mike Lupica – 2-3 PM
Kay/LaGreca – 3-7 PM
Stephen A. Smith – 7-9 PM
Bill Daughtery – 9-midnight
McDonald/Tierney go to weekends. Not sure if separate or together though.
All of my comments are “equally important”
That’s to say that they’re all “totally meaningless”
Congruently irrelevant.
Every comment WCYF makes is a big comment, because his prior performance has been awful and he really needs to dig himself out of a hole.
Lupica for an hour? Good, that means more time to not listen to 1050
Lupica? How low can you go?
Does anyone know Sterling’s home run calls for Russell Martin and Andruw Jones?
Shame Spencer April 19th, 2011 at 1:42 pm
WCYF – Just to play devil’s advocate: Does the same rule apply to Phil Hughes, Ivan Nova, and Freddy Garcia? Because if the only pitcher this season who isn’t playing big games is CC, we have a lot of big games on the horizon.
***********************
It’s precisely because their is so much uncertainty surrounding the Yankees rotation that AJ’s performance each time out becomes important to the team. In the context of him being a highly-paid number two and how poorly he did last year. The Yankees need him to pitch well. I would put Hughes in that position as well when he comes back. The others at the four and five you don’t expect as much from.
Poor Jody Mac. Dude gets moved around and around and around …
Russel Martin home run call:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cf6sA9uwdlw
Plenty low, Rich……..he’s popular and will probably get ratings, but this frees up an hour of my life
Jerkface April 19th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
Every comment WCYF makes is a big comment, because his prior performance has been awful and he really needs to dig himself out of a hole.
**********
That’s hysterical coming from you. : )
Mac and Teirney are better than Daughtery, who’s awful, although better than Neer on WFAN.
Betsy
He was popular in the ’70s…
Rich, well nostalgia is big these days, lol
I like Daughtry after a Knicks win; after a loss, I don’t listen, like I don’t listen to the Yankees post game after a loss.
Of course it is, I’m one of the funniest guys on here. That is the point of the comment.
I actually put more expectation on Hughes for this season than AJ. Or maybe I did so because of AJ.
I’m also one of the humblest.
I am number 2 in my fantasy league.
Hopefully tonight i can take 1st place.
The guy in first has no pitchers going,i have sanchez & danks.
He also used 60 more innings than i did.Less than 23 points out.
1. 994.00
2. 971.67(me)
3. 836.33
4. 709.00
5. 704.00
6. 694.67
7. 691.00
8. 639.67
9. 634.33
10. 538.67
Lupica on the radio would only be worth a listen if Murphydog is his co-host.
AJ has nowhere to go but up. Of course he had some good success in Toronto when he was there, it would be great to see him go 7 strong tonite.
“Russo has never been in demand or ever envisioned as a ML starter; he’s probably a career mL.”
Not relevant to the discussion.
He was merely used to illustrate how its possible prospects struggle an upward arc in previous years.
How much time you got? Do you want me to list recent highly-regarded prospects around baseball that struggled after putting several good years in a row, even when repeating a level?
Or will you concede the point?
Vineyard Yankee April 19th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
What AJ needs is a dominating 9 inning shutout! He has his pitching motion down pretty good & now he needs to take the next step up with his nasty fastball, curve & change-up combination. One great start may be the beginning of many more as I am sure his confidence will soar.
I can’t believe his change-up was so dominating his last start. It would truly be a weapon if he continues to use it and locate it.
alex smith – Isn’t there an extra bases Red Sox blog you’d be better suited to torturing?
Do you want me to list recent highly-regarded prospects around baseball that struggled after putting several good years in a row, even when repeating a level?
–
Anyone can have a bad season, but what does that have to do with their trade value?
Mark Carig’s is too funny on his twitter page. I love the profile icon he has up as a Mountie. Funny.
RayVT:
9 would be nice, I am trying to be a realist with 7 strong LOL ! Baby steps for AJ are OK with me so long as he keeps making improvement.
alex smith April 19th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
Again, I come to the blog after a couple days and the same crap is being discussed.
No, I did not come on here with tickets and an email address looking to get anyone’s information. That’s beneath me. Like I said, I have a reliable way of procuring people’s info.
_______________
Hard to imagine anything being beneath a snake like you.
You can give out my name if you want… OH RIGHT you have absolutely no “hacking skills” and can’t get my name.
Vineyard Yankee April 19th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
I agree! I think he has it in him & I hope he shows it tonight.
I’m not that hard to find online, my man. I’d say bring it, but I’d rather meet you in person… maybe under the Paul O’neill banner.
BoJo April 19th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
He enjoys the attention.
alex smith April 19th, 2011 at 2:18 pm
I shall be banned in 3….2….1…..
Maybe I should give out Pat M’s name next…
__________
Big deal…Pat has given enough clues that anyone can figure out his real name. No big talent there.
RayVT:
I too believe it is in there…………………..somewhere. Sometimes it is so difficult watching him, especially last year.
Go get em George ! !
“Not relevant to the discussion.”
Neither is Russo. That’s the point.
“How much time you got? Do you want me to list recent highly-regarded prospects around baseball that struggled after putting several good years in a row, even when repeating a level?”
You haven’t made one relevant point yet.
“Or will you concede the point? ”
There’s stuckey’s world, and then there’s reality.
No surprise.
AJ has been a different pitcher/personality so far this year. It must be the combo of Rothschild/Martin, father/brother type thing going on but he is much calmer, which is the key.
Trusting his stuff, which is among the best in the game, he could easily win 20 games.
“Anyone can have a bad season, but what does that have to do with their trade value?”
You believe Eduardo Nunez is so highly regarded a prospect baseball will regard a poor showing at AAA as inconsequential.
“Neither is Russo. That’s the point.”
What point? He was cited as a example of how players can struggle at a minor league level, even levels being repeated.
Whatever talent and/or regard differential may or may not exist between Russo and Nunez doesn’t change this fact.
“There’s stuckey’s world, and then there’s reality.”
I don’t even know what you’re rebutting at this point. You smallness is getting in the way.
I made the simple point players in the minor leagues can regress and if your purpose is to have a player play everyday in the minors with the intent to showcase him to other teams, that can have the opposite desired effect.
Are you actually disagreeing with that or not?
Check this out:
http://rivals.yahoo.com/highsc.....ool-wp1095
We need to sign this kid.
MTU – The next article about that kid will read “high school kid needs rotator cuff surgery from overuse, major elague career over”
ID-
You rained on my parade.
And here I really though I had a career in scouting in the bag.
Bummer.
I found it interesting that Kevin Long discovered a “flaw” in Gardner’s swing in that he isn’t using his legs. I have said that for two years. That isn’t new. He usually slaps with his arms only. Watch his back foot. There is little rotation. That is a tough an in-season fix.
He must start hitting. A left fielder must provide some offense.
No surprise – everything is better in California.
rajai davis is on the dl.
Austin-
I want to see GGBG get it going cause once he does he’s a real weapon.
“He must start hitting. A left fielder must provide some offense.”
I agree. I mean being the highest scoring team in the AL isn’t going to last forever.
“What point? He was cited as a example of how players can struggle at a minor league level, even levels being repeated. ”
Russo is a non-prospect, so I’m not sure he offers much as a comparable.
“I made the simple point players in the minor leagues can regress and if your purpose is to have a player play everyday in the minors with the intent to showcase him to other teams, that can have the opposite desired effect.”
The larger point is that you are looking at what might happen, which are more usefully viewed as exceptions.
When teams make decisions, they look at what is likely to happen, which can be viewed as the general rule.
So sure, you can cherry pick prospects (or non-prospects) that struggle when repeating a level, however, most don’t.
As a result, it’s reasonable to let the general rule govern expectations about Nunez.
Back to stuckey’s world:
“I don’t even know what you’re rebutting at this point. You smallness is getting in the way.”
You made a snide and off point comment (“Or will you concede the point?” ) that I responded to what the with kind of attitude that characterizes most of your posts, yet I’m small.
Pot meet kettle.
I have been out of the loop today and not following the newswire:
What is the latest on ARod and his health??
Gardner is just not a naturally gifted ballplayer.
The guy has been an overachiever his entire career so he has to work on the fundamentals just a little bit harder than the average major leaguer.
He’ll be fine once he gets into a groove. I know this is asking too much of Yankee fans but people need to be patient.
How did Lupica get a radio show?
MTU – Sorry lol… as a formerly abused high school pitcher, when i see a kid throwing multiple complete games at all i just stand in awe of the stupidity of the coaches.
And this alex smith is being permitted to once again hurt people, not only giving out personal info, but denigrating the deceased.
Whoever you are alex, I hope you rot in hell!
GF-
He’s gifted with excellent afterburners.
You’re right about the rest.
Hope he keeps proving his critics wrong.
Finally, there is a comment about this. I sent a note to Chad.
ID-
You sometimes have a hard crust on you.
You’re right about the mismanagement.
It’s particularly true at the college level.
To them Verducci is a type of pasta.
It’s a shame that Yankee payroll realities, i.e. A-Rod’s $32 million dollar salary among others precluded our signing Matt Holliday and having a low-cost $500,000 dollar player like Brett Gardner as a fourth outfielder, pinch runner, defensive replacement and injury protection. This was the decision though and I hope Gardner can become a consistent performer like he showed he is capable of last year. I still wonder if the book is now, don’t walk this guy, pound the strike zone.
Big Al, people like alex get by for a while, then wind up doing 8 to 20, or else meeting some other unpleasant end.
SAS-
It not like people haven’t brought it to their attention before.
“Russo is a non-prospect, so I’m not sure he offers much as a comparable.”
“Non-prospect” is subjective. I recall Russo being thought of a potential major league player, perhaps as a back-up, but I wouldn’t call anyone at one time considered a potential ML player a “non” prospect.
And given my point at the beginning was the Yankees may see Nunez’s value as similar…
“The larger point is that you are looking at what might happen, which are more usefully viewed as exceptions.”
The even larger point is I was merely pointing out a potential shortcoming the argument, specifically in response to the notion it is the Yankees best interest for their best players to actually be Yankees.
Every decision has to be weighed. Some of advocating the inferior player on the ML roster. I’m pointing out the scenario for which that compromise is being advocating is no fool proof.
“So sure, you can cherry pick prospects (or non-prospects) that struggle when repeating a level, however, most don’t.”
You sure about your math?
“You made a snide and off point comment (“Or will you concede the point?” ) that I responded to what the with kind of attitude that characterizes most of your posts, yet I’m small.”
No, I asked a genuine question, one I genuinely thought you’d take advantage of.
A minor leaguer repeating a level is not a guarantee he will meet or exceed his previous performance.
You can certainly try to micro-qualify that “likely” or “unlikely”, but refusing to simply acknowledge the obvious premise is a sure sign you’re trying way too hard and looking for a fight where there was previously discussion.
MTU,
Gardner can certainly run with the best of them, but it takes more than speed to become a major leaguer.
I am a Gardner fan because I like the elements he brings to the ball club. But people have to understand that he wasn’t born to play baseball – he just adapted.
Tom -
Good people are being hurt, and it needs to stop. If I had the funds, I’d hire a pro to track the SOB down, and he’d not be using his hands to type on a keyboard again.
This jerk is like a sick animal that needs to be cured, or put down.
GF-
So am I. Got to pull for a guy like him.
And about the adapting. That’s what we all have been doing since we came up off our knuckles.
By the way, I am very glad to hear that your health is so freakin’ good.
You’re one tough Hombre.
“It’s a shame that Yankee payroll realities, i.e. A-Rod’s $32 million dollar salary among others precluded our signing Matt Holliday..”
And after 16 months, the Matt Holliday second guessing makes a return engagement.
Who’s up for another round of lamenting the loss of Damon and Matsui?
If someone is a troublemaker to attract attention, I recommend not giving him any attention. He posts, we ignore.
SAS – you’re not the only one.
Big Al, that’s what often happens to the alexes of the world, and well-earned, too.
The Yankees have too many players with long-term contracts as it is. In some ways, its a good thing that the aging Cliff Lee said no to them.
Stuckey,
I will say I was among the few who first guessed with Holliday. I wanted him then. Now, I fondly remember this rare occasion when one of my suggestions may have been worthwhile.
They didn’t want Matt Holliday or they would have gotten him.
A-Rod’s contract didnt stop it from happening.
SAS -
I sent Chad a copy of the post the minute I saw it, and copied Trisha as well.
If LoHud can’t, or won’t stop this jerk, provide us with his info on the side, we’ll know how to use his info, and it won’t be for posting on this site.
MTU,
Thank you for the kind words. I am feeling fantastic these days.
Another few weeks and I’ll be at my high school weight, which was 20 years ago. Never thought that would happen again.
Austin,
Yankees led the major leagues i runs scored last year. They are currently first in the AL (per game) and and 2nd in the ML at the moment.
At what point does being concerned over the offense become somewhat misplaced?
“A-Rod’s $32 million dollar salary among others precluded our signing Matt Holliday”
Salary has never precluded the Yankees from signing someone they valued and really wanted.
pat – you would think the teixeira signing (and the timing of it) would have made that abundantly clear
A-Rod out again.
Stuckey-
The offense is the least of my concerns.
That said, I admit to being greedy and to liking to batter our oponents into submission.
I am concerned about our rotation but I don’t think you share that concern ?
You have cited the various crappy rotations that the Yankees have been able to compete with in the past.
Again, I confess to a certain fondness for an excellent Pitching staff.
Stuckey,
Their offense is streaky being overly dependent upon the home run. A good pitcher stops home runs and runs must be scored in other ways. I liked Holliday in that he has power but is more of an average guy.
Can they survive a LF hitting under .200? Perhaps. Are you saying they should just be content to have, at this point, probably the least productive LF in baseball? This team needs all the offense it can get with it’s team ERA where it is and will likely continue to be.
I have no alternate solutions. Clearly, the rotation is where the chips should be used.
I don’t think Alex’s contract stopped them from signing Holliday either. I think they passed thinking they would pursue Lee and/or Crawford if they needed an outfielder because Lee was the target they really wanted and because they probably thought Crawford would be cheaper….
I know you are doing exceedingly well GF.
May it continue.
You deserve it after the battle you fought.
AL,
Everyone who is in my fantasy league is aware of what happened including Trisha.
New thread ==>
No second guessing on Holliday, not from me, and not from many others. I always wanted him on this team he is a great ballplayer and I like having a power hitter playing left-field.
I believe they didn’t sign him because they wanted Crawford, then Gardner played well enough to warrant keeping him in management’s opinion, given the money differential.
Alex’s salary and Crawford in their sights meant no Holliday.