Postgame notes: “I’m finally laughing again”
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Notes, Podcast on Jun 20, 2011 
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Hard to blame the Cubs for making the decision. With the game tied in the eighth, Nick Swisher was coming to the plate and the Cubs went to a right-handed reliever. They wanted Swisher to hit left-handed, the side where he was hitting .173 coming into this game.
“Either way, I’m ready,” Swisher said. “I’m not a guy that really looks at the numbers. I just go off how I feel in my own head. You have to. This game can beat you up and it can put you at the top of the mountain. You’re going to have good times and bad times, but tonight was definitely a good night.”
You know what happened next. Chris Carpenter fell behind, he threw a fastball, and Swisher crushed it for a three-run homer that put the Yankees in front.
Swisher’s been that kind of hitter lately. He was brutal earlier this season, but for the past month now he’s hit for average, hit for power and drawn 21 walks in his past 23 games.
“I feel good,” he said. “I know I dug myself a hole there early in the season, but I’ve been battling, fighting and putting the time in, just having run. I’m finally laughing again and smiling, really enjoying the game like I know how.”
Brett Gardner also seems to have turned his season around, and Jorge Posada was showing some positive signs before the Yankees fell into the National League portion of the schedule and lost their designated hitter. I’ve written before that the best case scenario is always for a good player to remember how to be good again. That trumps any sort of trade, signing or call-up. The Yankees need Swisher to be the hitter he was last season, and lately, he’s looked like that guy again.
“He’s pretty much the same guy (as earlier in the season), but he’s a little louder, which is good,” Joe Girardi said. “Swish brings a lot of energy to our club. It’s frustrating as a ballplayer when you struggle. In any walk of life, when you struggle it’s frustrating. For him it’s been good… He’s been swinging the bat so much better for us. It’s great. He’s had some RBIs here. He had a sac fly I believe it was yesterday. It seems like both sides are starting to come together for him.”
Here’s Swisher.
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• CC Sabathia had another one of those games where he looked rocky earlier and seemed to finally decide he’d had enough. After the Alfonso Soriano homer that gave the Cubs a three-run lead, Sabathia allowed just three more hits and he retired 12 of the last 13 batters he faced. “Changeup was rough. Two-seam was terrible,” Sabathia said. “I just wanted to try to go out and keep us in the game and keep it close, and these guys found a way to score runs again.”
• Both Sabathia and Girardi said the key was going to more offspeed pitches late in the game. The Cubs were being aggressive, and Sabathia was able to get some early swings and misses.
• Of course, you know what Sabathia was most upset about: His 0-for-3 at the plate. He actually came up in pretty key spots early in the game and never got it done. And that’s from a guy who takes a lot of pride in his ability to hit. And his teammates know it. “I’ve been getting crushed in (the clubhouse),” Sabathia said. “You know me, I didn’t go in and look at pitches I was throwing. I went in and looked at my three at-bats. We’ve got some work to do before Citi Field.”
• Someone asked what Kevin Long’s told him about his at-bats. “He won’t even look at me,” Sabathia said.
• Alex Rodriguez said he thought one of two things would happen on his deep fly ball in the ninth: “Either out (of the park) or an easy out,” he said. “I didn’t think it would hit off the wall for a double, but I was very happy. I’ll take the double, the RBI and the W.”
• Rough couple of days for Russell Martin, who was run over at home plate yesterday and was hit in the head on a swing tonight. “It’s part of the trade unfortunately,” Girardi said. “You’re going to get hit with some back swings and it’s frustrating, but we’ll see how he is tomorrow.”
• Girardi said he was going to Dave Robertson in the bottom of the eighth, no matter what happened in the top of the inning. “I was going to make the switch because that part of the order had given (Sabathia) trouble,” Girardi said.
• Three-hit game for Brett Gardner, including the first leadoff home run of his career. He has eight multi-hit games in his past 15. “I really didn’t have a lot of concerns (putting him in the leadoff spot),” Girardi said. “His struggles the first month of the season were whether he was hitting first or ninth, he was struggling. He’s just started to swing the bat well.”
• After losing the opener, the Yankees were able to salvage a series win. “It’s a good feeling,” Girardi said. “We didn’t score any runs the first day, and to be able to come back and the way he won tonight, it’s a close game and then we were able to break it open.”
Associated Press photos
We can all laugh now! And smile with Andruw.
Chad, thanks for the great coverage this weekend. Good to have you back.
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repost:
es are 1st in SLG (.451), 2nd in Runs (362), 2nd in OBP (.345), 9th in AVG (.260).
Those are MLB rankings.
Run differential is +96, Boston is +83 (+1 in games played), Phillies are +61. Atlanta is +32. Those are the top 4. Boston and Yankees are miles above the rest. Phillies have their pitching, but the offense is suspect, and it appears their defense is, too.
As for Alex. Liar, liar. Getting treatment on your left shoulder is not a bump or a bruise. Thank goodness it’s his non-throwing shoulder.
Without looking at the box scores, Alex had a good series. Seems like he was on base every time he came up to bat.
Seems like he was on base every time he came up to bat *today*.
Anyway, looks like everyone’s turned in for the night, so I will follow suit.
Don’t leave your bats behind, boys!
I’d look to exchange Swisher while he’s hot for a better OF with contract issues.
I’d look to exchange Swisher while he’s hot for a better OF with contract issues.
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Who you thinking? Swisher+ for Choo?
Rich in NJ June 20th, 2011 at 1:48 am
I’d look to exchange Swisher while he’s hot for a better OF with contract issues.
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I would, too. It’s been the same story all season with Swisher. He has a good game, talks the big talk and then he disappears again.
I’m on the west coast, but it’s late here too.
I’ll keep rooting for Swish to keep it up, but I’d still like them to pick up another good bat.
Go Yanks
All in all, it was a good trip to Chicago…..Let’s hope that The Bronx Bomber continued success on the road, it’s going to be the difference come late September……The Boston series is no longer in any one’s rear view mirror…..At least it shouldn’t……..Goodnight evening poeople and good Morning to the Morningless Doreen and Erica……Hope someday you’ll return…….THat issue has been gone for awhile
I wish that Yankee management would invest in knickerbockers for those players who want them. These rolled-up pants look tawdry.
Even on GameDay.
The last thread was about Arod receiving treatment for a bad shoulder. What I want to know is if there is any treatment that Cano can get for his chasing so many bad pitches. Isn’t there an ointment that can cure that?
Cano is probably never going to be as selective as he ideally could be….but he’s hitting. 318 in June and has been swinging the bat better. His approach may limit his ultimate ceiling a little bit but he’s still a really dangerous hitter and an uncomfortable AB for pitchers because there is no pattern with him.
Gotta play Gardner every day…..DH Jones some if you must get him in the lineup occasionally but he’s not as good as Gardner and can’t do nearly as many things as he can.
Reports are that Pujols potentially could be out for awhile or maybe even the season with his wrist…..it’ll be interesting what that does to his market. Things fell in to line perfectly for Arod back in 2007…..doesn’t appear they are doing the same for Albert.
I think the Marlins could look to move Hanley soon. He’s getting ready to make big money ….he’s underperforming, and they have a cheap ticket seller for the new ballpark in Stanton.
I am not usually a fan of interleague, but that was a fun series to watch. The crowd was so into it. The espn crew did a nice job. They were positively drooling over Gardner. They also gave credit to Girardi’s managing, especially his BP management
Trading Hanley, not happening until midseason next year if at all.
I think the Marlins could look to move Hanley soon.
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You want him for rightfield???
Crawdaddy….maybe not but I wouldn’t be shocked……salary jumps to 15 million next year
I think the Marlins could look to move Hanley soon.
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The other problem is trading him now is selling very low. I think they wait til at least next year and get his value re-established.
Mell,
Im not sure Id want him at all…..depends on what the Marlins asked but if they got him that’s where I would put him.
Blake-
You really like to stir it up.
Getting Hanley would be the coup of the Century.
You gettin’ him for ss or of ?
MTU,
Outfield… Jeter is a better SS than Hanley now and Nunez will be a couple years from now. I probably wouldn’t pay what they’d ask for him if they made him available though. Im not sure he’s a match for the Yanks….I just wouldn’t be surprised if thy moved him soonor at least listened to offers.
MTU,
Im a trouble maker….what can I say
Yeah, they’d be stupid to trade Ramirez now.
OTOH, if he’s available, there is no harm in making an offer that reflects this contract and his 67 OPS+.
12:$15M, 13:$15.5M, 14:$16M
Also, Minn is 9-1 over their last 10 and only 8 GB, so there’s no reason for them to make any trades right now.
Blake-
I knew that.
I’d rather call in that marker from Towers myself if we’re takin’ RF’er’s.
How’s that for stirrin’ the pot ?
(Colby Rasmus works too)
My vote for co-MVP on the Yankees with Granderson, is Russell Martin. He’s added a certain toughness that the team was lacking.
Russell Martin had a tough weekend. Saturday, he was run over at the plate by Carlos Pena. Last night, Aramis Ramirez’s bat hit the catcher on the left side of the temple on the back swing and left a lump.
“I have had worse,” Martin said.
I can’t give Martin an MVP. He adds a needed dimension, but he doesn’t appear to durable enough to play more than maybe 110-120 games a season.
To me, the emerging second tier MVP is Gardner.
YT-
He got himself quite a knot. That was pretty creative use of an icebag.
They aren’t doing it but I’m for Montero replacing Cervelli now.
He’s got to be better than him and would take some of the load off
Martin.
Yankee Trader June 20th, 2011 at 8:39 am
My vote for co-MVP on the Yankees with Granderson, is Russell Martin. He’s added a certain toughness that the team was lacking.
Russell Martin had a tough weekend. Saturday, he was run over at the plate by Carlos Pena. Last night, Aramis Ramirez’s bat hit the catcher on the left side of the temple on the back swing and left a lump.
“I have had worse,” Martin said.
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Plus you gotta love Martin showing Pena the ball.
I’d rather call in that marker from Towers myself if we’re takin’ RF’er’s.
How’s that for stirrin’ the pot ?
(Colby Rasmus works too)
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Talk about stirring the pot. Personally, I don’t think Rasmus would become available. Cards still in the thick of it and with the possibility of Pujols being out for some time, I’d think the Cards wouldn’t move him.
Also, Minn is 9-1 over their last 10 and only 8 GB, so there’s no reason for them to make any trades right now.
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After losing to Detriot in June 1, the Twins were 16.5 games back. Took less than 3 weeks to get it down to 8. Still think Chicago and Detroit will create some distance between the them and the rest of the division, but nobody can make an argument for selling right now. Of course, a lot can happen in the next several weeks that could change things.
Montero could also be learning from Martin right now.
JCPD-
What can I say ? I’m trouble.
How are things in the new digs ? Was beginning to think you did the barrell thing @ Niagra.
Hi JCPD, nice to see you back
I’m excited to see both Swish and Gardner being very productive. Would like to see the Yankees fill all the holes. I like some of our middle relievers too.
To me, the emerging second tier MVP is Gardner
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Gardner has the highest batting average now amongst Yankee regulars. He’s shown what he can do leading off. Where will Jeter hit when he comes back? Against lefties?
Kate-
Don’t make JCPD feel too welcome. He’ll get a swelled head and come around more often.
kate, MTU……. I’m still unpacking boxes, the place is much smaller than I had, so I’m not sure I will be able to hang all my photography, especially the 8 foot panorama of the NYC skyline. I’m off today, hopefully after I unpack some boxes I can squeeze in a few hours and explore the lakeshore.
Martin has been great….no question about it. It would be nice if they could cut his workload down though in the 2nd half without having to play Cervelli…..wonder how they could do that……..
MTU,
I think that makes the most sense (Upton ) but probably not until after next season.
MTU-
Ther’s a certain player, RF in NL, with this contract that would be a nice fixture in RF for the Yankees. Of course, his availability is nil. Can you guess?
11:$2.75M, 12:$5M, 13:$7.5M, 14:$10M, 15:$12M, 16:$12.5M, 17:$13M club option ($1M buyout
Just curious.
Anyone else think that there is gonna be at least 1 blockbuster trade at the deadline ?
Not sayin’ it’s the Yanks although you never know.
JCPD-
Just because your place is small doesn’t mean you can’t think big.
Best of luck up there and stay in touch.
Send us some photos.
From ESPN-NY
Reminded that he was seen wincing while removing a jacket in the visitor’s clubhouse at Rangers Ballpark, Rodriguez smiled. Told that he was seen not only with a heat pack, but an ice wrap as well as exercising with small dumbbells under the supervision of the Yankee trainers, A-Rod nodded.
“I’m very impressed,” he said. “You’re paying attention to the details.”
______________________________________________________________________
Attention to detail or stalkerish?
Perfect example of why the players love the new stadium. More areas off limit to the media so the can “wince” in private.
I know Blake but I like to dream and think ahead.
YT-
Melky ?
One blockbuster trade at the deadline could be FA Jose Reyes, not a Boras client and with a team that could use salary relief and not likely in the race.
MTU-
No not Melky! LOL.
New post—>
New thread ==>
I don’t think the Mets will trade Reyes (though they should ). Wilpon needs to draw fans in order to pay back the 200 million he borrowed and Reyes is their biggest draw….too much risk that the fans that still do come would revolt and stop coming as well. I could be wrong but I think they hang on to him and at least make an offer to try and re-sign him. I also think that if he makes it to Free agency them the Yanks will investigate.
MTU, when I finally have time to explore and get some decent shots, I will be sure to pass them along.
JCPD-
Thanks Mr. Muir, I really would appreciate that.
YT-
You’re fast on the draw. Are you sure you’re not from the West ?