Yankees postgame: Old-Timers’ Day success
Posted by: Brian Heyman - Posted in Misc on Jun 26, 2011 
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The Yankees had a lot of good karma going for them with so many of their former greats in the house, with Gene Monahan being honored, with Tino Martinez even sending up a two-run homer in the Old-Timers’ game. They were down 3-0 in the fifth, but they didn’t want to blow it on this day. And they didn’t, taking the 6-4 win.
“The way Old-Timers’ Day is, bringing back the great Yankees that made this organization what it is, you’ve definitely got to send those guys off on a win,” Nick Swisher said.
The Yankees rallied twice, and Eduardo Nunez sent them ahead with a single in the seventh. Mark Teixeira took out insurance with a solo shot in the eighth, his major-league-co-leading 23rd.
“I can’t let Tino show me up on Old-Timers’ Day,” Teixeira said, smiling. ”I still hear a lot of people who want Tino back at first base every time I have a couple of bad games.”
It was rather fitting that the 41-year-old closer, Mariano Rivera, struck out the side to end it. Rivera tied Trevor Hoffman’s all-time record by reaching 20 saves for the 15th time.
“We were joking with Mo that he should come out and get in between a few of us,” Joe Girardi said about the intros for the Old-Timers.
“Great day,” Girardi said. “It starts with the Old-Timers’ game and seeing so many people who have meant so much to this organization. We’re able to honor Geno. … Then to win a game like that, a game where we were behind and able to come back and gets some big hits by Swish, Posada and Nunie, great game.”
The bottom line is, the Yankees are playing like a first-place/playoff team. They have won two straight, 12 of 16 and 25 of 37 and are a season-high-tying 14 above .500 at 45-31.
“This team is a very talented team, a very potent lineup from top to bottom,” Swisher said. “I think we’re proving that.”
Swisher is batting .312 with seven homers in his last 28 games since May 27, when he was hitting .204, his low point. He’s up to .245.
*Alex Rodriguez is up to six straight games with an RBI, one short of his career high.
*Derek Jeter did some swinging for the second straight day in Tampa, only this day marked his 37th birthday. He told the AP that he hopes to kick off a running program tomorrow or Tuesday. Sure doesn’t sound like he’s coming back Wednesday when he’s eligible.
*After Monday’s day off, the Yankees will host the Brewers for three games. Freddy Garcia and Zack Greinke will be the pitching matchup Tuesday night. Then A.J. Burnett and Shaun Marcum will be the matchup for Wednesday night. CC Sabathia and Randy Wolf are down for Thursday.
“It’s fun,” Sabathia said. “It is my former team. I do know a lot of guys there. … I kind of miss them.”
“I can’t let Tino show me up on Old-Timers’ Day,” Teixeira said, smiling. ”I still hear a lot of people who want Tino back at first base every time I have a couple of bad games.”
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Really? I wonder what’s his LoHud screenname?
The Great Rivera = 23 away from the all-time saves record.
Only question is if he squeezes it in this year.
Gordon is being skipped in his start and not facing the Brewers and Greinke on Tuesday. The Yankees will need him or someone[? Adam Warren or Noesi] else to face the Mets next Saturday, to maintain 4 days rest for the rest of the starters.
I don’t think Hughes will be brought up until he can show command of his pitches and be able to get into the 7th inning, with no loss of velocity. Colon will be back 1st.
I think that Colon might be ready for the saturday start , thats what i read at least
So many awesome things today….from old timers day to the awesome gesture the Yanks made to Monahan.
As for the game….this was a really nice win heading into the off day and a tough series coming up against the Brewers.
I had a feeling the Yankees would start to put better swings the 2nd and 3rd times through the order today…..they were getting beat on a lot of fastballs early but he was throwing a lot and thy started timing them a bit.
Big hits for Swish and Posada and loved seeing Gardner drop down a beauty bunt for the 2nd straight game.
Nova pitched ok despite having no fastball command…..that is a mark that he’s growing. What makes a good pitcher is competing and giving your team a chance on your bad days and Nova did that today….in a way today was more impressive than his last start for me.
Logan apparently dropped his arm angle a little according to Girardi and its given his slider more depth and is helping him get it over more frequently…..that’s a nice.development if it sticks.
What can you say about D Rob and Mo…..both guys are just dominant right now. D Rob should be an all star…..his Era is flirting with dipping below 2 and he has like 50 K’s in 30 innings or something. Its funny how overwhelmed these NL hitters that have never seen him before are.
Great day….great win.
Below 1 I meant….not 2 for Robertson….he’s already way below 2.
Hughes after the ASB. No reason to bring in Phelps or Warren until then. Bubble boys at that time will be Jones, Carlyle or Gordon since Hughes is not on the 40 man roster (60 Day DL). When Colon is ready, the other bubble boy goes.
. Its funny how overwhelmed these NL hitters that have never seen him before are.
–
Building on this point, you can tell how good Tulo is because he forced Robertson into a pretty deep PA despite having never faced him, but then once D-Rob brought the curve out it was game over. Showed it to him once, got him to foul one off, then blew the fastball right by him.
Robertson has allowed 0 HRs on the year.
Blake,
Great post, the thing that i think got the bats going was cano’s single, because pitching from the strech for the first time had to have an effect on the kid, plus he lost a mile maybe two on the FB giving a litle extra edge to both swish and po
blake, Logan’s sloder is beginning to look like a left handed Jeff Nelson’s. He’s not that sidearm, but, it moves like that. If they swing at it, it’s far off the plate. If they don’t swing, it catches the outside corner. Looks much like last year’s did, lately.
I don’t know if it has been noted, but their is a Sam Borden article on the Times webpage. Congrats to Sam.
And how about Mo today hitting 94-95 according to YES and striking out the side in the ninth. Wiggington’s swing on the 3rd strike was as bad a swing as I have seen in years.
All signs point back to one undeniable truth: Derek Jeter got old.
It almost seems unfair, but I guess this is one of those things where baseball mirrors life. Mickey Mantle woke up one day in 1965 and couldn’t hit a fastball anymore. Kirby Puckett opened his eyes one morning in 1996 only to realize one of those eyes no longer worked. There’s a reason carnies on the Wildwood boardwalk keep making money off those “Life’s A B i t c h” t-shirts. The saying has truth … and people have horrible fashion sense.
One of the greatest Onion pieces ever is titled “Inexorable March Of Time Brings TV’s Jerry Mathers One Step Closer To Death.” It’s hilarious, oddly poignant, and completely interchangeable. You can swap in Jeter’s name and the story doesn’t lose any of its meaning (though all the Leave It To Beaver references may convolute it somewhat). Everything ends.
From river & sunset
No way in the world soriano comes back and gets the 8th….heck no!!!
GB7,
I don’t know if you noticed, but Gonzales was set to far apart from the Homeplate to start with, so it was the perfect set up to use the slider, on the second lefty i think we got lucky
Rivera’s boring to watch. He does the same thing every game. All he does is throw strikes and get outs.
Luis,
Yea I agree. That kid looks to have some potential though.
GB7,
Let’s hope….I’ve been rough on Logan but if he can make adjustmebts and actually get lefties out then Id love that.
JF,
Yes that Tulo AB was very telling as you say….both in how.good he is….and how good Robertson’s stuff is. His combo of + fastball + a great power curve is very tough. He just hasn’t given hitters much of a chance this year….mid folks get on bade against him its usually because he puts them there.
I don’t know about luck with Helton, Luis. The only time that it seems like pitchers have any luck with Helton is when he has the day off. Helton looked rather uncomfortable there. 13 pitches and 9 strikes from Logan.
Ron,
Very sad but true, my father used to tell when i was young, that the moment that you start to appreciate your abilities it’s the moment that you start to lose them, and dealing with it was the hardest thing to do
Gb7,
I just watched the tape of the game and thought that the pitch to helton to end the inning was a very hitable pitch, tha’s why i say we got lucky
“No way in the world soriano comes back and gets the 8th….heck no!!!”
On merit Robertson has pitched as well as any reliever in baseball…..but the Yanks “signed Soriano to be the EIG….” so that’s probably what he’ll do. Honestly though I think Robertson might be more valuable putting out fires and pitching in various roles than just pitching the 8th anyway…
David Robertson is a ridiculous pitcher.
Maybe so, Luis, but, the pitches before that, Hlton couldn’t do a thing and that pitch on the groundout looked like he was trying to pull an outside pitch and rolled over on it.
Well, as far as who pitches the 8th inning, both Soriano and Robertson will split it because neither one can pitch all of them….just like Rivera. Terrible problem to have. It’ll be interesting to see how and if Feliciano does when he returns.
I thought yesterdays game was as close to perfect as you can get. Gardner lays down a perfect bunt to open the game. The Yankees score early and often and with RISP. CC was terrific.Baserunning and defense were flawless, topped of by a game ending dive at 1st by Swisher. The only blemsih was Carlyle in relief.
Changes that I hope to see soon:
Jones released and Golson, whose on a hot streak, is promoted.
Carlyle is sent down or released and Flores, who has an awful major league career, but has been OK at SWB is given a chance before he’s released.
Colon comes back, as well as Chavez soon.
If the Twins become sellers and the cost is reasonable, would like FA Michael Cuddyer who can play RF, 1st, 3rd, and 2nd, and has a very good arm and showing power, traded for.
I’m really skeptical of Soriano returning for any significant time this season. If he complains about any further pain in his pitching elbow he’s likely shut down for the season.
Gb,
I agree that Logan is pitching way better and i hope he keeps it up, and it’s true that helton couldn’t do anything with the previous pitches.
GB-
Looks like Terry Stiffee was a good pickup-switch hitter!!
Maybe the next role for drob is to caddy soriano, be ready every time he is about to blow a lead or give the wining run
Oops Tiffee not Stiffee. My bad!!
Terry The Tiffmeister
I don’t know if it has been noted, but their is a Sam Borden article on the Times webpage. Congrats to Sam.
———————–
I saw him in the clubhouse when YES was showing Jorge. I think it was Pete that said that somebody smart would give him work soon. Didn’t take long did it?
Maybe the next role for drob is to caddy soriano, be ready every time he is about to blow a lead or give the wining run
——————–
Vice versa seems right.
Bronx jeers,
with the kind of results drob is giving i wouldn’t think that to be the smart choice, but who knows?
Gammons accuses Times of Borden tampering?
Good for Sam. Laid off last week, then land a gig with the NYT:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06.....orkyankees
Sam’s Twitter says he’s doing freelance work for the Times.
Sam,
Mazel Tov!
Brackman has to be hurt or something….get him on the DL and figure it out.
Congrats to Sam- hope the gig lasts.
Nova didn’t quit, and kept the game close. Nunez didn’t get discouraged, and got the game-winning hit.
Robertson had a clean 8th inning- again.
Not bad for an organization that doesn’t have good player development.
Good night, all.
Sorry to see Sam gone but glad to hear he landed on his feet.
I’ll miss his writing.
Joe from Long Island June 26th, 2011 at 10:46 pm
————–
Good post.
You left out first place.
Now that J.C. Romero has been released by the Phillies, does anyone think that he might be an upgrade over Buddy Carlyle? This year’s stats against righties have been not so good, but I believe that lefties are only hitting about .208 against Romero in 2011. Possible LOOGY?
“I know that I can pitch, I know how good I can pitch,” Nova said. “You have to fight one way or the other. If I’m going to get hit, I’m going to get hit with my best pitch that day.”
That was nunez..
I just love the fight in this kid.
Something about him.
I know he doesn’t strike out a lot of batters but we at the very minimum have to give him some time.
I’m sorry,it was nova.
Go Sam.
Congrats.
The team has some brutal personnel decisions coming up, or perhaps non-decisions is more like it, since they may not have any choice with each of them, so it will be interesting to see how they pan out.
First, they’re on record as saying that Jeter will go right back into the leadoff spot; but they’ve been playing so well with Swish and Gardner, if they go into ANY kind of slump with Jeter, it’s going to get so ugly.
Unlike a lot of you, I’m still a huge Jeter fan and I believe that even with his diminished range and offense, he still brings an intangible asset to the field that makes up for it – call it leadership, call it whatever. But they’ll never drop him in the lineup so I just pray they can keep playing at this level when he comes back.
Second, dropping Robertson out of the set-up spot would seem a ridiculous idea at this point, especially given how much time Soriano has missed. But taking the former closer and dropping him to the 7th inning will never happen, so we just have to hope that either he regains his form and it works out – or he continues to obviously struggle to the point where even his agent can’t justify him being the set-up man.
Third, can they really put Colon back into the bullpen when/if Hughes comes back? Unfortunately they may have no choice since we already know that Hughes is a starter, period, and they won’t risk impeding his career by putting him in the bullpen. So we just have to hope he regains his form – in my opinion, highly unlikely; sorry, but I believe last year will turn out to be a fluke – and Colon will be able to swallow his pride and re-adjust after getting a taste of what it’s like to succeed in the New York Yankees rotation.
Looks like Olney has been smokin’ Jimson weed again.
“Rival evaluators have taken note of Jesus Montero’s decline in offensive production this year, says ESPN.com’s Buster Olney (Insider only). According to Olney, it’s led to some speculation that the Yankees could push to trade Montero this season “in an effort to recoup some value.”
Anybody have access to the whole piece ?
Thanks in advance if you do.
The standards being set for Phil are now impossibly high. No pitcher unless he’s an ace regularly pitches into the 7th. He didn’t maintain his velocity last year- he’s not a guy that can do that. As long as he’s not losing more than 1-2 MPH per game, in terms of that, he should be ok. Phil loses velocity early in games and then stabilizes – so as long as he’s 91-93, that’s fine. More concerning is how his curve blows hot and cold, mostly cold, and how he doesn’t use his change, but still – again the expectations for him now are out of whack.
Today was a great day – a really phenomenal Old Timer’s Day. If only Mattingly could have been there………….
Nova wasn’t great today – not that it’s a big deal, but it’s not a game I’m going to be impressed with.
I’m not going to judge Soriano on how he did when he wasn’t healthy. I have no problem with him being the EIG until he proves he can’t do it over a longer period of time than we saw at the beginning of the year.
Betsy:
I hope you are right, but I just don’t think he ever adjusted to being the EIG in the first place, and that was the problem. He can’t reconcile not being the closer.
But again, I hope you’re right, because we could end up seeing a lot of games saved in the 7th by Robertson and blown in the 8th by Soriano.
I forgot who said it but I like the idea of replacing Jones with Golson.
We know he can field, throw and run.
And now he seems to be hitting as well.
Let’s replace a minus with a potential plus.
I don’t think Hughes would return to the rotation at Colon’s expense once Colon was healthy….he might at first if he gets back first but Colon was just too good to take out. Things like this tend to work themselves out….if both Hughes and Colon come back pitching well then I’ll live with that problem.
MTU ,
I don’t see Andrew sticking around much longer….but who knows
Buster Olney:
“The decline in the performance of Jesus Montero has been noted by rival evaluators, who wonder if the Yankees will push to deal the young catcher this year in an effort to recoup some value. In the final months of the 2010 season, scouts had noted an improvement in Montero’s catching, and he had hit very well, but now he’s struggling at the plate — and his offense is supposed to be his strength.
His numbers: a .743 OPS (127 points lower than last year), a .337 on-base percentage (16 points lower than last season) and 56 strikeouts (he’s on pace for about 20 more strikeouts, and fewer walks, than in 2010). What the Yankees’ officials will tell you is that Montero, at 21, is still among the youngest players in Triple-A.”
I don’t know about anyone else but I’m sold on Colon’s stuff.
To me the only thing that can derail him is his health failing.
Barring that he’s a revelation.
We’re lucky, oh so lucky, to have him.
Hughes has no effective cu.
It is all about going with the best option so if hughes is better than nova,garcia,he should be in the rotation.
But if he gets pulled in the 4th inning like earlier in the year,he will be yanked because we have several oitchers breathing down his neck.
Hughes is 25 years old.
They are not going to wait forever for him.
Also there is no way hughes is bumping colon out of the rotation,so you can forget that right now.
They are not going to pull a # 2 starter out.
WCYF-
Much appreciated.
Yeah Buster.
He flat out sucks. The Yankees would be lucky to get a bag of onions for him.
They can’t wait to trade him being one the best young prospects in all of baseball.
I’d make a rolling eyes emoticon but I don’t know how.
Kevin, he was an EIG before Tampa – I don’t buy that. If that’s his excuse, then he’s a bum……..but I am definitely withholding judgment for the time being.
Blake, I’m not sure what you are saying. Are you saying that if Phil is in the rotation when Colon comes back, that he’s going to be removed? Then what – down to AAA? He’s not going to the pen.
Betsy June 26th, 2011 at 11:05 pm
Today was a great day – a really phenomenal Old Timer’s Day. If only Mattingly could have been there………….
Nova wasn’t great today – not that it’s a big deal, but it’s not a game I’m going to be impressed with.
************
Nova was very good today, what was impressive is that even with no command of his fastball he got the job done. That is a huge step forward, it’s a young pitcher figuring it out, gutting through it.
His last four games have been very good, he has only given up 11 earned runs. That’s under 3 per game I’d say that’s outstanding for a number 4 or 5.
WC, I’m not going to argue with you – I disagree.
Ron-
No one on the Yankees gets anything handed to them.
Hughes will have to earn his keep just like everyone else.
The only thing he doesn’t have to earn right now is to get the chance to show that he is still the guy who won 18 games last season.
As Blake said these are the kinds of problems most teams would love to have.
Sabathia
Burnett
Colon
Hughes
Nova
Garcia to the pen – long man, spot starter, injury insurance.
If all healthy – take it to the bank.
Betsy, how can you disagree with under three earned runs in four games?
Betsy,
I’m saying that if Hughes gets back first then he would take Gordon’s place which is Colon’s spot……and when Colon gets back they’ll have a decision to make…..but if Colon is healthy I don’t see them not putting him back in the rotation. We still have to see what Hughes looks like….
From river & sunset
///
tell this guy to keep his day job.
///
Great day at the ballpark.
Of everything, I’d say I’m most encouraged by the way Swish is swinging the bat. The results are gravy.
That kid lost a lot of velo once he sat for too long, going from 95-97 to topping out at 93. It was a matter of time before we got to him. I don’t think he even threw his slider or change until like his fourth go round. Somehow, I knew Cano would be the guy to break it up.
Nova had a good yeoman like start, really nice curve. Couldn’t locate his fastball too well and was wild with his slider. Was glad when the bench or Martin stopped calling it. Ivan is growing up before our eyes. He’s always had the guts.
Really loved Eduardo’s poke through the left side of the infield. He has always had really good bat control and we saw that today. Gardner bunting for a hit again was just great to see.
///
I was happiest today seeing Bernie and Piniella, for some reason. I’m glad the Yanks allowed for a long pause after Torre’s introduction. It was the right thing to do and shows everyone has turned the page. Yogi looks a little frail. That made me a little sad.
Finally a non-travel day off. So, who here still thinks Posada’s getting DFA’d after Derek gets his 3K?
WC, what are you talking about? I said he wasn’t good today – and I’m not going to argue about it. I like him, but I don’t feel it necessary to praise him every time he takes the mound.
MTU, whether some like it or not, Phil is going to get a chance to pitch and he’s not going to be yanked from the rotation unless he shows he simply has no arm strength and can’t pitch. However, if that were the case, he wouldn’t be called up. He’s going to get a spot in the rotation and that’s that -unless he craps out. If it were me, I’d keep him in AAA until he becomes a better pitcher (master the curve – I’d say throw the change, but I don’t think he will ever do that), but the point is that there’s a spot for him when he’s “ready”
Blake, IMO, if the Yankees deem Phil ready and he comes up before Colon, he is not going to be yanked from the rotation. That would embarrass Phil and make the Yankees look completely unprofessional. They either think he’s ready or he’s not. If they deem him ready, they need to let him pitch. I can already see that Phil is going to be under pressure to be a dominant pitcher when I don’t think he’s really capable of that given his stuff and repertoire. IMO, all he has to do is be solid. If the Yankees don’t think he can pitch like a decent #3 or good #4, then he shouldn’t be called up period.
MTU June 26th, 2011 at 11:10 pm
I forgot who said it but I like the idea of replacing Jones with Golson.
We know he can field, throw and run.
And now he seems to be hitting as well.
Let’s replace a minus with a potential plus.
////
Sounds like Golson is killin it. He’s a plus-plus-plus defender. Great jumps, elite speed, fantastic arm. If they were going to make a cookie cutter defender, they’d use Golson for the mold. If he’s hitting, and for power, bring that boy east.
It’ll work out…..hopefully all of them which be healthy and pitching well so there is a too much pitching problem..
Betsy-
I agree that there’s a spot but it isn’t guaranteed if he doesn’t perform better than the alternatives after a reasonable amount of time.
If Phil somehow underperforms relative to who else might be available then the Yankees will deal with that in the best way possible.
I’m optimistic that if Phil is healthy he will be able to keep his right ful place in the rotation.
Me. I’m hoping to see the guy from the first half after he shakes the rust off a bit.
I hope all of these guys continue to pitch well so the Yankees choices are difficult.
I’m guilty of not reading carefully here, but on reflection, Nova said he felt better about today than his dominant last start, because he got through it without a good FB.
Obviously, the last start convinced him he belongs here & can still battle without his best stuff. Every time they show this kid in the dugout he seems to be sitting next to Garcia, talking things over with Garcia. Got to love that.
I hate to say it but the most fungible guy in the rotation right now is Garcia.
I say it with regret because IMO he has done a great job for us considering what was expected.
If everyone is pitching well I see him as the guy who hits the pen.
Most likely things will sort themselves out by themselves and it will be fairly obvious who gets deleted from the rotation.
These are great problems to have to consider.
I don’t think the majority have unrealistic expectations for Hughes. The concerns stated about him here are legit – sustaining velocity, not throwing 100 pitches in 4 innings, commanding his stuff and using his curve, etc.
I think most people are past the point of expecting ace-ness from him anymore, but just want a reliable, solid starter.
Also, the Yanks have proven they will do what is necessary to win, including shuffling the rotation to do so. As MTU said, he has to perform to keep his spot like everyone not named CC and (because of his contract) Burnett
MTU, I think once Phil gets his spot, it’s his – unless he’s awful. I do not think he’s under the gun to constantly audition, I just don’t. If the Yankees think that way, I’d rather see them stick him in the pen and just forget him as a SP while he’s in pinstripes. While I am not as high on him as you are (as I think his first half was mostly due to teams not having adjusted to him), I also would be hugely disappointed if the Yankees kept yanking him and didn’t allow him to just pitch.
P.S. I still want another lefty if possible.
Yank1, I happen to have long since dropped my predictions of acehood for Phil. Going back to last year, I have not been that high on him. I don’t love his stuff and clearly he has a very flawed repertoire. I think he might eventually be a reliever because of his love for the hard stuff, his inability to get his curve back and his refusal to commit to the change as something of a decent 4th pitch, but I’m not ready to go there yet. In terms of maintaining velocity, he’s only had 2 rehab starts. If he’s still losing 2 MPH in the 4th inning in a few starts, then there’s an issue. However, he’s never going to be a guy who maintains his velocity – he does not have that kind of arm. Last year, he would start out 92-94 and drop to 91-93 by the 3rd or 4th inning.
All I have said is that Phil just has to be solid – I don’t think the Yankees are expecting anything more from him. I think they think that ship has passed. What I’ve said is that once they deem him ready to start for the big club, it would be a terrible move to remove him from the rotation unless he’s just simply not getting it done.
“Nova said he felt better about today than his dominant last start, because he got through it without a good FB. Obviously, the last start convinced him he belongs here & can still battle without his best stuff. ”
*****************
Bingo. No pitchers have their best stuff every time out. What I look for is how a pitcher handles it when he doesn’t have it. Nova made huge strides today, he would not have been able to do this last season.
Betsy-
Like I said above my opinion is that Hughes will be given every reasonable opportunity to show what he has and that he belongs in the rotation
That has to be what the Yankees would love to see.
That said, they are in the middle of another pennant race and make no mistake about it no one is going to be allowed more rope than the
Yankees think they can afford.
It’s a balancing act and the best possible outcome would be for Hughes to be effective and to succeed.
I’m rooting for that possibility. It’s the best situation for the long term.
I think people have unrealistic expectations because I’ve seen many say that unless he can consistently pitch into the 7th or through the 7th, there’s no use bringing him back up. What pitchers do that? Aces do that – #2 types do that. Phil has to be able to give a decent 6 innings – that’s it.
MTU,
I agree its a great problem to have.
But I still think Nova is far more fungible than Garcia. All in all, Garcia has been worlds more effective. Given Nova’s youth and his options I think they’ll be more inclined to remove him than Freddy.
Garcia has been a better pitcher than Nova and Burnett this year and I wouldn’t bet on Hughes matching his numbers either. 3.3 ERA/tons of innings/only 3 non-quality starts all year.
People are putting too much stock in ‘stuff’ and what he did against Boston. None of our pitchers can pitch effectively to Boston this year. Nova is just as bad a matchup against BOS considering how much contact he allows.
MTU, just decent and solid- that’s all he has to be and all I think they expect of him. If he struggles, then you send him to AAA for the rest of the year and don’t even think of bringing him up at anytime.
REZ, I love Garcia as well………
G-C
I respectfully disagree.
I do not believe with the way Nova is pitching that he should be removed from the rotation.
Garcia will only be here for 1 year in all likelihood. Nova for many if things go well.
Garcia will make a great backup not the other way around IMO.
Time will tell. This should hopefully sort itself out.
Betsy-
Yes. that should do it. Decent and solid.
I’m hoping for more.
Speak of the devil:
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-yo.....-in-hughes
After watching Phil Hughes throw a side session on Sunday, pitching coach Larry Rothschild said there is “a clear difference” in Hughes’ velocity.
“There was a clear difference with the way the ball was getting to the plate,” Rothschild said. “Now it’s just a matter of going through kind of a spring training type thing to get ready. We’re not going to rush it but when he’s ready he’s ready.”
They already have decent and solid.
Lets see how his +heater shapes up over the next 10-15 days. If he doesn’t have that his spot will be in real danger.
MTU, we all are……….but I don’t honestly think he’s equipped to be more than that. I hope I’m wrong. However, I’m only thinking positive thoughts at this time. His arm seems to be healthy and that’s the most important thing.
Betsy-
Things will sort themselves out.
These guys are athletes they should like to compete.
May the best Men win.
Have a good night everyone.
It’s time to dream.
I’m confident we can win a championship as currently constructed.
But there’s part of me that believes that Young Master Phil is the X factor in that quest.
If he can stay healthy, he gives us the kind of power arm that can go toe to toe with the Becketts, Scherzers, and Ogandos of the world during a postseason game.
My hope is that unlike last year, when he clearly tired and had nothing left by the ALCS, that he’ll be peaking right around October baseball.
With the way the rest of this rotation has pitched already, the idea of a healthy and confident Phil Hughes re-entering the fold should be mildly terrifying to the rest of the league. On his best days, no one, including Sabathia, is as good.
MTU, absolutely!
G-C
My hope as well. Right on !
# Betsy June 26th, 2011 at 11:52 pm
Speak of the devil:
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-yo…..-in-hughes
After watching Phil Hughes throw a side session on Sunday, pitching coach Larry Rothschild said there is “a clear difference” in Hughes’ velocity.
“There was a clear difference with the way the ball was getting to the plate,” Rothschild said. “Now it’s just a matter of going through kind of a spring training type thing to get ready. We’re not going to rush it but when he’s ready he’s ready.”
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Hopefully everything turns out right with Phil. The Yankees are banking on him.
I wonder if he’s losing some of the weight on top.
G-C June 27th, 2011 at 12:00 am
I’m confident we can win a championship as currently constructed.
But there’s part of me that believes that Young Master Phil is the X factor in that quest.
If he can stay healthy, he gives us the kind of power arm that can go toe to toe with the Becketts, Scherzers, and Ogandos of the world during a postseason game.
My hope is that unlike last year, when he clearly tired and had nothing left by the ALCS, that he’ll be peaking right around October baseball.
With the way the rest of this rotation has pitched already, the idea of a healthy and confident Phil Hughes re-entering the fold should be mildly terrifying to the rest of the league. On his best days, no one, including Sabathia, is as good.
———————————————————————
This is a fine post.
In my opinion, there’s a few factors that increases odds for post-season success, and one of them is to field a staff of pitchers who can strike batters out. In a short playoff series, guys who can miss bats are very valuable.
And you’re right, a healthy and well-rested Hughes could be an X-factor for them.
Congrats to Sam. That was quick.
As for Hughes, I’m not sure he will be the impact pitcher that some are hoping. But I’m willing to wait as he gets back on track. Sure he’s 25, but he still has the learning curve imo because of time missed with injuries.
If Hughes is solid, pitching around a 4 ERA, averaging 6-7 innings he gets a spot. Colon comes back it’s between Nova and Garcia. Unless Garcia has stamina or health issues, then he’s not not getting the shaft over Nova.
Don’t worry about Phil Hughes.
You’re welcome.
Nick – from a Nats beat reporter:
“And here’s some actual, earth-shattering, breaking news: Chien-Ming Wang will begin a rehab assignment Monday with low-Class A Hagerstown!”
That’s the team with Bryce Harper. Not positive, but I think once Wang begins his rehab assignment the Nats have 30 days to bring him up or release him since he’s on their 40-man.
What’s the holdup ? Greg Golson up – Andruw Jones gone.
Send Carlyle down – Bring Randy Flores up or take a flier on J.C. Romero.
“What’s the holdup ? Greg Golson up –Andruw Jones gone. Send Carlyle down –Bring Randy Flores up or take a flier on J.C. Romero.”
I can’t remember …..how is Golson’s smile?
I agree with 108′s suggestions …..and obviously Im hoping Montero heats up and they can get him on the roster sometime soon……because we.all know.that the Yanks are going to be tempted to sell on him to recoup some of his value…..
Blake-
Olney reported it so it’s ironclad.
Golson has a nice smile
Kate-
He looks like “huggy bear” (antonio vargas, I think) from Starsky and Hutch days.
Good morning. From last night:
Yankee Trader June 26th, 2011 at 9:53 pm
I thought Saturdays game was as close to perfect as you can get. Gardner lays down a perfect bunt to open the game. The Yankees score early and often and with RISP. CC was terrific.Baserunning and defense were flawless, topped of by a game ending dive at 1st by Swisher. The only blemsih was Carlyle in relief.
Changes that I hope to see soon:
Jones released and Golson, whose on a hot streak, is promoted.
Carlyle is sent down or released and Flores, who has an awful major league career, but has been OK at SWB is given a chance before he’s released.
Colon comes back, as well as Chavez soon.
If the Twins become sellers and the cost is reasonable, would like FA Michael Cuddyer who can play RF, 1st, 3rd, and 2nd, and has a very good arm and showing power, traded for.
I’m really skeptical of Soriano returning for any significant time this season. If he complains about any further pain in his pitching elbow he’s likely shut down for the season.
YT-
What do you think the Twinkies would ask for MC ?
It’s reasonable to have doubt as to wether or not Soriano makes it back but I hope he does. Feliciano too.
“Golson has a nice smile”
How does it compare to Jonesy though?
Blake-
Andruw cheats. He sucks off that N2O tank between innings.
Golson’s is all natural.
Unlike most, I do not think the Yankees will trade Montero…………I mean, MAYBE if some stud young pitcher becomes available, but I do not think that is happening anytime soon.
neither hold a candle to Robbie’s smile
Kate-
Hope all is well up there ?
I’m SURE Erin would agree.
I wouldn’t mind Cuddyer but Im not sure how much they need him…..I would prefer to put Nunez in that role when Jeter comes back so he could continue to get playing time…….the only guy on the Twins that really interests me continues to be Liriano…..Id have to know the price tag though to decide how interested…
Randy Flores is flat out awful. We don’t need to see that first hand.
All for the Jones out, Golson in maneuver.
Betsy-
Good morning. I believe you to be correct.
Studs only, and right now none seem to be available.
I don’t understand how they could trade Montero when neither Martin and nor Cervelli may be starting catchers.
Rich-
It would seem to be a low probability event.
Montero isn’t getting traded for Wandy Rodriguez…..and unless something much better comes avilable then he will start his Yankee career sometime after July 31……I expect the bat to start heating up soon. He’s having to adjust to the slop they are starting to throw him…..better to do that now than in the bigs.
Hi MTU
NO one in their right mind would trade a young stud, so I don’t think we need to worry…….and I am not someone who cares about seeing Montero this year.
Martin has done nothing to lose his job. Even if he never hits, he’s still a terrific catcher…..and the staff obviously loves pitching to him. I’m all for keeping Martin behind the plate.
MTU
I agree. I’m just surprised at how bad Martin can be for long stretches. I think Cash compared him to Thurman a couple of months ago. That comparison seems absurd now.
Martin is a starting catcher. They should tender him a contract next year and let him be Montero’s safety net……then hope Montero is ready to take the reigns full time to start 2013.
Who says the Yankees front office is “in their right mind”?
Blake-
The only way I can see Montero being moved as Olney suggested is if the Yankees internal scouting report on Montero is way different than the public perception of him.
I have no idea how they ‘really” view him, or his future potential.
We have our evaluations and they have theirs. They may or may not be the same.
Martin since May 1:
.190 .312 .281 .593
That’s losing your job stuff.
Martin was brought in to play defense and handle the pitching staff…..anything he does offensviely is a bonus. I think he’s done a very nice job and that he’ll heat back up a bit offensively if they can rest him enough…..
Rich-
There’s a lot to like about Martin.
His O could be better. Hope he heats up again.
I agree with Blake. You tender him a contract for next season provided he stays healthy.
I do not think they should let him catch 130-140 games if they have a choice.
blake
When the GM compares you to Thurman, any offense isn’t merely a bonus.
MTU
I agree, but only as a guy that plays 70-80 games max, not as a starter.
If the Twins become sellers Michael Cuddyer “might” be available mainly for salary relief. 2011 salary then a FA.($10.5M)
He came up as a 3rd baseman, has played RF, 2nd base and 1B this year. He has power and would be an ideal bench and give the infielders-A-Rod, Cano, Tex + Swisher and Gardner a rest with the lefty Chavez.
The Twins will probably want a lot for Liriano.
J.C. Romero will probably be very frustrating to watch. WHIP 1.714
16.1 innings 16 hits 12 walks. Would be purely a situational lefty then relieved with runners on base by DRob!!
Rich,
If he were an outfielder maybe…..that’s not his primary job though. His primary job is to catch.
MTU,
I don’t see any way Cashman would sell low on Montero for what’s out there…..Buster makes no sense and just writes things like that to get Yankee fans to read it. Sadly he’s become more of a rumor spreader than a reporter…..
btw, I’m not advocating getting rid of Martin, only that keeping Montero has becoming a necessity.
Rich-
That was a ludicrous comparison.
Perhaps he was referring to the D ? Maybe there ? And in his grit and leadership.
Offensively he couldn’t hold a candle.
Not IMO, Rich.
Rich,
Yea.but what Cashman says about him doesn’t really matter…..
blake
The Yankees have thrived over the last 15 years or so because they had a great hitting catcher. There is no reason to surrender that advantage.
blake
It only matters to the extent that it was inaccurate.
Blake-
I understand. That’s probably the case.
I was just posing an alternate hypothesis.
Not a very likely one at that IMO.
“btw, I’m not advocating getting rid of Martin, only that keeping Montero has becoming a necessity.”
Ok this I agree with if they internally actually do think he can catch in the big leagues……they should keep his bat anyway unless something much better than what figures to be available pops up.
Forget about Wandy Rodiguez. Came off the DL with inflammation pitching elbow to be rocked by the Rays.
Rich, he’s a terrific catcher – I’m absolutely perfectly happy with him behind the plate.
I think Cashman was just comparing Martin’s peronality etc to Munson.
Blake-
THAT is the 64 thousand dollar question that we are not really privy to.
Do the Yankees REALLY believe that Montero can stick behind the plate, or is that what goes out there for public consumption.
We should find out fairly soon.
Right now, the Yankees look they could have too many starter very soon. Maybe add an bullpen arm if the price is right. I think they’re fine in the rotation.
Comparing anyone to Thurman is probably pretty dumb anyway.
By the way, I do not advocate trading Montero – forget that he’s a catcher. The Yankees have distinct lack of position prospects and they are getting old.
# Betsy June 27th, 2011 at 8:32 am
Rich, he’s a terrific catcher – I’m absolutely perfectly happy with him behind the plate.
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Yea Martin has been good behind the plate. The dip in his offense production is a bit of an eye opener though.
He was almost like the king of kings when the season started
“The Twins will probably want a lot for Liriano.”
Probably at first…..but once they realize that nobody is going to pay a lot then would they lower the price? Depends on how motivated a seller they are…..this will probably be the best time to trade him…..waiting longer just means they’ll get less.
I don’t think Montero is ever going to be a good catcher – there’s a reason why the Yankees are the only team who thinks he’s going to be even servicable.
Gotta work. Later.
Betsy-
IF, and I said IF, Montero cannot really stick behind the plate the value of his bat to the Yankees goes down IMO because they either make him a 1st baseman, or a full time DH.
Right now either filling either of those positions is problematical.
I’m fine with Soriano getting his job back. If he’s healthy and still can’t do the job, ok……but I’m not willing to just dump him.
If Montero has a career like Mike Piazza every Yankee fan will be happy. Cannot see the Yankees trading him, unless they are getting a young stud pitcher or positional player in return.
Edit: filling either. not either filling either. sorry.
Oops,. I’m sorry – I thought I was responding to a current comment. Ignore me, lol.
MTU, I know it does………
Later!
I’m fine with Soriano getting his job back. If he’s healthy and still can’t do the job, ok……but I’m not willing to just dump him.
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Unfortunately dumping him is not really an option. He’ll just sit at home, collect his paycheck.
YT-
That’s a big if. No one really knows what the Yankees are thinking.
Only what they put out there. It is defintely in their interest to continue to promote the idea that he can be an every day Catcher.
From what I have seen I think he can at least make the minimum but I’m not a professional talent evaluator.
I really don’t doubt the bat at all.
We’re gonna find out sooner or later.
There are hundreds of players in the big leagues playing positions that scouts said they would never stick at……a lot depends on how motivated the player is to prove them wrong.
I don’t care where Soriano pitches…..getting him back healthy would help the pen if he’s right. Robertson is probably more valuable putting out fires than being confined to the 8th anyway….
MTU-
Gotta go. Montero is the most exciting power position player to be developed by the Yankees since the Mick
Blake-
IMO Montero is plenty motivated to be a Catcher.
I don’t know if you knew this but his brother is a catcher as well.
I believe he is in the Cardinal org. ?
If the season ended today…..the playoff matchups would be.
Yankees vs Rangers
Red Sox vs Tigers.
Philies vs Brewers
Braves vs Giants
Talk about star power..
MTU,
Yea I did. I think he sticks….
YT-
Until Montero does it at the ML level he is only an Uber prospect.
Do I believe he will succeed as a hitter ? Absolutely.
But he still has to prove it just like anyone else.
That’s all I’m saying.
Anybody know who the other guy is that the Yankees are sending to the Futures game? I heard Romine was one. I love the Futures game…..Harper and Trout will be in the same outfield for the US team this year.
Blake,
Romine is the only Yankee going to the Futures Game.
New thread ==>
Ugh….it’s Monday.
I want my long weekend already!!! LOL
Here’s something to make Erin’s Monday blues go away.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related
MTU -
I hope I’m wrong, but, as you know, I don’t think Montero will be in pinstripes. Most likely the Yankees are keeping him in SWB until he’s dealt. If they brought him up, and he failed badly, that would lower his trade value, JMO.