Pregame notes: Rodriguez facing a decision
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Notes, Podcast on Jul 09, 2011 
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It’s been obvious for three weeks that Alex Rodriguez hasn’t been 100 percent. He’s been getting his hits and getting on base, but his power has disappeared and he’s been hobbling on the bases. Yesterday, Joe Girardi decided Rodriguez could use a day off, and since he was taking a day off anyway, the Yankees sent their third baseman for an MRI.
They now know he has a slightly torn meniscus in his right knee. It’s an injury CC Sabathia pitched through last season, and an injury Rodriguez seems to have been playing through since tweaking his knee in Chicago last month. He’ll either have surgery or play through it, and Girardi said that whatever the Yankees decide, Rodriguez will be out of the lineup through the rest of the weekend.
“I just don’t think he has the drive in his back side that he needs to have to be the power hitter that he’s capable of being,” Girardi said. “I still think he can be productive and get his base hits, but I don’t think you’re going to see him drive the ball as much.”
Ultimately, the Yankees have to decide if they’re better with a lesser Rodriguez for a longer period of time, or a (potentially) better Rodriguez for a shorter period of time. Girardi said the decision ultimately lies with Rodriguez himself.
“Players have (played through) it before but you’re not ever sure how productive they’re going to be,” Girardi said. “And if you’re going to need to give him a day off here, it’s unpredictable. If he wants to try it, that’s something we’ll definitely discuss, but if he decides to have surgery, we’ll live with that too. It’s just, by giving you this information now, I can’t tell you exactly what is going to happen, and I don’t want to get to where I’m trying to predict. We have to discuss it, and Alex has to discuss it, and the player has to be comfortable in what he does. Then we’ll make a decision.”
Girardi said he hopes to have a decision by the end of the day, but it’s unlikely the team will announce anything until tomorrow.
Here’s Girardi.
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• Right now, the Yankees are waiting for Nick Swisher to get through batting practice before they announce a lineup. If Swisher is healthy enough to play, he’ll be the designated hitter. If not, Jorge Posada will start at DH.
• Eduardo Nunez is the third baseman today.
• Girardi said it’s his understanding that Rodriguez cannot do any more damage to the knee by continuing to play through it. If the Yankees decide against surgery, Girardi said he doesn’t believe a DL stint will do any good. Time off won’t be enough to make a significant difference.
• Girardi also said he believes Rodriguez could be back playing in the big leagues a month after surgery.
• Eric Chavez’s back is bothering him again. “He’s having some back issues right now, so I can’t tell you when we’re going to get Chavy back or if we’re going to get Chavy back,” Girardi said. “You wonder if the back is related to the foot, walking different or trying to run different. Right now there’s no time table when he’ll be back.”
• The Yankees have Brandon Laird and Jorge Vazquez available in Triple-A. Laird’s been hitting much better lately, and Vazquez just returned from the DL and hit another home run two days ago. He has 21 in 69 games.
• Freddy Garcia is available out of the bullpen, but Girardi’s not sure what role he would play. “I could use Freddy out of the bullpen, but we really haven’t done that much,” Girardi said. “So we would have to see how we would do it.”
• No rotation set for after the all-star break.
UPDATE, 11:45 p.m.: No Swisher for the Yankees.
YANKEES
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Robinson Cano 2B
Russell Martin C
Jorge Posada DH
Andruw Jones RF
Eduardo Nunez 3B
Brett Gardner LF
RAYS
Johnny Damon DH
Ben Zobrist RF
Evan Longoria 3B
Casey Kotchman 1B
B.J. Upton CF
Matt Joyce LF
Sean Rodriguez 2B
John Jaso C
Reid Brignac SS
Associated Press photos
I think its time to play it like Chavez isn’t coming back….
I agree. No chance he is coming back. Who is frailer? Nick the Stick or Chavez?
No Swisher in the lineup. Posada starting at DH.
It sucks but surgery is the right call. With the ASB break it’s really closer to 3 weeks he will be missing. Cano can get a nice stint as the cleanup hitter and hopefully Jorgie can thrive at his old 5 hole spot.. Arod’s power down the stretch is much more important than just getting by from here on out with singles.
If Arod is out for a month/month+, this team will need Tex and Cano to carry the offense and some great pitching. It can be done.
Wow a .220 hitter that hasn’t hit the ball out of the infield in weeks is your 5th place hitter? Wow, wow, wow. This lineup doesn’t scare anyone. Yikes! At least we get to see Nunez muff a few grounders but hopefully bang out some more doubles and get some SB’s and ignite the offense at the bottom of the lineup before the Almighty Captain bounces into a DP.
Cano won’t get anything to hit with that scrub Martin hitting behind him.
It should be Nunez because it has been well stated how well the Yankee offense was with him in there.
Thats the whole right/left/right/left binder lineup i guess.
“Chipper Jones has played for nearly two months with a torn meniscus in his right knee, but the pain has gotten to the point where he can’t manage it any longer.”
“The Braves placed Jones on the disabled list Saturday……….”
“……….Surgery is expected to keep him out for 2-3 weeks.”
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-b.....um=twitter
“You wonder if the back is related to the foot, walking different or trying to run different. Right now there’s no time table when he’ll be back.”
The thing is all of his body parts are connected to the mind! And some players are just prone to injuries and their mindset makes aches and pains that other athletes would play through injuries that keep them out of the lineup. Wow! It was nice knowing you Eric. Have a great life in retirement.
“Chavy”?…lol
http://www.urbandictionary.com.....term=chavy
I hope someone talks to Jones about not trying to hit a homerun every time up and swinging out of his cleats and inevitably striking out. singles, doubles, are fine man. The guy looks very selfish from what I can see, trying to pad his stats and not very situationally aware of what’s going on in the game and on the bases in front of him.
Timmy’s a psychologist as well as orthopedic surgeon.
I want Arod to get the surgery. He’s gone the warrior route for weeks. You could see the guy breaking down every time he had to run 1st to 3rd or 2nd to home. I’d rather go a month without him and get him back as close to healthy as we can get him than make the guy limp his way to October.
The Yankees have money, tons of pitching prospects and a smart front office. They can find a 3b to spell him in the interim.
Get the surgery and get back on the field next month. That’s the best thing we can do.
Timmy’s brain is so “effed up: that even Lassie ran away from home. She was tired of him molesting her and the puppies.
tomingeorgia July 9th, 2011 at 12:01 pm
Timmy’s a psychologist as well as orthopedic surgeon.
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Do you think he was able to get his degrees from the same web or was it 2 different ones?
Martin by months:
April/March: .293BA/ .376OBP/ .587SLG/ .963OPS
May: .200BA/ .333OBP/ .347SLG/ .680OPS
June: .185BA/ .274OBP/ .241SLG/ .515OPS
July: .130BA/ .200OBP/ .217SLG/ .417OPS
Losing Alex for 3-6 weeks could very easily be the difference between the Division and the WC.
But having a healthy Alex in October could change the entire complexion of the postseason.
There is little point in NY bringing up someone like Vazquez. He’s brutal at third and not much better at first base. He’s barely over .250 and has struck out 70 times in his last 180 at bats. The only inhouse option is Laird and that comes with issues. He can do a decent job on defense, but, be prepared for a struggle at bat. Promotions usually come with an early one month struggle for him.
Arod should definitely have the surgery asap. Get it now and get it over with. If he does have surgery Cashman will have to find someone to play 3rd base while he is gone. I don’t think Nunez can handle the position everyday.
You’re assuming that Rodriguez would return hot after sitting out that long. If he has surgery, there are only 2 options….Laird and Ramirez.
Russell Martin 5th? Huh?
It’s worth noting, Cano is typically a better second half player.
The knee isn’t the reason for the lack of power. The lack of power was present before that Chicago series. I think he should tough it out and get surgery in the off season. He’s still hitting nearly .300. They need to move him out of clean up.. bat him 3rd or 5th.
Wishful thinking?: Aramis Ramirez
If they could get Ramierez without giving up a ton then that would be ok because he’d be an upgrade at DH when Alex did return……
Obviously, what any of us think is not going to matter. But I wish A-Rod would have surgery today and get back by September.
I really hate that about Chavez because he was working so well for us. We knew when we picked him up, it was a “frail” (as noted above), but he was working great both defense and offense. Nick never did anything.
Go Jeter! I know the Yankee fans will want to throw garbage at the Rays today, but hopefully they will behave with dignity – like Jeter does.
I think it’s time for Cano and Tex to step up. They need to out this team on their backs for a few weeks and let Arod get the surgery.
If Laird is that raw offensively that he needs a month to acclimate himself to the league and hit, I’m betting Cashman is looking at guys like Keppinger and trying to make a deal. I expect the Yankees to have another 3b option by the end of the ASB. Someone is going to come.
Sucks that we can’t just put Chavez a 3b with the way his bat was playing and the way he looked defensively. That would be like replacing one all star with another, but apparently he’s not close so he’s not an option.
The Yankees should DL Arod, bring up Laird for the weekend and try to make a deal before the team resumes from the break while Arod is healing.
Jeter drops down a first inning bunt single for #2999 and an 3 run homer into the Yankee bullpen in his 2nd at bat for #3000.
Works for me Green Beret.
If Cashman can get Ramirez without giving up a lot he definitely should. Then when Arod comes back I would have him split time at DH and 3rd base. No matter what Posada’s playing time is going to be cut down the stretch because Arod will need to DH.
Ramierez has a reverse splits this year…..he’s crushing RHP
GB7
If they offered Betances or Banuelos maybe Atlanta would trade Hinski to them.
I wouldn’t want to be on the hook for Ramierez next year though…..
We won’t see a 3 run homer from Jeter probably the rest of his career. He’s got 2 HR’s in 1/2 a season, the odds of a HR from Jeter are worse then the Powerball odds.
I can’t imagine that Cash would go after Ramirez. Sure, it can’t hurt to ask, but it’s no happening.
Hinske wouldn’t be a bad option, but Atlanta’s in a pennant race. Moreover, I would part with any of the killer B’s for him.
It’s a shame, but this is what the immediate future portends for our aging stars. More injuries, a longer time to heal and diminished production.
Ramirez has a $2M buyout for next season. He also gets a $1M bonus if he’s traded during this season.
Obviously not the most pragmatic answer financially…
Sherman’s guess list if Cash goes 3B shopping….
Mora (recently released by D/backs), Kouzmanoff (in minors, #A’s), Blake (#Dodgers look to get out of paying rest of $5.5M plus buyout)
3 minutes ago via TweetDeck
Ghostwriter July 9th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
I can’t imagine that Cash would go after Ramirez. Sure, it can’t hurt to ask, but it’s no happening.
Hinske wouldn’t be a bad option, but Atlanta’s in a pennant race. Moreover, I would part with any of the killer B’s for him.
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I left this out.
EDIT:
Ghostwriter July 9th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
I can’t imagine that Cash would go after Ramirez. Sure, it can’t hurt to ask, but it’s not happening.
Hinske wouldn’t be a bad option, but Atlanta’s in a pennant race. Moreover, I would not part with any of the killer B’s for him.
My typing is for the birds! Sorry!
Mora looks to be finished. I would rather have Nunez than Mora.
Ramirez’s 2011 stats are virtually identical to Cano’s across the board. Hits, walks, strikeouts, doubles, HRs, average, OBP. Almost creepy they are so alike.
Having another Cano in the lineup wouldn’t be the worst thing.
Mora (recently released by D/backs), Kouzmanoff (in minors, #A’s), Blake (#Dodgers look to get out of paying rest of $5.5M plus buyout)
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Yikes. Might as well stick with Nunez
Ramirez would have to wave that 16 million dollar option for next year before Id be interested.
His club option becomes guaranteed if he gets traded though…..no thanks on that unless he waves it.
On a whim I think I’m going to a Burlington Lake Monsters Game tonight. They’re actually playing the Staten Island Yankees too. Besides Culver, who else should I keep an eye on?
Keppinger could be a good option.
I think Alex should have the surgery now, but I bet he opts to play through it. If I’m wrong and he decides to have the surgery now, I say stick with Nunez. His defense will get better.
I am not an orthopedist, but I do have some knowledge and experience. I had a torn meniscus that was surgically repaired. It continued to worsen until the surgery. Now, it is as good as my other knee. Frankly, I am quite confident a small tear can become a larger tear with use. Therefore, I think surgery is the best option.
AROD’s absence for 4-6 weeks will be a major blow. Remember, the second half schedule is harder with many more road games. I think the playoffs will be a challenge without offensive addition(s). Laird is not very good defensively, or so I hear, nor is he that big of a bat with 9 HRs and a .260 average in AAA.
The offensive addition may need to come at another position-Beltran, e.g.
OMG!! What if Timmy is right!?!?!
What if ARod DIES in surgery!?!?
Timmy! Quick!!! GET LASSIE!!! She’ll know what to do!
I think they go surgery. It makes the most sense, at least to me.
Barring the Cubbies paying a chunk of Ramirez’ salary (for the right players in return), I think they go with Nunez and Laird for the month.
austinmac July 9th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
The offensive addition may need to come at another position-Beltran, e.g.
=================
However, we are already getting fairly good production out of our corner outfielders. So, at the margin Beltran won’t represent much of a net increase. The opportunities to improve the offense are at catcher and at third base. This suggests that calling up MOntero might be the way to go, as well as looking to acquire another third bseman (e.g. Wigginton or Keppinger).
The problem with getting Aramis is what do you do with him once Alex returns? That DH spot is already logjammed. Plus, do we know how he fares against AL pitching?
ARod already looks like he is already favoring the knee. If the condition will get progressively worse with continued use, then he has no choice but to have the surgery now.
IMO, Nunez will be fine replacing ARod offensively…He can bat ninth and be aggressive with Gardner on bases…we’ll make up the runs with speed on the bases.
BoJo July 9th, 2011 at 12:59 pm
IMO, Nunez will be fine replacing ARod offensively…He can bat ninth and be aggressive with Gardner on bases…we’ll make up the runs with speed on the bases.
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I largley agree with this. However, Nunez’s glove concerns me. I think that Cash needs to shore up the utility infielder slot in case Alex doesn’t make it back for the playoffs. I’m not sure that I would want to put all chips on Nunez as our third baseman in October.
Maine, I’m sure that Atlanta does that trade and then offers to mow Cashman’s lawn for eternity. I might offer them Mitre for Hinske.
Timmy–consider this–
I wonder if platelette rich plasma will speed the recovery significantly for Alex….if you knock off the All-Star break, and assume 18 days to recover, and also go back in time and have the surgery last week, he’ll hardly miss any games.
D-Man July 9th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
Mora (recently released by D/backs), Kouzmanoff (in minors, #A’s), Blake (#Dodgers look to get out of paying rest of $5.5M plus buyout)
—————–
Yikes. Might as well stick with Nunez
____________
I agree. If those are the options, I will stick with Nunez.
I’m not sure that I would want to put all chips on Nunez as our third baseman in October.
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I have to presume Alex will be back by August….and our 3B in October.
As far as Nuney’s glove, yes it is a concern….but let’s see him a few games there before we conclude what he is. He may be better than he was at SS.
BoJo July 9th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
I’m not sure that I would want to put all chips on Nunez as our third baseman in October.
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I have to presume Alex will be back by August….and our 3B in October.
As far as Nuney’s glove, yes it is a concern….but let’s see him a few games there before we conclude what he is. He may be better than he was at SS.
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Look at it this way: We never replaced Chavez. It just wouldn’t be wise not to hedge our bets here.
Posada to 3rd?