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A New York Yankees blog by Chad Jennings and the staff of The Journal News


From six to five

Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Aug 23, 2011 Print This Post Print This Post | Email This Post Email This Post

Before the Yankees can build a four-man rotation for the playoffs, they have to settle on a five-man rotation for the rest of the season. The six-man experiment was cause by injury, timing and circumstance (wanting to limit veteran workload while delaying decisions on younger pitchers), but that experiment ends this weekend.

“It seems like everyone wants to determine, if we get to the playoffs, what are we going to do?” Joe Girardi said. “Who’s going to be two, who’s going to be three, who’s going to be four? I don’t think we’ll go to a six-man rotation then. I’m not worried about that, and I’m not going to talk about that. I’m not going to talk about that because it doesn’t make any sense. A, we’re not to the playoffs, and B, the way a guy is throwing the ball now may be totally different from what it is at the end of September. It doesn’t make a lot of sense.

“We need to stay with the six-man rotation until we get through Baltimore, and then we’ll take a look at what we’re going to do.”

The lineup is more-or-less set now that Alex Rodriguez is healthy. The bullpen has weathered the injury storm and seems to be thriving. The bench has its pieces in place, minus a few September call-ups.

For now, cutting the rotation from six to five is the looming decision. Beginning tonight with Bartolo Colon, every starter gets one more turn. If the Yankees haven’t privately made their decision, their last pieces of evidence come in these next five days.

Bartolo Colon: Strong first half, seems to be fading under unfamiliar workload.

CC Sabathia: The ace, the only starter absolutely locked into place.

Phil Hughes: Back from injury, pitching like a legitimate No. 2 lately.

A.J. Burnett: The lighting rod for criticism, struggling as much as he did last season.

Ivan Nova: Emerging rookie, very much back in the mix after brief Triple-A demotion.

Freddy Garcia: Reliable all season, coming back from minor finger injury.

Associated Press photos

 
 

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147 Responses to “From six to five”

  1. djsunyc August 23rd, 2011 at 8:58 am

    shut down colon for a few weeks and bring him back well rested…

  2. blake August 23rd, 2011 at 9:04 am

    If things stay as they are and money truly isn’t an issue then this really isn’t a difficult decision.

  3. MTU August 23rd, 2011 at 9:04 am

    Show me the money.

    Sudden death playoff.

    Best Men win (I hope).

    ;)

  4. Erin August 23rd, 2011 at 9:05 am

    I don’t think it would be the worst thing in the world if they started giving Colon some extra rest.

  5. Yankee Trader August 23rd, 2011 at 9:06 am

    BIG AL August 23rd, 2011 at 8:59 am
    MTU -

    What are your feelings towards getting Haren? Yes, he’s had health issues in the past, but, he appears healthy now, and has pitched very well of late. He’d cost about $500K or less for the remainder of this season, and could be a #2 or #3 for us.
    —————————
    You meant Rich Harden I believe. He was claimed by the Indians and pulled back by the A’s when an agreement couldn’t be reached. If the A’s put him on waivers again they can’t pull him back, and my guess is the Indians will claim him and get him. It would take every AL team passing on him since the Yankees have the best record, for the Yankees to get him.

  6. vinslol August 23rd, 2011 at 9:06 am

    Colon does seem to be wearing out but you really need a larger sample size to see

    if that’s the case, rest him for the post season, he’s our #2 when he’s pitching like he did earlier this yr

  7. MTU August 23rd, 2011 at 9:08 am

    Repost:

    Personally, I am not convinced that Bartolo’s tank is pointing to empty.

    I would like to see more before I decide.

    Hopefully the Yankees feel the same way.

    You want to be sure before you relegate him to the pen.

    He has been an outstanding starter this season. A weapon.

    I would love for it to be able to continue.

  8. blake August 23rd, 2011 at 9:08 am

    If Colon has another rough outing tonight where it looks like he’s on fumes by the 5th and he’s not locating then they could skip his.next start and delay the decision another week…….that’s just kicking the can down the road though. They have to make a decision soon and the sooner they do the sooner it.will stop being a talking point.

  9. blake August 23rd, 2011 at 9:09 am

    MTU would be in favor of Haren I think …..Harden Im not.sure :)

  10. BIG AL August 23rd, 2011 at 9:10 am

    MTU -

    Haren has cleared waivers, so, it would be easy to sign him. Reports are, he would want to return to Oakland next season, which is fine. Read some reports the Yankees were looking at Wandy Rodriquez, and hope that doesn’t happen. Wandy is a sub .500 pitcher, and would cost way too much, and his stuff would not translate well in the AL East.

  11. MTU August 23rd, 2011 at 9:11 am

    Blake-

    In all honesty. Heart of hearts.

    Who do you really want gone ?

    ;)

  12. Benny Blanco August 23rd, 2011 at 9:11 am

    AJ is 1-4 with a 7.12 era in his last nine starts….Ouch!

  13. blake August 23rd, 2011 at 9:12 am

    MTU,

    That’s my feeling as well. We have seen Colon be good this year……so.I want to make.sure its actually a real issue with him before I take him out of the rotation. AJ hasn’t been any good in almost 2 years now…and we have really seen nothing to suggest that is going to change.

  14. Yankee Trader August 23rd, 2011 at 9:12 am

    I posted the possible pitching thru the Boston series earlier. I find it hard to believe that the Yankees will have Burnett start a game in Boston, where he was pretty bad to the tune of a 7.63 ERA and a .344 BAA last year, never mind it’s still August.

    I’m going with Burnett to the bullpen, even if he pitches a no-hitter in Camden Yards on Friday, a park where he traditionally pitches well. :)

  15. BIG AL August 23rd, 2011 at 9:12 am

    MTU -

    I must be getting old too quick, I was thinking of Harden, and kept writing Haren, big difference, but I’d still take Harden.

  16. MTU August 23rd, 2011 at 9:13 am

    Al-

    If Haren can come here on the cheap,rental or not, sign me up.

    Forget Rodriguez. Wave a Wandy over him and make him disappear.

    :)

  17. blake August 23rd, 2011 at 9:14 am

    MTU,

    As I said, if things stay as they are this isn’t that hard of a decision. If Colon bounces.back and Garcia comes back healthy then AJ goes to the pen……this isn’t a small sample with him…..he’s been bad for 2 years now. It’s time to go with your 5 best and he’s not one of them. Nothing personal…I like AJ and wish he would prove me dead wrong …..but that’s what SHOULd happen.

  18. Yankee Trader August 23rd, 2011 at 9:15 am

    BIG AL-

    Good morning. I posted at 9:06 my response thru MTU, why the Yankees will not be able to get Rich Harden, not Dan Haren.

  19. MTU August 23rd, 2011 at 9:15 am

    Al-

    Not sure we need Harden ? If he’s cheap I guess it wouldn’t hurt.

    Who is he replacing or improving upon ? How are you seeing him fitting in ?

  20. MTU August 23rd, 2011 at 9:17 am

    YT makes it look like obtaining Harden is a moot point Al.

  21. blake August 23rd, 2011 at 9:19 am

    Yea Harden is a longshot….not sure he’s worth it anyway because he’d take starts away from somebody and then might get hurt.

  22. Yankee Trader August 23rd, 2011 at 9:20 am

    BIG AL and MTU-

    Coco Crisp and Rich Harden were claimed on waivers and pulled back, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. If Oakland puts the players on waivers again, they won’t be able to pull them back. The A’s first placed Harden and Crisp on waivers a week ago.

    ESPN’s Buster Olney tweets that the Indians won the claim on Harden, but could not work out a deal.

  23. Shame Spencer August 23rd, 2011 at 9:23 am

    Just reading through the last thread… still don’t understand all the hatred for Cash. Its almost like people have never seen all the things the Angels don’t do in the off season.

    I think Colon has a solid start tonight making the Yankees decision that much more difficult. I just have that feeling that all the guys are feeling the same way, that they arent gonna allow themselves to be the ones to be pulled from the rotation. It seems like AJs the one that has the hardest time dealing with that type of pressure (I know its shocking), which is probably why he’ll be left off the playoff roster or shunted to the pen.

  24. Ys Guy August 23rd, 2011 at 9:24 am

    im still thinking they might want to promote montero before sept 1.

  25. Yankee Trader August 23rd, 2011 at 9:24 am

    Looks like Harden will still be on the A’s when he faces Hughes in a day game Sunday. Probably the A’s didn’t like what prospects the Indians were offering for Harden. They had already surrendered their best ones in what is proving to be the worst deadline trade in obtaining Ubaldo Jimenez.

  26. 108 stitches August 23rd, 2011 at 9:27 am

    The season is getting short. As far as the Division in concerned, if the Yankees are (for example) 27-12 for the rest of the way, it means Boston has to go 25-12 with the Yankees currently 2 games less in the loss column.
    This weekend will be meaningful in that Cashman can (begin) to formulate what the postseason roster might look like in particular with the starting pitching.

  27. blake August 23rd, 2011 at 9:28 am

    Montero :

    Vs LHP this year .321/.385/.606/.991
    2nd half .290/.357/.540/.897
    August .324/.387./.588/.975

    Approach getting better….swinging at better pitches ….

  28. Yankee Trader August 23rd, 2011 at 9:28 am

    Definitely would like to see Montero catching this Sunday’s day game instead of Cervelli. But alas I fear that won’t happen :(

  29. Erin August 23rd, 2011 at 9:30 am

    OK, everybody ready for your daily advice from Joba?? ;)

    Joba_62 Morning! Reputation is for time; character is for eternity -J B Gough. Remember who u r and what u stand for! Have a great day!

  30. Erin August 23rd, 2011 at 9:31 am

    September 1st is only a little over a week away. Patience!!!

  31. Ys Guy August 23rd, 2011 at 9:32 am

    its sad that we are approaching another non pennant race. this used to be when it really really started getting good, the last 5-6 weeks of the season. if there weren’t a wild-card in the AL, this would really be shaping up as an awesome division race, but sadly it will mean nothing and the teams will land softly in playoffland after resting all their regulars down the stretch.

  32. ac1 August 23rd, 2011 at 9:33 am

    I agree that it cannot hurt to shut down Colon for a few weeks, or move him to the pen to preserve him for an October start. That being said, in that scenario, i would still demote AJ and bring up Adam Warren. Colon may need the rest, but Burnett does not deserve to be in this rotation.

  33. Ys Guy August 23rd, 2011 at 9:34 am

    it used to be that a guy had to be on your active roster before sept 1 to be eligible for the PS roster but i think they get guys around that as injury replacements nowadays.

  34. Yankee Trader August 23rd, 2011 at 9:34 am

    Erin August 23rd, 2011 at 9:31 am
    September 1st is only a little over a week away. Patience!!!
    ———————————–
    For that I give you a deep bow :)

  35. ADam August 23rd, 2011 at 9:35 am

    Going into the playoffs here really is no decision to be made.. Your top 3 starters are CC, Nova, Hughes, and your 4th is Garcia.

    Colon to the Pen
    AJ on the bubble if he makes the PS roster…

  36. Erin August 23rd, 2011 at 9:36 am

    Yankee Trader- why, thank you sir. :)

  37. Yankee Trader August 23rd, 2011 at 9:37 am

    Ys Guy August 23rd, 2011 at 9:34 am
    it used to be that a guy had to be on your active roster before sept 1 to be eligible for the PS roster but i think they get guys around that as injury replacements nowadays.
    —————————
    It certainly helped the Angels, when in the middle of 2002 they added a pitcher from AAA who later became known as K-Rod, who helped lead them by his dominance to a WS title.

  38. Erin August 23rd, 2011 at 9:37 am

    This just does not sound pleasant at all:

    JohnetteHoward And you thought you had a bad day: #Cardinals Matt Holliday exits game after moth gets “lost” in ear (um..help!) – ESPN http://t.co/7L1adyT

  39. Yankee Trader August 23rd, 2011 at 9:40 am

    Yankee Trader- why, thank you sir.
    ————————-
    Sir! Sir! Now you make me feel old!! I take back my deep bow and give you a s#*t bow. Just kidding.

  40. Erin August 23rd, 2011 at 9:45 am

    Yankee Trader- :lol:

    Very sorry- I take back the “sir” ;)

  41. Yankee Trader August 23rd, 2011 at 9:47 am

    YS Guy-

    K-Rod was added in the middle of September of 2002, not middle of 2002. My bad!

  42. Yankee Trader August 23rd, 2011 at 9:50 am

    I’ve gotta go. Have a nice day .

    The Yankees will do what’s best when picking a 5 man rotation this weekend. I however, am picking Burnett to the bullpen as I do not see him pitching in Fenway, during his scheduled start there. Just my 1 cent!!

  43. Kelvin August 23rd, 2011 at 9:53 am

    Joba turning into dr Phil 0__0

  44. 108 stitches August 23rd, 2011 at 10:01 am

    ac1 August 23rd, 2011 at 9:33 am
    I agree that it cannot hurt to shut down Colon for a few weeks, or move him to the pen to preserve him for an October start. That being said, in that scenario, i would still demote AJ and bring up Adam Warren. Colon may need the rest, but Burnett does not deserve to be in this rotation.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Can’t shut down Colon completely otherwise he’ll lose some arm strength. Just moniter his workload and give him no more than 5 innings for the starts he’s given.
    I do agree that Adam Warren should be brought up and Burnett hidden in the bullpen for the rest of the regular season except for some slop innings and absolutely no spot on the postseason roster.

  45. Erin August 23rd, 2011 at 10:09 am

    YankeesInk Last time ESPN jumped the gun on A-Rod. This time the New York Post & CBSSports.com. Via @subwaysquawkers on FB: http://t.co/E7NvQHQ

  46. BIG AL August 23rd, 2011 at 10:11 am

    MTU -

    Sorry about the lag in response, the mops wanted to go for a walk, but you know how that is.

    I’m looking at Harden, if available, to replace AJ in the rotation. I hope I’m wrong, but I’ve got a strong feeling either, or both, Colon or Freddy will not make it until seasons end due to injury, or failure on the mound.

    108 stitches -

    Don’t hide AJ in the BP, put him on the DL, and free up his spot on the 25 man.

  47. pat August 23rd, 2011 at 10:11 am

    Add another game or two distance in the standings in the next week and I can pitch in Fenway next week and it would all be good.

  48. Mike_Boston August 23rd, 2011 at 10:13 am

    One more clunker from AJ and he’s either getting DL’d or going to the pen, nothing else would make any sense.

    To all the Colon doubters, keep it up, you’ve only been burying the guy since ST waiting for him to fall off the cliff. I’ll repeat what I said the other day, it’s just the dog days for him right now. I can easily see him get his 2nd win once Sept rolls around. He’s a very big guy and on the older side, the weather plays a bigger role than many think. If struggling is pitching to a 3.5 era, with his k to BB ratio I’d take that every day of the week, so would every other team. His velo hasn’t dropped, there’s no reason to think his tank is empty as so many have stated here and in the papers.

  49. blake August 23rd, 2011 at 10:13 am

    The only thing about putting AJ in the pen is that it may decrease the chances of moving him this winter (if there is any chance at all). Maybe the Yankees feel like they have enough cushion that they can stick with him to the bitter end this year…..let him make his starts, leave him off the playoff roster , and then try their best to find a taker this winter. Just speculating ……..

  50. Erin August 23rd, 2011 at 10:16 am

    I like that plan pat. ;)

  51. blake August 23rd, 2011 at 10:16 am

    Mike,

    That could.be the case….the Yankees at the very least should keep pitching him and find out.

  52. West Coast Yankee Fan August 23rd, 2011 at 10:18 am

    Cashman’s statement on Burnett yesterday was really quite amazing – “Of the nine starts, he’s had two clunkers that he’s been awful,” Cashman said. “But the other starts were pedestrian at worst.”

  53. BIG AL August 23rd, 2011 at 10:19 am

    blake -

    With AJ’s contract, there will be no takers, unless the Yankees P/U at least 90% of the contract, at which point, Cashman may decide to just hold on to him until the contract expires.

    The only place I see AJ being successful is in the NL, perhaps the NL West, where an average pitcher looks like an ace.

  54. DocTodd August 23rd, 2011 at 10:19 am

    They might want to promote Montero before Sept 1st, but it’s not going to happen..

  55. ac1 August 23rd, 2011 at 10:20 am

    West Coast Yankee Fan August 23rd, 2011 at 10:18 am
    Cashman’s statement on Burnett yesterday was really quite amazing – “Of the nine starts, he’s had two clunkers that he’s been awful,” Cashman said. “But the other starts were pedestrian at worst.”

    ___

    We already determined that Cash was referring to pedestrian by 2004 standards, not this ERA of better pitching and ERAs.

  56. blake August 23rd, 2011 at 10:21 am

    AL,

    I don’t know… we’ll.see.

  57. sunny615 August 23rd, 2011 at 10:21 am

    The Yankees offense has an off-speed problem from ESPN (insiders only) by Dan Szymborski

    http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb.....ed-pitches

  58. ac1 August 23rd, 2011 at 10:21 am

    Don’t hide AJ in the BP, put him on the DL, and free up his spot on the 25 man.

    ___

    Dont worry about that. On 9/1, the 25 man roster becomes moot.

  59. Doc Iac August 23rd, 2011 at 10:23 am

    sunny, im not an insider, what does the article say

  60. sunny615 August 23rd, 2011 at 10:23 am

    I know some of you don’t have insider access – so do you want me to post the article too? I was actually not sure because it’s long – not mulitple pages, but it’s definitely not a paragraph. Yes? No?

  61. ac1 August 23rd, 2011 at 10:23 am

    The Yankees offense has an off-speed problem from ESPN (insiders only) by Dan Szymborski

    http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb…..ed-pitches

    ___

    ESPN will print anything to make themselves feel better that their hero red sox and their three mvp’s can’t even hold onto first place, even beating the team that is in first place (us) 10 out of 12 times. But, at least Boston is 2nd in hitting off speed pitches.

  62. blake August 23rd, 2011 at 10:26 am

    Cashman also took a shot at the Ubaldo trade during the interview with Kay saying that an AJ-like pitcher just got moved at the deadline…..one last zing at the Rockies for their ridiculous asking price.

  63. sunny615 August 23rd, 2011 at 10:27 am

    There’s a lot of stats and explanations of how he came to his conclusion – but in a nutshell – the Yankees offense ranks first in runs score, but most of that comes off as a fastball hitting team (ranking first among all ML teams). But when it comes to changeups and curveballs, they score seven runs below League average. But it does note that in 09 and 08, the Yankees ranked 3rd and 2nd respectively in score runs off off-speed pitches… so this might be a glitch or it might just be reflective of the current lineup.

  64. LGY August 23rd, 2011 at 10:27 am

    Garcia said after the game that he was ready to make his anticipated start Saturday against Baltimore.

    “I was ready yesterday,” Garcia smiled. “They want to make sure I’m 100 percent, and my finger’s good. I told them whatever’s better for the team, that’s what I’ll do.”

    Forty-two of the 59 pitches Garcia threw were strikes, and he threw nearly a dozen splitters, the pitch the Yankees were worried would be most-affected by his finger injury.

    “I had no problems,” Garcia said. “I’m ready for Saturday..”

    http://m.thetimes-tribune.com/.....bled=false

  65. sunny615 August 23rd, 2011 at 10:28 am

    This blog needs a spell checker and a grammar checker too. sigh.

  66. MTU August 23rd, 2011 at 10:28 am

    Al-

    Boy do I ever. Where do you think I just was ?

    About Harden. I really don’t know on that one. I think we have enough arms.

    If he comes cheap enough then maybe as some extra added insurance.

    If I remember correctly in the past Harden has not been an innings eater. I do not know if that has changed ?

    Great stuff. Trouble staying healthy and throwing strikes is my thought.

    Is that an improvement over Burnett ?

  67. ac1 August 23rd, 2011 at 10:29 am

    “I was ready yesterday,” Garcia smiled. “They want to make sure I’m 100 percent, and my finger’s good. I told them whatever’s better for the team, that’s what I’ll do.”

    __

    This is refreshing. After hearing all the AJ spin, someone who wants to do what’s best for the team is a welcome change.

  68. pat August 23rd, 2011 at 10:29 am

    Erin

    Wakefield has had success throwing slow in Fenway and besides I pitch underhand which just might confuse them. :wink:

  69. Mell August 23rd, 2011 at 10:30 am

    one last zing at the Rockies for their ridiculous asking price.

    ==============================

    Maybe that zing was more at the Tribe. They paid it.

    Did he really say “AJ-like pitcher”?

  70. Doc Iac August 23rd, 2011 at 10:30 am

    LGY, if ur quoting garicia, u missed about 13 “you know”s

  71. Mike_Boston August 23rd, 2011 at 10:30 am

    Blake,
    That’s quite an indictment on Cash’s feelings about AJ. Seems to me he’s greasing the skids for a demotion. I think it’s even more of a blow to AJ than to Rox front office, but either way we all know it’s the truth. I’m so glad he didn’t give up a Nova, Noesi or Hughes for that guy, that would have been brutal.

  72. blake August 23rd, 2011 at 10:32 am

    Mell,

    Yea he did im pretty sure. He didn’t say Ubaldo’s name but Im sure that’s what he was talking about.

  73. sunny615 August 23rd, 2011 at 10:33 am

    Anyone with even a passing familiarity with the 2011 New York Yankees knows they have one of the best offensive attacks in the league. They are edging out the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers for the most runs scored in baseball so far this season, and it’s hard to find a true weakness in the lineup to exploit. The Yankees hit at home and on the road, against lefties and righties, against fly ball pitchers and ground ball pitchers. With apologies to the late, great, Dr. Seuss, this team would score runs in a box, with a fox, in a house, or with a mouse.

    Looking at the pitch-by-pitch stats against the Yankees on FanGraphs, however, tells a story of a lineup with a weakness this season. The Bronx Bombers have been the best team in baseball this year at hitting fastballs, generating 81 more runs of production against fastballs than the average team. Just five teams in baseball are even 20 or more runs better than average against fastballs this season, so that 81 is a pretty impressive number. While the Red Sox and Rangers are also very good fastball-hitting teams this year, there’s more balance. For example, the Red Sox and Rangers rank second and third in baseball against changeups. Against changeups and curveballs, the Yankees have combined to be seven runs below average, a relatively weak performance for a team leading baseball in runs scored.

    Against curves, Nick Swisher is hitting .154 and Brett Gardner is at .138. Even MVP candidate Curtis Granderson is hitting just .212 against the ol’ No. 2. Derek Jeter is hitting .120 against changeups, Russell Martin .109.

    Relative struggles against the curve and change is a new phenomenon for the Yanks. Last season, the Bombers were third in baseball against both pitches. A year before that, they were second in both.

    For whatever reason, the Yankees have mostly fed on fastballs this season. The question it raises is whether it’s a real effect or simply one determined by chance or the particular mix of pitchers the Yankees have faced this season.

    To answer this question, I used Fangraphs’ pitch-by-pitch stats to collect the pitch-type distribution for every pitcher that’s faced the Yankees this season, to see if the pattern remained. In other words, to see if fastball pitchers were struggling with the Yankees more than one would expect while pitchers who throw more curves and changeups were doing better than expected. I used the last three years of pitch distributions for pitchers, just to get a larger sample size of pitch information.

    The first group I looked at was the 15 pitchers who threw the highest percentage of fastballs over the last three seasons. When I combined their numbers, this group of hurlers has a cumulative ERA of 6.04 against the Yanks in 146 innings pitched. Now, this doesn’t tell us by itself that the Yankees specifically were able to take advantage of these pitchers — we have to take the additional step of comparing it to their actual season totals. For these 15 pitchers, I took their seasonal ERAs in non-Yankee games and weighted the innings pitched in proportion to the number of innings they faced against the Yankees. The eventual weighted ERA for these pitchers in non-Yankee games comes out to an ERA of 3.96. Essentially, facing the Yankees caused the pitchers that have thrown the most fastballs to lose just over two runs a game in ERA. The rest of the American League has a 5.20 ERA against the Yankees lineup, compared to league-average of 3.97 (difference of 1.23), so on first glance, it looks like the pattern holds.

    Now, the flip slide. The 15 pitchers that threw the highest percentage of curveballs have a 4.27 ERA against the Yankees in 129 innings this year compared to a weighted ERA of 3.56 in non-Yankee games. That increase of 0.71 earned runs per game against the Yankees is barely a third of the 2.08 earned run per game increase that the 15 fastball pitchers suffered in 2011. For the 15 pitchers that threw the most changeups, the difference was even less, only increasing from a 3.50 non-Yankee weighted ERA to a 4.03, just over a half-run a game.

    So, which teams are in a position to take advantage of this? Of the possible playoff teams, the Red Sox fare the best, with Josh Beckett and Clay Buchholz (assuming he can get back on the field) ranking among the most curveball- and change-heavy pitchers in baseball. Of pitchers that have faced the Yankees this season, they rank fourth and fifth respectively, behind James Shields, Gio Gonzalez, and Ricky Romero. The Rangers and Indians have a harder climb, with more pitchers that rely on fastballs and/or sinkers to get batters out. The Tigers, White Sox, and Angels finish in the middle.

    Perhaps the most disheartening thing for a potential playoff opponent of the Yankees is that with the talent in the lineup, there’s no guarantee that the trouble hitting curves and changes will continue. As noted, the Yankees crushed both types of pitches in 2009 and 2010, so simply throwing a few more off-speed pitches might not be enough to shut down this juggernaut. However, New York’s poor numbers against curves and change-ups gives opposing pitching staffs a glimmer of hope.

    Dan Szymborski covers baseball for ESPN Insider. He has written about the sport since 2001 for the Baseball Think Factory, where he is an editor.

  74. blake August 23rd, 2011 at 10:33 am

    Mike,

    Yea but he said it during his 15 minute rationalization fest about AJ…..I think he meant it as a defense for AJ.

  75. BIG AL August 23rd, 2011 at 10:35 am

    You don’t have to read ESPN to know the Yankees have trouble with breaking pitches, as do most teams. You don’t make it as a pro if you can’t hit a FB, and what makes a great hitter, is being able to handle the breaking pitch. This is why guys that can’t throw harder than 88 MPH are still making a good living in MLB, they have great breaking pitches.

  76. Mell August 23rd, 2011 at 10:35 am

    Yea he did im pretty sure. He didn’t say Ubaldo’s name but Im sure that’s what he was talking about.
    ===================================

    That’d be surprising. Denigrating a player like that hasn’t been his style. Plus there’s the “people in glass houses” angle.

  77. Giuseppe Franco August 23rd, 2011 at 10:36 am

    Jimenez has been VERY Burnett-esque in his first few starts in CLE.

    The Rockies’ GM even took a shot at Jimenez on his way out the door. He wanted #1 starter return for him but flat out said he was pitching like a #4 starter.

    I give the Tribe credit for going for it since it’s been a few years since they’ve been relevant. But that trade is probably going to be a stinker long term.

  78. blake August 23rd, 2011 at 10:37 am

    Mell,

    Im not sure how he meant it really…..I think he was scraping the barrel trying to find ways to defend AJ and Kay kept after him about it. Cash can ramble on with the best of them at times.

  79. BIG AL August 23rd, 2011 at 10:40 am

    MTU -

    Harden has had his troubles in the past, but, as of late has pitched very well, and we should see him this week.

  80. blake August 23rd, 2011 at 10:42 am

    In other news……its time to call up Montero. They’ve been waiting for him to hit……he’s hitting…..they’ve been waiting for a need at DH….they have one. Im fine with calling him up Sept 1 to help with the roster ……but they have to actually give him a chance to play or its pointless.

    They need to find out if he upgrades the team and they shouldn’t be satisfied with the present merely because they are leading in runs……leading in runs and being in 1st place shouldn’t mean you don’t try to improve in any area you can. With their rotation they’ll need the very best offense they can muster to win it all.

  81. Doc Iac August 23rd, 2011 at 10:44 am

    blake, im sure hell be up sept 1,

  82. ac1 August 23rd, 2011 at 10:47 am

    Blake, they will not call him up before Sept. 1 because there is no space on the 25 man.
    If we dont see him on Sept 1, however, then heads need to roll.

  83. Mell August 23rd, 2011 at 10:48 am

    In other news……its time to call up Montero. They’ve been waiting for him to hit……he’s hitting…..they’ve been waiting for a need at DH….they have one. Im fine with calling him up Sept 1 to help with the roster ……but they have to actually give him a chance to play or its pointless.

    =================================

    Jones has been OPSing 1.010 since the end of June. If he stays warm, he’d seem to be the guy as the DH against LHP’s. Chavez and Posada haven’t been especially good lately, so maybe that’s where Montero fits in.

  84. MTU August 23rd, 2011 at 10:48 am

    Thanks for the updated info. on him.

    I did not look at his current stats.

    Have you heard from our friend up North lately ? Maybe he decided to try the Falls in a barrel.

    He’d do just about anything to get the perfect photo.

    :)

  85. blake August 23rd, 2011 at 10:49 am

    Ac1,

    They coukd make room if they wanted…..however they’ve waited so long now that they might as well wait til sept.

  86. Erin August 23rd, 2011 at 10:50 am

    ac1 August 23rd, 2011 at 10:47 am

    If we dont see him on Sept 1, however, then heads need to roll.

    *************************

    I think there’s a very strong possibility LoHud will explode if he’s not up Sept 1st. ;)

  87. blake August 23rd, 2011 at 10:50 am

    Mell,

    They coukd keep playing Jonesy. They coukd put them both in the lineup vs lefties if they wanted

  88. BIG AL August 23rd, 2011 at 10:51 am

    MTU -

    He sent me some pictures a couple weeks ago, from the falls, not going over them. Other than that he’s been no whare to be found.

  89. BIG AL August 23rd, 2011 at 10:54 am

    The problem with waiting until Sept 1 to bring Montero up, he’s not able to play in the PS, unless ther’s an injury. I don’t see us being as successful going into the PS with such weak production out of the DH spot. Against a good LH SP you could play Jones in RF, and DH Montero.

  90. ac1 August 23rd, 2011 at 10:56 am

    Al, they talked about this earlier. Because of a couple injuries, if Montero comes up after Sept 1, he will still be eligible for post season (wasnt really clear how though)

  91. Mell August 23rd, 2011 at 11:00 am

    Against a good LH SP you could play Jones in RF, and DH Montero.

    =============================

    As Swisher’s OPS against LHP’s is about 300 points higher than Gardners, I think Jones in LF and Montero at DH is preferable.

  92. West Coast Yankee Fan August 23rd, 2011 at 11:00 am

    “MLB rule states that any player in the organization on August 31st is eligible for the postseason if they are on the list of eligible players. This list is generally assumed to be the 40-man roster, and that is true, but that list can be expanded.

    Playoff rosters must be set at 25, not including disabled players, on August 31. For each player on the 60-day DL, teams may add players to the eligible list during the playoffs provided that they were in the organization on August 31. Teams must choose 25 players from their playoff-eligible list before each round of the playoffs.”

  93. BIG AL August 23rd, 2011 at 11:01 am

    Mell -

    Good point!

  94. JM August 23rd, 2011 at 11:03 am

    I am late to this but….how exactly does a moth get “lost” in someone’s ear?

  95. pat August 23rd, 2011 at 11:03 am

    Gossip Break: Photos from the Robertson/Swisher fundraiser last night

    http://www.gettyimages.com/Sea.....p=yankees#

  96. JobaTipsHisCap August 23rd, 2011 at 11:03 am

    Hughes is not No.2, my vote is Nova

    Hughes hasn’t proved he can beat ELITE teams CONSISTENTLY.

  97. joek212 August 23rd, 2011 at 11:05 am

    BIG AL there’s a terrific piece from joe pawilkowski on river ave blues about who’s eligble for the ps check it out

  98. Erin August 23rd, 2011 at 11:06 am

    YESNetwork Daniel’s Music Foundation composed a song and video in appreciation for the New York Yankees’ HOPE Week: http://t.co/VhvZDMZ

  99. Mell August 23rd, 2011 at 11:06 am

    Hughes hasn’t proved he can beat ELITE teams CONSISTENTLY

    =========================

    Neither has Nova.

  100. West Coast Yankee Fan August 23rd, 2011 at 11:07 am

    “CHICAGO — Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro was held out of the starting lineup Monday night against Atlanta, one night after television cameras caught him not paying attention in the field as a pitch was thrown. “It’s a mental day off,” Chicago manager Mike Quade said during a long pregame press conference at which Castro was pretty much the only topic of discussion.

    The pitch in question occurred during the sixth inning of Sunday night’s 6-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. As reliever James Russell went into his motion and delivered to Daniel Descalso, Castro kicked at the dirt and then walked toward the outfield, never looking toward home plate when the pitch was thrown.”

  101. Erin August 23rd, 2011 at 11:08 am

    pat-great pictures. I love JoAnna’s dress. And the mini Yankee cupcakes. :)

  102. JobaTipsHisCap August 23rd, 2011 at 11:12 am

    Cashman apparently is frustrated.
    AJ can’t pitch in Aug, can he try in Sep? LOL

  103. Joe from Long Island August 23rd, 2011 at 11:14 am

    pat – thanks for the link to the pictures. I wish I was able to go.

  104. BIG AL August 23rd, 2011 at 11:15 am

    Later folks, y’all have a great day.

  105. Chip August 23rd, 2011 at 11:17 am

    Anyone see the Angel Pagan thing last night? Turns out he nearly missed an AB because all of a sudden he was overcome by the need to use the can. Terry Collins pulled him from the game after he grounded out.

  106. Joe from Long Island August 23rd, 2011 at 11:18 am

    Chip – the story in Newsday today said he had a “stomach virus”.

  107. Joe from Long Island August 23rd, 2011 at 11:19 am

    And on that note, got to run (not to bathroom).

    Later.

  108. Chip August 23rd, 2011 at 11:19 am

    Here’s how the Daily News put it: “Turns out, the center fielder felt a rumble at the end of the fourth. It arrived suddenly, and with great force.”

  109. pkyankfan69 August 23rd, 2011 at 11:22 am

    Thank the good lord Boone was able to make it!

  110. GreenBeret7 August 23rd, 2011 at 11:24 am

    Sounds like Pagan had some of the same issues that a few idiots on here have on a daily basis.

  111. Erin August 23rd, 2011 at 11:25 am

    Joe-I wish you had gone too-you could have given us all the scoop! ;)

  112. pkyankfan69 August 23rd, 2011 at 11:25 am

    ” Darryl Strawberry enjoys a strawberry milkshake ”

    Easilly the best photo of the bunch

  113. blake August 23rd, 2011 at 11:26 am

    Against LHP, Joe would have the option of playing both Jones and Montero or playing Gardner and one of them. They could go.

    Jeter
    Granderson
    Tex
    Arod
    Cano
    Swisher
    Jones
    Montero
    Martin

    Brinf it on Lester and Bedard..bring it on .Wilson, Lee and Hamels

  114. Chip August 23rd, 2011 at 11:27 am

    GreenBeret7 August 23rd, 2011 at 11:24 am
    Sounds like Pagan had some of the same issues that a few idiots on here have on a daily basis.

    ————

    I would think that every person, at one time or another, feels the need to take a massive dump.

  115. GreenBeret7 August 23rd, 2011 at 11:29 am

    No way would Boston be able to “brinf” it on against them, Blake. Brinfing is illegal in baseball.

  116. blake August 23rd, 2011 at 11:33 am

    GB can spel beter than me now…this is terribel. I kneed a inglish leson. :)

  117. LGY August 23rd, 2011 at 11:34 am

    Mattress shopping is easily one of the least enjoyable activities on the planet :mad:

    Sorry. Felt the need to rant about something other than AJ.

  118. Doc Iac August 23rd, 2011 at 11:34 am

    need a good laugh?

    http://www.yesnetwork.com/news.....038;vkey=4

  119. Erin August 23rd, 2011 at 11:35 am

    Chip August 23rd, 2011 at 11:27 am
    I would think that every person, at one time or another, feels the need to take a massive dump.

    *********************************

    Can we please cool it with the bathroom talk? I feel like I’m at an elementary school cafeteria.

  120. Erin August 23rd, 2011 at 11:37 am

    LGY-yes, I would agree with that. LOL

  121. ac1 August 23rd, 2011 at 11:37 am

    http://www.yesnetwork.com/news.....038;vkey=4
    ___

    I get defending your hometown player, but really? Rivera is so far about Hoffman it isn’t funny, and in a couple weeks when he passes him on the all-time list, the last thing that hoffman has over rivera will be gone too…

  122. pkyankfan69 August 23rd, 2011 at 11:39 am

    I appologize in advance but with all of this poo talk I can’t help myself but to post this:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fuKz0TeKY8

  123. LGY August 23rd, 2011 at 11:46 am

    LGY-yes, I would agree with that. LOL

    ——

    I’m pretty sure last night I had a dream that a mattress salesman told me to smoke the objective pipe.

  124. Chip August 23rd, 2011 at 11:47 am

    LGY August 23rd, 2011 at 11:34 am
    Mattress shopping is easily one of the least enjoyable activities on the planet

    Sorry. Felt the need to rant about something other than AJ.

    ———————–

    It’s also one of the more gross things – why do I want to lay on a mattress that has easily been laid upon by a couple of hundred other people?

    At least in a hotel you’re not on the mattress – you’re on linens that have (hopefully) been washed prior to your arrival.

    Speaking of hotels – if any of you are planning to take any trips – make sure you check your hotel at the Bed Bug Registry (you don’t want it to be on it)

  125. Erin August 23rd, 2011 at 11:49 am

    LGY August 23rd, 2011 at 11:46 am

    I?m pretty sure last night I had a dream that a mattress salesman told me to smoke the objective pipe.

    ************************

    :lol:

  126. GreenBeret7 August 23rd, 2011 at 11:49 am

    blake August 23rd, 2011 at 11:33 am
    GB can spel beter than me now…this is terribel. I kneed a inglish leson.

    ————————————————————————————————————————-

    Always happy to help you out, Blake. Can’t allow MTU’s education to surpass yours.

  127. Chip August 23rd, 2011 at 11:53 am

    On the topic of where the SWB Yankees should play next season – I vote for Allentown with the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs.

    If nothing else the players who go down for rehab can party at the Sands after games.

  128. DadinIowa August 23rd, 2011 at 11:53 am

    Hi all. I am so excited to start the Jesus era in new york!

  129. TheStraw August 23rd, 2011 at 11:53 am

    http://www.yesnetwork.com/news.....038;vkey=4

    Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha. Talk about pipe smoking.

  130. pkyankfan69 August 23rd, 2011 at 11:53 am

    The poll question in the MLB section at ESPN is:

    Who is the strongest candidate on the Red Sox?

    Jacoby Ellsbury
    Adrian Gonzalez
    Dustin Pedroia
    ??????
    (Barf)

    In a subsequent poll ESPN asks…

    Who is the best player in baseball this season?

    Jose Bautista
    Adrian Gonzalez
    Roy Halladay
    Justin Verlander
    Other
    ????

    Disgusting

  131. DadinIowa August 23rd, 2011 at 11:53 am

    Is there ANY indication that the J era will begin before Sept. 1st?

  132. kd August 23rd, 2011 at 11:54 am

    just catching up… any chance aj get’s a phantom injury, heads down to tampa and works with contreras?

  133. Bronx Jeers August 23rd, 2011 at 11:55 am

    Mattress shopping is easily one of the least enjoyable activities on the planet

    —————————

    I recently went through that. It’s very easy to get ripped off. The sticker priced at mattress stores are all total BS. Shop online.

    I ended up with a memory foam and am very happy with it. Saved big bucks too.

  134. Chip August 23rd, 2011 at 11:55 am

    DadinIowa August 23rd, 2011 at 11:53 am
    Is there ANY indication that the J era will begin before Sept. 1st?

    —————–

    Nope.

    Though as Chad points out – teams usually do promote a third catcher after 9.1 and with Molina being DFA’ed it makes sense that Montero would be the guy (a spot on the 40 was opened up with the DFA of Aaron Laffey)

  135. DadinIowa August 23rd, 2011 at 11:55 am

    I am not sure what the arguing about the MVP award is all about. Who cares? Maybe in the dead of winter when there aren’t games to be played, it might be more interesting. I would MUCH prefer the Yankees winning no individual awards as long as they end up with rings in October.

  136. Chip August 23rd, 2011 at 11:56 am

    Bronx Jeers August 23rd, 2011 at 11:55 am
    Mattress shopping is easily one of the least enjoyable activities on the planet

    —————————

    I recently went through that. It’s very easy to get ripped off. The sticker priced at mattress stores are all total BS. Shop online.

    I ended up with a memory foam and am very happy with it. Saved big bucks too.

    ————-

    Not a fan of memory foam – too much heat retention.

  137. pat August 23rd, 2011 at 11:57 am

    Watching the NY media deal with him in postgames could be endlessly amusing…….

    CJ WIlson was asked what he was thinking during a few key ABs in the first 2 innings last night and his response was “The meaning of life” and “Man, I need a really good tortilla soup recipe.”

  138. DadinIowa August 23rd, 2011 at 11:57 am

    Thanks, Chip. I saw that. :( I too hope that the rotation problem is resolved by putting AJ on the disabled list for a week or two and let him resolve his problems, if possible, down in the minors on rehab. At this point, having him try to resolve at the major league level only hurts the team.

  139. DadinIowa August 23rd, 2011 at 12:00 pm

    I also wouldn’t hesitate to bring up Warren or even Manny for a spot start and skip at least one of Colon’s and Freddy’s starts. Maybe even one of CC’s. I am not worried about Hughes or Nova needing a short rest.

  140. Chip August 23rd, 2011 at 12:00 pm

    pat August 23rd, 2011 at 11:57 am
    Watching the NY media deal with him in postgames could be endlessly amusing…….

    CJ WIlson was asked what he was thinking during a few key ABs in the first 2 innings last night and his response was “The meaning of life” and “Man, I need a really good tortilla soup recipe.”

    —————

    I like this guy. My favorite was right before the playoffs when he was asked for the 200th time how much the Rangers getting Cliff Lee impacted him and he said, “Well before Cliff got here I was a right handed 2nd baseman.”

  141. Don Vito A. Bellamo August 23rd, 2011 at 12:01 pm

    When AJ Pitches, it is the only time I root for the other team to light up our pitcher. Our offense has a chance to come back and win any game he pitches AND the more nails in his coffin, the less chance he has to make our postseason roster and KILL our chances of getting to and/or winning the WS this year. Let him stay home and pie himself in the face after each postseason win we get, because with him safely on his couch, he is doing the team a HUGE FAVOR !

  142. pkyankfan69 August 23rd, 2011 at 12:01 pm

    —DaddyinIowa

    Oh please, lots of people care because it’s a great accomplishment and a very big deal to win MVP. It’s complete BS how much ESPN blows the Sox. Unfortunately they have big time sway with who wins.

    Would I rather Granderson win MVP or the Yanks win the WS. Of course I’d pick Yanks winning the WS. Sorry but I want BOTH.

  143. Erin August 23rd, 2011 at 12:01 pm

    pat August 23rd, 2011 at 11:57 am
    Watching the NY media deal with him in postgames could be endlessly amusing??.

    CJ WIlson was asked what he was thinking during a few key ABs in the first 2 innings last night and his response was ?The meaning of life? and ?Man, I need a really good tortilla soup recipe.”

    **************************

    :lol:

  144. DadinIowa August 23rd, 2011 at 12:02 pm

    Yankees are in a good position now. Teams want their playoff destiny to be in their own hands. Really it seems like the division is their’s for the taking.

  145. Erin August 23rd, 2011 at 12:04 pm

    New Post: Pitching matchups vs. Oakland

    :arrow:

  146. DadinIowa August 23rd, 2011 at 12:04 pm

    PkYank: We can disagree as to the importance of awards, no problem. I really don’t care if Boston players win every individual award, team awards, etc….. AS LONG AS we get the rings! :)

  147. austinmac August 23rd, 2011 at 12:05 pm

    Erin,

    And elementary level conversations are unusual here? I very likely contribute to such high level discussions. :)

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