Hughes back on the mound, back in the pen
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Podcast on Sep 27, 2011 
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When Russell Martin was ejected last night, he’d just been to the mound to talk to Phil Hughes. It was on his way back to the plate that he came up with the “Did you stretch” joke that got him tossed.
“Phil was getting frustrated because he was making close pitches,” Martin said. “Not necessarily strikes, but he was making close pitches (and) wasn’t getting the calls. I saw he was getting frustrated, went out and talked to him, trying to buy some time just to get his mind back to where it needs to be.”
Joe Girardi has made it clear that he plans to have Hughes pitch again on Wednesday. It will only Hughes second appearance since September 12, and it will be his last tune-up before he settles into a bullpen role in the postseason.
“We have a pretty good back end of our bullpen so that part’s pretty much established,” Hughes said. “But whatever I can do to help in whatever capacity, that’s all I’m looking to do, just to be there. Whatever they need is what I’ll do.”
Girardi said he could use Hughes as a multi-inning reliever — he went 1.2 innings last night — or he could use Hughes for one inning (or one out). Hughes is stretched out, but he has late-inning experience, and no one seems too concerned about his ability to adjust back to the bullpen after two seasons in the rotation.
“You get crazy games,” Girardi said. “We had a crazy game (Sunday) night. It could be a situation like that. Where he fits in exactly, I don’t know. The big thing is I want him to throw the ball well so I have a lot of options.”
Hughes command wasn’t great last night. He’s hoping for better tomorrow. And he’s hoping for a chance to have an impact in October.
“Physically I felt good,” he said. “The back was a non-issue. I wasn’t locating perfectly, but I felt pretty good… Hopefully I’ll get in (Wednesday) and be effective.”
Here’s Hughes.
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blake September 27th, 2011 at 11:51 am
FakePeteGammons 12 mins Bedard & TBA next 2 starters for #Redsox is not an indictment of farm system. Prospects are there. You just can’t see them. Only I can.
====================================================
I betcha’ they wish they’d held onto Justin Masterson.
Better luck with your health next season Phil.
Head for API in the OS.
Be ready to kick butt next Spring.
“Gonzalez is hitting 313 with a 436 OBP in Sept. I wish our guy at first was doing that”
Yea…..but Im certainly glad we didn’t have to trade Manny Banuelos and Jesus Montero to get that player 2 years later.
Marlins ownership couldn’t get along with Joe Girardi…..how do they think its going to go with Ozzie Guillen?
Blake-
No problem at all as long as they keep the straight jacket and duck tape handy.
Adrian Gonzalez went far enough to say that the Yankees would be “playing with fire” if they “let up on the gas pedal,” even for the final three games after clinching the A.L. East and home field in the playoffs during the last week.
“If any team goes into a series and plays not to win, it can hurt you,” Gonzalez said. “All ballplayers know that. You go into the playoffs and you may not be able to just turn it on again.”
—
The yankees took 3 out of 4 from the rays last week & gave the redsox every opportunity to solidify their wild card spot, but THEY didn’t get it done. If they lose the next 2 games, it’s on them once again.
A-gon should not waste time worrying about what the yankees do & worry about how to beat the Orioles. Maybe if he focused on getting a big hit in the 9th yesterday & not scoreboard watching, they may have had a shot to win last night.
SI_JonHeyman 59 mins hearing whispers #bluejays may be big spenders this winter. already have great farm system, scouts, gm. primed to be player?
The Jays could throw a big number at pujols or fielder if they wanted
A-Gon said, quoting from his extensive post season experience. /sarcasm
The Blue Jays can throw as many numbers at hitters as they want, they will continue to be a .500 team until they find pitching.
The Jays have some dead serious arms coming up.
They could turn into Tampa with bats in the near future.
The Blue Jays have pitching……its just still developing. Morrow and Drabek are very talented to go behind Romero.
The Jays have a lot more financial resources than the Rays though.
They have 1 pitcher and that is Romero and even he isn’t a true ace. Let me know when Morrow puts together more then a month of good pitching at a time. Drabeck is nothing more then a number 3 at best
I’m not saying any of you guys are wrong about the Jays. But I will say that we’ve been hearing about them being the next big contender for years now. We’ll see what happens.
Drabek and Morrow both have frontline stuff…now whether they develop into that who knows…..but they have talent there and in their system. We have to wait and see….
They have a ton of arms at the lower levels, some of whom are expected to move fast. Noah Syndergaard is getting the hype of late.
Their pitching has been “on the way” for like 4 years now.
THT put up their top 100 prospects lists today (http://www.hardballtimes.com/m.....prospects/) and There are only 2 Jays on that list. A Catcher and an OF.
Part 2 of that list is here: http://www.hardballtimes.com/m.....ts-part-2/
CC, who knows but AA has done his job injecting the system full of promising arms… the law of averages suggest they won’t all fail…they’re stacked.
Re: Jays,
Rogers has more money than God, it’s just a matter of properly applying it. Their GM seems to be well-backed, and they can pay for whatever FA they want.
ID,
If takes awhile…..not everyone has a horseshoe in their pocket like TB with starting pitchers.
Lohud People, please talk me off the ledge. Too much free time (that is, games that don’t matter for the Yanks) has my mind going in nervous places.
Here’s what I have a nightmare about:
1) The Sox make the playoffs (likely; even now ESPN says they have a 62% chance of doing so).
2) Sox get to play the Rangers (they’re one game ahead of Detroit right now, so seem likely to finish with the second best record among division leaders).
3) Playing the Rangers seems a MUCH better option in a 5-game series.
4) Yanks — gasp! — can’t make it past Detroit.
5) Boston manages to get by Texas.
6) This whole Sox debacle is forgotten and it’s the Yanks, actually, who fall flat.
Help!
Their pitching has been ?on the way? for like 4 years now.
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+ 1
Phil needs to stop getting so frustrated on the mound…that is how baseball is. If you have a rep of throwing strikes you will get the pitches. He is getting into the habit of letting umpires affect his performance….
Listening to WEEI over the Internet….it’s very entertaining, they are discussing how many players can’t handle pressAHH. (pressure)..
Sigmund September 27th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
——
i too worry, anything can happen, thats y i dont talk smack til it is over…
Those percentage of making the playoffs things are beyond useless……
Tony Masseroti was on WFAN earlier bashing the Sox….what annoyed me was that he said there are some me first..stats guys on the team, Like Alex. That ticked me off
Does anyone have any major league comps for Mason Williams and Dante Bichette Jr?
Also do we expect either of these guys or both of them to make the top 100 prospect list for the 2012 season
How do the sox have a higher % of making the play offs than the Rays? They have identical records. Rays have Hellickson and Price pitching the next 2 games, sox have Bedard and Lester. Advantage Rays, IMO.
Sigmund September 27th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
Lohud People, please talk me off the ledge. Too much free time (that is, games that don’t matter for the Yanks) has my mind going in nervous places.
Here’s what I have a nightmare about:
1) The Sox make the playoffs (likely; even now ESPN says they have a 62% chance of doing so).
2) Sox get to play the Rangers (they’re one game ahead of Detroit right now, so seem likely to finish with the second best record among division leaders).
3) Playing the Rangers seems a MUCH better option in a 5-game series.
4) Yanks — gasp! — can’t make it past Detroit.
5) Boston manages to get by Texas.
6) This whole Sox debacle is forgotten and it’s the Yanks, actually, who fall flat.
——————————
1 – Sox have the skeleton of Erik Bedard starting tonight and Lester on fumes tomorrow. The Yankees have little to no interest in winning tomorrow’s game. To win the WC outright, the Red Sox almost certainly have to win 2 in a row, something they haven’t done in an entire month. Even if they do get to the 1 game playoff, they have either Wakefield or Lackey starting against a red-hot and motivated Tampa Bay team.
Boston is at a major disadvantage.
2 – Texas bats will put up 6 or more runs every game on Boston’s putrid pitching staff and overworked bullpen.
3 – Not for Boston. The Texas bats would eat them alive considering their overall ERA for the last month is north of 7.
4 – Yankees beat Verlander in Game 1 and Detroit is toast. I don’t see why it cannot be done either, we also have an ace on the mound for Game 1, just like them. The Yanks can knock around Fister or Scherzer just fine.
5 – I put the odds at very unlikely to impossible.
6 – It’s not going to happen. The Yankees are the best team in the American League this season, and it will show.
Now step off the friggin’ ledge.
Somebody doesn’t like Phil and has to knock him. What a surprise.
Listening to WEEI over the Internet?.it?s very entertaining, they are discussing how many players can?t handle pressAHH. (pressure)..
———————————————————————–
I’ll say it again what is so different about the core group of guys now as compared to 2007?
Betsy – do you think he was referring to Ellsbury? I remember last year there were several stories written by Boston press that he (Ellsbury) was dogging it. That is, until it came out that he had been misdiagnosed by the Red Sox medical team, and really had broken bones (ribs, I think).
@bkabak
Nick Cafardo’s Q&As are great. According to him, Sox are fat, overpaid, have no heart and don’t bunt enough. t.co/qxQCui7w
I don’t know about a comp for Williams…..but everything I’ve read is very positive. Potential 15-20 homers…..hit for high average ….and a plus plus CFer ……maybe a Grandyman with higher avg and less pop. Dante Jr hopefully becomes his dad……
kate,
Here are the FAQs from coolstandings which does the odds report for ESPN. Right now, like blake said, they are beyond useless given the circumstances.
http://www.coolstandings.com/faq.asp?sn=2011
It wasn’t just the Boston media questioning Ellsbury last year, it was also team mates complaining about him. IIRC, Youk was one of them.
Don’t know Joe…..but he sounded disgusted with the team
Kate,
Irs just math based on who they are playing…..Boston is playing the last place Os and Tampa is playing the first place Yankees…….it doesn’t take into account t that the Yanks are resting guys and that Showalter is playing like its the WS…..the Rays have the edge based on pitching matchup.
kate – yes, it’s coming back to me. Youk was quoted in several places, I believe. How ironic, given how much time he has lost to injury this season.
The computer that says the Sox have a 62% chance of making the playoffs does not take into account how poorly the Sox have played all of Sept, and it also ignores the fact that the Yankees will be sitting many players vs Rays…Hence the bogus 62%….
thanks LGY and Blake.
I see from LGY’s link that strength of the opposing team is taken into consideration, but actual SP is not.
blake,
Would you say those 2 along with Sanchez are our top ranked hitters in the minors?
Mason Williams will most likely be in the 70 – 100 range when the top 100 lists come out. I’m not sure about Dante, I think he’ll probably just miss. But opposing scouts and managers were very high on him this yr. So you never know.
Thanks vblade! I like every one of your options. But as we all know, baseball can be a strange game. I’ll take a half step back!
Oh, for those wondering about why Tampa and Boston don’t each have a 50% chance, it’s because Boston is playing a last place team while Tampa is playing a first place team. It’s all math and odds — has a basis in reality but in the end is just number crunching.
My guess at the odds right now is Tampa 65.99999 % and Boston 34.11111% . Boston really needed that one last night
where is Nick when we want to see the real odds?
Sanchez is the top hitting prospect. But yes, Williams and Dante would be the top of the next tier of hitters. They also have some other good power hitters in the lower levels.
Sigmund September 27th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Thanks vblade! I like every one of your options. But as we all know, baseball can be a strange game. I’ll take a half step back!
Oh, for those wondering about why Tampa and Boston don’t each have a 50% chance, it’s because Boston is playing a last place team while Tampa is playing a first place team. It’s all math and odds — has a basis in reality but in the end is just number crunching.
——————-
I just have no reason to believe that the best team in the American League this season suddenly falls flat on it’s face.
We have the best offense, the best bullpen and league average starting pitching. There’s no reason to believe this team cannot reach the WS.
In fact, assuming it’s all hands on deck, the Yanks will only need their starter for 5 innings.
Wade/Hughes/Logan mix and matching in the 6th
Soriano in the 7th
Robertson in the 8th
Mo in the 9th
That’s a formidable task for any opponent to contend with.
“Would you say those 2 along with Sanchez are our top ranked hitters in the minors?”
Gotta put Murphy in there also……I think we’ll know more about Dante when he gets to Charleston and he faces some better competition…Sanchez, Murphy, Williams seem to be some of their best. J Alfred, CC, GB7, Yankeefem……etc feel free to comment
At this point I think its mission accomplished as far as the hopes for the WC. Either team can win it, but they have to play all out to do so. If it ends up tied, it is even better as they have to go with pitching their best starter available messing up their rotation even more.
I don’t care if the RS or the Rays get in.
While it would be nice to see the RS crash and burn all the way out of contention, it just doesn’t matter to me if they have it happen now or in the first round of the playoffs.
The Yankees just need to take care of which ever team they face.
http://lockerz.com/s/142351460
http://lockerz.com/s/142357263
Yogi Mantle has it right – every team in the playoffs is a good one, that’s why they’ve made it to this point. The Yanks just need to beat whomever it is they play.
Like Al Davis used to say, Just win, baby.
blake September 27th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
My guess at the odds right now is Tampa 65.99999 % and Boston 34.11111% . Boston really needed that one last night
Won’t be taking out a loan from you, Blake. You’ll be charging me .1111 too much interest!
I was at the 2007 ALDS game when Phil came in for Clemens and shut down Cleveland.
Trot Nixon made a big error in RF that cost a couple of runs. He was one of my least favorite Sox of those years. And millar.
Yes, I forgot about JR Murphy. He definitely has the hit tool. You can throw guys like Corban Joseph, Kyle Roller, Melky mesa, Abe Almonte, Zoilo Almonte, Isaias Tejada, Tyler Austin and Claudio Custodio in there too.
Some of those guys are very young. Some had very slow starts and then hot finishes last yr. But they all have high potential.
Last week Bedard lasted 2 innings against the Orioles. The O’s have Britton pitching tonight who has been very good recently and he is definitely the type of lefty who can shut them down. Last night on espn they said that the Sox are pitching Lackey tomorrow on 3 days rest and Lester would pitch the 1 game play off. I don’t know if they are just guessing or what but I would think that Lester is pitching tomorrow.
The greatest team ever isn’t having a good month lol
Bruce,
Lol
DocTodd September 27th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
Listening to WEEI over the Internet….it’s very entertaining, they are discussing how many players can’t handle pressAHH. (pressure)..
——————————
I’ll assume they’re discussing AGon. He’s had a great season but did nothing against Rays & Yanks. I also heard his repaired shoulder has been barking lately.
But sometimes it takes a player a season to settle in and really get comfortable. I wouldn’t count him out just yet. He’s too good.
Those 2 pics tell you all you need to know about how seriously the Yankees are taking this series with the Rays. Time for chillin’.
Just have to hope that Colon doesn’t rediscover his magic tonight
The collapse is so close… hope we are not the ones who screw it up now
I think the Yankees have already gotten into A-Gon’s head. He hasn’t performed well vs them the last few series and it seems that at the Sox’ moment of truth his head is not on the field vs the O’s but rather is obsessed with what the Yankees are doing.
Less than one year into the rivalry and they’ve gotten to him? Didn’t take long, did it?
NYYanksFan September 27th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
http://lockerz.com/s/142351460
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Whoa…
I’m not even sure I would know what to do if given the chance….IYKWIM
It’s funny that the RSox are 62% favorites, so that means the Rays are 38%. Something tells me that those numbers were before last nights games. LOL! Should be closer to 50% each now. Maybe 52% to 48%, but 62% is way too high!
CC, I think the Sox will change the pitching dependent on what happens today. If the Rays win today the Sox will have to pitch their best pitcher, and hope for the best for the one game play in if it gets that far.
They can only take it one game at a time. Today will be the big determiner for who they put out there on the final regular season game.
If the Rays lose and Red Sox win, then it may be a toss up, though the RS will have to figure that the Rays will have a higher chance of winning the last game vs. the Yankees.
Tonight is the biggest game of the season for the Red Sox. It will be interesting to see how they play. It’s bigger than tomorrow because of the looming play-in game. At the same time, they will be watching the score board for what the Yankees / Rays game is doing, a distraction that could hurt them big time.
Someone mentioned yesterday that the Sox were trying to acquire Javy Vazquez to make 1 start but were rebuffed.
Our chief rivals trying to Javy Vazquez of all people to pitch a big game late in the year LMAO. Imagine if you were presented with that narrative at this time last year….
Lester only lasted a couple of innings against the Yanks, so I expect him to pitch unless the Rays lose tonight & the RSox win.
yankee 221 September 27th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
If Colon does for 6 innings, then Yanks may have to Proctor the situation!
Ray
LGY posted a link earlier that shows where the %s come from. It accounts for strength of opponent, but not who the SP are. Not very accurate given the current situation.
Tito already confirmed that Lestaaah is pitching tomorrow.
I can’t see the Rays losing tonight or tomorrow unless Colon pulls a gem out of his pocket tonight. Tomorrow they have Price on the mound and the Yanks are pitching the bullpen and the lineup will probably get 2 at bats and turn the game over to the kids. To get into the play offs I really think the Sox have to win the next 2 games and then the 1 game play off.
to Proctor the situation LOL!
That´s great! Everybody who follows the yankees knew he would blow it in the 14th inning!
Man he has to leave!
“The Red Sox are 6-19 this month. They’re 2-19 when they don’t score at least 12 runs (four of their wins: 12-7, 14-0, 18-6, 18-9). They’re 1-3 in games that Beckett has started this month and 1-4 in games that Jon Lester starts. ”
Ah, but they can turn it on like a switch! As soon as the record is 0-0 (if they’ve been lucky enough to back into the wild card) they are going to pitch like Cy Young, hit like Babe Ruth, and defend like Willie Mays!!!
I continue to say – the only team the Sux are a danger to is themselves.
GO O’S!!!
That’s my drive-by addition.
Later y’all.
Girardi said yesterday that he is pitching Soriano, Robertson and Mo tonight. So that means that the Rays have to score a lot of runs before the 7th inning lol
upstate kate September 27th, 2011 at 1:27 pm
Oh! Thanks!
The Sox have no one else to pitch if Lester doesn’t go on 3 days tomorrow.
Beckett went yesterday, so he is out. Wakefield/Lackey went Sunday so they would be out unless they want to go on 2 days rest. Bedard is going tonight, so he is out.
Unless they want to turn to Weiland/Tazawa/Bowden.
Tonight is a crucial game for NYY to lose. Losing tonight all but guarantees a 1-game playoff at worst.. and that matchup would be Wakefield/Lackey on 3 days rest vs. Matt Moore.
Tank – Weiland pitched last night, so you can cross another name off the list.
It’s crazy that they will basically have no options but Lester for the one game playoff to get to a one game playoff.
Tonight is a crucial game for NYY to lose
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So basically Proctor has to pitch at least 3 innings tonight?! lol
Tank September 27th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
Tonight is a crucial game for NYY to lose.
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I don’t think I’ve ever heard that statement uttered by a Yankee fan before. We are truly in bizarro world nowadays.
So let’s see……..the Marlins sent Logan Morrison down for tweeting too much…..and then trade for Ozzie Guillen. Sounds about right.
“Tonight is a crucial game for NYY to lose. Losing tonight all but guarantees a 1-game playoff at worst.. and that matchup would be Wakefield/Lackey on 3 days rest vs. Matt Moore.”
Well no not really because if tampa won and the red sox lost tampa is one up and the worst they can be is a one game playoff, however, if tampa won and the red sox won they are tied with 1 game to go and if tampa lost tomorrow and the red sox won or the red sox lost and tampa won there is no tie.
If Yanks win tonight & RSox lose tonight, then it still gets dicey! LOL! If Yanks lose & RSox lose too, then it is basically over. I expect the Yanks win tonight & RSox lose tonight. The nose of what might have been if only the Sox had won could be devastating for them as a team much like the Willie Randolph Mets. Pysche of what lead is enough & the press asking all the time if they will fold again. LOL!
Even Kruk is putting down is Red Sox pompoms. #bestteam(n)ever
nose = noise
nobody can predict whats going to happen with the red socks tonight or tomorrow. the orioles suck and have the worst pitching in the majors, so the socks could sweep or get swept, so if you are rooting for a playoff, there is no longer any reason to root for the rays.
enough charity, lets get the bats rolling into the playoffs and put a smackdown on these rays tonight, we don’t want them to feel like they ‘won their way’ into the playoffs by beating the yankees.
Let’s Go Yankees!!!!!
# Captain Clutch September 27th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
Girardi said yesterday that he is pitching Soriano, Robertson and Mo tonight. So that means that the Rays have to score a lot of runs before the 7th inning lol
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Kinda surprised he wouldn’t save them for Wednesday.. only because of the built in day off. *Shrugs*
Yankees are quite the rain cloud this year….
Erik Boland
Just pouring rain in St. Pete. Haven’t seen rain like this since, well, like four days ago in New York
another question for the socks is who to catch tonight. salty had to be taken out last night (one could argue that he ‘had’ to be taken out sunday too, lol) because of foul tip off his shoulder that left a baseball sized welt on his shoulder. tek couldn’t go last night and as of yesterday was a probably no-go today. they are looking at bringing up their aaa guy who is not even on the roster and likely hasnt touched a baseball in a couple of weeks.
Since the Red Sox are desperate for a starter, maybe this would be a good time to dump AJ’s contract.
Kinda surprised he wouldn’t save them for Wednesday.. only because of the built in day off.
——-
He said he wants them to have 2 days off before game 1
Girardi said no post season relievers except Hughes will pitch Wednesday because that might ask them to go 3 times in 4 days (Wednesday/Friday/Saturday) and he tries to avoid that with relievers.
anthonyd46 September 27th, 2011 at 1:44 pm
“Tonight is a crucial game for NYY to lose. Losing tonight all but guarantees a 1-game playoff at worst.. and that matchup would be Wakefield/Lackey on 3 days rest vs. Matt Moore.”
Well no not really because if tampa won and the red sox lost tampa is one up and the worst they can be is a one game playoff, however, if tampa won and the red sox won they are tied with 1 game to go and if tampa lost tomorrow and the red sox won or the red sox lost and tampa won there is no tie.
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If I had to script my ideal scenario it would be for the 1 game playoff to happen so that both teams have to use up their starters and be in trouble for the playoffs, especially with a short series in the first round. I’d like Boston to lose (because I hate them, and because some of their fans that I know are really obnoxious) but having the 1 game playoff is the most important thing to me.
We’ve discussed Boston’s pitching woes. Turning to TB, I assume Shields would go for Tampa on 3 days rest if a one game playoff on Thursday. That means Wade Davis in game one of the playoffs with Shields and Price both out of commission for a while.
Yeah, the 1 game playoff would be a good thing either way.
sorry bad info, laranway was already with the club and came in when salty came out last night.
but ya gotta ask yourself, if they had anyone other than salty who was able to start at catcher last night, what was salty doing in there anyway? he absolutely sucks behind the plate and isnt doing anything with the bat either.
Sorry, Shields couldn’t go Thursday, that would be two days rest. My bad.
Just say no to AJ!!!!
————
Ledger_Yankees
Sounds like the Yankees are having their postseason roster meeting now. Cashman just pulled up to the Trop
Don’t care at all who wins either game tonight
I got to meet the great Mariano this morning and shook his hand.
I also told him I hope he has 11 more saves in him this year.. he chuckled and said, “Me too”
Personally, I can’t really get behind the whole “let’s lose to hurt the Sox” theory but I am taking some pleasure in the fact that Sox fans are suffering through this meltdown AND at their most dire hour they’re forced to root for the Yankees.
actually the 1 game playoff isnt going to do too much to screw up the rotations unless they have to use shields/beckett or lester out of the bp. big game and beckett both went last night so neither would start the playoff and lester is going to go tomorrow, so he’s out for it too.
they have to name a SP for tomorrow and it just so happens that whoever it is would be lined up for the third game of the alds, so we should know the PS rotation by gametime tonight.
pat and Captain – It makes sense. I just envisioned a game tomorrow started by Hughes and taken over in the 3rd or 4th by Laffey/Logan/Wade/Ayala/Robertson/Soriano/Mo or something like that. I dont have any problems with what he’s doing or how he’s lining guys up..
very cool 86
price is going wednesday, so as long as they dont use their big guns out of the bp, the 1 game playoff isnt going to affect either team’s #’s 1 or 2 starters any more.
you gotta wonder if they rays win tonight and the socks lose, would the rays think about not throwing price tomorrow and saving him for either a possible playoff or have him ready for game 1…
…and the same with lester and the red socks if the socks win and the rays lose tonight
After last night, (I did want to see the WC all tied up), I’m good with any outcome. There would be additional satisfaction in the RS losing out on the post season all together, but I don’t root for the Rays, I don’t like the Rays any more than I like the RS.
The Yanks’ starter will be Charlie Wholestaff.
He’s like Pat Venditte in that he throws both lefty and righty, but he also comes in multiple sizes and shapes.
Predicted post-season rotation… CC, AJ and Nova in that order. If up 2-1, Garcia in game 4. If down 2-1, CC gets the ball.
Colon gets left off the roster at least for one round as does either Wade or Ayala.
I just hope they don’t do something stupid like starting AJ over Freddy….at most he should get one starry, with a chokehold instead of a leash
The team that wins the wild card will be at a disadvantage because their pitching rotation won’t be set up for the play offs. Price wouldn’t be ready until game 3. But obviously Tampa is in a better spot because they have a lot more pitching options. The Sox have only have Beckett and Lester.
Just walked into Starbucks to Aretha Franklin’s “Respect”. It’s what the media will be begrudgingly giving the Yankees from this time forward
.
I’d add right now to the promising hitters you guys mentioned (at least ones I’ve seen: Sanchez, Murphy, Williams) Ramon Flores. Great swing, selective hitter. Murphy I think could hit in the majors right now. Very advanced, but not sure about the catching for him. We seem to have a truckload of guys who have good numbers, but one that has struggled this year who I can see being a fullblown star one day – Anderson Feliz. Kid has had Melky Mesa issues with offspeed stuff but I think in his case, that’s temporary, he’s going to adjust with that fast bat of his.
Feliz isn’t Robinson Cano, so I’m not going there, but I had that same raised hair on the forearms response when I saw him that I had on the first Cano swing I laid eyes on. I think the thump he’s got will grow as he does, he’s only 19 & another scrawny but long limbed guy. He’s also a switch hitter, little longish swing on the left side, but he roped a pitch into right center that made me you go “wow”. Little bit of Nunez the way the ball takes off. Of course, he has a long way to go, but his talent is undeniable. He’s also got that effortless, gliding thing going on at 2B. He’s my favorite prospect, I think, right now.
Gumbs is another good one we shouldn’t forget. Can’t wait til they start giving feedback on instructs.
I hope Burnett starts, and pitches well. The scrambling around here to figure out what happened will be hilarious.
The greatest team ever……
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PeteAbe
Double-checked this because it didn’t seem possible. But #RedSox are 34-36 since the All-Star break
Discourse, pitched well in his last start, plus length. He can do that again, we’ll be alright…
J Alfred -
Where do you think Flores will be playing next season? I remember him from earlier in the year (Lakewood game) and was quite impressed with him. Feliz, too.
1 game playoff just helps Texas or Detroit.
Down with the Sox in 162!!
A Sox beatwriter is on wfan right now lol
Don’t know if this was posted, but I never saw these quotes in any of the papers:
“I never get into results,” said A-Rod on Monday. ”It’s more about balance and plate discipline. I feel I’m right on schedule.” Hitting coach Kevin Long acknowledged that Alex’s “timing is off,” adding that they are working on his leg kick, among other stuff.
http://riveraveblues.com/
We need Alex to be Alex. Hope he’s in there tonight.
Ledger_Yankees With Joe West scheduled to work the plate tomorrow, I wonder if Russell Martin will break out any new jokes. I appreciate his humour
they have to name a SP for tomorrow and it just so happens that whoever it is would be lined up for the third game of the alds, so we should know the PS rotation by gametime tonight
——-
Nah. Garcia pitched Saturday and AJ Sunday.
Neither can go tomorrow.
Villa Nova-Ya September 27th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
J Alfred -
Where do you think Flores will be playing next season? I remember him from earlier in the year (Lakewood game) and was quite impressed with him. Feliz, too.
///
Not sure, Villa. He struggled some this year and then I think finished strong. Maybe he moves up to Tampa anyway? No idea. That was some lineup down there we saw in Lakewood! What did you think of my sweetheart prospect, Feliz?
I got to meet the great Mariano this morning and shook his hand.
——————–
Cool!
Check your palm for stigmata.
I know it sounds crazy, but I just feel like AJ is going to shock everyone in the post season.
But I think whoever is the game 3 starter is going to depend on the matchup – it is not going to have anything to do with who “deserves” the start – it will be which pitcher has better numbers against which team, and it will be that way for as far as the Yankees go.
I believe I heard that AJ is better than Garcia against Detroit, and vice versa.
Villa, I could see AJ doing that. Agree on this “deserves” stuff. Whoever gives us the best chances “deserves” to start.
“The Sox have only have Beckett and Lester.”
A month or two ago I would have said that those are two pretty good options, but both have been very hittable lately. Perhaps they will start Papelbon…
WEEI has a mobile app so I decided to listen it as I walked my dog. Two things I learned.
1. While Girardi has a binder, Theo Boy Genius has a computer… And he named it… Carmine.
2. The Red Sox apparently need a real ace like King Felix. Remember when the Sox had 5 aces?
What? Felix Doubront isn’t going to twin with Lester as a stud lefty next year?
J Alfred -
I remember I like both Flores and Feliz, but I kept getting them mixed up because of their names both started with “F.” LOL
I took a lot of notes that game – i just went to find them. Feliz had some nice ABs. Just missed a HR, but got a double. Both had good ABs.
I went to that game to watch Heathcott and Murphy mainly and came away impressed with Flores and Feliz.
I think Betances gets the start Wednesday.
Sanchez, too, J Alfred. Had a lot to watch that day!
The radio guys were wondering if “Carmine” had a virus the day it told Theo to sign John Lackey
I’m reading my notes – I need to work on my quick handwriting!!!
The mets wouldn’t permit the Scranton Yanks to play in Newark next season while their stadium gets renovated.
mets suck. Not even worthy of capitalization.
RobinsonCano Who else is excited for playoffs on Friday? I’m ready!
LGY September 27th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
1 game playoff just helps Texas or Detroit.
Down with the Sox in 162!!
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Yeah, but in the be-careful-what-you-wish-for category, if by chance the Yanks advance I’d rather the ALCS not be against Tampa or Boston, because they both make me more nervous than the other teams. Call me crazy, but I still fear Boston’s lineup when I watch those games, and I still feel the pain of 2004. I just want the Sux safely playing golf and not on the field. And Tampa scares me a little bit more than Texas and Detroit.
@PeteAbe: Lavarnway is catching for the #RedSox
@DKnobler: Also per @PeteAbe, Jed Lowrie batting cleanup tonight. And yes, it will be a career first for him. Crawford back down, all the way to 8th
BTW, if you’re not following Robbie, follow him!!!
RobinsonCano: I can’t believe almost 100k followers. Help get me there! I’m going to give away some signed pics & shirts.
86w183 September 27th, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Don’t care at all who wins either game tonight
I got to meet the great Mariano this morning and shook his hand.
I also told him I hope he has 11 more saves in him this year.. he chuckled and said, “Me too”
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Mariano Duncan was a decent ball player, but, calling him great is a bit much.
“Hope he’s in there tonight.”
NY Post article (where those quotes were from) went on to say he was supposed to sit last night and he asked in the line-up because facing Wakefield throws off timing even more so he wanted ABs.
GB – wah, waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.
86, you met Mo?!! Awesome!
Joel Sherman
Who had this in pool in March: #Redsox must-win in Game 161, and playing Lavarnway at C, McDonald in RF, Lowrie at cleanup, Crawford 8th
Villa Nova-Ya September 27th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
J Alfred -
I remember I like both Flores and Feliz, but I kept getting them mixed up because of their names both started with “F.” LOL
I took a lot of notes that game – i just went to find them. Feliz had some nice ABs. Just missed a HR, but got a double. Both had good ABs.
I went to that game to watch Heathcott and Murphy mainly and came away impressed with Flores and Feliz.
////
Heathcott stood out in that series, too. DeLeon was also much better in right than I’d been led to believe, and threw a long strike to Murphy, who whiffed on the perfect bounce to the plate. The one downer was Murphy behind the plate. I hear he’s really made strides back there, though…
Erin -
Plus, if you follow Cano, you might learn some Spanish!!!! LOL
Bronx Jeers -
I guess that would eliminate Staten Island as a venue, as well.
However, it seems to me, the Verrazzano Bridge, the horrific Statent Island Expressway Traffic, no very easy way to get to Newark, all should have helped the mets say it was okay. I don’t think the same people who would see the SWB Yankees are those who go to see the Brooklyn Cyclones or the NY Mets.
I got to meet the great Mariano this morning and shook his hand.
///
86, touched by a saint. Not too shabby!
@bkabak: Throughout the day on twitter, random Yankee fans have just been going “Bedahhhhhhhd” like @simmonsclass just did. It’s hilarious.
Joelsherman1
Who had this in pool in March: #Redsox must-win in Game 161, and playing Lavarnway at C, McDonald in RF, Lowrie at cleanup, Crawford 8th
RobinsonCano You guys are the best! I’m almost to 100k. So close.
NJ Pete September 27th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
I think Betances gets the start Wednesday.
///
That’s what I’m hoping/expecting, too.
J Alfred -
Yeah. The game I saw (the early game) – I came away with a very good feeling about that entire team. The only thing Heathcott did wrong was getting thrown out standing up trying to steal. I think Sanchez DH’d and I was disappointed because I wanted to see him catch. But Murphy was the catcher that day.
I am soooo bummed they won’t play in Lakewood next season. The only chance I see them is if we do a trip to Charleston – but I’d have to plan it now. The place we’d stay gets booked quickly.
You better believe Showalter will test Lavernway early and often.
The Sox need a “real ace”…..too funny. Too bad they traded Casey Kelly.
Phil Hughes is clearly a bust.
Villa Nova-Ya September 27th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
J Alfred -
Yeah. The game I saw (the early game) – I came away with a very good feeling about that entire team. The only thing Heathcott did wrong was getting thrown out standing up trying to steal. I think Sanchez DH’d and I was disappointed because I wanted to see him catch. But Murphy was the catcher that day.
///
Villa, I saw the both catch in that series. Sanchez may be having problems with his throwing, et al, but I saw a very athletic kid who I believe will be a strength by the time he arrives here. I can’t even believe we have him and Montero to put back there eventually. Almost unfair. They really need to get Jesus to the point where they are comfortable using him at C. He and Sanchez split the chores, both will have fresh bats and long careers, barring something unforseen.
Cliff Lee was clearly a bust…
until he decided to be the best pitcher in baseball. Never count out anyone.
For those that haven’t seen it…..Verducci has an article in the new issue or SI called “the new moneyball”. It talks how “Carmine ” and suggests that the Red Sox basically have an advantage because they are so smart and have money…………
RobinsonCano Thank you so much to my fans. I appreciate all your support. I’ll give more stuff away soon.
I don’t think the same people who would see the SWB Yankees are those who go to see the Brooklyn Cyclones or the NY Mets.
——————————–
Villa nova -ya,
Exactly. And it would have been great for us NYC fans that wouldn’t be driving anyway. PATH train and NJ Transit are quick & easy to Newark.
FakePeteGammons If Jed Lowrie comes through in the 4 spot I’ll be able to say I told you so. If he doesn’t, I’ll delete this tweet. This is Peter Gammons.
The odds should be posted on the bulletin board in the Rays clubhouse. That should draw their ire showing disrespect.
http://www.coolstandings.com/b.....ndings.asp
Didn’t see what prompted the discussion about SWB. Are the Mets elbowing us out of SI too?
saw this in the comments section from an article on mlb.com
BREAKING NEWS FLASH…
In a desperate move to ensure that they make
the Playoffs, the Boston Red Sox have stunned the sports world by buying
the Tampa Rays outright… lock, stock and barrel.
In a bizarre and
hastily called Press Conference, Theo Epstein, was quoted as saying… ”
for a little bit more than we’re paying Carl and Lackey now, I was able
to secure an entire roster of good players with heart… And,of course,
this greatly enhances our chances of making the playoffs…”
The
Yankees immediately cried foul, although the Red Sox owners have ensured
MLB that they will pay whatever luxury tax is required… Bud Selig
was seen drooling (literally) at the Press Conference…
Theo’s computer is named “Carmine” and the Sox have a catcher named Lavernway playing tonight.
“Surely” there’s room for a Lenny & Squiggy joke in there somewhere.
People use the term bust way too often. If Phil Hughes never pitches for the Yanks again he isn’t a bust. If it wasn’t for him stabilizing (and doing it in a dominant fashion) the pen, maybe the yanks never make the playoffs in 08. If he didnt have a great first half and pitch all of the innings he did last yr, maybe the yanks dont make the playoffs. Has he lived up to the #1/2 pitcher hype? Nope. But he has been more than useful in the last few years.
He’s not a bust (and neither is Joba).
Bronx Jeers -
I would have loved the opportunity to see them in Newark for one season. From Central Jersey, it’s a 40-minute drive. To see them SWB, we kind of have to plan a weekend, and we haven’t done it yet.
The Mets are just a vindictive organization and they’ve been hurt by their attitude time and time again in their history.
Prufrock – The yankees wanted to have SWB playin Trenton next year while the stadium is being renovated. The Mets said no.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/bl.....lb-wp21087
having read Patrick’s posts before, I would have to say he is being sarcastic
Prufrock – The yankees wanted to have SWB playin Trenton next year while the stadium is being renovated. The Mets said no.
—
Pretty sure the Yankees wanted to have SWB play in Newark, not Trenton.
having read Patrick’s posts before, I would have to say he is being sarcastic
—
You’re smart
*
*not sarcasm this time
J Alfred -
Cashman said he asked the Mets about Newark in exchange to return the favor for any one season in the future to the Mets, and the Mets turned him down flat.
I haven’t read anything about SI, but I can’t imagine they’d go for that, if they didn’t go for Newark.
From the Star Ledger:
http://www.nj.com/njvoices/ind.....witterfeed
FakePeteGammons: The first letters of tonight’s lineup spell “EPOLGLMCS” which is Aramaic for impending glorific victory, oh my, that Tito Francona is a genius! This is Peter Gammons.
patrick – Newark, Trenton, a garbage dump, Asgard… who cares.
“Surely” there’s room for a Lenny & Squiggy joke in there somewhere.”
Post of the day!
And also this:
http://www.nj.com/yankees/inde....._team.html
FakePeteGammons: John Henry has bought the Tampa Bay Rays and anounced that they will forfeit the rest of the 2011 season, go Sox! This is Peter Gammons.
patrick – Newark, Trenton, a garbage dump, Asgard… who cares.
—
You’re an idiot
From the Newark Star-Ledger.
“Perhaps the Mets have a point. At 23 games out of first place, they are farther back than all but three other National League teams. A minor league team in Newark could be a problem to the current “minor league” team at Citi Field.”
—————–
Ouch.
Patrick – Sorry I didn’t realize which town in New Jersey it was is the emphasis of the story, or the reason that it was blocked. You’re trying too hard, go outside.
Saw this on Pete Abe’s blog…” The Sox are sinking faster then Pete Abe’s teeth into a deep dish pizza.”
FakePeteGammons: Improved D for the Sox tonight in LF, Chad Ochocinco will start. This is Peter Gammons.
PeteAbe
J.Henry should address the Red Sox, say Francona + Epstein will be back. Then: “I’m not sure about the rest of you” + walk out.
blake-I have not seen Verducci’s article, but it is that kind of crap (the Red Sox are smarter than everyone else) that makes me really enjoy their demise. “The Best Team Ever Assembled” by the “Smartest GM of all time” has some major cracks in the foundation.
From Day One, Big Stein was committed to winning, period. Sure, he needed a mandatory vacation so that Stick Michael could make the moves to set the stage for many titles, but Big Stein never tried to do it on the cheap. The Sox, being “super intelligent” have tried to sell their fans a bill of goods. First it was “we don’t have the money to compete with the Yankees”, but this went out the window when they paid $50 million for the permission to negotiate with Dice-K. Then it was, “we will win with homegrown talent”, and that plan bit the dust when they went out a traded for A-Gon, and signed V-Mart, Beltre, Lackey and Crawford.
Fenway park is the epitome of the fan duping in Boston. Ownership is so “smart” that they don’t need a new park. Instead they sink money into the rat infested hole of a ball yard, depriving the fans of a truly enjoyable fan experience.
Yes, the Red Sox brain trust is so brilliant that they have convinced their fans and the national media that they have a championship caliber team playing in a top flight professional sports venue. Now Red Sox nation and the national media are looking behind the curtain and they are discovering that the Wizard of Yawkey way is not so special after all.
Patrick – Sorry I didn’t realize which town in New Jersey it was is the emphasis of the story, or the reason that it was blocked. You’re trying too hard, go outside.
—
This is not why you’re an idiot. Completely dismissing two cities as garbage… sigh
And actually the location of the city is important because the Mets can block the move based 100% on the location of the city.
Get a clue bro
Patrick – The mets can block 100% of the locations in New Jersey. It was not important at all.
GET A CLUE BRO. Patrick is clearly a bust.
Chambliss,
The first paragraph of the article reads:
Eight heads after it forever shifted baseballs tectonic plates, Moneyball is a Brad Pitt movie, bit its ethos has changed. Intellectual firepower is mandatory, but no guarantee of success now that the games financial giants have cracked the code. Competitive advantage: Red Sox.
Patrick – The mets can block 100% of the locations in New Jersey. It was not important at all.
—
Like I said, this is not why you are an idiot.
it’s funny how personally pete has taken the collapse.
and how much he seemed to like ’08. not saying he’s a bad guy, i really like his style, but it’s funny how much he disliked some of the yankee mantra. and arod
seriously, what did arod ever do to that guy?
I never understood why everyone needs to tie the A’s success (or lack thereof) to Moneyball. It was a new concept to the baseball world, one that they pulled off to the best of their ability. The problem was once everyone else figured it out, they went back to being the same disadvantaged franchise.
patrick – Cool story bro. So if I said merry-go-round instead of a garbage dump (a joke, lighten up), you wouldn’t have opened your mouth? Because it was not in fact, important at all? Like I said, you are trying too hard.
A bright, sunny beautiful day outside. Here the same old stuff.
There is also half a page in the article explaining how smart the Red Sox were to find the diamond in the high school rough names Casey Kelly……funny there is no mention of how mediocre he’s been in higher levels.
blake – They never seem to correlate (or separate, I’m not sure which) the hype given to a Sox prospect and the way that player’s career actually shapes up.
blake,
given this year’s performance, where would casey kelly be on the yankee’s depth chart for pitchers? i would guess after warren and phelps, right? ahead of kontos?
FakePeteGammons: Ted Williams’ frozen head whispered in my ear that the Sox will go deep in the playoffs this year! This is Peter Gammons.
The As success had much less to do with “Moneyball” than it did with Mulder, Zito, and Hudson. That’s why they were pretty good for a period……
ID reminds me why I stopped coming to this blog. It’s people like him that have driven off the good posters.
Garbage dump? Merry-go-round?
Garbage poster, garbage person.
Enjoy, i’m out
The Yanks were filling their teams with high OBP players since the early 90′s. Stick was a big believer in it. However, he was also a believer in having players that could also hit. The A’s had 2 or 3 guys that were actually good hitters.
If it wasnt for the A’s pitchers, they wouldnt have had the limited success that they did. And after those pitchers ran their course, so did the A’s success.
The whole money ball thing is insulting and most teams have already gone back to the old way of scouting and putting teams together while also being mindful of the sabermetric world.
Patrick is just a self-entitled poster that can’t take a joke. Stop coming here then.
new post –>
Fenway park is the epitome of the fan duping in Boston. Ownership is so “smart” that they don’t need a new park. Instead they sink money into the rat infested hole of a ball yard, depriving the fans of a truly enjoyable fan experience.
————————————————————————————————————–
Money’s got nothing to do with giving fans a good experience IMO.
Kd,
Uhm….probably does have more upside than Warren of Phelps but definitely behind Banuelos and Betances…..