Nova in the mix for Rookie of the Year
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Nov 14, 2011 
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On his way up the ladder, Ivan Nova was never the biggest name in the Yankees minor league system. Not even close.
At one point he was such a low priority that he was lost — and quickly returned — in the Rule 5 draft. At this time last year, if you’d been told the Yankees would have a Rookie of the Year candidate, the better bet might have been Jesus Montero.
But Nova kept getting better, and then he kept winning games. Crowded out of the big league rotation in July, he returned from Triple-A and won his next seven starts. He finished the season 16-4 with a 3.70 ERA and the No. 2 spot in the postseason rotation.
“I wasn’t thinking at the beginning I was going to be the second starter in the playoffs,” Nova said before making his postseason debut. “I always want to win. It’s what I like. Like I said one time, anytime I got the lead, I have to protect that lead, and I have to go for the win.”
When the Rookie of the Year is announced this afternoon, Nova might not be the winner — Jeremy Hellickson seems to be the favorite in a fairly wide-open field — but Nova will certainly be in the mix. And he belongs in the mix.
“I really think this game is not about (being a) prospect,” Nova said. “It’s all about doing your job.”
Associated Press photo
SuperNova!!!
I know he won’t win, but I’m still holding out a little hope.
Me too Erin. What an honor even to be considered.
Erin and kate,
I don’t hold out much hope, either, but if Nova goes from AAA ball midsummer to getting votes for ROY, it’s a fine accomplishment.
Let’s pick up Johnny Damon on the cheap. He would have been the difference maker in the 11′ playoffs. Trade Swishalicious for a lefty #3 starter with a sweetener of Cervelli.
I would like to have Johnny D back too, but I think that ship has sailed.
Good Luck Nova !
I sound love to have JD back if he would accept a 4th outfielder role……but he can’t play RF and he’s not as good as Swisher anymore.
*would*
A sub 3 era in the AL east is tough to argue against….I think Hellickson will and should win but that takes nothing away from Nova and what he did.
fran_cervelli 3 de diciembre juego de #basketball de las estrellas con @Funda_Cervelli y @fundaSojo barquisimeto http://yfrog.com/h7cpstlqj
Anybody have a guess for the first trade at the GM meeting?
Wow, is everybody hibernating today or what??
Wake up LoHudders
1. Hellickson 2. Hosmer 3. Trumbo 4. Nova
tomingeorgia November 14th, 2011 at 10:00 am
Anybody have a guess for the first trade at the GM meeting?
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Cashman is rarely an early player. Toronto and Atlanta likely be active. The Milwaukee meetings are mostly to clean up the bargaining with the Players Association and GM’s opening up face-to-face dialogue with each other for the Dallas meetings in December.
“Anybody have a guess for the first trade at the GM meeting?”
May not be one (the GM meetings are usually pretty lame)……but Ill go bold with wade davis to the Reds for yonder Alonzo.
Best rookie I saw in either league last season was Brett Lawrie. Yea, I know the sample size is small, and his D needs some work, but that guy can flat-out mash, and he relishes being The Man in key situations. Nova certainly had a great rookie season, but if I could add any of the 2011 MLB rookies to the Yankee 25 Man, it would be Lawrie.
“Nova certainly had a great rookie season, but if I could add any of the 2011 MLB rookies to the Yankee 25 Man, it would be Lawrie.”
Id probably take Pineda…..but Lawrie and Hosmer would be right behind him.
I have msnbc on in the background and they just showed a clip of the Wilson Ramos rescue…scary stuff
@EthanJSkolnick: My NBCSports story on Matt Paknis, childhood sex abuse victim who later worked on Penn St fb staff. No fan of Paterno: http://t.co/iKfJPSWj
Wow, is everybody hibernating today or what??
Wake up LoHudders
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I’m plan on hitting the snooze bar right through late February.
If Nova could have won just 2 more games, I think he’d be in more serious contention. But I LOVE the job he did this season, and just being in the mix with so many really good rookies is a wonderful thing.
* I plan *
#groggycomments
Bronx Jeers-
FakePeteGammons #Redsox were never “in” on Jose Reyes. With Iglesias one quick step in the hole from hall of fame there’s no need. This is Peter Gammons.
FakePeteGammons #Redsox also never “in” on Papelbon. Front office just not sure he could handle closing in Boston. This is Peter Gammons.
Boston has already started the negative spin on Paps. While he and Youk are my most detested red sox players, I will at least give him credit for being a decent closer.
LGY
msnbc.com has a number of stories on Penn State today. One video was a 20ish guy who wasn’t sexually abused by Sandusky but was creeped out by inappropriate touches. He eventually decided he no longer wanted to spend time w/ Sandusky, but it never occurred to him to report anything. He said that he enjoyed the attention and special privileges he enjoyed.
AndrewMarchand RT @Ken_Rosenthal: Sources: #Dodgers, Kemp in serious discussions on eight-year, $160M contract. #mlb (Bad news for Yanks)
Oh Matt Kemp. We hardly knew ye.
For those of you with short memories, the Yankees and Johnny Damon have PARTED WAYS.
You have to appreciate somebody like Nova. He never had the hype of a guy like Phil Hughes, but Nova just plugged away even though he knew he wasn’t among the top prospects. He just kept improving, working hard, getting better and better. Nothing was handed to him. And from that first time facing Jose Bautista, you knew he wasn’t going to be intimidated.
Just a drive by to drop this in: looks like Giants are not looking to re-sign Beltran (according to Heyman, so TTFWIW
), leaving speculation that he may wind up on Yawkey Way.
Since he’s not going to be interested in 4th OF status, and his health is too much of a gamble, I would steer clear of him, unless they want to turn Gardner/Swisher into a fourth OF & back up the spot that way. If Gardner goes to 4OF status, Beltran would have to run balls down in the gap, something Swisher wouldn’t be necessarily equal too, and something Beltran’s knees would not exactly relish….
Yea, stay away, I’d say.
Good one, all.
PittsburghYankeeFan November 14th, 2011 at 11:25 am
For those of you with short memories, the Yankees and Johnny Damon have PARTED WAYS.
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I wasn’t counting on Kemp, because he’s someone else’s really, really good player…if the don’t lock him up, they may as well shut Dodger Stadium down.
Sign one of the Cubans!
Don’t do it Kemp. That’s chump change…
On another note, how foolish would you feel if you are Dustin Pedroia? He gave his club a hometown discount only to see the team dole out big contract to under performers like Carl Crawford and John Lackey. Now he sees Papelbon flee to the highest bidder. By most accounts, he was one of the few (perhaps only) standup player in that clubhouse as things disintegrated around him last year …
Well not chump change of course…..but he coukd beat that easily. However if the Dodgers are going to pony up that kind of cash then Kemp should probably sign that deal and take the security.
tucker November 14th, 2011 at 11:26 am
You have to appreciate somebody like Nova. He never had the hype of a guy like Phil Hughes, but Nova just plugged away even though he knew he wasn’t among the top prospects. He just kept improving, working hard, getting better and better. Nothing was handed to him. And from that first time facing Jose Bautista, you knew he wasn’t going to be intimidated.
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Not far behind Nova and a pitcher of similar style is Hector Noesi who also didn’t get overhyped. Girardi belives he’ll be ready to challenge for a starting rotation spot in spring training.
All these guys signing extensions is exactly why you have to develop from within these days…..and why keeping Montero is a necessity
Noesi is dominating winter ball
On another note, how foolish would you feel if you are Dustin Pedroia? He gave his club a hometown discount only to see the team dole out big contract to under performers like Carl Crawford and John Lackey
======================================
Probably feels about the same as R. Cano or E. Longoria, who did basically the same thing.
You guys do know it’s hockey season, right?
Cowherd just said that Sandusky was recruiting a player for Penn State last week……
@jdubs88: Unbelievable. Just spoke to Centre County Court. As far as they know, Sandusky did NOT have to turn in his passport.
Cowherd just said that Sandusky was recruiting a player for Penn State last week……
==========================
One of the more stunning aspects of this whole sordid story is that even law enforcement (police/AG’s office) seemed to bend over backwards to protect “the program”.
I just read somewhere that Sandusky’s house shares a property border with an elementary school. /boggle
Article on Hughes by Marchand. Hughes did not look like the Pillsbury Dough Boy like Marchand says, but it’s an interesting article nonetheless.
“But here is the kicker: If Hughes can match the numbers of his final 11 starts in 2011 over the entire 2012 season he could be better than his All-Star year. He would have 21 quality starts compared to the 15 he picked up in 2010.
Among the free-agent pitchers, only Wilson (23), Buehrle (22) and Kuroda (22) had more than 21 quality starts last season. ”
http://espn.go.com/new-york/ml.....-2010-form
Personally I expect a much better year for Hughes.
Irreverent Discourse November 14th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
I just read somewhere that Sandusky’s house shares a property border with an elementary school. /boggle
——————-
Please tell me this is a joke. ….Please….
AndrewMarchand Gardner on Gold Glove: I could have done more http://es.pn/sn2kzq
blake November 14th, 2011 at 11:53 am
Cowherd just said that Sandusky was recruiting a player for Penn State last week??
*********************
# blake November 14th, 2011 at 11:45 am
All these guys signing extensions is exactly why you have to develop from within these days…..and why keeping Montero is a necessity
——————————————————————-
Yep and that’s why we can’t depend on the pitching class coming up to hit the market. So many things can happen between now and then
No apparently his backyard borders a playground…….but don’t worry….they told him not to touch any kids.
AndrewMarchand Gardner on Gold Glove: I could have done more
=======================
Not sure I see how. A truly brilliant season in LF.
m-I think (hope) Hughes will have a bounce back year too
Pretty gracious of Gardner. I think the backlash from this year will help Gardner next year. Maybe some of the voters will understand what the Fielding Bible is all about.
Shame – Nope, he has a “clear view of the playground” from his back porch.
# Shame Spencer November 14th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
Irreverent Discourse November 14th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
I just read somewhere that Sandusky’s house shares a property border with an elementary school. /boggle
——————-
Please tell me this is a joke. ….Please….
———————————
I saw something similar on a Penn State forum it’s not a joke.
Hughes did not look like the Pillsbury Dough Boy like Marchand says
——
True…
The Pillsbury Dough Boy doesn’t have man boobs
Apparently the kid is from SC and he confirmed that Sandusky had called him…..first I’ve heard if that but this thing is just unbelievable and Penn State is ran by crazy people.
# dogface November 14th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
AndrewMarchand Gardner on Gold Glove: I could have done more
=======================
Not sure I see how. A truly brilliant season in LF.
—————————————–
Gardner being modest he knows he got robbed
Gardner could have hit better…..then he would have won the gold glove.
Gardner will be motivated. We’ll see another good defensive year from Gardner. Crawford will likely bounce back, too, to give him a run for the Carl Crawford Perpetual LF Gold Glove Award.
With unsecured bail and still having his passport, why would Sandusky not flee the country?
Gardner being modest he knows he got robbed
===============================
Fielding Bible >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Gold Glove
Gardner is recognized as the best in baseball by the Fielding Bible.
With unsecured bail and still having his passport, why would Sandusky not flee the country?
=================================
Good point. Wonder what kind of nightmare extradition is from a place like Thailand?
blake November 14th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
Gardner could have hit better?..then he would have won the gold glove.
*****************
buzzkill
The sad reality of the situation is that by putting on the pinstripes and having a shot at world series’ every year… you will not get voted for by the writers for anything.
Forget leaving the country …..the real worry is that Penn state sends him on an under the radar recruiting trip somewhere
# Irreverent Discourse November 14th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
The sad reality of the situation is that by putting on the pinstripes and having a shot at world series’ every year… you will not get voted for by the writers for anything.
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Yep you not only have to be better than your teammates but be better than everyone in the league by a wide margin. I remember A-rods 2007 season. The fact that ppl brought up Ordonez was laughable.
Wow…. WOW. This whole thing is just disgusting. I’m so glad Sandusky was told by a judge that he’s friendly with not to be around kids. That’ll solve that problem just like it did when they told him he wasn’t allowed to bring youths (yoots) on campus after the ’98 investigation.
On a lighter note: I’m bummed about Kemp.. I hope he decides that greed is good. Come over to the dark side Matt. The Evil Empire beckons..
With unsecured bail and still having his passport, why would Sandusky not flee the country?
—————————
True story.. before you know it this guy will be living in a chateau in France.
Dogface,
Are you related to Jerkface?
I’m related to several jerkfaces, but not the Jerkface.
“I’m related to several jerkfaces, but not the Jerkface.”
Lol ok
True story.. before you know it this guy will be living in a chateau in France.
——————–
Le Mile Deuxième??
MarcCarig RT @SamMillerOCR: Baseball rumors are the best. Baseball rumors are stupid. http://bit.ly/vw2RkX / well done
*chirp* *chirp*
Not sure why Kemp would settle for that deal. He can do better than that in a year.
YankeesPR Congrats to RHP David Phelps for earning @MLBazFallLeague Pitcher of the Week Award
from mlbtraderumors:
Heavy Interest In C.J. Wilson
By Tim Dierkes [November 14 at 11:03am CST]
Interest has been heavy in free agent lefty C.J. Wilson, reports Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports, despite his disappointing postseason. The Yankees, Angels, Blue Jays, Marlins, Nationals, and Rangers have already expressed interest, reports Morosi. All six clubs had been expected to be in the mix.
An official with an involved club expects at least five years with a sixth-year option for Wilson, while another official believes six years guaranteed is possible. Could a sixth year push Wilson to $100MM? In an August 30th poll, 78% of nearly 7,000 MLBTR readers polled felt Wilson would fall short of nine figures.
Rangers GM Jon Daniels recently commented on Wilson to MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan, saying, “We would like to have him back. We know he’s in a great position. He’ll explore his options. We’ll prepare for both possibilities.” At the least, the Rangers are expected to offer arbitration to the Type A free agent nine days from now. If Wilson does leave the Rangers, they could end up with a top 20 draft pick as compensation if the Nationals, Jays, or Angels sign him and the current system remains in place for 2012. Out of Morosi’s five competing suitors, only the Marlins have a protected first-round pick.
__________________________________________________________
I would be okay with CJ Wilson, but not on those terms. I guess the further away we get from the postseason, the better Wilson will appear to be.
It’s unfortunate that this off-season is loaded with stars at positions that we don’t need (Reyes, Fielder, Pujols, etc.) yet the guy we need signs an extension.
Would not be shocked one bit if Hamels is next and takes a discount to do so.
Not sure why Kemp would settle for that deal. He can do better than that in a year.
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$160MM in the hand is worth &200MM in the bush.
Anyone else nearly puke when they read that Paps went to Philly to add to the ring count?
Pete doesn’t think Paps went to Philly for that. Quote: “Be sure of this, had the Red Sox offered $1 more than the Phillies, Papelbon would still be in Boston. It’s always about the money. ”
I don’t think so, Pete. Would take a lot more than one dollar to lure a free agent back to the Titanic when you could be on the Queen Mary.
Tank,
If they’re worried about Fielder/Pujols blocking DH for Arod, why not just move Arod to DH now, get it over and done with and sign Reyes for 3b?
Lifestyle must be more important than chances of winning for Kemp.
I can respect that he wants to stay in LA. He just might be a west coast guy like how some players want to play in the grind of the east coast.
It’s not always about the money, though $20M might be chump change 5 years down the line.
NickSwisher RT @JandR: NY Yankee Nick Swisher appearing Live at J&R Saturday, November 19th! http://ow.ly/7sYzo >who’s coming to see me?!
1
Yea Kemp could likely push 200 million on the open market…..IF he stayed healthy and had another good season. He could also get hurt or slump next season…..if true that offer is pretty fair
The NBA is officially a disaster.
-2012 YANKEE BATTING ORDER-
(1) GARDNER (full-time)
(2) GRANDY
(3) CANO
(4) A-ROD
(5) TEX
(6) MONTERO
(7) SWISH
(8) MARTIN
(9) JEET
I guess some people feel that if they don’t go crazy they can eke by on $160 million and play where they want to play.