Pregame notes: Somber tone following Chamberlain injury
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Notes on Mar 23, 2012 
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Brian Cashman alerted the media that he needed to make an announcement, and as reporters gathered around him in the Yankees dugout this morning, Cashman’s tone was about as somber as I’ve ever heard. He didn’t have many answers — couldn’t provide specific details of the injury, had no idea what it meant for the future — but it was clear that Cashman was overwhelmingly concerned about Joba Chamberlain.
“I just know those (questions about the future) are running through him,” Cashman said. “I feel bad because I know how much he loves this game. I know how much he was looking forward to coming back ahead of schedule. He’d pushed the schedule ahead and this was just an unfortunate accident that’s clearly derailed that. What more does that mean? I don’t know. He’s a good man. He’s a good father. It’s just an unfortunate circumstance that’s occurred.”
Cashman got a call just before last night’s national anthem telling him that Chamberlain had been playing with his son at a Tampa-area activities center for kids. There were trampolines — or something like trampolines — involved, and Chamberlain suffered an open dislocation of his right ankle. The only positive was that Chamberlain’s son was apparently uninjured. Chamberlain himself was taken to St. Joseph’s hospital by a team of paramedics, and he had surgery last night.
What all of that means is still very much up in the air, but Cashman kept calling it a “significant injury” and a “significant situation.”
“From a team standpoint it’s a massive loss because he’s really good,” Cashman said. “But right now the most important thing is not what it means to the team, it’s really what it means to him personally for the present and the future.”
How much longer will he be in the hospital? “It’s going to be at least a number of days,” Cashman said.
Could this be career threatening? “I just couldn’t say,” Cashman said. “I’d like to say no. My heart and my gut tells me no, that that’s not the case.”
Did jumping on a trampoline violate Chamberlain’s contract? “I haven’t even looked at it,” Cashman said.
• The positive news from this morning is that Andy Pettitte threw batting practice with no problems. “Missed a few spots,” he said. “But otherwise, everything’s where it needs to be.”
• Pettitte said that both Larry Rothschild and Mike Harkey gave him positive feedback, saying his arm slot was consistent and the movement was late on his two-seamer and changeup. Petttitte also said his four-seamer was “riding nice.” He felt good enough that he thought he could have thrown 10 or 15 more pitches.
• Something you might not think about with a guy like Pettitte: He said he’s having trouble reading the ball off the bat. It’s been so long since he’s been in a game, he’s not seeing the ball very well upon contact, and he’s had trouble with that even in PFP. He told the Yankees he wanted an L-screen in front of himself for today’s BP for that very reason. He expects that to get better.
• Dave Robertson also threw pain-free batting practice this morning and thinks he could be in Tuesday’s game. He’s happy with the way he feels, just feels like he wasn’t locating today. “I feel like I can throw the ball better than that,” he said. “I just haven’t done it yet.”
• Jorge Vazquez is scheduled to play today, but first he’s scheduled to see a doctor about his hand, which was hit by a pitch last night. He said it feels OK, but he needs to get it checked out. It was heavily wrapped this morning.
• Manny Delcarmen also threw batting practice today. Michael Pineda and Phil Hughes each threw sides. CC Sabathia is throwing a side tomorrow, which keeps him on his regular schedule.
• David Phelps is back with the team today, a very happy new father.
• Today’s available pitchers:
HOME: Ivan Nova, Mariano Rivera, Rafael Soriano, Boone Logan, Clay Rapada, Juan Cedeno, Rigoberto Arrebato, Kelvin Perez, Kramer Sneed (I’ve honestly never heard of Arrebato, but that’s the name that was listed)
ROAD: Hiroki Kuroda, David Phelps, Mike O’Connor, Ryan Pope, Mariel Checo, Vidal Nuno, Ryan Flannery, Chase Whitley
• Today’s second string
HOME: C Gustavo Molina, 1B Jorge Vazquez, 2B Walter Ibarra, SS Ramiro Pena, 3B Jayson Nix, LF none, CF Mason Williams, RF Dan Brewer
ROAD: C Jose Gil, 1B Addison Maruszak, 2B Jose Pirela, SS none, 3B Dante Bichette, LF Cole Garner, CF none, RF none
• Extra players up from minor league camp
HOME: C Kyle Higashioka, INF Ronnier Mustelier, OF Eduardo Sosa
ROAD: C Jeff Farnham, INF Kelvin Castro, OF Abe Almonte
• Tomorrow’s travelers vs. Detroit
Pitchers: Cesar Cabral, Juan Cedeno, Freddy Garcia, George Kontos, Mike O’Connor, Kevin Whelan
Catchers: Francisco Cervelli, Jose Gil, Gustavo Molina
Infielders: Doug Bernier, Robinson Cano, Bill Hall, Brandon Laird, Jayson Nix, Eduardo Nunez, Ramiro Pena, Mark Teixeira, Jorge Vazquez
Outfielders: Colin Curtis, Chris Dickerson, Cole Garner, Raul Ibanez, Justin Maxwell, Dewayne Wise
Associated Press photos
Not very smart.
My prayers go out to Joba. This is just devastating for him and his family and he appears to be such a good kid.
But that’s beyond our control. So…
We need some good news to change the mood!
Release Ibanez?
Release Ibanez?
Not likely, but it sure would be great news if that were the case.
I don’t think you could get that lucky Rich.
just a thought, maybe it would be better if ibanez went 4-5 instead of getting released.
Pettitte should just go to the Eye Doc. He’s gettin’ old and the peepers just aint what they once were.
That assumes Ys that he could maintain a consistently high level of production, which I think he is unlikely given his lack of bat speed (not to mention that he is 40 and his defense is awful).
luis March 23rd, 2012 at 12:10 pm
yankeefeminista March 23rd, 2012 at 12:06 pm
Ben Badler ? @BenBadler
Hard for me to put a limit on him given his background, but it’s a huge arm RT @MatthStarr what kind of ceiling do you see for DePaula?
2m Ben Badler ? @BenBadler
Would bet extended, then Low-A. Could move fast RT @MitchellNJ Considering DePaula’s age will Yanks fast track him and start him in High A?
=========================================
When i read the news that he had obtained his visa. I started to think that he might start in lower A level, because of his age.
When i read the news that he had obtained his visa. I started to think that he might start in lower A level, because of his age.
–
Seems like the perfect candidate to go to SI (low A ss) and then move up to real low A or tampa when promotions start happening.
luis March 23rd, 2012 at 12:16 pm
BD,
That will be probably the case. he has 4 pithces, 2 of them plus plus, the other 2 not bad at all. Sad as it may seem, i wouldn’t blame him for trying to be a starter elsewhere.This injury pretty much ends any kind of chance he had to do so in Pinstripes.
CC_Sabathia Melo’s for Opening Day! What y’all think? #TeamJordanFamily http://pic.twitter.com/SZNlfJUX
Why wasn’t Joba at the game watching his teammates play like he has done many times during ST, instead of jumping around on a trampoline?
This really really sucks. I was looking forward to seeing how his arm respond post-TJ. At least his kid isn’t hurt.
Pat Robertson should refrain from offering sports commentary:
“I think the Denver Broncos treated him [Tebow] shabbily. He won seven games, he brought them into the playoffs, for heaven sakes. I mean, they were a nothing team. He rallied them together with spectacular last-minute passes and, you know, when they beat Buffalo — I mean, Pittsburgh, excuse me — it was a tremendous victory. And you just ask yourself, okay, so Peyton Manning was a tremendous MVP quarterback, but he’s been injured. If that injury comes back, Denver will find itself without a quarterback. And in my opinion, it would serve them right.”
Why wasn’t Joba at the game watching his teammates play like he has done many times during ST, instead of jumping around on a trampoline?
–
Rehabbing players dont travel with the team.
“Dislocated ankles should not be expected to return to premorbid function.
The amount of force and level of capsular disruption required to dislocate the inherently stable joint results in significant injury with lasting effects. To a limited extent, prompt intervention can reduce the risk of complications.”
Erin March 23rd, 2012 at 12:19 pm
CC_Sabathia Melo’s for Opening Day! What y’all think? #TeamJordanFamily http://pic.twitter.com/SZNlfJUX
——
CC seems to go through more shoes than anyone on the team. He is always stylin
are there any scouting reports on DePaula? What does he throw?
so Peyton Manning was a tremendous MVP quarterback, but he’s been injured. If that injury comes back, Denver will find itself without a quarterback. And in my opinion, it would serve them right.
*******************
OMG
JF,
Taking in to account that he hasn’t pitch in organized baseball. How many innings do you think De Paula could throw this season? 80-100 or less?
Jerkface –
Duh, my bad. I totally blanked the fact that they were in Ft. Myers playing. Makes a little more sense now, however, still wish he could’ve had more foresight to think “Hey I might get hurt doing this.”
Dang
The most important thing is whether or not it is a career-ending injury. I don’t care about how it impacts us now, it was an accident. Yes, an unavoidable accident, but the most important thing is Joba.
Joba’s got a big heart, and it’s fun to be the cool dad. But I hope thus isn’t something he’ll regret later.
Cashman seems shaken up, so I suspect the prognosis had a lot of qualifiers and uncertainty.
Best of luck to Joba.
Kd,
As far as i know, he throws mid 90′s fastball, some say that up to 99 with good comand, and a nasty hook. According to what i have read he is very advanced
“That assumes Ys that he could maintain a consistently high level of production, which I think he is unlikely given his lack of bat speed (not to mention that he is 40 and his defense is awful).”
———-
sounds like you could also be talking about David Ortiz in 2010. Maybe Raul should give him a call…
“sounds like you could also be talking about David Ortiz in 2010. Maybe Raul should give him a call…”
I could????? One is, you know, a near HoF, the other, a marginal player.
DePaula: http://www.baseballamerica.com.....l-depaula/
kd,
What Luis said lol. I read he is 6’3, and can get it up to 97 or so with a nasty curve. Not sure what else he has, or what his mechanics, control/command look like but he is 21 and is a guy who can move quickly. For what it is worth, Kevin Goldstein just tweeted that he would put DePaula at #9 on the Yankees’ top prospect list.
kd:
“More recent reports from sources have had him touching the high-90s, though those have yet to be independently confirmed because scouts from other organizations have not been able to watch him pitch recently. DePaula also has shown a sharp power curveball, feel for a changeup, good size at around 6-foot-2, 200 pounds with long arms, huge hands and a clean, athletic delivery.”
thanks luis,
so i assume he’ll start in extended spring training. maybe aa or aaa by the end of the year. 2013/2014 eta?
BD,
I really really like that description! Now lets get this kid into some games this summer and see what he has!
Taking in to account that he hasn’t pitch in organized baseball. How many innings do you think De Paula could throw this season? 80-100 or less?
–
I have no idea honestly. He has been working out at the yankees DR facility for a year+ according to these articles, so he must have some base to build off of.
I think he gets in EST because he is missing normal ST. Then SS for ~40-50 innings or ~10 starts and then maybe Low A or High A to get some turns to the end of the season/playoffs. Then winterball or AzL (maybe AzL as the Yankees will want to keep an eye on him) for around 80-100 on the year. Good chance he gets less if he is only in Staten for the year. Most starters throw about 40-60 innings there.
“I could????? One is, you know, a near HoF, the other, a marginal player.”
————-
you said, essentially, that Raul has diminished bat speed and he’s old.
same as Ortiz in 2010. His bat speed was probably even worse at times than Ibanez has been this spring.
not sure what Ortiz did, but he rebounded for sure.
so i assume he’ll start in extended spring training. maybe aa or aaa by the end of the year. 2013/2014 eta?
–
Wayyyyyy too aggressive. He is 21 but he hasn’t thrown in any games. No way he is going to end up in AA or AAA this year. Maybe if they have him as a reliever, but he will start.
thanks guys.
bd, not being sarcastic here, but we all know what ortiz ‘did’
BD
I’ll take the under on Ibanez, and continue to believe that he and Ortiz have only one thing in common: they have both played MLB.
Rich in NJ,
do you dispute that Ortiz had diminished bat speed, was getting older, and over on the Sox blogs there was probably a “Rich in Boston” who was saying Ortiz was “done” ?
BD (Boston Dave) March 23rd, 2012 at 12:29 pm
not sure what Ortiz did, but he rebounded for sure.
********************
remembered how much he likes milkshakes?
well, you must be right. forgive me for rooting for a yankees player. maybe we should hope he gets on a trampoline instead, that might make alot of people on here happy.
Erin,
no doubt about that.
that’s why I said Raul should give Papi a call
“I’ll have what he’s having.”
Rich in NJ,
I’m not saying Ibanez is destined to be an all-star this year at DH.
Just that I’ve heard people jump all over an older declining player before and look silly when the guy actually got in a groove during the season and outperformed.
Can’t write the guy off just yet… but no argument that it’s a concern.
Just sucky news !! Dude is just snake bitten
Ortiz struggled at 33. Ibanez is 40. Ibanez’s age is just the biggest inherent factor in his poor showing so far. He could turn it around of course, anything is possible, but the Yankees wasting their time on a 40 year old expecting a bounce back isn’t sound decision making. Purely a function of what was available on the market (not much)
What Luis said lol.
Funny?, what did i say that is so funny?
BD
In that down season you reference, Oritz is listed as being in his age 33 season.
Ibanez is now 40.
So, no, it’s not the same thing, and I think it’s an absurd comparison.
JF,
sure – agreed.
though a 33 year old 300 pounder isnt that different than a 40 year old in Ibanez’s shape.
Who wins in any type of athletic competition?
Rich in NJ,
absurd comparison?
the only thing that’s been “absurd” are your doomsday posts on here the past few weeks.
kd,
Like JF said, that’s way to aggresive.More likely 2015, if all goes well.
I feel horrible for Joba. I had gone to my nephews bday party at one of the pumped up bouncy places and all the adults were jumping around on the playsets with the kids because the weight limits they posted were into the 1000′s of pounds.
That said, he should not have risked injury like that in a non controlled area. I know for physical therapy they use “rebounding” devices where you hop up and down on little trampolines. But those are supervised and they have handles to stabilize yourself.
Joba used poor judgment here and it’s going to haunt the poor guy for the rest of his life.
The prospect of being a mega millionaire and making the money the right arm could have earned him is at risk.
It’s going to be interesting to see if Hal is a businessman or a human being here because he has way to lop 1.5 million off the “budget” by challenging Joba’s contract for doing an activity like this.
Even talking about Joba making a comeback is silly at this point. All the progress he’s made with his arm will now be lost because he can’t stand up. Getting the ankle right is the priority and they may never get the ankle right.
It’s not hard to imagine this sending this kind, who has had trouble with the drink, into a tailspin.
I wish him luck. I hope the Yankees do right by him and don’t attempt to void his contract for the pocket change he makes this season. That may be the last million dollars he makes as a pitcher.
With this injury, if he can ever come back he’ll almost have to hope to come back as a reliever since I can’t imagine his being able to stand on a mound and throw 100 pitches over several hours.
It’s a shame. What a mess.
BD
Doomsday? I picked the Yankees to win 97 games in trisha’s contest.
Sorry, I don’t wave my pom poms enough for you.
Ortiz is closer to 200 than 300. Can’t believe I have to defend Ortiz.
Just on things like ability to run and move, I’m sure Ibanez has some kind of advantage. But for hitting its no contest, Ortiz’s “he’s finished!” year was equal to Ibanez’s “I’m still fine” year 2 years ago and 100 OPS points better than his year last year.
I wouldn’t have signed Ortiz to play the OF, but I’d take him at DH over Ibanez. Even the 2009 Ortiz.
G Love
I think the $1.5m is money well spent in terms of fostering good will with the team.
“Sorry, I don’t wave my pom poms enough for you.”
———
we need cheerleaders as much as we need people complaining about spring training results and incessant whining.
leave the pom poms under your bed.
BD
You’re whining right now.
This Joba news has really bummed me out today. I just can’t believe this man has suffered another serious injury. If there is a Dr. here, maybe you can explain the possibility of Joba actually have the strength is his ankle to pitch in the Majors.
And of course for all the guys that seem done but aren’t, there are those that seem done that are done. Like Randy Winn. And the Yankees aren’t paying Ibanez for some kind of future bounce back next year, they want production this year, so thats what they have to look for. Is Ibanez going to give them production *this year*. They’ll play him into May/June to find out most likely.
“Ortiz is closer to 200 than 300. Can’t believe I have to defend Ortiz.”
———-
i dont care what he’s listed at. I was about 200-205 when I hung out with the guy a few years ago and I looked like a dwarf next to him.
sure I may have exaggerated with 300lb, perhaps, but there is no way he’s 230. no way.
my point was, an out of shape big guy at 33 isn’t that far off from an in shape guy at 40…. and really – my point was that Ortiz was a guy with diminished bat speed who looked like he was done but proved everyone wrong.
JF,
I am in no way saying Ibanez will do anything this season either. Never said that, wouldn’t bet on it.
Just sounded eerily familiar when I read “slowed bat speed” and getting old to what I read about Ortiz in 2010. That’s all.
WTP,
I’m no dr or therapist, but I think they’ll tell him to lose some weight to put less stress in the ankle when the process begins.
I doubt they take that money away. It’s pennies for them, and he might not pitch ever again.
G Love
Why do you say Joba has drinking problems? Other than the DWI he had, is there anything else?
Rich,
move along.
Sounds like this ankle injury could or is in fact more serious than having TJ? True?
Some people need to harden their sensibilities.
If you agree that the Yankees make a good move, like Kuroda, they should be praised.
If you think they make a questionable move, like you know what, they should be questioned.
If you think they made a bad move, like Ibanez, they should be criticized.
People can rub it in my face (or anyone else’s) if we are wrong.
BD
You talking to yourself? You questioned my post. Take your own advice.
Rich,
what’s the big deal? All I said was your critique sounded similar to what I read about Ortiz. I had no intention of being confrontational about it.
I didn’t say you were wrong or rub it in your face until you got all defensive.
Rich,
I’m sure you’ll have no problem finding someone else to argue with. I’m not interested.
I’m sorry I got this far into it.
Just sounded eerily familiar when I read “slowed bat speed” and getting old to what I read about Ortiz in 2010. That’s all.
–
Eerily familiar but separated by 6 years. Just not a good comparison. You know what this sounds eerily similar to? Randy Winn. Brad Hawpe.
upstate kate,
There’s been a lot of reports over the years that Joba likes to party. That’s all well and good when you’re healthy and celebrating. Drinking when you’re depressed and facing a career ending injury could be catastrophic and I hope he has a support base around him to watch out for that behavior.
If he doesn’t get his ability to pitch back, his life just took a dramatic turn. Even if he had some kind of insurance for a career ending injury, that could most likely be challenged by the way he injured himself which wasn’t on the field.
People can rub it in my face (or anyone else’s) if we are wrong.
–
Don’t rub it in my face, if Ibanez succeeds I was for him all along.
FYI – I incorrectly said 2010. I meant 2009.
BD
And all I said was that the comparison you raised was inapt.
I’m not being defensive. I am just stating reality. Much of this comes from the differences of opinion about the big trade that has dominated this blog.
I don’t mind when people remind me when I’m wrong. It comes with having opinions
But ok.
“It’s going to be interesting to see if Hal is a businessman or a human being here because he has way to lop 1.5 million off the “budget” by challenging Joba’s contract for doing an activity like this. ”
I hope the latter…..Joba was working his tail off to get back and voiding his contract could seriously ruin his life along with his families’s…..I hope they stick by him.
Regarding Ibanez, if his batting average today is the same around April 30, then there is a big problem.
Until that date, it does not matter just how poorly he is hitting.
Very possible he is done and he won’t be a good hitter anymore, but he deserves many more at bats before a decision has been made.
You know what Ortiz’s temporary decline reminds me a little of (there are some differences), Jeter. And if Jeter hits the way he did Post AS this year and next, I was wrong about him, and I am happy about that.
“And all I said was that the comparison you raised was inapt.”
———-
so you also saw the posts written about Ortiz a couple years back and want to dispute that people questioned his bat speed and his increasing age?
or should I forward you some links?
Winn got released on May 28th so Ibanez probably has seven weeks or so to show the Yankees something. I
sorry – ignore that. my bad.
YES is about to go live so maybe we’ll find out more.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
“Winn got released on May 28th so Ibanez probably has seven weeks or so to show the Yankees something.”
———
probably about right… maybe less.
Last night I was fortunate enough to watch Curt Schilling on ESPN rip Bobby V. It was pure entertainment. Schill made the comments during the pre-game show or Baseball Tonight. I don’t remember.
He basically said that Francona is the better manager for the players & now that Bobby V is in charge, the culture of the team has done a 360.
Schill said on the 1st day of ST he told the team there is a rule that every player must take the team bus. Just this week Beckett was seen riding a limo after exiting the bus. Schill said Bobby did nothing about that and that alone is just a recipe for disaster.
Schill said that Bobby needs to be part of the story, he gets off on seeing his name on the paper and the Boston media will soon eat him alive.
I love it!!!
Game Post up
Warning Track,
as much as I’d like to find that potentially hypocritical coming from Schilling, I’ll enjoy any turmoil that comes from Bobby V and his big mouth.
“Sounds like this ankle injury could or is in fact more serious than having TJ? True?”
I would say less predictable ….TJS is serious….they arr just really good at it these days
Very possible he is done and he won’t be a good hitter anymore, but he deserves many more at bats before a decision has been made.
–
Some of us disagree on who should get a chance and who shouldn’t
I don’t think Ibanez deserves anything. He isn’t a long term fill for the Yankees. He provides nothing on the bases or in the field. He will get his chances because he has a guaranteed deal and has special clubhouse presence powers.
I’d like to see the Yankees take a guy like Dickerson or Maxwell. They can cut those guys just as easily but even if they don’t hit they provide benefit on the field as defensive replacements or on the bases.
Ibanez was touted as a 2 way player but he isn’t. And I think putting him on the roster at all will lead to Girardi playing him in the OF, which is suboptimal.
Plus I hate how his face looks.