Quiet Yankees camp didn’t last long
Remember when Yankees camp opened? The A.J. Burnett trade was all but complete, the Raul Ibanez signing was a matter of time and interest in Eric Chavez was public knowledge. There didn’t seem to be many surprises left. The Yankees would pick from six rotation candidates, move the sixth starter into the long relief role and choose someone to round out the bullpen.
Camp stayed quiet almost a full month, but quiet never lasts long around here.
In the past three weeks, Yankees camp has taken plenty of twists and turns, and it started with news that caught everyone by surprise on an otherwise quiet Friday.
March 16
Andy Pettitte comes out of retirement
I don’t know about you, but I was eating lunch when Jack Curry’s tweet hit the internet. I was sitting with Wall Street Journal beat writer Dan Barbarisi, and when he showed me his phone, I told him I didn’t get the joke. Pettitte had been in Yankees camp as a guest instructor in late February, and I’d been standing three feet from from him when he said he was happy in retirement. There was no chance of Pettitte coming back, until suddenly he was back. Quiet Yankees camp? Not any more.
March 22
Joba Chamberlain dislocates ankle
There was something about the way Brian Cashman broke the news that made it sound even worse than it was. He gathered the media in the Yankees dugout and started out by saying Chamberlain, “got into a pretty significant accident with his son.” When you’re thinking the worst, a dislocated ankle doesn’t sound so bad, but obviously it’s a significant setback. Chamberlain wasn’t going to break camp with the Yankees anyway, but this further delays his return from Tommy John surgery and creates further questions of what kind of long-term impact he’s capable of having.
March 30
Michael Pineda feels shoulder soreness
To be honest, it was beginning to feel like Pineda might not make the rotation anyway. His results weren’t particularly bad, but Pineda wasn’t pitching anything like the guy the Yankees meant to acquire — his velocity was down, his offspeed stuff was up – and Joe Girardi couldn’t say enough nice things about Freddy Garcia. Shoulder tendinitis might explain the diminished velocity, or it might have been caused by a desire to generate velocity. Either way, Pineda’s out for at least a few weeks, and it’s still far too early to say the trade was a good one or a bad one.
April 4
Francisco Cervelli demoted, Chris Stewart acquired
Cervelli wasn’t happy, and it was hard to blame him. The Yankees didn’t need to make this move, but they chose to give up some of their considerable pitching depth to improve their short-term catching depth. Necessary? Probably not. But I doubt it’s a game-changer either way. I happen to be a George Kontos believer, but the Yankees didn’t carry him even with a long relief opening. I also happen to like Stewart as a defensive backup, and if the Yankees weren’t comfortable with their catching depth after the Austin Romine injury, this probably helped the situation.



YT
“He’s been here the last three years basically for us. He got called up and kind of burst on the scene in 2009 because of some injuries, and this was a tough one. Our depth for catching with Romine getting hurt was really thin. We know how quick it can happen for a catcher, but it was tough. It’s as tough as I’ve had to do.”
I would have to believe that Girardi of all people sat him down and really did everything he could to boost his confidence and make him feel as good as he could about the move. But as you said, it’s possible that he wasn’t really hearing anything.
Of course I feel really bad for him. I also believe that if they acquired someone with options, Cervelli would still be up. But at zero hour, you’re probably not scouring for someone who’s just “okay”.
A new show “As the Yankees turn”.
A real tear-jerker.
And under the category of “When life gives you lemons…” -
I have tickets to all of the SWB games with the Pawsux.
I am going to get to see Francisco Cervelli close up and personal, so it would seem.
MAMA MIA!!!!
Trisha-
Get his autograph and give him a pep talk.
Trisha-
Remember.
Do NOT look directly into his eyes.
I will do both! Plus take some pics of him to post here!
Trisha-
Remember.
Do NOT look directly into his eyes.
Fantastic.
Well I won’t get to see Ys Opening Day (at least not on the day – the DVR will be running though) but I will get to see Verlander have his way with the Suxers today!
In the meantime, I am going to pretend I have a thousand things to do to get ready for Easter and then to go away the following day!
Later y’all.
Trisha-
Ask him what Girardi told him were the reasons he was being sent down. Inquiring minds want to know.
Francisco Cervelli demoted, Chris Stewart acquired
Cervelli wasn?t happy, and it was hard to blame him.
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I did a double take when I read that yesterday. Poor Cervelli.
Gotta go also. Have a great day all. MTU-enjoy your hike. GB-get some sleep. Randy-lighten up.
Trisha-See what you can do to brighten Cervelli’s day.
Everyone-
Happy Holidays!!
“Cervelli wasn?t happy, and it was hard to blame him.”
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Time for him to start making basestealers unhappy and he’ll be back soon.
YT-
May the wind always be at your back.
Have a good one.
I appear to be in the minority, but I seem to have an overwhelming lack of curiosity about what words may have passed between Girardi and Cervelli.
What I’m mainly interested in is, if Cervelli is catching Dealin’ tomorrow night in Allentown, that he doesn’t jump up and down like a pogo stick and disrupt the big right-hander’s zen on the mound. Gonna be plenty windy as it is, according to weather reports.
JAP-
Dellin with a tailwind.
whew !
YT-I imagine it went something like this:
“Go ahead. Drink. Drink. You’re out of the family business, that’s your punishment. You’re finished. I’m putting you on a plane to Vegas. I want you to stay there, you understand?”
MTU,
You worry about the offspeed stuff. He’s already got built-in tailwind on his stuff
.
JAP-
Guess it wasn’t all that funny.
Pruf, Betances’ pitch day is Friday, and that was the announcement originally, but the team is in Rochester right. Are they now holding him off until Saturday in Syracuse? Because unlike previous listings, Collins now has Dellin pitching on Saturday in Syracuse (link below), but that is Banuelos’ pitch day. Maybe they don’t want the Killer B’s to take the bus trip to Allentown, so they are giving each of them an extra day. Just a guess. Hopefully, we get some answers soon. Things could also be fluid because they suddenly wanted Delcarmen and/or now Ortiz to start in the first series… Here’s a link to the Collins story on Manny-Dellin.http://thetimes-tribune.com/sp.....z1rAgVF7xp
JAP,
Yea I wonder if some of the pitchers have voiced that they really don’t like throwing to Cervy because of all the antics and hyper behavior…..
MTU,
Watching Hughes pitch during rehab in high winds at that place wasn’t pretty. He had no feel for his offspeed stuff but battled through, after walking the bases loaded. He gutted it out that day. May have to be one of those.
What I want to see from the Yankees in general though is, when it gets to be around the fifth or sixth, let the kids work through their troubles instead of pulling them, especially if they’re not laboring and in spite of the almighty pitch count, if it is halfway reasonable.
At Trenton, Betances would get an out, then maybe BB a guy or give up a non-line drive or seeing-eye hit, Pirela would then boot a gimme inning-ending DP ball to set up a first and second with one out, and he’s now got a golden opportunity to work from the stretch and out of trouble (still throwing 95), and here they come to get him. Not good. Betances and Warren have both complained about this. It’s frustrating to watch, but it must really rankle the pitchers.
Gotta book.
Have a good day everyone.
I’ll check in for the postgame analysis.
Make Maddon pucker please.
Masters starts today….one of my favorite sporting events of the year……Masters +opening day = spring is here!
The day could also just be a mistake by Collins because yesterday he had Dellin pitching on Friday and Manny on Saturday, which was how I figured it would be and would make more sense vis a vis their pitch days.
JAP-
Hope you get your wish.
YF-
Please have Chad provide me your e-mail so I can send you those pics of the GFS.
Later.
It won’t be as bad as the Hughes’ Allentown game, but it will be cold tomorrow night: mid to low 40′s with 10-12 mph winds in Lehigh Valley.
blake,
Did you see the honorary tee off with Palmer, Player and Nicklaus? I wonder how many more times we’ll get to see that trio.
Check out the Masters web site. It’s superb.
MTU, will do. I have been too busy with work to get around to it. But finally I have a reprieve today. Have a good day.
Cervelli sucks he is gone
Nothing to see here
Lets move on
yankeefeminista April 5th, 2012 at 9:31 am
Pruf, Betances’ pitch day is Friday, and that was the announcement originally, but the team is in Rochester right. Are they now holding him off until Saturday in Syracuse? Because unlike previous listings, Collins now has Dellin pitching on Saturday in Syracuse (link below), but that is Banuelos’ pitch day. Maybe they don’t want the Killer B’s to take the bus trip to Allentown, so they are giving each of them an extra day. Just a guess. Hopefully, we get some answers soon. Things could also be fluid because they suddenly wanted Delcarmen and/or now Ortiz to start in the first series… Here’s a link to the Collins story on Manny-Dellin.http://thetimes-tribune.com/sp…..z1rAgVF7xp
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Good read, thanks YF. Always a risk when making plans to see these guys re rotation, especially our vagabonds. Last thing we want is these kids putting their back out or something – ala Logan – from riding buses. Dellin, at 6-8, could be especially vulnerable. Really, eff the Mets. These kids would have been using Newark as a base, if not for the Mets.
As per article, the leg drive for DB is important. Didn’t feel he really had his legs under him in ST, even though no one could really get anything off him. It’s excellent that they are now both in Aldred’s hands – much more comfortable with that than Phelps. For Manny, Aldred being a lefty should really help, too, and I am looking forward to seeing his new cutter.
yankeefeminista April 5th, 2012 at 9:40 am
MTU, will do. I have been too busy with work to get around to it. But finally I have a reprieve today. Have a good day.
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The day you have to get a job is the day this blog takes a nose dive, fem
Interesting read courtesy of the NY Daily News – they have quotes from some players and managers about the different players on the Yankees. Some are pretty funny stuff.
“I see him out there really poised,” Betances said. “He has that poise and posture out there, and the confidence in what he is going to be doing. That’s something I’m going to be working on this year.
Read more: http://thetimes-tribune.com/sp.....z1rAnoVAUx
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Indeed, Betances does not look poised on the mound. When I’ve seen him he’s always looked more intimidated than intimidating, but hopefully that will change.
Are Red Sux-Tigers a 1PM or 1:30?
?@fran_cervelli
Thank u all for the support,im ready to play baseball tonight,this is my life and my pasion God Bless you
In the minors, Betances doesn’t look intimidated as much without fluidity when he is out of whack and searching for his release point.
as much *as
Shame, forget that! Are you ready for playoff hockey?
yankeefem,
Sox game is at 1:05.
blake April 5th, 2012 at 9:31 am
JAP,
Yea I wonder if some of the pitchers have voiced that they really don’t like throwing to Cervy because of all the antics and hyper behavior…..
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Yea, me too. He seemed to quiet down a little, but maybe it’s just not his nature to remain so. Really, I don’t mind the kid expressing who he is, but he does seem a little jumpy. Pitchers have to control the tempo of the game. Nothing happens until the ball leaves their hand. Don’t want to fool around with their concentration with distracting exhortations and unnecessary movement.
Indeed, Betances does not look poised on the mound. When I’ve seen him he’s always looked more intimidated than intimidating, but hopefully that will change.
///
I don’t think this is at all the case with Betances. He’s got the upper hand and he knows it. If you sit behind the plate during one of his starts, you’ll see who’s intimidated, I would say.
Pruf, well the distance occurred to me. Traveling from Rochester to Syracuse is about 210 miles less than from Rochester to LHV. But again, until I see someone confirm that there has been a change, I am assuming Dellin pitches Friday. If Ortiz or Delcarmen pitch, I will stay home or go see Stoneburner pitch in Trenton, likely vs. Deck McGuire, which would be a nice matchup. I am not braving the bad weather for Delcarmen or Ortiz.
Stewart is probably a better defensive back up than Cervelli is; but I a) think you could have gotten a player like him without having to make any trade at all and b) would be terrified of having him bat at any time in his tenure with the club.
Like I said yesterday (and maybe Chad can give his opinion on this also) is that I think the Yankees did this because they think Cervelli is better than Tatum or Molina and would rather have him working with the young pitchers in AAA instead of one of those other two guys.
Tom, thanks. I am pumped!
yankeefeminista April 5th, 2012 at 9:44 am
In the minors, Betances doesn’t look intimidated as much without fluidity when he is out of whack and searching for his release point.
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Right, it’s all about what’s going on mechanically with him. Needs to dial back to 2010 form and to certain starts last year, even.
fran_cervelli Thank u all for the support,im ready to play baseball tonight,this is my life and my pasion God Bless you
Seriously? You got sent to the minor leagues…it’s not something people should be sending you flowers over.
fem – You have know idea!! Saturday can’t come soon enough.. I just want to get the brackets set so we can get this party started! There are gonna be a lot of tight series. Your Pens are looking sharp at the right time.. I’m hoping Marty can find another level this year.
Tom,
I didn’t get to see it but Ill watch….I have the Masters app on my phone. I don’t know how much longer those guys can do it either…..Jack and Player are in pretty good health but Arnie has a hard time these days…….
Shame, our D is looking a bit porous, but I expect we will tighten it up. Not thrilled about playing Flyers in the first round with all the extracurriculars, but we just need to bring our A game and keep our elite players out of the scrums. How have you guys handled Fla this season?
Chip, people are just being supportive of Cervelli and he is appreciative. Nothing wrong with that.
Verlander contra Lester today should be a good one.
I hope Verlander mows
blake,
+1!
blake, yes, that would be nice. Is it ESPN or MLB Network today? If it’s ESPN, gonna be a Bobby V lovefest, for sure.
As much fun as it is to mock the Mets – I think they might surprise a lot of people this year.
IF Johan stays healthy – they have a pretty strong rotation with Santana, RA, Niese (nice contract for him) and Gee – and Pelf does have ability.
With the fences coming in they have the potential for a good, balanced middle of the order in Wright and Bay from the right side and Duda and Davis from the left.
Defensively Tejada is maybe a hair below Reyes but not a huge drop off. I like Thole defensively too and Dan Murphy isn’t a good defensive 2b, but I do like him and if things go badly for Bay I think you’ll see Turner at 2b and Murph in LF.
The back of their pen with Francisco, Ramirez and Rauch has potential
If they get 2010 Andres Torres rather than 2011 Andres Torres that’ll be huge for them.
The real weakness is their bench – which is why they have to stay healthy.
Plus, the other teams in that division do have some pretty obvious flaws that could bite them too – the Phillies have a ton of injury problems; the Marlins are one Ozzie vs. Hanley/Reyes blowup away from implosion; the Nationals are relying on two young pitchers with injury questions in Stras and Zim and the Braves are already dealing with serious injury questions with Hudson and Chipper.
J. Alfred Prufrock April 5th, 2012 at 10:06 am
blake, yes, that would be nice. Is it ESPN or MLB Network today? If it’s ESPN, gonna be a Bobby V lovefest, for sure.
—————-
Not if Schilling is broadcasting.
If Ortiz or Delcarmen pitch, I will stay home or go see Stoneburner pitch in Trenton.
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Yankfem,
Yea I’m not chasing out there for either of those two, either. I’d see Mitchell and settle for Warren, though I’d be disappointed, of course. Stoneburner’s getting the Trenton Wednesday a.m. game, looks like, unless something funky happens with the off day. Gotta love a 10:30 a.m. start. Park should be pretty empty, and one can freely roam about to change viewing angles.
In one fell swoop Cashman traded away Girardi’s fellow Northwestern alumn and demoted his paisano.
As a side note, FA catcher Pudge Rodriguez threw out 52% of would-be base stealers last season and is 46% for his career. And as old as he is and as dead as his bat may be, I still say he brings more to the table than Chris Stewart.
Fem – Its funny actually, our record isn’t awful against them but they’ve had a couple come back wins that don’t sit too well with me. To be honest, I’d rather play Washington since we’ve matched up against them much better this season. I just hate playing the sleeper team… always dangerous IMO.
Your D should be fine if your goalie continues to stay on his hot streak… but the Flyers are no roll over and die team. I wouldn’t mind facing any team after the Flyers got a chance to beat up on them for 6ish games. I don’t see many short series this go-round. Should be a lot of fun though. My only hope is that we get our shot against the Rangers at some point… I’d just love to see if we can knock them out.
If the Yanks want Cervelli to work with the Busher at AAA, they should cut him and make him a Coach. I’m Not sure what is going on here, but there is More than meets the eye. The Romine injury\thin at catcher Clap Trap that Cashman is throwing around, is Nothing but a smoke screen. One thing is certain. The Yanks have NO interest in using Cervelli defensively. Trading for a .200 hitting backstop that is outta options makes that obvious.
Not if Schilling is broadcasting.
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Chip,
That would be almost too much to take: having to listen to that blowhard and having to eyeball Valentine’s dugout antics – probably as a meaningful pitch is being thrown.
If it’s Schilling, one can always exercise the right to mute.
I just called SWB Yankees and they still have no idea what is going on with the rotation even for game one. They said info will be slow coming this year with the Homeless Yanks not having their normal SWB base. Rumor was Delcarmen for Game 1, but not sure how Ortiz has skewed the original plan or the rotation Collins originally had up. Ugh. Guess we will find out eventually.
I have to go do some errands to get back in time for Sux first pitch. Beginning today, baseball completely rules my life again. Not that it didn’t more or less in ST and the rest of the year, but now it’s for real. Post if there is any news on SWB rotation, in particular Game 2 and Dealin’ Dellin. Later.
J. Alfred Prufrock April 5th, 2012 at 10:15 am
Not if Schilling is broadcasting.
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Chip,
That would be almost too much to take: having to listen to that blowhard and having to eyeball Valentine’s dugout antics – probably as a meaningful pitch is being thrown.
If it’s Schilling, one can always exercise the right to mute.
—————-
Baseball Tonight two or three nights ago they asked Schilling what tandem of teammates he would describe as “most valuable” he said he had two picks – either Beckett/Lester or Pedrioa/A-Gone. I turned off the TV.
yankeefem,
Did you happen to see that spot for Thunder baseball on YES yesterday?? Should have aggressively advertised last season, when they had the two B’s as headliners. If they ran those ads last year, I sure don’t remember them.
Chip April 5th, 2012 at 9:50 am
fran_cervelli Thank u all for the support,im ready to play baseball tonight,this is my life and my pasion God Bless you
Seriously? You got sent to the minor leagues?it?s not something people should be sending you flowers over.
******************
What’s wrong with showing your support for the guy? I know I’d sure as hell be disappointed if I were in his shoes.
Shame, that series between us and Flyers should be fierce. But you can also argue that we are fresher in first round than later, so better to face them sooner if one has to. Yeah, I would love to see you and Rangers meet up. I am still in NCAA semifinals Frozen Four mode at least for tonight and Sat., but at same time we are facing Rangers tonight and Flyers Saturday and still playing for home ice vs. Flyers. Should be a heckuva playoff this year, and I am so grateful to have Sid back. #kick*ssGuins!
Baseball Tonight two or three nights ago they asked Schilling what tandem of teammates he would describe as “most valuable” he said he had two picks – either Beckett/Lester or Pedrioa/A-Gone. I turned off the TV.
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LOL.
Well, Curt, Beckett is already hurt: surprise, surprise. Valentine was vague about what’s wrong with him on his ESPN Radio spot. How very fitting, the Boston proxy NY radio station with a weekly spot with the Red Sox manager.
He’s well named, isn’t he? Curt Shillin’ for the Sawx.
“he had two picks – either Beckett/Lester or Pedrioa/A-Gone. I turned off the TV.”
I wish I could pretend I never read that.
“I don’t understand their reason”- cervelli
what part about 14% throwing out runners doesn’t cervelli understand ?
cervelli really needs to work on his arm strength and health with long toss.
his throws were not just erratic, they were weak.
as a catcher, nothing makes you feel worse than having a weak arm. it’s very un- macho .
cervelli threw pretty well when he came up.
something happened in the past few years and i’m guessing it’s just a plain old sore arm that girardi went as far as he could go with.
pitchers will cover a guy for awhile, but at a certain point they are not going to want to have to be slide stepping all the time or throwing more fastballs than they want to give cervelli a chance.
going down could actually give cervelli the best chance at starting somewhere. if he can can his throwing out runners up to 30% , he’d be looking at a starting position somewhere with big bucks following.
he should loo at it as a step back to tae a step ahead.
but for him not to acknowledge that his throwing was unacceptably bad shows a lack of knowing what he has to do.
it’s very specific.
learn throw out 30% of runners.
don’t come back until you can.
hopefully he gets it
Yankeefem, if the two great centers are healthy, I like Pitt. Two best players in the world on the same team: huge advantage.
Pruf, nope didn’t see ad; was there a face of the Thunder? I need to see Marshall pitch live, but Saturday I work. Wish he were going Sunday instead.
I don’t read and listen to anything Bobby V. says or does. I avoid anything about him like the plague.
TRISHA, Sux futility 89 wins, 3rd place.
I don’t know if its ESPN or not? Anybody know?
ESPN2 is where Verlander will be mowing down the Red Sox later today.
If I had to guess a general lineup for the SWB Yankees it would be:
Rotation:
Ortiz
Banuelos
Betances
Warren
Mitchell
C – Cervelli
1b – Pearce
2b – Nix
3b – Laird
SS – Pena
LF – Garner
CF – Dickerson
RF – Curtis
DH – Cust
Bench & Pen: Russo, Tatum, Wise, Cedeno, O’Connor, Bulger, Delcarmen, Bernier
fem,
Can’t remember. Pretty generic spot with the go-to website at the end. Something like ‘Come out and see the future”, something like that.
80 more games in that New Park has gotta have Stanton shaking his head. Playing there is gonna cost him 15 HR’s easy. He attempts to alter his approach\swing and it could get worse.
Thanks, blake. Need to get some work done so I can watch the Tigers make Valentine an unhappy little man today.
Does Valentine really have a radio show now in NY?
yankeefeminista April 5th, 2012 at 10:27 am
TRISHA, Sux futility 89 wins, 3rd place.
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How much fun it would have been for Montero to take up where he left off against Boston pitching last year. Montero and Cano making Valentine cry. The Boston papers were already genuflecting in fear over the great new Yankee bat.
Man I hate Girardi’s guts.
blake, have no idea. Don’t have an inkling as to what Bobby V. is up to. I turn off TV, radio, turn the page, as soon as I see his name. What a joke he is.
blake April 5th, 2012 at 10:31 am
Does Valentine really have a radio show now in NY?
—————-
Mildly exaggerated, he’s doing a weekly spot with Michael Kay.
“I am going to get to see Francisco Cervelli close up and personal, so it would seem.”
that ought to be enough to scare him right back to the major leagues
First Montero and now Cervelli. No way the Yanks spend the coin and bring back Rusty Martin in 2013, so you got 3 MLB Catchers shown the door in 1 year. Yanks got spoiled with Everday Jorge.
Man I hate Girardi’s guts.
————–
Because Joe Girardi traded Jesus Montero?
blake April 5th, 2012 at 10:31 am
Does Valentine really have a radio show now in NY?
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He has a spot weekly with Michael Kay, the Yankee play-by-play guy. Freakin’ incestuous thing, ESPN and the Boston Red Sox. I hope they get zero ratings for that show. I fluked into it yesterday, and listened for about 2 minutes and then switched to NPR
.
DONNYBROOK April 5th, 2012 at 10:35 am
First Montero and now Cervelli. No way the Yanks spend the coin and bring back Rusty Martin in 2013, so you got 3 MLB Catchers shown the door in 1 year. Yanks got spoiled with Everday Jorge.
———–
Not the great Francisco Cervelli!
Bobby Who?
RadioKev April 5th, 2012 at 10:36 am
Man I hate Girardi’s guts.
————–
Because Joe Girardi traded Jesus Montero?
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Naw, he had nothing to do with it.
Oh…I thought I read he had his own show or something….
blake April 5th, 2012 at 10:31 am
Does Valentine really have a radio show now in NY?
*****************
Isn’t he just going to be on with Kay every week?
blake April 5th, 2012 at 10:38 am
Oh…I thought I read he had his own show or something….
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No, it’s a weekly spot with Michael Kay – which makes no sense at all – why do New York fans need to hear from the Boston manager once a week?
J. Alfred Prufrock April 5th, 2012 at 10:37 am
RadioKev April 5th, 2012 at 10:36 am
Man I hate Girardi’s guts.
————–
Because Joe Girardi traded Jesus Montero?
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Naw, he had nothing to do with it.
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Managers don’t trade players. Managers have an extremely minimal control with transactions. Girardi fields the team he’s given. Also, Girardi’s not the only guy in the league who doesn’t like Montero as a catcher.
Who are the people inside of baseball that like this guy at catcher? Everyone loves his bat. I think if he’s passable behind the plate he should start, but there seems to be serious doubt that he could muster that much. The consensus is against Montero, it’s not as if Girardi is a rogue voice here.
Erin April 5th, 2012 at 10:39 am
blake April 5th, 2012 at 10:31 am
Does Valentine really have a radio show now in NY?
*****************
Isn’t he just going to be on with Kay every week?
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Valentine loves hearing himself talk and since ESPN loves Boston we’re all subjected to it as well – thankfully I don’t listen to Michael Kay anyway.
JAP – The Flyers haven’t had a goalie in a decade now, that’s why they haven’t been able to raise the Cup in a while. No different this year, IMO.
I would like to see Joe be less rote in his managing and not use miniscule sample sizes. Generally like the way he handles the BP except when he underrates a playoff game/ability to come back and win (see 2011 ALDS: putting Ayala in instead of DRob). Moves like that, sss reactions, and a strict adherence to a set lineup (especially when splits are relevant: Teix, Swisher last year) regardless of circumstances are three of my peeves with Joe G.
This Bobby V radio show with Kay is laughable. I heard him on WEEI yesterday, he actually said there are a lot of sox fans in NY and they can’t listen to me unless they have the internet. He is certifiable. No coach has ever done this in the history of sports media. What else would you expect from the guy who’s never even finished in first place before and claims he invented the wrap. WEEI is already playing circus music whenever they discuss the sox and a single game hasn’t even been played yet. This coming from the sox very own broadcasting station, while the other sports radio station in town has been killing him and the front office for months. What a fun ride this is going to be from a Yankee perspective!!
Shame,
The Russian kid is pretty good, I’d say. I like Pitt though in that series, because they just have too much skill to shut down enough in a best of seven.
YankeesPR
Check out the debonair Mr. Rivera RT @MarianoRivera Here is the @gothammag cover – http://pic.twitter.com/yioTdqu9
“blake April 5th, 2012 at 10:38 am
Oh…I thought I read he had his own show or something….”
I think in Bobby’s mind its Bobby V tv 24/7.
Sort of like Ed TV without the irony.
Valentine seriously may be one of the biggest egomaniacs on the planet….should be a fun season in beantown.
Bryzgalov has a good track record and should be able to stabilize that position for them going forward.. but I just don’t know that he’s going to be the difference maker and with hockey it sometimes seems like the goalie has to be this time of the year. Obviously, I have no statistics to back it up
blake, fun for whom?
blake April 5th, 2012 at 10:53 am
Valentine seriously may be one of the biggest egomaniacs on the planet….should be a fun season in beantown.
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Who looks at a sandwich and says he can improve it?
“blake, fun for whom?”
The world….society loves chaos and conflict
You can improve any sandwich by adding bacon
Shame,
I just think he and the Flyers have a tall task if they draw Pitt in the first round. If that offense is healthy (including Letang, who is crucial to mobilizing them from their own zone), it’s a lot for a team to overcome, goaltender included. Philly is a much better team than they’ve been in recent years, though. More speed, more firepower. Anything’s possible, but I think Pitt would have to lose it, rather than Philly could outright win that series. Pitt would have to beat themselves, I would say. JMO.
pat- Mo’s looking good.
Chad, maybe we should enforce this mlbtr “commenting policy” here on Lohud.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/.....olicy.html
Pruf, Tanger is a big key. #trapbuster
blake April 5th, 2012 at 11:00 am
You can improve any sandwich by adding bacon
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No argument there.
yankeefem,
Absolutely. Great laterally, can move away from the wall and make the trap trap itself, since the trap uses the wall to create yet another “man” for its purposes.
Well, I’m off to get some work done, finally!
Good one, all.
blake April 5th, 2012 at 11:00 am
You can improve any sandwich by adding bacon
******************
Fact.
JAP – Completely fair assessment. I think Pitt is probably going to take that series too but watching the Flyers every season, you just learn not to underestimate their physicality – something Pitt lacks, IMO. They can really grind a team. I do still think Pitt comes out on top wiht Sid and Malkin at the helm, its hard to pick against them, but if the Flyers can find a way to clog up the middle they could make it hard for them.
As much fun as it can be to watch Sid and Malkin though, I’m much more interested in watching Parise and Kovalchuck together in the big show. Those guys haven’t done this together before and I think there’s another level of their game just waiting for this moment.
Erin April 5th, 2012 at 11:09 am
blake April 5th, 2012 at 11:00 am
You can improve any sandwich by adding bacon
******************
Fact.
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AHgreed. Didn’t think it could do much for a PB&J but was proven wrong and will now never question the power of bacon.
“Didn’t think it could do much for a PB&J but was proven wrong and will now never question the power of bacon.”
I thought I was the only one.
Shame- I never even thought to put it on a PB&J. I’m intrigued. Think I’ll have to try that one.
bacon on a fluffernutter might test that theory, but those are bad anyway so maybe bacon would help.
blake April 5th, 2012 at 10:53 am
Valentine seriously may be one of the biggest egomaniacs on the planet….should be a fun season in beantown.
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I saw that he’s going with 13 pitchers and only Punto, McDonald and Shoppach on the bench. That team is so bad.
So randy, did you buy your Chris Stewart jersey yet?
Shame, Pruf, for once the Flyers will be tough; they can now finally actually skate and have always been physical. Pens have to watch the Flyer wingers exploiting our D wide. Forwards need to backcheck. But if we are on our game and ruling the neutral zone, the Flyers will have their hands full. And their physicality will get them into trouble if we turn the other cheek and are producing on the PP. Should be an exhausting series. I am not looking forward to it.
Mussina votes no to putting bacon in his PB&J sandwich.
“So randy, did you buy your Chris Stewart jersey yet? ”
as soon as his OPS gets above .600 i will
The first time I had it was at Peanut Butter & Co. They have a Peanut Butter BLT, which is pretty classic… got mine with Jelly to test it out. Tasted better than I expected.
The Elvis was what put me over the edge though.. no jelly on that one but a grilled peanut butter sandwich with bananas, honey, and bacon. In the infamous words of Dora the Explorer, “delicioso!” Got me committed to bacon and peanut butter.
randy l. April 5th, 2012 at 11:20 am
bacon on a fluffernutter might test that theory, but those are bad anyway so maybe bacon would help.
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Bite your tongue, randy! Fluffernutters are bangin! I prefer mine with crunchy peanut butter and Nutella… but you’re probably right, that might be one where I wouldn’t be so sure about the bacon.
“You just learn not to underestimate their physicality – something Pitt lacks, IMO.”
We will grind teams down physically if we have puck possession. Also our 3rd and 4th lines are pretty physical, but we lack the Rupp component and the grind you down D-men. Our D is more finesse with the exception of Orpik and Letang who I would prefer not wear himself down by being too physical. For us, puck possession is key to the series; I won’t like it if Bylsma has us play too much dump and chase. That would be counterproductive.
Erin – The key is making sure its extra crispy. No greasy bacon on a PB&J.
I prefer fakin’ bacon. :hide:
” that might be one where I wouldn’t be so sure about the bacon.”
… but you’ll try anything once so…
Crumbled bacon on a chocolate frosted glazed donut is mmmm.
Beckett says that he’s been dealing with a thumb issue for 18 mths. Doc says to get daily treatments with the trainers and to stay away from the finger-lickin’ chicken.
I don’t like bananas, so I can’t get on board with an Elvis PB sandwich.
randy l. April 5th, 2012 at 11:24 am
“So randy, did you buy your Chris Stewart jersey yet? ”
as soon as his OPS gets above .600 i will
_____
Give him a break; he was only 8 points away @.592 in 2011. You are as usual undervaluing that stellar D at the expense of O. SMH. What would Joe G. say.
Shame Spencer April 5th, 2012 at 11:27 am
Erin ? The key is making sure its extra crispy. No greasy bacon on a PB&J.
***************
Good deal. Thanks for the tip.
“I prefer fakin’ bacon. :hide:”
Really, not just for health reasons?
I basically don’t eat meat (never liked it, forced myself to eat it to gain weight in hs/college for sports because they didn’t have sophisticated protein supplements back then), but the rare times I do eat meat, it’s baaaaaaaaaacon.
“Crumbled bacon on a chocolate frosted glazed donut is mmmm.”
I go to a cupcake place in a neighboring town that makes maple bacon ones.
yankeefeminista April 5th, 2012 at 11:28 am
I prefer fakin’ bacon. :hide:
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Actually Jenny-O makes a turkey bacon that is really good.
I make a shepherds pie with ground turkey and use mashed parsnips and crumbled turkey bacon as the topping.
Rich,
My experience was one of those, “Hey! You got your peanut butter on my chocolate!” moments.
Shame,
Parise and Kovalchuk are very good skill guys. Kovalchuk, skill-wise, is still one of the top forwards in the league. In the chronically mispronunciation of Russian last names, Kovalchuk’s is no exception: the correct Russian pronunciation is:
Ka- VAWL- chik
(not “KO-vol-chuck”, LOL).
but you’ll never hear it pronounced right. For years with the Rangers, Kovalev (actually Ko-va- LYOFF) has been known as “KO-va-lev).
Baseball is a little more savvy, and because Latinos hold management positions and that there are more latino players in baseball than Russians in hockey, the names are pronounced right. It’s good to see that “Ces-PED-des”, for example, is now pronounced “CES-ped-des”, which, according to his handlers, is correct. Hate to see players’ names butchered by anglo-centric announcers – especially really great players
.
On Flyers’ physicality: that can work against you against a high skill outfit. I would think Laviolette would be admonishing his troops to mark well, and resist taking themselves out of position to get too physical, especially in the open ice. That’s a good way to find yourself skating backwards facing a lot of 3-on-2s, and 2-on-1s
. But I’m sure they’ll try to make a few “statement” hits along the boards, or if they’re aligned correctly, and it’s someone coming over the line and he’s got his head down, that’s something else. I also don’t believe that Pitt is a version of say, the circa mid-80s Quebec Nordiques. They’ve got some big boys, and while I can see the Flyers trying to sucker Malkin into retaliatory stuff to get him off the ice (and he’s got a short fuse), I also can see a few hits to him waking him up, to the Flyers’ chagrin. I don’t think he, nor Crosby, can really be intimidated, either.
Think of it this way, Chris Stewarts’s bat will probably make you appreciate Martin more.
Oven Roasted Turkey
bacon jam, fontina, & pea shoots
from my favorite portland,maine little eatery
http://duckfat.com/menu.html
m
Heh, the law of unintended consequences!!!
Rich, I am a pesco-vegetarian; so I don’t ever eat meat. And yeah, I actually really like fakin’ bacon. But I am sure that for those who eat the real thing, it would pale in comparison.
It would never occur to me that are Yankee fans that are also Flyer fans.
It’s freaky.
I had to google that yf…
I guess in practical terms I am similar, with the above referenced occasional exception.
I have had soy bacon. It’s ok in salads and passable in scrambled eggs, with healthy amounts of salt and pepper.
Red Sox on the DL – plus their salaries:
Here’s the list:
Carl Crawford – $19.5 million
John Lackey – $15.25 million
Daisuke Matsuzaka – $10 millon
Bobby Jenks – $6 million
Andrew Bailey – $3.9 million
Andrew Miller – $1.04 million
Rich Hill – $725,000
Ryan Kalish – approx. $480,000
Chris Carpenter – approx. $480,000
It all adds up to $57.375 million, which is barely short of the approx. $62 million the Rays are spending on their entire 2012 roster.
Chip, I like the parsnips part. I of course go for Veggie Shepherd pies. There are some pretty decent recipes actually.
Pruf, Delcarmen is finally listed as Game 1 pitcher on SWB site; no Game 2 listed yet. But the story today had Betances pitching tomorrow, as per the order I projected: “Delcarmen will be followed by Dellin Betances, Manny Banuelos, Mitchell and Warren in the rotation, with Ortiz likely to assume his spot after that.” Collins may have just had a brain cramp and put the wrong day…
Read more: http://thetimes-tribune.com/sp.....z1rBIMqEaE
I just saw the breakdown of the contract the Mets signed Niese to – phenomenal deal for the team. I would love for the Yankees to ink Pineda to a similar deal:
2012: $1.0195 million ($769,500 salary plus $250,000 signing bonus)
2013: $3 million
2014: $5 million
2015: $7 million
2016: $9 million
2017: $10 million option or $500,000 buyout
2018: $10.5 million option or $500,000 buyout
Niese is guaranteed at least $25.5195 million for five years and the deal is worth as much as $45.5195 million for seven years, at which point he’d be a 32-year-old free agent for 2019.
“I don’t think he, nor Crosby, can really be intimidated, either.”
Crosby spends so much time crying to the officials I don’t think he has the time to feel intimidated
Thanks for the Russian lesson, btw, I had no idea how it was supposed to be pronounced. Kovalchuck has really come around this season… he’s become a complete 2 way player and I love that he and Parise have been able to build chemistry this entire season. We have some scoring depth too. I always feel good about being in OT with Elias on my team. I’m just excited for things to get rolling and take me out of the baseball mindset for a while until the sample sizes are bigger for 2012.
Bronx Jeers April 5th, 2012 at 11:41 am
It would never occur to me that are Yankee fans that are also Flyer fans.
It’s freaky.
___
I doubt that there are any. None here that I know of.
randy – Well if you’re gonna double-dog-dare me I guess I’ll have to try it lol
Gotta wonder about the Mgt in Boston with Bobby V already outta control. What team would want their Mgr blowing off weekly. This is basically, “Beer and Chicken With Bobby V”. If not for the O’s, Boston would be a cellar dweller.
“I would love for the Yankees to ink Pineda to a similar deal:”
Not me. I need to see velo and durability.
Bronx Jeers April 5th, 2012 at 11:41 am
It would never occur to me that are Yankee fans that are also Flyer fans.
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Are there any here? Can we meet them under the Paul O’Neill banner and pretend they can’t bring weapons (as I sharpen my trident..)?
Trisha:
Yankees 101 wins
Redsocks 89 wins
Shame, I followed Parise’s college career. I cried out/cursed on draft day when the Devils drafted him. Painful, knowing I could no longer root for him. Kovalchuk is a helluva player. Love the number of skill players in hockey nowadays. Love Sid, but Malkin is my boy!
“I make a shepherds pie with ground turkey and use mashed parsnips and crumbled turkey bacon as the topping.”
This sounds really delicious for something so un-Paula Deen like.
Shame Spencer April 5th, 2012 at 11:49 am
Bronx Jeers April 5th, 2012 at 11:41 am
It would never occur to me that are Yankee fans that are also Flyer fans.
———————–
Are there any here? Can we meet them under the Paul O’Neill banner and pretend they can’t bring weapons (as I sharpen my trident..)?
____
MarcCarig If Martin were to get hurt, Girardi said Cervelli would get called up and play a majority of the games.
I’d wait for Pineda to Actually do something, Before shelling out any kind of long term Serious Jack.
yankeefeminista April 5th, 2012 at 11:44 am
Chip, I like the parsnips part. I of course go for Veggie Shepherd pies. There are some pretty decent recipes actually.
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Portobellos are a vegetarians best friend!
MarcCarig The option issue made things messy, but Yanks are more comfortable with Cervelli/Tatum/Stewart as depth vs. Cervelli/Tatum/Molina.
BloggingBombers David Phelps has been assigned No. 41, while Chris Stewart will wear No. 19.
Rich in NJ April 5th, 2012 at 11:41 am
I had to google that yf…
I guess in practical terms I am similar, with the above referenced occasional exception.
I have had soy bacon. It’s ok in salads and passable in scrambled eggs, with healthy amounts of salt and pepper.
____
Some brands are better than others. Definitely better w/ other foods vs. eaten solo. Good w/maple syrup, eggs, pancakes. I wouldn’t add salt though; a lot of sodium in those babies. VLT’s also rock especially on great bread with homemade mayo and garden fresh tomatoes.
MarcCarig If Martin were to get hurt, Girardi said Cervelli would get called up and play a majority of the games.
I wonder if they would try and get Stewart through waivers and send him down and bring Cervelli up?
Malkin is actually the only guy I would consider trading Parise for…. and for me to even say that is painful. I dunno if I can even be a Devils fan if we don’t resign him. The thrill he gave me in the last Olympics alone was just phenomenal. Getting goosebumps just thinking about it..
That Niese deal is ridiculous… Sandy did that one?
And the numbers on the injured Sox are more ridiculous. I wish Joba was healthy this year so I could look forward to him buzzing Youk’s ugly mug….
Last Yankee to wear #41?
Trisha – I can’t access your links from work. Can you please put me in for Yanks – 102, Sox 82.
Thanks.
yf
Ever since I started watching the chefs on the Food Network, I add salt and pepper to everything (not that I cook much; I don’t), but yes, point taken.
pat April 5th, 2012 at 11:55 am
MarcCarig If Martin were to get hurt, Girardi said Cervelli would get called up and play a majority of the games.
I wonder if they would try and get Stewart through waivers and send him down and bring Cervelli up?
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If we sent Stewart through waivers that’d be hysterical…. it’d make the move even more weird since as Chip pointed out you could probably get a guy like Stewart for nothing off of waivers.
gehrig38: Michael Kay radio show? Titanic now in open water at full speed!
Schilling being all over Bobby V’s case makes both guys more amusing to me.
New Post: Regular lineup tomorrow, Nunez on Saturday
I won’t like it if Bylsma has us play too much dump and chase. That would be counterproductive.
///
yankeefem, it’s true that Bylsma has to maximize his team’s superior talent in a series like this. Will he do it?
It does seem that the top two lines – especially Crosby in the middle, plus the Neal-Malkin-Kunitz unit, and in addition, Letang joining the play – have carte blanche to strategically retreat to create ice, hold the puck once they cross the blueline to wait for a trailing teammate and that sort of thing, while the rest of the team has a KISS mandate of moving the puck only in a northerly direction. Which I find reasonable, and interesting. Bylsma, though, sometimes shoots himself in the foot by insisting they just sacrifice the puck in exchange for an aggressive forecheck. It’ll be an interesting series, in any case.
Shame, I don’t eat portobello’s enough but I like them. Being a pisces though, I am big on fish. So. don’t believe I will ever give it up.
There’s too much puck relinquishment in Bylsma’s system with the exception of the Big Three.
I know everyone is upset for Cervelli, but let’s be honest, he is not very good unless he improves significantly. As a backup catcher, I would rather have a good defensive catcher with the knowledge you pinch hit in a key spot. Stewart is a very good defensive catcher and removing emotion, is better than cervelli. it amazes me how people look at the offensive numbers and say, “this move doesn’t make sense…” and they just dismiss the defensive differential. Not taking anything but throwing into account I would bet if you took the SB’s into account, Stewart would look better than Cervelli’s (and this does not take into account the pitchers extra work in keeping a runner close and throwing more fastballs etc…
BTW, I use 2 SB’s for every CS and any additional SB’s would be subtracted from the catchers offense. So if they allowed 10 SB’s and had one CS that would be 8 extra bases subtracted for offense as an example. This works for adding to the slug/OPS of an offensive player as well.
In gerenal people dismiss defense because they can’t really see it…it is why Gardner is far more valuable than people realize