Kuroda gets the ball for tomorrow’s home opener
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Apr 12, 2012 
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Jorge Posada will throw the ceremonial first pitch tomorrow, but the first pitch that matters will belong to Hiroki Kuroda. In his first season with the Yankees, Kuroda will be on the mound for the home opener.
“It’s definitely an honor,” he said. “Because of that, I really have to do the best I can. I think I will.”
Kuroda was not sharp in his debut. He walked four, gave up eight hits and looked little like the steady, reliable veteran the Yankees were expecting when they gave him a $10-million deal. Joe Girardi has wondered whether Kuroda was trying to do too much.
“Obviously a lot (needs to change),” Kuroda said. “There are a lot of things that I won’t know until the day I pitch. It depends on how I feel that day after the bullpen. I have to make adjustments depending on the type of pitches I have that day. I really can’t tell you until the day that I start. … It doesn’t really matter where I pitch, it matters how I feel that day.”
Here are the pitching matchups for the Angels series.
Friday
RHP Hiroki Kuroda (0-1, 6.35)
vs.
RHP Ervin Santana (0-1, 7.94)
1:05 p.m., YES Network
Saturday
RHP Phil Hughes (0-1, 3.86)
vs.
LHP C.J. Wilson (1-0, 1.29)
1:05 p.m., FOX
Sunday
RHP Ivan Nova (1-0, 2.57)
vs.
TBA
8:05 p.m., ESPN
Associated Press photo
Anyone just see that Single by Jesus? What bat speed off a hard thrower like Adams
He is up to .280 now…. which is a higher average than 7 of our 9 hitters
I hate that tomorrow’s game is on at 1pm :/
And that RBI by Miguel Olivo — his 3rd of the season, I think — was also a work of offensive artistry.
Something to monitor.
Why would anyone want to talk about Montero’s flexible approach at the plate when instead we can discuss Martin swinging from his heels no matter what the situation?
Rich in NJ April 12th, 2012 at 4:44 pm
Why would anyone want to talk about Montero’s flexible approach at the plate when instead we can discuss Martin swinging from his heels no matter what the situation?
===============================
And Swisher? The fact that he actually connected last night, doesn’t mean that his approach is any better.
Shame,
I love 1 PM starts. No school trolls, and I can go to bed early!
Shame Spencer April 12th, 2012 at 4:42 pm
I hate that tomorrow?s game is on at 1pm :/
***********
Me too. I didn’t even realize it was an afternoon game until yesterday.
tomingeorgia April 12th, 2012 at 4:48 pm
Shame,
I love 1 PM starts. No school trolls, and I can go to bed early!
——————————
Fair enough but I think there’s probably an audience for home openers… that have jobs.
Russell Martin had a nice single up the middle in the 7th inning and later came around to score.
And he tweets in French.
Erin April 12th, 2012 at 4:49 pm
Shame Spencer April 12th, 2012 at 4:42 pm
I hate that tomorrow?s game is on at 1pm :/
***********
Me too. I didn’t even realize it was an afternoon game until yesterday.
——————————
Don’t tell LGY but I haven’t even had the chance to watch a full pitching performance from KURODA.
Swisher is guilty of that luis, but he is a far better hitter (117 v. 100 career OPS+), and more importantly, I wasn’t being serious. I just hate the Montero talk on a per AB basis. I realize others disagree. So I just make snarky comments to amuse myself.
tomingeorgia April 12th, 2012 at 4:48 pm
Shame,
I love 1 PM starts. No school trolls, and I can go to bed early!
=========================
hi Tom,
Yup, but those that have to go to an office can’t watch the game.
tom does have a point though.. I expect you all to keep me updated tomorrow afternoon with minimal trolling.
“Russell Martin had a nice single up the middle in the 7th inning and later came around to score.”
Which is only noteworthy because it’s so unusual.
“And he tweets in French.”
And word has it that pitchers just luv him.
Rich in NJ April 12th, 2012 at 4:50 pm
Swisher is guilty of that luis, but he is a far better hitter (117 v. 100 career OPS+), and more importantly, I wasn’t being serious. I just hate the Montero talk on a per AB basis. I realize others disagree. So I just make snarky comments to amuse myself.
=========================
I understand. I hope there are no hard feelings from last night.
“And he tweets in French.”
———————-
Word on the street is he uses Google Translator.. #FauxFrench!
luis, etal:
You can’t cheat and watch on your laptops?
ANOTHER RBI hit from Melky!
Melky over 70.5 RBI’s might be the best bet of the season. No slumps, please.
tomingeorgia April 12th, 2012 at 4:54 pm
luis, etal:
You can’t cheat and watch on your laptops?
=====================
I could, after all i am the boss. But i wouldn’t be setting a good example
luis
Not at all. We all deal with this trade bs in our own way.
Yay! More handwringing over Montero being traded…it had been almost a day without it and I was starting to get the shakes
tomingeorgia April 12th, 2012 at 4:54 pm
luis, etal:
You can’t cheat and watch on your laptops?
—————————
Cubicles weren’t designed for this. They were designed to not let me be great. I just want to be great, but my cubicle won’t let me. That.. and The Man. Between The Man and my cubicle my greatness is diminished.
luis – Do you want to give me a job so your underlings won’t complain?!
You’d let me be great.. I can tell..
Was Montero traded?
I remember him when he was Jesus.
Shame Spencer April 12th, 2012 at 4:57 pm
Between The Man and my cubicle my greatness is diminished.
************************
Melky hitting .400 with 5 RBI’s after one week of baseball, picking up right where he left off in 2011 his breakout year.
They must love him in SF.
Tell them not to get too attached, Nick, if you don’t mind.
Shame Spencer April 12th, 2012 at 4:58 pm
luis – Do you want to give me a job so your underlings won’t complain?!
You’d let me be great.. I can tell..
=============================
LMAO
I would as long as nobody else finds out! 
Melky needs to be our Swisher replacement next year.
I’d give him 5/$55
Oh well, Madison Bumgarner had a no-hitter going into the 6th — I know, a little early for that kind of talk — and Melky couldn’t get to a sinking line drive and played it from a single into a triple.
Whoa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
luis,
You could always say “The Boss does not wish to be disturbed this afternoon, unless there’s a tsunami.”
Shame,
Been there and understand. but you could always put on an earpiece and listen while spread sheets fill your screen. Greatness takes adaptability!
Melky needs to be our Swisher replacement next year.
I’d give him 5/$55
=============
might help us in our pursuit of cano
Nick in SF April 12th, 2012 at 5:04 pm
Oh well, Madison Bumgarner had a no-hitter going into the 6th — I know, a little early for that kind of talk — and Melky couldn’t get to a sinking line drive and played it from a single into a triple.
///
That’s somewhat of a distortion. He only dove for it to attempt to preserve the no-no. He normally would have let that drop and they play it. It wasn’t a blown play, it would have been a tough play to make. If he’d come up with it, it would have been a bonus. I’m sure Bumgarner appreciated the effort on his behalf.
Tom,
No one roots for Melky harder than I do. But he’s going to be expensive and he’s not Joe’s idea of a “Yankee.” So I don’t expect to see him in pinstripes, on both counts.
I thought they wanted to separate Cano and Melky? Perhaps not.
Rich in NJ April 12th, 2012 at 5:11 pm
I thought they wanted to separate Cano and Melky? Perhaps not.
==============================
Same way that they separated the Mick and Billy Martin? Nah!!
lus
Yet they never separated Mickey and Whitey, so maybe that answers my own question.
Bret the Hitman, the early talk this winter was that the Giants traded for Melky as a one-year thing while he’s cheaper; they’re very high on CF prospect named Gary Brown.
http://blog.sfgate.com/giants/.....-richmond/
But who knows, Melky could become an SF fan favorite if he keeps this up. He hadn’t even played a home game yet, but the Giants announcers were just talking about the big applause he’ll likely get when he’s introduced at the home opener tomorrow.
No distortions, please.
How much do you guys think Melky will cost going forward?
Always liked Melky. He had a few walk-off hits when he was here.
Don’t think the Yanks want him back, since Alex recommended the Yanks get him, but nothing happened.
No idea, but Melky should get a very nice contract if he backs up last season with similar results this year. So far so good for him, but it’s April 12th.
Is Caracas a very dangerous city?
Nunez wants to succeed Derek Jeter at SS
http://online.wsj.com/article/.....16564.html
Oh, and how could I forget…
KURODA
Well Melky was dumped and he responded. I can’t see him testing management again and falling into bad habits if he cares about staying with his best friend and being a Yankee.
55 million, 5 years and one text message from Robinson Cano should do it.
“Nunez wants to succeed Derek Jeter at SS”
So did I…….
Nick in SF April 12th, 2012 at 5:33 pm
No idea, but Melky should get a very nice contract if he backs up last season with similar results this year. So far so good for him, but it’s April 12th.
Is Caracas a very dangerous city?
=============================
Yes Nick, it is unfortunately a very dangerous city. The mayor risks being kidnapping ( of the express class mostly) and robbery. There isn’t a single family that i know that hasn’t suffered an episode of one of those cases. But incredibly you get used to it, as part of your life.
luis,
I understand. it’s like boiling a frog starting with cold water.
Thanks, luis. I have enough frequent flier miles in one account to get a free trip to certain cities in South America, including Caracas, Lima, Quito, Bogota… I like adverture travel, but not necessarily of the kidnapping/robbery variety.
Nick in SF April 12th, 2012 at 5:51 pm
Thanks, luis. I have enough frequent flier miles in one account to get a free trip to certain cities in South America, including Caracas, Lima, Quito, Bogota… I like adverture travel, but not necessarily of the kidnapping/robbery variety.
================================
Nick,
I wouldn’t come down here for the time being if i were you. But when this country starts to change and it will, you should come. It’s the most beautiful place in the world, beautiful beaches, breath taking mountains and the southern part of the country is a place taken out of a fairy tale.
We have tough times ahead. But i think in about 3 years the country will be in much better shape hopefully.
Nunez’s skillset seems more suited to the OF, but obviously, he has to hit more.
tomingeorgia April 12th, 2012 at 5:47 pm
luis,
I understand. it’s like boiling a frog starting with cold water.
==============================
Yup, that pretty much sums it up. To give you some perspective of how this country has gone the wrong way. The house of my parents when i was born had no fences, i walked to school and pretty much every place i wanted to. Nowadays, that same house has a three meter wall, electric wiring on top of it, security cams and two arm guards.
luis,
I’m afraid that’s the way of the world. Nobody wants to realize it’s happening to them until it’s almost too late, if then.
Nick,
If i had to choose from those destinations, i would go either to Lima or Bogota. Lima it self is an ugly city, but the food is amazing and Cuzco and Machu Pitchu are places that you have to go at least once in your lifetime. Bogota is beautiful, it has become relatively safe as well, and the Colombians are very serviceable, plus the sorroundings of the City are impressive.
tomingeorgia April 12th, 2012 at 6:07 pm
luis,
I’m afraid that’s the way of the world. Nobody wants to realize it’s happening to them until it’s almost too late, if then.
============================
Tom,
I don’t like to talk US politics, because i admire your country like no other. You are the hope of the world. But don’t let the government take so much power out of the citizens, you will regret it.
luis,
Would you agree that the people of Bogota speak the purest Spanish in Latin America?
Rich in NJ April 12th, 2012 at 5:59 pm
Nunez’s skillset seems more suited to the OF, but obviously, he has to hit more.
==========================
I wouldn’t give up on Nunez so soon. He has to work on his footwork and educating that arm of his. But i think if he gets the chance he will be more than a serviceable SS.
luis
The problem is that under optimal circumstances (A-Rod and Jeter staying healthy), he likely won’t get sufficient PT to master and get comfortable with a position.
That’s why as some suggested last season, he would probably be best served by playing every day in the mL.
Melky was let go because he sucked (and maybe because they didn’t like him with Cano), not because he’s not Girardi’s type of player.
No distortions, please.
luis,
Just an observation of the world, not just here, but everywhere. People don’t recognize that political and financial ruin awaits.
Go NUNEZ!
munson15 April 12th, 2012 at 4:03 pm
Thank you! At least someone here is making sense, though people panicking prematurely is what makes the world go round, right????
Hi everyone! I checked in earlier but realized that the lohud shi shi crowd was on at that time and of course didn’t expect them to take note of my presence. I wasn’t disappointed, ha ha.
I see that some of the more “accepting” crowd is here, so I want to say hi to you guys and apologize for referring to the shi shi lohudites as my peeps. I don’t want them to feel them have to go to the temple to get cleansed for accidentally being around me!
Having a very awesome time. I haven’t had time to check particulars but did see that the Yankees turned back into the Yankees and the Sux, well, they remained the Sux.
nick, thanks for continuing to provide high humor, re: the on-going Montero saga.
I’m hoping to be able to sneak away and sign onto mlb.com to watch tomorrow’s home opener.
GO YANKEES!!!
tomingeorgia April 12th, 2012 at 6:16 pm
luis,
Would you agree that the people of Bogota speak the purest Spanish in Latin America?
==============================
This will surprise you, but the purest Spanish accent in the world (including Spain) is spoken by the Venezuelans. It has been degraded by so many “Americanisms”, due to the oil companies that came in the early 20th century, but still is the purest.
What i would agree with you is that even if their way of pronouncing is somewhat off, they have the most correct vocabulary of all.
Off to have dinner but I will check in later if I can. I do miss many of you…
luis,
My buddy who was born in Bogota maintained it was the purest Castillian Spanish because of Bogota’ isolation, sort of like certain areas in the southern USA that retain English 16th century pronunciation.
Trish,
We miss you too!…You are our good luck charm
Luis-
As you know el Commandante has metastaic cancer.
He is praying for the Lord to spare him.
That’s his last hope because the Dr’s can’t.
Viva Venezuela libre !
MTU,
Hear! Hear!
Rich in NJ April 12th, 2012 at 6:20 pm
luis
The problem is that under optimal circumstances (A-Rod and Jeter staying healthy), he likely won’t get sufficient PT to master and get comfortable with a position.
That’s why as some suggested last season, he would probably be best served by playing every day in the mL.
===================
That’s a good point and it was a good suggestion. But i think maybe this is the last year we will see Jeter as a full time SS. I could be wrong, i’ve learn the hard way never to bet against him
, but i haven’t seen to many 39 year old SS around. I just hope that they increase his playing time, so when that time comes, he is ready.
Tom-
Checked out your place.
Really nice Man. Congrats.
A little too expensive for my wallet but the History shows everywhere.
edit: metastatic. sorry.
MTU,
I’ll cut you a deal, and almost any other Lohuder, too. Almost.
tomingeorgia April 12th, 2012 at 6:27 pm
luis,
My buddy who was born in Bogota maintained it was the purest Castillian Spanish because of Bogota’ isolation, sort of like certain areas in the southern USA that retain English 16th century pronunciation.
=======================
I guess we all say that!!
..They do speak a much older way of speaking the language, that why i said that they have the most correct vocabulary, but as accent goes, ours is more in line with the ancient Castillian.
MTU,
Then I’ll get tickets for when the River Dogs come to Augusta!
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/l.....0veg4CRuoL
Louise Neathway-Meanwell is a big problem for the Yankees.
She screamed “He (Brian Cashman) is going to get his!” to the cops.
Let’s all hope she doesn’t become a free person because if she does, I could see her attacking the Yankees in some way. I wouldn’t put it past her considering she once called the Yankees front office impersonating a male sportswriter. ‘Chick is a wackjob.
If she returns to the street and does something to @#$% with the Yankees, especially if she physically harms someone in the organization, while Cashman is still employed by the Yankees, Cashman should be fired because he brought her into the organization’s life. I mean of all the women for Cashman to choose to cheat on his wife with, he picked this one.
luis,
At least none of us speak or write like Donny!
Thank you for describing whatever it is that I occasionally do as “high humor”… but to be clear, I am sypathetic with those who are still interested in what Montero is up to, as I am one of those people. I would like to see him start to hit some homers, but I know it’s only the middle of April and he has sometimes taken some time to warm up his power stroke.
MTU April 12th, 2012 at 6:30 pm
Luis-
As you know el Commandante has metastaic cancer.
He is praying for the Lord to spare him.
That’s his last hope because the Dr’s can’t.
Viva Venezuela libre !
==========================
Asi es!! Seriously though, after he is gone, things are going to be very complicated. The power vacuum he leaves is going to be very hard to fill. But i think after a couple of years things should turn around. But thanks for the good wishes.
Jason Heyward is OPSing over 1 early this season and is starting to look good again….folks forger he’s still just 22 years old. He will reach free agency at 26 (unless he signs an extension)……and he will be a beast by then.
Tom-
Let’s maybe do a trade instead sometime.
I’ve already got Luis on the hook for a visit to Canaima in exchange for some Utah time.
And I just snared my second LoHudder who is coming out to visit with us in May.
Interesting; this obsession with an unproven Seattle Mariner ballplayer.
luis,
Are there any generals left that could take over for a while, or have they all been purged?
Luis-
I am confident that after Venezuela purges itself of Hugo nothing but good things will happen in the future.
Of course a lot of damage was done and needs to be undone but it is my opinion that it will be over time.
tomingeorgia April 12th, 2012 at 6:40 pm
luis,
At least none of us speak or write like Donny!
=======================
I couldn’t agree more!
MTU,
Can be arranged, but then you’d have to pay for your own tickets.
MTU April 12th, 2012 at 6:41 pm
Tom-
Let’s maybe do a trade instead sometime.
I’ve already got Luis on the hook for a visit to Canaima in exchange for some Utah time.
And I just snared my second LoHudder who is coming out to visit with us in May.
============================
LMAO! Just remember i offered first
MTU,
You are a lot smarter than Ozzie! LOL
Hello, everyone
Tom-
I think I can live with that.
So far I have trips to Venezuela, Maine, and Georgia lined up.
Now all I need to do is come up with the money and time to get there.
Maybe if I win lotto.
It going to take a lifetime to explore Utah. So there’s always that.
tomingeorgia April 12th, 2012 at 6:43 pm
luis,
Are there any generals left that could take over for a while, or have they all been purged?
====================
No Tom, no one left, because all of the promotions are granted by Chavez alone. The middle ranks though is another story (Captains,Mayors and Colonels). Besides i would like a civilian government for a change.
We need to dismantle the Government, too much power. My dream would be to have a government like the early US had with some of the current amendments.
Luis-
I will. Etched into my cortex.
You are nothing if not a gentleman.
I thank you.
JMV-
I hope I am at least that smart.
That’s not sayin’ much.
MTU,
I was joking ok? You are always welcomed down here
luis,
The USA relied on fighting men to secure its independence from tyranny. I fear it will take them to do the job in VZ, before the citizens take control.
Luis-
It’s really funny because one by one many of Latin America’s tinpot dictators are dying off.
Lula DaSilva thought he was being poisoned. Castro is a walking corpse.
Maybe Ortega will be next.
Time for freedom to take hold again.
I know of a certain Venezualan who happens to be a 1st ammendment crusader AND may soon be looking for a job.
MTU,
LMAO… Let’s hope for a happy resolution so you can fill us with awesome Canaima photos! To be honest I live in the same country but never been there,
Neuvo hilo ——>
jmv-
That is not at all uncommon.
People frquently are unaware of, or take for granted what is right in their own back yard.
Take my own example.
I was not born in Utah but because of my curiosity and hiking I frequently
find myself telling locals about some of the beautiful spots they have around them that they have never seen or sometime even heard of.
Sometimes takes an outsider to lead the way.
You have a beautiful country. Now that Hugo is on the way out I hope you get to fully enjoy it again.
tomingeorgia April 12th, 2012 at 6:58 pm
luis,
The USA relied on fighting men to secure its independence from tyranny. I fear it will take them to do the job in VZ, before the citizens take control.
===========================
I don’t think that will happen. I think they will simply collapse. One thing is for sure, we have learned our lesson.
Luis you are obviously not among the poor in Venezuela they see things quite differently than you do.
“Anyone just see that Single by Jesus? What bat speed off a hard thrower like Adams
He is up to .280 now…. which is a higher average than 7 of our 9 hitters”
——————————————————————————————————-
It’s infuriating that Cashfool traded a legitimate superstar for a reclamation project. I swear by the whites in Obama’s eyes that this trade is going to define Cashman’s stupidity once and for all. He’s fired in two years or less!