Yankees pitching staff to be tested in Texas
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Apr 23, 2012 
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There’s only one team in baseball with a higher team batting average, higher slugging percentage and more runs scored than the Yankees. That one team, of course, is the Rangers.
A weekend series in Boston is always good for some drama, but the Yankees are heading for a true showdown this week in Texas where the Rangers have won nine of their past 10 and have the best record in the American League.
“If you don’t make your pitches and you’re not sharp early on, it could be a short night,” Joe Girardi said.
This, of course, would be a good time for the Yankees to get their rotation on a roll. As it is, the Yankees have the second-highest-scoring offense in the game. They have the lowest bullpen ERA in baseball (the Red Sox bullpen allowed more runs on Saturday than the Yankees bullpen has allowed all season). The only glaring hole is a rotation that has just one starter — Ivan Nova — who carries an ERA lower than 5.00.
That rotation begins its fourth turn tonight when CC Sabathia matches up against Derek Holland. Even with Adrian Beltre likely to miss the series because of a hamstring injury, the Rangers present the most dangerous offensive challenge the Yankees have faced this season. Mike Napoli is red hot, Josh Hamilton and Michael Young are hitting above .400 and Ian Kinsler already has 10 walks and 11 extra-base hits.
“Explosive offense,” Girardi said. “Speed. Power. Play very good defense. Starting pitching is deep. Their bullpen is deep. They’re a complete team. … I don’t think we’ve clicked on all cylinders, and I don’t know if all the other teams have clicked on all cylinders, but it’s still good to see how you match up. And there could be things that are a lot different in the months of August and September. Teams could be a lot different.”
Associated Press photo
Beltre being out is fortunate
Anyone see Kruk blast Swisher for his antics on 2nd base after the double that put Yanks ahead on Saturday? SOunded like he was predicting the Sox would send him a message next time the teams meet. I guess I can understand the feeling even though Swish is a high energy guy who loves the game and the spotlight. If one of the Sox players did it to us I guess alot of us would be pissed too
Definitely an important early season test for the Yankees pitching staff. They have had a couple of weeks to settle into the season, so let’s see if they can hold down the powerful Texas offense.
It’ll also be interesting to see if the Texas rotation is for real – they have a fantastic ERA and an unbelievable run differential thus far.
Against All Odds April 23rd, 2012 at 12:43 am
J. Alfred Prufrock April 23rd, 2012 at 12:39 am
I don’t like the fact when a pitchers velocity they brush it off like ppl are creating a story. They shouldn’t push the panic button but at least raise an eyebrow. But at the same time it could just be GM/manager speak
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Instead of spinning they should have shut him down immediately.
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True plus we’re tired of hearing don’t worry it will be there. If it’s low in one or two starts fine but the closer you get to the season the velocity should be creeping up.
—
Lots of pitchers don’t have full velocity in spring training, especially if they don’t come into camp in decent shape. And his velocity was creeping up.
I don’t know if the Yankees were pushing for more velocity. In fact it could have been the fan/media constant questions about his velocity that contributed to causing him to press the issue and finally strain his shoulder.
Yeah. Should be interesting.
Our SP will have to step up.
Setting my expectations on the low side.
1 of 3.
Would love to see CC pick up where he left off in his last game.
Sorry -
They had just made a comeback from 8 runs down in the late innings of that game. Swish’s double put them ahead. I’ve seen a lot of players who get excited in similar situations. Why is it only Yankees players who are chastised?
jacksquat April 23rd, 2012 at 8:51 am
Against All Odds April 23rd, 2012 at 12:43 am
J. Alfred Prufrock April 23rd, 2012 at 12:39 am
I don’t like the fact when a pitchers velocity they brush it off like ppl are creating a story. They shouldn’t push the panic button but at least raise an eyebrow. But at the same time it could just be GM/manager speak
///
Instead of spinning they should have shut him down immediately.
—————————————–
True plus we’re tired of hearing don’t worry it will be there. If it’s low in one or two starts fine but the closer you get to the season the velocity should be creeping up.
—
Lots of pitchers don’t have full velocity in spring training, especially if they don’t come into camp in decent shape. And his velocity was creeping up.
I don’t know if the Yankees were pushing for more velocity. In fact it could have been the fan/media constant questions about his velocity that contributed to causing him to press the issue and finally strain his shoulder.
———————————–
True a number of pitcher don’t have full velocity in ST but this is the 3rd a Yankee starter has come to camp with velocity issues and the Yankees put out the usual text book lines.
“Nothing to worry about, it will be there, there is no concern, etc” And on his 2nd to last start they tell him he has to show improvement with the fastball. If he didn’t get hurt there was a good chance he was starting the season in AAA.
Fingers cossed for Pineda.
Hope there is no structural damage.
sp: crossed. sorry.
From Replacement Level Yankees:
The Rangers lead all of baseball in run differential at +52, having scored 94 runs while allowing 42. At their current pace they’d end the year with a 132-30 record and would score 952 runs and allow 425. Their Pythagenpat winning percentage of .816 is higher than their measly .813 actual winning percentage.
I don’t think they’re quite that good. My favorite quick and dirty check of how a good team is uses the linear weights of the components their offense has produced and their pitching/defense has allowed to see how their runs scored and allowed break down in a neutral context. This will adjust for teams that have performed better or worse than expected in crucial situations, something that is generally not predictive.
According to linear weights batting runs, the Rangers offense should have produced 96 runs and their pitching and defense should have allowed 48. So they’ve really only produced at a level commensurate with a .790 wpct team, aka a team that would win 128 games over a full season.
I knew they weren’t that good.
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Yankees offense matches up very well. Key is improvement in the starting rotation!!
Villa Nova-Ya April 23rd, 2012 at 9:08 am
Sorry -
They had just made a comeback from 8 runs down in the late innings of that game. Swish’s double put them ahead. I’ve seen a lot of players who get excited in similar situations. Why is it only Yankees players who are chastised?
_______________________________________________________
I agree for the most part. I’m curious if Kruk chastised Ortiz for flipping the bat after his homer last year at the Stadium. I know he hates the Yanks
YT-
Yes but it needs to perform to specs.
Who gives a sh*t what Kruk says.
Looks like an overinflated tire, or a toad.
Arlington is a hitter’s ballpark.
“Looks like an overinflated tire, or a toad.”
…or a toad that got run over by an overinflated tire.
Based on career stats, Tex will be the MVP tonight in combination with CC!
Two good teams going toe to toe.
Is Texas the new Boston ?
A serious rival.
…or a toad that got run over by an overinflated tire.
—————————–
A Road Toad. They have plenty of them in Bermuda!!
Randy-
You might get your favorite type of game.
Lot’s of O on both sides.
Tonight is the battle of the lefties.
Tomorrow the All-Japan series.
Weds. the battle of the comeback kids.
Glad Beltre is out.
He is a difference maker on both sides of the ball.
Tonight it’s Sabathia, Ranger BAA .237 vs Holland, Yankee BAA .341
Tomorrow its the Teacher vs the Student
Thursday it’s Feldman vs Soper Nova-Unless Feldman gets traded to the Yankees for Freddy!
Highlight of Saturday’s game for me was Texiear hitting that homer to the opposite field batting lefty. Hope thats a sign of things to come. He is such a better hitter when he isn’t trying to pull everything
The Rangers may have scored more runs (94) than the Yankees (90) but they have played one more game. If we’d played the Red Sux yesterday I’m sure we would have been the first team to break 100.
SUPER Nova not soper, I hope!!
as for Garcia, there is a very fine line between pitching well and getting hammered for a pitcher like Freddie who relies on changes of speed and command to get by.
I haven’t watched him carefully in his two starts but Chad has reported he’s only throwing 83-85, that’s not enough velocity to get by without pinpoint control. He’s been walking guys and getting behind in counts, that is a sign of a pitcher who lacks confidence in getting hitters out and could be related to the loss of velocity.
Garcia is a competitor out there but unless he was lights out early in the season he wasn’t going to remain in the rotation after Andy was ready-he doesn’t have the long term connection to the Yankees and the best thing for him and the Yankees right now would be to trade him to a team where he is assured of a rotation spot in exchange for some kind of prospect when Andy rejoins the rotation.
YT-
I forgot that Nova was going Thurs.
I was thinking Hughes.
Maybe I need to revise to 2 of 3.
MG-
Unless Freddy picks it up I’m not sure he’d have much trade value.
Have to go. I actually believe, based on these pitching matchups, that the Yankees have a chance to win all three, because the offenses are currently pretty even, even with Gardner and Beltre out for the series.
Have a terrific day all.
Until later.
MTU-
MY bad it would be Hughes on Wednesday, not Nova and Thursday is an off day.
What was I thinking????
Tackelberry April 23rd, 2012 at 9:02 am
You mean like Pig Poppi does every time he gets on? LOL! Maybe we should send the same message to him!
Ray,
You ever ate at the Flying pig for breakfast?
YT-
Have a good one.
If that’s the case I’ll stick to 1 of 3.
Flying biscuit I mean…
MTU April 23rd, 2012 at 9:34 am
MG-
Unless Freddy picks it up I’m not sure he’d have much trade value.
———————–
they can get a minor leaguer for him, most probably someone who doesn’t have big league potential. I don’t think he is going to get many more chances with the Yankees. Andy is pitching at Trenton on Wednesday(?), he’ll probably get one more minor league start after that early next week and should be ready by the following weekend or they could give him two more minor league starts and have him in the rotation against either Tampa Bay or the Mariners at home.
I’m looking at the schedule and it gives Garcia possibly one more start after they skip him this weekend, all that is going to be is him filling in for one game as a showcase, the Yankees have most likely already decided how they will handle this.
that fat slob kruk is a yankee hater…i loved watching him after the 2009 WS were the yanks smacked up his phillies
MG-
I’m not sure what they could get for him.
But his value is down a bit right now.
Swish is a high intensity guy, so why wouldn’t he be excited? To come back from a 0-9 deficit against our biggest rivals? Yeah, no doubt we wouldn’t like it if a red sox player did it, but oh well, it is part of the game.
Let’s hope the right Rangers team wins tonite
I agree with Kate. I don’t like when an opposing player does it, but the way to stop it is to get them out. Swisher is also a different type of player. I would get more ticked at a player when they are rubbing it in or show boating
If CC is sharp and on his his game he’s as tough as anyone.
Let’s hope he is that guy tonight.
He does not generally like extra rest.
Swisher is a clown. Nobody was more intense than Paul O’Neill, and yet he never showed up the opposing team or hot-dogged/beat his chest after a big hit (and he had a ton).
“If CC is sharp and on his his game he’s as tough as anyone.”
Actually, he’s not. He’s a clear step down from real “aces.”
http://www.boston.com/sports/b.....ey_should/
so who is a “real” ace in the AL muwarriorsfan? Not saying CC is the best, but how many “real” aces have done it as well and consistenly in the AL as CC?
Guess you haven’t been watching then.
He has stretches where he is as dominant as any pitcher in the game.
When he’s in that groove he’s practically unbeatable and certainly an ace by any measure.
Just don’t know if he’s there yet is all. He will be.
Wonder if Saturday’s game will be shown on Yankees Classics on YES even though it was a FOX game
Genius-
That guy needs to get back to us at the end of the season when CC has notched another 20 wins.
Id keep Garcia for now….Pineda’s healthy is up in the air and he’s depth
Definitely don’t want to see Garcia against a high powered offense! So thankfully we won’t see him in Arlington.
Hope that Pineda’s MRI comes back clear. Shoulder problems are one of the worst thing you can face as a baseball player. Elbows are fixable, but shoulder problems seem to linger.
On board re Swisher antics. I was actually shocked. What is this, the WWE?
“Hey Swish, you play for the Yankees, they don’t do that”. Too much Red Bull and all that. The thing to do would be to apologise and explain that you had lost your mind. People would believe that. Or when a Boston pitcher plants one in your ribs explain that you deserved it.
Rotator cuff issues sometimes result in reduced velocity.
IF it is that I hope it is an inflammation w/o any tears.
Of course the best outcome would be a totally clean MRI.
Yea….Im not wild about Swish doin that stuff….but I can’t say I hated rubbing it in a bit at Fenway….
MTU, you are correct. Honestly, Halladay was at the top of the AL when he was in the league and King Felix and Verlander are there as well, but CC is not far off from Verlander (career). Maybe Weaver deserves to be up there as well. Everyone else is either fading (Beckett) or not enough history. CC is an ace and a true horse (averaging 239 innings a year for the past 4 years)
Not this real ace stuff again
The Yanks should let Garcia make his start and see what he has or doesn’t have. Skipping Garcia’s start resolves Nothing. Once again, the speed-gun freaks make a big deal outta his MPH, but with Garcia, it ALL comes down to his needing pin-point control regardless of his MPH that day. Saturday, everyone could see his control was spotty, and he was Up in the zone right outta the blocks.No mystery with Freddy. Either you live with his needing that laser-like control Every time out, or you get him outta the rotation.
The Swisher focus and comments are clearly the result of a Yankee Rainout.No news? Well, let’s try and Make some news. Somebody wake me up when the game starts tonight.
Maybe everyone should just act like robots.
AAO-
Hal 9000′s.
CC is probably the 7th or 8th best pitcher in baseball…..that’s just not good enough for some folks. His best isn’t as good as a handful of guys but for the total package or what he brings to the table there aren’t many guys id rather have leading the staff.
If Swisher did that every single time he hit a double, or every single time he drove in the go ahead run, there’d be an issue. He is not usually THAT demonstrative. It was an incredible comeback.
MTU April 23rd, 2012 at 10:21 am
AAO-
Hal 9000?s.
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lol it should help them get under the 189 budget.
I would like lots of camera pans to Nolan Ryan frowning in this series. George Bush frowning next to him would be even better.
Swish was probably the most excited Yankee watching the Fenway 100 celebration as well, but that doesn’t get mentioned. He is who he is, and I appreciate that, just as I appreciate Mo’s humble nature, and Jeter’s “its all about the team” mentality.
AAO-
yup. That should do it.
I’m always amazed that they’re able to get all of the donut powder off Kruk’s face before they go on air.
That’s a full-time gig for some intern, no doubt.
Swish’s celebration reminded me of Jorge’s 2003 ALCS celebration against the Sox. More acceptable to some because it was the postseason? Maybe but emotion is emotion.
http://nyyuniverse.com/wp-cont.....a-2003.jpg
blake April 23rd, 2012 at 10:23 am
CC is probably the 7th or 8th best pitcher in baseball?..that?s just not good enough for some folks. His best isn?t as good as a handful of guys but for the total package or what he brings to the table there aren?t many guys id rather have leading the staff.
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Why is he the highest paid pitcher in the game? Not once, but twice!!!
Kruk should have his own episode of Man vs. Food.
My bet is the food would lose.
CC is not an ace?
whos the idiot who said that?
Donnybrook, I agree mostly with your comments about the speed, but I think the part missing is that if there is no worry about a fastball slipping past you it is easier to hit the off speed stuff. The difference of 4 MPH on a fastball is greater when going from 93-97 than 84-88, but there is a difference and while location is important, so is movement and changing speeds. a fastball at 84 can be caught up even when looking for an off speed pitch. At least at 88 if spotted well it can catch you off guard. yes, it is less important for a guy like Garcia, but it shouldn’t be discounted completely
I just saw this on a Devils blog and thought you guys might appreciate it.. Apparently, I’m a fan of two sports franchises where the fans have been spoiled rotten by success. A common theme on LoHud I think we’re all familiar with. Can’t say I’d have it any other way
“Success breeds lousy fans. I never had to worry about a bar being packed with juice heads looking to start fights and skanks in pink Yankees hats when Alvero Espinoza was our short stop.
Posted by Jason on 04/22 at 06:12 PM”
Why is he the highest paid pitcher in the game? Not once, but twice!!!
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Timing is everything. He hit the market the first time when the Yankees needed to improve the rotation and they were going to go all in because if not they would be screwed. The 2nd time all they did was add a yr or 2 right?
Given the fact that the Yanks just overcame a 9 run deficit in 3 innings, there was nothing excessive with Swisher’s antics. My goodness, if you cant get excited in that situation, when can you? Now if he had gone crazy after hitting the grand slam, that would be a different story.
I had a brief e-mail converstaion with one of the beat writers yesterday about Swisher’s pending free agency and he said that the Yankees were tiring of Swisher’s act. I dont know if he meant management, Girardi or the players. But I found it interesting. I would think his personality would be a plus.
‘Why is he the highest paid pitcher in the game? Not once, but twice!!!”
Supply and demand
SPEED means nothing. A knuckle ball Chucker proves that point. Keeping a hitter off-balance is what pitching is ALL about. A pitcher hitting his spots, and keeping a hitter off-balance as a result, works every time.
“I dont know if he meant management, Girardi or the players. But I found it interesting. I would think his personality would be a plus.”
———————-
If I was a betting woman I’d guess he meant the management.. but I suppose ya never really know.
DONNYBROOK April 23rd, 2012 at 10:15 am
The Yanks should let Garcia make his start and see what he has or doesn’t have. Skipping Garcia’s start resolves Nothing.
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I disagree – the team makes decisions to maximize wins when they have a chance to compete in a tough division. If dropping Garcia from the rotation gives them a better chance to win, then it is the right decision. If they think Phelps can outperfom him until Pettitte or Pineda can replace him, then that is the right decision.
CC-
The Yankees have always tended to be IBM central.
The “colorful” tend to be ostracized and looked on with disdain.
DONNYBROOK April 23rd, 2012 at 10:36 am
SPEED means nothing. A knuckle ball Chucker proves that point. Keeping a hitter off-balance is what pitching is ALL about. A pitcher hitting his spots, and keeping a hitter off-balance as a result, works every time.
————————————
I agree, but results are really what matter at the end of the day. Loads of minor league pitchers can throw a 90+ mph fastball, many of them well above that, but they cannot throw strikes or deceive hitters. Garcia has not been fooling anyone, so unless he can make his slow stuff deceptive, he will be in trouble since a slow flat pitch will get hammered.
blake April 23rd, 2012 at 9:41 am
Flying Biscuit! Yes I have! Twice.
. I would think his personality would be a plus.
———————-
It is but after a while it can get a little too much. Like the friend who makes everything a joke.
Blake,
I haven’t gone back since the Manager there was killed by her co-worker. I didn’t care for the food that much really.
The “colorful” tend to be ostracized and looked on with disdain.
———————–
Joba
Even Before the Yanks mounted their comeback Saturday, I thought that Fenway crowd was Very quiet for a Yankee game. They sence they gotta Lemon on their hands this season.
DONNYBROOK April 23rd, 2012 at 10:36 am
SPEED means nothing. A knuckle ball Chucker proves that point. Keeping a hitter off-balance is what pitching is ALL about. A pitcher hitting his spots, and keeping a hitter off-balance as a result, works every time.
———————–
velocity does mean something to the pitcher and he is the one who is out there trying to get outs.
Guys like Garcia know what they need to do out on the mound but they need at least the minimum amount of stuff to get by. For him that is enough fastball velocity so that the splitter and off speed stuff is effective.
Girardi had mentioned a couple of times during the spring that Garcia was throwing a little harder this year than last, that seems to have disappeared in his 1st two starts-it could mean he’s hurting a little or going through a ‘dead arm’ period but he’s most likely only getting one or, at most, two more starts to show enough to beat out Hughes, it’s a highly unlikely scenario at this point in time.
“I haven’t gone back since the Manager there was killed by her co-worker. I didn’t care for the food that much really.”
That’s one way to lose business… eeesh!
I see nothing wrong with the way Swisher acted, given the huge deficit the team had just over come.
I loved the win, but mostly because it came at the expense of Aceves.
The Rangers look like they’re for real, and they are going to be tough, if they stay healthy. Also, it don’t hurt they have zero compitition in the AL West.
Morning Al-
What about the Halos.
Not competition ?
Have you been Blake?
MTU -
No, the Angels will be lucky to win between 85-90 games, if they can get back on track.
MTU,
I know and I dont mind the professional vibe. I prefer it to the early 2000 A’s or mid 2000 Sox. But part of the reason they brought CC and Swish in was to liven up the clubhouse a bit. So I would have thought his outgoing personality would have been in his favor.
Al-
really. I think they’ll do better than that.
What do you think their biggest problem is ?
They have a terrific pitching staff, no ?
Not enough O ?
BIG AL April 23rd, 2012 at 10:45 am
I see nothing wrong with the way Swisher acted, given the huge deficit the team had just over come.
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I always thought the debates over how much emotion a player should show on the field to be hysterical, personally.
Same goes for football players dancing in the end zone.
You pay these guys millions upon millions of dollars to hit, catch, and throw a ball and you don’t expect them to be excited about it when they do it well?
Why won’t anyone let the guys be great? Just let them be great. Let them dance.
It sort of makes me wonder why people watch sports at all.
Shame Spencer April 23rd, 2012 at 10:44 am
Yeah it was a real travesty! The co-worker robbed the place & he killed the manager (who was engaged to be married in a week or two) and dumped her in the Dumpster at the restaurant. Her fiance was really torn up about this. The co-worker had a criminal past but was not known before by Flying Biscuit. Sad!!!
CC-
Me too. I consider Swisher’s enthusiasm a plus just so long as he produces.
I find nothing wrong with Swisher’s actions! If Beantown wants to take exception to getting throttled after a 9 to zip lead then so be it! Personally I’d be trying to forget everything about that game if I were a BeanHead player!
Maybe Brokeitt will hit Swish! Then maybe someone can pop Poppi in the same place! See how Poppi feels to be wearing a target for the kind of Beantown mess! I am sure he won’t like it! LOL!
Garcia’s fastball velo is only 0.5 mph down from where it was last season.
Texas is off to a good start, as they are somewhat healthy although Beltre is out now. I don’t think they will stay healthy or on the pace they are going now. Angels are much better than they are playing now so I figure it will get much closer soon!
Morning LoHudders
BIG AL April 23rd, 2012 at 10:45 am
I see nothing wrong with the way Swisher acted, given the huge deficit the team had just over come.
***********************
Al, totally agree. I saw it after the fact (Stupid FOX) but I had no problem whatsoever with it when I did see the clip.
Even the normally staid, buisness-like Tex pumped his fist during that game.
Good Morning MTU, Kate, Erin, Shame, Blake, Randy, Big Al, Ray and YT!
It is raining here and we may get some snow later in the day.
Let’s hope the Yankees surprise us and sweep. Would be good to let Texas know we’re still Top Dog!
Pineda looking like we should have paid more attention to his second half results with Seattle.
Ray,
Yes….very good I thought….you should go if you haven’t.
Ray,
Sorry…I didn’t see you’re other posts and didn’t know about the other stuff….I just ate there this weekend and thought it was pretty good.
SPEED means nothing. A knuckle ball Chucker proves that point. Keeping a hitter off-balance is what pitching is ALL about. A pitcher hitting his spots, and keeping a hitter off-balance as a result, works every time.
*********
Oh boy, you just contradicted your own opinion as to why speed is one of the factors to effective pitching.
LGY April 23rd, 2012 at 10:58 am
Garcia’s fastball velo is only 0.5 mph down from where it was last season.
It isn’t Garcia’s fastball speed that is the problem. It is the location which seems to be about 6 inches off and ove the middle of the plate!
Hi Comet
we got a dose of the wintery mix last night and this morning…too bad I just took my snow tires off
blake April 23rd, 2012 at 11:02 am
Cool! There is a place nearby (Balentine Area) called Terrace Cafe that I do plan on going to that has breakfast. I like Happer’s Restaurant for Sunday Brunches. (Pineville Mall & near South Park Mall.) Also nice for Dinner or Lunch too.
Do you live in this area Blake?
Hola Comet.
Good Morning Comet!
MTU -
Had to take a Mop break.
I just think the Angels are over-rated as a whole. Now, I could be proven wrong, but I don’t think this is their year, even though they have a great manager, they’ll not have enough offense to carry the team, and I don’t think their pitching is a deep as the scouts have mentioned. JMHO.
Ballentine
Good morning Comet.
Al-
We’ll see I guess.
Hope you’re feelin’ a little better.
Garcia’s problem is that he hasn’t been able to command his splitter so he’s forced to overuse his slider.
MTU -
Thanks, but lately we seem to be going in the wrong direction. It is what it is.
Mornin’ comet!
Al-
Sounds like it’s time for new Physician.
MTU -
Been there, done that. The answer seems to be the same.
I would still like for one person to provide me with a logical argument for why showing emotion while playing a sport should be frowned upon without exception.
“Do you live in this area Blake?”
Nah….just from close to there and visit fairly often.
Al-
Sorry to hear.
Sometimes you have to just keep digging until you find the right one.
Swish is a high intensity guy, so why wouldn’t he be excited? To come back from a 0-9 deficit against our biggest rivals? Yeah, no doubt we wouldn’t like it if a red sox player did it, but oh well, it is part of the game.
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I don’t like it whether it is a Yankee player or a player on another team.
Morning Comet!
blake April 23rd, 2012 at 11:17 am
Cool! If you are here sometime during the week maybe we can meet for lunch Uptown Charlotte. (Note I work Uptown) Let me know.
Ray,
Will do!
I can see the complaint if Swisher was motioning like that towards the pitcher or another Red Sox player, but he was celebrating with the guys in his dugout.
The Red Sox are just butthurt.
I could be way off base here, but, if anyone here has played sports at just about any level, would not have shown the type of emotion Swisher did, after coming back from 9 runs down, may lack the emotion to play at that level.
I do not understand football players acting like children after making routine plays during the game, but can one imagine a team coming back from a huge deficit just walking off the field without showing emotion?
When its a game ending celebration nobody minds. Swisher’s hit in probably all of our minds was ball game. So I don’t have a problem with it.
And that’s not even bringing the 9-0 comeback into the equation.
Shame Spencer
What do you think of a football player celebrating when he scores a TD and his team is losing 28 to 0? I think it is a “look what I did” mentality. It is prevalent in all sports and I just don’t like it. Maybe I’m just too old, but it irks me.
LGY,
You are exactly right about Garcia. He has had no control our his out pitch, the splitter. Without it, he doesn’t have much to fool hitters.
RMS-
I’m old too and I liked it.
It’s a sign of life.
I don’t think he did it to mock anyone.
It was just a spontaneous celebration.
And I don’t see it as showing off either.
Some demonstrations can be excessive IMO that was not one of them.
Different strokes for old folks I guess.
I wasn’t surprised at all…….
@Buster_ESPN
You will be surprised by the team that has the fewest errors in the big leagues. http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/team/_/stat/fielding
Also- SWB game was snowed out.
RMS -
Being an old guy, I understand and agree with the stupid actions of football players celebrating a TD during the game as being silly, but, if it where the game winner near the end of the 4th quarter, then a celebration is in order.
Swisher’s hit was the go ahead hit, in a hard fought come back, so he was entitled to let it out.
MTU -
At least you admit to being old. We all know your hikes into the mountains are to search for the old bones of your cave dwelling forefathers.
Al-
For an old guy you ain’t half bad.
Al-
Not that you’re good either.
Look at Swisher’s Grand slam the inning before, nothing but a professional run around the bases and some high fives with his teammates. not even much a smile.
That double was the nail in the coffin, and he had every right to celebrate with his team mates.
Al-
I’m actually looking for GB’s.
He was around during the times when they still had the square wheels on cars.
That is funny! Yanks & Beantown both have 4 errors, but Yanks have played more games, had more chances & have a higher fielding pct, but are listed 2nd behind Beantown. That is simply funny! ESPN w/ a Beantown Bias! Go figure! It must have eaten their hearts out to see the 9-zip game turnaround to a Yankee win! They truly look stumped!
I have a feeling that if we had seen Swisher’s action in context, we would have been tarzan’ing right along with him. Unfortunately we only got to see a shot of him doing it.
Stylin’ has never bothered me. Valverde dancing like a puppet doesn’t bother me. FRod (?) one of the Rods anyway, spinning in circles on the mound after closing out a game, doesn’t bother me. None of it bothers me.
Not knowing about Pineda’s MRI bothers me. I’d say I have my priorities in order.
I hope the Yankees get to do a lot more celebrating like that.
MTU -
You’re right, I heard GB was the first in his group to stand on just 2 legs, straight up, now that’s old. (Although I’m much older)
Hello Trisha! So when can I see you down here? LOL!
trisha-
You won’t have long to wait to find out.
Your priorities are in order as far as I’m concerned.
trish -
You just love to dance.
BIG AL April 23rd, 2012 at 11:38 am
But GB had two clubs to support him!
RayVt -
If Trisha were to come to NC, it would be to see me, lol.
Swisher’s hit was the go ahead hit, in a hard fought come back, so he was entitled to let it out.
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Big Al
If the situation were reversed and the RS had come back would you feel the same way if it was David Ortiz doing it?
YankeesPR
Happy B-Day Andruw Jones!
Al-
GB is not around to defend himself so I am trying to be reasonable but what can you say about a guy who goes out to a fast-food place for a Brontasaurus burger ?
RayVt -
And he’s been known to use them both.
MTU -
GB’s laying in the weeds, taking notes. Best be careful.
RMS-
Ortiz gets excited when the spit on his gloves dries.
Trish, just need to comment how the pressure of being down 9-0 didn’t seem to hinder the Yanks? Just jabbing you a little…I know your point is that the pitching can’t keep putting us in these holes and I agree. My exception was 2 fold…1) the point that there are times where the offense may score little and it was not because they performed poorly (and the opposite where they should have scored more because the opposing pitcher was awful and 2) being under pressure makes it harder for the offense to do their job; I don;t agree with this part.
RMS -
Yes I would, and I would have agreed he deserved to do it, if my team lost a 9 run lead.
OK Al.
He’s special forces.
You’re right.
Poison darts and that stuff.
I’ll take cover.
I hope Swisher’s antics really ticked off the Red Sox and they try to do something stupid in revenge.
Not because I think Swisher did anything wrong (I thought it was appropriate for the moment). I’m just sick of these 2 team loving and respecting each other so much. Let them try something dumb and let’s see the Yankees stop hugging and kissing them every time they play them.
Putting a little soul and team pride back into the games would be refreshing. Considering how classless the Red Sox were with the two drunken louts on top of the dugout calling out ex-Yankees and how every series the media shows 2 things; Varitek putting his glove in Arod’s face and Pedro throwing down Zimmer, I’d love to see the games have some passion again.
There’s more passion in the NFL, NHL and NBA than there is in MLB right now. Granted, all of those sports have more physical contact involved, but baseball used to be much more intense.
It appears randy and Jose Canseco have a lot to discuss
@JoseCanseco: You haters are idiots you never played the game .you should never be able to comment if you never played the game
BIG AL April 23rd, 2012 at 11:42 am
What part of NC are you?
The Genius Maker April 23rd, 2012 at 11:44 am
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I’m of the opinion that when the SP puts his team in a huge hole, the offense is affected, because they tend to press for the big hits, and can change the game plan, and the type of O they play going forward.
Al-
I heard a rumor that Randy is older than the Hills.
RayVt -
Just south of Winston-Salem.
Got to go, back in a bit.
RMS April 23rd, 2012 at 11:25 am
Shame Spencer
What do you think of a football player celebrating when he scores a TD and his team is losing 28 to 0? I think it is a “look what I did” mentality. It is prevalent in all sports and I just don’t like it. Maybe I’m just too old, but it irks me.
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Personally? I enjoy anytime someone is making themselves look foolish, so I don’t mind at all and I mean that sincerely. Is it silly? Yes, I think so too. But when you pay people that aren’t all that intelligent to entertain you, that’s what you get. Again, they’re paid to catch a ball…… I mean, when that’s your entire job…..
Al-
And an even nastier one.
That he actually thinks he can play golf.
Yes I would, and I would have agreed he deserved to do it, if my team lost a 9 run lead.
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Fair enough, Big Al
If I were a Red Sox fan…..Id be asking why they have the money to fly morons like Canseco to Fenway for a celebration and they don’t have enough money to keep their SS….or get some pitchers.
Ray and Big Al – I didn’t know I had made plans to come to NC (did I say I was?) but I would definitely meet up with both of you if I did!
“trish -
You just love to dance.”
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Genius Maker – jabs never either bother nor deter me, as posters here can attest. So not a prob.
The fact that the Yankee offense was facing horrendous bullpen pitching is the reason they came back from being down 9 runs, not because they are so potent that they can bulldoze their way through the best of starting pitching. Ask Felix Dubront what he thinks about that.
The reason that being under continual pressure makes it harder for the offense to do their job – my point – is because you are asking them to perform extraordinarily on a daily basis. You are then asking for potential injuries, players pressing, and typically resulting cold bats. No starting pitching can continue to put their offense in a hole and expect to be rescued. There comes a point when deficit spending catches up. It’s nothing more than common sense. You go to the well too many times, you eventually come up dry.
There’s more passion in the NFL, NHL and NBA than there is in MLB right now. Granted, all of those sports have more physical contact involved, but baseball used to be much more intense.
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The Yankees need someone like Iman Shump Shump Shumpert
http://m.nypost.com/p/sports/k.....U49B9HbtRN
“I’m of the opinion that when the SP puts his team in a huge hole, the offense is affected, because they tend to press for the big hits, and can change the game plan, and the type of O they play going forward.”
Great minds…
Gotta go soon.
Better get out of here before GB and Randy wake up.
Off to the tall, cool Mountains to escape the 95 degree heat.
MTU – enjoy for me.
Who would have thought that Papelbohn was so important to Beantown!
The Beantown GM took the soul out of their team by dumping both Papelbohn & Francona and then adding Bobby V of all folks!!! (Ok Ownership added Bobby V!)
SP sucks in Beantown & their closers have lost several games too. Melancon is in AAA now. Aceves is a wreck. Bard needs to both start & relieve! How long can that last before he is out with an injury! The Suxers are palying close to 30% Win-Loss since the collapse last year.
Ellsbury & Crawford are out! Youk’s back is killing him & 3B is aggravating it! SS is a hole still as Suxer’s dropped Scutaroo! Catching is still a mess too. So many holes, so little time.
Did I hear the battle cry correctly from Beantown? More wings & beer please? LOL!
Trisha-
You should just come along instead.
How is your shoulder these days ?
trisha – true pinstriped blue April 23rd, 2012 at 11:53 am
I’m still dreaming! LOL!
“Did I hear the battle cry correctly from Beantown? More wings & beer please? LOL!”
Who cares…..Sweet Caroline is on!
Swisher was simply happy. He wasn’t doing a “look at me”. Critics need to shut up. Kruk needs to shut up on general. He is a dope.
I stopped watching baseball tonight a long time ago so I forgot Kruk existed.
blake April 23rd, 2012 at 11:59 am
LOL
Mac-
As long as Swisher produces RBI’s like they were bunnies no one is gonna say a word.
Any trips planned for this Summer ?
the facts show that there is no pressure on the offense when down by a lot. It is proven time and time again. Big Al said the same thing but that is simply an opinion that is not backed by any stats. if the yanks were pressing so hard (and it impacted their ability to score runs) how is it possible they keep doing it? the answer is that they are a good offense and they will score a lot of runs and should beat up on poor pitching. In fact, you could argue that the players are more relaxed when down by a lot, but then if your theory is correct as soon as the score got close they would tense up again…this is simply incorrect though (even if it seems logical)
I used to argue about clutch ability of players…but after reviewing the facts (with Bill James) I concluded that clutch ability (the ability to somehow always dig deep at the most pressure spots) is pretty much a non factor, however, there are clutch performances by players.
MTU – shoulder is all healed, thankfully. Speaking of deficit spending, I’m off to the gym to try to shed some of this extra poundage that appeared when I blew my knee out and decided that holiday eating was just too much fun to avoid. Calories in + lack of exercise =
I’d rather being going to tall, cool Mountains, believe me.
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RayVT, I’d love to meet up with you and Big Al. Maybe we can all meet in the middle for some baseball!
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Later y’all.
And here’s hoping for good news when I get back. I think I’ll try to capture one of those video televisions at the gym and keep it on SportsCenter, just so I can get any breaking news about Pineda’s shoulder…
Kruk is a disgrace to baseball IMO when his antics to hide when Randy Johnson was pitching! He is a goof! Getting hit by someone who throws 95 MPH vs 99 MPH is almost zero difference in pain! Both hurt! LOL! Kruk is just what he always was, impotent!
Who cares…..Sweet Caroline is on!
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Lol it was so funny to read Pete’s reaction to them playing Sweet Caroline.
trisha-
Have fun.
Don’t show off too much at the gym.
Have fun Trisha!
For YF,Luis, and jmv.
Proximo hilo ——->
Trust me, if the Yankees had just given up a nine-run lead to the Red Sox, I wouldn’t be concerned about Big Papi beating his breasts while standing on second base. There would be a baseball bat through the TV screen and I’d be on my way to the nearest bar.
MTU, gracious.
There was nothing wrong with teixeira’s and Swisher’s behavor considering the monumental comeback against that team in that city. take into account who the pitchers were. Padilla has made a target out of the Yankees and Texira for years and aceves knocked Teixeira out for two games last September after hitting him on the hand. You don’t think he didn’t remember that?
Genius Maker – I’ll go it one more time and then I’m out of here. You cannot continue to put extra pressure on any part of your game, because the other parts suffer. We’ve seen it time and again. When Torre had to overuse his bullpen because of injuries to starting pitching and/or starters not lasting long enough, by the time the postseason came around, the bullpen was spent.
Again common sense. If your starting pitching CONTINUES to put the offense in a hole to the point where the offense is always coming from behind, there is both physical and psychological pressure. Eventually it will take its toll, either in the form of injuries from players having to press too much and too often, or just in the form of bats no longer functioning. The bullpen may also pay a price.
I believe the whole thing started when some posters where whining about the fact that the offense “didn’t get the job done” on one of the days when the starting pitching put the offense in an immediate hole of 5 runs or more.
Over and out.
MTU -
Time to hide in them there mountains.
“Trust me, if the Yankees had just given up a nine-run lead to the Red Sox, I wouldn’t be concerned about Big Papi beating his breasts while standing on second base. There would be a baseball bat through the TV screen and I’d be on my way to the nearest bar.”
GB7 -
Good afternoon. I was so happy to see the winning runs scored off Aceves. I have a picture of him, which I keep sticking pins into his arm and back, wishing him the worst.
Geez CC looks really fat in that photo, like he’s got a garbage bag full of raked leaves stuffed under his shirt.