Pregame notes: “We’re just going to throw him out there”
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Notes on Jul 24, 2012 
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The Yankees new left fielder is playing right field again, which, of course, it makes perfect sense. With Nick Swisher still dealing with his strained hip flexor, why not fill his spot with a guy who’s play the position extremely well — in this very stadium — for more than a decade?
But at some point, the Yankees are going to actually put Ichiro Suzuki in left. And they’re going to trust that it will come naturally.
“Right now, he takes BP and he’s (shagging fly balls) in right field,” Joe Girardi said. “But we’re just going to throw him out there. I’ve talked about how he’s athletic enough. I know it’s been a long time since he’s done it, but the best experience he’s going to get is just going out there. I’m sure the days he’s playing left field he’ll take his work out there. I’m sure that’s what he’s going to do.”
Ichiro has express no real concerns about moving from right to left. He’s only played the position once in the big leagues, and that was in 2001, but he’s a good fielder with good range.
“There’s always a concern that there’s somewhat of a risk involved and the ball is going to come at a little bit of a different angle, and it’s a little bit of a different feel,” Girardi said. “But you’ve got to trust that his experience as an outfielder is really going to help him in that situation. It’s probably harder than most of us imagine, in a sense. You just say he’s a good outfielder, and he can be a good outfielder everywhere. But it’s different. I’ve never really played the outfield so it’s hard for me to tell you exactly how it’s going to feel.”
Nick Swisher has more than 100 left-field starts in his career — including some with the Yankees — but Girardi said he never really considered moving Swisher. He prefers Ichiro’s range at that position.
“I think with the way our ballpark is, it just makes sense to put (Ichiro) in left and keep Swish in right,” Girardi said.
• Brett Gardner had his elbow surgery today. “Everything went well,” Girardi said. “They took out that tissue that they had to take out. We’ll get a chance to see him when we get back and get a better idea what we’re looking at.”
• Girardi said doctors also removed a small bone spur in Gardner’s elbow, but it sounds like doctors don’t believe the sput played a significant role in his slow recovery. “You could probably go in your elbow and find a little bone spur,” Girardi said.
• Joba Chamberlain pitched a hitless inning today. Girardi said he honestly doesn’t know whether he’s going to also pitch tomorrow. “At some point he’s going to do it,” Girardi said. “Let’s just see how he feels today and go from there.”
• By the way, Chamberlain’s defense included Eduardo Nunez at shortstop and Slade Heathcott in left field. That’s only Heathcott’s third outfield start since coming back from shoulder surgery.
• Chris Stewart has been catching Freddy Garcia recently, so he gets the start today, freeing Russell Martin to start tomorrow’s day game.
• Dave Robertson is fine after last night’s unusual stumble off the mound. He said he was fine last night, and that was still the case today.
• Girardi said he feels no need to talk to Andruw Jones or Raul Ibanez about their roles now that Ichiro is on the roster. “They understand that originally they were brought here to be a DH,” Girardi said. “There’s going to be days that I probably maybe play Raul (in the outfield). I might DH Ichiro one day just to give him a rest. That’s what they were brought here to do. I’ll say something if I think there’s an issue, but I think they understood. They’re not 22 and looking over their shoulder.”
• If you didn’t assume this already, Girardi made it clear that Ichiro will be — essentially — an everyday player. “If I’m going to give him a day off it’s going to be against a left-hander,” Girardi said. “That’s something that I can do. It’s not like he hasn’t played against left-handers in his career, but I think you also have to look at him. He’s 38 too. He plays every day. A day off once in a while probably wouldn’t hurt him.”
• Darnell McDonald has officially reported to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
• Felix Hernandez on the mound for the Mariners. “Hit his mistakes,” Girardi said. “That’s the best I think you can do. He’s an outstanding pitcher and you’ve got to hit his mistakes.”
Associated Press photos
Aardsma was on the radio today and he said he was shooting for an early September return to the big leagues…..he also said Joba was just throwing the ball incredible and that he will hit the ground running in NY very soon.
The thing that worries me about the Yankees budget is that they have so much money tied up in long term deals…. I would make it work for Hanley. If it’s only 11.6 I’d gladly let Swisher walk if his price is too high and look for a cheaper alternative. Maybe look into trading Hughes/Granderson also if need be to restock the system.
I’m still high on Hanley… he could burn the Yanks but I think he’s still got some very good years left in the right environment. Miami is killing him though.
You have to think that Jeter and Alex and Cano etc would help Hanley….still a lot of talent in there….Miami is a circus. It depends on what Miami would want and how they fit him in the lineup now….I think it’s highly unlikely they go after him though.
Does Ichiro look old to anyone? If it looks like a duck, or sounds like a duck. In other words, Ichiro is not old.
for years, Ichiro were my favorite player in MLB. Back in 2006, my two favorite players were Curtis Granderson and Ichiro. In 2012, both players are on the New York Yankees.
btw, thank you Chad, for the extensive Ichiro coverage. By comparison, not much to be found at RAB
Trish: thankful, you hyped to have Ichiro. And appreciative
per normal, we remain on same page
: )
“plus you said you loved that 22 year old and it brought tears to your eyes when he left.
or was that just another whim that changed with the wind that blew through your belfry?”
Oh please child. I expected and expect Montero to do big things SOME DAY. You act like he’s the only bed partner you’d ever want.
On the other hand, I know what Ichiro is all about. And if I want to be psyched beyond belief that the Yanks have him, I hardly need your permission.
jmills-
I think it’s the duty of any hockey fan to be a fan of Rush… I’ve hardly met a hockey fan who isn’t a fan.
vinny-b – I’m almost in a state of disbelief over it. He’s everything the Yankees need – and more.
So happy to see you here!
randy is right, ichiro is a nice pickup but he needs to show that he can do alot better than he has of late if he wants to bat in the front half of the batting order. right now he’s a #8 or 9 guy and it doesnt matter if he’s in front of or behind martin because in alot of ways martin has been better this season.
he’ll get his chance to show his stuff in the OF but he’s gotta show some life with the bat before he deserves to get moved.
Yeah the Yanks more than likely aren’t going after Hanley and they almost certainly aren’t going to make A-Rod a permanent DH at this point in time…. It’s just fun to play with different circumstances.
“it’s cure when pudgy fans that never played the game try to act smart.”
Cure – as in you’re the disease and I have the cure?
And I figure you’re talking about yourself in terms of pudgy fans that never played the game.
I love the POTENTIAL that Ichiro has to improve in New York under the pressure of a pennant chase… but lets remember he has a .288 OBP this year. That’s worse than Russell Martin. He might have been bored in Seattle but he needs to step it up to be an asset to the Yanks. I think he will.
Tyler – I think that we who are really excited are excited about the potential that he brings.
“vinny-b – I’m almost in a state of disbelief over it. He’s everything the Yankees need – and more.
So happy to see you here”
———————————————-
I know. When first read “Ichiro traded to Yankees” headline, literally jumped for joy
thank you. Nice to see you too, Trisha
hate to say it but aardsma and pettitte need to get it going pretty soon. the minor league seasons finish the end of august and it becomes dicey to try to rehab beyond that. joba looks good, pettitte seems on schedule but hasnt touched a ball yet and aardsma needs to get back on the mound soon. there’s time but a small setback could create huge problems for any pitcher trying to get back to the bronx for this season.
trisha-
I agree with you lol.
hate to say it but aardsma and pettitte need to get it going pretty soon.
========================
can aardsma afford to give up his tweeting time?
ichiro had a series in YS a couple of years ago where he looked old and uninterested in the field. he looked foolish in fact. it was obvious he’d given up on the season at that point.
thats when i lost my adoration for ichiro. i still have respect for what he’s done and im hopefull about what might be left, but i can’t say that im overflowing with joy that he’s a yankee, he lost that sense of awe a while back for me.
id like to see him win some of that back.
Jon Heyman ?@JonHeymanCBS
#pirates get wandy rodriguez, source says. @Tom_Singer reported it was getting close.
they aren’t shaking up the lineup for ichiro just yet.
it’s not joe’s way to slight others esp when the lineup is working.
now playoff time may be another story.
Jon Heyman ?@JonHeymanCBS
there is $ changing hands in wandy deal. he has $30M to go thru ’13, so #astos will send dollars to #pirates. done deal.
Pirates reportedly close to getting Wandy Rodriguez.
randy is right, ichiro is a nice pickup but he needs to show that he can do alot better than he has of late if he wants to bat in the front half of the batting order. right now he’s a #8 or 9 guy and it doesnt matter if he’s in front of or behind martin because in alot of ways martin has been better this season.
—————————————————————————————————————
Better at what? Swinging from his heels and hitting .178?
Ichiro will do fine no matter where he bats in the order. I’m expecting a standing ovation when he comes to bat at the Stadium.
just speculating here but IF andy doesnt make it back, do we have enough SP?
what are the chances that he doesnt make it back? he’s 40, its going to be a tight schedule and a pulled hammy or twisted ankle could push him to the edge.
should we be in on johnson, dempster, garza, shields,hamels & co.
“should we be in on johnson, dempster, garza, shields,hamels & co.”
they should be in on Johnson either way because he’s got #1 stuff and he’s under contract through next season.
Still a few left…
http://instagr.am/p/NfBxUCGqE7/
just speculating here but IF andy doesnt make it back, do we have enough SP?
======================
after they stretch out Phelps for the 10th time they might…
Ken Rosenthal ?@Ken_Rosenthal
Source: #Rays’ Shields also “in the mix” for #Rangers. Texas considers him an upgrade, but not an ace at the level of Hamels or Greinke.
is the prodigal son playing tonight
freddy might frustrate him.
doubt any fans will boo ichiro at wearing winfield’s #31
wonder why?
Y’s Guy – he looked darned good to me last night.
I’m not a huge fan of attempting to judge interest on the field, especially because there’s a greek chorus here of supposed fans who accuse the Yankees of not having it, on a continual basis. On the other hand, the fact that Ichiro inquired about a trade may indicate that it was harder and harder to keep up his level of interest with a team that unfortunately never went anywhere.
I’m psyched as heck. I really think we have great things on the way with Ichiro.
Tyler,..I’m doing, ” The Best that I Can.”
joke all you want rms but martin has a better obp and ops. imnot saying martin is good, rather that ichiro has been THAT bad. he needs to show some spark.
“Ichiro will do fine no matter where he bats in the order. I’m expecting a standing ovation when he comes to bat at the Stadium”
Absolutely agree!
comet July 24th, 2012 at 8:58 pm
Blake do you think the Yankees can afford Hanley and still get under the $189 in 2014. Same for Josh Johnson.
Secondly what would they have to give up to get either of these guys? Without moving someone like Hughes or Nova they would likely be giving away the most of the farm system. We have to have some to play in 2015 and beyond. Our farm system isn’t as good as we believed last year and Montero is gone.
“Y’s Guy – he looked darned good to me last night.’
=====================================
yes a single and a stolen base is a start.
ichiro did good, too…
is phelps available tonight?
Ichiro’s first AB in NYS will be against Aaron Cook on Friday night
I love Nova, but for a talent like Hanley, I’d do it.
I’d definitely give up Hughes first but, I imagine they would want Nova who is under control longer
“comet July 24th, 2012 at 8:58 pm
Blake do you think the Yankees can afford Hanley and still get under the $189 in 2014. Same for Josh Johnson.”
Well Johnson would be off the books before 2014 unless they re-signed him….he’s a FA after 2013 and Hanley’s deal has an AAV of 11.6 million so yea they could fit him but it might mean letting Granderson go after next season or trading him.
I don’t know what it would take to get Hanley but he’s probably not the best fit and they might could find a better one this winter (like Justin Upton) who is younger and actually cheaper with even more upside. The thing with Hanley is that his price might be discounted now relative to his talent and he can help this year though…..
What’s wrong with Winfield?
A one-hit shutout by Buttholz.
who isn’t hoping that ichiro doesn’t have a rennaissaince on the yankees?
he could be one of a long line of aging stars who come to the yankees for one last hurrah as a role player.
maybe in that role he’ll even stick around for a few years.
but he’s not going to the the ichiro of ten years ago.
he doesn’t have to either to be valuable as a role player.
winfield was not the beloved figure that O’Neill was and didn’t get a ring here while Paullie got 4.
Nothing wrong with Winny…
Joba throws a perfect inning in latest minor league rehab appearance
By Mike Axisa
Right-hander Joba Chamberlain retired all three batters he faced in his latest rehab appearance for High-A Tampa tonight. He got a fly ball to left, a pop-up to second, and a ground ball to second. No word on his velocity or pitch count, but chances are we’ll get a report before the end of the night as usual.
Erik Boland reports that the plan is for Joba to pitch again tomorrow night, assuming he comes through tonight’s appearance fine. It will be the first time he’ll pitch in back-to-back games during his rehab. The other day we heard that he could be activated before the end of the month if he comes through the back-to-back well. Fingers crossed, Joba’s getting very close to returning to the team. · (29) ·
http://www.riveraveblues.com
sounds like Jobber is getting really close….
Watching the A’s Vs Jays…. Oakland is on absolute tear. Cespedes with a 3 run single to make it 7-1.
JA HAPP should be banned from baseball. Never seen a pitcher take so long to deliver his pitches. He slows down to a snails pace when he gets in any sort of jam. Makes it hard to even watch baseball when its THAT slow.
They should trade Swisher for a ML ready OF. Throw in a prospect if you have to. There are many teams looking for offense – Braves, Oakland, Pittsburgh, LAD, Nats, etc. Grab somebody in AAA ready for a callup.
Buster_ESPN
I know Chipper has said he’s retiring,but I wonder if some AL teams will quietly call to ask if he’d reconsider. Still a really good hitter.
is ichiro a “role” player ?
looks like he will get every chance to be a starting OF on this team.
“They should trade Swisher for a ML ready OF. Throw in a prospect if you have to. There are many teams looking for offense – Braves, Oakland, Pittsburgh, LAD, Nats, etc. Grab somebody in AAA ready for a callup.”
who? none of those teams have anybody any good that they’d trade. They could offer him to SF for Brandon Belt….but his outfield play is questionable and he’s not hitting like they thought either…..
Chipper is done Bluster
they have been quiet on swisher…if he’s not ready for the boston series he could be out awhile
unless they trade him 1st
joke all you want rms but martin has a better obp and ops. imnot saying martin is good, rather that ichiro has been THAT bad. he needs to show some spark.
—————————————————————————————————-
Who’s joking? Do you watch Martin’s ABs? Almost every swing is from the heels. So, Martin has a better obp and ops. And Ichiro is batting almost .100 points higher than Munson, I mean Martin.
Let’s give Ichiro a chance. I think he will thrive in this line up. And he can steal, throw and is a great fielder.
Blake,
Belt is not a bad idea but I doubt SF would trade him for Swish. Although they did fork over an A prospect for a Beltran rental.
I honestly don’t know who’s in AAA for any of those teams other than Starling Marte.
The Giants are disappointed with Belt….they might would deal him for now offense but I don’t even think the Yankees would do that now….it hurts 2012 too much…..don’t think the Pirates would deal Marte for Swisher.
no reason why ichiro might not fill the role of a guy who can hit HR’s at the Stadium.
Better times!
jmills – tough time to be facing Oakland. Yikes.
I want to add that I suspect Swisher has great trade value because he’s a legit bat. He could be a difference maker for someone. There are so many teams scrambling to improve due to the extra wild cart slots. Look at what DET paid for an Anibal Sanchez rental – top 10 prospect.
ichiro got his chance, he is batting in front of martin. now what, do you want his .288 obp in front of ibanez who’s ops is 250 point higher?
Jon Heyman ?@JonHeymanCBS
#pirates still looking for a big bat. great to see them going for it. #wandy
Trish, I decided just to forget the bad things , and,………get on with the best!
sorry 100 pts higher.
Swisher to the Pirates, please.
What a GORGEOUS throw Beltre just made to Michael Young. It should be the number one web gem, especially since the hitter was a pretty speedy guy. But oops I forgot. ESPN decides the web gems. Never mind.
ichiro is batting 8th to protect ibanez/chavez.
jmills, the good news is that the Sux will be getting their butts handed to them regularly in the next few weeks so it’s a good time for the Jays to pick up ground.
Swisher for Starling Marte is interesting…..I just don’t know if either team would do it….the Pirates because they’d be dealing 6 years of an outfielder for 3 months of Swisher…..and the Yankees because it probably makes them worse for 2012
seriously, if swisher is out for an extended period they have to get a LFer to maximize what jones/ibanez gies us.
Ichiro is our best contact hitter and best speedster. He should be batting 1st or 2nd. Granderson and his 200 strikeouts need to be 6th or 7th.
Ichiro is our best contact hitter and best speedster. He should be batting 1st or 2nd. Granderson and his 200 strikeouts need to be 6th or 7th.
============================
next year when gardy bats 9th this will happen
Blake,
Swisher is a black hole in the playoffs. I don’t think the trade hurts them there. Marte is an amazing defender. Marte, Granderson, Ichiro is a sparkling defensive OF with plenty of speed. They need to get something for Swisher and the Pirates need to go for it. Looks like they are.
damn, swisher and grandy just getting slammed around here the last few days. guess people feel like that finally HAD TO get off tex while he’s been on fire.
all 3 guys are having outstanding seasons.
So looks like the weekend matchups are:
Hughes vs. Cook
CC vs. Lester
Kuroda vs. Doubrunt
why would any team trade for a hobbled swisher?
Yes Trish, a piece of my heart will be on for the Jays
Good Times
“damn, swisher and grandy just getting slammed around here the last few days. guess people feel like that finally HAD TO get off tex while he’s been on fire.
all 3 guys are having outstanding seasons.”
Amen to that.
Swish would have to prove healthy first before a trade obviously.
clippard breaks the met’s hold on him and the mets go to 1-10 since the ASB.
“Marte is an amazing defender”
I think part of the reason he’s not in the big leagues is because of defensive polish….and plate discipline…..he’s not a can’t miss guy….
If Swish is healthy enough to play this weekend, chances are we keep him.
I don’t think they are trading Swisher…..getting a return that doesn’t make the Yankees worse now wouldn’t be easy
unless we can get victorino straight up for swish..
Ichiro having no problem playing LF and batting 8th tells me he really really wanted to play for a winner. I love the professional attitude he has shown so far.
“unless we can get victorino straight up for swish..”
Swisher is better than Victorino
Oakland has been playing absolutely sick baseball.
Swish isn’t on the move.
The Yankees are “going for it”, just like they do every year. They aren’t trading Swisher unless they are also getting a replacement that can hit near his level.
Swisher is better than Victorino
=====================
not under pressure.
Glad to have Ichiro, I think he will be do well for the Yanks. He asked for a trade and seems genuinely happy to be here. True, he was not having a good year, by any stretch of the imagination. But, I think this will inspire him to do better and have a chance to get to the W.S.
He still has the tools to do so.
On another front, I would never want Hanley in a Yank uniform. He’s trouble and is not a good fielder at any spot. We’ve already had a Sheffield who wore his welcome out wherever he went. Talent doesn’t always mean the best results overall.
86% to 14% favoring Garcia and the Yankees to win over the King and Mariners on Streak for the Cash.
Must be a lot of Yankee fans playing the game tonight.
Sick is right,…………GO JAYS!
” The longest winning streak without ties in Major League Baseball is 21 games, achieved by the Chicago Cubs in 1935. The Oakland Athletics hold the American League record at 20 games, set in 2002. This streak is featured prominently in the Brad Pitt film Moneyball. ”
I predict the current Oakland A’s will break the 2002 win streak record. And a movie will be made about the 2012 A’s — the sequel to Moneyball.
And Oakland is a team that is either at the bottom or near the bottom in just about every offense category.
Hmmm.
I would never want Victorino for Swish. And that’s not a slap at Victorino. I like him too.
Buttholz also has been absolutely sick tonight as well.
In Victorino’s last 4 playoff series he has OPS’d : .524, .593, .546, .684
Someone needs to shoot our ” J R.” He’d prolly make it & come back though !
Sounds to me like the Astros made out nicely in the Wandy deal…..
You know,……..I was aiming for a better result
I say,……..Jays can take ‘em too.
jmills – nothing says they can’t. I’m making a general statement about their play as of late – and the fact that their claim to fame right now is their pitching – first in the AL.
In 09 Victorino was great up to the WS. Check out the #’s in 07/08 too.
When was Swish ever great in PS?
try and get to Felix early tonight and then hope Freddy can hold on…..
If the Pirates think they can just wave a magic Wandy and stroll into October, they’re in for a rude awakening.
Oh Mick…………
Status report please in answer to my question from the other day ? ? ?
TIA
See you in a few.
the battle of the venezuelans tonight
once again montero’s thunder is stolen…
“In 09 Victorino was great up to the WS. Check out the #’s in 07/08 too.”
its 2012…..it’s all small samples….too small to draw anything from….Swisher OPS’d 1.135 in the 2010 ALDS…..Swisher is a better player overall so I’ll take him.
By the way, Chad is tough on posters who just come here to play the ahole. Fair warning “Oscar Madison.”
What you’ve done in the past in playoffs and W.S. doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll do the same next time. Can I say A-Rod ?
Every year is different. No guarantees ever.
Trish , I understood what you were saying no problem! Just being positive about my team. What’s the alternative ?
Swisher is a better player overall so I’ll take him.
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you won’t when he’s popping up or striking out with the bags full again.
SM…short memory.
pirates are going for it! good for them and good for pittsburgh.
And you thought Texas has a good offense.
Sure thing Trisha (blog cop) ask a question in a polite manner. Buzz off.
“Oscar Madison July 22nd, 2012 at 11:58 am
MICKSTER………..What’s up with you dating Trisha dude ?”
You’ll be buzzing off before I will pal. As I said, Chad is tough on posters who come here just to play the ahole.
Gotcha, following up on a question that someone else initially asked is a ‘felony’. Pretty funny though that you have time to inventory other people’s past posts. It must be nice to have excess time on your hands for that.
I got a laugh out of it though………….
It isn’t inventorying past posts. It’s reading through the threads and remembering things.
Cool, whatever floats your boat, call it what you wish. Funny none the less to me tho.
Have a good laugh. Because it’s those kind of 3rd-grade mentality posts that will get you bounced. So I urge you to keep it up!