Off day notes: Rodriguez, Swisher, Chamberlain and Wise
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Jul 26, 2012 
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Had a brief conversation with Brian Cashman from my friend’s backyard today. It was an interesting moment in journalism history during which I tried to keep a few notes, then had to text him immediately afterward to make sure I actually had the details right. Not exactly my finest hour, but it was effective in getting a few quick notes on the fly.
• Alex Rodriguez saw Dr. Christopher Ahmad today and had a cast put on his broken left hand. The Yankees believe he’ll be out eight weeks at the most. Cashman wouldn’t give a best-case scenario, but eight weeks sounds like the far end of the spectrum.
• Nick Swisher ran and took batting practice today, but Cashman said he won’t play tomorrow night’s series opener against the Red Sox. Sounds like he came through everything just fine, the Yankees are just being cautious (given their injury luck this season, it’s hard to blame them).
• Joba Chamberlain will throw a bullpen for the big league staff tomorrow, but he will not be activated. He will instead make another rehab appearance on Sunday.
• My friend Mark Feinsand tweeted today that Dewayne Wise has cleared waivers but has yet to accept an outright assignment to Triple-A. I’m sure the Yankees would like to keep Wise — he played his part pretty well this season — but honestly, they have left-handed outfield options already in Triple-A with Chris Dickerson and Kosuke Fukudome. By the way, that’s just me talking, not Cashman.
I’m sure your friend is glad to see you. You’re a good egg.
I know Joba has been clobbered within these walls on many occasions the last few seasons but the guy deserves credit for his conditioning these days.
If the reports are accurate, throwing some serious gas in the high 90s at this point is quite impressive considering how long it’s been since he threw to live hitters in real games (not to mention the ankle injury that delayed his progress).
Command is the last skill to return after a long layoff so we’ll see soon enough where he is on that front.
Yanks have had some pretty good luck with retreads this season (ie: Rapada, Wise, Nix, etc, etc). Unfortunately, they’ve had to take on much bigger roles than anyone would have wanted.
Nonetheless, even though their numbers won’t certainly impress anyone, they deserve some praise as the unsung heroes to this point.
I think it’s very unlikely Kottaras could maintain that obp and walk rate.
And he has a career 16% cs rate, 109 stolen bases in about a year’s worth of catching. No thanks.
joba has pitched 8 innings and only allowed 3H/1BB and only 1 ER so far. that plus the velocity is really impressive.
Romine is 3-3 for Tampa tonight
if he’s healthy, romine would be an interesting addition to the team.
Sterling Marte homers in his first career AB for the Pirates
Montero is sitting tonight… so much for my question about whether he would carry his dominance of the Royals from KC to Seattle.
Why, Manager Wedge?
romine is playing only his 10th game of the season. stewart has no options, so either they’d have to carry 3 catchers or let stewart go in order to bring romine up. thats very unlikely.
we should see romine in september.
Cashman has convinced me their will be no addition at 3B. Nix’ hit convinced him he would do enough. That plus they won’t take on more money.
If they let Stewart go, would he really be picked up and put on an MlB roster? I think he would go the way of Wise.
Was Cashman cutting his grass?… Good stuff, Chad.
JeffPassan
Zach McAllister has been under-the-radar excellent for Cleveland. High K, low BB, solid HR. Tribe could beat Verlander, push DET out of 1st.
you have to let romine get his act together at least 25 or so games. (this is his ST) by then you’d be about 15 days away from the roster expanding. even if romine is ready is it really worth the chance of losing stewart for 2 extra weeks of romine?
i can’t see it.
Can’t see Cleveland trading McAllister. They are still very much in the race.
i dont see any reason to do a trade deadline deal to replace arod. i wouldn’t be surprised if cash picks someone up who clears waivers in august just to beef up the position, but there’s no reason to spend a bunch of talent to fill his spot, especially when you have chavez and nix to fill in.
can i just say that those made-in-china uniforms the us is going to wear tomorrow night are hideous….it looks like ralph lauren outfitted the cia. just awful…
Josh (Texas): Which of these trade scenarios for Chase Headley seems more realistic? Pirates deal Taillon and Marte or Yankees deal Sanchez and Williams? Or am I just dillusional?
Jim Callis: Delusional. Headley isn’t bringing those kind of packages back in a trade.
Mason and Sanchez are pretty highly regarded
Jared (New Jersey): Do you view Mason Williams as a top 25 prospect? Would you rank him ahead of teammate Gary Sanchez?
Jim Callis: If he’s not, he’s close. Him versus Sanchez comes down to whether you’re sold on Sanchez as a catcher. I’m not completely, so I’d lean toward Williams.
The Yankees are pretty lucky that the two hitters they’ve lost long term happen to be backed up by all-stars. Chavez, Ibanez, Jones, and Ichiro aren’t too shabby. It’s just a matter of keeping them all healthy.
Matt Harvey looks impressive… sitting 95-96, hit 97 a few times. Already has 4 Ks through 1.2
‘Jim Callis: If he’s not, he’s close. Him versus Sanchez comes down to whether you’re sold on Sanchez as a catcher. I’m not completely, so I’d lean toward Williams.”
SMH.
lot of other folks thing Sanchez can and will stick behind the plate….
Ramon Flores needs to be brought up to Trenton soon. Zoilo needs to improve vs. lefties, but there’s a guy who has very nice righty splits.
Too many faux scouts/”evaluators” are obsessed with catching and run prevention (Mike Fast zealots) to the point where they are wearing blinders and don’t realize that a catcher who hits has major value.
So now Sanchez can’t catch? I guess we won’t have a hitting catcher for the forseeable future
The Yankees seemed to have forgotten about a fella named Jorge Posada
Good evening,
That’s BS, like they did with you know who
Flores is 3/5 with a double and triple. I really wish they’d move him up.
Sanchez is a DH. He is too big to play behind he plate and doesn’t have the defensive prowess of guys like Romine. Sanchez can rake though, but his value will be either as a DH here or trade bait for a #2 starter
I thought Sanchez was that one that is supposed to be a legit catcher.
The Yankees seemed to have forgotten about a fella named Jorge Posada
///
Forgotten him? They tried to humiliate him and ran him out of town.
Apparently Sanchez is not legit enough for some.
luis July 26th, 2012 at 10:35 pm
Good evening,
That’s BS, like they did with you know who
////
Hacks.
Evenin’ primo
yankeefeminista July 26th, 2012 at 10:31 pm
Too many faux scouts/”evaluators”
*******
Oh the poetic irony of this statement – - – -
I thought Sanchez was that one that is supposed to be a legit catcher.
–
Still had questions, but was expected to be more likely to stick there than Montero
Yankeefem, that would be nice!
I meant in terms of a catcher that was more a hitter than for his defense behind the plate.
Stoneburner, save it for someone who actually reads you.
Matt Harvey with 7 Ks through 3 innings in his debut
Starling Marte hit a HR in his debut tonight on the first pitch in the 1st inning
I dont see anything wrong with what Callis said. He is giving his opinion, which could be wrong. Other scouts have said Sanchez can catch.
Callis basically said that both Sanchez and Williams are close prospect ranking, which is top 25-30 talents. If you ask me thats pretty good for two kids in High A ball
Pruf, he is ripping it up.
TD,
I’m beginning to get your posts. You’re just doing the straight man parody of the klutzes who call the shots. Right?
Anyone with eyes could tell the first time they saw them how good Mason and Sanchez are. Heads and shoulders above most.
Evening JAP and YF!,
He is not legit, until he shows that he doesn’t hit above the mendoza line
igotid88 July 26th, 2012 at 10:41 pm
I meant in terms of a catcher that was more a hitter than for his defense behind the plate.
///
Oh, that. Willful amnesia.
Yanks have been chasing their tail trying to get a #2 starter for years. Maybe they should stop chasing other team’s pitchers and try to develop trust and patience in their own for once.
He is not legit, until he shows that he doesn’t hit above the mendoza line
///
And that he doesn’t care about it!
yanks 27 – ya think?
I have an idea: let’s go get ourselves a legit GM and manager.
Yankeefem – Did you see where Ashmore has video of Gerrit Cole? Is the man a sadist?
jr, there is nothing wrong with Callis giving his opinion, as there isn’t with anyone else giving theirs. But what is Callis’ opinion based on? Also catcher defense without any concern for the player’s overall game has become the trend for a certain group. As if a catcher only plays D and doesn’t have to hit. Been there, done that.
Hi Luis!
J. Alfred Prufrock July 26th, 2012 at 10:46 pm
He is not legit, until he shows that he doesn’t hit above the mendoza line
///
And that he doesn’t care about it!
========
You are right…forgot about that one
Pruf, yes, but I didn’t watch it. Painful. I will watch Bundy though, and am hoping to catch him in Trenton if he gets called up to AA.
Trenton is playing two double headers in a row tomorrow and Saturday, btw…
Hey YF,
You are on fire tonight…Not taking any prisoners
JAP,
I would at least like someone that stays the course and that has some small markert experience
I believe Dellin’s pitching in the 1st game with Harrisburg already leading 3-1 in the second inning. Mikey O’Brien pitched the two innings tonight, so have no idea who starts the second game. Too bad Marshall already pitched. He is supposedly progressing slider-wise. Looked pretty good last time I saw him pitch.
luis, lol. Blame the off day. I need a Yankee fix.
YF,
last time I checked Marshall went six and k’d six…His critics use the lack of k’s as a reason that he won’t make it.
Do you think Mikey O’Brien’s legal first name is actually Mikey instead of Michael? Food for thought.
Have you seen Nick Turley? What do you guys think about him?
Matt Harvey of the Mets has 8 ks in his first 4ip
luis, if that slider progresses he’ll get more swings and misses, and he is working on a CB too. We shall see. But he’s got very good command. Another underrated pitcher who may really surprise.
Luis, I hear ya.
Luis, I have not seen Nik Turley, but I have been an admirer from afar. I want to see him and J-Ram (who I haven’t seen pitch live for far too long) in Trenton before the year is out.
yankeefeminista,
what I took away from what Callis said is that the Yanks have two very good prospects that are close in potential. I dont think he was trying to knock Sanchez.
YF,
My guess is that his name is Michael and that his father or grandfather was named Micheal, hence Mikey
Yes, J-Ram to Trenton!!! That Lakewood start in 2010 was sensational.
ID, thanks. I am turning on the game. Saw Familia pitch in Trenton recently. And Julio Rodriguez…
I rather have Posada ” bad defense” overall game over Martin “good defense” any day. Hope that makes sense..
Another underrated pitcher who may really surprise.
===========================
The more underrated the better chance he has to make it with us…
Luis, even his milb stats list him as Mikey though…
The Fake Montero and love interest J-Up hosting the Mets tonight.
jr, I’d take an in his prime Posada over most.
Harvey’s up 3-0. Hope I can stay awake for the rest of this.
I am a little tired, so I bid you all a very good night. By the way, have you seen Rich recently? If you see him , please send him a hello from my part. Good night
luis, I hear you. It goes like this: no big*ss power fastball, so left alone with more time to work on secondary pitches.
jr1212 July 26th, 2012 at 11:09 pm
I rather have Posada ” bad defense” overall game over Martin “good defense” any day. Hope that makes sense..
///
Maybe you can be the next GM
.
‘night, primo. I think Rich is posting on River Ave.
So the Yankees have a faux GM and manager. Didn’t know that.
jr1212 July 26th, 2012 at 11:09 pm
I rather have Posada ” bad defense” overall game over Martin “good defense” any day. Hope that makes sense..
=====================
The thing is that Posada wasn’t that bad behind the plate up until his very last season, but was a monster at the plate. Martin is not that good behind the plate and he is horrible at the plate. Hope this makes sense
Luis, I’m afraid that Rich has gone back over to the dark side (RAB).
Que sueñes con los angelitos!
HI Bo, how’s Edmonton?
Martin is not Joel Skinner. He’s way hyped.
Igual YF!
likewise Primo!
By the way YF…You hit the nail on the head, otherwise they will be converted in to 6th inning relievers, even if he doesn’t have the big power FB, he may end up in an Aceves type of role
yankeefeminista July 26th, 2012 at 10:59 pm
I believe Dellin’s pitching in the 1st game with Harrisburg already leading 3-1 in the second inning.
////
I’m 90 percent going. Hate missing Hughes against Blowsox, though.
Que lastima que Rich esta en RAB.. He is a really good poster..Good night for real
J. Alfred Prufrock July 26th, 2012 at 11:11 pm
The Fake Montero and love interest J-Up hosting the Mets tonight.
————————–
Let’s go D’backs beat the Mets
Dickerson has been on a tear lately: CF Chris Dickerson: 4-6, 2 R, 2 HR, 3 RBI — 17 hits in his last 40 at-bats (.425) with three doubles, three triples, four homers, seven walks, and five strikeouts
Not that there is really a spot for him anymore, but still…
I loathe missing Hughes, but can’t go to Stadium because I have to work down near Trenton tomorrow. However, I can pull in game with At Bat if I attend the Thunder game. Weather’s not supposed to be good though…
luis July 26th, 2012 at 11:21 pm
Buenas noches!
Que lastima que Rich esta en RAB.. He is a really good poster..Good night for real
____
We can always go over to RAB and recruit him back to Lohud.
Dickerson has reverse splits; he’s killing lefties.
High pitch count for Harvey. So he won’t have too many Ks
Heckuva pitch by Harvey on the last K.
Tread lightly, Bo knows, a Montero Liberation Front flash mob broke out with no warning, like an unexpected tornado.
My dog was acting strangely, but I ignored the signs.
too many more i meant. Has 11 now
Nice debut for Matt Harvey
It was a Sanchez Liberation Front if you want to get technical. Have a good night.
Hi fem
They’re the smurf brigade – Knee deeper in small RWs and Hall coming off shoulder surgery. Management added the Yak and Schultz/D and dass it. Splash and Dash but no nuts and bolts. Probably they’re in 10 to 12 range this year. Very weak down the middle and lacking top end D. I was hoping against hope for a Galchenyuk pick but it was “The best player meme” On an up note Klefbom/D looked very good in rookie camp, probably staying in Sweden another year.
The Oilers are very deep in quality young D with size – Schultz, Klefbom, Marincin, Gernat, Musil. Centers nada.
So, another year of treading water. Wait till next year.
Different hats, same enemies list.
I thought I’d sneak in a little side note with the faux. Had some new material I was going to try out. Some leavening maybe, a little yeast to the action. Ah well, some other time.
“I thought I’d sneak in a little side note with the faux.”
I am dining on pho at the moment, now that you mention it.
Bo, maybe they will surprise, and show some nuts and bolts along with the splash and dash. I remember how Slats said he forgot to teach the Oilers D way back when, but they sure played some nuts and bolts D much to the naysayers’ surprise. I’m a big fan of talent, which trumps all. The Oil will be fine, methinks.
Slats was bright enough to know that he wasn’t very bright so he surrounded himself with bright people and reaped the rewards. People like Bruce McGregor the asst GM and Muckler. Gretzky was the headlines, Messier the engine, Kurri the complete player.
As to coaching the smart thing was to stay out of the way. Throw them out there and let them boogie. But even in the Glory Years Slats changed the roster more than this version of the Oilers. Keeping the entire slate from a second last place team is at the least, puzzling.
Talent is great, the Devil is in the details.
Well, since Jesus isn’t playing tonight, how ’bout a a DJ update?
Mitchell made his Tacoma debut tonight vs. Tucson…
5IP – 4H – 1ER – 2BB – 4K
====
It was pretty surreal seeing Ichiro with New York across his chest but, when he dons the pinstripes for the first time … that’s going to be a trip.
I am dining on pho at the moment, now that you mention it.
————
Now it’s Viet
I’m still leary of a Katana noodle house. Some guy back there with a blackened wok and a cigar.
I kid, I kid.
Spent some time in your area so it’s mostly envy of the choices
Why did Montero sit tonight?
That was some good ramen at Katana-Ya last night. I might have to go back to celebrate Ichiro’s first homer as a Yankee.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9.....otostream/
And as long as I’m asking questions that might not have a tidy answer, what’s purpose does the song “The Rock” serve on the Who record “Quadrophenia”? Is it just side 4 filler, or what? It’s got to be the least-played track on that record and by a wide margin, I’d wager.
Off-night mysteries…
Kiley McDaniel scouts High-A Tampa
By Mike Axisa
Over at ESPN in an Insider-only blog post, former Yankees intern Kiley McDaniel penned a piece with scouting notes on several players with High-A Tampa. He wrote at length about OF Mason Williams — who he compared to Jacoby Ellsbury — and C Gary Sanchez, but also chimed in on OF Tyler Austin, RHP Jose Ramirez, RHP Mark Montgomery, and some other power arms on the staff. Pretty much the only negative thing he had to say was that Sanchez tends to struggle with fastballs in on his hands.
McDaniel praised scouting director Damon Oppenheimer for landing such quality prospects (Austin and the pitchers, specifically) with low-round draft picks, which is pretty neat. “Opposing clubs’ scouts covering this Tampa squad were simultaneously commending the Yankees for their deep staff and wondering why their teams didn’t draft these talents,” he wrote. Anyway, like I said go check it out. It gets RAB’s highest level of recommendation.
When Seattle comes to NY can they drop the King off before the first pitch?
Nick in SF July 27th, 2012 at 12:16 am
Why did Montero sit tonight?
——————————
Maybe they don’t want him to play more than 3 days in a row?
I guess.
Olivo was catching, so maybe they wanted Jaso’s bat in the lineup more than Montero’s.
2B David Adams took grounders at third base today, which is notable only because Alex Rodriguez broke his hand two days ago and the Yankees are suddenly looking for a stopgap third baseman. As Double-A Trenton manager Tony Franklin said: “Draw your own conclusions.”
Very,very interesting.
Triple-A Scranton (8-7 win over Charlotte)
CF Chris Dickerson: 4-6, 2 R, 2 HR, 3 RBI — 17 hits in his last 40 at-bats (.425) with three doubles, three triples, four homers, seven walks, and five strikeouts
2B Corban Joseph: 1-4, 2 RBI, 1 BB
SS Eduardo Nunez & LF Kosuke Fukudome: both 1-5, 1 K — Nunez stole a base … Fukudome doubled and drove in a run
DH Jack Cust: 0-3, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 2 K
1B Brandon Laird: 2-5, 1 R, 1 2B, 2 K — 14 hits in his last 32 at-bats (.434)
C Frankie Cervelli: 3-5, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 K – six hits in his last 14 at-bats (.429)
RF Darnell McDonald: 1-4, 2 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3B Kevin Russo: 2-4, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Ramon Ortiz: 6 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 7/4 GB/FB – 56 of 86 pitches were strikes (65%) … picked a runner off first
LHP Juan Cedeno: 2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, 2/0 GB/FB — 26 of 38 pitches were strikes (68%)
RHP Manny Delcarmen: 1 IP, zeroes, 2 K, 1/0 GB/FB – nine of 13 pitches were strikes
I know nothing of ” The Rock ” but I’ve always equated the music of The Who with Yankee Stadium.
Of course right before the Yankees take the field they play the intro to “We Won’t Get Fooled Again” But then, right when they run out of the dugout and you expect Pete Townsend to start wailing on his guitar or maybe Roger Daltrey to scream “Yeahh!”, they inexplicably cut to the horrendous “Get Ready For This”
It kills me.
Then after a home run while everyone is screaming you hear the end of the song followed by that “Dum, dum, dum, dum…..dum,dum,dum,dum” which kind of reminds me of the 8 opening xylophone notes of Wings “Let Em In”, but on steroids.
But as a kid I also recall hearing “Eminence Front” being played outside the Stadium near the group of ticket kiosks by gate 4. I always thought that kicked ass. Or at least that the Yanks were about to kick some ass.
I had a theory that Hank must have been a big Who fan and this was all his influence.
Nick in SF July 27th, 2012 at 12:16 am
Why did Montero sit tonight?
___________________________
Jesus Montero
YTD .258/..298/.353
vs. LHP .373/.409/.588
vs. RHP .204/.246/.301
Although he played a lot during the Yankees series, it seems that more and more, Wedge is sitting him against RHP.
haven’t seen stuckey dude in awhile… I remember skipping his norm 3 paragraph lectures on humanity… but he is pretty sane , just like to type i suppose. Nick, you charge interest on stuckey’s debt? how much was the wager? for some reason I always picture him working in porn industry now i thought of it it’s because excessive mental masturbation. my personal projection i suppose. anywho, carry on.
Travis Snyder looks good early in his latest return to the big…. was hoping Yanks inquire on him came off disappointing 11, that bat and swing can do damage in YS. Harvey looks impressive… that fb has some wicked movements… good for the mets to have something to look forward to.
Congrats to AJ on his 12th win – one of the few guys that no one will complain about having success after he left NY (his last two seasons were absolutely horrendous).
Just another quick morning note – Lee to Texas – I think it is likely and I think that the Phillies see this as a way to cover the cost of the Hamels deal…
The Phillies have treated Lee like a cheap shirt.
They dumped him then reacquired him.
Now you think they’re getting ready to dump him again ?
And the fool claimed he wanted to be there.
Too funny ?
Wonder who gets Greinke ?
“Wonder who gets Greinke ?”
Rangers, Braves, Angels……in that order my guess. Morning MTU.
Greetings Blake.
If the Rangers improve their Pitching they could be very tough.
MTU,
They seem pretty detrmined to add a pitcher….Grienke, Johnson, Lee, Shields…..probably gonna get one of those guys.
Blake-
Any of the 1st 3 would make a big difference.
Good morning. I have an article just posted an hour ago: Kuroda is no NL Pitcher-
http://www.pinstripealley.com/.....ue-pitcher
If he repeats his excellence the 2nd half and wants to pitch another year-sign him and try to give him more run support!
Rumor is that the Phillies will keep Lee. Also he has a 21 NT list, which the Yankees are not on.
Matt Harvey, Mets rookie pitcher was quite impressive as was Pirates Starling Marte, yesterday.
“Rumor is that the Phillies will keep Lee. Also he has a 21 NT list, which the Yankees are not on.”
The Rangers arent either…..I think the Phillies are in a tough spot …..they dont want to sell but they probably should…..they really are going to have some payroll issues moving forward.
Good morning – having a horrible time with this new touch blackberry ( about to have it meet the North side living room wall
) hope all is well
jmills-
Good morning. Nice comeback win for Toronto after a thrashing the day before. Are the Jays in the market for one of the pitchers mentioned above?
Blake-
Not sure the Marlins would trade Johnson. Would Olt seal the deal? Should the Yankees be interested if the Marlins want Nova or Hughes?
Shields, Garza, and Josh Johnson would make some sense for the Jays…..theyd only want guys controlled beyond this year.
MTU-
Come to the party, or invite us over for a breakfast burrito.
YT – if they are double A is mum to the fact – the wild card sure keeps the Pretenders involved mon ami
Trader,
Sounds like the Marlins want an over pay to move Johnson…..dont know if Olt + would get it done or not. Yea the Yanks should have interest but the price woukd probably be prohibitive…….hes very good…..but hes also very injury prone.
YT-
If the Marlins would trade JJ for Hughes straight up you have to do that.
For the Lee situation, I suppose it all comes down to whether they feel like they can continue to make a run (I think they fall short) and whether they are concerned with the huge cash going to their SPs. If they have any cash concerns, then Lee to Texas makes a lot of sense.
I think Greinke is most likely to land in Atlanta – seems like their kind of move.
“If the Marlins would trade JJ for Hughes straight up you have to do that.”
Yea but I dont think they would as they have equal service time left and Johnson is better when hes healthy…..Nova would make more sense for them but then from thr Yanks POV youre trade 4.5 years of a good pitcher for 1.5 years of a guy that gets hurt a lot
Should be an exciting night for Ichiro, especially in the 1st inning when the fans call out his name while he’s in the field.
Still need a right handed bat with some power. If Jones was a full time player he’d have more strikeouts than Granderson. After taming the Green Monster a few weeks ago vs their lefty starters, maybe he signs with them next year.
If the Braves trade for Greinke, I’m not sure they’ll want a window for an extension. Michael Bourn becomes a FA, and the Braves have no CF replacement for him in the minors.
YT-
I’d guess the Yankees are still looking for a rt-handed hitting 3B to platoon w. Chavez.
Yea I don’t think the Braves will deal for Greinke unless they feel pretty confident they can sign him….they’d probably have to include Teheran to get a deal done for him and I can’t see them giving him up for a rental.
If Bourn leaves and the Yankees do decide to shop Granderson this winter then the Braves are decent fit given that they’ll likely need a CF and a LF next year……what they’d give for him I have no idea…..but he’s a place that I would guess would like to have him….of course I’d probably offer Granderson an affordable extension with the Yankees first.
With the new playoff format, after the one game playoff, does the team with the best record face the one team playoff winner, even if they are in the same division?
“With the new playoff format, after the one game playoff, does the team with the best record face the one team playoff winner, even if they are in the same division?”
I believe so yes.
Blake-If the one team winner is Tampa and the Yankees finish with the best record do the Rays get the first game in Tampa in a 5 game series?
Trader,
I can’t remember what they ended up doing with that….it seems like for this year only it would be 2 in Tampa and then the next 3 in NY
The reason I’m asking, is that a team with excellent primarily right handed pitching in a pitchers park that utilizes the shift, would be a very difficult opponent for the Yankees. The Rays are not the only team utilizing the shift, only the team most advanced in using it.
Ortiz has said that the shift takes 40 hits a year away from him, which is hard to believe, because he can take an outside pitch the other way and lob it onto the green monster while still maintaining a .300 average.
Blake-
If the Yankees play Tampa in the ALDS, especially opening in Tampa, their pitching and the shift will make it more imperative for the Yankees to be able to manufacture runs, especially in a close game. Neither Tex, Grandy, and Swisher have proven that they can hit the outside “mistake” pitch the other way. Keep the ball inside and force the hitter to hit over the shirft.
Morning sports fans —
I just hope that Tampa has to use David Price in the wild card game in that scenario. Ditto the Angels and Weaver if that’s who it is.
Idiotic of MLB to give the first two games to the lower seed just to avoid a travel day. The top seed should have the benefit of sitting at home waiting for the wild card winner to come to them.
Of course what can you expect from an entity that decided a crucial element of its ultimate event — home field in the World Series — would be decided in an exhibition game.
If you get USA Todays Sports Weekly, the lead article was on The Shift.
In Oakland, were the Yankees just bested by better pitching, or was it the way the A’s pitch, utilizing their spacious park and the shift, to neutralize a homer happy team?
Cashman has said he isn’t calling any teams, but has taken some calls. That is very nice of him to at least answer the phone. We can forget any upgrade as he says he is content with the team and doesn’t want to add money.
The competition will improve. So why again do the Yankees not try to?
It MLB really wants to handicap the WC and reward the team with the best record for the ALDS they should adopt a 2-1-2 format … WC gets 1 home game (Game 3) … this way the team with best record gets both Game 1 and Game 5 (if necessary) in their park … which is how should be … team with best record should always open the series at home and have deciding game at home.
If WC winner can still advance under this format, then they truly deserve to advance to next round.
Austinmac-
The Tigers just improved. The Rangers and Angels have the pieces to improve and if either or both add another quality starter, they will be tough opponents.
However if the Rays are the Yankees ALDS opponent, opening up in Tampa, or if the A’s make it and open up there, both teams in their parks, for the reasons I mentioned above, would be hard to beat with a 2-3 format.
I can’t concern myself with post-season match ups in August let alone July.
Yanks are in driver’s seat and will almost certainly have the best or second best record in the league. It might actually be in their interests to finish second best cuz Verland has not been as good as Weaver or Price this year.
Hakuna Mattata
I don’t think the Rays are making the playoffs so I’ll worry about them when I have to
Right now I’d guess Angels and White Sox are the WC’s
“Cashman has said he isn’t calling any teams, but has taken some calls. That is very nice of him to at least answer the phone. We can forget any upgrade as he says he is content with the team and doesn’t want to add money.
The competition will improve. So why again do the Yankees not try to?”
because the team is fine….we trust track records…..we are making the playoffs and it’s a crap shoot from there…..and because Hal has a very busy winter of island hopping planned and he needs to save money.
“Boston “wants [Crawford] out in the worst way,” Sherman hears from an exec.”
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com
Can someone tell me why anybody would want to play for the Red Socks?
Right now the Yankee focus should be to see what they can do in the next few days to improve the team’s chance of winning. Yet, Cashman said he has made no calls. That is rather amazing to me. Chavez can break down at any minute. He has said he signed with the Yankees because his body can’t take playing regularly.
The Dodger new managing partner has said they are just beginning. He said he wants to make a team everyone is afraid to play.
The Yankees only possible move will be a waiver wire player, if any.
Blake’
Thanks for the explanation. The Rangers are trying to be lucky again. It is funny how adding good players increases one luck. But, Martin may bounce back and play like he did five years ago. Nix may be a surprise. Every GM in baseball would be surprised. Ibanez and Jones may really get it going as tHe year wears on.
I’m not feeling so lucky for the playoffs.
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