Postgame notes: “Nobody has to tell me that I have to throw strikes”
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Mar 02, 2013 
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In his spring debut, Ivan Nova had an obvious objective. It was obvious in his approach, obvious in his execution and obvious in his mind.
“Nobody has to tell me that I have to throw strikes,” Nova said. “It’s obvious. You have to throw strikes as a pitcher, attack the hitter. You don’t have to wait for someone to let you know or tell you what you have to do. I’m a grown man, so I’m going to do what I have to do in this game.”
Nova threw 27 pitches today; 22 of them were strikes. He gave the Yankees two scoreless innings, with one strikeout, one infield single and one strong first impression.
“Really good,” Joe Girardi said. “I thought his fastball command was really good. Really downhill. Pleased with where he was at his first start, and he needs to build on that.”
That fifth spot in the Yankees rotation is Nova’s to lose. There’s little doubt he has the stuff, the only question is his ability to use that stuff with consistency. He’s been very good in the big leagues. He’s also been very bad.
“(Last year) I wasn’t attacking the hitter like I did today,” Nova said. “… I feel really good. I’m concentrating on attacking the strike zone and I did it today. That’s what I have to do; attack the strike zone and let my teammates do the rest.”
Said catcher Chris Stewart: “It was just finding the right arm slot. He had such a long arm motion last year, it’s tough to repeat it if you’re not fully confident in it. This year, he’s a lot shorter so he can repeat it a lot easier and we saw the results today. … Hopefully, he’s the guy (the Yankees) saw two years ago. The one going out there with confidence every single day and not afraid of throwing strikes and daring people to try to hit them. We saw that a little bit last year. I kind of fell off at the end, but he’s got the stuff, obviously it’s just a matter of putting it together. If he can do what he did today, he’s going to be real good.”
• Girardi actually called reporters back into his office after today’s game because he’d forgotten to update us on the injuries in camp. He honestly didn’t seem concerned about either Boone Logan or Slade Heathcott, but I guess it’s far too early to know much about either one.
• I actually asked Logan just a couple of days ago how his arm was feeling, and he said it was fine. Girardi said the pain — pinpointed in the back of his elbow, in just one spot — only popped up yesterday. “Boonie was doing good and his elbow came up a little tender,” Girardi said. “That’s why he didn’t throw BP the other day. His MRI came up clean so we’ll probably just rest him a few days and get him back on the bump.”
• According to Girardi, Heathcott will be reevaluated in a “few days.” He had an MRI. “It came out clean,” Girardi said.
• Melky Mesa said it was earlier this week that he decided to skip the WBC. He said it’s 100 percent because of the opening in left field. It was clear from a short conversation that missing the opportunity to play for his country is tough for him, but he can’t pass up on this opportunity. “It’s better for me, I think,” Mesa said.
• For whatever it’s worth, Mesa asked me if I agreed with his decision. I said I did. He’s looked pretty good this spring, and that job seems legitimately wide open.
• Girardi on Mesa’s decision: “It’s a decision that he has to make, and he wants to be seen more. I respect that. I told him, ‘Whatever you do, I’ll respect what you do. If you want to play, you go play. If you want to play here, you play here.’”
• Girardi has made it clear that he’s looking for defense from the catching position. Does that mean Stewart’s home run doesn’t count? “Oh, it counts,” Girardi said.
• Stewart on the homer: “My goal is to help the team win any way I can, and I think I can do that better behind the plate right now. At the same time, I’m still trying to produce runs, because the more runs we score the better chance we have to win. … I happened to get a good pitch, put a good swing on it and it went out. That’s not what I’m going to try to do.”
• Nova said he didn’t throw any sliders today. He threw mostly fastballs — pretty standard for a first spring start — but he mixed in some curveballs and one changeup. Stewart said the changeup was a good one. Nova said he never worries about his curveball.
• In his second appearance of the spring, top relief prospect Mark Montgomery allowed a run on two hits and a walk. “He threw okay,” Girardi said. “His slider was a little bit below the zone. He gets the kid 0-2 and walks the first guy, which led to the run that he gave up, but he seemed to rebound a little bit after giving up the walk and base hit. I like the depth in his slider. He seemed to spot his fastball a little better at the end. Second outing, so it was okay.”
• Also the second outing for both David Aardsma and Clay Rapada, each of whom allowed a run on an extra-base hit and a sacrifice fly.
• Brett Gardner had two more hits and his first two stolen bases. He’s hitting .571 so far this spring. The Yankees had 13 hits today, but Gardner was the only Yankee with more than one hit.
• Shawn Kelley made his Yankees debut with a scoreless, hitless, walkless inning. … Other than Chris Stewart’s home run, Tyler Austin had the Yankees only other extra-base hit. He doubled. Austin also drew a walk and had two RBI. … Dan Johnson made his second error of the spring. … Of all the players without a start, Francisco Rondon actually leads the Yankees with 4.1 innings pitched. He has yet to allow a run and has given up two hits and a walk. He’s struck out four, including two guys today.
• No overwhelming surprises among the early cuts. A lot of lower level starters who will have a much easier time getting innings at the minor league complex. Matt Daley is easy to overlook because he didn’t come up with the Yankees and he missed last season, but he has some big league time and looked good in his three appearances this spring. I’m sure there’s some disappointment in seeing 2012 draft picks Corey Black (one appearance) and Nick Goody (shut down with a sprained ankle) sent out so quickly.
• As he left the clubhouse — knowing he wouldn’t be back until after the WBC — Robinson Cano told Joba Chamberlain that, if Chamberlain pitches in the exhibition against the Dominican Republic next week, Cano would like a fastball right down the middle. I don’t think they ever came to an agreement that Chamberlain would actually give him one.
Associated Press photos
Nova talking like a grown man.
Confidence can go a long way.
Never got the sense Nova was short on confidence, just command … His attitude is a big reason why I like him, and one reason I think he’s the best young starter on this team.
Spring training fatigue setting in already? I’m enjoying seeing the kids, and hope one or two of them make it.
It’s good see both Nova and Mesa’s maturity.
OTOH, Girardi’s obsession with catching defense is so weird given what Posada meant to this team for so long. I hope that doesn’t mean that Sanchez won’t be given a full opportunity to be the starting catcher when he’s ML ready.
I think the number of comments here is a indicator of the overall level of excitement with this team now. Go back to 2009 or 2010 and look at the number of comments in a typical spring training game. Sort of telling, I think.
Dissapointing that heathcott can’t stay healthy,adams also.
Stewart said it perfectly regarding nova.He has such a long delivery,and it is hard to repeat the same arm slot,and release point with such a long delivery.
Nova seemed to shorten up his delivery,maybe the same,or similar release point,and did well.
Not just on here but on other boards/blogs as well as the radio and the excitement level is not there. Not saying no one cares but you can tell the fan base is taking a wait and see approach. When you don’t have young exciting players on the roster and the only free agents you sign are you’re own or just solid ones the fans are not going to be very excited.
Why the doom and gloom?
It’s Spring Training….what great FA’s were out there?
If it takes a Josh Hamilton or someone else in a trade that guts your farm system, it’s not worth it.
I think that so many people are so down on the Yankees that they are actually becoming a underrated team. This team still has contact hitters, Power Hitters, High average Hitters, Speed, A solid rotation, A solid bullpen, and they are very solid defensively. I think the Yankees are being judged based off their old teams and past success vs this years squad. Yes there is a big loss of power, tons of health concerns, lack of depth, and were are banking on a lot of bounce back years, but this is still a overall solid team. If this were any other team they would be viewed differently by the media and fans. ” Experts” always pick teams with decent offenses, solid pitching, solid defense, as their dark horse sleeper team. But.. because its the Yankees its all doom and gloom and the sky is falling. At the end of the day, this is still a overall SOLID team. We might not have the best offense, starters, bullpen, or defense, but we are pretty solid in every department. I personally like this years team and think they will do some great things and be exciting to watch. Way too many hall of famers and winners in that clubhouse for this team to just be average.
Nova looked really sharp today….really good. Nice to see him and phelps both get off to good starts.
Don’t think it’s doom and gloom, just reality. He hard core fans will always be here and on other boards, but all the talk about budgets and letting excitent talent like Cespedes and Aroldis Chapman pass is taking its toll.
How excited can you really get over Matt Diaz and Juan Rivera?
@mick tucker said it best
“How excited can you really get over Matt Diaz and Juan Rivera?”
You probably have to be related to them.
The real games will generate interest. Selig has gotten the parity he has schemed for years to achieve, in large part at the Yankees’ expense. That should make for a competitive race over the course of the season.
If we’re lucky, guys like Heathcott and/or Romine, or maybe even Austin, could play a role as time wears on.
Cespedes and Chapman are both exciting young talents, no dobut. But you know what is also pretty exciting? The potential future outfield of Williams, Heathcott, and Austin. Mark Montgomery might just be the next big stud for our bullpen. What about Gary sanchez, also the return of Pineda? I think there is a lot to be excited for when it comes to young talent. It was unfortunate to not land Darvish, Soler, Cespedes, but this team has its fair share of young, talented, exciting players.
I wasn’t aware that Diaz or Rivera had won their spots on this team yet. Talk about exciting.. look at what Musty, and mesa having been doing to try to earn their spot on the team this year. Sure its only spring training… but it still exciting to watch these young guys battle for their spot on this squad.
I like this order:
Gardner
Ichiro
Jeter
Cano
Tex
Youk
Hafner
Musty
Cervelli
Not fail, who eats at 1 restaurant only for their entire life? Who is born and raised to eat at a specific restaurant only? How do restaurants bring together an entire diverse set of peoples in fandom? Who imagines restaurants as competitors in a game? Are you following the process of restaurant food from farm to plate?
******
ROFL – yeah some do with restaurants – - – - -the make shows about it – - – - -
And you STILL have not countered the movie analogy – - – -
The jokes just keep on coming – - – - -
Mick-
Having three guys that can hit for a good average ( two of which have very good speed) ahead of cano is a darn pretty nice prospect. I would really like to see that lineup you posted.
The staff might be the best in baseball with Phelps, as the swing man, an improvement over Freddy.
They are younger and faster.
You don’t need as many HR’s if you hit situationally and Hafner could hit 30 which is more than Swisher. Youk should give as many HRs as Chavez.
I am not getting the cynicism. Sounds like spoiled Yankee fans.
Problem is all those players aren’t going to make it and given the 189 budget they are going to need to hit on a number of those guys
Jeter should be put in a role where he can get a chance to knock in runs and underemphasize his running game, at least till he gets his legs under him, so to speak.
“The staff might be the best in baseball with Phelps, as the swing man, an improvement over Freddy.”
I like the rotation but there are a few that are a level Above the yanks in quality (tigers, Nats, Philllies, Giants, etc) yanks is deep though and that really helps…..I think they go 7 or 8 deep in guys that could actually start successfully in the bigs…..
Mick- Lets not count out a potential addition of Pineda post all star break to the add even more rotation depth.
I also really like the versatility and flexibility of our lineup. Outside of Tex and cano in that 3-4 spot you can really mix and match and put all of these others guys in different spots in that lineup and put them in good spots to succeed.
Sounds like spoiled Yankee fans.
———————-
It’s not about being spoiled because if that was the case ppl would have been screaming for Greinke
“It’s not about being spoiled because if that was the case ppl would have been screaming for Greinke”
Spoiled Yankee fans complain about other Yankee fans.
This team could surprise a lot of Yankee fans with a good start off to winning the AL East.
At that point, they will be a heavy favorite to win it all as they disprove the negative theories about them.
One of these is their lack of power.
Last season fans cried about too many HR’s and lack of clutch/situational hitting.
Now we hear the opposite.
There is a major disconnect and hypocrisy at play.
Spoiled Yankee fans complain about other Yankee fans.
==================================
That makes no sense.
“That makes no sense.”
Why do you care if some people are unhappy with the way the team is run? It shouldn’t affect your enjoyment at all.
This team will not win the WS unless this season becomes a Cinderella like season and they surprise everyone
I’m tired of the negativity.
I’m tired of your negativity.
This team will not win the WS unless this season becomes a Cinderella like season and they surprise everyone
=======================
That is based on opinion, not fact.
same to you rich.
to some people positivity is negative.
go figure…
“same to you rich.”
Cool.
I am fine with you or anyone else believing anything they want about this team or decision-makers.
But somehow if someone disagrees with your outlook, they are negative.
Other people view it as realism.
That doesn’t mean they don’t root for the team to kick butt every game.
Mr. mick,
If people didn’t wring their hands so much, they might enjoy this season. Changes are happening, we might see some interesting young blood, and the vets will do their jobs. I’m looking forward to April with only one of River -Diaz, preferably neither. Go, Yankees!
A few thoughts:
Nova’s confidence, and accountability, is a real asset. It would be great to see him really win that last spot. Hopefully Phelps sees more starting action sooner or later.
This thumb sprain for Heathcott seems like a pretty good outcome, if it’s not significant. Hopefully he learns better.
I’m glad we can get some experience playing against Cano…
negativity runs this blog.
what else is ther to dwell on.
why not wait and see and if it is warranted, pile on about how bad a team they are instead of trying to be omniscient and predict the future.
maybe because this blog would cease to exist until they either win or lose?
or maybe because you wouldn’t be able to say i told you so…
But somehow if someone disagrees with your outlook, they are negative.
======================
that is patently wrong and biased.
Other people view it as realism.
===================
it’s not real until it happens.
No one runs this blog except Chad.
People disagree. bfd.
You think there is one way to be a fan. That’s just false.
The only one who wants to say I told you so is you, mick.
I want to see wins.
Yanks waill still be in the hunt in the weak AL East, however as it sits right now their lineup and bench is razor thin and weak respectively. The staff is what will carry the load. I still believe their window closed last October and the front office should have moved Cano and Granderson this past December. Then again I thought they should have signed Holiday and Cespedes so what do I know. If Derek can’t play 120 games on the dirt than the Yanks are in trouble or could be in trouble.
When has Rich openly rooted for any Yankee player?
The only one who wants to say I told you so is you, mick.
=================================
why does it bother you so much when i disagree with you then?
aren’t you for freedom of speech?
“why does it bother you so much when i disagree with you then?
aren’t you for freedom of speech?”
The only thing that bothers me is you whining about people that disagree with your view of this team’s chances of success.
What up, Craw? Still you.
So the Yankees should have moved Cano and Granderson and just give up any hope of winning the AL East in 2013.
The only thing that bothers me is you whining about people that disagree with your view of this team’s chances of success.
====================
ever think others are tired of the whining about how bad the Yanks are?
works both ways…
“Yanks waill still be in the hunt in the weak AL East, however as it sits right now their lineup and bench is razor thin and weak respectively. The staff is what will carry the load. I still believe their window closed last October and the front office should have moved Cano and Granderson this past December. Then again I thought they should have signed Holiday and Cespedes so what do I know. If Derek can’t play 120 games on the dirt than the Yanks are in trouble or could be in trouble.”
Hey Pat M….I agree with most of this but I do think they can pry that window open for one more season…..a lot will have to go right but this team does have a certain pedigree as long as Jeter is on it that seems to find a way…..hopefully they can again
“What up, Craw? Still you.”
The same back at you.
Pat’s right. Sometimes you need to take a step back to take two steps forward.
If they aren’t going to be able to re-sign Cano, losing him for picks sets them back quite far.
If you see what the Mets got for a few months of Beltran, it’s hard not to think that the Yankees couldn’t get a ton for Cano.
I think they should have only traded Granderson if they could have replaced him first…..and I never really thought they could get fair value for Cano…..
“ever think others are tired of the whining about how bad the Yanks are?
works both ways…”
The difference is that I don’t complain about your view. It’s fine with me.
I don’t know if they’re not going to re-sign Cano and neither do any of the rest of us.
mick March 2nd, 2013 at 8:10 pm
This team will not win the WS unless this season becomes a Cinderella like season and they surprise everyone
=======================
That is based on opinion, not fact.
————————-
When was the last time a team as old as the Yankees won the WS?
Yanks waill still be in the hunt in the weak AL East, however as it sits right now their lineup and bench is razor thin and weak respectively. The staff is what will carry the load. I still believe their window closed last October and the front office should have moved Cano and Granderson this past December. Then again I thought they should have signed Holiday and Cespedes so what do I know. If Derek can’t play 120 games on the dirt than the Yanks are in trouble or could be in trouble.
——-
Yeah, what do you know! >:(
Maybe I’m just in delusional Spring Training mode, but our depth actually isn’t looking too bad in the outfield, the bullpen, or the rotation. We don’t have much depth in the infield, and it also has the most risk.
And maybe Cervelli/Stewart will be average? OK, maybe now I’m a little delusional…
When was the last time a team as old as the Yankees won the WS?
===============================
Haven’t they gotten younger?
blake. Tough call but keep in mind that there’s a mass exit in The Bronx next winter and I just felt they could have gotten a head start on the reconstruction of the club. Hell it’s baseball and anything can happen in 2013, but things look real dicey in 2014. How’s the new addition doing ?????
“If they aren’t going to be able to re-sign Cano, losing him for picks sets them back quite far.”
I don’t think they will ever trade him….so therefore they should sign him now if at all possible…..and that means being serious about an offer. If they make the decision to sign him then they need to be aggressive and do it….:because whatever the number it’s almost certainly gonna be less than this winter….and also it’ll give them time to plan appropriately knowing Cano is locked up.
The worst possible outcome is for them to be sitting around waiting all winter while Boras does his song and dance and then either sign a ridiculous deal in Jan. or lose him for a draft pick……
Point is….:they really need to make a decision on Cano soon one way or another…..if they plan to sign him then do it, (and if he won’t sign now then make the best offer immediately after the season and put a time limit on it )….and if not then plan for life without him….which does mean considering trades if one makes sense
Sitting 11 rows behind the UCLA bench , Go Bruins !!!!
“blake. Tough call but keep in mind that there’s a mass exit in The Bronx next winter and I just felt they could have gotten a head start on the reconstruction of the club. Hell it’s baseball and anything can happen in 2013, but things look real dicey in 2014. How’s the new addition doing ?????”
They are at a crossroads for sure…..new one isnt here just yet
but the existing ones keep me busy enough
They might be dicey in 2014, but you don’t blow off two seasons because they might be dicey then.
mick March 2nd, 2013 at 8:29 pm
When was the last time a team as old as the Yankees won the WS?
===============================
Haven’t they gotten younger?
————————-
They have?
I think it was the 1980 Phillies. They were OLD.
Hafner 35
J. Rivera 34
Youk 33
Ibanez 40
Chavez 35
Jones 35
blake
I agree with your post. That’s realism.
I’m merely saying that I agree with Pat’s view of constructing the team so as to hedge against age/decline/development.
blake March 2nd, 2013 at 8:25 pm
I think they should have only traded Granderson if they could have replaced him first…..and I never really thought they could get fair value for Cano…..
———
Yeah, the thing with trades is that we’re working in an entirely hypothetical world if we don’t have any substantive reports or rumors.
Many writers have explained why trading Granderson may have been a worse outcome than just keeping him.
And with Cano, well, we know there would be trade partners, but it’s a similar situation — can we get more than we give up? Yet again, the Mets got Zack Wheeler on a half season of an older, and more expensive, Carlos Beltran. If we could have gotten something better than that — better than a top ten prospect… that’s an interesting trade.
You forgot that Ichiro is replacing Swisher
Even if the Yanks could have gotten fair value for Cano via trade….I don’t think they would have risked the PR hit….they never want to be viewed as punting a season ….they’d be afraid of the fan reaction.
I’m not so sure that “below 189M” motto for 2014 is really going to happen.
The flipside is that if Cano is offered a 10 year deal (which is possible), and they decline to match (which would be understandable), the PR hit still comes.
That’s the point of getting some certainty before the fact, especially if, for example they are dead set against going more than 7 or 8 years or maybe even 9 years, which again, would be understandable.
There are no easy options.
Some are more palatable than others.
blake March 2nd, 2013 at 8:39 pm
Even if the Yanks could have gotten fair value for Cano via trade….I don’t think they would have risked the PR hit….they never want to be viewed as punting a season ….they’d be afraid of the fan reaction.
———-
And to some degree I can’t blame them. If things go right this roster could still win the World Series.
Crawdaddy says:
March 2, 2013 at 8:39 pm
I’m not so sure that “below 189M” motto for 2014 is really going to happen.
I don’t know…..I think/hope it depends on how this year goes. If they stay competitive and the farm has a good year then I think they’ll do it……if they collapse this season and prospects don’t progress then they may be forced to shift gears because the fanbase is pretty much primed for a mutiny…..
AAO-
Gardner is replacing Ibanez/Jones
Ichiro isn’t replacing Swisher, they both played last year.
Youk is replacing Arod/ Chavez, both older.
Some rookie is replacing Granderson for now.
They are younger , faster and better situational hitters.
Isn’t that what some wanted?
Cano will be re-signed.
Casualties:
Granderson
Kuroda
Hughes
Joba
at the very least…
I won’t miss any single one of the above players, so I am fine with breaking the bank for Cano, cutting ties with the others and grooming these young outfielders and cost-controlled pitchers for 1 or 2 years.
Also, #crackpottheory alert:
Rich in NJ March 2nd, 2013 at 6:51 pm
OTOH, Girardi’s obsession with catching defense is so weird given what Posada meant to this team for so long. I hope that doesn’t mean that Sanchez won’t be given a full opportunity to be the starting catcher when he’s ML ready.
“Also, #crackpottheory alert:”
From the guy who mocked Michael Weiner for his hair.
By young OF I mean:
Almonte
Mesa
Austin
Heathcott
Williams
Flores
And by cost controlled pitchers I mean:
Nova
Phelps
Pineda
Marshall
Banuelos
Ramirez
Campos
Look around, people.
We’ve seen teams have success while being in between “all-in” and “rebuilding.” The White Sox, and even better, the A’s, come to mind from last year. The Giants had a pretty patchwork lineup and won it all in 2010.
Still a crackpot theory Rich. Own it dude.
You are a weird guy.
Compare what we posted.
They are younger , faster and better situational hitters.
Isn’t that what some wanted?
————————–
Fans wanted them to get players closer to their prime. If you replace a 36 yr old with a 34 yr old how young are you really getting
When the games start everybody on here is still rooting for the same team. You know the one that plays on the field.
I happen to think the Owners are looking to maximize profits over winning, so screw them.
The GM is more concerned about how he can one up any detractors, so much so, that he has become a snarky, totally classless ass, so screw him.
The players on the field is who I am rooting for. The front office, management and anyone that wants to tell me differently can K.M.A.
Ok I feel better now
No Rich, I’m afraid you’re the one who is pretty doggone weird with your crackpot theories about Girardi.
I agree about the GM. The man has no class. But that doesn’t mean everything he does is misinformed. The Yankees do have some really good scouts. So every once in a while, I suppose certain ones get through to the blockhead.
Girardi has said that defense is what he cares about at catcher…..so it’s kinda true….I’m sure he’d love to have Buster Posey who can do both….but it’s pretty clear they’d choose defense over offense at the position
“No Rich, I’m afraid you’re the one who is pretty doggone weird with your crackpot theories about Girardi.”
Girardi has said repeatedly that defense is what matters in his catchers, not offense.
It’s reality.
Compare that to you, in the ultimate bad taste, making a goofy comment about a man fighting a brain tumor.
The Giants also had Lincecum, Cain, Bumgarner
Short article about Mustelier:
http://www.nydailynews.com/blo.....ague-dream
Mustelier’s family remains in Cuba, and he speaks with his parents and his five-year-old son, Ronnier Jr., on a daily basis. Having left Cuba in 2009, he hasn’t seen his son in more than four years, but he is hopeful that changes in the Cuban government will lead to a reunion in the near future.
It’s warped reality that Girardi would not give a full opportunity to a qualified candidate. You’re still crying about Montero. And that makes you emotionally fragile.
FiretheUMPIRE says:
March 2, 2013 at 8:56 pm
It’s warped reality that Girardi would not give a full opportunity to a qualified candidate. You’re still crying about Montero. And that makes you emotionally fragile.
I’m saying what Girardi has said in interviews as recently as last week
“but it’s pretty clear they’d choose defense over offense at the position”
I left Joe out. What’s clear about Joe is he doesn’t really run this team.Yeah he fills out a line-up (probably after consultations) and makes pitching changes. But he really has become a puppet to Mr. Snark. Mr. Snark has declared defense first, so of course thats what Joe wants. It’s Probably a defensive mechanism to deal with the Montero trade.
I’m still upset that Montero wasn’t traded for offense. I own that.
That has nothing to do with Girardi’s stated preferences. Try to keep up with the news.
Now own your horrible unfeeling comment about Michael Weiner.
You go from “Giradi favors defense” to “I hope Girardi won’t slam the door on Gary Sanchez”.
It’s emotionally charged hyperbole on the part of the emotionally fragile Rich who refuses to take ownership of his whining.
It’s not just Girardi though….it seems it’s the organizations mindset as Cashman and Eooler both have said the same stuff….,that’s they see defense as paramount and anything offensively is gravy…..just seems strange they’d feel that way given the history of the position in the organization…..
They will get younger soon enough.
Sanchez, Heatchcott, Williams, Austin , Mesa, Almonte are a good crop.
This is a good team in transition.
Reality bites, huh Firewhatever?
“just seems strange they’d feel that way given the history of the position in the organization…..”
Unless they feel they just stupidly traded a very good offensive catcher. So maybe they are just covering their you know what.
You need to man up Rich in NJ and move on. Gary Sanchez if he hits and knows how to catch will be given full opportunity from Girardi. It’s Girardi’s job to help identify catching talent. He’s not playing favorites. You are.
“They will get younger soon enough.
Sanchez, Heatchcott, Williams, Austin , Mesa, Almonte are a good crop.
This is a good team in transition.”
I hope so Mick. As you can tell, not much confidence from me that the FO wont screw it up.
Against All Odds March 2nd, 2013 at 8:55 pm
The Giants also had Lincecum, Cain, Bumgarner
———–
Sure they did, but our rotation was practically just as good last year in the playoffs, right? If the rotation does that again we’ll have another chance.
And as for the whole Girardi/Catcher thing, I think it’s fair to say he’s looking for defense right now because we’re resigned to the fact we’re not getting a whole lot with the bat.
The whole Posada/Montero situation was overblown. Posada was a really poor catcher towards the end of his career, Russell Martin was the obvious choice. And the organization just didn’t view Montero as a viable catcher anymore — I don’t think Girardi has the weight to make those types of calls.
Sanchez was favored over Montero and that’s part of the reason he’s gone.
There are other reasons that we might not be privy to, other than he had no position.
I hope so Mick. As you can tell, not much confidence from me that the FO wont screw it up.
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If Hal is as stubborn as his old man, why think otherwise?
Hal seems set in his ways.
When was the last time we had a crop of youngsters like this?
Never.
Too pissy in here. Anybody want to watch a ball game? That’s where the rubber meets the road.
“Unless they feel they just stupidly traded a very good offensive catcher. So maybe they are just covering their you know what.”
I do think that maybe they are just hyping up what they have……I dunno….
Austin’s hit was on a breaking ball about knee high. Pretty good hitting with two strikes. He has a nice, simple swing. This is the best looking group of young players they have had in a good while.
. Mr. Snark has declared defense first, so of course thats what Joe wants. It’s Probably a defensive mechanism to deal with the Montero trade.
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How common is that in other organizations? Is it common for the GM to have that much say on who fits where?
“There are other reasons that we might not be privy to, other than he had no position.”
I agree about possible other reasons, but what no position are you talking about. The ones that Chris Stewart and A Jones were blocking him from last year? Yeah definitely had to make sure those two got their AB’s over Montero. smh
“You need to man up Rich in NJ and move on. Gary Sanchez if he hits and knows how to catch will be given full opportunity from Girardi. It’s Girardi’s job to help identify catching talent. He’s not playing favorites. You are.”
It sounds like you have some issues.
Maybe you don’t understand development. Sometimes, a young player isn’t a finished product, especially at C, when their bat is ML ready.
There have been numerous reports that although he projects to be a better catcher than Montero, Sanchez has real defensive deficiencies.
His defensive ceiling may not be good enough for a manager who AGAIN, has repeatedly stated that defense is the primary attribute he wants in a catcher.
So it’s hardly a logical leap to believe that Sanchez may not meet his standard.
This is about subjectivity not objectivity. It depends on who is making the decisions and what he prioritizes.
Posada may not have met Girardi’s standard.
“They will get younger soon enough.
Sanchez, Heatchcott, Williams, Austin , Mesa, Almonte are a good crop.
This is a good team in transition.”
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But you’re assuming those guys are going to make it. If they do a core 4 plus Bernie repeat than that’s great but history tells us it doesn’t happen like that.
“Austin’s hit was on a breaking ball about knee high. Pretty good hitting with two strikes. He has a nice, simple swing. This is the best looking group of young players they have had in a good while.”
Been so impressed with him…..how mature his approach is….honestly I don’t think he’s that far away…..as you say his swing is pretty simple and short and flat…..if the small sample I’ve seen of his plate discipline and approach is real then he doesn’t have much more to do in the minors……I don’t know if he will ever be a star….but he looks like a big league hitter to me
To say we can’t win without a good hitting catcher is wrong.
We have been lucky to have had Berra, Howard, Munson and Posada but those hitters don’t come around often .
Ok Rich, keep your boogeyman Girardi. I’m sure he’s the gatekeeper of Sanchez’ career. Every time someone points out your flaws (in this case emotional fragility) you respond with a flaw in the critic. I mean, Paxil ain’t working bro.
I haven’t seen Sanchez catch a ton but just seeing him bounce out yesterday on that bunt attempt it’s obvious he’s considerably quicker and moves better than Montero does ….got a canon arm too…..I hope Posada and the rest have reached him about his conditioning etc….
I agree about possible other reasons, but what no position are you talking about. The ones that Chris Stewart and A Jones were blocking him from last year? Yeah definitely had to make sure those two got their AB’s over Montero. smh
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If you call DH a position then OK but his catching abilities weren’t up to par.
They felt they traded a DH for a #2.
” I mean, Paxil ain’t working bro.”
I love the internet, don’t you?
Somebody has been in the hyperbolic chamber
NO ONE CATCHING ON YET: Joe said it was too early to designate anyone the front-runner in the what is expected to be a three-man competition for the starting catcher’s job among Chris Stewart, Francisco Cervelli and Austin Romine. Girardi also said that once the games start, offensive production will have very little to do with his decision. He’s looking for a defensive catcher, period.
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-yo.....nder-day-9
I love it too, but I don’t use it as a tool to launch non-stop panic attacks.
But you’re assuming those guys are going to make it.
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Not really but again, when was the last time we had a crop like that?
Position players, not gen trey.
What choice do we have?
Musty can be the next Cespedes or close.
Who knew Cespedes would be Cespedes?
You crack me up.
“Musty can be the next Cespedes or close.”
Come on.
Musty must be given a chance.
This kid is a man.
A man like Cespedes and El Duque.
“Who knew Cespedes would be Cespedes?”
Hardly anybody thought he’d adjust as quickly as he did…..but I and others posted many times that in that video everyone made fun of…..he did things that only a handful of humans on the planet can do…..
The thing with Cespedes is that he makes a lot of money….,so while it looks great now the As took a big risk on him because nobody knew for sure if he’d hit or not……the guy that was less risk because of the money was Soler and they passed on him too
Musty isn’t really the same level talent as Cespedes….Cespedes is a pretty good defender as well and just a better overall athlete….plus he’s younger…..that said….Id love to see him get a shot
The last time they had a crop like this is a good time ago.
Musty won’t be Cespedes. He might be solid though
Well Cespedes’ body resembles that of only a handful of humans on the planet (who are on steroids).
Musty appears to be the favorite to win the RH DH spot.
FiretheUMPIRE says:
March 2, 2013 at 9:27 pm
Well Cespedes’ body resembles that of only a handful of humans on the planet (who are on steroids).
Speculation
I’m definitely for as many kids as possible getting a shot as soon as their ready, iow, the ML won’t negatively impact their development.
Mustelier will be 29 in August. He has to come soon, if at all.
The last time they had a crop like this is a good time ago.
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As in NEVER?
Do you think this was an accident?
No human is meant to jump out of 3 ft of water. That’s why we have arms.
Mike Trout at 510k. Walmart doesn’t offer that kind of value.
Under the present rules, Mantle wouldn’t have gotten more, inflation adjusted.
@JeffPassan: Baseball is an $8 billion industry. Mike Trout, its best player, will make .006% of its revenue this year. That’s 6/1,000ths of 1%.
mick March 2nd, 2013 at 9:29 pm
The last time they had a crop like this is a good time ago.
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As in NEVER?
Do you think this was an accident?
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No but I’m also not going to get too excited and start putting guys in line-ups when a number of them will bust
If you don’t put one or two of them in the lineup, how do you know they will bust?
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Posada may not have met Girardi’s standard.
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Rich, I don’t think Berra would have either. If Dickey hadn’t been around, they might have traded Berra. He would be been sorely south of Girardi’s criteria for an acceptable catcher.
tomingeorgia March 2nd, 2013 at 9:44 pm
If you don’t put one or two of them in the lineup, how do you know they will bust?
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It’s the nature of prospects. I hope they all make it would be fun to see all the young guys on the team but we all know out of a group of players you might get 1 or 2 that make it