OFFICIAL New York Yankees 2007 Season Thread

[cougarjake13]

Jason Stark from ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=2865873)



Maybe someone can explain that line by Ausmus to me, I think its a misprint. The rest of it made sense.


it sounds like he's saying that the 2 good nl hitters in the 3 and 4 spots are better than the 4 al hitters in the 3, 4, 5, 6 holes and therefore equal if not harder

at least thats how i read his quote

[lleeder]

it sounds like he's saying that the 2 good nl hitters in the 3 and 4 spots are better than the 4 al hitters in the 3, 4, 5, 6 holes and therefore equal if not harder

at least thats how i read his quote

No thats not what he meant, quite the opposite. He was saying in the NL you have two good hitters in a line up 3 and 4. In the AL 3,4,5, and 6 are all good. Clemens had to face 2 good hitters a night last year. Now he'll be facing 4 good hitters a night. Double the talent.

If you read the next sentance they say its harder to pitch around 4 hitters. In the NL he could do that. In the AL there are 4 guys to pitch around.

[cougarjake13]

No thats not what he meant, quite the opposite. He was saying in the NL you have two good hitters in a line up 3 and 4. In the AL 3,4,5, and 6 are all good. Clemens had to face 2 good hitters a night last year. Now he'll be facing 4 good hitters a night. Double the talent.

If you read the next sentance they say its harder to pitch around 4 hitters. In the NL he could do that. In the AL there are 4 guys to pitch around.

the way you say it was the way i originally took it

but then i read it again and thought it was the way i posted

[cougarjake13]

"He didn't lead the NL in ERA for no reason," his old catcher in Houston, Brad Ausmus, told Rumblings. "The difference is that the quality of the NL 3- and 4-hole hitters is comparable to the 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-hole hitters in many AL lineups. So, facing two very good hitters every time through the lineup is tougher than facing four. And it is certainly tougher to pitch around four tough hitters than two tough hitters." All good points. But we need to remember, Ausmus said, that this applies "to all pitchers, not just Rocket."



we re both kinda right
he is saying that 2 nl hitters are comparable to 4 al hitters but pitching around 4 guys is harder than 2

[lleeder]

I know its stupid to say but the way Disalvo and Rasner have been pitching I wish they'd tear up Clemens contract. I never felt he was that dominant when he was a Yankee. Even the year he won the Cy Young with them. I watched alot of those games and he had great run support and beat up on alot of inferior teams. That helped buff up his win totals. I'm sure once he gets here and pitches good I'll be saying how much I love the guy.

[lleeder]

"He didn't lead the NL in ERA for no reason," his old catcher in Houston, Brad Ausmus, told Rumblings. "The difference is that the quality of the NL 3- and 4-hole hitters is comparable to the 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-hole hitters in many AL lineups. So, facing two very good hitters every time through the lineup is tougher than facing four. And it is certainly tougher to pitch around four tough hitters than two tough hitters." All good points. But we need to remember, Ausmus said, that this applies "to all pitchers, not just Rocket."



we re both kinda right
he is saying that 2 nl hitters are comparable to 4 al hitters but pitching around 4 guys is harder than 2

Whats the best team in the Astros divison? Milwaukee There 3,4 hitters are Fielder and Hall.
The Red Sox 3,4,5, and 6 are Ortiz, Ramirez, Drew, an Youkilis. Your telling me that those four aren't better than Milwaukee's 2 .

[TheGameHHH]

did the yanks already ship their bats to chicago?

[TheGameHHH]

andy pitched great, they need the bats to come alive the next two innings and a strong bullpen outing to win this one.

[lleeder]

I'm so nervous right now. 3-2 to A-rod two men on.
That sucked.

[Kevin]

andy pitched great, they need the bats to come alive the next two innings and a strong bullpen outing to win this one.

Here are my main problem i see with this team.. You all know my stance on Torre, so i am not going to go through it.. And the pitching has seemed to have stabilized. My main probs are, The Bench.. Cashman has done an utterly pathetic job giving Torre a bench.. I understand pinch hitting or Phelps because he can't hit rightys.. But you have to have a better option on the bench, than Meinky.. We do not have anyone that can break a game on the bench (sierra type) And 2nd, This batting coach needs to start getting heat.. I can understand 1 or 2 guys going in to slumps, but not an entire batting order..Abrau looks lost..

[cougarjake13]

Whats the best team in the Astros divison? Milwaukee There 3,4 hitters are Fielder and Hall.
The Red Sox 3,4,5, and 6 are Ortiz, Ramirez, Drew, an Youkilis. Your telling me that those four aren't better than Milwaukee's 2 .

i think ausmus is fucking insane

most al lineups are better than the nl, especially if your expanding it to 4 al hitters vs 2 nl hitters

either the reporter fucked up or ausmus didnt explain what he meant correctly

[TheGameHHH]

Here are my main problem i see with this team.. You all know my stance on Torre, so i am not going to go through it.. And the pitching has seemed to have stabilized. My main probs are, The Bench.. Cashman has done an utterly pathetic job giving Torre a bench.. I understand pinch hitting or Phelps because he can't hit rightys.. But you have to have a better option on the bench, than Meinky.. We do not have anyone that can break a game on the bench (sierra type) And 2nd, This batting coach needs to start getting heat.. I can understand 1 or 2 guys going in to slumps, but not an entire batting order..Abrau looks lost..

my buddy and i were talking about this the other night. while watching a game he turns to me and says, 'you know what we're missing? good bench players.....we dont have a ruben sierra or dave justice to turn to anymore with a huge power swing that can change a game.' i think he's right on point, as are you Kevin. But i look at it this way, every team is going to have a small hole and if ours is the bench then i'll live with that.

[Bulldogcakes]

I know its stupid to say but the way Disalvo and Rasner have been pitching I wish they'd tear up Clemens contract. I never felt he was that dominant when he was a Yankee. Even the year he won the Cy Young with them. I watched alot of those games and he had great run support and beat up on alot of inferior teams. That helped buff up his win totals. I'm sure once he gets here and pitches good I'll be saying how much I love the guy.

Exactly.

But I've never seen a bench so happy to see player arrive. He could be a big boost in the clubhouse, and help Hughes out alot. He may be the worlds most expensive pitching coach/cheerleader. But hey, I already paid for my tix this year.

[Bulldogcakes]

andy pitched great, they need the bats to come alive the next two innings and a strong bullpen outing to win this one.

And again he gets a loss for a terrific outing. Andy has alot of 6-5 wins coming his way if things will ever even out.

[lleeder]

my buddy and i were talking about this the other night. while watching a game he turns to me and says, 'you know what we're missing? good bench players.....we dont have a ruben sierra or dave justice to turn to anymore with a huge power swing that can change a game.' i think he's right on point, as are you Kevin. But i look at it this way, every team is going to have a small hole and if ours is the bench then i'll live with that.

How great would it have been to have Bernie Williams or a Ruben Sierra to pinch hit in the 9th today?

[Dan 'Hampton]

http://deadspin.com/assets/resources/2007/05/HmmmNotBad.jpg

Sorry just couldn't pass it up.

[Kevin]

How great would it have been to have Bernie Williams or a Ruben Sierra to pinch hit in the 9th today?

I read on Espn insider that the Sox are looking to deal Willy Mo.. I think he would be a perfect guy for us.. Just come off the Bench and swing for the fences.. He would not be asked to do much.. We have a ton of Arms in the minors.. I know it would never happen.. But, i think he would a good fit..

[Fallon]

Willy Mo sucks in that role for the Sox.

[Tenbatsuzen]

http://deadspin.com/assets/resources/2007/05/HmmmNotBad.jpg

Sorry just couldn't pass it up.

Don't even start, Fucko. Fallon can attest to the fact that I have a virtual armory of Boston sports icons in compromising positions ready to go.

[johnniewalker]

I read on Espn insider that the Sox are looking to deal Willy Mo.. I think he would be a perfect guy for us.. Just come off the Bench and swing for the fences.. He would not be asked to do much.. We have a ton of Arms in the minors.. I know it would never happen.. But, i think he would a good fit..

He would be great to put at first, dh, or have him on the bench. Boston traded for and him and never gave him a chance to start everyday. He's not as complete of hitter as a lot of the yanks but he would be a hell of a lot better than doug m. or your other 1st baseman.

[epo]

I read on Espn insider that the Sox are looking to deal Willy Mo.. I think he would be a perfect guy for us.. Just come off the Bench and swing for the fences.. He would not be asked to do much.. We have a ton of Arms in the minors.. I know it would never happen.. But, i think he would a good fit..

Why would the Boston Red Sox ever trade with the New York Yankees? Especially giving the Yankees a player that could bite the Sox in the ass for years?

As Ronnie B would say, "that's crazytalk".

[johnniewalker]

Why would the Boston Red Sox ever trade with the New York Yankees? Especially giving the Yankees a player that could bite the Sox in the ass for years?

As Ronnie B would say, "that's crazytalk".

True, and im not sure who they could trade for him either. Bosox traded Arroyo for him so I think the price is still decently steep.

[A.J.]

I read on Espn insider that the Sox are looking to deal Willy Mo.

Oh, please let that be true.

[crb1]

Oh, please let that be true.

It is, but they're trading him for Mike Greenwell.

[A.J.]

I'll take a 44-year old Greenwell over Wily Mo. At least Greenwell produced.

[7fttall500+]

Yankees have a tough stretch of games coming up...they will either be back in it or completly out of it by Memorial Day.

[Kevin]

I'll take a 44-year old Greenwell over Wily Mo. At least Greenwell produced.


Is he still crying over that mvp??


And by the way, here is what a Yankee Sox trade discussion would go..


Cashman.. We are interested in Willy Mo, what would it take..

Theo.. Phil Hughes..

Cashman.. CYA!!

[Bulldogcakes]

Yankees have a tough stretch of games coming up...they will either be back in it or completly out of it by Memorial Day.

Yep, and whats most troubling about last weeks games is they had an easy stretch, the pitchers got healthy, and they needed to fatten up. But they didn't. Now they have a rough stretch coming up, they're 8 games out and even if they play .500 ball, with the way the Red Sox are playing they could be 10-12 games out by Memorial Day. Which is too early to say the season's over, but it would be foolish to think they could still win the division with the Red Sox staff. You'd (most likely) be concentrating on the Wild card for the rest of the year.

[TheGameHHH]

i guess the good news is they didnt lose tonight

[Kevin]

Clemens played catch with Phil Hughes, the promising rookie right-hander on the 15-day disabled list with a hamstring injury. Clemens also spent 30 minutes standing on a mound discussing pitching mechanics with Hughes...

This is the best thing i like about the Clemens signing.. He should do wonders for he Kid.. The same as the did for Andy.. And Andy at his best, was never as good as this kid..

[EMT-Nick]

Ok I'm a Yankee's fan but does'nt anyone think it's alittle odd that Roger, a guy in his 40's can still pitch a fastball in the 90's??....and how Andy and him started working out in Huston that Andy's fastball went up 2-3mph???...I just don't want another Jason Giambi and have Red Socks fans rubbing it in our faces, anyone agree?

[Bulldogcakes]

Ok I'm a Yankee's fan but does'nt anyone think it's alittle odd that Roger, a guy in his 40's can still pitch a fastball in the 90's??....and how Andy and him started working out in Huston that Andy's fastball went up 2-3mph???...I just don't want another Jason Giambi and have Red Socks fans rubbing it in our faces, anyone agree?

No . . . . . lan Ryan.

Both guys worked out like maniacs.

[crb1]

Ok I'm a Yankee's fan but does'nt anyone think it's alittle odd that Roger, a guy in his 40's can still pitch a fastball in the 90's??....and how Andy and him started working out in Huston that Andy's fastball went up 2-3mph???...I just don't want another Jason Giambi and have Red Socks fans rubbing it in our faces, anyone agree?

Well, if you're referring to steroids, Giambi would be a bad comparison. He used steroids has been hurt, or broken down in some way, every season for years now. There's no way he will be playing as long as Clemens (or even close). So, if that's the result of steroid use, it would point to Clemens NOT using them.

[Dan 'Hampton]

Or him using better ones. Look we all know that a fair amount of players (Including those on the Red Sox) have or are using performance enhancing drugs. Going about this thinking that players are still using anobolic steriods is obsurd. These drug labs supplying the players are way ahead of the league, congress, "public outrage". We're not going to know what player are using now untill it's oldschool. Wish things were different but they're not.









hgh

[tupper65]

Roger Clemens work ethic reminds me of Jerry Rice. He played for a long time at a very high level because he worked out like a madman. Young receivers who played with him couldn't keep up. That's why he lasted as long as he did and Clemens is the same way. Like the poster before me, I think that the best thing about the Clemens signing is the work that he will do with Hughes, DeSalvo and Rasner. If he gets it into these guys heads about how much better and more durable they can be if they follow his work ethic, DeSalvo and Rasner can be quailty #2 starters and as far as Hughes goes, The sky's the limit.

Don't get me wrong, in no way do I beleive that the Yankees as out of anything this year, but if this works out right, in the near future, we can have a staff like the Braves had in their prime. The future looks bright.

[crb1]

hgh

Good article on its effects (or lack thereof)...

http://www.slate.com/id/2162473/nav/tap1/

[cougarjake13]

Clemens played catch with Phil Hughes, the promising rookie right-hander on the 15-day disabled list with a hamstring injury. Clemens also spent 30 minutes standing on a mound discussing pitching mechanics with Hughes...

This is the best thing i like about the Clemens signing.. He should do wonders for he Kid.. The same as the did for Andy.. And Andy at his best, was never as good as this kid..

andy was already pitching pretty damn good before roger showed up and except for the 00 and 03 season andy was only avg during the yankee time together


andy as a yank before roger
W L SO ERA
1995 23 NYY AL 12 9 114 4.58
1996 24 NYY AL 21 8 162 3.87
1997 25 NYY AL 18 7 166 2.88
1998 26 NYY AL 16 11 146 4.24

andy as a yank during clemens time as a yank

W L SO ERA
1999 27 NYY AL 14 11 121 4.70
2000 28 NYY AL 19 9 125 4.35
2001 29 NYY AL 15 10 164 3.99
2002 30 NYY AL 13 5 97 3.27
2003 31 NYY AL 21 8 180 4.02

[Bulldogcakes]

Notes: Villone returns to bullpen
Henn optioned to Triple-A (http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070515&content_id=1966419&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy)

DeSalvo and Rasner are on the roster as spot starters, Bean is already off the roster (Waivers/DFA or whatever) so they really have no choice but to send down Henn. He pitched better than his #s look, I hope Henn gets another chance with the team soon.

[Kevin]

andy was already pitching pretty damn good before roger showed up and except for the 00 and 03 season andy was only avg during the yankee time together


andy as a yank before roger
W L SO ERA
1995 23 NYY AL 12 9 114 4.58
1996 24 NYY AL 21 8 162 3.87
1997 25 NYY AL 18 7 166 2.88
1998 26 NYY AL 16 11 146 4.24

andy as a yank during clemens time as a yank

W L SO ERA
1999 27 NYY AL 14 11 121 4.70
2000 28 NYY AL 19 9 125 4.35
2001 29 NYY AL 15 10 164 3.99
2002 30 NYY AL 13 5 97 3.27
2003 31 NYY AL 21 8 180 4.02


Well, if you remember.. The Yankees were so close to dealing Andy to the Phillies.. Cashman and Torre had to do all they could to keep it from happening.. That was i think 99.. He had lost some of his drive and disire, Then Clemens showed up, put him under his wing, and he Started pitching well again.. That was one of the reasons Andy went to Houston,, Since that time, he did not think George really liked him..

[cougarjake13]

Well, if you remember.. The Yankees were so close to dealing Andy to the Phillies.. Cashman and Torre had to do all they could to keep it from happening.. That was i think 99.. He had lost some of his drive and disire, Then Clemens showed up, put him under his wing, and he Started pitching well again.. That was one of the reasons Andy went to Houston,, Since that time, he did not think George really liked him..

yeh i forgot about that with andy

[7fttall500+]

DH today good old fashion baseball.....it's so nice out today let's play two!!!!

[TheGameHHH]

DH today good old fashion baseball.....it's so nice out today let's play two!!!!

i cant handle two losses in a day, cant they postpone this game too?

[TheGameHHH]

does anybody watch the yanks anymore??? im bored over here

[Kevin]

I am watchin, but this has really been a pretty uneventful game... Nothing much to be said.. Wang is pitching great..

[TheGameHHH]

youre right, not really much to talk about......but at least theyre leading the night cap going into the 9th.

[Kevin]

Yea, hopfuly this linup can get back on track.. The pitchin has been pretty good..

[CruelCircus]

I have two tickets for the Sat. 5/19 Mets-Yanks game at Shea that I can't use. They are Mezz Reserved, Section 12, Row L.

I'm looking to trade with someone for comparable Sun. 5/20 at Shea, Fri 6/15 at Yankee Stadium, or Sun. 6/17 at YS.

(I'd really rather get tix I can use, but I guess worst case I'd sell my seats.)

PM me with interest.

Thanks!

[7fttall500+]

Today I am a HUGE Tigers Fan!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dan 'Hampton]

Today I am a HUGE Tigers Fan!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are Ya?

[7fttall500+]

Are Ya?

yes

[Kevin]

This lineup is fucking killing me... George has to be dead.. How else does this buffoon hitting coach still have a job??

[Dan 'Hampton]

yes

Ok just checking. Try agian.

[HBox]

This lineup is fucking killing me... George has to be dead.. How else does this buffoon hitting coach still have a job??

Do you seriously believe that? First, I don't think firing a batting coach every time the team goes into a slump is a good idea. Second of all I think it would be a cop out absolving the team of its responsibility in this slide. Outside of Melky and maybe Cano I don't think anyone on this team needs a batting coach. Lastly the team still leads the league in runs scored. Does Long get blame for the last week and no credit for everything before that?

[Kevin]

Do you seriously believe that? First, I don't think firing a batting coach every time the team goes into a slump is a good idea. Second of all I think it would be a cop out absolving the team of its responsibility in this slide. Outside of Melky and maybe Cano I don't think anyone on this team needs a batting coach. Lastly the team still leads the league in runs scored. Does Long get blame for the last week and no credit for everything before that?

Everyone looks lost.. Something has to be done to wake these bums up.

[cougarjake13]

Everyone looks lost.. Something has to be done to wake these bums up.


maybe see if oneill and brosious will come out of retirement

[Bulldogcakes]

We had a soft part of the schedule we needed to take advantage of, and went 2-4. They are now 9 games out and facing the Bosox and Mets, the 2 teams with the best record in each of their leagues. They will be pitching Darrel Rasner and Tyler Clippard over the weekend. This could get ugly.

Well, at 9 games out I guess I should say UGLIER.

I still look up and down this roster and like almost every name on the list. This is not a sub .500 team, not on paper. The players simply aren't producing, and as a team they simply haven't put anything together yet. George already issued his warning, I think Torre needs at least a push this week. He gets swept or goes 1-5 or 2-4 and it will get ugly, and fast. The 24th is an off day, perfect timing to make some changes.

And if Roger Clemens doesn't like it, he can return the 28 million.

[Kevin]

maybe see if oneill and brosious will come out of retirement

They are still Younger than Julio Franco

[Kevin]

I GOT IT!!!!!!!!!

We need a Bulldogcakes reverse jinx thread....


BDC... Start a 2007 Yankee offseason thread!! That would most def do it!!

[Bulldogcakes]

I GOT IT!!!!!!!!!

We need a Bulldogcakes reverse jinx thread....


BDC... Start a 2007 Yankee offseason thread!! That would most def do it!!

How about another "Bambino Prayer Offerings" thread?

[Kevin]

How about another "Bambino Prayer Offerings" thread?

HEY!!! Forgot about that!! DO IT!!!

[Bulldogcakes]

HEY!!! Forgot about that!! DO IT!!!

I will, if Pettite loses tonite. Then we are facing the abyss.

[cougarjake13]

We had a soft part of the schedule we needed to take advantage of, and went 2-4. They are now 9 games out and facing the Bosox and Mets, the 2 teams with the best record in each of their leagues. They will be pitching Darrel Rasner and Tyler Clippard over the weekend. This could get ugly.

Well, at 9 games out I guess I should say UGLIER.

I still look up and down this roster and like almost every name on the list. This is not a sub .500 team, not on paper. The players simply aren't producing, and as a team they simply haven't put anything together yet. George already issued his warning, I think Torre needs at least a push this week. He gets swept or goes 1-5 or 2-4 and it will get ugly, and fast. The 24th is an off day, perfect timing to make some changes.

And if Roger Clemens doesn't like it, he can return the 28 million.


do you think torre is safe at least until roger starts pitching ????

even if they do get swept by the sawx and mets, or 1-5, 2-4 ???

[7fttall500+]

Ok just checking. Try agian.

Maybe I should root for the red sox because I want the yenks to win and they dont....I wanted the tigers to win yesterday and they didnt...I am starting to notice a pattern, I LOVE losers!!!!!!!!

[BoondockSaint]

Maybe the Yankees should shave their heads.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

Yankees will Sweep, the Jinx is ONNNNNNNN

:king:

[ralphbxny]

Yankees will Sweep, the Jinx is ONNNNNNNN

:king:

Come on I would never do this!! Jinx thing stinks....next thing you know I will be Frunkising the MEts thread and I would never do that!!

[Bulldogcakes]

do you think torre is safe at least until roger starts pitching ????

even if they do get swept by the sawx and mets, or 1-5, 2-4 ???

I dont think his job is safe, and I hope it isn't. Joe Girardi is one of the few things on earth that can give me hope at this point. The culture of the clubhouse needs to change, and he's the guy to do it. Torre runs a country club, and it drives me nuts.

[Doctor Z]

Torre has held onto his job 2 seasons longer than he should've. I can't say it enough times: I love the guy, I respect him, and I'm grateful for what he did... But his time has come. He's gotta go. End of story. This team has mentally SHUT DOWN too many times, and for too long to keep blaming the players. We know the talent is there. They need new leadership. This team has ZERO fun on the field. ZERO. They look like they're out there because they have to be. Now we're stuck in a rut to keep him, because Clemens specifically said "If Joe wasn't here, I would be here." What now?

[BoondockSaint]

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070519/capt.286df34ee9ea47c1bd6b5bcbfc6d2495.yankees_mets _baseball_nyff111.jpg?x=233&y=345&sig=A9mbQz0ALHciBelukJ2xqQ--

[Dan 'Hampton]

I dont think his job is safe, and I hope it isn't. Joe Girardi is one of the few things on earth that can give me hope at this point. The culture of the clubhouse needs to change, and he's the guy to do it. Torre runs a country club, and it drives me nuts.

How is the high priced talent on the Yanks going to respond to being treated like a AAAA team that worked well with the Marlins. I don't think an authoritarian would work well in NY or Boston for that matter.

[BoondockSaint]

Ron's right, let Larry Bowa take over.

[cougarjake13]

Ron's right, let Larry Bowa take over.

i say mattingly

[Dan 'Hampton]

I say the blacks.

[Bulldogcakes]

One step closer to Torre finally getting fired.

[lleeder]

2007 Yankees: Finding new and depressing ways to lose baseball games.

[Bulldogcakes]

I cant say I get disappointed or depressed anymore. That was last week, and every week before. Now I'm just at the point where I expect them to lose and lose and lose. And my only hope at this point is that after a Met and Bosox sweep, somebody will do something to change the direction of the team. Girardi is my first choice, with Buck Showalter as a sleeper pick. I understand that some in the clubhouse may revolt, and I'm fine with that. It wont be any of the core guys that do, and the others can take all take a hike. They ones that revolt I chalk up as the ones who aren't willing to do what it takes to win, "Grinders" as Girardi says, and need to be moved out anyway. If that means tanking this year (which is likely already lost) and even being a SELLER at the trade deadline, so be it.

We are now 11 games out. Tied with the Devil Rays. This is the most dysfunctional group of overpaid strangers I've seen since the late 80's with the record of the early 90's teams. You cant realistically expect them to get back in the Division race at this point. Even in the Wild Card they are 7 games out with 7 teams in front of them.

Everyone see this quote from Tino Martinez? (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxMTMmZmdi ZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTcxMzYxMjUmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZU VFeXk2)

None other than Tino Martinez says the Bombers are sabotaging their season, let alone their manager, by failing to play hard.

"It seems like too many guys get hurt and take days off, and there's not that really burning desire to win from nine or 10 guys," Martinez told Michael Kay on his ESPN Radio show Wednesday afternoon. "You have two or three guys playing hard every day but you don't see the whole entire team just getting after it night after night."

Martinez isn't around the clubhouse anymore, but he's a certified expert on the early days of the Yankee renaissance, back when the Bombers would beat you simply because they believed it. Tino can recognize hustle (or its absence) when it's staring him in the face. That's why his assessment was so piercing; he's no Yankee basher. In fact, Martinez told Kay, "I'll always wear the pinstripes."

So for Martinez to say there are only two Yankees – Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada – who are fully, emotionally committed to winning, is like saying the walls of the empire are tumbling fast.

"It eats [Jeter and Posada] up inside when the team loses. It drives them crazy when they're [eight] games behind," Tino said Wednesday. "It just seems a lot of [other] guys really don't care."

The winning teams had guys who would play hurt all the time. Now someone breaks a fingernail and they're on the DL for 6 weeks. Its a joke.

The teams of the late 90's had gamers, grinders. Guys who could beat you with a long ball AND beat you with little ball. Guys who were more than happy to pass the baton to the next guy, who they trusted to get the job done. Always remember this. There was not a single starter on the All Star team for 98 Yankees. Not one. This team has too many "Stars" who want to grab the spotlight for themselves. And/or guys who just aren't mentally tough enough to deal with being a Yankee. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE WE SEEN THIS GROUP GO TO SLEEP IN BIG SPOTS? Too many. Torre is patient and supportive to a fault. Guys go to sleep, have bad AB's and he makes excuses for them. And I'm sick of it.

[BoondockSaint]

Will Girardi rub Jeter's bat on his dick all game long , too?

[TheGameHHH]

this team depresses me.

[Brother Grimm]

The first plan of action should be to exile Carl Pavano. At this point whether he's on the team or not, it makes zero difference. With his bs arm tendon replacement surgery expecting to sideline him till 2008, Cash should just work out a release and move a piece of the cancer out of the locker room.

I guess though we could use that trainer they canned as a scapegoat though.

[TheMojoPin]

I haven't really paid attention to the Yankees, so what's the main problem, pitching or hitting? If it's pitching, I still have that Zambrano for ARod trade I'm praying for.

[mdr55]

What they need to do is take the C away from Jeter and give it to someone more vocal, leading by example could only get you so far.

Torre's been here too long. Need a new voice or someone to change the atmosphere in the clubhouse, everyone's so laid back when they lose that it's acceptable.

[TheMojoPin]

What they need to do is take the C away from Jeter and give it to someone more vocal, leading by example could only get you so far.

Or maybe they don't need to name a captain in the first place.

[Brother Grimm]

I haven't really paid attention to the Yankees, so what's the main problem, pitching or hitting? If it's pitching, I still have that Zambrano for ARod trade I'm praying for.

At first everyone was hitting but the pitching was awful. Wang, Moose, and Pavano all got hurt pretty much right out of the gate. We brought up Phil Hughes and he had a perfect game going until he too pulled his hammy. So at this point we already have 3 pulled hamstrings and a crying Pavano. We bring up Jeff Karstens to start and Julio Lugo of the red sox hits a comebacker at him that broke his leg.

The latest debacle would be Darrell Rasner breaking his finger today against the mets. I think we've used about 12 different starting pitchers so far, not counting clemens.

Oh yeah, Bobby Abreu is hitting like Jim Abbot right now.

[Brother Grimm]

What they need to do is take the C away from Jeter and give it to someone more vocal, leading by example could only get you so far.

Torre's been here too long. Need a new voice or someone to change the atmosphere in the clubhouse, everyone's so laid back when they lose that it's acceptable.

I agree. At this point I'd put it on Posada only because he still gives it his all every game. Jeter in my eyes is selfish as hell. He could have been a lot more vocal supporting A-Rod last year and he dropped the ball big time.

[mdr55]

Maybe they can get Phil Niekro out of retirement. It doesn't take that much to throw that knuckleball. He could do long middle relief or something (eat up innings in blowout games), so that Torre doesn't burn out his bullpen.

[BoondockSaint]

I think they need Steve Balboni and Jesse Barfield.

[Jennitalia]

going to the sunday game. this is painful.

[TheMojoPin]

I agree. At this point I'd put it on Posada only because he still gives it his all every game. Jeter in my eyes is selfish as hell. He could have been a lot more vocal supporting A-Rod last year and he dropped the ball big time.

Or, again, maybe nobody is made the captain. Seems you'd avoid a lot of ego issues right then and there without that.

[Doogie]

I was at that game today and the Yankees problems lie mainly in their pitching and the injuries. Injuries is just a string of bad luck, you just cant help that. Now when the starter today took that shot off the hand, I knew right then and there his hand was broke, or something was fucked up. He is lucky it was only his finger. It sounded painful from where I sat, the shot he took off the hand.

[HBox]

The first plan of action should be to exile Carl Pavano. [At this point whether he's on the team or not, it makes zero difference. With his bs arm tendon replacement surgery expecting to sideline him till 2008, Cash should just work out a release and move a piece of the cancer out of the locker room.

I guess though we could use that trainer they canned as a scapegoat though.

So your first plan of action at this low point is do something that you admit makes zero difference? Pavano is a non-factor and no one should be thinking about him unless he says he can pitch. There's much more pressing things to worry about. Like everyone outside of Pettitte, Jeter, and A-Rod. And the gypsy curse.

[Bulldogcakes]

Let's break a deal-Yanks may look to jettison Jason (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/2007/05/20/2007-05-20_lets_break_a_deal-2.html)

Jason Giambi's admission to USA Today that he once used steroids could lead to the Yankees taking another shot at voiding his contract.

According to baseball sources familiar with the situation who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, the Yankees will revisit the possibility of terminating Giambi's deal if it is determined that he used illegal drugs after they signed him to a seven-year, $120 million contract in 2001.

Had the Yankees tried to void his deal then, they would have faced considerable legal hurdles from the Players Association, as they would now. According to sources familiar with his contract, the deal contains language saying it can be voided if he uses illegal substances while with the club. But to win that battle, the Yankees would have to get past provisions in the collective bargaining agreement that the Players Association maintains supersedes those in a player's contract.

To be honest, Giambi is just short of being an albatross on the team. He cant run, he cant play the field, he's not the hitter he used to be and the reason why they didn't have a spot for Bernie to strengthen the bench is they needed 3 first basemen. He's still dangerous a the plate, and has a great eye. But his liabilities make him a net minus for the team.

Dont expect this to happen, though. The MLPA will fight this tooth and nail. If they get cover from Bud Selig, maybe they can open up the roster spot and figure out the rest in court.

[Bulldogcakes]

The Boss isn't ready to get rid of Torre ... yet (http://www.nj.com/sports/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1179636322116090.xml&coll=1)

As of this morning, the Yankees' manager appears safe. A person who speaks to George Steinbrenner on a regular basis said the Yankees' owner doesn't yet believe his team is out of the race, doesn't fault Torre for the team's brutal run of bad injury luck and, as of last night, wasn't considering firing the only manager he's had since 1996.

But over the next week, that could all change.

The Yankees' next seven games are against the Mets, Red Sox and Angels -- all first-place teams with good starting pitching. If the Yankees keep losing, they could find themselves 15 or 16 games out of first place by the time Tony Soprano is making his way through the Lincoln Tunnel next Sunday night.

And if that happens, Torre could be gone. Whether that's fair or not.

Exactly. This is why I am actually conflicted for the first time in my life rooting for the Yanks. If they win, fine. If they lose, it moves us closer to Torre's exit.

[Fezticle98]

Or, again, maybe nobody is made the captain. Seems you'd avoid a lot of ego issues right then and there without that.

A-Rod for captain!

[Brother Grimm]

So your first plan of action at this low point is do something that you admit makes zero difference? Pavano is a non-factor and no one should be thinking about him unless he says he can pitch. There's much more pressing things to worry about. Like everyone outside of Pettitte, Jeter, and A-Rod. And the gypsy curse.

We have to start somewhere. All of these problems wont fix themselves. If you had a team and a pile of young pitchers, would you want Carl Pavano near them? He's practically the poster boy for refusing to work. Between the bruised ass, covering up car accidents etc. i think they should dump him as fast as possible as a sign that they are trying to "right the ship".

As for Jeter, I dont think he ever was a good leader or captain. If Paul O'neill was still around I'd say make him captain. Hell, they should pull him out of the booth, sit him on the bench and then make him captain.

[cougarjake13]

What they need to do is take the C away from Jeter and give it to someone more vocal, leading by example could only get you so far.

Torre's been here too long. Need a new voice or someone to change the atmosphere in the clubhouse, everyone's so laid back when they lose that it's acceptable.

other than jeter, rivera, and posada, and i guess pettite wsho left and came back there's no other yankees that have been around for torre's entire tenure

so that old gag of his voice is being tuned out b/c he's been here too long doesnt play

[cougarjake13]

I think they need Steve Balboni and Jesse Barfield.

maybe claudell washington ???

or danny tartabull ???

[Doctor Z]

Back-to-back doubles, and no one scores...

I'm disgusted.

[mdr55]

maybe claudell washington ???

or danny tartabull ???


How bout Jack Clark or Mel Hall?

[Bulldogcakes]

We got to see why Tyler Clippard is the #2 pitcher in the Yankee farm system according to Baseball America tonight. He still needs work, his delivery is messy and he's not as good from the stretch. But he's got balls, good stuff and good location. He looks like a keeper.

[HBox]

What a complete bullshit call. This ump is an unqualified ass.

[Sarge]

This ump is kidding right?

[Fallon]

He leaned in. If the ball is coming that low you jump back if you don't want to get hit.

[TheGameHHH]

im confused, i turned the game on after sopranos and entourage and saw the yanks were winning. shouldnt the score read 6-1 in favor of the mets, is this an error on ESPN?

[lleeder]

im confused, i turned the game on after sopranos and entourage and saw the yanks were winning. shouldnt the score read 6-1 in favor of the mets, is this an error on ESPN?

Remember the Cubs game Thursday don't jinx it.

[Bulldogcakes]

From Klapisch's latest article (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxMTMmZmdi ZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTcxMzgzNTkmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZU VFeXk2)

You couldn't help but think of Tino Martinez's and Paul O'Neill's recent indictments of the Yankees: Tino said only two current players -- Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada -- still care. And O'Neill says that when he watches the Yankees from the broadcast booth, he's looking at a team that's gotten used to losing.

Jeter strongly disagrees, but Jorge Posada says O'Neill's assessment was depressingly accurate.

"Paul was right, when you lose, lose, lose, all of a sudden you don't know how to win anymore. You look around and start to wonder, "What's going on here?" Posada said. "When you win a lot, or when you lose a lot, you get used to the same feeling. And we're losing, so we have to change that. We've got to want it more than the other guys."

Posada stopped short of saying the Yankees aren't trying. Quite the contrary, he says, "We're all on the same page here," And, again, maybe Clippard's six crisp innings changed everything. But Posada described the "mentality" of losing -- that's the negative habit that O'Neill was talking about -- and said, "We have to change that mentality.

"We have to do something to overcome the losing," Posada said.

[lleeder]

That was a huge strikeout.

[johnniewalker]

Looks like they are locked in on wakefield tonight.

[HBox]

The teams have traded HBPs. Farnsworth is pitching the 9th. Ortiz and Ramirez are batting this inning. DANGER! DANGER!

[Kevin]

The teams have traded HBPs. Farnsworth is pitching the 9th. Ortiz and Ramirez are batting this inning. DANGER! DANGER!

Yea.. Ok, this is Torre your talking about.. Who needs to protect your players??

[HBox]

Yea.. Ok, this is Torre your talking about.. Who needs to protect your players??

Farnsworth is fucking nuts though. Now that he's walked Ortiz its a moot point though.

[Kevin]

Farnsworth is fucking nuts though. Now that he's walked Ortiz its a moot point though.

Yea. i Think if it were 2 outs, he would have drilled Manny, then super kicked his ass, if he came at him.. Farnsworth is nuts.

[TheGameHHH]

the yanks are normally pretty awful against wakefield, so i figured they'd drop this game like 3-1. ill def. take a 6-2 win!

[JPMNICK]

looked pretty good tonight, solid starting, good relief and the bats were hitting. this is how it should be 8 out of 10 games and not 2 out of 10 games.

[TheGameHHH]

after i typed my last post i find this stat on wakefield, the right-hander fell to 1-7 with a 6.00 ERA in his past nine starts against them beginning May 27, 2005. im a moron

[Kevin]

after i typed my last post i find this stat on wakefield, the right-hander fell to 1-7 with a 6.00 ERA in his past nine starts against them beginning May 27, 2005. im a moron

Yea, weird.. I always remember Wakefield pitching great against us..

[TheGameHHH]

Yea, weird.. I always remember Wakefield pitching great against us..

i know right? its like i havent been paying attention for 2 years........thats sad considering i probably havent missed a Yanks/Sox game in those 2 years.

[underdog]

Yea, weird.. I always remember Wakefield pitching great against us..

That's funny. As a Red Sox fan, I can't remember him pitching good against you guys since the Aaron Boone homer.

[7fttall500+]

Tonight's game is important, it's suppose to be their worst starter and it would win the series. I wouldn't say its a MUST WIN, but its pretty close. Moose has been only an average pitcher against the SOXs. Yanks might have to score 7 or 8 to win this one.

[Crippler]

Mussina pulls a gem out of his ass every so often against the Sawx, but it's usually in Fenway. Hopefully he at least gives a quality start & gives the Yanks a chance to win. This is, indeed, a big game for the Yanks. You gotta start winning series sooner or later to get back to & eventually over .500, and there's no better time than against Boston.

[Dudeman]

the only reason he has a good reputation is becuase he walks around acting like his shit don't stink

[Kevin]

Honestly, i don't know why they signed him.. He looked done last year.. They should have used that money on Lily or someone else..

[Bulldogcakes]

Honestly, i don't know why they signed him.. He looked done last year.. They should have used that money on Lily or someone else..

The intern? She throws like a girl.

I want the Yanks to show me some guts tonight. Not just roll over and die like they've done for most of this season, but show they have some pride in something other than the size of their paychecks.

[Kevin]

The intern? She throws like a girl.

Ted..

[Dudeman]

Ted..

he throws like a girl

[lleeder]

Mark it down this guy is done. No heart. Stupid grimace on his face. He stinks. He has let this team down Randy Johnson style all year long. Can he start one inning without letting the leadoff man get on base?

[Kevin]

And Torre still has a job..... WHY???

[Bulldogcakes]

Julian Tavarez.

Julian fucking Tavarez.


I give up.

[TheGameHHH]

another bullshit safe call on a stolen base........costing the yanks 2 runs

[TheGameHHH]

And Torre still has a job..... WHY???

i dont like the way he handles the bullpen, everybody hates that.......but he cant control how shitty moose pitches or how the yanks make tavaraz look like johan santana

[Fezticle98]

another bullshit safe call on a stolen base........costing the yanks 2 runs

Yes, blame the umps. It's their fault.

[TheGameHHH]

Yes, blame the umps. It's their fault.

not at all, far from it............id never blame the umps. it was just an awful call and cost the yanks 3 runs, simple as that.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Mark it down this guy is done. No heart. Stupid grimace on his face. He stinks. He has let this team down Randy Johnson style all year long. Can he start one inning without letting the leadoff man get on base?

C'mon, he's got a cushy gig pushing Old Spice.

[BoondockSaint]

That was a nice elbow to the groin by A-Rod.

[lleeder]

That was a nice elbow to the groin by A-Rod.


Homer: [thinking] Hmm...Barney's movie had heart, but "Football in the
Groin" had a football in the groin.
Barney: [on the screen] Don't cry for me, I'm already dead.
Homer: Wow. I'll never drink another beer.
Man: Beer here!
Homer: I'll take ten.

[BoondockSaint]

HAHAHAH!!!! I mentioned it before that when the Yankee games are on channel 9, I get the satellite feed and in between innings I don't get commercials I get Kay and the others talking. After tonights game ended, Kay was whining about how many Sox fans were at the stadium and how they had all the seats behind the Sox dugout.

[TheGameHHH]

HAHAHAH!!!! I mentioned it before that when the Yankee games are on channel 9, I get the satellite feed and in between innings I don't get commercials I get Kay and the others talking. After tonights game ended, Kay was whining about how many Sox fans were at the stadium and how they had all the seats behind the Sox dugout.

used to be one of my favorite features on mlb.tv, they now go to a commercial screen but in years back they used to just let the announcers talk and man who those guys just drop f-bombs. NBA league pass lets you still listen to the announcers during breaks, and some stuff the lakers guys say are also hilarious.

[BoondockSaint]

used to be one of my favorite features on mlb.tv, they now go to a commercial screen but in years back they used to just let the announcers talk and man who those guys just drop f-bombs. NBA league pass lets you still listen to the announcers during breaks, and some stuff the lakers guys say are also hilarious.

I think I mentioned it before but earlier this year they just kept showing Henry Kissenger in a box picking his nose. It was fucking hysterical.

[Dudeman]

how come this pussy isn't getting any shit:
2-3, 6.52 ERA
http://www.nyyfans.com/photos/20060217mussina-01.jpg

[BoondockSaint]

And now they are discussing how ugly Youklis is.

[crb1]

Apparently, Giambi tested positive for amphetamines last season. Story here:

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/2007/05/22/2007-05-22_giambi_is_unsafe_at_any_speed.html

[A.J.]

Apparently, Giambi tested positive for amphetamines last season.

"Looks like he picked the wrong week to quit using amphetamines."

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k104/mistermet1986/airplane-lloyd-bridges-sniff-glue.jpg

[7fttall500+]

Torre Should not be fired during the season!!!!

If you dont like my comment I dont give a shit.

[A.J.]

And Torre still has a job..... WHY???

I ask this in all seriousness...why is nobody blaming Mattingly for the batting woes? Or Guidry for the pitching woes -- AND for going along with Torre overworking the bullpen?

[King Hippos Bandaid]

Back to Reality Yanks, jobbing to the Stars

:king:

[7fttall500+]

AJ I aggree with blaming the pitching coach, but Mattingly is not the hitting coach this year so why blame him for the hitting?

[A.J.]

AJ I aggree with blaming the pitching coach, but Mattingly is not the hitting coach this year so why blame him for the hitting?

I forgot -- he's the bench coach. My mistake.

[Fallon]

REFUGIO, Texas - With the lastest loss to their arch rival Boston Red Sox (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/bos) and current pitching problems the New York Yankees (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/nyy) have been in talks with Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6294) in a possible comeback. Ryan last pitched in 1993 with the Texas Rangers (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/tex). The deal is reportedly worth around $12 million dollars.

FULL STORY (http://www.eatabullet.com)

[Kevin]

REFUGIO, Texas - With the lastest loss to their arch rival Boston Red Sox (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/bos) and current pitching problems the New York Yankees (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/nyy) have been in talks with Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6294) in a possible comeback. Ryan last pitched in 1993 with the Texas Rangers (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/tex). The deal is reportedly worth around $12 million dollars.

FULL STORY (http://www.eatabullet.com)

Naw. They have this kid named Clemens in the minors.. He is supposed to be REALLY good.

[Kevin]

I ask this in all seriousness...why is nobody blaming Mattingly for the batting woes? Or Guidry for the pitching woes -- AND for going along with Torre overworking the bullpen?

Well.. If you read my posts.. I have stated multiple times, on how much i blame the hitting coach.. And besides Mussina sucking BALLS... The sp has been pretty damn good latley.. So i can't blame Guidry at all.. Torre use of th pen has been ATTROCIUS! And Guidry can't tell Torre how to handle the pen... Torre is the manager.. He has final say... Torre has done a terrible job for years now.. His time is up, he had a great run.. But he has to go.

[crb1]

REFUGIO, Texas - With the lastest loss to their arch rival Boston Red Sox (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/bos) and current pitching problems the New York Yankees (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/nyy) have been in talks with Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6294) in a possible comeback. Ryan last pitched in 1993 with the Texas Rangers (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/tex). The deal is reportedly worth around $12 million dollars.

FULL STORY (http://www.eatabullet.com)

Screw him. I hear we're bringing back Lefty. Ron's gonna skip out on the show to catch his first start.

[BoondockSaint]

REFUGIO, Texas - With the lastest loss to their arch rival Boston Red Sox (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/bos) and current pitching problems the New York Yankees (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/nyy) have been in talks with Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6294) in a possible comeback. Ryan last pitched in 1993 with the Texas Rangers (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/tex). The deal is reportedly worth around $12 million dollars.

FULL STORY (http://www.eatabullet.com)

I bet he could still bring the heat. I loved Ryan. Here is just one of the amazing things about him:

Nolan Ryan's very durable arm finally gave out in Seattle on September 22, 1993, when he tore a ligament, ending his career two starts earlier than planned. Briefly attempting to pitch past the injury, Ryan threw one further pitch after tearing his ligament; with his injured arm, his final pitch was measured at 98 miles per hour.

[Bulldogcakes]

I think tonight is our last shot to have any realistic chance at the division. A loss tonight puts them at 11.5 back, at that point I cant even think about Boston anymore. I'll just focus on the Wild Card (http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/wildcard.jsp), which frankly isn't much better at this point.

After riding the team that Buck and Gene Michael built to 4 championships in 6 years, Torre has returned to his level as a manager. In particular, since Popeye left. For the past 3 years we've seen the Torre that had a career sub-.500 career as manager. But then again, its not his fault. Nothing is. Its also isn't the players fault, according to Torre. That's what I love about his management style. Accountability.

[Kevin]

Shut up Coco, you jobber.. You were out last night, and was called safe.. so pipe down.

[Kevin]

A Thrilla, From Godzilla!!!

[BoondockSaint]

Why did Philly fans hate Abreu?

[Kevin]

Why did Philly fans hate Abreu?

Not sure....

[lleeder]

Sorry Lowell we ain't letting you get that one.

[Kevin]

Schilling is pulling a Mussina.

[Dudeman]

Schilling is pulling a Mussina.

growing a vag?

[lleeder]

Schilling is pulling a Mussina.

They both get that same dumb grimmace.

[Dan 'Hampton]

Why did Philly fans hate Abreu?

Same reason Yankee fans do?

[lleeder]

What a nice double play by Cano. Helps him forget about saturday.

[Kevin]

Same reason Yankee fans do?

Why did the Yankees and Reds give up on Willy Mo?

[Bulldogcakes]

Very nice. This is the 2nd time the Yanks have smacked around Schilling this year, and they did a few times last year as well. I'd love to see his #'s vs the Yanks for the past 2 seasons.

[Dan 'Hampton]

Why did the Yankees and Reds give up on Willy Mo?

Same reason we're going to.

[lleeder]

Very nice. This is the 2nd time the Yanks have smacked around Schilling this year, and they did a few times last year as well. I'd love to see his #'s vs the Yanks for the past 2 seasons.

Was that last year when he was talking shit about A-rod then the 1st game he faced him A-rod hit 2 homeruns off him?

[Bulldogcakes]

Was that last year when he was talking shit about A-rod then the 1st game he faced him A-rod hit 2 homeruns off him?

Yeah, he had some spotty outings vs the Yanks last year, but overall he was good
2-1 record 4.18 ERA .225 BA against

So far this year, 2 starts 11 innings 11 ER

[Bossanova]

Anyone know why the Yanka are wearing th VT on the side of their hats? Why now

[TheGameHHH]

Anyone know why the Yanka are wearing th VT on the side of their hats? Why now

first off huge win tonight and a huge series to take. they finally supported pettite and it was a night where everything clicked.

boss, to answer your question they are wearing the VT logo cause before the game tonight they presented VT with a million dollars and announced they were going to play an exhibition game down there next spring.

[Kevin]

Anyone know why the Yanka are wearing th VT on the side of their hats? Why now

Yanks announced before the game that they were donating 1mil to the victim fund.. plus they will be playing a spring game at VT.. all proceeds to the fund.. The pres of the school threw out the 1st pitch.


Btw.. How funny was the shit with the ump.. Paul O'Neill is the best.

[TheGameHHH]

also a special night with Jeter passing DiMaggio.

[Kevin]

first off huge win tonight and a huge series to take. they finally supported pettite and it was a night where everything clicked.

boss, to answer your question they are wearing the VT logo cause before the game tonight they presented VT with a million dollars and announced they were going to play an exhibition game down there next spring.

Yea.. Even Mo looked great.

[HBox]

Stupid Paul O'Neill. Now I really want to watch the Naked Gun again.

[Kevin]

Stupid Paul O'Neill. Now I really want to watch the Naked Gun again.

How fucking funny was that?? Paul is the best. They need to have him on more.. I could not stop laughing at it.

[HBox]

How fucking funny was that?? Paul is the best. They need to have him on more.. I could not stop laughing at it.

The funniest moment of the night though was the "I Paul O'Neill" email.

[Kevin]

The funniest moment of the night though was the "I Paul O'Neill" email.

That was pretty funny too.. Lou Pinella jumbled up is I Paul Oniell.

[Doctor Z]

I was at the game tonight (last night)... What's this hilarious joke that Paul O'Neill apparently told?

[HBox]

I was at the game tonight (last night)... What's this hilarious joke that Paul O'Neill apparently told?

He was ripping the umpire for his over the top strike out calls. It wasn't a joke so much. You just had to be there.

[Jennitalia]

I just met Jim Leyritz about an hour ago. He came into my spa for a massage. I was so pissed, because I was going to bring him back and then got caught up in something else when he walked in. I did get to see him in his robe in the relaxation room. Very sexy and nice. I'm still swooning.

[TheGameHHH]

I just met Jim Leyritz about an hour ago. He came into my spa for a massage. I was so pissed, because I was going to bring him back and then got caught up in something else when he walked in. I did get to see him in his robe in the relaxation room. Very sexy and nice. I'm still swooning.

are his balls all small due to the roids?

just kidding.......love leyritz (just not in the gay way).

[Bulldogcakes]

Trade winds from N.Y. (http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_5972123)




Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told reporters this week that although trades are always possible, nothing is warm right now. Still, multiple scouts said Wednesday the Yankees are interested in Rockies first baseman Todd Helton (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5870) and closer Brian Fuentes (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6735), though nothing is brewing.

If the Rockies don't rebound, many teams will be calling to see if they want to unload salaries. Helton has rebounded nicely this season. He ranks second in the big leagues in on-base percentage and first with 21 multihit games. Fuentes has already established a club record with eight saves this month.

This makes some sense for the Yanks, but doesn't say what they'd be giving up. Helton is left handed and has a high salary, which will limit the teams after him (like the Abreau deal). Must pre-suppose Giambi and Meintkevietz would be either included in the deal or gone elsewhere. Maybe Giambi goes to LAA for a reliever and backup catcher and Meintkevitz Farnsworth and a prospect go to the Rockies. Rockies save 20 mil on payroll, Yank payroll stays flat.

[HBox]

Just what they need, another first baseman.

[Kevin]

Just what they need, another first baseman.

Well, you know the old saying.. You can't have too much first baseman.. Or was it pitching?? I am not sure...

[lleeder]

Well, you know the old saying.. You can't have too much first baseman.. Or was it pitching?? I am not sure...

No it was big contracts

[Kevin]

No it was big contracts

Yea.. i think you may be right.

[Bulldogcakes]

Just what they need, another first baseman.

Left handed, no less.

I'm just getting a vibe lately that they really want to move Giambi. Think about it, the reason their bench is so weak is they need 3 spots to cover 1B. He's an albatross on the team in most areas of the game. Running and Fielding he's useless. When he's not hitting, he's really a drag on the team, unless you're really wrapped up in the fact he draws walks and then clogs up the bases. Plus, he's 36 and had a history of health problems and declining production over the past few years from when they first signed him. I also think the club took real exception to his dragging them into his drug related bullshit. Cashman appeared on every show he could to refute the allegation.

This stuff with Bud Selig is bullshit, its already pretty much blown over. No one expects anything to come of it (suspension/voided deal). Someone needs a big bat for this year, a deal could make sense.

[TheGameHHH]

doesnt giambi have a no trade clause? so whats all the talk about him getting moved?

[HBox]

Seriously though, this Helton idea is just awful even if Helton replaces Giambi. Helton's contract runs though 2012. You think this year and next year with Giambi will be bad? Helton will be 38 in his final year. And he's already declining. They just have to bite the bullet with Giambi and wait out through next year. Helton is just Giambi all over again. This is a move Isiah Thomas would make.

[crb1]

doesnt giambi have a no trade clause? so whats all the talk about him getting moved?

Yes, he has a full no-trade and has said he doesn't want to leave. Even if he did want to leave, he would most likely demand either a) an extension or b) his option year picked up before accepting a trade. And I can't see anyone picking up his $22 million option year, or giving him an extension (unless it was for one more year at about half what he makes now).

[TheGameHHH]

i just got tickets for the game tomorrow!!!!! first one of the year, very excited!

[Bulldogcakes]

Seriously though, this Helton idea is just awful even if Helton replaces Giambi. Helton's contract runs though 2012. You think this year and next year with Giambi will be bad? Helton will be 38 in his final year. And he's already declining. They just have to bite the bullet with Giambi and wait out through next year. Helton is just Giambi all over again. This is a move Isiah Thomas would make.

Plus Helton has/had a bad back. Its just the type of deal the Yanks can do, since his contract is so prohibitive the market for him will be small and he'd be cheap in terms of prospects. A straight up deal I dont think makes much sense, unless the Rockies figure they knock the last 4 years (2009-2012) off their payroll. Just something to chew on. I do however, think dealing Giambi makes plenty of sense. Especially for a righty bat with pop off the bench and/or a backup catcher.

Something else to chew on (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxMTMmZmdi ZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTcxNDAwNDMmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZU VFeXk2)

The Yankees require another professional right-handed hitter off the bench and Mike Sweeney and Jeff Conine should be considered trade possibilities.

[Kevin]

Jeter may want to own a team one day, but Arod already owns the Angels.

[Kevin]

Desalvo looks sharp.. Another fine move by Torre. Way to manage that pen.

[lleeder]

Looks like that comeback is over now

[Bulldogcakes]

Desalvo looks sharp.. Another fine move by Torre. Way to manage that pen.

Tyler Clippard threw 77 pitches. He had to come out. His arm was ready to fall off at any second.

And he brings in DeSalvo, who is both a rookie and has NEVER come in as a reliever in his life. Another brilliant move by old Midas touch Torre.

[Kevin]

WTF was Jorge doing?? He was out by 10 feet!

[Bulldogcakes]

Thank God he took out Clippard.

You can turn this one off now. What a joke.

[TheGameHHH]

any time this team gains just a shred of momentum they go out the following game and piss it all away.

[Kevin]

You can turn this one off now.

What a joke.

You think now that George has lowed the gauntlet on Cash.. He Fires Torre?? Its obvious this team needs something.. A trade, or some kind of shake up.. I mean Clipperd was not throwing bad.. 77 fucking pitches?? Plus.. Damon should have had at least one of those balls that went over his head..

[Bulldogcakes]

You think now that George has lowed the gauntlet on Cash.. He Fires Torre?? Its obvious this team needs something.. A trade, or some kind of shake up.. I mean Clipperd was not throwing bad.. 77 fucking pitches?? Plus.. Damon should have had at least one of those balls that went over his head..

Firing the GM is meaningless. They'll just go on doing what they're doing, which is play like shit and have Torre make excuses for them. Plus, I dont think there's a lack of talent on this roster. Look at the roster, its one of the best teams in baseball on paper. This team (except for Jeter/Posada/A-Rod) is simply not performing.

Though if you want to fire either Joe Torre or Cashman, you might as well get rid of both. They're tied at the hip, Torre even said so on Mike&MadDog this afternoon. Clean house and start over.

[Kevin]

Firing the GM is meaningless. They'll just go on doing what they're doing, which is play like shit and have Torre make excuses for them. Plus, I dont think there's a lack of talent on this roster. Look at the roster, its one of the best teams in baseball on paper. This team (except for Jeter/Posada/A-Rod) is simply not performing.

Though if you want to fire either Joe Torre or Cashman, you might as well get rid of both. They're tied at the hip, Torre even said so on Mike&MadDog this afternoon. Clean house and start over.

Then why fire the GM?? You fire the man who is in charge of that tallent.

[BoondockSaint]

I was just thinking about this during the Mets game because Boone is on the Marlins. If Boone never gets hurt the Yankees may have never traded for A-Rod. Do you think the team would be better or worse now? Remember, you would have Soriano to trade for someone else.

[Bulldogcakes]

I was just thinking about this during the Mets game because Boone is on the Marlins. If Boone never gets hurt the Yankees may have never traded for A-Rod. Do you think the team would be better or worse now? Remember, you would have Soriano to trade for someone else.

A-Rod is ten times the player Soriano is or ever will be. Soriano also had horrendous post seasons (Twins+Marlins 2003) where he was an automatic out. Defensively its no contest. You cant walk Soriano unless you trow the ball in the dirt, and even then he might swing at it. The team is better off having A-Rod around. Not even close.

[MHasegawa]

thanks for the help, BUMS!!!

youve beaten the gay-los twice since the fuckin cuban missile crisis

[crb1]

thanks for the help, BUMS!!!

youve beaten the gay-los twice since the fuckin cuban missile crisis

would have been three times, if not for that rainout in '83.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

Yanks Looking up at the Lights through 4 vs the Angels , looking like Perennial Jobbers that they've become

:king:

[Kevin]

And none of them look like they give a shit.

[Kevin]

Abrau will homer here

[BoondockSaint]

Abrau will homer here

Really?

[Kevin]

Of course mike soscia behind the plate puts an end to that. If Abrau was a rigthy, that would have hit him

[lleeder]

I will watch every game and hope every game but I now know it ain't happening this year.

[TheGameHHH]

i was so excited going to the stadium today, and once again they shat themselves. even though they jumped on wang in the first, ill take 8 innings and 3 runs every single day from my starter. the offense literally went to sleep today.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

Torre Should stop Napping during the Game, its lowers Morale

:king:

[Dudeman]

this is one of the most complete teams i've ever seen. they can lose with bad offense, bad starting pitching, bad relief pitching, and bad managing. impressive

[mdr55]

Torre's just waiting for his social security to kick in.

[Bulldogcakes]

I will watch every game and hope every game but I now know it ain't happening this year.

Bingo, minus the hope part.

The division's over, and even the wild card is out of reach if you cant get to .500.

But mark my words, they will make you believe at least once or twice this year. They will give you hope, every bad team does. At some point this year, they will win 5 in a row and the Red Sox will lose 5 in a row and you will start to believe again. But it will be fools gold, and will just add insult to injury.

This team as presently constructed will win nothing.

[Bulldogcakes]

If Cashman wants to save his job, he's going to have to be VERY aggressive remaking this team at the All-Star break, about a month from now. Here's what I'd do.

1) Giambi has to go. Overall, he's a net minus to the team at this point. Maybe he can still hit 30 HR's, knock in 90-100 RBIs and have an OBP over .400 on the plus side. On the minus? He's 36 with a history of health problems, when he does walk he clogs up the bases because he cant run, he's an AWFUL situational hitter (they overshift constantly on him and he still tries to pull the ball) and they've had to use 3 roster spots for 1B because of him, weakening the bench badly. When he's slumping like he is now, he's really contributing nothing to the club except the base clogging walks. They'd have to eat alot of cash to move him, but some contender will want a power hitter of his ability.

A move for a 1B who can field his position and hit well will open up 2 roster spots for the bench. Cairo can play First if needed, or you can keep Mankievitcz for his stellar defense and just fill 1 spot (my preference).

Jody Mac said today Mark Teixera is rumored to be available at the trade deadline this year. He's a free agent and a Boras client, so they know they cant sign him. Plus they're already out of it. I just dont know if the Yanks have what Texas will be looking for, and they can just go sign him in the off season without giving up anything. He's also a switch hitter who's a natural righty, so he adds much needed balance to the lineup.

and he's right from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Teixeira)

Teixeira will become a free agent after 2007. He agreed to a two year 15.4 million dollar contract before the 2006 season.[1]

2) Need a backup catcher. Posada cant keep playing every day, he's going to be dead by August. But you cant afford to play Nieves when he hits less than most NL pitchers (.037).
This may be harder to find. The list of potential free agents are all starters on contending teams. Maybe some team thats out of it has a rookie they want to move up and will shed either their starter or backup.

3) This one is less urgent, but you could start thinking about getting a defense-first CF and move Damon to LF or RF and letting him and Matsui split up the DH duties. There's a bundle of them up for free agency (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/03/2008_mlb_free_a.html), one or more should be available.

Ichiro Suzuki (34)
Torii Hunter (32)
Eric Byrnes (32)
Corey Patterson (28)
Aaron Rowand (30)
Mike Cameron (35)

Cashman said when he signed Damon that moving him out of CF was likely after a few years. Patterson is the most exciting of these players for me. Add an element of pure speed the Yanks haven't had in years. Unlike power, speed never goes into slumps.

This would mean you'd have to deal Abreau, and there's already whispers he's not happy here. He's certainly playing like it. Maybe a Giambi and/or Abreau deal brings back all/some of the pieces you need to do a Teixera deal.

Now I know that I've failed to address the #1 problem on this team, namely starting pitching. But I think the Yanks have shot their wad with Roger, and when he and Hughes return the rotation should settle down. I also think Mussina will improve as the season goes on. He ran out of gas last year, so he took it easy in Spring Training this year. Plus he was injured. Once he builds up his arm stregth and makes some adjustments I think he'll be fine.

This represents a significant restructuring of the team, but most of these moves I think would happen anyway after this season. If he can pull them off at the deadline, maybe he can salvage a Wild Card berth.


The end.

[Kevin]

If Cashman wants to save his job, he's going to have to be VERY aggressive remaking this team at the All-Star break, about a month from now. Here's what I'd do.

1) Giambi has to go. Overall, he's a net minus to the team at this point. Maybe he can still hit 30 HR's, knock in 90-100 RBIs and have an OBP over .400 on the plus side. On the minus? He's 36 with a history of health problems, when he does walk he clogs up the bases because he cant run, he's an AWFUL situational hitter (they overshift constantly on him and he still tries to pull the ball) and they've had to use 3 roster spots for 1B because of him, weakening the bench badly. When he's slumping like he is now, he's really contributing nothing to the club except the base clogging walks. They'd have to eat alot of cash to move him, but some contender will want a power hitter of his ability.

A move for a 1B who can field his position and hit well will open up 2 roster spots for the bench. Cairo can play First if needed, or you can keep Mankievitcz for his stellar defense and just fill 1 spot (my preference).

Jody Mac said today Mark Teixera is rumored to be available at the trade deadline this year. He's a free agent and a Boras client, so they know they cant sign him. Plus they're already out of it. I just dont know if the Yanks have what Texas will be looking for, and they can just go sign him in the off season without giving up anything. He's also a switch hitter who's a natural righty, so he adds much needed balance to the lineup.

and he's right from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Teixeira)



2) Need a backup catcher. Posada cant keep playing every day, he's going to be dead by August. But you cant afford to play Nieves when he hits less than most NL pitchers (.037).
This may be harder to find. The list of potential free agents are all starters on contending teams. Maybe some team thats out of it has a rookie they want to move up and will shed either their starter or backup.

3) This one is less urgent, but you could start thinking about getting a defense-first CF and move Damon to LF or RF and letting him and Matsui split up the DH duties. There's a bundle of them up for free agency (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/03/2008_mlb_free_a.html), one or more should be available.



Cashman said when he signed Damon that moving him out of CF was likely after a few years. Patterson is the most exciting of these players for me. Add an element of pure speed the Yanks haven't had in years. Unlike power, speed never goes into slumps.

This would mean you'd have to deal Abreau, and there's already whispers he's not happy here. He's certainly playing like it. Maybe a Giambi and/or Abreau deal brings back all/some of the pieces you need to do a Teixera deal.

Now I know that I've failed to address the #1 problem on this team, namely starting pitching. But I think the Yanks have shot their wad with Roger, and when he and Hughes return the rotation should settle down. I also think Mussina will improve as the season goes on. He ran out of gas last year, so he took it easy in Spring Training this year. Plus he was injured. Once he builds up his arm stregth and makes some adjustments I think he'll be fine.

This represents a significant restructuring of the team, but most of these moves I think would happen anyway after this season. If he can pull them off at the deadline, maybe he can salvage a Wild Card berth.


The end.

Don't forget that Texiera is a HAAAAUGE Donnie fan.. He wears 23 because of him.. I see what it takes to get him.. If it takes too much.. I wait till the winter, and just sign him..

[ralphbxny]

Bingo, minus the hope part.

The division's over, and even the wild card is out of reach if you cant get to .500.

But mark my words, they will make you believe at least once or twice this year. They will give you hope, every bad team does. At some point this year, they will win 5 in a row and the Red Sox will lose 5 in a row and you will start to believe again. But it will be fools gold, and will just add insult to injury.

This team as presently constructed will win nothing.


So your saying I should climb up on my roof and jump over this season!!!

[Kevin]

So your saying I should climb up on my roof and jump over this season!!!

Don't worry Ralph.. If you know this board.. You know that Yankee fans jumping ship in April and May, is sadly a yearly thing here.. Shit the earliest was i think April 20th in 05..

[lleeder]

So basically Bulldog is saying we only need to make about 15 different moves and the Yankees will ok. Alright I'm feeling confident again.

[Kevin]

So basically Bulldog is saying we only need to make about 15 different moves and the Yankees will ok. Alright I'm feeling confident again.

But yet.. Like he said before.. Talent is clearly not the problem with this team... A move here, there, here, there,here,there,here,there,here,there,here,there. . And the ship should be righted!!!

[Kevin]

This sadly reminds me of that commercial where the guy is on an Island and calls his company asking for a bunch of shit.. Like laptops and all of that.. But a Monkey is in charge of making sure it all works.. Thats Cashman calling George asking for permission to get all those guys.. And Torre is the Monkey, putting it together.. It won't work.

[HBox]

God I hate the term "clogging up the bases." You are not going to have a lineup full of speedsters, the object when you are batting is to get on base. Giambi does that. If the rest of the team is hitting it doesn't matter how slow Giambi is. I'll take Giambi over some .330 OBP guy who can make his outs close.

And another Torre gripe from today. Abreu gets a lead off walk one inning. So you got a man on first, no one out and your best hitters coming up starting with a red hot Jeter. So what do you do? He sac bunts Jeter like a fucking mongoloid. Sac your best hitter at the moment. Great idea fuckwad. Unfortunately he screws up the bunt and can't even move the runner forward. So you've wasted you best hitter for nothing. But let's make it worse! He hit and runs with Matsui who hits a line drive right at an infielder whcih leads to a double play and you've pissed away an inning. Bravo.

At least he didn't take out Wang after 40 pitches, even though Proctor needed work.

[TheGameHHH]

God I hate the term "clogging up the bases." You are not going to have a lineup full of speedsters, the object when you are batting is to get on base. Giambi does that. If the rest of the team is hitting it doesn't matter how slow Giambi is. I'll take Giambi over some .330 OBP guy who can make his outs close.

And another Torre gripe from today. Abreu gets a lead off walk one inning. So you got a man on first, no one out and your best hitters coming up starting with a red hot Jeter. So what do you do? He sac bunts Jeter like a fucking mongoloid. Sac your best hitter at the moment. Great idea fuckwad. Unfortunately he screws up the bunt and can't even move the runner forward. So you've wasted you best hitter for nothing. But let's make it worse! He hit and runs with Matsui who hits a line drive right at an infielder whcih leads to a double play and you've pissed away an inning. Bravo.

At least he didn't take out Wang after 40 pitches, even though Proctor needed work.


i didnt really mind the bunt call today, i thought it made sense. i feel like if jeter got that bunt down and matsuis liner got eyes, youd be saying how smart it is to play small ball and manufacture runs and that torre doesnt do that enough. the guy gets crucified every game for something and it simply isnt fair. he's not a genius, he wont get every managerial call correct.......but theres really no problem with bunting after u got the leadoff man on to try and manufacture a run, especially considering the yanks made escobar look like johan santana today.

[Kevin]

i didnt really mind the bunt call today, i thought it made sense. i feel like if jeter got that bunt down and matsuis liner got eyes, youd be saying how smart it is to play small ball and manufacture runs and that torre doesnt do that enough. the guy gets crucified every game for something and it simply isnt fair. he's not a genius, he wont get every managerial call correct.......but theres really no problem with bunting after u got the leadoff man on to try and manufacture a run, especially considering the yanks made escobar look like johan santana today.

Its basically insert any pitchers name these days..And they look like supernatural against us..

[HBox]

i didnt really mind the bunt call today, i thought it made sense. i feel like if jeter got that bunt down and matsuis liner got eyes, youd be saying how smart it is to play small ball and manufacture runs and that torre doesnt do that enough. the guy gets crucified every game for something and it simply isnt fair. he's not a genius, he wont get every managerial call correct.......but theres really no problem with bunting after u got the leadoff man on to try and manufacture a run, especially considering the yanks made escobar look like johan santana today.

He plays small ball too much regardless. This isn't a small ball, manufacture runs offense, This is a lineup full of hitters. You play small ball if you have to when its really late and close. But there is no team in this league that should play small ball when you have the heart of your lineup coming up. And you don't sacrifice your best hitter under almost any circumstances.

[TheGameHHH]

He plays small ball too much regardless. This isn't a small ball, manufacture runs offense, This is a lineup full of hitters. You play small ball if you have to when its really late and close. But there is no team in this league that should play small ball when you have the heart of your lineup coming up. And you don't sacrifice your best hitter under almost any circumstances.

no, its not.......maybe on paper it seems that way, but they simply aren't. abreu cant hit, giambi cant hit, melky cant hit, menchiweitz cant hit, cano cant hit, thats over half the line-up right there.

[HBox]

no, its not.......maybe on paper it seems that way, but they simply aren't. abreu cant hit, giambi cant hit, melky cant hit, menchiweitz cant hit, cano cant hit, thats over half the line-up right there.

Cano's been hitting lately actually. But you know who you didn't list? Jeter, Matsui, A-Rod and Posada, the hitters who were lined up. The Yanks were given a man on first and no outs and their best hitters lined up and as a result of Torre's idiocy only ONE BATTER got a chance to hit.

[JPMNICK]

Cano's been hitting lately actually. But you know who you didn't list? Jeter, Matsui, A-Rod and Posada, the hitters who were lined up. The Yanks were given a man on first and no outs and their best hitters lined up and as a result of Torre's idiocy only ONE BATTER got a chance to hit.

I agree. You only play small ball with the 7-9 hitters, not with 2 hitters batting over .350 on the season and the ML leader in homeruns.

[Bulldogcakes]

God I hate the term "clogging up the bases." You are not going to have a lineup full of speedsters, the object when you are batting is to get on base. Giambi does that. If the rest of the team is hitting it doesn't matter how slow Giambi is. I'll take Giambi over some .330 OBP guy who can make his outs close.

And another Torre gripe from today. Abreu gets a lead off walk one inning. So you got a man on first, no one out and your best hitters coming up starting with a red hot Jeter. So what do you do? He sac bunts Jeter like a fucking mongoloid. Sac your best hitter at the moment. Great idea fuckwad. Unfortunately he screws up the bunt and can't even move the runner forward. So you've wasted you best hitter for nothing. But let's make it worse! He hit and runs with Matsui who hits a line drive right at an infielder whcih leads to a double play and you've pissed away an inning. Bravo.

At least he didn't take out Wang after 40 pitches, even though Proctor needed work.

The object of THE GAME is to score runs, and Giambi cant score from 2nd on a single. Its a joke. His walks contribute more to LOB than Runs scored. One CF doesn't give you a lineup full of anything, but can help diversify your attack. The more diverse your attack, the more ways you have to score runs. Have you seen the way this 3 run HR bunch goes quiet in the post season? That's what I'm trying to address. I also think there's something to be said for distracting a pitcher, the old "Rickey Henderson" effect. Also, for defensive purposes having a speedster in CF can turn alot of doubles into outs. Defense up the middle is how you build a good team.

I'm surprised nobody brought up replacing Abreau's arm in Left with Damon's, which was my main reservation about it. I'd really prefer Melky there, if he can just get his bat going. If not, he might be a career 4th OF.

BTW-Jeter bunts on his own. I also cringed when he did it.

[Bulldogcakes]

Some interesting tidbits (http://www.nj.com/columns/ledger/graziano/index.ssf?/base/columns-0/1180240107218120.xml&coll=1&thispage=3)

2. Carlos Zambrano, RHP, Cubs. He may not, actually, turn out to be a free agent, if the Cubs' ownership situation clears up enough to get his five-year, $85 million contract done. But in the meantime, Zambrano had a 5.61 ERA, 43 strikeouts and 31 walks in his first 61 innings of the year. Some who have watched him throw wonder if he's short-arming his delivery and hiding an injury. If he's hurt, he's not likely to improve soon.

WHAT WE'RE HEARING

# That if the Orioles fire manager Sam Perlozzo, they might fire pitching coach Leo Mazzone, too. Mazzone turned down the Yankees and signed with Baltimore for the 2006 season in large part because he and Perlozzo are childhood friends. The feeling is that, with Perlozzo gone, Mazzone would be miserable and the team wouldn't want him around. But Mazzone has about $750,000 left on a contract that runs through 2008, so that complicates matters.



BTW- I totally fucked up on Corey Patterson. Forget about him. I always get him and Carl Crawford confused for some reason.

[Bulldogcakes]

Well, dont I look like Kreskin (http://www.newsday.com/sports/printedition/ny-spken275232337may27,0,303696.column?coll=ny-sports-print)


If the Rangers deal Teixeira in July, they'll be giving their trade partner a year and a half of the switch-hitting slugger, which would raise Texas' asking price. Perhaps the Yankees, suddenly replete with pitching prospects and lacking an everyday first baseman, would bite. Or the Red Sox, or Teixeira's hometown Orioles.

Or the two Southern California teams, as both the Dodgers and Angels (the Rangers' AL West neighbors) need offense and have rich farm systems.


Another source (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/)


So its not a straight rental. But it seems he will be made available, at the right price.
The Dodgers have Nomar at 1B, so I don't see that happening unless he goes to 3B, and I'm not sure he can play there anymore. Bill Stonemam of the Angels never makes any deals unless he's screwing the other team, so the Yanks should have no problem outbidding them. I think the Red Sox are happy with Youkilis (AVG .352 / OBP .432), and they're so far in front they have no big need to make a deal. So it is a real possibility if they can clear out the logjam at First and match up with what Texas needs, which is always pitching.

[HBox]

The object of THE GAME is to score runs, and Giambi cant score from 2nd on a single. Its a joke. His walks contribute more to LOB than Runs scored. One CF doesn't give you a lineup full of anything, but can help diversify your attack. The more diverse your attack, the more ways you have to score runs. Have you seen the way this 3 run HR bunch goes quiet in the post season? That's what I'm trying to address. I also think there's something to be said for distracting a pitcher, the old "Rickey Henderson" effect. Also, for defensive purposes having a speedster in CF can turn alot of doubles into outs. Defense up the middle is how you build a good team.

I'm surprised nobody brought up replacing Abreau's arm in Left with Damon's, which was my main reservation about it. I'd really prefer Melky there, if he can just get his bat going. If not, he might be a career 4th OF.

BTW-Jeter bunts on his own. I also cringed when he did it.

Firstly, Giambi is a 1B/DH. Those are not speed positions. You are definitely not going to find anyone who has speed playing those positions so you can forget about the Rickey Henderson effect. If someone had speed they'd be playing a different position in the first place. So anyone you'd find to replace Giambi would only have a marginal speed advantage.

Secondly, you can't score if you don't get on base in the first place. (Maybe I should have said 'The name of the game is hit the ball, catch the ball, get the fucking job done.") I don't care how much speed you have. Doug Mientkievicz is faster than Giambi and this team would be much worse if he would replace him.

One thing I missed in that original post. Corey Patterson is the most exciting to you? WHAT?! He's batting .225! He has a career OBP under .300! Like Cano he swings at everything but unlike Cano he can't for shit! He's awful! Speed can't go into slumps, but Patterson's bat has never been in anything but a slump.

And as for the Teixeira thing, there's been talk of that since the last trading deadline. That's a move worth making. While the farm system is much improved and among the best in the league it is deficient in one area: hitters. It's loaded with good pitching talent but only has one top level hitter who's nowhere near being ready (Tabata) and not much else. And what else there is is nowhere near being ready either.

If they can spin some prospects off to Texas they should. Hopefully they have enough to get him without trading Clippard or some of the high ceiling lower level prospects. But they won't be the only bidders.

[HBox]

Anger....... rising.

[HBox]

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I hate you Torre. There wasn't a better pitcher on the field than Mussina today you stupid fuck.

[Bulldogcakes]

Find a new way to lose every day.

[Crippler]

Wow, Torre booed all the way to the dugout. Can't say I disagree with the sentiment, but a little surprised to see it happen. If not for the Roger's-a-coming factor, I wouldn't be shocked to see him lose his job on Tuesday.

[Doctor Z]

Joe Torre is now single-handedly losing games for the Yankees.

I wish Steinbrenner wasn't so fucking senile that he can't see the horrific decisions this manager is making on a daily basis. As the Yankees get further and further into burying themselves in sub .500 territory, George continues to say that Torre's job is "safe." Why?

[TheGameHHH]

this is seriously heartbreaking

[Bulldogcakes]

Firstly, Giambi is a 1B/DH. Those are not speed positions. You are definitely not going to find anyone who has speed playing those positions so you can forget about the Rickey Henderson effect. If someone had speed they'd be playing a different position in the first place. So anyone you'd find to replace Giambi would only have a marginal speed advantage.

Secondly, you can't score if you don't get on base in the first place. (Maybe I should have said 'The name of the game is hit the ball, catch the ball, get the fucking job done.") I don't care how much speed you have. Doug Mientkievicz is faster than Giambi and this team would be much worse if he would replace him.



I was talking about CF for speed. I dont know how you could have got CF and 1B confused from what I posted.

You can get on base all you want, if you don't score its meaningless. Lets be honest, Giambi is a one trick pony and he hurts the team with everything he does when he's not at the plate. He's not a winning ballplayer, unless you have him as a pure #4 hitter, and he walks to much to ever be that. At his age, I'm not even sure he can produce enough anymore to be worth his liabilities on a good team.

One thing I missed in that original post. Corey Patterson is the most exciting to you? WHAT?! He's batting .225! He has a career OBP under .300! Like Cano he swings at everything but unlike Cano he can't for shit! He's awful! Speed can't go into slumps, but Patterson's bat has never been in anything but a slump.

You did see this, didn't you?

BTW- I totally fucked up on Corey Patterson. Forget about him. I always get him and Carl Crawford confused for some reason.

[Dudeman]

torre is saving his pitchers for later in the season... like the playoffs

playoffs?? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qwq7BYOnDrM)

[HBox]

Wow, Torre booed all the way to the dugout. Can't say I disagree with the sentiment, but a little surprised to see it happen. If not for the Roger's-a-coming factor, I wouldn't be shocked to see him lose his job on Tuesday.

As pissed as I am with Torre I felt bad for him when that happened. Than I realized I felt the same way when teenagers pick on old people. Then I realized that Grandpa shouldn't be managing the Yanks in the first place.

[Bulldogcakes]

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I hate you Torre. There wasn't a better pitcher on the field than Mussina today you stupid fuck.

You know Joe, always riding the hot hand and cares more about winning ballgames than anything else.


Oh wait. Thats the anti-Joe. Never mind.

[Doctor Z]

I'm sick to my stomach. BACK-TO-BACK very good pitching performances, COMPLETELY FUCKING WASTED. I am SICK of this!

TORRE OUT, NOW!!!
WE'VE HAD ENOUGH! THE FANS FUCKING UNANIMOUSLY DEMAND IT!

[Fallon]

Is Torre trying to get fired?

[Bulldogcakes]

Wow, Torre booed all the way to the dugout. Can't say I disagree with the sentiment, but a little surprised to see it happen. If not for the Roger's-a-coming factor, I wouldn't be shocked to see him lose his job on Tuesday.

Don't hold your breath. Steinbrenner said this week his job is safe, and my hope of this season ever turning around went out the window with that interview. There's no point anymore in jumping all over Torre.

[HBox]

I was talking about CF for speed. I dont know how you could have got CF and 1B confused from what I posted.

You can get on base all you want, if you don't score its meaningless. Lets be honest, Giambi is a one trick pony and he hurts the team with everything he does when he's not at the plate. He's not a winning ballplayer, unless you have him as a pure #4 hitter, and he walks to much to ever be that. At his age, I'm not even sure he can produce enough anymore to be worth his liabilities on a good team.



You did see this, didn't you?

The key to scoring runs is OBP. It's that simple.

Click here. (http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_2006.shtml)

You might notice something. A bunch of teams with high OBP and low amounts of steals at the top of the list, and teams with low OBP and lots of steals at the bottom. It's a ranking of the highest scoring teams in the AL last year. This is not an aberration.

S (http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_2005.shtml)ee also here. (http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_2005.shtml)

And here. (http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_2004.shtml)

And here. (http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_2004.shtml)

And here. (http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_2002.shtml)

And here. (http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_2002.shtml)

And here. (http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_2001.shtml)

Sometimes the highest scoring teams have a lot steals. they ALWAYS have high OBP.

[cougarjake13]

Joe Torre is now single-handedly losing games for the Yankees.

I wish Steinbrenner wasn't so fucking senile that he can't see the horrific decisions this manager is making on a daily basis. As the Yankees get further and further into burying themselves in sub .500 territory, George continues to say that Torre's job is "safe." Why?

senility ???

[HBox]

Look at this. John Lackey. Pitching well. Over a hundred pitches. Still pitching. I've.... I've never seen this before! This is amazing! Shouldn't his arm fall off or shouldn't he collapse in exhaustion or something?