2009 New York Yankees Season Discussion

[TheGameHHH]

Also, heres something I'm curious about. Why does Cano continue to bat below Giambi? Even though Cano hasn't been on fire he's pretty much a .300 hitter where Giambi is not. Why not try and get Cano on and then use Giambi for his "power" after him?

[whiskyriver]

Where did all your fans go???? It looked like a Dodgers game on tv.:huh:

[Knowledged_one]

Well tonight starts what could be the sinking below .500 mark for the birds, but they have been coming back from deficits all year, and i bet if you were to check no team hits Rivera better then the Orioles

[TheGameHHH]

Anybody watching this game on the Baltimore affiliate? Is one of their announcers one of the old ESPN hockey announcers? Gary Thorne or Bill Clement i can never remember which one is which?

[TheGameHHH]

Nevermind, it is Gary Thorne.

[HBox]

Also, heres something I'm curious about. Why does Cano continue to bat below Giambi? Even though Cano hasn't been on fire he's pretty much a .300 hitter where Giambi is not. Why not try and get Cano on and then use Giambi for his "power" after him?

Giambi will typically have a MUCH higher OBP/

[Bulldogcakes]

Also, heres something I'm curious about. Why does Cano continue to bat below Giambi? Even though Cano hasn't been on fire he's pretty much a .300 hitter where Giambi is not. Why not try and get Cano on and then use Giambi for his "power" after him?

He tried Cano at the top of the lineup and it wasn't working. Cano wasn't hitting, and the teams couldn't afford it with the way they weren't scoring any runs in the first few weeks of the season.

Cano can be streaky. He tends to start out slow and then will go on a tear for months at a time. Look at his monthly splits (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?playerId=6204&type=batting&year=2007). He starts out slow every year and then heats up later on. I think Girardi wants to bat him 3rd or 5th, but is waiting for him to get going with the bat.

[TheGameHHH]

Giambi will typically have a MUCH higher OBP/

What good is OBP when your significantly slower than Cano? Like, wouldn't Cano's speed in a sense cancel out the fact that the only thing Giambi brings to the table is his OBP? The line-up just doesnt make sense to me.

[TheGameHHH]

He tried Cano at the top of the lineup and it wasn't working. Cano wasn't hitting, and the teams couldn't afford it with the way they weren't scoring any runs in the first few weeks of the season.

Cano can be streaky. He tends to start out slow and then will go on a tear for months at a time. Look at his monthly splits (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?playerId=6204&type=batting&year=2007). He starts out slow every year and then heats up later on. I think Girardi wants to bat him 3rd or 5th, but is waiting for him to get going with the bat.

Well, obviously Cano isn't a 7 hitter. So as long as he eventually moves up then I really have no beef with it then. I'm just tired of seeing Giambi's worthless bat in the line-up.

[Bulldogcakes]

Our reliever with the world's best MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/edwarramirez) is back.

[Bulldogcakes]

What good is OBP when your significantly slower than Cano? Like, wouldn't Cano's speed in a sense cancel out the fact that the only thing Giambi brings to the table is his OBP? The line-up just doesnt make sense to me.

Cano's really not very fast. People seem to think that since he's young and Dominican, he should run like Jose Reyes. He's actually one of the slower guys on the team. Not Giambi slow, but Jason's running much better this year now that his foot plantar is healed. And as H said he has a much better career OBP.

I know Giambi hasn't done much yet, but he still has by FAR the best batting eye on the team. It's not even close. Look at his front shoulder during his AB's and how quickly he determines what the pitcher threw and where it will be. It's amazing how fast and how accurately he picks up pitches. He rarely strikes out, and walks a ton. He just has a freakishly good batting eye. You want a guy like him to pass the baton, if nothing else.

[TheGameHHH]

Cano's really not very fast. People seem to think that since he's young and Dominican, he should run like Jose Reyes. He's actually one of the slower guys on the team. Not Giambi slow, but Jason's running much better this year now that his foot plantar is healed. And as H said he has a much better career OBP.

I know Giambi hasn't done much yet, but he still has by FAR the best batting eye on the team. It's not even close. Look at his front shoulder during his AB's and how quickly he determines what the pitcher threw and where it will be. It's amazing how fast and how accurately he picks up pitches. He rarely strikes out, and walks a ton. He just has a freakishly good batting eye. You want a guy like him to pass the baton, if nothing else.

I know Cano isn't very fast but he's not a slug on the base paths like Giambi is. When I saw Giambi a few days ago in Tampa he was batting .097 (it's a whopping .122 right now as i type this) and i think he finished last year at .214. So the fact that he has a good eye and draws walks earns him millions of dollars and the 5th spot in the Yankees line-up. It's just aggravating to me, thats all. I can draw walks and hit under .100 in the majors, why cant i do his job?

[TheGameHHH]

I do like that Girardi listened to me tonight and decided to bat Cano ahead of Giambi.

[Bulldogcakes]

I know Cano isn't very fast but he's not a slug on the base paths like Giambi is. When I saw Giambi a few days ago in Tampa he was batting .097 (it's a whopping .122 right now as i type this) and i think he finished last year at .214. So the fact that he has a good eye and draws walks earns him millions of dollars and the 5th spot in the Yankees line-up. It's just aggravating to me, thats all. I can draw walks and hit under .100 in the majors, why cant i do his job?

He was hurt last year and Torre kept running him out there when he should have been on the DL. In the beginning of last year when he was healthy, he produced. Giambi's just always been a slow starter. And maybe you haven't noticed but he's been hitting the ball hard, just in bad luck. But he still helps the team when he's not hitting by drawing walks.

[TheGameHHH]

He was hurt last year and Torre kept running him out there when he should have been on the DL. In the beginning of last year when he was healthy, he produced. Giambi's just always been a slow starter. And maybe you haven't noticed but he's been hitting the ball hard, just in bad luck. But he still helps the team when he's not hitting by drawing walks.

Come on man, dont pin that shit on Torre. You think Giambi went to him and said, 'Coach, i cant go today please keep me on the bench' and Torre decided to trot him out there anyway? It was clearly Giambi's fault for playing as much as it was Torre's. If a player tells you he can go, you let him play (except in very few circumstances)

[Kevin]

Come on man, dont pin that shit on Torre. You think Giambi went to him and said, 'Coach, i cant go today please keep me on the bench' and Torre decided to trot him out there anyway? It was clearly Giambi's fault for playing as much as it was Torre's. If a player tells you he can go, you let him play (except in very few circumstances)

When are you going to realize that everything wrong with the world is Torre's fault??

Iraq War, Torre's fault.

Economy being down- Torre's fault

Mussina Grooving 4 meatballs to Ramirez- Torre's fault

Girardi allowing him to do it, Torre's fault.

Arod k'ing ing big spots...

[Bulldogcakes]

Come on man, dont pin that shit on Torre. You think Giambi went to him and said, 'Coach, i cant go today please keep me on the bench' and Torre decided to trot him out there anyway? It was clearly Giambi's fault for playing as much as it was Torre's. If a player tells you he can go, you let him play (except in very few circumstances)

Players always think they can play, its the managers job to decide whether or not they can help the team. Anyone who was watching him last May knew he couldn't run or hit, he was 0-40 or something. He was useless, and the team was struggling. Who makes out the lineup card, Giambi?

[TheGameHHH]

Players always think they can play, its the managers job to decide whether or not they can help the team. Anyone who was watching him last May knew he couldn't run or hit, he was 0-40 or something. He was useless, and the team was struggling. Who makes out the lineup card, Giambi?

Just like its the managers job NOT to listen to Moose and instead opt to walk Manny?

Yes, a player will always tell you he can play. But I'm not blaming one side or the other, as I said before it was just as much Torre's fault as it was Giambi's, but the blame doesnt rest solely on Joe, I'm sorry.

[Bulldogcakes]

Just like its the managers job NOT to listen to Moose and instead opt to walk Manny?


When did I or anyone else defend Girardi on that one? He got crushed for that, and rightfully so.

[Bulldogcakes]

When are you going to realize that everything wrong with the world is Torre's fault??

Iraq War, Torre's fault.

Economy being down- Torre's fault

Mussina Grooving 4 meatballs to Ramirez- Torre's fault

Girardi allowing him to do it, Torre's fault.

Arod k'ing ing big spots...


Kevin's not getting any laughs for this post-Torre's fault.

[Bulldogcakes]

I know what's wrong with Phil. Hughes needs to throw more fastballs, and every one of them should be 91 MPH. That will totally confuse the hitters.

Oh wait . . . never mind.

[Bulldogcakes]

Good job by Edwar. He looks different than he did last year. He seems to have a 2 seamer and a 4 seamer now, and he can throw the change for strikes when he wants to. Last year I only saw the 4 seamer, and the change was usually out of the zone. Very nice.

It's critical for him to get ahead of hitters so he can put them away with the change. His new look could be his ticket to the bigs. Hope so, I'm rooting for him and LOVE his swing and miss ability out of the pen.

[Dan 'Hampton]

When are you going to realize that everything wrong with the world is Torre's fault??

Iraq War, Torre's fault.

Economy being down- Torre's fault

Mussina Grooving 4 meatballs to Ramirez- Torre's fault

Girardi allowing him to do it, Torre's fault.

Arod k'ing ing big spots...

You forgot 4 WS titles.... Torre's fault.

[Kevin]

You forgot 4 WS titles.... Torre's fault.

What? Get with the program! That was not Torre. That was Don Zimmer. He and his helmet stormed through baseball like General Patton. When he left, so did the titles.

THIS
http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/Ssport/ZIMMPHU0008001~Don-Zimmer-1999-World-Series-Parade-Celebration-With-Helmet-Posters.jpg

IS A REAL MAN!!!

[Doctor Z]

If Hughes and Kennedy turn out to be bombs all season long, and we don't make playoffs because we only have 2 legitimate starters, Brian Cashman's job needs to be on the line. It's his job to put a winning team on the field. I can't blame this on Girardi. The only glaring mistake he's made thus far is having Moose pitch to Manny with 1st base open. Other than that, I think he's done a fine job... but our pitching quite simply FUCKING SUCKS. Cashman's PROMISE that Hughes and Kennedy would be more valuable to the Yankees than Johan Santana (which I COMPLETELY BOUGHT INTO), is turning out to be complete bullshit. And if it costs us the 2008 season, he can't keep his job, as that is too epic a fail.

[TheGameHHH]

If Hughes and Kennedy turn out to be bombs all season long, and we don't make playoffs because we only have 2 legitimate starters, Brian Cashman's job needs to be on the line. It's his job to put a winning team on the field. I can't blame this on Girardi. The only glaring mistake he's made thus far is having Moose pitch to Manny with 1st base open. Other than that, I think he's done a fine job... but our pitching quite simply FUCKING SUCKS. Cashman's PROMISE that Hughes and Kennedy would be more valuable to the Yankees than Johan Santana (which I COMPLETELY BOUGHT INTO), is turning out to be complete bullshit. And if it costs us the 2008 season, he can't keep his job, as that is too epic a fail.

Are you serious? Hughes is the youngest pitcher in the majors right now and kennedy is 23, youre asking these college aged kids to lead the New York Yankees to the playoffs in their first full seasons and if they dont make it its the GMs fault?!?!?! I seriously can not believe I just read everything you said. Cashman himself said there will be growing pains in this process and this might be the year they have to take one small step backwards in order to take 2 giant steps forward. I'm willing to wait AT LEAST two seasons to see what these kids have, over time (which needs to be a long enough sample size) Cashman thinks not getting Santana makes sense and I gotta agree with him. If you wanna go back to the days of handing out 120 million to the Giambis and kevin Browns of the baseball world then good luck. I'm staying here on the farm and hoping we have something special in these kids, and im willing to wait more then their first 30 games in the majors to see it happen.

[Knowledged_one]

Are you serious? Hughes is the youngest pitcher in the majors right now and kennedy is 23, youre asking these college aged kids to lead the New York Yankees to the playoffs in their first full seasons and if they dont make it its the GMs fault?!?!?! I seriously can not believe I just read everything you said. Cashman himself said there will be growing pains in this process and this might be the year they have to take one small step backwards in order to take 2 giant steps forward. I'm willing to wait AT LEAST two seasons to see what these kids have, over time (which needs to be a long enough sample size) Cashman thinks not getting Santana makes sense and I gotta agree with him. If you wanna go back to the days of handing out 120 million to the Giambis and kevin Browns of the baseball world then good luck. I'm staying here on the farm and hoping we have something special in these kids, and im willing to wait more then their first 30 games in the majors to see it happen.

first still room on the o s bandwagon even for yankee fans , giambi sux healthy or hurt, cano is overrated and now fat and happy with his contract.0and the game is right this year is about experience for the young pitchers and hate to tell you all but the yanks are not a playoff team they simply dont have a lot of talent just high priced bums

[Kevin]

Hank is Awesome! He told the Pope GET OFF MY LAWN!

He is not allowed to drive the Pope Mobile tomorrow in grass at the stadium.

[Bossanova]

Farnsworth suspended 3 games for Manny pitch

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3354494

[Epschtein]

^i was just about to post that, its a little excessive imo, i dont think he meant to head hunt, and he didnt even hit him. they are sending a message to keep that shit below the ribs tho i guess.

[Bulldogcakes]

^i was just about to post that, its a little excessive imo, i dont think he meant to head hunt, and he didnt even hit him. they are sending a message to keep that shit below the ribs tho i guess.

Joba missed Youklis last year (OK, twice) and got suspended as well.

Of course if you hit A-Rod in the back the night before, or send 2 Yankees to the hospital, you get no suspension. That's just good old fashioned baseball. Watson is a joke, he gives Johnny Gomes 2 games for running out of the OF and tackling Shelly Duncan (caught on video) and gives Melky 3 games for something that anyone who watched the tape cant find anything. Explain that one to me.

[Bulldogcakes]

If Hughes and Kennedy turn out to be bombs all season long, and we don't make playoffs because we only have 2 legitimate starters, Brian Cashman's job needs to be on the line. It's his job to put a winning team on the field. I can't blame this on Girardi. The only glaring mistake he's made thus far is having Moose pitch to Manny with 1st base open. Other than that, I think he's done a fine job... but our pitching quite simply FUCKING SUCKS. Cashman's PROMISE that Hughes and Kennedy would be more valuable to the Yankees than Johan Santana (which I COMPLETELY BOUGHT INTO), is turning out to be complete bullshit. And if it costs us the 2008 season, he can't keep his job, as that is too epic a fail.

Z, relax. It's April. Cashman's job isn't in any jeapordy, not according to Hank and Hal. It's possible they might both be bad all year, but I think thats unlikely. They both have too much brains and talent and have been getting too many hitters out at every other level. If one of them totally fails, Joba takes his spot in the rotation. If more than one do or you want to add Mussina, then you look at other guys like Alan Horne or try to swing a deal at the trade deadline. But the Yanks still have a great bullpen and a great lineup. THey'll figure out how to win their fair share of games. If they miss the playoffs this year, they're still on the right track long term.

And as bad as Hughes numbers look, if you watch him closely you'd know that he's very close. His control is excellent, his stuff is outstanding. He's just pitching-not even pitching THROWING like a rookie who's trying too hard. He just needs to settle in and relax a bit. I also want to see him working with Posada or Molina. I thought Moeller was calling for way too many fastballs or letting Phil throw way more than he should have. Having your regular catchers behind the plate will fix that part immediately.

I'm with HHH, if we have to take a step back this year I'll live with it. They tried to patch up the dynasty with veteran retreads for the past 6 years and it got them nowhere. I love what they're doing and am willing to live with the results this year. I really don't think there is an alternative.

[Bulldogcakes]

Another thing about the Santana bullshit. First off, the reported Twins final offer to the Yanks was WANG, Kennedy and Melky + for Santana. So our rotation is Santana, Pettite, Hughes, Mussina, and ??? Joba? Then who's pitching the 8th, Farnsworth? Who's playing CF, spaghetti-arm Damon? It was a stupid deal to make. They would have traded away more wins than they would have got back in return. Huge net minus for the club, no matter how good Johan would have been.

That deal is also about 50 times more than they ended up getting from the Mets. Now think for a second. Why would they want so much more from the Yanks than the Mets? To be spiteful? No, this is a business. The only reasonable explanation is Polad didn't want to deal him in the AL, not unless they got absolutely blown away. Cashman sensed this early and thats why they very publicly pulled out of the negotiations. He knew they weren't willing to make a fair deal with them. You don't pull out so quickly and so publicly unless you smell a rat.

Second, the Yanks feel (and I agree) that in a few years Hughes will be entering the prime of his career just as Johan will be in decline. Its the type of deal where you can look bad for the first few years, but the franchise is much better off in the long run. Haven't we seen enough overpaid, under performing, declining pitchers and hitters around here lately? They tried for 6 years patching up the dynasty with veterans, and it lead nowhere. Anyone who's paying attention knows that.

[Doctor Z]

Wow, Girardi looked fucking PISSED during that visit to the mound. He basically was looking straight at the ground while he firmly said something to Kennedy, then went back into the dugout and started pacing and biting his fingernails. He's starting to feel the pressure. This bogus pitching staff is sending him to the bullpen by the 4th or 5th inning every single night.

[Doctor Z]

Welp... another starter who couldn't get out of the 3rd. Our bullpen is gonna be so taxed, we're gonna need to restock it by the second half of the season. Our pen might as well just start the games.

[Doctor Z]

A-Rod clearly needs to make an adjustment in his swing, because literally every out he's making lately is that patented sky high infield pop-up.

[Kevin]

A-Rod clearly needs to make an adjustment in his swing, because literally every out he's making lately is that patented sky high infield pop-up.

Arod needs another contract year to give a shit about.

[cougarjake13]

i know the players union would never allow it but i'd love to see players get paid after the season based on that years performance

[Doctor Z]

How 'bout we do it football style... You suck, you're cut.

[Kevin]

How 'bout we do it football style... You suck, you're cut.

We would just give them 50mil signing bonuses.

[Doctor Z]

Wow, that post game with Girardi was really tense and uncomfortable. 19 games into the season and it already looks like he's ready to punch a wall. He sounded flat out pissed, appeared very anxious, and basically chewed out a couple of reporters. Pretty big difference from 'Ole Calm Joe that we've all been accustomed to for the last 12 years.

[BoondockSaint]

Girardi answers questions like a real man.

[Kevin]

Girardi answers questions like a real man.

Damn straight.

[cougarjake13]

i see logic has prevailed and the thread title has changed

[Doctor Z]

What was it before? I didn't even notice.

[Snacks]

yanks are looking good! They were smart to keep the young guys instead of trading for the best pitcher in baseball!

[TheGameHHH]

I love how Girardi made them come into camp in shape this season so they would not only be healthy but it would also translate into a more potent offense. If they put up another doughnut today im personally flying to Chicago and punching every one of them in the face.

[cougarjake13]

What was it before? I didn't even notice.

it said 2008 yanks thread (reg season edition)

[Snoogans]

yanks are looking good! They were smart to keep the young guys instead of trading for the best pitcher in baseball!

we never woulda let them have Beckett

[Doctor Z]

What a nice change of pace to have an actual pitcher on the mound today.

[TheGameHHH]

What a nice change of pace to have an actual pitcher on the mound today.

dude, we get that 2 out of every 5 days, i dont know what youre complaining about. 40% of the time is enough for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tenbatsuzen]

yanks are looking good! They were smart to keep the young guys instead of trading for the best pitcher in baseball!

If Hughes and Kennedy are as advertised, this would have been 100x worse than Kazmeier for Zambrano.

[TheGameHHH]

I LOVE have Giambi in the line-up everyday, hes just such a big help. Especially his abiliity to drive runs in with the bases loaded.

[Doctor Z]

Wow... Could Giambi be killing this team's offense any more blatantly? Bases loaded, 1 out, Trachsel can't throw a strike, and he grounds into a double play? He's approaching a .100 batting avg.

[Doctor Z]

That's why I love Pettitte. He starts to feel the pressure and he kicks it up a notch. Big spot for a K.

[Doctor Z]

7 scoreless from Andy. Just what we needed.

[Doctor Z]

That video-gamey tune in this Dodge Journey commercial is extremely addictive. Anyone know who does it?

* EDIT: Googled it and it was the first thing that came up. "Sun Is Out" by The Apples In Stereo.

* EDIT AGAIN: Okay, so after downloading that song, it turns out that's not the song I was talking about at all.

* EDIT SOME MORE: OH MY GOD, is Mariano SERIOUSLY on the mound with a 6-run lead in the pouring rain?! WHAT?! Has Girardi officially snapped?

* EDIT x4: The name of the song is "A.M. 180" by Grandaddy.

* EDIT Fifty-Five: Penis.

[BoondockSaint]

Was Girardi really going to send Mariano out there in the pouring rain and muddy mound in a 6 run game?

[Bulldogcakes]

7 scoreless from Andy. Just what we needed.

Somehow Andy is able to get guys out throwing 86-88 MPH fastballs.

[Bulldogcakes]

Was Girardi really going to send Mariano out there in the pouring rain and muddy mound in a 6 run game?

I know this is going to sound crazy to a Mets fan, but our manager tells the closer when to pitch. Not the other way around. :wink:

[Kevin]

Somehow Andy is able to get guys out throwing 86-88 MPH fastballs.

Location and movement.

[Bulldogcakes]

Hank comments on the rotation (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/21/sports/baseball/21pins.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin)

He wants Joba Chamberlain, the Yankees’ hard-throwing setup man, to move into the rotation.

“I want him as a starter and so does everyone else, including him, and that is what we are working toward and we need him there now,” Steinbrenner said Sunday by telephone. “There is no question about it, you don’t have a guy with a 100-mile-per-hour fastball and keep him as a setup guy. You just don’t do that. You have to be an idiot to do that.”

[Bulldogcakes]

WasWatching (http://waswatching.com/2008/04/19/giambis-batting-skill-worthless-yanks-should-cut-him/)

Note the difference for Giambi against Power and Finesse pitchers:

Power PA BA OBP SLG BAbip
2008 35 .037 .229 .037 .048
2007 84 .176 .333 .206 .293
2006 122 .157 .369 .348 .153

Finesse PA BA OBP SLG BAbip
2008 17 .286 .412 .857 .182
2007 70 .281 .400 .561 .239
2006 146 .271 .404 .712 .207

Good article about something we've all probably noticed lately. It used to be he just couldn't hit tough lefties, but now it appears Giambi can't hit any hard throwers, period. He looks pretty overmatched against guys like Beckett, Paps, etc but I didn't know the numbers were this bad.

For those unfamiliar with BABIP, here's a quick breakdown. (http://www.replacementlevel.com/index.php/RLYW/direct/is_jason_giambi_cooked)
Dan Fox, formerly of Baseball Prospectus, has done research that shows that a player’s BABIP typically relates to their line drive percentage, which makes sense since line drives are the most likely types of balls in play to become hits (around 75% of the time). If you add .12 to a player’s line drive percentage you get a rough approximation of what a player’s expected BABIP should be. In Giambi’s case, he’s got a pretty weak 8.3% line drive percentage this season.


Its not surprising at his age and given his health history. I don't agree that they should cut him, but his playing time should be limited by how and where he can help the team.

[Knowledged_one]

Pettite was huge for my fantasy team yesterday

[Knowledged_one]

Joba missed Youklis last year (OK, twice) and got suspended as well.

Of course if you hit A-Rod in the back the night before, or send 2 Yankees to the hospital, you get no suspension. That's just good old fashioned baseball. Watson is a joke, he gives Johnny Gomes 2 games for running out of the OF and tackling Shelly Duncan (caught on video) and gives Melky 3 games for something that anyone who watched the tape cant find anything. Explain that one to me.

Are you joking about Johnny Gomes? He was caught on tape hitting Shelly Duncan after Duncan spiked the 2B when he was out by 15 feet, a day after a clean play at home the day before. At least be realistic with your comments

[BoondockSaint]

I know this is going to sound crazy to a Mets fan, but our manager tells the closer when to pitch. Not the other way around. :wink:

And when he slips on a muddy mound and tears his groin he wouldn't even let him go on the DL. Girardi is a real man.

[Doctor Z]

Just a random note... Giambi is batting .109.

That's the worst in the majors of players averaging 3.1 or more at-bats per game.

Jason Giambi is the worst hitter in baseball.

[Knowledged_one]

Just a random note... Giambi is batting .109.

That's the worst in the majors of players averaging 3.1 or more at-bats per game.

Jason Giambi is the worst hitter in baseball.

at least he comes off the books this year, and i bet he resigns in Oakland for cheap and becomes a monster again

[Kevin]

at least he comes off the books this year, and i bet he resigns in Oakland for cheap and becomes a monster again

Not at his age unless he gets back on the juice.

[Knowledged_one]

Do you guys think the Yanks make a big splash and sign Texieria?

I know a lot of Baltimore fans think he will come back to the hometown after this year but i as a realist see the Yanks ponying up the money and signing him

[Kevin]

Do you guys think the Yanks make a big splash and sign Texieria?

I know a lot of Baltimore fans think he will come back to the hometown after this year but i as a realist see the Yanks ponying up the money and signing him

Oh yea, Texiera will most definitely be target and gone hard after by the Yankees. He is perfect.

[jimmyolsenblues]

i love the yanks, but this pitching won't win the wild card.

[Doctor Z]

The Yankees need to target starting pitching now... desperately.

They are skating by right now without a 3rd, 4th, or 5th starter. Beyond Wang and Pettitte, the Yankees are virtually without pitching. Look at these numbers:

Wang and Pettitte have 6 of our 10 wins. Moose has 1, and the rest belong to the bullpen. Hughes, Kennedy, and Mussina are a combined 1-8 on the season. Between 3 pitchers, in 10 starts, we've gotten ONE WIN. Before targetting a fulltime 1st baseman, we need to get a 3rd starter.

Hey, what's Jon Leiber up to these days?

[Knowledged_one]

The Yankees need to target starting pitching now... desperately.

They are skating by right now without a 3rd, 4th, or 5th starter. Beyond Wang and Pettitte, the Yankees are virtually without pitching. Look at these numbers:

Wang and Pettitte have 6 of our 10 wins. Moose has 1, and the rest belong to the bullpen. Hughes, Kennedy, and Mussina are a combined 1-8 on the season. Between 3 pitchers, in 10 starts, we've gotten ONE WIN. Before targetting a fulltime 1st baseman, we need to get a 3rd starter.

Hey, what's Jon Leiber up to these days?

First you mean they have gotten one win right?

Also your lack of patience with the young pitching is astounding, you are so used to winning that you cant fathom a year of backsliding for the sake of experience. That is alarming that to you it is all about winning now rather then for years to come as the AL East has a ton of young arms that will make this the best division for years to come when you look at Kennedy, Chamberlain and Hughes with teh Yanks, Lester and Buckholz for the Red Sox, Loewen, Liz, Albers and Chris Tillman with the Orioles, you have McGowan with the Jays and Kazmir and others with the Rays.

Take a step back and realize that the Yankees arent a playoff caliber team this year because they dont want to empty the cabinet to get Santana or someone else. You should be glad that Cashman is sticking to his guns on this, look how bad the Tigers young pitching was that first year and where they are now. Be objective about your team this year

And this is coming from a guy who hates with venom the Yankees and is a die hard Orioles fan

[Kevin]

The Yankees need to target starting pitching now... desperately.

They are skating by right now without a 3rd, 4th, or 5th starter. Beyond Wang and Pettitte, the Yankees are virtually without pitching. Look at these numbers:

Wang and Pettitte have 6 of our 10 wins. Moose has 1, and the rest belong to the bullpen. Hughes, Kennedy, and Mussina are a combined 1-8 on the season. Between 3 pitchers, in 10 starts, we've gotten ONE WIN. Before targetting a fulltime 1st baseman, we need to get a 3rd starter.

Hey, what's Jon Leiber up to these days?

What about Johan Santana.. Oh wait...

[Doctor Z]

oohhh... right. Yeahhhh.... about that...

[Kevin]

Omar was ready and willing to take a chance on him.. He is a real man!

[BoondockSaint]

I love Hank so much.

[Doctor Z]

Real men suck at baseball.

[foodcourtdruide]

Hank Steinbrenner's comments make me dislike him more and more. He has a near delusional view of the world and he's even more annoying than his father. If he makes baseball decisions the Yankees will be a non-playoff team for a very long time.

Right now you are desperate for a set-up man more than another young pitcher. If you think it is a LOCK that Joba will go into the starting rotation and pitch similar to his relief work then you really don't know much about baseball. The risk you are imposing moving him to the starting rotation combined with the loss of an extremely effective set-up man in a weak bullpen is not worth moving him!

Pettite is pitching great, Wang is Wang and you have 2 kids that everyone had faith in 3 weeks ago.

FYI, I'm a Mets fan, but I try to look at things impartially.

[TheGameHHH]

Hank Steinbrenner's comments make me dislike him more and more. He has a near delusional view of the world and he's even more annoying than his father. If he makes baseball decisions the Yankees will be a non-playoff team for a very long time.

Right now you are desperate for a set-up man more than another young pitcher. If you think it is a LOCK that Joba will go into the starting rotation and pitch similar to his relief work then you really don't know much about baseball. The risk you are imposing moving him to the starting rotation combined with the loss of an extremely effective set-up man in a weak bullpen is not worth moving him!

Pettite is pitching great, Wang is Wang and you have 2 kids that everyone had faith in 3 weeks ago.

FYI, I'm a Mets fan, but I try to look at things impartially.

I'm obviously a Yankees fan and I'm not sure how much more of Hank I can take. Comments like these not only disturb the fans but also the inner workings of the Yanks. You think Cashman appreciates being called out like this in the infancy stages of a long term plan he has set up? Abraham said on his blog today that if Cashman is GM somewhere else next year we should all remember this day and I agree with him. It's almost like Hank is trying to drag this franchise down but since he's part of the ownership he can do whatever he wants and that sucks.

[JPMNICK]

Hank is a complete dick. it is almost like he has no idea how pitching works.

[BoondockSaint]

Are they selling "I (heart) Hank" shirts yet? I'd love to get one.

[Dan 'Hampton]

I want that shirt too. i'll wear it to the stadium when i go.

[TheMojoPin]

Poor Girardi.

Out of the frying pan of one big, fat, obnoxious monster-owner and into the Hank-fire.

[Bulldogcakes]

Are you joking about Johnny Gomes? He was caught on tape hitting Shelly Duncan after Duncan spiked the 2B when he was out by 15 feet, a day after a clean play at home the day before. At least be realistic with your comments

Are you saying Gomes deserved no suspension for running out of Right field and tackling an opposing player, Mr Reality? He deserved the same punishment that Duncan got. At least Duncan could try to claim his spiking was unintentional (nobody would believe it) but Gomes can't claim he unintentionally ran out of the outfield and tackled someone. And usually in sports its the guys who retaliate who get punished most, like what happened with Duncan and yesterday with Farnsworth. But in Gomes case he got less, which is further evidence that Bob Watson is a joke. I guess Gomes is allowed to defend his teammates while Duncan and Farnsworth aren't. Or at least, its not as bad when he does it.

And the question that I asked, which you never answered, was to explain to me what Melky did to deserve more than Gomes. Nobody ever got an explanation on that one.

[Bulldogcakes]

For those who've decided the young pitchers are flops, I have a few stats for you

#1 2000 AL Age 21 W 2 L 3 ERA 6.49 (http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/S/johan-santana.shtml)

#2 Age 20 W 2 L 4 ERA 5.52
Age 21 W 6 L 14 ERA 5.61 (http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/M/Greg-Maddux.shtml)

#3 Age 21 W 2 L 7 ERA 5.48 (http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/S/John-Smoltz.shtml)

#4 Age 25 W 0 L 4 ERA 6.67 (http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/J/Randy-Johnson.shtml)

Click the stats to get the names of the mystery pitchers. In each case, it was their first year in the league, just like Kennedy and Hughes. Don't give up yet.

[cougarjake13]

For those who've decided the young pitchers are flops, I have a few stats for you

#1 2000 AL Age 21 W 2 L 3 ERA 6.49 (http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/S/johan-santana.shtml)

#2 Age 20 W 2 L 4 ERA 5.52
Age 21 W 6 L 14 ERA 5.61 (http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/M/Greg-Maddux.shtml)

#3 Age 21 W 2 L 7 ERA 5.48 (http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/S/John-Smoltz.shtml)

#4 Age 25 W 0 L 4 ERA 6.67 (http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/J/Randy-Johnson.shtml)

Click the stats to get the names of the mystery pitchers. In each case, it was their first year in the league, just like Kennedy and Hughes. Don't give up yet.


very interesting

[Knowledged_one]

Are you saying Gomes deserved no suspension for running out of Right field and tackling an opposing player, Mr Reality? He deserved the same punishment that Duncan got. At least Duncan could try to claim his spiking was unintentional (nobody would believe it) but Gomes can't claim he unintentionally ran out of the outfield and tackled someone. And usually in sports its the guys who retaliate who get punished most, like what happened with Duncan and yesterday with Farnsworth. But in Gomes case he got less, which is further evidence that Bob Watson is a joke. I guess Gomes is allowed to defend his teammates while Duncan and Farnsworth aren't. Or at least, its not as bad when he does it.

And the question that I asked, which you never answered, was to explain to me what Melky did to deserve more than Gomes. Nobody ever got an explanation on that one.

I dont watch enough Yankee games to know that, my problem was that you just said that Gomes ran in and tackled Shelly Duncan while leaving out the fact that it was because Duncan had just done a heinous spiking on a player without provocation with clear intent to do harm to the 2B you can at least see your post as not mentinoning that cant you

[TheGameHHH]

HOLY SHIT, not only did Giambi contribute offensively he did it to the opposite field!

[Kevin]

Oh goodie! Another shit pitched game.

[TheGameHHH]

Did anyone just see Swishers bat break on a swing and miss? it was incredible

[Bulldogcakes]

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/images/2007/02/27/uY8isxom.jpg

Es Goooooood!!!!

[Kevin]

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/images/2007/02/27/uY8isxom.jpg

[Doctor Z]

So... 5-run lead. Does Girardi pitch Mariano in the 9th, just for the hell of it?

[FunkyDrummer]

http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/images/2007/04/14/98PTFonD.jpg

[TheGameHHH]

http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/images/2007/04/14/98PTFonD.jpg

And it wouldnt be a true Fransworth inning without letting up at least one jack

[FunkyDrummer]

And it wouldnt be a true Fransworth inning without letting up at least one jack

Or a wild pitch... :thumbdown:

[Doctor Z]

1995!!!

[Bulldogcakes]

Shhh, don’t tell Hank (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/04/23/shhh-dont-tell-hank/)

Home runs allowed to Manny Ramirez
1. Jamie Moyer 10
2. Mike Mussina 9
3. Tanyon Sturtze 8
4. Brad Radke 6

Hank will take his lumps for this one. I know everybody loves to pile on Hank, even for stuff he didn't actually say or even mean. But he happens to be right about Mussina. He does have to change the way he pitches. The manager had said so, the GM has said so, Gene Michael, etc. But when Hank says it, everybody goes nuts. They can't wait to turn the guy into his Dad. But until he starts meddling (and he has yet to do that) there's really no comparison. Not if you're being fair, which the talk radio shows don't try to be.

[BoondockSaint]

I have professed nothing but love for Hank.

[Bulldogcakes]

I have professed nothing but love for Hank.

Not you. I know how sincere your affection and admiration is for the man.
http://planetsmilies.net/vomit-smiley-1538.gif

It's just that it became a national story, it was wall to wall on talk radio for 2 straight days, and there's not much to it. Here's the actual quote

“I want him as a starter and so does everyone else, including him, and that is what we are working toward and we need him there now,” Steinbrenner said Sunday by telephone. “There is no question about it, you don’t have a guy with a 100-mile-per-hour fastball and keep him as a setup guy. You just don’t do that. You have to be an idiot to do that.”

That means nothing has changed. Nothing. The plan has been all along to make him a starter late this year, and nothing has changed. With the way the 2 rookies are struggling they could use him there now, but nowhere does he say he's altering the plan and wants to change the plan in place.

That's 2 straight days of sports talk radio from a 'nothing's new' quote. They want him to be his Dad so bad, but while he talks like him he doesn't act like him one bit. And he can't. His brother owns just as much of the team as he does, so Hank can't unilaterally do anything. Until Hank does something which overrules his baseball people (which he can't, not by himself), this characterization of him being the return of George is just nonsense.

[Kevin]

I want to hear more from Brad Benson, he does not do nearly enough commercials on Mike and the Mad Dog.

[Doctor Z]

Wow... finally getting mad hits with runners in scoring position. I like it.

[Doctor Z]

Sure sign of a young manager. His catcher is calling the shots for him. He signaled to the pen, and Posada basically told him "nah son."

[TheMojoPin]

I always must applaud when a team beats the piss out of the Black Sox. Well done, gentlemen.

[Kevin]

Sure sign of a young manager. His catcher is calling the shots for him. He signaled to the pen, and Posada basically told him "nah son."

Posada is a real man.

[BoondockSaint]

Posada is a real man.

Damn straight.

[FunkyDrummer]

Yesterday he walked him, today he gives up the single... :furious:

[Doctor Z]

I always must applaud when a team beats the piss out of the Black Sox. Well done, gentlemen.

SSSHHHHHH!!!

[Doctor Z]

Mo is my nig.

[FunkyDrummer]

Mo is my nig.

http://assets.espn.go.com/media/apphoto/48435103-2dd8-4415-bd7d-9ac582775f42.jpg

[Bulldogcakes]

Here's the explanation (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/04/24/thats-mussina-being-mussina/) on what happened on the mound with the aborted signal to the bullpen

You might have missed this on television, but when Girardi went to the mound in the seventh to see how Mussina was doing, he started to signal to the bullpen then stopped.

Turns out he asked Jorge Posada how Moose was doing and Posada said, “He’s got nothing.”

“I meant to say, ‘Nothing is wrong.’ ” Posada said. “It came out the wrong way.”

[TheMojoPin]

It's tough to hear things when you've got manliness coming out of your ears.

[JPMNICK]

i was just glad to see mussina pitch so well. the only bad thing was the 2 homeruns that were hit off of him

so Mo pitched 5 innings last night. if they need a closer tonight, do you think they give joba a shot? or still use him as a setup man and bring bruney in as a closer

[FunkyDrummer]

Steinbrenner Is Right
Apr 23, 2008 | 3:09PM |
Have to get used to saying that.

The sports media is having a field day criticizing Hank Steinbrenner for saying Joba Chamberlain should be in the Yankees rotation. Speculation has already begun on where Brian Cashman will end up after he quits the Bombers in righteous indignation over little Stein's meddling.

Nonsense.

First off, baseball is the family business. A business the senior Steinbrenner managed fairly well for a number of years. Was George wrong and rash and rude? Sometimes all at the same time. But there is a fair amount of hardware in the trophy case thanks to his spending and maybe just a little because he wasn't afraid to shake things up.

So now Hank can't follow in his dad's footsteps? Cashman is beyond criticism? Joe Girardi should have a lifetime contract free of suggestions from the big guy?

The media would portray Cashman and Girardi as modern day versions of Scarlett O'Hara. "Why, ah declair, ah must lie down. Mistah Steinbrenner has spoken most unkindly to me and ah believe ah have the vapors."

These guys are being paid to take orders, and they are also paid to have enough backbone to push back when the advice they are being offered is bad. Somehow I think the Yankee management team will survive.

And consider this. Hank Steinbrenner ended the Joe Torre years in the Bronx. It wasn't popular, it wasn't what the media wanted, but it was time and it needed to be done. And Hank did it. At this point last season New York was having similar pitching woes and imploded while the ever serene Torre took no risks.

It's April 2008 and the Yankees are 11-10. The professionals say Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy deserve patience while they struggle to bring their ERA's under 8.00. Steinbrenner says put Chamberlain in the rotation.

Why not?

The RedSox are 15-7, the Yankees 3 1/2 back. How far does New York fall behind while "the plan" for Chamberlain rocks along? 7 games? Ten games? Until you make the inevitable move and then listen to the same media types proclaim it is a sign of panic?

But what about the 8th inning? The 8th inning is just that. One inning. An inning you are either ahead or behind in. An inning that takes care of itself at 90% of the time no matter who the reliever is.

Why is it starters go seven, setup men bridge the 8th, and closers must be brought in during the 9th? Because mind numb managers have been programmed to repeat the formula by rote until they end up believing it. Which is one more reason why managers, including Joe Torre, seldom have any impact on the outcome of pennant races.

Imagine it is 1938. The Indians have a wild right hander named Bob Feller who can occasionally hit either side of 100 mph. What did they do with the 19 year old? They pitched him. And pitched him again until he struck out 240, walked 208, and somehow managed to learn what the game was about.

In 2008 a 22 year old is treated like a piece of porcelain. A pitcher who struck out 169 batters in 113 professional innings last season is reserved for portions of the game which do not determine the outcome. It is what 99% of GM's would do. It's what 95% of managers would do. And it is wrong, unnecessary, and ultimately will push back Chamberlain's progress as what everyone envisions him to be.

A starter.

If you go to the pond there's two things you can do. Fish or cut bait. Hank Steinbrenner wants to fish. And I'm alright with that.

http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/Dudski/2008/04/23/Steinbrenner_Is_Right

[TheMojoPin]

If that doesn't ended up shredded on FireJoeMorgan.com, I'll be stunned. The 1938 to 2008 comparison alone makes it ripe for savagery.

[Knowledged_one]

or the fact that Steinbrenner's are the only ones who meddle in the day-to-day business of baseball

and if you think specialized pitching doesnt win ball games you are nuts, its why Rivera was so great in the 8th innings before he took over for Wettland

When they had wettland and rivera you had to beat the yankees by the 7th or it was game over

[Bulldogcakes]

I have tix for next Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday's game vs the Tigers. All box seats 315, 317 and 330. Anyone who wants them can take them at cost ($65). PM me if you're interested.

[BoondockSaint]

I have tix for next Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday's game vs the Tigers. All box seats 315, 317 and 330. Anyone who wants them can take them at cost ($65). PM me if you're interested.

Is Mike Moyssina pitching any of those games?

[Bulldogcakes]

From the "where are they now" file

Tom Gordon (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=2122)

Scott Proctor (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5810)

Luis Vizcaino (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4130)

Fuck this youth movement. I miss these guys.

[Snacks]

or the fact that Steinbrenner's are the only ones who meddle in the day-to-day business of baseball

and if you think specialized pitching doesnt win ball games you are nuts, its why Rivera was so great in the 8th innings before he took over for Wettland

When they had wettland and rivera you had to beat the yankees by the 7th or it was game over

i remember it being the 6th inning because mariano pitched 2 innings in big, close games. i think joba should be the set up man and then take over as the closer. mariani was an awful starter and became one of the best closers ever. i think the same can happen with joba.

[Doctor Z]

I don't care what anyone says -- Having the ability to shorten games to 7 innings 3 or 4 nights a week is an incredible privilege/luxury for any team to have, and is more valuable than a potential win every 5 days. Who says Joba will even be good as a starter? Starters can't throw 99 for a whole game or their arm will fall off, so Joba's approach as a starter would have to be totally different than his approach as a reliever. His role right now is incredibly valuable. Who else in this bullpen do you honestly trust with a 1 or 2 run lead? The number of games potentially blown by shoddy middle relief at the end of the season could be as high as 20-25 games. Is Joba gonna win 20 games this year as a starter? No. His highest value to this team is in the bullpen. He is far and away the best middle-reliever in baseball. WHY fuck with that? To be incredibly cliché: IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT!

Shut your fucking mouth, Hank!

[TheGameHHH]

I don't care what anyone says -- Having the ability to shorten games to 7 innings 3 or 4 nights a week is an incredible privilege/luxury for any team to have, and is more valuable than a potential win every 5 days. Who says Joba will even be good as a starter? Starters can't throw 99 for a whole game or their arm will fall off, so Joba's approach as a starter would have to be totally different than his approach as a reliever. His role right now is incredibly valuable. Who else in this bullpen do you honestly trust with a 1 or 2 run lead? The number of games potentially blown by shoddy middle relief at the end of the season could be as high as 20-25 games. Is Joba gonna win 20 games this year as a starter? No. His highest value to this team is in the bullpen. He is far and away the best middle-reliever in baseball. WHY fuck with that? To be incredibly cliché: IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT!

Shut your fucking mouth, Hank!

Look man, I like Joba in the pen for now but your above statement is absolutely 100% false. A good starting pitcher is WAY more valuable then a good reliever. This isn't just some random statement, stats have been done and its an absolute fact.

[Doctor Z]

But you're saying that ASSUMING he's a good starting pitcher...

Who says Joba is a good starting pitcher? That's a complete shot in the dark.

You know what's not a shot in the dark? Him being a good middle reliever. THIS we already know to be a fact.

Should we try to make him into a starter some day? SURE, I wouldn't mind seeing what he's made of as a starter. But maybe a better time to do that is when he can grow as a 3rd or 4th starter in a pretty solid rotation. Right now, we'd be throwing him into the fire and basically saying "Joba, BE a great starter, or else." That's not good for anybody.

[Tenbatsuzen]

From the "where are they now" file

Tom Gordon (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=2122)

Scott Proctor (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5810)

Luis Vizcaino (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4130)

Fuck this youth movement. I miss these guys.

Tom Gordon has made nearly 30 million dollars since 2001.


I... I don't know what else to say after that statement.

[TheGameHHH]

But you're saying that ASSUMING he's a good starting pitcher...

Who says Joba is a good starting pitcher? That's a complete shot in the dark.

You know what's not a shot in the dark? Him being a good middle reliever. THIS we already know to be a fact.

Should we try to make him into a starter some day? SURE, I wouldn't mind seeing what he's made of as a starter. But maybe a better time to do that is when he can grow as a 3rd or 4th starter in a pretty solid rotation. Right now, we'd be throwing him into the fire and basically saying "Joba, BE a great starter, or else." That's not good for anybody.

hes not getting thrown into any sort of fire, he's been on a long term plan and NOTHING has changed. His minor league stats tell us he has the stuff to be a good starter but nothing gets proven until you hit the bigs. Joba himself has said the only thing that will slightly change for him is a little mental prep. I think things are going along fine with him and im confused why u seem to think otherwise

[cougarjake13]

Tom Gordon has made nearly 30 million dollars since 2001.


I... I don't know what else to say after that statement.

ive got one


he's a more healthy version of carl pavano

[Doctor Z]

Boobies.

[BoondockSaint]

Paul O'Neil thinks he's pretty funny. Michael Kay thinks he's hysterical. I don't get it.

[TheGameHHH]

Paul O'Neil thinks he's pretty funny. Michael Kay thinks he's hysterical. I don't get it.

I like when O'Neill calls game, i was actually just going to post something about that before i read your reply. I want to petition YES to have O'Neill and Cone call every game because I love hearing them just talk baseball.

[Doctor Z]

Game -- Let me pose this to you... Think of the Joba move as a trade. Because once you condition him as a starter, he's a starter. There's no sending him back to the pen. So, think of it like a trade... Would you trade the best middle-reliever in baseball for a starter who is unproven in the majors? Is that a trade you would make if you're the Yankees right now?

And what if he bombs as a starter? Then what? Now you have another sub-par starter, and a non-existent bullpen.

I say keep him in the pen until conditions in YankeeLand are better... aka - we have a pretty solid rotation, and someone we can trust in the bullpen.

[TheGameHHH]

Game -- Let me pose this to you... Think of the Joba move as a trade. Because once you condition him as a starter, he's a starter. There's no sending him back to the pen. So, think of it like a trade... Would you trade the best middle-reliever in baseball for a starter who is unproven in the majors? Is that a trade you would make if you're the Yankees right now?

And what if he bombs as a starter? Then what? Now you have another sub-par starter, and a shitty bullpen.

I say keep him in the pen until conditions in YankeeLand are better... aka - we have a pretty solid rotation, and someone we can trust in the bullpen.

I hear what youre saying, i just think my philosophy lies in taking the risk v. the reward in this instance because I believe in Joba and what he can do. I just want to follow along the plan thats been given to him because not only do I have the faith in Joba I also believe in the plan Cashman has in place.

Also, Smoltz did the starter/reliever/starter thing so its not impossible.

[BoondockSaint]

I like when O'Neill calls game, i was actually just going to post something about that before i read your reply. I want to petition YES to have O'Neill and Cone call every game because I love hearing them just talk baseball.


Maybe it's because I don't like the Yankees but I really think O'Neil is bad. I also can't take him seriously when he calls players he played with by their nicknames. "Jetes" "Georgie" How can I expect him to be fair or critical?

[TheGameHHH]

Maybe it's because I don't like the Yankees but I really think O'Neil is bad. I also can't take him seriously when he calls players he played with by their nicknames. "Jetes" "Georgie" How can I expect him to be fair or critical?

Having MLB Extra Innings I dont always get the YES broadcast when I watch Yankees games. Now having seen other announcers around the league there's no way I expect anybody to be 100% fair or critical. The announcers for the White Sox the past two days have been openly rooting for their team on air, so I hardly see a problem with referring to players by nicknames.

[BoondockSaint]

Having MLB Extra Innings I dont always get the YES broadcast when I watch Yankees games. Now having seen other announcers around the league there's no way I expect anybody to be 100% fair or critical. The announcers for the White Sox the past two days have been openly rooting for their team on air, so I hardly see a problem with referring to players by nicknames.

Please do not take "Hawk" Harrelson as common. He's the worst ever. And just because other teams do it doesn't make it right. I cringe when Met announcers ever sound like they are making excuses for players.

EDIT: And I'll say this, O'Neill is better when Cone is there. When It's just him and Kay it's brutal.

[Kevin]

I think Arod may be a little better fielder than Morgan Ensberg..


Just throwing that out there..

[Doctor Z]

Wow, how long was Girardi gonna let Ohlendorf hang out to dry before taking him out? He was throwing batting practice out there, and the bullpen didn't even start warming till it was 5-3.

PS - Ensberg straight up sucks at 3rd base.

[BoondockSaint]

Did Abreu get raped by a wall when he was a child? He is terrified of them.

[BoondockSaint]

So A-Rod has two daughters both with the middle name Alexander. And neither is named Cynthia? A-Rod may have an ego. I guess we will only find out when he has a son and names him Alexander Alexander.

[FunkyDrummer]

Maybe it's because I don't like the Yankees but I really think O'Neil is bad. I also can't take him seriously when he calls players he played with by their nicknames. "Jetes" "Georgie" How can I expect him to be fair or critical?

http://www.solanabeachdesign.com/strat-o-matic/old_timers/assests/Kaat.jpg

[FunkyDrummer]

I think Arod may be a little better fielder than Morgan Ensberg..


Just throwing that out there..

But he gets the clutch hit.

[BoondockSaint]

http://www.solanabeachdesign.com/strat-o-matic/old_timers/assests/Kaat.jpg

I thought Katt was great. During that whole time when George told YES not to show Zimmer on tv Katt was doing interviews saying it was stupid.

[Kevin]

That Joba Chamberlain is pretty good.


Just wanted to throw that out there, just in case people haven't heard.

[Kevin]

Nice move Joe, bring in Ol leave em on Double Play Jorge.

[Kevin]

Joba sucks, Trade him for Jamie Moyer.

[Doctor Z]

Does it concern anyone else that Joba's velocity is considerably down the last 2 days? He lost tonight overusing that curveball, and his fastball was in the high 80's-low 90's. His shit usually clocks in anywhere from 97-100...

[Kevin]

Does it concern anyone else that Joba's velocity is noticeably down the last 2 days? He lost tonight overusing that curveball, and his fastball was in the high 80's-low 90's. His shit usually clocks in anywhere from 97-100...

I think YES radar was a little off, it was the same speed for Farnsworth too. I remember last night Kay saying a pitch was like 97 and it showed up 91 in th YES radar.

[Doctor Z]

Hope you're right. If Joba's suddenly losing 9-10 MPH off his fastball, it leads me to believe something is wrong.

[Kevin]

Hope you're right. If Joba's suddenly losing 9-10 MPH off his fastball, it leads me to believe something is wrong.

He really does not seem to show it in the way he acts, i think if that were the case, he woud be acting diff. I am sure it was a bit down during the 2nd inn.

[BoondockSaint]

I was reading on a blog that this dude's sister's boyfriend was sitting behind homeplate with a Juggs Gun and he said that Joba was only throwing 88mph.

[Kevin]

I was reading on a blog that this dude's sister's boyfriend was sitting behind homeplate with a Juggs Gun and he said that Joba was only throwing 88mph.

DAMN IT!! it must be true..


TRADE HIM NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWW W

[BoondockSaint]

DAMN IT!! it must be true..


TRADE HIM NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWW W

for Scott Proctor.

[Kevin]

for Scott Proctor.

He will be throwing 79 when torre is done with him.

[Bulldogcakes]

I like when O'Neill calls game, i was actually just going to post something about that before i read your reply. I want to petition YES to have O'Neill and Cone call every game because I love hearing them just talk baseball.

Me too. I've been really enjoying this combo, I think its their best announcing team. O'Niell and Kay have always gotten along great, and Coney is terrific with getting into the technical stuff about pitching. I like Ken Singleton a lot too, but there seems to be more chemistry with guys who are contemporaries.

O'Flaherty I don't like at all. He's way too serious and has zero personality. Plus he was a Yankee for about 2 minutes. Never understood that hire.

[Bulldogcakes]

Game -- Let me pose this to you... Think of the Joba move as a trade. Because once you condition him as a starter, he's a starter. There's no sending him back to the pen. So, think of it like a trade... Would you trade the best middle-reliever in baseball for a starter who is unproven in the majors? Is that a trade you would make if you're the Yankees right now?

And what if he bombs as a starter? Then what? Now you have another sub-par starter, and a non-existent bullpen.

I say keep him in the pen until conditions in YankeeLand are better... aka - we have a pretty solid rotation, and someone we can trust in the bullpen.

First off, to answer your question absolutely yes. There isn't a GM in Baseball who wouldn't trade a middle reliever for one of the top 3 starting prospects in the game. Middle relievers generally get sent to the bullpen because they don't have as much talent as starters. Most starters (esp power pitchers) could be effective relievers, most relievers would make lousy starters. They don't have enough stuff to go through a lineup more than 1x, starters do. But he obviously hasn't pitched as a starter in the bigs yet, so its comparing something to nothing. When we have a body of work for him as a starter and reliever, then we can make an informed judgment about him.

Next, let me throw back a variation on your question. Who's more valuable, Justin Verlander or Rafael Betancourt (Indians)? Jake Peavey or Hideki Okajima? Why do top middle relievers earn 5 mil per year and top starters earn 20 mil?

Over the course of a baseball season you have approximately 1500 innings to fill, you want your best arms to throw as many of them as possible. The same way you put your best hitters 1-2-3-4 in the lineup to give them the most AB's. He belongs in the rotation once you factor in his innings limit (150) and they have a reliable 8th inning replacement in the bullpen.

[Bulldogcakes]

Farnsworth injured; moves on tap (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/04/25/farnsworth-injured-moves-on-tap/)

So now that's Kyle and Bruney, and Ohlendorf threw a gazillion pitches last night. Hope to see Edwar again. If anyone noticed he was terrific when they called him up in that 2 inning stint recently.

[Kevin]

Farnsworth injured; moves on tap (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/04/25/farnsworth-injured-moves-on-tap/)

So now that's Kyle and Bruney, and Ohlendorf threw a gazillion pitches last night. Hope to see Edwar again. If anyone noticed he was terrific when they called him up in that 2 inning stint recently.

The field last night was an abomination. I am surprised more pitchers didn't get hurt. I was expecting Joba to get hurt on every pitch.

[BoondockSaint]

From Abraham's blog:

Bad news for Brian Bruney. He has a torn ligament in his foot that will require surgery and is likely out for the season. More on this later but he has a lis franc injury.

[Doctor Z]

One more reason to keep Joba in the pen.

[TheGameHHH]

Giambi just contributed offensively, somewhere in America a puppy was just killed.

[Kevin]

From Abraham's blog:

Such a fluky injury, he was pitching very good too. Fucking baseball has to do a better job with fields during rain delays. That was in Balt during rain delays.

[Doctor Z]

Giambi just contributed offensively, somewhere in America a puppy was just killed.

OR SAVED!

[Kevin]

OR SAVED!

He was talking about China town...

[TheGameHHH]

I want people to respond to this quote from Abraham's blog because its dead on:

"It’s funny how things work. Girardi has the Yankees do all this running and people rushed to point out how the team was working harder than they did under Joe Torre. Then the season starts and they have a series of lower body injuries, just like they did last year. It just goes to prove that you can’t gameplan against injuries. Things just happen.

Others swore the bullpen would be handled differently and it really hasn’t been. Certain relievers are used for games they can win (Joba, Mo, Bruney) and others when they’re losing (Ohlendorf, Hawkins, Farnsworth). Like Torre, Girardi has leaned heavily on certain guys. Look at Joba, for instance. He has pitched in three of the last four games and last night gave it up in his second inning of work."

[Bulldogcakes]

Just when I'm ready to go apeshit on Giambi for his sucky fielding, he has to go and hit 2 HR's and ruin it for me.

[Bulldogcakes]

I want people to respond to this quote from Abraham's blog because its dead on:

"It’s funny how things work. Girardi has the Yankees do all this running and people rushed to point out how the team was working harder than they did under Joe Torre. Then the season starts and they have a series of lower body injuries, just like they did last year. It just goes to prove that you can’t gameplan against injuries. Things just happen.

Others swore the bullpen would be handled differently and it really hasn’t been. Certain relievers are used for games they can win (Joba, Mo, Bruney) and others when they’re losing (Ohlendorf, Hawkins, Farnsworth). Like Torre, Girardi has leaned heavily on certain guys. Look at Joba, for instance. He has pitched in three of the last four games and last night gave it up in his second inning of work."

Meh. The difference is last year they had a rash of 1-2 month long injuries (mostly hamstrings) This year they've had a bunch of 3-5 day injuries. Damon and Abreu were flat out not ready to play coming out of spring training last year, Bruney and Betemit came into camp 20 pounds lighter this year. Night and day. Sorry Pete, I know people want to say there's no difference but its just not supported by the facts.

And the bullpen stuff is just not true. The workload has been spread around much more than it was under Torre. Torre would baby Mo, and use 2 setup guys in the pen till their arms fell off. Look at the bullpen stats for this year. (http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/stats/sortable_player_stats.jsp?c_id=nyy&baseballScope=BLA&subScope=pos&teamPosCode=all&statType=Overview&timeSubFrame=2008&sitSplit=&venueID=&Submit=Submit&timeFrame=1) Ohlendorf has pitched 16 innings (he's been the long man) Hawkins and Bruney 11, Farnsworth 10, Mo and Joba 9 each, and Traber (the lefty specialist) 7 innings. That's extremely well spread out and doesn't resemble the way Torre did things. Torre would have Proctor and Viz with 24 each, and everyone else with 4-5 innings. Even Torre's supporters will tell you he fell in love with certain relievers and pitched them till their arms fell off. Thats why Cashman imposed the Joba Rules.

[Kevin]

Goodie!

[Doctor Z]

Great, 2nd night in a row we have a lead and blow it all in one bombshell inning.

[Bulldogcakes]

You get the feeling this game isn't over yet.

[Kevin]

Paul Byrd..


You can hit Paul fucking Byrd..


Seriously?

[Bulldogcakes]

From NoMaas (http://www.nomaas.org/)

There has been tremendous debate in Yankeeland about 21-year old Phil Hughes, specifically regarding the speed of his fastball. The reason for this debate stemmed from his post-hamstring injury starts at the end of 2007, and also from his first few starts of this season. In these series of appearances, Phil's fastball seemed to sit 90-91 mph and top out at 92.

Many Yankee fans believed that this velocity was significantly lower that what was previously reported during his time in the minors. Obviously, this is important because, generally speaking, higher velocity means increased pitch effectiveness.

Then, there were other fans and interested parties who claimed that Hughes' fastball always sat in the low 90s. In fact, even Phil Hughes himself issued a comment on Thursday about his hotly-debated velocity:

Immediately, Hughes was pegged as a power pitcher who threw in the mid-90s. It's a label he says was wrong.

"I never threw that hard, even when I was going good at Trenton (Double-A), I looked at the reports and it was 93. There were three times all year I touched 95," says Hughes, who routinely pitches at 91-92 mph. (Source)

Is Phil Hughes speaking the truth? Are the legions of fans who raised concern about his fastball wrong? We think the answers to both of those questions are "no."

In fact, we think the spin doctors were out, somehow trying to convince people that Baseball America's 2007 best pitching prospect always possessed a low-90s fastball.

So, as a refresher, we took a look back at some of the reports which were published while Hughes was still in the minors.

Before you take a look at these, it is worth noting that Phil's velocity has improved significantly over his last couple starts. In Thursday's rain-delayed game versus Chicago, he was sitting 93-94 according to Pitch F/X.

Essentially, the point of showing you these reports is to prove that Hughes was never billed at a low-90s fastball pitcher. So anyone who tries to tell you that is speaking out of their buttocks. It's just not true.

The Old Reports (http://www.nomaas.org/hughesminorsreports.html)

The reports all say he threw anywhere from 93-97. So something is up. They changed his delivery from a 3/4 to an over the top for the curveball in 07, and thats when he lost the velocity. The famous "If it aint broke" (http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/if-it-aint-brokea-video-review-of-phil-hughes-mechanical-changes/) article from Carlos Gomez of the Hardball Times breaks it down in detail.

[TheGameHHH]

Sweet William Traber, I could steal second with your lanky mechanics. All we ask is you get three outs, Jesus.

[Bulldogcakes]

Sounds like Shelly Duncan will be here manana. (http://emedia.thetimes-tribune.com/Blogs/SWBYankeesBlog/tabid/552/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/3384/Pregame-notes.aspx)

Also, Shelley Duncan's not in the lineup and his locker seems to have nothing but his uniform and team clothes hanging up. Dave Miley obviously can't comment on why Duncan's out of the lineup, but I strongly suspect Shelley will be with the big league team soon. Maybe even tomorrow.

About time. He's been murdering AAA, and we have 3 lefties coming up in the next few days.

[Doctor Z]

These last 2 games have been quite disheartening.

[TheGameHHH]

The Indians are wearing some bad ass throwback duds today.

[cougarjake13]

The Indians are wearing some bad ass throwback duds today.

i liked the uni's from major league better

[Doctor Z]

Kennedy's looking sharp today.

[cougarjake13]

Kennedy's looking sharp today.

just dont let him anywhere near dallas

[Doctor Z]

It's looking like April is gonna end without a single win between Hughes and Kennedy.

I knew as well as anybody that these guys were gonna be big question marks this year, but... so far, this has gone about as badly as it possibly could've.

[Doctor Z]

I love when the first 2 guys get on, and the next 3 guys fail.

[Doctor Z]

HOLY COW! What a play from A-Gon!

[cougarjake13]

HOLY COW! What a play from A-Gon!

who ???

[Doctor Z]

These last <strike>2 </strike> 3 games have been quite disheartening.

Fixed it.

[Bulldogcakes]

Hall of Famer Palmer a big fan of Yankees' young pitchers (http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080427/SPORTS01/804270344/1108/SPORTS01)

I thought Kennedy was much better yesterday. He's been prone to the one bad inning, and they didn't exactly smack him around when they scored them in the 2nd inning. The 2 walks were the part that bug you, though the one to Blake was semi intentional. They wanted to set up the double play, Kennedy gets a lot of ground balls. The one after that to Sizemore was the one that bugs you, but thats Kennedy. He will walk a guy rather than give up a big hit.

As Palmer said, both guys will learn how to avoid the bad inning as they mature. A big help will be the Yanks getting them leads to work with. Then they can relax, and thats half the problem with them.

[Bulldogcakes]

Here's a bullpen prospect to watch. Very quietly, David Robertson (http://yankeeprospects.blogspot.com/2006/12/prospect-profile-david-robertson-28.html) has been blowing through the farm system (http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/R/David-Robertson.shtml). From Charleston to AA last year, and was just promoted to AAA recently after dominating in AA (http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=David%20Robertson&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=502085) this year.

Plus stuff, needs to keep his walks down. Could see him late this year.

[Bulldogcakes]

EXPERTS WHO’VE SEEN HIM PEG JOBA AS A TOP STARTER
(http://www.nypost.com/seven/04272008/sports/yankees/the_eyes_have_it_108369.htm?page=0)

The consensus among scouts who saw him in the minors seems to be that he should start. To paraphrase Girardi "You have about 1500 innings to fill over the course of a major league season. You want your best arms to throw as many of them as possible". The same way you put your best hitters 1-2-3-4 in the batting order to give them the most AB's. I know he can impact more games as a reliever, but a lot of guys can relieve, very few can be #1 starters.

To place a value on all this, look at the salary structure in Baseball. Top free agent middle relievers earn 5 mil per year. Top starting pitchers earn 20 mil per year, even middling starters with .500 career records who can throw 200 innings earn 10 mil per year. GM's aren't stupid, if middle relievers were more valuable than starters they would earn more. Or if they were grossly undervalued someone would try it, win the World Series one year and revolutionize the thinking behind this, which hasn't happened.

[Bulldogcakes]

FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/28/sports/baseball/28posada.html?ref=sports)

CLEVELAND — The Yankees’ injury troubles took another discouraging turn Sunday when Jorge Posada was a late scratch from the lineup with a recurrence of the shoulder problem that bothered him early this month. This time, the injury seems serious.

The Yankees said there would be no announcement until after the game, but Posada, who has a tear in his subscapularis muscle, is expected to visit Dr. James Andrews and will most likely be placed on the disabled list.

Posada has already shared his magnetic resonance imaging results with Andrews, and Posada has said that surgery would not be necessary. But the problem has not improved as Posada hoped, again raising the specter of an operation

Oh well. Molina's an excellent backup. Not sure they can bring back Chad Moeller, don't know if he cleared waivers. Cervelli is still on the DL. Fuck.

EDIT-Moeller's not on the AAA roster, so he's still in limbo. Doesn't appear to have been claimed by anyone yet.

[Doctor Z]

Wow... our hitting with RISP is just an atrocity. Jeter starts the inning on 2nd base, and we can't get him in. What an absolute joke.

[Doctor Z]

Damn, I didn't know that Posada's never been on the DL in his entire career. Great. Things are looking up.

[JPMNICK]

Michael Kay just said that the NY Time reported Posada has a torn muscle in his throwing arm.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Michael Kay just said that the NY Time reported Posada has a torn muscle in his throwing arm.

One would think that's a season-ender.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Isn't one of Duncan's talents the ability to catch?

[Doctor Z]

One would think that's a season-ender.

Don't tell me those things.

[Bulldogcakes]

Wow... our hitting with RISP is just an atrocity. Jeter starts the inning on 2nd base, and we can't get him in. What an absolute joke.

You nailed it. We can talk all we want about the young pitchers, but the problem with the Yanks right now is the lack of run scoring. They are ninth in the American League — and 16th overall in baseball — with 113 runs scored (http://riveraveblues.com/2008/04/27/game-26-the-quest-for-500-2658/) The Yanks can live with some growing pains from the young starters if they're scoring runs, but they're not.

Lets be honest. A-Rod has reverted back to his old unclutch self, Cano is horrendous at the plate right now and Giambi has killed them for most of April (though he's been better lately). Its still real early, so I can't go crazy yet. But the problem with the Yanks right now is first and foremost their lineup.

[Bulldogcakes]

Isn't one of Duncan's talents the ability to catch?

No, maybe you're thinking of Ensberg. Duncan is 1B/RF/LF (http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/D/shelley-duncan.shtml). Ensberg is 1B/3B (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?playerId=4556&context=fielding)and he catches in the bullpen occasionally. He's never caught in a MLB game however.

[Doctor Z]

If we can hold on to this precarious 1-0 lead, Wang can be 5-0 before the end of April.

[Bulldogcakes]

http://www.hotstovenewyork.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/joe-girardi.bmp

"Tell Brian to put me on the roster. I'll catch."

[Kevin]

http://www.hotstovenewyork.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/joe-girardi.bmp

"Tell Brian to put me on the roster. I'll catch."

The Mo signing is looking great, but the Posada one is looking like it will be a disaster. Sterling was saying he heard Jorge is going to go see James Andrews and he has a tear in his shoulder. Never good.

[Tenbatsuzen]

The Mo signing is looking great, but the Posada one is looking like it will be a disaster. Sterling was saying he heard Jorge is going to go see James Andrews and he has a tear in his shoulder. Never good.

You never know. Maybe he'll show up at #30 and shock everyone.

[Kevin]

You nailed it. We can talk all we want about the young pitchers, but the problem with the Yanks right now is the lack of run scoring. They are ninth in the American League — and 16th overall in baseball — with 113 runs scored (http://riveraveblues.com/2008/04/27/game-26-the-quest-for-500-2658/) The Yanks can live with some growing pains from the young starters if they're scoring runs, but they're not.

Lets be honest. A-Rod has reverted back to his old unclutch self, Cano is horrendous at the plate right now and Giambi has killed them for most of April (though he's been better lately). Its still real early, so I can't go crazy yet. But the problem with the Yanks right now is first and foremost their lineup.

Arods next important hit will be his 1st this year.

[Bulldogcakes]

The Posada situation sounds really bad, if you listen to the guy who its happening to (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/04/27/stewart-on-the-way-to-backup-molina/)

If you listen to the emotion in Posada’s voice or saw him talk on YES, you know this is a serious matter. Surgery is a possibility. This could be a serious blow to the Yankees. Hopefully, for Posada’s sake, it’s not.

“It’s really disappointing to work really hard and not feel good,” he said. “I worked really hard to be back at it. I want to apologize to the Yankees because they signed me to a good contract.”

Damn.

They've called up some guy named Stewart because they need a warm body to back up Molina, but if this is as serious as it sounds I suspect they'll make a move. And that move will be . . . . . . drumroll please . . . . . . . to sign Mike Piazza.

I know it sounds very George Steinbrenner-esque. An aging, declining veteran who still has some superficial star appeal. But they really have no other options. Francisco Cervelli is still recovering from his broken wrist, and wrist injuries are likely to linger and hamper his ability to swing the bat. Which is the weakest part of his game to begin with. I see Wil Nieves part 2 here, and you just can't carry a guy who hits .150 on a contending team. Plus he has yet to play a single game in AA, much less AAA. Most scouts familiar with him feel he needs a full season at both levels to work on his bat. He's out.

Chad Moeller was DFA'd 2 days ago (wonderful timing) when it looked like Posada was back to 100%. If he clears waivers, he can possibly come back. But after his hot start I suspect he'll get claimed by someone to either start or backup.

That leaves who? Nobody really. Nobody I can think of at least, except Piazza. Piazza can play a few days behind the plate and DH against tough right handers. You could also use him off the bench for some righty pop to match up late in games. He's actually a pretty good fit for this team. Yes, he can't throw anyone out. But he can still do more than anyone else available, and he'll just cost money and not giving up any talent. If you sign him tomorrow he can be ready in 2-3 weeks assuming he's kept himself in decent shape. If the Yanks try to swing a deal right now, they'll get raped. They really have no other choice that I can see.

I hope Posada's going to be OK with some rest, but it doesn't sound likely.

[TheGameHHH]

The Posada situation sounds really bad, if you listen to the guy who its happening to (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/04/27/stewart-on-the-way-to-backup-molina/)



Damn.

They've called up some guy named Stewart because they need a warm body to back up Molina, but if this is as serious as it sounds I suspect they'll make a move. And that move will be . . . . . . drumroll please . . . . . . . to sign Mike Piazza.

I know it sounds very George Steinbrenner-esque. An aging, declining veteran who still has some superficial star appeal. But they really have no other options. Francisco Cervelli is still recovering from his broken wrist, and wrist injuries are likely to linger and hamper his ability to swing the bat. Which is the weakest part of his game to begin with. I see Wil Nieves part 2 here, and you just can't carry a guy who hits .150 on a contending team. Plus he has yet to play a single game in AA, much less AAA. Most scouts familiar with him feel he needs a full season at both levels to work on his bat. He's out.

Chad Moeller was DFA'd 2 days ago (wonderful timing) when it looked like Posada was back to 100%. If he clears waivers, he can possibly come back. But after his hot start I suspect he'll get claimed by someone to either start or backup.

That leaves who? Nobody really. Nobody I can think of at least, except Piazza. Piazza can play a few days behind the plate and DH against tough right handers. You could also use him off the bench for some righty pop to match up late in games. He's actually a pretty good fit for this team. Yes, he can't throw anyone out. But he can still do more than anyone else available, and he'll just cost money and not giving up any talent. If you sign him tomorrow he can be ready in 2-3 weeks assuming he's kept himself in decent shape. If the Yanks try to swing a deal right now, they'll get raped. They really have no other choice that I can see.

I hope Posada's going to be OK with some rest, but it doesn't sound likely.

I with you on most of what you said, but check out the part in bold.......does the name Giambi ring a bell at all?

[Bulldogcakes]

I with you on most of what you said, but check out the part in bold.......does the name Giambi ring a bell at all?

Don't get me started on him. He has been better lately (something like 6-13 with 2 HR's) but I'm still convinced he can't hit a good fastball, and him constantly hitting directly into the shift drives me nuts. His fielding is horrendous. If he doesn't hit, he should be euthanized.

[Tenbatsuzen]

I have an option to offer.

The man...

The myth...

The legend...

THE STACHE:

SAL FASANO!

[TheGameHHH]

I have an option to offer.

The man...

The myth...

The legend...

THE STACHE:

SAL FASANO!

Thats an excellent idea in my opinion..........why not have a Fasano/Girardi tag team, each one catches a day (no homo)?

[Doctor Z]

And to think, I JUST gave away my Sal's Pals shirt to a clothing drive.

[JPMNICK]

the only real option is the bring back the player/manager and suit girardi up.

[Doctor Z]

So... what are the odds that Mussina can string together TWO consecutive good outings?

[TheGameHHH]

So... what are the odds that Mussina can string together TWO consecutive good outings?

About as good as Farnsworth throwing consecutive scoreless innings, so dont bet your mortgage on it.

[Doctor Z]

Well said.

So, anybody hear anything new on this Posada situation? It seems like the Yankees wanna keep it very hush hush, which usually isn't a good sign.

[Knowledged_one]

The Posada situation sounds really bad, if you listen to the guy who its happening to (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/04/27/stewart-on-the-way-to-backup-molina/)



Damn.

They've called up some guy named Stewart because they need a warm body to back up Molina, but if this is as serious as it sounds I suspect they'll make a move. And that move will be . . . . . . drumroll please . . . . . . . to sign Mike Piazza.

I know it sounds very George Steinbrenner-esque. An aging, declining veteran who still has some superficial star appeal. But they really have no other options. Francisco Cervelli is still recovering from his broken wrist, and wrist injuries are likely to linger and hamper his ability to swing the bat. Which is the weakest part of his game to begin with. I see Wil Nieves part 2 here, and you just can't carry a guy who hits .150 on a contending team. Plus he has yet to play a single game in AA, much less AAA. Most scouts familiar with him feel he needs a full season at both levels to work on his bat. He's out.

Chad Moeller was DFA'd 2 days ago (wonderful timing) when it looked like Posada was back to 100%. If he clears waivers, he can possibly come back. But after his hot start I suspect he'll get claimed by someone to either start or backup.

That leaves who? Nobody really. Nobody I can think of at least, except Piazza. Piazza can play a few days behind the plate and DH against tough right handers. You could also use him off the bench for some righty pop to match up late in games. He's actually a pretty good fit for this team. Yes, he can't throw anyone out. But he can still do more than anyone else available, and he'll just cost money and not giving up any talent. If you sign him tomorrow he can be ready in 2-3 weeks assuming he's kept himself in decent shape. If the Yanks try to swing a deal right now, they'll get raped. They really have no other choice that I can see.

I hope Posada's going to be OK with some rest, but it doesn't sound likely.

Your only flaw is that you still consider the Yankees a contending team and they simply arent

[JPMNICK]

Well said.

So, anybody hear anything new on this Posada situation? It seems like the Yankees wanna keep it very hush hush, which usually isn't a good sign.

it seemed to me like they are going to wait for the Doctors visit to make any statements.

[Tenbatsuzen]

So wait - Dr. James Andrews actually exists, and he's not a phantom WWE doctor?

[Bossanova]

So wait - Dr. James Andrews actually exists, and he's not a phantom WWE doctor?

Alright, that made me laugh

[Bulldogcakes]

I actually liked those Giambi and Abreu AB's. Both are lefties, and both tattooed the ball and just missed hitting HR's.

I think they're going to hit this kid tonight.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Alright, that made me laugh

That's what I was going for.

[Tall_James]

So wait - Dr. James Andrews actually exists, and he's not a phantom WWE doctor?

http://www.luds.net/galeries/Dr%20Riviera.gif

He's a proud graduate of Hollywood Upstairs Medical School.

[Tenbatsuzen]

http://www.luds.net/galeries/Dr%20Riviera.gif

He's a proud graduate of Hollywood Upstairs Medical School.

Ok, that made ME laugh.

[Tenbatsuzen]

It makes me wonder - 1) how rich is Dr. James since EVERYONE goes to him, and 2) does he have interns? Apprentices? Proteges? If he's the one sports injury magic man, shit hits the fan when he retires. An ACL sprain could result in an amputation.

[Bulldogcakes]

Much was made yesterday about Melky having the team lead in HR's right now with 5. You obviously don't expect that to last for long, but if he can just manage to hit 15, 18, maybe 20 this year then you have your CF for a long time. If he can just hit 15-20 they can live with him in CF. People may forget, but Bernie's career 162 game avg was 22 per year (http://www.baseball-reference.com/w/willibe02.shtml). Melky's still only 23, Bernie was 24 in his first full season and he hit only 12 HRs.

Although I still see Melky as a corner OFer long term. They love Austin Jackson and think he could be ready next year. Melky's range in CF is surprisingly among the best in the league, but his body type is kinda bulky. I don't see him maintaining his speed as he ages. Maybe he takes Abreu's spot next year, or moves over to LF when Damon/Matsui contracts expire in 2 years.

[Dan 'Hampton]

It makes me wonder - 1) how rich is Dr. James since EVERYONE goes to him, and 2) does he have interns? Apprentices? Proteges? If he's the one sports injury magic man, shit hits the fan when he retires. An ACL sprain could result in an amputation.

He's in Birmingham so I'm guessing his MRI machine is in an old trailer.

[Doctor Z]

We've now scored 1 run in our last 17 innings.

This juggernaut offense could be the most dangerous in baseball.

[Kevin]

Your only flaw is that you still consider the Yankees a contending team and they simply arent

And your saying that after a month? We started much worse last year and made the playoffs.

[TheGameHHH]

I actually liked those Giambi and Abreu AB's. Both are lefties, and both tattooed the ball and just missed hitting HR's.

I think they're going to hit this kid tonight.

Hey, Jinxy McHippo, stop saying things like that

[Kevin]

Hey, Jinxy McHippo, stop saying things like that

And when have we EVER hit kids? They always pitch great games vs us.

[Bulldogcakes]

Hey, Jinxy McHippo, stop saying things like that

Where's that edit button?

[Doctor Z]

The MELK MAN! Breaks up the shutout yesterday, breaks up the no-hitter today.

[Bulldogcakes]

And when have we EVER hit kids? They always pitch great games vs us.

Apparently Kevin's jinx mojo is stronger than mine. 3 straight hits after his post.

[Doctor Z]

So... what will A-Rod do to kill this rally?

I'm gonna go with old reliable: 6-4-3

[Doctor Z]

Didn't give 'im the chance!

[Kevin]

Arod finally got his 1st clutch "hit" of the season!!

[Tenbatsuzen]

It's some pain balm... for A-Rod!


OK, that sucked.

[Kevin]

Apparently Kevin's jinx mojo is stronger than mine. 3 straight hits after his post.

I was actually thinking that as it happend.

[Doctor Z]

It's some pain balm... for A-Rod!


OK, that sucked.

...Yeah, it kinda did.

[Bulldogcakes]

Giambi Only Made One Out!

Wooooooo-hoooooooooo!!!!!

[Doctor Z]

Wow... these are the gayest RBI's ever.

[TheGameHHH]

I have no idea how we're up 4-2........how many infield singles have there been this inning, like 40?

[Doctor Z]

Holy shit -- The ball hasn't left the infield since we loaded the bases, and we've gotten 4 runs out of it.

[Marc with a c]

cano hit that ball to hard

[TheGameHHH]

P.S. The cutting of Frank Thomas as well as the banishment of $126 million man Barry Zito to the bullpen should send a clear message to Jason Giambi that if he's average isnt over .200 by the time May ends then he's riding the bench for good. I'm glad a team like the Giants had the balls to say, 'We don't care about your salary and the fact that you're wildly overpaid, you suck Barry Zito'. Hopefully the Yanks have the balls to follow suit if need be.

[TheMojoPin]

http://www.birdsasart.com/Hippo-Yawn.jpg

[Kevin]

Wow, this game is cheap hit central.

[Knowledged_one]

And your saying that after a month? We started much worse last year and made the playoffs.

Yes they started out worse but this team is dreadful. No catcher, a horrible 1st Baseman, a 2nd baseman who got a new contract and cant hit now, Mussina is a year older, the bullpen is shaky

Should i continue

[TheGameHHH]

Over/Under on Hughes first solid start........June 1st

[Kevin]

Yes they started out worse but this team is dreadful. No catcher, a horrible 1st Baseman, a 2nd baseman who got a new contract and cant hit now, Mussina is a year older, the bullpen is shaky

Should i continue

We will be fine. We have not had a good 1b in years, and Cano is a notorious slow starter. And our pen is pretty damn good, after the 6th its pretty much lights out. We have had injuries and have played 18outa 19 on the road and we are only a game back of the Redsox, and i do not care how many we are in back of the O's they will be in 4th place buy june.


And also Jorge's injury is not as bad as thought, we will be fine.

[Kevin]

Hughes and Kennedy have been dominating.

Johan Santana sucks, well worth it.

[Bulldogcakes]

Over/Under on Hughes first solid start........June 1st

That will be pitched in Scranton.

[Bulldogcakes]

O'Flaherty and Leiter just said the same thing I've been saying about Hughes since last year. He doesn't throw enough of his pitches. Its 75% fastballs, 20% Curveballs, and the slider and change he throws a few times a start. He needs to mix it up more. Hitters are way too comfortable against him, MLB hitters can easily recognize fastball against a curve. If you mix in some sliders and changeups, especially late in counts you can get some swings and misses to get yourself out of trouble.

Fastball/curveball just isn't enough to get big league hitters out. I guess they'll stay with him for another month or so, because they really don't have anyone else (Kei Igawa part 2?) but I suspect he gets demoted before Kennedy. Kennedy is more polished, he has better commend of more pitches, he just needs to throw more strikes and be more aggressive. Let them hit the ball. Thats very doable, and will probably fix itself as he gets more starts under his belt.

Hughes is another story. He needs to work on his secondary stuff to the point where he has confidence in it. Hughes just isn't ready yet.

[Doctor Z]

This could be Cano's batting title year.


Sidenote: That makes it official. Not a single win between Hughes and Kennedy a full month into the season.