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A-Rod to Short Would be a Mistake 2008-04-09 07:38:00 With DJ out for a while with a strained quad, some people are clamoring to get A-Rod moved to short until Jeet comes back. Dumb move.At 4-4 due to an anemic offense, the Yanks are not exactly tearing the cover off the ball. The last thing we need is A-Rod worried about trying to make the temporary transition back to shortstop. We have seen what can happen when a player is too worried about his position in the field and the effect it can have on their offensive performance, and taking anything away from A-Rod's O would add to an already big problem.In addition to the offensive issue, moving A-Rod back to short might significantly hurt the Yankee defense as well. By his own admission A-Rod has not even taken a grounder in practice at SS for 5 years. While he was one of the best in the league Read more:Short
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General Joe Second Guess #1 2008-04-12 20:34:00 C'mon!I don't care what Moose said when Girardi went out to the mound...you GOTTA walk Manny in that spot!He's one of the greatest right handed hitters of all time, you have first base open with 2 out, and you let him hit a double up the gap?Hopefully this is a learning experience for Joe G. and he won't make the mistake of asking Moose again. Read more:General
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Evolution of an Ace 2008-04-12 08:54:00 Wang has had some serious struggles versus the Red Sox in the past - for some reason they have an approach that works against him and he knows it. Those games combined with the way he performed in the postseason left about as many question marks as is possible for a back to back 19 game winner. The question was how would Wang respond? Would he evolve and adjust or would he continue to be a one pitch pitcher? Wang went in the offseason focused on expanding his game and he spent most of spring training fine tuning his secondary pitches and figuring out how to work them into his repertoire.Last night we got a first hand look at the results of all his work. Wang threw a lot of four seam fastballs which resulted in a lot of flyballs. Also, he featured some sliders and changes. He can get away w Read more:Evolution
Game 2 vs Red Sox 2008-04-12 07:59:00 I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that today's game is a slugfest. Both teams have been struggling scoring runs and the on-paper pitching match up favors the Sox. But based on his history, Joshy Blister is due for a clunker of a year.Forecast - Yanks chase Beckett in the 3rd and win 9-7. Read more:Red Sox
No title 2008-04-12 07:25:00 3-0, 1.23, and after last night are there any questions?
Yanks - Sox 2008-04-11 07:39:00 As the first Yankee Red Sox war is upon us, it's time to compare the teams.1B - Youkilis vs Giambi -Both are likely to put up OBP over .400, but Giambi should do it with power. If he could stay healthy the edge would go to the Yanks
; Edge Sox2B - Cano vs Pedroia - Despite the rantings of certain on-air personalities about how much of a 'winner' and 'gamer' Pedroia is, Cano is in the upper echelon of second baseman behind only Chase Utley. Edge Yanks3B - Lowell vs A-Rod - Lowell had a career year last year which he is unlikely to repeat. A-Rod had a monster year last year which he has a chance to repeat. It's really no contest. Edge YanksSS - Lugo vs Jeter - Even hurt Jeets takes this one easily. Edge YanksC - Varitek vs Posada - Varitek's last 2 years: 2006 - .238 12 HR 55 RBI, 2007 - .255
Offensive Slumber Continues 2008-04-12 22:27:00 The one thing we knew coming into this season was this team was going to score a lot of runs. After 12 games that is pretty much all that hasn't happened. The bullpen has been good outside of Hawkins and Farnsworth but we knew that, Wang has looked great, Moose has a pulse, and we have manufactured runs in tight spots. However, the bats are still asleep. The main culprits have been Damon, Giambi and Cano. Last year a lot was made of all the Yankee lefties not hitting to start the season and except for Abreu the same has happened this year. Maybe these guys are just not that good. I believe that Cano will bounce back but really Giambi and Damon are two guys that look done. I am sure Damon will have a hot streak and get his numbers near respectability and Giambi will hit some HRs but rea Read more:Offensive
"It was nice to be able to work up a sweat" 2008-04-15 07:20:00 The above quote by A-Rod says it all. For just about the first time this season the Yanks didn't need long sleeves under their uniforms. For the first time this season their weren't bumble bees buzzing inside every bat. For the first time all season the pitchers could feel their pitching hands and didn't have permission to blow into them on the mound.The result? 6+ solid innings by Ikky, 15 hits, 4 home runs and 8 runs scored.Look for more of the same tonight.
Boston Still Owns April 2008-04-14 07:59:00 The Yankees simply can't beat the Sox in April
;2007 1-52006 0-02005 3-32004 1-52003 0-02002 1-32001 3-42000 0-0Total Record 9-20 in April.Simply put, when the Sox and Yankees meet in April the Red Sox win.How about when the games really count(Aug/Sept)?2007 5-12006 1-32005 3-32004 3-32003 3-32002 4-12001 6-02000 3-1Record in Aug/Sept, 28-15.I know I would rather it this way...let them own the games early but late in the season, close to playoff time when we can get inside their heads, I want to win.So calm down Yankee fans this is the way its supposed to be and really, would you have it any other way? Read more:Boston
Perspective 2008-04-14 07:26:00 Yes, it sucks the Yanks are 6-7 after 13 games.Yes, Phil Phranchise has looked like the second coming of Sr Nervous (Jose Contreras).and Yes, the team has looked old and lifeless.I'm here to tell you, though, it's no time to panic.Thus far the Yanks have played series in NY, KC and Boston; places where the average 7pm local temperature has yet to exceed 45 degrees. I firmly believe that this is a major contributor to the terrible start of both TM and the offense. Hughes grew up in SoCal and started every season prior to this one either in the Gulf Coast League, the South Atlantic League or the Florida State League. The game-time temps of his starts have been 42, 46 and 46 degrees. Not only are there no viable options to replace him, but even discussing removing Hughes from the rotation is Read more:Perspective
Piazza Measured for Pinstripes? 2008-04-15 12:27:00 With the current state of Yankee catching, one intriguing option has surfaced - Mike Piazza.While his throwing ability is somewhere between Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi, Piazza is a very adept game-caller and has shown an ability to work well with young pitchers.Many reports have Piazza close to signing a deal with the Cincinnati Reds, though others are stating the Reds want more of a 'catch and throw' guy for the position.What it comes down to is how long Jorge and Molina will be out. Chad Moeller is obviously not a long-term option, but if either backstop will be back within a couple of weeks there is really no room for Piazza on the roster.With the play of Alberto Gonzalez up the middle and Morgan Ensberg able to play either corner infield spot I believe Wilson Betemit's days in Pinstr
Bullpen Thoughts 2008-04-17 08:14:00 After watching the newly sculpted Brian Bruney blow away the Red Sox with a 97 mph heater last night, and LaTroy Hawkins start to show some reliability, it's becoming obvious that a real strength of this Yankees team will be the bullpen.Assuming 6 innings from our starters, General Joe has an enviable wealth of arms from which to choose for the last 3 innings of a game. In the 7th, Hawkins, Bruney, Traber and Ohley have all shown to be very reliable in the early going. Additionally, provided he is used correctly (one inning only, no back-to-back appearances, etc...), even Farnsworth has shown flashes of effectiveness.The depth of the Yankee relief corps is damn near embarrassing. At SWB are the following relievers -Jose Veras - 7ip, 10k, 2erChris Britton - 7ip, 7k, 0erEdwar Ramirez - 7ip,
Your First Place NY Yankees 2008-04-17 07:48:00 For the 1st time this season the Yanks are 2 games over .500 at 9-7, and sit tied with everyone's favorite pretenders in 1st place. The bats have seemingly come to life, and for the most part the pitching is coming together.Even with the shelling CMW took last night, there were good pitching signs in the game. The Hawk calmed things down with 2 impressive scoreless innings. In his last 5 appearances, Hawk has 7 ip, 4h, 0er, 5Ks - 5 of those shutout innings have come against the Red Sox allowing only 2 hits.Brian Bruney looked awesome in the 8th last night hitting 97 on the gun and generally looking dominant.Hopefully Moose can continue his rebirth and keep the Sox in check long enough for us to put a whoopin' on Joshy Blister tonight. Read more:First
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How Hard Can it Be? 2008-04-16 21:22:00 I realize Jason Giambi has been considered a 'run producer' in his time in MLB. I realize chicks dig the long ball. But when you're 2 for 96 or whatever anemic numbers Jason has put up so far this year would it be so out of the question to lay one down against the shift?The guy with a hedgehog attached to his face playing 3rd base for Boston was 2 feet from 2nd base. All he has to do is get the ball past the pitcher and he has a guaranteed hit. Who knows - maybe if he does lay down a few successful bunts against the shift teams will be forced to stop using it against him!Maybe I'm wrong, but if your true goal is to help the team and the opposition is giving you a base hit, LAY IT DOWN!!
This is NOT a big Start for Hughes 2008-04-18 16:02:00 Before every Phil Hughes
start the various blogs and newspapers want to take note of Phil's progress. Specifically, does he look like an Ace? There is no shortage of these type of stores today;The Post - Phil is Falling FastFrom Peter Abe - Big Game for PhilThe Daily News - Phil looks to Mow down O's(Actually pretty calm and not overly dramatic)The truth of the matter is this is not a big start for Phil. He could pitch to a 6 era the rest of the year and still blossom into an ace. We might all be disappointed in the outcome this year but it really is not a death sentence to his future ability to grow into an Ace. It might take two years before we really know what we have in Phil. The question is if it takes that long will he stick around? Read more:Start
General Joe Rant #2 2008-04-18 09:48:00 It's really unfortunate that rant #2 has to be essentially the same topic as rant #1, but for god's sake can we please acknowledge that the only true threat right now in the Red Sox lineup is Manny and not give him anything to hit??The guy is hitting like .800 vs us, higher against Moose, and had already cost us a game over the weekend. How flipping hard is it to make the decision that we are not going to let him beat us? Every lineup has one person that should not be allowed to hurt you - with Fat Papi hitting half his weight, Manny is obviously that guy. Unless it's Mo, The Beast, or bases loaded late in a tie game, Manny has been so hot that we either plunk him in the arse (NOT behind his head, Farnsy!) with the first pitch or put 4 in the dirt without hesitation. Might not have made a Read more:General
Thoughts on Phil - Mechanical Issues 2008-04-19 08:36:00 Before I start I would like to say that I am NOT panicking. I am still willing to show the patience that I have preached since the offseason and allow Phil the room to grow.That being said, I believe that there were some worrisome signs in last night's game.First, for the first time, I believe Phil's stuff was not very good. In prior starts he had trouble finding the zone and hitting spots; last night, however, I think his fastball was unusually hittable. Not only did it seem that he did not break 91 on the gun, but it seemed the pitched lacked the typical late movement that makes Phil's fastball such a great pitch.Second, in addition to not being able to throw it for strikes for much of the outing, Phil's curveball was 2-4 instead of the usual 12-6. As the curve had essentially the same m Read more:Issues
Same OLD Yankees? 2008-04-21 07:48:00 A lot was made in the offseason about the Yankees
new found commitment to youth. So far this year there has been, predictably, mixed results. Ohlendorff, Alabedejo, Joba and Gonzalez have shown promise while two of the big three - Kennedy and Hughes have struggled.With the commitment to youth I expected more of a merit based system of managing the players and the opportunities they receive. We have seen that with Bruney as he has clearly jumped Kyle and Hawkins in the depth chart but will the other spots on the roster follow merit based assessments or will the New Joe act more like the Old Joe and give spots and opportunity to "proven" guys?The following roster moves could show us that times have changed;Gonzalaez over BetemitGonzalez is clearly the better backup player at this point then
Losing is NOT OK 2008-04-20 08:46:00 General Joe did something in his 19th game as manager that Gentle Joe didn't do in 12 years - show obvious frustration with one of his players. In the 3rd Joe went to the mound and essentially read Ikky the riot act. It had nothing to do with the score, or the count, or Ikky's stuff - it had to do with his approach. The Yanks have been preaching to both Kennedy and Hughes that their stuff is more than good enough to get major league hitters out. They have been telling them constantly that nibbling is only going to get them in unneeded trouble and that they need to attack hitters. Kennedy walked 5 batters and threw 85 (!) pitches in 2.2 innings; he also stuck out 4. As Ikky struck out half the outs he recorded, obviously his stuff was very good. In comparison it took Ohley 48 pitches to com
Divine Intervention 2008-04-22 08:10:00 From PeteAbe-My understanding is the Pope left a note on Joe Girardi’s desk telling him not to pitch to Manny Ramirez with first base open. He also thinks Joba should be a starter. Read more:Divine
Reality Check 2008-04-23 14:26:00 From the Rumor Mill on ESPN -According to the East Valley Tribune, Orlando Hudson, a free agent at the end of the 2008 season, will be looking for a contract that would pay him close to $15 million per year. The Diamondbacks have been trying to work out a possible extension with Hudson's camp since late in 2007, but the sides remain too far apart to suggest that a deal between the two can be reached.(emphasis added)That's Orlando Hudson - he of the 60 home runs and 331 RBI in his 6 year CAREER before 2008. The same Orlando Hudson who has never hit .300, has an OBP of .342 and slugging percentage of .430 over 6 seasons.I really hope this is a typo and Hudson is looking for $15mm over 3-5 years. If not that guy is in for a rude awakening! Read more:Check
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A CC Sighting! 2008-04-23 09:31:00 Having drafted CC Sabathia as my Ace in our Blogger FLB league, I have been getting my butt kicked early. Add to CC that I also drafted Lackey (hurt), Oswalt (poor first 5 starts) and Harden (ugh), my pitching has been very much like the Yanks' early last year - awful.Finally a good start from CC last night - 6ip, 2bb, 11k, 0er. Hopefully this is the start of him leading my team to victory!
Beckett Scratched 2008-04-22 15:49:00 Red Sox 'Ace' and media darling Josh 'Blisters' Beckett
has been scratched from his start tonight against the Angels with a stiff neck. Note to Peter Gammons, Bob Ryan and all living human beings at ESPN - this is yet another reason to wait until he shows he can perform in back-to-back years before annointing him Ace of the World.
The Pope Likes Jesus & Some Divine Intervention 2008-04-22 15:38:00 From It Is High...Who'd a thunk it? The Big Man flies all the way from Rome...and yet he takes time to talk about rising Yankee catcher/DH Jesus
Montero, currently batting .359 at Charleston."I find it moving to recall that Jesus, as a young boy, heard the words of Scripture and prayed in a place such as this," the Pope said.Didn't catch the context. I think he was referring to Stan's Sports Bar, across from the House that the Book of Ruth Built. His Highness also mentioned the Yankees."Since its beginning, New York has stood as a beacon of religious tolerance and celebration."Damn straight. We had Mike Kekich and Fritz Peterson, and nobody said a thing. That's tolerance. Way to go, Pope!From PeteAbe-My understanding is the Pope left a note on Joe Girardi’s desk telling him not to pitch Read more:Divine
Phil Mushnick is a Total Idiot 2008-04-26 07:16:00 Phil Mushnick has been writing for the NY Post for as long as I can remember. And for as long as I can remember Phil Mushnick has killed John Sterling in his articles. At least once a month Mushnick makes a point of berating John in his worthless columnIn yesterday's Post (NY Post, not blog post) Mushnick is at it again spewing his usual ignorant, hateful crap in the direction of the Voice of the Yankees. The only points Mushnick brings up in his article are based on John making an "it is high..." call when the ball is not a home run. Travesty!I am certainly not alone in my loathing of Phil Mushnick.While neither am I a fan of the broadcast work of Joe Morgan, he said the following about Mushy -If I were someone that let my anger get control, I would fly into New York, find out where you l Read more:Total
Jonathan Sanchez, Part II 2008-04-26 07:08:00 Over the winter the Yanks were rumored to be interested in JonathanSanchez
of the Giants. While the cost was high (HMat), our scouting department seems to have gotten it right.In 5 games (and starts) Sanchez is 3-1 with a 3.21 ERA. More impressively he has struck out 36 batters in 28IP. Granted this is taking place in the NL west where games take place in parks like Chavez Ravine, Petco and PacBell, but his obvious swing-and-miss stuff is making him look like a nice young pitcher.
Yanks Using Ohley All Wrong 2008-04-25 14:13:00 By default so far this season, the Yanks
have been using Russ Ohlendorf as the long man out of the 'pen. This is a big mistake - Ohley is being misused by Girardi and Co. and would be far more effective being used as a short man.When the Yanks got Ohley from the Diamondbacks for the Tiny Unit he was a AA starter. His K rate had declined dramatically from the year before, but the Yanks started him at AAA anyway. He proceeded to get bombed.In order to get his head straight the Yanks moved him into the AAA bullpen where he almost immediately gained 4-6 MPH on his fastball and was seemingly a different pitcher.Ohley's brief Major League career has been a tale of 2 pitchers - when pitching less than 2 innings Ohley has logged 9.1 innings allowing only 3 ER and striking out 14. When asked to go Read more:Wrong
The Melk Man Delivering 2008-04-28 09:29:00 It's early, I know. But as we said in the off season, branding Melky Cabrera a 4th outfielder was extremely premature.Leading the Yanks with 5 HR and behind only HMat with a .506 slugging percentage, Melky is showing exactly the kind of growth one would hope from a 23 year old in his 3rd major league season.My feeling is that Melky could very well grow into a Bernie Williams. Comparing Melky and Bernie's 1st 3 years -Bernie Year 1 - .238/268/.350, Year 2 - .280/.354/.406 and year 3 - .268/.333/.400 (AVG/OBP/SLG).Melky has put up 1. .280/.360/.391, year 2 - .273/.327/.391 and .291/.356/.506 so far in year 3.It's not a huge stretch to project Melky with career numbers very similar to Bernie's .297/.381/.477.Bernie is in my top 3 Yankees of all time if not #1. On the field he was a high avera
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