Yes, I'm going there.
Don't know if you have heard of Bryce Harper yet. If not, you will. He's a 16 yr old baseball player who's dropped out of high school, plans to get his GED, so that by next year he'll be eligible for the MLB draft.
They say he is hitting 500 ft HR's. One at 570 feet. He has the record for longest HR in Tropicana field at over 500 ft. Not Carlos Pena, not Fred McGriff, not Greg Vaughn, not Evan Longoria, not Jose Canseco. A 16 yr old kid has the record for the longest HR hit in Tropicana Field. Oh, and by the way...he also throws 96 miles per hour.
Let me be the first to say it. STEROIDS.
Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Juan Gonzalez, Alex Rodriguez couldn't hit balls that far...with Steroids. So how is a 16 yr old kid able to?
And while I'm at it...
Stephen Strasburg is on the the juice too. This guy who was a nobody coming out of high school and was about to get cut from his college team...but he quickly loses 30 lbs and adds 10 miles to his fastball and becomes the greatest pitching prospect, maybe ever.
And while I'm on a roll...here's more guys I believe are juiced up...
Albert Pujols
Carlos Pena
Adrian Gonzalez
Magglio Ordonez
Raul Ibanez
Wow, they're all Latin ballplayers. Coincidence? No. You can buy steroids in the Dominican Republic from the drug store like Tylenol. Same in Mexico. I'd assume it's probably easy to get the stuff in Venezuela as well.
MLB says players are subject to random testing even in the off-season. But let's face it. They aren't going to the DR or Venezuela trying to find guys in the winter. Those guys just juice all winter and attempt to cycle off before they report for spring training.
I don't really care that players are juicing. If you can get away with it, go for it. But I get sick of the media saying that this guy is clean because he's never failed a drug test when we really don't know for sure who's clean and who's not.
Because of that I'm letting my eyes make the decision for me.
If a guy turns 36 and enters the "prime" of his career...he's juicing.
If a guy comes into MLB and he's built like a middle linebacker and hits like a combination of Stan Musial & Ted Williams...he's juicing
If a guy is 16 and already hits balls farther than Mickey Mantle ever did...he's juicing.
If I'm wrong may God forgive me.
June 17, 2009
June 10, 2009
Red Sox Defeat Yankees 7-0
I tried to come up with the most non "jumping off the ledge" headline I could think of. But in reality, the Yankees, once again, were thoroughly outplayed by the Red Sox.
Baseball is a funny sport in that you can't really judge a team against another based on one game. The starting pitchers for that particular day have so much to do with the competitiveness of the game. It's not like football or basketball where you put your 11 versus their 11 or your 5 against their 5. A team like the Nationals or the Padres can whip you if they get a good outing from their starter and your team does not.
That being said, last nights match-up was a supreme mis-match. Josh Beckett was pretty much unhittable for the Sox and AJ Burnett attempted to do his best impression of Chein Ming Wang, circa April, 2009.
And that was your game.
Beckett can't pitch much better than that. You just have to tip your cap to him. And AJ knows he stunk.
The problem isn't this one loss, though. The problem is the Sox are now 6-0 against the Yankees this year. I don't really care if the Yanks go 16-2, or 8-8, or 2-16 against the Red Sox this year. If they win the division and get in the playoffs that's all that matters. Once you get in the playoffs, all bets are off. The Angels seem to dominate the Red Sox every year but can't beat the Sox to save their lives in the playoffs.
However, eventually the Yanks have to get off the canvas. For the simple reason, that I don't want to keep hearing that the Yanks can't beat the Red Sox over and over again on ESPN, on MLB Network, on the Mike Francessa show, etc, etc, etc....
But I don't have much confidence in the Yanks stopping the losing streak tonight. It's Wang vs Tim Wakefield. The Yanks can usually score a few runs off Wakefield but they may need to put up a 10 spot to have a chance in this game. I think Wang will eventually get right, but this ain't the game he does it. He doesn't pitch well at Fenway Park and the Red Sox seem to be able to lay off his sinker when it's low and out of the strike zone. They force him to bring it up and that's when the fun begins.
I hope he surprises me but I don't have much confidence in him and his 14.46 ERA.
Baseball is a funny sport in that you can't really judge a team against another based on one game. The starting pitchers for that particular day have so much to do with the competitiveness of the game. It's not like football or basketball where you put your 11 versus their 11 or your 5 against their 5. A team like the Nationals or the Padres can whip you if they get a good outing from their starter and your team does not.
That being said, last nights match-up was a supreme mis-match. Josh Beckett was pretty much unhittable for the Sox and AJ Burnett attempted to do his best impression of Chein Ming Wang, circa April, 2009.
And that was your game.
Beckett can't pitch much better than that. You just have to tip your cap to him. And AJ knows he stunk.
The problem isn't this one loss, though. The problem is the Sox are now 6-0 against the Yankees this year. I don't really care if the Yanks go 16-2, or 8-8, or 2-16 against the Red Sox this year. If they win the division and get in the playoffs that's all that matters. Once you get in the playoffs, all bets are off. The Angels seem to dominate the Red Sox every year but can't beat the Sox to save their lives in the playoffs.
However, eventually the Yanks have to get off the canvas. For the simple reason, that I don't want to keep hearing that the Yanks can't beat the Red Sox over and over again on ESPN, on MLB Network, on the Mike Francessa show, etc, etc, etc....
But I don't have much confidence in the Yanks stopping the losing streak tonight. It's Wang vs Tim Wakefield. The Yanks can usually score a few runs off Wakefield but they may need to put up a 10 spot to have a chance in this game. I think Wang will eventually get right, but this ain't the game he does it. He doesn't pitch well at Fenway Park and the Red Sox seem to be able to lay off his sinker when it's low and out of the strike zone. They force him to bring it up and that's when the fun begins.
I hope he surprises me but I don't have much confidence in him and his 14.46 ERA.
June 9, 2009
State of the Universe
What if on April 1st I had told you that on June 9th:
The Yanks would be in 1st place. Mark Teixiera would be, argueably, the MVP of the AL. ARod would be playing everyday. Jorge Posada would be catching most of the time. Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon, Melky Cabrera & Posada would all be hitting around .300. The starting staff would be just as it was slated to be in spring training and Mariano Rivera would have 14 saves.
Not sure about you, but I would have signed up for that in an instant. Now, we all know what it's taken to get to this point. It has not been all smooth sailing. But the Yanks are in good shape.
The two biggest question marks at this point for the team are Chien Ming Wang and the bullpen.
Wang pitches on tomorrow against Boston. In his first start back in the rotation, he looked real good for 2 innings. But then he got beat up after that. The sinker and velocity were there but not consistently. Maybe it's just a matter of building up stamina since he hadn't started in so long. I'm not expected him to be great tomorrow. Just serviceable would be just fine. Something like 6 innings, 7 hits, 3 runs would be a step in the right direction.
As for the bullpen, it's looking better? But one reason the bullpen has looked better in the past month is that Girardi has started to rely on the guys who are the most reliable. Sounds simple doesn't it? But I give Girardi credit. He gave Veras, Alabaladejo, Ramirez & Marte ample time to prove they could get the job done. Times up. Albaladejo & Ramirex are in Scranton, Marte's on the DL and Veras has been relegated to mop-up duty.
Brett Tomko, Alfredo Aceves, David Robertson have been getting it done. Phil Coke, although not dominating, hasn't been awful. But the wild card may be Phil Hughes. Last night there was a Phil Hughes sighting and it looked good. He was hitting 95, 96 on the gun.
Who knew he could even throw that hard??? Maybe I'm wrong but I've never known him to throw more than 94 in the big leagues. I know a reliever can let it go a little more but are you telling me that a guy like Justin Verlander who hits 99 as a starter would be hitting like 103 out of the bullpen??? Verlander to the bullpen!!!!
But I digress. Having Hughes in the bullpen could be a nice piece to the puzzle after all. That's if the Yanks choose to use him more than just once a week in that role as they currently seem to be doing. (Look, if you're not going to use him more than that, send him down to Scranton to get regular work.)
More bullpen help is on the way. Brian Bruney should be back (again) by next week to take back the 8th inning set up job, and add a little more depth.
So, things are looking good. The offense is clicking and the other starters have been reliable, so getting something positive out of Wang and the bullpen, would make the Yanks very tough to beat the rest of the season.
The Yanks would be in 1st place. Mark Teixiera would be, argueably, the MVP of the AL. ARod would be playing everyday. Jorge Posada would be catching most of the time. Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon, Melky Cabrera & Posada would all be hitting around .300. The starting staff would be just as it was slated to be in spring training and Mariano Rivera would have 14 saves.
Not sure about you, but I would have signed up for that in an instant. Now, we all know what it's taken to get to this point. It has not been all smooth sailing. But the Yanks are in good shape.
The two biggest question marks at this point for the team are Chien Ming Wang and the bullpen.
Wang pitches on tomorrow against Boston. In his first start back in the rotation, he looked real good for 2 innings. But then he got beat up after that. The sinker and velocity were there but not consistently. Maybe it's just a matter of building up stamina since he hadn't started in so long. I'm not expected him to be great tomorrow. Just serviceable would be just fine. Something like 6 innings, 7 hits, 3 runs would be a step in the right direction.
As for the bullpen, it's looking better? But one reason the bullpen has looked better in the past month is that Girardi has started to rely on the guys who are the most reliable. Sounds simple doesn't it? But I give Girardi credit. He gave Veras, Alabaladejo, Ramirez & Marte ample time to prove they could get the job done. Times up. Albaladejo & Ramirex are in Scranton, Marte's on the DL and Veras has been relegated to mop-up duty.
Brett Tomko, Alfredo Aceves, David Robertson have been getting it done. Phil Coke, although not dominating, hasn't been awful. But the wild card may be Phil Hughes. Last night there was a Phil Hughes sighting and it looked good. He was hitting 95, 96 on the gun.
Who knew he could even throw that hard??? Maybe I'm wrong but I've never known him to throw more than 94 in the big leagues. I know a reliever can let it go a little more but are you telling me that a guy like Justin Verlander who hits 99 as a starter would be hitting like 103 out of the bullpen??? Verlander to the bullpen!!!!
But I digress. Having Hughes in the bullpen could be a nice piece to the puzzle after all. That's if the Yanks choose to use him more than just once a week in that role as they currently seem to be doing. (Look, if you're not going to use him more than that, send him down to Scranton to get regular work.)
More bullpen help is on the way. Brian Bruney should be back (again) by next week to take back the 8th inning set up job, and add a little more depth.
So, things are looking good. The offense is clicking and the other starters have been reliable, so getting something positive out of Wang and the bullpen, would make the Yanks very tough to beat the rest of the season.
OH, IT'S ON!!!
Ok, Red Sox Nation. You are soooo deserving of this beatdown the Yanks are about to put on you!!!
The last time the Sawx & Yanks met the Yanks were left with their tails between their legs while screaming, "Please Daddy, don't hit me no more!"
But, things have changed since then. ARod returned from the DL, Mark Teixeira finally showed up, and the pitchers started...well, pitching. Add it all up and the Yanks come into this series in 1st place, one game up on Boston.
As well as the Yanks have played though, there is some unfinished business to take care of. See, in New York City, we believe in the art of retribution. You's don't come into our house and smack us around and get away with it, ya see? You's got something coming to ya! And you's ain't gonna like it neither!
To be serious, losing the first 5 meetings with Boston left a bad taste in the mouth. I know we're in first place but it feels like we don't deserve to be there. It's like "winning" the heavyweight title because the champ retired. The Yanks need to go into Boston and win at least 2 of 3. A sweep would be nice, but 2 of 3 would send a nice message:
We're here, we're for real, and we ain't going a mutha f'in place, ya dig?!?!
The last time the Sawx & Yanks met the Yanks were left with their tails between their legs while screaming, "Please Daddy, don't hit me no more!"
But, things have changed since then. ARod returned from the DL, Mark Teixeira finally showed up, and the pitchers started...well, pitching. Add it all up and the Yanks come into this series in 1st place, one game up on Boston.
As well as the Yanks have played though, there is some unfinished business to take care of. See, in New York City, we believe in the art of retribution. You's don't come into our house and smack us around and get away with it, ya see? You's got something coming to ya! And you's ain't gonna like it neither!
To be serious, losing the first 5 meetings with Boston left a bad taste in the mouth. I know we're in first place but it feels like we don't deserve to be there. It's like "winning" the heavyweight title because the champ retired. The Yanks need to go into Boston and win at least 2 of 3. A sweep would be nice, but 2 of 3 would send a nice message:
We're here, we're for real, and we ain't going a mutha f'in place, ya dig?!?!
June 4, 2009
Wang Back to Rotation is the Right Move
The Yanks announced yesterday that Chien Ming Wang would return to the rotation and Phil Hughes would be moved to the bullpen.
Now, if Hughes was being moved to the bullpen on a full time basis then I'd question the move. He's shown that he can be a very good major league starter. But this is not a permanent move. If Wang can hold his own as a starter again, then Wang will be sent back down the AAA to get innings and continue his progress.
It is the only move that makes sense. Wang is not a relief pitcher. When he's right he's proven he's one of the top 10 starting pitchers in the American League. Plus he's just what you need in the New Yankee Stadium: A pitcher who is one of the stingiest when it comes to giving up home runs and fly balls.
As for Hughes, he's pitched well at times. But a little more seasoning in the minors won't hurt. And fortunately, the Yanks have a surplus of starters at the moment. They can afford the luxury of sending Hughes down to work on his command and secondary pitches. We'll see him again before the year is out.
In fact, Hughes may just be needed for the rotation soon anyway. I'm not so sure Andy Pettitte's back is really 100% as he says. After last night's 6 walk effort, I wouldn't be surprised to see Andy going on the DL in the near future. If so, Hughes can slide into his spot in the rotation. No need for Andy to keep going out there hurt, like he did last year.
The bullpen still has weaknesses but I don't believe guys like Hughes, Joba or Wang should be responsible for fixing them. I'd much rather develop starting pitching and fill in the bullpen gaps with the Robertsons & Melancons of the world.
I believe the Yankees are thinking the same way.
Now, if Hughes was being moved to the bullpen on a full time basis then I'd question the move. He's shown that he can be a very good major league starter. But this is not a permanent move. If Wang can hold his own as a starter again, then Wang will be sent back down the AAA to get innings and continue his progress.
It is the only move that makes sense. Wang is not a relief pitcher. When he's right he's proven he's one of the top 10 starting pitchers in the American League. Plus he's just what you need in the New Yankee Stadium: A pitcher who is one of the stingiest when it comes to giving up home runs and fly balls.
As for Hughes, he's pitched well at times. But a little more seasoning in the minors won't hurt. And fortunately, the Yanks have a surplus of starters at the moment. They can afford the luxury of sending Hughes down to work on his command and secondary pitches. We'll see him again before the year is out.
In fact, Hughes may just be needed for the rotation soon anyway. I'm not so sure Andy Pettitte's back is really 100% as he says. After last night's 6 walk effort, I wouldn't be surprised to see Andy going on the DL in the near future. If so, Hughes can slide into his spot in the rotation. No need for Andy to keep going out there hurt, like he did last year.
The bullpen still has weaknesses but I don't believe guys like Hughes, Joba or Wang should be responsible for fixing them. I'd much rather develop starting pitching and fill in the bullpen gaps with the Robertsons & Melancons of the world.
I believe the Yankees are thinking the same way.
June 3, 2009
Stephen Strasburg Is No Sure Thing
Stephen Strasburg is being talked about as possibly the greatest pitching prospect in history. They say he can consistently throw his fastball in the upper 90's, touching 100+ regularly. Plus, his secondary pitches are supposedly top notch.
But add me to the growing list of people that think he will be a bust. I have no scientific reason for believing this. Only that there are limitations to what the human body can do. Pitching is a violent endeavor, one that goes contrary to what an arm, shoulder & elbow was intended to do. I just feel arm problems for him are inevitable. Due in part, to the fact he will most assuredly be rushed to the majors as quick as possible.
The Washington Nationals have the first pick in the upcoming MLB draft. They are in a tough position. They should want to draft Strasburg but Scott Boras, his agent, has put out there that his client wants $50,000,000 just to sign.
The Nationals franchise is so pathetic, no one player is going to turn them around. If they sign Strasburg and he is anything less than the second coming of Tom Seaver, Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens combined, it will be a disappointment. But if they pass on him, their fan base will never forgive them if he does live up to the billing. (If the Nats actually had a fan base, that is)
Too bad MLB doesn't allow you to trade down or trade the pick like the NFL, NBA & NHL does. That way the Nats could trade the pick to a team like the Yankees or Red Sox that can afford to pay the large signing bonus but also won't be crippled if Strasburg doesn't pan out. In return the Nats could stockpile draft picks to quicken their rebuilding process.
I know it sounds like it would be a case of the rich teams getting richer...but imagine if a team like the Yankees traded their 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th & 7th round picks to the Nationals for the right to draft Strasburg. Now, if Strasburg turns into Johan Santana it's a great trade for the Yanks. But what if he hurts his arm and turns into Ben McDonald. And Washington drafts a future All-Star and 2 serviceable major leaguers with those extra picks. Now the deal looks like a steal for the Nats. Right?
There is risk either way. But it gives teams options that they currently don't have.
Maybe it's something MLB should consider in the future.
But add me to the growing list of people that think he will be a bust. I have no scientific reason for believing this. Only that there are limitations to what the human body can do. Pitching is a violent endeavor, one that goes contrary to what an arm, shoulder & elbow was intended to do. I just feel arm problems for him are inevitable. Due in part, to the fact he will most assuredly be rushed to the majors as quick as possible.
The Washington Nationals have the first pick in the upcoming MLB draft. They are in a tough position. They should want to draft Strasburg but Scott Boras, his agent, has put out there that his client wants $50,000,000 just to sign.
The Nationals franchise is so pathetic, no one player is going to turn them around. If they sign Strasburg and he is anything less than the second coming of Tom Seaver, Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens combined, it will be a disappointment. But if they pass on him, their fan base will never forgive them if he does live up to the billing. (If the Nats actually had a fan base, that is)
Too bad MLB doesn't allow you to trade down or trade the pick like the NFL, NBA & NHL does. That way the Nats could trade the pick to a team like the Yankees or Red Sox that can afford to pay the large signing bonus but also won't be crippled if Strasburg doesn't pan out. In return the Nats could stockpile draft picks to quicken their rebuilding process.
I know it sounds like it would be a case of the rich teams getting richer...but imagine if a team like the Yankees traded their 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th & 7th round picks to the Nationals for the right to draft Strasburg. Now, if Strasburg turns into Johan Santana it's a great trade for the Yanks. But what if he hurts his arm and turns into Ben McDonald. And Washington drafts a future All-Star and 2 serviceable major leaguers with those extra picks. Now the deal looks like a steal for the Nats. Right?
There is risk either way. But it gives teams options that they currently don't have.
Maybe it's something MLB should consider in the future.
June 2, 2009
Joba Back To Setting Up For Mo'
We'll, sort of. Joba Chamberlain pitched, what I believe, to be his best game as a starting pitching. He went 8 innings, 4 hits, 2 BB, 5 SO and one death defying leap onto the grass.
His fastball was hitting mid 90's consistently. Topping out at 98 several times. I had not seen that kind of velocity from him all year. Sometimes the YES gun is off so just to be sure I turned to ESPN (they were showing the game too) several times to compare. There was only a difference of 1 MPH between the guns. So, it's safe to say Joba was throwing some GAS!!!
On top of that his breaking stuff was working. His curve ball was nasty. And the slider was on. It's easy to see why the Yanks feel Joba should be a starter. He has 3 above average pitches. Plus, he even threw a couple change-ups. You don't put that kind of stuff in the bullpen. Period. End of Story.
The play of the game was in the 7th when the Indians had a runner on 1st and 2nd with no outs. Kelly Shoppach tried to sacrifice bunt but got under the ball and sent it down the 3rd base line. Joba was quick off the mound and dove for the ball and caught it just before it hit the grass. He then jumped up and fired a strike to 2nd to double off the runner.
It was the turning point of the game. The Yanks would score 4 in the top of the 8th to put the game away, but the night belonged to Joba.
Hopefully, he can follow up this start with another quality outing. At this point, Joba just needs to find consistency. He's already proven he can dominate on any given night.
His fastball was hitting mid 90's consistently. Topping out at 98 several times. I had not seen that kind of velocity from him all year. Sometimes the YES gun is off so just to be sure I turned to ESPN (they were showing the game too) several times to compare. There was only a difference of 1 MPH between the guns. So, it's safe to say Joba was throwing some GAS!!!
On top of that his breaking stuff was working. His curve ball was nasty. And the slider was on. It's easy to see why the Yanks feel Joba should be a starter. He has 3 above average pitches. Plus, he even threw a couple change-ups. You don't put that kind of stuff in the bullpen. Period. End of Story.
The play of the game was in the 7th when the Indians had a runner on 1st and 2nd with no outs. Kelly Shoppach tried to sacrifice bunt but got under the ball and sent it down the 3rd base line. Joba was quick off the mound and dove for the ball and caught it just before it hit the grass. He then jumped up and fired a strike to 2nd to double off the runner.
It was the turning point of the game. The Yanks would score 4 in the top of the 8th to put the game away, but the night belonged to Joba.
Hopefully, he can follow up this start with another quality outing. At this point, Joba just needs to find consistency. He's already proven he can dominate on any given night.
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