One thing about starting the year off well is that when you get to July & August, you don't have to play .700 ball to get back into it. That's what the Yanks had seemed to do every year from mid-decade on.
This year the Yanks have played consistent baseball pretty much all year. They've had a week or two here and there where they've struggled but no month long doldrums. Because of this they're in first place.
However, because the Yanks have been so consistent there is the feeling that this team doesn't have what last year's team did. There have been less walk off wins and less instant YES classics.
Last year, we had the new stadium, new talent in CC, AJ & Tex, and a hunger to win after almost a decade of no titles.
This year we've had a slumping Tex & Jeter, an (even more) inconsistent AJ, and poor performing new additions Granderson, Nick the Sick, & Javy Vasquez. Plus injuries to Petitte and now ARod.
So even though we have the best record in baseball, it just seems like something is missing. Is this the year Texas or Minnesota beats us in the playoffs? Can we continue to hold off the Rays? Will Boston, despite numerous injuries, make it a three team race?
I think this team is potentially stronger than last year's. Our line-up is less dependent on Tex & ARod and our pitching staff, including the bullpen, is deeper.
The Yanks are right where they want to be going into September.
August 23, 2010
August 18, 2010
CC Does What Aces Do
The Big Man went to 16 wins last night. He's quietly having a great season. I say quietly because he's not mentioned as a Cy Young candidate or as one of the top starters this year. But he's having as good a year as anybody in baseball.
One thing that you have to love about CC is he's consistent. In fact, he's the first Yankee pitcher to start at least 15 games in a row, pitch 6 or more innings, and give up 3 or less runs since Ron Guidry in 1978.
That's domination, homes.
But despite that string of success, a 16-5 record, and an ERA of 3.12, he gets overshadowd by the likes of Cliff Lee, David Price & Jon Lester. All those guys have less wins than CC but better ERA's & WHIP's.
It used to be that wins trumped everything in Cy Young voting. But as Greink)e showed last year, now it's about new sabremetric stats like WHIP and FIP that influence voters the most. So, even though CC may lead the league in wins, he'll probably come up short to those other guys. Especially Cliff Lee who has walked like 10 guys all year and has a WHIP under 1.00.
Even still, it's good to have a true ace like CC who you can pretty much expect to win every time out. Those guys are few and far between.
One thing that you have to love about CC is he's consistent. In fact, he's the first Yankee pitcher to start at least 15 games in a row, pitch 6 or more innings, and give up 3 or less runs since Ron Guidry in 1978.
That's domination, homes.
But despite that string of success, a 16-5 record, and an ERA of 3.12, he gets overshadowd by the likes of Cliff Lee, David Price & Jon Lester. All those guys have less wins than CC but better ERA's & WHIP's.
It used to be that wins trumped everything in Cy Young voting. But as Greink)e showed last year, now it's about new sabremetric stats like WHIP and FIP that influence voters the most. So, even though CC may lead the league in wins, he'll probably come up short to those other guys. Especially Cliff Lee who has walked like 10 guys all year and has a WHIP under 1.00.
Even still, it's good to have a true ace like CC who you can pretty much expect to win every time out. Those guys are few and far between.
August 12, 2010
Are You Ready For Some Futbol?
I am so ready for Football season. And, No. I don't mean NFL. I'm talking Barkley's Premier League Football which is England's top soccer league. I have been preparing myself for the start of the season for the last couple months. The season kicks off this Saturday.
The top teams in the league are Chelsea (champions from last season), Manchester United (they are basically the Yankees of the Premier League, most championships, top players, worldwide fan base), Arsenal, & Liverpool (although they had a so-so year last season).
This is my first year following the league so I've spent the past few months trying to decide who would be my team. I chose Manchester City. I guess if Man U is the Yankees, then Man City would be the Mets. They haven't won anything in like 40 years. Which is hard to do because each year there are like 4 different championships a team can win (I'll explain later).
I'm digging Man City because they are up & coming. They have a new Arab owner who is filthy rich buying lots of good players. And when I read about the team it said that their fans have a saying..."Typical City" which they say when the team lets them down again. That's almost the same as saying "Same Old Jets", so I knew they had to be my team.
There are 20 teams in the league. They play 38 games. 1 game a week. Each team plays each other team, home & away. Whoever has the most points at the end of the season wins the league. 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw.
What's crazy is that while the season is going on there are other tournaments going on at the same time. There is a Champions League where the top 4 teams from England play other top teams from other countries in Europe. Then there is the Europa League where other top teams that didn't get into the Champions League play for that championship. Plus there is something called the Carling Cup. So even though a team has 38 premiere league games, they could end up playing 20 or 30 more additional games!!!
At the same time whenever the National Teams play a match (England, Italy, Germany, Brazil, etc...) they will call up their players to play in that.
Imagine, for instance, the Dominican National Team saying "We need Pujols, Arod, Robbie Cano & David Ortiz" DURING THE MIDDLE OF THE BASEBALL SEASON!!! But that's what happens.
Then you have this thing called relegation. The bottom 3 teams in the Premier League each year get relegated to the Championship League (not to be confused with the Champions League) for the following year. Which is like the minor leagues. The top 3 teams from the Championship League get promoted to the Premier League. Teams can make a lot more money in the Premier League through TV money and stuff so being in the Premier League is very lucrative.
Wouldn't it be nice if the Pirates, Orioles & Royals could get relegated?
Some other crazy stuff about the Premier League:
1) The Kits (Uniforms) - The teams will have home & away uniforms that don't even match. They may wear Blue & White at home and then wear Orange & Yellow on the road. Makes no sense. Plus they don't have the team names on the uni's. Just the sponsor name. So, Manchester United uni's say "AIG" on them. Arsenal says "Fly Emirates". There is even a team, I forget who, that is sponsored by a Sports Betting service. So their uniform says "188BET" on it. HOW CRAZY IS THAT?
2) They call trades "transfers". If you want a player from another team that is still under contract you have to pay his team a "Transfer fee" first. It could be 20 million or more. Sometimes they do actual player for player trades but usually it's done with transfer fees.
3) You can also do loans of players. It works like this. Say the Yankees have a young player, Jesus Montero. He's their catcher of the future but he's not ready to take Posada's place and he's too good to stay in AAA. Imagine if the Yanks could loan him to the Royals. The Royals would pay all or just some of his salary while they have him, he'll be their catcher and probably be better than any catcher they have. Jesus will get valuable experience and the Yanks can call him back once the loan period is up. That's what they do in the Premier League and basically all soccer leagues around the world.
All the top soccer leagues in the world are under FIFA so you can do loans & transfers with other country's leagues. Last year the LA Galaxy of the MLS loaned Landon Donovan to Everton in the Premier League. He actually played pretty well and Everton reportedly would like him back but the Galaxy don't want to let him go again (not for the same money anyway).
4) Malcolm Glazer, owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers owns Manchester United. Tom Hicks, former owner of Texas Rangers, who let team almost go bankrupt, owns Liverpool (and yes Liverpool is having money problems, too). Randy Lerner, owner of the Cleveland Browns, owns Aston Villa. Stan Kroenke, owner of Denver Nuggets, owns Arsenal.
Last month, there were reports out that the New York Yankees ownership were interested in purchasing Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. It is said that Hank Steinbrenner is a big fan of the club. I haven't heard anymore since, but that was right around the time that The Boss died, so maybe that deal got put on the back burner for a while.
First match is Saturday morning at 7:45 on ESPN2. To quote Cartman from an episode of Southpark, "I'll be watching. I know many of you will be, too."
The top teams in the league are Chelsea (champions from last season), Manchester United (they are basically the Yankees of the Premier League, most championships, top players, worldwide fan base), Arsenal, & Liverpool (although they had a so-so year last season).
This is my first year following the league so I've spent the past few months trying to decide who would be my team. I chose Manchester City. I guess if Man U is the Yankees, then Man City would be the Mets. They haven't won anything in like 40 years. Which is hard to do because each year there are like 4 different championships a team can win (I'll explain later).
I'm digging Man City because they are up & coming. They have a new Arab owner who is filthy rich buying lots of good players. And when I read about the team it said that their fans have a saying..."Typical City" which they say when the team lets them down again. That's almost the same as saying "Same Old Jets", so I knew they had to be my team.
There are 20 teams in the league. They play 38 games. 1 game a week. Each team plays each other team, home & away. Whoever has the most points at the end of the season wins the league. 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw.
What's crazy is that while the season is going on there are other tournaments going on at the same time. There is a Champions League where the top 4 teams from England play other top teams from other countries in Europe. Then there is the Europa League where other top teams that didn't get into the Champions League play for that championship. Plus there is something called the Carling Cup. So even though a team has 38 premiere league games, they could end up playing 20 or 30 more additional games!!!
At the same time whenever the National Teams play a match (England, Italy, Germany, Brazil, etc...) they will call up their players to play in that.
Imagine, for instance, the Dominican National Team saying "We need Pujols, Arod, Robbie Cano & David Ortiz" DURING THE MIDDLE OF THE BASEBALL SEASON!!! But that's what happens.
Then you have this thing called relegation. The bottom 3 teams in the Premier League each year get relegated to the Championship League (not to be confused with the Champions League) for the following year. Which is like the minor leagues. The top 3 teams from the Championship League get promoted to the Premier League. Teams can make a lot more money in the Premier League through TV money and stuff so being in the Premier League is very lucrative.
Wouldn't it be nice if the Pirates, Orioles & Royals could get relegated?
Some other crazy stuff about the Premier League:
1) The Kits (Uniforms) - The teams will have home & away uniforms that don't even match. They may wear Blue & White at home and then wear Orange & Yellow on the road. Makes no sense. Plus they don't have the team names on the uni's. Just the sponsor name. So, Manchester United uni's say "AIG" on them. Arsenal says "Fly Emirates". There is even a team, I forget who, that is sponsored by a Sports Betting service. So their uniform says "188BET" on it. HOW CRAZY IS THAT?
2) They call trades "transfers". If you want a player from another team that is still under contract you have to pay his team a "Transfer fee" first. It could be 20 million or more. Sometimes they do actual player for player trades but usually it's done with transfer fees.
3) You can also do loans of players. It works like this. Say the Yankees have a young player, Jesus Montero. He's their catcher of the future but he's not ready to take Posada's place and he's too good to stay in AAA. Imagine if the Yanks could loan him to the Royals. The Royals would pay all or just some of his salary while they have him, he'll be their catcher and probably be better than any catcher they have. Jesus will get valuable experience and the Yanks can call him back once the loan period is up. That's what they do in the Premier League and basically all soccer leagues around the world.
All the top soccer leagues in the world are under FIFA so you can do loans & transfers with other country's leagues. Last year the LA Galaxy of the MLS loaned Landon Donovan to Everton in the Premier League. He actually played pretty well and Everton reportedly would like him back but the Galaxy don't want to let him go again (not for the same money anyway).
4) Malcolm Glazer, owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers owns Manchester United. Tom Hicks, former owner of Texas Rangers, who let team almost go bankrupt, owns Liverpool (and yes Liverpool is having money problems, too). Randy Lerner, owner of the Cleveland Browns, owns Aston Villa. Stan Kroenke, owner of Denver Nuggets, owns Arsenal.
Last month, there were reports out that the New York Yankees ownership were interested in purchasing Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. It is said that Hank Steinbrenner is a big fan of the club. I haven't heard anymore since, but that was right around the time that The Boss died, so maybe that deal got put on the back burner for a while.
First match is Saturday morning at 7:45 on ESPN2. To quote Cartman from an episode of Southpark, "I'll be watching. I know many of you will be, too."
Bullpen Coming Around
We're about in the middle of August. It's stretch run time in baseball. It seems as though we have 3 team race in the AL East. The Yanks had a chance to put nails in Boston's coffin last weekend but didn't do it.
I'm not upset about it though. I was happy with the split. Boston had the advantage in the pitching match-ups in 3 of the 4 games. Plus at the same time, Tampa was losing so although nothing was gained, nothing was lost either. And it could be said that when you're the leader just taking days of the calendar without relinquishing any of your lead is a victory in itself.
The Yanks are kind of treading water at this point in the season. They've looked a little off kilter since the All-Star Break. The offense has been inconsistent and the starting pitching has been average at best.
One positive, though, is that the bullpen has turned into a strength in recent weeks.
It seems that the addition of Kerry Wood, probably the least heralded of the Yankee deadline signings, has had the most impact. He hasn't done anything eye-popping but he's given Girardi one more option in the latter innings. At the same time, Dave Robertson, has been pitching his ass off. This seems to have taken some pressure off of Joba. Now Joba isn't exclusively used in the high pressure 8th inning set-up role. He's been called on in the 6th or 7th of some games, giving him a chance to relax and just pitch without the weight of the world on every pitch.
You also can't ignore the role Boone Logan has pitched. He's handled the LOOGI role excellently. With Damaso Marte out, the Yankees needed someone to fill that role and Logan has done it. Logan pitched poorly early in the season but after a demotion to Scranton, he seems to have righted whatever problems he had.
Plus, Alfredo Aceves appears to be nearing a return to action. By playoff time, the Yanks bullpen could be very formidable indeed.
Winning 1 of 2 with Texas in Texas was an acceptable outcome. Especially considering Tex didn't play and Cano didn't start 1 of the games. We'll take it. Now we can go to Kansas City and punish them for being...well...Kansas City.
I'm not upset about it though. I was happy with the split. Boston had the advantage in the pitching match-ups in 3 of the 4 games. Plus at the same time, Tampa was losing so although nothing was gained, nothing was lost either. And it could be said that when you're the leader just taking days of the calendar without relinquishing any of your lead is a victory in itself.
The Yanks are kind of treading water at this point in the season. They've looked a little off kilter since the All-Star Break. The offense has been inconsistent and the starting pitching has been average at best.
One positive, though, is that the bullpen has turned into a strength in recent weeks.
It seems that the addition of Kerry Wood, probably the least heralded of the Yankee deadline signings, has had the most impact. He hasn't done anything eye-popping but he's given Girardi one more option in the latter innings. At the same time, Dave Robertson, has been pitching his ass off. This seems to have taken some pressure off of Joba. Now Joba isn't exclusively used in the high pressure 8th inning set-up role. He's been called on in the 6th or 7th of some games, giving him a chance to relax and just pitch without the weight of the world on every pitch.
You also can't ignore the role Boone Logan has pitched. He's handled the LOOGI role excellently. With Damaso Marte out, the Yankees needed someone to fill that role and Logan has done it. Logan pitched poorly early in the season but after a demotion to Scranton, he seems to have righted whatever problems he had.
Plus, Alfredo Aceves appears to be nearing a return to action. By playoff time, the Yanks bullpen could be very formidable indeed.
Winning 1 of 2 with Texas in Texas was an acceptable outcome. Especially considering Tex didn't play and Cano didn't start 1 of the games. We'll take it. Now we can go to Kansas City and punish them for being...well...Kansas City.
April 5, 2010
1 Down, 161 root canals to go...
Being a Yankee fan I have no reason to complain about tough losses. I can only shudder to think of being a Royals fan, or an Orioles fan, or God forbid...a Mets fan. Besides, it was only the first game in a long marathon of a season. But when you have a 5-1 lead with C.C. Sabathia on the mound, who is seemingly in mid-season form, it just feels like you should win.
But, Alas! It was not to be.
If this was a loss to Detroit or Texas it wouldn't have been so bad but I hate to lose to the Pink Sox at any time of the year. To anyone who thought the Yank/Sox rivarly was drying up this game was a reminder of why it's still the best in baseball. That back and forth momentum swings, endless pitching changes, and constant tension is a hallmark of these battles of the titans. Of course, it helps that Fenway Park is a quirky bandbox where Arod can crush a ball that is long gone in every other ballpark in the majors but only a double in Fenway, while Dusty P. can hit a routine lazy fly ball that carries over the Green Monsta, or should I say "Green Billboard."
Ah, Yes! The Green Billboard. Can the Sawx squeeze any more ounces of revenue out of that park or what? Every year they find a new place to put ads. One of the great things, I admit, in baseball was to see a ball clear the green monster and go onto Yawkey Way. Now, even if you clear the monster, and you clear the extra seats they put in a couple years ago,...you still have to clear like 3 billboards. I wouldn't be surprised if the Red Sox put adds on the outfield grass next year. Seriously.
Now just to have a little fun, I will take what happenend in last nights game and overreact to it:
*Chan Ho Park will be this year's LaTroy Hawkins (i.e. veteran failed starter turned reliever who will stink it up for the Yanks, be released/waived/traded and pitch lights out for someone else.)
*Curtis Granderson will crush right handed pitching but late in games, the good teams will force him to hit against a lefty, forcing Marcus Thames to get more at bats than I would like.
*ARod just looks stronger this year. (Insert PED joke here) Even his throws around the infield had extra juice on them. No pun intended. He'll have a monster year. And a monster year for ARod is somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 HR's and 140 RBI. Don't say I didn't warn you.
*The best thing for this team may be for Nick Johnson to get hurt. Not because I think Nick's not a great hitter. He is. But if Nick goes on his customary DL stint, it will force Jorge to DH more and Cervelli to catch full time. I love Jorge's bat but he's to the point where he's a passed ball waiting to happen and everyone knows he sucks at calling games.
*Joba Chamberlain will spend time in the minors this year trying to reassemble the pieces to what was once a very promising career.
Ok, I really should do some work now. I'm out.
But, Alas! It was not to be.
If this was a loss to Detroit or Texas it wouldn't have been so bad but I hate to lose to the Pink Sox at any time of the year. To anyone who thought the Yank/Sox rivarly was drying up this game was a reminder of why it's still the best in baseball. That back and forth momentum swings, endless pitching changes, and constant tension is a hallmark of these battles of the titans. Of course, it helps that Fenway Park is a quirky bandbox where Arod can crush a ball that is long gone in every other ballpark in the majors but only a double in Fenway, while Dusty P. can hit a routine lazy fly ball that carries over the Green Monsta, or should I say "Green Billboard."
Ah, Yes! The Green Billboard. Can the Sawx squeeze any more ounces of revenue out of that park or what? Every year they find a new place to put ads. One of the great things, I admit, in baseball was to see a ball clear the green monster and go onto Yawkey Way. Now, even if you clear the monster, and you clear the extra seats they put in a couple years ago,...you still have to clear like 3 billboards. I wouldn't be surprised if the Red Sox put adds on the outfield grass next year. Seriously.
Now just to have a little fun, I will take what happenend in last nights game and overreact to it:
*Chan Ho Park will be this year's LaTroy Hawkins (i.e. veteran failed starter turned reliever who will stink it up for the Yanks, be released/waived/traded and pitch lights out for someone else.)
*Curtis Granderson will crush right handed pitching but late in games, the good teams will force him to hit against a lefty, forcing Marcus Thames to get more at bats than I would like.
*ARod just looks stronger this year. (Insert PED joke here) Even his throws around the infield had extra juice on them. No pun intended. He'll have a monster year. And a monster year for ARod is somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 HR's and 140 RBI. Don't say I didn't warn you.
*The best thing for this team may be for Nick Johnson to get hurt. Not because I think Nick's not a great hitter. He is. But if Nick goes on his customary DL stint, it will force Jorge to DH more and Cervelli to catch full time. I love Jorge's bat but he's to the point where he's a passed ball waiting to happen and everyone knows he sucks at calling games.
*Joba Chamberlain will spend time in the minors this year trying to reassemble the pieces to what was once a very promising career.
Ok, I really should do some work now. I'm out.
April 4, 2010
Once Again, It's On...
Finally.
Opening Day is here. Yanks at Sawx kick off the 2010 season in less than 3 hours. I can't wait. Here are my official predictions that the world has been waiting for:
AL East: Yanks (but of course)
AL Central: Detroit Tigers
AL West: Texas Rangers
Wildcard: Boston Red Sox
AL MVP: Joe Mauer
AL CY Young: Justin Verlander
NL East: Phillies
NL Central: Cardinals
NL West: Dodgers
Wildcard: Braves
NL MVP: Hanley Ramirez
NL CY Young: Roy Halladay
Yanks over Cardinals in the World Series
Opening Day is here. Yanks at Sawx kick off the 2010 season in less than 3 hours. I can't wait. Here are my official predictions that the world has been waiting for:
AL East: Yanks (but of course)
AL Central: Detroit Tigers
AL West: Texas Rangers
Wildcard: Boston Red Sox
AL MVP: Joe Mauer
AL CY Young: Justin Verlander
NL East: Phillies
NL Central: Cardinals
NL West: Dodgers
Wildcard: Braves
NL MVP: Hanley Ramirez
NL CY Young: Roy Halladay
Yanks over Cardinals in the World Series
March 26, 2010
The Joba-Hughes Conundrum
The "big" news this week is that Phil Hughes has won the 5th starter competition. It has been written that this means Joba Chamberlain will most likely be the 8th inning set-up guy.
Put me in the camp that believes Joba should be a starter. I believe this not because "Joba is a starter" or "Joba is a reliever", but because Joba is a talented pitcher and talented pitchers are always more valuable starting. I'd like to see him get every chance to succeed in that role. If he shows he can't hack it, then by all means move him to the bullpen.
I understand his demeanor seems to favor that of a reliever: very emotional and fiery. But there are great relievers who are unemotional (see Rivera, Mariano) and there are great starting pitchers who wear their emotions on their sleeves (Josh Beckett and CC Sabathia are known to pump their fists and yell when they get a big strikeout).
Bottom line, the Yanks need to develop good, cost effective starting pitching. They can't hope to fashion a rotation of just free agents. If so, they'll be looking at paying upwards of 80 Mil just for 5 guys. That's just too much.
My hope is that the Yankee organization hasn't given up on Joba as a starter. I would like to see them send Joba down to AAA to work as a starter there. He could work on his secondary pitches and his efficiency. Let's face it, some time this year the Yanks will need another starting pitcher, either due to injury or ineffectiveness. Having a stretched out Joba waiting in the wings would be a plus. And then in 2011, if all goes well, the Yanks will have two young starters to plug into the rotation for good.
Put me in the camp that believes Joba should be a starter. I believe this not because "Joba is a starter" or "Joba is a reliever", but because Joba is a talented pitcher and talented pitchers are always more valuable starting. I'd like to see him get every chance to succeed in that role. If he shows he can't hack it, then by all means move him to the bullpen.
I understand his demeanor seems to favor that of a reliever: very emotional and fiery. But there are great relievers who are unemotional (see Rivera, Mariano) and there are great starting pitchers who wear their emotions on their sleeves (Josh Beckett and CC Sabathia are known to pump their fists and yell when they get a big strikeout).
Bottom line, the Yanks need to develop good, cost effective starting pitching. They can't hope to fashion a rotation of just free agents. If so, they'll be looking at paying upwards of 80 Mil just for 5 guys. That's just too much.
My hope is that the Yankee organization hasn't given up on Joba as a starter. I would like to see them send Joba down to AAA to work as a starter there. He could work on his secondary pitches and his efficiency. Let's face it, some time this year the Yanks will need another starting pitcher, either due to injury or ineffectiveness. Having a stretched out Joba waiting in the wings would be a plus. And then in 2011, if all goes well, the Yanks will have two young starters to plug into the rotation for good.
March 22, 2010
Weekend Tidbits
I want to comment on some of the happenings from this past weekend:
1) Health Care Reform
It's about time. Why some Americans believe that in the richest country in the world, healthcare should be a luxury and not a right, is beyond me. The Healthcare Bill is far from perfect, but neither was/is Medicare. This nation has always fought against change (see slavery, women's rights, civil rights, etc...) but some brave souls have always been willing to fight for what was right. And we're all better off because of it.
2) Joe Mauer signs with Twins
I've read comments that Yankee fans (and Red Sox fans) must now be dissapointed that Mauer signed a long term deal with the Twins. I can't speak for all Yankee fans, but I for one, am happy. Why? Because it's good for baseball.
If the Twins can't sign their best player who's a home town kid that wants to stay after building a brand new ballpark, there would be no hope for any of the mid-market to small market clubs to compete. We'd be on the road to more labor unrest and probably an eventual strike. And even though I'd love to have the Yanks sign all the best players and sport an All Star team every year, I understand that this hurts the game in the long run.
Besides, as long as the Red Sox don't get him it's all good.
3) Busted Brackets
This NCAA tournament is AWESOME! I should have never picked Kansas, though. I work with a guy that is from Kansas and all he talked about all year were the Jayhawks, Jayhawks, Jayhawks! I knew from experience that Kansas can not be trusted but I drank the Kool Aide anyway. Oh, well.
4) Tiger Woods, again
The Masters can not get here fast enough. I'm tired of these choreographed interviews. Anytime someone agrees to an interview but chooses to do it standing up, you know they ain't really trying to open up. Plus, is it me or did Tiger look a little pudgy last night in the belly region? Understandable, I guess, since he's no longer "working it out" like he used to.
5) Opening Day Only TWO WEEKS away!!!
1) Health Care Reform
It's about time. Why some Americans believe that in the richest country in the world, healthcare should be a luxury and not a right, is beyond me. The Healthcare Bill is far from perfect, but neither was/is Medicare. This nation has always fought against change (see slavery, women's rights, civil rights, etc...) but some brave souls have always been willing to fight for what was right. And we're all better off because of it.
2) Joe Mauer signs with Twins
I've read comments that Yankee fans (and Red Sox fans) must now be dissapointed that Mauer signed a long term deal with the Twins. I can't speak for all Yankee fans, but I for one, am happy. Why? Because it's good for baseball.
If the Twins can't sign their best player who's a home town kid that wants to stay after building a brand new ballpark, there would be no hope for any of the mid-market to small market clubs to compete. We'd be on the road to more labor unrest and probably an eventual strike. And even though I'd love to have the Yanks sign all the best players and sport an All Star team every year, I understand that this hurts the game in the long run.
Besides, as long as the Red Sox don't get him it's all good.
3) Busted Brackets
This NCAA tournament is AWESOME! I should have never picked Kansas, though. I work with a guy that is from Kansas and all he talked about all year were the Jayhawks, Jayhawks, Jayhawks! I knew from experience that Kansas can not be trusted but I drank the Kool Aide anyway. Oh, well.
4) Tiger Woods, again
The Masters can not get here fast enough. I'm tired of these choreographed interviews. Anytime someone agrees to an interview but chooses to do it standing up, you know they ain't really trying to open up. Plus, is it me or did Tiger look a little pudgy last night in the belly region? Understandable, I guess, since he's no longer "working it out" like he used to.
5) Opening Day Only TWO WEEKS away!!!
March 17, 2010
March Madness Time
It's that time again. The NCAA Basketball Tournament is about to start. One of the biggest sporting events of the year.
But let's face it...college basketball is not what it once was.
The best players are one & done now. A small improvement over the previous decade where all the best players went straight to the NBA from high school, but not by much.
Back in the hey day of college basketball, the 1980's into the mid 90's, you had guys staying 4 years in school, at least 3. And because of this the college game rivaled if not surpassed the NBA in popularity.
I remember the great Georgetown teams with Patrick Ewing and Reggie Williams, St. Johns with Walter Berry and Chris Mullin, Syracuse with Pearl Washington and Derrick Coleman. And that's just the Big East.
Then you had the great Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky, Kansas, Michigan and Indiana programs. And how about that great Houston team with Clyde Drexler & Hakeem Olajuwon.
Teams back then had great stars that you could identify with. But now, you need a primer before each year just to find out who the top players are. Most of them end of being freshman who are just going to college because they have to do the 1 year requirement.
But the tournament gets everyone excited for college basketball again for about 3 weeks. It comes at the perfect time. Football is over, the NBA season (which is too long anyway) is coming to an end and baseball is still in spring training. People fill out their brackets with the hope of winning a little scratch. It's all good.
Except for the fact that I can name a player on only about 8 of the 64 teams.
Here's my Final Four picks:
Kansas, West Virginia, Syracuse, Duke.
Championship Game: Kansas vs. WVU
National Champ: Kansas Jayhawks
But let's face it...college basketball is not what it once was.
The best players are one & done now. A small improvement over the previous decade where all the best players went straight to the NBA from high school, but not by much.
Back in the hey day of college basketball, the 1980's into the mid 90's, you had guys staying 4 years in school, at least 3. And because of this the college game rivaled if not surpassed the NBA in popularity.
I remember the great Georgetown teams with Patrick Ewing and Reggie Williams, St. Johns with Walter Berry and Chris Mullin, Syracuse with Pearl Washington and Derrick Coleman. And that's just the Big East.
Then you had the great Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky, Kansas, Michigan and Indiana programs. And how about that great Houston team with Clyde Drexler & Hakeem Olajuwon.
Teams back then had great stars that you could identify with. But now, you need a primer before each year just to find out who the top players are. Most of them end of being freshman who are just going to college because they have to do the 1 year requirement.
But the tournament gets everyone excited for college basketball again for about 3 weeks. It comes at the perfect time. Football is over, the NBA season (which is too long anyway) is coming to an end and baseball is still in spring training. People fill out their brackets with the hope of winning a little scratch. It's all good.
Except for the fact that I can name a player on only about 8 of the 64 teams.
Here's my Final Four picks:
Kansas, West Virginia, Syracuse, Duke.
Championship Game: Kansas vs. WVU
National Champ: Kansas Jayhawks
February 25, 2010
WHAT COULD GO WRONG
Forgive me for writing this piece, but besides being a life-long Yankee fan, I am also a fan of the NY Jets...and thus I can be very pessimistic. So, although the Yanks come into the 2010 season loaded and a favorite in many circles to go back to the World Series, I couldn't help but ponder what's the worst things that could happen to this team. Here's my list of 5 events that could turn this season into a "2009 Mets" type disaster...
1) ARod reinjures hip
I know that ARod was told that last season's hip surgery went so well he won't need a follow-up procedure, but after seeing Carlos Delgado have to go back under the knife, the ARod hip issue just can't be ignored. If word should come that ARod will need to miss extensive time for a follow-up procedure it would crush the hopes of Yankee Universe. Unfortunately, the Yanks will have to live with this possibility for the next 8 years of ARod's (insane) contract.
Probability: 15%
2) Sabathia, Burnett & Pettitte all suffer arm related injuries
Last year's big three all pitched over 200 innings. They went deep in the playoffs, CC & AJ for the first time, and Andy for the first time in many years. If all three broke down this year due to tired arms, strains or tears it wouldn't be a surprise. Fortunately, Girardi and the Yanks are aware of the potential danger, and are attempting to limit the amount of throwing these guys do in the pre-season. The Yanks could afford to lose 1, possibly even 2, of these guys for significant portions of the season (the Vasquez signing was big for this reason) but if all 3 were to go down, it would be a disaster.
Probability: 10%
3) Yankee outfield struggles
One thing about Johnny Damon was he was consistent as hell. From 2002 to 2009 he never batted below .270, scored less than 93 runs or had an OBP under .345. His replacement Curtis Granderson has a LIFETIME OBP of .344, hit .249 last year, and has scored less than 93 runs in 2 of his 4 full years despite playing in a pretty good offense in Detroit.
The other outfielders for the Yanks - Swisher, Gardner, Winn, Thames, Hoffman - are either inconsistent (Would you really be surprised if Nick Swisher, after partying all winter, hit .220 like he did with the White Sox in 2008), young & unproven (Gardner, Hoffman), or old & flawed (Winn, Thames). There is the distinct possibility that by mid-summer, Yankee fans may long for the days of one Melky Cabrera.
Probability: 20%
4) Mo finally behaves humanly
One of these years it's bound to happen. Mo has had early season struggles, so a bad April will not necessarily be cause for alarm. But what if by the All-Star Break Mo is sporting a 7.00 ERA with 6 blown saves. Would the Yanks do as the Phils did last year with Brad Lidge --- keep sending him out there. Or would they panic and move Joba or Hughes to the back of the bullpen, hoping they were ready to handle the pressures of replacing the greatest closer of all time?
Probability: 8%
5) Jeter linked to PED's
I may get death threats for even writing this. So let me say this:
I DO NOT HAVE ANY REASON TO THINK THAT DEREK JETER HAS EVER USED PED'S.
The only reason I bring this up is because, if Jeter were to ever be linked to PED's, it would totally destroy the Yankee brand. When we all found out ARod, Manny, Big Papi, Bonds, Giambi, Sosa, & McGwire were linked to the stuff, no one was surprised. I mean if the cheater played for your team, you tried to pretend like it was a surprise, but we all knew the best hitters in the game were a little too good.
But if Jeter ever was associated with PED's it would make all Yankee championships since '96 null and void. You know it would. All the Yankee haters would come out the woodwork to trash Jeter. They've wanted to for so long but haven't been able to say much except the occasional "he's overrated" or "he's a terrible short-stop", even though deep down they know he's one of the truly great winners of all time, right there with the likes of Bill Russell, John Wooden, Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan & Joe Montana.
A connection to PED's for Jeter (and the obvious media tsunami it would create) would tarnish his impeccable reputation and would suck the life out of this Yankee team in the same way Thurman Munson's death did to the '79 Yanks, who were also trying to repeat as champs.
Probability: Less than 1%
1) ARod reinjures hip
I know that ARod was told that last season's hip surgery went so well he won't need a follow-up procedure, but after seeing Carlos Delgado have to go back under the knife, the ARod hip issue just can't be ignored. If word should come that ARod will need to miss extensive time for a follow-up procedure it would crush the hopes of Yankee Universe. Unfortunately, the Yanks will have to live with this possibility for the next 8 years of ARod's (insane) contract.
Probability: 15%
2) Sabathia, Burnett & Pettitte all suffer arm related injuries
Last year's big three all pitched over 200 innings. They went deep in the playoffs, CC & AJ for the first time, and Andy for the first time in many years. If all three broke down this year due to tired arms, strains or tears it wouldn't be a surprise. Fortunately, Girardi and the Yanks are aware of the potential danger, and are attempting to limit the amount of throwing these guys do in the pre-season. The Yanks could afford to lose 1, possibly even 2, of these guys for significant portions of the season (the Vasquez signing was big for this reason) but if all 3 were to go down, it would be a disaster.
Probability: 10%
3) Yankee outfield struggles
One thing about Johnny Damon was he was consistent as hell. From 2002 to 2009 he never batted below .270, scored less than 93 runs or had an OBP under .345. His replacement Curtis Granderson has a LIFETIME OBP of .344, hit .249 last year, and has scored less than 93 runs in 2 of his 4 full years despite playing in a pretty good offense in Detroit.
The other outfielders for the Yanks - Swisher, Gardner, Winn, Thames, Hoffman - are either inconsistent (Would you really be surprised if Nick Swisher, after partying all winter, hit .220 like he did with the White Sox in 2008), young & unproven (Gardner, Hoffman), or old & flawed (Winn, Thames). There is the distinct possibility that by mid-summer, Yankee fans may long for the days of one Melky Cabrera.
Probability: 20%
4) Mo finally behaves humanly
One of these years it's bound to happen. Mo has had early season struggles, so a bad April will not necessarily be cause for alarm. But what if by the All-Star Break Mo is sporting a 7.00 ERA with 6 blown saves. Would the Yanks do as the Phils did last year with Brad Lidge --- keep sending him out there. Or would they panic and move Joba or Hughes to the back of the bullpen, hoping they were ready to handle the pressures of replacing the greatest closer of all time?
Probability: 8%
5) Jeter linked to PED's
I may get death threats for even writing this. So let me say this:
I DO NOT HAVE ANY REASON TO THINK THAT DEREK JETER HAS EVER USED PED'S.
The only reason I bring this up is because, if Jeter were to ever be linked to PED's, it would totally destroy the Yankee brand. When we all found out ARod, Manny, Big Papi, Bonds, Giambi, Sosa, & McGwire were linked to the stuff, no one was surprised. I mean if the cheater played for your team, you tried to pretend like it was a surprise, but we all knew the best hitters in the game were a little too good.
But if Jeter ever was associated with PED's it would make all Yankee championships since '96 null and void. You know it would. All the Yankee haters would come out the woodwork to trash Jeter. They've wanted to for so long but haven't been able to say much except the occasional "he's overrated" or "he's a terrible short-stop", even though deep down they know he's one of the truly great winners of all time, right there with the likes of Bill Russell, John Wooden, Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan & Joe Montana.
A connection to PED's for Jeter (and the obvious media tsunami it would create) would tarnish his impeccable reputation and would suck the life out of this Yankee team in the same way Thurman Munson's death did to the '79 Yanks, who were also trying to repeat as champs.
Probability: Less than 1%
February 17, 2010
My Worst NBA Player Ever...
Recently there has been talk of the Knicks trading for Tracy McGrady. I've mostly read/heard that this would be a bad trade for the Knicks. McGrady is in the final year of his contract and will just use the Knicks to audition for a new contract with some other team in the off-season. He's a broke down, shell of his former self, team cancer who has the uncanny ability to make team's better when he leaves (See Toronto, Orlando and Houston), plus he's never won a playoff series in his life.
Yada, yada, yada.
But, folks, Tracy McGrady is not the issue here. The reason I would welcome this trade is that Houston would be taking Jared Jeffries.
Let me repeat that.
The Houston Rockets would be trading a live human being for the worst player in the NBA. I could have heard the Rockets had offered a used band-aid for Jared Jeffries and I would have said, "That's a great trade. Donnie Walsh should be Executive of the Year!"
(This is why I don't like the NBA too much. Only in the NBA are most of the trades made for the sole purpose of getting rid of someone the team no longer wants. In baseball, most trades involve at least one player that a team is happy to get. In this proposed trade, both teams would say, "Thank god we found a team dumb enough to take XXX!" The NBA - It's Fantastic!!!)
Why do I say Jared Jeffries is the worst player in the NBA? Frankly, I haven't seen every player in the NBA. But I've seen Jared Jeffries. He is supposed to be some kind of defensive wizard. He's not. He's never even been 2nd Team All Defense. How he got this reputation of a great defender is beyond me. Jared should be giving his agent 50% of his contract (6 Mil per) for being able to perpetuate this myth.
He's 6'11" yet can't rebound, can't shoot, not even lay-ups, can't block a shot, and can't defend. Hmmm...let's give him 6 mil a year because, despite all that, he did put up 15 & 7 his final year at Indiana. So, of course Isaiah Thomas couldn't help but obtain him once the Washington Wizards realized they had erred when signing him to a long term contract.
(Wow, the Washington Bullets/Wizards organization made a mistake in judging talent. Figure that. And Isaiah Thomas did the same. What are the odds?)
A couple years ago I looked at a Knicks boxscore and saw Jared Jeffries had played 24 minutes. He had no points, 1 rebound, no blocks, no steals, 4 turnovers. (Believe it or not, this is a typical Jared Jeffries game.) How do you even do that at 6'11"? At least 5 rebounds should have just fell into his hands by accident. He had to have decided that he was going to play keep away from the ball. I mean he must have convinced himself that he was actually playing dodgeball for 24 minutes.
Maybe that's it. Jared Jeffries isn't the worst NBA basketball player. He's the best NBA dodgeball player.
Please trade this guy. Now!!!
Yada, yada, yada.
But, folks, Tracy McGrady is not the issue here. The reason I would welcome this trade is that Houston would be taking Jared Jeffries.
Let me repeat that.
The Houston Rockets would be trading a live human being for the worst player in the NBA. I could have heard the Rockets had offered a used band-aid for Jared Jeffries and I would have said, "That's a great trade. Donnie Walsh should be Executive of the Year!"
(This is why I don't like the NBA too much. Only in the NBA are most of the trades made for the sole purpose of getting rid of someone the team no longer wants. In baseball, most trades involve at least one player that a team is happy to get. In this proposed trade, both teams would say, "Thank god we found a team dumb enough to take XXX!" The NBA - It's Fantastic!!!)
Why do I say Jared Jeffries is the worst player in the NBA? Frankly, I haven't seen every player in the NBA. But I've seen Jared Jeffries. He is supposed to be some kind of defensive wizard. He's not. He's never even been 2nd Team All Defense. How he got this reputation of a great defender is beyond me. Jared should be giving his agent 50% of his contract (6 Mil per) for being able to perpetuate this myth.
He's 6'11" yet can't rebound, can't shoot, not even lay-ups, can't block a shot, and can't defend. Hmmm...let's give him 6 mil a year because, despite all that, he did put up 15 & 7 his final year at Indiana. So, of course Isaiah Thomas couldn't help but obtain him once the Washington Wizards realized they had erred when signing him to a long term contract.
(Wow, the Washington Bullets/Wizards organization made a mistake in judging talent. Figure that. And Isaiah Thomas did the same. What are the odds?)
A couple years ago I looked at a Knicks boxscore and saw Jared Jeffries had played 24 minutes. He had no points, 1 rebound, no blocks, no steals, 4 turnovers. (Believe it or not, this is a typical Jared Jeffries game.) How do you even do that at 6'11"? At least 5 rebounds should have just fell into his hands by accident. He had to have decided that he was going to play keep away from the ball. I mean he must have convinced himself that he was actually playing dodgeball for 24 minutes.
Maybe that's it. Jared Jeffries isn't the worst NBA basketball player. He's the best NBA dodgeball player.
Please trade this guy. Now!!!
June 17, 2009
Bryce Harper, Steven Strasburg, & Steroids
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.
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 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.
May 30, 2009
Back On Top, Baby!!!
Although the Yanks we're actually in first place on Wednesday, they we're tied with the Red Sox. After last nights 3-1 victory over the Indians and the Sox 6-3 loss to the Blue Jays, the Yanks are alone on top.
I know it's May 30th, and the last time I checked, they don't hand out rings for being in 1st place on this date, but it still feels good. The last time the Yanks held 1st place by themselves was the final day of the 2006 season. That sounds crazy, but it's true. For over 2 years the Yanks have been primarily looking up at somebody trying to catch them.
Ahhh, yes, the month of May has been good. Lets look at some of the reasons why:
1) Alexander Emmanuel Rodriguez
If the Yanks had a major league quality 3rd baseman on their roster, maybe his absence from the line-up wouldn't have been as glaring but they don't. Cody Ransom, Angel Berroa & Ramiro Pena would not start at any position for any other team in the major leagues. Not Washington, not Pittsburgh, not San Diego, nobody. Yet, a $200 Million payroll team was forced to run them out there every day. Unbelievable!
Expect the Yanks to mix in a little more position players in this years draft. Just a hunch.
ARod made a good line-up look great soon as he came back. Yankee scoring actually did not increase but with everyone else able to relax and just play their role, clutch hitting improved and walk off wins became a nightly occurrence...or so it seemed.
2) This Teixiera guy is good. Who knew?
Whether it was protection from ARod or an annual April slump coming to an end, Mark Teixiera straight mashed in May. Look at the numbers:
AVG .321 HR 12 RBI 30 SLG .726
On top of that he is flashing the leather like no Yankee first baseman has done since Donnie Baseball.
And remember, during the off season, it was a given that he was going to the Red Sox. Imagine if that had happened. Gotta give Cashman credit on that one.
3) "Our" Kids Are Alright
The Yanks would not be in 1st Place without the contributions from Melky Cabrera, Brett Gardner, Francisco Cervelli, Pena, & Phil Hughes.
Melky's been excellent, showing consistency & discipline at the plate that was lacking last year. Gardner lost the starting job in CF, but he's been a spark plug off the bench. Cervelli couldn't hit in AA, but he's surprised everyone with his bat plus his leadership and energy behind the plate. Pena seems to have locked down the utility infielder job for the season. And Phil Hughes has shown flashes of why he was once the crown jewel of the Yankee farm system. He's making it very hard for Chien Ming Wang to get his spot in the rotation back.
4) Aces High
With one more start to go, CC Sabathia is 3-1 with a 2.33 ERA for the month of May. He's gone deep into games and only given up 1 HR in 5 starts (3 of those starts being in homer friendly Yankee Stadium).
In his last 4 starts the bullpen has worked a total of 4 innings. That's how you rest a bullpen. And a rested bullpen is an effective bullpen as this month has shown.
Hopefully, the Yanks can keep it going as we enter the summer.
I know it's May 30th, and the last time I checked, they don't hand out rings for being in 1st place on this date, but it still feels good. The last time the Yanks held 1st place by themselves was the final day of the 2006 season. That sounds crazy, but it's true. For over 2 years the Yanks have been primarily looking up at somebody trying to catch them.
Ahhh, yes, the month of May has been good. Lets look at some of the reasons why:
1) Alexander Emmanuel Rodriguez
If the Yanks had a major league quality 3rd baseman on their roster, maybe his absence from the line-up wouldn't have been as glaring but they don't. Cody Ransom, Angel Berroa & Ramiro Pena would not start at any position for any other team in the major leagues. Not Washington, not Pittsburgh, not San Diego, nobody. Yet, a $200 Million payroll team was forced to run them out there every day. Unbelievable!
Expect the Yanks to mix in a little more position players in this years draft. Just a hunch.
ARod made a good line-up look great soon as he came back. Yankee scoring actually did not increase but with everyone else able to relax and just play their role, clutch hitting improved and walk off wins became a nightly occurrence...or so it seemed.
2) This Teixiera guy is good. Who knew?
Whether it was protection from ARod or an annual April slump coming to an end, Mark Teixiera straight mashed in May. Look at the numbers:
AVG .321 HR 12 RBI 30 SLG .726
On top of that he is flashing the leather like no Yankee first baseman has done since Donnie Baseball.
And remember, during the off season, it was a given that he was going to the Red Sox. Imagine if that had happened. Gotta give Cashman credit on that one.
3) "Our" Kids Are Alright
The Yanks would not be in 1st Place without the contributions from Melky Cabrera, Brett Gardner, Francisco Cervelli, Pena, & Phil Hughes.
Melky's been excellent, showing consistency & discipline at the plate that was lacking last year. Gardner lost the starting job in CF, but he's been a spark plug off the bench. Cervelli couldn't hit in AA, but he's surprised everyone with his bat plus his leadership and energy behind the plate. Pena seems to have locked down the utility infielder job for the season. And Phil Hughes has shown flashes of why he was once the crown jewel of the Yankee farm system. He's making it very hard for Chien Ming Wang to get his spot in the rotation back.
4) Aces High
With one more start to go, CC Sabathia is 3-1 with a 2.33 ERA for the month of May. He's gone deep into games and only given up 1 HR in 5 starts (3 of those starts being in homer friendly Yankee Stadium).
In his last 4 starts the bullpen has worked a total of 4 innings. That's how you rest a bullpen. And a rested bullpen is an effective bullpen as this month has shown.
Hopefully, the Yanks can keep it going as we enter the summer.
May 28, 2009
Joba Belongs In The Rotation
Entering this year, his 3rd in the majors, Joba Chamberlain, age 23, had thrown 124 innings.
Entering Roy Holladay's 3rd year in the majors, he had thrown 163 innings. In that 3rd year, he proceded to go 4-7 with a...wait for it...10.64 ERA. He was 23. Two years after that he went 19-7. The next year he won the Cy Young.
Patience, people. Patience.
Entering Roy Holladay's 3rd year in the majors, he had thrown 163 innings. In that 3rd year, he proceded to go 4-7 with a...wait for it...10.64 ERA. He was 23. Two years after that he went 19-7. The next year he won the Cy Young.
Patience, people. Patience.
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