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May 31, 2006

May 31st @ The Tigers

Mussina screaming from the mound to Torre, as Joe started out of the dugout, with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th: "No, stay there!"

I love it.

Moose was the man tonight. Pefect timing too - when the pen needed the rest. Must be something about Mussina and Motown - one year and a week ago, he did it to them as well.

Gold star to Andy Phillips for his play on the bunt to nail the runner at 3rd in the 6th (when the score was only 2-0 Yanks). That could have been the turning point in the game.

Tonight was a great ending to a very nice month for the Yankees.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:07 PM | Comments (9)

Studio 54

Today, I was wondering "How many former Yankees are currently still active with other major league teams?"

So, I asked Lee Sinins if there was a way to get this list from the raw data behind the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia. Here's the answer:

Mark Bellhorn
Armando Benitez
Aaron Boone
Joe Borowski
Tony Clark
Brandon Claussen
Jose Contreras
David Dellucci
Alan Embree
Tom Gordon
Todd Greene
Jason Grimsley
Brad Halsey
Chris Hammond
Orlando Hernandez
D'Angelo Jimenez
Nick Johnson
Steve Karsay
Randy Keisler
Matt Lawton
Ricky Ledee
Travis Lee
Jon Lieber
Ted Lilly
Esteban Loaiza
Kenny Lofton
Mike Lowell
Dan Miceli
Terry Mulholland
Dioner Navarro
Jeff Nelson
Andy Pettitte
Juan Rivera
Felix Rodriguez
Kenny Rogers
Ruben Sierra
J.T. Snow
Alfonso Soriano
Russ Springer
Mike Stanton
Marcus Thames
Javier Vazquez
Mike Vento
Jose Vizcaino
David Weathers
Jeff Weaver
David Wells
Jake Westbrook
Rondell White
Bob Wickman
Chris Widger
Todd Williams
Jay Witasick
Tony Womack

No wonder why it seems like every time the Yankees play someone there's a Yankees alum on the team. There's 54 players on this list.

Thanks to Lee for answering the question.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 04:33 PM | Comments (4)

Bernie's May Days

During May, to date, Bernie Williams has produced at a rate of .315/.367/.427 in 89 ABs. Sure, an OPS of .794 is not awesome - but, it doesn't stink either.

I just thought it was fair to point this out as many - including myself - have been on his case about not producing this season.

If Bernie can keep his OPS around .800 for the rest of the season, he can help this team. Will he? We'll find out. Stay tuned.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:07 AM | Comments (4)

112 Bottles Of Beer On The Wall......

On April 26th, I predicted that the Yankees would go 18-11 for the month of May.

Well, there's been one rain out this month, and the Yankees still have to play tonight's game (which will be the last one for this month). But, as of this moment, their actual record for the month of May is 17-10.

A win tonight gives them the 18 wins that I predicted - and a loss just means that they would have the exact number of losses that I predicted. And, this prediction was made before the bad news on Matsui and Sheffield.

So, clearly, the month of May has been a great month for the Yankees. As of this morning, they are tied for first place in the A.L. East (with 112 games to go). New York controls its own destiny at this moment.

When I look at the Yankees schedule for June, I see a 10-game homestand starting next week and a 9-game homestand at the end of the month. (Actually, the last 2 games of the 9-game string are in July - but, work with me here.)

In total, the Yankees play 17 of 27 games at home during the month of June. Personally, I expect the Yankees to have a great month in June. And, they should build up a lead large enough to carry them through the rough months of July and August (this year).

It would be nice to see someone on this roster place the team on his shoulders and say "OK boys, ride with me!" during June. It could be a pitcher going 5-0 for the month or a hitter batting over .400 with 8 homers and 25 RBI.

This is the time where the Big Units, Giambis, A-Rods, and the like need to come through for the Yankees. This is why they were brought to New York. It will be interesting to see who rises to this occasion.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:54 AM | Comments (4)

Sheff To Return To DL?

From the Daily News -

Just as the Yankees thought Gary Sheffield was getting healthy, they find out he may be heading right back to the disabled list.

Sheffield was frustrated and despondent last night as he exited Comerica Park, stopping only briefly to talk with the Daily News and one other reporter. Wearing a heavy wrap on his left hand, Sheffield admitted that he has suffered a new injury to his already-ailing wrist and believes he could be facing another long layoff.

"Yeah," Sheffield said when asked directly if he thought he might need to go back on the DL. "As soon as I picked up the bat to warm up (yesterday afternoon), it felt like my wrist came off. ...I don't know what's going on. I felt like (the previous sprain) was getting better, but it's in a different spot now. It's right on the wrist, right on the bone. It's really painful."

And, if that's not bad enough, check out this news from Newsday:

Count out Richard Hidalgo and Jason Romano as potential outfield options. Both former major-leaguers no longer are working out in Tampa. "We've decided to pull the plug on that," general manager Brian Cashman said.

So, expect to see Melky in RF - which is great - and some rotation of Bernie, Bubba, Long and Damon filling the slots in LF and CF while Sheff is out.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:38 AM | Comments (3)

May 30, 2006

May 30th @ The Tigers

OK, as annoying as that Yankees fan sitting on top of the field microphone (during the YES broadcast) was all night - "Come number one-two!" (etc.) - I must admit that I found his shrieks of joy pretty amusing when Giambi finally hit that homerun.

Considering that this game was starting to get that "2004 ALCS Games 4 & 5" bad feel to it, hanging in there to get the win back was pretty important. And, with the Tigers having two good pitchers go in the next two games, it could have been a disaster to lose this game (after being up 5-0).

And, clearly, a gold star for Mo Rivera tonight.

And, now, for something entirely different.........

A woman nuts over Elvis decides that she wants a tattoo of the legend's head on her inner thigh - and she went to a tattoo joint to get it done.

When the tattoo artist was done with her, she looks at the tattoo and freaks - saying "That's not Elvis and I'm not going to pay for this!"

After long debate, the tattoo artist agreed to do another tattoo of Elvis' head on her other inner thigh. But, when he was done, the woman flipped out again saying "That's not Elvis either!"

So, the tattoo artist said to her "Let's get a third opinion" and he pulled in a guy who was in his waiting room. And, he asked the guy "Who does this look like?" (while pointing to the tattoo heads on the woman's exposed legs).

After staring at the woman's legs for a long time, the guy said, "I don't know who the guys on either side are, but the one in the middle is definitely Fernando Rodney."

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:17 PM | Comments (9)

Wickman, Mendoza........

.......Rasner?

Yankees have called up Darrell Rasner. Yes, he's been a starter in the minors. But, I bet that Torre turns him into the "get me a DP" guy that he loves to have in the pen.

Let's just hope that the infield catches those ground balls.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:22 PM | Comments (0)

S.I. On Cano

S.I. did a fun First Person interview with Robinson Cano. My favorite part:

On his nicknames

They call me Ray Charles because they say I've got a big smile like him. And Jeter doesn't call me Canó; he calls me Canoe.

Ray Charles. Funny, I see a little Rickey Henderson in Cano's face sometimes when he grimaces. But, I guess the Ray Charles thing works too.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:15 PM | Comments (0)

Hey, It's Not Boston Either

From Newsday -

Roger Clemens is making yet another comeback with the Houston Astros, Newsday has learned. An announcement is expected as soon as today.

Clemens, 43, has signed a one-year deal that is believed to be worth about $3.5 million per month, which will probably equate to about $10.5 million for the season, depending on when exactly he returns to action.

Good. Now everyone can move on.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:12 PM | Comments (1)

Donnie's Boy

From the Courier and Press -

Three reasons why Preston Mattingly is a hot baseball commodity:

* Of the 30 major league teams, 24 have shown an interest in drafting the Evansville Central High School star.

* Ten of those organizations had representatives at a Central batting practice and at a recent game last week. Altogether, 18 scouts showed up to watch Mattingly that day.

* The New York Yankees' scouting director, Damon Oppenheimer, has paid a visit.

All this has deeply impressed Central baseball coach Jason Engelbrecht, who is himself an associate scout with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He has seen scouts much farther up in their respective organizations come watch Mattingly play and file enthusiastic reports.

What this could mean for Mattingly in terms of the major league draft in early June is simple: being selected on the first day.

"Maybe he'll sneak into the first 10 rounds," said Engelbrecht.

Gosh, how hard would it be for this kid to try and make it in New York? His best bet would be a National League West Coast team - as far from Yankeeland as possible.

Let him grow into a star somewhere else, without the pressure of New York, and then sign him as a Free Agent if he wants to play for the same team as his Dad.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:07 PM | Comments (3)

Sox Busher Report On Hughes

From a Baseball America's Prospect Q&A: Brandon Moss -

A lefthanded hitting outfielder in the Red Sox organization, Brandon Moss is trying to re-establish himself as a top prospect.

Baseball America: You recently faced Trenton's Philip Hughes, the top-rated pitching prospect in the Yankees' organization. What is your opinion of Hughes?

Brandon Moss: For a 19-year-old, he has very good composure. When he doesn't make a pitch, he's not sitting there arguing, he's getting the ball back and throwing it. He's sticking with his plan. Honestly, he's probably the best pitcher I've faced this year. He has good stuff.

Sounds like Mr. Hughes is all business on the mound. That's good.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:25 PM | Comments (1)

Yankes Check Out Philly OFers?

From the Post, via S.I. -

Yankees scout Jeff Wetherby's presence around the Phillies over the weekend prompted speculation he was looking at outfielders Pat Burrell and Bobby Abreu. However, the Phillies are looking for starting pitching and that's the Yankees' No. 1 priority. -- New York Post

Fitting that Mr. "Weatherbee" is sent to check out a couple of Jugheads like Burrell and Abreu.

Don't the Yankees realize that, now, their outfield is fine, and, if anything, it's pitching that they should be looking for?

Why are they wasting time looking at outfielders in Philly?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:24 AM | Comments (8)

May 29, 2006

The King's Game

John Nemo recently sent me a review copy of his new book - The King's Game.

I have to admit that I'm not a huge fan of baseball fiction - even though I have enjoyed reading books like Man on Spikes, The Natural, Wild Pitch, and Double Play in the past. Nonetheless, The King's Game kept my attention - from the start of the book to the end.

It's the story of a man's life told as he's pitching the biggest game in his career. And, yes, even though this format has been used before, I still found myself wanting to keep reading - to find out what would happen next. Nemo does paint a pretty interesting story for the main character in his book.

It's important to share that there's also a strong Christian message throughout this book. Personally, I took it as being part of the story. But, if you're the type of person who feels that such a message is an attempt at proselytizing, then this is not a book that you will probably enjoy.

Basically, if you're a fan of the movies "For Love of the Game" and "What Dreams May Come" - and you like reading baseball fiction - then you might want to consider checking out The King's Game.

I'm sure that the appropriate audience will find Nemo's book to be a nice, quick, and fun read.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:58 PM | Comments (1)

May 29th @ The Tigers

Today was, by far, the best game that Randy Johnson has pitched this month. And, considering that 7 of his last 8 starts (prior to today) have been uber-duds, today's effort is very nice to see.

Seeing today's results, I can't help but wonder if John Flaherty's findings had anything to do with it?

It would have been cool to see a no-hitter today. I was having some Righetti flashbacks around the 5th inning. This, from the AP after the game was interesting:

Ivan Rodriguez broke up Johnson's bid for his third no-hitter -- and second against the Tigers -- with a single to right.

"I couldn't have cared less," Johnson said. "If I had a perfect game, I would've come out after seven innings."

Somehow, I find that very hard to believe.

In any event, now I'm looking forward to seeing Johnson's next start.

Lastly, is Ron Villone the new Mike Stanton? I know that he's been doing well. But, I still worry about him against a RH batter in a big spot.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:08 PM | Comments (0)

May 28, 2006

666

When the Yankees return home, they have a ten-game homestand. I have tickets for the 2nd game of the stand - against Boston.

I've been looking forward to this game for a while. I've kept reminding myself "June 6th, June 6th, June 6th........" so that I would remember the date.

And, until now, I've never made the connection. That game will be played on 6-6-06.

Should I be nervous? Then again, it's probably safer than going to this game:

Los Angeles Angels at Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Tuesday, June 6, 2006 at 7:15 PM
at Tropicana Field in Saint Petersburg, FL.

There's way too many strange things happening there.

The only thing that I'll probably have to worry about is that it's looking like my game will be either Small or Chacon against David Wells.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:33 PM | Comments (5)

May 28th vs. The Royals

This one was too close for comfort. But, at least the Yankees won.

It's now official. The clock has struck midnight for Scott Proctor. In his last 4 appearances, he's allowed 8 hits, 2 walks, and 8 earned runs - in just 3.2 innings pitched. He's now back to the point where he cannot be trusted. Too bad, it's probably Torre's fault for burning him out in just two month's time.

In Spring Training, if I would have asked you "Which pitcher would be more useful in the month of May, Randy Johnson or Jaret Wright?" - what would you have said? This entire month - Wright has not had a bad start. He's been a big part of a good month for this team. Go figure.

And, now, the Tigers. Yes, they're playing .700 ball so far this season. But, they've beat up on the Royals and Twins to get that record. (If I counted right, the Tigers are 15-2 against K.C. and Minny so far this year.) The Yankees better take three of four in this next series.

On a personal note, I saw X-Men: The Last Stand today. If you were a fan of the last two X-Men movies, don't let the reviews scare you off this one. It's fine. And, with all the action and CGI/FX stuff, you'll want to see it on the big screen.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 07:56 PM | Comments (4)

21 Club

Using the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia, I decided to look at how some recent Yankees did at age 21, in terms of stats, compared to what Melky Cabrera has done already this season at the same age:

Right off the top, notice that it's been 30 years since a 21-year-old has played (for the Yankees) as much as Melky Cabrera has to date. That's impressive.

Secondly, Melky (again, to date) has had more success at the major league level than Jeter and Mattingly did at the same age.

Can Cabrera be as good as Derek or Donnie? Well, no one knows right now. He might. He could turn out like Grady Sizemore or Johnny Damon, for all we know. Or, his career could go the Claudell Washington or Chet Lemon route.

How about Dwight Evans-like? That would not be too shabby.

In any event, it is exciting to watch a home-grown kid like this get a chance at such a young age. It's like Cano last year, Jeter in 1996, Bernie Williams in 1991, and Mattingly in 1983. As crazy as this might sound, at this moment, Melky Cabrera might just be my favorite Yankee.

Of course, if he goes 8 for his next 75 ABs, things could always change.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:52 AM | Comments (0)

May 27, 2006

May 27th vs. The Royals

After the first game of this series, I wrote:

The Yankees better smoke the Royals over the next two games. Then it might make up for the loss in this game.

After today's game, I can now write: OK, that's one!

Yes, A-Rod hit two bombs today. And, Cairo and Stinnett did well. (On the latter, just goes to show what I know.) But, the thing that I'm really grooving on now is Melky Cabrera. He went two for four with 3 RBI today - and has now hit in 8 of his last 9 games.

To borrow from the old band The Church, here goes:

Sometimes your best plans come up empty
Hope from the bench fades with the light
Forget last year's act of rush desperation
Under the Melky Way is right

At this point, when it comes to Cabrera, I only have three wishes:

1. He keeps doing what he's doing.
2. That the Yankees keep him and play him.
3. That he gets a better number than # 28. That's not a star's number. Maybe # 24?

There's no need to trade for a LF this season or get a RF for next season. Cabrera is proving that he can fill both needs.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 07:48 PM | Comments (4)

May 26th vs. The Royals

I have to pin this one on Farnsworth.

It's the 8th inning. Game tied at four. You're playing at home - and it's May 26th - against a team that was won just two games on the road all year. You've got a runner on 1st with two outs. The batters due up are Tony Graffanino and Angel Berroa (both hitting under .250 on the season).

And, you allow a walk and a homer. Now the score is 7-4, Royals, after seven and a half innings. At this point, the probability of the Yankees winning this game drops like a lead balloon.

Congrats to Derek for career hit # 2000. Great job by the fans for giving him his due.

The Yankees better smoke the Royals over the next two games. Then it might make up for the loss in this game.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:30 AM | Comments (10)

May 26, 2006

Teixeira & The Red Sox

Alan Schwarz at Baseball America recently shared a chat with Mark Teixeira regarding the baseball draft. I thought this part was very interesting:

AS: Then again, it kind of backfired on you. You wanted to sign out of high school, but teams got the impression you weren't signable, and you fell to the ninth round.

MT: I thought I wanted to sign. The day of the draft I realized that I didn't. I realized that I wasn't ready to go into professional baseball. I wanted to go to college. I thought as a young, naive, 18-year-old, because I played well and because I was honest with everybody, I would just be a first-round pick, million bucks, and start my career. Because of the way things occurred, it occurred to me--you know what? I don't want to be a professional baseball player, I do want to go to college. It really was a blessing in disguise.

AS: But the Red Sox offered you $1.5 million before the draft, which was pretty darned fair in 1998.

MT: They said take it or leave it. It was a decent bonus, but it wasn't what we were looking for, and we didn't want to cap our negotiation before the draft even happened. It's unfair and illegal to go to a kid and say, "We haven't drafted you yet, we may or may not draft you, but if you don't take 1.5 we're not going to draft you." What would you say? There's 29 other teams out there--why would I ever cap myself before the draft even happens? It doesn't make any sense. It's unfair to those kids. Say, "Draft me and I'll let you know."

I have a very cynical approach toward the draft. I was naive. It was my first realization to the business in baseball. The Red Sox told everybody that I wouldn't sign, and when it got to a late enough round, they said, "Let's take a flier on him." So they spoiled me for everyone else--the only one that would draft me was them.

Note that last part: The Red Sox told everybody that I wouldn't sign, and when it got to a late enough round, they said, "Let's take a flier on him." So they spoiled me for everyone else--the only one that would draft me was them.

Boy, those Red Sox, they're a first class group, huh? It's too bad that the MLBPA didn't go after them on this. Then again, they couldn't - since Teixeira would not be part of the union at that time. At best, his agent would have to be the one to make the protest - and, where would that have gone?

Well, maybe, at least, if Teixeira ever becomes a Free Agent, perhaps he will remember all this and tell Boston to take a leap.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 04:07 PM | Comments (1)

A-Rod Is Not Clutch......

......at least this year, so far. Some Alex Rodriguez batting stats to witness (via the Baseball Musings Day by Day Database) in certain game-score situations:

It's pretty obvious, in close-game moments, during 2004, Alex did an OK job with the bat. And, in 2005, in close-game moments, Rodriguez did a very good job.

However, so far, in 2006, when the Yankees are down by one or two runs, A-Rod has batted like he was Al Leiter up there in the box. Granted, there's only 33 ABs in this group - and Alex can improve on these numbers over the rest of the season. (Shoot, it would be impossible to do worse.)

Still, based on the numbers, this season, when the chips are slightly down, Alex Rodriguez has been a no-show with the lumber (to date).

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:20 PM | Comments (6)

Dave Winfield Is Safe

Jason Giambi cannot be Mr. May - at least not this season.

So far this month, Giambi is batting .182 for May - with 21 whiffs in 66 At Bats.

Just for the record, the worst that A-Rod ever batted in a full month, during his Yankees career, was .263 (in June 2004).

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:56 PM | Comments (10)

Birth of a Dynasty: Behind the Pinstripes with the 1996 Yankees

I've been a Yankees fan since 1973.

Naturally, the 1976 Yankees were the first "special" team for me. And, I'm sure that squad was special for many fans - as it was the first Yankees team to win a pennant in a dozen years. (The Chambliss homer to win it helped make it even more special.) But, the 1976 Yankees, in terms of their place in history and fan memories, take a ding as a result of their poor showing in the World Series.

The 1977 Yankees were exciting. But, perhaps because they followed the 1976 team, their ring season, while impressive, is not a year where I look back to and say "Wow, that 1977 team, it was a season for the ages."

This brings us to the 1978 Yankees. Now, there's a story, huh? And, this is the team that I would always refer to as "My favorite Yankees team of all-time." And, for the 18 years that followed, I had no reason to change this opinion.

Then came the 1996 Yankees. Looking at the big picture, I think many Yankees fans today look at the 1998 Yankees for their dominance and the 2000 Yankees because they beat the Mets, and they lose sight of the magic that happened in 1996. (Related, the 1999 Yankees really fall into the shadows for some as well - which is sad, because they were an excellent team too.)

As I look back at it all today, I'm inclined to say that the 1996 Yankees are now probably my favorite squad of all-time, even over the 1978 Yankees. Sure, the 1978 team had the great comeback and the Dent homer. But, when you factor in the 18-year ring drought prior to 1996, the horror of the post-season in 1995 for New York, and the magic that happened in the ALDS, ALCS, and the World Series in 1996 for the Yankees, it's a tough thing for any championship squad to match-up with all that.

And, now, we have Joel Sherman's new book, Birth of a Dynasty, that serves as the chronicle of that 1996 Yankees season.

I've just finished reading Birth of a Dynasty and can share that this is a must-read for every Yankees fan.

In terms of the essential library for the modern-Yankees fan, I place Birth of a Dynasty right up there with Steinbrenner's Yankees, Pinstriped Summers, Damned Yankees, The Bronx Zoo, Bombers, I'd Rather Be A Yankee, and The Last Night Of The Yankees Dynasty.

What really sells Birth of a Dynasty for me is all the insider-behind-the-scenes stuff that this book provides.

How many people know the important role that Lou Piniella played in the Yankees obtaining both Paul O'Neill and Tino Martinez? How many people know the oral act that Buck Showalter promised to perform on Gene Michael if he would trade Tim Leary? How many people know that Joe Torre called Michael Kay on the carpet, in front of the entire team, when he thought Kay was trying to sabotage his relationship with O'Neill?

If they had read Birth of a Dynasty, they would know. Sherman's book has more dirt on the 1996 (and, as well, actually, the 1995) Yankees than a fat man has in his belly-button. It's really good dish.

And, along with the items that you have never heard before, Birth of a Dynasty does an excellent job of documenting the story of the 1996 season. Nothing is missed.

In summary, I highly recommend Birth of a Dynasty. If it's not the best Yankees-related book published in the last decade, it's in the top-five for sure.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:52 AM | Comments (5)

May 25, 2006

Good Cano Story

From LatinoSports.com -

Ray Negron, longtime baseball executive and currently special advisor to the New York Yankees recently announced publication of his children’s book, "The Boy of Steel."

At a press conference with the Hispanic media last week, Ray appeared with Yankee sensation Robinson Cano. The slugging second baseman features prominently in Negron’s book, as well as in the Bronx Bombers’ pursuit of a championship this year.

Negron explained how Former Yankee Ruben Sierra frequently went to see kids in the hospital. When Robbie joined the team, Ruben asked him to come along. “I was interested to see if Cano would keep coming back and he did,” Negron observed.

Cano was able to relate to and connect with these children facing life and death challenges; he had an instant rapport with these kids. During one of these visits coordinated by Negron, the Yankee front office man observed an exchange between the ballplayer and a seriously ill young boy.

“The back and forth between Robbie and the child was unbelievable. But unfortunately, this boy did not make it. That’s cancer; some make it, some do not,” Negron noted.

The night he died, Negron talked with the parents, and they recounted Cano’s visit with their son, and how happy it made the young man. “The next morning when I woke up, this book was there. It was something that was just God given,” Negron said.

Nice story. Great guy.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 04:34 PM | Comments (3)

Sheff Knocking On 1500

Gary Sheffield presently has 1,494 career RBI. With 6 more, he hits the 1,500 milestone mark.

There are only 21 right-handed batters in baseball history with 1,500+ RBI. And, by rough eye-ball scan, I would say that 99% of them, who are Cooperstown-eligible, are in the Hall of Fame.

Nice company.

For what it's worth, Frank Thomas and Manny Ramirez should enter the 1,500 RBI club later this season as well. The next RHB to make it would be A-Rod or Jeff Kent, but, it will probably take them around 2 years to get there.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:17 PM | Comments (0)

Mike Redmond

From wire services -

Yankees manager Joe Torre said he would wait for results of an MRI exam Posada is scheduled to have today, an off day, before deciding whether to add a catcher to the 25-man roster.

If it turns out that Jorge Posada will be out for a month of longer, I hope the Yankees call the Twins and make an offer for Mike Redmond.

Nothing crazy, of course. I would start with Wil Nieves and Colter Bean. If that's not enough, I would throw in some cash.

Redmond is not a great player. But, he's probably going to offer more at the plate than Kelly Stinnett.

And, the way the Twins are going this year, losing Redmond is not going to matter to them at all.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:23 PM | Comments (2)

The Flash Unit

John Flaherty on Randy Johnson. From the Daily News of Newburyport:

As Randy Johnson strolled to the mound last night, John Flaherty assumed his position.

.......

Flaherty, who now works for the YES Network after retiring following a brief stint with the Red Sox in spring training, knows Johnson better than most. More than 30 times last season, he attempted to guide the lefty through the ups and downs of an appearance, playing part pitching coach and part psychologist along the way.

"What you're going to want to watch for is that (Johnson's) going to try and throw a fastball in on Kevin Youkilis that actually ends up inside and true, as opposed to running back over the plate," said Flaherty moments before Johnson's first pitch. "If he's doing that, everything is going to be good, because if he's doing that, his mechanics are right. You should also see a slider that goes down and not just a spinning one that goes across. But the first thing is a fastball that is true."

"He's trying to get it inside and he can't get it there, so he pushes everything back over the plate," said Flaherty, almost resigning himself to the fact that his former teammate has not yet figured out what at least two people in the Fenway dining area already knew. "It does a few things — obviously you see the ball earlier, and the ball doesn't go where he wants to. He was doing it earlier last year, then he got it fixed and he really started throwing a lot better."

"It's a bunch of things that kind of go hand-in-hand," he continued. "When you throw a baseball, you kind of got to have a guide as to where you want it to go. When Randy goes bad, he just drops his (right) forearm (down) and you see the ball so much earlier. So he's throwing 92 mph, but from a hitting standpoint it looks like its 88. Whereas you have a guy who hides the ball really well, like Mike Mussina, and he's throwing 88. But you get swings like its 93. If he can straighten out his front side, he'll be much better."

"He's not showing the emotion and fire everybody is used to seeing," said Flaherty, who later watched Johnson take 10 pitches to put away weak-hitting Sox shortstop Alex Gonzalez. "In the past, he was always very animated, which is what he was last year when he got going. It's like the chicken and the egg — which comes first? You can act like you're intimidating, but you have to have intimidating stuff in order to act that way."

Can all this be as simple as getting Johnson to straighten out his front side and not drop his (right) forearm (down) when he delivers?

Man, I hope that Flash is sharing this information with the Big Unit too.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:59 AM | Comments (5)

Forbes Asks Stein

Forbes has a running a puff-piece on Steinbrenner. A sample of it:

What was your big break?

Undoubtedly, back in 1973, when I assembled a group together to purchase the New York Yankees from CBS.

What has been your biggest failure?

There have been so many, it's impossible to select only one.

How many hours do you work in an average week now?

Too many. I work from my home office from 8:00 a.m. until noon. I get to the office at 1:00 p.m. and work there until 6:30 or 7:00 p.m. I take my last phone call at home about 11:00 p.m.

What is the worst thing about work?

Time. There isn't enough of it to accomplish everything you'd like to get done.

What is the best thing about work?

The challenge, the personal sense of accomplishment, the leading of people and the sharp mental edge that working enables you to maintain.

It would be interesting, someday, to see that list of Yankees failures (in his mind). I wonder if it would synch up with the list that Yankees fans would put together?

Spira? Yogi? Being in The Scout? What would you say should be on the list?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:16 AM | Comments (1)

Mirabelli Math

From the Post today:

According to several Fenway Park sources, Alex Rodriguez called Doug Mirabelli over late yesterday afternoon and challenged the Red Sox' backup catcher over what Mirabelli said about A-Rod's actions at the plate Tuesday night, when A-Rod homered but looked around for the ball as if he didn't know where it went.

"He told him he should know better than that," the source said. "He told Mirabelli that he wouldn't disrespect the game or show up Tim Wakefield. He told Mirabelli he should know better to say anything like that because they played together."

Mirabelli, a teammate of A-Rod's in Texas, was miffed that A-Rod didn't know he went deep. His comments indicated Mirabelli believed A-Rod was grandstanding, one of the few acts A-Rod hasn't been accused of by his legion of critics.

"The guy's got 450 home runs," Mirabelli said. "He doesn't know when he's squared one up? I don't believe that."

Now, let's add on my observation from this past Tuesday:

The guys on YES might have said something (which I missed), but, man, Doug Mirabelli must be made to pay for that attempt to take out Jeter on the DP in the 6th inning. I only caught it in the flash-summary at the end of the game. Nonetheless, Mirabelli went a good 9 feet away from the bag to try and get Derek. Next time he bats against the Yankees, he deserves a shot on the elbow.

And, also consider what Mirabelli said when we rejoined Boston this year:

Doug Mirabelli stressed he did not ask for or demand the trade that got him back to Boston on Monday, but it was clear he did not shed too many tears.

“I didn’t want to be traded from San Diego,” said Mirabelli. “I wasn’t trying to be traded. Once I heard (the Red Sox) were interested, the one thing I made clear was ‘Please, don’t trade me to the Yankees.’"

OK, so, one plus one, plus another one, equals........

........Doug Mirabelli is a sphincter-head in red socks.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:19 AM | Comments (6)

May 24, 2006

Nick Green

From the Sports Network:

The Yankees recalled pitcher Matt Smith from Triple-A Columbus and sent down outfielder Kevin Reese to the Clippers before the game. New York also acquired infielder Nick Green from Tampa Bay for cash considerations.

Nick Green? Sure, he's an OK second baseman with the glove. And, he can do a good job with the bat when he's facing left-handed pitching. But, where does he fit into the Yankees big league team?

Maybe the Yankees feel that Robinson Cano has been over matched by LHP and want a platoon partner for him? But, who would go to make room on the roster, Andy Phillips?

It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

UPDATE, 12:04 am ET, 5/25/06:
Never mind - I just saw that the Yankees assigned Green to to Triple-A Columbus.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:55 PM | Comments (3)

May 24th @ The Red Sox

When the Yankees lost this past Monday to Boston, I wrote:

I expect the Red Sox to go on and sweep this series.

At the time, I truly believed that - and that's why I wrote it. Now, I must say that I am sincerely impressed with the way the Yankees played the last two days. It would have been easy to lay down, lose yesterday and today, and then just apply excuses as fault and make promises for the future. Instead, the Yankees showed - at least me - something. This team has some fight in them.

So, does Torre batting Melky Cabrera lead-off mean that the kid's ability to work pitchers has now won him a spot in his manager's heart? I hope so.

OK, it's 8-6 Yanks, bottom of the 8th, bases juiced with 2 outs, and Big Papi is facing The Farns.

Well, I'm glad that someone was listening to my point from Monday - change speeds on Ortiz! What a beauty. Kyle Farnsworth drops a breaking pitch in for a called strike three and the inning is over. Grab some pine Papi.

And, thank you Mo Rivera for sending Manny Ramirez skipping in the 9th inning during his At Bat. Finally, someone shows the team how to effectively pitch this guy. The minute you come close, he's going to stop diving into the plate. (Remember his AB against Clemens in the 2003 ALCS game at Fenway?)

As far as Randy Johnson, tonight he continued his trend that I pointed out earlier today.

In the first, Youkilis singles on the 2nd pitch. Then Loretta singles on the first pitch. Manny homers on the 3rd pitch.

In the third, Varitek singled on the 3rd pitch to drive in Manny.

I missed the count on the Youkilis homer in the second, but, knowing what I know, I would bet that it was hit before Johnson threw his 4th pitch of the At Bat.

Randy just needs to make better/smarter pitches early in the count - in order to turn this thing around.

Lastly, it's pretty cool to beat the Red Sox in Fenway. But, it's wicked good to beat them in Fenway when the last out is recorded on a great play by Jeter (like in tonight's game). And, for what it's worth, I think it's great that the schedule will now allow Jeter to get career hit # 2,000 at the Stadium. Sure, Fenway would have been good too. But, it will be a fitting reaction to such an event in the Bronx. Enjoy it Derek - you earned and deserve it.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:02 PM | Comments (7)

Locker Room Stories

USA Today is running an interesting feature today:

Clubhouse confidential: Breaking down a major league locker room.

Here's some Yankees-related content from it:

"That's when you know you made it," says Jason Giambi, who moved uptown when he joined the New York Yankees in 2002 and was given Paul O'Neill's old locker. "They give you a big locker a star had before you, and you get an extra one next to it."

"When I came to the Yankees" in 2004, Sheffield says, "I told them I wanted to see everything, I didn't want to be closed in and I didn't want to be in the middle of traffic. So they gave me (Clemens') old locker."

Hmmm, I wonder who (this season) got Tony Womack's locker from last year?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 02:57 PM | Comments (11)

Unit Counts

Today, I decided to look at how Randy Johnson has faired this season, to date, on various pitching counts. Here's the data:

So, when the count is 0-0, batters hit .286 against the Unit.
And, when the count is 0-1 or 1-0, they hit .297.
Worse, when the count is 0-2, 2-0, or 1-1, they hit .317 against Randy.

On the flip side, when the count is 2-1, 1-2, or 3-0, they hit .255 against Johnson.
And, when the count is 2-2 or 3-1, batters only hit .194 against the Unit.
Lastly, on a 3-2 count, hitters bat .273 against Randy.

It's pretty clear, right? What's killing Johnson is his first three registered pitches against his batters faced. Once he gets past that count, he's productive.

I'm not sure what Johnson is doing with his first three pitches to batters this season, but, it's time for a new plan there. Somehow he has to figure out how to get deeper into counts with batters - because that's where he does better (at least this season).

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:29 PM | Comments (3)

Bean Jumping

I've seen many comments around the web today where some Yankees fans are upset about the Yankees designating Colter Bean for assignment (yesterday).

First, think about what this means. When a player is "Designated For Assignment" (DFAed), it's just a stall where his team is figuring out what to do with him.

In the case of Bean, the Yankees can still send him to the minors or trade him. Just because he was DFA'ed, it does not mean that he's going to be released.

If I had to guess, the Yankees are using the DFA-stall here because Bean is going to be used in a trade. He would be the right piece to move for someone like Ryan Church.

At the least, the Yankees still own Bean today. Therefore I don't see why there's such a fuss over this move.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:47 AM | Comments (3)

"Evil Schilling" To Help ALS Fight

From XGP Gaming -

Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE), a global leader in the online video games industry, today announced that Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling is about to debut in his favorite online video game, EverQuest® II, as an epically awesome, loot-dropping virtual bad guy who battles unwary players. And it’s all for a good cause.

Schilling’s video game character will reside within the online world of EverQuest II (EQII) for three days during the Yankees vs. Red Sox baseball series June 5, 6 and 7, 2006 at Yankee Stadium. During this time, anyone can register for and log into EverQuest II at www.battleals.com to challenge the evil Schilling character, appropriately named “Curt Schilling.”

Every time a player defeats the virtual Schilling character, Sony Online Entertainment, creators of EverQuest II, will make a donation of $5 dollars (up to a maximum of $10,000) to the ALS Association, which assists patients with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. After the three-day baseball series, Curt’s character will remain within the game as a high-powered enemy that characters will have to face later in the game. At the launch of the campaign on June 5th, Schilling’s 10-year-old son, Gehrig (named after the legendary Yankee first baseman), will be one of the first to battle his virtual dad in-game.

Just goes to show, even a super-jerk is capable of good deeds. Still, fair is fair, and, since I said this about A-Rod back in January, I will say it now about Schilling:

"If you do something good for someone, and somebody other than you and them knows about it, you have to question what your intention was really all about."

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:52 AM | Comments (7)

Ryan Church

From the Wash-Nats-Site today:

According to a baseball source, the Yankees have expressed interest in outfielder Ryan Church. The Yankees have been looking for outfield help with the wrist injury to Hideki Matsui. The Nationals want prospects in return for Church.

Church, who could provide some power for the Yankees, was recently sent down to Double-A Harrisburg after hitting .215 with four home runs and 11 RBIs. It marked the second time this season that Church was sent to the Minor Leagues. He started the season for Triple-A New Orleans after Brandon Watson beat him out for the center-field job.

Church, 27, returned to the team on April 13 and, except for a three-game spurt in April in which he hit four home runs and drove in nine, didn't provide the spark the Nationals were looking for.

Some in the Nationals organization believe that a change of scenery is what Church needs right now.

Last season was the first time Church was given a chance in the big leagues, hitting .287 with nine home runs and 42 RBIs in 102 games for the Nationals.

From what I've heard, Church has some talent, but, he's not won Frank Robinson's confidence in Washington. Church took some heat last year for his unwillingness to play through some aches and pains. I'm not sure if that means anything. Still, I would not give up the store to get him.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:28 AM | Comments (2)

May 23, 2006

May 23rd @ The Red Sox

OK, I have to confess. I picked up the game tonight in the 2nd inning - and then took a break to watch American Idol and House - later coming back to the game when Mo was facing Ortiz in the 8th (and then I watched from there unitl the end).

So, I had to see a lot of the action via the post-game highlights (as I missed the 1st inning and most of the 4th through the 8th).

The guys on YES might have said something (which I missed), but, man, Doug Mirabelli must be made to pay for that attempt to take out Jeter on the DP in the 6th inning. I only caught it in the flash-summary at the end of the game. Nonetheless, Mirabelli went a good 9 feet away from the bag to try and get Derek. Next time he bats against the Yankees, he deserves a shot on the elbow.

OK, on to bigger things. Is Jaret Wright building something now, or what? Yes, the "Did I pop it up?" homer by A-Rod was a big hit. And, yes, Mo cleaning up for Proctor, Myers and Farnsworth - going 5 outs for the save - was huge. And, yep, Damon and Jeter set a heckuva table tonight - which really helped.

But, this game, to me, was all about Wright. He got the game to the bottom of the 6th, with the Yankees winning 4-0. At that point, all the Yankees needed was 12 outs to win the game. If Wright can do that every start, meaning get the team to a point where they have a 4-run lead and needing 12 more outs to win, he's going to be a big part of this team.

In my mind, coming into this game, the odds were not in the Yankees favor. Getting a win, despite the odds, is very uplifting. I hope New York can ride this into something positive tomorrow.

Lastly, am I the only one, every time that the Sox' Mark Loretta comes to bat, who hears the voice of Nick Tortelli saying "And, this is my wife. The lovely Lo-ret-ta."?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:05 PM | Comments (24)

Unit Splits

On the drive home yesterday, I heard Michael Kay, on the radio, say something like "You can't give up on Randy Johnson. In the past he's been messed up to start a season - where he had to find himself later."

Curious about this, I checked the numbers. If you can trust the "splits" data at ESPN.com, here are the numbers for the Big Unit (expressed as first-half ERA & second-half ERA):

1997: 2.42 & 2.20
1998: 5.07 & 1.37
1999: 2.95 & 1.89
2000: 1.80 & 3.81
2001: 2.71 & 2.23
2002: 2.47 & 2.15
2003: 6.94 & 3.57
2004: 2.17 & 2.99
2005: 4.16 & 3.31

So, it appears that 1998, 2003, and 2005 support the Kay Theory. Or, do they?

Actually, you have to throw out 2003 - because Johnson only threw 23.1 IP in the first half of that season. This leaves 1998 and 2005.

I would probably throw out 1998 as well - as this was Johnson's last year in Seattle. And, he turned it on that season only once he was traded and then on a salary-drive (for a new contract).

Basically, last year was the only season, in my opinion, where Johnson was "messed up" in the first-half and then did better in the second-half.

Does that mean he cannot do it again? I have no idea. But, I do know that there's not this great body of evidence to suggest that this - meaning being out of wack and then figuring it out - is just something that happens to Johnson.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:42 PM | Comments (0)

The More Things Change.....

Some of the "heat" that I've received today for my thoughts on last night's game, and on the latest A-Rod news, has brought me back to something that happened four years ago.

Before I was banned from the forums at nyyfans.com, in a moment of frustration, I started a thread there with the following comment:

Does anyone know where I can get a pair of Yankee Blinders?

You know, the device that fits on your head, only allowing you to see good things (albeit real or wishful thinking) about the Yankees - while "blinding" (blocking out) anything from the hard factual world?

Can they be bought? Or, can you only make them yourself (with Mommy's permission, of course) out of cardboard using safety scissors and pipe cleaners?

Last question - - when wearing them, is the rest of your IQ affected, or just your baseball perception.

Thanks - inquiring minds want to know.

When I made that post, it was driven from my experience at that forum. It seemed, at least to me, that you were only allowed to say "positive" things about the Yankees and their players - even if the player was a dud or if the Yankees made a terrible move, etc. And, if you stated something that was not all "hugs and kisses" then you were going to have you "Yankee-fan-dom" questioned to the N-th degree.

So, as is my nature, I decided to have some fun with (what I thought was) a good-natured poke in the ribs. (But, the thread was quickly closed,)

In any event, this does lead to a question. Do most "Yankees fans" feel that it is a major no-no to dare say something "negative" about the team or a particular player? And, as a "Yankees fan," when you see this happen, does it lead to you thinking that the person who said it is not a "true fan"?

I don't have the answer. I can only share my opinion.

Personally, if what the person is saying can be considered as being somewhat objective, I actually prefer that to the "Yankees Rulz!" mentality. And, I would not question the person's "Yankee-fan-dom."

In fact, I would go the opposite way - I would say that this person cares enough about the team to look past the pinstripes an in effort to try and find the truth of a situation.

This personal appreciation of candor is probably what drives many of the thoughts shared in this blog. And, I can't ever see myself changing my gears at this point.

The more things change, the more they do stay the same.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:49 PM | Comments (20)

A-Rod's Daily Call From Jim Fannin

From the Boston Globe:

The Streak is now more than a decade old, but few know about it, and Alex Rodriguez isn't talking about it.

For the last 1,560 or so games, the Yankees star has received help from a mental performance coach before every game.

''I don't talk about Jim, so, if you have any other questions?" says A-Rod earlier this month about Jim Fannin, who calls himself America's ZoneCoach.

But the reigning American League MVP has written glowingly about him.

In 2005, Fannin authored a book, ''S.C.O.R.E. for Life," which proclaims to be ''The Secret Formula for Thinking Like a Champion." The acronym stands for self-discipline, concentration, optimism, relaxation, and enjoyment. Rodriguez penned the foreword.

''Jim has either left me a phone message or spoken to me in person or on the phone for every game of my career [since April 1996]," writes Rodriguez. ''Every game."

Just about this time, last year, we learned about A-Rod's therapy sessions. And, now we hear about these daily calls to 1-800-PEP-TALK.

Now, I'm not knocking Alex for seeking help. It's good when someone knows that they need help - and then goes out to get it. It's better than good - it's great.

But, hearing all this, over the last year, I do have to wonder: Is New York the best place for Alex to play, given his (now obvious) need for continuous therapeutic intervention (and such)?

Yes, we learned last season that Rodriguez can succeed in New York. But, at what price? Maybe he would be happier to play for a team like the Rangers or the Braves? Maybe he will not be able to always produce like he did in 2005 because of the constant need to battle through what New York brings?

Recently, I heard it from someone who said that they heard it from a source in the Yankees front office - and, yes, I know that things can get mangled in such a game of "telephone" - that the front office's impression of A-Rod is that he's a, well, let's just say "little kitty cat."

This label could be the "macho" reaction to the fact that A-Rod does seem to require so much mental maintenance. But, I have to wonder, if this is the perception of the Yankees, would they consider dealing Alex out of town (if they had the right offer)?

Granted, the market for a player at Rodriguez' pay scale is limited. It's somewhat the same (now) as when the Red Sox tried to move Manny.

There is a clause, reportedly, in A-Rod's contract that allows him to terminate the deal after 2007, 2008 or 2009. Maybe that's the way out for all concerned - reach a settlement after next year that allows Alex to walk in exchange for a lump sum payment? (Just imagine the stroke that the MLBPA would have over this one.)

In any event, bottom line, the more that I hear about Alex, and the more that I think about it, the more I want to say that getting out of New York might be the best thing for him and the Yankees. At least, that's the thought for now.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:45 AM | Comments (27)

May 22, 2006

May 22nd @ The Red Sox

When you factor in Schilling's recent issues, the Yankees having Wang on the mound, Wakefield pitching for the Sox tomorrow, and Randy Johnson pitching for the Yankees on Wednesday, tonight was the Yankees best shot at a win (during this series at Fenway).

So, despite the nice little two-out rally in the 9th this evening, this was not a good game for the Yankees. And, I expect the Red Sox to go on and sweep this series.

When that happens, what will it mean?

Think about it - losing two of three to the Mets where you could have won all three games and then going into Fenway Park to get swept.

Yes, it's only two months into the season. But, losing badly to either the Mets or Red Sox is a Big Stein hot button. Doing it in back-to-back series is a really big and hot button for Stein.

Sure, even George must realize that the Yankees are not at full strength now. (Up until tonight, did you ever think the Yankees would be playing Terrence Long in LF, Bernie Williams in CF and Melky Cabrera in RF against the Red Sox and Curt Schilling at Fenway Park this year?)

Nonetheless, Big Stein will want to mix things up somehow - to try and spark the team. But what?

He cannot fire the hitting coach - ever. Would he fire the pitching coach? That's highly doubtful. Same goes for the rest of the coaching staff.

How about Brian Cashman? Has Stein ever let a G.M. go during the season?

There's no one to trade from the starting nine, the rotation or the pen. They're either too stinky to trade, make too much, or are pieces that you don't want to move.

There's really only one piece to this puzzle that can be touched that would really shake up the team. But, I cannot see that happening just for losing 5 or 6 to the Mets and Sox. However, if the losing carries into the series after the Red Sox (when the Royals come to town), then I think it's going to get very hot for Mr. Torre. Stay tuned.

Paging Mr. Piniella.
Mr. Lou Piniella.
There's a call for you at the front desk.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:55 PM | Comments (20)

Change Of Pace For Big Papi?

MSGNetwork.com has posted an interesting look at David Ortiz vs. the Yankees. Here's the meat of it:

Now, I'm no scout - although I like to play one at this blog - but, when I see these results, and knowing the pitchers behind the names, I want to say that this paints a picture on how to throw to Ortiz: Change speeds.

If you look at the pitchers on this list who have faced Ortiz at least 7 times, those who have faired well are guys who can change speeds and locate. (Expect Randy Johnson, who probably gets Ortiz out due to his size, release point, etc.)

Guys like Wang, Wright, Rivera, and Sturtze - who Ortiz hits well - basically throw their pitches around the same speed.

Of course, you cannot get pitchers who do not have a change-up to throw one. But, at the least, you can tell these pitchers to not throw Ortiz something that he can hit. These are the hurlers who should stay "up and in, and, down and away" - but out of the strike zone (to see if they can get Ortiz to chase).

Hey, it's just a theory. But, it's time to see if it can work.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:03 PM | Comments (2)

Dontrelle Willis

From the Post:

Yankees scout Jim Benedict watched the Marlins' Dontrelle Willis pitch yesterday in St. Petersburg. The club didn't have a scout at the first two Marlins-Devil Rays games. It's significant that Benedict went because Cashman trusts his evaluation of pitchers. The Marlins are expected to trade Willis before the July 31 deadline.

This is strictly a gut-feel-thing, but, when I hear that the Yankees are interested in Dontrelle Willis, the only thing that comes to my mind is the Britt Burns deal from 1985.

This does not mean that I would be against a deal for D-Train. It just means that I would be very careful to only give up spare parts and Grade C prospects in the trade.

I hope, if the Yankees are after Willis, that Cashman has the same spider-sense warning signals that I have on this one - and proceeds accordingly.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:33 PM | Comments (5)

Who's Behind The 8-Ball?

The Boston Globe has a feature where you can "Ask the 8-Ball a YES or NO question about the Sox-Yankees series."

I seem to get the "Schilling knows all" answer a lot.

I guess we'll see tonight.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 02:17 PM | Comments (1)

Casting Slim Pickens

From the Staten Island Advance -

The Yankees placed ailing starter Shawn Chacon (bruised knee) on the disabled list and recalled outfielder Terrence Long to shore up the bench. Chacon, who missed a start last night, continues to struggle with a hematoma caused by a comebacker in the 5-3 loss to Boston on May 11.

"The knot is still there (on his leg)," Torre said. "There is still that one trouble spot, so you don't want to take any chances."

And, so, the Terrence Long Era (or should I say "Error"?) begins.

Don't get me wrong. I know that Damon has broken bone in his foot, and Bernie has issues with his wheels, and Kevin Reese can't hit a lick, and Melky has an iron glove.......and those are the Yanks choices at the moment for the outfield.

But, Terrence Long?

Just watch - when Sheffield and Crosby come back - Reese and Melky will go back down to the minors before Long does. You know that's how it works in Torre-Cashman-Land.

Looks like I picked the wrong week for quitting sticking my head in a bucket full of ice.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:11 AM | Comments (15)

At Least They Didn't Trade A Buhner To Get Him

From Newsday:

The Yankees have signed DH-first baseman Erubiel Durazo to a minor-league contract, GM Brian Cashman said. Durazo, who has played for Arizona and Oakland, spent time at the Rangers' Triple-A Oklahoma City affiliate earlier this season before requesting his release. Cashman said the team is likely to sign free-agent outfielders Richard Hidalgo and Jason Romano. One or both could be added to the big-league roster immediately.

When I hear Durazo, I think "Ken Phelps Jr." I've never been a fan of Durazo - and I think his "power" is over-rated. For two years, 2001-2002, he was mashing. After that, not so much. Whether it was a blip, or he had help, we won't know. But, I'm pretty confident that he's got nothing to offer now.

On the other hand, I love the Jason Romano news. He's a former Texas Rangers prospect - and has bounced around with many teams in the last few years. But, he's a super-sub (who can play the infield and the outfield) with a great attitude. I think Yankees fans are going to love this guy.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:51 AM | Comments (4)

May 21, 2006

May 21st @ The Mets

Today, on May 21, twenty-one Yankees reached base and only 3 scored. I guess they never heard of "get 'em on, get 'em over, and get 'em in"?

I'm really not sure what to make of this series. On one hand, I want to say that the Yankees were lucky (with the miracle of yesterday) not to get swept - and, that's at least something. On the other hand, I want to say that the Yankees should have won all three of these games - with a little better pitching in the first game and a little better hitting in the game tonight. And, that's the stuff to keep you up at night.

What probably bugs me the most now is knowing that many Mets fans will be lined-up and waiting for me at work tomorrow morning - forgetting the fact that all three games in this series were one-run affairs that could have gone either way - and those Met-heads will be ready to tell me about how great the Mets are now and how lousy the Yankees are this year.

All I want to know is this: When I look at the Mets today, I see Glavine, Pedro, Wagner, Delgado, Floyd and Beltran - all big Free Agent signings sans Delgado who was a huge salary grab by the Mets (because the Marlins needed to dump his huge contract). So, if the Mets do win "it" this year, are we allowed to say "They bought it!" (just like Yankees fans have had to hear each time the Yanks won)?

I'm guessing, since we didn't hear it about the Red Sox (that much) in 2004, when they bought Schilling, Foulke, Manny, and Damon (among others), that we won't hear it about the Mets this year (should they win).

Well, regardless if we hear it or not, it's the truth. And, if need be, I'm going to "Edith Ann" it as much as I can - with the hope that at least some people get it.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:22 PM | Comments (13)

The Team That Changed Baseball

Later this month, (fellow Yankees fan) Bruce Markusen's new book, The Team That Changed Baseball, will be released. It's the story of the 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates.

This Pirates team was noteworthy as they had the first "all-minority" starting line-up and they proved that a culturally mixed team could win a world championship - just as well as a roster crafted with players of more homogeneous origins.

I had a chance to scan through a review copy of a The Team That Changed Baseball and can share that it's on par with Markusen's previous works.

When it comes to writing about baseball history, Bruce Markusen is always sure to nail down the facts.

Witness that, another one of his books, Baseball's Last Dynasty: Charlie Finley's Oakland A's, won the 1999 Seymour Medal from The Society For American Baseball Research. Bruce is always sure to dot the i's and cross the t's when it comes to noting what happened.

If you're looking to learn more about an important team in the baseball timeline, from a polished and creditable source, then you should consider checking out The Team That Changed Baseball.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:59 PM | Comments (0)

Richard Hidalgo

A hat tip to Jen for a heads-up to this from Newsday:

Desperate for outfield help, the Yankees have been talking with free agent Richard Hidalgo and plan to work him out shortly at their Tampa complex. "Richard is definitely intrigued," Chris Leibel, one of Hidalgo's representatives, said Friday.

Hidalgo, 30, signed a minor-league deal with the Orioles on Feb. 26 but spent just four days in camp before leaving to tend to his ill wife. He never returned, realizing that his chances of playing every day were not good, and was released March 7.

Many might not realize this, but, Hidalgo is a very good defender in RF. He's just as good as Jose Guillen. And, much better than guys like Jermaine Dye and Bobby Abreu.

How would this transfer to LF, especially in Yankee Stadium? It's anyone's guess. But, he would probably be better in LF (defensively) than Bernie Williams, Melky Cabrera - and Miguel Cairo. (Although I doubt he would be better than Bubba Crosby in LF with the glove.)

As a hitter, Hidalgo has been very bad the last two seasons. The four seasons before that were a mixed bag - two very good years, one average, and one terrible. If you look at the last four years, it's three very bad and one pretty good.

In some seasons, although not always, he has hit well against LHP. Maybe he could platoon with Bubba Crosby in LF?

On the whole, while I am not very excited about picking up Hidalgo, he would be a better player to have on the big league roster than Kevin Reese. And, once (if?) Sheffield returns, the Yankees could play Crosby in LF and Hidalgo in RF as late-defensive-subs and that would really help the team in the field.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:31 AM | Comments (1)

May 20, 2006

Colter Bean

From the Sports Network -

One day after being called up the Yankees sent outfielder Mitch Jones to Triple-A Columbus and recalled pitcher Colter Bean.

Bean is an interesting story. So many fans and analysts feel that he should have been in the big leagues already. Shoot, there's a even a website devoted to getting him called up to the majors.

He has been on a roll this season - with the exception of his last Triple-A appearance. From The Columbus Dispatch today -

Colter Bean, who had only given up two earned runs in his last 25 2 /3 innings, relieved Mendoza to begin the seventh. Richmond torched him for three runs on two doubles, a hit batter and a walk.

Personally, when I saw him pitch for the Yankees last year, I was surprised at how bad he looked in a uniform. And, I guess he was concerned about it too - enough to try and get in better shape.

From what I've read, Bean does not throw hard and relies on his funky motion to trick batters.

Hey, there's nothing wrong with that - Doug Jones (also a bad body pitcher) did it for a long time. (If you consider throwing in 846 major league games a long time.) And, Jones didn't get a legit crack at the majors until he was 30-years-old. (Bean is twenty-nine now.)

Can Colter Bean be another Doug Jones?

Well, to do that, he's going to need a chance. And, to get a chance, with Torre (who loves to use "experienced pitchers" like a Scott Erickson), then Bean is going to have to be lights-out the very first time that he gets into a game - and keep doing that each time until he gets into Joe's circle of trust.

And, if Bean cannot get out of the gate with success this season, then he'll end up just like people such as Jay Tessmer, Dale Polley, and Joe Ausanio.

In other words, my advice to Bean is: Don't screw it up kid.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:49 PM | Comments (6)

May 20th @ The Mets

Well, today certainly takes away from the sting of yesterday.

And, how great was it to see Rivera breaking bats and whiffing batters in the 11th? I think he has figured it out - whatever it was that's been bothering him in the prior eight games.

On a personal note, this morning, my daughter (who will be four next month), had her very first T-ball practice this morning.

All together, it's not been a bad day for this Yankees-fan dad. Not bad at all.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:27 PM | Comments (5)

May 19, 2006

May 19th @ The Mets

Oh, how far we've come from the days of O'Neill and Rojas.

As much as the question of this evening seems to be (still) "What's wrong with Randy Johnson?" perhaps it should now be "What's wrong with Mo Rivera?"

Over the span of the last 15 days, Rivera has pitched in 8 games now. In those 8 games, he has thrown 8 innings - in which he has allowed 12 hits, 3 walks and only whiffed 2 batters.

That's almost 2 base runners per inning pitched - and, if I'm doing my math right, only 2 punch-outs in 39 batters faced.

I know that the Yankees and YES-heads are saying that this is Mariano being rusty because of the lack of save chances so far this season - but, come on, how can you be rusty when you've come into games 8 times in the last 15 days? Something is wrong with Mo.

As far as Johnson, at this point, it's just a shame that his name is "Randy Johnson." The way he's been pitching, if his name was "Jaret Wright" he would have been removed from the rotation by now. Heck, if his name was "Scott Proctor" and he was pitching this way, he would be in the minors by now.

It's interesting, I'm reading Birth of a Dynasty now and I just came across a quote from Torre where he says (something like) "I manage by the game and not by the name" (where a reference was made to him having Charlie Hayes pinch hit for Wade Boggs, if I recall correctly).

I wish this were still true about Joe. Granted, you could never send "Randy Johnson" down to Columbus to work out his problems now - because he's "Randy Johnson." But, given that (in his last 7 starts) he's allowed 31 runs in 36.2 innings pitched, it's time either remove him from the rotation or put him on the Disabled List.

Let Ron Villone start in his place and make Johnson pitch mop-up to work out his issues. Or, disable him and send him to Tampa to work things out.

I just read that Johnson has allowed four runs or more in five straight starts for the first time in his major league career. Something is wrong. And, running him out there every five days doesn't seem to be the answer. It's time for Plan B.

Semi-related to all this, tonight's news also tells us that Carl Pavano needs surgery to remove a bone chip above his right elbow. I have to wonder - did this chip just show up, or, was it hiding from Yankees doctors for the last 325 days? If it's the latter, could it be possible that the same crack-staff of M.D.'s have missed something on Randy?

At the least, if they won't move Johnson to the pen, get another MRI. Shoot, do a full body scan - and a head x-ray while you're at it. And then get him on the D.L.

And, then they can move on to trying to fix Rivera.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:10 PM | Comments (13)

Mitch Jones

From the AP:

The New York Yankees put Bubba Crosby on the 15-day disabled list Friday, the third outfielder they've sidelined in the last two weeks.

Sluggers Gary Sheffield (left wrist and hand) and Hideki Matsui (broken left wrist) were already out going into this weekend's Subway Series against the Mets.

The Yankees purchased the contract of outfielder Mitch Jones from Triple-A Columbus. A four-time All-Star in the minors, the 28-year-old Jones has never played in the majors.

The last time that Mitch Jones was considered a prospect was in 2002 - and then it was more based off the fact that he broke Bob Horner's single season HR at Arizona State (before the Yankees drafted him in the 7th round of the 2000 draft).

At Columbus this season, to date, he's batting .239 - yes, .239 - albeit with 6 HR and 21 BB in 39 games. And, he's whiffed 41 times in 134 ABs.

In the OF, he plays like a 1B.

Boy, Kevin Thompson must be feeling great today. It's pretty obvious now that Cashman and Torre don't think he can help the big team - when you see people like Kevin Reese and Mitch Jones getting the call before him.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:53 PM | Comments (14)

Mind Games

While attending the big May 16th comeback game the other day, I told my game-mate for the evening, Alex Belth, that I remembered once going to a game at the Stadium where the Yankees were down 8-0, against Frank Tanana, when Tanana was a fire-balling ace, and they came back to score 8 runs in the bottom of the 9th inning.

Thinking about that game some more today, I decided to look for it at Retrosheet.org.

And, I found it: August 22, 1976

What a game that was for me. I was almost 14-years-old at the time.

Tanana shutout the Yankees for 8 innings - while Catfish Hunter and Ron Guidry allowed the Angels to score eight runs.

That led to the bottom of the 9th, which went down like this (according to Retrosheet):

Munson grounded out (shortstop to first);
Piniella singled to right;
Chambliss doubled to right [Piniella to third];
Nettles singled to right [Piniella scored, Chambliss to third];
Velez walked [Nettles to second];
Healy singled to center [Chambliss scored, Nettles to third, Velez to second];
Randolph doubled to right [Nettles scored, Velez scored, Healy to third];

VERHOEVEN REPLACED TANANA (PITCHING);
C. MAY BATTED FOR STANLEY;

C. May singled to right [Healy scored, Randolph scored];
White homered [C. May scored];
Munson made an out to left;
Piniella reached on an error by Remy [Piniella to first];

RIVERS RAN FOR PINIELLA;
MONGE REPLACED VERHOEVEN (PITCHING);

Rivers was picked off and caught stealing second (pitcher to first to shortstop);

Check that out. In the year where he won the MVP, Munson made the first two outs of the 9th inning where the Yankees scored 8 runs to comeback from 8-0. Wow. Imagine what the media would do today to A-Rod if he did what Munson did back then?

Anyway, what's funny (at least now) is that the Yankees blew the game in the 11th inning. It's funny because I don't remember that part at all - I just remember the fact that they scored 8 in the 9th after being shutout all day.

What I also found interesting about this game, looking at it today, was the attendance: 52,864.

It must have been a give-away day or something. I wonder where that give-away is today, 30 years later? I still have a THURMAN MUNSON bat and a MICKEY RIVERS bat in the garage that I got as a kid at various "Bat Day" games. Could one of them be from that game? I'll never know.

The May 16th game this year was a give-way night - Calendar Night. Somehow, I don't think that I will be hanging on to that for 30 years.

But, just like the 8-0 comeback from 1976, I'll hang on to the memory of 5/16/06 for a long time......

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 02:17 PM | Comments (10)

Bat Check

Using the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia, to look at current Yankees hitting stats, this is what we see:

Some observations from this performance results data:

* We're just about at the first quarter mark of the season and it's clear that A-Rod and Damon have just been average performers with the bat. Of course, average is better than below average. But, given their salaries, being average means failure. Damon has been playing hurt, so, I can give him a buddy pass. As far as A-Rod, there's no excuse, he has not been pulling his weight so far this season.

* Bernie Williams, Melky Cabrera and Bubba Crosby are not hitting like major league outfielders. Heck, Williams is not hitting like a major league pitcher. When you combine these three with the average performance of Damon, it's a big ball of outs. I know that many say the Yankees don't need another OF (to replace Matsui) - and that another pitcher is more important. But, these numbers beg to differ. Yes, Sheffield will be back soon - hopefully. Still, even with that, the Yankees need someone who can play LF and at least be an average performer - and, right now, they do not have that player on their roster.

* Andy Phillips, Kelly Stinnett, and Miguel Cairo should never play (all) at the same time. In fact, any two of these three should not be in the line-up at the same time. And, if Bernie, Melky and Bubba are playing, then none of the three (Phillips, Stinnett, and Cairo) should be in the line-up that day. There's no way that the Yankees should be willing to give up that many outs a game.

* Where would this team be with Giambi, Jeter and Posada? Of the three, Posada is the one that is most amazing to me. I never saw this coming from him this season. I hope that he does not wear down - and can be a great hitter for the whole season. But, I know that Torre will burn him out. From 2001 through 2005, Posada has played in 673 games. No other A.L. catcher is within 90 games of that mark. When the weather gets warmer, it's going to be hard for Jorge to keep up this pace.

In summary:

A-Rod, please show up.
Torre & Cashman, get another OF bat and sit Bernie down.
Jorge, great job man - keep it up.

When you look at this, these three things should not be too tough to do, right?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:49 AM | Comments (7)

Jimmy Key

The Yankees could use a Jimmy Key right about now........

From The State.com:

JIMMY KEY CAPTURED All-ACC honors at two positions, won 186 major-league games and finished high in the American League Cy Young Award balloting three times.

He made the AL All-Star team four times and earned the victory in the decisive World Series game in 1992 and ‘96.

Those achievements require no embellishment and make him a worthy selection for the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame’s Class of 2006.

But there is more.

Ask about Key, who will be among eight inducted into the state athletic shrine Monday night at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, and a pattern emerges: Jimmy Key defines class.

“Unbelievable; a reporter’s dream on and off the field,” said Bill Madden, national baseball columnist for the New York Daily News.

“A winner and a guy not overly impressed with himself,” said Gene Michael, the general manager who signed Key for the Yankees and is now an adviser to Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.

Michael, then Yankees general manager, looked for free-agent pitchers after the 1992 season. His first choice: Greg Maddux. His second: Jimmy Key.

“Jimmy was such a smart pitcher,” Michael said. “I can’t imagine Whitey Ford being any smarter. They were the same type of pitchers, and they were winners.”

Playing and pitching for the Yankees is no place for the faint of heart. The media horde, tabloids and talk shows test the strongest resolve.

“He said something at the press conference (to announce his signing) that told me we had the right guy,” Michael said. “Someone asked about (the pressure of) pitching in New York, and he said something like, my wife always says I’m lifeless.

“His saying that about himself impressed me, and I knew we didn’t have to worry about his getting overly excited. He didn’t worry about what anybody was thinking or saying.”

Some players tend to duck the media after bad games, but Madden said the press never had to worry about Key.

“He was always cooperative, always there after games,” he said. “You could go to him for an evaluation of a situation or a whole game, and he would be right on.”

Something to remember about Key, as a member of the Yankees, in the post-season, he was always good. Not many of the other "great" recent Yankees pitchers can say that.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:55 AM | Comments (2)

Jaret Wright

It's only 3 games worth of data, but, in his last three starts, here's what Jaret Wright has been averaging:

5 2/3 IP, 5 hits, 2 BB, 3 K, and an ERA of 3.64

If Wright can pitch into the 6th inning each time out, allow just about a base runner per IP, and not walk many, his ERA should continue to do well. And, he would be a very acceptable 5th starter.

Of course, he would have to stay healthy to do this as well - and he's only stayed sound for a full season once in the last seven years. So, the odds are really not in his favor.

Still, it can't hurt to hope, right?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:05 AM | Comments (13)

May 18, 2006

May 18th vs. The Rangers

So, the Yankees lost 2 of 4 to the Rangers in the same fashion - wasting a good effort from their starter, weak batting, making an error at the wrong time, and with so-so bullpen support. This is bothersome considering that this was a chance to build some padding before the Mets and Red Sox games.

With Bubba hurting his hammy today, and no DH in the NL, the next three games at Shea are going to be interesting (in terms of defense) with a banged up Damon in CF - with Bernie and Melky at his sides. Throw in Giambi at 1B and the recent increased shakiness of Jeter and Cano, and, well, let's just say that Johnson, Mussina and whoever starts on Sunday better have their A-games going.

At this moment, it's reached the point where, if you told me now that the Yankees will be 2 games out of first place on May 25th, I would say "Where do I sign?"

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 04:31 PM | Comments (5)

Terrence Long

From the Post:

As insurance for their uncertain outfield situation, the Yankees are close to inking Terrence Long to a minor-league contract and adding him to the 40-man roster.

The club recently designated Triple-A infielder Felix Escalona for assignment and put him on waivers, knocking him off the 40-man.

The 30-year-old Long, a lefty hitter, played with the Royals last season and was recently released by Cincinnati's Triple-A club.

Whenever I hear Long's name, I think of what was said about him 4 years ago:

Terrence Long's habit of circling around flyballs before catching (or missing) them has his teammates calling him Magellan.

As a hitter, "T-Long" is in the class of a Corey Patterson or Timo Perez.

I see no way how Terrence Long can help the Yankees.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:19 AM | Comments (10)

May 17, 2006

Move Over Cavity Sam

Here comes Carl!

From the AP:

Yankees RHP Carl Pavano left his rehabilitation start for Double-A Trenton against Portland after one inning because of tightness in his right triceps. He was to be evaluated Thursday at Yankee Stadium by team physician Dr. Stuart Hershon.

Was there ever any doubt that those tweezers were going to set off the buzzer again before Zuzu had to come back to the Bronx?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:58 PM | Comments (22)

May 17th vs. The Rangers

To be honest, one of the things that I always loved about Andy Pettitte, whether he was pitching well or not, was that he was a pick-off freak. By this, I mean, he was the best in baseball in terms of owning a lethal move to first.

There's just something about that for me - when a guy has an element of his game where he is "The Best" and he can do "it" at any time (and no one can prevent it). I really dig juggernaut skills.

In his prime, Rickey Henderson had this too - he was going to steal when he felt like it - and he knew, they knew, we all knew that they could not stop him.

Chien-Ming Wang is now there for me as well - because he is an absolute ground-ball freak. I love to watch him pitch just to see all those grounders. I'm not sure if the stats point to someone else - and I really don't care, to be honest - because my eyes tell me and my heart believes it - there's no one better in the game now at getting ground-ball after ground-ball.

And, no one can stop him.

Mr. Wang-der-full, the Grounder King, having it his way. Long live the king!

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:37 PM | Comments (4)

Bubba & Damon Are Good Guys

Good to see Bubba's still doing good things. From the News:

Teenage cancer patient Shannon O'Brien closed her eyes and clasped her freckled cheeks after shaking hands with Yankees teammates Bubba Crosby and Johnny Damon.

"I can't imagine how red my face is right now," said the 14-year-old from Staten Island, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in March. "I thought, 'Oh my gosh, he's going to stop by.' I've never been that close before."

The infielder for the St. Joseph Hill Academy Hilltoppers was one of more than a dozen cancer patients who met the two outfielders at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center yesterday.

Damon and Crosby teamed up with the center to raise funds for pediatric cancer research, education and patient care.

"These kids don't deserve to go through what they are going through, but hopefully we can raise awareness and work on getting better treatment for them," Damon said as he signed the youngsters' Yankee Universe T-shirts.

"All we can do is put a smile on their faces and give high-fives and make their day better."

It's also nice to see Damon doing good things as well. Just another reason to root for these two Yankees.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:23 PM | Comments (0)

Behind One Door Is.........

From the Boston Globe:

In his last five starts, Schilling is 2-2 with a 6.53 ERA. In 30 1/3 innings, he has allowed 22 earned runs on 40 hits. Opponents are batting .315 against him. They've also hit eight home runs, three apiece in the last two games. Ramon Hernandez, Jay Gibbons, and Brandon Fahey took him deep last night, Fahey for his first big-league home run.

The drop in effectiveness follows a 133-pitch outing in Jacobs Field on a cold night in Cleveland, which raised all kinds of alarms at the time and continues to do so. Just as they did then, both Schilling and manager Terry Francona dispute that it has had any deleterious effects on the 39-year-old righthander.

''I can talk until I'm blue in the face, until everybody's blue in face, when I tell you guys that's not it," Schilling said. ''It makes good copy. That's really putting the blame and making excuses where they don't belong.

''I'm not executing. I've given up six home runs in my last two starts. I'm making mistakes.

''The homers are horrible pitches. It doesn't matter if I threw 33 or 133, I just haven't pitched well. Unfortunately, it coincides with that start."

Sure Curt.

Funny, I thought we'd have to wait at least another three weeks before we would see this impact.

It's starting to appear that the Yankees may not get Schilling when they go into Fenway (after the Rangers series).

It will be an interesting call for the Sox - either skip DiNardo's next turn and then have Schilling go against the Phillies on 5/21 or keep DiNardo's turn and then have Schilling go on 5/22 against the Yankees.

Give a start to a scrub in order to have Curt face New York (with an extra day's rest) or take advantage of an off-day on 5/18, keep your good pitchers in turn, avoid having to send a scrub to the mound for a turn, but then keep Schilling away from the Yankees.

I say this with the fear that only ol' timers such as myself may get it.......What's it going to be Batman? The lady or the tiger?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:48 PM | Comments (2)

Matt Stairs

I heard a mention on the radio this morning that Matt Stairs could be someone who the Yankees would be interested in - given the Matsui injury.

Stairs played with Giambi for 5 years in Oakland. So, I'm sure that Jason would be able to speak to Cashman on him - if feedback is needed.

I'm not so sold on Stairs. And, this is funny to say now, because, for years, I've always had an interest in his career.

Back in 1991, Stairs was a hot prospect for the Expos - as a second baseman. I used to play rotisserie baseball in those days and always used to keep tabs on who I could grab before they became a star. He was on my radar for a while. But, in the case of Stairs, nothing really happened for him until 1997 - and by then he was an OF/DH (with Oakland).

Stairs can do some things at the plate - and he can play 1B, OF, or DH. But, he's 38-years-old now. And, he's more of a RF than a LF. (No way could he cover ground in LF at Yankee Stadium.)

I suppose that he could be an upgrade on Andy Phillips - if Phillips is only going to bat .175 this season. But, I don't see Stairs as someone who the Yankees can plug into LF for the rest of the year.

That said, and given his age, if I'm the Yankees, I would not give up anything of value to acquire him.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:13 PM | Comments (3)

May 16th vs. The Rangers

Early on, I was given a clue that tonight was going to be a special night - but, I missed it.

I left my office in Little Falls, NJ at 4:30 pm to head to this game - and at 5:10 pm I pulled into one of the parking lots at the Stadium. Forty minutes, door-to-door?

That just does not happen. It had to be magic.

To the game......

After one and a half, the Yankees were down 9-0. That was a bummer.

Still, since I was attending the game with Alex Belth of Bronx Banter fame, it wasn't a total bummer - as Alex and I were passing the time talking about the Yankees, blogging, and all sorts of fun stuff. (By the way, every Yankees fan should have the pleasure of attending at least one game with Alex. He's a great guy with some incredible stories to share.)

After a while, and some Aaron Small luck, it's the top of the 6th and the score is 10-5 in favor of Texas. It's still not a great position - but, it's looking much more like a ballgame than 9-0.

And, in the top of the 6th, when it looks like Texas will add to their lead, Jorge Posada blocks the plate like a brick wall on a throw from left field - saving a huge run.

Then, more magic happens - the Yankees plate 6 in the 6th to take a 11-10 lead. Not too shabby, considering they were down 9-0 just 4 innings ago.

But, back to Bummersville - Scott Proctor allows a moon-shot 2-run homer in the 7th giving Texas the lead again, 12-11.

Then, magic again - the Yankees tie the game in the bottom of the 7th.

Still, the unthinkable - with the score tied 12-12, Mariano Rivera allows a guy hitting .218 to drive in a run in the 9th and put Texas up 13-12.

Down 9-0, leading 11-10, losing 12-11, tied 12-12, and now losing 13-12 (in the 9th). This is not an easy game for a Yankee fan's heart.

But, in the bottom of the 9th with 2 outs, Jorge Posada hits a homerun to win the game for the Yankees, 14-13. It's time to high-five as many strangers as you can. And, this was without Giambi, Matsui and Sheffield in the line-up.

Like I said before: That just does not happen. It had to be magic.

I hope they put this one into the Yankees Classics rotation. I want to see this one again. In terms of being at "Great Games In the First Half Of A Season," I had the pleasure to attend that July 1, 2004 game where Jeter dove into the stands, and, this game might just be as thrilling - if not greater. (Even with that 7/1/04 game being against Boston.)

Heck, the Yankees have only come back from a 9-0 score three times, ever, before this one.

For what it's worth, in 2004, the Yankees went on to lose 5 of 6 after that big win. Let's up the carry-over from this crazy win is more favorable.

Come on magic, just stay around for a little while longer.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:45 AM | Comments (8)

May 16, 2006

The Pinstripes

Today, Alex Belth, in his Bronx Banter blog, brought up the topic of nice baseball uniforms.

Reading this made me reflect back to something that I always wondered about:

Yankees fans are so quick to say "The Pinstripes" and just assume that the whole world knows that this means "The Yankees." But, several other major league teams wear pinstriped uniforms as well.

When you say "The Pinstripes" to a White Sox fan, or a Cubs fan, or a Diamondbacks fan, or a Twins fan, or a Phillies fan, or a Marlins fan, or a Rockies fan, do you expect them to think "Yankees" (or their favorite team)?

For all we (Yankees fans) know, when you say "The Pinstripes" to someone who is not a Yankees fan, they could first think of some ska band from Cincy.

Maybe it's because the Yankees have been wearing pinstripes since 1915 that "we" just assume that they are "The Pinstripes"? (Yes, the Yankees did wear pinstripes during 1912 - but, that was a trial basis thing.)

Do any other teams market themselves with a reference to their uniform style? If so, do they refer to their pinstripes (if they use them)? I have no idea. (But, if you do, please let us know. Thanks!)

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 02:07 PM | Comments (6)

Raul Ibanez

From the Post:

But even with Jaret Wright back in the rotation and Carl Pavano perhaps two rehab starts away, the Yankees remain as interested in trading for another starter as for a left fielder.

Brad Wilkerson, Raul Ibanez, Alfonso Soriano, Torii Hunter, Reggie Sanders Aubrey Huff, Craig Wilson and Shannon Stewart are all on the list, one that shortens considerably when you count left fielders actually obtainable for Wright, Pavano and their big tickets. But eventually the Yankees are going to have to do something.

This is not the first time that Ibanez' name has come up. In fact, back on December 12th of last year it was rumored that the Yankees wanted him and I wrote:

Raul Ibanez (in 2006) could be a very useful player for the Yankees - playing some DH and backing up at 1B and the OF.

But, here's the rub now: On March 1st of this year, Ibanez signed a two-year extension to his current deal - that keeps him under contract through the 2008 season (when he will be 36-years-old).

We already know that the Yankees are going to be a very old team in 2008. Is there any reason to add another old-timer to the pile? Yes, Ibanez will make less than $6 million a year on his current deal. But, at some point, you can't just eat the contract of all your Grey Beards.

Based on that March 1st extension, I think you have to pass on Ibanez - even though he's a New York kid and the Yankees have the need now.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:19 PM | Comments (1)

Today's Special: Sturtze Flambéed ala Torre

Finally, ready for serving after a year in the making.....

From Yankees.com -

Yankees right-hander Tanyon Sturtze may be done for the season. The veteran pitcher underwent an MRI exam on Monday that revealed a slight tear in the rotator cuff area of his right shoulder.

"Unfortunately, depending on what he decides to do, it's probably going to cost him the rest of the year," Torre said of the 35-year-old pitcher who owned a 7.59 ERA because he gave up 10 runs on 17 hits in just 10 2/3 innings.

Torre, who was disappointed that Sturtze didn't inform the team of his shoulder woes before Saturday, said that the first thing he stresses to his pitchers in Spring Training is that hiding an injury can hurt both the pitcher and the team.

"Don't try to be a hero, you're going to shorten your career," said Torre, recalling his message. "I'm sincere when I tell these guys that, because there's no game that's more important than somebody's career."

Just be sure to save some room for today's dessert special: Joe's Proctor Pie - baked on the premises daily!

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:24 AM | Comments (6)

Farnsworth Says...........

When two tribes go to war,
a point is all you can score.
When two tribes go to war,
a point is all you can score

Tribe No. 1:

You should never get beat with your second best pitch. If you can throw 98-99-100 then you should stick to the fastball and not toy with the slider. There are more hits allowed on bad sliders than fastballs. There's no need to help a batter speed up his bat on a pitch with the speed of the slider.

Tribe No. 2:

If there's one thing that hitters in the majors can do, it's hit a fastball. It's what got them to the big leagues. At this level, no matter how hard you throw, hitters can catch up to it. If all you do is pump gas, the batters will sit on the heater. You need a second pitch to keep the hitters honest and to mix up your pattern. Ideally, you need something that looks like the fastball but will either break and/or change speeds.

How many times have you heard both of the above sermons?

Ah, the dichotomy of fastball philosophy.....

This is why a guy like Kyle Farnsworth (and now Scott Proctor) will always be in a no-win situation with the fans and media. People always want to have it both ways for them - but not for others. It's unfair.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:31 AM | Comments (4)

May 15, 2006

May 15th vs. The Rangers

Life without Matsui so far:

May 11th = 3 runs
May 12th = 2 runs
May 13th = 4 runs
May 14th = 1 run
May 15th = 2 runs

That's 2.4 runs per game for the Yankees, for those scoring at home.

And, now Giambi has a sore neck - that will not allow him to turn his head. Torre said tonight that it's not a major scare - but also said "we'll see" in the morning after they run some tests on Jason.

Imagine a line-up without Giambi, Sheffield, and Matsui. You might see it tomorrow. (Great, I have tickets for the game.)

It's a shame to waste the effort from Mussina tonight. Speaking of Moose, while he has been great this year, and it's very appreciated, is anyone in Yankeeland somewhat ticked that it's coming in the year where he's probably playing for his next contract? Yes, supposedly Posada spotted that Mussina was tipping his change, and that's the reason for the turnaround this season. But, is it a Yankees-fan-faux-pas to wonder about a possible salary push being the thing that's motivating Moose? Then again, as long as he keeps pitching this great, who cares why, right?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:45 PM | Comments (11)

Times Ten

Today is the 390th day for WasWatching.com.

Looking at the "top hit days" for each month for this blog shows that we've gone from a high mark of 1,463 hits on April 22, 2005 to a high mark of 14,448 (to date) for May 11, 2006.

For the record, the all-time mark for this site, in terms of hits for a day, is 17,682 - which we hit on December 22, 2005 - thanks to the Damon signing.

It's been a good 13 months - where the high mark in hits has grown times ten now (comparing April 2005 to May 2006).

Thanks to all for making this happen - and for your interest in WasWatching.com.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 04:10 PM | Comments (6)

Me & Stick

From The LoHud Yankees Blog today:

Still, keep an eye on Craig Wilson of the Pirates. Gene Michael has been.

From me (here) three days ago:

Thinking about the Matsui situation some more today, if Godzilla is going to be out for three months (or the rest of the season), perhaps it's time to call the Pittsburgh Pirates about Craig Wilson?

Great minds, well, you know........

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 02:34 PM | Comments (8)

Stein Should Fire The Kid

From iBerkshires.com -

Hard work is nothing new to graduating senior defenseman and men's lacrosse captain Kellen Benjamin (Dedham, MA), so the prospect of working 80-hour weeks for the Boston Red Sox beginning in mid June is not going to throw him.

Benjamin, through an employee of his mother's Home for Little Wanderers in Boston, was able to get the cell phone number for Theo Epstein, the Executive Vice President/General Manager of the Red Sox who runs the Red Sox Baseball Operations Department. One can only imagine how many members of Red Sox nation would pay to get a hold of Theo Epstein's phone number? Benjamin never did and never will give up that phone number, so don't even bother to ask.

"There wasn't really any particular job open, but I heard that there might be something in the summer so I called Theo to try and let him know I was interested in setting up a meeting," said Benjamin.

Benjamin had an ace up his sleeve when he headed to his interview with Epstein and the Baseball Operations folks at the Red Sox. Classmate Will Kuntz had spent the last three summers as an intern to the New York Yankees' GM Brian Cashman and has been hired full-time to work for Cashman after graduation. Kuntz gave Benjamin some tips. "Will gave me some great questions to ask and he told me the kind of attitude and approach the Red Sox would most likely be looking for which was very helpful."

Someone should tell Will Kuntz that Yankees do not help Red Sox. If his friend, Kellen Benjamin, has some skills, then why help the Sox by allowing them to see them? Yeah, sure, you want to help a friend. But, the Sox?

Dude........

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 02:21 PM | Comments (1)

Gator & Kerrigan

Benjamin Kabak, over at Double Play Depth, has an interesting look at the impact (or lack thereof) of the current Yankees pitching coaches.

It is pretty obvious that Wright, Small, Johnson, and Sturtze have not done well this season. But, how much of that is Gator and Kerrigan not doing their job and how much is just an injury-thing? Or, how much is it just a matter that these guys were not that good in the first place? I think with Wright, Small and Sturtze it's mostly a talent issue. And, with Johnson, it could just be age that's making him look more and more like Lee Guetterman these days.

It's funny, even with the struggles of Johnson, Wright, and Sturtze, the Yankees have the second best pitching staff in the league. Look at their stats, to date, from the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia -

Based on the numbers, overall, there's some good things happening with the Yankees pitchers this year. Now, is that the result of better coaching, or, is it the result of new bodies on the team - like Farnsworth and Myers?

In any event, I think it's fair to say that Guidry and Kerrigan are not screwing up the Yankees pitching. And, that's a good thing. So, for now, I have no beef with the job that they're doing. And, I can't hold their feet to the fire for the efforts from Wright, Small, Johnson, and Sturtze.

Like I've said before, sometimes you can put a pig in a party dress, but, it's still just a pig.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:22 AM | Comments (0)

May 14, 2006

A Sturtze Walks Into A Bar......

From the YES Network -

It was only fitting that two priests were present in the Yankee clubhouse Sunday afternoon, just hours after Tanyon Sturtze confessed he hasn't felt right since spring training.

After hiding the pain in his right shoulder from his teammates, coaches and Joe Torre — who asked him several times since the start of the regular season if he felt alright — Sturtze finally thought it was time to fess up. He wanted to avoid being placed on the 15-day disabled list, but after posting 7.59 ERA in 18 appearances, he couldn't.

"I want to help this team," Sturtze said. "I want to be on this team. I don't want to be sitting on the DL. Nobody does, I don't think. I don't want to miss any time. That's the last thing I want to do, no matter how bad things are going.

"I still would rather keep pitching now but it's starting to get to a point now where it was starting to hurt the team. It was time to say something."

....it's starting to get to a point now where it was starting to hurt the team....

A guy this funny should do stand-up for a living.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:50 PM | Comments (15)

After The Rangers

Next up for New York - the Texas Rangers for four games. But, after that, then it's off to Shea for three against the Mets and then up to Fenway for three against the Red Sox.

The Mets-Sox run starts on 5/19 and ends on 5/24.

For these 6 road games, as of now, it appears that it will be the following pitchers for the Yankees:

5/19 - Johnson
5/20 - Mussina
5/21 - Chacon
5/22 - Wang
5/23 - Wright (or Pavano?)
5/24 - Johnson

Funny, at this stage of the season, I actually wish that Johnson would not get two of these games.

Who will pitch against them? Here's a guess:

5/19 - Johnson vs. Bannister (or Gonzalez?)
5/20 - Mussina vs. Mango Pedro
5/21 - Chacon vs. Glavine
5/22 - Wang vs. Schilling
5/23 - Wright (or Pavano?) vs. Wakefield
5/24 - Johnson vs. Clement

Great, huh? Pedro, Glavine, Schilling and Wakefield - for four games in a row (all on the road).

Hard Right-Soft Left-Hard Right-and then really soft stuff......all from quality pitchers. Just great. That's the kind of variation that can put a team into a hitting slump for a while.

After these 6 games, the Yankees come home for three against the Royals and then go on the road for 7 games in 7 days. (A 3-game homestand? Who made out the schedule this year?)

Then, the Yankees come back home for 4 more games against the Red Sox.

When you look at what's coming up after the Rangers, it makes winning these games against the Rangers pretty darn important.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:14 PM | Comments (2)

May 14th vs. The A's

It's still hard to say if today's effort is a good sign for Randy Johnson. The A's basically only have two good hitters in their line-up: Nick Swisher & Eric Chavez. And, Chavez wasn't playing today. (No, I have not forgotten about Frank Thomas. He's not really mashing this year, so, I'm not considering him as being good now. Plus, he's out of the line-up anyway.)

So, is Johnson back, or, is today's performance more of a reflection of the A's offense?

What really bothers me this year about Johnson, after his control issues, is that he's giving up hits to LHB like Mark Kotsay (today), Adam Kennedy, and Shane Costa to allow runs to score (this season). When Johnson is well, these guys shouldn't be able to touch the ball (much less get RBI hits).

And, keep in mind, Johnson is giving up these hits to LHB in the games where he has pitched "well."

In any event, with the way that the Yankees hit today, it probably didn't matter what Randy did on the mound. It's hard to win when you only score one run.

Probably the best part of the game today: Melky Cabrera's peg to the plate in the 8th. This kid can do some things.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 04:16 PM | Comments (8)

Happy Mother's Day!

Last year, Kevin Brown delivered the present on Mother's Day.

Today, it's Randy Johnson's turn to bring it home for the Momma's.

What are the odds? Well, in his last 3 starts, the Big Unit has allowed 18 runs, 18 hits, 11 walks, three hit batters and only 9 strikeouts in 15.3 IP.

That said, if your mom is a Yankees fan, I hope you bought her a card for today, rather than rely on Randy to brighten her day.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:02 PM | Comments (0)

May 13, 2006

May 13th vs. The A's

You know, Big Stein calls out A-Rod, and then Rodriguez starts launching bombs in just about every game. That Georgie, he's a genius, no? The homer that Alex hit today was Hobbsian (to say the least).

At this rate, Everyday Scottie Proctor is going to appear in 76 games this season and throw 116 IP. Does Torre realize that he's going to cook this kid's arm?

Now, part of the problem, to me, has been Tanyon Sturtze - in the sense that he's been a mess and that led to the need to call on Proctor more often.

I see now that Sturtze was placed on the 15-day disabled list after the game because of soreness in his pitching shoulder. And, the Yanks purchased the contract of Scott Erickson from Columbus.

I don't get the Erickson choice at all. He's allowed 22 base runners in 17 IP in Triple-A and has an ERA of 4.24. That's the best replacement available right now?

Lastly, note that the Yankees have now won 10 of their last 13 games. That's the great news. The bad news is that those three losses all came from the Boston Red Sox.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:10 PM | Comments (10)

May 12, 2006

May 12th vs. The A's

Simply Wang-der-full.

And, it could have not come at a better time. Nice and quick game too - compared to last night's 4-hour root canal session.

Was it just me, or, was it fun to see our ol' pal Funny Face Keisler again?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:30 PM | Comments (8)

A Call For Help?

A friend of mine, who is a Red Sox fan, told me today "I played a little outfield, back in the day....maybe the Yankees can use me?"

So, I told him: "Why don't you go call 1-800-BIG-STEIN."

Then, I wondered to myself: What do you get when you call 1-800-BIG-STEIN?

Well, did you know that, if you dial 1-800-BIG-STEIN, you reach an outfit called Psychic Source?

True.

If you don't believe me, call 1-800-244-78346 and see for yourself.

I wonder if Torre & Cashman have ever called it?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:59 PM | Comments (6)

Craig Wilson

Thinking about the Matsui situation some more today, if Godzilla is going to be out for three months (or the rest of the season), perhaps it's time to call the Pittsburgh Pirates about Craig Wilson?

Wilson is not a star - but, he's a useful player on the whole. Actually, against LHP he bats like a star - for what it's worth.

He's currently playing on a one-year deal that pays less than $4 million - so, he's cheap. Also, he can play a little 1B if needed there too.

Wilson will be 30-years-old at the end of the year. So, it's not like he's going to be someone to build around.

The Pirates are going nowhere this season.

If the Yankees offered the Pirates Colter Bean, Jeff Marquez and cash for Wilson, would that be so bad right now?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:11 PM | Comments (9)

Prior Pass On Bonds

From the San Francisco Chronicle -

Sources around the New York Yankees tell the story of an organizational meeting several years ago, including a few key players, about the possibility of acquiring Barry Bonds. This was well before "Game of Shadows," the prospect of federal intervention or the deterioration of Bonds' right knee. At the time, Bonds' home-run stroke was fearsome and unparalleled. The answer, even then, was a resounding and unanimous "no."

To this day, it seems that the Yankees just aren't interested in a player who wants special clubhouse privileges, an all-access entourage, his own self-serving television show and 100 percent control over when he plays _ to say nothing of the steroid issues surrounding Bonds.

Just imagine the mess it would have been if the Yankees had Bonds, Giambi and Sheffield when BALCO hit. Then again, depending on when this meeting was, there's a chance that having Bonds could have led to not getting Giambi and/or Sheffield.

I'm about half-done with Game of Shadows now. And, from what I'm reading, the Yankees made the right call on this one.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:59 PM | Comments (1)

With Matsui & Sheff Out...........

What would I do? I think the answer is obvious.

Kevin Thompson is playing well at Columbus. His OBA is .379 (and his SLG is .416). He's stolen 6 bases in 7 attempts. And, we know he has the speed to play CF.

Johnny Damon is banged up. He has problems with his foot and shoulder that will not get better with the beating that playing CF gives him.

The Yankees should move Damon to LF, call up Thompson to play CF, and use Melky Cabrera in RF (until Sheffield returns).

Once Sheffield is off the DL, he returns to RF and then either Melky goes to LF (with Damon returning to CF) or Melky goes to back to Triple-A (for playing time) and Damon stays in LF and Thompson stays in CF. The trigger on which call will depend on who is playing better in the bigs - Cabrera or Thompson.

But, we know this will never happen with Torre.

The fact that the Yankees called up Kevin Reese (and not Thompson) tells us that Joe is going to play Bubba Crosby in LF against RHP - with Williams and Cabrera getting time in RF. And, against LHP, Torre will bench Crosby and play Williams and Cabrera in the OF corners.

But, here's the problem with the Torre plan. Bernie Williams cannot hit RHP anymore. To date, against RHP, his BA/OBA/SLG numbers are .210/.250/.242 - yes, all three are under .250. And, while Bernie has done well against LHP this season - in a handful of PA - we learned last year that he has issues with LHP now (as well as RHP). Bottom line, Bernie Williams should not be playing on a regular basis.

And, while Bubba can run and field well, Crosby (despite his numbers in a few PA this season to date) cannot hit at all as well. If Torre gives him any extended playing time, this will become evident very quickly.

What happens (now) if Damon cannot gut it out? Will we see a game where the Yankees OF is Reese-Crosby-Williams? With Cabrera on the roster, I hope not - but, with the way that Torre and Cashman are handling this situation, I would not be shocked to see Reese-Crosby-Williams some time in the next two weeks.

Won't that be wonderful?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:47 AM | Comments (5)

When It Rains........

From Newsday:

As if the Yankees needed anything else to worry about with their outfielders, now comes this: Johnny Damon said he re-injured his left shoulder and right foot last night.

Damon suffered the injuries when he crashed into the centerfield wall to rob Doug Mirabelli of an extra-base hit in the fourth inning. After catching the fly ball at the top of the wall, he rammed his troublesome left shoulder and his right foot into the wall.

"I took a beating on that," he said. " ... It's definitely not a good feeling."

"I just re-injured the shoulder and the foot a little more, but I know I have to be out there regardless now," Damon said. "I wished I could have helped out a little more."

Damon remained in the game after hitting the wall, but his struggles at the plate continued. He went hitless in five at-bats and has just three hits in his last 21 at-bats.

"I won't miss any time," he said. " ... I'll find a way."

At this point, why not just move Damon to left for the next three months and then play Kevin Thompson in CF?

Oh, wait a minute, that's right, Thompson is not on the team.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:31 AM | Comments (5)

May 11, 2006

May 11th vs. The Red Sox

If I had to guess right now, at this moment, I would say that Matsui is going to miss 6 to 8 weeks with his broken left wrist. That seems to be the timetable for baseball players with these things. (That's what they said when Jeremy Reed and Derrek Lee broke their wrists.)

Back on February 26th, I wondered what would happen if Godzilla or Sheffield went down for an extended period. Now, with both out, it's even more scary.

It probably means a lot more PA for Bubba Crosby and Bernie Williams - knowing Torre. That's like spotting the other team 2 free innings in a game - because you know that Bubba & Bernie are a lock for 6 easy outs per game (combined).

I would much rather see New York call up Kevin Thompson - and then play him in LF and Melky Cabrera in RF. And, just leave them alone.

Regarding the game today, Jim Kaat said it best on the YES coverage: Whoever wins this game will be happy to get the win and whoever will lose the game will regret all the chances that they had to win it.

So many Yankees looked like they were playing hung over tonight. (And, for what it's worth, I don't believe what Giambi said to Kay - when asked why he showed up at the park in the same clothes as yesterday. Superstitious? Yeah, sure. Sounds more like a "I hit a HR against the Red Sox" night out on the town.)

Bottom line, now, with Sheffield and Matsui out, it's time for Damon to start hitting better - and for guys like Giambi and A-Rod to be on their game everyday. (And, Jeter, Cano and Posada can just keep doing what they're doing.) Otherwise, we're going to start seeing more and more games where the Yankees only score three runs.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:12 PM | Comments (17)

Can Mo Go To 2010?

Alex Belth has posted an interview with Joel Sherman at Bronx Banter regarding Sherman's new book "Birth of a Dynasty."

I actually just started reading this book last night. (Review to follow once I'm done.)

One thing that struck me as interesting in the beginning of the book, regarding the signing of Mariano Rivera, was the fact that Mo never "pitched" until he was 20-years-old. (Rivera was a shortstop as a kid.)

This means that Rivera's arm has only known the stress of pitching for the last 16 years (coming into this season). I would have to imagine that many pitchers, at the same age as Mariano now, probably have closer to 21 years of pitching wear under their wing.

When you consider Rivera's great shape, along with this wear-and-tear information, and factor in the way that his role (as closer) is used, it makes me wonder if he could pitch into his early 40's?

It would be nice to see Mariano get the first save in the "new" Yankee Stadium.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 02:16 PM | Comments (5)

Sickel's Crystal Ball On Cano

For fun, John Sickels likes to project on what a player's entire career might look like when he's all done. The other day, he did Robinson Cano - it can be found here.

Not a bad little career.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:56 AM | Comments (5)

Melky Cabrera's Patience

I have to say, even though it's just two games, I'm impressed at the way Melky Cabrera makes a pitcher work. In fact, he's been Giambi-like with his patience so far - note the AL leaders in pitches per PA (as of this morning):

This is a very good sign that Cabrera could be a useful player.

(And, check out Kelly Stinnett in the Top Ten as well!)

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:33 AM | Comments (4)

May 10, 2006

May 10th vs. The Red Sox

Back in October 2004, Curt Schilling said:

"I'm not sure of any scenario more enjoyable than making 55,000 people from New York shut up."

Watching the game this evening, I want to now personally counter that statement with:

"I'm not sure of many scenarios more enjoyable than seeing Curt Schilling, knocked out of a ballgame, sitting on the bench holding his head in his hands."

Tonight was all about Mussina and Schilling for me - specifically how they performed after a homerun. Mussina could have had a meltdown after the Lowell homer. Instead, he sucked it up and did a great job. On the other hand, Schilling had a meltdown after A-Rod launched his moon-shot off him. That was the difference in this game.

The whole thing allows me to forget the fact that the Yankees still can't get David Ortiz out - at least for a night.

And, it makes me wonder: When Red Sox fans look at Schilling's first four starts of the season and his last four starts, are they questioning him now the way that some Yankees fans are questioning Randy Johnson? Maybe they should, no? And, is it time yet to admit that maybe he did himself in this season with that game against the Indians?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:52 PM | Comments (3)

End Of The Line For Big Unit?

Using the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia, I decided to look at some stats for Randy Johnson.

Over the 12 years that passed (1993-2004) before he became a Yankee, clearly, the Big Unit was the best pitcher in baseball:

In more recent terms, over the 5 years that passed (2000-2004) before Johnson came to New York, he was still the best pitcher in baseball (of anyone with at least 1,000 IP in that time):

And, in the year (2004) before Randy Johnson joined the Yankees, he was the 2nd best pitcher in baseball (and darn close to being the best):

So, whether you go back one year, five, or twelve, it's pretty safe to say that Randy Johnson was the best pitcher in baseball before joining the Yankees. So, then, why have Yankees fans not seen the best pitcher in baseball (in Randy Johnson) since New York traded for the Big Unit prior to 2005?

Could it be age? Randy was 41 in 2005.

While I could see this being the case, it's hard to believe that the drop in performance could be that big, in one year, just because of age. Or could it?

Well, it did happen to Dazzy Vance, Lefty Grove, and (to an extent) Walter Johnson. (All members of Cooperstown, who, like Randy Johnson, were the best hurlers in the game during their peak years.)

So, while I'm not saying for certain that we're seeing the end of "Randy Johnson" (as we knew him), it's possible that this could be the end of the road.

The Yankees might just need to come up with "Plan B" in terms of having an ace who can front their rotation. And, they should look at how fast Johnson got old when considering what to offer Roger Clemens.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 02:27 PM | Comments (13)

A-Rod Against The Sox

The recent A-Rod vs. the Red Sox debate drove me to the Day by Day Database at Baseball Musings to check the numbers. This is what I found - in terms of A-Rod vs. the Sox, as a Yankee and not, by location:

So, in fact, as a member of the Yankees, A-Rod has batted very well against the Red Sox - at Yankee Stadium. (It's at Fenway Park where Rodriguez' bat turns into a wet rolled up newspaper.)

And, A-Rod's failures at Fenway are not a "Yankees choke" thing. Note that, as a member of the Mariners and Rangers, from 1999 through 2003, Alex struggled at Fenway as well.

There's something about the Green Monster in Boston that takes A-Rod's game away from him. But, that's a park factor.

Clearly, based on the stats from 1999 through last night, Alex Rodriguez has proven that he can hit Red Sox pitching. He did it as a Ranger and he's doing it as a Yankee.

This certainly corrects my recent impressions on A-Rod against the Sox.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:43 AM | Comments (6)

Randy, Don't Be A Hero

I was just reading David Pinto's excellent summary of the current Randy Johnson situation - where possible injury and/or poor mechanics are noted as causes for the Big Units woes.

Regardless of the root cause, the last four weeks do tell us that there's something terribly wrong with Johnson now.

And, it's time for the Yankees to make a call here. If he's hurt, get him on the D.L. Or, if it's just mechanics, and it's something that Gator and Kerrigan cannot fix, call in the pitching gurus and/or mechanics SWAT team and figure it out.

Actually, as I'm typing all this, and think about it some more, I find it hard to believe that this is something that Kerrigan cannot fix - which is why I'm strongly leaning towards the "Johnson is hurt" camp. It's the only thing that can be wrong at this point.

Shut him down Joe & Cash. We don't need another Javier Vazquez situation.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:51 AM | Comments (3)

Big Stein On A-Rod Last Night

From the Daily News:

It's this apparent Red Sox phobia that makes Yankee fans crazy, and apparently George Steinbrenner, too. On his way out of Yankee Stadium last night, The Boss singled out A-Rod, though not by name, for criticism.

"I'm upset at a lot of them," Steinbrenner said when reporters asked for his thoughts on The Big Unit. And then, unsolicited, he added:

"The third baseman."

I have to add that I thought A-Rod looked very "tight" last night. I don't know if he was nervous and/or pressing, but, he appeared to be reacting late - instead of being aggressive. Heck, if this were 1919, you could almost make the case that he was playing to lose the game last night. Now, I'm not suggesting that - it would be insane to suggest that - but, I offer it as a way to describe his poor showing (for those who may have missed it).

In any event, in the same News feature, we find this:

A-Rod wasn't making any such promises last night, but he wasn't making any excuses either.

"They were both plays that I should have made,"' he said. Then he shook his head, seemingly in disbelief.

"Sometimes you've just gotta laugh it off," he said.

Laugh it off? Gee, that's not great to hear.

I recall watching on game on YES towards the end of Jose Contreras' days in New York. The Red Sox were roughing up Jose and Paul O'Neill had a comment (along the lines) of "It's one thing to play in New York and do well. But, eventually, you're going to have to show that you can play against the Boston Red Sox too. Because, if you can't, you won't be in New York for too much longer."

I have to think that Alex knows that he has to do better in these Boston games. And, that's no laughing matter.

Tonight would be an excellent place to start - against Schilling.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:38 AM | Comments (7)

May 09, 2006

May 9th vs. The Red Sox

On stage in the Bronx tonight, a special One-Act comedy, for your perusal. Without further delay, here's the show.....

Thor, the Norse God of Thunder, decides to spend a weekend with a stripper in Vegas, posing as a average man.

Once together, they end up doing the wild thing for 40 hours straight, just about non-stop.

Afterwards, he felt he should honor the mortal by letting her know who he was.

"I'm Thor!" he proclaimed.

To which she answered him with:

"You're Thor?!? I'm so thor I can hardly pith!"

In this evening's performance, the role of Thor, the Norse God of Thunder, was played by the Boston Red Sox. And, the role of the stripper was played by the New York Yankees. Thank you for attending today's program and please remember to drive home safely.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:56 PM | Comments (11)

Schilling Rips N.Y. Media

Via The LoHud Yankees Blog, I saw that Curt Schilling said -

"Most of the guys and gals that write here (in New York) are such horrific hacks anyway that that stuff doesn't. ... I mean, seriously, I've played in a couple of cities before coming to Boston and the dredge of the places that I played in respect to the media, the people who wrote there have left those cities and come here, and they write here now. If I could just pick out some of the guys and people that were just horrible writers and I thought bad people, the places that I played before I came to Boston, they all went to New York and are writing there now. ... they're just bad people."

What I wish, although it will never happen: The N.Y. media gives Curt the silent treatment. They just ignore him as if he was invisible.

That's the worst way to get to Schilling - take away his microphone.

And, if he tried to say something to me, I would literally look him in the face, say nothing, and then walk away.

There's no way, if he does well in New York (against the Yankees) that Schilling would not want to talk about it - especially to the local media. If you take that away from him, then he's a tree that fell in the woods when no one was there.

Come to think of it, even if he does poorly in the Bronx, this treatment might work. Walk right up to him, as if you're going to interview him, and say "Nah, there's nothing news-worthy here" and then walk away.

But, I know the writers need their stories to pay their bills. So, like I said, this will never happen. Too bad.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 04:43 PM | Comments (3)

Three Of A Rare Kind

What do Dave Collins, J.T. Snow, and Melky Cabrera have in common?

They're the only switch-hitters who also throw left-handed to play for the Yankees. (And, Snow later in his career stopped switch-hitting.)

There have only been 46 "Bats Both, Throws Left" non-pitchers in baseball history. That's a small group. Most of them have been inferior players. Lance Berkman is by far the best of the bunch.

Hopefully, Melky can be the exception - like Berkman - instead of being like most of the forty-six. (See: Rich Becker, John Cangelosi, Doug Dascenzo, or Mitch Webster for an example.)

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:39 PM | Comments (5)

Win Probability Results

For those who are not aware, Win Probability is system in which a player is given credit toward helping his team win, based on play-by-play data and the impact each specific play has on the team's probability of winning. It's a neat stat.

And, you can find Win Probability results at FanGraphs.com. Here's the Yankees Win Probability totals to date:

It's a very interesting look at who has been helping and hurting the team to date.

Note Sturtze & Proctor. I never would have figured that one. Also, if you see Jaret Wright listed twice - it's not a mistake. The higher ranking here is Wright as a RP and the lower one is Wright as a SP. Either way, he's not helping. This stat also says that, depsite his season stats which look good, Sheffield is not helping the team so far this year. Fun stuff.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:18 AM | Comments (10)

Greg Maddux

Today's hypothetical thought:

Let's say that Carl Pavano returns to the Yankees on June 1st of this season, and, for his first month back, he pitches OK. For the heck of it, let's assume that he averages 6 IP per GS, has an ERA near four, and wins half of his starts during the month of June.

Meanwhile, in the National League, let's assume that the Chicago Cubs continue to play poorly through the end of June.

It's now July 1st.

If the Yankees, assuming all of the above is true, on July 1st have a chance to trade 30-year-old Carl Pavano for 40-year-old Greg Maddux, should they do it?

Keep in mind, in addition to the huge age difference, Maddux will be a Free Agent after this year and Pavano is locked up for the next 2 years (at an average of $10.5 million per season).

I just might be nuts; but, if Maddux is still pitching well come July of this season, and I have a chance to make this trade, I just might do it.

I would prefer to have someone with Maddux' guts on the hill (in place of Pavano) during the pennant run - and if I can save $21 million in the process it's even better. (And, maybe I could use that money to chase someone like Barry Zito for 2007.)

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:52 AM | Comments (4)

Abra-Cabrera?

From the New York Times -

The Yankees will most likely place right fielder Gary Sheffield on the disabled list today, and Melky Cabrera is preparing to take his place.

Sheffield met yesterday with a New York hand specialist, Dr. Charles Melone, who examined his bruised left wrist. Sheffield has been limited to one start since he was injured April 29. Rufus Williams, the agent for Sheffield, said Sheffield would need more time to heal.

"The doctor recommended a minimum of 10 days' rehab, so it's very likely," Williams said last night when asked if Sheffield would be placed on the disabled list. "I know there are some conversations that need to be had, but I'd say it will be announced tomorrow."

General Manager Brian Cashman said he had to speak with Melone and Sheffield before announcing the Yankees' plans, but Cashman added that Cabrera had been shifted to right field from center for Class AAA Columbus last night.

Cabrera, 21, flopped in a brief trial as the Yankees' starting center fielder last July. But he is the hottest hitter at Columbus, going 3 for 5 last night to raise his average to .385.

Manager Joe Torre said Sunday that if the Yankees replaced Sheffield with a minor leaguer, that player would most likely play every day.

Sheffield, who is unsigned past this season, said Sunday that he would not play through this injury the way he played through injuries the past two seasons. Cashman praised Sheffield for that decision.

"The injuries he's played through in the past didn't hurt the team," Cashman said. "This one is a hand issue, and Gary feels he would hurt the team by playing. That's a good thing. You don't want people going out there if they're not going to help the team."

So, let's say that Sheff is out for 2 weeks. And, during this time, Melky Cabrera does very well in New York. Does that mean when Sheffield comes back that he becomes the full-time DH for the team and Cabrera gets to stay?

I hope the answer is "yes."

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:20 AM | Comments (4)

May 08, 2006

Retro Old-Timer-Rehaber Bobbleheads

From the AP:

It's not unusual for a baseball team to promote a game by giving away a bobblehead doll of a popular player. But the minor league Connecticut Defenders have added a twist.

The Double-A team associated with the San Fransisco Giants plans a series of giveaways featuring major-league players who have rehabilitated injuries in Norwich.

Each doll has the injured section of his body bandaged.

A Roger Clemens bobblehead will be given to the first 1,000 fans who attend the Defenders' May 23 game against New Hampshire. The six-time Cy Young winner made a rehab start in Norwich in 2002 while nursing a groin injury. The bobblehead's bandage will be wrapped around his thigh.

Other bobbleheads will feature Andy Pettitte, David Cone and Bernie Williams.

Pettitte appeared in one game with Norwich in 2002 while rehabbing a strained left elbow. Cone made two starts with Norwich in 1995 while rehabbing from an aneurysm in his right shoulder. Williams played three games here in 1998 when he was rehabbing a sprained right knee.

All four players appeared in Norwich when the team was known as the Navigators, and was the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. The team changed its affiliation and name after last season.

I would imagine that a lawyer could have some fun with this. Since it's now a Giants' affilate, do they need the Yankees permission to do this? What about the players? Do they need their OK? Since they were all big leaguers at the time, does the MLBPA have to say this is OK?

And the biggest question of all: How soon until these show up on eBay?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 02:59 PM | Comments (0)

Pavano Feels Good

From SouthCoastToday.com -

Carl Pavano allowed three unearned runs and four hits in five innings for Single-A Tampa in a minor league rehabilitation start.

Pavano might rejoin the Yankees' rotation in late May or early June. He could make his next start Friday with Double-A Trenton.

Pavano's fastball reached 91 mph during an 80-pitch outing.

He said he wouldn't be surprised if he threw 85 to 90 pitches in his next start.

"It felt good," said Pavano, who struck out four and walked one. "I felt strong. I feel good physically. I used all my pitches. My command got better as the game went on."

His fastball is touching 91? If that's going to be the max, I sure hope that he can locate the ball at will.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:04 PM | Comments (4)

Let's Roll *Up* The Welcome Mat

They're all lined up:

Randy Johnson vs. Josh Beckett
Mike Mussina vs. Curt Schilling
Shawn Chacon vs. Tim Wakefield

It's going to be an interesting three days.

What may be most interesting to me is how the Yankee Stadium crowd handles these games.

I have to confess, in terms of the fan factor, since the 2004 ALCS, it seems that Fenway Park is much tougher on the Yankees players than Yankee Stadium is to the Red Sox.

In fact, I would call Fenway as being flat-out hostile whereas Yankee Stadium is somewhat (pun intended) in the ballpark of average fan intensity.

I have noticed, in the last three seasons or so, that more and more Red Sox fans attend games at the Stadium now. That could be a part of it.

Heck, 25 years ago, you maybe could find one Sox fan for every 25 Yankees fan in the Bronx for a Red Sox series. And, those Boston fans would feel the heat while at the game.

These days, I would bet that there's one Sox fan for every 10 Yankees fans in the Bronx for a Sox-Yanks game - at the least. And, that could be a big reason why the Stadium seems the way that it is now.

Now, I'm not asking for Yankees fans to throw batteries and the like at Red Sox players. That's just criminal. But, there's nothing wrong with showering a player with "Booooooooooo!" or coming up with some creative chants or sing-songs. (And, it seems that the latter died with "Who's Your Daddy?" for Pedro.)

I hope the Yankees fans will turn this around this series - and let the Red Sox players know that they are not liked.

In some ways, this all goes back to the 2004 ALCS when Curt Schilling said:

"I was talking to Terry Mulholland, and he said the awesome thing about being a starting pitcher is you have the ability to make 55,000 people shut up when you're on the road. I'm not sure of any scenario more enjoyable than making 55,000 people from New York shut up."

What do you say Yankees fans? Why not "derisively serenade" instead of "shut up"? It can't hurt and it may help.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:58 AM | Comments (6)

May 07, 2006

May 7th @ The Rangers

Three days ago, I wrote:

...Texas (coming up next) should now be a good test for New York. It's been 25 days since the Yankees last played a good team on the road for more than two games in a row. It will be interesting to see how the team responds to that type of challenge at this stage in their season.

Well, that was easy, huh? I would say that the Yankees passed with flying colors...........except for our friend, Sturtze Hurtzie.

If you look at his pitching log, ol' T.S. has not had a quality outing in any close Yankees win this season. If anything, that attempt for the DP today, where he almost got Jeter killed, is reason enough for a trip to Columbus.

He's got to be the pitcher who goes when they activate Pavano.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 07:58 PM | Comments (9)

May 06, 2006

May 6th @ The Rangers

Looks like getting back to Texas is agreeing with A-Rod.

It also looks like Shawn Chacon (based on his last four starts) may still have some of that magic left over from last year.

And, this is crazy, and I never thought I would ever type these words in 2006, but, here goes: I hope Torre doesn't burn out Scott Proctor by using him so much in the last 4 weeks.

On a personal note, I ended up listening to most of the game tonight on the radio, driving back from the North Shore Animal League. It's a long ride going from Long Island, through Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, back to New Jersey. But, it was worth it - as we now have a new member of the family:

His name is Spencer. No, not after Shane. My daughter (age 4) decided to name him after a train from Thomas the Tank Engine. He's 10 weeks old - and some sort of lab mix.

Now, I just have to get our 9-year-old Terrier-Pit mix to warm up to him. So far, she's not quite sure what to make of the situation.

But, if Torre can now learn that Proctor is better than Tanyon Sturtze, then all things are possible.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:26 PM | Comments (5)

May 05, 2006

May 5th @ The Rangers

Holy Fratzog Ammunition Batman!

Yes, tonight, the Yankees dodged a bullet.

Just like Torre reportedly told Randy Johnson after yesterday's game, I will say it as well tonight: You should never feel bad about a game that you won.

I just hope that Aaron Small is OK. He looked catatonic sitting in the dugout after he came out of the game.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:49 PM | Comments (5)

Texas Media On Yankees

From the DFW Star-Telegram -

Still, we don't think the Bronx Bombers are quite as imposing as the Yankees teams from 1996-2000 that broke the Rangers' hearts three times in the playoffs on their way to four Series championships in five years.

Five reasons why the Yankees are not as scary as they used to be:

The Johnson Five: Despite a 5-2 record, Randy Johnson isn't dominating hitters like the Big Unit of yesteryear. His ERA is 5.02. Mike Mussina (4-1, 2.31) has been the staff ace but has a habit of fading. And with Carl Pavano still on the disabled list, we find it hard to believe that Chien-Ming Wang, Shawn Chacon and Jaret Wright are reminding anyone of Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, El Duque, David Cone, or even the rotund David Wells.

Assisted living in the Bronx: With the exception of second baseman Robinson Cano, who is 23, every Yankees starter is 30 or older. The average age of starting position players is 32.2, and it's 33.2 when Cano is given a day off. Their subs include catcher Kelly Stinnett, 36, and Miguel Cairo, 32. On off days during road trips, the Yankees usually get the early bird specials.

Poor pen-manship: The Yankees no longer have the lights-out bullpen that characterized their World Series champions. Mariano Rivera might still be the game's best closer and has five saves in six opportunities, but he also has an 0-2 record and 3.38 ERA in nine games. Of course, those numbers look great if you're Francisco Cordero.

Small ball going, going, gone? Those four World Series champions were a versatile bunch with role players, such as Scott Brosius, Chuck Knoblauch, Joe Girardi and Paul O'Neill, who would hit timely home runs, but also play hit-and-run, lay down a sacrifice bunt and find different ways to win. This Yankees team certainly lives up to its Bronx Bombers heritage, but it's often feast or famine on offense. Kind of like the Rangers.

Curse of Big Papi: Let's face it, will the pinstripe fear factor ever be the same after the biggest choke in baseball history, when David Ortiz and the Boston Red Sox overcame a 3-0 deficit to beat the Yankees in the 2004 AL Championship Series? The Florida Marlins were so giddy after beating the Yankees in the World Series in 2003 that they decided they couldn't top it and have virtually disbanded.

OK, I'll give him the concerns over the Yankees starting pitching. But, the age thing is no biggie. The 2001 Diamondbacks were old and won a ring.

But, the pen comment is F-O-S. Right now, the Yankees bullpen ERA is 2.80 which is the best mark in the A.L. And, the "small ball" comment is wrong as well. As of this morning, the Yankees have 10 sac-bunts this season - which is tops in the A.L.

Lastly, on the "curse" suggestion. Didn't Boston already prove that there's no such thing as a curse?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:53 AM | Comments (4)

Unit Seven

Looking at Randy Johnson's first 7 starts of last year and this season yields the following summary:

What concerns me the most here is the K-rate drop. In 2005, Johnson whiffed 3 batters every 3 IP. Now, this season, for every 3 IP, he's striking out 2 batters.

Secondly, Johnson is now averaging an inning (pitched) less per start.

On the plus-side, his BB-rate and HR-rate are about the same in each year. (So, when you hear the boys on YES say that "He's not hitting his spots," don't believe it.)

The problem with Johnson this season is not his command - it's his "stuff." And, this leads to the big question: Why?

Is it mechanics, health, or age? Or, some combination of the three? Since his command has not suffered, I'm thinking it's not motion mechanics. (Maybe it's grip mechanics - but, that's unlikely.)

It's probably health - which also ties into age. And, if this is true, it's bad - because that's not something that can be fixed.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:19 AM | Comments (1)

May 04, 2006

May 4th @ The Devil Rays

You know, one year ago, to the day, the Yankees were playing in Tampa (like tonight). Sean Henn got roughed up that night and the Yankees record fell to 11-17.

Slammin' Johnny Damon, what a difference a year makes.

Still, Texas (coming up next) should now be a good test for New York. It's been 25 days since the Yankees last played a good team on the road for more than two games in a row. It will be interesting to see how the team responds to that type of challenge at this stage in their season.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:58 PM | Comments (3)

Jeter Vs. Biggio

Today, I decided to look at the stats for Craig Biggio's first 11 years in the majors and compare that to Derek Jeter's first 11 seasons. Here's the summary:

Pretty darn close, eh?

Think Biggio's career/legacy would have been different if he was drafted and signed by the Yankees? How about Jeter? If Derek had posted his numbers in Houston all these years instead of the Bronx, where would he fall on the baseball recognition map?

It's an interesting debate.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:52 PM | Comments (9)

Sox-nagains At Work?

Funny, on Tuesday, I thought that this was not the first time in the past few years that the Red Sox have hosed their fans in a rain situation - making them come to the park and then sit in the rain when they knew there was no chance for a game. But, then again, I'm a Yankees fan. So, I'm biased, right?

Now, CBS' Rob Gill in Boston has the same thought:

On the CBS4 News at 6:16 AM Tuesday morning, Barry Burbank offered this pretty solid prediction: “I really doubt they will get that game in tonight at Fenway… It looks like a rainout.”

Six hours later, according to CBS4’s aforementioned Chief Meteorologist Ken Barlow, Fenway Park had already received about one inch of rain with, as he put it, “no end in sight.” That fact could easily be deduced by glancing at a radar reading, which the Sox have at their disposal and use as a reference for rainout decision-making.

The time-elapsed First Alert Doppler radar showed what, as a layman, I could only describe as a giant green blob that set up camp over eastern Massachusetts and hovered all afternoon. The green blob was, of course, a wall of rain that soaked Boston as predicted by local meteorologists up and down the TV and radio dials.

Still the Red Sox delayed announcing the inevitable rainout until 7:40 PM. That came after they established a one-hour delay of the 7:05 start time during the lightest rain of the day. In their never-ending generosity, they ended the madness a mere thirty-five minutes into the delay.

A source with the Red Sox confirmed that the team “knew at three o’clock there wasn’t going to be a game.”

Sox team officials uncharacteristically avoided cameras and microphones on Tuesday rather than attempt to justify their course of action. However, on NESN’s pre-game show, Chairman Tom Werner echoed a theme presented in conversations with team personnel earlier in the day. Specifically, Werner indicated that the Sox recognize that fans travel long distances to attend their games, and on those fans’ behalf the team didn’t want to cancel the game prematurely. What he and the rest of the organization somehow fail to grasp is that they could have made a truly magnanimous gesture to such fans by postponing the game long before they ever had to get in their cars. Now they get to do it twice.

Gee, could the fact that it was a get-away day for the Yankees have anything to do with this call? After all, why call the game at three o'clock and let the Yankees get on their way, and be rested, for Tampa?

Related, am I the only one who noticed that during Monday's game, the Yankees dugout phone to the bullpen went dead in the first inning just as New York's starting pitcher (Wang) was having issues on the mound? Co-winky-dink? Ya think?

Lucchino & Epstein would never do something like that, right?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:05 AM | Comments (4)

May 03, 2006

May 3rd @ The Devil Rays

Part of me wants to salute Jaret Wright for 6 very nice innings tonight. But, then, part of me wants to say "Check out the batting averages for the batters that he faced this evening" -

Gathright .203
Crawford .260
Gomes .280
Wigginton .260
Hall .325
Lee .200
Hollins .269
Burroughs .190
Perez .190

Basically, there were just 5 batters to be somewhat concerned about in the Rays' line-up today.

Part of me wants to celebrate that rally for New York in the 10th - and the big hit for A-Rod. But, then, part of me wants to say that the Tampa pitchers in that inning were a guy (Tyler Walker) who has already blown 3 of 4 save chances this year and a rookie (Ruddy Lugo) who has allowed runs in his last 4 appearances (before tonight).

Perhaps the bigger point about that 10th inning is how the Yankees only scored two runs - when they had runners on 1st and 2nd with just one out (after getting the two runs on the board).

In any event, the important thing (today) in the end is the "W" - coupled with Beckett & Papelbon getting banged around in Fenway - which puts the Yankees back in 1st place.

Methods are tools, but, results rule.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:21 PM | Comments (7)

42 Big Leaguers Say Jeter Over-rated

From the Post:

Derek Jeter smiled at the news that his peers named him the most over-rated player in the big leagues.

In a Sports Illustrated poll of 470 players, Jeter was named on 9 percent of the ballots as the most over-rated. Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran was second with 7 percent and Alex Rodriguez was third with 6 percent.

"I don't care, I guess anything I do now is a plus," Jeter said with a grin. "At least I am in good company.'''

Joe Torre was surprised about Jeter being on top.

"Alex doesn't surprise me because there is a lot of jealousy about the money he makes and his talent, but to say Derek is over-rated, that is surprising," Torre said. "I have had players traded here and after six weeks they come to me and say, 'I knew Jeter was a good player but I didn't know how good.'"

Rodriguez refused comment.

While the report failed to mention it, when those voting for Jeter in this poll were asked why they chose Jeter to be "over-rated," 40 of the 42 mumbled something about their girlfriend shouting out Jeter's name in a moment of passion (and the other two replied with 'No habla English.')

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 04:05 PM | Comments (1)

No Love For Yankees From Pair of Sox

From the Boston Herald:

David Wells was not exactly in an agreeable frame of mind with his former manager Joe Torre last night.

When told how the Yankees manager expressed disappointment in Red Sox fans for booing ex-Sox and current Yankee Johnny Damon on Monday night, Wells said, “Awww, poor Joe. Joe’s been around a long time. If he’s going to have remarks like that, I guess he’s getting too sensitive.”

Doug Mirabelli stressed he did not ask for or demand the trade that got him back to Boston on Monday, but it was clear he did not shed too many tears.

“I didn’t want to be traded from San Diego,” said Mirabelli. “I wasn’t trying to be traded. Once I heard (the Red Sox) were interested, the one thing I made clear was ‘Please, don’t trade me to the Yankees.’"

In Boston, I guess it's news when a Has-Been and a Never-Was have something to say - especially if it's a slap at the Yankees.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:34 PM | Comments (5)

Yankees Idol

An interesting thing occurred to me this morning - as I allowed thoughts of the Yankees and American Idol to enter my head at the same time. In some ways, each of the remaining contestants on Idol represent some of the different kinds of talented baseball clubs that could exist for a team. See the following:

Paris Bennett - Lots of natural talent combined with the sparkle and promise that is the byproduct of youth.

Elliott Yamin - The underdog that just keeps showing up - despite many challenges along the way.

Katharine McPhee - In a sitcom, she would be the ditzy and annoying next door neighbor. Still, if you can look past that, the combination of skills and years of training tell you that the potential for success is there.

Chris Daughtry - While perhaps not the flavor that many prefer, near perfect every time out. So much talent that professionals see it immediately.

Taylor Hicks - There's talent here - but, no youth, professional training, or underdog story along with it. And, while the near perfection each time that others may offer is not there, there's always fun and entertainment.

So, if the 2006 Yankees were an existing Idol contestant who would they be?

Certainly, they're not the underdog (Yamin) or young-ones (Paris). In truth, they're more the professional (Daughtry) or intentionally cultured (McPhee) type. And, there's nothing wrong with that - because the odds are better that those types will be a winner.

Still, at some level, I hope that the 2006 Yankees can be fun and entertaining (like Hicks). Since the last five years have shown that a ring is not always in the bag, for various reasons, at the end of the day, it's all about enjoying what you see, right?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:50 AM | Comments (5)

May 02, 2006

It's May 2nd..........

.......do you know where your Carl Pavano is?

From the MSG Network:

New York Yankees starter Carl Pavano allowed one unearned run and two hits over five innings in an extended spring training game on Tuesday.

It was the first game for the right-hander since being shutdown March 30th because of a bruised left buttocks.

Pavano struck out three during the 58-pitch outing against Philadelphia minor leaguers. His fastball reached the low 90's.

"He was outstanding," catcher Ben Davis said.

General manager Brian Cashman said Pavano was encouraged by the outing. He will make another start on Sunday in the Class A Florida State League, with a 75-pitch limit.

"I'm not looking past his next start," Cashman said.

A back injury limited Pavano to only two innings in spring training. He could rejoin the Yankees rotation in June.

The dude could not take the mound for a month because he fell on his hiney trying to field a ball near first base. A month.

Just think of the marketing opportunity if Pavano can come back from this terrible affliction!

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:22 PM | Comments (6)

What's Happening In RSN's Neck Of The Woods

Forecast for tonight at Fenway: A half-inch of rain, 20-30 MPH winds, and a temp that will feel like 37°F

Let's play none!

If they do play, I hope that Josh Beckett's shoulder tendonitis enjoys the weather.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:12 PM | Comments (2)

Some Blog Entries Write Themselves

From WebCPA -

What connects Johnny Damon, the new centerfielder for the New York Yankees, and Thomas Marino, CEO of J .H. Cohn, the No. 1 accounting firm in the Northeast? Actually, it is not what they have in common, but whom they have in common: none other than Joe Torre, long-time manager of the Yankees. He is Damon's manager and the spokesperson for J.H. Cohn in a recently unveiled advertising campaign.

The six-ad series is running in national business and key trade publications. The ads are also on the side of outdoor telephones in upscale residential neighborhoods, and commuter rail lines originating in suburban New York and New Jersey. As a matter of fact, there is one on the side of the pay telephone outside our offices at One State Street Plaza in lower Manhattan.

The ads are unified by the theme; "How Are You Managing?"

How are you managing?

Like Ned Flanders locked in a cell with Alexis Arquette. But, thanks for asking.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 02:36 PM | Comments (0)

New Yanks-Sox DVD From MLB

From MLB.com -

On Tuesday, May 2nd, Major League Baseball Productions, the Emmy® award-winning television and video production division of Major League Baseball, and Shout! Factory will release Red Sox vs. Yankees: The Ultimate Rivalry, a DVD that celebrates the storied competition between the two Clubs. In addition to offering viewers an in-depth look at one of the greatest rivalries in all of sports, Red Sox vs. Yankees: The Ultimate Rivalry gives fans the unique option of selecting from dual narration tracks from both managers: Terry Francona (Red Sox) or Joe Torre (Yankees).

Available for the suggested retail price of $19.98, Red Sox vs. Yankees: The Ultimate Rivalry primarily focuses on the 2003 to 2005 seasons in which 71 games were played between the Clubs, and brings the action to fans with superior access, exclusive interviews, incredible footage, and players wired for sound. The DVD includes defining moments such as the 2003 American League Championship Series (ALCS), the Red Sox historic comeback in the 2004 ALCS and the MVP race between the Yankees Alex Rodriguez and the Red Sox slugger David Ortiz in 2005. Red Sox vs. Yankees: The Ultimate Rivalry also includes memorable moments from the ultra competitive 1970s and the resurgence of that passion in the 1990s.

This one could be interesting.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 02:17 PM | Comments (3)

Mr. Mislabeled

Yesterday, on the drive home from work, I was listening to The Michael Kay Show on ESPN Radio (in NYC). And, someone called in to make a comment about Alex Rodriguez not being a clutch player.

Kay, forever the A-Rod apologist, went into a bit of a rant - saying that Rodriguez carried the Yankees into the 2004 ALCS, that Alex had 130 RBI last season (and that it was impossible that some of those RBI were not delivered in the clutch), and that he was the league MVP in 2005 for the Yankees. Then, Michael said what he often says about Rodriguez: "He's the greatest player in the game today and maybe of all-time."

Thinking about this some more this morning, I'm sure this (the label of being the greatest) is why A-Rod gets as much flack as he does from some Yankees fans.

When a Yankees fan is told that someone is the "greatest player in the game" they expect one of two things:

1. That the guy hits like Roy Hobbs did in The Natural - or the way that Barry Bonds hits when he's being unnatural - meaning that every swing of the bat results in the ball being smashed somewhere (and over the fence for the most part). Or,

2. That the player hits Red Sox pitching the way that David Ortiz has been hitting Yankees pitching the last three years. (And, if A-Rod hit the Sox they way that Ortiz hits the Yankees, he could probably bat .275 against the rest of the league and Yankees fans would still be willing to name their babies after him.)

But, the fact of the matter is that Alex Rodriguez does not swing the bat like Roy Hobbs or Barry Bonds. And, A-Rod does not hit the Red Sox the way that Ortiz mashes Yankees pitching.

In reality, Alex is a high-octane version of Cal Ripken Jr. He's a player who has the defensive skills to play the left side of the infield, who is durable, and has great power. But, he's also a player who does have some holes in his strikezone and who has a tendency to run into cold streaks with the bat.

Hey, there's no shame with being like Cal Ripken Jr. He's a Hall of Famer - or will be as soon as he's on the ballot. Is there anything wrong with being a better version of a Hall of Fame player? That's a silly question. Check that - it's a stupid question (if there ever was such a thing).

But, in terms of being a hitter, A-Rod is not in the class of Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle and/or a juiced Barry Bonds. Yes, when you factor in the skill required to play the infield - and play it well - that will bridge the gap in the minds of many on this debate.......

However, to the average fan, all they care about is what the guy does with the bat. And, when they hear "greatest player in the game," they want to see hitting like Ted Williams, Barry Bonds - or, at the least, hitting like Ortiz when it counts (and stands out) the most in their minds. And, when they don't see those particular results, they see failure. And, then that failure is translated into being "not clutch."

Therefore, perhaps, the answer is this: Stop referring to A-Rod as the greatest player in the game and then maybe people can level-set their expectations (and accept Alex for what he does bring to the table). Sure, this all stems back to Rodriguez' camp - meaning his agent - for selling this label in the first place. But, there's no reason why it cannot be stopped now.

In the range of answers, being:

1. Kill The Label
2. Hit The Sox Like Ortiz Does N.Y.
3. Hit Like Ruth

It (killing the label) is the simplest thing to do.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:21 PM | Comments (5)

May 01, 2006

May 1st @ The Red Sox

Two points and a question.

First Point:

If Richard Edson and The Crusher - see below:

.....had a baby, it would look just like Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis (see below).

Second Point:

If the three seasons prior to this year were not enough proof, this evening is the clinching evidence that there is a greater probability of someone confusing Kevin Youkilis for Angelina Jolie than there is a chance for any Yankees pitcher to make David Ortiz move his feet while standing in the batter's box.

The Question:

(And, no, it's not When will the Yankees make Ortiz move his feet? - because we now know the answer is never.)

If Scott Proctor is now good enough to face Manny Ramirez and Trot Nixon in a huge spot, then why is he not good enough to face Mark Loretta in an even bigger spot? Why, in the name of sanity, use Tanyon Sturtze when the game is on the line? Why?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:25 PM | Comments (13)

Jose Reyes Over Derek Jeter

From the Detroit Free Press:

Wondering who the hottest guys are on the diamond this season? Look no further than the May 1 issue of OK! magazine, which features its "sexy sluggers."

OK!'s starting nine includes Tigers left-hander Mike Maroth. His card contains useful information like height, weight and martial status (married), as well as the following description: "Mike's one guy we'd love to get our claws into. This sweet Tiger takes his faith very seriously and has led team Bible studies on the road."

The other eight are Mets shortstop Jose Reyes and centerfielder Carlos Beltran, Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez and centerfielder Johnny Damon, Phillies leftfielder Pat Burrell and left-handers Barry Zito (A's), Andy Pettitte (Astros) and Mark Mulder (Cardinals).

I guess Candy Soriano got a job at "OK!" magazine.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:34 PM | Comments (1)

Behind The Yankees Pitching Success

I was just using the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia to look at the current Yankees pitching stats:

To me, the key here is the Yankees SO/BB ratio. It's the best in the AL. This is very important for New York - because of their defense.

If you look at all AL teams, from 1996 through 2005, the squad that posted the best mark in SO/BB ratio was the 2003 Yankees. By the way, that was the last Yankees team to reach the World Series. (The 2005 Yankees posted a ratio of 2.13.)

I would bet that the Yankees would need to keep their SO/BB ratio above 2.3 in order to have a team that can win in the post-season. (Unless, of course, their defense improves to the point where their pitchers can allow/afford more free passes and balls in play.)

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:07 AM | Comments (0)