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January 31, 2008
Jeff Cindrich
This the story of Jeff Cindrich (whose last name in some baseball references is also spelled as "Ciendrich").
He was drafted by the New York Yankees in 1990 - the Yanks' selection in the 54th round that year - out of Edison Community College. (The same school that later produced Joel Pineiro.)
Cindrich, from Cape Coral, Florida, was a pitcher - and a big one, at 6 feet, 6 inches, and 230 pounds.
While I cannot tell you how he did in the minors prior to 1992, I can tell you that he was near unhittable in '92.
That season, as a 21-year old, pitching for the Gulf Coast League and Oneonta Yankees, Cindrich pitched in 14 games, making 11 starts, and threw 72 innings - allowing only 45 hits and 20 walks in the process. He also struck out 90 batters in those 72 innings and had an ERA of 1.25 - and, that ERA was the 8th best in all of the minor leagues (for pitchers with at least 50 IP).
The next season, 1993, he pitched for the Greensboro Hornets in the South Atlantic League (A-Ball) - mostly out of the pen for the Yankees affiliate. And, Cindrich struggled - in 111 innings he allowed 97 hits and 62 walks, and fashioned an ERA of 3.81 (on the year). He did strikeout 88 batters that season.
In 1994, it was somewhat the same for Cindrich. Then, he was 23 and pitching for the Tampa Yankees. In 42 games, all out of the pen, he threw 54 innings - allowing 57 hits and 30 walks, while fanning 59 batters.
The following season, 1995, the Yankees invited him to their major league Spring Training camp. After that, Cindrich found himself pitching for Tampa, again, in the Florida State League. Appearing in just 24 games, all in relief, he logged 39 innings - giving up 50 hits, 17 walks, and an ERA of 4.38 (with 32 strikeouts).
That was the end of his affiliated professional baseball career - at the tender age of twenty-four.
Based on his stats in 1992, Jeff Cindrich looked like he was a prospect - despite the fact of where he was drafted in 1990. But, it all turned on a dime for him the next season and, just three years later, he was off the map.
I cannot say what happened after 1992 - or just even in 1995. Maybe he was injured? Maybe it was something else? I can't find out what from my research. But, something happened - for sure.
Still, you just can't tell sometimes, based on one season in the minors, if a guy is a legit prospect or not, can you? Just use Cindrich as an example.
Update: I just remembered that I had Baseball America's 1992 Almanac - and was able to find Cindrich's stats from 1991: With Tampa, in the GCL, he pitched in 13 games (9 starts), threw 57 innings, allowed 61 hits and 21 walks - and fanned 55. Not terrible - but, no where near his awesome 1992.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:16 PM | Comments (15)
Morgan Ensberg
Via ESPN.com:
Free-agent infielder Morgan Ensberg has reached agreement on a one-year contract with the New York Yankees, and will join the competition for the team's first base job in spring training.
"I'm extremely excited about it,'' Ensberg said Thursday. "It's a great team and a great lineup. Most importantly, it's a team that's consistently playing for a World Series. After you've been in the league for a few years, you really start valuing that pursuit.''
Ensberg has shown the ability to handle left-handed pitching pretty well. While Morgan has never played first in the majors, this could be bad news for Shelley Duncan.
First Jason Lane and now Morgan Ensberg. Think Andy Pettitte is feeding Cashman some information on these guys?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:35 PM | Comments (3)
Hughes To Follow Pavano?
Phil Hughes is hinting that he's up for a change in uniform number.
Reportedly, Hughes "wears 65 because he wanted to wear a number ending in five, and every lower number ending in five was taken or retired" on the Yankees.
Hmmm, when you add this up, it sounds like Phil is going after Carl Pavano's #45.
The last 5 Yankees pitchers to wear #45 have been: Jason Anderson, Felix Heredia, Armando Benitez, Felix Heredia and Carl Pavano. It's not exactly a recent good luck number for Yankees pitchers. If it's true that Hughes is going for #45, I hope he knows what he's doing.
Posted by WW Staff at 03:53 PM | Comments (3)
Has Phil Hughes Been Lazy?
Two months ago, Joel Sherman wrote that Phil Hughes "has a questionable work ethic and more of an injury history at 21 than [Johan] Santana at 28." At the same time, reportedly, Sherman said, on ESPN Radio 1050 (in NYC) with Max Kellerman, that Hughes' conditioning was a poorly kept secret within the Yankees' organization. And, that's why they had Clemens and Pettitte work with Hughes.
Now, today, via the AP, we see this from Yankees pitching coach Dave Eiland (on Hughes):
"He's been very diligent in his work this offseason, more so than he has in the past," Yankees pitching coach Dave Eiland said. "But he's human as well. He hears the rumors. But like I tell him, all he can control is how he prepares and gets himself ready to pitch."
"He's starting to figure out some things as far as work ethic goes and what it takes to get ready for spring training," Eiland said. "This is his third major league camp. Now he's going in as a member of the pitching staff rather than just a top prospect trying to get a couple looks and being sent out. He's getting himself ready to pitch in a major league season."
...he's been very diligent in his work this offseason, more so than he has in the past...
...he's starting to figure out some things as far as work ethic goes...
Is Eiland confirming what Sherman claimed with these statements? It's hard to say, yes, or no, either way, for sure, right?
Posted by WW Staff at 03:31 PM | Comments (13)
60 Days Notice
Yes, just 60 days from today, there will be a regular season major league baseball game to be played up at 161st Street and River Avenue up in the Bronx.
That’s one thousand, four hundred and forty hours from now – give or take. That doesn’t seem like very long away at all, does it?
Cool.
Posted by WW Staff at 09:49 AM | Comments (5)
Sherman: Cashman's Fate In Hughes' Hands
From Joel Sherman today -
Brian Cashman better be right. Phil Hughes better be special. Not good. Special.
Because if Hughes is just another pitcher, dependable but not dominant, then he might find himself spending his time in New York hearing who he is not - namely, that he is not Johan Santana.
And Cashman will soon be the ex-GM of the Yankees.Let's put it this way: If Johan Santana is 10-2 in June and Hughes is on the DL again or back at Triple-A or explaining the growing pains that have led to his 4-6 record and 4.87 ERA, then you can expect few Yankee fans to still be on the bandwagon about entrusting young pitchers.
And you can expect Hank Steinbrenner to be Bossy. You can expect Son of Slam to be channeling his father with a hailstorm of "I told you so."
Cashman won a power struggle that [2004] offseason and gained a three-year extension based on a plan to protect touted arms already in the organization, such as Hughes, and find more in the draft and internationally such as Kennedy and Joba Chamberlain.
It was absolutely the right path. But it misses a fact about the arms the Yanks had chased recently. This has been a group that has been too old (Johnson, Kevin Brown, Roger Clemens last year) or full of too much guesswork/projection (Jose Contreras, Javier Vazquez, Jeff Weaver, Pavano). Santana is a prime-age ace. He is great. No guesswork. As an executive from another club said, "If I had to gamble on one pitcher to be great the next six years, I would bet on Santana."
Cashman did not want to make that bet, not at the cost of Hughes and a contract that would swell the payroll to about $230M, tie them to a starter for seven years.
However, that three-year contract Cashman signed ends after this year. That ties his administration - his survival in the job - more to these young pitchers, Hughes in particular, than ever before. Hank Steinbrenner already is offering "make the playoffs or else" proclamations. Again, imagine Santana on a Cy Young track in Flushing, and Hughes on the Scranton shuttle from The Bronx.
Man, that's a lotta pressure to put on a 22-year old kid. But, Sherman has a point - if Santana has a Cy Young season in Queens this year and Hughes takes a step backwards, Cashman is going to hear it.
Posted by WW Staff at 09:30 AM | Comments (13)
January 30, 2008
Hank On Santana To Mets
Via the Star-Telegram:
"I can't really comment because it's not done. All I can say is that the Twins did what they had to do," New York Yankees senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner said in Tampa, Fla. "I hope it works out well for them. The Mets made a good trade from their end. Hopefully it works out for both teams."
Valentine's Day must be right around the corner - 'cause Hank is sending out the hugs and kisses in every direction on this one.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:33 PM | Comments (0)
Judging The Mets Package For Santana In Terms Of Yankees Prospects
Yesterday, within an hour of when the news broke on the Mets-Twins agreement for the trade involving Johan Santana, I wrote:
To me, this would be as if the Yankees traded Ian Kennedy, Jose Tabata, Alan Horne, and Dellin Betances for Johan Santana.
To be candid, when I wrote that, I did not spend a lot of time doing heavy analysis in coming up with that suggested Yankees package. I probably spent 30 seconds noodling it and basically was pulling names from some corner of my mind. In any event, what I wrote rankled many who made comments to that suggestion - as well as some others outside of this blog.
Yeah, I know, stupid of me to dare compare Yankees prospects (who are all wunderkind and Über-valuable) to prospects from an organization other than the Yankees (who, being non-Yankees prospects, are all therefore just minor league filler). Stupid, stupid, stoooop-id!
In any event, since it's done, I've decided to take a deeper look into who the Mets gave up (to the Twins) and compare that to my suggestion of a comparable Yankees package - using an independent source for information - just to see how wacky my off-the-cuff idea was in retrospect. To that end, I'm going to use the most recent scouting profiles from Baseball America on each player. Here goes:
Carlos Gomez - Mets: A true five-tool athlete, Gomez has game-changing speed and a well above-average arm, tools that help make him a premium defender in center field. He also has excellent bat speed that leads to projections of at least average power, if not more. Scouts said Gomez brought needed energy to the Mets. Hitting will be the last tool to develop for Gomez. He's still searching for the balance between aggressiveness and plate discipline. While he showed increased patience in 2007, it came at the expense of his power production.
Jose Tabata - Yankees: Despite his injury, Tabata was one of the high Class A Florida State League's top hitters, and he has a natural knack for making consistent hard contact. His wrist problem sapped some of his power, but scouts still project Tabata to have at least average pop, and some even see him more as a slugger than hitter. While he flashes plus speed, he projects as an average runner and right fielder with a solid average arm. Tabata's offensive future still involves some projection, and there's some concern his thickening body could lose some athleticism, rendering him more one-dimensional. Scouts outside the organization chide him for failing to give a consistent effort.
Sounds like they both have potential - but both are projection cases. Tabata, three years younger, has yet to play above A-ball - whereas Gomez has already done pretty good in Triple-A. How anyone can say, with confidence, that one of these two will be a star, for sure, in the majors, is beyond me. Therefore, since both are more promise than certainty, I would rate these two pretty close to being the same.
Deolis Guerra - Mets: Guerra has two present above-average pitches that could become well above-average. His fastball had below-average velocity for most of his first season, but now it ranges from 89-94 mph and touches 96. He features excellent arm speed on his changeup, his best offering since he signed, and it should become a big league out pitch once he commands it. While Guerra's curveball remains a below-average pitch, he has shown an ability to spin the ball and it projects as an average offering. At 18, Guerra still is learning the finer arts of pitching, such as holding runners, fielding his position and pitch sequences.
Dellin Betances - Yankees: Betances' stuff is as good as anyone's in the system. His fastball sits at 93-94 mph and touched 98 in the club's fall minicamp. He uses a low-80s power curveball as an out pitch. His changeup has made significant strides in his short pro career and grades as a future plus pitch with sinking, diving action. He's athletic and intelligent, and adapted quickly to the mechanical adjustments New York asked him to make. While he's shown some feel for his changeup, Betances needs to throw it more to master it. At his size, he'll have to work to keep his mechanics in sync and maintain balance over the rubber. At times, he rushes his delivery, making it hard for his arm to keep up with his body and costing him command. [Note, this report is a year old.]
Betances is a year older than Guerra. Both are big kids who throw hard and who need better command of their breaking pitches. Neither one has shown anything over A-Ball. Again, since both are more promise than certainty, I would rate these two pretty close to being the same.
Two down, two to go, and so far, it's looking fairly even.
Kevin Mulvey - Mets: Mulvey throws four pitches for strikes and keeps everything down. His fastball, which sits at 87-91 mph and touches 94, features good sink and run. He dominated righthanders, limiting them to a .224 average and no homers. His mid-70s curveball with 11-to-5 break and his low-80s slider both are average pitches, and at times his slider is a put-away offering. His changeup shows signs of being average. His competitiveness makes his whole greater than the sum of his parts. Mulvey has trouble against lefthanders because he can't work them inside easily. At times his changeup is too firm. He has lost 2-3 mph off his fastball from his days at Villanova, but he could gain some of that back as he gets accustomed to the pro workload.
Alan Horne - Yankees: At times, Horne shows four above-average pitches, starting with a fastball that usually sits at 92-93 mph but also can park at 94-95. He flashes a power slider and curveball, and he throws his changeup with good arm speed. Horne's arm action is long, leading to inconsistent release points and below-average command, and it likely contributed to his past elbow injury. The Yankees have shortened his delivery in other ways to compensate, but it's not a correctable flaw and limits Horne's ceiling. He doesn't field his position or hold runners particularly well.
Both of these pitchers have proven themselves in Double-A. In a perfect world, they both learn some more in Triple-A this season. Mulvey is two years younger than Horne. Both throw in the low 90's and top out at 94 MPH. Horne has some issues with command and Mulvey has some issues getting the ball inside to lefties. Both held Double-A batters to a .250 average last season. They seem like the same prospect to me.
Three down, one to go, and, it's still looking fairly even.
Philip Humber - Mets: Humber still has the best curveball in the organization, and he has learned to shorten it up a bit and throw it for quality strikes. He's learning to spot his fastball better down in the zone, where it has more life. His changeup, which he has used since junking the splitter he had in college, has developed into an average pitch. At times Humber still tries to pitch up in the strike zone, and he doesn't have that kind of velocity anymore. His fastball ranges from 87-91 mph after he used to touch 94-95 at Rice. He's still refining his command two years after his elbow reconstruction. Humber is likely ready for on-the-job training in the majors, but he'll have to earn the spot in spring training. He now projects as a back-of-the-rotation starter.
Ian Kennedy - Yankees: Kennedy has mound presence and moxie to go with above-average major league command, and that helps all his pitches play up. His 88-92 mph fastball, his curveball and his slider all are average pitches. His plus changeup is his best offering, featuring late fade. He repeats his compact delivery. With only one above-average pitch, Kennedy has to hit his spots, but he usually does. At times his curve is too slow, dipping to 69-72 mph, and lacks sharpness. Compared to Mike Mussina because of his similar stretch delivery, Kennedy has less pure stuff than Mussina once did. Kennedy fits a No. 3 or No. 4 starter profile and should fulfill such a role in 2008.
Kennedy is two years younger than Humber. Both of these pitchers throw in the high '80's to very low '90's and need to spot their fastballs - and spot them well. Humber's weapon is s good curveball and Kennedy's weapon is a good change. Humber "projects as a back-of-the-rotation starter" and Kennedy "fits a No. 3 or No. 4 starter profile." Gee, is it just me, or, based on these reports, do these two hurlers sort of grade out the same, too?
Do I (?) dare say: Four down, none to go, and, on the whole, it looks even between what the Mets gave up and what I quickly suggested.
But, then again, this is based on scouting reports from Baseball America - who complies their information from talking to scouts and other members of baseball front offices (and the like). And, those people don't realize the dynamic behind the principle that dictates "All Yankees prospects are future stars in the making whereas prospects from other teams are all hyped wannabes and failures in waiting."
It's too bad. If only these reports would say what many Yankees fans want to hear. It would make so many people feel better now.
In the meantime, in retrospect, and finally doing some research, I'm feeling a little better about my ability to think on the fly and pull things out of the back of my brain - at least when it comes to something Yankees-related.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:26 PM | Comments (30)
Cash Vs. Theo Vs. Omar
Sure, it may just be conventional wisdom, but, at times, it seems like the Red Sox (and Theo Epstein) are always picking up pitchers like Curt Schilling, Bronson Arroyo, Hideki Okajima, Josh Beckett and Daisuke Matsuzaka, while the Mets (and Omar Minaya) are picking up pitchers like Johan Santana, Tom Glavine, Pedro Martinez, John Maine and Oliver Perez, and, in Yankeeland, Brian Cashman is picking up pitchers like Randy Johnson, Kevin Brown, Javier Vazquez, Carl Pavano and Kei Igawa.
But, it’s not really fair to just go by gut feeling and/or memory on something like this – and broad-brush paint the Mets and Red Sox as being better at picking up pitchers from outside their organization. I figured there had to be a way to look at this where facts will tell the true story. So, I reached out to Lee Sinins, the man behind the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia, and asked him the following question:
Would it be possible to run a report, off the raw data behind the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia, to determine the following:
Games, Innings Pitched, and Runs Saved Above Average totals for all pitchers on the Yankees, Mets, and Red Sox, for the time periods “2004 to 2007” and “2005 to 2007” where the pitchers were acquired from outside the team prior to pitching for the Yanks, Mets, and Sox?
By this, I mean, anyone who came up through the team's farm system, and pitched with the team during those two groups of years, would be excluded. I'd be interested in seeing these stats - and I think some Yankees fans would too.
And, Lee did respond (thanks Lee!) with the following:
By working backwards, I was able to get the answers. First, I generated a list of the pitchers who debuted with the teams and, from there, I deleted their sums from the team totals in order to get the totals for those who were acquired.
2004-07 G IP RSAA Yankees 1649 3726.2 -105 Red Sox 1900 4672.2 129 Mets 1779 4666.2 1052005-07 G IP RSAA Yankees 1205 2625.2 -62 Red Sox 1374 3398.2 -2 Mets 1251 3476.0 48
Pretty interesting, huh? Bottom line, this tells us that the pitchers who the Yankees have acquired, from outside their organization, as a whole, have not helped the team (and have hurt the team) over the last 3-4 years. And, this tells us that Minaya, since 2005, when Omar logged his first full year as Mets G.M., has done a good job (at least better than Cashman and Epstein) at picking up pitchers (from outside his system) who have gone on to pitch well for his team.
The Boston numbers are interesting too. I think this tells us that Schilling and Foulke were two huge pick-ups for Boston (and Theo) in 2004 – but, after that season, the Red Sox pitching acquisitions (even with Josh Beckett), on the whole, after 2004, have not been that stellar.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:48 PM | Comments (20)
The Revolving Door
File this one under: We didn't get Johan Santana because of why?
Since 2004, 36 different pitchers have started baseball games for the New York Yankees. And, over that four year period, only two pitchers have started 80+ games for the team: Mussina and Wang.
Here's the list of all 36 starters (with games started totals following their name):
Kevin Brown 35
Shawn Chacon 23
Roger Clemens 17
Tyler Clippard 6
Jose Contreras 18
Jorge DePaula 1
Matt DeSalvo 5
Alex Graman 2
Brad Halsey 7
Sean Henn 5
Orlando Hernandez 15
Phil Hughes 13
Kei Igawa 12
Randy Johnson 67
Jeff Karstens 9
Ian Kennedy 3
Al Leiter 10
Cory Lidle 9
Jon Lieber 27
Esteban Loaiza 6
Darrell May 1
Mike Mussina 116
Donovan Osborne 2
Carl Pavano 19
Andy Pettitte 34
Sidney Ponson 3
Scott Proctor 1
Darrell Rasner 9
Tim Redding 1
Aaron Small 12
Tanyon Sturtze 4
Javier Vazquez 32
Chien-Ming Wang 80
Kris Wilson 1
Jaret Wright 40
Chase Wright 2
When the invisible man Carl Pavano makes the "Top 10" of games started for you, over a four year period, that tells you something, no?
Posted by WW Staff at 12:40 PM | Comments (15)
McNamee Lawyer: Pettitte To Finger Rocket
From the AP:
A lawyer for Andy Pettitte's former personal trainer said yesterday he believes the pitcher will tell Congress he discussed human growth hormone with Roger Clemens between the 2001 and 2002 seasons.
The lawyer, Earl Ward, said Pettitte talked about HGH with trainer Brian McNamee following a conversation with Clemens, who has denied he used HGH or steroids. McNamee worked with both Clemens and Pettitte.
"We're hopeful based on Andy's reputation that he will corroborate Brian's statements with regard to Roger," Ward said.
When first seeing the headline of "LAWYER: PETTITTE WILL IMPLICATE CLEMENS" on this story, I took it to mean that Pettitte's lawyer was saying this - which would be a big deal. Reading the story, and seeing that it's coming from McNamee's camp, well, we're better off believing this to be true only when we actually see it happen.
Posted by WW Staff at 09:33 AM | Comments (0)
January 29, 2008
Whitey Ford's Memorabilia Sale
From the Daily News today -
Whitey Ford decided it was time to clean out his attic - and his stash of pinstripe goodies could be worth a mound of cash.
The legendary Yankee pitcher showed off an array of belongings that will go on the auction block, including a baseball President John F. Kennedy signed for Ford and his Hall of Fame induction plaque.
"When your house starts getting full and your kids don't have a place to sleep, it's time to get rid of stuff," said Ford, 79. The treasure trove also includes a signed photo of Mickey Mantle, Ford's rookie jersey and an authentic, used game glove.
All pieces will be sold at a Javits Center auction during the MLB All-Star festivities on July 14 and 15. Yankee Stadium will host this summer's All-Star Game. Auction organizers wouldn't put a value on the entire cache of hundreds of pieces of memorabilia.
The minute I saw this, I thought of Barry Halper and Phil Rizzuto and when they sold their stuff. I hope that Ford is not selling his items for the same reason that they did - fearing the end is near. That's sad, even to speculate.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:08 PM | Comments (1)
Mets Trade For Johan Santana
Via Bob Nightengale:
The New York Mets have agreed to a trade for two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana, giving up four prospects to acquire the left-handed ace of the Minnesota Twins, according to two high-ranking Twins officials with knowledge of the talks and a person close to Santana.
The deal is pending the Mets and Santana reaching agreement on a six- or seven-year contract extension and that Santana passes a physical; they have been granted a 48 to-72-hour window to do so. Santana has a no-trade clause that he will waive if agreement is reached on a contract extension.
The Mets paid a high price in prospects to land Santana, agreeing to send the Twins outfielder Carlos Gomez and pitchers Phil Humber, Deolis Guerra and Kevin Mulvey.
Give the Mets credit. They had a dire need and plugged it with one of the best in the game. They were not afraid to part with prospects. And, they're not afraid of Santana's salary demands.
Kevin Mulvey and Phil Humber should be decent big league pitchers some day. But, Deolis Guerra is a baby. Anything can happen with him. Carlos Gomez? Yes, he can run and he can field. But, will he hit in the majors? How's his attitude?
To me, this would be as if the Yankees traded Ian Kennedy, Jose Tabata, Alan Horne, and Dellin Betances for Johan Santana.
Yes, that's a steep price, when you think of it this way. And, it's a gamble.
Obviously, the Mets were willing to take that gamble - and the Yankees were not. Six years from now, or maybe sooner, we will know which team was smart to take the position (that they did) on this one.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:30 PM | Comments (44)
Heyman: Yanks Out Of Santana Race
Click here to read Jon Heyman's latest.
Tom Robson, Jason Roach, and Eric Valent have all worn #57 for the Mets. Santana would automatically become the best Metsie to ever don those digits. (Then again, he would have been the best to wear them for the Yankees too.)
Posted by WW Staff at 03:33 PM | Comments (6)
Going Back, 29 Or 32 Years...
For those who need a retro-Yankees-baseball-fix on a day in January where baseball seems far away, even with Pitchers and Catchers being right around the corner...
Click on the thumbnails to enlarge the images.
Ah, good times.
Posted by WW Staff at 02:39 PM | Comments (2)
LaTroy LaStory To Be LaShort One?
I'm starting to get very concerned about LaTroy Hawkins. Yes, he's cheap and disposable. And, sure, from 2002 to 2004, he posted some solid pitching numbers. (And, since 2004, he's been about a league-average performer.)
But, I’m beginning to think the pressure of Yankeeland is going to eat him alive this season. He’s recently had issues in terms of dealing with the media (in Chicago). Plus, there’s some evidence that he (at least lately) does not excel under fire. (From 2005 to 2007, he’s blown 27 of 39 save opportunities – that’s a whopping 69%.) Also, he’s had some post-season meltdowns in the past. These types of things suggest that he doesn't have the stomach for New York.
Sure, the Yankees, reportedly, only want him to cover the 6th or 7th inning – and that should be less pressure. Still, I just have a feeling that, come that point in the season when it’s time for the team photo, Hawkins will be no where to be found in the Bronx.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:19 PM | Comments (5)
Blauch Friday Coming?
This Friday, Chuck Knoblauch will speak to House oversight committee staff members about performance-enhancing drugs in baseball. Would it be shocking if Knobby sang like Joe Valachi during this session? He is sort of a loose cannon who has already turned his back on baseball.
Stay tuned.
Posted by WW Staff at 09:45 AM | Comments (1)
Bradbury: Rocket Not Boosted
Today's recommended reading: J.C. Bradbury's conclusion that Roger Clemens pitched without the aid of steroids.
Makes you wonder if the Lidocaine and B-12 even helped too?
Posted by WW Staff at 09:17 AM | Comments (0)
January 28, 2008
Paul Quantrill's Place In Yankees History
In terms of guys only working out of the Yankees pen, while in New York, with at least 100 IP for the Bombers, who were the worst in terms of allowing runners to reach base? Thanks to the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia we have the answer:
BASERUNNERS/9 IP DIFF PLAYER LEAGUE IP GS 1 Paul Quantrill -1.47 14.49 13.02 127.1 0 2 Marshall Bridges -1.06 13.29 12.23 105 0 3 Dale Murray -.77 13.28 12.50 120 0 4 Ron Villone -.65 13.72 13.07 122.2 0 5 Hal Reniff -.44 12.14 11.70 427 0 6 Jim Turner -.23 12.45 12.22 146 0 7 Kyle Farnsworth 0.21 12.86 13.07 126 0 8 Jeff Nelson 0.42 13.11 13.53 311 0 9 Tim Stoddard 0.44 12.24 12.68 197 0 10 Steve Karsay 0.54 12.30 12.84 101 0
To level the results, BASERUNNERS/9 IP versus the league average is used here.
By far, Paul Quantrill is the "leader" of the pack here. When you factor in that Quantrill (as a Yankee) allowed 48% of the runners he inherited to score, a case can be made that he was one of the most ineffective relievers in Yankees history. And, sometimes, he didn't even need a lot of pitches to do his thing.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:19 PM | Comments (7)
The Terms Of Cano's New Deal
From Joel Sherman -
Cano is due to make $3 million in 2008, $6 million in 2009, $9 million in 2010 and $10 million in 2011. In 2012, Cano has an option for $14 million with a $2 million buyout. If that option is picked up, Cano will have another option in 2013 for $15 million with a $2 million buyout.
Interesting. $28 million for four years - with a buyout of $2 million after that. Or, $42 million for five years - with a buyout of $2 million after that. Or, $57 million for six years.
So, it's $30 mill for four, $44 mill for five, or $57 mill for six. On average, it's $7.5 million a year for four, $8.8 million for five, or $9.5 million a year for six.
If Cano tanks in the next couple of years, you can eat him for $30 million. That's less than dining on the Carl Pavano special.
When you figure that it cost the Yankees $26 million just to talk contract with Kei Igawa, this deal is a steal.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:47 PM | Comments (2)
SOTD: It’s Really Not A Bad Thing
Javy, Ellis, Barry and the Babe. Who would have thunk it?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:29 PM | Comments (1)
Pete Mrsich
I just wanted to throw this out there...
If you a fan of our General Joe's Army Shirts logo, and/or the WasWatching.com banner, - and why wouldn't you be! - you should take note of the site for the artist behind these great designs: WorkWithPete.com.
It was a pleasure to partner with Pete Mrsich on both these projects. If you're ever in need of a graphic artist, I highly recommend WorkWithPete.com.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:00 PM | Comments (0)
Brian Cashman 2003
Brian Cashman became Yankees G.M. on February 28, 1998.
It's rare for someone to be a G.M. for tens years with one team these days. Ten years does provide for some "body of work" analysis. Therefore, I thought it would be fun, this off-season, to take a look back at Cashman's "moves" during the past decade - one year at a time. (I'll try and post one year, per week, over the next ten weeks.)
Here, we'll look at Cashman's moves in 2003 and how they helped or hurt the team:
No Impact:
March 19, 2003 - Traded Rondell White to the San Diego Padres. Received Bubba Trammell, Mark Phillips, and cash.
July 16, 2003 - Traded Jason Anderson, Anderson Garcia, and Ryan Bicondoa to the New York Mets. Received Armando Benitez.
August 6, 2003 - Traded Armando Benitez to the Seattle Mariners. Received Jeff Nelson.
August 22, 2003 - Traded Sterling Hitchcock to the St. Louis Cardinals. Received Ben Julianel and Justin Pope.
December 18, 2003 - Traded Chris Hammond and cash to the Oakland Athletics. Received Eduardo Sierra and J.T. Stotts.
Good Impact:
January 15, 2003 - Traded Orlando Hernandez to the Chicago White Sox. Received Antonio Osuna and Delvis Lantigua.
February 4, 2003 - Signed Jon Lieber as a free agent.
June 6, 2003 - Traded Marcus Thames to the Texas Rangers. Received Ruben Sierra.
June 25, 2003 - Purchased Karim Garcia from the Cleveland Indians.
July 29, 2003 - Traded Raul Mondesi and cash to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Received David Dellucci, Bret Prinz, and John Prowl.
July 31, 2003 - Traded Brandon Claussen, Charlie Manning, and cash to the Cincinnati Reds. Received Aaron Boone.
July 31, 2003 - Traded Robin Ventura to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Received Bubba Crosby and Scott Proctor.
August 25, 2003 - Selected Felix Heredia off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds.
December 19, 2003 - Signed Miguel Cairo as a free agent.
Great Impact:
December 16, 2003 - Signed Tom Gordon as a free agent.
Bad Impact:
January 16, 2003 - Signed John Flaherty as a free agent.
January 27, 2003 - Signed Juan Acevedo as a free agent.
February 6, 2003 - Signed Jose Contreras as an amateur free agent.
July 31, 2003 - Received Gabe White from the Cincinnati Reds as part of a conditional deal.
November 6, 2003 - Andy Pettitte granted Free Agency.
December 4, 2003 - Signed Felix Heredia as a free agent.
December 7, 2003 - Signed Gabe White as a free agent.
December 13, 2003 - Traded Jeff Weaver, Yhency Brazoban, Brandon Weeden, and cash to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Received Kevin Brown.
December 16, 2003 - Traded Nick Johnson, Juan Rivera, and Randy Choate to the Montreal Expos. Received Javier Vazquez.
December 17, 2003 - Signed Paul Quantrill as a free agent.
Was Probably Not A Cashman Move & More Likely Something Done In Tampa:
December 19, 2003 - Signed Gary Sheffield as a free agent.
______________________________________________________________
The good deals this year for Cashman mostly had short-term benefits. But, the bad deals either hurt the Yankees for a while (Flaherty, Contreras, Pettitte, and Brown) or they hurt New York in a big post-season spot (Brown, Vazquez, and Quantrill). If I’m Brian, and I’m putting together a resume, I might want to leave 2003 off it – especially some of these moves in the winter following the 2003 season.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 06:05 PM | Comments (23)
Cone To Join YES Booth
Joel Sherman has the story.
Can't wait for the first Cone-Leiter debate.
I wonder if it will be anything like this:
Posted by WW Staff at 12:58 PM | Comments (4)
The Clemens Report
Hendricks Sports Management issues a 49-page report that could have been summed up in 27 words: Clemens actually had 46 Runs Saved Above Average in the season where Red Sox general manager Dan Duquette said Roger was in the "twilight of his career."
Still, lots of pretty colored charts never go to waste when trying to make a point.
Posted by WW Staff at 11:17 AM | Comments (1)
1,283 Days Ago
Gabe Kapler, speaking while being inducted into the Moorpark College Hall of Fame:
Kapler, Moorpark College's first World Series champion, was in right field when the Boston Red Sox broke the "Curse of the Bambino" with a sweep of the Cardinals.
He wore his World Series ring and told a story of the Red Sox's famous brawl with the rival New York Yankees, started when catcher Jason Varitek stuck his catcher's mitt in the face of Yankees star Alex Rodriguez.
"We were struggling and Jason knew that we needed a spark at that moment," said Kapler. "I'm not condoning violence by any means. This is part of a teamwork story."
Ah, July 24, 2004....and that stupid fight. Looking backwards, I wonder if A-Rod has any regrets on that one?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 07:29 AM | Comments (10)
January 27, 2008
Bedard To M's?
It's starting to look like Seattle is going to pick up Erik Bedard.
Think about that rotation, for the M's, if the deal goes through: Felix Hernandez, Erik Bedard, Miguel Batista, Jarrod Washburn and (probably) Brandon Morrow. Those first four guys are all good - at least they were last year - for close to 30 starts and 190 innings pitched.
Beware the Emerald City, indeed.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:56 PM | Comments (9)
My Fanboy Crush On Ian Kennedy
I might as well get this out of the way now - because I know many will accuse me of it during this season. Yes, I confess, I've got it bad over Ian Kennedy.
Yeah, I know, he reportedly doesn't have the "stuff" of Phil Hughes and/or Joba Chamberlain. And, he's small. (Ian's listed as being 6 feet tall, but, I would question that one.)
But, from what I've seen - and others have reported this - Kennedy has polish as a pitcher. He's workman-like and mature. He's grounded. And, while this is a personal thing for me, I think Ian's personality could translate to better success, in the long run, than the "Dude, it's a Dell" nature of Hughes and the "Paul Bunyan" bravado of Chamberlain.
Don't get me wrong - this is not to imply that Hughes and Chamberlain will not go on to be very-good to great major league pitchers. And, I'm not saying that Ian Kennedy will be the next Greg Maddux - or even the next Bob Tewksbury.
It's just that there's something about Ian, to me, that just makes me want to be in the guy's corner. It's a subjective thing. But, many times, that's what happens when you're a fan, right?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:41 AM | Comments (19)
Cano Cruise Control Concerns?
Via John Harper -
Some baseball people wonder if it was a smart move to agree to give Robinson Cano a four-year contract worth a guaranteed $30 million, given that he is still three years away from being eligible for free agency. As one AL scout said yesterday. "He has a tendency to put it on cruise control. He's got a world of talent, but I know the Yankees had concerns at one point about his work ethic. Sometimes young guys get that first big contract and their intensity comes and goes."
Time will tell.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:36 AM | Comments (4)
Yanks Not Out Of Santana Chase?
Man, how many times have I asked that question? Via Charley Walters -
The Twins, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees are not holding up the proposed trade of Twins pitcher Johan Santana. It's Santana, who is seeking $150 million over six years.
Santana has the right, by way of a no-trade contract clause, to veto any deal with a team that won't pay him what he wants.
A trade is expected to occur within 10 days, though.
The Mets, who dearly want Santana, have told at least one free-agent pitcher hoping to sign with them to wait until they find out whether they can acquire the two-time Cy Young Award winner. The Twins, as they should, continue to insist that slugging young outfielder Fernando Martinez, the Mets' top minor league prospect, be included in any deal.
"Martinez will show how badly the Mets want Santana," one insider said.
The Red Sox haven't moved much from their initial offer for Santana. But one minor leaguer who some would consider a throw-in by Boston - left-handed hitting outfielder Ryan Kalish - could become an important part of a deal. Francisco Liriano, remember, was considered a throw-in when the San Francisco Giants included him in the Twins' trade for Joe Nathan.
The Yankees continue to vacillate on whether to include pitcher Phil Hughes in a deal for Santana. One day he's in, another day he's out. The Twins do not consider the Yankees out of contention.
The Twins tried to get the Los Angeles Angels interested in Santana, but the Angels appear more interested in acquiring hitting than pitching.
I don't get the love over Fernando Martinez. In a recent Baseball America report, this is what I read about him:
Martinez is heavy on tools and low on present skills, particularly for a Double-A player, though that's typical for a teenager. His approach at the plate is raw, and some scouts disdain his load (too exaggerated) and spread-out stance (he's not strong enough yet). Defensively, he played a below-average center field across the board in 2007. He needs improvement in running routes, picking up cutoff men and getting his body behind his throws. He profiles better in left field, as many scouts had predicted when he signed. Martinez' baserunning skills are another area where his lack of experience holds him back. As the scout said, "He does a lot of things wrong out there."
In any event, it's interesting that the "Twins do not consider the Yankees out of contention." The next ten days could be fun.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:59 AM | Comments (4)
January 26, 2008
Torre Pen Management: Clueless Or Desperation?
One of the cool stats that they track in the Bill James Baseball Handbook 2008 is "Relievers Used on Consecutive Days" (RCD) by managers.
First, some background for a baseline. In 2007, for A.L. managers who served the full year, the average RCD (meaning a 162-game average) was 97 (times). In the N.L., the average was 122 - which makes sense as you're pinch-hitting for pitchers in that league and using replacement pitchers more often.
Now, here's Joe Torre's RCD marks as Yankees manager, through the years:
1996: 97
1997: 84
1998: 71
1999: 80
2000: 92
2001: 77
2002: 86
2003: 75
2004: 129
2005: 92
2006: 109
2007: 113
The numbers for 2004 and 2006 are in bold as those were the high-marks for the league those seasons. And, the high mark (for the league) in 2005 was 114; and, in 2007 it was 131 - both set by Ozzie Guillen of the White Sox. So, it's safe to say that Joe Torre, from 2004 to 2007, used relievers on consecutive days as much as anyone - and, he came within a few ticks of leading the league in RCD four years in a row.
But, note, before 2004, Torre's RCD marks (with the Yankees) were always under 100. And, based on the average mark of 2007 (97), you can pretty much say that Torre, prior to 2004, was near-to-almost-below average in terms of using relievers on consecutive days.
So, what was so different about 1996-2003 and 2004-2007 that turned Joe Torre into a reported relief pitcher abuser?
At first, I wondered if it had anything to do with Don Zimmer. After all, Zim was there from 1996 to 2003 - and, once he left, Torre's RCD numbers went crazy. Maybe Zimmer was the one making sure that "Clueless Joe" was not always calling on the same reliever?
But, then, I reminded myself of the state of Yankees pitching, both post-2003 and pre-2004.
In terms of the bullpen, when the Yankees had guys like Stanton, Nelson and Lloyd, their pen was effective - and, once those guys were gone, starting in 2004, the Yankees bullpen became a mess (in terms of effectiveness). So, it makes sense that, post-2003, Torre would keep calling on the same guys, even on consecutive days, because he had so few quality relief arms to call upon.
Actually, as a whole, pre-2004, the Yankees had strong pitching. And, that probably helped Torre control his RCD totals too - as starters went longer in games, etc., and there was less of a need to call on the bullpen. It was post-2003, that the Yankees started bringing in starting pitchers who failed - and often - placing more stress on a pen that was under-manned in terms of quality pitchers.
The numbers post-2003 and pre-2004 show us that it was not always Torre's tendency (in New York) to run up high RCD numbers. In a way, it's sort of a perfect storm effect that impacted Torre after 2003: Inferior starters, combined with a shortage of quality relievers, leading to high totals of relievers used on consecutive days. The numbers do show us, that, when Torre had good starting pitching, and a well manned bullpen, he would not call on the same guys, day-after-day, as much as he did once his pitching staff was inferior (both in quantity and quality).
Therefore, perhaps, rather than blaming Joe Torre for burning out his bullpen, based on the post-2003 and pre-2004 RCD data that we have available, the focus should shift towards what Torre was forced into doing, why he was in that position, and what other options he had (other than to call on the same few pitchers, so often). Perhaps, just maybe, the fault lies with what Torre was given to work with, and who gave it to him, and not with Joe himself?
I'm not saying this is something that we should carry, from here, as fact. One would have to really dig into the RCD data to see which pitchers were being used often, and which ones were ignored, and what the scores of the games were, and the dates of the games, and their impact on the standings, and the pitcher's pitch counts, etc., before they could make a case for something being air-tight here. But, at the least, the RCD totals, during Torre's full time in the Bronx, give good reason to wonder what or who was really to blame for Joe Torre calling on the same guys in the pen, and so often - rather than to just write it off as Joe being clueless.
Sure, "Clueless Joe" rolls off the tongue easier than "Extremis Malis Extrema Remedia Joe." But, it would be a shame to ignore the stats on this one just for the sake of hanging on to a snazzy handle.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:04 PM | Comments (11)
Cano & Yankees Agree To Terms On Deal
Via ESPN.com
The New York Yankees and second baseman Robinson Cano have reached a preliminary agreement on a deal that could be worth as much as $56 million over six years, according to reports in the New York Times and the Newark Star-Ledger.
The deal will be finalized when Cano, 25, passes his physical. The contract specifics vary slightly in the reports. According to The Times, Cano will earn $28 million for the 2008 through 2011 seasons, and he will get $2 million more should the Yankees decline the 2012 option.
Cano would earn about $27 million in 2012 and 2013, if the Yankees pick up the options. Cano would be eligible for free agency after 2011 without the option years.
The Star-Ledger reports that the contract is for a guaranteed $30 milllion for four seasons, and worth up to $56 million if the Yankees exercise the options for 2012 and 2013.
I'm guessing that Odysseus told the Yankees to stuff wax in their ears and not listen to the siren's cautionary tales of Edgardo Alfonzo and Carlos Baerga.
You know, there's a little baseball stat out there called "Bases per Plate Appearance" [BPA]. The formula is (TB+BB+HBP+SB-CS-GIDP)/(AB+BB+HBP+SF). Via the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia, here's the "Top 40" in BPA, over the last three years, in the A.L., with a minimum of 1500 Plate Appearances:
BPA BPA PA 1 David Ortiz .660 2066 2 Alex Rodriguez .651 2097 3 Travis Hafner .613 1800 4 Manny Ramirez .597 1777 5 Vladimir Guerrero .582 1919 6 Mark Teixeira .576 1792 7 Grady Sizemore .567 2205 8 Jermaine Dye .560 1751 9 Curtis Granderson .551 1529 10 Paul Konerko .550 1943 11 Carl Crawford .549 1963 12 Brian Roberts .538 1985 13 Jorge Posada .536 1680 14 Magglio Ordonez .532 1667 15 Richie Sexson .525 1810 16 Carlos Guillen .524 1613 17 Hideki Matsui .524 1537 18 Nick Swisher .522 1853 19 Justin Morneau .518 1872 20 Derek Jeter .517 2181 21 Torii Hunter .516 1677 22 Johnny Damon .514 1964 23 Raul Ibanez .506 2025 24 Ichiro Suzuki .504 2227 25 Alex Rios .503 1728 26 Joe Mauer .502 1633 27 Vernon Wells .501 1997 28 Victor Martinez .501 1919 29 Chone Figgins .499 1906 30 Gary Matthews Jr. .496 1795 31 Miguel Tejada .491 1981 32 Eric Chavez .489 1649 33 Michael Cuddyer .489 1728 34 Julio Lugo .482 1642 35 Casey Blake .481 1701 36 Robinson Cano .480 1728 37 Michael Young .478 2172 38 Adrian Beltre .475 1970 39 Kevin Millar .473 1584 40 Tadahito Iguchi .472 1585
For the record, in 2007, Cano had a BPA of .491 (which was 39th best in the league for batters with 500+ PA).
Based on this, I would offer that Robinson Cano is one of the "Top 40" most productive batters in the league - last season and over the last three years. But, he's much closer to being #40 than he is to being in the "Top 10."
As Yankees fans, let's hope that Cano stays sharp and is able to maintain, or better, his place among the offensive leaders in the league, now that he's locked up for years to come.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:44 AM | Comments (14)
What Hipster Doofus Duo Had To Say
More from Gary & Wyatt's fun night out on the town, via the Post:
At times, the two were remarkably candid, from Cashman admitting Johnny Damon and Bobby Abreu were not in shape last spring to Epstein saying he regretted the rash trade he made two years ago, when he sent promising reliever Cla Meredith to the Padres to reacquire backup catcher Doug Mirabelli, after Mirabelli's replacement Josh Bard had a rough game handling Tim Wakefield's knuckleball.
On Bernie Williams' final years in pinstripes, Cashman's assessment was the former center fielder, "Got into music, and I thought it took a lot away from his play."
Cashman said one of the reasons Williams wasn't back with the Yankees last year was the GM feared having to release the popular player during the season, and that wouldn't have been a proper sendoff. Cashman indicated Williams got the proper farewell two years ago, after a having a "terrible" 2005 season.
While Johnny Damon, Bobby Abreu and Bernie Williams probably feel like they were thrown under a bus, via Cash's comments, personally, I give Brian two huge thumbs-up for being spot-on here and for having the nerve to speak the truth. Better late than never.
During a question-and-answer session, a fan asked each GM whom he would take from the other's team if given the chance. Cashman picked Jason Varitek, noting he'd like to take the catcher and "put him [on] another planet," to cripple the Red Sox.
Who would Epstein pluck from the Yankees?
"I'd take the gentleman on my left," Epstein said, motioning to Cashman, "and make him [our] scouting director."
This is not the first time that I've heard about Cashman's crush on Varitek. Cashman as the Red Sox scouting director? Man, that would be music to my ears. Putting a dollar sign on the muscle is Brian's biggest weakness as a baseball executive.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:20 AM | Comments (6)
January 25, 2008
Hank: If Plan Doesn't Work, The Planners Will Pay
Via the AP -
Hank Steinbrenner sat behind his desk and looked out at empty Legends Field, where all was quiet and calm.
Over and over again, he emphasized his philosophy - the New York Yankees' new doctrine - of tolerance, of deliberation, of long-term planning. That, however, only goes so far.
He is, after all, a Steinbrenner."I will be patient with the young pitchers and players. There's no question about that because I know how these players develop,'' he said. "But as far as missing the playoffs - if we miss the playoffs by the end of this year, I don't know how patient I'll be. But it won't be against the players. It won't be a matter of that. It will be a matter of maybe certain people in the organization could have done something else.''
...if we miss the playoffs by the end of this year, I don't know how patient I'll be. But it won't be against the players. It won't be a matter of that. It will be a matter of maybe certain people in the organization could have done something else...
I read this to say: If we miss the post-season, because our young players struggled, the parties who talked me out of trading some of those young players for Johan Santana, will be the ones to pay the price for not making the playoffs.
I've been thinking about this for a while now. The Yankees will have a payroll over $200 million, most likely, this season. Sure, some of that is dead weight - like Giambi, Pavano, etc. But, for the most part, there are many players on this team being paid huge money to perform well.
It's one thing to be patient, take some bumps and lumps, while allowing kids to learn, and to look at the big picture and the whole journey. But, it's easier to do that when your payroll is closer to $80 million or less. When you have a $200 million payroll, you still want to win it all. So, how can you be in that spot and be patient too?
Hank can say that he'll be patient - but, I don't believe him. However, I do believe him when he says "certain people in the organization" are on the hook this season - especially those in the last year of their contract.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:27 PM | Comments (3)
Baseball's Verison Of Gary Wallace & Wyatt Donnelly
Every time I hear a story about Brian Cashman buddying up with Theo Epstein, I have to confess, that, it puts a little tweak in my spine.
Yeah, I get it. They're professionals. They're in a select circle. There's only 30 of them in the world. They need to be able to communicate. And, in a sense, they're a band of brothers. So, they should be able to socialize and enjoy each other's company. Fine.
But, Cashman just seems to be "too-buddy-buddy" with Epstein, and vice-versa. I almost want to yell "Get a room!" at them or something.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:01 PM | Comments (0)
Move Over Dave Nilsson
From the Canberra Times (with a Hat Tip to BaseballThinkFactory.org):
The latest Canberra teenager bound for the big US baseball leagues is expected to sign a seven-year deal with the New York Yankees today.
Kyle Perkins, 16, joins the world's most renowned baseball club after being spotted by a Yankees scout during last year's under-18 national championship in Western Australia.
The 16-year-old Daramalan College student was told a fortnight ago to expect an offer from the baseballing powerhouse. And today it arrives.
Perkins, who is in Year 11, will join the club roster as a catcher in 2010 after he has finished school.
Until then he is expected to follow a rigorous training regime and a strict diet and put in a lot of hard work.
Perkins has been recruited by the Yankees along with Victorian teenager Nathan Aron.
A seven-year deal? Me thinks something got lost in translation here. Either that, or, I think a dingo ate some Yankees scout's brain.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:31 PM | Comments (1)
How Much Will Hughes Provide Yanks In '08?
Last season, Phil Hughes, the favorite blogger of many Yankees fans, made 21 starts and threw 110 inings. (This includes his combined time in the minors.)
In 2006, combined, Hughes made 26 starts and threw 146 innings.
Based on the last two years, what's a reasonable expectation to have for Phil in 2008, in terms of starts and innings? Would it be a reach to say he can make 30 starts for the Yankees in 2008 and throw 165 innings?
As Archie Bunker once said to Barney Hefner, about a hypothetical situation involving Hefner's dog, Rusty: "You could be happy with that, right, Barney?"
Posted by WW Staff at 12:48 PM | Comments (5)
Yankees, Post-2001, So, What Do You Think?
Recently, elsewhere, I made the following statement:
Since 2002, the Yanks have won a lot of games each year - and, that’s great. But, the way Brian Cashman has built his teams is the following:
Spend ~$200 million on great offensive players and pitchers that are either over-hyped or past their prime. And, during the regular season, when those mega-batters are matched-up against the bad pitching teams in the AL, it covers for the weak Yankees pitching and then New York starts to pile up win totals.
But, come the post-season, when you face teams with good pitching, or you face a team in a format where they can use their best pitchers and hide their duds, your great hitters get shut down and then your weak pitchers get exposed, and you lose the series.
If the Yankees are going to return to the ring teams like the ’70’s and the ’90’s, they’re going to need to have great pitching to go with their hitting - and great pitching that can shut down another team in the post-season. Until that happens, it’s going to be just like the ’80’s and the post-2001 Yankees...lots of seasons where your hitters carry you to 90+ wins, but, teams that get bounced in the post-season.
To anyone who has been reading this blog over the last couple of years, or longer, to hear a statement like this from me should not come as a shock.
But, I thought, today, on a slow-baseball-news sort of day, it may be fun to review this concept of mine, again, and ask Yankees fans (reading this) the following questions:
1. Do you agree with this conclusion from me? And,
2. If you think it's not correct, why?
Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share thoughts on this in the comments section below.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:20 PM | Comments (15)
Savant: Runs Scored Lead To Big Season For Yanks
In the spirit of being fair and presenting different views on a topic, it’s recommended here that you check out the Baseball Savant’s feature “YANKEES FINISHING 3RD? DON'T COUNT ON IT!" from last Tuesday. It’s an interesting read.
Posted by WW Staff at 10:43 AM | Comments (1)
Set Your Santana Countdown Clocks To 500 Hours
Eric Hz shares (from reports) that the Twins want to move Johan Santana in the next 7 to 21 days.
Still, Sid Hartman does not see the Yankees meeting Johan's demands:
The Mets and Yankees have made it clear they will not meet the demands of Johan Santana's agents and sign the Twins' star lefthander to a seven-year contract calling for upwards of $140 million if they acquired Santana in a trade.
George Steinbrenner's son, Hank, who currently has the final say in Yankees matters, told me the other day they would not give any pitcher a contract for that many years.
Expect to see more "Cat and Mouse" stuff going on between Yankeeland and Minny over the next week (or so) than you would see if the YES Network decided to replace all their scheduled airings of The White Shadow with episodes of Itchy & Scratchy.
Posted by WW Staff at 09:34 AM | Comments (1)
January 24, 2008
Four Horses Key To Reaching Fall Classic?
I thought this was an interesting list:
Year Number Yankees Pitchers With 25+ Games Started 1999 5 Hernandez / Irabu / Cone / Pettitte / Clemens 2006 4 Wang / Johnson / Mussina / Wright 2003 4 Pettitte / Clemens / Wells / Mussina 2000 4 Clemens / Pettitte / Cone / Hernandez 1998 4 Pettitte / Cone / Wells / Irabu 2007 3 Pettitte / Wang / Mussina 2004 3 Vazquez / Lieber / Mussina 2002 3 Mussina / Wells / Clemens 2001 3 Mussina / Clemens / Pettitte 2005 2 Johnson / Mussina
You expect to see 1998-2000 and 2003 at the top of this list. And, you expect to see 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2007 on the bottom half. But, how did 2006 sneak up there with 1998, 2000, and 2003?
The answer is Randy Johnson. The Big Unit was terrible in 2006 (5.00 ERA and -15 RSAA) - but, he kept going out there for a regular turn. (Jaret Wright was actually much better than Johnson in '06 - with an ERA of 4.49 and -2 RSAA.) So, really, 2006 (in terms of their placement on this list) is a freak...thanks to Randy.
Therefore, if you discount 2006, there's a case to be made, based on this list order, that, when the Yankees manage to get 25+ starts out of 4 pitchers or more, since 1998, they've been a World Series club.
Another feather in the cap of rotation stability?
One would hope that Pettitte, Wang, Hughes and Mussina - and perhaps Kennedy too - could all make 25+ starts each, this season. It's not a huge reach. But, if only three of them manage at least 25 starts this year, it could mean bad news in the Bronx (again) come October.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:47 PM | Comments (5)
Cano To Ink Four Year Pact?
Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the "Yanks [are] nearing [a] four-year deal with [Robinson] Cano."
Four-years @ $30 million.
That's going to buy a lot of Mickey-Dees and Red Bull.
Posted by WW Staff at 03:09 PM | Comments (7)
Private Brian
There are rumors coming out of the Bronx that Yankees G.M. Brian Cashman was quoted today as saying:
"This is my Kei Igawa. There are many like it; but, this one is mine."
We’re still attempting to verify this report.
Posted by WW Staff at 01:41 PM | Comments (7)
$218.3 million
Just think, that money could have bought 2,528,571,428 marbles. Seriously, wouldn't that have been more fun? You can do a lot of damage with 2.5 billion marbles.
Posted by WW Staff at 12:29 PM | Comments (5)
Ten Innings Pitched Pays Off For Chase
Via the Sun Journal
Now would not be a good time to warn me of the impending recession, complain about the cost of fuel within a half-mile radius of my ears, or ask me how much I'm being paid to write this.
That's because I just watched a dozen grown men and women, most of whom presumably own cars and aren't living rent-free in their parents' basement, pay $300 for a steak dinner and the privilege of peeling apart a golden wrapper to reveal six baseball cards.
The gathering was a nationwide gimmick to promote the Upper Deck trading card company's Exquisite Rookie Signatures Baseball set.
Thirty nostalgia and collectibles stores across the country were given the opportunity to peddle the autographed, limited-edition cards to their customers. For a price.
"They're gamblers," store manager Dan Cunliffe II said of his dinner party. "When we found out we were chosen, we made a list of 14 of our most loyal customers. Twelve of them signed up."
Get lucky, and you could end up with Daisuke Matsuzaka or Phil Hughes' name personally scrawled across the glossy cardboard, or even something as rare and non-sports related as a dual autograph card of Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev or Queen Elizabeth I and King George I.
So who spends $300 on a pack of baseball cards, anyway? Oh, merely your friends and neighbors.
"Somebody that likes to gamble," said Bouchard, who confessed that buying sports stock on speculation has been a lifelong habit. "I love collecting cards and selling cards. I started coming to this store back in 1987, so I was 12 years old. I used to get my allowance and spend all my money on packs of cards."
But the agony and ecstasy of being a sports memorabilia collector is that it's a poker game that lasts potentially for 20 years. Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens have taught us that even a player on the cusp of retirement has ample time to inflate his body and potentially deflate his card value.
Hughes and Chase Wright's cards drew hurrahs from their new owners and good-natured Yankees-flavored harassment from the peanut gallery. Rocky Cherry's picture and name merely evoked snickers.
"Sounds like an ice cream or something," said collector Duane Bonney.
Chase Wright made Upper Deck's Exquisite Rookie Signatures Baseball set? Man, that just doesn't seem "wright."
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 07:06 AM | Comments (3)
January 23, 2008
Kyle Lohse
Kyle Lohse will only be 29-years old this season. He's usually good for 30 starts and around 190 inning pitched. Sure, with that, he's going to allow batters to hit .280 against him. And, as a Free Agent, he's probably going to want a four-year deal, and will not come cheap. But, I keep thinking back to those "pretty sure" starts and innings, and have to wonder if the Yankees should look into picking him up (off the market) this winter? Don't get me wrong, I would only sign him if you also secured full rights to trade him - because you probably don't want him around for the full four years. It's just that I can't shake the feeling that someone who can give the Yankees 30 starts and near 200 IP, albeit less than stellar innings, could come in handy this season.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:21 PM | Comments (22)
Replay Of Me On On Gotham Baseball
To hear a replay of Mike Silva's interview of me, that aired tonight on Gotham Baseball Live, click here.
The interview (with me) starts 50 minutes and 20 seconds into the clip (found on BlogTalkRadio via the link).
Speaking of Gotham Sports Media, they announced today that they have added “Live from Mickey Mantle’s,” a weekly show that will cover New York sports, to its lineup of radio shows.
Starting with its debut broadcast, February 1st at 6:00 pm ET, the two-hour show, which will broadcast from Mickey Mantle's Restaurant (at 42 Central Park South in New York City), aims to feature guests from throughout New York sports. The broadcast will be hosted by Mark Healey and Mike Silva.
Check it out, next week.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:24 PM | Comments (0)
Beware The Emerald City?
Via Paul White's ORGANIZATIONAL REPORT on the Yankees in Sports Weekly:
Two years ago, when New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman signed a three-year contract, he said, "We have three years to try to deliver a championship and try to rebuild the system."
With a year left, Cashman can claim to have succeeded on one count, but it's not the one that seemed more likely back then.
They're still the Yankees — as Cashman says, "still the Steinbrenner Yankees" — with the offense that scored 76 more runs than any other team in the major leagues in 2007. They have the game's best player in third baseman Alex Rodriguez and arguably its best leader in team captain and shortstop Derek Jeter.
They have been in the playoffs 13 consecutive seasons, but is the streak in jeopardy? Possibly, with the Boston Red Sox having ended the Yankees' run of nine division titles in a row on the way to a second World Series win in four years and an improved Detroit Tigers team combining with the Cleveland Indians for a potent 1-2 punch in the AL Central.
Those three teams will likely make winning the AL East or repeating as the wild-card team more difficult for the Yankees.
It's an interesting thought: That the teams who Yankees might have to worry about this season are the Indians and Mariners (in a fight for the Wildcard). This assumes that the Red Sox, Tigers and Angels will be as good as people say they will be in 2008.
So, what do you say Yankees fans, are the M's and Tribe no match for New York? Or, does Seattle have a leg up on this since they get to play the A's and the Rangers 38 times this season?
Posted by WW Staff at 03:19 PM | Comments (7)
Howard: Enough With Boston
Via Johnette Howard -
Well, there they go again in Boston. How do I say this nicely? What a bunch of freaking nut jobs. Try the decaf tea, will you? Even if they are three hours away from New York City, you could hear all their shrieking yesterday from here: What if Tom Brady can't play against the Giants in the Super Bowl? What if the Patriots end up 18 and Oh No? First there was the Bloody Sock. And now this: The Boot.
This is just another example of why Boston must be stopped.
Now before you have an aneurysm or mail me some rant saying I belong to some secret sleeper cell of Giants fans, let me qualify this by saying I'm not even from New York - I'm from Pittsburgh, I'm a live-and-let-live kinda girl. Even an emotionally uninvested observer like me has had enough of all of 'em - those our-stuff-doesn't-stink Patriots, those smack-talking, crown-our-butts Celtics, who haven't even won anything yet. And don't even get me started on all those infernal "Look at us! Look at us!" Red Sox groupies.
They conveniently forget how Red Sox Nation had grown into the most simpering, neuroses-ridden group of fans anyone had seen until their boys in knickers passed around that pregame bottle of Jack Daniels, then cowboyed up to finish off the Yankees in the 2004 ALCS after falling behind three games to none.
(Fast joke: How could you tell a long-suffering Cubs fan from a long-suffering Boston fan? A: The Cubs fans are the ones with a sense of humor.) So enough with Boston's teams. The whole stinking lot of them.
Attagirl.
Posted by WW Staff at 03:12 PM | Comments (2)
Mets In The Lead For Santana?
From Jon Heyman -
Once written off as an extreme long shot in the long-running Johan Santana drama, the Mets may actually be the favorite now. At the very least, there are indications now that they are engaging in more regular dialogue with the Twins in recent days than either the Red Sox or Yankees. And Mets general manager Omar Minaya, who loves a big deal but hasn't made one since the winter before last, has told some people in the business, "We have a shot.''
Well, if true, at the least, he won't be in Boston. So, it could be worse news for Yankees fans.
Posted by WW Staff at 12:53 PM | Comments (4)
January 22, 2008
On Gotham Baseball Live - Wed., 1/23/08
As mentioned yesterday, I did a recorded interview with Mike Silva for Gotham Baseball Live. The show will be airing tomorrow at 7 pm ET. For more on how to listen to it, when it broadcasts, click here. The segment with me should be coming on around the 7:30 pm mark.
If you're curious as to what my voice sounds like, or what a motor-mouth I can be, when talking Yankees baseball, check it out.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:58 PM | Comments (0)
Mattingly Leaves Torre's Field Staff
From MLB.com -
Don Mattingly, named by the Dodgers as hitting coach two months ago and the presumed eventual replacement for new manager Joe Torre, stepped aside on Tuesday for family reasons and was replaced by Triple-A hitting coach Mike Easler.
Mattingly will remain in the organization as a special assignment coach, but requested the change so he could spend more time at home in Evansville, Ind. He also requested that further details of his situation not be released.
When Mattingly left the Yankees, after 1995, there was some talk about him, perhaps, going on to play for the Cardinals - but, Donnie elected to stay home. At that time, it was rumored that Mattingly wanted to be closer to home for family matters.
A friend with some access to the Yankees scene, back then, told me that the story they heard was that Don's wife, Kim, needed some support from him at that time. But, again, that's all hearsay.
Mattingly's boys are now 16, 20, and 22. And, for sure, the 16-year old is still at home. (The 22-year old could be there too.) With boys that age, under your roof, it could almost be anything that brought cause for Donnie to step down.
For the sake of his family, and their well-being, I hope it all works out quickly and well.
This would have been some spot, if the Yankees had hired Mattingly to replace Torre (and not Girardi). Imagine trying to find a new manager just three weeks before pitchers and catchers report?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:40 PM | Comments (0)
Cano Vs. Upton
Eric SanInocencio and EJ Fagan battle it out, over Robinson Cano versus BJ Upton. Check it out at Rays Anatomy.
As a 22-year old, last year, Upton had 29 RCAA and an OWP of .667 (in 548 PA). As a 22-year old, in 2005, Cano had -5 RCAA and an OWP of .471 (in 551 PA).
Clearly, Upton wins the battle of the 22-year olds here.
In fact, during 2006 and 2007, Cano failed to beat the RCAA and OWP marks that Upton posted this season. While I still want to see a couple of more seasons under Upton's belt, he's already shown that he can post a better offensive season than Cano.
Robinson needs to learn to walk more to catch up with what Upton has shown this past season.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:21 PM | Comments (6)
Yanks Vs. Red Sox - Last 12 Seasons
Runs Created Above Average (RCAA) is the difference between a team's runs created total and the total for an average team who used the same amount of outs. (A negative RCAA indicates a below average team in this category.) Runs Saved Against Average (RSAA) is the amount of runs that a team’s pitchers saved versus what an average team would have allowed. It is similar to the statistic Pitching Runs detailed in Total Baseball - except (1) both have different ways of park adjustments and (2) Total Baseball added a procedure to take into account the amount of decisions the pitcher had while RSAA does not. (A negative RSAA indicates a below average team in this category.)
Using the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia, we’re able to see the RCAA and RSAA totals for the Yankees and Red Sox over the last 12 seasons. Note the charts below:
RCAA RCAA Red Sox -5 1996 -4 Yankees Red Sox 97 1997 134 Yankees Red Sox 54 1998 168 Yankees Red Sox 2 1999 170 Yankees Red Sox -56 2000 7 Yankees Red Sox 2 2001 20 Yankees Red Sox 106 2002 143 Yankees Red Sox 187 2003 142 Yankees Red Sox 119 2004 112 Yankees Red Sox 147 2005 138 Yankees Red Sox 25 2006 185 Yankees Red Sox 61 2007 161 Yankees RSAA RSAA Red Sox 53 1996 60 Yankees Red Sox -45 1997 78 Yankees Red Sox 90 1998 102 Yankees Red Sox 166 1999 40 Yankees Red Sox 115 2000 54 Yankees Red Sox 56 2001 71 Yankees Red Sox 103 2002 76 Yankees Red Sox 42 2003 50 Yankees Red Sox 118 2004 -41 Yankees Red Sox -54 2005 -11 Yankees Red Sox -28 2006 -14 Yankees Red Sox 163 2007 30 Yankees
Edge Offense Pitching 1996 Even Even 1997 Yanks Yanks 1998 Yanks Even 1999 Yanks Sox 2000 Yanks Sox 2001 Even Even 2002 Yanks Sox 2003 Sox Even 2004 Even Sox 2005 Even Yanks 2006 Yanks Even 2007 Yanks Sox
It’s interesting that the Yankees have had a better offense than the Red Sox in 7 of 10 seasons – whereas the Red Sox have had a better pitching staff than the Yankees in 5 of 10 seasons. I’m saying ten seasons, and not twelve, here because twice (in 1996 and 2001) the two teams were pretty much even in terms of hitting and pitching – according to RCAA and RSAA.
Looking at the past four seasons is interesting as well. In the two seasons where the Red Sox just blew the Yankees away, in terms of having much better pitching (2004 and 2007), Boston went on to win World Series rings.
Check out the 2000 season. If the Red Sox would have had any offense that year, they just may have beaten the Yankees that season too. And, it’s a good thing the Yankees offense was so high-powered in 1999 – or else maybe the Red Sox could have pulled out that season too, with their pitching. (Thank you Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams for your 1999 seasons in New York!)
Lastly, what happened to Boston in 1996? They had the same offense and pitching, just about, as New York that season. Yet, the Red Sox finished 7 games back of the Yankees that year. That season, 1996, was Roger Clemens last year in Boston. Clemens was very good that year – with 46 RSAA. But, he went 10-13 on the season. It was just not a good year for the Red Sox in 1996.
It will be interesting to look back, after the 2008 season, to compare these two teams again, in terms of their pitching and hitting, and see how that impacted the standings (or not).
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 06:07 PM | Comments (9)
S.I.'s Verducci: Durable Rotation Has Edge
Tom Verducci's feature today, entitled "Starting point: Stability" is a recommended read today. A highlight:
Here the difference in rotation stability is even more apparent. Over the past four seasons the Yankees have handed the ball to second-tier starting pitchers 60 more times than did Boston. The Red Sox have done a better job identifying reliable starting pitchers and, by a combination of luck and design, keeping them healthy.
O.K., so what? How important is that? The Yankees were 23-18 in those 41 second-tier starts last season. And every team needs depth, right? After all, the average team uses 10 starting pitchers per year. But each of the past six world champions have been below that average, while the Yankees have been worse than average every year since their last World Series appearance, in 2003, when they needed only nine. (Since then New York has used 12, 14, 12 and 14 starters. It's the equivalent of a golfer having to scramble often to save par; it can be done, but with a higher degree of difficulty.)
Something to consider, for sure.
Posted by WW Staff at 04:58 PM | Comments (0)
Different Demands On Same Software
From Business Wire:
Ultimate Software (Nasdaq:ULTI), a leading provider of end-to-end strategic human resources, payroll, and talent management solutions, today announced it has received ISO/IEC 27001 certification.
Ultimate Software customers represent diverse industries and include such organizations as The Container Store, Elizabeth Arden, The Florida Marlins Baseball Team, The New York Yankees Baseball Team, Nintendo of America, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and SkyWest Airlines.
So, the company that provides end-to-end strategic human resources, payroll, and talent management solutions to the Yankees does the same for the Florida Marlins.
Funny, it seems like one would be able to keep track of the Marlins payroll on the back of an Eskimo Pie wrapper.
Posted by WW Staff at 12:42 PM | Comments (7)
January 21, 2008
Pinto: Yanks '08 Offense Looks Fine
David Pinto, at Baseball Musings, thinks the Yankees should score 900 runs again this season.
If this happens, it will be the third year in a row where the Yankees scored 900+ runs.
Since 1990, three seasons in a row of 900+ runs is a rare feat. Here are the teams to reach that mark:
1934-1937 Tigers*
1930-1933 Yankees*
1936-1939 Yankees*
1999-2001 Rockies
2003-2005 Red Sox
(* did it for 4 years in a row)
Playing around with the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia, shows us that those 1930-1933 Yankees may just have been the best offensive unit in baseball history:
SEASON, MODERN (1900-), Leaders Runs/Team vs. League Average
RCAA displayed only--not a sorting criteria
RUNS YEAR DIFF PLAYER LEAGUE RCAA 1 Yankees 1931 267 1010 743 298 2 Red Sox 1950 249 979 730 93 3 Dodgers 1953 232 921 689 220 4 Yankees 1930 230 995 765 344 5 Yankees 1927 228 930 702 338 6 Reds 1976 222 840 618 273 7 Rockies 1996 205 933 728 -75 8 A's 1913 204 758 554 192 9 Yankees 1932 201 947 746 279 10 Yankees 1933 198 892 694 253
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:15 PM | Comments (3)
Media Bloggers Share Opinion On Yanks Hurlers
Two days ago, in an entry entitled "Yanks Taking Big Gamble With Pitching This Year?," I wrote:
Basically, this report tells us that the Yankees are fine offensively this season. The big areas of concern for New York are Mussina and the kids in the rotation - and the bullpen in front of Mariano Rivera.
Last time I checked, 60% of your starting rotation and 85% of your bullpen are not areas where you want to have a lot of uncertainty if you want to be a contending team.
Being curious as to how some others felt about this, I reached out to seven members of the baseball media, who also have blogs, and asked them the following question:
In your opinion, at this moment, how would you classify and/or describe the state of the Yankees pitching staff for the 2008 season?
To date, here's what those who got back to me had to say:
Tyler Kepner, from the Times, and the blog "Bats" -
I think the Yankees have serious pitching questions for 2008. The upside of Hughes, Chamberlain and Kennedy is huge, but they have such limited experience at the major league level that it's asking a lot for them all to succeed immediately. The bullpen looks shaky to me, especially if Chamberlain starts, because Farnsworth is your eighth-inning guy and Mo will usually pitch only the ninth. Wang and Pettitte are dependable, and Mussina will find a way to at least give them a .500 record at worst. The best thing they have going for them is the depth of their young pitching -- the number of high-ceiling, live arms is staggering. If they can find 2 or 3 gems among Ohlendorf, Veras, Sanchez, Horne, McCutchen, Melancon, etc., they'll be fine. But it's hard to count on that, just like it's hard to count on Hughes, Chamberlain and Kennedy all hitting it big right away. Also, I do not think they should trade for Santana, because Hughes is too valuable and Melky's defense cannot be replaced internally. Their best bet -- for the long-term, which should be most important -- is to go with what they have and nurture those young pitchers as best they can.
Kat O'Brien, from Newsday, and the blog "On The Yankees Beat" -
I would describe the Yankees' starting rotation as solid at the front, but not spectacular; and talented at the back end, but a question mark due to inexperience. I would say the bullpen is a bigger question mark than the rotation, particularly if Joba Chamberlain does spend the season in the rotation. Aside from Mariano Rivera, I think the entire bullpen is very iffy, though I believe the LaTroy Hawkins addition is a good one. Most of the relievers are unproven. Should the Yankees acquire Johan Santana, I think they would have much more reason to be confident that their pitching staff is good enough to carry them deep into the playoffs.
Lisa Kennelly, from the Star-Ledger, and the blog "Ledger on Yankees" -
In my opinion, the Yankees pitching staff has both plenty of promise and plenty of question marks. About the only reliable guy is Chien-Ming Wang (19.06 ERA in last season's playoffs notwithstanding). Ok, and probably Andy Pettitte (though he's going to be 36 this year and who knows if the Mitchell Report fallout will have an effect on him?).
But the biggest question is with the three young guys, Chamberlain, Kennedy, and Hughes. The ceiling is so high for all of them, but it's easy to forget how young they are. The biggest question, for me, is how they'll hold up over a long season. Inning limits will be an issue. Facing major league hitters regularly will be another.
I do think Hughes will be successful, judging from how he looked at the end of the season once he got his strength back after his injuries. Kennedy and Chamberlain (if he is not in the bullpen) are harder to say.
And Mussina, after what we all saw last season, doesn't look like he's going to add much to the pitching staff.
Sweeny Murti, from WFAN, and the blog "Sweeny Blog" -
The Yankees are hoping their young studs mature quickly, and while that's entirely possible it is much more likely that there will be some growing pains along the way, talking specifically here about Hughes, Chamberlain, and Kennedy. Getting double-digit wins from all 3 would be a great step forward, but unfortunately too many fans believe they can all win 15-20 apiece this year...that's asking too much right now. They haven't even started 20 games in the big leagues between them, so you can't ramp up the maturation process too much. It doesn't mean these kids won't be good, but it makes it hard to think they can lead a staff to the World Series. Especially when none of the 3 will be allowed to approach 200 innings.
That said, Wang and Pettitte will be counted on heavily again, and each is entirely capable of winning 15-20 games each. Mussina pitched better than most people think last year...a few good starts with nothing to show for it in June to even out the 3 horrible starts in a row late in the year.
The bullpen has some questions. Kyle Farnsworth is still being counted on to pitch the 8th inning and has been unreliable for the last two years. Joe Girardi is a strong believer and may be able to bring something out of him, but Farnsworth has been a physical question mark because of the sporadic back troubles. LaTroy Hawkins has a decent track record, we'll see how he adjusts to New York and the AL East. There a number of good arms that will come to spring training to try and win some other spots. For that reason, spring training will be a lot more interesting than it has been in recent years when the available open jobs were few. Let's see how it shakes out. At this stage, because of the youth in the rotation they are not as good as the Red Sox.
Notice, in everyone's feedback, the words "question" or "questions" or "question mark" come up - when referring to the state of the Yankees pitching staff for the 2008 season.
Sure sounds like a consensus here, huh?
This is why I suspect we could be seeing an end to that run of 1st or 2nd place finishes for the Yankees (since 1993).
Thirty-one years ago, Earl Weaver, perhaps one of baseball's best managers ever, was quoted as saying: "Nobody likes to hear it, because it's dull. But, the reason you win or lose is darn near the same thing......pitching."
Earl was right. And, nothing has changed since that time. If the answers to all those "questions" on the 2008 Yankees pitching staff turn out to be unfavorable for New York, it's going to be a long "last" season in the "current" Yankee Stadium.
My thanks to Tyler, Kat, Lisa and Sweeny for their feedback on this survey. If I hear back from any other Yankees media bloggers (that I reached out to), I'll add their comments to this once their feedback comes in.
Update: This just in from Mark Feinsand of the Daily News and the blog "Blogging The Bombers" -
I think the Yankees pitching staff is in better shape than most people believe. With Wang and Pettitte at the top of the rotation, they can compete with any other 1-2 in the league during the course of the 162-game season. The only question would be in October, and I think Wang's terrible postseason was the exception, not the rule. If Hughes, Kennedy and Chamberlain are as good as advertised. If they are, I'd move Joba back to the bullpen and go with Wang-Pettitte-Hughes-Mussina-Kennedy in the rotation. Aside from Rivera, you've got a hodge-podge in the bullpen of Hawkins, Farnsworth, Ohlendorf, Veras, etc, which is the biggest question mark. As we've learned over the years, the staff we see in February won't be the one we see down the stretch.
Thanks Mark!
Update: This just in from Pete Caldera of the The Record and the blog "Pinstripe Posts" -
I'd say it is incomplete. It's hard now to imagine Kennedy as a major figure in the rotation, though it's difficult to know what to expect from Mussina. The mysterious "innings ceiling'' on Chamberlain and Hughes could be a big X-Factor all season; who's to say that Joba won't return to that setup role by the All-Star break if this less-than-stellar looking relief crew fails to get it to Rivera? At this point, they're requiring Pettitte and Wang to have huge seasons, and for Farnsworth to suddenly become reliable. And that might be asking a lot.
Thanks Pete!
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:14 PM | Comments (12)
Gotham Baseball Live
This evening, I did a recorded interview with Mike Silva for Gotham Sports Media.
It should be airing later this week. (I'll provide a link to it once it's available.) We talked about my book, the state of the Yankees pitching this season, A-Rod, good ol' Hank and the new Yankee Stadium. It was fun.
In the meantime, I suggest checking out some of the other interviews that Mike has done in the past. Click here to access them via BlogTalkRadio. There's some good stuff there.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 07:36 PM | Comments (0)
2008 Yankees Schedule
The Yankees schedule this season, in terms of home games, is a bit funky.
In March/April, the Yankees only play 11 home games - compared to 18 on the road. And, in those 18 road games, they have to go to Boston, Chicago, and Cleveland (among other stops). New York better be more ready to play well, out of the gate, this season - compared to last year.
In May, the Yankees have 16 home games - compared to 12 on the road. But, in those 16 home games, they get to play the Mariners, Indians, and Mets (among other teams). Those teams will be up for their trips to the Bronx.
In June, the Yankees have 14 home games - compared to 14 on the road. This month is a mixed bag for the Yanks - as they get to play the A's, Royals, Pirates and Houston in some games - but, they also have to play the Padres, Mets, Blue Jays and Twins in some others. June could be a key month for the Yankees this season.
In July, the Yankees have 18 home games - compared to just six on the road. When you throw in the fact that the All-Star Game is at the Stadium this year, the Yankees will barely be out of the Bronx in July. Let's hope they like home-cooking. Plus, after July, it seems like the Yankees will barely be in New York this year.
In August, the Yankees have 12 home games - compared to 16 on the road. And, one of their road trips is a 10-game journey going from Texas to Oakland to Minnesota. In fact, in this month, the Yankees play the Angels six times, the Red Sox three times, and the Blue Jays six times. August is going to be the dog days for the Yanks this year, indeed.
In September, the Yankees have just 10 home games - compared to 15 games on the road. And, all those 10 home games come in a row, from September 12th through September 21st. The Yankees start this month with a road trip that's a 9-game journey from Tampa Bay to Seattle to Los Angeles. And, the Yankees close this month with three games in Toronto followed by three games in Boston. September, schedule-wise, looks even worse for New York than August.
So, in summary, the Yankees have a somewhat tough road in the first two months of the season, followed by two months that should be kind to them, and, then, they close the season with two months that appear to be all uphill.
The best bet for the Yankees this season: Be ready to play strong out of the chute during April and May, make hay in June and July, and try and survive August and September.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:47 AM | Comments (4)
Xavier Avery
Via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution -
A professional baseball career continues to be a distinct possibility for Georgia-bound running back Xavier Avery of Cedar Grove.
Avery’s official visit to Georgia this weekend was cut short after he departed Athens late Saturday to be in Suwanee on Sunday for an invitation-only event at Chipper Jones’ 10th Inning Baseball Academy.
“Xavier had a good visit,” Avery’s father, Theophilus Griffin Jr. said Sunday evening. “We went to Athens on Friday and I dropped him off at [Georgia coach] Mark Richt’s house. They were having a meeting [with the recruits visiting Georgia].
“Then they went to the Arkansas basketball game on Saturday.”
Pro baseball aside, Avery may not be a lock to sign with Georgia on Feb. 6. Schools such as Oklahoma and Stanford continue to court Avery.
“[Oklahoma coach] Bob Stoops was at Xavier’s school on Friday to see his teammate, Josh Jarboe [who has committed to the Sooners],” Griffin said. “Stoops was putting some pressure on [Xavier] on Friday.
“And Stanford has indicated he could start much quicker for them because they don’t have much speed in the secondary.”
But Avery, who is scheduled to play football and baseball at Georgia if he signs with the Dogs next month, may have put on a set of shoulder pads and football helmet for the final time.
Griffin hinted that his son will be a lock to turn pro if he is a first or early second round pick in June’s major league baseball draft.
“And I kind of get the feeling that baseball is going to draft him high,” Griffin said. “Scouts from the Phillies, Padres, Pirates, Dodgers, Yankees and Royals have all come to our house.”
I'm starting to get some bad Billy Cannon Jr. flashbacks.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:38 AM | Comments (0)
Sad News From Delaware County
This story really has nothing to do with baseball, and it only has a weak connection to the Yankees, in terms of the story-line. But, since it did catch my attention today, I thought I would comment on it:
From the Philadelphia Inquirer:
A sickly 84-year-old Delaware County man, apparently unable or unwilling to imagine his blind daughter going on without him, killed her and their dog before turning the gun on himself Saturday night, Upper Darby Police said yesterday.
Robert Killian of Drexel Hill was so protective of his 53-year-old daughter, Barbara Killian, that he did not like neighbors helping him to care for her, a neighbor said. And he had no other relatives to turn to, police said.
A neighbor who cooked meals for Barbara Killian while her father was hospitalized called police Saturday night. Police arrived around 6 p.m. and climbed in through a second-story bathroom window, Chitwood said.
In the basement they found a scene that Chitwood, a veteran Philadelphia police officer, called "as tragic as any of them."
Lying face-down on the floor was Barbara Killian, dead from a gunshot wound to her head. Slumped on top of her was Robert Killian, who apparently shot himself in the head with his .38-caliber revolver. Between them was their white Maltese named A-Rod, also shot.
Chitwood said investigators can only conclude by neighbors' accounts and what they found at the scene that Robert Killian thought he was going to die and didn't think there was anyone - or didn't trust anyone - to protect his daughter. There was no note.
Barbara Killian, a baseball fan, named the dog after New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez, whom she became friends with through an organization for the blind, Callaghan said.
When I hear stories like this, it provides clear and perfect definition of the word "tragic." That's a word that sometimes gets thrown around a bit in the world of sports. But, when you come across something like this, it's a quick reminder that's a misplaced application, indeed.
My condolences go out to anyone who was close to the Killian family.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:10 AM | Comments (1)
January 20, 2008
Yankees Bullpens 2001-2007
With help from the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia, and using Runs Saved Above Average (RSAA) as a measuring stick, I decided to look at the Yankees bullpen, from 2001 through 2007, focusing on pitchers with 10+ games pitched, to see how the Yankees pen has compared (as a unit) to each other over this time period.
Click here to see the data that I collected.
In summary, here's how the Yankees bullpens compare:
Year IP RSAA 2001 446.6 55 2002 398.6 28 2003 346.6 21 2004 466.6 5 2005 412.6 11 2006 464.3 10 2007 488.3 25
As you can see, in 2001, the Yankees bullpen was a force. And, in 2002 and 2003, they were pretty good as well. Then, in 2004, their pen bottomed out. The next two years, 2005 and 2006, were not all that much better than 2004.
The last year, 2007, looks like a rebound season. But, that's due to one man's stats: Joba Chamberlain. Without the stats from Joba - and what stats they were! - the Yankees bullpen, as a unit, in 2007 was pretty close to what it was in 2005 and 2006.
And, let's face it, Chamberlain's relief work in 2007 was a gift from the baseball gods, as far as the Yankees were concerned. No person in the Yankees front office, or fandom, for that matter, could have predicted that Joba would have reached the majors last year, and did as well as he did (working out of the pen).
So, there you have it, since 2004, the Yankees bullpen has not been a strong card in the Yankees hand. Will this year be any different?
I said it last week, and, I'll say it again: It's a shame that "build a bullpen magic" that New York had in the mid '90's couldn't carry over to the mid 2000's.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:49 PM | Comments (6)
January 19, 2008
How Many Times Has Jeter Helped The Yanks Reach October?
Fragile Freddy's blog notes the following on Derek Jeter:
Did he have an impact on a number of pennant races?
Ironically enough no he did not. Only twice in his career (2000, 2005) have the Yankees finished less than five games ahead of a playoff spot and only three other times have they been less than ten games ahead of a playoff spot (1996, 2003, 2007). Had the Yankees replaced Jeter with a decent shortstop (say Eckstein) they still would have likely made the playoffs in every year except 2000 and 2005.
Obviously he has had tremendous impact on a number of post-seasons however. This type of impact may prove to be more common for players on teams like the Yankees, Sox and Angels as the Wild Card era goes on.
This got me thinking. So, I took Dave Studeman's Historical Win Shares File and calculated Jeter's Win Shares Above Average (WSAA), from 1996 to 2007. Since a Win Share represents one-third of a team win, I then divided Jeter's WSAA by three - in an attempt to determine how many wins Jeter got the Yankees over an average shortstop. Then, I subtracted those Jeter wins from the amount of games the Yankees finished above the team they beat for the post-season. Here are the stats:
Year WS ExpWS WSAA [A] [A]/3 GA [B] [[A/3]-B] 1996 18 17 1 0.33 4.0 3.67 1997 19 19 0 0.00 12.0 12.00 1998 27 18 9 3.00 22.0 19.00 1999 35 18 17 5.67 4.0 -1.67 2000 23 17 6 2.00 2.5 0.50 2001 28 18 10 3.33 13.5 10.17 2002 24 19 5 1.67 10.5 8.83 2003 18 14 4 1.33 6.0 4.67 2004 26 18 8 2.67 3.0 0.33 2005 26 19 7 2.33 2.0 -0.33 2006 33 19 14 4.67 10.0 5.33 2007 24 18 6 2.00 6.0 4.00
Does this data suggest that Fragile Freddy is correct? I'm not sure. But, it appears that Jeter helped the Yankees reach the post-season in 2000 and 2005 - as Freddy suggests. However, it also appears that Jeter helped the Yankees reach the post-season in 1999 and 2004 too.
On the flip-side, if the logic applied is the correct way to look at all this, the data suggests that the Yankees would have reached the post-season during the seasons 1996-1998, 2001-2003, and 2006-2007 if they would have had an "average" shortstop playing in place of Derek Jeter.
But, here, I think you have to take into account the overall strength of the 1998 Yankees, and, how bad the 2006 Blue Jays and Red Sox were (those seasons). Jeter had strong seasons in 1998 and 2006 - and, it should not be his fault that the Yankees had an easy path to October those years.
In the end, I would offer that Jeter helped the Yankees reach the playoffs from 1998-2000 and 2004-2006. And, in 1996-1997, 2001-2003, and 2007, yes, perhaps, the Yankees would have reached October if they had an "average" shortstop in place of Derek Jeter.
Therefore, in total, six times Jeter helped the Yankees reach the post-season and six times he wasn't as much help. That's a little better picture than the one Fragile Freddy paints.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:49 PM | Comments (9)
Brad Wilkerson
MLBTradeRumors.com reports that the Yankees have an interest in Brad Wilkerson.
After his 2004 season, then just 27-years old, Wilkerson looked like a star in the making. On January 13, 2005, MLB and the MLBPA strengthened baseball's drug policy. In the three seasons following 2004, Wilkerson was never the same player (that he showed in '04). Draw your own conclusions.
And, by the way, check out Brad's home/away splits from 2007.
Why the Yankees have an interest in this guy is beyond me.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:32 PM | Comments (10)
Yanks Take Care Of Cancer Stricken Scout
Via the Tampa Tribune
Joe Caro, the New York Yankees scout and former high school coach, never believed he would utter such words to his male friends and old baseball buddies.
I love you.
But here's what he really can't fathom.
What took so long to state the obvious?
For nearly six months, Caro, 49, has been fighting a private war against throat cancer. And in the moments when radiation treatments practically knocked him out, when he couldn't speak or eat, when he barely could make sense of it all, he sometimes felt alone.
The friends he made during a lifetime in baseball - Yankees colleagues, fellow scouts, old teammates and his players from Tampa Catholic, Plant and Crystal River during a 12-season coaching career - have shown affection in ways that constantly amaze Caro.
"Five years from now, I hope I don't stop telling the people close to me how much I love them," he said. "I need to say it. It sounds ridiculous, but sometimes you get so busy. Sometimes, life gets in the way. Sometimes, you need to be reminded how lucky you are."
Caro hasn't worked since August.
"But the paychecks keep coming," he said. "The Yankees sent me a contract for 2008. They said, 'Here's what we'd like you to do. If you can't, we'll make adjustments.' How many jobs show that level of caring, that level of concern? I'm blessed."
Caro's goal is to work spring training. He's still using a feeding tube while re-learning how to swallow. Doctors are optimistic that the worst is over, but Caro still will undergo more rounds of chemotherapy in February.
Caro has simple wishes. To nurture his close relationships. To make a small difference each day. To once again eat rice and beans, chicken and a big, juicy steak. Another world championship for the Yankees would be cool, too.
Godspeed Coach Caro.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:19 PM | Comments (1)
A-Rod The Miami Mentor
Via the Miami Herald -
New York Yankees superstar Alex Rodriguez is used to being followed by fans.
But one college-age kid who followed Rodriguez around the University of Miami athletic facilities for days was not after an autograph.
Hurricanes first baseman Yonder Alonso, 20, wanted to completely emulate the reigning MVP in his workout regimen -- from the stationary bike and lifting weights to running 120-yard sprints, batting practice and fielding ground balls.
What started out as nothing more than a dream has led to a possible lasting friendship.
Alonso walked up to the star one morning in December as Rodriguez rode a stationary bike in the UM weight room.
''I told him whatever race he would do, I would beat him,'' Alonso said. ``He found that pretty funny, and after that [he] said all right, lets go run.''
For more than five weeks, Rodriguez and Alonso arrived at UM by 6 a.m. and would finish by noon. Sometimes they would have a light workout in the evening, practicing fielding, hitting and running.
''I'm very private about my workouts, and he's really the first kid in 10 years that has joined me like this,'' said Rodriguez, 32.
Alonso, who starred at Coral Gables High, had a stellar sophomore season last year. Baseball America has rated him as one of the top five collegiate players in the upcoming Major League Baseball draft.
But he wanted to improve and help UM capture the College World Series. Most of all, he wanted to learn from Rodriguez.
No truth to the rumor that Joslyn Morse has said to Alex: "You better hope this Alonso can play. Because, I'm sorry, but, I can't be with someone whose protégé is a hack."
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:45 PM | Comments (1)
Pettitte & Clemens Were Never Spooners?
Via Ken Davidoff -
Andy Pettitte is said by friends to be upset with Roger Clemens because of Clemens' aggressive defense to the charges leveled against him in the Mitchell Report. Most of all, Pettitte didn't care for Clemens' public airing of his taped phone call with accuser Brian McNamee, which accomplished little.
Among its many unexpected consequences, the Mitchell Report has magnified just how different Clemens and Pettitte are. And with the two men set to share a table at Capitol Hill's Rayburn Hall next month, it's as good a time as any to point out that this supposed mentor-protege's relationship has been overblown by the media -- with this space as guilty as anyone else.
"They were never as close as they were made out to be," a friend of both said on the condition of anonymity. "They just sort of went along with it in the media, because it was a good story."
Though Clemens and Pettitte enjoyed working out together, their relationship didn't extend much beyond that. Clemens is an extrovert, Pettitte an introvert. Clemens enjoyed going out after games on road trips; Pettitte almost always stayed in. Their families aren't particularly close, although both make the Houston area their full-time residences.
First A-Rod & Jeter, and, now, this? Doesn't anyone know what the last "F" in "BFF" is supposed to mean?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:33 PM | Comments (7)
SOTD: A Moose & Tim Allen Walked Into A Bar…
I was a bit surprised to see these stats:
[There have been] only 13 seasons where a pitcher has made 25+ starts for the Yankees, where they were age 39 or older. And, it never happened before 1980.
Kevin Brown almost made the list - he had 22 starts at age 39 for the Yankees in 2004.
David Wells, Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson and Kevin Brown were all under Brian Cashman's watch. Mike Mussina too. It's Brian's version of the American Association of (near) Retired Pitchers, I guess.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 04:49 PM | Comments (3)
Yanks Taking Big Gamble With Pitching This Year?
I've just prepared a quick-and-dirty Red/Yellow/Green Report for the 2008 Yankees - click on the thumbnail below to enlarge it - and I'm seeing a lot of yellow out there:
Basically, this report tells us that the Yankees are fine offensively this season. The big areas of concern for New York are Mussina and the kids in the rotation - and the bullpen in front of Mariano Rivera.
Last time I checked, 60% of your starting rotation and 85% of your bullpen are not areas where you want to have a lot of uncertainty if you want to be a contending team.
Of course, Mussina could rebound this season, and Hughes/Kennedy/Chamberlain can all have huge years, and the Yankees can find a bunch of sleepers out of the no-names in their bullpen mix - and then everything will be fine in the Bronx this season.
But, what are the odds of these things happening, truthfully? At best, it's probably 50-50.
Man, it really seems like Hank, Cashman, and the gang are rolling the dice with the Yankees pitching this season - unless they know something that I'm not seeing.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:39 AM | Comments (22)
January 18, 2008
Wilson Bay-Tah-Mee (Yeah, That's How It's Pronounced)
In terms of batting average, I believe that Wilson Betemit will be what he's always been: Meaning a .260 hitter. And, he's going to strikeout a lot - probably close to 25% of the time he bats.
And, most people, by now, know that Betemit, as a right-handed batter (facing left-handed pitching), is a poor option for a big league team.
However, as a left-handed batter (facing right-handed pitching), Betemit is not terrible. In fact, I would offer, that, if Betemit was given 600 PA against right-handed pitching alone (where he could always bat lefty) in a season, he might be capable of producing 20+ homeruns and 70+ RBI. (Make it 500 PA and those numbers would be near 20 HR and near 60 RBI.)
But, none of this is news. I have talked about his "splits" before here.
The more I think about Betemit playing first base for the Yankees this season, with Shelley Duncan filling in against as a right-handed batter (facing left-handed pitching), I can't help but wonder if we have a John Lowenstein & Gary Roenicke situation in the making here.
But, then, of course, what do you do with Jason Giambi (since Hideki Matsui is slated to DH, most of the time, this season)?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:28 PM | Comments (5)
Belth: “Inside Man: A Bronx Tale”
In case you’ve missed it, you might want to check out Alex Belth’s “Inside Man: A Bronx Tale” – it’s a four part series over at Bronx Banter.
The links to each part:
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Posted by WW Staff at 01:08 PM | Comments (2)
Brian Dorsett Update
Via The Tribune-Star:
Brian Dorsett has at least one thing in common with former Major League Baseball pitcher — and author — Jim Bouton.
No, the Terre Haute businessman and former major league catcher isn’t planning to write a tell-all book about the characters and the superstars he played with and against; those lockerroom confidences will remain just that.
But when Bouton concluded his book “Ball Four” by noting that after many years when he thought he was gripping a baseball, he discovered it was the other way around — well, Dorsett can relate to that.
“You can’t get away from the game,” Dorsett said this week, and his lifetime of baseball will be rewarded this evening when he’s inducted into the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame by the Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association.
Dorsett, a 1979 Terre Haute North graduate, is one of two former pros to enter the Hall, the other being South Bend Riley graduate Bob Rush. Rush pitched for the Cubs, Braves and White Sox during the 1950s.
“It’s a great honor,” Dorsett said this week. “So many people have played the game … and the fact that I was able to hit the ball, throw the ball and catch the ball for such a long time was a blessing. Being recognized means a lot.”
O.K., show of hands...how many Yankees fans remember Brian Dorsett?
Really? Are you sure you're not confusing him with Brian Dayett?
Posted by WW Staff at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
Abreu & Beyond
What if Bobby Abreu has an MVP-type season in 2008? By this, I mean, what if he plays 160 games and bats .330 with 25 homers, 120 RBI, and 120 walks?
Obviously, this would be great for the Yankees. But, what does New York then do with Abreu, after the season?
Do they factor in walk-year salary drive motivation, and his age, and just allow him to become a free agent after the season? Or, do they try and re-sign him to a four or five year deal – to keep him in the Bronx for the rest of his career?
It will be an interesting situation for the Yankees – if, indeed, Bobby Abreu has a monster season in 2008.
Personally, because of his age, I think you have to let him walk after this season. Abreu will be 35-years old in 2009. No matter how good a player is in 2008, I don’t want someone 35-years old starting the first year of long-term, huge money, contract for me in 2009 (if I’m the Yankees). No matter what Abreu does for New York this season, I hope that it’s his last year in the Bronx.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 07:01 AM | Comments (16)
January 17, 2008
Breaking In The New Digs
Thinking ahead...
Who should throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the first game in the New Yankee Stadium, next season (in 2009)?
Big Stein?
Yogi?
Rudy May?
If you could pick the one person, who would it be?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:33 PM | Comments (6)
Brian Cashman 2002
Brian Cashman became Yankees G.M. on February 28, 1998.
It's rare for someone to be a G.M. for tens years with one team these days. Ten years does provide for some "body of work" analysis. Therefore, I thought it would be fun, this off-season, to take a look back at Cashman's "moves" during the past decade - one year at a time. (I'll try and post one year, per week, over the next ten weeks.)
Here, we'll look at Cashman's moves in 2002 and how they helped or hurt the team:
No Impact:
January 8, 2002 - Signed Luis Sojo as a free agent.
January 28, 2002 - Signed Ron Coomer as a free agent.
February 4, 2002 - Signed Manny Alexander as a free agent.
March 15, 2002 - Signed Mike Thurman as a free agent.
April 2, 2002 - Signed Karim Garcia as a free agent.
April 8, 2002 - Signed Billy McMillon as a free agent. Signed Bill Pulsipher as a free agent.
June 6, 2002 - Signed Alex Arias as a free agent.
December 4, 2002 - Signed Chris Latham as a free agent.
Good Impact:
February 1, 2002 - Signed Chris Widger as a free agent.
June 4, 2002 - Drafted Brad Halsey in the 8th round of the 2002 amateur draft. Player signed July 1, 2002.
December 30, 2002 - Signed Roger Clemens as a free agent.
Great Impact:
December 19, 2002 - Signed Hideki Matsui as a free agent.
Bad Impact:
February 14, 2002 - Signed Ruben Rivera as a free agent.
July 5, 2002 - Traded Ted Lilly, John-Ford Griffin, and Jason Arnold to the Oakland Athletics. Received Jeff Weaver from the Detroit Tigers. In addition, the Oakland Athletics sent Carlos Pena and Franklyn German to the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Tigers sent cash to the Oakland Athletics. The Oakland Athletics later sent Jeremy Bonderman to the Detroit Tigers to complete the trade.
December 6, 2002 - Signed Robin Ventura as a free agent.
December 19, 2002 - Signed Todd Zeile as a free agent.
Was Probably Not A Cashman Move & More Likely Something Done In Tampa:
January 17, 2002 - Signed David Wells as a free agent.
July 1, 2002 - Traded Scott Wiggins to the Toronto Blue Jays. Received Raul Mondesi.
December 13, 2002 - Signed Chris Hammond as a free agent.
______________________________________________________________
I’m guessing that Hammond was a Tampa move – but, I’m not sure. Signing Godzilla might have been out of Cash’s hand too. The Weaver deal was bad – even worse when Weaver became Kevin Brown. If you believe that “No Impact” is pretty near to “Bad Impact,” then, this was not one of Cashman’s better years in terms of wheeling and dealing.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:16 PM | Comments (13)
Some Administrative News
There are blocks of time within the day where it is not possible for "me" to add content to this blog. These are the obvious periods that one would assume to exist. In an effort to lead towards improving this site, I've come up with a solution where content can be added outside of something from "me."
Therefore, from time to time, you will see entries to this blog that are not under my name. This will not change the flavor of this blog. This will not change the amount of content that I deliver here. It's merely an application to a situation that's existed here since this blog was launched.
Rather than just have this exist without an explanation, I thought it was appropriate to provide this notice.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:16 PM | Comments (0)
Stump On Steroids
Well, not using...just talking about them.
Seacoast Media Group has an interesting feature on Yankees "legend" Stump Merrill today. Click here to check it out. (Hat tip to BaseballThinkFactory.org.)
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:07 AM | Comments (1)
January 16, 2008
Papelbon Credits Rivera
Via the Commercial Dispatch:
The Boston Red Sox can thank a member of the New York Yankees for one thing.
If it wasn't for a little encouragement from Yankee closer Mariano Rivera, Jonathan Papelbon may not have developed into the type of pitcher capable of finishing a World Series game with a save for the Red Sox.
Already a pretty good closer himself, Papelbon felt the need of getting a little advice from Rivera during the 2006 All-Star Game.
“Even though he plays for the Yankees, I sat down and talked with him for about an hour after the All-Star Game was over and just tried to pick his brain,” Papelbon said. “At the end of our conversation, he said, ‘Pap look, you're going to follow me, but you are going to do it for a different team and just always remember that closers have to have a short term memory. You have to walk into the office the next day (after you blow a save) and act like nothing happened.' I've kind of taken that approach.”
This is one instance where I wish Mo was a little less overall sweetie pie and a little more old school Bob Gibson. Oh, well, these are different times...
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:14 PM | Comments (8)
Newman!
Via Web Host Industry News -
Managed hosting and dedicated service provider Frontpages Web Hosting Network (fpweb.net) announced on Tuesday it has signed a contract to provide an enterprise level SharePoint based solution and high-level IT support for the New York Yankees.
The New York Yankees approached Frontpages seeking a collaborative project management tool to streamline its global business practices. Frontpages suggested a custom SharePoint based solution to meet its needs, which enables the Yankees to maximum SharePoint power, uptime, control and security. The Web host will host its IT infrastructure, as well as provide full IT support.
"Frontpages is proud to be the SharePoint host for one of the largest sports team brands in the world," says Rob LaMear, president of Frontpages. "Our hosted SharePoint solutions will allow the New York Yankees to capture and share ideas, information, communication and documentation around the world."
Our hosted SharePoint solutions will allow the New York Yankees to capture and share ideas, information, communication and documentation around the world.
This explains it. Since the Yankees did not have this tool before, the scouting report on Kei Igawa must have gotten lost in overseas snail mail prior to Cashman making the posting offer on him. See, there's a reason for everything...
I guess it's true: When you control the mail, you control information!
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:00 PM | Comments (0)
Sid Hartman: Big Stein Still Keeping Tabs
Sid Hartmanof the Star Tribune had a long talk with Hank Steinbrenner regarding Johan Santana. At the end of his story on this, Sid wrote:
I also had a nice talk with George following my conversation with Hank. He seemed to know what is going on, despite rumors to the contrary.
It will be interesting to see how much time Big Stein spends in camp this Spring Training - and if the media will be allowed near him, at all.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:55 PM | Comments (0)
65 Pitches
According to Pete Abe, Phil Hughes now has a blog.
I dunno. It still "Smells Like Teen Schilling."
To date, Phil has faced 306 big league batters and has successfully retired 206 of them (while also allowing 64 hits, 29 walks, 2 hit batsmen and 5 reaching on an error).
Call me crazy, but, in general, I think a big league pitcher should have at least 500 outs under his belt before he launches a media outlet. And, before anyone fires up their flame and points it at my direction, answer this question: If the word came out today that Boston's Clay Buchholz had started a blog, as a Yankees fan, what would be your reaction to that? Would you not say "Uh, let's see him pitch a full big league season before he gets too full of himself"? If yes, to be fair, should we not apply the same logic to Hughes here?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:34 PM | Comments (34)
Studio 54
Since Goose Gossage will go into Cooperstown with a Yankees cap on his plaque, I’m wondering if the Yankees will retire #54 in his honor.
Hey, they did it for Reggie (with #44), so, why not do it for Goose?
Personally, I hope they don’t do it. Nothing against Gossage – it’s just that the retired-number thing is getting way out of hand with the Yankees.
If it were up to me, the rules would be the following:
+ No retired numbers for managers.
+ You have to have played with the organization for more than ten years to have “retired-number” consideration.
+ No retired numbers for position players who appeared in less than 1,400 games with the team.
+ No retired numbers for starting pitchers who made less than 300 starts for the team.
+ No retired numbers for relief pitchers with less than 400 appearances for the team.
+ And, in combination with the above, you either have to be a member of the Hall of Fame, or, at the time of your retirement, you either hold, or are darn close, to some Yankees record.
I would love to see the Yankees “un-retire” all their retired numbers and then apply the above logic to see who should truly have their number retired – and get the total group down to a more reasonable level.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:29 AM | Comments (24)
Good Signs In The Bronx
From the Post -
The House That Jeter Built has a new sign that unmistakably promises great baseball will be played there.
The words "Yankee Stadium," solidly etched in gold-leafed stone, were hoisted by crane onto the team's new South Bronx home this week.
And now there's rock-solid proof that unlike countless other sports teams that have given up stadium-naming rights to big corporations, Yankee tradition is not for sale.
The words appear on the façade of the stadium's 30,000- square-foot Gothic-style Grand Hall, which will be the main entranceway to the new ballpark and is expected to offer retail and restaurant space year-round.
"Yankee" went up Monday, and "Stadium" went up first thing yesterday morning, team officials said.
From the outside, the stadium's elegant limestone and granite façade will have the feel of the 1923 design of the original stadium - the House that Ruth Built - which for now still stands across the street.
Team officials were tight-lipped about the project yesterday, except to say construction is proceeding on schedule for Opening Day 2009.
But the progress on the $930 million stadium is evident: The steelwork appears mostly done, and the dimensions of the ballfield - about the same as the 1923 stadium - are now clear, as are the twin decks of the stands.
The House That Jeter Built has a new sign that unmistakably promises great baseball will be played there.
Whoa, hey, you mean it's not going to be the House That A-Rod Built?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:16 AM | Comments (6)
January 15, 2008
Projecting The Kids
Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain will be 22-years old this season. And, Ian Kennedy will be 23-years old.
Just for the fun of it, I looked at all pitchers in the A.L., from 1973 to 2007, who were either 22 or 23 in a season, where they pitched at least 162 innings and half of their games were starts, to see how they did.
There were 110 such seasons found.
There were some 20+ game winners in this group: Mark Mulder, Scott Erickson, Dennis Eckersley, Roger Clemens, Bert Blyleven and Vida Blue.
And, there were some guys in this group that failed to win more than 9 games in their seasons: Alex Fernandez, Andy Hassler, Bill Wegman, Chad Durbin, Eric Milton, Frank Viola, Glendon Rusch, Hipolito Pichardo, Jason Davis, Jeff Weaver, Jerry Augustine, Jim Gott, Jim Parque, Joe Kennedy, John Henry Johnson, Jose Bautista, Jose Guzman, Jose Rosado, Julio Valera, Matt Keough, Nate Cornejo, Paul Hartzell, Ricky Bones, Roger Erickson, Sidney Ponson, and Steve Trout.
But, on the whole, if you added up all 110 seasons, the average win-loss record for these guys was 12-11.
I still think "the kids" in the Yankees rotation have a chance to win around 15 games, each, if not more, this season - assuming they get 30+ starts. But, man, would it not be a huge bummer for the Yankees if they all went closer to 12-11?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:09 PM | Comments (6)
2008 Spring Training Invitees
The New York Yankees announced today, via a press release, that they have invited 26 players to attend Spring Training next month - in addition to who you would expect to be there.
Did the group total 26 just by chance, or, are the Bombers playing that "26-card" again? Yeah, I'm just kidding here. But, I did find the press release to be interesting - with the Yankees providing mini-bios on the gang of twenty-six. Only in Yankeeland, I suppose...
Kyle Anson, Jason Brown, Jesus Montero, P.J. Pilittere and Austin Romine being there makes sense. With all those pitchers in camp, somebody has to warm them up.
Nick Green, Bernie Castro and Cody Ransom will come in handy down in Tampa - allowing A-Rod and Jeter to leave games in the 4th inning, shower, and get ready for nights on the town.
Marcos Vechionacci and Eric Duncan, well, this might be their last chance to make an impression in a big league camp.
Steven Jackson, Colin Curtis and Daniel McCutchen? While I think they still have very good potential, I'm somewhat surprised to see them get invited - as they've got a long way to go in order to be close to show-worthy.
The rest of the group are either prospects or older-guys looking to get lucky. Brett Gardner, Alan Horne, Austin Jackson, Jose Tabata and Mark Melancon are the prospects - and you probably know all about them by now. Here's my take on the older-guys:
Jason Lane, Greg Porter and Justin Christian: Really there just to give Damon, Matsui, Melky and Abreu some time off during the Spring. They have zero chance of making the team.
Daniel Giese, Heath Phillips, Darrell Rasner, Scott Strickland and Billy Traber:
Of all these pitchers, Rasner gets bonus points out of the gate for doing the Yankees a solid and allowing them to take him off the roster while Carl Pavano screwed the team (yet again). Rasner should see a lot of work this Spring and could make the team, as a long-man, if he does well.
Giese has been in the minors for nine years and has always worked out of the pen. If he makes the Yankees this season, we're in trouble. Although, despite being old, and now with his fifth organization, his minor league numbers always seem to be decent.
Strickland and Traber are flat-out rolls of the dice. If healthy, either one could be a useful last guy in the pen. But, the odds of that happening are slim.
Heath Phillips, now, this guy might be a sleeper. This is what Baseball Amercia had to say about him last September:
Heath Phillips is the Invisible Man of the White Sox's organization.
For the last two seasons, Phillips has been one of the best pitchers in the International League. He took a short break in 2006, but only to help the United States team win the Olympic qualifying tournament in Cuba, and was still the International League's MVP. Yet for all his success at a high level, he has never received much public consideration for a spot in the big leagues.
That's because Phillips is a finesse lefty, not one of the power arms that general manager Ken Williams has collected the last couple years. Given the way the White Sox have seemed to look past Phillips, giving jobs to John Danks and Andrew Sisco in 2007, you wonder if they realize that their ace, lefthander Mark Buehrle, is also a finesse lefty.
"You look around and a lot of teams need pitching,'' a scout for another organization said. "You'd think a guy like [Phillips] could be a No. 5 starter for someone.''
Despite a sturdy 6-foot-3, 225-pound frame, Phillips rarely runs his fastball past the mid-80s. He gets outs by locating his fastball and keeping hitters off balance with a curveball and a changeup. He scores well in the "pitchability'' quotient, fields his position well and is tough to run on.
Phillips, a 10th round pick in 2000, went 7-0, 2.27 during a 10-start stretch that began on July 5, putting him at 12-7, 4.31 through 27 starts. He was tied for the league lead in wins and leading in innings (167) entering the final week of the season.
With a good Spring Training, Phillips can put himself into a spot where he could be called upon if Mussina gets hurt or if one of "the kids" spits the bit.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:09 PM | Comments (0)
Will Selig Come After Yanks For PED Players?
Some Bud Selig and PED news of out D.C. today, via Bloomberg -
Baseball is considering discipline against San Francisco Giants executives and officials from other teams who may have failed to report suspected steroid use by players, Commissioner Bud Selig said.
Selig testified before a U.S. congressional panel that he is investigating Giants owner Peter Magowan and General Manager Brian Sabean.
A report by former Senator George Mitchell on drug use in the sport said Magowan and Sabean failed to inform Major League Baseball about possible steroid use by outfielder Barry Bonds and drug sales by his trainer, Greg Anderson.
``I plan to evaluate the club personnel in the same way I am doing the players,'' Selig told members of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in Washington. ``If those people are guilty of doing what they said they were doing, they will face discipline and very significant discipline.''
O.K, now, let's go back three years and look at this, concerning the Yankees and Jason Giambi's contract, via ESPN.com -
"I can honestly tell you the Yankees had no knowledge that there was any knowledge of steroid use with Jason Giambi whatsoever," Cashman told ESPN Radio. "Common sense would rule the day -- if we did feel that way, then clearly we would have either steered away or protected ourselves in the strongest way of the contract."
Cashman told ESPN Radio that steroid language was not prevalent in the contract when Giambi signed with the Yankees.
"In the time and place that Giambi was signed, there was not a steroid policy and therefore steroids would go under the previous drug policy like Demerol or cocaine or anything else a player may be addicted to or gotten wrapped up in and he would go on what was called the administrative track," Cashman said.
Again, Bud said today: I plan to evaluate the club personnel in the same way I am doing the players. If those people are guilty of doing what they said they were doing, they will face discipline and very significant discipline.
Do you think, despite what Cashman said back in 2005, that Selig would dare go after the Yankees because they took the word steroids out of Giambi's contract?
I doubt it. But, you never know, right?
Or, will Bud come after the Yankees for hiring Brian McNamee? That's probably more possible. Stay tuned.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 04:49 PM | Comments (6)
Dandy, The Yankees Former Mascot
Funny, just yesterday, in a comments section here, the topic of 'Dandy' came up.
And, now, today, I noticed that Forbes has a feature on America's Top Sports Mascots. (Hat tip to MetsBlog.)
First, some background on 'Dandy' via the Times back in 1998:
One of the first of a new breed of team mascots aimed at bringing show biz to sports, the Phillie Phanatic is the brainchild of Bonnie Erickson and Wayde Harrison, a husband-and-wife team who run their design and merchandising company, Harrison/Erickson, out of their prewar apartment in Brooklyn Heights.
Not everyone thinks sports events need the extra touch. Of the nine professional sports teams in the New York market, five do not have mascots: the Yankees, Jets, Giants, Knicks and Rangers.
As Joseph M. Perello, vice president for business development for the Yankees, put it: ''Fans come to see the Yankees win. And that's entertainment.''
Mr. Perello said that as far as he knew, the Yankees has never had a mascot. Lonn Trost, the Yankees' general counsel, said there are official Yankee hamburgers, hot dogs and popcorn. But a mascot? No, he didn't think the team ever had one.
From 1982 to 1985, though, the Yankees had Dandy, a pinstriped character designed by Ms. Erickson.
Dandy was a failure. Mr. Harrison said that was because he wasn't allowed out of the nosebleed area in the stands. Nor did he do any outside appearances. According to Mr. Harrison, George Steinbrenner, the Yankees' principal owner, was less than enthusiastic about the mascot after Lou Pinella, the Yankee outfielder, got so angry at the San Diego Chicken's clowning that he threw his glove at the bird (not a Harrison/ Erickson creation). Mr. Steinbrenner, through his spokesman Howard Rubenstein, said he had no recollection of the pinstriped mascot.
But despite Dandy, Ms. Erickson said, ''Baseball has been berry berry good to me.''
As the Forbes feature tells us:
Hook 'em while they're young. It's a common corporate strategy: Appeal to young groups and secure a slew of customers for life. And when it comes to professional sports, that's the job of the mascot these days.
What started out as a gimmick to entertain fans during breaks in the action has become an ultra-important component for major- and minor-league sports teams looking to market at the grass roots by nabbing new fans at increasingly earlier ages.
"A six-year-old would rather see a mascot than a player," says Andy Applebee of Rochester, Mich.-based General Sports & Entertainment, an industry consultant.
I must confess that, back in the days of 'Dandy,' I was one of those people who thought that a mascot for the Yankees was a stupid idea. However, now, as a father of two, ages five and three, I can tell you that the kids love these silly things. My kids know the mascots for the Staten Island Yankees, Lakewood Blueclaws, Trenton Thunder, and Somerset Patriots (among others) - and they look forward to seeing them whenever we go to the ballpark.
Maybe it's time for the Yankees to think about bringing back a mascot? If they do, I just hope it's a little more interesting looking than 'Dandy.'
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 02:09 PM | Comments (9)
Prediction: Mike Mussina's 2008
I'm going to take a guess at what Mike Mussina will produce for the Yankees this season. Here it is:
27 Games Started
157 Innings Pitched
12-10 Won/Loss Record
4.60 Earned Run Average
So, as a Yankee fan, if this comes true, would you be happy with this?
If Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy or Joba Chamberlain have solid seasons, I think most Yankees fans could live with these numbers from Mussina. But, if "the kids" struggle in the Yankees rotation, then getting something like this from Mussina is going to really hurt the Yankees chances in 2008.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:58 PM | Comments (11)
Randy Goes To Washington
Via Jayson Stark's live blog during today's congressional hearing in Washington, D.C. -
First special guest stars spotted in the peanut gallery: Nationals president Stan Kasten, Orioles managing general partner Peter Angelos and Yankees president Randy Levine, all seated in the Bud Selig Fan Club section.
I wonder why President Bluster is there? Kissing up to Bud?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:23 PM | Comments (0)
Robinson Cano & Ellis Valentine
I was suprised to see how close the stats were here for Cano and Valentine.
As a test, I used the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia and set it for:
1977-2007, AGE BETWEEN 22 AND 24, PLATE APPEARANCES >= 1500, & RCAA BETWEEN 20 AND 30
and, this is what I found:
RCAA RCAA PA RCAA 1 Willie Randolph 30 1902 30 T2 Pete Incaviglia 29 1636 29 T2 Rafael Palmeiro 29 1505 29 T2 Harold Baines 29 1619 29 5 Robinson Cano 28 1728 28 T6 Jose Reyes 27 2201 27 T6 Carney Lansford 27 1820 27 8 Ryne Sandberg 26 2086 26 T9 Ellis Valentine 21 1728 21 T9 Andre Dawson 21 1910 21 11 Robin Yount 20 1818 20
So, again, Cano and Valentine are pretty close. For another check, I set the CBE to:
1977-2007, AGE BETWEEN 22 AND 24, PLATE APPEARANCES >= 1500, and OWP BETWEEN .500 AND .560
and, this is what I found:
OWP OWP PA OWP 1 Delino DeShields .558 1834 .558 2 Travis Fryman .557 2028 .557 3 Andruw Jones .557 2101 .557 4 Pete Incaviglia .556 1636 .556 5 Willie Randolph .556 1902 .556 6 Robinson Cano .554 1728 .554 7 Carney Lansford .550 1820 .550 8 Jose Reyes .542 2201 .542 9 Ellis Valentine .540 1728 .540 10 Ryne Sandberg .537 2086 .537
Does this mean that Robinson Cano is the next Ellis Valentine?
No, of course not. But, looking at some of the names here, it does make you wonder, if, indeed, Cano is the next Rod Carew that some like to claim he is...
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:24 AM | Comments (6)
B.A. Experts Ring In On Santana Chase
Via the Boston Herald -
“The Twins need an offensive middle infielder,” said John Manuel, co-editor in chief of Baseball America.
Manuel prefers the Red Sox’ offer topped by lefty Jon Lester and center fielder Coco Crisp because he thinks Lester can be a middle-of-the-rotation starter and that the other offer features the Sox selling “high” with outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury. Each offer includes infielder Jed Lowrie and right-hander Justin Masterson.
“If they thought Jed Lowrie (.393 combined on-base percentage in Double A and Triple A last year) could be a major league shortstop, the Twins have to make that deal,” Manuel said. “The Twins are holding out for more offense. I don’t know what the midpoint is between Jed Lowrie and (Mets untradeable shortstop) Jose Reyes, but that would get this deal done. None of these offers fit the Twins’ needs.”
Jim Callis, executive editor of Baseball America, said that even if the Yankees were to include right-hander Ian Kennedy in their offer or the Mets were to include hitting phenom Fernando Martinez, neither team’s package would be better than the Lester-Crisp package (Callis’ first choice) or the Ellsbury (No. 2 for Callis) offer.
“The Red Sox are in the best position to offer blue-chip players as well as depth,” Callis said. “And, the Red Sox are under less pressure to make something happen because they need Santana less because they have fewer holes.”
Makes you wonder, if the Yankees pitched Robinson Cano to the Twins, would this then be a done deal for New York?
Yes, I know that Cano profiles, so far, to some great players. But, Cano also walks less and strikes out more than most of those favorable compare guys. And, keep in mind, right now, even if the Yankees wanted to move Derek Jeter off short, there's no where for him to go.
Moving Robinson Cano would free up a middle infield slot. It could be a chance to move in Alberto Gonzalez to play second in 2008 - and then, in either 2009 or 2010, if Gonzalez can hold his own with the bat, flip Alberto and Derek at the keystone - with Jeter going to second and Gonzalez taking over at short.
Hey, I'm not saying "for sure" that I would do all this to get Santana. First, the contract for Santana may be a bear. Second, moving Cano could back-fire as the Yankees might need his offense in 2008 - considering their age and potential decline at some positions. Lastly, Gonzalez might not hit enough to stick in the bigs - and Jeter may refuse to move off short in the future.
But, if it's true that the Twins want a middle infielder, and, if the Yankees really want Santana, then, it (offering Cano) should be something that the Yankees are noodling now.
I just hope that they really think it over - because I'm not sure what's the right call on such a move.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:22 AM | Comments (15)
January 14, 2008
Hank: Reports Of My Pull-Out Are Greatly Exaggerated
From the AP:
New York Yankees senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner has not closed the door on a trade for Minnesota Twins left-hander Johan Santana.
"It's still in the deciding process," Steinbrenner said Monday night outside Legends Field at the Yankees' spring training complex. "We're still discussing it. There's still a little talk back and forth."
Steinbrenner said reports that the Yankees recently withdrew a formal offer to the Twins are not true.
"There wasn't an official offer anyway. You can't withdraw something that wasn't there," Steinbrenner said. "There was no official offer on the table at this time."
There wasn't an official offer anyway. You can't withdraw something that wasn't there...
Attaboy Hank. I haven't seen teflon logic applied in a manner like this since Pee-wee and Francis had the great debate back on Francis' birthday:
Pee-wee: I wouldn't sell my bike for all the money in the world. Not for a hundred million, trillion, billion dollars!
Francis: Then you're crazy!
Pee-wee: I know you are but what am I?
Francis: You're a nerd!
Pee-wee: I know you are but what am I?
Francis: You're an idiot!
Pee-wee: I know you are but what am I?
Pee-wee & Francis: I know you are but what am I? I know you are but what am I? I know you are but what am I?
Pee-wee: Infinity!
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:27 PM | Comments (0)
Last Time Yanks Didn't Finish 1st Or 2nd
The talk, earlier today, about the Yankees (maybe) not finishing in first or second, this season, in the A.L. East got me thinking about the last time the Yankees did not finish first or second in the A.L. East.
That was a long time ago. It was 1992. It was Buck Showalter's rookie year as big league field skipper. That truly was the "last" bad Yankees team.
For the fun of it, here's the typical line-up and batting order for the Yankees in 1992:
1. Andy Stankiewicz SS
2. Don Mattingly 1B
3. Roberto Kelly CF
4. Mel Hall LF
5. Danny Tartabull RF
6. Kevin Maas DH
7. Matt Nokes C
8. Charlie Hayes 3B
9. Pat Kelly 2B
That season, the Yankees starting rotation was Melido Perez, Scott Sanderson, Scott Kamieniecki, Tim Leary, and a combination of Jeff Johnson and Sam Militello.
Melido Perez was "off the charts" good that season. If not for Melido, the Yankees rotation in 1992 would have been a thought uglier than having to deploy one of Manny Ramirez' game-used Doo Rags to swaddle your newborn baby.
The Yankees closer in 1992 was the under-rated Steve Farr. Also in the pen, setting up Farr, were John Habyan and Rich Monteleone. (They both worked the 7th and/or 8th innings. And, were "helped out" be lefties Greg Cadaret and Steve Howe.)
In 1992, the Yankees finished tied for 4th - 20 games back of the World Champion Blue Jays. In fact, the Jays pounded the Yankees that season - with Toronto beating New York in 11 of the 13 games where they faced each other. (The Yankees played just about .500-ball against everyone else "not named the Blue Jays" in '92.)
Bernie Williams was the Yankees best "prospect" most close to the majors back in 1992. In fact, why Bernie was not on the big league team, for the full-season, that year is beyond me. Williams was there in the farm along with guys like Brien Taylor, Carl Everett, Hensley Meulens, Russ Davis, Gerald Williams, J.T. Snow, Dave Silvestri, Lyle Mouton, Brad Ausmus, Robert Eenhoorn, Russ Springer, Sterling Hitchcock, Mark Hutton, and the fabled Kevin Mmahat.
On the bright side, way down in the minors, the Yankees had four guys named Andy Pettitte, Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera - who turned out pretty good when they got their chance in the Bronx.
Makes you wonder if there are four guys in the Yankees farm, now, who will have the same Bronx impact, four years from now, that Pettitte, Jeter, Posada and Rivera had once they were established in the show.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:22 PM | Comments (2)
Yanks Out Of Santana Race?
From ESPN.com
For the second time this offseason, the Yankees have pulled their Phil Hughes-centered trade offer for Johan Santana off the table.
The Yankees, then, will not restart trade talks with the Twins unless Hank Steinbrenner has another change of heart, a baseball official with knowledge of the talks told 1050 ESPN Radio's Andrew Marchand.
The Yankees' desire Monday to turn their attention away from the two-time Cy Young winner leaves Boston and the New York Mets as Minnesota's trade partners, the official told Marchand.
Maybe one too many Drabek flashbacks for Hank to take on this one...
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:41 PM | Comments (2)
Yankees Fight Song
Today, I found myself wondering "How many Yankees fans know all the words to the Yankees 'official song'"?
You know the song, right? Via Wikipedia -
"Here Come the Yankees" is the official theme song of the New York Yankees baseball team.
It has been the official team anthem since 1967, when it was composed by Bob Bundin and Lou Stallman. Bundin and Stallman were associated at the time with Columbia Records, whose then-owner, the media conglomerate CBS, was also the parent company of the Yankees. It was recorded by the Sid Bass Orchestra and Chorus.
Here's the lyrics, via The Deadball Era Site:
Y.A.N.K.E.E.S.
Here come the YANKEES
Let's get behind and cheer the YANKEES
They're gonna learn to fear the YANKEES
Everyone knows they play to win, causeThey're the New York YANKEES
Show them today why you're the YANKEES
No other way when you're the YANKEES
Wadda ya say we win a brand, new, ballgameWe're gonna shout when ya powder the ball
We're gonna scream, "put it over the wall"
The other teams gonna know what it means to play the Y.A.N.K.E.E.S
We love the Yankees
Shout it out loud , We Love The YANKEES
We're really proud of our YANKEES
And we're gonna win today
2, 3, 4, Hit, Run, Fight, Score, Go! Go! Go!We're gonna shout when ya powder the ball
We're gonna scream "put it over the wall yo"
The other teams gonna know what it means to play the Y.A.N.K.E.E.S
We love the Yankees
Shout it out loud, We Love The YANKEES
We're really proud of our YANKEES
And we're gonna win todayY.A.N.K.E.E.S. Yes
Y.A.N.K.E.E.S. Yes
Click here for some audio, also via The Deadball Era Site.
O.K., so, 'fess up. How many out there knew all the words?
Me? Yeah, I gotta say, even after all these years, I sorta hum my way through parts of it.
I wonder if Big Stein and the Brothers H-Stein even know all the words?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:42 PM | Comments (11)
Rosenthal: Jays Could Finish Above Yanks
I heard Ken Rosenthal talking about the Toronto Blue Jays today during "Baseball This Morning" on XM Satellite Radio.
Ken said that the Jays “had a chance” but “not a great chance” to “finish above the Yankees in the standings this year.” He was not talking about Toronto finishing in first place. So, basically, what he was saying here is that the Yankees have a chance (albeit, in his estimation, not a huge chance) to finish third in the A.L. East in 2008. (I assume third since I can’t imagine anyone, today, picking the O’s or Rays to pass the Yankees in the final standings.)
So, Yankees fans, how do you feel about this? Related, if it comes true, and the Yankees do finish in third place this season, what kind of grade would you assign to the Yankees for 2008?
Me? I guess I would have to say, now, that I would not be shocked if the Yankees finished third this year – I can see their bullpen and the question marks in their rotation being a potential downfall. But, part of me still thinks that Joe Girardi will find a way to make the Yankees into a team that will win 90+ games this season. As far as a final grade, if the Yankees are the third best team in the East this season, I dunno? It would not be an “A” or a “B” – for sure. Their win total would dictate whether it’s an “F” or a “D” – so, for now, I would offer that a third place finish, at best, means the team would earn a “C” (from me) – and maybe lower.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:16 AM | Comments (12)
Pinch Hitting @ The LoHud Yankees Blog
Today, it's my turn to pinch-hit at Pete Abe's LYB. Click here to see my entry there. I'm also pasting the text below as a FYI. Please note that the comments section, here, is closed for this one - since I will be answering questions and comments on this one over at Pete's house today. Feel free to comment on this piece there, if interested.
Nineteen seventy three was a significant season in Yankees history. It was the year that Big Stein took charge. It was the last year of the “old” Stadium. It’s when Fritz Peterson and Mike Kekich traded families. It was the first year of the designated hitter – and Yankee Ron Blomberg was the first to do it. And, I went to my first game, ever, at Yankee Stadium.
That first trip was a contest between the Yankees and the Texas Rangers. Peterson started for the Yanks, threw one pitch, and re-aggravated an injury to his thigh covering first. Fred Beene came on in relief and threw a complete game. Bobby Murcer, Thurman Munson, Felipe Alou and Stick Michael had hits in the bottom of the ninth to score two runs and give New York a 3-2 comeback victory.
From there, I grew up listening to Phil Rizzuto, Bill White, and Frank Messer covering great Yankees teams built by Gabe Paul and cared for by Cedric Tallis and Stick Michael. It was a good time to be a Yankees fan.
However, things changed during the 1980’s. Then, Yankees games were being covered by broadcasters such as Fran Healy, Spencer Ross, Ken Harrelson, and Jay Johnstone. This was the beginning of where it seemed like almost anyone was granted the privilege to work in the Yanks’ broadcast booth. (And, through these opened doors later waltzed the likes of Michael Kay, Paul Olden, Suzyn Waldman, David Justice, and Kimberly Jones.) During this period, Bill Bergesch, Murray Cook, Bob Quinn and Harding Peterson, at times, were in charge of manning the Yankees’ ship – and failing at the task. Sure, there was a brief period in the ‘80’s where Clyde King was in charge – and things went well. But, on the whole, the 1980’s were a downhill slide for the Yanks – and not a great time to be a Yankees fan.
It hit rock bottom from 1989 to 1992. This four-year period has a strong claim towards being the worse run in the Yankees’ timeline – in terms of the team’s relative and collective shortcomings. But, also, during this time, along came Howie Spira, Fay Vincent’s slap on Big Stein, and the installation of Stick Micheal as Yankees GM.
It wasn’t too long before happy times returned in Yankeeland. Between the Stick and Bob Watson (who succeeded Michael in 1996), a powerhouse entity was built in the Bronx – with a cadre of players that also later benefited Brian Cashman when he took over for Watson in 1998. And, for a kicker, during this time, Jim Kaat and Ken Singleton were added to the Yankees broadcast crew – providing quality coverage of the team.
Alas, after 2001, the force that Michael and Watson created was nearly tapped out and a new pocket in Yankees history began to form. The Randy Levine, Brian Cashman, and Jean Afterman-run Yankees, from 2002-07, sure look marvelous in terms of their win totals and revenue. But, if not for Boston collapses in the 2003 ALCS and the regular seasons of 2005 and 2006, this five-year period would not look as pretty for New York as it does on the average fan’s ledger.
During the 1980’s, the Yankees won the most regular season games in baseball – but, no rings. If our present decade ended today, you could say the same thing about Cashman’s 21st century Yankees. Could it be that we’re in another period where it’s not so great to be a Yankees fan - and people just don’t realize it yet? Or, will the Brothers Stein now taking over for Cashman change the direction of the team? Time will tell.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:40 AM | Comments (0)
January 13, 2008
SWB Yanks Blog: Q&A with Deric McKamey
Chad Jennings posted an interesting Q&A with Deric McKamey yesterday. Click here to check it out.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:48 AM | Comments (0)
Signature Goose Job
A comment by "buddaley" over at Bronx Banter reminded me of a great game for Goose Gossage during his first season as a Yankee.
It was September 3, 1978.
Yankee Stadium. Top of the 9th inning. New York leads Seattle, 4-2.
Sparky Lyle allows two singles and a double to start the frame - cutting the Yankees lead to 4-3, and giving the M's runners on 2nd and 3rd - with no outs.
In comes the Goose.
First batter faced, Tom Paciorek - a strikeout.
Second batter faced, Bob Robertson - another strikeout.
Third batter faced, Julio Cruz - another strikeout.
Game over.
Now, that's closing a game.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:31 AM | Comments (0)
General Joe To Make Joba Call
But, will it be all Girardi or Girardi and Cashman? It does not seem like Hank and Cash are on the same page here. From the Star Ledger -
Yankees senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner has spent most of the off-season insisting that [Joba Chamberlain], who finished the last two months of last season as a reliever, begin the season in the starting rotation. But Steinbrenner said yesterday that new Yankees skipper Joe Girardi will have the final say.
"It's ultimately up to Joe Girardi," Steinbrenner said in a phone interview. "Joe knows how to handle pitchers better than any of us."
General manager Brian Cashman, however, said he would be involved in the decision as well.
"Joe and I will work it out," Cashman said. "We'll see how it all shakes out." Cashman said Chamberlain will spend spring training preparing for a starting role, but that could change once the season begins.
"We want him as a starter, we will prepare him as a starter, but we have to respect that there's an innings limit," Cashman said. Steinbrenner confirmed that there are several options on the table for handling Chamberlain. He could start the season in the starting rotation and switch over to the bullpen later, or begin the season in the starting rotation. He could be part of a six-man rotation to keep his innings under his limit. But keeping Chamberlain in the bullpen the entire season is not part of the plan, Steinbrenner said. The Yankees plan to stick with newly-signed free-agent reliever LaTroy Hawkins and the hard-throwing, if unreliable, Kyle Farnsworth as setup men for closer Mariano Rivera.
Long term, Steinbrenner said, "we're not going to use (Chamberlain) as a setup guy. That would not be the ideal situation. He needs to be a starting pitcher or a closer, and we have a closer."
The six-man rotation thing is silly. Why would you want to cut into the number of starts from Pettitte and Wang?
Here's a wild concept: Why not make Hughes and Joba a two-headed rotation spot, if you want to baby their arms?
Here's how it would work: The rotation would be Pettitte, Wang, Mussina and Kennedy (in the front four) followed by a Joba/Hughes spot. In the first turn of the rotation, to start the year, Joba gets the start and Hughes is a long man out of the pen. In the next turn of the rotation, Hughes gets the start and Joba is in the pen. And, you keep switching them out that way each time the rotation turns again. In the end, Chamberlain gets 15 starts and some games out of the pen and Hughes gets 15 starts and some games out of the pen.
Hey, I'm not saying this is the answer. And, it may not even be a smart idea. But, it's an idea, nonetheless. And, it's still a better idea than taking away 5 starts each from Pettitte and Wang by using a six-man rotation.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:08 AM | Comments (4)
Jocketty Turns Down Yanks?
Via Charley Walters
As predicted, Minneapolis native Walter Jocketty, who was general manager for two St. Louis Cardinals' World Series clubs, has been named special adviser to Cincinnati Reds CEO Bob Castellini. Insiders say Jocketty declined similar positions with the New York Yankees, San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners. Had he wanted, it's a good bet he could have been the GM in waiting (two years) of the Yankees. But he's much smarter than that.
Interesting. I wonder who it was in the Yankees chain of command that made the offer to Jocketty?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:54 AM | Comments (1)
January 12, 2008
Motown Rally Leads To Yankees Thoughts
There's some interesting comments, related to the Yankees, coming out of "TigerFest" (held at Comerica Park) today.
First, on the pressure in New York. From the Windsor Star:
Since the blockbuster deal that brought two all-stars -- third baseman Miguel Cabrera and pitcher Dontrelle Willis -- to Detroit from the Florida Marlins, the Tigers have been the talk of the town.
Considering they'd already added all-star shortstop Edgar Renteria and outfielder Jacque Jones prior to the big deal, you can put the Tigers in the same sentence with the Yankees and Red Sox and list the most flattering adjectives in front of Detroit, which will enter the season as World Series favourites.
"You look at the Yankees and every year, they have these expectations and the weight of the world on their shoulders, because they're supposed to win," Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander said.
This year, that load will be carried by the Tigers.
I think that's great," Verlander said.
Secondly, an interesting observation from Donnie Baseball. From MLive.com -
Cabrera and Willis came from the Florida Marlins in a deal for six prospects, including outfielder Cameron Maybin and left-hander Andrew Miller; Renteria in a trade from the Atlanta Braves; and Jones in a deal with the Chicago Cubs.
The team also exercised its option on catcher Ivan Rodriguez, and re-signed Todd Jones and starter Kenny Rogers.
Detroit's lineup already included A.L. batting champ Magglio Ordonez, Gary Sheffield, Carlos Guillen — who moves permanently to first base from shortstop with the addition of Renteria — Placido Polanco, Rodriguez and Curtis Granderson, who last season had at least 20 home runs, doubles, triples and steals. He's one of only four players to accomplish that.
But as potent as the lineup is on paper, manager Jim Leyland was warned by former New York Yankees batting coach Don Mattingly to be aware of one thing.
"Guys can fall into thinking the next guy's going to do it," Leyland said. "And I'm going to stay on top of that right from the start of spring training."
After the 2006 ALDS, I wrote:
The Yankees need a shift of position with respect to their mental modus operandi. They need to get away from a prevailing false sense of entitlement and placid demeanor and adopt a greater sense of urgency and aggressive nature.
I find Mattingly's warning that "Guys can fall into thinking the next guy's going to do it" right in line with what I said back in 2006.
And, it's actually something that I've felt about the Yankees for a while now - going back to May 2, 2005, when I wrote:
In some ways, I think that winning three rings in a row is part of the problem that the Yankees are living with now. After that happened, I believe that many of the "stars" that joined the team thought it was some sort of birthright that you would win the World Series once you were on the Yankees. And, "just showing up" was all they had to do. Yet, most of these players that have come here have flopped entirely or failed in a big spot where they could have helped towards getting a ring.
Hopefully, General Joe is plugged into this as well, and he can set a new tempo for the troops in Yankeeland this season.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:41 PM | Comments (5)
Missed By That Much
This afternoon, I had to make a stop at a store in Monmouth County. And, while inside, I noticed this flier by the cash register.
"Sweet!" I thought to myself. "Joba's coming down to Exit 114 on the Garden State Parkway? I can handle that. I'm going to have to check this out!" And, I quicky grabbed the flier on my way out of the store and stuck it in my pocket.
When I got home, and I pulled the sheet out, to see it again...well, it wasn't until then that I realized that it was over two months old.
Ouch.
Eye, M, Sofa, King, We, Todd, Ed.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 02:52 PM | Comments (1)
Missing Stanton, Nelson & Lloyd
Via Baseball-Reference.com's Play Index Pitching Season Finder, this list is Yankees pitchers, from 1996 to 2007, who worked 100% of their games in relief and who pitched at least 80 games, ranked by the smallest percentage of inherited runners allowed to score:
Cnt Player IS/R% G From To
+----+-----------------+-----+----+----+----+
1 Mike Stanton 0.25 456 1997 2005
2 Jeff Nelson 0.26 331 1996 2003
3 Mike Myers 0.29 117 2006 2007
4 Graeme Lloyd 0.29 109 1996 1998
5 Mariano Rivera 0.30 768 1996 2007
6 Ron Villone 0.30 107 2006 2007
7 Steve Karsay 0.30 91 2002 2005
8 Randy Choate 0.30 82 2000 2003
9 Tom Gordon 0.33 159 2004 2005
10 Kyle Farnsworth 0.36 136 2006 2007
11 Paul Quantrill 0.48 108 2004 2005
This list clearly suggests that the Yankees were not able to replace guys like Stanton, Nelson & Lloyd with guys like Quantrill, Farnsworth and Gordon.
The Yankees traded for Nelson on December 7, 1995 and they traded for Lloyd on August 23, 1996. Stanton signed with the Yankees on December 11, 1996.
Gordon signed with the Yankees on December 16, 2003 and Quantrill signed on December 17, 2003. Farnsworth signed with the Yankees on December 5, 2005.
It's a shame that "build a bullpen magic" that New York had in the mid '90's couldn't carry over to the mid 2000's.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:39 PM | Comments (4)
Lucchino Dances In New Century's Good Fortune
From the Courant -
Larry Lucchino is all Boston nowadays, but he's still a Yale man. His alma mater was one of several stops Lucchino made Friday in Connecticut, his two Red Sox World Series trophies in tow.
In the 21st century, it is the Red Sox with more World Series titles than the Yankees, or any other team. The Red Sox won their second title in four years in October. That brought another World Series trophy tour to Connecticut, another chance to celebrate beating the Yankees in their own backyard.
"I've heard that historically there's been some division," Lucchino said after the trophies graced the offices of Gov. (and Yankees fan) M. Jodi Rell. "We're trying to eradicate that, too. We don't think we'll ever be the sole popular baseball team in Connecticut, but the last time we looked, as I said to the governor, Connecticut was a key part of New England and the Red Sox are New England's baseball team.
"We know Connecticut is an area of divided loyalties and we want to plant our flag more deeply here and propagate the faith."
"I thought it would be a little bit different," Lucchino said. "But the trophy itself brings out the same degree of reverence that the first one has. When you put the two together, it's quite a visual reminder of the new century."
Part of me wants to tell Lucchino where to stick his flag. But, the other part of me says "To the victor belong the spoils - not much the Yankees and their fans, can do about this now."
It's funny what a ring can do. Yes, 2004 was wonderful for Boston - and ditto on 2007. But, 2005 and 2006 were disasters for the Red Sox - and, because of the bookend rings, no one wants to remember the ugly inside of the cookie (meaning 2005 and 2006).
In 2005, the (first place) Red Sox lost 12 of 18 games from June 27th to July 18th and tanked their hold on first (allowing the Yankees to tie them in the end). And, in 2006, the Red Sox lost 21 games in August (and went 8-21 on the month). Those 21 losses tied the all-time record for losses in a month by a team that started the month in first place. (Boston held a one-game lead over New York at the end of July 2006.)
So, I guess, in the hand of "ring, choke, choke, ring" it's the two-of-a-kind rings that trump the two-of-a-kind chokes, when you lay your cards on the table. Or, at least that's how it works for Larry.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:01 AM | Comments (6)
January 11, 2008
Cash Hints Some Rules For Joba This Year Too
From Pete Caldera:
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman remains pessimistic about adding Johan Santana in a trade, but he described Joba Chamberlain's status as "a fluid situation" in regard to his role.
Appearing on the YES Network yesterday, Cashman said that due to an unspecified innings limit on Chamberlain in 2008, the 22-year-old right-hander might start the season in the bullpen and be "transferred into the rotation later on."
Cashman also offered that Chamberlain could be skipped over a start occasionally, or that a sixth starter could be used at times. These potential options have yet to be fully discussed, and Chamberlain will "prepare as a starter" during spring training.
Three weeks ago, Buster Olney suggested that the Yanks wanted to limit Joba's innings this year. This disclosure adds to that.
I hope it's not really an "innings" limit. Say Chamberlain averages 9 pitches an inning and throws 140 innings - that's not the same as if he throws 140 innings and averages 25 pitches an inning. That's the problem with this concept - not all innings tax a pitcher in the same way.
So, if Chamberlain is efficient and able to go deep into games on a low pitch count, the Yankees are going to ignore that and just watch the innings totals? That's short-sighted.
It makes much more sense to monitor Joba's P/PA and P/IP and "Days Rest" than to just keep a tally on his innings. Hopefully, this is what the Yankees have in mind - and it's just easier for them to talk about it, in the public, as if it's an "innings limit."
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:43 PM | Comments (1)
Lonn Trost, Lawyer Up!
Via the Gothamist:
Elsewhere, someone's suing the Yankees, but based on the $221 in damages he wants, the Yankees should still be able to afford Alex Rodriguez. The claimant brought suit in a small-claims court in Brooklyn. He wants a refund for five tickets from 2002-2007 -- including one from a game against Barry Bonds and the Giants and another from Game 2 of the 2003 World Series -- because the Yankees broke their implicit promise to provide a fair and honest game. Everyone knows what Bonds is accused of, and Pettitte started that World Series game. We assume the claimant, whose last name is Mitchell, is not related to Senator George Mitchell.
There's an implicit promise to provide a fair and honest game?
Does this mean I can get a refund for all those Kei Igawa starts that I went to last year?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:38 PM | Comments (0)
SOTD: Pitch’ Counts, Of Another Nature
So, what do you think, does this study suggest that the Yankees pen was in the middle of the pack last year?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:07 PM | Comments (1)
Hip, Pop, No Hooray
I just noticed that Britt Burns will begin his first season with the Astros organization as their Minor League pitching coordinator.
Britt Burns. Ah, December 12, 1985, when the Yankees traded Ron Hassey and Joe Cowley to the Chicago White Sox for Burns. Not one of Clyle King's better moves. A degenerative hip condition, huh? (Yeah, I know, "It seemed like the right move at the time.")
Did you know that Britt Burns used bobby pins to keep his baseball cap on? That should have been a "tip off" for the Yankees, right there. You don't trade for ball players who use bobby pins.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:56 AM | Comments (5)
January 10, 2008
Not Another Cashman Entry
Before you get your feathers in a bunch - relax, sometimes a "not another" thing can be interesting.
I've been critical of Brian Cashman, at times - yes, this is a given. Since (next week) I am scheduled to have a "guest" feature at another blog, which will mention Cashman, and, since I've noticed that other blogs are tending to reference some of my former critiques of Brian, I thought this is probably a good time to clear the air regarding any assumptions that folks may have about my position on Brian Cashman - and his role of G.M. of the Yankees.
First, personally, I have nothing against Brian Cashman, "the man." He seems like a nice person. And, he's never done anything to me. In fact, I believe that he probably deserves a medal for working under George Steinbrenner over the last twenty years.
As a fan, I love what Big Stein does for the Yankees. He wants to win and he's willing to spend to make it happen. What more can a fan ask from an owner? But, as a "boss," well, I've worked for some people who were just like George is reported to be...and, I couldn't do it for long, in each case. If I worked for Big Stein, when he was in his prime, I probably would have had a breakdown, quit, slugged him, or been fired. Shoot, probably all of those things would have happened if I worked for George - even with me being a huge Yankees fan.
But, Cashman has hung in there, all these years, under Steinbrenner. That's impressive.
Nonetheless, here's the issue for me with Brian Cashman. While he's a good administrator, he's not a good evaluator. And, while he's capable of being a caretaker, he's not an architect.
Now, I know that many Yankees fans have no issue with what Cashman is not - and they are more than happy with what he is, etc. But, me? I'm greedy. I think the best team in the big leagues should have one of the best, if not the best, G.M.'s in the majors. I want someone who has no shortcomings when it comes to evaluating talent and who does not have to rely almost completely on others for help in this area. And, I want someone who builds a winner - and not someone who is just good at running with something that was built by someone else.
I don't want a G.M. who needs to be defended with comments like "Well, it seemed like a good move at the time" or "There were no other options when it happened." That's the old "luck" defense - meaning that it didn't work out because of "something" outside of the decision making process.
I believe that luck is the residue of design - and, further, luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.
But, again, that's me. Your mileage may vary. Heck, in fact, you may not agree with my assessment of Cashman - or my position of what skills are preferable in a G.M.
That's all fine. And, I would hope that those who don't share the same opinion on this would be willing to agree to disagree, and leave it at that. Further, I would hope that people would understand that I'm not a "Cashman Hater" - because, again, I have nothing personal against him...it's just that I do not believe Brian Cashman is the ideal G.M. for a baseball team. I'd love to hang out with him some time. I'm sure we have many things in common. If he wanted to become part of my circle of friends, that would be fine.
Just one heads-up, if that happens, Cash. Be prepared to get some good ribbing about Weaver, Vazquez, Brown, Pavano, Igawa and some others. After all, what are friends for?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:30 PM | Comments (41)
Mike Cameron
Via Ken Rosenthal -
The Brewers face strong competition for free-agent center fielder Mike Cameron, perhaps stronger than they even imagined.
The Yankees are showing serious interest in Cameron, major-league sources say, figuring that they could trade center fielder Melky Cabrera even if they do not send him to the Twins for left-hander Johan Santana.
Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is a supporter of Cameron's; the two were teammates with the Mariners in 2000. Cameron also has recent experience playing in New York; he was with the Mets in '04 and '05.
Cabrera, 23, is part of the Yankees' offer for Santana, but could fit for several teams that are in the market for a young, affordable, switch-hitting center fielder.
Those teams include the Cubs, Reds, Braves, Royals and Pirates. The Yankees likely would seek prospects for Cabrera, replace him with Cameron in center and keep Johnny Damon in left.Damon would remain in center for the start of the season while Cameron serves a 25-game suspension for testing positive for a banned stimulant.
Cameron is a human air-conditioner - as he strikes out so much. Granted, he's still a good (but not awesome) defender and an excellent baserunner. But, he's also going to be 35-years old this season.
Man, the Yankees must really be down on Melky, for some reason, if they're looking to get Cameron. Either that, or, the Santanna deal is right around the corner and Cabrera is part of it.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:15 PM | Comments (10)
Kennedy: Member Of '04 Red Sox Used PEDs
On the drive home tonight, from work, I caught the very last minutes of The Show on X-Radio (MLB Home Plate) with Rob Dibble and Kevin Kennedy.
At that time, Kevin Kennedy was addressing a caller who had some thoughts on the Mitchell Report.
I was pretty surprised at what Kennedy had to say there. In wanting to make a point about the Mitchell Report not being the all-inclusive bible of naming PED users, Kevin Kennedy said that a current colleague of his, who was with the Boston Red Sox in 2004, told him that he (the colleague) witnessed, for a fact, a member of the '04 Red Sox injecting himself in the buttocks with a needle full of PEDs. Kennedy said that the user is no longer a member of the Red Sox - but, he was a player on the team that won the ring in 2004. As per Kennedy, his colleague said that the "user" was giving a demo (to the "colleague") on how to do the injection.
It's pretty interesting that Kennedy would throw this out there, in the last few minutes of a radio broadcast. I wonder if anyone will pick up on it? Too bad George Mitchell missed this one.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:01 PM | Comments (18)
It’s A Bird, It’s A Plane, It’s A Frog!
Nothing to do with the Yanks, but, I thought this link was too good not to mention...
Check out what Eric SanInocencio has posted at Rays Anatomy.
Years ago, I saw Jose Lind jump over Joe Garagiola's head during an NBC "Game of the Week." Eric's find is just as impressive.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:08 PM | Comments (2)
Hank: I'm Leaning Away From Santana
From the Daily News -
Brian Cashman has remained protective of the Yankees' assembled prospects, while Hal Steinbrenner has been equally shielding of the team's finances.
Hank Steinbrenner? That's been another story for much of the winter.
But while stressing there is "absolutely nothing new" in terms of recent trade discussions with the Twins, Hank is beginning to sound convinced - if not nearly ready - to walk away from any potential blockbuster deal for Johan Santana.
"We went into this with me making the final baseball decisions and Hal more addressing the financial aspects of the company, but we both do everything," Steinbrenner said yesterday in a phone interview. "We're equal partners, but at this point, to tell you the truth, I'm leaning away from it anyway, so it doesn't matter. Same thing with Brian, he's another integral part of it, obviously, being the general manager, and one day he's leaning to do it and the next day he's not sure.
"But what it comes down to right now is giving up a lot (in a trade) and then having to do the big contract, as well. If (Santana) was just a free agent, we could just go ahead and do it. There's a big difference this way. We have to sign him as if he's a free agent, plus you have to give up major talent. That's a tall order."
Sounds a little like some passive-aggressive Bayard Street haggling here to me. I don't think Hank is really ready to pull up his tent on this one yet.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:29 AM | Comments (9)
Jason Lane
From the Post -
Just in case Jason Giambi , Shelley Duncan and Wilson Betemit aren't enough at first base heading to spring training, the Yankees have interest in adding free agent Jason Lane, according to a source.
Lane, 31, was not tendered a contract by the Padres after hitting .178 with eight homers and 27 RBIs last season. He began last year with Houston and went to San Diego in a September trade.
Though Lane is a career outfielder, the Yankees believe he would be a quick study at first base, where he has appeared in four games during his six-year major league career.
I have no idea what the Yankees are thinking here, if this is true. Lane has no offsensive value. And, he's not really a first baseman. Might as well sign Nathan Lane as well to play first - since both Lanes offer the same value to the team, in terms of being a baseball player.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:05 AM | Comments (9)
January 09, 2008
Those Darn Pests
Here's a fun little fact for you. In 2007, Yankees pitchers faced the 9th batter in the other team's line-up 161 times with RISP.
How did they do?
Those pesky #9 hitters posted these numbers against Yankees pitchers with RISP: .326 BA, .391 OBA, .536 SLG
Yeah, that's an OPS of .927 in those 161 PA. Go figure.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:50 PM | Comments (2)
Hank's Daily Johan Update
From Kat O'Brien :
Yet nearly two months after the Yankees first engaged in trade talks with the Twins over Santana, the Minnesota ace is not off the Yankees' radar.
"There's definitely still a possibility," Yankees senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner said by phone yesterday afternoon.
Steinbrenner acknowledged that there are several concerns that give the Yankees pause about trading for Santana: The high level of players the Yankees would have to give up in a trade, the large and lengthy contract Santana would command (and the effect on the Yankees' payroll), and the fact that not everyone in the organization is thinking the same way.
It is believed that general partner Hal Steinbrenner (Hank's younger brother) and general manager Brian Cashman have reservations.
"The bottom line is, it's my decision," Hank Steinbrenner said, "but there's disagreement within the organization. I've got to keep everybody happy in the organization, including Brian ... That includes my partner, which is my brother."
"The payroll would just be out of this world this year," Steinbrenner said of potentially adding Santana, "but only for this year. When you've got to trade top young talent and pay a lot of money, it gets very risky."
If the Yankees do complete a trade for Santana, Steinbrenner said they would not go beyond a five-year contract extension (one that expires after the 2013 season).
"I wouldn't do it if it were a six- or seven-year contract," Steinbrenner said. "I wouldn't go past five, on an extension."
I'm happy to hear that bit about the years on the extension. Hank's right. Anything beyond five years is just asking for it.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:50 AM | Comments (12)
January 08, 2008
Going To The Crash Well Again
Thinking about Goose Gossage, and his upcoming Hall of Fame speech, I wonder if he'll mention Dick Allen at all?
In "The Goose Is Loose" by Rich Gossage, Goose said (about Allen) on page 30 (hardcover ed.):
I'll let my tribute go at this: If I were to pick an "All-Teammate Team" for my career, I'd put Dick Allen at first base.
I went back now and looked at all the 1B that Gossage played with: Willie Stargell, Chris Chambliss, Bob Watson, Steve Garvey, Mark Grace, Will Clark, Rafael Palmeiro, Mark McGwire and Tino Martinez top the list.
Gossage would rather have Dick Allen than any of those guys. That says a lot about Dick Allen for me.
Further, from "The Goose Is Loose" (hardcover, pages 27 and 28):
It's a shame, but today's players have no idea about Dick Allen's ability. That's because he didn't suck up to the press like a lot of major leaguers do. He wasn't a quote machine. He didn't play the publicity game at all. His reticence pissed off many members of the press, so they made him out to be a bad guy, For the record, he wasn't.
It's just that Dick didn't suck up to anyone, period. He didn't possess an ounce of BS in his makeup. Dick shot straight and played baseball. He also studied the game intently. I can remember being in the dugout at times when some of the White Sox players would be horsing around, playing grab-ass and goofing around. Dick would pipe up with, "Cut the crap and get your heads into the game. Watch the pitcher. Learn something."
Allen played to win. The only stats that mattered to him were W's and L's - wins and losses. Many was the time he'd set up a pitcher by looking foolish on purpose. Early in the game, with the bases empty, Dick might let a pitcher make him look bad on a slider. Late in the game, with runners on base and the game hanging in the balance, Dick would come up again and the pitcher would say to himself, "Hey, this guy can't touch my slider."
So, here comes the slider, and there a slider would go - either smashed into the outfield wall or into the cheap seats.
Oh, well, at the least, this was another chance to mention Dick Allen - and perhaps that will bring good luck and another monster season for A-Rod this year.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:17 PM | Comments (0)
Giambi Training Hard For Comeback Season
From The Vegas Eye:
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino continued the flow of weekend celebs on Sunday night. AGO, the newly opened dining hotspot welcomed New York Yankee Jason Giambi celebrating his birthday and Hip Hop legends Flavor Flav of Public Enemy and DMC of Run DMC. Later in Body English, Chuck D of Public Enemy, DMC, Flavor Flav and DJ Johnny Juice Rosado kicked off CES week with the launch party for their new digital music content project, BEYOND.FM. The rappers gave an impromptu 20-minute performance to a capacity crowd with hands in the air for the entire show. This marks the first time Flavor Flav, Chuck D and DMC have ever performed on the same stage together. Continuing his birthday celebration, Giambi was all smiles when presented with a unique cake in the shape of a voluptuous (nude) woman.
Well, at least this time, Jason left his famous shirt at home.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:59 PM | Comments (4)
Yanks Shrink: With Clemens Often & Saw Zip Illicit
Via KHOU.com -
Dr. Fran Pirozzolo started his sports psychology practice in the mid-1980s.
He's counseled many big name athletes since then. He was the Astros team psychologist when Darryl Kile pitched his no-hitter and he worked with the Texans the team’s first four years.
However, from 1996 thru 2002, Pirozzolo was with the Yankees. Moreover, for three seasons he lockered beside Roger Clemens.
“I was with him a lot and I never saw anything illicit take place,” Pirozzolo said.
He said he used to play golf and workout with Clemens. He even took injections of B-12 and painkiller at the same time as him.
But he never saw anything involving steroids.
“Because of our close relationship, I would think he would have shared that with me, like some young players did,” said Pirozzolo. “And I would always tell them no.”
Pirozzolo maintains when Pettitte says he took human growth hormone, he was actually rehabbing at Yankee headquarters in Tampa:
“If he had any idea it was illegal, he wouldn't have done it,” said Pirozzolo. “That guy, he's so straight, he wouldn't even drink Red Bull.”
And, I thought Scooter and Dr. Commentucci had a special bond....
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:49 PM | Comments (1)
Have Sweet Seats For The ASG? Think Again
Adding on to what I previously reported, via Bloomberg -
New York Yankees season-ticket holders with the best, most expensive seats might lose them for this year's Major League Baseball All-Star Game. The event is being held at Yankee Stadium on July 15, and baseball will hold about 17,000 seats for its business partners. Some fans who pay as much as US$275 a game for field-box seats for the entire season may be relocated to different locations in the 56,935-seat ballpark, even upstairs in seats that usually sell for as little as US$20. Those who don't have a package that includes all 81 home games might be shut out.
"If you have a seat behind the dugout and MLB takes it, how can I sell it to you?" said Lonn Trost, the Yankees' chief operating officer.
Tim Brosnan, MLB's executive vice president for business, said the "custom and practice" at All-Star games is for full season-ticket holders to be "accommodated with a choice of seats," without being guaranteed their usual spot.
I guess even the "haves" can become the "have nots" when a bigger and badder "have" comes along...
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:42 PM | Comments (2)
Cooperstown Goose
And, John Hiller, I'm thinking of you.
Update: A little Gossage trivia for you today.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 02:01 PM | Comments (8)
The 8th Inning In 2008
Just about 5 weeks until Pitchers & Catchers report for Spring Training in Yankeeland. That's the good news. But, there's also some bad news today, I believe, as I find myself wondering who will set-up for Mo Rivera (out of the Yankees pen) in 2008?
The logical choice, to date, based on who is on the roster, is one of the following:
Kyle Farnsworth
LaTroy Hawkins
El Niño de Grasa
Ross Ohlendorf
Jose Veras
Why am I not feeling good about this now? How do you, as a Yankees fan, feel about this today?
Farnsworth, well, we know the story there. Can't pitch on back-to-back days. Can't be trusted because of his back. Heck, can't even be trusted to craft a 1-2-3 inning.
Hawkins? Do you really think he has the make-up and/or the stuff to be the bridge to Rivera?
The kids? Sure, maybe one of them can make a big jump forward in 2008. But, that's a reach.
Maybe Buster Olney is right, and Joba Chamberlain is likely to start next season in the Yankees' bullpen? I think the fact that the Yankees don't have a solid answer, on paper, or, on the roster, now, to set up Rivera, suggests that their secret plan is to have Joba handle the 8th in 2008.
Or, am I missing something here?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:56 AM | Comments (17)
January 07, 2008
Clemens McNamee Phone Tape
I got to listen to the 17-minute recording, twice, on the drive home tonight (from work) - first on MLB Home Plate and then on ESPN News, both on X-M Radio.
Gotta say, I haven't witnessed a such a bizarre love-hate dynamic at work, like this one, since Tony Soprano choked the life out of Christopher Moltisanti.
Come to think of it, Debbie Clemens sort of reminds me of Carmela Soprano...
O.K, yeah, maybe that's crossing the line.
Anywho, Brian McNamee, Greg Anderson, Paul Janszen...where do ballplayers find these guys?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:00 PM | Comments (7)
The Other Side Of The Yankees Prospects
Baseball America now has its Yankees Top 10 Prospects list up on their site. I thought it would interesting to list the "Weaknesses" that they have for their Yankees top prospects:
Joba Chamberlain
Chamberlain will need to keep his weight in check, which would help him avoid any recurrence of his past knee, hamstring or triceps tendinitis issues. He needs to maintain the mechanical improvements he has made as a pro, which keep him more balanced and direct his energy toward the plate, rather than side-to-side. He must prove he can maintain his stuff through a full season. His career high for innings remains the 119 he threw for Nebraska as a sophomore.
Austin Jackson
Jackson takes a healthy cut and doesn't have great times to first base out of the batter's box, but he has average speed and has improved his first step considerably. He's still gaining baseball experience, which shows in his pitch recognition and baserunning acumen.
Jose Tabata
Tabata's offensive future still involves some projection, and there's some concern his thickening body could lose some athleticism, rendering him more one-dimensional. Scouts outside the organization chide him for failing to give a consistent effort.
Ian Kennedy
With only one above-average pitch, Kennedy has to hit his spots, but he usually does. At times his curve is too slow, dipping to 69-72 mph, and lacks sharpness.
Alan Horne
Horne's arm action is long, leading to inconsistent release points and below-average command, and it likely contributed to his past elbow injury. The Yankees have shortened his delivery in other ways to compensate, but it's not a correctable flaw and limits Horne's ceiling. He doesn't field his position or hold runners particularly well.
Jesus Montero
At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, Montero already has grown very large for an 18-year-old. The Yankees say he has lower-body flexibility, necessary for blocking balls in the dirt, and he has worked hard to become a solid receiver. There are mixed opinions about his ability to stay at catcher, and he'll have to keep working on his body and catch-and-throw skills to stay behind the plate. He threw out just three of 32 basestealers (9 percent) in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in his pro debut.
Jeff Marquez
Marquez doesn't have enough power or bite to his curveball for it to be a strikeout pitch, and he's dependent on his defense because he doesn't miss a lot of bats. He'll have to continue to refine his fastball command and have that pitch play up if his curve doesn't improve.
Brett Gardner
Gardner has hit one homer the last two years and doesn't have the swing path or strength to hit for much more. He'll have to prove he won't be overpowered in the majors, and he needs to hang in better against lefthanders to avoid becoming a platoon player. His arm is below average yet playable in center.
Ross Ohlendorf
Lefthanders owned Ohlendorf when he was a starter because his changeup was fringy. He's added a splitter to see if that will help. His command slipped at the outset of 2007 but improved dramatically once he moved to the bullpen.
Andrew Brackman
Brackman's elbow injury turned out to be a torn ligament; he had Tommy John surgery immediately after signing in mid-August. He won't pitch in his first pro game until 2009, which is even more of a setback because he worked just 149 innings in three years at N.C. State.
It will be interesting to see how many of these potential weaknesses become issues for these prospects as they continue to evolve as players.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:45 PM | Comments (12)
Wax Heaven: The Prospect Corner with Adam G.
Wax Heaven has an interesting feature up on Phil Hughes. Check it out. (Hat tip to BaseballThinkFactory.org.)
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:35 PM | Comments (0)
Ian The Man In '08?
I rarely have a chance to catch Yankees Hot Stove on YES – the original airing is on too early for me and the replay is done too late. But, last week, I did catch a piece of it, that I found interesting, and have been meaning to bring up here.
It was an interview with Dave Eiland, talking about Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy. On Hughes, Eiland said that there’s no level of success that Phil could have on a baseball field that would surprise him. That’s pretty much as good as a compliment can get. However, it terms of assessing the three pitchers now, Eiland put Kennedy ahead of Chamberlain and Hughes. Further, he stated that Ian Kennedy had command of four pitches now – whereas Chamberlain has command of three and Hughes (according to Eiland) only has command of ‘two to two and a half’ (which he then qualified by saving Phil’s change-up is coming along…hence the ‘half’).
This has me wondering – considering the source is the Yankees pitching coach, himself – that perhaps we (in Yankeeland) should be more “jazzed” (for lack of a better term) about Ian Kennedy’s prospects of helping the Yanks, in the majors, this season than that of Joba and Hughes.
Again, this is not meant to slight Chamberlain or Hughes – who both should help the Yanks this year. It’s just meant to suggest that, perhaps, Kennedy is further along the learning curve and in a better position to make a greater impact.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:44 AM | Comments (16)
Is Clemens Warning MLB?
"I was eating Vioxx like it was Skittles" - Roger Clemens, last night, on 60 Minutes
I keep thinking back to this quote from Roger Clemens...and it makes me think about Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker and what happened in 1926. Here's the story via ESPN.com -
1926 - Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker were permitted by Ban Johnson to resign from baseball near the end of the 1926 season after former pitcher Dutch Leonard charged that Cobb, Speaker and Smoky Joe Wood had joined him just before the 1919 World Series in betting on a game they all knew was fixed. Leonard presented letters and other documents to Johnson, and Johnson thought they would be so potentially damaging to baseball in the wake of the Black Sox scandal that he paid Leonard $20,000 to have them suppressed. Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis exposed the cover-up and the eventual fallout forced Johnson out his job as president of the league he had created. Cobb and Speaker vehemently denied any wrongdoing, Cobb saying that "There has never been a baseball game in my life that I played in that I knew was fixed,? and that the only games he ever bet on were two series games in 1919, when he lost $150 on games thrown by the Sox. He claimed his letters to Leonard had been misunderstood, that he was merely speaking of business investments. Landis took the case under advisement and eventually let both players remain in baseball because they had not been found guilty of fixing any game themselves. It was after this case, though, that Landis instituted the rule mandating that any player found guilty of betting on baseball would be suspended for a year and that any player found to have bet on his own team would be barred for life. Cobb later claimed that the attorneys representing him and Speaker had brokered their reinstatement by threatening to expose further scandal in baseball if the two were not cleared.
I wonder if Clemens made that "Vioxx" statement as a warming shot to baseball - in the sense of "I know just as much about your house as you claim to know about mine. And, if you're going to drag me into something, I'm taking you with me."
Do you think the guys in Washington would want to hear about how baseball teams allowed their trainers to give out pills like candy? It's possible - and, I think Clemens knows this too.
Perhaps, just perhaps, Roger is pulling a Cobb/Speaker move here to get "the man" off his case. It's possible - and, if true, not a dumb move on his part. After all, it's always about having leverage - and who has more, no?
And, if anything, in this whole thing, Clemens is showing that he's not afraid to fight back.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:03 AM | Comments (3)
January 06, 2008
Clemens' Eye Movements On 60 Minutes
For what it's worth, I spent a lot of time watching Rocket's eyes during his interview that that aired this evening on 60 Minutes. Some believe that "your eyes will position themselves according to the thoughts that are in your head."
When Clemens was not looking straight-on during the interview, his eyes were going either to the right, and up, or, to the left, and down. Most times, his eyes were moving down and to the left.
This suggests, that, during the interview, Roger was accessing the visual part of his memory and thinking about his feelings. And, his eyes didn't offer a "tell" that he was lying.
I was really expecting to see different results than these, coming into the interview. If Clemens goes to Washington, it will be interesting, if possible, to see his eye movements during testimony there too.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:01 PM | Comments (11)
Brian Cashman 2001
Brian Cashman became Yankees G.M. on February 28, 1998.
It's rare for someone to be a G.M. for tens years with one team these days. Ten years does provide for some "body of work" analysis. Therefore, I thought it would be fun, this off-season, to take a look back at Cashman's "moves" during the past decade - one year at a time. (I'll try and post one year, per week, over the next ten weeks.)
Here, we'll look at Cashman's moves in 2001 and how they helped or hurt the team:
No Impact:
January 3, 2001 - Signed Todd Williams as a free agent.
March 28, 2001 - Traded Glenallen Hill to the Anaheim Angels. Received Darren Blakely.
June 12, 2001 - Selected Darren Bragg off waivers from the New York Mets.
June 29, 2001 - Signed Gerald Williams as a free agent.
July 4, 2001 - Traded Brian Boehringer to the San Francisco Giants. Received Bobby Estalella and Joe Smith.
August 31, 2001 - Traded Randy Flores and Rosman Garcia to the Texas Rangers. Received Randy Velarde.
December 13, 2001 - Traded Jay Witasick to the San Francisco Giants. Received John Vander Wal.
December 18, 2001 - Traded Bernie Castro to the San Diego Padres. Received Kevin Reese.
December 21, 2001 - Signed F.P. Santangelo as a free agent.
Good Impact:
March 30, 2001 - Traded Craig Dingman to the Colorado Rockies. Received Jorge DePaula.
April 5, 2001 - Signed Todd Greene as a free agent.
June 5, 2001 - Drafted Shelley Duncan in the 2nd round of the 2001 amateur draft. Player signed June 17, 2001. Drafted Chase Wright in the 3rd round of the 2001 amateur draft. Player signed June 10, 2001.
June 23, 2001 - Purchased Brian Myrow from the Winnipeg (Northern).
July 12, 2001 - Signed Joaquin Arias as an amateur free agent.
Great Impact:
January 5, 2001 - Signed Robinson Cano as an amateur free agent.
November 13, 2001 - Signed Melky Cabrera as an amateur free agent.
December 7, 2001 - Traded David Justice to the New York Mets. Received Robin Ventura.
Bad Impact:
March 21, 2001 - Traded Wily Mo Pena to the Cincinnati Reds. Received Drew Henson and Michael Coleman.
February 15, 2001 - Signed Henry Rodriguez as a free agent.
June 5, 2001 - Drafted John-Ford Griffin in the 1st round (23rd pick) of the 2001 amateur draft. Player signed June 14, 2001. Drafted Bronson Sardinha in the 1st round (34th pick) of the 2001 amateur draft. Player signed June 13, 2001.
June 13, 2001 - Traded Damaso Marte to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Received Enrique Wilson.
June 23, 2001 - Traded D'Angelo Jimenez to the San Diego Padres. Received Jay Witasick.
July 1, 2001 - Traded Ricardo Aramboles to the Cincinnati Reds. Received Mark Wohlers.
July 30, 2001 - Traded Brett Jodie and Darren Blakely to the San Diego Padres. Received Sterling Hitchcock.
December 7, 2001 - Signed Steve Karsay as a free agent.
December 21, 2001 - Signed Alberto Castillo as a free agent.
Was Probably Not A Cashman Move & More Likely Something Done In Tampa:
December 13, 2001 - Signed Jason Giambi as a free agent.
December 17, 2001 - Signed Rondell White as a free agent.
December 18, 2001 - Signed Sterling Hitchcock as a free agent.
______________________________________________________________
An interesting year. Two huge thumbs up on the Cano & Melky signings. But, in reality, the credit there is probably due to the Latin America guys in the front office. Most of all, looking at all the moves, this season seems to be where "it" starts for Cashman - with "it" being an inability to find good arms for the pen, a decent back-up catcher, and useful parts for the big league bench. What's worse, Mets fans can point to this season and remind us that Cashman passed on David Wright to select Bronson Sardinha in the draft.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:43 AM | Comments (12)
January 05, 2008
Cashman Holds Court At Theo's Party
From the Yankees site -
"Mostly, especially in our big markets, you get challenged on the short-term stuff so much you can make a mistake if you get caught up in the winds of the pressure of making a [trade]," Cashman told the audience.
"Like right now, the Red Sox and Yankees, at least, are in the middle of this Johan Santana stuff. What's the right thing for the now? What's the right thing for the future? These are the wrestling matches that go on in the organizations and you have very spirited conversations about what's right and what's wrong."
Cashman said he still believes in a strong and productive farm system.
"At the end of the day, if you have an opportunity to build something and be a leader in that situation, you stick to it. It's your way and you find a way to stick to it, despite the media pressures, the ownership pressures, the fans' pressures and realize, 'You know what? I believe in what I'm doing and I'll stick to it as long as you give me the opportunity and then get judged on the results at the end of the day.'"
Following the panel discussion, Cashman fielded questions on everything from dealing with the Steinbrenner brothers to Roger Clemens and the Mitchell Report.
"Everybody has their own style," Cashman said of the Steinbrenners. "And Hank has obviously taken charge on behalf of his father, along with his brother, Hal. They have different styles. Hal is more quiet and Hank is very available, but my job is to continue to line up the structure of the organization that can find the amateur talent."
On the eve of Clemens' interview on "60 Minutes," Cashman offered his perspective on what to expect from baseball going forward from the Mitchell Report.
"All of it's difficult," he said. "There's no doubt about that. It is what it is. The Mitchell Report came out and there was some shocking information that was in there, and now we're seeing it play out after the fact and what you have to do, unfortunately, is sit back and watch it unfold."
I'm going to pick out the quotes here that interest me the most:
These are the wrestling matches that go on in the organizations and you have very spirited conversations about what's right and what's wrong...
...Hank has obviously taken charge on behalf of his father, along with his brother...
...my job is to continue to line up the structure of the organization that can find the amateur talent...
Since when does the job description summary for a G.M. of a big league team read: "line up the structure of the organization that can find the amateur talent"?
Sure, that's part of a G.M.'s job - but, it's something that rolls up into the major overall charge of putting together the major league roster.
The mentions of "wrestling matches that go on in the organizations" and "Hank has obviously taken charge" along with this "my job" declaration suggest that Cashman is out of the loop in terms of building the Yankees - and that Hank is now pulling the strings. After all, it was Hank who signed A-Rod. It was Hank that gave out the contracts to Posada and Rivera. And, it's Hank that's going after Santana.
Further, here's some more from Cashman, via The Canadian Press:
With one year left on his contract and senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner leaning toward pursuing a trade for Minnesota ace Johan Santana, Cashman said Saturday he's not thinking about what he'll do when his deal runs out.
"Because of all the work that gets involved with doing the job, it kind of prevents me from really looking ahead past this year," he said. "I'm just doing everything I possibly can to assist the transition with the new manager, the new owners, with the involvement now with the Steinbrenner sons. And then the rest will take care of itself at another time."
The Yankees won four World Series from 1996-2000, then lost in 2001 to Arizona. After that, their emphasis shifted to obtaining proven veterans, Cashman said. Some, like pitcher Kevin Brown, were past their prime.
"We got away from some of the core principles of our business operation, which is we just started going all veteran-oriented," Cashman said. "We had a chance to really go into an abyss" early in the 2005 season.
Cashman almost left the Yankees when his contract expired after that year. But when he was given full control over baseball operations, allowing him to emphasize his preference for developing young players, he signed a three-year contract.
That gave him one more year than manager Joe Torre. After last season, when Torre left for the Los Angeles Dodgers and was replaced by Joe Girardi, and owner George Steinbrenner's sons, Hank and Hal, became more involved, Cashman is headed into a season of transition.
"Things have changed here in the third year," Cashman said. "I'm learning as I go along, too. But it is different. But one thing is that I've been with this family, the Steinbrenner family, for well over 20 years. So I'm focused fully on doing everything I possibly can to assist them in their emergence now as decision makers."
Note the following:
...Things have changed here in the third year...
...I'm focused fully on doing everything I possibly can to assist [Hank and Hal] in their emergence now as decision makers...
When I read those last two quotes from Cashman, about things changing and him assisting the new decision makers, all I can think of is all those times, in business, through the years, where I've seen situations of people who have led a department, or a division, or even a company, and it was clear that a new person was taking over. Being professionals, and wanting to ensure that they keep their big paycheck going until the very last day, and not ruin their resume and/or standing in an industry, they would say "all the right things" and do whatever was asked of them "during the transition phase," etc.
If there was any doubt that Brian Cashman was on his way out in terms of having "full control over baseball operations" for the Yankees, I think Brian, himself, has cleared this up now (with these comments).
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:48 PM | Comments (2)
August 25, 1976
This was a fun little day in Yankees history. Or, should I say a fun, long, night?
Check out the boxscore from the Yankees game on that date.
It was a Wednesday night game, in the Bronx, that started at 8:10 pm EST. It went 19 innings and the time of the game was 5 hours and 26 minutes - which means the game ended at 1:37 am EST.
Dick Tidrow came into the game for the Yankees with one out in the 7th inning - and then pitched 10 and two-thirds innings in relief...bringing the game into the 18th inning. Mickey Rivers won the game for the Yankees in the 19th.
After the game, the Yankees got on a plane, heading out to the West Coast, to play a game against the Angels on August 27th - a contest that also went extra innings, with the Yankees winning in fifteen. Catfish Hunter started that game for New York and pitched the first 13 frames.
Grant Jackson got the win for the Yankees in both games.
Ah, the old days.....
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:26 PM | Comments (3)
Wax Heaven: Joba Chamberlain Part II!
Wax Heaven has an interesting feature up on Joba. Check it out. (Hat tip to BaseballThinkFactory.org.)
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:31 AM | Comments (0)
January 04, 2008
Hank Stein: Cashman Is My Jiminy Cricket
From the Canadian Press -
The New York Yankees are still discussing whether to pursue a trade for Minnesota Twins ace Johan Santana, and senior vice-president Hank Steinbrenner would like to make a deal.
"Nothing is really decided at this point," Steinbrenner said Friday night outside Legends Field at the team's spring training facility. "I'm still leaning towards doing it.
"There's others leaning not to do it. There are some others that are leaning to do it also. Disagreements within the organization. Nothing major, but just different opinions. I've changed my opinion a couple times."
Steinbrenner said ultimately the final decision will made by ownership, but the opinion of general manager Brian Cashman is important.
"I always told him, 'I'm going to make the final decisions because when you're the owner you should,"' Steinbrenner said. "He is the general manager, and he has the right to talk me out of it and he has talked me out of some things."
I'm going to make the final decisions because when you're the owner you should...
He is the general manager, and he has the right to talk me out of it and he has talked me out of some things...
Now, I get it. At some point, Brian Cashman must have been appointed by the Blue Fairy to serve as the official conscience for Hank Steinbrenner. Good for Brian. It's nice to know he has a role in the organization.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:20 PM | Comments (7)
Pettitte, Clemens & Knoblauch Called To House Oversight Committee
Via Sean McNally:
The House Oversight Committee announced today it will hold a hearing on Wednesday, January 16, 2008, to obtain additional information about the Report to the Commissioner of Baseball of an Independent Investigation into the Illegal Use of Steroids and Other Performance Enhancing Substances by Players in Major League Baseball, known as the "Mitchell Report."
Witnesses will include:
Mr. Brian McNamee
Mr. Kirk Radomski
Mr. Andy Pettitte
Mr. Chuck Knoblauch
Mr. Roger Clemens
I know that Andy Pettitte made his own bed, but, I still feel sorry for him having to do this now. It's not going to be a good day for him. Rocket & Knobby? I really don't care if they get grilled. But, it's going to be a very uncomfortable day for Pettitte. I hope he comes out of it without too much damage.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 07:02 PM | Comments (10)
Let The Yankees Season Ticket Seller Beware
On the Yankees site, in their 2008 Season Ticket Licensee Renewal Letter, it reads:
Yankees Secondary Ticket Marketplace: StubHub has been selected by MLB as the Official Ticket Marketplace of MLB.com and the Yankees. Commencing for the 2008 season, you may post Yankees Tickets for resale on StubHub through www.yankees.com with no restrictions on resale price. For more information, please visit www.yankees.com.
Resale of Ticket(s): Any direct or indirect sale, resale, auction, assignment or transfer (collectively, "resale") of Tickets must be done in accordance with applicable law. Any resale or attempted resale in violation of applicable law violates this License. New York State law prohibits the resale of any Ticket(s) within one thousand five hundred feet from the physical structure of the Stadium under penalty of law. No Ticket(s) may be used for advertising, promotion (including contests, giveaways or sweepstakes), or other trade or commercial purposes without the express written consent of the Yankees. Any violation of the License shall give the Yankees the unrestricted right to revoke this License, terminate this License and/or cancel the Ticket Account immediately. The Licensee is absolutely responsible for any violation of the License and should safeguard the Ticket(s) so that the License is not violated. The Yankees reserve the right to investigate violations of the License. The failure of the Licensee or any person in possession of the Ticket(s) to cooperate with any investigation constitutes a violation of the License.
These two policies, as a combination, concerned me a bit. So, I contacted a high ranking party in the Yankees Ticket Operations department and asked them:
If a Yankee season ticket holder were to sell their tickets on StubHub and then the person who buys them sells them “within one thousand five hundred feet from the physical structure of the Stadium,” would the season ticket holder then lose their license? Or, would the Yankees work with StubHub to verify that the tickets were sold by the season ticket holder and then they (the season holder) would be relieved of what happens with the ticket after the sale?
And, this was their answer to me:
The Licensee is absolutely responsible for any violation of the License and should safeguard the Ticket(s) so that the License is not violated.
So, if you're a Yankees season ticket holder, and you're thinking of selling some of your tickets this season on StubHub, you may want to think twice about it - because, if the person who buys your ticket (with your account number printed on it) does something bad with it, the Yankees are keeping you on the hook for it.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:13 PM | Comments (6)
SOTD: Jim Rice, John Olerud & Bernie Williams
Maybe Yankees fans should root for Jim Rice to make the Hall - so that Bernie Williams has a case too?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:57 PM | Comments (6)
Ringolsby On Red Light
From Tracy Ringolsby via the Rocky Mountain News:
In the midst of Curt Schilling's holier-than-thou pronouncements about late-career booms, it would be interesting to have Schilling explain how he turned a lackluster career at the age of 30 into a dominating effort in the next decade.
At 30, having played with a Philadelphia Phillies team that included Lenny Dykstra and Pete Incaviglia, who were listed in the Mitchell Report, Schilling had a career record of 52-52.
Since he turned 30, Schilling is 164-94. What's more, he was 34 before he won 20 games for the first time and has done it three times in the past seven years.
Well, Curt, whaddya say?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:21 PM | Comments (7)
Rocket Vanilli
I have to admit, already, I’m tried of hearing about and from Roger Clemens. But, I don’t think we’re going to get a break from this any time soon – or maybe ever.
Back in late 1989, there were a fair number of people out there who thought Milli Vanilli’s music was sort of cool. Don’t lie – if you were around at that time, you probably hummed along to “Girl You Know It's True” at least one time in your life. Heck, Milli Vanilli even won a Grammy Award for “Best New Artist” in 1990.
Then, someone pulled the plug and we found out that Milli Vanilli was a fake. The vocalists did not actually sing their songs. At that time, people were outraged. They even took the Grammy Award away from Milli Vanilli. It became quite the thing to beat on Milli Vanilli – and beat on them good.
Well, guess what? If you listen to an ‘80’s radio station today, long enough, you’re going to hear, at some point, a Milli Vanilli song. Despite all the venom that was thrown their way, back in the day, the music of Milli Vanilli still lives today.
I think this is the way it’s going to be with Clemens. Whether or not you believe he was a “fake,” or, whether or not you believe that it matters, because of his “product” (in this case, his career record), the story of Roger Clemens will live for years to come. Look at Pete Rose. Look at O.J. Simpson. We still hear about and from them today.
Yankees fans better get ready for hearing about this Clemens thing for the next quarter-century or so. It’s not going to go away soon, as it stands now.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:05 AM | Comments (7)
January 03, 2008
A's Trade Nick Swisher, Moneyball Class Of '02
From the Mercury News:
The Oakland A's today traded outfielder Nick Swisher to the Chicago White Sox for left-handed pitcher Gio Gonzalez, right-handed pitcher Fautino De Los Santos and outfielder Ryan Sweeney.
In 2002, the focus for many going into and following the first year player draft, was the Oakland A’s – as they had nine picks within the first 98 players chosen - including seven selections before the start of the 2nd round of the draft. In fact, the heavily heralded book “Moneyball” devoted and entire chapter (and then some - or at least it seemed) towards the A’s and their 'genius' in working the draft in 2002. Here's how the A's worked those nine picks:
Nick Swisher – The 16th overall pick in the draft. Signed for a bonus of $1.78 million – which was the 3rd highest signing bonus given to a college hitter taken in the first round of this draft.
Joe Blanton – The 24th overall pick in the draft. Signed for a bonus of $1.4 million – which was the 6th highest signing bonus given to a college pitcher taken in the first round of this draft.
John McCurdy – The 26th overall pick in the draft. Signed for a bonus of $1.375 million – which was the 5th highest signing bonus given to a college hitter taken in the first round of this draft.
Ben Fritz – The 30th overall pick in the draft. Signed for a bonus of $1.2 million – which was the 7th highest signing bonus given to a college pitcher taken in the first round of this draft.
Jeremy Brown – A first round supplemental pick. He was the 35th overall pick in the draft. He signed for a bonus of $350,000 – which was a very low bonus for a hitter taken in this position of the draft.
Steve Obenchain - A first round supplemental pick. He was the 37th overall pick in the draft. He signed for a bonus of $750,000 – which was an average bonus for a pitcher taken in this position of the draft.
Mark Teahen - A first round supplemental pick. He was the 39th overall pick in the draft. He signed for a bonus of $725,000 – which was an average bonus for a college hitter taken in this position of the draft.
Steve Stanley - A first round supplemental pick. He was the 67th overall pick in the draft. He signed for a bonus of $200,000 – which was a very low bonus for a hitter taken in this position of the draft.
Bill Murphy - A first round supplemental pick. He was the 98th overall pick in the draft. He signed for a bonus of $410,000 – which was an average bonus for a pitcher taken in this position of the draft.
So, now, five and a half years later, looking back at this "Moneyball" draft, we can see that only Nick Swisher, Joe Blanton, and Mark Teahen became big league players of worth. And, only Blanton remains with the A's - and the moving van may be heading in his direction soon as well.
I wonder, if, someday, we'll be looking back at the Yankees "big" drafts of 2006 and 2007 and compare them against the fabled "Moneyball" draft from 2002? Will the Yankees' drafts yield the same ratio of productive big leagues? Will it be better, or worse? Will the players remain with the Yankees? Or, like the A's players, will they be moved?
Yes, there is a difference here. The A's had 9 picks in the first 98 slots of 2002. The Yankees had 2 picks in the first 98 slots in both 2006 and 2007. Also, the Yankees had more money to work with - compared to the A's.
And, of course, no one has written a book about the Yankees recent drafts. So, most likely, when it comes to retrospectively measuring the Yankees work in 2006 and 2007, there won't be a hardcover testament to look back on, as is the case now with the A's work in 2002. Too bad. That might have been fun.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 02:22 PM | Comments (17)
If Abreu Pulls Another Rock In '08, Can The Yanks Survive?
This was Bobby Abreu, last season, in terms of PA/BA/OBA/SLG:
Home: 348/.326/.408/.497
Road: 351/.241/.330/.394
Those road numbers are ugly - and strange, as Abreu has usually been a good hitter on the road.
I decided to see if this was something that was an issue for Abreu all season last year. This is what I found, again, in terms of road BA/OBA/SLG:
Until June 30th: .217/.314/.335
From July 1st on: .267/.349/.459
Clearly, last season's road woes for Abreu were an early season thing and not something that went on for the entire year. Bascially, it was the month of May that killed Abreu on the road last year (where he went .179/.233/.250). And, in fact, the month of May, in general, was terrible for Abreu in 2007.
I'm not sure if the Yankees can afford to have Abreu have a month this bad in 2008. It certainly had a factor in them not finishing in first this season. It was not the only reason - but, it was one of the bigger reasons.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:53 AM | Comments (4)
Happy Yankee Day!
Hey, Sean McNally, this year, I beat you to it!
On January 3, 1920, the Boston Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees. And, on January 3, 1973, a group of investors led by George Steinbrenner and minority partner Michael Burke bought the Yankees from CBS for $10 million.
I wonder what's on the slate for January 3, 2026? It seems like something big happens for the Yankees on this date every 53 years or so...
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:35 AM | Comments (6)
Hank's Back In Saddle & Talking Santana
From the Daily News -
After what he described as a "slow holiday season" for baseball business, Hank Steinbrenner is returning to his office Thursday to begin working on "a final decision" regarding a trade for Johan Santana. And he believes the Yankees have made the top offer for the Minnesota ace.
"I think the Twins realize our offer is the best one," Steinbrenner said Wednesday in a telephone interview. "I feel confident they're not going to trade him before checking with us one last time and I think they think we've already made the best offer."
Steinbrenner said the offer "does not include two of the three young pitchers" - Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy, from a group that also includes untouchable Joba Chamberlain - "but it's still the best one. And let's face it, we're the best able to handle the kind of contract (extension) Santana will be after."
Steinbrenner would not divulge the Yanks' offer, but multiple reports have pegged it as Hughes, outfielder Melky Cabrera, pitching prospect Jeff Marquez and another prospect.
"I either have to do it (a Santana deal) or don't do it, same thing for the Red Sox, I guess," Steinbrenner added. "I think the Twins would like to keep him, so I don't think there's any hurry on anyone's part. It all depends on what he asks for in an extension. You obviously have to be very careful with pitchers, for obvious reasons."
There has been a popular theory among some in baseball that the Red Sox have talked to the Twins about a trade only to drive up the price on the Yankees, but Steinbrenner says he doesn't believe that's true.
"At the same time, we won't be in it to keep him from them," Steinbrenner said. "Each team is in it for what they can handle. We have great young pitching, that's the main plan. Do we want to put Santana in there, who's 29 (in March), to be an ace for a few years?
"I know a majority of fans don't want to lose Hughes."
Steinbrenner reiterated that he would be delighted to get Santana but also happy to "stay the way we are. We're going to have the best pitching by far in baseball in two or three years and we'll be tough this year.
"We obviously already have position players."
Well, it's not in the class of Jim Beattie, Rick Anderson, Juan Beniquez, and Jerry Narron for Ruppert Jones, but, it seems as if the Yankees have set their package for Johan Santana and Hank is ready to pull the trigger if the Twins say "Yes."
If this deal goes down, in the end, for sure, we'll have to put this one in the ledger under "Hank" and not "Cashman."
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:23 AM | Comments (4)
January 02, 2008
Golenbock To Write Steinbrenner Biography
From the New York Observer -
Celebrated baseball writer Peter Golenbock, author of Dynasty: The New York Yankees 1949-64, has signed a contract with John Wiley & Sons to write a biography of Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, it was announced today. The book will be called The Boss, and it is scheduled for publication in spring 2009.
Unclear whether Mr. Steinbrenner will cooperate with the project, or whether Mr. Golenbock, who currently resides in Florida, will relocate to New York to do his research.
One wonders, also, whether Mr. Golenbock's controversial 2007 novel 7, in which he portrayed Mickey Mantle as something of a sex-crazed boozehound, will make it harder for him to get access to the famously cagey Yankees.
Mr. Golenbock’s literary agent, Paul Fedorko of the Trident Media Group, said the book is still in its very early stages, and that Mr. Golenbock has not yet reached out to Mr. Steinbrenner or any other officials in the Yankees organization. “Peter’s been working on this stuff for a while,” he said. “A lot of what he has now is Yankees stuff. We’re hoping it’ll become Steinbrenner stuff.”
Mr. Golenbock did not respond to a request for comment. Hana Lane, his editor at Wiley, referred all questions to Mr. Fedorko, noting that it is still “very early in the book’s development.”
Almost six years ago, I had a chance to interview Peter. Nice guy. He had, at that time, a monster bobblehead collection going. Seemed like he was living a baseball fan's dream down in Florida. I know that some think Peter can be a little loose with the facts, at times. But, I hope he does a good job on this book. It might be tough - as I don't expect Big Stein, at this stage of his life, being willing to share on the effort.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:33 PM | Comments (0)
My Gold Stars For Oppenheimer & Garrett
Many like to credit G.M. Brian Cashman with rebuilding the (recent) Yankees through the amateur draft and Latin America signings. Or, they like to give credit to Cashman for rebuilding the (recent) Yankees via his allowing the Yanks’ scouting head, Damon Oppenheimer, to have complete autonomy over the amateur draft, and ditto for Lin Garrett, the Yankees international scouting director, in signing Latin prospects.
When I think about this, three words come to mind: Idea, Work, & Credit. Perhaps this is best explained via an analogy.
Let’s assume that you work for a New York based pumpkin retailer. Let’s call it “Yankee Pumpkins” – and you’re an A.V.P. at the company.
Let’s also assume that all of your pumpkins come almost exclusively from New York farms and wholesalers. That’s your main pipeline for pumpkins.
Let’s also assume that, one day, your boss (who is a V.P. at the company) comes to you and says “You know, things here are O.K., but, we need to do better in terms of acquiring pumpkins. I’ve heard that there are pumpkins in New Jersey that are better than our pumpkins, less expensive than the ones on the New York exchange, and that are in great abundance, if you know the right places to look and what to look for...so, I want you to run with this one. Go to New Jersey and find us better pumpkins.”
So, you do it. You spend the next 8 weeks hitting every pumpkin farm in Jersey. You pound the pavement and beat the bushes. You work seven day weeks and put in 12 hour days. And, in the end, you find a pumpkin source in New Jersey that will best serve “Yankee Pumpkins” now and in the long term as well.
When you tell the V.P. of your findings, he gives it the green light. And, he reports back to the President of “Yankee Pumpkins” with the good news.
Now, how do you think this works at this point? If “Yankee Pumpkins” is like any company that I’ve ever worked at in the last 23 years, when the V.P. reports back to the President, he’s going to say it was his “idea” (which is true) and also take the “credit” for the results and the impact to the company. However, bottom line, the V.P. did none of the “work.”
I think anyone who’s been in this spot, where they’ve done the “work,” would agree that, in the end, they are the party that deserves the “credit” (for the findings) – regardless of who had the “idea” and gave them the permission to run with it.
Sure, recognition is due for realizing that improvement is needed. And, recognition is due for empowering your staff. But, at the end of the day, when it’s time to hand out the true “gold stars,” they should go to those who did the “work” and who deserve the “credit” for turning things around – rather than them going to the higher-up who had the “idea” that something needed to be done.
This is why I cannot sign-on with those who like to “credit” G.M. Brian Cashman with rebuilding the (recent) Yankees through the amateur draft and Latin America signings. Maybe it was Cashman’s “idea.” But, Damon Oppenheimer and Lin Garrett did the “work.” If the Yankees recent moves via the amateur draft and Latin America signings make a difference in Yankeeland, Oppenheimer and Garrett, in my opinion, deserve the “credit.”
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:07 PM | Comments (32)
Parking At The New Stadium? You May Need A Loan
Unless, of course, you're a VIP. From the Daily News:
The Yankees and hundreds of their VIPs will get free valet parking for the next 40 years, courtesy of New York taxpayers.
The startling revelation of yet another subsidy for the richest team in baseball is buried deep in the fine print of a $237 million tax-exempt bond offering that city officials quietly issued the week before Christmas.
The documents say a $70 million state subsidy for parking improvements for the new Yankee Stadium (slated to open next year) has been earmarked for a new 660-car valet parking garage where virtually all the spaces will be reserved for the free, year-round use of the Yankees and their VIPs.
Game-day parking prices for the general public will more than double from $14 last year to $29 in 2010. They could hit $35 by 2014.
As previously reported, if you want to drive to the new Yankee Stadium, you're going to have to pay through the nose.
Again, I weep for the future.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:58 AM | Comments (2)
January 01, 2008
George Brett
Clicking around the T.V. today, I landed on YES (by chance) - in one of the few moments where they were not airing a repeat of The White Shadow - and caught part of a Yankees Classics broadcast featuring Game 5 of the 1976 ALCS. George Brett was batting for the Royals when I tuned into the game.
I hated George Brett back at that time. But, I also loved George Brett at that time.
I hated Brett because he was always killing the Yankees. In 860 lifetime PA against the Yankees, during the regular season, Brett posted a BA/OBP/SLG line of .307/.365/.504 - and, you know all about Brett's post-season feats against the Yankees.
But, I loved him...well, maybe respect is a better word than love..O.K., I respected him, as much as I could any player not on the Yankees, because he was such a wonderful hitter and a hard-nosed player.
Personally, as a young player myself, back at that time (when Brett also played), I patterned my swing after...no, not any Yankees player...but, rather, after George Brett (even though I was a right-handed batter). It was because of George Brett that I bought and read all of Charlie Lau's books on hitting. To me, back then, Brett was simply the best.
I have to say, of all the players to face the Yankees, since I've became a fan back in 1973, there's maybe been a handful of players to fall into this "Hate/Love" class, tops, and Brett just might be the king of them all.
Just seeing him again, today, for an instant, during a replay of a game from 1976, brought back all those feelings, like a flash. I guess I'll always keep them with me.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:20 PM | Comments (4)
SOTD: Forecasting Jason Giambi
Well, reading this, how do you think Jason Giambi will do for the New York Yankees in 2008?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:49 PM | Comments (8)
Yu Darvish
A hat tip to East Windup Chronicle for this one:
...the Yu Darvish to MLB rumors may have just officially kicked off right along with the new year. A Sports Hankook (Korea) report, relying on a Japanese source, says that the Yankees plan to nab Darvish following the 2008 season.
The report goes on to say that the Dodgers, Mets and Cubs have also made “love calls” to Darvish and that the floor of negotiations is something along the lines of what Daisuke Matsuzaka was able to command during his posting extravaganza in 2006.
Yu Darvish is a 6' 5", 21-year-old, Iranian-Japanese born, right-handed pitcher who was named Pacific League MVP in Nippon Professional Baseball last season. Click here to read more about him.
Let's hope he's not the Japanese version of Mike Witt, if he comes to to the Yankees.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:19 AM | Comments (10)