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February 29, 2008
The Big Hank Stein Quote
Last night, I shared a link to Jonathan Mahler's feature in the Times on the Brothers Stein. There was a pretty "big" quote therein from Hank Steinbrenner that I wanted to mull, to be sure that I thought about what I wanted to write on it, before sharing a knee-jerk reaction. Since then, the quote has received quite a bit of exposure. So, I thought I better get my two cents in, now, before it really becomes old news. Here's the quote from Hank:
“Red Sox Nation?” Hank says. “What a bunch of [expletive] that is. That was a creation of the Red Sox and ESPN, which is filled with Red Sox fans. Go anywhere in America and you won’t see Red Sox hats and jackets, you’ll see Yankee hats and jackets. This is a Yankee country. We’re going to put the Yankees back on top and restore the universe to order.”
First, the term "Red Sox Nation" goes back to Nathan Cobb. Via Gordon Edes:
[Q:] When was the term Red Sox Nation first used? I tell friends that it was years ago maybe the 60's or 70's in various newspaper articles to describe Red sox fans. My friends think it's only in the last couple of years because NESN has used it as a marketing thing. I say it's way back. Who's right? Jack, Rutland, Vt.
A: Jack, my colleague Dan Shaughnessy said it was first used by a Globe reporter not in sports, Nathan Cobb, back in 1986, but Shaughnessy gave it life and really was the person who made it part of our lexicon by his frequent use of the term from 1990 on. He even wrote a book with "Dispatches from Red Sox Nation" as part of the title.
This ties into what Wikipedia has on the topic:
Red Sox Nation refers to the fans of the Boston Red Sox. The phrase "Red Sox Nation" was first coined by Boston Globe feature writer Nathan Cobb in an October 20, 1986 article about split allegiances among fans in Connecticut during the 1986 World Series between Red Sox and the New York Mets. The phrase was popularized by the 1996 book At Fenway: Dispatches From Red Sox Nation (ISBN 0-517-70104-9) by Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy.
Therefore, the "thought" of "Red Sox Nation" goes back to Cobb in 1986 and the "movement" of getting it out there was assisted by Shaughnessy in 1996. Sure, ESPN and the Red Sox have helped to continue the push of the term, but, they did not start it. Further, there is some fact behind this notion of the existence of a Red Sox Nation. Via Paul White, on August 22nd of last year:
Red Sox Nation began growing in 2003, when the team reached the playoffs for the first time since 1999. It exploded after the Sox won the World Series in 2004 for the first time since 1918, after surprising the Yankees in the American League Championship Series by becoming the first baseball team to win a seven-game series after losing the first three games.
The Red Sox returned to the playoffs in 2005 and led the majors in road attendance — topping the Yankees, baseball's top road draw from 2001 to 2004. The Red Sox fell to third place in the AL East last year, missed the playoffs and saw the Yankees reclaim the road attendance crown.
This year the Sox are surging again and averaging 39,136 in road attendance. That's about 1,300 more than the Yankees draw in road games, and nearly 2,000 more than the Sox drew in road games in 2005, when they were the defending World Series champs.
In the end, Hank is not 100% correct with his statement that "Red Sox Nation" was "a creation of the Red Sox and ESPN" and that it really doesn't exist.
In any event, the bigger fish in this pond is the fact that Hank made the comment in the first place. The Yankee fanboy in me is juiced by this battle cry from Hank. However, to be fair and objective, had Larry Lucchino (or some other Red Sox official) made this comment about the Yankees, I would be loading for bear right about now. So, in that sense, since there is a Red Sox Nation, perhaps giving them this chum to chew on was not the brightest idea in Hank's bag of tricks?
If Hank wants to "restore the universe to order," his plan should be to (1) finish first in the A.L. East; and (2) win the ALDS - since the Yankees have not done the former since 2006 and the latter since 2004. After reaching these two goals, then it's time to start worrying about the Red Sox, etc.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:46 PM | Comments (3)
The Yankeeland Before Stein Time
Last night, I went out to dinner with three of my buddies. I’ve known two of them for a long time. If I had to guess, I would say that I’ve been friends with one of them for 34 years now and the other one for 32 years. The third fellow and I have been friends for at least 11 years – maybe a little longer. And, we’re all pretty close in age. During dinner, the topic of days gone by came up, and we started to reminisce about when we were back in Little League – bringing up names of old coaches and teammates, etc.
On the way home, I still found myself thinking about that part of the evening when it dawned on me: We were going pretty far back with that Little League conversation – somewhere around circa 1972. We’re talking about the days of Adam-12, Watergate, and Deliverance territory here.
For me, two things immediately came to mind: (A) That was a long time ago, and (B) I’m really old.
Then, I started to think about the 1972 Yankees. It was the last year where the team was owned by CBS. That season, the Yankees went 79-76 and finished in 4th place – 6 ½ games back of the first place Tigers. New York averaged 12,550 fans per home game back in 1972. (As you can tell from this photo from the last game at the Stadium in 1972, the Yanks were not exactly packing them in those days.) The best hitters on that Yankees team were Bobby Murcer, Roy White, Thurman Munson and Ron Blomberg. And, the best pitchers on the team were Steve Kline, Sparky Lyle, Lindy McDaniel and Fred Beene.
It’s amazing, while we were talking about those Little League memories, it didn’t seem like it was nearly three-eights of a century ago – but, it was. And, when you look back at the 1972 Yankees Yearbook (below) it seems like it was a thousand years ago. Further, looking at Yankeeland, circa 1972, and Yankeeland, today, it seems like they’re a million years apart – at least, after last night, now it does.
Being curious, I asked Lee Sinins of the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia “How many of the 1972 Yankees are still alive today?” Without knowing, I figured that most of the 36 players on that squad were still around. If Bobby Murcer, Felipe Alou, Gene Michael, Horace Clarke, Mel Stottlemyre, Ron Blomberg, Roy White, and Sparky Lyle were still around – which I knew to be true – most of that team was probably still around (according to my logic).
Then, Lee confirmed for me: "Everyone is alive except Thurman Munson, Johnny Callison and Celerino Sanchez."
Wow. That’s pretty good – just about 92% of the 1972 Yankees are still with us. Maybe YES should do a reunion show on them (while so many are still here)? Since they were the last Yankees team “Before Steinbrenner” there is some uniqueness to them. People might be interested in seeing them assembled once again – and hear their stories be brought up to date. At the least, it sounds like something that four old guys sitting in a sports bar in Edison, New Jersey, on a Thursday night in late February might want to talk about it – along with other tales from the "old days."
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:20 PM | Comments (3)
Olney: Yanks Will Be A Surprise Team & Overachieve
Click here to see the video.
If I'm doing my math right, Buster is saying that the Yankees could win around 108 games this season.
For the record, PECOTA does not agree with Olney.
Posted by WW Staff at 10:21 AM | Comments (7)
Jean Afterman Sighting
Via the St. Petersburg Times -
Dozens of screaming fans and a flock of paparazzi lined the red carpet at Tampa Theatre's ninth annual Oscar Night America benefit Sunday.
Pat Fenda reprised her Oscar-worthy performance as Roan Jivers, critiquing 300 gowned and tuxed supporters as they emerged from limos circling the block.
The Florida Aquarium's tiny South African black-footed penguins waddled in on Happy Feet wearing their version of black-tie, but they were not invited to stay and watch the 80th annual Academy Awards ceremony on the big screen.
The historic theater's benefit was one of 52 sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Jean Afterman, vice president and assistant general manager of the New York Yankees, was among the movie buffs enjoying champagne and hors d'oeuvres from Mise en Place.
She was rooting for Juno to win big, she said, clutching a CD of the sound track produced by her brother, Peter. The film did win Best Original Screenplay.
In December 2001, the Yankees hired Afterman to be their assistant General Manager. At the time, Brian Cashman cited her expertise in the Far East as one of her strongest attributes. That made sense - because she was general counsel for an agency who represents Japanese players before joining the Yankees. [Insert your Kei Igawa joke here.]
But, as a G.M., shouldn't your assistant G.M. be someone that you're grooming and training to be your successor?
Does anyone really think that Jean Afterman has a decent chance of ever being the Yankees next General Manager? Man, if that happens, would that be a bad dream, or what?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 06:38 AM | Comments (4)
More Steinbrenner Biographies On The Way
Via the Philly Inquirer:
New York Daily News columnist Bill Madden has signed a "major league deal with HarperCollins to do the definitive portrait" of Yankees boss George Steinbrenner, says the News. Not to be outdone, Random House has signed novelist Norris Church, who was married to Norman Mailer for 32 years, to write another bio of G.S.
Looks like Peter Golenbock will have some company. I would love to see someone like Kevin Kerrane or John Helyar do a book on Big Stein too.
Actually, the guy who should write the book on George is Gene Monahan. He's the only guy to be with the Yankees during every single year that Steinbrenner owned the team. And, I'm sure he knows things that no one else knows. Now, Monahan doing a tell-all would be something - but, it will never happen...at least, not in the near future.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 06:26 AM | Comments (2)
February 28, 2008
It's A Boy, And Another Three Boys, And Two Girls!
Via the Trenton Times:
Chase the Golden Retriever, mascot of the [Yankees Double-A affiliate] Trenton Thunder minor league baseball team, is now a proud father, the team announced Thursday.
Chase's partner, Cyndarella, had a litter of six puppies -- four males, two females -- on Jan. 26. Now one month old, all six puppies are "playful and healthy," the team said in a news release.
The team said it plans to keep one of the male puppies and train it to be Chase's sidekick. Thunder fans are being invited to suggest a name for the puppy.
Due to his newly required parenting duties, I think the Yankees, and the Thunder, should give Chase the summer off this year and make Carl Pavano serve as the mascot in Trenton this season.
It would be entertaining to see Pavano play the role of "batdog" during Trenton's games - retrieving bats with his mouth and returning them to the Thunder dugout.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:10 PM | Comments (0)
Sox Dodged Bullet On Rocket
Larry Lucchino, on Roger Clemens, via the Providence Journal:
The current [Red Sox] ownership group, which has made great strides in alumni relations, wanted to mend things with Clemens, too. When the Sox attempted to sign him in 2006, they commissioned a video to play for him in an effort to woo Clemens back to Boston for the end of his career.
“He did say,” said Lucchino, “that after our effort about reaching out to him, he felt much better about the organization.”
But after demonstrating a willingness to meet Clemens more than halfway, the Sox seem to be backpedaling. They were largely unstained by the release of the Mitchell Report and, of course, they’d like to keep it that way.
Had things gone differently, had Clemens accepted their offer to return in 2006 or 2007, the Sox this spring would be up to their necks in talk about steroids and human growth hormone. What did the Red Sox know and when did they know it?
“Certainly,” said Lucchino, “when we look at last year and the (minimal) contributions he made to the Yankees pitching staff and the ultimate success we had, I guess we were lucky.”
Instead, the Sox’ hands are clean. For now, the Sox are just one of Clemens’ four former employers. As his trouble worsens, Clemens’ relationship with the Sox grows more distant, his time here more and more removed.
And after a period in which they tried to re-establish ties with Clemens, one gets the distinct feeling that that’s just fine with the Red Sox.
Thinking of all this, I wonder if the Yankees will invite Clemens to Old Timer's Day this season, or, to the ceremonies on the day of the last game at (the current Yankee) Stadium? Doubt it.
Clemens is now the Philip Nolan of baseball.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:58 PM | Comments (4)
Mahler: Oedipus Bronx
Jonathan Mahler has a very good feature in the Times on the Brothers Stein. Click here to read it. An interesting snip with the bad and good news:
The biggest issue the Yankees face is potential sibling rivalries, particularly between the two brothers, and Hank’s outspokenness has inevitably triggered speculation about the possibility of resentment. “Observing some of the things Hank has been saying, he has a disconcerting tendency to speak in the first-person singular,” one of the limited partners told me. “When George does that, that’s one thing, but when you’re in a situation where there’s a family transition going on, for one of four siblings to speak like that can produce issues.”
The interests of the brothers’ informal fiefdoms — business and baseball — will inevitably collide. Indeed, they already have in the case of Johan Santana, whom Hank seemed desperate to land.
The Yankees organization clearly recognizes the precariousness of this power-sharing arrangement. After I interviewed Randy Levine, he called Rubenstein to express concern that my story was going to focus too much on Hank. And without any prompting, Jennifer told me how well her two brothers were working together: “They’re complementing each other perfectly. Together they’re just clicking.”
However things play out among the Steinbrenner siblings, however tempting it may be for Yankee haters to indulge in dark, King Lear-like fantasies of family discord tearing apart the Yankee kingdom, it’s worth remembering that the franchise has almost always been a model of dysfunction under the Steinbrenners.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:24 PM | Comments (0)
Bad Murcer News
Godspeed Lemon.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 04:32 PM | Comments (2)
The Hughes Health Question
In 2004, Phil Hughes missed playing time due to both a stubbed/broken toe and some elbow soreness. In 2005, Hughes missed playing time due to shoulder tendonitis and a “tired arm.” And, last season (2007) Hughes missed playing time due to both a severe hamstring pull and ankle sprain. That’s three out of four seasons where an injury took Hughes out of action. Reviewing this, it’s encouraging to hear that Hughes has stepped up his conditioning efforts.
So, what do you think Yankees fans? Do you think Hughes will be less burdened by injuries now – and going forward in his career? Or, is Hughes going to be one of those pitchers who will always have his ups-and-downs in terms of being healthy enough to pitch?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:28 PM | Comments (21)
Megdal: It's A Question Of Age
Howard Megdal looks at the 2008 Yankees today for the Observer:
But there are a number of questions the Yankees will begin to answer this spring that will determine if this year’s team will win ugly during the regular season and fall short against the American League’s best pitching in October, or if the Yankees finally have the right mix of youth and experience.
Like personnel-deprived teams that played during World War II, New York’s starting pitching may be either too young or too old.
Which brings us to Mike Mussina, who may be finished as a good major league pitcher. He has ended up with a wose-than-average ERA+ in three of the past four seasons—his ERA in 2007 was 5.15. And it got worse for Mussina as the year went on—he was at 4.62 prior to the All-Star break, 5.72 afterwards.
Between left field and designated hitter, the Yankees need to find time for Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon, Jason Giambi, while Bobby Abreu and Jorge Posada could both use occasional DH time as well. Once hitters catch up to pitchers in mid-March, watch all of these players, and notice if they are getting around on good fastballs, or if they swing and miss too much. With the exception of Posada, all displayed signs of decline for extended periods in 2007, and the end for good hitters is often swift.
I think the Yankees realize all this as well - which is why Brian Cashman has said this season could go well or not so well for the team.
I just wonder how many Yankees fans realize this? Probably not enough.
Posted by WW Staff at 11:58 AM | Comments (8)
Spanning Santana
Emma Span has a fun read in Slate today - on why the Yankees and Mets fans are happy not to have Johan Santana. Click here to read it.
Posted by WW Staff at 10:21 AM | Comments (2)
Roger, Over And Out?
The news, or should I say quicksand, just keeps getting worse and worse for Roger Clemens. But, perhaps the biggest question here is: Does anyone even care anymore?
If someone told you that you could never hear any news about Clemens, ever again, and it would only cost you a dollar, would you be as quick as me to pony-up a buck?
Posted by WW Staff at 10:13 AM | Comments (7)
February 27, 2008
A-Rod & Abreu: Thunder & Lightning
Copies of "The Hardball Times Season Preview 2008" and "The Bill James Gold Mine 2008" arrived at WasWatching.com HQ today. Sweet.
Reviews on both are to follow soon. In the interim, here's a fun Yankees fact from The Bill James Gold Mine 2008:
101 of Alex Rodriguez' 156 RBI in 2007 came from his homeruns. Bobby Abreu had more RBI singles, more RBI doubles, more RBI triples and more miscellaneous RBI from things like walks and groundouts than did A-Rod.
A-Rod, last year, drove in Abreu 33 times, Jeter 32 times, and himself 54 times. That's 119 of his 156 RBI (in 2007) right there.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:52 PM | Comments (1)
Hank ala' Donovan: "I'm Not My Dad."
Via ESPN Magazine -
[Hank] Steinbrenner on his managing style: "The fear, it's not how I operate. The people here in the front office already know that. The people who know me know that. The Yankee fans have been very good to me so far, but I think it might take some time for people to get used to the fact that I'm not my dad."
Yeah, in the Yankees front office, I'm sure they call Hank "Mellow Fellow" - quite rightly.
Hank on his relationship with A-Rod:
I'm just mad about Thirteen.
Thirteen's mad about me.
I'm just mad about Thirteen.
He's just mad about me.
It's electrical bananarama split time in Yankeeland! Long live Fleegle, Bingo, Drooper, and Snorky!
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:38 PM | Comments (1)
Forbes: High Priced Imports Don't Help In Baseball
Some interesting thoughts from Tom Van Riper of Forbes -
Recent history shows that in each winter since 1998, the highest-salaried major league player to switch teams has never had a notable effect on the win total of the club that got him. In fact, six of 10 teams won fewer games than in the previous year, while none enjoyed a longer advance through the post season.
The $20 million that Santana will earn in 2008 makes him this year's highest-paid acquisition, just ahead of Torii Hunter, his ex-teammate from the Twins who jumped to the Los Angeles Angels for a five-year, $90 million deal.
Last winter's highest paid acquisition, pitcher Jason Schmidt, got $15.7 million to move down the West Coast from the San Francisco Giants to the Los Angeles Dodgers. But a shoulder injury, always a risk with pitchers, limited him to just 26 innings and a 1-4 record. The Dodgers won six fewer games than they did in their playoff season of 2006, finishing fourth.
The Giants tried to replace Schmidt by lavishing $126 million over seven years on lefty Barry Zito (he got $10 million in the first year), who struggled to an 11-13 record while his team finished last. And the man who was technically last year's highest-paid newbie, the Yankees' Roger Clemens (his signing came in mid-season, leaving Schmidt standing as the top winter acquisition), had no real effect on his club despite an $18 million contract. With Clemens going 6-6, the Yankees won three fewer games than they did in 2006, bowing out in the first round of the playoffs for the third straight time.
The trend is no better for offensive saviors over the past decade. Since 1998, the highest-salaried players to jump teams have included Sammy Sosa in 2005 (Chicago Cubs to Baltimore Orioles) and Mo Vaughn in 2002 (Angels to Mets), both of whom saw their new clubs fall back in the standings the year they got there.
Consider the Atlanta Braves' 2003 acquisition of Mike Hampton, a $13 million-a-year pitcher, to beef up their already strong starting rotation. Hampton was a solid but unspectacular 14-8 that year, while the Braves duplicated their 2002 season of 101 wins and a first-round playoff exit.
Slugger Alex Rodriguez, who jumped from the Seattle Mariners to the Texas Rangers in 2001 for over $22 million a year and then took that contract to the Yankees three years later, failed to push either team to greater heights. The 2001 Rangers, with the league's worst pitching staff, finished fourth for the second year in a row. And the 2004 Yankees went from 101 wins and a World Series loss the year before to 101 wins and a League Championship Series loss to the Red Sox. Even a human stat machine like A-Rod won't improve a team if his salary makes it difficult for a club to invest in other needs.
I wonder if this has anything to do with the player being an import, or, if it's just "The 15 Percent Rule" coming into play?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:28 PM | Comments (6)
Birnbaum: Bill James Website & "Cursed" Teams
Today, Phil Birnbaum writes about Bill James' new method of determining a team's chances to win the World Series. (Hat tip to BaseballThinkFactory.org.) Click here to see what Phil has to say on this.
I wonder how this theory ties into the Nate Silver and Dayn Perry theory? Now, that would be an interesting study as well.
Posted by WW Staff at 02:40 PM | Comments (5)
The Giambi Odds, Part II
Four days ago, the question “How many 37-year olds have posted great offensive seasons - even in part-time duty - for the Yankees?” was pondered here – which led to the conclusion that “…history tells us that we should not expect anything positive from Jason Giambi this season. And, should he actually provide some decent offense, it would be defying the odds - big time.”
In response to that item, some asked to see the data for a larger population of 37-year olds – and not just Yankees – to see what those results would show. So, since you asked, click here to see the stats (via the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia).
For the cut, we used 1973 as a starting season – as that’s when the D.H. came into play. And, we used 251 PA as a minimum to allow for part-timers.
As you can see, there were 149 such “seasons” found. And, in 74% of those seasons, the 37-year old batter was not great. And, here, we’re turning a blind eye to batters like Barry Bonds, Rafael Palmeiro and Ken Caminiti who posted good numbers at age 37 via some help. Further, in 49% of those seasons, the 37-year old posted a bad offensive season.
Using this bigger sample supports the suggestion made on Giambi four days ago. History here tells us that the odds are not in his favor. And, we should not expect anything hugely positive from Jason Giambi this season. Further, it’s just about a 50-50 chance that he should provide some decent offense at all.
Posted by WW Staff at 11:09 AM | Comments (12)
Sox No Longer Obsessed With Yanks?
From Bob Klapisch:
Spend a day at Red Sox camp, and you sense their profound tranquility. No Yankee-bashing, no personal attacks against A-Rod and certainly no gloating over the miniature dynasty.
With two championships in the past four years, and practically everyone back from the '07 World Series roster, the Sox' domination is likely to continue in 2008. That's why no one's obsessing over the Bombers' spring training story lines, including the beginning of the Joe Girardi era and the un-Yankee-like decision to rely on three rookies in the starting rotation.
Indeed, it's a long way from 2003, when the Yankees broke the Sox' hearts with that Game 7 victory in the AL Championship Series. The Sox were at their low point watching Aaron Boone circle the bases after blasting a season-ending home run over the left field wall. The Bombers were going to the World Series and the Sox were going home, beyond despair.
But it helps that the Bombers haven't won a World Series since 2000. It matters, too, that the Sox have found stability: Manager Terry Francona was rewarded with a three-year contract extension that will pay him $11.5 million through 2011.
"I realize now how important it is, but it's not healthy just to think about the Yankees," he said after Tuesday's workouts. "I know it's a cliché, but I'm trying to get my guys to understand it's just as important to focus on the Rays as it is against the Yankees. The goal is to have the same intensity level whoever you're playing."
This is what happens, I suppose, when Wile E. Coyote finally catches the Road Runner.
Francona may be able to sell this to his team, but, I think those fans that make up Red Sox Nation may not be buying this as quickly? Or, will they?
How about Yankees fans? What do you say? Do you feel like the "Hammer and the Nail" relationship that the Yankees had with the Red Sox, for so long, is now gone (thanks to 2004 and 2007)?
Posted by WW Staff at 09:50 AM | Comments (16)
Beware The Sounds Of Spring
Before we get too amped up over any quotes that come out of the Yankees camp today as a result of their intersquad game, let’s remember this diddy from Jason Giambi (this time last year):
In the early part of camp [Matt] DeSalvo, 26, opened eyes in the bullpen and in batting practice. "I was shocked, that's how filthy he was," Jason Giambi said.
Damon Oppenheimer can rest easy as Jason Giambi is no threat in terms of taking his job.
Posted by WW Staff at 09:32 AM | Comments (2)
Rangers' Wilson Blog Comments Backfire
From the Dallas Morning News with a hat tip to BaseballThinkFactory.org:
The exhibition season hasn't yet started, and already Texas Rangers closer C.J. Wilson has found himself in a jam.
In his own clubhouse.
Wilson recently made comments about his teammates' lack of political education in an ESPN.com article and then made subsequent posts on a Rangers-related blog that referred to the average major leaguer by an obscene remark. On Tuesday, teammates confronted him about the comments.
I guess this would qualify as a "bad incident." Given the recent news about Yankees players having blogs, I wonder if this situation will give cause for the Yankees to take a preemptive strike, using the Rangers as an example, and start to tell players that cyberspace is a no-go?
Posted by WW Staff at 09:20 AM | Comments (3)
February 26, 2008
The Breakfast Of [Hopefully] A Champion
Want to know what makes General Joe go? From Ken Davidoff:
Joe Girardi eats the same breakfast, at the same time, each day.
"Egg whites, a little ham and a little dry wheat toast," the Yankees' new manager said Monday. "Usually about 6:30 every morning."
He is "regimented," Girardi admitted with a smile, yet "I have some flexibility always built into my schedule."
Smart dude, that Joe. Egg whites contain a ton of protein with almost no fat or cholesterol. And, the ham, well, that's a high density protein too. Protein keeps your blood sugar stable and reduces cortisol production. (Excess cortisol stimulates glucose production. This excess glucose then typically is converted into fat, ending up as stored fat.) The dry wheat toast is a nice low glycaemic index carbohydrate that helps ensures his brain has a constant supply of fuel.
A much better way to start the day than a bowl of Froot Loops and a Jelly Filled Donut.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:02 PM | Comments (4)
Dan McCutchen Mislabled As PED User
Peter Abraham confirms what Sarah shared back in 2006 - Dan McCutchen got a bum rap and was not busted for using PEDs.
Some more on this prospect from Peter's report:
Counting the Eastern League playoffs, McCutchen was 16-4 with a 2.59 ERA last season for Class A Tampa and Class AA Trenton.
"They call him 'Danimal' because he's so aggressive on the mound,'' Trenton pitching coach Scott Aldred said. "He's a competitor who likes to play the game. He's high energy, sort of like Joba.''
Said McCutchen: "I have a split personality when I get on the mound. I probably need to rein that in a little.''
General manager Brian Cashman said McCutchen didn't lose any stature within the organization because of the suspension. McCutchen was even invited to spend a week in New York near the end of last season so he could get acclimated to Yankee Stadium.
"There's a game plan for everybody, but some guys move themselves, and he's one of those,'' Cashman said. "He's a starter for now but we believe he does have the ability to relieve. Once we get more performance indicators, we'll see where he fits. But we like him.''
We could be seeing McCutchen in the Bronx some time this season. Considering the road he's had to travel, it will be easy to root for him.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:50 PM | Comments (0)
Long On Giambi
Via Tyler Kepner -
“He’s not as good at D.H.,” Long said. “His numbers just aren’t there. I think it’s very important to us as a club and him as an individual if he’s out in the field.”
Giambi said he did not lose much weight over the winter, but distributed it better throughout his body. Long said that has strengthened Giambi’s core muscles, which could speed up a bat that has one more chance to help the Yankees win it all.
“I know it’s not the games yet, but it all starts with how he’s going about his business and the mechanics of his swing,” Long said. “I’m telling you right now, I’ve seen Jason for three years and this is the best I’ve ever seen his swing. That’s exciting.”
At best, I see Giambi hitting 23 homers this season with 70 RBI - at the best. And, it will probably be lower than that. If he does better than my prediction, I'll post a picture (in this blog) of myself, this October, holding up a sign that reads "I refused to get excited about what Kevin Long said about Jason Giambi back in February and now I hang my head in shame."
File this one under: "At the least, I don't steal forks from restaurants."
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:26 PM | Comments (3)
Moose Should Zip His Lip On Epstein's Taunts
Via Ed Price:
Appearing on Boston radio station WEEI last Friday, Epstein said, "Kevin Brown and Mike Mussina spent the whole time bitching about [their trip to Japan in 2004] ... and by the time the Yankees team got back from the trip they were all using it as a crutch."
Told of the comments, Mussina said sarcastically, "Yeah, we used it as an excuse for winning the division."
Well, Moose (at that time) did moan about making the trip. Via Tyler Kepner back on March 25, 2004:
Mussina has no choice but to accompany the Yankees to Japan for the start of the regular season on March 30 against Tampa Bay. But he does not have to be excited.
''It's just a long way to go,'' Mussina said. ''I'm not going to lie to you -- it's hard. We're going to play baseball. If we were going to sightsee, it would be different. But we're trying to be physically prepared to play.''
The Yankees' charter flight, which seats more than 300 but will take about 125 players, wives and staff members to Tokyo, leaves after the game Thursday in Clearwater, Fla. Each player was issued a sweatsuit for the flight, and Gene Monahan, the trainer, wants everyone to drink at least 16 ounces of water or a sports drink each hour.
But it may take more than thousands of water bottles to overcome the jet lag and muscle cramps that can come from a 17-hour flight. Left fielder Hideki Matsui has told teammates to expect to be tired.
''Matsui said it takes five days to feel decent again,'' Mussina said. ''When we start feeling decent, we'll turn around and come back and do it again.''
As a collegian at Stanford, Mussina flew to Taiwan and Europe. But he has never flown to Japan and has no plans to pass the time, other than to eat and sleep. ''How do you spend 17 hours in a tube?'' he said.
Mussina does plan to ask Matsui a question as the hours drag on across the Pacific: ''How do you say, 'I'm tired -- this trip is too long' in Japanese?''
Yes, Mussina is right. The Yankees did win the division that season. But, they did it with little help from him. That year, 2004, turned out to be Mussina's worst season in the big leagues (up until that point). And, it was a season where the Yankees needed him the most. Clemens, Wells and Pettitte were gone. And, they were replaced with guys like Javier Vazquez, Kevin Brown and Jose Contreras - who, as a group, gave the Yankees a below average performance that year. Mike had a chance to be a hero in 2004 and he was not good.
How bad was Moose in 2004? Murray Chass said it best, back in April of that year:
In Mussina's two starts against Tampa Bay, the Yankees took leads only to have him squander them and lose both games. They scored two runs in the first inning in the game in Japan and four in the first inning in the game in Florida.
Mussina's performances in both games was reminiscent of a memorable George Steinbrenner scene about 25 years ago, when he summoned a reporter to his office after a young Yankees pitcher, Ken Clay, gave up an early lead against Kansas City.
''Ask me about Ken Clay,'' Steinbrenner, the team's principal owner, said.
''What about Ken Clay?'' the reporter asked.
''He spit the bit,'' Steinbrenner said, borrowing a term from horse racing, his other love.
But Mussina didn't just spit the bit. He hated the idea of going to Japan, let everybody know it and very likely suffered from his frame of mind. In speaking critically of the trip to Japan, he sounded like a character out of Eugene Burdick and William J. Lederer's novel ''The Ugly American.'' Mussina denied that the second disastrous start in Tampa was a carry-over from the first, but he nevertheless pitched poorly and lost that game, too.
He spit the bit. Indeed.
Because of this, Mussina would probably be better served to keep the bit in his mouth this time and not say anything about what Theo Epstein has to say...because the facts suggest that Theo is right - at least about the part where he says Mussina complained about the trip.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:22 PM | Comments (17)
BA Top 100 Prospects
Baseball America has issued its Top 100 Prospects List for 2008. Yankees who made the cut:
Joba Chamberlain #3
Jose Tabata #37
Austin Jackson #41
Ian Kennedy #45
This should come as no shock - since most feel that Joba Chamberlain, Ian Kennedy, Austin Jackson, Jose Tabata, and Alan Horne are the Yankees top five prospects.
It was interesting to see that Baseball America felt that Alan Horne should not be in the Top 100. It will also be interesting to see how many Yankees make the Top 100 next year.
Posted by WW Staff at 02:22 PM | Comments (2)
Yanks Consider Banning Player Blogs
Via Lisa Kennelly:
In a rapidly evolving culture where anyone with internet access can share the details of their lives and anyone with a cell phone can post a picture online, the Yankees have to take precautions with the privacy of their players, particularly the younger set.
Currently, there are no regulations for Yankee players regarding blogging, MySpace, or Facebook use. But the Yankees media relations staff has included specific internet training in its players' seminars for two years now, cautioning players about the consequences of an active online habit.
Last season rookie pitcher Tyler Clippard learned that the hard way, when his MySpace page drew thousands of hits after he made his major-league debut. Yankees media relations staff had a quiet word with him, and his page was soon set to private.
"We warn them about putting their private lives in the public arena," GM Brian Cashman said, "because it comes back to haunt you, depending on what you put out there."
And it's entirely possible, said Yankees director of media relations Jason Zillo, that in the very near future blogs could be banned for Yankee players. All it takes is one bad incident.
"It's a way to relate to your fans," Zillo said, "but you need to be hyper sensitive to the type of information you're putting out there and understand there can be ramifications."
I wonder what the Yankees consider a "bad incident" to be in a case like this? And, does it just pertain to the player's blog content, or, to that of those leaving comments on his site as well? For example, if someone leaves a link in a comment that leads to a site that's not kid friendly, and some kid ends up there, and then his parent complains to the media, would that register as a "bad incident"? Or, would it just have to be a situation where the player posts something that is an embarrassment to him, the team, or the game?
And, what about the concept of "free speech"? Of course, the Yankees probably have some wording in their player's contracts that cover their right to limit things like blogging, etc.
This is an interesting item developing off the news that Phil Hughes has a blog. And, one worth tracking - to see where it goes.
Posted by WW Staff at 11:14 AM | Comments (6)
NYU Commencement At Yankee Stadium
Via the Washington Square News:
For Red Sox fans, it's your worst nightmare: Front and center in Yankee Stadium receiving your diploma.
Is this hell?
NYU Red Sox fans say yes - and it's a reality.
It has been a month since NYU announced its decision to hold this year's commencement at Yankee Stadium, home of what Red Sox and Mets fans consider the Evil Empire. Usually held in Washington Square Park, the ceremony was moved due to renovations.
"If that happens to me, I will cry," said CAS junior and lifelong Sox fan Rachel Chapman. "Graduation is such a community thing, and when you put it in a sports stadium, you're including another community."
But depending on the baseball game schedule, the 2009 graduation could be moved to Citi Field, the new home of the Mets, set to open in April 2009. If the class of 2009 has their commencement in Yankee Stadium, however, there is a chance it could be in the new Yankee Stadium, also opening in April 2009.
"I would rather graduate somewhere that's more neutral, because I've always kind of thought of graduation as a momentous, happy occasion, and I wouldn't really want to associate it with the Yankees," said CAS junior and Mets fan Francesca Basile.
Sox and Mets fans have no problems, whatsoever, flooding Yankee Stadium when the Yankees are playing their favorite team. But, I can see where this could be different.
My college graduation was held at the Felt Forum (at Madison Square Garden) back in the day. At that time, I never thought about the "other" stuff that was held at that location - I was just happy to be done with school and looking forward to working.
Still, as a fellow fanatic of a baseball team, I feel for the Red Sox and Mets fans on this one.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:21 AM | Comments (12)
Gossage: Papelbon Best In The Game
Via the Worcester Telegram & Gazette News
Sitting in the third base dugout watching batting practice last week at Legends Field in Tampa, the spring training home of the Yankees, Goose Gossage was asked which pitcher in the game today reminds him most of himself.
The Hall of Fame’s newest member wasted little time answering.
“I think (Jonathan) Papelbon,” Gossage said. “I think he’s the best closer in the game today. Mariano (Rivera of the Yankees is) still a great closer, but I think the way (Papelbon) goes about it, he’s probably the best.
“When they said they were going to put him in the rotation last year, I just started laughing. I said they’re never going to put him in the rotation. He’s too valuable. Guys like him only come along once in a blue moon. So it was comical.”
I guess Goose has never met Takashi Saito.
Yes, I'm kidding - sorta/kinda. Seriously, Papelbon (as much as I cannot stand him) has a claim, sure. But, couldn't Gossage play some favorites here and throw Mariano a bone? Let's see Papelbon do "it" for 5 years in a row before we fit him for a crown or something, OK?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:12 AM | Comments (5)
Betemit & Ensberg
No, it's not the law firm representing Brian McNamee. It's the answer that some have offered up to YankeeBlography, when asked the question "Who should play 1B?"
Do you agree?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:23 AM | Comments (2)
February 25, 2008
Cashman: Like Any Season, (2008) Can Go Either Way
Via Ken Davidoff:
There's an anecdote from "Feeding the Monster," the best-selling book on the Red Sox by Seth Mnookin, focusing on an October 2005 organizational meeting. Red Sox GM Theo Epstein asked a group of his co-workers: "What if we win 85 games [in 2006]? We're bringing up some young players that are going to be better in '07 than they will be next year. And they'll probably be even better than that in '08."
Epstein proved prophetic, as the '06 Bosox won 86 games, missing the playoffs, before winning it all last year.
Cashman nodded when asked if he read the book and recalled that tidbit, and whether he sees similarities between that moment with the Red Sox and this moment with the Yankees.
"I think we have a lot of talent in that clubhouse," he said. "A lot of good things can happen. But just like any season, they could go both ways.
Wow. The last time the Yankees won less than 87 games in a full season was 1992. That season was the last time the Yankees did not finish in first or second - and it was the last bad Yankees team.
If the Yankees only win 85 games this season, Kat O'Brien is going to need a cell phone dedicated for just calls from Hank Steinbrenner.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:45 PM | Comments (0)
Kepner On Hughes Weblog
Tyler Kepner takes a look at Phil Hughes Weblog for the Times:
As a homegrown Yankee with talent, Hughes was bound to be popular. But his blog has forged an uncommon connection. A young medium has further endeared a young player to the fans.
“I think his blog is a success because it makes Hughes more than a number or a grouping of statistics, it makes him not only human, but approachable,” Alex Belth, who has run the blog Bronx Banter since 2002, wrote in an e-mail message. “It makes him seem not so very different from his readers, no small deal in an era when fans feel the distance between themselves and the players more than ever.”
General Manager Brian Cashman said he had concerns about players maintaining Web sites that could embarrass the team. Cashman added that he would rather not have players breaking news; Curt Schilling of the Red Sox has done that on his blog, 38pitches.com.
“Fans get enough baseball information from you guys; that’s your job,” Hughes said, referring to the news media. “I don’t try to do any of that. I want them to feel they have a connection with me. That’s kind of the main idea.
“To me, baseball players always seemed so larger than life. I guess one of the points I’m trying to make is that it’s not really that way. You can idolize players, but you realize they’re just guys. That’s kind of what I want to get across. I’m not any better than anybody else. I just happen to have this ability that not many other people have.”
I’m not any better than anybody else. I just happen to have this ability that not many other people have.
I think we've found our new Yogi.
About six weeks ago, I voiced my displeasure over Hughes having a blog - at this stage of his career. Seeing this report, I decided to reconsider my position - with the hope that perhaps I might be able to find a way to change my mind.
To that end, I went back to the last entry that I offered regarding the vibe that I get from Hughes - the one that will not allow me to jump on the "Phil Franchise" bandwagon just yet. To find it, I did a search (of this blog) using "Keanu" - and, in doing that, I found something else that (I think) helps me understand what it is about Hughes that makes me feel uneasy.
Two weeks ago, I explained the "Keanu Hughes" factor (for me). But, in doing the aforementioned search, I found that I also once hung the "Keanu" label on someone else: Our ol' pal, and deep-thinker, Bernie Williams. As I wrote back in January of 2006:
...I decided to throw out some nominations now for nicknames to use this season, with the hope that some of them stick....
Bernie "Keanu" Williams
If Telemundo ever does a TV-version of Bill & Ted, Bernie's gotta get the part as Ted Logan.
The minute I saw Bernie's name, I thought about what Brian Cashman said (on Bernie) last month:
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."
Bingo. That's the beef for me with Hughes' blog - that it's a potential distraction - for someone who has yet to prove himself at the big league level.
Right about now, I expect those Yankees fans who worship Phil Hughes to start hollering "Didn't you see what Hughes did, at such a young age, in the majors last year? Did you forget about that game in Texas?"
Hey, I did see what Hughes accomplished last season. And, via the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia, I can come up with some right-handed pitchers, since 1973, who have done the same thing - or darn close to it - at age 21 (which was Hughes' age last season). Here's the list:
YEAR RSAA GS IP RSAA
T1 Alan Wirth 1978 4 14 81.1 4
T1 Brandon Lyon 2001 4 11 63 4
T3 Brandon McCarthy 2005 3 10 67 3
T3 Gil Meche 1999 3 15 85.2 3
T5 Alex Fernandez 1990 2 13 87.2 2
T5 Phil Hughes 2007 2 13 72.2 2
T7 Tommy Boggs 1976 1 13 90.1 1
T7 Dan Petry 1979 1 15 98 1
T9 Dan Larson 1976 0 13 92.1 0
T9 Joel Davis 1985 0 11 71.1 0
T9 Ramon Martinez 1989 0 15 98.2 0
T9 Andy Benes 1989 0 10 66.2 0
13 Tom Carroll 1974 -1 13 78 -1
14 Rich Harden 2003 -2 13 74.2 -2
15 Steve Baker 1978 -3 10 63.1 -3
16 Brett Myers 2002 -4 12 72 -4
17 Kyle Davies 2005 -5 14 87.2 -5
See Andy Benes up there? Well, that brings back a flashback from a year ago, huh?
Of all those guys on this list, Brandon McCarthy and Brett Myers still have a chance to have some All-Star seasons. And, as I wrote a year ago, "...if Hughes' career does end up the same as the back of Andy Benes’ bubblegum card, that would be a win for him – in my opinion. It’s not as if Andy Benes had a career like Ben McDonald.." But, for the most part, almost all of these youngsters had their career derail somewhere for some reason.
And, the same can happen to Phil Hughes. I'm not saying that it will happen - I'm just saying that it could happen. Further, until, for fact, it doesn't happen, it's my personal preference that Hughes waits for his "ability that not many other people have" to mature into reality before he starts going out of his way to attract attention to himself (above the attention that already comes his way as a result of his prospect status).
For the record, my reaction to this would be the same if it was Joba Chamberlain or Ian Kennedy (instead of Hughes) doing a blog.
In the end, as much as I try to come over to the side of glee, with respect to Hughes having a blog, I still can't do it (now).
Thinking about it as I write this, I know what it will take to get me there. It's one of two scenarios:
1. Phil becomes a huge star and he continues to blog away, just as he is now, despite his star status. Or,
2. Phil struggles, and finds himself back in the minors - even if it's a Doc Halladay type situation and just a step back for a bit - and he continues to blog away, just as he is now, despite things not going as planned.
Now, that (either scenario) would impress me. It would show me that Hughes really wants to blog because he wants to show that he's "not any better than anybody else." But, I'll have to wait and see on this, won't I?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:29 PM | Comments (8)
Hank: Cash Part Of Yankees Cosa Nostra And Will Stay
Just like Peter Parker getting all the good photos of Spiderman and Clark Kent getting all the scoops about Superman, once again, Kat O'Brien gets the goods from Hank Stein:
"We'll talk about [Cashman's contract] during the season," Steinbrenner said. " ... It will just happen when it happens naturally. I think you guys are trying to create controversy here where it doesn't exist."
...Steinbrenner said Monday: "I think the big thing with Brian is the organization he put in place. It's not based on just one decision as far as, do a trade or don't do a trade, or sign a free agent or don't sign. He put Damon Oppenheimer in as the chief of scouting, which has obviously paid off huge. The way he works with Mark Newman, the way he works with (Joe) Girardi, the organization he's put in place. All those things are factors."
...Steinbrenner said it "will just happen," noting, "I've known Cash for a long time. Even back in the 80s when he first started out. He's been with our family for a long, long time."
No matter what Hank says, if I'm Brian, I still get that contract down and done before Johan Santana goes on a roll for the Mets.
And, if Hank is smart, he locks down Damon Oppenheimer at the same time he does Cashman. Because, if Oppenheimer walks, there goes a huge part of Cashman's magic.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 07:43 PM | Comments (3)
ESPN, Not YES, To Show Last Game At Yankee Stadium
I heard this on The Michael Kay Show on ESPN Radio (1050 AM in NYC) during the drive home tonight.
Since the "last game" at Yankee Stadium this season is a Sunday, ESPN owns the rights to show the game - not the YES Network. What a bummer.
Two concerns: One, they better not turn this game into a Sunday-night game - that would be a crime. The last game at the Stadium deserves to be played in the sun. Secondly, ESPN better air the ceremonies planned for that day as well - or allow YES to pick them up. Imagine if none of that great stuff is captured for all-time sake?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 06:44 PM | Comments (3)
Getting To Know Billy Traber
From Ken Davidoff -
[Traber has] missed two full major-league seasons, 2004 and 2005, while recovering from Tommy John surgery and spent parts of the last two years with the Nationals as a spot starter-reliever.
Here with the Yankees, Traber is a non-roster invitee, hoping to make the team as a lefty specialist out of the bullpen. The chalk bet calls for Sean Henn to win that role out of spring training, because he is out of minor-league options, and for Traber, who is not out of options, to be placed on the Yankees' 40-man roster and optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
"Just stay healthy and stay on the field. That's all that matters," he said. "... If you're going to be hurt, you're just going to be miserable. I'm 28 and got gray hair. Ask anyone who's ever hurt. They'll tell you they'll trade all of that time just to get back on the field healthy. Period."
In addition to the elbow problems, Traber has an atrophied muscle in his left shoulder, and his violent delivery - a fall-off-the-mound approach, reminiscent of Mitch "Wild Thing" Williams - won't ever be found in a baseball textbook. But despite lacking a fastball that hits so much as 90 miles per hour, he held lefty hitters to a .567 OPS last year, striking out 15 in 56 plate appearances. "We said, 'This is a guy we should take a look at,"' Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said.
[Cleveland general manager Mark] Shapiro said, "He's up there as far as the favorite guys we've had here," and Yankees manager Joe Girardi recalled a Traber start against Girardi's Marlins in 2006, when he tried to pick up a teammate who made an error.
...Ask anyone who's ever hurt. They'll tell you they'll trade all of that time just to get back on the field healthy. Period...
Traber's the anti-Pavano. I like him already.
Posted by WW Staff at 01:09 PM | Comments (1)
General Joe - Always Thinking!
Via Ed Price -
Manager Joe Girardi said the Yankees will ask all the NL teams they visit this spring if they can use the DH in their games. The Florida Marlins have already agreed to use the DH for the games March 28-29 in Miami.
Smart move.
Posted by WW Staff at 01:01 PM | Comments (0)
Looking Deeper At Chris Britton
You don’t hear Chris Britton’s name all that much – in terms of being in the mix for the Yankees bullpen this season. While this blog was once optimistic about Chris Britton, the thought here (now) is that it’s a good thing the Yanks may have cooled on Britton.
Yes, it’s true that Britton had an ERA of 2.51 and a WHIP of 1.13 in Triple-A last season. However, just because a guy pitches well at Triple-A doesn’t mean he can carry that success to the majors – see Sean Henn and Jim Brower last season as an example. While pitching for the same team as Britton (in Triple-A), Henn had a WHIP of 1.14 and Brower had an ERA of 2.27 last year.
Basically, to know about Britton, you just have to look at his big league numbers from 2006. His first half ERA was 2.20 and his second half ERA was 5.14. Brass tacks, he snuck up on some people, early, that season, and, once the league got the book on him, then it became clobbering time. Lefties especially killed Britton in 2006 – they posted an OPS of .762 against him with a BABIP of .379 (in 82 PA).
There’s a reason why the O’s gave up on Britton so quickly – and the reason is that he’s just not that good.
Posted by WW Staff at 12:44 PM | Comments (23)
Donnie's Dog Days
Jonathan Lemire has the skinny on Don Mattingly's troubles. Click here to read it. Here's hoping that it works out soon, for all, and for the best.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 07:09 AM | Comments (1)
Bowa and Borzello Missed By A-Rod
Via George King -
Alex Rodriguez is going to hang on to more of that $275 million this year than he did last season.
Whenever Rodriguez said something to the media that Larry Bowa and Mike Borzello deemed stupid, they fined Rodriguez $500.
"He agreed with us,'' said Bowa, who for two years was part of Rodriguez's daily routine that also included Borzello, the bullpen catcher who joined Bowa on Joe Torre's Dodgers staff as a catching instructor. "He knew he said stupid stuff.'
While Rodriguez works with new third base coach Bobby Meachem and bench coach Rob Thomson and is in his second year with hitting coach Kevin Long, he admits to missing Bowa and Borzello.
"That's because they were always ragging on me,'' Rodriguez said. "I love those guys.''
Two months ago, I got on George King for making "the Borzello story" into an "A-Rod story." Now, already, A-Rod admits to missing Borzello. Looks like I was wrong. Sorry George.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 07:03 AM | Comments (0)
The Draft Of 2006
Via Joel Sherman -
For there are many events over the past few years that accentuate the Yanks' attempted shift toward a more youthful hue, beginning with the early-season 2005 promotions of Robinson Cano and Chien-Ming Wang. But the 2006 draft just might be the most symbolic episode because of its marriage of amended philosophy to successful execution.
That was the first draft in which GM Brian Cashman participated fully and the first in which VP of Pro Scouting Damon Oppenheimer was empowered to take whomever he wanted, regardless of cost.
If the Yanks were to get nothing else from that process besides Kennedy and Chamberlain, it would be considered an excellent draft. But the Yanks think they will get more. Oppenheimer said the Yanks "felt blessed" how the draft fell, allowing them to grab six players ranked in the top 70 on their board: Kennedy, Chamberlain, Melancon, Zach McAllister, Dellin Betances and Colin Curtis. The Yanks also believe pitchers from that draft such as George Kontos and Daniel McCutchen, particularly, but perhaps David Robertson and Tim Norton, too, have a chance as major league relievers.
One NL talent evaluator called it a "high-end draft." An AL executive, however, while terming the picks "very good" said "do not attribute it to genius" because the Yanks simply overpaid to get a high-ceiling player such as Betances to forego Vanderbilt and sign.
It could take up to five years (after the fact) to see how a draft really works out for a team. Come 2011, we'll see just how the class of 2006 panned out for the Yankees.
That, meaning 2011, could be a very fun season in the Bronx. At the least, it should be good as Kei Igawa will finally come off the payroll.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 06:51 AM | Comments (1)
Meet Damon Oppenheimer
Via John Harper -
Damon Oppenheimer, the man most responsible for Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy becoming Yankees, was sitting behind his desk recently, recalling the circumstances that allowed him to draft the two pitchers, when suddenly he felt compelled to issue a warning of sorts.
"I hope people realize this isn't the norm," he said, speaking of how quickly Chamberlain and Kennedy rose through the minor league system. "This isn't the way it's going to be every year. I hope everybody's not getting spoiled by this."
...the Yankees' farm system has made huge strides the last few years, rising in the annual rankings by Baseball America from 24th among the 30 organizations in 2004 to fifth going into 2008.
The turnaround coincided at least partly with GM Brian Cashman's decision to name Oppenheimer as the new scouting director in 2005. Oppenheimer, a former catcher at USC and then in the Brewers' minor-league system, had filled a handful of baseball operations positions since joining the Yankees as a scout in 1993, but amateur scouting is his passion, and he was delighted to be named scouting director.
It remains to be seen whether this gamble pays off, but there is no debating the improved state of the Yankee farm system. Oppenheimer's role as scouting director in this improvement has earned him praise from both Cashman and Hank Steinbrenner, to the point where he is viewed as a potential successor to Cashman should the current GM leave on his own or be replaced in the coming years.
Oppenheimer deflected such talk when the subject was raised.
"If that's something somebody else sees and wants to talk about, and that's the right thing to happen, it'll happen," he said. "But I'm definitely not out there seeking that job. I love doing what I'm doing now. What we've done with Cash, everybody feels like we're building something special here."
I was once not that high on Oppenheimer. But, that was a mistake. I hope he's the next Yankees G.M. - should something happen with Cashman (such as a promotion or an exit). He deserves the shot and has a leg up in that he knows the Yankees organization and what it takes to survive there.
It's interesting that Cashman is now painted as a champion of Oppenheimer. That was not always the case. Note from an October 2005 report:
One thing under discussion is more frequent and inclusive meetings, in which Cashman, manager Joe Torre and possibly scout Gene Michael, whom Cashman regards very highly, will have Steinbrenner's ear nearly as often as the Boss' Tampa-based advisers. Billy Connors, Bill Emslie, Mark Newman and Damon Oppenheimer, all of whom work at the Tampa minor league complex, are among the chefs stirring the broth, a source of irritation to Cashman and Torre in New York.
Good job by Cashman in realizing the value of Oppenheimer and for putting him on point for the draft, as he has done now.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 06:34 AM | Comments (2)
February 24, 2008
Rounding Out The Yankees Pen
I keep reading that General Joe wants a long reliever and a lefty in two of his three bullpen spots after Mo, Joba, Farnsworth and Hawkins.
Pete Caldera has an interesting feature today on who's fighting for what spot. After reading it, I think this is how the Yankees bullpen will shape up this spring:
Mariano Rivera
Joba Chamberlain
Kyle Farnsworth
LaTroy Hawkins
Billy Traber
Scott Strickland
Jeff Karstens or Darrell Rasner
And, Bruney, Ohlendorf, Veras, Ramirez and Albaladejo will start the year at Triple-A. It's just a hunch, but, I think Joe's going to want to start the year with the experienced guys coming out of the pen.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:05 AM | Comments (11)
Sherman Rings In On Jeter's "D" Debate
From Joel Sherman today -
You can attack methodology; you can say no perfect formula has yet been devised to encapsulate all the elements - positioning, speed of the hit ball, field conditions - into a single defensive statistic. However, these metrics keep evolving in sophistication. And Jeter keeps faring poorly in nearly every study year after year. Do you think there is a conspiracy? Do you think statisticians en masse have covertly met and made their quest to soil Jeter's glovely reputation?
"This study has been done a zillion times and the same conclusion is reached every time," an AL official said. "What do you think that means?"
For Jeter devotees, it means assailing the geeks. But as an AL executive said, "this isn't geeks vs. jocks. This is myth vs. reality." In reality, most baseball officials laugh off the three Gold Gloves Jeter won from 2004-06 in the way they do the four Bernie Williams won as having more to do with offense, fame and winning than with actual defense.
One AL official said, "You particularly notice with groundball guys like [Andy] Pettitte and [Chien-Ming] Wang how many grounders went through that shouldn't have. Pettitte must have had a culture shock going from Adam Everett in Houston, who was the best [shortstop], to Jeter, who is not in that league."
Perhaps the strongest condemnation came from Jeter, who said, "Last year, I didn't have a good year defensively."
It doesn't sound like much, especially since Jeter limited a serial inadequacy to just 2007. Except Jeter is not one to ever publicly apologize for, or criticize, his own game.
This is the elephant in the room. Will the Yanks move Jeter off of shortstop when the time comes - assuming that time is not here already - or will they be like the Orioles, who kowtowed well past Cal Ripken's expiration date at short and hurt the organization? Brian Cashman and Joe Girardi avoided that bubbling cauldron by saying they won't look beyond this season. Jeter said the same, but then cited San Francisco's Omar Vizquel, 41 in April, in suggesting he could also play his whole career at short.
"I am comfortable with the left side of the infield at this moment in time," Cashman said. "Do I have concerns in future years? Let me get to future years."
Also in the Sherman piece, Joel notes: "[Jeter has] rededicated himself in the offseason with exercises designed to improve his lateral quickness and first-step explosiveness. One Yankee official saw this version of Jeter and said, 'He set the clock back five years.'"
To me, infield defense has always been about three elements:
1. Eye-hand coordination.
2. Lateral quickness and first-step explosiveness.
3. Confidence.
Jeter has #1 and #3 covered. Let's hope that his off-season work now addresses #2. It would be nice to hear "Past-a-diving Jeter" less than 50 times this season.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:23 AM | Comments (9)
Nice Gesture By Yanks Towards Sheppard
I noticed this tucked away at the bottom of a Ken Davidoff feature:
Bob Sheppard, the Yankees' venerable public address announcer, recently signed a two-year extension. While he probably won't be ready for Opening Day -- last October's case of pneumonia took a great deal out of him -- Shepherd, believed to be 97, should return about two months into the regular season.
To me, this is like making Bob Sheppard Yankee Stadium Public Address Announcer Emeritus - which, is the right thing to do.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:08 AM | Comments (1)
February 23, 2008
Mark Newman On Alberto Gonzalez
Via the recent print edition of Baseball America:
"He is a legitimate defender," minor league head Mark Newman said of the 24-year-old [Alberto] Gonzalez. "He could be a quality utility player, and if he improves with the bat he could go farther."
"He started the season at Triple-A, was sent to Double-A and when he went back to Triple-A, he hit a lot better than he did the first time," Newman said. "His plate discipline improved."
The progress Gonzalez showed during the second half continued in the Venezuelan League, where he hit .341/.394/.524 in 126 at-bats. So what happened during his first exposure to Scranton?
"You don't really know. It could have been changing organizations (or) his first year starting the season at Triple-A or the cold weather. It's hard to say," Newman said.
Hey, if Orlando Cabrera can have a major league career, why not Alberto Gonzalez?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:50 PM | Comments (1)
The Odds Against Old Man Giambi Helping Yanks This Year
Jason Giambi will be 37-years old this season. Thinking of this, I wondered today "How many 37-year olds have posted great offensive seasons - even in part-time duty - for the Yankees?" Via the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia, here's the list:
NEW YORK YANKEES, SEASON where AGE = 37
OPS, SECONDARY AVERAGE, and BPA all vs. the league average
RCAA YEAR RCAA PA OWP OPS SEC BPA 1 Babe Ruth 1932 101 589 .860 .375 .355 .257 2 George McQuinn 1947 34 609 .692 .112 .041 .072 3 Johnny Mize 1950 18 305 .659 .163 .145 .156 4 Wade Boggs 1995 17 541 .598 .063 -.024 .000 5 Tim Raines 1997 16 318 .660 .087 .035 .043 6 Felipe Alou 1972 9 351 .611 .049 -.033 .017 7 Kenny Lofton 2004 1 313 .512 -.032 -.018 -.021 T8 Elston Howard 1966 -1 451 .481 -.024 -.053 -.040 T8 Bernie Williams 2006 -1 462 .489 -.010 -.033 -.026 T10 Willie Keeler 1909 -2 427 .486 .013 -.037 -.011 T10 Tino Martinez 2005 -2 348 .476 .010 .070 .017 12 Graig Nettles 1982 -3 461 .464 -.011 .048 -.005 13 Yogi Berra 1962 -6 263 .408 -.061 .003 -.040 T14 Paul O'Neill 2000 -16 628 .412 -.034 -.037 -.041 T14 Rollie Hemsley 1944 -16 299 .290 -.045 -.078 -.081
In a nutshell, since 1951, the only 37-year old players to have good offensive seasons for the Yanks have been Wade Boggs (1995) and Tim Raines (1997).
The key for Boggs and Raines may be what they did the "year before." In 1994, Wade Boggs had (what was probably) his best season since 1991. And, in 1996, Tim Raines had solid numbers - albeit in only 240 PA. Basically, at 37, Boggs and Raines just repeated what they did (just about) at age 36.
And, what about Giambi at age 36? Well, last year was the second worst offensive season in Giambi's career - only "topped" by 2004. So, it's not like the 37-year old Giambi can hope that he just repeats what he did at age 36 - because he was terrible at that age.
Just another reason why history tells us that we should not expect anything positive from Jason Giambi this season. And, should he actually provide some decent offense, it would be defying the odds - big time.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:23 PM | Comments (8)
Gardner's Not Lacking Confidence
Via Lisa Kennelly:
I was talking to some relievers in the corner of the clubhouse when outfielder Brett Gardner barreled into the conversation with a question.
"You guys think I'm faster than Adrian Peterson?" he demanded.
Peterson, the former Oklahoma star running back who had a huge rookie season for the Minnesota Vikings this year, can run a 4.4 40. Gardner, a 5-10, 180-lb. outfielder whose calling card is his speed, contended that he could beat Peterson (6-1, 217 lbs.) in a 40-yard dash.
I know many are suspect on Gardner's bat. But, speed is a wonderful thing. Otis Nixon could not hit a lick and his speed got him into 1,709 big league games. And, speed got Tom Goodwin into 1,288 major league games despite a bat that was lacking. If Gardner is as fast as he thinks he is, he's going to make it, somewhere, in the majors - eventually.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 06:30 PM | Comments (3)
A Winning Question
A great baseball trivia question via Steve Buckley:
Has there ever been a major leaguer who played on five World Series-winning teams but never played for the Yankees?
A couple of days ago, the question was put to Timlin. Like all of us, he couldn’t name anyone other than members of the Yankees.
But thank goodness for computers and for savvy baseball historians. Through the Red Sox, the question was put to the Elias Sports Bureau. And the whiz kids from Elias did not disappoint, concluding that just one player, Gloucester-born Stuffy McInnis, played on five World Series-winning teams without ever having earned a paycheck in the Bronx.
McInnis was also part of the legendary “$100,000 infield” that played for the Philadelphia A’s from 1911 through 1914 - John “Stuffy” McInnnis at first; Eddie Collins at second; Jack Barry at short; and Frank "Homerun" Baker at third. Because the team did well, A’s owner-manager Connie Mack claimed that he would not part with his star studded infield - even for $100,000. And, the imaginary ‘not high enough’ price tag became a handle for this infield unit going forward. (Ironically, Mack would eventually break up the infield. Even during the early 1900’s a vote of confidence was sometimes also a kiss of death.)
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:47 AM | Comments (1)
Jeter Doesn't See Himself Ever Moving Off Short
Via Mark Feinsand:
Instead, he plans on playing shortstop through the final three years of his current contract, and on remaining there for however many years he plays beyond 2010.
"That's the plan," Jeter said. "I haven't really thought about how long I'm playing. I take it one year at a time; I don't sit down and say, 'Well, I hope I'm playing in two-thousand whatever.' It's a tough question, because I haven't really thought about it much."
Could Jeter, who has been named to eight American League All-Star teams in his 12 big-league seasons - four as the league's starting shortstop - ever see himself playing another position?
"Right now?" Jeter said, "No."
Many scouts believe Jeter would be able to make an easy transition to the outfield, where his speed, strong arm and terrific instincts would make him a natural. Asked about the possibility, Jeter waves off the question before it's finished.
"I ain't going out there," Jeter said. "It's not as easy as it sounds to just pick up a glove and say, 'I'm going to be an outfielder today.' It doesn't work like that."
The deadliest of all baseball player sins is that pride which does not allow them to realize that time does not stand still for them.
Jeter will be 35-years old next season. Sure, guys like Omar Vizquel, Ozzie Smith, Larry Bowa and Luis Aparicio played a lot of short after that age. But, they're the stellar-glove exceptions to the rule. Just about every shortstop needs to turn in his "full time shortstop" ID card when he hits his mid-to-late 30's. Derek better get hip to this - and soon.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:32 AM | Comments (3)
Jeter & A-Rod Buddying Up
Via George King -
A Yankees official said the [Jeter-Rodriguez] relationship is "getting better, and that is good for the team."
Damn that YouTube for not having a clip of Tommy Bond singing "Just Friends, Lovers No More."
Hey, Derek and Alex are both going to be in New York for a while, might as well try and be BFF again, if they can.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:16 AM | Comments (0)
February 22, 2008
The Matsui Matter
Via Joe (Don't Call Me Dave) LaPointe:
“My desire is to play left field,” Matsui said through an interpreter. “That’s what I’ve been preparing for. Obviously, that’s not my decision to make. That will be the manager’s decision.”
But Matsui, 33, will face competition in left from the 34-year-old Johnny Damon, who lost his job as the center fielder to Melky Cabrera.
When asked about Matsui, Girardi said: “We’ve got to make sure that he is able to do all the things that he would need to do to play a defensive position. You’ve just got to see how things iron themselves out.”
Damon suggested earlier in the week that he, too, might play some games at first. But when asked whether Damon or Matsui might also play there, Girardi answered in the negative.
“We have no plans of putting Hideki at first base in spring training,” he said. Of Damon at first base, Girardi said: “Right now I really don’t have a lot of plans to put him at first base.”
I'm fan of Matsui. As I have said before, by season end, Matsui will score you 100 runs, drive in another 100, and hit 25 HR with a batting average around .290 - - but, he is a very steaky hitter.
An interesting item on Godzilla: Since coming to the states, he's always had a monster month with the bat in July. And, with the exception of last season (when he was hurt), he's always been a great September hitter too.
Both Damon and Matsui will be playing this season as 34-year olds coming off a year where they had an injury. It just seems to make sense to have them share LF and DH for the Yankees this season - to keep them both fresh.
I would start Damon in left (with Matsui as DH) at home as much as possible - because of the room in the Yankees outfield. But, on the road, especially in parks like Fenway, Camden, and Arlington, I don't think you miss much with the glove when Matsui is out there (in left).
I hope that the Yankees work this out where it's best for them and best for Matsui. If they can, I think he's going to have a fine season for the team.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:39 PM | Comments (5)
Dion James 1993
A case can be made that Dion James' season with New York in 1993 was one of the Top 25 offensive performances (ever) by a Yankees semi-regular in team history.
Something magic was going on for Dion in 2003. Whether it was the influence of Rick Down or the benefit of (mostly) batting between Wade Boggs and Don Mattingly, I'm not sure. Maybe it was both of those things? Maybe it was neither?
I always liked Dion James when he was with the Yankees. Maybe it was his funky batting stance? Maybe it was because he was just about my age? Maybe it was because he was "found" from "nowhere"? I was sort of bummed, at the time, when he decided to go play for the Chunichi Dragons in Japan after 1993. But, the Dragons offered him about $2 million more than the Yankees - so, it's easy to see why he did it.
It was fun to see him return to the Yankees in 1995. But, he was not close - at all - to the player he was in 1993. And, he was terrible in the 1995 ALDS.
August 29th was probably James' best day in 1993. Down, 7-2, after three, the Yankees came back to win that day, 14-8. Now, that's one that I would like to see someday on Yankees Classics.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 02:18 PM | Comments (7)
New Hughes A Pop Sensation
From Bryan Hoch of Yankees.com:
The Yankees' catching tandem was ready to hit the streets after another early afternoon at camp when Jose Molina dropped by with a tidbit for Jorge Posada.
Having just completed receiving Phil Hughes' latest bullpen session, an impressed Molina told Posada, "You know what? Phil looks like he has more pop."
Posada concurred, and the backstops aren't the only ones who have noticed.
This offseason, Hughes reported regularly to the Yankees' training facility on Himes Avenue, even while general manager Brian Cashman was fielding calls from Twins counterpart Bill Smith, dabbling with a potential deal for Johan Santana.
It helps, of course, that Hughes heeded the call for better fitness. Girardi let it be known that Spring Training '08 would not be a country club, and Hughes showed up ready to go. Spending weeks over at the Minor League complex under the supervision of pitching coach Dave Eiland have been paying dividends early.
"He's in great shape," Girardi said. "All the reports on him that I saw from when he was working down at Himes said he was different. He'd worked really hard."
All the reports on him that I saw from when he was working down at Himes said he was different. He'd worked really hard.
Just another indicator that there's some validity towards the claims that Phil Hughes had a questionable work ethic in the past.
Hopefully, this will now be a case were a leopard can permanently change his spots.
Posted by WW Staff at 10:39 AM | Comments (22)
Projecting The Back End Of The Rotation
MLB.com's Fantasy 411 is offering some composite projections for 2008. (Hat tip to BaseballThinkFactory.org.)
That's the good news. The bad news? See these three composite wins projections in their data: Phil Hughes, 10 wins. Mike Mussina, 11 wins. Ian Kennedy, 7 wins.
Boy, would that be a bummer, or what?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:58 AM | Comments (6)
Is Jeter The Straw That Stirs The Drink?
Here's some fun with Baseball-Reference.com's new Batting Order Position Outcomes tool.
Last season, Derek Jeter batted second for the Yankees, most of the time.
For 2007, the Yankees second batter (in their line-up order) had the following BA/OBP/SLG splits:
In Wins: .344/.402/.483
In Losses: .255/.312/.357
Last season, Alex Rodriguez batted fourth for the Yankees, most of the time.
For 2007, the Yankees fourth batter (in their line-up order) had the following BA/OBP/SLG splits:
In Wins: .333/.453/.737
In Losses: .294/.389/.510
This is interesting. When Alex Rodriguez batted well last season, the Yankees either won or lost. And, when Derek Jeter batted well last season, the Yankees won. But, when Derek Jeter didn't bat well in 2007, the Yankees lost.
For more of a test, I went back to 2005 - when Alex Rodriguez, like in 2007, won the MVP.
In 2005, Derek Jeter batted first for the Yankees, most of the time.
That season, the Yankees first batter (in their line-up order) had the following BA/OBP/SLG splits:
In Wins: .331/.406/.486
In Losses: .260/.339/.368
In 2005, Alex Rodriguez batted fourth for the Yankees, about half of the time - and also batted fifth and second at times. And, he did well out of all of those slots.
And, according to Baseball-Reference.com's Play Index Batting Event Finder, in 2005, A-Rod batted .343/.444/.657 when the Yankees were leading in a game and he batted .286/.375/.493 when the Yankees were trailing in a game.
It's safe to say that Alex, in 2005, batted well for the Yankees no matter where he was in the line-up or how the Yankees were doing in a game.
So, in the two years where Alex Rodriguez won the MVP (2005 and 2007), in terms of winning and losing, he hit for the Yankees - no matter what. But, during those two seasons, when Derek Jeter batted well, the Yankees won - and when Jeter did not bat well, the Yankees lost.
Granted, there are many other variables that come into play here - like the other seven batters in the line-up for New York and who was pitching for the Yankees and the other team, etc. Nonetheless, it's an interesting split for these two players, no?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:30 AM | Comments (2)
The Young Yankees Chronicles
Via Ed Price:
Hard to imagine Thurman Munson or Paul O'Neill with pierced nipples.
The Yankees' new-found religion on keeping their young players is well-documented. And along with that comes a different tenor in the clubhouse.
When Johnny Damon left a Boston Red Sox group he dubbed the "Idiots" to join the Yankees, he was taken aback by the staid, all-business attitude.
This year's room, with its loud banter, iPhones, and barely drinking-age players, is more like it.
"I know baseball, you have to be serious about it," Damon said yesterday. "But I feel like it should be fun, though, also. And I see it. With a bunch of these young guys here, it's great."
Yesterday, rookie right-hander Andrew Brackman -- who, along with Joba Chamberlain, sports pierced nipples -- showed up with a shaved head.
"I just felt like getting a haircut," he claimed.
The Yankees have 21 players in camp (out of 69) who will be 24 or younger on Opening Day and the same number in their 30s. In 2001, when the Yankees were coming off their last World Series title, they had 27 thirty-somethings (out of 65) and 11 players younger than 25.
I have to confess, recently, watching some old games on Yankees Classics, from years like 1996 and 1998, I found myself looking at guys like Jeter, Bernie, Mo, Posada, Tino, etc., and thinking "Man, they were so young back then. Their faces were tighter, their bodies more wiry, and they just seemed more bright-eyed and hungry back in those days..."
Then, I thought about the more recent Yankees - Mussina, Giambi, Abreu, Matsui - and even Jeter, Posada, and Mo - and how far from they were from producing anything that resonated with the image of young and hungry.
So, this infusion of young talent is a breath of fresh air, at least to this Yankees fan. But, when you consider the contracts of Posada, A-Rod, and, down the road, Jeter, you have to concede that the only place for the Yankees to use younger players (outside of Cano and Melky who are already in place) is first base (assuming Posada does not end up there), the outfield (assuming they don't extend Abreu), and the pitching staff.
With Wang, Hughes, Kennedy and Chamberlain - and all the other young arms trying to get into the pen, the pitchers are covered - in terms of getting some young blood.
To me, then, in order to keep the youth pipeline pumping, the Yankees must keep spots clear for guys like Austin Jackson, Jose Tabata, and Brett Gardner in the outfield and for guys like Juan Miranda, Jesus Montero, and Bradley Suttle at first base.
This means you let Giambi, Damon, Abreu and Matsui go when their contracts are up. And, you pass on potential free agents like Mark Teixeira. I feel good about the Yankees doing the former - but I'm not sure they would do the latter.
If prospects like Jackson, Tabata, and Miranda have big seasons in the minors this year, I could see the Yankees passing on chases for guys like Teixeira next off-season. But, if they regress, then I think, even with the Yankees intentions of trying to get young, you're going to see some not-so-young-and-hungry mercenaries still be part of the Yankees mix.
It's something to think about - and, much easier to digest than the thought of Thurman Munson or Paul O'Neill with pierced nipples.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:12 AM | Comments (5)
Is Jeter Now Robin To A-Rod's Batman?
Via Dave Buscema:
He is the captain, the owner of four World Series rings, a serial dater of women as stunning as they are famous, and now Derek Jeter is one more thing for the Yankees.
An afterthought.
OK, that thought mostly comes after only one man, of course.
The one who suddenly has more of a guarantee of being here than Jeter, thanks to a 10-year contract and more money than Jeter will ever earn on the field. And it's also a testament to Jeter's unflappable personality as much as it is Alex Rodriguez's talent for wild numbers and wilder headlines.
Still, it's intriguing to note that, four years after Alex Rodriguez signed and George Steinbrenner told a reporter Jeter had to adjust to his role as Lou Gehrig to A-Rod's Babe Ruth, the scenario has come true.
Suddenly, Jeter isn't in as much control of his environment as he used to be.
He still will command everyone's respect because, well, he deserves it.
But look around the clubhouse and see the players who aren't necessarily seeking the captain out above all others.
At Joba Chamberlain's locker, the Yankees' hottest prospect looked crestfallen when his best buddy Jason Giambi left him hanging on a fist pound.
At the lockers of Robinson Cano or Melky Cabrera, you would find the pair lavishing praise on A-Rod before anyone else.
Of course, as always has been the case, Jeter adapts rather easily, so he's as comfortable and unthreatened as ever.
When asked about A-Rod having a longer contract than him the other day, Jeter grinned.
"He owes me money because he said he wasn't gonna play that long," Jeter said. "He owes me money, so I feel good about that."
Personally, I've been saying, since Alex signed his new contract, that A-Rod is now the face of the Yankees franchise - albeit a good or bad thing.
For Jeter, well, I guess that's what they have sidecars for, right?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 07:56 AM | Comments (1)
Girardi: Duncan's Versatility A Plus
Via Bill Madden:
While insisting that [Shelley] Duncan "will get every chance to win the first base job," Girardi noted that versatility may be his best asset.
"My outfield is predominantly lefthanded," he said, "and Shelley being righthanded gives me that added flexibility there."
Duncan just may turn out to be a modern day Cliff Johnson for this team - a right-handed bat off the bench who can produce well in part-time duty. After seeing guys like Craig Wilson, Andy Phillips, and Josh Phelps trying to fill a niche like this - which the Yankees have been lacking since the days of Chad Curtis, Glenallen Hill, Jim Leyritz and Shane Spencer - it would be nice to see someone be a productive, right-handed, spare part.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 07:17 AM | Comments (0)
February 21, 2008
February 2008 Survey Question #3
In your opinion, is there ANY chance that Phil Hughes OR Ian Kennedy does NOT make the Yankees Opening Day roster this season (coming out of Spring Training)?
Update: This poll is now closed. Click on the thumbnail below to see the results:
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:11 PM | Comments (2)
Abreu Makes Up His Mind: He Was Fat Last Year
This story has two parts - nine months apart. First, let's go back to the end of last May, via Michael Geffner:
Now, just seven weeks into a new season in which Abreu had the bad timing to be as God-awful as the rest of his team, you hear all the ugly talk again — but with different twists.
This time, he's overweight and playing passive and old.
And this time, the stuff was so far behind his back he didn't even know about it.
"Overweight?" a clearly stunned Abreu said when I brought this to his attention before yesterday's game against the Red Sox. "You mean, in spring training?"
"No, now," I said.
"Wow. Overweight. Wow," he said softly, as if to himself.
And with that, he pulled up his navy blue T-shirt and exposed his stomach.
He doesn't have a six pack, but the guy is no jelly belly, either.
He slapped his stomach twice, and then pinched a piece of it between thumb and forefinger.
He smiled, giggled. "Hey, listen, I don't know who said that," he said. "But, look at me, I'm fine. I'm 209. It sounds like someone is looking too hard for reasons why I didn't get off to a good start."
It's fair and accurate to say that Abreu's start this season has been a level beyond bad. Mostly, he's looked downright pathetic — hopelessly out of synch and twitchy.
Now, let's see what Kat O'Brien had to share today:
Bobby Abreu was overweight and not ready for spring training camp last year, he told Newsday Thursday.
"I knew I was in bad shape last year," Abreu said.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman recently commented about Abreu's being out of shape at the start of last year's spring training. He didn't need Abreu or anyone else to point out the obvious.
Abreu suffered a rib-cage muscle injury early in camp last year, and he said it could have been related to his not being in shape.
"I don't want to make excuses for myself [about why]," said Abreu, 33. "I was in bad shape. I knew for sure that I needed to be in better shape this spring."
Abreu, who said he weighs 215 pounds now, estimated he weighed 226 when he reached camp last February. It's obvious that he has slimmed down just by looking at him.
Whether because of the injury or his poor offseason conditioning, Abreu's numbers were particularly low in the first half last year.
So, last season, in May, Abreu said that he was not out of shape and it "sound[ed] like someone [was] looking too hard for reasons why [he] didn't get off to a good start." And, now, nine months later, looking back, Abreu is saying "I knew I was in bad shape last year."
Since Abreu's condition hurt the Yankees last season, it's nice to see that he's at least willing, now, to admit the reason and try and do something about it.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:29 PM | Comments (2)
"Shane! Shane! Come Back!" [Or, Not]
The comment here about the notebook is too funny.
At least, with our Shane, there's no question about his ending. The Padres announced that Spencer will be the Lake Elsinore Storm hitting coach in 2008. It's his first season as a coach and his first in the Padres organization.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:24 PM | Comments (1)
A-Rod: Jeter To Have MVP Season In 2008
At least, that's the quote from Alex today.
For what it's worth, from 2004 through 2007, Jeter's HR% has gone down, all four years in a row:
2004 3.58
2005 2.91
2006 2.25
2007 1.88
Therefore, Derek's going to have to bat over .370 this season to help Alex out on that prediction - or, find a power source for this year that's been missing for a while.
...I've been tested nine times...Pettitte can marry my daughter...Boston is the team to beat...Derek is going to be the MVP...Abreu will be a force...
If Alex is going to come out with an attention-grabbing quote everyday during this camp, it's going to be an interesting six weeks.
I can't wait until he gets to the one where he says "I think Edwar Ramirez is the next Stu Miller. And, he'll make the All-Star team this year."
Posted by WW Staff at 03:33 PM | Comments (4)
Jeter: You Can't Trust Fielding Data
Derek Jeter doesn't like Spatial Aggregate Fielding Evaluation. Via Kevin Kernan -
Derek Jeter arrived at his 16th Yankees spring training yesterday labeled the worst shortstop in the majors by some statistical braniacs over at Penn.
"Maybe it was a computer glitch," the three-time Gold Glove winner said of the report. But Jeter just didn't laugh this one off. He defended himself, saying, "Every (shortstop) doesn't stay in the same spot, everyone doesn't have the same pitching. Everyone doesn't have the same hitters running, it's impossible to do that."
The minute that I saw this, I thought of Tom Tango and his Jeter feature in THT 2008. As Dan Agonistes once wrote about THT '08:
[The book includes]...Tom Tango's excellent piece titled "With or Without Derek Jeter" ...In that article Tom uses Retrosheet data to demonstrate without a doubt (at least to me) that Jeter is among the worst fielding shortstops of his generation by showing that when Jeter is on the field, regardless of the other context which Tom does a great job of neutralizing, fewer batted balls are turned into outs. Period. And one would think that should be the bottom line when evaluating defense.
I was going to e-mail Tom on this Jeter quote, but, then I saw he was already on it.
It would be interesting to see Kevin Kernan go back to Jeter with Tom's findings and try and get a comment. Or, better yet, show it to Girardi and Cashman to see if they'd be willing to comment on it.
Posted by WW Staff at 01:10 PM | Comments (18)
Girardi: "Expect The Best"
Thoughts on General Joe via the Miami Herald today:
''He's a perfect fit here,'' Yankees first baseman Jason Giambi said. ``He played here. He coached here and he knows the Yankees. Joe is Joe. He knows players, and he knows how to handle veteran guys because he was a veteran player here, and even though he managed a young team in Florida, he'll be even better with veteran guys here. He's straight and he's to the point. There's not going to be any confusion with Joe.''
''I know Joe, and he knows how I run business from his days here,'' Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. ``The one thing about Joe is he is not going to complicate things. You can dress it up with the pinstripes and what people's salaries might be; dress it up with 50,000 people in the stadium, but at the end of the day it's still the simple game of baseball. And that's a great thing Joe will bring to the table.''
Girardi is a players' manager, according to Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte, who was Girardi's former battery mate.
''He was a tough, scrappy player who worked hard, and he manages the same way,'' he said. ``But he's honest and to the point. You know what you get with Joe. There's no grey area. You are going to work hard. Look at him. He's in great shape, and he's going to work us hard and expect the best.''
That's Girardi's mantra: ''Expect the best.'' He says it all the time. Girardi spoke to his team Wednesday and delivered the same message he had once before.
''I told them I expect to win the World Series,'' Girardi said. ``And I told the Marlins the same thing.''
The Yankees expect nothing less.
''He's going to manage the same way,'' Yankees catcher Jorge Posada said. ``He's still going to push guys. Just because we are older than the Marlins doesn't mean he doesn't need to push us. He's going to do the things he knows to do to push us to get the best out of us.''
...there's not going to be any confusion...
...he is not going to complicate things...
...he's honest and to the point. You know what you get with Joe...
Not that Torre didn't do this as well, meaning keeping it straight and simple...but, when you get this quality and mix it with the preparedness and tactical-edge seeking that Girardi brings to the table, which Torre lacked, it's a beautiful thing for the Yankees.
Posted by WW Staff at 10:54 AM | Comments (7)
Last Game Of 2008 Already Sold Out
From the Daily News:
The last regular season game at Yankee Stadium is sold out.
Fans scooped up a few thousand tickets online in just 11 minutes Wednesday.
Scalpers quickly started hawking tickets for the historic Sept. 21 game against the Baltimore Orioles, with top seats going for a head-spinning $17,000 a pop.
Even the cheapest bleachers seats at the House that Ruth Built were going for $165 online.
A Yankees spokesman said there just weren't enough tickets for all the fans who want to see the last regular season game at the storied ballpark, which opened in 1923.
"This day won't happen ever again," said Jason Zillo. "It's going to be a celebration."
About three-quarters of the 56,000 seats were spoken for by season ticket holders and owners of ticket plans that included the game.
A few thousand additional tickets went on sale Tuesday to one group of partial ticket plan holders. Those tickets went fast and owners of a different ticket plan scooped up the last remaining tickets yesterday.
With the historic game officially sold out, the action then shifted online where ticket holders tried to hawk them.
Some fans were asking more than $300 for bleacher seats with a face value of $14. Seats next to the on-deck circle were going for up to $10,000.
If you think $17,000 a seat is an insane asking price, just wait until what you see people start asking for the first game at the new place.
Posted by WW Staff at 10:38 AM | Comments (3)
Holy Gob Bluth Batman!
The G.M. who stole Tyler Clippard.
How long until Hank wants one of these things?
Posted by WW Staff at 09:42 AM | Comments (4)
February 20, 2008
Murcer Book Due Out This Spring
"Yankee for Life: My 40-Year Journey in Pinstripes," by Bobby Murcer, is due out on May 20, 2008.
I share this because I know there are many Murcer fans out there, like me, who will want to check this one out.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:13 PM | Comments (2)
In With The New And Keep The Old?
Brent from "The Bronx Block" and Rebecca from "This Purist Bleeds Pinstripes" are looking to Save Yankee Stadium. For information on their project click here.
Me? I think there's a greater chance that Kei Igawa and Carl Pavano finish one-two in the final voting of the 2008 A.L. Cy Young Award race than a change in plans for the "old" Stadium ever happening. But, in case others are interested in such an effort, I'm happy to pass the word on their project.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:35 PM | Comments (3)
Hanks Wants Sox To Be His Biotch
Via Statesman.com
Hank Steinbrenner isn't happy the Boston Red Sox are world champs and the New York Yankees are chasing.
"We'd rather be Darth Vader. Let them be the underdog," the Yankees senior vice president said Wednesday.
New York had won nine consecutive AL East titles before the Red Sox finished first last season. Boston then won its second World Series title in four years.
"We want to be considered the dominant force, we want that pressure,'' Steinbrenner said.
Does this mean we have to start calling Hank "Darth Von Steingrabber"?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:23 PM | Comments (1)
Alex Being Alex
Via the AP:
Alex Rodriguez sat in the first-base dugout at Legends Field, surrounded by the usual circle of cameras, microphones and reporters. He knows the scrutiny will only increase as he approaches Barry Bonds' career home-run record, especially in an era when all top athletes must prove they haven't juiced up on performance-enhancing drugs.
In his first session with reporters during spring training, Rodriguez talked about baseball's drug-testing program and made a curious statement.
"Last year, I got tested 9-to-10 times," Rodriguez said. "We have a very, very strict policy, and I think the game is making tremendous strides."
If Rodriguez had been tested that many times, either he was selected for an unusually high number of checks or he might have been subjected him to additional tests — which would happen, for instance, if a player tests positive for a stimulant for the first time.
Later in the day, A-Rod said it was just hyperbole.
"My quote from earlier today was taken literally. I was not tested nine or 10 times last year. I was just using exaggeration to make a point," Rodriguez said in a statement through Yankees spokesman Jason Zillo.
"My intent was simply to shed light on the fact that the current program being implemented is working, and a reason for that is through frequent testing. I apologize for any confusion I may have caused."
First day of Spring Training, for him, and A-Rod already finds himself in a pickle. Ten more years, huh?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:12 PM | Comments (5)
Damon Almost Retired Last Season
Via Jon Heyman -
When Johnny Damon walked out of spring training early last year, he thought he was walking away from the game, SI.com has learned. The Yankees explained Damon's absence early last spring as "personal reasons,'' and there was a lot of wrong speculation about something or other happening with Damon's family that would necessitate the time off.
The reality is, according to Yankees clubhouse sources, Damon just wasn't sure if he wanted to keep playing and was actually seriously considering walking away from the final three years of his $52-million, four-year contract. Nobody does that, but Damon almost did.
"I was just exhausted .... Burnt out,'' Damon told SI.com Tuesday. "[Retirement] definitely crossed my mind.''
The 2000 season was the best in Damon's career. But, right behind that year, his second best season ever was 1999, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006 – all too close to pick one over another.
It’s interesting that he would be burnt coming off back-to-back-to-back solid seasons like 2004-2006. Maybe the thought of another season in the Yankees clubhouse, like the one in 2006, had him down?
This is just a hunch, but, I think Damon bounces back this season and posts numbers close to what he did from 2004 to 2006.
Posted by WW Staff at 03:54 PM | Comments (1)
Perry: Cashman 5th Best G.M. In Baseball
Click here to see Dayn Perry's list of the best G.M.'s in the game.
Are Dayn and Jon Heyman comparing notes?
Posted by WW Staff at 03:45 PM | Comments (3)
A-Rod On Pettitte
Via the AP:
"Andy is one of the greatest human beings I've ever met," Rodriguez said. "I have two daughters -- well, I have one and one on the way. If I had a daughter, I would want 'em to marry Andy Pettitte. The age difference might be a little awkward, but in today's day and age anything is possible."
Guessing at how much money Alex’s daughter stands to inherit someday, Pettitte will probably have to get in line behind a lot of guys wanting to marry her.
And, yes, I suspect that A-Rod is kidding with the "age difference" (etc.) line - just as I am about the potential of Pettitte marrying his daughter someday.
Posted by WW Staff at 12:10 PM | Comments (3)
Giambi To See Lots Of Time At First?
Via George King:
Jason Giambi was well into a punishing offseason conditioning program when Joe Girardi phoned with a plea Giambi was happy to hear.
"He told me, 'I need you at first base,' " Giambi said yesterday at Legends Field on the eve of the first full squad spring training workout. "It was nice to hear."
If Giambi, who missed nine weeks last season with a foot problem, can stay healthy and produce while playing first base, Girardi will have solved the headache of how to get Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Giambi in the lineup together.
For the record, the last time Giambi played 100+ games at first in a season was 2001. In fact, Jason Giambi has never played 100+ games at first in a season for the Yankees - ever.
If Jason Giambi ends up playing more than 75 games at first for the Yankees this season, I'll be shocked.
Posted by WW Staff at 11:06 AM | Comments (11)
Some Housekeeping On Leaving Comments
Lately, there seems to be some confusion with respect to leaving questions or feedback for the author of an entry (here). Currently, there are two “author” sources at WasWatching.com: Steve Lombardi and WW Staff. If something is authored by Steve, and you have a question/feedback for him on it, when leaving a comment, you should direct it towards him. On the flipside, if content is added to this blog by WW Staff, and you have a question/feedback on it, you should not direct it to Steve – as he is not listed as the author for that content.
We just want to make sure that people do not get confused between which content is added to this blog by Steve Lombardi and which is added by WW Staff. Staying consistent, within the framework of the comments section, with respect to directing questions/feedback towards the author, will help ensure against any confusion for the reader.
Thank you for your attention to this request.
Posted by WW Staff at 10:58 AM | Comments (0)
Just 11 More Days...
Until that first exhibition game coverage (this year) on YES. Anyone else jonesing for some live Yankees baseball, on TV, really bad?
Posted by WW Staff at 10:24 AM | Comments (1)
February 19, 2008
In The Rear View Mirror: The Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays have some interesting young talent under their control: John Jaso, Carlos Pena, Reid Brignac, Evan Longoria, Carl Crawford, B.J. Upton, Scott Kazmir, David Price, Jamie Shields, Matt Garza, Andy Sonnanstine, Jeff Niemann, Wade Davis, Jake McGee, Nick Barnese, Jeremy Hellickson, Desmond Jennings, Chris Mason, Eduardo Morlan, Ryan Royster, Mitch Talbot, Justin Ruggiano, Matt Walker...and perhaps some others that I missed.
Some time around 2009 or 2010, there's a chance that this talent could gel into a contending team.
What happens if this comes true in 2009 - as the Yankees continue to get older next year? What happens if the Tampa Bay Rays finish higher than the Yankees in the standings during the first year of the new Yankee Stadium?
Dollar-wise, it won't mean much - Yankees Stadium will sell out every game in 2009 - as they probably will this season and in 2010 too. But, in terms of a mental blow, how much will it hurt the franchise, and its fans, to be beaten by Boston in 2007 and then by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2009?
I know, I know, some are saying "Oh, Mr. Negative! Drop the Chicken Little routine. Can't you stop with the doom and gloom?" And, that's fine - if that's your choice. But, in doing so, you're ignoring that image in the rear view mirror. It's that mass of young talent that the Rays have put together.
Yes, as I often say, prospects are suspects until they actually come through. But, when you have nearly two dozen near or true blue-chippers like the Rays, the odds are in your favor.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 07:51 PM | Comments (18)
February 2008 Survey Question #2
In your opinion, who, among these ten, is the pitcher most likely to make the Yankees pen out of Spring Training this year and be a big contributor towards the team’s success?
Update: This poll is now closed. Click on the thumbnail below to see the results:
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 06:41 PM | Comments (1)
Overheard In Tampa Today...
Carl Pavano (right) and Humberto Sanchez talk during the Yankees workout today at Legends Field in Tampa, FL. (Photo via Reuters.)
Pavano: Hola, Dude. Hey, how many games did you pitch last year?
Sanchez: None. I was on the disabled list for the entire season.
Pavano: Oh, my, god! The whole season? Amigo, you-da-man!
Posted by WW Staff at 04:17 PM | Comments (3)
Will It Be A Long Summer For Pettitte?
If you believe this report, it could be...sadly.
Posted by WW Staff at 03:03 PM | Comments (5)
The Hal Stein GQ Interview
Blog GQ has a great interview with Hal, (yes, not Hank) Steinbrenner. Click here to read it. A highlight from the feature:
Who’s at the top of the chain of command?
What’s been determined is that this is a family business, and if we’re both gonna be involved, it has to be an equal thing, and we both need to be involved with all major decisions, whether it’s the stadium, big expenditures, or [the unconsummated trade for Johan] Santana, for instance. It’s well publicized in New York that we didn’t agree on that deal. My concerns were economical and financial, and I’m not gonna get into those, but I also had baseball concerns. I didn’t want to get rid of these kids! Boy, the last time we had three young pitchers like Philip Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, and Ian Kennedy, I couldn’t even tell you.
The Super Bowl this year was unbelievable, and the one thought I took away really has a lot to do with us this year, with these three young pitchers. Eli struggled a bit his first couple years. I think New York fans might realize now that if you give a young kid time, great things can happen.
Is it true, as the media has suggested, that Brian Cashman’s job is on the line because the Yankees didn’t do the Santana deal?
No, it’s not. I don’t know where the media gets this stuff sometimes. They gotta sell papers, I understand that. You gotta sell magazines, right? The bottom line is Cashman is with us this year. In any given year for the past thirty years, you could probably say, “This year the general manager’s job’s on the line.” That’s par for the course for that job, but certainly not because of one trade, no.
The perception in the media is that Gene Michael, the architect of the great Yankee teams of the late ’90s, hasn’t wielded a great deal of influence in the organization for some years. Is that true? What will his role be going forward?
As far as I’m concerned, it’s absolutely not true. Cashman and Gene talk all the time. Gene was down here interviewing the potential manager candidates, and he’s always been close to George. The two of them sometimes are kind of like Billy Martin and George, but there was always a level of respect there, and that hasn’t changed. I mean, his take on things is as good as anybody’s. We value his input, which is why he was part of all those interviews.
Makes you wonder, if Gene Michael was up for the task, and willing to be G.M., would the brothers let Cashman walk and have "Stick" take over in 2009? I doubt it - because Michael will be 71 years old next year. The job is too demanding for someone of that age.
How about this: Bounce Randy Levine, promote Cashman to his job, and let Damon Oppenheimer be the G.M. in 2009 with Michael as an advisor? It just might be the best role for all parties involved.
Posted by WW Staff at 12:34 PM | Comments (7)
Torre: Last 3 Years Were Uncomfortable In New York
Via Paul Hagen - with a hat tip to BaseballThinkFactory.org:
Torre now admits that he saw the end coming for at least 3 years and added that, if the Dodgers hadn't called, he might well be sitting home today.
His situation began to sour, he reflected, after his team blew a lead of three games to none to the archrival Red Sox in the 2004 American League Championship Series.
"The last 3 years were difficult. I think it started probably with losing to the Red Sox. Because that becomes a mortal sin," he said. "And even though the Red Sox were obviously a very good team that year, we got lucky early. They didn't play well. Then we had two leads in Games 4 and 5 we couldn't hold onto.
"Since that time, it may be a little too strong to say [the Yankees] wanted to make a change. But for me it wasn't as comfortable. It could have been self-induced. I don't know. Last season was very uncomfortable, especially with the bad start we had. There were a lot of questions and stories I had to address.
"I'm sure it took its toll on me, but when you walk into the clubhouse and all of a sudden the players aren't sure what they should say, what they shouldn't say, your coaching staff, that made it doubly uncomfortable for me. I just think over the last few years it was gradually getting to the point of not being a helluva lot of fun. The baseball was still fun, but aside from that . . . "
You have to wonder who in the Yankees organization was making Joe not feel comfortable. It probably was not Big Stein. The last three seasons, George has been a figurehead. Was it Brian Cashman? I doubt that – and I doubt it was Steve Swindal. Those two always seemed in Joe’s corner. Hank and Hal were not in power for the last three years. This leaves Randy Levine. There were reports that it was Levine who sent Torre packing.
Torre was near perfect for the Yankees from 1996 through the end of the regular season in 2004. But, he did seem to lose something (Don Zimmer?) after that run. If it was, in fact, Levine who ran him out of town, it may just be the best thing that Randy’s done for the Yankees during his tenure with the team.
Posted by WW Staff at 09:36 AM | Comments (12)
Wiley E. Hankie, Super Genius!
In retrospect, Hank’s strike yesterday at the NFL was genius. It’s getting a lot of play. Mike & Mike, on ESPN Radio, were going at it, pretty good, this morning just before 7 AM. It’s a page right out of Big Stein’s playbook. Say or do something that will direct the attention towards you and away from the team or a player. Andy Pettitte is getting his share of press today. But, thanks to Hank, it’s not all on Andy.
Chip off the ol’ block. Brilliant move Hank.
Posted by WW Staff at 09:27 AM | Comments (0)
February 18, 2008
Red Light's Last Gleaming?
Via the Times:
Speaking publicly for the first time about his preference for surgery, Schilling, a 41-year-old right-hander, said he had to follow the team’s insistence on rehab because he was under contract.
“I don’t have any choice,” he said. “If their course of action doesn’t work, I don’t pitch this year, and I may never pitch again. I have to mentally get behind it and do everything I can do to make it work.”
Schilling and the Red Sox are hoping he can return around the All-Star break.
The Red Sox team physician, Dr. Thomas Gill, recommended rehab for the tendon injury. Schilling sought a second opinion from Dr. Craig Morgan, who operated on his right shoulder in 1995 and 1999. Morgan felt strongly that surgery would be best and that rehabilitation would fail and end Schilling’s career.
Hey, Curt, stick a mercurochrome "stained" sanitary sock in it, will ya? You're now as useful to the Sox as Carl Pavano is to the Yankees. You might as well get used to it.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:31 PM | Comments (3)
Hank: NFL Has More PED Users Than Baseball
Via Yankees.com:
Hank Steinbrenner insists baseball is being picked on for its trouble with performance-enhancing drugs, and claims the problem is bigger in football.
"I don't like baseball being singled out," the Yankees senior vice president said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press on Monday night.
"Everybody that knows sports knows football is tailor-made for performance-enhancing drugs. I don't know how they managed to skate by. It irritates me. Don't tell me it's not more prevalent. The number in football is at least twice as many. Look at the speed and size of those players."
Why am I starting to think that Hank is about one bottle of Boone's Farm away from having a Jimmy the Greek or Al Campanis moment?
Don't get me wrong. I like Hank. He seems like a fun guy. But, we don't need an opinion from him on other professional sports. At least not one like this one. (Even if he may be right.)
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:22 PM | Comments (2)
Heyman: Cashman 5th Best G.M. In Baseball
Click here to see Jon Heyman's list of the best G.M.'s in the game.
It's an interesting list. But, man, could they not find a better picture for (Heyman's #1 selection) Theo Epstein? The one that they used, well, it brings a word to mind. It's the noun form of the Japanese verb which means "to splash forcefully." But, I should probably stop there.
I would have listed Omar Minaya, Josh Byrnes, and Kevin Towers over Cashman, for sure. Maybe Dan O'Dowd as well. That would bump Cashman down to ninth place. Actually, for me, it would be a dogfight for ninth between Cashman, Ken Williams and Pat Gillick. So, in the end, I'd probably place Cashman in tenth place - out of the thirty G.M.'s in the game - with Andrew Friedman and Dayton Moore closing in, fast.
But, the only reason why Cashman would finish as high as tenth is because guys like Terry Ryan, Larry Beinfest, Bill Stoneman, John Schuerholz, and Walt Jocketty are doing other things now. If they were all still G.M.'s, that would push Cashman down to (around) 15th in baseball (out of 30). Yeah, that seems about right. Middle of the pack.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:53 PM | Comments (18)
Free Alberto Gonzalez
If I'm reading Tom Tango correctly, a slick fielding shortstop could save his team around 50 runs per season.
Someone should teach Alberto Gonzalez to say "Play me or trade me."
Or, at least, maybe "The Specials" can do a song for him.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:40 PM | Comments (4)
Pettitte's Press Conference Today
This afternoon, in front of the world, Andy Pettitte apologized, said that he was stupid and desperate for using HGH, and stated that he wished, now, that he never used it.
He confirmed that everything Brian McNamee said about him in the Mitchell Report was true - and that McNamee is a friend and that he cares for him. Pettitte said that he (Andy) feels like he should not hide, he should take it like a man and do his job now, and have to deal with whatever comes his way (as a result of all this).
He said that, when he first used HGH in 2002, at first, he felt like it was the right thing to do, in his heart - as McNamee told him that it would help with tissue repair. Pettitte also added that McNamee told him not to do it - because he may feel guilty about it. But, Pettitte elected to use it. Though, Andy said that, soon after, he realized that it was an uncomfortable thing, that it really didn't help, and that it was a mistake. And, in 2004, it was basically the same cycle that caused him to do it again - a stupid, desperate, and regrettable act.
Pettitte did say, had HGH been illegal in baseball, he never would have used it.
In my opinion, Andy Pettitte did and said everything "the right way" today. He's taking complete ownership of the situation, explained why it happened, and has apologized. Clearly, Andy Pettitte has "manned-up" when he needed to on this thing. That says a lot about him.
The fact that Rivera, Jeter and Posada were there today also speaks volumes towards how the leaders of the team feel about him.
Pettitte said that the press conference will allow him to sleep better now. It should - he did a great job out there today.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 07:49 PM | Comments (2)
Pettitte Lied In The Past, But, Who Could Possible Throw A Stone On This?
Joel Sherman says that Andy Pettitte must tell all today.
I see where he's coming from - as many are upset that Andy "lied" in the past about using PEDs. Me? I'm not so down on him for this situation. It's like this:
The speed limit is 55 MPH. And, one day, someone from the media asks you "Have you ever driven beyond the speed limit?" Now, you may say "yes" - because everyone drives over the speed limit. But, you could also say "no" - because you're in a position to set an example to kids, and the like, and you don't want them to follow your lead...even if everyone else is driving 70 MPH all the time. So, you "lie" and you say "No, I obey the law and drive fifty-five."
Next, someone from the police says to you "We've noticed that a lot of cars are driving very fast, more than the speed limit, and, the other day, we noticed a car that looked just like yours flying by...but, we're not 100% certain that is was you. Were you speeding the other day?"
What are you doing to do in this spot? Of course, you're going to "lie" and say "Nope, wasn't me. I don't speed and I observe the law that says you can't go faster than 55 MPH." Again, if there's a way to avoid putting yourself in a bad spot, setting a bad example, etc., why not go that route?
Lastly, you get busted for speeding. The cops pull you over doing 75 MPH on the radar gun. And, they give you a ticket to appear in court. Once there, you're asked to place your hand over your heart and swear that you will tell the whole truth, etc., and, if you lie, you're going to be held to the fire to the full extent of the law.
What do you think happens then? You confess - because they have you nailed. What else can you do?
Is the Pettitte situation any different? Yes, he "lied" in the past. But, it was a move to protect him, his family, and perhaps a move to keep others from following him, that was "doable" because no one had leverage on him. And, it was only once someone had the hammer that he had to 'fess up.
I think this is a route that many other people would have followed - including those in the media. Therefore, this is why I cannot beat Pettitte up for not being truthful in the past.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:59 PM | Comments (7)
Baseball Movies
I've been hearing good things about the new baseball movie "Sugar." And, this reminded me that I was once asked to list my favorite baseball movies. So, here goes...
Review Key:
Grand Slam - Every baseball fan must see this movie.
Homerun - Highly recommended - classic & polished flicks.
Triple - Very entertaining and nicely done.
Two-Bagger - Surprisingly enjoyable.
Single - Rainy Saturday morning viewing; but, still good.
Pride Of The Yankees 1942 Homerun.
Take Me Out To The Ballgame 1949 Single.
The Stratton Story 1951 Single.
Angels In The Outfield 1951 Two-Bagger.
The Winning Team 1952 Two-Bagger.
Bang The Drum Slowly 1974 Single.
The Bad News Bears 1976 Single.
Eight Men Out 1988 Grand Slam.
Bull Durham 1988 Triple.
Stealing Home 1988 Two-Bagger.
Major League 1989 Triple.
The Natural 1984 Grand Slam.
Field Of Dreams 1989 Grand Slam.
Talent For The Game 1991 Single.
Pastime 1991 Single.
A League Of Their Own 1992 Triple.
Rookie Of The Year 1993 Single.
Little Big League 1994 Single.
The Sandlot 1994 Triple.
Cobb 1994 Triple.
The Scout 1994 Two-Bagger.
The Fan 1996 Single.
Soul Of The Game 1996 Homerun.
For Love Of The Game 1999 Triple.
61* 2001 Homerun.
Hardball 2001 Single.
Summer Catch 2001 Single.
The Rookie 2002 Triple.
Mr. 3000 2004 Single.
Fever Pitch 2005. Triple.
The Benchwarmers 2006 Single.
Everyone's Hero 2006 Two-Bagger.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:05 AM | Comments (9)
Are Hank & Cash Working The Same Plan?
Last night, I was watching Brian Cashman being interviewed by Ducis Rodgers on CBS' Sports Sunday and Cashman was saying things like: "...We're a work in progress...we'll see...it's about the next 5 to 10 years..." Clearly, Brian was sending the message that his plan for the Yankees is a long-term one rather than a concern on this season.
But, it sounds like Hank Stein is in the win-now and all-or-nothing mode. Via Kat O'Brien -
Hank Steinbrenner told Newsday yesterday that if the decision not to trade for Johan Santana comes back to haunt the Yankees this season, someone will have to answer for it.
"It's clear that if we don't get the job done this year," Steinbrenner said in a phone interview, "if Santana could have made the difference for us and the young pitchers aren't ready, people have to be held accountable."
Steinbrenner isn't concerned so much about the regular season; he believes the Yankees can reach the playoffs without Santana. He also believes they could win the World Series without Santana, but he knows the postseason is where Santana's absence might be most sorely felt.
Said Steinbrenner: "If we get to the playoffs and we're missing that kind of pitcher and that could have made a difference, I'm not going to be happy about it, and neither is my dad."
Are these two reading from the same playbook? Doesn't seem that way to me.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:34 AM | Comments (3)
Where's Jason?
While A-Rod partied in Miami Saturday, Giambi did his thing as well that night. From ReviewJournal.com:
[SIGHTINGS] At LAX nightclub (Luxor) on Saturday: Actor Vince Vaughn, actress/model Stacy Kiebler, New York Yankees slugger Jason Giambi, rapper Ja Rule, TV personality Giuliana Rancic of E! News and husband/former "Apprentice" winner Bill Rancic, Luxor headliner Carrot Top, illusionist Criss Angel, Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Tyron Brackenridge, WWE star Torrie Wilson, Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Terry and actor Mike Peña. ...
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:22 AM | Comments (2)
February 17, 2008
Meeting Some Of The Kids
If you've never read the Trentonian Blogs, you may have missed these...
Josh Norris interviews Alan Horne, Austin Jackson and Colin Curtis.
Good job Josh.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:48 PM | Comments (0)
Where's A-Rod?
Below are some photos from Ocean Drive magazine's 15 Year Anniversary party that was held yesterday in Miami (FL):
Upper left: Alex and his wife. (Yes, she's expecting.)
Upper right: The A-Rod's and Anthony Michael "Can I borrow your underpants for ten minutes?" Hall.
Lower left: A-Rod and Christopher Ciccone (Madonna's brother.)
Lower right: The A-Rod's and the (Mike) Piazza's. (Yes, we're wondering about Mike's left hand too.)
Party on Alex.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:13 PM | Comments (1)
"Definitely, Maybe"
A quick break from the usual baseball-related content....
I went to see "Definitely, Maybe" with my wife today.
To be candid, for me to be interested in a movie it usually needs car chases, vampires, fight scenes, talking monkeys, some sports reference, a sci-fi element, weaponry, or lots of sophomoric humor. And, again, usually, I would rather do almost anything else than go see a "chick" movie.
But, "Definitely, Maybe" was pretty entertaining. It was well acted, smartly written, edited nicely, and offered some great NYC-location shots. If you are overdue for filling in the "See Chick Flick" column on your relationship scorecard, you could do a lot worse than this movie.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 06:27 PM | Comments (0)
The Story Of Phil Hughes Fastball
Last season, Phil Hughes' fastballs were averaging 89 to 92 miles an hour. However, reports said that Phil usually threw around 92 to 95 MPH. Even Brian Cashman noticed the drop in velocity last year.
Yesterday, Peter Abraham offered an explanation to this issue, from Hughes himself:
Watched Phil Hughes throw and was impressed with his fastball. After his leg injury in May, he said his heater was 91-92 instead of the usual 93-95 it is. “It wasn’t until the playoffs when I felt complete confidence in my leg,” he said. “That was when I got my fastball back.”
Hughes said it’s not so much velocity that he counts on. It’s more the “late life” when he can throw harder. “You need your legs to follow throw and get that little extra on the pitch,” he said. “I wasn’t getting that.”
This ties back to something Hughes wrote, on his own blog, back on January 23rd:
After coming back from my injury last season my mechanics were a little out of whack. This led to a little loss of velocity and command. When Dave arrived in September we were able to work out some things and I think that had a lot to do with the success I had at the end of the season. It was nice to finish off the year on a good note so I have something to work toward to get back to my normal self in 2008.
So, the root cause for the drop in MPH, per Hughes, was a lack of confidence in his leg and a matter of his mechanics being out of whack. This seems to make sense.
However, Phil Hughes hurt his hamstring on May 1st of last year. And, before that game, it was noticed that Phil was living in the low 90's as opposed to the mid-90's with his fastball.
Of course, maybe Phil's hamstring was shot and on it's way out just before the game in which he blew it out? But, if true, how was he able to hold the Rangers hitless in that game? That's hard enough to do with two legs - much less just one.
So, we have a little disconnect here, it seems.
In any event, it will be very interesting to see the radar readings for Hughes his season. Will it be 91-92 MPH or 93-95 MPH on the fastball? We'll soon see, won't we?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:36 AM | Comments (6)
The Girardi Rules
General Joe lays down the law. Via Kat O'Brien -
Here is a partial list of rules the Yankees have for spring training:
1. Be on time. No excuse for lateness.
2. Shorts and T-shirt permitted only during spring training.
3. Curfew of 1 a.m.
4. Jewelry -- only one chain is permitted. No earrings.
5. Only neatly cut beards, mustaches, goatees. No long hair or "unshaven looks."
6. No family members in the clubhouse until after games.
7. No cell phones in the dugout.
8. Cell phones allowed in the clubhouse only until one hour before games.
9. No competing speakers in the clubhouse.
Number 3 is going sit real well with Giambi, Jeter, A-Rod and some others. I wonder what will happen if someone gets caught breaking it?
Only neatly cut beards, mustaches, goatees.
Whoa, now, that's a change. Big Stein must be 100% out of the loop now - this one clinches it.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:28 AM | Comments (3)
Cashman: Yanks Payroll High, Not Returning Bang For The Buck
Via ESPN.com -
The New York Yankees had a record payroll of $218.3 million in 2007. It's not going down this season, although GM Brian Cashman says he would like to rein it in.
"We are high," Yankees GM Brain Cashman said in an interview with ESPN 1050 New York's Andrew Marchand. "If I could get our payroll lower [I would]. It is not going to happen -- not this year. But we have, at the end of the year, a lot of numbers coming off. The combination of building our farm stystem and getting our salary lines back to where they probably need to be. That's a process, too, and that takes some time. I'm not particularly proud that we have the highest payroll in the game.
"I just don't think you are going to get the type of bang for your buck at the type of dollars that you are paying."
Tune in later today and look for Brian to explain how the sky is blue and water is wet.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:10 AM | Comments (0)
February 16, 2008
SAFE: A-Rod Should Play SS Over Jeter
From Popular Science -
Enter Spatial Aggregate Fielding Evaluation, or SAFE, a new yard stick for fielding developed by professor Shane Jensen and his stat-junkie colleagues at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and presented today at the AAAS Meetings in Boston. In short, Jensen examined every hit from the 2002-2005 baseball seasons and developed a formula that spit out the probability of the average player at each position recording an out on a batted ball. He then compared this to individual players' stats and determined how many runs each player's fielding performance either saved or caused.
First basemen, it turns out are relatively inconsequential when it comes to fielding balls. On average, the best first basemen will only save their team one or two runs over the course of the season; the very worst only cough up five. The distinction is much more apparent at the shortstop position, where Alex Rodriguez was the best everyday shortstop in the league, saving 10.40 runs each season for the Texas Rangers. Derek Jeter, the New York Yankees shortstop who is often hailed for his defensive prowess and has won three Gold Gloves, ranks dead last in the majors, coughing up 13.81 runs per season. Before the 2004 season, the Yankees traded for A-Rod and shifted him to third base in deferrence of Jeter, but based on these numbers, that move could be costing them 23 runs per season. Would the Yankees be better off with A-Rod at SS? Probably, but I'm a Red Sox fan, so I'll keep quiet on this one.
Looking back at the Fielding Bible, I see that A-Rod was +11 (in the Plus/Minus rankings) whereas Jeter was -14 (back in 2003 when they both were shortstops). This does synch-up with SAFE.
But, watching Alex play third, the last four years, I see a lack of range (by him) along with a weakness in fielding bunts and pop-ups. So, how in the world does he then become a good fielding shortstop?
Could it be that Alex, when at short, did a better job at positioning himself (than Jeter's been doing the last few years)? If so, is that a reflection of the player, alone, or the player and his management?
It will be interesting to see if Jeter's Plus/Minus numbers and/or SAFE grade improve this season with Joe Girardi and Rob Thomson manning the ship.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 06:08 PM | Comments (7)
The Second Big Three
Here's some nice numbers on the Second Big Three (Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy) via the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia:
Pitching for the NEW YORK YANKEES in a season where AGE <= 22 and INNINGS PITCHED >= 15 - ranked by Runs Saved Above Average
YEAR RSAA IP BFP
1 Lefty Gomez 1931 44 243 1013
2 Waite Hoyt 1921 39 282 1201
3 Bill Stafford 1961 23 195 796
4 Hippo Vaughn 1910 22 221.2 869
T5 Al Downing 1963 20 176 707
T5 Whitey Ford 1950 20 112 465
7 Dave Righetti 1981 18 105.1 422
8 Mel Stottlemyre 1964 17 96 390
T9 Waite Hoyt 1922 16 265 1117
T9 Hank Thormahlen 1919 16 189 745
11 Roy Sherid 1929 12 160 668
12 Joba Chamberlain 2007 11 24 91
13 Bill Stafford 1960 9 60 246
T14 Cliff Markle 1915 6 23 87
T14 Ian Kennedy 2007 6 19 77
T14 Hal Reniff 1961 6 45 190
T17 Johnny Kucks 1955 5 127 537
T17 Sam Militello 1992 5 60 255
T19 Red Hoff 1911 4 20.2 87
T19 Ambrose Puttmann 1903 4 19 83
T19 Tom Morgan 1952 4 94 382
22 Johnny Kucks 1956 3 224 947
T23 Hank Thormahlen 1918 2 113 455
T23 Phil Hughes 2007 2 72.2 306
T25 Ralph Terry 1957 1 20.2 85
T25 Dave Righetti 1979 1 17.1 67
T25 Allan Russell 1915 1 27 114
Clearly, it's impressive that Hughes, Chamberlain and Kennedy did what so few young pitchers have done for the Yankees - meaning pitch effectively at the big league level. And, it's amazing to think how this came about.
If the Yankees were not banking on Carl Pavano to start 2007, then perhaps Phil Hughes is not called up in April. "It's a necessity for us," is what Torre said when Hughes was named to start his first game for New York. Pavano went down, Igawa stunk, Chase Wright and Jeff Karstens weren't cutting it. Basically, if the Yankees had a better plan around their starting pitching last year, you can see where Hughes ends up spending much more time in Triple-A in 2007.
Same deal with Ian Kennedy. Last season, Torre, talking about September call-ups, said "Kennedy won't be one of them, I don't think." Then, Mike Mussina implodes and all of a sudden we see Kennedy making his first big league start on September 1st. Again, had the Yankees not been counting on a broken-down pitcher, Mussina, perhaps Kennedy does not pitch in the big leagues in 2007.
And, ditto on Joba. The Yankees pen plan was a mess in '07. Proctor was traded, Myers was let go, and Farnsworth was, well, Farnsworth. In dire need of an arm for the 8th inning, the Yankees converted Chamberlain to a reliever in the minors and called him up in August. Had the Yankees had a better bullpen last season, there's a good chance that Joba closes out his season in Triple-A last year and doesn't get called up to the majors until September for a cup of coffee, if that.
Now, here's the thing about these three who were pressed into action at such a young age last season: While they did well in the majors, in two of the cases it's in a very small sample size. Actually, even the third case is not a huge sample size.
Ian Kennedy faced 77 batters in the majors. Joba Chamberlain faced 91 batters in the majors. And, Phil Hughes has faced 306 batters in the majors. Again, yes, they all did well with their chances.
But, as I am often reminded by the readers of this blog, baseball fans should not run with statistics that are generated in a small sample size. Therefore, just because Kennedy, Chamberlain and Hughes did well, last season, at a young age, in the majors, when pressed into duty, we have to remember that it's not a lock that they will continue to pitch well in the big leagues this season.
Don't get me wrong here, I hope that they all pitch very well for the Yankees this season - since the team is counting on them. But, I do recognize that what they have proven at the major league level, to date, while impressive in quality lacks a lot in quantity.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:41 AM | Comments (22)
Red Sox Dynasty Book
I think someone is jumping the gun with this one:
Dynasty: The Inside Story of How the Red Sox Became a Baseball Powerhouse by Tony Massarotti
How about this review on Amazon:
“Red Sox Nation comes alive in this thoughtful and penetrating look at one of the most famous teams in the country by an expert journalist who was there every step of the way.”---Allan H. (Bud) Selig, Commissioner of Baseball
There's just something wrong about all of this.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:32 AM | Comments (3)
February 15, 2008
Hank: With Santana, We'd Be Favorites Now
From the AP -
Hank Steinbrenner on the AL pennant race: "We're one of the five best, and no nobody really knows who's better than who at this point. There's Detroit, Boston, Cleveland, there's Anaheim, and there might be a couple others as well. ... With (Johan) Santana, we'd be the favorite right now. I'd like to win it this year. But we had a have a chance, and it will only get better."
With Santana, we'd be the favorite right now.
I wonder who Hank is saying this to when he says it? Hmmm...
Update, Feb. 16, 2008: More from Hank on this - from John Harper:
You can tell it is eating at Hank Steinbrenner already that he didn't turn a deaf ear to GM Brian Cashman and make the trade for Johan Santana that his gut was telling him to make.
Just mention Santana to Hank and you can practically hear the gnashing of teeth. Friday, for example, after admitting to our Yankees beat writer, Mark Feinsand, that he was always in favor of making the trade, Hank issued what could be interpreted as a warning of sorts:
"Hopefully," he said, "that's not a move we should have made that I'm going to be (ticked off) about."
...Hank issued what could be interpreted as a warning of sorts...
Nice to see I'm not the only one seeing it this way.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:09 PM | Comments (6)
Wang Losses Arbitration
Via the Mark Feinsand -
The Yankees just won their arbitration case against Chien-Ming Wang, meaning that Wang will earn $4 million this season instead of the $4.6 million he had requested.
Wanger probably should have requested for the hearing to be held in the Bronx instead of St. Petersburg. The odds are usually in his favor in the Bronx.
Posted by WW Staff at 05:36 PM | Comments (8)
Brian Cashman 2004
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. (To see all the seasons reviewed, click here.)
Here, we'll look at Cashman's moves in 2004 and how they helped or hurt the team:
No Impact:
February 5, 2004 - Traded Jose Garcia to the Texas Rangers. Received Mike Lamb.
March 25, 2004 - Traded Mike Lamb to the Houston Astros. Received Juan DeLeon.
June 18, 2004 - Traded Gabe White to the Cincinnati Reds. Received Charlie Manning and cash.
July 19, 2004 - Signed C.J. Nitkowski as a free agent.
August 17, 2004 - Signed Shane Spencer as a free agent.
October 26, 2004 - Signed Homer Bush as a free agent.
Good Impact:
January 12, 2004 - Signed Tony Clark as a free agent.
March 12, 2004 - Signed Orlando Hernandez as a free agent.
May 15, 2004 - Traded Brian Myrow to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Received Tanyon Sturtze.
August 3, 2004 - Signed John Olerud as a free agent.
December 3, 2004 - Traded Felix Heredia to the New York Mets. Received Mike Stanton.
Great Impact:
February 16, 2004 - Traded Joaquin Arias and Alfonso Soriano to the Texas Rangers. Received Alex Rodriguez and cash.
June 7, 2004 - Drafted Philip Hughes in the 1st round (23rd pick) of the 2004 amateur draft. Player signed June 16, 2004.
Bad Impact:
February 7, 2004 - Signed Donovan Osborne as a free agent.
July 31, 2004 - Traded Jose Contreras and cash to the Chicago White Sox. Received Esteban Loaiza.
November 5, 2004 - Jon Lieber granted Free Agency.
December 3, 2004 - Traded Kenny Lofton to the Philadelphia Phillies. Received Felix Rodriguez.
December 6, 2004 - Signed John Flaherty as a free agent.
December 20, 2004 - Signed Carl Pavano as a free agent.
Was Probably Not A Cashman Move & More Likely Something Done In Tampa:
January 6, 2004 - Signed Kenny Lofton as a free agent.
March 2, 2004 - Signed Travis Lee as a free agent.
December 20, 2004 - Signed Tony Womack as a free agent.
December 28, 2004 - Signed Jaret Wright as a free agent.
______________________________________________________________
This is an interesting year. The Lofton, Womack and Wright signings probably ticked Cashman off – and could be part of the reason why he demanded total control on his next contract. Yet, it was a big year for Cashman – picking up A-Rod and Hughes as well as some nice grabs on guys like Clark, Sturtze. Olerud, et al. Of course, this year will always be remembered for being when Cashman put the full-court press on Pavano to get him signed. That’s what many people will always remember about 2004 in terms of Brian’s moves. (I put Lieber on the list even though I usually don’t put guys going free agent on these reports – since it’s the player that controls the option. Still, Cashman misread the market on that one and should have gotten him signed before the Mets gave the house to Kris Benson. It would have been useful to have Lieber on the 2005 Yanks – instead of Wright.)
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:36 PM | Comments (6)
The Big Three
No, we’re not talking about Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy here. Instead, we’re going back to 1987. And, we’re going to revisit Al Leiter, Brad Arnsberg and Bill Fulton.
Some people like to say that the Yankees have never had three blue-chip pitching prospects at the big league level, all so young, at the same time – as they do now with Hughes, Chamberlain and Kennedy.
Those people forget 1987 – when Leiter, Arnsberg, and Fulton all pitched for the Yankees in the Bronx. At that time, Al Leiter was 21. And, both Brad Arnsberg and Bill Fulton were 23.
“Yes, but, were those three hot-shot prospects at the time, like Phil Franchise, Joba and IPK?” some are probably quick to ask.
Well, here’s the skinny on that:
Arnsberg was drafted by the Yankees in the 1st round of the Secondary Phase of 1983 amateur draft. And he was the 9th overall pick in that draft. Prior to that, he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1st round (20th pick) of the 1982 amateur draft (Secondary Phase), drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 1st round (25th pick) of the 1982 amateur draft (Secondary Phase), and drafted by the California Angels in the 1st round (6th pick) of the 1983 amateur draft (Secondary Phase) – but, he did not sign with those teams.
Fulton was drafted by the Yankees in the 2nd round of the Secondary Phase of 1983 amateur draft. Five months earlier, he drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 1st round of the 1983 amateur draft – the 25th overall pick in that draft - but did not sign with the O’s.
Leiter was drafted by the Yankees in the 2nd round of the 1984 amateur draft. He was the 50th overall selection in the draft that year.
Clearly, based on where they were drafted – by the Yankees and teams before the Yankees - Al Leiter, Brad Arnsberg and Bill Fulton were hot-shot pitching prospects back in their time.
Granted, Leiter, Arnsberg, and Fulton did not rip through the minor leagues like Hughes, Chamberlain and Kennedy (have now). So, there is that difference to be noted here.
However, it’s worth looking back at them today to recognize this is not the first time in Yankees history that three, young, heralded pitching prospects were all in the Bronx at the same time. It happened back in 1987 too.
At the least, maybe we should start calling Phil Franchise, Joba and IPK “The Second Big Three”?
Posted by WW Staff at 04:29 PM | Comments (9)
The Giambi Watch
You're Jason Giambi. You're 37-years old. You're in the last year of your contract. And, you're coming off an injury-plagued season where your numbers were just flat out terrible.
Wouldn't you be down in Tampa already - with guys like Derek Jeter, Shelley Duncan, and Hideki Matsui - working hard towards a successful comeback season?
If it were me, and I was Giambi, I would be there. But, he's not.
Posted by WW Staff at 12:42 PM | Comments (15)
Yanks Vs. Sox In 2008: Pitching Variables Will Determine Outcome
A case can be made, looking at both team’s offensive projections for this season – meaning “team” in the sense of all batters as a collective – that the Yankees have a better offense than the Red Sox this season. It’s not better in terms of leaps and bounds – but, it’s better. But, let’s assume that, at the worst, the two teams are equal in terms of their offense this year. This means that it will come down to pitching to see which team will be better in the A.L. East this season.
Related, here are Dan Szymborski’s 2008 ZiPS Projections for the starting rotations of Boston and New York, as they appear to shake out this season:
Name Age ERA W L GS INN ER BB K Buchholz,Clay 23 4.47 9 8 27 135 67 53 120 Matsuzaka,D. 27 3.95 15 10 28 196 86 60 177 Lester,Jon 24 4.93 8 8 29 148 81 75 100 Beckett,Josh 28 3.77 16 9 30 191 80 54 172 Wakefield,Tim 41 4.62 13 13 30 185 95 65 117 4.31 61 48 855 409 Name Age ERA W L GS INN ER BB K Hughes,Philip 22 3.70 12 5 26 141 58 40 106 Kennedy,Ian 23 4.38 9 7 26 148 72 42 94 Mussina,Mike 39 4.74 11 10 29 171 90 41 112 Wang,Chien-Ming 28 3.91 15 8 30 200 87 53 87 Pettitte,Andy 36 4.06 16 9 33 213 96 62 141 4.15 63 39 873 403
Pretty close, huh?
This suggests the following: The key for the Yankees beating the Red Sox this season has three sides to it. First, the veterans in New York’s rotation must stay consistent this season with the production that they’ve had recently. Secondly, the kids in the Yankees rotation will need to pitch better that what is a reasonable projection for them at this stage of their career. And, lastly, the Yankees bullpen will need to be better than the Red Sox bullpen – in case the offense and starting rotations for the two teams ends up to be a push.
Of course, for Boston to finish above the Yankees, based on projections, the veterans in their rotation must stay consistent this season with the production that they’ve had recently. Secondly, the kids in their rotation will need to pitch better that what is a reasonable projection for them at this stage of their career. And, lastly, their bullpen will need to be better than New York’s bullpen.
If Boston fails on one (or more) of these three things, then the Yankees can afford to fail on one (or maybe more) of their three things.
Bottom line, when it comes to pitching, both Boston and New York has elements to their plan that are variable in nature and how they end up, in reality, will determine which team has the better season.
Posted by WW Staff at 12:05 PM | Comments (6)
Papelbon's Chest-Thumping
From TSN -
"If we're not the team to beat," Jonathan Papelbon said Thursday, "I'd like to know who is. I think that our No. 1 thing is to stay healthy. If we do that, I don't know who can really compete with us."
Do you know the difference between Jonathan Papelbon and Larry Lucchino? Basically, it’s just a fastball.
Man, Papelbon is becoming annoying – in a red-neck red-light kind of way. It would not break this Yankees fan’s heart to see him go the way of the likes of Rob Dibble, Scott Williamson, Mark Wohlers, Mike Schooler, or Matt Mantei and fall off the map in a hurry.
Posted by WW Staff at 09:43 AM | Comments (3)
Clouds Forming On Yankees Rotation?
From Dan Graziano
What about 2008?
"We can score eight runs a game," Mussina said. "But if we give up nine, we're not going to win."
The biggest issue facing the Yankees this spring is their starting rotation, which is packed with question marks. And not just the question marks you'd expect.
Sure, there are three young pitchers -- Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy -- in the mix for rotation spots as pitchers and catchers began workouts yesterday. And sure, there's always uncertainty when you're dealing with young pitchers.
But the Yankees' problem is the uncertainty surrounding their veterans.
Chien-Ming Wang, the surest thing in the rotation, spent his day at a salary arbitration hearing in nearby St. Petersburg. Wang would like a long-term deal like the one second baseman Robinson Cano got, but the Yankees aren't giving him one -- a stance that likely reflects their concerns about his shoulder (he has a torn rotator cuff that has never been repaired) as well as the wisdom concerning long-term deals for pitchers.
Pettitte, caught up in the Roger Clemens-Mitchell Report controversy, won't be in camp today. The team has excused him until Monday because of his off-field issues.
And Mussina, who's coming off a year that saw him post the highest ERA (5.15) of his career and lowest innings total (152) since he worked 87 2/3 as a rookie, is a question mark even to himself.
What ever happened to those guys on the boat at the end of the movie "The Perfect Storm," anyway?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 06:49 AM | Comments (5)
The Dawn Of Generation Trey?
Joel Sherman "pitches" this label today for Hughes, Kennedy and Chamberlain. Gosh, I hope it doesn't stick.
Sounds too much like Wingo's kids, to me.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 06:39 AM | Comments (5)
February 14, 2008
Cashman Concerned About Pettitte's Season
Via Newsday -
It would not be absurd to wonder if the prospect of coming back to the kind of questions he surely will face from the media, combined with the questions he must have about himself, might have Pettitte thinking about retirement again.
"I can't answer for him," Cashman said. "But in my conversations with him, he hasn't given any indication of that at all."
But Cashman hasn't spoken to Pettitte in several days, not since before Wednesday's hearing, in which he served as the star witness in absentia.
"I'd be less than truthful if I didn't say there are legitimate questions about how Andy Pettitte is going to handle the upcoming season," Cashman said. "The team needs Andy Pettitte to succeed. Hopefully, he can find refuge back on the baseball field."
...I'd be less than truthful if I didn't say there are legitimate questions about how Andy Pettitte is going to handle the upcoming season...
So, Brian, maybe it's time to start thinking about a contingency plan? You know, get in front of this thing...be proactive instead of being reactive. You won't have a Roger Clemens to pull out of retirement this year when your pitching plan fails.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:47 PM | Comments (2)
O’Neill Surprised About Ensberg Getting 21
Via Jack Curry -
Paul O’Neill did not sound perturbed about the Yankees taking his No. 21 out of storage and giving it to Morgan Ensberg this spring, but he did sound perplexed. The Yankees had not issued No. 21 to a player since O’Neill retired in 2001.
When I reached O’Neill on Thursday, I wanted to ask him what he thought about the Yankees’ decision. I didn’t realize that I would also be breaking the news to him. It turns out I was the first one to tell O’Neill that someone else will be wearing 21 in 2008.
“How did you hear that?,” O’Neill said. “Did they make an announcement or something?”
Since O’Neill’s 21 had not been worn in seven years, he thought there was a chance that it would eventually be retired.
“A lot of people told me they might do it,” O’Neill said, referring to his number being retired. “But you don’t ever take anything like that for granted.”
Maybe this means that Kevin Long gets to keep #54 too?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:37 PM | Comments (0)
Well, That Didn't Take Long
Got this one in my e-mail inbox today. You have to laugh at this stuff, right?
Posted by WW Staff at 03:33 PM | Comments (1)
Could Pettitte Situation Lead To Andy Now Retiring?
It’s interesting...now that we know that Andy Pettitte’s father, Tom Pettitte, received HGH from a trainer at a gym and provided them to his son in 2004, some want to suggest that Andy turned his father into a Greg Anderson type. I don’t see it. Tom Pettitte was not obtaining the HGH for resale – as Anderson did with the PEDs that he got from BALCO. File this one under “What parents are willing to do for their kids.”
Sure, it was illegal. And, sure, it’s stupid. But, is it any more illegal or stupid than some parent willing to spend $1,000 on the latest version of some computer-gaming hardware (that would retail for $200) – buying it from some guy out of the trunk of his car – because his kid has to have it the first day it’s available to the public? You think that doesn’t happen?
Hopefully, the feds see this Pettitte situation in the same way – and just write it off as a parent wearing blinders while thinking they were doing something to help their kid. If not, this could get ugly – especially when you factor in Tom Pettitte’s health situation – and it would not be a shock to see this become a major distraction for Pettitte this season (albeit one that he obviously brought on himself). If this happens, knowing Andy Pettitte, there’s always the possibility that he then walks away from his contract this season and puts his family over his salary.
That would leave the Yankees with Wang, Mussina and the kids in their rotation this year – and, perhaps, so much for the best laid plans on this season.
Posted by WW Staff at 01:14 PM | Comments (12)
21, Six Years Later, Now Out Of Moth Balls
Pete Abe is reporting that the Yankees have issued #21 to Morgan Ensberg this spring. That's going to make for some unhappy Yankees fans today.
Posted by WW Staff at 10:57 AM | Comments (12)
Wang: What's Wrong On The Road?
Then again, maybe it's a matter of what's so good about pitching at home? Look at the home and road splits for Worm Killer Wang in his big league career:
Wang: Pitching At Yankee Stadium
IP ERA BAA BABIP OOPS
2005 66.0 3.55 .250 .260 .653
2006 118.6 3.03 .253 .267 .637
2007 111.3 2.75 .235 .262 .641
Wang: Pitching On The Road
IP ERA BAA BABIP OOPS
2005 50.3 4.65 .264 .276 .720
2006 99.3 4.35 .304 .322 .759
2007 88.0 4.91 .300 .336 .750
It’s pretty obvious that Wang is not the same pitcher on the road – as he is at Yankee Stadium. Why?
Based on those BAA and BABIP numbers, I would suggest that more batted balls go for hits against Wang on the road. Why?
Considering that it’s the same defense behind Wang in both road and home games, it has to be the playing field. And, since Wang is an extreme groundball pitcher, it has to be the infield at Yankee Stadium that’s slowing down those batted balls – so that they can be outs instead of hits.
It could be that the grass is higher and/or thicker at Yankee Stadium. It could be that the Yankees water down the field when Wang is starting at home. Or, it could be both. But, it’s clear that Wang gets some sort of an assist at Yankee Stadium. And, this suggests that, maybe – just maybe – Wang is not as good as many think he is (in terms of his pitching effectiveness) because his value is a byproduct of a Yankee Stadium’s park effect (for him).
I hate to think this – because I am a fan of Worm Killer. But, the stats to lend towards this being true. And, this may be the reason why the Yankees don’t want to sign Wang to a long-term deal – since they know his stats are inflated because of home park effects.
Posted by WW Staff at 10:24 AM | Comments (10)
B-12, Back In The Day, Sticking It To The Big Stein
All the talk lately about B-12 shots has me reminiscing about an old Big Stein B-12 story that was pretty funny (to me) at the time. Via Playboy back in May of 1991:
PLAYBOY: Or eccentric: According to another story in Damned Yankees, you occasionally dropped your pants at Yankees executive meetings to receive a shot of vitamin B-12 from Gene Monahan, the team trainer.
[GEORGE] STEINBRENER: I did do that on one or two occasions. I would get these shots, but I didn't want to go down to the locker room, because then somebody would write. "Oh, he's down there telling Piniella what to do." So Gene Monahan would come up with a vitamin shot and, you know, I'm a man, I've been in locker rooms all my life and, sh*t, those guys walk around with nothing on. I'm not your typical owner. I mean, I've worn a jockstrap myself. Now, if I'm standing there and I've got my guys around me and we're talking, and Gene Monahan comes in and says, "Boss, I got your shot," I'd say, "Fine. Come on over." I'd stand up, go behind the chair, drop my drawers, he'd stick a needle in and -- boom! I mean, what the f*ck am I going to say? [Affects a coquettish tone] "Oh, fellows, you have to get out, he's going to give me a shot." F*ck that! Call it macho, call it what you like, I don't give a sh*t. Besides, I think he kind of enjoyed sticking the needle in. The guys loved to see if I would grimace. [Laughs]
I wonder if Geno still has those needles, somewhere, stashed in an old beer can or something?
Posted by WW Staff at 09:40 AM | Comments (0)
Pitchers & Catchers Report!
Was it really just 129 days ago that Jorge Posada struck out swinging to end the Yankees 2007 season?
Tempus fugit, huh?
Between the Pettitte/Clemens news of the last few days, and many players reporting down to camp early and working out at the minor league facility, this day doesn't seem as exciting as it should be...or, at least, as exciting as compared to past years.
Still, it's a good day in the sense that it's the "official" start of Spring Training for the Yankees.
Just 46 days until Opening Day now. I wonder how fast that will go by - and what will happen in Yankeeland, that we don't expect, between now and then?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 06:55 AM | Comments (3)
February 13, 2008
Yanks Not Interested In Long Term Deal With Wang
Via Kat O'Brien today -
Chien-Ming Wang wanted to sign a long-term contract with the Yankees this offseason, as Robinson Cano did, but the Yankees weren't interested, Wang said yesterday.
Wang said of signing a multiyear deal: "I want to."
Newsday first reported in December that Wang's camp was interested in a long-term contract, but yesterday marked Wang's first words on the matter. The Yankees didn't share the desire to sign Wang long-term, even though the righthander has won 38 games in the past two seasons. General manager Brian Cashman did not return a phone call, but told Newsday recently, "Not at this time," when asked about possibly signing Wang long-term.
Someone close to Wang said the pitcher is disappointed that the Yankees would not entertain the idea of a long-term contract. The source said that the fact that the Yankees signed second baseman Cano to a contract worth at least $30 million and up to $57 million adds to Wang's disappointment at not receiving the same type offer.
One reason the Yankees told Wang they did not want to do a long-term deal now, he said, is: "Because pitchers [can find it] hard to stay healthy."
I know where the Yankees are going with this one. They figure they can go year-to-year with Worm Killer right through 2010. And, then, when Wang is age 30 they can see if they want to give him a long-term deal. Of course, they're going to have to pay more, then, if Wang continues to pitch well for the next three seasons.
It's sort of how New York approached Rivera and Posada last Spring - meaning "We'll give you the years and the money when you have options. Until then, we want to make sure you don't break down."
You just hope that good business doesn't turn into bad blood. Because, sometimes bad blood turns into bad business. If you tick Wang off with this approach, and he's stellar between now and 2010, then he just might go somewhere else - since many would be willing to pay him in that scenario.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:25 PM | Comments (5)
Clemens Is Liar & PED User. It's Done. Next!
Anyone else out there have the Buzzcocks’ “I Believe” stuck in their head now as a result of today’s congressional hearings regarding PEDs, Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee?
O.K., after today, this is what I believe in: Roger Clemens is lying when he says that he’s never used PEDs. And, this is not because of anything that Brian McNamee had to say today (or before). I wouldn’t trust McNamee any more than I would trust Brittney Spears when she says she’s a fit mother.
But, I trust Andy Pettitte. When Andy Pettitte swears to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help him Gee-Oh-Dee, he’s going to tell you the truth. Need proof of this? Check out the disclosure today that Pettitte used PEDs in 2004. No one knew about that – except Andy, his father, and maybe a few other people in Pettitte’s life (that he may confide with on such matters). There was no need for Pettitte to cough up this information. It was a tree falling in the woods with no one there to hear it. But, Andy did confess to it – because he swore to tell the truth.
And, if Pettitte says that Clemens mentioned some time around 1999 or 2000 that he used PEDs, I believe this to be true. Further, if Pettitte says that Clemens, in 2005, then later claimed that Andy misunderstood him – and that Roger meant that it was (his wife) Debbie Clemens that used HGH, again, I believe Pettitte (that this happened).
However, as it was brought up in the hearing today, there’s a problem here. Clemens, and McNamee (for what it’s worth), have confessed that Debbie Clemens was injected with HGH in 2003. Therefore, unless Roger Clemens has some sort of temporal buddy-pass that allows him to bend the laws of time and space, there was no way possible for him to be discussing Debbie Clemens in 1999-2000 (using PEDs) since it wouldn’t happen (yet) for another three years.
In the end, this won’t change the way I look at Roger Clemens. For all we know, he’s not the only player in baseball over the last 20 years to use PEDs. And, I’m not sure that I can fault him for using PEDs – the more I think about it. Baseball players are always looking for an edge. And, while some may see PED-use as cheating – at least it’s a player cheating towards a winning outcome. I understand the issue around having a “level playing field.” Still, is there ever such a thing as a “level playing field” in baseball? Doesn’t it seems like, at any time, some player or team has an advantage over another for some reason?
In any event, in the end, I do believe that Roger Clemens is a liar when he says that he never used PEDs. I got that out of the hearings today – besides the Buzzcocks ear-worm. And, this will be a tough time for Roger now...for a while...until the next guy comes along. Just like Clemens took Bonds out of the PED center ring. And, there will be a next guy – there always is.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:30 PM | Comments (8)
McNamee Count
So far, this morning, Brian McNamee (at times) has admitted to lying, telling part-lies, and having issues recollecting - for those scoring at home.
Posted by WW Staff at 11:58 AM | Comments (26)
Rocket: Pettitte "Misremembers"
If Clemens says this one more time about Andy Pettitte, this morning, I think Pettitte should go out and buy a "Misremembers Only" jacket and wear it everyday for the next year.
Posted by WW Staff at 11:00 AM | Comments (1)
AP: Pettitte Fingers Clemens As PED User
From the AP -
Roger Clemens told Yankees teammate Andy Pettitte nearly 10 years ago that he used human growth hormone, Pettitte said in a sworn affidavit to Congress, the Associated Press learned Tuesday.
Pettitte disclosed the conversation to the congressional committee holding Wednesday's hearings on drug use in baseball, a person familiar with the affidavit said. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the document had not been made public.
According to the person familiar with the affidavit, who said it was signed Friday night, Pettitte also said Clemens backtracked when the subject of HGH came up again in conversation in 2005, before the same House committee held the first hearing on steroids in baseball.
Pettitte said in the affidavit that he asked Clemens in 2005 what he would do if asked by the media about HGH, given his admission years earlier. According to the account told to the AP, the affidavit said Clemens responded by saying Pettitte misunderstood the previous exchange in 1999 or 2000 and that, in fact, Clemens had been talking about HGH use by his wife in the original conversation.
Pettitte is a straight-shooter. If Andy says that Clemens once told him that that he used human growth hormone, I believe it.
Note that last part in the quote, above. Smart move by Pettitte to throw that in there as well. This way, Andy gets to tell the truth - but, he also gives his friend an out-clause, in a way, by saying that Roger later "responded by saying Pettitte misunderstood the previous exchange."
Posted by WW Staff at 09:53 AM | Comments (0)
Really Mel?
Today, I heard John McLaren, the manager of the Seattle Mariners, during "Baseball This Morning" on XM Satellite Radio - talking about the philosophy that (his new pitching coach) Mel Stottlemyre is imparting to the M's pitchers. As per John, he said that Mel is telling his young pitchers "I like to pitch inside. I like to pitch inside - a lot."
Just not to David Ortiz, I suspect.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:12 AM | Comments (3)
Help Wanted
If you're interested in becoming a bird dog scout, of sorts, for Yankees related material on the web that may be useful to this blog, please drop me a line. Thanks.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:11 AM | Comments (0)
February 12, 2008
'04 Was Lofton's Fault?
Via Jerry Beach of Scout.com, on Kenny Lofton:
Plus, who wants the most hexed player of this generation on their team come playoff time? Look at his track record: He played for the 2002 Giants (blew a 3-2 lead in the World Series), 2003 Cubs (blew a 3-1 lead in the NLCS), 2004 Yankees (blew a 3-0 lead in the ALCS) and the 2007 Indians (blew a 3-1 lead in the ALCS). The first team to blow a 4-0 lead in a best-of-seven series will have Lofton, you can take that to the bank.
Yeah, I know, there's no such thing as a lucky penny. But, maybe there is such a thing as an unlucky Kenny?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:50 PM | Comments (3)
Olney: Yanks Sweating Pettitte's Condition
A hat tip to WasWatching.com reader baileywalk for a heads-up on this one.....
From Buster Olney:
Andy Pettitte no longer has to go to Washington, and instead, he is scheduled to report to the Yankees' training camp in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday. But staff members expect that Pettitte will be behind in his preparation for the 2008 season, because of the off-field issues that have dominated his offseason.
The Yankees won't get a first-hand read of just how far Pettitte will be behind until they see him throw later this week, but the status of the team's No. 2 starter is a major concern within the organization.
But because of his past relationships with Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee, Pettitte has effectively been drawn into the vortex of a bitter dispute between the 7-time Cy Young Award and trainer. In addition, Pettitte's son Josh was injured in a football game last fall. These circumstances have apparently set back Pettitte's usual preparation for spring training.
In past years, Pettitte has worked out during the offseason -- sometimes with Clemens and McNamee -- before starting his throwing regimen in early January. The Yankees' staffers don't know exactly where Pettitte is in his training, but they will operate under the assumption that he will be behind Chien-Ming Wang, Mike Mussina, Hughes and their other starters.
While I agree there's a chance that Pettitte could be behind where he usually is with respect to his off-season program, because of his thoughts about retiring, the Mitchell Report mess, and his son's accident, I think there's still plenty of time for him to get in shape for this season.
Andy has two weeks before exhibition games. And, even if Pettitte is delayed, in terms of getting into game action, until around March 10th before his first exhibition appearance, that would still be enough time for him to get in a handful of starts before the season. That's all he needs to prepare, at this stage in his career.
Here's a thought: Could this be a smoke-screen by the Yankees? Is there a chance that they want to bring in an experienced starter as insurance for Hughes and Kennedy - without doing anything to mess with the confidence of Hughes and Kennedy - and they're using the Pettitte concerns as an excuse?
Nah, that's probably not the case. The Yankees would never do something in a surreptitious manner, would they? I guess it depends on how smart, or dumb, you think the team is, right?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:35 PM | Comments (5)
Rocker: A-Rod Was Told How To Use PEDs
Via the AP:
John Rocker claims he flunked a drug test ordered by Major League Baseball in 2000 and that he, Alex Rodriguez and other Texas Rangers were advised by management and union doctors following a spring training lecture on how to effectively use steroids.
Rocker was suspended for the first 14 days of the 2000 season by Selig for making racial and ethnic remarks the commissioner deemed insensitive. The penalty, originally set to cover 28 days, was reduced by an arbitrator following a grievance.
Rocker said that doctors from management and the players' association, following a spring training talk with the Texas Rangers about steroids and other topics, pulled himself, A-Rod, Rafael Palmeiro and Ivan Rodriguez aside. Rocker was with the Rangers in 2002.
I guess Juan Gonzalez was out sick that day. Well, at least, now, we know what the first question will be (from the media) for Alex when he reports to Tampa. Or, is it possible that people will realize the source on this one and leave A-Rod alone?
File that question under: Odds, Between Slim and None.
More on this story can be found in the Daily News.
Posted by WW Staff at 09:42 AM | Comments (12)
Yanks 5th Best Team In A.L.?
One person thinks so. Via Dan Connolly:
But this season, perhaps more than ever, fans should clearly see the immense difference between the mediocre but evenly matched National League and the top-heavy but talent-laden AL.
In fact, the logjam of quality AL teams might be the most interesting story to monitor as spring training begins. Are they as good as they look on paper?
We'll find out, but they sure look impressive now.
One baseball executive recently ranked the majors' best teams, and his top five was, in order, the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees - all AL clubs.
He paused for a moment and then added the Seattle Mariners as No. 6 with a bullet after their acquisition of former Orioles ace Erik Bedard.
Three weeks ago, you read something like this here too:
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, who do you think are the best six teams in the A.L. this season, and, how would you rank them?
Posted by WW Staff at 09:23 AM | Comments (6)
Sherman: Joba Will Be In The Pen
Via Joel Sherman -
Joba Chamberlain will prepare during spring training as a starter, but will begin the season in the Yankee bullpen barring injury to any of the other five main rotation members, team officials confirmed to The Post.
The Yanks also want to use April and May as an audition for his successor. The idea would be to have a slate of young relievers work in the less pressurized sixth and seventh innings. The organizational hope is that someone from a group that could include Alan Horne, Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez and Ross Ohlendorf emerges in reliability and can graduate to the eighth-inning role when Chamberlain is transitioned back to the rotation.
At some point in June, the Yanks would send Chamberlain to the minors for 3-4 weeks to stretch him out to 5-6 innings in preparation to be a full-time starter in the second half.
And Chamberlain must be physically and mentally able to handle a unique proposition in which he will be asked to throw approximately 30-40 relief innings, be shuttled to the minors and then promoted to start for about another 90 or so innings.
The one question here: Which starter gets "yanked" from the rotation in July when Joba makes the switch? It won't be Pettitte or Wang. And, if Hughes and Kennedy are doing fine, it won't be them. Mussina? Maybe, but, that won't be a pretty scene.
Plus, if the Yankees are in a dog-fight in June, would they really then take Joba out of the pen and send him to the minors for 3-to-4 weeks?
The money here says Joba starts the year in the pen and stays there all season.
Posted by WW Staff at 09:02 AM | Comments (7)
February 11, 2008
And, Then There Were Two...
Via the USA Today -
Roger Clemens will have fewer familiar faces surrounding him at Wednesday's congressional hearing as former teammates Andy Pettitte and Chuck Knoblauch were excused from the proceedings, the committee probing steroids in baseball announced in a release Monday night.
New York Mets clubhouse employee Kirk Radomski, who received five years probation for steroids distribution and money laundering on Friday, also was excused.
"Kirk Radomski, Andy Pettitte, and Chuck Knoblauch will not be testifying at the February 13 hearing," Chairman Henry A. Waxman and Ranking Minority Member Tom Davis said in joint statement. "Mr. Knoblauch and Mr. Pettitte answered all the Committee's questions and their testimony at the hearing is not needed."
Charlie Scheeler, an investigator who helped with the Mitchell Report, was added to the witness list.
Clemens' lawyer, Rusty Hardin, said the shorter witness list makes no difference to his client.
"Andy should make what decision is best for him, and we will endorse whatever Andy decides," Hardin said. "It is the committee's decision to decide the witnesses. Roger will be there to freely and fully answer questions."
Mr. Knoblauch and Mr. Pettitte answered all the Committee's questions and their testimony at the hearing is not needed.
So, I'm guessing that Clemens and McNamee will be there because they haven't answered all the Committee's questions? Or, at least one of them has not - and the Committee needs the other one there to flush the non-answering one out. Looks like this hearing will either make Clemens or McNamee look good. It's going to be a survivor match - with only one walking out of the ring.
In any event, I'm glad that Pettitte will be spared this circus. It will help speed up his trip back to being just a baseball player.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:10 PM | Comments (4)
Joba Doesn't Care
For this to be fun, try singing "Joba Doesn't Care" like Matt Damon singing "Scotty Doesn't Know" in EuroTrip.
From the AP -
Joba Chamberlain doesn't worry about whether he'll wind up in the New York Yankees' rotation or the bullpen.
A starter in the minors, Chamberlain became Mariano Rivera's primary setup man during the final two months of last season. The Yankees say the 22-year-old eventually will be a starter, but that he will have an innings limit this year and could start in the bullpen.
"We've approached it in a great way. We're going to go in the beginning and understand there's an innings limit, and I know that," Chamberlain said Monday. "I'm excited to have a new challenge this year."
Chamberlain will work with the starting pitchers during the early part of spring training, even if he begins the season in the bullpen. Last year, Chamberlain worked under strict pitch and innings limits, which came to be known as Joba Rules.
"This game is definitely a marathon, not a sprint, and I understand that," Chamberlain said. "Last year, it was kind of frustrating, having the rules, but you understood what it was about. I understand the work load and what's going to go on, but this is going to be my first go around, so I've got to be patient and learn and understand that I've got to ask questions as I prepare myself for a full season in the big leagues."
Nice to see that Joba is down with whatever the plan may be for him. It's refreshing to see him have this "Put me in coach" attitude. Not every phenom would have this approach. Some may see it as a way to drive down their earning potential - working out of the pen instead of the rotation. Two thumbs up to Chamberlain for looking at the big picture.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:30 PM | Comments (6)
The Silence Is Deafening
Is it just me, or, has it been 11 days since we've last heard from Hank Steinbrenner?
Man, is the boy due, or what?
Posted by WW Staff at 12:22 PM | Comments (20)
New Look S.I. Yanks
From the S.I. Advance:
The Staten Island Yankees have announced a brand-new look for the 2008 season.
This will be the first major uniform change the S.I. Yankees have undergone since their second season when they went from wearing New York Yankees uniforms to the ones they wore through last year.
"The purpose of the new logo is to give a fresh look to the Staten Island Yankees for our 10th season on Staten Island," said team president Joe Ricciutti. "We are honored to be part of this community. As a lifelong Staten Islander, I am particularly proud that each logo, whether it's on our letterhead or on our uniform, demonstrates that the Staten Island Yankees are indeed Staten Island's team."
Executive VP and general manager Jane Rogers believes, "the new logos and uniforms represent a great mix of community pride and Yankees heritage," and in particular likes the addition of a "patch that will adorn the sleeve of every player."
The patch Rogers referred to has the giant letters "S.I.N.Y." along with five stars, representing each of the city's five boroughs. The center star is gold and that star represents Staten Island.
Here's the new look:
Hey, if Trenton can do it, why not Staten Island?
Posted by WW Staff at 11:06 AM | Comments (1)
In Case It's Not Cold Enough For You Today
Brian Cashman has said that Mike Mussina is a lock for the Yankees rotation, this season, as we head into Spring Training. Cashman has also said that Joba Chamberlain will not be in the Yankees starting rotation for the full six months of this season.
So, you have Andy Pettitte, Worm Killler Wang, and Mike Mussina at the front end of the Yankees rotation. And, you need to have about 60 to 64 starts covered, in the back end of the Yankees rotation – by somebody.
The plan, of course, is to have Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy to cover the back end of the Yankees rotation this season. But, what happens if the unthinkable happens? What happens if these two can’t go for the Yankees this year? Say, what happens if Hughes pulls a severe hamstring or has some elbow tendonitis that will prevent him from being part of the Yankees rotation to start the season? And, at the same time, what happens if Ian Kennedy just gets tattooed in Spring training, say, to the tune of an ERA near eleven and the Yankees decide that he needs to start the season at Triple-A?
This is where it gets interesting. In both Hughes and Kennedy stall, for whatever reason, in camp this year, and the Yankees need to replace BOTH of them in their rotation to start the season, here are the candidates to replace them: Alan Horne, Jeffrey Marquez, Kei Igawa, Jeff Karstens, Steven White, Chase Wright and Darrell Rasner.
Both Horne and Marquez have talent. But, to be fair to them, they should get more seasoning at Triple-A before being thrown into the Yankees rotation this season. This leaves Kei Igawa, Jeff Karstens, Steven White, Chase Wright and Darrell Rasner.
Both White and Wright, somewhat like Horne and Marquez, are sort of green as well. This leaves Kei Igawa, Jeff Karstens, and Darrell Rasner.
Therefore, the question for today is: Yankees fans, how would you feel about your favorite team’s chances this season if they have to fill, say, around 40 games this season with Kei Igawa, Jeff Karstens, or Darrell Rasner as your starting pitcher?
Last season, Kei Igawa, Jeff Karstens, and Darrell Rasner started 21 games for the Yankees – and, New York survived. But, would they survive if that number was doubled?
A chilling thought for what is a really cold day in NYC today.
Posted by WW Staff at 09:36 AM | Comments (16)
February 10, 2008
Who's On First? For Yanks, Lots Of Guys, Since 2004
Here's an interesting "Top 20" list via the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia. It's the number of appearances made by players playing first base for the Yankees, each season, in terms of the years where they had the most "appearances" at first.
Let me just show you the list and then I'll explain how the counts work.
1B App YEAR App 1 Yankees 2006 240 2 Yankees 1951 232 3 Yankees 2005 228 4 Yankees 2007 226 5 Yankees 1950 224 6 Yankees 1954 214 7 Yankees 1967 208 8 Yankees 1970 204 T9 Yankees 2004 200 T9 Yankees 1964 200 T9 Yankees 1972 200 12 Yankees 1966 198 13 Yankees 1955 196 14 Yankees 1982 195 15 Yankees 1968 194 16 Yankees 1980 193 17 Yankees 2002 192 18 Yankees 1971 190 19 Yankees 1983 189 T20 Yankees 1998 187 T20 Yankees 2000 187
Look at the total of 240 for 2006. This is how the number gets run up: On April 3rd of that season, Jason Giambi and Andy Phillips played first for the Yankees - so, that's two. The next day, on April 4th, Miguel Cairo and Jason Giambi played first - so, that's two more and a total of four on the season. And, the count works in this manner through year-end.
Basically, what this report shows you is the seasons where the Yanks have been unsteady at manning first base.
Note that 2005, 2006, and 2007 are three of the four worst seasons in the entire history of the franchse - and 2004 is not that far behind.
In fact, if you look at all teams, in the history of the game, in this manner, you see this:
1B App YEAR App 1 White Sox 1983 263 2 Phillies 1977 256 3 Pirates 2003 251 T4 Expos 1993 250 T4 Braves 1999 250 T6 Angels 1965 248 T6 White Sox 1984 248 8 Cardinals 1989 244 9 Royals 1980 243 10 Yankees 2006 240 T11 White Sox 1982 239 T11 Nationals 2007 239 13 Braves 1962 238 T14 Phillies 1965 237 T14 Reds 1966 237 T16 A's 1975 236 T16 Giants 1978 236 T16 Red Sox 2004 236 T16 Twins 1972 236 20 Brewers 1998 235 21 Astros 1980 234 22 Orioles 1977 233 T23 Yankees 1951 232 T23 Rangers 1978 232 T25 Red Sox 2005 231 T25 Tigers 1984 231 T25 Expos 1978 231 T25 White Sox 1991 231 T29 Royals 1983 230 T29 A's 1973 230 T29 Phillies 1984 230 T29 Phillies 1964 230 T33 Yankees 2005 228 T33 Giants 1982 228 T33 Tigers 1973 228 T33 Indians 1954 228 T37 A's 2002 227 T37 Marlins 2006 227 T39 Marlins 1997 226 T39 White Sox 1965 226 T39 White Sox 1966 226 T39 Expos 1998 226 T39 Yankees 2007 226 T39 A's 1983 226 T39 Orioles 1992 226
This shows you how bad it's been for the Yankees, in terms of baseball history, with respect to running guys out there, to cover first base over the last three seasons.
I suppose that you can thank Jason Giambi for this - as he just about broke down after the 2003 season. And, since 2004, the Yankees have run guys like Andy Phillips, Tino Martinez, Tony Clark, Doug Mientkiewicz, John Olerud, Miguel Cairo, Craig Wilson, Josh Phelps, Aaron Guiel, Wilson Betemit, Gary Sheffield, Shelley Duncan, and Russ Johnson (among others) out there to help cover first with Giambi.
Maybe Brian Cashman has a hand in it as well - for not finding someone to play first since Giambi became a liability.
Guess what? This year should be more of the same - with all the first baseman that the Yankees are considering this season. There's a good chance that the record of "240" just set in 2006 can be blown away in 2008.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:19 PM | Comments (8)
Cashman Concerned About Yanks Pitching
Via Kat O'Brien:
Asked about his main concerns as spring training begins, Cashman rattled off a half-dozen things. Not surprisingly, every concern was related to pitching.
Cashman wondered aloud how Pettitte might be affected by a winter spent weathering allegations of human growth hormone use (which he admitted) and the resulting congressional hearings. He wondered if Mike Mussina will recover from a rough 2007, how the young pitchers will perform, whether Kei Igawa will pitch as well as the Yankees hoped he would when they signed him, and whether people will step up to bolster the bullpen.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:34 PM | Comments (3)
Stanley's Tools
Jim Baumbach catches up with one of my favs, Mike Stanley:
All these years later, surely Yankees fans still hold Stanley in high regard, but his star has faded in the Bronx, probably because he was never part of a championship team. Reached during the week on his cell phone, Stanley said he absolutely loved his time as a Yankee, but he admits his unlucky timing still "just eats away at me." He said sometimes Yankees fans that he meets ask to see his World Series rings. Imagine how that makes him feel. "It's just such a sore subject with me," he said.
What made that year all the more painful was that the Yankees eliminated Stanley's A's en route to their fourth World Series title in five years. "After we lost," he said, "I can still vividly remember Joe Torre coming into the clubhouse to shake Art Howe's hand and looking at me and saying, 'Stano, you should be with us.' "
"After that, I said, 'The heck with it, I'm retiring. It wasn't meant to be.' "
But, Stanley said, "I'm a firm believer in things happen for a reason." Which is why he can't argue too much with his timing. He later became the bench coach for the Boston Red Sox in 2002 and became a hot coaching commodity, viewed as a future manager. Tampa Bay invited him that offseason to interview for manager's job. The Yankees, he said, spoke to him about joining their big-league staff or gaining experience down at Triple-A.
But he chose to take a step back, to take himself out of the game for a while. He wanted to be at his suburban Orlando home with his four children, who were growing up fast.
These days Stanley is back in coaching as a first-year assistant with the Lake Highland High School varsity team. Tanner's an eighth-grader now, and Stanley figures to stick with the program until his son is finished.
Then, maybe, the time will come to return to the majors.
"It's got to be in the right place," Stanley said. "Obviously, New York will be one of them."
In 1993, Stanley (a right-handed batter) hit 10 homers at Yankee Stadium that went out in either right or right-center. And, he had another three that went out in center. He was pretty good at using Yankee Stadium, going the opposite way for homers, in 1994 and 1995 too. If ever there was a righty who had a swing tailored for the Stadium, it was him.
Picking him up in January 1992, as a free agent, was a brilliant move by Gene Michael (who was then G.M.). Great scouting by the Stick.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:12 PM | Comments (1)
Keanu Hughes
The Phil Hughes thing still bugs me. Just last night, I started to think about it again. I have to confess: Even I don't understand myself on this one.
I like to think that I have the ability to be objective, when needed. And, I like to think that I have the ability, most times, to digest fact and move forward from that point with some logical thought. But, when I think about the way Phil Hughes resonates with me, it seems like I'm operating in a manner inconsistent with those abilities that I like to think I use, for the most part.
I mean, truly, you would have to be pretty darn dense to examine Phil Hughes' minor league results, to date, and factor in his age (when he produced them), and not come away as being impressed.
And, to be true, when I look at those minor league stats for Hughes, I do find them impressive. Yet, still, I cannot bring myself to join the vast majority of Yankees fans out there and completely sign-off on the "Phil's the one" doctrine.
As I was noodling this last night, something came to me. "The one" was the concept that triggered it. "The one"...ah, yes, The Matrix, and Keanu Reeves.
A little disclaimer here: I liked Keanu Reeves in the Bill & Ted movies. And, I'm a huge fan of the Matrix series. And, for what it's worth, I didn't think that Reeves killed movies like The Devil's Advocate, The Replacements, and Hardball. I do find those movies to be enjoyable when I come across them on the T.V., somewhere.
Still, the general perception of Keanu Reeves is, well, after a quick google, I found this that pretty much sums it up:
Quite possibly the Godfather of crap acting, Keanu Reeves has managed to craft a very lucrative career based solely on flat performances and the use of the word “Whoa”. Reeves has managed to suck in everything from science fiction to Shakespeare. Bland has an image, that image is Keanu Reeves.
Bland has an image, that image is Keanu Reeves.
When I read that, it ties back to something that I wrote five months ago, the last time I really did some deep soul searching on what the problem is, with me, in not being able to "appreciate" (for lack of a better word) Phil Hughes the way so many other Yankees fans do:
Remaining candid, I really don't know what it is...it's just a feeling. You know how baseball scouts refer to "the good face," and none can tell you exactly what it is - but, they know when the they see it? It's sorta of like that, now, for me, with Hughes.
I wish that I could shake this feeling, and get on the "Phil Franchise" bandwagon. But, I can't do it just now. Hopefully, I'm worrying about nothing here and there will be a seat left for me on that wagon when Hughes is a star for the Yankees.
Feeling something bland from Phil...yeah, that's close. Perhaps "lethargic" is a better word for the vibe that I get from Hughes. (That would synch up with the reported approach that Hughes has towards conditioning.)
There are past and present Yankees that I have found myself admiring, just about unconditionally, right from Jump Street. Guys like Andy Pettitte, Dick Tidrow, Don Mattingly, Hideki Matsui, Joe Girardi, Lou Piniella, Mariano Rivera, Melky Cabrera, Mike Pagliarulo, Paul O'Neill, Ron Guidry, Roy White, Sparky Lyle and Thurman Munson come to mind.
There was just something about them - some condition - that I don't see when I see Hughes.
Again, it makes no logical sense. I should be able to look at Hughes' age and his minor league performance, and just join the "Phil Franchise" bandwagon (like everyone else). But, because of the vibe that I get when I see Hughes on the field, and the expression on his face, that Keanu Reeves' bland-aura-thing, my gut tells my head: "Wait until you see success in the majors before you join the throng and pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of Phil Hughes."
Agreed, it makes no sense to feel this way, based on the facts. It's one-hundred percent subjective and is not quantifiable. It's just a feeling. But, it does exist, at least for me.
Don't get me wrong. I still also feel the way I did five months ago when I wrote: "Hopefully, I'm worrying about nothing here and there will be a seat left for me on that [band]wagon when Hughes is a star for the Yankees."
I would love to be totally wrong about "Keanu Hughes" - and, I will confess to being wrong about, every time, when Hughes goes on to be a star. And, I will do it happily. But, for now, I have to stick to my gut feeling on this one - and, wait for that day when I am proven wrong about Phil Hughes.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:30 AM | Comments (14)
King: Yanks Will Struggle To Make Playoffs
Via George King -
When Alex Rodriguez opted out of his Yankee contract during the World Series, the Bombers had a chance to rebuild around the young pitching that has prompted premature adulation.
They should have let Rodriguez dance out of The Bronx, thanked Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera for wonderful careers and sent Bobby Abreu away. They will surpass 4 million in attendance this season, the final year at Yankee Stadium. Next season, the new ballpark will be filled with corporate stiffs. So, the Yankees should have taken a shot at 2010 when the pitching Hank Steinbrenner believes is the best in baseball would have had two years experience.
Instead, the Yankees took back Rodriguez and gave him a raise to $275 million, dumped $52.4 million on Posada, $45 million on Rivera and picked up a $16 million option on Abreu. With spring training starting this week, the Yankees are worse than they were that October night when the Indians ushered them out of the postseason in the first round, the third straight season the Yankees have endured such a fate.
Going into camp, there are more than a dozen issues facing a flawed and expensive Yankees team that won't make the playoffs.
...young pitching that has prompted premature adulation...
...next season, the new ballpark will be filled with corporate stiffs...
...there are more than a dozen issues facing a flawed and expensive Yankees team that won't make the playoffs...
It's nice to see that King reads WasWatching.com.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:31 AM | Comments (13)
February 09, 2008
Hello Joe!
Jack Curry has a nice piece up in The Times on General Joe. The caption under the cool picture of Girardi tells a little story too. Here it is:
General Manager Brian Cashman has called Joe Girardi, who was the bench coach in 2005, the most prepared coach he has encountered.
Great Showalter's Ghost!
I cannot wait to see Girardi doing his thing this year. It's one of the items that has me the most pumped about this upcoming season.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:46 PM | Comments (1)
Number Games
So, Ian Kennedy is now wearing #31. And, Phil Hughes is now wearing #34. (Chase Wright got Hughes' old #65 and Edwar Ramirez got Kennedy's old #36.)
And, it appears that Chris Woodward has #11, Nick Green has #12, and Jason Lane got #19. Do low numbers mean they have an inside track on making the team?
If you can believe what's on the Yankees site, here's the big picture of who's wearing what this spring - including some guys who are TBD, I suppose:
2 Derek Jeter
11 Chris Woodward
12 Nick Green
13 Alex Rodriguez
14 Wilson Betemit
17 Shelley Duncan
18 Johnny Damon
19 Jason Lane
20 Jorge Posada
22 LaTroy Hawkins
24 Robinson Cano
25 Jason Giambi
26 Jose Molina
27 Joe Girardi
28 Melky Cabrera
29 Kei Igawa
30 Sean Henn
31 Ian Kennedy
33 Brian Bruney
34 Phil Hughes
35 Mike Mussina
36 Edwar Ramirez
38 Chris Britton
39 Ross Ohlendorf
40 Chien-Ming Wang
41 Jose Veras
42 Mariano Rivera
43 Scott Strickland
45 Carl Pavano
46 Andy Pettitte
48 Kyle Farnsworth
53 Bobby Abreu
54 Kevin Long
55 Hideki Matsui
56 Tony Pena
58 Jeff Karstens
59 Rob Thomson
60 Cody Ransom
61 Billy Traber
62 Joba Chamberlain
63 Jonathan Albaladejo
64 Andrew Brackman
65 Chase Wright
66 Bernie Castro
67 Eric Duncan
68 Marcos Vechionacci
70 Scott Patterson
71 Jeffrey Marquez
72 Juan Miranda
73 Alberto Gonzalez
74 Dan Giese
75 Alan Horne
76 Daniel McCutchen
77 Humberto Sanchez
78 Mark Melancon
79 Heath Phillips
80 Steven Jackson
81 Kyle Anson
82 Steven White
83 Jesus Montero
84 Austin Romine
85 Francisco Cervelli
86 P.J. Pilittere
90 Justin Christian
91 Brett Gardner
92 Jose Tabata
93 Colin Curtis
94 Jason Brown
95 Austin Jackson
96 Gregory Porter
97 Eduardo Nunez
?? Morgan Ensberg
?? Darrell Rasner
?? Bobby Meacham
?? Mike Harkey
?? Dave Eiland
?? Rich Monteleone
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 04:07 PM | Comments (1)
Wang, Yanks, To Arbitration?
Via Peter Abraham:
The Yankees have not gone to arbitration with a player since 2000, when they could not come to a contract agreement with Mariano Rivera. But seven years of relative harmony seem about to end.
General manager Brian Cashman said yesterday he expects the team will need a hearing to settle its differences with ace right-hander Chien-Ming Wang.
"There have been talks, but they haven't been productive," Cashman said. "Unless something changes dramatically, we'll see them at the hearing."
Cashman and agent Alan Nero have discussed terms for Wang since the end of last season. But no deal could be reached, and the sides entered the arbitration process last month. The Yankees submitted $4 million, and Nero $4.6 million.
Something is wrong here. When it's just a matter of $600,000 being the difference, and a deal cannot be reached, that indicates that there's some bad blood between Nero and Cashman.
Nero is Randy Johnson's agent. I wonder if any of this is some spill over from dealings there? But, he is also the agent for Jose Molina - and the Yankees had no problems getting a deal done on that one.
This is very strange. In terms of the Yankees payroll ability, six hundred grand is chump change. Just thinking about why this has to go down this way gives me a headache.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:50 PM | Comments (3)
Cano In Shape, But Feels Secure Should He Get Hurt
Via Dom Amore:
Cano was one of the players, along with Bobby Abreu and Johnny Damon, the Yankees admonished to get into better shape during the offseason. Cano hired a personal trainer in the Dominican Republic.
"Every day, I drive an hour and work out from 10 to 2," Cano said. "Normally, I come to camp 212, 215 pounds. Right now, I'm about 206. ... I know they've complained in the past, but I don't think they will have any complaints now."
That's great news. However, in the same feature, we have this, from Robinson, about his new contract:
"Now I don't have to worry if something happens, if I get hurt," said Cano, who signed a four-year, $30 million contract with the Yankees Thursday. "I have security. I'll be honest with you, I know this hasn't happened before and I'm really happy they made me the first one."
Let's not forget that Cano missed 35 games in 2006 because of a hamstring issue. With his new "security," should Cano get hurt again, will Robinson be more likely to pull a Pavano and sit out longer than he may have, in the past, when he was playing for a contract? I hope this is not the case. But, when he says "Now I don't have to worry if something happens, if I get hurt. I have security." - well, you have to wonder about this, at least a tad.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:28 AM | Comments (5)
Mattingly: I Would Have Quit The Yankees Too
Via the Daily News -
"As it turned out, it was just as well I didn't get (the Yankees) job," Mattingly - who last month had to withdraw as Joe Torre's batting coach with the Dodgers - told the Daily News at Mohegan Sun, where he was the honoree at the Connecticut Sports Foundation's annual cancer charity dinner. "That's because I would've had to walk away from it because of these issues."
Kim Mattingly, 45, was arrested last Saturday and charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct after police say she refused to leave her estranged husband's property in Evansville.
"It's unfortunate what's happened," Mattingly said, "especially for my kids, being in the papers and all that. But we've just got to deal with it. And we will."
Then, in reference to 1995, when he left the Yankees and baseball to go home to Indiana for a self-imposed eight-year exile - after hitting .417 with six RBI against the Mariners in his one and only postseason series - Mattingly added: "This is not the first time we've all had to go through this" - suggesting his family's problems have lingered for years.
The Mattinglys filed for divorce in November, on grounds of irreconcilable differences.
Warning: If you follow the link back to the Daily News feature, their story includes Kim Mattingly's mugshot. I offer this up because I know that this picture is upsetting to some.
First, I note that Donnie said "This is not the first time we've all had to go through this." So, props to my friend for nailing this back in 1995.
But, more importantly, when Mattingly says "As it turned out, it was just as well I didn't get (the Yankees) job" - this is great news, to me. This could mean that Donnie is no longer upset that the Yankees passed on him for Girardi...and, maybe, that means he comes back to the Stadium this year for Old-Timer's Day, the closing of the Stadium ceremonies, and, hopefully, the post-season. For those events, it only seems right that Don Mattingly is there.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:07 AM | Comments (4)
A Touch of Pinstripes
There's a brand new Yankees blog on the scene: A Touch of Pinstripes
If you stop by, tell them that WasWatching.com sent ya!
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:02 AM | Comments (0)
February 08, 2008
The Great Debate Of '08: What Job For Joba?
This is an attempt to address the debate of "Where should the Yankees use Joba Chamberlain in 2008 - as a starting pitcher or as a relief pitcher?"
First, in this approach, I'm going to assume that Chamberlain will excel as either a starter or a reliever. Granted, that's a bold assumption. But, for the heck of it, in this study, I want to assume that Joba's production would be a constant (of sorts) - meaning great - in either role. And, then, from there, we can see where he gives the Yankees more value.
Using the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia and the stat "Runs Saved Above Average" (RSAA) I came up with the following list of the best starting pitcher and best relief pitcher, in the majors, for each of the last four seasons:
Relief Pitcher Starting Pitcher
RSAA RSAA
2007 Rafael Betancourt 29 Brandon Webb 44
2006 Jonathan Papelbon 28 Brandon Webb 45
2005 Mariano Rivera 27 Roger Clemens 53
2004 Brad Lidge 26 Johan Santana 54
Next, I went to the Hardball Times site to find the "Win Shares Above Bench" (WSAB) for each of these pitchers in their respective seasons:
Relief Pitcher Starting Pitcher
WSAB WSAB
2007 Rafael Betancourt 10 Brandon Webb 17
2006 Jonathan Papelbon 12 Brandon Webb 16
2005 Mariano Rivera 11 Roger Clemens 19
2004 Brad Lidge 11 Johan Santana 20
Anyone else seeing a pattern here? Based on these two charts, it's not a reach to say that (over the last four seasons):
The best relief pitcher in baseball is good for, around, 11 Win Shares above the Win Shares that an average replacement player would have received, given that player's time on the mound.
...and...
The best starting pitcher in baseball is good for, around, 18 Win Shares above the Win Shares that an average replacement player would have received, given that player's time on the mound.
Since a Win Share represents one-third of a team win, it seems to make sense to divide the "11" and "18" WSAB amounts by three - in an attempt to determine how many "wins" the best reliever and best starter would give a team over a replacement pitcher. And, the answer is: The best starting pitcher gives his team 6 more wins than a replacement starter and the best relief pitcher gives his team 3.67 more wins than a replacement relief pitcher.
Therefore, continuing to leap with this, based on what I've shared herein, so far, I going to offer that, assuming Joba Chamberlain is "lights out" (great) as either a starting pitcher or a relief pitcher, he would be worth 2.33 more wins to his team as a starter, than a reliever, compared to a replacement pitcher. (Six minus three-and-two-thirds is two-and-a-third.)
Of course, if Joba were to be just good, and not great, as a starting pitcher this season, but, still great out of the bullpen, that 2.33 advantage would probably get knocked down to null, or less.
Now, it's time to factor in the matter of the "innings limitation" that the Yankees want to have on Chamberlain in 2008. If I had to guess, I would offer that New York does not want Joba to throw more than 145 to 150 innings this season - so that they do not abuse his arm.
Based on all of this, it seems, to me, to be very prudent to use Joba Chamberlain out of the bullpen - for this season. By doing this, you ensure that you keep Joba under 145 innings pitched. And, the "cost" (for lack of a better word) for making this move would be about two wins - and this assumes that Chamberlain would pitch like an elite stud if he was in the starting rotation. Plus, you also address a serious area of need for the Yankees this season - their bullpen.
Don't get me wrong. If "innings" were not a concern for Chamberlain this season, then I would probably say "Start him as those extra two wins might be the difference between making the post-season or not." However, I would not be willing to risk the future of a prospect as great as Joba for what might be two extra wins, at best, this year.
Hey, if the stats said that it was a difference of ten or fifteen wins, then, maybe, just maybe, I would consider noodling the potential frying of a prospect for such a huge impact on a season's outcome. (I'm not saying for sure I would throw caution to the wind - just that I would really give it long thought before being quick to say "no way.")
But, for what might be, again, at best, a two win gain, is it (meaning the abusing of a prospect) worth having Chamberlain start, and not work out of the pen, in '08? Nope. It sure sounds like being penny-wise and pound-foolish to me.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:35 PM | Comments (8)
Pavano: Working Hard Or Hardly Working?
Via the USA Today (and the AP) -
Oft-injured pitcher Carl Pavano arrived at the New York Yankees' minor league complex Friday and played catch for 12 minutes.
A $39.95 million bust since signing with the Yankees as a free agent before the 2005 season, Pavano had rotator cuff surgery last June 5. It's not known whether he will pitch in 2008, the final season of his four-year contract.
Yankees vice president Billy Connors and pitching coach Dave Eiland watched Pavano's throwing session, which was broken into two segments. The right-hander's throwing distance reached around 90 feet.
Eiland plans to meet with Pavano and Yankees head trainer Gene Monahan Monday to discuss the pitcher's rehab program.
"He feels great," Eiland said. "The ball came out of his hand well."
Pavano, who threw in a restricted area, did not stop to talk with reporters.
He "played catch for 12 minutes." Twelve minutes.
Twelve minutes!
Go ahead, and, count to 720. That's twelve minutes. Man, that Carl, he's a workhorse!
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:28 PM | Comments (4)
Keri: Projecting The '08 Yankees
Jonah Keri has a great feature up today at the YES Network site - discussing the PECOTA projections for the Yankees this season. Click here to read it. As Jonah writes:
PECOTA sees the Yankees trotting out another great offense, with Chamberlain, Hughes and Kennedy (4.22 projected ERA) taking on bigger roles in an above-average starting rotation. The biggest question mark, as it was for much of last season, is the bullpen.
Just another reason why Joba should be in the bullpen in '08.
Posted by WW Staff at 02:03 PM | Comments (9)
Borden: Hughes Ready For Big Time
In the rare chance that you missed it, Sam Borden has a nice feature on Phil Hughes today in the Journal News.
Sam is a good writer. It's nice to have him back in New York.
Posted by WW Staff at 12:33 PM | Comments (4)
A-Rod: 'S Wonderful Time In NYC
Via Mark Feinsand:
Alex Rodriguez believes Johan Santana will be a terrific addition for the Mets, but the reigning American League MVP hinted that he was happy to see the Yankees hold on to Phil Hughes and Melky Cabrera instead of dealing the youngsters to Minnesota for the two-time Cy Young winner.
While attending a Gucci event for UNICEF on Wednesday night, A-Rod told New York Magazine that the Santana trade was "a wonderful move" for the Mets, who dealt four minor-leaguers for the lefthanded ace. Even though the Yankees didn't add any new players of Santana's caliber this winter, Rodriguez believes that his crosstown rivals aren't the only ones ready for a big year.
"I love all this great energy that's happening in New York," Rodriguez said, "with the Giants winning the championship, with the best pitcher going to the Mets, and the Yankees keeping all their great, young, wonderful players. It's going to be a great year."
Watch out Tommy Tune and Marshall Crenshaw, here comes Alex!
Posted by WW Staff at 12:18 PM | Comments (1)
Yanks Pen Polar Opposite Pair
Paul White of USA Today Sports Weekly has compiled his “100 Names You Need to Know in 2008” for this baseball season. Yankees who made the list:
#2 Joba Chamberlain
#21 Ian Kennedy
#25 Shelley Duncan
#30 Edwar Ramirez
#87 Jonathan Albaladejo
This got me thinking: If those last two guys make the Yankees staff this season, should we start calling Edwar Ramirez “Laurel” and Jonathan Albaladejo “Hardy”?
Posted by WW Staff at 09:46 AM | Comments (1)
Moose & Spring
You shouldn’t pay any attention to Spring Training statistics – or, so “they” say. Experienced big leaguers are just trying to get their work in – and they don’t care about the numbers. Younger hitters are ahead of older pitchers early in the camps – and younger pitchers are ahead of the older hitters early on as well. You hear all kinds of stuff, like that.
However, I believe there are some types of numbers that you can trust in Spring Training. If you have a 20-year old shortstop who’s never played above Double-A and he bats .083 in 50 Spring Training At Bats, that’s probably a sign that he’s not ready for the big leagues, yet. And, if you have a 39-year old pitcher who posts an ERA of 8.97 in 20 innings or work, over the Spring, that’s probably a good warning sign that he’s well past his better years.
So, what happens in Yankeeland, this Spring, if Mike Mussina gets hammered in exhibition games? Should the Yankees ignore it – and allow him on the team (no matter what)? Or, should they consider cutting him before Opening Day – or try to trade him – if he’s just flat out (in the words of Frank Caliendo doing Charles Barkley) “turrrible” next month down in Tampa?
Me? I think you have to pay attention to Moose’s performance this Spring and give him no guarantees that he’s a lock for the team. Yes, I know that General Joe, among others, have said that “Mike didn’t forget how to pitch over the last year” (or something close to that). But, I would offer that, while the mind is willing, the body doesn’t always follow. Mussina may “know” what to do – but, his body may no longer be able to perform it.
What do you think? Would you have Mussina on watch this Spring – as if his place on the team depended on him having good numbers next month? Or, do you think it doesn’t matter what the results are for Moose in the exhibition games?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 07:45 AM | Comments (13)
February 07, 2008
Schilling Responds To Today's Reports
From Red Light's Lips -
Speculation is rampant right now. I see the Sox just released a statement.
At the time we negotiated the 2008 contract I passed all physical exams and testing, as well as the MRI the club required me to take. I knew in my heart of hearts that the extra time I was giving my arm to rest this winter would in fact be the cure for what I went through the entire 2007 season. I had a strong desire to not have to go through multiple cortisone injections in my shoulder for another year. There was absolutely no reason for anyone involved to believe I would be anything other than completely healthy and ready for the 2008 baseball season.
Things have changed since then and I contacted the team early last month with concerns and we’ve been working diligently to resolve them.
There have been disagreements these past few weeks in an effort to provide me with a solution that would allow me to pitch as much as possible during the 2008 season. At no time did I ever consider taking a course of action against the clubs wishes. In the end, regardless of who agreed with whom, I have chosen the clubs course of action and will vigorously pursue any and every option I can to be able to help this team to another World Series title in 2008.
After being diagnosed by the Red Sox medical staff I sought a second opinion, as anyone would, and when it became clear there was disagreement (which is not uncommon by the way), I agreed to see an independent Doctor from a list the Red Sox provided me, for the third opinion.
At this time I have agreed to abide with the clubs wishes in hopes that will provide the results they believe it will.
Sounds like the Sox want Curt to take some Lidocaine and B-12 from an old beer can or something. I can just hear Joe Castiglione when the announcement is made at Fenway this season about Schilling being able to pitch: Curt Schilling is in John Henry’s box and Curt Schilling is comin' back! Oh my good--goodness gracious! Of all the dramatic things--of all the dramatic things I've ever seen, Curt Schilling standing right in John Henry’s box announcing he is back!
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:52 PM | Comments (1)
New Stadium Tab Up To $1.3 Billion
Via Yankees.com -
The location of Yankee Stadium is to change in 12 months, from one side of 161st Street to the other. Not so the identity of the arena in which American sports' most storied franchise conducts its business. Fifty million dollars per year would buy an Alex Rodriguez annually or a Jorge Posada perennially. But the Yankees say they have purchased perfection permanently by rejecting all naming right inquiries.
"You don't re-name the White House or the Grand Canyon," Lonn Trost said Thursday, acknowledging $50 million isn't just a ballpark figure. Moreover, the Yankees COO said the construction cost will exceed the announced $830 million by a half billion. In the name of tradition, the successor to The House That Ruth Built and John Lindsay refurbished will cost $1.3 billion to build.
The cost is for the Yankees to calculate, meet and privately lament. "We'll make it up some way," said Trost.
Trost, who oversees the construction, attributed the increase in the construction figure to the addition of a 58-by-103-foot high definition video screen in center field, construction delays and that the initial estimate didn't reflect the cost of concession areas and all features involved with their operation. But the added expense also may reflect the club's intention to recreate, as much as possible, the building that served Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle.
Toward that objective, the Yankees launched a worldwide search for limestone consistent with what was used in construction of the original park, finally finding a comparable product in Indiana. It will afford the new façade a touch of yellow missing in its annually repainted grey predecessor.
I bet it's much easier to spring for that monster HD video screen and the perfect-match limestone when you know it will help reduce your revenue-sharing obligations down the road, under the terms of the baseball CBA. At the end of the day, when it becomes a "use it or lose it" situation, you're going to "use it" every time.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:10 PM | Comments (0)
Nipsey Russell, Attorney At Law, On Case For McNamee
Via the AP:
"Roger Clemens has put himself in a position where his legacy as the greatest pitcher in baseball will depend less on his ERA and more on his DNA," said one of [Brian] McNamee's lawyers, Earl Ward.
I'm guessing that Kurtis Blow is calling Clemens now - with an offer to help state his side of the case.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:49 PM | Comments (5)
February 2008 Survey Question #1
How many games do you think the Yankees will win in 2008?
Update: This poll is now closed. Click on the thumbnail below to see the results:
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:36 PM | Comments (0)
Scott Strickland
During a broadcast of Yankees Hot Stove, on YES, tonight, David Cone said that (Spring Training Invitee) Scott Strickland should be considered a sleeper for the Yankees bullpen this season - since he's now "two years" post-op of Tommy John (and that he had sharp stuff before the surgery).
Actually, Cone is wrong. Strickland had Tommy John surgery in June of 2003 - which is four and a half years ago.
In 2006, Strickland came all the way back - pitching brilliantly in Triple-A for the Pirates. In October of 2006, he signed with the Padres - and he pitched, some, last season, for their Triple-A Team (the Portland Beavers).
David Cone almost had me on this one. For a second, I thought "Ooooh, a sleeper!" But, then, I checked the stats. Almost, Conie, almost.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:07 PM | Comments (2)
Curt Schilling To Miss 2008?
Via the The Providence Journal:
The Boston Herald and Boston Globe, both citing unnamed sources, are reporting that Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling is suffering from a shoulder injury that may sideline him for the entire season.
In addition, both news organizations reported the Red Sox looked into the possibility of voiding the one-year, $8 million contract Schilling signed with the team last November.
The Herald said Schilling has ''a significant shoulder injury that could end the veteran’s season and is causing tension and friction between the player and the team.'' The Globe -- which had broken the story a bit earlier in the afternoon with a report that said Schilling would miss the beginning of spring training and might not be ready for the beginning of the season -- updated its report, saying the sides disagree on whether or not Schilling needs surgery and that surgery would probably sideline him for the season.
The Globe said the injury is not related to the shoulder woes that sidelined Schilling from late June to mid-August last year.
Schilling has his own Web site, 38pitches.com, which he frequently updates. As of mid-afternoon, he had not addressed the issue on his site.
Oh, that Johan Santana deal to the Mets is looking better and better now...
Posted by WW Staff at 03:41 PM | Comments (7)
Bob Sheppard To Be Replaced By Son?
From the Times:
Bob Sheppard, the Yankees’ distinctive public-address announcer since 1951, who missed the division series last October because of a bronchial infection, “is struggling to recover his health,” a spokesman for the Yankees, Howard Rubenstein, said Wednesday.
The team “hopes he can return to the booth,” Rubenstein added.
One of Sheppard’s sons, Chris, a retired navy aviator who is now a New York-based pilot for a major airline, seems to be interested in eventually following in his father’s footsteps. He will get a tryout during spring training at Legends Field in Tampa, Fla., Rubenstein said.
Chris Sheppard holds a speech degree from Marquette and taught the subject at Washington High School in Milwaukee. He declined to comment.
Sheppard’s backup at Yankee Stadium has been Jim Hall, a former colleague at St. John’s. Hall succeeded Sheppard as the Giants’ public-address announcer.
This has been going on for a long time now. At 97, and not feeling well, it is time for Bob to step down. It will be interesting to see/hear how his son does down in Tampa during his tryout.
Posted by WW Staff at 12:33 PM | Comments (6)
Yanksfan Vs Soxfan: Projecting The 2008 Yankees
"Paul SF" at Yanksfan vs Soxfan has fun with PECOTA. Click here for the feature.
Posted by WW Staff at 12:19 PM | Comments (0)
Cambios y Curvas
For those who don't know, there's a Yankees blog written in spanish on the scene: Cambios y Curvas
It's even linked to on YankeesBeisbol.com (which is "El Sitio Oficial de Los Yankees de Nueva York").
If you stop by, tell them that WasWatching.com sent ya!
Posted by WW Staff at 11:19 AM | Comments (0)
Mango, Marichal & Animal Cruelty
Via the AP:
A video of New York Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez and Hall of Famer Juan Marichal at a cockfight was posted this week on YouTube.
Martinez and Marichal laugh before releasing the roosters. The two took part as honorary "soltadores," the word used to describe the person who puts the animal to fight.
The animal released by Martinez appears to be killed on the video, which was posted Tuesday. The fight takes place in the Coliseo de Gallos (Rooster Coliseum) in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic's biggest cockfighting venue. Cockfighting is legal and popular in the Dominican Republic.
By early Thursday, the video was removed "due to terms of use violation."
Granted, this was in the Dominican Republic, and this activity is legal there. Still, one has to wonder if PETA will go after Pedro on this one. It's a little surprising that this is not a bigger story - considering the profile of the Mets and the recent Michael Vick situation. Again, it's probably because it happened in the Dominican Republic.
One does wonder, if this was Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera on the video, instead of Martinez and Marichal, would it be a bigger story because they're members of the Yankees?
If you think this is not the case, then compare what Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte and Chuck Knoblauch are going through, because of the Mitchell Report - as compared to Jack Cust, Jay Gibbons and Troy Glaus. When you're a member of the Yankees, it only takes a raindrop to get you soaking wet.
Posted by WW Staff at 09:30 AM | Comments (3)
Jeter: No Johan, No Problem
From the Daily News -
In Johan Santana, the Mets got a pitcher who would "help out any team - he's arguably the best pitcher in the game right now," according to Derek Jeter.
"I'm sure he'll help them out a lot," Jeter added during a break Wednesday from a pre-spring training workout at the Yankees' minor-league complex. "I'm sure Willie (Randolph) is really excited about it."
Jeter said he didn't pay much attention to the Santana sweepstakes, which dominated much of the winter baseball news.
Asked if the Yankees needed to make a move like the Santana trade, Jeter said, "I wouldn't say we necessarily need to ... I'm happy that Phil (Hughes) and Melky (Cabrera) - I think they were the two main guys mentioned - are coming back and I'm sure they're happy, too."
Two days in a row, now, with something from Jeter. Think the Captain is going to be more quotable this season?
Well, in the last few days, he's had more to say than A-Rod:
[Melky] Cabrera was honored with five other athletes at last night's Thurman Munson Awards Dinner at the Marriott Marquis, including teammate Alex Rodriguez. Unlike Cabrera, A-Rod declined to speak with reporters, posing for photos with the honorees before being whisked away - voluntarily - by some public relations types.
It will be interesting to see if this trend continues this year: Jeter being chatty and Alex not having much to say.
Posted by WW Staff at 09:12 AM | Comments (2)
February 06, 2008
The Lin Garrett Story
In terms of Lin Garrett's contribution to the Yankees (during his time of employment with the team), I was once willing to give him a thumbs-up for his work as Yankees international scouting director - which is a position that he held from 2005 through 2006. After all, under his watch, the Yankees signed prospects like Hairo Heredia and Jesus Montero. Plus, Garrett was the Yankees scouting director when the team drafted Phil Hughes in 2004.
But, now, having done some deeper research, I have to say that Lin Garrett truly hurt the Yankees while he was in their front office.
Garrett was the Yankees Scouting Director from (at least) December 1995 through July 2004. During that time, these were the Yankees first round picks in the draft: Eric Milton; Tyrell Godwin and Ryan Bradley; Andy Brown and Mark Prior (who did not sign); David Walling; David Parrish; John-Ford Griffin, Bronson Sardinha and Jon Skaggs; Eric Duncan; Phil Hughes, Jonathan Poterson, and Jeffrey Marquez.
Of all those picks, only Milton, Hughes and Marquez have worked out well for the Yankees. Here are some of the players that Garrett passed on, and could have drafted, from 1996 through 2004: Jake Westbrook and Gil Meche; Randy Wolf; Aaron Rowand and Adam Dunn; Brian Roberts and Carl Crawford; Adam Wainwright and Dustin McGowan; David Wright and Danny Haren; Carlos Quentin, Jarrod Saltalamacchi and Adam Jones; Huston Street and Yovani Gallardo.
Granted, without question, it's not fair to play Monday-morning Quarterback here, using the benefit of hindsight, and say that Lin Garrett should have drafted Crawford, Wainwright, Wright, Saltalamacchi, or Gallardo...because many other teams passed on them as well.
But, Garrett's second round picks were brutal during his drafts as well: Jason Coble; Jason Henry; Randy Keisler; Gary Winrow; Danny Borrell; Shelley Duncan and Jason Arnold; Brandon Weeden; Estee Harris; and Brett Smith.
Basically, in the nine years that Lin Garrett was the Yankees Scouting Director, his best draft picks were: Eric Milton, Nick Johnson, Brad Halsey, Tyler Clippard and Phil Hughes. Really, that's about it - in nine years.
After the 2004 draft, Garrett was reassigned - and he became the Yankees International Scouting Director. This lasted until August of 2006, when Brian Cashman told him that his contract, which was up at year-end, would not be renewed.
When Garrett was moved out of his Scouting Director role, Damon Oppenheimer took over for the Yankees - and, in a three year period, he drafted prospects like Brett Gardner, Austin Jackson, Allan Horne, Ian Kennedy, Joba Chamberlain, George Kontos, Dellin Betances, Daniel McCutchen, Andrew Brackman, Justin Snyder, Austin Romine, Bradley Suttle, and Carmen Angelini (among others).
In any event, now, it's pretty clear to me that Lin Garrett clogged up, if not destroyed, the Yankees talent pipeline that was manned pretty well by personnel such as Brian Sabean and Bill Livesey (the Scouting Directors before Garrett) - as well as Gene Michael and Bob Watson (the G.M.'s before Cashman). And, it wasn't until Lin Garrett was "reassigned" that the pipeline began to flow again.
Of course, you have to also wonder about those in charge of Lin Garrett from 1995 to 2004. During part of the time that Garrett was Scouting Director, from 2000 to 2004, Mark Newman had a strong hand in the Baseball Operations area for the Yankees. Ditto Gordon Blakeley, from 2003 to 2004. Newman and Blakeley were Senior Vice-Presidents and Garrett was a Vice-President. And, let's not forget that the buck stopped, at least it should have, with Brian Cashman (from 1998 through 2004) when Garrett was Scouting Director.
But, this was all, mostly, in Yankeeland prior to the church service for Otto Graham (back in December 2003). One cannot assume, back then, that a person had some say over someone else - just because of an org-chart.
If I had to guess, I would say it took the decline of Big Stein and the rise of Brian Cashman to make Garrett go away. And, perhaps, getting rid of Lin Garrett just may be the single greatest contribution of Brian Cashman (to the Yankees franchise) in his time as G.M. for the team.
Then again, if Cashman had come from a scouting background, instead of the intern-white-collar route, perhaps he would not have had the need to strongly rely on, and defer to, Lin Garrett as much (on things like the draft)? That's possible too.
So, where is Lin Garrett now? He was not listed in the Yankees 2007 Media Guide. However, one source told me that "it's possible he was just demoted and is still collecting a check." Hey, in Yankeeland, anything is possible.
If my google-skills are any good, it appears that Lin Garrett was a pitcher on the Florida State University baseball team back in 1968. At the youngest, that would have made him ages 49 to 57 when he was the Yankees Scouting Director and about age 60 when Cashman gave him a pink slip. Therefore, guessing (again), I would suggest that Garrett is now "retired" somewhere.
I wish I could tell you how Lin Garrett rose to power in the Yankees organization, and what his background was prior to joining the Yankees, and who in the Yankees front office was the force behind allowing him to go on, so poorly, for so long. But, I cannot find anything that provides those details.
What I could find shows how, for nine years, while the Yankees were winning four rings and six pennants on the field, Lin Garrett was laying the groundwork, behind the scenes, to lay waste to their farm system.
And, if anyone wants to wonder why the Yankees have a $200 million payroll, perhaps Lin Garrett is the reason why - as the lack of young and cheap talent to retool the Yankees, from 2002 to 2005 is a direct result of the Yankees' terrible drafts from 1996 through 2003.
It's great that Brian Cashman eventually got Garrett out of town. It's too bad that it didn't happen four or five years earlier. But, again, for all we know, it could have been "The Boss" who was keeping Cashman's hands tied on this one.
Someday, it would nice to know the whole "Lin Garrett Story." This one has a lot of fingerprints on it. If Brian Cashman ever writes a book, covering his Yankees experiences, he could probably spend a chapter on Garrett.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:23 PM | Comments (8)
McNamee's Blue Dress Play
Via the Daily News -
Brian McNamee has turned over physical evidence to federal investigators that he believes will show Roger Clemens used performance-enhancing drugs, according to McNamee's lawyers.
"This is evidence the government has that we believe will corroborate Brian in every significant way," said McNamee lawyer Earl Ward.
McNamee's attorneys would not discuss the details of the evidence, but according to a source close to the former Yankee strength and conditioning coach, McNamee gave the Justice Department's BALCO investigators vials with traces of steroids and growth hormone, as well as blood-stained syringes and gauze pads that may contain the Rocket's DNA.
Justice Department officials have sent the evidence to a lab for testing, and if the materials do indeed contain traces of drugs and blood, prosecutors may attempt to get a court order for a DNA sample from Clemens.
McNamee plans to discuss the evidence with the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform tomorrow, when he is interviewed by the panel's attorneys in preparation for next Wednesday's congressional hearing on the challenges Clemens has raised about the Mitchell Report.
I just want to know how long until McNamee puts this stuff up for auction on eBay. That's got to be the next step, right?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:45 PM | Comments (11)
A Yankee By Any Other Name
Here's a fun list. It's some former and current Yankees, as we know them, followed by their "real" name. (Thanks to Lee Sinins for helping to put together this list!)
Who knew that the Yankees had two men named Nick Cullop play for them and neither one was a "true" Nick Cullop?
Tucker Ashford = Thomas Steven Ashford
Chick Autry = Martin Gordon Autry
Home Run Baker = John Franklin Baker
Scott Bankhead = Michael Scott Bankhead
Cy Barger = Eros Bolivar Barger
Paddy Baumann = Charles John Baumann
Zeke Bella = John Bella
Benny Bengough = Bernard Oliver Bengough
Yogi Berra = Lawrence Peter Berra
Bill Bevens = Floyd Clifford Bevens
Monte Beville = Henry Monte Beville
Doug Bird = James Douglas Bird
Eddie Bockman = Joseph Edward Bockman
Ping Bodie = Frank Stephen Bodie
Tiny Bonham = Ernest Edward Bonham
Luke Boone = Lute Joseph Boone
Frenchy Bordagaray = Stanley George Bordagaray
Babe Borton = William Baker Borton
Garland Braxton = Edgar Garland Braxton
Don Brennan = James Donald Brennan
Boardwalk Brown = Carroll William Brown
Bobby Brown = Rogers Lee Brown
Hal Brown = Hector Harold Brown
Jumbo Brown = Walter George Brown
Kevin Brown = James Kevin Brown
Lew Burdette = Selva Lewis Burdette
Ray Burris = Bertram Ray Burris
Joe Bush = Leslie Ambrose Bush
Duke Carmel = Leon James Carmel
Roy Castleton = Royal Eugene Castleton
Chris Chambliss = Carroll Christopher Chambliss
Spud Chandler = Spurgeon Ferdinand Chandler
Ben Chapman = William Benjamin Chapman
Al Cicotte = Alva Warren Cicotte
Roger Clemens = William Roger Clemens
Tex Clevenger = Truman Eugene Clevenger
Lu Clinton = Luciean Louis Clinton
Rocky Colavito = Rocco Domenico Colavito
King Cole = Leonard Leslie Cole
Rip Coleman = Walter Gary Coleman
Pat Collins = Tharon Leslie Collins
Rip Collins = Harry Warren Collins
Rip Collins = Robert Joseph Collins
Wid Conroy = William Edward Conroy
Doc Cook = Luther Almus Cook
Dusty Cooke = Allen Lindsey Cooke
Ernie Courtney = Edward Ernest Courtney
Casey Cox = Joseph Casey Cox
Birdie Cree = William Franklin Cree
Bubba Crosby = Richard Stephen Crosby
Ivan Cruz = Luis Ivan Cruz
Nick Cullop = Heinrich Nicholas Kolop
Nick Cullop = Norman Andrew Cullop
Babe Dahlgren = Ellsworth Tenney Dahlgren
Bud Daley = Leavitt Leo Daley
Bert Daniels = Bernard Elmer Daniels
Chili Davis = Charles Theodore Davis
Iron Davis = George Allen Davis
Kiddo Davis = George Willis Davis
Lefty Davis = Alphonzo DeFord Davis
Ray Demmitt = Charles Raymond Demmitt
Rick Dempsey = John Rikard Dempsey
Bucky Dent = Russell Earl Dent
Russ Derry = Alva Russell Derry
Sonny Dixon = John Craig Dixon
Cozy Dolan = Albert J. Dolan
Atley Donald = Richard Atley Donald
Wild Bill Donovan = William Edward Donovan
Patsy Dougherty = Patrick Henry Dougherty
Slow Joe Doyle = Judd Bruce Doyle
Monk Dubiel = Walter John Dubiel
Ryne Duren = Rinold George Duren
Rawly Eastwick = Rawlins Jackson Eastwick
Doc Edwards = Howard Rodney Edwards
Kid Elberfeld = Norman Arthur Elberfeld
Red Embree = Charles Willard Embree
Clyde Engle = Arthur Clyde Engle
Doc Farrell = Edward Stephen Farrell
Alex Ferguson = James Alexander Ferguson
Tony Fernandez = Octavio Antonio Fernandez
Chick Fewster = Wilson Lloyd Fewster
Pete Filson = William Peter Filson
Happy Finneran = Joseph Ignatius Finneran
Gus Fisher = August Harris Fisher
Mike Fitzgerald = Justin Howard Fitzgerald
Ray Fontenot = Silton Ray Fontenot
Whitey Ford = Edward Charles Ford
Tony Fossas = Emilio Antonio Fossas
Wayne Franklin = Gary Wayne Franklin
Lonny Frey = Linus Reinhard Frey
Liz Funk = Elias Calvin Funk
Mike Garbark = Nathaniel Michael Garbark
Karim Garcia = Gustavo Karim Garcia
Rob Gardner = Richard Frank Gardner
Ned Garvin = Virgil Lee Garvin
Milt Gaston = Nathaniel Milton Gaston
Joe Gedeon = Elmer Joseph Gedeon
Lou Gehrig = Henry Louis Gehrig
Jake Gibbs = Jerry Dean Gibbs
Lefty Gomez = Vernon Louis Gomez
Fernando Gonzalez = Jose Fernando Gonzalez
Dick Gossett = John Star Gossett
Paddy Greene = Patrick Joseph Greene
Ken Griffey Sr. = George Kenneth Griffey Sr.
Buddy Groom = Wedsel Gary Groom
Lee Guetterman = Arthur Lee Guetterman
Bump Hadley = Irving Darius Hadley
Ed Hahn = William Edgar Hahn
Noodles Hahn = Frank George Hahn
Hinkey Haines = Henry Luther Haines
Truck Hannah = James Harrison Hannah
Bubbles Hargrave = Eugene Franklin Hargrave
Toby Harrah = Colbert Dale Harrah
Buddy Hassett = John Aloysius Hassett
Andy Hawkins = Melton Andrew Hawkins
Chicken Hawks = Nelson Louis Hawks
Mike Hegan = James Michael Hegan
Woodie Held = Woodson George Held
Rollie Hemsley = Ralston Burdett Hemsley
Xavier Hernandez = Francis Xavier Hernandez
Mack Hillis = Malcolm David Hillis
Butch Hobson = Clell Lavern Hobson
Red Hoff = Chester Cornelius Hoff
Solly Hofman = Arthur Frederick Hofman
Shags Horan = Joseph Patrick Horan
Harry Howell = Henry Harry Howell
Long Tom Hughes = Thomas James Hughes
Billy Hunter = Gordon William Hunter
Catfish Hunter = James Augustus Hunter
Ham Hyatt = Robert Hamilton Hyatt
Jeff Johnson = William Jeffrey Johnson
Lance Johnson = Kenneth Lance Johnson
Russ Johnson = William Russell Johnson
Jay Johnstone = John William Johnstone
Gary Jones = Gareth Howell Jones
Felix Jose = Domingo Felix Andujar Jose
Red Kleinow = John Peter Kleinow
Mickey Klutts = Gene Ellis Klutts
Chuck Knoblauch = Edward Charles Knoblauch
Jim Konstanty = Casimir James Konstanty
Duffy Lewis = George Edward Lewis
Bryan Little = Richard Bryan Little
Sherm Lollar = John Sherman Lollar
Tim Lollar = William Timothy Lollar
Dale Long = Richard Dale Long
Baldy Louden = William P. Louden
Slim Love = Edward Haughton Love
Torey Lovullo = Salvatore Anthony Lovullo
Sparky Lyle = Albert Walter Lyle
Duke Maas = Duane Fredrick Maas
Lee Magee = Leo Christopher Magee
Stubby Magner = Edmund Burke Magner
Fritz Maisel = Frederick Charles Maisel
Pat Malone = Perce Leigh Malone
Rube Manning = Walter S. Manning
Cuddles Marshall = Clarence Westly Marshall
Billy Martin = Alfred Manuel Martin
Tino Martinez = Constantino Martinez
Tippy Martinez = Felix Anthony Martinez
Mickey McDermott = Maurice Joseph McDermott
Deacon McGuire = James Thomas McGuire
Irish McIlveen = Henry Cooke McIlveen
Rich McKinney = Charles Richard McKinney
Doc Medich = George Francis Medich
Andy Messersmith = John Alexander Messersmith
Bud Metheny = Arthur Beauregard Metheny
Buster Mills = Colonel Buster Mills
Wilcy Moore = William Wilcy Moore
Hal Morris = William Harold Morris
Ross Moschitto = Rosaire Allen Moschitto
Bots Nekola = Francis Joseph Nekola
Gene Nelson = Wayland Eugene Nelson
Bobo Newsom = Louis Norman Newsom
Doc Newton = Eustace James Newton
Gus Niarhos = Constantine Gregory Niarhos
Scott Nielsen = Jeffrey Scott Nielsen
Harry Niles = Herbert Clyde Niles
Mike O'Berry = Preston Michael O'Berry
Paddy O'Connor = Patrick Francis O'Connor
Lefty O'Doul = Francis Joseph O'Doul
Queenie O'Rourke = James Stephen O'Rourke
Champ Osteen = James Champlin Osteen
Stubby Overmire = Frank W. Overmire
Clay Parker = James Clayton Parker
Cy Perkins = Ralph Foster Perkins
Andy Phillips = George Andrew Phillips
Cy Pieh = Edwin John Pieh
Dale Polley = Ezra Dale Polley
Bob Porterfield = Erwin Coolidge Porterfield
Jake Powell = Alvin Jacob Powell
Del Pratt = Derrill Burnham Pratt
Tony Rensa = George Anthony Rensa
Al Reyes = Rafael Alberto Reyes
Gordon Rhodes = John Gordon Rhodes
Nolen Richardson = Clifford Nolen Richardson
Branch Rickey = Wesley Branch Rickey
Mickey Rivers = John Milton Rivers
Roxey Roach = Wilbur Charles Roach
Eddie Robinson = William Edward Robinson
Hank Robinson = John Henry Robinson
Red Rolfe = Robert Abial Rolfe
Buddy Rosar = Warren Vincent Rosar
Steve Roser = Emerson Corey Roser
Braggo Roth = Robert Frank Roth
Jerry Royster = Jeron Kennis Royster
Muddy Ruel = Herold Dominic Ruel
Dutch Ruether = Walter Henry Ruether
Red Ruffing = Charles Herbert Ruffing
Babe Ruth = George Herman Ruth
Blondy Ryan = John Collins Ryan
Rosy Ryan = Wilfred Patrick Dolan Ryan
Jack Saltzgaver = Otto Hamlin Saltzgaver
Fred Sanford = John Frederick Sanford
Germany Schaefer = Herman A. Schaefer
Roy Schalk = LeRoy John Schalk
Butch Schmidt = Charles John Schmidt
Dick Schofield = John Richard Schofield
Everett Scott = Lewis Everett Scott
Rod Scurry = Rodney Grant Scurry
Bob Seeds = Ira Robert Seeds
Billy Shantz = Wilmer Ebert Shantz
Bob Shawkey = James Robert Shawkey
Spec Shea = Francis Joseph Shea
Skeeter Shelton = Andrew Kemper Shelton
Roy Sherid = Royden Richard Sherid
Hack Simmons = George Washington Simmons
Duke Sims = Duane B. Sims
Joe Smith = Salvatore Smith
Harry Smythe = William Henry Smythe
Tony Solaita = Tolia Solaita
Shane Spencer = Michael Shane Spencer
Charlie Spikes = Leslie Charles Spikes
Jake Stahl = Garland Stahl
Tuck Stainback = George Tucker Stainback
Mike Stanley = Robert Michael Stanley
Mike Stanton = William Michael Stanton
Dutch Sterrett = Charles Hurlbut Sterrett
Bud Stewart = Edward Perry Stewart
Snuffy Stirnweiss = George Henry Stirnweiss
Gabby Street = Charles Evard Street
Jeff Sweeney = Edward Francis Sweeney
Vito Tamulis = Vitautis Casimirus Tamulis
Zack Taylor = James Wren Taylor
Walt Terrell = Charles Walter Terrell
Lee Thomas = James Leroy Thomas
Hank Thormahlen = Herbert Ehler Thormahlen
Bob Tillman = John Robert Tillman
Thad Tillotson = Thaddeus Asa Tillotson
Wayne Tolleson = Jimmy Wayne Tolleson
Earl Torgeson = Clifford Earl Torgeson
Rusty Torres = Rosendo Torres
Bubba Trammell = Thomas Bubba Trammell
Dazzy Vance = Clarence Arthur Vance
Hippo Vaughn = James Leslie Vaughn
Otto Velez = Otoniel Velez
Curt Walker = William Curtis Walker
Dixie Walker = Fred Walker
Roxy Walters = Alfred John Walters
Pee Wee Wanninger = Paul Louis Wanninger
Roy Weatherly = Cyril Roy Weatherly
David Weathers = John David Weathers
Lefty Weinert = Phillip Walter Weinert
Butch Wensloff = Charles William Wensloff
Ted Wilborn = Thaddeaus Iglehart Wilborn
Bernie Williams = Bernabe Williams
Snake Wiltse = Lewis DeWitt Wiltse
Jay Witasick = Gerald Alfonse Witasick
Mickey Witek = Nicholas Joseph Witek
Whitey Witt = Lawton Walter Witt
Bill Wolfe = Wilbert Otto Wolfe
Dooley Womack = Horace Guy Womack
Chase Wright = Sebern Chase Wright
Yats Wuestling = George Wuestling
Butch Wynegar = Harold Delano Wynegar
Tom Zachary = Jonathan Thompson Walton Zachary
Note some members of the most "recent" Yankees ring teams - who used their given middle name as a first name on their baseball resume:
William Roger Clemens
Edward Charles Knoblauch
Michael Shane Spencer
William Michael Stanton
Will Clemens, Ed Knoblauch, Mike Spencer, and Bill Stanton sound like entirely different people, don't they?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:36 PM | Comments (5)
Yankees Softees?
For many baseball fans, one of the more irritating traits that a ballplayer can have (on their favorite team) is being “soft” – despite being very talented. By “soft” it is implied that the player lacks “drive” and/or “mental toughness.” Some may offer that former Yankee Danny Tartabull and current Yankee Carl Pavano fit this profile. They had/have talent, but, they performed “soft” while in New York.
Related, here’s two questions for you:
1. Do you agree with the notion that a talented ballplayer can also be “soft”?
2. If yes, which past and present Yankees do you consider to be “soft”?
Thanks in advance for anything that you can share.
Posted by WW Staff at 09:49 AM | Comments (14)
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Posted by WW Staff at 09:41 AM | Comments (0)
Cashman: Succession Planning Matters
Joel Sherman has an interesting feature in the Post today - comparing Brian Cashman to Ernie Accorsi, the football Giants former GM (and a huge baseball fan). A snip:
It is possible, and Cashman knows this, that he might be rebuilding a farm system for another man, that he will play Accorsi and hand off something ready to blossom to his successor. He insists he is fine with that prospect, recalling how fortunate he was to be gifted a championship roster from his predecessor Bob Watson, saying he owes it to that memory and to professionalism and to Yankees fans to guarantee his baton pass is as fruitful.
"You want to make sure it is sustainable for the next person," Cashman said.
As always, Cashman says the right thing. He truly is a professional, at all times.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 06:47 AM | Comments (8)
February 05, 2008
Pearls Of Wisdom From Johnny Damon
Via TC Palm -
The team hasn’t won a World Series since 2000, hasn’t played in one since 2003 and hasn’t gotten past the first round of the American League playoffs since 2004.
Clearly, the New York Yankees, who won four championships from 1996 to 2000 with Torre managing a stable of thoroughbreds bred and bought with Steinbrenner’s millions, are a team in transition.
But Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon doesn’t see it that way...
“I see it as we’re giving some young pitchers an opportunity, some pitchers the league doesn’t know too much about,” Damon was saying last weekend, when he visited the Treasure Coast to participate in the M.E.’s Team two-day fundraiser organized by Martin County native and former Yankees teammate Scott Proctor.
“Obviously, we’re not going to go out and change our offense and defense, because we still believe we are the best all-around team, as far as that’s concerned. First base could be an issue, because we have about four or five different guys playing there. But, all around, I think we’re very solid.
“And,” he added, “I think these young pitchers could bring in a different attitude for us.”
“We were 14 games down at one time, and I still thought we were good enough to win last year,” Damon said. “We knew when we left camp that we didn’t leave with our best team. Once guys got healthy and in better shape, the season turned around."
We knew when we left camp that we didn’t leave with our best team. Once guys got healthy and in better shape, the season turned around.
Damon batted .245/.339/.344 (BA/OBP/SLG) in the first half last season - and .296/.364/.450 in the second half. So, he should know. Between his calves and his ribs, he was damaged goods to start the season.
Hopefully, this season, Damon reports to camp, in shape, and comes flying out of the blocks for the Yanks.
There's a big difference between "plastic forks and paper napkins" and "fine silverware and linen serviettes" when it comes to setting the table.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:35 PM | Comments (5)
Jeter: PED Talk No Distraction To Team
Via the AP -
Yankees captain Derek Jeter doesn't think baseball's steroids controversy will be a major distraction when the team begins spring training next week.
"I think Andy is probably going to be facing a lot of questions,'' Jeter said Tuesday. "You know how it is in New York, there's always questions. It will probably die down after the first couple days when he talks to the media, addresses them and answers those questions. But in New York, there's always something every year. ... It might be a little different for Andy. Other than that, I don't think so.''
This, of course, assumes that no one in camp this year says something about it that will give the media something to play with for a while. If I'm General Joe, I would issue a gag order to everyone on this...from A-Rod down to Nick Green...and tell them to say as little as possible, at all times, on inquiries regarding PED usage.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:37 PM | Comments (2)
Better 10 Days Late, Than Never
Happy belated 1st Wedding Anniversary to Billy Eppler, Director of pro scouting for Yankees, and his wife Bree.
There, White, maybe that will bring the Yankees some luck now...
Posted by WW Staff at 04:25 PM | Comments (1)
Verducci: Yanks Put Kennedy In Risk Of Injury
From Tom Verducci -
The unofficial industry standard is that no young pitcher should throw more than 30 more innings than he did the previous season. It's a general rule of thumb, and one I've been tracking for about a decade. When teams violate the incremental safeguard, it's amazing how often they pay for it.
Pitchers generally feel the effects of abusive increases in workload the next year, not the season in which they were pushed. In other words, you might be able to finish that marathon for which you didn't properly train, but your body will have hell to pay for it. I call it the Year After Effect.
Here's the way I track it: Find major league pitchers 25-and-under who broke the 30-inning rule. In some cases a pitcher's innings the previous season may have been artificially depressed, such as by injury, so I'll use his professional high for the baseline, or, in the case of a recent draftee like Kennedy, his college workload. All innings count (minors, majors, postseason).
In 2005 and '06 I found 17 pitchers I defined as at-risk of the YAE. None made it through the next year without an injury or a higher ERA. Ten of them broke down, the most seriously hurt being Francisco Liriano, Gustavo Chacin, Adam Loewen, Scott Mathieson and Anibel Sanchez. Eleven of them had worse ERAs, by an average of about a run and a half. Remember, it's a general rule; there are exceptions, the superlative Justin Verlander being one.
The Yankees already have put one of their prime young pitchers at unnecessary risk, [Ian Kennedy].
It's O.K., I'm sure that Kei Igawa will be ready to step in and pick up the slack if something happens to Kennedy. (Yes, that's a joke.)
Posted by WW Staff at 02:16 PM | Comments (16)
Bruney: Wild, But, Effective?
I’m not exactly sure how to phrase this one; but, here goes...
In the entire history of the Yankees – yes, all their seasons – there’s only been one man to pitch a season exclusively out of the Yankees bullpen and have a Runs Saved Above Average (RSAA) total of zero or better, while pitching at least 20 innings in a season, and also posting a BB/9IP mark that was at least “3” BELOW the league average. It’s Brian Bruney – who has done it twice for the Yankees. Stats via the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia:
RSAA >= 0
WALKS/9 IP <= -3 vs. the league average
GAMES STARTED = 0
INNINGS PITCHED displayed only--not a sorting criteria
RSAA YEAR RSAA BB/9 IP GS IP 1 Brian Bruney 2006 8 -3.34 0 20.2 2 Brian Bruney 2007 0 -3.34 0 50.0
For some perspective, in the entire history of baseball, including Bruney (who has now done this three times), there have only been 77 times where a player has pitched a season exclusively out his team’s bullpen and had a RSAA mark of zero or better, while pitching at least 20 innings in a season, and also posting a BB/9IP mark that was at least “3” BELOW the league average.
Here’s the really fun part: In the entire history of baseball, there are only THREE men who have pitched three seasons exclusively out his team’s bullpen and had a RSAA mark of zero or better, while pitching at least 20 innings in a season, and also posting a BB/9IP mark that was at least “3” BELOW the league average:
Mark Clear: 1984, 1985, and 1988
Mitch Williams: 1986, 1991, and 1993
Brian Bruney: 2004, 2006, and 2007
I guess you can say these three were wild but effective.
Posted by WW Staff at 01:09 PM | Comments (4)
Jeter Settles Tax Issues
From the AP -
Derek Jeter settled his case with tax officials, who had said the New York Yankees captain should have paid three years of taxes as a New York state resident.
A state official confirmed the settlement, which was first reported in Tuesday's New York Daily News. The official was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Terms were not disclosed.
Jeter's representatives declined to comment. Tom Bergin, spokesman for the state Department of Taxation and Finance, also declined comment, saying it was a privacy issue.Tax officials contended Jeter should have been taxed as a state resident from 2001-03. Jeter, who has a Manhattan apartment, said he was a Florida resident and didn't owe New York taxes. Florida does not have a state income tax; New York state and city do.
Maybe, now, Dot Jeter can answer her doorbell free from the fear of a heart attack.
Posted by WW Staff at 11:03 AM | Comments (0)
And, Pitching, #34, Phil Hughes, #34
According to his blog, Phil Hughes will be taking Sean Henn's #34 this season. Let's hope Phil has better luck with it than the last two guys to wear it: Henn and Jaret Wright.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 06:57 AM | Comments (6)
Topps Gives Rudy Red Sox Zelig Moment
Via the Post:
The digital imaging wizards at Topps baseball cards are at it again - and this time failed presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani makes a cameo appearance on a collectable card.
Only he probably won't be too happy about it.
That's him in the middle of the Boston Red Sox on-field celebration - arm up in the middle of a victory yell - following the last out of the Bosox World Series-clinching win last season.
The limited-edition card is a none-too-gentle jab at the outspoken Yankees fan who pronounced last October that he would be rooting for the Red Sox to win the Series because he was an American League fan.
Giuliani's position shocked many Bronx Bomber loyalists - and led to a Post parody at the time.
Big Apple-based Topps, which former Walt Disney Co. boss Michael Eisner acquired last year, designed the special card to promote the 2008 season collection - due in stores tomorrow.
"We read about Rudy rooting for the Red Sox and we thought - why not put him in the middle of the celebration," said Clay Luraschi, baseball brand manager for Topps.
Well, at least Topps didn't put on Yankees cap on him in the picture.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 06:38 AM | Comments (2)
David Robertson
John Sickels Baseball Prospect Book 2008 arrived in the mail yesterday. Fun stuff, as always.
One entry that caught my eye was on David Robertson. John likes him as a sleeper.
Robertson was selected by the Yankees in 17th Round (524th overall) of 2006 amateur draft. He's a little right-hander. He's listed at 5' 11" - and, in baseball, if they list you at five-eleven, you're probably closer to five-ten or five-nine.
David was named as a second-team Freshman All-American by Baseball America as a relief pitcher.
His pro-stats from 2007 are impressive: 84.1 IP, 45 H, 32 BB and 113 K's. He was able to have a brief stay at Double-A and fanned 9 of the 16 batters that he faced there.
David probably gets left off most prospect lists because of his height. It always happens to small righties. But, his stuff is there.
There's a chance, I suppose, that he starts the year at Double-A this season and maybe works his way up to Triple-A at some point too...and then ends up in the Bronx later this season?
Then again, he could be the next Ryan Bradley as well. In any event, it's a name that's worth keeping on the radar, just in case. And, it doesn't seem like he's on the radar for many who like to keep such lists.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 06:19 AM | Comments (4)
February 04, 2008
Kevin Mench
Via Ed Price -
The Yankees have interest in free agent Kevin Mench as a fifth outfielder, according to a person with knowledge of discussions who asked not to be named because no deal has been struck.
Mench, 30, would probably go to Yankees camp on a minor-league contract. But he give the Yankees a right-handed option in the outfield, where Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Bobby Abreu are lefties and Melky Cabrera is a switch-hitter. Shelley Duncan is right-handed but could win the first-base job.
Back in July 2006, when it was rumored the Yanks were interested in Mench, I was for it. Since he still punishes LHP, I wouldn't mind seeing him come to camp. He's a better option than Jason Lane.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:30 PM | Comments (4)
The Greatest Game [Book]
Via David Kelly and Paper Cuts -
Last fall, Jim Reisler came out with a book called “The Best Game Ever,” which focused on Game 7 of the 1960 World Series (the Bill Mazeroski game). Next month, we’ll see Richard Bradley’s book “The Greatest Game,” featuring the playoff between the Yankees and the Red Sox in 1978 (the Bucky Dent game).
More on Richard Bradley.
Here's something that I found on the book:
Not a book intended to celebrate a triumph or lament a loss, The Greatest Game will be embraced in both Boston and New York, with fans of both teams recalling again the talented young men they once gave their hearts to. And fans everywhere will be reminded how utterly gripping a single baseball game can be and that the rewards of being a fan lie not in victory but in caring beyond reason, even decades after the fact.
I'm going to have to check this one out, for sure.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:10 PM | Comments (0)
Who's Bashing Who?
With a comment left at an entry made earlier today here, "SteveB" (aka commenter "Schteeve" at Bronx Banter) sent the following inquiry towards my direction:
Are you happy that you are the ringleader of the new breed of Yankee basher? Because that is what you are. I would HATE to be a "fan" of your ilk. So, have fun "rooting" for the Yankees, if that's what you call it.
This is not an attempt to single out "SteveB." But, I am using his inquiry to tee-up this entry since it (the claim) is something that has been thrown at me before in places - just perhaps not so directly. And, as I expect (if things go according to plan - don't ask, but, I promise to share information as soon as I can) the readership of this blog to soon increase (and the claim is something that may come up again in the future), I thought it made sense to do a one-time entry on this topic - to use now, and again, if needed, to quell these types of accusations towards my "fandom" of the Yankees.
I must confess, when it comes to Yankees like Kei Igawa, Kyle Farnsworth, Carl Pavano, yes, without question, I have a tendency to beat on them pretty good. If that makes me a Yankees basher, then I guess that Yanks-basher team photo is going to be pretty darn crowded.
But, have I ever “bashed” Andy Pettitte? Melky Cabrera? Hideki Matsui? Mariano Rivera? Worm Killer Wang? Joba Chamberlain? Ian Kennedy? Joe Girardi? No, not as far as I know.
At the worst, maybe (somewhere) I may have had a small isolated critique on some of them – if anything. And, such feedback from me on them would be hard to find – and offset by many, many, more positive entries from me on them.
If anything, I believe that some feel I am a Yankees "basher" because of comments/opinions that I have shared (at times) regarding Mike Mussina, Jason Giambi Alex Rodriguez, Phil Hughes, and Brian Cashman. However, I’ve also said good things, in the past, on these people as well. Go ahead, check the links on each of their names. You’ll see positive things that I have written about them in the past. If I were a true “basher” would I have written these "good" things about these men?
I can say the same about Joe Torre, Derek Jeter, Bobby Abreu, Johnny Damon, Robinson Cano, Jorge Posada and various Yankees prospects in the minors. Yes, at times, I’ve been critical of them. But, other times, I’ve written glowing things about them. If you don't believe me, just do a search on this blog and see for yourself.
Why does this "positive and harsh" comments thing happen? To put it simple: WasWatching.com prides itself in being "Yankees-blinders and Pinstripe-Pollyanna" free. I believe that it's only fair to look at "the other" side on "Yankees" things - as well as the favorable side. If something or someone is good, I'll trumpet it. However, I'm not going to sugarcoat anything "Yankees" at the same time - just to make it savory to the reader.
Does that make me some anti-Yankee fan who feeds off pinstriped schadenfreude (as some like to claim)? Or, does that just make me a Yankees-blogger who is attempting to provide unique commentary from someone who is a diehard Yankees fan?
After all, I am a diehard Yankees fan.
I think about the Yankees everyday. Need proof? Check the entries to this blog since "Day 1." Over the last 1,020 days, I've written something about the Yankees in just about every one of those days. Would a non-fan think about the team, everyday?
Have you ever watched a game with me? Go ask Alex Belth. Back in May 2006, we went to a game together and this is what Alex wrote afterwards: "Yeah, and I've got to say Steve was a real pleasure to watch a game with. First, because he's been to many games over the years and is a first-rate storyteller but also because he's just mad enthusiastic. He cheers loudly, claps his hands, gets the chants going. Just a load of fun to be around."
Actually, I pity the poor people who sit around me at a Yankees game. I'm sure that I'm annoying to some - the way I root so hard for the team at the Stadium.
Further, if I wasn't a Yankees fan, would the October scars of 1995, 2001 and 2004 still burn so badly for me (all these years later)?
I could go on for a while on this; but, at the end of the day, I fear some people are going to believe what they want to believe - for whatever reason. Maybe it makes them feel better, or more like a fan, if they question someone else's "fandom"? I dunno.
Nonetheless, the more I think about this, I now find myself wondering about "bashers." After all, when someone goes on the attack, and starts launching accusations towards my "fandom" of the Yankees, because of something that I did or didn't write, calling me "the ringleader of the new breed of Yankee basher" (as "SteveB" did today), aren't they, then, in turn being a "basher"?
Is not the definition of "bash" to "criticize (another) harshly, accusatorially, and threateningly"?
Now, that's interesting. In reality, when people call me a "basher" they're performing a form of "bashing" themselves - via their harsh accusations.
Having now gone through the exercise of hashing this out through writing about it, at this junction, it seems to make more sense to just realize where these accusations are coming from, and the "bashing" nature behind them, and just ignore them with the security that I know I'm a diehard Yankees fan and that I shouldn't have to prove it any time that someone wants to come out of the weeds and question me on it.
Yeah, that's what I'm going to do. It's the most rational approach to deal with such a thing.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 07:43 PM | Comments (16)
Is There A Love Connection Between Cashman & Phillies?
Via Jim Salisbury:
While all indications point to Ruben Amaro Jr. becoming the Phillies' GM after this season, it's worth noting that Yankees GM Brian Cashman is entering the final year of his contract. Cashman admitted to having the Phillies' job on his radar screen when it went to Pat Gillick in November 2005. At that time, Cashman wasn't sure if his contract with the Yankees would be renewed.
Cashman, his wife, and their two kids live in Darien, Connecticut. But, his kids are under the age of eight. So, a move, now, would not be a huge stress on his family. And, Philly is so close to NYC that it's not like they would be far away from friends, etc.
Ruben Amaro Jr. deserves a shot at the Phillies job, next year. Still, maybe David Montgomery (their owner) likes Cashman?
There's really not going to be many G.M. jobs open after this season. Including the Yankees, should Cashman go, maybe there would be two or three openinings - when you consider all the new guys put into place in the last few years. Most of those new hires are safe.
If we hear that Cashman has an interest in the Philly post, it probably should not come as a shock.
Posted by WW Staff at 12:54 PM | Comments (1)
Newman: Nobody Talks About Kontos?
From George King via Baseball America -
Righthander George Kontos could be the best-kept secret in the Yankees system, according to farm director Mark Newman.
"He was named among the top 10 prospects in the Hawaiian league and nobody talks about him," Newman said of the 22-year-old Kontos, a fifth-round pick from Northwestern in 2006. He completed his second pro season at high Class A Tampa before heading for Honolulu.
"His stuff is really good," Newman said of Kontos, whose fastball ranges from 90-94 mph. "He also has a quality slider and an emerging curveball. A changeup makes him a four-pitch guy."
"He is a smart guy who works at it and is committed," Newman said.
The Yankees are expected to part with young arms for a proven big league starter at some point. But based on Kontos' first two seasons, they believe he's at least in the discussion with the likes of prized righthanders Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy.
Hughes, Chamberlain, Kennedy, Horne, Betances, McCutchen, Brackman, Marquez, and Kontos. How many of these guys will actually be with the Yankees in 2012? All nine? Three? None? Anyone want to guess?
You never know. How many people thought, in the summer of 2006, that Tyler Clippard would be gone from the Yankees before the 2008 season?
Posted by WW Staff at 10:22 AM | Comments (7)
Donnie Baseball's Wife Arrested
From the Evansville Courier Press, with a hat tip to BaseballThinkFactory.org:
Kim Mattingly, the wife of Los Angeles Dodgers's assistant coach Don Mattingly, was arrested over the weekend and charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct after she allegedly refused to leave her husband's property.
The couple filed for divorce in November, and Don Mattingly announced last month that he would be moved from hitting coach to major league special assignment coach for the 2008 season because of family reasons.
According to a Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Department probable cause affidavit, Kim Mattingly's arrest came after Vanderburgh County sheriff's deputies were called to the Mattingly home on Darmstadt Road on Saturday for a report of a family dispute "involving a person who refused to leave."
When deputies arrived, Kim Mattingly, 45, allegedly said her husband had taken her phone and she wanted it back.
Don Mattingly told deputies he did not have the phone, so deputies informed her that he did not have the phone and that she needed to go through her lawyer for future dealings with him. She also was told to stay away from the property.
Hours later, deputies were called back to the home and found Kim Mattingly trying to leave. She was reportedly a passenger in a car. The officer said he told the driver to stop the car and ordered Kim Mattingly to get out.
She allegedly was unsteady on her feet, smelled of alcohol and "had an abusive attitude," according to Howard.
This story ties back to the rumors heard by WasWatching.com back in 1996. Kim Mattingly's mugshot:
Not the greatest moment for any family, I'm sure. Here's hoping that Mrs. Mattingly and the Mattingly family are able to work this all out in a manner that's best for them all.
Posted by WW Staff at 09:33 AM | Comments (4)
YankeeBlography
There's a brand new Yankees blog on the scene: YankeeBlography
If you stop by, tell them that WasWatching.com sent ya!
Posted by WW Staff at 09:26 AM | Comments (0)
February 03, 2008
New England Patriots: 18 And [Didn't] One
Dave Roberts, meet David Tyree.
Some game, huh?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:03 PM | Comments (5)
How Long To Wait On Hughes, Chamberlain & Kennedy?
How long does it take for a stud pitcher to come out of his prospect shell? For the fun of it, I decided to look at some recent examples to see if there's a pattern. Using the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia, I ran a list of the top 20 seasons for RH-SP in baseball since 1996. I'm only using RH-pitchers because lefties reportedly take longer to develop. Here's the list:
1996-2007
RIGHT HANDED PITCHERS
GAMES STARTED >= 20
INNINGS PITCHED displayed only--not a sorting criteria
RSAA YEAR RSAA GS IP 1 Pedro Martinez 2000 77 29 217 2 Pedro Martinez 1999 71 29 213.1 3 Roger Clemens 1997 69 34 264 4 Pedro Martinez 1997 65 31 241.1 5 Greg Maddux 1998 55 34 251 6 Pat Hentgen 1996 54 35 265.2 T7 Pedro Martinez 2003 53 29 186.2 T7 Kevin Brown 1996 53 32 233 T7 Roger Clemens 2005 53 32 211.1 T10 Greg Maddux 1997 51 33 232.2 T10 Roger Clemens 1998 51 33 234.2 12 Livan Hernandez 2003 50 33 233.1 T13 Javier Vazquez 2003 48 34 230.2 T13 Pedro Martinez 1998 48 33 233.2 T15 Ken Hill 1996 47 35 250.2 T15 Curt Schilling 2001 47 35 256.2 T15 Pedro Martinez 2002 47 30 199.1 18 Roger Clemens 1996 46 34 242.2 T19 Brandon Webb 2006 45 33 235 T19 Greg Maddux 2000 45 35 249.1 T19 Tim Hudson 2002 45 34 238.1 T19 Ben Sheets 2004 45 34 237 T19 Greg Maddux 1996 45 35 245 T19 Roy Halladay 2003 45 36 266
Next, let's look at each pitcher on this list to see when he started to show, on the big league level, that he was a star:
Pedro Martinez: Slippery Pete was pretty much effective to above-average in the majors from day one.
Roger Clemens: The Rocket was the same as Pedro Martinez.
Greg Maddux: Mad Dog was terrible in his first full season. He needed about 180 major league IP before he put it all together.
Pat Hentgen: Pretty bad in a somewhat long cup-of-coffee as a 23-year old. The next season, at age 24, he was an effective pitcher.
Kevin Brown: Same as Pedro and Rocket.
Livan Hernandez: You almost have to throw him out of this study. That 2003 season was such a fluke for him. When you take that away from his career line, he's not a good pitcher.
Javier Vazquez: Somewhat like Hernandez (above). Take away that 2003 season and his career line reads "Average career, at best." (Side note: Between Livan and Javy, in 2003, what were the Expos feeding their starting pitchers that season?)
Ken Hill: An interesting case. He was about league average out of the chute. Then, had a set-back in his second full season. But, by age 25 he was on his way to being a good pitcher.
Curt Schilling: Same deal was Ken Hill - in that, by the time he was age 25 he was on his way to being a good pitcher.
Brandon Webb: A star right out of the gate at age 24 - and he hasn't looked back.
Tim Hudson: Pretty much the same as Webb - although Hudson started at 23 in the majors.
Ben Sheets: He was about league average for his first three seasons - before taking it to the next level. But, still, by age 25, he was a star.
Roy Halladay: Doc was somewhat like Ken Hill. He was about league average out of the blocks. Then, had a set-back in his second full season. But, by age 24 he was on his way to being a good pitcher.
Anyone else seeing a trend here? When you kick out Javier Vazquez and Livan Hernandez - because they were 2003 Expos flukes - there is a pattern here. These pitchers that went on to have "stud" seasons were all pretty much good pitchers in the majors either right-away or by their second season in the majors. And, by age 25, or younger, they were all on their way to being solid major league starters.
The Yankees Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain will be 22-years old this season. And, Ian Kennedy will be 23-years old.
This study suggests, to me, that, come 2010, the second season of the new Yankee Stadium, if Hughes, Chamberlain and Kennedy are not effective major league pitchers, there's a good chance that they may never be star pitchers in the bigs.
So, we, as Yankees fans, should give "the kids" a couple of years to see where they're going - but, not much longer than that.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:58 AM | Comments (9)
Raissman: YES Make Hughes Look Like A Fool?
From Bob Raissman:
Yankees Entertainment & Sports Network suits have already cast aspersions on George Mitchell's report on steroids in baseball.
After watching YES' "Hot Stove" feature on Phil Hughes, it appears, according to YES, certain allegations made about Roger Clemens don't really exist. They are imaginary - just like the Tooth Fairy.
Much of the Hughes piece shows the pitcher going through his daily offseason workout regimen (lifting weights, etc.) at the Yankees' Tampa facility.
At one point in the story, Hughes says: "God-given ability can only get you so far, then it's up to you to maximize that. Even if I can just take a little bit of what Roger did for us last year, (to) see the way he works out ... see the way he goes about his business, it kind of gives you an idea of what you need to do to stay in this game as long as he did."
It seems the "idea" of what Clemens needed to do "to stay in this game as long as he did" is contained in Mitchell's report. Or, at least, allegations of what Clemens did. In the report, Clemens' former trainer, Brian McNamee, alleges that the seven-time Cy Young Award winner had been juicing since 1998.
If the Hughes feature was shot before the Mitchell Report came out, it would have been a good idea for YES - perhaps through "Hot Stove" host Bob Lorenz - to mention that fact. And if the Hughes interview was shot after the report was released, well, YES made the young pitcher look like a fool.
Someone should have edited the Clemens line out of the story. Unless, of course, it was left in on purpose to further discredit Mitchell's report.
Probably not the best choice of words for Phil. But, he's a kid. You have to cut him some slack there. Still, I agree, YES should have used some better judgment and some editing on that one.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:40 AM | Comments (3)
Super Bowl XLII
I still feel the same way about this match-up as I did a month ago.
I may even break out my official, on the field, Ottis Anderson jersey today. Sure, it's 17 years old now. (How did that happen?) But, it's practically pristine.
Let's, go, Giants!
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:03 AM | Comments (0)
February 02, 2008
Sabathia In 'Stripes? Fat Chance, I Hope
From Terry Pluto -
I never expected C.C. Sabathia to sign an extension with the Tribe. The market for the 27-year-old Cy Young Award winner is far too rich not only for Cleveland, but most teams. The Indians have talked about contracts recently given to Roy Halladay (three years, $40 million), Jake Peavy (three years, $52 million), Carlos Zambrano (five years, $91 million) and Chris Carpenter (five years, $63 million). They'd probably give any of those deals to Sabathia, or even the four-year, $80 million that Johan Santana turned down from the Twins before he was traded to the Mets.
But the market for Sabathia will be set by two contracts -- the seven-year, $126 million that Barry Zito received from San Francisco last winter and the six-year, $137.5 million deal Santana secured from the Mets. That means Sabathia will be a $100-plus million pitcher, and perhaps in line to become the highest-paid pitcher in history when he's a free agent at the end of the 2008 season with a contract that could run as long as seven years.
The general rule is the longer the contract, the more risk by the team. That's especially true for pitchers, who have a higher probability of injury. I would be stunned if the Tribe offered a seven-year deal to Sabathia -- and just as shocked if Sabathia took anything significantly less than what Santana is paid.
When you consider how much money is coming off the Yankees payroll after this season, and how few decent starting pitchers are available via trade or free agency, and the salary demands of Sabathia, how long from now do you think it will take to have stories popping up about Sabathia coming to the Bronx in 2009? Not very long at all, if you ask me.
Sabathia's effort last year was probably the 4th best season by a LH-SP in the AL since 2001. But, I just don't see him, because of his size and conditioning, as being someone who can pitch well as he gets near his 30's. If he hits the market, I hope the Yankees raise the "Not Interested" flag as soon as possible.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:47 PM | Comments (2)
Memo To Yanks Fans By The River: Snap Out Of It!
Here's a scouting report on a 23-year old pitcher:
...His stuff is exceptional: blazing fastball, inhuman slider, outstanding command of the strike zone. Tough, hard-nosed, intelligent. Healthy. If you can find a hole in his statistical record, please drop me a line. He has great control, he gets lots of strikeouts, he doesn't give up many hits. His strikeout-to-walk ratio was the best in [Double-A] last year, 195 percent above league average, and it didn't deteriorate very much when he moved up a level. Think about command and control of that magnitude, combined with his stuff. Everything in his record indicates that [he] will be a star...
Joba Chamberlain? Nope, it's from the STATS Inc. 1996 Minor League Scouting Notebook. It's a report on Paul Wilson (then of the Mets).
Here's a scouting report on a 22-year old pitcher:
...[He] is probably the best pitching prospect in baseball, and will earn a rotation spot [this season with his big league team]. [He] has everything you look for in a young pitcher: velocity, control, intelligence, a record of success. He was bothered by bicep tendonitis in spring training but when he took the mound at [Triple-A], he was outstanding. He was named the Best Prospect in the International League by Baseball America. [He] has a 94-MPH fastball, a very good slider, a good curve and a pretty good changeup. He throws them all for strikes, and there were no dents in his numbers; his K/BB in particular was wonderful at +125 percent...
Phil Hughes? Nope, it's from the STATS Inc. 1998 Minor League Scouting Notebook. It's a report on Carl Pavano (then of the Expos).
Here's a scouting report on a 21-year old pitcher:
...He has the complete package: 90-MPH fastball, curve, slider, changeup, command, control, intelligence, and good mechanics. His stats at [Double-A] were great: K/BB +108 percent, K/IP +53 percent, H/IP +23 percent, all near the top of the scale for [Double-A] pitchers. He was named the league's No. 2 prospect by Baseball America and was rated the best pitching prospect and the pitcher with the best control in BA's midseason survey of managers. He also has a good move to first base...
Ian Kennedy? Nope, it's from the STATS Inc. 1999 Minor League Scouting Notebook. It's a report on Bruce Chen (then of the Braves).
Where am I going with this? Just some food for thought.
A pitching prospect can have a great pedigree - and can be dominant in the minors - and appear to be ready to contribute at the big league level, immediately, and for the long term. But, then, something happens. Maybe they get hurt? Maybe they just can't translate that minor league success to the major leagues on a consistent basis?
I can discount what Phil Hughes did in the minors during 2004 and 2007 because we're talking about just a handful of games in those seasons. But, without question, from 2005 to 2006, Hughes was the king of minor league pitchers. The numbers that he posted, and his age, scream out that he was dominant - as dominant as dominant can be on the mound. But, still, that was 43 games worth of pitching - half of them in A-ball.
Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy, in 2007, were like Hughes in 2005-2006. The numbers that they posted, and their age, scream out that they were dominant - gain, as dominant as dominant can be on the mound. But, 2007 was Chamberlain's first and only season in pro-ball - and that was only 112 innings pitched on the year. Kennedy did pitch in 2006 - but, that was only one game. Basically, he's like Joba - with 2007 being his first and only true season in pro-ball. And, last year, Kennedy threw 165 innings on the year.
Think about this for a minute. Based on 43 games in the low minors from Hughes, one season and 112 innings pitched from Chamberlain, and one season and 165 innings from Kennedy, many Yankees fans are willing to take the "dominance" from those minor league experiences and label these pitchers as being major league stars in the very near future.
By doing so, are they making the same mistake that some once made with Paul Wilson, Carl Pavano and Bruce Chen?
Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying that Chamberlain, Hughes and Kennedy are the next Wilson, Pavano and Chen. And, if they do turn out to be the next Wilson, Pavano and Chen, it would be a nightmare for me - as I am a Yankees fan. But, still, I think we, as Yankees fans, have to realize that it is possible that one, two, or maybe all three of these prized prospects of ours just may end up injured and/or not able to repeat their brief minor league "dominance" at the major league level for a prolonged period of time.
At one time, Paul Wilson, Carl Pavano and Bruce Chen, based on their great pedigree and dominant numbers in the minors, appeared to be ready to contribute at the big league level, immediately, and for the long term. It didn't happen. At that time, very few expected that it would not happen for them. How could anyone, then, have expected it? There were no clues. They were as close to "can't miss" as you can get - in terms of young pitching prospects. But, they missed.
Hey, it's great to believe in young arms. Heck, it's great to believe in anything. But, at the same time, one should always try and learn from the past - even those situations which seemed like they were impossible probabilities. Anything is possible.
And, any Yankees fan who doesn't realize that anything is possible, good, great, bad or terrible, when it comes to the big league careers of Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, and Ian Kennedy is living on that famous river in Eygpt, Denial.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:14 PM | Comments (15)
I Better Remember That The Day Pitchers & Catchers Report Is Also Valentine's Day
The following is a true story...
Today, being Saturday, is errand day for our family. And, this afternoon, while we were out and about, in our hometown, at one point, we found ourselves at a red light, behind another car. Our kids were in the back seat, as usual. And, today, my wife was driving as I sat in the front passenger seat.
While we were at the aforementioned red light, my wife and I had this conversation:
Wife: Is the sun in your eyes? Why don't you put on your sunglasses?
Me: No, it's not the sun. I'm looking at this idiot in the car in front of us - with their "Boston Red Sox, 2007 World Champions" magnet on the back of their car.
Wife: I knew it! I could tell by that aggravated look on your face that you were looking at that magnet.
Me: [Laugh out loud]
Wife: You need to relax. It's just a baseball team, you know?
Me: [Still laughing] No, it's a way of life!
Wife: Yes, that's something that I have painfully learned through the years.
Bless my bride. All these years, she's had to put up with this stuff. Am I the only Yankees fan out that that drives their spouse/loved one crazy with this stuff?
I better start mixing in some "Cupid" with my "Stupid."
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 06:13 PM | Comments (2)
Torre Only Makes Out-Bound Calls?
Via the TC Palm:
New York Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon and his wife, Michelle, made a Hollywood-esque entry into the main lobby at the Tesoro Club Friday night to help Scott Proctor, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher and Martin County native collect about $200,000 in proceeds to benefit his family's charity.
The M.E.'s Team Charity Benefit Ball drew a capacity crowd of 260 to the $500-a-plate gourmet dinner and Ryan Weaver country music concert. It was Proctor's first benefit. Helping attract the large numbers were Major League players Damon, Yankees pitcher Kyle Farnsworth and Marlins pitcher Andrew Miller.
Damon and Farnsworth said their friendship with Proctor helped draw them to the event. Dodgers manager Joe Torre, who previously committed to the event, backed out Thursday.
Wow. Every time Torre called Proctor, he showed up.
Yes, I'm just kidding with this. I'm sure Joe had other important things to do.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:16 AM | Comments (2)
Sure, Now, You Play It Cool Adam
Adam Sandler is predicting that the Patriots will beat the Giants tomorrow. I wish he was this laid back in his New York fandom a few years back too. Maybe then we wouldn't have the 50 First Dates Curse to deal with?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:09 AM | Comments (0)
George Steinbrenner Stadium?
Relax. We're talking about Legends Field here. Via the Tampa Tribune -
George Steinbrenner Stadium.
A county commissioner and a city councilman think there's a nice ring to it and are pushing to rename Legends Field after "The Boss."
Commissioner Rose Ferlita and Councilman Charlie Miranda plan to ask their colleagues next week to pass resolutions supporting the name change of the stadium on Dale Mabry Highway. The Yankees hold spring training at Legends Field.
"I want to do it as quickly as possible so maybe it would be in concert with their first game," Ferlita said.
Their support, however, will be purely symbolic. Only the Yankees have the authority to change the name of the stadium.
Phil McNiff, an executive vice president with the team, said the Yankees support the move.
"The county commission and the city council know how much George did, and they want to honor him just like we do," McNiff said. "That both are behind this makes me feel good."
Steinbrenner is known for his generosity to Tampa, donating money to the Academy of the Holy Names for an aquatic center, to Little League teams needing new equipment and to numerous other causes. Last year, the school district named a new high school scheduled to open in Lutz after the Yankees' team owner.
"What greater legend is there than George Steinbrenner and the Yankees organization?" Miranda said.
Only the Yankees have the authority to change the name of the stadium...
And, there's the rub. I can't see George going for it. Ferlita and Miranda have a better chance of getting the Yankees to rename Hank & Hal Steinbrenner as Penn & Teller Steinbrenner.
And, that one makes sense too - Hal is about as noisy as Teller and Hank is a bit of a raconteur.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:59 AM | Comments (0)
Happy Groundhog's Day
Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. Staten Island Chuck and Malverne Mel did not see theirs. I'm going with the local New Yorkers, Chuck and Mel, and banking on that early Spring.
In the interim, here's some great Yankees Groundhogs of the mound:
Mel Stottlemyre
Tommy John
Chien-Ming Wang
Fritz Peterson
Jim McDonald
I wonder if any of these dudes saw their shadow this morning?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:42 AM | Comments (0)
$antana $igns With Met$
From the Daily News -
Johan Santana and the Mets agreed Friday evening on the terms of a record-breaking $150 million, seven-year contract arrangement. It clears the biggest hurdle in the team's acquisition of the two-time Cy Young Award winner.
In return for the extension, Santana will waive the no-trade clause in his contract and allow the four-for-one deal between the Mets and Twins to go through.
The deal bumps this season's salary to approximately $20 million and adds six guaranteed years at $22-23 million.
Let's be honest. Over the last four seasons, Johan Santana and Brandon Webb have been the best two starting pitchers in baseball. Both are 28-years old. After those two, in terms of young starters, you have guys like Carlos Zambrano and Roy Oswalt. But, they're not in the Santana class.
Someone with the pitching talent, and current age, of Johan Santana is extremely rare in baseball today. But, seven years at an average annual value of $21.5 million? That's just insane - for a pitcher.
Around the year 2012, Mets fans are going to hate this contract. They'll be looking at Santana in the years 2012, 2013 and 2014 the way that Yankees fans have been looking at Jason Giambi last season and this year.
Santana better win alotta games over the next four years, and lead the Mets to at least one ring in that time, to offset the back end of this contract.
Personally, there was a side of me that wanted to see the Yankees get Santana. And, I still feel they're short an "ace" this season. But, if it was going to take seven years at an average annual value of $21.5 million, well, for a pitcher - even one in the rare class of Johan - I would have to say "pass."
Even for teams like the Yankees and the Mets, who are printing their own money these days, a deal like this one for Santana is living for today and not caring about tomorrow.
Then again, in baseball, they do always say "Play for today. Don't worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow, it could rain." So, maybe that's what the Mets and Omar Minaya are thinking here?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:16 AM | Comments (4)
February 01, 2008
13 Hours Later, FiOS-nally!
Since it's now in my area, I finally made the move to bundle my phone/TV/internet with FiOS.
What a day. When I placed the order, they warned me on the phone that it would be a four to six hour install procedure. But, when the tech arrived this morning, the first thing he said to me was "I know they tell you on the phone that it's four to six hours; but, I'm telling you now, this is going to take at least nine hours."
Oh, boy.
If only he was right.
In the end, it took thirteen hours and fifteen minutes for the install. Yes, it started at 10:30 AM and ended at 11:45 PM.
Man, this is crazy. First there was a problem with the box. Then, there was a problem with the line to the house. Then, we had phone and internet but no TV. Then, we had TV, but, no phone or internet. Needless to say, not a smooth operation.
Somewhere in hour twelve, I said to the installer "If you're here any longer, I think you and I will be picking out china patterns in the morning."
Anywho, it's over now. I've already memorized the new channel number for the YES Network. There's no looking back now.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:55 PM | Comments (14)
Maybe He Should Have Said "Handle It Tino!" Before Every Throw?
Here's Chuck Knoblauch, with his son Jake, as walks out of his deposition hearing today before the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee:
I know he's been retired for 5 years, and he's 38-years old now, but, I don't remember Chucky looking so beefy. Probably serves him well - I doubt many people on the street would even know who he is with this look.
If they ever do a remake of "Carter Country," maybe Knoblauch can now go up for the part of the Mayor Teddy Burnside?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:44 PM | Comments (8)
The A.L. East $7 Million Drafts Of 2007
From Jim Callis feature in Baseball America, last August:
The Yankees aggressively signed players in [the 2006] draft, and did so again [in 2007], spending $7,432,500 in the first 10 rounds. But the Orioles ($7,672,500) and Nationals ($7,619,300) outspent them there, and the Tigers ($7,305,000), Devil Rays ($7,172,000) and Giants ($7,027,000) came close. No club topped $7 million a year ago.
It's interesting that the Yankees, O's and Rays all spent $7 million during the first 10 rounds of the 2007 draft - as they're all in the A.L. East.
But, it will be more interesting to see, in about 3 to 5 years from now, which of the three spent their money the most wisely.
Here are the Yankees' pick-ups in the first ten rounds of 2007:
Andrew Brackman
Austin Romine
Ryan Pope
Bradley Suttle
Adam Olbrychowski
Chase Weems
Damon Sublett
Taylor Grote
Austin Krum
Carmen Angelini
And, here are the Orioles' pick-ups:
Matt Wieters
Tim Bascom
Jake Arrieta
Joe Mahoney
Matt Angle
Shane Mathews
Malcolm Crowley
Note the list is smaller because the O's lost some picks and did not sign their 10th rounder.
And, lastly, here are the Rays' pick-ups:
David Price
Will Kline
Nick Barnese
David Newmann
Dustin Biell
Emeel Salem
Reid Fronk
Matt Moore
Cody Cipriano
Greg Sexton
Anyone want to make some predictions on who is going to get the most for their seven mill?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:43 AM | Comments (6)
"Car"-ma For Giambi?
Via the CBS Stations Group of Texas:
Celebrities, star athletes and wealthy business people all paid a North Texas company big money for a one-of-a-kind collectible. But police say they got scammed.
In a story you will only see on cbs11tv.com, we reveal the high profile victims and the amazing twist that has the Texas Governor and federal investigators paying very close attention.
A company called Unique Performance in Farmers Branch built vintage muscle cars. But now that company is in bankruptcy, leaving high profile clients out more than $39-million.
Unique Performance's unique way of building those fancy Mustangs has been a secret until now.
The nearly 200 victims of Unique Performance came from all over the globe. Professional athletes like Jason Giambi of the New York Yankees, the managing partner of the Boston Celtics and a royal family member from Bahrain are all victims. There's even a former Secret Service agent.
In November, detectives confiscated 61 cars from Unique Performance after finding the vehicle identification numbers on all of the cars had been removed or scraped off.
Here's where the story takes a huge turn.
The investigation led detectives to the Texas Prison System.
Unique Performance used inmates to build the cars. At least 17 felons convicted of crimes such as aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and murder worked on the cars.
Investigators say the inmates illegally removed the VINs from the Unique Performance cars.
"We're looking at who gave the orders to remove those VIN numbers," said Harris.
But detectives day that's not all. The inmates who did the body work altered something else -- the body of the cars.
"I think the customer out here, one thing that they don't realize, a large majority of these cars, each car had 13 gallons of Bondo," said Harris.
Bondo is the brand name for an adhesive putty commonly used to repair auto bodies before they're painted.
"You would never Bondo a car of this value, so that would be deceitful. That would be fraud," said Bartee.
I wonder if Jason was upset that the "muscle" car which he thought he was buying turned out to be nothing but a "bondo" built up fraud?
Better driving through chemistry, Giambino? How does it feel?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:37 AM | Comments (2)