Comapring Pettite vs Zito post-All Star break

by John Amato on Dec 18, 2006 9:38 PM EST in New York Yankees News

Andy Pettite had a tremendous second half last year even if it was against the weak NL:

After the All-Star break in 2006, Pettitte was among the best starters in the National League, throwing 93.1 innings, giving up 88 hits and nine homers, walking 27 against 86 strikeouts, and posting a 2.80 ERA.

Now let's look at Barry Zito's second half:

He threw 95 innings, giving up 106 hits and 15 homers, walking 42 against 59 strikeouts, and posting a 4.55 ERA.

If Andy comes back and throws with the same consistency he did in the second half of last season, he's going to be an excellent number three behind Wang and Mussina.

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I agree

But whats the deal with the Melk Man for Mike Gonzalez trade? I couldnt find anything on it today. Anyone have an update?

by Yanks22 on Dec 18, 2006 10:22 PM EST reply actions

Nothing new

... which is what I want to hear.

After reading about the pitcher, he doesn't seem that special. The high walk rate is alarming. Do we want a left-handed Farnsworth?

I think the Melk Man will be more useful than your typical fourth outfielder. Everyone knows that our outfield is old. We don't merely need a back up, we need someone to play every once in awhile to keep the veterans fresh for the postseason. I could see Melky starting between 30-45 games with a healthy Damon, Matsui, and Abreu. In that sense, Melky is more like a 3 and half outfielder.

by Lou Reed Is My Hero on Dec 19, 2006 12:40 AM EST reply actions

old outfield?

"Everyone knows that our outfield is old."

Abreu and Matsui are both 32 yrs old and Damon is 33. They may be too old for high school, but they aren't too old to be one of the most productive outfields in the league.

It's worth noting that Jeter is also 32 and I don't think I've ever heard anyone call him old.

by anaconda on Dec 19, 2006 3:56 AM EST up reply actions

It is not

a young outfield. There is a chance again that they could all break down. I think his point was the 4th outfielder will still be getting alot of time. Lets just hope it is anyone besides Bernie.

Great Success!

by ReLaunch on Dec 19, 2006 6:46 AM EST up reply actions

they aren't spring chickens either,

Torre likes to rest teh older outfielders if they are playing on turf... ect I don't know if matsui will want to play every day again or he will become a human being that occasionally needs a day off.

Losers always whine about their best. Winners go home and f*** the prom queen.

by Edwantsacracker on Dec 19, 2006 7:47 PM EST up reply actions

True

Nevertheless, the Yanks need a solid extra option in the outfield to prevent wear-&-tear and as an insurance policy from the dreaded injury bug.

If it is not to obvious, I am one of those blind Melky fans that will disregard rational objectivity and overdramatize his contributions simply because I like him.

by Lou Reed Is My Hero on Dec 19, 2006 3:01 PM EST up reply actions

Keep the Melk

I looked up Gonzalez, and while it appears no one get hit him, he does put guys on. I'd also be abit wary of a guy who is being shopped by Pittsburgh of all places.

I think I'd pull back on this one. We've got Britton, Bruney, Farnsworth--each of these guys touch 98+. I think I'd rather have a 22 year-old 4th outfielder. Imagine where we would have been without Melky following Matsui, Sheffield and Damon's injuries. That alone is enough of an endorsement to keep him.

by Ronster22 on Dec 19, 2006 9:05 AM EST reply actions

He is being shopped

Because he is about to get expensive, not because they want to get rid of him.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Dec 19, 2006 9:43 AM EST up reply actions

And because the Pirates suck

They don't need him to close games; they need other pieces of the puzzle first. Plus, Soloman Torres did a handy job of saving games in Gonzalez's absence.

Off the Facade
You say "sell-out," I say "opportunist."

by PinstripePowerhouse on Dec 19, 2006 10:28 AM EST up reply actions