For Yanks SAKE....Next Moves A Must

by RollingThunder on May 30, 2007 1:47 AM EDT Comment 70 comments

The Yankees can overcome this now 14 1/2 game deficit and overtake the redsox like in the 78 season......NOTTTT!! First off the 78 team knew what winning a championship was all about. This team is so poorly constructed in every facit that makes a team a championship caliber team. This team is old(including reoccuring injured Players), uninspiring, lacks chemistry and talent. The Rotation as is can almost get by. Petitte is a winner. Wang can get it done to. Hughs looks like a bright young star. Messina is past his prime and just a plain little girly man. Rocket is a stupid signing unless he can hit and be used in relief. Next the bullpen....Crap. Mo is still the man. I like Bruney and Proctor. The rest u can toss in the trash, especially Myers, Visciano, and our great setup man Farnesworth. We need a good setup man who can be counted on to close and really a closer for the future.

Now the real problem...The lineup.These are mostly offseason moves..old,injured, and unispiring. Damon is a great bat when he is healthy but he is old for his years, injured constantly, and has a girly arm which makes him a detriment to our defense. Need a new center fielder and right fielder. Yes good bye Bobby. I target both of these fielders because they both can run and have big gun arms...Torre Hunter and Ichiro Suzuki. I'd settle for one but I think this team needs both. But if I had a choice give me Itchy. Split time between DH and Left Field Damon and Matsui. Neither have an arm. Trade Arod this season to the angels for Figgins and a starting pithcher such as Escobar, or a couple good relievers, or a cather or a combination of each. He makes this team a loser and I am sick of his unclutch performances. I don't care how many HRs he hits when it don't matter. Bye Bye. Don't let the door hit u on the way out. Giambi was a good Yank but due to steroids and whatever else he takes his body is broken down. Get him off this team with the other lousy 1st basemens we have. I bring back Phillips to be someone's cady. I don't know who to put here but it has to be a big hitter who can play the position. Figgins can play 3rd for now. We may need a heavier hitting 3rd baseman next year but he works for now. Helton has a rediculous contract I wouldn't touch him with a 10 foot pole.

Anyway any suggestions for our 1st and 3rd basemans of the future? Perhaps someone from the farm

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Comments

I agree. Let's trade everyone who

has an overpriced multiyear deal with a no-trade clause for someone better. That was easy. Now let's fix those Knicks.

Everything looks nicer when you win. The girls are prettier. The cigars taste better. The trees are greener. --Billy Martin

by garp on May 30, 2007 2:13 AM EDT reply actions

Some advice....

Please don't take this the wrong way, but it's a really good idea to use spell check when posting a diary. A lot of misspellings and typos tend to de-legitimize your message.

I use it myself quite often when writing threads and my guess is that a lot of other bloggers do the same. Names can be a little more difficult, so it's a good idea to make sure they are spelled correctly -- especially Yankees.

by anaconda on May 30, 2007 2:33 AM EDT reply actions

As far as your post is concerned...

I couldn't disagree more with most of what you said.

This isn't fantasy baseball.

You also can't completely overhaul a team the way you described because you haven't accounted for the no-trade clause that these players have in their contracts (A-Rod, Giambi, Damon, Mussina, Matsui...etc).

Not to mention that your team after you traded A-Rod and Giambi has no power in the lineup.

Please re-think your strategy.

by anaconda on May 30, 2007 2:52 AM EDT reply actions

there

couldn't be a worse pick-up for the yankees than torii hunter. He is a career .324 OBP whose biggest asset is his speed in the outfield, which will steadily decline as he reaches mid to upper 30s. He is already 31 (32 shortly) and would be signed for probably atleast 5 years and for huge money because of his monster year this year (so far). Just imagine 5 years from now, Hunter havin a bum hamstring so he can't run in the outfield. In 5 years he would also be hitting 265 and swinging and missing at everything. He is an undisciplined batter whose value will decrease quickly with his age.

as for Ichiro, he would be great, but again, by the end of his contract he will be in decline.

If you complain about age, it is best not to sign people already comfortably in their 30s

"It's great to be young and a Yankee"

by stillmonster on May 30, 2007 2:59 AM EDT reply actions

This post

again shows the unrealistic views of most yankee fans.

Pride, Power, Tailgating

by ReLaunch on May 30, 2007 6:46 AM EDT reply actions

Don't lump me ...

in with "most" Yankees' fans. This post is bs. There were no realistic suggestions, and the ones that were made supported trading age for age. I will agree that the team was poorly constructed (blame Cashman--he's got the control for right now). The 2007 edition of the Yankees, I fear, are going to take it on the chin.

Any moves that are made between now and the start of 2008 should be made not with the intent on winning the division or going to the series, but with an eye on 2008 and beyond. I'm fine with the Clemens move because I think ultimately he will imprint on the young arms that we have--especially Clippard and Hughes.

As for the bullpen, lineup woes?

I think it's going to be a long, long season.

"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will

by Ronster22 on May 30, 2007 8:16 AM EDT reply actions

Something we keep forgetting about

is that the complete misuse and overuse of the bullpen so early in the season has yet to rear its ugly head. Once Bruney and/or Proctor hit the wall, things could actually get worse. Scary.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on May 30, 2007 8:33 AM EDT up reply actions

OMG!!!

That's a train wreck of monumental proportions for certain. I was talking about that with my wife last night. Despite the obvious issues (and there were many) Torre doesn't have the ability to effectively manage a rotation and bullpen. It's simply not in his DNA.

When the pen really melts down (I'm guessing mid July), it's going to make what we are going through now look like a spring shower.

"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will

by Ronster22 on May 30, 2007 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions

You know

I can understand a dump everyone old and replace them with someone else who is old and less talented as a knee-jerk reaction.
What I cannot stomach is the assertion that the '78 team somehow "knew how to win."
RollingThunder, since winning the season adds up to winning a baseball game multiple times, which men on the roster do you think don't know how to win?
I can't wait for your reply.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on May 30, 2007 9:25 AM EDT reply actions

Ok Past and Present

Ok. Let me expand on some things then answer your question. Jeter, Posada, Mo, Damon, all are great players. I think Damon if healthy is very effective but has no arm and his nagging injuries make him less effective. These are all players that have contributed in everyway to championships. Giambi is always hurt and has become ineffective. Now I may be confusing talent with just plain tough breaks. I thought Giambi was a very good Yank and if healthy would put him in any tough situation. Now I realized I have upset some fans with my perspective but that 78 team was a championship team with speed at the front end, power in the middle and great pitching. What I am trying to say is that team was built well and the present one isn't. Reggie Jackson was a clutch hitter in the middle of the lineup, AROD is not. He is not the only problem but one of the biggest if we have to count on him to get things done in big spots when the pressure is on. So I would say AROD is not a winner but is a stat builder. The team also has 3 first baseman and no bench. Bobby Abreu is not a winner either. His bat has fallen off and when was the last time u seen him charge a wall to make a catch. Never is the answer. Now those 2 guys are suppose to be are versions of Ortiz and Manny in the 3/4 spots respectively. Now there goes are lineup. Without that fear in the middle of the lineup u have no lineup to speak of.

by RollingThunder on May 30, 2007 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Chemistry and Clutch

I don't know which myth I hate more.

speed at the front end, power in the middle and great pitching
Ok, so I don't value speed all that much, but Damon and Jeter are both good basestealer; Arod, Posada, and Giambi will provide the necessary fireworks; Wang, Pettitte, Clemens, Hughes, Clippard, Rivera, Bruney, Farnsworth, and Myers. So this looks to me like a championship club if they could get the bats and the pitching in sync.

There is no such thing as clutch. There is no such thing as clutch. There is no such thing as clutch. <clicks heels>
What is the value of a single run? It gives you a score of 1 and moves you closer to winning the baseball game. 1=1. A homerun in the third inning (value of 1) is worth the same amount as a homer in the 8th inning (value of 1). A homer to make a 4-1 ball game a 4-2 ball game has the same value as a homer to make a 3-3 ball game a 3-4 ball game. Reggie Jackson hit some emotionally inspiring home runs. Arod has done the same (See: April 2007).

I agree that we have too many firstbasemen. I welcome any trade that corrects this problem. Ditto the bench, especially another outfielder so that a day off can be given to someone other than Johnny "I'm too manly to go on the DL" Damon.

I do not, however, think that adding a better backup catcher will reverse the bad luck we have run into that causes us to lose one run ball games. Please don't suggest that a change of chemistry will help the ball club. Chemistry is an imaginary ingredient invented by shitty sportswriters to hide the fact that they don't really know anything about baseball and to justify their access to the players.

Abreu ran into a wall to make a catch in Texas on May 9th. I was so surprised that I wrote it on my calendar. I agree he needs to get his confidence back so that he stops bailing out.

As I have pointed out elsewhere, Bobby Abreu has not batted 3rd since May 7th. He is not our 3-hole hitter. If you want to pick a fight with Hideki Matsui, be my guest. But I should also point out that generally speaking, a player's position in the lineup is largely irrelevant (specific instances, like batting 5 lefties in a row so that a LOOGY can strike them all out, excepted).

If opponents don't fear "are" lineup I can't do much about that. Jeter, Arod, Posada, Matsui, Damon, Giambi, Abreu, Cano all look as fearsome to me know as they did this winter. Fear is a chemistry-esque intangible. When we start hitting again the sportswriters will tell you that our opponents fear us again. It will still be bullshit.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on May 30, 2007 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Lol

Well said. But Abreu is supposed to be our 3 hitter but has failed miserable. Matsui is really meant to be a 5 or 6 place hitter and would not put him in the 3 or 4 unless we have no choice like at this point. More on batting position coming. I understand what u are saying about batting order but back to the red sox. Why don't they bat Ortiz 3rd and Manny 7th? Because u have to pitch to one of them which give the other major opportunities. Position in order = skill as a hitter. Power, average, "clutchness". LOl. Both of those hitters have all the talent u need as hitters. What I am tring to say is we don't have 2 hitters that have all those attributes that can be in the 3/4 spots. Because the rest of the lineup is underperforming those spots are magnified.

by RollingThunder on May 30, 2007 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Season

No one loves the Yankees more than I, but face it, we now have one horrific CURSE!

We were winning consistently up through Oct 2000. We haven't won since. Why? Because in Nov. 2000 Hillary Clinton was elected carpet bagger Senator.

We have the best records, the best players, the best manager, and yet we cannot win.

What is the worst scenario for the Yankees? The Yanks loose and Boston wins. What is happening now?

Nothing we do on the field is going to change this. Just as Boston had the "Curse of the Great Bambino", the Yankees have the "Curse of the Great White PIG"!!!

John A. Blust

by rmcblust on May 30, 2007 10:07 AM EDT reply actions

I was applying

the Pfisty-StrappedYankee approach, but since you openned the door...
I nominate this to replace "Bernie for MVP."
A curse is the only thing more ridiculous than chemistry or clutch.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on May 31, 2007 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Let's see who doesn't know how to win...

Going off the 25 man roster, a list of everyone that has won atleast one World Series:

Pettitte, MO, Vizcaino, Myers, Jorge, Cairo, Jeter, Mientkiewicz, Damon, and don't forget Rocket.

So that's 10 on our current roster that have atleast one ring to proove that they "don't know how to win".

Also, don't forget that almost every other player that hasn't won (excluding the rookies) has had playoff experience almost every year of their career: Proctor, Wang, Cano, Cabrera, Matsui, Giambi, and Alex.

So clearly, RollingThunder, you have no clue what you are talking about.

by danbrady143 on May 30, 2007 10:37 AM EDT reply actions

You are right!!!

Did u read the whole post? That was one part of it. The chemistry thing did u get that part of it? I watch this team everyday so I have my perspective on every player that comes in. This team is not built to win buddy. But I guess u don't even know what are record is to substantiate this.

by RollingThunder on May 30, 2007 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Do I have to say it again?

Chemistry is a product of winning, not a cause for it. Teammates can hate each other, but as long as they're winning, no one gives a shit.

You make a glaring error in your statement that this team is not built to win. It certainly is built to win. Problem is, the players aren't executing. It's really as simple as that. We have a very well constructed lineup (minus Minky), and a decent starting rotation that's getting better. Yeah, the bullpen bombed on us, but even there it's only a few culprits (Farns, Viz, Henn, now Villone with that last stinker).

If they hit like they were capable, you wouldn't be saying "they're not built to win." But they're all slumping like crazy.

Finally, and this is what really negates your assertion, this is almost the exact same team as last year, a team that won the most games in the AL.

River Ave. Blues
Yanks and prospects

by PinstripePowerhouse on May 30, 2007 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

True

I can't refute that or last years incredible run to the post season. Whacking the sox in that 5 game series was memorable. But what is your take. I have put my thoughts on this board. Are 3/4 hitters are poor in my estimation and I think our manager is living in the chamionship years with his bull pen moves. So what do u think needs to be done?

by RollingThunder on May 30, 2007 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Dumping anyone

is premature at this point. This team has a run in it. It just needs a big win to build off. I think Helton and Fuentes wouldn't be a terrible move, if we could give them Abreu and a minor league prospect (see my signature as to who NOT to trade). Then, cut Mientkiewicz and sign Bernie to fill the OF void. Helton is 8th in the MLB in Runs Created. His power numbers may go up with the short porch in right and his OBP is un-freaking-believable. I think if he bats 3rd, Arod will heat back up. I think there is a correlation between Abreu's slump and Arod's cooling off, considering until very recently, we have not had consistency in the 3-hole.

Chien-Ming Wang+Phil Hughes+Tyler Clippard+Joba Chamberlain+Dellin Betances = the future

by marcbouch9 on May 30, 2007 12:49 PM EDT reply actions

You forgot Ian Kennedy

He's more the future than Clippard.

River Ave. Blues
Yanks and prospects

by PinstripePowerhouse on May 30, 2007 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions

What?

Yeah, I'm sure the Rockies would dump Helton for the Yanks bag of shit Abreu. And please, to keep any credibility on this site, please do not advocate bringing Bernie back in any capacity. Thanks.

Pride, Power, Tailgating

by ReLaunch on May 30, 2007 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Abreu

Is a free agent after this year. Helton is owed liked $60M after this season. So, the Rockies would get $60M off their books, a prospect, and a draft pick if Abreu was not re-signed by them. That's probably more than they would get from most teams.

I fail to see why Bernie Williams is not a viable option and is forbidden from mentioning. He's not an all-star, but is a serviceable bench player without question.

Chien-Ming Wang+Phil Hughes+Tyler Clippard+Joba Chamberlain+Dellin Betances = the future

by marcbouch9 on May 30, 2007 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Abreu has a no-trade clause

and would probably not waive it unless he could work out an extension in advance.

Everything looks nicer when you win. The girls are prettier. The cigars taste better. The trees are greener. --Billy Martin

by garp on May 30, 2007 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Good point

But, there is a club option for $16M for 2008. Perhaps increasing the buyout from $2M or exercising the option (and probably paying Colorado half of it) would entice him to waive it. He has to know he's not getting anything close to that as a free agent and would probably welcome a change of scenery given the fact he's now a 7th hitter.

Chien-Ming Wang+Phil Hughes+Tyler Clippard+Joba Chamberlain+Dellin Betances = the future

by marcbouch9 on May 30, 2007 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Throwing money on top of Abreu

and taking Helton's bloated contract? Can you say $300M payroll?

Everything looks nicer when you win. The girls are prettier. The cigars taste better. The trees are greener. --Billy Martin

by garp on May 30, 2007 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Obviously

with the Yankees, money has never been and never will be an issue. Helton is 8th in the majors in runs created (he as 39th last year, 11th in 2005 and 2nd in 2004) and a great defender to boot. While I can see that his HR totals have dropped, the SLG and OBP are still up there with the best in the game.

Chien-Ming Wang+Phil Hughes+Tyler Clippard+Joba Chamberlain+Dellin Betances = the future

by marcbouch9 on May 30, 2007 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Again, you are

only looking at this year. Your line under your screen name as "the future" in it. Getting a contract like this hurts the future.

Pride, Power, Tailgating

by ReLaunch on May 30, 2007 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions

I disagree

Helton has shown no signs of deteriorating. He is producing at a level that can only be considered elite and the chances of him not doing that would be for the next two years would be slim. I don't think there are any other options at first base that are better than him now or in the offseason. Teixeira has two more years of arbitration and the Rangers would easily want much more than we would be willing to give up for him. The only other notable name for potential free agents is Mike Sweeney. I would prefer Helton over him. Our farm system does not have any promising solutions either considering Eric Duncan is not doing well this year and Shelley Duncan may not crack the bigs until he's 30 (turns 28 in September).

I'll concede this: if we are cashing it in and rebuilding for 2009, it's a bad move. If we want to try and salvage this year or even win in 2008, it's a good one.

Chien-Ming Wang+Phil Hughes+Tyler Clippard+Joba Chamberlain+Dellin Betances = the future

by marcbouch9 on May 30, 2007 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions

No signs of

deteriorating? Have you seen his numbers the last 3 years compared to before? This guy is not the player he was, no where near. He maybe a nice player, but not someone that a team would add on 60million for.

Pride, Power, Tailgating

by ReLaunch on May 30, 2007 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions

I have seen them

I just posted them! He's was 2nd in runs created in 2004, 11th in 2005, 44th last year (while two of his teammates were in the top 20 - so maybe they pitched around him) and this year he is 8th. That means, at his worst since 2004, he was the 44th best player in baseball. If that is deteriorating, then I'd like to see your dictionary.

I agree that the contract is big, but with no mandated or self-imposed salary cap, why is that a problem?

Chien-Ming Wang+Phil Hughes+Tyler Clippard+Joba Chamberlain+Dellin Betances = the future

by marcbouch9 on May 30, 2007 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Sorry

He was 39th and not 44th. So, at worst, he was the 39th best player in baseball.

Chien-Ming Wang+Phil Hughes+Tyler Clippard+Joba Chamberlain+Dellin Betances = the future

by marcbouch9 on May 30, 2007 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions

you just said

he doesn't have a downward trend, but then the numbers you have posted since 04 illustrate he does. Except for this year (which is only 2 months and could change), he has been a player on the downside of his career. Bad move, bad contract.

Pride, Power, Tailgating

by ReLaunch on May 30, 2007 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions

OK

but deteriorating is a bit much. I mean if you're the 2nd most productive player in baseball (#1 was the greatest statistical season for any player in the history of baseball, Bonds 2004 - don't want to debate steroids, just mentioning it), it's hard to improve on that. I think he'll stay closer to Top 10 this year and next rather than 39th. I'll buy you a drink if I'm wrong and you can say "we shoulda got helton" if I'm right. Fair enough?

Chien-Ming Wang+Phil Hughes+Tyler Clippard+Joba Chamberlain+Dellin Betances = the future

by marcbouch9 on May 30, 2007 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Okay, I still

hope they don't trade for him.

Pride, Power, Tailgating

by ReLaunch on May 30, 2007 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions

I think adding Helton

would be a really really really bad move.

This team already has enough immovable contracts with players on the downside of their careers.

BTW, welcome aboard -- marcbouch9.

Come back and comment anytime.

by anaconda on May 30, 2007 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Eric Duncan

3-3 with two homers last night!!

I actually think he's putting it together down in Scranton. He hasn't struck out in his past five games, and only twice in his last 10. He's walking, and he's starting to hit for power.

He could be the Cano of this year.

Maybe I'm just being way too hopeful.

River Ave. Blues
Yanks and prospects

by PinstripePowerhouse on May 30, 2007 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions

They need to do

something

Pride, Power, Tailgating

by ReLaunch on May 30, 2007 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions

That's what I'm saying

If he's worse than MinkyPhelps, at least he won't really be burdening the team.

River Ave. Blues
Yanks and prospects

by PinstripePowerhouse on May 30, 2007 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions

You said it

Duncan+Britton>Minky+Phelps

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on May 30, 2007 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed

Britton should be up and pitching. If Duncan continues to play well, he should be given the 1B job to lose...either Duncan at this point!

Chien-Ming Wang+Phil Hughes+Tyler Clippard+Joba Chamberlain+Dellin Betances = the future

by marcbouch9 on May 30, 2007 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Duncan

Hey, maybe the slump was organizational! I hope Duncan breaks out. It would be nice to have a steady 1B. He had been a bit disappointing this year, but if he's starting to heat up, that may change.

If I have learned anything from SNL parodies of Jesse Jackson, it's that you have to keep hope alive and rat-tat-tat-tat!

Chien-Ming Wang+Phil Hughes+Tyler Clippard+Joba Chamberlain+Dellin Betances = the future

by marcbouch9 on May 30, 2007 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Again, you are

only looking at this year. Your line under your screen name has "the future" in it. Getting a contract like this hurts the future.

Pride, Power, Tailgating

by ReLaunch on May 30, 2007 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions

People are

complaining about the contracts the team has now, and you want to advocate adding 60 million more for a player like Helton (a shell of his former self)

Pride, Power, Tailgating

by ReLaunch on May 30, 2007 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Exactly....

Not to mention the author of this diary wants the Yanks to add both Ichiro and Hunter to their list of long-term contracts for players on the downside of their careers.

by anaconda on May 30, 2007 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Yup

I say bite the bullet for the next year and a half and wait for Miggy and/or Santana to become free agents. That will clear Giambi, Moose, Pettitte off the books and A-Rod's contract will sadly be gone too.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on May 30, 2007 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I said A-Rod will opt out in ST....

and I stand by that as much as ever.

People think this team sucks now -- wait until they are faced with replacing the eventual career Homerun King this off-season as well.

The Yanks then will have no choice but to overspend on another free-agent this winter to fill 3B because there is nothing on the farm to do the job.

by anaconda on May 30, 2007 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Life

will go on.

Pride, Power, Tailgating

by ReLaunch on May 30, 2007 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Of course it wil

we just can't bitch about looking way up at the Sox in the standings.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on May 30, 2007 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I do not disagree

with you that Arod is a good player. I believe though the Yanks have won before without him and can do so again. I don't believe anymore one player makes that much of a difference to a team. So if he wants to leave, let him. He will make himself look like an idiot though by repeating many times that he wants to stay in NY and win a championship in NY.

Pride, Power, Tailgating

by ReLaunch on May 30, 2007 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Fair Enough

Some have Clippard higher because of the change up, some have Kennedy. I could put him in over Betances, since he'll likely hit the ML roster first, but the ceiling on Betances can't be seen without some type of Hubbell telescope!

Chien-Ming Wang+Phil Hughes+Tyler Clippard+Joba Chamberlain+Dellin Betances = the future

by marcbouch9 on May 30, 2007 1:16 PM EDT reply actions

You got that right

Though Kennedy is no slouch with the change. His fastball also consistently cracks 90, which can't be said of Clip.

River Ave. Blues
Yanks and prospects

by PinstripePowerhouse on May 30, 2007 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions

It's refreshing

To be able to argue the quality of a change up for two potentially very good pitchers! I saw something where Clippard was rated "best change up" in our system, like he was some kind of hot dog chili or something, so I figured someone who knew more than me came up with that. But, the difference from fastball to change up on Kennedy's may be greater. Haven't seen enough of either to know. I like both of these kids and would agree that Kennedy may have a bit more stink of his fastball. In the Met game, Clippard's change was devastating.

Chien-Ming Wang+Phil Hughes+Tyler Clippard+Joba Chamberlain+Dellin Betances = the future

by marcbouch9 on May 30, 2007 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions

So was his curve

I do like the kid. Hopefully he puts it together again tonight and stops the bleeding -- again.

River Ave. Blues
Yanks and prospects

by PinstripePowerhouse on May 30, 2007 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions

I am confident

He'll pitch well. I think the bigger concern is how long will he be left out there to work. I'd like to see him around 100-105 pitches. It's warm enough in the dome for that!

By the way, am I the only one who sees the need for a long reliever, like Oliver for the Mets last year or Sele this year? I am hoping that Igawa can be that guy if he can figure out what home plate looks like in the minors.

Chien-Ming Wang+Phil Hughes+Tyler Clippard+Joba Chamberlain+Dellin Betances = the future

by marcbouch9 on May 30, 2007 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions

As far as these fantasy trades are concerned

I think obtaining Hunter and/or Ichiro are both possible and great ideas. But who would we trade for them?

And also, when discussing possible firesale trades of Giambi or Damon or someone like that, the "they have a no trade" isn't always a barrier. If this team is 20+ games back in July, why wouldn't Giambi want to be traded to the Angels? Or Damon to whereever?

by dbm20th on May 30, 2007 3:43 PM EDT reply actions

Ouch

The Dice K thing is a little bit of a Monday Morning Quarterbacking to me, but the other points are dead on.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/john_donovan/05/30/yankees.mistakes/index.html

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on May 30, 2007 3:50 PM EDT reply actions

Spot on

And you're right, the Dice-K thing is a bit much. The only other thing I thought was bit much was counting on Pavano. I don't think we counted too much on Pavano, unless hoping he would actually throw a pitch this year was counting on him too much!

Chien-Ming Wang+Phil Hughes+Tyler Clippard+Joba Chamberlain+Dellin Betances = the future

by marcbouch9 on May 30, 2007 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions

He was given a rotation spot to start the season

That alone is borderline criminal incompetence by Cashman. We won't mention the other sunglassed blower he gave a rotation spot to.....

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on May 30, 2007 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions

The Abreu/Sheff point

Is Monday Morning Quarterbacking, too. We've established that already.

River Ave. Blues
Yanks and prospects

by PinstripePowerhouse on May 30, 2007 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions

BTW....

Nice disgusting pic about slump busting today on your own blog.

I always loved Mark Grace during his time in Chicago.

An old school player in every way -- including his activities after the games were over.

by anaconda on May 30, 2007 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks

I'd say that someone needs to jump on that grenade, but really, they'd be diving into it.

River Ave. Blues
Yanks and prospects

by PinstripePowerhouse on May 30, 2007 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I say Abreu needs to jump on that grenade

If that doesn't bust his slump, nothing will.

by anaconda on May 30, 2007 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions

this is looking

less like a slump and more like a player that has lost his skills. Its not that he is swinging and missing that much, its that he is hitting weak ground ball every time.

Pride, Power, Tailgating

by ReLaunch on May 30, 2007 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions

That is exactly

what I thought while watching him last night. He beats every ball into the ground. Forget driving the ball, he can't even get a ground ball to go through the infield. My last bit of hope is that it will just click and he'll start hitting line drives again.

Chien-Ming Wang+Phil Hughes+Tyler Clippard+Joba Chamberlain+Dellin Betances = the future

by marcbouch9 on May 30, 2007 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions