The Opening Day Roster

by jscape2000 on Mar 29, 2008 12:31 AM EDT

One of my final posts at "Old Pinstripe Alley" covered my desire to see Joe G. take the best team possible north for the final Opening Day at Old Yankee Stadium. Joe must have seen the logic in my request, because he granted my wish.

This may only be a temporary reprieve, as someone has to be sent down when Andy Pettitte comes off the DL in a week, but for a week I will be content (it'd better be Bruney that goes).

Ladies and gentlemen (and you too, Ronster), you’re Opening Day roster:

C: Jorge, Bengie
1B: Giambi, Shelley, Ensberg
2B: Robbie
3B: Arod
SS: Jeter, WB
LF: Damon
CF: Melky
RF: Abreu
DH: Matsui
Starters: Wang, Moose, Hughes, IPK
Pen: Jonny A., Ohlendorf, Bruney, Hawkins, Farnsy, Traber, Joba, Mo

As I said before, Ohlendorf has been a starter, so he could serve as the stop gap if a game gets badly out of hand; considering the potency of the Yankees' offense, that shouldn't happen very often.

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Patterson deserved a slot

Albaladejo didn't deserve his slot and will probably be the guy sent down when Pettitte returns.

By the way, how the hell did you get your entire thread to turn gray? That's the first time I've seen that.

by anaconda on Mar 29, 2008 6:05 AM EDT reply actions

It's hidden

I wanted to give the "Welcome" time at the top. But since you reported the welcome (you're so much smarter than I am), I'll open it up for all the world to see.

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

by jscape2000 on Mar 29, 2008 7:24 AM EDT up reply actions

Gotcha....

I wrote the welcome line a few days ago because Trei sent a message asking us to "introduce him" on that first post. If you check out the other sites that have migrated this week, you'll see that everyone else did the same thing.

I probably should have told you so my bad. I'd like to keep that post at the top for 24 hours so it doesn't get buried.

Also, I guess I'm not that smart because I had yet to try the "hide" feature.

by anaconda on Mar 29, 2008 7:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Apology Accepted!

Where's my Doomsday buddy?! Hate to say I told ya' so but look at who made the DL...? None other than Andy Pettitte...So let's review: Based on past history, Andy will be on the 15 Day...then Andy has to go to Tampa and rehab...SO: We'll be seeing Andy somewhere around mid to late May...if then...?

By the way: Re-registering to this Blog was a real %^&#*# - no way as easy and convenient as advertised...Thanks Trei! (Right up there with: "We're from the government - we're here to help you.")

by Bixby on Mar 29, 2008 8:28 AM EDT reply actions

Are you mad?

Pettitte is scheduled to pitch next Saturday. They are just carrying an extra pitcher for a few days. Calm down.

I had to reclaim my account and I didn't have any problems at all.

by anaconda on Mar 29, 2008 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions

We'll see...

Re: Pettitte
We'll see...
Re: Reclaiming Account
Sorry bud but this system took me back and forth between sign-in and my e-mail account at least 4 times to tray and confirm and push em through its system. I'll stand by my statement on that one!

Here's a question for guys like you and Mr. Doomsday: Why do you antagonize fellow fans by always insinuating that anything that even remotely whiffs of a different viewpoint of the goings-on of this club is "anti-Yankee", the viewpoint of a traitor or "sky is falling" maniac? Not trying to start something - just curious as to why it seems everyone here has to fall into lockstep with everyone else...? Kind of thought that was the point of a site like this: That folks share opinions both pro and con and that discussion follows without the "labeling"...
I'm calm as can be -- I simply pointed out in my original Andy post that knowing how the Yankees treat injuries there was no way anyone should buy the "pushed back a day" scenario that is ALWAYS the knee-jerk reaction of this organization: I can quote you dozens of occasions when the original comments to the press regarding an injured player was that the guy (Pitcher/position player -take your pick) just got a nick and MIGHT miss a start and it virtually always ends up with a 2-4 week absence if not more... I mean: Wow! For diehard Yankee fans you guys sure seem to be completely blind to that (frequent) occurrence.

by Bixby on Mar 29, 2008 9:21 AM EDT reply actions

Mr. Doomsday

I don't know who you are speaking of but you can scroll through all 4,200+ comments I've made in the past couple of years and you won't find one example of me antagonizing fellow fans or labeling them "traitors" or "anti-Yankee" simply because they don't agree with me.

You have every right to damn this team all you want or stand all on the ledge all season. But other readers are going to strongly disagree with your doomsday scenarios and challenge you to back it up. Sure, the rhetoric does get heated sometimes, but it's pretty tame compared to most fan sites.

Pettitte is going to start next weekend. Believe it if you wish or don't. We'll find out for sure soon enough.

by anaconda on Mar 29, 2008 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Uhh...okay...

You have every right to damn this team all you want or stand all on the ledge all season.

Pal: As a college grad with a degree in English YOUR above quote smacks of antagonizing. You obviously don't understand that. 'nuff said.

...and if the first quote doesn't do it for 'ya the title of your post

Mr. Doomsday

- certainly does.

by Bixby on Mar 29, 2008 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions

Re:

I wasn't calling you Mr. Doomsday. I wrote that because you said this....

Here's a question for guys like you and Mr. Doomsday

I didn't even know who you were talking about.

If you feel my comments are "antagonizing" - this forum may not be for you because I’m a newborn kitten compared to many of the regulars. You’ve shot down everything I’ve said about this team with an Uzi so I just gave up trying to reach you with the "standing on the ledge" metaphor. I don’t see why you are so appalled.

BTW, I’m a college grad too (Purdue University). Join the club.

by anaconda on Mar 29, 2008 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions

"What we have here..."

As Strother Martin would say: "…what we have here is a failure to communicate…" Trust me guys – no thin skin here. As a veteran blogger my skin is as thick as Gene Keady’s hair! I was initially attracted to this great site because I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the entries/commentary offered up by you and JScape AND I decided to participate because of my impression that all great Yankee fans ARE thick skinned and enjoy a great verbal tussle about our team. When I posted the other day about my belief that Pettitte’s injury was likely to result in longer downtime than a one day pushback I got reamed by "Number7" as a doomsday promoter. That was a head-scratcher but I figured: Uhh, okay he’s just overly sensitive this early in the season when hope springs eternal… When I went on to post about my doubts about the possibility Hughes, Joba, and Kennedy would emerge unscathed from their first full seasons you guys really got touchy and that shocked me as I figured knowledgeable baseball fans know just how long the odds are that the Yankees were about to experience the pitching equivalent of a rookie tandem of Lynn & Rice!!! (I was out on the ledge?!)
I really hadn’t thought I had "shot you down with an Uzi" regarding Hughes, Kennedy, and Joba…I merely thought I was reiterating the notion that baseball history has a heck of a lot more Shane Spencers, Joe Charboneaus, and Mark Fidrychs than we do Derek Jeters and Don Mattinglys – I sure thought you would understand that. Hey! Trust me! I hope I am completely and utterly wrong in my concern that while the front end of the rotation (Wang & Pettitte) are entirely serviceable, the middle (Mussina) stinks like my athletic supporter, and the back-end is – while filled with promise – not anywhere near proven under (major league) fire for all of us to start picking the Yankees as anything more than a long shot Wild Card (Full disclosure gentlemen: I don’t like the Tigers for nuthin’ and the Cabrera signing is INSANE – That guy might eventually be the world’s first 300 pound 3rd baseman!)…

I guess this is also probably not a great time to mention that I think Theo Epstein is a giant to Brian Cashman’s dwarf. In my dreams I see Cashman helping to load Jason Giambi’s gear into the back of Giambi’s car at the close of this season and the two of them driving off into the sunset never to be seen again – with Mike Mussina, Matsui, and Damon all hitching a ride in the backseat! (Oh man – I can’t wait for the flack I’ll take on that one! INCOMING!!!!!!!!)

by Bixby on Mar 29, 2008 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Fair enough...

I think you rubbed people the wrong way with your "drinking Cashman’s kool-aid" remark and insinuating that we can’t think for ourselves.

I believe you are underestimating the kids and their talent. That's not because of what Cashman says, it's what I've seen with my own eyes and read from scouts from around the league that are not associated with the Yankees. People who have a much better eye for young talent than I do believe this is a special trio.

Sure, there are no guarantees that all three of them are going to pan out - but how often do franchises develop three kids like this all at the same time? It's an extremely rare feat.

I've also said from the get-go that they will encounter a fair share of growing pains. However, they can overcome a lot of that because of an offense that will probably exceed 900+ runs again. This team will be even scarier next season with all the money coming off the books and another year of growth on the developmental side.

by anaconda on Mar 29, 2008 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Antagonizing?

My advise is to get a thicker skin or get out of the blogworld. If you think that's antagonism, try saying something really stupid.

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Mar 29, 2008 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Thick skin

I distinctly remember the barrage of gunfire you took last year after merely suggesting that Joba should stick to the bullpen. That was your initiation to PA if my memory serves me, wasn't it?

Some people were rather brutal but you certainly stood your ground. I may have to find that diary in the archives.

by anaconda on Mar 29, 2008 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Ah yes,

I remember it well. Wouldn't put it in my fondest memories, but it was an experience. Now, with Joba actually inthe bullpen, I will only say that I miss the antagonism. Was a good way to sharpen one's teeth.

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Mar 29, 2008 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions

BTW,

for old time's sake, I went back to that Keep Chamberlain in the Bullpen post from last August. For some reason, all of MG's posts are missing, so it's a weird argument, with no antagonist.

Is that due to the shift to the new system?

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Mar 29, 2008 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions

I did the same thing

and also noticed that many posts were missing. I don't know what happened but the switch might've had something to do with it.

Nonetheless, I can unapologetically say that I don't miss the guy.

by anaconda on Mar 29, 2008 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Old posts

I could be mistaken, but I believe the old posts will be missing unless he claims his account.

Speaking of getting reamed for a bad idea, I would suggest the collective ass-whupping I got for suggesting that Joba start the season in the minors holds up to anything you guys took. There was nobody on my side for that one.

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

by jscape2000 on Mar 29, 2008 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions

I remember that

I've never been really experienced an onslaught of reaming since I've been a part of PA. I think both of you guys have me beat in this category hands down.

The only firestorm I can recall was the "Abreu diagnosed with..." headline. And that had nothing to do with a crazy idea. Just a headline some people thought was too insensitive.

BTW, there are several accounts that haven't been claimed yet, but still show their comments on the aforementioned diary.

Also, check your email for a present.

by anaconda on Mar 29, 2008 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Ah yes,

but you've got enough intelligent posts to counter-balance one kooky idea. My Chamberlain post was probably attacked largely because I was a new guy. Because well, um, Chamberlain's in the bullpen. (Bring out the howitzers!)

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Mar 30, 2008 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions

True

But your Joba argument in that diary was to leave him in the pen for good. That's the primary reason there was such a backlash. Unquestionably, being the "new guy" was a big factor as well.

The only reason Joba's starting the season in the pen this season is to keep his innings in check. Every opinion that matters in the FO wants him to be a starter.

I just hope they don't abandon that plan.

by anaconda on Mar 30, 2008 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions

I know

I agree that Joba should get his shot at the rotation.

I just liked the fact that Joba's in the pen. And every time I see another opinion on the subject (I'll leave out George King to avoid serious backlash), it makes me yearn for MG.

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Mar 30, 2008 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions

BTW...

Is there a reason why you claimed both accounts (ChrisNYY)? Ha ha.

One of the cool features of the new platform is that I can play "Big Brother" and track everything you guys do.

by anaconda on Mar 29, 2008 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh my

I believe your post needed to end with a Mwha-ha-ha. (Or whatever the Dr. Evil laugh sounds like.)

I couldnt find the post originally by searching for it. (Didn't realize that the search results for fanposts came up in the right hand sidebar.) So i went to manage my fanposts and discovered that only the ones from LateInningRelief were there. And then I tried signing into my old account and realized I had to do the whole rigamorale over again. So that's the long and rather boring story...but perhaps in the future, if LateInningRelief gets down in argument, ChrisNYY can come to his rescue.

Mwha-ha-ha...

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Mar 30, 2008 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions

No laugh audio clip...

so you'll have to settle for the image:

by anaconda on Mar 30, 2008 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions

I thought of you, jscape,

when the roster was announced and Igawa and Rasner went to SWB. Girardi must read your posts.

I always feel pressure. What I don't have is fear. -- El Duque

by LateInningRelief on Mar 29, 2008 1:22 PM EDT reply actions

Igawa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm almost certain I read a comment that Igawa said he'd rather start at SWB than sit in a major league bullpen?? Holy guacamole - is that doesn't tell you all you need to know... Kei Igawa makes Carl Pavano look like Bronco Nagurski.

Oh yeah, regarding Joba: I don't recall BUT it certainly sounds like me: I have ALWAYS been on board with Joba working out of the pen as an understudy to Mo...I'm actually shocked at any suggestion to the contrary: When Mo goes, an experienced Joba moves into that slot and the Yankee bullpen remains secure in the 8th/9th innings for another 10 years. As we've seen: You can always cobble together a starting staff but a guy who is gold in the 9th and forces other teams to change their late-inning strategies when playing you in "money games"...? Baby, THAT is priceless!

by Bixby on Mar 29, 2008 2:42 PM EDT reply actions