Things Are Better Than They Seem

by jscape2000 on Jun 18, 2008 8:42 AM EDT in New York Yankees Analysis

Yes, Wang is out at least 10 weeks.

But-

In June, the Yanks are averaging 5.38 runs per game. Compared to 4.31 in April and 4.43 in May.
The pitching has actually been better than last year (on average). 2007's starters pitched a 4.57 ERA with a 1.43 WHIP. 2008's starters have been a little less lucky, a 4.67 ERA but a 1.41 WHIP. If the offense would score some runs, the relievers would been a story. In 2007, they were bad; a 4.37 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP. 2008- 3.46 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP.
After hitting .164/.315/.411 in April, Giambi dominated May (.315/.446/.644) and has continued into June (.364/.481/.818). Anytime you talk about an on-base plus slugging percentage over 1.000 you're talking about one of the 4 or 5 best players in the majors. Jason Giambi has been that so far.
Jorge Posada is quietly hitting .326/.406/.528.
The Yankees have 4 players hitting over .320- Arod, Damon, Matsui and Posada. Only Damon's OBP is below .400, at .392.
As a team, the Yanks have a .342 OBP and a .430 Slugging- good for third in both categories in the AL.
Even Cano has been getting in on the act, 5 hits in the last 3 games.

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Things are starting to click

and I like that. We just have to see what happens with the rotation. Thank god we have Joba in the rotation right now and not the pen otherwise we would be in some serious trouble.

Crowds are won and lost and won again, but our hearts beat for the diehards.

by Edwantsacracker on Jun 18, 2008 9:53 AM EDT reply actions

Five game winning streak...

not too shabby. Things are looking up!

by kentuckygirl0724 on Jun 18, 2008 10:09 AM EDT reply actions

Things do look better

though one sore spot is Jeter – I can’t remember his average being this low this late in the season. I hope he can turn things around soon.

by docgonzo on Jun 18, 2008 10:51 AM EDT reply actions

looked tired since early May. Perhaps with drug testing he’s reluctant to have Giambi shoot him up with “vitamin shots”. I wouldn’t worry about Jeter. By the time they cross the finish line he’ll be around .320.

I’ve been more concerned about Cano, and am happy that he’s slapped a few hits recently. Still, I don’t think he’s really adjusted to the way pitchers are now going after him—in and on his hands and then away off the plate. If he really figures it out and starts popping the ball, I see no reason why 7, 8 and possibly 10 game winning streaks can’t be had.

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

by Ronster22 on Jun 18, 2008 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Importance of Posada

I couldn’t agree more, Jeter will turn things around. Plus, I’m not as worried about the rotation as I would have been about 2 or 3 weeks ago. Posada looks healthy, and with Wang out and certain parts of the rotation uncertain, he is going to be the most important Yankee down the stretch. Even more than his .326 average right now, he brings a completely different look to the lineup.

by mad11cow on Jun 18, 2008 11:52 AM EDT reply actions

I'm convinced

that it’s Posada … not Jeter, not Arod (although he helps) who makes this ship sail. Perhaps I’ve underestimated his impact on the team. Statistically he’s in the great chain of Yankee catchers without a doubt. But his emotional impact on the team can’t be overstated.

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

by Ronster22 on Jun 18, 2008 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions

I was surprised

by his emotional importance as well, since no one in the club house ever mentioned feeding off of his energy. Usually, there’s at least a passing nod…
That energy plus his right handed ABs makes him the second best catcher in the AL at the moment (behind Mauer).

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

by jscape2000 on Jun 18, 2008 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed ...

Second best catcher and at least a decade older.

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

by Ronster22 on Jun 19, 2008 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Way too early, but

the Yankees are only two games back of the A’s and four back of the Rays for the wild card. Obviously, the AL East is the main priority, and we’re hardly out of it there either.

by mrljdavid on Jun 18, 2008 10:05 PM EDT reply actions