What to do about the offense?

by Travis G on Aug 14, 2008 3:55 PM EDT

For the 50th time last night, the Yankees scored three runs or less, and for the 39th time, they scored two runs or less. They've accomplished those feats in 41% and 32% (respectively) of their total games.

They have a 15-35 record when scoring three or fewer runs, and a 10-29 record when scoring two or fewer runs.

Between 2006 and 2007, the Yanks tallied three or fewer runs 89 times (27%), for a 16-73 record, and two or fewer runs 67 times (21%), for a 10-57 record.

What this means is that our pitching has been considerably better this year, but our hitting has been considerably worse. Nothing earth-shattering in that statement.

So the question is: can anything be done to improve the offense this year? If not, what about next year?

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Posada and Matsui

The loss of these two professional, clutch hitters killed the Yankee attack. Many folks on PA like to write Matsui off—especially for his defensive deficiencies, but the fact is, the guy makes his hits count. Last year he hit .700+ with a runner on third.

Posada too, is exceptional in the clutch.

Couple these losses with Jeter’s lack of production, and Cano’s lack of desire, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Getting Matsui and Posada back and healthy will help, and I think Jeter will rebound, but I’m deeply concerned about Cano’s lack of heart. This is a guy with a mega-$$$ contract, and a world of talent who looks like he’d rather be sipping a pina colada on some beach in St. Thomas. Someone needs to kick this kid in the ass and remind him of the player he used to be.

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

by Ronster22 on Aug 14, 2008 4:41 PM EDT reply actions

How do you solve a problem like Cabrera?

Or Cano, for that matter? With the exception of first base and probably left field, they’re much less production out of every position than last year. With the exception of A-Rod, they’re probably getting much less than they could have reasonably expected out of the the other guys, too. But C&C are killing us. You solve the Cabrera problem by benching him – Nady, Damon, and Abreu should be our regular outfield. Not sure what to do about Cano. Betimit isn’t the answer, that’s for sure.

by long time listener on Aug 14, 2008 5:07 PM EDT reply actions

Bench Melky?? I believe Melky has the most outfield assists, if not ,close, in the majors.
Not everyone in the line-up is going to hit .300 with 20 plus HR’s and 100 RBI’s.
I am in full agreement about Cano he is a huge disappointment this year.

Don’t forget to throw ARod in the mix just because he has good numbers doesnt mean a thing. He is battin something like .210 with runners in scoring position this year and I think that number drops further than that if you say there is two on and nobody out.

Damon is surely the MVP of the team this year or at least a share with Mussina. Jeter everyone is riding so hard he isnt that far off his usual numbers. Sorry is he only going to get 180 hits this year and his OBP is only around .330. Wow he sucks huh? Nobody is driving him in.

Look the O definitely blows this year but any other division except the AL west and the Yanx would be at or near 1st place. We are having a good year considering how we have been decimated and fact is we shouldnt be this far out of our own division. We have been sucking lately and I dont know the cause. The hitting has sucked all year. I might be going out on a limb on this one but, I think we had a different hitting coach last year. I think. I’m not saying thats the cause because these guys are all pros but its basically the same O as last year. That and Girardi needs to stop playing small ball. It’s not working.

by krizzwhite on Aug 14, 2008 6:55 PM EDT reply actions

A nice throw every other week

doesn’t make up for Melky’s NL pitcher-esque .226 / .274 / .293 in 314 ABs since May 1.

Nobody expects Melky to hit .300 and 20 homers – but we do expect him to be more than an automatic out in the lineup. Sooner or later, he has to start producing at the plate and he’s had almost 3 years to prove his worth. 24 yr old kids are supposed to improve their game with more playing time. Melky has only regressed.

I wanted Melky traded at the end of 2006 because I never saw him as anything more than a 4th outfielder.

BTW, Kevin Long was the hitting coach last season as well.

by anaconda on Aug 14, 2008 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Your right about long. My bad I’ma year off I guess. I really dont know what the O’s problem is

by krizzwhite on Aug 14, 2008 9:35 PM EDT reply actions

Welcome to our nightmare

2006 Red Sox winning percentage: .531 (86-76, 3rd place)
2008 Yankees winning percentage: .529 (64-57, 3rd place)

I’m sure the Yankees will bounce back next year, probably with some FAs in tow. Pitching probably should be the priority more than offense, though I expect both will be addressed.

by 0157H7 on Aug 15, 2008 3:17 AM EDT reply actions