Around the Yankee Universe, 06.02.09
by Ed Valentine on Jun 2, 2009 8:18 AM EDT
in News
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Wow! There is a lot of stuff to touch on today as we look around the Inter-Google at stories making news about our red-hot New York Yankees. Let's get started.
- The Yankees set a major-league record Monday when they played their 18th straight errorless game.
"I'm proud of our guys, I'm proud of what they've done and what our staff has put in," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "They work hard with them all the time. Every position they work hard with them defensively, and it's paid off. The guys have to be willing to do the work and buy into it, and they've been great."
Mark Teixeira has, of course, made a huge difference. Also, the Yankees may not make a host of spectacular plays. But, with good pitching making the plays you are supposed to make can be enough. If I can, at some point I will take a look at just how good the Yankee defense actually is -- or isn't.
- Joba Chamberlain's performance last night left everyone buzzing. There was, of course, the head-first dive that was likely the defensive play of the year. Mostly, though, there were 8 dominant innings will a fastball consistently above 95 miles per hour. Easily the best start of Chamberlain's career.
On a warm evening when seagulls and some late-arriving insects invaded Progressive Field, Chamberlain consistently showed why the Yankees want him to be a starter. From his 98-mile-per-hour fastball to his dancing curveball to his wicked slider, Chamberlain had the look of a pitcher who could be a front-of-the-rotation starter for a decade. ...
Chamberlain gave up two runs and four hits and needed 106 pitches to get 24 outs. If he can routinely pitch deep into games, the Yankees will have the formidable starter they have long touted and they might silence the shouting about sending him to the bullpen. Chamberlain has had difficulty maintaining his velocity, but he was throwing 97 m.p.h. in the eighth.
"Hands down, that’s the best I’ve ever seen him," (Nick) Swisher said.
- The Yankees return home tonight to face the Texas Rangers. That means Yankee pitchers will once again likely be giving up ridiculous pop-fly home runs. They are simply trying not to let the Yankee Stadium conditions bother them.
"It's our home park; it is what it is," CC Sabathia said. "We'll benefit from it from an offensive standpoint, so we just have to do what we can to keep the other teams in the park. It can't affect the way you pitch."
- Speaking of the Stadium and the way it has been playing, the Yankees don't know what they are going to do about the home runs.
No one in the Yankee organization will say the Bombers are considering changes — a team spokesman refused comment because the scenario was hypothetical — though additional wind studies are being performed. The firm that designed the Stadium — Populous (formerly HOK) — would not talk about potential options because the Yankees told them to direct media inquiries to the team.
"It’s not something I’m even thinking about," said Yankee GM Brian Cashman when asked of the possibility of changes. "Most of the home runs are launched, so I don’t know. We can’t move the subway line."
The ball, though, is "clearly flying here more than it used to, but I can’t tell you why," Cashman said.
- John Harper of the NY Daily News wonders if the Yankees are rising or the AL East is sinking.
- Peter Abraham looks at the so-so season experienced by Gerrit Cole, the Yanks' 2008 No. 1 pick who spurned the team to go to college.
- Jose Molina and Xavier Nady suffered setbacks in their rehab from injuries.
- Ex-Yankee Steven Jackson has been called up by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
- Chien-Ming Wang might get a start soon.
- Tyler Kepner of the New York Times has a nice feature on Yankee prospect Austin Jackson.
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87 home runs in 23 games
That’s a lot of homeruns! What is it about the new stadium that could be contributing to this? I hadnt heard about this. Pettite’s ERA is double at home what it is on the road??
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Jun 2, 2009 9:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
they mostly think
it’s wind patterns. the back walls of the bleachers now have openings for wind to blow through – the old park did not. the seats also seem to be more sloping and less vertical, allowing wind to move more freely.
the walls are also a bit closer (straighter, less rounded than the old park) and shorter.
by Travis G on Jun 2, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There was, of course, the head-first dive that was likely the defensive play of the year.
Really? I mean, really?
by Toxicadam on Jun 2, 2009 9:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
maybe not play of the year
Probably funniest play of the year, and one that wasn’t a blooper either, Joba made the play, unlike my previous favorite funny play, Eric Byrnes wiffing on a throw….
by FreeBradshaw on Jun 2, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it was definitely funny
but also amazing – especially for a guy of his size and in that situation.
by Travis G on Jun 2, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The more I watch it the funnier it gets.
great play, but damn that was an all out belly flop.
by FreeBradshaw on Jun 2, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
On Joba's actual pitching
I know for a fact that the last time I see Joba throw deep into a game against the Pirates, he was throwing 97 in the 6th inning.
His problem is mainly his pitch count and pitching to contact at times. I really have not much doubt that Joba yesterday could have thrown 9 inning and still been hitting 95 on his final pitches.
That means he just needs to learn how to pitch, and obviously he knows how to going by yesterday, he’s young and learning. He’s obviously got the stuff, and he’s got more potential than Hughes.
by FreeBradshaw on Jun 2, 2009 10:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Big stuff coming up
Next 2 weeks, Rangers, Rays, RedSox and Mets. Should have a real good read on them after this stretch.
One thing nobody touched on in the Cleveland series( I think). How did Wang feel going up against the guys that treated him like a pinata at the Stadium? Did he have a little extra “want to” in his relief appearance Sunday? Lest we forget, Wang was horrible in the playoffs against the Indians in 2007.
by fredny on Jun 2, 2009 11:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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