Around the Yankee Universe: A time for HOPE
by Ed Valentine on Jul 22, 2009 8:13 AM EDT
in News
13 comments
With the New York Yankees alone in first place in the AL East today is another good day to be a Yankee fan. So, let's look around the very sunny Yankee Universe and see what stories are floating around the Inter-Google about the greatest franchise on the planet.
- As part of HOPE Week, several Yankee players paid a visit to a Little League team that includes a boy with Cerebral Palsy. I didn't think much of this whole HOPE Week deal when the team announced it, but it is turning out to be a pretty nice thing.
- The Yankees got pretty much exactly what they need from Sergio Mitre Tuesday night, for however long he remains part of the Yankee rotation. Here is Joe Girardi's summary.
"He did a nice job. He threw a lot of strikes, almost got through six. I was happy," said Girardi, who needs a fifth starter with Chien-Ming Wang sidelined by a strained right shoulder. "It was a big lift for us. He did what he needed to do. We're not asking him to do anything out of the ordinary."
- Brett Tomko, the guy who was let go to make room for Mitre, is not a happy camper.
"I threw four or five innings in the first month; I don't think that's a legit shot to really show what you can do," Tomko said. ... "I was barely ever pitching, and I don't want to be that guy that just hangs around. I still want to pitch, and not just once every nine days. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise."
- You know, if Mitre eventually fails Kei Igawa is next in line to get a shot. That would screw up a pretty good gig Igawa has going, since he just became the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre all-time wins leader by recording his 27th victory for the franchise Tuesday.
- Eric Hinske credits an adjustment made by hitting coach Kevin Long for his hot start as a Yankee.
- In an article detailing the best and worst fielders in the big leagues at each position, SI.com's Cliff Corcoran says Johnny Damon is one of the three worst outfielders in baseball. I'm not sure about that, but I do know I hold my breath every time the ball is hit in Damon's direction.
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Igawa is the Crash Davis of the International Leage.
Strikeouts are boring- Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic.
by CasanovaWong on Jul 22, 2009 8:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
When Igawa pitches I think of Crash Davis.....
“Man that ball got outta here in a hurry, you know anything that travels that far oughta have a damn stewardess on it, don’t you think?” – Crash Davis
by Yankees#7 on Jul 22, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That SI article is stupid
we all know Johnny can’t throw for his life, but his range, glove and instincts make for a well above average OF. I can’t see how he is worse than every OF in the game except for 2, especially when I see Nick Swisher’s boneheaded play in RF (unless they named him in those other two…). They go by UZR for OF, which actually doesn’t really tell you much.
And I love how Mitre pitched yesterday. It seemed he could definitely improve on that too, so while I don’t expect a better line, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him throw a few gems out there this season. As long as he has a pulse I just hope Kei Igawa continues his records at Scranton.
Hinske credits his hot yankee career start to Kevin Long? Yankee’s have pitched exceptionally well post AS break? Dave Eiland? Yankees have best record in AL on 7/22? Joe Girardi? FIRE THEM ALL!!!
by FreeBradshaw on Jul 22, 2009 8:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Cause we all know statistics can totally tell you how good a ballpalyer is on the field
I guess Jeter playing good Def means that the guys who make the numbers can’t say anything about thiewr favorite “worst fielder” so they have to go after other guys. Damon third worst? yesh i guess these guys never watched the outfield during a mets game. Hell they even take a shot at ARod, while completely disregarding his hip injury.
by lololol on Jul 22, 2009 11:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The statistics also bear out
that Jeter is having a good year defensively. 4.5 UZR this year. Fielding statistics are compiled by people who actually watch the games and make determinations as to whether or not a ball should be fielded then convert them into stats. It’s not completely computer generated.
Anybody can tell you Johnny has been baaaad in the field this year after being very good last year. The stats just mirror what your eyes are telling you.
Strikeouts are boring- Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic.
by CasanovaWong on Jul 22, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nor is it completely objective...
…anybody can say Jeter “should have” gotten to a ball and have that factor into his defensive metrics.
I had to laugh last night though when Kay was talking about how Jeter’s critics always would point to stats to prove he was a lousy defensive player, then using nothing but anecdotal evidence said Jeter was having a great defensive year.
If he’d only referred to Jeter’s UZR, he would have actually made a strong point. Instead, he just sounded like a 14-year-old girl with a crush.
by New York Sports Jerk on Jul 22, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
CC TEIX AROD
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891#32007677
I don’t know if you are allowed to put links on here but here is a link (above) from MSNBC with the aforementioned 3 on the Today show talking about Project Hope. I think it’s a great thing the Yankees are doing for kids and they mentioned that this isn’t a week thing as they plan to make this work throughout the year.
Regarding Tomko, I will wish him luck as I would wish anyone luck. He just wasn’t good enough to pitch for the Yankees.
by Mondoas on Jul 22, 2009 12:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Links are fine
We love stuff that adds value. Thanks for sharing.
by Ed Valentine on Jul 22, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tomko and Damon
Damon throws like he has a purse hanging from his shoulder. As a long time coach, I can’t fathom how anyone could advance to the highest level of the game and still throw like a chicken. Like Elvis, Johnny’s fielding skills have left the building. Whether it’s his eyes, routes, or maybe the new facade, Johnny is a shell of his former self with the leather. Thankfully, he’s been everything we could ask with the bat.
As for Tomko, I saw him pitch in Tampa during Spring Training and was less than impressed. I was actually surprised he ever made the team. Of course he’s gonna’ whine and complain, but the truth is, he sucked. I suspect it was actually an easy decision for Joe to make. Hmmm, let’s see who’s underperforming … Hughes? No. He’s grown a sack. Aceves? Gosh, no. Not only can he pitch, but he cuts a great lawn. Bruney? Is he still here? Tomko? Isn’t he our batting practice pitcher?
"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will
by Ronster22 on Jul 22, 2009 4:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Damon
His defense worries me as well. He is not the steal threat that he was. Still a very good hitter but he needs more rest.
by Jtmc on Jul 22, 2009 4:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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