Is it time to worry about the Yankees?
by Ed Valentine on Sep 22, 2009 7:31 AM EDT
in New York Yankees Analysis
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PrintAre you worried about the New York Yankees yet? Not about making the playoffs. The magic number for that is one, and with a five-game lead over Boston with 11 to play the division title should be secure.
The Yankees, though, are 4-6 in their last 10 games and look like a team staggering into October. Boston is 8-2 and looking like they are getting stronger.
In fact, some in Red Sox Nation are suggesting the Sox are in better shape than the Yankees.
Normally, a five-game lead for the Yankees with two weeks to play would be a reason to put the champagne on ice and wrap the clubhouse in plastic.
But not this year.
Not when the Red Sox are turning into the fastest car in the world, and the Yankees can only count on two starting pitchers to deliver quality outings.
Not when the Red Sox have enough arms to stock a gun show, and the Yankees bullpen has more holes than a pair of seven-year-old sweat socks.
Not when the Red Sox are sweeping the Orioles, and the pinstripes are losing series to the Birds.
And not when the Red Sox look revived, and the Yankees look out of sync.
Times have changed. The Red Sox have turned the tables.
The Yankees are no longer the team that’s guaranteed to step on the gas in September and charge into October as the team to beat. And the Red Sox are no longer the team that’s guaranteed to suffer monumental defeats and spend all winter wondering what went wrong.
So, you tell me. Should we worry about the way the Yankees are playing? Or, are they just on cruise control waiting for October?
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It's a slump
They played .545 in April.
.607 in May
.577 in June
.667 in July
.750 in August
.632 in September.
They weren’t going to play .750 for August, September, and October.
They’re scuffling a little right now, but we have to hope they get back to that August pace in October.
"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."
Absolutely agree
and as all of us that have played through a long season can attest, there is no possible way to keep your mind right and your intensity up indefinitely, especially when you’re way ahead (or way behind). A flame that burns twice as bright, lasts half as long.
I give them credit for playing so well, for so long. The stayed tough right to the point where it’s almost impossible to lose it. Also, I bet they hate this late season west coast trip, except maybe CC who is probably up in Frisco.
by Peter Lacock on Sep 22, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions
im sort of worried
it seems like every playoff race at one point gos from large to small. and then it goes large again.
whats a signature
by GTWYankee on Sep 22, 2009 7:58 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
YANKS
A LITTLE BIT.GET JOBA OUT OF ROTATION FOR ONE HE IS KILLING US THE BULLPEN AND THE TEAM
BIG YANKEE FAN,FROM MASS. HAVE TO PUT UP WIYH ALL THESE HOLE SOX FANS
No.
Remember when it was said they can go .500 the rest of the way and still win the division? Well, I think they must have heard it cuz they are doing it.
The lead is still 5 games. The Pissants proved they are mortal (and prone to large chokes at times) by losing yesterday too.
But 5 games is 5 games. How about we prove that the Angels are mortal and take these next 2?
What the f$%k is the internet?
Short memories anyone?
In 2000, the Yankees lost 13 of their last 15 to finish up a .419 September.
As I recall, that season worked out pretty well in the end.
I remember that..
probably why Im not worried about “staggering” into the playoffs.
Only thing that matters is getting in. If we really “choke” and get the wildcard or lose home-field….does it really matter?
I’ve seen losing at home in the playoffs and I’ve seen winning away too. Get into the playoffs, that’s all.
That’s damn near impossible not to do, so I’m good.
Maybe that choke yesterday by the Pissants puts them in a downward spiral while the Yanks win a few and wrap this up.
I may be pissed if I look at the division lead and see 3 games going into the Pissant series….but worried?
What the f$%k is the internet?
by FreeBradshaw on Sep 22, 2009 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Not too worried
Would have taken the Seattle series if it wasn’t for a fluke blown save. AJ pitched very well. The Sox have been playing a bunch of teams they SHOULD whoop on. The bats need to wake up a little and the Yanks need to come home and get the spark back. Lets take the next two from the Angels and we will be fine.
by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Sep 22, 2009 8:53 AM EDT reply actions
Ebb and Flow
I believe we (the fans) became so caught up in the scorching July and August records that we expected the Yanks to fly through September. Let’s look at the last ten or so games for the Yanks and Red Stockings: Yanks played the Rays, Orioles, Blue Jays, Mariners, and Angels; Red Sox played the Rays, Angels, Orioles, and Royals.
Yanks, I believe, had a more difficult schedule, and were trying to rest some position players and pitchers. That’s not an excuse because they had a chance to win some of those games, but failed to do so. The Red Sox had it a bit easier and were fighting for the Wild Card. I would rather the Yanks struggle a bit now and begin to right the ship than do this in the playoffs (circa 2005, 2006, & 2007).
Baseball is a game of patience. AJ and Andy pitched well and Mo got his late-in-the-year blown save out of the way. I think the Yanks will be okay.
what a surprise!
Red Sox fans are talking shit? I’m shocked! The Yankees have been anemic the last few games that’s for sure they need to win a couple of games in a row and shut them up. Also remember Boston is coming to town soon that series will tell us a lot. Also its time to put Joba in the bullpen enough is enough he serves no purpose in the starting rotation dumbest idea ever.
I'm not worried
The Yankees are a very, very good team, but based on their run differential, they should be more like 90-61 at this point, rather than 95-56. So some of this is the normal up and down nature of a long season, and some of it is regression to the mean. Frankly, I’d rather see them slumping now with two weeks left in the season, when they at least have time to sort things out.
The postseason is a glorified crapshoot. I hope the Yankees win it all, but if they don’t, I’m not going to jump off a bridge.
Let's see how tough they are
They didn’t hit again last night, so even though Andy gave them a decent outing, it didn’t matter. Outside of their outburst on Saturday, the line up has been quiet.
This week could be a mini version of the playoffs, and they need to show the Angels they can win out there ( he says, stating the obvious). They need to grind out a couple of tough, close wins for some peace of mind.
Huge loss by the Sox last night, I’m sure they thought that was in the bank. They still have to make up 4 on the loss side with 13 to play, so unless the Yankees are going to do their version of the 64’ Phillies, we’re fine.
"The RedSox are turning into the fastest car in the world?"
This passes for journalism? WTF
Strikeouts are boring- Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic.
Cruise Control
Lets not forget it has been a long season and that if we rest and dont play at the highest level, it is not a big deal. Plus we play them this weekend and will most likely play them really hard. I am not saying lay down the rest of the way, but if we can take it nice and slow, take advantage of it. The important thing is that we are one game away from making the playoffs, a step we fell short of last year. Plus we lost to the Angels, not the Royals
not said by me but a friend of mine (thanks Bear). I'm not worried,
Here’s the thing….the Yanks still have the best record in the majors and they’re going to start playing like it again sooner than later. I’d rather this hiccup in the season now than in two weeks. So if you want to get down on this team go right ahead because baseball is a marathon that can turn on a dime at any moment and when the Yankees turn it on there is none better. It’s not fun to see THIS team lose 6 of 10 but if we do it in 2 weeks we go home and count the days till pitcher’s and catchers……if we do it now, we have time to right the ship and get back to doing what we do best and that’s BE THE BEST.
pitching should never be on cruise control
that’s what worries me
Why not?
It is when the manager tells Joba, ’you’re on a low (40-50) pitch count, go out throw all your pitches and just stay loose’. It was like an extended bullpen for several starts in a row. The results are meaningless. They’re just keeping him stretched out for when (if) they need him. It’s a small risk of ineffectiveness in the short term versus the larger risk of arm trouble in the future.
It is when the manager tells Andy to take 9 days after his shoulder was tired late in a game and it was fine 2 days later in his bullpen.
It is when a top reliever gets shut down for 2-3 weeks after all the tests and a visit to joint guru Dr Andrews finds nothing wrong.
It is when the only possible playoff reliever that’s getting any real work is Bruney.
No one has any pressure to perform except maybe AJ and he did good last time out.
by Peter Lacock on Sep 22, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Other than the Angels and Red Sox...
The Yanks play three against the Royals and three against the Rays. AJ pitched within his emotions last Friday, and Andy pitched very well (except for the first inning). The batters simply have not hit with runners on.
For those who are in a bit of a panic, remember April, May, and June? I believe this too shall pass. I believe the make-up of this team is more grounded and stable than in years past. I see no panic in them. That’s important.
You said it
Panic? I’m surprised they can stay awake.
by Peter Lacock on Sep 22, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions
remember 2007?
the Sox and Yanks were in opposite positions
the Yanks were on fire going into the playoffs and it seems as though the Sox(with a little help from Gagne) were scuffling, but they unfortunately turned it on when they had to
i think the Yanks can do the same thing
I agree
I think they will be fine once they get that one game for a playoff berth and wrap up the division at home this weekend we can all breathe a little easier. We will be fine hope the bats wake up tonight and that Greinke continues to be his dominate self agaisnt the Sox tonight and that Bucholz gets shelled
wow we have a bunch a surgeons....cool calm and collective in the forums....
Well as for me I am just ordinary…..and rather not choose for the redsox to be 1 fuccin game behind us for eyes to start opening. 9 games sound a hell of a lot better then 5…….I’m worried because the yanks are loosing momentum into the playoffs where we are going to have to play teams that have had our number for a while now. I’m worried because gerardi decision making is just above average of my 9 years old nephew’s. Oh and in 2000…we had joe torre…..
by NYYWinsRings26 on Sep 22, 2009 11:02 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Torre would not have Jeter batting 1st
and he would have worn out Hughes and Mo. They would have been flat at playoff time just like they were the last 4 years he was there. Torre is a good manager but Girardi is too. I think he’s very intelligent and has a good feel for what his players need. Even though I may not agree with every decision he has made, I can see why he makes them and there’s no way to know if a different decision would have been better or much worse.
It’s great that your 9 year old nephew is close to being able to lead the New York Yankees to the best record in MLB. You must keep us all advised on his development so we can judge you on your credibility.
by Peter Lacock on Sep 22, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions
oh please....dont let this best record stuff fool you....
In october none of that matters…and if you agree with even a third of the decisions gerardi makes….your credibility isn’t much to brag over…..put hughes in the bullpen….half of new york suggested that one especially since we knew they were grooming joba into a starter….so what other great cerebral moves did he make my friend?….
by NYYWinsRings26 on Sep 22, 2009 3:46 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
A manager question...
When does a manager get some credit, kudos, atta-boys, etc? Last year, Joe G. was bombarded for making the Yanks miss the playoffs. This year, he is bombarded because the Yanks are in first place, lead the majors in multiple categories, improved himself as a manager, dealt with injuries, did not kill the bullpen, and will make the playoffs.
I do not agree with everything or, sometimes, even most of what he does. But then again, I did not agree with Joe T. in the same manner.
Just wondering what he has to do to win over some Yankee fans. I am not indicating that you (NYYWinsRings26) are wrong or even off-base.
by ficktdichjoe on Sep 22, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions
i understand compltely what your saying...
I just don’t feel that down the strech…the very few times this season where gerardi himself needed to make moves to put us in better positions to win games….he has dropped the ball. And it worries me to think that in the poost season this kind of thinking will be from our leader. Everybody has diff. Opinions so its no porblem for those whop don’t agree with me…
by NYYWinsRings26 on Sep 22, 2009 4:07 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
True
This is Joe G’s first pennant race as a manager. I agree, he has made some mind-numbing decisions (last night with Bruney).
Cool. Thanks for the different points of view.
by ficktdichjoe on Sep 22, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
one thing i am not worried about us our pitching...
That will be fine. More worried about the mental decision making (gerardi)….we have to get it together. Cause me…….personallly….not really cool with the whole cruise control thing :/
by NYYWinsRings26 on Sep 22, 2009 11:07 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Not really worried.....
BUT I am getting sick of Joba and his head problem and what seems to be a VERY BIG lack of conditioning, lack of endurance…..Cut the crap drinks before the game, NO, cut the crap drinks…..TOTALLY. They just drop you on your unconditioned butt. Driving down to see our kids on Sunday I was going crazy listening to Joba and his PITCHING PROBLEM…..Get this guy a hard#@@ed conditioning coach….. Maybe one of the two (or both) from the “Biggest Loser”…..This Joba stuff is getting a little “long in the tooth”.
Rick
Goooooooooooo MSU BOBCATs
MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Right, because you know firsthand
Joba lacks conditioning. Nice contribution, baseless accusations, I like it.
Strikeouts are boring- Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic.
by CasanovaWong on Sep 22, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Ebb and flow
Peaking to soon is always a problem because you then have the inevitable slide. I would much rather have the ebb now and get it out of our system than have it occur in the next couple of weeks.
The lead isn't that big
I hate how people keep saying its five games. At this time of year, the loss column is all that matters and that’s at only 4. All I would say is that I’m not to excited about that 4:00 game on Saturday up a game or two in the loss column and throwing Joba out there. The pressure is on us, the Red Sox starting pitching has been much better lately and we are in Anaheim this week. The loss last night to the Royals helped tremendously in putting me at ease but I would really like to see Greinke go out there and do us a solid for old times sake.
So, to get to that 4:00 game on Saturday scenario
that you propose, you’re predicting tha Yanks go 0-3 and the BoSox go 4-0? (Boston has no off day). That’s loser talk.
I believe the magic number is 8. I’m not sure how many games each team has left but if the Yanks can go 4-8 and Boston goes 8-4, the Yanks still win.
by Peter Lacock on Sep 22, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions
means nothing
the Yankees are a tired team at the end of a long regular season that is the middle of a West Coast swing (thanks schedule-makers!).
also, i’d be wary of printing my World Series tickets up in Boston just beacuse Dice-K lowered his ERA under 7, and because the bullpen is starting to hit their groove against the Orioles and Rays.
i’d still take the Yankees back-half of their bullpen over Boston’s any day of the week.
by SBakerTheTouchdownMaker on Sep 22, 2009 2:38 PM EDT reply actions
Worried? Eh, not really...
It’s a little bit of a slump. However, they better kick it into gear in October.
No matter what happens the rest of the regular season, the ONLY THING THAT MATTERS IS THE WORLD SERIES.
Debate it if you want, but with the highest payroll in the league and a likely 100 win regular season, it’s a waste without the trophy. Period.
by New York Sports Jerk on Sep 22, 2009 2:39 PM EDT reply actions
+1
Slump, Shmump. History is replete with teams that were hot in September, and failed to win the WS (I’m talking to you, 2007 Rockies). We’ve also seen plenty of teams that stumbled to the finish line, but went home with the crown (Yay, 2000 Yankees!). Wake me up when it’s over.
"Not when the Red Sox have enough arms to stock a gun show, and the Yankees bullpen has more holes than a pair of seven-year-old sweat socks."
This is the one statement I have a big problem with. The Red Sox bullpen has not impressed me from what I’ve seen. Papelbon always seems to have to work his way out of jams, Bard hasn’t been what they thought he was, they’re crazy to have any confidence in Delcarmen, and who knows about Wagner.
The Yankees bullpen still has the best closer of all time having one of his best years ever, easily one of the best set-up men in Hughes, the very reliable Aceves, and Coke who usually does his job of getting out lefties. I feel like when the bullpen has struggled, it’s been guys like Bruney for the most part.
by Rumplestiltskin02 on Sep 22, 2009 2:44 PM EDT reply actions
agreed...and when we had robertson nobody was really touching us with a 10 ft poll when it came to our bullpen...
I just don’t think bruney is going to find his way this yr…..maybe next yr…….I sure hope that ain’t the case because at one time very good….just don’t know….
by NYYWinsRings26 on Sep 22, 2009 3:49 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Not tooo worried
But it’s time to nail down this division, I’d feel a lot better playing Detroit in the first round and let Boston and Anaheim play each other, because one of them will be eliminated right there….t
by BlackandGoldSSgt on Sep 22, 2009 3:09 PM EDT reply actions
In my eyes, this isn't that complicated
It’s a slump. It’s inevitable over the course of a 162-game season. Better now than two weeks from now.
I hope Grienke will PWN the sox
Imagine the BoSox splitting a series or even losing it to the Royals.
laughs maniacally
Red Sox fans talking sh!t again
Not really surprising. That is a pretty stupid article you found. Not surprised it was from the so called “Red Sox Nation”.
They say that the Yankees only have two starters they can count on. Well, I count three. Burnett will be fine. CC and Andy are great. Don’t Blow Sux fans know how to count?
They say the Yankees bullpens has “holes” while the Red Sox bullpen can “stock a gun show”. Well, that brilliant Red Sox bullpen is the same one that blew a 9 run lead to the Orioles and an 8-1 lead to the Royals. I guarantee you our bullpen wouldn’t do that. And what holes do our bullpen have? Rivera and Hughes is the best 8-9 combo in baseball. Aceves is great. Bruney has been pitching great of late, especially in close games. Marte, with the exception of his one bad outing against the Birds, has done a great job since returning. If Robertson gets back and is healthy, thats another arm. That comment is ridiculous. What is he thinking?
And of course, the last comment doesn’t surprise me at all. “The Red Sox have turned the tables”. Are they now suggesting that the Red Sox are the team to beat in the playoffs? NO! The Yankees are the team to beat. The record proves it. The Yankees have been the better team ever since A-Rod came back. And they are the better team.
It’s called a slump. It happens. We haven’t been playing our best baseball lately. Thats true. But seriously, we lose a couple of series and all of a sudden, “The Red Sox have turned the tables”? Give me a break! This team can get hot at ANY time. They are the best team in baseball, and if Blow Sux Nation can’t see that even through their narrow minded heads, then they are even bigger idiots than I believe they already are.
True dat, Monsiuer.
Except the part about Bruney being good in close games.
cough
Bruney
he’s been pretty good in close games. Last night being the exception. Maybe it’s because of the new number?
except that its true...
What the f$%k is the internet?
by FreeBradshaw on Sep 23, 2009 2:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Part of the problem is that we only look closely at our team...
…so we see its flaws (like Bruney), but every other playoff team has their own Bruney.
Still, I’m worried:
- The Sox offense over the last 3 weeks has looked A LOT better…the addition of V-Mart was big. Still not the Yanks, but I think they’re at least 75% of the way there.
-The Sox starters are much more consistent than our starters. Beckett is a proven playoff stud, and on average this year he’s been “good Beckett.” Lester is only getting better. I would take Dice-K and Bucholz over Andy and whoever else right now in the 3-4 starter debate.
Right now, the only Yankee starter I trust is CC. AJ and Joba have shown that they can blow up at any moment (for AJ, especially against the Sox). Andy is old, and those things matter (look at Rocket in his last few playoff appearances).
In terms of bullpens, I think Boston’s middle is weaker than ours, but the key is that it won’t get exposed in the same way, because there starters seem to be more consistent.
-I’m worried about the Angels. They just seem to be a well-built team…a little power, a little speed, a lot of good hitters throughout the lineup. I’m less worried than I used to be, because I don’t trust Fuentes, but I worry about our ability to get through.
-I’m worried that we’ve lost half our lead in one week, with plenty of “meaningful” games left to play.
-I’m worried that our team is just…old. Matsui, Posada, Andy, Damon, even Mo and Derek…they’re all on the wrong side of the age curve. Matsui and A-Rod have been dealing with or recovering from injuries all year, and I’m worried that one of these days, A-Rod’s hip is going to regress before he can get that second surgery.
Right now, I think it’s essential that the Sox-Angels meet in the playoffs and beat each other up, because I don’t think the Yanks can survive both.
by PortlandYankee on Sep 22, 2009 10:17 PM EDT reply actions
You are listening to ESPN too much...
They love the Red Sox (Hello, ESPNBoston? Did we really need that?) and they love to gloss over Boston’s flaws and magnify any problems they think they see in the Bronx.
Yes, Boston’s offense has looked great recently. Playing the Orioles will make anyone look great. Yes, while they were beating up on Baltimore and other bottom-dwellers, we were embarking on a tough west coast swing. Big deal.
Bucholz and Dice-K have been erratic, Andy has been very solid. Anyone who tells you otherwise is just not watching them pitch. Dice-K’s ERA is 6.80. Bucholz has been better at 3.49, but he has all of 8 quality starts, and 77 IP. Andy has been much more valuable, and don’t forget he has plenty of playoff experience.
As for the Yankee’s age, it will be a factor for a couple years, yes. But no one is likely to die of old age in the next six weeks, so please, back away from the ledge slowly…
Worried Yank Fan
As much as I love the Yanks if I was forced to make a wager it would be on the Sox to win the AL and they in turn losing to the Phillies. The Yanks have only one real stopper with a weak post season history and we all know how Arod hits in the post season. It has been a great season though.
wow.
giving up already huh.
What the f$%k is the internet?
by FreeBradshaw on Sep 24, 2009 7:12 AM EDT up reply actions
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