The Yankee bats are broken
by Ed Valentine on May 14, 2010 8:41 AM EDT
in New York Yankees News
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PrintGet well soon, Nick Swisher. And Curtis Granderson. And yes, even you Nick Johnson.
The New York Yankees need you. Their offense, right now, is missing in action.
The Yanks were shut out twice while losing three of four in Detroit. And, as Chad Jennings pointed out, take away one six-run inning and the Yanks scored just six runs total in the other 35 innings.
Yes, Justin Verlander is a dominant starting pitcher. But, did you check out the bottom of that Yankee lineup Thursday?
Juan Miranda (seven big-league hits) batting seventh.
Randy Winn (.200 batting average, one extra-base hit in 35 at-bats) hitting eighth.
Greg Golson (one bloop single for his big-league career) hitting ninth.
Yuck! These are not your 2009 World Champion New York Yankees. Or, even the team the Yankees started 2010 with.
I have to agree with Kevin Kernan of the New York Post, though. Forget criticizing those guys. They are what they are. It's time for the Yankees' big-time players to step up.
The Yankees knew that adversity was just around the corner. It always is in baseball. Adversity has officially arrived. Time to shout mayday three times.
Beginning tonight at the Stadium, the Yankees play 13 games against the Twins, Red Sox, Rays, Mets and Twins again. They started an outfield in Detroit yesterday that featured Randy Winn, Brett Gardner and Greg Golson. That's not exactly a World Series championship outfield.
With all the injuries, it's time for the Yankees' two big offensive stars to start carrying them: Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira.
Toss Derek Jeter into that statement, too. The Captain is in 4-for-39 slide (.103). Even Robinson Cano has cooled off, hitting just .205 the past two weeks after his torrid start.
Every season, of course, has peaks and valleys. It sure would be nice, though, to see a couple of these Yankee mainstays begin to lift this less-than-whole offense.
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Amen?
Going old-school, huh?
If the stars hit like the back of their baseball cards, we’ll be fine. But they need to all wake up in a hurry.
No pressure.
"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."
I'm very old school.
I still think Joe Pepitone introducing the electric hair dryer to the Yankee clubhouse is one of the all-time dark days in team history. Also, socks should be worn with the white showing over the shoe top. Anybody wearing a soul patch on their face should be asking you what you take in your coffee.
“Amen” literally means ‘let it be so.’ This is in response to ’It’s time for the big bats to step up.’
by designatedquitter on May 14, 2010 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Nothing wrong with old-school
Especially when you are old enough to have grown up when there was no Internet … or even cable TV. Yikes!
by Ed Valentine on May 14, 2010 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of which
first time I saw Color TV, the 68 World Series, Tigers and Cards.
by Great Gatsby on May 14, 2010 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions
I think the hair dryer has had as many good days as bad.
I love the players that wear the high socks. Look like baseball players rather than men in pajamas.
Actually, ‘amen’ literally means “it is so”. That’s why in the Gospels, God/Christ use it at the start of sentences: “Amen, amen, I say unto thee…”
"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."
+1
Amen.
I would hope that the combination of 2 days of shutouts and coming to the Stadium will light a fire under 1-5 (GGBG is already burning) to get things going.
We don't play for the wild card around here kid
The Yanks bats aren't broken
They are just in hibernation.
+1
the twins coming to town should help. even with them (the twins) playing well, they always seem to struggle at yankee stadium.
by Little Joe Gould on May 14, 2010 9:11 AM EDT reply actions
This little diddy:
Said Mark Teixeira: "As long as we keep playing the way that we’re capable of playing, we don’t go crazy, pitchers start walking guys and hitters start swinging at the first pitch and popping everything up – if we keep doing our thing, we’re going to win games again.
Tex, please take some of your own advice, stop being First Pitch Tex, ain’t working.
Pitchers who throw strikes against the Yankess
especially those with movement, velocity and stuff like Verlander, Porcello and even Bonderman, had against the Yanks…gives them problems.
I don’t really understand the bitching about swinging at the first pitch. If the guy’s throwing strikes, you’ll be in a hole if you take pitches. If the pitch is where you like it..swing.
I know people like to watch baseball and the long games give you more baseball..and taking pitches = long games.
But strikes are strikes. Pitchers are throwing strikes. You can’t take pitches when the guy’s throwing strikes at will.
Just keep winning
Yes and no
I don’t have problems with somebody swinging at the first pitch if he makes solid contact,
swinging at the first pitch and hitting a weak groundball or a popup, to me at he major league level is just a wasted at bat. In Tex’s case, not working, that was my point with his little quote.
by Great Gatsby on May 14, 2010 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
well you can't always make solid contact.
if its a hittable pitch..swing. You may not get one the rest of the AB. And with those guys on the mound, not getting another good pitch is likely.
Just keep winning
by FreeBradshaw on May 14, 2010 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
If
one swings at the first pitch, and hits a weak grounder or a popup, using you theory, it is NOT a wasted at bat? That’s what I said, and specifically if you look at my original point, was talking about Tex.
by Great Gatsby on May 14, 2010 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
and I'm saying no,
its not a wasted at bat.
Just keep winning
by FreeBradshaw on May 14, 2010 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Glad
K. Long would not agree with you, and you are not our hiitng coach.
by Great Gatsby on May 14, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
that's OK
I dunno that Long thinks that.
Just keep winning
by FreeBradshaw on May 14, 2010 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Always
the last word Free, whatever you think….
by Great Gatsby on May 14, 2010 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
absolutely agree
If a pitcher is throwing strikes all day, then why would you, as a hitter, just be willing to give him strike 1? For someone who has no problem throwing strikes, letting him get ahead in the count that easily is not smart. There is a real possibility that the 1st pitch will be the best pitch you see during the at-bat so why not at least consider swinging at the first pitch? A-Rod does this a lot. He will come into an at-bat and just watch a pitch go by right down the middle with clearly no intention of swinging and then won’t get another good pitch to hit the rest of the at-bat. Obviously, you can’t predict the future and know for a fact that you won’t get another good pitch to hit, but if a guy is throwing strikes, you have to play the odds.
Sighs
insert dead horse and man with bat picture here
by Great Gatsby on May 14, 2010 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Deja vu?
Great Gatsby.
New Yorker looking for sports talk and debate!
by Gelatin on May 14, 2010 4:21 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
+1
Copied & pasted your line, easier and quicker.
by Great Gatsby on May 14, 2010 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions
For starters, to get the correct timing. It helps to see a pitch or two to make any necessary adjustments on the timing of your swing.
Cano hit .432 on the first pitch last year
Tex hit .362 on the first pitch last year
Jeter hit .448 last year on the first pitch.
A-Rod hit .397 on the first pitch
So I’d say that’s not only not true, but maybe these guys have reason for swinging at the first one. Cuz they do well on it
Just keep winning
by FreeBradshaw on May 14, 2010 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions
The Tigers were swinging at everything too (look at CC"s pitch count)
and it worked for them.
The hits weren’t falling. That’s the breaks.
Just keep winning
The reality is this:
The Opening Day 1-4 hitters have combined for an ugly .235/.343/.393 batting line this season, 20-25% of the Opening Day roster has suffered some sort of injury this season, and until Wednesday, the team had gotten absolutely nothing from their #4 starter…..
And the Yankees are still playing .650 baseball, with the second-best record and run differential in baseball.
Heaven help the rest of the American League if/when these problems get sorted out.
+1
But I want the sorting out to start soon!
"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."
because they'd be carrying the team right now!
Just keep winning
by FreeBradshaw on May 14, 2010 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Not sure if you're serious or not
Matsui is hitting .226/.307/.371.
Damon’s having a good year – .293/.405/.439 – but if Damon’s still on the team (hypothetically), odds are Gardner would have gotten much less playing time thus far.
I think
if Damon was here, Nick at Nite would not be, hence their is your DH, besides wanting to get younger, Yanks were no longer thrilled with Johnny’s defense (alreaady had traded for Grandy)…Please at this point, let’s not beat on the A-Jax bandwagon, he was gone in said trade.
by Great Gatsby on May 14, 2010 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
The Yanks exposed AJax, like I said they would
Damon exposed Cashman for the fool that he is though. Thames/Winn/NJ dont amount to Damon and never will, I dont are what WAR, UZI , or any other stat will tell you about NJ either. DL is the only stat NJ should be known for. With that said, we should be happy, we have a great record despite most of our hitters not reaching their capabilities and the many injuries we have had.
by YankeesJets on May 14, 2010 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
of course I'm not serious
Damon and Matsui would look nice in the lineup. But its just hindsight and delusion to think that the Yanks would be so much better off with them.
Just keep winning
by FreeBradshaw on May 14, 2010 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
*insert dead horse and man with bat picture here*
Take is away Bronx Booyah.
New Yorker looking for sports talk and debate!
by Gelatin on May 14, 2010 9:55 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Oh, God
Don’t encourage him! Start posting pics of dead horses and I have no idea where we go from there! LOL!
by Ed Valentine on May 14, 2010 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm honored? flattered?
Back to the point at hand, as much as i would have preferred Damon and/or Matsui still being here, they’re not. The decisions were made and we have to live with the consequences. We don’t need to panic, yet, but the injury bug has gotten around lately and it DOESN’T help that our number 3 and 4 hitters aren’t helping out in the offensive stat catagories yet. Jete’s slump doesn’t help either. Luckily our pitching has carried us as well as some clutch hitting from the bottom of the line-up. But we can’t expect that all year. We have to sure up our offense. Winn and Thames are not meant to be full time players. They are platoon guys. Granderson going down was a big hit to our lineup on offense AND defense. The rest of the team has to step up and do their jobs rather than rely on the guy next to him to do the job for him, cause now it almost seems like laziness. Swinging at the first pich? Where are the anti-Joe West Yanks? Work the pitcher. Get to the bullpen. Score runs.
by Bronx_Booyah on May 14, 2010 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions
P A T I E N C E
its only May 14th. the injured will heal. the bats will awaken. the yankees will stay close until then. all will be right with the world (except when Yellowstone erupts!!)
by NYer in a strange land on May 14, 2010 10:31 AM EDT reply actions
We Dont Have Great Depth
Injuries happen to every team, the Sox are missing two starting OFs, but they have been able to get around that with nice contributions from guys like Darnell McDonald. Even the Tigers are getting great results from Boesch, the Rangers best player in my opinion, Nelson Cruz went down, and Murphy promptly picked up the slack. Other than Cervelli, which shouldnt be a surprise to any here, this isnt happening for the Yanks. Its early but it doesnt seem like the Thames/Winn thing is working out great. Maybe with some ABs, Miranda or Golson can get it going and steal a job.
If Thames weren’t playing defense, we’d love him.
"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."
I dont have a problem with Thames
I would rather just use him against lefties.
by YankeesJets on May 14, 2010 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Yank lineup
The Yanks can’t win with Winn & Thames. Put Cervelli behind the plate 3 out of 4 games & use Posada as DH. Put Miranda in LF until Granderson comes back. When Posada catches every 4th day, rotate the DH among ARod, Tex, Jeter, & Swisher. Girardi is not putting his best lineup out there. And, give Pena time in the OF & C in blowouts – he’d be a jack of all trades at 7 positions and save a roster spot – one of Thames & Winn has to go.
I kinda agree but ....
Posada will not accept being an almost full time DH, and Thames would have to be the one to stay, sure his defense stinks but he can hit Lefties, watch what he does to Liriano.
by YankeesJets on May 14, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't understand the Miranda love
His AAA numbers are respectable for a 27 year old 1B, but not extraordinary. And there’s no way he has the foot speed to be a serviciable LF, especially in Yankee Stadium.
"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."
22-12 folks
22-12. For the love of God calm down.
by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on May 14, 2010 11:22 AM EDT reply actions
OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ALL IS LOST!!!!!!!!!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just keep winning
by FreeBradshaw on May 14, 2010 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
There is definitely room, no NEED, for improvement as far as the offense goes. Our outfield production probably won’t get any better. And NJ isn’t a reliable option as DH much less a contributor. 2nd place is not acceptable. That was my point.
Wild card is acceptable for me
Just keep winning
by FreeBradshaw on May 14, 2010 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Too early
to worry about that stuff. Just let it play out. Just want to see guys start doing what they are capable of … soon.
by Ed Valentine on May 14, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
agree
it is too early for any team
The Yankees are a great team, I would not worry about anything
different story for the Red Sox….
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by bestbostonsports on May 14, 2010 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Too early.
We could still be battling it out with Boston in September.
And come playoff time?…read my tagline.
We don't play for the wild card around here kid
Aiming for the wildcard is too low a bar to set. There is nothing to fall back on.
by Scooby Snacks on May 14, 2010 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
doesn't matter.
if they get the WC in October, I’m fine with that. We play for the division of course. But if they get the WC, its irrelevant. They’re in the playoffs is all that matters
I don’t give a rats ass what the Rays record is as long as they beat them when they play them.
Yes…its too early. But worrying about other team’s records is also too early.
We’re aiming for the WS. Whether they get there by division winner or WC..I dunno how the hell it matters
Just keep winning
by FreeBradshaw on May 14, 2010 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I hope you are kidding
i hate it when the Yanks are the Wild Card winner. Thats an automatic 4 seed in the playoffs regardless of your record. Remember when Oakland got burned by that earlier in the decade? The Yankees themselves a couple of times? The Red Sox as a wild card team in 2003 almost cost them the ALDS. I hate the Wild Card. Win the division please. Wild Card is definitely NOT acceptable. It’s a fallback. Not a goal.
its not the goal
but its acceptable.
You’d rather division winner or nothing? Interesting…I hope YOU’RE joking…
Just keep winning
by FreeBradshaw on May 14, 2010 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldnt worry about. you are still dominating the wild card lead, and the sox are far behind.
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by bestbostonsports on May 14, 2010 12:07 PM EDT reply actions
Dominating the WC? A one game lead in that category over 2 or 3 teams is not dominating. And besides, only a Sux fan would be satisfied with a WC finish.
Im happy to get in the playoffs any way
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by bestbostonsports on May 14, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
yep
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by bestbostonsports on May 14, 2010 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
No one
even thinks about the wild card in May, my dear…
by Great Gatsby on May 14, 2010 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Big Picture & Areas for Concern
Good- 22-12 record & homestand coming up. Most games played on the road. Hughes has been great and the starting pitching good overall. Cano & Gardner awesome… much better than expected.
Bad- Arod… where’s the power gone? Tex… real streaky… where’s the consistency?
Ugly… Nick Johnson… Injuries… Age… Motivation- see Tiger series
Big Picture- 10 games over 500… Go Yankees!!!
by YANKEES FOREVER on May 14, 2010 12:08 PM EDT reply actions
I'm hoping tonight is the return of Good AJ.
And the return of Yankee offense.
"It ain't like he brought it from home." -Derek Jeter
by WhatwouldJeterdo on May 14, 2010 12:26 PM EDT reply actions
Not pitching in Fenway
can’t be any worse, that’s for damn sure.
Quick Observation
Went to 2 games in Detroit & noticed Arod seemed a little distanced from the team during BP & then during the anthem hes like in right center field 40 yds away from everybody else by himself both times. I dunno if somethings up or just Arod being Arod…
Not trying to make a story
Just something I noticed. First time ive been to a game this year, for all I know he might do it alot. just wanted to throw it out there to see if he usually does that
don't give the Daily News ideas
they read that comment, and they have a story for the next two weeks. There’s no story here.
I was absent all day yesterday and this morning due to work...
What is the deal with Swish? I read sore left biceps….. Will he sit tonight?
"You know as painful as it is I've had to let a few people go over the years. ..Yogi Berra, Lou Piniella, Bucky Dent, Billy Martin, Dallas Green, Billy Martin, Stump Merrill, Billy Martin, Bob Lemon, Billy Martin".
by ReprezentinNJerz on May 14, 2010 3:39 PM EDT reply actions
Sore bicep is what I’ve heard too. Not sure if he’ll play..
"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."
MLB.com says he is.
"It ain't like he brought it from home." -Derek Jeter
by WhatwouldJeterdo on May 14, 2010 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
the offense has been pathetic the last few days. And Tex and A-Rod have both had long enough. It’s time for them to start stepping it up and getting hot. They both are long due. And the Yankees need them right now, especially with Granderson and Swisher out.
In lineup today, Posada not catching
NP with Cervelli catching since the wild pitch king is pitching.
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