Bomber Links: Jeter, Lee, and Lots of Quotes
by Lord Duggan on Aug 13, 2010 9:00 AM EDT
in New York Yankees News
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Mood Music - Somebody to Love by Queen
Derek Jeter is good at getting hits. And, if you're not tired of milestones, there are now only 37 players with more hits than Jeter as he passed Mel Ott with his 2,877th base knock. The buildup to 3,000 will be covered extremely thoroughly, so prepare yourself for Jeter's climb through the record books.
Tim Cowlishaw (who I like and respect a lot) wonders about the implication of games like Wednesday night's on the future of Cliff Lee:
As he worked through the fifth, the sixth and finally the seventh when he was spent, Lee looked like he was melting in the Arlington heat. The temperature was still in the mid-to-high 90s when he made his uncustomary exit, having thrown 106 pitches to get through 6 1/3 innings.
Regardless of what happens the rest of this season, is Lee going to think back to nights like Wednesday, the sheer misery of pitching in the Texas oven that is the Ballpark in Arlington, when he considers his free-agency options?
Lee dismissed such ideas after the game:
"That's part of playing in Texas: You've got to figure out how to deal with the heat," Lee said after the game. "It was definitely a hot one, but it was hot for both sides. That's an excuse. I'm not going to sit here and make excuses. It was a even playing field and both teams had to deal with it. You can't change the weather. You can't change the environment. It is what it is and you have to deal with it."
I have been against the Yankees spending big money or dealing big prospects for Cliff Lee from the start, but I don't think the deciding factor for Lee staying with the Rangers has anything to do with the heat or a game in August. If the Rangers stabilize their ownership situation to the point where they can give Lee a top contract, and he feels like he can win in Texas, he'll be tempted to stay. If not, he won't.
Mark Feinsand talks about the value of having Marcus Thames as a bench player. I appreciated the following quote:
"I know I don’t get to play that much, but when I do, I take pride in it," Thames said. "I’m not going to put the pressure on myself and try to act like I’m Tex. I’m just going to be Marcus."
It's a good mentality to have and also some terrificly unnecessary "refer to myself in the third person" talk (looking at you, Ricky). I have been pleasantly surprised with Thames' contributions so far this year, and when he is used properly, can be a real weapon off of the bench.
Gritty Gutty Brett Gardner has been slumping as of late and has even looked a little gun shy on the base paths. RAB took a look at the infamous "non steal" the other night, and I picked up an interesting quote from the Gritty one in their article:
"Early in the season I was getting on base a lot and running a lot, and my legs just got a little tired," he said. "I need to start running more. I wish I had been running more recently in the last several weeks, but I will. When we need me to try to get into scoring position, I’ll try to…it’s just a matter of trying to be smart."
Normally, I think risking giving away outs on the bases and running yourself out of an inning is a terrible strategy, especially with the depth of the Yankees lineup. But when you have someone with the speed and ability of Brett Gardner, it is frustrating to watch him be as conservative as he seems to be. Gardner has been a huge contributor and a weapon so far this year (and if Derek Jeter wasn't Derek Jeter, he'd probably be batting lead off), so hopefully he can turn the corner and get back into high gear.
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Awesome song choice
Now let me read the rest of the article haha
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
damn good mood music
A thousand lips. A thousand tongues. A thousand throats. A thousand lungs. A thousand ways to make it true. I want to do terrible things to you.
by Nine Inch Nails on Aug 13, 2010 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 13, 2010 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions
with songs from Queen and Led Zeppelin, every song choice is a good song choice.
♪ They got... the mustard.... OUT! ♫
♫ They got the mustard out! ♪
True
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 13, 2010 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Good to see ...
…. Thames getting some positive love on the Alley …. I seem to recall a very negative poll about him from the beginning of this year. Perhaps an apology from the Alley is owed … the positive notes in this article are a good start :P
I love him at the plate. Hate him in the field. So long as Joe G doesn’t put him back out in left, it’ll all be fine.
"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."
+1
I can’t watch him in the field.. that’s my only problem with him
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 13, 2010 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Marcus Thames continues to impress me
I voiced in the beginning of the season to my buddies that he’d be gone by the trade deadline. I’m thrilled that he’s still with the Yankees. For him to say what he said shows a lot about his character. What a pleasure it is to have Thames as an option off the bench. Although his performance is important, his attitude pops out at me even more. The way he gets fired up after big hits always puts a smile on my face (i.e. walkoff against Red Sox, walkoff against Toronto, go ahead RBI single on Wednesday).
Good stuff, Duggan.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
I hope the Yankees get Lee, so long as his deal is for less than Sabathia will make in the next few seasons.
Remember, CC has an opt out after 2011, and I think whether or not he uses it will depend on what kind of deals aces are signing. Halladay took less. If Lee signs for 5Y/$20M per rather than 6Y/$25M, it might make the difference on less agita heading into 2012.
"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."
I doubt the Yankees will give Lee $25 million per year
He’s just not worth that much, sorry Lee. He’s turning 32 on August 30th… no way he’ll get 5-6 years for $25 mill each.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 13, 2010 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Lee's price
Is going to be around 23-25 mil per year for 5 or 6 years. Probably 6. He has been as good as or better than C.C. or Johan the last 3 years so he is going to expect to get paid as much as or even more than them, That’s why he’s going to free agency.
Will the Yankees give it to him? YES. I don’t think there’s any question. By attempting to trade for him they’ve already made it clear that they want to sign him (obviously they weren’t going to give up Montero for someone they viewed as a rental), which gives Lee and his agent all the more power in negotiating.
Will Lee be a Yankee? Again, YES. In the Cashman era there has not been a single major free agent who the Yankees have chased and not gotten. They don’t mind overpaying relative to the market. They bid against themselves for A-Rod and paid him at least 50 mil more than anyone else would have. They topped the Angels offer for C.C. by 40 mil. They made competitive (but still the highest) offers for Teixeira and Burnett.
If you don’t like the idea of overpaying players you’re rooting for the wrong team. Remember, it’s not your money (they aren’t going to lower ticket prices if they don’t sign Cliff Lee). Lee is a great pitcher and we’ll have the pleasure of watching him do his thing for the next 5 or 6 years. I don’t mind overpaying for the best. It’s paying guys who aren’t the best like they are that kills teams in free agency.
by Let's Talk About Tex Baby on Aug 13, 2010 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Absolutely Lee will be a Yankee next year BUT...
Lee will not be offered a higher annual salary than CC… especially if CC wins the Cy Young and/or the Yankees repeat as World Champions. My guess is 5 years @$20-$22MM for Lee.
by YANKEES FOREVER on Aug 13, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
what does CC and the Cy Young have to do with it?
If Lee played for the Rangers the whole year he’d unquestionably have been a shoe in for the Cy award by the all-star break.
The guy’s let up 9 HR and 9 BB’s.
Lee is a much better pitcher then CC..all due respect to the big man but its really not a knock on him, Lee is by far the best pitcher in baseball.
Lee should ask, and should get more money then CC. The Cy Young has nothing to do with it.
He shouldn’t get a ton of years tho cuz he’s older and has been injury prone.
by FreeBradshaw on Aug 13, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
CC... Cy Young... Lee
If CC wins the Cy Young and we offer Lee a higher contract, we may be saying goodbye to CC after next year. I believe CC has an opt out clause in his contract after next year. CC is clearly our ACE and he knows it and wants top pay for it.
by YANKEES FOREVER on Aug 13, 2010 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
CC will get his money then
but if the Yanks want Lee, they’re not going to be able to pay him less then CC. That’s most likely gonna be a fact.
When you’re a better pitcher, you don’t ask for less money.
by FreeBradshaw on Aug 13, 2010 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Who else gives him $20 million in this economy?
Not the Red Sox and not the Phillies. The Dodgers are a mess.
The Angels? The Mariners (where he would win 12 games each year)? Maybe Detroit?
by PortlandYankee on Aug 13, 2010 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions
The Rangers since Ryan bought the team
have been adamant about re-signing him. It was the last ownership, but they did get that Alex Rodriguez guy to that albatross contract.
by FreeBradshaw on Aug 13, 2010 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
And they're still feeling it
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 13, 2010 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Why would CC leave?
He could opt out and request a higher contract if he wanted… I doubt he’ll get $25 million elsewhere.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 13, 2010 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions
CC is not opting out
First of all, CC is 10th in WAR among AL pitchers (3.4). Cliff Lee is 1st (6.0).
Cliff Lee should win the Cy Young.
Even if you think Lee’s league switch or poor run support in Seattle hurt him, CC is only tied in the AL in wins (15) with David Price, with better numbers (equal Ks, lower ERA), even though he’s benefited from even more run support and is only 12th in WAR.
Also, opting out in the middle to a Depression would be idiotic. Who’s going to pay him more than he’s making now, also the place where he has the best chance at 300 wins?
by PortlandYankee on Aug 13, 2010 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions
on the topic of WAR... i don't get how ppl think we're not going to get our values worth with lee
the money we might pay him is going to be ALOT but he can easily give us that amount of worth as a pitcher. the guy has Maddux like control and even if he starts throwing low 90’s (which he alreayd does) he can still be effective as a lefty. lee right now is basically pitching with low velocity but amazing command and that doesn’t just suddenly leave a pitcher when he gets older. Getting a guy like lee is more likely to be a better long investment than say AJ who is having trouble with a velocity drop and needing to have better control of his pitches…something he never had to do before.
I don't get why ppl worry about the money anyway
I understand the “Prospect” argument — but not the salary. Is it like some “Be a Yankee accountant for A Day” fantasy camp?
All we fans want to see are great players on the field. We’ve never seen the paychecks. So let Cash figure out the cash — he always does.
So you got a chance to get Cliff Lee pitching for you you get him. Period.
Let’s get the wins and let the accountants write the checks. They want to raise the beer price a bit go right ahead.
This is silly. The Yankees, like every other team, operate on a budget. Wasting money now means there isn’t enough money to go and get better players in the future. No team can just spend as much money as they want, as recklessly as they want, and expect that to work.
Questions or thoughts? Email me at duggan2423(at)gmail(dot)com
by Lord Duggan on Aug 14, 2010 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
never said that - said they know what they are doing
and they don’t waste money easily. they may guess wrong sometimes but they don’t waste money. when was the last time you heard Cash say ‘we just couldn’t afford him’ about someone we wanted?
i doesn’t happen so this IS silly. Especially since you are talking about Lee.
I think I've finally been persuaded that we shouldn't go after LF CC next year...
…butt we need to throw the bank at Cliff Lee.
$24 million in salaries coming off the books just from Javy and Andy.
Pay that to Cliff Lee + a 1 year, low risk deal for Brandon Webb.
by PortlandYankee on Aug 13, 2010 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Please
If kids in high school can run two-a-days in this heat, Cliff Lee can stop whining and pitch.
He ain't whining
But he is crying on the inside
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 13, 2010 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions
I'd sure be
I was playing for the Rangers instead of the Yankees.
And listen, maybe whining isn’t the best term. Struggling? He tied his shortest outing the season last night. Environmental factors are part of sports. Hell, last night we saw the Ravens and Panthers completely drenched and fumbling all over the place. I’m saying it is something you can try to overcome or let it beat you. And yes, he had pitched over 100 at that point in the game. Even at cooler temperatures, he may have still been pulled.
But let’s talk about the heat at the Ranger’s park:
“I don’t know if you can go top five [payroll] just because the Rangers are always at a disadvantage just because of the heat factor out there [at Rangers Ballpark],” Cuban told the Ben & Skin Show on Monday. "You’re never going to be able to quite charge the same as Boston is just because of the comfort factor going out there. A big part of what we wanted to be able to do is try to find leverage points with the city of Arlington to try to come up with some solutions for sitting out in the bleachers.
“It can be brutal out there.”
I’m not saying you can move a park because it does get too hot, but if your environment ends up driving away top pitching talent, that is something to consider when trying to get talent to come join your club.
I hope you realize how ridiculous it sounds when you say
“He tied his shortest outing of the year last night”. If the Yankees had a pitcher that was as consistent as Lee, I doubt anyone would ever complain about him. 6.1 innings as his shortest outing of the season is damn impressive.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 13, 2010 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
6.1 innings against the top offense in the league.
"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."
An even BETTER point!
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 13, 2010 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Ive played 3 games in one day
in 95 degree weather. No AC or fans. It sucked.
"Welcome to the real world, JACKASS!"-Andy Samberg
That's brutal
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 13, 2010 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
plus we had to do drills,
stretches, one on one, stations, and hot shot.
"Welcome to the real world, JACKASS!"-Andy Samberg
Please
read before you type.
Tell me how Cliff Lee is doing anything but manning up here? Not a whine in sight.
“That’s part of playing in Texas: You’ve got to figure out how to deal with the heat,” Lee said after the game. “It was definitely a hot one, but it was hot for both sides. That’s an excuse. I’m not going to sit here and make excuses. It was a even playing field and both teams had to deal with it. You can’t change the weather. You can’t change the environment. It is what it is and you have to deal with it.”
Cliff Lee didn't come out of the game because it was hot, he came out because his pitch count was 106.
Lee throws strikes and batters come up swinging. 106 pitches often gets Lee into the 8th or even 9th inning. There aren’t many teams that can make him throw 100 or more pitches through six. The Yankees, Red Sox, and who else? As I said a couple of days ago, Lee’s performance against the Yankees this week was similar to his World Series outings- he got a big lead early, and the Yankees got 4 or 5 runs in the 7th. The difference was that the Phillie pen held on, and the Ranger pen didn’t.
Thames— bat yes, field no.
Gardner- yes, run more. Also, hit more.
by designatedquitter on Aug 13, 2010 9:54 AM EDT reply actions
Pettite setback
"Everything looks nicer when you win. The girls are prettier, the cigars taste better. The trees are greener."
That’s a couple days old.
Strikeouts are boring- Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic.
by CasanovaWong on Aug 13, 2010 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
The date on the story is today, the event happened yesterday, so no, it isn't a couple days old
Too bad that Andy will have to take a couple more days, but I’m glad to see them being careful with him. Plus, with Mosely doing so well starting for him lately, I’m not too concerned about Andy missing another start or two.
The Post had it on the 12th
http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/yankeesblog/pettitte_scratched_from_simulated_IKWwM14GMIifqJEdG5FbGO
Strikeouts are boring- Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic.
by CasanovaWong on Aug 13, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Yesterday was the 12th
Hard to call it “a couple of days old” when it happened yesterday.
Umm, I'm in Australia, so it's like the 18th here
Strikeouts are boring- Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic.
by CasanovaWong on Aug 13, 2010 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions
lol
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 13, 2010 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions
I want them to sign Cliff Lee just so they can DFA him
A supporter of the MFY.
by Edgware on Aug 13, 2010 11:40 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Which DFA...
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 13, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Cliff Lee is also going to want a no-trade clause
He’s tired of moving around.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010).
he'll probably want it and may get it
but if a team like the Yanks signs him, there’s really no reason to. The only reason he’s being moved around so much is not his talent, its his contract…which has been a reasonable $9mil/year (and $6mill last year).
If he gets a $25+ mill deal, which given the fact he’s putting up some historic numbers..he may get, there’s only a team or 2 that could trade for him anyway.
So if Texas signs him, it’ll probably be much like an ARDO situation
by FreeBradshaw on Aug 13, 2010 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
don;t forget Texas have A LOT of one year rentals
when they are gone, Texas will not be what they are this year. They went all in this year so who knows what will happen in the postseason and lee will probably look at that since he;s been with rebuilding teams.
He's the whore of MLB!
Everyone rides teh Cliff Lee!
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 13, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Once he hits 2900 I think it's acceptable
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 13, 2010 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Give a shout-out to Mr. Valentine at the new fanshot
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
I agree with not trading prospects for Lee
but they can open up the checkbook to sign him in the offseason. He is definitely worth whatever he gets.
Sabathia, Lee, Pettitte, Burnett, Hughes
Cliff Lee pitching to Jesus Montero next year? I sure hope so
Move Jeter into #2
In fact, change the whole lineup…
Gardner LF
Jeter SS
Cano 2B
Rodriguez 3B
Tex 1B
Swisher RF
Berkman DH
Posada C
Granderson CF
Why in the world would you do this?
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
by Chris McKeown on Aug 14, 2010 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions
No need to make the change
But there’s nothing wrong with this order, either. I’ve always thought Cano should be hitting third.
Well
Jeter hits groundballs 67% of the time when making contact with a pitch. Moving him back to the 2-hole increases the odds of a double play to lead off the game. I like him at the top of the order.
Teixeira has not caused any problems in the 3-hole.. so I’m not sure why you’d want to move Cano there.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." -George Michael Steinbrenner III
Gardner’s OBP is like .380 something vs. RHP. Jeter is good at going to RF. Good bat control, excellent H&R. Cano is hitting with power and average and has the best chance of bringing the table setters home. Tex and ARod are both stranding too many runners. Need to get runs early. Swish is having a good enough year that if Tex and ARod do get on, he may be able to clear them. There is no consistent clutch hitting after Cano as of the current lineup. Granderson batting 9th makes sense. If he ever gets hot, then move him up. But having a potential base clearer in the 9th hole and good speed works.
Forgot to mention Gardner’s ability to steal bases, making Jeter’s current propensity for gbs to be of no effect. So Jeter pushes him to 3rd after the SB by hitting to the right side. In essence, by the time Cano comes up, Gardner could already be on 3rd base.
looking at the numbers is one thing
looking at who’s who and who excels where is another.
Tex will always bat #3…there’s no single chance Cano takes that spot until Tex is gone, and deservedly so.
Gardner bats where he bats cuz he doesn’t have the pressure of being a leadoff hitter. He doesnt’ do well at the top of the order even if the numbers say he would.
by FreeBradshaw on Aug 14, 2010 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Not true about Gardner
Gardner has led off in 6 games, a total of 24ABs. He has a .375 BA and .444 OBP.
If Joe G would forget about names and think about putting up numbers to win games, it would be very wise to hit Cano 3rd. Tex will just have to get over it. You can’t have a .250 hitter in the 3rd spot.
by OldYankee Fan on Aug 15, 2010 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
6 games? That doesn't matter.
.250 hitter? Please….that also doesn’t matter. Tex’s average is only so long cuz of his horrible start to the season. He’s the #3 hitter and has earned it over the past couple. It would actually be very unwise to move Tex out of the 3 hole.
by FreeBradshaw on Aug 15, 2010 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
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