Spring Fever: Five Bold Yankees Predictions For 2012
by Rob Steingall on Feb 16, 2012 1:37 PM EST
in New York Yankees Analysis
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PrintWe're all tired of the on-going A.J. Burnett saga, so let's shift our attention to the 2012 season and have a little fun today. Here are five bold Yankees predictions I thought up to spark some discussion. Feel free to add your own 2012 predictions in the comments section.
Let's enter the unknown...
1. Phil Hughes wins the 5th starter job and wins 15 or more games
It isn't crazy to think this can happen, especially when you think back to how effective he was in '10 (18-8, 4.19 ERA). He came in out of shape last year and suffered some shoulder issues, but came back and showed flashes of his former self. Hughes worked extremely hard this winter to get in the best shape of his life, and seems motivated to silence his critics once and for all.
2. Curtis Granderson fails to hit more than 30 HR
I may be in the minority, but I think Grandy is in line for a serious regression in '12. A few things jump out at me: First, his HR/FB rate was a crazy 20.5%, which isn't sustainable. Second, he hit .272 with 16 homers against lefties last year. His previous career high against lefties was .259 with 5 homers back in '08. There is bound to be some correction across the board, and it could be significant enough to push him back near or below the 30 homer mark.
3. Michael Pineda masters the cutter and becomes an ace
All the talk is about Pineda improving changeup, and while I think he'll take a step forward with that pitch, the real story will be him learning to attack lefties with a deadly cutter. Phil Hughes utilized the pitch after learning it from Mariano Rivera, so why can't Pineda?
4. Ivan Nova is what we thought he was: A back of the rotation starter
People are going nuts about Nova, but I have my reservations. He doesn't strike anyone out (5.33 K/9) and has good, but not great control (3.10 BB/9). His ERA outperformed his peripherals slightly (4.01 FIP, 4.16 xFIP), and his performance is overly magnified by his gaudy win/loss record (16-4 in '11). Is Nova a solid innings eater with good stuff? Absolutely. But talent wise, he's the Yankees fifth best starter, and my expectations are scaled back to reflect that.
5. Brian Cashman finalizes his divorce and begins a public romance with Kate Upton
I never said these were going to be accurate, but the thought of Cash-$$$ The Gigolo with the latest SI Swimsuit Issue cover girl makes for a comical discussion. Plus, I just wanted to discuss Kate Upton. So, let's talk about Kate Upton.
I'm not asking anyone to agree with me on these, just some things I was thinking about. At the very least, it gives us a starting point to discuss things further. What are some of your bold Yankees predictions for the 2012 season?
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i disagree with all of these predictions
and i predict swisher will smile at some point during the season.
Boone Logan is a good boy. So is David Robertson. Team A.J.
I pretty much disagree with every one of these. Hughes will end up in the pen (because his last name doesn’t end in “a”.) Grandy will hit 30 dingers, mostly because I expect him to see good pitches to hit with either Cano hitting behind him or a bound-to-be-improved Tex or A-Rod. Pineda will be solid and may be an ace some day, but it’s way too soon to think he will reach that level this season. Nova will put up solid numbers, comparable to last season. K rate is meaningless when you’re a ground ball inducing machine. And Cashman won’t.
Romine!
Great point on Hughes… love it.
Nova is a ground ball machine… So was Jake Westbrook in ’12. Fausto Carmona had one great season too, and everyone thought he was going to be an ace. What do those two guys have in common? They are both back of the rotation starters.
Give me a guy with a strikeout arsenal all day long.
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 16, 2012 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
what? why are we comparing two Ivan Nova to two random pitchers?
ground ball pitchers can be just as valuable if they can keep their control. It might not be sexy, but they are effective. Not everyone has to have a sexy 98 MPH fastball to be successful.
Wang
Very successful, hardly an ace.
Wins are so random, you can’t use them as a judge of how good a pitcher is.
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 16, 2012 6:01 PM EST up reply actions
Who is talking about wins here?
you did say this
It isn’t crazy to think this can happen, especially when you think back to how effective he was in ‘10 (18-8, 4.19 ERA).so you’re saying the basis for Phil Hughes’ 2010 being successful is his win-loss record and ERA?
No one is saying Nova is an ACE™ and I never felt Wang was really an ace either, but no one has a rotation of aces, so a ground ball machine can be very very valuable, especially (hopefully) long term and if Nova can continue to keep the ball down on the infield he will be VERY valuable, even without a fireball fastball.
I agree
Nova can be valuable and effective, but let’s not get crazy over him. Expecting a repeat of 2011 is a tall order.
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 16, 2012 6:52 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
What defines a #3?
To me, there is no such thing.
You have your top of the rotation anchors (Sabathia, Pineda, Kuroda), and the rest are innings eaters
Nova is an innings eater. Don’t get me wrong, that is very valuable, but he’s not an elite guy.
Hughes could be a top of the rotation pitcher if he gets his act together and stays healthy. Hell, most of us would be happy if he ate up 180-200 innings and wasn’t dominant.
Banuelos and Betances are top of the rotation talents. Guys like Phelps and Warren are innings eaters. Noesi is another innings eater example, and should fill that role nicely in Seattle.
This mystical middle ground is just a way of hedging bets.
Don’t take this personally, I’m just ranting in general. I feel very strongly about this.
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 16, 2012 11:42 PM EST up reply actions
well i don't think you can have
Hiroki Kuroda and CC Sabathia in the same category. Kuroda is not top of the rotation. I don’t think a #3 is a thing either, I just meant a middle of the rotation pitcher and middle of the rotation is definitely a thing. Ervin Santana, Edwin Jackson, Gavin Floyd is middle of the rotation pitchers. Ryan Dempster is an innings eater. Ivan Nova is a middle of the rotation pitcher.
I think there are several categories of pitchers, and this is just general, not specific numbers because those don’t matter.
There are the CC’s then there are the Dan Harens then there are the Ivan Novas then there are the Innings eaters (mediocre/sup-par and healthy)
Pitchers can not just be Aces and innings eaters because there is such a sporadic sample of talent that can be used in many different ways in many different circumstances
The whole thing is a way for simpletons to put pitchers in boxes so that they can make profound and meaningless statements like all the nonsense about how the Yankees were doomed until they got “a true number two pitcher.”
by Lord Duggan on Feb 17, 2012 12:07 AM EST up reply actions
good god
I didn’t realize a #2 was an actual demand until the media made it up. A lot of teams don’t even have a ‘#1’ and we’re crying over a #2 that will somehow magically save the world.
Sure, they can be valuable...
But how many are legitimate aces? Go look at the Top 15 pitchers in GB% last year, and tell me how many you count. I count no more than one.
There is nothing random about Westbrook and Carmona. Both are groundball pitchers, just like Nova. My apologies if I burst your bubble on him. He’s a back of the rotation talent.
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 16, 2012 6:00 PM EST up reply actions
who is saying he's going to be an Ace?
I think Nova can be a legitimate #3 and a young groundball pitcher will be very valuable in Yankee Stadium. You need an Ace but you also need a solid rotation and Nova can give you solid value without ridiculous velocity.
You didn’t burst anyone’s bubble because you haven’t presented an argument even worthy of being called a strawman. Ivan Nova isn’t going to be an ace because he’s a ground ball pitcher who doesn’t get strikeouts, and when people cite Chien-Ming Wang, he’s only perceived as good because of wins?
Wang posted seasons of 4.7 and 4.4 fWAR and was on his way to another (2.0 fWAR through 95 innings) before being derailed by injury. Maybe not an ace by the conventionally stupid sense of the word, but a 4-5 win pitcher is still awfully good and a long way from “back of the rotation.” And Nova strikes out about twice as many people as Wang did and saw a major uptick in strikeouts when he started using his slider more effectively.
Additionally, citing walks and strikeouts is never going to do justice to a sinker ball pitcher, who relies on inducing weak contact. Batters slugged .384 against Ivan Nova last year, putting him well ahead of any pitcher on the team not named Sabathia. You don’t think that in a home ballpark like Yankee Stadium, it might be good to have a pitcher who keeps the ball in the infield and suppresses extra base hits?
And what is your rationalization for him being a back of the rotation talent? Is there no middle ground whatsoever between an ace (which sinkerballers are never allowed to be) and the back of the rotation? Because he wasn’t hyped up by idiots who slobber over K/9 and fastball velocity and “stuff” in low A and came up through the system as a relative unknown he’s not going to get guys out?
Maybe Nova doesn’t pan out, but there was nothing at all about his 2011 that screamed fluke, and as he got stronger and stronger as the season went on, I don’t see any reason to suspect that a collapse is imminent.
by Lord Duggan on Feb 16, 2012 6:24 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I'm glad I'm home and can finally address this...
Are you kidding me? Are you a gelding? That’s all I can think after reading this long-winded rant.
Two can play this game. Let’s start from the top…
Wang posted seasons of 4.7 and 4.4 fWAR and was on his way to another (2.0 fWAR through 95 innings) before being derailed by injury. Maybe not an ace by the conventionally stupid sense of the word, but a 4-5 win pitcher is still awfully good and a long way from "back of the rotation."
I agree, a 4-5 win pitcher is good. You seem to have a complex with “conventional” baseball thinking though, which I think is a personal problem on your end (we’ll get to more on that later). To me, Wang was a very effective innings eater. He performed AT HIS PEAK for a few years. (As an aside, saying a pitcher is a “middle of the rotation” starter is the most cowardly way of not taking a stance when evaluating players- a guy is either anchoring the top of a rotation, or filling it out by gobbling up innings. Reaching for the middle ground is just hedging bets).
And Nova strikes out about twice as many people as Wang did and saw a major uptick in strikeouts when he started using his slider more effectively.
If you’re going to cite specific fWAR stats, go the extra mile and cite K/9 also. I get it though, ballparking the number supports your rant, so I’ll take the liberty to blow this portion up:
Wang: 4.70 K/9 in ’07, 5.10 K/9 in ’08
Nova: 5.33 K/9 in ’11
Nova strikes out “about twice as many”? Get your facts straight.
You speak of this Nova “major uptick” in strikeouts, but what about September/October? I’ll post the number for you: 4.54 K/9
Where is the uptick???
I’m not really sure where you’re going with this, so I’ll continue…
Additionally, citing walks and strikeouts is never going to do justice to a sinker ball pitcher, who relies on inducing weak contact. Batters slugged .384 against Ivan Nova last year, putting him well ahead of any pitcher on the team not named Sabathia. You don’t think that in a home ballpark like Yankee Stadium, it might be good to have a pitcher who keeps the ball in the infield and suppresses extra base hits?
The pitching outside of Sabathia wasn’t all that great, thus the reason we acquired Pineda and Kuroda. The only thing we agree on is the value of a pitcher who keeps the ball down, but that has nothing to do with the point I’m trying to make that Nova is nothing more than a back of the rotation innings eater.
Batters also only slugged .357 against White Sox pitcher Phillip Humber, a journeyman who is a back of the rotation starter. I could cite more examples of merely average pitchers with groundball tendencies posting lower numbers than Nova, but I think you get my point here. This stat doesn’t do much for your argument.
And what is your rationalization for him being a back of the rotation talent? Is there no middle ground whatsoever between an ace (which sinkerballers are never allowed to be) and the back of the rotation?
Again, you’re grasping at a safe middle ground. There is NOTHING WRONG with a “back of the rotation” starter. Saying a guy is a “middle of the rotation” is basically just a nicer way of saying a pitcher is an effective innings eater. It’s also the easy way out for people who refuse to take a stance on projecting a pitcher and would rather safely ride on the fence.
Pitchers with a strong K/9 and low BB/9 typically are front of the rotation talents. Nova is neither, thus why he’s classified as he is.
Sinkerballers can’t be aces? What about Brandon Webb? Sinkerballers are innings eaters and can be effective, but are guys you fill your rotation out with, not expect to lead your staff.
Because he wasn’t hyped up by idiots who slobber over K/9 and fastball velocity and "stuff" in low A and came up through the system as a relative unknown he’s not going to get guys out?
Scouts, baseball talent evaluators, and those who are paid to cover minor leaguers are “idiots”? Please elaborate.
I never said Nova couldn’t get guys out. I did say he’s a back of the rotation talent, and I’m sticking to that. Riding the fence is unoriginal and utterly boring, and I refuse to do it. You’re welcome to disagree with me, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Maybe Nova doesn’t pan out, but there was nothing at all about his 2011 that screamed fluke, and as he got stronger and stronger as the season went on, I don’t see any reason to suspect that a collapse is imminent.
Again, I’ll point out Nova’s final month of the season:
33.2 IP
4.54 K/9
3.21 BB/9
3.74 FIP
4.55 xFIP
His 2.67 ERA was propped up by luck.
And you’re still riding on the fence by saying “maybe he doesn’t pan out”. Then again, geldings can ride on the fence, for obvious reasons…
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 16, 2012 11:21 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
x
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter, Writer for On The Banks
HAHAHAHAHA
I wish I could have gotten to this earlier, but I was out most of the night. No way I was diving into this on my iPhone.
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 16, 2012 11:43 PM EST up reply actions
Apparently, one is a gelding for acknowledging the possibility that there exists pitchers who fall somewhere in the spectrum between being an ace and the back of the rotation. The only way to be a real man is to overstate, ignore any kind of nuance, and either make blanket “this guy is amazing” or “this guy sucks” kind of statements. I’ll keep that in mind for next time I need to dick-measure through posting about baseball. You seem to need to do just that (and rec your own posts, come on), but we’ll get into that later.
Maybe instead of cherry-picking one month of the season in which he didn’t get a lot of strikeouts, you could look at the entire season and see that he actually was much better (and improving) in the second half. You’re yet to demonstrate anything in his performance that was not repeatable going forward or that is a red flag for an immediate decrease in ability.
Also, the slider that I referenced had a 20.8 whiff% according to Texas Leaguers PFX data (league average for a slider is 13.6%). With a very passable ~6-7 K/9 in the minors and improving secondary pitches, there’s no reason to think he can’t strike out enough batters to compliment his ground ball ability.
The only conclusion that I can draw, is that like most people who do a crappy job of analyzing the minor leagues, you fall in love with strikeouts and pure stuff and miss the reality that there are plenty of pitchers who have success in the majors without a flashy fastball and a lot of strikeouts.
I can’t wait to read the further exaggeration and sensationalism that you will bring to our site.
by Lord Duggan on Feb 16, 2012 11:57 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I didn't know you could rec your own posts!?
The only conclusion that I can draw, is that like most people who do a crappy job of analyzing the minor leagues, you fall in love with strikeouts and pure stuff and miss the reality that there are plenty of pitchers who have success in the majors without a flashy fastball and a lot of strikeouts.
I think this is a major problem with grading prospects, everyone is graded along the same parameters and the ‘unconventional’ ones are completely ignored in favor of the fly or die ones that crowd that crowd the minors. How many prospects have come out of nowhere because by ‘conventional wisdom’ they should be bad? How many prospects have turned out to be crap in spite of their amazingness according to the typical categories.
And I absolutely disagree with the idea that there can only be two types of pitchers. It’s just not true and lumps a giant mass of players into one category that can’t possibly be compared to one another. There is a middle ground and it is ok that it exists. There are plenty of back of the rotation innings eaters and plenty of middle of the rotation innings eaters and there are plenty of pitchers that don’t have the stamina.
You can rec your own posts if you make a second account and need the satisfaction of seeing your post have a rec. And yes, branding pitchers (and pitching prospects) with meaningless labels is an active step backwards in any kind of analysis or understanding of their ability.
by Lord Duggan on Feb 17, 2012 12:15 AM EST up reply actions
FWIW I believe that was his brother. If you’re referring to the RSteingall account, that is, that’d be his brother.
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter, Writer for On The Banks
I gotta get my brother on here. He’s a Mets fan though, so you wouldn’t get double the Barn here.
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter, Writer for On The Banks
Try being married to a Mets fan
And have to live with them 24/7
Ugh…
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 17, 2012 12:57 AM EST up reply actions
And I absolutely disagree with the idea that there can only be two types of pitchers. It’s just not true and lumps a giant mass of players into one category that can’t possibly be compared to one another. There is a middle ground and it is ok that it exists.
I think this is important. It’s extremely lazy to pretend that an entire group of players can fit nicely into basket x or basket y. It’s like the arbitrary line drawn for .300 hitters. You are or you aren’t, and it’s just horribly ineffective analysis no matter which group you are drawing such harsh lines for.
Tweets
"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains"
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Feb 17, 2012 12:46 AM EST up reply actions
What is the difference?
There are plenty of back of the rotation innings eaters and plenty of middle of the rotation innings eaters and there are plenty of pitchers that don’t have the stamina.
Not putting you on the spot here, I’d be happy to get any viewpoints on this.
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 17, 2012 1:06 AM EST up reply actions
Falling in love with pure stuff
Isn’t the point of acquiring talent to get the guys with the best pure stuff? Am I missing something here?
Some guys are very good at maximizing the talent they have, and plenty have done so.
That slider data you posted is great stuff. It certainly offers a glimmer of hope when it comes to future strikeout potential. But again, where were the strikeouts in September? You can’t discount that month, since it falls within the period of time of the data you cited.
Are Nova’s numbers repeatable? Yes they are, I never said they weren’t.
Guys with modest strikeout rates don’t excite me, and I have no problem admitting that. I’d rather a guy with loads of potential that could turn into an ace, than a guy who can have success with less stuff and still be effective.
I still don’t buy into this “middle ground” thing with pitchers. Call it compartmentalizing, or sensationalism, that’s fine. I’d rather be right or wrong on something than sit on the fence and break with the way things are going.
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 17, 2012 12:55 AM EST up reply actions
Isn’t the point of acquiring talent to get the guys with the best pure stuff? Am I missing something here?
A lot, actually. Like the fact that there is a lot more to pitching than 98 MPH heat or a nose-to-toes breaking ball. The goal of any pitcher is to get guys out, and there’s a lot of different ways to do that other than just making scouts wet themselves with strikeouts. Sorry if that’s not exciting enough for you.
Are Nova’s numbers repeatable? Yes they are, I never said they weren’t.
Maybe you have a different definition of “back of the rotation” than me (and everyone else), but Ivan Nova’s 2.7 fWAR put him tied for 51st in baseball. So, if you split up between the 30 teams, he was in the neighborhood of a bad 2nd or a good 3rd starter. Back of the rotation, to me, implies a 4th or 5th starter on an average team. There is absolutely no way that that was a reflection of Nova in 2011, and if he maintains his performance, it won’t be in 2012 either.
But, maybe it’s more fun to exaggerate then be reasonable and objective, so you tell me how he’s going to turn into Sergio Mitre and I’ll tell you how he’ll turn into Roy Halladay. Anyone who thinks anything in the middle of those two is just a pussy, amirite?
by Lord Duggan on Feb 17, 2012 1:13 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
A lot, actually. Like the fact that there is a lot more to pitching than 98 MPH heat or a nose-to-toes breaking ball. The goal of any pitcher is to get guys out, and there’s a lot of different ways to do that other than just making scouts wet themselves with strikeouts. Sorry if that’s not exciting enough for you.
You’re right, there are plenty of ways to get guys out. Again, nobody is debating that, yet you keep harping on it to try and make your Nova point.
Pitchers who can get hitters out with strikeouts, and don’t need to rely as much on those around them, are at a premium. This is why hard throwers and guys with better pure stuff are consistently drafted higher than guys who do it “other ways”.
Maybe you have a different definition of "back of the rotation" than me (and everyone else), but Ivan Nova’s 2.7 fWAR put him tied for 51st in baseball. So, if you split up between the 30 teams, he was in the neighborhood of a bad 2nd or a good 3rd starter. Back of the rotation, to me, implies a 4th or 5th starter on an average team. There is absolutely no way that that was a reflection of Nova in 2011, and if he maintains his performance, it won’t be in 2012 either.
Brandon McCarthy was tied for 20th, with a 4.7 fWAR. Since he was in the top 30, does that make him an ace? Zach Greinke finished at 3.9 in roughly the same number of innings. Does that mean you’re taking McCarthy over Greinke?
Max Scherzer was tied with Ivan Nova at 2.7. Gun to your head, who are you taking?
To me, Scherzer is a top of the rotation guy. He has the pure stuff to dominate hitters on any given day.
But, maybe it’s more fun to exaggerate then be reasonable and objective, so you tell me how he’s going to turn into Sergio Mitre and I’ll tell you how he’ll turn into Roy Halladay. Anyone who thinks anything in the middle of those two is just a pussy, amirite?
HA HA!
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 17, 2012 1:51 AM EST up reply actions
Nice response.
But, maybe it’s more fun to exaggerate then be reasonable and objective, so you tell me how he’s going to turn into Sergio Mitre and I’ll tell you how he’ll turn into Roy Halladay. Anyone who thinks anything in the middle of those two is just a pussy, amirite?!
HA HA
Duggan does raise a legitimate point and you’re just laughing him off. Why does a pitcher have to be one of only those two categories like you seem to be dividing them into? And if you think they’re another type and don’t decide which one they are between your two options, then you’re a “gelding”? Please.
"Don't you think it's strange that you'll make more money than President Hoover this year?"
"Why not? I had a better year than he did." - G.H. Ruth
Choosing the “middle rotation” option is nothing more than hedging bets. There isn’t much more to it, as I’ve droned on about all night.
The book on Nova was that he was either a back of the rotation or bullpen guy before he got to the majors. After 2011, I still feel that’s what he is when I examine the sample.
Duggan made a nice point about Nova’s slider as a key to further growth and success. I buy that as an argument, even if the September data doesn’t show any growth in his K/9.
My gelding comment directly relates to sitting on the proverbial fence, or this “middle rotation starter” idea, and that it takes no balls to sit there until the time comes to jump off on the right side. That’s basically where we are with Nova.
Is he going to be a rotation anchor or an innings eater?
You’re welcome to disagree with me, but I’m standing my ground on this point.
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 17, 2012 2:32 AM EST up reply actions
And here's where we have a problem
My gelding comment directly relates to sitting on the proverbial fence, or this "middle rotation starter" idea, and that it takes no balls to sit there until the time comes to jump off on the right side. That’s basically where we are with Nova.
See, you might think it’s just not making a decision on a guy, but it’s so much more than that. The league isn’t purely filled with CCs and Gaudins. There are so many more people that fit in this “middle” category that you are just incredibly wrong in saying “they are one or the other unless you have no balls.” That’s not even taking into consideration the fact that calling someone else out with “NO BALLS, MAN” is so high school.
"Don't you think it's strange that you'll make more money than President Hoover this year?"
"Why not? I had a better year than he did." - G.H. Ruth
You have your beliefs, and I have mine. We’ll have to agree to disagree.
I hope I’m wrong on Nova, and would love to see him take a step forward with his K/9. The slider is encouraging. He just needs to learn to put major league hitters away more effectively.
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 17, 2012 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
NOVA
He’s no CC
He’s no Pineda
Kuroda, Hughes/Garcia, Nova are good pitchers but they are question marks…
The difference between an ace and everyone else is that you know what to expect year in and year out from the top of the rotation guys…these other guys have our highest expectations but if they fall short of our hopes would that be a suprise? Nova could be a stud this season – he could blow – saying he’s a middle ground pitcher is kinda ridiculous since what does that say about a guy? It say’s absolutely nothing…It say’s he can be good or bad in any given year which means he’s a productive pitcher but we don’t know which side of the spectrum he can fall on…
CC and Pineda I expect a lot from…Nova/Kuroda/Hughes/Garcia will be thrown into the fire and hopefully they over achieve but if any of those guys suck it wouldn’t come as a suprise.
There are aces and then there are guys who are question marks year in and year out. Middle of the rotation guys/Inning eaters/End of the rotation guys…call it what you want it I call them a big QUESTION MARK….
and what would you consider Mark Buerhle?
He’s not necessarily an ACE but he is far from a question mark
Mark Buerhle????????????
In his prime on the Yankees Buerhle is an ace….Nova is not. No question about it.
Buehrle was never a true ace, and definitely wouldnt be one on the Yankees. He lived at a mid-high 3 and bounced back and forth from there to above a 4. Pretty consistent but even in his prime, pitching on the Yankees in the AL East, he would definitely not be considered an ace year in year out. He’s a 2-3(probably more of a 3) type guy on a Yankees staff in his prime, but I guess that doesn’t exist.
a 2-3 on the Yankees often times is an ace…Buerhle easily wins 3-5 more games a season on the Yankees putting him in the 15-17 win range any given season in the pinstripes…
i see what you did there
a double decker compliment sandwhich, delicious.
Of those 5, i want the first one to happen the most…
btw hughes was only effective in the first half of 2010
then he decided to pitch underhand
Boone Logan is a good boy. So is David Robertson. Team A.J.
+1
Fair point.
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 16, 2012 3:21 PM EST up reply actions
Kate Upton will forego
a liaison with and hook up with the mad poster formerly known as Free Bradshaw.
"I don't want one of those guys who'll drive in two but let in three every game." Casey Stengel
by tnredneckyankeesfan on Feb 16, 2012 2:03 PM EST reply actions
Hughes getting the #5 spot depends heavily on Burnett getting the heave-ho.
If that happens, I expect Hughes to be the #5 starter, and to have a decent season. Pineda is probably a year away from being the dominant #2 people expect, Nova can pitch no better than last year and still win 16 merely by not getting sent down again. Granderson seems to have drunk the KLong KoolAid and will be a 30+ homer hitter for years, if he stays healthy. Kate Upton is out of Brian Cashman’s league. Perhaps Derek Jeter or Arod, but Cashman?!
by designatedquitter on Feb 16, 2012 2:06 PM EST reply actions
David Phelps will have more wins than Hughes or Garcia
Neither of those guys will seize the 5th starter spot, and Phelps will swoop in and Nova the 2012 season.
by long time listener on Feb 16, 2012 2:11 PM EST reply actions
Ballsy...
I like it.
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 16, 2012 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not sure Grandy will have an equal season to 2011, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he hit 30 home runs at all.
I don’t think Nova is the 5th best starter on the team. Hughes or Garcia will likely be the 5th starter, and I don’t see how he isn’t better than either of those.
The jury of personal opinion is still out on Pineda and Hughes for this season.
I don’t think Kate Upton is that pretty.
Tweets
"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains"
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Feb 16, 2012 2:12 PM EST reply actions
that last statement is a mark of insanity
by long time listener on Feb 16, 2012 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
Says the guy who loves Kim Jones.
Tweets
"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains"
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Feb 16, 2012 2:28 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
she's a rare and beautiful flower!
by long time listener on Feb 16, 2012 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
I think you meant...
Linsanity!
I couldn’t resist
by LinDynasty on Feb 16, 2012 2:31 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Unless you’re Derek Jeter than you’ve never been on a date with a woman as good looking as Kate Utpon.
Considering I’m a girl who likes boys, I’ve never been on a date with a woman in general. Kate Upton’s face is not pretty in my opinion. It’s really that simple.
Tweets
"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains"
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Feb 16, 2012 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
her face doesn't hustle
Like her couson, BJ Upton.
by long time listener on Feb 16, 2012 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
i knew she looked familiar!
"Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?"
-Abraham Lincoln
"Let me explain something to you. Um, I am not 'Mr. Lebowski'. You're Mr. Lebowski. I'm the Dude. So that's what you call me. You know, that or, uh, His Dudeness, or uh, Duder, or El Duderino if you're not into the whole brevity thing."
-Jeffery Lebowski, The Dude
I’m glad to see you clarified a girl who likes boys.
by MichaelGGBGrabow on Feb 16, 2012 3:10 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve been here long enough to know you have to cover all bases when you make a statement.
Tweets
"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains"
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Feb 16, 2012 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
Talent wise...
He’s the fifth best starter. Talent doesn’t always translate to results though, and Nova was excellent in 2011 at maximizing his skills.
Perfect example of that is A.J. Burnett.
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 16, 2012 3:24 PM EST up reply actions
I actually think Pineda will struggle
I still very much approve of the deal, but I would not be shocked to see him do poorly, especially at the start of the year. I think he will have a down year this year (when compared to last year). ERA in the mid 4 range, probably miss some time with injury, maybe even a slight drop in velocity.
This of course will lead to massive howling by some Yankee fans, saying the deal was foolish and fire Cahsman and etc. And (a 2013 prediction before 2012), I think Pineda will be very good, like close to C.C. level, in 2013.
Also, Andruw Jones will lead the league in smiles.
I know where I come from, and when you always have in mind where you come from the rest will be easy. I think the rest will be easy.
-- M. Rivera
Pineda
I think people are not giving this kid enough credit… what he showed last year on that piss poor Seattle team was phenomenal…I’d put money on him out performing Darvish this year and his ceiling is much higher as well
by LinDynasty on Feb 16, 2012 2:29 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Why do you think Pineda will struggle?
I’m always curious of this when people say it.
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Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 16, 2012 3:25 PM EST up reply actions
I worry because the his second half was weak last year. Maybe it’s just because he’s young and getting used to the long season, but I have some fears that the second half Pineda is the real Pineda. Hope he dispels them this year.
Fear not...
Give this a read: http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/index.php/will-pineda-be-homer-prone-in-new-york/
Very good points made in this piece.
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 16, 2012 3:42 PM EST up reply actions
Ah, but it wasn’t that weak. His peripherals were actually fine, he was just getting absurdly unlucky. His 1st half was a bit unsustainable, but his 2nd half was as well. The real Pineda likely is somewhere in between, and that’s still very good.
Tweets
"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains"
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Feb 16, 2012 3:43 PM EST up reply actions
I would not be surprised to see Pineda master the cutter, but to do so in his first year in pinstripes would surprise me very much.
I do expect some regression from Nova and Grandy, but not to the same extent as you I guess.
My bold prediction: Russell Martin – AL MVP!
you mean AL player of the week in the second week of April?
Boone Logan is a good boy. So is David Robertson. Team A.J.
Maybe we'll get another post demanding an apology to him
"Don't you think it's strange that you'll make more money than President Hoover this year?"
"Why not? I had a better year than he did." - G.H. Ruth
Martin winning the MVP would set this site on fire
Especially if he actually deserved it. The only thing that would be crazier would be if he came in second to Jesus Montero.
by long time listener on Feb 16, 2012 2:58 PM EST up reply actions
+1
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 16, 2012 3:26 PM EST up reply actions
Predictions
Would the yanks really let Burnett eat into the productivity potential of Hughes or even Garcia if he isn’t traded? I don’t think any of those predictions are far fetched…I think Pineda has a chance to surprise a lot of people and I wouldn’t be surprised if he out performs Sabbathia in terms of wins and losses…also Upton is pretty hot…that being said she’s going for the new cash man in town…the yellow mamba…Jeremy Lin
by LinDynasty on Feb 16, 2012 2:25 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I’ve been wondering that about Burnett… With the reports that some in the organization want to hold onto him until the deadline, how would that affect Hughes and Garcia? Do they both go to the bullpen? If you want to trade Burnett later in the season, you have to keep him in the rotation until then, or his trade value declines. Doesn’t make much sense to keep him then.
I don’t understand how they’re going to use Garcia either. The consensus seems to be that Hughes will be the fifth starter, but didn’t they say last year that Garcia takes too long to warm up and wouldn’t be a good bullpen candidate? That’s why Colon started off in the bullpen instead of Garcia (at least that was my understanding). I don’t see how Garcia fits in with this team now that they’re overloaded with starters.
Did Alex just get body slammed in that picture? If so, if he grabbing the bat to fight back?
Also, are the Tigers ST uniforms the same as the regular season?
by MichaelGGBGrabow on Feb 16, 2012 2:43 PM EST reply actions
I think that's A-Rod
And it does look like the Tigers are wearing their regular road uniforms.
by long time listener on Feb 16, 2012 2:59 PM EST up reply actions
It's A-Rod
I really wanted to use this one though…
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 16, 2012 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
I have no idea what this is from.
I remember every Yanks/Red Sox matchup since 2001 and yet this escapes my memory. Puzzling! I did black out for like an entire month in ‘04 though so there’s that. Not sure what caused it.
"Don't you think it's strange that you'll make more money than President Hoover this year?"
"Why not? I had a better year than he did." - G.H. Ruth
*shudders*
The devil…
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 17, 2012 1:14 AM EST up reply actions
Looks like he might be going with spike to the face instead.
Tweets
"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains"
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Feb 16, 2012 3:06 PM EST up reply actions
Makes sense, we all know what a dirty fighter he is.
by MichaelGGBGrabow on Feb 16, 2012 3:12 PM EST up reply actions
I’m
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter, Writer for On The Banks
by Brandon C. on Feb 16, 2012 3:06 PM EST via mobile reply actions 4 recs
This.
I'm a bad example for the kids at home according to people on the Internet.
#JEDI4PSA
by Jedi Master A-Rod on Feb 16, 2012 3:42 PM EST up reply actions
Barn2012
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter, Writer for On The Banks
<
I'm a bad example for the kids at home according to people on the Internet.
#JEDI4PSA
by Jedi Master A-Rod on Feb 17, 2012 12:18 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I think the more times you add on to this, the more likely it is for you to become a mod here. I’m pretty sure that’s how it works.
I’m pretty sure it’s not!
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter, Writer for On The Banks
x
I'm a bad example for the kids at home according to people on the Internet.
#JEDI4PSA
by Jedi Master A-Rod on Feb 17, 2012 12:29 AM EST up reply actions
It’s an inception experiment
I'm a bad example for the kids at home according to people on the Internet.
#JEDI4PSA
by Jedi Master A-Rod on Feb 17, 2012 12:21 AM EST up reply actions
BWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONGGGG
"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
ImNotAHRHitter
by I'mGivingYouARaise on Feb 17, 2012 12:22 AM EST up reply actions
Have you seen Safe House?
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter, Writer for On The Banks
Nah
That looks more like a rental to me. I went and saw Chronicle instead, and it did not disappoint
"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
ImNotAHRHitter
by I'mGivingYouARaise on Feb 17, 2012 12:25 AM EST up reply actions
Should The New York Yankees Blog Hire Jedi Master A-Rod? (New York Yankees Analysis)
There has been a question of whether or not the twenty-seven time World Series Champion New York Yankees should hire JMA. I do not think that they should. Not only does he post inappropriate pictures of telestrator dongs, but they are also offensive and one has to wonder if he is really some kind of sexually depraved pervert, also, a wise guy.
by Lord Duggan on Feb 17, 2012 12:29 AM EST up reply actions
x
The general attitude of the preceding comment is frowned upon by upper management.
#JEDI4PSA
by Jedi Master A-Rod on Feb 17, 2012 12:54 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd for keeping it simple.
Just once I'd like someone to call me "Sir," without adding, "You're making a scene."
I’m in full agreement on Hughes. Disagree about Grandy, not sure about Pineda, you know him better than I do.
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter, Writer for On The Banks
by Brandon C. on Feb 16, 2012 3:06 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I'm the biggest Pineda fanboy on the planet...
And am tickled by the thought of him picking up the cutter to neutralize lefties. The thought of that is almost as hot as Kate Upton…
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 16, 2012 3:30 PM EST up reply actions
Kate Upton throwing a cutter is hotter.
"There is no room in baseball for discrimination. It is our national pastime and a game for all." - Henry Louis "Lou" Gehrig
Hughes
“Yankees Fans Unite” has a taped interview with Hughes at his west coast training center.
Sorry I don’t know how to do links. I’m assuming the full beard he’s sporting will be gone by ST.
I knew someone was going to start posting Kate Upton pictures...
Mission accomplished!!!
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
sorry to be so predictable
but (with apologies to WWJD), Rob – you brightened my day. Thanks.
"You’ve got to be very careful if you don’t know where you’re going because you might not get there."—Yogi Berra
My pleasure...
Feel free to remove the visual of Cashman, of course.
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 16, 2012 3:51 PM EST up reply actions
didn't last long
to start with…
"You’ve got to be very careful if you don’t know where you’re going because you might not get there."—Yogi Berra
My Three Bold Yankees Prediction For 2012
18th AL East Divison Title
41st AL Pennant
28th World Series Championship
"Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?"
-Abraham Lincoln
"Let me explain something to you. Um, I am not 'Mr. Lebowski'. You're Mr. Lebowski. I'm the Dude. So that's what you call me. You know, that or, uh, His Dudeness, or uh, Duder, or El Duderino if you're not into the whole brevity thing."
-Jeffery Lebowski, The Dude
by sweatyguido on Feb 16, 2012 3:32 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
+1
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 16, 2012 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
Arod returns to 30/100; Hughes wins 15; Kuroda is a bust; Swisher will be 30/100
Arod will have a bounce back season… at least 280/30/100
Kuroda will be the next AJ. His ERA will soar in the AL East. Pinada , Hughes & Nova will pick up the slack. Yanks will win the ALEast with 98 wins.
Swisher will have a big year in his last contract season.
Yankees will beat Rangers & Angels for the AL pennant & beat Phillies in 7 games to win the World Series. A rematch just like the Super Bowl with the same results
by YANKEES FOREVER on Feb 16, 2012 3:41 PM EST reply actions
Even is Kuroda has a terrible year, which I don’t think he will, it’s a one year deal therefore an AJ he does not make.
by MichaelGGBGrabow on Feb 16, 2012 4:00 PM EST up reply actions
Agree with you on .....
Hughes, Nova and Grandy. Right now the jury is way out on Pineda …..I’m hopeful but think it is too early to tell. But …. I think we need to be somewhat patient on this one as we gave up a lot in Montero and if he starts out hot for Seattle and Pineda struggles at the outset, there is going to be a flurry of ugly comments (and, for the record, I wasn’t in favor of the trade but ….. would like this to turn out well for the Yanks).
Still too early for me to start dishing out predictions
"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
ImNotAHRHitter
by I'mGivingYouARaise on Feb 16, 2012 3:51 PM EST reply actions
Too early? Look at that countdown clock!
by MichaelGGBGrabow on Feb 16, 2012 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
Too many different variables right now
"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
ImNotAHRHitter
by I'mGivingYouARaise on Feb 16, 2012 4:26 PM EST up reply actions
when do you predict you'll have your predictions?
by long time listener on Feb 16, 2012 6:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
"When will then be now?"
Soon!
"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
ImNotAHRHitter
by I'mGivingYouARaise on Feb 16, 2012 6:10 PM EST up reply actions
by high noon tomorrow they'll be our prisoners!
by long time listener on Feb 16, 2012 6:13 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
WHO?
"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
ImNotAHRHitter
by I'mGivingYouARaise on Feb 16, 2012 6:22 PM EST up reply actions
Wasn't Hughes early to spring training last year
to be “in” shape for the season? http://bronxbaseballdaily.com/2011/02/jeter-and-hughes-report-to-spring-training-early/
I thought part of the dead arm was throwing too much, too hard, too soon.
This piece says he was sent to "The Fat Farm" and was "just a little out of shape" last year
http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/hardball/up_hughes_april_mets_jeter_MAlJJzAPNXAeJGNoeQktmM
No matter how you shake it, Hughes was a mess last year.
You can read my thoughts on all things New York sports at SNYWhyGuys.com
Minor League/Prospect writer for Pinstripe Alley
Check out Minor Developments on Yahoo! for additional prospect coverage
by Rob Steingall on Feb 16, 2012 4:05 PM EST up reply actions
Here's a bold prediction.
Tex becomes more of a line drive hitter than home run or strikeout one.
Linning and Winning!
Tex will become
so attuned to going to ‘the other way’ lefthanded that the shift will change with everyone but the first baseman on the left side of the diamond and he will give up batting righthanded altogether. AJ will lead the team with 25 wins and Cervelli with lead the team with 45 homers.
My bold predictions
JETER will hit over .310
PINEDA will have over a 4 era
CANO is going to have an MVP season. Over .320 BA and will eclipse the 30 HR plateau for the 1st time in his career. Might not win the MVP but he’ll be right there.
ROBERTSON will have double digit saves….unfortunately
KURODA will win 20 games
GRANDERSON will have under 30 HR’s
the Robertson prediction is certainly bold
Do you think Mo will get hurt, or just be ineffective? Or neither, but the Yankees will play a lot of close games and Mo will be unavailable for at least 10 saves?
by long time listener on Feb 16, 2012 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
I figured that’d turn some heads. It’s definitely not because Mo will be ineffective. I just think he’s going to suffer some injuries. Maybe miss a month or so, nothing major, and D-Rob will kill it. That combined with Mo being"unavailable" more nights than usual to attempt to keep him fresh will get D-Rob around 10 saves this season.
It’s major but I thought people would think I meant Mo would get hurt for like half a season when they saw that prediction, which isn’t the case. Still I don’t think a month is THAT major if it’s early in the season and he has time to get back to his old form by mid season, I think the Yankees will be fine with D-Rob and Soriano in the back end for a month or so. It would be a bad thing for the team no doubt but I think it’s something we could handle because we have such a good pen, especially if Hughes or Joba were back there pitching the way they can. This sounds like a convo we’ll be having extensively in the coming years. Hopefully not this season.
I disagree on Nova and Grandy
Grandy last year knew how to hit lefties. I don’t think he’s going to suddenly forget how to hit lefties this year. He may regress a little after having a career year last year, but certainly not to the extent you predict. Last year he had 41 homers, and reached 30 on August 10th with about a month left in the season. He’s gonna keep on slugging next year, too.
Nova may not have had quite the K rate we would hope for, but he definitely showed signs at times. After his return to the majors, his K/9 ratio rose to 6.04. Beforehand it was 4.24. Give him some more time to work on effectively using his changeup with his other pitches, and his K/9 will increase. He is definitely not going to be the 5th-best starter this year, or any other year going forward.
Grandy Man
I think last season was a pleasant surprise with Grandy I just hope that it wasn’t a perfect storm and he can reproduce something close to those numbers from last year but I’m skeptical…I’m also looking for Nova to build on last year…are there any durability concerns with Nova mechanics wise that could shelf him?
by LinDynasty on Feb 16, 2012 4:50 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
We had the same debate about Grandy last offseason
He’d struggled hitting lefties for the first part of the season, until he spent time with K-Long and worked on his mechanics. From that moment on, he tore up left-handed pitching for the rest of the year. We didn’t think he’d be able to duplicate that success in 2011, but he did. I think the “new” Grandy is legit.
no real concerns for Nova
a common perception that he hasn’t struck out as many as one would expect from someone of his stuff is because his delivery is so easy and fluent that it lacked deception.
Sad news
Gary Carter passed away
"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
ImNotAHRHitter
by I'mGivingYouARaise on Feb 16, 2012 5:03 PM EST reply actions
Sherman
Way heard it is #Yankees have offered sliding scale: #Pirates give up lesser prospects closer get to eating $15M of the $33M AJ is owed
someone is going to give up on this back and forth
I agree with #4 disagree with 2, and am hopeful about 1 and 3.
- is borderline creepy. I know Cash is an asshound, but the last thing he needs is to be hanging around a 19 year old! They have nothing in common. They can’t talk at all.
When you come to a fork in the road, take it!
- Yogi Berra
by In The Big Inning on Feb 16, 2012 7:38 PM EST reply actions
sorry, that should have been *5* is borderline creepy
not sure what happened there!
When you come to a fork in the road, take it!
- Yogi Berra
by In The Big Inning on Feb 16, 2012 8:59 PM EST up reply actions
don't agree with you
1. I do agree Hughes wins the 5th starter job, but I think he’ll win 12 or 13 games, but more importantly I think he takes a big step and rebounds dramatically in his peripherals.
2. Grandy hits 30 homers on the nose
3. Pineda develops his change and 2-seamer repeats last year with a slightly better era but maintains his k and bb rates in 194 innings
4. Nova shows that he is a very good #3/borderline #2 pitcher . His FIP improved every month, his walk rate dropped showing very good command. His slider is a legit swing and miss pitch that shows true plus potential, and makes his other pitches better.
5. Cash gets a non-famous woman (who is married)
Yankee doings
Gardner figures out how to bunt and pull the ball-hits .300 with 10HRs.Yankees wind up with 4 reliable starters as Nova and Garcia struggle at times.Yankees start earnestly looking for everyday SS. Joba can’t be effective. ARod gets 35 plus HRs Granderson hits 30 plus HRs again as Long has fixed his deficiency vs LH pitching. Swisher will hit more HRs than anyone except Teixiera, and Cano has average drop about 20 points. Angels, Rangers, and Yankees best in baseball next season. Chavez resigns and subs at 1st,3rd,PH, and DH.
I feel awkward when mods get into it which one another.
by MichaelGGBGrabow on Feb 17, 2012 12:13 AM EST reply actions
Don’t worry, I’m here for ya!
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter, Writer for On The Banks
The name calling got whipped out in a hurry.
Tweets
"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains"
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Feb 17, 2012 12:20 AM EST up reply actions
whipped out
I'm a bad example for the kids at home according to people on the Internet.
#JEDI4PSA
by Jedi Master A-Rod on Feb 17, 2012 12:22 AM EST up reply actions
As would tend to be the case
I'm a bad example for the kids at home according to people on the Internet.
#JEDI4PSA
by Jedi Master A-Rod on Feb 17, 2012 12:23 AM EST up reply actions
Both of you are welcome to piss off haha.
Tweets
"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains"
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Feb 17, 2012 12:24 AM EST up reply actions
x
"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
ImNotAHRHitter
by I'mGivingYouARaise on Feb 17, 2012 12:24 AM EST up reply actions
Racist
I'm a bad example for the kids at home according to people on the Internet.
#JEDI4PSA
by Jedi Master A-Rod on Feb 17, 2012 12:25 AM EST up reply actions
Where da white women at?
"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
ImNotAHRHitter
by I'mGivingYouARaise on Feb 17, 2012 12:25 AM EST up reply actions
Qualifications?
I'm a bad example for the kids at home according to people on the Internet.
#JEDI4PSA
by Jedi Master A-Rod on Feb 17, 2012 12:27 AM EST up reply actions
Stampeding cattle
"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
ImNotAHRHitter
by I'mGivingYouARaise on Feb 17, 2012 12:30 AM EST up reply actions
Oh, I wasn’t talking about you at all.
Tweets
"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains"
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Feb 17, 2012 12:25 AM EST up reply actions
Name calling?
Better watch out. Brandon will ban you.
by Briceratops on Feb 17, 2012 12:28 AM EST up reply actions
Probably for the best if you did. It wasn’t a glowing moment for the site.
Tweets
"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains"
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Feb 17, 2012 12:32 AM EST up reply actions
I didn’t delete any comments….
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Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter, Writer for On The Banks
No, it was a browser issue of some sort
I got this thread of comments well before the thread of comments to which it referred. Strange. Now I’m caught up. Yay, I guess.
It happens
I don’t mean to say I like fighting or anything, but a little back and forth between the writers is not a bad thing, provided people can keep their cool. It’s not like I haven’t lost my cool a time or two.
I’m sure Brandon will make everybody have a big group hug soon :-)
It’s not the disagreeing that I found off putting. That’s normal among any of us and writers certainly aren’t the exception. It was the delivery that was kind of poor, in my opinion at least.
Tweets
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Lots of times when two people are arguing over something and there is a large gap in the middle of the two sides, that’s probably where the correct answer lies. I don’t see Nova as an ace or a back end guy. To me, he’s a middle of the rotation starter. But then again, since I view him like that, I am a weak individual.
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