Comments about early ST camp: 1) Still feel Russell Martin was wasted signing. Nothing changes that to date. 2) Jesus Montero and Austine Romine have both IMPROVED significantly their D as Catcher. Would not be surprised if Cervelli and Montero platoon and Martin is waived at somepoint this year (could be sooner rather than later). 3) All this Francisco Liriano trade talk from Twins seems premature...but who knows. Perhaps Twins are really down on him, worried how hurt he is, or trying to move him to Yanks to grab one of these young Catchers. 4) The 3 "killer B's" of the Yanks system (Brackman, Banuelos, and Betances) are fun and adding early excitement to an otherwise status quo Camp. Brackman's groin is keeping him from really joining into the fun. 5) Small pre-delivery tweak from Joba sure seems to have fixed his flaw with MPH. Lets either hope it continues regardless. Either he stays or is moved as part of a chip for a guy like Liriano. Thats win/win either way. 6) Gardner is growing on me as a full time ready for primetime OF....really surprised to feel this way. I still am not worried about 4th and 5th rotation spot at the moment. Crazier things have happened and turned lemons into lemonade. When they break camp and all the pieces are in place I will revisit.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today told Jim Bowden of MLB Network Radio on Monday that he thinks it's possible Francisco Liriano will be traded to the Yankees sometime in the next two weeks. We've heard discussion about the Twins possibly trading Liriano from a variety of sources, so it appears this rumor has legs. The Yankees have an obvious need in their rotation, but the Twins would be trading away the closest thing they have to an ace at the moment. According to Nightengale, the Twins would acquire either Ivan Nova or Joba Chamberlain, in addition to other pieces. Stay tuned, because it sounds like things are about to get very interesting. ------- Total wait and see. Its all about his health, and the price tag. Partly surprised as to his availability and why TWINS are looking to trade him. Even following TJ surgery 3yrs ago, he is a Lefty that has solid stuff and showed it last season. I have to believe the price is and Arm and Catcher most likely. I would be shocked if Yanks get him.
MLB Trade Rumors: Joe Mauer passed along some advice for Jesus Montero through Joe Brescia of the New York Times: the Twins backstop says Montero should make an effort to learn as much as possible from Jorge Posada and Russell Martin. Mauer, an unusually tall catcher like Montero, is excited for the Yankees prospect to arrive in the majors. Mike Axisa of River Ave. Blues says that the more he hears Joe Girardi and the Yankees coaching staff, the more he thinks Montero has a legit chance to back Martin up, instead of starting the season at Triple-A. Andrew Marchand of ESPNNewYork hears that the Yankees did call the Twins about Francisco Liriano's availability during the offseason. The Twins and Yankees say nothing's happening on that front, however. Rob Neyer of SB Nation has trouble imagining a package that would entice the Twins to part with Liriano. Newsday's Ken Davidoff says the Yankees' long-term future is bright, even though the club would have preferred to make more pronounced upgrades to its rotation this winter.
Wow interesting article by Heyman: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/jon_heyman/03/01/zack.greinke.brewers/index.html Grienke actually met with Cashman and Company at the Winter Meetings and Grienke tried to convince Cashman he could pitch in New York but the Yankees didn't believe him. It's funny that this happened in December yet on March 1st it was finally reported. Makes you wonder just how much goes on behind the scenes that the media and fans never hear about.
Cervelli has a broken foot and will have to be off his feet for at least 4 weeks so he won't even be cleared to practice until after opening day. Does this mean Jesus Montero will be coming sooner than expected?
Love attitudes and approaches from guys like Cervelli, teams need folks like them in the shadows....that said, it wouldnt have surprised me if Montero was 25 man roster anyway. So it may be sooner than some thought, but I was comfortable with it, and now the question is, does Montero believe it and approach it the same way.
Pretty cool article about A-Rod from Gammons......talks about how he trains with the Red Sox prospect Iglesias...... http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp...16835908&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
OPENING DAY *****ES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A-ROD SAYS LETS GO TO WORK!!! See you at the ballpark folks!!
It's nice to see Tex getting off to a good start. He usually a slow starter so lets hope he skips a slow start this year! Arod looked good too. He just needs to run harder. Easily could have gotten that triple I know its early but Cano and Swish sucked big time today. 5 Strike outs between them and an Error by Cano. I know i know its April baseball so it does not bother me too much but they were terrible today. Watch Cano or Swish gets a walk off today and prove me wrong Nice steal by Martin CC looked good. 7ks for first start. Not to bad I thought Joba was hurt. Nice 1st Strike out! Nice inning I love MLB TV. Game is on TV but I love Michael Kay and the Yankees announcers, plus I have class soon so I get to finish the game when I get back.
surprising A-Rod usually runs his butt off out of the box always.....he must in spring training mode.....but yeah so much for Grandy's injury to huh? Nice diving catch in the 1st, and a bomb later should put that to bed.... I will say I think the Yanks have a chance to have a really REALLY good bullpen this year....almost shut down...the addition of Sory is one of those signings that when it happenes you are like "eh" to cuz it isnt the sexy name, but 8th and 9th innings are lock down (provided Mo becomes human for the first time in his career)..........add Joba, Roberson, Felicano etc you are talking a 6-inning game on most nights.... All I have heard is about the Sox bully, but I think NY's is every bit as good...... It would great if Tex and A-Rod start off hot like they should.....and I see Cano has picked this year to go back to being Robbie....coasting through May, until he finally decides to do something...last year was a fluke lol....
Mo's velocity is down 88-91 mostly 89 but it is also 42 degrees, and he pitches 5 innings during Spring Training so, as he stretches out, that will go higher...hopefully.. so thats a wrap folks....1-0, good start.... lets see what AJ and his new delivery can do on Saturday if he even pitches.....
They are, whoever says the Yankees aren't isn't paying attention. The only edge the Sox have on the Yankees is the rotation. It's all about location, location, location and of course movement on the pitches. Rivera can still spot that cutter and it still moves like it always has. I'd never worry about Rivera until he starts getting hit hard or starts walking people.
Something else to keep in mind...with a 2 year deal, it looks like Mo will get it barring injury, and rightfully so.....
Text is on pace for 162 home runs...Mo is on pace for 162 saves and the Yankees are on pace for 162 wins! Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
Surprised about Martin, but at the sametime I shouldnt be, the guy is 2 years removed from the All-Star Game...hope he keeps it up!
Well, as the boys head to Beantown....its all about taking 2 out of 3 at minimum. Nervous about Hughes...if he holds his own and game 1 turns into a W it will ease the concern. But reverse mojo has created far crazier events...so a Beantown Bullies sweep isnt out of the picture even with them starting a fantastic 0-6. Phil, you wanted this...you got it....time to step up and produce. Whats funny is all the panic about our 4th and 5th spots...now, Nova, aside from 3rd time threw the lineup question marks is perfect #4 for youth and health; and at this pace Garcia wont toe the bump till middle of the month. Hughes, Nova, CC for the series. Yanks bats can now start to mix in RBI singles with Bronx Bombs and we will have all cylinders clicking.
Something is up with Hughes health wise, got to be, either that or he wasnt handled right at all in spring training...I just hope it isnt TJ......
**** buck showalter. Can't get the guy out so you throw at him... Speaking of russell martin...man he is on fire! I love games like today where everything is just clicking! Arod hits a Grand Slam and the yankees continue to play great ball!
1) Not even worried about Mo's last two appearances. And while I am at it...no, not worried in the least about our Captain. 2) Yanks and espeically Cashman deserve props for paying for small gambles in the offseason on Colon, Garcia, Millwood, Prior and see about Hughes rehab, from arms standpoint. And from a Bats, for now, yes, I have to admit the R. Martin move is coming up roses as well. I just didnt see it. (Glad that Cervelli will be back in coming days). But the bat that has me the most impressed......the most eye-popping of all is Granderson's batting average against left-handed pitching, which is a dismal .218 for his career, right now sits at .353 for the season, and his first three home runs of the season came at the expense of lefties. (Odd fact: Granderson actually hit for a higher average versus lefties than Alex Rodriguez did in 2010, .234 to .217, and nearly matched him in home runs, four as opposed to six). Again, Cashman really rolled the dice quite effectively to start the year: Martin, Chavez, Garcia, Colon, and again, Millwood - who may make an appearance based on contract terms - all have been solid signings! 3) Just keep taking series the W's pile up and puts us in best position till....... We are just biding our time till trade deadline when some team financially needs to move an arm and Yanks will be there in the mix. p.s. The Yankees no longer have the largest payroll of any sports team on the planet as a pair of soccer teams have unseated them, according to Nick Harris of Sporting Intelligence.
Washington Post just ran a story that supports my Cashman under the radar moves factor: focus of article was abou Martin filling the historic Catching position, but mentions the overall low-pay low risk, high reward moves by Cashman. http://www.washingtonpost.com/sport...-place-yankees/2011/04/23/AFHDrndE_story.html
Martin is gold, and they need to extend him now if they can, or he will be in a Red Sox uniform next year..... Speaking of catchers, I mean this with all respect....I do not ever want to see Posada again this year, he needs to sit, and Girardi needs to play Chavez..... The ride was nice while it was going, but it is over, and I thank Jorge for all he has done to make my Yankee viewing experience amazing, namely 2003 against Pedro....however that ship has sailed.... The days of playing, signing, etc over loyalty have to end or this team is not going to be good, I am still in shock and awe that we have Jeter for 3 more years (I will add scared to that)...they may be the worst above-.500 team there is in baseball seriously...it is either HR's or nothing, they cant string together 2 hits to save their lives....
I think it would be wise to wait on Martin before extended him. After all it's still only 1 month of good production from him compared to 2 years of poor production and injuries. I think Cashman will and should wait until after the season to possibly talk extensions with Martin. I don't think the Yankees really fear Martin jumping to another team though, especially the Red Sox. But you do bring up a very good point about the Yankees being possibly "the worst above .500 team in baseball". While obviously it's not true but their good start is seriously hiding a lot of negatives/holes with this team. Mainly their pitching. Yes it's nice guys like Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon are throwing well but again it's still early and neither guy has been able to pitch a full season, especially Colon who quit on both the Red Sox and White Sox in 2008 & 2009 and was out of baseball in 2010. Add that to the fact Hughes might be done for the year and the big question marks with Burnett and Nova, the Yankees might have 1 above average starter (granted Sabathia is a top MLB pitcher) that's kind of scary. Especially when the other options are Kevin Millwood (who has nice minor league numbers but his stuff has been poor) and Carlos Silva yikes. They have the B boys in the minors and Manny might very well make an impact this year but I'm not sure there will be another good SP that will be available this year that could be a difference maker. I don't consider the Brett Myers of the world to be one. I think there are going to be plenty of average to below average guys available. Again it's still extremely early in the year but I'd be very concerned about the lack of depth. I still think the Yankees will make the playoffs though simply because there is no great team in baseball this year and even the very good ones have holes in them.
Yes it is early, but that can be said for every single team in baseball, the teams that are doing good now, could suck in a few months....it all evens out....I am not AS worried about there pitching as I should be....CC is CC, Burnett wouldnt surpise me if he wins 18 or loses 18 (but the guy certainly has the ability to be very good this year, I read something last night that he is now only throwing 60% fastballs, as opposed to 72% last year) he is basically trying to adapt to batters adapting to him alla Schilling did, and bought several more years on this career, because if that guy can get his off-speed stuff online, he is lights out, always has been........Nova is your 5th starter I will take .500 from him, and if they go into the playoffs, he is in the bully.....the big ? to me is Garica and Colon...and Silva is a headcase but you look at the year he had last it wasnt bad at all in a hitters division....he has Rothschild too, so I think he could be valuable.....Millwood blows, and is gone this weekend... Dude honeslty the hitting is a problem....Jeter literally cant get the ball of the infield LITERALLY.....I mean you have Alex, and Robbie and the rest arent consistant....and I like Martin alot, I think he is over this injury problems, and crap you not, while the Yankees are d$icking around trying to see if they will sign Cashman back at the end of the year, the Sox will swoop in and grab him...... and I wouldnt know what to say about Hughes if he is gone for the year, what a shame I dont wish that upon anybody....you have to feel for the kid, and for me the team...here they are trying to do whats right long term, and develop their prospects, and this happens...
I actually would be a little concerned about Cano turning into a hacker all of a sudden. He's swinging at everything and isn't getting into good hitting counts. Don't get me wrong, the guy is a great hitter but if he continues on his early season trend of swinging at everything, pitchers are going to have an easier time dealing with him. Again this is just a matter of him relaxing a bit more at the plate and seeing the ball better. I still think you need to give the guys until at least May, it's still a small sample size and the weather could be a factor too. I guess it's ok to start second guessing Jeter since he's been bad for over a year now and looks pretty bad right now. But the offense is the least of this teams problems. Pitching is still much more of a concern. As for Hughes, yeah it is too bad, obviously you never want to see a player (especially a young one) injured. It's just weird that he has no feeling in his arm and it just feels dead. He says he's feeling no pain, so I wonder if it's a nerve problem. Hopefully they can figure out what's wrong and get it fixed quickly. This is something you can't really blame the Yankees for as it's not like they were abusing his arm ala Dusty Baker with Prior and Wood or screwing around with him like they did with Joba. Unfortunately injuries, especially with pitchers, are part of the game.
yeah Fink, gotta disagree but thats cool bro, cut the Yankees home runs to the avg in baseball or slightly above, and now it becomes a huge problem...that offense sans the long ball is weak....you will see, as the home runs stop coming in bunches.....right around the time they actually leave the Stadium...it seems like they have been home forever because they have..... gotta love the ole sure fire method to beat NY, and Bos to a certain degree....just roll out a guy they have never seen before.....like last night... Cano I am not concerned, I think he does what Manny used too....that being toying and setting up pitchers....some AB's he looks like crap, some he works them to his advantage....but he is a warm weather cranker...
Man, Finyank13, I read your posts and more often than not you are the epitome of "bad" Yanks fan. How can you honestly bash Jeter 1 month into the season. Give it a rest. Same with your love affair with Martin 1 month into a season. You would make an awful GM based on these statements. You trash on this current lineup and its ability to "only" hit the long ball, and claim without those Bronx Bombs, we cant string two hits together that stay in the park, yada, yada. You bag on Jeter in only a what have you done for me lately attitude, and its 4 weeks into the season against his standard expectations he has earned for the past 15yrs. Yet, you get on a jock of a short timer simply performing above standard expectations he has earned. All those non-HRs you seek, will be mixed in the same way they were year, after year, after year. As the season progresses this Lineup is one thing, a pitch count working, patient, contact club that has the ability to reach the seats as much as it does the gaps. It puts the ball in play working hitter counts. Geez, quit hatting just to hate - cause you are in a New England locale with lots of Boston Friends and you can be so objective thusfor - sniff, sniff - especially following a 2 hit shutout against - what always seems to be the case for many Yankees teams going back decades - a pitcher they saw for the first time. This squad has taken the majority of series to start the season, and its not by magic, its by how they were assembled and thats solid fundamental baseball from all aspects. They have a top rated Offense, a deep pen, and Arms that know what it means to pitch, rather then just throw. Thats all its objective is in the long, long, regular season. To seek more, is to not understand this franchise. We dont have a major significant rotation problem because of one thing, this hitting lineups ability to consistently string good at bats together. Unlike the media/fanatics-wanne-bes that love to drum up nonsense about what they expect the "Damn Yankees" to put together on paper, I wasnt worried about our rotation leading into the Spring, not following the Spring, and yes, Cashman knows how its going to play out, as come trade deadline, some "small" market team will seek to gain on paper youth over a guy about to walk. Or some "big" market club, will cut bait on a salary and look to dump it onto the Yanks payroll. Hell, this bullpen is built (even with the risk Mgmt was willing to shove down Cashman's throat when it comes to Soriano as setup with his 6+ era) to compensate for any arm in the rotation that needs it, logically for 5 reasonable innings from anyone not named CC. AJ, Colon, Garcia, and Nova all need the bullpen, but that was the plan from the day we couldnt lure C. Lee and Andy rode off into the Texas sun. Thats the best backup plan you can have. Rolling the dice on the above, plus adding cheap insurance in a Millwood or Prior even, aides in the development of the Yankees version of the young Killer-Bs in the minors. So be it. Its all about setting it up to the playoff run as it always is, and finding 3 reliable, if not 4 trustworthy arms that can match up against the best of the rest of the playoff teams. And a Pen that can match up with any key at bat that makes it a make or break game/series. So chill on your bogus and wasted hatred for the "what have you done for me lately - we need to win them all" crowd when it comes to where the Yankees are in the standings on April 26th; or your "whimpering come the AS Break we wont be treading water worrying" seriously. As I stated above, Jeter shouldnt even be given a second thought about where he will be come Oct. Chillax and enjoy the ride till then. And as for you Ray Finkle, stop egging him on!
Martin's arbitration eligible next year, why the heck do you lock him up when you control his rights next year?
As for Jeter though, he was pretty terrible from July in the 2010 season on save for an unsustainable blip in SEP/OCT and his batted ball distribution is worrisome. I'm not saying he's done, but.....
sure, but give him 3/4 months, not 1....and its not like he hasnt suffered a cold streak even in his younger years....he has gone stone cold before....and did what Hitters do....bounced back. Hitters Hit. And yes, Old Hitters get Old....but lets just give him time. Same with Posada, no need to toss dirt on them as you kick them to a premature grave then havent proved they really are destined for in 2011. Hitters Hit!
Come on now, how can you not be worried about the rotation? I understand it's only April (I'm the king of saying small sample sizes on these boards) but the fact remains with Hughes out, the Yankees only have 1 legit sure thing, a mystery in Burnett and 3 question marks. You can't just assume that the Yankees are going to make a trade for an impact pitcher (seriously which guy is out there?), they weren't able to last year. You got to be at least realistic about things. Not being concern about the offense is one thing, I agree the bats will be fine, but I do think being there's a legit concern about the starting pitching. And seriously bringing up Mark Prior in any discussion is just silly at this point, especially for thinking he might be a help for any team. The guy hasn't been healthy or pitched in the big leagues in so long that he could have been eligible for Hall of Fame voting over the winter.
Simple, I have seen worse win it all. I have stated things will be fine because to date they are. What has to change for my viewpoint to change is that is this old scrap heap that knows how to pitch w/run support - as I have stated - would have to suffer another injury - and even then I wouldnt put it past this FO to make the right move - whether from the farm or outside it. For the time being we have survived Hughes ailment. But while all this has been going on we are doing the one thing that matters, scoring at minimum 1 more run then the opponent on a given night. We have done that small thing enough to keep winning series. Thats all that needs to be judged this early in the season. I am not bringing up Millwood or Prior as anything more then they are at the moment - Low risk, potentially nice payoffs. Same as Colon & Garcia from arms side.
I'm not saying to not give him time, but you can't ignore 2010 either, and as I said, from July on he was pretty horrid. He's going to get the whole year at least I'm sure, so it's a moot point. Also, Prior is only being looked at/used as a reliever, I'd have to dig the Cashman quotes out, but he's a non option for the rotation because of his health. However, there's still Silva. As for the rotation overall, now if they only had a young pitcher with 4 pitches or so in the system who has been a starter before, hmm. (Free Joba!)
Well, Soriano was shaky again, and coughed up the lead.....but bottom of the 9th, and Arod and Cano hit two balls on the nose and the defensive replacement right fielder for WSox makes two rediculous catches to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Dang....and thats how the ball bounces some series. Colon has to step up to salvage one and see if we can earn a split, this go round. Baseball is a fickle game of fortune both good and bad.
Meh.....ouch bro, bad Yankee fan I think not, and my thinking translating into a terrible GM is an even bigger farce....... Where to begin....Cashman did a great job finding guys who can contribute everyday to this club, and he should use them, and not play loyalties....because the truth of the matter is, and you can bet this, this baseball team will be DOMINATED by any sort of good pitching, namely in the playoffs...why? Because they aren't good hitters......I don’t not care about the HR's, and I certainly do care about what they do during the course of the year to pad their stats BA/H/OBP wise against pitchers who translate the same way as fluff girls on porn sets.....Again this team come playoff time will not do anything against good pitching, alla the Texas series last year..... As for the lineup... -Jeter I am all over the 2010 Yankee (and maybe this one) thread as signing him for anything over a 2 year contract is a bad thing, a terrible thing actually, it is clear the guy is regressing, he swings at balls out of the strike zone, barely gets the ball out the infield anymore, gets beat by avg fastballs and has zero range...All things that are well documented if you open your eyes for over a year now, why did they pay him then? Loyalty, and selling jerseys....ugh...great enjoy him for the next 3 years batting .245-.285...with 85% singles.....I only expect his power numbers to go down every year, and maybe he realizes he should retire before the 4 years is up, why would I want to see him, a player I love (the opposite of hate) be embarrassed? For the overall money they are going to pay him, for the last 2 years, could they find somebody to do what he does? Answer that yourself honestly.... -Swisher, good club house guy, cant hit in the clutch, hasn’t his whole career, maybe they smarten up and let him go in the off-season which is sad because I like him, but I don’t let that get into the way of him honestly not getting it done on the field...he has had an opportunity plenty of them....however he just hired Boras this Feb. so screw that... -Gardner, for some odd reason they love this guy, his speed is dizzying I get that...but they let some free agents go, as well as trades because they love this kid....he has hit .233 since the All-Star Break of last year...translation is "they" have figured him out....and he is/has been overmatched since he has came up....his defense is solid...but we are talking about batting here... -Posada ugh like Jeter I am on record on these boards, as being against signing him for 4 years in 08 at the age of 36 then for 14 million a year...another guy that take away the 90's and 2000's playoffs batting in his prime, hasn’t got it done...it isn’t "Johnny come lately" it is reality, he is old, and slowing, and it is up to the team to be the ones to say, "Sorry vet, have a seat" if the players are too proud to not notice it themselves...he is on record this spring saying he wants to play with New York again next year hahahahah ahhhhhhh no.... -Cano, A-Rod, Tex, and Granderson I don’t have a problem with cuz they are hitting the ball hard still, whether it be home runs or singles, high batting avg or underachieving, they havent lost it...sometimes the ball doesn’t drop like last night.... In the end, the Yankees went from having older crusty vets on their team in the early 1990's (just like now), then transformed under Gene Michael with a solid group of farm guys(all the older guys now), trades, with a few sprinkled in free agents that could hit like O'Neil (I know Pauly was traded), into the dynasty they were...back to now the same thing and they have needed a transformation again but won't (honestly the best thing for them is to not make the playoffs, and be candid with these guys)....Their flaws are to concrete on offense for success, especially when you talk about pitching in the playoffs.....if you want to ignore or mask this under stats that they will eventually accumulate against weak pitching during the course of the year so be it....doesn’t mean I have too....just dont be surprised is all I am saying....
