I have been here for a few years...voicing this same opinion....whichhhhhhhh is actually turning out to be reality.... I will just keep waiting for Marky's tear to start, I am patient....I have waiting for a few years now....
How? They're both on the wrong side of 30 and have been declining for a few years in a row now, with the years and dollars on both of their contracts even if they didn't have a no trade or if either of them wanted out of New York it would make them nearly impossible to move. Which team is going to take them unless the Yankees pay for almost all of the contract? The Yankees are stuck with them until the contract expires.
Yup....the only way I guess, eat the contract.....or part of it....or plant a handgun with a body on it in their car and call the cops....... I mean realistically THIS right now is probably the best you are going to get out of them 2....as the years go on it will decline...
Well if the Yankees do that and pay last say 80 cents on the dollar to get them out of town, who are they replacing Arod and Tex with that would be a better realistic option? If you start talking about signing big time FAs that's only going to keep the Yankees' payroll going up, something the Sternbrothers don't want to do. It's not as easy or simple as simply getting rid of them.
right and I agree Fink with all of it, but this is where Cashman is going to have to be smart and find bargin signings, draft well......and deal with it for a few years, while they find the next generation of Yankees like the old guard....what was New York doing before all of them came along in the mid-90's? Not much, but they drafted well, and had some very quality undrafted signings under Gene Michael...all of those guys were allowed to develop, add smart trades in, and few free agent signings smart ones like Charlie Hayes etc.... the biggest problem is New York's and their fans unwillingness to NOT make the playoffs, the pressure on them to win it every year to greater than the players playing the game, and IMO it isn't sustainable.... they went bonkers after they won the first few and the expectation level rose to the level that isnt feasible, however they tried to compensate that with the mega-contracts..... IDK this team is just unexciting to watch and has been for a few years, and to think it isnt going to change is scary to me...
Im in the light, and the dark....this team is broke, truth or not? I dont usually like to complain, but tex is awful. He has been saying the last two years during spring training that he is going to drop a random bunt or go the other way, in over 600 at bats he hasnt done it once. Maybe his philosophy really needs to change. I mean Kevin Long has converted Grandy, made Cano come to his potential, helped jeter get rid of that hitch in his swing, why cant he talk some sense into tex?
Kay was saying on the broadcast that he just isn't comfortable going the other way, and really doesn't do it well, because he doesn't do it....I don't agree per se... he went off the wall at Fenway a few weeks back (the game when they were down 9 runs), and it was an awesome sight to see, he went with the pitch beautifully and put it off the wall...However in the postgame comments he said that it would have been an out if it was Yankee Stadium, and he is right it would have been... So maybe there's your answer FFG, maybe he feels that left-center is too big to hit it out of so he just tries to pull everything....I will again counter with ANYTHING is better than what he is doing now...just hit singles over the SS's head I dont care...it worked for Boggs... On Jeter, and BDH you are going to love this....I WAS WRONG .....I really dont think it was his swing, honestly I think it was the pressure of 3,000 hits and all the individual spotlight attention he got during it....you know how he is with that stuff, he hates it..... Since he hit 3,000 he has been on a tirade batting over .330 I believe....I dont think there was anything wrong with him swing wise, it was mental I believe....
Yes, Kevin Long has helped Granderson...that's his prized pupil.....but right now Cano is hurting and has been sub-par all season. Arod and Tex too, but where is the angst over Cano?? Typical. Listen, I love K. Long but hitters hit....regardless of a hitting coach and thinking thats who gives them the key to success...granted, for a lost cause underperformer such as Granderson vs Lefty's especially, yes, its good to see him listen and apply a new approach that K. Long was providing. And it has paid off. But Arod has been Arod with and without K. Long; Cano same and already addressed above - fact is, right now, Robby is regressing this season. And Jeter....nope...Jeter doesnt turn to K. Long...never has, he has stated time and time again, he turns to Gary Denbo, not Long. Now, that's not a knock on Long (and Long is smart enough to know it and say so), its a reality that Hitters hit, and dont TRY new things for the joy of trying them. You have to be an underperformer more often than not like Granderson, cause even the worst slump of a true hitters career, they go to OLD tricks, not new ones (i.e. see Jeter's worst slump and going to Denbo not Long). They to to a specific instructor that led you to success, Posada to his Dad, etc...vs to a new guy like K. Long and waste time in their mind to give it a shot. They know why they are paid, they wont SHUN K. Long, but to think he is who they turn to is silly too. Hitters like Cano, Arod, Tex, Jeter lean on history and trust. Just saying, fact of life to those that play the game and have a history of success, K. Long is just one ear...but more often than not, for all 25 in uniform on a given day, NOT the guy they go to. Now, Tex is an amazing defender (and a BIG reason; BIGGER than his bat when we signed him) that saves the Yanks infield and pitchers runs upon runs upon runs.....he has also dealt with a ridiculous upper respiratory infection this entire season and never asked out of the lineup or the d-side responsibility, and whether "fans" care to admit it, he starts slowly every season (like dozens of other hitting stars by the way historically in the same boat) and "demanding" that change is foolish and a symptom of being a FANATIC with no rational sense whatsoever....accept it. Expecting Tex to "try" to bunt or go the other way would be lovely in their mind, but misses the point, anymore than most others that are pitched a certain way, and the defense shifts a certain way. Last night Captain Jeter lined out to Right Center multiple times, right where they pitched him and right where they moved the Center fielder to play him....where is the outrage there? Where is the cries for come on, pull the ball, etc.! its silly....and what's more silly is worrying about contracts and claiming its the albatross of some new thing this franchise has never been faced with. Please...the value Tex provides is greater than Arod I can guarantee that. And Cashman has yet to leave us in the lurch. Why presume this time it will be a bad thing? Frankly, I know what this is all about, we have to stop tearing each other apart....just because we are tied with the CRAPPY RED SOX, doesnt mean we should beat each other up, (even if a spy may be among us). Stay strong brothers and sisters! Let it play out...long way to go!
And thats the point about some of the DAY to DAY posts and RIPPING a player or Team when they are underperforming vs just watching and letting it all play out...saves you from SHOUTING and FOAMING AT THE MOUTH from the mountain top, only to realize you are only spitting on yourself. This current group assembled by Cashman does not have a Donnie Baseball or a Jason Giambi on it....no curse, no wanna-be. Granted Arod is the closest we have to that (but he got his ring). Let it play out...even keel is so much smarter........unless you like being spit upon by self-induced antics. We need to get Gardner back, we need to let the days pass to watch Tex get on his run, Arod hopefully too...and yes, Cano too (who has gotten a huge pass from those that love to RANT about day to day underperfomance).
For those interested: https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=tpQLwiiQL4kzEzLhsUqVjLQ&output=html Future Obligations: 2013 - $119M (9 players : Arod, Tex, CC, Jeter, Cano, Soriano, Grandy, Feliciano, and portion of AJ Burnett) 2014 - $75M (4 players : Arod, Tex, CC, Jeter) 2015 - $68M (3 players : Arod, Tex, CC) 2016 - $69M (3 player : Arod, Tex, CC) 2017 - $26M (2 players Arod & CC)
I'll say this, at least Jeter and others are willing to change (Jeter especially is willing to pull, go the other way, drop a bunt, or just poke it where the defense isnt. Watching tex swing at the off speed stuff is painful. He just looks lost at the plate and Tex has been declining for the last 2 1/2 years, he uses too many excuses in my opinion. Slow starter, bad cough, tight calves, bad thumb. Love the man for his defense and maybe "defense wins championships" but as fan i want to see OFFENSE. Offense is sexy. Tex is too good of a player to be playing as poorly as he is. I never presume cashman wont find a way to improve the team, i dont usually question his judgement either, and i dont mind giving away a season or two. You can never have too much pitching and we have a lot in the minors that look to make the rotation very strong in the next few years. I also think we have quite a few bats in the minors to build around. I dont think anyone is tearing anyone up either, its a message board, we come here to vent, if we cant vent to other fans than our wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, pets, children will get the brunt of it and that makes for a lot of sleeping on the couch..
Jeter has been a SPRAY hitter his whole career, and inside outer......Tex is a switch hitter that has been a #3, #4 power hitter and its not his style, never has been...thus, to complain about his approach or his unwillingness to modify what got him here, says more about the complainer than the man. That's all..thats the point of fans vs the athletes that play the game. Doom and Gloom based on results not effort...praise and glowing reports based on results of the team, and often not individual actions. And Jeter DIDNT change thats the point...he got into his WORST slump trying to change and listen to K. Long's approach (like all hitting coaches its often their way or the highway) so all HITTERS find the guy that agrees with their way...the HITTERS way, not the Hitting Coaches way. Jeter didnt change, he went back to HIS way by seeking out Denbo to FIX his swing and return it. Again, its not a knock on K. Long, any more than saying those that work with Denbo but dont like him is a knock on Denbo. Yes, its a message board...and sadly, part of that is dealing with the crowd that complains in the dark days, and turns a happy face to the sunny days. But whatever. Tex hasnt declined in Season over Season in anything other than Batting Average...his accounting #s in HRs, RBI, and Rs have been basically the same from the CHAMPIONSHIP season you and others CHEERED him for, to the past two where the team fell short. His glove is so much more valuable to this team, and his contract than what SEXY is. Both sides matter in real life, not just message board ranting. Again, its those CRAPPY Red Sox...we will overcome!
Teixeira's BA, OBP, OPS and OPS+ have been declining each year since 2008. Also his SLG in from 2008 to 2011 was .552, .565, .481, and .494. so while he from 2008 to 2009 and from 2010 to 2011 it increased a bit it's still a drop from 2008 (.552) to 2011 (.494). It's just strange because he's only 32 and in pretty good shape (hasn't had any major injuries) yet he seems to be on the decline already. And there is something to be said about going with the pitch instead of trying to pull everything. David Ortiz looks like a completely different player this year simply because he's hitting the outside pitch to LF now instead of hitting a weak ground ball to the 2nd baseman, but his power numbers are still there too so he's not giving up any power by going with the pitch.
I agree on the hitting approach, Denbo (if you remember) was LITERATELY in the dugout the year Jeter went 1-for-June.....I think Robbie is fine, numbers down, but he lights it up.....A-Rod I am bothered that the power numbers arent there, and by those I mean X-BH's as well as HR's, but I have some confidence in him....but right now he is like a singles hitter... dude I am sorry I just dont agree on Tex, the guy is freaking painful to watch and this isn't one season...this is multiple seasons of regression with no end in sight....this isn't kneejerk reaction, but it based on facts and numbers....I DONT CARE that he hits HR's (even those are on pace for regression this year), he Avg, OBP, OPS, SLG is all down for multiple seasons now bro...so great he is a 23M home run hitter...AKA...Adam Dunn....awesome... I have been ripping this guy now a while now, and will continue to...I root for him, of course I do, he is on my team....he just isnt good right now....this year, last year.....hallow numbers, easily defeated in playoff time... Lastly about the albatross BDH there is kind of a new thing, this team has never been in a contractual burden like this...2 guys that have been declining for a few years already that both hold very long length contracts....before them it was Giambi...one guy...I mean they had the Kevin Browns of the world but nothing like A-Rod and Tex.... dude TWENTY-SEVENTEENNNNNNNNNNN before one of them goes....say that to yourself slowly TWENNNNNNNNNNNNNNTYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY SEVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNTEEEEEEEN......
Im not talking k-long anymore..im saying, when one thing isnt working, jeter changes it up....Tex, not so much and he is in massive decline especially against righties, go look at the numbers. Ill say this again, my biggest problem isnt so much with the players, its with Girardi's willingness to allow players who are slumping to continue to do the same thing over and over. Which is why Posada acted like a big baby when dropped in the lineup. Girardi is not a very good manager, he wasnt with the Marlins and he isnt with the Yankees. He's lucky he's had players to help him overcome his ability to screw things up on a regular basis.
for Sabermetric heads sure...but was really just dealing with traditional 5 cats. And look at tonight....you can ride Tex from a hitting standpoint all you want.....but his D won the game once again, right to the very last out too!!!! I demand a lot as a fan from all the players, I just dont turn a blind eye to the glove side, cause some will say its not "sexy"......its damn sexy and we need Tex's glove. Do I wish he was more consistent...sure....but the entire batting lineup is contributing to putrid RISP. Tex doesnt get a pass, but I take it with a grain of salt cause I know how valuable he is over some of the others with issues.
And he doesnt, he goes back to what worked, he goes back to the basics...thats not change. The last thing a hitter wants is change.....Tex's problem is his basics are screwed up...same with Arod, and Swish...talk about a guy with far to many thoughts. Time is the only healing entity really but Fans dont like the time idea....but time helps hitters fight through the thoughts and clearing ones head more often than not....its the fact that the game is 90% mental and 50% other stuff.....Yogi was right!
But BA and RBI are meaningless stats nowadays and extremely misleading to truly judge a player. He's been batting behind Jeter, Granderson, Gradner and batting in front of Arod and Cano for the past 2 to 3 years. He should be able to drive in and score 100 runs in his sleep. You can't ignore the drop in his BA/OBP/SLG/OPS just because his HR and RBI totals are still there. He's not the same hitter he was when he was first signed and it has to be concerning since he still has 3 years left on his deal after this year. No question he's still extremely valuable with the glove I don't think anyone would argue that one. It's all about his bat though.
Honestly wasnt ignoring them, but only focused my points on the basic five...I dont disagree with what you stated regarding the others. Frankly, the more I think about it, aside from Granderson, who has K. Long helped? Jeter clearly didnt trust him after realizing what was being preached caused more harm than any benefit. Posada trusted his dad.....dont know about Arod, Swish, or Tex...but the more I think about it, the lack of a plan vs 1st time arms, the lack of focus on the job at hand, with 2out RBIs, or RISP...that has been an issue up and down our lineup and frankly what has been happening over the past few seasons. I dont know if I am ready to call for his head....but aside from Granderson, who has K. Long as hitting coach helped or made better with his approach? hmmmm.....???
I think something like that is hard to really judge without being with the team on a day to day basis to actually see what he does with the different players and whether those players actually listen to him when the game rolls around etc. I mean the Yankees usually have one of the best offenses in baseball year in and year out. Now is that simply due to their talent on the roster or a mix of the talent and Long?
I know I rag on Tex alot, but they all aren't getting it done right now. It is definitely something that trends up and down throughout the season, lets face it 162 is a long time.... I agree about BA being meaningless, however one stat where it certainly isn't, and in alot of times is the tell all be all is BARISP..... the Yanks are 8 for their last 74 with runners in scoring position to the tune of .108.....I think we all can agree, in order for them to be successful that has to change... It will... Ohh and lastly, did I ever tell you guys I miss Melky?
Melky Cabrera is playing out of his mind. He won't keep it up but he has developed into a nice hitter.
I always liked Melky, very disappointed when they let him go and especially for the reason too.... You could always tell he would develop into a nice ballplayer....hit to all fields, above avg speed, good arm....and while he was here in NY he was clutch.... I only hope they make a run at him again this offseason...
He's gonna come back to earth. .400 BABIP isn't sustainable. Plus, he won't be worth what he's going to get in FA and I thought the last few pages were all about getting away from terrible contracts?
terrible contract as in 7+ years..... I would go 3 years at 5 million all day on him... that's HALF of what Swisher gets now...and he has been better than him for the past 2 years, while being younger....
I wouldn't give him 3 years by any means. And no Melky hasn't been better than Swisher in either of the past two years. In 2010 Melky was downright horrible. You're crazy. Your love for Melky and hate for Swisher is clouding your judgment on this one. And I know, I know, Swisher isn't clutch but Melky is a career .213/.244/.280/.524 hitter in the playoffs in 22 games, 80 PAs.
Man are you hard headed, im not saying changes his damn mechanics or swing, im saying he drops a bunt, he goes the other way, he pulls when has to....nevermind
FFG, what's hard headed is anyone equating Jeter's arsenal and claiming CHANGE...it doesnt equal that. One has to start by understanding Tex has never been any of that - its not his game, his style or approach....again, Jeter's style and approach has always been as you describe it but equating that "as change" is foolish and misguided. Its not change! (regardless how many times you want to confuse that in your own head). Tex's approach is only his approach and its a typical power game, yes, he used to spread it more but really gaps or pull, never really go with the pitch...and never bunt...again, never really take what the D or pitch location may be "giving him". Thus, asking him to do something to "change" (which even Jeter doesnt do and few to power hitters ever do) is just a "fans wish" to attempt to introduce what Tex is uncomfortable with, what isnt in his ability or style or approach, and get angry as if he is unwilling. Its not unwilling, its more incapable because its not capable. No hitter wants that type of change - hitters dont REMAKE themselves. You are what you are - unless you are LISTENING TO BAD ADVICE and INSTRUCTION and becoming worse then you ever been. Frankly, I am partly convinced Tex has been tinkering (just like Jeter pre-slump) and Tex is caught in a slump but doesnt have an answer to get out of it yet, and may still be listening to bad advice. His non-normal Tex approach is what has got him in this slump.....I hope Tex says a big F-U to (K. Long or whomever) just like Jeter did, and returns to HIS style. Again, thats not change....! ....nevermind
A-rod, looked like his old self tonight, hopefully that lasts. Man, i cant say this enough, I LOVE ANDY PETTITTE!
