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Recent posts
- Top 30 free agents, plus New York specials
- My NL Cy Young ballot
- Curtis Granderson, Dwight Gooden, some old projections and a new schedule
- "Imperfections on the market," starting Pat Burrell and Curtis Granderson
- Sunday reading: Lastings Milledge, Jose Tabata, Wally Backman and Hideki Matsui
- Comment Winter Olympics
- The best general managers, 2009
- Live chat with Ken Davidoff
- Book giveaway contest
- Brian Cashman, Felix Hernandez and the Elias rankings
- Joe Girardi, Hideki Matsui and Bengie Molina
- Omar Minaya and reading the marketplace
- Roy Halladay, Matt Holliday, Jason Varitek, Oliver Perez and Chien-Ming Wang
- The Mets, Roy Halladay, Matt Holliday and Pat Burrell
- The Yankees' puzzle, Kenny Williams on the market, and the Rangers' pitching
- Omar Minaya on slugging, and Kenny Williams on Hideki Matsui
- Sunday reading: The Curse of the Rings, Alex Rodriguez, Roy Halladay and a plug for the week ahead
- Saturday reading: Hideki Matsui, and more parade stories
- The parade, Hideki Matsui, Chien-Ming Wang and the Twins-Brewers trade
- Comment Winter Olympics
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World Series Game 5 in review
There's no doubt whom the real winner was in last night's game: Major League Baseball. Now we'll get a Game 6 that should generate enormous ratings, and if we have a Game 7, all the more so.
The comparisons between the World Series and the Super Bowl, vis-a-vis TV audiences, always annoy me, because it's apples and oranges. When you turn on the Super Bowl, you know that, by the end of the night, you'll see a coronation. It doesn't work that way in baseball (or hockey or basketball either, of course) unless it's a Game 7.
Anywho, that's enough intruding on Neil Best's territory for one morning. Let's get to the baseball:
--For my column, I wrote about the potential snowball effect that A.J. Burnett's short start could have on the Yankees. The Yankees' bullpen worked six innings last night. Today's off day will help the four relievers who worked, obviously, but with Andy Pettitte starting on short rest tomorrow night, the concern lingers that it could be another long night for the bullpen.
If that occurred and the Yankees lose, you'd be turning to CC Sabathia, on his second straight start on three days' rest. Which is still probably more appetizing than the Phillies starting a mentally wiped out Cole Hamels, but anything can happen in one game.
Because Burnett can be so inconsistent in general, it's difficult to know whether last night's poor start resulted from his short rest, or just from the fact that he's A.J. Burnett. . But it's irrelevant. The answer to the question won't impact where the Yankees are now.
I can't blame Joe Girardi too much for hatching this "short rest" plan. The Yankees' season just kind of turned this way - from seeing Chien-Ming Wang go down with a serious injury, to having Ian Kennedy miss most of the year with an aneurysm, to converting Alfredo Aceves and Phil Hughes into relievers, to committing to Joba Chamberlain as a full-time, postseason reliever because he didn't inspire enough confidence as a starter.
The one move I might have tried is using Chad Gaudin to start ALCS Game 4 against the Angels. That would've put Gaudin in a mangeable situation - with the Yankees up, two games to one, and with the Angels fielding a mostly right-handed lineup. But to throw in Guadin now, after essentially a month off, against a team with so many lefty hitters? Bad idea.
Anyway, NoMaas and Drunk Jays Fans both offered amusing takes on Burnett.
--It's hard to really encapsulate Mark Teixeira's postseason. He certainly has contributed a few big hits, and his defense has been outstanding. Nevertheless, his offensive numbers are bad, and with today's off day, he's sure to be target number one of the fans after striking out to end the game last night.
--I think we saw last night why Joe Girardi hasn't used Phil Coke more. Or, did we see that Coke is really out of it after being relegated to irrelevance? Either way, he'll be used again only in case of emergency. Looking forward, he's hardly an integral part of this Yankees team, not with Damaso Marte now pitching up to his contract and Michael Dunn displaying his potential in the Arizona Fall League (if also struggling with his control).
--All of this written, the reason that MLB served as the true winner last night, and not the Phillies, is because the Phillies' bullpen is a mess. You could feel the angst in the Citizens Bank Park stands as Ryan Madson struggled to end the game. I guess Brad Lidge was never "all the way back," or whatever, if Charlie Manuel bailed on him after one bad outing.
Even if Pedro Martinez pitches well tomorrow night, he certainly can't go nine innings. It's not clear where the Phillies would turn if they actually take a lead into the ninth. It could be a matchup situation.
--But on the bright side for the Phillies, what a pleasure it is to watch Chase Utley play. Good Lord, is he good. It is probably not right that Utley's infield teammates Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins both have National League Most Valuable Player trophies and Utley doesn't.
--I'll check in with you later from the Stadium
Tags: Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte, Chad Gaudin, Phil Hughes, Alfredo Aceves, Ian Kennedy
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Don't expect Phil Hughes to close tonight
Greetings from Fenway Park! A drizzle forced the bulk of pre-game batting practice indoors, but as I type, the grounds crew is removing the tarp. It appears as though we'll get the game in.At his pre-game news conference, Joe Girardi wouldn't rule out using Mariano Rivera for a fourth straight day. I'd bet against it, though, as I would Girardi using Phil Hughes a second straight day.
"It's something we have to be careful of," Girardi said. The cliche "Handle with care" makes me think of a line from this "Simpsons" episode:
Brent: We've got ourselvs a special guest, actor Troy McClure, whose new sitcom is premiering tonight, coincidentally enough, right after the game!
Troy: Thanks, Brent. My new show is called `Handle with Care'. I play Jack Handle, a retired cop who shares an apartment with a retired criminal. We're the original Odd Couple!
Brent: What made you want to do a situation comedy?
Troy: Well, I fell in love with the script, Brent. And my recent trouble with the IRS sealed the deal!
It'll be very interesting to see whom Girardi calls if the Yankees build a late lead. You'd have to think Alfredo Aceves and Phil Coke are the two most likely guys to record the last out.
On the setup relief front, Brian Bruney threw today, but it sounds like the Yankees are in no hurry to activate him. He'll probably have another bullpen session Thursday, and Girardi said he wants Bruney to pitch in a minor-league game, as well.
Johnny Damon is starting at DH and Nick Swisher in leftfield, with Hideki Matsui on the bench. Just giving Damon a half-day, Girardi said.
- J.J. Putz underwent surgery, and let's face it, it'll be a surprise if he returns this season.
- The good news for the Mets is that the Phillies' bullpen is far from perfect, as the club put Brad Lidge on the disabled list with a sprained right knee.
- Start the clock on the negotiations between the Nationals and Stephen Strasburg, as Strasburg is officially a Nationals draftee.
- The White Sox placed Bartolo Colon, who had been pitching decently, on the DL.
- As reluctant as I am to promote myself, it would be irresponsible to not remind everyone that I'm on Twitter.
- Thanks to the Associated Press for the photo.
Tags: phil hughes, joe girardi, mariano rivera, j.j. putz, ryan madson, brad lidge, phil coke, alfredo aceves, stephen strasberg, bartolo colon, the simpsons
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Sunday reading: David Wright, CC Sabathia, Alfredo Aceves, Randy Choate and the Phillies' prospects
Off the Mets game, about as big a concession as you'll ever see from a big-league team, I wrote about David Wright and Jerry Manuel's assertion that Wright has been pressing at home games.Wright doesn't agree with his manager _ Wright even used the term "small sample size," which you've got to love _ and I'm inclined to give Wright the benefit of the doubt. And that goes double for the bat-licking.
- I missed the Yankees game altogether. Sounds like I missed a good one. Remember when we wondered what was going on with CC Sabathia? Seems like he's still a poor April pitcher, and nothing worse than that.
Andy Pettitte thinks he'll make his next start, while Alfredo Aceves has been a godsend for the Yankees. If you're a Yankees fan, you have to hope that Joe Girardi takes it easy on Aceves. He's too valuable a resource to wind up on the disabled list alongside Brian Bruney and Damaso Marte.
- For my Sunday Insider, I wrote about the Phillies' improved farm system and how that will make it easier for them to replace the injured Brett Myers.
- David Price picked up his first big-league win yesterday, but what stood out the most for me in the Twins-Rays game was that Randy Choate, once a Yankees reliever, picked up his second save in as many games. Good for Choate, your classic journeyman LOOGY who has spent considerably more time in the minor leagues than in the majors over the last five years. Control always has been his biggest issue, so we'll see if he can keep throwing strikes.
- Thanks to Newsday for the photo.
- Self-promotion update: I'll be on WFAN, with Richard Neer, at 7:05 tonight.
Tags: david wright, cc sabathia, alfredo aceves, randy choate, mets, yankees
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The Mets' and Yankees' 25-man rosters, Part 2
So this idea came to me from yesterday's live chat (two items below), when Mo asked, "Besides Tatis/Murphy and Cora, who else is on the Mets bench to start the season?"I felt like Homer in this episode of "The Simpsons," when Marge asks him to name Bart's friends, and the best Homer can offer is, from the best of my recollection (it's not in the linked transcript), "The fat kid. The one with the thing."
We've still got plenty of time, as we noted below, but here's how I would construct the Mets' and Yankees' rosters, given our current choices and current knowledge:
Mets
Catchers (2): Ramon Castro, Brian Schneider
Infielders (6): Marlon Anderson, Luis Castillo, Alex Cora, Carlos Delgado, Jose Reyes, David Wright
Outfielders (5): Carlos Beltran, Ryan Church, Bobby Kielty, Dan Murphy, Fernando Tatis
Starting pitchers (5): Livan Hernandez, John Maine, Mike Pelfrey, Oliver Perez, Johan Santana
Relief pitchers (7): Rocky Cherry, Pedro Feliciano, Sean Green, J.J. Putz, Francisco Rodriguez, Tim Redding, Brian Stokes
Thoughts: No thanks on Pudge Rodriguez _ I like the idea of having both Castro and Schneider in their walk years _ and I think Hernandez will do enough to win that fifth starter's job. I also like the idea of having a bona fide long man-spot starter in Redding, an asset they have lacked since Darren Oliver in '06.
I agree with what whynot wrote yesterday - Kielty could be this year's Tatis.
That seventh reliever, Cherry, was tough to find. I went with him because a) he has missed a decent amount of bats throughout his career, and I'd like to see him in the National League; and b) since Cherry is a Rule 5 pick, the Mets could lose him _ they'd have to offer him back to Baltimore for $25,000 _ if they don't put him on the 25-man roster. Why not see what they have? It's not like Bobby Parnell or Eddie Kunz are turning heads at the moment. Also, I'm not as concerned about the "one lefty in the bullpen" arrangement for now, not with Putz set to take the eighth inning for himself.
Good for the Mets, BTW, for releasing Duaner Sanchez. Maybe that will send a positive message to the clubhouse about accountability and expectations.
Yankees
Catchers (2): Jose Molina, Jorge Posada
Infielders (5): Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, Cody Ransom, TBD, Mark Teixeira.
Outfielders (6): Melky Cabrera, Johnny Damon, Brett Gardner, Hideki Matsui, Xavier Nady, Nick Swisher
Starting pitchers (5): A.J. Burnett, Joba Chamberlain, Andy Pettitte, CC Sabathia, Chien-Ming Wang
Relief pitchers (7): Alfredo Aceves, Jonathan Albaladejo, Brian Bruney, Phil Coke, Damaso Marte, Mariano Rivera, Jose Veras.
Thoughts: Angel Berroa is hitting well, but I'm still not convinced he can help the Yankees. Hence the TBA. Heck, I'd rather see Mark Grudzielanek sign and help out. I think Gardner gets the starting centerfield job, and Cabrera becomes a backup, although I'd look to trade him now since his value will only decrease if he's riding the bench.
Let Phil Hughes get consistent outings, and prove he can stay healthy, in Scranton. Keep Joba in the starting rotation. On the bullpen side, you'd have to bet against Edwar Ramirez being physically ready for the start of the season. I think this is a potentially excellent Yankees bullpen. I keep reading that bullpen is a real trouble area for the Yankees, but I don't see it.
- Ben Sheets is rehabbing with the Rangers' doctors. The Rangers say not to read into it. I say, it's a pretty good deal for the Rangers.
They get to have Sheets in their neighborhood, giving them an advantage should Sheets rehabilitate in time to help a club this season. And by not signing Sheets now _ since Sheets won't be ready until the season's second half, after the amateur draft _ Texas doesn't have to surrender a draft pick.
- Thanks to the IMDb for the photo.
Tags: ramon castro, brian schneider, david wright, jose reyes, luis castillo, carlos delgado, alex cora, carlos beltran, ryan church, daniel murphy, fernando tatis, bobby kielty, johan santana, mike piazza, oliver perez, john maine, livan hernandez, tim redding, j.j. putz, francisco rodriguez, sean green, rocky cherry, pedro feliciano, brian stokes, jorge posada, jose molina, mark teixeira, robinson cano, derek jeter, cody ransom, mark grudzielanek, angel berroa, nick swisher, xavier nady, johnny damon, hideki matsui, cc sabathia, a.j. burnett, chien-ming wang, andy pettitte, joba chamberlain, mariano rivera, brian bruney, jose veras, phil coke, damaso marte, jonathan albaladejo, alfredo aceves, ben sheets, rangers, whynot
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Breaking news: Andy Pettitte will return to the Yankees, and the first Joe Torre book excerpt
I'm back to work for the day, and Arthur Staple and I are reporting that Andy Pettitte and the Yankees could officially reunite as soon as later today. It's going to be a one-year deal for a base salary of slightly less than $6 million, but with "fair" incentives, as one person in the loop put it, that could get Pettitte's pay up to $12 million.
Victory goes to the Yankees on this one, unquestionably. Pettitte took a public beating for months over his refusal to take a pay cut, and as it turned out, he didn't even get the $10 million guaranteed that the Yankees initially offered him.
And on a baseball level, this makes sense, too. Even though I wrote a column in December advocating the Yankees' dissing of Pettitte _ and making the fifth starter's spot a competition among Alfredo Aceves, Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy _ Pettitte gives the Yankees durability and familiarity. Will he give them better pitching than he did in 2008? I think there's a good chance, especially with Mark Teixeira, rather than Jason Giambi, playing first base.
This, of course, means that both Ben Sheets and Oliver Perez have one less suitor, although I don't get the sense that the Yankees seriously considered either guy after signing CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. It also means that about the only move the Yankees have left is a trade of either Xavier Nady or Nick Swisher. Oh, and the signing of Manny Ramirez, of course (kidding, kidding).
- Here's the first excerpt of Joe Torre's new book. Wow. Torre takes it hard, very hard, to Brian Cashman. I'm not quite sure how Torre assuaged Cashman yesterday, in their telephone conversation, how everything was going to be all right with their relationship.
Most certainly, Cashman could've handled Torre's departure better by saying, "Look, Joe, I'll treasure our time together forever, but I think the Yankees need a new manager." Instead, Cashman tried to make it seem as though "they" _ the other Yankees officials _ were making this decision.
It is interesting, however, to see the three issues of disagreement with Cashman, baseball-wise, that Torre raises in the book:
1. Torre wanted Bernie Williams back in 2007, and Cashman didn't.
2. Cashman didn't have much regard for pitching coach Ron Guidry, whom Torre hired for the 2006 season.
3. Torre didn't like the lineups that Cashman suggested based on statistical analysis.
I have to give Cashman the 3-0 edge there.
There's plenty of blame in every corner for why it was time for Torre to leave after 2007. But it definitely was time.
- Thanks to Newsday for the photo.
Tags: andy pettitte, yankees, brian cashman, ben sheets, xavier nady, nick swisher, arthur staple, alfredo aceves, ian kennedy, phil hughes, mark teixeira, jason giambi, oliver perez, bernie williams, breaking news, transaction analysis
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Good Lord, are New York fans smitten with Manny Ramirez
On Thursday, Nov. 6, I boarded a plane at John Wayne Airport, headed to Newark. I was the second-to-last person to board the plane. The very last person was Brian Cashman.
We had both spent the week at the general managers' meetings, and we were both tired - Cashman from trying to turn the Yankees into a World Series winner, me from trying to figure out precisely how Cashman was trying to achieve that goal.
A flight attendant recognized the Yankees' general manager, and this is what he said (or something like this):
"Hey, Mr. Cashman, are you gonna get Manny?"
I can only imagine how much Cashman gets asked about Manny Ramirez, since I get asked about him all of the time, and I know Brian Cashman, and I am no Brian Cashman. Yankees fans want him. Mets fans want him. Red Sox fans are scared that Manny will wind up in the Bronx. People in the game want to know what's going on with him.
So here's the latest, based on what I know, involving Manny and our two local teams:
Yankees. Here's Kat O'Brien's story on where the Yankees stand right now, as they introduce CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett at the old Stadium today.
The truth is that Manny barely resides anywhere on the Yankees' radar at the moment. When they discuss different permutations of their 2009 club, virtually none involve Manny. Whereas some, as a point of comparison, do involve Mark Teixeira.
If you've been paying attention to what Cashman has done since becoming a real GM in the 2005-06 offseason, you'll know that signing Manny doesn't follow Cashman's logic - unless Manny's market collapses and the Yankees can get him at a one-year deal.
Is it possible that the Steinbrenners overrule Cashman, much as they did when they brought back Alex Rodriguez? Sure. But the organization was in a different place then - reeling from the fallout over Joe Torre's departure. Right now, it's riding high with Sabathia and Burnett in the fold.
As for Teixeira, it sure seems like he's going to get his $200 million, and if that's the case, it won't be coming from the Yankees. For the Yankees to land Teixeira, after already landing Sabathia and Burnett, they would've needed a perfect storm of sorts involving these components:
1) No team bids crazy money on Teixeira
2) Andy Pettitte turns down the Yankees' $10 million offer, and the team follows my suggestion and makes the fifth starter's job a competition among Alfredo Aceves, Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy.
3) Mike Cameron stays in Milwaukee, as appears likely now.
5) The Yankees trade Xavier Nady and switch Nick Swisher to rightfield.
6) Robert Downey Jr. wins the Golden Globe Award for his role in "Tropic Thunder."
(All right, maybe #6 doesn't have to happen.)
All in all, the chances of the Yankees landing Manny are, I'd say, a 2 out of 10.
Mets. This one, I hear all of the time from fans: "Omar is laying in the weeds, just as he did with Santana. He's gonna get him."
Or: "Omar wants Manny, but the Wilpons won't let it happen."
First of all, no. The Mets aren't getting Manny. They're just not. No way, no how.
Second of all, I get the sense that Omar Minaya has cooled on Manny. He didn't push very hard for him at the trade deadline, when the Mets could've had him for a song.
I think that, first of all, Omar was turned off by what Manny did in Boston last July. Furthermore, after the failues of Moises Alou and Orlando Hernandez to stay on the field, I think the Wilpons did tell Minaya something to the effect of, "Stop turning the club into the AARP's Team of the Year!"
The chance that the Mets will sign Manny is a 0 out of 10.
I understand why people want to know about Manny. He is captivating for both his play and his conduct. But the odds are, if you want to see Manny in his home uniform in 2009, you're going to have to leave the Tri-State Area.
- Interesting column here by Jim Baumbach, comparing K-Rod's New York arrival to Sabathia's.
- The Dodgers still have to be considered the favorites to sign Manny, even after they signed Rafael Furcal. What a wacky turn of events for Furcal, who upset the Braves with his actions.
In any case, it's big for the Dodgers to re-sign Furcal, whom they must hope will remain healthy after an injury-prone 2008. If the Dodgers bring back Manny, they'll have to be the favorites in the deteriorating NL West, although the Giants have made themselves more interesting this offseason.
Meanwhile, Furcal's agent Paul Kinzer sure has had an interesting offseason. First, he went from projecting five years for $75 million for K-Rod to three years and $37 million. And now, he's stirred it up with the Braves.
- Thanks to Bell of Cow, who registered the blog's 10,000th comment yesterday. If I could, BoC, I'd give you the treatment that Oliver received when he was the one millionth visitor to the movie studio in this episode of "The Brady Bunch." But, given our budget constraints of the moment, I'll instead buy you a Dr. Brown's Black Cherry soda the next time I see you.
- Rest in peace, Dave Smith. I never met the man but remember his career, and his big hair, very well.
- Thanks to this site for the photo. I wonder whether AIG will still be a Dodgers sponsor next year?
Tags: manny ramirez, yankees, mets, a.j. burnett, cc sabathia, kei igawa, mike cameron, andy pettitte, xavier nady, johnny damon, brian cashman, the brady bunch, bell of cow, john wayne airport, kat o'brien, phil hughes, ian kennedy, alfredo aceves, robert downey jr., tropic thunder, rafael furcal, dodgers, braves, transaction analysis
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Saturday reading, and Day 9 of the Yankees DVD Contest
Here is our story about the Yankees' signing of A.J. Burnett. It's a huge risk. Yuuuuge, as Mike Francesa would say. Yet I feel more positive about it with the knowledge that a) they signed to CC Sabathia to what will prove to be a there-year deal; and b) they won't be signing Ben Sheets. Let's not lose sight of the fact that Burnett is an outstanding pitcher (yes, when healthy) who has thrived the last three years in the American League East. - Here is my column on the Yankees. I do think it's stupid how they're essentially hiding Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy in the attic, a la the crazy wife in "Jane Eyre." Why not give them and Alfredo Aceves a chance to compete for the fifth starter's job? Bring in some Eric MIlton types of the world, too. Let Andy Pettitte go, for now.
As one veteran talent evaluator said to me, the problem with the Yankees hasn't been the back end of their starting rotation. It's been the front end. And now, in Sabathia, Burnett, Chien-Ming Wang and Joba Chamberlain, the Yankees have a dynamic postseason rotation.
- Bernie Williams wants to play in the WBC and will play winter ball in Puerto Rico to get ready. I just hope that Bernie doesn't embarrass himself in the WBC. Let's face it, he's 40 now, and he hasn't played competitive ball in two years.
- Here is my story on the Mets trade with Arizona. Obviously, this is the sort of "addition by subtraction" trade to which Jeff Wilpon has referred. Rejoice, Mets fans! Schoeneweis and Aaron Heilman are no longer yours. What a great job by the Mets, remaking their bullpen.
- Speaking of subtraction, how crazy is it that the Wilpons were so heavily invested in this? The Mets released a statement saying this development wouldn't impact the team itself or Citi Field, but what are else are they going to say in a public statement? "We're doomed!!!"? We'll have to monitor this one closely.
- And now, might as well knock out today's contest. Let's go to Game 1 of the 1996 American League Championship Series, in which the Yankees defeated the Orioles, 5-4, on Williams' walk-off homer in the bottom of the 11th inning.
That game is best remembered, of course, for Derek Jeter's fly ball to rightfield in the eighth inning. Young fan Jeffrey Maier gloved it before dropping it, and umpire Rich Garcia incorrectly ruled it a home run.
Both the pitcher who surrendered the homer and the rightfielder who pursued it eventually spent short stints on the Yankees - less than a full season for each. Name the pitcher and the rightfielder, and the respective seasons they played for the Yankees.
The first person who e-mails me the correct answer at kdavidoff@newsday.com will win this DVD.
- Thanks to this site for the photo.
UPDATE, 12:03 p.m.: We have a winner! Andrew knew that Armando Benitez (2003) and Tony Tarasco (1999) went onto play for the Yankees.
Tags: alfredo aceves, phil hughes, ian kennedy, a.j. burnett, cc sabathia, wbc, yankees, mets, scott schoeneweis, jeff wilpon, mike francesa, jane eyre, crazy wife, chien-ming wang, joba chamberlain, derek jeter, rich garcia, bernie williams, contest, transaction analysis
comments next page | 1 - 10 of 24
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Rich
If Robertson is judged by one subpar outing, using that standard virtually no prospect will ever succeed. It was the first time he pitched in a high leverage situation in MLB and he sped up his mechanics. But it's not like a hitter can place the ball. If the grounder is a few inches to the right, it's a double play.
- 7/10/09
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Dennis
You think the Rays would like a do over on that trade that send Edwin Jackson to Tigers for Matt Joyce because so far with the Tigers, Jackson is 4-3 with a 2.58 ERA while Joyce has only 13 at bats with the Rays with only 2 home runs and 2 RBIs. With all there issues in their rotation so far this year, the Rays could have used Jackson in their rotation. Instead the Rays traded Jackson for Joyce who hasn't done much with the Rays at the plate.
- 7/10/09
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graves9
Price is a stud keep him in the rotation. He is everything the Yankees think Joba is(as a starter)Price-Garza-Shield-Kazmir is a hell of a top four in the rotation.
- 7/10/09
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Islander505
HR? Was Davidoff the official scorer?
- 7/10/09
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Richie G. (Lynbrook)
505, if I had this on tape, I would be $10,000 richer. I'm the anti-FMart. We were in a softball doubleheader, and I was 0-7 with literally 6 pop ups to the catcher. I just couldn't hit that day but we were killing them in both games. So I hit a pop up in between the pitcher and 1B. I knew they weren't catching it but I was so frustrated I just decided that I wasn't stopping till they got me out. They threw to 2nd and it hit my foot. The ball went two feet away and I went to third. They threw to third and the guy panicked bc he had too much time and it hit the dirt and bounced away and I scored. My only home run I ever hit. My brother still makes fun of me for it but hey...a home run is a home run!
- 7/10/09
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Islander505
Re Aceves.. Love the guy, love the guy, love the guy. (and I made that point very clear last year during live game chats). Nice fluid easy motion and delivery, puts no strain on any part of his body. Looks like a someone who can throw 150 pitches and come back 3 days later. Short of Girardi throwing him 3 innings, 3 days in a row, I'm not sure that Girardi or anyone else can ruin that arm. When's he's on he rivals Rivera in the sense that he ALWAYS hits his target dead on. A fast worker, his "demeanor" on the mound is impressive, nothing bothers or excites him....just goes about his business. He's a perfect "long man" for any team. Just my opinion. Richie G... I decided a long time ago that once you reach a certain age, triples (or god forbid, inside the park HR's) were irrelevant and ultimately self defeating. The only way I was gonna touch 3rd base on a hit was if I was trotting through it.
- 7/10/09
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Sandy
Oh BTW--BEAT LA!!
- 7/10/09
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Sandy
Dennis the rays can't afford to make price the closer right now, they desperately need starting pitching, even more than they need a decent bullpen. They have enough here to hope someone steps up as a stopper, meanwhile kazmir is probably out for a long time, Sonnastine sux, Niemann is very inconsistent. The only 2 starters doing acceptably are Garza and Shields.
- 7/10/09
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Dennis
The fact that Randy Choate got 2 saves in back-to-back games shows you how bad the Rays bullpen is this year compare to last year. Here's a idea for the Rays, make David Price the closer. Price pitch well out of the pen last year in the postseason and he closed out the ALCS against the Red Sox. Plus unlike the Yanks with Joba, the Rays have a need for a closer in the pen and Price might be a better option than anyone else in their pen. Hard to believe that for all the talk about the Yanks defense being awful, the Yanks have not made an error in their last 16 games which is tied with the '92 Cardinals for the 2nd longest such streak in baseball history according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The longest such streak belongs to the '06 Red Sox with 17 straight games without an error, a mark the Yanks can tied today. Perhaps that stat is misleading, but it's no accident that the Yanks have not made an error in their last 16 games.
- 7/10/09
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Richie G. (Lynbrook)
505 I saw in the last thread that you lead the league in turning triples into doubles. My lone extra base hit of my life...I'm up with the bases loaded against a lefty (I'm a lefty). So I dont have much hope. But he throws a curve (I love curves) and I just tattoo it. As I'm going to third I'm thinking, "Should I try for a Grand Slam, I'll be so out." Well just as I hit third I see my teammate chatting on third with the thirdbaseman. There was no third base coach so he just jogged to third. I had to HUSTLE my way back to second. That ex-friend is now dead to me. j/k
- 7/10/09
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