Hey everyone, as you've probably noticed, i've taken a little break from blogging over the last couple of months. I didn't really have alot of free time to blog, so i didn't; however, recently i've started to feel like getting back into it. I can't promise you I'll be 100% consistent with my posting, but i'm going to try and ease my way back into it.
Anyway, I've thought of a few ideas for the blog that i'm going to try and incorporate into my posts. I think it would be cool for the reader to know what's coming to them in terms of my posts (i.e. state of the Yankees posts every week, player progress reports, minor league updates etc..) as well as mixing in some random rants about the Yankees. I'm going to work on a weekly schedule where i post certain topics for certain days and see what i can come up with.
I've been thinking about making a new blog and starting fresh with a new name and everything so i'll keep you posted on that as well. Go Yankees!
-Alex
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Friday, November 6, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Looking at the bigger picture helps
Today was a brutal loss... part of me thinks Girardi brought in Aceves just to get that game over with (kidding obviously). But if you look at the bigger picture, which is, the Yankees having a 2 games to 1 lead against the Angels with CC Sabathia going tomorrow.
...Let it sink in...
Makes you feel better right?
The one thing i did notice watching the game however, was that Nick Swisher and Melky Cabrera are basically free outs at the bottom of the lineup right now, actually... so is everyone whose name isn't Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Hideki Matsui.
The Yankees can't rely only on their pitchers to get it done if they want to win the world series... they'll have to step up their offense and Girardi will have to stop playing baseball by the book.
...Let it sink in...
Makes you feel better right?
The one thing i did notice watching the game however, was that Nick Swisher and Melky Cabrera are basically free outs at the bottom of the lineup right now, actually... so is everyone whose name isn't Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Hideki Matsui.
The Yankees can't rely only on their pitchers to get it done if they want to win the world series... they'll have to step up their offense and Girardi will have to stop playing baseball by the book.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Notes from ALDS game 2
-Damaso Marte can't be relied on to get outs in the postseason... bring on Bruney.
-David Robertson getting out of that bases loaded no outs jam was not only a huge play in the game, but it must have done loads for his confidence.
-Alex Rodriguez is officially clutch.
-Mark Teixeiras single in the 9th was important for several reasons... had he made an out, that would be an 0-8 to start the postseason and the Yankees may not have tied the game. We all know that if the Yankees lost that game and Teix was 0-8 going into Minnesota, there would be alot of pressure on him to produce.
-A.J. Burnett pitching to Jose Molina was a success.
-Having the third catcher in Francisco Cervelli comes in very handy in games that Jose Molina will start.
-Johnny Damon needs to step up and show the Yankees why they should bring him back for 2010. He's been pretty bad so far this postseason and honestly, when the Yankees had runners on the corners and 1 out last night, i didn't think he could get Gardner in (which he didn't).
-Nick Swisher had a huge headsup up play early in the game yesterday to save a run... like i said before the series started, he was going to be a huge factor in beating the Twins.
-Derek Jeter.The Captain #2. Enough said.
-Is anyone else hoping the Red Sox somehow manage to beat the Angels this series? I really don't want to face the spirit of Nick Adenhart... and playing the Red Sox is just alot more interesting.
-David Robertson getting out of that bases loaded no outs jam was not only a huge play in the game, but it must have done loads for his confidence.
-Alex Rodriguez is officially clutch.
-Mark Teixeiras single in the 9th was important for several reasons... had he made an out, that would be an 0-8 to start the postseason and the Yankees may not have tied the game. We all know that if the Yankees lost that game and Teix was 0-8 going into Minnesota, there would be alot of pressure on him to produce.
-A.J. Burnett pitching to Jose Molina was a success.
-Having the third catcher in Francisco Cervelli comes in very handy in games that Jose Molina will start.
-Johnny Damon needs to step up and show the Yankees why they should bring him back for 2010. He's been pretty bad so far this postseason and honestly, when the Yankees had runners on the corners and 1 out last night, i didn't think he could get Gardner in (which he didn't).
-Nick Swisher had a huge headsup up play early in the game yesterday to save a run... like i said before the series started, he was going to be a huge factor in beating the Twins.
-Derek Jeter.The Captain #2. Enough said.
-Is anyone else hoping the Red Sox somehow manage to beat the Angels this series? I really don't want to face the spirit of Nick Adenhart... and playing the Red Sox is just alot more interesting.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
In-game update ALDS game 1
Update 7:08: ... ummm Posada? you don't do that in the playoffs.
Update 7:20: 2-2 as captain clutch comes through!
Update 7:43: What did i say? Swish would come up big for us in this series.... 3-2 Yankees and i am starting to lose my voice.
Update 8:04: 4-2 Yankees... A-Rod came through??? Kate Hudson was very pleased.
Update 8:10: it's 6-2 after Matsui Jacked one to center. I officially no longer have a voice... and i'm loving it.
Update 8:34: There have been an unusual amount of balls hit up the middle at Sabathia in this game...
Update 8:47: HUUUUUUUUUUGHES
Update 9:46: Game 1 goes to the Yankees! 7-2 as Mariano closes it out.
Update 7:20: 2-2 as captain clutch comes through!
Update 7:43: What did i say? Swish would come up big for us in this series.... 3-2 Yankees and i am starting to lose my voice.
Update 8:04: 4-2 Yankees... A-Rod came through??? Kate Hudson was very pleased.
Update 8:10: it's 6-2 after Matsui Jacked one to center. I officially no longer have a voice... and i'm loving it.
Update 8:34: There have been an unusual amount of balls hit up the middle at Sabathia in this game...
Update 8:47: HUUUUUUUUUUGHES
Update 9:46: Game 1 goes to the Yankees! 7-2 as Mariano closes it out.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Molina will catch Burnett
Yes, it's true, Molina will be catching Burnett... and Posada doesn't seem too pleased.
I'm not one to bet on baseball... but if you're into sports betting... i would hold off on placing high bets on the Yankees to win this game.
Burnett's numbers with Posada are much worse, but he's such a streaky pitcher it's hard to tell if he was uncomfortable, or he was just being his inconsistent self.
One thing i will say about Burnett, you probably want to get him to start his games at home, take a look at these splits. AJ has a 3.5 ERA at home as opposed to 4.6 on the road... this means instead of having Andy go for game 2, you have Andy hold off and go on the road.Pettite actually pitches better on the road, here are his splits.
Personally, i think the Yankees best bet is to have Andy go for game 3 @ detroit/Minnesota, and have Burnett go at home in game 2.
*Update 4:50*
It seems like Joe Girardi made the right decision and is going with Burnett for game 2.
I'm not one to bet on baseball... but if you're into sports betting... i would hold off on placing high bets on the Yankees to win this game.
Burnett's numbers with Posada are much worse, but he's such a streaky pitcher it's hard to tell if he was uncomfortable, or he was just being his inconsistent self.
One thing i will say about Burnett, you probably want to get him to start his games at home, take a look at these splits. AJ has a 3.5 ERA at home as opposed to 4.6 on the road... this means instead of having Andy go for game 2, you have Andy hold off and go on the road.Pettite actually pitches better on the road, here are his splits.
Personally, i think the Yankees best bet is to have Andy go for game 3 @ detroit/Minnesota, and have Burnett go at home in game 2.
*Update 4:50*
It seems like Joe Girardi made the right decision and is going with Burnett for game 2.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Who would you really want to play?
When i first realized the AL central was within the Twins' grasp, myself as well as most Yankee fans got excited. Why wouldn't we be? Scott Baker and Nick Blackburn or Justin Verlander and Edwin Jackson? Morneau is on the DL, and you wouldn't have to worry about pesky Curtis Granderson or Miguel Cabrera.
Now, the Yankees did dominate against the Tigers this year, but still, who would want to take the risk of having to face Verlander twice?
Then I started to think more into the matchups recently, and i'm starting to have second thoughts:
-Joe Mauer > Gerard Laird- enough said.
-The Metrodome > Comerica Park- 60,000 drunk fans screaming at the top of their lungs in a dome during a playoff game? no thankyou.
-Joe Nathan > Fernando Rodney - enough said.
-The Twins have been on a hot streak, even without Morneau, i'd much rather face the slumping Tigers. Not to mention their star slugger Miguel Cabrera is having some troubles of his own.
-The Yankees are 7-0 against the Twins this year, remember when the Yankees were 6-0 against the Indians in 07? yea... i don't think i need to say anything else.
-Edwin Jackson has been terrible over the last month entering September with an ERA under 3, and finishing the season with a 3.62.
-Justin Verlander won't be pitching game 1 - facing him in games 2 and 5 is much more manageable than in 1 and 4.
It should be an interesting game tomorrow, i'm probably going to be rooting for the Tigers, you know you want revenge for the 2006 ALDS. Honestly, you just don't want to be messing with the Twins right now.
-
Also, if you have a few minutes, check out this link. Kevin runs a great site called Zells pinstripe blog, if you haven't checked it out, i reccomend you do.
Now, the Yankees did dominate against the Tigers this year, but still, who would want to take the risk of having to face Verlander twice?
Then I started to think more into the matchups recently, and i'm starting to have second thoughts:
-Joe Mauer > Gerard Laird- enough said.
-The Metrodome > Comerica Park- 60,000 drunk fans screaming at the top of their lungs in a dome during a playoff game? no thankyou.
-Joe Nathan > Fernando Rodney - enough said.
-The Twins have been on a hot streak, even without Morneau, i'd much rather face the slumping Tigers. Not to mention their star slugger Miguel Cabrera is having some troubles of his own.
-The Yankees are 7-0 against the Twins this year, remember when the Yankees were 6-0 against the Indians in 07? yea... i don't think i need to say anything else.
-Edwin Jackson has been terrible over the last month entering September with an ERA under 3, and finishing the season with a 3.62.
-Justin Verlander won't be pitching game 1 - facing him in games 2 and 5 is much more manageable than in 1 and 4.
It should be an interesting game tomorrow, i'm probably going to be rooting for the Tigers, you know you want revenge for the 2006 ALDS. Honestly, you just don't want to be messing with the Twins right now.
-
Also, if you have a few minutes, check out this link. Kevin runs a great site called Zells pinstripe blog, if you haven't checked it out, i reccomend you do.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
In-game update 10/4/09
2 HRs and 7 RBIs in one inning = 30 HR and 100 RBI on the season.... Alex Rodriguez is a god.
The End.
The End.
My bold predictions...
So as some of you may remember... but probably not, i made some predictions back in early January as to how the season would unfold. Well... i'm not exactly proud of them, take a look for yourself.
Maybe it was the bold predictions i made for Dan Geise (Giese?), Edwar Ramirez, Damaso Marte, Brian Bruney or even Jose Veras. Most of those guys weren't even on the team for the majority of the season... definitely well predicted there...
Robinson Cano didn't hit 105 RBI, nor did Xavier Nady make it through April. Also, it seems I completely forgot to include Nick Swisher in my predictions, I'm not really sure what happened with that.
Oh well... I also made predictions with the standings, which you can checkout here.
...not too bad, who would've thought predicting the Yankees for 101 wins would be undershooting it? ...
Maybe it was the bold predictions i made for Dan Geise (Giese?), Edwar Ramirez, Damaso Marte, Brian Bruney or even Jose Veras. Most of those guys weren't even on the team for the majority of the season... definitely well predicted there...
Robinson Cano didn't hit 105 RBI, nor did Xavier Nady make it through April. Also, it seems I completely forgot to include Nick Swisher in my predictions, I'm not really sure what happened with that.
Oh well... I also made predictions with the standings, which you can checkout here.
...not too bad, who would've thought predicting the Yankees for 101 wins would be undershooting it? ...
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Back up and running!
Hey everyone, so as you may know i've taken a few months off, along with Ace... and it's about time we get this blog up and running again. Just thought i would mention that Ace won't be returning to the blog, this is now a one man show.
-
Just because i've been out of blogging for the last few months, doesn't mean i didn't watch the games, or hear about them... somehow. I've watched almost every game, and i know that this team is more ready for the postseason than they have been in years.
Now you may be a little worried with CC's last start at Tampa Bay, which i don't blame you, but you may as well get his bad start over with before the postseason. Honestly, i feel better knowing he's bombed a start before the playoffs going in than knowing he hasn't. The last thing anyone wants is to throw CC out there for game one against the Tigers or Twins and have him blow up... figuratively and literally. I mean, the guys been absolutely unhittable for almost two months, it was bound to happen. But i'm expecting alot of fist pumping from CC this postseason, and definitely looking forward to it.
A.J. Burnett is a different story, you don't want to throw him out there after a string of bad starts, he's too streaky. Though he may snap out of it--it was very important they had him feeling good and on a decent roll before sending him in for game 2.
Regarding the offensive concerns, of course A-Rod will be on the top of that list, but i think it's about time he snaps out of it. Having Teix hit in front of him, i think help takes off a load of pressure to have him produce. I know all of you remember the last few postseasons with him, he was pressing and trying too hard. Now, i'm not saying he won't be pressing this time, but having Teix there in front of him, must take off a load of the pressure.
Look for Nick Swisher to have a huge ALDS, i can feel he's ready for it. He's just one of those guys you know can come through for you in these types of games...
Naturally having success in the playoffs relies on dominant starting pitching... if the Yankees get decent starting pitching, these teams are in trouble.
-
Just because i've been out of blogging for the last few months, doesn't mean i didn't watch the games, or hear about them... somehow. I've watched almost every game, and i know that this team is more ready for the postseason than they have been in years.
Now you may be a little worried with CC's last start at Tampa Bay, which i don't blame you, but you may as well get his bad start over with before the postseason. Honestly, i feel better knowing he's bombed a start before the playoffs going in than knowing he hasn't. The last thing anyone wants is to throw CC out there for game one against the Tigers or Twins and have him blow up... figuratively and literally. I mean, the guys been absolutely unhittable for almost two months, it was bound to happen. But i'm expecting alot of fist pumping from CC this postseason, and definitely looking forward to it.
A.J. Burnett is a different story, you don't want to throw him out there after a string of bad starts, he's too streaky. Though he may snap out of it--it was very important they had him feeling good and on a decent roll before sending him in for game 2.
Regarding the offensive concerns, of course A-Rod will be on the top of that list, but i think it's about time he snaps out of it. Having Teix hit in front of him, i think help takes off a load of pressure to have him produce. I know all of you remember the last few postseasons with him, he was pressing and trying too hard. Now, i'm not saying he won't be pressing this time, but having Teix there in front of him, must take off a load of the pressure.
Look for Nick Swisher to have a huge ALDS, i can feel he's ready for it. He's just one of those guys you know can come through for you in these types of games...
Naturally having success in the playoffs relies on dominant starting pitching... if the Yankees get decent starting pitching, these teams are in trouble.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
We'll be back soon
Hey everyone, just like to say that the blog is going to be back up and running on October 3rd. see you then!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Taking a break...
Hey everyone... as you can obviously tell the blog has taken some time off the last few weeks... and we will continue to do so now that the summer has begun...
...we'll be back in a couple of weeks...
...meanwhile, Christian Bale has issues...
...Go Yankees!!
...we'll be back in a couple of weeks...
...meanwhile, Christian Bale has issues...
...Go Yankees!!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
just dropping in
I was just watching my George Carlin DVD and heard his act on baseball vs football. Always worth watching.
Friday, June 5, 2009
When baseball stopped making sense
With the Yankee game delayed tonight, I figure now is a good time to talk about a few things that have been bothering me all week.
First off, the way the AJ and Padilla situation was handled. Yea it's clear that AJ was retaliating against the Rangers after Teixeira got hit for the second time. So he got fined and suspended, and I'm okay with that. What I don't understand though, Vincent Padilla, a pitcher who has a reputation for throwing at hitters, hit Teixeira not once but twice and still doesn’t get suspended. What the hell is the MLB thinking? I'll take any reasoning, seriously anything, the guys own team was even recorded as saying he was out of line. Now this was the most ridiculous thing to happen this until a bomb shell was dropped the other day...
The Braves released Tom Glavine... WHAT. This move makes no sense on so many levels. The reason Frank Wren gave for the move was that they had better options and they didn't think Glavine could get hitters out at the major league level anymore. Ya, I agree they do have better options, with there top prospect Tommy Hanson coming up to take the last spot in the rotation. But who exactly is there 6th starter if say someone gets injured? Jo-Jo Reyes? Hah, the real answer is no one worth talking about. Even more baffling though is why did they make him go through the trouble of rehabbing if they were just going to release him? Whatever the answer is one thing is clear; the Braves treat their veterans like complete crap. It's no wonder why Smoltz left for the Red Sox this past offseason.
First off, the way the AJ and Padilla situation was handled. Yea it's clear that AJ was retaliating against the Rangers after Teixeira got hit for the second time. So he got fined and suspended, and I'm okay with that. What I don't understand though, Vincent Padilla, a pitcher who has a reputation for throwing at hitters, hit Teixeira not once but twice and still doesn’t get suspended. What the hell is the MLB thinking? I'll take any reasoning, seriously anything, the guys own team was even recorded as saying he was out of line. Now this was the most ridiculous thing to happen this until a bomb shell was dropped the other day...
The Braves released Tom Glavine... WHAT. This move makes no sense on so many levels. The reason Frank Wren gave for the move was that they had better options and they didn't think Glavine could get hitters out at the major league level anymore. Ya, I agree they do have better options, with there top prospect Tommy Hanson coming up to take the last spot in the rotation. But who exactly is there 6th starter if say someone gets injured? Jo-Jo Reyes? Hah, the real answer is no one worth talking about. Even more baffling though is why did they make him go through the trouble of rehabbing if they were just going to release him? Whatever the answer is one thing is clear; the Braves treat their veterans like complete crap. It's no wonder why Smoltz left for the Red Sox this past offseason.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
In-game update: Yankees vs. Rangers
Hey everyone, couldn't cover the game today, but i thought i'd pop in and talk about some things i've noticed from the game so far.
-Chien Ming Wang really has to fix his sinker, it's too incosistent. He threw two solid innings with good bite on his sinker, similar to his two previous relief appearances. Unfortunately the next 2+ innings, his sinker had very little bite, it was flat... if he can't keep the action on his sinker for more than 2 innings, it's clear he needs to be in the bullpen.
-Robinson Cano seems to be in a little bit of a slump, he's rolling over on alot of pitches on the outside corner and grounding out.
-Melky Cabrera looks like the old...shitty Melky Cabrera we all know...and are not too fond of. Maybe the shoulder injury that he sustained in Texas actually is still bothering him.
-Nick Swisher seems to be out of whatever funk he was in for most of May, he has another double along with a very good atbat in the 5th inning taking a walk with the bases loaded.
...the score is 6-5 in the top of the 6th right now, Aceves is in right now... hopefully he can lock it down for....nevermind, Ian Kinsler just homered, it's 6-6...
-Chien Ming Wang really has to fix his sinker, it's too incosistent. He threw two solid innings with good bite on his sinker, similar to his two previous relief appearances. Unfortunately the next 2+ innings, his sinker had very little bite, it was flat... if he can't keep the action on his sinker for more than 2 innings, it's clear he needs to be in the bullpen.
-Robinson Cano seems to be in a little bit of a slump, he's rolling over on alot of pitches on the outside corner and grounding out.
-Melky Cabrera looks like the old...shitty Melky Cabrera we all know...and are not too fond of. Maybe the shoulder injury that he sustained in Texas actually is still bothering him.
-Nick Swisher seems to be out of whatever funk he was in for most of May, he has another double along with a very good atbat in the 5th inning taking a walk with the bases loaded.
...the score is 6-5 in the top of the 6th right now, Aceves is in right now... hopefully he can lock it down for....nevermind, Ian Kinsler just homered, it's 6-6...
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Yankees vs. Rangers 6/2
Lineup:
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Cano 2B
Posada C
Matsui DH
Cabrera RF
Gardner CF
Pitching: A.J. Burnett RHP vs. Vincente Padilla RHP
...back with updates from the game...
Update 7:15: Damn... the homeplate umpire tonight has a rocket arm.
Update 7:26: A-Rod is sooo clutch popping up to the first baseman with runners on the corners and one out there... sooo clutch.
Update 7:39: Burnett has an explosive fastball tonight... and so does the homeplate umpire...
Update 7:45: Posada is a bum... should be 2nd and 3rd with no outs... instead.... runner on 2nd... 1 out... stupid stupid stupid stupid stupid.
Update 7:50: 1-0 Yankees on a RBI single to right by Brett Gardner.
Update 7:54: Vincente Padilla is a freaky looking dude.
Update 7:56: 2-0 Yankees after Padilla balked... you can thank Gardner for that one.
Update 8:44: A-Rod almost set some kind of record... if it wasn't for Mark Teixeira going in hard... that would've been a double play: EIGHT MEN LEFT ON BASE IN THE FIRST 4 INNINGS.... that would have been some kind of fucking record alright.
...instead he has left 7 men on base through the first 4 innings...
Update 8:47: oh... and it's 5-3 Yankees.
Update 8:50: here's a picture from Vinny Milano (bald vinny)...
cleverr...
Update 8:52: for those of you who don't know who bald vinny is... he's the leader of the bleacher creatures at Yankee Stadium... and if you're really out of it... they're the people who do the roll call before the game... and if you're a fucking idiot... that's when you chant every player's name....
...meanwhile, it's 9-3 Yankees as Hideki Matsui just hit a 3 run homerun.
Update 9:00: ahhhh fastball right at Cruz's head by Burnett... that's how you do it. Both benches warned.... i love this game.
...then you come back and strike him out...well played A.J., well played.
Update 9:17: hey A-Rod is up... and the bases are not full of Yankees... THANK GOD.
Update 9:21: Warner Madrigal looks eerily like a frog...
...it's 12-3 Yankees now after Jorge Posada tagged his ass for a 3 run homer.
Update 9:42: Maybe the Rangers should sign Doug Eddings to pitch the rest of this game... he's got a pretty good arm.
Update 9:54: Ok... that's enough from me for tonight... Yankees leading 12-3 in the top of the 8th.
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Cano 2B
Posada C
Matsui DH
Cabrera RF
Gardner CF
Pitching: A.J. Burnett RHP vs. Vincente Padilla RHP
...back with updates from the game...
Update 7:15: Damn... the homeplate umpire tonight has a rocket arm.
Update 7:26: A-Rod is sooo clutch popping up to the first baseman with runners on the corners and one out there... sooo clutch.
Update 7:39: Burnett has an explosive fastball tonight... and so does the homeplate umpire...
Update 7:45: Posada is a bum... should be 2nd and 3rd with no outs... instead.... runner on 2nd... 1 out... stupid stupid stupid stupid stupid.
Update 7:50: 1-0 Yankees on a RBI single to right by Brett Gardner.
Update 7:54: Vincente Padilla is a freaky looking dude.
Update 7:56: 2-0 Yankees after Padilla balked... you can thank Gardner for that one.
Update 8:44: A-Rod almost set some kind of record... if it wasn't for Mark Teixeira going in hard... that would've been a double play: EIGHT MEN LEFT ON BASE IN THE FIRST 4 INNINGS.... that would have been some kind of fucking record alright.
...instead he has left 7 men on base through the first 4 innings...
Update 8:47: oh... and it's 5-3 Yankees.
Update 8:50: here's a picture from Vinny Milano (bald vinny)...
cleverr...
Update 8:52: for those of you who don't know who bald vinny is... he's the leader of the bleacher creatures at Yankee Stadium... and if you're really out of it... they're the people who do the roll call before the game... and if you're a fucking idiot... that's when you chant every player's name....
...meanwhile, it's 9-3 Yankees as Hideki Matsui just hit a 3 run homerun.
Update 9:00: ahhhh fastball right at Cruz's head by Burnett... that's how you do it. Both benches warned.... i love this game.
...then you come back and strike him out...well played A.J., well played.
Update 9:17: hey A-Rod is up... and the bases are not full of Yankees... THANK GOD.
Update 9:21: Warner Madrigal looks eerily like a frog...
...it's 12-3 Yankees now after Jorge Posada tagged his ass for a 3 run homer.
Update 9:42: Maybe the Rangers should sign Doug Eddings to pitch the rest of this game... he's got a pretty good arm.
Update 9:54: Ok... that's enough from me for tonight... Yankees leading 12-3 in the top of the 8th.
Yankees defense a closer look
Last year the Yankees had the second worst defense in the league. The main culprits were Jeter, Cano, Giambi, and Abreu. So half the team basically. So far this year, the Yankees actually have one of the better defenses in the league. What exactly has changed though?
Well first off, replacing Giambi with a gold glove caliber first baseman has helped tremendously. While obviously it's helped the first base position it also appears to have had some kind of ripple affect on Cano. Cano no longer has to worry about a complete lack of range from the first baseman. This has allowed Cano to play further away from first base, like he did pre Giambi. Also, Tex has made Cano look even better by getting some balls that Cano clearly would have missed. Second, Derek Jeter seems to have rediscovered some of his range. He is definitely making plays this year which he would have had no shot at making last year. Who knows maybe he'll actually be able to stay at Shortstop until he retire. Lastly, the center field defense of Gardner/Melky has been way above average so far this year.
That's not to say the Yankees defense is fool proof though. The worst defender on the Yankees so far has been Nick Swisher. The real problem is that Nick Swisher is not a natural outfielder; he's actually a natural first baseman. Due to his unfamiliarity with the outfield he's often seen taking bad routes towards fly balls, which will often fall before he gets to them. The other issue defensively is A-rod. It looks as if his age combined with his hip surgery has slowed him down significantly. He's just not getting to line drives he used to, and with his hip really can't field bunts anymore. Oh, and pop ups still seem to be a big issue.
It's nice to see a good defensive Yankee team for once. The best part about it all is that this core is here to stay for the next 3+ years.
Well first off, replacing Giambi with a gold glove caliber first baseman has helped tremendously. While obviously it's helped the first base position it also appears to have had some kind of ripple affect on Cano. Cano no longer has to worry about a complete lack of range from the first baseman. This has allowed Cano to play further away from first base, like he did pre Giambi. Also, Tex has made Cano look even better by getting some balls that Cano clearly would have missed. Second, Derek Jeter seems to have rediscovered some of his range. He is definitely making plays this year which he would have had no shot at making last year. Who knows maybe he'll actually be able to stay at Shortstop until he retire. Lastly, the center field defense of Gardner/Melky has been way above average so far this year.
That's not to say the Yankees defense is fool proof though. The worst defender on the Yankees so far has been Nick Swisher. The real problem is that Nick Swisher is not a natural outfielder; he's actually a natural first baseman. Due to his unfamiliarity with the outfield he's often seen taking bad routes towards fly balls, which will often fall before he gets to them. The other issue defensively is A-rod. It looks as if his age combined with his hip surgery has slowed him down significantly. He's just not getting to line drives he used to, and with his hip really can't field bunts anymore. Oh, and pop ups still seem to be a big issue.
It's nice to see a good defensive Yankee team for once. The best part about it all is that this core is here to stay for the next 3+ years.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Yankees vs. Indians 6/1
Lineup:
Jeter SS
Swisher RF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Cabrera LF
Berroa 3B
Gardner CF
Pitching: Joba Chamberlain RHP vs Jeremy Sowers LHP
Notes:
Angel Berroa? Starting at 3B? wow... well, i'm assuming there's potentially something wrong with Matsui, considering he looked miserable running the bases the last few games... then again, i could be wrong and Matsui could just be getting a day off. Or, Berroa could just be getting a start... he has been on the team since early May and has only 4 at bats.
Normally i don't say this, but yesterday's game was decided on one pitch... well... one miserable call by the homeplate umpire in the 9th.... the count was 2-1 to Jorge Posada with one out and runners on the corners.... Kerry Wood threw a curve ball that was above the belt, clearly high out of the strike zone. Wood followed with another curve which Posada grounded sharply to second for an inning ending double play.
I'm not psychic, but if the count is 3-1 with runners on the corners... i say Wood doesn't take the risk of throwing that breaking ball... so yea... i said it, the ump blew the game for the Yanks yesterday... as they have done many times this whole year.
...May not have updates from the beginning of the game, but i'll try to catch the end...
Jeter SS
Swisher RF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Cabrera LF
Berroa 3B
Gardner CF
Pitching: Joba Chamberlain RHP vs Jeremy Sowers LHP
Notes:
Angel Berroa? Starting at 3B? wow... well, i'm assuming there's potentially something wrong with Matsui, considering he looked miserable running the bases the last few games... then again, i could be wrong and Matsui could just be getting a day off. Or, Berroa could just be getting a start... he has been on the team since early May and has only 4 at bats.
Normally i don't say this, but yesterday's game was decided on one pitch... well... one miserable call by the homeplate umpire in the 9th.... the count was 2-1 to Jorge Posada with one out and runners on the corners.... Kerry Wood threw a curve ball that was above the belt, clearly high out of the strike zone. Wood followed with another curve which Posada grounded sharply to second for an inning ending double play.
I'm not psychic, but if the count is 3-1 with runners on the corners... i say Wood doesn't take the risk of throwing that breaking ball... so yea... i said it, the ump blew the game for the Yanks yesterday... as they have done many times this whole year.
...May not have updates from the beginning of the game, but i'll try to catch the end...
Friday, May 29, 2009
The Curious Case of Chien-Ming Wang
In the past few days quite a few things have come to light concerning Wang's struggles. Now I've been very critical of Wang so far for his lack of performance this year, and for this I have to say I'm sorry. I was under the impression it was Wang's fault for his poor performance, maybe he didn't prepare properly over the offseason, or maybe he was trying to do something new and it just threw him out of whack. But no, instead it turns out that the entire Yankees front office is incompetent.
Before the offseason began the Yankees instructed Wang not to work out his legs due to his injury from last year. I'm simply baffled by this decision. What exactly were they thinking? The majority of a pitchers power comes from his lower body and core. So by not strengthening this area Wang was supposed to be successful how? In an interview with Andrew Marchand, Cashman admitted that it was a mistake to tell Wang not to work out his lower body, citing their lack of experience with the injury. Lack of experience? Really? Couldn't they have uhh, I don't know called one or two or even twenty five doctors in order to find out what the best course of action was? It's ironic that the Yankees insist on running their stadium like a mega corporation, but when it comes to their players they would rather play guessing games.
In other news if you have some free time be sure to check out www.1978Yankees.com. It's about a new book, The Greatest Comeback Ever: A fan's daily diary of the 1978 New York Yankees Championship Season. It's the only book ever written by a fan, live-time on a great sports season.
Before the offseason began the Yankees instructed Wang not to work out his legs due to his injury from last year. I'm simply baffled by this decision. What exactly were they thinking? The majority of a pitchers power comes from his lower body and core. So by not strengthening this area Wang was supposed to be successful how? In an interview with Andrew Marchand, Cashman admitted that it was a mistake to tell Wang not to work out his lower body, citing their lack of experience with the injury. Lack of experience? Really? Couldn't they have uhh, I don't know called one or two or even twenty five doctors in order to find out what the best course of action was? It's ironic that the Yankees insist on running their stadium like a mega corporation, but when it comes to their players they would rather play guessing games.
In other news if you have some free time be sure to check out www.1978Yankees.com. It's about a new book, The Greatest Comeback Ever: A fan's daily diary of the 1978 New York Yankees Championship Season. It's the only book ever written by a fan, live-time on a great sports season.
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