Burnett’s Command Not There Yet

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 17th, 2010 · Comments (0)

Via Andy McCullough -

After throwing 66 pitches and securing only seven Houston outs, A.J. Burnett did not want to leave. He hadn’t faced live batters in 10 days. His arm felt strong. Yet Yankees pitching coach Dave Eiland still trotted from the dugout to fetch him. Burnett yielded.

“I’ve got to finish some innings here,” Burnett said midway through an eventual 3-1 victory over the Astros. “I’m tired of seeing Dave coming out there.”

So far this spring, Burnett has thrown 3 2/3 frames. His brief output on the mound is partly due to the weather. It’s partly due to experimentation with a changeup, a third pitch he hopes will compliment his four-seam fastball and hammer curve. And on Tuesday night, it was partly due to being both “strong” and “quick” to the plate, he said.

Burnett’s command wavered. He walked four. The run came in the third, when Astros centerfielder Hunter Pence lashed a 3-2 fastball to left for a double.

“Strike one was big today,” he said. “I didn’t get ahead of anybody, and it shows.”

Then again, last season, A.J.’s “WHIP” was really bad compared to all this other stops:

Year Age Tm Lg G IP BF WHIP
11 Seasons 248 1583.1 6713 1.299
162 Game Avg. 34 219 928 1.299
FLA (7 yrs) 134 853.2 3592 1.284
TOR (3 yrs) 81 522.2 2225 1.284
NYY (1 yr) 33 207.0 896 1.401
NL (7 yrs) 134 853.2 3592 1.284
AL (4 yrs) 114 729.2 3121 1.317
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 3/16/2010.

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Maybe there’s something here? Maybe Burnett’s going to turn into Mike Moore the Tiger? Hey, it happens some times…

Green Day

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 17th, 2010 · Comments (0)

Irish and Bob Meusel  10/10/1923
Library of Congress LC-B2- 6077-13

Hey, if you’re like Bob’s brother, have a great (and safe) day today! And, if you’re not, have a wonderful day anyway!

Jurassic Park Moment

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 16th, 2010 · Comments (0)

Yup. I’m a dinosaur. So, can someone explain this to me?

Say It In What?

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 16th, 2010 · Comments (0)

Since it was Mick Jagger and Keith Richards night on American Idol this evening, it only seems fitting to drop a little Marianne Faithfull on ya…just the short version of this one, mind you…

Kyle Anson Retires

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 16th, 2010 · Comments (1)

Mike Ashmore has the story.

Anson was/is a total non-prospect. But, for some reason, I was pulling for the guy. I thought, with a few breaks, maybe he could have gone on to have a Ron Hodges type career in the big leagues.

Guess he wanted to get on with his life? I wish him well.

Verducci: Schilling’s Rule Determines Winner

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 16th, 2010 · Comments (5)

Tom Verducci rings in on the race between the Yankees and Red Sox this year –

It really is this simple: the team that gets the most starts out of its planned five-man rotation will be the better team. That’s right, both teams can spend $350 million combined on players, assign squadrons of number crunchers to analyze the life out of the game, hold staff meetings late into the night to worry about what Triple-A middle reliever might be needed around August, and the battle will be won simply by which team’s top five starters take the ball most often. All that architectural planning and scheming and it all comes down to crossing your fingers when it comes to how well five pitching arms hold up.

I know this to be true because Curt Schilling told me years ago. His theory was that the Red Sox and Yankees are so evenly matched that the team that gets the most starts out of its top five starters will be the better team. It’s amazing how right he has been.

Last year, for instance, the Yankees’ top five starters made 139 starts to Boston’s 121. New York won eight more games and the World Series. Indeed, so freakish was the run of good luck by the Yankees with their starters that they had four starters make at least 31 starts — for the first time in the history of the franchise.

And, for the record, the Yankees’ top five starters making 139 starts last season was the top mark in the league. (I read that in The Bill James Gold Mine 2010.)

One thing not mentioned here – let’s not forget the Tampa Bay Rays. They just may end up having the best starting rotation, from top to bottom, in the A.L. East – and if their top five gets more than New York and Boston, then it’s Tampa who gets the crown.

No Room At The Inn..Field?

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 16th, 2010 · Comments (2)

Mike Vaccaro, today, wonders if the length of Derek Jeter’s contract-to-be scared away Adeinis Hechavarria from signing with the Yankees…amd if it means other young free agent shortstop prospects will avoid the Yankees as well.

It’s an interesting question. But, I don’t think it only applies to shortstops. The Yankees future at third and first base is pretty much locked up for a while too. And, for what it’s worth, between Robinson Cano and all the second base prospects in the Yankees system, it’s going to be a hard road for a free agent youngster, now, looking to play second base in the Bronx in the immediate future.

Now, the outfield, well, that’s a horse of a different color…there’s lots of opportunity to break in there.

A-Rod & The Feds, Why The Wait?

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 16th, 2010 · Comments (2)

Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran met with federal investigators back in February regarding their involvement with Dr. Anthony Galea. But, now, almost three weeks later, A-Rod has not had his meeting with the feds.

I wonder why it’s taking these two sides, Rodriguez and the investigators, so long to get together on this? Is that a good sign or a bad one?

I’m not sure. Maybe A-Rod is trying to get an immunity deal? That’s possible. But, I do think it would be nice to get this over with – if I were Alex. Do you agree? The season starts pretty soon.

Yankees Madness

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 16th, 2010 · Comments (5)

I’m thinking of doing a “March Madness” rip-off…having a tournament of the 64 greatest Yankees players of all-time…where readers can vote on head-to-head match-ups to pick their favorite Yankee of all-time. But, before I do the work on that, I thought I would check on interest first.

Would you like to see something like that here? Related, if you have any ideas or suggestions on such a project, please feel free to share them as well.

Ol’ School Hardball, Nine On Nine

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 16th, 2010 · Comments (7)

So, if you had to pick one of these groups for 2010 – with the goal to pick the group with the better collective numbers at the end of this season – who would you pick?

Group A              Group B
Johnny Damon         Curtis Granderson
Melky Cabrera        Randy Winn
Hideki Matsui        Nick Johnson
Austin Jackson       Marcus Thames
Jose Molina          Mike Rivera
Chien-Ming Wang      Javier Vazquez
Ian Kennedy          Dustin Moseley
Phil Coke            Boone Logan
Brian Bruney         Chan Ho Park

Right now, I’m thinking it could be a close call. How about you?

So, What’s It Like Down In Tampa?

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 15th, 2010 · Comments (9)

I’ve never been to Spring Training. It’s on my wish-list…has been, for years. I’ve heard from folks who have gone in the past that, once you go, you’ll want to do it every year for the rest of your life. Then again, I’ve also heard some bad stories about how the Yankees run their camp like a police state – compared to other teams and the experience for their fans.

Well, our buddy and reader “Clintfsu813″ made it down to Yankee camp and has just filed this report on the experience:

My buddy and I got out to Legends Field at around 9 am on Saturday. Over on the practice field we noticed someone throwing a bullpen session with Girardi and Dave Eiland looking on. It wasn’t till I got closer that I saw the #42 on the pitcher’s back. I was thrilled just to watch a legend just going about his business. After he finished his session he leaves to exit the field. At this time there were about 20 fans standing around the practice field fence. The next five minutes were honestly a blur. Mo walks directly up to the fence, right where I was standing. I extended my ball through the slit in the fence and as he grabbed the ball he asked me my name. I told him Clint. “Nice jersey, Clint,” he says. I had completely forgotten I was wearing my #42 replica jersey! I watched as he signed my buddy’s ball and everyone else’s. Not once did he ask anyone else’s name. Wow. I had never been that close to any Yankee player, let alone one of the greatest Yankees..nay players..in baseball history. I was also able to get Damaso Marte’s autograph a little later. He was very accommodating, and even suggested a sharpie rather than a ball point pen to sign his picture in the program. We also got walk-by hello’s from Chan Ho and Girardi, though neither stopped. Thankfully my day wasn’t over yet. After the game, which we won BTW, I walked over to the Suite holder’s Lobby next to the gift shop. They had replica trophy’s from the last 5 championships. As I was snapping a picture of the ‘96 trophy, the elevator dings and out walks one Tino Martinez. Thinking quickly I stuck out my hand and simply said “Hey Tino.” He shook it and said hey back. What an insane experience! I tell ya..I will never forget that day. To go from idolizing these guys to meeting them in person was something I’ll tell my kids and grandkids about. I’m looking forward to attending the April 3rd game and hoping for similar luck.

Now, if that doesn’t make you all green-eyed and hot for Spring Training, what would? Thanks to Clint for sharing…you lucky dog you!

Yo, Dog!

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 15th, 2010 · Comments (1)

I know that he’s been doing this for at least a year – or longer? – but, I have to say that WFAN’s Craig Carton does a dead-on impersonation of Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo. This morning, he had me in stitches when he went into “Mad Dog” mode. If you’ve never heard it, you’re missing it.

Cano To Bat Fifth

Posted by Dan LaTorraca on March 15th, 2010 · Comments (9)

Interesting news out of Bradenton this morning. According to Mark Feinsand of the Daily News, Robinson Cano will move to the fifth spot in the batting order. The 27 year-old second baseman who averaged 19 home runs and a .306 batting average over the past five seasons will now be responsible for protecting and driving in the likes of Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez:

“I think it’s always been somewhat projected that he would move up in the lineup,” Girardi said. “He’s got so much ability and tools, but with young players, sometimes you want to ease him in. To me, Robbie’s not a young player anymore, even though he’s young on this team.”

“You want somebody hitting behind A-Rod so they can pitch to him, so I’m going to have to step it up early in the season,” Cano said. “I know what I went through last year, so for Girardi to put me fifth, that means that he trusts me. He thinks I’m ready.” (source)

Batting Cano fifth is not a terrible idea – he does own a career batting average on the north side of .300 – but there could be some drawbacks here, namely his numbers with runners in scoring position and knack for grounding into double plays. For example, Cano grounded into 22 double plays in 2009, which tied him for fourth in the American League. Meanwhile, Curtis Granderson has only hit into 18 double plays during his entire career. Now, a lot of that has to do with where each player hits in the batting order, but it does demonstrate how Granderson’s speed could be beneficial in the five-hole.

Speed aside, you can’t ignore Cano’s high-contact approach and line drive swing. His superior numbers against lefties and room for offensive improvement are reason enough to give him the nod over Granderson. I think that this could also be a case of Girardi attempting to inspire Cano and reduce the amount of pressure on Granderson. If Robbie falters, I’m sure the former Tiger will move up in the batting order.

Feinsand also listed the probable regular season batting order. Nick Johnson will bat second, and Cano will likely be followed by Jorge Posada, Granderson, Nick Swisher and Brett Gardner. When taking a hard look at that lineup, debating on who should hit where really becomes unnecessary. No matter what, this team will score runs.

The Yankees Can Thank A-Rod For Their 2009 Ring

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 15th, 2010 · Comments (14)

Frequent readers of this blog know that I’ve been critical, at times, of Alex Rodriguez. Without going into the details on those, to be fair, I thought I would take a second to highlight how important A-Rod was to the Yankees during the post-season of 2009.

First, look at the ALDS series against the Twins.

In Game 1, the Yankees were just ahead 3-2 in the bottom of the 5th inning. A-Rod comes to the plate in that frame with two outs, and Jeter on second, and drives him in for a huge cushion run. This also extended the inning – remember, there were two outs – allowing Matsui to bat, and homer, and give the Yankees a 6-2 lead. (New York would go on to win this game by a score of 7-2.)

In Game 2, the Yankees were losing by a score of 3-1 in the bottom of the 9th inning. Joe Nathan, the Twins closer, is on the mound. Teixeira leads off with a single bringing A-Rod to the plate. Bam! Rodriguez homers to tie the game and save the Yankees from the jaws of defeat. (Yanks won the game in extras on a Tex walk-off homer.)

In Game 3, the Yankees were again losing late – this time by a 1-0 score in the top of the 7th inning. A-Rod bats with one out and – Bam! – another homerun tying the score and once again saving the game for New York. (The Yankees go on to win this game and take the ALDS.)

Next, look at the ALCS against the Angels.

In Game 2, the Yankees were losing 3-2 in the bottom of the 11th inning. The Angels closer, Brian Fuentes, was on the mound. A-Rod leads off that frame for the Yankees and – Bam! – he does it again! Another life-saving homerun for Yankees off the bat of Alex Rodriguez. That’s three for A-Rod in the span of five games. (New York would go on to take this game in thirteen – and assume a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.)

In Game 4, the Yankees pounded the Angels by a score of 10-1. A-Rod leads the way for the Yankees going three for four (including a double and homer) with three runs scored and two RBI.

In Game 6, the Yankees were losing 1-0, in the bottom of the 4th inning. After Damon singles in two runs to give the Yankees a one run lead, A-Rod comes to the plate with the bases loaded and walks – giving New York a two run cushion. As the Angels would later score another run in the game, it turns out that A-Rod’s 4th inning RBI was the difference maker in this win that puts the Yankees back into the World Series.

Lastly, look at the World Series against the Phillies.

In Game 3, the Yankees were losing 3-0 in the top of the 4th inning. A-Rod homers in that frame with Teixeira on first to cut the Phillies lead to just one run. This is now six homeruns for Rodriguez in his first twelve games of this post-season. That rattled Phils’ starter Cole Hamels and he was out of the game in the next inning. New York ends up winning this game, 8-5.

In Game 4, the Yankees and Phillies were tied, 4-4 in the top of the 9th inning. If the Yankees lose this game, then the series is tied at two games each. A win puts New York in the driver’s seat. Damon reaches with two outs and then steals second and third on the same pitch (when the Phils forget to cover third base). Teixeira is hit by a pitch bringing A-Rod to the plate and – Bam! – he does it again in the late innings! This time it’s a double off A-Rod’s booming bat, scoring Damon and Teixeira. Alex would then score on a Posada single and the Yankees ice this game. New York now only needs one win in three tries to take the ring. (And, they would end up taking it all two games later.)

After the post-season, the BBWAA gave Alex Rodriguez the Babe Ruth Award for being the MVP of the entire postseason. And, it made perfect sense – since A-Rod super-changed power bat led the Yankees to eight of the eleven wins needed in the post-season to get a ring. There’s no doubt in my mind that, without Alex Rodriguez swinging the bat the way he did during the post-season of 2009, there’s no way the Yankees would have achieved all the success that they did in the ALDS, ALCS and World Series.

Drawing The Line On PEDs, Cheating & Tainted Records

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 15th, 2010 · Comments (26)

Over the last decade – or has it been longer? – I’ve found myself vacillating between camps with respect to the whole issue of baseball players using Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs). Actually, I’ve gone back and forth on this one quite a bit through the years. But, now, I believe that I’ve reached a point where my position on the matter is final – or, it’s as close to final as I’ve ever been on this topic.

Basically, the end issue on PED-usage for baseball fans usually boils down to three things: The question of cheating, the claims of tainted results/records, and the matter the law.

That last item is a tricky one. Illegal drug use/sales is a felony. Whether it’s possessing and/or using controlled medications without a doctor’s prescription, or, if it’s abusing legal drugs dispensed by a shady and/or fake prescription, illegal drug use is against the law. (Duh!) And, baseball players who are using PEDs, are probably breaking the law 99% of the time…or so…I would imagine.

Then again, there are certain “drugs of abuse” such as cocaine, marijuana, LSD, methamphetamine and various opiates which are illegal – and have been against the law for a long time. Yet, people still obtain and use them…just as baseball players do the same thing in obtaining and using PEDs.

On one side, here, we have “the law is the law.” And, on the other side we have parties who probably feel that they should have control over their own bodies and what to put in them – regardless of what the government mandates. To me, it seems, as a society, we have yet to solve this conundrum. Therefore, I’m not going to attempt and address it. File my position on this as “It is what it is.” And, I’ll move on to the baseball-related arguments of cheating and tainted records.

Drug testing in Major League Baseball has been subject to collective bargaining since 1986. In time, baseball and the players union got around to agreeing on “Survey Testing” (for PEDs) to be done in 2003. And, that resulted in mandatory testing for PEDs with punishments for the first time in Major League history during 2004. But, in reality, baseball didn’t have a drug policy with any teeth until January of 2005 – after the Senate Commerce Committee and the President got on their case about baseball’s drug policy not being strong enough. (For the record, baseball unilaterally implemented its first random drug-testing program in the Minor Leagues back in 2001.)

Looking at this timeline, it’s reasonable to say that Major League Baseball didn’t have a system in place to catch and punish players for using banned substances, including anabolic steroids and other illegal drugs, until 2004. (Some may want to defer to 2005 since that was the strengthened drug policy with tougher penalties. But, the fact of the matter is that players still could have been caught in 2004.)

What about prior to 2004? Well, in baseball, before 2004, when it came to PED-usage, you had no laws (meaning a policy) and you had no police (meaning no tests) and you had no court system (meaning penalties). Prior to 2004, in big league baseball, it was like the wild, wild, west with respect to using PEDs. Players were on their own and there was no one trying to stop them. Therefore, if a player was using PEDs prior to 2004, was he cheating? I would offer that it’s pretty hard to “cheat” when there’s no rule (policy) in place that says you shouldn’t “cheat.”

Breaking the law? Yeah, probably. But, not “cheating” by baseball rules.

Take a minute and consider “the spitball.” This is a pitch thrown with a ball that has been altered by the application of some foreign substance – with the goal being to alter wind-resistance and weight on one side of the ball and make it do funky things in motion thus presenting an unique challenge to the batter. After the 1920 season, Major League Baseball banned the spitball completely – sans for 17 “spitballers” who were grandfathered and allowed to keep throwing the pitch legally until they retired.

I should add here that after the 1919 season, baseball had partially banned the spitball – allowing each team to designate up to two pitchers who would be permitted to legally to feature the pitch. But, clearly, we have a line here: Through 1919 there was no policy in baseball banning the spitball; and, somewhere between 1919 and 1920, the pitch became outlawed. Therefore, if you threw a spitball prior to 1919, you were not “cheating.” And, if you threw one after 1919, unless you had some dispensation, you were cheating.

And, that’s what you can say about using PEDs in big league baseball too: Through 2003 there was no policy in baseball banning the use of PEDs; and, somewhere between 2004 and 2005, baseball had a policy in place to catch and punish players using banned substances, including anabolic steroids and other illegal drugs. Therefore, to me, it sure seems like if you used PEDs prior to 2004, you were not “cheating.” And, if you used them after 2003, you were ignoring baseball’s policy on PEDs and you were cheating.

Drawing these “before” and “after” lines, to me, also allows us to address the issue of “tainted records.”

Hall-of-Famer “Big Ed” Walsh Ed Walsh, dominated the American League from 1906 through 1912 using his spitball. Should we consider his record to be “tainted”? Why? Because he threw an illegal pitch?

But, at the time, the spitball was not an illegal pitch. And, therefore, Walsh was not cheating (meaning breaking a rule). So, how/why should his statistics during this time be tainted?

Moving back to PEDs, the 2000 Yankees had many players on their roster who were later named in the Mitchell Report as being suspected PED users – including Jose Canseco, Roger Clemens, Jason Grimsley, Glenallen Hill, Chuck Knoblauch, Denny Neagle, Andy Pettitte and Mike Stanton. So, should we consider the World Championship that the Yankees won in 2000 to be “tainted”? Why? Because so many on the team were reportedly using PEDs?

But, at the time, like with “Big Ed” and his spitball, there was no rule in baseball that banned players from using PEDs. And, therefore, the 2000 Yankees were not cheating (meaning breaking a rule) if some of their players were using PEDs. So, how/why should their title that season be tainted?

Bottom line: If there’s no rule/policy, then you can’t be called a “cheater” for breaking it. And, if you didn’t cheat, then your accomplishments are not “tainted.”

And, that’s the way I see it now with respect to baseball players using PEDs. If they did it before 2004, they were not cheating and their records before 2004 are not tainted. And, if they did it after 2003, then they were cheating and their accomplishments during that time are tainted. (Also, at any time the player used PEDs, there’s an excellent chance that he took part in committing a felony. But, that’s up to society and the government to settle out and not something that I’m going to shake around in my mining pan.)

Lastly, shame on Major League Baseball and the players union for waiting until 2004 to get a PED-policy in place. It probably should have happened five years earlier…and maybe even ten years before that.

Why Did A-Rod Go To Galea?

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 14th, 2010 · Comments (15)

It is a fair and good question, no? Via Mike Lupica this morning -

Here is the question that Alex Rodriguez will eventually have to answer, for the feds, for the Yankees, for Major League Baseball. It doesn’t have to be the first question he is asked, but it is still one that requires not just an answer, but a straight one:

Why exactly did you need to go to a Canadian doctor one who can’t practice medicine in New York to get anti-inflammatory drugs for a hip that may or may not have been “inflamed” at the time?

I don’t mean to be a cynic or skeptic with the Yankee third baseman, but are we supposed to believe he couldn’t get anti-inflammatory pills at Columbia-Presbyterian, a few minutes from Yankee Stadium?

He couldn’t get anti-inflammatory pills from the Yankee team doctors or at New York Hospital?

But apparently we are supposed to believe that Dr. Galea, who is on record about how much he likes human growth hormone as a way of keeping himself young, is as much of an expert on anti-inflammatory pills that’s what he told the Associated Press he gave to Alex Rodriguez as he is blood-spinning. What a guy. He should have his own TV show, like Dr. Oz.

Or maybe Galea is a different kind of wizard.

Come on, there are more things fishy about all this than the old Fulton Fish Market. If the whole thing is so easily explained, if Rodriguez is “at ease” with the whole situation as he told the media in Florida the other day, how come he hasn’t cleared some of this up already, no matter how lawyered up he is.

For me, it’s pretty obvious. Rodriguez went north of the border to seek out some form of treatment that is not approved in the United States.

Blood-spinning and/or anti-inflammatory prescriptions could have easily been done somewhere in New York or any other major city here. Yet, Alex went to Galea because he felt that there was something he could do/provide that was not available (or legal?) here.

And, in time, the truth will come out on this one. Of course, what happens after that is anyone’s guess.

Alfred E. Neuman Is On Hold, One Line One

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 14th, 2010 · Comments (2)

Bill Madden today says that the Boston Red Sox starting rotation should give the New York Yankees reason to worry. That’s what I said four days ago.

Then again, yes, everyone said last year that Boston had more pitching than it knew what to do with…so, we’ll just have to wait and see, in the end.

Top Bosox Prospect Requires Brain Surgery

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 14th, 2010 · Comments (2)

Red Sox top prospect Ryan Westmoreland has been diagnosed as having a cavernous malformation in his brain that will require an operation this Tuesday.

I’m all for the rivalry between the Yankees and Red Sox organizations. And, generally, I enjoy seeing Boston fail. But, stuff like this is an entirely different matter.

There’s being a baseball fan, and a Yankees fan, and then there’s being a human being. That latter condition trumps all. And, the human being in me sincerely hopes that everything works out well for Westmoreland and he rebounds from this quickly.

Cashman: Draft Is Most Important Day Of The Year

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 13th, 2010 · Comments (11)

There’s an interesting feature by Alex Speier in the Major League Preview print edition of Baseball America, on newsstands now, entitled “GMs Need More Skills Than Ever Before.” Here’s a snip that really caught my attention:

Teams with limited resources had become adept at exploiting market inefficiencies, leaving teams with deep pockets to construct their clubs using free agency, the most inefficient of markets. Suddenly, the Red Sox were ready to pour big-market resources into the areas of scouting and player development, whose affordability had allowed small-market clubs to compete.

“Small-market clubs were more value driven out of necessity. They were more conscious of risk. They were more industrious, out of necessity. These days, I think that mindset and approach has infiltrated the big-market clubs as well,” Epstein said. “Scouting and player development as the core way to build a team. That’s not the unique province of smaller market teams anymore.”

The Yankees followed suit, particularly after Brian Cashman got operational control over New York’s baseball operations in 2005. He began plowing more money into both the draft and international amateur signings, and steered the club away from signing role players such as Steve Karsay and Rondell White, who cost the team both money and draft picks.

“In baseball, draft day is the most important day of the year. I know one of the reasons I think we’ve gotten back to having success is the fact that we made that day important again, protecting draft choices and not sacrificing them for a middle reliever,” Cashman said. “You increase your amateur talent budget because if I wind up being successful in having a number of players emerge in our draft, it will save me from adding $50 million or $60 million, $70 million or $100 million in the free agent market.

“I can turn from within and have a Phil Hughes and have enough remaining so that I can go sign a C.C. Sabathia.”

“People have become more educated in the game than ever. They’re looking for new measures to try to quantify what really is taking place on the field, testing theories. It’s terrific,” Cashman said. “We’re taking the game and trying to find every which way to measure what’s real and what’s not, and trying to make sense of it. That’s wonderful.”

So, if the Yankees are trying to build from within, using the draft and international signings, then where are all those prospects in their system?

There’s maybe five or six prospects in the Yankees farm system now who appear to be somewhat the pick of the litter. And, that’s just about the same as it was in Yankeeland before “Brian Cashman got operational control over New York’s baseball operations in 2005.”

All this talk about the Yankees being like the Red Sox, Rays, Twins, et al, in terms of adeptly working the amateur markets is just a bill of goods until we start seeing a robust prospect pipeline, no?

Signings & Goings In Yankees Camp

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 13th, 2010 · Comments (0)

Via the Duluth News Tribune:

[The Yankees have agreed] to terms with RHP Alfredo Aceves, RHP Jonathan Albaladejo, C Francisco Cervelli, RHP Joba Chamberlain, 2B Reegie Corono, LHP Wilkin De La Rossa, RHP Christian Garcia, OF Brett Gardner, OF Greg Golson, OF Jamie Hoffman, RHP Phil Hughes, RHp Mark Melancon, RHP Hector Noesi, RHP Ivan Nova, 2B Ramiro Pena, RHP David Robertson, 2B Kevin Russo and RHP Romulo Sanchez on one-year contracts.

And, via Chad Jennings -

Nine players were cut from big league camp this afternoon.

RHP Andrew Brackman
RHP D.J. Mitchell
RHP Christian Garcia
RHP Kevin Whelan
LHP Wilkins Arias
LHP Kei Igawa
LHP Wilkin De La Rosa
LHP Jeremy Bleich
C Kyle Higashioka

All just signs that we’re getting closer to Opening Day. And, on a soaker day in the heart of Yankeeland, that’s just like a bucket full of sunshine.

Pettitte, Rivera & Jeter To Be Called Into Clemens-McNamee Case?

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 13th, 2010 · Comments (1)

Via the Daily News

The Yankees have never relished the destructive defamation suit former pinstripe hero Roger Clemens brought two years ago against his accuser, former Yankee trainer Brian McNamee, but bigger headaches for the club may yet lie ahead according to a new appeals-court brief issued by McNamee’s defense attorneys.

A footnote deep in the 60-page brief lists current Yankee stars Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera, and Derek Jeter as witnesses McNamee might call to the stand for sworn testimony about Clemens’ purported use of steroids and human growth hormone. Also listed among potential witnesses for McNamee is Angela Moyer, an alleged mistress of Clemens who tended bar near the Upper East Side apartment where McNamee said he visited Clemens after Yankee games to inject the pitcher with steroids and human growth hormone (Clemens has testified he thought the syringes contained vitamin B12).

All of this is mere foregrounding to the still-active criminal inquiry into whether Clemens committed perjury before Congress. A grand jury in Washington D.C. is actively considering those charges, and McNamee is cooperating with the feds on that matter.

McNamee is currently living in Queens, and is cooperating with federal prosecutors who have convened the Washington grand jury, which is exploring whether Clemens lied two years ago when he went under oath and denied using performance-enhancing substances. Clemens has spent parts of recent months attending sports events with his sons and Tweeting about his charity efforts. On Feb. 28, he appeared at a fundraiser in Trenton, New Jersey, posing for photographs and signing autographs at an event that raised money for Allies Inc., an organization that assists people with disabilities.

There’s no truth to the rumor that Jay Baruchel and John Cena are being sought out to play McNamee and Clemens, respectively, in the movie version of this story.

Speed Racer

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 13th, 2010 · Comments (0)

Back in the late 1960’s, when I was just out of pre-schooler days and entering middle-childhood, I used to love watching Speed Racer on T.V.

I never went to see the movie when it came out in 2008. And, to be candid, I’ve never watched the movie from start to finish now that it’s in its after theater life.

But, several times, I have caught pieces of it on HBO. A few minutes here, more than a few minutes there, etc. And, from what I have seen of it, to me, it seems like it got a bad rap when it came out in 2008.

One of these days, I’m going to watch the whole thing. Maybe you just had to be a fan of the show way back when to appreciate what the Wachowski Brothers did with this one?


Speed Racer Trailer
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A-Rod Abode Action

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 13th, 2010 · Comments (4)

Some real estate news for those into this sort of thing. Via the Post -

Alex Rodriguez struck out swinging when he sold his bayfront Florida estate for nearly one-third less than he paid for it.

A-Rod and ex-wife Cynthia Scurtis Rodriguez purchased the one-acre, six-bedroom property for $12 million in December 2004 but only got $8.5 million for it recently from an unidentified buyer, according to The Miami Herald.

Cynthia has moved to a rental in Miami Beach’s Palm Island, the paper reports.

The Yankee slugger, meanwhile, rents a $30,000-a-month, two-bedroom apartment on the 35th floor of 15 Central Park West.

Nice city digs at 15 CPW:

Jeter Feels Bad For Jose Reyes

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 13th, 2010 · Comments (9)

Via Kevin Kernan -

Remember when Jose Reyes was the shortstop of the future in New York and Derek Jeter supposedly was starting to slip?

Now, things just keep getting worse for Reyes and the Mets while Jeter and the Yankees keep winning championships. No one knows better than Jeter what a difficult task it is to survive and thrive in New York and right now he feels for his sidelined Mets counterpart.

“First and foremost is your health, and it goes beyond anything you do on the field,” Jeter said yesterday at Steinbrenner Field. “You wish him the best. I don’t like to see anybody go through that kind of stuff. It’s just that he’s had such bad luck. You have to assume that his luck is going to change here soon. All you can do is be patient.”

“I’m sure it’s frustrating for him,” Jeter said. “I’m not familiar with the situation that he has now. The only thing you can do is to try and stay positive. It can be very, very difficult to do at a time like this.”

“Jose has had a lot of injuries with his legs because he runs a lot,” Jeter said. “So that’s one of the differences. He’s the type of player who is running a lot, stealing a lot. Ever since the first time he tore his hamstring, I was always getting worried for him when you see him running because that can be tough.

“I’ve never torn a hamstring. I pulled a hamstring, but those can be tough injuries to get over.”

“I just wish him luck,” Jeter said.

I can’t remember the last time Jeter had so much to say about a player on another team. I’m not sure if this is a new trend emerging for Derek or if this is just some calculated way to highlight Reyes’ downfall as some sort of a “finger” back at those who used to claim that Jose Reyes was the best shortstop and player in New York?

In any event, here’s a wild thought for you. Suppose that Reyes’ thyroid problem becomes a Rocco Baldelli type thing and basically ends his days of being able to play shortstop on a full-time basis. If this happens, would the Mets dare make a run at Jeter if Derek becomes a free agent at the end of this season?

Personally, I think that the Mets would lack the funds to be a player in the race for Jeter. But, if they were to fake it, then it could give Jeter a little more leverage when dealing with the Brothers Stein – even though he probably doesn’t need it.

Yanks/Bucs Spring Training Game Tomorrow Can Now Be Seen On TV In Yankeeland

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 13th, 2010 · Comments (0)

The Media Relations folks at the MLB Network have recently shared that the blackout has been lifted in the New York Yankees’ local television market for MLB Network’s simulcast of the Yankees at Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training game Sunday, March 14, live at 1:00 p.m. ET. MLB Network will carry Fox Sports Pittsburgh’s call of the game.

Big Day On The Big Yankeeland Stage

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 12th, 2010 · Comments (3)

Can you name the only four Yankees batters to reach base 4+ times in a winner-take-all post-season game?

If not, click here for the answer.

Swisher Feels At Home In Yankeeland

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 12th, 2010 · Comments (13)

Bryan Hoch writes that “‘Welcomed’ Swisher a perfect fit.”

Maybe I’m just the last Yankees fan out there who hasn’t warmed up to Swishalicious yet? I could be true…

2010 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees Preview

Posted by Dan LaTorraca on March 12th, 2010 · Comments (7)

Fans that grew accustomed to Shelley and Eric Duncan will see a very new Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankee roster going in to the 2010 season. This team will feature a slugger behind the plate, a brick wall down the left side of the infield and an overcrowded outfield – not to mention a pitching staff comprised of journeyman like Dustin Moseley and exciting prospects like Ivan Nova. First, a projected 24-man roster:

Catchers: Jesus Montero, Mike Rivera, P.J. Pilittere.
Comments: Barring an injury, we probably will not see Jesus Montero in New York until September. The Yankees can afford to give the 20 year-old one more season in the minors to improve his defense and further perfect his swing. Unless Frankie Cervelli’s concussion is more serious than originally thought, Mike Rivera will serve as a very capable backup backstop. Pilittere could see some time in Double-A. It depends on whether or not the club opts to carry an extra pitcher.

Infielders: Juan Miranda, Reegie Corona, Eduardo Nunez, Kevin Russo, Chris Malec, Jorge Vazquez.
Comments: The Scranton infield will likely consist of Miranda at first base, Corona at second, Nunez at short and Russo at third; arguably one of the better defensive infields in the International League. Former Mexican League standout Jorge Vazquez will probably see time at first, while Malec will reprise his role as the utility infielder. Russo and Nunez are both terrific defenders and will definitely help the pitching staff feel more comfortable.

Outfielders: Colin Curtis, Greg Golson, Jon Weber, Reid Gorecki, David Winfree.
Comments: I don’t think one can truly name a starting outfield here, but its likely that Colin Curtis, Greg Golson and David Winfree will see the majority of the playing time because of their youth and ceiling. Weber will probably be used as a corner outfielder and designated hitter, the Yankees will need the extra left-handed pop in the lineup.

Rotation: Kei Igawa, Zach McAllister, Jason Hirsh, Ivan Nova, George Kontos.
Comments: I can’t see the New York Yankees opting to carry Kei Igawa as the second lefty when Mark Melancon is a viable option to strengthen the big league pen. The Japanese lefty will likely anchor the rotation and cement his title as the winningest Scranton Wilkes/Barre Yankee. McAllister should build upon his strong 2009 campaign in the two-hole, while Jason Hirsh looks to live up to his name. George Kontos and Ivan Nova will likely end up as major league relievers, but they will help build a formidable Triple-A rotation in 2010.

Bullpen: Boone Logan, Jonathan Albaladejo, Romulo Sanchez, Keven Whelan, Zack Segovia, Dustin Moseley, Royce Ring, Amaury Sanit, Eric Wordekemper.
Comments: I know I listed nine players, but five or six of these pitchers will make up the Scranton pen. Obviously Boone Logan, Jon Albaladejo, Dustin Mosely and Royce Ring have a great shot, but I could see Romulo Sanchez as the closer. The Yankees may opt to let Wilkin De La Rosa, Keven Whelan and Amaury Sanit develop in Trenton.

Coaching Staff: Dave Miley, Butch Wynegar, Scott Aldred, Aaron Ledesma, Darren London, Lee Tressell.
Comments: The entire coaching staff is set to return in 2010. Dave Miley will enter his fifth season as the manager of the Triple-A affiliate and will aim to lead the club to their third straight appearance at the Governors Cup. Butch Wynegar and Scott Aldred will reprise their roles as the hitting and pitching coaches. Darren London will enter his 18th season as the Triple-A trainer. A strong coaching and training staff is important for Triple-A, and they are aware of the delicate balance of development and competitiveness that is necessary for both individual and team success.

Projected Lineup:

SS – Eduardo Nunez – R
CF – Greg Golson – R
1B – Juan Miranda -L
C – Jesus Montero – R
DH  – Jon Weber – L
RF – David Winfree – R
LF – Colin Curtis – L
3B – Kevin Russo – R
2B – Reegie Corona – S

Overall Comments: The 2010 club will feature strong infield defense and above-average speed at the top and bottom of the order. The heart of the batting order, Miranda-Montero-Weber, should provide enough offense for the team to remain competitive. It will be interesting to see how the team deals with David Winfree and Greg Golson, who are both young enough to be considered prospects. The rotation should be another asset, especially if Jason Hirsh can pitch as well as he did in 2009. Players to Watch: Jesus Montero, Colin Curtis, Greg Golson, Zach McAllister, Ivan Nova.

Sabathia’s Innings To Catch Up With Him This Year?

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 12th, 2010 · Comments (6)

Via RealGMBaseball -

ESPN – CC Sabathia was the innings-leader for the World Series Champion Yankees last season, but a recent trend indicates that he could soon fall on hard times.

A post by Scott Randall of ESPN Stats & Info showcases a five-year trend of pitchers that led the World Series winners in innings struggling the year following their title win.

Beginning in 2004, Curt Schilling (Boston), Mark Buehrle (Chicago), Chris Carpenter (St. Louis), Josh Beckett (Boston) and Cole Hamels (Philadelphia) all struggled the season after leading the champions in innings.

Sabathia went 19-8 with a 3.37 ERA for New York in 2009, but also pitched a career-high 266 1/3 innings over the regular and postseason.

Schilling pitched 168 innings in 2003. Buehrle threw 245 in 2004. Carpenter had 241 innings in 2005. Beckett had 204 in 2006 (which is high for him). Hamels had 183 in 2007 at the age of 23.

I think that’s part of it here – how much was the guy taxed the year before as well as the year in which he won the ring. And, we know that CC carried a big load in 2008 and 2009.

I hope he’s going to be the exception here – because, without Sabathia pitching like an ace, the Yankees will be in trouble.

Yanks/Nats Spring Training Game Tomorrow Can Now Be Seen On TV In Yankeeland

Posted by Steve Lombardi on March 11th, 2010 · Comments (1)

The Media Relations folks at the MLB Network recently shared the blackout has been lifted in the New York Yankees local television market for MLB Network’s simulcast of the Yankees at Washington Nationals Spring Training game tomorrow, March 12, live at 1:00 p.m. ET. MLB Network will carry MASN’s call of the game. Sweet.

Update: The game has been called due to rain.

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