"A New York Treasure" --Village Voice

Where There is Smoke…

Enough mincing around, AJ Burnett needs a win. 

sam

Which is good timing, cause it’d sure be nice to see the Yanks win this series and stay on the good foot.

Ya Heard?

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262 comments

Show/Hide Comments 1-100
1 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 6:59 pm

Yep

2 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 7:41 pm

Cut and Paste from Pete Abe:
Melky Cabrera: He had an MRI and will be sent back to New York tomorrow to be examined by team doctor Chris Ahmad. The initial diagnosis is that he will be out 5-7 days. If it’s more than that, they will probably DL him and call up an infielder.

Meanwhile — get this — Ramiro Pena was taking balls in the outfield today. Once again we ask: Why is Angel Berroa still on the roster?
I say: WTF? He barely hits enough to play SS. Outfield???

Brian Bruney: Dr. James Andrews checked him out and he came up clean. No ligament issue. He has a flexor muscle strain and whatever pain he still has is a residual of that. He will rest and start a throwing program. Because Bruney fibbed about how he felt last time, you can bet he’ll out at least another 2-3 weeks at least.

All in all, I guess the news on Melkdud and BB is pretty decent.

3 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 7:47 pm

[3] That's big news on both fronts. Bruney actually coming back - I assumed he was done for - makes the bullpen a damn sight better. I hope.

4 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 7:47 pm

[3] [2] Duh

5 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 7:50 pm

Similar to what Pete Abe said about Swisher last night, its time for AJ to stop worrying about whip cream and become an 82 million dollar pitcher

6 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 8:09 pm

Derek is hitting the ball much harder

7 rbj   ~  May 27, 2009 8:11 pm

I want some general idea of what those photos of Cashman are, that Berroa has. Are they pix of him & Madonna?

8 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 8:11 pm

I think Holland is wearing a foundation.

9 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 8:13 pm

WOOHOO!

10 rbj   ~  May 27, 2009 8:13 pm

Boo-yay!

11 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 8:13 pm

I think the kid deserved that He seems cocky to me.

12 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 8:14 pm

[5] So true.

13 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 8:16 pm

Hello? Anyone? Bueller?

14 Dimelo   ~  May 27, 2009 8:16 pm

Lefties seem to have a problem with this guy.

15 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 8:18 pm

Righties seem to see him better so far

16 Dimelo   ~  May 27, 2009 8:21 pm

[15] Wouldn't this have been a perfect game for Berroa then?

17 rbj   ~  May 27, 2009 8:22 pm

[13] No one here but us crickets. Chirp chirp

18 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 8:22 pm

[16] No such thing.

19 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 8:23 pm

i know teixeira is great from both sides, but he's such a monster from the right i wonder if he should just stick with that.

20 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 8:23 pm

why is cash starting as much as cervelli now?

21 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 8:25 pm

Something went awry there

22 Dimelo   ~  May 27, 2009 8:25 pm

[19] Interesting that he has more homeruns batting lefty

23 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 8:26 pm

Strangely inept tag from Jeter

24 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 8:26 pm

flash is saying jeter took the throw too far in front of the base, which is what i thought initially, but the replay shows that the ball was clearly about to hit the ground. not a great throw, though better than what we've seen from cash so far.

25 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 8:27 pm

[22] How many in Yankee Stadium though? That might explain it.

26 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 8:28 pm

[22] he has 3x as many pas as a lefty. check out his other splits.

27 Dimelo   ~  May 27, 2009 8:29 pm

[22] cbs.sportsline doesn't have that way - breakdown at home and batting lefty/righty. I just see he has 10 HRs at home. But, I think you make a great point and probably that's the reason why.

28 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 8:31 pm

[27] http://tiny.cc/FDume

only real difference in career stats is that his ba is .311 as a righty, .279 lefty

29 Dimelo   ~  May 27, 2009 8:31 pm

[27] was meant for [25]

30 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 8:32 pm

I want to see Boston lose tonight for more than the usual reasons, because I love seeing the smug look wiped off the face of Matsuzaka.

31 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 8:34 pm

[30] i thought he has basically a blank look always

32 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 8:34 pm

[20] II think Cash catches 2 pitchers, Cervix 3. In 162 PA for Boston last year, Cash posted a .647 OPS. That's actually great for a 3rd string catcher. We should only get that from Molina. So while I prefer Cervix, I can understand Girardi not wanting Cash to rust on the bench.

33 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 8:35 pm

It looked like Gardner's bottom half actually moved on that strike three swing. Progress?

34 Dimelo   ~  May 27, 2009 8:35 pm

[30] I'd like to see Boston lost 5 out of 7 days.

35 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 8:35 pm

Thank you, thank you.

36 rbj   ~  May 27, 2009 8:36 pm

Wow, a Kevin Cash hit, a double. I'm not sure I've seen that creature before.

37 Dimelo   ~  May 27, 2009 8:36 pm

Jetes!!!

38 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 8:37 pm

I like it a LOT better when Jeter turns on inside pitches. There are times he looks like he ONLY wants to hit to RF.

39 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 8:38 pm

Cash had 3 hits the other day including a double.
SIGN HIM TO A 6 YEAR DEAL!

40 Dimelo   ~  May 27, 2009 8:38 pm

Dude has to be dyeing that stache

41 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 8:39 pm

He went around on that? No replay???

42 rbj   ~  May 27, 2009 8:39 pm

[39] Quiet! Cashman might hear you.

43 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 8:39 pm

Boy, you guys aren't kidding about lefties vs righties against Holland. Are we actually 4 for 5 among the righties, and 0-fer for all the lefties? And the four hits include a homer and two doubles.

44 Diane Firstman   ~  May 27, 2009 8:39 pm

Good evening folks .... just walked in ....

That's not Al Holland on the mound, is it?

45 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 8:41 pm

[30] [31] Racists!

; )

46 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 8:41 pm

[44] I think it's his grandson.

47 rbj   ~  May 27, 2009 8:42 pm

Hm, just read that Manny is still on the all star ballot. MLB needs to correct that, at least going forward.

48 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 8:43 pm

[47] Why? I'd love to see him on the All Star team, that would be awesome.

49 Dimelo   ~  May 27, 2009 8:43 pm

Man, Burnett is pitching like Burnett

50 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 8:44 pm

Oh come on, AJ. The dude is hitting .226.

51 rbj   ~  May 27, 2009 8:44 pm

[48] During the year he's sitting 50 games for trying to get pregnant?

52 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 8:45 pm

[42] Until its determined that Cash has officially TURNED THE CORNER I think we're safe

53 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 8:46 pm

[51] I think people are too quick to dismiss that possibility. It is Manny Ramirez.

54 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 8:47 pm

flash should be a manager.

55 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 8:47 pm

[51] No problem by me. For one thing, some of my best friends have been pregnant.

56 rbj   ~  May 27, 2009 8:48 pm

[53] LOL

57 Diane Firstman   ~  May 27, 2009 8:49 pm

Salty & Pepa .... ah .... push bunt ... ah ... push bunt

58 randym77   ~  May 27, 2009 8:49 pm

Amazing that they fit Salty's name on that jersey.

59 Diane Firstman   ~  May 27, 2009 8:50 pm

Phil Hughes is available as a FA in one of my leagues, dare I make a bid on him folks?

60 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 8:50 pm

Yes sir, that was strike three, Mr. Saltalamac....

Ugh.

Is there some kind of tinyurl we can use for his name?

61 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 8:52 pm

[59] Will you owning automatically him turn him into Nate Robertson?

62 rbj   ~  May 27, 2009 8:54 pm

[55] So was my mom, doesn't mean she should be on the All Star team. I think it would say a lot about Dodger fans. Plus it would be interesting to read sports writers who've been all over A-Rod, but seem to give Manny a pass.

63 thelarmis   ~  May 27, 2009 8:54 pm

Mike Maddux has Frank Zappa beard going on.

64 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 8:56 pm

[62] I'm just saying that having been pregnant should not prevent your mom from being on the All Star team. You know, assuming she's otherwise qualified, and the fans just love her.

65 Diane Firstman   ~  May 27, 2009 8:58 pm

When Andrus goes yard, I have a feeling Chris Berman says "Elvis has left the building"

66 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 8:58 pm

[62] I voted for her. 25 times.

67 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 8:58 pm

they come back to commercial with the camera on an empty entryway and i'm wondering what we're supposed to be looking at, then a cute girl steps out from the corner. obviously!

68 Dimelo   ~  May 27, 2009 8:59 pm

[62] I haven't seen people giving Manny a pass, just cause they don't report on him the same way as A-Rod then that's because Manny isn't viewed the same in the mainstream. I think A-Rod wanted it that way, to go beyond the baseball diamond. He marketed himself that way, the media was more than willing to return in kind.

It's no different than the press that Tom Brady would get if he were found to have taken a steroid.

69 rbj   ~  May 27, 2009 9:00 pm

[64] True, unless she violated MLB's PED policy that year. Plus she only hit .231 in ten games before the ASB.

70 thelarmis   ~  May 27, 2009 9:00 pm

man, AJ's 95 mph heat looks just soooo easy coming out of his hand.

71 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 9:01 pm

The Texas crowd gets unduly excited by ordinary fly balls.
I wonder if they are all Sterlings?

72 thelarmis   ~  May 27, 2009 9:02 pm

man, Nolan Ryan's drawl is soooo thick. i'll take the NY accent, thanks.

73 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 9:03 pm

[69] I'm gonna cut her some slack. Everyone's entitled to a second chance.

74 thelarmis   ~  May 27, 2009 9:03 pm

nice inning! i gotta cut out for a bit. hopefully i'll catch the end of the game and be happy about how it's going! see you all in a little while...

75 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 9:04 pm

I love watching the Yankees when they are very obviously reading cue cards during commercials

76 rbj   ~  May 27, 2009 9:04 pm

[74] Me too. Mythbusters are using thermite.

77 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 9:11 pm

Righties now 6 for 8 plus a walk. Lefties still 0-fer.

78 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 9:14 pm

Tie game ijn Minny

79 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  May 27, 2009 9:16 pm

[72] Painful to listen to..heard him interviewd on the Baseball Today podcast, guess I had never heard a real authentic Tejan accent before, was hard to follow.

80 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 9:17 pm

[78] Not for long, though.

81 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 9:18 pm

Not anymore. 2-1 with a runner on second and Fake n Bake up.

82 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 9:19 pm

The Arlington crowd once again very excited by a fly out.

83 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 9:22 pm

[70] The problem is how easy it's looked going out of the yard.

84 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 9:25 pm

That was nice, but I'm afraid we might need three relief innings tonight. Better score four more runs.

85 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 9:30 pm

Yeah, I thought that was a balk.

86 RagingTartabull   ~  May 27, 2009 9:31 pm

has anyone ever been to Arlington? Because I've always felt that on TV it doesn't come off as THAT small

87 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 9:33 pm

Jeter is going to be the Yankee alltime hits leader this year. Amazing

88 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 9:34 pm

arod basically never runs without watching the ball for a second

89 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 9:35 pm

Come on, Rob, break the lefty curse. Take it to left field...

90 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 9:35 pm

They should have sent him home. 2 outs, three run lead - hell with it, send 'em!

91 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 9:35 pm

Wow... ARod doesn't really wind up his swing, but he hits some bullets.

92 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  May 27, 2009 9:35 pm

Cubs Big Z let loose on the ump today..loooong suspension coming for that one

93 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 9:36 pm

[90] Told you.

94 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 9:37 pm

Minny up 3-1 on the Sox, after 4.

95 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 9:40 pm

[94] Right, but the fourth isn't over yet (Dice-K just walked Mauer).

96 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 9:42 pm

He did the splits

97 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 9:42 pm

i'd like to see one more replay of the play at 1b. it was closer than i first thought.

98 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 9:42 pm

Looks like Burnett chews tobaccy. And Swisher and ... Melky? Who else.

99 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 9:43 pm

now that's a nice tag

100 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 9:43 pm

(and throw)

Show/Hide Comments 101-200
101 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 9:44 pm

Toronto up 8-3 after 7, but gives up FIVE run in the 8th. The game goes to extras, 8-8. Toronto scores 2 in the 11th, looking for the win. The O's get a walk off salami. 12-10. Blue Jays, Toilet. Toilet, Blue Jays.

Dice-K with a 2.5 WHIP through 4.

102 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 9:44 pm

[97] It was really close, but no matter. Terrific throw by cash.
So now AJ walks Kinsler, jeez. Come on, AJ! Attack!

103 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 9:46 pm

that was the most annoying popup ad i've ever seen on tv. what are they thinking doing that during a baseball game (or ever)?? not only a distraction right over the screen, but a horrible glug-glug noise to go with it. (it was for listerine)

104 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 9:46 pm

The only problem is that AJ has only an inning left, at 93 pitches. We'll need some kind of decent relief...

105 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 9:46 pm

AJ at 92 pitches. One more inning (hopefully a full inning).

106 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 9:47 pm

MATSUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUI

107 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 9:47 pm

Oh, we needed that!
The lefty curse is broken.

108 RagingTartabull   ~  May 27, 2009 9:48 pm

ahhh the days of the ALDS being a gimme...

109 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 9:50 pm

BTW, Jeter is now 129 hits away from Lou and (obviously) 130 away from being the Yankees all time hits leader.

110 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  May 27, 2009 9:51 pm

Tater for Godzilla??? His is swing finally coming back?? ホームラン松井!!!
("Home Run Ma-tsu-ii" was the chant when he was with the Yomiuri Giants)

111 rbj   ~  May 27, 2009 9:51 pm

3-17 by URPS? Huh.

112 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 9:52 pm

Man... Gardy could bat .400 if he learned to do that regularly.

113 randym77   ~  May 27, 2009 9:53 pm

The scrappy, hustling Gardner.

He was once clocked at 3.5 seconds to 1B on a bunt. Lefty bunters are the fastest, but still...that's fast.

114 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 9:53 pm

That really is amazing. I can't remember the last Yankee who could do that. Murcer?

115 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 9:54 pm

By "that" I just mean beat out a drag bunt, not the exact time thing.

116 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 9:54 pm

I feel like Burnett should be able to 7 regularly, but maybe not.

117 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 9:55 pm

[114] homer bush?

118 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 9:56 pm

I asked this question last night, and never really got an answer. Was Jason Jennings always a satchelass?

119 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 9:56 pm

Cash swings at Ball 4.

120 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 9:57 pm

SIGN THAT MAN TO A 6 YEAR DEAL!

121 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 9:57 pm

You can't stop Kevin Cash. You can only hope to contain him.

122 RagingTartabull   ~  May 27, 2009 9:57 pm

nice to finally make Jason Jennings look like post 2002 Jason Jennings

123 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 9:58 pm

Okay after that aside about Cash and Burnett, Cash is my favorite Yankee.

124 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 9:58 pm

[117] maybe not, he only hit righty

125 randym77   ~  May 27, 2009 9:58 pm

[115] I seem to recall Bubba Crosby doing it. That walkoff homer game...he also had two other hits in that game. At least one of which was a bunt single down the first base line.

126 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 9:59 pm

Bubba Crosby, that's right. Could be.

127 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 10:00 pm

[125] I don't really remember Bubba doing anything well, to be honest with you

128 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 10:00 pm

On base 4 times. Season's really turning around for him.

129 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  May 27, 2009 10:00 pm

[123] details?

130 rbj   ~  May 27, 2009 10:02 pm

That's being snake-bit.

131 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 10:02 pm

I love that there's a human being on earth named Warner Madrigal

132 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 10:02 pm

[129][123] The thing where Cash walked out to the mound, played around, didn't say anything, walked back? AJ was dumbfounded.

133 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 10:02 pm

Damn. Not his night

134 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 10:05 pm

Oh, good, bullpen roulette for the Rangers!

135 randym77   ~  May 27, 2009 10:06 pm

[132] That was pretty funny.

136 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 10:08 pm

Hm, two runs, but I would have liked a couple more.

Well, one more shut-out inning for AJ and he'll have earned pie.

137 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 10:09 pm

Boy... if I didn't know better, I'd swear the ESPN guys are rooting for the Rangers. Hoss? You there Dude?

138 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 10:09 pm

Youk just tightened up that game in Minnesota.

139 RagingTartabull   ~  May 27, 2009 10:10 pm

good lord get our outfielders out of Texas as soon as possible

140 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 10:11 pm

Yow.
Careful John, we're a little short of OFs these days.

141 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 10:11 pm

That's kind of touching, that AJ was so worried-looking. Seriously.

142 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 10:12 pm

Andruw Jones? Wow. I missed that. Putting up decent numbers.

143 randym77   ~  May 27, 2009 10:12 pm

That looked like it could have been bad, if he hadn't hit the net instead of the wall. Really awkward collision.

144 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 10:12 pm

My mom just won four Yankees-Os tickets for 9/11 and two tickets to the US Open

145 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 10:12 pm

Oh, my mistake. It was Bay who got the solo homer in Minnesota. Youk struck out, Ortiz has flied out, two down in the sixth.

146 RagingTartabull   ~  May 27, 2009 10:13 pm

did anyone for a second think AJ Burnett would end up being this likable? I'm not talking about performance-wise, I'm just talking about as a guy on the team.

147 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 10:14 pm

[144] Wow! Both great. Have you been to the Open? I've been twice, and those rank among the best sports events I've ever been to.

148 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 10:14 pm

[144] how?

149 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 10:18 pm

[129] Like has been alluded to, Cash walked out to the mound to talk to Burnett, but didn't say anything, and instead picked up the rosin bag then just threw it back down. Burnett had a really funny look on his face.

150 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 10:18 pm

they try real hard to enforce that rule huh

151 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 10:19 pm

[148] Raffle

[147] I've never been, and truth be told, I have little interest in golf, but I'll just enjoy the day out.

152 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 10:19 pm

[141] I think he was worried the ball was going out.

153 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 10:21 pm

I love Chris Davis.

[151] Oh, *that* US Open! I thought you meant tennis.

154 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 10:21 pm

[152] That's what I thought the first time they showed his face, but the timing was wrong. He got the 'o shit' look after Damon hit the screen.

155 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 10:22 pm

[154] yeah was definitely worried about damon

156 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 10:22 pm

[153] I kind of had a feeling you did. Apparently they came with a golf bag, so I'm just assuming its the event at Bethpage in a couple weeks.

Either way, I'm sure I'll enjoy myself.

157 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 10:23 pm

Well, folks, one more run and I trust our bullpen to hold the lead. Otherwise, I say let Burnett start the seventh even though he's thrown 118.

158 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 10:24 pm

[156] i'm not a golf fan in any way but i went there last time it was in bethpage and it was kind of cool

159 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 10:24 pm

There's Robinson. I've been waiting for him to show up.

160 RagingTartabull   ~  May 27, 2009 10:27 pm

GOJIRA!!!

161 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 10:27 pm

Oh no way!
Fantastic.
Where's OK Jazz with some of those kenji??

162 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  May 27, 2009 10:28 pm

Any soccer fans out there? Anyone catch Messi's goal for Barcelona in the Champions League Final? Ridiculous shot..

From Gamecast this hasn't been the most exciting game to follow, but am sure I will enjoy watching AJ put up zeros on the replay this evening.

163 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  May 27, 2009 10:29 pm

[161] Bad timing on my "not exciting game" comment! GO GO 松井!よく出来ました!! '(Great job!)

164 BuckFoston   ~  May 27, 2009 10:29 pm

I had to follow the game on the net at work, sounded like Barcelona really dominated. Was Xavi man of the match?

165 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 10:30 pm

[163] Thanks!
(I meant KANJI -- I forgot the word.)

166 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 10:36 pm

Uhhh, where the f*** is Chien-Ming Wang? Do the Yanks have any interest in figuring out whether their two-time 19 game winner is viable, and how best to use him if so?

167 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 10:37 pm

Daisuke only lasted five innings, very inefficient though he didn't ever explode. Manny Del Carmen loaded the bases and now Justin Masterson has hit Cuddyer to force in a free run. The vaunted Boston bullpen.

168 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  May 27, 2009 10:37 pm

[164] Not sure but the recap said he was controlling the whole game. Couldn't watch it as was too early in the morning.

169 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 10:38 pm

Saltyalachia

I like that name better

4-2 Minny BTW

170 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 10:39 pm

Jose. Eight run lead. Throw. Strikes.

171 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 10:42 pm

There's something reassuring knowing that even on a night when it looks like the Yankees can take a share of first and shake off their awful start, Jose Veras still sucks.

172 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 10:43 pm

Seriously. 8 run lead, three innings to go. Why in god's name are they not using Wang here?

173 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 10:43 pm

That second Matsui homer is looking good now.

174 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 10:44 pm

[172] i thought the idea was that he would normally be used as a long man. so the questions may have been more apt yesterday.

175 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 10:44 pm

How many injuries have we had so far this year? Like eight? And not one of them has been to Jose Veras or Angel Berroa. Now that's just rotten luck.

176 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 10:45 pm

Sox done in the 7th. 4-2 Minny.

177 randym77   ~  May 27, 2009 10:47 pm

[166] Pete Abe has a post about Wang.

IMO, he's right - the Yanks really haven't treated Wang very well. He's never caused them any trouble. No rumors of late night partying or slacking about Wang. But they went to arbitration over $600,000. Given the money they wasted on Igawa and Pavano, it seems rather mean to be so chinsy with Wang. Heck, they even gave Melky pretty much what he wanted. But they took Wang to the mat.

Wang pitched so well for the Yanks for so long. I think he needs to get back into the rotation somehow. He says he'd rather pitch in the minors than from the pen in the Bronx, but they can't send him down because he's out of options.

178 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 10:52 pm

There are many who think the Yankees are doing wrong by Chien-Ming Wang by calling him up and making him sit in the bullpen with no clearly defined role, like 19 game winner. But these individuals have it all wrong. While sitting in the bullpen Wang gets to do his taxes, work on his English, think of baby names, catch up on all the classics, practice his magic tricks, and contemplate the deeper questions facing the human condition. So sure, point out the obvious. Wang is a pitcher, a good one at that, and his talent is being wasted. But he's growing as a human being. Isn't that what this is all about. If it's between pitching every five days and reading Immanuel Kant, I'm sticking with Kant, and I think Wang would agree. So please, don't make him the victim. We should count ourselves as fortunate.

from Respect Jeter's Gangster

179 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 10:53 pm

[174] Well, he needs to pitch. I don't think they can wait around for an early exit, and three innings is pretty good.

180 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 10:57 pm

Good, now another walk or two and Alex can pad his RBI stats.

181 randym77   ~  May 27, 2009 10:58 pm

I have to think their reluctance to use Wang means they are debating his role. If he's going to be used as a reliever, surely they'd have used him yesterday or today.

So...maybe they are thinking of making Wang a starter again, and sending Joba or Hughes to the pen?

182 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 10:59 pm

[177] It's absolutely true.

183 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 10:59 pm

[181] The way Hughes pitched two days ago, it's hard to believe he's going to the bullpen.

184 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 11:00 pm

[181] They should have figured out how to do this without bring him up. He needs to pitch, for god's sake. He's just sitting around.

Oh wait they're now gonna bring him in for one inning???

185 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 11:00 pm

Wang warming!
But I agree, why not bring him in right away (to start the seventh) and give him three innings? Strange.

186 RagingTartabull   ~  May 27, 2009 11:00 pm

I sure hope that when the young players in the Rangers clubhouse look at Vizquel and Guardado they realize they're looking at one of the best late inning matchups of 1994

187 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 11:01 pm

[184] Two innings, I presume.

188 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 11:01 pm

Between me and y'all, the solution is Joba to the pen.

Shhhhh.

189 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 11:01 pm

Five times on base for Derek Jeter

190 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 11:02 pm

[187] Right-o - I lost track. Still, bizarre.

191 randym77   ~  May 27, 2009 11:02 pm

Well, Wang's warming.

But jeez, why today and not yesterday? Is he going to be the backup closer, rather than the long man?

192 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 11:02 pm

Wang is the new closer!

193 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 11:04 pm

Sox out in the 8th. 3 outs to go. 4-2 Minny.

194 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 11:04 pm

They're trying to see if they mess around with Wang long enough, they can injure his arm like Chamberlain's last year.

195 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 11:06 pm

That's my Wanger.

196 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 11:08 pm

[193] That was the key batter: Bay with a man on. When he GIDP, I thought, "that's the ball game." Now it's Papi, Lowell, and two backup players for the ninth.

197 randym77   ~  May 27, 2009 11:08 pm

[188} I wouldn't mind seeing Joba go back to the pen, at least for now. He's been rather Jaret Wright-like so far. Wang has a good track record as a starter. Heck, he was the Yanks' ace for a couple of years. He's earned a spot in the rotation.

198 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 11:08 pm

(oh.... family blog)

199 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 11:08 pm

[194] wait but aren't you proposing to mess around with joba some more?

200 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 11:11 pm

[199] I was being obscure and referring to another post in another thread.

But still, they have to mess around with someone, right? 5 spots, 6 starters. If someone goes to the pen, put the guy in the pen that excels there.

Show/Hide Comments 201-262
201 alittleblackegg   ~  May 27, 2009 11:11 pm

When someone gets injured, then Wang is back in the rotation. Why force the issue?

202 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 11:11 pm

I don't know how he stacks up to Guidrey, but I think Joba will be the best pitcher the Yankees have developed in 40+ years. They are not going to screw with him. If Wang is good and ready to start, if Phil has options left, I imagine he goes down.

Can you move Phil to the BP? I honestly don't know if that is screwing around with him. He needs 170 IP one way or the other.

203 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 11:12 pm

Dontchaknow....

204 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 11:13 pm

[202] No, you can't put Hughes in the bullpen.

Goddam it, MLB.tv went out for that Cano blast! I did see the replay.

205 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 11:13 pm

[200] while it seems obvious that putting him back in the bullpen is the best thing for this season (assuming they can't trade for a legitimate reliever), i think he deserves patience as a starter. he has shown flashes of being a dominant starter, and he's still only 23. he did excel in the bullpen, but i still think he can excel in the rotation, and i don't think he's gonna go back to starting if we put him in the bullpen now.

206 randym77   ~  May 27, 2009 11:15 pm

Does anyone know if Hughes has options left?

207 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 11:16 pm

[201] Who knows when someone's gonna get injured? It could be a month or more. Meanwhile Wang is pitching 2 innings every 5 days. No bueno.

It just seems perverse to me to keep Wang on ice, or send Hughes down. If everyone is capable of pitching decently, those two should be starting and Joba in the pen - for now. It's not about how mediocre he's been as a starter, but how much of a boost he would give the bullpen.

208 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 11:18 pm

Big Papi pops up to start the ninth. Nathan seems a little wild.

209 randym77   ~  May 27, 2009 11:19 pm

They probably should send Hughes down. Looks like he does have options left.

I'm not sure why they don't.

Frankly, I'm dreading Sunday's game, when Hughes faces Pavano. I don't want to lose to Glass Ass.

210 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 11:20 pm

Ouch.

211 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 11:20 pm

[205] I don't have a problem with him being in the rotation, and learning and developing, etc. But in this context, he could fill a greater need. What he does for the rotation can be replaced by Hughes. What he does for the bullpen can't be replaced. Maybe Bruney but there are a lot of question marks around him right now.

I don't see why Joba to the pen now would preclude him becoming a starter again. If that were true I wouldn't put him in there, but I don't know what you're basing that idea on so I'm not sure.

212 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 11:21 pm

[209] They aren't sending him down because he's pitching very well.
We'll murder Pavano. I'm not concerned.

213 alittleblackegg   ~  May 27, 2009 11:21 pm

[207] Makes sense in the short term, especially since Joba has an innings cap this season, but I really don't like seeing someone leaving the rotation unless they've clearly pitched their way out of it.

Joba hasn't been great, but he's the future, right?

214 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 11:22 pm

[206] My understanding is it's not a finite amount of options but a finite amount of years you can be optioned in. I'm pretty certain Hughes isn't at that threshold yet whatever it is.

I think it's a waste to send Hughes back down. He's got nothing more to learn in the minors, he needs to figure out how to pitch with the big boys consistently.

215 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 11:23 pm

[211] i'm basing it on the fact that people like you will argue that he's irreplaceable in the bullpen, and the likelihood that the yankee front office is tempted to agree.
i don't agree that what he does for the rotation can be replaced by hughes. perhaps what he has done so far could be replaced by hughes (although hughes hasn't pitched as well as joba so far), but i expect joba to heat up as the season progresses.

216 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 11:23 pm

Ah.
So, we're still searching for the thing that Angel Berroa does well. In baseball, I mean.

217 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 11:24 pm

[214] It's both -- there's a certain number of options and a certain number of years. If you run out of either one you can no longer be optioned but have to pass through waivers.

218 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 11:25 pm

Sox lose.

219 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 11:26 pm

[213] He might be the future, I'd like him to be the future, but right now they have three starters for two spots. One is an experienced two-time 19 game winner, the other two are promising but inconsistent youngsters, both of whom need regular ML work, but one of which is a dominant reliever as well. And ... the Yanks' bullpen needs help.

As long as Wang can get right, it's the simplest, best solution for 2009.

220 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 11:28 pm

personally i would prefer a 6 man rotation until we figure out who is most valuable where. i'd be more inclined to put phil in the bullpen than joba, since i think joba is better and has more pitches. but phil looked so good on monday that i'm not sure i want either of them in the bullpen.

221 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 11:28 pm

Yoiks.
Good Wanger.

222 thelarmis   ~  May 27, 2009 11:28 pm

wang lookin' good! ERA at 21.09!!!

223 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 11:29 pm

[220] I'm starting to think that's the best solution.
I have a feeling Pettitte won't like breaking the routine of 5 days. But none of the solutions is without a cost.

224 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 11:30 pm

[215] He is irreplaceable in the bullpen but his value as a proportionally effective starter is greater, so they won't leave him as a reliever unless maybe Mariano goes south. Plus I'm really only arguing he's irreplaceable this year but really - everyone must remember his stint in late '07. It was legendary, he became an overnight folk hero and deservedly so. His impact as a starter right now doesn't compare.

225 randym77   ~  May 27, 2009 11:30 pm

Wang looking like the old Wang.

I miss him.

226 alittleblackegg   ~  May 27, 2009 11:30 pm

[219] Agree to disagree, I guess. And depth is a nice problem to have.

But I think everyone's happy that Wang looks strong tonight, in any case.

227 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 11:31 pm

Joba has VERY liitle actual time Pitching... and I mean in his entire life. He started pitching very late. And, we know he has not pitched well. Yet, he has an ERA just under 4.00.. so he is our 2nd best starter.

Joba is the future AND the present. If he stays healthy, he will only get better. I love Phil, but Joba has much better raw stuff.. and is also very mature considering how little experience he has.

228 thelarmis   ~  May 27, 2009 11:32 pm

First Place!!!

229 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 11:32 pm

Yay, clean Wang.

So, pie for AJ??

230 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 11:32 pm

[220] I just don't think that's gonna wash with this staff. I don't think it's worth risking upsetting the applecart upon which sit the other three veterans.

231 thelarmis   ~  May 27, 2009 11:33 pm

Wang's ERA still in the 20's - 20.45. baby steps...

232 Mattpat11   ~  May 27, 2009 11:33 pm

Ladies and Gents, First Place.

233 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 11:34 pm

[224] so you would be more inclined to let him be a starter if he hadn't been so good when he broke in? the logic doesn't make sense. he's a starter who broke in as a ridiculously dominant reliever. so now we should punish him and the team because of how good he was then? he could be an ace starter, and he's not going to get there any quicker by putting him back in the bullpen. if after he's been given a fair amount of starts to prove his worth (at least a full season) he is clearly more valuable in the bullpen, then we'll put him back.

234 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 11:36 pm

[227] You can't just count ERA when judging starters. For instance, Joba's inability to consistently get through the sixth inning is a significant drawback. Having Hughes and Chamberlain in there going 5 innings three times a week is going to explode this bullpen and this team.

That's how it's looking right now - I hope they all prove me wrong!

235 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 11:38 pm

[233] Do you think it really retards his progress if he goes to the bullpen for a month? I'm afraid it does. I'm wishing it wouldn't. If it wouldn't make any difference to Joba in the long run, that would be the best way to go. But I agree that nothing this season is worth risking the long term progress of our ace-in-the-making.

236 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 11:40 pm

[235] i agree that if it could be done with no lasting effects the clear option is to put him in the bullpen this year (although he has been at least the 3rd best starter so far). but i think at the very least it doesn't help his progress, and that there's a good chance it hurts it, either physically or mentally.

237 seamus   ~  May 27, 2009 11:40 pm

I don't care how you do it. Wang needs to be starting. He is a starting pitcher and he is a dominant one. Yes, he was really really off to start the season but if he is back on track he is money and more proven than Burnett, Hughes or Joba. 6-man rotation could work. I don't think they'll do that though.

This is what they mean by a problem they like to have.

238 williamnyy23   ~  May 27, 2009 11:41 pm

The Hughes and Joba debate needs to be centered around the fact that each one CAN'T remain in the rotation for the entire year because of their innings limits. Also, I am not sure why so many people view the hybrid reliever/starter role as being detrimental to each's development. I actually think the opposite is true...such a role would not only allow Joba and Hughes to manage their innings limit, but could allow them to develop into the future starters we hope they'll all become.

239 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 11:42 pm

[233] First of all, I was just backing up and saying that though I mean irreplaceable now, there was a historical precedent as well. He was once something special. Right now he's not.

Otherwise, you're making it too much about Joba. This is about the team and who fits where best at this juncture. I never said he shouldn't be a starter. And where did this punishment angle come from? Bizarre.

240 OldYanksFan   ~  May 27, 2009 11:43 pm

I guess the question is DOES moving to the BP hurt/retard a pitchers development? Is there some documentation on this issue?

241 randym77   ~  May 27, 2009 11:43 pm

[234] Yeah, I agree. Using just ERA is misleading. Length counts, too, and Wang has been pretty reliable there.

Seems like we went through this with Jaret Wright. He just couldn't go longer than five innings or so, and it just killed the pen.

242 RIYank   ~  May 27, 2009 11:44 pm

Hm. Given the innings limits on the two young 'uns, and the large number of innings that CC has already thrown, I'm inclined toward some strategy that lets all six starters share the innings. Whether that's a six-man rotation, a starter/reliever role for Hughes and Chamberlain, or some other idea, it seems like that's what will work out best.

Excellent win tonight. Posada's coming soon! First place! All good.

243 seamus   ~  May 27, 2009 11:46 pm

[242] woop! totally forgot to celebrate first place! haha damn Wang debate...

So, is the pulse that Cervelli stays? I'm pretty excited about his upside even though I'm 100% confident he has been hitting over his head.

244 williamnyy23   ~  May 27, 2009 11:46 pm

[240] Earl Weaver broke in just about every young starter in a hybrid role. More recently, Johan Santana and Chad Billingsley broke in the same way. There are a lot of example out there.

245 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 11:47 pm

[237] I think this is also key. Wang is the bird in the hand here ... *ahem*

246 The Hawk   ~  May 27, 2009 11:49 pm

Holy crap, that Blue Jays game is just depressing to consider. Poor bastards.

247 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  May 27, 2009 11:54 pm

First...Place...I like the sound of that!

248 randym77   ~  May 27, 2009 11:54 pm

[243] I think we should probably carry three catchers. Perhaps until Jorgie rides out of town, or moves to 1B. The man is 37, and coming back from his second shoulder surgery. I fear he's going to struggle to stay healthy.

249 51cq24   ~  May 27, 2009 11:56 pm

[239] joba is their best young player. in a lot of ways, joba is the most important player on the team. while you can't always just worry about the future, in his case i think it's a valid consideration. i don't think it's the only consideration, but i think it's enough to tilt the outcome towards the rotation. it's clear that he wants to start. it's also undeniably true that an ace starter is more valuable than an ace reliever. i think that joba has done enough to show that he can be an ace starter. some of what he has done was in 2007, when he first came up and was only a reliever (for the team). but the whole idea was that since he was such a dominant starter in the minors, he would likely be a really good reliever. that he was a great reliever doesn't prove that he can be a dominant starter, but it does fulfill our expectations about him fulfilling that role. now i think he deserves the time to develop into the role he fulfilled so well in the minors. so i do think it's a punishment (to him since he wants to start and is accustomed to it, and to the team because it could develop an ace) that is largely based on how well he did (along with perceived team needs).
all that said, i could be convinced that he should be a reliever if the goal were to make him a 1970s-type closer who is allowed to pitch multiple innings on consecutive days. then he could fulfill 2 team needs at once.

250 51cq24   ~  May 28, 2009 12:01 am

[244] the problem is he already broke in as a reliever and was then put into the rotation. now you're talking about not just a "hybrid role" but unreliably alternating roles.

251 alittleblackegg   ~  May 28, 2009 12:02 am

[244] Yeah, but Chad Billingsley was a hybrid RP/SP in 2007, he became a full time SP by the end of the year, and he was a full time starter all 2008. When he was walking 4+ batters a game in early 2008 and getting his head handed to him every time out, the Dodgers didn't put him BACK into the bullpen, though. He figured things out and ended the year as a legit ace. ...Which is what we want Joba to do.

252 Mattpat11   ~  May 28, 2009 12:02 am

Burnett is wearing a shirt that belongs on a cowgirl

253 randym77   ~  May 28, 2009 12:03 am

Pete Abe pointed out that this problem is because the Yankees panicked and activated Wang when Joba was hit by that comebacker on the knee. He'd probably be better off still pitching rehab games in AAA.

I gotta say, I'm underwhelmed at Cashman's roster management this year.

254 williamnyy23   ~  May 28, 2009 12:08 am

[250] Why is what he did in 2007 a problem? Santana for example served in the back and forth hybrod role in BOTH his age 23 and 24 seasons. Also, Billingsley broke in as a starter in 2006 and then became a hybrid in 2007.

255 williamnyy23   ~  May 28, 2009 12:10 am

[251] But, they did return him to the pen after he made 16 starts in 2006. Also, by 2008, Billingsley was ready to approach 200 innings, so he COULD be left alone in the rotation. Joba is not yet ready to log that many innings.

256 seamus   ~  May 28, 2009 12:11 am

Despite all the hand wringing, it is pretty awesome that the Yankees after that poor April and with injuries to A-Rod, Wang (of sorts), Posada, Bruney, etc... are in first place and only half game behind Texas for best record in AL. Think about that.

257 williamnyy23   ~  May 28, 2009 12:12 am

[253] Panicked is Pete Abe's description...I am sure Cashman might describe his reaction differently. More than anything, I think Wang needs confidence and these kinds of stints will do more toward that end than dominating minor leaguers.

258 51cq24   ~  May 28, 2009 12:16 am

billingsley was a starter, then a reliever, then a starter again. like joba. you're talking about going back to reliever then back to starter.

259 alittleblackegg   ~  May 28, 2009 12:16 am

[255] True, but my point is that in his age 23 / 24 season, the Dodgers stuck by their kid even though he was a bit raw. Joba is 23 and raw right now, and he's not heading towards 200 innings pitched - but I think you can't mess with his routine when he's still learning.

260 williamnyy23   ~  May 28, 2009 12:20 am

[258] Again, what's wrong with that? Santana went back and forth over his age-23 and 24 seasons.

[259] The Dodger's stuck by Billingsley because after splitting 2007 in both roles, he had compiled enough innings to set sail for good as a starter. Because of injury, Joba hasn't amassed the innings to do that. In other words, the Yankees need Joba to have a season like Billinsley did in 2007.

261 Raf   ~  May 28, 2009 12:22 am

Jeez, Carlos Zambrano put on quite the show, didn't he?

262 PJ   ~  May 28, 2009 4:30 am

Alex,

I love the picture of Yosemite Sam on this game thread from "High Diving Hare!"

"Bring on Fearless Freep!" - Yosemite Sam

: )

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