Comments on: It Didn’t Have to Be This Way http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/09/it-didnt-have-to-be-this-way/ Development site for Bronx Banter Blog's upcoming look and feel Sun, 19 May 2013 03:27:48 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 By: jfd001 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/09/it-didnt-have-to-be-this-way/#comment-295726 jfd001 Wed, 10 Oct 2012 01:48:30 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=92952#comment-295726 Didn't AR strikeout swinging at ball 4? Didn’t AR strikeout swinging at ball 4?

]]> By: Jon DeRosa http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/09/it-didnt-have-to-be-this-way/#comment-295714 Jon DeRosa Tue, 09 Oct 2012 19:32:40 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=92952#comment-295714 [16] We know you favor the "good things happen when you hit the ball" approach. That's the way I always played it too, though I am less than convinced that it's the "right" way for everybody. But you're talking about your preferred approach of situations always dictating approach, from April through October. Not that you think it's superior to swing for the fences in April with a man on third and nobody out and superior to just make contact in that same spot in October. The debate we are having is not what is the best approach to hitting, but whether there is some "shit that doesn't work in the Postseason." [17] Whatever the case, I am certain we will both agree to be happy when one of these guys finally comes through with a big hit in a big spot. [16] We know you favor the “good things happen when you hit the ball” approach. That’s the way I always played it too, though I am less than convinced that it’s the “right” way for everybody. But you’re talking about your preferred approach of situations always dictating approach, from April through October. Not that you think it’s superior to swing for the fences in April with a man on third and nobody out and superior to just make contact in that same spot in October.

The debate we are having is not what is the best approach to hitting, but whether there is some “shit that doesn’t work in the Postseason.”

[17] Whatever the case, I am certain we will both agree to be happy when one of these guys finally comes through with a big hit in a big spot.

]]> By: TheGreenMan http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/09/it-didnt-have-to-be-this-way/#comment-295710 TheGreenMan Tue, 09 Oct 2012 17:39:56 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=92952#comment-295710 [15] Jon - I'm sure you are correct. Obviously I don't know that their approach is what is calling their failures. As I said, maybe it's a situational thing that is frustrating me. I seem to be fine with Swish's patient approach when they are tied or up, but I get frustrated when he does the same when they are down and seemingly need a big hit. A classic case of wishing I could have my cake and eat it too, I guess. And, again, it's a small sample size. 30 games or so. The larger study you suggested might be an interesting one. [15] Jon – I’m sure you are correct. Obviously I don’t know that their approach is what is calling their failures. As I said, maybe it’s a situational thing that is frustrating me. I seem to be fine with Swish’s patient approach when they are tied or up, but I get frustrated when he does the same when they are down and seemingly need a big hit. A classic case of wishing I could have my cake and eat it too, I guess. And, again, it’s a small sample size. 30 games or so. The larger study you suggested might be an interesting one.

]]> By: OldYanksFan http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/09/it-didnt-have-to-be-this-way/#comment-295709 OldYanksFan Tue, 09 Oct 2012 17:33:09 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=92952#comment-295709 [15] I'll give it a shot. 1&2) No problems with Jeter or Ichiro. They both try to put the ball in play. 3) ARod has shown a number of times that he's willing to go the other way and just put the ball in play. His problems are just a general decline. He is simply missing pitches he used to hit. At least he's working walks. 4) Robbie is a fantasic hitter. But not as good as he could be. I honestly believe if he were more selective, he would hit at least .350. He makes a lot of his outs on pitcher's pitches. 5) Teix was actually better last night. He actually hit the ball up the middle. But usually, it's 500' or bust. 6) Swisher is selective. He works walks. But often his '2 strike' swing is as big or bigger then his normal swing. I'm OK with trying to drive the ball with no one on, or less then 2 strikes. But when a hit is critical, I wish he would be focused on soild contact as opposed to power contact. 7) Grandy is all or nothing. He doesn't walk and refuses to change his approach with RISP. He's either the HR gero or the goat. No inbetween. 8) Martin is Swisher light, without as good an eye. Almost 1/2 his hits are doubles or HRs, as opposed to Jeter, who doubles and HRs make up about 20% of his total hits. A soft line drine hit 150' is almost always a hit. There is something to be said for 'swatting' the ball. Again, no one on or less then 2 strikes... have at it. But a 150' soft liner is better then a warning track fly ball... or strike out. Basically the DRIVE the ball/HR approach with our roster kinda works over the regular season, although I believe it was responsible for our tremendous RISP fail, and poor record when we don't hit a HR. It's a poor approach in a shot series. [15] I’ll give it a shot.
1&2) No problems with Jeter or Ichiro. They both try to put the ball in play.
3) ARod has shown a number of times that he’s willing to go the other way and just put the ball in play. His problems are just a general decline. He is simply missing pitches he used to hit. At least he’s working walks.
4) Robbie is a fantasic hitter. But not as good as he could be. I honestly believe if he were more selective, he would hit at least .350. He makes a lot of his outs on pitcher’s pitches.
5) Teix was actually better last night. He actually hit the ball up the middle. But usually, it’s 500′ or bust.
6) Swisher is selective. He works walks. But often his ’2 strike’ swing is as big or bigger then his normal swing. I’m OK with trying to drive the ball with no one on, or less then 2 strikes. But when a hit is critical, I wish he would be focused on soild contact as opposed to power contact.
7) Grandy is all or nothing. He doesn’t walk and refuses to change his approach with RISP. He’s either the HR gero or the goat. No inbetween.
8) Martin is Swisher light, without as good an eye. Almost 1/2 his hits are doubles or HRs, as opposed to Jeter, who doubles and HRs make up about 20% of his total hits.

A soft line drine hit 150′ is almost always a hit. There is something to be said for ‘swatting’ the ball. Again, no one on or less then 2 strikes… have at it. But a 150′ soft liner is better then a warning track fly ball… or strike out.

Basically the DRIVE the ball/HR approach with our roster kinda works over the regular season, although I believe it was responsible for our tremendous RISP fail, and poor record when we don’t hit a HR. It’s a poor approach in a shot series.

]]> By: Jon DeRosa http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/09/it-didnt-have-to-be-this-way/#comment-295708 Jon DeRosa Tue, 09 Oct 2012 17:05:53 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=92952#comment-295708 [13] I do agree that thier futility is tough to stomach. I just think you're mixing in something that doesn't belong when you say their "approach" is causing their failure. For that to make any sense, you'd have to look at every patient player in history and see how their approach worked in the post season. And you'd have to answer the question why wouldn't the same approach that is successful in one single game / plate appearance in May work in the same circumstances in October? That wouldn't stand up to scrutiny. If you want to say, Swisher's approach doesn't work against this pitcher or this type of pitcher, fine, but blanket postseason statements don't pan out I don't think. [13] I do agree that thier futility is tough to stomach. I just think you’re mixing in something that doesn’t belong when you say their “approach” is causing their failure. For that to make any sense, you’d have to look at every patient player in history and see how their approach worked in the post season. And you’d have to answer the question why wouldn’t the same approach that is successful in one single game / plate appearance in May work in the same circumstances in October? That wouldn’t stand up to scrutiny.

If you want to say, Swisher’s approach doesn’t work against this pitcher or this type of pitcher, fine, but blanket postseason statements don’t pan out I don’t think.

]]> By: Bronx Boy in NC http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/09/it-didnt-have-to-be-this-way/#comment-295707 Bronx Boy in NC Tue, 09 Oct 2012 17:00:04 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=92952#comment-295707 Last night I honestly felt more optimistic during Russell Martin's critical at-bats than I did during ARod's. Last night I honestly felt more optimistic during Russell Martin’s critical at-bats than I did during ARod’s.

]]> By: TheGreenMan http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/09/it-didnt-have-to-be-this-way/#comment-295706 TheGreenMan Tue, 09 Oct 2012 16:22:28 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=92952#comment-295706 [10] [11} I hear you. That 4-pitch inning sucked big time. Still Swish can be frustrating even with the walks. Maybe it's a situational thing. Felt like the Yankees really needed a hit there in the 7th (obviously), not a walk. He took two pitches right in the heart of the plate to put himself in a hole. Not saying that Swish should change his approach even if he could. It's just something that has been frustrating to watch in his Yankees post-season career (.160/.262/.321 in 30 Yankees post-season games). It's a small sample size, and I hope he has a breakout game so everyone (including me) can stop obsessing about his failures with RISP. Like I said...it's just frustrating. For what it's worth, I feel the same way about Tex (.193/.295/.316 in 29 Yankees post-season games). Both players have a similar approach that, for one reason or another, hasn't translated into results in the post-season. Where every plate appearance is put under a microscope. [10] [11} I hear you. That 4-pitch inning sucked big time. Still Swish can be frustrating even with the walks. Maybe it’s a situational thing. Felt like the Yankees really needed a hit there in the 7th (obviously), not a walk. He took two pitches right in the heart of the plate to put himself in a hole. Not saying that Swish should change his approach even if he could. It’s just something that has been frustrating to watch in his Yankees post-season career (.160/.262/.321 in 30 Yankees post-season games). It’s a small sample size, and I hope he has a breakout game so everyone (including me) can stop obsessing about his failures with RISP. Like I said…it’s just frustrating.

For what it’s worth, I feel the same way about Tex (.193/.295/.316 in 29 Yankees post-season games). Both players have a similar approach that, for one reason or another, hasn’t translated into results in the post-season. Where every plate appearance is put under a microscope.

]]> By: Greg G http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/09/it-didnt-have-to-be-this-way/#comment-295705 Greg G Tue, 09 Oct 2012 16:19:43 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=92952#comment-295705 Hank- Thanks for the summary. I tried to block it out as much as possible, and I appreciate that you were not concentrating on the obvious of RISP failures. This was such a frustrating game, and the O's are a gritty team, and they find ways to keep it close and, as was the case last night, pull out close wins. Girardi certainly should have pinch run for Tex. Come on Joe! When the stat came on about the O's 75 wins when leading after the 8th, I thought he jinxed them. (2) Sager cracks me up. These outfits from the 70's that he wears. He takes fashion cues from Ron Burgundy. I also don't need to know how loud it is on the field during the 8th inning. Maybe he can tell us how the popcorn at Camden Yards is buttery and salty too. Hank-
Thanks for the summary. I tried to block it out as much as possible, and I appreciate that you were not concentrating on the obvious of RISP failures.

This was such a frustrating game, and the O’s are a gritty team, and they find ways to keep it close and, as was the case last night, pull out close wins.

Girardi certainly should have pinch run for Tex. Come on Joe!

When the stat came on about the O’s 75 wins when leading after the 8th, I thought he jinxed them.

(2) Sager cracks me up. These outfits from the 70′s that he wears. He takes fashion cues from Ron Burgundy. I also don’t need to know how loud it is on the field during the 8th inning. Maybe he can tell us how the popcorn at Camden Yards is buttery and salty too.

]]> By: RIYank http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/09/it-didnt-have-to-be-this-way/#comment-295703 RIYank Tue, 09 Oct 2012 16:01:28 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=92952#comment-295703 8 - 10: What Jon said. I believe in Swisher's approach, just as much for playoffs as for regular season. What's truly maddening is a 4-pitch inning (that is, being the victim thereof). 8 – 10:
What Jon said. I believe in Swisher’s approach, just as much for playoffs as for regular season. What’s truly maddening is a 4-pitch inning (that is, being the victim thereof).

]]> By: Jon DeRosa http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/09/it-didnt-have-to-be-this-way/#comment-295700 Jon DeRosa Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:31:06 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=92952#comment-295700 [8] You prefer the top of the 5th inning to Swisher's drawn out ABs? No doubt Swisher's 1/33 is annoying beyond belief, but the process of working the count has nothing to do with the results. If he comes up with nothing after 10 pitches, that sux, but it's not like the first nine pitches cause the result. Also, didn't he get on base 3 of 5 times and drive in a run w/ a sac fly just one game ago? [8] You prefer the top of the 5th inning to Swisher’s drawn out ABs? No doubt Swisher’s 1/33 is annoying beyond belief, but the process of working the count has nothing to do with the results. If he comes up with nothing after 10 pitches, that sux, but it’s not like the first nine pitches cause the result. Also, didn’t he get on base 3 of 5 times and drive in a run w/ a sac fly just one game ago?

]]> By: Hank Waddles http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/09/it-didnt-have-to-be-this-way/#comment-295698 Hank Waddles Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:59:09 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=92952#comment-295698 [8] Perhaps that's why Billy Beane's Moneyball teams did well over 162, but fizzled in the post season. And you're right about Girardi. I tend not to be as critical of him as some, but that just seemed like an obvious call there. I missed the beginning of his presser. Anyone know if he was asked about that decision? [8] Perhaps that’s why Billy Beane’s Moneyball teams did well over 162, but fizzled in the post season. And you’re right about Girardi. I tend not to be as critical of him as some, but that just seemed like an obvious call there. I missed the beginning of his presser. Anyone know if he was asked about that decision?

]]> By: TheGreenMan http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/09/it-didnt-have-to-be-this-way/#comment-295697 TheGreenMan Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:28:37 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=92952#comment-295697 I'm generally a Girardi apologist and I think he does a pretty good job, but not sending in Gardner in the 8th as a pinch-runner is unforgivable. As you stated, that's why he's on the roster. I was screaming at the television during Martin's AB for that to happen. Ugh. Also, Swisher's at-bats, plate discipline/waiting for mistakes, work great during a long season. Lots of walks and good power when you add it all up. But during a short playoff series they can be so frustrating. His AB in the 7th unfortunately went exactly the way I called it after the wild pitch. He took a couple of strikes, worked a full count and then ineffectually flew out to LF. Seems to be what happens to him every post-season. Wait and wait and then nothing. Getting tired of that. I’m generally a Girardi apologist and I think he does a pretty good job, but not sending in Gardner in the 8th as a pinch-runner is unforgivable. As you stated, that’s why he’s on the roster. I was screaming at the television during Martin’s AB for that to happen. Ugh.

Also, Swisher’s at-bats, plate discipline/waiting for mistakes, work great during a long season. Lots of walks and good power when you add it all up. But during a short playoff series they can be so frustrating. His AB in the 7th unfortunately went exactly the way I called it after the wild pitch. He took a couple of strikes, worked a full count and then ineffectually flew out to LF. Seems to be what happens to him every post-season. Wait and wait and then nothing. Getting tired of that.

]]> By: Jon DeRosa http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/09/it-didnt-have-to-be-this-way/#comment-295695 Jon DeRosa Tue, 09 Oct 2012 13:58:00 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=92952#comment-295695 This series is playing out exactly how I thought, close but with the Yankees having better starters and more scoring opportunities. Except that I thought the yanks would win both games and sweep the series. Oh well. Kuroda and the Yanks win a game that's not as close as the score would indicate on Wednesday and then Thursday they win a laugher and Hughes pitches OK. 5-2 on Wednesday 9-4 on Thursday. This series is playing out exactly how I thought, close but with the Yankees having better starters and more scoring opportunities. Except that I thought the yanks would win both games and sweep the series. Oh well.

Kuroda and the Yanks win a game that’s not as close as the score would indicate on Wednesday and then Thursday they win a laugher and Hughes pitches OK. 5-2 on Wednesday 9-4 on Thursday.

]]> By: Bronx Boy in NC http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/09/it-didnt-have-to-be-this-way/#comment-295694 Bronx Boy in NC Tue, 09 Oct 2012 13:12:31 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=92952#comment-295694 Waking up to a wet, grey morning where your first conscious thought is the memory of a Yankee playoff loss is like getting kicked in the nuts. This is not breezy simile; I mean it in a very specific way. It's a particular, deep, lingering ache that colors your whole day. It floods the mind with memories of all the other times it's happened. And you can never in a million years explain the feeling to someone who isn't equipped to share it. Now: Hank's apologia for ARod is not misplaced. But I still fault him for that last at-bat. For very clearly trying to hit the 7-run home run -- the Centaur as renewed hero -- instead of just putting the ball in play and getting Robbie to the plate. Or taking a walk, maybe. Did Johnson even throw a strike the whole time? Waking up to a wet, grey morning where your first conscious thought is the memory of a Yankee playoff loss is like getting kicked in the nuts.

This is not breezy simile; I mean it in a very specific way. It’s a particular, deep, lingering ache that colors your whole day. It floods the mind with memories of all the other times it’s happened. And you can never in a million years explain the feeling to someone who isn’t equipped to share it.

Now: Hank’s apologia for ARod is not misplaced. But I still fault him for that last at-bat. For very clearly trying to hit the 7-run home run — the Centaur as renewed hero — instead of just putting the ball in play and getting Robbie to the plate. Or taking a walk, maybe. Did Johnson even throw a strike the whole time?

]]> By: rbj http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/09/it-didnt-have-to-be-this-way/#comment-295693 rbj Tue, 09 Oct 2012 12:52:19 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=92952#comment-295693 "You have to admit, it was a nice way for 2012′s final game at Camden Yards to end. " We hope. Couldn't make it to the end of the game. Had to bail at about the same time as the Yankee offense. “You have to admit, it was a nice way for 2012′s final game at Camden Yards to end. ”
We hope.

Couldn’t make it to the end of the game. Had to bail at about the same time as the Yankee offense.

]]> By: Sliced Bread http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/09/it-didnt-have-to-be-this-way/#comment-295692 Sliced Bread Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:57:32 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=92952#comment-295692 very clever, and accurate headline at Yankeees.com: "Ichiro makes like 'The Matrix,' deftly avoids tag" very clever, and accurate headline at Yankeees.com:
“Ichiro makes like ‘The Matrix,’ deftly avoids tag”

]]> By: Sliced Bread http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/09/it-didnt-have-to-be-this-way/#comment-295691 Sliced Bread Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:51:57 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=92952#comment-295691 Yeah, that was a good time to use Gardner. He's on the roster for that purpose, and Tex has got to be on the list of guys you run for. Or maybe he's not, given his crucial defense at first. I dunno. I would have had Gardner run for him. In one run losses like these Girardi gets killed for either overmanaging, undermanaging, or middle managing. We'll get those dirty, stinkin' birds next time. Great writeup, Hank. Yeah, that was a good time to use Gardner. He’s on the roster for that purpose, and Tex has got to be on the list of guys you run for.
Or maybe he’s not, given his crucial defense at first. I dunno. I would have had Gardner run for him.
In one run losses like these Girardi gets killed for either overmanaging, undermanaging, or middle managing.
We’ll get those dirty, stinkin’ birds next time.
Great writeup, Hank.

]]> By: Boatzilla http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/09/it-didnt-have-to-be-this-way/#comment-295690 Boatzilla Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:08:27 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=92952#comment-295690 Great report, Hank. I didn't even register the missed pinch-running opportunity in the 8th. Sheeeeaht. For the record, is there anyone more offensive in sports broadcasting in both appearance and personality that Craig Sager? He seems like a character from Laugh-In (if anyone remembers that show)...or perhaps from In Living Color for you youngsters. What a freak! Great report, Hank. I didn’t even register the missed pinch-running opportunity in the 8th. Sheeeeaht.

For the record, is there anyone more offensive in sports broadcasting in both appearance and personality that Craig Sager?

He seems like a character from Laugh-In (if anyone remembers that show)…or perhaps from In Living Color for you youngsters. What a freak!

]]> By: Fuller R http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/09/it-didnt-have-to-be-this-way/#comment-295689 Fuller R Tue, 09 Oct 2012 10:45:29 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=92952#comment-295689 Holy cow. "they make a point and then react as if they’ve discovered penicillin." I almost spit coffee all over the place when I read that. Truer words have never been spoken. Great recap, as always... Holy cow.

“they make a point and then react as if they’ve discovered penicillin.”

I almost spit coffee all over the place when I read that.

Truer words have never been spoken.

Great recap, as always…

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