Comments on: The Silence of the Lambs http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/18/the-silence-of-the-lambs/ Development site for Bronx Banter Blog's upcoming look and feel Thu, 20 Jun 2013 11:33:59 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 By: Evil Empire http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/18/the-silence-of-the-lambs/#comment-299779 Evil Empire Fri, 19 Oct 2012 22:24:54 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=93459#comment-299779 We're never going to reach an accord. I'm just tired of the arod drama and want to start over no matter what. No one can convince me he's anything but fucking terrible in the postseasons to come. We’re never going to reach an accord. I’m just tired of the arod drama and want to start over no matter what. No one can convince me he’s anything but fucking terrible in the postseasons to come.

]]> By: Evil Empire http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/18/the-silence-of-the-lambs/#comment-299778 Evil Empire Fri, 19 Oct 2012 22:10:27 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=93459#comment-299778 Why get a $14 million dollar third baseman? Get izturis for $5 million and platoon him. Why get a $14 million dollar third baseman? Get izturis for $5 million and platoon him.

]]> By: RIYank http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/18/the-silence-of-the-lambs/#comment-299777 RIYank Fri, 19 Oct 2012 22:01:16 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=93459#comment-299777 I think that's not right. If the Yankees pay the Marlins half A-Rod's salary and the Marlins take him, then the Yankees have to get a 3rd baseman. Well, they could take A-Rod back. The extra payroll would be just half of his actual salary, since they're paying him the other half anyway. And they would get his services. So that would be a smart thing to do. That means it's better to keep him at full salary than to dump him on the Marlins at half salary. I think that’s not right.
If the Yankees pay the Marlins half A-Rod’s salary and the Marlins take him, then the Yankees have to get a 3rd baseman. Well, they could take A-Rod back. The extra payroll would be just half of his actual salary, since they’re paying him the other half anyway. And they would get his services. So that would be a smart thing to do.

That means it’s better to keep him at full salary than to dump him on the Marlins at half salary.

]]> By: Evil Empire http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/18/the-silence-of-the-lambs/#comment-299774 Evil Empire Fri, 19 Oct 2012 21:30:05 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=93459#comment-299774 Getting him as a player for 50% is a good deal for the Marlins but the Yanks won't be able to keep him and get someone to pay half. This is the bed they made in 2007. Just because it helps the marlins is no reason not to do it. 50% would save $14 million in payroll. The yanks don't have to replace Arod the 40+ homer guy. They have to replace Arod the 16 homer guy. So maybe they get a Brosius type to platoon with chavez. There are always possibilities. And I'd like to end the distraaction that arod presents. Good grief it seems like we never won a WS ring without arod. Personally I want to see the Yanks hit the reset button. Unload arod, swish, curtis and get young. If we must lose then so be it because we'll be back in a few years. Getting him as a player for 50% is a good deal for the Marlins but the Yanks won’t be able to keep him and get someone to pay half. This is the bed they made in 2007. Just because it helps the marlins is no reason not to do it. 50% would save $14 million in payroll.

The yanks don’t have to replace Arod the 40+ homer guy. They have to replace Arod the 16 homer guy. So maybe they get a Brosius type to platoon with chavez.

There are always possibilities. And I’d like to end the distraaction that arod presents. Good grief it seems like we never won a WS ring without arod.

Personally I want to see the Yanks hit the reset button. Unload arod, swish, curtis and get young. If we must lose then so be it because we’ll be back in a few years.

]]> By: RIYank http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/18/the-silence-of-the-lambs/#comment-299771 RIYank Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:46:29 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=93459#comment-299771 [32] I think that would be a mistake. Obviously, he is overpaid. But at 50% he would be a good deal. So, it's not a good idea to get rid of him for 50% of his salary. Unless you think the Yankees would get a good player in return? (I think there is no chance of that.) Also, think about who would play third base for the Yankees in the absence of A-Rod. Not a fun thought. [32] I think that would be a mistake.
Obviously, he is overpaid. But at 50% he would be a good deal. So, it’s not a good idea to get rid of him for 50% of his salary.

Unless you think the Yankees would get a good player in return? (I think there is no chance of that.)

Also, think about who would play third base for the Yankees in the absence of A-Rod. Not a fun thought.

]]> By: Sliced Bread http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/18/the-silence-of-the-lambs/#comment-299770 Sliced Bread Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:56:41 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=93459#comment-299770 the good news is: if the Yankees don't trade ARod this winter we'll have have 5 more months to argue about him until baseball starts again, and then 5 more years to keep doing it! Weeeee! the good news is: if the Yankees don’t trade ARod this winter we’ll have have 5 more months to argue about him until baseball starts again, and then 5 more years to keep doing it! Weeeee!

]]> By: Evil Empire http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/18/the-silence-of-the-lambs/#comment-299769 Evil Empire Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:50:04 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=93459#comment-299769 [31] a lot of it depends on what they get in return. Do the Yanks have to pay 100% of Arod's salary to move him to Miami? I doubt it. I'd take 50/50 just to be rid of him. The Angels will be playing this game with Pujols in a few years too, mark my words. [31] a lot of it depends on what they get in return. Do the Yanks have to pay 100% of Arod’s salary to move him to Miami? I doubt it. I’d take 50/50 just to be rid of him.

The Angels will be playing this game with Pujols in a few years too, mark my words.

]]> By: rbj http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/18/the-silence-of-the-lambs/#comment-299766 rbj Fri, 19 Oct 2012 15:37:36 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=93459#comment-299766 [30] No question that he's not worth what he's being paid. Yankees are saddled with the contract no matter where he plays, unless he retires. Trade or cut him, Yankees are on the hook for a huge sunk cost. Coulda, woulda, shoulda is pointless now. Alex can still be a decent regular season player who helps get you to the postseason. I don't count on him for the postseason though. He still fields well. Trade him, and what the Yankees are paying will still count against the salary cap plus you've still got to pay a third baseman. And who's out there? Chavez/Nunez isn't the answer. Part of the problem is that sports reporters need topics to talk/write about. Alex is a nice crutch to have. [30] No question that he’s not worth what he’s being paid. Yankees are saddled with the contract no matter where he plays, unless he retires. Trade or cut him, Yankees are on the hook for a huge sunk cost. Coulda, woulda, shoulda is pointless now.

Alex can still be a decent regular season player who helps get you to the postseason. I don’t count on him for the postseason though. He still fields well. Trade him, and what the Yankees are paying will still count against the salary cap plus you’ve still got to pay a third baseman. And who’s out there? Chavez/Nunez isn’t the answer.

Part of the problem is that sports reporters need topics to talk/write about. Alex is a nice crutch to have.

]]> By: Evil Empire http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/18/the-silence-of-the-lambs/#comment-299764 Evil Empire Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:47:05 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=93459#comment-299764 [29] I think the numbers [28] suggest that Arod's not been pulling his weight relative to what he's being paid. I agree that it's not Arod's fault that the Yanks made a completely irrational decision to bring him back after he opted out. Let's say we don't win the 2009 WS without Arod (though that's speculative). Is that one title worth being saddled with this contract for 5 more years? Maybe, maybe not. I just want to get rid of him now since I don't see him getting better over the next 5 years. [29] I think the numbers [28] suggest that Arod’s not been pulling his weight relative to what he’s being paid. I agree that it’s not Arod’s fault that the Yanks made a completely irrational decision to bring him back after he opted out. Let’s say we don’t win the 2009 WS without Arod (though that’s speculative). Is that one title worth being saddled with this contract for 5 more years? Maybe, maybe not.

I just want to get rid of him now since I don’t see him getting better over the next 5 years.

]]> By: rbj http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/18/the-silence-of-the-lambs/#comment-299763 rbj Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:30:53 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=93459#comment-299763 [4] Jeter, Mo, and CC. That said, you can't fire ownership and we've got to start thinking about a post Mo & Derek team. It's no longer 1998 folks. It's not A-Rod's fault. [4] Jeter, Mo, and CC. That said, you can’t fire ownership and we’ve got to start thinking about a post Mo & Derek team. It’s no longer 1998 folks.

It’s not A-Rod’s fault.

]]> By: Evil Empire http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/18/the-silence-of-the-lambs/#comment-299762 Evil Empire Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:28:07 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=93459#comment-299762 [8][10][21] Arod's post season numbers 2004 ALDS .421 .476 .737 (fantastic) 2004 ALCS .258 .378 .516 (Pretty good) 2005 ALDS .133 .435 .200 (Good OBP, bad slugging) 2006 ALDS .071 .133 .071 (Fucking terrible) 2007 ALDS .267 .353 .467 (a hair better than average) 2009 ALDS .455 .500 1.000 (beyond fantastic) 2009 ALCS .429 .567 .952 (beyond fantastic) 2009 WS .250 .423 .550 (Excellent) 2010 ALDS .273 .308 .273 (below average) 2010 ALCS .190 .320 .286 (Fucking terrible) 2011 ALDS .111 .261 .111 (Fucking terrible) 2012 ALDS .125 .222 .125 (Fucking terrible) 2012 ALCS .111 .111 .111 (Fucking terrible) Look, he's going to be 37 this year. If you think he's worth keeping at this price then that's fine with me. I just see a guy who performed great in 2004, amazingly in 2009, and has been fucking terrible over 5 playoff series covering 4 different seasons. And, he's been fucking terrible in 2010, 2011 and 2012. You can average all of his seasons and conclude, "hey, he's not bad at all", but my question is: (1) Is not bad worth what he's paid to do; and (2) do you think he'll be anything better than "fucking terrible" in 2013 and 2014 given his age? The point I'm driving at is that it's a tad misleading to conclude that the Yankees should make any decisions based on 2004 and 2009 being considered on equal footing with 2010-2011-2012. [8][10][21] Arod’s post season numbers

2004 ALDS .421 .476 .737 (fantastic)
2004 ALCS .258 .378 .516 (Pretty good)
2005 ALDS .133 .435 .200 (Good OBP, bad slugging)
2006 ALDS .071 .133 .071 (Fucking terrible)
2007 ALDS .267 .353 .467 (a hair better than average)
2009 ALDS .455 .500 1.000 (beyond fantastic)
2009 ALCS .429 .567 .952 (beyond fantastic)
2009 WS .250 .423 .550 (Excellent)
2010 ALDS .273 .308 .273 (below average)
2010 ALCS .190 .320 .286 (Fucking terrible)
2011 ALDS .111 .261 .111 (Fucking terrible)
2012 ALDS .125 .222 .125 (Fucking terrible)
2012 ALCS .111 .111 .111 (Fucking terrible)

Look, he’s going to be 37 this year. If you think he’s worth keeping at this price then that’s fine with me. I just see a guy who performed great in 2004, amazingly in 2009, and has been fucking terrible over 5 playoff series covering 4 different seasons. And, he’s been fucking terrible in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

You can average all of his seasons and conclude, “hey, he’s not bad at all”, but my question is: (1) Is not bad worth what he’s paid to do; and (2) do you think he’ll be anything better than “fucking terrible” in 2013 and 2014 given his age?

The point I’m driving at is that it’s a tad misleading to conclude that the Yankees should make any decisions based on 2004 and 2009 being considered on equal footing with 2010-2011-2012.

]]> By: OldYanksFan http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/18/the-silence-of-the-lambs/#comment-299760 OldYanksFan Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:06:40 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=93459#comment-299760 I think the team is younger then many of the teams between 2005 and now. But let's fix this anyway. First off, our closer is 42. He can't possible help the team, so dump him. Next is that Texan... that LH Pitcher, who I think is 40. Let's dump him. Lastly, that 38 year old SS has to go. Dump him too. There. Now we are younger. All things being equal, young is better then old. But of course, all things are never equal. We are tring to collect talent. So did 41 year old Mo display more talent then another 28 year old Closer? Did 40 year old Andy display more talent then another 28 year old Pitcher? Did 38 year old Jeter display more talent then another 28 year old SS? Yes, going forward we want to get younger. But it's not like Mo, Andy and Jeter are bringing this team down. The Yankees will always be an older team. Elite players usually get long contracts which often includes unproductive years. We have ARod, and get to see how Pujols ultimately works out. That is the cost of doing business. We're keeping ARod until he's 107 because the Yankees wanted records to fall. Plus, the Yankees are a family. We gave Jorge an extra year or 2 because it was Jorge (and the market at the time worked in his favor). We're keeping Jeter until he's 40 because he's Derek Jeter. It's not necessarily 'good baseball', but aren't we lucky as fans? I think the team is younger then many of the teams between 2005 and now. But let’s fix this anyway. First off, our closer is 42. He can’t possible help the team, so dump him. Next is that Texan… that LH Pitcher, who I think is 40. Let’s dump him. Lastly, that 38 year old SS has to go. Dump him too.
There. Now we are younger.

All things being equal, young is better then old.
But of course, all things are never equal.
We are tring to collect talent.
So did 41 year old Mo display more talent then another 28 year old Closer?
Did 40 year old Andy display more talent then another 28 year old Pitcher?
Did 38 year old Jeter display more talent then another 28 year old SS?

Yes, going forward we want to get younger. But it’s not like Mo, Andy and Jeter are bringing this team down.

The Yankees will always be an older team. Elite players usually get long contracts which often includes unproductive years. We have ARod, and get to see how Pujols ultimately works out. That is the cost of doing business. We’re keeping ARod until he’s 107 because the Yankees wanted records to fall.

Plus, the Yankees are a family. We gave Jorge an extra year or 2 because it was Jorge (and the market at the time worked in his favor). We’re keeping Jeter until he’s 40 because he’s Derek Jeter.

It’s not necessarily ‘good baseball’, but aren’t we lucky as fans?

]]> By: The Hawk http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/18/the-silence-of-the-lambs/#comment-299759 The Hawk Fri, 19 Oct 2012 13:46:59 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=93459#comment-299759 Martin swinging out of his frigging shoes with Ichiro on 2nd was the signature moment of the series, for me. Martin swinging out of his frigging shoes with Ichiro on 2nd was the signature moment of the series, for me.

]]> By: Mr OK Jazz Tokyo http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/18/the-silence-of-the-lambs/#comment-299758 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo Fri, 19 Oct 2012 13:02:15 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=93459#comment-299758 My Red Sox fan buddy here in Tokyo texted me today, said Game 4 was the highlight of his baseball season. Made me feel much better, actually. Only 20 weeks till Opening Day! So..how about those Knicks, then? My Red Sox fan buddy here in Tokyo texted me today, said Game 4 was the highlight of his baseball season. Made me feel much better, actually.

Only 20 weeks till Opening Day! So..how about those Knicks, then?

]]> By: Yankee Mama http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/18/the-silence-of-the-lambs/#comment-299757 Yankee Mama Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:59:29 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=93459#comment-299757 Sorry about the typos. Effin I Pad. I concur about Ichiro. Loved him. Sorry about the typos. Effin I Pad. I concur about Ichiro. Loved him.

]]> By: Yankee Mama http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/18/the-silence-of-the-lambs/#comment-299756 Yankee Mama Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:56:19 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=93459#comment-299756 I am relieved too. It's been a confounding season, finishingntop of the AL East in spite of fielding a flawed offense ands streaky pitching. One thing I can take away from this season was Kuroda who I thought was such an intelligent, nuanced pitcher who the boys gave no run support to Soriano filling in admirably. As ever, baseball is here to entertain, good, bad, right or wrong. I can feel satisfied and I can feel frustration. It can influence my mood one way or the other. So, it fulfilled the entertainment directive and we got to communicate at the Banter. And while I don't think the Yanks will be as un recognizable as the team the Saux were fielding in the end of the season, I expect changes. It will be interesting how they handle the Alex thing. For businessmen, they seem to misplay more often than not. I'm not talking about Cashman so much, more the Randy Levine types. I will always wonder if someone within the organization planted the A-Rod flirtgate. His contract is a financial noose and we will foot the bill, should he leave. That said, Imwill always follow the boys, always have and always will, butnInwill grumble sometimes and cheer others.....mostly here at this blog. To the hot stove we go! I am relieved too. It’s been a confounding season, finishingntop of the AL East in spite of fielding a flawed offense ands streaky pitching. One thing I can take away from this season was Kuroda who I thought was such an intelligent, nuanced pitcher who the boys gave no run support to Soriano filling in admirably.

As ever, baseball is here to entertain, good, bad, right or wrong. I can feel satisfied and I can feel frustration. It can influence my mood one way or the other. So, it fulfilled the entertainment directive and we got to communicate at the Banter.

And while I don’t think the Yanks will be as un recognizable as the team the Saux were fielding in the end of the season, I expect changes. It will be interesting how they handle the Alex thing. For businessmen, they seem to misplay more often than not. I’m not talking about Cashman so much, more the Randy Levine types. I will always wonder if someone within the organization planted the A-Rod flirtgate. His contract is a financial noose and we will foot the bill, should he leave.

That said, Imwill always follow the boys, always have and always will, butnInwill grumble sometimes and cheer others…..mostly here at this blog. To the hot stove we go!

]]> By: Shaun P. http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/18/the-silence-of-the-lambs/#comment-299755 Shaun P. Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:56:03 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=93459#comment-299755 [19] ". . . they are old." Yes, and so now my question is - has the day of reckoning finally arrived? I thought it was here in 2004, 2005, and 2006 - but no. Will the farm system bring some guys up that will be useful? Will Cashman pull of a ninja trade? If change comes, that's where it will be from, because if you look at the list of 2013 free agents, its not appealing: http://www.baseballprospectus.com/compensation/cots/?page_id=177 But there's offseason enough for that. [0] Thanks for a great recap to the ALCS and the year, Jon. It was a hell of a ride, and I enjoyed a lot of it. [19] “. . . they are old.”

Yes, and so now my question is – has the day of reckoning finally arrived? I thought it was here in 2004, 2005, and 2006 – but no.

Will the farm system bring some guys up that will be useful? Will Cashman pull of a ninja trade? If change comes, that’s where it will be from, because if you look at the list of 2013 free agents, its not appealing:

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/compensation/cots/?page_id=177

But there’s offseason enough for that. [0] Thanks for a great recap to the ALCS and the year, Jon. It was a hell of a ride, and I enjoyed a lot of it.

]]> By: Evil Empire http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/18/the-silence-of-the-lambs/#comment-299754 Evil Empire Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:55:51 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=93459#comment-299754 "ARod career postseason: .265/.372/.467/.838" 1. What's his career postseason numbers as a mariner? 2. What's his career postseason numbers as a yankee? 3. Do 37 year olds typically start improving as they age? 4. What are the numbers since 2004? 5. Since 2006? 6. Since 2009? I think those numbers are getting a bump from Seattle and the 2004 ALDS. I think the Arod from the 2012 regular and postseason is the Arod we get going forward. An overpaid, declining player. “ARod career postseason: .265/.372/.467/.838″

1. What’s his career postseason numbers as a mariner?

2. What’s his career postseason numbers as a yankee?

3. Do 37 year olds typically start improving as they age?

4. What are the numbers since 2004?

5. Since 2006?

6. Since 2009?

I think those numbers are getting a bump from Seattle and the 2004 ALDS. I think the Arod from the 2012 regular and postseason is the Arod we get going forward. An overpaid, declining player.

]]> By: Sliced Bread http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/18/the-silence-of-the-lambs/#comment-299753 Sliced Bread Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:55:23 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=93459#comment-299753 What a weak finish to the season. Pathetic from a fan's perspective. But there's no sense wallowing in it. Best thing about this season for me was getting to watch Ichiro. I've always thought he was a very cool player, but I'm glad to have had the chance to watch him more, and appreciate his game. What a weak finish to the season. Pathetic from a fan’s perspective.
But there’s no sense wallowing in it.
Best thing about this season for me was getting to watch Ichiro. I’ve always thought he was a very cool player, but I’m glad to have had the chance to watch him more, and appreciate his game.

]]> By: The Mick536 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/10/18/the-silence-of-the-lambs/#comment-299752 The Mick536 Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:44:32 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=93459#comment-299752 Been a fan for sixty years. I have lived through losses and wins. Happy to have had my team last into late October. Nonetheless, I am not giving them any slack or excusing their abject failure by counting injuries. Leaving out the home runs, they didn't look much better at the plate during the season than they did in the playoffs. I think they got to where they got to by piling up on the bad teams. They not only look and act old, but they are old. Been a fan for sixty years. I have lived through losses and wins. Happy to have had my team last into late October. Nonetheless, I am not giving them any slack or excusing their abject failure by counting injuries. Leaving out the home runs, they didn’t look much better at the plate during the season than they did in the playoffs. I think they got to where they got to by piling up on the bad teams. They not only look and act old, but they are old.

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