Moving

I noticed their are still plenty of people reading this blog and I just wanted to let you know about my plans for this blog.

• I will be writing on the Chuck Knoblog now.
• I will no longer write here unless I leave the Chuck Knoblog which I don't see happening any time soon.
• I will not delete this blog or change the url in case people want to dig through the archives or read about RCA.

That's about it. Thanks to everyone who's read this blog.

Moving

I have good news and bad news.

The bad news is the blog will be closing again and this time it may be permanently.

The good news is I`m not going away. I`m moving to the Chuck Knoblog. Charlie wanted another writer and I volunteered. I`ll write their for a while and I`ll decide whether I want to keep both blogs going.

Why Now Carl?

Nw that the Yankees are out the race and he`s pitching meaningless games Carl Pavano is doing great. He`s making a case for him to return next year. If he continues pitching like this for the rest of the year should they bring him back? I`m leaving to go to the game in a few minutes so this will be a quick post.

Done

Before this series I thought the Yankees might actually have a chance at making a run and a comeback. However, they would have to win the series. They didn't and now they`re basically done. 6 out is far to much to overcome. The win yesterday was nice. It keeps things close enough to make things interesting and they can still play the spoiler role. Had they won one of the first two games they would be only 4 out with Joba coming back next week. Phil Hughes also had a good start recently. However, the hole is to deep now.

Instant Replay

Instant replay will be implemented Thursday. Good, I don't see the need to test it. What's the point? It will probably slow the games down but so does a manager running out screaming at the umpire. This way they also get the call right.

Kenny Rogers

Kenny Rogers has been placed on waivers. Buster Olney thinks the Yankees will be interested as well. I hope not. They should stay far away from him.

Good Enough

Three series ago I said the Yankees had to go at least 6-3 and be 5 games out by the end of that stretch. They did exactly that. They`re still a long shot but they`re back in the race.

The series against Boston is huge. If they loose the series they`re just about done.

Also, I think its time to send down Rasner. Alfredo Aceves is mowing down hitters in AAA. He had another great start tonight.

Sorry Guys

I`m really sorry about the past few days but I had surgery on Wednesday and its a miserable experience recovering. I`ll feel better in a few days but I just really haven't felt like writing anything.

2009 Offseason

Over at MLB Trade Rumors they have some thoughts on the Yankee's free agents I`d like to comment on.

Here`s a list of the big Yankees free agents. I may be wrong on some salary numbers:

• Jason Giambi (Type B free agent, 22 million dollar '09 option, 5 million dollar buyout)
• Bobby Abreu (Type A free agent)
• Ivan Rodriguez (Type B free agent)
• Mike Mussina
• Andy Pettitte
• Damaso Marte (6 million dollar '09 option)

I didn't list what type of free agent Moose, Marte, and Pettitte are because we don't know yet.

First of all, I would resign both Pettitte and Mussina. Pettitte could probably be had for a one year deal if he chooses to avoid retirement another year. However, Mussina will probably want a raise and at least a two year deal. I think he`s worth it. He`s reinvented himself and they need him. If either one chooses to retire they could be in trouble for their rotation.

Although Marte has struggled for the Yankees I would bring him back as well. He was one of the best lefty relievers in baseball for Pittsburgh. Its well worth the risk.

The rest of these guys are all connected. They will probably bring back only one of them. I`d offer Abreu arbitration. He`ll probably decline as he can get a multi-year deal elsewhere. That`ll give them three first round draft picks if they don't sign anybody else.

I would then offer both Pudge and Giambi arbitration. I would be shocked if Giambi didn't accept. However, Pudge may be looking for a long term deal. If Pudge does accept then they`ll have to make room at the DH spot. This means trading either Damon or Matsui. Probably Matsui because he may be unable to play the outfield at this point.

What could a package of Matsui, Kennedy, and Melky bring in? The target would probably be a centerfielder, the only huge hole on the team. Then the final move for the Yankees to make would be to sign C.C. Sabathia to be their ace. Hughes can jump into the rotation as soon as someone gets hurt. The team would also still have two first round draft picks to help rebuild a greatly weakened farm system.

Also Brian Cashman's contract is up. Although some fans seem to think that the Yankees should win the World Series every year I`m happy with what he`s done and would bring him back.

So in my opinion the Yankees need to:

• Resign Pettitte and Mussina
• Offer Abreu, Pudge, and Giambi arbitration
• Possibly trade Abreu or Damon
• Bring back Marte
• Sign C.C. Sabathia
• Resign Brian Cashman

I`m Back

I got a new keyboard and I`m back.

I was obviously happy with what they did yesterday but the first gaem against Toronto was a major dissapointment. They can only afford to lose one (MAYBE two) more games against Toronot/Baltimore. Considering they`ll probably lose tonight to Halladay they`re going to need to sweep Baltimore. Sorry for the shortness of this post.

Keyboard Problems

I may have trouble getting on for the next week or so as I`m having problems with my keyboard.

The Blame Game- Posada/Matsui

This will probably be my last post in this series.

Posada came into the year after a career year and getting a huge new contract. He wasn't terrible but he certainly wasn't what he was last year. His play was affected by his injury. Runners could steal at will. Finally they decided to shut him down when they got Pudge Rodriguez. The trade for Pudge helped make the catcher position not a total disaster but he was still a dissapointment.

Matsui's injury also took a huge bat out the lineup. The offense has struggled this year and Matsui is a big reason why. They`ve had to juggle with mediocore to just plain bad hitters at DH without him. Now he`s making his way back from injury and could play tomorrow. However, it may be to late.

The Blame Game- Cano

Like his friend Melky, Cano has been a huge dissapointment. Coming into the year I thought he would be one of the best second baseman in the game. Although his fielding has been underrated this year in my opinion his hitting has been awful.

Although it looked like he was turning his season around in the second half he`s fallen off since then. This created some rumors that he might be traded for Matt Kemp.

Unlike Melky I think Cano will be okay. He`s shown more potential over his career. He`s also very reliant on his BA which means if he gets unlucky with his BABIP like he did this year he will suffer. He could still get hot and end the season with solid numbers. I also still want him and Jeter to switch positions. All in all I`m not to worried about Cano but he really hurt the team this year.

We Hate You Carl

Pavano and Hughes have both finished their rehab starts and you know what? Somehow Pavano did much better. Hughes' velocity was down and its to risky to pitch him before he`s totally 100 percent ready. They need another pitcher.

Our options are Chase Wright, Alfredo Aceves, and Carl Pavano. Wright has been very lucky. I would never start him. I`d like to see him traded after the year. Maybe along with Kennedy, Melky, and Matsui/Damon for a good young center-fielder. That leaves Aceves and Pavano. I wanted Aceves instead of Kennedy but I think I`d have to go with Pavano instead.

They signed him to what is now an absurd deal that looked pretty good at the time. They also have had numerous chances to dump on another team. Including reportedly at least one at the trade deadline this year. They may as well go with him now. They don't have anything to lose and they have everything to gain. The season's on the line and Rasner, Rasner, and Ponson are all in our rotation. Not to mention Mussina is our ace and as a shot at the Cy Young award and 20 wins.

If Pavano struggles then Hughes can fill his spot with Aceves waiting to step in for Ponson or Rasner to get bombed. Tomorrow is yet another big game. The game against Roy Halladay is next to a guarenteed loss so they need to take tomorrow's game.

1) Mussina
2) Pettitte
3) Ponson
4) Rasner
5) Pavano

Somebody please shoot me.

Reinforcements

Although they`ve inched closer the Yankees still have the odds heavily against them for the playoffs. Help is on the way though.

• Matsui started his rehab assignment yesterday. He could be back by Tuesday as a DH for the year. It should be interesting to see what they do. I would think Damon would move to center but Gardner has been playing well of late. He`d obviously be a big bat to add.
• Phil Hughes is pitching today in his last rehab start. He could be up for the game on Wednesday if he does well. He could be terrible like he was earlier in the year. Or he could be brilliant like last year. He`s replaced his slider with a cutter.
• Some guy named Carl Pavano is also making a rehab start today in AA. Its his last rehab start. He could also be up for the game on Wednesday. I think the spot will go to whoever pitches better today. The other will come up to replace Rasner soon. Hopefully Pavano can stay healthy until Joba gets back. ;)
• Joba is also on his way back. He`ll probably come in for whoever happens to be struggling when he`s ready.

All of these guys could be helpful additions. Particularly Matsui and Joba.

A series win?

They actually finally won a series. Granted it was against Kansas City but I`ll take it. Its to bad they couldn't win that first game and get the sweep but oh well. Boston lost again so they`re 5 games out and back in that borderline contender range. Also, Boston is only .5 games ahead of Chicago and Minnesota.

I said yesterday this was a must win and they delivered. After Mussina's first inning I though they were in trouble and kind of annoyed at Michael Kay's constant references to Mussina's first inning struggles. However, he settled down and gave them what they needed, 7 innings of 3 run ball. He gave the bullpen a desperately needed rest.

The offense also exploded after a pathetic showing yesterday. A-Rod's first inning home run to tie it was huge and Nady's homer to give them the lead was also great. They showed everyone why the Yankees didn't want Brian Bannister.

However, lets not get ahead of ourselves. They`re still only in third in the wild card and the next series is big. They have to face both Burnett and Halladay. They need to take 2/3 against Toronto. They have a day off tomorrow.

The Blame Game- Melky

Melky has been a controversial figure for Yankees fans. On one side we had people who said he was young and that it was impressive for him to even be in the majors at his age. His fielding was great and his hitting could only improve from here. On the other side we had fans who though he was a 4th outfielder. His hitting was below average. His defense was overrated. I was one of the former.

I`ve been a huge supporter of Melky comparing him to guys like Carlos Beltran. However, he has been an absolutely pathetic hitter this year. Literally, he was one of the worst hitters in baseball this year. His defense also seemed to drop off with him making mental mistakes. It finally earned him a long overdue demotion to AAA for Brett Gardner who had a big day today. This year was an important one for Melky and he really blew it. I`m very close to calling him a bust.

In April things looked great for Melky. He had power developing and he was hitting. Things have gone only downhill from there. I think we may see him traded in the offseason. The only question is who will hold over centerfield until Austin jackson is (hopefully) ready. It doesn't look like it will be Melky.

Can they do it?

Right now after a Yankees win and Boston loss they are 6 games behind Boston for first in the wild card and 4.5 games behind Chicago/Minnesota for second. Things don't look good. I think they`re pretty much done. However, they do have a small chance.

The next 3 series (counting the current one) are huge. They`re all against weaker teams and the Yankees have a chance to beat up on them. Kansas City, Toronto, and Baltimore are all beatable (although Toronto is tough). They need to win at least 6 of their 9 games against these teams if they`re going to make a run. They`re only 1-1 so far and tomorrow's game against Kansas City is huge. They need to win this series badly. They have Mussina pitching which is good but its certainly no sure thing.

Hughes needs only one more minor league start before coming up, Joba has started throwing, Matsui will begin his rehab performances today in A ball, and even Pavano is making his way back. They need to be 4 or 5 games out at the end of this "easy" stretch. After this stretch some of these injured players will be coming back for the stretch run and we`ll know whether or not they have a chance. Again, tomorrow is huge. They NEED a win

Last Game

I went to the game today and it was ugly but it was fun. I missed the game yesterday but from I heard it was ugly. It may be my last game at the old stadium. It was a good one to.

For the first 6 innings we did our now typical whining about hitting with RISP and they`re terrible luck. However, in the 7th they capitalized on 2 errors and a wild pitch to tie the game at 2. By the time the 13th rolled around the stadium had just about emptied out. Finally, Brett Gardner got the walk off hit for the second time in his young career.

Ponson did his typical performance getting into a ton of jams and miraculously getting out. He`s become this year's Aaron Small with less run support. The bullpen was also brilliant. The only one who did poorly was Damaso Marte who walked the only batter he faced. I`m more than a little worried about him. I still like him but he seems to need to adjust to a new team. Maybe for now Girardi should try and have him avoid key spots.

Although it doesn't really matter in the big picture it was a good game.

Move

Brett Gardner and Cody Ransom will be called up. Richie Sexson is gone and Melky will be sent to AAA. I like the Gardner/Melky move. The season is basically over and they may as well see what Gardner has for next year. I intially didn't like the Sexson/Ransom move but since th season is basically over they may as well see if Ransom can do better than Betemi for next year.

The Blame Game- Wang

Our next target in this series is Chien Ming Wang.

He was hurt in interleague play (I think against the Pirates) while running around the bases. Hank came out with some comments about how the NL needed to make the pitchers stop hitting afterwards. He was upset and I can't really blame him. During every off-season it seems like theirs a debate over whether Chien Ming Wang is an ace or not. He came out of the gate pitching great as usual and was even striking out hitters with his slider. He slowed down as the season went on but his injury was a crippling blow. Whether he should be or not he`s the Yankees best pitcher and losing him was awful.

We had hopes he`s be back by the middle of September but he won't be until October when the Yankees won't be playing anymore. They`re throwing out bad pitchers and seeing if they can catch lightning in a bottle. That doesn't usually work out that well. Wang was irreplaceable for the Yankees. They`ll be glad to have him back next year.

Damon to Center

Another reason for Damon moving to center could simply be to see if he can handle it next year. I doubt he can though.

Gerritt Cole to College

The Yankees first round draft pick has opted for college instead of signing according to Tyler Kepner. This is a problem. The farm relies on being replenished every year through the draft. The Yankees will get the 29th overall pick next year in addition to the one they already will get and any ones they may acquire through free agency.

With Pudge and Abreu both as Type A free agents they have a chance for a monster draft this year.

Damon to Centerfield

The Newark Star Ledger is reporting that Damon will be taking over in center for now. I don't see the point. We lose some on defense and essentialy its Betemit/Sexson replacing Melky/Christian. Its kind of a wash unless they`re just trying to boost Damon's trade value.

The Blame Game- The Big Three

We all knew going into the year that Cashman was taking a big risk by having 3/5 of our rotation as rookies. We heard going into the year that Kennedy was the most ready of the "Big Three." Next was Hughes and then Joba. Then in reverse order was the potential. It didn't work out like that. Hughes and Kennedy consistently were embarassingly awful. Both were injured as well fairly early on. Kennedy also seemed to have an attitude problem that we never heard about that surfaced again when he returned a week or so ago. We are still waiting for Hughes' return and I thought he had the potential to be the Yankees savior if they didn't fall back as far as they did.

On the other hand, Joba was everything they could have hoped for. He became one of the most dominating pitchers in baseball. His transition from the bullpen could not have been smoother which was partially because of the bullpen's dominance. Him and Mussina were a very good 1-2 punch in the rotation. However, as we all know he went down with rotator cuff tendinitis. Ultimately, that injury is one of the reasons they collapsed. Rasner and Kennedy each had one start that would have gone to Joba and very well may have been won. Also, his last start which he lost may have been affected by his injury.Had he gotten those 3 extra wins they`d be 3.5 games back instead of a devestating 6.5. Obviously, he may not have won them all though.

Kennedy seems to be in AAA for the rest of the year and his stock has plummeted in the eyes of Yankees fans. However, despite Hughes' struggles other GM's still seem to think highly of him. The last month and a half should be interesting just to see how Hughes does. He will get one more rehab start than be brought up again. Joba's injury does not seem to be long term and he was really great while up. I think its safe to pencil him in for a rotation spot next year (barring some unforseen September event). Kennedy seems to be on the path to be traded in the off-season while if Hughes pitches well he may earn himself a rotation spot next year.

Many fans may look back at the Johan Santana trade proposals now and wonder why we didn't made the move. Melky, Kennedy, and Hughes all failed to deliver this year. However, we need to give Hughes more time. Cashman really had no choice but to go with them for the season.

Its Over....

I really hate to say it but this season is basically dead. 6.5 games out is to much to overcome for this team. Baring a Mets like collapse by Boston and Minnesota/Chicago this team has no hope for a comeback. I`ll keep the blog going for the rest of the year on the off-chance we`ll come back. As we go along through the rest of the season I`ll try and identify some of the reasons this team couldn't come through. In addition to this teams major flaws Giese is now injured and Hughes/Pavano will need another start before they can come back. Its really a shame to have a season like this to end the last year in the old stadium. I`m extremely dissapointed. After the trade deadline I thought this team was destined for great things. Now its time to just sit back and see how things set up for next year. Theirs still a few interesting things to watch for like the fact that Moose/Pettitte may be fighting for a rotation spot next year, how Hughes/Joba do, and a few other things. Maybe they can pull off a miraculous comeback but I have to say I`d be totally shocked.

We Live

A day after Hank basically declared the season over the Yankees got a big win. For a few innings it looked like they would gain a game on Boston. However, Boston came back against Texas and they merely hold their ground at 5 games back. Today is another big game.

Mussina pitched fairly well. Not his usual brilliance but 7 innings of 3 run ball is fine for me. Marte had another dissapointing performance. He`s been a dissapointment. Rivera also blew his first save of the year. He`s been bad lately.A-Rod picked up the team with a game-winning homer. Imagine that, a clutch hit.

Byrd to Boston

Paul Byrd has been traded to the Red Sox. The Yankees had some interest in him. However, its not really a big deal. He doesn't strike guys out at all and doesn't have a great GB%. His FIP is over 5.00. He might even be a downgrade for Boston. Let them take his salary.

Garcia to Tigers

Freddy Garcia is going to sign a deal with the Tigers. I`m slightly dissapointed about this but Pavano should be ready at about the same time as Garcia and he may be a better option believe it or not.

Just Survive

Things are looking bad now but if we can survive long enough to get some injured players back then we may have a shot at a comeback. Phil Hughes is just about ready and although he`s definitely no sure thing he could be better than Giese/Ponson/Rasner. Matsui is making his way back and would be a great bat to add. Pavano is almost back and if he stays healthy then he could also be better than Giese/Pavano/Rasner. Freddy Garcia is also a FA option I would`ve signed before Wednesday's start. Not to mention Mark Melancon is sitting in AAA just dominating.

The Yankees are slumping now and Boston is hot right now. Things are bound to reverse themselves but we need this to happen before its to late. If they can gain a fame or two on Boston in the next week or so then they may be in much better shape. I`m not saying you can count on them but if everything works out then they still can make the playoffs.

Joba Throwing, Matsui Running

Joba will be starting his throwing program on Friday. By that time we may have a better view on whether the Yankees should bring him back or not for the season. Their in that fringe competitor spot where they`re one hot streak away from getting back in the race but also one losing streak from virtual elimination. The losing streak needs to end tonight.

Also, I`ve neglected Matsui's recovery partially because because I was resigned to him being out for the season. He`s started running and could be back soon. Obviously he`d be a great bat to add.

Rasner to replace Kennedy

Maybe some rest was what he needed. It`ll probably just be one start than Hughes will be back.

Luchinno Leaving Boston?

Jon Heyman is reporting that he`s thinking about that after the year. God, I hope so. I can't stand the guy.

That was pathetic

Same old Yankees. Unless something shocking happens really fast then its probably about time to start looking towards next year.

Swept

This was an incredibly frustrating series for Yankees fans.

I only caught bits and pieces of this game. I heard about the A-Rod steal later on and judging by the replay he was safe. I agree with the decision to steal. However, I had a big problemwith Marte pitching the 9th. Rivera should have been out there to start the inning. Now Marte is probably unavailable for tomorrow. Girardi has a habit of using Marte for 2 innings that needs to end now. That was clearly a mistake. It seemed like Joe Torre was back managing for a minute there. That ball that won the game should have been fielded by either Cano or Betemit. At least the other Wild Card teams lost. The next series is a big one. Minnesota is ahead in the wild card race and this is the time the Yankees need to step up. On the bright side Pettitte seemed to have pitched well. If he`s okay then it helps them a ton.

Also, Kennedy got sent down for Billy Traber. I wish it had been Melancon that was called up. However, I think it was a good move. I think it`d be nice to see Jarrod Washburn going on Wednesday..... If not I think they`ll end up trying Hughes for 85 pitches.

This is the time they need to step up and go on some sort of winning streak otherwise they`re just not going to make the playoffs. Boston has many of the same problems we do and they can be caught but right now I have to say I doubt they`ll do it.

Last Chance Moves

Although the trade deadline has passed their are still a few moves the Yankees can make to patch up the team. Here`s what I reccomend:

1) Call up Mark Melancon- I`m sure you`ve all heard of Mark Melancon by now. He`s the guy who came back from Tommy John surgery this year and has lived up to every bit of the hype. He`s shut down hitters at every level this year and was recently called up to AAA where his dominance continues. I realize the risk of rushing guys and having them end up like Craig Hansen. However, it may be time to call him up. The bullpe is clearly in need of help after today's meltdowns by Veras and Ramirez. I still like Farnsworth trade, he`s struggled since being traded anyway. However, he left a hole in the bullpen that Marte really hasn't filled.

He`s wasting his time in AAA. Call him up and send down Bruney who clearly isn't fully over his injury either.

2) Trade for Jarrod Washburn- He`s passed through waivers so now the Mariners can trade him. I still believe he would fit in perfectly as a reliable guy who will give you a quality start which is what is needed more than anything else. I like Phil Hughes and I actually think Pavano could useful. However, I don't really trust them and I`m not sold on Ponson, Giese, or Kennedy. Maybe now that Washburn has actually passed through waivers the Mariners will realize his value isn't as high as they think it is. He can push Kennedy out of the rotation immediately.

3) Replace Cabrera with Christian- Although I have been a big Melky supporter I can't ignore what he`s done this year. Christian has played well in his chances at the majors. Melky Cabrera is truly an awful hitter and his fielding isn't as great as some people say it is.

That's about it. They probably won't make a huge difference but I think they`d help the team and they need everything they can get.

What the hell happened?

When I left the house the Yankees were up 3-1 in the 7th inning. Giese had pitched incredibly well and things were actually looking pretty good. When I got back the Angels were up 11-4 in the 9th. Things are starting to unravel. If Boston wins the Yankees will be 4 games back. Thats not a good place to be. Things are slowly starting to unravel.


All of a sudden the bullpen is looking overworked and tired. Marte has so far failed to be what we hoped he would be. The offense is playing better as a result of the trades made. However, its not enough. While we`re all hoping the Yankees can pull things together it looks like they`re just plain not good enough. Yes, with some luck and a good week they could be first in the wild card but had Boston played better recently then they could be much farther out. I`m not ready to give up yet but things are looking grim. All we can do is hope Boston loses tonight and they can hold their ground until help comes from somewhere.

On the bright side Giese pitched very well and if he can cement another spot in the rotation they may have a chance. A-Rod and Giambi both had big homers today which be a sign they are breaking out of their slumps.

Nothing has changed

Last night we saw the same old Kennedy. I never really liked him as much as Joba or Hughes and didn't want him called up. However, we`re stuck with him. He`ll probably get one more start which I guess is the right move. Its very hard to make up ground when you only have 1 reliable starter.

We need a win tonight. However, we have Dan Giese pitching against John Lackey which is really bad. In a way he`s competing with Kennedy for a starting spot for when Hughes gets back.

Pudge back

Pudge will be starting today. Good thing his injury wasn't to serious.

Pettitte to make next start

Now Mark Feinsand, the guy that originally reported Pettitte would miss a start, is reversing his original statement. Although, he may get an extra day of rest. I`m worried about him to be honest.

Pettitte to make next start?

Both Girardi and Pettitte denied he would be missing his next start. Even though the Yankees usually downplay injuries I think I`m willing to believe them here.

Kennedy Returns, Hughes close?

I have to say this is not a matchup I`m relishing. Jered Weaver against the newly returned Ian Kennedy. However, anything is possible I suppose. We need Kennedy to pitch solidly down the stretch if we`re going to make the playoffs.

Phil Hughes was apparently brilliant in AAA last night. His next start should be 85 pitches. Should they bring him up to the majors for this one or give him one more start in AAA and give Giese a chance? I`m leaning towards the second one. Apparently Hughes has also replaced his slider with a cutter in the high '80's. I like it. It hads more seperation between his curve and cutter. Also I think its awesome that Rivera is helping the next generation of Yankees pitchers. We`re going to need Hughes down the stretch even more than Kennedy.

Mussina for Cy Young?

The way he`s pitched this year he may deserve it considering the writers hate giving awards to noncompetitive team's players or relievers. He may have a shot at 20 wins which is for some reason worth something in the eyes of the writers. However, his early season struggles may cost him.

Anyway, he bailed out a struggling Yankees offense yet again with a 7 inning shutout. Bruney and Rivera finished the game with two shutout innings. Its getting to the point in the year where sometimes my thoughts drift towards next year and if Mussina keeps doing what he`s doing it should be interesting to see what type of contract he gets. Despite all the injuries we`re only .5 games behind Minnesota and 3 games behind Boston for the wild card.

I`ll have some more posts later.

Pettitte hurt to?????!!!!!

Mark Feinsand is reporting that Pettitte will miss his start against the Angels. However, Girardi denied it. We`ll see but this is getting kid of ridiculous.

An interesting thought

I had a thought yesterday after I heard Joba might be back later this year. If the Yankees can somehow make the playoffs and they do end up getting Wang back for the playoffs think about their rotation:

1) Mussina
2) Joba
3) Wang
4) Pettitte

And then theirs the wild card in Phil Hughes. Just a thought that if we get in we may have a chance after all.

Joba

Well we know that Joba's going to the 15 day DL now. The exact injury is rotator cuff tendinitis which I know nothing about. Joba is going to skip a week and then start throwing again. Their won't be any surgery for Joba which is definitely a good thing. We may see Joba again this year which is also definitely a good thing.

However, wasn't Posada originally diagnosed with a similar injury? And look what happened to him. We need Joba for the stretch run but we also need him to be healthy for next year above all else. For now we`ll just have to ride Ponson/Giese/Kennedy? for anything we can get out of them and just try and stay in the race.

Sidney=Savior

Yesterday's win was just what the Yankees needed. With the news on Joba that I`ll have a post on later they needed a win. The offense did well, the bullpen shut Texas down (including Rivera), and the starting pitcher went deep into the game. Sidney Ponson has really shocked me that he`s still in the rotation. I had huge doubts when he was signed and wanted him out of the rotation the day he got in. However, he`s hung in their with a few bad starts but mostly good ones. Is he merely still getting lucky or is their actually something left in this guy?

His K/BB is seriously awful. Its 1.27. However, he seems to try to offset this by doing two things. First, both his K/9 and BB/9 are very low. This means he doesn't depend on them very much generally pitching to contact. His GB% has also been high, in the low 50%, and this year is actually a little higher than usual. Even so it would seem like he`s been getting lucky. That GB% can't offset the complete lack of K's.

However, his BABIP is actually well above average. Its .324 and should be expected to come down a little. His HR/FB% is very slightly below the normal 10%. He`s probably actually been a little unlucky.

Its a very strange year for him. In addition, his FIP is a pretty solid 4.50. For now he`s helping the Yankees and has actually been decent while he`s been up here. I hate to say it but they`re counting on Sidney Ponson to help make the playoffs for at least a little while.

Yup, we`re screwed

Joba is going to the 15 day DL. Hopefully it`ll only be 15 d days but I`m not to optimistic at this point.

Pitching Rotation

Now that Joba's hurt it puts yet another spot in the rotation in question. I don't trust Ponson at all and now if Joba is seriously hurt they`ll need to fill another spot. Ponson MUST be replaced if they`re going to make the playoffs and especially if they hope to go deep into the playoffs. The early rumors we`re hearing are positive for Joba but I`m still nervous.




An interesting option is Freddy Garcia. He`s coming back from shoulder surgery and is very close to returning. The Yankees are supposedly interested in him. I like what he did before getting hurt a lot. I would definitely like the Yankees to give him an incentive laden 2 year deal. I doubt he`d be to expensive so if he struggles they can just get rid of him.




If Joba is out for the season then we may see Jarrod Washburn rumors revived. I might be willing to give up slightly more for him if Joba is hurt. However, I would still draw the line at a top line prospect like Jackson. Ideally the Mariner's GM will come to his senses and become suddenly willing to give up Washburn. However, its still probably unlikely.

Darell Rasner has suddenly been given another chance to stay in the rotation. Although, I like him better than Ponson they have better options. If they`re unable to get Garcia or Washburn and Joba is out for the year then their might be room for him.


Dan Giese didn't intially inspire confidence in me. However, looking at his numbers in AAA he may not be such a bad option and is probably an upgrade over Rasner. Since 2006 he`s had great K/BB in the minors as well as his brief stint with the Giants in the major last year. I suppose he`s worth a shot.




Alfredo Aceves has really blown away hitters in the minors in his first year of American baseball. I`ve already said that I think they`d be better off calling him up then Kennedy. If they`re unable to get Garcia or Washburn or Giese struggles then he may be a good option.


Chase Wright is a guy I totally forgot about. His ERA has been brilliant this year and he wasn't truly awful in the majors other than that one inning against Boston so on the surface he seems like a solid option. However, in AA his K/BB was a very poor 1.56. This indicates he was very lucky in AA which is where he was for most of the season I prefer just about anyone to him including Ponson.


The Yankees seem to have soured on Kennedy. They didn't really like his attitude earlier this year or (of course) his performance. I think the problem for him may have been mental. However, I`d hesitate to call him up again. After what he did in the majors earlier this year I don't see why he`d be suddenly ready after a few months.


Carl Pavano and Phil Hughes are also working their way back.


While its very tempting to give Pavano a shot it isn't very realistic. Dropping him into that clubhouse could spell disaster. I see Freddy Garcia as being a better option.

Hughes still has the potential to an ace. That hasn't changed in the past year. However, he could also be a disaster. Of these pitchers he`s the only one who truly can turn their season around. The season really depends on him. Especially if Joba is out. The Yankees simply don't have the pitching right now to make the playoffs let alone go deep into them. Pettitte is unreliable and while Mussina has been great he`s pretty old by now and could easily get tired at the end of the season. In my opinion the odds are heavily against the Yankees right now and only Phil Hughes really has the potential to carry them in.

If Joba is okay then I would reccomend this for a rotation:

1) Mussina
2) Joba
3) Pettitte
4) Hughes
5) Washburn

Obviously this is the very best case scenario and I doubt they`ll be able to get Washburn. If he is unattainable I`d sign Freddy Garcia.

If Joba is out for the year I`d have this for a rotation:

1) Mussina
2) Pettitte
3) Hughes
4) Washburn
5) Garcia

In this case I would have to make a tough decision if Washburn can't be had for a reasonable price. I prefer Aceves over Kennedy. However, Pavano is also an option. I think I might actually go with Pavano on this one. If he gets hurt then we can just call up Aceves. In this second scenario I would be very surprised to see the Yankees make the playoffs if Washburn can't be had. The first one I would have much much more confidence in. We`re depending a lot on Joba.

Girardi and Chamberlain Optimistic

Girardi and Joba were both optimistic about Chamberlain's injury. he`ll be taking an MRI later today and we`ll know how long he`ll be out.

Well that was a disaster

Well that was a disaster. Boston and Tampa both lost and we wasted that opportunity. When Jeter hit that ball to center I though they were going to win for a split second. But I guess now we know how valuable Rivera really is.

Theirs nobody you can specifically point the finger at. Joba was okay for the first few innings then he mysteriously got hurt, the offense scored 5 runs, Marte had to pitch 2 innings, and Girardi didn't really have any better options. I guess you just have to take this loss and move on. At least we didn't lose ground.

However, the pitching rotation got shook up badly. We don't know how bad Joba's injury is and if its serious then they`re going to desperately need somebody to step up. I`ll have more on the rotation tomorrow when we know more about his injury. Rasner's will be switching spots with Dan Giese as well. My first impression is its a bad move but I`ll have a post on this tomorrow as well hopefully.

Shelley/Hughes back to AAA

Hughes and Shelley are back in AAA. Hughes will probably spend a few more starts in AAA but hopefully he`ll be back soon. Shelley might be a nice pinch hitter during Septmeber call ups.

Pitching Rotation-Immediate Options

At the trade deadline I wanted the Yankees to pick up Jarrod Washburn. However, the Mariners really screwed up and held out for more than the Yankees were willing to give up. So both teams get screwed now. The Mariners are stuck with his contract and the Yankees are minus one reliable starter. I had hopes they could trade for him before August 31, the waiver trade deadline, however, that doesn't seem to be possible either. So, the Yankees will have to look inside the organization to help out their rotation.

Lets assume their are no injuries which is actually a pretty big if considering Mussina and Pettitte's age. However, they can't really plan for injuries injuries to their top three because if any of those guys get hurt it`ll be near impossible for them to make the playoffs and go deep. Right now the rotation is something like this:

1) Mussina
2) Joba
3) Pettitte
4) Ponson
5) Rasner

After Rasner's start today he will probably be DFA'ed to make room for another pitcher. Although, I have been a big defender of his I can't say I`d be to upset with the move. Ponson will likely undeservedly stay after his lucky 7 inning shutout for another start or two but he`s destined to be gone eventually.

Immediately available they have these pitchers they may consider calling up:

1) Ian Kennedy
2) Alefredo Aceves
3) Kei Igawa (Just Kidding)

I have to admit, I had never heard of Aceves until this year when he started pitching to an ERA below 2.00 in AA. He`s not a great prospect because he`s 25 but you never know I guess. On the other hand, Kennedy has been hyped probably more than he really needed.

Kennedy was literally about as bad as you can be in the majors. His biggest problem was his control absolutely dissapeared. His BB/9 went from 2.86 in AAA in 2007 to 5.97 while he was in the majors this year. It was also very obvious if you just watched him. The lack of control also resulted in much more HR's being given up. Control doesn't just dissapear because the hitters get better which suggests the problem was just his head. Its also interesting that I don't remember them specifying what the injury was to Kennedy (although I may just be forgetting). Kennedy seems to have made a succesful return to AAA as well. He may be ready for the big leagues after all.

However, all this ignores the fact that Aceves has flat-out outpitched Kennedy in the minors this year. Kennedy has been good but he`s also benefited from extraordinarily good luck. He has a .210 BABIP in AAA this year. So far Aceves pretty much average luck in AAA (although he was pretty lucky in AA with a .243 BABIP). Aceve's FIP's have been below 3.00 in each level except AAA in which it is 3.01. Aceves has displayed incredible control this year walking less per nine innings in each level this year then Kennedy ever has, although, he has struck out less.

Personally I think both Rasner and Ponson should be replaced. I think ultimately this is what will happen. However, until his next start Ponson is probably safe. I would call up Aceves first. He`s clearly done better than Kennedy ever has. While Kennedy is the big name Aceves has done better in fact.

Rivera Day to Day

Rivera is day to day with back spasms. He won't be hurt long but every game is critical at this point. It really is a good thing they got Marte now but optimally you don't want him closing a big game. Rivera is hoping to be okay by tomorrow.

Shocking Win

I really expected the Yankees to lose today. I was completely shocked by today's game. Rasner was terrible and I`d be surprised if Kennedy didn't replace him next time around the rotation. He deserves a spot in the rotation more than Ponson but admittedly he hasn't been that great since his first month either.

Giese was great keeping them in the game. However, I wouldn't be so fast to give him another start like some people are suggesting. Edwar was dissapointing. He was great striking out the first two guys and nearly struck out the next guy but he completely lost the strike zone.

What impressed me most was the offense of course. The first 6 or 7 runs were all driven in by the new Yankees. Pudge had a homer and Nady was absolutely amazing. Had they let Boston gain another game on them they would have been in trouble.

I`ll have more thoughts on the pitching rotation later.

Thank God

We desperately needed a win today. With Rasner going against Lackey tomorrow a loss today would have likely meant a four game sweep. Mussina and Joba are an excellent 1-2 punch for the rotation. Mussina has probably earned a contract for next year and beyond. After his last start I had some concern he might go through a rough stretch which would mean we`re screwed. Instead Mussina came through yet again with 7 innings of 2 run ball. He could have also pitched the 8th but Girardi took him out after about 90 pitches which is probably a good idea since he`ll be needed down the stretch. Veras and Bruney both pitched shutout innings. It would be pretty cool if Bruney could pitch like he was before he got hurt. Especially since you have to figure some of these guys will regress next year.

The offense broke through. I have to admit, before the game I questioned Girardi's decision to have no Cano and no I-Rod the same day. However, Molina had an awesome day. Molina and Rodriguez both play better with rest. A-Rod hit homer number 542 and pretty much everyone chipped in. Now we need to hope Minnesota/Texas/Boston/Tampa lose today to make up some ground. Especially since they`ll still probably lose tomorrow.

Old Timers Day

I just wanted to make a quick post about this. I think YES and the Yankees handled this very well. It was especially cool to see Willie Randolph get a standing ovation. I think their is a very good chance he`ll be back with the Yankees at some. I was somewhat dissapointed by some missing players like Mattingly and Bernie. However, it was still very nice to see so many legends. I also thought it was really cool to see Aaron Small and David Wells. It says something that some fans wanted the Yankees to sign a guy that eventually played in the old timers game. I`ll have thoughts on the real game later.

I really hate this game

This is probably the worst thing that culd have possibly happened for the Yankees. All of our competitors won and Rivera blew the game in the 9th. Not only this but Ponson really didn't pitch that well. He only struck out one and walked four. His defense saved him a number of times as well. If we`d gotten a win it would`ve been fine but we didn't. So now Ponson will get another start before Kennedy or Aceves gets called up. The offense was totally shut down as well despite Cashman's changes.

We desperately need the offense to come alive today. The odds are against it with Lackey pitching but they`ll need to score some runs. Rasner may be pitching for his job again and it would be a crime to send him down and have Ponson stay up.

All Apologies

Sorry about the lack of a post on yesterday's game. I only had time for this post and I thought you`d rather have this.

So, when I first wrote about the deadline I said the Yankees had four problems they had to adress.

• A right handed hitting outfielder
• A starter
• A catcher that can hit
• A left handed reliever

Well, I suggested two trades for the Yankees. Kennedy and Ohlendorf for Marte and Nady and Igawa and Gardner for Washburn. I had no hope for the catching situation.

Well I was almost right on the first trade. Cashman traded Tabata, Ohlendorf, Karstens, and McCutchen for Nady Marte. I prefer this to my proposed deal. I prefer Kennedy to Tabata and they probably would have had to add one or two lower players to my trade anyway. This perfectly solved the first and last needs. This deal also helped set up the next one.

Cashman came out of nowhere and solved the catcher problem by trading Kyle Farnsworth for Ivan Rodriguez. Farnsworth was made expendable by the Marte acquistion. Rodriguez also slides neatly into the catcher role and will get the Yanks and extra first round pick after the year. Another good trade.

The final trade I suggested never happened because of the Mariner's idiocy. Nobody else on the market was really better than what they have in the organization. They also made two other extremely minor deals. In addition, Brian Bruney is being called up and Britton goes back to Scranton. So here`s who's replacing who after the moves and the change in WARP3 (Note, I`m only using WARP3 as a quick easy method of evaluating, I realize the formula is unknown, also WARP3 is wins over the whole season):

Ivan Rodriguez replaces Jose Molina as starting catcher: +2.6 wins

Jose Molina replaces Chad Moeller as backup catcher: +2.6 wins

Xavier Nady replaces Brett Gardner as left-fielder: +7.5 wins

Damaso Marte replaces Kyle Farnsworth as reliever: +1.0 wins

Brian Bruney replaces Latroy Hawkins as reliever: +.3 wins

In addition they essentially trade these prospects:

Jose Tabata, Alberto Gonzalez, Dan McCutchen, Ross Ohlendorf, Jeff Karstens, and a second round pick for Jhonny Nunez, a first round pick, and sandwhich round pick

So they added 14 wins over a full season and the only major prospect they gave up was Jose Tabata. The others are all replaceable. They could get another top line prospects with the draft pick anyway. The damage to the farm is really minimal.

Another move was the Richie Sexson signing. I didn't add him because noody really had his role before him. However, it seems that he has had little effect on the team.

Cash gave up very little in the minors and the team is much better now then before the deadline (althought there record doesn't show it yet). Washburn could still pass through waivers if the Mariner's come to their senses. Kennedy and Aceves also may be able to make the jump. Besides this Marte and Nady will both be around next year as well. I think the Yankees had an excellent trade deadline and Cashman gets an A+. Now they have to start performing on the field though.

Manny

For years we`ve been hearing about possible Manny Ramirez trades and for years we`ve seen Manny stay put and continue to kill the Yankees. However, this time Manny is gone for real if only temporarily.

This trade was died and revived in more forms than I can count. Only a few hours before the deadline it looked like Manny was staying put and Bay was headed to Tampa. Ultimately a three way deal between Pittsburgh, Boston, and Los Angeles got it done. The only aspect that is really important to us is what Boston did.

Boston Gains: Jason Bay

Boston Loses: Manny Ramirez, Craig Hansen, Brandon Moss, and cash

Personally, I think that its a lot closer between Bay and Manny at this point than most people do. However, Manny is still the better player. Boston is also paying part of Manny's contract so their is little salary relief. Considering Bay is under contract for 2009 as well I would probably say Boston would have the slight advantage if it was Bay for Manny straight up. However, its not. Hansen isn't a huge deal for Boston but he does still have potential. Brandon Moss is probably a better prospect at this point (I may be wrong I`m going on memory and I don't know Boston's farm that well). I think this makes it a bad trade for the Red Sox. I realize they had to make it after Manny's comments but this seems like a desperate move Boston made that they may come to regret later.

Another side of this deal is that Bay was previously rumored to be going to the Rays. With this trade we only have to deal with one of them in the division. I think this helps the Yankees although its not as big a deal as some people are making it out to be.

And Thats It....

And now finally the trade deadline is over. Later on I will have a post on the entire trade deadline. However, I`m just writing about what went on today for now. I`ll make

Cashman didn't make any big moves today. He made only the small move of Alberto Gonzalez for Jhonny Nunez. Nunez is a pitcher. He has a high ERA but he had an incredible K/BB last year. He`s in A ball. Gonzalez had no future with the Yankees. I`d compare this to the Latroy Hawkins trade.

What is possibly more interesting is what didn't happen. They didn't get another left-handed reliever as was mentioned, they didn't dump Pavano, and they didn't trade for another pitcher.

I didn't really see a need for a left-handed reliever so I don't particularly care about this.

Pavano I was hoping would be dumped on someone. However, he could easily clear waivers. Also, its possible the interested teams wanted the Yankees to pay his salary which defeats the purpose of the trade.

The lack of a pitcher has been covered pretty widely. They went after Washburn but the M's were insane in their demands. However, talks are continuing and Washburn could very easily clear waivers. Cashman did a good job here in not panicking and yet leaving the door open. However, we still need a starter. Ponson just won't do it. Immediately available is Kennedy and Aceves. I`ll also have a post on this area later. Maybe today during or after the game. Maybe not.

Britton Up

Joel Sherman is saying Britton is the guy who will be calle up to take Farnsworth's spot. I like it. He`s had great numbers in the minors the past two years and has been good in the majors as well when given a chance.

Are you kidding me?

The Washburn trade is looking very unlikely at this point. The Mariners are out of their minds with what they want. I think Washburn would be an excellent addition and would stabilize the rotation. However, he`s hardly worth the type of prospect the Mariners have. They still have a few hours top come to their senses. However, I think its pretty unlikely. Instead I would reccomend trying to get Paul Byrd. Its to bad the Mariner's GM screwed this thing up. Washburn could still pass through waivers. However, by that time it may be to late for him to make a difference. We also may have found another pitcher.

Hawkins to Astros

Latroy Hawkins has been traded to the Astros. Jayson Stark says its for a low-level prospect. Cool I guess. Not a big deal at all. I guess the low level prospect gives us some depth.

EDIT- The player is Matt Kusik. I don't know him but he looks like he has good stats. They save some cash and maybe he`ll turn out to be good. Astros fans are upset.

Pavano and Schoenweiss

Apparently the Yankees are getting calls on Carl Pavano. Theirs a report that says the Mets are one team interested.


The Yankees are interested in Scott Schoenweiss as well. He may be replacing Farnsworth.



I say stay away Cash.I realize that Pavano is completely worthless. However, theirs better options in the bullpen. Besides, Pavano may be able to help if they fail to get another pitcher (yeah I said it). If they can get a guy like Washburn then fine dump Pavano on somebody. However, Schoenweiss would probably just be wasting a roster spot.

EDIT: I just changed my mind. Pavano has a 2 million dollar buyout after the year. So their actually is some salary relief to be had. Dump him on whatever sucker will take him. However, hopefully not Schoenweiss

Much Better

I only saw the first 5 innings or so and what stood out to me was Joba's brilliance in back to back. He`s slowly becoming the Yankees ace. Its been a long time since the Yankees have had a guy like Joba. I have no idea how his career will turn out but his future is looking bright. Tomorrow we`ll go against the Angels.

The Yankees also made a trade today. Farnsworth is going to the Tigers for Ivan Rodriguez. My intial reaction was bad but after looking over Farnsworth's stats more carefully I`m in favor of it. Farnsworth looks like he`s pulled things together and Girardi's gotten some credit for it. While some of this is true, Farnsworth has a 20% HR/FB%. This means that 20% of all his FB's go over the fence. The average pitcher gets about 10%. Although certain pitchers have displayed a skill at this most of it is luck and this year is a huge outlier for Farnsworth. Pudge is basically a wash defensively with Molina but Pudge is a much better hitter than Molina. Another issue is that Pudge will probably be a type A free agent while Farnsworth will be a type B. Pudge probably wants a long term deal so he probably wouldn't accept arbitration. This means the Yankees will probably get better draft picks for Pudge than for Farnsworth. This year has also shown has that the best way to build a bullpen is to just try out different young guys with talent and see what sticks. This solves 3 of the Yankees 4 goals for the offseason. Now I`d like to see them get one more starter. Strangely enough, I was actually mulling over the idea of trading Farnsworth this morning but never got a chance to write about it.

Now, I need to say something about the Mark Texiera deal. Although most people are ready to hand over the Pennant and World Series already I`m not. First of all, offense in the regular season doesn;t guarentee offense in the postseason. The Angels already have the division wrapped up so I don't see the point of this deal. They gave up a very good player in Kotchman as well.Unless it gives them an upper-hand in signing Texiera this off-season I don't see the point.

Now that hurt

Now that was a tough one to lose. Rasner pitched well which probably means Ponson will lose his spot in the rotation if they get another pitcher or decide to call up Kennedy. Other than that this was a rough game to watch.

Early on they repeatedly failed to hit with runners on and ultimately it ended up costing them. Then Girardi left Rasner in one inning to long. I think that when you`re 4th starter gives you 6 innings of 2 run ball and is nearing 100 pitches you should just hand the game over to your very good bullpen. Instead Marte came into a jam and struggled. Although, it sent me memories of Eric Gagne and the Red Sox last year I`m hoping this won't be a problem. The offense stayed asleep until the 8th and 9th. Nady also struck out in a big spot. Surprisingly, Rivera ended up making the difference. In a game where he was expected to just be getting work in he ended up giving up the run that made the difference in the game.

Thankfully, Boston lost to to a dominating John Lackey. Still, this was an excellent opportunity to move up in the standings.

Richie Sexson

Is it time for the Richie Sexson experiment to end? Sure, if you want to keep him as a defensive replacement for Giambi I`m okay with that. Although, it kind of wastes a roster spot. When he starts in place of Giambi though he is clearly hurting the team. He no longer can hit. Yes, Giambi is slumping but Richie Sexson is pretty much done as a MLB player. Girardi its not a big deal until Giambi gets hot again but please stop using Sexson against lefties.

Ouch

Sorry I didn't make a post yesterday. I was just to busy.

Now we have two losses in a row. The first I`m okay with since it was Ponson and the Red Sox. The second is not good. If Mussina goes through a dead arm period we`re in trouble. Hopefully this was just a bad game. Also, the offense didn't hit in either games. Their really isn't anymore offensive moves they can make so they juts have to start hitting.

On another note the Twins have interest in Latroy Hawkins.

The search for pitching

Buster Olney has been reporting that the Yankees are close to a deal for Washburn. Pete Abraham also says they`re close. However, Washburn is still scheduled to start for the Mariners and Cashman denies any deal.

The KC Star is talking about a trade that would involve Melky and Brian Bannister. I don't see the point in that move.

Do we still need Washburn?

Earlier I suggested trading Kennedy for Nady and Marte. Than I wanted to trade for Washburn. We got the two of them without giving up Kennedy. Do we still need Jarrod Washburn or should we just go with Kennedy?

Washburn is really not a very good pitcher. However, he`s reliably mediocore. He`s also suffered from a fairly high BABIP. He`s probably a safer bet to go out and give you 5 or 6 solid innings than Kennedy or anyone else the Yankees have right now. He`s also a lefty which means he might be helped by a move to Yankee Stadium (not sure what Seattle is like). The only problem is if you trade for him you`re stuck with him for next year to. If you want you can roll the dice with Kennedy but if he struggles like he did earlier in the year they`re going to be in trouble. This is why I wanted Ponson replaced earlier, to see if Kennedy could handle the majors yet or not.

Although you can't be sure I don't think Kennedy will do well. He was terrible earlier in the year and not much has changed since then. A closer look at his stats from last September show that he was more lucky than good then as well.

I think it would be a good idea to trade for Washburn after all. However, I would be very hesitant to give up anything. Again, although he`s rarely great he is almost always at least okay. He`ll keep the Yankees in games. They can figure out what to do with him in the off-season and you can never have to much pitching.

The Yankees made an offer of Igawa and Melky for Washburn and Mariner aren't interested in either player. Apparently Christian and Gardner are being discussed. What about Christian and Coke for Washburn?

Then you can replace Ponson with Washburn as soon as he blows up against Boston on Sunday ;)

Nady and Marte to Yankees

It turns out the final trade is Tabata, Ohlendorf, McCutchen, and Karstens for Nady and Marte.

A few days ago I suggested trading for Nady and Marte as part of a plan for the trade deadline. Nady perfectly solves their problem of a right-handed bat even if he does regress to his career norms. Gardner will probably be sent back down to AAA. Marte solves their other, less severe problem of a left-handed reliever. Hopefully this means the end of Latroy Hawkins.

The biggest piece the Yankees gave up was obviously Tabata. While Karstens may be able to start for the Pirates in the NL he really had no future in New York. McCutchen is probably a C prospect. Meaning he could be a good player but we have a lot of guys with similar potential. Ohlendorf was another guy who was never going to have a future in New York. Tabata is the centerpiece of this deal. Tabata has incredible potential but he`s been plagued with attitude and injury problems. Of course, Josh Hamilton overcame much worse. Either way he wasn't going to be ready for a few more years.

I think this is a good trade with some risk. The Yankees were able to make this trade because they have a lot of pitching prospects ahead of the guys they traded and Austin Jackson has moved ahead of Tabata. Its not exactly a steal but they can give up Tabata without depleting their farm.

In my previous post about the trade deadline I suggested doing basically this trade except with Kennedy instead of Tabata. Then I suggested trading for Washburn. However, since we still have Kennedy this means he may be a better option than Washburn. I need to think about this some more. I`ll probably have another post on this either tomorrow or after the game.

7 Straight

Joba has really been everything anyone could have hoped for. He shut out Boston's great offense for 7 innings. He matched Beckett pitch for pitch. If he`s still a rookie than he could be the rookie of the year. When was the last time you could argue that a starter on the Yankees had the best stuff in the league? Joba could very well be the ace of the staff for years to come.

Rivera is still amazing. he`s really earning his contract. Although, the concern was more for the later part of it. The offense was more dissapointing. However, it was against a great pitcher in Beckett so I`m willing to give them a pass. Still, they`re lucky the Boston infield was playing in. Today is another big day. I`d be surprised to see them win tomorrow so they better get one today. I`ll have more on the Nady/Marte trade later.

Nady and Marte to Yankees!

Now Jon Heyman is reporting the deal is Ohlendorf, Tabata, and two other guys. I`m guessing one of the others is Coke. My intial impression is this a great deal.

Nady and Marte to Yankees?

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=958

Will Carroll is saying they`re coming to the Yankees.

Pete Abraham is saying Phil Coke has been pulled from his game in AA Trenton.

Kennedy and Coke for Marte and Nady?

Nady and Marte Traded

Nady and Marte have been traded . Don't know who to yet though. They`d be perfect fits ffor the Yankees

Manny Out Tonight

Manny's been scratched for tonight. Obviously this completely changes the Red Sox lineup and could change the game.

Trade Rumors

For some reason every 5 minutes I go on MLB trade rumors I see a new possible trade involving the Yankees and some outfielder. I adress each each of them in bullet form.

• Apparently the Cano rumor is just a rumor. There's no truth to it. It also inspires the new "George King is an idiot" tag.
• The Yankees are looking at Adam Dunn. Dunn can't field or run and he strikes out a ton but he`s an amazing hitter. I wonder if Bronson Arroyo would be in a potential deal. The only problem is that the Reds will probably want Jackson or Hughes who I doubt the Yankees are willing to trade.
• Their is also some interest in Randy Winn. I like the idea of trading for him. He can play all the OF positions (although you`d rather avoid having him in CF) and is a better hitter than anyone else the Yankees have at DH. I think I might prefer getting him and moving Kennedy into the rotation may be preferable to my previous idea of trading for Nady and Washburn.

Cano to Dodgers?

George King is reporting that the Dodgers are interested in trading Matt Kemp and Derek Lowe to the Yankees for Cano. The logic is obvious for the Dodgers. Colletti needs to make the playoffs to keep his job and he`s hoping Cano can have a big second half and carry the Dodgers. The logic for the Yankees is pretty much non-existent. I prefer Cano over Kemp, especially since I think Cano's future is at shortstop replacing Jeter. I don't think Lowe is worth it either. Although I would like to see a trade for him he`s only a #3 or #4 in the AL East. Replace Lowe with one of the Dodger's young pitchers and I`d have to do it but I don't see that happening.

Six Straight, Big Sweep

I actually missed yesterday's game because I had the time wrong. I heard about it afterwards. Mussina is completely amazing this year. The offense also had a solid day scoring five runs. Unfotunately, Hawkins forced Rivera to be used. Hawkins clearly has to be gotten rid of. He`s just taking up a roster spot. I think that Bruney will be filling his spot soon anyway. If Bruney pitches the way he was earlier in the year then he`ll help the bullpen out even more.

The sweep against the Twins was big as they`re also in the wild card race. Now they have an off-day before going to Fenway.

Deadline Approaching

Rasner wasn't great yesterday but you really can't expect much more from your 5th starter. I`ll take 2 runs and about 6 innings from that spot in the rotation any day. I greatly prefer him over Ponson. The eight runs also helped ;). The offense has at least been better since the break. Hopefully this will become a trend. Also, congratulations to Kyle Farnsworth on throwing a no-hitter, sort of. The Yankees are coming alive at the right time and it looks like they`re going to be buyers after all.

Here`s a list of Yankees needs in order:

• Right handed hitting outfielder
• Another starter
• A catcher that can actually hit
• Lefty reliever

The outfielder I think is the most needed position. Damon will probably play DH for a while before moving back to LF which means we have to deal with a Gardner/Melky/Abreu outfield a little longer. When Damon moves back to LF then at DH we have a Betemit/Sexson platoon. While that's better its still just a band-aid fix. Jason Bay and Xavier Nady seem like the most realistic targets. Bay is clearly the better player. However, it may be tough to get him without giving up Jackson or Hughes which I definitely wouldn't want to do. How about Kennedy+Ohlendorf for Nady+Marte. This also solves the below problem of the left-handed reliever.

However, losing Kennedy makes it impossible to replace Ponson if he immediately struggles. So if the above deal is made a corresponding move for another pitcher is needed. Apparently the Yankees are targeting Jarrod Washburn. If the above trade doesn't get made then the Yankees should aim higher. However, if it does then Washburn would easily take over for Ponson by giving up very little. If the above move doesn't get made then I would rather just bring up Kennedy than take on Washburn's contract. They probably will want a little more than just Igawa but its really just a salary dump so Igawa+Gardner for Washburn?

If the above two trades are made then this isn't a major problem. The Yankees can deal with poor offense from catcher (usually a weak position anyway) and centerfield if their stars start hitting and they get another bat. I think they`re going to have to swallow poor offense from Jose Molina and hope he gets hot and his defense holds up.

The left-handed reliever thing isn't a big deal with the bullpen playing the way it is. Brian Bruney is also coming back. However, its a nice thing to have. The first trade solves this problem and Marte would fill the hole nicely.

So if I were Brian Cashman I`d do these trades:

Trade 1) Ian Kennedy and Ross Ohlendorf to Pirates for Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte.

Trade 2) Kei Igawa and Brett Gardner to Mariners for Jarrod Washburn

So here's the Yankees new roster:

SP1- Mussina

SP2- Chamberlain

SP3- Pettitte

SP4- Washburn

SP5- Rasner

DH- Nady

LF- Damon

CF- Melky

RF- Abreu

3B- Rodriguez

SS- Jeter

2B- Cano

1B- Giambi

C- Molina

CL- Rivera

SU- Farnsworth

MR- Veras

MR- Bruney

MR- Ramirez

MR- Robertson

LR- Marte

BC- Moeller

IF- Betemit

OF- Christian

1B- Sexson

Ponson wins again....

Every time Ponson starts I think that he`s going to fall apart but spomehow he`s been okay. He`s had a ton of run support and I still think he`s going to implode in his next start against Boston but I`ll take what he`s given the Yankees so far.

The offense came alive with Damon's return. For at least one day we didn't have to worry about Damon and Matsui's injuries. Cano's BA and OBP are climbing slowly but surely. The bullpen was also, as usual, brilliant. I still think they need to replace Ponson but they`re getting by with him.

Spoke to Soon

Just when things were looking up the Yankees got hit with some hard news. Posada could be out for the season. At this point I`m just hoping this something that can be fixed for next year. Posada wasn't hitting that well anyway and Molina is an upgrade defensively at least.

At least Damon is playing tonight.

Catch-up

I went away over the weekend so I`ve missed a bit. First of all, hours after I finished my excessively long post on the Yankees problems they signed Richie Sexson like I suggested and its already working out. They also got a sweep against the A's.

The first game consisted of good hitting as well as good pitching and was a good way to start the second half. Mussina has been amazing and for him to come back from last September and the start of this year to become the Yankees ace has been key to keeping the Yankees afloat.

The second game continued the great pitching but the offense stranded an unbelievable amount of guys on base. Joba has also been incredible and so far has lived up to the hype. Often forgoten though is the bullpen. From the 7th to the 12th they gave up only 2 runs showing the bullpen is deep beyond just Rivera.

Today's game was very similar to the second game. Pettitte has quietly also had a very good year and today he delivered with 8 innings only giving up 1 run. Rivera of course closed it out. However, the offense was again terrible.

Right now the Yankees are in a very good place. The Yankees are only 4.5 behind the Rays for the division and 3.5 behind Boston for the wild card (also behind the Twins). Damon is coming back very soon. If a Sexson/Betemit plattoon can work out at DH and the rest of the team starts hitting then a comeback may be possible. However, they need to start hitting with men on base. Rasner let alone Ponson won't be able to win with such little run support.

What is wrong with the Yankees?

Currently the Yankees are 5.5 games behind the Rays for the Wild Card. While they don't have Tampa looking over their shoulders yet they can still make up this gap. Theirs a few problems though. Unlike last year when the Yankees run differential was much greater than the record would indicate their run differential is pretty much exactly what you would expect out of a team with a record like the Yankees. In this sense they haven't been unlucky. They just have to start playing better. Do they need to add somebody at the trade deadline?


Their bullpen is surprisingly a strength. Rivera is having one of the best years of his life, Veras has emerged to take Joba's spot, Farnsworth has been better than anyone predicted, and we haven't missed Joba there at all. If Bruney can come back he`d be an another weapon. Latroy Hawkins has to go though.

The top three pitchers in the rotation are fine. However, Ponson is just awful. Rasner has been okay. He`s suffered from a high BABIP but I`d much prfer to have him as a 5th starter than a 4th. The injury to Wang was absolutely crippling. The difference between him and Ponson is huge. Theirs no way they can survive with Ponson in the rotation so they need another pitcher. Wang won't be back until maybe September and Hughes won't be back until August. Pavano is not even worth hoping for. If I where the Yankees I`d give Ian Kennedy another chance after the break. At the trade deadline its time to decide what to do. If he does well than fine leave him in there for the rest of the year. If he`s terrible than you have to make a move for another pitcher. If he does poorly but not terribly (by this I mean ERA in the high 4's or maybe even lows 5's) maybe you should just leave him in there and cross your fingers. It also matters where they are in the standings obviously.

Oddly the team's biggest weakness is their offense. A-Rod is hitting like normal and Giambi has surprised everyone by returning to all star type levels. Unfortunately, those are the only two guys on the team with EQA's over .300. The next two highest are Damon and Matsui. Today we`ve heard news that Matsui will probably need season ending surgery. Damon is also hurt but will be back much sooner than that. After that everything falls off. Posada has an EQA of .269 which is fine for a catcher but right now he`s the third best hitter in the lineup and you don't want that. Abreu and Jeter come next. Both of these guys are expected to be among the Yankees' best hitters but they`ve been pretty much exactly average. After that we have Chad Moeller and Justin Christian. The only two starters we have left then are Melky and Cano. Melky has an EQA of .229 while Cano's is even worse at .218. Earlier in the year I wrote about Melky's power starting to develop and how I thought he was going to end up a very good player. Its starting to look like I was wrong. Not only this but while Cano's defense has remained very very good Melky's defense has clearly fallen off. They have no other options for Cano and he has been a better second half player so he could salvage his season. However, Melky has shown much less potential over the past few years and it is possible to get another outfielder. Brett Gardner's has also been awful in his time up here. Other than his one big game against Boston he hasn't hit at all and to telly ou the

So here`s a list of the Yankees underperformers or just problems:

• Latroy Hawins
• Derek Jeter
• Bobby Abreu
• Melky Cabrera
• Brett Gardner
• Robinson Cano
• Sidney Ponson
• Wilson Betemit

Hawkins isn't a huge deal. Girardi never uses him but their are a few better options in AAA.

Jeter is untouchable and hasn't been terrible at the plate just very average. I`m confident he`ll start hitting in the second half as well. However, the team just can't take his defense anymore. Defensive stats aren't great but when they all reach the exact same consensus and that agrees with what most fair-minded people see then they`re usually right. Baseball Prospectus' Rate 2 has Jeter costing them 16 runs over the course of the year. Meanwhile Cano has been amazing at second base getting balls up the middle the shortstop is supposed to get. Its well past the time to switch the two of them.

Abreu is another guy that hasn't been truly awful but only average. Abreu is nothing special on defense either. His arm is good but his range is poor. He should start hitting better in the second half. If he doesn't theirs not really anything they can do about him.

Melky got off to a good start but has basically collapsed. While his defense is still excellent they can't handle his bat being in the lineup. Same thing for Gardner. He had the one big hit against Boston but other than that nothing but speed and defense. They won't be making a comeback with an outfield like this. I`ll come back to these guys a little later.

All you can do with Cano is hope he continues his trend of doing better in the second half. Their are no second baseman available to replace him with and its hard to forget the promise he has shown at times.

Ponson should be replaced by Kennedy immediately. I realize Kennedy was pathetic early on and hasn't been great in his starts in the minors since coming back but at least he has potential. Ponson is a timebomb waiting to explode with his low K/BB.

Betemit is the Yankees best option for DH right now and that`s a problem. I`ll come back to this a little later.

So basically what the Yankees need is another pitcher, another hitter, and for some of their "stars" to start playing at the levels they should.

Pitching, as usual isn't widely available. A.J. Burnett is the best option out there and the Blue Jays aren't trading him in division. They`re going to have to look within the organization and try Kennedy. The other option is to pray Ponson can hang in their until August when Hughes should be getting back.

It might be easier to find another hitter to solve their LF/CF/DH problems. We`ve heard a few guys rumored to be available. Here's a few different options the Yankees have:

• Just hang on and hope everybody starts playing the way they should and hope that's enough.
• Sign Richie Sexson and plattoon him with Betemit.
• Trade for Matt Holliday, Jason Bay, or Xavier Nady.

I don't think the Yankees are going to make the playoffs if they just use the first option.

The second one is more interesting. Betemit has always been better against righties and Sexson is awesome against lefties. They may be able to get some solid production out of these two guys.When Damon gets back he can take his place in LF and you can handle whatever combination of Melky/Gardner/Christian in CF. If Matsui comes back then its not hard to bench Sexson and Betemit.

The third one is probably the most the most unlikely. Cash is reluctant to give up any good prospects. However, its an interesting idea. First of all, the deal would probably happen closer to the trade deadline. This means Damon could be back by this time so they would be the DH. A move like this would really help the lineup. If Nady were the person they traded for then next year he could take over for Abreu and Matsui could become a full-time DH.

No matter what happens they`ll have to swallow a weak CF unless Melky magically start hitting again. If I were Cashman I would sign Sexson tomorrow and see how a plattoon of him and Betemit work out before trying a trade for another outfielder. If that were to happen than I think Nady might be the best target as they might be able to get him without giving up Kennedy (who they need for the rotation) and he could also take over for Abreu next year.

The All Star Game

Score:

AL- 4
NL- 3

I don't usually get to excited over these games. However, this one was drew me in a bit. Still, I went to bed in the 7th when it was 2-0 with the AL coming up. When I got up this morning I did not expect what I saw. For all the talk about people hating the all star game I`d bet you that for the people at the game it was one of the most exciting games they`ve ever been to.

Home Run Derby

I`m not usually that interested in this usually and I was mostly listening to a Screaming Trees CD but Josh Hamilton got my attention. For a minute I thought he hit one out of the stadium. That was the upper deck one to right field that probably would have gone out had the deck not been in the way.

I`m Back!

Yeah, I told you I might be able to return and now I have. I`m going to try to get back to writing game recaps for each game the Yankees play. Also I plan on writing something evaluating the Yankees year so far.

Before the blog closed I had a few ideas I was considering and I want to try one or two of them. Barring a huge shift in your opinions I`m not going to bring in a Red Sox blogger to write about their teams after all. However, I definitely want to try and get some more writers and if that happens then I might be able to start writing more about the minors. If anybody out there is interested in writing about either the majors or minors in any capacity please just post your idea and email in the comments sections. If you have any ideas please post in the comments section. And I`d appreciate some feedback on these three new ideas I`ve had or any ones that people have in the comments section.

Hopefully I`ll be back permanently this time. :D

Possible Reopening

As I stated in the previous post, the blog is closed, for now. I may be able to reopen it over the Summer. For now, though its impossible for me to maintain it.

Blog Closing :(

Some things have come up and I`m not going to be writing on the blog anymore. This may be permanent and it may not. I`ll leave it up in case I come back but for the forseeable future I`m not going to be posting.

Break

I know I`ve said this a few times but I really need to take a break from blogging. Things have gotten really busy lately. Sorry guys.

Another One...

Score:

Yanks- 5
Indians- 2

Mussina was actually pretty decent today. He got a little lucky but was still pretty decent. That`s two starts in a row. Maybe he`s learned how to pitch without a fastball. The bullpen was also brilliant. Rivera is just unbelievable. Offense hit well to. However, A-Rod hurt his quadriceps again. We don't know how bad it is this time.

Posada Hurt

Score:

Yankees- 1
Indians- 0

Posada could be out for the season and may have to move to first base when he gets back. Earlier I suggested this as a temporary move but if its permanent then this is bad.

Now for the game, Wang was really unbelievable. Its really a reflection of his year. Wang has continued his great sinker and HR prevention all year. he has also gotten more SO's. Look for more of these kind of starts if Wang keeps getting these SO's. Melky Cabrera has also had a great year so far. His HR was the difference. His power has jumped this year which is an excellent sign. The Yanks are now only 1.5 games back despite struggling.

I`m not going to be able to watch today's game (I`m watching the NFL draft). I`m hoping the Giants get Tyrell Johnson or Kenny Phillips. Preferably Johnson.

I still hate rain delays

Score:

White Sox- 7
Yankees- 6

After two innings the Yankees were up 3-0 and Hughes was pitching great. After the delay I shut it off and woke up to find they lost after another delay. Girardi clearly made the right move in taking him out after the delay. You can't risk injury for one game in April.

Charity

The supposed cursed Ortiz jersey was sold for 175,100 dollars. The money is going to the Jimmy Fund. It was bought by a car dealer near Boston. Probably just looking to donate to charity. BTW, isn't it time to bring Shelley Duncan back up?

A Quick One

Score:

Yankees- 6
White Sox- 4

I have a little bit of time here but I`ll have to make this a quick one. Mussina started and shockingly, actually gave a good start. His control was perfect. He gave up 2 runs in 7 innings. He K'ed three and walked only one. Billy Traber and Latroy Hawkins weren`t very good though. Traber gave up a hit to the one batter he faced. Latroy Hawkins continued his struggles and almost gave up the game. He gave up 2 runs in less than an inning. Rivera had to come in for the 8th and the 9th and he shut them down. Melky drove in Robinson Cano as the first run of the game but after him Damon struck out with the bases loaded. Posada drove in the next two with a double. Posada had a great day. He also had 4 hits in 5 at bats. Damon and Jeter drove in the remaining runs later on. Ultimately, the offense scored 6 and had a good enough day to pick up the middle relief.

No Recap, sorry guys

I haven't had a chance to write a recap all day today and I`m just to exhausted right now to do it. Sorry.

I also won't be able to write until next Mondat probably. However, I might get a chance to write a few times if I`m lucky.

Updates on the rotation

Turns out I, like most of the media, jumped to conclusions about Hank`s statements. He clarified himself and he says he`s not forcing Joba into the rotation immediately. Re-reading the original quote, that should have been fairly obvious.

However, Darell Rasner had another great game in AAA yesterday. He`s pitched very well in the minors this year in particular and really his entire career. He wasn't really that awful in the majors either. Maybe we should give him a start if Mussina/Hughes/Kennedy struggle again?

Hank, Joba, and Pettite

Score:

Yankees- 7
Orioles- 1

Andy Pettitte pitched a great game for the Yankees to help avoid the sweep. he was perfect until he gave up a hit in the 5th inning. Ultimately, he went 7 innings, gave up no runs, struck out 5, and walked none. In the 8th Joba came in and struggled. He gave up two hits before their was a rain delay. After the delay Bruney came in and got out of the inning giving up only one run (giving Joba an infinite ERA for the game and destroying my fantasy team). Rivera then ended it in the 9th. The offense also played well. Jeter especially had a great day with 3 RBI's. Damon also drove in two runs and Matsui drove in one. However, A-Rod came out of the game after getting a hit. He has a strained quad and luckily shouldn't miss much time.

Hank Steinbrenner also made an interesting statement today. He basically stated he wanted Joba in the rotation and he wanted it now. He was also unhappy with Joba's being in the bullpen in the first place and the setup of the rotation in general. I guess this is good news in that Joba will probably be going to the rotation soon. I think the best way to do it is to have him pitch every 5 days and slowly increase his workload. For example, have him go three innings on the day that Mussina pitches, then four innings his next turn, then five, and then he can join the rotation replacing whoever is doing worst at the time. However, its also bad news for those who want Cashman to stay. If he`s publicly saying he`s unhappy with Cashman's move`s then why should he stay?

Catchup

Just a few more notes from the past the few days to catch up on.

Joba`s back and his father has recovered. Thank god for that. I also liked Girardi's decision to use Posada at first. First base really doesn't rquire any defensive skills at all. Giambi's bat is also worthless, he still can't hit the ball the other way and can't even hit for power anymore. I`m not ready to completely cut him but they should definitely be minimizing his role. The other first base options really aren't anything to brag about anyway. Jose Molina`s playing great and has always been brilliant defensively. So why not fill the first base void and save Posada's arm at the same time. I hope it isn't a sign that Posada's injury is worse than we thought, though. Farnsworth got suspended but I`m not to upset. I don't think he deserved it, he has no control over his pitches anyway. However, Farnsworth is really no loss worth getting upset over.

I`m Back

Score:

Orioles- 6
Yankees- 0

Well I`m back but that was ugly. I`m still hoping that Kennedy and Hughes can be effective but I`m getting worried. Mussina also looks done to me. The offense was just as bad yesterday. I have to admit, I actually turned this game off early. Obviously, its still early and they`ve overcome bad starts before but you have to be worrid about the pitching.

Sorry Guys

I totally forgot that this week was earth week and I`m not going to be posting on the blog for the rest of the week to conserve energy. I`d like to encourage you guys to do the same as well. First thing Sunday morning, I`ll be making a game recap though.

That Was Close

Score:

Yankees- 8
Rays- 7

For the first 6 innings the Yankees pounded Andy Sonnanstine (bad for my fantasy team, good for the Yankees) and Ian Kennedy was just cruising along. I was barely watching until some combination of Billy Traber and Brian Bruney somehow let the game get tied after Kennedy got hit with a ball. I thought we were done until Girardi decided to pinch hit with Cano. He hit a homer, Bruney had a scoreless 8th and Rivera shut them down in the 9th. Kennedy's fine and they won but that could have been really really bad.

Betemit to DL

Wilson Betemit is also going to be out of action. He`s headed to the DL with pink eye. That sounds like lots of fun.

Joba's dad in critical condition

Joba's dad collapsed the other day and is now in critical condition. As soon as I heard this I just felt a huge shock. I can't imagine what Joba and his family is thinking right now. I truly hope he recovers quickly and fully.

He`s going to the bereavement list and Jonathan Albaladejo is getting called up.

You`ve got to be kidding me

It turns out Jose Molina is probably headed to the DL (hamstring) and Chad Moeller is getting called up. Fransisco Cervelli's injury was definitely no big deal.

Thank god for Wang

Score:

Red Sox- 8
Yankees- 5

Hughes had an awful game which ultimately doomed the Yankees. The only bright spot was Ross Ohlendorf's three shutout innings. Latroy Hawkins also had a good 2 innings. Boston's pitching wasn't really much better but they were good enough. The offense did well but at the wrong time. Jose Molina and Alberto Gonzalez both had another good game offensively. Its a good thing we won that first game with Wang to avoid the sweep. They`re only a game and a half out of first even though they`re in last.

Rain Delays=Bad

Score:

Red Sox- 4
Yankees-3

This was a close game and early on it looked like a pitcher`s duel. Josh Beckett was virtually unhittable and Mussina was sliding by somehow. Manny Ramirez eventually got a homer to put Boston up by one. In the 6th the Yanks scored two to get on top. Jose Molina and Alberto Gonzalez both got hits to start it off. Johnny Damon followed that up with a sacrifice bunt. Both tagged up on a sac fly then and Gonzalez scored on a wild pitch. Molina and Gonzalez are really showing they deserve spots on the team. However, in the bottom half of the inning Boston got back on top. Again, Manny Ramirez was in the middle of it. He had a two RBI double and then scored on a Kevin Youkillis hit. I would have walked Ramirez there (1st base was open) and in the end it came back to hurt them (though the decision really good have gone either way). This inning really tainted a good start by Mussina. The Yanks got another run on a Robinson Cano double but it wasn't enough. They got 1st and second with two outs with A-Rod up but there was a rain delay for over an hour. A-Rod then struck out.

No-Hitter?

Score:

Yankees- 4
Red Sox- 1

Again, the pitching was the story. Wang pitched brilliantly facing only two batters over the minimum and allowing only 2 hits. The first was a home run that Abreu should have caught and the other was a 2 out bunt in the 9th inning that would have never happened had Abreu caught that ball. In fairness though earlier in the game their was a play that was ruled an error that probably shouldn't have been. Wang has been great so far and gave the Yankees their first win over Boston of the year. The offense was also solid. Jose Molina had yet another great game with an RBI double and he also scored a run. Jason Giambi also had a homer to break the tie. Alberto Gonzalez had a double and has played pretty well so far to replace Jeter.

Bounce back win for Pettitte

Score:

Yankees- 6
Royals- 1

Andy Pettitte's performance was the key to this game. He had a bad first inning but then settled down to make a good start. Joba and Rivera finished off the game. The offense also came alive. Melky, A-Rod, and Posada all had homers. The Posada homer was expecially important since it seems that he`ll be okay. The guys at RAB brought up the point that maybe the Yankees should ride Molina's hot bat and have him start at catcher while Posada plays first. Its an idea worth considering. I don't see how Posada could be a worse defender at first than Duncan, Molina's an improvement over Posada, and Molina got as good a shot of having a fluke year as Duncan.

Sorry

Sorry about not writing a recap for yesterday`s game. My computer still isn't working right.

Kennedy`s okay

False alarm with Kennedy. He`s alright and Girardi decided to wait to use him in case the game gets rained out. Seems pretty smart to me.

When will it end?

Now YES is saying Kennedy will miss his start and Brian Bruney will take his spot. Look for a long game tonight.

Posada/Jeter Injurys

Posada is saying that his arm feels dead. This is a bad sign. He might be going on the DL. At least we don't have to rely on Jose Molina.

Secondly, Alberto Gonzalez is getting called up. Probably Duncan will be sent down. I`m excited to see Gonzalez to be honest but I hope Jeter gets back soon.

Posada and Jeter are key players for the Yankees and they need them healthy to win.

EDIT- Turns out Posada is only going to be out for a few days and Morgan Ensberg is going on the DL for a twisted ankle.

Rough Day

Score:

Royals- 5
Yankees- 2

Sorry about not posting a recap for yesterday`s game. My computer is really not working well lately. Hughes had a rough outing today going only 3 innings. Hawkins and Ohlendorf weren't really that good either. However, on the bright side Billy Traber looks like he really might be a solid left-handed reliever after all.

The offense is still slumping as well. A-Rod went 0-4 with 4 K's today. Nobody had more than 1 hit either and their wasn't a single extra base hit all game either. This was against Brian Bannister as well. Why does the offense have to do this early in the season every year.

Also, I might as well just adress the Jeter injury thing right now. Supposedly he`ll only miss 3 games. I think the Yankees should consider putting him on the DL just to be careful but I don't really know the extent of the injury. Putting A-Rod at short for 3 games doesn't make much sense to me either.

Big Start for Mussina

This is a big start for Mike Mussina. I would think that Mussina is on a short leash especially after his last start. So far so good though.

Wang pulls through

Score:

Yankees- 2
Rays- 0

Again, sorry for the lateness my computer has not been working at all lately. Wang was brilliant for 6 innings shutting out the Rays before getting in trouble in the 7th he let runners get on the corners with nobody. Girardi made the right move next in going to Joba who K'ed the first guy he faced and then got lucky with a LD double play to get out of the inning. Joba had an easy 8th and then handed it over to Rivera in the 9th. Rivera closed the door then.

The offense was again less than brilliant but were backed by sick pitching. They got only two runs on a Hideki Matsui HR. A-Rod also had a double. Looks like A-Rod`s going to have another great year which is something they`re going to need. Its still early in the year but unless we suddenly turn out to have incredible pitching which I would say is pretty unlikely. Still not even close to being worried yet though.

Joe Girardi=genius

As I`m typing this its the 7th inning of a 2-0 game (Yanks are up). Runners are on the corners with nobody out. The game is on the line but its the 7th inning. Girardi decides to go with his best option in the bullpen in Joba instead of the mediocore middle reliever and sticking with the 8th inning guy theory that Torre loved. Its a new era.

EDIT- And they get out of the inning. Admittedly with a little luck (SO then a LD double play). Whether they win or not Girardi made the right move.

To all the people that wish Torre had gotten a multi year deal.....

Luis Vizcaino is now on the DL with a shoulder injury. I wonder how that happened.....

2008 Red Sox-Yankees Comparison

Starting Pitching



Number Four Starter- Ian Kennedy/Clay Buchholz- Kennedy is generally considered the one with the lowest ceiling of the Yankees three big pitching prospects but he is also considered the most polished and ready right now. Kennedy is going to have to be an innings eater for the Yankees (along with Wang and Pettitte) if they are to do well since Joba and Hughes both have innings limits and nobody trusts Mussina. Kennedy was actually a September call-up who took Mussina's spot in the rotation after Mussina struggled. During this time he did very well but this was only a month and I`m not going to use any stats from that time. Kennedy has a low 90's fastball, a very good changeup, and a good curve. However, he relies a lot on his control. Kennedy is not going to strikeout a ton of guys like Joba or Hughes but he will have better control. Buchholz also came up late in the year with a lot of hype and comparisons to Hughes and Joba. He also delivered. He threw a no-hitter during his callup. Buchholz has a low 90's fastball, a very good curveball, a changeup, and a rarely used slider. Sound familiar? Buchholz is very similar to Hughes both in potential, stuff, and readiness.

Conclusion- Clay Buchholz- Both are very young prospect but like I mentioned before Buchholz is comparable to Phil Hughes and I think everybody agrees that Hughes and Kennedy are not on the same level. Obviously, they`re both very young and either one could best or be the next great pitcher.

Number Five Starter- Mike Mussina/Tim Wakefield- Mussina had a poor 2007 during which he was replaced by Ian Kennedy. Mussina came into the season throwing a bit slower than usual. He seemed to be doing better midseason but he ended awfully sometimes throwing only an 84 mph fastball in September. His curveball also slowed down. The results weren`t pretty. He struck out more than 2 less batters every 9 innings in 2007 even though his control didn't really fall off. His GB% stayed about the same to. The reduced amount of strikeouts lef to an ERA over 5.00. After a rest when Kennedy took over for him while he went on the DL he seemed to be throwing a little harder and pitching better. To be honest, I don't think he`s going to get back that extra velocity or that he can reinvent himself and I have little trust in him. Throwing slowly has never been a problem for Tim Wakefield though. For some reason knuckleballers seem to go against the norm with DIPS stats. They can survive with a low K/BB and low GB% for some reason. Wakefield is what he is and with his knuckleball he can probably go on like this indefinitely. He`s not great and tends to be inconsistent but he`s fine for a 5th starter.

Conclusion- Tim Wakefield- Wakefield had a 4.52 RCA in 2007 compared to Mussina's 4.86. Mussina could possibly do better than Wakefield this year but I wouldn't bet on it. As I said before, Mussina just needs to get a few extra miles on his fastball. Maybe the answer is to go to a 6 man rotation so he can get more rest. Maybe their`s nothing they can do about him and they just need to move Joba to the rotation.

Overall Conclusion on Starting Pitching- Red Sox- This was Boston big edge in 2007 and it looks like it will unfortunately continue into 2008. Of the pitchers with a large enough sample size for it to be worth anything (this counted Hughes and excluded Kennedy and Buchholz) the Yankees had a 2007 RCA of 4.52 and Boston had one of 3.90. On the bright side though the Yankees do have a few things going for them. Hughes mgiht do better without an injury shortened season, Joba should be in the rotation a few months into the season and would likely be a boost, Kennedy could help lower that number. Joe Girardi also seems to have less patience for Mussina and if Mussina struggles then he will not continue to give him starts. Also, Josh Beckett probably won't repeat his unbelievable 2007 and Schilling could miss a big chunk of the season. All that`s left of this series of posts is the bullpen and then my final conclusion about the two teams. :)