The Daily News has an article headlined "Joba Chamberlain may start next season in bullpen for Yankees " but the headline does not jive with the content. Cashman is non-committal to any strategy other then preparing Joba as a starter;
"We're going to prepare him as a starter and we see him as a starter," Yankee GM Brian Cashman said yesterday. "But we have an innings limit that he won't exceed. How we manage the innings limit remains to be seen. The plan is to have him start, but there are a number of scenarios that we'll review."
A non-story.
Also, there is now talk that the Yankees are out of the Johan sweepstakes and this comes a week after Hank said the Yanks were still in it. So now the Red Sox were about to make a deal, then they were the clear leaders, then Johan was not going to be traded, then the Yanks were the leaders and now they are out of it with the Mets in the lead. Got it? Ignore all the talk until something happens. I still say he ends up in the Bronx.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
I Eschew Pompous Postulation
Did you read the guest blog @ Lohud today? If you didn't, take a look.
After reading the post I proceeded to the author's blog - Yankee Republic.
Now, I am not typically one to denigrate others' writing, but about the only thing I hate more than someone preaching at me from his/her self erected alter is someone doing so in self-important, self-aggrandizing verbiage.
No one speaks that way, and his whole blog is written like that! Other than in a thinly veiled attempt to try and look smart, writing in this manner is nothing but pompous drivel. I bet that every time he finds a 5-star word in that overused thesaurus of his he rings a special bell on his desk to celebrate yet another triumph over concise, content-based writing.
Not only is it written like he is trying to impress the Dean of English studies at Oxford, but it is wholly inaccurate as well. He writes -
Why, for example, do the Yankees alone seem to project Hughes a bonafide ace?
Hughes has been in everyone's top 5 prospects in all of baseball for the past 3 years; how is that the Yankees alone? J'accuse: A Pompous Blog! And BTW - he needs a punctuation guide to go along with the Thesaurus; I haven't seen worse use of the comma since my daughter's 2nd grade Jenny Archer book report!
If you have something to say you Frazer wannabe, just say it! Don't drape a thesaurus around it and hang allegorical idioms from it like madrigal holiday sapling simply to augment your affected aplomb!
Sheesh!
After reading the post I proceeded to the author's blog - Yankee Republic.
Now, I am not typically one to denigrate others' writing, but about the only thing I hate more than someone preaching at me from his/her self erected alter is someone doing so in self-important, self-aggrandizing verbiage.
No one speaks that way, and his whole blog is written like that! Other than in a thinly veiled attempt to try and look smart, writing in this manner is nothing but pompous drivel. I bet that every time he finds a 5-star word in that overused thesaurus of his he rings a special bell on his desk to celebrate yet another triumph over concise, content-based writing.
Not only is it written like he is trying to impress the Dean of English studies at Oxford, but it is wholly inaccurate as well. He writes -
Why, for example, do the Yankees alone seem to project Hughes a bonafide ace?
Hughes has been in everyone's top 5 prospects in all of baseball for the past 3 years; how is that the Yankees alone? J'accuse: A Pompous Blog! And BTW - he needs a punctuation guide to go along with the Thesaurus; I haven't seen worse use of the comma since my daughter's 2nd grade Jenny Archer book report!
If you have something to say you Frazer wannabe, just say it! Don't drape a thesaurus around it and hang allegorical idioms from it like madrigal holiday sapling simply to augment your affected aplomb!
Sheesh!
Let's Go Mets!
Betcha never thought you'd see that headline here, huh?
Right now, though, I am rooting real hard for the Mets.
It has been widely reported that Omar has not only wiggled his way into the Johan Santana party, but may now be the favorite to take the pretty girl home with him. Go Omar!!
If the Mets can pull this off, we as Yankee fans should be thrilled! Not only will we get to keep The Messiah (Hughes), but we won't have to see Johan in a Red Sox uniform for the next 5 to 7 years...a total win/win!
I can't help but be a little happy that I have this terrible song stuck in my head.....
Meet the Mets, meet the Mets. Come on out andbeat greet the Mets...
Right now, though, I am rooting real hard for the Mets.
It has been widely reported that Omar has not only wiggled his way into the Johan Santana party, but may now be the favorite to take the pretty girl home with him. Go Omar!!
If the Mets can pull this off, we as Yankee fans should be thrilled! Not only will we get to keep The Messiah (Hughes), but we won't have to see Johan in a Red Sox uniform for the next 5 to 7 years...a total win/win!
I can't help but be a little happy that I have this terrible song stuck in my head.....
Meet the Mets, meet the Mets. Come on out and
Immunity? We don't need no Stinkin' Immunity!
It's been reported that Clemens will not be receiving immunity for his testimony in front of congress; one question - why should he?
Rocket is going to The Hill to defend his name; he is going to convince the world that McNamee is a liar and he didn't use PEDs. Why in god's name would he want immunity?
I am really looking forward to The Rocket's testimony. As someone who wants to believe him I have to believe that the prospect of losing everything far outweighs his baseball legacy. If he used and lies to Congress he will go to jail. If he tells the truth all that happens is his baseball legacy is tarnished, but he goes on with his very (his words) 'blessed life.'
I am going to use the congressional testimony to make my final decision about whether I believe Roger ever used. As of now, I am doing what everyone should - give him the benefit of the doubt.
Rocket is going to The Hill to defend his name; he is going to convince the world that McNamee is a liar and he didn't use PEDs. Why in god's name would he want immunity?
I am really looking forward to The Rocket's testimony. As someone who wants to believe him I have to believe that the prospect of losing everything far outweighs his baseball legacy. If he used and lies to Congress he will go to jail. If he tells the truth all that happens is his baseball legacy is tarnished, but he goes on with his very (his words) 'blessed life.'
I am going to use the congressional testimony to make my final decision about whether I believe Roger ever used. As of now, I am doing what everyone should - give him the benefit of the doubt.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Jason Giambi - A look back
Jason Giambi has now played 6 years with the New York Yankees following his 6 full years in Oakland. While most would consider Giambi a pretty major bust, I thought it would be a good exercise to see how the two halves to his career compare.
Jason has now played 752 games with the Yankees after playing 899 from '96 to '01 with the A's; that's a difference of almost 25 games a year. One thing we can say for certain is Jason has not stayed healthy enough. But how does his production stack up?
First, lets look at Jason's Power Numbers:
HR's - A's - 181, Yankees - 177
AB per HR - A's - 17.8, Yankees - 13.9
SLG % - A's - .553, Yankees - .525
So Giambi's power number were pretty close; he hit more home runs per AB, but his slugging numbers went down slightly meaning less hits.
Giambi's other big ability is his his ability to get on base. How does that compare?
OBP % - A's - .415, Yankees - .409
BA - A's - .311, Yankees - .263
Considering the significant drop in BA it is impressive how Giambi has maintained his ability to get on base. However, the Yankees were expecting an all around top level hitter, not an all or nothing slugger. A couple of more important stats:
AB per K - A's - 5.6, Yankees - 4.2(Over 500 abs, that is the difference between 88 and 120ks)
AB per BB - A's - 5.8, Yankees - 4.6
ABs - A's - 3222, Yankees - 2476
So Giambi's dip in BA can be attributed to a higher strikeout rate which he made up for by a more discerning eye.
Giambi's average numbers do not tell the whole story because he really had monster years in 2000 and 2001 (.333/43/137 & .342/38/120). The end result is the Yankees got an all or nothing brittle superstar, not the MVP caliber beast they thought they were getting. However, his numbers are surprisingly close between the two halves of his career and he performed almost as well as could be expected considering his age.
Jason has now played 752 games with the Yankees after playing 899 from '96 to '01 with the A's; that's a difference of almost 25 games a year. One thing we can say for certain is Jason has not stayed healthy enough. But how does his production stack up?
First, lets look at Jason's Power Numbers:
HR's - A's - 181, Yankees - 177
AB per HR - A's - 17.8, Yankees - 13.9
SLG % - A's - .553, Yankees - .525
So Giambi's power number were pretty close; he hit more home runs per AB, but his slugging numbers went down slightly meaning less hits.
Giambi's other big ability is his his ability to get on base. How does that compare?
OBP % - A's - .415, Yankees - .409
BA - A's - .311, Yankees - .263
Considering the significant drop in BA it is impressive how Giambi has maintained his ability to get on base. However, the Yankees were expecting an all around top level hitter, not an all or nothing slugger. A couple of more important stats:
AB per K - A's - 5.6, Yankees - 4.2(Over 500 abs, that is the difference between 88 and 120ks)
AB per BB - A's - 5.8, Yankees - 4.6
ABs - A's - 3222, Yankees - 2476
So Giambi's dip in BA can be attributed to a higher strikeout rate which he made up for by a more discerning eye.
Giambi's average numbers do not tell the whole story because he really had monster years in 2000 and 2001 (.333/43/137 & .342/38/120). The end result is the Yankees got an all or nothing brittle superstar, not the MVP caliber beast they thought they were getting. However, his numbers are surprisingly close between the two halves of his career and he performed almost as well as could be expected considering his age.
Since Cairo is no longer Available....
And the Yankees clearly need a no-hit first baseman;
...the Yankees have interest in adding free agent Jason Lane, according to a source.
Lane, 31, was not tendered a contract by the Padres after hitting .178 with eight homers and 27 RBIs last season. He began last year with Houston and went to San Diego in a September trade.
Though Lane is a career outfielder, the Yankees believe he would be a quick study at first base, where he has appeared in four games during his six-year major league career. "
Ok, so we have a bad hitter who has never played first base before, sounds like a solid plan. I have always thought defense at first base is a little overrated(sorry Donnie ballgame) and it drives me insane to see the Doug M, Cario, Andy Phillips and now possibly Jason Lane's of the world getting significant time at first base for the Yankees. If Duncan and his blood clot are an issue why not take your chances on some time for Matsui at first or even Juan Miranda?
Also interesting read a common side effect of steroids is blood clots....
...the Yankees have interest in adding free agent Jason Lane, according to a source.
Lane, 31, was not tendered a contract by the Padres after hitting .178 with eight homers and 27 RBIs last season. He began last year with Houston and went to San Diego in a September trade.
Though Lane is a career outfielder, the Yankees believe he would be a quick study at first base, where he has appeared in four games during his six-year major league career. "
Ok, so we have a bad hitter who has never played first base before, sounds like a solid plan. I have always thought defense at first base is a little overrated(sorry Donnie ballgame) and it drives me insane to see the Doug M, Cario, Andy Phillips and now possibly Jason Lane's of the world getting significant time at first base for the Yankees. If Duncan and his blood clot are an issue why not take your chances on some time for Matsui at first or even Juan Miranda?
Also interesting read a common side effect of steroids is blood clots....
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
MLB GM
There is a new baseball blog on the horizon that is worth a read;
http://mlbgm.blogspot.com/
Check it out.
http://mlbgm.blogspot.com/
Check it out.
McNamee/Clemens Mitchell Report Revisited
Now that Roger is in full attack mode there is a lot of misinformation floating around about what McNamee said to Mitchell and what is in the Mitchell report. Lets take a look back and clear some things up;
- I heard Robb Dibble and Kevin Kennedy discuss how McNamee was up to something because he didn't even have a written agreement with the feds. Mitchell report says
"McNamee, through his attorney, entered into a written agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California." - Some so called experts have also used the McNamee never said he provided Clemens with drugs defense. Mitchell report once again debunks "According to McNamee, during the middle of the 2000 season Clemens made it clear that he was ready to use steroids again. During the latter part of the regular season, McNamee injected Clemens in the buttocks four to six times with testosterone from a bottle labeled either Sustanon 250 or Deca-Durabolin that McNamee had obtained from Radomski."
- Some also question why there isn't a paper trail like in the Balco scandel. A couple of experts provide a window into that; " McNamee stated that he has no ill will toward Clemens and “was always ahead [financially] with Roger.” McNamee received money for expenses from Clemens’s business representatives. They paid McNamee for training Clemens, and for his expenses. From time to time Clemens also gave McNamee “extra money.” Clemens never gave money to McNamee specifically to buy performance enhancing substances."
Roger really had the best possible cover for his dealer; a guy already on his payroll who was also paid by his business partners. He also gave him extra money, we'll call it a Christmas bonus but never paid specifically for steroids. Roger is lying I firmly believe that, I suspected him prior to the report coming out and nothing has made me change my opinion.
The thing I am anxious to see is what Andy Pettitte is going to do with congress. The hearing was delayed so prosecutors could gather evidence and prepare, maybe for a Bonds like perjury follow-up. So how does Andy handle that? Refuse to go? Plead the 5th? Sell out his best friend? And how has this affected their relationship? By Andy coming out and admitting guilt he is clearly taking a different path then Clemens. This is just going to get worse and drag on longer then the Johan situation....
Update on the Pursuit of All Things Enchanted
Newsday's Kat O'Brien spoke with HankenStein yesterday and discussed the Yankees never-ending non-pursuit of the mythical creature Johan Santana. In addition to expressing worry about the fabled Johan's on-again/off-again love triangle with Cinderella and and the tooth fairy, Hank actually did say something of note -
"I wouldn't do it if it were a six- or seven-year contract," Steinbrenner said. "I wouldn't go past five, on an extension."
Ugh.
Deadlines, ultimatums and now maximum extension lengths...does Hank EVER shut up?
"I wouldn't do it if it were a six- or seven-year contract," Steinbrenner said. "I wouldn't go past five, on an extension."
Ugh.
Deadlines, ultimatums and now maximum extension lengths...does Hank EVER shut up?
BA Joba Scouting Report
From Baseball America -
1. Joba Chamberlain, rhp Born: September 23, 1985 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 230
Drafted: Nebraska, 2006 (1st round supplemental) • Signed by: Steve Lemke/Tim Kelly
Background: As a 272-pound freshman, Chamberlain went 3-6. 5.23 for Division II Nebraska-Kearney. However, he started to emerge as a player there, improving his body and reaching the low 90s with his fastball. After one season, he transferred to Nebraska, where he starred for his hometown Cornhuskers. While his talent made him a consensus top prospect for the 2006 draft, his stock fell because of concerns about a knee injury that required surgery in the fall of 2004. He fell to the Yankees with the 41st overall pick and signed for $1.15 million. A member of the Winnebago tribe, he became the second-highest Native American ever drafted, behind only Jacoby Ellsbury. After signing, Chamberlain reported to Hawaii Winter Baseball, where he ranked as the No. 1 prospect in his first pro action. Chamberlain had a mild hamstring pull last spring and didn't make his pro debut until May, then made the minor leagues look easy. After breezing through high Class A Tampa and Double-A Trenton, Chamberlain moved to the bullpen to help the Yankees fill a big league need. He made the majors look easy too, giving up just one earned run in 19 outings. Only Mother Nature could stop him. He coughed up a 2-1 lead against the Indians in Game Three of the Division Series after he was swarmed by midges and lost his focus.
Strengths: Scouts chuckle with delight discussing Chamberlain's raw stuff, and several give him 70 or 80 grades on the 20-80 scouting scale for three different pitches. He reached 100 mph with his fastball as a reliever, and more impressively can sit at 96-97 mph when he starts. His fastball command grades at least major league average, if not higher. He also commands two breaking balls—a mid-80s slider with depth and a nasty power curveball in the low 80s. Both are strikeout pitches, and he's adept at keeping his hand on top of the curve and behind the slider. He even has shown a solid-average changeup. His arm action is clean, and his fierce competitive streak helps give him something extra when he needs it.
Weaknesses: Chamberlain will need to keep his weight in check, which would help him avoid any recurrence of his past knee, hamstring or triceps tendinitis issues. He needs to maintain the mechanical improvements he has made as a pro, which keep him more balanced and direct his energy toward the plate, rather than side-to-side. He must prove he can maintain his stuff through a full season. His career high for innings remains the 119 he threw for Nebraska as a sophomore.
The Future: While his big league debut hinted that he could be an elite closer almost immediately, Chamberlain fits the No. 1 starter profile in nearly every way except for the workhorse part of the equation. If they were only thinking of his development, the Yankees would limit him to 170 innings or so. He's likely to pitch so well as to tempt new manager Joe Girardi to use him more than that, however. If he remains healthy, Chamberlain has multiple all-star appearances in his future.
1. Joba Chamberlain, rhp Born: September 23, 1985 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 230
Drafted: Nebraska, 2006 (1st round supplemental) • Signed by: Steve Lemke/Tim Kelly
Background: As a 272-pound freshman, Chamberlain went 3-6. 5.23 for Division II Nebraska-Kearney. However, he started to emerge as a player there, improving his body and reaching the low 90s with his fastball. After one season, he transferred to Nebraska, where he starred for his hometown Cornhuskers. While his talent made him a consensus top prospect for the 2006 draft, his stock fell because of concerns about a knee injury that required surgery in the fall of 2004. He fell to the Yankees with the 41st overall pick and signed for $1.15 million. A member of the Winnebago tribe, he became the second-highest Native American ever drafted, behind only Jacoby Ellsbury. After signing, Chamberlain reported to Hawaii Winter Baseball, where he ranked as the No. 1 prospect in his first pro action. Chamberlain had a mild hamstring pull last spring and didn't make his pro debut until May, then made the minor leagues look easy. After breezing through high Class A Tampa and Double-A Trenton, Chamberlain moved to the bullpen to help the Yankees fill a big league need. He made the majors look easy too, giving up just one earned run in 19 outings. Only Mother Nature could stop him. He coughed up a 2-1 lead against the Indians in Game Three of the Division Series after he was swarmed by midges and lost his focus.
Strengths: Scouts chuckle with delight discussing Chamberlain's raw stuff, and several give him 70 or 80 grades on the 20-80 scouting scale for three different pitches. He reached 100 mph with his fastball as a reliever, and more impressively can sit at 96-97 mph when he starts. His fastball command grades at least major league average, if not higher. He also commands two breaking balls—a mid-80s slider with depth and a nasty power curveball in the low 80s. Both are strikeout pitches, and he's adept at keeping his hand on top of the curve and behind the slider. He even has shown a solid-average changeup. His arm action is clean, and his fierce competitive streak helps give him something extra when he needs it.
Weaknesses: Chamberlain will need to keep his weight in check, which would help him avoid any recurrence of his past knee, hamstring or triceps tendinitis issues. He needs to maintain the mechanical improvements he has made as a pro, which keep him more balanced and direct his energy toward the plate, rather than side-to-side. He must prove he can maintain his stuff through a full season. His career high for innings remains the 119 he threw for Nebraska as a sophomore.
The Future: While his big league debut hinted that he could be an elite closer almost immediately, Chamberlain fits the No. 1 starter profile in nearly every way except for the workhorse part of the equation. If they were only thinking of his development, the Yankees would limit him to 170 innings or so. He's likely to pitch so well as to tempt new manager Joe Girardi to use him more than that, however. If he remains healthy, Chamberlain has multiple all-star appearances in his future.
All Yankees fans should be 'chuckling with delight!" - it's gonna be huge fun watching this kid dominate for the next 20 years!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Hall of Fame - Goose In; Only one
With 86% of the vote, Goose Gossage made the Hall of Fame. He was the only person elected this year as Jim Rice fell 16 votes shy with 72.2%. Mark MacGwire received less than 24%.
Player Votes Pct.
Goose Gossage 466 85.6
Jim Rice 392 72.2
Andre Dawson 358 65.9
Bert Blyleven 336 61.9
Lee Smith 235 43.3
Jack Morris 233 42.9
Tommy John 158 29.1
Tim Raines 132 24.3
Mark McGwire 128 23.6
Alan Trammell 99 18.2
Dave Concepcion 88 16.2
Don Mattingly 86 15.8
Dave Parker 82 15.1
Dale Murphy 75 13.8
Harold Baines 28 5.2
Others receiving votes:
Rod Beck 2, Travis Fryman 2, Robb Nen 2, Shawon Dunston 1, Chuck Finley 1, David Justice 1, Chuck Knoblauch 1, Todd Stottlemyre 1.
Player Votes Pct.
Goose Gossage 466 85.6
Jim Rice 392 72.2
Andre Dawson 358 65.9
Bert Blyleven 336 61.9
Lee Smith 235 43.3
Jack Morris 233 42.9
Tommy John 158 29.1
Tim Raines 132 24.3
Mark McGwire 128 23.6
Alan Trammell 99 18.2
Dave Concepcion 88 16.2
Don Mattingly 86 15.8
Dave Parker 82 15.1
Dale Murphy 75 13.8
Harold Baines 28 5.2
Others receiving votes:
Rod Beck 2, Travis Fryman 2, Robb Nen 2, Shawon Dunston 1, Chuck Finley 1, David Justice 1, Chuck Knoblauch 1, Todd Stottlemyre 1.
Monday, January 7, 2008
BA Top Ten Yankee Prospect
BA released their top ten Yankee prospects today. My takeaway from this list is just how damn good Joba could be. He is listed as having the best fastball, slider and curveball in the organization. Also, this quote makes me tingle;
Scouts chuckle with delight discussing Chamberlain's raw stuff...
You know what makes me chuckle? Not the three dominant pitches but the two straight high hard ones to Kevin Youkilis. Joba is a beast!
Scouts chuckle with delight discussing Chamberlain's raw stuff...
You know what makes me chuckle? Not the three dominant pitches but the two straight high hard ones to Kevin Youkilis. Joba is a beast!
Projecting Current Yankee HOFers
The hall of fame results are set to be announces tomorrow at 2pm and it got me thinking, How many current Yankees will end up making the Hall? Now even though I project the holy trinity to dominate for years lets skip the kids, including Cano, for this exercise and only look at players with 10+ years in the league.
No-Brainers
Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Alex Rodriguez
All three are first-ballot candidates even if they never played another game. Jeter will have 3,000 hits barring injury (has 2356) and with all his gold gloves and clutch play he is in. ARod might become a guy everyone starts rooting for as he starts to erase Bonds from history, he really could retire today and be a first ballot candidate. Rivera is the greatest closer ever, period.
Borderline
Mike Mussina, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada
Mussina
Now Mussina has a real good shot. His numbers are pretty close;
Top Ten Cy Young - 8 times
Top Ten Wins - 8 times
Top Ten K's - 10 times
Top Ten adjusted ERA+ - 10 times
Five Time All-Star(Seems low)
6 Gold Gloves
Career ERA 3.70
250 Career Wins
The biggest issue Mussina will have is not with the quality of his numbers but the fact that he doesn't have any of he criteria that voters love; a high peak, reaching number thresholds and postseason excellence. High Peak-Moose never won 20 games and never won the Cy Young. He was always overshadowed by Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez and Randy Johnson. Reaching Numbers - 250 wins is nice but 300 is still where automatic election begins. Postseason excellence - Moose pitched some great games in the post season but his numbers (Except Wins) are almost a carbon-copy of his regular season numbers(3.42 Era more then a K per inning). I once heard Moose referred to as Mr Almost, almost wins 20 games, almost won a series, almost pitches a perfect game and it looks like almost makes the hall.
Andy Pettitte
Andy has 200 Wins at age 35 and could become a strong candidate if he pitched well for 3-4 more years. Add in his 18-7 postseason record and he becomes a real strong maybe. However, it looks like he will pack it in sooner rather then later and end his career with 230+ wins, that won't be enough but if he has a late career surge he could make it in.
Jorge Posada
I was surprised to find myself putting Jorge on this list but he has 5 silver slugger awards in the eight years since he been a full-time player. Does the best player at a position for almost a decade deserve consideration for the hall? I think so. Jorge does only have 218 career home runs, to have a reasonable shot he needs to eclipse 300.
Most likely we are probably looking at four who end up getting in; Rivera, Jeter, ARod and one from Posada, Moose and Andy.
No-Brainers
Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Alex Rodriguez
All three are first-ballot candidates even if they never played another game. Jeter will have 3,000 hits barring injury (has 2356) and with all his gold gloves and clutch play he is in. ARod might become a guy everyone starts rooting for as he starts to erase Bonds from history, he really could retire today and be a first ballot candidate. Rivera is the greatest closer ever, period.
Borderline
Mike Mussina, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada
Mussina
Now Mussina has a real good shot. His numbers are pretty close;
Top Ten Cy Young - 8 times
Top Ten Wins - 8 times
Top Ten K's - 10 times
Top Ten adjusted ERA+ - 10 times
Five Time All-Star(Seems low)
6 Gold Gloves
Career ERA 3.70
250 Career Wins
The biggest issue Mussina will have is not with the quality of his numbers but the fact that he doesn't have any of he criteria that voters love; a high peak, reaching number thresholds and postseason excellence. High Peak-Moose never won 20 games and never won the Cy Young. He was always overshadowed by Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez and Randy Johnson. Reaching Numbers - 250 wins is nice but 300 is still where automatic election begins. Postseason excellence - Moose pitched some great games in the post season but his numbers (Except Wins) are almost a carbon-copy of his regular season numbers(3.42 Era more then a K per inning). I once heard Moose referred to as Mr Almost, almost wins 20 games, almost won a series, almost pitches a perfect game and it looks like almost makes the hall.
Andy Pettitte
Andy has 200 Wins at age 35 and could become a strong candidate if he pitched well for 3-4 more years. Add in his 18-7 postseason record and he becomes a real strong maybe. However, it looks like he will pack it in sooner rather then later and end his career with 230+ wins, that won't be enough but if he has a late career surge he could make it in.
Jorge Posada
I was surprised to find myself putting Jorge on this list but he has 5 silver slugger awards in the eight years since he been a full-time player. Does the best player at a position for almost a decade deserve consideration for the hall? I think so. Jorge does only have 218 career home runs, to have a reasonable shot he needs to eclipse 300.
Most likely we are probably looking at four who end up getting in; Rivera, Jeter, ARod and one from Posada, Moose and Andy.
Santana Trade - Comparing the offers
I found a great article by Aaron Gleeman comparing the two packages(Red Sox & Yankees) on the table for Santana.;
Those packages are relatively similar in terms of overall value, so unless other teams get heavily involved the Twins' choice may ultimately come down to picking between Hughes, Ellsbury, or Lester as the deal's centerpiece.
He continues
Toss in immediate success as a big leaguer and that's about as good as it gets for a pitcher who won't turn 22 years old until a couple weeks before the 2008 All-Star game. As I wrote two months ago when discussing Hughes' inclusion in various early Santana rumors, short of cloning Francisco Liriano or convincing the Mariners to part with Felix Hernandez, Hughes represents the best chance the Twins have of replacing Santana with an early-20s pitcher capable of being a true No. 1 starter.....
On to Ellsbury
Ellsbury fills an immediate need for the Twins and looks like a relatively sure thing to become at least a good player, but his ceiling is seemingly along the lines of Lofton or Johnny Damon. Hughes' ceiling is that of a true ace who could literally replace Santana at the top of the rotation in time, but he'd add to what's already an area of strength for the Twins and there's more risk that he'll flop completely whether because of injuries or performance.
So it basically comes down to higher risk higher reward for Hughes or low risk low reward for Ellsbury. Gleeman wraps it up by saying;
..they'd be smart to go after the one player who clearly gives them the best chance to come away from the Santana deal with a superstar. In other words, Phil Hughes.
Exactly my sentiments, the twins need to get an impact player for Santana and Ellsbury projects at best to be a complimentary player, not a superstar. I still believe that Johan will be a Yankee I just hope it happens soon so we can move on with our lives.
Those packages are relatively similar in terms of overall value, so unless other teams get heavily involved the Twins' choice may ultimately come down to picking between Hughes, Ellsbury, or Lester as the deal's centerpiece.
He continues
Toss in immediate success as a big leaguer and that's about as good as it gets for a pitcher who won't turn 22 years old until a couple weeks before the 2008 All-Star game. As I wrote two months ago when discussing Hughes' inclusion in various early Santana rumors, short of cloning Francisco Liriano or convincing the Mariners to part with Felix Hernandez, Hughes represents the best chance the Twins have of replacing Santana with an early-20s pitcher capable of being a true No. 1 starter.....
On to Ellsbury
Ellsbury fills an immediate need for the Twins and looks like a relatively sure thing to become at least a good player, but his ceiling is seemingly along the lines of Lofton or Johnny Damon. Hughes' ceiling is that of a true ace who could literally replace Santana at the top of the rotation in time, but he'd add to what's already an area of strength for the Twins and there's more risk that he'll flop completely whether because of injuries or performance.
So it basically comes down to higher risk higher reward for Hughes or low risk low reward for Ellsbury. Gleeman wraps it up by saying;
..they'd be smart to go after the one player who clearly gives them the best chance to come away from the Santana deal with a superstar. In other words, Phil Hughes.
Exactly my sentiments, the twins need to get an impact player for Santana and Ellsbury projects at best to be a complimentary player, not a superstar. I still believe that Johan will be a Yankee I just hope it happens soon so we can move on with our lives.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
2008 - The Cashman Swan Song?
Brian Cashman made some interesting comments at Theo Epstein's charity round table;
On Hank and Hal
"So I’m focused fully on doing everything I possibly can to assist them in their emergence now as decision makers.”
On His future with the Yankees;
"Because of all the work that gets involved with doing the job, it kind of prevents me from really looking ahead past this year,” he said. “I’m just doing everything I possibly can to assist the transition with the new manager, the new owners, with the involvement now with the Steinbrenner sons. And then the rest will take care of itself at another time.”
Now Cashman fought hard to have the final say on all baseball decisions and that power has clearly been transferred to the Brothers. I would expect that at the end of this year we might be looking at another power struggle by Cashman and this one I think he will loose. George was aging in 2005 and clearly needed to get out of the day to day operations of the Yankees Hank and Hal are just getting their feet wet and Hank clearly loves the spotlight.
So the question is will Cashman except less control and if he doesn't do we as Yankee fans have reason to feel concerned?
I can see Cashman walking. He has spent 10 years with the Yankees and is well respected in the game. He probably will have no trouble finding another job.
So do we care? You have to give Cashman some credit for the recent success of the player development program but really the man who deserves the bulk of the credit is Damon Oppenheimer. With Hank at least publicly stating interest in the youth movement and Hal's tight purse strings you can expect Damon to continue to make a large impact without Cashman and for the Yankees to give some of these guys a shot. Cashman has not had a lot of success with his veteran player moves especially pitchers in recent years (Wright, Pavano, Randy, Vasquez, Weaver) and continues to make questionable decisions(1 year of Hawkins instead of 2 with Vizcaino) so in the end I am not sure if this would really be a lose at all.
My take - thanks for time serve Cashman turn off the lights on your way out.
On Hank and Hal
"So I’m focused fully on doing everything I possibly can to assist them in their emergence now as decision makers.”
On His future with the Yankees;
"Because of all the work that gets involved with doing the job, it kind of prevents me from really looking ahead past this year,” he said. “I’m just doing everything I possibly can to assist the transition with the new manager, the new owners, with the involvement now with the Steinbrenner sons. And then the rest will take care of itself at another time.”
Now Cashman fought hard to have the final say on all baseball decisions and that power has clearly been transferred to the Brothers. I would expect that at the end of this year we might be looking at another power struggle by Cashman and this one I think he will loose. George was aging in 2005 and clearly needed to get out of the day to day operations of the Yankees Hank and Hal are just getting their feet wet and Hank clearly loves the spotlight.
So the question is will Cashman except less control and if he doesn't do we as Yankee fans have reason to feel concerned?
I can see Cashman walking. He has spent 10 years with the Yankees and is well respected in the game. He probably will have no trouble finding another job.
So do we care? You have to give Cashman some credit for the recent success of the player development program but really the man who deserves the bulk of the credit is Damon Oppenheimer. With Hank at least publicly stating interest in the youth movement and Hal's tight purse strings you can expect Damon to continue to make a large impact without Cashman and for the Yankees to give some of these guys a shot. Cashman has not had a lot of success with his veteran player moves especially pitchers in recent years (Wright, Pavano, Randy, Vasquez, Weaver) and continues to make questionable decisions(1 year of Hawkins instead of 2 with Vizcaino) so in the end I am not sure if this would really be a lose at all.
My take - thanks for time serve Cashman turn off the lights on your way out.
Friday, January 4, 2008
HOF
With the votes in but not yet counted, I thought I'd chime in on my opinion of the current bunch of HOF candidates. I don't have a vote, but if I did...
The 2 most discussed candidates this year are holdovers Jim Rice and Goose Gossage. WW has a perfect SOTD on Rice. I was against a no-defense, slugger who didn't reach 385 home runs making the HOF to begin with; when you factor in the effects of Fenway Park on his numbers the case becomes almost moot - Rice is NOT a Hall of Famer. The only case I can make for Rice is that if he gets in, Bernie (one of my all-time favorite Yankees) should be a shoo-in.
My vote on Rice - NO
Goose is a different story. While I think the fact that he held on too long actually hurt his numbers, Goose was the most dominant, nasty, scary relief pitcher of his time. Fingers and Lyle and Eck and Reardon and Sutter were all very good, but Goose was awesome and scary!
My vote on Goose - YES
Other holdovers on the ballot are Andre Dawson, Bert Blyleven, Lee Smith, Jack Morris, Tommy John, Dave Concepcion, Alan Trammell, Dave Parker, Donnie BBall, Dale Murphy and Harold Baines.
Both Dawson and Parker were very good players with very good numbers; very good, but not great - not HOF'ers. They both have a case if Rice gets in, though.
Smith was the all-time saves leader for a while, but with a 1.256 career WHIP he was far more a compiler than a dominant closer.
Alan Trammell was the kind of player you want on your team; clutch, consistent, solid D, and a really good guy - just not a HOF player.
TJ, Concepcion, Murphy and Baines simply do not stack up.
My vote on Dawson/Parker/Smith/Trammell/John/Concepcion/Murphy and Baines - NO
I love(d) Donnie, and if the back hadn't gone...
My vote on Mattingly - No
I believe Blyleven should get in. Not only does he have 280 wins, 15 years with an ERA+ of 123 or better and a sub 1.20 career WHIP over 22 seasons, he had, without a doubt, the best curve ball of all time.
My vote on Blyleven - Yes
The only first-time candidate I believe is worthy of the Hall is Tim Raines. The only reason Rock won't be a sure-fire first-ballot is because as a speed-based lead-off hitter he will inevitably (and unfairly) be compared to Rickey Henderson. No one's stats match up to Rickey's. That being said, Rock had 808 stolen bases, an OPS+ for his 23 year career of 123, 12 years of .390 or better OBP, and was one of the most dynamic and exciting players of his time. Having played his prime years in Montreal also tends to diminish people's recollection of how good Rock really was.
My vote on Tim Raines - Yes
The 2 most discussed candidates this year are holdovers Jim Rice and Goose Gossage. WW has a perfect SOTD on Rice. I was against a no-defense, slugger who didn't reach 385 home runs making the HOF to begin with; when you factor in the effects of Fenway Park on his numbers the case becomes almost moot - Rice is NOT a Hall of Famer. The only case I can make for Rice is that if he gets in, Bernie (one of my all-time favorite Yankees) should be a shoo-in.
My vote on Rice - NO
Goose is a different story. While I think the fact that he held on too long actually hurt his numbers, Goose was the most dominant, nasty, scary relief pitcher of his time. Fingers and Lyle and Eck and Reardon and Sutter were all very good, but Goose was awesome and scary!
My vote on Goose - YES
Other holdovers on the ballot are Andre Dawson, Bert Blyleven, Lee Smith, Jack Morris, Tommy John, Dave Concepcion, Alan Trammell, Dave Parker, Donnie BBall, Dale Murphy and Harold Baines.
Both Dawson and Parker were very good players with very good numbers; very good, but not great - not HOF'ers. They both have a case if Rice gets in, though.
Smith was the all-time saves leader for a while, but with a 1.256 career WHIP he was far more a compiler than a dominant closer.
Alan Trammell was the kind of player you want on your team; clutch, consistent, solid D, and a really good guy - just not a HOF player.
TJ, Concepcion, Murphy and Baines simply do not stack up.
My vote on Dawson/Parker/Smith/Trammell/John/Concepcion/Murphy and Baines - NO
I love(d) Donnie, and if the back hadn't gone...
My vote on Mattingly - No
I believe Blyleven should get in. Not only does he have 280 wins, 15 years with an ERA+ of 123 or better and a sub 1.20 career WHIP over 22 seasons, he had, without a doubt, the best curve ball of all time.
My vote on Blyleven - Yes
The only first-time candidate I believe is worthy of the Hall is Tim Raines. The only reason Rock won't be a sure-fire first-ballot is because as a speed-based lead-off hitter he will inevitably (and unfairly) be compared to Rickey Henderson. No one's stats match up to Rickey's. That being said, Rock had 808 stolen bases, an OPS+ for his 23 year career of 123, 12 years of .390 or better OBP, and was one of the most dynamic and exciting players of his time. Having played his prime years in Montreal also tends to diminish people's recollection of how good Rock really was.
My vote on Tim Raines - Yes
Red Light likes the Juice?
Was Watching references an artilcle in the Rocky Mountain news that asks our dear friend Curt 'Red Light' Schilling to explain his late career surge in light of Curt's own condemnation of late career turn arounds. I did some digging and consider this - prior to the age of 30 his k's/9 were 7.3; after the age of 30 they are 9.2.
General Joe's Staff is Seriously Lacking
The Yankee coaching staff for the 2008 season is slated to be:
Manager - Joe Girardi (1 year managing and 2 years coaching experience)
Bench Coach - Rob Thompson (0 years major league coaching experience)
1st Base coach - Tony Pena (4 years managing experience, including Manager of the Year 2003)
3rd Base coach - Bobby Meacham (0 years major league coaching experience)
Batting Coach - Kevin Long (1 year major league coaching experience)
Pitching Coach - Dave Eiland (0 years major league coaching experience)
I was (and remain) 100% behind both letting Torre go, and bringing JG in as manager; I believe General Joe will add some much needed energy to the Yanks' clubhouse and also some way overdue sanity to the Yanks' bullpen.
Where I have a problem is with the wholesale lack of experience throughout the rest of the Yanks' coaching staff. I completely understand wanting to give JG the utmost comfort in his first year. Couldn't we find a Zimmer-type, though, who has no real designs on managing but has 'seen it all?'
99% of all of the big league experience will be shaking Derek Jeter's hand at first base when strategy decisions need to be made in the dugout. Rob Thompson may be a baseball genius; Dave Eiland might be the next coming of Leo Mazzone (don't get me started on why Leo should be pitching coach!), and Bobby Meacham may be channelling Windmill Willie over at third, but why take the chance?
While I am glad General Joe got his choice of lieutenants, for a team expecting to win the World Series every year a little experience would have been nice.
Manager - Joe Girardi (1 year managing and 2 years coaching experience)
Bench Coach - Rob Thompson (0 years major league coaching experience)
1st Base coach - Tony Pena (4 years managing experience, including Manager of the Year 2003)
3rd Base coach - Bobby Meacham (0 years major league coaching experience)
Batting Coach - Kevin Long (1 year major league coaching experience)
Pitching Coach - Dave Eiland (0 years major league coaching experience)
I was (and remain) 100% behind both letting Torre go, and bringing JG in as manager; I believe General Joe will add some much needed energy to the Yanks' clubhouse and also some way overdue sanity to the Yanks' bullpen.
Where I have a problem is with the wholesale lack of experience throughout the rest of the Yanks' coaching staff. I completely understand wanting to give JG the utmost comfort in his first year. Couldn't we find a Zimmer-type, though, who has no real designs on managing but has 'seen it all?'
99% of all of the big league experience will be shaking Derek Jeter's hand at first base when strategy decisions need to be made in the dugout. Rob Thompson may be a baseball genius; Dave Eiland might be the next coming of Leo Mazzone (don't get me started on why Leo should be pitching coach!), and Bobby Meacham may be channelling Windmill Willie over at third, but why take the chance?
While I am glad General Joe got his choice of lieutenants, for a team expecting to win the World Series every year a little experience would have been nice.
The Santana Watch Day 74
Tyler Kepner has a piece in the times today echoing a line we have heard before;
Hal Steinbrenner would try to do it with the existing payroll of roughly $200 million. Hank is more inclined to add Santana, largely to keep him away from the rival Boston Red Sox.
On the surface this seems reasonable, 200 million is already a ton of money. But Johan is signed for 13 million for next year and the year after Pettitte, Abreu, Giambi and Farnsworth come off the books which will reduce the payroll by over 60 million dollars. Also, the new stadium revenue could boost already sky high revenues significantly. So the financial question really only applies to 2008 and are the Yankees really going to nix trade for baseball's best pitcher over 13 million?
Hal Steinbrenner would try to do it with the existing payroll of roughly $200 million. Hank is more inclined to add Santana, largely to keep him away from the rival Boston Red Sox.
On the surface this seems reasonable, 200 million is already a ton of money. But Johan is signed for 13 million for next year and the year after Pettitte, Abreu, Giambi and Farnsworth come off the books which will reduce the payroll by over 60 million dollars. Also, the new stadium revenue could boost already sky high revenues significantly. So the financial question really only applies to 2008 and are the Yankees really going to nix trade for baseball's best pitcher over 13 million?
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Strategy Playing Out?
In this NY Times piece, Brian McNamee's lawyer, Richard Emery, pretty much guarantees that they will sue Rocket if he calls his former trainer a liar on 60 Minutes.
Emery said if Clemens says on “60 Minutes,” before an audience that will probably exceed 10 million people, that McNamee was not truthful, it would lead to a lawsuit, which would allow him to put Clemens under oath. “He’s got a chance to protect himself,” said Emery, who is based in New York and specializes in libel and defamation actions. “We’re not going to sue him if he doesn’t do it. But if he does it, we’re going to sue him.”
I am becoming convinced that our previous take on Clemens' strategy is playing out.
Stay tuned!
Emery said if Clemens says on “60 Minutes,” before an audience that will probably exceed 10 million people, that McNamee was not truthful, it would lead to a lawsuit, which would allow him to put Clemens under oath. “He’s got a chance to protect himself,” said Emery, who is based in New York and specializes in libel and defamation actions. “We’re not going to sue him if he doesn’t do it. But if he does it, we’re going to sue him.”
I am becoming convinced that our previous take on Clemens' strategy is playing out.
Stay tuned!
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