Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Rookie Gets First Win

Considering Chase Wright had only made two starts at AA prior to the leap to the bigs - I thought he did OK - better than OK actually. He went 5, gave up 3 showed flashes of greatness with his change up and a curve that seemed to make more strikes than not. Got a win on his first night out. A welcome addition to the team regardless if only temporary.

Bull pen continued its winning ways - getting very nervous that Torre is over using Bruney though. Britton looked impressive enough for his debut to close the show.

What can you say about this offense? Giambi is hitting again, A-Rod continues to bash, and, at the end of the day, you know things are rolling when "Minky" goes yard.

Yanks win series opener 10-3.

15 comments:

old professor said...

Too soon to use the word greatness when referring to Chase Wright. Yes, he pitched well. Threw a lot of pitches - will give him the benefit of the doubt that it was nerves.

Would like to see the Yankees give him another start. If they allow him to follow the routine through the rotation, his next start would be in Fenway against Dice-K. (Not an ideal matchup).

Whether it be Bruney or Proctor, the whole pen is being overused. Starters have to go longer than five or six innings. Last year there was concern because two starters (Mussina and Johnson) could not go more than six. I believe through last night, there has been only two starts where the pitcher has gone seven innings.

Overuse of the bullpen will begin to show up by late July.

Anonymous said...

I thought all things considered, Chase Wright was very impressive. I like his stuff, and if he can locate his fastball better next time out, that change-up of his could be lethal. I particularly liked the fact that over the first two innings he could have completely imploded, but he showed some moxy and escapability. I think the kid may have some guts. Let's remember he was on the mound at Yankee Stadium for the first time, and it was cold and raining for most of the night. He needs some more quality time in the minors (above A-ball), but we now have a nother youngster on the radar. Nice work Chase, and congratulations on your first Major League victory.

I don't want to hear any of this "Torre is overusing his bullpen" crap. What the heck is he supposed to do? So far Mariano hasn't been overused but Joe has to keep their heads above water until the rotation gets back to normal. I think it was the Post yesterday who said that if the Indians fall out of the race by the mid June, we should start to hear some CC Sabathia rumors.

When do we start to believe that A-Rod is not just on a "hot streak", but merely playing up to his ability to be one of the best hitters to ever play the game? I'm not there yet, but I'm hoping. I'll tell you this much, if he keeps raking like he is, he is going to get a whole lot of money from the Angels or the Cubs when he opts out after this year.

Minky Goes Yard....Minky Goes Yard!

Anonymous said...

I almost forgot: Shout out to Jorge Posada for hitting his 200th home run last night. This is the one guy more than anyone who has been taken for granted by the fans and media. Posada has reached 20 homers in a season SIX TIMES.

We are going to miss him when he's gone.

Anonymous said...

he now has 200 - what's the benchmark for hrs for catchers?? is 200 enough for the HOF?

Anonymous said...

Anon,

While his importance to the Bombers over the years was pointed out in my last comment, an unbiased view would make it difficult to consider Jorge for the HOF. He has been an avrage defenseive catcher at best over his career and his offensive numbers don't match up with the two "sure-fire" HOF backstops of recent years.

Posada: .271 avg; 200 HR; 781 RBI
Pudge: .304; 280; 1130
Piazza: .309; 420; 1295

Here are some numbers of the most recent HOF catchers to ponder:

Johnny Bench (Great defensively, as we know):
.267 389 1376

Fisk:
.279 376 1330

Gary Carter:
.262 324 1225

old professor said...

Scooter,
I can't see A-Rod going to the Cubs next year (assuming he opts out). Pinella would drive him crazy and there is no guarantee he will be able to get money from the new owners, whoever he/she may be. LA could be a different situation.

I agree that Torre has no other choice but to go to his bullpen because the starters are not going long into the game. BUT somewhere down the line, it will take a toll. Rivera is the only one who has not been overworked and does need time on the mound to get his location down.

Regarding Sabathia, what would the Yankees have to give up to get him on what would probably be a rental only basis. I like the young arms in the system more than Sabathia.

On Posada, no HOF in his future. He has served the yankees well and probably has a couple of season left in him. Any concern the Yankees won't re-sign him at the end of the year?? I don't see any options other than Posada open to them for at least two years.

Anonymous said...

A-Rod won't be optint out - he's going to win the triple crown on his way to a world series championship - and then steiney will reward him to stay by naming him team captain !!

- mid

Anonymous said...

Prof,

I would assume that for Sabathia they would definately have to give up a couple of the young arms that they have stockpiled, plus maybe an Eric Duncan or someone along those lines. I am sure they wouldn't pull the trigger unless they signed him to an extension. Let's face it, they ARE going to go get an established #1 or #2 starter and if it isn't the Rocket, they will have to trade young pitching to do so. Part of the reason for all the off season moves was to have the flexibilty to pull of a trade at the deadline.

A-Rod has a fantastic relationship with Pinella (in fact he searched him out last year while in the throes of his brutal slump).

As for the catching situation. I am very concerned that the Yankees do not have #1 a viable back up for Posada and even more concerned that there appears to be no heir apparent if and when Posada breaks down. I still think they need to look to the Atlanta Braves about Jarrod Saltalamacchia. He is a stud catching prospect, and with Brian McCann blocking his way for the next ummmm 10 or 12 years, you know Schuerholz will look to turn him into (once again) young pitching.

57 said...

Chase Wright is the next coming of Jason Isringhausen.....

Unknown said...

I just read that there are no plans to call up Hughes...who is getting lit up at AAA (7 ER, in 10 IP). I would think if he only gave up 1 or 2 ER it would be a different story. Don't understand why they give a kid who only made 2 starts at AA the call up put not their prize prospect.

If Wright can pitch that way against Dice K on Sunday, then I'll be happy.

old professor said...

Hughes getting lit up at AAA may be a clear indication that he really does need more time in the minors.

Wright had a far better spring training than Hughes and with his performance at AA deserved a quick call. The call is supposed to be temporary until the walking wounded start to return. So why bring up Hughes if it is only going to be temporary?

Interesting dilema - what if Wright has another strong outting?

By the way anyone notice that Igwa has had a second strong outting? He needs to get more of his pitches down in the zone, but he was effective.

Anonymous said...

Karstens set to return for sereis against the Sox

- Mid

old professor said...

As I was perusing through the sports news this morning, I read that King Felix in Seattle had to leave the game last night due to elbow problems (initial diagnosis tightness in the elbow). The kid is only 20 was rushed up a year ago and ended up on the DL and now leaves a game due to elbow issues. The Yankees may be wise not to rush Hughes and allow him the time in the minor leagues to physically develop.

Anonymous said...

Rassner gets yanked in 5th after only giving up 1 run - what the freak!!!

Anonymous said...

Rassner gets yanked in 5th after only giving up 1 run - what the freak!!!

Support the Troops