tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post4196435091143722802..comments2023-11-03T09:23:28.156-04:00Comments on Pinstripe Postings: Half TimeMiddle Reliefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09413753701900586090noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-13833411295864581912011-07-27T12:40:53.625-04:002011-07-27T12:40:53.625-04:00Upon Further Review...... Major League Baseball ne...Upon Further Review...... Major League Baseball needs to do something about the umpiring. It is getting worse and no one seems to care. Two nights ago, the first base umpire clearly missed two calls at first base. Either call would have gotten Seattle out of the inning; instead, it kept the inning alive and led to a big inning by the Yankees. <br /><br />Last night in the 19th inning, the Atlanta Braves player never reached the plate is tagged by the catcher and called safe by the umpire - game over, Atlanta wins. This is nonsense. Maybe if MLB started fining umpires for crap calls they would get better either that or start hiring competent individuals.old professorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07823684296552393738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-54771741692521771122011-07-27T08:33:37.753-04:002011-07-27T08:33:37.753-04:00Just want to follow up the Giants information - te...Just want to follow up the Giants information - team is currently 6 million over the cap - Barry Cofield has signed with the Redskins so the giants lose their best d-lineman to a division rival. They have released Shawn O'Hara and Rich Seibert both of whom are recovering from injury but were anchors on the O-line. They will release offensive lineman Shaun Andrews today because of his $7 million base. they are trying to rework the contract with Andrews but have failed to do so. There are now several big holes to fill both ofensively and defensively. And for a team over the cap that does not bode well - look for them to go to the scrap heap to get bodies into camp. Season has not started and I don't look for them to be competitive with what they have to do roster wise.old professorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07823684296552393738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-7819313280802561652011-07-27T08:22:41.529-04:002011-07-27T08:22:41.529-04:00Crash, the Giants are going to have problems signi...Crash, the Giants are going to have problems signing all of their free agents; they are approximately $13 million over the established or estimated cap. They will probably ask Jacobs to restructure his contract, they need to do something with Osi. Boss is not critical to the team, but is a good blocking tight end (they also lack depth at that position). There are a number of D-lineman that either have to be signed or released (Rocky Barnard is just one of them). They also need to look at signing someone for the inside linebacker position. (They are interested in the former Penn State LB who plays for the Bills).<br /><br />Now back to baseball. Chavez activated and contributes an RBI single. Though if he handles the grounder in the 8th inning he turns two and the Yankees don't give up a run.<br /><br />Not sure what Girardi was thinking by putting CC back in after the second rain delay. The guy had already given up one hit so a no hitter or perfect game was not on the line. It became obvious after the first two batters his stuff was off. Yet he was kept in to load the bases by walks - Robertson finds himself in his fourth straight game with bases loaded - guy is unreal.<br /><br />Soriano expected back by Friday - Garrison probably goes down. Bullpen has been effective without Soriano - hey maybe he is traded for something the team really needs (new bats or a bucket of balls).old professorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07823684296552393738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-28701810312571323792011-07-26T11:27:07.729-04:002011-07-26T11:27:07.729-04:00NFL lockout over, Giants have a bunch of Free Agen...NFL lockout over, Giants have a bunch of Free Agents they need to sign pretty quickly. Bradshaw, Kiwanuka, Kevin Boss, and Steve Smith are the big names I think they should make an effort to re-sign.Crashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17347573658232218417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-84625632376219206672011-07-26T08:32:44.770-04:002011-07-26T08:32:44.770-04:00Yankees continue to look for a left handed relieve...Yankees continue to look for a left handed reliever, however, the names being tossed around are junk - Mike Gonzalez from the Orioles but he has an ERA north of 5, Grabow from the Cubs - ditto on the ERA. Oddly enough JC Romero has been effective in the minors striking out 17 in 7.1 innings. <br /><br />Soriano can be activated on Wednesday, but with an off day on Thursday, don't expect to see him until Friday. <br /><br />Garcia pitches effectively again and gives up three runs over 7.2 innings. Nova will be back this weekend for a double header - expect to see him replace Hughes in the next rotation if Hughes struggles his next time out (may mean a demotion to the minors to get straightened out).old professorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07823684296552393738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-25384285193301554622011-07-25T15:59:23.480-04:002011-07-25T15:59:23.480-04:00Joel Sherman saying Yankees will not part with Mon...Joel Sherman saying Yankees will not part with Montero, Bentances, Banuelos, or Romine unless it is for a true #1 starting pitcher. Yankees were "very interested" in Gio Gonzalez but Oakland would not discuss him.Crashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17347573658232218417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-72537887577808904852011-07-25T13:32:59.278-04:002011-07-25T13:32:59.278-04:00My offer to Seattle for King Felix would be the en...My offer to Seattle for King Felix would be the entire S/WB team. <br /><br />However the Yankees big trade move appears to be a lefty bullpen arm...Tyler Clippard from the Nats, or Craig Breslow from Oakland appear to be the 2 names being tossed around the most. <br /><br />Soriano could be activated as early as tonight.Crashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17347573658232218417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-20299888490840685532011-07-25T09:21:26.846-04:002011-07-25T09:21:26.846-04:00Let's start with trades: whether it be Jiminez...Let's start with trades: whether it be Jiminez, Hernancez or Danks, teams involved with the Yankees always try to hold them up for more than the player is worth. At this point, the Yankees get better this week without a trade: Soriano and Chavez come back. If right, Soriano adds a big arm to the pen and can give Mo some rest occassionally as well as spelling Robertson (who really looked tired yesterday).<br /><br />Colon and Garcia are pitching well and if they hold up, they Yankees will actually be solid at the end of the rotation. Tim Kirchin predicted Hughes was going to be down this year. Historically if you look at a young pitcher who pitches more innings than ever in his career (and Hughes did in 2010) the following year they are not as sharp and effective. It happened to the Rays rotation the year after they went to the World Series. Shields Garza and ?? did not pitch well. It took two years for Shields to recover and Garza became expendible. Hughes is too young to give up on and he will come back next year. You may also want to put the weather conditions into how he imploded on Friday. If he pitches another bad game he needs to be shut down.old professorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07823684296552393738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-81133678355902524412011-07-25T08:37:38.288-04:002011-07-25T08:37:38.288-04:00Yankees were doing everything to lose that game ye...Yankees were doing everything to lose that game yesterday. They had that game well in hand and the mighty offensive A's (sarcasm) were able to put up 3 runs in the last 2 innings and leave the bases loaded in the 9th. Yankees should have swept the A's and they should sweep the Mariners ...but they won't. They should also find a way to get a trade done for Felix Hernandez now. He should not leave NY with Seattle after the game Wednesday afternoon...but the won't to do that either. <br /><br />I think Hughes showed in his last start he just doesn't have it this year right now. I would shut him down and put him on a reconditioning and strength program for the rest of the season and off-season. It's obvious he was overworked last year and hasn't been able to recover his fastball was a consistent flat 91. Despite all the rules that applied to protect the young pitching, the Yankees sure messed up Hughes and Joba.Crashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17347573658232218417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-84498477975690079882011-07-22T08:33:55.441-04:002011-07-22T08:33:55.441-04:00Last nights game was so frustrating to watch. I th...Last nights game was so frustrating to watch. I thought Farnsworth was going to give the lead up but he was able to shut 'em down. Glad he found success finally. He was just starting to pitch well when the Yankees traded him away and it took him a couple years to find himself after that. <br /><br />Yankees are now 2 back of Boston but I think they have a 10 game home stand starting tonight.Crashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17347573658232218417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-39611989300114996022011-07-21T13:37:32.113-04:002011-07-21T13:37:32.113-04:00Saw the Nova injury it just looks like a mild spra...Saw the Nova injury it just looks like a mild sprain. I wouldn't be concerned about that. <br /><br />Speaking of bullpen where is Mark Prior? Looks like he is on rehab assignment (surprise) down in the Golf League as he landed on the on the 7 day DL after pitching 1 inning for AAA SWB. I don't know why but I really hope he can put together a solid month and get a call up prior (no pun intended) to Sept 1 so he has a chance to make the post-season roster. <br /><br />As much as I want the Yankees to make a HUGE deal I just don't see anything out there worth giving up a ton of prospects for. I wonder if they have any interest in Hunter Pence. Pence is a grinder who will hit .280, 25 RBI, 80-90 RBI, score a bunch and swipe a base when needed. He's young under contract for a little while. Yankees may need to give up a prospect but if they throw in Swisher who is done after this year (team option at $9.5MM for 2012) wonder if it could get done. I don't think the Yankees will exercise the club option, that being said the free agent market will be pretty non-existent for OF next off-season.Crashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17347573658232218417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-46955637608565525412011-07-21T09:50:17.355-04:002011-07-21T09:50:17.355-04:00Let's look at Cashman's statement - it is ...Let's look at Cashman's statement - it is an attempt to answer those out there ready to panic. The team is good enough to make the playoffs - whether it be as a wildcard or the division winner. Once in the playoffs, anything can happen (let's remember the Yankees lost in 97 to the Indians when Mo gave up a homerun late). <br /><br />Don't read more into the statement than there is. Cashman does not want to make a deal for the sake of making a deal. CC is as forecast - a stud ace; AJ can be dominant; Hughes can be a good number 3; Garcia has the second best ERA on the team and has been the second most consistent pitcher; Colon can also be dominant. If (and this is a big if) Soriano can come back and be what he was supposed to be then the pen is really good (I would not remove Robertson from the 8th inning).<br /><br />Regardiing Nunez, he is trying to prove himself (first having to replace Jeter and now A-Rod)he is going to make errors because of the pressure and his youth. Yes he made an error last night which did not hurt the team and he drove in two runs which gave Mo more breathing space in the 9th.<br /><br />This team has its flaws, but it will be in the playoffs (unless they lose CC for a prolonged period). As a side note, Nova goes on the DL.old professorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07823684296552393738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-33974649384884773652011-07-21T08:28:35.899-04:002011-07-21T08:28:35.899-04:00Good win last night. Garcia pitched in and out of ...Good win last night. Garcia pitched in and out of trouble but kept the Rays off the board. <br /><br />Nunez makes another error, that's #13. I like his bat, love his speed, like the range but why so many errors. I think at one point in his career Jeter made 30+ errors in a single season (in the minors) and has had at least 2 seasons of 20+ errors in the majors. Jeter has only had 3 season where he made less than 10 errors. He has 5 now, he finished last year with 6.Crashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17347573658232218417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-497831310985087012011-07-20T20:36:53.716-04:002011-07-20T20:36:53.716-04:00Cashman says if all goes well Soriano is back Tues...Cashman says if all goes well Soriano is back Tuesday or Wednesday. I believe he was talking about Rafeal, and not trading for Alfonso.Crashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17347573658232218417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-71609624919345586652011-07-20T13:40:26.547-04:002011-07-20T13:40:26.547-04:00Speaking of "Willing to play only for the wil...Speaking of "Willing to play only for the wildcard??"...another Cashman quote really angered me. When asked about potential moves besides the whole lack of good players, not willing to trade the farm comments, he also said something along of the lines of: "Right now we're good enough to make the playoffs so there isn't a need." <b>WTF!!!</b> When was it ever "good enough" to just make the playoffs. Yankees don't play <i>to make it to</i> October, they play to <i>win</i> in October.Crashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17347573658232218417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-43709820685759401822011-07-20T13:09:44.528-04:002011-07-20T13:09:44.528-04:00Regarding Cashman, it could be 50-50 for him to co...Regarding Cashman, it could be 50-50 for him to come back. It would be difficult for the Steinbrenners to admit they made a mistake in signing Soriano who by the way got roughed up in his minor league rehab debut. Wonder if he will still want to opt out of his contract.<br /><br />I do not see the Yankees giving up the farm to get a pitcher they will not need. Colon came back real well last night and could have been in line to win had Granderson caught a standard fly ball to center or worse yet Logan fielded his position.<br /><br />You are correct, the Yankees are fielding like crap. A-Rod is out so Nunez goes in and has issues, Pena is now on the DL so Laird is up and his fielding will not win him a gold glove, Cano is back to his old habits and has not been consistent, Burnett throws a simple toss to first into the ground which opened up the first inning for the Rays, and Jeter is his typical lack of range shortstop. So yeah their fielding sucks right now - lack of concentration?? Willing to play only for the wildcard??old professorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07823684296552393738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-64199986160572600512011-07-20T09:13:19.833-04:002011-07-20T09:13:19.833-04:00Is it my skewed perception or have the Yankees bee...Is it my skewed perception or have the Yankees been playing really sloppy baseball lately. They made 2 last night that ended leading to 2 unearned runs and that was the difference in the game. Nunez has 12 errors already this season. As a team they have committed 60 errors and have a .983 fielding percentage, that ranks 6th and 9th respectively in the AL (so out of 14)...not good. These have led to 36 unearned runs. That seems awfully high considering A-Rod is former Gold Glove, Jeter, and Tex are GG and Cano is a GG caliber type player. Cervelli has 5 errors and Martin has 8 errors. Some of those are on throws to second which means the baserunner more than likely advanced to 3B as the throw went to the OF. Pena has also made 5 errors. <br /><br />This is little league type stuff.Crashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17347573658232218417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-62535126592325041372011-07-19T14:15:52.940-04:002011-07-19T14:15:52.940-04:00Actually the Sox stud lefty is on the DL right now...Actually the Sox stud lefty is on the DL right now and Beckett is having knee problems not back problems. <br /><br />I think Cashman is on the way out, the NY Post has an article with a big quote in it. When asked about the prospective trade market and "untouchable" prospects he said: <br /><br /><i>“Realistically, there are guys that are untouchable for me. But I’ve got bosses, so …”</i><br /><br />He has already been overruled with the Soriano deal, if he gets overruled on a trade for a questionable starter with great stuff by mortgaging the entire farm system he may just quit before the end of the season. The previously mentioned package of Montero, Batneces, Banuelos, and Nova is too rick for anybody. I wouldn't even give that up for Felix Hernandez. Take out Banuelos and I would do it though. If they were even thinking about giving all those guys up to Colorado, I would first offer the same package to Seattle for Hernandez.Crashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17347573658232218417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-19832670814992028422011-07-19T12:21:01.194-04:002011-07-19T12:21:01.194-04:00I don't believe Cashman would unload all of th...I don't believe Cashman would unload all of that talent for a pitcher that has been at best wildly inconsistent - check out his month by month ERA. Then try to translate that into the American League - does Javy Vasquez ring a bell because that is the kind of pitching you would end up with.<br /><br />The team does not have to panic. They are 1.5 games back in the east and lead the wildcard by 5 games. The Red Sox have more issues with their rotation than the Yankees do. Bucholtz, Dice-K are on the DL; Lackey is not pitching well, and Beckett has been having back issues. That leaves The stud lefty and Wakefield. Their bullpen is not that sound either.<br /><br />Not only is Chavez playing in a rehab game so is Soriano. If they can get Chavez back that will help with A-Rod being out and help with the bench. Getting Soriano back is a toss up. Robertson has been solid as the bridge to Mo. Wade has been solid and Ayla has been okay. Mitre - garbage time.old professorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07823684296552393738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-48926477588520674112011-07-19T09:42:29.596-04:002011-07-19T09:42:29.596-04:00So the Rockies asked for Jesus Montero, Manny Banu...So the Rockies asked for Jesus Montero, Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances, and Ivan Nova for Jimenez and Ty Wigginton. Even I wouldn't do that trade. <br /><br />Good come from behind win last night for the Yankees and an equally upsetting loss for the Rays, who the previous night lost in extra-innings to the Sox 1-0. The Rays have lost 5 of last 6 and are 3-7 over their last 10 going back prior to the ASG. They're playing their way out of the division and most likely the wild card since the Sox and Yankees will most likely be within a game or 2 for the rest of the season. Colon needs to bounce back tonight. He could have a hard time with this line up. The Rays are a fastball hitting team and Colon is fastball pitcher. Not a good match up.Crashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17347573658232218417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-91885730911025302922011-07-18T22:19:10.890-04:002011-07-18T22:19:10.890-04:00Eric Chavez is playing in a single-A rehab game.Eric Chavez is playing in a single-A rehab game.Crashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17347573658232218417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-59931535815714956322011-07-18T11:35:24.324-04:002011-07-18T11:35:24.324-04:00Rockies executive saying they like Montero, and wi...Rockies executive saying they like Montero, and will certainly take him, but he will not be the centerpiece of the deal. This according Jon Heyman. If Montero is not the centerpiece wonder who else they will need to give up to get Jimenez. I would not give up Banuelos. Just for the fact that he's a young lefty that can touch 95 on the gun you do not trade him. I would trade Betances and/or Brackman with Montero but that's about it.Crashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17347573658232218417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-49926421766541467542011-07-18T11:34:55.387-04:002011-07-18T11:34:55.387-04:00Crash, why would the Rockies want to trade a guy w...Crash, why would the Rockies want to trade a guy who one year ago was the ace of the staff. As for this years stats, he tends to mirror another 18 game winner from last year who pitched more innings than at any other time in his career - Phil Hughes.<br /><br />I am not convinced the Yankees need to make a trade and empty the farm system for a big name. Nova was a pitching well with a big learning curve. Banuelos and Betances are a year away form being up -no need to rush. <br /><br />Garcia is not pitching as well as probably expected. I thought he would do well because of his record from last year. But the truth of the matter is he has to be too fine and when he is off his 82 mph fastball is going to get hit. Colon could be experiencing some fatigue considering he has not pitched a full season since 2009 and was out of baseball for a year.<br /><br />As for the Rays, Yankees need to sweep and if the Yankees are tipping pitches something has to be done to avoid signs being stolen.old professorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07823684296552393738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-82345279546923711642011-07-18T09:03:35.285-04:002011-07-18T09:03:35.285-04:00Yankees get a split in Toronto after losing the fi...Yankees get a split in Toronto after losing the first 2...not bad. They head to Tampa next and really need to come up big in this series. I believe the Red Sox took 2 of 3 from the Rays, hoping the Yankees can pile on my dirt and bury the rays right here. They will need to as the Sox play Baltimore and are surely looking to sweep that series. Burnett gets the start tonight, let's see how he does on 8 days rest. Last game he started was against the Rays on DJ3K day.<br /><br />As the Yankees approach the trade deadline, there seems to be a lot of talk about the prospects not producing. Montero is hitting .288 with 7 HR at AAA. How is that disappointing? I guess they want to see more power? I want to say Montero had a slow first half last year, right around the same power numbers and finished with 21 HR. I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up with 20 again this year. I think with all the talk about trading Montero, the Yankees are banking on Romine to be the next catcher. I wouldn't be surprised to see Brackman, Montero and a couple others go to get Jimenez. That seems to be the big name being floated out there right now. Still have 13 days until the deadline.Crashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17347573658232218417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35713616.post-37900811180876806882011-07-16T22:26:01.287-04:002011-07-16T22:26:01.287-04:00Ken Rosenthal is reporting the Yankees have intens...Ken Rosenthal is reporting the Yankees have intensified their search for starting pitching now that Colon and Garcia got smacked around. He suggested Ubaldo Jimenez is a possible trade opportunity. <br /><br />If Jimenez is available Cashman better go get him. I know his overall stats aren't great but look at his splits, ERA of 5.58 at home and 2.28 on the road (away from Denver). Not bad. On top if that, Jimenez is not a rental. He is under contract for at least next season, with 2 more team options. And he's cheap: $4.2, $5.7, and $8, for 2012, 2013, and 2014 respectively. This means of course the Yankees would need to give up at least 2 top prospects.Crashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17347573658232218417noreply@blogger.com