A few posts ago, I chronicled the Yankee pitching disasters of late. Thinking about it, though, it seems like almost all of the Yankee free agent signings since 2001 haven't really worked out, and a good number have been downright terrible. In the plus column, I would list Mussina and Matsui. Mussina has had his ups and downs in the postseason, but he won that 1-0 game against Oakland in '01, and pitched three critical innings in relief in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS. And while Matsui has been spotty so far this year, and was hurt most of last, he certainly earned his reputation as a clutch hitter.
In the utter disaster column: Jaret Wright, Carl Pavano, Kei Igawa (did you see his line from AAA the other day? 5 IP, 4 ER, 8 H, and one balk), Kyle Dial 911 Farnsworth. (I really don't think it's that harsh to lump Farnsworth in with the other three - I mean this guy has only had two 1-2-3 innings this entire year, he can't pitch on back to back days, and can't pitch more than one inning. Not really good for the primary setup man).
The other ones: Giambi has been a distraction, missed most of 2004, and is on the DL again. Granted, he has had his moments - most notably two homeruns off Pedro in Game 7 of the ALCS - but I don't think anyone can claim he was worth anything close to the enormous contract he signed. Damon was great last year, but even Torre couldn't say that he will be able to play centerfield for the remaining two years of his contract - so they are essentially back to where they started in CF. Sheffield helped the team, but his attitude was too much to handle (though I'm sure many Yankee fans would take him back in a heartbeat right now), and he was pretty quiet in the postseason. Tom Gordon was decent in the regular season, but melted down big time in the 2004 ALCS.
So much for the Type I errors (obviously I have focused just on free agents, and not trades - if you are looking for a really disastrous sequence, consider Ted Lilly for Jeff Weaver, and in turn, Jeff Weaver for Kevin Brown). It appears there a few Type II errors also - Beltran and Guerrero come to mind. (In his book, Buster Olney writes that Cashman tried to sign Guerrero instead of Sheffield, but was overruled by Steinbrenner). Cashman was smart enough to more or less stand pat from '98-'00 (save a few important midseason acquisitions, like David Justice), but really the record since then has been really pretty bad. It's hard to know how much is Cashman and how much Steinbrenner (or his other "advisors"), but it's a moot point now. As Steinbrenner says, Cashman is on the "big hook."
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
The Un-Jeter
The more I watch A-ROD, the more he seems like a character out of a Greek tragedy. Just like those poor souls try to avoid their fate, so too does A-ROD try to be more like Jeter. And the harder he tries, the less like Jeter he becomes.
Today was not a good day for the Yankee third baseman. He woke up to photographs of him and an unidentified blonde woman (not his wife and not Mariah Carey) on the front page of the New York Post. Then, just as the Yankees were finally about to a put a good win of their own in the books, A-ROD again left himself open to charges of unsportsman-like conduct. Jorge Posada hit a high pop to the Blue Jays' third baseman, and A-ROD was rounding the bases with two outs. As he approached third, he yelled something, and the ball dropped. The Blue Jays' insist he yelled "mine" in an attempt to fake out their player; in the post-game presser, A-ROD claimed he had just yelled "Ha!," because he was excited. In any case, nobody thought it was an appropriate play, even if it led to more Yankee runs. And this comes on top of the glove-slapping incident with Bronson Arroyo in Game 6 of the ALCS and then the elbow to Dustin Pedroia trying to break up a double play against Boston last week.
The play tonight reminded me of something Jeter did a few years ago - something very similar to what Reyes did yesterday. While on third, Jeter danced off third, waving his arms wildly, and the Yankees either tied the game or won the game as the pitcher balked. One can only think A-ROD intended to do something similar - do something extraordinary to win a game. Except the more he tries, the more desperate he looks. Jeter is celebrated; A-ROD is despised. It seems it will always be this way.
Today was not a good day for the Yankee third baseman. He woke up to photographs of him and an unidentified blonde woman (not his wife and not Mariah Carey) on the front page of the New York Post. Then, just as the Yankees were finally about to a put a good win of their own in the books, A-ROD again left himself open to charges of unsportsman-like conduct. Jorge Posada hit a high pop to the Blue Jays' third baseman, and A-ROD was rounding the bases with two outs. As he approached third, he yelled something, and the ball dropped. The Blue Jays' insist he yelled "mine" in an attempt to fake out their player; in the post-game presser, A-ROD claimed he had just yelled "Ha!," because he was excited. In any case, nobody thought it was an appropriate play, even if it led to more Yankee runs. And this comes on top of the glove-slapping incident with Bronson Arroyo in Game 6 of the ALCS and then the elbow to Dustin Pedroia trying to break up a double play against Boston last week.
The play tonight reminded me of something Jeter did a few years ago - something very similar to what Reyes did yesterday. While on third, Jeter danced off third, waving his arms wildly, and the Yankees either tied the game or won the game as the pitcher balked. One can only think A-ROD intended to do something similar - do something extraordinary to win a game. Except the more he tries, the more desperate he looks. Jeter is celebrated; A-ROD is despised. It seems it will always be this way.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
The Twilight Zone
A baseball team in New York, filled with a mix of veterans and young players, win an extra inning game in improbable fashion off a reviled closer. For seven innings, the New York pitcher matches the young ace in waiting of the other team. Reliever after reliever keeps the game tied, until the other team scores a run in the 12th. While other teams would go quietly into the night, this New York team finds a way to win. The phenom shortstop draws a leadoff walk. Then the closer balks. A sacrifice bunt, and the shortstop reaches third. After a groundout, the shortstop creates havoc on the bases, and unbelievably, the closer balks again. Game tied. The veteran lefty first baseman launches one. Game over, put it in the books.
Unfortunately for Yankee fans, the shortstop isn't Jeter; the first baseman isn't Tino; the stadium isn't in the Bronx; the channel isn't YES. These were the games they used to win, and now the team from the other side of town is the one that wins them.
Unfortunately for Yankee fans, the shortstop isn't Jeter; the first baseman isn't Tino; the stadium isn't in the Bronx; the channel isn't YES. These were the games they used to win, and now the team from the other side of town is the one that wins them.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Proctor & Gamble
Another day, another meltdown. Today's culprit: Scott Proctor, who was unable to hold a 2-1 lead. After relieving Mussina in the 7th with one out and a runner at first, Proctor promptly surrended a double and then walked three consecutive batters, forcing in two runs. Proctor was booed off the mound, and Torre in turn was booed off the field when he summoned Bruney. Mussina had only 95 pitches when he exited, so naturally the question on everyone's mind was why did Torre take him out. In Torre's defense, Mussina has a tendency to lose it fairly quickly, and the Yankees finally had a lead to turn over to the bullpen. On the other hand, Torre is clearly obsessed with Proctor, as he was with Quantrill, Gordon, and Sturtze in seasons past. Given the other choices (Kyle Dial 911 comes to mind), I can't say I blame him for relying on Proctor so much, but clearly he cannot continue to pitch in every game, and you have to expect a debacle every so often. The problem is the Yankees can't afford to lose late leads given their record, and Torre can't afford to keep having his moves questioned. Personally, I would have let Mussina have one more batter.
Given that Igawa is clearly a lost cause, perhaps it is time to send Carmen Sandiego looking for the Yankees' offense instead. The fact that Will Nieves drove in two of the three Yankee runs would be comical if it weren't so tragic, and this after the collective group of All-Stars managed only one run yesterday. Bobby Abrboo attempted a bunt again; the GiamBALCO needs another dose of amphetamines; Damon needs new legs. Even if the Yankees win every game that Wang, Pettite, and Mussina pitch the rest of the season, they will only have 89 wins, which in all likelihood won't be enough to make the playoffs. And that is no easy task: the Yankees are only 2-4 in the big 3's last six starts. To get to 95 wins, the Yankees would have to play .650 ball the rest of the way.
Given that Igawa is clearly a lost cause, perhaps it is time to send Carmen Sandiego looking for the Yankees' offense instead. The fact that Will Nieves drove in two of the three Yankee runs would be comical if it weren't so tragic, and this after the collective group of All-Stars managed only one run yesterday. Bobby Abrboo attempted a bunt again; the GiamBALCO needs another dose of amphetamines; Damon needs new legs. Even if the Yankees win every game that Wang, Pettite, and Mussina pitch the rest of the season, they will only have 89 wins, which in all likelihood won't be enough to make the playoffs. And that is no easy task: the Yankees are only 2-4 in the big 3's last six starts. To get to 95 wins, the Yankees would have to play .650 ball the rest of the way.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Another Disaster in the Bronx
Well, anytime the New York Yankees of New York play the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim there is bound to be trouble. The game was a microcosm of the season to date: a (rookie) starter went only 4 innings, horrendous relief work by Luis I'm-No-Jose Vizcaino, Proctor pitched again (25 appearances in 46 games, and he was suspended for four of them), Damon imploded in center field, Jeter extended a hitting streak, and another A-BOMB from A-ROD. Damon allowed three balls to go over his head, and then dropped a blooper in front of him. At long last the "Bernie Williams" chants began at the Stadium. No word if ESPN is planning on covering Bernie's workouts at his home.
And really how long will it before the Tino Martinez and Paul O'Neill chants begin? Heck, given the way Will Nieves is hitting, a John Flaherty chant might be in order.
Also, as you undoubtedly know by now, the Rocket will not start in Toronto after all, but will instead take the traveling road show to Scranton. Given his last performance, I can't say I'm surprised. But it leaves another hole in the rotation for Tuesday. The options: bring back the Yankee Clippard on three days rest; try DeSalvo again even though he couldn't find the plate with a magnifying class tonight; send Carmen Sandiego looking for Kei Igawa; use The American Idle and hope he fully blows out his elbow (thus getting the most out of the Tommy John surgery) or take Mike I'm-Not-the-Comedian Myers up on his offer to start. OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS indeed.
And really how long will it before the Tino Martinez and Paul O'Neill chants begin? Heck, given the way Will Nieves is hitting, a John Flaherty chant might be in order.
Also, as you undoubtedly know by now, the Rocket will not start in Toronto after all, but will instead take the traveling road show to Scranton. Given his last performance, I can't say I'm surprised. But it leaves another hole in the rotation for Tuesday. The options: bring back the Yankee Clippard on three days rest; try DeSalvo again even though he couldn't find the plate with a magnifying class tonight; send Carmen Sandiego looking for Kei Igawa; use The American Idle and hope he fully blows out his elbow (thus getting the most out of the Tommy John surgery) or take Mike I'm-Not-the-Comedian Myers up on his offer to start. OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS indeed.
Random Predictions Tally
Amazingly two of the members made accurate predictions in this ludicruous bet.
Sling (Seo gets win & limits Mariners to less than 1 HR): 1 point
Mao (C. Young gets 10Ks against the Cubs): 1 point
Cow (Marquis would give up 5 earned runs and 1 unearned run): 0 point
Sling (Seo gets win & limits Mariners to less than 1 HR): 1 point
Mao (C. Young gets 10Ks against the Cubs): 1 point
Cow (Marquis would give up 5 earned runs and 1 unearned run): 0 point
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Random Prediction of the Day Rules
1) $5 Goes to the one whose prediction comes true on each day until the last day of the regular baseball season (no playoffs)
2) Random Predictions must be made and published before the game that you are betting on has started
3) Predictions can be made on any sports or news event that you predict will happen during that day.
4) It must be a Prediction that is bold enough to the satisfactory of the other players.
5) Tallies will be kept on the blog.
P.S. Live Random Prediction Update: Sling getting killed with a 2-0 deficit in the bottom of the 1st inning.
2) Random Predictions must be made and published before the game that you are betting on has started
3) Predictions can be made on any sports or news event that you predict will happen during that day.
4) It must be a Prediction that is bold enough to the satisfactory of the other players.
5) Tallies will be kept on the blog.
P.S. Live Random Prediction Update: Sling getting killed with a 2-0 deficit in the bottom of the 1st inning.
SLING Random Prediction of the Day
Jae Seo will get a win and limit the Mariners to 1 home run or fewer.
Off Day Fun
The Alteregos were debating the top 10 Yankees of all time today. Personally, I think we should be debating the top 10 worst Yankees of the past few seasons. I wonder which list is harder to compile?
10. Tim Redding
9. Darryl May
8. Sean Henn (both as a starter and reliever)
7. Will Nieves
6. Sal Fasano
5. Tony Womack
4. Jaret Wright
3. Jeff Weaver
2. Kevin Brown
1. Carl Pavano
We are somewhat heavy on the pitchers (I wonder why?) and also on backup catchers. Pavano clearly wins the prize, even though Brown and Weaver had more damaging postseason meltdowns. Javy Vazquez gets a pass - why I'm not quite sure - but we might append him to #2 given they were a package deal in Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS. May and Redding were one-time-wonders, but were sufficiently putrid to make the cut. Even leaving the jokers aside, the Yankees' evaluation of pitching talent has been awful since Mussina signed before the 2001 season. Pavano, Wright, Johnson, Farnsworth, Vazquez, Weaver, Brown: Oh Cashman, we are seven!
10. Tim Redding
9. Darryl May
8. Sean Henn (both as a starter and reliever)
7. Will Nieves
6. Sal Fasano
5. Tony Womack
4. Jaret Wright
3. Jeff Weaver
2. Kevin Brown
1. Carl Pavano
We are somewhat heavy on the pitchers (I wonder why?) and also on backup catchers. Pavano clearly wins the prize, even though Brown and Weaver had more damaging postseason meltdowns. Javy Vazquez gets a pass - why I'm not quite sure - but we might append him to #2 given they were a package deal in Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS. May and Redding were one-time-wonders, but were sufficiently putrid to make the cut. Even leaving the jokers aside, the Yankees' evaluation of pitching talent has been awful since Mussina signed before the 2001 season. Pavano, Wright, Johnson, Farnsworth, Vazquez, Weaver, Brown: Oh Cashman, we are seven!
Welcome to Olliewood
Mets nation is quickly becoming Olliewood, as Oliver I Jump Over White Lines Perez pitched another brilliant game against the Braves, now making him 3-0 against the Mets rivals for the 2007 season. This once 3-13, 6.55 ERA hurler is now 6-3, tied for the NL lead in wins, and most notably has a 53:18 strike outs to walk ratio. If one removed the one bad game, the cold, rainy and windy Phillies game where he walked 7 and couldnt get out of the 3rd inning, he would have an amazing 5:1 ratio of strikeouts to walks. If it wasnt for Jake Pet Peavy, Ollie would make a good claim for the early NL Cy Young winner.
Other tidbits: David the Price is Wright is on fire. Four home runs in 4 games and 3 intentional walks in between. Perhaps he should never grow his hair back. Reyes continues to get on base. Joe Smith and Wagner continue to blow hitters away. And Delgado actually got a couple of hits in the 6 spot... perhaps all the pieces are falling into place in a first place 13 games above .500 team. Now all they have to do is keep the Empire State Building orange and blue for the rest of the season and post season.
And now for the OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS 20/20 update:
Disney World Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez is slated to return to the Mets rotation on Friday against the Marlins after having no problems in recent bullpen sessions. Unfortunately, ESPN decided not to cover every pitch of El Duque's rehab like they have for all of Clemens' "spring training" starts. Certainly trick shot pool or food eating competitions must be more interesting than this circus. At the very least, they should show I Aint Jimmy Kei Igawa's Single A starts. Mr. I Wear My Sunglasses at Night, the richest player in Single A, would be the closest thing to comedy on ESPN since Stuart Dread Scott.
Other tidbits: David the Price is Wright is on fire. Four home runs in 4 games and 3 intentional walks in between. Perhaps he should never grow his hair back. Reyes continues to get on base. Joe Smith and Wagner continue to blow hitters away. And Delgado actually got a couple of hits in the 6 spot... perhaps all the pieces are falling into place in a first place 13 games above .500 team. Now all they have to do is keep the Empire State Building orange and blue for the rest of the season and post season.
And now for the OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS 20/20 update:
Disney World Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez is slated to return to the Mets rotation on Friday against the Marlins after having no problems in recent bullpen sessions. Unfortunately, ESPN decided not to cover every pitch of El Duque's rehab like they have for all of Clemens' "spring training" starts. Certainly trick shot pool or food eating competitions must be more interesting than this circus. At the very least, they should show I Aint Jimmy Kei Igawa's Single A starts. Mr. I Wear My Sunglasses at Night, the richest player in Single A, would be the closest thing to comedy on ESPN since Stuart Dread Scott.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Farnsworthless Leads Us Off
This purpose of this blog is totally unclear, but we will try to make the most of it. It should be a mix of sports, current events, and other random things. Anyway, here it goes.
So the Yankee Dynasty (read: Joe Torre) survived for another day, despite the best efforts of Kyle Farnsworth. In case you missed it, Kyle Dial 911 entered the game in the 8th inning leading 7-1. He promptly surrended a homer to Coco I'm-Burnt-to-a Crisp (Coco's first of the season), then walked Manny Ortez's bigger half. Typical stuff from the Yankee reliever. But then the clown show really began. Given the five run lead, Doug Me-i-stink-o-witz was playing behind Ortiz, which Kyle apparently failed to see despite wearing his Wild Thing glasses, as he faked a throw to first base. The rulebook says that's a balk. Anyone dumb enough to have this idiot on their fantasy baseball team deserves to take the hit that comes with leading the league in balks. If only he would take a permanent vacation, rather than criticize others for taking time off.
Other tidbits: Bobby "Sweet as Candy" Abreu looks like he is on some serious candy. In addition to his recent bunt attempts (including yesterday with no baserunners and two outs), he missed a line drive right at him tonight --- apparently losing it in the lights. Maybe he needs whatever the GiamBALCO was taking to wake him up. Jeter passed Joe-D on the all time Yankee-hit list, while Carl Pavano won't be passing pitchers in wins any time soon. The American Idle is rapidly closing in on Kerry Wood and Mark Prior for the King of the DL distinction, however.
And now for the OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS 20/20 update: Clemens managed to throw 102 pitches to get through 5.1 IP in Double AA. The Baseball Tonight crowd suggested that since Clemens was pitching against the Red Sox affiliate, Theo Epstein (or someone else in the Red Sox organization) sent the word out to the minor leaguers to take a lot of pitches so as to wear out the Rocket. Unclear if Theo was pleased that Wily Mo Pena started in place of JD (Aren't-the-Dodgers-Glad-I-Opted-Out) Drew in the big league game. Well, at least the Yanks only spent $40 million on Pavano - uh, excuse me, $39.95 million - while JD stands to collect $70 million.
So the Yankee Dynasty (read: Joe Torre) survived for another day, despite the best efforts of Kyle Farnsworth. In case you missed it, Kyle Dial 911 entered the game in the 8th inning leading 7-1. He promptly surrended a homer to Coco I'm-Burnt-to-a Crisp (Coco's first of the season), then walked Manny Ortez's bigger half. Typical stuff from the Yankee reliever. But then the clown show really began. Given the five run lead, Doug Me-i-stink-o-witz was playing behind Ortiz, which Kyle apparently failed to see despite wearing his Wild Thing glasses, as he faked a throw to first base. The rulebook says that's a balk. Anyone dumb enough to have this idiot on their fantasy baseball team deserves to take the hit that comes with leading the league in balks. If only he would take a permanent vacation, rather than criticize others for taking time off.
Other tidbits: Bobby "Sweet as Candy" Abreu looks like he is on some serious candy. In addition to his recent bunt attempts (including yesterday with no baserunners and two outs), he missed a line drive right at him tonight --- apparently losing it in the lights. Maybe he needs whatever the GiamBALCO was taking to wake him up. Jeter passed Joe-D on the all time Yankee-hit list, while Carl Pavano won't be passing pitchers in wins any time soon. The American Idle is rapidly closing in on Kerry Wood and Mark Prior for the King of the DL distinction, however.
And now for the OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS 20/20 update: Clemens managed to throw 102 pitches to get through 5.1 IP in Double AA. The Baseball Tonight crowd suggested that since Clemens was pitching against the Red Sox affiliate, Theo Epstein (or someone else in the Red Sox organization) sent the word out to the minor leaguers to take a lot of pitches so as to wear out the Rocket. Unclear if Theo was pleased that Wily Mo Pena started in place of JD (Aren't-the-Dodgers-Glad-I-Opted-Out) Drew in the big league game. Well, at least the Yanks only spent $40 million on Pavano - uh, excuse me, $39.95 million - while JD stands to collect $70 million.
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