07/31: Just An FYI
Posted by: James
I know, I know... I might be jinxing the team for the rest of the night BUT if the Red Sox lose tonight (Ouch - Ortiz makes me pay for that remark with a game-winning 3-run HR as he continues towards a probable MVP run), Boston's record would be 62-42 for a .596 winning percentage. New York just happens to sport a .598 winning percentage (61-41). Well, with the Red Sox' win, the Yanks are in second place (none back on the loss side) and would be starting out the last 60 games of the season with a revamped (better, stronger, faster!) roster: not too shabby. Let's get ready to rumble.
Also, if you want to hear Brian Cashman's take on the these deals, head over to WFAN and listen to Chris Russo take on the Cashman (RealPlayer required). I think everybody should take a listen to the 18-minute interview if they get a chance, if only to listen to Cashman throw the hammer down on Russo when the Mad Dog gets a little too rabid (starts at about 4 minute mark). One of the best parts - Cashman: "I'm not going to put up with you putting down any of our players". You can hear the tension early on in the interview before Cashman starts to rein it in. Another great Cashman quote in response to a fairly dumb comment on Russo's part: "I think we're all trying to win a championship and that's the feel-good story we're in this business for."
Also, for those wondering about Abreu's slump last year at the end of the year, the man was pretty badly hurt. It was a mistake on management's part in putting him out there every day, though Abreu was a gamer and played every day that they wrote him into the line-up.
Also, if you want to hear Brian Cashman's take on the these deals, head over to WFAN and listen to Chris Russo take on the Cashman (RealPlayer required). I think everybody should take a listen to the 18-minute interview if they get a chance, if only to listen to Cashman throw the hammer down on Russo when the Mad Dog gets a little too rabid (starts at about 4 minute mark). One of the best parts - Cashman: "I'm not going to put up with you putting down any of our players". You can hear the tension early on in the interview before Cashman starts to rein it in. Another great Cashman quote in response to a fairly dumb comment on Russo's part: "I think we're all trying to win a championship and that's the feel-good story we're in this business for."
Also, for those wondering about Abreu's slump last year at the end of the year, the man was pretty badly hurt. It was a mistake on management's part in putting him out there every day, though Abreu was a gamer and played every day that they wrote him into the line-up.
Posted by: James
ESPN mentioned that the Yankees just traded Shawn Chacon for Craig Wilson. This is just a rumor right now...but if it's true, Cash is MONEY! That would be an amazing move - they were probably going to DFA Chacon at some point anyway. To get someone that the Yankees actually wanted for him - fantastic...if true, of course.
Update: It's OFFICIAL: ESPN has it up now. For the record, Chacon was 5-3 with a 7.00 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and a .300/.389/.525/.911 line against. Wilson is batting .267/.339/.478/.817 with 13 homers and 41 RBI. Wow...just wow.
Update 2: Peter A. over at the LoHud Yankees Blog checks in with what the Yankees are doing, roster-wise to accommodate this move:
Update: It's OFFICIAL: ESPN has it up now. For the record, Chacon was 5-3 with a 7.00 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and a .300/.389/.525/.911 line against. Wilson is batting .267/.339/.478/.817 with 13 homers and 41 RBI. Wow...just wow.
Update 2: Peter A. over at the LoHud Yankees Blog checks in with what the Yankees are doing, roster-wise to accommodate this move:
Aaron Guiel has been optioned to Columbus (I wasn't aware he still had options). Sidney Ponson has agreed to pitch out of the bullpen as the long reliever (well, that's better than having him in the rotation). Cashman says that Andy Phillips "definitely has a place on this team" and they will announce a move tomorrow.
I would guess Bubba Crosby goes. Once Cano returns, Nick Green won't be needed. No matter how you look at it, their roster is much better today than it was yesterday (Amen to that!).
I would guess Bubba Crosby goes. Once Cano returns, Nick Green won't be needed. No matter how you look at it, their roster is much better today than it was yesterday (Amen to that!).
07/31: Bonus Media Translator
Posted by: Jason
Media Translation Service provided free of charge here at YB.com:
When a member of the media says:
"The Yankees could have a serious clubhouse problem on their hands with a potentially dissatisfied Gary Sheffield...."
The media member is really saying:
"The Yankees' procurement of Abreu without sacrificing top prospects was a huge win for New York. I can't find a downside to this deal. Furthermore, it's really scary for the rest of baseball that Brian Cashman is a highly competent GM who is clearly now in full control of the vast resources at the Yankees' disposal. Therefore, I'm fabricating something about the mood of a player who is a) given to public statements and b) will likely not take another at-bat this season."
When a member of the media says:
"The Yankees could have a serious clubhouse problem on their hands with a potentially dissatisfied Gary Sheffield...."
The media member is really saying:
"The Yankees' procurement of Abreu without sacrificing top prospects was a huge win for New York. I can't find a downside to this deal. Furthermore, it's really scary for the rest of baseball that Brian Cashman is a highly competent GM who is clearly now in full control of the vast resources at the Yankees' disposal. Therefore, I'm fabricating something about the mood of a player who is a) given to public statements and b) will likely not take another at-bat this season."
07/30: Loving Bobby
Posted by: James
Living outside of Philly (and in PA for the last 7 years), I've gotten to see a lot of Abreu. I've always liked the guy as he's always been quick with a smile or a joke whenever I've seen him interviewed. He's generally seemed to be cordial to Phillies fans even knowing that he never really got the love that a player of his caliber should have (this applies on a national level as well).
However, in his final day on the Phillies, the fans at Citizen's Bank park did something very nice for him on his way out. When the trade was officially announced to the crowd before the 9th inning, the fans stood as one and cheered for Abreu, who had remained in the dugout hanging out with his now-former teammates. Bobby came out, waved and blew kisses to the crowd. Lidle also came out and tipped his hat. The ovation continued for a while as the fans thanked Abreu for his 8 years of service. After the game, Bobby did an interview for the station where it was clear to see that he was moved (almost to tears, by his own admission) by the fan reaction. Still, he maintained how excited he was to head to NY and to be reunited with Larry Bowa with whom he had great relations. The Phillies announcers were kind as well and wished him well, saying that they hoped to see him in the World Series this year (as do I). For all the ill spoken about Philly-area fans, today was a good day and I'm glad I got to see it.
However, in his final day on the Phillies, the fans at Citizen's Bank park did something very nice for him on his way out. When the trade was officially announced to the crowd before the 9th inning, the fans stood as one and cheered for Abreu, who had remained in the dugout hanging out with his now-former teammates. Bobby came out, waved and blew kisses to the crowd. Lidle also came out and tipped his hat. The ovation continued for a while as the fans thanked Abreu for his 8 years of service. After the game, Bobby did an interview for the station where it was clear to see that he was moved (almost to tears, by his own admission) by the fan reaction. Still, he maintained how excited he was to head to NY and to be reunited with Larry Bowa with whom he had great relations. The Phillies announcers were kind as well and wished him well, saying that they hoped to see him in the World Series this year (as do I). For all the ill spoken about Philly-area fans, today was a good day and I'm glad I got to see it.
07/30: Deal Details
Posted by: James
Peter A. over at the LoHud Yankees Blog breaks down the deal so head on over and check out what's he found out. A few highlights:
That's great to hear about Bernie because that means that Melky maintains his starting spot until Matsui is ready. Of course, Torre has said one thing and then eventually reverted to something else before (i.e. Bernie platoon) so we'll have to wait and see what happens.
* The Yankees did not have to pick up the option. So they will owe Abreu $4.4 million this season, $13 million next season and a $2 million buyout for 2008. Lidle is owed $1.3 for this year. Once Sheffield is not retained, the money is almost a wash.
* Torre said that Bernie will go back to the role they intended to use him in: occasional DH, pinch hitter and fill-in outfielder.
* Torre said that Bernie will go back to the role they intended to use him in: occasional DH, pinch hitter and fill-in outfielder.
That's great to hear about Bernie because that means that Melky maintains his starting spot until Matsui is ready. Of course, Torre has said one thing and then eventually reverted to something else before (i.e. Bernie platoon) so we'll have to wait and see what happens.
07/30: Potential Ex-Yankees
Update: It's official and the other minor-leaguers are catcher Jesus Sanchez (19 in 2 months and hitting .264/330/.319/.649 in the GCL) and right-hander Carlos Monasterios (20 and pitching well in the GCL - 2.97 ERA, 24:3 K:B in 30 IP). Awesome - these guys are still at least 3 years away from the majors. A couple weeks ago, the Phillies were talking Hughes and Tabata...now, they end up with these guys. Nice work, Brian Cashman.
If it is C.J. Henry & Matt Smith, I for one will be ecstatic. To get a player of Bobby Abreu's caliber as well as someone who immediately pushes Sidney Ponson (and perhaps Shawn Chacon) off the team for a package of these guys could be (and probably will be) labeled a coup. Joe P. over at the Sporting Brews has done a very good job of looking at the players listed in the trade. Mike A. over at Baby Bombers would be a good source to check in on this as well but while Henry is young (only 20), he has not shown a ton of promise playing in Low-A Charleston. He's not a huge bust ala Jon Poterson (what a waste that was) but he simply hasn't performed to the expectations that were there when he was drafted. At that time, Baseball America had him listed as the second-best athlete and fourth-fastest baserunner in the draft. To date, that athleticism simply hasn't transferred to the field but that's not to say that it won't in the future. In essence, we're not giving up on a sure thing and we're not giving up a stud SS prospect either as he's been just plain bad at short and pretty much any prospect analyst thinks that an outfield move is in his future.
As for Smith, a lot of people are high on him based on his 0.00 ERA so far in his MLB appearances as well as his performance in the high levels of the minors in the last two years. Still, giving up Smith becomes a lot easier to swallow when you think about it in terms of who you would rather keep - a 27 year old who has pitched a total of 12 innings in the majors (8:9 BB:K ratio) or the 29 year old (Scott Proctor) that has performed well to date in the majors and (more importantly) earned Joe Torre's trust.
So far, it looks very good for the Yankees, especially if reports are true that the Yankees won't have to pick up his 2008 option. That would make Abreu a free agent after the 2007 season (Lidle is a free agent at the end of the year) so he would essentially replace Gary Sheffield next year.
If it is C.J. Henry & Matt Smith, I for one will be ecstatic. To get a player of Bobby Abreu's caliber as well as someone who immediately pushes Sidney Ponson (and perhaps Shawn Chacon) off the team for a package of these guys could be (and probably will be) labeled a coup. Joe P. over at the Sporting Brews has done a very good job of looking at the players listed in the trade. Mike A. over at Baby Bombers would be a good source to check in on this as well but while Henry is young (only 20), he has not shown a ton of promise playing in Low-A Charleston. He's not a huge bust ala Jon Poterson (what a waste that was) but he simply hasn't performed to the expectations that were there when he was drafted. At that time, Baseball America had him listed as the second-best athlete and fourth-fastest baserunner in the draft. To date, that athleticism simply hasn't transferred to the field but that's not to say that it won't in the future. In essence, we're not giving up on a sure thing and we're not giving up a stud SS prospect either as he's been just plain bad at short and pretty much any prospect analyst thinks that an outfield move is in his future.
As for Smith, a lot of people are high on him based on his 0.00 ERA so far in his MLB appearances as well as his performance in the high levels of the minors in the last two years. Still, giving up Smith becomes a lot easier to swallow when you think about it in terms of who you would rather keep - a 27 year old who has pitched a total of 12 innings in the majors (8:9 BB:K ratio) or the 29 year old (Scott Proctor) that has performed well to date in the majors and (more importantly) earned Joe Torre's trust.
So far, it looks very good for the Yankees, especially if reports are true that the Yankees won't have to pick up his 2008 option. That would make Abreu a free agent after the 2007 season (Lidle is a free agent at the end of the year) so he would essentially replace Gary Sheffield next year.
Mike Mussina notched his 13th win of the season pitching seven strong innings and only giving up two runs. He walked two and struck out eight while throwing 97 pitches.
The Yankees started the scoring in the 3rd with the help of a two out double from the captain Derek Jeter. However, Tampa struck right back with a bloop run scoring single to center from Johnny Gomes and an RBI single to right from Tomas Perez after it looked like he was struck out, but the ump called it a foul tip.
Johnny Damon went to the upper tank in right field twice for solo home runs in the fifth and seventh innings to give the Yankees the lead at 4-2.
Kyle Farnsworth struck out the side in the eighth and looked very impressive. He reached speeds of 101mph on the radar gun. Mariano Rivera worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 26th save of the season.
The Yankees have a day off tomorrow before Toronto comes to town for a three game series starting Tuesday night.
The Yankees have confirmed the trade rumors that will bring Bobby Abreu and Cory Lidle from the Phillies for four minor leaguers including C.J. Henry and Matt Smith.
The Yankees started the scoring in the 3rd with the help of a two out double from the captain Derek Jeter. However, Tampa struck right back with a bloop run scoring single to center from Johnny Gomes and an RBI single to right from Tomas Perez after it looked like he was struck out, but the ump called it a foul tip.
Johnny Damon went to the upper tank in right field twice for solo home runs in the fifth and seventh innings to give the Yankees the lead at 4-2.
Kyle Farnsworth struck out the side in the eighth and looked very impressive. He reached speeds of 101mph on the radar gun. Mariano Rivera worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 26th save of the season.
The Yankees have a day off tomorrow before Toronto comes to town for a three game series starting Tuesday night.
The Yankees have confirmed the trade rumors that will bring Bobby Abreu and Cory Lidle from the Phillies for four minor leaguers including C.J. Henry and Matt Smith.
Posted by: Patrick
ESPN.com is reporting that the Yankees and Phillies have agreed to a tentative deal that would send Bobby Abreu and Cory Lidle in exchange for C.J. Henry, Matt Smith and a minor leaguer to be named.
Posted by: Seamus
Looks like James was right. I guess 5-0 would've been pushing it as the Yankees took a 19-6 beating from the Devil Rays and fell a half game behind the White Sox and 1.5 games behind Boston. Needless to say, Randy Johnson wasn't very good as he allowed nine runs in less than 4 innings. The Yankee bullpen went on to surrender 10 more, including five runs allowed by Shawn Chacon, 3 by Mike Myers, and 2 by T.J. Beam. Ron Villone (big surprise) was the only Yankee pitcher not to allow a run.
The game looked promising in the 1st as the Unit retired the side in order, which was followed by back-to-back solo shots from Derek Jeter and Jason Giambi to put he Yankees ahead 2-0. It didn't take long for the Rays to counter, however, as they would score 3 in the second, highlighted by a two-run double by Tomas Perez. Damon Hollins put 3 more on the board in the next inning with a round-tripper. Jorge Posada's two-run double in the bottom of the 3rd brought the Yanks to within 6-4, but that would pretty much be all she wrote as Tampa Bay went on to score another 13 runs. The only real Yankee highlights if you can call it that are Jeter and A-Rod each recording two hits, and Jason Giambi launching his 30th home run of the season.
The Yankees will finish up this series at 1 ET. as they will send out Mike Mussina to face James Shields.
The game looked promising in the 1st as the Unit retired the side in order, which was followed by back-to-back solo shots from Derek Jeter and Jason Giambi to put he Yankees ahead 2-0. It didn't take long for the Rays to counter, however, as they would score 3 in the second, highlighted by a two-run double by Tomas Perez. Damon Hollins put 3 more on the board in the next inning with a round-tripper. Jorge Posada's two-run double in the bottom of the 3rd brought the Yanks to within 6-4, but that would pretty much be all she wrote as Tampa Bay went on to score another 13 runs. The only real Yankee highlights if you can call it that are Jeter and A-Rod each recording two hits, and Jason Giambi launching his 30th home run of the season.
The Yankees will finish up this series at 1 ET. as they will send out Mike Mussina to face James Shields.
07/30: Rumor Mill: 7/30/06
Actually, Abreu won't require us to pick up his option:
Another SP possibility: Kip Wells:
Via Pro Sports Daily.
Phillies GM Pat Gillick, according to a source, had been given the go-ahead from Abreu's agent yesterday afternoon to work out a deal with the Yanks, Mets or Red Sox. Since Abreu has a full no-trade clause, he is able to dictate which teams he'd be willing to play for; the final trio comprised the ones that he was willing to waive the no-trade clause for without requiring that the $16 million club option on his contract for 2008 be picked up. ...
... Gillick and Yanks GM Brian Cashman began engaging in more serious talks as the afternoon went on, according to a source. It was believed that the Yankees might be sending reliever Scott Proctor to the Phillies in exchange for Abreu and, possibly, former Yankee pitcher Jon Lieber. Prospects could also be involved in the deal. Instead of picking up Abreu's option, the Bombers were expected to pay a lump sum of somewhere near $1 million to Abreu in exchange for him waiving the no-trade clause.
... Gillick and Yanks GM Brian Cashman began engaging in more serious talks as the afternoon went on, according to a source. It was believed that the Yankees might be sending reliever Scott Proctor to the Phillies in exchange for Abreu and, possibly, former Yankee pitcher Jon Lieber. Prospects could also be involved in the deal. Instead of picking up Abreu's option, the Bombers were expected to pay a lump sum of somewhere near $1 million to Abreu in exchange for him waiving the no-trade clause.
Another SP possibility: Kip Wells:
The two New York teams could be at the forefront of those interested in starter Kip Wells. A deal with the Yankees seems more likely, given that team's additional interest in outfielder Craig Wilson and reliever Roberto Hernandez.
Via Pro Sports Daily.
07/29: Bobby Abreu
Bobby Abreu is good. How good? I'm not sure. But, this much is true: he's 32 years old. Throughout his career, he has been very durable. Starting from 1998 (his first full season), he has played between 151 (1998) and 162 (2001 and 2005) games. He has missed just 2 games this year. He's a career .301 hitter and his career OBA is .412. Coming into this year, he was 8th in OBA among active players. Since 1998, his OBA has been below .400 (.393) just once. Not even OBA machine Giambi can say that. In those seasons, his OBA has ranged from .405 (2005) to .446 (1999). He's at .427 this year, even if he is on pace for the lowest batting average of his career (.277). And he won his first gold glove last year (I know that gold gloves are subjective, but a gold glove is a gold glove, no matter how you slice it).
He's making $13 million this year and $15 million next year. And he wants his 2008 option of $16 million (really $14 million, since it has a $2 million buyout) picked up. By then, he'd be 34 years old, which isn't that bad. The thought, I would guess, would be that we trade for Abreu. He takes RF. Matsui comes back, takes LF. Sheffield comes back, whenever that is, and maybe gets some OF time, but is primarily a DH.
So, for the next two years, Matsui, Damon and Abreu becomes our OF, since they are all under contract. We either decline Sheffield's option or pick him up at a discount to be a DH (not too likely). Offensively, it's a great outfield. Defensively, it seems generally good, as well. That's subjective, I imagine. But, I'd say that at worst, it's "not bad." Imagine this lineup for the playoff run in September and, assuming we make the playoffs, those as well:
C - Jorge Posada
1B - Jason Giambi
2B - Robinson Cano (After Time Off)
3B - Alex Rodrigiez
SS - Derek Jeter
LF - Hideki Matsui (After Time Off)
CF - Johnny Damon
RF - Bobby Abreu
DH - Gary Sheffield (After Time Off)
Of course, it comes down to what will it take to make it happen. If we can make it happen without dealing the cream of our crop, then I'm interested. I don't know how great Lieber is (especially for this and next year), but I guess he's most likely got to be better than Wright, Ponson, et all., so if we have to take him, or Lidle, that would be worth doing. It'll be interesting to see how it plays out. We'll know soon.
He's making $13 million this year and $15 million next year. And he wants his 2008 option of $16 million (really $14 million, since it has a $2 million buyout) picked up. By then, he'd be 34 years old, which isn't that bad. The thought, I would guess, would be that we trade for Abreu. He takes RF. Matsui comes back, takes LF. Sheffield comes back, whenever that is, and maybe gets some OF time, but is primarily a DH.
So, for the next two years, Matsui, Damon and Abreu becomes our OF, since they are all under contract. We either decline Sheffield's option or pick him up at a discount to be a DH (not too likely). Offensively, it's a great outfield. Defensively, it seems generally good, as well. That's subjective, I imagine. But, I'd say that at worst, it's "not bad." Imagine this lineup for the playoff run in September and, assuming we make the playoffs, those as well:
C - Jorge Posada
1B - Jason Giambi
2B - Robinson Cano (After Time Off)
3B - Alex Rodrigiez
SS - Derek Jeter
LF - Hideki Matsui (After Time Off)
CF - Johnny Damon
RF - Bobby Abreu
DH - Gary Sheffield (After Time Off)
Of course, it comes down to what will it take to make it happen. If we can make it happen without dealing the cream of our crop, then I'm interested. I don't know how great Lieber is (especially for this and next year), but I guess he's most likely got to be better than Wright, Ponson, et all., so if we have to take him, or Lidle, that would be worth doing. It'll be interesting to see how it plays out. We'll know soon.
07/29: Rumor Mill: 07/29/06
Posted by: Patrick
We've inquired about Jake Westbrook:
Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun speculates that we might have a place for Jeff Conine.
George King of the New York Post talks about potential deals with the Phillies and Pirates, as well as the value of Proctor:
I had seen Proctor bashed quite a bit (especially before this season) and I never really said too much about him. This year, he has been valuable to us. But, it would certainly be neat if he ends up helping us net something bigger...
Via Pro Sports Daily.
... but the Yankees did inquire about Indians starter Jake Westbrook. They were told he is not available, but that, like everything else, could change by Monday afternoon.
Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun speculates that we might have a place for Jeff Conine.
George King of the New York Post talks about potential deals with the Phillies and Pirates, as well as the value of Proctor:
With the Phillies and Pirates lowering their price on the players they are trying to move, the likelihood of the Yankees making a deal before the trading deadline is better than it has been in weeks.
And there were indications the Yankees may include Scott Proctor - whom the Phillies love - in the right transaction. If Proctor is moved, another reliever is a must.
Until the price came down on Bobby Abreu, Jon Lieber, Cory Lidle and Tom Gordon, GM Brian Cashman wasn't going to get something done with the Phillies. Ditto with the Pirates, who are shopping Craig Wilson, Salomon Torres, Roberto Hernandez, John Grabow, Sean Casey and Jeromy Burnitz.
As far as the Pirates, an NL source explained the Yankees are interested in getting Wilson and Burnitz to spin them off in a three-way trade.
And there were indications the Yankees may include Scott Proctor - whom the Phillies love - in the right transaction. If Proctor is moved, another reliever is a must.
Until the price came down on Bobby Abreu, Jon Lieber, Cory Lidle and Tom Gordon, GM Brian Cashman wasn't going to get something done with the Phillies. Ditto with the Pirates, who are shopping Craig Wilson, Salomon Torres, Roberto Hernandez, John Grabow, Sean Casey and Jeromy Burnitz.
As far as the Pirates, an NL source explained the Yankees are interested in getting Wilson and Burnitz to spin them off in a three-way trade.
I had seen Proctor bashed quite a bit (especially before this season) and I never really said too much about him. This year, he has been valuable to us. But, it would certainly be neat if he ends up helping us net something bigger...
Via Pro Sports Daily.
07/28: 20 Questions W/ Phil Hughes
Posted by: James
It must be Yankees week over at MiLB.com this week. Buy one Yankee, get the second one half-off! In any case, much like the earlier Q&A with Jose Tabata, Sapna Pathak gets a chance to sit down with Phil Hughes. Again, Hughes comes off as remarkably mature and well-spoken for someone of his age and even though he was drafted at the tender age of 17, he seems very pratical and even-keeled. I've condensed some highlights below but check out the whole piece if you get a chance.
MiLB.com: What was it like being selected in the first round by the Yankees?
PH: I was contacted by some other teams, and they'd pretty much said they wanted me so it was kind of nice to have that safety net there. But to be taken by New York was unbelievable.
MiLB.com: You mentioned improvements; what are some improvements you've noticed in your game?
PH: Last year was a big learning experience for me. This year, my fastball location has gotten better and I'm at the point with my curveball where I can throw it in any count at any time.
MiLB.com: You are being hailed as the future of the Yankees on quite a few Web forums. Is that a lot of pressure to handle?
PH: It's tough at times because there's a lot of high expectations there. People think I'll dominate my first time in the Majors, but it'll take time; only a few people can come out and really dominate. It'll obviously be another learning process when I get up there. (Pretty astute assessment.)
MiLB.com: What players did you look up to as a child?
PH: Growing up I was never like that. I played different positions and didn't start pitching until high school. Guys like Greg Maddux or Roger Clemens I admire because of the longevity of their careers. (Amen to that!)
MiLB.com: What games and who's your biggest competition?
PH: Spades or Big Deuces which is an older game that Kevin Howard introduced us to. Me and Jamie Cox have been known to talk some trash (laughs). (I'm assuming he's referring to J.B. Cox - I've just never heard him being called Jamie before.)
PH: I was contacted by some other teams, and they'd pretty much said they wanted me so it was kind of nice to have that safety net there. But to be taken by New York was unbelievable.
MiLB.com: You mentioned improvements; what are some improvements you've noticed in your game?
PH: Last year was a big learning experience for me. This year, my fastball location has gotten better and I'm at the point with my curveball where I can throw it in any count at any time.
MiLB.com: You are being hailed as the future of the Yankees on quite a few Web forums. Is that a lot of pressure to handle?
PH: It's tough at times because there's a lot of high expectations there. People think I'll dominate my first time in the Majors, but it'll take time; only a few people can come out and really dominate. It'll obviously be another learning process when I get up there. (Pretty astute assessment.)
MiLB.com: What players did you look up to as a child?
PH: Growing up I was never like that. I played different positions and didn't start pitching until high school. Guys like Greg Maddux or Roger Clemens I admire because of the longevity of their careers. (Amen to that!)
MiLB.com: What games and who's your biggest competition?
PH: Spades or Big Deuces which is an older game that Kevin Howard introduced us to. Me and Jamie Cox have been known to talk some trash (laughs). (I'm assuming he's referring to J.B. Cox - I've just never heard him being called Jamie before.)
Posted by: David
Chien Ming-Wang was simply brilliant on Friday night at Yankee Stadium. He pitched a complete game two hit shutout as the Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 6-0 in the first of a three game weekend series. Wang now has a record of 12-4 on the season.
The Yankees scored a run in the first on a two out single from A-Rod. They added two more the next inning when Derek Jeter lined a two out, two run single to right to move the Yankees up 3-0. In the fourth Tampa Bay starter Tim Corcoran got into more trouble and was relieved by Chad Harville. The Yankees scored two more runs on bases loaded walks. Bernie Williams hit a solo homer to center to end the scoring and put the Yanks up 6-0.
The story of the night though was Chien Ming-Wang as he was perfect through the first four innings. He only had one inning with more than one runner on base and got out of it when he retired Rocco Baldelli on a fly ball to center to end the threat.
Gary Sheffield in still on the DL but was seen sitting on the Yankees bench during the game. During the telecast they showed tape of him today throwing in the outfield. He is looking to come back around September 1st. Hideki Matsui is swinging the bat and throwing and running and he is looking at being available sometime during August. Robinson Cano ran the bases today in Tampa and is scheduled to run again on Sunday. He should go out on rehab next week and the Yankees are looking to have him back in about ten days. Octavio Dotel threw a bullpen today and is scheduled to have another bullpen session on Sunday. If he could be back this year at all it would be a plus.
The series vs. Tampa Bay resumes tomorrow with Randy Johnson on the hill for the Bombers in a 4pm start.
The Yankees scored a run in the first on a two out single from A-Rod. They added two more the next inning when Derek Jeter lined a two out, two run single to right to move the Yankees up 3-0. In the fourth Tampa Bay starter Tim Corcoran got into more trouble and was relieved by Chad Harville. The Yankees scored two more runs on bases loaded walks. Bernie Williams hit a solo homer to center to end the scoring and put the Yanks up 6-0.
The story of the night though was Chien Ming-Wang as he was perfect through the first four innings. He only had one inning with more than one runner on base and got out of it when he retired Rocco Baldelli on a fly ball to center to end the threat.
Gary Sheffield in still on the DL but was seen sitting on the Yankees bench during the game. During the telecast they showed tape of him today throwing in the outfield. He is looking to come back around September 1st. Hideki Matsui is swinging the bat and throwing and running and he is looking at being available sometime during August. Robinson Cano ran the bases today in Tampa and is scheduled to run again on Sunday. He should go out on rehab next week and the Yankees are looking to have him back in about ten days. Octavio Dotel threw a bullpen today and is scheduled to have another bullpen session on Sunday. If he could be back this year at all it would be a plus.
The series vs. Tampa Bay resumes tomorrow with Randy Johnson on the hill for the Bombers in a 4pm start.
07/28: Rumor Mill: 7/28/06
Posted by: Patrick
If we want Abreu, the Phillies may want us to take Lieber. And the Pirates are interested in Steven White. According to the New York Daily News:
We're interested in Ramon Ortiz and Mark Redman, according to the New York Post:
Roger and Andy, as well:
Via Pro Sports Daily
Quite simply, the prices being asked by opposing teams are too high. The Phillies, however, may be slowly moving toward middle ground with the Bombers, sources said, and could get closer over the weekend. After asking for top prospects (such as Phil Hughes or Jose Tabata) in exchange for Bobby Abreu earlier this month - even though the Bombers believe any transaction involving Abreu is basically a salary dump for Philadelphia - the Phillies are now said to be discussing a deal that would net them lesser prospects for Abreu - with the catch being that the Yanks have to take on former Bomber Jon Lieber, too.
We're interested in Ramon Ortiz and Mark Redman, according to the New York Post:
And while Bobby Abreu may not be dealt or may require talent the Yankees don't have or don't want to trade, there are other options. Right-handers Jon Lieber, a former Yankee, and Cory Lidle are on the list of pitchers the Yankees are interested in. The list also includes Royals lefty Mark Redman and the Nationals' Ramon Ortiz.
Roger and Andy, as well:
The Yankees also have made it known that they would have interest in Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte in the event - an extreme longshot - that the Astros would consider trading them.
Via Pro Sports Daily
07/27: Wang The Prankster?
Posted by: James
There's a positively glowing article on Chien-Ming Wang over at MLB.com today. It's definitely worth a read, if only to get a little more of an idea of who the team's somewhat shy #2 pitcher really is. Here are a few highlights and any emphasis added is mine.
Now, he needs to do only one thing to get on my eternal good side. When Joe comes in to take the ball from him, Obi-Wang should wave his hand and calmly tell him that he doesn't need to take the ball away and this isn't the ball he's looking for. THAT...would be hilarious (okay, maybe just to me...).
Asked if he has been pleased with his success, Wang shook his hand as if to say, "So-so."
"Maybe lucky?" he said with a bashful grin. "I want better, better, better." (How can you not root for that?)
...
Catcher Jorge Posada says without hesitation that Wang has the best stuff in the Yankees' rotation. Guidry feels Wang could be an ace for the Yankees, if not another team, in a couple years.
...
That was never more evident in Wang's next to last start against the Mariners. Wang didn't have his best stuff and was constantly in trouble. Three Alex Rodriguez errors behind him didn't help.
But Wang never lost his composure and allowed just two earned runs in seven innings to pick up the win.
Asked about the errors after the game, Wang simply said, "Nobody's perfect."
...
But despite his success, Wang remains a pitcher not too many teams know about.
Mariners batting coach Jeff Pentland hadn't heard much about Wang -- other than that he had a good sinker -- before facing him on July 17. After spending a couple hours of watching him on tape, Pentland compared Wang to Roy Halladay, the Blue Jays' former Cy Young winner. (A comparison I've thought of on several occassions).
"Maybe lucky?" he said with a bashful grin. "I want better, better, better." (How can you not root for that?)
...
Catcher Jorge Posada says without hesitation that Wang has the best stuff in the Yankees' rotation. Guidry feels Wang could be an ace for the Yankees, if not another team, in a couple years.
...
That was never more evident in Wang's next to last start against the Mariners. Wang didn't have his best stuff and was constantly in trouble. Three Alex Rodriguez errors behind him didn't help.
But Wang never lost his composure and allowed just two earned runs in seven innings to pick up the win.
Asked about the errors after the game, Wang simply said, "Nobody's perfect."
...
But despite his success, Wang remains a pitcher not too many teams know about.
Mariners batting coach Jeff Pentland hadn't heard much about Wang -- other than that he had a good sinker -- before facing him on July 17. After spending a couple hours of watching him on tape, Pentland compared Wang to Roy Halladay, the Blue Jays' former Cy Young winner. (A comparison I've thought of on several occassions).
Now, he needs to do only one thing to get on my eternal good side. When Joe comes in to take the ball from him, Obi-Wang should wave his hand and calmly tell him that he doesn't need to take the ball away and this isn't the ball he's looking for. THAT...would be hilarious (okay, maybe just to me...).
Posted by: Jason
...because it was consumed by flames last night!! What a game!
Massive momentum swings, key hits and a pinch of good fortune all combined for the Yankees to pull within 1.5 games in the AL East race (wholehearted thanks, Frank) and assume a "wafer thin" 0.5 game lead in the AL Wild Card race.
Unfortunately Wright was nicked, then gouged, in the 2nd and the 4th and was not the same guy who whiffed 10 D Rays before the break...but those were the Rays and Showalter's lineup card was stacked with the usual dangerous suspects: Young, Blalock, Texiera.
Notable offensive developments:
1) The Yankees came out of the chute strong with 4 hits in the Top 1st (John, Derek, Bernabe and Andy) and exited the 1/2 inning with a 2-0 lead.
2) Top 8. With the Yankees down 4-2, Alex made a bid for the steamy asphalt of the Ameriquest Field parking lot, but only made it to the green grass beyond the dead-CF wall. Unacceptable! Trade him now while we can still get something valuable.
Also Top 8...after a Bernabe BB and a Phillips 1B, Cabrera went the other way into the gap for a 2 RBI double that gave the Yankees the lead 5-4. After Fasano bunted MC to 3rd, he scored on a wild pitch...6-4 New York.
Bottom 8...I'll admit that I was about to concede this game, because of course with the Boston loss there was no downside in the AL East race. Both Beam and Proctor were shoved around by Texas, until Chacon stopped the bleeding with a strikeout and a remarkably improbable double play: he looked like Martin Brodeur stabbing a Jagr wrist shot, then he auditioned for the Alvin Ailey Theatre by performing some interpretive dance before finally, FINALLY throwing the ball to first for the DP. 7-6 Rangers.
Top 9. Jeter takes a pitch back through the middle for a 1B. When is someone going to coin a proper nickname for Jeter? It must convey the same skill and class as "The Yankee Clipper." Joe D. retired 21 years before I was born, but from everything I have read, beyond all doubt, Jeter is our DiMaggio.
To conclude: let me take you back just a short time to a news story, so you can contrast it with the ball sailing into the seats last night for the lead and the victory:
5/11/2005: Chicago Sun Times
"Minor Leagues could be in Giambi's future":
Massive momentum swings, key hits and a pinch of good fortune all combined for the Yankees to pull within 1.5 games in the AL East race (wholehearted thanks, Frank) and assume a "wafer thin" 0.5 game lead in the AL Wild Card race.
Unfortunately Wright was nicked, then gouged, in the 2nd and the 4th and was not the same guy who whiffed 10 D Rays before the break...but those were the Rays and Showalter's lineup card was stacked with the usual dangerous suspects: Young, Blalock, Texiera.
Notable offensive developments:
1) The Yankees came out of the chute strong with 4 hits in the Top 1st (John, Derek, Bernabe and Andy) and exited the 1/2 inning with a 2-0 lead.
2) Top 8. With the Yankees down 4-2, Alex made a bid for the steamy asphalt of the Ameriquest Field parking lot, but only made it to the green grass beyond the dead-CF wall. Unacceptable! Trade him now while we can still get something valuable.
Also Top 8...after a Bernabe BB and a Phillips 1B, Cabrera went the other way into the gap for a 2 RBI double that gave the Yankees the lead 5-4. After Fasano bunted MC to 3rd, he scored on a wild pitch...6-4 New York.
Bottom 8...I'll admit that I was about to concede this game, because of course with the Boston loss there was no downside in the AL East race. Both Beam and Proctor were shoved around by Texas, until Chacon stopped the bleeding with a strikeout and a remarkably improbable double play: he looked like Martin Brodeur stabbing a Jagr wrist shot, then he auditioned for the Alvin Ailey Theatre by performing some interpretive dance before finally, FINALLY throwing the ball to first for the DP. 7-6 Rangers.
Top 9. Jeter takes a pitch back through the middle for a 1B. When is someone going to coin a proper nickname for Jeter? It must convey the same skill and class as "The Yankee Clipper." Joe D. retired 21 years before I was born, but from everything I have read, beyond all doubt, Jeter is our DiMaggio.
To conclude: let me take you back just a short time to a news story, so you can contrast it with the ball sailing into the seats last night for the lead and the victory:
5/11/2005: Chicago Sun Times
"Minor Leagues could be in Giambi's future":
New York (AP)
Jason Giambi could be headed to the minor leagues if he doesn't start hitting. With Giambi's batting average down to .195, Yankees manager Joe Torre and General Manager Brian Cashman...
Jason Giambi could be headed to the minor leagues if he doesn't start hitting. With Giambi's batting average down to .195, Yankees manager Joe Torre and General Manager Brian Cashman...
07/27: Rumor Mill: 7/27/06
Posted by: Patrick
Apparently, we're unwilling to deal Proctor to get Betemit:
You can add LaTroy Hawkins to the list of relievers we're looking at.
Joel Sherman says not to be surprised if Bubba ends up with Girardi:
Via Pro Sports Daily.
Yesterday, the Yankees were informed by the Braves that a deal for infielder Wilson Betemit wouldn't get done unless the Yankees included Proctor. Unwilling to remove Proctor from their bullpen, the Yankees run the risk of watching the switch-hitting Betemit, a player many evaluators say has a bright future and one who could help bolster the Yankees' lineup, land elsewhere.
You can add LaTroy Hawkins to the list of relievers we're looking at.
Joel Sherman says not to be surprised if Bubba ends up with Girardi:
If the Yanks eventually land an outfielder and have to move someone off the roster, do not be surprised if Bubba Crosby ends up in Florida. Marlins manager Joe Girardi, the Yanks' bench coach last season, was one of the key voices in the organization who believed Crosby could be a full-time player. Current Marlins center fielder Reggie Abercrombie is one of their few rookies who has not played well this year. His .215 batting average was the worst for any active NL player with at least 225 plate appearances.
Via Pro Sports Daily.
07/27: Happy Birthday A-Rod!
Regardless of what anyone else says about you, I'm glad you're on the team. .305/.385/.573 for your career with 451 HRs and 1299 RBIs (235 SB too). Most people would be happy calling that a career...and you've still got a good while left. Wow - simply amazing - so Happy Birthday and well wishes. Now just go out, relax a little, enjoy the day off...and hit 20+ HRs over the rest of the season!
Just kidding! (Sort of...)
Just kidding! (Sort of...)
07/27: Peter A. On Mr. T.
Posted by: James
Peter Abraham, probably my favorite Yankee beat writer in a long time, takes a quick break from the LoHud Yankees Blog and guest-posts over at The Baseball Analysts this morning with his thoughts on Joe Torre. It's a well-written piece and certainly worth your time. Of particular note are Peter's observations on Joe and his handling of the media as well as Torre's bullpen management. I especially enjoyed this part of the article:
As much as I can get annoyed with some of Joe Torre's in-game decisions, I'm still amazed that he's been able to last this long in the NY pressure-cooker and I think part of that can be traced to the affable nature showcased in Peter's article.
The session is an egalitarian affair. No matter who you are, you're allowed to worm your way through the crowd and ask a question. From Mike Lupica to stargazing fan-boys from weekly papers, Torre takes on all comers.
But Torre has no time for ESPN. He believes they hammered too much on Roger Clemens for throwing the piece of bat at Mike Piazza during the 2000 World Series. So he doesn't yuck it up with Chris Berman or pop up on SportsCenter. He growls a few words when one of their reporters asks a question, then invariably makes some kind of remark when they walk away.
He also doesn't much like questions about how he uses his bullpen, unless it's from a beat writer. One of the backup writers from the New York Times questioned his use of Mariano Rivera in the ninth inning of a tied game a few weeks ago and Torre's response was "You been around much?"
Torre glared at the guy as he answered and kept glaring through the next question, which was asked by somebody else about another subject.
But Torre has no time for ESPN. He believes they hammered too much on Roger Clemens for throwing the piece of bat at Mike Piazza during the 2000 World Series. So he doesn't yuck it up with Chris Berman or pop up on SportsCenter. He growls a few words when one of their reporters asks a question, then invariably makes some kind of remark when they walk away.
He also doesn't much like questions about how he uses his bullpen, unless it's from a beat writer. One of the backup writers from the New York Times questioned his use of Mariano Rivera in the ninth inning of a tied game a few weeks ago and Torre's response was "You been around much?"
Torre glared at the guy as he answered and kept glaring through the next question, which was asked by somebody else about another subject.
As much as I can get annoyed with some of Joe Torre's in-game decisions, I'm still amazed that he's been able to last this long in the NY pressure-cooker and I think part of that can be traced to the affable nature showcased in Peter's article.
07/26: Fasano to Yankees
Posted by: Seamus
The Yankees have acquired catcher Sal Fasano from the Phillies for minor league 2B Hector Made and have designated Kelly Stinnett for assignment. Fasano is a bit of an improvement offensively from Stinnett, as he has hit .243 with four homers and 10 RBI so far with the Phillies. Stinnett struggled with the Yankees this year, with a line of .228/.282/.304 (probably would've been even worse had he not gotten so hot for a week or so in May).
So, Super Mario gets another shot with the pinstripes after spending the entire 2004 campaign in Columbus. Don't really know what to say about him, other than he tore it up for me in MVP Baseball two years ago.
In other news, the Twins have defeated the White Sox yet again this afternoon, so the Yankees go into tonight's game as part of a three-way tie with the ChiSox and Twins for the A.L. wild card spot.
So, Super Mario gets another shot with the pinstripes after spending the entire 2004 campaign in Columbus. Don't really know what to say about him, other than he tore it up for me in MVP Baseball two years ago.
In other news, the Twins have defeated the White Sox yet again this afternoon, so the Yankees go into tonight's game as part of a three-way tie with the ChiSox and Twins for the A.L. wild card spot.
Posted by: Jason
As the media reports oscillate from one end of the spectrum to the other (Abreu!! Soriano!! Yes!! No!!...wait, now YES!!....wait, now it's totally NO!!!) I see Cashman using the media in the way he never could when leaks were coming out of the organization like multiple waterfalls in the days of the NY/Tampa schism...
Cashman has probably read Julius Caesar's "Conquest of Gaul" and is employing a relevant lesson from that most famous man in history: "Men will readily believe what they wish to believe."
These media reports, while generally informative, are probably planted by BC to mask his true intentions. Cashman is planting these leaks to assess how the market will move....the Yankees are the biggest whale in MLB, one little move of the flipper and everyone else is displaced and MUST react. Cashman understands the power of this position, and gone are the days when the Yankees were played like a fiddle with agents having direct lines into Tampa sources and the Boss's office...
For example, there's as close to a zero chance as possible that they would trade Alex...but the Oilers traded Gretzky...I guarantee you there's a hypothetical deal for Alex (and Hughes, and every Yankee player) that could create value for the team.
And Cashman seems to never take anything off the table. Watch his public language closely....
Cashman has probably read Julius Caesar's "Conquest of Gaul" and is employing a relevant lesson from that most famous man in history: "Men will readily believe what they wish to believe."
These media reports, while generally informative, are probably planted by BC to mask his true intentions. Cashman is planting these leaks to assess how the market will move....the Yankees are the biggest whale in MLB, one little move of the flipper and everyone else is displaced and MUST react. Cashman understands the power of this position, and gone are the days when the Yankees were played like a fiddle with agents having direct lines into Tampa sources and the Boss's office...
For example, there's as close to a zero chance as possible that they would trade Alex...but the Oilers traded Gretzky...I guarantee you there's a hypothetical deal for Alex (and Hughes, and every Yankee player) that could create value for the team.
And Cashman seems to never take anything off the table. Watch his public language closely....
07/26: 20 Questions W/ Jose Tabata
Posted by: James