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
Sapna Pathak over at MiLB.com got a chance to sit down with Yankee prospect Jose Tabata and pick his brain a little bit. Tabata comes off as a good kid, intelligent and to the point but still pretty jovial. I'd read the whole article but I've presented some of the highlights below:
MiLB.com: Were you exposed to Major League Baseball while growing up in Venezuela?
JT: There were games on TV. I grew up loving Manny Ramirez.
MiLB.com: Your childhood hero was Manny and now you're a part of the Yankees, how does that feel?
JT: (Laughs) It's weird because I love Manny Ramirez, but I knew that if I played it would only be for the New York Yankees. I wouldn't even consider it.
MiLB.com: What are you doing when you aren't playing baseball?
JT: I love playing basketball as much as baseball. If I was taller maybe I'd be in the NBA right now (laughs).
MiLB.com: What's the best part about playing here?
JT: The most important thing to me is being a team player. I'm not caught up with doing well all by myself; I have that team-mentality.
MiLB.com: Do you shy away from being in the public eye, or do you enjoy it?
JT: Oddly enough, although my English isn't that good, I like speaking in public. I enjoy being around fans or young children and getting to know people.
MiLB.com: What big-league ballpark would you play in if you had the choice?
JT: Yankee Stadium, as a Yankee.
JT: There were games on TV. I grew up loving Manny Ramirez.
MiLB.com: Your childhood hero was Manny and now you're a part of the Yankees, how does that feel?
JT: (Laughs) It's weird because I love Manny Ramirez, but I knew that if I played it would only be for the New York Yankees. I wouldn't even consider it.
MiLB.com: What are you doing when you aren't playing baseball?
JT: I love playing basketball as much as baseball. If I was taller maybe I'd be in the NBA right now (laughs).
MiLB.com: What's the best part about playing here?
JT: The most important thing to me is being a team player. I'm not caught up with doing well all by myself; I have that team-mentality.
MiLB.com: Do you shy away from being in the public eye, or do you enjoy it?
JT: Oddly enough, although my English isn't that good, I like speaking in public. I enjoy being around fans or young children and getting to know people.
MiLB.com: What big-league ballpark would you play in if you had the choice?
JT: Yankee Stadium, as a Yankee.
07/26: It Was A Good Night
Posted by: James
To be a Trenton Thunder Yankee prospect, that is.
My boy Tyler "T-Clip" Clippard has now gotten his ERA under 4 for the year. I'm fairly certain that anyone who reads YanksBlog.com knows that I'm a big fan of Clippard but he's really justified my support. Just a month and a half ago, he was 2-9, his ERA stood at 5.69, his WHIP was 1.26 and he was averaging 8.2 Ks per 9 for the year. Honestly, I still haven't found out what changed for him but something sure has and it has led to two Pitcher of the Week awards and a mention on the BA Hot Sheet. Of course, his numbers look quite a bit better now as well; Clippard's ERA is now 3.86, the WHIP is down to 1.09 and he's gotten the K rate (up to 8.8 per 9) and wins up (5-1 in 8 decisions, 7-10 for the year). Not too shabby for a 21-year old in AA, huh? Hughes & Clippard (in Columbus) in 07!
As an aside, you'd have Steven White (25, a decent ground-ball pitcher), Jeff Karstens (23, has pitched much better in his return to Columbus) and Darrell Rasner (25, if he can ever return from injury) filling out that rotation. That's not too bad at all and certainly gives you quite a few viable options if a starter (i.e. Pavano) were to go down next year.
As for the other prodigal son in the Yankee system, Eric Duncan blasted another home-run to support Clippard, The home-run was his 4th HR in the last 3 games and the third game in a row that he's knocked one out.
While Duncan has hit a ton better since he was demoted to AA Trenton and his plate discipline has been amazing (especially considering his hack-tastic past), I'm not ready to pronounce him "back" just yet. I'd like to see what he does for the rest of the year before I do that but his current line of .286/.379/.584 in 154 ABs (14 2B, 1 3B, 10 HR, 23 BB, 19 K for a 57% XBH ratio and a 12% K ratio) certainly adds back a lot of the luster he lost earlier this season in Columbus. It's also impressive that he's done this so far while playing in Trenton, which I believe is a slight pitcher's park and in the Eastern League, which is more of a pitcher's league (or so I understand). Still, while I'm happy for his turnaround, I need to see more before I jump back on the bandwagon.
My boy Tyler "T-Clip" Clippard has now gotten his ERA under 4 for the year. I'm fairly certain that anyone who reads YanksBlog.com knows that I'm a big fan of Clippard but he's really justified my support. Just a month and a half ago, he was 2-9, his ERA stood at 5.69, his WHIP was 1.26 and he was averaging 8.2 Ks per 9 for the year. Honestly, I still haven't found out what changed for him but something sure has and it has led to two Pitcher of the Week awards and a mention on the BA Hot Sheet. Of course, his numbers look quite a bit better now as well; Clippard's ERA is now 3.86, the WHIP is down to 1.09 and he's gotten the K rate (up to 8.8 per 9) and wins up (5-1 in 8 decisions, 7-10 for the year). Not too shabby for a 21-year old in AA, huh? Hughes & Clippard (in Columbus) in 07!
As an aside, you'd have Steven White (25, a decent ground-ball pitcher), Jeff Karstens (23, has pitched much better in his return to Columbus) and Darrell Rasner (25, if he can ever return from injury) filling out that rotation. That's not too bad at all and certainly gives you quite a few viable options if a starter (i.e. Pavano) were to go down next year.
As for the other prodigal son in the Yankee system, Eric Duncan blasted another home-run to support Clippard, The home-run was his 4th HR in the last 3 games and the third game in a row that he's knocked one out.
While Duncan has hit a ton better since he was demoted to AA Trenton and his plate discipline has been amazing (especially considering his hack-tastic past), I'm not ready to pronounce him "back" just yet. I'd like to see what he does for the rest of the year before I do that but his current line of .286/.379/.584 in 154 ABs (14 2B, 1 3B, 10 HR, 23 BB, 19 K for a 57% XBH ratio and a 12% K ratio) certainly adds back a lot of the luster he lost earlier this season in Columbus. It's also impressive that he's done this so far while playing in Trenton, which I believe is a slight pitcher's park and in the Eastern League, which is more of a pitcher's league (or so I understand). Still, while I'm happy for his turnaround, I need to see more before I jump back on the bandwagon.
07/26: Rumor Mill: 7/26/06
Posted by: Patrick
We're looking at Wilson Betemit:
And some mid level pitchers:
And Jon Lieber and Cory Lidle:
The Yankees view Betemit as the ultimate utility man who can play second base in Robinson Cano's absence. Cano, who has missed a month due to a hamstring problem, is at least two weeks away and could be out longer.
Getting Betemit would allow the Yankees to entertain trade offers for Cano during the offseason, when they will be in the market for pitching.
The Braves also like Columbus (Triple-A) lefty reliever Matt Smith and righty T.J. Beam, who was recalled by the Yankees on Monday.
Getting Betemit would allow the Yankees to entertain trade offers for Cano during the offseason, when they will be in the market for pitching.
The Braves also like Columbus (Triple-A) lefty reliever Matt Smith and righty T.J. Beam, who was recalled by the Yankees on Monday.
And some mid level pitchers:
Top-line starters such as Dontrelle Willis, Barry Zito or Jason Schmidt won't end up in pinstripes (or be traded at all, most likely), but the Yanks have inquired about several mid-level pitchers including Arizona's Miguel Batista and Baltimore's Rodrigo Lopez, according to sources.
And Jon Lieber and Cory Lidle:
The New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins have expressed interest in Lieber or Lidle - or both. Those teams need pitching help. The Detroit Tigers are pulling away in the American League Central, which means the Yankees or Red Sox (whoever doesn't win the American League East), the Chicago White Sox, and the surging Twins are fighting for one postseason spot.
Posted by: Patrick
The New Canaan Darien Magazine has an interesting article/interview with Cashman:
Via Steve.
“My father broke every child labor law,” Brian says with a shake of his head. Cleaning stables, he says, “gave me a work ethic and made me realize how tough it was to get by.” It also gave him a profound distaste for horses. He preferred basketball and baseball. His favorite baseball team was the Los Angeles Dodgers. Brian rejoiced when they beat the Yankees in the 1981 World Series.
“At that time I was one of the all-time Yankee haters,” Cashman admits.
Fate was about to play a funny trick on him. At a racetrack his father managed in Florida, the publicity director, a man by the name of Allan Finkelson, was a close friend of a horse-racing enthusiast named George Steinbrenner. While Brian was in college, Finkelson landed him a Yankees internship. ...
When she worked as a player agent, Jean Afterman clashed with Cashman over the contracts of players like Hideki Irabu and Alfonso Soriano. Yet Cashman was impressed by her tenacity. “She was so sharp and tough in negotiations, I always had it in my mind that I wanted her on our side of the fence,” he says. He hired her as assistant general manager in 2001.
“Brian is uncomfortable with the nice things you say about him, but those same qualities come through whichever side of the fence you’re on,” she says. “He has a strong sense of integrity, what’s right and wrong. If there’s a misunderstanding, there’s no ego involved. That’s one of the most significant things about him. He’s confident, and he should be. He has nothing to prove. Brian is very comfortable in his own skin.”
Jean Afterman is one of only three women to have held the position of assistant general manager in the majors. Two of those women — Jean and her immediate predecessor Kim Ng (now with the Los Angeles Dodgers) — were hired by Cashman. Keith Hernandez may not like them in the dugout, but Cashman is fine with women in the front office.
“It’s Brian recognizing the value and merit of somebody and being gender-blind about it,” Jean says. “A lot of men are not comfortable working with women, especially in sports. That’s not an issue with Brian.” ...
Cashman discusses the Boss with both humor and sensitivity. He recalls the first time he drove Steinbrenner around as a young intern and hit a pothole on the FDR Drive. “This isn’t a freaking tank!” Steinbrenner yelled, not exactly in those words. At the same time, he disagrees with those who portray Steinbrenner as a backseat bully. ...
Torre says Cashman reminds him of Dal Maxvill, a longtime St. Louis Cardinal GM for whom Torre worked. “He’s the same type of personality, where they can be calm and collected but have a rough edge to them,” Torre says. “When they get angry, they let you know. There’s nothing Brian’s going to keep inside.”
“At that time I was one of the all-time Yankee haters,” Cashman admits.
Fate was about to play a funny trick on him. At a racetrack his father managed in Florida, the publicity director, a man by the name of Allan Finkelson, was a close friend of a horse-racing enthusiast named George Steinbrenner. While Brian was in college, Finkelson landed him a Yankees internship. ...
When she worked as a player agent, Jean Afterman clashed with Cashman over the contracts of players like Hideki Irabu and Alfonso Soriano. Yet Cashman was impressed by her tenacity. “She was so sharp and tough in negotiations, I always had it in my mind that I wanted her on our side of the fence,” he says. He hired her as assistant general manager in 2001.
“Brian is uncomfortable with the nice things you say about him, but those same qualities come through whichever side of the fence you’re on,” she says. “He has a strong sense of integrity, what’s right and wrong. If there’s a misunderstanding, there’s no ego involved. That’s one of the most significant things about him. He’s confident, and he should be. He has nothing to prove. Brian is very comfortable in his own skin.”
Jean Afterman is one of only three women to have held the position of assistant general manager in the majors. Two of those women — Jean and her immediate predecessor Kim Ng (now with the Los Angeles Dodgers) — were hired by Cashman. Keith Hernandez may not like them in the dugout, but Cashman is fine with women in the front office.
“It’s Brian recognizing the value and merit of somebody and being gender-blind about it,” Jean says. “A lot of men are not comfortable working with women, especially in sports. That’s not an issue with Brian.” ...
Cashman discusses the Boss with both humor and sensitivity. He recalls the first time he drove Steinbrenner around as a young intern and hit a pothole on the FDR Drive. “This isn’t a freaking tank!” Steinbrenner yelled, not exactly in those words. At the same time, he disagrees with those who portray Steinbrenner as a backseat bully. ...
Torre says Cashman reminds him of Dal Maxvill, a longtime St. Louis Cardinal GM for whom Torre worked. “He’s the same type of personality, where they can be calm and collected but have a rough edge to them,” Torre says. “When they get angry, they let you know. There’s nothing Brian’s going to keep inside.”
Via Steve.
07/26: Brooks Robinson on A-Rod
Posted by: Patrick
Brooks Robinson's take on the A-Rod situation:
Via MJ at WasWatching.com.
"I was watching TV last night and I really had to laugh at the guy who said he might be traded," Robinson said. "There's no way in the world that A-Rod is going to go anywhere. If they don't have A-Rod, they don't win." ...
"A-Rod is just going through a little crisis right now, which might be a week long. Most of his errors are throwing errors and that can be corrected very easily," Robinson said. "But everyone has those streaks. You have streaks as a third baseman or a shortstop where every ball you get is not a big hop, it's an in-between hop, it's a tough play ..." ...
"I just hate to see them get on him the way they get on him, no matter what he does. The guy wins ballgames for you, and he's just having a tough streak, and there's no doubt in my mind he's taking it to the plate right now," Robinson said. "When you make that kind of money, people expect you to go out there 162 games and be the best player in the league 162 days. Well, that's just not the way it works."
"A-Rod is just going through a little crisis right now, which might be a week long. Most of his errors are throwing errors and that can be corrected very easily," Robinson said. "But everyone has those streaks. You have streaks as a third baseman or a shortstop where every ball you get is not a big hop, it's an in-between hop, it's a tough play ..." ...
"I just hate to see them get on him the way they get on him, no matter what he does. The guy wins ballgames for you, and he's just having a tough streak, and there's no doubt in my mind he's taking it to the plate right now," Robinson said. "When you make that kind of money, people expect you to go out there 162 games and be the best player in the league 162 days. Well, that's just not the way it works."
Via MJ at WasWatching.com.
07/25: Yankees 6, Rangers 2
Posted by: Jason
According to my YB.com colleague James, last night was possibly the toughest game in the Texas series. He was concerned (as were we all) about RJ's pitch count in his last start and the effect on his 42 year old throwing mechanism.
Johnson's very good (and periodically dominant) performance last night set the worried minds of the Yankees universe to rest. He surrendered seven hits, striking out seven and walking two. One never really got the feeling that RJ was in "a jam." However, the 129 pitches from the Seattle outing required RJ's strict adherence to a 100 pitch limit. "L'unita grande" was pulled after 6 innings.
In the game's final third, the Yankees bullpen continued to impress in the post All-Star game period. Proctor is rejuvenated and effective. Farnsworth is throwing more smoke and being minimally "cute" with the off-speed stuff. Mariano Rivera...it's enjoyable just to type the man's name.
Offensively, the Yankees were effective against Kevin Millwood, who was baffling in his last start against the Bombers. Melky was the individual leader with a 1B, 2B and a 3B. Jeter had an RBI triple and a double, and Miguel Cairo also hit a two run 2B. Offensive powerhouse Aaron Guiel added a solo home run.
Some guy named Rodriguez was 2 for 5 with an RBI 2B in the 7th. But, he revealed what a "fraud" he is when he could not field a high chopper that went over his head and into the outfield...wait a minute, you say that it was 15 feet over his head?? I don't care!!! The highest paid player in baseball should have a 7 foot vertical jump!! Trade him!!
We could probably get Aaron Boone back or maybe lure Drew Henson from the Cowboys. Last year at this time (the year he was AL MVP) Rodriguez had 27 HRs and 77 RBIs. This year he has 21 HR and 71 RBIs. There's one way out of this disaster...Cashman should DFA Rodriguez since he's obviously "a head case" and no longer valuable, then trade Phil Hughes and Jose Tabata for Miguel Cabrera....
Other observations:
1) Great to see RJ and Posada bonding after the key strikeout of Michael Young...very good to see that they've put the arguments behind them.
2) Standard Joe Torre head-scratcher: Top 5th. Miguel hits a double and Jeter.....bunts him over to 3rd. Even if you have never heard of Bill James, Jeter's line is: .346/.424/.476
Why on earth are you giving away an out with this man at the plate?!!?
Johnson's very good (and periodically dominant) performance last night set the worried minds of the Yankees universe to rest. He surrendered seven hits, striking out seven and walking two. One never really got the feeling that RJ was in "a jam." However, the 129 pitches from the Seattle outing required RJ's strict adherence to a 100 pitch limit. "L'unita grande" was pulled after 6 innings.
In the game's final third, the Yankees bullpen continued to impress in the post All-Star game period. Proctor is rejuvenated and effective. Farnsworth is throwing more smoke and being minimally "cute" with the off-speed stuff. Mariano Rivera...it's enjoyable just to type the man's name.
Offensively, the Yankees were effective against Kevin Millwood, who was baffling in his last start against the Bombers. Melky was the individual leader with a 1B, 2B and a 3B. Jeter had an RBI triple and a double, and Miguel Cairo also hit a two run 2B. Offensive powerhouse Aaron Guiel added a solo home run.
Some guy named Rodriguez was 2 for 5 with an RBI 2B in the 7th. But, he revealed what a "fraud" he is when he could not field a high chopper that went over his head and into the outfield...wait a minute, you say that it was 15 feet over his head?? I don't care!!! The highest paid player in baseball should have a 7 foot vertical jump!! Trade him!!
We could probably get Aaron Boone back or maybe lure Drew Henson from the Cowboys. Last year at this time (the year he was AL MVP) Rodriguez had 27 HRs and 77 RBIs. This year he has 21 HR and 71 RBIs. There's one way out of this disaster...Cashman should DFA Rodriguez since he's obviously "a head case" and no longer valuable, then trade Phil Hughes and Jose Tabata for Miguel Cabrera....
Other observations:
1) Great to see RJ and Posada bonding after the key strikeout of Michael Young...very good to see that they've put the arguments behind them.
2) Standard Joe Torre head-scratcher: Top 5th. Miguel hits a double and Jeter.....bunts him over to 3rd. Even if you have never heard of Bill James, Jeter's line is: .346/.424/.476
Why on earth are you giving away an out with this man at the plate?!!?
07/25: Rumor Mill: 7/25/06
Posted by: Patrick
From The Star-Ledger:
Joel Sherman thinks we need to upgrade our bench:
From STLToday.com:
Via Pro Sports Daily.
The Yankees continue to hope they'll end up with Phillies outfielder Bobby Abreu, but they worry that their chances are dwindling as the deadline approaches and the Phillies aren't dropping their demands. In the meantime, they continue to talk to the Pirates about several players, including relievers Roberto Hernandez and Salomon Torres and outfielder Craig Wilson. Pittsburgh has a number of teams interested in those players, however, and the Yankees are growing frustrated with the slow pace of the negotiations.
Joel Sherman thinks we need to upgrade our bench:
The Yanks have been linked to Pittsburgh's Craig Wilson and Philadelphia's David Dellucci, the kind of players who can start now with some quality and provide excellent depth if the Yanks ever get healthy. Arizona's Jeff DaVanon or the Dodgers' Jason Repko/Olmedo Saenz would be major upgrades.
One player the Yanks should look hard into is the Cubs' very available Todd Walker. He rakes righty pitching, could handle New York because he played well for the Red Sox, is in the walk year of his contract and has about $1 million left on his deal. He could play second against righties until Cano comes back, and then form a first base platoon with Phillips.
One player the Yanks should look hard into is the Cubs' very available Todd Walker. He rakes righty pitching, could handle New York because he played well for the Red Sox, is in the walk year of his contract and has about $1 million left on his deal. He could play second against righties until Cano comes back, and then form a first base platoon with Phillips.
From STLToday.com:
Outfielders David Dellucci, Reggie Sanders, Kevin Mench, Luis Gonzalez and Shawn Green are among the fallback options for the Yankees – and they could reach Jocketty’s radar screen as well. (Jose Guillen, another potential outfield target, could be sidelined for the season with his elbow injury.)
Via Pro Sports Daily.
07/24: Ian Kennedy
Posted by: James
There was an article over at MiLB.com today regarding several unsigned first-round pitchers, which to my surprise, included NY Yankees first-round draft pick Ian Kennedy.
After doing a little searching, I think that the deal comes down to this: the Yanks reached an agreement with Kennedy on a $2.25 million signing bonus. However, since this is more than the slotted amount for the 21st pick, it must be approved by MLB.
Update: The Journal News confirms it:
Whether that holdout affects a pitcher physically or mentally, I believe it plays a role in retarding his development. How will holdouts impact the remaining five? Who knows? I could be completely off base, but it will be interesting to see how Luke Hochevar (first pick, Royals), Andrew Miller (sixth pick, Tigers), Max Scherzer (11th pick, Diamondbacks), Ian Kennedy (21st pick, Yankees) and Daniel Bard (28th pick, Red Sox) perform when and if they ever get in their respective folds.
Despite a published report to the contrary, MLB.com's Yankees beat writer, Mark Feinsand, confirmed with team brass late last week that Kennedy has not signed.
Despite a published report to the contrary, MLB.com's Yankees beat writer, Mark Feinsand, confirmed with team brass late last week that Kennedy has not signed.
After doing a little searching, I think that the deal comes down to this: the Yanks reached an agreement with Kennedy on a $2.25 million signing bonus. However, since this is more than the slotted amount for the 21st pick, it must be approved by MLB.
Update: The Journal News confirms it:
The Yankees are dickering with the commissioner's office over the amount of bonus money they plan to give their draft choices. According to Baseball America, the Yankees have an agreement in place with agent Scott Boras to give right-hander Ian Kennedy of Southern Cal a $2.25 million bonus to sign. The deal was in place less than a week after the draft.
But MLB is trying to control what draftees are paid and hectoring teams to adhere to a slot system, much like the NBA. With their farm system thin, the Yankees are restocking with college players and aren't interested in adhering to the rules.
Based on the MLB system, Kennedy would be in line for a $1.45 million bonus. General manager Brian Cashman and scouting director Damon Oppenheimer declined comment on Kennedy. Meanwhile, the player waits at home for clearance to start pitching in the minors.
But MLB is trying to control what draftees are paid and hectoring teams to adhere to a slot system, much like the NBA. With their farm system thin, the Yankees are restocking with college players and aren't interested in adhering to the rules.
Based on the MLB system, Kennedy would be in line for a $1.45 million bonus. General manager Brian Cashman and scouting director Damon Oppenheimer declined comment on Kennedy. Meanwhile, the player waits at home for clearance to start pitching in the minors.
07/24: The Next 4 Games
Posted by: James
Yanks go 4-0.
No, seriously. I expect the Yanks to sweep Texas and to win the Wang game of the Tampa Bay series. Beyond that, I'm not certain since the Yanks have to lose some time. Still, Peter A. over at the LoHud Yankees Blog reports that Ponson's next start will be skipped and Randy Johnson and Mike Mussina will start after Wang so that series is looking good too.
In fact, I think that tonight's game could be the toughest of the three. RJ threw 129 pitches in eight innings, his highest pitch count since 2000, in his last start so I'm a little wary to see how his arm is. However, in a chance to knock his ERA down under 4.80 for the first time since April 29th, I think the Unit will come through. Keep in mind that there's absolutely no statistical analysis or inside reasoning behind this! Heck, it might just be well-wishing at this point but that's my fearless prediction for the week.
No, seriously. I expect the Yanks to sweep Texas and to win the Wang game of the Tampa Bay series. Beyond that, I'm not certain since the Yanks have to lose some time. Still, Peter A. over at the LoHud Yankees Blog reports that Ponson's next start will be skipped and Randy Johnson and Mike Mussina will start after Wang so that series is looking good too.
In fact, I think that tonight's game could be the toughest of the three. RJ threw 129 pitches in eight innings, his highest pitch count since 2000, in his last start so I'm a little wary to see how his arm is. However, in a chance to knock his ERA down under 4.80 for the first time since April 29th, I think the Unit will come through. Keep in mind that there's absolutely no statistical analysis or inside reasoning behind this! Heck, it might just be well-wishing at this point but that's my fearless prediction for the week.
