02/26: Yankees Hurting Already?
Posted by: James
Spring training hasn't even really gotten rolling yet and we've already got reports of Yankee injuries. Carl Pavano still hasn't thrown off of a mound yet as a "minor back problem" has caused a delay of 2 weeks. He's been throwing off flat ground but Pavano is and will be well behind the rest of the pitchers. Mr. Torre isn't holding out hope for a miracle either.
Carl Pavano just can't catch a break, I guess. I personally hope that the guy can come back and have a successful season for the Yankees this year for two reasons. First, he is a pivotal part in the Yankees pitching rotation and if he pitches to his ability, he can be a solid #3 starter. Second, if the Yankees decide to trade him at some point, it's a lot easier to trade a winning, solid pitcher than a broken-down one.
"I'm not banking on him for Opening Day," said Torre, who stressed that Pavano has not had any setbacks. "The fact that we have a ton of off-days, you only need four -- and at times, only three -- to start. There's no rush to have him ready Opening Day."
"I'm progressing," Pavano said. "I'm doing everything but throwing off the mound. I think that's what puts the most pressure on the back, so that's why we'll take a little extra time to make sure that when I get out there, there's no setbacks and we can keep moving forward."
"I'm progressing," Pavano said. "I'm doing everything but throwing off the mound. I think that's what puts the most pressure on the back, so that's why we'll take a little extra time to make sure that when I get out there, there's no setbacks and we can keep moving forward."
Carl Pavano just can't catch a break, I guess. I personally hope that the guy can come back and have a successful season for the Yankees this year for two reasons. First, he is a pivotal part in the Yankees pitching rotation and if he pitches to his ability, he can be a solid #3 starter. Second, if the Yankees decide to trade him at some point, it's a lot easier to trade a winning, solid pitcher than a broken-down one.
02/26: Spring Training Fluff
Posted by: James
For me, one of the more interesting points about spring training are all the human-interest stories, prospect (and other non-roster invitee) profiles and question-and-answer sessions that the papers and beat writers work on. There aren't any games going on but the writers have to write something and since it's early on, they haven't worn out all their cliches just yet. I dont mind it though. I like learning a little bit more about the guys that I will be spending half the year rooting for. This is especially helpful in the free-agent era since there's such turnover in the rosters (especially in the Yankee bullpen). That being said, here are some of the more interesting stories that have popped up.
From a Q&A with Johnny Damon, who might just be playing to the media, but to me, comes off very well in the interview.
Another one that I liked was about New Jersey guy Ron Villone coming home to play for his favorite team (and pitching for his favorite player as a kid, Ron Guidry):
Good stuff. Credit to Off The Facade for the links.
From a Q&A with Johnny Damon, who might just be playing to the media, but to me, comes off very well in the interview.
Q: You were teased as a kid?
A: For stuttering.
Q: How have you solved it?
A: I slow down and collect my thoughts instead of rambling on and having no clue what I'm talking about. I still stutter when people try to interrupt me. I can't hear two or three things going on at the same time.
Q: What do you want to tell Yankee fans about their new center fielder?
A: I can't wait to start playing in front of them. Our team was put together to win the World Series. It's gonna be a fun one.
A: For stuttering.
Q: How have you solved it?
A: I slow down and collect my thoughts instead of rambling on and having no clue what I'm talking about. I still stutter when people try to interrupt me. I can't hear two or three things going on at the same time.
Q: What do you want to tell Yankee fans about their new center fielder?
A: I can't wait to start playing in front of them. Our team was put together to win the World Series. It's gonna be a fun one.
Another one that I liked was about New Jersey guy Ron Villone coming home to play for his favorite team (and pitching for his favorite player as a kid, Ron Guidry):
Q: How did you become a Yankees fan?
A: Family. Growing up, my family was -- both my mom's and my dad's side. At the time I was 6 years old I started going to Yankees games, 1976 on.
Q: When did you first become a fan of Ron Guidry?
A: I saw him throw in '77, I know that.
Q: Has it sunk in that you get to wear the Yankees uniform?
A: In April I think it will. We'll wait until then. Right now it's fun and it's nice to get ready. But not till you get the full set of pinstripes.
A: Family. Growing up, my family was -- both my mom's and my dad's side. At the time I was 6 years old I started going to Yankees games, 1976 on.
Q: When did you first become a fan of Ron Guidry?
A: I saw him throw in '77, I know that.
Q: Has it sunk in that you get to wear the Yankees uniform?
A: In April I think it will. We'll wait until then. Right now it's fun and it's nice to get ready. But not till you get the full set of pinstripes.
Good stuff. Credit to Off The Facade for the links.
02/26: Sheff Calm
Posted by: Patrick
Plenty of pieces on Sheffield. But, the summation: water under the bridge. For the moment.
"Gary and I sat down and had a good conversation," Cashman said. "I don't want to speak for him, but I'm glad to hear what's important for him. It was important we talked. I am glad we did. I hope it will continue." ...
"It's about doing it the right way; we are not going to let the media come between us," Sheffield said.
Sheffield is proud of the relationship he has built with Cashman after the initial encounter wasn't good.
"I was upset at the offer he made me when I was a free agent," said Sheffield, who has stated the first offer was two years for $8 million. He eventually got a three-year, $39 million deal from Steinbrenner. "We had to build on it. He knew we had to talk and we did. We are on the same page, 100 percent."
"It's about doing it the right way; we are not going to let the media come between us," Sheffield said.
Sheffield is proud of the relationship he has built with Cashman after the initial encounter wasn't good.
"I was upset at the offer he made me when I was a free agent," said Sheffield, who has stated the first offer was two years for $8 million. He eventually got a three-year, $39 million deal from Steinbrenner. "We had to build on it. He knew we had to talk and we did. We are on the same page, 100 percent."
02/24: Hughes Impresses
Posted by: Patrick
Posada calls Class-A's Hughes a 'can't miss prospect':
I certainly like the way that sounds.
"He's a can't-miss prospect," Posada said after facing right- handed pitcher Philip Hughes. "He's the best arm we've got in camp."
"The things that's unusual for a kid as young as he is, the curveball is really impressive," Torre said. "He's got one of those real-tight-rotation breaking balls. He's not commanding it as he's going to after a little experience, but his stuff is very real." ...
"Great arm, great poise, he just looks like he belongs," Posada said. "I would say, don't touch him. Leave him alone. Just put that tag on him already: 'untouchable.'"
"The things that's unusual for a kid as young as he is, the curveball is really impressive," Torre said. "He's got one of those real-tight-rotation breaking balls. He's not commanding it as he's going to after a little experience, but his stuff is very real." ...
"Great arm, great poise, he just looks like he belongs," Posada said. "I would say, don't touch him. Leave him alone. Just put that tag on him already: 'untouchable.'"
I certainly like the way that sounds.
Posted by: James
Wait, what? He's mad now? He was all smiles 48 hours ago! I think Gary finally understood that the meeting he had with Cashman didn't guarantee that his option was being picked up, but only that it would be a surprise if the Yankees did not.
What? A little while ago, wasn't he talking about retiring and perhaps finishing up his career with the Yankees?
Oy vey - this does bear watching as the season goes on. I don't expect Sheffield to dog it on the field but he does have a history of these "incidents". Hopefully, all of this will quiet down as the season progresses and I guess the key question will become, is Gary Sheffield worth $13 million in 2007 to man right-field for the Yankees? Looking at the alternatives, the answer is probably yes.
And as an aside, Mr. Davidoff, I haven't heard anything about contracts being an issue over in Anaheim.
The right fielder is stewing about having to wait for the Yankees to pick up his $13 million option for 2007, which is reason enough for those RPMs to run near the red line.
Sheffield says the Yankees are making a mistake auditioning him. If they need a few months, or even weeks to see if his bat is still quick, the slugger is ready with a countermove. Actually, it's a thinly veiled threat: wait too long, and he's moving on.
"If my body feels good I'm playing somewhere, here or somewhere else," Sheffield said. "Either way I'll get my 500 home runs. It's no sweat off my back where it happens."
Sheffield says the Yankees are making a mistake auditioning him. If they need a few months, or even weeks to see if his bat is still quick, the slugger is ready with a countermove. Actually, it's a thinly veiled threat: wait too long, and he's moving on.
"If my body feels good I'm playing somewhere, here or somewhere else," Sheffield said. "Either way I'll get my 500 home runs. It's no sweat off my back where it happens."
What? A little while ago, wasn't he talking about retiring and perhaps finishing up his career with the Yankees?
Sheffield could have the 2007 option guaranteed by the All-Star break, or even sooner if he hits well in April and May. That's just common sense money management with a 37-year-old player.
But don't try explaining that logic to Sheffield, who with open indignation says, "They can't just use me like that, waiting to see what I've got. They should be glad they got me at the [price] they did [three years, $39 million]. There are a lot of players with better contracts."
But don't try explaining that logic to Sheffield, who with open indignation says, "They can't just use me like that, waiting to see what I've got. They should be glad they got me at the [price] they did [three years, $39 million]. There are a lot of players with better contracts."
Oy vey - this does bear watching as the season goes on. I don't expect Sheffield to dog it on the field but he does have a history of these "incidents". Hopefully, all of this will quiet down as the season progresses and I guess the key question will become, is Gary Sheffield worth $13 million in 2007 to man right-field for the Yankees? Looking at the alternatives, the answer is probably yes.
And as an aside, Mr. Davidoff, I haven't heard anything about contracts being an issue over in Anaheim.
Posted by: James
Mr. Dobrow has an open letter to A-Rod. You might have seen it already. If you haven't, it's an interesting and pretty amusing take on A-Rod's "image problem". I like the beginning as Dobrow does a good job in pointing out how everyone seems to feed on A-Rod's miscues while ignoring some other important factors:
However, this is where he and I differ. I like A-Rod the way he is. Do I wish every now and again that he would call out Curt Schilling or Ozzie Guillen and tell them off? Of course! It's only natural to root for your guys. However, I would rather shut them up on the field. if he has one monster playoff run and the Yankees win the Series at some point, doesn't all of this become a moot point? Other than that, what is there to change? He is a professional, intelligent (have you read his thoughts on investing in diversified investing and hedging with gold? He actually knows his stuff) and courteous family man who happens to be one of the best baseball players of all time. What's wrong with that?
Don't get me wrong: In theory, there's an awful lot to like. You never get hurt. You run out every ground ball. You're the only Yankees regular for whom a simple defensive play doesn't induce in me the cold dread usually associated with an imminent colonoscopy. Yet for all your numbers and professional polish, you've proved as embraceable as a sub-Saharan despot.
For some, it was the 2005 playoff no-show (these people ignore the six walks you drew in five games, which would seem to shift a bit of the blame to the fellas behind you in the order). For others, it was the Slappy McSlapRod incident against the Red Sox in 2004 (never mind your Ruthian 1.014 OPS in the postseason that year, nor your near-solo annihilation of the Twins in the divisional round).
For some, it was the 2005 playoff no-show (these people ignore the six walks you drew in five games, which would seem to shift a bit of the blame to the fellas behind you in the order). For others, it was the Slappy McSlapRod incident against the Red Sox in 2004 (never mind your Ruthian 1.014 OPS in the postseason that year, nor your near-solo annihilation of the Twins in the divisional round).
However, this is where he and I differ. I like A-Rod the way he is. Do I wish every now and again that he would call out Curt Schilling or Ozzie Guillen and tell them off? Of course! It's only natural to root for your guys. However, I would rather shut them up on the field. if he has one monster playoff run and the Yankees win the Series at some point, doesn't all of this become a moot point? Other than that, what is there to change? He is a professional, intelligent (have you read his thoughts on investing in diversified investing and hedging with gold? He actually knows his stuff) and courteous family man who happens to be one of the best baseball players of all time. What's wrong with that?
Posted by: Patrick
Here's a quote:
Also, check out Joe and George, feeling the love:
"My time in Boston was great,'' Damon said. "But now I'm here playing for the greatest franchise in the world. The team with the most championships.''
Also, check out Joe and George, feeling the love:
Steinbrenner walked into the manager's office while Joe Torre was talking with reporters. When a reporter asked, "Who is the best owner in the majors?'' Torre pointed at Steinbrenner.
"Who's the best manager in the majors?'' Steinbrenner then said, before pointing to Torre.
"Who's the best manager in the majors?'' Steinbrenner then said, before pointing to Torre.
02/23: Big Stein: This Is Our Year!
Posted by: James
It's going to be the Summer (and fall!) of George!
First off, who's them? Secondly, after laying out $200 million dollars as an owner, what else would you expect? Still, this team, while better than last year, is no lock for the World Series. On paper, they have as good of a shot as any team in the majors but of course, that's why they play the games on the field. Regardless of how the season turns out, I am personally glad to see Big Stein seemingly healthier and out and about. I was a little worried after last year's fainting spell and the general malaise that seemed to show but Big Stein is showing that he's still got some pep. He's still got a heck of a sense of humor.
"It's been a while; we haven't won it," said Steinbrenner, who stopped to speak to TV and radio reporters. "We're going to win it this year. We're going after them this year."
First off, who's them? Secondly, after laying out $200 million dollars as an owner, what else would you expect? Still, this team, while better than last year, is no lock for the World Series. On paper, they have as good of a shot as any team in the majors but of course, that's why they play the games on the field. Regardless of how the season turns out, I am personally glad to see Big Stein seemingly healthier and out and about. I was a little worried after last year's fainting spell and the general malaise that seemed to show but Big Stein is showing that he's still got some pep. He's still got a heck of a sense of humor.
"I remember when we signed Jason, he said, 'Johnny Damon is out there,' " Torre said. "But he took all the money, so we couldn't do anything."
The words were barely out of Torre's mouth when Steinbrenner inserted his two cents into the conversation.
"You got some, didn't you?" Steinbrenner said.
"Thank you, sir," said a smiling Torre.
The words were barely out of Torre's mouth when Steinbrenner inserted his two cents into the conversation.
"You got some, didn't you?" Steinbrenner said.
"Thank you, sir," said a smiling Torre.
02/22: Passing on Vlad Was Wise
Posted by: James
So says Ken Davidoff. Listen, I like Gary Sheffield. A lot of people can't say that due to his tendency to mouth off. I wasn't a huge fan of the signing when it happened but I have grown to love watching the man's at-bats. He is absolutely ferocious at the plate and wants to win another ring very badly. There are very few other players that I would trust more at the plate in a big spot. However, if you were to ask me to be objective and say who I would rather have in right-field every day for the Yankees, it would have to be Vlad.
Think about it - Vlad for Sheff, 2004 AL MVP for the 2004 AL MVP runner-up, straight up. Do you think that the Angels would do that deal? Of course not! Vlad's the younger (by seven years!), better hitter and provides you with more options. We're talking about arguably one of the top 5 position players in all of baseball and someone whose closest historical comparison through his current age is Willie Mays! Signing Sheff proved to be a good move, but signing Vlad would have been a better one.
However, the crux of Davidoff's article & argument is that signing Sheffield was the better tactical decision in terms of providing the team with options. He maintains that a Sheff for three years at 13 million is worth Vlad for five for more. I don't buy that for one second and actually, I think he defeats his own argument in the first paragraph of his article:
Now, the money is even and you're talking about a five-year contract for Vlad. If Sheff's option is picked up, you're looking at having him man right field for 4 years. Is one year really that much of a difference Mr. Davidoff? I personally don't believe so, especially not when Vlad will be in his prime years and will only be 32 at the end of those 5 years while Sheff would be paid for his ages 35-38 years.
Think about it - Vlad for Sheff, 2004 AL MVP for the 2004 AL MVP runner-up, straight up. Do you think that the Angels would do that deal? Of course not! Vlad's the younger (by seven years!), better hitter and provides you with more options. We're talking about arguably one of the top 5 position players in all of baseball and someone whose closest historical comparison through his current age is Willie Mays! Signing Sheff proved to be a good move, but signing Vlad would have been a better one.
However, the crux of Davidoff's article & argument is that signing Sheffield was the better tactical decision in terms of providing the team with options. He maintains that a Sheff for three years at 13 million is worth Vlad for five for more. I don't buy that for one second and actually, I think he defeats his own argument in the first paragraph of his article:
On Dec. 12, 2003, Brian Cashman was well into negotiations on a five-year contract with free agent Vladimir Guerrero, for less than the $14 million per season that the outfielder now earns with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Now, the money is even and you're talking about a five-year contract for Vlad. If Sheff's option is picked up, you're looking at having him man right field for 4 years. Is one year really that much of a difference Mr. Davidoff? I personally don't believe so, especially not when Vlad will be in his prime years and will only be 32 at the end of those 5 years while Sheff would be paid for his ages 35-38 years.
02/22: Kevin Brown Retires
Posted by: James
I didn't realize it at the time but apparently Kevin Brown has decided to call it a career. Some would say that he waited one year too long to do so but that's neither here nor there.
Looking back over his career, he definitely had his share of high-spots and though most seem to have forgot about it, from 1995 to 2003, he was easily one of the best pitchers in baseball (though he did pitch in a friendly ballpark). In that time period, David Pinto's DbD database puts him at 119 wins with 67 losses while compiling a 2.70 ERA (second only to Pedro among starters), striking out 7.73 and walking only 2.13 per 9 innings. (As an aside, Mariano leads that table with an ERA of 2.49 for the time period.) There's no doubt about it - he had a heck of a run...and then the Yankees traded Jeff Weaver, Yhency Brazoban, Brandon Weeden and cash for him and well, we all know what happened from that point.
Dollars-wise, he made more money than he and his grandkids could probably ever spend (estimated at a little under $131 million). He was the first player to sign a $100 million dollar contract and led the league in salary (and probably surliness - though he and Barry could have had a nice little Celebrity Deathmatch going) from 1999-2002. All in all, not a shabby career though I'm sure every Yankee fan who remembers the wall-punching incident and the Game 7 start to the 2004 ALCS is glad to see him go.
Brown was placed on the disabled list three times last year and hasn't pitched since a July 23 loss to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
"Kevin didn't have me pursue any teams because he wanted to see how his health was," Scott Boras, Brown's agent, told the newspaper. "He decided after the painful process last year he was not going to play. His arm is still remarkably good, but it's about his back."
"Kevin didn't have me pursue any teams because he wanted to see how his health was," Scott Boras, Brown's agent, told the newspaper. "He decided after the painful process last year he was not going to play. His arm is still remarkably good, but it's about his back."
Looking back over his career, he definitely had his share of high-spots and though most seem to have forgot about it, from 1995 to 2003, he was easily one of the best pitchers in baseball (though he did pitch in a friendly ballpark). In that time period, David Pinto's DbD database puts him at 119 wins with 67 losses while compiling a 2.70 ERA (second only to Pedro among starters), striking out 7.73 and walking only 2.13 per 9 innings. (As an aside, Mariano leads that table with an ERA of 2.49 for the time period.) There's no doubt about it - he had a heck of a run...and then the Yankees traded Jeff Weaver, Yhency Brazoban, Brandon Weeden and cash for him and well, we all know what happened from that point.
Dollars-wise, he made more money than he and his grandkids could probably ever spend (estimated at a little under $131 million). He was the first player to sign a $100 million dollar contract and led the league in salary (and probably surliness - though he and Barry could have had a nice little Celebrity Deathmatch going) from 1999-2002. All in all, not a shabby career though I'm sure every Yankee fan who remembers the wall-punching incident and the Game 7 start to the 2004 ALCS is glad to see him go.
