Not much has been said about trade rumors on here yet and it's still too early to know what trades are likely to happen in baseball. Every year there are teams that are contending for the playoffs and trade for a player to make that extra push or there are teams that know they're out of contention and either rebuild or have a firesale or there are teams somewhere in the middle that stay on the sidelines and don't trade at all. The Red Sox fit the profile of the first description and the Yankees somewhere in the middle bewteen the last two.
Before getting into the rumors, there are a few teams likely to shake it up: the Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers, Florida Marlins, Houston Astros, and Cinncinati Reds. The White Sox, who won the World Series only two years ago, are struggling and looking to unload a few players. The likely candidates are Mark Buehrle, Jose Contreras, and Jermaine Dye. For the Rangers who are in last place, Mark Teixera, Eric Gagne, and Akinori Otsuka. In Florida it's Dontrell Willis their ace. Houston Brad "What Happened to Me after the Pujols HR in the 2004 NLCS" Lidge and in Cinncinati Adam Dunn, Griffey Jr, and someone in their bullpen.
And then there's the Red Sox and Yankees, 11 games apart in the AL East. In previous years these two would often be interested in the same player and try to out do each other with offers or try to block trades (for example, last year the Yankees tried blocking the Red Sox effort to get Doug Mirabelli back which then caused the Red Sox to offer up Cla Meredith and Josh Bard). Obviously the Yankees would unload any and all prospects because that was the Steinbrenner philosophy, but today we're living with the Cashman philosophy of rebuilding. The Red Sox on the other hand haven't had such a drastic change of course and made smart trades that have kept the team mentioned as World Series contenders.
With that in mind, what do the Yankees and Red Sox need this year and who are they looking to trade from their team?
Red Sox
Holes: SS, CF, SP
On-the-block: Crisp and Lugo, probably minor league prospects that I don't know
Of interest: Buerhle
In the Red Sox case, two of the holes are also the bait. Lugo has been aweful at SS and Crisp started off very slow only to be hampered by another hand injury like last year. If the Red Sox trade Lugo, they will have to eat a lot of his contract, so it'd be like Edgar Rentaria redux. Considering how bad Lugo is (currently batting .190), they will have to sell low, so look for Lugo to be part of a packaged deal. I doubt the Red Sox will trade for a SS and will just hand the job over to Alex Cora for the rest of the year. In Crisp's case, he's looked like an average major league outfielder. Nothing flashy and certainly not doing what Damon did as a Red Sock. Again, the Red Sox could switch the OF up and put Pena in CF for the remainder of the year or try Ellsbury out (or platoon the two). They would have to eat some of Coco's contract as well.
The only player of interest I've seen for the Red Sox is Mark Buerhle. While Tavarez has been better than anyone expected, it was inevitable he would go back to the bullpen. Although Jon Lester is getting himself back to full strength, the Red Sox seem to be on the side of caution and will make him part of the rotation next year. Going after Buerhle, who's a free agent after this season, would strengthen the rotation (Beckett, Schilling, Dice-K, Wakefield and Buerhle), give them a left handed starter they don't have, and give the Red Sox the opportunity to sign him to a deal. This would be huge considering Wakefield's age (and if Wake stays, he could go back to the bullpen--he's always been their utility pitcher) and Schilling's uncertain future.
Yankees
Holes: 1B, bullpen
On-the-block: A-Rod, Clippard, minor leaguers
Of interest: Shea Hillenbrand, Mark Teixera, Adam Dunn, Otsuka, Gagne, Octavio Dotel
The problem the Yankees have always had since 2002 is they are locked in with either long contracts and very expensive ones that no other team can take on. This has not allowed them to have a lot of flexibility and they would turn to their "farm system" to make some deals. But now that Cashman has the reins (while on the hook), he's been able to trade some of the expensive players (Sheffield, Johnson) to restock the "farm system" (I hear none of the prospects the Yankees got are working out). The 800 pound guerilla in the room right now is A-Rod. He's putting together a MVP caliber season and has the opt-out option in his contract this year. Considering who his agent is (Scott Boras), my bet is that he opts out and pulls a JD Drew, becoming a free agent. Unless the Yankees trade A-Rod--teams of interest are the Angels and the Dodgers--both in the playoff chase. Depending on the negotiations either A-Rod would agree to opt out and re-sign with his new team or the Yankees front load eating the rest of his contract. And besides A-Rod, they could do one of those quantity for quality type of deals and unload a few prospects (but not the top ones).
The Yankees need a full-time 1bman and bullpen help. It's more likely they'll go after someone in the bullpen considering the continued Torre treatment. Of top interest is Otsuka or Gagne from Texas. Gagne is playing in his first full season since 2004. He's definetely not the same Eric Gagne that won the Cy Young in 2003. Otsuka may be a better option, but likely need a better deal to get. There is also some talk of bringing Dotel back. At first base, things are a mess though Cashman would disagree having said, "First base, clearly, is a spot that we can play with. I'm not looking for anything major." Mientkiewicz and Phelps began the season platooning until Torre favored Mientkiewicz. Then Mientkiewicz went down with a bad injury and Phelps got his turn, but the difference in defense was quite stark. Phelps was then sent to the minors then picked up by the Pirates off waivers. While this was going on, Cairo, Damon, and Posada filled in until Andy Phillips was called up. Now that's a mess, maybe one you can play with, but it needs to be cleaned up. I've mentioned on here that the Yankees haven't had a realy full-time first baseman since Tino in 2001 (as in 140 or more games). Giambi never worked out and became the full-time DH and they they've had a long list of platoons and pick-ups that played there (Tino being one in 2005). Teixera would be a nice option, but would come at a cost--though the Yankees would get a player in his prime who they could lock up for several years with a new deal. The other decent option would be Adam Dunn, who is an OF, but who's career would benefit from moving to first (he's a terrible OFer). He has played first though, would benefit from the short RF porch, and Mattingly would work with him. Still a costly player to get. A final option, linked above, is to get Triple-A Shea Hillenbrand from the Angels. Hillenbrand who's always been overrated and is now a journeyman of sorts is currently in the minor leagues, but would just add to the mess at 1b this year.
Guess Who's Coming to Beantown/Bronx?
Doug and I will keep an eye on the trade rumor mill and talks will certainly heat up after the All-Star Break. We're not insiders though, so you'll hear any trades from another source, but we'll analyze what our teams did on here if anything happens.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Half-Full or Half-Empty: Midseason Review Part I
Didn't yesterday feel like a Saturday? I actually went back to work today, so it felt like a bizzaro Sunday.
I'm not intentionally monopololizing this blog--I know Doug's situation well having seen it first hand and he'd be posting a lot with an internet connection--but the blog must go on for the fellow readers (I hope Mr. Clinton, Doug's father, is still reading--our biggest fan). And I just happen to be in the posting zone of late, so I'm running with it.
Last Thursday I wrote a brainstorming post about doing a few midseason reviews of the season and since I'm in for the evening and watching Josh Beckett do his thing against Tampa Bay, I thought I'd start tonight. I know that ESPN and all the other sports sites are going to do their reviews, so I hope we can say something new or humorous or a bit different.
Our midseason review is entitled, "Half-Full or Half-Empty", which is pretty self-explanatory . Part I is reviewing rookies this year. I want to answer the following questions: Who was hyped as a top rookie this year? How are these top rookies doing? Are there any suprise breakouts? And given what we know now, who will win Rookie of the Year (RoY) in the AL and NL?
First, I have to clarify a few things here. A rookie isn't a rookie until they play at least one game in the majors. Before that they're considered prospects and top prospects if scouts and analysts think they're going to make the majors. Also, they're only a rookie for so long according to baseball's rules.
Because of this, I have to fudge a couple things. Each year there are publications that put together a list of the top whatever number they pick of prospects. The main two I rely upon are Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus. I've used these two sources to compile my list for review, however some players on their preseason lists aren't going to be reviewed because they haven't had an at-bat or thrown a pitch in the majors yet. Basically, anyone who's a rookie in the majors this year and was on their lists will be reviewed--well, only the top 10 and any suprises (there are 155 rookies playing this year).
Between Baseball America's and Baseball Prospectus' lists, here were their top 10 prospects more or less (with a caveat at the end):
1. Alex Gordon, 3B Royals
2. Delmon Young, OF Devil Rays
3. Phil Huges, SP Yankees
4. Homer Bailey, SP Reds
5. Brandon Wood, SS/3B Angels
6. Tim Lincecum, SP Giants
7. Ryan Braun, 3B Brewers
8. Matt Garza, SP Twins
9. Chris Young, OF Diamondbacks
10. Yovai Gallardo, SP Brewers
There's a difference between Baseball America's and Baseball Prospectus' lists however, and this is a debate that's gone on since 2001. Is a player who played in Japan (or another organized baseball league in another country) eligible for RoY honors? Baseball America thinks so, and lists Dice-K as the number one prospect this year. Baseball Prospectus does not and that's the side of the debate I fall on hence no Dice-K on the top 10 list (it has nothing to do with him being a Red Sox). But when the season ends, baseball itself will consider Dice-K a rookie based on their rules linked above.
For my quick-and-dirty analysis I'm using Baseball Prospectus' statistic Value Over Replacement Player or VORP (I'd have used Win Shares like the Biggio/Thomas post used, but those don't get released until the end of the year, not exactly an easy computation). Basically, it's a measure of a players total value over a replacement players'. A VORP of 20 is pretty good, MVPs usually have VORPs in starting in the high 30s, just to give some perspective. I've also put other stats in here that are more standard: BA/OBP/SLG HR RBI for hitters and
W-L/IP/ERA/K/BB for pitchers.
1. Alex Gordon, 3B Royals .228/.319/.356 6 HR 24 RBI, -1.6 VORP
Gordon was the most hyped prospect this year and rightfully so. Two years ago he was College Player of the Year and last year he was MVP in Double-A. He was posted on here back in mid-May when I grew frustrated with having him on my fantasy team after thinking he was a steal draft pick. Gordon's average is up almost 30 points since then, but his on-base skills and power are yet to be found (last year in his OBP was .427 and SLG .588). With BP projecting him for a .282/.363/.509 25 HR 83 RBI 35.7 VORP, it'll be difficult to get to that level. The talent is there though and he just need to command the strike zone like he once did.
2. Delmon Young, OF Devil Rays .272/.304/.406 9 HR 44 RBI, 1.9 VORP
Delmon's been on good behavior with blue, but putting up unspectacular numbers. He's a free swinger, as noted by the low OBP and started the season off with a 12-game hitting streak. However, pitchers certainly have probably found his weaknesses as Delmon has 66 Ks, ranked 15th in the AL right now. What's suprising though is the lack of HRs. Young is compared to Albert (Joey) Belle who put up 28 HRs in his first full season. Maybe Young just needs to make a small adjustment and then they'll be more than lightening coming from the skies in Tampa Bay.
3. Phil Hughes, SP Yankees 1-1/10.7 IP/3.38 ERA/11 K/4 BB, 3.0 VORP
Hughes came up a lot earlier than most expected (which would have been the 2nd half), but that was because of the Yankees early pitching injuries and ineffectiveness. He made two starts, the second where he took a no hitter on May 1st into the 6th inning before walking off the mound with a hamstring injury. He was about to end his rehabing when he sprained his ankle--a grade 3, the worst you can get. I hear now he's just getting out of the boot he's been wearing and throwing off the mound again, so it's a good sign. Reports say he'll be back in August. Despite this set back, it's not his throwing arm like a lot of great young pitching phenoms have had (ie Prior, Harden, Wood). He's certainly expected to be the next great homegrown Yankee pitcher as long as he stays healthy.
4. Homer Bailey, SP Reds 2-2/23.3 IP/8.10 ERA/10K/19 BB, 0.3 VORP
A Texas flamethrower, Bailey sure hasn't shown command of the strike zone with those 19 walks. He had a great start in Oakland on June 19th going 7 IP/2 H/4 BB/3 Ks/1 ER. But other than that it hasn't been all that great. Fortunately for Bailey, he hasn't given up the homerun ball all that much, even at home, considering the Reds stadium is very hitter friendly. Obviously the Reds are one of the worst teams in baseball this year, so don't expect a lot of wins for Bailey, but if he keeps overthrowing and putting runners on he'll probably be sent down. Then again, the Reds having nothing to lose but their manager--oh wait, Narron was fired already.
5. Brandon Wood, SS/3B Angels .091/.091/.091/0 HR/0 RBI, -2.3 VORP
He got called up in late April and got 11 at bats, striking out in five of them. Right now, Orlando Cabrera is blocking Wood at short and Chone Figgins at 3B. Erik Abayar, another rookie, has also blocked Wood. I believe Cabrera is a free agent at the end of the year and the Angels may not resign him the plan is to put Wood at SS. Anyhow, Wood was great back in 2005 single-A ball hitting .321/43 HR/115 RBI, but as he's moved up so have the K's and not the power. Currently in triple-A he's hitting .259/15 HR/51 RBI with 76 K's. So the question remains--can Wood hit for average and power in the majors or are the Angel's developing another Troy Glaus?
6. Tim Lincecum, SP Giants 3-2/66.0 IP/4.64 ERA/74 K/29 BB, -1.3 VORP
Only in college last year, Lincecum has been pretty decent. He has six quality starts out of 11 games started, and in three of those he gave up no ER. Obviously Lincecum has shown he can strike out hitters and has struck out 10 or more in two starts. The one concern has been his pitch count as he has thrown 100 or more pitches in six of his starts. Like Bailey, Lincecum's home park is hitter friendly, but has not given up too many homeruns (6 in 66 IP--yikes, 666!) and hasn't given one up since June 3rd. But overall, there aren't any major complaints other than he's a young guy on an old team that is in no way a playoff contender.
7. Ryan Braun, 3B Brewers .347/.385/.626/8 HR/29 RBI, 22.2 VORP
I'm not sure what the minimum number of plate appearances is this point in the season (225 maybe??) to qualify for the BA leader board, but if Braun had that and was batting .347, he'd be second in the NL in BA after Matt Holliday (.352). He actually wasn't predicted to be up until later this year, a September call up at best, but at the end of May he was hitting .342/10 HR/22 RBI in Triple-A and the Brewers took a chance (over Craig Counsell and Tony Graffinino). So far the hitting has continued. Braun is a player with tons of power that is still being developed. And while his defense isn't impressing anyone yet, the Brewers now have a homegrown IF of Braun, Hardy (SS), Weeks (2B), and Fielder. Considering that talent there and that the Brewers are now 48-36, Braun's call up has added to the excitement in the land of Kenosha beef.
8. Matt Garza, SP Twins 0-0/2.0 IP/0.00 ERA/1 K/0 BB, N/A VORP
Apparently the combination of Sidney Ponson, Scott Baker, and Kevin Slowey in the 5th starter spot is better than Garza's potential contribution. He's in Triple-A right now sporting a 4-6/92 IP/3.62 ERA/95 K/31 BB. Something must have caused the Twins to do this, but I can't find anything. My only educated guess is that the Twins are being cautious with another solid starter as they were with Santana and Liriano (well, they tried with Liriano). There isn't much to say about Garza other than he will probably be up in the 2nd half to take the #5 spot as the Twins try to take the Wild Card.
9. Chris Young, OF Diamondbacks .236/.279/.428/12 HR/30 RBI, 3.4 VORP
Not the Giants' pitcher Chris Young. This Young looks to have a lot of potential on a young Diamondback team. The OBP is anemically low, and like Delmon (no relation) he's a free swinger. Young's big issue this year have been setbacks with his groin (not sure which leg) and that has sat him down quite a few times. This has certainly contributed to his down-up-down season--batting .232 at the end of April, .277 the end of May, and now back in the .230s. He's also been placed all over the Diamondback's lineup batting leadoff, 5th 6th, 7th, and 8th. BP says he's a potential 30/30 guy. He could get 30 if he turned it up, but only has 9 SBs (100% success rate). Still only 23 though, he's got time on his side for now.
10. Yovai Gallardo, SP Brewers 1-1/22 IP/3.68 ERA/21 K/9 BB, 0.4 VORP
While he's only been up the last 3 or 4 weeks, the Brewers like what they've seen, albeit a small sample size. And like Braun how couldn't they have called him up--Gallardo was 8-3/77.2 IP/2.90 ERA/110 K/28 BB--oh and a .189 BAA. From what I've read, Gallardo who's the same age as Hughes and Bailey, is the #3 guy behind these two, and has decent but not overpowering stuff. Man all these young Brewers are making me want to start watching them more.
So that's where those guys are, but there are others to note. Hunter Pence should be mentioned first here. Pence has been a hit and RBI machine at the plate for the Astros but also has shown he can play a solid CF even with that hill in Houston. Reggie Willits, a 26 year old rookie playing LF for the Angels is 10th in the AL in hitting (.327) and shows good plate presense (.420 OBP). There's also "little Eck", Dustin Pedroia who has been displaying doubles power for the Red Sox this year. The feel good story so far this season is that of Josh Hamilton of the Reds--the former #1 draft pick in 1998 who was banned from baseball for three seasons for drug use and battled other personal issues. He made the team, started off hot, then had some bad gas (literally), which put him on the DL, but is now back in the lineup. And quickly, I can't forget Travis Buck (OAK; sounds like a country singer), Troy Tulowitzski (COL), Mike Fontenot (CHC), and James Loney (LAD)--all of whom have VORPs of 10.0 or higher.
Get On With It!!
So who's going to be RoY for the AL and NL? For the NL, I believe it's between Hunter Pence and Tim Lincecum. What it will come down to for the voters is how many wins Lincecum gets and if Pence can continue to hit over .300 while driving in runs. I give it to Pence though because of how good the NL West is where the Giants will finish last for sure.
In the AL, remember those Japanese players? There's Dice-K (30.1 VORP) but also the recently voted in All-Star Hideki Okajima (22.6 VORP). Okajima isn't the closer, so despite his sub-1.00 ERA, if that continues I doubt he'll get many votes for RoY. Therefore, Dice-K will likely get the RoY honors--he already has 10 wins and will break 200Ks. And honestly after these two pitchers, the only other candidate is another Red Sox player Pedroia. It's a sure thing the RoY will come out of Beantown--their first since Fred Lynn's RoY/MVP season in 1975.
One of us will continue on Sunday with Part II--not sure what'll be yet, but either a review of teams, hot/slow starts, or how awesome it is that Doug's got Comcast's internet streaming in his place.
I'm not intentionally monopololizing this blog--I know Doug's situation well having seen it first hand and he'd be posting a lot with an internet connection--but the blog must go on for the fellow readers (I hope Mr. Clinton, Doug's father, is still reading--our biggest fan). And I just happen to be in the posting zone of late, so I'm running with it.
Last Thursday I wrote a brainstorming post about doing a few midseason reviews of the season and since I'm in for the evening and watching Josh Beckett do his thing against Tampa Bay, I thought I'd start tonight. I know that ESPN and all the other sports sites are going to do their reviews, so I hope we can say something new or humorous or a bit different.
Our midseason review is entitled, "Half-Full or Half-Empty", which is pretty self-explanatory . Part I is reviewing rookies this year. I want to answer the following questions: Who was hyped as a top rookie this year? How are these top rookies doing? Are there any suprise breakouts? And given what we know now, who will win Rookie of the Year (RoY) in the AL and NL?
First, I have to clarify a few things here. A rookie isn't a rookie until they play at least one game in the majors. Before that they're considered prospects and top prospects if scouts and analysts think they're going to make the majors. Also, they're only a rookie for so long according to baseball's rules.
Because of this, I have to fudge a couple things. Each year there are publications that put together a list of the top whatever number they pick of prospects. The main two I rely upon are Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus. I've used these two sources to compile my list for review, however some players on their preseason lists aren't going to be reviewed because they haven't had an at-bat or thrown a pitch in the majors yet. Basically, anyone who's a rookie in the majors this year and was on their lists will be reviewed--well, only the top 10 and any suprises (there are 155 rookies playing this year).
Between Baseball America's and Baseball Prospectus' lists, here were their top 10 prospects more or less (with a caveat at the end):
1. Alex Gordon, 3B Royals
2. Delmon Young, OF Devil Rays
3. Phil Huges, SP Yankees
4. Homer Bailey, SP Reds
5. Brandon Wood, SS/3B Angels
6. Tim Lincecum, SP Giants
7. Ryan Braun, 3B Brewers
8. Matt Garza, SP Twins
9. Chris Young, OF Diamondbacks
10. Yovai Gallardo, SP Brewers
There's a difference between Baseball America's and Baseball Prospectus' lists however, and this is a debate that's gone on since 2001. Is a player who played in Japan (or another organized baseball league in another country) eligible for RoY honors? Baseball America thinks so, and lists Dice-K as the number one prospect this year. Baseball Prospectus does not and that's the side of the debate I fall on hence no Dice-K on the top 10 list (it has nothing to do with him being a Red Sox). But when the season ends, baseball itself will consider Dice-K a rookie based on their rules linked above.
For my quick-and-dirty analysis I'm using Baseball Prospectus' statistic Value Over Replacement Player or VORP (I'd have used Win Shares like the Biggio/Thomas post used, but those don't get released until the end of the year, not exactly an easy computation). Basically, it's a measure of a players total value over a replacement players'. A VORP of 20 is pretty good, MVPs usually have VORPs in starting in the high 30s, just to give some perspective. I've also put other stats in here that are more standard: BA/OBP/SLG HR RBI for hitters and
W-L/IP/ERA/K/BB for pitchers.
1. Alex Gordon, 3B Royals .228/.319/.356 6 HR 24 RBI, -1.6 VORP
Gordon was the most hyped prospect this year and rightfully so. Two years ago he was College Player of the Year and last year he was MVP in Double-A. He was posted on here back in mid-May when I grew frustrated with having him on my fantasy team after thinking he was a steal draft pick. Gordon's average is up almost 30 points since then, but his on-base skills and power are yet to be found (last year in his OBP was .427 and SLG .588). With BP projecting him for a .282/.363/.509 25 HR 83 RBI 35.7 VORP, it'll be difficult to get to that level. The talent is there though and he just need to command the strike zone like he once did.
2. Delmon Young, OF Devil Rays .272/.304/.406 9 HR 44 RBI, 1.9 VORP
Delmon's been on good behavior with blue, but putting up unspectacular numbers. He's a free swinger, as noted by the low OBP and started the season off with a 12-game hitting streak. However, pitchers certainly have probably found his weaknesses as Delmon has 66 Ks, ranked 15th in the AL right now. What's suprising though is the lack of HRs. Young is compared to Albert (Joey) Belle who put up 28 HRs in his first full season. Maybe Young just needs to make a small adjustment and then they'll be more than lightening coming from the skies in Tampa Bay.
3. Phil Hughes, SP Yankees 1-1/10.7 IP/3.38 ERA/11 K/4 BB, 3.0 VORP
Hughes came up a lot earlier than most expected (which would have been the 2nd half), but that was because of the Yankees early pitching injuries and ineffectiveness. He made two starts, the second where he took a no hitter on May 1st into the 6th inning before walking off the mound with a hamstring injury. He was about to end his rehabing when he sprained his ankle--a grade 3, the worst you can get. I hear now he's just getting out of the boot he's been wearing and throwing off the mound again, so it's a good sign. Reports say he'll be back in August. Despite this set back, it's not his throwing arm like a lot of great young pitching phenoms have had (ie Prior, Harden, Wood). He's certainly expected to be the next great homegrown Yankee pitcher as long as he stays healthy.
4. Homer Bailey, SP Reds 2-2/23.3 IP/8.10 ERA/10K/19 BB, 0.3 VORP
A Texas flamethrower, Bailey sure hasn't shown command of the strike zone with those 19 walks. He had a great start in Oakland on June 19th going 7 IP/2 H/4 BB/3 Ks/1 ER. But other than that it hasn't been all that great. Fortunately for Bailey, he hasn't given up the homerun ball all that much, even at home, considering the Reds stadium is very hitter friendly. Obviously the Reds are one of the worst teams in baseball this year, so don't expect a lot of wins for Bailey, but if he keeps overthrowing and putting runners on he'll probably be sent down. Then again, the Reds having nothing to lose but their manager--oh wait, Narron was fired already.
5. Brandon Wood, SS/3B Angels .091/.091/.091/0 HR/0 RBI, -2.3 VORP
He got called up in late April and got 11 at bats, striking out in five of them. Right now, Orlando Cabrera is blocking Wood at short and Chone Figgins at 3B. Erik Abayar, another rookie, has also blocked Wood. I believe Cabrera is a free agent at the end of the year and the Angels may not resign him the plan is to put Wood at SS. Anyhow, Wood was great back in 2005 single-A ball hitting .321/43 HR/115 RBI, but as he's moved up so have the K's and not the power. Currently in triple-A he's hitting .259/15 HR/51 RBI with 76 K's. So the question remains--can Wood hit for average and power in the majors or are the Angel's developing another Troy Glaus?
6. Tim Lincecum, SP Giants 3-2/66.0 IP/4.64 ERA/74 K/29 BB, -1.3 VORP
Only in college last year, Lincecum has been pretty decent. He has six quality starts out of 11 games started, and in three of those he gave up no ER. Obviously Lincecum has shown he can strike out hitters and has struck out 10 or more in two starts. The one concern has been his pitch count as he has thrown 100 or more pitches in six of his starts. Like Bailey, Lincecum's home park is hitter friendly, but has not given up too many homeruns (6 in 66 IP--yikes, 666!) and hasn't given one up since June 3rd. But overall, there aren't any major complaints other than he's a young guy on an old team that is in no way a playoff contender.
7. Ryan Braun, 3B Brewers .347/.385/.626/8 HR/29 RBI, 22.2 VORP
I'm not sure what the minimum number of plate appearances is this point in the season (225 maybe??) to qualify for the BA leader board, but if Braun had that and was batting .347, he'd be second in the NL in BA after Matt Holliday (.352). He actually wasn't predicted to be up until later this year, a September call up at best, but at the end of May he was hitting .342/10 HR/22 RBI in Triple-A and the Brewers took a chance (over Craig Counsell and Tony Graffinino). So far the hitting has continued. Braun is a player with tons of power that is still being developed. And while his defense isn't impressing anyone yet, the Brewers now have a homegrown IF of Braun, Hardy (SS), Weeks (2B), and Fielder. Considering that talent there and that the Brewers are now 48-36, Braun's call up has added to the excitement in the land of Kenosha beef.
8. Matt Garza, SP Twins 0-0/2.0 IP/0.00 ERA/1 K/0 BB, N/A VORP
Apparently the combination of Sidney Ponson, Scott Baker, and Kevin Slowey in the 5th starter spot is better than Garza's potential contribution. He's in Triple-A right now sporting a 4-6/92 IP/3.62 ERA/95 K/31 BB. Something must have caused the Twins to do this, but I can't find anything. My only educated guess is that the Twins are being cautious with another solid starter as they were with Santana and Liriano (well, they tried with Liriano). There isn't much to say about Garza other than he will probably be up in the 2nd half to take the #5 spot as the Twins try to take the Wild Card.
9. Chris Young, OF Diamondbacks .236/.279/.428/12 HR/30 RBI, 3.4 VORP
Not the Giants' pitcher Chris Young. This Young looks to have a lot of potential on a young Diamondback team. The OBP is anemically low, and like Delmon (no relation) he's a free swinger. Young's big issue this year have been setbacks with his groin (not sure which leg) and that has sat him down quite a few times. This has certainly contributed to his down-up-down season--batting .232 at the end of April, .277 the end of May, and now back in the .230s. He's also been placed all over the Diamondback's lineup batting leadoff, 5th 6th, 7th, and 8th. BP says he's a potential 30/30 guy. He could get 30 if he turned it up, but only has 9 SBs (100% success rate). Still only 23 though, he's got time on his side for now.
10. Yovai Gallardo, SP Brewers 1-1/22 IP/3.68 ERA/21 K/9 BB, 0.4 VORP
While he's only been up the last 3 or 4 weeks, the Brewers like what they've seen, albeit a small sample size. And like Braun how couldn't they have called him up--Gallardo was 8-3/77.2 IP/2.90 ERA/110 K/28 BB--oh and a .189 BAA. From what I've read, Gallardo who's the same age as Hughes and Bailey, is the #3 guy behind these two, and has decent but not overpowering stuff. Man all these young Brewers are making me want to start watching them more.
So that's where those guys are, but there are others to note. Hunter Pence should be mentioned first here. Pence has been a hit and RBI machine at the plate for the Astros but also has shown he can play a solid CF even with that hill in Houston. Reggie Willits, a 26 year old rookie playing LF for the Angels is 10th in the AL in hitting (.327) and shows good plate presense (.420 OBP). There's also "little Eck", Dustin Pedroia who has been displaying doubles power for the Red Sox this year. The feel good story so far this season is that of Josh Hamilton of the Reds--the former #1 draft pick in 1998 who was banned from baseball for three seasons for drug use and battled other personal issues. He made the team, started off hot, then had some bad gas (literally), which put him on the DL, but is now back in the lineup. And quickly, I can't forget Travis Buck (OAK; sounds like a country singer), Troy Tulowitzski (COL), Mike Fontenot (CHC), and James Loney (LAD)--all of whom have VORPs of 10.0 or higher.
Get On With It!!
So who's going to be RoY for the AL and NL? For the NL, I believe it's between Hunter Pence and Tim Lincecum. What it will come down to for the voters is how many wins Lincecum gets and if Pence can continue to hit over .300 while driving in runs. I give it to Pence though because of how good the NL West is where the Giants will finish last for sure.
In the AL, remember those Japanese players? There's Dice-K (30.1 VORP) but also the recently voted in All-Star Hideki Okajima (22.6 VORP). Okajima isn't the closer, so despite his sub-1.00 ERA, if that continues I doubt he'll get many votes for RoY. Therefore, Dice-K will likely get the RoY honors--he already has 10 wins and will break 200Ks. And honestly after these two pitchers, the only other candidate is another Red Sox player Pedroia. It's a sure thing the RoY will come out of Beantown--their first since Fred Lynn's RoY/MVP season in 1975.
One of us will continue on Sunday with Part II--not sure what'll be yet, but either a review of teams, hot/slow starts, or how awesome it is that Doug's got Comcast's internet streaming in his place.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Happy Birthday Boss!!
First off, happy fourth of July everyone! Thanks for the comments so far on bandwagon fans, keep 'em coming, I'll respond to them next week. And certainly read Doug's post this week with his "Scenes from the Yankee Front Office"--something he'll be doing in good humor throughout the season.
Well, today is George Steinbrenner's birthday and he turns 77. There's a nice piece in ESPN about what is going on with the man, his plans for the future, and who will be the next Yankee owner. And I must remind you to watch The Bronx Is Burning an ESPN film about the 1977 Yankees starting on July 9th, 10PM EST--this is the season of Mr. October, Billy Martin losing his cool, and the Boss being well...the Boss, just 30 years younger. Hope I didn't give too much of it away.
Things have certainly changed in the 30 years since that season and as the article points out, we are entering the final years of George Steinbrenner's Yankee ownership (so most people think). There have been six Yankee World Series titles under Steinbrenner, but that was never enough. The Boss always wanted it all--top free agents, top talent, and to always be on top. Anything else was out of the question.
For all the overspending, mistreatment of managers and players in public, paranoia (ie Winfield), and statements to his team in good times and bad, the Boss has continued the tradition of making the Yankees a winning team. But success hasn't come without its other costs such as a 16 year drought after the 1979 WS win or being banned by baseball in the late 1980s, or being deemed the "Evil Empire" as one of the most hated teams in sports.
He's also made the Yankees a very valuable team, being estimated at $1.2 billion by Forbes Magazine. And having a payroll around the $200 million in recent years has made it the most costly to run.
For all he's done, and much of it focuses on his win-it-all philosophy and negativity to go with that, he's been truly dedicated to his baseball team as an owner. There are some owners who dabbled in having a baseball team for years but treat it like a second rate business. Or there are others who own for years on end, but show no sign of wanting to compete. But the Boss did whatever he could for the good of the team, the good of the fans, the city of New York--all to win another championship--even when it seemed it was all for him.
When people chant "Yankees suck" or complain that the Yankees spend too much money to buy a champioship or whatever negative comment they will make, what I believe most people dislike or hate in the end is Steinbrenner and his philosophy in running the team. Doug has said this to me for years, but he notes during the Yankees dynasty years of 1996 to 2001, "who was there to hate on the team?" No one player had a huge ego or was the center of attention brought on by himself. It was the Boss that did that to himself.
What lay ahead for the organization? Now that Steve Swindel (soon-t0-be ex-husband of Steinbrenner's daughter) is no longer the successor, the entire transition is up in the air. It doesn't look like there will be quite another type of personality like his in baseball for a while if ever again.
So while baseball fans complain about payroll, huge contracts, undeserved ones (coughPavanocough), and how much flexibility the Yankees have remember of a few things. He fills Yankee Stadium every night, he wants to go to the World Series every year above any other statistic you can count in baseball, he's brought in some of the best players to play the game the last 30+ years, and he'll probably still be involved in some way after his passing with the Yankees (I'm serious though, that's how huge his impact has been).
Oh yeah, and in 2009 he'll have built the Yankees a new stadium. Call it "The Stadium that the Boss Built" (pictured above).
Monday, July 2, 2007
Get it Right!! Bandwagon Fans
I saw the Yankees play up in Baltimore last week and was sitting in the LF lower field seats (which were great by the way) when I overheard this conversation behind me.
Note: This isn't word for word, but pretty darn close.
Johnny Damon steps up to the plate.
FAN #1 (male): I like Damon. Didn't he used to be on the Red Sox?
FAN #2 (male): He might have been.
When I turned around to see who said this at a baseball game I see a big 20-something guy decked out in Yankees gear and wearing a Damon jersey. Biting my tounge, I fortunately didn't say anything being in a Gerhig Yankees t-shirt and all. The guy at least knew all the New York cheers for some reason and got some fans into that.
If you think that's bad, here was part of the conversation on the way up with a friend, who considers themself a big Yankee fan, sitting in the back seat as I drove. (Apologies to my friend for making you look bad here, but I have a point to prove)
Radio is tuned to 98.0 AM, John Miller is announcing the starting pitchers for the evening.
Miller: And for the Yankees tonight will be Wang--
Friend: Wang? Who the hell is that?
Me: He's been pitching for them all year. Won 19 games last year and contended for the Cy Young.
Friend: Oh...
Miller: Wang who went 19-6 for the Yankees last year, finished 2nd to Johan Santana for the Cy Young award--
My Girlfriend: [giggles]
Me: See, I should be broadcasting this fucking game.
I'll give one more example. A couple months ago I walked into a bar--no this isn't going to end in a joke--and I was wearing a Brooklyn Dodgers hat. I have one because I used to live in Brooklyn and it's a pretty cool hat, but it in no way means I support the Dodgers organization (some would argue on that point). Anyway, my friend walks in who's a Yankees fan himself and gives me a weird look. Later on in the evening we're talking music (we're both musicians) and this girl walks by...
Girl: Go Red Sox, yeah, Yankees suck!!!
Me: God Dammit!!
That wasn't the first time I got that sort of reaction from the Brooklyn Dodgers hat. I don't mind hearing Yankees suck, but it's the whole Red Sox comment that bothered me. After taking the Lord's name in vein my friend asked why I yelled out what I did and I explained why. He admitted afterwards he thought I was wearing a Red Sox hat as well.
Maybe I'm just being too unforgiving here. I do know my baseball fairly well, follow it daily, and obviously am writing about it every week. Most (normal) people don't do that. Should I blame someone who may have just become a Yankee fan in 2006 who knows nothing about the Damon saga? Is my friend's loyalty for the Yankees a notch below mine because she's never heard of Chien-Ming Wang? And should I stop cursing God because my Brooklyn Dodgers hat somewhat resembles a Red Sox hat?
Since I have to choose between yes and no, I choose yes. If there's one thing in baseball I can not stand it's bandwagon fans and their lack of (some or is basic a better word?) knowledge of the game and the team they "root" for. Oh--and I also disprove of them wearing gear that isn't the true color of the team they are "fans" of.
I can trace my anger and distate for bandwagon fans back to 1996 after the Yankees won the World Series. Now I had become what I consider a "true" Yankee fan in the late 80's and early 90s when they were even worse than they are now. And as a kid, I grew up loving baseball and even wanted to be a ballplayer when I grew up. The former still stands to this day, but I also think if the Yankees signed me tomorrow I could make a difference this year for them (give me a call Cash).
But in the couple years that followed that 1996 World Series win I began to see more and more Yankees fans--so I thought. As the Yankees won more World Series titles, people bought more gear, wore it more often, and even Fred Durst endorsed a Yankees hat from time to time. This should be a great thing, supporting your team, being a fan, and feeling proud to wear Yankees stuff.
However, a lot of these fans didn't know the current team on the field. Or even worse didn't know much of the history of the Yankees. They just wanted to be a Yankee fan because the Yankees were a great team in the late 1990s into the 2000s, their friends were probably fans, they lived in NY or NJ, and they were sell outs.
And we all know sell outs say factually wrong things about players or other teams or even about The Rivalry itself. Just go to any given game.
Yankees aside though, this phenomena is also becoming part of Red Sox Nation. I was living in New York City in 2004 when the Red Sox won their first World Series since 1918. The morning after their victory, to clear my head some, I went running in Central Park. You wouldn't believe how many Red Sox hats I saw in just that hour of running--more than you would have seen the day before and even the 86 years prior.
Of course it's New York and if you're a Red Sox fan maybe you don't wear your hat as much to avoid being pushed on the tracks or whatever shinnanigan a New Yorker would pull. But everyday since that day in October 2004, I've seen more and more Red Sox fans.
And quite honestly a lot of them are bandwagon fans as well. I've said it here on the blog, I need to know the Red Sox better--it's The Rivalry afterall. But when the only words you know as a Red Sox fan are "Big Papi" and "Manny Being Manny"--I have to question why you love the team.
I'll admit this really gets me going and rubs me the wrong way, but it makes me wonder what a fan is anyway. Is it someone who actually watches the games, maybe sees a few in person, and can have a discussion about the team or is it someone who spends money to buy some gear, doesn't watch games even when they're at them, and claims they're a huge _____ (fill in team name) fan?
You let me know.
Note: This isn't word for word, but pretty darn close.
Johnny Damon steps up to the plate.
FAN #1 (male): I like Damon. Didn't he used to be on the Red Sox?
FAN #2 (male): He might have been.
When I turned around to see who said this at a baseball game I see a big 20-something guy decked out in Yankees gear and wearing a Damon jersey. Biting my tounge, I fortunately didn't say anything being in a Gerhig Yankees t-shirt and all. The guy at least knew all the New York cheers for some reason and got some fans into that.
If you think that's bad, here was part of the conversation on the way up with a friend, who considers themself a big Yankee fan, sitting in the back seat as I drove. (Apologies to my friend for making you look bad here, but I have a point to prove)
Radio is tuned to 98.0 AM, John Miller is announcing the starting pitchers for the evening.
Miller: And for the Yankees tonight will be Wang--
Friend: Wang? Who the hell is that?
Me: He's been pitching for them all year. Won 19 games last year and contended for the Cy Young.
Friend: Oh...
Miller: Wang who went 19-6 for the Yankees last year, finished 2nd to Johan Santana for the Cy Young award--
My Girlfriend: [giggles]
Me: See, I should be broadcasting this fucking game.
I'll give one more example. A couple months ago I walked into a bar--no this isn't going to end in a joke--and I was wearing a Brooklyn Dodgers hat. I have one because I used to live in Brooklyn and it's a pretty cool hat, but it in no way means I support the Dodgers organization (some would argue on that point). Anyway, my friend walks in who's a Yankees fan himself and gives me a weird look. Later on in the evening we're talking music (we're both musicians) and this girl walks by...
Girl: Go Red Sox, yeah, Yankees suck!!!
Me: God Dammit!!
That wasn't the first time I got that sort of reaction from the Brooklyn Dodgers hat. I don't mind hearing Yankees suck, but it's the whole Red Sox comment that bothered me. After taking the Lord's name in vein my friend asked why I yelled out what I did and I explained why. He admitted afterwards he thought I was wearing a Red Sox hat as well.
Maybe I'm just being too unforgiving here. I do know my baseball fairly well, follow it daily, and obviously am writing about it every week. Most (normal) people don't do that. Should I blame someone who may have just become a Yankee fan in 2006 who knows nothing about the Damon saga? Is my friend's loyalty for the Yankees a notch below mine because she's never heard of Chien-Ming Wang? And should I stop cursing God because my Brooklyn Dodgers hat somewhat resembles a Red Sox hat?
Since I have to choose between yes and no, I choose yes. If there's one thing in baseball I can not stand it's bandwagon fans and their lack of (some or is basic a better word?) knowledge of the game and the team they "root" for. Oh--and I also disprove of them wearing gear that isn't the true color of the team they are "fans" of.
I can trace my anger and distate for bandwagon fans back to 1996 after the Yankees won the World Series. Now I had become what I consider a "true" Yankee fan in the late 80's and early 90s when they were even worse than they are now. And as a kid, I grew up loving baseball and even wanted to be a ballplayer when I grew up. The former still stands to this day, but I also think if the Yankees signed me tomorrow I could make a difference this year for them (give me a call Cash).
But in the couple years that followed that 1996 World Series win I began to see more and more Yankees fans--so I thought. As the Yankees won more World Series titles, people bought more gear, wore it more often, and even Fred Durst endorsed a Yankees hat from time to time. This should be a great thing, supporting your team, being a fan, and feeling proud to wear Yankees stuff.
However, a lot of these fans didn't know the current team on the field. Or even worse didn't know much of the history of the Yankees. They just wanted to be a Yankee fan because the Yankees were a great team in the late 1990s into the 2000s, their friends were probably fans, they lived in NY or NJ, and they were sell outs.
And we all know sell outs say factually wrong things about players or other teams or even about The Rivalry itself. Just go to any given game.
Yankees aside though, this phenomena is also becoming part of Red Sox Nation. I was living in New York City in 2004 when the Red Sox won their first World Series since 1918. The morning after their victory, to clear my head some, I went running in Central Park. You wouldn't believe how many Red Sox hats I saw in just that hour of running--more than you would have seen the day before and even the 86 years prior.
Of course it's New York and if you're a Red Sox fan maybe you don't wear your hat as much to avoid being pushed on the tracks or whatever shinnanigan a New Yorker would pull. But everyday since that day in October 2004, I've seen more and more Red Sox fans.
And quite honestly a lot of them are bandwagon fans as well. I've said it here on the blog, I need to know the Red Sox better--it's The Rivalry afterall. But when the only words you know as a Red Sox fan are "Big Papi" and "Manny Being Manny"--I have to question why you love the team.
I'll admit this really gets me going and rubs me the wrong way, but it makes me wonder what a fan is anyway. Is it someone who actually watches the games, maybe sees a few in person, and can have a discussion about the team or is it someone who spends money to buy some gear, doesn't watch games even when they're at them, and claims they're a huge _____ (fill in team name) fan?
You let me know.
Note: Links noted above for jerseys and other gear were intentially added for any bandwagon fans reading this post.
Appendix A: Ten Characteristics of a Bandwagon Fan
1. Suddenly becomes a fan of a team after that said team has just become a great team or won a championship.
2. Buys a lot of clothing, videos, and other paraphernalia from the team they suddenly like.
3. When confronted with a true fan of the team they've bandwagoned on, their knowledge and perspective of what's going on with the team can't hold water to the true fans'.
4. Cannot name the usual starters or pitching rotation. Will only know a few of the good players on the team.
5. Usually yells and starts chants a lot at games. Sometimes will get thrown out while yelling, "Hey, I've got a beverage here man!"
6. When their team isn't doing well won't make it through the season and hang it up until next time (or bandwagon on with another team).
7. Does not know anything about any other team in the sport.
8. Buys the best tickets to the game and may not pay attention much while there.
9. Once they get into a fantasy league for the sport, will pick pretty much anyone from their team--folks I have seen this before.
10. Did I mention they sell out?
Hindsight and Foresight: Yankee Review June 25 to July 8th
I've been having Paul O'Neil moments of late since taking a breather in Charleston. These moments involve me getting pissed and throwing something. The first instance was at the UMass softball game Friday night when swinging on the first pitch I popped up to LF (but redeemed myself later with an RBI double). I threw the bat down somewhat hard in disgust. Later that evening the team was playing flip cup at the bar and being the last to go, I couldn't flip the cup and the other team just beat me out. Swatting at the cup, it was launched in the face of a girl sitting next to me (my apologies again, whatever your name was). Later I screwed up again and crushed the cup on the table, oh so manly of me.
In any event, yesterday I was home watching the Yankees game and watched Pettitte get shelled in the 2nd inning. Luckily I punched at the couch (didn't throw it or the laptop) and even smarter I simply turned my MLB.TV to the Red Sox game so my head wouldn't explode all over the living room. I'm not sure how much more I can watch L's go across the board. This first half of this season needs to end quickly so that they can put it behind them and reflect on themselves. And maybe I need to reflect a bit too since I still need to support the team but am having a hard time dealing with how to do that this year.
Hindsight: June 25th to July 1st
The Yankees wrapped up their road trip going 1-7 with one game on hold where they're up 8-6 (a game I was at by the way--I will comment on something I heard during that game this week) in Baltimore. This last month alone, the Yankees have been shut out three times. And the team is frustrated as displayed by comments by Jorge Posada and Scott Proctors' burning of his glove and other equpment to vanguish the demons who took hold of his pitching Tuesday night where he walked three in the bottom of the ninth, walking in the winning run. The next night the Yankees continued to fail to provide Roger Clemens with run support giving him nothing--yes, zero runs to work with--putting win number 350 on hold. Since Clemens' return, the Yankees offense has provided him with eight runs in five starts--or 1.6 run/game (and those shutouts this month, two of them were when Clemens pitched). Then the rains came Thursday night, delaying the game twice until July 27th. But I have to say, being at the game was pretty exciting espeically Jeter's 2-run single in the pouring rain. Back at home, the Yanks didn't do a whole lot against the A's. Chad Gaudin one-hit the offense on Saturday as Igawa left the ball up--one, two, three times--which all resulted in HRs. And yeterday's loss, well you know how I felt about that one.
Before the All-Star break, the Yankees continue the homestand against the Twins and Angels--the Angels of course leading the AL West and have had the Yankees number since 2002. The July 4th game will feature Johan Santana, so I guess if you're up for seeing another shutout be watching that one. The Yankees then face Colon, Lackey, and Santana to finish up the first half. I am really hoping the Minnesota series is split before the Angels sweep the Yankees at home, which would leave their first half record at 39-46 and many eons behind the Red Sox.
Now that it's July, trade talk is heating up. I continue to read that the Yankees won't go after Teixara 1) because he's injured and 2) they'd have to give up too many prospects that they're trying to rebuild this team with. If the Yankees make any sort of trade they should go for a relief pitcher. Torre has abused many arms already--Proctor, Vizcaino, Myers--to name a few, and the bullpen itself will need relief (pun intended) if they're pushing for the playoffs. Now who do they go after--I honestly don't know all the relievers in the game that well to focus in on the right one. But definetely someone who can get outs, not blow a lead too often, and who is up for some Torre bullpen abuse.
In any event, yesterday I was home watching the Yankees game and watched Pettitte get shelled in the 2nd inning. Luckily I punched at the couch (didn't throw it or the laptop) and even smarter I simply turned my MLB.TV to the Red Sox game so my head wouldn't explode all over the living room. I'm not sure how much more I can watch L's go across the board. This first half of this season needs to end quickly so that they can put it behind them and reflect on themselves. And maybe I need to reflect a bit too since I still need to support the team but am having a hard time dealing with how to do that this year.
Hindsight: June 25th to July 1st
The Yankees wrapped up their road trip going 1-7 with one game on hold where they're up 8-6 (a game I was at by the way--I will comment on something I heard during that game this week) in Baltimore. This last month alone, the Yankees have been shut out three times. And the team is frustrated as displayed by comments by Jorge Posada and Scott Proctors' burning of his glove and other equpment to vanguish the demons who took hold of his pitching Tuesday night where he walked three in the bottom of the ninth, walking in the winning run. The next night the Yankees continued to fail to provide Roger Clemens with run support giving him nothing--yes, zero runs to work with--putting win number 350 on hold. Since Clemens' return, the Yankees offense has provided him with eight runs in five starts--or 1.6 run/game (and those shutouts this month, two of them were when Clemens pitched). Then the rains came Thursday night, delaying the game twice until July 27th. But I have to say, being at the game was pretty exciting espeically Jeter's 2-run single in the pouring rain. Back at home, the Yanks didn't do a whole lot against the A's. Chad Gaudin one-hit the offense on Saturday as Igawa left the ball up--one, two, three times--which all resulted in HRs. And yeterday's loss, well you know how I felt about that one.
Weekly Stats
W-L: 1-4
RS/RA: 17/25
Offensive Numbers (BA/OBP/SLG): .212/.312/.295 (TRULY OFFENSIVE!!)
Pitching Line (ERA/Whip/K per 9/BAA/SLG): 5.54/1.65/4.29/.308/.472
Who's Hot: Mike Mussina pitched a good game Friday night. Over his last five starts Mussina has a 2.97 ERA (9 ER in 27.2 IP with 24 Ks), lowering his season ERA from 5.63 to 4.63.
Who's Not: Mrs. Alex Rodriguez.
My Yankee of the Week: Jorge Posada for speaking up. I haven't read what he actually said, and I heard it was in the media (not the best choice), but Posada's been the Yankee catcher since Girardi left in 1999 so the team will listen.
Foresight: July 2nd to July 8thBefore the All-Star break, the Yankees continue the homestand against the Twins and Angels--the Angels of course leading the AL West and have had the Yankees number since 2002. The July 4th game will feature Johan Santana, so I guess if you're up for seeing another shutout be watching that one. The Yankees then face Colon, Lackey, and Santana to finish up the first half. I am really hoping the Minnesota series is split before the Angels sweep the Yankees at home, which would leave their first half record at 39-46 and many eons behind the Red Sox.
Now that it's July, trade talk is heating up. I continue to read that the Yankees won't go after Teixara 1) because he's injured and 2) they'd have to give up too many prospects that they're trying to rebuild this team with. If the Yankees make any sort of trade they should go for a relief pitcher. Torre has abused many arms already--Proctor, Vizcaino, Myers--to name a few, and the bullpen itself will need relief (pun intended) if they're pushing for the playoffs. Now who do they go after--I honestly don't know all the relievers in the game that well to focus in on the right one. But definetely someone who can get outs, not blow a lead too often, and who is up for some Torre bullpen abuse.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
What's it going to be then, eh?
I've been out of the game awhile - dropped the ball while Teddy was visiting Chucktown, have the excuse of a lack of a decent internet connection, and I'm still a week away from having a reliable one. So I have to make this count...
Scenes from the Yankees Front Office
BOSS: Cash, what is this? Giambi's talking to Mitchell? Didn't we void his contract two years ago?
CASH: Well, we were trying to, Boss, but then he started hitting again, and, well...
BOSS: And, well, nothing! Remember back in the '02-'03 offseason when I told you to sign Ortiz? Okay, maybe I didn't say that until after the Sox signed him and he put up MVP numbers, but dammit, I said it, didn't I?
GENE MICHAEL: Yeah, Boss - you sure did!
BOSS: Thanks, Stick.
CASH: Yeah, but at the time it didn't make sense - I mean, we had Giambi, Nick Johnson -
BOSS: Listen, Cash - remember how you started working for me? You know, cleaning out my horse stables? You wanna go back to that?
CASH: No, Boss.
BOSS: Good, I wouldn't want to have Stick here sucker-punch you.
MICHAEL: Always ready and willing, Boss! BOSS: And I appreciate that, Stick.
(Enter JOE TORRE)
TORRE: Hey, uh... I was just wondering... is there any particular reason that my office has been cleaned out and Joe Girardi is sitting behind my desk right now?
CASH: What?! I thought Joe's job was safe!
BOSS: Listen, Joe - you did a great job with Scott Brosius, Tino Martinez, and Paul O'Neil - but you can't get it done with A-Rod, Giambi, and Abreu? It's not me, Joe - it's you. Listen, I could have replaced you with a guy I'm deeply in love with- like Ron Guidry or Don Mattingly, or a guy who has already run a Hall of Fame third baseman out of town, like Larry Bowa, or even a wife-swapper like Tony Pena or what's-his-name, the Nutty Professor?
MICHAEL: Joe Kerrigan, Boss.
BOSS: Yeah, Kerrigan, that's right. But listen, Joe - I wanted to do right by you, not hire a guy who was already on your staff. Besides - Joe Giradi is a Don Zimmer guy - Zim was always the brains behind the operation.
TORRE: Uh, Zim had two steel plates in his head, Boss.
BOSS: Exactly! And what does it say about you that you needed to rely on him?
TORRE: But... I had prostate cancer.
BOSS: Yeah, and Lou Gehrig had Lou Gehrig's disease - you never heard him use that as an excuse, did you?
(Exit TORRE)
CASH: I don't know that that was the right thing to do, Boss.
BOSS: The right thing to do? Was trading for Corey Lidle the right thing to do?
CASH: He died in a plane accident, Boss.
BOSS: Yeah, right - just like my making illegal campaign contributions to the Nixon campaign was an accident. Tell it to the judge.
(Enter SCOTT BORAS)
BORAS: So you know that A-Rod has an opt-out clause that can make him a free agent this off-season, right?
BOSS: I don't care about that! Let Anaheim pay him $30 million a year! I'll pay Joe Crede $40 million a year!
BORAS: Well... since they're both my clients, I'll call that a win-win. Good talking to you, Boss.
(Exit BORAS)
BOSS: See, Cash - that's how you deal with agents.
CASH: I don't know that that's the best -
BOSS: Listen, Cash - I gave you full rein of the organization. My boys in Tampa are sitting around playing Yahtzee! right now - do you really want me to put them back in charge?
CASH: No.
BOSS: Well, good. Now about this thing Torre's doing - on his way to the unemployment line, that is...
CASH: What's that, Boss?
BOSS: Using Pettite and Clemens in relief.
CASH: Oh, well, that's actually kind of innovative - I mean, when he uses those guys in relief, they're scheduled to pitch bullpen sessions anyway.
BOSS: Listen, Cash - if I wanted your sabermatretical, hippy-dippy, free love, sunshine-lollipops-and-rainbows philosophy, I'd be smoking dope with Luis Tiant circa the late '70s. What I want to know is this - why aren't we doing this sort of thing more often?
CASH: Well... I think it's kind of backfiring on us - I mean, Pettite only lasted 1 2/3 innings today - he gave up 9 hits, 8 runs (7 earned), struck out 1, and gave up two homers.
BOSS: Why did we sign him back from Houston, then? There you were, saying - we gotta sign Pettite, we gotta sign Pettite - and this is what he gives us?
CASH: Well, Boss, factually -
BOSS: Hey! If I was interested in facts, I'd read the New York Post. And what's up with our outfield?
CASH: Well, that is a bit of a sore spot - I mean, Damon has to DH, Abreu and Matsui are struggling, and Melky Cabrera is... well, Melky Cabrera.
BOSS: All right, Cash - I'll let you off the hook on this one. It's time for me to take control of player acquisition again anyway.
CASH: I- uh... well, who did you have in mind?
BOSS: Let me read you a message - I received it over that hippy Al Gore's new age invention - I believe you young people call it "electronic mail".
MICHAEL: What's the message, Boss?
BOSS: I'll tell you. It reads something like this: "Put Rickey in. Rickey's ready to play."
I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want
If it wasn't for the Spice Girls getting back together, and the unintentional hilarity that's sure to ensue, I wouldn't have anything to get excited about this week.
After a nice recovery in interleague play (7-2 against the Giants, Braves, and Padres), the Red Sox promptly allowed themselves to be swept by the surprising Mariners. How a team that continues to pay American dollars to Richie Sexson and Adrian Beltre could ever sweep a series against anyone ever is beyond me, but that's just what they did.
The Red Sox bats have thus far continued to broadcast the Sounds of Silence against the Rangers. Julian Tavarez pitched the game of his life today, and Josh Beckett pitched better than his sudden case of "one bad inning" syndrome indicated, but now the Sox are left with nothing more to hope for than a series split when Kason "Don't Call it Desperation" Gabbard takes the mound tomorrow evening.
Despite the recent trend of, y'know, not being able to win baseball games, there are some interesting things to highlight on the Red Sox side.
Manny Delcarmen
Ever since I was a Camp Counselor at Camp Ponkawisset with one of his High School teammates back in the summer of '02, I've been big on Manny D. He's gone through Tommy John surgery since then, and was up and down last year for the Sox, but thus far this year, he's been the pitcher that Mike Timlin still believes himself to be - a more than reliable middle reliever, and a decent setup option.
Julio Lugo/Alex Cora
Lugo has to look up at the Mendoza line right now, and Cora, though no longer hitting .400+, has been a more reliable option on both sides of the ball than Lugo. It doesn't help that Lugo was recently contacted by Jose Offerman about starting a Support Group for Overpaid/Underperforming Free Agent Red Sox middle infielders.
Coco Crisp/Jacoy Ellsbury
Apparently, Coco has hurt his finger. Again. Last year this was quickly followed by kidney stones. I’m sure neither Coco nor I would like to see that again. I was hoping that Ellsbury’s ascension to the bigs would be delayed until at least next year, but I admire the aggressiveness on the part of the Red Sox – with Cora and Ellsbury out there, they’re trying to put the best possible team on the field – as opposed to fielding a team with Coco and Lugo.
Echoes of a Curse
I’ve certainly made disparaging remarks about the Yankees this season, but with the Sox sub-par play and despite their current 11-game lead in the AL East, I’m not quite ready to call the patient. After all, the Sox had a 14-game lead on the Yankees as of July 4th in ’78, and we all Bucky F-ing Dent know how that turned out.
Scenes from the Yankees Front Office
BOSS: Cash, what is this? Giambi's talking to Mitchell? Didn't we void his contract two years ago?
CASH: Well, we were trying to, Boss, but then he started hitting again, and, well...
BOSS: And, well, nothing! Remember back in the '02-'03 offseason when I told you to sign Ortiz? Okay, maybe I didn't say that until after the Sox signed him and he put up MVP numbers, but dammit, I said it, didn't I?
GENE MICHAEL: Yeah, Boss - you sure did!
BOSS: Thanks, Stick.
CASH: Yeah, but at the time it didn't make sense - I mean, we had Giambi, Nick Johnson -
BOSS: Listen, Cash - remember how you started working for me? You know, cleaning out my horse stables? You wanna go back to that?
CASH: No, Boss.
BOSS: Good, I wouldn't want to have Stick here sucker-punch you.
MICHAEL: Always ready and willing, Boss! BOSS: And I appreciate that, Stick.
(Enter JOE TORRE)
TORRE: Hey, uh... I was just wondering... is there any particular reason that my office has been cleaned out and Joe Girardi is sitting behind my desk right now?
CASH: What?! I thought Joe's job was safe!
BOSS: Listen, Joe - you did a great job with Scott Brosius, Tino Martinez, and Paul O'Neil - but you can't get it done with A-Rod, Giambi, and Abreu? It's not me, Joe - it's you. Listen, I could have replaced you with a guy I'm deeply in love with- like Ron Guidry or Don Mattingly, or a guy who has already run a Hall of Fame third baseman out of town, like Larry Bowa, or even a wife-swapper like Tony Pena or what's-his-name, the Nutty Professor?
MICHAEL: Joe Kerrigan, Boss.
BOSS: Yeah, Kerrigan, that's right. But listen, Joe - I wanted to do right by you, not hire a guy who was already on your staff. Besides - Joe Giradi is a Don Zimmer guy - Zim was always the brains behind the operation.
TORRE: Uh, Zim had two steel plates in his head, Boss.
BOSS: Exactly! And what does it say about you that you needed to rely on him?
TORRE: But... I had prostate cancer.
BOSS: Yeah, and Lou Gehrig had Lou Gehrig's disease - you never heard him use that as an excuse, did you?
(Exit TORRE)
CASH: I don't know that that was the right thing to do, Boss.
BOSS: The right thing to do? Was trading for Corey Lidle the right thing to do?
CASH: He died in a plane accident, Boss.
BOSS: Yeah, right - just like my making illegal campaign contributions to the Nixon campaign was an accident. Tell it to the judge.
(Enter SCOTT BORAS)
BORAS: So you know that A-Rod has an opt-out clause that can make him a free agent this off-season, right?
BOSS: I don't care about that! Let Anaheim pay him $30 million a year! I'll pay Joe Crede $40 million a year!
BORAS: Well... since they're both my clients, I'll call that a win-win. Good talking to you, Boss.
(Exit BORAS)
BOSS: See, Cash - that's how you deal with agents.
CASH: I don't know that that's the best -
BOSS: Listen, Cash - I gave you full rein of the organization. My boys in Tampa are sitting around playing Yahtzee! right now - do you really want me to put them back in charge?
CASH: No.
BOSS: Well, good. Now about this thing Torre's doing - on his way to the unemployment line, that is...
CASH: What's that, Boss?
BOSS: Using Pettite and Clemens in relief.
CASH: Oh, well, that's actually kind of innovative - I mean, when he uses those guys in relief, they're scheduled to pitch bullpen sessions anyway.
BOSS: Listen, Cash - if I wanted your sabermatretical, hippy-dippy, free love, sunshine-lollipops-and-rainbows philosophy, I'd be smoking dope with Luis Tiant circa the late '70s. What I want to know is this - why aren't we doing this sort of thing more often?
CASH: Well... I think it's kind of backfiring on us - I mean, Pettite only lasted 1 2/3 innings today - he gave up 9 hits, 8 runs (7 earned), struck out 1, and gave up two homers.
BOSS: Why did we sign him back from Houston, then? There you were, saying - we gotta sign Pettite, we gotta sign Pettite - and this is what he gives us?
CASH: Well, Boss, factually -
BOSS: Hey! If I was interested in facts, I'd read the New York Post. And what's up with our outfield?
CASH: Well, that is a bit of a sore spot - I mean, Damon has to DH, Abreu and Matsui are struggling, and Melky Cabrera is... well, Melky Cabrera.
BOSS: All right, Cash - I'll let you off the hook on this one. It's time for me to take control of player acquisition again anyway.
CASH: I- uh... well, who did you have in mind?
BOSS: Let me read you a message - I received it over that hippy Al Gore's new age invention - I believe you young people call it "electronic mail".
MICHAEL: What's the message, Boss?
BOSS: I'll tell you. It reads something like this: "Put Rickey in. Rickey's ready to play."
I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want
If it wasn't for the Spice Girls getting back together, and the unintentional hilarity that's sure to ensue, I wouldn't have anything to get excited about this week.
After a nice recovery in interleague play (7-2 against the Giants, Braves, and Padres), the Red Sox promptly allowed themselves to be swept by the surprising Mariners. How a team that continues to pay American dollars to Richie Sexson and Adrian Beltre could ever sweep a series against anyone ever is beyond me, but that's just what they did.
The Red Sox bats have thus far continued to broadcast the Sounds of Silence against the Rangers. Julian Tavarez pitched the game of his life today, and Josh Beckett pitched better than his sudden case of "one bad inning" syndrome indicated, but now the Sox are left with nothing more to hope for than a series split when Kason "Don't Call it Desperation" Gabbard takes the mound tomorrow evening.
Despite the recent trend of, y'know, not being able to win baseball games, there are some interesting things to highlight on the Red Sox side.
Manny Delcarmen
Ever since I was a Camp Counselor at Camp Ponkawisset with one of his High School teammates back in the summer of '02, I've been big on Manny D. He's gone through Tommy John surgery since then, and was up and down last year for the Sox, but thus far this year, he's been the pitcher that Mike Timlin still believes himself to be - a more than reliable middle reliever, and a decent setup option.
Julio Lugo/Alex Cora
Lugo has to look up at the Mendoza line right now, and Cora, though no longer hitting .400+, has been a more reliable option on both sides of the ball than Lugo. It doesn't help that Lugo was recently contacted by Jose Offerman about starting a Support Group for Overpaid/Underperforming Free Agent Red Sox middle infielders.
Coco Crisp/Jacoy Ellsbury
Apparently, Coco has hurt his finger. Again. Last year this was quickly followed by kidney stones. I’m sure neither Coco nor I would like to see that again. I was hoping that Ellsbury’s ascension to the bigs would be delayed until at least next year, but I admire the aggressiveness on the part of the Red Sox – with Cora and Ellsbury out there, they’re trying to put the best possible team on the field – as opposed to fielding a team with Coco and Lugo.
Echoes of a Curse
I’ve certainly made disparaging remarks about the Yankees this season, but with the Sox sub-par play and despite their current 11-game lead in the AL East, I’m not quite ready to call the patient. After all, the Sox had a 14-game lead on the Yankees as of July 4th in ’78, and we all Bucky F-ing Dent know how that turned out.
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