The Yankees at the Midpoint

[Mike Landi]

Well, I am shocked...shocked I say :), at the Yankees. The team that could not pitch, could not hit with runners on base and who played like they were sleepwalking have woken up and decided to play as a team.

That is the important point. This team has gelled and is playing with a fire of desire. Yeah, they kid around, like AJ with the pie-in-the-face for a walk-off win, but they have a purpose. I am enjoying watching them again. I had stopped enjoying the Yankees last year when it looked like they were just cashing their checks. (To be fair, certain players, Jeter and Damon, did not act this way; but players like Giambi, Cano, and Cabrera did.)

This year, Cano looks is fantastic. Melky was challenged and has risen to it and Jeter, A-Rod and Mo look like they want a championship. Posada seems to be the behind-the-scenes anchor for the pitching staff. I don't buy the "pitchers do not like him" stories. I've listened to the interviews. Posada will point out what a pitcher is doing wrong. Some egos don't like that....tough! He's usually right. Girardi has turned the bullpen into an asset. I never though that Hughes in the 'pen would be a good idea...I'll admit I was wrong. Mo is too old and needs another pitch? BS! If he needed another pitch (granted it would be good it he HAD another pitch or used the hidden one he supposedly has), he would have been beaten a few more times. What has he done? Blown one save. (Yes, his weakness is a tie game...who knows why?)

In any case, as I type this, the Yankees are 2 games over the Red Sox and have the best record in the AL. I did not think that was possible in April.

If I had not typed so much, I'd comment on the new Yankee Stadium. :)

(See what one good martini can do to a usually quite soul!)

PS. Hi Gail! ...how about them O's? <GD&R...VVVF>

[Judy G. Russell]

In any case, as I type this, the Yankees are 2 games over the Red Sox and have the best record in the AL. I did not think that was possible in April.Ain't that the truth? (And we've missed you, stranger!)

If I had not typed so much, I'd comment on the new Yankee Stadium. :) I have tickets for the White Sox game August 28th. Not sure if my brother can make it, but my sister-in-law and two nephews will be joining me and if my brother can't make it my sister will use his ticket. I can't wait.

(See what one good martini can do to a usually quite soul!)We'll have to buy you one more often...

PS. Hi Gail! ...how about them O's? <GD&R...VVVF>Mean, mean, mean, mean. Funny, but mean.

[Mike Landi]

Ain't that the truth? (And we've missed you, stranger!)

I have tickets for the White Sox game August 28th. Not sure if my brother can make it, but my sister-in-law and two nephews will be joining me and if my brother can't make it my sister will use his ticket. I can't wait.

We'll have to buy you one more often...

Mean, mean, mean, mean. Funny, but mean.
I've been busy and have not been online much. Free time in the early summer was taken up with Scouting and the boys.

I got to the Stadium in June. It was a lousy, rainy day...and the only game that the Mets beat the Yanks. I'm sure the new Stadium would have been more impressive in the sunshine. It is not the old Stadium. The "quaintness" and uniqueness of Yankee Stadium is gone. That being said, if you expect a modern ballpark deserving of the name "Yankee Stadium", you will not be disappointed. It is much more comfortable and has much better services. I got to the new Monument Park...I liked the old one better. The new one is tucked back under the centerfield batter's eye and is more cramped. I did not get to the museum, it had an hour long waiting line.

I'm curious what you will say after you visit.

[ndebord]

Well, I am shocked...shocked I say :), at the Yankees. The team that could not pitch, could not hit with runners on base and who played like they were sleepwalking have woken up and decided to play as a team.



Mike,

Well, agree with almost everything you said, except Posada. He should DH more and catch less. I've been watching play by play reports and I'm not impressed. Have the exceedingly well-paid pitchers in particular adjusted to a new team and a new catcher.... yes and yes, but they did better with that rookie Cervelli during his time in the Bigs.

And Hughes WOW! And he's still working on his changeup (which they say is the missing pitch for him to be a top starter)!

We'll see how this good this team really is when they play top competitors once again. I was encouraged when they knocked off Detroit, but when you talk problems for the Yankees, you generally mean the Angels and the Red Sox. And if the Phillies get Halladay.... brrrrr.

[Mike Landi]

Mike,

Well, agree with almost everything you said, except Posada. He should DH more and catch less. I've been watching play by play reports and I'm not impressed. Have the exceedingly well-paid pitchers in particular adjusted to a new team and a new catcher.... yes and yes, but they did better with that rookie Cervelli during his time in the Bigs.

And Hughes WOW! And he's still working on his changeup (which they say is the missing pitch for him to be a top starter)!

We'll see how this good this team really is when they play top competitors once again. I was encouraged when they knocked off Detroit, but when you talk problems for the Yankees, you generally mean the Angels and the Red Sox. And if the Phillies get Halladay.... brrrrr.
I don't see the problems with Posada, other than he will stand up to any pitcher. He is solid behind the plate and is back to having a decent chance of throwing out a runner at second. His ability at the plate is obvious. (What's his average now, over .280?)

If Halladay is going somewhere, I hope it is out of our division. If Philly gets him...ouch! We'll have to face him in the World Series.

I'm looking forward to seeing the Yanks and Bosox play again. I think the teams are evenly matched, if not an edge to the Yanks, right now. To take the next step, the Yankees have to believe that they can beat the Red Sox. Right now, I'm not so sure.

[ndebord]

Mike,

Oh yeah, that changeup is there for Mo... I was re-reading Spahn's biography the other day and realized something important. His great pitching career was interrupted by WWII and he pitched late in his life (for a ballplayer that is) and was great all the way along the way. He said that he developed pitches years in advance of actually using them. When they caught up with whatever he was throwing, only then did he "throw" them a wrinkle.

Perhaps it is the same with Mo!!!

[Mike Landi]

Mike,

Oh yeah, that changeup is there for Mo... I was re-reading Spahn's biography the other day and realized something important. His great pitching career was interrupted by WWII and he pitched late in his life (for a ballplayer that is) and was great all the way along the way. He said that he developed pitches years in advance of actually using them. When they caught up with whatever he was throwing, only then did he "throw" them a wrinkle.

Perhaps it is the same with Mo!!!
Rivera has always struck me as a very intelligent player. I think he will pitch a few years after he can't crack 90mph with the cutter. As long as he has control, I expect "Enter Sandman" will be on the Stadium rotation. :)

[Judy G. Russell]

The "quaintness" and uniqueness of Yankee Stadium is gone. That being said, if you expect a modern ballpark deserving of the name "Yankee Stadium", you will not be disappointed. I'm trying not to set myself up for being disappointed, but... I loved the old stadium.

[Judy G. Russell]

To take the next step, the Yankees have to believe that they can beat the Red Sox. Right now, I'm not so sure.They have to take at least 2 of 3 of a series with a good solid opponent. Then they'll be ready for Boston.

[Mike Landi]

I'm trying not to set myself up for being disappointed, but... I loved the old stadium.
If you go there looking for the old Stadium, you will be disappointed. The worst part of the trip to me was that the old Stadium, or at least the shell, is still there. I peeked inside as the train was going by and by heart broke. To see the old Stadium ripped up, no field, no seats, hurt...a lot.

Don't try to compare to the old Stadium. Think of it as a car you had had for a long time that finally had to be traded in. Keep the memories and enjoy the new one.

[Mike Landi]

They have to take at least 2 of 3 of a series with a good solid opponent. Then they'll be ready for Boston.
I think Detroit qualifies. Beating Verlander was a big step IMHO. Also, it looks like Joba has stopped trying to be Mr. Cool on the mound and is back to pouring his heart into his pitching. 7+ innings last night and only two hits w/one run!

[ndebord]

I think Detroit qualifies. Beating Verlander was a big step IMHO. Also, it looks like Joba has stopped trying to be Mr. Cool on the mound and is back to pouring his heart into his pitching. 7+ innings last night and only two hits w/one run!


Mike,

Joba came back from the break refreshed. Whether or not he was worn down by the change from reliever to starter is a big question and he only has 40 more innings to go before he reaches the limit imposed by the team.

He is slow getting up to speed, as evidenced by yesterday's game. He was only pitching 92-93 in the first few innings and only towards the end did he hit 94-95 on the gun. He was using all four of his pitches though and his pitch count is going down, which is a sign of maturity.

As for Hughes? WOW. Perhaps he is the replacement for Mo down the road or perhaps he is a No. 2 starter. Just a wonderful talent who has found a place on the team that is working out far better than anyone expected. WOW!

[ndebord]

I'm looking forward to seeing the Yanks and Bosox play again. I think the teams are evenly matched, if not an edge to the Yanks, right now. To take the next step, the Yankees have to believe that they can beat the Red Sox. Right now, I'm not so sure.

Mike,

If you look at the losses, many of the games were decided by one run, so although we came out on the short end of the stick on all of those games, I don't think there is any fear of the Bosox. And at this stretch of the season, the players look very determined. Add in we're surging and they're slumping and we were hurting and confused at the beginning of the season and I sure hope we'll do much better this time around.

[Mike Landi]

Mike,

Joba came back from the break refreshed. Whether or not he was worn down by the change from reliever to starter is a big question and he only has 40 more innings to go before he reaches the limit imposed by the team.

He is slow getting up to speed, as evidenced by yesterday's game. He was only pitching 92-93 in the first few innings and only towards the end did he hit 94-95 on the gun. He was using all four of his pitches though and his pitch count is going down, which is a sign of maturity.

As for Hughes? WOW. Perhaps he is the replacement for Mo down the road or perhaps he is a No. 2 starter. Just a wonderful talent who has found a place on the team that is working out far better than anyone expected. WOW!
I think you hit it on the head with "found a place on the team". He looks like he has his confidence and that is huge for a pitcher, especially a late innings pitcher.

Replacement for Mo...? He has a bit more to prove before I'd entertain that! :) A #2 starter? I'd like to see him stay in the 'pen. If he is reliable in the post-season (I think we can start talking about that possibility now), then I'd put him under Mo's wing.

[Mike Landi]

Mike,

If you look at the losses, many of the games were decided by one run, so although we came out on the short end of the stick on all of those games, I don't think there is any fear of the Bosox. And at this stretch of the season, the players look very determined. Add in we're surging and they're slumping and we were hurting and confused at the beginning of the season and I sure hope we'll do much better this time around.
I disagree. I think the first series in Boston was bad luck/one run/etc. After going 0-8, I think Boston has gotten into their heads and I expect them to have a very hard time winning against Boston this year. The whole Yankees v. Boston rivalry is fought with superstition and mental games and this year, unfortunately, Boston has a voodoo doll on the Yanks.

[Judy G. Russell]

Don't try to compare to the old Stadium. Think of it as a car you had had for a long time that finally had to be traded in. Keep the memories and enjoy the new one.I hear you, and I will try.

[Judy G. Russell]

I think Detroit qualifies. Beating Verlander was a big step IMHO. Also, it looks like Joba has stopped trying to be Mr. Cool on the mound and is back to pouring his heart into his pitching. 7+ innings last night and only two hits w/one run!I hope you're right, but feel (as you do from your other post) that it's now mental in the Yanks v Sox race and a lot will depend on who's hot and who's cold at that point.

[Judy G. Russell]

Replacement for Mo...? He has a bit more to prove before I'd entertain that! :) A #2 starter? I'd like to see him stay in the 'pen. If he is reliable in the post-season (I think we can start talking about that possibility now), then I'd put him under Mo's wing.We do have to start thinking about that replacement, though, and Hughes is a good a candidate as I've seen anywhere.

[Mike Landi]

We do have to start thinking about that replacement, though, and Hughes is a good a candidate as I've seen anywhere.
I hate thinking about that, but it is a reality we have to face.

Imagine the day that Mariano Rivera is introduced at Old Timers' Day.

[Mike Landi]

I hope you're right, but feel (as you do from your other post) that it's now mental in the Yanks v Sox race and a lot will depend on who's hot and who's cold at that point.
It will, but I think the Yanks go into the next meeting with a cloud over their heads. Just the Boston and NY press alone will remind them, about every ten minutes, that they have never beaten the Bosox in 2009.

[ndebord]

I disagree. I think the first series in Boston was bad luck/one run/etc. After going 0-8, I think Boston has gotten into their heads and I expect them to have a very hard time winning against Boston this year. The whole Yankees v. Boston rivalry is fought with superstition and mental games and this year, unfortunately, Boston has a voodoo doll on the Yanks.

Mike,

Or another jersey buried in the concrete from that NY Beantown fan. Aaarrgghh.

I think this time around, we'll do much better. I really think the team has jelled now and the history of the two teams is that both are tough on each other at different times in a season. I expect a dogfight, but I expect the Bronx Bombers to come out on top.

Having said that, Girardi had darn well better handle his pitchers better than he did tonight. The papers are calling it 2 batters too many.

I remember Keys and Cone at the same age and they were all 6 inning pitchers except on special nights, but not every time out there. There are only a few who can pitch long into a game at that age and Andy's numbers in later innings and in the 2nd half say he is not one of them.

[Judy G. Russell]

I hate thinking about that, but it is a reality we have to face. Imagine the day that Mariano Rivera is introduced at Old Timers' Day.Oh my... what a prospect... I'd want to be there, but sure would hate to see it.

[Judy G. Russell]

It will, but I think the Yanks go into the next meeting with a cloud over their heads. Just the Boston and NY press alone will remind them, about every ten minutes, that they have never beaten the Bosox in 2009.And all the fans can do to counteract it is add one word: "Yet."

[Mike Landi]

Oh my... what a prospect... I'd want to be there, but sure would hate to see it.
That would make me feel very old. I remember that "kid" coming up and being the setup man for Wetland. <sigh>

[Mike Landi]

Mike,

Or another jersey buried in the concrete from that NY Beantown fan. Aaarrgghh.

I think this time around, we'll do much better. I really think the team has jelled now and the history of the two teams is that both are tough on each other at different times in a season. I expect a dogfight, but I expect the Bronx Bombers to come out on top.

Having said that, Girardi had darn well better handle his pitchers better than he did tonight. The papers are calling it 2 batters too many.

I remember Keys and Cone at the same age and they were all 6 inning pitchers except on special nights, but not every time out there. There are only a few who can pitch long into a game at that age and Andy's numbers in later innings and in the 2nd half say he is not one of them.
I blame this one on Aceves....and that was just rust. Pettite got into trouble fast and the 'pen let him down. The way Ace was throwing, if he had come in earlier it would have been the same results.

On a positive note, Bruney got the job done today in the clutch. Image the battery of Ace, Hughes, Bruney and then Mo. Can you say six inning games?

[ndebord]

I blame this one on Aceves....and that was just rust. Pettite got into trouble fast and the 'pen let him down. The way Ace was throwing, if he had come in earlier it would have been the same results.

On a positive note, Bruney got the job done today in the clutch. Image the battery of Ace, Hughes, Bruney and then Mo. Can you say six inning games?


Mike,


You're leaving out the leftie specialist. Coke is good in that role. Girardi has been leaving him in to face more batters, which is OK, but not great, considering his record to date. He could perhaps be more than a leftie specialist, but that is what he has shown so far and he is, after all, a rookie and so one should not tempt fate until fate is tempered. <g>

Bruney.... I sure hope this is a sign that he is back. Not convinced yet though.


I blame this one on Girardi for letting Petitte continue to pitch after he clearly was losing it in the beginning of the 7th Inning. Ace too is a rookie. The bullpen is, ah, coming up Aces despite Ace's performance last night!

[Judy G. Russell]

That would make me feel very old. I remember that "kid" coming up and being the setup man for Wetland. <sigh>And I'm a fair bit older than you are. I don't even want to talk about what I remember. (Think Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle...)

[Mike Landi]

And I'm a fair bit older than you are. I don't even want to talk about what I remember. (Think Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle...)
<sigh> I hear 'ya.

[Mike Landi]

Mike,


You're leaving out the leftie specialist. Coke is good in that role. Girardi has been leaving him in to face more batters, which is OK, but not great, considering his record to date. He could perhaps be more than a leftie specialist, but that is what he has shown so far and he is, after all, a rookie and so one should not tempt fate until fate is tempered. <g>

Bruney.... I sure hope this is a sign that he is back. Not convinced yet though.


I blame this one on Girardi for letting Petitte continue to pitch after he clearly was losing it in the beginning of the 7th Inning. Ace too is a rookie. The bullpen is, ah, coming up Aces despite Ace's performance last night!
I like what I saw last night. AJ was on his game and so was the offense. The team now wants to win. They like the taste of it. If they can hold this attitude through this road trip, they will be set up perfectly for the post season.

Was it A-Rod getting hot, was it the rookies stepping up, or was it just the team playing a team? Who knows, but the personality of this team changed at the end of June and it made a big difference.

[ndebord]

I like what I saw last night. AJ was on his game and so was the offense. The team now wants to win. They like the taste of it. If they can hold this attitude through this road trip, they will be set up perfectly for the post season.

Was it A-Rod getting hot, was it the rookies stepping up, or was it just the team playing a team? Who knows, but the personality of this team changed at the end of June and it made a big difference.

Mike,

I would say you're right on both. A-Rod got hot and hopefully his ego has subsided and made me finally a true Yankee and the kids, all of them, have made the difference. I like them, although Gardner is hurt right now, but hopefully will be back in two weeks. I'd really like to see Cervelli back too.

[Judy G. Russell]

the personality of this team changed at the end of June and it made a big difference.It sure isn't making any difference tonight, darn it!

[Mike Landi]

Mike,

I would say you're right on both. A-Rod got hot and hopefully his ego has subsided and made me finally a true Yankee and the kids, all of them, have made the difference. I like them, although Gardner is hurt right now, but hopefully will be back in two weeks. I'd really like to see Cervelli back too.
I'd like to see Cervelli back also. I think he has the stuff to be a major league catcher.

Gardner will be back...and we will need him. Seeing Crawford fly around last night made me miss Gardner.

Provocative thought: I am suspicious of Brian Cashman's near-silence on Halladay. I think something is in the works. Wang is gone for the year. Mitre is not a solution. Joba should be our #5, Petitte our #4. We need a #3 or higher. I think the Yankees will offer one or two pitchers, maybe Ian Kennedy, a few catchers, and a huge pile of money to Toronto to get Halladay.

[Mike Landi]

It sure isn't making any difference tonight, darn it!
CC did not have it. No location. Kazmir is good and he shut us down. Good pitching will stop good hitting. Last night was another example. I expected Sabathia to do better yesterday, but every pitcher has off days. It almost looked to me as if Sabathia was rusty. He had velocity but not location.

I'm looking forward to seeing Joba tonight. I want to see if this new attitude (or revived attitude) can beat a good team.

[Judy G. Russell]

I'm looking forward to seeing Joba tonight. I want to see if this new attitude (or revived attitude) can beat a good team.He was excellent -- and Boston lost!!

[Mike Landi]

He was excellent -- and Boston lost!!
Excellent, and seasoned. Eight innings, no runs, two walks and three hits? That's better than CC right now! What I liked was, again, he was working quickly and throwing strikes. The Rays are no patsies, as Bruney found out in the ninth.

I guess we won't be hearing as many fans saying "Put Joba in the bullpen"! :)

[ndebord]

Excellent, and seasoned. Eight innings, no runs, two walks and three hits? That's better than CC right now! What I liked was, again, he was working quickly and throwing strikes. The Rays are no patsies, as Bruney found out in the ninth.

I guess we won't be hearing as many fans saying "Put Joba in the bullpen"! :)

Mike & Judy,

The only sour note on the night was Bruney...brrrrr. As for Joba, 101 pitches in 8 innings. YES! He used to do that in 5 or 6 innings!

[ndebord]

and Boston lost!!

Judy,

Oh yeah, they're smelling up the division right now. Couldn't happen to a better crew!

[Mike Landi]

Mike & Judy,

The only sour note on the night was Bruney...brrrrr. As for Joba, 101 pitches in 8 innings. YES! He used to do that in 5 or 6 innings!
Bruney needs work...so they say. It almost looks like he is not loose, not stretched. But Joba, man! What a pitcher. From the 70s to the 90s and on target. I'd love to see that type of performance against Boston!

[ndebord]

I blame this one on Aceves....and that was just rust. Pettite got into trouble fast and the 'pen let him down. The way Ace was throwing, if he had come in earlier it would have been the same results.

On a positive note, Bruney got the job done today in the clutch. Imagine the battery of Ace, Hughes, Bruney and then Mo. Can you say six inning games?

Mike,

For whatever reason, Bruney is toast and Aceves has what they call a "fatigued shoulder" which means the change from starter to reliever was not good for him. Relievers have to have rubber arms and clearly he does not have one.

[ndebord]

Bruney needs work...so they say. It almost looks like he is not loose, not stretched. But Joba, man! What a pitcher. From the 70s to the 90s and on target. I'd love to see that type of performance against Boston!

Joba, pitching at his current pace, will run out of innings by the middle of September. SIGH

[Mike Landi]

Mike,

For whatever reason, Bruney is toast and Aceves has what they call a "fatigued shoulder" which means the change from starter to reliever was not good for him. Relievers have to have rubber arms and clearly he does not have one.
I was suspicious of the 'tired shoulder' report on Ace. I have a feeling that we have seen the peak of Aceves' talent as a reliever this year. I don't know about Bruney, but it does not look good. Hughes is still good and Robertson is okay but needs work.

Pettite took it on the chin again yesterday. He threw great and the defense let him down.

[Mike Landi]

Joba, pitching at his current pace, will run out of innings by the middle of September. SIGH
I don't buy that. If he is not hurting and his control is still good, he will pitch. Especially if we are in the playoffs.

[ndebord]

I don't buy that. If he is not hurting and his control is still good, he will pitch. Especially if we are in the playoffs.

Mike,

Joba has a (admittedly) short history of injuries. His motion is hard on his shoulder (he has a stiff front foot, among other things) and he has never pitched that many innings. I would be surprised if they let him pitch and if they do, I am not optimistic about the outcome.

[Mike Landi]

Mike,

Joba has a (admittedly) short history of injuries. His motion is hard on his shoulder (he has a stiff front foot, among other things) and he has never pitched that many innings. I would be surprised if they let him pitch and if they do, I am not optimistic about the outcome.
The latest I hear is that they are going to try Hughes as a starter again.

I think this is dubious since he has not gone more than three innings all year.

[ndebord]

The latest I hear is that they are going to try Hughes as a starter again.

I think this is dubious since he has not gone more than three innings all year.

Mike,

The excellent pitching staff is starting to fray at the edges. Mitre is not good tonight... Robinson took over for him. Girardi seemingly doesn't trust Melancon (sp), which to be fair, is because he is a rookie, but when he was sent down, he did quite well. No other starters left to try

P.S. Geez... I wrote this at the midpoint of the game and I really have to wonder about Girardi's instincts for the game. He knew that Ace was hurting... the game was close (down 6-5), so who does he go for in relief o Robertson? Ace and all of a sudden we're down 10-5 and the game is out of reach. Then he put in Melancon. <SIGH>

I think and the idea that Hughes can stretch out at this point is ludicrous unless you let him go down to Scranton for 3 or 4 starts to lengthen things... chancey thought. They needed to get Washburn and some say that even the Bronx Bombers are strapped for cash, particularly since beneath the moat, those oh-so-pricey seats ain't selling at all. Pics of the stadium show an eeries patch of nothingness; said pics are less than welcome to the Yankee brass of course.

They still can purchase a pitcher somewhere though and they'd better imo, 'cause the Red Sox improved their hitting and catching in one fell stroke by getting Martinez who can play a multitude of positions, plus hit a ton and catch some too.

We go Hinske and Hairston... not on a par if you ask me.