Igawa was terrible.  The Rays can hit.  Fugly it was.

I think the difference between now and 2005 is that at least in 2005 the Yankees had starters who went 6 and 7 innings more often than not. They don’t have that this year, at least so far. And so they’re even worse off than they were in ‘05…a scary thought.

What will right the ship is two consecutive good starts (and wins!) from Wang and Pettitte. But then you’ve got Hughes, Karstens and Igawa again, all recipes for disaster. If Wang and/or Pettitte falters, the team is in gigantic trouble. And it’s not that they can’t climb out of the hole, it’s that the bullpen will be so worn out that they’ll never recover.

I think the Yanks panicked when Boston got Matsuzaka and went for what they thought might be the next best thing. Not a great move so far.

If A-Rod keeps hitting the way he is now I could care less if he dates Richard Simmons.

I can only imagine what poor Wang thought of that, I’m guessing it’s something that doesn’t happen to him much back in Taiwan.

On the bright side—and yes, there’s a bright side—on this date in 2005 the Yankees were 7-11 with a Run Differential of -17. This year they’re 8-10 with a Run Differential of +22. I’m a long way from giving up on this group.

The starters definitely need to pitch deeper - even if they’re not pitching particularly well.  Kinda like Boston’s starters over the weekend, actually.  And pitching on their throw days too, like Pettitte has been doing.  The ‘pen is fried.

Is Cashman a Good GM, an Poor GM, or an Excellent GM.  I say he is an above-average GM but nothing he has done leads me to believe that he’s an excellent GM.  I know there is the Tampa vs. NY argument when it comes to determining who is behind certain moves but let me address certain questionable big-money moves.  Farnsworth: any fan of any of his previous teams could have told you that he doesn’t deal well with pressure.  Pavano.  Igawa: verdict’s still out but it’s not looking good- was this a reactionary move to losing Matsusaka?  The Japanese lefty on Boston looks pretty useful out of the bullpen.  Backup C: how hard would it have been to get Toby Hall or someone similar?  Like I said, I think Cashman has been above-average but a guy who I previously thought was all hat no cattle (all marketing, no wins)- Omar Minaya- seems to be making all of the right decisions.  Although finding pitchers who can perform in the NL is much easier than dong so in the AL, the guy is looking genius with John Maine (a Baltimore cast-off), Oliver Perez (who I think will eventually fall apart), El Duque, and every bullpen arm they bring in.

Even the best GM’s have made some bad moves.  I give Cashman lots of credit for the Abreu trade last year and for picking up Bruney off the scrap heap.  We were all very excited with the way he shed Wright, Sheffield and Johnson, but those 3 have only landed us 1 full time roster guy (Vizcaino) which is not really ideal.

I wonder if they should consider sending Melky down and bringing up some bullpen help to eat innings. With Matsui back, Melky’s playing time should drastically decrease, and whatever is wrong with him these days won’t get fixed with him sitting on the bench.

Would it be any different if Hughes throws 2-3 innings out of the pen 3 days a week instead of 5 innings every 10 days?  I think they can work him in the The Show the way the Twins did with Johan and Liriano.  I think Melky should get some ABs at AAA to make room for an arm. 

And re:Cashman, Abreu was a good move as were the perception of Wright, Sheff, & RJ moves but do we know what those last 3 guys would have fetched post Gil Meche/Gary Mathews/Carlos Lee contracts?  They were all salary dump moves (either coming or going).  Cash is good, but not great (yet).

Cano has 8 hits in the last four games, I know it’s not really relevant, but it’s nice that he’s getting it going. Watch out when the power comes.

can someone explain why torre pulled Bean last night when he did?  if crawford hits one out, rub up a new ball and let bean go until it’s the 8th.

torre takes his depleted bullpen and then starts going lefty-righty with 1 out in the 6th.  unreal.

I think that maybe our starters now have it in their head that they are just supposed to go a maximum of 6 or 7 innings and so if they get in trouble in the 5th or 6th they expect Torre to go to the bullpen because they are almost at their max.  I think Torre is getting in their head and lowering their expectations of themsleves.  Francona could have easily gone to the bullpen in the 5th or 6th for any of those three starters last weekend but he let them go.  I would have rather seen the Boston bullpen which is what Torre would have done.

I agree with you, Yup.  At some point, let Bean (or someone else who is not in the team’s long term or even short term plans) take one for the team.  As for Cano, he hit a HR to straightaway CF last night.  I’d say that’s some power.  Lastly, the Yankee rotation from 2005 did not pitch deep into games at all.  What I remember from that year is the Yanks being down 5-0 after two innings just about every game.  Moreover, that rotation was in such dire straits that it was forced to use Tim Redding, Darrell May and Al Leiter.  That team also had a bullpen that gave back huge leads on a regular basis as well - usually thanks to Tanyon Sturtze and Scott Proctor before he learned how to throw a breaking ball (or strike one).

Hughes is here to stay until Pavano gets back and who knows when that will be.  If he is pitching well at that point either Pavano or Igawa could be out of the rotation.  Accept it friends, Phil Hughes is a permanent part of the rotation, but there will be some rough patches, just be ready.

At this point, Jeff, the expectations for any starter not named Pettitte are rather modest.  Even Wang will most likely need some innings to round into form.  For tonight’s game, I’d be happy with 5-6 frames and four runs.  Hopefully, the Yanks can get to Kazmir a bit and run up his pitch count as they did on opening day.

In 2005 our only relievers were Mo, Tom Gordon, and… Tanyon Sturtze.  TANYON STURTZE.  Does anyone remember that?  And those weren’t our best relievers, but essentially our only relievers.  Unless you count… um… Wayne Franklin.

Also, while it looks like the Yankees paid $50MM for Igawa, his actual contract is only 4 years and $20MM.  Half the teams in the league (especially in the NL) would love to have a lefty that throws 90+ for only $5MM.  So even if Igawa never puts it together in NY, it should be very easy for Cashman to move him, unlike as if he had signed any of the other underwhelming pitching free agents like Meche, Weaver, or Suppan.

Nate, that logic is a little faulty.  if the yanks signed meche for 5 years $46M and wanted to trade him to a team that only wanted to pay 5 years, $20M, the yanks could just agree to pay $26M of the contract.

it’s really the same thing.

the only difference is the luxury tax.

Wang’s return is a huge boost.  Problem is, are they going to be putting him on short leash?  Because right now we need him to go deep into the game.  If he’s not completely ready, it seems like having him pitch would hurt more given the bullpen situation.

But I’m expecting him to get into the 7th and possibly into the 8th.  The Yanks need that bad.

“Cano has 8 hits in the last four games, I know it’s not really relevant, but it’s nice that he’s getting it going. Watch out when the power comes.”

He’s also walking more frequently. I know it’s kind of a small sample size, but he’s on a pace to break 40 BBs this year, and in his two previous seasons he failed to break 20. Makes a big difference, as even if he only walks 40-45 times, he won’t have to hit .340 to have a halfway decent OBP.

On another note, does A-Rod have a shot at some sort of OPS record for April? Does anyone track those things by month going back? Just a thought, to keep my mind off the pitching.

Cutter,

I expect Wang to go 6 tonight, MAYBE 7.  The one good part of Wang’s low K-rate, is he also doesn’t throw many pitches.  So usually by the end of 6 he would only be up in the mid 70’s.  But I also expect him to be on about an 80-pitch limit tonight, so depending on where he is exactly, and how the game is going, 6 or 7 innings.

Which all things considered, would be fabulous.

Ughgawa

2005 was smoke and mirrors,  Chacon Wang and Small gave them huge lift out of the rotation (but mostly Chacon, check out his numbers for the Yanks)

ARod’s slugging percentage, alone would put him 11th in the majors in OPS.  When you add in the 453 OBP.

Wow.

“On another note, does A-Rod have a shot at some sort of OPS record for April? Does anyone track those things by month going back?”

I’m guessing Pujols probably set it last year.

Hmm.  I’m reading that Wang threw 74 pitches in 5 innings (3 R, 5 H) in his Single-A rehab start, and thinking that Single-A hitters usually aren’t the most patient in the world.  I think 6 innings is likely, but I don’t know that I’d call it a lock—especially on his first game back.

(I’m extremely curious to see how he fares tonight, though, since his next start will probably be against my team… and probably matched up against (gulp) Julian Tavarez.)

An 80 pitch limit for Wang would be pretty low.  He’s already had some rehab starts, plus, its a hamstring issue not an arm issue.  So if its healthy, it really shouldn’t affect his ability to throw more pitches.
That being said, I would expect them to allow him to throw around 90 pitches or 7 innings, whichever comes first.

What Sterling alleges that A-Rod said is indicative of someone who is secure with their sexual identity.

What’s “ghey” (I can’t believe I typed that stupid spelling of the word) is singing show tunes and blurting out spontaneous French phrases during a baseball broadcast, which is what Sterling does with regularity.

I think Wang will pitch almost 100 pitches tonight.  He doesn’t need to be babied at this point.  I think he’ll go 8 then Rivera will blow the save.  It’s pretty amazing (if not scary) that the Yankees have scored 25 runs in the last 4 games and lost them all.  Anyway I’m psyched about our chances with this type of offense.

With all these comings and goings the Yankees staff is making my vision blurry. The injuries have created a situation whereby the Yanks have used, by my count, 15 pitchers thus far not counting Wang and Hughes. In 18 games. At the moment it seems to me that one big problem is the fact that through all of this there’s been no establishing of a long man, in the traditional sense - the guy who can take the ball for 3-4 innings mid-game. The injuries have made this difficult, but somehow the Torre has to figure out how to get someone in this role for the greater part of the season. I guess this was the idea for either Rasner or Karstens in the spring, but with Wang and hopefully Moose coming back, the time to reassess the roles on the staff should be now, no?

only good things can come out of this present situation.

if the yankees miss the playoffs and the last block of the yankee “dynasty” has crumbled, the organization will restructure and deliver a long-needed change of face and culture in the front office and on the field.

if the yankees make the playoffs they will once again throw their hat into the crap shoot that is a major league baseball post season.

life is good.

At the moment it seems to me that one big problem is the fact that through all of this there’s been no establishing of a long man, in the traditional sense - the guy who can take the ball for 3-4 innings mid-game.

there is no reason Bean couldn’t serve this role last night, but torre only allows his relievers 1 baserunner then he yanks them.

By the way, it was Suzyn who told the A-Rod “Wanger” story, not John.  Can’t quite hear Sterling talking about them “dating.”

On another note, does A-Rod have a shot at some sort of OPS record for April? Does anyone track those things by month going back? Just a thought, to keep my mind off the pitching.

I also wonder how the discussion shapes up for “Greatest April” of all time (maybe expanding on OPS, maybe factoring in defense and baserunning as well), “Greatest Month” of all time, and “Greatest 30-day Stretch” of all time.  Also, the same three discussions in Yankees history.  Obviously, we know Sammy Sosa hit 20 HR’s in a month, and I’m sure Bonds and McGwire had some pretty incredible months in their 70 HR seasons.  An interesting topic…

Obviously, we know Sammy Sosa hit 20 HR’s in a month, and I’m sure Bonds and McGwire had some pretty incredible months in their 70 HR seasons.  An interesting topic…

All of those guys have something in common, however , that A-Rod does not.

I was reading a column by a Boston Herald writer and he believes that A-rod will flee the Yanks for the same reason he came to NY. To win the WS. This writer says that the recent Yankee fortunes are a signal of the end, with Abreu and Rivera also likely leaving at year’s end. Pretty nauseating reading on the whole and boy isn’t everything coming up roses in Boston?
It is rather disconcerting that A-rod has opt outs for the next two or three years, so even if he elects to stay another year, he can do it again. No doubt that it will be a tough decision for Stenbrenner and Cashman at year’s end, but for the same reason Matzusaka was signed by Boston, I think George will ante up, because he doesn’t want A-rod in the other uniform.  That being said, it is obvious that one player can’t carry a team on their own, and extending A-Rod could be putting too many resources in one person, but I can’t imagine George being outdone by the Sox. The new stadium looms and the best player in baseball should be featured in the finest stadium in America.

Sosa has the record for most homers in a month, in either June or July, he hit 20 for the Cubs.

To those of you in a hurry to restructure the team, I would like to say that in spite of the disappointments of the past six years, our team did make the postseason each time, something the ever-restructuring Royals haven’t done since the championship year of 1985.  Getting younger doesn’t guarantee getting better. The better approach is to blend youth with experience as the management is doing presently.

“Wanger!  I LOVE YOU!  You’re BACK!  I’m gonna take you on a DATE!”

You know, if A-Rod was overheard saying this to *himself*, I’d be much more concerned. I’ll leave it at that.

Pretty nauseating reading on the whole and boy isn’t everything coming up roses in Boston?

Its early.

No doubt that it will be a tough decision for Stenbrenner and Cashman at year’s end

i don’t know, it seems like a no brainer to me.  you give him an extension before he can opt out.  by the time the extension even STARTS, every big contract currently on the books will be gone.  jeter, giambi, posada, rivera, matsui, damon, mussina, pettitte, abreu.

obviously some of those guys will be back on their own extensions, but the yankees can EASILY afford it.

letting a-rod opt out would be a huge mistake.

ARod leads the AL (and MLB) with 32 RBI. 2nd? Giambi with 17 (tied with Ortiz).  Giambi being hot makes ARod an unreal threat.

Yeah, give him a 3/85 deal at the end of the contract, all the bad albatross contracts will be off the books.  And over the life of the deal, it is still a good contract.

Knowing Boras, do you really think that A-Rod isn’t going to test the waters?  It would take something ridiculous to keep him from doing so after the success Boras had with JD Drew opting out plus the unbelievable performance A-Rod is putting on.  What would be enough for A-Rod to forego the opt-out?  Would 5 years at $35M per be good enough?  I don’t know, but it will have to be something significantly more eye-popping than $25M/yr.

Line-ups posted.. looks like Phelps gets the start against Kazmir. This seems to be the full strength 2007 New York Yankees.

Pete’s latest post has some info during a dugout interview with A-Rod:

Near the end, Alex was directly asked about his option and he said without hesitation or qualifier that he would stay in New York. Is that the end of it? Obviously not. But it’s certainly interesting.

I remember an interview with A-Rod in Texas when they were stinking it up.  He said he wanted to stay and try to win there and wasn’t considering leaving.  A few months later, he was in NY.
I’m not saying what he recently said is without any weight but still….

kim jones is pretty hot when she’s looking right at the camera. she should never turn or speak, ever.

Boston fans are pretty certain that they have the cards these days but Yankee fans
can be assured that we have a owner who covets another WS, a new Stadium on the way, the greatest winning heritage in all of sports, and all this will count for something when A-rod has to consider his options. We even have guys like Reggie who after leaving the team, upon retirement has chosen the Yankees as the team he wants to identify with and my guess is he’ll be in A-rods ear. If A-rod has a record breaking season I think the fans will respond and as he considers his legacy he’ll want to remain. Cashman may also sweeten the pot. I am with you yup, he must stay and I think the owner will see it that way.  BTW, a big rain system in middle America today. I would say Hughes may possibly be washed out on Thurs.

well, the key to the deal is the extension, not ripping up the contract.  That way, the Yanks still get 9 mil a year from the Rangers.

So, no, I don’t think ARod will test the waters.  I think he will not void the deal, and he will sign a 3 or 4 year extention.

What is the deal with Abreu? He has really killed a lot of rallies since the Cleve. series. He gets a lot of walks but he takes a lot of third strikes and he seldom pulls the ball to the right in the air. His defense has been terrible dropping balls not even close to the wall. I know it’s early but he is hurting the team as of late.