Yep.  It’s been a great run since ‘95.  Here’s hoping another one starts next year.

I really, truly, blame Larry.

I just want the rosters to expand so I can get some variety in the nightly display of suck.

how about letting a fan hit with RISP once a game.

It would appear that Aura and Mystique have already left the building.

I don’t get why they didn’t just let Mariano’s son pitch a few innings—I mean, he couldn’t do worse!!

Well, at least now I won’t have to choose between watching Yankees or Sabres in October!!!

I’m at the point where it’s vaguely amusing.  Which stage of grief is that?

After the final out was recorded, I was just sitting in the stadium in complete and utter disgust.  Pathetic season at best.

Anyone know why the front page lists this thread as having “No Comments” or the bottom of the page linking to a 2006 post?

On a baseball note I saw a rumor on SI.com that the Mets may claim Pavano off waivers after Maine’s injury if the Yankees pick up some of Pavano’s remaining salary.
It would be the best news this week.

The site is kinds of screwed up.  Just like the Yankees.

*kind

Damn.

If The Yankees do ANYTHING to help The Mets I will be very unhappy. I would trade Pavano to the Phillies as I think he might be a useful to good pitcher in AAAA.  I would also send Moose to Philly- he’s from PA and wants to get a ring.  Send himover there and sign him next yr if it doesn’t cost draft picks.  Also, send IRod to Philly.  Im perfectly happy not making the playoffs if The Mutts and Boston miss too.  But if The Ynaks win tonight I’m still not writing off the season (I am a masochist, I know).  Bahston won 4 in a row in 2004 by playing with house money psychology- maybe The Yanks can do the same.

“Bahston won 4 in a row in 2004 by playing with house money psychology”

We gave it to them. They didn’t do anything heroic. Before the 4th game, Red Sox players were seen congratulating Yankees and wishing them well in the Series. Yeah, even Millar.

They didn’t do anything heroic

That’s true, but they also didn’t quit.

What I’m saying is that just played the game and didn’t worry about losing because they had already mentally prepared themselves for the loss.  By the time they realized they were back in it they were on a roll and got hot.  Maybe, just maybe, this team can stumble on a mini-streak and then trun it into a 18-20 streak.  Stranger things have happened.  The best catalyst for this would be to fire Sterling and Waldo today.  Don’t ask me why, I just feel it.

But if The Ynaks win tonight I’m still not writing off the season (I am a masochist, I know). 

i can guarantee that the Yankees will not lose tonight.

they will however, lose this afternoon.  that i can also guarantee.

The best catalyst for this would be to fire Sterling and Waldo today

I don’t agree with you often, but this is right on.

they will however, lose this afternoon.  that i can also guarantee.

What, you don’t even believe in Moose anymore?  :(

they will however, lose this afternoon.  that i can also guarantee.

Crap, an afternoon game, I’m already behind on my work.

And I’m not going to get to see Moose actually pitch, which, after the last two nights would be something like coming up for air.

What, you don’t even believe in Moose anymore?

sure.  they will lose 2-1.  or 3-2.

i don’t believe in the offense.  the offense is terrible.

The sheer magnitude of yankee ineptitude has caused a rift in the space-time continuum, that’s why the next post is from 2006.

Anyone want to take a crack at the Yanks’ opening day roster next year?  We have to do something to pass the time.  It’s not like there’s football or anything coming up… oh wait… football!

You know, it occurs to me that the rift in the space-time continuum that takes us back to ‘06 is, in fact, very apt.  In 2006, the Yankees went to Boston and completely obliterated them in Boston Massacre v2.0, effectively ending Boston’s season.  Isn’t it perfectly appropriate, then, that Boston would return the favor two years later?  Now if this symmetry plays out further, Boston will get bounced in the first round of playoffs and Yankees will win the World Series next year.  Works for me!

Oh, and

rift in the space-time continuum

Fellow Terry Pratchett fan?

Anyone want to take a crack at the Yanks’ opening day roster next year?

SP: Sabathia
SP: Moose
SP: Wang
SP: Joba
SP: Hughes

C: Jorge/Molina
1b: Dunn
2b: Cano
3b: The Rod
SS: The Jeter
LF: Damon
CF: Melky/Gardner
RF: Nady
DH: Matsui

RP: Giese
RP: Edwar
RP: Veras
RP: Melancon
RP: Marte
RP: Bruney
CL: Mo

Bench:

Molina
Melky/Gardner
Casey Blake?

Keep it simple.

I don’t think the Yanks can go with Melky/Garnder for another yeah.  Is Mike Cameron a free agent after this season?

Is Mike Cameron a free agent after this season?

The Brewers have an option that they’ll almost certainly pick up. He’s been awesome for them and they’re a contender again next year and I don’t think they have a CFer waiting in the wings.

Dang, that’s one crappy bench.  I’d sub Miranda for Blake.

I do think the yanks can go with Melky/Gardner for one more year.  The underperformance this season has much more to do with luck (or lack thereof) in “the clutch” as well as key contributors underperforming (Cano, Jeter).  Now, if you expect more of the same next year, then yes, you can’t afford the GardMelk.  If you think Cano will bounce back and ARod will hit slightly better with RISP, the offense will be fine.

GardMelk…what a two-headed monster that is.

If you think Cano will bounce back and ARod will hit slightly better with RISP, the offense will be fine.

Cano kinda scares me. His value is so tied up in being able to hit for a high average, that once that does not happen out of the gate, he may fall into bad practices to get those hits. And get into a prolonged slump.

I hope he gets going to begin the next year. Otherwise, second half surges may not happen all the time.

And for the love of everything, I am tired of looking up to other teams to begin the year. The last time they really did not dig a hole for themselves in April/May was 2003.

I like the idea of Cameron- he hits LHP well too so perhaps he can be in a semi-platoon with Melky or Gardner.  Also I would like to see the try to trade Damon or Matsui if possible.  I don’t know why, maybe I’m against old guys who can’t play D or maybe I just want to change the vibe.  On second thought I’d rather move Matsui than Damon- I kind of like Damon when he’s not throwing or dropping balls.

I’d sub Miranda for Blake.

Blake can play 3rd and the OF. I think, now that you bring that up, Miranda will probably be on the bench with a Blake type (1st/3rd/OF) and keep either Gardner or Melky down to start the season. I put Blake because I’m kind of a woman scorned in regards to Betemit at this point, but now that I think about it, he’s more likely than Blake or any of his kind of player because Betemit can bluff it up the middle and the Yanks do need someone who can do that.

I do think the yanks can go with Melky/Gardner for one more year.

I’ll go ahead and say they should go with them. A good defensive CFer is going to be more important to this team, which has absolutely no one they can count on for above average performance in CF. If they can get a Byrd or a Cameron who can play defense, that’s one thing, but no matter what they need a glove and arm out there. And there is the possibility that Melky doesn’t suck next year.

What about Matt Carson?  I know he’s older (isn’t he a 6-year MiL FA after this season?) and he’ not a prospect of any sort, but he can play all over the OF and he’d a very nice year at Scranton.  I’m not advocating him for a starter, but mightn’t he be a useful part off the bench?

Also, I’ve said this before, but if the Yanks tank this season (yes) I’d like to see them really tank and get a good draft pick that they can use on a stud hitting prospect.

What is the value of Sheets versus Sabathia?  How many less years and $ would it take to make him a better option? 

Also, what do we think of Cashman?  I think we need one more year to judge the farm system that he developed but bringing him back would most likely constitute a LT comittment.  I like what he did at the deadline (Nady, Marte, & Pudge) so I think I’d be willing to bet that his talent evaluation will eventually prove to be adequate.  But I still think the verdict is still out on our kids.

Correct me if I’m wrong but it seems to me that most useful bench players are either former regulars in decline or big prospects who never panned out.  Not too many average players in the minors prove useful in the majors.

Why do people keep bringing up Sheets (and Burnett for that matter)?  Do you think the Carl Pavano Memorial DL Spot might get cold once he leaves?

I’d like to see them really tank and get a good draft pick that they can use on a stud hitting prospect.

As hard as it is going to be to catch up to the good teams, it’s going to be almost as hard to fall back to a “good” draft position.  There are a lot of really sucky teams.  They might be able to move “ahead” 3-5 teams, but that’s probably about it.

Well, at least now I won’t have to choose between watching Yankees or Sabres in October!!!

I have some terrible, terrible news for you.

And I say that as a Sabres fan.

CP, that’s basically the roster i would be happy with, with the already discussed need in CF.

give me that roster with just any sort of warm body in CF and i’d like their chances.

if Matsui doesn’t ever touch the OF grass, i think he can stay healthy all year and be a nice DH. 

i’m also on the Pat Burrell bandwagon.  i wouldn’t mind Burrell in RF and Nady at 1B.  Nady plays LF on days Damon needs to rest and some sort of RHed backup plays 1B (not actually Kevin Millar, but someone like Kevin Millar).

OR…the yankees just say F*ck it and sign Sabathia, Burnett, Teixeira and Burrell.

I have some terrible, terrible news for you.

Nah, October is safe.  It’s when May/June rolls around is when she should be wary.

Aceves up, Robertson down, per Abraham.  Also, Joba will throw BP on Saturday.  See, there are still things to look forward to this season!

Finally, the lineup that will fail to get Moose that elusive 17th W:

Damon CF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Nady LF
Cano 2B
Matsui DH
Ransom 1B
Molina C
Mussina RHP

Ransom?  1b?

I would rather see Shelly Duncan there.

Ransom?  1b?

Dude, Ranson is batting 1.000 with 4.000 SLG!

In seriousness, they’re facing Lester and Giambi has looked terrible.  It’s better than having Betemit pretend he can hit righthanded.

Wow that Ranson guy must be pretty good, I wonder where they found him.

Also, my spelling/grammar skills surrender.

Giambi has been awful.  what’s the difference?

i’d rather start auditioning bench players for next season.

Aceves up, Robertson down, per Abraham

i hope they are calling him up to start.  that would be interesting at least.  hopefully he starts and Rasner goes to the bullpen.

you know, there is always a chance we could knock Boston out of the playoffs the last weekend of the year in Fenway.

So that is something.

Walding said last night Yanks were 8 and 43 in games they trailed after 4 innings.  That sounds awfully bad at such an early stage of the game.  Does anyone know what the average team record is trailing after 4?

Aceves up, Robertson down, per Abraham

I’m still a bit suprised that a reliever can strike out so many batter and be so lousy. Still, I think he showed promise and will be a lot better when he gets to pitch next year.

you know, there is always a chance we could knock Boston out of the playoffs the last weekend of the year in Fenway.

So that is something.

That would be awesome. I rather knock them out than loosing again in the ALDS.

I’m still a bit suprised that a reliever can strike out so many batter and be so lousy. Still, I think he showed promise and will be a lot better when he gets to pitch next year.

Yeah, he’s still only 23 and I think was brought up before they wanted to.  He may only be a BACK of the bullpen type of pitcher in his career, but you need those, too.  I think he’ll eventually morph into a “seventh inning guy”, maybe more.

I think, now that you bring that up, Miranda will probably be on the bench with a Blake type (1st/3rd/OF) and keep either Gardner or Melky down to start the season.

If I counted correctly, I see you only had 24 players on your roster, so they could have both Miranda AND Melky/Gardern AND a Blake type.  You’re lineup is solid.  I’ve had thoughts about spending the $$‘s to bring in Tex, and then see about trading Damon for something, and having either Dunn or Burrell in LF (whichever contract makes the most sense).  I’m personally kind-of torn between NOT spending more money than NY state on players every year, and realizing that there aren’t enough players in the high-minors to fill the holes on this team.  I’m patient, but I don’t want to wait the 3-4 years before they can develop enough solutions internally.

Yesterday Hank apparently said “there will be changes.”  Considering Hankenstein’s got Steinbrenner genes, I’m sure Scott Boras is licking his chops.

He may only be a BACK of the bullpen type of pitcher in his career, but you need those, too.

I don’t think too many back of the bullpen types K a batter an inning to start their career. I’ll be disappointed if that’s all he is.

If I counted correctly, I see you only had 24 players on your roster

I think I got 25 in there. 5 SPs, 10 starting position player, 3 bench players, 7 relievers.

I think I got 25 in there. 5 SPs, 10 starting position player, 3 bench players, 7 relievers.

Nope, 24.

You counted Molino twice as a position player and a bench player.

Well, Molino DOES have enough prowess for two people…

Kay with a Lazarus reference. We’re off to a blazing start.

Pedroia K makes me feel a tiny bit better about last night.  Just a tiny bit.

This is so unfair.  This team is in the shitter.  They suck.  There’s no point paying attention.  Yet I cannot concentrate on work during day games.  Sob.

You counted Molino twice as a position player and a bench player.

Ah, my bad!

Were the lineouts hard hit?

Yesterday Hank apparently said “there will be changes.” Considering Hankenstein’s got Steinbrenner genes, I’m sure Scott Boras is licking his chops.

good, i am glad to hear this.

i just hope that he brings Cashman back to orchestrate the overhaul.

don’t get me wrong, cashman hasn’t been perfect, and if he were replaced by, say, Terry Ryan or Schuerholtz, that would be ok.  i’d like to see Cashman get the change to finish what he started, but i’d be pleased with someone like Ryan.

but that’s probably not what would happen.  they’d probably promote someone from within who may not have that autonomy as a new GM.  that would be the worst case scenario, where Hank is basically just George II.

even those who don’t like Cashman: sometimes it’s better to dance with the devil you know that the devil you don’t.

Hughes pitched OK last night, he should probably pitch in Pontoon’s turn next week.

yup, don’t let Steve Lombardi hear you!

I don’t think too many back of the bullpen types K a batter an inning to start their career. I’ll be disappointed if that’s all he is.

I agree.  I think back of the bullpen is more his floor than anything.  And I’d also be disappointed.

The wisdom of Serling “Yankees have a really good lineup on paper, but they don’t play on paper.”  I did not know that.

that would be the worst case scenario, where Hank is basically just George II.

Hal seems to like Cashman, and has equal authority as Hank.  Cashman will get a 2 or 3 year deal this off-season (if he wants it; I read somewhere or other he’s starting to feel burned-out), to do what you said; finish the overall that he’s been starting.

And I’d also be disappointed.

Yeah I don’t even want to think about him not succeeding. I’ve basically had wet dreams about him since I read his scouting report and saw his K rates.

You know who I also like? Derek Jeter.

Instant poll:

Will ARod:
hit into a 6-6-4 DP
hit into a 6-4-3 DP
K

Spending another season hoping for Posada, Matsui and Damon to stay healthy (and without decline) seems like less than a crapshoot.

I meant 6-6-3 DP, of course.

You know who I also like? Derek Jeter.

I’ve heard of him…isn’t he projected as a right-fielder or something?

Perfect.

They should let a fan hit with RISP. We have nothing to loose.

Is Nady getting less and less patient by the plate appearance?

I think 543 was most likely result, followed by 643, then K.

Is Nady beginning to play like the rest of the Yankees?

Why the fuck Cashman did not block the Kotsay trade??

Kotsay is an avg hitter with very gooddeffense in CF. We needed him more than Boston!!!!!!

Im fucking pissed with Cashman, he’s been an idiot for a while.

Why the fuck Cashman did not block the Kotsay trade??

this is stupid.

what would the yankees do with Kotsay?

where would he play?  who do you sit?

and finally, what’s the point?

is Kotsay better than Damon?

seems like whining just for the sake of whining.

the Yankees aren’t going to the playoffs if they acquired Grady Sizemore tomorrow.

Kotsay is an avg hitter with very gooddeffense in CF.

Kotsay is not a good defensive CFer any more.

Mooooooooooooooose!

no, no CP, Boston got Kotsay.  that makes Yankee fans want him for some reason.

it’s not like he’s signed beyond this season.

It seems Mark Ellis is a FA this year- isn’t he far and away the beest defensive 2B in baseball?  Perhaps we can sign him and trade Cano (not that I dislike Cano).  Also, Juan Uribee is a great fielder who can play multiple positions- perhaps he’d be a good bench player to add since I don’t think Casey Blake would sign as a backup.  For CF why not get Milton Bradley- the guy is an offensive stud and plays good D (used to play a good CF- not sure if he still can).  Also, there are some great bullpen arms- we should be able to get one of the following: Affeldt, Kerry Wood, Juan Cruz. 

So if we can get Bradley (CF), either Burrell (RF) Teixeira or Dunn (1B), CC Sabathia, Wood/Affeldt/Cruz, and Uribe we look excellent.  That’s probably $55M/yr worth of players.  We have $80M coming off the books and if we can move Matsui (maybe to Seattle?) then we have more coming off.  Perhaps we can get Bedard (who will be FA after 2009) for Matsui, Edwar, and maybe IPK.  Think about a staff of CC, Joba, Wang, Bedard, Moose with Hughes, Kerry Wood, and Mo in the pen.

Ellis?  You want Ellis?!  Who’s hitting .234/.321/.374 for a robust OPS of .696?  And who’s 31, to boot?

It’s a good thing the yankees will get first pick of all FA and won’t have to compete for services with any other team in MLB whatsoever.

no, no CP, Boston got Kotsay.  that makes Yankee fans want him for some reason.

Yeah, it’s getting kind of silly. Sounds like Sox fans 4-8 years ago.

It seems Mark Ellis is a FA this year- isn’t he far and away the beest defensive 2B in baseball?  Perhaps we can sign him and trade Cano (not that I dislike Cano).

Ellis is over 30 and is playing a position notorious for making it’s players age poorly. He’ll be overpriced and you’ll be selling low on Cano, who won’t bring back much because he has a contract now and just came off a lousy year.

Also, Juan Uribee is a great fielder who can play multiple positions- perhaps he’d be a good bench player to add since I don’t think Casey Blake would sign as a backup.

I think that’s a pretty good idea.

For CF why not get Milton Bradley- the guy is an offensive stud and plays good D (used to play a good CF- not sure if he still can).

He can’t. Texas is running Hamilton out there and DHing Bradley. That is as good a sign as any that Bradley can’t play CF.

Also, there are some great bullpen arms- we should be able to get one of the following: Affeldt, Kerry Wood, Juan Cruz. 

I don’t think we need to spend money on bullpen arms.

I want to trade Cano, but in order to do so, we need him to hit better the final month of the season. I think high on Cano and I don’t want to sell low on him.

Uh, maybe $65M.

Who plays 2b if you trade Cano?  Please don’t say Ellis.

Orlando Hudson is also a FA, i believe.

Cano is going to bounce back next year.

he’s been stinging the ball the last few weeks.

But Hudson is also almost 31 and will be overpriced and want a multiyear deal…Plus he’ll be coming off a major wrist injury.

It’s a good thing the yankees will get first pick of all FA and won’t have to compete for services with any other team in MLB whatsoever.

this is very convenient for us.

Cano is going to bounce back next year.

I agree, I think he’ll be fine.

how did ransom get on?  gameday refuses to ackowledge his existence.

HBP.

I agree, I think he’ll be fine.

I would tend to agree, but not because I have complete faith he is going to be fine. It is mostly because the alternatives are not perceptibly superior.

But it is Cano’s regression in defense in the second half that alarms me most. Hitting in the first half is not the only problem with him anymore.

Mark Ellis is an avg offensive player over his career and has a 90 OPS+ this year.  Obviously I don’t want to sell low on Cano but if we can get value for him it may be interesting.  I think when you evaluate Elis you see just how many runs he saves as a 2B.  So if I’m a team who needs a 2B (not really the Yanks) I’d grab him for cheap and use the $ on another position. The Dodgers should sign him.