Phil Hughes pitched well for four innings, but one bad one cost him and the Yankees a shot at winning game three of four against the Indians. Luckily Carl Pavano did not get the win, though he did pitch well enough to get it, because as a Yankee fan that's just too much to take.
While Hughes' start was far from what you would call good, it still contained signs of good things to come for his future at least. He was touching 94 with his fastball and averaging almost 93 for the game. Like Joba, Hughes needs to be more economical with his pitches as he topped 20 pitches on three of the five times he went to the mound.
At only 22, Hughes still has a long way to go with his development, but during this most recent stint with the Yankees we have seen what the young righty can do. Sure he had his ugly starts but spliced in between those were a few decent starts and one great start. He still has some growing to do and the reality is that growing can't really happen at the Triple-A level, but away he will probably go especially in light of Chien-Ming Wang's three solid innings in relief.
Wang's velocity has gone way up since his return to the big league squad. He was consistently hitting 92 during the game and looked much better than his April version. This latest appearance and Hughes' substandard performance is the likely the transition Cashman and Girardi have been looking for. Wang would be lined up for Hughes' turn and the Yanks don't need to deal with sending down a dominant Phil Hughes for a suspect Wang.
If Wang can be the pitcher the Yankees were expecting in the beginning of the season, and really there is no reason to expect he wont be in the long run, then the Yankee rotation may be much more consistent for the remainder of the season. His return will also ease the load on a weak bullpen that needs to be protected by starters that can go deep into games.
A turnaround for Wang would give the Yankees the deepest rotation in the game.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
CC Returns to His Old Stomping Grounds
Tonight's storyline is CC Sabathia's return to Progressive Field after his trade to the Brewers and subsequent free agent signing with the Yanks. As a Yankee fan I feel like it's a bit over blown since CC went to the Brewers before he became a Yankee. You would think that would ease the blow to Indians fans, but of course that's easy for me to say being a Yankee fan.
Sabathia will be facing the man who was his compatriot during the Indians run to the ALCS in 2007, Fausto Carmona. Carmona has yet to regain any of his 2007 magic, going 10-11 in 32 starts since the start of the 2008 season. Walks have been his achilles heal this season, as Carmona as a BB:K ratio of 35:32. Those 35 walks are good enough for a share of the major league lead in free passes.
Carmona wasn't awful when he faced the Yanks earlier this season, but he wasn't good. He got the win but mostly because his opposing starter was the imploding Chien-Ming Wang who started a game that saw Yankee pitchers allow 22 runs.
Sabathia wasn't great either, but he has found his stride now, so look for the Yankees to work the count on Carmona and try to work a lot of walks.
Here's tonight's lineup via Pete Abraham:
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Cano 2B
Posada C
Matsui DH
Swisher RF
Gardner CF
It is the same lineup as last night which is a bit of a surprise when you take into consideration the fact that Sabathia's best numbers have come with Fransisco Cervelli behind the plate.
Enjoy the game tonight. Hopefully the Yankees put some distance between them, the Sox and the Jays.
Sabathia will be facing the man who was his compatriot during the Indians run to the ALCS in 2007, Fausto Carmona. Carmona has yet to regain any of his 2007 magic, going 10-11 in 32 starts since the start of the 2008 season. Walks have been his achilles heal this season, as Carmona as a BB:K ratio of 35:32. Those 35 walks are good enough for a share of the major league lead in free passes.
Carmona wasn't awful when he faced the Yanks earlier this season, but he wasn't good. He got the win but mostly because his opposing starter was the imploding Chien-Ming Wang who started a game that saw Yankee pitchers allow 22 runs.
Sabathia wasn't great either, but he has found his stride now, so look for the Yankees to work the count on Carmona and try to work a lot of walks.
Here's tonight's lineup via Pete Abraham:
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Cano 2B
Posada C
Matsui DH
Swisher RF
Gardner CF
It is the same lineup as last night which is a bit of a surprise when you take into consideration the fact that Sabathia's best numbers have come with Fransisco Cervelli behind the plate.
Enjoy the game tonight. Hopefully the Yankees put some distance between them, the Sox and the Jays.
Wakefield Blows Up
The knuckleball is a fickle mistress. Wakefield was cruising along for 4 innings just fine then the Jays hit double after double in the fifth, scoring 5 runs in the frame. It must have been the powder blue uni's.
At least we got to see youngster Daniel Bard, and he was quite impressive. Not only did he keep the Jays from scoring and keep the Red Sox in the game, but he struck out 7 in just 2 1/3 innings. His fast ball topped out at 97-98 mph and threw what appeared to be a slider in the upper 80's. I hope he gets more opportunities this year. His stuff looks filthy.
At least we got to see youngster Daniel Bard, and he was quite impressive. Not only did he keep the Jays from scoring and keep the Red Sox in the game, but he struck out 7 in just 2 1/3 innings. His fast ball topped out at 97-98 mph and threw what appeared to be a slider in the upper 80's. I hope he gets more opportunities this year. His stuff looks filthy.
Friday, May 29, 2009
A Look at the Future After Jorge
Jorge Posada will be coming off the disabled list tonight the Yankees will get another big piece of the puzzle back into their lineup. But how long he stays there depends on if his aging body can continue to take the riggers of everyday catching.
And I think the answer to that question is a resounding no. Posada is on his way out and everyone can clearly see it. He might have another year behind the plate but in all likelihood he wont be the full time catcher beyond next season.
So that begs the question who will replace him in? Francisco Cervelli is a nice player and could be a decent backup next season and for his career, but he doesn't have the stick for a full-time gig. Kevin Cash is, well, Kevin Cash and there isn't much at Triple-A or even Double-A for that matter.
Where the Yanks are stacked is Single-A Tampa. Down there the future looks bright for the Yankees with two catchers who could feasibly take on the starting job for the Yankees by mid-2011: Jesus Montero and Austin Romine.
Montero is who the Yankees go to sleep dreaming about. The kid is a beast. At 6'4 225 he has the body to mash with the bat and it shows. At Tampa in the Florida State League Montero is tied for fourth in batting average, second in slugging percentage and first in total bases. It is abundantly evident that he can hit and scouts agree that his bat is the indisputable aspect of his game. Its his fielding that comes into question. Most think he will eventually have to move from behind the plate (where he would go now that Teixeira is at first for the foreseeable future who knows) because of his lack of mobility behind the plate.
But that's something I don't think the Yankees will ever seriously consider moving him from behind the dish. The bat plays up big time at catcher and the reality is you can live with substandard defense behind the plate if that catcher is jacking the ball out 35 times a season just look at Mike Piazza, Victor Martinez and, of course, Posada.
Now Austin Romine is a bit of a different story. He is more of a complete package. He is better behind the plate, but he is obviously not the same kind of bat as Montero though, he isn't an empty batter's box. He is capable with the stick though his BB:K (5:27) doesn't give a lot of faith in his eye at the plate. What helps the lack of walks is he is a doubles machine, hitting 13 in 161 at bats. Scouts aren't down on Romine, they just aren't as high on the second round pick from 2007, but he could become a solid regular at the big league level.
Obviously both of these guys are a long ways away from being in a position to help the Yankees and a lot can happen along the way. For now though, the Yanks have some options coming up the line.
And I think the answer to that question is a resounding no. Posada is on his way out and everyone can clearly see it. He might have another year behind the plate but in all likelihood he wont be the full time catcher beyond next season.
So that begs the question who will replace him in? Francisco Cervelli is a nice player and could be a decent backup next season and for his career, but he doesn't have the stick for a full-time gig. Kevin Cash is, well, Kevin Cash and there isn't much at Triple-A or even Double-A for that matter.
Where the Yanks are stacked is Single-A Tampa. Down there the future looks bright for the Yankees with two catchers who could feasibly take on the starting job for the Yankees by mid-2011: Jesus Montero and Austin Romine.
Montero is who the Yankees go to sleep dreaming about. The kid is a beast. At 6'4 225 he has the body to mash with the bat and it shows. At Tampa in the Florida State League Montero is tied for fourth in batting average, second in slugging percentage and first in total bases. It is abundantly evident that he can hit and scouts agree that his bat is the indisputable aspect of his game. Its his fielding that comes into question. Most think he will eventually have to move from behind the plate (where he would go now that Teixeira is at first for the foreseeable future who knows) because of his lack of mobility behind the plate. But that's something I don't think the Yankees will ever seriously consider moving him from behind the dish. The bat plays up big time at catcher and the reality is you can live with substandard defense behind the plate if that catcher is jacking the ball out 35 times a season just look at Mike Piazza, Victor Martinez and, of course, Posada.
Now Austin Romine is a bit of a different story. He is more of a complete package. He is better behind the plate, but he is obviously not the same kind of bat as Montero though, he isn't an empty batter's box. He is capable with the stick though his BB:K (5:27) doesn't give a lot of faith in his eye at the plate. What helps the lack of walks is he is a doubles machine, hitting 13 in 161 at bats. Scouts aren't down on Romine, they just aren't as high on the second round pick from 2007, but he could become a solid regular at the big league level. Obviously both of these guys are a long ways away from being in a position to help the Yankees and a lot can happen along the way. For now though, the Yanks have some options coming up the line.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Matsui on the Rise
Well A.J. Burnett got his first win last night since April 14 (that's a 3-5 count against Pavano now) and the Yankees moved into a tie with the Sox for first after Boston pitchers forgot they to throw the ball to their catcher. But I think the biggest thing to come out Texas for the Yanks is Hideki Matsui finding his stroke again.
As he gets older, Matsui has become much more streaky at the plate. There are times when he is the most dangerous hitter on the Yankees and others when he just looks completely done. He had been pretty spotty for about a week, but after a RBI double that hit the top of the wall on Tuesday, and a two-home run night yesterday, he is starting to look a little like his old self.
Matsui needs to find his stroke if he plans on getting continued at bats. With Posada coming back at on Friday and Xavier Nady looking to rejoin the team soon, the DH spot will need to get spread around for other players who are just as incapable of contributing on the field.
With a healthy Matsui swinging the bat well though, the Yankees will be able to put together what is likely to be their best lineup this season when they arrive in Cleveland, and with Xavier Nady coming back soon as well, they will have a strong bench as well.
Now if only they would finally cut Jose Veras and Angel Berroa...
As he gets older, Matsui has become much more streaky at the plate. There are times when he is the most dangerous hitter on the Yankees and others when he just looks completely done. He had been pretty spotty for about a week, but after a RBI double that hit the top of the wall on Tuesday, and a two-home run night yesterday, he is starting to look a little like his old self.
Matsui needs to find his stroke if he plans on getting continued at bats. With Posada coming back at on Friday and Xavier Nady looking to rejoin the team soon, the DH spot will need to get spread around for other players who are just as incapable of contributing on the field.
With a healthy Matsui swinging the bat well though, the Yankees will be able to put together what is likely to be their best lineup this season when they arrive in Cleveland, and with Xavier Nady coming back soon as well, they will have a strong bench as well.
Now if only they would finally cut Jose Veras and Angel Berroa...
Red Sox Wild in Latest Lost
Six wild pitches?! C'mon man. Can anyone explain to me what Diasuke is afraid of. He looks scared to pitch to contact and just nibbles the Red Sox to death. If I were Jason Varitek (who didn't catch last night), I would only call fast balls. In, out, up, down. Just locate the fast ball and pound the strike zone. Daisuke (I'm not using Dice-K anymore until he learns how to pitch) has too much going on with his pitches. Because he works on so many, none of them are spectacular and none of them are an 'out' pitch that he can go to.
This crumby performance by Matsuzaka plus the fact that Jon Lester doesn't look right is very disturbing. Josh Beckett hasn't performed great either to be honest. People keep talking about the Red Sox pitching depth, but it doesn't count if everyone is mediocre.
This crumby performance by Matsuzaka plus the fact that Jon Lester doesn't look right is very disturbing. Josh Beckett hasn't performed great either to be honest. People keep talking about the Red Sox pitching depth, but it doesn't count if everyone is mediocre.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Here Comes the NL East
So tonight both the Yankees and the Red Sox take on an NL East foe. For some reason it will be the Sox hosting the Mets and Yanks hosting the Phillies and not the other way around.
Because of my finals I let interleague play sneak up on me, but both Dan and I have had several discussion about the worthlessness of interleague play. Now, I'll admit that I do enjoy some of interleague play. Anytime the Mets take on the Yankees the series has a feel to it reminiscent of a Sox-Yanks game. Beyond that I couldn't care less if the Yankees get to take on the Rockies or the Marlins. Not to mention that having three or four series against teams you only play once a season really makes scheduling difficult especially if rain decides to show up for a weekend or two. And don't even get me started on competitive balance.
Both Dan and I have come up with the idea that you can still have interleague play while avoiding these ridiculous schedules and maintaining fan interest. Why not limit interleague to simple "rivalry" or "grudge match" series?
It would be tough and some teams would have to be rotated because of Selig's ill-designed 16-14 split of the NL and AL. But look at it this way. You match teams together based on either geographical or historical rivalry. Dodgers vs Angels, Giants vs A's, Phillies vs Blue Jays, Yanks vs Mets and Sox vs. Braves. Sure you would have stretch some of them, but even if it's a stretch to start it wont take long for a rivalry to build.
Interleague has been fun, but right now I think more fans look at it as a nuisance than something entertaining. Let the teams play the games against teams that make a difference.
Because of my finals I let interleague play sneak up on me, but both Dan and I have had several discussion about the worthlessness of interleague play. Now, I'll admit that I do enjoy some of interleague play. Anytime the Mets take on the Yankees the series has a feel to it reminiscent of a Sox-Yanks game. Beyond that I couldn't care less if the Yankees get to take on the Rockies or the Marlins. Not to mention that having three or four series against teams you only play once a season really makes scheduling difficult especially if rain decides to show up for a weekend or two. And don't even get me started on competitive balance.
Both Dan and I have come up with the idea that you can still have interleague play while avoiding these ridiculous schedules and maintaining fan interest. Why not limit interleague to simple "rivalry" or "grudge match" series?
It would be tough and some teams would have to be rotated because of Selig's ill-designed 16-14 split of the NL and AL. But look at it this way. You match teams together based on either geographical or historical rivalry. Dodgers vs Angels, Giants vs A's, Phillies vs Blue Jays, Yanks vs Mets and Sox vs. Braves. Sure you would have stretch some of them, but even if it's a stretch to start it wont take long for a rivalry to build.
Interleague has been fun, but right now I think more fans look at it as a nuisance than something entertaining. Let the teams play the games against teams that make a difference.
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