12 games in…
This sucks. For the last 25 minutes I've wracked my brain trying to find something I should be worried about with the Yankees.
Nothing.
Well, that's not necessarily true. There are a few things. But it's nothing that cannot be worked on throughout the course on the season.
For example: Javier Vasquez. When the Yankees made the trade for Vazquez, I felt like I was the only one who backed it. I heard a lot of "But Melky was super-clutch for us" and "Do you remember what Javy did for us back in '04?" Yes, I remember. But if you also remember, he was asked to carry a heavier burden into that year. With the likes of an always hurt Kevin Brown, Jon "Who?" Lieber, Mike Mussina, and Lord-knows-their-real-ages Orlando Hernandez and Jose Contreras, obviously a lot was put on Vazquez.
And who really cares about the grand slam he gave up against Johnny Damon in Game 7 of the ALCS? The Yankees were down 2-0 and Brown loaded the bases before Vazquez eve got a chance to throw one pitch. New York was destined to lose that game. Javy just happened to become the scapegoat.
He's their fourth starter now. A guy who's going to get matched up against the Tim Wakefields, Scott Bakers, and Scott Kazmirs of the world. He can afford to make mistakes. And he won't make many. Granted, the National League is far inferior to the American League, but leading the league in strikeouts was no mistake. The man misses bats. His 0-2 start is merely a detoxification of his exodus from the National League. It's about him readapting to the AL. Which he will. I'm not worried. You shouldn't be either.
Worry No. 2: Mark Teixeira. 44 at-bats in: .114 AVG, .291 OBP, .205 SLG. Yikes. Big yikes. The man has 9 total bases. 9! Even Brett Gardner has 10. Sure he's bad right now. But this is eerily similar to last year. And the year before. And the year before. He's just a slow starter. Maybe he doesn't like the cool weather. Maybe he needs to get his reps in. Or maybe his steroid cycle doesn't kick in until mid-May (kidding). But who knows. I'm pretty sure by the end of the season, his numbers will be close if not better than his yearly averages.
This 9-3 start has been nice. I'd be surprised if they keep up this pace for long. Having 3 of your pitchers with sub-3.00 ERA's doesn't normally last. Having 5 everyday players with .400+ OBP doesn't normally last.
I'll be sure to panic as soon as they lose two in a row.
Spring (ahhhh!) Training Assessment: My Yankees
It's been a real long while since I've discussed the Yankees at all. To be honest, I'm still reveling in their championship. Still feels good. So as much as I want the 2010 season to begin, I know on April 4th at 8:00, the Yankees will automatically become "defending" World Series Champions. And that's a lot of pressure. Especially for me. Because I take on all of the emotional support for the team while contributing nothing to the outcome of games. It's an uneasy position to be in.
I've stated this before, but when I write about the Yankees, my thoughts become jumbled and I can barely form proper sentences. That's why I reserve the right to write in bullet points so this post doesn't appear like it came from the diary of a psychopath. I'll do my best to leave blatant homerism out of this, but I can't promise anything.
- Today, Joba Chamberlain allowed five runs, three hits, and three walks in 1.1 innings. Mmmmm, don't you just love it? I certainly do. It's so great that he's struggling. You know why? Because he shouldn't be a starter! Not now! Not ever! Can the Yankees please stop with this charade? Phil Hughes is the fifth starter. Joba is the set-up guy. Done! Finished! Let's go get a drink! I hope Joba never gets out of the first inning at all this month. He should be in the bullpen where he belongs. A place where he can properly gather all his rage and take it out in the form of chin-high fastballs and knee-buckling sliders. Chamberlain doesn't have the mental make-up to start games. Hughes, on the other hand, does. Very much so actually. He's calm, cool, smart, and patient. Those attributes don't necessarily apply to Joba. It's a no-brainer Yankees. Do the right thing.
- During the off-season, I was undecided on whether or not I wanted Johnny Damon to sign a new contract with the Yankees. I like to root to for the Yankees under the illusion that they play within the confines of some sort of budget. So when Damon and Boras were asking for 4 years, I scoffed. "Heck no!", I said. Then the Yankees signed Nick Johnson to DH and probably bat second. Damon and Boras realized there were no takers, and Johnny inevitable struck a 1-year deal with the Tigers. Up until today, I was indifferent. I like Nick Johnson. I think he's a great hitter. Works pitchers to death and gets on base, bottomline. That's when he's healthy. So here we are 3 days into Spring Training and Nick Johnson is sitting with a bad back. Johnny? Where are you? Come back! Please, come back! Ugh, did Johnson have a bad back all off-season? Nope. Apparently he wore spikes on the artificial turf patch that covers the dirt in the batter's box and subsequently hurt it. Johnny Damon may be a little simple, but he's not that stupid, or injury prone. I bet Damon has a huge year for Detroit and rubs it in our face. Can't wait.
I'll update with these types of posts as Spring Training continues. The regular season can't come soon enough.
More Joba Talk
Believe me. I do not want to talk about this any more than you do. But it's a necessity.
Joba Chamberlain NEEDS to be in the bullpen.
At the moment, that seems to be a moot point considering that Chien-Ming "Tinman" Wang has been once again placed on the disabled list. Right now, the Yankees need him in the rotation lest they decide to trade for or insert two new arms into the rotation. My suggestion though is: swap Hughes and Chamberlain, then acquire another arm to replace Wang. Although Hughes has shown success in the bullpen, he is clearly built for the rotation. As Chamberlain is for the bullpen.
I've lost hundreds of hours of sleep over the past few months wondering how an organization that is worth a little over $1 billion could be run be such short-sighted, underqualified incompetents (That might have been a little harsh, for you). What I don't understand is how New York has had great success with two young arms in the bullpen (Chamberlain and Hughes) and are still adamant about them being in the rotation. It's as if they regard late inning pitchers as a dime a dozen, easily acquired, or an after-thought. Don't they realize that it was their bullpen that won their 4 recent championships? And it wasn't just Mariano Rivera. Pitchers like Graeme Lloyd, Mike Stanton, Ramiro Mendoza, and Jeff Nelson were the true MVPs of those World Series.
Joba Chamberlain's career as a reliever was unlike any other rookie's in recent memory. He posted both a sub-1.00 ERA and WHIP. That kind of production is rarely seen. But the Yankees in their infinite wisdom believed that lightning could strike twice and decided to insert him into the rotation. They expected him to be a #1 starter. A pitcher like Josh Beckett. What they got was Daisuke Matsuzaka, except worse.
His starts this season:
April 12th
Innings pitched: 6.0
Earned runs: 3
Strikeouts: 5
Walks: 1
Pitches thrown: 88
April 17th
Innings pitched: 4.2
Earned runs: 5
Strikeouts: 4
Walks: 5
Pitches thrown: 93
April 24th
Innings pitched: 5.1
Earned runs: 1
Strikeouts: 2
Walks: 4
Pitches thrown: 91
April 29th
Innings pitched: 7.0
Earned runs: 1
Strikeouts: 6
Walks: 3
Pitches thrown: 88
May 5th
Innings pitched: 5.2
Earned runs: 4
Strikeouts: 12
Walks: 2
Pitches thrown: 108
May 10th
Innings pitched: 6.0
Earned runs: 3
Strikeouts: 5
Walks: 2
Pitches thrown: 104
May 16th
Innings pitched: 6.0
Earned runs: 2
Strikeouts: 6
Walks: 4
Pitches thrown: 108
May 21st
Innings pitched: 0.2
Earned runs: 0
Strikeouts: 1
Walks: 0
Pitches thrown: 14
May 26th
Innings pitched: 4.0
Earned runs: 3
Strikeouts: 5
Walks: 4
Pitches thrown: 84
June 1st
Innings pitched: 8.0
Earned runs: 2
Strikeouts: 5
Walks: 2
Pitches thrown: 106
June 7th
Innings pitched: 6.0
Earned runs: 3
Strikeouts: 4
Walks: 1
Pitches thrown: 100
June 12th
Innings pitched: 4.0
Earned runs: 2
Strikeouts: 3
Walks: 5
Pitches thrown: 100
June 18th
Innings pitched: 4.0
Earned runs: 3
Strikeouts: 6
Walks: 4
Pitches thrown: 100
June 24th
Innings pitched: 6.1
Earned runs: 2
Strikeouts: 5
Walks: 0
Pitches thrown: 99
June 30th
Innings pitched: 5.1
Earned runs: 3
Strikeouts: 4
Walks: 3
Pitches thrown: 96
July 5th
Innings pitched: 3.2
Earned runs: 3
Strikeouts: 1
Walks: 1
Pitches thrown: 86
In case you were wondering, that adds up to a 4-2 record, 4.04 ERA, 1.524 WHIP, 9.4 H/9 and 4.4 BB/9. Not exactly Josh Beckettesque. So...now what? Do we expect him to get any better? This isn't a large enough sample set? I think it is. His performance coupled with the way he handles himself on the mound should be a clear indication for a move to the bullpen. He pitches with no instincts, savvy, or feel for the game. When a situation calls for a fastball, he throws are breaking ball. And when a situation calls for a breaking ball, he throws a fastball. He constantly shakes off Posada or Cervelli. Usually fans put up with an impetuous, hard-headed pitchers. But that is only when they are, you know...good. Not when they're terrible. That's why the New York fans offered Joba a good 'ol Bronx Cheer in his direction yesterday. He deserved it.
Some thoughts I’ve had…
My love for the New York Yankees can be described as unrequited at worst. But their loss to the Washington Nationals last night tested the boundaries of said love. Losing two out of three to the worst team in baseball. A team with 18 wins all year. At home. And only scoring seven runs in those three games. How am I supposed to root for this team? I can't continue to turn a blind eye to the seemingly dozens of front office and managerial blunders they make.
Joba Chamberlain: For those of you who believe that Joba Chamberlain should be in the rotation, prepare to settle for a high 3.00 ERA, 100 pitches in 6 innings, and constant disagreements with his catcher for the rest of his career. So far this season, Chamberlain has a 3.89 ERA, a 1.44 WHIP, and is averaging 6 innings per start. Those are not exactly the numbers of a pitcher who the Yankees are essentially sacrificing the bullpen for in order to "improve" the rotation. The pro-rotation supporters give the argument of his youth and inexperience, or that "we need to give him more time". Look, I'm not saying that he should be Josh Beckett at this point, but shouldn't we see some flashes of greatness. Chamberlain is more than capable of being a fourth or fifth starter. He hasn't proven that. But when he was yanked from the bullpen, he was being groomed to be an ace. But is it really worth jeopardizing the back end of your bullpen, leaving the job to the likes of Phil Coke, Brian Bruney, and David Robertson, and the possibility of replacing Rivera down the road with another power arm, for a middle of the road starter? You can pick up those pitchers at the trade deadline. Another argument against Chamberlain in the bullpen is his sudden drop in velocity after his injury. In his first season with the Yankees, he continually threw in the upper nineties. These days, he tops out at 94 and never reaches the 97-100MPH range. Pro-rotation advocates point out that with this lack of speed, putting him in the bullpen would be a waste of time and talent. Well, I don't want to sound obvious here but, don't you think he's just adapting to being a starting pitcher? Of course he isn't going to throw in the upper 90s. There is no need to. A pitcher can be highly successful with a low 90s fastball and above average breaking pitches. I don't think his velocity is gone. I just don't think he's using it. If he were to be inserted back into the 8th inning, he would hold nothing back and go back to his 2007 form (That's even weird to type). And that's what I think it boils down to. By sticking with him in the rotation, you're putting a leash on his abilities. He'll never be as good as he was in 2007. And that's sad.
Chien Ming Wang: Send him to the minors. Put Phil Hughes in the rotation. This is ridiculous. That is all.
Thoughts from a frustrated sports fan
Yankees drop fourth in a row, lose to Rays 4-3
After going on a four game winning streak, the New York Yankees has subsequently lost the last four games. After losing the final game against the Angels, they were swept in a short two-game series by the Red Sox, and tonight they lost to the Rays in 10 innings. The loss puts them back under .500 with a 13-14 record.
The Yankees seemed to turn some sort of emotional corner when with two outs and the bases loaded, Mark Teixeira hit a game-tying double in the rain. That was it! That was the hit that gets him on the right track! That was the hit that gets the Yankees on the right track! But no, it was not to be. As Joe Girardi, who has a penchant for mixing and matching out of the bullpen, did not send Mariano Rivera out for the tenth. He instead sent out Phil Coke, who surrendered the go-ahead home run by Carlos Pena. Another day, another dollar. Right now, with five players on the disabled list, it's easy to make excuses for New York. But the fact of the matter is, they have enough to win. They have at least enough to beat Andy Sonnanstine. A pitcher with a career 5.10 ERA, the Yankees made him look like Walter Johnson as he gave up 2 runs in 7.1 innings.
I have so much to say about this team, but I can't seem to get it out. There is a ton of thoughts going through my head but it just isn't being transferred to my fingertips. I feel as if I have writer's block and writer's saturation all at once. So I guess the best thing to do is just spit them out in question form one-by-one. Just get them out there, and see if anything sticks.
-For $340 million dollars, can't Sabathia and Teixeira NOT be slow starters? Who the hell gets paid large sums of money and is essentially ineffective for a significant portion of their time worked? You hear things from announcers like, "He'll be terrific when the weather gets warm." Isn't there a type of psychological disorder associated with people who are affected by the weather? This phenomenon seems exclusive to baseball, doesn't it? No one can use that as an excuse in the real world. "Sean, these case reports you handed me, they're terrible. Just awful." "Sorry, I'm a slow starter. Just wait until it starts to get hot, then I'll really turn it on!" "No, you're fired."
-Is this the bullpen they will be trotting out this year? This is it?! Jose Veras? Phil Coke? Edwar Ramirez? Even if Brian Bruney comes back soon, with the way Moe, Larry, and Curly have been pitching, Dennis Eckersley couldn't save this atrocity. What's even more fascinating is the New York Yankees complete stubborness over Joba Chamberlain. I have stated on more than one occasion, that he should be the bridge to Rivera and eventually, his successor. His pitching mechanics, his mental makeup, and his emotion are all ones that are begging to be put in the bullpen. But the Yankees, in their infinite wisdom, have deemed it appropriate to utilize him 35 times a year instead of 60 to 70 times a year. Brilliant.
That's it for now. Believe me, there is plenty more where that came from.
Big Papi warns Joba
On the eve of the first game of 47 between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, David "Big Papi" Ortiz offered a few pieces of advice for young Yankees starter Joba Chamberlain:
"None of that, man -- just play the game the way it's supposed to be, and that's about it," Ortiz said, referring to Chamberlain. "This is a guy, as good as he is, the next step for him will be to earn respect from everybody in the league. He's not a bad guy, but when things like that happen, people get the wrong idea."
Since Joba entered the league in 2007, he has established himself as somewhat of a headhunter. And by headhunter I mean, he often throws baseballs at Kevin Youkilis' head. Why just Youkilis? Who knows. Maybe he doesn't like his bald head and goatee. I sure don't.
Though, I am not sure what Ortiz's motives were for a quote like that. It is not as if Chamberlain doesn't understand the consequences for throwing a 98 miles per hour fastball as someone's head. If Joba had the intention to do so prior to the quote, I'm guessing Ortiz politely asking him not to won't deter him.
In the end, this just adds a little more spice to a rather dull April rivalry.
Empty seats are forcing Mets and Yankees to talk prices
Maybe they will lower the prices for those seats and just charge a leg.
Late Night 90's Song:
MLB Attendance Study (Day 4):
Texas Rangers at Toronto Blue Jays (Rogers Centre)
Attendance: 15,487
Chicago White Sox at Baltimore Orioles (Oriole Park at Camden Yards)
Attendance: 11,723
Los Angeles Dodgers at Houston Astros (Minute Maid Park)
Attendance: 26,081
Tampa Bay Rays at Seattle Mariners (Safeco Field)
Attendance: 17,639
Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs (Wrigley Field)
Attendance: 40,039
Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Indians (Progressive Field)
Attendance: 12,852
New York Mets at St. Louis Cardinals (Busch Stadium)
Attendance: 38,522
Milwaukee Brewers at Philadelphia Phillies (Citizens Bank Park)
Attendance: 36,395
Detroit Tigers at Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (Angel Stadium)
Attendance: 38,543
Average: 26,364.56
Joba Chamberlain’s DUI Arrest
If you have six minutes to spare, I highly recommend watching this video of Joba Chamberlain being pulled over by an officer in Nebraska on suspicion of DUI. In the video he takes slight jabs at drivers in New York City and Yogi Berra. The remarks are light-hearted in nature and not meant to offend. What is offensive (aside from the shirt) is the fact he thought he could drive while under the influence. From the sobriety tests that the police officer has Chamberlain take, it is clear that he is intoxicated. Classy move Joba. You're the Yankees fifth starter, a fan-favorite in New York, and now, an idiot.
*My favorite part is when he says to the officer, "...and I play for the Yankees obviously." Hey Joba, you're lucky you were the only victim (albeit a fashion one) in this scenario. Grow up.
The Great Joba Debate
Want to start an argument between Yankee fans? Ask them if Joba Chamberlain should be a starter or reliever to begin the 2009 season. Some of those fans will say a starter. The others will say he should be a reliever, and they are right. Don't try to tell the Yankee executives making the decisions that. He's going to be a starter for his entire career according to them. They've had this plan ever since he was drafted in 2006.
Although the argument has become redundant and basically white noise at this point, I thought I would bring it up. This isn't about numbers or stats. If it was, the debate would end and Joba would be sitting quiety in the bullpen waiting for the call from Joe Girardi. As a reliever in 2007, he threw 34 strikeouts in 24 innings, with a 0.38 ERA and a 0.75 WHIP. The only run he gave up in those 24 innings was a solo homerun by Mike Lowell who probably would say he had no business hitting. That year, Chamberlain essentially carried the Yankees into the playoffs. Prior to his arrival in August of that season, the likes of Kyle Farnsworth, Scott Proctor, and Edwar Ramirez were making token attempts at holding leads. Without Joba, I don't even get a chance to watch the Yankees blow it against the Indians in Game 4 of the Division Series.
Yes, what he showed last year as a starter was terrific. When he was in the rotation in 2008, he went 3-1 with a 2.76 ERA in 65.0 innings. But the argument boils down to two things: Where will he be more valuable and can his body handle a starter's workload. In terms of valuability, it is obvious that his innings could be better used in the bullpen. The seventh and eighth innings are without question the highest leverage innings in any game. Those innings are tailormade for pitchers with Chamberlain's "stuff". After sixth innings of a starter whose quality of pitches progressively diminishes, inserting a power arm with fantastic breaking pitches offsets the opposing lineups comfort in the box.
Implementing Joba as the fifth starter seems as a waste. Although it is without question that he will overmatch any other fifth starter in the league. If the Yankees are still high on Phil Hughes, why not bring him up from AAA. Last year he struggled because so much pressure was put on him. The Yankees had a paper-thin rotation and the success of the franchise depending entirely on how Hughes and Kennedy pitched. If he was a fifth starter behind the Sabathia, Burnett, Wang, and Pettitte, there would be virtually no pressure. Plus, if Hughes develops into the starter New York hoped, Chamberlain can succeed Rivera and thus, two key positions are filled for the next ten years.
I feel like the answer is obvious, but the Yankee brass is too stubborn to change. And not to get off onto a subjective and conjecture-filled area of the argument, but does anyone think Chamberlain's body can handle a starter's workload? He is listed at 6'2, 230 lbs. I believe the 230 part of that, but 6'2 is laughable. He is closer to 6'0 or 5'11. Also, his pitching motion is in no way conducive to long term innings. But, I hope I am wrong. I really do. I hope he goes 19-3 with a 2.30 ERA and 250 strikeouts, carries the Yankees to the playoffs and is World Series MVP. I just do not see it happening. Someone with his God-given talent (hopefully), needs to be punching in around the seventh inning. There are 37 days until Opening Day, maybe the Yankees will come to their senses.
Headlines…
Rays win Game 7 against the Boston Red Sox 3-1, advance to World Series
On the back of, Matt Garza? I always find it weird when relatively new teams succeed in sports. Because with new teams, they have weird names that just don't resonate like the Yankees or Red Sox do. I just find it hard to believe that the "Rays" will be considered a legitimate baseball powerhouse 30 years from now. I think it'll be how we think of the Houston "Colt .45's".
But right now, that is besides the point. The "Rays" look like the best team in baseball. Great hitting. Great pitching. Great defense. Great manager. Regardless of ratings, the World Series will be VERY interesting. The Phillies are built just as well for this series as the Rays are. My pick is for the Phillies to win it in six games. They just seem hungrier for it. Beating the Brewers and Dodgers was a mere formality. Their poised to bring a World Championship to the depressing city of the Philadelphia for the first time since Dr. J and his hair did in 1983.
What the Rays did was more remarkable to what the Celtics did in June. The Celtics traded for Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and other role players at the cost of their future as a successful franchise. The Rays took draft savvy, player development, and sound fundamentals, and are now at the precipice of being a legit World Series contender for the next 5 years. It's going to fun to watch the Yankees play the Red Sox and Rays 38 times a year.
Joba Chamberlain arrested for suspicion of DUI in Nebraska
I would really like to know what goes through the head of athletes or celebrities when things like this occur. You make more money that 99% of the population. You have people who are paid to watch and monitor your every move. Yet you risk you future, and more importantly, your life for...nothing. Absolutely nothing. If Joba wanted, he could call someone in New York to pick him up, and I bet that person would hop on a plane and drive him home. He is the cornerstone of the of the future of the most successful franchise in all of sports. He could pay someone to carry him around piggy-back if he wanted to.
Texas beats Missouri
I can't wait when Texas runs the table and then loses to Kansas in the Big 12 Championship. And then they get left out of the BCS Championship because losing a game late in the season is a no-no. So USC will make it into the championship with a loss to Oregon State, while Texas will get left out with a Big 12 Championship loss to Kansas. This is all speculation, but you know my stance on the BCS. It's a joke. And having a computer decide the two best teams in the country is laughable.
Oh yeah, Dick Vitale was at the game.
- taking a shower with the door open. /house to self.
- Golf ball sparks fire. http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=5517195
- My vacation, summarized: http://seanbfitzgerald.com/2010/08/30/pozzallo-a-retrospective/
- I would go to grad school if it didn't sound so fucking awful.
- RT @jjarrigo: first day of class tomorrow. if there's no hot girls in them i'm droppin out
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