IMPORTANT BLOG ANNOUNCEMENT

PLEASE CHANGE YOUR BOOKMARKS AND FEEDS TO THE NEW URL, YANKEEANALYSTS.COM. TYU IS IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH THE NEW YORK YANKEES OR YANKEES UNIVERSE.

Baseball Game Fails To Break Out at Yankees-Blue Jays Boxing Match

Posted by Rebecca Glass at 11:30 pm 1 Response »
Sep 152009

It went down something like this:

Sergio Mitre, when he wasn’t serving up home runs, kept hitting batters.

So did Mark Melancon.

The Blue Jays got a little ticked, understandably.

Then Jesse Carlson threw behind Posada, and then Posada brushed Carlson when scoring in the eighth inning. The game was well within Toronto’s grasp at that point, but Carlson got offended. So he started yelling things. I’d tell you what, but I don’t lipread.

Then, not only did the benches clear (they had previously), but there was an actual brawl. Not a baseball dance party, but a real brawl–Joe Girardi’s got battle wounds, as does Carlson. Shelley Duncan, CC Sabathia, Joba Chamberlain and Mark Teixeira were all notably in the fray.

You can argue yourself the merits of a brawl. At this point in the season, you simply want guys to stay healthy.

I won’t lie–the brawl made an otherwise blegh game worth watching, at least for a few minutes. We’ve been saying all season that this Yankee team fights, and, well, tonight was physical evidence of such.

Jorge Posada will likely be suspended six games or one or two more than that (think Youkilis here), and that will hurt. With the upcoming west coast trip and another series with Boston at home, the Yankees don’t have the division clinched just yet. Losing it at this point is still a long shot, but it might not be as long as you think.

When it comes down to it, though, the game was probably the pitching mismatch of the year for the Yankees.

Chad Gaudin, who is literally “five and fly”, will start tomorrow, instead of Andy Pettitte, who Girardi has mentioned is dealing with shoulder fatigue.

Game 146: Blue Jays @ Yankees

Posted by Chris H. at 6:54 pm 68 Responses »
Sep 152009

We have a vibrant community here at TYU, so, how about a game post?

Here are the lineups, courtesy of Pete Abraham (LoHud):

YANKEES (93-52)
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Gardner CF

Pitching: RHP Sergio Mitre (3-2, 7.02).

BLUE JAYS (65-79)
Scutaro SS
Hill 2B
Lind DH
Wells CF
Overbay 1B
Encarnacion 3B
Barajas C
Bautista RF
Snider LF

Pitching: RHP Roy Halladay (14-9, 3.03).

In his last start against Toronto, Mitre gave up 9 ER over 4 1/3 IP. His line wasn’t helped by the Yankees’ poor defense, however. Prior to that rough outing, Mitre had pitched “fairly well” against the Jays this season. On August 10th, he gave up 3 ER over 5 IP while striking out 6 and on August 5th, Mitre gave up 3 ER over 4 1/3 IP while striking out 3. He won’t be lights out, of course (one can always hope), but I do expect him to be significantly better than he was when he gave up the 9 ER.

My prediction for the player of the game is… Jorge Posada.

Tagged with: , , , ,

Pettitte's next start pushed back due to "shoulder fatigue"

Posted by Chris H. at 5:45 pm 1 Response »
Sep 152009

Andy Pettitte was scheduled to pitch tomorrow against the Blue Jays, however, due to “shoulder fatigue,” Chad Gaudin will get the start in his place. Joe Girardi noted that Pettitte’s shoulder issue wasn’t considered serious and that extra rest would likely correct the situation. The Yankees are probably just being cautious with Pettitte since they’re nearing the postseason, but, Pettitte dealt with “shoulder fatigue” last season, in the second half, and it really hurt his numbers. Hopefully, this year’s “fatigue” isn’t as bad.

Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Yanks announce 2010 schedule

Posted by Chris H. at 4:00 pm 4 Responses »
Sep 152009

The MLB has released team schedules today and, after a quick once over, it looks like the Yankees will have quite the 2010 season. While the year will begin and end with play in Boston—let’s hope that we win this year and can rub it in their faces at Fenway—one of the stories that will surely emerge now that the schedule has been released will be about the weekend series against the Dodgers in June (25-27). The series is in LA, therefore, Joe Torre won’t make his return to the Bronx, however, you can bet that it will be billed as an emotional series (and for many, it will be). The Yankees will also face the Astros, Diamondbacks, Phillies and the Mets, of course, in interleague play.

You can see the full schedule here.

Tagged with: , , , ,

DH ideas for 2010

Posted by Chris H. at 2:31 pm 55 Responses »
Sep 152009

Despite a productive partnership, once the ’09 season is completed, the Yankees will likely cut ties with current DH, Hideki Matsui. The the only reason for the relationship’s end is Matsui’s lack of positional flexibility—that and age. With several large contracts on the books and a number of aging players on the roster, the Yankees don’t want another aging player clogging up the DH spot for the better part of the season. Matsui’s knees prevent him from playing the outfield, even sporadically. Thus, the revolving DH idea has gained a footing.

However, while it’s nice to filter your veterans through the DH role in order to provide them with ample resting opportunities, by losing a regular DH, especially one as good as Hideki Matsui, you create a significant void in your lineup. If your bench is constructed well, then perhaps a team can absorb such a loss, since no regular DH means more playing time for the part-timers. If not, though, the entire offense begins to suffer. For that reason, I believe that the Yankees should, in fact, bring in a new DH, except they should bring in one that can help them on the field a bit, too.

Here are a few options that I think fit the bill:

1. Nick Johnson – Johnson, 31, a former Yankee, would be a nice addition to the lineup. Between the Marlins and the Nationals, he is hitting .301/.427/.423 with 8 HR and 61 RBI. Although his power has diminished, his eye remains a force as he can still get on base with the best of them (17.1 BB%). He would wear the team’s offensive style pretty well. Johnson has dealt with injury issues his entire career, including this season, when he was placed on the DL with hamstring problems. However, when he’s right he can be an extremely productive player. He’s having his worst defensive year at first base, but it could be an aberration or injury-related given Johnson’s historically positive ratings there. If he signs with the Yankees, he can DH to stay fresh and help in the infield when Tex needs a day off. In an effort to keep Johnson healthy, the Yankees could also choose to rest him throughout the season, which would allow others to slot in at DH from time to time.

2. Adam LaRoche - While I think Johnson is probably a better fit, LaRoche could also be a good DH candidate. He has his fair share of problems, in that he’s better known as a second half hitter, he struggles against lefties, and he’s not a particularly good defender, but, as a DH, two of these issues can be resolved (the Yankees can sit him against some lefties so that others can DH for the day). Between the Pirates, Red Sox and now the Braves, LaRoche is hitting .273/.348/.489 and has 23 HR. While powerful, he doesn’t do anything particularly well—he doesn’t walk much and he strikes out a lot (his 0.48 BB/K is the second worst in the NL)—yet his value would be boosted, I think, if given a DH role. Plus, LaRoche will turn 30 in November, so he’s surprisingly young. The Yankees can afford to sit him against some lefties, as I mentioned before, which would open up DH opportunities for A-Rod, Jeter, Damon (if he returns) and Posada. Of course, Teixeira would be well rested, too, since LaRoche can play first.

3. Bobby Abreu – Surprised? Bobby Abreu was one of the best free agent signings this offseason, given his price ($5 million) and his overall value (2.6 WAR). He’s still an awful outfielder, but he’s hitting .299/.399/.435 and has been a force in LA’s lineup. By giving him a DH role, the Yankees get a player capable of stealing 20 bases, driving in 100 runs, and, in Yankee Stadium, maybe Abreu can hit 18-20 homers. Of course, we know what Abreu can do, firsthand. He can help out in right field a few days a month so that the Yankees can rest others and Girardi can sit him based on matchups, so that the others can DH. In terms of Abreu’s fielding, the defensive lapses would be manageable as long as he produces offensively. Abreu may also be a shorter commitment than Johnson or LaRoche, given his age (although he may earn more per year).

These are three options that work, in some way, for the reasons I’ve provided. Each player I’ve listed is somewhat limited in their positional flexibility—Johnson, LaRoche and Abreu only play one position a piece—yet, in terms of fielding value and versatility, they offer more than what Hideki Matsui did as a DH only. Abreu and Johnson seem like the best fits with LaRoche being an outside option. One player that people might mention that I have not is Vladimir Guerrero, although he may be far too similar to Hideki Matsui (why not resign Matsui). The Yankees could also try and bring back Xavier Nady who can play first and right field (health permitting). What do you think? If you don’t like these guys—Johnson, Abreu and LaRoche—are there any other players you’d like to see the Yankees pursue for DH?

Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,

Random Thoughts-Magic Number 12 Edition

Posted by Steve S. at 7:30 am 6 Responses »
Sep 152009

-Star of last night’s win was Joba Chamberlain, who looked as good as he has since the run of quality starts he made after the All Star break. 4 Hits, 2 Strikeouts and 0 Walks in 4 innings of work. He credits Dave Eiland with getting rid of a hitch in his delivery with the improved results.

Chamberlain credited the elimination of a hitch in his delivery.”It’s something we’ve had to battle with throughout the year,” Chamberlain said after what was arguably his best outing since he logged eight shutout innings at Tampa on July 29. “We threw everything for a strike and it was a lot better than it has been. My delivery is better. I got rid of the hitch. Everything just comes off that. Everything else is sharper and your fastball command is a lot better, in and out, up and down. (Last night) was just great.”

-No Maas giving the love to Swishalicious:

In a trade that seems more criminal with each passing day, Nick Swisher went 2-4 with a HR and a double on Monday night to help give the Bombers a win over the arch-nemesis Angels.  With this performance, Swisher raised his season OPS to .880, his highest since the .865 he posted in 2006. When all is said and done, this may go down as the best season of Swish’s career.

His Right Field play can be an adventure at times, but he’s been better than anyone could have hoped for this year. His constantly upbeat attitude in the clubhouse has also been a welcome change from some recent Yankee teams, which had a reputation for being ‘stuffy’. The trade isn’t even worth discussing, Wilson Betemit has spent most of the year playing for the Charlotte Knights.

-Loved this quote from Mark Feinsand’s (must read) Blogging the Bombers last night:

It was particularly fascinating to watch Joe Girardi give Mike Scioscia a taste of his own medicine, sending Brett Gardner in as a pinch-runner for Teixeira. Gardner stole third, then scored on Mike Napoli’s throwing error. It looked exactly like the way the Angels typically beat the Yankees.

According to LoHud, Brett was watching the Angels’ relievers various deliveries and moves to First Base from the Yankee video room in the clubhouse. So by the time he was sent in as a pinch runner, he was prepared to steal from the first pitch. We’ve heard of various Yankees taking advantage of the video room all season, as recently as Sunday when A-Rod got even more mad at Marty Foster after instantly reviewing his 3rd strike call.  As a fan, you love to see that that players are taking advantage of the technology and using it to get an edge. It’s also a sign of a good clubhouse that the manager doesn’t need to tell them to do these things, they do it on their own.

-The HR mark for Yankee Stadium was broken last night with Vladimir Gurerro’s blast in the 2nd inning. With 8 games remaining, the total figures to go well beyond the previous mark set in 2005. But what I found most interesting was this:

The only years 200 homers were hit at the old Yankee Stadium were 2004, 2000 (209) and 2005 (206), according to STATS LLC.

All within the last 10 years, which tells me that the facility may be a factor, but the team playing there is a much larger one.

-Bask in the glow of last night’s win, Sergio Mitre is scheduled to pitch tonight against Roy Halladay.

Tagged with: , ,

Minors Recap, 9/14

Posted by Eric Schultz at 1:53 am No Responses »
Sep 152009

Tampa defeats Charlotte, 3-1 (Tampa leads 5-game series 2-1)

  • DJ Mitchell started for the Yankees and was great, giving up 4 hits and 2 walks in 5 1/3 scoreless innings, with 2 strikeouts and 13 groundball outs (against 1 flyout).
  • Noel Castillo gave up a hit in 1 2/3 scoreless innings.
  • Pat Venditte gave up a run on 2 hits and a walk.
  • Jon Hovis struck out 1 and allowed a hit  in a scoreless inning of work.
  • Dan Brewer, David Adams, Brandon Laird, and Jack Rye were 1 for 4.
  • Damon Sublett was 1 for 3 with a walk and a steal.
  • Austin Romine, DH’ing, was 2 for 3 with 2 doubles and a walk.

Staten Island shuts out Mahoning Valley, 3-0 (SI leads 3-game series 1-0)

  • Adam Warren continued his strong pitching, giving up 4 hits and 2 walks in 6 shutout innings.  The righty from UNC also struck out 7 and recorded 7 groundouts against 4 flyouts.  He has been the ace of the SI staff since signing, especially after Arodys Vizcaino was lost to a back injury.
  • Griffin Bailey gave up 2 hits and struck out 2 in an inning of shutout relief.
  • Gavin Brooks struck out 1 in a perfect 8th.
  • Ryan Flannery got the save, giving up a hit in a scoreless inning of work.
  • Jimmy Paredes and Kyle Higashioka were 1 for 3 with a walk.
  • Deangelo Mack was 2 for 4, and got picked off.
  • Luke Murton was 1 for 3.
  • Zoilo Almonte was 2 for 4 with a double and a home run, his 2nd of the playoffs.
  • Mike Lyon was 2 for 3 with a double, and made a throwing error.

Tomorrow, in addition to the continuation of these series, Scranton begins their 5-game series with the Durham Bulls tomorrow.  Romulo Sanchez will take the hill against Jeremy Hellickson, another excellent pitching prospect in the Rays’ organization.

Tagged with: , ,
© 2011 TYU Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha