Baseball Toaster was unplugged on February 4, 2009.
Their manager having thrown away a chance to take the season's opening series last night, the Yankees are forced to play a rubber game against the A's tonight in Oakland. Taking the hill for the A's will be Dan Haren, whose similarities to last night's Oakland starter, ace Rich Harden, extend further than the five common letters in their last names. Here's an updated version of the tale-of-the-tape that I ran last year:
| James Richard Harden | Daniel John Haren | |
|---|---|---|
| Goes By | Middle Name | First Name |
| Age | 24 | 25 |
| Native | Canadian | Californian |
| Height | 6'1" | 6'5" |
| Weight | 180 | 220 |
| Throws | Right | Right |
| Bats | Left | Right |
| School | Central Arizona Junior College | Pepperdine |
| Drafted | Sea: 38th '99; Oak: 17th '00 | StL: 2nd Round '01 |
| Salary | $1,250,000 | $550,000 |
| Debut | 7/21/03 - A's | 6/3/03 - Cards |
| Career (ERA/K9/BB9) | 63 GS, 68G, 3.60/8.14/3.76 | 53 GS, 62 G, 4.13/6.38/2.47 |
| 2005 | 19 GS, 2.53/8.51/3.02 | 34 GS, 3.73/6.76/2.20 |
| Uniform Number | 40 | 24 |
| Facial Hair | none | goatee |
While Harden is universally recognized as a potential Cy Young candidate, Haren is poised for a breakout season of his own. Haren's 2005 was already better than either of Mark Mulder's last two seasons. Mulder, you'll recall, was the Big Three ace whom the A's sent to St. Louis for Haren, reliever Kiko Calero, and now-20-year-old catching-cum-first base prospect Daric Barton. It's Harden and Haren whom I expect to lead the A's to an easy AL West crown this year. Certainly you have to like the chances of any team that lists Barry Zito as its third-best starter.
Opposing Haren tonight will be the Yankees' 2005 rookie sensation Chien-Ming Wang. Wang, now 26, remains an extreme, and extremely effective, ground ball pitcher. Last year Wang ranked third in the majors in groundball-to-flyball ratio among pitchers with more than 100 innings, trailing only Brandon Webb and ex-Yankee Jake Westbrook, but ranking ahead of the aptly named Derek Lowe. The problem with all of that is that Wang has to work in front of the Yankees' extremely porous infield defense. Thus far, in just two games, we've seen Alex Rodriguez make some outstanding plays at third base and the three men to his left compensate by booting, whiffing and otherwise failing to catch up with balls hit or thrown in their direction. My confidence in Joe Torre has already been spoiled, but if the Yankee skipper knows what's good for his team, he'll compensate by DHing Giambi in Wang's starts and giving the more agile Andy Phillips those starts at first base. Though I'm a proponent of playing Giambi in the field because of the boost it gives his bat, the offensive upgrade achieved by benching Bernie in favor of Phillips should compensate for any lost production from Giambi, who should be able to produce from the DH spot if he's only required to do so once every five days.
Failing that, there's always the hope that Wang will improve his strikeout rate this year. In his rookie season, Wang struck out just 3.64 men per nine innings, a severe drop from his career minor league rate of 7.06 K/9. In 74 1/3 career triple-A innings between 2004 and 2005, Wang struck out 6.78 men per nine and in 15 1/3 innings this spring he struck out 5.87 men per nine innings. Given that history, it seems fair to expect Wang to increase his strikeout rate to something in the mid-fives this year. As dominating as Chien-Ming can be in terms of keeping his opponents from getting the ball in the air, he'll need to help himself more often this year if he expects to improve on his freshman campaign.
Finally, while we're on the topic of pitchers who made their pinstriped debuts in 2005, Will Carroll's latest Under The Knife column contains some unsurprising speculation about Carl Pavano's that is nonetheless startling to see in print. Quothe Carroll:
Carl Pavano is headed to [back expert] Dr. [Robert] Watkins for a check of his problematic back. There have been whispers from some in Yankee camp that Pavano will likely need surgery, almost certainly season-ending and perhaps career-ending. . . . Pavano's contract is insured for backs.Pavano is owed $30.9 million for the remaining three years of his contract (2006-2008) and the buyout on his 2009 option, though I'm not sure exactly how much of that is recoupable via the insurance should Pavano never throw another major league pitch.
I was on the Yankee Stadium tour with my dad the December day Pavano first came to the Bronx for his introductory press conference. There was such a buzz of optimism about him at the Stadium that day, as they put his picture up on the scoreboard. Now, the mention of his name makes me, I dunno, a little sad.
Phillips at first tonight? Love it, Cliff, but I think we have a better chance of seeing Pavano win the '06 Cy Young than Joe submitting a lineup like that.
It's official though, tonight I'm staying awake for the game.
And as a Yankee fan would you be open to that? I guess I should say I'm an A's fan.
=)
Not going to happen. Jeter has trouble going to his left (a bad mix with a guy like Giambi at 1B), and is not getting any younger. A-rod has bulked up the last couple years, since he no longer has to be as 'rangy' for SS. Would you put Sheff at DH and Cano in RF? Too many moving parts for any benefit to come out of the switches. For better or worse, this team is built to bludgeon teams, defense be damned. I wish Nick Johnson and his mustache were still around. Looking longer term...Cano to RF down the road, add in a defensive whiz at 2B, and hope that Duncan's athleticism can upgrade the D at 1B. Much longer term- hope that one of the studs from the 05 draft or Tabata becomes a bonafide CF.
The problem with your idea toni is, first off, who plays 3rd then? Andy Phillips? Cairo? Where does Cano play? Would Jeter be any better than Cano defensively at 2nd? Probably not. People who know better than I should jump in here, but his problem is range, particularly to his left (up the middle at short, towards 1B [Giambi(!)] at 2B). He's got a strong arm, so that's wasted at 2nd. The only position switch that makes any sense is putting him in CF (because of his skill at tracking flies), and it's probably too late for that, even if he was willing.
Looking forward to seeing Wang pitch tonight. I think Giambi will be okay. This is his old stomping grounds, and he handles groundballs okay.
When he retired, it seemed like he'd be in the top 10 forever. I've seen Bonds*, Sosa*, McGwire*, Palmeiro*, Reggie, and Schmidt overtake him. 500 ain't squat these days...
Remember of Bonds*, Sosa*, McGwire*, Palmeiro*, Reggie, and Schmidt--Only 2 of them actually hit 500 or more legitimate homers, making the Mick #9!
Ending Rollins streak should be easy. Either an Ump could grow some balls and force him back into the batters box during his AB's, or pitchers could just start beaning him to get him off the plate. It is beyond my comprehension why neither of the above has occurred yet. Check him out at the plate sometime, it's ridiculous.
If DiMaggio stepped in in Rollins Position, he would have been pegged all day and into the night. Are they going to start handing out teddy bears to ball players or do the rules still apply?
These numbers are all skewed but we have to accept them. Just look at the dimensions of the parks when Ruth played, shoot, even Aaron had much further to hit the ball.
I've not seen Rollins enough to pick up on that. I'll have to tune in to more Philly games. On the pitching, no one seems to be throwing the right message pitch when it matters these days, the beanballs you see are usually plain, stupid ones...
Rollins is not only out of the back of the box, he's right on top of the plate. Clemens was the only guy I've seen back him off. Oddly enough, he didn't get a hit that day.
I also read somewhere that Braden Looper used to enter to "Hell's Bells", which, of course, is Trevor Hoffman's well-known entrance song. Something tells me that Looper's use of "Hell's Bells" was not the Mets trying to emulate the Padres any more than their use of "Enter Sandman" is them trying to emulate the Yankees.
Maybe I am tad over protective of Mo. Point taken.
I also could care less if Rollins breaks Joe D's hitting record or not. Records are made to be broken, and it doesn't diminish DiMaggio or what he did if Rollins hits in 57 straight games.
Sadly, I see the Yanks have elected to use the "B" defensive team on the field for Tiger Wang. Sigh.
BTW Knuckles, you've got DirecTV right? Are you getting the game on YES (622) as well as Extra Innings (743)? I am and I'm surprised - that never happened last year. YES would always be blacked out, but the EI feed would come through.
The place I lived last year we had DirecTV and we had the regional sports networks- games would usually be on both EI and the regular channel, at least for Yanks on YES, Cleveland, and Philly (my roommates' teams).
Does Haren look like a grown-up Kelly Leak to anyone?
And I'm watching via mlb.com and for the first time we have the YES feed and it actually shows balls and strikes and men on base! I am soooooooo happy!
wsport - there's that Cano hustle!
And Shef!
I wonder if A-Rod will beat him to it. The Yanks have never had two 500 HR hitters playing at the same time. It'd be nice to see.
Anyone watch "Lost." I'm still cracking up over Hurley beating the crap out of Sawyer. Good episode.
I'll take another Matsui bomb as retaliation.
Okay, Seamus.
You know on that note a friend had a good point - Torre was playing the whole "see what you got" philosophy. Fact is we were in a deep hole last year and pulled it out. No matter how much the SABR guys (me included most days) say a win is a win - that's not how the players or manager approach things.
And now Wang is losing it after the error
We really need a K here - or better yet, a double play!
108 welcome zack.
If Jetes turns the DP, it's still a shut out. Can't blame Wanner too much.
And god damn it, immediately fine anyone who takes a called third strike.
There Sturtze got Payton. So it's a four-inning game. Lemme hear your bullpen strategies.
Damn- enough with the K's and popups.
If there is no lead, then Villone goes in the 8th., Farns in the 9th and then Rivera until we win (max 2 innings). after that Jared.
No, but I do feel like the Yankees wont hit the ball if the game's tied.
You did not just say "Proctor." Did you?
Whoever thougt I'd beg for Stanton and Nelson and Hammond.
Torre completely ignored my advise, so that's it for my night. I think Jared will be very good BTW and that we will win this game. See you all in the morning....
Sleep with one eye open
Gripping your pillow tight.
ever since the stupid Wagner/Rivera debate I can't get the song off my head.
Wright, Dotel, Farnsworth and Small, Joe just give them the ball. We don't need to ever see another reliever. And Dotel is still a question mark.
I would throw Farnsworth out there until his arm falls off.
Proctor belongs in Trenton, he aint good enough for columbus. Hell maybe that team near Utica.
Since when do employees get promised things like that. Ugg, modern sport.
Stormer, Dotel's due back in early June, but could be back earlier.
Myers for the occasional lefty, but I see no reason to throw Proctor out there unless Pavano, Wang, and Chacon all get killed in a fiery wreck. The same fiery wreck I see every time Proctor has the vall in his hand.
Has Joe ever heard of Pavlov? He keeps getting shocked but doesn't learn.
...
I think I just had a stroke.
I think Gene meant Andy Pettitte, he swings a mean bat.
I can be sentimental. If Paul O'Neil wanted to DH twice a week, I'd be all for it. It cannot be just about the numbers, can it.
What shall we call him then. You like she-male, is that one better?
I'm surprised he doesn't make Farnsworth the closer because he throws hard.
Hey, I am sentimental too, and I would love for Bernie to hang out on the bench and trot out there in blowouts etc, maybe play once in awhile, have a nice farewell tour. ALl the while we can see if Phillips, who is ten years younger, can do anything. We'll never know with Joe though...
I understand completely. And my head agrees with you. However, with that 1-6 we shouldn't need Bernie to bat more than .260, like every other number 7 hitter in the game. Hell, like every player in the A's lineup outside of Chavez, Thomas, and the balsa-wood never-will-be Crosby. 101 RBI led their team last year and they almost sqeeked in.
I still haven't let go of Tino, Paulie or Andy, Hell, I haven't even let go of Broscius. I'd take Charlie Hayes right about now.
What can I say, they won games. I'm pretty sure that's what they get paid for. These guys couldn't hold their jocks!
I thought the plan was to bash all year, like '05.
On the other hand, our offense doesn't seem to really want to wake up...
We have no idea what Phillips would do. be honest about that at least.
But we won't know unless he gets some time. I suspect he will as the season wears on.
The grass isn't always greener, espcially when its Scotts Turf Guard by Andy Phillips, not exactly Bobby Crosby we have there.
I'd like a little more Bubba though.
Amazing how far away opening day seems
I thought Sheff should have run more last year, as well as Arod Jete and the like.
I would love to see Joe trade places with Ozzie for one week, just one week and see how we play.
I would love to see some baseball out there.
Philips deserves at least a shot.
Meanwhile, Carlos Pena, still unemployed...
It killed us the last couple years. You have to be able to manufacture runs. This isn't the '27 Yankees.
Way to go Johnny, way to go. See, this is what happens when you don't steal and bunt and play baseball.
Time to say hello to Mr. Street.
Damnit Robbie. Enough already.
Boston defense wins them a game today. Ours costs us 2.
Exactly!
Wright gives up 1 in 4 innings. What do you want from him?
Meanwhile, I was 100% wrong about Wright. This is why I first guess instead of second guess. I can't blame Joe because I would have done the same thing.
Bubba would have caught that ball in Center.
Wright wasn't that bad. Damon catches that ball and we're fine.
Mike Myers? Holy Toledo. I'm not sure this is Torre's fault, um, isn't there someone better Cash could have gotten for Torre to choose from here?
Now going with with Jorge Julio tonight, THAT's Willie's fault.
I'm sorry, but this is both upsetting and alarming.
What made you think this team could win close games, last year?
Thanks. I'll try to. Hey the Angels on deck, we have no problem with them. . . going to be a great April.
I still say we send Guidry out there for the ninth.
Thanks. I'll try to. Hey the Angels on deck, we have no problem with them. . . going to be a great April.
I still say we send Guidry out there for the ninth.
Enjoy Bernie's out in the ninth!
If I root for 2 or 3 runs from you guys I'm only going to make everyone mad, right?
I'm allowed to be mercenary, though, Wagner blew a save for us tonight.
Enjoy Bernie's out in the ninth!
Nothing we could have done. Ryan was locked up and Wagner wasn't coming to NYY.
That was Frank Thomas that hit that ball, not some scrub.
What can we do? This team looks like last year's.
I think we should just have fun with it. We have to score runs, simple as that, otherwise we're toast, losing to the Angels in the Division Series. I would begin wooing Clemens right now if I am Cashman. Almost no excuse for this team not to set a new run record, or damn near.
Easy YES, that was Posada, not Carl Crawford, not all that spectacular of a play. Anyone else beats it out.
One thing I know for sure, Joe won't change a thing, he never does.
Get used to it.
I was really hoping I was wrong. I'm just happy I got back together with my girlfriend. At least that way I wont have to watch every game!
4 runs, 3 runs, Jesus Christ!
No wonder folks are picking the A's. Clearly 7 guys with BA's less that .270 is the way to go.
I say if this persists, we dump Damon, Sheffield, Arod and Posada, eat their salaries and play some rookies a la 1996. Cearly we would have been better off making fewer moves in the off-season and going younger. At least they want to win.
Ozzie, please please please come manage us!
You think? Hell F'ing yes we shouls have signed Gordon.
When your bullpen sucks, it's always a good strategy to let your most productive players go!
I read through all the comments (I love the running commentary, funny stuff in there!), and saw a couple remarking about all the emotion so far. No kidding, I feel like I've gone through a playoff series already.
Last night was jump to conclusion #1: Torre will screw up bullpen usage all season long. Jump to conclusion #2 from tonight: the Yankees' defense sucks ass. Should Damon have gotten Milton's triple? It looked like he miss-timed the jump, afraid of hitting the wall. Ugh, that woulda been a nice play.
Maybe a more capable LFer would get Thomas's bases loaded double as well. Cano had two blunders that I can remember, plus nearly blew a routine grounder. Jeter blew the potential double play, and I saw the fabled "up the middle, passed a diving Jeter" (he was playing in however, so I'll give him a break).
Here's to hoping they turn it around for the Angels, who are due for a Yankee spanking.
I go to bed at eleven, Wang's pitching well, Yanks have a 4-0 lead, South Park is relevant again, and I wake up to this? &^%&^%#$@#@(!!!
If there's one thing that should be obvious to any sports fan, it's that games, contests, whatever -- in any sport -- usually hinge on one or two key plays. Teams / individuals who consistently make those plays, win.
Last night, Jeter's error and Cano's error were those key plays. Take away those two errors and the rest of this game never happens. Wang gives up 1 run, pitches into the 6th, everything plays out completely differently. If you're going to hang that loss on someone, hang it on Jeter. That was the turning point of the game.
Let's hope the defense improves. At least Giambi turned a nice 3-6-3...which was shocking. :)
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