Baseball Toaster was unplugged on February 4, 2009.
The Yankee starters finished their first trip through the rotation with a 9.97 ERA. That was no more likely to hold up than are the bullpen's current 1.07 ERA or the offense's 6.83 runs per game. Indeed, Carl Pavano began the correction of that starters' ERA last night with seven innings of two-run baseball, dropping the figure nearly two runs to 8.16. Expect Andy Pettitte to continue that trend tonight.
Pettitte's first outing was the best of those first five Yankee starts (an admittedly low standard), and only came to an end after four innings because he was on a strict pitch limit necessitated by the back problems that interrupted his spring training schedule. Looking back over the game log, Andy got a double play to end the third and set the Devil Rays down in order in the fourth only to run into his pitch limit. Prior to that, he was undone by three walks, a wild pitch, a passed ball, an error, a stolen base, and three singles, one of which didn't leave the infield. A lot of that is his own fault, and he was similarly rescued by that double play and his own great sliding tag of B.J. Upton at home, but it's significant that he didn't get cuffed around like Mussina (four doubles), Igawa, or Rasner (two homers and a double each). The only extra base hit Pettitte allowed was a two-out Jonny Gomes double in the first, which he stranded by getting Ty Wigginton to fly out on the very next pitch, and that fly out was the only one of the game as Pettitte (as evidenced by the double play, infield single, and error) did an excellent job of keeping the ball on the ground.
So, while Pettitte's first start wasn't good by any stretch, there were a lot of positive indicators. Since then, he tossed a scoreless inning of relief on his throw day and, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, gotten in out of the cold. I like his chances to turn in a solid outing tonight.
In fact, tonight's game has the potential to be something of a pitcher's duel, as the Twins will counter Pettitte with 25-year-old sophomore Boof Bonser. Despite making 18 major league starts last year, Bonser has never faced the Yankees during the regular season. He did, however, face them this spring. In that game, Bonser allowed a pair of solo homers to Bobby Abreu and Josh Phelps, but held the Yankees to just two other hits over six innings while striking out seven. He had a similar outing in his first regular season start against the Orioles last week, striking out six in six innings while allowing just two runs on three hits, one of them a solo homer by Melvin Mora.
The most compelling thing about Bonser, however--other than the fact that he's officially changed his name to Boof (his birth name was John)--is that his mannerisms on the mound make him a dead ringer for a young, right-handed David Wells. A sloppy, heavy-set fellow with a brown goatee, a baggy jersey, and a big overhand delivery, Boof recalls the Boomer of 1997 and 1998, the ace of the 1998 Yankees and author of a perfect game against none other than the Minnesota Twins. Bonser and Wells are opposites when it comes to pitching style, however. In addition to throwing with the opposite hands, Wells pitches to contact, with historically low walk rates and correspondingly high hit rates, while Bonser tends to miss bats both in and out of the strike zone, suppressing hits along the way. Bonser does give up his share of homers, however, and it will be up to the Yankees tonight to make sure they have a few men on base when that inevitable long ball leaves the park.
In other news, the Twins disabled two players yesterday, placing Jeff Cirillo and Rondell White (surprise) on the 15-day DL and recalling infielder Alexi Casilla and outfielder Josh "Broccoli" Rabe from triple-A (see Aaron Gleeman for more). Unfortunately, Rabe's name is pronounced "RAY-bee," so his nickname only works in print.
Eesh. I guess Yarnall and Militello were busy?
Tonight should be much better, as the defense is tightening up, and the weather simply can not be an issue. Pettitte goes 6+ tonight is my prediction. Torre will leave him in to finish the 6th even if in trouble if there's a 2+ run lead.
Let's go Yankees (clap, clap, clap clap clap)
Will we gring out high pitch counts and walks? Can we get him out of the game after 5? Will we be patient and selective at the plate?
Stay tuned.
Anybody catching the 'Imus Incident'?
6 Yo, OFY — next time please dummy up with the plotlines of '24' for the benefit of those of us on the West Coast, who get it 3 hours later ;-)
FYI.....Jaret Wright pitching well in Baltimore.
6 Wait...weren't you upset that we were talking football? And now you bring up politics? Just giving you a hard time.
They are not advocating hitting Alex. They are explaining the benefits of pitching inside, which is perfectly acceptable. If I was pitching to him, you can bet I'd be trying to get him thinking about the inside pitch. Otherwise, he'll just tee off on you. With the modern strike zone, if you don't pitch inside, you won't last very long in the bigs.
Pujols was hotter last year before he was injured. And didn't Arod win Player of the Month last April?
.....
Anybody know.. Is this Bert Blyleven announcing?
Is ARod sick or what?
Hi all.
Andy good so far -- I mean, against the lousy hitters. Now comes the test...
My wife makes me sleep on the couch now.
If A-Rod has a great month, will ESPN harp on him even more? Or will they go after NYY fans for crazily insisting that A-Rod was no good (despite that being a wholly made-up media story).
31 They could qualify for a 'separated at birth' thing.
Go A-Rod, shut up the haters.
2.0 7 7 7 2 1 1 31.50 (season)
Maybe it was May...
Then Giambi was the April POM?
Of course, between the Snelling for Vidro and Horacio Ramirez for Raf Soriano, the Weaver signing was maybe Bavasi's third worst deal of the offseason.
Thank you Brain Cashman.
59 Huh. Sterling says Dave Concepcion started doing that, on long throws on artificial turf. I guess it decreases wild throw chance?
Well, apparently the turf makes for very straight, fast ground balls. with little bounce. Bad if you're a pitcher who lives on GBs, but I guess a fielder can make good use.
Now I'm getting surly!
Nah.
I was hoping Phelps would get more playing time, but I am minding it less that he is not getting more starts.
Thoughts?
We could use a summer like that.
Henn in the seventh?
115 how about meyers for 3 innings. seemed to work last week ;) Who said meyers couldn't carry his weight!
And just as i say minky hasn't looked terrible, he goes out and looks bad...
And Villone gave up a run in his inning last night, so clearly he's still the spring training Ron Villone...
And then there is 'The Hawk'...
I just read the wiki entry on Biot-Savart and I understand no more now than I did 5 minutes ago (which is to say, none).
Proctor up. surprise surprise. hasn't Henn had a few days off? Or just 1 or 2?
http://baseballanalysts.com/archives/2006/08/the_shifting_sw.php
It is 'must see' and might take some of the 'it's in his head' stuff away.
whoa. Damon dun likey
Hey, how about Beckett today? (Grudging respect.)
Though, if you're gonna walk him, Henn could've done that... come on, look at the scoreboard my man!
Well, looks like the Viscount may get his innings after all.
oye vey, scott's missing by a mile. maybe he can't command if he gets more then 12 hours off.
And heeeere's the Vizier.
Joe Torre? Leave a pitcher in? Have you gone mad man? That's not in his computerized program he uses to manage games.
Vizzy comes in, bails out Proctor, and the bullpen can still feel strong as a unit. Works both ways.
I recant my previous post. I agree with you. That makes complete sense.
Since this is the American League, padding some stats for the next two ups won't hurt a thing...
Ok Joe...thank you....Jeez.
Nice to pinch hit for Giambi one batter after having KT in there would've gotten you 1st & 3rd vice 1st & 2nd..... Doesn't pinch hitting for the DH bring the pitcher into the lineup? Or is that just when the DH goes onto the field?
Joe has been about 10 minutes late on a few moves this year so far. Is he taking his meds?
So, those Golden State Warriors going to take that 8 spot or what?
182 hehe - that reminds me of when I played pop warner football as a kid. I was the center, and forgot to put my mouthpiece in 2 plays in a row (resulting in back-to-back penalties). Damn coach sent out the 2nd string center and made me run a lap [b]during the game[/b]. Humiliating.
However, I didn't forget the mouthpeice again.
So that's four out of the last five putouts by Abreu.
Ah. This is a good, good game. Good game for Melky, too.
I don't like that. "Mo needs work." Bullshit.
And another single up the middle for melky!
And here's A-Rod's chance for 7-in-7.
God Bobby Abreu is good.
Nice job. And that's double figures!
Holy god, we can score runs this year. I think there's a legit chance for 1000 runs.
One pitch, one down...
Love those thunderbolts.
Anyway, great game, great two games. Gotta get us one o' them domes.
Did someone say Mo is in?
If ARod keeps up this pace, Jetes is going to allow him to sleep-over.
Good game! Pettitte looked good on the computer and the bullpen looked pretty good again.
Is Proctor done?
241 Yes, Superman was in. One blinks the eyes, and he's done.
I'm a womb-to-the-tomb Knick fan, but I've been feeling the Warriors pain since I've been here ('96 to date). Coach Nellie has gotten almost everything out of this roster that's possible, but it's out of their hands. If I've got this right, the Warriors have to win their last 4 and the Clips have to lose 2 of their remaining 6, for Golden State to get in.
The interesting thing is if the Warriors snag the 8th seed, they'll draw Dallas — and they definitely have the Maverick's number this year. Could be a very interesting short series...
---
Just checked the boxscore. Nice to see KT get on the radar right away. Andy keeps the Pavanomojo going, solid defense and the bats did their thing. Good night all around...
I hear you! But I have left the Knicks for the time being. So long as Isiah Thomas has anything to do with that team, there is simply no point in pulling for them. He is to the Knicks what Millen is to the Lions.
I am watching my adopted Lakers really risk missing the playoffs altogether. I dont know if you are a gambling man, but that 35-1 on the Nuggets is looking better and better. I really think they have a shot.
I moved from NYC to LA right in the middle of the 'showtime' era Laker teams and hated on them so much I actually rooted for Boston or Philly in the finals those years.
35-1 on Denver? If they can survive the West, that might be possible. I haven't followed the NBA closely this year, just reading the headlines, but there does not seem to be a beast from the East. Hey, maybe the Warriors... oh, never mind.
I just hope the Knicks land a lottery pick worth something...
I want the Knicks to do well, but rest assured, if they get a good lottery pick, Isiah will screw it all to hell. Bad ownership, bad coaching, bad GM. It is going to be rough for a while.
Yea, I am in LA. I moved from NY a few years back. It was hard not to adopt the Lakers with the Knicks imploding for at least another decade to come. I can support a team through tough times, no doubt, but when they are utterly inept and firm in their bad decisions, to hell with them.
The Nuggets: Well, I wouldn't bet against any team with Iverson and Anthony on the same floor at the same time. Phoenix is a joke you can count on that (Hell, the Lakers almost took them out last year, Stouidamire or no Stoudamire), Dallas and San Antonio are big time contenders, but keep your eye on Denver and Houston.
The East is a toss up. If Wade is healthy, its theirs to lose. Detroit will faulter just like every other team associated with Flip Sauders. Maybe the Nets can make a run.
251 Ah, forgot about the Curry deal. And, no sh*t about keeping The Boss alive and well for a long time...
I understand. I have never beed wedded to the NBA, so it wasn't that difficult for me to jettison the Knicks. Jim in 251 could probably tell me, but I think the Knicks have 4 or 5 years left before they will be under the cap and cant even entertain picking up a superstar until then. I mean Stephon Marbury, seriously, what more is there to say? Any fan could stand out in the street and see that Marbury would be a bust just as easily as they could see a truck bearing down on them. Isiah is a buffoon, Curry or no Curry. He is a bad human being, disingeuous, arogant with no aticulable reason to be, a horrible coach, and an even worse GM. I can only hope he witnesssed someone at MSG killing his mistress, otherwise I'd have to admit that ownership is ass bad as he is.
As for the Yankees, we need to win tomorrow to salavge the Baltimore series in my mind. We lost 2 and should have lost the 3rd. God Bless Alex for that!
I like our chances of keeping our starting pitching improvement intact. Once Wanger comes back, we should have a real solid 1-2-3, which is about the best you could hope for. The bullpen looks stellar thus far, and Mo could be poised to provide one of the best single season performances of his career, and jump into a giant pile of money at season end, whether with the Yankees, or GULP, another team. A mid-season call up of Hughes could provide a big lift. I am also a Karstens fan, so if he heals up well, I'd give that kid a shot at making the rotation.
The lineup seems to mesh well, and Damon is off to a hot start. Arod's dip into the waters of the season speaks for itself. Posada is hitting everything on the screws, and Jete will be Jete. Abreu is seeing the ball well, and won't provide the tabloids with anything to write, a pleasant change from Sheffield. My only concern is that Matsui may have caught the injury bug following his streak. Even so, I don't mind Melky in Left, and am glad I continued to support him over the years since Gene Michaels spoke so highly of him.
All in all, I am glad I decided to hold off on all negativity until the season got rolling.
Jeter: Good game Alex
ARod: Yeah, I'm seeing the ball really good.
Jeter: Yeah, a lot better then last year.
ARod: Er... yeah. Hey, how about dinner?
Jeter: [gives ARod a funny look then pulls out a little black book]. Sorry Alex, got a date with Gia. Ya know... gotta buy 'em dinner first.
ARod: Gia? Wasn't see dating Carl?
Jeter: Dude... gal like that deserves a 'True Yankee'.
ARod: Wow... you really date a lot of beautiful women.
Jeter: [laughs] well you know... being King of New York has it drawbacks.
Jeter: [looking at black book again]. Hey... how about Thurday? I'm doing dinner with the Olsen twins. I've only got 2 hands [winks at ARod]
ARod: Common Derek, you know I'm married. [proudly] Man, my little girl is growing up fast!
Jeter: Yeah... whatever....
ARod: Anyway, aren't they a little young for you?
Jeter [gives ARod a pathetic look] You know what they say... if they're old enough to pee...
ARod: Wow.........
Jeter: Jeez Alex, this is New York. Maybe you'ld be happier in Texas... or Aniheim
ARod: No, I really like New York. I'm really happy here.
Jeter: Yeah... whatever....
ARod: No, really. I mean I gave up my position to be here [gives Derek a look]
Jeter: Alex, in New York, a shortstop has to be able to catch pop-ups.
ARod: Look... I'd really like to go to dinner with you. Hey, I'm buying!
Jeter: Common Dude! Stop rubbing that 'I make $25mil/yr' shit in everyones face!
ARod: [a little whiney] I'm not, I'm not... I just want to go to dinner with you. How about Saturday.
Jeter: [checking his book].... ah...Jeez Sorry Alex, I'm having dinner with Anna Nicole Smith.
ARod; [looking sad] Gee Derek, I'm really sorry to tell you this, but she's dead.
Jeter: [looking surprised] Oh. That's too bad. Really terrible. But that chick really knew how too party.
ARod: So buddy...Saturday night it is? We're on?
Jeter: Sure Alex, why not. Sounds good.
ARod: [sheepishly]... and maybe after I can sleep over.....?
Jeter: [a bit pissed] Jesus Alex.... it's ONLY six fucking homes runs!
ARod: Sorry... but we're still friends, right?
Jeter: Yeah... whatever....
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