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Holy Expletive!
2007-04-19 16:10
by Emma Span

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is why you do not leave a baseball game early. You’ll have to bear with me through this recap, though, because I find myself unable to remember much about the first half of the game, and it’s tough to type with your jaw on the floor.

First of all, congratulations again to Alex and Emily, who got married during the early innings of today’s 8-6 Yankee win. I’m sure they didn’t need this win to make the day memorable, but you still have to appreciate Alex Rodriguez's thoughtful wedding gift.

The Yankees looked a bit listless throughout much of the game, unable to get much going against the awesomely named Fausto Carmona, who pitched much better than anyone coming in with an ERA over 12 has any right to. They eked out a run in the 3rd, when Abreu singled Damon home, and another in the 6th, on a Giambi homer, but that was it for the offense.

Meanwhile, Darrell Rasner was impressive through three innings, but ran into trouble soon after, when Dave Dellucci homered, and a quick single, a four-pitch walk, and a hit batsman loaded the bases with one out. Joe Torre, normally so impassive in the dugout, looked like gerbils were gnawing at his intestines. Rasner came up with a pop up (Blake) and a strikeout (Peralta) to wriggle free, but was apparently on a short leash thereafter; Torre lifted him when he allowed a single in the fifth, though it was still 1-1.

After leaving the bases loaded yet again in the sixth, thanks to stellar work from Brian Bruney, the Indians finally got their big blow in the seventh, off of the usually reliable Luis Vizcaino. A walk, a double, an RBI groundout, an intentional walk to Pronk, and a big three-run homer by catcher Victor Martinez made the score 5-2. Vizcaino recovered, but the Yanks went quietly in their next two innings, and a tough error on A-Rod allowed a runner to score on Sean Henn in ninth, leaving the Yanks staring at a four-run deficit.

Cleveland closer Joe Borowski came in to begin the ninth, and Robinson Cano promptly popped out, followed by a weak Melky Cabrera grounder. Now, I don’t think I’m unduly pessimistic when it comes to baseball, but I absolutely thought this game was over. Josh Phelps homered, and I still thought it was over. With two strikes, Jorge Posada singlednearly decapitating Borowski in the processand I figured, hey, good to see them going down fighting. But then Posada took second on defensive indifference, Johnny Damonagain with two strikesworked a ballsy walk, and Derek Jeter came up as the tying run. At this point, though I am not proud to admit it, I sat down on the floor and began talking to my dog.

This is the kind of situational hitting Jeter has always excelled at, and he knocked a 1-0 pitch into left field, plating Posada. The score was 6-4, and the game’s momentum had completely shifted. Bobby Abreu, again with two strikes, did much the same thing, and Damon came home to make it 6-5. That brought up, of course and to no one’s surprise, Alex Rodriguez. “They have to walk him,” I said to my dog, and, in fact, Borowski’s first pitch made a desperate attempt to escape; it got by Martinez, allowing the runners to move up. That turned out not to matter, though, because the next pitch was up over the plate. What happened next was exactly what every single fan watching the game had been simultaneously, vividly imagining.

Rodriguez knew it was gone the second he hit itstraight to centerand he couldn’t seem to believe it himself, grinning and very nearly skipping all the way around the bases. Paul O’Neill, in the booth, just started laughing. The Yankee dugout gleefully rushed out to meet him. That’s A-Rod’s 10th home run of the year, in 14 games, but I personally ran out of superlatives for his hitting last night, so you're on your own there.

With this sweep of the Indianswho are playing below their potential for the third straight yearthe Yanks head into Boston one game out of first here in the early going. Ninth inning, Fenway Park, Papelbon versus A-Rod? Should be fun.

Comments (93)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-04-19 17:18:49
1.   Cliff Corcoran
How do you not walk Rodriguez in that situation? I know Giambi has good numbers against Borowski, had homered earlier in the game, and you'd be giving up the platoon advantage, but Alex is one of the hottest hitters ever right nowm, his run meant nothing (Abreu was the winning run on second), and a walk would have set up the force at every base with the slowest Yankee at the plate. If I'm Mark Shapiro that just might have been the straw that broke the camel's back regarding Eric Wedge keeping his job.

I say all of that in part because, like Emma, I'm speechless about the rest. Just incredible, Phelps, Posada, Damon, Jeter, Abreu should get their props, but Rodriguez . . . he's a folk hero now (who'da thunk it just three weeks ago?). We'll be telling our kids/grandkids about this. Just the two walk-off shots within the span of a week and a half alone . . .

Move over Papi, here comes Alex . . .

2007-04-19 17:33:08
2.   jkay
I am not a big Mike & the Mad dog fan but this is worth a listen.

http://podcast.wfan.com/wfan/412133.mp3

2007-04-19 17:39:20
3.   Sliced Bread
Props to Joe for recognizing the need for late inning offensive replacements, and bringing Phelps and Posada into the game.

Posada, with Rodriguez, has been carrying this team this year.

How can you say enough about the 2007 Cacillac Abreu? Smooth. Powerful. Comfortable. Quiet.

A-Rod. Good God, I'm truly more happy for him than anything else. More than the win, which was very much needed and appreciated, I'm happy for him. Fu#k yeah, Alex Rodriguez!

2007-04-19 17:39:58
4.   Sliced Bread
What the fug's a Cacillac?
2007-04-19 17:44:54
5.   El Lay Dave
Will ARod opt-out? I wonder how he'd look manning the hot corner in Dodger Blue? Wouldn't it be ironic if Ned Coletti signed a guy that just opted-out of his contract with another team?
2007-04-19 17:59:13
6.   jkay
The AP reports Humberto Sanchez had season ending elbow surgery.......

Another injured Yankees pitcher, right-hander Humberto Sanchez, had
elbow ligament-replacement surgery Wednesday and will miss the rest of
the season.

Cashman said Dr. James Andrews operated Wednesday in Birmingham, Ala.
While three scans didn't show ligament damage, Cashman said the need
for ligament replacement became clear when Andrews operated
Wednesday.

Sanchez was among the prospects obtained from Detroit in November's
trade of Gary Sheffield to the Tigers.

2007-04-19 18:02:36
7.   OldYanksFan
Errr... Emma...
I feel foolish correcting a professional writer...
especial one of your obvious talents and insight...
but didn't you misspell 'Shit'?
2007-04-19 18:19:25
8.   yankz
Is there any way to watch the entire 9th inning through mlb.tv?
2007-04-19 18:23:03
9.   Jim Rice
Mr. April?

We'll see. Should be a fun weekend, in any case. Once more into the breach.

2007-04-19 18:31:41
10.   OldYanksFan
Video Highlights of the 9th inning and the A-Bomb!
http://tinyurl.com/2fxa7a
2007-04-19 18:43:00
11.   yankz
10 Thanks, also I figured it out through mlb.tv.
2007-04-19 18:47:14
12.   Clay Caviness
Down by 4, 2 outs, bases empty, bottom of the ninth.

Chance of winning? 0.2%
http://xrl.us/vt64

Awesome, awesome win.

2007-04-19 18:52:58
13.   Just fair
I just got finished watching the "Yankees Encore." Freakin' amazing even knowing the enventual outcome. What, 3 times coming down to the last strike to end the game. Singles being lace all over the field before the big bomb. Sweet indeed. If any of you were a G.M., would you rather have David Wright of A-Rod at third base? Just kidding of course. Go Yankees. Beat them Sox. Oh, and thanks for the Mad Dog clip, he cracks me up. My wife thinks I'm nuts
2007-04-19 18:56:55
14.   yankz
Dammit, David Wright extends his hit streak.
2007-04-19 19:09:09
15.   Count Zero
So what's the odds on Schilling knocking Alex down in his first AB tomorrow night? Followed by a warning to both benches...
2007-04-19 19:12:11
16.   Shaun P
I called my wife from work to ask her to TiVo the SportsCenter highlights so I could see it. It was worth it. What will he do next?

Is Allen Barra still worried?

I've been teaching my 16-month-old daughter to give me a high five everytime a Yankee hits a home run, or makes a good play in the field, or comes through in 'the clutch', whether we're watching the game live or the highlights. She loves giving high fives, so I think its safe to say A-Rod is her favorite player. =)

I think he's become my favorite, too.

2007-04-19 19:12:18
17.   TomP
It's wonderful to have you on board here this year, Emma.
2007-04-19 19:19:21
18.   Clay Caviness
Also I laughed loudly at "Borowski's first pitch made a desperate attempt to escape". Well described. :)
2007-04-19 19:20:09
19.   bartap74
Too bad they cut off Sterling there.
2007-04-19 19:20:32
20.   OldYanksFan
12 Those numbers seem misleading.
The site said from 1977-2006, the Home team only won 3 times (or I guess 4 now). So thats 4 times in 29 years, or once ever 7 years?

The site also said: games: 1971
1977-2006 (inclusive) is 30 years
30 years x 81 Homes games = 2,430 games.

3 wins in 2430 games = approx 0.0012
or once every 810 games
Now that its happened 4 times =
4 / 2430 = 0.00166
or once every 607 games.

When I ran it for the visiting team, it said ZERO wins... so the odds are actually half of whats stated above?

Maybe I'm wrong, but that sites numbers look off.

2007-04-19 19:22:58
21.   OldYanksFan
16 Careful Shawn... that could be construed as child abuse... that is, if you were a Red Sox fan... :-)
2007-04-19 19:24:22
22.   yankz
16 Pavlov would be proud.
2007-04-19 19:30:09
23.   OldYanksFan
Eek... serious brain fart.
Just totally ignor 20 and call it 3 times in 1971 cases (up til now) or 0.15% chance.
(I'm embarrassed)
2007-04-19 19:33:00
24.   Clay Caviness
The "games" number is the number of times that situation has occured. In this case, 1971 games were played where the home team was down by 4 with 2 outs, bases empty in the ninth. The home team has won 3 of those games. (Now 4...)

It also shows that when the visiting team has 2 outs, bases empty, down by 4 in the top of the ninth, they've apparently never won.

2007-04-19 19:34:37
25.   Clay Caviness
And, er, the website's only showing 3 decimal places, so 0.0015 rounds to 0.002...
2007-04-19 19:38:10
26.   OldYanksFan
Speaking odds (please, please ignor 20), on Sunday we have Dice-K (the best pitcher in Japan over 8 years) against Chas-W (he of 3 games above A ball). Wonder what our odds of a win are on that game?
2007-04-19 19:39:25
27.   OldYanksFan
24 Got it (I'm very embarrassed)
2007-04-19 19:49:07
28.   yankz
26 Since we have Arod? I'm guessing about 75%.
2007-04-19 19:51:08
29.   Max Nomad
I was at the game. I got 3 tickets for a buck a piece and went alone, and watched the whole thing. OMG exciting. I could feel it in my bones when Phelps hit the homer (and I immediately thought of all you Minky haters).

It was amazing: A-Rod has truly been given another chance by the fans. They cheer him more loudly than any Yankee, they don't boo at all. When he missed a fly in the stands because of a fan, the rest of the fans wanted the interferer's throat. All for A-Rod. The guy is something else right now, but the fans love him. Had it been him who hit the homer Giambi hit, a curtain call woulda come around. No such call for Giambi.

I'm going to bed now. My throat hurts from screaming during the game. Good night.

2007-04-19 19:53:06
30.   Bama Yankee
27 Keep your head up, OYF. Even A-Rod strikes out every now and then. Plus, even Mo gets "Scutaro-ed" on occasion... ;-)
2007-04-19 19:55:34
31.   yankz
A most beautiful thing (and it's not even updated through today):

http://tinyurl.com/23j2tl

2007-04-19 20:12:13
32.   seamus
wow, i rarely turn off a game early. I cannot believe, though I was hungry as hell and hadn't eaten lunch, that I turned the game off and went and got an early dinner in the top of the 9th. An hour later I'm driving around and think that I better plugin the satellite radio, laughing out loud, "Wouldn't it be funny if arod hit a walkoff homer." oops! I so cannot believe it. so cannot believe it.
2007-04-19 20:23:37
33.   tommyl
A-Rod is so good right now, even BBTN loves him. I never thought I'd see the day. Too bad Phillips wasn't on tonight.
2007-04-19 20:26:08
34.   C2Coke
Cannot believe I missed both Arod's walkoff live. The rest of the baseball world can only watch him in envy.
2007-04-19 20:52:31
35.   OldYanksFan
There are a number of great pics of ARod after 'the Blast'. RLYW has a great one in their comments section. He looks like a big kid, with a shit-eatin grin, his arms spread wide to his teammates as if to say "Holy Cow! I did it again!

This may be blasphemy, but I feel more love for ARod here now, then I did for Jetes at his highest point last year. Is it just because ARod hits HRs, or has this guy wormed his way into our hearts?

I think we are happier for ARod then for the Yankees winning. (Don't get me wrong, I love it when the Yanks win, but you get my drift).
It's almost like there is Karmic balance now.

I rally like the guy. I did also when he was doing poorly, but it was painful to watch. This is a guy who's biggest crime is having his foot in his mouth.

We are witnessing history here.
We are watching a real star.
I don't think I've ever looked forward to the next Yankees game as much as I do now.

2007-04-19 20:55:31
36.   yankz
35 It's because Jeet had already won the crowds over. Amazing how it always comes back to Jeter vs. Arod.
2007-04-19 20:56:10
37.   yankz
Oh, and OYF, was this what it was like to watch Mickey Mantle play? I mean, Bonds has dominated like this, but I never rooted for him...I've never experienced one of my favorite players dominate series after series like this.
2007-04-19 21:03:56
38.   BklynBmr
33 Those whores are kissing @ss right now, but as soon as A-Rod goes 0 for 10, it'll be "all-trade, or all-opt-out, all the time". Don't let them lull you... better yet, don't even watch it. High viewership ratings only encourage them...
2007-04-19 21:18:51
39.   tommyl
38 In my defense I was only watching to see the HR on my big screen tv since I was stuck at work during the day. Right now they love him because he's a great redemption "story." As soon as he cools off a bit, they'll drop it.
2007-04-19 21:35:23
40.   BklynBmr
39 Apologies, tommyl — that was by no means personal, and truly sorry if it read that way... I have issues with the bias and unprofessionalism of that network. That's all ;-)
2007-04-19 21:48:50
41.   yankz
Wow, I know it's late, but my sound completely crapped out on YouTube, Google Video, etc. It's probably a problem with my flash, but I can't figure it out. I know there are some computer geniuses out there, can someone help me? You know how important YouTube is to me...
2007-04-19 23:03:48
42.   OldYanksFan
36 I wasn't comparing the 2 per se, as much as voicing the 'magnitude' on the 'Jeter scale' of the energy ARod is creating

37 I was 10, in 1965 when I became a Yanks fan. (So I'm an OldYanksFan as opposed to an AcientYanksFan). 1964 was the last year Mick hit .300 and over 30 HRs. He couldn't overcome injuries after that, and I think basically played out the last years simply to reach 500+ HRs. So I never really saw the great ballplayer, but I did get to witness the legend.

I came across this and was surprised at some of the names.
All-time Career OPS

Barry Bonds ------ 1.051 4
Todd Helton ------ 1.023 6
Manny Ramirez --- 1.011 8
Frank Thomas ---- 0.990 10
Lance Berkman --- 0.983 11
Mark McGwire ----- 0.982 12
Jim Thome -------- 0.974 16
Vladimir Guerrero- 0.972 17
Alex Rodriguez --- 0.958 20
Jason Giambi ----- 0.954 21
Carlos Delgado --- 0.948 22

Todd Helton 6th? Manny is 8th. Didn't know Berkman was THAT good (at 11th) and ARod at 20th.

2007-04-19 23:08:24
43.   Chyll Will
4 Sorry I'm late, Sliced... obviously a Cacillac is something native to Cacillaci (sometimes spelled "Kakilakee"... Now would Abreu be from North Cacillaci or South Cacillaci?

Seamus and I were certainly on the same wagon train when A-Rod did his thing. Wowzers. Well, I got a root beer out of the deal from 3GYF, so I'm content. Plus A-Rod has proven me so right thus far: "Hit the ball, catch the ball, throw the ball, eat the ball, tell 'em to kiss your behind if necessary, play the game." Copyright 2006 by Chyll Will, you have my permission to quote me in the morning news. Yummy...

2007-04-19 23:12:24
44.   Chyll Will
42 I don't consider 1955 old or ancient. It just don't seem right. Even Uncle Woodrow, who's from 1931, doesn't seem old to me. But then, I was born with gray hair, so what do I know?
2007-04-19 23:19:51
45.   Chyll Will
And Emma? You can talk to your dog all you please, he's got a special place on Banter now. Here's a Milkbone from us to your dog and tell him I said, "Why must I feel like that? Why must I chase the cat??"
2007-04-19 23:20:36
46.   Chyll Will
zzzzz...
2007-04-19 23:24:42
47.   mikeplugh
42 Helton is good, but he gets the asteroid sized asterisk next to his OPS for having played in Colorado. Manny Ramirez is the best hitter in the American League, and has been for many many years. I picked him as my 2007 MVP over at COH. That looks bad now with A-Rod booming and Manny glooming, but there's a long way to go.

Berkman is one that creeps up on you, but he is awe-inspiring in long stretches. The thing that boosts half of those guys is the incredible walks that they take every year. A-Rod walks "a lot" while Bonds, Thomas, Giambi, and others walk "A LOT". Guerrero is just that good.

2007-04-19 23:25:37
48.   mikeplugh
By the way, thanks Emma for another outstanding piece. Don't worry about talking to your dog. I talk to the TV, lamps, pudding cups, and belly button lint when the game is on the line.
2007-04-19 23:45:35
49.   yankz
46 I'm still up. And thank god I got YouTube to work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF-O0f4lWSo

2007-04-20 02:46:11
50.   Jim Dean
47 Mike, I thought that too. But compare the career numbers on Arod and Manny. Arod is now ahead on all the counting stats and he's three playing years younger.

To my eyes, Manny's hitting star burned a bit brighter, but Arod's will burn much longer.

Meanwhile, I love O'Neill just laughing in the background of the YES clips. Fun times.

Well, except for the news on Sanchez. Another reason why young pitchers can't be counted on. Some would say that's why you acquire 16 of them - so four work out. Or you acquire 16 position players and watch 8 work out. Even a balance would have been nice. And me, I liked the Shef deal. Still wish we never saw Minky. But with all RHP in Boston, I'm afraid that it will be a few more weeks before Phelps gets a legit shot. That's just the Tea M.O.

Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-04-20 04:55:56
51.   Jim Dean
Anyone know who this Ortiz kid is that came in after Wang last night?

3 IP and 7 K!? And he's 21 yo?

2007-04-20 05:21:18
52.   rbj
'Taint nuthin' wrond wid talkin' to yor dog.

I was busy walking mine during the sixth run ninth. Mine's a big Ohio State fan -- because that's where they did his surgery, at a discount.

Woo hoo.
Pettitte for 8 tonight, save #1 for Mo.

2007-04-20 05:29:57
53.   williamnyy23
Yesterday's game was amazing on many levels. For starters, Arod's April numbers are getting down right silly, but that's old news. The more impressive thing is how improbable it is to come back from 4 runs down with 2 outs and no one on in the bottom of the ninth. After Melky's ground out, the Indians radio broadcaster said something like, "In a few minutes what remains of the crowd will be sitting in traffic angry about the outcome of this game". Talk about bad karma…I wonder how the Indians' bus ride to the airport was?

One other interesting note was that three consecutive pitchers earned their first major league victory (Wright, Igawa and Henn). Sure it'd be nice to have the old guys back, but I think that's pretty neat.

35 I agree with you. It's not a slight on Jeter, but Arod's well documented "struggles" and the unfair treatment he has received could actually wind up catapulting him in popularity among "real" Yankees fans. As someone who has defended him throughout, it makes me very happy to see him actually reach a level of awesomeness that so many have unfairly expected and demanded. It's almost like Alex has said, "what do I need to do? Walk on water? Fine…I'll do it." In some weird way, the cathartic experience of rooting for Arod among the louts and bores who pour booze in and boos out has allowed me to vicariously enjoy his success in some small extra way. I am sure several other Yankee fans feel the same way.

As for Jeter, he is so steady, secure and stoic that he has become more of an object of admiration and less a cause for adulation. I don't think feeling "more love" for Arod is a knock on Jeter; it's just that the Captain doesn't really need it.

50 Losing Sanchez to TJ is a bummer, but back in 1992 the Yankees had this guy named Rivera who also underwent TJ surgery. After a season of rehab, this Rivera kid gained 10 mph on his fast ball and went on to have a pretty nice career. Perhaps a similar future is in the cards for Sanchez? Who knows, in 2009 the Yankees may have a pitcher waiting in the wings to take over as the team's closer?

2007-04-20 05:43:32
54.   Jim Dean
53 "One other interesting note was that three consecutive pitchers earned their first major league victory (Wright, Igawa and Henn). Sure it'd be nice to have the old guys back, but I think that's pretty neat."

You bet.

Re: Sanchez

Any of alot of kids could be the closer in 2009. But none will replace Mo. He's the greatest of all time.

Me, I would have just liked a decent 1B - last year even. I'll pray that Torre puts in Phelps tonight.

Meanwhile Jorge has played in every game so far. I suppose when Wil Nieves is the backup you don't have much of a choice if you're Tea.

Okay, I'll stop now.

2007-04-20 05:52:28
55.   ny2ca2dc
45 Always love a George Clinton reference. Nothin but the dog in me.
2007-04-20 05:55:52
56.   Jim Dean
49 Thanks for sharing that. Seriously.

Pretty sad that Minky is patrolling Gehrig's 1B.

What? I'm just sayin'.

2007-04-20 05:59:17
57.   ric
not that im saying the comeback wasnt amazing... but that HR came on a Kevin Brownesque 88 mph meatball down the geometrically exact center of the plate ;)
2007-04-20 05:59:24
58.   williamnyy23
54 Clearly, the Yankees haven't had much success with finding a BUC, so maybe it's time for more drastic measures. Why not simply use Phelps? He came up through the minors as a catcher, so perhaps he could catch 30+ games? If not, I think the Yankees need to pick up just about anybody else to replace Nieves (even if it's a stiff currently starting in Scranton). I am not a scout, but I have never seen a hitter look so incapable of getting a hit (yes, I realize the small sample). It also doesn't appear as if Nieves is much in the way of a defensive catcher either. It's amazing, but the Yankees actually have their worst BUC ever!

I don't mean to get JD on another BUC rant, but it is amazing that Wil Nieves is the best option.

2007-04-20 06:06:54
59.   seamus
58 BUCs seem hard to find in quality amounts without seriously overpaying. I'd just like to see us develop more quality candidates through our farm system. It seems the best way to get a quality BUC at an affordable rate.
2007-04-20 06:10:27
60.   rbj
good BUCs are rarer than hens' teeth, if they're any good, they start. And if you've got a decent/servicable one, you hold onto him, so as not to lose much when resting your regular one -- or trade him for above his value.

Tommy John was able to bounce back from his surgery, and helped the Yankees win a title. Let's wait & see what Sanchez does in spring training next year. Maybe he'll pull a John Smoltz and relieve for a couple of years to build back arm strength.

2007-04-20 06:11:46
61.   williamnyy23
59 True...but with the Phillies being so desperate for relievers (they've just turned their opening day starter into a middle reliever!), you'd think the Yankees could work out somethign very favorable for Coste or even Ruiz.

The Mets actually have a very good BUC in Ramon Castro. He is exactly what the Yankees need.

2007-04-20 06:12:42
62.   Jim Dean
58 Torre laughed off in the Spring Phelps as the third string emergency catcher.

But Cairo has played the OF "everywhere he's been".

Meanwhile I've now fixated on Chris Carter as the obvious "why didn't the Yanks get him?" 1B:

http://tinyurl.com/yv6nfx

So he's 24, hit everywhere he's been, and stuck behind Conor Jackson in AAA. What's not to love? Even if his glove isn't great, he's still got an upside. Plus he absolutely crushes RHP - that's a platoon with Phelps.

2007-04-20 06:15:36
63.   Jim Dean
59 And they've developed BUC's exactly how over the last five years? By drafting Parrish Jr then forgetting about the position?

60 Lieberthal was available. And if they were more on top of things they could have signed Zaun in a very brief window.

Still I agree with with 59. Cashman though doesn't.

2007-04-20 06:33:20
64.   williamnyy23
62 How do you know he was available? Also, isn't the PCL very hitter friendly. I checked out his MLE at minorleague splits.com and his 2006 OPS of .878 translates to .725.

Also, the socuting report on him is that he is a very poor defender who is slow and has a weak arm. Who does that sound like. There's no need to go out and get a Giambi-like defender when you already have the real thing!

2007-04-20 06:43:04
65.   Jim Dean
64 In 2006 he jumped to AAA after half a season at AA. He's mashing this year, and by all indications he'll continue to, since he's done it at every level.

Me, I'd rather have a 24 yo Hafner maybe than a 35 yo Minky definitely.

2007-04-20 06:52:38
66.   Knuckles
57 Do you have a point here? What, you think Alex should have taken that pitch, then hit a slider away out of the yard instead? This isn't figure skating- you don't get extra runs for degree of difficulty.
2007-04-20 06:54:58
67.   YankeeInMichigan
50 So how's the Sheff deal working out now? Sure, we lose Sanchez for the year, but Sheff is batting .132. I guess the big difference is the $42 million that the Tigers, and not the Yankees, will paying over the next three years. Oh, but I almost forgot. Look at Kevin Whelan's line at AA Trenton:

5 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 0 BB, 8 K, 2 SV

2007-04-20 06:56:09
68.   rbj
63 It depends upon what the price was. The Yankees have been looking to tighten up their payroll lately, and not give up too much in the farm system.
2007-04-20 07:03:28
69.   Jim Dean
67 I said many times I liked the Shef deal. And notice that Claggett is doing well too for Tampa:

7.1 IP 5 H 0 BB 5 K

That's what made the the Unit trade so disgusting in my mind. The D'backs had a few 1B's and two potential BUC's. To end up with more pitching was plain dumb, esp when not a month later they sign Minky and Cairo and later still Todd Pratt.

68 The two aren't mutually exclusive. Plus they gave Juan Miranda $1 million this off-season. Anyone think he'll amount to anything?

Jeff Mathis is still raking in AAA. Jeff Clement not so much.

The point is it's okay to make some moves to aniticpate needs. Not wait until they're blackholes (see again, CF 2003-2006). Now two years to find a 1B?

Meanwhile, Jorge gets run into the ground.

2007-04-20 07:05:29
70.   williamnyy23
65 I'd love a Hafner too, but in his first AAA season, Pronk had a 1022 OPS. In Carter's first AAA season in 2006 (the one before this winter's trade talks), he only had a pedestrian 878 OPS when you consider the Sidewinders division in the PCL.

By the way, if you want to see mashing in the minors, check out Shelley Duncan's early numbers.

2007-04-20 07:11:43
71.   yankz
Jesus Christ, I post an amazing video about Lou Gehrig, and Jim Dean finds a way to complain about it .
2007-04-20 07:17:06
72.   Jim Dean
71 It was a joke.

Still I think ALS Gehrig of '39 would be better option at 1B than Minky.

Sort of like a drunk Mantle would have been better than Crosby in 2005.

2007-04-20 07:19:17
73.   Jim Dean
Meanwhile recognize my bitching for what it is: Preemptive therapy for Minky and his .472 OPS in the lineup tonight and this weekend.
2007-04-20 07:20:41
74.   yankz
Until you prove that any of these players was available, your arguments are just as tired as ever.
2007-04-20 07:27:45
75.   Jim Dean
70 S. Duncan is in his Andy Phillips AAAA years.

Pronk was also two years older at 25 when he had that season. If Carter has a similar year, he's one year ahead.

Meanwhile, how's this for a mL comp:

Pronk: 2343 AB .297 .407 .513
Carter: 1331 AB .307 .396 .526

Like I said, I rather a Hafner-maybe than a Minky-definitely.

Further, if Carter is really bad at defense, then the D'backs have even less use for him.

2007-04-20 07:32:06
76.   Jim Dean
74 Sorry mate - that's utter BS. Prove what? That a AAA 1B behind Conor Jackson and Tony Clark isn't available?

That's hogwash. Everybody is available for the right price. And if the D'backs were willing to send two AAA starting pitchers, a AAA starting SS, and a ML RHRP, they most certainly would have sent a AAA 1B and change.

What is with people? I know I'm an obsessive, but to assume the only solution was Minky and defend it?

Just dumb choices - really dumb. Now let me stew in my cave!

2007-04-20 07:45:29
77.   Cliff Corcoran
63 Jim, they had Zaun signed, they had everything but the ink on the contract when Barajas pulled out of Toronto and blew it all up.
2007-04-20 07:51:08
78.   YankeeInMichigan
63 They did sign and develop Dioneer Navaro. But The Boss gave the edict to obtain the Unit at any cost and even leaked the edict to the media, putting Cash in a very weak negotiating position. It came to down to giving up Navaro or Cano, and Cash made the right choice.

I presume that Cash brought up catchers when returning Unit to sender, but that the D-Backs, who maintained a much stronger negotiating position than the Yanks had two years ago, said no way.

Of course, the reality remains that the only reasonable catching prospect in the system is 16 years old, and unless Posada pulls an age-defying act of Carlton Fisk proportions, the team will need someone to fill the gap. I find it hard to believe that Cash isn't constantly monitoring the landscape for catcher opportunities. As he demonstrated with the Abreu trade, he can keep a good poker face.

2007-04-20 07:52:10
79.   Orly Yarly NoWai
On a more amusing note, the Boston Herald has a headline reading:

It's love-hate with Rodruigez: Boos will become cheers in '08

The entire article is Gerry Callahan indulging in faux poetry, waxing eloquent about A-Rod's lips. Callahan is certain that A-Rod will opt out and sign with Boston, because clearly Boston is the place he wants to be.

The link (if you need a laugh).

http://tinyurl.com/ywvybw

2007-04-20 08:02:18
80.   Dimelo
It's 420 day, it's sunny, and the Yanks are playing the Sawx. It's hard to find a more perfect day than today. Even yesterday's coffee tastes better today.

Let's go Yanks.

I will say this about our current BUC, he has to be the worse in the Cashman-Torre era. I will not give Cashman any grief because, as Cliff stated, they had Zaun signed.

The worse is when Miekcizkeizkckdz and Nievas are in the lineup together. They have to be the exact opposite of Gehrig and Ruth.

2007-04-20 08:14:27
81.   Jim Dean
80 Me, I just wish I had some way to celebrate 420. At least I'd chill the f out for a few hours.

But you can't give Cash props for an almost signing. Then they do nothing!? It's like signing Kelly Stinnett in November and calling it problem solved.

Me, the worse was Cairo in LF, Minky at 1b, and Nieves at C. Just ugly.

Meanwhile, Jorge has played every game. And Minky is 13 of 14.

At least everyone in the infield has stayed healthy.

2007-04-20 08:27:40
82.   williamnyy23
75 We can split hairs with this, but for comparison purposes, I'd rather look at their higher level numbers than lump in rookie ball and single A.

Carter's numbers simply do not jump off the page to the point that he should have been targeted by Cashman. Also, let's wait and see what happens with Ohlendorf first. Maybe he'll wind up being traded as part of a package to Texas for Texiera? If that happens, then how would you feel about the deal?

I'd also be a little leery of Arizona 1B prospects...from Travis Lee to Jack Cust, they always seem to have great 1Bmen in the minors who never seem to adapt to the majors. Maybe playing in Tucson has something to do with it?

Finally, let's say that Carter has another great season in the minors and does become Travis Hafner? Well, it took Hafner until 27 to become Pronk. Assuming that Carter only needs one more year to emerge as a hitter good enough to carry his glove, then how does that solve the Yankees' Minky problem? They'd still need someone to play 1B this season and would have wasted a trading chip (RJ) on a potential all hit/no field 1B. That doesn't sound like a great strategy to me.

I understand what you are doing...Minky is such a weak option that almost anyone seems better. Still, it's a stretch to pick out a guy who is hot in the early going at AAA and think he is the answer.

2007-04-20 08:33:48
83.   rbj
Hey everybody, I vote we make Jim Dean the Yankees GM -- he obviously knows more about how to do this than Cashman. Heck, make him Manager too.

-- Just joshing with you Jim. but I am a bit more worried about our starting rotation than a guy who's going to play once a week. Plus, if the Yanks 1-6/7 hitters don't get the job done against a pitcher, I don't see a Minky replacement making much of a difference.

2007-04-20 08:39:53
84.   Jim Dean
82 "Minky is such a weak option that almost anyone seems better"

Correction: Any other option would have been better.

I'm just fixating on one guy, but Carter could have been a platoon-mate for Phelps. A legit youngster with upside. None of this Andy Phillips at 28 yo crap. A legit youngster.

And more, he's just a reposnse the whole "Prove Conor Jackson was available!"

The point is: There are enough young, cheap, and decent 1B's that they only answer is Cashman didn't want one. He got his Minky.

Meanwhile, I'm not convinced that Teixeira isn't declining. And with Boras as his agent, they're going to trade a bunch to get him then give him a huge contract? That doesn't make much sense.

2007-04-20 08:44:51
85.   Jim Dean
83 Hey, I'd take the job. Where do I apply? And do you think they'll accept Banter Ranteras a previous job title?

Sorry, but it makes every bit of a difference. Look at how many rallies Nieves and Minky have killed already - even just Minky.

You can't just throw away one slot in the order. Because you never know when a hitter there might be needed.

And it's not like I'm saying they should have gotten Sexson or Helton (though that would have solved the problem).

Just that anything would have been better than Minky. And we didn't need the last two and half weeks to see this.

Same goes for Nieves and Cairo. Just disgusting.

2007-04-20 09:14:45
86.   Bama Yankee
57 "that HR came on a Kevin Brownesque 88 mph meatball down the geometrically exact center of the plate"

Hey ric, maybe Borowski should have tried something more like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df4G5Jx4Q_E

2007-04-20 09:20:12
87.   Dimelo
81 Jim, I'll be sure to do enough 420 for the both of us as the Yanks are hitting 38pitches.com
2007-04-20 09:33:35
88.   Jim Dean
87 Thanks. And can you pour a 40 for my manhood while you're at it?

One word: vaporizer. It will be the best gift you ever bought yourself (preferably Vapor Bros).

2007-04-20 09:39:33
89.   YankeeInMichigan
Here's what A-Rod is approaching:

Most home runs in April, AL - 13 (Ken Griffey, Jr., 1997)
Most home runs in April, MLB - 14 (Albert Pujols, 2006 -- we've forgotten already)
Most home runs in a month, Yankee RH - 15 (Joe Dimaggio, July 1937)
Most home runs in a month, Yankee - 17 (Babe Ruth, September 1927)
Most home runs in a month, AL - 18 (Rudy York, August 1937)
Most home runs in a month, MLB - 20 (Sammy Sosa, June 1998)

Sources: http://tinyurl.com/2jmars, http://tinyurl.com/3ynbqc

2007-04-20 09:47:20
90.   Dimelo
88 I've heard a lot of good things about those. They run in $300 range though. That's about 1/2 the price of a Z of some good Sour Diesel.

Sorry, I stopped drinking 40's.

The only thing that keeps me calm throughout a Red Sox-Yanks game is some good 420.

2007-04-20 09:57:27
91.   Jim Dean
90 No, no - Vapor bros is $150 and you save $$$ because there's no waste - i.e. lasts longer and maximum efficiency.

It is a different experience though. Much more intense effects but less social.

2007-04-20 10:05:08
92.   yankz
86 I will never forget that game. The bottom of the ninth was as "Hammer of God" as I've ever seen Mo- K'd Damon, Nixon, and Ortiz- replace Nixon with Varitek, and it'd be perfect.
2007-04-20 10:49:14
93.   Bama Yankee
92 For those who want to see it:
http://tinyurl.com/38xr42

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