Monday, July 28, 2008

Yankees: Pretender or Contender

After winning nine straight division titles, and making the playoffs every year since 1995, the dynasty known as the Yankees are in a decline.
Last season we saw the Yankees stumble out of the gate only to regain their footage, make a run towards the playoffs fitted with young stars who came up and damn near saved the season. Oh, they also had an MVP named Alex Rodriguez.

This season is almost a replica of last year. Poor clutch hitting, bullpen implosions, and another slow start. At least they still have that MVP fella.
A rash of injuries have taken playing time away from A-Rod, ace Chein-Ming Wang, pitcher friendly Jorge Posada, two break through seasons from Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon, plus the injuries from Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, and Brian Bruney (was paid to mention Bruney's name).

The Yankees, in desperate need of relief pitching and a live bat have made headlines.

Joba Chamberlain was removed from the pen to the starting rotation raising questions on who the bridge will be to Rivera. Kyle Farnsworth and LaTroy Hawkins do not have impressive resumes.

Richie Sexson was recently taken from waivers and thrown in the line up and will be used against left-handed pitchers giving more power to the line up who suffer heavily under lefties.

But before I give my two cents, it does amaze me how things just fall in place. Mussina has already matched last seasons win total, Chamberlain has been a very effective starter, and Farnsworth made a turn around providing just enough support to get to Rivera. And speaking of Rivera, 23 for 23 in save opportunities is something to be noticed.

What the Yankees need to do before the July 31 deadline is trade away a bat for an arm. Granted the Yankees are suffering in the once surplussed outfield, I say trade Bobby Abreu for a #2 or #3 starting pitcher.
Randy Wolf of the Padres, Paul Byrd of the Indians, and even Bronson Arroyo from the Reds are all possibilities.

The Yankees have plenty of bats, trade one for a pitcher to bolster the rotation, and better yet, the relief corps. Granted, good relievers are hard to come by, but if there is a will, Big Stein will pay.

The offense is still there, only down by about a run per game from last year. Hitting will only improve. If the pitching stays the same, and the Yankees add one arm, whether it be a starter or reliever, the Yankees have a great chance of reaching the playoffs again.

With that, the Yankees can be a contender. But until then, and it pains me to say this, right now they are pretenders.



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BallHype: hype it up! Posted by Steve Kenul at 3:54 PM 0 Heckles

Monday, September 10, 2007

Yankees Trivia


The Yankees used a total of 13 different starters this season, 8 of them rookies.
Of the eight, name FIVE.
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Kei Igawa
Philip Hughes
Tyler Clippard
Matt DeSalvo
Jeff Karstens
Darrell Rasner
Ian Kennedy
Chase Wright

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BallHype: hype it up! Posted by Steve Kenul at 11:37 PM 3 Heckles

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Monthly Review: April


The New York Yankees, with one of the most potent line ups ever, are sitting in last lace with the worst opening month since 1984.
They have had wild finishes with clutch hitting, but when playing in their division, they are a miserable 3-11 with two wins against Tampa Bay and a lone win against Boston.
Their pitching has meet the disabled list with all but one starter making the trip. They have used nine different starters including four minor league call-ups to fill in for the injured pitchers. The bullpen is worse than last year ruining quality starts and suffering losses in games which they would have normally won. Mariano Rivera's ERA is in double digits as he collapsed against the Red Sox twice taking the loss in both games.
The Yankees are in a position that Would make King George begin with the firing and hiring, but with age and the support of players, he will not take any actions, yet. Torre nearly lost his job last year after a first round loss to the Tigers in the playoffs sent them home early for the seventh year in a row, but was saved by General Manager Brian Cashman, who may lose his job with Torre is things do not head upward.
The first week was the toughest, especially for the gloves. The Yankees committed six errors in the first game with Derek Jeter accounting for half of them. Notice how I said Jeter, not A-Rod.The infield was improved a lot overall in defense and the offense is slowly peeking around the corner.
If the Yankees want to march back in first, the starting pitching needs to remain healthy and pitcher at least six full innings and the bullpen needs to shut down the opposing bats, not give the game away.
There is no problem with the line up as the Yankees continue to lead the majors in runs scored with A-Rod and Bobby Abreu leading the way.
One item on the Yankees checklist come July 31 trading deadline is pitching. And when that time comes, I will give my recommendations on who should be signed and who should be in trade talks.

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BallHype: hype it up! Posted by Steve Kenul at 7:40 PM 2 Heckles

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Oh Hell

Short and Sour:
Six losses in a row and Boston this weekend, very damnlicious.
This is sickening.

We have used nine different starters in a five man rotation: Andy Pettitte, Carl Pavano, Mike Mussina, Kei Igawa, Darrell Rasner, Philip Hughes, Jeff Karstens, Chase Wright and Chein-Ming Wang. Four of them minor league call ups to replace the injured staff. Pavano, you have no excuse, unless you got into another car accident.

Something has to be done, and it has to be done quick.
Raise more young arms in the rotation, dump Pavano since he can't pitch without visiting the disabled list, Mussina is aging, and Igawa so far is a bust.
The bullpen is a waste of time allowing three sure wins to be wasted with two of those against Boston last weekend.

What the Yankees need to do is appear on a new reality show: Extreme Makeover: Bullpen Edition.

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BallHype: hype it up! Posted by Steve Kenul at 10:22 PM 7 Heckles

Monday, April 23, 2007

Did I Say That?

After mentioning to the press all through spring training, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has officially stated the he would not have Philip Hughes pitch in the majors this season.

Officially.

With the exception of Tuesday.

The 20-year-old was probably fairly surprised to have his phone ring on Monday with a message that he'd be starting in pinstripes on Thursday against Toronto.

The Yankees' rotation has taken some blows early on this season, with Mike Mussina on the disabled list with a sore hamstring, Carl Pavano watching from the dugout with tightness in his right forearm and Chien-Ming Wang out with a strained hamstring. Torre said he wasn't sure what would happen with Hughes, or how long the youngster would stay up, but he said the team would take it "a start at a time."Hughes fanned 10 last Wednesday, but Torre was more impressed with how the right-hander was able to fight through rough patches.

Taken in the first round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, Hughes was the only Minor League pitcher recommended to Torre by his advisory staff.

Across 26 starts at Class A Tampa and Double-A Trenton last season, Hughes went 12-6 with a 2.16 ERA, striking out 168 batters and walking 34 in 146 innings.

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BallHype: hype it up! Posted by Steve Kenul at 7:32 PM 0 Heckles

Monday, April 16, 2007

Analyzing a Loss

The Yankees have had some tough breaks with their pitching.
Well, not breaks, but a repeat of last year.

Four starters landed on the disabled list, and the bull pen is showing signs that the Death Star can blow up again.

Chein-Ming Wang, last years Cy Young runner up and TYIB Pitcher of the Year started the season on the DL and is expected to return after a rehab start this Saturday in AAA Scranton.

If his rehab goes well, expect him to pitch for the Yankees next Wednesday or Thursday, just after the Yankees and Red Sox battle.

Mike Mussina returned to the DL with a strained left hammy, and for a pitcher, a hamstring injury can affect a pitcher's push-off or his stop, depending on what hand they throw with. For Moose, it's the stopping that is affected.

Carl Pavano....well, he's Pavano, this was expected.

The Yankees fifth starter, Jeff Karstens was sent to the DL with Wang before the start of the season with tendinitis in his right (throwing) elbow. However, he is young and can overcome this injury quickly and is expected to return around the same time as Wang.

As for the bullpen, better than last year, but still, lacking essential winning power.

Kyle Farnsworth was a laugh last year, but has improved dramatically to be a great set-up man for Mariano Rivera.

His last two appearance have been less than noteworthy allowing tying and winning runs to cross the plate and earning a loss in a game in which he allowed four runs through. He is making an effort to resolve this problem going over video footage of his pitching and spotting mistakes, one of them being releasing the ball to early and rushing pitches.

Mariano Rivera, who gave up last nights game to a rare home run was cold as far as preparedness goes.

He has only pitched four innings before last night striking out six and getting a few splinters from sitting on the bench too long.

In my personal diagnosis, I think sitting on the bench may have convinced Rivera that innings only last two outs since that's all he pitched before allowing two on base and sending a moon shot from a .050 hitter over the fence for the game-winning home run.

As for the "new" starting line up, Andy Pettitte and Darrell Rasner will be joined with AAA pitcher Chris Britton and AA pitcher Chase Wright who leads the Eastern League with 19 strikeouts in 14 scoreless innings and is already on the 40-man roster.

Do not expect to see Philip Hughes till late this season or even next year, Brian Cashman has made it clear he wants to build for the future and having Hughes rush into the majors will be a huge mistake.

It's about time some one in the Yankees front office read my blog.

Recent forum talk: Woe is Us: Pitching

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BallHype: hype it up! Posted by Steve Kenul at 9:35 PM 1 Heckles

Friday, April 06, 2007

Woe is Us

After three games into the season, a lot of questions have been replaced by new questions.

What happened to the defense?
What happened to the pitching?
What happened to A-Rod? -Wait, that's the same one as before...

So far the Yankees lead the majors in errors with six , three in back-to-back games, the first time since 1926.
Gold Glove shortstop Derek Jeter is responsible for three errors including two tonight in a loss against the Orioles. The other three were split among A-Rod, Meinty, and Josh Phelps.
Wether it is the cold air swooping down from Canada, the moisture in the air, or the Yankees failed to realize the season started, something needs to be done.

The Yankees pitching answers seemed to have solved with the signing of Pettitte and the return of Pavano, but that was the opposite.
No Yankees pitcher this season has yet to reach the five inning mark and all three starters so far have allowed more than 4 runs each.
Mariano Rivera has lead the team in strike outs with three that he earned on the season opener while pitching one inning. Mussina passed that mark today with a fourth K.
So the question is raised again, how are the Yankees going to solve their pitching problems if their starters can't go past four innings?
The middle relief is so-so with Luis Vizcaino garning the only win only to suffer a loss in his next outing.
Kyle Farnsworth has so far made a impression in his outings not allowing any runs.

Alex, Alex, Alex. You hit a home run on Opening Day, got a standing O, but it was not clutch. Last night you had two chances to win the game including a bases-loaded situation in which a base hit would have won the game, but instead you pop out.
Tonight, with two men on and two outs, same thing, same results.
I am not going to put the full blame on A-Rod, since there are 24 other players on the team who are equally responsible in the Yankees recent failures.

Week one has come and gone, three games have passed, and the Yankees are not fully aware of their surroundings. It's the regular season, time to play ball.

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BallHype: hype it up! Posted by Steve Kenul at 10:52 PM 1 Heckles

Saturday, March 17, 2007

2007 Yankees

In 2001, the Yankees lost one of the most grueling World Series with an error by one of the most dominate and near-perfect closers in baseball history.
In 2002, the Yankees fell to the tough Anaheim Angels in the Championship Series.
In 2003, the Yankees reached the pinnacle of sports with a stunning home run only to fall short again.
In 2004, the Yankees were stunned by the most remarkable comeback in sports history.
In 2005, the Yankees fell to the mighty Angels, this time in the first round.
In 2006, the Yankees, heavily favored to win the World Series, came victim to a team who had lost 119 games only a few short years ago.

Welcome to 2007, a new year, a new season, and a new team.

Following the stunning series against the Detroit Tigers, the Yankees had questions that needed to be answered.
How can the pitching improve, who will return, what changes will take place?

The first item on the agenda was pitching. The Yankees traded Gary Sheffield to the Tigers for a few young pitchers including Humberto Sanchez, who may have his share of injuries, but is also dependable and the possible new closer. The Sheffield trade also made the outfield selections more simpler and allowed more playing time to be split between the four currently sharing the field.

Randy Johnson was sent back to Arizona for three more pitchers, all whom will be playing in the minors and preparing themselves for the majors.

Jorge Posada (23 HR/93 RBI/.277 Avg.) remains one of the top catchers in the game. After replacing Joe Girardi for the permanent role, Posada has done everything right and coming close to breaking Yogi Berra's home run record. His outlook for this season still remains optimistic and is predicted to hit over 15 home runs with 75 RBI.

The first base issue was resolved with the signing Doug Mientkiewicz (4/43/.283) sending slugger Jason Giambi (37/113/.253) to the designated hitter slot. Mientkiewicz was signed primarily as a defensive signing rather than an offensive one. In this line up, Meinty is expected to his 5 home runs with 50 RBI.

The shift of Giambi to the DH role allows the Yankees to keep his bat in the line up so he can hit 35 home runs and drive in 90.

Second base remained secured by Robinson Cano (15/78/.342) as he was resigned to a one-year contract. His surprising sophomore season last year was a much needed one, ranking third in the batting title race behind team mate Derek Jeter. Robby's glove also provides an up-the-middle defense one of the best in baseball. If Cano has a great encore season, he will duplicate his stats and be in the MVP race this year as his offensive totals increase.

It seems as the Yankees had placed a franchise tag on Derek Jeter (14/97/.343) by naming him captain of the Yankees a few years ago and have not regretted that decision. Jeter was the front runner for the AL MVP award falling just short and placed second in the batting race. His timely hitting and clutch performances keeps him atop in the shortstop ranking and always a threat at the plate. Jeter had never let down the Yankees and he will once again help guide the Yankees to the playoffs.

Third base hosts Alex Rodriguez (35/121/.290) who's 2006 season was below average. His 24 fielding errors ties his career mark and his clutch production was anything but. However, his offensive production was still available hitting 35 home runs with 121 RBIs. He won the 2004 MVP award and will most likely see a rebound year. Rodriguez will have a comeback season now that some personal issues have been resolved. A-Rod should see around 45 home runs pushing him into the exclusive 500 home run club at a tender age of 32.

The outfield consists of Hideki Matsui (8/29/.302), Johnny Damon (24/80/.285), and Bobby Abreu (15/107/.297) with Melky Cabrera (7/50/.280) ready to play any side.

Matsui missed most of last season due to a wrist fracture making a diving catch and would not return until the Yankees were in a pennant race. Matsui will bounce back from his injury and use his wrists to snap 25 home runs with 80 RBI.

Johnny Damon came over from Boston and thanks to the short right field porch, saw his home run totals increase to a career high 24, and he says that he was playing under pressure. Damon has a very good chance of breaking his home run mark and could hit close to 30 this year with 90 RBI in the lead off position.

Gary Sheffield roamed right field whose presence at the plate us still a scary sight striking fear in all personnel down the third base side. Sheffield's stats are slightly obscure to an injury that led way to Cabrera's debut.

Melky provided both a glove and a bat much needed and his game saving catch of a home run from Manny Ramirez won him the "This Year in Baseball" award for defensive play of the year.

Bobby Abreu, who came in from the July 31 trade deadline last season was a huge help. His offensive numbers par better than his days in Philadelphia and will be an insurgent force. Watch for him as he hits close to 35 home runs and 110 RBI.

The starting pitching rotation was the largest concern. The Johnson trade helped out the Yankees by dumping a player who had elbow issues and back surgery in the off season.

Chein-Ming Wang (19 W/76 KO/3.63 ERA) rose as the ace of the staff tying the major league mark in wins and placing second on the Cy Young award voting. His style of pitching allows more induced ground ball outs replacing his low strike out count.

Mike Mussina (15/172/3.51) had a strong first half season fighting for the league lead in wins only to see some time on the disabled list in the second half with elbow injuries. This season, the aging pitcher will not only be valuable on the mound, but also as a tutor for the surplus of young pitchers in the bullpen.

Andy Pettitte (14/178/4.20) is making his return to New York after spending three years in Houston. People say that his elbow injuries will be a distraction and the weak spot in the rotation. All I can say is 17 wins is a reachable goal.

Carl Pavano (0/0/0.00), whose name is said next to physicians constantly last year and a target for batted balls. Pavano will be under the watchful eye of both Joe Torre and millions of Yankees fans.

Japanese import Kei Igawa (14/194/2.97 [Japanese baseball]) who is so far having a rough spring could improve to be the possible final rotation spot. Although Japanese and American pitchers are different, both have one goal, pitch like you want to win.

The middle relief consisting of Jeff Karstens, Mike Myers, Kyle Farnsworth, Brian Bruney, Ron Villone, Scott Proctor, and Darrell Rasner have been the sore spot last season giving up enough runs to lose over 25% of the games that the Yankees should have won.

Mariano Rivera (5/55/1.80/34 SV), in his last year of his contract, once again proved how valuable he is to the Yankees. Rivera is only 25 saves away from ranking third all-time and has won all two DHL Delivery Man of the Year awards handed out to the best closer in baseball including three Rolaids Relief Man awards. In his career, Rivera has received votes in both the MVP and Cy Young awards.

2007 Projections:

101-61 1st in AL East
World Series champions

LINE UP:
1 - CF - Johnny Damon
2 - SS - Derek Jeter
3 - DH - Jason Giambi
4 - 3B - Alex Rodriguez
5 - LF - Hideki Matsui
6 - C - Jorge Posada
7 - RF - Bobby Abreu
8 - 2B - Robinson Cano
9 - 1B - Doug Mientkiewicz

STARTING ROTATION:
1 - Chein-Ming Wang
2 - Mike Mussina
3 - Andy Pettitte
4 - Carl Pavano
5 - Kei Igawa


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BallHype: hype it up! Posted by Steve Kenul at 6:08 PM 1 Heckles

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