Results tagged ‘ Melky Cabrera ’
One Game…Does It Really Matter Now?
Okay, so Jason Giambi comes off the bench, and delivers not once, but twice. Good for him. I have always liked Gumbi, but his time in the Bronx is short. He is just as much of the problem with this year’s Yankees as anybody. His numbers look nice, but like A-Rod, he is a compiler. Before today, when was the last time Gumbi had a meaningful, game changing at bat for the Yankees. The whole team simply stinks…so don’t be getting all excited that this could be a turning point. Not enough games remaining, not enough heart or balls.
Yes, the Yankees won the final meeting between themselves and the Red Sox, 3-2 Thursday afternoon in the Bronx. Whoopee, I think I’ll pee my pants now. 29 games remain, they are 5 back of the Sox (Red that is) in the wild card, and in comes Toronto led by A.J. Burnett. The Yankees still have not solved their starting rotation problems, there are no signs of Wang or Chamberlain coming back anytime soon, if at at. Friday night’s matchup will pair former teammates against each other, when Burnett faces convicted armed Yankee robber Carl Pavano. At least in Burnett’s case, he has pitched great this season. Not the others, but this season. Pavano hasn’t had a full season since coming to the Bronx. Perhaps he has motivation (free agency), but it is far too little, far too late. Even if Wang and Chamberlain come back and pitch at 80%, that would necessitate the Yankee lineup scoring runs consistently, which they have not done throughout the 2008 season.
Moose Mussina pitched a great game, but yet fell short of yet another step towards his 20th win of the season. Instead, the bullpen, which I feel is a strong point for the Yankees heading into the 2009 season, held the Sox at bay until the Sandman could close the door for another win. Good for my fantasy stats, but not good for Moose in his search for a career milestone. Defense was solid, Jeter is inching closer to his career .300 average, and the pressure is visibly getting to A-Rod, who after popping out in the 6th inning, returned to the dugout only to crush his bat against he bat rack close to a dozen times. I’m surprised he made solid contact.
It will indeed take a miracle for the Yankees to salvage the 2008 season. I just don’t think this group has it in them. Girardi doesn’t have a magic potion to wake this flatline group from the dead and the abyss, and the best we can all hope for is 82-85 wins to finish the season. I heard a great idea on Jason Smith’s Allnight Show on ESPN Radio last night. He suggested that had Steinbrenner used his head, he would’ve put a winterball clause into each and every one of the Yankees’ player’s contracts. You don’t make the playoffs, you play winterball and figure it out there…at the remedial level.
Unfortunately, A-Rod will be dealing with a divorce and custody battle, Jeter will retreat to Tampa for fun in the Florida winter sun, and who cares what the rest of them do. The work will come during the month of December in my hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada. Why? That is where the coming Winter Meetings are going to be held. Whomever the GM is, he best be carrying an open checkbook. With the added revenue that a new stadium will provide, along with the cash flow that the YES Network consistently provides, it is not beyond normal reason to see the Yankees sign 2-4 top flight free agents. Who? Manny to DH, Sabathia and Sheets to pitch, Tex to play 1st. Perhaps this wishlist is unrealistic as a nice e-mailer pointed out earlier today, but this is not a normal offseason for the Bombers. Holes need to be filled, an arm in the bullpen (Joe Beimel perhaps), a trade here and there (Damon, Cano, Melky), could reface this organization with guys that want to win, rather than players that simply want to show up and collect a check.
Regardless of what the Yankees do, they must do something. Standing pat and throwing the young guys to wolves failed this season, and if the Yankee brass believes it will get better next season, remember a couple of things…Joba and Hughes got hurt, thus eliminating crucial experience that could’ve been gained. Ian Kennedy is not ready. He would be pitching in the AZ Fall League and winter ball-whether he wanted to or not. He must learn to throw a first pitch strike AND work on his breaking stuff. He simply stunk this year. If the Yankees make the same mistakes this offseason that they did last offseason, they can look forward to a dead last place finish in 2009. Why? Look up and down the rosters of the other teams within the division. They are all getting better, younger, and more competitive as each day passes.
As always, take care of yourself, be good, and take care of your buddy next to ya!
Forget Manny, It’s Just Damon Being Damon
For everything that Red Sox nation did to help run Manny Ramirez out of Boston, for everything Manny did to run himself out of Boston, for the passion of the Red Sox Nation, where is the anger and disgust from Yankeeland over what we have seen from Johnny Damon since he first put on the pinstripes?
Not once, but twice Damon turned routine plays into game costing plays for the Bombers last night. How many times since Damon became a Yankee, has he failed to drive in a crucial run, been unable to get a throw in to keep a runner from advancing, terribly misplayed a ball that someone of his athletic ability should have had, or just simply wasn’t in good enough shape to be the Johnny Damon the Yankees recurited to leave Red Sox Nation? The answer is simple: every game of his Yankee existence. I am sick and tired of Yankee fans coming to his defense everytime he has a miscue. Let us finally call it for what it is-a terrible signing of yet another over the hill player that left his best days with the team he left to grace us with a shell of his former self.
It is just the latest in the downward spiral that has become the Yankees 2008 season, the first in the Joe Girardi, post-Joe Torre era. It is simply a disaster. A trainwreck in every sense of the word, the worst possible scenario that could’ve come to fruition after an offseason in which we thank Joe Torre by slapping him in the face, failing to upgrade the starting rotation, rather choosing to go with a youth movement that had no wheels or ability to compete at the major league level. It has been a season in which the Yankees had offers to unload Damon, and a slew of unproven youthful pitching for the one piece they needed-Johan Santana. Instead, Santana is in Queens, Sabathia is in Milwaukee, and the core producers advance to 2009 another year older.
I have even read through blogs (no produced by any of you), that ideas have been placed out there that the Yankees should let the captain walk after his contract expires at the end of 2009. What? Are you serious? That would equate to trading Donnie Baseball at the end of his run, ignoring the fact that Thurman Munson died, and that Billy Martin wasn’t a genius. Enough already. Derek Jeter will finish his career in pinstripes, perhaps not at shortstop, but he will retire a Yankee.
As for what the Yankees face during these final games, they fell what I believe is beyond recovery. They did what they have all year. Put up 15 runs one day, take a day off, and put an uno on the board the next. Rasner pitched his heart out, only to see his fielders do nothing to get him a win. Poor defense, the inability to hit, all issues that need to be addressed at the winter meetings this upcoming December in my hometown-Las Vegas.
Tonight, Andy Pettitte attempts to get a win, which is a rarity these days. A man who was once untouchable after August 1st, has now become an average journeyman lefthander at best. He too should be celebrating his swansong in the Bronx over the next 5 weeks. Just that much more money to use on QUALITY pitching and hitting this offseason. That Yankees take on a young, unproven 26 year old, who will probably pitch the game of his life, and send the Yankees that much further towards a third or even fourth place finish in the AL East.
I will be back later to examine what I am guessing will be another heartbreaking defeat in a season full of missed opportunites and what could’ve beens.
As always, take care of yourself, be good, and take care of your buddy next to ya!
Yanks Handle Royals…Blue Jays, and the Return of Godzilla
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I want to apologize to everyone that was expecting an entry yesterday, or even earlier today, but I wanted to wait until the announcement regarding the possible return of Godzilla to the Bronx Bombers. With that, he has indeed returned, which I will discuss later in this entry, as well as discussing the Blue Jays, and what the Yankees get to look forward to in the coming days.
As I stated in the previous entry, I believed that the Yanks’ 13-inning victory this past Saturday could be a springboard, or the proverbial “wake up call” that we in Yankeeland have been waiting to see all season long. The Bombers indeed answered the call on Sunday, unleashing a beating on KC starter Brian Bannister that showed what this offense is capable of doing when they are focused and have their backs against the wall. Giambi, Jeter, and A-Rod earned their checks, and it seemed at least for one afternoon in August as if this team was playing towards another historical run at October. This author has already stated it is far too little, far too late. I am going to stick by what I have said, but I honestly hope for a ton of comments the day after the regular season ends saying “Billy, you were wrong!” We shall see…
As for the games today, can the Tampa Rays ever do anything wrong? They lose the wouldbe American League Rookie of the Year, they lose their top basestealing threat and catalyst, and they lose their closer. Doesn’t matter. Joe Maddon should be the AL Manager of the Year for what he has done. They simply use their 25-man roster as one, and play together like a championship-caliber should. And don’t think for one minute that the Boston Red Sox are going away either. Trade Manny, lose some firepower. Between Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, and newly acquired Jason Bay, this team is poised for another World Series title. As much as I despise Theo Epstein for his lack of loyalty, and complete disregard for the chemistry of his club, he has once again proven why he is one of the best at what he does. His decisions aren’t always popular, but given his track record, they generally seem to prove to be the right decision. By the way, both Tampa and Boston handled business Monday night, thus each gaining a 1/2 game on the idle Yankees.
So the Yankees head north of the border to take on a revitalized Blue Jays squad, one who is playing with passion and a mission. It’s amazing what delving into the past and brining back a successful field boss can do for a young team. J.P. Riccardi’s decision to give Cito Gaston another chance has proven fruitful. Before I go any further, I have never seen a 2-time World Series winning manager be more disrespected throughout the major leagues as I have Gaston. It’s refreshing to see him get another chance, because he has stayed LOYAL to the Toronto organization, even after giving him the axe some time ago. Good luck Cito!
Darrell Rasner takes the hill for New York, not having pitched badly this year, but just not consistent enough to be considered in that Shawn Chacon mold just yet. It’s too bad that Cashman, when shaking up the big club by demoting Melky Cabrera, shitcanning Richie Sexson, and promoting speedster Brett Gardner, didn’t see any reason to give some of the unheard of young guns a shot to earn their spot to stick either. Tuesday’s matchup will be a difficult one. A.J. “I’m pitching now the way I should’ve the day I signed my big contract” Burnett is on the mound for the Jays. I shouldn’t ever be surprised anymore at how I see players perform when a contract is on the line, but yet I always am. Manny dogged his way out of Boston and could finish in the top five in NL MVP voting, C.C. Sabathia is making a case for NL Cy Young consideration after a putrid start this season in Cleveland, and that brings us to Burnett.
Burnett signed for a king’s ransom three seasons ago, after having just over a .500 record during his career in Florida. Nobody has ever questioned his stuff, which is Beckett-like when he is healthy. But a slew of injuries since signing that contract made the Jays out to look like fools, similar to the Yankees in the Pavano signing. The difference is, A.J. can opt out of his contract at season’s end and become a free agent yet again. Pavano is making every attempt to come back this season because he too can hit the open market next winter. Burnett should get some Cy Young love at the end of the season, and get yet another pay day, and I will predict right here, right now, that his next contract will be bigger that his current deal. You watch…blisters, elbow pain, shoulder tiredness, or painful gas will shelve Burnett, much like it has during his career in Toronto. Buyer beware.
Unfortunately for the Yankees, they will see the Cy Young candidate with dollar signs in his eyes later tonight. I haven’t seen a starter yet that THESE Yankees couldn’t knockout inside of three innings when they decide to do so. But focus, consistency, and being professional are battles THIS Yankees squad has struggled with for much of the last three season. The Yankees gain back a leader and a big bat tonight with the return of Hideki Matsui.
Matsui, who has been on the DL with knee problems for most of the season, looked very good during his simulated rehap and minor league rehab assignments. I wouldn’t expect anything less from “Godzilla”, as he has always taken pride in his professionalism, and pride in his performance. He just as easily could’ve ended his season by having surgery, and getting ready for 2009. Matsui however, is a consimate pro, and if he felt he could be productive and contribute to this year’s team, a pack of horses wasn’t going to keep him off the field. Perhaps young players such as Robinson Cano could take a lesson on personal pride, and dedication to one’s craft from a guy like Matsui. He will probably bat 5th, and DH for the Bombers tonight. Look for an immediate offensive impact from the man they call “Godzilla”.
The Yankees have 38 games left to the 2008 regular season. They currently stand 5 1/2 games back in the AL Wild Card chase. 28 of their next 38 games are on the road, meaning they are going to have to do things the hard way. They’ve backed themselves into an almost no-win corner. Can they make the impossible happen? It worked for the Rockies, who were far less talented. Again we shall see…stay tuned. I will be back tomorrow night with a review of the opening game between the Yankees and the Jays.
As always, take care of yourself, be good, and take care of your buddy next to ya!
Hey…Do You Smell That? Oh, It’s Just the Yankees
Before I go into my daily rage regarding the 2008 version of the Yankees, I want to start by wishing my Mom Doreen, a very Happy Birthday!!! We are celebrating by travelling to Southern California to watch the Yankees/Angels finale on Sunday. Question is, after Friday night’s game, is it truly celebrating or self induced torture?
I thought I had absolutely seen it all this season with the Yankees. Unfortunately, Ian Kennedy and Johnny Damon showed me that a team on the verge of collapse can show an all time level of new lows-long before the season is over. Kennedy had no business pitching Friday night, or at the major league level at all in 2008. Johnny Damon…what can I say? Why the hell is he still in New York? I would be willing to pay the remainder of his contract, just to get him off this roster. Perhaps this offseason a new general manager can make Christmas come early this year.
Damon is the absolute worst fielding Yankee I have seen in possibly 20 years. And yes, I lived through the Mel Hall experiment in the Bronx. He can barely run, has little to no communication skills, and has an arm like a 4 year old girl. It is probably not nice to say this, but I was openly hoping he reinjured his shoulder, just so he would have to go back on the disabled list. Hideki Matsui with his bum knee can at least hit with some power, and can be DHed while Nady man’s leftfield. What does Damon bring to the table? What has he brought to the table since jumping the Red Sox ship? Let me tell what…he is another overpaid has been bum who is content on collecting a paycheck and halfassing his way around the field. Johnny Damon ladies and gentleman, is a first class piece of trash.
As you can see by the game photo to the left, Damon had no business going after this ball. Having played the outfield myself for an extended period of time, the centerfielder is always told to go after every ball he can get to. Why did Melky not call off Damon? Instead Damon crashed into the wall, the wall swung open, along with the floodgates, and his lack of concern for his team put Ian Kennedy in the hole 2-0 quickly Friday night. I am just about ready to stick a fork into this sorry version of the Bronx Bombers. This team is more reminiscent of the early ’90s teams that stunk up the joint than they are a contender for a World Series title. The Angels made that loud and abundantly clear Friday night. Pathetic, embarrassing, and shameful. These are the words I use when describing how the Yankees should feel. Instead, they will win a few, get our hopes up that they have finally turned the corner, that perhaps a wild card berth is not out of the question, and just when we hop back on board the postseason train, they will get swept by somebody like Kansas City or Seattle and that will be it.
How embarrassing for former USC Trojan Ian Kennedy. Having pitched well during his minor league stint, he was brought back up with a chance to redeem himself and to prove to the Yankees’ brass that they made the right decision holding onto he, Melky Cabrera and Phil Hughes rather than getting Johan Santana from the Twinkies. Cabrera still hasn’t figured out major league pitching, Hughes, as much as I love his upside (the words Baby Rocket come to mind), can’t stay healthy, and Kennedy, who displaced Cy Young candidate Moose Mussina last season, just can’t figure it out. To make matters worse, Kennedy imploded in front of dozens of family and friends. Hope you are proud of yourself young man. Back to the minors you go…
I have another question…It was announced by Yahoo! Sports last night that Andy Pettitte wasn’t going to make his next scheduled start Sunday against the Angels, and could possibly end up on the DL with left arm stiffness. They also reported that Darrell Rasner was going to start in his place. If that is the case, why did Girardi bring Rasner out of the pen when Kennedy couldn’t make it through the first third of the game yet again? Has Pettitte magically healed? Was the report inaccurate? Pettitte isn’t suffering from a stiff left arm, he is suffering, just like the rest of his teammates, from a lack of heart and guts. It seems like a lifetime ago that this guy pitched a 1-0 shutout against John Smoltz when the Yankees HAD to win. Where did that Andy Pettitte go? Stay posted for Sunday’s scheduled starter, because as of 2:55 a.m. PST, I have no idea who will take the mound. Maybe David Wells.
I long for the days when the human vacuum cleaner Scott Brosius manned the third base position. My wish came during the 4th inning of last night’s game…a ground ball was hit between A-Rod and Jeter, no a burner by any means, Vlad Guerrerro was on second and chugging towards third, instead of laying out for the ball to keep Vlad at third, A-Rod looked at Jeter, looked at the ball, and ran towards home plate. Why? Was he going to take the relay throw at the plate and face a collision with Vlad the Impaler? A-Rod doesn’t have the stones of a wet paper bag, let along the stones of Pudge, who would and did (See Wednesday’s game vs. Texas). Jeter dove for the ball, only to come up a hair short as Vlad came around to score with no throw. Was A-Hole, I mean A-Rod really worth that $27.5 mil that Cashman handed him? When he chose to opt out, he wouldn’t have returned. What a panty waste that guy is, and always will be. His numbers are much like Raffy Palmeiro’s were…accumulated when it didn’t matter one way or the other. 3-time MVP my ***. The Mick is rolling over in his grave.
The only chance the Yankees have to stay in wild card contention, is to somehow avoid a sweep this weekend (highly unlikely, avoiding the sweep that is), and handling the Twins in Minnesota after this series is over. Entering play on Saturday afternoon, the Yankees only trail the Twins by 1 1/2 games for second place in the wild card standings. The Yanks will get their fair crack at Boston in due time. This series against Minnesota may be their best bet to make some noise in the standings. All will be a moot point if the Bombers get swept this weekend. I predicted it would happen, and they are well on their way of fulfilling my negative prophecy. I will be continuing my blog from Anaheim this weekend. So please stay tuned…
Before I leave you all however, I want to take this time and again wish my Mom a very Happy Birthday. Without Mom, not much is possible. She is a very special lady who has been responsible for much that has been accomplished in my life and she means the world to me. She has had a very difficult year, yet continues to smile and bring joy to the lives of everyone she comes into contact with. So Mom, if you happen to catch this, I love you, and thanks for always being there. Happy Birthday.
And as always, take care of yourself, be good, and take care of your buddy next to ya!
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