Sweep! Yankees advances to ALCS

I have to admit I feel so frustrated to watching Pavano to throw a great game against us.

The biggest play of the game is Jeter throwing out that base runner at the bottom of 8th inning when Hughes is in trouble again.

I know most Yankees fans may still be in the heaven for advancing to second round of playoffs. But, be honest, I feel nervous about our bullpen. Joba, Hughes and even Mo look shaky. Another thing worries me is the lineup. It seems to me Jeter, A-Rod and Teixeria are the only persons hitting now. Hopefully, I just think too much.

The players of the game: Pettitte, Jeter and A-Rod.

Game 1 of ALDS_Twins at Yankees

8pm It's 8am in the morning in Taiwan. I wake up on time to see A-Rod come through with a big RBI single. And then Matsui hit another home run against lefty. Of course, I miss the big two-run home run by Captain.

8:20pm At the same time, a well rest CC with run support keep putting on zero on the scoreboard.

8:35pm Well, It starts making everyone nervous, doesn't it? Come on, CC.

8:40pm A job well done by CC. Let's go Hughes. We need this big out.

8:48pm Guess what? Hughes get that big out by throwing fastball right by Cabrera

9:03pm A-Rod likes to face Twins in the post season, right?

9:21pm It's good to get everyone in the game to feel the pressure of playoff.

9:47pm It's hard for me to get nervous when Mo is on the mound. Congrats to Yanks for game 1 win(7-2).

Joba vs A's

9:12pm I wake up at the top of 7th inning when Matsui hit that ground ball to drive in A-Rod. Good ABC baseball

It seems Joba has another good outing.

9:44pm Great job from Coke to save two base runners Joba left on base.

9:45pm It's funny to see Mo's face after Posada hit that home run.

9:52pm It is hard to tell Swisher is safe or out. It looks like A's doesn't tag Swisher. But, I can see why A's manager is angry because throw beats Swisher so much.

9:55pm It looks like a right decision to sit down Mo immediately.

10:12pm Another win in the book for Yankees.

The reality between Yankees and Wang

Since MJB(one of my loyal readers) was wondering about how Taiwanese react to Cashman's comments regard of Wang in the comment section, I am going to talk about that issue now.

According to Taiwanese news, Cashman called Wang's agent immediately right after Andrew Marchand's report comes out. Cashman apologies for his improper comments regard of Wang. He says he loses control and then leads to those improper comments because Andrew Marchand keep questioning the moves Yankees make regard of Wang. Andrew Marchand pushes so hard that leads Cashman to says something he shouldn't say. Cashman says Yankees still view Wang as a starting pitcher and hope Wang can regain the form as soon as possible in order to go back to rotation.

Here is my take regard of Yankees with Wang. Yankees never thought Wang would succeed. Let alone think he will have long term success. In Yankees' prospect, Wang is a fragile pitcher(a bad shoulder+ a bad foot) with one good pitch(sinker) and so few strikeouts. Yankees think Wang will lose the ability to get big league hitters out at any moment. Every time Wang shows any red flag, Yankees will immediately think "Is he done?"

Therefore, Yankees will try to get out of Wang as much as they can at the cost as low as possible. They never think to re-sign Wang once he hits free agent market. Let alone sign him a long term contract before he becomes free agent. They may be ready to trade him away once Wang rebuild his trade value.

I guess this is also what most Yankees fans think. That's why Yankees are not afraid of making Wang angry and don't take care of his feeling because they don't think Wang can come back to bite them. On top of that, how Hughes and Joba perform impacts how people view Cashman's legacy directly. Cashman certainly will give them every chance to succeed.

Don't get me wrong. I agree with Yankees not giving rotation spot back to Wang solely based on his track record. Yankees may bring Wang back too early, but there is only so much Wang can do against minor league hitters. Wang needs to face major league hitters little by little in order to rebuild his confidence. Wang has to show he can throw the ball any place he wants consistently before going back to rotation. To blame whose fault won't do anyone good.

However, Yankees should set up the whole plan before they activate Wang and then Yankees has to do a better job to communicate with Wang in order to make him comfortable and ease his concern. That is what get most Taiwanese upset during the whole process, not losing rotation spot.

Eventually, Yankees will need Wang in the rotation because innings limit of Hughes and Joba and the potential injury to one of starters.

I know Yankees don't think Wang will come back to haunt them, but no one can predict the future and no one know what kind of career any player will have. I know Wang is under Yankees control, but it won't hurt Yankees to make him happy and comfortable as much as possible when it won't hurt Yankees' chance of winning. By the way, Yankees may need Wang more than expected if new Yankees stadium turnout to be a homerun happy place for hitters.

I am always a Yankees fan no matter Wang is on the Yankees team or not. However, as a Taiwanese, I always have a soft spot for Wang. Don't blame me to have a different view regard of any issue related to Wang. Taiwanese expect so much out of Wang. You guys can't image how much pressure Wang has from his native country.

Wang will stay with Yankees because of Joba's injury

Joba was hit by a pitch. Because of that, Yankees bullpen has to pick up almost the whole game. Based on many Taiwanese news outlets, Yankees decide to let Wang stay with the team and prepare to pitch out of bullpen for upcoming series against Phillies.

I know most New York media report Wang will go to SWB to pitch one more minor league game. However, Taiwanese reporters confirm this new with Wang that is what I read from Taiwanese news. Wang said he will do his best to pitch as well as he can no matter where he is and what kind of role he will be put into. Taiwanese news outlets report Yankees call back Wang after Joba get hit by a pitch and has to leave the game.

I guess we will know whether this news is right or not tomorrow. I just to want to share this news with you guys. If the news is not right, don't blame me. I don't try to make up news, I just tell you guys what I read from Taiwanese websites.

Joba vs CLE

1:21pm Despite giving up solo homerun, Joba pitches a good first inning.

1:22pm Man, Swisher just misses three run homerun. Hopefully, Yankees is able to score at least one run in this inning. I guess not.

1:51pm Another Yankees starter pitches a great game without offense support. The way Yankees offense goes, one run seems to a big mountain to climb.

1:54pm Hopefully, Gardner gets on base and then steal second in order to ignite Yankees offense.

Post-game analysis

Well, what happened? The new mlb.tv didn't allow me to log in because I logged in too many times for a short period of time, so I decided to go to bed and took some rest. Hello, MLB. Why deny my access because of frequency I log in? I did that because my IE browser gives up on me.

When I waked up, it was top of 9th with one man out for Indians. Of course, Mo does his job to strike out two batters to end the game despite giving us a little bit scare.

Obviously, Joba doesn't pitch well. It seems to me Joba always has troubles against Indians. Many Yankees power pitchers will have troubles against Indians because they are so good at hitting fastball.

That is why tomorrow will be a big test for Wang. Sizemore is the guy Wang really has to pay attention on and keep him off base. If I were Girardi, I would let Molina catch Wang tomorrow. Even though Yankees won't admit it, the way Rays run on Wang/Posada certainly plays a role on Wang's last terrible start against Rays. It will be better to reduce things Wang needs to worry about at this point.

Today is actually a momentum change game. The way opening day goes for Indians certainly provides boost for struggling Inidans for this young season. When you combine that with the way Indians scores 3 runs off Joba at 5th inning, it is a huge bad sign for this opening home series against Indians, especially when you consider Yankees have struggling Wang on the mound tomorrow.

It's good to see Yankees fight back to win this game. One thing I really like about 2009 Yankees is the ability to come from behind. If Yankees ever gets three things going, 2009 Yankees will be unstoppable. First:Wang; Second:bullpen; Third:A-Rod/Teixeira/Matsui.

By the way, Yankees has scored at least 4 runs every game except opening day. Where those runs come from when you consider the state of Yankees position players(A-Rod/Teixeira/Nady/Matsui/Ransom)?

Tomorrow is a big game for this series. Why? If Wang turns in a good game and gets a win, I can see Yankees pounding Pavano behind Burnett to take this four games series against Inidans.

Joba vs KC

2:16pm Gardner just gets on first base with a single. Now, he is on scoring position. Hopefully, Swisher can drive him in.

2:23pm If Matsui gets hot, it will allow Teixeira to rest more. Wow! Gardner basically scores that run by himself with his amazing speed. If I were Meche, I would be pretty upset about that run.

2:34pm Joba has a nice first inning.

2:44pm It looks like Joba will have a easy second inning with a low pitch count which is a good news when you consider Yankees only score one run so far for him. By the way, I know it's too early to say this. But, If I were Meche and loses this game 1-0, I would be very mad.

2:54pm Please stop raining. I guess one run is not enough.

3:05pm The way Meche pitches Yankees may need to drive his pitch counts up in order to drive him out of ball game.

3:26pm That's why I always say defense is so important for baseball game. The error Swisher makes basically costs Yankees 2 runs.

3:59pm It looks like Matsui start hitting. How it is possible to score Jacobs' play as an error, but Swisher's play as a hit.

4:10pm I will definitely let Joba pitch 7th inning and then let Bruney takes over 8th inning.

4:14pm Obviously, Girardi doesn't agree with me. He has Bruney to pitch 7th inning. Let see whether Yankees bullpen can protect 1 run lead or not. I hope they can because I don't like many "experts" claim bullpen will be a weakness for Yankees.

4:30pm Bruney has done his job in the 7th inning. It's up to Marte now. One more inning, we will see Mo.

4:40pm Come on, One more out. We will see Mo.

4:48pm Well, I guess Joba should be 8th set up man crowd will be out tonight and tomorrow.

Some Random Spring Training thoughts

*I know spring training records don't count. Most of time, many minor league players play at the end of game who end up affecting the score of game. However, I do think it means something while Yankees wins 9 straight and 11 of last 12 because there are only 2 weeks away from regular season.

During the end of spring training, many major league players stay in the game. Hitters may try to execute some game plans from coach staff once a while based on game situations, but they want to get a hit no matter in spring training, regular season or playoffs.

Starters may try to practice their secondary pitches more, but they still need to get their primary weapons ready for regular season. At this stage of spring training, a lot of relief pitchers are fighting for spots on the major league teams, so they need to pitch as well as possible.

Do you know why Yankees wins 9 straight? Pitching. The last 12 games, Yankees pitching gives up 0-3 runs most of games.

*It's good and bad to hear Hughes being sent down to minor league. It's good because it means we have a great pitching staff and no spot is open to Hughes. It's bad because he really pitches well. That being said, Hughes is only 22 year old and he will turn 23 this june. Hughes certainly can use this opportunity to make sure his new curveball, cutter and changeup ready. I hope Yankees call him up when Joba gets to his innings limit, not because of injury.

*Things just like what I say about Joba during live-blogging. He uses spring training to practice his curveball which is his third best pitch. He will need that pitch once season starts. We all know Joba has fastball and slider to go to. Every starters use spring training to practice their secondary pitches. Wang practices his slider and changeup.

Joba's 5th Spring Training Outing

1:21pm It sounds like Joba has a good first inning of work. Suzyn and John say Yankees hope Joba can get batters out at fewer pitches. I actually don't concern about that. As a no.5 pitcher, if big 4 are doing they are supposed to do, we should have well-rested bullpen to back up Joba. That is the lesson Joba will learn from pitching more. I don't think that is something young pitchers can suddenly listen to.

1:33pm Damon not only makes a great catch on left field but also move Melky over to third base with less than 2 outs. Let see whether or not Teixeira can get that run in with less than 2 outs. Ok. Texieira walks. I think Matsui can get that run in

1:37pm Probably not. Let see how Nady hit in that spot. Ok. They don't. They have been done this very well so far this spring. I hate to see Yankees can't get the runner on third with less than 2 outs in.

1:40pm Joba is in trouble now after giving out three singles in a row.

1:47pm See Tiger get that runner who is on third with less than 2 outs in.

1:51pm Joba gets out inning and only allows one run even though he uses tons of pitches for that. In the end, How many runs pitchers give up is all the matter.

1:57pm Is it just me to feel this way? Is this Tiger top pitching prospect? The way Yankees keep hitting liners right at fielders. It doesn't sound very impressive for me.

2:08pm I will guess Joba uses spring training to practice his third pitch(curveball) and fourth pitch(changeup). I won't worry about Joba's stats, results and pitching counts.

2:12pm See, another great hit by Yankees. I know he gets tons of money of signing bonus and he is very young.

2:15pm Joba uses 57 pitches for three innings. Wow! A lot of pitches.

2:16pm Damon hita another ball hard to drive in first run for Yankees. I just finish the previous sentence. Teixeira comes up with another double for another run. Yankees leads 2-1 over Tiger. I think Tiger will definitely rush him if they put this 19 year old young pitching prospect on the big league team out of spring training.

2:22pm The way Swisher demonstrates his ability at plate and the way he plays defense when you compare him with Nady. I don't think why Swisher can't beat out Nady for right fielder job. I really don't think Girardi should grant right fielder job to Nady by default.

2:28pm Joba's day is done. 3.1 IP 4H 5K 1R/ER 63 Pitches.

2:33pm Damon makes another great play and saves a run. I sometimes don't understand so many so called experts claim how terrible defense Yankees has on every position. I think Damon is above average left fielder. If Damon can play a capable left fielder, I can't see why Jeter can't do it when he and Yankees decide to move from short stop position.

2:36pm I know a lot of Yankees fans don't like the way Suzyn and John broadcast on radio. However, they are fine for me when you compare with other radio announcers. I know they like to express their opinion a lot, but at least we can understand what exactly happen on the field. They also give us many information on both teams on the field.

2:48pm Miscommunication between Cano and Nady?

3:00pm Yankees certainly can be benefited from competition of all out fielders positions once Matsui can start playing outfield position. At least center fielder and right fielder will be in competition.

3:02pm Forget to mention. Melky improve the ability of running and putting bunts done. I agree with Sterling that Yankees play fundamental baseball better. However, Teixeira strikes out with runner on third with less than 2 outs after Nady did once earlier. Maybe today is one of days Yankees hitters just can't do it or opponents pitchers pitch better when runners on scoring position.

3:07pm Mo is up. Yes. Mo certainly will throw more pitches that last time out. Five pitches for strike out. Next pitch for ground out. Three pitches for a ground ball single. Three pitches for third out of the inning. Mo's line 12 pitches 10 strikes 2 balls 2SO 1GO 1H.

3:14pm Everyone is worry about who will be closer once Mo retires. Why worry about something is so far away? The way Mo pitches and the command and control Mo demonstrates I don't see why Mo can't pitch few more years.

3:34pm Edwar is in trouble and give up the tie run. Spring training stats sometimes mean nothing for major league pitchers. Not to mention, Edwar is behind everyone because of injury. I know many Yankees fans concern how Edwar, Bruney and Veras will perform and hope other youngsters to win the job. I know the trio don't have good command and control, but we know we have a lot of replacements down the farm if they can't get the job done once season starts.

3:51pm Miranda certainly can hit, but his defense is not good at all. By the way, Veras comes in and gives up another run after Miranda hits a two runs homerun.

Joba's 4th Spring Training outing

1:16pm It's good to hear sort of good news regard of Cano's injury. I am not sure whether that's good news regard of Marte's injury or not. If we need to lose one of them for a period of time, we certainly can't lose more offense after A-Rod's injury.

1:19pm Joba starts with four pitches walk for leadoff hitter. Not good.

1:22pm well, nice comeback for Joba. After four pitches walk, Joba follows a three pitches strikeout. Good to hear Molina's ok. We need him, especially we are not the condition of Posada as a catcher.

1:27pm It turns out a good first inning for Joba, so the mini crisis of healthy status of Joba is over.

1:34pm Gardner is so hot to a point I start worrying about what he will look like once regular season starts.

1:40pm Because I can't see the location of called strike three, I can't make my judgment. However, it's certainly a bad situational hitting for Nady when runner on third with less than 2 outs.

1:44pm Flyout follows by popout. Joba is fine. Another solid inning for Joba.

2:00pm Eric Bruntlett try to steal when Molina catch. A big no no. Of course, Molina got him. With the help of Molina, Joba has another solid inning. Hopefully, Joba works on some pitches successfully.

2:06pm Cody has another good day at the plate. It sounds like Swisher also has another good at at and hit ball hard again.

2:13pm I certainly like Phillies announcers don't just talk about Phillies. However, if they want to talk about stuff of other teams, they better make sure get information right. First of all, Matsui has knee injury the past two season, not hamstring. Ichiro doesn't take a lot of pitches.

2:19pm See, good pitching and defense is more important than offense. Yankees score two runs because of Phillies not so good defense. Joba's solid scoreless three innings make Yankees offense look not so bad.

2:22pm Joba's day is done. 48 pitches and 27 strikes. Not a good strike-ball ratio. Again. Phillies announcers get information wrong. Bruney does comes back from that injury. It's Wang end his season because of the same injury, not Bruney.

2:27pm When Yankees regular starters and relief pitchers start pitching more and getting into game form, Yankees starts winning a lot recently. This certainly is a good news for our Yankees fans.

2:35pm Is it just me to feel this way? When Bruney losses his command for a period of time, I am actually not nervous at all and believe he can get out of inning without allowing runs.

2:44pm It's really hard to understand exactly what happen on the field because of Phillies announcers.

2:55pm Another scoreless inning from Igawa. Any thought?

3:07pm It sounds like Igawa also get helped by Yankees defense on second scoreless inning.

3:19pm A good at bad by Swisher to drive that run in. Instead of pointing out Cano's down year(2008 season), Phillies announcers say Yankees concern about decline of Cano's AVG. Decline? Call .340 to .300 a decline?

3:24pm I don't think Phillies can survive without Cole Hamels. The same thing goes to Mets without Santana. Which team has a healthy ACE may win NL East.

3:29pm A disaster inning for Phillies. Do we have mercy rule in spring training?

3:33pm Igawa is still on the mound.

3:43pm Igawa strikes out the side on third inning work. Any thought? Igawa throws from 5th,6th and 7th inning. It looks like Igawa starts pitching more important innings.

4:08pm Fans attend this game certainly get their money worthy.

4:23pm Yankees win at 12-0 over Philles. I am actually more impressive on pitching than offense. Two games in a row, Yankees pitching shut down opponents.

Joba's 3rd Spring Training outing

7:33pm After watching Joba's first 2 innings, Joba's velocity looks just fine. He also has variety of breaking pitches range from 77mph to 85mph. That's why I always say Joba should be a starter.

7:35pm By the way, I saw Moose on the seat with his family.

7:36pm Matsui just hit a leadoff double. Guess who drive him in? Cody. Alex who?

7:40pm I am glad to see someone(Molina) to be able to move runner to 3rd base with less than 2 outs.

7:50pm Is that just misjudged play by Gardner? or hit too hard?

7:57pm I am glad Gardner drive that run in. However, I will be happier Gardner can put that put down successfully. I don't have problems Gardner's aggressive base running.

8:07pm Nice 3 innings from Joba. He should release many people's concern. Coke is up and looks good as well.

8:18pm The most impressive thing I see from Coke is the ability to mix his pitches well. It seems to me Coke is able to locate his fastball well and throw his breaking pitches. Not to mention, he throws a lot of strikes. I hate pitchers walking batters.

8:33pm One thing Gardner often does better than Melky on the plate is seeing more pitches.

8:38pm Why Damon try to steal 3rd base with 2 outs? Someone must miss signs.

8:45pm Is just me to feel this way? Igawa looks good so far this spring. Based on what I see from Igawa pitching, is it possible to have Igawa in the bullpen as a lefty specialist first?

9:01pm If Igawa can pitch low in the strikezone and has command like that, he should be able to pitch good enough in the big league. Since Igawa come to Yankees, I always can't believe how bad Igawa command is because it seems to me Japanese pitchers always have good command and control based on what I have watched for many years.

Joba first spring training game

1:27pm Posada has been scratched because of shoulder discomfort. Hopefully, He is fine. I never want any player get hurt including players on other teams. That's why I don't want to see Santana hurt as well.

1:35pm It seems both starters have rocky start. I don't think Joba has his velocity back yet.

1:45pm Giese is up. I believe Girardi will have a long man in the bullpen. Giese should be a leading candidate for that role. Is wind blowing out today?

1:55pm Is this the Yankees team I know? Two sacrifice flies in a row? Play small ball well?

2pm Why every ball is flying out(or almost) the ballpark? It seems to me Giese doesn't have command yet.

2:20pm Even though Cano has a down year last season, he is still better than many second baseman in the league. We really need him offensively and defensively. He certainly can help out Jeter defensively and lengthen lineup offensively.

2:25pm Veras is up now. When I look at Veras's velocity, it seems not so many players have their velocity back to normal at this stage of spring training.

2:35pm I switch audio between Kay and Sterling. I must say this. If I have to choose one among them, I definitely go with Sterling. Kay is really boring.

2:45pm Teixeira just makes a terrific play at 1B. His defense will help us a lot. By the way, did I mention Molina throw out another base runner? Yankees should send a note to every other teams in the league,"Don't even try to steal off Molina"

3:20pm Because internet is so expensive in Australia, I switch to WCBS once Yankees put Igawa on.

some stories between Wang and his teammates, coaches

As you guys know, there are tons of Taiwanese reporters following Wang's every step. That's why I always laugh people feel CC and A.J. can release some pressure off Wang. If you are one of those persons feel that way, you may need to concern how CC and A.J handle spotlight of New York first.

Ok, go back to the topic. There are few tidbits between Wang and his teammates and coaches on Taiwanese newspapers. Those stories can show you how much attention Taiwanese pay on Wang. I don't know how you guys feel, but I really like to read those tidbits about any player.

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CC with Wang about Wang' new glove

I show you guys different versions of Wang's new glove earlier. Few days ago, there is a tidbit between Wang and CC. During spring training, a lot of companies sell equipment will allow come into clubhouse to sell to players. Of course, Nike will be one of those companies. CC brings one of Nike's staff to Wang's locker in order to show Wang's new glove because CC wants Nike to design one for him based on that idea. This whole glove becomes a huge story in Taiwan as far as I know. When this CC story comes out, there are some Taiwanese Yankees fans start designing different versions of CC's glove on the website.

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Wang with Joba about steroids

As you guys know, Wang and Joba become very good friends since Wang rehabilitated his hamstring in 2007. Tons of Yankees players like to joke with Wang all the time because Wang gets a good sense of humor and great personality.

This story between Wang and Joba happen when Yankees drive 2.5 hours to play their third spring training game with Twins. Before practice in the morning, Joba use his milk powder to make milk. Wang enters the clubhouse and yells at Joba,"Joba, you eat steroids?" Of course, Joba is going to fight back. Joba then says, "I know you drink green tea steroids because you always look full of energy after drinking green tea"

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Wang with Gator about bunting

Yankees pitchers need to practice bunting this spring. I guess Yankees learn a hard lesson and want to make sure that won't happen again during interleague games. After practicing many times, Wang improves his bunting little by little. Few days ago after practicing bunting, Taiwanese reporters say to Wang how well he bunts that day. Wang replies, "Today the ball is slower". Later on, reporters find out Gator is the one throw pitches to pitchers for practicing bunting that day.

All Taiwanese reporters know the special relationship between Gator and Wang. Then they tell Gator what Wang says to them. Gator says to reporters, "really? Wang says that to you guys. I am going to kill him". Later on, Gator tells reporters, "I tell Wang to be careful next time when I throw to them during bunting practice because my command is not the same anymore." Yesterday, Wang was hit by pitch during bunting practice. Gator is the pitcher.

P.S. Wang has threw 2 more bullpen sessions. One is for 56 pitches. The other is 46 pitches. Wang's command is getting better. However, Wang hasn't gotten his velocity back.

Move Joba back to pen?

There is a post from New York Times Bat's blog regard of Joba's role in 2009. I know there are a lot of reactions from Yankees bloggers. Let me say this first. I believe a good starter is better than a good relief pitcher. Simply, when relief pitchers blow the lead, it means we have lead first. I also believe there will be someone in Yankees farm system can do what Joba did in setup role. When I watch Joba pitching, I believe Joba has enough stuff to be a great starter.

I actually think it's useless to debate this issue now. Before we get a veteran starter who can eat 200 innings at one year deal as our no.4 starter(hopefully, it's Pettitte), we need Joba in the rotation. Even if we get Pettitte back as no.4 starter, someone in the rotation may get hurt. You never have enough pitching. Even though everyone in the rotation stays healthy, we may need a strong 5-man rotation to compete in the tough AL East division. If someone gets hurt, we need Hughes as no.5 starter anyway.

No one can predict the future. Most people make their decisions in their life based on the information they have on hand at that moment. Once we makes our decisions, we try it. We may be right or wrong about our decisions, but no one know without trying it. People always should try it, otherwise they would regret they never try it. Let Joba try it. Let us see what Joba can do as a starter. Otherwise, we may keep wondering what kind of career Joba may have as a starter forever. In the end, Joba may be more suitable for a relief pitcher, but who knows?

Mo is still Mo. Why worry about him when Mo show no sign of slowing down? There may be someone in the farm system can do what Joba did given the chance. Who knows?

Bring Pettitte back

What are Yankees waiting for? I posted another post regard of owners vs players vs fans earlier. I can't quite used to see my favorite players on my team coming and going as you guys may be able to used to. When coming down to make those decisions on favorite players on my team, I admit I can't make rational decision.

On top of that, When I talk about shopping experience earlier, I am the one make decision very quickly. Thinking about Angels the way they sign free agent.

If these Pettitte and Marte's situation tell us something, that's Yankees really have a plan on hand. Good to hear if you are a Yankees fan. Another thing to think about is Yankees probably wait Pettitte and Marte's price to come down when it approaches to November 14. From Yankees' standpoint, if you can save some money, why not? Don't forget one thing. Pettitte let Yankees keep waiting and giving him 16 million the past two seasons when he had leverage.

I still think Yankees should bring back Pettitte as a back of rotation guy no matter what Moose's decision is. I know Yankees want to get younger, but you never have enough pitching. Of course, I have some concerns regard of Pettitte. First of all, it's his healthy status. Secondly, it seems Pettitte lose his stuff. For example, he seems to lose his cutter. Evidence shows on his stats against righty which is very high. However, I have no problem with a pitcher with middle 4 ERA and over 200 innings as a back of rotation guy. Not to mention he is a lefty which is rare commodity in baseball.

In fact, I will bring back both Pettitte and Moose back on one-year deal to goes with CC, Wang and Joba as my 2009 rotation when tons of other options wait on the minor. I rather have them instead of Lowe, Sheets, Burnett, etc.

CC
Wang
Pettitte
Moose
Joba

However, I do think Yankees will only want to have one of Pettitte and Moose back. It looks like Moose is their first choice. I don't blame them after Moose's 20 win season with low 3 ERA, especially Moose shows the ability to make adjustment when velocity of his fastball slow down few mph. However, keep in mind one thing. Pettitte is going to be 37 while Moose will be 40 in 2009 season. On top of that, it seems to me Moose always put together great season on his "walk" year, doesn't it?

I actually can understand why Yankees only want to bring one of them back. When you look at the rotation I put above. There is a risk. CC come out two seasons with high innings workload. Wang and Joba come out of injury season when Joba has limitation on innings pitched. When you put them to go with two old pitchers(Pettitte and Moose). There is a risk. The ideal is Yankees actually bring 6 starters to camp and see what happen in my opinion.

However, I am not really so high on other free agent options. A.J Burnett? Inconsistent & injury prone. Lowe? Red Sox & age & AL East & another sinkerball pitcher with our defense. Sheet? Injury. Peavy? tons of prospects & switch from NL West to AL East & don't like New York and its spotlight. When you look at his number, Peavy will have a similar ERA as Wang in the AL East. I think his careeer ERA closer to 4 against AL team. Not to mention those not good numbers against AL East teams, especially on their park. Who else?

If Moose retire, we are going to need to have Pettitte back to go with one more free agent after CC. That's why I think Yankees will or should sign Pettitte back before November 14. No matter what, we should be able to know about Moose, Pettitte and Marte's situation with Yankees around November 14. I don't think Yankees will keep waiting Moose's decision and risk to lose Pettitte on free agent market.

Interesting Joe Girardi interview on WFAN

I heard an interesting Joe Girarid interview on WFAN. It's a good one.

*Based on what I heard, I think Joe Girardi learn a lot from this first year. He will improve next year. He already took the first step: more honest.

*Girardi think the most important thing he learn is keep building up the relationship with players in order to get most of them, but it takes time. I agree with him. The thing people don't realize is Joe Torre basically got his new core players when he got to Yankees in 1996 and they go on to win world series at first year. Of course, it makes everything much easier to deal with after championship. It's much harder for Joe Girardi because he needs to work on the core players who had been with Joe Torre for a long time and He took over after Yankees fail to make out of first round for many years.

*Girardi thinks it also takes time to figure out how to work with coach staff well.

*Girardi likes players are able to do many different things. He also would like to have a team with better defense and pitching. I think this is Yankees' offseason focus.

*Girardi thinks it's important to have two lefty in the bullpen. He wants to have Marte back and Yankees are talking deal with him. It seems to me Yankees have a deal with him on hand, otherwise Girardi won't be able to talk things like that.

*As for Mussina. Girardi think there are two factors for Moose's decision: what family members think and do Moose want to keep playing or not. It's not about HOF and 300 wins for him. He expects Mosse to make up his mind two months after season ends which is November. It's now. I think Yankees already know what Moose's decision by now. I think the reason Moose hasn't made in public is help Yankees. They actually can play some game with other free agent signing. It sounds to me Moose will retire.

*Joba is a starter now. It all depends on what offseason goes in order to make final decision. I think Joba will be in the bullpen if Yankees get enough starting pitching. It's not a final decision yet.

*Yankees are not sure or havn't made up their mind what they want to do in 1B.

Interesting, right? I think so. Girardi actually is honest this time and actually say a lot of things regard of team and himself. We actually can tell part of direction Yankees want to approach this offseason.

If you miss this interview on WFAN, go to their website to download the file later on.

Pitching vs Offense

When talking about what Yankees off-season priority is, most people like to discuss why Yankees miss playoff this season first. Some people believe the injuries to Wang and Joba(pitching) basically kill our season. Others believe the terrible hitting in RISP is the reason. These all lead to debate what Yankees off-season priority is.

For me, it's a no-brainer. We need to upgrade our pitching. It's amazing for me to hear people say, "Well, even without Wang and Joba, we have lower staff ERA than 2007 season. Rasner and Ponson pitch well enough to win if we have 2007 run production. It's terrible offense kill our season."

In my opinion, Pitching affects offense while offense affects pitching. When pitchers know they are not going to get run support, they feel they can't make any mistake and then want to pitch to corner all the time.

On the other hand, when hitters know they have Wang or Joba on the mound, they don't feel they need to score a lot of runs in order to win a ball game. There is huge different confident level Wang or Joba can bring to team instead of Ponson or Rasner. Not to mention the chances for Wang or Joba to win low-scoring games are much better than Ponson or Rasner.

Joba, don't do this again

I only have one comment about Joba's behaviour, "Don't do this again". You are going to get killed or kill someone by driving your car and drinking. I know Joba becomes a superstar of New York Yankees so quickly. This sometimes makes someone, especially as young as Joba is, get lose easily. So many kids look up for those baseball players. It's not right thing to do.

It's over, but don't play blame game.

First of all, I am so happy for Moose for his 19th win. I really hope he can win 20 this season. When I was watching Yankees game yesterday, I can't help myself about keep tracking score of Red Sox-Indians game. I usually don't care much about what happen to Red Sox and only check boxscore. I was hoping Yankees was eliminated because of losing game, not because of Red Sox winning game.

I know there are tons of news about how poor Yankees have been played, how much Yankees should miss Joe Torre, how well Red Sox has played, how many players Red Sox raised from their farm system, how badly Yankees spend their money, how terrible job Brian Cashman does, how dreadful Yankees young players have been played and why Yankees should trade for Santana. Anything else?

But, I am not going to talk about this. As you guys know, this is a blog to talk about positive things. These are all second-guess. No one knows what would happen during any game. No one knows what would happen if Joe Torre was here. No one knows what would happen when you sign any free agent and draft any prospect. No one knows how young players would peform every year. No one knows what Hughes and Kennedy would do the rest of his career. No one knows what would happen if Santana was here. No one knows how Santana would perform the rest of his contract for Mets. No one knows if we really go after Santana, how many potential major league players or superstars we would give up. No one knows if we really go after Santana, he may end up in Boston.

The things I know for sure. We will have a great bullpen next season. Wang, Matsui, Posada, Hughes, Joba and Jeter will be back and healthy for us next season. A-Rod and the rest of position players will not hit worse when runners on base than this season. Joe Giradi will do his job better when he gets his feet wet this year, especially when you consider he well he manages the bullpen. All young players get one more year experience. We will have money to address our problems this off-season. What else?

Let's Go Yankees!

Some random thought after game...

*OK! If unthinkable thing happen this season which Yankees don’t make the postseason, what does this mean? When you think about how inconsistent our offense and pitching have been the whole season, Does this mean this team can’t survive without Joba, Wang, Matsui and Posada? Are they two most important players of our rotation and lineup?

*I know one thing for sure. We really need to upgrade our pitching staff this off-season, especially rotation because I think we can get bullpen help from farm system. When your starters keep leaving earlier, it will kill your bullpen eventually no matter how well manager manage his bullpen. Since all star break except first 8 game winning streak certainly prove this point. This may be the most underrating thing of Wang's absence to our Yankees team because Wang eat up a lot of innings.

*By the way, Since Pudge came and Farnsworth left, our pitching(rotation and bullpen) has been terrible. On top of that, I can’t remember Pudge throw out one base runner since he came over. Is Pudge good at handling pitching staff? Is Pudge still good at defense? I know our offense has been terrible. At this rate, is it worthy to sacrifice defense for that? Is this coincidence? But, I am sure about one thing. I really miss Posada. This let me think about one thing. If Red Sox let Veritek go this off-season, it may have same impact on Red Sox pitching as well.