I read and listened through many predictions for 2008 season because I want to know how they make these predictions even though I am not interested in making prediction at all . I sometimes can't understand some people's logic of their predictions.
Here is the example. If you predict that Yankees are not going to make the playoff because of our pitching staff in spite of our strong offense, how can you predict that Tigers are going to win it all because of their strong offense despite their suspect pitching staff? The same logic apply to Red Sox's pitching staff as well. If you suspect Yankees' pitching staff, how can you not to suspect Red Sox's pitching staff?
How about those picks for Angels or Mariners over Yankees when Angels got two ACEs out and Mariners' questionable pitching staff? Come on, guys. I know Felix Hernandez and Erik Bedard are great "ACEs", but When Felix is going to put everything together while Bedard step in and out of DL all the time. On top of that, who are their No.3 to No.5 pitcher?
Unbelievable!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Are you ready?
I am not going to post anymore stuffs from Spring training. I did listen to the last two spring training games, but I just can't bring up enough energy to write more about spring training games for obvious reasons. Let's go play ball.
I know a lot of media outlets come up with a lot of perdiction which I can't and I won't do it. As a dieheart Yankees fan, I am excited at every new season and root for them no matter how they perform during the course of season. Of course, I don't know how to figure out a unbiased perdiction.
Let's Go Yankees.
I know a lot of media outlets come up with a lot of perdiction which I can't and I won't do it. As a dieheart Yankees fan, I am excited at every new season and root for them no matter how they perform during the course of season. Of course, I don't know how to figure out a unbiased perdiction.
Let's Go Yankees.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Terrible Defense? I don't think so...
I can't wait season starting. You guys are probably on the same boat.
You can tell players can't wait as well. How can I say this? well, see their defense. It seems they lose their concentration a little bit. I think they will be fine once season starts.
Betemit and Ensberg don't look too comfortable at second base and first base, but they did made few pretty plays. If they get more playing time on those positions, I think they will be good enough over there.
Of course, I am not going to miss Shelley Duncan diving catch at right field. I don't think there is any Yankees fan don't like Shelley Duncan playing. So exciting!
I think Shelley Duncan play better at right field than first base while Ensberg has potential to be good as a first baseman. I just don't think Giambi will be able play first base the whole season. On top of that, It seems Shelley's defense at right fielder is better than Abreu with strong throwing arm as well.
You can tell players can't wait as well. How can I say this? well, see their defense. It seems they lose their concentration a little bit. I think they will be fine once season starts.
Betemit and Ensberg don't look too comfortable at second base and first base, but they did made few pretty plays. If they get more playing time on those positions, I think they will be good enough over there.
Of course, I am not going to miss Shelley Duncan diving catch at right field. I don't think there is any Yankees fan don't like Shelley Duncan playing. So exciting!
I think Shelley Duncan play better at right field than first base while Ensberg has potential to be good as a first baseman. I just don't think Giambi will be able play first base the whole season. On top of that, It seems Shelley's defense at right fielder is better than Abreu with strong throwing arm as well.
Man, this is priceless...
The marriage bet between Matsui, Abreu and our captain, Jeter is so funny. Just in case, you miss this story. Please use this link to check it out this story from Peter's blog.
Do you worry about Wang? You're kidding, right?
What is wrong with Wang? After having a terrible playoff series, He doesn't have good spring training as well. Well, This is probably what you think, isn't it? My take? Wang has spoilt us for a long time. We used to get great performance from him all the time. We are shocked when he struggle. I am not trying to compare Wang to Mo, but it seems familiar to Mo's story. Wang just went through growing pain period which he need to think and learn how to pitch. I think Wang used to throw without thinking and setting up hitters. But, he is still able to maintain certain level of success at the same time when he goes through all of these.
I was so amazed that so many Yankees fans worry about Wang, including a lot of my countrymen. I will concern about that when this happens couple of times in the regular season. Come on, guys. Spring training stats doesn't mean anything. The ones who get spots often work on something for new coming season.
In Wang's case, He told Taiwanese media, He uses the whole spring training to refine his slider, change-up, splitters and the location of four-seamers which he wants to locate insider to left-handers. On top of that, He work hard to fix his delivery as well. As long as he stay healthy, he will be fine. I rather all Yankees players struggle something during spring training than regular season because they can find out what is wrong with him without paying for that.
I was listening to that game yesterday. Wang's trouble basically come in the second inning. He at least got two DP which Cano and A-Rod made errors. If they were making that play, Wang would be out of inning with 1 ER without throwing that many pitches(27 in that innings, 76 pitches overall). Today, we will probably talk about Wang's spring training ending at a high note which will be something like 1ER in 6 innings. I saw video of Cano and A-Rod's error plays on Taiwanese news. Those plays are so easy and those ground balls are so weak. They should turn it.
You know what, the most good thing about yesterday game for me is Wang's reaction. He didn't use any excuses during post-game interview with Taiwanese media. He basically went on saying anything you can image he have to improve. You guys have to understand one thing. Wang basically can say whatever he wants to Taiwanese media because all Taiwanese crazily root for him and stand on his side without rationality, including Taiwanese media. I hope I am not complete in that group. Most Yankees fans in USA won't hear that.
Only thing I will concern a little bit is his velocity. The Phillies announcers said this on the radio during the game. They said Wang's velocity not anywhere near last game they face him. I said one thing earlier on this post and expressed my concern as well,
On top of that, Dave Eiland asked Wang to have another bullpen session yesterday that was the day after Wang's normal bullpen session.
I am glad to hear Wang and coach staff working hard for improvement, but is this a little bit too much?
I think two bullpens lead to drop of Wang's velocity. Yankees coach staff probably notice this by now. Working hard is good, but be careful, guys. We need Wang to throw 200+ innings for us this season.
Are you still worrying? Check out these stats as follow,
Brandon Webb's final tuneup allowed seven runs -- five earned -- on 10 hits over 4 1/3 innings against the Angels and finished the spring with an 8.50 ERA.
Halladay had yielded 10 runs (four earned) on nine hits with three strikeouts and one walk in four-plus innings on his final tuneup as well. Of course, The same story as Wang's. There are few errors behind him.
Roy Halladay had a lot of good quotes after the game. Check it out.
Instead of worring about Wang, how about laughing at that bunt Wang put down during the game. I was laughing so hard during broadcasting.
I was so amazed that so many Yankees fans worry about Wang, including a lot of my countrymen. I will concern about that when this happens couple of times in the regular season. Come on, guys. Spring training stats doesn't mean anything. The ones who get spots often work on something for new coming season.
In Wang's case, He told Taiwanese media, He uses the whole spring training to refine his slider, change-up, splitters and the location of four-seamers which he wants to locate insider to left-handers. On top of that, He work hard to fix his delivery as well. As long as he stay healthy, he will be fine. I rather all Yankees players struggle something during spring training than regular season because they can find out what is wrong with him without paying for that.
I was listening to that game yesterday. Wang's trouble basically come in the second inning. He at least got two DP which Cano and A-Rod made errors. If they were making that play, Wang would be out of inning with 1 ER without throwing that many pitches(27 in that innings, 76 pitches overall). Today, we will probably talk about Wang's spring training ending at a high note which will be something like 1ER in 6 innings. I saw video of Cano and A-Rod's error plays on Taiwanese news. Those plays are so easy and those ground balls are so weak. They should turn it.
You know what, the most good thing about yesterday game for me is Wang's reaction. He didn't use any excuses during post-game interview with Taiwanese media. He basically went on saying anything you can image he have to improve. You guys have to understand one thing. Wang basically can say whatever he wants to Taiwanese media because all Taiwanese crazily root for him and stand on his side without rationality, including Taiwanese media. I hope I am not complete in that group. Most Yankees fans in USA won't hear that.
Only thing I will concern a little bit is his velocity. The Phillies announcers said this on the radio during the game. They said Wang's velocity not anywhere near last game they face him. I said one thing earlier on this post and expressed my concern as well,
On top of that, Dave Eiland asked Wang to have another bullpen session yesterday that was the day after Wang's normal bullpen session.
I am glad to hear Wang and coach staff working hard for improvement, but is this a little bit too much?
I think two bullpens lead to drop of Wang's velocity. Yankees coach staff probably notice this by now. Working hard is good, but be careful, guys. We need Wang to throw 200+ innings for us this season.
Are you still worrying? Check out these stats as follow,
Brandon Webb's final tuneup allowed seven runs -- five earned -- on 10 hits over 4 1/3 innings against the Angels and finished the spring with an 8.50 ERA.
Halladay had yielded 10 runs (four earned) on nine hits with three strikeouts and one walk in four-plus innings on his final tuneup as well. Of course, The same story as Wang's. There are few errors behind him.
Roy Halladay had a lot of good quotes after the game. Check it out.
Instead of worring about Wang, how about laughing at that bunt Wang put down during the game. I was laughing so hard during broadcasting.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Yankees(Kennedy) vs Indians(Byrd)
I think we all read into too much about Spring Training games, Thanks to Chad Jennings' SWB Blog, We get one of best quote from players to prove that statement,
One of the New York reporters asked Hawkins if this spring training has been about as good as he could have hoped,
When you saw Kennedy throwing 48 out of 91 pitches for strikes which is 52%, you know his stuff and command wasn't there. After giving up 4 runs in the first inning, Kennedy actually came back to pitch almost 4 scoreless innings even though he continuously struggled through the whole 5 inning. I like he didn't give up and lose composure in order to keep Yankees in the game, especially when you consider he pitched against great hitting team(Indians). If Hughes, Kennedy and Mussina all give us 3-4 runs at 5-6 innings, we are in good shape. Of course, They will turn into a gem once a while.
The only thing I have problem with Kennedy is his PFP(Pitchers Fielding Practice). He should and will pay attention on that more for sure after this game. If he cover first base and turn that DP, He probably escape this first inning disaster. You can't afford to give good teams extra out because they will make you pay for that.
As for Melky's error, I won't react that too much after I see how difficult for Matsui and Sizemore catch couple of flyballs. These are obvious evidences to prove that difficult condition(wind/no cloud) for players tracking the balls. But, since Melky plays center field, I do feel Melky is not so good at first jump as a CF. He probably need more experience or practice for that, but Melky did has a great arm to stop opponents' running game.
I won't overreact Giambi's missing tag for that possible out when Molina threw to him because Giambi did pick up a nice ground ball and almost turn a beautiful DP if Kennedy remember to cover first base. We all know Giambi won't be a gold glover at first base and won't play there every game. As long as he stays healthy and produce, I won't have problems with that.
The more I saw Molina playing, the more I feel what a great underrating signing and trade for cashman. He gives us a great backup catcher who is very good at defense while he is not automatically out on the plate as well.
One of the New York reporters asked Hawkins if this spring training has been about as good as he could have hoped,
"Spring don't mean sh**, dude."
But, I do believe you definitely can see epitome of players' possible regular season performance.When you saw Kennedy throwing 48 out of 91 pitches for strikes which is 52%, you know his stuff and command wasn't there. After giving up 4 runs in the first inning, Kennedy actually came back to pitch almost 4 scoreless innings even though he continuously struggled through the whole 5 inning. I like he didn't give up and lose composure in order to keep Yankees in the game, especially when you consider he pitched against great hitting team(Indians). If Hughes, Kennedy and Mussina all give us 3-4 runs at 5-6 innings, we are in good shape. Of course, They will turn into a gem once a while.
The only thing I have problem with Kennedy is his PFP(Pitchers Fielding Practice). He should and will pay attention on that more for sure after this game. If he cover first base and turn that DP, He probably escape this first inning disaster. You can't afford to give good teams extra out because they will make you pay for that.
As for Melky's error, I won't react that too much after I see how difficult for Matsui and Sizemore catch couple of flyballs. These are obvious evidences to prove that difficult condition(wind/no cloud) for players tracking the balls. But, since Melky plays center field, I do feel Melky is not so good at first jump as a CF. He probably need more experience or practice for that, but Melky did has a great arm to stop opponents' running game.
I won't overreact Giambi's missing tag for that possible out when Molina threw to him because Giambi did pick up a nice ground ball and almost turn a beautiful DP if Kennedy remember to cover first base. We all know Giambi won't be a gold glover at first base and won't play there every game. As long as he stays healthy and produce, I won't have problems with that.
The more I saw Molina playing, the more I feel what a great underrating signing and trade for cashman. He gives us a great backup catcher who is very good at defense while he is not automatically out on the plate as well.
Two bullpen at two days in a row?
It looks like we get ourselves a coach staff who all work very hard. No doubt, Dave Eiland certainly is qualified to this compliment.
In order to let Wang fix his delivery whenever he is in the windup or out of stretch, Dave Eiland asks Wang to repeat his delivery many times without holding the ball during the whole Spring training. They often do this the day after Wang's normal bullpen session.
On top of that, Dave Eiland asked Wang to have another bullpen session yesterday that was the day after Wang's normal bullpen session. This bullpen was only for his slider which is the most inconsistent pitch during the whole spring training. He tries to let Wang remember the correct delivery for slider.
I am glad to hear Wang and coach staff working hard for improvement, but is this a little bit too much? I don't know. I am not an expert on pitching.
In order to let Wang fix his delivery whenever he is in the windup or out of stretch, Dave Eiland asks Wang to repeat his delivery many times without holding the ball during the whole Spring training. They often do this the day after Wang's normal bullpen session.
On top of that, Dave Eiland asked Wang to have another bullpen session yesterday that was the day after Wang's normal bullpen session. This bullpen was only for his slider which is the most inconsistent pitch during the whole spring training. He tries to let Wang remember the correct delivery for slider.
I am glad to hear Wang and coach staff working hard for improvement, but is this a little bit too much? I don't know. I am not an expert on pitching.
I can't help hating to see Red Sox winning
Even against Athletics which is not a good team...Even this is just first game of 2008 season...Especially watch Jonathan Papelbon's face when he pitches... I just don't like this guy at all...
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
feel good
If Mussina, Hughes and Kennedy can give us 3 ER 6 innings at most of their starts, Yankees will be in great shape with their offense. On top of that, Wang and Pettitte will give us 7-8 innings most of their starts.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Smart Manager, right?
What a smart manager he is, Joe Girardi, isn't it? This is a line from NY Times Bats' Blog as follow,
Mussina playfully said that Manager Joe Girardi did not tell him the first pitch was at 10 until after Mussina agreed to face the minor leaguers.
And then Moose wrote on his marker board: "Love these 10 a.m. games.''
Mussina playfully said that Manager Joe Girardi did not tell him the first pitch was at 10 until after Mussina agreed to face the minor leaguers.
And then Moose wrote on his marker board: "Love these 10 a.m. games.''
Can't wait the season
You guys probably understand this. The main focus from Taiwanese media is all about Wang. They will detail everything surrounding Wang. When I read through news on Taiwanese websites, I always can get a lot of interesting photos which take place around Wang. There are two examples which I kind of sensing good relationship among pitching staff. These kind of photos let me can't wait the season.
Talk about sending message...
Competition for spots in the spring training come down to wire. Of course, Bloggers all come up with tons of different prediction on the Opening roster based on variable reasons or personal observations, including me.
Obviously, There are two spots for bench and three spots for bullpen up for grab. There is less controversy for bench spots which probably goes to Betemit and Ensberg. The safe bet for three bullpen spot will be Bruney, Traber, Karstens which is my prediction. But, If Girardi decides to choose Ross Ohlendorf(long reliever), Scott Patterson and Traber, this move probably will say a lot about Joe Girardi.
But, again, even if Girardi goes to safe bet, I won't disappoint because this is long season. The ones make it to opening day roster don't guarantee to stay with us the whole season.
Obviously, There are two spots for bench and three spots for bullpen up for grab. There is less controversy for bench spots which probably goes to Betemit and Ensberg. The safe bet for three bullpen spot will be Bruney, Traber, Karstens which is my prediction. But, If Girardi decides to choose Ross Ohlendorf(long reliever), Scott Patterson and Traber, this move probably will say a lot about Joe Girardi.
But, again, even if Girardi goes to safe bet, I won't disappoint because this is long season. The ones make it to opening day roster don't guarantee to stay with us the whole season.
One good thing about Andy's minor back spasms, if there is any...
I already said I stop worrying about Andy Pettitte on the preview post, so I am not going to eat my words even though it seems there are more bad news about Andy's back coming out. I wrote a post few days ago to predict 2008 opening roster. This was part of post regard for our rotation as follow,
Rotation(5)...I don't think Joe Girardi will put them in this kind of order, but this is the order I will run based on pitching style, limited inning cap, and possible bullpen use. I don't care much about who should be in which slot.
Chien-Ming Wang
lan Kennedy
Andy Pettitte
Phil Hughes
Mike Mussina
The reason I want to put rotation in this kind of order is separating both Wang and Pettitte who are inning eaters and Kennedy and Mussina who have similar pitching style, especially when you consider Kennedy has high inning limit than Hughes'.
So, If Andy's minor back spasms just push him back to one slot, this move actually separates Wang and Pettitte which is not a bad move at all. Of course, It won't kill me to switch Kennedy and Hughes' slot since it seems Hughes has higher ceiling. On top of that, Hughes did has more major league experience than Kennedy as well.
Rotation(5)...I don't think Joe Girardi will put them in this kind of order, but this is the order I will run based on pitching style, limited inning cap, and possible bullpen use. I don't care much about who should be in which slot.
Chien-Ming Wang
lan Kennedy
Andy Pettitte
Phil Hughes
Mike Mussina
The reason I want to put rotation in this kind of order is separating both Wang and Pettitte who are inning eaters and Kennedy and Mussina who have similar pitching style, especially when you consider Kennedy has high inning limit than Hughes'.
So, If Andy's minor back spasms just push him back to one slot, this move actually separates Wang and Pettitte which is not a bad move at all. Of course, It won't kill me to switch Kennedy and Hughes' slot since it seems Hughes has higher ceiling. On top of that, Hughes did has more major league experience than Kennedy as well.
Share a great article about Andy Pettitte
I was surfing Internet and finding a great article about how Pettitte become a Yankee Linchpin. Go to check it out. Todd, you are right. After reading that article, I stop worrying about him. Andy is a gamer and he will be fine. This is an opening quote from Andy on this article as follow,
"It was the dumbest thing I've ever done." Andy Pettitte on signing professionally with the Yankees.
After you read that article, you will know why Andy says that. I just feel how lucky we are as Yankees fans to have Andy Pettitte on our team.Let's Go Yankees.
"It was the dumbest thing I've ever done." Andy Pettitte on signing professionally with the Yankees.
After you read that article, you will know why Andy says that. I just feel how lucky we are as Yankees fans to have Andy Pettitte on our team.Let's Go Yankees.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
How can someone not love Shelley Duncan?
I guess they know the weather in Tampa will be this bad before the game, that's why they make up some "injury" for Pettitte and Cano in order to keep them dry. Of course, I am just kidding, but I hope that's the case.
I know all the Yankees can't wait to cancel this game and they probably hope this game was never being played when you consider Yankees' terrible defense on the field, but I actually like what I saw.
First of all, I rather they make some mistakes and notice those problems during spring training than find them out at regular season games.
Secondly, Jonathan Albaladejo and Scott Patterson all pitched well. I know, I know, Albaladejo gave up 6 runs in the first inning, but he didn't really give up many hard hit balls. I think he need to strength his mental toughness. As Scott Patterson's case, I start to wonder is it just because of spring training? or can he succeed in the regular season? I really want to find out. Let's wait and see Girardi's decision regard for 25-men roster which will be interesting.
Finally, How can someone not love Shelley Duncan? He did missed a fly ball in the left field, but he came back for that amazing catch. It will be great to see how he will do this season.
I know all the Yankees can't wait to cancel this game and they probably hope this game was never being played when you consider Yankees' terrible defense on the field, but I actually like what I saw.
First of all, I rather they make some mistakes and notice those problems during spring training than find them out at regular season games.
Secondly, Jonathan Albaladejo and Scott Patterson all pitched well. I know, I know, Albaladejo gave up 6 runs in the first inning, but he didn't really give up many hard hit balls. I think he need to strength his mental toughness. As Scott Patterson's case, I start to wonder is it just because of spring training? or can he succeed in the regular season? I really want to find out. Let's wait and see Girardi's decision regard for 25-men roster which will be interesting.
Finally, How can someone not love Shelley Duncan? He did missed a fly ball in the left field, but he came back for that amazing catch. It will be great to see how he will do this season.
Is it too late to move Joba back to rotation now?
This is the second time Andy Pettitte was being skipped his turn this spring training. Of course, they all said this was not a big deal at all. They always say that. Did Andy try not to aggravate his elbow and lead to this back spasms? I know Andy had back spasms last season and then came out to pitch all season. I also know every professional athlete has all kind of pain and it seems never being 100% healthy during their career. They all play through the pain and just how much pain they can stand, but it always causes me to concern every time when the pain is big enough to let them stop doing something or make it publicly, especially do you notice how many "hopefully" Pettitte was saying about pitching all season during two interviews regard for missing his turns?
I said this on this preview post when Andy was being skipped at the first time this spring for his elbow,
I don't mind to start Big Three with Mussina and Wang at the beginning season if Pettitte need more time for his elbow. I always feel we won't be able to find out who is the best option to replace Joba's role in the bullpen if Joba is there.
Is it too late to move Joba back to rotation now? Give Pettitte the time he need for healing is not a bad idea as well.
I said this on this preview post when Andy was being skipped at the first time this spring for his elbow,
I don't mind to start Big Three with Mussina and Wang at the beginning season if Pettitte need more time for his elbow. I always feel we won't be able to find out who is the best option to replace Joba's role in the bullpen if Joba is there.
Is it too late to move Joba back to rotation now? Give Pettitte the time he need for healing is not a bad idea as well.
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