Yardbarker: Ian Kennedy

Joba Out of Commission

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 04:28:44 -0500

Joba Chamberlain is heading to the DL, but he actually received some good news as well. Ian Kennedy will get another shot in the rotation in the meantime while a former Yankee is enjoying his short time with his new team in the NL.

Help For The Yanks Could Be In The Farm

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:14:14 -0500

As the long baseball season winds down to its final month, there is nothing more beneficial to a team in the pennant race than being able to call up impact players from the minors. And, the Yankees may have more than a few players who can help in their pursuit of a post-season berth in 2008 such as Scott Strickland, Ian Kennedy, Austin Jackson, Phil Hughes and, yes, Carl Pavano. With Darrell Rasner not pitching well of late and Joba Chamberlain on his way to see Dr. James Andrews, the Yankees need help in their rotation. While many teams would be in a great deal of trouble in trying to replace 2/5 of their rotation, the Yankees have formidable options. Out of the group of starters previously listed, Kennedy is the most ready, as he has posted a 4-2 record with a 2.14 ERA in 46 1/3 innings recording 38 strikeouts while sporting a 0.91 WHIP. Based on Kennedy not having any injuries like the other starters and pitching very well at AAA, expect him to get the call first. Not too far behind Kennedy, and depending on the diagnosis of Chamberlain, lies Hughes and the inept Pavano. While both are just beginning their rehab assignments, I expect them both to be on the fast track to helping the Yankees either as a starter or as a long man out of the pen with Hughes receiving the call before Pavano. In the bullpen, every team can always use a quality arm to record critical outs in their final month of play. The Yankees might have that in the 32 year old journeyman Strickland. Strickland has been spectacular at AAA Scranton Wilkes-Barre with a 3-0 record. In 56 innings, Strickland has a 2.57 ERA while recording a very impressive 61 strikeouts in addition to a 1.04 WHIP with 9 saves. Finally, the OF and bench can use a young and talented jolt in Jackson. Jackson, the AA CF of the Trenton Thunder, may be in a little over his head at the big league level making the two level jump and only being 21. However, bringing him up could serve a great deal of value to his development. Currently at AA, Jackson has a solid .297 average in 110 games with 9 HR, 61 RBI, 14 SB and a .372 OBP. While these options may not seem like much to Yankee fans, these players would be viable choices for any contending team. The only difference would be the varying over/under assumptions in days of how long it would take for Pavano to hurt himself on the way to the ballpark.

Yankees Dodge Bullet | Joba To DL With Tendinitis

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:12:10 -0500

Since his transition from the bullpen to the mound Joba Chamberlain has helped to bring the Yankees back from mediocrity into playoff contention. Now he must watch the team from the bench. A day after Joba went to see the infamous Dr James Andrews the Yankees have put their 22-year-old power pitcher on the 15-day disabled list with rotator cuff tendinitis according to Newsday. The Yankees expect Joba to rest at least one week before being reevaluated. At that point if everything goes well he will begin a short rehab before returning to the mound. He is not expected to need surgery and will likely be back this season. This comes as great news to Yankee fans as there likely will not be long-term damage associated with this and the team still has a chance to make the playoffs this season. If the Yankees had to finish the stretch run with a rotation of Andy Pettitte, Mike Mussina, Sidney Ponson, Ian Kennedy, and Dan Giese they likely would go nowhere fast. Now the team has to hope Joba can make a quick return and Giese can keep the ship from sinking in the meantime. This is not necessarily great news however, when Jorge Posada was initially diagnosed back in April the Yankees said he was suffering from the same rotator cuff tendinitis. Now Posada is back home after having season ending surgery. That is worst-case scenario however and the best case is that Joba returns from the DL on August 20 when he is eligible. That is also unlikely and he will realistically come back the last week of August or the first week in September. ESPN has surmised that Joba will be moved to the bullpen upon his return, but this is highly unlikely and is based solely on their speculation. It wouldn't make sense to switch him back to the pen now. For one thing he'll get less time to rest between appearances and it is unlikely the team would risk straying from his developmental plan yet again. On top of that the Yankees would be missing the front-of-the-rotation starter needed in the playoffs. Especially considering that Chien-Ming Wang is not likely to pitch again this season even if the Yankees made the playoffs this year they would have no chance to advance with that terrible Joba-less rotation. This injury arose this past Monday against the Texas Rangers when Joba was lifted in the fifth inning with shoulder stiffness. After being examined by Drs. Stuart Hershon and Chris Ahmad at New York Presbyterian Hospital he was sent to Dr. Andrews which caused speculation that his season was over. In 12 starts this year Chamberlain is 3-1 with a 2.76 ERA and 74 strike outs in 65.1 innings. Overall he is 4-3 with a 2.63 ERA and 104 strike outs in 89 innings.

Bad times for the Yankees

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 07:48:11 -0500

Things just keep getting uglier for the New York Yankees. Tuesday night's 8-6 loss was the Yankees 7th in 10 games. That stretch of horrid baseball has followed an eight-game winning streak that now seems like a mirage, a tease to make Yankee fans think there might still be some magic left in these Bronx Bombers. The [...]

Evening Events

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:59:59 -0500

-It appears the Rockies have been awarded waiver claims to veteran pitcher Livan Hernandez.

-According to the New York Post, Joba Chamberlain is scheduled to have his shoulder evaluated by Dr. James Andrews. This is very bad news for Yankees fans as it likely indicates a serious injury or befuddlement on the part of the Yankees medical staff. Ian Kennedy will be called up to replace Chamberlain in the rotation.

-The Mariners have designated 2b Jose Vidro for assignment. Vidro was hitting .340 since the all-star break and it wouldn't be surprising to see him picked up by a contender for the final stretch of the season.

Yankees Must Rely on Young Arms

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:13:36 -0500

Coming into this season the Yankees knew that the "tripod" of Chamberlain, Hughes, and Kennedy would be vital to the teams success. Lets just say that the "tripod" is no longer standing. Hughes and Kennedy started off the season as bad as anyone could have imagined, the two went a combined 0-7 in their first 15 starts. Hughes and Kennedy were both injured and sent to the DL in May of this season. It looked as though the Yankees young arms would not have as big of an effect on Yankees season as people thought. Joba Chamberlain, the only reliable one of the big three this year, started the 2008 season in the bullpen. Joba started where he finished off last year, sitting down hitters right and left and adding another fist pump to his resume after every inning ending strikeout. As we all know Joba was later moved to the starting rotation and hasn't looked back since. Monday night Joba was taken out of the game in the fifth inning with and injury to his right shoulder. Rangers Ballbark had claimed another one of the Big Three in the past two years. On May 1 of last season Phil Hughes had to leave after 6.2 innings of no hit ball. If the Yankees wish to make a postseason run this year it turns out the Trifecta of Hughes, Kennedy and Chamberlain will have a big effect. Kennedy has been pitching phenomenal in AAA posting a record of 4-2 with an ERA of 2.14. Kennedy could be back in the rotation this week if Joba's injury keeps him out of a start. Hughes has also been making his way back to the majors. After 2 rehab starts with the single A Charleston Riverdogs Phil Hughes threw a total of 6.2 innings without surrendering a run. Earlier this week Hughes was promoted to AAA Scranton. As long as Joba's injury doesn't keep him out for too long the combination of Hughes, Kennedy, Chamberlain might determine the rest of the Yankees season

Time for Kennedy to get another shot

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 05:23:56 -0500

I will admit up front I did not see Sunday's thrilling 14-9 come-from-behind victory by the Yankees over the Angels. The golf course was calling my name, and I listened. Anyway, there is one thing about Sunday's game I can comment on. It absolutely has to be Darrell Rasner's last start. It's time for Ian Kennedy [...]

Bullpen Implodes As White Sox Overpower Rangers, 10-8

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:53:40 -0500

While trade rumors continue to sizzle, Eddie Guardado and C.J. Wilson contribute to a heartbreaking Texas Rangers meltdown at U.S. Cellular Field.

One Big Bat = One Big Run, Yet Again....

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:32:07 -0500

New York, New York. What will they think of next. Hey folks Matt Eisenman here and im about to talk about the New York Yankees. I know some Boston Red Sox fan will probably say something and i dont blame them I would get tired of it too. Here it goes. The Yankees need one big bat to help them get one big run, hense the name of the article. What Big Bat do they need, or should i say who do they need because it cetaintly isnt a Louiville Slugger they could trade a player for ten of those. Xavier Nady the big name on the block from the Artist formally known as the Pittsburgh Pirates. Well the question who do they have to give up to get a player who is making a great name for himself. The bigger question who do they have to give up? Frankly I am tired of giving up young talent but who would they want. Give them Ian Kennedy Johnny Damon and someone else crappy. What ever we have to do to get it done that doesnt include giving away a young star. Another person they should consider is Mark Texeira. He is young has better mobility than Giambi and would be a good fit at first base and fill the bat void. He would be a good fit. To think the San Francisco Giants were thinking of trading Tim Lincecum for Matsui at the beginning of the season I don't think so anymore. Lets get this straight as a Yankee fan I am not going to settle for Richie Sexson. The man just can't hit anything anymore. If he is supposed to solve are problem Cashman has gone more insane than ever before. What to do, what to do? I really couldn't tell you. I'd rather trade younger for younger. I don't like veterans all the time they are so boring. What I think we should do is trade Bobby Abreu away. We will lose him to free agency after the year because we won't want him back so why not get some value from him. All I am saying in a very unclear way is the Yankees could be one big bat away from making yet another impresive run to make the playoffs. They have options Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, Mark Texeira, heck even Barry Bonds wouldn't hurt. Something is going to happen and it will happen soon when nobody sees it coming. They will end up trading young talent away for a 35 year old pitcher. That Brian Fuentes stuff should just stop. Quit it, the man is 32 and not getting any younger. For a reliever that is old and they don't have alot of baseball life left in them. Please anyone wishing to inquire a Brian Fuentes or Damaso Marte if thats even his name should look in the mirror and be like what am i doing. Fuentes ill give him credit he is doing great but not worth a young player who has a chance to give you more and be there for a longer time. I really do not know what is going to happen. I think it will get real interesting by the last day and very shortely. If Ray Durham is the last big thing ill be shocked. The Yankees have alot of chips to play with they just don't know how much to put in. Let's not go all in for once lets only bet 1/4 of the pile. Come on Hank it hasn't worked in a while. Just focus on free agency and stop trying to give away more than you should for someone who might be a rental. Save your money for a C.C. Sabathia or a Ben Sheets for next season much more worth it and a better investment. What do you think the Yankees should do? What do you think the Yankees will do?

AL All Crap Team

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:09:29 -0500

Screw the All Star Game let's put together a roster from those that have been utter disappointments this season.

C: Victor Martinez - He's supposed to be the best hitting catcher in the league. Instead he doesn't have a single home run this season and has been on the DL for about a month now.
1B: - Paul Konerko - Despite Paul Konerko's miserable .213 average the White Sox still find themselves in first place.
2B: - Asdrubal Cabrera - Last season Cabrera came up and solidified the Indians middle infield, this year he couldn't even hit close to .200 before being demoted.
3B: Jack Hannahan - Not much has been made in the media about the absence of Eric Chavez for most of the year, but his replacement for the A's has been piss poor hitting .222 with only 3 homers.
SS: Edgar Renteria - Renteria was supposed to be another key acquisition for the Tigers, yet it hasn't quite worked out yet as Edgar barely has an on base % above .300 to go along with his .326 Slugging %.
OF: Franklin Gutierrez - It's no wonder the Indians are in sell mode when you look at how many players they have on the All Crap roster. Gutierrez 200+ at bats and has an on base % of .265. Ugh.
OF: David Dellucci - Dellucci also has 200+ at bats this season for the Indians and he too has an on base % below .300 and an average below .225.
OF: Johnny Gomes - He's nothing more than a platoon outfielder for the Rays but he should really be nothing more than a platoon player for their AAA affiliation. He's hitting .186 with only 6 homers.
DH: Travis Hafner - Pronk used to be a consistent beast at the plate. This year he's hitting .217 with only 4 home runs and now finds himself on the DL.

Bench: Kenji Johjima - I was gonna go with V-tek, but Johjima has actually been worse, he has well over 200 at bats and has yet to score 20 runs.
Bench: Daric Barton - The rookie has not been the answer for the A's. In 267 at bats Barton is hitting .225 with only 3 homers.
Bench: Juan Uribe - No longer starting but still getting marginal playing time for the White Sox, Uribe has managed only a .206 average this season.
Bench: Craig Monroe - He has 140+ at bats for the Twins and is hitting a massive .211. Woo go Craig.
Bench: Shannon Stewart - Stewart has never been a masher and he certainly isn't this year with a .303 slugging %, but he used to at least have speed. This year he only has 3 stolen bases.

SP: Jeremy Sowers - The Youngster for the Indians has started 8 games this season and is 0-5 with a 7+ ERA.
SP: Steve Trashbag - He was brought back to the Orioles for a little veteran leadership, but he was designated for assignment in early June after posting a 8+ ERA.
SP: Carlos Silva - Um, why did he get a solid contract? He's never been really good and he's been atrocious with a 5.59 ERA thus far this season.
SP: Phil Hughes - Supposedly the best prospect in baseball Hughes had an ERA of 9 before landing himself on the DL for which he might remain the entirety of the season.
SP: Ian Kennedy - The 2nd Yankees youngster recorded an ERA well above 7 in 9 outings and has yet to manage a victory.
SP: Boof Bonser - The man with the funny name has been relegated from the rotation after posting an ERA well over 6.
RP: Jimmy Gobble - Gobble has come into 29 games from the pen and has an ERA above 7 for the Royals.
RP: Mike Timlin - I guess when you're about 90 you should be losing a little zip on the fastball and Timlin is with his 6+ ERA.
RP: Ross Ohlendorf - One more Yankee 'prospect' that has been a disappointment thus far this season.
RP: JJ Putz - JJ was supposed to be amongst the elite closers. Instead he's been on and off the DL and only has 7 saves.
CL: Joe Borowski - He wasn't very good last year when he recorded a ton of saves but he's been absolutely brutal this season with a 7.56 ERA and only 6 saves.

Best players at each position among AL East powers

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:04:09 -0500

Prompted by a few questions on the subject, I decided to do my own version of the AL East player debates. Solely focusing on the three best teams—record-wise at the midway point—in the American League East, here are my picks for the top players at each position among the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays.

Yankees Mailbag

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:21:07 -0500

With Chien-Ming Wang out until September, do you think the Yankees will go out and trade some players for a big-time starter like C.C Sabathia, or will they possibly bring someone up from the Minors, not including Kei Igawa?

Yankees injury round up

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:46:21 -0500

Numerous injuries and returns to talk about when it comes to the New York Yankees. Two key players (Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon) have some nagging injuries, while two young prospects (J.B. Cox and Humberto Sanchez) make their returns.

Who starts for the Yankees?

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:42:36 -0500

There has been plenty of debate this week on who picks up the extra start for the New York Yankees. The extra start is part of a double-header this Friday against the New York Mets. There have been quite a few names mentioned for this start. They include Ian Kennedy, Alan Horne, Sidney Ponson, Kei Igawa, Alfredo Aceves and Jeff Karstens. Manager Joe Girardi has narrowed his list, which includes Ponson at the top.

Yanks give Ponson another chance

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 07:23:36 -0500

Sidney Ponson? Are you kidding me? Desperate for starting pitching depth with Chien-Ming Wang, Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy on the shelf, the Yankees Wednesday signed the well-traveled, often-troubled right-hander. Ponson was recently released by the pitching-poor Texas Rangers despite a 4-1 record and 3.88 ERA. When the Rangers released him, GM Jon Daniels blamed Ponson for [...]