Yardbarker: Derek Jeter

Another mind-boggling argument arises: You have to replace Jason Giambi with Jason Giambi?

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 18:39:56 -0500

If someone can explain this to me, I'd love to be enlightened. This sentiment has been steadily repeated since the end of the Yankee season: If you get rid of Jason Giambi, you have to replace him with another hitter capable of posting a high On Base Percentage, thirty-five home runs and roughly 100 RB per season. I agree that you need to replicate his production, but I strongly disagree with needing to replicate what Jason Giambi is. Jason Giambi, as much as I like the guy for the actual person he seems to be, does not have to be replicated in a batting order. Yes, he does work the count and, yes, he does hit his home runs and, yes, he does get on base at a relatively high clip. But Jason Giambi also strikes out looking at called third strikes a ton--rally killer; Jason Giambi is slow-footed, pull-happy slugger, who is prone to banging into double plays--rally killer; Jason Giambi hit roughly .215 with Runners in Scoring Position; rally killer. And while I know batting average is a statistic in which people place far too much stock, Jason Giambi, at this point of his career, has trouble getting over the .250 mark--rally killer. Instead of replacing Jason Giambi with a younger replica of Jason Giambi, give me a guy like Mike Lowell or Hideki Matsui. These are the types of players who bat .300, hit 35+ doubles per season, slam 20 or so home runs, and don't strike out very often. They make hard, consistent contact with the baseball, which drives their situational abilities through the roof. And like Jason Giambi, these men get on base at a respectable clip and have the ability to drive in over 100+ RBI per season. Give me a guy who drives in important, situational runs over a guy with the ability to work walks any day of the week. To add another point to my case, men like Matsui or Lowell can actually run the base paths, therefore giving them more runs per season. Production is production, no-matter which way you slice it. You need situational runs, and more flexibility. These are the sorts of players[Matsui and Lowell] who give that to you. You cannot have a lineup full of men, who consistently take a called 3rd strike. Bobby Abreu does it, Jason Giambi does it, Alex Rodriguez does it, Derek Jeter does it--I strongly believe this was one of the many downfalls for the 2008 Yankee season. That cycle has to be broken. The Yankees need more men who make hard contact.

Alex Rodriguez just . . .

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:08:06 -0500

Pulled out the only money he has left after hisA divorceA from Cynthia. Showed all it takes to get Madonna into bed. Pulled out his Benjamin FranklinA handkerchief. Farted. Attempted to create anA origamiA piece for the first time. Did a magic trick: Gimme $100 and I'll make itA disappear. Got paid by Derek Jeter to keep their relationship a secret. So much for that. Said, "Fuck the [...]

Evan Longoria Is 17 Times More Clutch Than A-Rod

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 01:51:25 -0500

As expected, our beloved Tampa Bay Devil Rays remain unbeaten in their postseason history. The hero was our good friend, E-Love Evan Longoria. As expected, we will celebrate our first glorious postseason victory by kicking the Yankees where they are down. After all we are now their primary rival, so we have a reputation [...]

Cashman wants a challenge. Looking to turn the team arounda??

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:52:59 -0500

The Yankees held a press conference earlier in the day for Brian Cashman. Cashman spoke about what he plans to do with the team, why he came back, and his future with the organization. The Yankees ball club has been so successful under Cashman that he really hasn't faced any real struggles. With the Yankees missing the postseason this year, he feels he has something to prove. Can Cashman turn the organization around and bring them back to the playoffs? I think so. You know damn well that the Yankees will go all out this off-season, but the question is whether they make the right moves or not. Get C.C.? Burnett? Sheets? Teixeira? Fielder? Votto? Ramirez? Hudson? Blake? Kemp? DeJesus? Ibanez? Who knows. Should they trade Cano or not? There is so much to think about. The bottom line is that Cashman has come back to turn things around, and he will do everything and anything under his control to do that. He wants to deliver the 27th Championship to NY. Many didn't want him back, but there is no point in arguing because that isn't changing now. He is here to stay whether you like it or not. He has made his mistakes, but at the same time he has made many good moves as well. Let's hope that these next three years are very successful under Cash-money. Cash-money's thoughts… "If I left, I wasn't going to like the story that was going to be written," Cashman said, "because it wasn't going to be an accurate depiction of my time here. I've given my heart and my soul to this franchise, and they've given their heart and their soul back to me. I'd be nothing without what the Steinbrenners have done for this person at this table right now. But at the same time, I'm not going to let an inaccurate story stick, and the only way for me to change that is to change the story. So I'm staying to change the story." "I'd like to put a first baseman at first, rather than have somebody who's trying to step up on behalf of the team," Cashman said. "I'm not afraid to pursue big players, I'm not," Cashman said. "It's not something I'm against. I'm not trying to change that side of it. There's a time and place when you push that button. "This past winter, I didn't feel the building process was enough completed to start jettisoning off. When you make a big play like that, you've got to get where you need to be. That's like the finishing piece." "He looked me in the eye and he swears that he's going to be back, as good as ever," Cashman said. "It's up to us to buy into that or not." "The preference for me would be if Jorge Posada can catch and return to norm," Cashman said. "That's where we're strongest. He was a huge loss for us. He was a catcher that obviously provided defense.

Yankees Rotation And Fielders

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:30:51 -0500

With all the money the Yankees are getting back why not spend it. There is no doubt one of the frontline pitchers will be signed by the Yankees, but who will it be. I want to ask you to tell me who the starters and Fielders will be. There is way too much talent out there to not be signed by any major league club, but im interested to see what your take is. Here is my Pitchers and Fielders Starting Pitching Rotation CC Sabathia AJ Burnett Chien-Ming Wang Joba Chamberlain Andy Pettite Starting Line-Up CF-Brett Gardner SS-Derek Jeter 1B-Mark Texeira 3B-Alex Rodriguez LF-Pat Burrell or Adam Dunn 2B-Robinson Cano C-Jorge Posada RF-Veteran-With Possible Replacement By Minor League Outfielder Austin Jackson DH-Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon

Grady Sizemore cares not for your attention

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:35:12 -0500

by Scott Sargent, Waiting For Next Year

Now that the season has come to an end, Cleveland Indians All-Star outfielder Grady Sizemore has some free time on his hands. With said time, Sizemore has decided to grant an interview with Men's Vogue, in which he touches on several items including two of the more Cleveland-centric items: Grady's Ladies and Brady Quinn.

The magazine likens Sizemore's followers to those that are latched on to Yankee favorites Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter; aside from - you know - the whole paparazzi, following into Madonna's apartment thing.

A few fun facts:
- Grady rushed for over 3,000 yards in high school
- He drives a 1966 Lincoln Continental convertible
- He prefers sleeping over clubbing
- He's a video game buff

And when asked about his low-profile way of life, Sizemore had this to say about LeBron James and Brady Quinn:

"Interview those guys. Follow them to the clubs. Put their pictures on a Web site. Let me play ball."

Ironically, two of three criteria took place in this exact interview. Regardless, at least it sounds like Sizemore isn't exactly longing for the big cities; something Cleveland can at least hold on to...for now.

The Playoffs Are All About Sample Size

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:55:38 -0500

Try to keep that little tidbit in mind as we all watch the Dodgers in the playoffs starting tomorrow afternoon. Yes, I know it can be hard to separate yourself like that, but i'm begging you not to get too high or too low on a player just because he may run hot or cold for a 3-5 game period (hopefully longer for the Dodgers). Basically, if Matt Kemp goes 22-35 with 7 HR in the playoffs, try to refrain from anointing him the second coming. Conversely, if Russell Martin goes 4-28 with 9 strikeouts, it doesn't mean his career is on the verge of an epic collapse. Fact is, one playoff year (much less one playoff series) is hardly indicative of anything at all. For instance, keep in mind that even the ridiculously great Manny Ramirez had a .569 OPS for a 5-game stretch with the Dodgers. Had he done that in the next 5 games against the Cubs, he would probably be seen as a huge...

2008 Season in Review

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:28:04 -0500

The Yankees finished 89-73 in 3rd place in the American League East. In 2008, the Yankees dropped dramatically in run production with 789, 7th in the AL. In 2007, the Yankees were the best in baseball in runs scored with 968 runs. Run production went down nearly 20% from 2007 to 2008. In the pitching department, the Yankees improved going from a 4.49 ERA in 2007 to a 4.28 ERA in 2008. You can credit Joe Girardi and Dave Eiland's handling of the pitching staff. Here are the reasons the Yankees missed the playoffs: 1. The injuries to Chien-Ming Wang, Jorge Posada, Hideki Matsui, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Joba Chamberlain. 2. Poor production from Robinson Cano, Melky Cabrera, Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy. 3. Barely any clutch hits from the lineup. Rallies were killed by Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez constantly. 4. Another slow start early in the season. The Yankees went 14-15 in April, 50-45 in the 1st half. 5. Losses to bad teams like Pittsburgh, Texas, Cincinnati and Kansas City.

jeter's farewell speech

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 02:11:47 -0500

Derek Jeter's farewell speech Goodbye Old Friend!! i got this video from yesnetwork.com

Jeter won't be playing anymore this season..

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 21:18:26 -0500

Looks like we have already seen the last of Derek Jeter's season. His left hand is still hurting after he was hit during the Orioles series. He ends the season with these numbers: 150G 596AB .300AVG 179H 11HR 69RBI 88R 11SB 52BB 85K .363OBP .408SLG from rotoworld.com: Derek Jeter will sit out the final two games of the regular season with a left hand injury. Cody Ransom earned himself some playing time with a two-homer game Friday and would be the best bet to start the last two games at shortstop.

Jeter is happy for Torrea??and so am I.

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 20:13:36 -0500

Jeter is happy that Mr. T is back in the postseason. ...and why not? Joe Torre has been nothing but good to the Yankees organization. He was mistreated and was sent away from the club last year, and they weren't on good terms. People didn't appreciate what Torre did. He delivered year after year, not missing the postseason once! The one year he is gone since 1996..they miss the postseason! Weird..ehh? There was something about Torre that would relax you when he spoke. He comforted the fans when talking to the media. He was the best. Since the Yankees are eliminated..I am rooting for the Dodgers. Nothing would make me happier than Torre winning another championship with another team. He deserves a whole lot more. People thought he wasn't very good, but he was only winning because he was "supplied with superstars." When you are called "Clueless Joe" when first taking over the Yankees, and than winning 4 World Series Championships..I think you are doing something right. It will also embarass the Yankees organization, so it will send a strong message to the Steinbrenners. I think it will also give them more incentive to restore the Yankees back on top.

The final series. Yankees can decide where Red Sox stand in the postseason. They can also make a statement for next yeara??

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:37:21 -0500

The Yankees can decide whether or not the Red Sox take the AL Eeast crown, or take the Wild Card. Girardi is sending out the troops these next few days, because he wants to win these game. He is making a statement for next year. They don't need to show weakness to their rivals. As you can see Jeter and A-Rod are both in the lineup tonight. The Yankee players will hear it from the Red Sox fans for sure..since they have been eliminated for the first time in 13 years. Alfredo Aceves also has something to prove. He has been very good since getting the call, and he will try to continue his success tonight against the Red Sox. I know they have been eliminated, but this is still Yankees/Red Sox. Obviously it isn't the same as earlier in the season, but I will be watching. Nothing would be better than to sweep the Sox to end the season. Go Yankees! Thoughts on the series.. "It's strange thinking that we're not playing beyond Sept. 28th," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "But as I said, you see the last couple of days and there's a lot of pride out there and I expect the guys to play hard. That's what I expect our guys to do. I think our guys will still play the same way, no matter what." "I'm sure the crowd is going to be into it," Derek Jeter said. "You're not going to change the fans. The fans are always into it. We've gone there when they've been out of it and they've come to New York when they've been out of it. I don't think it's different." New York (87-72) at Boston (94-65) Pitching Matchup: RHP Alfredo Aceves (1-0, 1.38 ERA) vs RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (18-2, 2.80 ERA) Yankees Lineup: Damon LF Jeter SS Abreu RF Rodriguez 3B Giambi 1B Nady DH Cano 2B Moeller C Gardner CF Game News & Notes: Aceves last faced the Orioles on Saturday and hurled six innings of scoreless five-hit ball, and has allowed three runs in his past 19 innings. Aceves is facing the Red Sox for the first time. In 15 Fenway starts this season, Matsuzaka is 9-2 with a 3.18 ERA. With Thursday's loss to the Blue Jays, the Yankees had a seven-game winning streak snapped. Cano extended his hit streak to eight games on Thursday. On Wednesday, Bobby Abreu reached the 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases mark this year for the eighth time in his career. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, only Bobby and Barry Bonds (each with 10) have recorded more 20/20 seasons. The game will be televised on MY9 at 7:05PM ET. It will take place at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The game can also be heard on the radio on WCBS880.

Are injuries a valid excuse for the '08 Yankees?

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:08:23 -0500

I know many say that injuries aren't an excuse for a team, because other teams get injuries as well. I have a different view on this though. Yes…many team have injuries, but not all have the same type of players get injured. Some have superstars get injured, while others don't. Let's first go over what Yankees were on the DL this season. Chien-Ming Wang, Phil Hughes, Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada, Jonathan Albaladejo, Joba Chamberlain, Brian Bruney, Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon, Andy Pettitte, Humberto Sanchez, Dan Giese, Ian Kennedy, Chris Britton, Wilson Betemit, Jeff Karstens, Sean Henn, Andrew Brackman. That's right. About 7 All-Star caliber players were injured at some point this season. Some of them were even injured for extended periods of time. That list includes: the best player in the game today, a 19 game winner in '06 & '07, best offensive catcher in the game today, and two all-star outfielders. It also includes many rookies, such as Phil Hughes who were set back in dvelopment because of these freak injuries. We all understand that injuries are part of the game, but when your team is hit with such injuries..especially to your best players, it definitely takes away from your postseason chances. Chien-Ming Wang only made 15 starts this season. He pitched a little less than half a season. When you lose a CY Young type pitcher like that…your team won't be winning as much. It's as simple as that. A-Rod, who is arguably the best player in the game today has only played in 136 games this season. He was out of action from April 28th up until May 20th. He missed 19 games. It's just crazy to think about all of these injuries. Check out the downgrades..it really shows what kind of effect it had on the team. Posada- Molina A-Rod- Betemit Damon- Christian Hughes, Chamberlain, Kennedy- Ponson, Pavano, Rasner.. The 2008 Yankees didn't miss the postseason only because of injuries, but it was definitely a major factor. They lost many of their best players for extended periods of time. They lost their ace (Wang)……and Joba, who was pitching like an ace in the few starts he made. The best player in the game was out a month..and they had Betemit take his place who hits .260, and strikes out every 4 at-bats. Posada was replaced by Jose Molina who can't hit a lick. Posada is a 5 time silver slugger, and they replace him with Molina who hits .219 and had 3HR's on the season. It was a frustrating season. I think next year can only get better. These were freak injuries, and it would be hard to believe that it will happen again.

Top 200 Players of All Time: Through 36th

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:31:37 -0500

We're getting closer to the All-Time Greats. This time the Fantasy Baseball Hall of Fame runs through some of the game's giants - Derek Jeter, Craig Biggio, Dave Winfield, Tony Gwynn, and more.

Yankee Stadium: Moments to remember

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:38:39 -0500

Just a great Photo Gallery of the moments to remember at Yankee Stadium