Results tagged ‘ Andy Pettitte ’
The No. 5 spot: A never ending problem
As it stands right now, the Yankees will go into opening day with the following rotation: CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte and Javier Vazquez. Not bad for the first four. But the number five spot remains open.
The Yankees have choices. They can go with Joba, they can go with Hughes, or they could slip in Serigo Mitre, who just yesterday signed a one-year $850,000 deal, according to the Associated Press.
If you have read anything I have written, you will notice a hatred of mine for the idea of putting Joba in the rotation. Hughes is a better starter and Joba is a far better reliever. So it seems pretty simple doesn’t it? Just put Hughes in the rotation and Joba in the bullpen. It would work as both a long term and shor term solution. But, the ridiculous Yankee coaching staff philosophy has me backed in a corner.
First off, let’s just remove Mitre, who most certainly does not deserve a spot over Hughes or Joba.
Who should be the fifth starter for the Yankees?(polling)
But back to the issue. Just as the Yankees had a “Joba Rule” thing in effect, you can bet your dollar they would have some “Hughes Rules” as well. Which makes me very skeptical. There is no doubt that you can attribute Chamberlains atrocious starting pitching to the fact that he was constantly on a pitch count. It made him always think about the pitch count, which took his focus away from being aggressive.
In 2010, the wheels would be off for Joba, so maybe he would be a better starter. I’m afraid that the same thing that happened to Joba will happen to Hughes, should they put him in the rotation.
But either way, you go with the better option. Like I said, Hughes is a better starter, and Chamberlain is a better reliever. Long term, Hughes can be the next Pettitte, and Chamberlain can be the next Rivera (maybe a bit worse.) You might as well set up for that now, rather than screwing stuff up. ⧫
The New York Yankees: 2000′s
Best Moment: 2001 WS vs Diamondbacks: Derek Jeter becomes “Mr. November”
Derek Jeter earned his pinstripes by walking off against the Diamondbacks in the 2001 world series with a home run over the right field wall. Still one of the most iconic scenes in Yankee history.
Honorable mention: Aaron Boone walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS vs Boston.
Worst Moment: 2004 ALCS vs Red Sox: Damon’s Grand Slam
Future Yankees, Johnny Damon, stuns an already disgusting series for the Yankees. A 3-0 game lead in the ALCS was soon to be diminished with one swing.
Honorable mention: Rivera throws potential double play ball into center field in the bottom of the ninth in game 7 of the 2001 WS.
Honorable mention: 8/7/09: A-Rod walk-off home run in scoreless, 15 inning affair vs Red Sox.
Worst Game: 2001 WS vs Diamondbacks: Luis Gonzalez blooper
A story book series and a near comeback win for the Yankees was gone with the wind after Luis Gonzalez blooped a walk off single over the drawn in infield. Had the infield played back, the Yankees would have 28 world championships.
Honorable mention: 4/25/09: Yankees blow huge lead vs Red Sox.
Biggest Bust: Carl Pavano comes to the Yankees, but doesn’t pitch
He just sucked.
Honorable mention: Chein-Ming Wang collapses in 2009 season.
Best play: 2001 ALDS vs A’s: The Jeter “flip play”
Honorable mention: 7/1/04: Jeter dives into the stands.
Team of the decade:
1B: Mark Teixeira
2B: Alfonso Soriano
3B: Alex Rodriguez
SS: Derek Jeter
LF: Johnny Damon
CF: Bernie Williams
RF: Paul O’Neil
C: Jorge Posada
SP: Andy Pettitte
RP: Mariano Rivera
Manager: Joe Torre
Yankees leaders of the decade:
Most Games: Derek Jeter (1500)
Most Home Runs: Alex Rodriguez (238)
Most Hits: Derek Jeter (1940)
Most Walks: Jorge Posada (707)
Most Wins: Mike Mussina (123)
Most Saves: Mariano Rivera (397)
Most Strikeouts: Mike Mussina (1278)
Most Pitches: Mike Mussina (24120)
Chat or Chuck: Kelvim Escobar
Bottom line: With Bruney and Coke gone and left field taken care of, the Yankees need pitching, and lots of it. With the bullpen thin, Chamberlain and Hughes need to stay there. So, as the rotation stands right now, there are only three guys there. Cashman has hinted that Lackey is too high of a price, so lets take a look at a smaller investment: Kelvim Escobar.
Chat:
- He will come pretty cheap.
- He has a 4.15 ERA in 12 seasons.
- He has pitched in Anaheim, so he is used to big games.
- He has postseason experience.
- He is pretty young at age 33.
- He has started over 200 games in his career.
- He isn’t a type A or B, so the Yankees won’t lose any draft picks.
Chuck:
- There are better options on the free agent market.
- He was injured last year and had very limited playing time.
- He walked 7.2 batters per nine innings last season.
Chat or Chuck?
Chat. With three accomplished and reliable starters in Sabathia, Burnett and Pettitte, a big game ace pitcher, such as Lackey, is just unnecesary. Escobar can be a reliable end of the rotation pitcher. Like I said, the Yankees need pitching. Every option is important, and Escobar is a very good option.
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Poll of the Day:
Should the Yankees sign Escobar?(surveys)
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Smark or Smack: Andy Petttitte
It was pretty obvious that the Yankees were going to bring back the veteran lefty, Andy Pettitte, especially after the season he had. But, I don’t think many thought that it would be for the amount that it was. Good or bad? Lets see:
Smart:
- Although he is in his late 30′s, Pettitte has proved that age is no problem.
- He said that his shoulder has felt fine all year. Thats the only thing you worry about with Pettitte.
- He powered the Yankees to a championship, winning the clinching game of each series.
- With this thin Yankee pitching staff, the Yankees need to take everything they can.
Smack:
- It cost the Yankees $11.75 million.
Smart or Smack?:
Smart. Yes, $11.75 mill is a lot. I don’t want to sound spoiled and say so what, but so what? The Yankees are rich out of their minds. The real important thing here is that the Yankees need pitching, and still need pitching even with Pettitte. It was pretty obvious this would happen. I hope this large numbered deal doesn’t pull the Yankees out of the race for a Holliday or a Bay, but when it comes to predictions, don’t even bother with the Yankees.
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Poll of the Day:
Are you happy with the deal for Pettitte?(polls)
NY Note #4
After Jeter, what current Yankee has the best shot at seeing his number retired? Given how his time in the Bronx has been riddled with controversy, would A-Rod even have a shot?
Jeffery Lung
Chicago, IL
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Interesting question, Jeff. With all the free agent talks and trade talks that the Yankees are always involved in, very seldom do we get to step back and speak about the legends. Your right, Jeter is a given. But who else?
When a first saw this question, I thought about the core four. Jeter, Rivera, Posada and Pettitte. Jeter’s in. Rivera — who’s number is already retired for Jackie Robinson — is in as well. As for Posada, I don’t think he has a real Yankee legacy like Rivera and Jeter. Pettitte, though, with all of those domianant years, does deserve it. Although I doubt that will happen.
Who else? Well, you have to think about the Yankees that will be around forever, guys who the Yankees would never let go. To me, those are Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Robinson Cano. Of those, I think Cano will do it. He is an MVP type player, and there is no doubt in my mind that he will win multiple batting titles. Hughes and Chamberlain are iffy.
Then A-Rod. I say no. To me, it won’t be the controversy that will keep A-Rod’s number out, it will be the fact that his greatness had already been defined when he came to the Yankees. For that reason, the number 13 on pinstripes isn’t so iconic. Free agents that come to the Yankees don’t leave behind the legacy that the lifetimes do, like a Jeter or a Pettitte. But it’s still possible. Think of other free agents that came to the Yankees. Reggie Jackson and Babe Ruth both didn’t start with the Yankees and both had their numbers retired. But, then again, A-Rods no Babe. Jeffery Lung is a writer for Red State Blue State
– NYColeman
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Chat or Chuck: Andy Pettitte
It’s always though to talk about these kinds of players. The kinds of players who have been there the entire way. The players that have shown you undivided devotion and have given nothing but success. Andy Pettitte falls into that category. The Yankees will probably bring him back. But be careful, you don’t want to bring him back for the wrong reason.
12/5/09: NY Post reports that Andy Pettitte is at the top of the Yankees to-do-list this off season.
Player Profile:
Andy Pettitte
Age/Type FA: 37/B
2009 season: 14-8 4.16 ERA 194.2 IP 148 SO 1.382 WHIP
Career (15 seasons): 229-135 3.91 ERA 2926.1 IP 2150 SO 1.361 WHIP
Why Chat?:
- He had a great season, going 14-6 with a 4.16 ERA.
- His shoulder proved to no longer be a problem.
- He powered the Yankees through the playoffs, winning every clinching game.
- He is a smart pitcher that doesn’t rely on power, which has gone away with age.
- He’s only 37, which, this day in age isn’t that old for a pitcher.
- He’ll be pretty cheap, so if it doesn’t work out, it’s no big deal.
Why Chuck?:
- The Yankees would probably be better off developing some younger pitching.
- It might be nice to go out as a championship winner.
Chat or Chuck?:
Come on, Chat! There’s only two chucks! Andy Pettitte is a great, great pitcher. This year, he proved that age will not be the demon of his career. The only thing you have ever had to worry about with Pettitte is his shoulder, which felt better this year (he says). If his shoulder felt good at 37, it will feel good at 38. Andy, lets take that mound for just one more season, and then you can walk like a true hero.
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Poll of the Day:
Should the Yankees resign Pettitte?(online surveys)
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Yanks decline arbitration on trio
The Yankees have declined to offer arbitration to free agents Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Andy Pettitte. The Yankees also didn’t offer arbitration to Jerry Hairston Jr., Eric Hinske, Jose Molina and Xavier Nady.
If the Yankees had excepted arbitration on any of the players, they would have been considered signed with an amount to be determined in the arbitration process. The Yankees can still negotiate with any of these players.
Was this a good choice of a bad choice? Lets take a look.
Positives:
- All of these players would have gotten raises in the arbitration process.
- The Yankees don’t need Matsui anyway.
Negatives:
- The Yankees don’t get draft picks if any of these players sign anywhere else.
Was this a good or bad choice? It was a great choice. Why was it a good choice? Lets analyze that for each player.
Damon: The Yankees are likely to resign him. He had such a good year that he would have gotten a raise that his age doesn’t merit. He wants to play for the Yankees, so the Yankees can get him cheaper.
Pettitte: As I said, the only negative is that if they sign anywhere else, the Yankees won’t get compensation. As for Pettitte, that doesn’t matter, because in the twilight of his career, I don’t see him turning his back on the Yankees, especially after winning a championship.
Matsui: This one is interesting. Of the three, he has the best chance of signing with another team. But for two reasons, it wouldn’t make sense to offer him arbitration. (a) the Yankees still don’t need him and (b) he would have made a killing in arbitration. The Yankees can get him cheap if they want him because he really wants to play for the Yankees. So, theres no sense in bringing him to arbitration where he could make probably triple what he deserves.
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Poll of the Day:
Who should the Yankees have offered arbitration?(polls)
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The Buzz: Damon first priority
Ken Davidoff of Newsday is reporting that the Yankees main concern at this point is to come to terms with Damon, not Matsui. He also added that a deal with Pettitte should come.
Damon’s agent, Scott Boras, is seeking a four year deal, while the Yankees are seeking, at most, a two year deal. Damon would love to come out of it with at least an option for a third year.
The Giants and Cardinals could also give some attention to Damon. But it is unlikely that any team will commit to two years with the 36 year old Damon, who’s stolen bases were way down this season from last season.
Damon is the clear better choice than Matsui. With the numbers Damon put up last year, he showed us that there is no sign that he is slowing down, and if there is a sign at all, it’s that he is getting even better. He gives the Yankees the option of playing the field, which Matsui does not. He could also slip into the DH spot if need be. Bottom line, Johnny Damon is a Yankee, and he should go nowhere.
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Poll of the Day:
Should the Yankees go after Damon or Matsui?(polls)
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The New York Meter Results
Here are the results to the first New York Meter of the off season. Thanks to all who voted!
Should the Yankees resign Matsui?
Yes 0% (0 votes)
No 100% (3 votes)
My Vote: No
Yes, he was the World Series MVP, and nobody doubts that Matsui is a great, great hitter. But his knees have handcuffed his ability, and this day in age, a player that can’t play the field is a bit of a liability on a 25 man roster no matter how good of a hitter he is. You need every bit of talent you can get to win this game these days, and a player that can’t play the field just isn’t good enough.
Should the Yankees resign Damon?
Yes 75% (3 votes)
No 25% (1 vote)
My Vote: Yes
The 37 year old has shown zero signs of slowing down. The new Yankee Stadium has played right into his strengths, and may be a great reason to bring him back. His 24 home runs this year tied a career high. Unlike Matsui, Damon can still play the outfield — quite well he proved this year — and if needed, can still fall back on the DH.
Should the Yankees resign Pettitte?
Yes 100% (4 votes)
No 0% (0 votes)
My Vote: Yes
It was the same debate last year, and was a very questionable signing in the end. This year, it seems pretty obvious that the Yankees should bring him back. He won every clinching game for the Yankees in the postseason, and was a HUGE part of this championship. Pettitte should come at a cheap price with huge rewards for a 3rd or 4th starter.
What should the Yankees do about their backup catcher?
Resign Molina 20% (1 vote)
Go with Cervelli 80% (4 votes)
My Vote: Go with Cervelli
This may end up being a long, tough decision for the Yankees. With Molina, the Yankees get a great defensive catcher, but a terrible hitter. With Cervelli, the Yankees get a younger, more athletic player who is a much better hitter. Tough choice for the Yankees, but getting younger always seems to be the better choice, no matter what.
What position do the Yankees most need to fill in the offseason?
Left field 0% (0 votes)
Right field 0% (0 votes)
Starting pitcher 100% (4 votes)
Relief Pitcher 0% (0 votes)
Center field 0% (0 votes)
Catcher 0% (0 votes)
Other 0% (0 votes)
My Vote: Starting pitcher
Starting pitcher wins by a landslide. The biggest question marks remain in left field and right field, but if the Yankees will compete, they are going to need another starter. I have talked about Lackey, and I hope it will happen. But, either way, the point is that the Yankees will need something to go with CC, A.J., and maybe Pettitte. At most, the Yankees have 3 starters at the moment (assuming Joba doesn’t start PLEASE!). They need someone else.
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And the Yankees are World Champions!
’09 Yanks nab 27th World Championship.
On December 12th, 2008, A.J. Burnett signed an $82.5 million contract with the Yankees. I sent an email to my dad who as at work with the link to the article on the signing. My dad replied by saying, “don’t count your chickens until the eggs hatch.”
327 days and 28 million seconds later, the Yankees passed around their 27th World Series trophy, for the first time in nine years. From CC’s horrible start on opening day, to A-Rod’s walk off in the fifteenth inning against the Red Sox, the Yankees have climbed every mountain, jumped every hurdle and now stand atop every team in Major League Baseball.
“You realize how difficult it is to get here,” Yankees captain Derek
Jeter said. “I never lost sight of the fact that it’s very difficult to
get to the World Series, let alone to win one. You realize and remember
how hard it is.”
In his potential final game as a Yankee, Hideki Matsui tied a World Series record with six RBI’s in a game, sealing up his World Series MVP honors.
“This is what the Steinbrenner family has strived for, year after year
– to deliver to the city of New York,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi
said. “To be able to deliver this to the Boss, the stadium that he
created and the atmosphere around here, it’s very gratifying to all of
us.”
Probably most gratifying to Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez. The king of
baseball has now sealed his resume. Alex Rodriguez has now won a
championship and is now the true champion that we all know him to be.
Andy Pettitte stepped up big for the Yankees on three days rest, and in possibly his final game in pinstripes, helped get his sixth ring.
“This is what you set out to do when you go to Spring Training,”
Pettitte said. “It’s a great feeling to be able to accomplish with the
rest of the team. This is what you play for.”
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Poll of the Day:
Which of the following free agents should the Yankees resign? (Select as many as you want)(opinion)
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