When I previewed Spring Training, I gave my readers a list of names to watch while Jeets, Cano, and Alex were fighting it out in the WBC. Those names were Ramiro Pena, Eduardo Nunez, and Kevin Russo. Lo and behold, Ramiro Pena flashed the leather, put together a good Spring and won the utlity infielder's job over the much better hitter in Angel Berrora.
This is telling. History has taught me that 9 times out of 10 the Yankes go with the hitter over the fielder. The fact that Pena is considered one of the best young defensive shortstops in the game is also very important. For while Pena was turning heads and impressing the right people, Jeter was flailing, diving, and and desperately reaching for (and misssing) anything and everything to his left --- when Jimmy Rollins wasn't showing him how an elite SS plays the game that is. Finally, the "Derek Jeter is a shitty fielder" discussion has reached a national level. If the WBC has done nothing else, this should suffice.
The next two years with DJ may very well be our final. As good as he is, and he is good, there's just no spot left for a 37 year old SS. People point to the outfield, but the vastness of left would eat him alive. I mean if he's got no range or arm at short, why move him to the outfield? DH is also pretty much out of the question as Derek's SLG % and extra-base hits have been down year to year. No one really wants a singles-only DH. First is bloked by Teixiera til 2016. Cano's got 2nd and you-know-who's at 3rd until I'm 40.
Really, injury is Derek's best way out. That or the retirement of Alex Rodriguez. And while it is true that Image-wise the Yankees need Jeter's Ying to discount Alex's Yang. Or in a more Freudian way, Alex is the id and Derek is the ego -- too much, sorry. I point to guys like Teixiera, Robinson Cano, and even Brett Gardner to fill that "Aww shucks, I just play baseball, folks" pollyanna mentality that the media shines on Derek Jeter.
Clocks a' tickin' DJ and there's actually a guy behind you who can hold his own at the position.
Showing posts with label Derek Jeter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Derek Jeter. Show all posts
05 April 2009
28 March 2009
Johnny's Last Stand
It's plain to see now. In fact it's fairly obvious. Johnny Damon's tenure as a New York Yankee is officially coming to an end. I couldn't be happier.
When I first heard that Joe Girardi made an adjustment to the top of the lineup by pulling the ol' switcheroo with Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon I assumed it was more due to Jeter's new habit of grounding into double plays in key situations. The more I thought about it, the more Johnny Damon's new role started to sink in. After all, Damon was seen as a much needed savior and crucial cog in the machine when he was acquired as a free agent 3 years ago. Keep in mind, back then he was a lead-off hitting centerfielder. He begins his final tour of duty in Yankee pinstripes as a leftfielder hitting out of the 2-hole. Frankly, he's outplayed his usefulness. Good riddance.
In typical fashion Johnny Damon had something to say and didn't disappoint. He said this of the move, "I'm definitely bigger than most leadoff hitters, so it's time for me to move down, and I hit the ball on the right side a lot." Damon added, "I’m O.K. with it. It makes the team better. We know Derek’s on-base percentage is a lot higher than mine. Hopefully, we can tinker with this thing, and my production in the two-hole will increase with Derek on base quite a bit [...] He'll be on first and I can jack home runs." Curiously, he then added "Whatever Joe wants, I think how this camp has been going, you know, everyone's got to do what Joe wants."
That last line I feel is th most telling. Joe Girardi may say he's "toying" with it, but I fairly certain his mind is made up in this regard. When we open in Baltimore, Jeter will lead-off and Damon will bat second. This will be the 1-2 punch all season. Get used to it.
The CF battle between Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera has been one of the more interesting stories to keep an eye on down in Tampa. Gardner seems like he's gonna get the nod. He's often cited as Girardi favorite and looks like a Giradi disciple. Plus he's batted at a .343 clip this spring with 3Hrs. Melky isn't going quietly though. He's hit at a .313 clip and boasts 9 RBIs. Personally, I'd go with Melky in Center, shift him to left in the 7th, bench Damon, and let Gardner patrol CF during the last 3 innings. Did I mention I hate Johnny Damon? Regardless, look for the decision to be made by Monday.
Speaking of decisions, the long-man spot out of the pen is up for grabs today. Dan Geise, Brett Tomko, and Alfredo Aceves take the hill vs. The Atlanta Braves toaday a 1:15 PM ET. This may seem like a throw away position to the uninformed and nothing more than a dull battle between garbage arms, but if you remember anything about recent Yankee history, you'd know pitching is the most important thing. This is no different. We have 5 starting pitchers, yes, but none of them are without their nagging questions. The long man can either save the day like Ramiro Mendoza or compound your troubles like Ramiro Mendoza. --Sorry, I can't think of another long man besides Ramiro Mendoza.
This battle is also important because if Brett Tomko wins it out, someone will have to be sacrificed off the roster to make room as Tomko came to camp as a non-roster invitee. For the record, Tomko looks far superior to the other two this Spring posting a 1.46 ERA through 12 and 1/3 innings. Aceves has pitched to a 4.97 ERA and Geise carries an ERA of 7.43 -- pretty ugly fellas. Uglier still when I mention the 9 combined HRs the opposition has hit off you both. Today may be the last to make an impression.
When I first heard that Joe Girardi made an adjustment to the top of the lineup by pulling the ol' switcheroo with Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon I assumed it was more due to Jeter's new habit of grounding into double plays in key situations. The more I thought about it, the more Johnny Damon's new role started to sink in. After all, Damon was seen as a much needed savior and crucial cog in the machine when he was acquired as a free agent 3 years ago. Keep in mind, back then he was a lead-off hitting centerfielder. He begins his final tour of duty in Yankee pinstripes as a leftfielder hitting out of the 2-hole. Frankly, he's outplayed his usefulness. Good riddance.
In typical fashion Johnny Damon had something to say and didn't disappoint. He said this of the move, "I'm definitely bigger than most leadoff hitters, so it's time for me to move down, and I hit the ball on the right side a lot." Damon added, "I’m O.K. with it. It makes the team better. We know Derek’s on-base percentage is a lot higher than mine. Hopefully, we can tinker with this thing, and my production in the two-hole will increase with Derek on base quite a bit [...] He'll be on first and I can jack home runs." Curiously, he then added "Whatever Joe wants, I think how this camp has been going, you know, everyone's got to do what Joe wants."
That last line I feel is th most telling. Joe Girardi may say he's "toying" with it, but I fairly certain his mind is made up in this regard. When we open in Baltimore, Jeter will lead-off and Damon will bat second. This will be the 1-2 punch all season. Get used to it.
The CF battle between Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera has been one of the more interesting stories to keep an eye on down in Tampa. Gardner seems like he's gonna get the nod. He's often cited as Girardi favorite and looks like a Giradi disciple. Plus he's batted at a .343 clip this spring with 3Hrs. Melky isn't going quietly though. He's hit at a .313 clip and boasts 9 RBIs. Personally, I'd go with Melky in Center, shift him to left in the 7th, bench Damon, and let Gardner patrol CF during the last 3 innings. Did I mention I hate Johnny Damon? Regardless, look for the decision to be made by Monday.
Speaking of decisions, the long-man spot out of the pen is up for grabs today. Dan Geise, Brett Tomko, and Alfredo Aceves take the hill vs. The Atlanta Braves toaday a 1:15 PM ET. This may seem like a throw away position to the uninformed and nothing more than a dull battle between garbage arms, but if you remember anything about recent Yankee history, you'd know pitching is the most important thing. This is no different. We have 5 starting pitchers, yes, but none of them are without their nagging questions. The long man can either save the day like Ramiro Mendoza or compound your troubles like Ramiro Mendoza. --Sorry, I can't think of another long man besides Ramiro Mendoza.
This battle is also important because if Brett Tomko wins it out, someone will have to be sacrificed off the roster to make room as Tomko came to camp as a non-roster invitee. For the record, Tomko looks far superior to the other two this Spring posting a 1.46 ERA through 12 and 1/3 innings. Aceves has pitched to a 4.97 ERA and Geise carries an ERA of 7.43 -- pretty ugly fellas. Uglier still when I mention the 9 combined HRs the opposition has hit off you both. Today may be the last to make an impression.
07 February 2009
Taking Aim at the Captain
I've wanted to write this one for a while now, but how do you even do it? I mean where do you start? He's all we've known for so long and he's done nothing but earn and deserve every NY Yankees fan's undying adoration, respect, and gratitude. Big plays? There' a library of them. I can close my eyes and see them. Key hits? Yeah, he's got 'em in spades. So many hits, really. More than any other Yankee -- at the old Stadium, to be sure.
Can you even imagine the New York Yankees without Derek Jeter?
I can. And I do. It's not that bad either.
The simplest way to state it is also the most obvious. In 2 short seasons, Derek Jeter's contract is up. One of the highest paid players in the league will run out of his multi-years and the Yankees' multi-millions. He will also be 37 years old in June that year. There is no plan, outside of silly daydream scenarios, in existence that actually addresses moving him from SS to any other position on the field. He's already, statistically speaking, the worst defensive shortstop in the game, and has been for a long, long time. See this, this, this, and this if you don't believe me. Something's got to give.
Forget for one second about who he is and what he's done. Instead, try to picture what he will be and will do, 2 years older and 2 years slower in all aspects of the game. Realize that over the past 4 years long-time Yankee mainstays we all thought we couldn't live without, Bernie, Torre, and Giambi, were all shown the door with little fanfare or remorse. Next year Damon, Matsui, and Pettite get little more than a pat on the butt for their service as their contracts run out.
Why should it be any different for Derek?
It shouldn't. Sentimentality has it's place. I want 90's grunge rock to come back, but it's not happening. Sooner or later you have to come to realize your heroes are human and the game has passed them by. No one wants to see Derek fall down rounding third a la Willie Mays in a Mets uniform, do they? I mean it's not even like Jeter provides pop or power to our lineup. His bat will be missed, no doubt, but how much? Last year he led the team in hitting into double plays and he hit second all year long. How many rallies did he kill? How many runs did that type of performance prevent?
Rob Neyer offers his perspective on the Jeter issue and comes to the conclusion that the Yankess would be wise to live through 2 more years of Jeter's ridiculous jump-turn-throw things and then let him walk in 2010. I have to agree across the board and on all accounts. I even think Jeter's performance last year was a major contribution to the team's overall failure and have given my reasons, see #6.
It's a tough decision to have to make and my dismissive attitude belies my overall appreciation of Mr. November. But you cannot hamstring the organization to avoid hurt feelings or uncomfortable conversations. My real hope is that Derek starts talking about calling it a career in 2010 by the All Star break this year. I hope he has enough of the "intangibles" we shower on him to understand that it's best to leave the stage before the curtain falls on your head.
Moving forward, replacement is obviously an issue. In hindsight, dealing Gonzalez for an arm last year was probably short-sighted as Angel Berrora is now the best in-house option in the event of Posada-esque injury. In the event of a Nady or Swisher trade, I fully expect a SS prospect or player to be in the deal. Unless of course Ramiro Pena advances his game in the next 2 seasons and lives up to his presence in last year's Futures Game.
Stay tuned to this situation though. More and more opinions, scenarios, and thoughts on Derek Jeter and his future with the New York Yankees will come out as the his contract comes to a close. You might even have the opportunity to take a peek into a crystal ball this Spring when Derek lines up in the opposite dugout when Team USA takes on the Yankees.
If I'm Davey Johnson though, I'm definitely going with Jimmy Rollins.
Can you even imagine the New York Yankees without Derek Jeter?
I can. And I do. It's not that bad either.
The simplest way to state it is also the most obvious. In 2 short seasons, Derek Jeter's contract is up. One of the highest paid players in the league will run out of his multi-years and the Yankees' multi-millions. He will also be 37 years old in June that year. There is no plan, outside of silly daydream scenarios, in existence that actually addresses moving him from SS to any other position on the field. He's already, statistically speaking, the worst defensive shortstop in the game, and has been for a long, long time. See this, this, this, and this if you don't believe me. Something's got to give.
Forget for one second about who he is and what he's done. Instead, try to picture what he will be and will do, 2 years older and 2 years slower in all aspects of the game. Realize that over the past 4 years long-time Yankee mainstays we all thought we couldn't live without, Bernie, Torre, and Giambi, were all shown the door with little fanfare or remorse. Next year Damon, Matsui, and Pettite get little more than a pat on the butt for their service as their contracts run out. Why should it be any different for Derek?
It shouldn't. Sentimentality has it's place. I want 90's grunge rock to come back, but it's not happening. Sooner or later you have to come to realize your heroes are human and the game has passed them by. No one wants to see Derek fall down rounding third a la Willie Mays in a Mets uniform, do they? I mean it's not even like Jeter provides pop or power to our lineup. His bat will be missed, no doubt, but how much? Last year he led the team in hitting into double plays and he hit second all year long. How many rallies did he kill? How many runs did that type of performance prevent?
Rob Neyer offers his perspective on the Jeter issue and comes to the conclusion that the Yankess would be wise to live through 2 more years of Jeter's ridiculous jump-turn-throw things and then let him walk in 2010. I have to agree across the board and on all accounts. I even think Jeter's performance last year was a major contribution to the team's overall failure and have given my reasons, see #6.It's a tough decision to have to make and my dismissive attitude belies my overall appreciation of Mr. November. But you cannot hamstring the organization to avoid hurt feelings or uncomfortable conversations. My real hope is that Derek starts talking about calling it a career in 2010 by the All Star break this year. I hope he has enough of the "intangibles" we shower on him to understand that it's best to leave the stage before the curtain falls on your head.
Moving forward, replacement is obviously an issue. In hindsight, dealing Gonzalez for an arm last year was probably short-sighted as Angel Berrora is now the best in-house option in the event of Posada-esque injury. In the event of a Nady or Swisher trade, I fully expect a SS prospect or player to be in the deal. Unless of course Ramiro Pena advances his game in the next 2 seasons and lives up to his presence in last year's Futures Game.
Stay tuned to this situation though. More and more opinions, scenarios, and thoughts on Derek Jeter and his future with the New York Yankees will come out as the his contract comes to a close. You might even have the opportunity to take a peek into a crystal ball this Spring when Derek lines up in the opposite dugout when Team USA takes on the Yankees.
If I'm Davey Johnson though, I'm definitely going with Jimmy Rollins.
11 January 2009
Mushmouth's Revenge
I usually never read articles that deal with unsubstantiated clubhouse stuff, but I was bored and bit on an article about a supposed rift between Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira.
It seems that ol' Dribble glass himself, Peter Gammons went on WEEI in Boston, the nation's most obnoxious sports radio station and took some not-so-surprising shots at Teixeira and A-Rod. It seems the guy who used to write Diamond Notes is now just an old, cantankerous Red Sox mouthpiece with a megaphone. He's already in the Hall of Fame for sportswriters so why even try anymore?
Gammo on A-Rod and Tex:
As you probably remember, there was a lot of testiness between Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira when they played in Texas together [...] And I don't think Alex really cares about communicating with other players, we know [that] from Derek Jeter.
You're right Peter. They hate each other. A-Rod hates Tex and Jeter. Jeter hates A-Rod and Tex hates A-Rod. Jeter and Tex are just OK. They don't hang out, but you know how it is. They're all catty little 13 year-old girls.
Gammo on Teixeira:
Also, we haven't really seen Teixeira in a situation where the expectations are really that high, and he's going to have to deal with them in New York. It will be very interesting to see how it goes with the Yankees."
Yeah, Anaheim never expected to win anything last year. They were just satisfied with dominating the AL West. Right again, Pete.
Gammo on Teixera's deal with NY:
The Red Sox didn't know it, and in the end there was nothing they could do about it. He wanted to go to the Yankees, his wife doesn't like Boston -- apparently she doesn't like the stores on Newbury Street or something -- and in the end that's the way it goes.
What a ridiculous homer.
It seems that ol' Dribble glass himself, Peter Gammons went on WEEI in Boston, the nation's most obnoxious sports radio station and took some not-so-surprising shots at Teixeira and A-Rod. It seems the guy who used to write Diamond Notes is now just an old, cantankerous Red Sox mouthpiece with a megaphone. He's already in the Hall of Fame for sportswriters so why even try anymore?Gammo on A-Rod and Tex:
As you probably remember, there was a lot of testiness between Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira when they played in Texas together [...] And I don't think Alex really cares about communicating with other players, we know [that] from Derek Jeter.
You're right Peter. They hate each other. A-Rod hates Tex and Jeter. Jeter hates A-Rod and Tex hates A-Rod. Jeter and Tex are just OK. They don't hang out, but you know how it is. They're all catty little 13 year-old girls.
Gammo on Teixeira:
Also, we haven't really seen Teixeira in a situation where the expectations are really that high, and he's going to have to deal with them in New York. It will be very interesting to see how it goes with the Yankees."
Yeah, Anaheim never expected to win anything last year. They were just satisfied with dominating the AL West. Right again, Pete.
Gammo on Teixera's deal with NY:
The Red Sox didn't know it, and in the end there was nothing they could do about it. He wanted to go to the Yankees, his wife doesn't like Boston -- apparently she doesn't like the stores on Newbury Street or something -- and in the end that's the way it goes.
What a ridiculous homer.
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