Television curmudgeon Larry David and former TV bartender Woody Harrelson take in the Yankees/Red Sox game at Fenway Park. What do you get when you combine "Seinfeld" and "Cheers?"--a bored kid.
The little Yankees fan seated behind the two celebrities didn't seem to impressed to have the "Curb Your Enthusiasm" star and Boston's favorite dimwitted bartender from "Cheers" blocking his view.
I guess not everybody knows their names.
The Yankees come-from-behind victory extended their win streak to eight after defeating the Red Sox, 3-2, last night. It was the opening game of a three-game series and put the Bombers into sole possession of first place in the AL East and masters of their domain
Boone Logan picked up the win for the Yankees after coming in for Bartolo Colon and striking out Adrian Gonzalez, the best hitter in the American League, with the bases loaded in the fifth inning. It was only the second Yankees win in 10 games against Boston this season.
With two outs, Yankees manager Joe Girardi pulled Colon after his pitcher loaded the bases. It was a risk the manager felt he had to take and it paid off.
"You look at Gonzalez," said Girardi of the hard-hitting batter. "He has a lot of power and Bartolo was getting tired."
Yankee-killer Jon Lester (8-2 career vs. Yanks) then turned into Mayday Malone and got knocked out in the sixth after giving up three runs. Lester struck out seven, walked four and allowed five hits.
The move seemed to take the wind out of Boston's sails. Not that there is anything wrong with that.
Girardi used five pitchers from the bullpen, including Rafael Soriano who was asked to get big outs for the first time in three appearances since returning from the DL. He pitched a perfect seventh inning with one strike-out.
The Yankees haven't lead the division since July 6 or beaten Boston in Fenway since April 9. Girardi was philosophical about also getting the double-dip win against his rivals this season.
"Winning the game [was] more important than anything," said the manager. "There is a long way to go."
Yada, yada, yada.
Showing posts with label Rafael Soriano. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rafael Soriano. Show all posts
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Yankees To Stick With Robertson As Set-Up Man When Soriano Returns
It sounds like New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi has decided who will set up Mariano Rivera when Rafael Soriano returns to the team and it looks like Dave Robertson, who replaced Soriano, will get to keep the job. Soriano is expected to return to the club sometime this week after being put on the DL almost two months ago.
This will be the second demotion for Soriano since signing with the Yankees last winter. Don't expect the surly pitcher to be happy. First, he took a back seat to Mariano Rivera and now a rumble seat to Robertson.
Robertson has blossomed as the eighth inning set-up man since filling in for the injured and rehabbing Soriano. He even has an 2011 All-Star Game selection to prove it.
The 26 year-old righthander may have stumbled a little in today's 7-5 victory over the Oakland A's, but over the last two months Robertson has been solid. He is 3-0 with a 1.57 ERA. But the stellar stats hide a lot of nail-biting drama when Robertson is on the mound.
Robertson is the Yankees version of the Cardiac Kid. In the 40 innings he has pitched, Robertson's bi-polar statistics include allowing 29 hits and 26 walks combined with an unbelievable 63 strikeouts of opposing hitters.
The tightrope-walking Robertson has allowed only two earned runs over his last 26 appearances and in 21 1/3 innings on the road has not given up a single run. An amazing achievement, considering it always looks like the bases are filled when Robertson is staring down a batter.
On that note, the lanky hurler struck out a batter for the third out with the bases loaded for a record nine times in a row against the A's on Saturday. The previous record of eight rally-whiffers was held by former Yankee Jeff Nelson when he was with the Seattle Mariners in 1995.
Robertson stumbled a bit, during a downpour, in Sunday's 7-5 win against the A's. He was pulled with two outs in the eighth after his curve ball wasn't tailing and he gave up a couple of earned runs.
When asked about his bases-loaded/strikeout record, Robertson shook his head and told the YES Network, "I can't stop doing that."
Whether or not your heart can handle Robertson's high-wire act, he's getting the job done.
Soriano, on the other hand, will have to earn back his old set-up spot. The brooding righthander has already gone from closer to set-up this season. There's really no shame there when it's behind Rivera, but coming back to Yankee Stadium as a middle reliever has to sting.
Before going on the DL on May 27, Soriano was 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA.
The $35 million rightie pitched the seventh inning for Triple-A Scranton today. Soriano gave up a lead-off home run before retiring the next three batters. On Thursday, he threw 16 pitches for Class-A Tampa. He gave up one run on two hits. Not exactly reassuring stuff.
Girardi said Soriano could probably pitch Monday as well.
"We're looking at that," Girardi told the YES Network. "I wanted to see how he feels today. If he feels good after today and tomorrow, it is very possible he would pitch Monday."
In any case, Girardi said he was going with the hot hand and keeping Robertson as Rivera's set-up man.
On using Soriano as a seventh inning relief pitcher when he returns, Girardi used caution in his selection process and will cope with the eighth-inning conundrum later.
"It's important to get Soriano healthy first," he said. "If he's healthy, it's a good problem."
This will be the second demotion for Soriano since signing with the Yankees last winter. Don't expect the surly pitcher to be happy. First, he took a back seat to Mariano Rivera and now a rumble seat to Robertson.
The 26 year-old righthander may have stumbled a little in today's 7-5 victory over the Oakland A's, but over the last two months Robertson has been solid. He is 3-0 with a 1.57 ERA. But the stellar stats hide a lot of nail-biting drama when Robertson is on the mound.
Robertson is the Yankees version of the Cardiac Kid. In the 40 innings he has pitched, Robertson's bi-polar statistics include allowing 29 hits and 26 walks combined with an unbelievable 63 strikeouts of opposing hitters.
The tightrope-walking Robertson has allowed only two earned runs over his last 26 appearances and in 21 1/3 innings on the road has not given up a single run. An amazing achievement, considering it always looks like the bases are filled when Robertson is staring down a batter.
On that note, the lanky hurler struck out a batter for the third out with the bases loaded for a record nine times in a row against the A's on Saturday. The previous record of eight rally-whiffers was held by former Yankee Jeff Nelson when he was with the Seattle Mariners in 1995.
Robertson stumbled a bit, during a downpour, in Sunday's 7-5 win against the A's. He was pulled with two outs in the eighth after his curve ball wasn't tailing and he gave up a couple of earned runs.
When asked about his bases-loaded/strikeout record, Robertson shook his head and told the YES Network, "I can't stop doing that."
Whether or not your heart can handle Robertson's high-wire act, he's getting the job done.
Soriano, on the other hand, will have to earn back his old set-up spot. The brooding righthander has already gone from closer to set-up this season. There's really no shame there when it's behind Rivera, but coming back to Yankee Stadium as a middle reliever has to sting.
Before going on the DL on May 27, Soriano was 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA.
The $35 million rightie pitched the seventh inning for Triple-A Scranton today. Soriano gave up a lead-off home run before retiring the next three batters. On Thursday, he threw 16 pitches for Class-A Tampa. He gave up one run on two hits. Not exactly reassuring stuff.
Girardi said Soriano could probably pitch Monday as well.
"We're looking at that," Girardi told the YES Network. "I wanted to see how he feels today. If he feels good after today and tomorrow, it is very possible he would pitch Monday."
In any case, Girardi said he was going with the hot hand and keeping Robertson as Rivera's set-up man.
On using Soriano as a seventh inning relief pitcher when he returns, Girardi used caution in his selection process and will cope with the eighth-inning conundrum later.
"It's important to get Soriano healthy first," he said. "If he's healthy, it's a good problem."
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Phil Hughes Should Join Bullpen When He Returns To Yankees
New York Yankees starter Phil Hughes pitched today for the first time in an organized game since April and he didn't disappoint. The right-hander, who was diagnosed with "dead-arm" two months ago, threw 3 2/3 solid innings against minor leaguers in an intra-squad game at the Yankees minor league complex and struck out six while allowing two hits.
Hughes' fastball topped out at 93 mph and was consistently throwing in the low-90's. He retired the first eight batters. Good news for Hughes and the depleted Yankees pitching staff.
The New York Yankees starting rotation has turned into one of the most bizarre collection of pitchers in recent history. It's a combination of an old work-horse, schizoid fastballer, young hopeful and a couple of old retreaded former All-Stars--one who just went down and will be replaced by Hector Noesi from the bullpen or David Phelps. Hughes' return will add another question mark in that motley crew.
This rotation may be as reliable as Harold Camping and getting nearly as old. While the bullpen is shaky and has more injured players than Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark; where does Hughes fit in when he comes back to Yankee Stadium?
Hughes underwent a battery of tests in April and, truthfully, hasn't been the same since last year's All-Star break. Hughes' breakout 2010 season was still memorable and he finished 18-8 with a 4.19 ERA. He slumped a little down the stretch when it looked like he was emerging as one of the best young hurlers in the majors, but never looked good in 2011. This season he is 0-1 with a fat 10.94 ERA.
Now, with Bartolo Colon on the 15-day DL, the $35 million Rafael Soriano looking at another 4-5 weeks and Joba Chamberlain out for the season; it opens up the quandary of where to put Hughes when he returns. Chances are, it will be about the same time as Colon and way before Soriano.
Right now, Dave Robertson has played the part of set-up man with the flair of Houdini, but does manager Joe Girardi continue to bite his nails and Mariano Rivera grind his teeth every time Robertson loads the bases and goes to his great escape routine? Boone Logan is just a mop-up pitcher right now and Girardi has to be wondering which pitcher who can get an opposing batter's knees knocking in the eighth. Hughes could be the man.
Hughes is scheduled to leave Tampa and is scheduled to pitch for Class A Staten Island on Sunday. Physically, the rested Hughes is getting closer to Yankee Stadium but still has a ways to go.
The 24 year-old Hughes knows it's a long process but is thankful surgery wasn't an option so far.
"It [his arm] felt good; a lot better," said Hughes after this morning's game. "I thought the ball was coming out pretty good and that's all I can ask for at this point. I'm just trying to build it up and make sure I don't have any set backs."
The Yankees have said this morning's outing was technically not a rehab start and is just another way of getting Hughes' pitch count up. It will take about three or four rehab starts for Hughes to strengthen his arm and build up his stamina.
If Colon returns from his strained hamstring injury on schedule, the five-man starting rotation should be intact. That still leaves room for a steady set-up man like Hughes for a few weeks. A perfect opportunity to limit Hughes' pitch count until he builds up his arm and Soriano returns--and that's no guarantee.
For the time being, Hughes seems happy to be throwing in a game situation again.
"Really, until I get to the 100-pitch mark, there's no way of knowing [when I'll rejoin New York]," said the optimistic Hughes. "I'm hoping it won't be much longer, but it's kind of out of my hands."
Girardi must weigh his options after Hughes does return. What will be the former-number three starter's role? It seems logical to slowly work him in from the bullpen and allow him to get back to form.
Hughes' fastball topped out at 93 mph and was consistently throwing in the low-90's. He retired the first eight batters. Good news for Hughes and the depleted Yankees pitching staff.
This rotation may be as reliable as Harold Camping and getting nearly as old. While the bullpen is shaky and has more injured players than Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark; where does Hughes fit in when he comes back to Yankee Stadium?
Hughes underwent a battery of tests in April and, truthfully, hasn't been the same since last year's All-Star break. Hughes' breakout 2010 season was still memorable and he finished 18-8 with a 4.19 ERA. He slumped a little down the stretch when it looked like he was emerging as one of the best young hurlers in the majors, but never looked good in 2011. This season he is 0-1 with a fat 10.94 ERA.
Now, with Bartolo Colon on the 15-day DL, the $35 million Rafael Soriano looking at another 4-5 weeks and Joba Chamberlain out for the season; it opens up the quandary of where to put Hughes when he returns. Chances are, it will be about the same time as Colon and way before Soriano.
Right now, Dave Robertson has played the part of set-up man with the flair of Houdini, but does manager Joe Girardi continue to bite his nails and Mariano Rivera grind his teeth every time Robertson loads the bases and goes to his great escape routine? Boone Logan is just a mop-up pitcher right now and Girardi has to be wondering which pitcher who can get an opposing batter's knees knocking in the eighth. Hughes could be the man.
Hughes is scheduled to leave Tampa and is scheduled to pitch for Class A Staten Island on Sunday. Physically, the rested Hughes is getting closer to Yankee Stadium but still has a ways to go.
The 24 year-old Hughes knows it's a long process but is thankful surgery wasn't an option so far.
"It [his arm] felt good; a lot better," said Hughes after this morning's game. "I thought the ball was coming out pretty good and that's all I can ask for at this point. I'm just trying to build it up and make sure I don't have any set backs."
The Yankees have said this morning's outing was technically not a rehab start and is just another way of getting Hughes' pitch count up. It will take about three or four rehab starts for Hughes to strengthen his arm and build up his stamina.
If Colon returns from his strained hamstring injury on schedule, the five-man starting rotation should be intact. That still leaves room for a steady set-up man like Hughes for a few weeks. A perfect opportunity to limit Hughes' pitch count until he builds up his arm and Soriano returns--and that's no guarantee.
For the time being, Hughes seems happy to be throwing in a game situation again.
"Really, until I get to the 100-pitch mark, there's no way of knowing [when I'll rejoin New York]," said the optimistic Hughes. "I'm hoping it won't be much longer, but it's kind of out of my hands."
Girardi must weigh his options after Hughes does return. What will be the former-number three starter's role? It seems logical to slowly work him in from the bullpen and allow him to get back to form.
Friday, June 3, 2011
New York Yankees Off-Season Acquisitions Get Passing Grades...So Far
New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman didn't land the the two big studs he had hoped for in the off-season and had to settle for a mish-mosh of cast-offs, over-priced players and more old guys. One-third through the 2011 season and it's time to grade Cashman's big winter pick-ups.
The Yankees missed out on landing the class valedictorians Cliff Lee and Carl Crawford and ended up settling for the Sweathogs. The Yankees still have a slim lead in the AL East and can attribute some of their success to a couple players in this unlikely group.
The Yankees lost Andy Pettitte and the starting rotation still got older. Contributing to that math is the addition of 38 year-old Bartolo Colon and 35 year-old Freddy Garcia.
Both pitchers were picked up for bargain-basement minor-league contracts and looked like they were headed down to the farm until no young arms rose to the occasion in spring training and Phil Hughes later went down with "dead arm."
Colon, coming off a a season-and-a-half layoff has been sensational for the most part. He is coming off a complete game shutout against the Oakland A's and has the best strikeout-to-walk ratio of his career. The hefty rightie has a 3-3 record with a 3.26 ERA and 62 KO's against only 15 walks. Colon's remarkable recovery from arm troubles is being scrutinized by MLB because of the controversial stem-cell procedure he underwent last year. That's one demerit. He still hits 96 mph on the radar gun and has become the Yankees #2 starter. Gets extra credit for comeback of the early season.
Bartolo Colon: Grade B-plus.
Garcia won the fifth spot in the rotation, but hasn't been as over powering as Colon. He came over from the Chicago White Sox where he was 12-6 last year. Garcia threatened to dump his contract if he went to the minors but has been a capable #5. He didn't get his first start until the third week of the season, but has gone 4-4 with a respectable 3.34 ERA and 41 strikeouts.
Freddy Garcia: Grade B-minus.
Catcher Russell Martin was coveted by the Red Sox but chose the Yankees because he said they seemed to want him more in the Bronx. The Yankees are glad he is in pinstripes. The 28 year-old Martin has been hot and cold but has made fans forgetting about Jorge Posada being behind the plate a little easier. The former Los Angeles Dodger All-Star has showed no signs of last year's bum hip and performed capably behind the plate and beside it. He is only batting .242 but has hit 9 home-runs and knocked in 26 RBI's--typical Posada numbers when he was in his prime. Martin also has stolen 6 bases. Martin is also a nice catching bridge until the team can bring up Jesus Montero--if he's not traded.
Russell Martin: Grade B.
Andruw Jones has seen limited time in the outfield and at DH, but has shown he still possesses the power he wielded at the plate. The 34 year-old slugger has less than 60 at-bats, and with Nick Swisher finally starting to show some pop in his bat, it looks like Jones will only be replacing Posada against lefties most of the time. Jones has gotten his few hits in critical situations and has 4 HR's and 10 RBI's which makes his .230 average a push.
Andruw Jones: Grade C.
Utility infielder, Eric Chavez, has seen limited time and is more valuable to the Yankees as Alex Rodriguez's replacement when he tweaks a hammy or hits in the DH spot. The 34 year-old veteran is batting .303 and has knocked in 6 RBI's. He gets extra credit for understanding his place on the team.
Eric Chavez: Grade C.
Last but not least is the class clown Rafael Soriano. The $35 million set-up man has been nothing but trouble since Cashman reluctantly signed him to a three-year contract. Soriano has been disrupting the classroom ever since.
The moody pitcher is currently on the DL for 6-8 weeks but not after blowing crucial saves, avoiding the press and, when he does utter something, says such bon-mots like "I don't think the bullpen is the problem right now. I think it's the hitters," after he self-destructed on the mound.
Until Soriano gets over his elbow and mouth issues, he gets detention for joining a long list of Yankee newbies unable to handle the New York media.
Rafael Soriano: Grade Incomplete.
All-in-all, Cashman did a respectable job filling in the pieces with questionable and recovering players. It's a passable class with a lot of repeat seniors. More like the scrappy vocational guys in auto shop than the academics concentrating on their SAT's. It remains to be seen how long Colon and Garcia hold out.
For the record, so far this year, Carl Crawford is spotting a C and Cliff Lee is looking at a soft C-plus for being the teacher's pet.
The Yankees missed out on landing the class valedictorians Cliff Lee and Carl Crawford and ended up settling for the Sweathogs. The Yankees still have a slim lead in the AL East and can attribute some of their success to a couple players in this unlikely group.
Both pitchers were picked up for bargain-basement minor-league contracts and looked like they were headed down to the farm until no young arms rose to the occasion in spring training and Phil Hughes later went down with "dead arm."
Colon, coming off a a season-and-a-half layoff has been sensational for the most part. He is coming off a complete game shutout against the Oakland A's and has the best strikeout-to-walk ratio of his career. The hefty rightie has a 3-3 record with a 3.26 ERA and 62 KO's against only 15 walks. Colon's remarkable recovery from arm troubles is being scrutinized by MLB because of the controversial stem-cell procedure he underwent last year. That's one demerit. He still hits 96 mph on the radar gun and has become the Yankees #2 starter. Gets extra credit for comeback of the early season.
Bartolo Colon: Grade B-plus.
Garcia won the fifth spot in the rotation, but hasn't been as over powering as Colon. He came over from the Chicago White Sox where he was 12-6 last year. Garcia threatened to dump his contract if he went to the minors but has been a capable #5. He didn't get his first start until the third week of the season, but has gone 4-4 with a respectable 3.34 ERA and 41 strikeouts.
Freddy Garcia: Grade B-minus.
Catcher Russell Martin was coveted by the Red Sox but chose the Yankees because he said they seemed to want him more in the Bronx. The Yankees are glad he is in pinstripes. The 28 year-old Martin has been hot and cold but has made fans forgetting about Jorge Posada being behind the plate a little easier. The former Los Angeles Dodger All-Star has showed no signs of last year's bum hip and performed capably behind the plate and beside it. He is only batting .242 but has hit 9 home-runs and knocked in 26 RBI's--typical Posada numbers when he was in his prime. Martin also has stolen 6 bases. Martin is also a nice catching bridge until the team can bring up Jesus Montero--if he's not traded.
Russell Martin: Grade B.
Andruw Jones has seen limited time in the outfield and at DH, but has shown he still possesses the power he wielded at the plate. The 34 year-old slugger has less than 60 at-bats, and with Nick Swisher finally starting to show some pop in his bat, it looks like Jones will only be replacing Posada against lefties most of the time. Jones has gotten his few hits in critical situations and has 4 HR's and 10 RBI's which makes his .230 average a push.
Andruw Jones: Grade C.
Utility infielder, Eric Chavez, has seen limited time and is more valuable to the Yankees as Alex Rodriguez's replacement when he tweaks a hammy or hits in the DH spot. The 34 year-old veteran is batting .303 and has knocked in 6 RBI's. He gets extra credit for understanding his place on the team.
Eric Chavez: Grade C.
The moody pitcher is currently on the DL for 6-8 weeks but not after blowing crucial saves, avoiding the press and, when he does utter something, says such bon-mots like "I don't think the bullpen is the problem right now. I think it's the hitters," after he self-destructed on the mound.
Until Soriano gets over his elbow and mouth issues, he gets detention for joining a long list of Yankee newbies unable to handle the New York media.
Rafael Soriano: Grade Incomplete.
All-in-all, Cashman did a respectable job filling in the pieces with questionable and recovering players. It's a passable class with a lot of repeat seniors. More like the scrappy vocational guys in auto shop than the academics concentrating on their SAT's. It remains to be seen how long Colon and Garcia hold out.
For the record, so far this year, Carl Crawford is spotting a C and Cliff Lee is looking at a soft C-plus for being the teacher's pet.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Yankees Soriano Didn't Answer Relief Call Or One From His Mom
Much has been made of the Yankees Rafael Soriano's eighth-inning meltdown and subsequent vanishing act from the Yankees clubhouse on Tuesday night; but it looks like reporters weren't the only ones blown off by the surly pitcher. Soriano wouldn' even take a phone call from his own mother after the 10-inning loss.
Soriano refused to accept a postgame call from his mom; who had been watching the game from her home in the Dominican Republic.
After giving up a four run lead over the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium, Soriano avoided the media and ignored his mother's phone call because he was too upset to talk.
"I didn't answer my phone because I didn't feel comfortable to talk to her," Soriano explained on Wed. afternoon. "I said, 'Let me go home, relax and get ready for today.'"
The unsociable pitcher made a major Yankee faux-paux by not speaking with the self-entitled New York press--especially when it was his first week in pinstripes--but to diss your own mom.
Soriano finally addressed the media at the urging of the Yankee organization after some players steamed--none publicly--that they were left holding the dye-pack after Soriano's criminal pitching performance and escape routine.
"I'm apologizing that I didn't talk to you guys last night," Soriano said before last night's rained out game. "The reason I didn't was because that game CC [Sabathia] was supposed to win. That's why I got mad and I didn't feel comfortable talking to you guys. I know last night I was supposed to talk to you guys and I left."
Yankees manager Joe Girardi explained to Soriano that facing the press in New York after a bad outing is expected. He wasn't in Atlanta or Tampa Bay anymore.
"There is no rule a player has to talk to the media," said Girardi. "There are times players need to blow off steam."
Girardi knows what it like to answer questions after a tough loss. "We've all been there" he said. "There are days when I'd not like to come in here, as well, but I'm not allowed to do that."
Blowing off steam is one thing , but the woman who birthed you?
The conversation with his mom would have probably gone like this:
"My little Raffy, did those boys bother you?"
"I don't wanna be here."
"Don't let those Twins boys bother you."
"They're mean."
"Now you just go and make friends with those nice reporter kids"
"I don't wanna."
" Raffy, do it for your mother...and watch your language."
"Mommmm..."
Yankees GM Brian Cashman had almost the same motherly advice.
"He's new to this market, so like everything else, you live and learn," he said of the Yankees $35 million set-up man. "We have to bang out some kinks and that was one."
Soriano learned a tough New York lesson. Face the music--even if it means standing your ground in front of your locker after a good or bad performance. Nick Swisher, Boone Logan and Dave Robertson took their lumps after they contributed to Tuesday night's debacle.
Girardi said none of the players addressed Soriano's situation personally and Soriano now understands he has to be accountable; so it looks like water under the bridge.
The greater concern to the Yankees is Soriano's horrible performance--2/3 inning, 3 walks and allowing one hit and four runs--that ruined a seven-inning gem by Sabathia.
The next time Soriano hears a certain phone ringing, it will be in the bullpen from the Yankees dugout. Here's hoping the "eighth-inning guy" answers that call.
Soriano refused to accept a postgame call from his mom; who had been watching the game from her home in the Dominican Republic.
"I didn't answer my phone because I didn't feel comfortable to talk to her," Soriano explained on Wed. afternoon. "I said, 'Let me go home, relax and get ready for today.'"
The unsociable pitcher made a major Yankee faux-paux by not speaking with the self-entitled New York press--especially when it was his first week in pinstripes--but to diss your own mom.
Soriano finally addressed the media at the urging of the Yankee organization after some players steamed--none publicly--that they were left holding the dye-pack after Soriano's criminal pitching performance and escape routine.
"I'm apologizing that I didn't talk to you guys last night," Soriano said before last night's rained out game. "The reason I didn't was because that game CC [Sabathia] was supposed to win. That's why I got mad and I didn't feel comfortable talking to you guys. I know last night I was supposed to talk to you guys and I left."
Yankees manager Joe Girardi explained to Soriano that facing the press in New York after a bad outing is expected. He wasn't in Atlanta or Tampa Bay anymore.
"There is no rule a player has to talk to the media," said Girardi. "There are times players need to blow off steam."
Girardi knows what it like to answer questions after a tough loss. "We've all been there" he said. "There are days when I'd not like to come in here, as well, but I'm not allowed to do that."
Blowing off steam is one thing , but the woman who birthed you?
"My little Raffy, did those boys bother you?"
"I don't wanna be here."
"Don't let those Twins boys bother you."
"They're mean."
"Now you just go and make friends with those nice reporter kids"
"I don't wanna."
" Raffy, do it for your mother...and watch your language."
"Mommmm..."
Yankees GM Brian Cashman had almost the same motherly advice.
"He's new to this market, so like everything else, you live and learn," he said of the Yankees $35 million set-up man. "We have to bang out some kinks and that was one."
Soriano learned a tough New York lesson. Face the music--even if it means standing your ground in front of your locker after a good or bad performance. Nick Swisher, Boone Logan and Dave Robertson took their lumps after they contributed to Tuesday night's debacle.
Girardi said none of the players addressed Soriano's situation personally and Soriano now understands he has to be accountable; so it looks like water under the bridge.
The greater concern to the Yankees is Soriano's horrible performance--2/3 inning, 3 walks and allowing one hit and four runs--that ruined a seven-inning gem by Sabathia.
The next time Soriano hears a certain phone ringing, it will be in the bullpen from the Yankees dugout. Here's hoping the "eighth-inning guy" answers that call.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Soriano's Silence Says A Lot About Yankees "Eighth-Inning Guy"
CC Sabathia must know how Yankees GM Brian Cashman felt when he put on a big fat happy-face while the team signed Rafael Soriano's huge contract last winter. No other team was even willing to sign Soriano as a high-priced closer, but the Yankees did pay him--against Cashman's wishes--big bucks to become a over-priced set-up man for Mariano Rivera. Some called it more of a bribe than a contract.
Last night, the surly Soriano bolted from the Yankees clubhouse a lot quicker than his fastball without speaking with reporters after blowing a four run lead against the Minnesota Twins.
Today, the day after Soriano ruined Sabathia's 2-hit gem against the Twins, the on-the-run righthander still hasn't said anything and is considered M.I.A in the media room.
Unlike Soriano, Sabathia put on his best face and a positive spin on Soriano's eighth-inning meltdown and runaway after the game.
"The bullpen is the strength of our team and nine times out of ten they're going to come in and shut the door," said Sabathia, who allowed two hits and one walk and had a 4-0 lead through seven innings. "That's baseball and it's just part of the game. We have to move on and look forward to tomorrow."
Patient words from a pitcher with two outstanding starts, no wins to show for it and a reason to be angry.
The Yankees led by four runs when Joe Girardi brought in Soriano, his "eighth-inning guy." In two-thirds of an inning, Soriano gave up four runs, three walks and a hit as the Twins tied the game. Dave Robertson gave up the winning run in the tenth.
This isn't the first time a Yankee reliever has blown a game and it definitely isn't the first time Soriano shown his anti-social side. But his behavior is leaving fans colder than the thousands of nightly empty seats at a freezing Yankee Stadium so far this season.
Soriano has left a trail of bad relations in previous stops in Atlanta and Tampa Bay. His reputation as a grump and a recluse preceded him in New York, but the Yankees were willing--or desperate enough--to take a chance on Soraino accepting the role as the eighth-inning set-up man to go with the big contract. It only took one blown chance for him to show his true colors.
The Yankees painted a nice picture of Rivera courting Soriano during the recruitment. The story was that the level-headed Rivera would welcome the hard-headed Soriano as his set-up guy and the bullpen would sing "Kumbaya" through the playoffs. Soriano would be tamed by Mariano. One big happy family.
It was all fiction and it only took five days into the season for the love-in to get icky.
Former teammates felt Soriano can sometimes look at a pitching situation as being beneath himself. Members of the Rays claimed he did not invest his full attention in the ninth-inning of last year's Division Series elimination game against the Texas Rangers when Soriano was asked to pitch, down 3-1. They felt his attention and fastball were off because it wasn't a save situation.
Maybe Soriano thought last night's 4-0 lead wasn't worth his valued consideration.
In Soriano's absence, Yankee players took to the vanished pitcher's defense--somewhat.
"I think he was there mentally," said Russell Martin who caught the game, "He was throwing the ball with conviction, I think."
Even Nick Swisher took the flack for his overplayed ball which tied the game. "It was an aggressive mistake and I paid for it," said the outfielder, " CC pitched a helluva a game; it definitely hurt."
It's probably too late for the Yankees to think Soriano will behave like Rivera when it comes to the occasional blown game by holding your chin high. The Yankee veteran has never disappeared or blamed anyone but himself. Rivera faces the media, takes his lumps and says, 'I'll get 'em next time.'
Soriano has been anointed the "eighth-inning guy" by Girardi. There will be other eighth innings for last year's AL 45-save leader. He isn't going anywhere. Not if three-year, $35 million dollar contract means anything.
Let's see how long the manager puts up with Soriano's vanishing act.
Last night, the surly Soriano bolted from the Yankees clubhouse a lot quicker than his fastball without speaking with reporters after blowing a four run lead against the Minnesota Twins.
Unlike Soriano, Sabathia put on his best face and a positive spin on Soriano's eighth-inning meltdown and runaway after the game.
"The bullpen is the strength of our team and nine times out of ten they're going to come in and shut the door," said Sabathia, who allowed two hits and one walk and had a 4-0 lead through seven innings. "That's baseball and it's just part of the game. We have to move on and look forward to tomorrow."
Patient words from a pitcher with two outstanding starts, no wins to show for it and a reason to be angry.
The Yankees led by four runs when Joe Girardi brought in Soriano, his "eighth-inning guy." In two-thirds of an inning, Soriano gave up four runs, three walks and a hit as the Twins tied the game. Dave Robertson gave up the winning run in the tenth.
This isn't the first time a Yankee reliever has blown a game and it definitely isn't the first time Soriano shown his anti-social side. But his behavior is leaving fans colder than the thousands of nightly empty seats at a freezing Yankee Stadium so far this season.
Soriano has left a trail of bad relations in previous stops in Atlanta and Tampa Bay. His reputation as a grump and a recluse preceded him in New York, but the Yankees were willing--or desperate enough--to take a chance on Soraino accepting the role as the eighth-inning set-up man to go with the big contract. It only took one blown chance for him to show his true colors.
The Yankees painted a nice picture of Rivera courting Soriano during the recruitment. The story was that the level-headed Rivera would welcome the hard-headed Soriano as his set-up guy and the bullpen would sing "Kumbaya" through the playoffs. Soriano would be tamed by Mariano. One big happy family.
It was all fiction and it only took five days into the season for the love-in to get icky.
Former teammates felt Soriano can sometimes look at a pitching situation as being beneath himself. Members of the Rays claimed he did not invest his full attention in the ninth-inning of last year's Division Series elimination game against the Texas Rangers when Soriano was asked to pitch, down 3-1. They felt his attention and fastball were off because it wasn't a save situation.
Maybe Soriano thought last night's 4-0 lead wasn't worth his valued consideration.
In Soriano's absence, Yankee players took to the vanished pitcher's defense--somewhat.
"I think he was there mentally," said Russell Martin who caught the game, "He was throwing the ball with conviction, I think."
Even Nick Swisher took the flack for his overplayed ball which tied the game. "It was an aggressive mistake and I paid for it," said the outfielder, " CC pitched a helluva a game; it definitely hurt."
It's probably too late for the Yankees to think Soriano will behave like Rivera when it comes to the occasional blown game by holding your chin high. The Yankee veteran has never disappeared or blamed anyone but himself. Rivera faces the media, takes his lumps and says, 'I'll get 'em next time.'
Soriano has been anointed the "eighth-inning guy" by Girardi. There will be other eighth innings for last year's AL 45-save leader. He isn't going anywhere. Not if three-year, $35 million dollar contract means anything.
Let's see how long the manager puts up with Soriano's vanishing act.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Yankees Joe Girardi: The Joba Ruling Is Official
The New York Yankees knew their starting rotation was shaky at best when the season started and placed a lot of faith on their back end relievers, Rafael Soriano and Mariano Rivera, to pick up the slack. The real question was who would be the bridge between the starters and Soriano. Last night manager Joe Girardi made it clear Joba Chamberlain is officially the team's seventh-inning specialist.
The much-maligned and oft-shuffled Chamberlain, who arrived to spring training camp 25 pounds overweight and seemed like a long shot to even still be on the team, has pitched well enough in two chances in the seventh inning in the Yankees first four games to be awarded the spot.
Girardi, who likes to assign his relievers set roles, is loaded with one of the deepest bullpens in the league. Chamberlain's name has been dangled about as trade bait for a long time, but he has made the most of his three appearances early in the season.
For now it looks like Chamberlain, who has been a starter, eighth-inning closer and set-up man since coming up in 2007, has the security of a new official job title.
"Right now, that's what we're doing," said Girardi. "We love the way he threw the ball in spring training."
Even if Chamberlain didn't hear about it from Girardi, he seemed thrilled that the bouncing around is over.
"It's an honor and a privilege to have that role and, to know that with the arms we've got down there, they have enough confidence in me to get guys out."
Chamberlain has retired all six batters he's faced in the seventh inning this season and threw nine pitches in last night's 1-2-3 seventh to help the Yankees beat the Minnesota Twins.
Confidence had become a problem for righthander over the past few seasons and Girardi's pat-on-the-back can only help Chamberlain overcome that obstacle. No more insecurity or guessing what his role on the team would be.
"I never really got into a routine," said Chamberlain. "This is the first time in spring training in 4 1/2 years where I've had the opportunity in spring training to do exactly what I was going to do in the season."
Girardi said, "[Pedro] Feliciano is not healthy for us. There might be situations where you bring in both of them in for an inning. Feliciano to face a couple of lefties and Joba to face a rightie. But Joba has the ability to get lefties out, as well as righties."
The Joba Rules. Once, it was about about limiting Chamberlain's pitches. Finally, it's about getting an official role on the team.
The much-maligned and oft-shuffled Chamberlain, who arrived to spring training camp 25 pounds overweight and seemed like a long shot to even still be on the team, has pitched well enough in two chances in the seventh inning in the Yankees first four games to be awarded the spot.
For now it looks like Chamberlain, who has been a starter, eighth-inning closer and set-up man since coming up in 2007, has the security of a new official job title.
"Right now, that's what we're doing," said Girardi. "We love the way he threw the ball in spring training."
Even if Chamberlain didn't hear about it from Girardi, he seemed thrilled that the bouncing around is over.
"It's an honor and a privilege to have that role and, to know that with the arms we've got down there, they have enough confidence in me to get guys out."
Chamberlain has retired all six batters he's faced in the seventh inning this season and threw nine pitches in last night's 1-2-3 seventh to help the Yankees beat the Minnesota Twins.
Confidence had become a problem for righthander over the past few seasons and Girardi's pat-on-the-back can only help Chamberlain overcome that obstacle. No more insecurity or guessing what his role on the team would be.
"I never really got into a routine," said Chamberlain. "This is the first time in spring training in 4 1/2 years where I've had the opportunity in spring training to do exactly what I was going to do in the season."
Girardi said, "[Pedro] Feliciano is not healthy for us. There might be situations where you bring in both of them in for an inning. Feliciano to face a couple of lefties and Joba to face a rightie. But Joba has the ability to get lefties out, as well as righties."
The Joba Rules. Once, it was about about limiting Chamberlain's pitches. Finally, it's about getting an official role on the team.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Could Soriano Save Brian Cashman's Off Off-Season?
It hasn't been the best of times for New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman in recent months. It started after the Yankees were eliminated from the playoffs by the Texas Rangers. Since then, Cashman has been rejected, accused, jerked around, questioned and now, overruled.
At Christmas, Cashman rappelled down the Landmark Building in Stamford, Connecticut. He must have the same dangling feeling right now in the Yankees front office.
The signing of set-up man Rafael Soriano was the first significant addition to the team after a winter of rejections. It may be the only saving grace for the Yankees dismal off-season acquisitions--but it did not come without controversy.
The battered GM admitted he recommended the Yankees pass on signing the 31 year-old Soriano, but said he was overruled by ownership. Soriano has 88 career saves over eight seasons. 45 of them last year.
Cashman, who was given full control of baseball operations in 2005, said the signing will help the team but was against it because of the financial commitment and draft pick considerations. Cashman insisted all winter that these factors would be deal breakers. The Steinbrenners thought otherwise.
"It's not my team. I don't own it. They [Hal and Hank Steinbrenner] do," said the GM at Soriano's press conference. "I'm a big boy. In any job you better be prepared for every decision to not go your way."
Cashman continued by saying there were "internal debates and discussions" on how to proceed. "Ultimately, Hal's in charge of making the final call in what he feels is the best direction at that time frame. He made that call. This is Hal Steinbrenner's and his family's franchise. It's not mine and it's never been, obviously," he said. "But this is not something that was done without me being aware of it. I had my say," he made clear.
Being overruled by the boss (or Boss' sons) is not so bad as compared to the other career lows of Cashman's miserable recent winter. It has been rough.
First, the whole Cliff Lee fiasco ended with the highly desired pitcher spurning Cashman's front-runner status and refusing the Yankees record-breaking contract to return to the Philadelphia Phillies. For millions of dollars less! It was a supernova implosion in the Yankee Universe.
Then, there was the drawn out he-said/they-said squabble over Derek Jeter's contract talks, culminating with the face of the Yankees calling out the team brass for leaking details of the negotiations to the press. The future Hall of Famer was not so happy with Cashman and made it public.
Combine those ulcer-inducing episodes with the pressure to replace Lee with another top-notch starter and playing pattycake with 'will he or won't he return' Andy Pettitte. Pettitte is still flapping in the wind.
The GM meekly admitted he even had discussions with Carl Pavano's agent about bringing back the loathed Yankee castaway and the PR nightmare it would cause. Yankee fans could only hope the Steinbrenner boys would have overruled that move too.
Yesterday, Cashman was thrust into the awkward position of introducing to the press a player he didn't even want. If Soriano's press conference was any indication, Cashman probably told the party planner to use a Mets budget The event was franks and beans compared to the festive soirees given to CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira or even Curtis Granderson at their intros. You would think the Yankees would give the give their new 3-year, $35 million possible successor to Mariano Rivera a better coming out bash.
The modest fete had none of the Steinbrenners or star players present and, instead of the Legends Room, it was held in the less opulent conference room. Oh yeah, there was an interpreter and a table of coffee and donuts on the side.
Now, the only thing left for Cashman to do now is convincingly promote his new relief pitcher who makes "closer's money."
Cashman began by acknowledging that Soriano led the AL in saves last season for the Tampa Bay Rays and the righthander gives the Yankees a "dynamic punch" in the later innings. Wow.
"Let me put it this way, I think 29 GMs would love their owner to force Rafael Soriano down their throat," said Cashman. "It doesn't mean that I was right, or that it's the best approach, but it's who I am and still am. But we are better in 2011 for this, there's no doubt about it."
Cashman, whose contract runs out this year, made it clear he doesn't think the Steinbrenners have started a trend by overruling his input. " If I have 10 recommendations, nine or ten get followed, but not every one of them," he reasoned.
Soriano, arguably, does give the Yankees one of the best bullpens in the league. Cashman can also take comfort in the fact that even though the team didn't get Lee or outfielder Carl Crawford, the Steinbrenners have a little George in them and will spend whatever it takes to help the team and save face. Even overspend.
At Christmas, Cashman rappelled down the Landmark Building in Stamford, Connecticut. He must have the same dangling feeling right now in the Yankees front office.
The signing of set-up man Rafael Soriano was the first significant addition to the team after a winter of rejections. It may be the only saving grace for the Yankees dismal off-season acquisitions--but it did not come without controversy.
The battered GM admitted he recommended the Yankees pass on signing the 31 year-old Soriano, but said he was overruled by ownership. Soriano has 88 career saves over eight seasons. 45 of them last year.
"It's not my team. I don't own it. They [Hal and Hank Steinbrenner] do," said the GM at Soriano's press conference. "I'm a big boy. In any job you better be prepared for every decision to not go your way."
Cashman continued by saying there were "internal debates and discussions" on how to proceed. "Ultimately, Hal's in charge of making the final call in what he feels is the best direction at that time frame. He made that call. This is Hal Steinbrenner's and his family's franchise. It's not mine and it's never been, obviously," he said. "But this is not something that was done without me being aware of it. I had my say," he made clear.
Being overruled by the boss (or Boss' sons) is not so bad as compared to the other career lows of Cashman's miserable recent winter. It has been rough.
First, the whole Cliff Lee fiasco ended with the highly desired pitcher spurning Cashman's front-runner status and refusing the Yankees record-breaking contract to return to the Philadelphia Phillies. For millions of dollars less! It was a supernova implosion in the Yankee Universe.
Then, there was the drawn out he-said/they-said squabble over Derek Jeter's contract talks, culminating with the face of the Yankees calling out the team brass for leaking details of the negotiations to the press. The future Hall of Famer was not so happy with Cashman and made it public.
Combine those ulcer-inducing episodes with the pressure to replace Lee with another top-notch starter and playing pattycake with 'will he or won't he return' Andy Pettitte. Pettitte is still flapping in the wind.
The GM meekly admitted he even had discussions with Carl Pavano's agent about bringing back the loathed Yankee castaway and the PR nightmare it would cause. Yankee fans could only hope the Steinbrenner boys would have overruled that move too.
Yesterday, Cashman was thrust into the awkward position of introducing to the press a player he didn't even want. If Soriano's press conference was any indication, Cashman probably told the party planner to use a Mets budget The event was franks and beans compared to the festive soirees given to CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira or even Curtis Granderson at their intros. You would think the Yankees would give the give their new 3-year, $35 million possible successor to Mariano Rivera a better coming out bash.
The modest fete had none of the Steinbrenners or star players present and, instead of the Legends Room, it was held in the less opulent conference room. Oh yeah, there was an interpreter and a table of coffee and donuts on the side.
Now, the only thing left for Cashman to do now is convincingly promote his new relief pitcher who makes "closer's money."
Cashman began by acknowledging that Soriano led the AL in saves last season for the Tampa Bay Rays and the righthander gives the Yankees a "dynamic punch" in the later innings. Wow.
"Let me put it this way, I think 29 GMs would love their owner to force Rafael Soriano down their throat," said Cashman. "It doesn't mean that I was right, or that it's the best approach, but it's who I am and still am. But we are better in 2011 for this, there's no doubt about it."
Cashman, whose contract runs out this year, made it clear he doesn't think the Steinbrenners have started a trend by overruling his input. " If I have 10 recommendations, nine or ten get followed, but not every one of them," he reasoned.
Soriano, arguably, does give the Yankees one of the best bullpens in the league. Cashman can also take comfort in the fact that even though the team didn't get Lee or outfielder Carl Crawford, the Steinbrenners have a little George in them and will spend whatever it takes to help the team and save face. Even overspend.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Will Joba Chamberlain Start Or Will He Depart?
Today, Yankee GM Brian Cashman called Joba Chamberlain a "bullpen guy." The only problem is he didn't say for what team. Chamberlain, the one-time gem of Yankee pitching prospects just signed a one-year contract with the team, but now his future as a Yankee doesn't look so shiny.
On Monday, the up-and-down reliever signed a one-year deal worth $1.4 million to avoid arbitration and instead of giving him job security, it makes him valuable trade bait.
Last week's signing of former Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Rafael Soriano to a three-year deal worth $35 million now makes the big righthander expendable.
The 25 year-old Chamberlain has been shuttled between being a starter to middle or short relief--all with limited success--since being signed by the Yankees in 2007.
The "Joba Rules," designed to preserve the flamethrower's arm, ironically, could have ruined his career in pinstripes. The "rules" commanded that the young pitcher would not pitch on consecutive days and he would accrue an additional days rest after each inning pitched. It led to Chamberlain never finding a stride or a steady position.
Chamberlain comes into this year's spring training with his stock at an all time low. The Yankees bullpen is now considered one of the strongest in baseball with Dave Robertson and Pedro Feliciano being the bridge between the starters and the set-up man Soriano, who then hands the ball to closer Mariano Rivera and his indefatigable arm. There now seems to be little room for an inconsistent component like Joba.
Meanwhile, the starting rotation begins with CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes and A.J. Burnett as the big three and Ivan Nova and Sergio Mitre rounding out the five. If Joba stands any chance of making it on the team, it would be after battling it out with Nova and Mitre for a starter's position. If Andy Pettitte decides to pull a Favre and return for one more year, Chamberlain is pretty much the sixth wheel.
Chamberlain's versatility may have led to his downfall. The Yankees never knew where to use him. They played head games with him, and last year's attempt at using him as Rivera's set-up man was a disaster. It left the Yankees wondering about his abilities and Chamberlain doubting himself.
For every fist-pumping Chamberlain strikeout, there were too many high fives by the other team. Even his sweaty and courageous rookie relief effort in the insect-infested 2007 ALCS against the Indians turned into a loss. If his career has been anything, its been like those midges buzzing aimlessly all over that Cleveland field.
Chamberlain, who had the talent to be a starter, a set-up man or closer now seems to only mop up during routs or long lost games.
This makes the one-time phenom perfect trade bait for the Yankees to score an experienced four or five starter. His arm still has life--thanks, Joba Rules--and he'll come relatively cheap. As it stands now, Chamberlain can only wait and see if either Nova, Mitre or (not inconceivably) Burnett implodes. Otherwise he'll be accruing splinters on the bench.
It's sad to see a young talent like Chamberlain languish as a Yankee. With Soriano on deck as Rivera's most likely replacement in two years, it wouldn't help the Yankees to keep Chamberlain. A change of scenery might do the Nebraskan good, and Cashman could get the fourth starter he needs. A win-win for the Yankees and Chamberlain.
On Monday, the up-and-down reliever signed a one-year deal worth $1.4 million to avoid arbitration and instead of giving him job security, it makes him valuable trade bait.
The 25 year-old Chamberlain has been shuttled between being a starter to middle or short relief--all with limited success--since being signed by the Yankees in 2007.
The "Joba Rules," designed to preserve the flamethrower's arm, ironically, could have ruined his career in pinstripes. The "rules" commanded that the young pitcher would not pitch on consecutive days and he would accrue an additional days rest after each inning pitched. It led to Chamberlain never finding a stride or a steady position.
Chamberlain comes into this year's spring training with his stock at an all time low. The Yankees bullpen is now considered one of the strongest in baseball with Dave Robertson and Pedro Feliciano being the bridge between the starters and the set-up man Soriano, who then hands the ball to closer Mariano Rivera and his indefatigable arm. There now seems to be little room for an inconsistent component like Joba.
Meanwhile, the starting rotation begins with CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes and A.J. Burnett as the big three and Ivan Nova and Sergio Mitre rounding out the five. If Joba stands any chance of making it on the team, it would be after battling it out with Nova and Mitre for a starter's position. If Andy Pettitte decides to pull a Favre and return for one more year, Chamberlain is pretty much the sixth wheel.
Chamberlain's versatility may have led to his downfall. The Yankees never knew where to use him. They played head games with him, and last year's attempt at using him as Rivera's set-up man was a disaster. It left the Yankees wondering about his abilities and Chamberlain doubting himself.
For every fist-pumping Chamberlain strikeout, there were too many high fives by the other team. Even his sweaty and courageous rookie relief effort in the insect-infested 2007 ALCS against the Indians turned into a loss. If his career has been anything, its been like those midges buzzing aimlessly all over that Cleveland field.
Chamberlain, who had the talent to be a starter, a set-up man or closer now seems to only mop up during routs or long lost games.
This makes the one-time phenom perfect trade bait for the Yankees to score an experienced four or five starter. His arm still has life--thanks, Joba Rules--and he'll come relatively cheap. As it stands now, Chamberlain can only wait and see if either Nova, Mitre or (not inconceivably) Burnett implodes. Otherwise he'll be accruing splinters on the bench.
It's sad to see a young talent like Chamberlain languish as a Yankee. With Soriano on deck as Rivera's most likely replacement in two years, it wouldn't help the Yankees to keep Chamberlain. A change of scenery might do the Nebraskan good, and Cashman could get the fourth starter he needs. A win-win for the Yankees and Chamberlain.
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