06.30.2008 Leave it to the Yankees to make Rangers' pitching look good

The Texas Rangers entered Monday's game with a staff ERA+ of 83.  For those not familiar with ERA+, we'll put that number into words the common people can understand:  God Awful.

Wasting an 8 strikeout performance from the reborn Mike Mussina, the "Bombers" continued to showcase their ineptitude with runners in scoring position, going 0-for-6 on the night.

The Yankees season line with RISP:
.253 BA / .336 OBP / .374 SLG / .710 OPS

How absolutely terrible is that?  It's shockingly bad.  Only two teams in the AL have been worse, and the next team above the Yanks is Kansas City, who have a .751 OPS with RISP.

06.28.2008 Ca$hMoney: A little too overboard with the kids?

Here at NoMaas, our love of all things Ca$hmoney is legendary. We take a backseat to no one in our adulation of the man who brought stability and growth to our farm system -- a farm system that was at one time the biggest joke in the majors and now makes us one of the biggest players in both producing talent for our own team and making deals.

However, an interview with Cashman in yesterday's Newsday does give us pause. The following quotes especially leave us a little confused, and we're hoping that's the intended effect.

Some highlights:

People are clamoring for Yankees general manager Brian Cashman to stop sitting there and do something already -- something big -- to improve the Yankees' tattered pitching staff.

Go get C.C. Sabathia, they scream. Pry Erik Bedard out of Seattle. Enough with these journeymen and castoffs and overmatched kids that the Yankees keep trotting out, even on occasions like the Subway Series.

Cashman hears you, all right. And he disagrees.

"It's almost like doing what we used to do has become people's binky, their pacifier, their security blanket," Cashman said with a mix of derision and weariness Saturday.

Let's be clear about something. We were hugely successful in the past in large part due to the trades for, and acquisition of, premier starting pitchers. In fact, this style of rotation building was far more responsible for our success than building from within, considering that Andy Pettitte was the only homegrown starter during what we'll refer to as "The Security Blanket Period."

Recently, the premier starting pitching that's been available was actually quite young relative to the Clemens and Cones of yesteryear. The Santana ship has sailed, but it just so happens a guy like Sabathia may be available soon. Isn't he precisely the kind of player Cashman has said you build up your system in part to acquire should he hit the market?

"Hopefully, we'll give people the opportunity to see that they don't have to buy into that old thinking here that we need to go out and bring some old, aging, overpriced veteran in here, like we used to," he said.

This comment, if made by someone who didn't bring in people like Andy Pettitte, Roger Clemens, and LaTroy Hawkins would sound great -- not to mention handing out gigantic contracts to our "old, aging" catcher and closer. **(We're not necessary arguing against those deals.  We were firmly behind Po's signing, but we did think the Mariano deal was ridiculous.  But, what we are saying is that they wouldn't seem to fit into Ca$hmoney's stated philosophy here.)

Finally, there was this:

The Yankees' revolving door of pitchers has resembled a cattle call at times this year. But Cashman, smiling now, preferred Saturday to call it his "Statue of Liberty" play.

"Give me your tired, your hungry, your poor," he joked. "We're into giving opportunities here now, seeing who lasts and who doesn't."

This is what's referred to as "Throwing sh*t at a wall." It's not so much a strategy as it points to a lack of one. And yes, for $200 million, you'd think we could get a little bit better grade of crap than Sidney Ponson.

It is our profound hope that as we head into the heat of the trade deadline, this article is simply serving as a means for Cashman to let other GMs know that the house may be crumbling, but the air conditioning is working just fine. Everything's still cool. If we had to place a bet, it would be with Cashman.

However recent months, and one very public non-move (the Santana deal that never was), do give us some cause for concern that perhaps Cash is a little too enamored with his farm system. Perhaps he's also a little too enamored with trying to prove he doesn't need $200 million dollars to build a baseball team. All commendable, but to a point. There is middle ground between Sidney Ponson and CC Sabathia (not much, obviously, because they're both really fat). At the end of the day, we sincerely hope Cashman does understand the difference between value and cheap.
 

06.29.2008 This is what happens when you act like you're entitled to pitch

From friend of NoMaas, Tyler Kepner of the NY Times:

Ian Kennedy threw five shutout innings for Class A Tampa on Saturday, but Joe Girardi is not closely tracking his progress. Kennedy is no longer rehabilitating his strained lat muscle, Girardi stressed Sunday morning.

“This is him getting right,” Girardi said. “He’s not on the D.L. now. This is earning his way back, just like the other 175 players or so in the minors.”

The Yankees have two fill-in starters now (Darrell Rasner and Sidney Ponson), but Girardi said Kennedy needs to prove that he deserves to be here.

“That’s the thing,” Girardi said. “You have to pitch well to earn your spot back.” (Source)
 

06.28.2008 It makes too much sense now

The Yankees acknowledged that Hideki Matsui could need surgery on his ailing left knee if it doesn't start feeling better. The slugger was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday.

"Hopefully, this is a 15-day thing and we get him healthy and get him better," manager Joe Girardi said. "Could it be more? Yes." (Source)
 

06.28.2008 Congrats to David Robertson

Meanwhile, the Yankees added a fresh arm to their bullpen Saturday, purchasing right-hander Dave Robertson's contract from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. New York also optioned lefty Kei Igawa back to Triple-A, one day after he was called up.

The 23-year-old Robertson was 3-0 with a 1.64 ERA and one save in 20 relief appearances for Scranton. He had 48 strikeouts and 16 walks in 33 innings. (Source)

We've been writing about David Robertson for a while now, and we even included him in our 2008 Top Prospects report.  He has been nothing short of amazing in his blaze through the Yankee farm system.  Having rung up 187 Ks in 136 innings (12.375 K/9) and having NEVER ALLOWED A HR, this is well-deserved promotion for the young reliever.
 

06.26.2008 Uh oh, what are we saying now?

Teams have shied away, not wanting to deal with the glare of attention Bonds would bring. The outfielder, who turns 44 on July 24, has been offered by Borris to all 30 teams for a prorated share of the $390,000 minimum.

Borris said Bonds even would play for free — offering to donate whatever salary he receives to purchase tickets for children. (Source)

You have to wonder why nobody has picked up Bonds, especially when he would only seek the minimum.  Something is definitely up.  We know he would bring a media circus to whoever signed him, but the guy had a 170 OPS+ last year with a .480 OBP!!  Do you realize how insane a .480 OBP is?  Do you?

So, we're sitting here looking at this.  Barry Bonds is available, and he could be had for what MLB teams consider pocket change.

Not a person on earth could make the argument that Bonds wouldn't instantly and significantly improve a team -- including the Yankees.

Yet, can you imagine bringing Barry Bonds to the capital of the world?  It would be a media spectacle beyond belief.  Pure craziness.  A possible PR nightmare.

You know what though, we would do it.  Everybody hates the Yankees anyway.  Can you even comprehend putting Bonds in a lineup which also features Alex Rodriguez and a slugging Jason Giambi?  Dear God.

Plus, with Hideki Matsui having the knees of a 75-year old man, Damon getting older and more banged up, and Giambi an at-bat away from tearing some part of his damaged body, it may make sense just to have another elite (super-elite) bat on the roster (then again, we have BRETT GARDNER!!1111!).

But seriously, throw roster depth and injury replacement theories out the window.  We're looking at this in a very simple way.  Pitchers are petrified of Barry Bonds.  He can be signed for virtually nothing.

Isn't the goal to win games?
 

06.25.2008 Joba to critics: "Tell me how my a** tastes."

Where are the people who criticized Joba's move to the rotation?

Joba's last three starts:
18 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 18 K, 16 H, 1.56 G/F

06.25.2008 Raising money for a great cause

It's not often a columnist from the Journal News contacts us without using an alias, but Sam Borden did just that today.  It turns out that on Friday, Sam is walking the 10 miles between Shea and Yankee Stadium to raise money for the American Cancer Society.  His goal is to raise $5,000 and he's very close to that number.

For more information about volunteering and/or donating to this great cause, please visit Sam's site here.  No word yet on whether Sam will be packing heat.
 

06.24.2008 Quite possibly the worst game of the season

For a few different reasons...

The Yankees have blown an opportunity to move up in the standings as Boston has lost 3 out of their last 5, and Tampa has split their last 4.

The problems with runners in scoring position continued as the Yankees only managed 3 runs versus a Pirates starter who walked five and threw only 47% of his pitches for strikes.

The Yankees are now 1-3 versus the Reds and Pirates.  The Reds and Pirates have been outscored by their opponents by a combined 93 runs.  The Yankees can't beat them.

Jeter left 3 men on base versus the Pirates and grounded into his team-leading 10th double-play.
 

06.24.2008 The decline of Robert Abreu

Always noted for his consistency, Abreu's numbers have fallen off consistent with the decline phase of a typical player. His OPS+ since age 30: 145, 126, 126, 114, and currently sitting at 106 (entering Tuesday's game). Even more startling is that the noted base-on-balls king is seeing a dramatic decline in his walk rate.  It's down to a meager 8.7% of his plate appearances, a decrease of 3.3% from 2007 and way off his career clip of 15.1%.

Regardless of what he does for the remainder of the season, the Yankees should be cautious when it comes time to decide whether or not to bring him back.  It's looking like a a draft pick (hopefully) might be the way to go.
 

06.24.2008 Everybody wants Brett Gardner

Go to just about any Yankees website and you'll see the calls for Brett Gardner (and for the head of Melky Cabrera).  Although we wrote about Gardner in April, NoMaas' SABR freak, Marty McFly, decided to take another look at the speed-demon who everyone and their mother wants to see in CF.

Click here for the article.
 

06.23.2008 Another look at the offense

On May 2, we took a look at how the Yankees' offense stacked up against the rest of the AL.  As you can remember, it was terrible.  Let's examine how it ranks now.

May 2:
Runs per game: 4.30 (10th)
OPS: .735 (6th)
OBP: .327 (10th)
SLG: .408 (6th)
BA/RISP: .241 (12th)
Pitches per PA: 3.77 (10th)

June 23rd:
Runs per game: 4.62 (6th)
OPS: .767 (4th)
OBP: .341 (3rd)
SLG: .425 (4th)
BA/RISP: .251 (12th)
Pitchers per PA: 3.83 (6th)

The offense is trending upwards, but BA/RISP still continues to be a problem.  The league average is .268 and the Yankees still are at the bottom of the pack.
 

06.23.2008 Another plug for our draft blog

The information that Lane Meyer has compiled about this year's Yankee draft picks is nothing short of remarkable.  Today, we were the first Yankees site to report the signing of Matt Richardson.   But, it's more than just signing updates.  The draft blog provides local stories, background information, scouting reports, quotes from coaches, and much more...all from a plethora of different sources.

If you're not checking this out everyday, then you're not in the know, son.
 

06.22.2008 Andy, Giambi help Yanks save face against Reds

06.22.2008 $200 million payroll and a blossoming player development machine...

And the Yankees might start Sidney Ponson in a game versus the Mets?  What? Since the Yankees seem to have an obsession with hard-throwing sinkerball pitchers, they probably aren't paying attention to Ponson's terrible track record and current peripherals:

4.04 K/9 (the lowest of his entire crappy career)
11.47 Hits/9 (almost 1.5 hits/9 above his career average)
LD rate: 18.0% (very consistent with his 2006 & 2007 LD%)
.782 OPS Against

His groundballs are up and his HRs are down, but we don't see anything other than luck which is the reason for this.  We looked for older pitch F/X data on him to see if his pitches are any different this season, but we couldn't find that information.  But, we'll go out on a limb and say that he still stinks.
 

06.18.2008 As reported by Interested Reader...

The Yankees have signed Sidney Ponson to a AAA contract and he is en route to Scranton. (Source)

We're always fans of signing once-productive players to minor league deals, but Ponson is pure garbage.  Between his horrible pitching and terrible personality, we have no idea how he's still in baseball.

If he pitches in a major league game, do something else that day.  Spend time with your girlfriend.  Read a book.  Go for a nice jog.  Light yourself on fire.

These are all better options.
 

06.17.2008 Yanks ride the mustache to 5 wins in a row

Back to back shutouts.  Runs Scored vs Runs Allowed getting better and better.  Looks like the Yankees finally woke up.

2-3, 2 HRs, OPS now at .998
 

06.17.2008 Yet another example of how Hank isn't usurping Cashman

Asked later if the Yankees would balk at trading youngsters for a pitcher, Steinbrenner acknowledged, "It depends on who it is. But all our top pitchers who we like, our top prospects? No chance." (Source)
 

06.16.2008 Another major injury for the Yanks, this time a broken Wang

Just about every news source, including Interested Reader, is reporting that Wang will be out for at least 10 weeks with a serious foot injury.

The C.C. Sabathia speculation has already begun.  We'll have our opinion in the coming days.

06.16.2008 The limitations of ERA

NoMaas' spreadsheet geek, Marty McFly, explains why ERA isn't an accurate method of judging a pitcher.

Click here to indulge your sabermetric fetish.
 

06.15.2008 Interview with Trenton beat writer, Mike Ashmore

A few weeks ago, we spoke with Trenton Thunder beat writer Mike Ashmore about the disciplinary problems of the highly-touted Yankee prospect, Jose Tabata.  Mike has returned and this time we talk to him about what else is going on at the Yankees' Double-A affiliate.

Click here to read the interview.
 

06.15.2008 A piece of blame pie

Robinson Cano, Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy -- these three players would be identified by many fans as the biggest disappointments of this season.  However, flying a bit under the blame game radar has been Derek Jeter and his early 1990s haircut.

Heading into Sunday's game with Houston, Jeter's OPS+ was an abysmal 91 which was the 3rd lowest among Yankee regulars (Cano & Melky).  His .329 OBP is a whopping 57 points below his career average, and his line drive rate of 15.2% is down 4% from 2007.  He currently ranks 116 in VORP among MLB position players.

Although we'll probably get emails now for critiquing St. Derek, it doesn't change the fact that Jeter has been pretty terrible so far this season.

06.15.2008 Pythagorean fun

From NoMaas' Prince Akeem, Heir to the throne of Zamunda:

Some of the Debbie Downers in the Yankees fan base like to point out that contrary to last year, the team's poor start may be explained by fundamental weakness rather than a simple combination of bad slumps and poor luck. They usually point out that our net scoring differential (ie, runs scored minus runs allowed) is negative (314-315 before the 13-0 drubbing of the Astros), usually a telling sign that the team should play under .500 ball.

Not to play the injury card, or worse, to go all Eric Van on our readers, but we believe that with the significant injuries which have plagued the team so far, run differential might not be a very telling indicator of the strength of this team.

Yes, the Yankees had injuries last year too, but this time, we have had two of our main offensive contributors miss significant playing time, which in our view resulted in a real understatement of our RS potential. Well, that and Robinson Cano doing his best Tony Womack impersonation at 2B.

Moreover, we also note that the injuries did not only happen to two of our best hitters, they happened to hit our two best right-handed hitters. With Jeter posting a .715 OPS in May, these injuries made this lineup an extremely left-handed one, essentially useless against lefties, to the tune of a 340 / .386 / .726 collective line year to date.

From May 20 on, that is, the day we got Alex Rodriguez back in the lineup, our run differential is a much more decent 135 to 118, which in Pyth terms, translates into a .567 winning percentage. Nothing to write home about (this amounts to a 92 wins season), and we also understand that the super hot streak of Jason Giambi (1.139 OPS in June) will probably recede somewhat, but we thought it was worth pointing out that with our C and 3B positions yielding above replacement level production again, the run differential might be due for some correction, and our overall record might look brighter two months from now.

In any case, we stay tuned and refuse to believe that this team is going to stay around .500 for much longer.
 

06.13.2008 Best. Draft. Pick. Ever.

41st round, OF Mykal Stokes (Tustin High School, CA)

He sings, he cheats on his math tests, and he likes booty.

For more about the phenomenon that is Mykal Stokes, check out our draft blog.
 

06.12.2008 173 Ks in 127 innings

That's what David Robertson has done in his brief minor league career.  Oh yes, he's only allowed 68 hits too.  His numbers are all types of crazy.

He's currently making hitters look foolish at AAA, striking out 34 in 24 innings with a BA against of .170.

We eagerly await his callup.
 

06.11.2008 The Yankees are bad for baseball

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced today that Standing Room Only tickets for all three Pirates home games against the New York Yankees are now on sale. A total of 2,300 tickets per game are available at a cost of $8 each.

The Pirates will host the Yankees for the first time since the 1960 World Series during the three game series from Tuesday, June 24 through Thursday, June 26. Each game is scheduled to start at 7:05 p.m. (Source)

The Pirates are currently next-to-last in attendance.
 

06.11.2008 Is Phil Hughes injury prone?

Now reportedly out until August, NoMaas' Dr. Dale Beaverman takes a look at the young pitcher with a lengthy injury history.

06.09.2008 BFFs

Cano: .231 / .273 / .336 / .609
Cabrera: .270 / .322 / .386 / .708

So awful together.
 

06.09.2008 Ian O'Connor: Terrible hair, even worse analysis

This could be the worst article we have ever read about any subject.

The kid likely will be a good starter, but that’s not the point. Chamberlain is a reliever, a devastating one at that. He needs that three-out adrenaline rush the way Kobe Bryant needs his hang time.

Actually, it is the point. So you admit he will "likely be a good starter", yet you'd rather use him for 3 outs at a time because...it's more exciting?

Never mind that the Yankees shouldn’t be orchestrating this awkward transition in-season, treating a June game like a split-squad scrimmage in March.

Yet both times, their plan to piggyback Joba with Giese has yielded a combined quality start and given the Yankees a chance to win. So you are basing your objection on what, aesthetics? Have you seen your hair, Ian?

If Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy were what they were advertised to be, or if the deal for Johan Santana were made, Chamberlain would’ve been the man in the eighth Sunday, not Jose Veras, who got the outs (this time) Kyle Farnsworth doesn’t often get.

That's your opinion, even though it stands in direct contradiction to every single word from the Yankee brass dating back to last summer. But hey, keep making stuff up, it's only "journalism".

It’s all water under the bridge to Mariano Rivera, the closer Joba was scheduled to succeed. But the Yankee owners and scouts and wayward starters got in the way, and so Chamberlain will be the Bronx’s Beckett when his mentality screams that he should be the Bronx’s Papelbon-to-be.

Ian, I am not sure the word "scheduled" means what you think it means.

Ian, buddy, are you serious?
 

06.08.2008 Somebody doesn't like NoMaas (and seems to be a little off his rocker)

We've put many, many hours of work into our site since we launched in May 2005.  We try to bring a unique blend of insight, comedy, and analysis to our loyal visitors.  When we recently launched our draft blog, we thought it would be a great resource for fellow draft-geeks to follow the many different storylines which surround these new prospects.  But apparently, not everyone is a fan of our efforts.

In one of his first draft blog entries, NoMaas minor league correspondent Lane Meyer received the following comment from a user named "Interested Reader":

Interested reader Says:

June 4th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
No offense, “Lane” but you won’t even use your real first name on the information you provide. Yet you are presented as some sort of expert.

What credentials do you have?

It’s hard to trust anything on the internet, much less from somebody who’s pretending he’s a character in a cheesy movie. (Source)

And then a few entries later, Lane Meyer received another comment from "Interested Reader":

Interested reader Says:

June 5th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Schooled by LoHud. Ha. (Source)

These comments sounded a little suspicious to us, so we decided to do a little bit of research.  We cross-referenced the IP address used by "Interested Reader" with the IP addresses of posters on our message board.  And wouldn't you know, our CSI:NoMaas team found a match.  Ladies and gentleman, we give you the Journal News' Peter Abraham.

Apparently, Peter goes out of his way to post messages on our draft blog in an attempt to discredit our work.  Hey, that's fine.  When you publish your opinions on the internet, you are fair game to criticism.  It comes with the territory.  We receive plently of feedback from visitors who disagree with us.  We think that's great.

We just find it highly amusing that a Yankees beat writer is fixated on a site run by a small group of fans with full-time jobs and who run NoMaas as a hobby.  It's also odd for Peter to critique our anonymity, but then post inflammatory comments under an alias.

You're a weird guy, Pete.  Very weird.
 

06.04.2008 Cash, Hank talk extension

But we thought HANK WAS FORCING CASHMAN OUT!!!1111!!!

A potential contract extension for Yankees general manager Brian Cashman will be discussed this week while the club holds a summit in Florida, according to a report published on Thursday by the Newark (N.J.) Star-Ledger.

"We're going to be talking about it," Yankees co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner was quoted as saying.

Asked if he wants to keep Cashman and if Cashman wants to stay, Steinbrenner told the Star-Ledger, "That's the impression I get." (Source)

Ain't no such things as halfway crooks.
 

06.04.2008 Damon: Great season, poor IQ

Damon on Joba Chamberlain's transition to the rotation:

"I just felt like our bullpen was our strength," Damon said. "I think it still could be, but when you move a guy like that, everyone's trying to find a role. Everyone's trying to replace a guy who was possibly the best in that role.

"You don't take Jeter out of the two-hole and put him in the seven-hole just because you're leaving the '4' and '5' guys on base," he said. "You let him do what he does best." (Source)

Damon is another one who believes that the 3 outs in the 8th matter more than the 21 outs in the first 7.

Stupid!  You're so stupid!
 

06.03.2008 Introducing our MLB Draft Blog

With the big league team continuing to sink into the abyss, it's time to focus your attention on something actually worth your time:  Thursday's baseball draft.

In our attempt to rule the World Wide Web, we are very excited to roll out our new MLB draft blog.  Run by our minor league guru Lane Meyer, we'll cover anything and everything about the Yankees' selections -- providing analysis, commentary, interviews, signing updates, and more.

So check in early and often.  You can find our new feature here:
NoMaas' MLB Draft Blog
 

06.02.2008 Yanks split series with Twins, fall back below .500

06.02.2008 Joba to make his starting debut

06.02.2008 Sixty percent of you were incorrect

A month ago we ran a poll asking which would happen first: A Phil Hughes win or a Joba Chamberlain start.  Of the 1401 people who voted, 60% thought Phil Hughes would earn a win before Joba would get a start.

The 40% of you who were correct will be receiving a nice piece of fruit.
 

06.01.2008 Through 56 games

2008: 28 W, 28 L
2007: 25 W, 31 L

It's an improvement!!

06.01.2008 For $15 million a year, he should be pitching like this

We're joking.  Kind of.

25 IP, 0.38 ERA, 0.56 WHIP, 11 H, 24 K, 2 BB, .304 OPS Against, 93.63 mph cutter

06.01.2008 A quick update on the next impact bullpen arms

J.B Cox (AAA): 8.1 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 3 K, 2 BB
Mark Melancon (AA): 14.2 IP, 3 ER, 13 K, 2 BB, 9 H, 1 HR

And don't sleep on little David Robertson:
(AAA): 16.0 IP, 4 ER, 21 K, 11 BB, 10 H, 0 HR (obviously needs to cut down the BBs)
 

06.01.2008 Joe Girardi: "Chris Britton will only pitch if we're up by 100 runs."

05.30.2008 What's going on with Jose Tabata?

Highly-regarded Yankees prospect Jose Tabata is having a very poor season at Trenton, in more ways than one.   His batting line is terrible with a ladylike slugging percentage of .287 and a miniscule OBP of .313.

But this isn't where Tabata's struggles end.  For the second time this season, Tabata has been reprimanded by the team due to poor behavior.  In the latest incident, the outfielder was yanked from Thursday night's game for disciplinary reasons.

In our attempt to find out what happened and what's going on with this kid, we checked in with Trenton Thunder beat writer, Mike Ashmore.  Mike offered a great commentary for our visitors.  It's a good read, and you can view it by clicking here.
 

05.28.2008 Salivation

05.28.2008 Big disappointment

05.28.2008 Ask and you shall receive

The 25-year-old Britton was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre yet again on Wednesday, taking the place of the injured Ian Kennedy on the Yankees' pitching staff.

Now that Joba Chamberlain has started his transition to the rotation, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he is open to offering Britton a few more innings.

"You try to pick situations, just like any other pitcher, where a guy in your mind you believe is going to be successful," Girardi said. "We're going to need him. He'll get his opportunities when we call upon him and he's done well for us." (Source)

Hopefully he sticks around this time.
 

05.26.2008 Interview with Rob Neyer

NoMaas' Sensei John Kreese sat down with ESPN's Rob Neyer to discuss his new book, baseball history, dinosaurs, and a traumatic childhood event.

Click here to read the interview.
 

05.26.2008 No fat chicks (or relievers)

How else can you explain Chris Britton not being given a chance?  He's pitched 13 innings at AAA, allowing 12 hits, striking out 12 and walking 4.  We've been pushing for Britton's inclusion since last season. We don't think he's some lights-out reliever by any means.  But, what he can be is a decent middle reliever.  He's also already had success in the AL, pitching 53 2/3 innings for Baltimore in 2006.

So, what's the deal?

Chris Britton with his manager Bobby "The Brain" Heenan
 

05.26.2008 What's right with Edwar?

NoMaas' Dr. Dale Beaverman:

Edwar Ramirez so far this year in 12.2 innings pitched, has struck out 15 and walked 6 while giving up just 7 hits. His ERA still sits at 0.00. What is most baffling is that Pitchf/x shows that his fastball has nearly doubled it's movement. There are rumors that he's learned to throw a cutter. Gameday says he's throwing a splitter. So what's really up with Edwar?

It as simple as this: he's lowered his release point. If you examine the Pitchf/x data closely, you will see that he has very subtly moved a little closer to a 3/4 arm slot. That position change produces a greater horizontal movement. This also explains the approximate one mph drop in his fastball's velocity. An over the top delivery is a little quicker and is necessary to throw a curve but since that is not in Edwar's repertoire, he doesn't need it. The additional movement is more beneficial than the slight increase in velocity. His fastball and change-up still look identical when they leave his hand. This increased horizontal movement combined with better control has simply allowed him to do what we all knew he needed to do in order to succeed - utilize his fastball to set up his change-up.
 

05.25.2008 5 wins in a row, first victory when trailing after 7 innings

Prior to Sunday's win over Seattle, the Yankees were 0-22 this season when trailing after 7 innings.  Amazingly, it was only their 2nd win when trailing after 4 innings.
 

05.25.2008 The Jason Giambi revival (again)

Leads Yankees in OPS+ (146)
Leads Yankees in HRs (9)
Leads all AL 1B in BB/PA, 5th overall in AL (16.4%)
Leads all AL 1B in BB/K, 4th overall in AL (1.37)

All with an incredibly low BAbip of .202.  You would figure this stat would typically be low because of THE SHIFT, but it's even lower than normal for Giambi.  In 2007, his BAbip was .263.  In 2006, it was .245.  Plus, his line drive rate is 3% better so far this season than in those two years.  Could more improvement be possible for the Big G?

05.22.2008 Cano stars with walkoff single, interview

"DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE WORDS THAT ARE COMING OUT OF MY MOUTH?"
 

05.22.2008 Girardi: First Blood

05.22.2008 Your brain cells die when you read Joel Sherman articles

Sherman on Chamberlain now being transitioned to the starting rotation:

Because the Yanks now hand the eighth inning to an untrustworthy brigade of Kyle FarnsworthKyle Farnsworth , Edwar Ramirez, Ross Ohlendorf and really anybody not answering to the unique name and abilities of Joba.

So we will see a bunch of eighth innings now that are prescribed for Chamberlain. And the Yanks are going to feed an appreciative opposition a Farnsworth or a Ramirez or some other mystery guest. And they are going to take a greater risk of blowing games and blowing up their clubhouse.  (Source)

In order for the Yankees to "blow games", they actually have to be ahead.  With a 22-25 record, that situation hasn't happened too often.  But you're right, Joel, let Joba pick splinters in the bullpen and minimize his talents as much as possible.

After all, as you said on April 17th:

It was a reminder that even with Hideki Okajima and Manny Delcarmen that Boston lacks a setup man to Jonathan Papelbon anywhere near Chamberlain's ability. It is an area in which the Yanks have a huge edge on their rival. Why give up that edge?

Boy, I'm sure the Red Sox and their 7.5 game lead are really shaking in their cleats about our 8TH INNING EDGE.

Quit your job.
 

05.21.2008 21-25

Yankee pitchers have thrown 403 2/3 innings this season.  Joba Chamberlain has pitched in 20 1/3 of them.  That's 5.0%.

It's a good thing we have such an 8th inning weapon.

Joba swarmed by some of the imbeciles who said he should stay in the bullpen.
 

05.20.2008 Excrement

Main Entry:
ex·cre·ment
Pronunciation:
\ek-skra-ment\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
Latin excrementum, from excernere

1, waste matter discharged from the body;
2. 2008 New York Yankees

05.20.2008 NoMaas is on facebook

LOL BRB BFF ILY JK TTYL ROFL...NoMaas now has a facebook page.

We did this because we not only enjoy speaking in the vernacular of a 14-year old, but we thought it would be a good way to interact with our visitors.  We'll be posting NoMaas pictures from the last 3 years, links to our favorite sites, and whatever else we feel like doing.  We may even answer one or two questions.

You can also link up with other fellow NoMaasians and post your own photos & videos.

The NoMaas facebook page
 

05.20.2008 Notable promotion / demotion

Pitcher Daniel McCutchen has been promoted to AAA.  He was excellent at Trenton pitching 50 innings, striking out 46, walking 15, and allowing 38 hits.  He had a 2.52 ERA.

Here's what we said about McCutchen in our 2008 Top 20 Yankees Prospects:
# 16 -- NoMaas' sleeper prospect. He may be 25, but he throws hard, has a good breaking ball and a solid changeup. We see McCutchen opening eyes in 2008.

In other news, organizational black sheep Chris Britton was sent back to Scranton for the 87th time this season.  This really makes no sense to us, especially since Ross Ohlendorf has been terrible.  Give Britton a chance.  He deserves an opportunity.
 

05.19.2008 Who is the greatest women's basketball coach of all-time?

Best women's coach of all-time? Pat Summit Geno Auriemma Joe Girardi Isiah Thomas view results

05.18.2008 It's that time of year again

The WNBA season has begun!

Let's look at the season predictions of ESPN's Mechelle Voepel:

MVP: Lisa Leslie (Sparks)
Coach of the Year: Bill Laimbeer (Shock)
Rookie of the Year: Candace Parker (Sparks)
Scoring Champ: Diana Taurasi (Mercury)
League Champion: Detroit Shock
(Source)

It should be a great year for the WNBA and NoMaas plans on bringing you the best coverage anywhere.

Can Candace Parker and Lisa Leslie lead the LA Sparks to a title?
 

05.16.2008 Yankees rained out, still score nearly as many runs as they usually do

American league offensive rank:
10th in Runs Scored per game
9th in On-Base Percentage
10th in BB
10th in Batting Average w/ RISP
 

05.14.2008 Mussina overcomes pathetic Yankee offense

Mike Mussina over his last 5 starts:

29.1 IP, 27 H, 17 K, 3 BB, 2.76 ERA
 

05.14.2008 Jeter's defense has been surprisingly good this season

Instead of his occupying his usual dead last position, Derek Jeter currently ranks in the top half of fielding among AL SS -- according to the Hardball Times.

Jeter ranks 6th out of 13 qualified AL SS, with a revised zone rating of .836.  He's also made 12 plays outside of his designated zone.

We hope it lasts.
 

05.13.2008 Rays kill Yankee comeback

05.13.2008 Notable promotions

Five games in the Thunder bullpen was enough to convince the Yankees that reliever J.B. Cox was ready to move on to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Highly-regarded Class-A right-hander Mark Melancon has been added to a Trenton relief corps... (Source)

Since these former college closers were drafted, both Cox and Melancon have been flagged as key future bullpen arms.  Big things are especially expected from Melancon.  They are now flying through the system and should be Bronx-bound in the very near future.  Here are their 2008 numbers so far.

Cox:
Tampa (A+): 6 G, 6 IP, 8 H, 2 K, 2 BB, 0 HR, 3.00 ERA, 3.25 G/F
Trenton (AA): 5 G, 6.2 IP, 3 H, 6 K, 2 BB, 0 HR, 1.35 ERA, 1.00 G/F

Melancon:
Tampa (A+): 13 G, 25.1 IP, 26 H, 20 K, 6 BB, 2 HR, 2.84 ERA, 1.00 G/F

Another recent promotion to watch is RP David Robertson.  The 5'11", 180 pound pitcher with the low 90s fastball (odd profile, right?) has put up video game numbers since kicking off his minor league career in 2007.  The 23-year old split time between A, A+, and AA last season and registered 113 strikeouts in 84.1 IP.  That's insane.

His dominance continued in 2008 by K'ing 26 in 18.2 IP at Trenton, before being promoted to AAA.

If you recall, we listed Robertson as one of our Most Interesting Prospects of 2008.
 

05.12.2008 The comeback kids

The Yankees record when trailing after specific innings:

When trailing after the 1st inning, the Yankees are 2-8.
When trailing after the 2nd inning….2-8
3rd inning….1-12
4th inning….1-16
5th inning….4-17
6th inning….1-18
7th inning….0-17
8th inning….0-18

(courtesy of Baseball-Reference)

What this teaches you is that when the Yankees are behind at the end of inning, you should go do something else.

Did this team decide to retire without telling anyone?
 

05.10.2008 Praise the Lord

15 IP, 12 K, 0 BB, 6 H, 0.00 ERA
 

05.10.2008 Early injuries hurting Yankees for 2nd year in a row

2007:

April 1, 2007 Placed RHP Chien-Ming Wang on the 15-day disabled list
April 8, 2007 Placed outfielder Hideki Matsui on the 15-day disabled list
April 15, 2007 Placed pitchers Carl Pavano and Mike Mussina on the 15-day disabled list
April 29, 2007 Placed pitcher Jeff Karstens on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured fibula in his right leg
May 20, 2007 Placed RHP Darrell Rasner on the 60-day disabled list with a fractured right index finger
June 1, 2007 Placed 1B/DH Jason Giambi on the 15-day disabled list
June 5, 2007 Placed first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz on the 15-day disabled list

2008:

3/28/08 Placed LHP Andy Pettitte on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 21, with back spasms; Placed RHP Jeff Karstens on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right groin
4/14/08 Placed INF Wilson Betemit on 15-day disabled list (conjunctivitis)
4/25/08 Placed RHP Brian Bruney on the 15-day disabled list (now 60-day)
4/28/08 Placed C Jorge Posada on the 15-day disabled list
4/30/08 Placed INF Alex Rodriguez on the 15-day disabled list with a Grade 2 strain of his right quadriceps, retroactive to April 29; Placed RHP Phil Hughes on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right oblique

And now add Albaladejo and Betemit (again).
 

05.09.2008 Keep in mind the Yankees paid $26 million just to talk to this guy

3 IP, 11 hits, 6 ER

A better career path for Igawa?
 

05.07.2008 Emotionally detached

This team is extremely boring.  Wake us up when something exciting happens.
 

05.07.2008 Ian Kennedy: Not nearly as good as he thinks he is

Ian Kennedy speaks about his start at AAA:

“I’m trying to say it humbly, but it doesn’t matter what I say, it’s going to come out cocky,” he said. “You just know. I woke up today and told my wife, I just have a feeling I’m going to make these guys look stupid.”

“I just felt like I could do no wrong,” Kennedy said. “Whether it was 2-0, I didn’t care, I could place a fastball away. I’ve been working on it every start, getting my mind set in the big leagues. I felt like I was getting better and better every time. It just led up to this. It was inevitable for me to do well. It was just a matter of time.”

 “It’s not so much here, it’s that I know what I can do," he said. "That was the main thing I was battling with (in New York). It goes back to trying to be too perfect. You’re giving them too much credit in the big leagues. These guys in Triple-A aren’t much different. They could be big leaguers tomorrow, and some of them have played in the big leagues. It’s not so much the hitters, it’s myself.” (Source)

For someone who has been putrid in the big leagues, Kennedy sure speaks highly of himself.

05.06.2008 He's not a machine, he's a man

Joba lets up game-winning HR vs. Cleveland
 

05.06.2008 Kennedy starts in Scranton

7.1 IP, 1 H, 8K, 0 BB, 90 pitches (58 strikes) vs. Charlotte
 

05.05.2008 What do you think?

Which will happen first? Phil Hughes gets a win. Joba Chamberlain gets a start. view results

05.05.2008 An unfortunate event Terrible, horrible, attrocious, despicable

We received tons of emails about this, so we thought we should post it.

A woman accused of running down a man in her car after a Red Sox-Yankees argument in a bar never hit her brakes as she accelerated toward the small group he was in, a prosecutor said Monday.

"She never braked, and she accelerated at a high speed for about 200 feet. She went directly at this group of people," prosecutor Susan Morrell said of Ivonne Hernandez, who is charged with reckless second-degree murder in the death early Friday of Matthew Beaudoin, 29.

Authorities won't describe the argument beforehand in Slade's Food & Spirits, but witnesses said it heated up when Hernandez identified herself as a New York Yankees fan. Like the rest of New Hampshire, Nashua, 45 miles northwest of Boston, is Red Sox country.

Bartender Tanya Moran said the argument spilled outside, and at least one person in a group that included Beaudoin began chanting "Yankees suck!" when they saw a Yankees sticker on Hernandez's car. (Source)
 

05.04.2008 The correct decision

Five days ago, we said that Kennedy should be demoted.  On Sunday, it was announced that Ian and his 49 ERA+ would be sent to AAA.  It's definitely the right move as Kennedy has looked as lost as Hughes.

Since Kennedy doesn't have dominant stuff, his command and control are vital to his success.  With a K:BB ratio of 0.80 and a BB/9 of 7.6, "terrible" isn't even the right word to describe his pitching.   We've never rated Kennedy as high as other people have, but like Hughes, his performance so far has been shockingly bad.

Kennedy, however, disagreed with the decision because apparently an 8.57 ERA is worthy of a rotation spot.

He said Saturday he "shouldn't be" the one to go down..."I can't say I'm happy about it," Kennedy said. "I feel like I was making progress, but it was bound to happen if you don't win. Especially here." (Source)

"Especially here?"  Right, Ian, the Yankees are just being impatient.  Sorry to break the bad news to you, but you actually have to earn your playing time.
 

05.02.2008 A look at the Yankees offense (or lack thereof)

Entering Friday night's game against Seattle, here's how the Yankees offense stacked up against the rest of the AL:

Runs per game: 4.30 (10th)
OPS: .735 (6th)
OBP: .327 (10th)
SLG: .408 (6th)
Ground ball %: 47% (t-3rd highest % in AL)
BA/RISP: .241 (12th)
Pitches per PA: 3.77 (10th)

A quick look at some of the culprits:

Derek Jeter: .286 / .317 / .357 / .674, hitting for no power and he's only walking in 2.9% of his plate appearances (career rate is 9%).  He's also hacking away in the box, averaging 3.09 pitches/PA (3.75 career avg).

Robinson Cano: .155 / .212 / .236 / .448, one could make the argument that he has been very unlucky, considering his ground ball and line drive rates are right within career averages, and his BA on balls in play (BAbip) is a microscopic .160.  The outrageously low BAbip could have something to do with him swinging like a girl.

Jason Giambi: .164 / .315 / .411 / .726, still getting his walks, but the man just refuses to hit the ball to the left side, even though everyone and their mother plays him to pull.

Bobby Abreu: .277 / .331 / .438 / .769, walk rate is way down (7.4% compared to 15.3% career avg).  This could be the 2nd year in a row we see a decline in Abreu's walk rate.
 

05.01.2008 We stand corrected

Looks like our post yesterday was way off-base, as it's been announced that Phil Hughes has been pitching with a broken rib.

Phil Hughes has a stress fracture in one of his ribs, and the New York Yankees' pitcher is expected to be sidelined for at least two months.

Hughes, placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday, had tests that revealed a stress fracture in the ninth rib on his right side. He will be shut down for four weeks and then re-evaluated. Cashman said the team probably can't expect the 21-year-old right-hander back before July.

"His fastball command has been uncommonly off. Now we get an idea why," Cashman said.  (Source)

This could very well be the source of the puzzling velocity and command issues Hughes has experienced so far this year.  It's one thing to initially struggle against a higher level of competition.  It's another thing to not show any of the tools which got you to that level.  Hughes has looked like a completely different pitcher than the highly-prized prospect we have been following.  A broken rib would explain this, although we don't yet know when or how the injury occurred.

Perhaps the Yankees are not run by propagandists.
 

05.01.2008 Robinson Cano: Worst player in baseball?

Right now, yes.

Out of 588 position players in MLB, Robinson Cano ranks 588th in VORP.

This season is awesome.
 

04.30.2008 The Yankees propaganda machine

After being less than truthful about the physical conditions of Jorge Posada and Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees are now spinning a tremendous tale about the performance of Phil Hughes.  Instead of admitting that he is struggling due to mechanical issues, lack of confidence, poor command, or some other pitching-related reason, we're being told some rather outrageous things -- none more ridiculous than this:

"His night vision isn't great," Girardi said. "It is something we will have to talk about."

Hughes said he has been checked several times and that he has "perfect vision." He said his troubles come from the glare of particularly strong lights at night, which he finds problematic at Yankee Stadium. He said there has been some talk in the past of outfitting him with neon glasses to counteract the glare.

"I have an issue with shadows, not all the time, but some of the time," Hughes said. (Source)

Come on, really?

And now, out of nowhere, Phil Hughes has suddenly landed on the DL with a strained oblique.  What is going on???

We realize he's still a kid and they might be trying to protect him, but we don't think management is doing him any favors by offering such blatant falsehoods.  They're making a spectacle out of him.

In our opinion, the best thing to do for Phil is to send him to the minors, let him throw in real games, and work out his pitching issues.  This seems like a logical and normal recommendation.

Hughes will wear this contraption to fix his problems.
 

04.29.2008 Send Phil down

And Kennedy too.

Both of these pitchers are ridiculously lost right now.  Hughes now has an ERA of 9.00.  In four out of his six starts, he hasn't made it past the 4th inning.  His acclaimed control is nowhere to be found.  His K:BB is 1.  That's right, he's walked 13 batters while striking out 13.  He's letting up lots of line drives.  There is something clearly wrong here.  Send him back to the minors and let him sort this out.  He's an extremely talented kid, but this isn't getting fixed in the Bronx.

In the meantime, this team needs innings.  Call up Darrell Rasner.  He just won International League Pitcher of the Week.  He's been fantastic at AAA so far this season.  He's not spectacular by any means, but he can provide some innings.  Currently,  Hughes and Kennedy are not giving the Yankees any chance to win games.  At some point, you have to pay attention to the standings.

Will the real Phil Hughes please stand up?
 

04.28.2008 A Mussina renaissance

Another good start for Mike Mussina

We're a family website.
 

04.27.2008 Po is getting old

A week ago, we raised the question of whether Jorge Posada was finally entering his decline.  With him being unable to recover from his mysterious shoulder injury and now hitting the DL for the first time in his career, it certainly looks like our worry was well-founded.  Losing Posada is a gigantic blow for the Yankees and fans can only hope he won't be sidelined for long.
 

04.27.2008 NoMaas makes key hire

With speculation flying as to how long Jorge Posada will be out of commission, NoMaas hired an executive placement service to assist us in a search for a resident medical guru.  We are happy to announce that we have added one of Washington DC's foremost physicians to our staff.  Welcome, Dr. Dale Beaverman.  After agreeing to a $2.3 million signing bonus, she offers her first commentary -- this one offering clarification on Posada's injury.

The Doctor writes:

During Sunday's game, it was reported that Jorge Posada had "torn something" in his shoulder. Afterwards, Joe Girardi stated that, although Posada was experiencing another "dead arm" episode, no further diagnostics had been performed. What exactly does this mean? To be honest, we have no idea what it means to Posada right now. What we do know is that semantics are frequently a factor in getting the true story on injuries.

On April 10, it was revealed that Posada's MRI showed nothing more than a strained right shoulder. A collective sigh of relief all around. A strain is no big deal, right? It could have been torn!  But in reality, this is where the confusion always seems to fall, as many do not possess a complete understanding of what a "strain" actually is.  A muscle strain is the stretching or tearing of muscle fibers. How severe the injury is depends on the degree of that tearing. Strains are graded according to the following criteria:

Grade I: A mild strain and only some muscle fibers have been damaged. Healing occurs within two to three weeks.
Grade II: A moderate strain with more extensive damage to muscle fibers, but the muscle is not completely ruptured. Heals within three to six weeks.
Grade III: A severe injury with a complete rupture of a muscle. This typically requires a surgical repair of the muscle; the healing period can be up to three months.

We'll have to wait for more information on the seriousness of Posada's current injury but we do know that simply because the word tear is used, it does not automatically mean surgery or even a long stay on the DL. Any feeling of panic is premature.
 

04.26.2008 One too many protein shakes for Girardi

What is it about tie game on the road that is kryptonite for major league managers? Over and over, managers let their best relievers rot in the bullpen in hopes of using them to protect a lead that may never come.  Apparently, Joe Girardi also follows this failed logic.

Instead of using Mariano Rivera to get his team another at-bat, Girardi chose Ross Ohlendorf to hold down the Indians in bottom of the 9th inning.  The Yankees promptly lost.  Maybe Mariano can get a save in his sleep tonight.

04.26.2008 Jeter loves DP

Double plays, that is.

After grounding into 21 double plays last season (t-3rd most in the AL), Derek Jeter picked an awful time to pick up his third of 2008.  With runners on 1st and 3rd in the 9th inning of a tie game, Jeter clutched his way into a inning-ending double play.

Jeter's lack of production is symptomatic of this entire team, who was hitting a putrid .249 w/ RISP heading into Saturday's game.  This is the 4th worst mark in the AL, where the league average for BA/RISP is .275.

04.26.2008 Bruney gone for the year, tough loss for Yankees

Fortune did not smile on Brian Bruney on Thursday. He learned that his uncle was in a coma, his truck was damaged in an accident involving the 18-wheeler transporting it to New York, and his right foot was killing him.

Bruney left Chicago hoping that Friday would be a better day, but it brought more discouraging news. A magnetic resonance imaging test had already indicated torn ligaments in his foot, and a visit to a specialist Friday confirmed Bruney’s worst fears.

Bruney has a Lisfranc injury to the foot, which he hurt when he slipped covering first base Tuesday. Doctors have recommended surgery. Bruney will not return before September, and his season could be over.

These days, the operation requires months to heal. The Yankees’ John Olerud sustained the injury in the 2004 playoffs and did not play again until late May the next season. Lisfranc injuries also ruined the 2006 season for Michael Strahan and Justin Tuck of the N.F.L (Source)

This is indeed a blow for the Yankees bullpen.  Bruney came into the season clearly in better shape and more serious about his career.

He was averaging 9.52 K/9 and 2.00 K/BB, both above his career averages. Hitters were batting .175 / .292 / .350 / .642 against him.  He was also allowing much fewer line drives (10.3% compared to 17.1% in 2007) and more ground balls (41.4% compared to 30.8% in 2007).  He was having an excellent start to the season.

It's an unfortunate loss for the Yankees.
 

04.26.2008 Traber sent down

Shelley Duncan was recalled from the minor leagues and started in right field Saturday for the New York Yankees, who sent left-handed reliever Billy Traber back to Triple-A before facing the Cleveland Indians.

A converted starter, Traber made 11 relief appearances and had a 4.50 ERA.

"It's a new role for Billy (in the bullpen) and he needs to get a little better control of his breaking ball against lefties,'' Girardi said. "I'll encourage them (at Scranton) to use him against a ton of lefties. Billy knows what we want. He's a bright kid.'' (Source)
 

04.26.2008 Jason Giambi: C***tease?

After starting the season hitting an abysmal 5 for 46 (.109 / .288 / .283), Jason Giambi is now 6 for his last 13 with 3 HR's. He has raised his OPS from .571 to .839 in just four games. The Yankees need Giambi to be the hitter he was in 2006 to help kickstart their erratic offense.
 

04.26.2008 The unluckiest Yankee?

He's hit too many infield flies (20.8%), but if you go by his career averages on ground balls, line drives, and outfield fly balls, Cano would have 16 more hits, 6 more 2B, and about 2 more HR, which would give him a line of .289 / .340 / .456. / .796.

We're not sure not all of it is luck, as he really was making weak contact to start out the year. But we're sure bad luck is a main culprit for the discrepancy between his actual line (.156 / .216 / .222 / .438) and the above. On the plus side, he's walking in about 7% of his PA, and if he maintains that, he'll have raised his walk rate every year of his career, all while keeping his strikeout rate about the same.

Luck like this won't continue, so look for Cano to start hitting closer to his career averages from here on out. And if the improved walk rate is for real... watch out.
 

04.24.2008 Lock your medicine cabinets

Friday's Starting Pitchers:
NYY - Andy Pettitte
CLE  - Paul Byrd
 

04.24.2008 The no spin zone

There has been tremendous debate in Yankeeland about 21-year old Phil Hughes, specifically regarding the speed of his fastball.  The reason for this debate stemmed from his post-hamstring injury starts at the end of 2007, and also from his first few starts of this season.  In these series of appearances, Phil's fastball seemed to sit 90-91 mph and top out at 92.

Many Yankee fans believed that this velocity was significantly lower that what was previously reported during his time in the minors.  Obviously, this is important because, generally speaking, higher velocity means increased pitch effectiveness.

Then, there were other fans and interested parties who claimed that Hughes' fastball always sat in the low 90s.  In fact, even Phil Hughes himself issued a comment on Thursday about his hotly-debated velocity:

Immediately, Hughes was pegged as a power pitcher who threw in the mid-90s. It's a label he says was wrong.

"I never threw that hard, even when I was going good at Trenton (Double-A), I looked at the reports and it was 93. There were three times all year I touched 95," says Hughes, who routinely pitches at 91-92 mph. (Source)

Is Phil Hughes speaking the truth?  Are the legions of fans who raised concern about his fastball wrong?  We think the answers to both of those questions are "no."

In fact, we think the spin doctors were out, somehow trying to convince people that Baseball America's 2007 best pitching prospect always possessed a low-90s fastball.

So, as a refresher, we took a look back at some of the reports which were published while Hughes was still in the minors.

Before you take a look at these, it is worth noting that Phil's velocity has improved significantly over his last couple starts.  In Thursday's rain-delayed game versus Chicago, he was sitting 93-94 according to Pitch F/X.

Essentially, the point of showing you these reports is to prove that Hughes was never billed at a low-90s fastball pitcher.  So anyone who tries to tell you that is speaking out of their buttocks.  It's just not true.

The Old Reports
 

04.23.2008 Po, Bizarro Moose top White Sox

Someone who resembled Mike Mussina went 7 innings, allowing only two runs on four hits.  Jorge Posada told us to eat a fat one and went 4-5 with 3 doubles.

04.23.2008 Two bullpen items

1. Mariano is simply amazing.  We've said this before, but it's worth saying again.  We may never see another reliever as good as Rivera in our lifetime.

Mo's line so far this year: 9 IP, 4 H, 8 K, 0 BB, 0.00 ERA

Incredible.

2. Billy Traber is very close to getting the NoMaas thumbs down.  He's the designated left-handed specialist, but he's been awful against lefties (as of Wednesday):

.333 BA / .474 OBP / .600 SLG / 1.074 OPS

If your job is to basically get one batter out per game, you shouldn't have a very long leash.  With that being said, his BAbip is a very high .400.  He's also been very good historically versus lefties: .219 / .316 / .330 / .646.  We say give him a couple more chances and then move on to a more deserving reliever currently in AAA.  There are some quality arms down there.
 

04.22.2008 Spanish fly

Abreu's grand slam leads Yankees over White Sox

04.21.2008 Hank speaks, media freaks out over nothing

Hank Steinbrenner's comments about Joba Chamberlain which caused the media frenzy:

“I want him as a starter and so does everyone else, including him, and that is what we are working toward and we need him there now,” Steinbrenner said Sunday by telephone. “There is no question about it, you don’t have a guy with a 100-mile-per-hour fastball and keep him as a setup guy. You just don’t do that. You have to be an idiot to do that.” (Source)

When we first read this quote, our initial reaction was a positive one.  Hank is on board with the plan for Joba.  After all, the phrase "we are working toward" doesn't mean "make it happen immediately."

However, for some reason, the media either doesn't have a firm grasp of the English language or would rather sensationalize.  Writers and analysts went off to the races saying that Hank is going to force out Cashman, that he's taking control over baseball decisions, and Joba will be starting against the White Sox.  As often is the case, many baseball "experts" exhibited that their awareness of the game is severely limited.

Where is the evidence to support these Hank the Tyrant claims?  Has he done anything which shows that Cashman's power has been usurped?  No.  Santana is pitching for the Mets.  Hughes and Kennedy are in the rotation.  Joba is limiting his innings in the bullpen.  Where is the proof, knowledgeable baseball writers?

Until Hank does something which overrules his baseball people, these accusations are just nonsense.
 

04.21.2008 For anyone whining about Farnsworth's pitch to Manny

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, since 2002 Yankee batters have been hit 69 times by Red Sox pitchers as opposed to 48 Red Sox hit by Yankee hurlers. But the figures are even more dramatic when you narrow it down to just the primary combatants, Jeter, Rodriguez, Ramirez and David Ortiz.

Over that same six-year span, including postseason, Jeter has been plunked 12 times by Red Sox pitchers and A-Rod 10 times. By contrast, Yankee pitchers have hit Manny only three times (not including Farnsworth's near-miss Thursday night) and "Big Papi"? Never. (Source)

No longer will aggression be tolerated against the Yankees.
 

04.20.2008 When does the WNBA start?

In 2007, the Yankees finished April with a 9-14 record.  The 2008 Yankees are 9-10 in April.

In 2007, the Yankees scored 131 runs in April versus 125 runs allowed.  You could say they were a bit unlucky to finish with such a poor record for the month.

In 2008, the Yankees have scored 78 runs versus 92 runs allowed.  You could say they are bit lucky to have even won 9 games.

The only AL teams which have scored less than the Yankees: Detroit, Texas, Minnesota, Kansas City.  Such great company.
 

04.20.2008 The beginning of Posada's decline?

When it comes to catchers, Jorge Posada has defied the odds.  With the exception of 2005, Posada has really seen no dropoff in his offensive output as he has advanced through his mid 30s.  In 2007, at age 35, he had his best season ever, posting a career high OPS+ of 154.  It is this production which has made Posada the top-hitting catcher in MLB and an irreplaceable piece of the Yankees.

What has also been amazing about the aging Posada is his durability and health.  It is well documented that the urine-dipped catcher has never been on the disabled list.  His body has remarkably held up to the rigors of his position.

Enter 2008.  Posada hasn't caught a full game since April 8th due to a dead shoulder.  His recovery time has been longer than most people expected.  His date for resuming catching duties keeps getting pushed back.  Neither Jorge or Girardi are offering any clear statements.  In fact, some of the comments being made are a little alarming:

"I'm a catcher," Posada said. "I'm playing first base today, but I don't know what's going to happen later. I see myself as a catcher later, just getting ready [for that position]. I like thinking the way I do as a catcher. ... If I have to help out the team by playing other positions, I will." (Source)

To us, this doesn't sound like a casual injury.

We're not trying to start a panic, but there are certain facts we cannot ignore.

1. Jorge Posada will be 37 by the end of the 2008 season.
2. He's played a very physically demanding position during his MLB career.
3. He has had a dead shoulder since the beginning of the season.

Could this be the beginning of Jorge Posada's decline?
 

04.17.2008 So much for that idea

On Feb 27:

On Tuesday, Giambi focused on hitting to the opposite field during batting practice, lining balls to left and left-center with ease. With fresh legs for the first time since last April, Giambi is hoping to recapture some of the magic that prompted the Yankees to sign him after the '01 season.

"It will keep my swing a lot better if I work on hitting the ball the other way instead of hooking it to right field," said Giambi, who batted .236 with 14 homers in 254 at-bats last year. "I'm just trying to work on the things that have made me successful. (Source)

Heading into Thursday's game, Giambi had put the ball into play 30 times.  Of those 30 times, three balls went to the opposite field.

The guy is a mess.  Give Morgan Ensberg more time.
 

04.16.2008 Bombers beat up Boston

Chien-Ming Wang and Laptop Thief didn't get the job done for their teams, but the bats were out and the Yankees lineup slugged its way to a 15-9 victory.  Boston was within striking distance, but Terry Francona decided to give the game away by putting in Mike Timlin.  Girardi, on other hand, managed his bullpen very well, and stability was brought to the game by LaTroy Hawkins and then Brian Bruney.

Unrelated to the game...

Source: Boston Herald
 

04.16.2008 Hawkins changes number due to idiotic fans

Embarrassing.  That's the only word we can think of to describe the behavior demonstrated by Yankee fans towards Latroy Hawkins for having the audacity to wear Paul O'Neill's number.

Let's get something clear right now on one point: O'Neill doesn't deserve to have his number retired. Period. He was a good player on some great teams, but the idea that his name belongs with Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Mickey Mantle is ridiculous.

The real issue isn't about retiring a number though.  Several players had their number retired after others had worn them. This is about something much more shallow.

This is about a section of the fan base that has decided they're the Keepers Of The Dynasty.

These are the folks that wanted Bernie back in CF when it was obvious he couldn't play there anymore. They cheered Tino Martinez upon his return, and embarrassed themselves by demanding curtain call after curtain call if he so much as took a ground ball successfully. Their most recent temper tantrum prior to the Hawkins was delivered when their beloved St. Joe (Torre) left town because he was "insulted" by being offered millions of dollars to manage the New York Yankees. If you don't think St. Joe and these fans have a lot in common, consider how "insulted" they've felt the last few years by Alex Rodriguez's output.

They're spoiled, they're arrogant, and the sense of entitlement to a legacy that's long over has become pathetic.

Here's a helpful reminder from your friends at NoMaas:

It's over, guys. The dynasty from the late 90's isn't coming back. Time for a new one. Go watch your Yankees Fall Classics DVD set a few times, get it out of your system, and welcome to 2008. This might be shocking for you to contemplate, but who knows - maybe we'll even have someone on the team over the next few years that gives us a good reason to retire #21.
 

04.16.2008 And Paul O'Neill offers a classless comment

"What can I say? The fans have always been unbelievable to me there," O'Neill said in a telephone interview from his home in Ohio. "I don't really know how to explain it. It makes you feel good that the fans still think of you as wearing that number." (Source)

What an egomaniac.  The fans who chanted Paul O'Neill's name at LaTroy Hawkins did so to humiliate the pitcher.  Instead of voicing disapproval at the treatment of Hawkins, O'Neill embraces the fans' derogatory behavior.  Horrible, Paul.  Just horrible.
 

04.15.2008 Yanks win two in a row, now face Red Sox in the Boogie Down

Dustin Pedroia and the Red Sox will visit the Bronx for a two-game series.
 

04.14.2008 He's alive

04.14.2008 A quick look at the defense

Using Hardball Times' Revised Zone Rating, let us take a look at each Yankee defender and see how that player compares to his AL peers.

A quick definition of Revised Zone Rating or RZR:
Revised Zone Rating is the proportion of balls hit into a fielder's zone that he successfully converted into an out. Zone Rating was invented by John Dewan when he was CEO of Stats Inc. John is now the owner of Baseball Info Solutions, where he has revised the original Zone Rating calculation so that it now lists balls handled out of the zone (OOZ) separately. (Source)

Data as of Sunday, April 13:
Jason Giambi: .714 RZR, 8th out of 14 qualified 1B
Robinson Cano: .833 RZR, 8th out of 14 qualified 2B
Derek Jeter: .714 RZR, would be last among AL SS if he had logged enough games
Alex Rodriguez: .808 RZR, 1st out of 13 qualified 3B, 7 outs converted outside zone
Hideki Matsui: 1.000 RZR?!?, hasn't played enough in LF to qualify, but wow
Johnny Damon: .778 RZR, not enough games to qualify but would be near the bottom
Melky Cabrera: 1.000 RZR, 1st out of 12 qualified CF, 9 outs converted outside zone
Bobby Abreu: .923 RZR, 6th out of 11 qualified RF

Small sample sizes we know, but interesting nonetheless.
 

04.13.2008 All we need is just a little patience

A poor result, but there are some positives to take from Hughes' start.  According to the ESPN gun, his fastball velocity was back to the levels we heard about in the minors.  His curveball was sharper too, but he just didn't throw it enough.  Keep in mind that he's the youngest pitcher in MLB.  There will be growing pains.

Calm down.

85
 

04.12.2008 Ghost of seasons past

Pitching to Manny Ramirez in that situation was a very poor decision.

04.11.2008 Masterful

9 IP, 2 H, 3 K, 0 BB, 93 pitches

P.S. Special thanks to Terry Francona for using Mike Timlin in a tight situation.  We always welcome relievers with poor strikeout rates, especially one who has become a flyball pitcher in recent years.
 

04.10.2008 Congrats, you're the only one

Yanks head to Boston for the first time in 2008.
 

04.10.2008 Earth to Robinson

.184 BA / .205 OBP / .211 SLG

Cano looks clueless right now.  Where is his head at?

04.09.2008 Help wanted

The Yankees entered Wednesday's game vs. KC with a team OPS+ of 85.  That got worse.
 

04.09.2008 Through rain, sleet, or snow

In Wednesday's game, Joe Girardi elected for Ian Kennedy not to make his scheduled start due to high probability of rain.  He didn't want to use Kennedy only to have the game delayed or postponed, thus wasting the young pitcher.

Even though it rained throughout the night, the game was never delayed.  Turns out the umpires were big fans of Slip N' Slide:

04.08.2008 The dirty dirty

Big prospects on display in South Cakalaka.
 

04.08.2008 What the dily, Phil?

Another start with sub-90 mph fastballs.  Yes, we're a little concerned.  Not much.  But a little.
 

04.07.2008 Yankees play their best game of the season

Despite not having Jason Giambi or Jorge Posada in the lineup, and then losing Jeter early to a strained quad, the Yankees earned a well-played win over Tampa, 6-1.  The cerebral Mike Mussina was superb as he only surrendered 2 hits through 6 innings.  The bullpen threw 3 innings of scoreless ball (excellent management by Girardi).   And wouldn't you know, the Yankees can actually hit.  Bobby Abreu led the Yankees by going 3-for-3 with a HR, triple, single, and a signature walk.

Unrelated, the fans who chant "Paul O'Neill" towards LaTroy Hawkins are really, really dumb.  The guy has only pitched 3 innings.  Calm down.

Abreu leaving the Stadium after a big game versus Tampa
 

04.06.2008 Hey Theo, you going to call out your own players now?

Classy Red Sox GM Theo Epstein on February 22nd about the Yankees' 2004 Japan trip:

The Red Sox open this season against the Oakland A's in Japan. Appearing on Boston radio station WEEI last Friday, Epstein said, "Kevin Brown and Mike Mussina spent the whole time bitching about it ... and by the time the Yankees team got back from the trip they were all using it as a crutch." (Source)

And now Jonathan Papelbon on Boston's 2008 Japan trip:

"It’s been pretty ridiculous,” Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon said after his team’s first regular-season game in the eastern time zone.

Believe me, Papelbon isn’t on an island with his opinion. Even before the final out was registered last night, the Sox’ well-worn description of the 19-day road trip as “a business trip” had morphed into downright disgust.

“I feel like if we start struggling toward the end of the year, don’t ask questions. That’s if we do. I’m not saying we are,” Papelbon said. “We might breeze through that last month. But if aches and pains are starting to come that normally don’t, and intensity starts to lower, which I hope it doesn’t . . .but if that does happen don’t ask questions.”

“Not only to start out in Japan, but all the responsibilities they asked of us in Japan, the appearances, all the extra (stuff) besides going to Japan. Not only that but I think things were said and promised and not held up,” Papelbon said. “That certainly starts the trip out on the wrong foot.

“There’s not an exact reason why you’re going to win or lose a ballgame, but there are certain things that help predict the outcome and this trip is definitely starting to feel its effects,” he said. “It’s not just me, but I think a lot of other players. (Source)

Papelbon no like  poo-poo platters.
 

04.05.2008 Offense, whenever you're ready

The Yankees are averaging three runs a game through their first five, and both of their wins were in 1-run games.  The Yankees could easily be 0-5 right now.  We're not close to panicking, but would it kill this team to get off to a good start?  Give the fans a break.

The Yankees forgot something at the airport when they returned from spring training.
 

04.03.2008 Sir Philip solid in his 2008 debut

Phil Hughes headed into the 2007 season as baseball's best pitching prospect, and he kicked off 2008 with a very good performance in the Bronx.  Hughes went 6 innings while only allowing 4 hits and 2 runs.  He stuck out 4 and walked one.

The only aspect of Hughes' start which we didn't like was his velocity.  Assuming the YES guns are accurate, his fastball sat at a less-than-impressive 89-91 all night (he did command it well though).  However, it was cold and it was his first start of the year.  Don't sound any alarms yet, but keep a watchful eye.

On another note, Toronto has a nasty rotation.  Don't sleep on them.
 

04.03.2008 Minor league opening day

Thursday was opening day for the minors and here's a roundup of some notable Yankee prospects.

Dellin Betances (A): 5 IP, 8 K, 2 BB, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 HR
Brad Suttle (A): 3-5, 3B
Jesus Montero (A): 1-5
Brandon Laird (A): 1-5, 2B
Carmen Angelini (A): 1-4, BB
Austin Romine (A): 1-5
Abraham Almonte (A): 1-4, 2B, BB
Kyle Anson (A+): 0-1, 3 BB
Austin Jackson (AA): 0-4
Jose Tabata (AA): 1-4
Brett Gardner (AAA): 1-4, 3B
Eric Duncan (AAA): 2-3, 3B
Alberto Gonzalez (AAA): 1-2, BB

Not a prospect, but rather a waste of money....
Kei Igawa (AAA): Perfect through 6 innings, 7K

Remember that you can view the season stats of Yankee minor leaguers by clicking on the links on the left side of the page.  At minimum, you should be checking Charleston out on a daily basis.  That team is loaded.
 

04.02.2008 Burnett, Jays pitchers shut down Bomber bats

AJ Burnett, part of what could be the best rotation in the AL, and the Toronto bullpen silenced Yankee hitters to hand the Bombers their first loss of the season.

Meanwhile, Mussina was throwing heat.

04.01.2008 Melky, Yanks D bring Opening Day win

Melky Cabrera delivered both in the field and at the plate to give Joe Girardi his first win as Yankees manager.  Besides making some fantastic plays in CF, Melky also delivered a Yankee Stadium-friendly HR off Roy Halladay.

Also flashing some great leather was Alex Rodriguez, cement-footed Derek Jeter, and most surprisingly, Jason Giambi.  Giambi looked shockingly excellent in the field.  He apparently injected a dose of athleticism in the offseason.

04.01.2008 Counterpoint: Gardner is more hype than ability

It is with great pleasure that we introduce the most recent addition to our staff, Marty McFly.  Actually, Marty isn't new.  He was one of our original writers when we launched back in 2005.  He left the country for a while and recently had some bigthings come up in his life.  Well, he's back and explains why Brett Gardner isn't nearly as good as fans and Yankee executives make him out to be.

Click here to read.
 

03.31.2008 Anticlimactic

03.31.2008 Minor league rosters revealed

And Lane Meyer breaks them down from Scranton to Charleston.  Click here to see the thoughts of our minor league guru.
 

03.31.2008 Many "experts" are predicting...

That the Yankees will miss the playoffs because of their questionable pitching staff (despite most projection sytems picking the Yankees as the best team in the AL).

The Yankees made the playoffs in 2007 with the following assortment of fecal matter plopped into the starting rotation:

Pitcher - Games started
Matt DeSalvo - 6
Kei Igawa - 12
Chase Wright - 2
Darrell Rasner - 6
Jeff Karstens - 3
Tyler Clippard - 6 (We've got nothing but love for you, Clip.)

Replace those starters with Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, and eventually (hopefully) Joba Chamberlain.  We'd say the Yanks' rotation is in much better shape than last season's playoff team.

"Experts" predicting a non-Yankees playoffs: Jayson Stark, Peter Gammons, Jerry Crasnick, Steve Phillips, Keith Law, Sean McAdam.
 

03.30.2008 Here. We. Go.

For some unknown reason, people keep coming back to our site.  Many thanks and stick with us as we enter our 4th season covering the Bombers.  Go Yanks!
 

03.30.2008 Season preview

Predictions?  Which teams will disappoint?  Which teams will surprise?  Who has the best rotation?  Who has the best lineup?  NoMaas' Brisco County Jr has all the answers.

Click here to read.
 

03.30.2008 Steve Phillips: "Tigers have the best offense in the history of baseball."

Baseball Tonight, March 30th, 7:55pm

Just make note of that.
 

03.30.2008 Reminder

Don't forget to check out the links on the left hand side of the page.  We strive to be a one-stop shop for fans, so we have direct links to all types of things: the latest Yankees news, daily updated stats for all levels of the organization, standings & adjusted standings, and much more.  The list will evolve throughout the season, but if you're looking for a portal to everything Yankees, then look no further than NoMaas.
 

03.29.2008 Oh, really?

With the unveiling of the 2008 Yankees roster, some people are arguing that the selections made would be no different if Signore Torre was still in charge.  That's news to us:

From August 1, 2007 edition of the Star-Ledger:

Torre has frustrated people in the front office with his loyalty to slumping veterans and his refusal to use the players (Shelley Duncan, Edwar Ramirez, Andy Phillips when he first came up) they have promoted from their system. He voiced strong opposition to proposed deals for outfielder Milton Bradley and infielder Morgan Ensberg -- deals the Yankees eventually turned down in part because they believed those players would just rot on the bench. Duncan, who was a budding cult hero at Yankee Stadium a week and a half ago, played in just two games on the road trip that followed his big-splash debut weekend.
 

03.28.2008 Our recommended bullpen vs. actual bullpen

Ours, courtesy of Brisco County Jr (on March 11th):
Rivera, Chamberlain, Ohlendorf, Albaladejo, Hawkins, Traber, and Farnsworth

Actual: Rivera, Chamberlain, Ohlendorf, Albaladejo, Hawkins, Traber, Farnsworth, and Bruney.

Pettitte beginning the season on the DL allowed Girardi to add another reliever, but it looks like we nailed it.
 

03.28.2008 The new and improved Yankees bench

The 2008 bench is a prime example of the Cashman-led, Torre-less Yankees.  The depth of the 25-man roster is the strongest it has been in years.

The bench will consist of:

Morgan Ensberg: Career 116 OPS+, career .366 OBP, 3.92 pitches/PA
Wilson Betemit: can play all infield positions, only 26, big power especially vs. RHP
Shelley Duncan: Total maniac, 128 OPS+ in limited MLB action, real power threat
Jose Molina: Excellent defensive catcher, .750 career OPS vs. LHP

This is an excellent bench with players available to legitimately fill a hole, particularly in an injury situation.  The days of Enrique Wilson, Wil Nieves, Terrence Long, Erick Almonte, Bubba Crosby, Todd Zeile, Tony Womack, and Miguel Cairo are over.

And if for whatever reason these players don't work out, there are suitable replacements in the minors, such as gloveman Alberto Gonzalez and OBP-savvy OF Brett Gardner.

The only thing which would make the bench perfect is...

03.27.2008 Attention ladies

NoMaas minor league whiz, Lane Meyer, will be appearing live from Mickey Mantle's Restaurant Friday night on Gotham Sports Radio.  The show will be hosted by radio mogul Mike Silva, and Lane will be on from 7-8pm.

Autographs will be $10.00 each.

If you can't make it in person, you can listen live here.
 

03.26.2008 Hello, friend

From Pete Abe's blog:

Meanwhile, I just recorded the reader interview with Brian Cashman. We got nine questions in before he had to take a call.

I’m happy to report that he heads [sic] this blog and the NoMaas.org guys will be happy to know he reads theirs as well. How great is that? (Source)

Thanks to Pete for the heads-up.

03.26.2008 George King is to baseball strategy as Eliot Spitzer is to marriage advice

Moving Chamberlain in front of Rivera was not only the right move for 2008, but forever. Finding somebody to dominate the seventh and eighth innings is harder than discovering a fourth and fifth starter. (Source)
 

03.25.2008 Joe Girardi, will you marry us?

(Source)
 

03.25.2008 Recap

We've published quite a few interviews and articles over the past several weeks.  In case you haven't read them, here you go:

Let's Make A Bullpen by NoMaas' Brisco County Jr
Interview with Mark Feinsand of the Daily News
Interview with John Manuel of Baseball America
Interview with Jonah Keri of ESPN
 

03.24.2008 You asked, he answered

Yankees starter and team therapist, Dr. Phil, has answered some of your questions. Click on his bald head to see the Q & A.

03.24.2008 Who's had a lousy spring?

We don't put much, if any, importance on spring training numbers, but here's a look at some notable players who forgot their bat in last season.

Wilson Betemit: .167 BA / .250 OBP / .429 SLG
Johnny Damon: .256 BA / .310 OBP / .385 SLG
Jorge Posada: .235 BA / .250 OBP / .410 SLG
 

03.23.2008 In order to become a baseball writer, you should have to pass some sort of test

Case in point, Bob Klapisch:

But who else in the American League can boast a Joba-factor? When one major league talent evaluator says Chamberlain "can affect a manager's decisions in the late innings," he's talking about the way the right-hander demoralizes opposing hitters, softening them up for Mariano Rivera in the ninth. The Bombers haven't been this reliable after the seventh inning in more than a decade. Yet, the team is convinced Chamberlain belongs in the starting rotation, simply because he's got more to offer than his fastball and slider.

In a very narrow sense, they're right: Chamberlain has a four-pitch arsenal that includes a ready-for-prime-time change-up and quickly evolving curveball. As pitching coach Dave Eiland said, "You look around the big leagues and see how many four-pitch pitchers there are out there, and almost all of them are at the front of the rotation." (Source)

"In a very narrow sense?"  How on earth are the Yankees being narrow-minded?  They see a kid who has a multi-pitch repertoire and want him to be able use all of those pitches to log as many innings possible.  Honestly, Bob, please answer this question and email us.  Who has a bigger impact on the outcome of a game, a starter or a reliever?

Consider that Chamberlain is on a 140-inning limit this year. How many of those will be wasted as a starter when the Yankees are on one of their run-scoring binges? At least as a reliever, the Bombers can control when and how Chamberlain is used; he'll only step on the mound in critical situations.  And by limiting Chamberlain to one inning instead of seven, he'll be able to max out on every delivery. (Source)

Please don't add baseball scouting lingo to your articles.  You obviously have no idea what you're talking about and only add those phrases to pretend you're down with the scene.

But, while we're at it, let's put Phil Hughes in the bullpen too.  He should be able to tick his fastball up a couple mph since he'll only be throwing one inning.  Let's make him the seventh inning guy.  Pettitte could probably be really good against lefties.  Let's make him the left-handed specialist.  Wang could probably throw 97-98 mph sinkers in a one inning role.  We smell 6th inning guy.  Since the Yankees will score a ton of runs, slot Igawa into the # 1 starter role.  He'll have plenty of run support, so it doesn't matter how he pitches.  In fact, let's make Joe Girardi sit in the clubhouse from innings 1 through 6, so he saves his best decisions for the last nine outs of the game.

Let us repeat our opinion: Joba has to have his innings limited.  We're fine with him being in the bullpen for part of the 2008 season.  However, if Joba permanently ends up being a reliever for the duration of his Yankees tenure, which people like Klapisch will eventually clamor for, it will be a huge mistake.  Relievers end up being relievers because they don't have the arsenal or ability to start.  In Joba's case, there is not a scouting report which exists that indicates he can't be a successful starter.  Until he proves otherwise, thoughts of his future should be of him as a feature of the rotation.
 

03.22.2008 Check it out

Our boy Mike Silva of Gotham Sports Radio is working hard down in Tampa and just conducted an interview with Brett Gardner.
 

03.20.2008 Fat guy in a little coat

Source: REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN)
 

03.20.2008 Ask Dr. Phil

Having problems at home?  Do you have a Jorge Posada-like urine fetish?  Do you misremember cheating?  Are you stuck in the early 1990s like Derek Jeter's haircut?  Want to know why Boston players all look like they work on the Mass Pike?

Now is your chance to get all your questions answered.  We are delighted to offer you the expertise of young Yankee hurler and famous psychologist, Dr. Phil.

Send in your questions to askdrphil@nomaas.org and we'll post the best ones, along with Dr. Phil's answers.

03.19.2008 The pen now, rotation later

With Joba initially heading to the bullpen to limit his innings, we researched if other young pitchers have had success both relieving and starting in the same season.  After all, the Yankees reiterated today that they intend for Joba to be a starter -- despite a possible 19% of Yankees fans being total idiots.

Since 1980, we have found at least 18 pitchers between the ages of 18 and 25, who in the same season:
- Pitched between 100 and 165 innings
- Relieved in at least 20 games
- Started at least 15 games
- Posted an ERA+ of least 100

Some of the notables:

1. Jose Rijo, 23, 1988 Reds. 19GS, 30GR, 162ip, 150ERA+
2. Johan Santana, 24, 2003 Twins, 18GS, 27GR, 158.1ip, 148ERA+
3. Bruce Chen, 22, 2000 Braves & Phillies, 15GS, 22GR 134ip, 141 ERA+
4. Chad Billingsley, 22, 2007 Dodgers, 20GS, 23GR, 147ip, 138ERA+
5. Scott Elarton, 23, 1999 Astros, 15GS, 22GR, 125ip, 128ERA+
6. Jason Marquis, 22, 2001 Braves, 16GS, 22GR, 129.1ip, 128ERA+
7. Bret Saberhagen, 20, 1984 Royals, 18GS, 20GR, 157.2ip, 116ERA+

Conclusion: It can be and has been done.
 

03.18.2008 A memorable day

There was sadness, but also enthusiasm. A female student wearing a Derek Jeter jersey approached the shortstop, asking him for a photograph. The photo was taken in front of her fiance's memorial stone. (Source)

...

One day after the Yankees and Red Sox filled the rafters at Legends Field, 11,000 strong, to celebrate baseball's most heated rivalry, the Yankees' gestures of goodwill on Tuesday were enough to permanently sway at least one native New Englander.

"I look at the Yankees differently after today, and I always will," said Virginia Tech head coach Pete Hughes. "I grew up my whole life hating the Yankees -- I mean, just hating them -- and I brought up my kids with that mentality. Now, I'll look at them differently." (Source)

03.17.2008 To relieve or not to relieve

On Wednesday, the Yankees plan on unveiling the role of phenom Joba Chamberlain.  While most expect Joba to be assigned to the bullpen to limit his innings at the beginning of the season, debate remains as to what Chamberlain's permanent role should be.  The Yankees' front office believes that the nipple-ringed fireballer should be gradually moved to the starting rotation, while intellectually-challenged parties state he should be an "EIGHTH INNING GUY."

NoMaas wants to know what you think.  Flex your brain muscle by answering the following question.

Which would you rather have? 200 innings of very good pitching 80 innings of very good pitching view results

03.17.2008 Yankees = pure evil

Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees will board a bus at their Tampa, Fla., training complex to catch a flight to Virginia, then bus to Blacksburg for an exhibition game they all want to play. The Bronx Bombers vs. the Virginia Tech Hokies.

"All the players are looking forward to it,'' Jeter said Monday. "The players that can't go want to. I'm sure it will be emotional, especially for the student body.''

People around the world rallied behind Virginia Tech and the community, and the Yankees were among the organizations that offered overwhelming support, donating $1 million to the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund and asking if they could come play a game.

They'll do it Tuesday afternoon in a stadium packed with 3,000 students who won a lottery for tickets, 1,000 faculty and staff, and victims of last April 16th.

"Everywhere in life we've got guys that talk and guys that do things,'' the second-year Hokies coach said. "And when the Yankees call and say, `Hey, we want to help out. We've got to do something. Here's our idea: we want to come play and here's a million dollars.' How proactive is that? It blows you away, their generosity.'' (Source)

03.15.2008 We take back everything we said about Hank

This guy is amazing.

On the Yanks-Rays situation, and the perception that the Yankees are "too classy" to retaliate:

"There are going to be problems, especially if they go after our stars," Steinbrenner said. "It's not going to be tolerated. We never have done it to them. It's just not going to happen anymore."

"I don't want these teams in general to forget who subsidizes a lot of them, and it's the Yankees, the Red Sox, Dodgers, Mets," he said. "I would prefer if teams want to target the Yankees that they at least start giving some of that revenue sharing and luxury tax money back. From an owners point of view, that's my point. (Source)

On Jonathan Papelbon critiquing him over his Red Sox Nation comments:

Papelbon in early March -- "I don't know if he's trying to stir things up or not," the Bosox closer said. "I sure as hell don't care, because he sure as hell hasn't stepped on a baseball field. He needs to just stick to pencil-pushing, I guess." (Source)

Hank's response issued yesterday: "Being insulted by Papelbon is like being attacked by a mouse," Steinbrenner told The Post.

"John Henry and I traded a couple of jabs good-naturedly," he added. "So now, all of a sudden, this player, this 20-something kid who really doesn't know his way in the world, comes out with a personal insult.

"It was nothing personal against John [Henry], nothing personal against Larry [Lucchino], nothing personal against [Terry] Francona, nothing personal against the team or the fans," Steinbrenner said. "It was just a general comment that is the truth. I respect the Red Sox and their fans, but the Yankees are the most popular team in American sports. Ask Jerry Jones in Dallas, he'll tell you that. That's why they want to do business with us. So it's just a fact."(Source)

03.13.2008 More developments in the Elliot Spitzer case

03.13.2008 Call-in information

Sensei & Lane on Gotham Baseball Live w/ Mike Silva
Sunday night, show starts at 7:00pm, NoMaas on at 7:25pm
Call-in number: 646-716-8187
Listen online here

May God have mercy on this show.
 

03.12.2008 There's a new sheriff in town

For far too long, Joe Torre made it clear that there would be no repercussions for going after a Yankee player.  Over the last 3 years, no American League team has had more hit batsmen than the Bombers (223).  Times have changed and no longer will a Yankees manager allow his players to be targets.

Whether if you believe the wrist-breaking collision at home plate was right or wrong, it's clear that the fiery Italian will defend his players.  It's so refreshing to see.  Who knows?  Maybe if a pitcher is playing on one ankle, we may actually see a player lay down a bunt.

Bobby Meacham, Shelly Duncan, Joe Girardi, and Kevin Long showed that the law has changed.
 

03.12.2008 Cash: "Brackman will be a beast."

You saw what David Price did, right?" Cashman was saying Tuesday. "Well, up until April of last year, the question in the industry was who was going to be the No.1 pick, Price or Brackman.

"So as much as the talk was about Price that day, I was thinking, 'I can't wait until our guy has a chance to get out there and feature the stuff he has.' Because he was neck-and-neck with Price until he hurt his arm, and I believe we'll see that same kind of talent when he comes back."

He wasn't even on our radar until the injury because he was going to go so high," Cashman said. "That allowed us to have a chance, and we knew he'd probably need Tommy John surgery, but we've had a history of success with guys who had it done, and there's a 92% success rate with it throughout baseball, so we decided to go ahead and take him. (Source)
 

03.11.2008 Let's make a bullpen

With 57 relievers in camp, how does one evaluate all the options and come up with a plan for the bullpen?  Let NoMaas' Brisco County Jr. do that for you.  It's time to play "Let's Make A Bullpen."

Click here to read the article.

Brisco County Jr. explains his views on bullpen construction.
 

03.10.2008 It all makes sense now

03.10.2008 Sensei & Lane on call-in radio show

On Sunday night, Sensei John Kreese and Lane Meyer will be accepting live calls on Mike Silva's Gotham Baseball Live.  The show starts at 7pm and the NoMaas crew will be on at 7:30pm.  Knowing the tendencies of some of our visitors, we apologize in advance to Mike.
 

03.09.2008 Is your parents' divorce ruining your life?  Is your teenage daughter a prostitute?

Well cheer up, because Phil Hughes pitched 4 hitless innings on Sunday.

03.09.2008 Interesting read

Not about the Yankees, but it's an article about the Royals' Brian Bannister and his reliance on sabermetrics.

Last year, Bannister’s BABIP was .264, among the best in the game.

“It’s tough because I’m a student of it, and all last year I was well aware I was among the league leaders in it,” Bannister said. “But what do you do? Just because you’re continuing to get outs, do you say, ‘Oh, this shouldn’t be happening’?

“I realize very well that I could regress to the mean.” (Source)
 

03.08.2008 Brief followup

We feel a little childish even engaging in this debate, but as you can imagine, the emails from Boston fans poured in after our latest entry.  They all referred to the savage beating of a Red Sox fan last October in Yonkers.  However, according to reports filed after the initial news were released, the fight had nothing to do with baseball.  In fact, we couldn't find any initial reports which specifically indicated the suspects were Yankees fans.  People just assumed it.  But, anyway, here's links to reports issued by two Boston outlets that came after the first news releases (courtesy of one of our message board users, Yankeebot).

Report: Red Sox Fan Beating Not About Baseball

Lawyer: Yonkers fight was about barmaid, not baseball loyalties

We are, however, sorry for stereotyping Red Sox fans.  The next time we are at a  non-baseball event and a "Yankees Suck" chant emerges, we will offer our sincerest apologies.
 

03.06.2008 A disgusting fanbase

The following article has been sent to us by multiple visitors, so we thought we'd post it.

Red Sox mob beats up Yankees fan in Cambridge
By Erin Smith/Chronicle Staff
Mon Mar 03, 2008, 07:52 PM EST

A group of men — some with Irish accents — beat up a 23-year-old Cambridge man and sent him to the hospital after they spotted him sporting a Yankees baseball cap.

Witnesses told police the group of apparent diehard Red Sox fans beat up the victims after an argument inside a Central Square bar. The group then ran away on Mass. Ave. towards Harvard Square.  The Yankees fan was transported to the hospital March 2 at 1:41 a.m. for medical treatment for head injuries, including swelling over his entire face and several facial cuts, according to police reports.

The victim’s sobbing girlfriend told police the couple went to the Cantab Lounge at 738 Mass. Ave. midnight Saturday. The couple was inside the bar for a while when a large group of people came up to them and started arguing with the victim because he was wearing a New York Yankees baseball cap, according to police reports.

The couple left the bar without further confrontation, but the group allegedly followed them outside on the street as they walked home, according to reports.  Then the mob of Red Sox fans allegedly threw the victim to the ground and repeatedly kicked him. The girlfriend and a couple of women who were with the suspects unsuccessfully tried to pull the Red Sox fans off the victim, according to police reports.

The victim told police he could not clearly remember what happened and only recalled getting into an argument about his baseball cap, leaving the bar and lying on the ground while the men kicked him in the head. (Source)

This is behavior that can be expected from the meathead frat guys which make up the Red Sox fanbase.  Truly disgusting people.
 

03.05.2008 A stark difference

It seems to be to the trend this season for non-arbitration eligible players to whine about their contract renewals.  Not Joba Chamberlain.

On Tuesday, the Yankees renewed Chamberlain's contract for the major-league minimum, $390,000. That might seem like a lot to most of us, but you know how athletes are.

Actually, it seems like a lot to Chamberlain, too. "I don't play the game to get paid," he said. "I play the game to enjoy it and love it. The paycheck's a bonus. What do I have to complain about?" (Source)
 

03.04.2008 Not the master of his domain

A Boston Red Sox scout was arrested, accused of masturbating at the window of his hotel room in front of two women and two underage girls at the swimming pool, records show.

Jesse Levis, 39, faces two felony charges for committing lewd and lascivious acts in front of children under the age of 16.

According to an arrest report, the two girls, age 13 and 14, told police they had been swimming at the pool around 7 p.m. Sunday with their father when they saw Levis standing naked and masturbating at the window of his second-floor hotel room, which overlooks the pool.

The hotel manager, Ken Glass, told police a similar incident had happened last year, when Levis was checked into a room on the fourth floor overlooking the pool, the report said. (Source)

03.04.2008 Gee, maybe we were right

Mike Mussina seemed to be speaking for the entire team when he said, "We loved Joe, but we all knew things had to be different. Especially the guys who've been here a while and haven't won, we were very disappointed at the way things had been going."

No one says so in quite so many words, but the Yankees had become comfortable with Torre, perhaps too much so. It didn't help that the Yankees hardly ran at all last spring -- "We learned you have to do more than take grounders and BP and then hit the showers," Mussina said -- which left the team unprepared by Opening Day. (Source)
 

03.02.2008 Interview with Jonah Keri of ESPN

Continuing with our onslaught of interviews, NoMaas' Brisco County Jr talked baseball with ESPN columnist and French-Canadian, Jonah Keri.

Click here to read the interview.
 

02.29.2008 Please do not allow him near a major league field

Kei Igawa versus the University of South Florida:
1 IP, 2 BB, 1 HBP, 1 Grand Slam

02.29.2008 The stories keep coming out

What we've been saying for years is now actually being reported.

Even Torre's supporters in the organization admit Joe's stewardship had become too casual, evidenced by his naming Ron Guidry as pitching coach. "It was obvious all [Torre] was doing was taking care of a buddy," said one Yankee inside. "Finally, we have someone here [Dave Eiland] who knows what he's doing." (Source)

Our Prediction: Torre is either fired or forced to resign before the end of his contract with the Dodgers.  His poor managing decisions will no longer be masked by a $200 million payroll and an astute general manager.

Also, it is interesting to note that several NY reporters are now coming out with stories about Torre's deficiencies.  Where were these stories when he was managing here?  Answer:  The writers had no bizalls.
 

02.29.2008 Power

Source: (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
 

02.28.2008 Greatest. Quote. Ever.

“Red Sox Nation?  What a bunch of [expletive] that is. That was a creation of the Red Sox and ESPN, which is filled with Red Sox fans. Go anywhere in America and you won’t see Red Sox hats and jackets, you’ll see Yankee hats and jackets. This is a Yankee country. We’re going to put the Yankees back on top and restore the universe to order.” - Hank Muthaf***in Steinbrenner (Source)
 

02.27.2008 Be thankful he is gone

Bruney also admitted to a level of fear in playing for Joe Torre, who was constantly criticized in recent years for overusing certain relievers.

"With Torre - and I'm not trying to bad-mouth anybody - sometimes you would go out there and try to be so good because you were scared of doing bad," Bruney said. "You can't pitch like that. (Joe) Girardi understands that you make mistakes - and I'm going to make them."  (Source)

In other news, Joe Torre said Nomar Garciaparra is slightly ahead of Andy LaRoche in the competition for third base because of his experience. (Source)

We are very sorry, Dodgers fans.  If you ever need someone to talk to, we're here for you.
 

02.27.2008 Memory loss

A less filtered sentiment came from closer Jonathan Papelbon, who, when asked to assess the Yankees ' chances, said, "Dude, I don't even know who's on their roster this year." (Source)

Perhaps we should remind young Jonathan of who is on the Yankees roster.

New York - Top of 9th Score 5-5
Jonathan Papelbon pitching for Boston NYY BOS
J Papelbon relieved H Okajima. 5 5
D Jeter grounded out to first. 5 5
B Abreu struck out swinging. 5 5
A Rodriguez homered to right center. 6 5
J Posada struck out swinging. 6 5
1 Runs, 1 Hits, 0 Errors

- Thanks to NoMaas message board user yankeebot for the gamelog.
 

02.26.2008 Interview with John Manuel of Baseball America

The Editor-in-Chief of Baseball America sat down with us to talk about Yankee prospects who haven't grabbed all the headlines.  We hope you enjoy Beyond the Big Names: NoMaas Q & A with John Manuel.
 

02.26.2008 Straight G

"I better have 2 shorties waitin' for me in my hotel room."
 

Source: Newsday, Audrey C.Tiernan, 2/25/08
 

02.25.2008 Hank to talk new contract with Cash

Yankees senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner plans to talk about a new contract with general manager Brian Cashman before the regular season ends.

"I've known Cash for a long time," Steinbrenner said. "He's been with our family for a long, long time. I think the big thing is with Brian is the organization he put in place. You know, it's not based on just one decision as far as do a trade or don't do a trade, or sign a free agent or don't." (Source)

Cashman has led a revolution in the Yankees organization.
 

02.25.2008 Part of Arod's routine: Flying in stand-up comedians?

Rodriguez also lost the services of his close friend Mike Borzello, the Yankees' bullpen catcher for 12 years.

Borzello was literally the quarterback of Rodriguez's inner circle, throwing him footballs in the outfield as part of his pregame workout regimen. Borzello also was Rodriguez's driver and was close enough to the third baseman to offer him criticism when the need arose.

When Rodriguez needed a laugh, Borzello would often invite his friend Brody Stevens, a stand-up comic from Los Angeles, to spend a few days around the team. Borzello and Rodriguez even spent time together during the offseason when Rodriguez visited California.

But Borzello's loyalty also was with Torre, his godfather. Like Bowa, he accompanied him to the Dodgers. (Source)
 

02.22.2008 Fan mail

Criticizing Lord Derek always brings out the best in Yankees fans.  We received this email on Friday:

From: dwimmer@mscd.edu (Dane Wimmer)
Speaking as a yankees fan I have to be honest and say that you guys are idiots. My 2 year old son could run a better website than you losers.

Dear Dane,
Thank you for visiting the site.  Your candor is appreciated.  We wish you the best of luck at the scholastic powerhouse that is the Metropolitan State College of Denver.
 

02.22.2008 Wow, a manager who actually takes an interest in prospects

The most important thing at this stage in camp, Girardi said, is making sure the pitchers are comfortable as their workload expands. The offensive raves were reserved mostly for 18-year-old catching prospect Jesus Montero, who ripped four line drives off Wang and took a ball the opposite way to the warning track in right field.

"He's a strong young man, a strong young hitter," Girardi said. (Source)

Girardi > Torre

02.22.2008 Girardi making 'em sweat

On Tuesday, in addition to their normal baserunning drills, the players had to run eight foul pole-to-foul pole sprints. On Wednesday, there was a timed 300-yard shuttle -- a series of six 50-yard sprints -- that had to be completed in less than a minute. After a 90-second rest, everyone did it again. And on Thursday, the Yankees were pushing out multiple 100-yard dashes, followed by a 60-yard jog and 40-yard walk back to the starting line.

If this feels like shock therapy, it's because the Yankees hardly ran at all last spring. Torre and conditioning coach Marty Miller were so opposed to the heavy-conditioning philosophy, the players did little more than take batting practice, field ground balls, shower and head for the golf courses. (Source)

02.21.2008 "They're in the computer?"

Derek Jeter arrived at his 16th Yankees spring training yesterday labeled the worst shortstop in the majors by some statistical braniacs over at Penn.

"Maybe it was a computer glitch," the three-time Gold Glove winner said of the report. But Jeter just didn't laugh this one off. He defended himself, saying, "Every (shortstop) doesn't stay in the same spot, everyone doesn't have the same pitching. Everyone doesn't have the same hitters running, it's impossible to do that."

That's one reason Yankees senior advisor Gene Michael was infuriated by the University of Pennsylvania report.

"Something like that is a disgrace," the scout said. "It made me ill when I read that article. First of all, what pitching staff was out there? Each team has a different staff. Derek doesn't really have a sinkerball pitching staff whereas other shortstops, you sit behind certain pitchers, you're going to get a lot of ground balls.

"You simply can't do that by those charts, that's a bunch of baloney," Michael added. "It's disgraceful. You have to use a scout's eye to determine range." (Source)

Denial: A defense mechanism in which a person is faced with a fact that is too painful to accept and rejects it instead, insisting that it is not true despite what may be overwhelming evidence.
 

02.20.2008 Cashman excited to see Derek

Source: REUTERS/Scott Audette
 

02.20.2008 Let us all remember that Damon said this

After apparently contemplating retirement in the spring of 2007, Johnny Damon is once again back to making grandiose claims about his playing ability.

Long before general manager Brian Cashman publicly called out Johnny Damon for being out of shape last spring, Damon had fixed on a personal crusade for 2008.

He was going to be the old Johnny Damon again, and not Old Johnny Damon.

Damon feels he can be great again, too. "I expect to be one of the better players around the league," Damon said. "I think pitchers know I can still drive them crazy." (Source)

Hopefully, this statement by Damon will hold up better than what Scott Boras said in December 2005.

Damon considered retirement in 2007.
 

02.19.2008 Interview with Mark Feinsand of the Daily News

Mark Feinsand is in his eighth season covering the Yankees and he's currently in Tampa reporting on the circus that is spring training.  We flew the NoMaas private jet down to Florida and talked to Mark about what's going on at Legends/Steinbrenner Field.

Click here to read the interview.
 

02.18.2008 A NoMaas public service announcement

Stages of pregnancy:

 

02.17.2008 Jorge Posada:  Why good players often make bad managers

Joba Chamberlain is being treated as a starting pitcher this spring, but one of the Yankees' veteran leaders believes the decision to take the flamethrower out of the setup role is a big mistake.

"I've only seen him as a reliever, and I know he has the potential to be a starter, but if it was up to me, I would leave him in the bullpen," Jorge Posada said. "I wouldn't change anything."

"I think he's capable of starting and he's done it in the past, but with his makeup and his body, I think he just looks like a reliever to me," Posada said. "If they asked me, I'd tell them. But I think I'm the last guy they ask." (Source)

Stick to your day job, Po.
 

02.15.2008 Congratulations Yankees, you saved $600,000

Chien-Ming Wang lost his salary arbitration case against the New York Yankees on Friday and will earn $4 million instead of his request for $4.6 million.

Thursday's hearing was the first for the Yankees since Mariano Rivera lost in 2000. The decision left the Yankees' payroll at a major league-high $206.4 million for 22 signed players.

"He's a special talent. It's just, really, about where he slots in a market of special players as a first-time eligible,'' Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "Based on where the market is ... there was really no room to go any higher than 4. It would have been out-of-market.''

Even with the loss, Wang will earn the second-highest salary for a pitcher eligible for arbitration for the first time, trailing only the $4.35 million Dontrelle Willis received under an agreement with Florida in 2006. (Source)

Meanwhile, Mariano Rivera will be paid $15 million to pitch one inning per appearance.
 

02.14.2008 Yanks comment on Pettitte, PEDs

Phil Hughes: "I just feel fortunate that I came into the game at a good time,'' said Hughes, who signed with the New York Yankees out of high school in 2004.

"They're cracking down on this stuff, which is good for guys coming into the league right now. We know that everybody is on the same playing field, which is a good feeling.''

"When he [Pettitte] came out and said what he said, I was shocked. I haven't known him that long, but it's not something you'd expect anybody to go out and say. It was a shocker,'' Hughes said Thursday as pitchers and catchers reported to Legends Field.

Joba Chamberlain: "He's going to handle it professionally. He's a great man and a
great human being. He's going to handle it and do what got him to this point, and that's perform on the field. Between the lines, nothing can stop him. I'm looking forward to seeing him, giving him a big hug and saying, 'Welcome back.' ''

Mike Mussina: "I've never considered and never would consider playing the game that way. I still look at myself as a kid who gets a chance to play,'' he said. "I've been doing pretty well the way I've been doing it, so I'm not hurt or disappointed that this stuff has happened in the era I've played in. I'm lucky that I've been able to play this long, to do the job that I've been able to do for this long.

"I'm almost 40 years old and I've been playing this game a lot longer than I ever thought I would,'' Mussina said, stopping short of directly criticizing Pettitte or other players who have admitted to using PEDs.

"That's a decision they made, a choice they made. I feel better about myself because I competed against them and succeeded,'' he said.

...

Then comes the season, when Pettitte is sure to hear it from fans on the road. Games at Fenway Park will test his ability to focus.

"It's going to be everywhere,'' Mussina said. "I watched (Jason) Giambi go through
it a couple years ago; it's going to be everywhere and it's going to be hard. It's going to be difficult, but hopefully he can find a way to play through it and perform well.'' (Source)

02.13.2008 Congress v. Clemens

Many people, including us, are wondering why Congress has decided to investigate MLB steroid usage while the country is at war and showing signs of economic recession.  That could be a simple-minded opinion on our part, as all organizations have the ability to multitask.  However, what doesn't make sense to us, is that the hearings are clearly focused on prosecuting individual players, and not about controlling the drug problem as a whole.  Leaders of Major League Baseball have allowed drug use to flourish.  Rather than coming up with a solution and/or inquiring why this was allowed to happen, Congress is talking about Roger Clemens and his wife.  What is the point?  What is this going to solve?  It's a waste of time.
 

02.13.2008 The Schilling Effect

Could this be the real reason why Boston is trying to void Schilling's contract?

Source: Boston Herald, Wednesday Feb 13.
 

02.13.2008 Happy Valentine's/Pitchers & Catchers Day

02.12.2008 140 for Joba

A limit of 140 innings has apparently been set for Chamberlain, the Post says, so the Yankees have devised a program to allow the young pitcher to end up in the rotation while still staying under the number. According to the Post, Chamberlain will open the season in the bullpen, where he will set up Rivera until some time in June, when he will be sent to the minors to stretch out his arm.

After three or four weeks in the minors, Chamberlain will return to the Yankees as a starter and will finish the season in the rotation, the Post says. (Source)

02.11.2008 It's not like terrorists are trying to kill us or anything

02.10.2008 We're bored

So we looked around and found this. Future NoMaas staff member?

02.07.2008 Trouble in paradise

Red Sox righthander Curt Schilling could miss the 2008 season because of a shoulder injury that may require surgery, according to multiple reports today.

The Herald reported that Schilling, 41, may have a rotator cuff or labrum injury that could require surgery, which would likely end his season and possibly his career. Schilling has stated that 2008 would be his final season and he and the team are reportedly in disagreement about the proper course of treatment. (Source)
 

02.05.2008 It's nice to have a manager who doesn't restrict roster moves

The Yankees have interest in free agent Kevin Mench as a fifth outfielder, according to a person with knowledge of discussions who asked not to be named because no deal has been struck.

Mench, 30, would probably go to Yankees camp on a minor-league contract. He would give the Yankees a right-handed option in the outfield, where Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Bobby Abreu are lefties and Melky Cabrera is a switch-hitter. Shelley Duncan is right-handed but could win the first-base job.

"We're always open to doing business if we can do something that can help us," general manager Brian Cashman said. "We've got a lot of left-handed bats. We'll see." (Source)

Mench boasts a great career line versus LHP:
.305 BA / .361 OBP / .563 SLG / .924 OPS

He would be a nice piece off the bench.

But, there is a greater point here.  Whether they sign Mench or not, it is clear that the absence of Joe Torre is allowing Cashman to be more creative when it comes to the bench.  Torre would play his favorites.  He would refuse to use certain players.  Now, with a more open-minded and intelligent manager, Cashman can really explore the secondary talent market to construct the most optimal bench.

02.04.2008 Super Tuesday

Who will have the best 2008 season? Phil Hughes Joba Chamberlain Ian Kennedy view results

02.03.2008 Choke

01.31.2008 Great move

It was back on December 18th when we recommended that the Yanks should buy low on non-tender Morgan Ensberg.  That recommendation became reality as the Yankees signed Ensberg to a minor-league deal:

The Yankees have another contender for their crowded first base mix, signing Morgan Ensberg to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.

"I'm extremely excited about it," Ensberg told ESPN.com. "It's a great team and a great lineup. Most importantly, it's a team that's consistently playing for a World Series. After you've been in the league for a few years, you really start valuing that pursuit." (Source)

This is a no downside deal with the potential for considerable upside.  As we noted in December, Ensberg is a career 116 OPS+ hitter who has shown a knack for working the count (career 3.92 pitches per plate appearance) and getting on base.  He is coming off a very poor 2007 where his power and plate discipline seemed to disappear (.320 OBP / .404 SLG).  Some writers and analysts also consider his 2006 season to be a poor one because he had a batting average of .235.  However, he walked 101 times in that season, which contributed to his excellent OBP of .396.

If Ensberg can come anywhere close to his career levels, then this is a steal.  If he still looks like the 2007 version, then who cares?  It's a minor league deal.

This is exactly how you work the secondary talent market.
 

01.31.2008 Andrew Brackman update

Quick update on 2007 first round draft pick, Andrew Brackman:

Andrew Brackman, the Yankees first round pick in the 2007 amateur draft, is throwing at 90 feet. The 6-foot-10, 240 pound right-hander from North Carolina State had elbow ligament replacement surgery last Aug. 24.

"It's feeling awesome," Brackman said.

Brackman, who will not pitch in games this season, is scheduled to increase his throwing distance in about two weeks. (Source)
 

01.30.2008 Cutting off your nose to spite your face?

We all love our homegrown players, but if either of these stories are true, then there needs to be some explaining:

Twins' general manager Bill Smith, in a panic to move Johan Santana, called the Yankees and admitted surrender: Phil Hughes was no longer a prerequisite, he said. Instead, the Twins asked for Ian Kennedy, Melky Cabrera and a top prospect. Would the Yankees still be interested, Smith wondered?  The Yankees considered the idea, but only briefly and not seriously. (Source)

According to sources familiar with the entire negotiations, after the Red Sox removed Lester, the Twins called the Yankees back and proposed a scenario in which Hughes would not have to be part of the deal. Instead, they asked for Chien-Ming Wang and Ian Kennedy. The Yankees flatly rejected that, leaving the Mets as the Twins' only alternative.(Source)

There seems to be conflicting stories about what the Twins requested from the Yankees just before Santana was dealt to the Mets.  So who knows if this is true?  But, if the Yankees had the opportunity to acquire Santana without giving up Phil Hughes, then why wouldn't they do so???
 

01.29.2008 Twins fans should be irate

Could Twins GM Bill Smith have played this any worse?  Imagine trading MLB's best pitcher, who is still in his prime, and not getting an elite prospect in return.  Crazy.

Looks like Billy was rockin'  the ganj during his Santana negotiations.
 

01.26.2008 Breaking down the Cano deal

NoMaas' Lane Meyer analyzes the deal and renders his verdict.  Click here to read.
 

01.26.2008 A.P. Steinbrenner

Once again proving that he has the media on speed dial, Hank "AP" Steinbrenner continued his unprofessional ways by giving a two-hour interview (that's right, two hours) marked by threats and ego-boosting.

"I will be patient with the young pitchers and players. There's no question about that because I know how these players develop," he said. "But as far as missing the playoffs - if we miss the playoffs by the end of this year, I don't know how patient I'll be. But it won't be against the players. It won't be a matter of that. It will be a matter of maybe certain people in the organization could have done something else." (Source)

Classy comments to make before the season, Hank.  Could you alienate anyone else in the organization?

Steinbrenner has become more the voice of the Yankees than Bob Sheppard, speaking out on possible trades and signings, ruminating each week on the status of talks to acquire Johan Santana from the Minnesota Twins.

"I don't particularly necessarily enjoy it. It was kind of thrust upon me. At some point, if you're going to be a leader, you've got to step up and you can't hide in the office," he said. "Unless it can directly affect negotiations, the fans do deserve to know what's going on. There's no problem with that. Whether other people have a problem with that, I really don't give a damn. They don't buy the tickets, all right?" (Source)

Hey Hank, we're fans.  We buy the tickets.  And we think your non-stop commentary is obnoxious, embarrassing, and arrogant.  Real bad boys move in silence.

Due out on newstands next month, Hank even gave an interview to Seventeen magazine.
 

01.26.2008 Ca$h strikes back

The Yankee GM actually was a guest lecturer, joined onstage by his Red Sox counterpart Theo Epstein, at William Patterson University in Wayne, N.J. And the mostly partisan Yankee crowd - about 1,000 fans who paid $37 apiece and packed an auditorium to hear the rivals talk baseball. (Source)

Cash on Santana:

"My strong recommendation is we stick with our young pitching staff and keep it in-house," Cashman said to rousing applause. "That's my recommendation, and we've fought hard to take one step back to take two giant steps forward." (Source)

On Bernie Williams and also Joe Torre's nepotism:

While retracing Bernie Williams’s unfriendly departure from the Yankees, Cashman said Williams had become more involved in his music “and that took away from his play” and that Williams had a “terrible season” in 2005. Cashman added Joe Torre had played Williams “ahead of guys who could help us win” in 2006, a reference to Melky Cabrera. (Source)

On the rise of Hank & Hal:

Since Hank and Hal Steinbrenner, George’s sons, have assumed more prominent roles with the team, Cashman has conceded his job has evolved. (Source)

01.22.2008 Young assassins

NoMaas' Brisco County Jr. takes a look at the best young starting pitching combos around the league.  Click here to read.

Where do Phil and Joba rank?
 

01.21.2008 Live chat info

For anyone who wishes to participate in tonight's chat with Sensei John Kreese, please visit the following link: http://www.nomaas.org/chat/

Not only will that be where the chat will take place, but you first need to register before you can enter a chat room.

We'll begin at 7:30pm tonight, but you can register at any time.
 

01.18.2008 NoMaas to spit knowledge on Yankees prospects

Tune in Sunday morning to Gotham Sports Radio as NoMaas' Lane Meyer will be talking about the Baby Bombers.  Hosted by internet radio sensation Mike Silva, the show will begin at 11am with an interview of Baseball America's John Manuel.  Lane will follow.  You can listen live or by replay here.

Also, if you haven't read our 2008 Top 20 Yankees Prospects, you can do so here.
 

01.16.2008 Live chat

On Monday, January 21st, we'll be hosting our first live online chat.  The guest will be NoMaas founder, Sensei John Kreese.  Chat will start at 7:30pm.  We'll post the details on how to join the chat when we get closer to the date.  Stay tuned.
 

01.16.2008 The 2007 Schilling Collection

Let's look back at our gallery featuring everyone's favorite obese pitcher.

01.15.2008 What was the point?

Rather than asking tough questions or critiquing baseball leadership for allowing drug use to flourish, Tuesday's congressional hearings were basically a lovefest for George Mitchell, Bud Selig, and Donald Fehr.  Believe it or not, the majority of panel members actually congratulated Mitchell, Selig, and Fehr for their work in combating the use of performance-enhancing drugs.  Rep. Burton of Indiana even stated that "other sports should take the lead from baseball."  Are they serious?

Equally as frustrating is the credibility and reverence which continues to be given to the Mitchell Report.  Despite containing very little evidence, the report was treated by Congress as the holy grail of PED investigations.

George Mitchell even offered a glimpse into the ridiculous process which went in to compiling the report.  If a player was accused by one of his two sources (Radomski or McNamee), Mitchell offered that player a chance to refute the allegations before his name was published.  In one instance, Mitchell stated that Radomski had named a former player, and in response, the player contacted the Senator to say that he never used performance-enhancing drugs.  Mitchell told the player to provide evidence to support his claim and the player did.  As a result, Mitchell decided to take his name off the report.  What is extremely idiotic about this is that Mitchell did not require Radomski to provide evidence to support his claims.  Players were guilty until proven innocent.

There was really only one Congressman who expressed skepticism at Mitchell's report.  Ironically, it was Rep. Lynch of Massachusetts.  Alluding to the lack of sources and evidence in the investigation, Lynch asked, "What percentage of the report do you think came from Mr. Radomski and Mr. McNamee?" Mitchell dodged the question by saying that he had not performed that calculation.

By and large, there was no point to having this hearing.  No questions were answered.  No questions were asked.  It was basically a pep rally for baseball leadership and a showcase for Rep. Henry Waxman's nose.
 

01.12.2008 More Joba rules

The Yankees envision Joba Chamberlain as a starter and they are eager to see what his blazing fastball and electric slider can do as part of their rotation. But the Bombers also are concerned about how many innings the 22-year-old will throw next season, so Chamberlain may start the year in the bullpen.

"We're going to prepare him as a starter and we see him as a starter," Yankee GM Brian Cashman said yesterday. "But we have an innings limit that he won't exceed. How we manage the innings limit remains to be seen. The plan is to have him start, but there are a number of scenarios that we'll review." (Source)

In addition to his innings cap, GM Brian Cashman has also stated that Joba cannot be fed after midnight, nor be exposed to water or sunlight.

01.10.2008 Does anybody get it?

Does anyone understand that the Mitchell Report is a pile of crap?  It wasn't a report based on hard evidence.  It wasn't comprehensive.  It wasn't constructed by an independent investigator.  It's a report based on accusations.

Also, why isn't Bud Selig taking any heat for this?  He's trying to come across as the knight in shining armor, but he allowed drug use to flourish under his watch.  If Congress is to investigate anything, they should ask Selig why MLB leadership is totally incompetent and unable to regulate its sport.
 

01.09.2008 Hall of Fame reaction

NoMaas' Brisco County Jr offers his thoughts on the Hall of Fame results, including the ridiculous snub of Tim Raines and the near inclusion of Peter Gammons' boyfriend, Jim Rice.  Click here to read this most-feared article.
 

01.08.2008 Cash: "I'm getting squeezed."

“The dynamics are changing with us,” said Cashman, while serving on a panel discussion that also included Toronto Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi, Red Sox adviser Bill James, agent Scott Boras, Hall of Fame writer Peter Gammons and Theo Epstein. “When I signed up with this current three-year deal, and this is the last year of it, it was with full authority to run the entire program. George (Steinbrenner, the Yankees’ owner) had given me that. But things have changed in this third year now with the emergence of Hal and Hank Steinbrenner and that started this winter.

“I’ll be honest, I’m learning as I go along, too. But it is different. But the one thing is that I’ve been with this family, the Steinbrenner family, for well over 20 years, so I’m focused fully on doing everything I can to assist them in their emergence now as decision makers. But it is definitely different than it has been the last two years.” (Source)

If what Cashman says is true, then this is a terrible development.  The way Hank Steinbrenner talks, we wouldn't be surprised if he goes around Yankee Stadium urinating all over the place to let everyone know it's his territory.  It seems like he is the one who may be driving a wedge between baseball decisions and Cashman.  This is not good news.

Cash: "Help me, Hal.  You're my only hope."
 

01.05.2008 Dear Hank

Shut. Up.
 

01.03.2008 Peter Gammons: "I hate Rob Neyer."

Peter Gammons in a Boston.com chat on Thursday, Jan 3:

jonas__Guest: Will Jim Rice finally make it into the Hall of Fame?

Peter_Gammons: I don't think so. I voted for him, but it's been interesting that there have been people like Rob Neyer who are so obsessed with degrading Rice's career. The fact that he retired as early as he did clearly has cost him because of the 382 home runs. But for him to be in the top 5 in MVP balloting 6 times in 12 years, to me, speaks more about his career than the fact that his career OPS is the same as Ellis Burks.

Wow.  Just wow.  What an amazingly unprofessional and immature comment from Gammons.  Not only does he believe that stats should be ignored when evaluating Jim Rice's career, but he also takes a cheap shot at Rob Neyer and irrationally accuses him of having a personal vendetta against the former Boston player.  Get a life, Peter.
 

01.02.2008 For your reading pleasure...

Anyone who cannot claim rookie status (i.e. Phil Hughes) is not included on this list.  Ages are as of May 1, 2008.

1) Joba Chamberlain, RHP, 22
The legend has grown to absurdity in the press, but he's still got incredible stuff combined with good control.

2) Jose Tabata, RHB, RF, 19
Healthy after having his hamate bone removed, 2008 should give us a glimpse at how good he can be.

3) Austin Jackson, RHB, CF, 21
Went off like a rocket after seemingly undeserved promotion to Tampa. The pedigree and projectability have always been there, hopefully the performance continues.

4) Alan Horne, RHP, 25
Great pedigree, great build, great stuff, and has shown major improvements in command. Stuff is ready to make an impact in the ML bullpen in 2008, and has a higher ceiling as a starter than Kennedy.

5) Ian Kennedy, RHP, 23
Ranking here is no slight on Ian, as we love his ability to log innings at league average or better for years to come.

6) Jesus Montero, RHB, C, 18
Monster power bat that shows great plate discipline for someone so young. Even if he doesn't stick behind the plate his offensive upside is still immense.

7) Mark Melancon, RHP, 23
Top college closer in 2006 with mid nineties fastball and hammer curve. Has outstanding work ethic and off-the-charts makeup, so the grueling rehab from Tommy John Surgery should only make him better.

8) Humberto Sanchez, RHP, 24
Powerfully built Bronx HS product with a nasty, moving fastball. Dominated in AA before surgery, is currently around 8 months into his rehab. Could be an ace starter or reliever depending on how his rehab goes.

9) Andrew Brackman, RHP, 22
Critique this selection all you want, but as Lane Meyer discussed in an article last fall, Brackman has almost no legitimate comps from a historical basis. He is that unique as a prospect. A freaky combination of size, velocity, and athleticism, we hope to see him throwing rehab in the fall.

10) Jeff Marquez, RHP, 23
Great sinking fastball, yet low K/9. Could rise on this list if he continues to log innings and improves his ability to miss bats by working on his changeup. His durability is certainly a plus.

11) Francisco Cervelli, RHB, C, 22
Showed an interesting mix of gap power and plate discipline in 2007. Has shown exceptional defensive skills behind the plate, but tired greatly at the end of 2007.

12) Dellin Betances, RHP, 20
Great raw stuff and an aptitude to learn, Betances is still filling out and learning how to pitch. Concerns over the elbow pain he was having last year abound. Ranks this low due to future injury concerns and only throwing 48 innings in his two years in the organzation. Could catapult up this list if healthy in 2008.

13) Brett Gardner, LHB, CF, 23
Solid 4th OF type with blazing speed and good plate discipline. No pop in his bat, but plays good defense and could be a bench cog on a championship team.

14) Kevin Whelan, RHP, 24
Improving his control was essential, and he may have done so in Trenton after a short period of starting in Tampa. A reliever who could potentially contribute in the Bronx this year.

15) Ross Ohlendorf, RHP, 25
A live arm has gotten him this far, and seeing him hit mid to upper 90s in relief stints is encouraging, but we aren't as high on Ross as other outlets. He certianly has the potential to be solid in middle relief, but we dont see him ever being spectacular.

16) Daniel McCutchen, RHP, 25
NoMaas' sleeper prospect. He may be 25, but he throws hard, has a good breaking ball and a solid changeup. We see McCutchen opening eyes in 2008.

17) Jairo Heredia, RHP, 18
The 17 year old who came stateside sooner than expected and wowed the organization with impressive stuff and command. Heredia could be a top 5 guy by the time next offseason rolls around.

18) George Kontos, RHP, 22
Fastball/slider guy posted great numbers in Hawaii. Solid back of the rotation starter or middle reliever with the ability to miss bats at the ML level. He just needs to stay healthy and out of trouble. We actually like him a bit better than Ollie, but Ross has already made the Majors.

19) Juan Miranda, LHB, 1B/DH, 25 (on a good day)
All hit. Despite not being a good glove, he may see time in the Bronx soon due to his ability to rake.

20) Jose Pirela, SHB, SS, 18
Switch-hitting SS who played last season at age 17 in the DSL. Solidly built, stout 5-tool guy that showed excellent plate discipline for such a young age (34 BB to 36 K in 238 AB).

Hope to see you here next time: JB Cox, Damon Sublett, Bradley Suttle, Carmen Angelini, Ryan Pope, Zach McAllister, Kevin DeLeon, Manny Barreda, Braedyn Pruitt, Chris Garcia.

*** As an added bonus, we present our list of the Top 5 Most Interesting Yankees Prospects.  These are kids whose 2008 season could determine if they're legitimate prospects or not.

1) Michael Dunn, LHP, 22
Converted to the mound for good in 2007, has low-90s fastball and posted impressive numbers in Charleston last year while pitching a full season as a starter. 2008 will be a test to see if he can continue growing as a pitcher.

2) David Robertson, RHP, 23
Diminutive college closer put up mind-boggling numbers in Charleston and Tampa last year despite velocity sitting around 90 MPH. 2008 will show if he can repeat any sort of dominance at higher levels.

3) Justin Snyder, LHB, 2B/OF, 22
At 5'9" and 190 lbs, Snyder is small but solid. Playing both 2B and CF in Staten Island last year, he showed amazing plate discipline by drawing 58 BB in just 260 AB. By hitting .335 with 20 doubles and 5 HR, he also showed an ability to drive the ball. 2008 will go a long way towards establishing Snyder as a legitimate prospect.

4) Angel Reyes, LHP, 21
A fastball that sits in the low-90s touching 96, a plus breaking pitch, and a great ability to miss bats...and the plate sum up the highly talented lefty. Injury and lack of command forced Reyes to take a major step backwards in 2007, but he still has all the tools to become an elite prospect in 2008.

5) Brandon Laird, RHB, 3B/1B, 20
Brother of ML catcher Gerald Laird, Brandon showed fantastic contact and power skills in the GCL last year by posting a .238 IsoP and striking out only 26 times in 45 games. He only drew 6 walks, so it will be intriguing to see how he does in full-season ball in 2008