08.28.2009 Cano's smooth swing gives Yankees walkoff win

08.27.2009 Gangsta

When the New York Mets and Red Sox worked out a trade for left-handed reliever Billy Wagner earlier this week, Chris Carter, an outfielder-first baseman currently playing for Triple-A Pawtucket, became part of the deal as a player to be named headed to Boston, sources said. In preparation for the deal, the Red Sox placed Carter on waivers, with the intention of moving him on to the Mets.

But the Yankees, sources said, placed a claim on Carter -- perhaps to create some 40-man roster discomfort for the Red Sox. In order to complete the Wagner trade, the Red Sox are now pulling Carter back from waivers, and for the rest of the year they must carry him on their 40-man roster. (Source)

08.27.2009 Coke continues to let up HRs

When your starting pitcher strikes out 12 batters in 6 innings, you'd think your team has a pretty good shot of winning. Well, you can scratch that idea when you have Phil Coke in your bullpen.

Back on July 1st we wrote a positive blurb on Phil Coke. Here's an excerpt:

It's true that his FIP is significantly higher than his ERA (4.65 vs. 3.16).  The delta between those two numbers can be attributed mainly to the 5 HRs he's allowed in 34 innings.  However, he hasn't allowed a HR since May 26th, so if that trend continues, the difference between his FIP and ERA should become smaller.

Unfortunately, his homer-happy ways have continued.  He's now allowed 9 HRs through 51 2/3 innings, good for a whopping 1.57 HR/9.  That's the worst rate for any reliever in the AL who's thrown at least 50 innings.

It's too bad because his K and BB rates are fine.  He just can't stop letting up HRs.
 

08.25.2009 Joba pitching like Pocahontas, not Geronimo

Joba Chamberlain's last 4 starts: 20 IP, 19 ER, 27 H, 17 K, 15 BB

08.24.2009 Not making the Santana deal could end up being genius

Johan Santana was scratched from his next scheduled start because of discomfort in his pitching elbow, the latest injury to a star player on the depleted New York Mets.

Santana's setback is particularly alarming for the fourth-place Mets, who are counting on the two-time Cy Young Award winner to lead their rotation for years to come.

"He has not been throwing between starts for quite awhile," New York manager Jerry Manuel said Monday after his team's 6-2 loss to Philadelphia. "I would say since before the All-Star break. He has been pitching with this problem, but not with the level of discomfort he has now. ... Now, it concerns him." (Source)

Manuel acknowledged being "terribly concerned," that Santana had experienced pain in the elbow in recent starts though "not at this level," the level he experienced in his most recent start, Thursday against the Braves. (Source)

Manuel continued to pitch Santana even though he was aware of the elbow pain.  That's just crazy.

Your New York Mets.
 

08.24.2009 FIP bits, v5

In our FIP bits feature, we break down Yankees' pitching and examine if the surface level statistics are giving fans the most accurate picture of the staff.

The Yankees currently rank 8 out of 14 in AL Team ERA at 4.37.  Is that number truly representative of how the Yankees have pitched this season?  We'll take a look at FIP to help us out.

The Yankees' staff has a FIP of 4.41.  According to that metric, this means the pitching has been pretty close to what its ERA suggests.

Here's the breakdown:

CC Sabathia: 3.59 ERA / 3.57 FIP
AJ Burnett: 4.08 ERA / 4.49 FIP
Joba Chamberlain: 3.98 ERA / 4.74 FIP
Andy Pettitte: 4.25 ERA / 4.08 FIP
Sergio Mitre: 6.82 ERA / 5.46 FIP
Chad Gaudin: 2.35 ERA / 5.17 FIP

Mariano Rivera: 1.87 ERA / 2.84 FIP
Brian Bruney: 4.67 ERA / 4.72 FIP
Phil Coke: 4.68 ERA / 4.71 FIP
David Robertson: 3.47 ERA / 2.98 FIP
Alfredo Aceves: 4.12 ERA / 4.33 FIP
Phil Hughes: 3.33 ERA / 3.50 FIP
 

08.24.2009 A look at the defense, the Oh noes UZR is ScaRY!! edition (v8)

In this regular feature, we examine how each Yankee is tracking defensively, according to UZR/150. UZR/150 measures how many runs above or below average a fielder would be over the course of 150 games.

Observations: As a team, Yankees have a -3.6 UZR/150.  However, the team has shown a huge improvement in range.  In 2008, the Yankees were 49.7 runs below average in range (worst in MLB).  So far in 2009, they're -1.6.  Enormous difference.
 

08.23.2009 Hideki: "Am I the meanest?"

Hideki blasts two more HRs as the Yankees pounded Josh Beckett and his pubescent facial hair.

08.22.2009 Burnett loses the glow, Red Sox obliterate Yankees

AJ Burnett and his !!electric stuff!! allowed 9 runs through 5 innings as Boston mauled the Yanks, 14-1.

08.21.2009 Matsui finds the glow, Yankees obliterate Red Sox

Led by Hideki Matsui's two 3-run HRs, the Yankees crushed the rapidly-fading Red Sox, 20-11.  The win was the Bombers 5th in a row over the most moral team in professional sports.

08.20.2009 Yanks head to Boston with the chance to close door on AL East

Oompa loompa doompety doo
I've got a perfect puzzle for you
Oompa loompa doompety dee
If you are wise you'll listen to me

What do you get when you guzzle down sweets
Eating as much as an elephant eats
What are you at, getting terribly fat
What do you think will come of that

Your brother touches little boys

Oompa loompa doompety da
If you're not greedy, you will go far
You will live in happiness too
Like the Oompa Loompa Doompety do

Doompety do
 

08.19.2009 Amen, Jack Cust, amen

Oakland DH/RF Jack Cust on the Mitchell Report:

"Were there any Red Sox on the report? To me, that's kind of a joke. How does that happen? It's coming out now with guys on that team. The guy worked for the Red Sox -- they spent all kinds of millions of dollars -- and then no one there had their name brought up." (Source)

Here's what we said back in December of 2007.
 

08.17.2009 Welcome back, Kevin Youkilis

On Tuesday, Kevin Youkilis will return from his 5-game suspension, and we mailed him a card to express how much he means to us:

08.17.2009 Whatever you say, Johnny

When he's not urinating on UZR, Tyler Kepner is writing solid articles for the NY Times. In his latest piece, T-Kep offers quotes by free agent to-be, Johnny Damon, indicating he doesn't want to leave the Yankees:

“I don’t know where else I would want to go to,” Damon said. “Obviously, that’s not the right thing to say when you’re about ready to approach free agency, but I’m very happy with playing in New York, and my family’s happy I play for New York. There’s no bigger place to go. If you play well here, you’re going to get paid. New York has the resources.

“But we also have the chance to win every year. I don’t want to attempt to go make more money elsewhere, for more years, with a chance to be out of the race by the first of June.” (Source)

Oh Johnny, sincerity isn't exactly a strong suit of yours.

April 2005:

"There's no way I can go play for the Yankees, but I know they are going to come after me hard. It's definitely not the most important thing to go out there for the top dollar, which the Yankees are going to offer me. It's not what I need." (Source)
 

08.16.2009 Congratulations to the real Yankees' MVP

With a three-hit performance in the Bombers' 10-3 loss to the Mariners on Sunday at Safeco Field, Jeter surpassed Hall of Famer Luis Aparicio in becoming the all-time Major League leader in hits as a shortstop. (Source)

Smack it up, flip it, rub it down, oh no!
 

08.15.2009 Teixeira for MVP? Um, no.

For about a week now, the citizens of Yankee Beatwriterville have been campaigning hard for Mark Teixeira as AL MVP.  His 146 OPS+ and late-inning heroics have no doubt fueled their erotic passion for the slugger.  And make no mistake, we love Teixeira too and we'd let him pour hot candle wax over our hairy chests.  But, that doesn't mean he should win the MVP.  Because as it stands right now, he shouldn't.

Let's start with the geeky argument and look at Fangraph's rankings for Wins Above Replacement (WAR):

1. Mauer 5.7
2. Zobrist 5.4
3. Longoria 5.3
4. Jeter 4.7
5. Scutaro 4.6
6. Crawford 4.3
7. Youkilis 4.2
8. Teixeira 4.0

According to WAR, there have been 7 other players in the AL more valuable than Teixeira, including one on the same team.

And now the less geeky argument:

There's a catcher hitting .378!!

Seriously, is there really any debate?  You have a catcher with a 186 OPS+ and a first basemen with a 146 OPS+.  Do these Teixeira-campaigners realize how freakin' ridiculous that kind of offensive production is from a catcher?  The best season for a catcher in American League history was an OPS+ of 162, shared by Carlton Fisk in 1972 and Chris Hoiles in 1993.  Mauer is crushing that.  And the best season for a catcher in MLB history was Mike Piazza's 185 OPS+ in 1997.  Mauer is right there.

But the argument against Mauer will be -- "But he doesn't play for a contending team!!11!!".  And we will respond -- "That is the stupidest and most moronic qualification anyone can make for MVP."  Besides catching and hitting, should Mauer also possess wizardry powers and raise Minnesota's payroll by $140 million, or turn Nick Blackburn into CC Sabathia and Nick Punto into Derek Jeter?

And speaking of Derek Jeter, why no love for He With The 90s Fade?  He is more deserving of MVP than Teixeira at this point (see the list above).  He's putting up great numbers and like Mauer, he plays a premium position (and he's playing it very well).  Teixeira plays a position that is much less demanding defensively and is much easier to find good hitters at.  If the Yankee writers want to engage in a campaign, start one for Derek.

So really, what we're trying to say is that if you believe Teixeira is currently the most deserving candidate for AL MVP, you're wrong.
 

08.15.2009 His legend grows

08.14.2009 Oppenheimer says Heathcott will likely sign "unless something crazy happens."

Oppenheimer.  NoMaas.  Again.

We got your signing updates from the ultimate source right here.
 

08.14.2009 Quick history lesson

The Yankees offense is clearly the best in baseball this season.  So just for kicks, we checked to see how it ranked in the team's history.  Please note that these numbers are obviously not park-adjusted, era-adjusted, Kate Hudson-adjusted, urinating on hands-adjusted, etc.

OPS: .839 -- 4th, behind 1930, 1927, 1936
Runs/Game: 5.61 -- 19th
HR/Game: 1.55 -- 1st
Hits/Game: 9.74 -- 24th
BB/Game: 4.18 -- 19th
 

08.13.2009 These games end too late, so here's some Yankee execs on a Seattle icon

08.12.2009 Cano sends Blue Jays a message

Robinson Cano's single in the 11th gave the Yankees a walkoff and series victory over Toronto.

And speaking of extra innings and walkoff hits, can Toronto be any more unlucky this season?  They are 5-11 in extra inning games and 14-21 in one-run games.

It means Toronto sleeps with the fishes.
 

08.11.2009 Score one for America: Yanks rally in 8th to beat Toronto

Led by back-to-back home runs from Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada, the Bronx Bombers won their 6th game of the season after trailing to start the 8th inning by defeating Toronto 7-5.  The Yankees won 4 games in that scenario last season.

Interesting side note -- The Yankees are a perfect 11-0 this season when tied entering the 8th innning, versus a 12-12 record in 2008.  BUT we Don't HAve JOba for da EIGHTH1!!1

Matsui tied the game in the 8th with a solo shot.
 

08.11.2009 Joba Rules 2009

Yanks begin to address Joba's innings cap:

For some time now, Yankees manager Joe Girardi has alluded to the fact that Joba Chamberlain's schedule for the rest of the season is "mapped out," without revealing the details of that map.

Girardi did not do so Tuesday, either. But he did offer a crumb.

Asked if Chamberlain will take his regular turn in the rotation Sunday in Seattle, Girardi would not answer. Asked if Chad Gaudin would start Sunday instead, he rolled his head from one side to the other before finally nodding. He had not yet told Chamberlain of his plans, and had no intention to do so until after his start Tuesday night against the Jays.

But, barring a change, Gaudin seems likely to start in Chamberlain's place Sunday.

"There are going to be times where he is going to be on five days, and then there are other times where he might get a little extra rest," Girardi said of Chamberlain. "That's all part of it." (Source)
 

08.10.2009 Prosciutto & melon with Pythagoras

As announced in mid-June, ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician, Pythagoras, has agreed to provide his analysis for NoMaas visitors.

Pythagoras is best known for his theory that by examining a team's runs scored versus runs allowed, one can acquire a more accurate understanding of how well a team is playing, as opposed to looking at its win/loss record.  He also believes that over the course of a season, a team's actual record will gravitate towards its Pythagorean record.

Over prosciutto and melon, he provided us with an AL East Run Differential Update:

08.09.2009 It was good to see you, Boston

08.09.2009 In Theo we trust

08.09.2009 Despite having a head the size of a suitcase, Ortiz denies using steroids

08.06.2009 PiTChiNG DePtH no match for Yankee offense

Heralded by pundits nationwide for their keen ability to sign 42-year old pitchers coming off major shoulder surgery, Boston's vaunted pitching depth was pummeled by the best offense in baseball, as the Yankees lit up the Red Sox for 13 runs.  The Bombers extended their AL East lead to 3.5 games over the team that gives hope to oppressed people around the world.

Melky slayed Smoltz with a 3-run HR that put the Yankees ahead for good.
 

08.06.2009 But...

Way, way, way too many walks -- 12 BBs by Yankee pitching were the most free passes issued in a 9-inning game this season.  (Detroit and Cincinnati issued 12 in extra inning games).
 

08.05.2009 Having conquered Canada, Yanks welcome David Ortiz* and the Red Sox*

Fresh off a two-game sweep of the Blue Jays, the Yankees will host 2nd-place Boston in a colossal series that could have major implications on who wins the AL East. Pitching for Boston in Game 1 will be a guy with a goatee...shocker.

Oh, David Ortiz is a fraud (even though he's now playing the victim card).

08.05.2009 There is a God: Ransom finally DFA'd

But Joe Girardi is in mourning:

"It's always tough when you have to do something like that," Girardi said of Ransom's demotion. "It's something you never want to do. Cody still has baseball left in him. It's hard for any player." (Source)

08.04.2009 The hypocrisy of Curt Schilling

Curt Schilling on Jose Canseco:

"Jose Canseco admitted he cheated his entire career," Schilling said. "Everything he ever did should be wiped clean. I think his MVP should go back and should go to the runner-up." (Source)

Curt Schilling on Roger Clemens:

"So as a fan my thought is that Roger will find a way in short order to organize a legal team to guarantee a retraction of the allegations made, a public apology is made, and his name is completely cleared," Schilling wrote. "If he doesn't do that then there aren't many options as a fan for me other than to believe his career 192 wins and 3 Cy Youngs he won prior to 1997 were the end. From that point on the numbers were attained through using [performance-enhancing drugs]. Just like I stated about Jose [Canseco], if that is the case with Roger, the 4 Cy Youngs should go to the rightful winners and the numbers should go away if he cannot refute the accusations." (Source)

Curt Schilling on Rafael Palmeiro:

“The year he tested positive, nothing he did that year should count, which I think would take away 3,000 hits for him.” (Source)

Curt Schilling on Barry Bonds:

"If you get caught using steroids, you should have everything you've done in this game wiped out for any period of time that you used it," Schilling said. "A lot of players, I think, have said as much because it is cheating." (Source)

And now moving on to Ortiz and the Red Sox...

Curt Schilling on whether David Ortiz's accomplishments should be judged differently:

That’s for you to decide. It seems to be an area of immense debate, but I am not sure how this could/should/will be resolved. (Source)

Curt Schilling on whether Boston's accomplishments should be judged differently:

This makes me laugh. I have already seen the bandwagon fans start the *04 and *07 threads and remarks, people with teams who are far deeper into this than most other teams — as if this makes it all OK. Every team going back 10-15 years needs an * if you want to consider giving it to anyone. (Source)

That's not milk.
 

08.03.2009 FIP bits, v4

In our FIP bits feature, we break down Yankees' pitching and examine if the surface level statistics are giving fans the most accurate picture of the staff.

The Yankees currently rank 8 out of 14 in AL Team ERA at 4.48.  Is that number truly representative of how the Yankees have pitched this season?  We'll take a look at FIP to help us out.

The Yankees' staff has a FIP of 4.47.  According to that metric, this means the pitching has been right in line to what its ERA suggests.

Here's the breakdown:

CC Sabathia: 3.95 ERA / 3.73 FIP
AJ Burnett: 3.89 ERA / 4.45 FIP
Joba Chamberlain: 3.58 ERA / 4.49 FIP
Andy Pettitte: 4.51 ERA / 4.41 FIP
Sergio Mitre: 7.90 ERA / 4.01 FIP

Mariano Rivera: 2.01 ERA / 2.69 FIP
Brian Bruney: 6.10 ERA / 4.76 FIP
Phil Coke: 4.98 ERA / 4.84 FIP
David Robertson: 3.72 ERA / 3.41 FIP
Alfredo Aceves: 3.54 ERA / 4.24 FIP
Phil Hughes: 3.95 ERA / 3.73 FIP
 

08.03.2009 Best of luck, Brett

Baytown’s New York Yankee pitching prospect, Brett Marshall, is through for the 2009 season after undergoing Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery Friday.

“Now I’m on a journey rehabbing,” Marshall, a 2008 Sterling grad, said Saturday from Tampa, Fla., the Yankees’ minor league training base.

“In about a year, I’ll be back even stronger.”

Marshall said it took two MRIs of his elbow in Tampa to confirm the injury and he was sent to Pensacola, Fla., where Dr. James Andrews of Birmingham, Ala., performed the surgery Friday.

Immediate plans are for Marshall to remain in Tampa for at least six weeks to work with Yankee trainers to regain full motion in his right elbow and arm.

Then he will be sent home to continue his rehab with visits to the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute (formerly the Roger Clemens Institute for Sports Medicine) in Houston.

“The doctor said it was a fresh tear,” Marshall said. “One pitch did it for me and I think I know which one. I dropped my arm angle. Apparently, that’s when I tore it – I dropped my arm and threw a sidearm pitch.

“I didn’t mean to.”

Marshall’s dad, Eddie Marshall, believes the Yankee coaches had Brett throwing too many curveballs. (Source)

Brett is a good friend of NoMaas, as we spent some time with him in Tampa during Spring Training.  Starting this season in Charleston, Brett became the first Yankee-drafted high school pitcher since Phil Hughes to start the season at Low-A in the year immediately following his selection.  Best of luck in your recovery, Brett.
 

08.02.2009 Melky goes for the cycle

Melky Cabrera became the first Yankee in 14 years to hit for the cycle, leading New York to an 8-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday afternoon.

Cabrera hit a three-run homer in the second to give the Yankees a 3-0 lead, doubled in the fourth and chased Mark Buehrle (11-5) with an RBI single in the fifth. He then tripled to right leading off the ninth against Scott Linebrink , drawing a loud roar from a crowd that had showered Buehrle with cheers before his first start at home since his perfect game.

This time, the fans saw something rare happen at the plate.

Cabrera's cycle was the 15th time a Yankees player has accomplished the feat. The cycle was the first by a Yankee since Tony Fernandez did it against Oakland on Sept. 3, 1995, and the second by a White Sox opponent in as many seasons. Minnesota's Carlos Gomez did it against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on May 7, 2008. (Source)

08.02.2009 A look at the defense, the Holy S*&$ Derek Jeter edition (v7)

In this regular feature, we examine how each Yankee is tracking defensively, according to UZR/150. UZR/150 measures how many runs above or below average a fielder would be over the course of 150 games.

Observations: According to UZR/150, Derek Jeter is currently the 2nd-best defensive SS in the American League (Elvis Andrus).  We repeat, Derek Jeter is currently the 2nd-best defensive SS in the AL, according to UZR/150.
 

08.01.2009 Joe Girardi smokes crack

Lou Gehrig, Don Mattingly, Tino Martinez, Jason Giambi, Mark Teixeira, Cody Ransom...wait??  Cody Ransom??

Yes, Cody Ransom.

Joe Girardi's obsession with Cody Ransom reached new heights on Saturday, as the muscular manager started the .190 hitter at first base.  It actually takes great restraint not to throw this computer through a window while writing this, because Girardi's regular usage of Ransom is completely infuriating.  And at some point, you have to fault the front office for keeping him on this team.  Let's break down why Ransom's continued inclusion on the roster is grounds for committing Yankee decision-makers to an insane asylum:

1. The Yankees just acquired Jerry Hairston Jr.  How many non-hitting utility guys do you need on your team?  At least, Hairston is a great defensive outfielder (+18.3 UZR/150 in CF) and above-average at 2B (+5.5 UZR/150).  He can also play SS and 3B, not that well according to UZR, but anything's better than Ransom's putrid display in the field this season.

2. He's out of options!!111 -- This has to be one of the most ridiculous rationales we've seen for keeping Ransom on the team.  Who cares if Ransom is out of options?!?  If someone claims him, so what?  He's awful.  Plus, you probably have a better shot of hitting the lottery than Ransom has of a team claiming him off waivers.

3. To repeat what we said almost a week ago, Eric Hinske can play 3rd.  Eric Hinske hits HRs.

4. Looking at Saturday specifically, sending Shelley Duncan back to AAA on a day that Teixeira was DH'ing and a LHP was on the mound made zero sense.  At least you have a chance of getting some sort of positive offensive contribution from Duncan.  He has a .286/.386/.506 line against lefties at AAA this year.  He could have played 1B on Saturday.

The point of this rant is that there is no logical reason for Cody Ransom to be on this team, especially when it's painfully obvious he offers nothing to the Yankees.

The only way to explain this Cody Ransom situation: Joe Girardi is a drug addict.
 

07.30.2009 Whatever you do, don't put the blame on you

David Ortiz, April 3 2005:

Ortiz, who like many players would welcome stricter testing if it would clear the air, said again the other day he has never used steroids.

"I just work hard, man," said Ortiz, who said that as a kid in the Dominican he used to hate lifting weights but grew from 190 pounds when he signed to 230 pounds when he broke into the big leagues, and has added another 20 pounds of muscle since.

"If you look at my numbers from way back, you could tell I would put up the kinds of numbers I've put up lately. Each year I played with the Twins, I went from 18 home runs in 300 or so at-bats, to 20 home runs the following year, even though I wasn't playing every day. The following year I had more at-bats and hit 30 home runs, and the following year with 580 at-bats, I hit 41 home runs."

"That tells you something. It's not like I'm a guy, you look at him, you don't see power. I work my butt off, brother."

There is a very basic reason, Ortiz says, that he stays away from steroids.

"I'm one guy," he said, "who knows that if something might do something bad to my body, I'd be afraid to use it. Any kind of stuff. I don't want to die in 10 years. That's what it is.

"I feel bad for people getting into that stuff, because it's bad stuff. You may want to do well, but you need a little help, but you know what? The consequences are going to be tough." (Source)

07.30.2009 Boston vendors dramatically cut prices on merchandise

Thanks to NoMaasian, Stacey, for emailing us this picture
 

07.29.2009 Joba in post-game interview: "Is there no one on this planet to even challenge me?"

With 8 innings of shutout ball against Tampa on Wednesday, Joba's compiled a post-All Star-break line of: 21 2/3 IP, 0.83 ERA, 19 K, 8 H, 8 BB

07.29.2009 Yankees' offense is f'in ridiculous

We clipped this off Baseball-Reference before Wednesday night's game:

The 99 is Gardner, the 107 is Melky.

The offense is completely off the chain, son.
 

07.29.2009 CC's "slidepiece"

While CC Sabathia has been solid this season, he hasn't quite been the gangsta we saw in his Cleveland (and Milwaukee) heyday. Have a look:

2006-2008: 3.03 ERA, 148 ERA+, 8.4 H/9, 0.7 HR/9, 1.8 BB/9, 8.3 K/9, 4.51 K/BB
2009: 3.83 ERA, 115 ERA+, 8.1 H/9, 0.7 HR/9, 2.6 BB/9, 6.6 K/9, 2.53 K/BB

Explanation:  Could be the "slidepiece."  CC Sabathia's deadly slider has been much less effective this season, according to Fangraphs' Pitch Type Values  CC's slider is generally regarded as one of the best in the game, but his productivity with the pitch has decreased dramatically this season.

For every 100 sliders Sabathia throws, he has been 0.69 runs above average in 2009.  That is a huge dropoff from the +3.56 and +2.58 he posted in 2008 and 2007, respectively.  He's also throwing the lowest percentage of sliders since his 2005 season, at 20.1% (whether this is a cause or effect, we don't know).
 

07.28.2009 Obama to host meeting about racial controversy

07.27.2009 Burnett, bats putting nail in Tampa's coffin

The AL East is quickly becoming a two-team race, as AJ Burnett and the Yankees' ridiculous offense dropped Tampa to 7.5 games back.

Burnett to Tampa: "Rest...in...Peace"
 

07.26.2009 Deadline approaches

Gardner's broken thumb puts a big wrench in our theory that the Yankees will look to move Melky Cabrera, and with the deadline only days away, we don't spot any other obvious trades.  Teams are either asking too much, players are hurt, or guys are still owed a lot of money.  What will the Yankees do?  Only this guy knows for sure...

07.26.2009 Why does Hinske never play 3rd?

Eric Hinske has played 3,767 2/3 innings at 3B during his career, yet in his 42 innings as a Yankee, he's only played two at the hot corner.  Considering Alex Rodriguez is supposed to receive regular rest, this seems a bit odd to us.

Perhaps to Hinkse's detriment, he's barely played 3rd in recent years.  Ninety-six percent of his 3B experience occurred from 2002-2004.  He's only made 22 appearances there since 2005, probably due to his -5.0 UZR/150.

So, he's not a good 3B.  Fair enough.  But, when Arod gets a rest, the Yankees are using someone, who although can jump over boxes, can't hit and according to UZR, is an even worse fielder at 3B (-31.9 UZR/150).

So unless Hinske will trip over his own feet, what's the harm in giving him the occassional start at 3B when Arod needs a day off?  It would especially make sense to do so against a RHP since Hinske has historically hit them well.
 

07.26.2009 Hilarious

According to Fangraphs, if Cody Ransom was a free agent, he'd have to pay a team over $2 million to sign him.
 

07.25.2009 Cody Ransom: The most interesting man in the world

His reputation is expanding faster than the universe.

He once had an awkward moment just to see how it feels.

He lives vicariously through himself.

He is...

The Most Interesting Man in the World.

"I should not play baseball, but when I do, I play for the Yankees."
 

07.25.2009 Girardi: "Nine in a row would have been too many."

Saturday's starting lineup featured Ransom (OPS+ 52), Molina (OPS+ 79), Gardner (OPS+ 96), and Melky (OPS+ 103).

Awesome.
 

07.25.2009 Tea & crumpets with Pythagoras

As announced in mid-June, ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician, Pythagoras, has agreed to provide his analysis for NoMaas visitors.

Pythagoras is best known for his theory that by examining a team's runs scored versus runs allowed, one can acquire a more accurate understanding of how well a team is playing, as opposed to looking at its win/loss record.  He also believes that over the course of a season, a team's actual record will gravitate towards its Pythagorean record.

Over tea and crumpets, he provided us with an AL East Run Differential Update:

07.22.2009 Comparing the Big 3

-- Per close of Tuesday's games --

Yankees:

Team OPS+: 116
Team ERA+: 99
Bullpen OPS Against: .721
High-Leverage OPS Against: .742
Team UZR/150: -3.1

Red Sox:

Team OPS+: 100
Team ERA+: 114
Bullpen OPS Against: .687
High Leverage OPS Against: .687
Team UZR/150: -4.4

Rays:

Team OPS+: 108
Team ERA+: 107
Bullpen OPS Against: .677
High Leverage OPS Against: .762
Team UZR: +7.9

A quick breakdown of the Big 3, and some insight into what areas each could be looking to improve...
 

07.21.2009 Are the Yankees showcasing Melky?

By now, you've probably read our Melky Cabrera theory (posted 7/16).  Well, we're now noticing an odd usage pattern.  Since the All-Star break, Brett Gardner has only received 4 plate appearances.  This is surprising because Gardner's 1st half should have made him the clear choice over Melky in CF, particularly when you factor in defense and baserunning.  However, in the Yankees' five games since the break, Melky has started 4 of them, racking up 17 PAs.

A little peculiar if you ask us...
 

07.21.2009 Viva Cody Ransom!

While the Yankees finally DFA'd Brett Tomko, Cody Ransom's supernatural powers continue to not only keep him on the team, but also start games.

Sources indicate Girardi enjoys peeking at Cody.
 

07.20.2009 Matsui celebrates walkoff HR in style

07.20.2009 Molina's defense comes up huge in Yanks' 4th straight win

Displaying his defensive prowess once again, Jose Molina made two excellent run-saving plays in the 8th to help the Yanks continue their post-break win streak.

07.20.2009 Is Wang cooked?

Wang,who was placed on the disabled list July 5 with a right shoulder strain, experienced soreness after his session Monday. While he was originally scheduled to throw again on Tuesday, he will not resume activity until Friday.

"So-so," was how Girardi characterized Wang's session Monday. "He's not going to throw for another four days. He had some tenderness in his bicep. It's all interrelated, so we're gonna give him a few more days and some more strengthening before he goes back out."

With this most recent snag in Wang's recovery, Girardi is less optimistic about his return.

"We did express some concerns about the depth of our starting rotation right now," Girardi said of a recent discussion he had with Yankees managing partner Hal Steinbrenner about the current state of the team. (Source)

07.19.2009 Yanks kick off 2nd half with sweep over Tigers

Detroit's Mirage Attack was no match for the Yankees
 

07.19.2009 Midterms: Grading everybody else

Jorge Posada, B+

If catchers are supposed to fall of a cliff as they get older, the memo never got to Jorge Posada.  After missing over 100 games in 2008, the soon-to-be 38-year old (August 17th) raked in the 1st half, with an .877 OPS.  Somebody really likes hitting in the new Yankee Stadium though.  JoPo's line at the House that Cody Ransom Built is .309/.385/.577, versus .255/.350/.431 on the road.  Only reason he's not in the A range is because he missed the month of May on the DL.

Hideki Matsui, B

No knees and missing 70+ games in 2008, no one expected much from Godzilla in 2009.  But with an OPS+ of 128 and a 1st half line of .265/.367/.517, you can't hate on Hideki.  He's also hit better on the road than at the new Stadium, .913 OPS vs. .843 OPS.  And the power is still there, as he's putting up the best ISO of his career (.245).  Your designated hitter's only job is to hit, and Hideki has.  If he could only play in interleague away games...

CC Sabathia, B+

A very solid first half and is once again on track to pitch a ton of innings.  He was easily (and expected to be) the best starter in Yankee rotation.  However, he hasn't quite been as good as in recent years, most notably with a slight increase in walks (2.7 BB/9) and a pretty big decrease in strikeouts (6.7 K/9), resulting in a K/BB of 2.50.  In 2007 & 2008, his ratio was 5.56 and 4.25 respectively.

Chien Ming Wang, F-

Total failure in the 1st half.  No explanation needed.

AJ Burnett, B-

The Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde of the starting rotation.  We saw starts where he let up 8 runs and walked anything that moved, and starts where he struck out 10 and made hitters look foolish.  Welcome to the world of AJ Burnett.  He has the worst BB/9 among AL starters (4.61) and is a good example of how ERA isn't the most accurate method of evaluating a pitcher (4.70 FIP).  He definitely gets props for the 107 IP in the 1st half, especially in light of his lengthy injury history.  But he gets the B- because he gets ace hype, and the less-than-ace results.  "Electric stuff" isn't everything when you sometimes look like Rick Vaughn.

Joba Chamberlain, C

If AJ Burnett is a good example of how ERA isn't a good metric, then Joba Chamberlain is the poster boy.  His 4.25 1st half ERA may cause the outside observer to think he was effective, but anyone who watched him throw 237 pitches in 4 innings knew Joba was not up to par in the 1st half.  His 4.77 FIP, plus the fact that he left most games before the 6th inning to beat the traffic, meant Joba was a big disappointment.

Andy Pettitte, C+

Andy was brought back as a 5th starter who could log a bunch of innings and give you league average production.  No one should expect anything more than that.  He's provided the innings (107), but his performance hasn't been league average (ERA+ 91).  If he can pitch a bit better in the 2nd half, then he'll get a very good final grade from us.

Phil Hughes, B+

After allowing 6 HRs in his 1st 5 starts, Hughes was starting to show of his big-time potential before being moved to the bullpen to make room for Wang.  Since being moved, he has served a huge role in the stabilization of the Yanks' bullpen and has been tearing hitters new anuses.  He's posted excellent K and BB rates (5.0 K/BB) and is showing the stuff we all grew to know and love.

Alfredo Aceves, B+

He's let up too many HRs for our taste (1.42 HR/9), but he's been excellent out of the pen for the Yankees.  His 1st half K/BB of 4.00 has been a huge reason why the Yankees' bullpen has turned itself around.  His .377 OPS Against with RISP isn't too shabby either.

David Robertson, C+

He's been a strikeout machine, just like he was in the minors, with a K/9 of 13.5.  But, he's walked way too many hitters with a BB/9 of 6.35.  He does keep the ball in the park, with the 3rd lowest HR/9 on the staff (0.79).  However, until he stops walking so many hitters, he can't be relied on in high-leverage situations. He's faced 47 batters with men on base, and he's walked 10 of them.  It's no surprise that opposing hitters have a .426 OBP in that particular situation.  He's looking like a reliever who should only come in with the bases empty.

Phil Coke, B-

The 2009 Yankee LOOGY.  He's held LHB to a .192/.213/.425 line, but RHB have hit well either:.200/.324/.333.  However, his peripherals against LHB are far better: 7.33 K/BB vs. LHB / 0.82 K/BB vs. RHB.  His ratio versus RHB doesn't exactly give you confidence to use him as anything more than a LOOGY.  He's also allowed too many HRs in the first half, surrendering 6 HRs in 38 1/3 IP.

Brian Bruney, D

The poor grade is largely for his inability to stay healty.  He's shown flashes of brilliance and flashes of mediocrity.  He's posted high K rates (9.72 K/9), but unfortunately, high BB rates (5.40 BB/9) in his limited appearances so far this season. And like David Robertson, it's hard to rely on relievers who issue such a high amount of walks in high-leverage situations. He's faced 30 batters with men on base and walked 7 of them, resulting in a whopping OBP Against of .571 in those situations.

Mariano Rivera, A+

He started out a little rough (relatively speaking), but he's simply a freak of nature.  How can you even explain it?  His first half K/B was 14.33.  That's just insane.
 

07.16.2009 Our Melky Cabrera theory

Early Thursday morning, we posted a thought on our Twitter and Facebook pages.  We commented how Phil Hughes was being kept in the bullpen because he helps the team win now, whereas Ramiro Pena was sent back to the minors in order to "develop."  Pena, who will never be a starter for the Yankees, can play 3B-SS-2B very well and it's obvious to anyone with eyes that he would be a sizable upgrade over Cody the Conqueror.  Thus, Pena helps the Yankees win now.  So why send him back down?

After we published our morning thought, we received a reply from one of our Twitter followers, @echalom:

echalom @nomaas Pena was sent down to learn the OF so he can be more useful to the team THIS year. That's not inconsistent with the Hughes approach

Fair enough.  But if that is the case, the Yankees already have 5 OFs on their roster (Swisher, Damon, Gardner, Melky, Hinske).  Do they really need another player capable of playing out there?  Do they really need 6 OFs on the roster?  That's crazy.

We can't imagine Joe Girardi and Brian Cashman really believe that having 6 OFs serves a valuable purpose, especially when it's so blatantly obvious that Ransom the Ruthless needs to go and Pena could step right in.

So why?  Why are the higher-ups insisting that Pena learns to play the OF, specifically center-field, when he would represent an immediate upgrade over one of the worst players in baseball?

Here's our theory.....drumroll please......

The Yankees want to trade Melky Cabrera.

With Brett Gardner's emergence, Melky should see less and less playing time at CF.  And with Hinske in the fold, the Yankees have a backup corner OF with a bigger bat than Melky's.  So Melky's looking like the odd man out.

At the same time, Melky is having a much improved year offensively, and a young CF with a league-average bat is a marketable asset.  So, in essence, the Yankees could SELL HIGH on Melky right now and acquire another piece to the puzzle.  And then, when Pena gets comfortable in CF, he comes back up and can give Gardner a day off every once and a while.

That is our Melky Cabrera theory.

(or us hoping that Girardi and Co. don't just enjoy seeing Ransom in the shower.)

Will the Melkman be delivering in another neighborhood?
 

07.15.2009 Video from John Kreese / NY Baseball Digest interview

On this past Sunday, NoMaas' Sensei John Kreese was interviewed on WGBB 1240-AM as part of Mike Silva's New York Baseball Digest. The radio show was simulcast on video (below). John Kreese calls in around 2/5ths of the way through.

**Update 7/16**: The server hosting the video crashed (maybe because of NoMaas traffic?). So here's the audio.
 

07.15.2009 Midterms: Grading the infield

Alex Rodriguez, A-

Only reason why he doesn't have an A is because he missed so many games recovering from hip surgery.  But, holy muscular woman, he has been a beast at the plate since his return.  He leads the Yankees in both OBP (.411) and SLG (.548).  He's also walking a ton, getting a free pass on over 19% of his plate apperances, which is easily the highest rate of his career.  And if he qualified, he'd have the 5th highest OPS+ (150) in the AL.

Derek Jeter, A

Captain Intangibles is showing some tangible benefits once again, bouncing back from his miserable 2008.  Boasting a line of .321/.396/.461, Jeter has shown renewed power and patience.  His walk rate (10.4%), ISO (.140), Line Drive Percentage (20.6%) are all his best since 2006.  And he's striking out at a career-low rate of 12%.  Is he benefiting from the new Yankee Stadium?  Maybe.  His SLG is 100 points higher at home than on the road, but it's probably too early to make that call.

We've also been highlighting his fielding, and according to UZR, he's having the best defensive season of his career.  His range, while still not good, has become far less of a liability.  And when he does get to balls, Jeter makes very few errors.  His 4 errors this season is the 2nd-lowest amount among AL SS, and 4th-lowest among all MLB SS.  All of this adds up to a UZR/150 of +2.5.  That's very good for The Captain.

Robinson Cano, B+

He doesn't have a gift for gab, but he's showing why he was viewed as having a gift for hitting before his awful 2008 season.  Robbie has a 116 OPS+ at the break, second in the AL only to the Rays' Ben Zobrist, who splits his time between 2B and just about every other position on the diamond.

Defensively, he's been adequate, really neither helping nor hurting the Yankees.  In relation to the rest of the AL, he's middle of the pack according to UZR.

Mark Teixeira, B+

While his hitting has been excellent, he has shown a slight dip in form from his last two seasons.  He's walking less and striking out more than he did in 2008.  His line drive percentage is also at the lowest rate of his career (16.7%).  That could also be contributing to his .278 BABIP, which is also a career low.  Now, don't get us wrong, he's still a fantastic hitter (137 OPS+), but so far he hasn't been as good as his last two seasons.

Oddly, the defensive metrics don't like Mark this season.  According to UZR, he's shown some of the worst range among AL 1B, which is the biggest reason why his UZR/150 is -2.4.

Cody Ransom, A++

It's not the horrendous hitting or blind-man defense that earns The Phenom the highest grade we've handed out so far.  It's been Cody's ability to somehow convince Joe Girardi and the front office that he actually deserves a place on this team, when everyone else knows he shouldn't be in professional baseball.  It's also been wonderful for fans to be reminded of the glory days of Terrence Long, Tony Womack, and Todd Zeile.

Don't you ever change, Mr. Ransom.  Don't you ever change.

Catcher and DH will be next.
 

07.14.2009 Midterms: Grading the outfield

Every blog and publication in the world seems to be offering their midseason player grades, so we thought we'd give it a whirl.  Before we offer our commentary, allow us to explain how our grading system works. 

Most importantly, grades are not meant to serve as a player versus player analysis.  Some players are held to higher standards than others.  Thus, each grade is specific and independent to that player, and is based on two main factors:

1. Year-to-Date 2009 performance versus performance expectations headed into the season

2. Year-to-Date 2009 performance versus previous season performance

We'll begin with outfielders:

Brett Gardner, A

It would be an understatement to say Brett Gardner has exceeded expectations, especially ours.  His current strikeout rate of 15.4% is a whopping improvement from the 22%+ K rates in his last two seasons at AAA.  And he's showing a bit more pop in his one-handed slappy swing, posting a SLG of .401 (.385 career in the minors) and an ISO of .122 (.94 in the minors).  It's pretty remarkable that he's pulled off a league-average bat (OPS+ of 99).

He's also been lethal on the basepaths with a SB success rate of 82% (18/22).  And his defense...well it's been remarkable with a UZR/150 of freakin' +20.1

We'd be hard-pressed to think of any reason why he shouldn't be the full-time starting CF. 

Melky Cabrera, B+

After two years of regression, Melky has easily surpassed expectations so far in 2009.  His OPS+ of 105 (.786 OPS) dwarfs the morbid 68 (.641 OPS) he posted in 2008. His OF defense has still been good for the most part, particularly on the corners.  But his arm has been very erratic and his range in CF has been rather average, according to some defensive metrics.

Johnny Damon, B+

Can't complain about a .276/.362/.510 line.  Damon is raking.  And it's good that he is because his defense has been attrocious this season.  His UZR/150 of -15.6 is a huge downward swing from the +11.6 he posted in 2008.

Nick Swisher, B+

Yes, he's hitting .239, but he's posted an OBP of .360 and a SLG of .464.  That's good for an OPS+ of 115.  We knew he was a good corner OF heading into the season and he hasn't disappointed there either.  He's shown good range in RF ( 3.5 runs above average) and managed a UZR/150 of +1.8.
 

07.13.2009 Who would we trade for Halladay?

Halladay, 10-3 with a 2.85 earned-run average and named on Monday to be the AL starter, said during an extensive, informal interview he considers Toronto home and appreciates everything the Blue Jays organization has done for him. But he also hinted he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause to go to a contender, no matter the size or location of the franchise.

"My priority, at this point in my career, is winning," Halladay said. "I've always hoped [to win] in Toronto, and it could be [the place]. But at the same time, there comes a time in every player's career when it's time to take a chance, and this could be that point." (Source)

For the Yankees to acquire Halladay, it would only be logical that they would have to give up at least one of Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, Jesus Montero, or Austin Jackson.  One (or more) of those players would have to serve as the centerpiece to any deal.  So the question arises, who would NoMaas be willing to trade to land the 150 ERA+ pitcher?

With such big names involved and likely varying opinions, we surveyed four NoMaas staff members and asked for them to look at each player individually, and state if they'd be willing to use that player as a centerpiece in any deal for the Torontonian beast.

07.12.2009 The Angels are to the Yankees as Ivan Drago is to Apollo Creed

Even CC Sabathia couldn't defend himself against the Angels' customary beating of the Yankees.
 

07.12.2009 Mid-season grades coming soon

Our midseason player grades will be revealed in the next couple days, and much to our surprise, Brett Gardner will be receiving a very high mark.

07.12.2009 CORRECTION: Representin' in Lawn Guyland at 10:25 PM, not AM

NoMaas' Sensei John Kreese will be on WGBB 1240-AM Long Island on this Sunday at 10:25 PM.  Hosting the show will be Mike Silva of New York Baseball Digest.  You can tune in if you're in the area, or you can listen online from anywhere.
 

07.11.2009 A disturbing trend?

Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, and Ian Kennedy: The Holy Trinity of Yankee pitching prospects, all who have failed to cut the mustard as starters so far in the bigs.  Is it a systemic problem or is it a case of young guys just learning the ropes?  We believe it's the latter, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating when you see the same mistakes over and over.  In Joba's case for example, he continues to be extremely inefficient and work at a snail's pace on the mound.  We would like to highlight the following stats for Dave Eiland.

Numbers do not include his terrible start versus LAA on Friday night

Pitches thrown in the strike zone: 44.2% (50.5% - 2008)
First pitch strikes: 56.1% (60.2% - 2008)
Hitters' contact %: 80.1% (73.5% - 2008)
Hitters swing %: 38.6% (43.6% - 2008)
Hitters' contact % when swinging outside strike zone: 60% (46.8% - 2008)
Hitters' contact % when swinging inside strike zone: 91.4% (84.9% - 2008)
Line drive %: 20.5% (14.2% - 2008)

All lousy trends.

And when looking at the numbers, it all seems like it comes down to his fastball.  According to Fangraphs Pitch Type Values, Joba's fastball has been over 10 runs below average.  And while his slider has produced above-average results, it's still not as effective as last season.  Per 100 sliders in 2008, he was 2.22 runs above average, versus this season at 1.09.
 

07.11.2009 It's so ridiculous, it's Womackian

He is now getting starts at SS.  We really have no idea what to say anymore.  Who in this organization is keeping this guy on the team?
 

07.11.2009 CORRECTION: Representin' in Lawn Guyland at 10:25 PM, not AM

NoMaas' Sensei John Kreese will be on WGBB 1240-AM Long Island on this Sunday at 10:25 PM.  Hosting the show will be Mike Silva of New York Baseball Digest.  You can tune in if you're in the area, or you can listen online from anywhere.
 

07.09.2009 Teixeira leads Yankees to season sweep over Twinkies, into first place

Yanks go to a perfect 7-0 against the Twins for 2009, and move into a 1st place tie with Boston.

Marky Mark ended his 23-game homerless drought on Thursday
 

07.09.2009 The New York Yankees ain't nuttin to f*%$ wit

- They've closed the gap in run differential versus Boston and Tampa.
- They lead all of baseball in OBP (.358), SLG (.469), and OPS (.827).
- They lead all of baseball in BB (362).
- They are 2nd in the AL/5th in MLB in lowest amount of strikeouts (504).
- They are 5th in the AL/6th in MLB in SB% (79%).
- They are 5th in the AL/8th in MLB in Stolen Bases (61).

Combine that offense with a vastly improved bullpen and you got yourself a legit threat. If Joba and Burnett can get some consistency, then watch out. But then again, we don't have JoHnny SmOltzy!!!!1!!
 

07.08.2009 Thursday night in the dojo: Live chat with Sensei John Kreese

Starting at 8pm ET on Thursday, NoMaas Chief Executive Officer, John Kreese, will be available to take all of your Yankee questions and comments.  Special guests will include Smokey Robinson, Mariah Carey, Brooke Shields, and Jermaine Jackson.

 

07.07.2009 Hypothetically speaking, of course

With Blue Jays head honcho, JP Ricciardi, announcing he would listen to trade offers for ace Roy Halladay, we were wondering....

07.07.2009 Addition to the staff

We've added a new staff member, Louis Winthorpe III.

Winthorpe has been assigned to the NoMaas graphics team and will also be providing counsel on the orange juice commodities market.
 

07.06.2009 Runners do not have to be tagged out when stealing bases

Jeter had walked to lead off the home half of the first inning against Toronto left-hander Ricky Romero, and he advanced to second on a balk before attempting a steal of third. Catcher Rod Barajas' throw beat Jeter's headfirst slide, but television replays showed that Jeter might have moved his hands away from Jays third baseman Scott Rolen's tag.

"I just pulled my hands back and got called out," Jeter said. "I've seen everybody make mistakes on calls before, but I was baffled by the explanation."

Jeter immediately jumped up and confronted Foster, saying he hadn't been tagged by Rolen.

"He told me, 'He didn't have to,'" Jeter said. "I'm not making this up. This is what I was told."

Jeter admitted that the Yankees have benefited from similar calls in the past, but he said he had never actually heard an umpire admitting to ruling a player out because the ball beat him.

"It bothers you if it's you, but if it works in your favor, you don't really mind it that much," Jeter said. "It happens. I just have never been told that before. It wasn't an argument, it was just that I didn't understand it." (Source)

And strong words from Rob Neyer:

I was watching the game, and the replays were clear: Jeter should have been safe. The umpires missed several other calls in this game. But that's going to happen. What's not supposed to happen is missing calls and then admitting that you don't really care if you missed them -- can't be bothered to get them right.

In fact, I would argue that if Foster really told Jeter that a tag is not necessary, he should be disciplined and perhaps fired. (Source)

07.06.2009 A look at the defense, v6

In this regular feature, we examine how each Yankee is tracking defensively, according to UZR/150. UZR/150 measures how many runs above or below average a fielder would be over the course of 150 games.

Observations: As a team, Yankees have a -2.6 UZR/150 (9th in the AL)...Gardner is showing some crazy range**...and just FYI, for his career, Hinske is -5.0 at 3B, +12.5 in LF, +2.8 in RF...oh, and Ramiro Pena was +8.2 at SS before he was sent down (Yay Cody Ransom!).

**Brett Gardner currently ranks 3rd among AL CF in Fangraphs' Range Runs.
 

07.05.2009 Muchas gracias, Alfredo Aceves!

4 IP, 1 H, 5K, 0 BB in the Yankees' 10-8 victory over Toronto on Sunday

The Mexican pitcher lowered his ERA to 2.02
 

07.05.2009 Joba's been smoking the peace pipe

Joba Chamberlain after allowing 9 hits in 3.2 IP, including 2 HRs:

"I did a good job today [of attacking the hitters], I felt like," he said. "They're great hitters. I threw good pitches and they put good swings on it. They've been doing it all year. They're going to continue to do it."

Asked why Girardi thought he didn't attack the hitters, the pitcher said of his manager, "You'd have to ask him that." (Source)

Entering Sunday's game, Joba had thrown 43.7% of his pitches in the strike zone, the lowest percentage on the Yankees' staff.
 

07.05.2009 Please remove Cody Ransom from this team

Keeping Ransom on the roster over Ramiro Pena is utter madness...unless you find .180 batting averages and terrible defense appealing.
 

07.05.2009 Wine & cheese with Pythagoras

As announced a couple weeks ago, ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician, Pythagoras, has agreed to provide his analysis for NoMaas visitors.

Pythagoras is best known for his theory that by examining a team's runs scored versus runs allowed, one can acquire a more accurate understanding of how well a team is playing, as opposed to looking at its winning percentage.  He also believes that over the course of a season, a team's actual record will gravitate towards their Pythagorean record.

Over Chardonay and brie, he provided us with an AL Run Differential Update:

Source: ESPN.com, as of games ending afternoon of July 5th
 

07.05.2009 Thursday night live chat

With Sensei John Kreese....Chat will start at 8pm Eastern.  A jacket and tie is required.
 

07.02.2009 Happy Independence Day from NoMaas

07.01.2009 Ortiz invests in restaurant biz

Big Papi is taking a swing at the restaurant business.

David Ortiz, the Red Sox designated hitter and fan favorite, is lending his nickname and backing to Big Papi’s, a restaurant that’s expected to open in late July on Route 9 in Framingham.

Ortiz is partnering with Classic Restaurant Concepts, which will rebrand its Metro 9 Steak House into a more casual, but still upscale, eatery. Its more diverse menu, with some less-expensive items, will include chops, seafood, gourmet burgers and salads in addition to steak.

We’ve been friends with David Ortiz for a number of years, and we’ve been talking about doing a restaurant together for a number of years, so this is sort of the fruits of what we’ve been planning,” said Peter Sarmanian, president and co-owner of the Framingham company, which also owns the Kinsale and Asgard Irish pubs and restaurants in Boston and Cambridge. (Source)

The Massachusetts company is also looking to attract celebrity patrons, like Miley Cyrus, seen below with David Ortiz at a recent charity appearance.

07.01.2009 Coke is it

Much has been made recently about the stabilization of the Yankee bullpen, and deservedly so. The bullpen, despite NOT HAvInG JoBA In DA EIgT88th, has turned into a nice little asset. One attractive piece has been Phil Coke. 

It's true that his FIP is significantly higher than his ERA (4.65 vs. 3.16).  The delta between those two numbers can be attributed mainly to the 5 HRs he's allowed in 34 innings.  However, he hasn't allowed a HR since May 26th, so if that trend continues, the difference between his FIP and ERA should become smaller.

Otherwise, he's posted very solid rates of 7.14 K/9, 5.55 H/9, and 2.25 K/BB.  He's been effective against both RHB and LHB, something he also did in the minors, holding each to a sub-.640 OPS (he's actually been better against RHB -- .614 OPS Against).

Safe to say, Coke is no zero.  HA!  You see what we did there?
 

06.30.2009 Yankees love them some journeymen

Eric Hinske come on down, you're the next contestant on "How many bust-out veterans can the Yankees put on the roster?"

We kid, we kid.  Unlike Angel Berroa, Cody Ransom, and Brett Tomko, Hinske does have some redeeming qualities.  Historically, he has hit RHP fairly well, with a career line of .264/.347/.456.  However, his success against RHP has been mixed over the past few seasons:

2009: .250/.357/.381
2008: .262/.344/.500
2007: .205/.311/.398

Hinkse does draw a good amount of walks, with a 10.6% career walk rate and a 13.5% rate this season.

So considering Hinske has exhibited some appealing hitting qualities in the past, it's safe to say he's an upgrade over Cody Ransom.  So when Arod has to rest, the chance of getting some type of offensive contribution from 3B has increased.

We don't however get the reason why Ramiro Pena is being sent back to AAA, and Cody Ransom remains on the roster.  Pena does not need more ABs in the minors, because it's quite obvious he's never going to hit.  He's never going to be a starter, especially on the Yankees.  So the "More AB" argument is dumb.  It's also being reported the Yankees want Pena to learn the OF and become the 21st century's Jose Oquendo.  The Yankees currently have 4 OFs on the roster (5 if you include Hinske), so what's the point of Pena learning now?  Let him shag fly balls in the offseason.

Bottom line is that Pena helps this team more than Cody Ransom.  Cody Ransom is awful on both sides of the ball.  Pena will at least flash some glove.  He's been above-average defensively at all the infield positions he's played. 

Berroa was on the roster too long, and now so is Cody Ransom.  Not sure what the infatuation is with infielders who belong in men's softball leagues.

The journey for Tomko, Ransom, and Berroa unfortunately led to the Yankees.
 

06.29.2009 "He went through us in the seventh and eighth inning like he was facing little leaguers."

Sirius XM Radio sent us this quote from Kevin Kennedy, co-host of the daily radio show Inside Pitch.

------------

Kennedy, who managed the Red Sox in 1995 and 1996, recalled being on the receiving end of a particularly dominant performance by Rivera while in his early years as a set-up man for the Yankees.

Kevin Kennedy: “I’ll never forget this as long as I live, it’s a true story: we’re in New York, the old Yankee Stadium, Rivera comes in and he just blows it by Mo Vaughn, [Jose] Canseco, Reggie Jefferson, whoever. He went through us in the seventh and eighth inning like he was facing little leaguers. And you’re talking about the [1995 AL] MVP [in Vaughn].

I’ll never forget after the eighth inning, I think he struck out Mo, and I saw Derek [Jeter] cover his glove over his mouth and Rivera happened to get the ball and look at him, and Derek just kind of shook his head and laughed. Now, he covered his mouth out of respect because he wasn’t laughing at the Red Sox. He was laughing like, ‘I can’t believe how good this guy is, how dominant this guy is. I’m glad I’m not facing him.’ It was a respectful thing. I knew what Derek was doing. It wasn’t about, ‘Oh, we’ve got you guys.’ It wasn’t about that. I’ll never forget that, watching that from the visiting dugout, and I’m thinking the same thing on the bench. Now, all these years later, did I know Rivera would have 500 saves and be able to do this for, you know, 15 years in a row? No, but I did know there was something special we were watching that year in ’96.”
 

06.28.2009 And God said, "Let there be Mariano."

In one of the most amazing baseball sequences we've ever seen, Mariano Rivera picked up his 500th save and 1st RBI.

Derek Jeter reacting to the Mets pitching to him with 2 outs, runners on 2nd and 3rd, an open first base, and Mariano due up next:

Mariano drawing a bases-loaded RBI walk from Francisco Rodriguez in a 7-pitch AB:

Mariano enjoying the moment at first base:

One Yankee legend to another, Derek Jeter congratulating Mariano Rivera on his 500th save:

Joe Morgan asking Mariano if he's ever met Dave Concepción (joking...or are we?):

06.26.2009 Brett Gardner to NoMaas: "How does my a$% taste?"

.303/.374/.441/.815, 17/19 SB

Ladies and gentlemen, Brett Gardner is kicking our virtual arses.

The biggest reason for his success so far has to be the extreme reduction in his strikeout rate. Gardner is a guy who was no stranger to 22%-24% K rates in the minors, and even posted a 23.6% in 42 games with NYY in 2008. Entering Friday's game versus the Mets, he was at a startling 14.4%, second on the team only to Derek Jeter. According to Fangraphs, he's handling fastballs and curveballs much, much better.

Needless to say, we're pretty shocked so far. We have no idea how Brett suddenly acquired the ability to make consistent contact, but if he can continue this trend, he could be an enormously valuable player. Hopefully, this isn't too good to be true.

Brett Gardner's toilet paper
 

06.25.2009 Arod to the Braves: "Beat it."

Arod knocked in four runs in a 3-for-5 performance
 

06.25.2009 Mistress of South Carolina governor revealed

06.25.2009 Derek turning 35

06.24.2009 Joe Girardi gets deliberately ejected, rallies troops to victory

"If you put your effort and concentration into playing to your potential, to be the best that you can be, I don't care what the scoreboard says at the end of the game, in my book we're gonna be winners."

06.24.2009 And there will be no Berroa

Berroa was DFA'd. Brett Tomko should be next.
 

06.23.2009 Senior circuit continues to own the Yankees

In yet another loss to a National League team, the Yankees offense went 0-8 with RISP against the Atlanta Braves.  Leading the scoreless parade was Derek Jeter, who grounded into a clutch rally-killing double play in the top of the 6th.  That makes 203 career GIDPs for the Captain, passing Sammy Sosa on the all-time list.  Congrats Derek!

Derek's moving on up in the record books (thanks to NoMaasian David Hauck for the idea)
 

06.22.2009 Bulls & Bears, v3

In our recurring Bulls & Bears feature, we survey members of the NoMaas staff, in a bit of a temperature check, as to whether they are currently bullish or bearish on the Yankees chances to win the AL East.

Gilbert Lowell -- Bearish (Downgrade from Bullish)
Left biceps tightness. What else is there to say? For the first time since A-Rod returned, my confidence is shaken. Even during this lackluster stretch, the Yankee pitching has been decent. In the last 7 games, they've given up only 18 runs (2.57 per), yet have gone 3-4. Over the course of a season, that is unlikely to happen again with a quality offense like the Yankees'. Burnett is quietly rounding into form and the bullpen is showing improvement. But it's not rocket science: the Yankees can't win the division without CC Sabathia.

Sensei John Kreese -- Bearish
Boston +61, Tampa +76, Yankees +36. Looking at those numbers and then observing how the Yankees are playing, I think it would be wildly optimistic to argue that the Yankees are the best team in the AL East.
 

06.22.2009 AJ Burnett 2009 vs. 2008

% of pitches thrown in the strike zone: 47.9% vs. 50.2%
% of pitches hitters are swinging at: 41.2% vs. 44.3%
% of pitches hitters are swinging at outside the zone: 21.0% vs. 24.3%
Hitters contact % when swinging at pitches: 80.3% vs. 76.2%
Hitters contact % when swinging at pitches outside the zone: 51.3% vs. 43.4%
First-pitch strike percentage: 61.6% vs. 59.3%

The only area that Burnett has improved on is throwing first-pitch strikes. You'd think that would be a good thing, but it looks like he's losing it after the first pitch. Hitters are being more selective against Burnett, and when they do swing, they're making more contact. Not a good combo.

Stats courtesy of Fangraphs
 

06.21.2009 Girardi: "Hell no, we won't go"

In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Marlins pinch-hit outfielder Alejandro De Aza for pitcher Renyel Pinto, who was batting ninth. When the inning ended, Florida manager Fredi Gonzalez made a double-switch. Reliever Leo Nunez entered the game, and Chris Coghlan remained in left field.

Nunez threw one pitch to Derek Jeter, a called strike. At that point, Yankees manager Joe Girardi brought to the attention of home plate umpire Tim Timmons that Coghlan was supposed to be out of the game, with De Aza in left field.

For more than five minutes play was delayed, eventually with Coghlan leaving the field. De Aza headed to left field, only to be replaced by Jeremy Hermida.

After more discussion, it was determined that both Coghlan and De Aza were no longer available. So the mistake cost the Marlins two players, with Hermida remaining in the game and slotted ninth. Nunez was placed in the leadoff spot.

What the Yankees are hoping is the game is resumed from the top of the eighth inning, no outs, with the Marlins ahead, 6-3.

When Girardi was asked if he hoped the Yankees would return to Miami to resume the game in the eighth inning, he responded: "I do."

"I know they put Nunez in the one spot. And De Aza was supposed to stay in the game," Girardi said. "They have never seen it before. So that's why I protested it, and it's something that we just need to clear up what the ruling is."

Gonzalez called the situation embarrassing.

"As soon as [Girardi] went out, I looked around wondering, 'What happened?'" Gonzalez said. "I looked around, and I see Coghlan out there in left. My heart dropped -- it really did. It's an embarrassing thing in the Major Leagues. It's not good. It's my responsibility." (Source)

06.21.2009 Please no Berroa

Manager Joe Girardi said he plans to give A-Rod one complete game off a week until the All-Star break, even if the Yankees have an off-day, as they do today.

"We'll pick a day and just stick to it," said Girardi, who said he won't DH Rodriguez on that day.

Said Rodriguez: "That sounds like a good plan." (Source)

Angel Berroa has an OPS+ of get this: -6.  Yes, that's a negative six.  And his fielding has also been attrocious with a UZR/150 of -34.5.  We have no idea how he's even in professional baseball, but if he makes one appearance when Arod is resting, then Joe Girardi needs to be pelted with cans of whey protein.

At least Ramiro Pena can make a positive contribution with the glove.
 

06.21.2009 FIP bits, v3

In our FIP bits feature, we break down Yankees' pitching and examine if the surface level statistics are giving fans the most accurate picture of the staff.

The Yankees currently rank 25th out of 30 in team ERA at 4.64.  Needless to say, this is fairly shocking considering the Yankees had arguably the best staff in baseball heading into the season.  Has the pitching really been this disappointing?  We'll take a look at FIP to help us out.

First, while the Yankees' ERA may be 4.64, the team's FIP is 4.76.  According to that metric, this means the Yankees' pitching has been slightly worse than its ERA suggests.

Here's the breakdown as of the completion of Saturday's games:

CC Sabathia: 3.67 ERA / 3.79 FIP
AJ Burnett: 4.24 ERA / 4.84 FIP
Joba Chamberlain: 3.89 ERA / 4.52 FIP
Chien Ming Wang: 12.30 ERA / 6.13 FIP
Andy Pettitte: 4.25 ERA / 4.60 FIP

Mariano Rivera: 3.25 ERA / 3.35 FIP
Brian Bruney: 2.61 ERA / 0.93 FIP
Phil Coke: 3.38 ERA / 5.00 FIP
David Robertson: 2.08 ERA / 2.21 FIP
Alfredo Aceves: 2.54 ERA / 3.87 FIP
Brett Tomko: 5.11 ERA / 5.65 FIP
Phil Hughes: 4.78 ERA / 4.70 FIP

Takeaways: It's pretty clear who the high-leverage bullpen guys should be.  Why is Brett Tomko even on the team?  Robertson has been a superb addition.  Coke seems to be all smoke & mirrors.
 

06.20.2009 Apathy

06.18.2009 The freakin' Nationals...

Washington has been outscored by their opponents by over 80 runs.
They rank 29/30 in ERA, 26/30 in FIP, and 29/30 in runs allowed.
Their defense is ranked dead last in MLB according to UZR.

The Yankees averaged 2.3 runs a game in the series.
 

06.17.2009 Where's Mark David Chapman when you need him?

The Yankees could not solve lefty John Lannan, and dropped a game to the dreadful Washington Nationals.  With the loss, they now fall to three games behind division-leading Boston.

Imagine that: John Lannan throws 8.1 innings of 4-hit, 2-run ball vs. the Yankees
 

06.17.2009 Michael Kay now using defecation references on the air

One of our astute visitors (Twitter @keithwhamond) alerted us to the fact that YES broadcaster, Michael Kay, has now resorted to using some rather unusual commentary on the air.  When Phil Hughes struck out Washington's Ryan Zimmerman in the top of the 7th of Wednesday's game, Kay remarked that "Hughes dropped a deuce on him."  You're a sick bastard, Michael Kay.

Turn your speakers up and pay close attention at the 10-second mark.


 

06.16.2009 Cano leads Yankees over Nationals

Robinson Cano went 4-for-4, including a go-ahead double in the 7th, to lead the Yankees to victory over the worst team in major league baseball.  And when Robinson Cano has a great game, he gets the post-game interview!

06.16.2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NoMaas signs Pythagoras

June 16, 2009 - Cyberspace, NY - New York Yankees fan blog, NoMaas.Org, has signed ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician, Pythagoras, to a season-long deal in which the mystic will provide baseball analysis to visitors of the site.  Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"I'm excited to join the NoMaas team," remarked Pythagoras.  "Since growing up as a small boy on the island of Samos, I've been a big fan of baseball, and it's a delight to provide my expertise to enhance the experience of NoMaasians.  I'm not sure about the racial jokes though."

Pythagoras is best known for his theory that by examining a team's runs scored versus runs allowed, one can acquire a more accurate understanding of how well a team is playing, as opposed to looking at its winning percentage.  He also believes that over the course of a season, a team's actual record will gravitate towards their Pythagorean record.

"Signing Pythagoras was a big move for us," stated NoMaas' Sensei John Kreese.  "Negotiations were a bit difficult, especially considering what Greeks are into.  However, we worked it out, and now our visitors gain access to some great knowledge."

AL East Run Differential Update

Source: ESPN.com
 

06.15.2009 A look at the defense, the Derek Jeter edition

In this regular feature, we typically examine how each Yankee is tracking defensively, according to UZR/150. UZR/150 measures how many runs above or below average a fielder would be over the course of 150 games. However, in this post, we're looking squarely at Derek Jeter.

There's no other way to say it: Derek Jeter is playing the best defense of his career.  The man with the 90s fade and the subject of much criticism for his fielding, is doing his best Ozzie Smith impression so far this season.  The biggest area of improvement is his range, in which he's been above-average.  In fact, Derek's defense has been trending up since last season.  We'd really like to know if he's changed anything about his approach in the field.  There's been some big-time improvement.
 

06.14.2009 Interview with Yanks' 1st round draft pick, Slade Heathcott

What else can you say? NoMaas just brings it.

Over the weekend, our own Lane Meyer spoke with Yankees' 1st round draft pick, Slade Heathcott, to talk about a wide range of topics, including the so-called "character issues" that some scouting reports have cited.

Click here to read this great interview.
 

06.14.2009 Bombers bury Johan Santana

Santana vs. the Yankees: 3 IP, 9 H, 9 ER

06.14.2009 NoMaas v. Shaquille O'Neal

nomaas @THE_REAL_SHAQ It is often said that Manute Bol was a major influence in your decision to attend LSU. Did he go with you during your visits?

THE_REAL_SHAQ @nomaas dat was a good one I was just listenin to yur momma

If you're not following our Twitter, why aren't you?
 

06.13.2009 Desperately seeking pitching

If they're not walking hitters, they're letting up home runs. In their loss to the Mets on Saturday, Yankee pitchers gave up two more HRs bringing their season total to 85, the most in the American League.

Lots of walks + lots of home runs = one of the worst pitching staffs in baseball

Pettitte allowed 12 hits in 5 innings on Saturday, including 1 HR
 

06.13.2009 From North Cakalak to the Boogie Down

Tarheel RHP and Yankee 4th round draft pick, Adam Warren:

"I think that’s the neat thing about being drafted by the Yankees. Not to take anything away from Dustin Ackley, Alex White, or any of the other guys that got drafted before me, but getting drafted into the pinstripes is just a little different. It’s an honor, everybody knows the organization and the history that it has, and I saw that after I got picked when people around me were excited that I got selected, but also because I got to join the Yankee family as well."

Word.

For more of our interviews with the 2009 Yankee draft class, check out the NoMaas Draft Spot.
 

06.12.2009 Oops

06.12.2009 Joe Girardi pinch hits for his 2nd-best hitter

But allows Brett Gardner to bat.

In the bottom of the 9th with the Yankees down a run and Johnny Damon on the bench, Brett Gardner was allowed to hit versus Francisco Rodriguez.  When Nick Swisher, the Yankees 2nd-best hitter per OPS+ (144)**, came to the plate, Joe Girardi elected to pinch hit Johnny Damon.  Even though Luis Castillo eventually bailed out the Yankees, this has to be one of the most idiotic moves we've ever seen.

** Jorge Posada has the 2nd-highest OPS+ on the team, but he's played in 25 less games than Swish.
 

06.12.2009 Yankee pitchers continue to walk...everybody

Friday night was Luis Castillo night, but Yankee pitchers continued to issue base-on-balls like they were going out of style, walking 8 Mets' batters.  This is a very concerning trend. 

Heading into Friday's game, the only AL team that issues more free passes than the Yankees are the Cleveland Indians.  The Yankees' staff is now averaging slightly over 4 walks per game.  That's terrible, and something that needs to change if this pitching staff has any chance of turning things around.  Throw some freakin' strikes.

06.11.2009 Yay!

06.10.2009 Seven...seven losses in a row to Boston

Yankees' pitching is the 4th worst in the AL, with an ERA+ of 93.

When you dig a little deeper, it seems that walks and home runs are killing this staff.  Yankee hurlers are worse than league average in BB/9 (3.9), K/BB (1.89), and HR/9 (1.4).
 

06.09.2009 5 years/$82.5M

What a joke: 2.2 IP, 5 BB(!!), 1 K, 5 H, 3 ER, 1 HR (to the ghost of David Ortiz)

Play 'Where's AJ?'
 

06.09.2009 It's Slade

With the 29th pick in the first round, the Bronx Bombers selected OF Slade Heathcott from Texarkana, Texas.  Not only did we highlight Slade as a Yankee target back in February, but he was the first prospect we interviewed about this year's draft.

Lane Meyer has more on the Slade pick and the rest of Day 1 over on the Draft Spot.

Yankees 1st round pick and new Baby Bomber, Slade Heathcott
 

06.09.2009 This guy announced the Yankees' 2nd pick

06.08.2009 Tuesday draft chat @ 12pm with Lane Meyer


 

06.08.2009 Earn your money, AJ

There's no other way to say it -- AJ Burnett has had a terrible season so far.  He's been all hype with no bite.

His strikeouts are down.  His walks are up.  He's allowing more flyballs and less groundballs.  His FIP checks in at 4.91.  And his ERA+ is a below average 96.

As he opens a huge series versus Boston, it's time for him to man up.
 

06.08.2009 Tale of the Tape: Yankees versus Scrappy Underdogs

All numbers except run differential are as of Sunday's completed games. Run differential is as of Monday's completed games.

Team OPS+ Yankees - 119, America's Team - 105
Team ERA+: Yankees - 93, Model Baseball Franchise - 112
Team FIP: Yankees - 4.91, Small Market Overachievers - 4.09
UZR/150: Yankees - Negative 0.2, Gritty Dirt Dogs - Negative 6.8
Bill James' Team Speed Score: Yankees 5.3, Bearded White Men 4.8
Run differential: Yankees - +33, Blue Collar Heroes - +43
 

06.07.2009 The NoMaas draft blowout

The Rule IV draft commences on Tuesday night, and you know that NoMaas will bring you the best and most complete Yankee coverage on the planet.

Spearheading our efforts will be the one and only Lane Meyer.  While women find him revolting, Lane will be bringing you the freshest and most in-depth info on the Yankees' selections and strategy.  He'll be working the rolodex big-time as he tracks each pick.  Follow Lane at the Draft Spot, and use the comments section of his posts to ask questions or offer opinions.  We're hoping to have a lot of interested readers following along this year.

**As a warmup to Tuesday night, Lane will be conducting a live chat on Tuesday at noon.  So grab your lunchboxes and pick the brain of our in-house draft guru.

06.07.2009 The Comeback Kids

By scoring 3 runs in the eighth to take the lead and eventually win against Tampa, the Yankees picked up their 5th win of the season after trailing at the start of the 8th inning.  That's already more wins in that scenario than in all of 2008, when the Yankees went 4-59 when losing entering the 8th.
 

06.06.2009 Yanks drop series opener to Tampa, Mariano continues human-like season

In a back and forth game versus the defending AL Champs, Tampa blew the game open in the top of the 9th by hammering the immortal Mariano Rivera. As Yankee fans, a loss hurts a little bit more when Mo blows a game, and we're all used to that one time per year where everyone speculates Father Time has finally caught up with Rivera. And then like clockwork, Mo returns to being the deity we all know and love. Maybe that's the case for Mo right now, but he has been a bit more human so far this season.

Heading into Saturday's game, Mariano had a 3.67 FIP, much higher than the 2.08 FIP he had last season and the 2.80 FIP for his career. This can be solely attributed to the 5 HRs he's already allowed this season, because his K/9, BB/9, and K/BB are all outstanding. In fact, Mariano seems to be walking less hitters as he gets older. Yet, Mariano hasn't allowed 5 home runs in a SEASON since 2001. His HR/FB is a whopping 26.3% so far.

In addition to the home runs, it seems like batters are hitting Mariano harder in general. Mo's line drive rate is at 24.5% this season, compared to 14.5% last season and 18.5% in 2007. Groundballs are also coming less often, as his 45.2% rate is less than the 54.7% in 2008 and the 53.0% in 2007.

Is it a velocity issue? According to PITCHf/x, his fastball velocity has gone from 94.1 mph in 2007 to 91.3 mph this season. His cutter has gone from 92.7 mph in 2007 to 91.2 mph now. Also according to PITCHf/x, his cutter appears to be moving less, with 1.8 inches of horizontal movement versus 2.7 inches last season and 3.7 inches in 2007. Less velocity + less movement = getting hit harder? Could be.

We don't know what's wrong with Mo, and hopefully this is just the annual Mariano Freak-Out, but as of right now, he seems human.

Did Mo trade in his superpowers for love?
 

06.05.2009 NoMaas exclusive: First photograph of Big Papi's new glasses

In one of the most widely-publicized eye examinations in history, the Red Sox and David Ortiz are trying to solve Mr. Clutch's post-PED nightmare by checking out his pupils.  In a NoMaas exclusive, our sources have provided us with the first-ever photograph of Big Papi and his new spectacles.

06.03.2009 Hughes to the bullpen, but don't panic

Phil Hughes is headed to the bullpen and judging by the reaction on our Facebook page, there are definitely some pissed off fans.  It's not because he got bumped for Wang, after all the Pride of Taiwan has posted ERA+s of over 120 in his last two full seasons.  Rather, the consternation is being caused by the belief that moving Hughes to the pen will thwart his development.  It's an understandable concern, but do not fret, our little doves.  Here's why you shouldn't worry.

1. It's temporary, per the NY Times' Tyler Kepner:

Manager Joe Girardi said he would not be afraid to use Hughes at any point in a game, though General Manager Brian Cashman suggested Hughes’ stay in relief will be temporary, perhaps until Brian Bruney returns from an elbow injury. (Source)

2. Hughes immediately upgrades an attrocious bullpen (if his recent starts are indicative of how he's developing) and helps the Yankees win now.

3. There's probably a good chance he's back in the rotation fairly soon.  Pettitte's struggling with his back.  Wang may resume his suckage.  Or there may be another injury in the rotation (See Mr. AJ).

Don't freak out yet.  Hughes to the bullpen is just fine for now.
 

06.03.2009 Thursday night, 9pm, be here or be square

 

06.02.2009 Bartender, another glass of urine for the gentleman, please

The Yankees have played 52 games and Jorge Posada's only appeared in 28, but if the man can stay healthy, he still represents a huge advantage for the Yankees over other teams.  Entering Tuesday's game against Texas, Po was raking with an OPS+ of 148.  That will only increase as he had a monster game, going 3-4 with a 3-run HR.  His line now stands at .313/.402/.611.  He also has large ears.
 

06.02.2009 Thursday night live chat

Up for some hot late night chat?  NoMaas' Gilbert Lowell will address all of your Yankee questions and comments when he chats live Thursday night at 9pm Boogie Down Bronx time.  Check back here on Thursday night.
 

06.02.2009 Yanks trending in the right direction

We recently made an observation that while the Yankees might be in first, they have the 4th-best run differential in the AL East.  One of our readers, Steve Barros, emailed us with an interesting point:

Yanks have the second worst run differential in the AL east, true. But in the month of May they had the best run differential in the AL east. +28.

Tampa was at +27, Boston was at +12, Toronto and Baltimore were at -1 and -10 respectively.

For the Yankees it was a 36 point positive swing from April to May.
For the Sox and 7 point decline.
For Tampa a 20 point gain.
For Toronto a 31 point decline.
For Baltimore...who cares I'm tired of doing math.

Great insight, dork. 
 

06.01.2009 Yanks misuse Joba Chamberlain against Indians

Joe Girardi made a colossal mistake when he decided to use Joba Chamberlain for 24 outs instead of 3, as the natural born reliever allowed an astronomical four hits while hitting a meager 97 mph in his last inning.

Over rocks and trees and sand
Soaring over cliffs
And gently floating down to land
She proudly lifts her voice
To sound her mating call
And soon her mate responds by singing
Caw Caw Caw
Come with me
 

05.31.2009 You a**holes should take a vacation more often, we're finally winning

That was one of the many similar-themed messages we had waiting for us upon our return.  Since we left for a secret villa in Uruguay on May 14th, the Yankees have gone 12-4 and jettisoned from 3rd to 1st place.  Apparently, we are to the Yankees as David Ortiz is to going off the juice.  Unfortunately, we have no social lives and this website provides us with our only human interaction.  So, much to your disappointment...we're back.

05.31.2009 Less than two weeks to the draft and we're checking in with Damon Oppeinheimer

The 2009 Rule IV draft is fast approaching and you know our very own Lane Meyer is all over it. During the weekend, Lane spoke with the man in charge of the Yankees draft and friend of NoMaas, Damon Oppeinheimer.

Click here to read what Oppeinheimer had to say as we countdown to June 9th.
 

05.31.2009 Hot

When we left Mark Teixeira was sporting a disappointing .757 OPS.  Two weeks later, he's at .986.  He went from a .333 OBP to a .381, and a .424 SLG to a .604.

Equally impressive in our eyes is the 117 OPS+ being put up by Derek Jeter, which is currently the 3rd best among AL SS.  The secret to Derek's success so far this season?  He's walking more than he has in each of the past two seasons (9.4% walk rate) and striking out at a career-best rate (13.9%).  His line drive percentage is also 1.6% higher than in 2008.  All trends we hope continue.
 

05.31.2009 Just sayin'...

Look at the run differential:

Source: ESPN

05.31.2009 A look at the defense, v4

Every week, we're going to see how each Yankee is tracking defensively, according to UZR/150.  UZR/150 measures how many runs above or below average a fielder would be over the course of 150 games.

Observations: After slow defensive starts to the season, Damon, Gardner, and Swisher have improved significantly...After a brilliant defensive start, Ramiro Pena has been sliding...Arod struggling in his first few weeks...Still waiting for Teixeira to flash the golden glove...The Captain still silencing the doubters...Yankees tracking at a +0.4 UZR/150 -- a move into positive territory and rank 8th out of 14 AL teams.
 

05.31.2009 FIP bits, v2

In our FIP bits feature, we break down Yankees' pitching and examine if the surface level statistics are giving fans the most accurate picture of the staff.

The Yankees currently rank 26th out of 30 in team ERA at 4.93.  Needless to say, this is fairly shocking considering the Yankees had arguably the best staff in baseball heading into the season.  Has the pitching really been this disappointing?  We'll take a look at FIP to help us out.

First, while the Yankees' ERA may be 4.93, the team's FIP is 5.11.  According to that metric, this means the Yankees' pitching has been slightly worse than its ERA suggests.  Considering Yankee pitchers have managed to leave 72.1% of runners on base (tied 4th best in AL), despite having some of the worst BB (3.94 BB/9) and HR rates (1.42 HR/9) in the American League, this could help to explain the difference between the two numbers.

Here's the breakdown as of the completion of Saturday's games:

CC Sabathia: 3.46 ERA / 3.51 FIP
AJ Burnett: 4.78 ERA / 5.10 FIP
Joba Chamberlain: 3.97 ERA / 4.90 FIP
Phil Hughes: 5.16 ERA / 5.82 FIP
Andy Pettitte: 4.10 ERA / 4.86 FIP

Mariano Rivera: 2.61 ERA / 3.94 FIP
Jose Veras: 6.97 ERA / 6.60 FIP
Phil Coke: 4.43 ERA / 6.36 FIP
David Robertson: 2.45 ERA / 2.07 FIP
Alfredo Aceves: 2.75 ERA / 3.26 FIP
Brett Tomko: 4.15 ERA / 7.55 FIP
Edwar Ramirez: 5.19 ERA / 8.41 FIP
Jonathan Albaladejo: 6.00 ERA / 6.83 ERA

Takeaways: The bullpen is very bad, with only a couple of exceptions...Even Mariano isn't at his best...Burnett continues to eat corn the long way...CC looks to be the only one carrying his weight (insert joke here).
 

05.14.2009 Going on vacation

Since the Yankees have decided to go on vacation for nearly the first month and half of the season, we at NoMaas have decided to seek a little relaxation ourselves.  Starting from now until May 29th, we'll only be making front page postings for news that absolutely demands a NoMaasian response (Draft Spot will remain up and running).  We're taking some time to re-charge the old batteries.  We do have some MASSIVE features planned for the site on our return.  Believe us, you will not be disappointed.  Have a good couple of weeks.

05.10.2009 Johnny Damon: Doing the bull dance, feeling the flow

.998 OPS, 2nd highest among AL LF

05.10.2009 Good luck, IPK

We're a little late on this, but we wanted to extend our best wishes to Ian Kennedy as he has surgery for an aneurysm near his shoulder.
 

05.10.2009 If you want to destroy my sweater

From Red Sox player, Lou Merloni:

"I'm in spring training, and I got an 8:30-9:00 meeting in the morning. I walk into that office, and this happened while I was with the Boston Red Sox before this last regime, I'm sitting in the meeting. There's a doctor up there and he's talking about steroids, and everyone was like 'here we go, we're gonna sit here and get the whole thing -- they're bad for you.' No. He spins it and says 'you know what, if you take steroids and sit on the couch all winter long, you can actually get stronger than someone who works out clean, if you're going to take steroids, one cycle won't hurt you, abusing steroids it will.' He sat there for one hour and told us how to properly use steroids while I'm with the Boston Red Sox, sitting there with the rest of the organization, and after this I said 'what the heck was that?' And everybody on the team was like 'what was that?' And the response we got was 'well, we know guys are taking it, so we want to make sure they're taking it the right way'... Where did that come from? That didn't come from the Players Association."

"It wasn't Dr. [Arthur] Pappas or anyone like that but I don't recall who it was," Merloni said. "We'd had many meetings and talks about how bad steroids were, but this one was different. It was the team acknowledging there were people taking it and they were trying to inform us about not abusing steroids. (Source)

The media created mythology of the Red Sox is starting to unravel.
 

05.09.2009 Not quite

March 27th, Peter Abraham on Alex Rodriguez:

I would suggest that if the Yankees did not have Alex, they would be far more likely to win. His 24 + 1 mentality is not conducive to championship play. They’re a much better team when they aren’t sitting around waiting for him to hit a home run. (Source)

A-Rod returns with three-run homer in Yankees' 4-0 win over Orioles

Try again.
 

05.07.2009 We believe Manny

A source close to Manny Ramirez said Thursday that the illegal substance for which the Los Angeles Dodgers slugger tested positive was not “an agent customarily used for performance enhancing.”

At least not on the baseball diamond. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the drug was prescribed to address Ramirez’s erectile dysfunction.

However, two sources said the substance Ramirez tested positive for was a gonadotropin. Major League Baseball’s list of banned substances includes the gonadotropins LH and HCG, which are most commonly used by women as fertility drugs. They also can be used to trigger testosterone production. Testosterone is depleted by steroid use, and low testosterone can cause erectile dysfunction.

“Testosterone and similar drugs are effective for erectile dysfunction in that they jazz up your sex drive,” said Charles Yesalis, a professor at Penn State University who has testified before Congress on issues of performance-enhancing drugs. “But far more clinicians accept that effect with Viagra and Cialis. It’s hard for me to understand if it was erectile dysfunction why they would use it.”

Another physician with experience in international drug-testing said LH and HCG are occasionally prescribed for men “whose testicles have basically stopped functioning.” (Source)

05.07.2009 Oh, the irony

05.06.2009 Wastes of money

05.06.2009 Tracking the defense, v3

Every week, we're going to see how each Yankee is tracking defensively, according to UZR/150.  UZR/150 measures how many runs above or below average a fielder would be over the course of 150 games.  You can probably still ring the "small sample size alert" here, but this analysis will be helpful as we progress into the year.  Note: The number in parentheses is how the player was tracking in the previous week.

Observations: Derek Jeter starting to revert, Damon getting worse, Brett Gardner jumps into positive territory, and Melky flashing leather...Yankees tracking at a -5.1 UZR/150 (-7.5 week prior) -- 4th worst team defense in the AL.
 

05.05.2009 Bulls & Bears, v2

In our recurring Bulls & Bears feature, we'll survey members of the NoMaas staff, in a bit of a temperature check, as to whether they are currently bullish or bearish on the Yankees chances to win the AL East.

Reginald Cornelius III -- Bullish
Still a bull. The team at the top of the east won't be there for long and we are looking at big offensive upgrades at 3B and 1B to offset the regression we may see from the other hot bats. I am now officially worried about the bullpen, however.

Gilbert Lowell -- Bullish
Still bullish, but starting to buy some puts. Offense is clicking despite little or no production from their two best hitters, the young starters are showing flashes, and Sabathia looks like he is rounding (pun intended) into shape. Posada's latest injury and the unsettled bullpen has shaken my faith a bit. They simply cannot afford an injury to Posada.

Sensei John Kreese -- Bearish
I'm as bearish as I was a few weeks ago, and probably even moreso now. While I am actually hopeful that the pitching staff will correct itself, the Posada injury doesn't do anything to disprove my forecast that the Yankees are just not durable enough to win the division.
 

05.05.2009 Bizarro Yankee Universe

By NoMaas' Gilbert Lowell

After 25 games, the Yankees are 13-12. Buried in those 25 games are some humiliating defeats as well as some inspiring wins. Since the Yankees are not sitting in first place with a 10 game lead, everyone wants to know why, and where they should direct their frustrations and anger.

I've thought about this quite a bit, trying to figure out "what's wrong" with the Yankees, and the problem is this....I don't know.

Everything I thought was a strength before the season has turned into a weakness. Everything I thought was a concern has turned out to be fine.

So how do you plan for that?

For example, I expected the pitching staff to be among the top 5 in baseball, it's been awful. I expected the offense to be solid but well below the juggernauts of the recent past, yet they are on pace to score 950 runs (without A-Rod).

All of the players coming off of lost 2008 seasons have rebounded (Cano, Swisher, Matsui, Posada, and even Melky). Yet they've gotten little from Teixeira, who is as much of a sure thing as any player in baseball.

On the pitching side, it's more of the same. The biggest question mark coming into the season, Andy Pettitte, has been the most consistent starter so far. The guy we were looking to anchor the staff, Sabathia, has only been mediocre.

The bullpen, just based on the sheer number of quality arms, looked to be a strength. It has been terrible. Meanwhile the bench, which was supposed to be a little thin, has been surprisingly solid. Both Molina and Pena have hit enough (so far) for glove-first bench players, and Melky actually came off the bench and hit his way back into the starting lineup.

Where there was actually very good depth to start the season (OF, bullpen, rotation), much of it has vanished through a series of "normal" injuries (Marte), some unexpected injuries (Bruney, Nady), and some injuries that have had more than enough time to heal, yet haven't (Wang).

So where does that leave us? I'm not really sure. I'd like to think that Cano has made real and lasting changes to his approach that will help keep him productive when his average inevitably comes down, that Matsui can stay healthy if he doesn't set foot on the outfield grass, that A-Rod comes back on a mission, that Teixeira snaps out of his funk, that the bullpen settles down with a solid Rivera/Bruney/Marte/Melancon/Coke core, and that the starters simply do what they are supposed to do.

If that happens, this team should be in excellent shape.

But if you told me 4 weeks ago that Cano, Swisher, Matsui, Posada and Melky would have OPS+ of 140, 187, 120, 154, and 134 respectively after 25 games and asked me to guess the Yankees' record, I probably would have guessed something like 19-6. It's just been that kind of season.
 

05.04.2009 OMG: 1,000 Facebook fans

05.03.2009 Boston heads to the Bronx for two-game series

After being embarrassed in Boston, the Yanks will look to even things up a bit as the gritty, underdog Red Sox head into the new Stadium for the first time.  The Yankees sit 1.5 games behind Boston who trail the AL-East leading Blue Jays by two.

Big Sloppy has an OPS+ of 55.
 

05.03.2009 FIP bits

In our new FIP bits feature, we will break down Yankees' pitching and examine if the surface level statistics are giving fans the most accurate picture of the staff.

The Yankees currently have the worst ERA in the bigs at 5.93.  Needless to say, this is fairly shocking considering the Yankees had arguably the best starting rotation in baseball heading into the season.  Has the pitching really been this bad?  We'll take a look at FIP to help us out.

First, while the Yankees' ERA may be 5.93, the team's FIP is 5.00.  That means that while the pitching has indeed been horrible, it's been slightly less horrible than advertised.  If you rank all the teams by FIP, the Yankees jump to having the 7th worst staff in baseball.  Contain your excitement!!

Here's the breakdown:

CC Sabathia: 4.85 ERA / 4.08 FIP
AJ Burnett: 5.40 ERA / 5.49 FIP
Joba Chamberlain: 3.13 ERA / 5.05 FIP
Chien Ming Wang: 34.50 ERA / 10.35 FIP
Andy Pettitte: 3.82 ERA / 3.40 FIP

Mariano Rivera: 2.79 ERA / 3.19 FIP
Damaso Marte: 15.19 ERA / 10.50 FIP
Jose Veras: 8.03 ERA / 6.35 FIP
Phil Coke: 3.72 ERA / 4.11 FIP
Edwar Ramirez: 5.40 ERA / 8.18 FIP
Jonathan Albaladejo: 7.30 ERA / 6.75 ERA
David Robertson: 5.40 ERA / 2.28 FIP
Brian Bruney: 3.38 ERA / 0.93 FIP
Mark Melancon: 2.70 ERA / 4.68 FIP

Takeaways: Joba's been extremely lucky, Andy Pettitte is representin', Bruney's been off the chain, Burnett's eating corn the long way, and CC hasn't been CC yet, but he'll be OK.
 

05.01.2009 Look out yo, it's the po-po

2-4, HR, BB, walkoff single
 

05.01.2009 His name is Alex Rodriguez

Alex Rodriguez may have bulked up with steroids as early as high school - and was suspected of juicing while playing for the Yankees, a bombshell new book reports.

Although the slugger insists he dabbled in steroids only while with the Texas Rangers, the book "A-Rod" srongly suggests he didn't give up performance enhancers when he came to New York.

Sports Illustrated writer Selena Roberts, who broke the story that A-Rod flunked a steroid screening in 2003, reveals fellow Bombers nicknamed the third baseman "B---h T--s" in 2005.

That was after he put on 15 pounds in the off-season and seemed to develop round pectorals, a condition called gynecomastia that can be caused by anabolic steroids, she writes. (Source)

A-Rod and his magnificent moobies go trolling for seahag.
 

04.30.2009 The incredibly dumb Brett Gardner/Dustin Pedroia comparison

Many have implored us to be patient during Brett Gardner's slow start, pointing to Dustin Pedroia as an example of a fellow little person who, despite a slow start, managed to turn it around and become a true force.  Problem is, the comparisons end at their diminutive size.  Following in the steps of his big brother, Dusty dominated the minors.  Not only did he out OPS Gardner by some 70 points, he also only struck out every 13.5 at-bats, compared to Gardner's alarming pace of every 5 at-bats.  Both of these trends have continued in the Majors.
 

04.30.2009 We pitched to Arod

...if you believe in two degrees of separation.

When Arod participated in an extended spring training game on Thursday, one of the two pitchers who threw to him was Matt Richardson, the Yankees' 2008 15th round draft pick.  And wouldn't you know we interviewed Matt Richardson just two weeks ago:  Click here.

By the way, Matt struck out Arod swinging on a curve.
 

04.29.2009 Kneel before Swish

2 more jacks on Wednesday: Now .307/.415/.720
 

04.29.2009 Experiment ended?

The Yankees broke camp by naming Brett Gardner as their Opening Day center fielder and putting Melky Cabrera in a reserve role. Twenty games into the season, those assignments appear to have flip-flopped.

Cabrera started in center for the third consecutive game on Wednesday, relegating Gardner to the bench for the series finale against the Tigers. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that he plans to continue playing the hot hand, and Gardner said he understood the decision. (Source)

Praise the Lord.
 

04.29.2009 For the statistically impaired

Stepping away from his Photoshopped world, NoMaas' Reginald Cornelius III explains why Joba should remain in the rotation, without using those scary numbers called stats.

Sometimes I wish I had a job as a baseball sportswriter for some big media outlet but I snap out of it before I let my fantasies go too far. Why? Because if I were a baseball sportswriter, it would mean that I was uncharacteristically lazy and incapable of an original thought. My evidence? The continuing call to move Joba to the bullpen at the slightest hint of any controversy, anywhere.

Joba losing velocity? Move him to the pen.

Joba having trouble with control? Move him to the pen.

Hughes has one good outing? Move Joba to the pen.

Bea Arthur dies? Move Joba to the pen.

You get the idea.

I could spend a lot of time outlining how much more valuable starting pitching is than bullpen arms in terms of runs, but there are a lot of people who don't think that is a persuasive enough argument. So let me step away from the equations on the computer in my parents basement and tell you what I see with my own eyes.

With Phil Hughes strong performance last night vs. Detroit and Chien Ming Wang seemingly only minutes away from returning to top of the rotation form, we will soon have six starters for only five rotation starts, right? Of Joba, Phil, and Wang, Joba is the one who has demonstrated he could dominate in a bullpen role, right?. And we all know that the Yankees are desperately in need of bullpen help or our season is over, right?

There is no doubt that the bullpen needs some help, but we can't automatically assume Joba will fix everything. First, we don't know what happened to Joba's velocity and control, but just saying it's because he is now in the rotation doesn't make it correct. Joba is still a young pitcher and will go through some rough patches. Sure there is a reason for concern, but those concerns won't magically disappear with a move to the bullpen.

Last year, composed with many of the same parts, the Yankee bullpen was one of the strongest points of the team and one of the best groups in the AL. I am not saying that the Yankees bullpen is going to be lights out, but there is good reason to believe that the bullpen will be better than league average by the end of the year.

While you can't always use past success to project future performance, especially with something as volatile as the bullpen, the Yankee bullpen is already going to get some help. Mark Melancon has looked good in his appearances so far, and Brian Bruney will be coming back from injury in a few weeks.

Let's take a look at a few other things. After tonight's game, the Yankees will have played 21 games, with only 6 at home. The Dodgers are the only other team to play as few home games, but they also have the luxury of playing in the worst division in baseball. The Yankees have played the most road games in the division, but only the Blue Jays have a better road record. And how about those close, 1 run games? The Yankees are again second in the AL East behind the Blue Jays. The bullpen needs to get better, but so does the entire pitching staff. In other words, it is not quite time to abandon ship.

The most surprising part about all of this talk about having too many arms in the rotation is that you can't have too many arms in the rotation. Take a look at our lineup. Remember when we had too many bodies in the outfield? The long baseball season takes care of a lot of these "problems" for you. If Hughes continues to pitch well, it gives us the luxury of being able bring Wang back slowly. And while I am loving what I've seen from AJ and especially Pettitte, there is a good chance that one of them will have to miss a start or two at some point during the season. A confident Hughes will be perfect if anybody on our rotation needs DL time.

Now that wasn't so horrible, was it? A few reasons to keep Joba in the rotation and I didn't even have to dig out my TI-85. Since I am not a full-time baseball writer, I will be happy to admit that I was wrong rather than dig myself into a deeper hole of analytical stupidity. Until then, I am still advocating that Joba belongs in the rotation.
 

04.29.2009 The return

For many of us, Phil Hughes was more than just a great prospect.  He was the symbol of the Yankees' renewed dedication to player development.  After struggling to stay healthy and failing to show the arsenal that made him Baseball America's #1 pitching prospect, Phil's first 100 MLB innings were difficult to watch.  To see him back on a major league mound and throwing well is extremely exciting.  This could be a HUGE gain for the Yankees.  When the NoMaas staffers posted their season forecasts on March 29th, Gilbert Lowell made this prediction: "Phil Hughes gets called up, never throws another minor league inning."  Could we have Nostradamus on our hands?

Never going back to Scranton?
 

04.27.2009 On Yankees.com

04.27.2009 Tracking the defense, v.2

Every week, we're going to see how each Yankee is tracking defensively, according to UZR/150.  UZR/150 measures how many runs above or below average a fielder would be over the course of 150 games.  Obviously, since we're only a few weeks into the season, some of the numbers are going to be extreme and/or counter to career norms.  However, this analysis will be helpful as we progress into the year.  Note: The number in parentheses is how the player was tracking in the previous week.

Observations: Derek Jeter doing his Ozzie Smith impression, currently the 4th best defensive SS in the AL...Damon currently the 3rd worst defensive LF in the AL...Gardner currently the 2nd worst defensive CF in the AL...Yankees tracking at a -7.5 UZR/150 -- 4th worst team defense in the AL.
 

04.26.2009 Awesome

04.26.2009 Where have you gone, Joe Girardio?

Why you put so much faith in Brett Gardner and Angel Berroa, we will never know.  What did you do during the offseason?

04.26.2009 At least we have Tuesday

Welcome back, friend.
 

04.26.2009 Ramiro Pena must have stolen Joe Girardi's protein shakes

How else could you explain Angel Berroa getting the start in Saturday's game?  In his 700+ game career, Berroa has played a grand total of one-third of an inning at 3B.  It would be one thing if Berroa could hit.  But, Berroa is about as good with a bat as the Yankees are with holding leads.

Girardi needs to realize that until Arod comes back, they're getting zero offense from 3B and he should go with the best possible defender.  The best defender is Ramiro Pena.
 

04.25.2009 Joba's velocity

While most Yankee fans realize that Joba won't be throwing 99 mph as a starter, there is a perception that his fastball velocity is abnormally low, even after accounting for his switch to the rotation.  After a subpar 4-walk, 9-hits allowed performance versus Boston, we decided to consult PITCHf/x to see if there was any justification for the velocity concerns:

April 24th vs. Boston:
Avg 4-seam FB: 92.39 (53 thrown)
Avg 2-seam FB: 89.30 (2 thrown)

April 17th vs. Cleveland:
Avg 4-seam FB: 91.50 (65 thrown)
Avg 2-seam FB: 86.60 (1 thrown)

April 12th vs. Kansas City:
Avg 4-seam FB: 92.44 (53 thrown)
Avg 2-seam FB: 89.55 (2 thrown)

In comparison, here's data from some of his June-July starts of 2008:

June 19th vs. San Diego:
Avg 4-seam FB: 95.12 (75 thrown)

June 25th vs. Pittsburgh:
Avg 4-seam FB: 95.34 (75 thrown)

July 6th vs. Boston:
Avg 4-seam FB: 94.94 (67 thrown)

July 25th vs. Boston:
Avg 4-seam FB: 95.51 (55 thrown)

So for whatever reason, Joba's fastball velocity is significantly below where it was when he was starting in 2008 -- per PITCHf/x.
 

04.24.2009 Yanks orally copulate game to Red Sox

Dustin Pedroia's brother isn't the only one who sucks.  In the top of the 9th with a 2-run lead, the Yankees blew an opportunity to put the game to bed when they failed to score with based loaded and no outs.  Then, in the bottom half of the inning, Mariano suffered his annual Fenway meltdown when Jason Bay hit a 2-run blast that brought Aryan Nation to its feet.  We know how the game went from there.
 

04.23.2009 Bombers head up to Boston, and back in time

04.22.2009 Yanks win 14-inning marathon

With his two HRs on Wednesday, Melky is slugging a ridiculous .826.
 

04.22.2009 End the Brett Gardner experiment

For more than a year, we've been sounding the alarm that Brett Gardner is not a major league caliber player.  No one listened to us, and now it's become painfully obvious that he is quite terrible.  With a disgusting .240/.283/.300 line, it's evident that pitchers are daring Gardner to hit the ball, knowing full well that he cannot hurt them with his bat.  Gardner was largely successful in the minors because he was able to draw walks.  However as we warned repeatedly, major league pitchers know that he has no power, and thus see no incentive to let him walk his way on base.  His 5.8% walk rate is the 5th worst among the 22 ML CFs who have at least 50 PAs.  Compare that to the 13.4% walk rate he achieved in the minors.

And then people tend to make a big fuss about his defense.  Why?  Because of his SPEED!!!111??  Sorry to break the news, but Gardner isn't a good defensive player either.  Of the 16 ML CFs who've played at least 100 innings, Gardner has shown the 3rd worst worst range in the group, per Fangraphs Range Runs.  According to the Hardball Times Revised Zone Rating, there is no one who covers less ground in CF than Brett Gardner.

The Yankees made a mistake in not trying to capitalize on his undeserved hype and move him in a trade.  Maybe they still could as the mediots still drool over his speed.  Regardless, he has no business starting in center for the Yankees.
 

04.20.2009 Tracking the defense

Every week, we're going to see how each Yankee is tracking defensively, according to UZR/150.  UZR/150 measures how many runs above or below average a fielder would be at his position over the course of 150 games.  Obviously, since the Yankees have only played 13 games, some of the current numbers are going to be extreme and/or counter to career norms, but this analysis will be helpful as we progress into the year.

04.19.2009 Field trip

A bunch of us had the "pleasure" of witnessing Saturday's game in person, and here's some video from our day:

04.19.2009 Lift off

Through only four games, the Yankees and Indians combined for 20 home runs at the new Yankee Stadium, 14 of them to right field.

"It seems to really carry to right-center and right field so far," manager Joe Girardi said.

And no one has offered him a satisfactory explanation. The distances to home plate from the foul poles, from dead center field and from the gaps are identical to those at the old stadium. Perhaps the fence is shorter at points in between those markers, but that doesn't explain the way the ball is screaming over the wall. Nor does Derek Jeter's assertion that the right-field fence is actually a bit shorter than the old one.

The only major differences come in the outfield, where three large scoreboards and a wall of ads have altered the channels through which the wind can flow.

"My guess is you would have to bring in a group of engineers to figure out why it carries," Girardi said.

Girardi did note that he didn't sense as much carry on the ball once darkness fell over the park on Saturday, though the Yankees have not yet had a night game at the new Stadium.

If jet streams -- and not small sample sizes -- are indeed the answer, then the Yankees may soon realize that their new stadium has become one of the foremost hitter's parks in the league. (Source)

04.19.2009 Bulls & Bears

Thirteen games into the season and fresh off a volatile series versus the Indians, we are debuting a new feature called Bulls & Bears.  In this feature, we'll survey members of the NoMaas staff, in a bit of a temperature check, as to whether they are currently bullish or bearish on the Yankees chances to win the AL East.

Reginald Cornelius III -- Bullish
I think we have enough arms to fix the bullpen and have high hopes for the offense once Alex gets back.  We also play something like twice as many games on the road in April as we do at home, so that fares well for us the rest of the year.

Gilbert Lowell -- Bullish
Wang won't be this bad.  AJ looks awesome.  CC will be great.  Swisher, Cano, and Posada all look great.  They have A-Rod coming back and Teixeira has yet to be 100%.  And the Sox seem to have just as many questions as the Yankees.

Sensei John Kreese -- Bearish
We're only 2 weeks into the season, and Matsui is already getting his knees drained, Teixeira is getting cortisone shots, and Nady is likely gone for the year.  We've already seen way too much of Melky & Gardner in the same lineup, and with players like Damon, Arod, Burnett, and Posada, we can only cross our fingers that they stay healthy.  I don't feel comfortable relying on hope as a strategy.  It's one thing to be great on paper, but the Yanks are already struggling to get their best players on the field with consistency.
 

04.17.2009 Designated sitter

Hideki Matsui was not in the starting lineup Friday for the third time in four games because of fluid in his surgically repaired left knee, a condition Joe Girardi said will be an issue all season long.

Matsui admitted the knee might be affecting his hitting. He's 4-for-27 (.148) and looked bad while striking out swinging in a pinch-hitting role in the eighth inning Friday.

Girardi insisted the disabled list is not an option right now but made it clear that Matsui's status could be a, well, fluid situation from day to day. "It's somewhat discouraging,'' Girardi said, "but it's something we're going to have to deal with throughout the season because of where he's at in his career with his knee.'' (Source)

We've said it before, and we'll say it again...one of the biggest mistakes of the current Yankee adminstration was not trading Hideki Matsui while he was still marketable.  Now the Yankees are left with a DH whose knees are so bad that he'll need to be evaluated on a near daily basis to determine if he can play.

04.16.2009 Please hurry back

Cody Ransom: .100/.156/.167, -17.9 UZR/150

04.16.2009 Home sweet home

15 runners left on base and a bullpen implosion.

Marte & Veras: 1 IP, 9 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 0 K
 

04.15.2009 Losing Nady is significant

Nady possibly being done for the season has significant ramifications for the Yankees.  While we wanted Nick Swisher to be the everyday RF and that will obviously happen now, Nady provides value, particularly in regards to the depth chart.  As we've stated before, durability is critical to the Yankees' success this season and certain players will require regular rest in the effort to sustain their health.  Two of these players are Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui.  Having Nady on the roster allowed Girardi to sit Damon or Matsui and plug a player of value back into the lineup.  Now what?  More lineups featuring both Gardner and Melky?  Not a positive development.
 

04.15.2009 Brian Bruney's last 5 outings

4.2 IP, 10 K, 0 H, 0 BB
 

04.14.2009 The stopper

Burnett stopped another 2-game Yankee slide by taking a no-hitter into the 7th, and finishing with 9 strikeouts, 3 hits, and 2 ER in 8 IP.
 

04.13.2009 Nick Swisher, please bear our children

If you are looking for objective analysis of Nick Swisher, you will no longer find it here.

04.13.2009 Yankees crushed by AL Champs

Wang throwing his sinker against Tampa
 

04.13.2009 Next stop: Baseball Tonight

Maybe one day we'll share a dressing room with John Kruk, but for now, we'll settle for print:

Kreese explains: "One of the running jokes on NoMaas since we started is to make fun of Schilling's lack of physical stature.  Ya know, that he's a bit of a blob."

Schilling, via email, said he didn't care to discuss the matter.

Click here to read the rest of the article on ESPN.
 

04.12.2009 Yanks miss opportunity to sweep in KC

Sunday will not be remembered as one of Joe Girardi's best days as a tactician.  First, Melky and Gardner shouldn't be in the same lineup, especially if significant firepower is sitting for the day (Teixiera and Posada).  Next, Girardi made some poor bullpen decisions in the bottom of the 8th.  After retiring his first two hitters, Girardi removed Damaso Marte in exchange for Jose Veras to face KC's Billy Butler.  While Butler has demolished LHP during his young career, Marte has established himself as a premium reliever because he has the quality to handle both LHB and RHB.  He isn't a LOOGY.  Over his career, he has held RHB to a .712 OPS and over the last 3 years, he's been ever better with a .686 OPS Against.  Let him pitch.

But, let's give Joe the benefit of the doubt here, as Girardi's bullpen management has typically been a strong suit of his.  Veras then comes in and walks Butler.  The situation is now two outs in the bottom of the eight, runner on first, and the Yankees are clinging to a 4-3 lead.  Girardi brings in Phil Coke who proceeds to get Chris Brown'd.  While it's nice to see that Girardi doesn't automatically believe that experience = talent, Coke shouldn't be used in this type of situation when history's greatest reliever is sitting in the bullpen.  Let Mariano get 4 outs and go home.  Fifteen million a year should mean he has to get more than 3 outs sometimes, no?

04.11.2009 Ian P. Kennedy

The "P" stands for "Pedroia", because he's dominating the minors again:

6 IP, 11 K, 0 BB, 4 H, 1 ER (Box Score)
 

04.10.2009 Rebound?

For the first month of last season, Robinson Cano hit to the tune of .151/.211/.236.  So far in 2009, Robinson seems to be putting that nightmare behind him and is off a torrid start reaching base in 12 of his 18 PAs, including 4 walks.
 

04.09.2009 Swisher makes his opening argument

After going 3-5 with a HR and a 2B to lead the Yankees to their first win of the season, hopefully Joe Girardi will soon realize what we've known all along -- Nick Swisher is better than Xavier Nady.

in
 

04.09.2009 Nice debut, jerk

Carl Pavano dining in Texas after allowing 9 runs in his Cleveland debut.
 

04.08.2009 O's take another, Wang flops

Considering they'll be playing Boston and Tampa a billion times this season, it might be a good idea if the Yankees take some games from the Orioles.

As an aside, and we're certainly not attempting to blame him for the loss, watching Gardner being challenged by major league pitchers is kinda embarrassing.  On the other hand, it's good to see Derek showing some power right away this season.

04.06.2009 Buzzkill

4.1 IP, 6 ER, 8 H, 5 BB, 0 K
 

04.06.2009 Congrats, Brett Marshall

Lane Meyer: Earlier you said you’d like to start at Charleston, that’s a pretty lofty goal for a high school draftee.

Brett Marshall: Yeah, I’m hoping Charleston.  I mean, if I stay for extended I’m not mad.  Not many high school guys start there – the last high school guy who did was Phil Hughes, and I’m hoping to follow in his footsteps.  I believe I can do it. (Source)

The Charleston roster has been released and Brett Marshall is indeed the first high school pitcher since Phil Hughes to start the season at Low-A in the year immediately following his draft.  Congrats, Brett.
 

04.06.2009 More interviews with the potential Bombers

RHP Madison Younginer -- Throws heat and the Yankees have already been to his house in South Carolina

RHP Matt Graham -- 6'4", 220 lb. fireballer from Texas


Interview with Yankees prospect and 2008 draftee, SS Garrison Lassiter
 

04.05.2009 It's time to rumble

Turn your speakers up.

04.04.2009 New stadium, hopefully a new April

Wouldn't it be nice if the Yankees got off to a start this season that didn't make you want to throw up?

04.01.2009 Mr. March

04.01.2009 If you don't know, now you know...

If you haven't been keeping track, NoMaas minor league correspondent Lane Meyer has been posting interviews on his draft blog like nobody's business:

RHP Jacob Turner -- Boras advisee and possibly the top RH high school pitcher in this year's class

LHP Chad James -- Baseball America's #17 ranked high school prospect, #1 from state of Oklahoma

RHP Chris Jenkins -- New Jersey's #1 ranked high school prospect

Lane has been a posting machine and if you'd like to stay current, subscribe to the Yankee Draft Spot RSS feed.
 

04.01.2009 The verdict

03.30.2009 The curious case of Derek Jeter

A few days ago on our Twitter page, we asked if 2009 would be another year of decline for Deter Jeter or a year of rebound for the icon.  No matter what your opinion may be, 2008 was his worst season since the tender age of 23.  Even in 2007, while still a very good year at the plate, some cracks in the foundation seemed to emerge.  Have a look:

OPS+:
2006 - 132
2007 - 121
2008 - 102

EqA:
2006 - .315
2007 - .293
2008 - .275

Isolated Power:
2006 - .140
2007 - .130
2008 - .107

Line Drive Percentage
2006 - 22.3%
2007 - 19.9%
2008 - 17.9%

AB/HR
2006 - 44.5
2007 - 53.3
2008 - 54.2

HR/Flyball
2006 - 14.7%
2007 - 9.3%
2008 - 9.0%

Stolen Base Success %
2006 - 87%
2007 - 65%
2008 - 69%

From reviewing these stats, it's clear that Jeter is slipping in two major categories: Power and Speed.  And if 2008 is any indication, the Captain is fading (pardon the pun) fast.  Surprisingly enough, the only place Derek didn't take a hit last year was on defense, where he actually finished with a UZR of -0.6 (his best year since 2004).  However, if Jeter continues his 2008-esque offensive decline and reverts back to his normal fielding self, how much tangible value will Captain Intangibles actually have?
 

03.29.2009 NoMaas staffers make their picks

Who will win the AL East?
Brisco County Jr: Yankees
Reginald Cornelius III: Yankees
Sensei John Kreese: Tampa
Lane Meyer: Yankees
Gilbert Lowell: Yankees

Who will be the 2009 Yankees' MVP?
Brisco County Jr: Robinson Cano
Reginald Cornelius III: CC Sabathia
Sensei John Kreese: Mark Teixeira
Lane Meyer: Mark Teixeira
Gilbert Lowell: Mark Texeiera

Who will be the most disappointing player of 2009?
Brisco County Jr: Brett Gardner
Reginald Cornelius III: Hideki Matsui
Sensei John Kreese: AJ Burnett
Lane Meyer: Chien-Ming Wang
Gilbert Lowell: Brett Gardner

Who will be the most pleasantly surprising player of 2009?
Brisco County Jr: Phil Hughes
Reginald Cornelius III: Robinson Cano
Sensei John Kreese: Nick Swisher
Lane Meyer: Christian Garcia
Gilbert Lowell: Phil Coke

Bold prediction for 2009 storyline yet to develop:
Brisco County Jr: Cody Ransom impresses, gives Jeter more days off
Reginald Cornelius III: Cashman trades for CF
Sensei John Kreese: Jeter's continued decline begins talk of him being a liability
Lane Meyer: Alex is outed
Gilbert Lowell: Phil Hughes gets called up, never throws another minor league inning
 

03.29.2009 Secret lovers, that's what we are

Right-hander Tanyon Sturtze has emerged as a strong possibility to make the club, Manager Joe Torre said this morning. (Source)
 

03.29.2009 (re)Introducing Gilbert Lowell

After receiving our stimulus money from the Obama adminstration, we made a key hire and are happy to announce the addition of Gilbert Lowell as a full-time NoMaas staff member.  "G-Low" has been an occassional contributer to NoMaas in the past, but we never could meet his asking price to get him here on a permanent basis.  With our newfound cash, you can expect more baseball analysis from this nerd.  He'll also be repairing potholes and bridges.
 

03.27.2009 More payroll education

Not only did we disprove the fallacy that committing a large concentration of payroll to one player prevents teams from winning, but it looks loading up payroll on one player is common practice around baseball.  One of our readers, Aaron, emailed us today with a spreadsheet showing that, as of opening day 2008, 26 of the 30 teams in baseball committed at least 13% of their payroll to one player.  Aaron writes:

Only four teams have less than 13% committed to one player. Big winners, all of em: Orioles, Marlins, Tigers, Nationals. Yankees are actually sixth-lowest in terms of top-heaviness (13.26%, just ahead of the dodgers and just behind the blue jays).

So you see, it's not about the money, it's about who you are actually spending the money on.  Good lookin' out, Aaron.
 

03.26.2009 Interview with New Jersey's #1 ranked high school prospect, Christopher Jenkins

Lane Meyer recently spoke with potential 2009 draftee, Christopher Jenkins.  Not only is he an intriguing prospect due to his height and strong arm, but he's a local kid from Westfield, New Jersey, and the #1 ranked prospect in the entire state.  Due to his commitment to Stanford University, Lane wrote just a couple of days ago that the odds of Jenkins signing were likely almost zero.  However, in this conversation with the young fireballer, we find out that isn't the case.  Click here to check out the interview, and if you want to see Jenkins pitch in person, you can see his scheduled starts, as well as videos of him at his website.
 

03.26.2009 Incorrect

Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days when people continue to argue that not having Alex Rodriguez makes the Yankees a better team.  While Arod is certainly a whackjob, it's quite ridiculous to assume that removing a 150 OPS+ hitter from a lineup will produce more wins.  It's also a stretch to believe that Arod's salary prevents the Yankees from fielding a winning team. 

Peter Abraham:

Meanwhile, I’m not suggesting Alex isn’t a good player. He is. But it’s counter productive to winning to have one player command 15 percent of the payroll. It never works.

The Yankees should have let him go when they had the chance and reinvested the money in two or three other players. That’s what Brian Cashman wanted to do and he was overruled by the Steinbrenners.

So now you have nine years of a team built to showcase a cheater’s pursuit of an individual record. Fantastic.

Given how the baseball economy is going, the Yankees could have taken the $30 million they’ll pay Alex on a yearly basis and dominated the draft, the international market and the free-agent market.

Instead they’re trapped by him for nine more years. They’re paying for his decline. It was a stupid move then that gets worse every day. (Source)

Abraham is absolutely right that the contract is too long.  Giving 10 years to a guy already in his 30s is D-U-M-B.  However, there's a bunch of things wrong with the above statement.

1. We'd say the Yankees did a decent job dominating the free agent market despite Arod's salary.  Don't you think?  And as Damon Oppenheimer told us, player payroll has not impacted the draft budget.

2. Teams don't win when they commit 15% of their payroll to one player?  That's news to us.

World Series winners:

2008 - Pat Burrell - 14.5% (Phillies)
2007 - Manny - 14% (Red Sox)
2006 - Pujols - 16% (Cardinals)
2004 - Manny - 18% (Red Sox)
2004 - Pedro - 14% (Red Sox
2003 - Pudge - 21% (Marlins)
2002 - Salmon - 16% (Angels)
2002 - Appier - 15% (Angels)
2001 - Unit - 16% (Arizona)
(Source)

Thank you, we'll be here all week.
 

03.26.2009 Jeter leading off

It was revealed today that Derek Jeter will be leading off this season for the Yankees, bumping Johnny Damon to the 2nd spot in the lineup.  We've been advocating Derek Jeter to lead off for years, so we applaud Joe Girardi for paying attention to those crazy things that Joe Torre ridiculed Brian Cashman for -- statistics.  While the OBP argument may have been more impactful a couple years ago before Jeter's numbers began to fade like his haircut, this could be a move by Girardi to cut down on Derek's main squeeze, the GIDP.  It's well-documented how Jeter has made grounding into double plays the new black, but perhaps what isn't as well-documented is the reason for this.

Jeter is a groundball machine.  In 2008, he led all of baseball in GB% with 58.3%.  That isn't new though, as every year since 2005, he's been around the 60% mark.  Combine those groundballs with the fact that he's lost some speed (back-to-back seasons of significantly below career avg SB%) and lost some power (decreasing IsoP and increasing AB/HR), and you have the making a man who enjoys DP.  If moving up Jeter one spot makes him less likely to ground into double plays, then by golly, go for it.
 

03.25.2009 Rosenthal reports Melky is being shopped, but his reasoning makes no sense

The Yankees are telling clubs that they are open to moving outfielder Melky Cabrera, who would be a perfect fit for the White Sox.

Cabrera trails Brett Gardner in the Yankees' center-field competition. By trading him, the team could open at-bats for Nick Swisher, who was beaten out by Xavier Nady in right field but also plays center, left and first.

The Yankees have talked about trading either Nady or Swisher, but potential suitors might be more willing to part with young talent for Cabrera, who is 24 and four years away from free agency. (Source)

Ok, so the Yankees are supposedly trying to trade Melky, fine.  We'd look to trade Gardner before Melky, because they both stink and you could probably get more for Mr. Spring Training than Melky...but whatever, you say tomato, we say tomahto (is that how you would spell that?).  There are three parts of Rosenthal's blurb that don't make sense to us.

1. The random mention of the White Sox.  Are the White Sox interested?

2. Young talent for Melky.  Define "talent" because who's going to give up a meaningful player for someone who's regressed two seasons in a row.

3. Opening ABs for Swisher.  How does trading Melky affect Nick Swisher's playing time at all?  Is Rosenthal implying that Cabrera would take away ABs from Swisher?  If that's the plan, then Girardi and the entire front office should be tied up and thrown into the Hudson.  In other words, Rosenthal needs to think before he types.

If the Yankees are actively shopping Melky, it's probably because they realize they have two lousy options for CF and you might as well see what you can get for one of them.
 

03.23.2009 Losing a legend: The retirement of Curt Schilling


 

03.23.2009 Lousy decision by Girardi

With two weeks remaining in Spring Training, Xavier Nady has moved ahead of Nick Swisher in the race to serve as the Opening Day right fielder, Yankees manager Joe Girardi confirmed on Monday.
"If we were to break today, Nady would be my right fielder," Girardi said. (Source)

And more from our boy, T-Kep:

The Swisher we see in the clubhouse is the same as the virtual one on Twitter. He’s all smiles and back slaps and good-time music. That’s why it was interesting today to see a subdued Swisher, one who tried very hard to mask his disappointment at learning from Manager Joe Girardi that Xavier Nady would be the regular right fielder.

“I’ve been thinking all day about what I wanted to say,” Swisher told us after the game, an 8-3 loss to the Phillies. “I’m the type of guy, I want to play every day, there’s no doubt about that. I guess we’re just going to see how it plays out. (Source)

Girardi's decision to make Xavier Nady the everyday right fielder is a poor one.  Even Rob Neyer agrees with us.  On February 22nd, we made the case why Swisher is clearly a better player than Nady.  We'll post our comparison table again:

03.22.2009 Yankees' biggest weakness: Durability

- Damon missed 21 games in 2007, and 19 in 2008.
- Posada missed 111 games in 2008.
- Matsui missed 21 games in 2007 and 69 in 2008.
- Jeter will be 35 in June.
- Arod missed 24 games in 2008, out for opening month of 2009 season.
- Burnett, no explanation needed.
- Pettitte will be 37 in June.

Hopefully, the Yankees have a really good first-aid kit.

03.20.2009 Live chat on Sunday night, 7pm

In our first live chat since late-January, NoMaas' Sensei John Kreese will be inquiring about your age, sex, and location in the hopes of meeting up in the public bathroom of a nearby Burger King.  He'll also be fielding your questions about anything NoMaas or Yankee-related.  Talk about the recent trip to Tampa, AL East predictions, the battle in CF, how to properly defend a crane kick...whatever your little hearts desire.  Tune in this Sunday at 7PM EST.


 

03.18.2009 I know the guy who owns this place

03.17.2009 Rejected Details photoshoot

03.17.2009 NoMaas exclusive: Arod posed for other mags

In a NoMaas exclusive report, our sources have revealed that Alex Rodriguez has posed for other magazines beside Details.  We have obtained the actual pictures that will hit newsstands in the near future.

National Geographic:



Military History:



And lastly:

 

03.16.2009 Happy St. Patrick's Day

Will the 2009 season bring luck for the Yankees?
 

03.16.2009 Attention struggling families: Bobby Abreu knows your pain

Not a soul is weeping over Bobby Abreu's massive pay cut, not even Abreu himself. But the former Yankees outfielder, who went from a $16-million salary last year to $5 million now with the Angels, doesn't pretend to be perfectly pleased with what went down, either. "It was tough, what I went through," Abreu said yesterday before his Team Venezuela beat Team Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic second-round opener at Dolphin Stadium. "It was something that I never expected. "I was looking for years. I wasn't really looking for tons of money, like people said on the news. I was looking for years. It really surprised me. It hurt. (Source)
 

03.15.2009 What are you doing for St. Patrick's Day?

03.12.2009 Prediction?

Yes, prediction.

03.11.2009 Cashman in his car

After last Saturday's spring training game, we spotted Brian Cashman driving through Tampa:


 

03.10.2009 Royal flush

Over the past several months, we at NoMaas have been harping on the need for additional infield depth.  The injury to A-Rod only highlighted an already existing weakness.  In our ongoing effort to maximize the strength and flexibility of the 25 man roster, we offer two formal Royals as suggestions to upgrade the utility infielder role or possibly challenge for the third base job -- Mark Grudzielanek and Esteban German.  With Cody Ransom currently holding the starting third baseman job, the role of utility infielder by default goes to another former Royal and former ROY, Angel Berroa.

Berroa was brought into camp on a minor league deal to compete with Ransom for the backup infielder job.  He was probably slated for AAA to stash in the case of emergency.  That was fine when everyone was healthy, but with an actual emergency happening four weeks before opening day and some decent names still on the board, the time to upgrade is now.

Mark Grudzielanek is a 14 year veteran with a career OPS+ of 90, which is adequate for a backup infielder who has played over 1700 games at second base and shortstop.  He can hit for average and has average on-base skills.  His defense is still strong at age 39, though he admittedly has not played much at third base.

Which brings us to his 2008 teammate, Esteban German.  German was released on Monday by the Royals after clearing waivers.  German has more experience at third base than Grudzialenek, though his defense has scored poorly there.  He has a career OBP of .358 though, which would help the Yankees get through A-Rod's injury without another automatic out in their lineup.  German has also spent time at 1B, 2B, SS, and in the outfield, making himself a somewhat useful bench player once A-Rod returns, should Ransom not prove capable.

Neither of these players are going to be confused for All-Stars at this point in their careers, but both would offer an immediate and cheap upgrade over Berroa.

One man's trash...
 

03.09.2009 Marshall law

Right before he checked into minor league camp, Yankees' 2008 6th round draft pick, Brett Marshall, sat down for a face-to-face session with our prospect guru, Lane Meyer.  In this wide-ranging interview, the young right-hander talks about everything from his experience in the GCL, to his developing pitch arsenal, to how he was discovered, and to how he feels about being a Yankee.  Click here to read Part 1 of this great interview.

EDIT: Part 2 of the interview is now up.

 

03.09.2009 Views of the Spring Training complex

For those of you who have never visited the Yankees spring training complex, which also happens to be the home of the High-A Tampa Yankees and and the Hillsborough Community College Hawks, we recorded some videos to give you a view.





The last video is of the position players working out on the above practice field. We found out that the pitchers work out separately on another practice field that appeared to be shielded from the public.


 

03.08.2009 Smile

Pictures from our trip:

03.07.2009 The Boss was in the house on Saturday

 

03.07.2009 Footage of Joba

Here's some video we captured of Joba working on his mechanics. Don't forget to full screen these bad boys:




 

03.06.2009 Welcome to beautiful Tampa, Florida

If you like rundown strip malls, then Tampa is the place for you.  However, amidst this garbage dump is Steinbrenner Field, where we spent about 7 hours on Friday.  We've already amassed a huge quantity of content to post on the site, so it's going to take a few days for us to get everything up here.  In our first update, we're kicking things off with some video.  The first video is of CC Sabathia's spring debut against the first batter he faced, Detroit's Ryan Raburn.  The second video is of David Robertson working in the bullpen (Joba Chamberlain video on the way).  You have the option to full screen these too.




 

03.05.2009 NoMaas is in Tampa

At 10:00am on Friday, Sensei John Kreese and Lane Meyer will be touching down in sunny Tampa, Florida to bring you Yankees' spring training, NoMaas-style.  Stay tuned throughout the weekend, as we'll be updating the site with some great content -- pictures, video, audio...whatever we can get our hands on.  We'll most likely be posting big updates at the end of each day, but we'll keep our Twitter page rolling all the time. 
 

03.05.2009 Labrums & cysts

For some clarity on Arod's injury (didn't we just talk about lack of infield depth?), we checked in with NoMaas resident physician, Dr. Dale Beaverman:

So many rumors, so little time. Alex Rodriquez has been diagnosed with a labral tear of the hip. Labral tears in the pelvis are usually the result of repetitive trauma from something like, I dunno, the torsion that the is put on the hips when swinging a bat again and again and again. But...but...I thought there was a cyst? Well, yes, that too. The cyst that was seen on the MRI was most likely the result of the tear that has since been revealed. When tears occur in the labrum, fluid can accumulate which can cause the development of a cyst in the surrounding tissue. The muscles in the surrounding area would then be likely to weaken. The cysts themselves are generally not painful but the stiffness that Arod reported experiencing through much of last year makes sense.

The Yankees have reported that the cyst has been drained and that he is going to attempt rest and rehab. While it's possible that the labrum tear could heal with rest, surgical intervention is generally the recommended cure. Both Chase Utley and Mike Lowell had surgery this past fall to repair labral tears. In both cases the recovery and rehab was significantly longer than the 6-8 or the 10 weeks that were rumored should Arod have elected surgury but since we don't know the true extent of the damage we can only defer to the medical experts. Hopefully the tears that Arod has experienced are less severe and the usually uber-cautious Yankees have made the right decision. He most likely will need surgery eventually. The question is can it wait until after the season. Personally, I'm having a few flashbacks to an eerily similar decision involving Jorge Posada's shoulder just last season.
 

03.03.2009 Arod offers a compliment to Jose Reyes...OH MY GOD!1!11!

After he saw his Dominican Republic team beat the Florida Marlins on Tuesday, Arod offered the following comment on his teammate, Jose Reyes:

“I wish he was leading off on our team or playing on our team. That’s fun to watch.” (Source)

A simple compliment about a fellow World Baseball Classic teammate, no Not according to the Journal News' Peter Abraham who delivered this sarcastic diatribe:

Alex Rodriguez told reporters in Jupiter today that he wished Jose Reyes played for the Yankees.

He then sent word through a team PR man that his comments shouldn’t be taken as a shot at Derek Jeter. No, of course not. Reyes plays shortstop. That’s the same position Jeter plays. How could anybody take that as a shot? (Source)

So somehow Abraham takes a friendly comment by Arod and warps it into "AROD WOULD RATHER HAVE REYES THAN JETER."  We'll ignore the fact that Jeter doesn't hit leadoff.  However, please direct us to the part of Arod's quote where he says he wants the Yankees to trade for Reyes and put him at SS.

This was nothing more than a compliment about a Dominican teammate, and a huge reach by someone who used his platform irresponsibly.

Abraham is milking everything he can from Arod.
 

03.02.2009 Checking in with Damon Oppenheimer

Yankees VP of Amateur Scouting, Damon Oppenheimer, has once again checked in to drop some knowledge.  In his 4th interview with NoMaas, Damon puts the 2008 draft to bed and looks ahead to the fresh crop of 2009.

Click here to read our latest interview with D-Opp.
 

03.02.2009 Da bench

Back on January 12th, we began our discussion about the lack of quality on the Yankees bench, particularly if Nady or Swisher was traded.  With both of these players still in pinstripes, the lack of depth on the bench has been largely addressed.  However, there's still weakness in the backup infielder role.  If Jeter, Arod, or, Cano are out for any extended period of time, we can currently look forward to ABs from Angel Berroa or Cody Ransom. 

When we made that original post in January, we recommended Ray Durham as an addition to the bench and listed the following:

112 OPS+ in 2008, 15.9 VORP, has been an above-average hitter for his career, 12.5% walk rate in 2008, can steal a bag, and according to UZR/150, he's been passable at 2B over the past 3 years (+0.7, -4.6, -0.8)

As of tonight, Durham remains unemployed and turned down a minor league offer from the Nationals a few weeks ago.  He is also reportedly contemplating retirement.  Offer him a minimum salary, a spot on the 25-man, and give him the chance to play on a contending team.  If he declines, at least you did your homework and tried to upgrade over the Angel Berroas of the world.
 

03.01.2009 And the winners are...

We will submit the following sponsorship messages to Baseball-Reference for their approval:

Curt Schilling: 38 pitches and 42 hot dogs. - Steve Kobak
Josh Beckett: The Ninth Grade called, they want their pre-pubescent facial hair back - Manny Gonzalez

We'll see if they get approved.  Thanks to everyone who posted to our Facebook wall.

03.01.2009 Before we get all excited about Brett Gardner...

...let's remember that we went through this last spring as well, when Gardner hit .393 and impressed everyone with his blazing speed.  He then went on to post a 53 OPS+ in 42 games at the major league level, striking out in 24% of his ABs.

We've made this point several times over the past year -- Gardner has wiffleball power and has struck out a high clip during his minor league career.  Why would any major league pitcher not go right at him, when he's only been able to get on base in the minors through walking?  He won't hurt you on the basepaths if he can't hit his way on base.

Now this Bret could hit.
 

02.28.2009 Red flag?

Jorge Posada experienced the first setback of his rehab process on Saturday, as the Yankees scratched the designated hitter from the lineup with soreness in his surgically repaired right shoulder.

"Jorgie wants to play; we told him that he's not playing," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "If it was the season, he'd probably play."

He was examined by Dr. Chris Ahmad at the stadium, and Posada said that he expects to be sidelined from throwing drills for two or three days until his strength returns.

"I knew there was going to be soreness," Posada said. "I was expecting it to be a little bit earlier than now. Since everything was going so well, we kept going." (Source)

?
 

02.26.2009 NoMaas on the radio

Sensei John Kreese and Lane Meyer will be appearing on NY Baseball Digest on Sunday at 7pm.  Hosted by the King of All Media, Mike Silva, you'll be able to listen live by clicking on the following link -- LISTEN LIVE.
 

02.26.2009 State of the art stadium with obstructed seats?

How in the world do you construct a venue that costs as much as the new Yankee Stadium and end up with obstructed views?  That is ridiculous.

The price of watching a fraction of Yankees games dropped to a fraction of its original cost yesterday, with obstructed-view bleacher seats abruptly falling from $12 per game to $5. Lonn Trost, the team's chief operating officer, made the announcement during an interview on WFAN. The ticket price applies to about 600 seats on either side of a sports bar that extends to the centerfield wall.

"When we built the sports bar we knew architecturally there is an architectural shadow," he said. "And that means there are a group of seats that are in the bleachers that if you are sitting very close to either the rightfield or leftfield side of the sports bar, you may not see the opposite side. (Source)

We did some poking around, made some phone calls, and checked in with our sources.  The truth is that the sportsbar is actually not the obstruction  This is:

 

02.26.2009 Honestly, how stupid can you be?

From our boy Tyler Kepner:

Alex Rodriguez employs a startling number of advisers and image consultants. Yet he continues to do things that defy common sense.

On Wednesday in Dunedin, Rodriguez left the ballpark in an S.U.V. driven by his cousin, Yuri Sucart. Yes, that cousin, the one he said acted as his drug smuggler from 2001 to 2003 and introduced him to steroids in the Dominican Republic.

Asked Thursday about the propriety of Rodriguez’s bringing Sucart around the team, General Manager Brian Cashman was succinct: “It’s been handled,” he said. Cashman didn’t say any more on the subject, but his feelings were clear. (Source)

Player gets caught doing steroids.  Player says cousin supplied him the steroids.  Player then shows up with cousin at Spring Training.

Either Arod just doesn't care or he is a complete moron.
 

02.25.2009 The 2009 NoMaas offseason review

It's report card time, kiddies.  NoMaas' Brisco County Jr. takes a look at some of the offseason's most notable signings and assigns his grades to each team. School's in session.

Click here to read Brisco's thoughts.
 

02.25.2009 Nice twitter

We now have our own Twitter page. Would you like to look at our luscious tweets? Follow us!
 

02.23.2009 Introducing...

In a new feature here at NoMaas, we have decided to honor those visitors who faithfully flood our site with ideas, sit for hours by their computers posting the latest Yankees news, and have likely never kissed a girl.  We present to you the members of the NoMaas discussion board.

About once a week, we're going to publish some of the most recent interesting posts written on our board, whether they be about a timely topic or just Yankee baseball in general.  So we ask, which social recluse will be the next Message Board Hero?

 

02.22.2009 There shouldn't be any competition

With Johnny Damon entrenched as the left fielder and Hideki Matsui using the designated hitter role to recover from left knee surgery, the battle for right field pits Swisher and Nady in a fight for playing time and at-bats.

Asked about the circumstances before Sunday's workout, the hyper-caffeinated Swisher immediately sought out Nady.

"X! Everybody's trying to stir all that controversy again, bro," Swisher said, as Nady shook his head in an amused fashion. (Source)

	Swisher	Nady
Career OPS+	112	108
Career OBP	.354	.335
Career IsoD	.110	.055
Career IsoP	.207	.178
Career BB/PA	.136	.059
#P/PA	4.25	3.62
UZR/150 in RF	9.4	-1.4

Swisher is better in every facet of the game. 
 

02.21.2009 Name that B-R page

As some of you may be aware, we've been sponsoring pages on Baseball-Reference for several years.  With the new baseball season right around the corner, we thought we'd do something a little bit different and let our loyal visitors write our sponsorship messages.

And, what two better players to help us with than Curt Schilling and Josh Beckett.  We're not sure if Josh Beckett knows how to use the internet, but you know Curt Schilling does. That means that insecure blob will surely see whatever we put up there.

So here's the deal.  We will select our favorite entry for each player and submit them to Baseball-Reference for publish on those pages.  To participate, simply post your entries on the wall of our Facebook page.  Post as many as you'd like.  But, we won't submit anything to B-R that contains words your mother would be disappointed to hear.  Keep it clever, not vulgar.  Good luck in your quest to become internet immortals.
 

02.19.2009 There's an app for that

AJ Burnett's iPhone:

 

02.18.2009 The Red Sox complaining about payroll is like Bill Gates complaining about his stock portfolio

Larry Lucchino claiming that every team except the Yankees spends in the same range:

"I think there are 29 teams that exist within a certain band, and there has been, in the last several years, one outlier that has been much higher. (Source)

Boston's 2008 payroll was at least 2X greater than the following teams: Colorado, Texas, Baltimore, Arizona, Minnesota, Kansas City, Washington, Pittsburgh, Oakland, Tampa, & Florida.

But yes, Boston operates in the "same band" as the rest of baseball.  I'm sure fans of those teams feel the same way.

 

02.17.2009 Regrets, I've had a few

You think he's happy he re-signed?
 

02.17.2009 Cash is pissed, spits fire

Cashman said Rodriguez could have been more explicit about why he took the drugs.

"The one thing he could have said was the fact he chose to do this to make himself better ... at what he does on the baseball field," Cashman said. "That's the truth.

"I don't think Alex is very good at communicating ... whether it's about talking about your game and the impact you had on it after hitting a home run or if he had a tough game at the park, let the team down."

"Anybody that's been in that clubhouse when he's trying to talk about success or failure on the baseball diamond knows that is something he is not very good at." (Source)
 

02.17.2009 Jon Heyman: Arod killed Jesus, Andy Pettitte is "sweet guy"

One of the most moronic things we've ever read:

The real problem is A-Rod's story. It isn't as good a story as Pettitte's.

A-Rod obviously doesn't have a sympathetic story like Pettitte, who'd been dogged by painful elbow problems for most of his career, was hampered by a congenital defect in that area, and who had the misfortune to hang around with Roger Clemens. Pettitte is a sweet guy... (Source)
 

02.16.2009 Arod to have support of teammates, friends at press conference

 

02.16.2009 Draft blog is up and running

We kicked off the 2009 draft blog three weeks ago by interviewing Yanks VP, Damon Oppenheimer.  Well, Lane Meyer has been secretly scribing since then and not telling anyone about it.  So, draft geeks unite and check out the latest updates: 2009 Draft Blog
 

02.16.2009 Type A rules changing?

The draft-pick compensation boondoggle that has left reliever Juan Cruz, second baseman Orlando Hudson and shortstop Orlando Cabrera unemployed could soon have a solution that liberates them from free-agent purgatory. Major League Baseball and the players’ union have discussed a proposal that would allow Type A free agents to sign with the team they played for in 2008, then waive the provision that prevents them from being traded before June 15. The Minneapolis Star Tribune first reported the possibility of sign-and-trade deals.

By agreeing to the deal, the original team would receive compensation from the trading partner – albeit not a first-round draft choice and supplemental first-round pick, which has been the reason behind the stalemate.

The rankings have taken a public lashing this offseason from executives and agents, who agree that its intended purpose – to reward teams for losing the best players in free agency – is corrupted by Elias’ dated formula. (Source)
 

02.15.2009 24: Season 11

The man's injury history reads as long as Derek Jeter's list of conquests. Will Burnett even make 24 starts this season, a feat he's only accomplished 3 times in the past 5 years?  Stay tuned to NoMaas.

 

02.15.2009 Lane's got a Facebook page

In yet another sign that NoMaas is Destiny's Child and Lane Meyer is Beyonce, our minor league guru has started his own Facebook page.  He'll be doing all types of prospect stuff there, so do whatever it is you kids do with Facebook.
 

02.15.2009 Arod issues another apology

Alex Rodriguez has called Sports Illustrated’s Selena Roberts to apologize for critical comments he made during an ESPN interview.

Roberts was co-author of the Feb. 7 article on SI’s Web site that reported he was on a list of 104 players who tested positive for steroids during baseball’s anonymous 2003 survey. Rodriguez told ESPN two days later that he had used banned substances from 2001-3 while playing for Texas.

“I know this lady from Sports Illustrated, Selena Roberts, is trying to throw things out there that in high school I tried steroids. I mean, that’s the biggest bunch of baloney I’ve ever heard in my life,” he told ESPN, adding that “this lady is coming out with all these allegations, all these lies.”

Roberts said Sunday that Rodriguez called her last Wednesday. She didn’t want to comment on the call until Rodriguez holds a news conference after arriving at spring training Tuesday. (Source)

He's a PR nightmare.
 

02.12.2009 More testing controversy

Former All-Star second baseman Roberto Alomar has full-blown AIDS and insisted on having unprotected sex, his ex-girlfriend charged in a lawsuit, according to a report by the New York Daily News early Wednesday morning.  The claim is being made by Ilyna Dall, 31, who said she lived with the former Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets star for three years, according to the report.

In papers filed in state and federal court, Dall said Alomar finally was tested in January 2006 while suffering from a cough, fatigue and shingles, the Daily News reported.

"The test results of him being HIV-positive was given to him and the plaintiff on or about February 6, 2006," the $15-million negligence suit read. (Source)


And the players want answers:

"I'd be for all of the 104 positives being named, and the game moving on if that is at all possible," Schilling wrote recently in his blog, "38 pitches." "In my opinion, if you don't do that, then the other 600-700 players are going to be guilty by association forever." (Source)
 

02.11.2009 NoMaas Exclusive: We have the list

Sports Illustrated's Selena Roberts has kindly provided NoMaas with the complete list of the 104 players who tested positive for steroids in 2003. We thank Selena for her efforts.

 

02.09.2009 P-Abe, this is really poor

In this blog entry, Peter Abraham examines Arod's Texas numbers and claims that his stats were inflated due to PEDs.  Peter, if you want to join in on the A-Rod Flame Fest, please do it in a way that doesn't make you look unintelligent and biased.  Don't you think hitting at The Ballpark in Arlington during ages 25-27 might have something to do with that?

Also, when you calm down for a second, take a look at Arod's Baseball-Reference page and notice that his two best seasons according to park-adjusted OPS+ were both with the Yankees (by the way, his last season in Seattle was better than any of his seasons in Texas).
 

02.09.2009 In case you haven't seen it

Don't know how long this will be available, but here you go:

 

02.08.2009 A Boston writer makes some great points

No, this isn't a joke.  We're serious.  Maybe there is a bastion of hope deep within that valley of filth.

Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe:

So now we have it, the Great American Scandal. Alex Rodriguez meets Steroids. Finally, we have an intersection of our soap operatic A-Rod obsession and the plague that infected our national pastime.

Here's how we should know that we've had enough: Some of us are starting to feel compassion for him. Don't know about the rest of you folks, but some of us out here have long since run out of outrage. It was long taken by everyone from Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens to Mark McGwire and Rafael Palmeiro. Now into the mix comes Rodriguez, a prototype for the psychologically and emotionally damaged megastar whose existence has played out before the American public like the life of Jim Carrey in "The Truman Show."

For the moment, here's the biggest problem: There reportedly were 103 other names on that list. Who are the others? Why don't we know? Is it even remotely possible that Rodriguez's name appears on a list with 103 utility men and bit players, that he is the only notable presence among a cast of extras and stand-ins?

Or has it reached the point now that we get to pick and choose whom we decide to smear, deconstruct and castigate?

Before anyone jumps to conclusions, nobody is suggesting that Rodriguez is innocent here. That's not the point. But he's not even close to being alone. Had the Boston Globe or New York Times or ESPN received the same information that Sports Illustrated received about Rodriguez failing a drug test during the 2003 season, we all would have printed it out of professional obligation. At the same time, we cannot help but wonder why certain sources selected Rodriguez's name from a list of 104 and streamlined it to the nation when 103 others effectively were ignored.

Here in Boston, save for the affair involving Patriots safety Rodney Harrison, we have been surprisingly immune from performance-enhancing crimes in the world of professional sports. (Harrison served a four-game suspension in 2007 after admitting that he used human growth hormone.) Even then, more than a few Englanders defended Harrison's actions by suggesting he was merely trying to recover from an injury so that he return to the field more quickly, apologists turning a blind eye to the sins of their own.

As for any transgressions that have taken place at Fenway Park, let's not fool ourselves. There must have been at least some deceit. When Major League Baseball released the Mitchell Report late in 2007, details included an e-mail from Theo Epstein concerning the possible steroid use of reliever Eric Gagne -- the Sox made a trade for Gagne anyway -- and a photocopy of a personal check written in 2001 by former Sox first baseman Mo Vaughn to known steroids dealer and former New York Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski. Vaughn declined to speak to Mitchell, and so we can only wonder if Vaughn was using performance enhancers during the 1995 and 1996 seasons, his peak years in Boston, which included one Most Valuable Player Award (1995).

In 2003, the year of Rodriguez's alleged steroid use, Rodriguez won the MVP. It was after that season that the Red Sox tried to trade for him. The results of testing conducted that season were intended to remain anonymous and were for the singular purpose of implementing a new testing policy. According to the SI report, a total of 1,198 players were tested, meaning that 8.8 percent were caught using some form of illegal substance. Know what 8.8 percent translates into? About two players per 25-man roster, about 3.5 players per 40-man. Keep that in mind before arguing that the Red Sox took the field with a cast of altar boys. (Source)
 

02.07.2009 We now wait for Alex

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02.07.2009 BREAKING NEWS: A-Rod lands new sponsorship deal

 

02.07.2009 SI.com: Arod was on the juice in 2003

In 2003, when he won the American League home run title and the AL Most Valuable Player award as a shortstop for the Texas Rangers, Alex Rodriguez tested positive for two anabolic steroids, four sources have independently told Sports Illustrated.

Rodriguez's name appears on a list of 104 players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball's '03 survey testing, SI's sources say. As part of a joint agreement with the MLB Players Association, the testing was conducted to determine if it was necessary to impose mandatory random drug testing across the major leagues in 2004.

When approached by an SI reporter on Thursday at a gym in Miami, Rodriguez declined to discuss his 2003 test results. "You'll have to talk to the union," said Rodriguez, the Yankees' third baseman since his trade to New York in February 2004. When asked if there was an explanation for his positive test, he said, "I'm not saying anything."

Though MLB's drug policy has expressly prohibited the use of steroids without a valid prescription since 1991, there were no penalties for a positive test in 2003. The results of that year's survey testing of 1,198 players were meant to be anonymous under the agreement between the commissioner's office and the players association. Rodriguez's testing information was found, however, after federal agents, armed with search warrants, seized the '03 test results from Comprehensive Drug Testing, Inc., of Long Beach, Calif., one of two labs used by MLB in connection with that year's survey testing. The seizure took place in April 2004 as part of the government's investigation into 10 major league players linked to the BALCO scandal -- though Rodriguez himself has never been connected to BALCO.

The list of the 104 players whose urine samples tested positive is under seal in California. However, two sources familiar with the evidence that the government has gathered in its investigation of steroid use in baseball and two other sources with knowledge of the testing results have told Sports Illustrated that Rodriguez is one of the 104 players identified as having tested positive, in his case for testosterone and an anabolic steroid known by the brand name Primobolan. (Source)
 

02.05.2009 Who is Eric Fryer?

On Wednesday, the Yankees traded LHP Chase Wright to Milwaukee for 23-year old minor leaguer, Eric Fryer.  Fryer put up big numbers last season in Low-A (.335/.407/.506./.914), after a dismal 2007 rookie ball campaign (10th round, Ohio St).  For more information on Fryer, we checked in with friend of the NoMaas draft blog, Patrick Ebert.  To refresh your memory, Patrick is a writer for both Brewerfan.net and noted amateur scouting service, Perfect Game USA. He told us the following:

Most Brewers fans seem to agree that this deal likely won't have any effect on either team, long or short term.

For a little background, the Crew is painfully short on pitching depth right now, so even someone with Wright's track record is welcomed as long as he still has an option to burn (and I believe he does) since the Brewers have a spot on their 40-man to burn.

Fryer is a decent enough athlete.  He's versatile and the team did have him catch some last year, although he's far from a defensive asset behind the plate.  He had a good season offensively, but you always have to be wary about a college draftee having a great season (after a rather poor debut) as a 22 year old (he's now 23) who started the year in extended spring training.

That isn't to say he won't continue to have success, because he has some tools.  Those tools are solid, but not spectacular, across the board.  He can run a little, but he's far from a burner.  He has good, not great, bat speed.  There's some pop in his bat, but his HR power down the road will be occasional HR power.  He has a good eye, a decent enough arm to play anywhere on the field, etc.  He does receive high marks for his leadership skills, so that is a plus, making him a good, but not great player, and one that will need to continue to put up big numbers as he ascends to be considered a legitimate prospect.  He probably maxes out as a super-utility player in the mold of Brian Banks, and such players do have value, even if it doesn't seem like very much.
 

02.04.2009 Stimulus

 

02.03.2009 Captain.

"I'm just curious as to why people keep asking the same questions over and over. We've been down this road before. Alex is a teammate. I support him. Our whole team is behind him. We all support him. And we're looking forward to a new season. (Source)

 

02.03.2009 Captain?

No one, of course, tells Derek Jeter what to do, and I don't presume to try. But it is my considered opinion that Jeter can hide for only so long behind his stock answer, "I haven't read the book yet.''

The book is out Tuesday. Time to start reading. And he doesn't even have to read it to come out and say, simply: "Alex is my teammate. Alex is our guy. Everyone in this clubhouse stands behind him.''

And that has to include the captain. Because that's what captains do.

For all of his celebrated blandness, Jeter has roused himself to come to the spirited defense of a couple of most unlikely - some would say unworthy - recipients, namely Roger Clemens and Jason Giambi. But when it comes to A-Rod, Jeter continually hangs him out to dry. (Source)

So we ask:

02.02.2009 Tampa bound

The ambiguously gay duo of Sensei John Kreese and Lane Meyer will be headed to Legends Field for Spring Training.  The only detail we can release right now is that there will be one queen-sized bed.  We'll post more info as we get closer to departure.

On another note, we decided to add our Joe Torre collection to our Facebook page.
 

01.31.2009 Narcissist appears on Larry King

KING: We're back with Joe Torre. The book is The Yankee Years. You have had some tough stuff to say about Steinbrenner. Here's a couple quotes: "He would be a tyrant who would second-guess a lot of stuff" that you did. "He was resentful of the credit I got." "He wanted to scare you in front of other people." "It drove him nuts when it made sense when I talked to him". That doesn't sound like the best --

TORRE: That's not saying bad things about him.

KING: That's not?

TORRE: That's not. (Source)

 

01.31.2009 Negotiation rule #1: When a player has no leverage, give him total control over his contract

The Sox reached agreement with Varitek yesterday afternoon on a one-year, $5 million contract for the 2009 season, according to multiple baseball sources. The deal includes a dual second-year option that allows the Sox to retain Varitek for $5 million in 2010; should the Sox decline the option, Varitek can exercise a right to return for a guaranteed $3 million, with the chance to earn an additional $2 million in incentives. (Source)

So what he only had a .672 OPS last season -- You can't put a dollar amount on leadership.

Love kept them together.
 

01.28.2009 Torre has taken sides against the family

While it seems that the general public is disgusted by Joe Torre, there still seems to be a loyal few who remain attached to his old, wrinkly bizalls.  The most common defense we're seeing is: "THE BOOK HASN'T COME OUT YET!"  The problem with this argument is that actual excerpts from the book are being published in news reports, like this one:

Interesting stuff on Pages 394 and 395 about Johnny Damon's physical and emotional struggles early in the 2007 season, when a leg injury sapped him of his enthusiasm and he began to annoy old-guard Yankees.

In a private meeting, Torre told Damon, "The kind of player you've been your whole life is the player who goes out there and fully commits himself. You're not that kind of person now. It's easy to see that."

To which Damon said, "I'm not sure I want to do this."

The book says one teammate visited Torre and was near tears discussing Damon, saying, "Let's get rid of him. Guys can't stand him." (Source)

 

01.27.2009 Kicking off our 2009 draft coverage with a bang: Interview with Damon Oppenheimer

We're kicking off our coverage of the 2009 Rule IV draft in a big interview with Yanks VP of Amateur Scouting, Damon Oppenheimer.  This is Damon's 3rd interview with NoMaas and we appreciate his insights.

Click here to read the interview.
 

01.27.2009 Now accepting your apologies

For years we told you about Joe Torre.  And so many of you thought it was blasphemous of us to critique St. Four Rings.  Well guess what, we were right.
 

01.26.2009 NOMAAS EXCLUSIVE: Torre to release second book

Highlights of the book include:

- His 894-1003 record before he went to the Yankees
- Blaming everyone else for winning only one division title in 15 seasons
- Feeling betrayed by GM Frank Cashen after leading the Mets to a 286-420 record

And last but not least, his inability to handle a pitching staff and his poor work ethic:

There were whispers about his problems handling pitchers, teaching fundamentals, arriving at the ballpark too late and leaving too early. (Source: The Atlanta Journal Constitution, Feb 2 1985, Page B2)
 

01.26.2009 Oh no, not stats!

Only much later did Torre start to put the picture together of what had happened to his working relationship with Cashman. The personal falling-out they had in 2006 spring training over philosophical issues, Cashman's decision not to bring back longtime center fielder Bernie Williams when his contract expired in 2006, his submission of odd lineup suggestions based on stats, his lack of regard for Ron Guidry as a pitching coach... (Source)
 

01.26.2009 NoMaas Evening Chat Series: Batting cleanup, Lane Meyer

On this Tuesday night, NoMaas will be wrapping up its evening chat series with our resident minor league guru, Lane Meyer.  In fact, Lane loves prospects so much that we wouldn't recommend leaving him alone with small children.  At 8pm EST, this internet celebrity will be answering all of your minor league questions, as well as anything else which your little hearts desire.  See you then.


 

01.26.2009 Andy Pettitte and his agent successfully negotiate 45% less guaranteed money than original offer

Superb signing by the Yankees as Pettitte is a fantastic 5th starter -- but the Hendricks brothers really screwed up.
 

01.25.2009 Classless Joe

According to a new book by Sports Illustrated baseball writer Tom Verducci, Torre was a bitter man by the time he left the Yankees in October of 2007, and he takes a few rips at the team that he led for 12 seasons.

In "The Yankee Years," due to be released on Feb. 3, Torre describes general manager Brian Cashman as a less than supportive ally who betrayed him on several fronts, and says that his star player, Alex Rodriguez, was often referred to by his teammates as "A-Fraud" and was obsessed with his perceived rival, shortstop Derek Jeter.

As has been reported, he reiterates the claim that Cashman did not stand up for him at the crucial meeting with the Steinbrenners in Tampa as the 2007 season wound down and the Yankee brass discussed whether to bring him back or not, even though publicly Cashman had let it be known that he wanted Torre back as manager. According to the source familiar with the book, Torre confronted Cashman about his role in the meeting and the Yankee GM confirmed to him that he had offered no opinions to the Steinbrenners on whether they should upgrade their offer from the one-year deal to the two-year deal Torre wanted. (Source)

Joe Torre, always cited for his dignity and class by the uninformed masses, has shown once again how unprofessional he really is.  Torre has decided to insult former players and front office personnel in what looks like a petty tirade from a spoiled old man with a perceived sense of entitlement.  What makes this news even more disgusting is that Torre is still an active manager.  We hope this finally proves what we had been saying for years -- Joe Torre is a:

 

01.21.2009 Obama appoints George Mitchell special envoy to the Middle East, Red Sox open new revenue streams

Former Sen. George Mitchell, the man chosen by President Obama as his special envoy to the Middle East, will bring a wealth of experience and credibility to the job.

Mitchell is expected to help negotiate a sustainable cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. Israel invaded Hamas-controlled Gaza earlier this month in what they called an operation to stop rockets from being fired into Israeli territory. Mitchell is probably best known on the world stage for the Good Friday agreement he negotiated between Roman Catholics and Protestants that created a cease-fire in Northern Ireland in 1998.

Mitchell's name returned to the front pages in 2006 when Commissioner of Baseball Bud Selig asked him to investigate the steroid use by Major League Baseball players. (Source)

 

01.21.2009 Dunn at $5 mil per??

Right now, Adam Dunn wants a four-year, $56 million contract. And who knows, maybe he gets it. Across baseball, Dunn's reported asking price has left baseball executives -- including those at 1500 S. Capitol St. [Nats] -- with their eyebrows just about raised up to their hairlines. Certainly you cannot fault Dunn for trying to name his price, but for the time being, he seems nowhere close to getting it. One agent I spoke with today said that "I think Dunn will get a max of $5 million per year. Anything more than that and I'd be surprised." (Source)

Trade Matsui, pick up $8 mil of his $13 mil, and sign Dunn at $5 mil.  Simple mathematics.
 

01.20.2009 Baseball: Where you can be terrible at your job and see your salary increased by 300%

...Cabrera signed a one-year deal worth $1.4 million.

Cabrera, 24, batted .249 with eight home runs and 37 RBIs in 129 games.  The campaign was considered a disappointment, as Cabrera was sent to Triple-A in August.  Though it is believed that he has lost some favor in the Yankees' hierarchy, Cabrera will come into the spring competing with rookie Brett Gardner to be the Opening Day center fielder.  He earned $461,200 last year and had asked for $1.7 million -- the Yankees offered $1.2 million before agreeing on a figure. (Source)

 

01.20.2009 Pinch hitting: Peter Gammons

Baseball news is a bit slow right now, so we'll be showcasing other writers in a series of pinch hitters.  First up is Peter Gammons, who is a Hall of Fame baseball writer and employee of ESPN.

Here is his post:
-----------

Theo Epstein spent this past offseason doing what he does best - being creative.  While the Yankees were busy buying good players, Theo went in the other direction - spending next to nothing on players who were either injured or near death.  When asked about using his ingenuity and soft, soft lips to acquire 3/4ths of Brad Penny's arm, Theo replied "Please stop urinating on my leg."  When Mark Teixeira turned out to be less white than first suspected, a sigh of relief was breathed throughout Boston when he and his probably Jewish agent lied to the Sox FO and signed with the Yankees.  While most mocked Boston for losing out on yet another prized offseason acquisition, I mumbled out of the left side of my mouth that Theo knew what he was doing.  I would have yelled it, but I was suffering my 3rd stroke that day and my mouth began drooping.  Theo rewarded my faith by signing Kevin Youkilis to an extension that would guarantee the 1st baseman would play in Boston well into his decline.  I can now reveal for the first time that one of the incentives built into Youkilis contract is that should he renounce his Judaism by the All Star game, he'll be allowed to drink out of the team's sink.

Only Theo.  Only in America.

Some notes from around the league...

Chicago has traded Pie to another team.  It's disgraceful that the Yankees can afford all the top free agents while other teams are left to exchange baked goods.  The only other working vein in my head is throbbing.

Jason Varitek called me on the phone the other day, his authoritative fingers dialing each number with purpose.  He wanted me to know something that I couldn't make out because I thought I was being cranked called by Mickey Mouse.  I'm also deaf in one eye and my thyroid just exploded.

Speaking of albums, my newest one is releasing next Tuesday.  Please be sure to pick up Peter Gammons: Oxygen Tent.
 

01.19.2009 Hope

 

01.18.2009 Happy MLK Day

 

01.18.2009 NoMaas Evening Chat Series: Next up -- Reginald Cornelius III

With this Tuesday marking Presidential history, it is only appropriate that NoMaas writer, graphic designer extraordinaire, and member of the darkness, Reginald Cornelius III be the host of our evening chat series.  Starting at 8pm, RC3 will be taking your questions about the Yankees, photoshopping, and the discrimation he faces on the NoMaas staff.  See you on Tuesday night.


 

01.17.2009 Grits, guts, and for the love of the game

Like I said, like Theo said — I don’t see the money factor. I don’t see the dollar signs. I just see playing baseball and getting prepared for the season.” (Source)

Boston's Kevin Youkilis after becoming a multi-millionaire during the worst recession of our lifetime.
 

01.14.2009 Cutting off their nose to spite their face?

The odds of Andy Pettitte's return to pinstripes, once considered a virtual certainty, appear to be dwindling by the day.  More than two months have passed since Pettitte was offered -- and later rejected -- a one-year, $10 million offer to help open the new Yankee Stadium as a member of the club's rotation.

New York has one slot open where a contender from the group of Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, Alfredo Aceves or Jason Johnson could join manager Joe Girardi's five-man staff. Sabathia and Burnett would head that rotation, along with Chien-Ming Wang and Joba Chamberlain.  That is bad news for Pettitte, who has been reluctant to accept such a significant pay cut from the $16 million he earned in each of the past two seasons.

"I care a great deal about the guy and what he's meant here," Cashman said last week.  "Ultimately, Spring Training is not upon us. The fifth starter is going to come, at this point, from one of those kids. If that changes, the best way to leave it is that we'll certainly let you know." (Source)

Let's get something straight.  Players only care about money.  They couldn't care less about fans, tradition, or loyalty.  When you're dealing with multi-millionaires, it's all about the cash.  So when you hear a player like Andy Pettitte say, "I'm not going anywhere" or "I'm not going to hold out" (See our post a few entries down), it's all a gigantic piece of fecal matter.

With that being said, the Yankees have shown the fiscal restraint of a subprime mortgage lender during this offseason, so it is very odd that they've taken such a hard stance with Pettitte over a 1-year deal.  Now, we have no idea what the Yankees payroll cap is, so maybe they really can't afford to go any higher on Pettitte.  However, if this is more of a stand on principle and Pettitte goes somewhere else, the alternative to the big-nosed hormone injector is not good.  Pettitte makes so much sense as the 5th starter.  As we've highlighted before, with Joba on an innings cap and Burnett likely to need a right arm amputation, the "kids" don't solve the problem because they can't give you the innings quantity (and in several cases, additional minor league time would be a good idea).  Second, Pettitte will give you league-average performance, and he'll do it in the AL East.  He pitched much better last season than his Baseball Tonight numbers indicate.  So if he walks, we don't see any better alternatives in-house or via remaining free agents.
 

01.13.2009 Picking splinters

More bench ideas for dat arse:

Nomar: Age 35.  He's like a Brazilian.  He only goes by one name.  105 OPS+ last season in limited action.  Still has some pop left in his steroid-devastated body.  Obviously, he's a gigantic injury risk:

He's now resigned to dealing with an often-painful "compartment syndrome" condition in his calf because his body produces excess scar tissue.  To continue playing, he must undergo periodic and painful therapy sessions to break up scar tissue. (Source)

But, he could be useful in a pure bench role, since he has played multiple infield positions.  Word is that he's contemplating retirement, but the Phillies have reportedly expressed interest.
 

01.12.2009 If Nady to the Nats...

Rumors swirl about Washington Nationals' interest in Xavier Nady and Nick Swisher, and Lane Meyer has his trade idea ready to go.  If the old Yankee Stadium was the House that Ruth Built, could the new one be Maxwell House?

Click here to read Lane's latest trade idea.
 

01.12.2009 More bench options

Rich Aurilia: Age 37, 8.4 VORP last season, .321/.377/.526/.903 against LHP in 2008, has hit lefties well during the duration of his career (.836 OPS), has already assumed a part-time role, has played all 4 infield positions between 2007 & 2008

Alex Cora: Age 33, bat is non-existent, but he's been an excellent defensive SS over his career according to UZR/150 (+8.7).  With 2008 seeming to be the exception (-4.4), Cora was 17.3 runs/150 above average in 2007 and +13.1/150 in 2006.  He can't hit, but he has good value defensively.

These aren't sexy options, but we're trying to identify any player which could provide some tangible benefits off a currently attrocious bench. 
 

01.12.2009 NoMaas Evening Chat Series, Up Next: Brisco County, Jr.

One of the NoMaas originals, Brisco County, Jr. will be doing live Q&A this Tuesday at 8pm EST.  He'll be taking all of your Yankee questions, commenting on the Hall of Fame voting, and discussing his height of 6 feet, 1 inch.  To participate in the chat, just come back on Tuesday night and join in the window below. 


 

01.12.2009 As it currently stands, the bench...

...is pretty much a disaster.

Yes, we have a long way to go before the season begins, but all of this trade talk involving Nady & Swisher got us thinking.  If one of these guys is traded, how bad is the Yankees' bench going to be?  You're looking at a variation of Melky/Gardner, Jose Molina, and maybe Angel Berroa or Cody Ransom.  Wow, that is horrid.  With aging position players in Damon, Matsui, Damon, Jeter, Posada, and Arod, this team needs a player or two who can do an above-scrub level job in the event of a lengthy injury.  Right now, the lineup has no depth.  So, we took a look at some available free agents who are likely desperate for a contract in this economic climate, and might be willing to accept a part-time role.  Here's one for now, because it's 1:30 in the morning and we're tired.

Ray Durham, 2B: Age 37, 112 OPS+ in 2008, 15.9 VORP, has been an above-average hitter for his career, 12.5% walk rate in 2008, can steal a bag, and according to UZR/150, he's been decent at 2B over the past 3 years (-1.6, -0.8, +0.9).
 

01.10.2009 Andy Pettitte said this on September 10th

Andy Pettitte, who starts on Wednesday, said he does not know if he will pitch next season but has no interest in playing for any team but the Yankees.  "Obviously anyone else would say, 'I'll go wherever I want to,' because people want to try to get the most money," Pettitte said.  "But, I mean, I'm not going anywhere, you know what I'm saying?  The Yankees know me enough, it's not like I'm going to hold out.  I guess if I had spent all my money or whatever, it might be different.  But it's not about that, really, anymore." (Source)
 

01.09.2009 A look at the O

2009 CHONE projections, courtesy of Fangraphs:

Johnny Damon: .276 / .351 / .417 / .768
Derek Jeter: .294 / .366 / .415 / .781
Mark Teixeira: .286 / .381 / .521 / .902
Alex Rodriguez: .294 / .397 / .564 / .961
Nick Swisher: .247 / .360 / .454 / .814
Hideki Matsui: .277 / .360 / .443 / .803
Jorge Posada: .266 / .363 / .434 / .797
Robinson Cano: .300 / .340 / .468 / .808
Melky Cabrera: .280 / .345 / .402 / .747
Xavier Nady: .273 / .327 / .456 / .783
Brett Gardner: .258 / .341 / .345 / .686
Jose Molina: .222 / .266 / .326 / .592
 

01.09.09 Carl Pavano, you are the biggest loser to ever "wear" a Yankee uniform

Carl Pavano's four seasons with the Yankees were painful enough on the physical front. But when speaking to reporters Friday about his decision to sign with the Indians, Pavano made them sound painful on the emotional front, as well.

"When you're down, you expect your organization to pick you up, not kick you when you're down," Pavano said. "I've had to pick myself up quite a few times the last four years." (Source)

Carl, we hope you choke on all that Sbarro you can buy with that $40 million.
 

01.07.2009 Going back to Cali

True to his unique form, he declined to put on the obligatory A's cap for the photo op. "It took too long to work on my hair," said Giambi, who showed up in blue jeans, a cool-dude pullover shirt and a black, fishnet scarf.

As for that Mattingly-esque mustache he sported last season, he swore it off, saying it ran its course during a hitting streak. "It was a bad look but it got hits," said Giambi, who has the workings of a Sharks playoff beard with a lot more gray hairs in there compared to his old Oakland days.

As for the infamous gold-thong underwear he shared in the Yankees locker room as a slump buster, I praise myself for not asking him about it. But, of course, someone else did. His response: "Oh, the gold thong will be here. It travels everywhere I go."

On ditching the pinstripes: "To go back again in green and gold, to put on white shoes again, that's going to be pretty cool."

Giambi made sure to thank the Steinbrenner family and the Yankees organization for fulfilling his "childhood dream" and letting him suit up for them the past seven seasons.

"I had the time of my life while there, but I'm excited to be home," Giambi said.  (Source)

 

01.06.2009 Yanks unveil Teixeira, torch is passed

 

01.06.2009 Local restaurants in Cleveland put on notice

The Cleveland Indians and free-agent pitcher Carl Pavano, a four-year bust with the New York Yankees because of injuries, agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million contract on Tuesday. Indians general manager Mark Shapiro said that Pavano, who turns 33 on Thursday, is guaranteed a spot in Cleveland's rotation as long as he's healthy following spring training. Pavano can make another $5.3 million in performance bonuses, based on starts from 18-35 and innings from 130-235.  (Source)
 

01.06.2009 Burrell goes for $8 mil per, bad news for the Big Donkey

 

01.06.2009 Live Chat, 8pm tonight

We're kicking things off with NoMaas' Sensei John Kreese at 8pm.  Submit your questions, comments, insults, fantasies, and the dojo leader will select his favorites for response.  Talk about the Yankees, ask about NoMaas...let's get things started.  FYI: It's a moderated chat, ala ESPN style.


 

01.04.2009 The Year in Review

NoMaas' Reginald Cornelius III checks in with his Top 10 Yankee Story Lines of 2008.  Reginald's dedication to NoMaas is an outward sign of Dustin Pedroia's motto, "It's all about championships."

Click here to read the article.
 

01.04.2009 NoMaas Evening Chat Series Kickoff, this Tuesday night

Batting leadoff, Sensei John Kreese

Sensei John Kreese, NoMaas' merciless leader and tyrant, will be conducting live Q&A this Tuesday starting at 8pm.  He'll not only be fielding questions about the Yankees, but he'll also take questions about anything you want to know about NoMaas -- the history, the drama, the child labor...Now's your chance to get a peek behind the curtain.  Just head back here on Tuesday night to participate.  If you want to submit questions beforehand, send them to chatseries@nomaas.org.
 

01.03.2009 ESPN, please seriously do something about this guy

Peter Gammons created a list of his top 10 story lines. When talking about CC Sabathia, he decided to make a completely irrelevant reference to his boy-toy.

6. CC Sabathia. Faced with the prospect of a $161 million contract, to go out and make one start after another on three days' rest was an extreme outward sign of Pedroia's motto: "It's all about championships." (Source)

Hall of Fame journalism?

 

01.01.2009 Some administrative items

A couple things...we organized all of our interviews into a neat, little archive.  It's now much easier to check out all the interviews we've conducted over the years.  Peep it.

We'll also soon be posting our top graphics of 2008 on our Facebook page.  Sign up.
 

01.01.2009 Shock rumor: Torre to leave LA for Marlins

The Marlins are expected to sign former Dodgers right-hander Scott Proctor to bolster a bullpen that has lost several veterans.  Proctor agreed to a one-year contract for $750,000, with another $250,000 in incentives, according to an industry source.  But the deal is contingent on Proctor passing a physical, and he had elbow problems last season. (Source)