Orioles sign Wigginton
The Orioles have signed Ty Wigginton to a two-year deal. I'm trying to figure out how the lineup is going to look, I'm assuming that he'll platoon with Luuuke at DH and take some time from Huff at first.
The lineup has a ton of versatility now, so who knows, who will be playing what position each day, I guess that will be something fun to look forward to. I guess it works. Wigginton is 31 and he hit .285 with 23 hrs, and 58 RBIs. Welcome to the team.
Update by SC: The deal is for six million dollars total.
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I'll be honest
I don’t really get this move.
[Guthrie's] president of my heart. ~PhilR8
by Stacey on Feb 3, 2009 9:49 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Wiggington
I see him as an injury insurance policy for Melmo and Itzuris. Isn’t this guy a utility infielder?
by Dr. Giggles on Feb 3, 2009 9:57 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
yeah
i’m not seeing the reasoning yet. maybe they are getting ready to ship a copule fo guys out in a package deal for something good?
Always trust your cape. -Guy Clark
by BPinOK on Feb 3, 2009 9:57 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
What are the odds
That Roch titles a blog entry “Gettin’ Wiggy With It” in the next few days? Gotta be less than even money.
I’m not quite sure where Ty fits. Great to have another power bat who can play a few infield positions, though. He could be insurance for a number of things: if Pie fails, if Roberts is traded, if Memlo is injured. But if no other moves are forthcoming, this would bode ill for Gomez’s chances of making the roster. (Assuming we’re projecting a 3-man bench and 13-man staff.) It’s also cashing Lou and Oscar’s tickets to Norfolk for sure.
by Brotz13 on Feb 3, 2009 10:10 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Well, that didn't take long.
22 minutes after I posted the above comment, Roch posted this:
I really do wish I had titled the prevous entry “Gettin’ Wiggi With it,” as Lindsay suggested. My bad. I was a little flustered.
by Brotz13 on Feb 3, 2009 11:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think this means
that all of us could have Roch’s job. But as much flack as the guy gets, I like him. He’s not as bad as Schmuck.
"This world extends way beyond this little field of dreams we're dancing in and I want to see that world"
by exitfare on Feb 3, 2009 11:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I never, ever....
…thought I’d say some shit like this. But Schmuck has actually gotten better. Since he took over the blogging for The Sun he’s actually toned down his stupid ass act and acted like a real journalist from time to time.
Roch still sucks. It was no act. He’s simply incompetent and extremely lucky that someone allows him to write about sports. That someone is MASN, ergo Angelos, which says plenty about someone who wasn’t even good enough to write for The Sun.
by Jonny Pops on Feb 3, 2009 12:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Roch vs. Schmuck
Maybe I’m being generous to Schmuck, but the thing I’ve enjoyed since he’s picked up the blog there on The Sun is that it feels like Schmuck’s in on the joke. He knows his shtick has over the years been a bit ridiculous and continues to be that way, but he makes it work for him. Perhaps my sense of humor is just way off.
Roch had his moments too, but I haven’t read his blog since he left The Sun. I did try, but the MASN layout for it is horrible. Probably not his fault, but that’s life.
Cry havoc and unleash the Esskay hot dogs of war! - The Wayward Oriole, Opening Day 2008
by Eat More Esskay on Feb 3, 2009 1:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
really, it's this is academic
they’re both insufferably bad. when someone links and i have to go read a post from either of them, i cringe.
by zknower on Feb 3, 2009 5:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Neither is H.L. Mencken or anything....
….but Schmuck has improved. He’s actually written some decent stuff on that blog of his and seems to have jettisoned at least some of that asinine character he was playing before in the column.
Roch is simply a douche.
by Jonny Pops on Feb 3, 2009 7:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And I stand by the brilliance of my comment
…OK, not really.
by punkrawka on Feb 3, 2009 9:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Rosenthal says he backs up MelMo.
Which is interesting, because Huff did that at times last year. But it does feel like the DH/1B/other slot is pretty crowded now… I do like that we’ve got 5 20+HR guys on the team, though…
From the Land of Pleasant Living...
by OEutaw on Feb 3, 2009 10:14 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
We did what?
How much did we pay for this dude?
by Jonny Pops on Feb 3, 2009 10:14 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
So 3 Mil a year?
This is a fine move for that kinda money to have a righty bat w/ power to bring in.
by Jonny Pops on Feb 3, 2009 11:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't like this idea when it was thrown about earlier
But for 3 mil a year, with the possibility of a trade or simply as insurance, I don’t mind this. He’s not a bad ball player.
by Dr Orpheus on Feb 3, 2009 2:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Um... don't we have Luke Scott?
There must be some more wheeling and dealing going on. I wanted to see Luke get full time at bats this year, so that’s disappointing, but at the same time, Wigginton was a +3 Win player according to fangraphs last year, which is really good
http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=1491&position=3B#value
But it’s also the best season he’s ever had.
by math_geek on Feb 3, 2009 10:23 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
J-Pops just asked the key question. W/O knowing that, I can't help but think that this is part of another move
probably involving more players.
On the other hand, if he’s cheap and ends up staying with us, it’s not a bad acquisition. He has some power and has played everywhere but catcher. Which means, of course, that we’ll probably have him spelling ZAUN until Weiters parts the waters and shows up at OPACY to save the forking franchise.
"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." Churchill,1942-- a rebuilding year.
by Titov on Feb 3, 2009 10:24 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Platoon Wiggy and Scott
One hits righties a lot.
One hits lefties a lot.
Together, they can combine their powers to hit everyone. A lot.
spring breeze / the green field / tempts me to play catch
by elk on Feb 3, 2009 10:28 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
actually...
they have almost exact mirror image platoon splits.
"When people ask me what my motivation is, I have a simple answer: Money."
--Jerry Reed, on acting
by j.q. higgins on Feb 3, 2009 10:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It's Roenicke/Lowenstein 2 - Electric Bugaloo.
Duck Around - a progressive blog about the Eastern Shore of Maryland. And getting off my lawn.
by duck on Feb 3, 2009 12:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i am TOTALLY down w/ that...
and, fwiw, it’s boogaloo.
obviously, you’re not a golfer.
"When people ask me what my motivation is, I have a simple answer: Money."
--Jerry Reed, on acting
by j.q. higgins on Feb 3, 2009 2:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Damn spellcheck let me down again...
Duck Around - a progressive blog about the Eastern Shore of Maryland. And getting off my lawn.
by duck on Feb 3, 2009 4:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
May also be a tool to sit Felix Pie against "tough" lefties
because we can put Scott in LF and DH/1B Wiggy/Huff.
Not to mention, a right handed bat is kind of a useful thing for us to have. With Markakis, Huff, Scott, all left handed, that was basically all our offensive power batting left-handed. Pie also bats left and ZAUN is much better against right-handed pitching. Izturis definitely preferred the lefties last year however.
by math_geek on Feb 3, 2009 10:42 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
we could sit Pie against mediocre to tough lefties and use Wiggy and sit Pie against mediocre to tough righties and use Scott. I like it.
Always trust your cape. -Guy Clark
by BPinOK on Feb 3, 2009 10:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Freel
Could start in LF against lefties over Scott or Pie.
by dkdc on Feb 3, 2009 11:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Excellent
Anything that keeps the bat out of Pie’s hand can’t be all that bad!
Always trust your cape. -Guy Clark
by BPinOK on Feb 3, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Wiggity has a pretty big hole in his bat as well
ZAUN! ZAAAAAAAUN!
LeighTeixGloves: Baltimore... for cons I wrote "losers" and "no money." For the pros I wrote "you like Baltimore." So that's two cons and only one pro
TeixMeix: what did you write under New York's cons?
LeighTeixGloves: nothing, because I started wondering where I could get a pink sweater-cape with the NY logo on it
LeighTeixGloves: oh, wait, under "cons" I wrote "do you ever want to have sex with me again"
TeixMeix: /lowers head
by CoachOfEarl on Feb 3, 2009 12:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That's great
For when we’re playing at Minute Maid Park.
IDGI. He rakes against lefties, in Houston, and during day games. That must be it. But given our 8 man rotation, I thought our bench players were locked in with Freel, Gomez, and BACKUP_CATCHER.
Per the below link, I suggest that he be referred to as WIGGITY from this point forward.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/bsplit.cgi?n1=wiggity01&year=2008
ZAUN! ZAAAAAAAUN!
LeighTeixGloves: Baltimore... for cons I wrote "losers" and "no money." For the pros I wrote "you like Baltimore." So that's two cons and only one pro
TeixMeix: what did you write under New York's cons?
LeighTeixGloves: nothing, because I started wondering where I could get a pink sweater-cape with the NY logo on it
LeighTeixGloves: oh, wait, under "cons" I wrote "do you ever want to have sex with me again"
TeixMeix: /lowers head
by CoachOfEarl on Feb 3, 2009 10:45 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
well
OPACY isn’t exactly a pitcher’s paradise. It’s relatively easy to take a lefty deep here. I imagine Wiggington will be the right-handed member of a platoon somewhere, maybe a combination of first, third, left, and DH.
Also depth for next year’s barren infield, I guess.
He was cheap and will help. Why not sign him?
spring breeze / the green field / tempts me to play catch
by elk on Feb 3, 2009 11:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No space on the roster
And a large number of pitchers needed, and a lot of them who are out of options.
I guess I’m not against it, but we can’t keep hoarding other teams castaways forever. This year is all about evaluating players (pitchers especially) for our run in 2010.
I guess he can serve as a backup for Melmo and B-Rob.
ZAUN! ZAAAAAAAUN!
LeighTeixGloves: Baltimore... for cons I wrote "losers" and "no money." For the pros I wrote "you like Baltimore." So that's two cons and only one pro
TeixMeix: what did you write under New York's cons?
LeighTeixGloves: nothing, because I started wondering where I could get a pink sweater-cape with the NY logo on it
LeighTeixGloves: oh, wait, under "cons" I wrote "do you ever want to have sex with me again"
TeixMeix: /lowers head
by CoachOfEarl on Feb 3, 2009 11:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Whatever
I’m just happy our bench this year isnt what it was last year (something like quiznos jaypay and moore on opening day?). DD can actually put those 1,000+ years of managing know-how to use now.
"I’m sure glad he didn’t try to bunt." - DD on Melmo's game winning double, 6/17
by daveh873 on Feb 3, 2009 11:23 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
AND HE'S BETTER THAN FAHEY
"This world extends way beyond this little field of dreams we're dancing in and I want to see that world"
by exitfare on Feb 3, 2009 11:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Who isn't? But I agree
In fact I can deal with that being the standard for any Os bench player/infielder added to the team in the next 2 years; at least he’s better than Fahey.
"Might as well just win this game." - Adam Jones, 4/17/2008
Adam Jones is the tits.
by KenDixonFanClub on Feb 3, 2009 11:50 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Bench
Do we actually have anyone who can back up SS, though, or are we counting on (freshly signed, 36 year-old) Jolbert Cabrera?
by Joltin Joe Orsulak on Feb 3, 2009 11:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Gomez.
"Might as well just win this game." - Adam Jones, 4/17/2008
Adam Jones is the tits.
by KenDixonFanClub on Feb 3, 2009 11:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Let's hope Izturis stays healthy!
I love Chris, but I wouldn’t want to watch him at SS for more than a game or two.
by Joltin Joe Orsulak on Feb 3, 2009 11:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Donnie Murphy, too.
"You have to discipline yourself so you don't come out with something just to say you made a trade. You have to make sure you come out better than you were before." - Andy MacPhail, 7/31/08
by getxstoked on Feb 3, 2009 3:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
eh
Can’t hurt I guess. He seems like a reasonable bet to post a ~.800 OPS. $6 million won’t break the bank at all. He might even be trade bait come July or next offseason.
by UMterp08 on Feb 3, 2009 12:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Roster
So with a 12 man staff, do we have Freel, Wiggington, Gomez and BU catcher as our bench? It’s looking real difficult for Reimold to get playing time in 2009.
"Hey Yankees... you can take your apology and your trophy and shove 'em straight up your ass!" --Tanner Boyle
by BirdFanInPhilly on Feb 3, 2009 12:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
He'll move up to AAA
And will probably get a look in Sept. Salazar is the one who should be checking the want ads right now.
ZAUN! ZAAAAAAAUN!
"I understand that it's a big-boy world and I have to move on."
by CoachOfEarl on Feb 3, 2009 1:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Salazar is a AAA player
He’s in the right role at Norfolk.
"I was trying to rob him. And he took my gun from me. And the gun was full of blanks. And he shot a blank into my eye. And now I cannot see from this eye ever again, the doctors say."
"Well to be honest it sounds like it's all your fault."
by SC on Feb 3, 2009 10:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Brain fart, me
I was thinking that they were both looking at playing 1B. They are both right at AAA. Before Wiggity, I figured OS would be up shorty after the huff-at-1B experiment proved to be a failure.
ZAUN! ZAAAAAAAUN!
"I understand that it's a big-boy world and I have to move on."
by CoachOfEarl on Feb 3, 2009 11:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Before Wiggity, I figured OS would be up shorty after the huff-at-1B experiment proved to be a failure.
? You thought Oscar Salazar would in any world be a better 1B option than Huff, even if Huff hits like he did two years ago?
"I was trying to rob him. And he took my gun from me. And the gun was full of blanks. And he shot a blank into my eye. And now I cannot see from this eye ever again, the doctors say."
"Well to be honest it sounds like it's all your fault."
by SC on Feb 4, 2009 3:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
fwiw...
ZIPS projects 103 OPS+ for oscar the grouch. certainly no great shakes for first, but an upgade over what we have been accustomed to.
"When people ask me what my motivation is, I have a simple answer: Money."
--Jerry Reed, on acting
by j.q. higgins on Feb 4, 2009 9:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm thinking defensively
And I have more confidence in plugging an outfielder into 1B than putting Huff there.
No, Huff stays in the lineup, unless he starts putting up Millah numbers.
ZAUN! ZAAAAAAAUN!
"I understand that it's a big-boy world and I have to move on."
by CoachOfEarl on Feb 4, 2009 1:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Chris Gomez just started looking for work
"I was trying to rob him. And he took my gun from me. And the gun was full of blanks. And he shot a blank into my eye. And now I cannot see from this eye ever again, the doctors say."
"Well to be honest it sounds like it's all your fault."
by SC on Feb 3, 2009 1:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I don't see how this affect Gomez
Wigginton has never played SS.
by dkdc on Feb 3, 2009 1:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn’t Freel fill in at SS in case Izzy goes down. I know he’s never played there but he can’t be much worse than old man Gomez. Or maybe the O’s plan on stashing another Cintron type in AAA?
"fuck the Yankees and fuck the Red Sox and all their players and fans and former players and fans and their loved ones and pets as well!" sickuvitall
by birdman on Feb 3, 2009 1:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You need more than an emergency option at SS
Izturis will need days off, and I don’t think Freel should be starting at SS with any kind of regularity.
by dkdc on Feb 3, 2009 2:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
"Izturis will need days off"
CAL AND MIGGI DIDN’T, BY GUM
"I was trying to rob him. And he took my gun from me. And the gun was full of blanks. And he shot a blank into my eye. And now I cannot see from this eye ever again, the doctors say."
"Well to be honest it sounds like it's all your fault."
by SC on Feb 3, 2009 8:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
there's just no roster room for Gomez
Chances are they’ll go with 13 pitchers, or will do that by the end of April at the latest. They need a catcher, plus now they have Wigginton guaranteed for two years, and then there’s Freel. So who goes, y’know?
Unless they do plan on just having 12 pitchers. Which they should. Because that extra shitty arm stuck in the bullpen isn’t going to make the difference. But I don’t think Dave learned that a year ago. Having the other option out there soothed him.
"I was trying to rob him. And he took my gun from me. And the gun was full of blanks. And he shot a blank into my eye. And now I cannot see from this eye ever again, the doctors say."
"Well to be honest it sounds like it's all your fault."
by SC on Feb 3, 2009 2:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If they don't make any moves,
I think they have to go with 12 pitchers, and shuttle pitchers back and forth from Norfolk.
I think the more likely scenario is that Huff or Mora or Freel or Scott gets traded and they go with a 3 man bench.
by dkdc on Feb 3, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Freel and Wiggity at SS
They have as much MLB experience there as I do. Well, they’ve been near it…
Freel played there a little in the minors, enough to show that he shouldn’t be there. This was like 8 years ago. I’m sure he’ll be willing, but able?
I guess if there’s an injury, you call up Gomez.
ZAUN! ZAAAAAAAUN!
"I understand that it's a big-boy world and I have to move on."
by CoachOfEarl on Feb 3, 2009 3:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Numbers game
If DT goes north with three bench players, it is hard to see anyone other than Freel, Wiggington, and a back-up catcher. If he goes north with four bench players, then there would be room for Gomez. With all of the out of option pitchers on the roster, it is hard to see at this point going north with 12 rather than 13.
by BaltoBen on Feb 3, 2009 1:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
At first I was skeptical...
But I like this move the more I think about it. Here’s why:
Really, there’s 5 guys—Pie, Scott, Wiggington, Huff, and Mora—for 4 positions — 1B, LF, DH, 3B. There’s plenty of playing time to go around, especially considering 1) the platoon splits of Scott/Wigginton, 2) that we really should be spelling Mora occasionally, and 3) there will almost certainly be injuries.
If nothing else, this will contribute to us having a real bench, avoiding nonsense like Brandon Fahey in LF to end games.
He also counteracts our very left-handed dominant lineup. How long have we been complaining about the O’s ineptitude against lefties? Wigginton addresses that.
He provides insurance for 2010 for either Mora or Huff leaving.
So, given the price tag, it seems like a very solid move, another plus for Andy Mac. I’m a little concerned because I want Scott to get a lot of ABs, but I think there’s plenty of room, as long as DT manages it all properly.
by U2boy417 on Feb 3, 2009 2:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
+1
It’s a good move for every reason stated. Wigginton is a decent player. This isn’t a Jay Payton signing. (To be fair to shitty Jay, he could spell in center, so I guess he had some use.)
"I was trying to rob him. And he took my gun from me. And the gun was full of blanks. And he shot a blank into my eye. And now I cannot see from this eye ever again, the doctors say."
"Well to be honest it sounds like it's all your fault."
by SC on Feb 3, 2009 2:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
perfectly stated
Especially the point about Fahey
"This world extends way beyond this little field of dreams we're dancing in and I want to see that world"
by exitfare on Feb 4, 2009 1:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
6 guys for 4 positions
Sounds good, but where does your analysis leave Freel. Don’t we have 6 guys for 4 positions?
by BaltoBen on Feb 4, 2009 9:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Freel can back up 2B, CF and RF
So even though B-Rob, AJ and Nick have those positions locked down, all will take occasional off days and Freel doesn’t necessarily play into the 5-for-4 round-robin every day.
by punkrawka on Feb 4, 2009 9:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Another value move by Andy
These are exactly the kind of moves we should be making for this year. Players that are undervalued like Ty and guys who are possible upside longshots like Pie and Hill.
At 2 years $6M; what’s not to like?
"Hey Yankees... you can take your apology and your trophy and shove 'em straight up your ass!" --Tanner Boyle
by BirdFanInPhilly on Feb 3, 2009 2:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
also, he kinda looks like a pig
But these things can’t be helped.
by Brotz13 on Feb 3, 2009 2:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
hey...
it’s not like he’s making a-rod money, there, pallie! he’s not even making memlo money!
"When people ask me what my motivation is, I have a simple answer: Money."
--Jerry Reed, on acting
by j.q. higgins on Feb 3, 2009 3:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Awesome, Phil
that cracked me right up.
[Guthrie's] president of my heart. ~PhilR8
by Stacey on Feb 3, 2009 3:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of uggos, or rather non-uggos, I'd like to announce that as of Val d'Isere, I am officially stalking LINDSEY VONN.
Thank you, thank you very much. No, really, you’re very kind. Speech? No-no, let me just say a few words:
Look, stalking Masha Sharapova just, y’know, “didn’t work out,” as the phrase has it. I don’t know what she’s telling people, but I hope we can be friends.
Anyway, if Lindsey insists, I will take up downhill. I think her comment “Yeah, right, you’re gonna stalk me from a t-bar?” was an indication that she is serious about our relationship. Anyway, the word “Ivanovic” has not passed my lips for 48 hrs. now, so on my side this is clearly the Real Thing.
"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." Churchill,1942-- a rebuilding year.
by Titov on Feb 4, 2009 1:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Orioles sign Wiggington
I have no strong feelings about this signing. Go on with your bad self Andy.
"fuck the Yankees and fuck the Red Sox and all their players and fans and former players and fans and their loved ones and pets as well!" sickuvitall
by birdman on Feb 3, 2009 3:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think its cheap flexibility, depth, etc
good chance Huff and/or Brob could be on the move in season and just gives more flexibility to Trembley and gives us cover for 2010 when we will have plenty of projected holes to possibly fill.
Now if he could just pitch…
by sanders833 on Feb 3, 2009 3:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
This struck me...
as a sign of prgress. Per Roch:
The six shortstops last season were Luis Hernandez, Brandon Fahey, Freddie Bynum, Juan Castro, Alex Cintron and Eider Torres. None of them remain in the organization.
We definitely have a better bench going into this year than we did last year.
Duck Around - a progressive blog about the Eastern Shore of Maryland. And getting off my lawn.
by duck on Feb 3, 2009 4:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
its hard to argue
on the margins the O’s dont have a better everything…
In the pen you have Chris Ray back, you have Matt near the show, a SS, a proven CF, bench depth, more organizational talent, Uehara, but it all still pales to the upgrades or continious infusion of talent that the Yanks, Rays and Sox have. Were running just to standstill…if we are lucky.
Starting pitching is the biggest equalizer…
The AL East is going to be a bastard division. Other AL teams arent going to want to play anyone from this division…same with inter league.
I
by sanders833 on Feb 3, 2009 4:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually...
If you look at what the MFY lost this year compared to what they gained, at best it’s a wash. Most number crunchers would tell you that they actually come out a tad behind.
From the Land of Pleasant Living...
by OEutaw on Feb 3, 2009 7:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
that's not true at all
CC Sabathia + 7.7 wins
Mark Teixiera + 6.9 wins
A.J. Burnett + 5.7 wins (although I think that’s a bit high)
Nick Swisher + 0.9 wins (and he’s going to bounce back from the past season)
Who did the Yankees lose?
Jason Giambi – 2.8 wins
Bobby Abreu – 1.3 wins
Mike Mussina – 5.3 wins
They actually have five legitimate pitchers, and Tex is better than Giambi where as Swisher is not that much worse than Abreu (if at all). The definitely got better, but it’s better for them to do it now so that when we are ready to compete, these guys have gotten older and less good.
by math_geek on Feb 3, 2009 7:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I can't wait to see the backlash
If the Yankees make it to the post season this year and CC chokes the way he has the past couple years.
[Guthrie's] president of my heart. ~PhilR8
by Stacey on Feb 3, 2009 8:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
CC probably wouldn't "choke"
…if his managers didn’t ride him to the playoffs by making him throw 300 innings.
by punkrawka on Feb 3, 2009 9:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
maybe choke is the wrong word
I mostly used it because that’s the word the Yankee fans and press enjoy so much. But regardless he did fall apart. I can’t recall 2007 but I know in 2008 he finished the season very strong. Horrible timing that his innings should catch up with the precise moment the postseason begins.
[Guthrie's] president of my heart. ~PhilR8
by Stacey on Feb 3, 2009 10:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
he did finish strong
But with Sheets out and the Brewers in a race, Sabathia was pitching constantly on three days rest. The Indians rode the hell out of him in ’07 too.
"I was trying to rob him. And he took my gun from me. And the gun was full of blanks. And he shot a blank into my eye. And now I cannot see from this eye ever again, the doctors say."
"Well to be honest it sounds like it's all your fault."
by SC on Feb 3, 2009 10:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't see CC choking
dude is a work horse. I can see it from others on the team. Like AJ “Pavano” Burnett
"This world extends way beyond this little field of dreams we're dancing in and I want to see that world"
by exitfare on Feb 4, 2009 1:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Neyer's touting the Yanks as the team to beat
I think they look pretty scary.
by pipkin on Feb 3, 2009 9:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That's OK
Digger Phelps (Idiot) is touting Texas as teh team to beat in teh big XII. He must have forgotten about OU and Kansas.
And this bit of insight from bobbert knight…Blake Griffin is one of the better sophmores in college basketball and IF he stayed 4 years he COULD be one of the best players in college basketball.
Way to go…ass.
Always trust your cape. -Guy Clark
by BPinOK on Feb 3, 2009 11:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I still feel the Yanks have more improvements
Phillip Hughes won zero games
Ian Kennedy won zero games
Wang won eight games
This year if Wang or Chamberlain go down Hughes most likely steps up, or Kennedy or Aceves. The staff is five deep to start with (CC, Burnett, Wang, Chamberlain and Pettitte) versus last year’s beginning rotation of (Moose, Wang, Pettitte, Hughes and Kennedy). Look how deep this staff is with bonafide replacements waiting to get in.
The other secret is the Yanks bullpen is much deeper to start the year and I still think Juan Cruz is going to wind up here.
Throw in more from Posada, Matsui, Cano and the Yanks should be good and deep from day one.
by sanders833 on Feb 3, 2009 9:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Posada, Matsui, and Cano
2 of them will be -WAR. And one of Hughes/Kennedy will climb a building, armed, and take down a newsreporter and a guy in a knockoff Teix jersey.
ZAUN! ZAAAAAAAUN!
"I understand that it's a big-boy world and I have to move on."
by CoachOfEarl on Feb 3, 2009 11:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
its funny coach
a year ago Hughes was better then Santana
Posada was worth 52 mil and now Tek is worth 5.2 (or there abouts)
Cano was worth a long term deal and you can get Hudson for magic beans
and corner OF/DH like Matusi, Garrett Anderson well….
and then again Dempster was worth 52 mil
something inefficient here doesnt one think…
by sanders833 on Feb 4, 2009 12:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But
Sabathia & Teixeira just posted career years. Burnett’s number is high.
Either Swisher or Nady won’t make the team as they’re both actively being shopped.
They are definitely deeper pitching wise, provided Hughes & Kennedy are actually who they’re thought to be instead of who they’ve shown to be thus far. I think it’s pretty interesting that their stud reliever has nailed down a rotation spot while their two supposed blue chipper arms can’t keep the team from re-signing Andy Pettitte & handing him the #5 slot.
One thing’s for sure, I do not envy the pitcher who has to face Jeter, Teixeira, and A-Rod in the same inning.
From the Land of Pleasant Living...
by OEutaw on Feb 4, 2009 9:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Meh.
Jeter leading off the inning will not intimidate many pitchers next year. He’s really slowing down.
by zknower on Feb 4, 2009 11:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But the man can jump! Hit him a grounder 'n' see!
"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." Churchill,1942-- a rebuilding year.
by Titov on Feb 6, 2009 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I actually think the Orioles are catching up, in a way.
The Yankees spend tons and tons of money, but don’t get many good young players. Therefore, they constantly need to spend tons of money to bring in people to compensate for the fact that all of their players are getting older.
The Rays are really good right now with a great farm system, but that’s going to be difficult to mantain unless they are willing to spend money (and they aren’t)
The Blue Jays are very good, but not as good as the Rays.
The Red Sox are actually the most well-rounded of our division rivals, with very good prospect acquisition and the ability to spend money on big name players and keeping their players. I’d say they have the most reliable model of success, and the one I hope the Orioles can emulate.
by math_geek on Feb 3, 2009 4:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think you are right
and that might show up in say 2010 or 2011 after the Yanks have gorged themselves with payroll.
The one thing you under estimate though is I think the Rays GM might just be the best in baseball. Trading Edwin Jackson for Joyce is the perfect example of restocking by moving a player that doesnt even have a role for a cheaper player, not available in the system with the full six years. The Rays will most likely trade off Kazmir or Shields for prospects or maybe even a Crawford or Upton if they determine they cant resign them. The Rays have a number of pitching prospects and may feel trading Kaz or Shields (both signed by the way) is the best way to save money and repopulate the farm or major league roster. Dont under estimate the impact that winning will have on their attendance. The payroll may actually have a little room to grow and they might save some money in the draft since they wont have the first pick again for awhile.
I would like to see the O’s emulate the Rays first, begin winning and then emulate the Sox as the fan base comes back giving the O’s the opportunity to significantly increase payroll expenditures. For now increase draft bonuses, international signings, etc.
My point was 2009 is still one year away from hopefully seeing a large infusion of talent from the minors starting with Mr. Matt Wieters hopefully to be joined by Mr. Matusz, Tillman and Arrieta and a number of other pitchers who should be end of rotation starters or possible bullpen arms. Plus I hope we are again able to snare top players in the amateur draft in 2009/2010, possibly add a significant free agent next year or acquire players in season (I have Adrian Gonzalez on the brain).
by sanders833 on Feb 3, 2009 10:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Wiggity at 3B next year?
Definite possibility.
ZAUN! ZAAAAAAAUN!
"I understand that it's a big-boy world and I have to move on."
by CoachOfEarl on Feb 4, 2009 7:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs























