2010 MLB Season

[paul secor]

Whoever wins the NY/Texas playoff, at least I've seen the last of A.J. Burnett this year.

I thought A.J. actually pitched fairly well last night--if Joe Girardi had lifted him after the IBB, as he should have, that game might have had a very different outcome. (In fact, Jsngry, Joe's managing of the bullpen in Game 4 comes close to giving back what Texas gave to us in Game 1.) If, by some mad chance, NY made it to the World Series, we'd probably see A.J. again.

6 innings and 5 earned runs isn't pitching fairly well - at least imo. You won't win many games pitching like that. If he's a five inning pitcher, who needs him? And for much of the season, he's been maybe a three inning pitcher. A.J.'s making 16 mil. and he's pitched like a minor leaguer since May of this season.

[ghost of miles]

Believe me, I'm not defending his overall performance--he had the highest ERA in Yankee history for any starter with more than 180 IP in a season, and we were 13-20 in games that he started. But given his 17-day layoff and all of the bad-A.J. mojo that's surrounded him, I thought until the home run to Molina that he had given the Yankees a quality start. Better than CC and Phil's first starts in this series, anyway!

More on "Grim LeRogue" via the New York Daily News:

Tucked in LeRogue's pocket, police found a picture of Alex Rodriguez with his face crossed out and a drawing of a small gun pointed at his head, a source said. Etched on the photo were the words, "You gotta go, buddy."

"He was absolutely out of his f-----g mind," said the source, adding that LeRogue was rambling the entire time he was in custody.

The slugger and the leggy actress were a hot item this spring and summer, spotted taking a helicopter tour of Manhattan and hitting several parties.

A-Rod left the Stadium Tuesday night without taking questions after the 10-3 loss to the Texas Rangers.

The crazed Bronx man, who did not have a weapon, also told police that he wanted to kill Bobby Brown, because Osama Bin Laden has a crush on the Grammy winner's wife, Whitney Houston, the source said.

But he opted to act first on his chance at love with the 38-year-old "What Happens in Vegas" star.

"He gave a rambling interview that he had an infatuation with Cameron Diaz," the source said. "He thought by going out and choking A-Rod he'd be a hero to her." LeRogue also told investigators he legally changed his name from John Rogan as a strategy to sell a 700-page book he's trying to market, sources said.

"I think it's publicity for his book," said his mother, Catherine Rogan. "I'm sure he's fine," she said of his condition.

[JSngry]

Hey, BFD. Everybody I know wants to kill A-Rod.

[Chalupa]

My God, the Phillies are an embarrassment right now. One dumb play after another. It's like they reverted to the late 90's all over again. Just shoot me now.

[Chalupa]

Giants over the Rangers in 6. You heard it here first.

[ghost of miles]

Wow. I can honestly say that I did not underestimate Texas going into the ALCS, but I sure underestimated SF as an opponent of Philadelphia's.

"These San Francisco Giants... Cinderella story, the crowd going crazy here at A T & T Park..."

[Tim McG]

If Buster Posey doesn't get Rookie of the Year...there is no justice.

Edited October 21, 2010 by GoodSpeak

[Chalupa]

I hate Joe Buck with the intensity 10,000 white hot suns.

[JSngry]

Why all the broken bats? Never used to be this many, no?

Them Giants look like a fun bunch. How about we declare pinstripes "20th Century Passe" in general and move on?

And yeah, "Buster Posey", great talent, but even greater name!

[ghost of miles]

For Jsngry and other Texas fans--a NY Times interview with Rangers owner Chuck Greenberg.

I don't know much about Cliff Lee, but what Greenberg says in there confirms my hunch that Lee may not necessarily walk away from the Rangers after this season. The Arkansas connection had crossed my mind before, and if they can convince Lee that this is a good, at-home place to be--and offer him money that's at least reasonably close to what the Yankees will probably offer him--then it might be a very tough decision. I know he and C.C. are buddies, but still, if he digs living and pitching in Texas, then it might well be worth taking the $100 million contract over the $110 million or whatever NY will throw at him.

Edited October 21, 2010 by ghost of miles

[Brad]

Whoever wins the NY/Texas playoff, at least I've seen the last of A.J. Burnett this year.

I thought A.J. actually pitched fairly well last night--if Joe Girardi had lifted him after the IBB, as he should have, that game might have had a very different outcome. (In fact, Jsngry, Joe's managing of the bullpen in Game 4 comes close to giving back what Texas gave to us in Game 1.) If, by some mad chance, NY made it to the World Series, we'd probably see A.J. again.

Meantime, what was with the wild dude who stormed the field last night trying to attack A-Rod--allegedly because he's jealous of A-Rod's relationship with Cameron Diaz? Guy goes by the name of Grim LeRogue... posters over at Pinstripe Alley were joking that it was one of the mods.

I thought he did a creditable job but Girardi a bad one by not pulling him earlier. Girardi has never impressed me; I don't think he has a clue as to what is going on. Looks like they're stuck with him as the Cubs position is now filled.

[ghost of miles]

Why all the broken bats? Never used to be this many, no?

Them Giants look like a fun bunch.

They've got soul, as does their crowd. It's been a blast to watch the games at A T & T Park in both the NLDS and the NLCS. I love it that Sandoval's nickname is "Kung Fu Panda." And DAZED AND CONFUSED is one of my all-time favorite movies, so I'm a sucker for a stoner pitcher who looks so much like Mitch Kramer:

Hey, if it turns out to be an Giants-Rangers series, I sure won't feel cheated in terms of an interesting match-up.

[papsrus]

And yeah, "Buster Posey", great talent, but even greater name!

Every time I hear the name it reminds of a woman I know who thought the lyrics to "Woodstock" were ... "I asked him, tell me where are you going, Mr. Posney." (instead of "... this he told me.")

She sang it out loud with a straight face and we had a good laugh confessing our confusion over lyrics to various songs.

Remember Boof Bonser?

(looking for Boof's baseball card, I think I stumbled across the website with most unreadable background in the history of the internets.)

Giants, Rangers, bring it on home.

[JSngry]

For Jsngry and other Texas fans--a NY Times interview with Rangers owner Chuck Greenberg.

I don't know much about Cliff Lee, but what Greenberg says in there confirms my hunch that Lee may not necessarily walk away from the Rangers after this season. The Arkansas connection had crossed my mind before, and if they can convince Lee that this is a good, at-home place to be--and offer him money that's at least reasonably close to what the Yankees will probably offer him--then it might be a very tough decision. I know he and C.C. are buddies, but still, if he digs living and pitching in Texas, then it might well be worth taking the $100 million contract over the $110 million or whatever NY will throw at him.

What would you do if Nolan Ryan looked you in the eyes and more or less said, "Son, we need a hero around here besides me. I like your style, and I'd like for you to be the new hero for the Ranger family of fans, and I will do anything I can to help do that, if it's what you want. Can we do business?" This is Nolan Ryan looking you in the eyes and being as serious and honest as any baseball ownership figure is ever going to be with you.

Now if you're a player, a player with a soul, a pitcher with a soul, some blabberjabber coming from a suited dwerb with a pinky ring and a cell phone and a big office and endorsement this and marquis that, well, what kind of a man are you anyway, that's what the question then becomes.

Just a dream, I know, but what a sweet one it is.

[ghost of miles]

For Jsngry and other Texas fans--a NY Times interview with Rangers owner Chuck Greenberg.

I don't know much about Cliff Lee, but what Greenberg says in there confirms my hunch that Lee may not necessarily walk away from the Rangers after this season. The Arkansas connection had crossed my mind before, and if they can convince Lee that this is a good, at-home place to be--and offer him money that's at least reasonably close to what the Yankees will probably offer him--then it might be a very tough decision. I know he and C.C. are buddies, but still, if he digs living and pitching in Texas, then it might well be worth taking the $100 million contract over the $110 million or whatever NY will throw at him.

What would you do if Nolan Ryan looked you in the eyes and more or less said, "Son, we need a hero around here besides me. I like your style, and I'd like for you to be the new hero for the Ranger family of fans, and I will do anything I can to help do that, if it's what you want. Can we do business?" This is Nolan Ryan looking you in the eyes and being as serious and honest as any baseball ownership figure is ever going to be with you.

Now if you're a player, a player with a soul, a pitcher with a soul, some blabberjabber coming from a suited dwerb with a pinky ring and a cell phone and a big office and endorsement this and marquis that, well, what kind of a man are you anyway, that's what the question then becomes.

Just a dream, I know, but what a sweet one it is.

Well, that's what I mean. I really don't know much at all about Lee, except that he's got a kind of Texarkana air about him that would seem to make him a good long-term fit for the Rangers. NY is a whole 'nother enchilada... not saying Lee couldn't handle the pressure. I think he could. But the scenario you describe above would, I think, surely be tempting to him. Texas would be a stable, very comfortable environment close to his hometown roots.

Most people think Lee will want 5-6 years at $20 million or more a year. If Texas can come close to that, I think he just might go with them over the Yankees, whatever NY ends up offering... at that level of pay you can afford to give up a few million dollars for a better shot at assured personal happiness. And I can see Lee seeing it that way too, esp. if Greenberg and company are working on his parents and his wife's parents as well...southern hospitality vs. Manhattan madness? I dunno, man, I think his heart might just end up in Texas after all.

Myself, I sure won't cry if we do get Lee, but I'd just as soon see us develop more homegrown talents like Andy Pettitte (one of the greatest, perhaps the greatest postseason pitchers the Yankees have ever had) or Phil Hughes (on the other end of the career spectrum, but a guy who I think will prove to be a stayer). Lee's had some back issues, too, which might be rather worrisome when it comes to signing a 32-year-old pitcher to a long-term contract. That's another reason why some of the folks over at Pinstripe Alley aren't necessarily eager to see the Yankees pursue him.

[ghost of miles]

Lee wants to be on a winner. My takeaway from that is that he does indeed dig being in Texas and has good feelings about the team's future, but he doesn't want to make it too easy on the Texas ownership in terms of a contract offer. Still, the way this series has gone down might push him even more towards staying with the Rangers.

Edited October 21, 2010 by ghost of miles

[JSngry]

From what I saw of the attitude of our offense today, it doesn't matter who the Yankee start, all that matters is that we get a quality start on our end. I'm watching Saggatha pitch and I'm thinking. "we can get to this motherfucker, he ain't all that today", and I know we could have, but before the chiseling could begin in earnest, here come Wilson with ,"WHOOOOAAAAH THERE, NOW....watch me not throw ANYBODY any strikes, YIPPEEEE!!! And if he wasn't Josh's partner in straightedge, I'd have aimed for a two-fer and blown him and Arrod up with the same shot. So, so much for the getting to Sammatha when your own guy is opening up room at the wrong end of the spectrum. Oh FUCKING well.

But I could see that they were not particularly intimidated by any of this, that they knew that it was just not a good day, and that they knew that the next time would be better. Cats was fucking w/Mo in bottom 9 making him work to 4 hitters just to show him that it wasn't going to ba an auto-3 and then kind of smirking about it. Gotta love that, that smirk of defeat when you know that you came up short today but by no means do you expect that to happen again.

So I hope that they know the difference between "know" and "expect" and what you gotta do to get them to come to dinner and stay for dessert, brandy, cigars, and friendly games with indecent names involving body parts real and imagined.

[BFrank]

[Dan Gould]

The chances of Cliff Lee not sitting in between Sabathia and Cashman for a mid-December press conference at Yankee Stadium are about .0001 less than the chance that Jeter will volunteer to play LF for the Mets in 2011.

[Brad]

The chances of Cliff Lee not sitting in between Sabathia and Cashman for a mid-December press conference at Yankee Stadium are about .0001 less than the chance that Jeter will volunteer to play LF for the Mets in 2011.

Oh mi god, we signed Jeter! Unbelievable

Seriously, players go where the money is. That's all that matters to most of them. This is Lee's big chance and maybe only one for a huge payout. He will go with the team that offers that, plus can be competitive. When discussing contracts we need to divorce emotions and keep it at dollars and cents. You go where the money is. This may be cynical but true.

[paul secor]

Whoever wins the NY/Texas playoff, at least I've seen the last of A.J. Burnett this year.

I thought A.J. actually pitched fairly well last night--if Joe Girardi had lifted him after the IBB, as he should have, that game might have had a very different outcome. (In fact, Jsngry, Joe's managing of the bullpen in Game 4 comes close to giving back what Texas gave to us in Game 1.) If, by some mad chance, NY made it to the World Series, we'd probably see A.J. again.

Meantime, what was with the wild dude who stormed the field last night trying to attack A-Rod--allegedly because he's jealous of A-Rod's relationship with Cameron Diaz? Guy goes by the name of Grim LeRogue... posters over at Pinstripe Alley were joking that it was one of the mods.

I thought he did a creditable job but Girardi a bad one by not pulling him earlier. Girardi has never impressed me; I don't think he has a clue as to what is going on. Looks like they're stuck with him as the Cubs position is now filled.

I don't have a big problem with Girardi except that he keeps sticking with A.J. no matter how bad it gets. If the Yanks do manage to win the ACLS, I hope Girardi has finally seen the light when it comes to Burnette. Unfortunately, I doubt it. I guess when you're paying a guy $16 million, it's hard to give up on him.

Guess my feelings about A.J. have become pretty obvious.

[Quincy]

Seriously, players go where the money is. That's all that matters to most of them. This is Lee's big chance and maybe only one for a huge payout. He will go with the team that offers that, plus can be competitive. When discussing contracts we need to divorce emotions and keep it at dollars and cents. You go where the money is. This may be cynical but true.

Not all players go for the most money though. Mauer, Tony Gwynn, Puckett are (or were) a few examples where each could have gotten even more money elsewhere.

Back to "going for the money", I wonder if now that's harder to earn a high return on investments if the no income tax states will start attracting/retaining more talent at the expense of New York teams. With the amount of money being discussed for Lee he ends w/ with roughly another 2 million in his pocket per year if the contract is equal and the paycheck is from Texas instead of NY. Actually more than that, as that's just the state income tax difference. The more financially astute players realize it's not another 2 million this year, but another 15 (or more) million in 30 years that that amount amounts to.

Edited October 21, 2010 by Quincy

[Chalupa]

The chances of Cliff Lee not sitting in between Sabathia and Cashman for a mid-December press conference at Yankee Stadium are about .0001 less than the chance that Jeter will volunteer to play LF for the Mets in 2011.

Oh mi god, we signed Jeter! Unbelievable

Seriously, players go where the money is. That's all that matters to most of them. This is Lee's big chance and maybe only one for a huge payout. He will go with the team that offers that, plus can be competitive. When discussing contracts we need to divorce emotions and keep it at dollars and cents. You go where the money is. This may be cynical but true.

I think there's a good chance he stays in Texas especially if they beat the Yankees. I don't think money will be the deciding factor. I think there will be other factors as well. Did you see how he jumped into Molina's arms when they clinched in Tampa last week? The dude definitely likes it there. And then there's the closeness to his family in Arkansas as opposed to NYC. Also just looking at the make up of the the Yankees and the Rangers - would you want to be on a team w/ an aging core group of players or with one that is still relatively youngish?? One window is closing the other one seems to be open for awhile longer. Anyway, it's not like he hasn't been getting paid in his current contract. He's making $9 million this year alone. Last year before the asshat GM in Philly traded him to Seattle. He was working out a contract extension w/ the Philies. After the trade was announced he said in an interview that he wanted to stay in Philly, wanted to finish his career here, and that the trade caught him completely off guard. So it would appear that money isn't the only factor motivating him. I think if Texas can find the money, I say $100 million or thereabouts, he stays.

Seriously, players go where the money is. That's all that matters to most of them. This is Lee's big chance and maybe only one for a huge payout. He will go with the team that offers that, plus can be competitive. When discussing contracts we need to divorce emotions and keep it at dollars and cents. You go where the money is. This may be cynical but true.

Not all players go for the most money though. Mauer, Tony Gwynn, Puckett are (or were) a few examples where each could have gotten even more money elsewhere.

Look at Doc Halladay. He gave the Phillies a discount because he wanted a chance to go the postseason.

[GA Russell]

Greg Maddox turned down the Yankees to sign for less money with the Braves. I'm not sure if Maddox would have signed to play for anybody other than George.

Edited October 21, 2010 by GA Russell

[Dan Gould]

The Yankee window never closes. They spend $120 million for Lee, they'll find the money to make up for any prior mistakes - even if it means they pay 20 million plus for Jeter and A-Rod and only get part-time players for the money.

Holiday might have been smart to re-think the long-term prospects of the Phillies, actually. Change is coming - like Werth leaving - and Ryan Howard is on the decline and will take up a big part of the budget as he goes downhill. I don't know enough about their farm system but it seems that what they've given up (to get him) and what they got (sending Lee away) wasn't much. Is this a final hurrah for the Fightins?

Every player loves the team they are on, especially when the team is going good. But money talks and I don't see Lee ignoring NY's money. Not to mention the fact that Yankee stadium is designed for lefties and Texas is a hitting paradise. He puts up better numbers in NY, too.