On the Yankees beat

This game isnt gonna be played tonight.

Ruse, Not only were they 19-23 after 42 games last year, but they were 10.5 games out and almost in last. After 50 games, they were 21-29 and in DFL, 14.5 games out. So I agree, a little patience and faith is much needed. But boy is it frustrating to watch right now. I'm getting pi$$ed that I spent 160 clams for the baseball package.

Jim A, I'm going to the game August 23rd at Camden. My bro-law is driving down from NY and I'm driving up from Va Beach. Perhaps you'd be interested???

bosstrots

I know it's frustrating but the starting pitching is better right now then it was at this time last yr.
Bullpen is much improved.
If they could only hit w/RISP they'd be OK.
Mid-June will be more of a sampling of where this team is headed.

The Yanks will make the necessary transactions to improve the current roster.

I

The first roster move they should make is DFA Giambi. Someone like Joe Koshansky (Rockie prospect) should be traded for and given an opportunity to win the job.

True Yankee

In theory I like your idea but having said that Koshansky is 26 and believe me is a terrible fielding 1B plus he's a lefty and IMHO the Yanks need RH hitters.+The Yanks have a similar player in Miranda who is 24 .

Guys - I know you don't want to hear this:

Barry Bonds.

Sounds like no game tonight - Double Dip tomorrow.

No Barry Bonds - too many DHs on the team already. I do think it won't take long for the Yankees to make some moves to upgrade their bench (specifically Duncan and Ensberg)

If the Mariners continue to struggle I could see them selling off parts and could see the Yankees going out there and getting Washburn and (gulp) Richie Sexson.

Moose is on the FAN right now.

any interest in Tony Clark?

Not from me Chip. Yanks have been there, done that with him. Plus I've seen enough of him as a D'Back.

I like the Washburn thing though. I think that he could be effective for the Yanks because he's a) LF and b) he works quick and throws strikes.

John G - I'm listening to Mussina and he made a point without (I think) meaning to. He talked about Betemit adding to the offense when he comes back. When he was playing at 3b he was brutal with the glove but his bat was coming around - any thought to using him at first base in place of Giambi?

Given the state of the offense right now, if he comes back and has some good AB's, the Yanks would have to consider giving him some time there. He is after all, an IF so he should be able to provide some D. He may not be so brutal at 1st.
Of course if Giambi starts swinging the bat like he's capable of, then he should stay there.
I thought that Moose made some good points about Kennedy and Hughes. They (M7MD and Moose) had a good discusion.

Giambi is not getting DFA'd. It's not happening. No chance.

It's easy to flush $20M down the toilet when it's not your money.

At this point, they might as well ride it out until the end of the season since he's not coming back next year anyways.

If you meant my comments Viper, I wasn't saying DFA Giambi. I was just saying if Betemit is swinging a good bat when he comes off the DL, then the Yanks should give him some playing time at 1st. If Giambi is hitting, then he stays in the lineup.

Girardi is on the FAN now.

Viper - never said DFA Giambi. But if he's not hitting I don't see the need to keep running him out there.

Talking about Kennedy: Girardi says that he was a 2 pitch guy yesterday when he has 4 pitches. That's what got him into trouble. He's going to pitch again when his turn comes up.

Talking about the lineup now. The reason that the lineup is not stable is cause of the injuries. (Girardi).

Need Cano to be productive. Girardi says it looks like it's turning for Cano now.

From Jayson Stark:
Two weeks ago in Rumblings, we wrote about the buzz building around 16-year-old Dominican pitcher Michel Inoa. One scouting director told us this week the Yankees and Mariners are already sending signals they're prepared to throw $3 million to $4 million at Inoa -- which would double the largest bonus ever for a Dominican pitcher -- "and it wouldn't surprise me if somebody eventually goes to $6 million." Whew. The bidding doesn't open until July 2, if you want to mark your calendars.

No, Chip. True Yankee said DFA Giambi. My comment was directed towards him.

Did any of you guys read Hal's comments?
Is he a Steinbrenner or was he adopted?

Hal's comments? Do you mean Hank?

Hal is the sensible one.

Hank is the one who has the big mouth and usually making a fool of himself in the media.

I tend to roll my eyes whenever he speaks. He's such an embarrassment.

Mussina seemed relaxed and communicative with M&MD, and Girardi relatively so too -- neither one known to be an easy interview. Maybe these very grating guys have something, in spite of the ridiculous statements that sometimes come out of their mouths.

Keith Hernandez gave a pretty nuanced description of the Mets' troubles. Among other points he said a problem for Willie is that he has nobody in the clubhouse like Jeter and Posada to lead by example and be respected and followed in a natural way. It didn't seem like he was saying that there are no good guys there, just that that sort of leadership isn't something a guy can up and decide to do if he doesn't have that capacity by nature.

Viper:

Hal the Sensible made a sensible comment today.

Diane,

What did Hal say? I didn't hear that.

I only heard the stupid comments from Hank about the Santana stuff.

Viper,

Basically he said, "We'll be fine."

Here's a link to Kat's story on that.

Sorry, Viper, I goofed again!

Here it is:

http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-spyside165687998may16,0,7096441.story

Viper,

The link for Hal's comments is at the beginning of this thread. Kat listed 4 links to stories in today's paper.

Ah, yes. Maybe if I had bothered to read Kat's entire post, I would have known that.

See that, Hall is indeed the sensible one.

It's too bad Hank can't go home and run the horse ranches and restaurants and leave the big boy stuff to his brother.

As Diane said, he's the sensible one. That's why I wonder if he was adopted.

John G,

Actually I followed the lead of Viper who started up the 'sensible' label -- and it looks like he could be right.

Maybe Hal takes after his Mother?

Could be Di. :-)
Hopefully, he'll keep Hank in line. (fingers crossed).

Anyway, since there's no game tonight, I'll take my wife to the movies.

A little draft news.

Baseball America has their first Mock Draft out and projects the Yankees taking Kyle Lobstein - a LHP out of Conconio HS in Flagstaff, AZ. They think in an ideal scenario for the Yankees, 1b Eric Hosmer (American Heritage HS, Plantation, Fla) slips to them because of signability issues. He's a Boras client. He has plus hitting, and plus power and he's a very advanced hitter for his age "It's like watching a college hitter," according to one scout.

Currently Baseball America has Hosmer going 11 to the Rangers so the odds of him sliding to the Yankees at 28 is slim (signability or no). Lobstein is considered one of the best LHP in the draft.

That's nice to hear, Chip, but it seems like the Yanks are more likely to draft a college player because they are more polished and can help the big club sooner.

I know Hughes was drafted out of high school, but we'll have to see on this one.

Although, since he's a lefty, that could make a significant difference in their draft strategy.

Talent should rule over anything else - regardless whether they are college or high school players.

The best news to come out of the rainout tonight is that the Yankee offense will be without A-Rod for two more games instead of three since he's coming back on Tuesday.

The rotation has also been reshuffled:

Saturday: Johan Santana vs. Andy Pettitte

Sunday: Oliver Perez vs. Chien-Ming Wang

Monday: OFF

Tuesday: Mike Mussina (vs. Orioles)

Wednesday: Darrell Rasner (vs. Orioles)

Thursday: Ian Kennedy (vs. Orioles)

Oops. The last comment was mine.

Boss,
I'll see what my plans are and let you know. It would be great to meet you so I will do my best to get there. Thanks for the invite!

Anyone notice how almost all of the Latest Yankees Headlines in today's Newsday is about the Mets? It's shameful how one person can use such a reputable newspaper for his/her own personal interests and vendettas. How can Newsday let this person get away with such cheap nonsense? Newsdays sports section needs a serious overhaul and I'm hoping the Dolans will turn it into a serious sensible source for readers to find objective unbiased sports reporting...with common sense formatting...just the way a reputable paper should conduct its business.

The brothers are a balance team if one was to lead then ill effects takes place.

Hank is the marketing agent he is the "mascot" trust me when George went down in the early 90's it caused an negative effect as much as people hate george they love him and hank provides the vocal part of George. if it was only Hal in charge then BC would run circles around him . Trust me when Itell you this the "Balance" is purpesly put together and if the GM goes word is they are going after a GM that actually played baseball would be preference.

As for Giambi DFA is a way distant possibility only if they know a trade could be on the horizon (probally low tier prospects) A team like Anahiem may make a move for him if the price is low remember the team would only have him basically for the rest of the season. And remember if some of these lower tier teams are still in the mix and see fan production many of them will be determined and sold onto taking some vets to help their push this was Gene Michaels/ Bob Watson strength right here.

SO no DFA Giambi may not be definite but do not let anyone tell you it would be impossible especially with all these games and tickets for next year selling like hot cakes this make things more flexible.

like I said I been told that the clog @ 1st wil l be rectified. the debate is wether or not to place feelers out there and see what a team of prospects and or trades can do while the team is still in it.

No team is going to trade for Giambi. Its never going to happen.

What team would trade for a guy making $20M+ and hitting 40 points below the Mendoza line?

Not to mention he's a huge defensive liability and a foot or leg injury waiting to happen since he hasn't played a full season since 2003.

There's not a chance in hell Giambi gets dealt. You're dreaming if you think there is even a remote possibility that it happens. Like it or not, the Yanks are stuck with him until the end of 2008.

Someone team that desperate for a bat would just assume sign Barry Bonds rather than trade for Giambi.

I'll believe it when I see it regarding the rectification of the 1B situation. They had a problem with that position last season and didn't do much about it outside of promoting Andy Phillips.

If they make a deal for that position, it would be for a sure-handed defensive guy ala Mientkiewicz. It won't be for a big bat because Cashman isn't going to give up a lot of minor league talent for a two month rental.

Question How does DFA works? did,nt frank thomas get signed?