Open Thread: The Five Musketeers
By
We usually try to avoid stories from the tabloids, but occasionally one comes along that’s worth directing your attention to. Joel Sherman of The New York Post penned one such piece, talking about the bond that has developed between the members of the Yanks’ starting rotation, and what newcomers CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett have done to build up some of that all important team chemistry. Allow me to quote:
On a suggestion from A.J. Burnett before a Feb. 28 game at Steinbrenner Field, the members of the Yankees’ projected rotation went to watch Joba Chamberlain warm up. And a habit was born.
“We have Five Musketeers,” manager Joe Girardi said.
One for all, all for one.
The fraternity in the Yankees clubhouse has been noticeably stronger this spring, and no place has that been more overt than among this re-shuffled rotation. The five starters have committed to each other in a variety of ways, including going to watch each other’s pre-game warm-ups.
Most days all four non-starters will attend the bullpen session of that day’s starter. Only Chamberlain and CC Sabathia made it yesterday (Chien-Ming Wang continues to battle a cold and Burnett had a family issue), but this has become the in thing and about seven young pitchers, including David Robertson and Phil Coke, stood on the side to offer support. At the conclusion of the warm-up, Pettitte was surrounded by fellow pitchers giving him fist bumps. This is now routine for that day’s starter: fist-bumping unity.
“It means a lot to get those knuckles,” Sabathia said.
[snip]
“You have to have each other’s back,” Pettitte said. “This is a tough place to play, but if you know everyone is in your corner pulling for you and wants you to be successful, that does help you win. We have to have (this unity) and we are going to have it.”
[snip]
“As a starting pitcher you can leave,” Chamberlain said, “and to look over and see that they have not left that feeling is indescribable.”
I’m firmly in the “chemistry is overrated” camp, but it’s great to see the staff coming together like this. Andy Pettitte is a guy that doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone in this game, but his quote shows just how much each guy appreciates knowing that every one else has their backs. Sherman also mentions that Sabathia bought a slew of courtside tickets for Orlando Magic games and has been taking different teammates to each game, and that Burnett has taken his teammates out on his boat and is organizing an all-out bass fishing tournament. Good stuff.
What do you guys think, how important is chemistry? Talk about that, or whatever else you want here. The only local team in action tonight is the Nets, who are out in Denver. Anything goes, just be nice.
Oh, and if you haven’t gotten a chance to vote in this week’s Fan Confidence Poll, make sure you don’t miss out.
Photo Credit: Steve Nesius, Reuters Pictures
162 Comments»
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I’m firmly in the “chemistry is overrated” camp, but it’s great to see the staff coming together like this.
I’m right there with you.
Exactly. Chemistry is icing on the cake. It’s utterly extraneous and totally superfluous, but it’s nice to have.
Nice. Not necessary, just nice.
Having a baseball team full of talented superstars is like dating Roselyn Sanchez. Having a baseball team full of talented superstars who like each other and support each other and get along is like dating Salma Hayek. Given the choice, you’ll ALWAYS choose Hayek over Sanchez, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong at all with taking Roselyn Sanchez to the Oscars. Nobody is going to clown on you.
I think you can win without chemistry, but it seems the teams that have been winning all have each-other’s backs. It definitely cant hurt, and maybe from the last 5 years of crap, a little camaraderie is what we need.
The 2007 (and 2004) Red Sox had cancerous Manny. While good chemistry doesn’t hurt, it’s down on the list of important players.
Let me preface this by saying that Papelbon’s an idiot. Does everyone forget how the two big boppers in that lineup were best buds? Do we forget that everyone seemed to love Manny’s antics and dubbed it, “Manny being Manny.” Their ring winning teams had tons of chemistry and Papelbon’s comments have been given way too much credence.
Go back in 2004 and 2007, there was plenty of Anti-Manny sentiment. They placed him on outright waivers after the 2003 season because they were so sick of him, and despite that went on to win. Regardless of what Papelbon said, the chemistry on the 2004 and 2007 teams had nothing to do with winning. Had they not traded him this year, they probably would have won again, regardless of “chemistry”
This may partially be true but when they placed him on waivers it was to get rid of his huge contract. Remember, they hadn’t won for such a long time. As far as players getting along on that team, the players all seemed to like eachother. I’m so sick of hearing that word tied to baseball which is why I replied to your comment. I’m not a proponent that chemistry builds championships but it can’t hurt.
but it seems the teams that have been winning all have each-other’s backs.
What’s more likely? That being friends helps teams win, or that people like to hear stories about winning teams all being friends (especially underdog teams), so that’s what we hear?
And, on the flip side, when a team is losing it’s natural to look for reasons. Saying “well…the pitching was crap,” doesn’t really get a lot of eyeballs. A story about how the whole team is at each other’s throats? Oooh! Exciting! And, frankly…if you’re a team that expects to be winning and you’re not…guys are probably a little cranky, no?
Manny was such a cancer that the team won 2 titles and made the playoffs pretty much every year with him.
Sign me up for clubhouse jerks like that.
Drafted this team last night, 8th out of 10 picks:
C: Doumit
1B: Votto
2B: Kinsler
3B: Aramis Ramirez
SS: Jeter
OF: Manny
OF: BJ Upton
OF: Alex Rios
OF: Justin Upton
UTIL: Mike Napoli
UTIL: Jayson Werth
BN: Denard Span
BN: Felipe Lopez
BN: Casey Blake
BN: Jack Cust
SP: Halladay
SP: Oswalt
SP: Joba
RP: Marmol
RP: Matt Capps
P: David Price
P: Jonathan Sanchez
P: Gil Meche
P: Wandy Rodriguez
BN: Guthrie
I laugh at your ignorance.
No good?
The only guys I don’t like on the squad are Jeter, Blake, Span,Werth, and Guthrie. Otherwise, pretty good, esp. considering you had pick 8/10
Jeter was the only good SS available when I took him, Blake’s alright as strictly a back up, Span’s the same (even though he probably played way over his head last year), I’m not a big Jayson Werth fan, but he plays in a favorable park and was 20/21 in steals last year.
This is the 2nd time I’ve taken Lopez because he has eligibility at 2nd, 3rd, short, and OF. Supersub, ftw.
Na, I was joking. I like that team, especially that staff.
Not only did Werth go 20/20 with a favorable park, but also favorable lineup, and now he’s a full time starter.
Nothing worse than hearing about someones fantasy team.
Whats next? You going to describe your poker hand?
This comment is full of non-delicious irony.
[ facepalm ]
I figured out a way for us to get Griffey and Bonds! And it wouldn’t cost that much!
Will it be 1994 Griffey and 2002 Bonds? If so, I’m interested. If not…
IETC
Can always appreciate a subtle Seinfeld reference
Hee hee:
http://www.theonion.com/conten.....=a-section
http://www.theonion.com/conten.....=a-section
I like how the 6-tool prospect story is about Cameron Maybin, and the guy in the photo is so clearly NOT Cameron Maybin. (I guess the Onion figured Cameron was a white enough name, so why not pick that one.)
Anyone who knows the Marlins know who that actually is? I don’t recognize the face off the top of my head.
It’s Matt Dominguez.
Thanks, that was driving me crazy.
I think chemistry is overrated by those within the sport, and underrated by the intelligent fan on the internet. I feel like the reaction to this stuff is typically ”Oh those players and their silly chemistry, teams that win have it, teams that lose dont.” I think that it is the least important factor in building a team, but I think chemistry is important during rough times, slumps where a loose room and a tight knit bunch can help the team back on the right track, while a team with no chemistry may be sniping at each other.
“I think chemistry is overrated by those within the sport, and underrated by the intelligent fan on the internet.”
Yup, I think that sums it up rather well.
Yes, It does.
Hey Mike–what do you think of a serpentine draft or draft pick trading in the league?
I was thinking about allowing trading, but I decided against it. Maybe next year if enough people complain.
Pitchers chemistry could be beneficial. Hopefully they work together well and with their powers combined, I am captain planet.
Anyone else cringe a little at the mention of athletes and fishing boats? I am glad they’re getting along, I just hope they don’t go too far out.
http://blawgletter.typepad.com...../fredo.jpg
I think Chemistry is essential. Who knows where we’d be without Primobolan, Winstrol, HGH and Deca Durabolin.
IETC.
What does IETC mean? I’ve seen it a few times now and can’t deduce.
I’ve googled it and come up empty.
I think it means “I see what you did there”
I enjoyed this comment.
Shall I repost the compendium and we can list all of them in entirety?
Yes.
well done.
http://www.instantrimshot.com/
I believe in team chemistry at certain times. Such as a player has a bad day, he isn’t going to go out there and give it his all for his team if everyone goes up to him and says man you sucked tonight, hope you get traded. But if your teamates come up to you and say it’s no problem man you’ll get ‘em next time. Thats the kind of team chemistry people need.
Unless you’re carl pavano, I suspect there’s a couple guys in every clubhouse that’re good enough guys to do that. Which is why I feel like it’s silly to be concerned about the chemistry aspect. There will be a couple decent human beings in a group of twenty plus guys. Having talented ballplayers is waaaay more important than the chemistry thing.
Haven’t heard from tsjc in a little bit, maybe his burrito finally finished cooking
Or Rebecca, who last we heard was deep in a thesis of some sort.
They totally hooked up.
Hmmmm. Maybe that’s the “thesis” she was working on.
Sorry I’m late. I had to attend the reading of a will. I had to stay until the very end, when I found out I received nothing.
… Broke my arm.
What, in protest?
Hmmmm. Maybe that’s the “thesis” she was working on.
I’ve got a huge doctoral dissertation, if you know what I mean.
“Hey baby, why don’t you come over to my place? I’ll show you my huge doctoral dissertation, if you know what I mean. . . ”
No, no that just doesn’t work at all.
It doesn’t work for you…
Maybe not with the kind of people YOU hit on…
I mostly agree with Mike on this. I think its highly overrated by most, but don’t dismiss it entirely.
For example, many teams in September pack it in while others bust their asses to make the playoffs, even when odds are against them. The 2007 Rockies come to mind. The 1995 Yankees comes to mind. Both of those teams had every right to pack it in by September of those years, but didn’t. Why? I don’t know, but that’s as good a definition of ‘chemistry’ as any other and shows there’s some (albeit intangible) value to it.
Maybe they had guys in contract years? I also agree with your sentiment, chemistry is overrated, yet shouldn’t be dismissed entirely. I also believe that winning will lead to good chemistry (at least as defined by the media) and losing will lead to bad chemistry.
I think Abreu has different handshake with every player in history.
Who won the caption contest?
Nobody yet. But I posted about 10 captions, and its my understanding they’re going to pick my best 5 posts and then we’ll see which one wins the vote.
Strasburg or King Felix?
Who ya takin’?
Felix. Dude’s pw3ning in the majors at 23. Strasburg hasn’t even seen the minors.
King Felix, easy. We know what King Felix is, realistically can Strasburg be that much better than Felix? He can sure be worse.
Definitely Felix. It would still be Felix even if we found out he was actually three years older than he actually is.
I am so crestfallen that my worst fears re: the Cassel to the Chiefs trade is coming true. The Pats are sending the Chiefs pick to the Panthers for Peppers.
Ugh.
I can’t wait for the Jets QB to be running for his life. Who’s it gonna be?
Cutler.
You really think so? Or hoping so?
I think it’s possible. He appears dead serious on not going back to Denver. I’d give them a 1, a 3, and shit, they can even have on of our young 3 QB’s for good measure.
We can outbid the Vikings and Buccaneers, I’d say.
The Jets would have to give up more than the Vikings/Bucs/Lions though, they’d much rather move him to the NFC. But they probably should give it a shot, rather than Sanchez/Stafford/Freeman, none of whom are even close to a sure thing.
You wanted him to go where?
Anywhere outside the AFC East.
Staying in CAR would have been my most preferred option. Dallas, TB, SF, whatever, they’d all have been fine. I just don’t want Peppers on the same front 7 as Wilfork, Seymour and Mayo.
Don’t forget Adalius. And Ty Warren.
I didn’t forget them. They just don’t scare me as much as Wilfork, Seymour, Mayo, and Peppers.
Warren is slightly above average. Thomas is wildly overrated.
Warren has been better than Seymour in 2 of the last 3 years, mostly health related. Thomas, with the pieces around him can/will be a beast, but I agree, he’s not the cornerstone of a D. But if he’s getting blocked by one guy, look out.
Most of the past two years, he was getting blocked by one guy. He didn’t accomplish crap.
He had a single crazy good year, mainly because he was surrounded by Bart Scott, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Chris McAlister. Those 4 made everybody else look amazing.
In real life, Thomas is no better than a Michael Boley.
When he 1st came to the Pats he was playing ILB and taking on blockers. Once they moved him outside he was playing very well and was off to a decent start this year before being hurt. Like you said about the Ravens making everyone else look better (which Scott may fall victim too as well), the Pats now (assuming they get Peppers) have the guys in place to make Thomas look better.
Like you said about the Ravens making everyone else look better (which Scott may fall victim too as well)…
Can’t remember where on ESPN, but read a quote from some NFL scout this offseason re: Bart Scott.
He was asked, “Is Bart Scott just a creation of Ray Lewis?” His response: “No. Over the past 3 years, Ray Lewis is now just a creation of Bart Scott.”
It’ll be an exciting year for the AFC East no matter how it turns out. Looking forward to it, that’s for sure. Of course we do have this little thing called baseball to look forward to as well.
Just a 2nd rounder for him, steal.
That’s one scary linebacker
I agree. However, ESPN Insider rightly wonders how effectively he’ll transition from a 4-3 DE with a hand on the ground to a 3-4 OLB who stands up in coverage.
John Abraham certainly hated it…
I’ll trust Belichick over anyone at ESPN though.
My guess is that he’ll have no problem playing as a hybrid.
Team Chemistry can’t be a bad thing, so happy they’re getting along
How in the world could the ump miss that? It’s amazing to me how bad some of them are.
Joba Will Answer Your Questions
http://yankees.lhblogs.com/200.....questions/
OK, who’s first?
It was pointless at every stage. But I digest…
Do you mean “digress”?
No, its PA he’s talking about.
Maybe he just had dinner.
I was coming back from buying space groceries when I wrote that comment.
Do you like Kevin Youkilis?
Joba-”Yes, I love fucking with him. It’s my goal in life to have him walk back to the dugout crying for his Mommy.”
Alright, here you go. The unabridged Compendium list: make comments, crystallize definitions, share comments on what should be added and if any should be removed. Go.
IETC
ICWUDT
B-Jobber
Varitekian
Ponsnerian
Nails Krzyzewski
Gritt Gritner
Hacky McHeadfirstslide
Phil Hughes is not Chinese
My posts are pretty much for the intelligent fans
You can’t make lemons with lemonade
Pencilnecked little beancounter
Creepy and effeminate
Austin Jackson is uninspiring
WHY THE FUCK IS MY BURRITO TAKING THIS LONG TO COOK IN THIS MICROWAVE?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
I saw it with my own eyes
Olney thinks he’d be a good fit
The Cashman Hate Template
It’s a game of skill, deception, honor and deceit.
CASHMAN YOU TEH SUX0R!!!!!1!!!11!!!
Alex Cora wins ballgames
Clearly, that’s a shot at Jeter
Bernie Williams was the most feared hitter of his generation
For Diamond Cutters, I’m Peter Gammons, ESPN.
Provide analysis to back up your statement
Go make love to your spreadsheets, nerd!
Mo it is written, Mo it shall be done, Mosanna, Mosanna, Mosanna in the highest
Melvin took steroids once. They made him weaker. OR Asiseno de los suenos
TEH 8TH INNING!!!1!1ONE!!!ELEVENTY111!!!
True Yankee©®™
:::head explodes:::
“_____ says hello”
[ facepalm ]
Ridiculous Upside
Gamer
Gardbrera/Cabretta
Gardson
Jacksner
LoHuddite OR LoHuddian
Let me Google that for you
http://www.instantrimshot.com
http://www.instantcrickets.com
http://www.sadtrombone.com
[Insert "keep comments on topic" rant here.]
Please use the reply to comment button on the right. It makes the whole conversation easier to follow and more fluid.
QuanGorMo
The 4 Rings Club
I’d do that in a cocaine heartbeat.
We’re socialist.
BEEEEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUU-
WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIP!
And, Jack’s screencap of the reply button (I need a new link for this)
Lazy Dominican©®™
Is it too late to sign Abreu?
Winston?
http://www.baseball-reference......wi01.shtml
Nope, he’s still available.
http://www.baseball-reference......wi01.shtml
Mwah-ha-ha-hah!
You’ll rue the day you crossed me, Trebek.
Off the comment above, who do you take, Ynoa or Strasburg?
I hate that new spelling.
Not your fault, it is correct. I just hate it.
I agree its annoying, I thought about going Inoa with the post, but then a bunch of people would have jumped on it with ITS YNOA!!!! sux0r
So, is it pronounced “IH-noa” or “EH-noa”?
I once had a colleague named Ylna, and she pronounced it “EL-nuh”.
The guy they’re saying is a number 2 starter without ever throwing a pitch in the minors, easy.
The best prospect ever.
http://insider.espn.go.com/esp.....ney_buster
How the Yankees didn’t sign this kid last summer is beyond me.
This system should have Ynoa and Cole in it right now.
http://www.sadtrombone.com
Have you not been paying attention for the last 9 months? If you found your way to RAB, you must spend some time around sports and understand those stories by now. Please enlighten me with your thoughts on the Joba starter vs. reliever debate
It’s really something special when the state of Connecticut decides UConn is the #1 Seed LEAST likely to make the Final Four.
Crazy New Englandahs.
Maybe it was this?
Well if that were the case they wouldn’t be able to afford that fancy interweb to vote against their beloved institution of higher learnin’.
Maybe it was the fact that their best player has the NBA ceiling of Steven Hunter.
No, our best player is injured.
I stand by my comment.
Price is legit.
Out of him, Thabeet, and Adrien, Price is most likely to have a successful NBA career. He’ll probably never be a starting PG but he’s probably gonna be a decent bench player. I could see him getting like 8 and 5 a game off the bench, with the occasional three pointer.
Probably.
Price = Rick Brunson
Thabeet = Steven Hunter
Adrien = Jeff Trepagnier
Down the line, though, I think they’ve got some guys who can be good players at the NBA level–mainly Walker and Dyson.
Mark my words, Kemba Walker will be a POTY candidate in his junior or senior season. He’s supremely talented and this year, there really weren’t many freshman mistakes that he made. Dude’s gonna be something special up here–and of course, he’s a freshman when I’m a senior.
Thabeet gets all the hype, but Dyson’s the better player–he’s a more consistent scorer and a good perimeter defender, which UConn needs more than inside defense. Thabeet’s defense is also incredibly overrated. If you put any muscle into that dude, he folds like a freaking chair, he doesn’t stay on his feet enough, and, for some reasons, refuses to do the first thing you’re taught playing defense: put his hands up.
whoa now monsenier. You don’t see best case Thabeet being Mutombo?
I think that’s his absolute best case scenario. If all goes right, and I mean absolutely 100% right, that’s waht he’ll be. But, I don’t think he’ll reach that potential.
If we make it to the Final Four, I’m going to figure out a way to make my car like the fucking Batmobile.
Also, I think everyone’s just pessimistic after the OT loss, and Dyson being hurt and what not.
Felix limping…
Chemistry being overrated or not is completely on a pitcher to pitcher basis. Some guys have the mental makeup to go in and throw the best they can regardless. Some guys it absolutely means a lot to have a group of “friends in the making” like it seems here in the rotation with you. This is going to be a very, very good team.
I don’t buy it. I don’t think there is any evidence, ever, of a pitcher performing better because of the pitchers around him helping him thru friendship. Schilling and Unit hated each other, barely even spoke, and dominated together. Schilling and Pedro hated each other as well.
Good players with good attitudes = not a chemistry problem
Good players with bad attitudes = not a chemistry problem
Bad players with good attitudes = chemistry problems
Bad players with bad attitudes = chemistry problems
Mike Mussina was kind of a jerk. He still pitched well. Him being a jerk didn’t cause us to lose any games from chemistry issues.
Jeff Weaver sucked. He lost us games, and he was a chemistry problem because his suckiness directly lead to us losing games. Doesn’t matter whether he was a nice guy or not, he was a chemistry problem because his suckiness directly lead to us losing games.
Smartass =/= jerk. Sorry, you should know that.
Also, completely blowing up and losing composure everything something goes slightly wrong causes “chemistry problems” no matter how good you are.
Its more that chemistry can’t really hurt you, lack of chemistry may not hurt you either, its a “nice to have”
In my opinion, if anyone gives a flying shit with angel wings, Chemistry is over rated in baseball. It isn’t as important as it is in say football with the quarterback and his wide receivers or with basketball where a point guard needs to have a strong sense of his other teammate’s capabilities and presence. However, a strong relationship between catcher/pitcher is key to the game. But outside of that it doesn’t matter much. Clubhouse chemistry is a bullshit term. Clubhouse VIBE is a relevant term. Good personalities matter, Which from the looks of things the Bombers seem to have a good collection of personalities.
Abreu by the wall…
Busch league fist pump
Joba didn’t do it so it’s okay.
Another one bites the dust, The Seattle Post Intelligencer to become an online-only paper, with others in bankruptcy court.
“Bad news about America’s newspapers is tumbling out too fast for their presses to keep up. The closure of “the Rocky” after 150 years capped a week in which the Journal Register Company and the 180-year-old Philadelphia Enquirer joined the owners of the Chicago Tribune and Minneapolis Star Tribune in bankruptcy proceedings.
Hearst is threatening to close the San Francisco Chronicle – and on Monday said it would make the Seattle Post-Intelligencer an online-only publication”
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d00f.....fd2ac.html
In all seriousness, isn’t calling a newspaper the “Intelligencer” kind of pretentious?
But the SF Chronicle is available on the Kindle, it lives!!
That’s clearly a homer. Kick his ass, Luis!
I don’t understand whats taking so long for the replay.
Building suspense.
Don’t worry, Felix! You’ll pitch plenty of big games in the Bronx!
/wishful thinking.
So JC Romero can pitch in the WBC, despite being suspended for the 50 games?
I see you guys have been mentioned in the sports business journal.
http://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/article/61851
oh for fucks sake I can’t figure this out.
Are you trying to post images? Because it doesn’t work for non-admins.
WHAAT… Fricking mike said you just had to be savvy with the html.
I asked him in fridays livechat. That bastard.
I remember that…he did lie
I thought so too, until I sent Tjsc the Instant Rimshot code and he couldn’t get it to work.
This is for you, pat:
Haha thanks,thats how I feel. I found a funny ass website that makes photos that would be particularly humorous and relevant to the discussions that occur here.
An example: http://tinyurl.com/67wyta
http://tinyurl.com/64qpfc
and in case anybody was wondering yes, I know I’m a loser.
Awesome. http://yourargumentisinvalid.c.....nicorn.jpg
It’s like when I first discovered failblog.com, I killed many hours going back and looking at all that crap. Same here. Thanks pat…
My bad yo, I was misinformed. I thought anyone could if they knew how to code it correctly.
you probably owe pat the last 200+ hours of his life back, because this is all he’s been doing/researching
Dude, no kidding. I created a flickr account a wordpress account and a wordpress blog to try and find out if you needed to link to photos from a specific host.
So 3 more solid innings from Igawa today? Too bad Torre is with the Dodgers, he’d be a good 5th starter for them. Of course they wouldn’t eat a dime of his salary.
Yeah but they’d trade top prospects for the Yanks to eat salary
So they make me sit through Sutcliffe for 3 hours, then Phillips.
~FACEPALM followed by a FACEPLANT~
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