Spring Training Game Thread: Let’s play two

by 168 Comments

Sanchez, Pope sent down
Winning the battle to get traded

The Yankees already won one game today, beating the Tigers at home in Tampa by some score that doesn’t matter. What is important is that CC Sabathia was the man on the mound, throwing his breaking balls for strikes and his fastballs by hitters. He tired once he approached his limit of 75-80 pitches, but that’s to be expected. Mariano Rivera threw ten pitches in a flawless inning, and Alex Rodriguez hit a ball that cleared the George M. Steinbrenner Field sign in left-center, making Jesus Montero‘s blast off the M look rather pedestrian.

As for tonight’s game, the half of the team that didn’t play this afternoon will take on the Rays on the road. Trade bait Chad Gaudin and Sergio Mitre will give it another guy as they try to stake their claim to the fifth starter’s job. Exciting stuff.

Here’s the lineup…

Gardner, CF
Granderson, LF
Swisher, DH
Posada, C
Winn, RF
Miranda, 1B
Pena, 2B
Laird, 3B
Nunez, SS

Scheduled Pitchers: Sergio Mitre, Chad Gaudin, Jason Hirsh, Amaury Sanit, and Zach Segovia.

Also scheduled to play: Reegie Corona, Colin Curtis, Reid Gorecki, Edwar Gonzalez, Jesus Montero, and Austin Romine.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm ET, and MLB Network lifted the blackout in the Yanks’ market, so the game is viewable by all. Enjoy.

Photo Credit: Mike Carlson, AP

Sanchez, Pope sent down
Winning the battle to get traded
  • Hughesus Christo

    What does anyone think is being figured out by having Granderson/Gardnder exchange positions for 15-20 innings this spring?

    • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

      MIght not be a terrible idea to get them both some innings at both CF and LF, just for the sake of positional flexibility.

      • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

        PS: You ask, why get them both innings at both LF and CF? I ask, why not?

        • Jose

          You are quite the master debater.

          • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

            You know you love it.

          • Tom Zig

            Is he a head administrator as well?

            • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

              I’m not quite sure what the implication is… But I think the answer is no. (?) lol

    • Hughesus Christo

      I guess it doesn’t hurt, but I do worry about anyone trying to make decisions based on 20 innings somewhere during ST

      • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

        Who said anything about someone making a decision based on 20 innings during Spring Training? There’s no CF/LF competition going on. They have a couple of guys who can play both positions, so they’re getting them both some innings at both positions, that’s all.

  • bexarama

    So did anyone see Tracy Ringolsby on MLB Tonight? WOW he said about fifteen separate dumb things, but they asked him who was going to be the Yankees’ fifth starter, and he said “Aceves, because the Yankees don’t care about the future and developing Hughes, but put Joba in the bullpen!!!”

    • bexarama

      also at one point I saw the Royals were beating the Diamondbacks 21-0 in the top of the fourth, I believe. o_O

      • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

        It’s 24-5 now. Guess who gave up the five for the Royals?

        • bexarama

          Farnsworth! (I cheated because I wanted to see the score on that game.)

          • bexarama

            Arizona IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
            Buckner 2.0 9 8 8 1 3 0 11.45
            Qualls 0.1 5 6 6 1 1 0 14.54
            Zavada 1.2 3 3 3 2 1 1 8.44
            Heilman 1.0 7 4 4 0 1 0 14.40
            Ellis 2.0 1 0 0 2 1 0 1.50
            Boyer 1.0 2 3 2 0 0 1 7.94

            ouch

            • Accent Shallow

              Certainly the Heilman Mets’ fans remember.

    • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

      You mean “Hall of Famer Tracy Ringolsby.”

  • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

    So what are the chances Bartlett comes close to repeating 2009? 10%?

    • Johan Iz My Brohan

      I need to know this as well, he is on my fantasy team.

    • Accent Shallow

      Figure the BA will come down to .300 or below, and he never really hit for that much power in the minors, so probably that, as well.

      How much? Can’t say.

  • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

    Please show Miranda’s homer. That thing was epic.

    • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

      I just saw the highlight of A-Rod’s homer from earlier today. That was epic. Yikes.

      • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

        Yeah, that thing was nuts.

    • http://janeheller.mlblogs.com/yank_c.jpg T-Dubs

      link? or television?

      • bexarama

        I’m only sort of watching the TB/NY game but I assume they’re talking about THIS beast:
        http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=6969445

        • http://janeheller.mlblogs.com/yank_c.jpg T-Dubs

          Oooof, I remember that little guy. Crussshed. I actually meant A-Rod’s from today though.

          • bexarama
            • http://janeheller.mlblogs.com/yank_c.jpg T-Dubs

              Oh.My.Mo.

              that makes me feel tingly.

            • Ben

              Does anyone have video of Montero’s HR?
              We probably have video of Sergio Mitre’s high school debut, but when The Jesus starts his legend, we have nothing…

          • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

            Remember when everyone freaked out because Montero hit the scoreboard in LF in batting practice? A-Rod went over that scoreboard, in a game. It was ridiculous.

  • http://www.mystiqueandaura.com Steve H

    How did A-Rod get dirt on his shirt? That’s a little too gritty for him. Maybe he brushed up against David Eckstein?

    • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

      Gardner looked at him in the dugout.

      • Paul Canales

        lmao

  • http://www.puristbleedspinstripes.com Rebecca-Optimist Prime (Optimovelist Primus)

    GO SYRACUSE
    GO ORANGE

    • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

      You want an olive branch? I picked ‘Cuse to win the whole thing. Appreciate that.

    • Mariano’s Pimp Hand

      Go Cats Go!!!!

    • Ben

      I know I am not a regular here at RAB, but I love you Rebecca…
      …
      …
      GO ORANGE!

  • Jose

    Just a fact check from the chat:
    Someone asked “Shouldn’t Washington be suspended 50 games for taking a (I think) banned substace?” Mike responded “No, that’s the punishment agreed to by the MLBPA. Washington’s not in the union.”

    Later on I asked “You said Ron Washington can’t be punished because he isn’t in the MLBPA. Wouldn’t he be a member as a manager?” Mike responded, “No, it’s the player’s association, not the manager’s association.”

    I did some digging and found that in fact, “All players, managers, coaches and trainers who hold a signed contract with a Major League club are eligible for membership in the Association.” So managers like Washington can be in the player’s association.

    The reason that Ron Washington cannot be punished has more to do with who the “Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program” specifically mentions. It says “Major League Clubs’ 40-man rosters” are covered by the policy. So just because you are a member of the union doesn’t mean you have to be punished. You have to be on the 40-man roster. This means managers like Washington could use a banned substance and not face 50 games of suspension.

    • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

      That’s interesting… I wondered about that (why Washington didn’t face disciplinary action), but never bothered to actually look it up. Thanks.

    • Chris

      Also, the 50 game suspension is for PEDs, not Drugs of Abuse. I believe the first offense for a Drug of Abuse (like cocaine) is being referred to a drug treatment program. Failure to adhere to the program or subsequent positives will lead to suspensions.

      • Andy In Sunny Daytona

        You would think cocaine would do the exact same thing as amphetamines.

        It’s a helluva drug.

        • http://cid-e3a022289d65b5c0.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Assorted/foul.jpg Andy (different one) in chilly NYC

          Yeah, but coke is over in, like, 15 minutes to half an hour, max.

          It would be pretty obvious if a player was vanishing into the bathroom between every inning and came out sniffling! Coke would be pretty useless as a PED for that and other reasons.

          Amphetamines, on the other hand, last for up to 12 hours or so, depending on the type. There’s “greenies”, Crystal Meth (Methedrine), various diet pills, etc. etc.

      • Jose

        You are correct. “If HPAC determines by majority vote (or by a Fifth Member vote, if necessary) that a Player has failed to comply with his Treatment Program…” First failure to comply is “at least a 15-game but not more than a 25-game suspension.” They give quite a few chances for recovery.

    • http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

      That’s fine, and a nice piece of research on your part, but there’s still no evidence whatsoever suggesting that he (or any other manager) IS in the MLBPA. So Mike’s initial take still stands.

      Also, as someone who is very much a part of management in his duties with the team, I would imagine that no active managers have taken up the Union’s offer of eligibility.

      • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

        “That’s fine, and a nice piece of research on your part, but there’s still no evidence whatsoever suggesting that he (or any other manager) IS in the MLBPA. So Mike’s initial take still stands.”

        Well no, that’s not totally accurate either. Mike said he couldn’t be in the union, not that he could be but we just don’t know if he is.

        • http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

          “Couldn’t”? That’s just, like, your opinion, man.

          Someone asked “Shouldn’t Washington be suspended 50 games for taking a (I think) banned substace?” Mike responded “No, that’s the punishment agreed to by the MLBPA. Washington’s not in the union.”

          Later on I asked “You said Ron Washington can’t be punished because he isn’t in the MLBPA. Wouldn’t he be a member as a manager?” Mike responded, “No, it’s the player’s association, not the manager’s association.”

          Where did he say “couldn’t”? He said he’s “not in the Union” and nobody has established he is, then said “it’s the player’s association, not the manager’s association” which meshes perfectly with what I said.

          • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

            “Later on I asked ‘You said Ron Washington can’t be punished because he isn’t in the MLBPA. Wouldn’t he be a member as a manager?’ Mike responded, “No, it’s the player’s association, not the manager’s association.”

            In saying that, Mike was saying that Washington can’t be in the MLBPA because he’s a manager and managers aren’t in the MLBPA. That’s not just my opinion, that’s the only reasonable reading of that conversation.

            He said managers can’t be in the players’ association, and that’s not accurate.

            • http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

              No, he really didn’t say that at all. He was just making a safe assumption. I think you’re reading in the rest.

              • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

                No. Look, I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be rude about this or anything, but I’m right and you’re wrong about this. And this isn’t a matter of opinion, there is a right and a wrong here.

                The question is: Was Mike’s initial take correct?

                Mike’s initial take was that Washington can’t be punished under CBA rules because he’s a manager and managers aren’t in the union.

                You said Mike’s initial take stands.

                I pointed out that his initial take wasn’t totally accurate because Washington may not be in the union, but it’s apparently not because he’s a manager and managers aren’t allowed in the union, as Mike contended.

                (See the original conversation above, paraphrased below.)

                Jose: Why wasn’t Washington punished?
                Mike: Because the punishments apply to union members, and Washington’s not in the union.

                Jose: “Isn’t Washington in the union since he’s a manager?”
                Mike: “No, the union is for players, not managers. Managers aren’t in the union.”

                Mike wasn’t saying just that there are no managers in the union, he was saying that only players are in the union and managers are not allowed in the union. Thus, what Mike said was not totally accurate, and in that sense his initial take does not stand… Meaning that what you said wasn’t totally accurate, like I said. There is a clear meaning attached to the words that were written, and that clear meaning is what I’m saying and not what you’re saying.

                (I have to run so I won’t be able to reply further… But seriously… Even if you read this and still don’t agree… Read it again with a clear mind, without being annoyed with me for disagreeing with you or anything like that, and think about it again. I guarantee you, I am right about this and you are wrong. It’s no biggie it’s relatively trivial, but I’m right.)

                • http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

                  HCM, this is why I love you. You’re just too much.

                • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

                  If by “too much” you mean “right,” then, yeah, I am.

                  Ok. Drinky time. Take it easy.

                • Jose

                  I wanted to find out if Washington was in fact in the union. But that information was more difficult to find than if he “could” be in the union. More research is needed I guess, because now I’m just curious as to how many managers are actually in it.

  • handtius

    Can someone tell me why Wheeler is starting the game…no cable…are they giving him a shot at starting, or is it a reliever game for them?

    • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

      Probably did it just to get him work against real hitters.

      • handtius

        that’s what I thought…thanks.

  • http://www.richardiurilli.com Richard Iurilli

    Is this a baseball game or a talk show?

    • Andy In Sunny Daytona

      That’s Rays Baseball. Thats how they run shit in the TB.

  • Tom

    Mitre 2 innings, no base runners, 3 ks. Trade bait ftw!

  • bexarama

    24-9 over in D-Backs/Royals. How did I not know the Diamondbacks had someone in their system named Billy Buckner?

    Also, as they can see from this disastrous start, they clearly need pitching. Such as Mitre. Mitre for Upton straight up. (How many times would Reynolds strike out in the AL East? I’m gonna guess a majillion bazillion.)

    • Jose

      I love how Farnsworth allowed 5 runs and got a hold. Hooray for useless statistics!

  • http://www.puristbleedspinstripes.com Rebecca-Optimist Prime (Optimovelist Primus)

    So my brother tells me there were some old Kansas City Monarchs guys at the UCF game today.

    He then asked me if the Monarchs were ever an MLB team.

    Ouch.

    • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

      Best pitcher to ever wear a Monarchs’ cap:

      http://tinyurl.com/yfdrq4l

      • Ben

        what a great movie…

    • http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

      I would have said something like this:

      “No, they didn’t have time to play Baseball. As Monarchs, they were too busy tending to their kingdoms.”

  • Andy In Sunny Daytona

    Wow. Look at Shoppach! Doing what he’s supposed to be doing. What a pick-up.

  • Andy In Sunny Daytona

    Great. We get to hear from the other boy genius of the AL East soon.

    • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

      I love how these guys used to work for the guy who happened to buy the Rays, so now they run the organization. Someone I work for needs to get their shit together and buy an MLB franchise for me to run.

      • Andy In Sunny Daytona

        I picture Friedman sitting behind his desk reading “Moneyball” like Mr. McDowell reading the McDonald’s Handbook in “Coming to America”.

        • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

          All of a sudden… I feel like breakdancing.

      • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

        Friedman’s not even a baseball guy. He was a finance analyst at Bear Stearns.

        • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

          Yeah… Does that bother you? It’s never really bothered me much. I mean, clearly it’s a bit unorthodox, but if someone’s smart and understands how to manage a business, those skills transfer. As long as someone like that has a passion for the job and doesn’t walk in the door thinking they know everything and neglecting to use the resources available to him (i.e. experienced talent evaluators, coaches, scouts), it doesn’t bother me.

          • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

            +1

          • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

            Oh no, doesn’t bother me at all. He’s extremely bright, and has a passion for the game. I’d love it if the Yanks had a FO full of guys like him.

            • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

              Agreed about Friedman… He’s always struck me, when I’ve seen him interviewed, as a pretty bright guy. I’m just insanely jealous of his luck.

              • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

                “I’m just insanely jealous of his luck him.”

                (Fixed… Certainly some luck involved in a situation like that, but I didn’t mean for it to come out like that… He’s clearly smart and I’m sure he works hard… I just wish someone would give me a team to run.)

                • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

                  I just wish someone would give me a team to run.

                  http://tinyurl.com/5t88a

                • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

                  Other than the Baseball Furies, I mean. Those guys can be a bit violent and they’re always appearing out of the shadows and scaring me, sometimes it gets old.

                • Accent Shallow

                  Please, Eumenides.

          • http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

            As opposed to what? Not sure why you would even bring this up. George Steinbrenner came out of the shipbuilding biz, Bud Selig sold cars, Jeffery Loria sold art, etc etc. None of those backgrounds strike me as being good experience for running a Baseball team.

            If anything, someone who can handle advanced statistical analysis should be one of the better owners. There’s a reason why Bloomberg LP just got into the Fantasy baseball biz, it’s a natural fit going from Wall St to sports.

            • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

              “As opposed to what?”

              As opposed to someone with some experience in MLB.

              “Not sure why you would even bring this up. George Steinbrenner came out of the shipbuilding biz, Bud Selig sold cars, Jeffery Loria sold art, etc etc. None of those backgrounds strike me as being good experience for running a Baseball team.”

              And those guys bought teams. Friedman was hired as a GM. There’s a pretty obvious and relevant distinction there.

              “If anything, someone who can handle advanced statistical analysis should be one of the better owners.”

              I agree, but again, we’re not talking about someone buying a team, we’re talking about someone hired as a GM.

              “There’s a reason why Bloomberg LP just got into the Fantasy baseball biz, it’s a natural fit going from Wall St to sports.”

              Um… This is not really a counter-argument to anything I said.

              • http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

                Oh Shit. I got Friedman confused with someone else. Don’t mind me, long day as usual.

                • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

                  No worries.

  • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

    Swisher says damn the scouting reports.

  • bexarama

    Dear Randy Winn,
    Your batting stance is silly. I will continue to say this.
    Love, bexarama.

  • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

    Friedman kinda looks like a douche.

    • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

      But not nearly as douchey as the reporter.

      • Andy In Sunny Daytona

        Todd Kalas is the best thing about Rays telecasts. That’s how sad they are.

    • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

      Heh… Be honest… He looks like about 40 people you went to high school with.

      • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

        Heh… Be honest… He looks like about 400 people you went to high school with.

        Fixed. And agreed.

  • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

    That was smoked.

  • Hangoverologist

    Damn, Miranda smoked that one. If NJ goes down, he’s the one to get the call correct.

    • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

      Most likely.

      Neimann just made Pena and Laird look silly.

  • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

    Eduardo Nunez and I were born on the exact same day. Cool.

    • Alex S

      i used to have class with a girl who was born on the exact same day as me…..in the exact same hospital

      • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

        Yeah, same. Granted, this was in MS/HS so it’s not some freak thing.

        • Alex S

          mine was in MS

      • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

        I dated a chick in HS with the exact same birthday as me. We started dating in early October, and we didn’t find out until our birthdays came up at the end of the month.

        • http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

          You should have married her, if for no other reason you would never argue about forgetting her birthday.

          If you installed a stand up urinal in all of the bathrooms at your house, you might just be the happiest couple who ever lived.

          • http://www.twitter.com/riddering Riddering

            That’s the most amazing summary of married life ever.

            • http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

              I’m channeling my inner Homer Simpson.

  • Andy In Sunny Daytona

    Somewhere, Axisa smiles and nods his head.

  • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

    I knew that comment was coming as soon as the fifth starter talk came up.

  • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

    Isn’t it slightly ironic that Mitch Williams is giving mechanics advice/analysis?

    • http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

      Yes, it’s slightly moronic.

      Oh wait, you had an ‘I’ there. Nevermind.

      • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno
        • http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

          Matty, you never know. Some throw away lines get multiple ‘IETC’s. Then I post something that I think is hilarious and I get crickets. Never know.

  • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

    NEVER.
    DO.
    THAT.
    AGAIN.
    CURTIS.

    Thank you.

    • Tom Zig

      Que?

      • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

        Drag bunt attempt.

  • http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

    Shocking. The guy whose team is most hurt by having the two best teams in baseball in his division and has just missed the playoffs wants an balanced schedule and an extra team in the playoffs.

    • bexarama

      I laughed at that.

      • http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

        That’s why I like you Bexy, you’re an easy laugh.

        • bexarama

          oh I see what you’re trying to do there, mister ;)

          • http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

            I prefer “Buster”.

  • http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

    I know we usually don’t discuss politics here, and I don’t want to either. But from what you’ve been hearing/reading the past few weeks, do you think Heath Care will pass?

    Just a yes or no. Don’t have to provide details, and it’s probably better if you don’t.

    • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

      Yes, I think it will pass either on Sunday or sometime shortly thereafter.

    • VO

      Yes

    • Mariano’s Pimp Hand

      Do you mean passed as in voted on and passed or will they just deem it to have passed as they plan to do now?

      • http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

        I mean voted on and passed. Up or down vote.

        • Mariano’s Pimp Hand

          There aren’t even planning to do that so no.

          • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

            Let’s bookmark this comment and come back to it in a few days, shall we?

            • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

              Annnnd they’re voting right now. Just figured I’d post a comment for the sake of posterity.

        • Rob NY

          No. If they actually have to you know, follow the Constitution it won’t pass. If they play games and pass a bill without both houses voting on it and it originating in the wrong body in Congress than yes.

      • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

        It was a yes or no question, and the tangential stuff you threw in isn’t even accurate. All we’ve heard in the news all day is about the Dem leadership whipping up votes, they do not plan to “just deem it to have passed.” The plan is to hold a vote in the House.

      • Hughesus Christo

        What?

        “Deem and Pass” just means they only vote on the reconciliation bill, which is the Senate bill plus the amendments to that bill that were jointly agreed upon by the senate and house. The Senate would have to pass the reconciliation passage next with a minimum 50+1 vote.

        The only thing being “deemed as passed” is the original Senate bill that underlies the reconciliation bill they would actually be voting on. The Senate bill is the house, the reconciliation bill is that house after you added a deck and a second bathroom. “Certain elements” are blowing up a simple and common procedural matter into the end of the world. It isn’t. They’re voting for the same bill.

        • Mariano’s Pimp Hand

          No, what you are talking about is the typical way things are done. This is far from common. They will be voting on ONLY the amendments.

          They will be approving the building permit for the deck and second bathroom and deeming the main house to be already built without doing so.

          • http://warriorsmovie.co.uk/content/gangs/images/baseballfuries02.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

            Unless they, like, don’t do that.

            Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here, let’s see what actually happens before we go crazy about procedural issues.

  • bexarama

    That was like… a bloodcurdling scream

    • bexarama

      also of all the games of the 2009 playoffs, YES is gonna show… Game 3 of the ALDS? Whatever, it’s Andy, I’ll watch it.

  • http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

    “UPDATE, 8:42 p.m.: That’s seven strikeouts for Mitre, who has been awesome tonight. He’s facing a legitimate Tampa Bay lineup and he’s allowed two hits. Pretty impressive stuff.”

    http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2010/03/19/spring-training-game-17-yankees-at-rays/

    (in my best Bob Sheppard) Ladies and Gentlemen, starting tonight’s game, the 5th starter, Sergio….Mitre……Mitre….. number 5.

  • Ben

    So more importantly, will any man not in a relationship see JayLo’s new movie?

  • http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

    If Nate Silver is correct, both the Democratic Party and the New York Yankees might be headed for tough times this fall. The ace political pollster/baseball analyst projects the numbers for 1,600 major league ballplayers in the current Baseball Prospectus 2010, and things don’t look good for the Yankees’ “Core Four.” Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, and Mariano Rivera average out at 38 years of age, and no team in the major leagues is anywhere near as dependent on four aging players as the Yankees are.

    Based on the study of hundreds of players in their declining years, Silver projects these slides for the Yanks’ elders in 2010:

    Jeter from a 2009 batting average of .334 to .286 this year, a drop in home runs from 18 to 11, and in stolen bases from 30 to 10. Posada from a .285 BA to .263, home runs from 22 to 12. Pettitte from 14-8 and an ERA of 4.06 to 10-11 and 4.70. Scariest of all, Rivera from 44 saves to 22, and and ERA the moves from 1.76 to 3.53.

    If Silver is right, the 2010 Yankees are sunk. Worse yet, Steinbrenner and Cashman seem to have no plans for how to replace the Core Four. Last year we suggested that the Yankees were going to be in trouble if Jeter played at the level of a typical 35-year old shortstop. He made us look foolish by playing way above it. But what happens if age catches up to him this season? Where will the Yankees move him to, and who is ready to step in at shortstop? The problem hasn’t gone away, it’s just gotten a year older.

    That bold part is the only thing I take issue with. Even with some age-related drop off for all 4, I think that just takes a 95-100 win team and pushes them back to the pack. But “sunk” as in 80-ish wins and a 4th place finish, is way too strong.

    Jeter’s drop figures to be smooth, he’s not a free swinging power hitter type who tend to drop off drastically. Posada has at least 2 MLB ready replacements in Cervelli/Montero. While there will never be another Mo, one of Hughes/Joba should get the job done this year. I could try to make the case that Andy is done, but looking at his peripherals I can’t. Only red flag I noticed was his walk rate, but his WHIP was fine. That just tells me he’s a vet who knows how to pick his spots.

    • http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist
    • bexarama

      This article doesn’t understand how PECOTA works, and doesn’t Nate Silver not even do the projections any more?

      • http://www.secondavenuesagas.com Benjamin Kabak

        Nate Silver isn’t really involved at all with PECOTA. It’s Clay Davenport’s baby now. Sloppy work by Barra with that short piece.

    • Accent Shallow

      It’s really odd how Pettitte gets lumped in with the other three solely because he came up around the same time. He’s easily the most replaceable — Hughes and Joba are a lot closer to becoming him than they are to becoming Mariano, and none of the Yankees catching/SS prospects have their MLB experience.

    • Rod

      PECOTA is based on having a large number of similar players to compare with. There really aren’t a lot of comps for Mo, Jeter, and Jorge so I could pretty confidently ignore anything that PECOTA is projecting for those players. For that very reason, PECOTA tends to suck pretty badly for players at the extremes of performance but is really good with the vast majority of guys.

  • Alex S

    ok so i have a fantasy draft in a few mins. H-2-H league with 10 teams. i have the first overall pick and outside of Pujols i have no idea who else i’m going to take. any tips?

  • Tom Zig

    Hanley + 2nd round 1B > pujols + 2nd round SS

  • http://www.twitter.com/riddering Riddering

    The Belkin easy transfer cable is my new favorite thing. I remember last time I switched computers I had to burn to CD everything I wanted to move and then save it on my new computer.

    Technology is groovy.

    • http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

      You wouldn’t happen to have a netbook, would you? I’m wondering if I should get one. My screen on my blackberry is tiny, but with the I-Pad (and I’m sure a zillion clones) on the way I’m worried that whatever I buy will be hideously obsolete within a few months. Then I’ll have another piece of tech junk laying in my house that I never use.

      • VO

        I don’t personally have a netbook, but I hear that they are great. It all depends on what you want to use it for. I am personally not a big fan of the I-Pad it’s in essence just an over sized iTouch.

        • http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

          Yeah, but it seems that everyone is looking to merge the Netbooks and the Kindle, so I’m wondering if I should wait 6 months and get that.

          • VO

            Like I said, it depends on what you want to do with it, if you already have a laptop, and an iTouch you are better off waiting the 6 months.

          • Hughesus Christo

            I’m kind of in the same situation. I have avoided all these devices because they’re going to be merged into one thing in the near future. That might be the iPad, that might be the uberKindle, that might be nook 2.0, the HP Slate, etc. I’m just gonna cool my jets in the meantime.

      • http://cid-e3a022289d65b5c0.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Assorted/foul.jpg Andy (different one) in chilly NYC

        Netbooks are great for browsing the web, e-mail, and reading the occasional Word document or .PDF file. Beyond that…not so much.

        Forget it if you have to edit complex Word docs, Excel files with lots of VBA code/macros/complex formulae, or are a developer of any kind: web/database/Windows/Mac/Unix. Netbooks are way underpowered for any kind of heavy lifting.

        Also, some people don’t mind the tiny screens, but many lose patience with them after a few months.

      • http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/0902/mlb.alex.rodriguez.through.the.years/images/1993.alex-rodriguez.jpg Drew

        Buy a laptop, unless you spend top dollar you’re spending for a trend that doesn’t have the power of a much cheaper lap top.

    • http://cid-e3a022289d65b5c0.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Assorted/foul.jpg Andy (different one) in chilly NYC

      You don’t need to pay for the Belkin thing. That capability has been built in to Windows since at least XP.

      If you have a router, connect both PCs (new and old) to it, then, on one of the PCs:

      START->ALL PROGRAMS->ACCESSORIES->SYSTEM TOOLS-> FILES AND SETTINGS TRANSFER WIZARD on Windows XP; on Vista, it’s called “Windows Easy Transfer”, but it’s in the same place.

      If you don’t have a router, go get a special type of network cable called a “crossover cable” and plug one end into each of the network cards in the PCs.

      If you have firewall/security software, turn it off temporarily on both PCs first; disconnect your router from the Internet for safety.

      The software will ask which is the new PC, then will walk you through the transfer. It can take an hour or so, but it’s much easier than doing it yourself.

      I do this stuff for a living…

  • mustang

    Why I will never buy a Partial ticket plan from the New York Yankees.

    After getting my 12-Game plan #1 a few weeks back I call my Co-artist (sale rep.) to try and exchange it for 12-Game plan #2 the dates fit better for me. I was told that my seats or anything equal to them were sold out in plan# 2, but they were upgraded ($$$$) seats open in plan#2. Of course this was a lie since I found out today that my section is wide open in plan#2.
    The topper here is that today I went online to score tickets that I had no chance of getting:

    “The team hasn’t said how many tickets are available, but based on the number of season ticket packages sold, it won’t be many.”

    Sales started at noon by 12:30Pm I had 2 tickets to one game for each of the 2 Red Sox series not cover by my plan and 2 tickets to one game in the Mets series.
    I will now sale the tickets I don’t want from my plan to break even and end my Partial plan relationship with the “Classiest ” Franchise in Baseball.

    • VO

      Buy some Pirates tickets.

      • mustang

        I probably would get treated better and that not the point.
        Thank you

    • http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

      It’s not some conspiracy. Full Season tix get sold first, then partials, then single games. They did sell loads of full season plans, and we all know the expensive seats between the bases can be had. Not sure where he lied to you. Just because a few games had seats available doesn’t mean they had them for an entire 12 game plan, therefore he was telling you the truth.

      In any case, with StubHub partial plans don’t make much sense anymore. You can always get last minute seats at face value.

      • mustang

        Not all partials are sold out he lie because I can go right now and buy what I asked for. They had my money and felt no need to accommodate a 6-year plan owner unless was going to send more.
        But your right I failed I just don’t want other to do the same.

        • mustang

          spend more

      • mustang

        “StubHub partial plans don’t make much sense anymore. You can always get last minute seats at face value.”

        That takes time and flexibly when you have kids, a long ride and work to plan around it just can’t be done.

    • http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/0902/mlb.alex.rodriguez.through.the.years/images/1993.alex-rodriguez.jpg Drew

      I understand things change rather quickly but.. if you had bought what you needed initially it wouldn’t be an issue. I know you don’t want to hear it but if they have to accommodate you, they have to accommodate everyone.

      • mustang

        Ok I didn’t make myself clear I was Issued Plan#1 not given a choice. When I called to try and exchanged it I was lie to and told it was sold out. Of course if I knew at the time that plan#2 was not sold out I would of cancelled plan1 and brought Plan2 later. But again I believed what was told.

      • mustang

        ” if they have to accommodate you, they have to accommodate everyone.”

        But the job of customer services is to try to.
        It’s ok the Yankees have been treating many of their loyal customer like shit for going on 2 years now. When the bandwagon stops, as it always does in sports, and the “now” fans get off we will see where things stand until then buyer beware.

  • http://www.richardiurilli.com Richard Iurilli

    Montero! Line drive double to left for The Jesus.

  • danny

    “Still, Dustin Pedroia called the Red Sox an underdog these days. “I kind of always feel that way against the Yankees,” said Pedroia, his hand softly tapping his glove. “They got the highest payroll. And look at that lineup. They’ve got studs everywhere. Robinson Cano is one of the best hitters in baseball and they were hitting him seventh.” ”

    oh please, i hate the whole underdog crap the sox always try to betray themselves as.

  • Darrelle Edwards

    ‘Cuse looking good early on.

  • bexarama

    I just wanted to let everyone know that for some unknown reason I went to LoHud while somewhat tipsy last night (I think I wanted to see if they won the game/other random updates or whatever). I left a couple of comments. They may have been more coherent than the rest of the comments most people leave there.