Do you think Andy Pettitte will be in the Hall of Fame one day, and that he will help Roger Clemens make it into the Hall as well?
Bill James does. He wrote a piece in his upcoming new book about steroids and Cooperstown stating just that. He also wrote that our grandchildren will be doing steroids. You can read my thoughts on his article here.
Showing posts with label Andy Pettitte. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Andy Pettitte. Show all posts
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Ho-hum - Yankees get flummoxed by an unknown pitcher - again
File this in the non-shocker file - the Yankees only eked out two hits against a no-name pitcher, Fernando Nieve. Squawker Jon and I both called this!
I remember there used to be a time when the Yankees did the little things, like having advance scouting on other teams. Gene Michael and his scouting team got a lot of credit - and deservedly so - for scoping out other team's weaknesses, and providing detailed scouting reports. Back then, the Yanks would have two scouts at opponents' games - one to look at offense, and the other defense.
But in recent years, either the scouts aren't doing those sort of reports any more, or the team isn't listening. When was the last time the Yankees succeeded against a starting pitcher they didn't know? I literally cannot remember.
The Star-Ledger's Marc Carig, who is doing a great job in his first year on the Yankee beat, writes about what he calls the "All-Anonymous Team" of no-name pitchers to beat the Yankees this year, from Koji Uehara to Matt Palmer to Anthony Ortega to Nieve. This inability to succeed against unknown pitchers is getting ridiculous.
I mean really. The Mets don't need to use Johan Santana today. Just call up some minor league pitcher the Yankees have never seen, and they'll win. Good grief.
If he is hurt, he needs to go on the DL. Phil Hughes can fill his spot in the rotation. Incentive-laden contract or not, Pettitte's not doing the team any favors with putting the team in the hole each time if he's hurt.
What do you think is wrong with Andy Pettitte? Leave us a comment!
I remember there used to be a time when the Yankees did the little things, like having advance scouting on other teams. Gene Michael and his scouting team got a lot of credit - and deservedly so - for scoping out other team's weaknesses, and providing detailed scouting reports. Back then, the Yanks would have two scouts at opponents' games - one to look at offense, and the other defense.
But in recent years, either the scouts aren't doing those sort of reports any more, or the team isn't listening. When was the last time the Yankees succeeded against a starting pitcher they didn't know? I literally cannot remember.
The Star-Ledger's Marc Carig, who is doing a great job in his first year on the Yankee beat, writes about what he calls the "All-Anonymous Team" of no-name pitchers to beat the Yankees this year, from Koji Uehara to Matt Palmer to Anthony Ortega to Nieve. This inability to succeed against unknown pitchers is getting ridiculous.
I mean really. The Mets don't need to use Johan Santana today. Just call up some minor league pitcher the Yankees have never seen, and they'll win. Good grief.
* * *
In other news, I'm officially concerned by Andy Pettitte's pitching. He was short of breath and laboring on the mound yesterday - he gave up 12 hits in five innings. I'm not sure if it's his age, his back, or it's his trying to adjust to hard to the new Stadium's dimensions, but he's been pretty bad as of late.If he is hurt, he needs to go on the DL. Phil Hughes can fill his spot in the rotation. Incentive-laden contract or not, Pettitte's not doing the team any favors with putting the team in the hole each time if he's hurt.
What do you think is wrong with Andy Pettitte? Leave us a comment!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Mark Teixeira sends a Tex message to Rays - and maybe Red Sox
The Yankees hit four homers in last night's victory over Tampa Bay, and not-so-shockingly, Mark Teixeira had one of them.
We had a spirited debate in our comments section yesterday over whether Teixeira is the MVP so far this year (readers Uncle Mike and Peggy seemed to think he had a good case for it, if he keeps it up), or whether's numbers were just due to playing in Yankee Stadium. Reader Ryan O wrote this:
Needless to say, I'm liking all three free agent signings a lot this year - CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Teixeira all bring something to the table. One of the things I've noticed about Teixeira is how emotional he is - for all the talk about how supposedly robotic he is, he really wears his heart on his sleeve - and on his face. You can tell just by looking at him exactly how the game is going.
Hopefully, he'll be wearing a big old smile on his face at Fenway Park tonight!
A few other thoughts:
* Fortunately, it looks like Andy Pettitte's back is better. And how about that Phil Hughes in the bullpen! I would have liked to have seen him throw two innings, but the one inning he did throw was pretty intense.
* In addition to Tex's shot Nick Swisher, Johnny Damon, and Derek Jeter also had homers. Gee, you'd think Yankee Stadium was a band box or something!
* What would Judge Judy say? Check out Kangaroo Court Judge Mariano Rivera getting a real gavel from People's Court judge Marilyn Milian!
I'll have my predictions for Yankees-Red Sox later today. But in the meantime, what do you think of the state of the Yankees? Leave us a comment!
We had a spirited debate in our comments section yesterday over whether Teixeira is the MVP so far this year (readers Uncle Mike and Peggy seemed to think he had a good case for it, if he keeps it up), or whether's numbers were just due to playing in Yankee Stadium. Reader Ryan O wrote this:
AVG OBP SLG OPSHa!
.237 .361 .485 .846
Uncle Mike, these are your MVP's numbers away from your little league field. Apparently he doesn't want to pay the roaming charges for his "Tex Messages."
Needless to say, I'm liking all three free agent signings a lot this year - CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Teixeira all bring something to the table. One of the things I've noticed about Teixeira is how emotional he is - for all the talk about how supposedly robotic he is, he really wears his heart on his sleeve - and on his face. You can tell just by looking at him exactly how the game is going.
Hopefully, he'll be wearing a big old smile on his face at Fenway Park tonight!
* * *
A few other thoughts:
* Fortunately, it looks like Andy Pettitte's back is better. And how about that Phil Hughes in the bullpen! I would have liked to have seen him throw two innings, but the one inning he did throw was pretty intense.
* In addition to Tex's shot Nick Swisher, Johnny Damon, and Derek Jeter also had homers. Gee, you'd think Yankee Stadium was a band box or something!
* What would Judge Judy say? Check out Kangaroo Court Judge Mariano Rivera getting a real gavel from People's Court judge Marilyn Milian!
I'll have my predictions for Yankees-Red Sox later today. But in the meantime, what do you think of the state of the Yankees? Leave us a comment!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Kicking it old school with Yankee t-shirts
What's the oldest Yankee t-shirt in your closet? I have a grey "Property of the New York Yankees" t-shirt from 1983. And if I hadn't purged my dresser drawers a few years ago, I would have had some Yankee clothing from the 1970s!
I'm not the only one with old-school Yankee gear. My blogging colleague/friend Steve Lombardi of Was Watching wrote this weekend about how he's about to get rid of some old Yankee t-shirts that no longer fit, thanks to him losing 65 pounds. And what he said about disposing of those items rang true to me, and inspired today's squawk:
For me, getting rid of Yankee items is like getting rid of books - sometimes it must be done, but it still pains me to do so. And much like I have to find a good home for my unwanted books, and won't just throw them in the recycle bin, I have to find a home - even if it's just the Salvation Army - for my old Yankee t-shirts.
Yet even then, I still kind of wish I still had some of those old shirts, like my "Billy's Back" shirt which finally became too ratty to even give away, and my 1996 World Series sweatshirt which somehow disappeared over the years. (If somebody has started making retro versions of the 70s/80s/90s Yankee shirts, please let me know!)
The only Yankee clothing item I had no problem throwing out was my Andy Pettitte shirt. After he left the Yanks the first time and became dead to me, I easily threw out my No. 46 t-shirt. When he signed with the Bombers again and became un-dead to me, I had to go buy a new shirt. Now that blue Pettitte No. 46 shirt is waiting in the wings of my dresser drawer, not sure if it will be obsolete yet again. C'mon, Cashman, bring Andy back, and give my t-shirt a reprieve!
What is the oldest Yankee t-shirt you own? Tell us about it!
I'm not the only one with old-school Yankee gear. My blogging colleague/friend Steve Lombardi of Was Watching wrote this weekend about how he's about to get rid of some old Yankee t-shirts that no longer fit, thanks to him losing 65 pounds. And what he said about disposing of those items rang true to me, and inspired today's squawk:
No, Steve, it's not just you. I'm still kicking myself for getting rid of my Dave Righetti no-hitter shirt!Is it just me, or, is it hard to throw out Yankees shirts - no matter how aged, ratty, faded or out-of-size they may be? There’s just something, at least me, about Yankee fan gear where it just doesn’t seem right to let it hit the trash. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that Yankees T-shirts are right up there with the American Flag or something. But, I dunno…I almost feel like me, we, us…you know, Yankees fans…should hang on to these puppies even if they no longer serve the attire purpose they were meant to fill.
For me, getting rid of Yankee items is like getting rid of books - sometimes it must be done, but it still pains me to do so. And much like I have to find a good home for my unwanted books, and won't just throw them in the recycle bin, I have to find a home - even if it's just the Salvation Army - for my old Yankee t-shirts.
Yet even then, I still kind of wish I still had some of those old shirts, like my "Billy's Back" shirt which finally became too ratty to even give away, and my 1996 World Series sweatshirt which somehow disappeared over the years. (If somebody has started making retro versions of the 70s/80s/90s Yankee shirts, please let me know!)
The only Yankee clothing item I had no problem throwing out was my Andy Pettitte shirt. After he left the Yanks the first time and became dead to me, I easily threw out my No. 46 t-shirt. When he signed with the Bombers again and became un-dead to me, I had to go buy a new shirt. Now that blue Pettitte No. 46 shirt is waiting in the wings of my dresser drawer, not sure if it will be obsolete yet again. C'mon, Cashman, bring Andy back, and give my t-shirt a reprieve!
What is the oldest Yankee t-shirt you own? Tell us about it!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Yankees should throw Andy Pettitte a bone
Yikes! While we wait for the big Mark Teixeira press conference today, there is other news out of Yankeeland, and it's not good for Andy Pettitte fans. According to Tyler Kepner of the New York Times, Pettitte is saying no to the Yankees' $10 million, one-year offer.
Even though the Yankees went on a shopping spree for the ages this winter, they apparently are treating Andy Pettitte like something they found at the dollar store. Then again, Pettitte was all "I want to be a Yankee for life no matter what," so he shouldn't be surprised that they are trying to nickel and dime him.
Should Pettitte have to get a pay cut from his $16 million salary from last year? Absolutely, given his lousy second half - not to mention the Mitchell Report. But it makes no sense for the Yanks not to budge on the $10 million offer. While Brian Cashman did fly down to Houston to talk to Andy, one would hope he would dig through the Yankee couch cushions and dig up another million or two for Pettitte.
If the Yanks do offer Andy, say, $12 million, and he still turns it down, then shame on him. But given that they are paying A.J. Burnett $16.5 million a year, I don't think it's unreasonable for Pettitte to want the Yanks to upgrade their offer a little.
It's funny - Pettitte was front and center with all the Yankee Stadium closing ceremony stuff, with all the other "four rings" teammates. Yet the Yanks appear to be thisclose to cutting ties with him for the second time in five years. Unreal.
What do you think about Andy Pettitte? Leave us a comment.
Even though the Yankees went on a shopping spree for the ages this winter, they apparently are treating Andy Pettitte like something they found at the dollar store. Then again, Pettitte was all "I want to be a Yankee for life no matter what," so he shouldn't be surprised that they are trying to nickel and dime him.
Should Pettitte have to get a pay cut from his $16 million salary from last year? Absolutely, given his lousy second half - not to mention the Mitchell Report. But it makes no sense for the Yanks not to budge on the $10 million offer. While Brian Cashman did fly down to Houston to talk to Andy, one would hope he would dig through the Yankee couch cushions and dig up another million or two for Pettitte.
If the Yanks do offer Andy, say, $12 million, and he still turns it down, then shame on him. But given that they are paying A.J. Burnett $16.5 million a year, I don't think it's unreasonable for Pettitte to want the Yanks to upgrade their offer a little.
It's funny - Pettitte was front and center with all the Yankee Stadium closing ceremony stuff, with all the other "four rings" teammates. Yet the Yanks appear to be thisclose to cutting ties with him for the second time in five years. Unreal.
What do you think about Andy Pettitte? Leave us a comment.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Connor and David Robertson: Subway brothers?
Squawker Lisa, this item from metsblog might make YOU overturn the buffet table:
Free-agent LHP Andy Pettitte has a three-year, $36 million offer from an ‘unnamed team,’ reports Jon Heyman at SI.com...
...umm, crazy thought…but, is there any chance that the Mets are the ‘unnamed team,’ since they are supposedly seeking a front-end, left-handed starting pitcher…
My first complaint is having Andy Pettitte described as front-end pitcher. The Yankees are looking at him as their fifth starter on a one-year deal.
But my main complaint is that if Pettitte is only worth $10 million to the Yankees, the Mets (or anyone else) shouldn't be offering practically what they gave K-Rod. Overbidding is the Yankees' domain.
So while I won't overreact to Hamels, I might overreact to Pettitte. Stay in pinstripes, Andy. Don't try to find out what comes after being dead to Lisa.
Speaking of overreacting, I wonder if Omar Minaya was a little too eager to get rid of Scott Schoeneweis. The idea that the relievers were forced into unsuitable roles may have actually applied to Schoeneweis, who was one of the top relievers in the league last year against lefties, but floundered when asked to be more than a lefty specialist.
Now the Mets are down to just Pedro Feliciano on the left side in the pen, just when the Phillies have gotten even more left-handed by signing Raul Ibanez.
In return for Schoeneweis, all the Mets got was Connor Robertson. Here's what ESPN analyst Keith Law said about Robertson a year ago when he came over to Arizona in the deal for Dan Haren:
Arizona also got a fringe bullpen arm in Connor Robertson, whom it could have had for free in October when Oakland placed him on outright waivers.
Great - another fringe bullpen arm. Maybe his entrance music can be the theme from the TV show "Fringe."
(Speaking of entrance music, I did think Aaron Heilman had the best music of all - "London Calling" by the Clash.)
The most notable thing about Connor Robertson might be that his brother David pitched for the Yankees part of last year.
It's not clear if either Robertson will make the major-league squad next year, but if both do, it might be the first time the Mets and Yankees have had brothers playing for both teams at the same time.
Jesus Alou played for the Mets in 1975, while brother Felipe played for the Yankees between 1971 and 1973 and brother Matty also played for the Yankees in 1973.
Al Leiter's brother Mark played one game for the Yankees in 1990.
Bret Boone, brother of Aaron F. Boone, signed a minor-league contract with the Mets in January of 2006, but quit shortly into spring training.
The Mets and Yankees do have at least one father-son combination, since Felipe's son Moises recently played for the Mets between DL stints.
And they could have another before too long if Mets' 2008 first-round draft choice Ike Davis pans out - he's the son of of former Yankee reliever Ron Davis.
Can you think of any other Met-Yankee player family combinations?
Free-agent LHP Andy Pettitte has a three-year, $36 million offer from an ‘unnamed team,’ reports Jon Heyman at SI.com...
...umm, crazy thought…but, is there any chance that the Mets are the ‘unnamed team,’ since they are supposedly seeking a front-end, left-handed starting pitcher…
My first complaint is having Andy Pettitte described as front-end pitcher. The Yankees are looking at him as their fifth starter on a one-year deal.
But my main complaint is that if Pettitte is only worth $10 million to the Yankees, the Mets (or anyone else) shouldn't be offering practically what they gave K-Rod. Overbidding is the Yankees' domain.
So while I won't overreact to Hamels, I might overreact to Pettitte. Stay in pinstripes, Andy. Don't try to find out what comes after being dead to Lisa.
Speaking of overreacting, I wonder if Omar Minaya was a little too eager to get rid of Scott Schoeneweis. The idea that the relievers were forced into unsuitable roles may have actually applied to Schoeneweis, who was one of the top relievers in the league last year against lefties, but floundered when asked to be more than a lefty specialist.
Now the Mets are down to just Pedro Feliciano on the left side in the pen, just when the Phillies have gotten even more left-handed by signing Raul Ibanez.
In return for Schoeneweis, all the Mets got was Connor Robertson. Here's what ESPN analyst Keith Law said about Robertson a year ago when he came over to Arizona in the deal for Dan Haren:
Arizona also got a fringe bullpen arm in Connor Robertson, whom it could have had for free in October when Oakland placed him on outright waivers.
Great - another fringe bullpen arm. Maybe his entrance music can be the theme from the TV show "Fringe."
(Speaking of entrance music, I did think Aaron Heilman had the best music of all - "London Calling" by the Clash.)
The most notable thing about Connor Robertson might be that his brother David pitched for the Yankees part of last year.
It's not clear if either Robertson will make the major-league squad next year, but if both do, it might be the first time the Mets and Yankees have had brothers playing for both teams at the same time.
Jesus Alou played for the Mets in 1975, while brother Felipe played for the Yankees between 1971 and 1973 and brother Matty also played for the Yankees in 1973.
Al Leiter's brother Mark played one game for the Yankees in 1990.
Bret Boone, brother of Aaron F. Boone, signed a minor-league contract with the Mets in January of 2006, but quit shortly into spring training.
The Mets and Yankees do have at least one father-son combination, since Felipe's son Moises recently played for the Mets between DL stints.
And they could have another before too long if Mets' 2008 first-round draft choice Ike Davis pans out - he's the son of of former Yankee reliever Ron Davis.
Can you think of any other Met-Yankee player family combinations?
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
I'm peeved about Pettitte
Squawker reader/Red Sox fan a cape lad sent me a link this morning that made my jaw drop to the floor. Here's the tidbit in question, from the Boston Globe's Extra Bases site:
Shortly after Theo Epstein met with reporters tonight, an agent walking the hall of the Bellagio resort and casino gave the Red Sox a supreme compliment.
"They explore everything,'' said the agent.
Including a name that should be familiar to all Sox fans for obvious reasons: Andy Pettitte.
I thought Andy looked positively revolting in the Astros' maroon, but the thought of him wearing a Red Sox uniform is enough to make me turn red - with anger! Pettitte going to Boston simply cannot happen.
Andy was going to be dead to me - again - anyway if he spurned a reasonable offer from the Yanks to go elsewhere on the table to go elsewhere (and yes, given the Mitchell Report, Pettitte's lousy second half, and the current economic climate, I think a $10 million opening offer is reasonable), but the thought of him going to Boston would really kill me. Can he be doubly dead to me? Is that possible?
Maybe Pettitte has earned enough points among some Yankee fans that he could ultimately be unscathed by his time in Boston, the way David Cone was. But this squawker would never forgive Andy for such a betrayal.
I know Boston wooed Andy the last time around, and he turned them down, saying he couldn't do that to his old team. I hope Pettitte still has that same mindset.
Yankee fans, how would you feel about Andy going to Boston? And Red Sox fans, would you embrace Pettitte in Beantown? Tell us what you think!
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