The Joe.T Memorial Yankees Suck Thread for 2007

[EagerBeaver]

Yankees Hit 5 More Homers!

The Yankees have hit 5 more homers against the White Sox tonight, making 13 bombs in two games against the beleaguered Pale Hose staff, tying another team record.

After Posada hit his second homer in the 8th (he switch hit homers tonight), Haeger hit Cano with a knuckleball on the next pitch and was ejected, forcing Guillen to go to his closer in an 8-1 game.

Shelley Duncan, Dave's large and excitable son, also hit his 5th homer in 22 at bats, and nearly had another.

 

[Joe.t]

Gagne coming to the Red Sox...Can you believe the Yankees wouldn't give up a 4th caliber outfielder in Melky Cabrera for Eric f'n Gagne??? Looks like boy genius Epstein has out GM'd midget Cashman again!

Now for Jermaine Dye to be brought to Boston!!

If Cabrera is a 4th caliber outfielder then what caliber would Crisp be.

 

[rumpleforeskiin]

If Rumples said that it would be a rare error in judgment. Given the sophistication that sabermetrics has introduced into the game, run differential is a blunt measure that proves nothing other than what Rumples said in an earlier post: that certain teams explode against bad pitching. I'd much rather lead the league in least runs allowed than in run differential.

Sorry, pal, but it's quite proven. Baseball Prospectus updates daily it's Pythagorean Standings, based on run differential. There are 7 teams in baseball that are not within three wins of the numbers projected by their run differential. The Yankees blow the leagues away by losing nine more games than their differential suggests.

My sense, and their recent series with Chicago and Baltimore bear this out, is that they're feasting on lousy pitching and getting shut down by good pitching. They're also streaking, both ways, as a team.

Both of the above suggest that when the Yankees hit their 20 game stretch against Detroit, Boston, Cleveland, and Los Anaheim next week that their season should come to a crashing thud. The Yankees are, by far, the best AAA team in history. The fact that several Yankee fans on this board are basing the hopes of their $200,000,000 heroes on a pair of 20 year olds with a combined 40 innings above AA ball confirms this.

 

[madmax-1]

Sorry, pal, but it's quite proven. Baseball Prospectus updates daily it's Pythagorean Standings, based on run differential. There are 7 teams in baseball that are not within three wins of the numbers projected by their run differential. The Yankees blow the leagues away by losing nine more games than their differential suggests.

My sense, and their recent series with Chicago and Baltimore bear this out, is that they're feasting on lousy pitching and getting shut down by good pitching. They're also streaking, both ways, as a team.

Both of the above suggest that when the Yankees hit their 20 game stretch against Detroit, Boston, Cleveland, and Los Anaheim next week that their season should come to a crashing thud. The Yankees are, by far, the best AAA team in history. The fact that several Yankee fans on this board are basing the hopes of their $200,000,000 heroes on a pair of 20 year olds with a combined 40 innings above AA ball confirms this.

Well, buddy, you either believe the statistical analysis or you don't. What the numbers show (in contrast to your desires) is that the Yankees are due to go on a tear that will put them at least into the playoffs and perhaps at the top of the division by season's end.

You can't have it both ways. Without further statistical analysis you can't both accept the overall validity of run differential and then exempt the Yankees from the predictive ability of the formula simply because you hate them.

Basically what you've done in this post is to give solace and encouragement to every Yankee fan on this board.

 

[rumpleforeskiin]

Basically what you've done in this post is to give solace and encouragement to every Yankee fan on this board.

Excuuuuuuse me. Should we not be honest? Yes, the Yankees are a better team than their record, no doubt. Whether or not thy'll get into the playoffs remains to be seen. Will they continue to struggle against decent pitching? A lot of this will be determined by their tough August stretch.

Personally, my sense is that they will make the playoffs only to be knocked off by the Tigers in the first round, denoting another year of miserable failure. As has been long proven, success in the post-season is largely determined by pitching and defense; the Yankees have neither.

 

[korbel]

Explain

If Cabrera is a 4th caliber outfielder then what caliber would Crisp be.

Hello Joe.t,

That is quite a statement. But it is only bluster without explanation. Crisp is the superior fielder and Cabrera is hitting only 10 points higher. Crisp has one less home run, they have the same RBIs, Crisp has 16 more runs and double the steals. Crisp's production is significantly more in two areas and roughly very equal in the others. So where is the great advantage you allude to for Cabrera? Are writing from your dreams now, or are you taking shots of Yankee blue? Does wearing pinstripes mean lower stats still makes the player better than one who is wearing something else. You are discrediting yourself with such big erroneous statements. Honestly Joe. t, try to write with more lucidity. Try not to be:

WRONG AGAIN,

Korbel

 

[EagerBeaver]

Crisp is the superior fielder

Korbel, it's true that Crisp has made no errors, but Melky has made only 1 and has 9 assists as opposed to 5 assists for Crisp. So what is the basis for this statement that Crisp is superior defensively? It seems to me that Melky is almost equal to Crisp catching the ball and has a better and more accurate throwing arm. A runner is more likely to run on Crisp's arm than on Melky's and take that extra base. Plus, Melky has shown a penchant for making spectacular catches.

The actual fielding percentages are 1.000 for Crisp and .995 for Melky because of his 1 error. Crisp is tied for #1 (with Ichiro) and Melky is #4 in the AL.

 

[korbel]

Hmmm

Korbel, it's true that Crisp has made no errors, but Melky has made only 1 and has 9 assists as opposed to 5 assists for Crisp. So what is the basis for this statement that Crisp is superior defensively? It seems to me that Melky is almost equal to Crisp catching the ball and has a better and more accurate throwing arm. A runner is more likely to run on Crisp's arm than on Melky's and take that extra base. Plus, Melky has shown a penchant for making spectacular catches.

The actual fielding percentages are 1.000 for Crisp and .995 for Melky because of his 1 error. Crisp is tied for #1 (with Ichiro) and Melky is #4 in the AL.

Hello EB,

As you said: "almost equal". I did not say Crisp's superiority was large. Marginal is still a measure of superiorty. I have seen Crisp make spectacular catches on television and in person at the game. As for whether someone will run or not because of a player's arm, it is hard to quantify what doesn't happen. Obviously, with the stats so close on fielding neither of us will avoid some inner bias. Both of us know the players are close in general. So we know statement's like Joe. t's insinuation that Cabrera is markedly better are obviously silly...to be kind. I am happy to exchange posts with someone like you who can write above his fan enthusiasm with good sense...most of the time...lol. But Joe, t needs some coaching in reality. Clearly, when we look at your stats and mine, he is not dealing with reality at all when he posts such hyperbole.

Happy catches,

Korbel

 

[Joe.t]

We will soon find out if fatboy can help the Red Sox and who will have the greater effect on their team, fatboy or Chamberlain? Gabbard was pitching the lights out this year and looked like the real deal, we should know next year at this time who got the better end of the deal.

 

[rumpleforeskiin]

The actual fielding percentages are 1.000 for Crisp and .995 for Melky because of his 1 error. Crisp is tied for #1 (with Ichiro) and Melky is #4 in the AL.

There are a lot of meaningless statistics and fielding percentage is one of them, as it totally ignores range. According to BP, Coco has saved the Red Sox 18 runs defensively so far, a number, at this stage of the season, of historic greatness. Melky has saved the Yankees 11 runs, also a very strong number. These numbers are against average, meaning an average fielder would score 0. Damon so far this season pulls a -3. The best thing that's happened to the Yanks this year was removing the light hitting Damon and replacing him in CF with the light hitting Cabrera.

Offensively, batting average is also a substandard stat, ignoring both a player's ability to get on base as well as his power. Crisp has a rather substandard .746, which is more than offset by his defense. Combining his defense and offense, Crisp is still a premiere centerfielder. Not bad considering his awful start at the plate. Cabrera's OPS is a very similar .758. Considering his defense, Cabrera is clearly helping the Yankees, but he's no Coco.

 

[rumpleforeskiin]

We will soon find out if fatboy can help the Red Sox and who will have the greater effect on their team, fatboy or Chamberlain? Gabbard was pitching the lights out this year and looked like the real deal, we should know next year at this time who got the better end of the deal.

Only in your universe can 5 starts or 3 innings at AAA prove anything. Gabbard is likely to have a good career as a solid starter on a second rate club or a back of the rotation guy on a good club. Considering the depth of the Sox farm system and the Sox' acquiring a pitcher of Gagne's caliber, this is a fabulous deal, as the whining on all of the Yankees blogs will attest.

 

[korbel]

Are you for real...geeeeeeeez

We will soon find out if fatboy can help the Red Sox and who will have the greater effect on their team, fatboy or Chamberlain? Gabbard was pitching the lights out this year and looked like the real deal, we should know next year at this time who got the better end of the deal.

Hello Joe. t,

Geeeeeeeez...did you follow Gabbard closely or are you just spitballing for a big effect. DAMN! Gabbard had some solid games where he got to the late middle innings and the best bullpen in baseball finished his very good effort. Other times he was shaky. He's a good-very good prospect. But..."LIGHTS OUT"... friend, I can see the only thing that guides your opinions is saying the worse about the Sox and the best about the Yankers. You really need to say something that isn't extreme hyperbole. Remember the...Clemens will pitch lights out statement a few weeks ago...or the...Damon will break out from this point on. The expressions you use sounds like a young teenager at times. Gabbard could be very good: that is true. But your assessment here is over the top. Give us all some creditable statements once this century...PLEASE!

Childlike,

Korbel

 

[korbel]

Dear EB.

Dear EagerBeaver,

I would ask Joe. t this question too but he probably thinks Clemens pitched..."LIGHTS OUT"...again...lol. Clemens stats for the day are 1.2 innings, 9 Hits, 8 Runs, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 4.23 ERA. And all that against a weak team like the White Sox who the Yankers absolutely bombed two days ago. The game isn't over but he may get the loss too. Up to this point I would like to know what you think of Clemens honestly, then I would like to know how you feel about his being paid $28,000,000 with a record like his? The Yanks scored a lot of runs today. Too bad their starting pitcher could not hold the other team under the stratosphere.

In my view, when you talk about bone-headed acquisitions, Clemens is probably the most expensive bomb for a single year in history so far. That's the "genius" of Cashman and Steinbrenner. And it was all pretty predictable at Clemens age. That's the sad part. Yes, I know the Red Sox tried to get him too. Congratulations...you won...maybe you lost...hmmmmmmmmm.

For your information Wakefield, known to be shaky at times and rough at others, followed his recent rock solid starts with another very good outing. Crisp was also 2-4 tonight.

Hey, Betemit got a home run..cool. So did Mirabelli.

$28,000,000...um um um damn,

Korbel

PS


It's official at 5:12. Yanks lose.

 

[madmax-1]

A Great Day at Fenway

I sat in the sweltering heat at Fenway Park this afternoon watching the Red Sox beat the Orioles 7-4, all the while the crowd delighted in scoreboard watching as the pitiful White Sox beat the even more pitiful Yankees 13-9! Not only does Roger give up 8 runs, he gets BOOED OFF THE MOUND!

Beautiful day!

 

[korbel]

Clemens.

I sat in the sweltering heat at Fenway Park this afternoon watching the Red Sox beat the Orioles 7-4, all the while the crowd delighted in scoreboard watching as the pitiful White Sox beat the even more pitiful Yankees 13-9! Not only does Roger give up 8 runs, he gets BOOED OFF THE MOUND!

Beautiful day!

Hello Madmax,

I am glad you enjoyed the game. How were your seats? I hope you had some shade? It sure is a bright beautiful stinking hot day in Boston.

I feel bad in a way about the fans booing Clemens. He is a legend. But he seems to have overstayed his time in baseball this year. Considering his record for the year, his salary is practically theft...except that Steinbrenner seems to love giving it away in mountains. I can't blame the Yankers fans for booing Clemens. But it's a sad episode in a great career that should have been graciously over by now. Yes, he's a great competitor, but his edge seems to be gone permanently. The odd good game won't change that fact any more, and the poor ones are piling up. The tragedy is that all that money could have bought a decent bullpen or a fair couple of starters at least. Steinbrenner you screwed up...HUGE!

Bronx cheers,

Korbel

 

[madmax-1]

Korbel, I share a season ticket so I always have the same seats ... between home plate and third base just under the protection of the upper deck -- so no direct sun and no rain. Perfect for my tastes.

I know what you mean about Clemens. I was there when he pitched for what we all thought was his last time at Fenway, and the cheers were thunderous. Too bad it couldn't have ended that way.

Power pitchers seem to be like heavyweight boxers -- they just don't know when to hang it up.

 

[EagerBeaver]

It was very hot and humid in the Bronx today, and Garland was just as bad as Clemens. Niether got out of the second. I think it is kind of tough to pitch when it is this hot and humid, especially for an older guy. So I give both pitchers a pass on their performances today. The Yankees have been playing day games on Thursdays, and I really think that practice is not wise during the dog days of July and August.

 

[korbel]

Seats.

Korbel, I share a season ticket so I always have the same seats ... between home plate and third base just under the protection of the upper deck -- so no direct sun and no rain. Perfect for my tastes.

I know what you mean about Clemens. I was there when he pitched for what we all thought was his last time at Fenway, and the cheers were thunderous. Too bad it couldn't have ended that way.

Power pitchers seem to be like heavyweight boxers -- they just don't know when to hang it up.

Hello Madmax,

I once had 4th row seats right behind the Sox on deck circle. It was terrific to see the batter, but not the best for seeing the outfield. I think the best ones are almost halfway up the aisles where the seats start to rise more steeply, like rows HH-MM, between the bases on either side so you can see over the heads of people walking around. Of course, you can't get those any more. Good thing it's tough to find a really bad seat at Fenway. Can you believe this park will make it to 100 years in 2012? I don't think any park has done that before. Fenway forever...with Hooters girls of course...lol.

Happy at bats,

Korbel

 

[korbel]

Weather.

It was very hot and humid in the Bronx today, and Garland was just as bad as Clemens. Niether got out of the second. I think it is kind of tough to pitch when it is this hot and humid, especially for an older guy. So I give both pitchers a pass on their performances today. The Yankees have been playing day games on Thursdays, and I really think that practice is not wise during the dog days of July and August.

Hello EB,

I was surprised to see the games start early this afternoon. It was a shock to see scoreboards lit up on my computer at that time on such a hot day. It is still 94 degrees in Boston now. But there was no barn burner in Boston as the score was only 7-4. Was the weather a big factor in Clemens game? I would say sure. But he has done so little in any weather this year, so we have to keep that in mind when we consider the effect of very hot weather for Clemens today. If there is a consistent fact about Clemens, it is a disappointing performance. If the age factor is really decisive for Clemens then it is time for him consider WHETHER he should be in baseball. Stars may want to twinkle forever, but even the ones in the heavens eventually fade when it's time.

Twinkling,

Korbel

 

[rumpleforeskiin]

So I give both pitchers a pass on their performances today.

Of course you do. It's always hot and humid in the Bronx in the summer. There is no excuse for sucking as bad as Clemens has sucked, especially when you consider that he was paid $900,000 for his afternoon's "work."

BTW, it was hot and humid in Boston today, as Madmax attests above. That didn't stop Tim Wakefield from having a fine day.

I was in St. Louis last weekend and went to three games. New York's worst summer day is typical of what St. Louis is like all summer. They used to have a guy named Gibson there, another one named Dean. And many more.

Give Clemens a pass. I got a better idea. Give me a break.