Swisher Sits, Hariston Starts

Nick Swisher will not be in tonight's starting lineup for the Yankees. Joe Girardi has finally decided to sit his struggling right-fielder, who is just 11 of his last 77 (.143) with 1 homer and 4 RBI. If you ask me, it's about damn time. Jerry Hairston Jr., who is 10-for-27 against Pedro Martinez in his career, will start in his place.

“We like the way they kind of match up against each other and that shows in the numbers,” Girardi said.

“Like any other player, like I was when I didn’t start World Series games, I really want to be out there,” Girardi said. “But Swisher’s a team guy and he understands. I told him to be ready because you never know when we might need you and he said OK.”

Jose Molina will also start tonight. Here's the rest of the lineup: Derek Jeter SS, Johnny Damon LF, Mark Teixeira 1B, Alex Rodriguez 3B, Hideki Matsui DH, Robinson Cano 2B, Jerry Hairston RF, Melky Cabrera CF, Jose Molina C.

With Posada on the Bench Others Must Step Up

There has been way too much made of this whole Posada-Molina-Burnett thing, but one more post won't hurt anyone.

A lot of people are worried about losing Posada's bat and having and automatic out at the bottom of the order in Jose Molina. This concerns me slightly, but overall it really shouldn't be a problem. I was watching MLB Network the other night (because it's soooooo much better than ESPN) and I forget who it was, maybe Mitch Williams, who said that if the Yankees can't hide Jose Molina's bat in their lineup than there is no lineup that could. I feel the same way.

All this means is that the rest of the guys in the lineup must step up. It also means that if Molina comes up with men on base he should be told to bunt and move the guys over. Sabermetricians probably would want to slap me right now, but when you fail 8 of 10 times to get the ball out of the infield I happen to believe that the bunt can be very useful, even with one out, esepciall with a guy like Derek Jeter batting behind you.

The last thing I want to see tonight is Jose Molina banging into a couple rally-killing double plays, and to avoid that just simply have him move the runners over with a bunt, it's actually something he's pretty good at. Of course is the Yankees are up by three or more runs this point becomes moot and Girardi can let Molina swing away.

Burnett On Tomorrow's Big Start

Earlier today I posted Burnett's comments regarding the Posada-Molina situation. Now we get this from Jack Curry:

“I’ve always said I’m ready for the stage,” Burnett said. “And I wanted to pitch. I watched every game. I lay in bed with my wife watching the games. I just imagined if I could have the opportunity to throw in the postseason, pitch in the postseason.”

He also said he wasn't surprised that Girardi's decision to start Molina was getting so much attention:

“I’m not surprised because of what Jorge is to this organization and what he’s done in the postseason,” Burnett said. “He’s the leader in this clubhouse. He’s the leader in the dugout.”

Again, that whole thing has be blown totally out of proportion. Either way, I like what Burnett has been saying, and I'm very interested in seeing what he can do tomorrow. I don't think he will be effected by the "big stage," it's just a matter of whether he has his good command or not and can minimize the damage if he does get into trouble. Those have been the keys for Burnett throughout his entire career, so tomorrow should be no different. Here's what his battery mate said were the keys for Burnett via Justin Terranova:

“You just tell him to calm down, not worry about it,” said Molina, who hit .217 this season. “It’s a lot of fun here. A lot of times he gets mad on the mound and I just tell him not to give up any more runs. We are going to score a lot of runs. You give up one run with this team that’s nothing.”

...

“When he gets mad that’s when you have to call time out and talk to him, calm him down and make sure he is in the same place you are to get some more outs,” Molina said.

And a little joking around doesn’t hurt either. Molina relayed a story from one of Burnett’s recent starts.

“He came off upset, ‘Jose I threw 50 pitches’ and I went ‘damn next inning you throw 10 pitches and then you will be alright.’ And he was laughing and after that he was a lot better. You have to break the hard part of him and make it fun.”

What's your prediction for his start tomorrow?

Girardi: It Was My Decision

Joe Girardi told the media today that the decision to start Jose Molina behind the plate when A.J. Burnett pitches was his and that he “have to live with.” For audio of Girardi press conference, go over to the LoHud Yankees blog.

As for Molina, he had this to say to the media also from Sam Borden:

Question: How does it make you feel that A.J. prefers pitching to you?

Answer: “I don’t think it’s A.J.’s decision. It’s the manager. We are here to play and get in the game when Joe says. We really are a team here so we root for each other. He put me in the lineup, (so) I’m going to play.”

Question: Have you talked to Jorge about this situation?

Answer: “We haven’t had much time to talk. We really don’t have much time in the playoffs. We have love for each other. I don’t think there’s anything wrong about all this. I think Jorgie just wanted to play, you can respect that.”

Question: Is it awkward at all?

Answer: “I will say and I will keep saying the same – the manager is Joe, he writes down a name and I’ll play. I’m ready. If Jorgie don’t like it, that’s him. You guys have to ask him about that, not me. But Joe is the manager. He puts me in the lineup, I’ll play.”

I personally think people are making way too big a deal out of all of this. The Yankees have a strong enough lineup to hide Molina's bat, and the most important thing in October is pitching. What good will Posada's bat do if Burnett gets hammered?

Burnett: I Don't Care Who Catches

From Steve Popper:

Burnett denied that he had anything to do with the decision by Yankees manager Joe Girardi to pair him with Jose Molina as his personal catcher – a decision that will force one of the team's veteran leaders, Jorge Posada, to the bench for Game 2 of the American League Division Series, as well as a potential decisive Game 5.

...

"It's making me out to be the bad guy again," said Burnett, stopping to talk on his way off the field from the pregame workout Wednesday. "It comes down to Boston when I said, 'Why, why, why?' But over my career, I've done that a handful of times.

"But if you ask people who I played with, I don't show guys up. I'm upset with me for so many times in the past; I've struck him out with a curveball in that situation. And it's just ever since things got blown out – we have a great relationship.

"Inside the clubhouse, on the field and like you mentioned, I've even gone to Joe in the past and said, 'Hey, give me either one.' It's his decision. And obviously Jorge's upset. He's a big part of this team. He's a leader on and off the field, and hopefully his mind will be right to get in there and get a pinch hit when the time comes."

Interesting... I had been under the impression that it was Burnett who told Girardi that he wanted to throw to Molina. I'm still not sure what the truth is, but I'm glad Burnett is coming out and saying these things, at least to get some of the heat off his back.

That said, this is not something he needs to be focusing on the day before he makes his first postseason start. It probably would have been better off had Girardi made this decision public weeks ago and given Posada and Burnett a few weeks to let the media talk about it before the playoffs had started.

Sorry Jorge, Molina Will Catch Burnett in the ALDS

According to Sam Borden, the Yankees have decided that Jose Molina will catch A.J. Burnett in division series. Borden also had this quote from Posada, and the veteran didn't seem happy.

“I just hope we win that game,” Posada said. “That’s all I’ve got to say.”

He added, “It’s not like I didn’t see it coming.”

To add to what Posada said, I think most people saw this coming. Batters hit .270/.353/.421 against Burnett in 16 games when Posada caught him this season, and just .221/.307/.352 when in 11 games that Molina was behind the plate. The fact that Molina cannot hit the broad side of a barn does worry me, though.

Another thing that bothers me a little is that Francisco Cervelli has once again been pushed aside for Molina. If you're wondering, batters hit just .204/.304/.327 against Burnett with Cervelli behind the plate, although it was only two games.

What do you guys think of all this?

Cashman's Small Moves Paying Off Big Time

We all are aware of the fine job Brian Cashman did this offseason bringing in big name free agents CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira. These moves were a key to the Yankees 2009 success, but any GM with money and a clue could have done the same. Cashman has impressed me the most with the smaller moves, the ones that took some real GM work. And those are the ones that might have put this team over the top.

First, the trade for Jose Molina back in 2007 gave the Yankees a solid backup catcher for the first time in several years. In that deal Cashman sent the Angels minor league reliever Jeff Kennard for Molina. Kennard, 28, is now in the Reds organization, and is having a solid year for Triple-A Louisville, but has yet to make the majors. At the same time Molina has been one of the better backup catchers in the game.

Then, in 2008, Cash signed a relatively unknown pitcher out of the Mexican leagues. That guy was Alfredo Aceves. He now leads all MLB relievers in wins with nine, and has become one of the more versitile relievers in the game. It's no coincidence that once the Yankees called him up their bullpen turned around.

Nick Swisher was the next solid pickup for Cashman. Trading away struggling propect Jeff Marquez, reliever Jhonny Nunez, and roster spot waster Wilson Betemit. Besides the solid offensive production Swisher has also helped chance the culture of the clubhouse. Betemit played a grand total of 20 games for the White Sox this year, hitting. 200/.280/.311. Marquez had another rough year in the minors, going 2-8, with a 9.85 ERA for the Triple-A Charllotte Knights. And Nunez, also with the Knights, is having a decent year, but nothing special.

Cashman wasn't done. Once he finally realized that the 2009 Yankees had a weak bench, he got rid of the useless Angel Berroa and sent Casey Erickson and Eric Fryer to Pittsburgh for Eric Hinske. This move paid off immediately as Hinske did more in his first week in Pinstripes than Berroa had done all year. A month later Cashman sent Single-A catcher Chase Weems to the Reds for Jerry Hairston Jr, who has turned out to be a great pickup for the Yanks. He can play everywhere (and has), played hard, and he's not as easy an out as I or many others may have thought he was.

You can also throw in the signing of Sergio Mitre and the trade for Chad Gaudin. While neither of these guys has been spectacular, they gave this team much needed pitching depth. Mitre has pitched in eight games this year (started seven) and in those games the Yankees are 6-2. And while Gaudin has struggled, he has given the Yanks the ability to alter the Joba rules to what they feel is the best method, and he could play a big role in keeping other guys fresh as the regular season comes to a close.

These moves have turned what would have still be a very good team into a complete team. A team with a solid pen, a good bench, and rotation depth. That was one of the keys to the Dynasty teams of the late-90's. They were complete teams where everyone on the 25-man roster contributed at some point. Now, thanks to the work Cashman has done, this team is complete and may be on the verge of doing something very special.

More problems with Burnett and Posada?

From Bob Klapisch:

The Yankees’ renaissance summer might look pretty from afar – and it appears to be collapse-proof in the standings – but here’s something to remember as the postseason looms: There’s an unmistakable gulf between A.J. Burnett and Jorge Posada, which was on full display during Saturday’s 14-1 blowout at the hands of the Red Sox.

While it’s a notch below an actual rift, the Yankee battery has issues. Posada said, “We had trouble getting on the same page,” while Burnett was lit up for nine runs (including three home runs) in just five innings. The performance is part of Burnett’s larger failure this year at Fenway Park, where he’s 0-2 with a 14.21 ERA.

...

So why does he seem to have a problem with Posada? Burnett insisted his nuclear meltdown against the Sox was entirely his fault, but he was openly gesturing after David Ortiz took a four-seam fastball over the Green Monster in the fifth inning.

The FOX cameras caught Burnett extending his arms in exasperation, mouthing the words, “Why?” If he wasn’t second-guessing Posada for calling a fastball, it sure looked that way, even if Burnett later said he only was angry with himself.

“I was asking, ‘Why would I throw that pitch there?’” the right-hander told reporters. “There was no reason to throw it there.”

But Posada told a different story. With a 1-2 count, he wanted to bury Ortiz with a fastball over the inside corner, keeping the aging slugger from extending his arms. It was the right call, the smart move – straight from the scouting report. But Burnett shook off Posada; he was in love with his curveball, as he so often is, and wanted to use it in this situation.

The battery mates were at an impasse; Burnett stepped off the rubber and collected himself. When he looked again for the sign, he saw that Posada wouldn’t relent: fastball in. Burnett acquiesced but was doubting himself the moment the ball left his fingertips.

Turns out Burnett wasn’t even close to the target, as the ball drifted far enough outside for Ortiz to square up on it. The homer was his 20th of the season, extending the Red Sox’ lead to 9-0, but more importantly it was proof that Burnett and Posada simply don’t agree on what, exactly, makes the right-hander so effective.

Burnett: “I had a good curveball [on Saturday] and I should’ve used it more.”

Posada: “[The Red Sox] were on his curveball early on, so I wanted [Burnett] to throw more fastballs to get them away from his curveball.”

Posada ultimately refused to take responsibility for Burnett’s mistakes, saying, “I just make suggestions, it’s up to the pitcher to throw the pitch he wants. He’s the guy in charge.”

The catcher issued one other subtle jab at Burnett, noting, “If he made certain pitches we would’ve been out of the inning.”

First of all, these post game comments where each one basically blames the other, they need to stop, and Joe Girardi needs to be the guy to stop them.

In 15 games with Posada behind the plate batters are hitting .260/.347/.404 against Burnett and his K/BB is 1.75. In 4 games with Molina behind the plate batters hit just .211/.305/.344, and his K/BB is 2.27. Now, this doesn't necessarily mean it's Jorge's fault, although the splits are similar with other guys in the rotation too:

Sabathia:

12 starts with Posada behind the plate: .264/.334/.421, K/BB - 1.80

6 starts with Molina behind the plate: .231/.277/.385, K/BB - 5.13

9 starts with Cervelli behind the plate: .199/.247/.320, K/BB - 3.60

Pettitte:

17 starts with Posada: .275/.349/.379, K/BB - 1.74

5 starts with Mollina: .233/.264/.408, K/BB - 6.20

Surprisingly, the only one of the Yankees top four starting pitchers with a better splits when Posada catches is Joba.

Whether this is Posada's fault or not, from now on I wouldn't give Burnett a reason to complain and I'd start Molina behind the plate when Burnett pitches and see what happens.

Ransom deserve a roster spot over Pena? I Don't Think So

Yesterday, Peter Abraham discussed what would happen with the Yankees roster when Jose Molina makes his return, a return that is not too far away. He could be back as soon as a few days from now.

Basically Pete says that the Yanks will keep Ransom and have to decided whether to send down Francisco Cervelli or Ramiro Pena if they decide to keep three catchers, or even send both down and call up a player like Shelley Duncan or John Rodriguez who are both having big years in Triple-A.

Now I understand that the Yanks want these guys to develop in the minors, but so far we've seen much more development out of these two at this level than we might have in all their time spent in the minors. Also, if the Yanks just don't want to carry three catchers that's perfectly fine, and the right thing to do then would be to send Cervelli to Scranton and let him play everyday.

But if they decided to send down Pena and keep Ransom it makes very little sense to me. I know it would probably mean they'd have to lose Ransom for good, but really, who cares? Do the Yankees really see that much value in this guy? Because I sure don't. Pena is a better fielder, he's faster, and while Ransom might be the better hitter, so far he hasn't shown it this season. In fact, I'll take that back, I don't even think Ransom is a better hitter, after all we are talking about a guy with a lifetime hitting line of .239/.325/.412.

The 2009 Yankees are a better team with Ramiro Pena, not Cody Ransom.

Posada's Headed To Cleveland

UPDATED 7:41 p.m.: Marc Carig just spoke with Brian Cashman and Cash told him that Melky will be available to come off the bench in Cleveland.

According to this report from the AP, Jorge Posada played six innings in an extended spring training game today. He then told the media he was scheduled to head to Cleveland to rejoin the Yankees (But it won't be at the Ritz Carlton.).

"The hamstring is feeling good," Posada said. "I'm happy with everything. The most important thing was just running, seeing some pitches and getting the timing down."

Posada made two strong throws to second on stolen bases attempts, recording one out and being denied a second when the second baseman dropped the ball.

Xavier Nady, out with a right elbow injury, was the designated hitter and had two hits in five at-bats. He hit an opposite-field homer to right, singled and also walked.

Nady is scheduled to resume throwing Monday.

Backup catcher Jose Molina (strained left quadriceps) worked out at the Yankees' minor league complex in Tampa, but hasn't started playing in extended spring training games.

Peter Abraham also is reporting that Cashman confirmed that Posada will be activated tomorrow. Cashman also told Abraham that Melky Cabrera showed improvement today.

Another Injury Update From Tampa

Here's another update from Tampa on the injured Yankees from the AP via ESPN:

New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada played five innings of defense in an extended spring training intrasquad game Wednesday and is hopeful of rejoining the team during a series that starts Friday night in Cleveland.
...

He ran from first to third on a single and threw out a runner attempting to steal second base. The five-time AL All-Star played three innings in the field during a simulated game Tuesday.

"It feels good when I'm running," Posada said. "The hamstring is good. Now it's seeing some pitches, getting some at-bats and catching more."

Posada, hitless in four at-bats, flied out twice, struck out, reached on an error and walked.

Outfielder Xavier Nady (right elbow ligament) and infielder Cody Ransom (right quadriceps) also took part in the extended spring game as designated hitters.

Nady went 1 for 3 with a walk. Ransom hit a long homer off Humberto Sanchez and walked twice.

Backup catcher Jose Molina, out with a left quadriceps strain, went through extensive defensive drills, but did not participate in the extended spring game.

I like Cervelli a lot, and he's done a lot for this team both offensively and defensively since being called up, but it will be great to get Posada back. Also, the way Matsui and Swisher have been hitting, getting Nady back would help a lot too, even if he's only going to be able to DH.

Injury Updates From Tampa

From the AP via ESPN:

New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada could play in an extended spring training game this week.

Posada, sidelined since straining his right hamstring while sliding during a May 4 game against Boston, took batting practice, threw and participated in a running program on Monday.

"Maybe Wednesday or Thursday," Posada said after working out at the Yankees' minor league complex. "It's now a matter of getting into baseball shape."

Outfielder Xavier Nady (right elbow ligament), catcher Jose Molina (strained left quadriceps) and third baseman Cody Ransom (right quadriceps) worked out with Posada. All three also took part in the running session.

Nady could be the designated hitter during a minor league game in the next couple days, and Molina might be ready by late this week.

Also, left-handed reliever Damaso Marte, out with left shoulder tendinitis, has resumed throwing on level ground.

Right-hander Sergio Mitre, coming back from right elbow ligament replacement surgery, threw four innings in an extended spring training game against Philadelphia minor leaguers.

That should get you up to date on all the injured Yankees.

Four Injured Yanks Heading To Tampa

From MLB.com:

A quartet of rehabbing Yankees will leave for Tampa on Sunday -- Xavier Nady, Jorge Posada, Cody Ransom and Jose Molina all are slated to travel to the team's Minor League complex.

Manager Joe Girardi said Nady (ulnar collateral ligament surgery) could possibly get into an extended spring training game sometime this week, and depending on their legs, so could Posada and Molina.

As for Brian Bruney, he said today that his tendon is still sore and he will try to play catch tomorrow and hopes to return early next week.

Yanks Talk About The Loss of Adenhart

From Mark Feinsand:

"It's difficult for all of us in the baseball family," Girardi said. "You dream your whole life about playing in the big leagues, you make your first start and have a good start and then it's over."

Mark Teixeira didn't play with Adenhart during his two-month stint in Anaheim last year, but the first baseman, who had been informed of the news by Girardi just a few minutes before the story appeared on television, looked particularly shaken up.

"I feel for the organization," Teixeira said.

Girardi said Teixeira took the news hard, though the manager was clearly having a difficult time with it himself, tearing up as he spoke about the situation.

"It's terrible," Girardi said. "Just brutal."

Jose Molina and Edwar Ramirez both played with Adenhart in the Angels organization, and each of them remembered the 22-year-old as a terrific teammate.

"He was an awesome kid," said Molina, who was in spring training camp with Adenhart in 2006-07. "He was kind of quiet, but that may have just been because he was a rookie."

Ramirez said he used to hitch rides with Adenhart every day in spring training. He was thrilled when he heard the pitcher had made his big-league debut last May, then watched the highlights Wednesday night after Adenhart pitched six scoreless innings against the A's.

"It's shocking. He was a great guy," Ramirez said. "When I saw that he made it to the majors, I was so happy for him. And after last night? It's horrible."

And here's what Joba Chamberlain had to say:

"Life is short and this is a perfect example," Chamberlain said. "It sounds like he was just driving home after the game, and now he's not coming to the ballpark the next day. You can't take anything for granted, ever."

"We're all a family in the game of baseball," Chamberlain said. "We all have to go through things that are tough, but you can never put this into words. A young man pitches his tail off the night before for his team and the next thing you know, it's all over with. It's unfathomable."

As I said before, this is just a terrible loss. My condolences go out to the Adenhart family and the entire Angels organization.

Some More Spring Training Quick Cuts

I mentioned the other day that YES was relaunching their website. Well, the new page is up and it looks pretty good.

They also have a bunch of new Spring Training Quick Cut videos up, although they did not post them on YouTube so I cannot embed them in site. They have new editions from Kevin Long, Dave Eiland, Jose Molina, Phil Coke and Brian Bruney, and you can check them all out by going here.

Also, Bob Lorenz has a new blog on YES, it's call The Blog. Check it out.

Molina Returns, Posada To Play First

From George King (hat tip to WasWatching.com):

Jorge Posada was slated to play first base against lefty Brian Burres instead of the slumping Jason Giambi.

As for Posada at first it was the 19th game (13th start) he played in his career. Posada last started a game there on June 19 at Colorado.

Posada has been bothered by what has been diagnosed as a strained right shoulder. Outside of an inning last Sunday night in Boston when he was forced into the game because Jose Molina went out with a hamstring injury, Posada hasn't caught since April 8.

Molina is expected to make his first start since Sunday.

Very interesting, if he can play a good first base, I'd play him there at least half the time, allowing Molina who is much better behind the plate to catch. This will also help protect Posada's shoulder which is obviously still a problem for him. Then again, anything that keeps Jason Giambi out of the lineup makes me happy.

Should Yanks Consider Other Catching Options?

From MLB Trade Rumors:

Buster Olney wonders whether Jorge Posada will have to spend most of the season DHing, and at the same time his backup Jose Molina may be DL-bound. Sure, the Yankees could just make do with internal options until Molina returns in a few weeks. But it's also possible that Brian Cashman will look for outside help.

Trade possibilities include Bengie Molina, Ramon Hernandez, Humberto Quintero, Brayan Pena, and Gerald Laird. Laird may be off the table, as the Rangers wait to see if his offensive resurgence lasts and give Jarrod Saltalamacchia more time. Molina and Hernandez carry commitments through '09, while Pena and Quintero are backups and could be easily acquired.

Mike A. from River Ave. Blues brought up the idea of giving Mike Piazza, who is a free agent, a chance. The guy can certainly still hit; last year he hit .275, with 8 HR and 44 RBI in 83 games for the A's. The only question is can he still catch, he defensive abilities behind the plate weren't good to begin with, and after being exclusively a DH last year who knows how much his defensive "skills" have deteriorated.

Albaladejo and Moeller Called Up

With Joba Chamberlain being added to the bereavement list to tend to his ailing father, Jose Molina nursing a strained hamstring, and Wilson Betemit being placed on the DL with bad case of conjunctivitis (pink eye), the Yankees have called up Chad Moeller and Jonathan Albaladejo.

This means that Alberto Gonzalez will stay with the team as long as Betemit is on the shelf, which hopefully is until sometime next April. One can dream can't they?

Molina Injures Hamstring in Yanks Loss

Jose Molina strained his left hamstring in tonight's game, and will probably go on the DL. The Yankees will likely call up Chad Moeller to replace him on the roster. With Jorge Posada still unable to throw, look for Moeller to start tomorrow in Tampa.

It's really a shame; Molina has been one of this team's best hitters, hitting .364 with 7 doubles, and he's a great defensive catcher.