Blogging the Bombers Live Chat

(08/01/2008)

12:59

Mark will be here at 1:30 but you can start submitting your questions now. Please note: Your comments will not appear until they are chosen to be answered. Thanks.

Friday August 1, 2008 12:59

1:28

[Comment From HurricanVilma51HurricanVilma51: ]

Do you think we were the big winners at the tradeline since Boston got rid of Manny and we filled a lot of wholes in our lineup?

Friday August 1, 2008 1:28 HurricanVilma51

1:29

I definitely think the Yankees did well during the past two weeks, but I would have liked to see them add a starting pitcher because I thought that was their biggest area of need: The back of the rotation.

Friday August 1, 2008 1:29

1:29

How the Manny deal affects Boston remains to be seen. As good of a player as Manny is, if he wasn't going to give his full effort over the final two months and was as much of a problem in the clubhouse as all the reports indicate, then it was a move the Red Sox had to make. Jason Bay is a solid player and if he plays to his potential, the drop off shouldn't be too bad. The Red Sox, like the Yankees, still have holes in their roster, most notably the back end of their rotation and the bullpen setting up Papelbon.

Friday August 1, 2008 1:29

1:29

[Comment From mikemike: ]

Can the Yankees hang with LA? They were destroyed last night. Andy is going to have to pitch in the playoffs to this team.

Friday August 1, 2008 1:29 mike

1:30

Luckily, the Yankees don't need to hang with LA until October. And while the Angels will certainly have their say in the Yankees' fortunes with nine more games, the Yankees only really need to worry about Boston and Tampa Bay at this point. I know Minnesota has crept back into the race, but it's hard for me to take them seriously after watching them get swept in the Bronx a couple of weeks ago. The Yankees only need to win four or five of the 10 games with Anaheim to make sure they don't fall too far back in the races. If they're lucky enough to get to October, a meeting with Anaheim would be a bad matchup for the Yankees, but as we all know, the best team isn't always the hottest team come playoff time, so anything can happen.

Friday August 1, 2008 1:30

1:31

[Comment From SassySassy: ]

What has been the biggest change with this team switching managers from Joe Torre to Joe Girardi?

Friday August 1, 2008 1:31 Sassy

1:31

I really haven't seen much of a difference between this year and other years. If I had to pick out one thing, it would be Girardi's use of the bullpen, as he's rotated four or five guys all year in all situations. That said, I think Girardi has had more legitimate options in the bullpen than Torre did. He has a much deeper staff in the pen than the Yankees have had in several years.

Friday August 1, 2008 1:31

1:33

[Comment From RayRay: ]

Can we expect to see Wang, Bruney, and Hughes back before the end of the season and will they be able to provide help for the Yankees in the pennant race?

Friday August 1, 2008 1:33 Ray

1:33

Order of likelihood: Bruney, Hughes, then Wang. Since Wang's injury was the most severe, it will be the trickiest to rehab from. Bruney has struggled with his command in the minors, but once he gets that under control, he should be back to pitch in with the rest of the relievers. Hughes is already making rehab starts, putting him on track to return in about four weeks. And after the way he pitched last September coming off the DL, I think he could be a huge help. We'll have to wait and see on Wang.

Friday August 1, 2008 1:33

1:36

[Comment From kobykoby: ]

Mark: It is pretty obvious that Jeter is on the downside of his career. he looks old and can't hit this year. Why on earth would the Yanks resign him to another long term deal?

Friday August 1, 2008 1:36 koby

1:36

Every player has an off-year every now and then. It's not like Jeter is hitting .230 this year. He's still been in the .270 to .280 range for most of the season. His hand injury early in the year certainly played a major role and we've seen him go on hot streaks every now and then. Believe it or not, his stats over the past month have been better than most people realize. As for signing him to a long-term deal, the Yankees don't have to address that for two more years, but I find it hard to believe they'd let him wear another uniform, or that he would want to wear another uniform, so I think the two sides will figure something out one way or another. Derek Jeter is a Yankee, he's a first-ballot Hall of Famer and he will go down as one of the greatest Yankees the franchise has ever had.

Friday August 1, 2008 1:36

1:38

[Comment From JulianJulian: ]

Hi Mark. First, I've noticed that you (and other beat writers) seem to always have a quote handy from Mike Mussina; he seems to be a favorite. One thing I have never read him quoted on is his feelings about being a Yankee. Does he consider himself a "real Yankee" despite not having won any championships here? Also, based on your interaction with him, do you think he would accept a one-year 2009 deal for less money and length than he would receive from other clubs? If he finishes the year with an ERA in the mid-3s, I don't see why they wouldn't want him back for another year for insurance purposes.

Friday August 1, 2008 1:38 Julian

1:38

I'll address the second part first. I absolutely think Mussina would take a one-year deal for less money than he's making this year to return to the Bronx in 2009. He loves pitching here, he's not a big fan of change, and he knows as his career winds down, he has as good a chance to win a World Series with the Yankees as he would with any other team. I absolutely think Mike considers himself a Yankee - it's his eighth season here, he's played in his only two World Series with New York and has won more than 100 games here.

Friday August 1, 2008 1:38

1:41

[Comment From BreezemontbobBreezemontbob: ]

Hi! Realistically....do you think that The Yankees still have a chance of getting Wasburn through the waiver system?

Friday August 1, 2008 1:41 Breezemontbob

1:41

Absolutely. I would find it hard to believe that any team would claim Washburn and his $10.5 million salary for 2009. He should clear waivers which would allow him to be traded and if the Mariners' asking price comes down, I think the Yankees would pounce. From what I know, Seattle's asking price was way too high before the deadline as they figured some pitching-hungry team would panic before the deadline. However, if all it takes is Brett Gardner to acquire Washburn, I would make that trade if I'm the Yankees.

Friday August 1, 2008 1:41

1:43

[Comment From TimTim: ]

What are your thoughts on Pudge?

Friday August 1, 2008 1:43 Tim

1:44

He isn't the Hall of Fame player he once was, but Pudge is still a significant upgrade for the Yankees behind the plate. Jose Molina did a fantastic job after Jorge Posada got hurt, but his offense was terrible and Chad Moeller didn't offer much as a backup. The tandem of Pudge and Molina makes the Yankees a much better team.

Friday August 1, 2008 1:44

1:46

[Comment From JaneJane: ]

everyone seems to be big on Xavier Nady, but I just haven't seen much of what he can do since coming here. Same think with Richie Sexson. Do you think they will be impact players down the stretch?

Friday August 1, 2008 1:46 Jane

1:47

I think Nady will be for sure. His first couple of games didn't go very well, but his bat has come around in the last four days. He provides a significant upgrade over Gardner and Justin Christian, and he will allow Johnny Damon to stay healthy by DHing more often. As for Sexson, he probably won't get enough at bats to make a huge impact, but he does give them a home run hitter off the bench, which they haven't had since Shelley Duncan got sent down earlier this year.

Friday August 1, 2008 1:47

1:48

[Comment From LouLou: ]

I know most people hate Pavano but it sounds like he is ready to come back and we need a 4 and 5 starter bad. What are the chances we will see him soon?

Friday August 1, 2008 1:48 Lou

1:48

He's not quite ready to come back as he's only pitched two innings of rehab thus far and, coming off Tommy John surgery, it's going to take him a little while longer to get back. There's an outside chance we could see him in September, but given his injury history, I would be surprised if we do.

Friday August 1, 2008 1:48

1:51

[Comment From BillBill: ]

What are the chances Jeter changes positions sometime in the next two seasons?

Friday August 1, 2008 1:51 Bill

1:51

There aren't many options for him since Cano is locked up at second base and A-Rod at third. I can see him playing first base in a few years, or possibly in the outfield, but I think we're still a couple of years away from that becoming a serious reality. I know Derek took a lot of heat for not moving from shortstop when the Yankees got A-Rod, but I honestly believe he felt he was just as capable at the position. If down the line, Jeter thinks the Yankees would be a better team with him at another spot, I think he would agree to move somewhere.

Friday August 1, 2008 1:51

1:52

[Comment From ChrisChris: ]

Mike..Will Jorge come back stronger after surgery or do you think his career is possiby over??

Friday August 1, 2008 1:52 Chris

1:53

You're talking about two extremes there. I think the answer lies in the middle. It's hard to think he'll come back stronger following surgery, but I think he can return to the same level that he was playing at before the injury. When he signed the four-year deal last winter, I expected he would be a full-time catcher for two to three years then play out the last year or two as a first baseman/DH. That's still pretty much what I think will happen.

Friday August 1, 2008 1:53

1:54

Editor's Note: It's Mark, by the way!

Friday August 1, 2008 1:54

1:56

[Comment From BrianBrian: ]

Mark, how long can the yanks survive with Melky putting up the below average offensive numbers that he does. I love his defense and his arm, but he doesn't look like a guy who has much more upside offensively. Do the Yanks move him at the end of the year and move Matsui into center and resign Abreu?

Friday August 1, 2008 1:56 Brian

1:57

First, Matsui will never be a center fielder for the Yankees with his knees, I'm not sure he's even going to be a full-time left-fielder for them any more. He and Johnny Damon look like a LF/DH combo for 2009. One week ago, I would have said that Abreu would be back for sure, but the addition of Nady leaves that up in the air. Nady is signed for next year and could easily take over in right field, where he played in Pittsburgh. As for Melky, it looked like he was going to be a better offensive player after a big April, but he's really tailed off. I don't see him as the long-term answer in center, but they can survive with him until Austin Jackson is ready, probably by 2010.

Friday August 1, 2008 1:57

1:58

[Comment From Mo saysMo says: ]

Can you explain why Mo has no trouble handling the save situations, but when he's brought into a tie game or their behind, he manages to give up a run or two?

Friday August 1, 2008 1:58 Mo says

1:58

That's one of those things that I find strange in baseball. And it's not just Mo, it's all the closers. There's something about knowing that your three outs will result in a win that seems to get closers pumped up. I can't explain it, but it's not like Mo's numbers in non-save situations are bad, he's been unbelievable in save situations.

Friday August 1, 2008 1:58

2:03

[Comment From dougsfc97dougsfc97: ]

When I sit here procrastinating from my job reading your stuff online in The Daily News, it seems you have the best job on the planet aside from actually being a pro ballplayer. I know it has its downsides- away from home, family, etc., late hours. What are your top 3 or 4 favorite parts of the job? Who's been your favorite ballplayer or coach to work with and why?

Friday August 1, 2008 2:03 dougsfc97

2:04

No. 1, I love baseball. So being around the ballpark instead of in an office certainly suits me better. Covering the Yankees, I know there are going to be very few days that I'm struggling to find something to write about, which always keeps things interesting. As for my favorite person to cover, there are several players that come to mind, including Jason Giambi, Johnny Damon, Aaron Boone, Rondell White and Derek Jeter. It's not necessarily about what they do on the field, but more the relationships you form off the field and just getting to know these guys as people. So watching the Big G launch one into the upper decks is always fun. Joe Torre was also a favorite of mine, since he had a great understanding of the media monster that is New York and in my early years on the beat, he made it a smooth transition for me.

Friday August 1, 2008 2:04

2:06

[Comment From JoeJoe: ]

Hey Mark. I can't remember the last significant homerun Alex Rodriguez has hit. He's not hitting well with RISP and he just isn't clutch so far this year. It seems like hes back to his old self and is trying too hard. Last year he went out on the field and looked relaxed and had his best season. He is still having a great season numbers wise, but in order for this lineup to be more consistent he has to start hitting in big situations, what do you think?

Friday August 1, 2008 2:06 Joe

2:07

Here we go again with the A-Rod bashing. There was no chance that he was going to follow last season and keep fans happy with his performance. The guy's been hitting .320 all year, the power numbers are there, so I can't really get on him for his performance. Hitting with runners in scoring position is for the most part a fluky statistic. The Yankees hit around .250 with RISP in the first half, then .330 in those situations in the first 10 games after the break. Were they hitting any differently? No. Alex single-handedly carried them last year and even if he does it again over the next two months, it won't matter unless he gets it done in October. Sadly for him, that is what he will always be judged by.

Friday August 1, 2008 2:07

2:08

[Comment From GeorgeGeorge: ]

Mark, Is there more to the Ian Kennedy story? He's apparently been pitching pretty well in the minors and Rasner isn't exactly lighting it up.

Friday August 1, 2008 2:08 George

2:09

Sources have told me that the Yankees weren't thrilled with Kennedy's attitude as he felt he didn't belong in the minors. But as he continues to pitch better, it's going to be hard for the Yankees to ignore him. Brian Cashman said yesterday that Kennedy is working himself back into the mix. So I wouldn't be surprised to see him soon if Rasner or Ponson stumbles. After all, this is the same guy that they handed a rotation spot to four months ago without any question.

Friday August 1, 2008 2:09

2:10

[Comment From freddyfreddy: ]

why didn't the yankees talk to the mariners about the other left handed pitcher, Erik Bedard. He's a lefty and throws hard. The red sox can't hit him. Imagine having joba and bedard in front of the rotation?

Friday August 1, 2008 2:10 freddy

2:10

For starters, Bedard has had injury problems all year and he has been considered a bad clubhouse guy by many people who know him. Add in the fact that the Mariners traded away a number of their biggest prospects for him last year, so Seattle would have asked for some of the Yankees' biggest prospects in return.

Friday August 1, 2008 2:10

2:12

[Comment From scotscot: ]

Will the Yankees make any effort to get a legitimate 1st baseman next year? Giambi's declining offense (barely hitting .250) and atrocious defense cannot possibly come back.

Friday August 1, 2008 2:12 scot

2:13

Giambi won't be back next year. The Yankees are going to be forced to address first base. The only player in their system of note is Juan Miranda, but I don't think he'll be ready for next season. The obvious answer would be to go get Mark Teixeira - Scott Boras would certainly ask for a nine-figure deal for the switch-hitting first baseman. After what happened with the Giambi contract, I'm not sure the Yankees are going to want to do that. First base should be one of the interesting positions to watch for the Yankees next winter.

Friday August 1, 2008 2:13

2:14

[Comment From SamSam: ]

Hi Mark, I love your writing. Keep up the good work. I'm curious if there's a chance that the Yankees could actually end up signing Manny Ramirez as a free agent after this season is over? I know LA got him for the remaining 2 months of the season, but deep down, I'm guessing he'd love to play against the Red Sox, for their biggest rival. Perhaps in the role of DH for the Yanks?

Friday August 1, 2008 2:14 Sam

2:15

No, no, no and no. The Yankees already have more than enough DHs and having just hired Scott Boras as his new agent, I don't see Manny giving the Yankees a hometown discount to come play in New York. Manny is the last thing the Yankees need to worry about this winter, as they will likely focus their attention on adding a top-line starting pitcher such as C.C. Sabathia. Of course, if I'm Sabathia, there's no way I'd leave the National League. But in the end, money talks and the Yankees certainly have plenty of that.

Friday August 1, 2008 2:15

2:18

[Comment From Brian in SacramentoBrian in Sacramento: ]

Which opposing teams stadium do you like visiting the least as a member of the media?

Friday August 1, 2008 2:18 Brian in Sacramento

2:18

I'd have to put Shea Stadium at the top of the list. Fortunately, I never have to go back there again unless the Mets are in the World Series. Wrigley Field is a wonderful ballpark to attend as a fan, but for media, not so much. The old Vet was also pretty atrocious. Fenway Park has its drawbacks, such as fighting your way through the fans to get to the clubhouse after the game, scenes that are always exciting, but I don't mind going there.

Friday August 1, 2008 2:18

2:19

[Comment From TKTK: ]

Do you ever wish John Sterling would give you a little more air time on the radio broadcast?

Friday August 1, 2008 2:19 TK

2:20

It's not John or Suzyn who keep me from getting more air time. It's usually the starting pitcher having a quick inning. Andy Pettitte's fifth inning last night took about eight pitches, getting me in and out of the booth real quick. I'm always in there during the opponent's half of the inning. A lot of air time for me means things aren't going well for the Yankees.

Friday August 1, 2008 2:20

2:21

[Comment From FreddyFreddy: ]

Cano is finally hitting like the rod carew people have compare him to. Why is that? Why does Cano take so long to hit? Yankees could have used him in the first half. What can the yankees possibly do to get Cano on the right track from the beginning?

Friday August 1, 2008 2:21 Freddy

2:22

This year was the worst he's ever done in the first half. People talk about his previous first-half slumps, but I don't think he's ever hit less than .270 in the first half of his first three years. I know Cano put a lot of pressure on himself early in the season wanting to get off to a fast start, and when that didn't happen, he kept putting more and more pressure on himself. What we've seen from him since the break is, in my opinion, much more representative of the type of hitter he will be throughout his career. With experience will come consistency. Remember, he's still very young.

Friday August 1, 2008 2:22

2:26

[Comment From BepBep: ]

Do you have any thoughts on what the rotation will look like next season

Friday August 1, 2008 2:26 Bep

2:27

I think the Yankees will bring back both Mussina and Pettitte, if both are willing to return on one-year deals for less money. Each of them has pitched well this year and still have a lot to contribute going forward. Chien-Ming Wang and Joba Chamberlain should be the 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation, and I figure whether Pettitte or Mussina return or not, the Yankees will make a run at Sabathia. If either of the veterans don't return, or the Yankees don't land a big starting pitcher via free agency, they could turn to the system to fill one spot if need be. I can tell you one thing, Carl Pavano will not be a part of it.

Friday August 1, 2008 2:27

2:27

[Comment From Joe TJoe T: ]

Although I think Cashman did a great job with the recent trades and re-building the farm system, do you foresee him being on as the GM when 2009 starts...especially if the Yankees have another one and done?

Friday August 1, 2008 2:27 Joe T

2:29

I see no reason why Cashman won't be back next year. Once the Steinbrenners decided to go with his plan and not deal for Johan Santana, they essentially committed to him as well. If you were going to get rid of Cashman at the end of the season, then what? It would make no sense to bring in a new GM to trade all the prospects away after Cashman restocked the system. I would give him a two-year contract and reassess everything after the 2010 season. If the Yankees let him go, Cashman will have another GM job in about five minutes.

Friday August 1, 2008 2:29

2:30

Last question coming up...

Friday August 1, 2008 2:30

2:30

[Comment From echamaechama: ]

So with all the moves, are the Yankees going to win it all this year?

Friday August 1, 2008 2:30 echama

2:33

I'm not sure about winning it all, but I do think there will be October baseball in the Bronx. Before the season, I predicted they would win the wild card and nothing I have seen has made me change my mind about that. They might end up winning the division instead of Boston. The Yankees have enough to finish either way. All three teams are flawed to some extent, but I think the wild card comes out of the East. The Angels are clearly the class of the American League, but I think the Yankees get to October and, as we've seen time and time again, once you get there, anything can happen.

Friday August 1, 2008 2:33

2:33

Thanks to everybody who participated in this chat. There were some great questions. I look forward to doing this more often.

Friday August 1, 2008 2:33

2:33