SB Nation - Jonathan Albaladejo

Pirates Can't Learn Much From Phillies

Charlie — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:05:52 -0000

More photos » by Ross D. Franklin - AP

Philadelphia Phillies' Cole Hamels throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Tuesday, July 28, 2009, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Browse more photos »

John Mehno has the right idea in this Beaver County Times column about the differences between the Pirates and Phillies--it's not primarily about spending, it's about building by acquiring amateur talent. But while the technique of comparing some great Phillies draft picks (Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and so on) to picks the Pirates botched at similar points in their drafts is effective for an article written with a word count for a general audience, it doesn't quite tell the whole story.

The Phillies' case is really weird. If you look at their drafts under previous GM Ed Wade (that's basically the time frame described in the Beaver County article), it's very surprising they've been so successful. Working backwards, the best player they got in 2005 was current Athletics reliever Josh Outman; they also got current Reds reliever Matt Maloney. That was it. In 2004 they got J.A. Happ in the third round, Jason Jaramillo in the second, and Lou Marson in the fourth, but they also took Greg Golson as a dubious tools pick in the first round and got nothing in the later rounds. In 2003 they had no first- or second-round pick; they got Michael Bourn and Kyle Kendrick, and that was it.

In 2002 the Phils took Cole Hamels in the first round, which was obviously a great pick, but they got absolutely nothing else. In 2001, it was Gavin Floyd in the first round and Howard in the fifth, and absolutely nothing else. In 2000, they got Utley, Taylor Buchholz and nothing else. In 1999, it was Brett Myers, Marlon Byrd and nothing else. (They also drafted Joe Saunders, but didn't sign him.)

Now, maybe this doesn't sound too noteworthy to some of you. Maybe you think that if you get one good player out of a draft, that's great, and to a certain extent that's true. In this case, the results speak for themselves. But what's odd to me about the Phillies' drafts under Wade is how incredibly thin they were. Wade seemed to get a star player and almost nothing else every year for several seasons in a row. That's strange.

To see what I mean, let's take a look at Wade's first draft for the Phillies in 1998. He took Pat Burrell with the first overall pick (a bit of a no-brainer), but he also got several moderately useful players later on, such as Jason Michaels, Geoff Geary and Nick Punto.

In the grand scheme of things, it doesn't really matter that much if you fail to identify the next Nick Punto in your draft, but it does raise the question of why, if the Phillies are supposed to be a good example of intelligent drafting, they were able to identify so many star players but so few other future productive major leaguers.

Here's an example. In 2000 the Phillies got Utley, who single-handedly made the draft a very successful one for Philadelphia. The same year, the Pirates got Chris Young, Nate McLouth, Ian Snell, Jose Bautista and Sean Burnett. I'd say the Pirates actually did a much better job in that draft, even though it turned out worse--Dave Littlefield stupidly traded away Young a couple years later, and first-rounder Burnett's career was derailed with a ton of injuries. Drafting players who will stay healthy and helping them stay healthy involve skills, of course, and it certainly helps to not take a pitcher in the first round every year like the Pirates did. But there's luck involved too. For example, the Phillies were notably lucky that, for example, high school draftee Hamels basically made it to the majors with his elbow and shoulder intact, particularly after he missed huge chunks of his minor league career with injuries.

In 2001 the Phillies got Floyd, later sent to the White Sox in the Jim Thome trade, and Howard. That was all. Again, the Pirates had a much more robust draft, grabbing a number of moderately useful players in Zach Duke, Chris Shelton, Jeff Keppinger, Chris Duffy, Jonathan Albaladejo and Rajai Davis. (They also might have had some shot of signing 11th-rounder Stephen Drew if Littlefield, who was hired shortly after the draft, hadn't dropped the ball.) The Pirates royally messed up their first-round pick, John Van Benschoten, and that was their fault, but again, I'm not really convinced that Wade and the Phillies had a better idea of what they were doing.

Of course, Littlefield and his team started drafting in 2002, and after that all bets are off. There's no defending much of anything Littlefield did. My point, though, is that I'm not sure the Wade-era Phillies are a particularly good model here. In fact, it looks to me that they repeatedly got very lucky with about one pick each year and totally bombed the rest of their drafts under Wade, with the exceptions of 1998 and 2004. I don't mean to take anything away from the Phillies, who have generally been pretty well run since Wade left. But If there are things the Pirates can learn from this, they are the very basic points that, first, it's generally very important not to screw up first-round picks, and second, that it's important to build a core of homegrown stars. Beyond that, the Phillies' example doesn't tell us a whole lot.

Yanks remind critics who the real team to beat is, batter Boston 9-5 in series opener

CrazyYankeeChick — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 05:08:47 -0000

More photos » by Paul J. Bereswill - AP

ARod regards Alex Gonzalez quizzically, after swiping his 3rd base of the night: "Are you actually really trying to sell this tag?"

Browse more photos »

For the last few days, all I've been hearing about is how afraid we should all be. How very afraid. Our pitching is billed, as usual, as questionable. The Red Sox are billed, as usual, as the indestructible wild card.

Talk is cheap. This year's Yankees aren't cutting corners to sneak wins in. They're where they are not because of any one player, but because they adapt their game based on the challenges they face. Our team demonstrated that tonight when they left Boston reeling with an unrelenting attack that barely gave their division rivals a chance to come up for air.

It took me about 4 innings to realize what was going on with the pitching performances. Joba Chamberlain and his unprecedented unpredictability were zipping through innings with such economic deftness that I was starting to think he either had a date waiting for him, or just really needed to use the bathroom. Conversely, Jon Lester was uncharacteristically awkward, uncomfortable, and stilted. I think it's pretty obvious what happened here...

Other game notes:

Michael Kay waited a whole 3 innings before he broke out the "perfect game" jinx. My Red Sox buddy noted this and texted me: "I almost feel bad for Yankee fans. Girardi should just pull him now."

Though I wasn't listening to the 880 broadcast, I can only imagine the rampant application of "You know, you just can't figure baseball" observations from Sterling, once Lester was literally knocked out of the game from a screaming liner off the bat of Melky Cabrera, into the knee cap of RSN's noble ace. But it was the reaction of posters on the game thread that really struck me: immediate, unqualified concern for Lester spilled out in droves. Indeed, we truly have the best fans in baseball.

Pitching lines for the night:

Joba--6 IP, 5H, 3R, 5K, 1BB

Lester--2.1 IP, 8H, 5R, 3K, 3BB

If I hadn't seen the game and read that in the next day's paper, I'd honestly think the writer accidentally flipped the names.

Bullpen lines for the night:

Yanks--2.3 IP, 3H, 2R, 3K, 2BB

Sox--5.2 IP, 6H, 4R, 5K, 6BB

You gotta give our pen credit; they've been the subject of an unfaltering dismissal of their legitimacy for what seems like forever. And like ARod's non-clutch reputation, this preconceived notion becomes less and less substantiated with every game.

Jonathan Albaladejo (still can't spell that right in one try) gave the Sox their only respite of the night, giving up 2 runs in about 45 seconds of work. Alfredo Aceves, Damaso Marte, Phil Hughes, and Phil Coke were all remarkably effective out of the pen. I guess old habits die hard. Even with Joba going 6, everyone under the kitchen sink was brought in to fill in the remaining innings. I'm not complaining--I think Girardi handled it perfectly. (Did I just actually say that?)

Boston's bullpen is like a freaking clown car at a circus. I really thought I had seen all of em during the 15-inning marathon last month. But tonight, some guy named Hunter Jones relieves Lester, then Michael Bowden after that. My sister texts me, "Who ARE these pitchers? Did they Jorge Bogey? That sounds like a name dad would make up. Like 'Yeah Frank Staboonch is coming in next.'" (Jorge Bogey=Michael Bowden)

Stat of the night: Yankee batters saw 213 PITCHES. This is one of my proudest moments of the season. Lester threw 78 pitches in less than 3 innings. Joba threw 86 in 6 innings. Unbelievable.

2nd best stat of the night: 7 STOLEN BASES. In 7 tries, off Jason Varitek. The most SBs in a game since they stole 8 in 1996. (At what point is "stolen base" no longer an automatic cue to cut to Dave Roberts reels?) They never stopped running, and the Sox were constantly left scrambling on defense.

The Sox offense was spotty, at best. Their only highlights were a solo shot from Victor Martinez (to "break up" Joba's perfecto, just like Kay wanted) and a 2-run bomb from David Ortiz (who's the king of meaningless homeruns now, RSN?)

No element of their game was underplayed. The pitching was tremendous, the running game was extraordinary, defense tight as always, and offense was overwhelming. 14 hits, only 1 of which was a long ball (the record-breaking 127th ding of the year was off the bat of Alex Rodriguez, who went 3-for-3 with 4 RBIs). The Yankees manufactured runs all. game. It was like they never stopped to look at the score, just put their heads down, hit, got on base, and kept going. The Sox never knew what hit 'em.

No one who watched that game can say that this meant nothing. I've been seeing them play all season, and this showing even took me by surprise. They chased one of the best pitchers in the league, they asphyxiated one of the best line-ups in the league. They exploited the Sox's weaknesses, and maybe tomorrow, people will be less quick to lionize Boston, and more inclined to recognize how strikingly stalwart the 2009 Yankees really are.

-CYC

September 9, 2009: A night of legends and heroes, as Jeter ties Gehrig in 4-2 comeback W

CrazyYankeeChick — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:33:45 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

"O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells; For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning..." --Walt Whitman

Browse more photos »

He did it. He tied one of the best ballplayers that ever lived. A legend, an idol, a hero. Derek Jeter is in lockstep with all of that, having broken out of the longest slump of the season (0-12) to knock in 3 hits tonight.

Those in attendance at Yankee Stadium got their money’s worth. Because even watching it on tv, I was admittedly blinking back tears. Very little else moves me quite like the feeling of pride in being a Yankee fan. The Tampa Bay dugout knew what they were in the presence of, as well as anyone. The 45,848 at the stadium standing and cheering...they all felt it, too. You could just tell by their reluctance to stop applauding.

It was humbling and inspiring and, if possible, made me that much more enraptured with this team. Every time they take the field, their fans are witnessing a genesis of heroes.

We talk about Mantle, Ruth, Dimaggio...but I've never seen them play. And I can only extrapolate from printed documentation the extent of their greatness. But now someday I'll be telling my kids about Derek Jeter. That thought is almost too big for me to wrap my head around. God, I love this team.

And so I'd be remiss in not reviewing the rest of the night...

It's official. The 8th inning is poison to the Rays.

It's also official that Joba Chamberlain is not someone I want holding the ball in any inning prior to the 6th or 7th. 3 IP, 3 hits, 3 Ks...2 runs. It's sad to think about how electric and UNHITTABLE this guy was 2 years ago. His ERA was anemic, his fastball blistering, his slider splintering. And now? Well, suffice to say I received the following text at 1:04 today: "Does it bother you at all knowing the yanks are gonna lose when joba starts now?" Later on, another text from the same guy: "They ruined this guy."

The Ray are playing like the Mets. It's pathetic, really. They have some of the best players in the AL, and they're fumbling around like someone shook them awake at 6am and said, "Hey! Yeah, wake up! It's time to play baseball." Everything's one step behind, out of focus, and stilted. Way to go, Baddon. What's with the sweater, by the way? We got it. You've checked out. Tomorrow he'll be ringing a bell and wearing his "Done with 09" sandwich-board.

Jason Bartlett homered for the second game in a row, and it's gotta be tough on him. Same goes for Carl Crawford, who scored the only other run of the game. And their entire pitching staff, actually (Nice game by rookie Jeff Niemann.) But none had a rougher night than Chris Richard, whose throwing error in the 8th allowed Alex Rodriguez to score, and whose ill-advised positioning at first allowed Jeter's record tying hit to whiz by him.

Back to Jeter. He laid down a bunt in the 1st (great move) to shake off the slump. Then a ground rule double for hit #2. And lo and behold, his record breaking shot was a "CLASSIC JETERIAN SHOT!" Suzyn Waldman may or may not have gone into cardiac arrest.

After his "CJS," his reactions were sublimely ideal, and indicative of the class he brings to the game. Regarding his 2 minute ovation: "I really didn't know what to do because we were losing at the time and I didn't want to disrespect Tampa," Jeter said. "I never dreamt about all of this." (Ok, I'm calling BS on the second part of his statement, but he gets a bit of latitude here.) I got a bit of a kick out of how awkward he looked during the ovation, trying to get all back into position as if the game was going to resume any second. Kind of like how you feel when everyone's singing Happy Birthday to you. What do you do? Sit there and try to look excited? It's a long freaking song, too.

Now's as good a time as any for me to learn how to spell Jonathan Albaladejo's name. My dad never learns the names of the guys his daughters bring home because he knows they're gone once Opening Day rolls around. I've applied the same logic to learning about our relievers. But he pitched 2 scoreless innings, and the guy is growing on me.

The rest of our relievers were just as brilliant, particularly Alfredo Aceves, who came in after Joba was either chased or strategically taken out, one can never tell with him, and proceeded to pitch 3 hitless innings. His pitches were dancing all over the plate, and in 3 innings, he demonstrated why both our pen and rotation has been as effective as it's been: Off. Speed. Pitches.

I can't say I'm thrilled about the Return to Micromanagement that Girardi seemed to be getting into last night. But tonight his pitching choices were justified and worked out perfectly. I may be done with questioning anything this guy does.

The 4-5-6 batters may have provided the numbers (ARod/Matsui/Swish were a combined 5-12), but all it took was one blast from #20 to set the Bronx into pandemondium. Christ, what a rocket, too. 1-1 on the day.

I'll wrap this up with some numbers:

#2 hits 3 to tie #4. On game 141.
#2 puts his 2,721st hit in the books almost exactly 72 years to the day since the Iron Horse set the record.
On 9-6-37, the record was set. On 9-09-09 it was tied.
9-9-9. Or 27, if you add 'em. (A backwards 72.)

And I don't think I have to remind any Yankee fans of the significance of that number.

Congratulations, Jeter. You bring new meaning to Waite Hoyt's famous words, "It's great to be young and a Yankee."

-CYC

Around the Yankee Universe: Bronson Arroyo?

Ed Valentine — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:27:08 -0000

As our New York Yankees continue to roll merrily along, let's see what stories are making news around the Yankee Universe.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman is mum on talk about Bronson Arroyo

In typical late-July fashion, trade rumors continued to circulate around the Web Monday, including one that had Bronson Arroyo heading from the Reds to the Yankees. A baseball source dismissed the rumor, saying the Yankees were not engaged in talks for the 32-year-old starter who is due roughly $17 million by the end of 2010.

The Yankees have been pleased with Sergio Mitre since he moved into the fifth starter role, making it unlikely that they would deal for a fill-in pitcher with that much money left on his deal. Yankees GM Brian Cashman declined comment, but the Reds did their part to squelch the rumor via the team's official Twitter page.

"Ignore the Internet rumors," read the team's official Tweet last night. "Bronson Arroyo will start for the Reds tomorrow, as scheduled."

My take: Arroyo is a workhorse, having pitched 200 or more innings four straight seasons. He is also familiar with the AL, of course, having pitched for Boston. He has a 5.21 ERA, though, so how effective he would be is questionable.

The great Mark Melancon conspiracy

Yes, Mark Melancon is still on the Yankee roster. It sure doesn't seem that way, however. Here's Pete Abe on the Melancon situation.

I’m getting a lot of e-mails about Mark Melancon’s inactivity. He hasn’t pitched since July 10. It’s circumstance, not some dark plot by Joe Girardi.

There have been a lot of close games and/or a need to get other guys going. Melancon is the last guy in the bullpen and that’s how it goes sometimes.

They still think very highly of him.

Look at this way: The Yankees have won 10 of 11 and 23 of 29. If they’re biggest problem is not getting a rookie reliever enough work, that’s a good problem to have.

Pete is probably right. I would, however, have liked to see Melancon get an opportunity last night instead of Jonathan Albaladejo.

Damon reflects after latest milestone

Johnny Damon hit the 200th home run of his career last night.

Around the Yankee Universe: Replacing Brett Gardner

Ed Valentine — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:15:27 -0000

So, speedy Brett Gardner is on the shelf for at least the next three weeks with a fractured thumb. How will the New York Yankees replace him?

For now, they have recalled reliever Jonathan Albaladejo. Soon, though, they will have to add a player to the bench.

That player should not be AAA phenom Austin Jackson, and it won't be.

"It’s not something that we’ve talked about at this point," Girardi said. "Obviously, the guy that comes up is not going to be an everyday player. To bring up a guy like Austin Jackson and sit him on the bench right now, I’m not sure how much sense that would make.

The other obvious choice is Shelley Duncan, who is tearing up the International League with 25 home runs and 75 RBI. That does not make any sense, though, because Duncan can't play center field. Unless you truly believe Johnny Damon or Nick Swisher could play center field -- and I don't -- whoever the Yankees add has to be able to play that spot. Meaning, of course, there is no real place for Duncan.

Ramiro Pena is a possibility, since he has played a little bit of outfield since being sent down a few weeks ago. I doubt he could be depended on to play much in the outfield, but maybe in a pinch.

More likely, though, if the Yankees think Gardner will be out for more than the three weeks, is that GM Brian Cashman will be looking to make a small trade for a solid defensive center fielder.

Now let's look at some of the other stories making news around the Yankee Universe.

A little more information on Wang

From Pete Abe:

"When he got the second MRI on Tuesday, it revealed a possible rotator-cuff tear. The question is whether it’s a new injury or scar tissue from the operation he had back in 2000.

Because Dr. James Andrews did that surgery, he will examine Wang on Tuesday and figure it all out. If Wang does have a new tear, he’ll be out the rest of this season and part of 2010."

My take: Could the last year have been any worse for CMW, once the ace of the Yankee staff?

Trade Stuff

BucsBits reports that the Yankees had a scout in Indianapolis Sunday to watch Ian Snell pitch. Snell, by the way, went five innings, surrendered nine hits and two runs, and lost, 2-1.
MLB Daily Dish takes an in-depth look at the Yankees' needs, and how well positioned they are to meet them.

Other Stuff

Q&A with SWB beat writer Chad Jennings

Ed Valentine — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:00:19 -0000

More photos » by Julie Jacobson - AP

Mark Melancon during one of the four appearances he made earlier this season with the Yankees.

Browse more photos »

I posted a chat with Trenton Thunder beat reporter Mike Ashmore on Friday. Today, I give you another look at the Yankee farm system, thanks to Chad Jennings, who covers AAA Scranton-Wilkes Barre for the Times-Tribune.

Jennings does a terrific job covering SWB, and writes the informative Scranton-Wilkes Barre Yankees Blog. Here is the result of our e-mail exchange.

Pinstripe Alley: Mark Melancon. We heard so much about him, then he came to New York and disappointed in a brief stay. How is he throwing? Will he see him again this year? Do the Yanks still see him as a future star?

Jennings: I think Melancon disappointed only because the expectation was so incredibly high. His first two big laegue outings were plenty impressive, it was really that last appearance -- the three walks -- that made him look sloppy. When Melancon is at his best, he's aggressive in the zone, pounding the lower half with his fastball and throwing his curveball and changeup for strikes. That's generally the guy we've see down here. It's been two weeks since he walked a batter and he's been especially good in big situations, when he's brought into the game with runners on base. I don't think those first four or five big league games changed the organization's long-term opinion of him.

Pinstripe Alley: Austin Jackson. He is having a great year. Any chance he makes an impact in New York this year, and what kind of player do you think he will be long-term? Is his lack of power a source of concern?

Jennings: I don't think Jackson will be in New York this year, unless it's in September. He's still very young for this level, and his strikeout total is still awfully high. That said, he's been better than I expected. He only has the one home run, but he's still hitting with power and driving the ball the other way. He's been terrific on the bases and in the outfield, and he's been consistent at the plate, rather than building numbers through hot streaks here and there. I admit that I was kind of skeptical -- I kind of bought into the idea that he was simply a gifted athlete trying to play baseball -- but he's changed my opinion entirely. The guy can play, I just don't think there's any need to rush him to New York.

Pinstripe Alley: Give me a guy we might not know much about who could end up being a useful big-league player?

Jennings: Does Kevin Russo count? He started to build some buzz with that strong showing in the Arizona Fall League last year, and he's continued to impress here in Triple-A. He's a nice defensive player and seems to always have a good approach at the plate. He needs to stay healthy, obviously, but at the very least he could be a utility player at the big league level. I still think Chris Stewart could be a valuable catcher at the major league level, and I think Anthony Claggett could do well if he's given another shot. Oh, and there's this guy named Shelley Duncan.

Pinstripe Alley: The Yankee draft philosophy, which they followed again this year, seems to be to take high-risk, high-reward guys other teams shy away from for whatever reason. Do you like this philosophy, and how would you assess the state of the farm system?

Jennings: These are the Yankees we're talking about. They aren't exactly an organization of role players, and their draft philosophy fits that mold. They tend to go for the home run rather than take the safe pick who seems to be, at the very least, a future utility man or middle reliever. It's hard to blame them for such an approach, especially considering they're picking late in the first round every year.

As for the current state of the system, I think it's solid. Considering the team has never had one of those mid-season fire sales that bring in top-flight talent, the system is fairly deep. It's true that there aren't many obvious impact bats, but how many organizations have more than two or three huge hitting prospects?

Shelley Duncan

Pinstripe Alley: Shelly Duncan is crushing AAA pitching. He turns 30 this fall, will he ever be more than a AAA slugger?

Jennings: I think Shelley is more than a AAA slugger right now. I honestly believe that he could have an impact with any organization in major league baseball. I don't want to suggest he's a big league all-star, but I would love to see what he could do with semi-regular at-bats. The one time New York let him play regularly -- when he first went up in 2007 -- he was a beast. Since then, when he's had a stretch of more than an at-bat or two a week, he's done well. It's a matter of giving him a legitimate chance.

Pinstripe Alley: Do you hear anything about Ian Kennedy and whether or not he will pitch again this season?

Jennings: Still too early to say. I believe Kennedy is only five weeks removed from surgery, and he wasn't expected to start throwing until six weeks at the earliest.

Pinstripe Alley: How have Edwar Ramirez and Jonathan Albaladejo handled their demotions?

Jennings: Both seem to have handled it really well. I know Edwar a little better than Albaladejo -- Ramirez has spent a lot more time here the past three years -- and Edwar seems to be terrific spirits. He gets that he has to work on some things while he's here, and he knows that he's not a forgotten man. If he continues to pitch well, odds are he'll get another shot in New York. Same with Albaladejo. That guy languished in the Pirates organization for years, never getting above Double-A. Now he's with an organization that clearly likes him and wants to give him a shot in the big leagues.

-- Thanks to Chad for spending the time to answer our questions. If you want to know about the Yankee farm system, be sure to follow his work. Ashmore's, too.

Phillies at Yankees: May 22-24

Matt Swartz — Fri, 22 May 2009 22:26:59 -0000

More photos » by Paul J. Bereswill - AP

Don't worry, CC-- You don't have to face Brett Myers in the DH league! (AP Photo/Paul J. Bereswill)

Browse more photos »

The 2008 World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies bring their first place 2009 squad (22-17) up to the Bronx for a highly anticipated three game set with the New York Yankees (24-17), who currently sit in third place but only a game and a half out of first in the tough AL East.

The Phillies will send out three guys they drafted themselves against three guys the Yankees signed this past offseason. The Yankees now have Alex Rodriguez back from injury to sit in their cleanup spot. He's been a three true outcomes guy in his 55 PA since returning, hitting 5 homers, walking 12 times, and striking out 7 times. Thanks in part to some generous park effects in their new stadium, the Yankees send out a lineup with quite a lot of power in it. They have five guys with slugging averages over .500 in their starting lineup this weekend.

Brett Myers pitches Friday's game against A.J. Burnett. The obvious question is whether he is going to give up any or many homeruns in the small new stadium. Myers has been extremely homerun prone this year, and while all my formulas point towards this being an anomaly, it keeps happening and I'm willing to bet Myers actually has a bigger problem with the longball than projections seem to expect. He'll go up against A.J. Burnett who has been alright, but definitely not what the Yankees thought they were paying for. At least so far. His control seems to be a large part of the problem.

The Phillies introduce J.A. Happ to the rotation with a real chance to test himself on FOX Saturday afternoon. The Yankees do a lean a little bit towards the left side of the plate, but Happ will still have a tall order in front of him. The Yankees are a patient lineup. The Yankees will send out Andy Pettitte, a tough lefthander who has been okay since resigning this season, but has not struck out as many people as one would expect. The Phillies do struggle with lefties and it will be interesting to see what they can do with Pettitte.

The matchup a lot of people are looking forward to is Cole Hamels and CC Sabathia on Sunday. Cole has finally gotten back into form, striking out even more batters than before (over a hitter per inning this year), and looks to put up another solid performance against the team who contributed to his legend. If you recall, Hamels was 19 years old when he walked onto the mound in Spring Training against the New York Yankees and struck out Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Tony Clark in succession. Clark is gone, but Jeter and A-Rod remain and Hamels looks to come full circle and strike them out again. CC Sabathia looked unhittable after being traded to the Brewers in 2008 and led them to a Wild Card that they won by only a game. He seemed to be in line to even up the NLDS at one with the Phillies when they sent him to the showers after 3.2 innings instead. The Phillies were up 5-1 at that point and on their way to a 2-0 lead in a best of 5. At that moment, sitting too far from the dugout for him to hear, I exuberantly yelled in Sabathia's direction anyway: "Season over-- your Yankees uniform is waiting for you at the dry cleaners!" I think we all pretty much knew that Sabathia was headed for the Yankees at that point. But he couldn't get away from the Phillies!

MATCHUPS:

Friday, 7:05-- Brett Myers (R) vs. A.J. Burnett (R)

Saturday, 4:10-- J.A. Happ (L) vs. Andy Pettitte (L)

Sunday, 1:05-- Cole Hamels (L) vs. CC Sabathia (L)

After the jump, you can see the player by player splits and batter/pitcher matchups, along with all the same detailed information about the players.

YANKEES

LINE UP

1) SS Derek Jeter (R): .273/.351/.418

projection average (proj): .300/.370/.430
projected BB/PA (bb): 8.5%
projected K/AB (k): 16%
career gb% (gb): 56%
career infield flies/flyball (iff): 3%
career infield hits/groundball (ifh): 8%
batting average on balls in play tendencies (babip): My system projects him at .362, but most systems only see him at .345. I think that mine might be more realistic if he's healthy. He's a very unconventional hitter. His extremely high groundball rate and his BABIP on groundballs is extremely high too, due to both beating out infield hits and due to hitting very hard groundballs. He has a lot of power for an extreme groundball hitter, so his flyballs and line drives carry a lot more. He also almost never pops out.
swing/contact/zone facts (s/c/z): very good eye with slightly above average contact. mildly patient too.
righty/lefty (r/l): .826 vs .900 ops; 1.8 vs 1.4 k/bb
home/away (h/a): .863 vs .824 ops; 1.6 vs 1.8 k/bb
pull/opposite (p/o): slight pull hitter
anything else (other): none

2) LF Johnny Damon (L): .318/.387/.597

proj: .280/.355/.425
bb: 10%
k: 14.5%
gb: 45%
iff: 16%
ifh: 10%
babip: My season projects him at .310, which is close to where most projection systems have him. He gets a lot of infield hits, so he does well on groundballs, but he pops out a lot too.
s/c/z: good eye, patience, and contact skill.
r/l: .811 vs .747 ops; 1.1 vs 1.5 k/bb
h/a: .806 vs .780 ops; 1.0 vs 1.4 k/bb
p/o: pull hitter
other: none

3) 1B Mark Teixeira (S): .250/.371/.542

proj: .290/.385/.525
bb: 13%
k: 20%
gb: 39%
iff: 11%
ifh: 6%
babip: My system projects him at .313, which is similar to where other systems have him. He hits the ball hard, but he does pop out sometimes. He gets a good number of infield hits for a power hitter.
s/c/z: good patience that is improving. good eye. above average contact skill. thrown fewer strikes over last few years.
r/l: .905 vs .936 ops; 1.5 vs 1.6 k/bb
h/a: .964 vs .865 ops; 1.7 vs 1.5 k/bb
p/o: extreme pull hitter from both sides
other: much better against finesse pitchers.

4) 3B Alex Rodriguez (R): .171/.382/.537

proj: .295/.390/.555
bb: 12.5%
k: 22.5%
gb: 42%
iff: 11%
ifh: 8%
babip: My system projects him at .309, though most systems have him a bit higher between .315-.320. He hits for a lot of power, so he does well on line drives. He gets infield hits, so he does well on groundballs. He does pop out a lot for a hitter of his type, which may be why the other systems are slightly higher than me on him.
s/c/z: good eye, slightly below average contact, average patience.
r/l: .966 vs .969 ops; 1.8 vs 1.7 k/bb
h/a: .988 vs .946 ops; 1.7 vs 1.7 k/bb
p/o: pull hitter
other: none

5) DH Hideki Matsui (L): .252/.340/.455

proj: .280/.355/.445
bb: 11%
k: 14%
gb: 46%
iff: 7%
ifh: 5%
babip: My system projects him at .300, which most systems seem to see him at. He avoids popups somewhat, but doesn't hit for all that much power. He does hit pretty hard groundballs and his groundball rate is a little above average which helps.
s/c/z: good eye, average contact, patient.
r/l: .866 vs .807 ops; 1.0 vs 1.5 k/bb
h/a: .858 vs .837 ops; 1.1 vs 1.2 k/bb
p/o: pull hitter
other: better against power pitchers

6) RF Nick Swisher (S): .238/.383/.531

proj: .245/.360/.450
bb: 14%
k: 26%
gb: 35%
iff: 11%
ifh: 3%
babip: My system projects him at .271, but most see him in the .280s. He does not do particularly well on groundballs, as he rarely gets infield hits and pulls balls a lot. He also has poor contact skill, so he probably chops the ball a lot. He does pretty well on line drives, but he pops out a decent amount too.
s/c/z: below average contact, extremely patient, good eye.
r/l: .804 vs .841 ops; 1.9 vs 0.9 k/bb
h/a: .816 vs .815 ops; 1.4 vs 1.7 k/bb
p/o: major pull hitter
other: none

7) 2B Robinson Cano (L): .317/.354/.527

proj: .300/.350/.465
bb: 5%
k: 12%
gb: 50%
iff: 9%
ifh: 4%
babip: My system projects him at .321, and most systems see him only slightly below that. He gets a lot of groundballs, which helps his babip. He doesn't hit too many infield flies either. He has some power and good contact skill that allows him to center.
s/c/z: impatient hitter, not great eye, very good contact skill.
r/l: .818 vs .780 ops; 2.8 vs 2.5 k/bb
h/a: .780 vs .831 ops; 2.9 vs 2.5 k/bb
p/o: slight pull hitter
other: far better against finesse pitchers, struggles a lot against power.

8) CF Melky Cabrera (S): .319/.370/.500

proj: .275/.335/.390
bb: 8%
k: 14%
gb: 49%
iff: 13%
ifh: 6%
babip: My system projects him at .292, but most systems see him closer to .300. He doesn't have much power, so he doesn't do well on line drives, and he pops out a lot so he doesn't do well on flyballs either. He does okay on groundballs, since he's pretty fast.
s/c/z: not great eye, good contact skill.
r/l: .739 vs .659 ops; 1.6 vs 1.1 k/bb
h/a: .712 vs .720 ops; 1.4 vs 1.4 k/bb
p/o: spreads the ball around very well.
other: none

9) C Francisco Cervelli (R): .323/.344/.323

proj: .250/.330/.390
bb: 8%
k: 22%
gb: 57% in minors last year from Rk/A/AA
iff: 6.5% in minors last year
ifh: ?
babip: My system does not project him. He's projected all over the place by the different systems.
s/c/z: Early indications are that he's impatient with a poor eye, and slightly below average contact skill.
r/l: better against lefties in minors, it seems
h/a: not enough info
p/o: not enough info
other: none

BENCH

C Kevin Cash (R): .077/.071/.154

proj: .200/.275/.310
bb: 9%
k: 31%
gb: 49%
iff: 11%
ifh: 5%
babip: My system does not project him, but most systems have him in the .260s. He doesn't make good contact, have much power, or have much speed. So his BABIP is bound to be pretty low. He doesn't pop out all that much, but he still is probably likely to have a BABIP around that range.
s/c/z: okay eye, okay pateince, poor contact, thrown a lot of strikes.
r/l: .487 vs .617 ops; 5.0 vs 3.4 k/bb
h/a: .515 vs .547 ops; 4.4 vs 4.1 k/bb
p/o: pull hitter
other: none

IF Angel Berroa (R): .167/.167/.167

proj: .250/.300/.360
bb: 5%
k: 18%
gb: 48%
iff: 12%
ifh: 10%
babip: My system does not project him, but most systems have him around .290. He's fast so he will get some infield hits and draw the infield in enough to get balls through the hole. His lack of power indicates poor ability to do well on line drives and his infield fly rate indicates poor ability to do well on popups.
s/c/z: very bad eye and a free swinger, too. average contact. i can't understate how poor his eye is. he swings at more pitches out of the strike zone than jeff francoeur and it's not even close. somehow, he is thrown a lot of strikes, presumably due to his inability to do much damage on them. even still, he'll chase almost anything close.
r/l: .663 vs .724 ops; 4.0 vs 3.4 k/bb
h/a: .708 vs .654 ops; 2.8 vs 5.9 k/bb
p/o: pull hitter
other: better against groundball pitchers

IF Ramiro Pena (S): .263/.311/.333

proj: .230/.280/.290
bb: 6%
k: 19%
gb: 50-55% through minors
iff: very high in minors, around 15%, though last year down to 8%
ifh: ?
babip: My system does not project him. systems vary wildly on him. seems to be somewhat powerless, with some speed. pops out a decent amount. maybe .275 or so sounds right, but that's just a guess.
s/c/z: early indications are that he has a pretty bad eye, average patience, and good contact skill.
r/l: indications are that he hits righties much better in the minors than lefties.
h/a: not enough info
p/o: seems like a definite pull hitter, but not much info
other: none

OF Brett Gardner (L): .235/.313/.388

proj: .260/.330/.360
bb: 10%
k: 22%
gb: 50-60% range through minors, 48% in majors
iff: 10-15% in minors, 10% in majors
ifh: 8% in majors
babip: My system does not project him, most systems see him around .320. makes sense given his patience and groundball rate. his lack of power does indicate that could be a little high but not much.
s/c/z: early indications are that he's very patient with a pretty good eye, and good contact skill.
r/l: .599 vs .434 ops; 2.5 k/bb vs rhp (just 11 k & 1 bb vs lhp)
h/a: not enough info
p/o: slight opposite field hitter
other: not enough info

DISABLED LIST: OF Xavier Nady (R): .286/.310/.429

proj: .280/.340/.470
bb: 6%
k: 20%
gb: 44%
iff: 10%
ifh: 5%
babip: My system projects him at .305, most systems see him closer to .315. He does mildly well on groundballs, okay at avoiding popups, so pretty average there. Has some power so does pretty well on line drives, but .315 seems high to me despite career .317 thus far.
s/c/z: okay eye but not patient. average contact skill.
r/l: .769 vs .854 ops; 4.0 vs 1.9 k/bb
h/a: .784 vs .799 ops; 3.2 vs 3.1 k/bb
p/o: pull hitter
other: none

DISABLED LIST: C Jorge Posada (S): .312/.402/.584

proj: .280/.375/.460
bb: 12%
k: 21%
gb: 42%
iff: 7%
ifh: 5%
babip: My system does not project him since he did not get 300 PA last year. He has some power so he does pretty well on line drives. He should do well given his ability to avoid popouts. He's not especially fast, so probably not great on grounders. Projections around .330 seem about right, though maybe a tiny bit high.
s/c/z: very good eye, patient, average contact
r/l: .848 vs .886 ops; 1.4 vs 1.7 k/bb
h/a: .884 vs .837 ops; 1.4 vs 1.6 k/bb
p/o: pretty much a pull hitter both ways
other: improves over course of game against a pitcher, especially third time around.

DISABLED LIST: C Jose Molina (R): .273/.333/.386

proj: .235/.275/.340
bb: 5%
k: 22%
gb: 46%
iff: 7%
ifh: 3.5%
babip: My system does not project him. He's projected by other systems around .290. His ability to avoid infield flies helps, but he's not very fast and not very powerful. he does spread the ball around well so .290 could be doable.
s/c/z: not a good eye, free swinger, below average contact
r/l: .573 vs .713 ops; 5.0 vs 4.0 k/bb
h/a: .641 vs .598 ops; 3.7 vs 5.7 k/bb
p/o: spreads ball around well
other: struggles a lot against power pitchers.

ROTATION

FRIDAY OPPONENT: A.J. Burnett (R): 5.02 ERA, 4.3 BB/9, 7.4 K/9, 1.2 HR/9, 4.90 FIP, 42% GB

proj avg: 3.90 ERA, 3.4 BB/9, 8.5 K/9, 0.9 HR/9
gb: 50%
pitches: 65% fb, 29% cb, 5% ch, 1% sl
r/l: .667 vs .697 ops; 2.3 vs 2.2 k/bb
h/a: .656 vs .709 ops; 2.5 vs 2.0 k/bb

Burnett vs Phillies:

Rollins: 10/40, 3 2B, 5 BB, 11 K, 1 SF
Utley: 6/19, 1 3B, 1 HR, 1 BB, 5 K
Ibanez: 3/13, 1 2B, 0 BB, 4 K, 1 SF
Feliz: 2/12, 1 2B, 0 BB, 0 K
Cairo: 1/8, 1 2B, 1 BB, 0 K
Howard: 2/9, 2 HR, 0 BB, 5 K
Stairs: 2/8, 2 HR, 1 BB, 2 K
Dobbs: 4/6, 1 2B, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 HBP
Werth: 0/4, 2 BB, 2 K
Coste: 1/4, 1 2B, 0 BB, 1 K
Victorino: 0/3, 0 BB, 0 K

SATURDAY OPPONENT: Andy Pettitte (L): 4.18 ERA, 2.8 BB/9, 4.9 K/9, 1.0 HR/9, 4.60 FIP, 46% GB

proj avg: 4.40 ERA, 2.8 BB/9, 6.4 K/9, 0.9 HR/9
gb: 50%
pitches: 52% fb, 28% ct, 11% cb, 6% ch, 3% sl
r/l: .729 vs .710 ops; 2.2 vs 3.3 k/bb
h/a: .699 vs .752 ops; 2.7 vs 2.1 k/bb

Pettitte vs Phillies:

Cairo: 10/36, 4 2B, 1 BB, 3 K, 1 Sac
Ibanez: 5/18, 1 2B, 0 BB, 5 K, 1 HBP
Rollins: 4/15, 1 HR, 0 BB, 2 K
Werth: 1/10, 1 HR, 0 BB, 4 K
Stairs: 0/9, 0 BB, 1 K
Feliz: 2/6, 1 BB, 1 K
Howard: 1/6, 0 BB, 0 K
Utley: 0/4, 1 BB, 2 K
Ruiz: 2/3, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 K
Victorino: 2/3, 0 BB, 0 K

SUNDAY OPPONENT: CC Sabathia (L): 3.43 ERA, 3.0 BB/9, 6.3 K/9, 0.4 HR/9, 3.60 FIP, 46% GB

proj avg: 3.30 ERA, 2.0 BB/9, 8.2 K/9, 0.8 HR/9
gb: 45%
pitches: 54% fb, 25% sl, 21% ch, 0.1% cb
r/l: .695 vs .655 ops; 2.5 vs 3.3 k/bb
h/a: .688 vs .686 ops; 2.8 vs 2.5 k/bb

Sabathia vs Phillies (including 2008 NLDS):

Ibanez: 10/36, 1 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 2 BB, 10 K, 1 HBP
Rollins: 4/9, 2 2B, 1 3B, 1 BB, 0 K
Feliz: 1/4, 1 2B, 0 BB, 3 K
Howard: 1/5, 1 2B, 0 BB, 4 K
Stairs: 0/1, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 SF
Utley: 0/5, 1 BB, 3 K
Victorino: 2/5, 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 BB (IBB), 0 K
Cairo: 0/2, 0 BB, 0 K
Werth: 2/4, 2 2B, 0 BB, 1 K
Ruiz: 0/2, 0 BB, 0 K

NOT FACING US: Phil Hughes (R): 7.06 ERA, 5.4 BB/9, 7.9 K/9, 2.5 HR/9, 7.11 FIP, 38% GB

proj avg: 4.20 ERA, 3.4 BB/9, 7.1 K/9, 0.8 HR/9
gb: 37%
pitches: 63% fb, 23% cb, 6% sl, 6% ch, (27% ct this year, instead of a slider)
r/l: .649 vs .924 ops; 2.8 vs 1.1 k/bb
h/a: .871 vs .693 ops; 1.7 vs 1.7 k/bb

Hughes vs Phillies:

Stairs: 1/8, 1 BB, 2 K
Ibanez; 2/2, 1 HR, 1 BB, 0 K

NOT FACING US: Joba Chamberlain (R): 3.70 ERA, 4.6 BB/9, 8.9 K/9, 1.1 HR/9, 4.73 FIP, 41% GB

proj avg: 3.50 ERA, 3.4 BB/9, 9.2 K/9, 0.7 HR/9
gb: 48%
pitches: 65% fb, 25% sl , 8% cb, 2% ch
r/l: .633 vs .645 ops; 3.6 vs 2.5 k/bb
h/a: .586 vs .681 ops; 2.8 vs 3.2 k/bb

Chamberlain vs Phillies:

Stairs: 1/4, 2 BB, 1 K
Ibanez: 1/2, 0 BB, 0 K

BULLPEN

CL: Mariano Rivera (R): 2.89 ERA, 0.5 BB/9, 11.1 K/9, 2.4 HR/9, 4.36 FIP, 45% GB

proj avg: 2.80 ERA, 1.5 BB/9, 8.5 K/9, 0.5 HR/9
gb: 54%
pitches: 82% ct, 18% fb
r/l: .604 vs .519 ops; 4.3 vs 3.5 k/bb
h/a: .579 vs .539 ops; 3.8 vs 4.0 k/bb

Rivera vs Phillies:

Ibanez: 1/15, 2 BB, 5 K
Stairs: 2/14, 0 BB, 4 K
Cairo: 1/6, 1 BB, 1 K
Dobbs: 1/3, 0 BB, 2 K
Howard: 0/2, 0 BB, 0 K
Rollins: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Utley: 1/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Victorino: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K

Jonathan Albaladejo (R): 6.00 ERA, 4.3 BB/9, 5.1 K/9, 2.1 HR/9, 6.85 FIP, 52% GB

proj avg: 4.40 ERA, 3.4 BB/9, 6.6 K/9, 1.2 HR/9
gb: 51%
pitches: 78% fb, 12% sl, 10% cb
r/l: .729 vs .732 ops; 2.3 vs 2.8 k/bb
h/a: .688 vs .770 ops; 3.2 vs 1.9 k/bb

Albaladejo vs Phillies:

Ruiz: 1/2, 1 BB, 0 K, 1 HBP
Dobbs: 0/3, 0 BB, 1 K
Rollins: 1/2, 1 2B, 0 BB, 0 K
Coste: 0/1, 0 BB, 1 K
Victorino: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Werth: 0/1, 0 BB, 1 K

Phil Coke (L): 4.58 ERA, 3.6 BB/9, 6.1 K/9, 2.0 HR/9, 5.96 FIP, 34% GB

proj avg: 4.20 ERA, 3.5 BB/9, 7.0 K/9, 0.9 HR/9
gb: 40%
pitches: 72% fb, 23% sl, 5% ch
r/l: .569 vs .522 ops; 3.7 vs 4.3 k/bb
h/a: .417 vs .632 ops; 4.5 vs 3.8 k/bb

Coke: has not played any Phillies

Brian Bruney (R): 3.00 ERA, 2.0 BB/9, 13.0 K/9, 0.0 HR/9, 0.96 FIP, 35% GB

proj avg: 4.50 ERA, 5.2 BB/9, 8.3 K/9, 0.9 HR/9
gb: 36%
pitches: 66% fb, 30% sl, 4% ch
r/l: .661 vs .755 ops; 2.0 vs 1.0 k/bb
h/a: .691 vs .708 ops; 1.8 vs 1.2 k/bb

Bruney vs Phillies:

Feliz: 1/7, 1 2B, 1 BB, 3 K, 1 SF
Rollins: 1/2, 1 2B, 0 BB, 0 K
Werth: 0/1, 1 BB, 1 K
Ibanez: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Stairs: 1/1, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 K
Utley: 1/1, 0 BB, 0 K

Jose Veras (R): 6.00 ERA, 6.0 BB/9, 6.5 K/9, 1.0 HR/9, 5.52 FIP, 26% GB

proj avg: 4.10 ERA, 4.1 BB/9, 8.9 K/9, 1.0 HR/9
gb: 38%
pitches: 71% fb, 26% cb, 3% sf
r/l: .672 vs .767 ops; 1.7 vs 1.7 k/bb
h/a: .728 vs .696 ops; 1.7 vs 1.8 k/bb

Veras vs Phillies:

Stairs: 0/5, 0 BB, 1 K
Ibanez: 0/2, 0 BB, 1 K

Brett Tomko (R): 2.70 ERA, 0.0 BB/9, 0.0 K/9, 2.7 HR/9, 7.08 FIP, 42% GB

proj avg: 5.00 ERA, 2.7 BB/9, 6.7 K/9, 1.3 HR/9
gb: 43%
pitches: 59% fb, 17% sl, 11% cb, 8% sf, 6% ch, 0.2% ct
r/l: .767 vs .796 ops; 2.6 vs 1.7 k/bb
h/a: .730 vs .828 ops; 2.3 vs 1.9 k/bb

Tomko vs Phillies:

Werth: 5/22, 1 3B, 1 HR, 1 BB, 6 K
Rollins: 8/15, 2 BB, 0 K, 1 Sac, 1 SF
Stairs: 5/14, 1 2B, 2 HR, 3 BB, 5 K
Utley: 3/14, 1 3B, 1 BB, 0 K, 1 HBP
Feliz: 6/14, 1 2B, 0 BB, 0 K
Howard: 5/7, 2 2B, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 K
Ibanez: 1/7, 1 2B, 0 BB, 1 K
Cairo: 0/3, 0 BB, 2 K
Dobbs: 0/2, 0 BB, 0 K
Ruiz: 1/2, 1 2B, 0 BB, 0 K

Alfredo Aceves (R): 1.32 ERA, 2.0 BB/9, 7.9 K/9, 0.7 HR/9, 3.26 FIP, 47% GB

proj avg: 4.70 ERA, 2.9 BB/9, 5.7 K/9, 1.3 HR/9
gb: 44%
pitches: 43% fb, 26% cb, 17% ch, 14% ct
r/l: .659 vs .708 ops; 2.5 vs 1.3 k/bb
h/a: .636 vs .740 ops; 2.7 vs 1.2 k/bb

Aceves: has not played any Phillies

DISABLED LIST: Chien-Ming Wang (R): 34.50 ERA, 9.0 BB/9, 3.0 K/9, 3.0 HR/9, 10.35 FIP, 29% GB

proj avg: 3.90 ERA, 2.8 BB/9, 4.7 K/9, 0.5 HR/9
gb: 60%
pitches: 77% fb, 17% sl, 3% ch, 3% sf
r/l: .655 vs .750 ops; 2.3 vs 1.0 k/bb
h/a: .656 vs .753 ops; 1.5 vs 1.5 k/bb

Wang vs Phillies:

Ibanez: 4/22, 2 2B, 1 BB, 3 K, 1 SF
Stairs: 6/13, 4 2B, 1 HR, 1 BB, 1 K
Feliz: 1/2, 1 HR, 1 BB, 0 K

DISABLED LIST: Damaso Marte (L): 15.19 ERA, 5.1 BB/9, 10.1 K/9, 5.1 HR/9, 10.50 FIP, 16% GB

proj avg: 3.70 ERA, 4.0 BB/9, 8.8 K/9, 0.7 HR/9
gb: 36%
pitches: 61% fb, 35% sl, 3% ch, 0.1% cb
r/l: .723 vs .589 ops; 2.1 vs 2.9 k/bb
h/a: .660 vs .675 ops; 2.3 vs 2.4 k/bb

Marte vs Phillies:

Ibanez: 4/16, 0 BB, 4 K, 1 HBP
Stairs: 1/6, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HBP
Rollins: 2/7, 0 BB, 1 K
Cairo: 3/3, 2 2B, 0 BB, 0 K
Howard: 0/3, 0 BB, 3 K
Utley: 0/3, 0 BB, 2 K
Bruntlett: 1/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Feliz: 0/1, 0 BB, 1 K
Victorino: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K

PHILLIES

LINE UP

1) SS Jimmy Rollins (S): .234/.275/.329

projection average (proj): .285/.350/.460
projected BB/PA (bb): 8%
projected K/AB (k): 11%
career gb% (gb): 42%
career infield flies/flyball (iff): 10%
career infield hits/groundball (ifh): 5%
batting average on balls in play tendencies (babip): about average overall, though a little bit high popup rate so slightly below average. my system has him at about .308.
swing/contact/zone facts (s/c/z): good eye, pretty selective, but very high contact rate so low walk rate
righty/lefty (r/l): 1.7 vs 1.3 k/bb, mostly because of higher k-rate as lhb. otherwise similar on contact
home/away (h/a): 1.5 vs 1.7 k/bb; .805 vs .739 ops
pull/opposite (p/o): definite pull hitter
anything else (other): stole 47 bases in 50 attempts last year.

2) 2B Chase Utley (L): .295/.432/.597

proj: .295/.380/.525
bb: 9.5%
k: 18%
gb: 37%
iff: 10%
ifh: 6%
babip: distinctly above average historically and for projections too; seemingly strong power leads to high line drive babip rate and reasonably high groundball babip especially for pull hitting lefty; high on flyballs despite high infield fly rate since he hits deep flyballs. my system has him at about .308, but he beats projection systems consistently.
s/c/z: pretty good eye, somewhat selective, somewhat high contact rate
r/l: not significant-- only 1.7 vs 2.0 k/bb; .919 vs .865 ops
h/a: similar k/bb home & away; better hr at home-- probably park factors; higher babip at home too
p/o: pull hitter
other: much better against power pitchers relative to other hitters

3) LF Raul Ibanez (L): .349/.410/.724

proj: .285/.350/.480
bb: 9%
k: 17%
gb: 42%
iff: 11%
ifh: 5%
babip: above average, probably because he spreads the ball around pretty well for a power hitter; much better babip with men on-- probably hooks ball in hole well or maybe he was shifted against more so beforehand. my system sees him right at .300.
s/c/z: definitely a good eye though it's getting worse, slightly above average contact
r/l: .850 vs .733; 1.5 vs 2.8 k/bb
h/a: better k/bb (1.6 vs 1.9) but worse power probably park factors, and probably likely to be better at home
p/o: slight pull hitter but not much for a power hitter
other: none

4) 1B Ryan Howard (L): .266/.349/.545

proj: .275/.375/580
bb: 14%
k: 33%
gb: 40%
iff: 2%
ifh: 4%
babip: low on groundballs over time as he pulls the vast majority of them; very very high on flyballs because he almost never pops out in the infield at all and many of his flyballs are very deep. also since so few of his flyballs stay in the park (only 2/3 or so), a higher percentage of his balls in play are line drives-- which he does well on like many power hitters-- his low contact rate means he sometimes make poor contact though. probably above average overall
s/c/z: swings a lot especially for someone who doesn't see many strikes. however, he is pretty good at distinguishing balls from strikes despite the consensus on him. he makes terrible contact overall though. my system sees him at .310.
r/l: 1.064 vs .786 ops: say it with me "that means he's good against righties, not bad against lefties!" in fact, he's the best hitter against righties in baseball right now probably. his k/bb vs lhp is 3.7 vs 1.6 vs rhp. he has a lot of power against lefties however, but a lower babip. i don't have split data on pull% vs lhp/rhp but observationally i'm pretty sure that's the difference in his babip: .338 vs .309.
h/a: much higher babip on road. very similar hr numbers. 2.0 vs 3.2 k/bb.
p/o: pull hitter, especially on groundballs-- hits more homeruns the opposite way though
other: struggles mightily against power pitchers and groundball pitchers, dominate flyball pitchers (since he almost never pops out, and has 10.3% hr rate) and smashes finesse pitchers (11.8% hr rate); he also does much better on babip with runners on base as defenders can't shift against him-- especially with runners in scoring position

5) RF Jayson Werth (R): .272/.371/.500

proj: .270/.360/.460
bb: 12.5%
k: 29%
gb: 38%
iff: 8%
ifh: 8%
babip: high on groundballs due to high infield hit rate, high on line drives due to power, and hits pretty deep flyballs too; has been historically probably higher than it should be since he's faced more lhp than normal rhb do; overall still seems to be very above average. my system has him at .329.
s/c/z: very selective and pretty good eye; somewhat low contact rate
r/l: .762 vs .919 ops; 2.4 vs 2.0 k/bb; hr rate of 6.7% vs 2.9%
h/a: not much of a split at all
p/o: spreads ball around well for power hitter, but still a pull hitter
other: stole 20 bases in 21 attempts last year

6) CF Shane Victorino (S): .257/.306/.419

proj: .285/.345/.430
bb: 7.5%
k: 13%
gb: 46%
iff: 15%
ifh: 8%
babip: slightly above average due to high babip on groundballs-- partly because infield plays in for him and he spreads the ball around well; not that high due to high infield fly rate. my system sees him at .303.
s/c/z: pretety bad eye but high contact rate
r/l: much more power righthanded (1.6% to 3.8% HR rate), but much better k/bb as lefty: 1.65 vs 1.88; higher babip lefty also (.316 vs .286)
h/a: far fewer walks on road but nearly exactly the same strikeout rate, same power, same babip
p/o: pull hitter both ways
other: stole 36 of 47 bases last year

7) 3B Pedro Feliz (R): .310/.377/.434

proj: .250/.300/.420
bb: 6%
k: 15.5%
gb: 44%
iff: 15%
ifh: 5%
babip: very low-- pops up a lot, hits groundballs predictably to left side and is slow so they can play shaded over and deep; not all that much power so not terrific on line drives either, makes a lot of weak contact as he isn't good at making contact so he chops a lot of balls. my system sees him at .271.
s/c/z: high swing rate and not terribly good at distinguishing balls from strikes. swung significantly less in 2008, but it was as much of a decrease in balls as strikes, makes average contact
r/l: 3.3 vs 2.3 k/bb; .708 vs .755 ops, more babip and a little more power agaisnt lefties
h/a: much higher k rate on road, similar bb rate; more power on road, higher babip at home. likely not much difference (.725 vs .716 overall ops)
p/o: definite pull hitter
other: defensive numbers dipped last year, had offseason surgery for back, perhaps these are related

8) Carlos Ruiz (R): .236/.373/.327

proj: .255/.335/.390
bb: 10%
k: 14%
gb: 50% (but rose in 2008 to 54% from 46%)
iff: 9.5%
ifh: 4%
babip: was extraordinarily low in 2008, but that seems to be rather flukey. his high groundball rate and solid contact rate and pitch selection indicate he should be a good babip guy, but he does very poorly on groundball as he chops the ball a lot. my system sees him at .288.
s/c/z: very good eye and excellent contact skill, extremely patient
r/l: bizarre reverse split despite 0.5 k/bb vs lhp and 1.2 vs rhp; impossibly low .204 babip against lhp, probably flukey and probably much better vs lhp in reality
h/a: similar k/bb, worse babip but higher power at home (park factors)
p/o: slight pull hitter
other: better against power pitchers

BENCH

C Chris Coste (R): .241/.333/.414

proj: .265/.315/.405
bb: 5.5%
k: 17.5%
gb: 40%
iff: 10%
ifh: 6%
babip: slightly below average, seemingly due to poor eye and swinging and hitting bad pitches. my system sees him at .294.
s/c/z: high swing rate, pretty poor eye, average contact
r/l: .747 vs .855; same k/bb rate, much better babip against lhp, similar power but slightly more vs lhp
h/a: .886 vs .679; 5.4% vs 1.5% hr rate
p/o: pull hitter
other: struggles with power pitchers somewhat

IF/OF Eric Bruntlett (R): .129/.194/.258

proj: .240/.325/.335
bb: 10%
k: 18%
gb: 41%
iff: 14%
ifh: 5%
babip: high popup rate leads to low babip, but not that low; also doesn't do all that well on line drives due to lack of power
s/c/z: somewhat above average eye and doesn't swing much; makes very good contact, sees a lot of strikes
r/l: .592 vs .764 ops; 2.5 vs 1.2 k/bb; 5.7% vs 8.8% xbh/ab-- he's actually average if not above average against lhp; he just is terrible against rhb. he should be used as a counterswitch to loogy use against lefty pinch hitters
h/a: more power at home and more walks at home; similar strikeout rate and babip
p/o: opposite field hitter
other: none

IF Greg Dobbs (L): .143/.250/.229

proj: .285/.335/.445
bb: 7%
k: 17%
gb: 36%
iff: 13.5%
ifh: 3%
babip: has been high but probably should not be projected as high-- success derives from impossibly high line drive babip which doesn't typically happen for non-extreme power hitters. given his popup rate, he probably isn't a .320 babip guy and there isn't a .285 hitter
s/c/z: poor eye but very high swing rate; average contact rate
r/l: .761 vs .579 ops despite impossible .481 babip against lhp. in reality, he strikes out in 48% of at-bats against lhp. he should never see them. absolutely no power against lefties also.
h/a: virtually no split at all
p/o: pull hitter
other: much better against finesse pitchers

OF Matt Stairs (L): .304/.515/.609

proj: .255/.340/.440
bb: 11%
k: 22%
gb: 42%
iff: 11.5%
ifh: 5%
babip: average all around. my system sees him at .295.
s/c/z: very good eye and slightly below average contact
r/l: .862 vs .748; much more power against rhp; 1.4 vs 2.1 k/bb
h/a: not much of a split at all
p/o: slight pull hitter but not much for a power hitter
other: use stairs in case of emergency

ROTATION

FRIDAY STARTER: Brett Myers (R): 4.50 ERA, 3.4 BB/9, 6.8 K/9, 2.2 HR/9, 6.16 FIP, 46% GB

proj avg: 4.15 ERA, 3.1 BB/9, 8.0 K/9, 1.3 HR/9
gb: 47%
pitches: 48% fb, 23% cb, 18% sl, 9% ch, 1% ct, 0.2% sf
r/l: .788 vs .747 ops despite 3.1 vs 1.95 k/bb; main issue is much higher HR rate vs rhb, slightly higher babip vs them as well; does not seem to be selection bias
h/a: .738 vs .800 ops; 2.7 vs 2.15 k/bb; slightly higher HR rate at home, but that is probably park factors as he surrenders far more doubles on road
other: HR rate is bizarre-- very few pitchers have the HR/Flyball rate he does. My personal suspicion is that statistics that don't exhibit much persistence despite what common sense suggests only do not exhibit persistence specifically because players make adjustments. If you throw fastball after fastball on the outside corner on every 1-2 count, the hitters will respond by hitting singles to the opposite field over and over again and your BABIP will go up. However, pitchers learn to mix up their pitches and BABIP ends up lacking persistence due to the constant game theoretical reaction that pitchers and hitters take. For Myers, his bizarre refusal to use his curveball early in the game leaves him especially vulernable to RHB who know it isn't coming. A little game theoretical mixed strategy would probably allow him to finally live up to his peripherals which suggest a low HR rate and borderline ace stuff.

Myers vs Yankees:

Damon: 4/14, 4 BB, 3 K
Teixeira: 0/4, 1 BB, 3 K
Cabrera: 0/4, 0 BB, 2 K
Jeter: 1/3, 1 BB, 1 K
Rodriguez: 1/2, 1 2B, 2 BB, 1 K
Berroa: 2/3, 0 BB, 0 K
Cano: 0/2, 1 BB, 1 K

SATURDAY STARTER: J.A. Happ (L): 2.49 ERA, 3.7 BB/9, 7.1 K/9, 0.4 HR/9, 3.60 FIP, 34% GB

proj avg: 4.40 ERA, 3.8 BB/9, 7.7 K/9, 1.2 HR/9
gb: 29% in majors thus far; 42% in AAA in 2008
pitches: 64% fb, 18% ch, 14% sl, 2% ct, 2% cb
r/l: 1.7 vs 3.0 k/bb in majors thus far; 2.7 vs 3.5 k/bb in AAA in 2008
h/a: not enough info

Happ: has not faced any Yankees

SUNDAY STARTER: Cole Hamels (L): 4.95 ERA, 2.2 BB/9, 9.4 K/9, 2.0 HR/9, 4.70 FIP, 37% GB

proj avg: 3.45 ERA, 2.3 BB/9, 8.4 K/9, 1.1 HR/9
gb: 40%
pitches: 55% fb, 32% ch, 14% cb
r/l: .680 vs .748, but same 3.6 k/bb both ways; slightly more power vs lhb-- this is probably selection bias as managers withhold all but the best lefties against him (explaining 20% of hitters faced are lefties only)
h/a: 3.85 vs 3.4 k/bb; .676 vs .709 ops-- less of a difference due to higher HR rate at home
other: much higher k-rate at night: 25% vs 20%, which is statistically significant. ERA difference (4.71 vs 3.01 exaggerated by babip difference), as HR rate and XBH rate very similar. most likely he strikes out more at night.

Hamels vs Yankees:

Teixeira: 3/14, 1 HR, 0 BB, 3 K
Damon: 2/2, 2 BB, 0 K
Jeter: 2/4, 0 BB, 0 K
Cabrera: 1/3, 1 2B, 0 BB, 0 K
Rodriguez: 0/1, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HBP

NOT STARTING THIS SERIES: Jamie Moyer (L): 7.62 ERA, 3.0 BB/9, 4.6 K/9, 2.6 HR/9, 7.25 FIP, 35% GB

proj avg: 4.80 ERA, 2.8 BB/9, 5.5 K/9, 1.2 HR/9
gb: 39%
pitches: 41% fb, 30% ct, 24% ch, 6% cb
r/l: virtually no split but that seems to be selection as he sees 24% lefties only compared with 32% league average for lhp
h/a: 2.3 vs 1.9 k/bb; not much difference on contact; slightly better babip at home but not more so than the average starter gets

Moyer vs Yankees:

Jeter: 22/68, 3 2B, 2 HR, 5 BB, 3 K
Rodriguez: 21/54, 3 2B, 6 HR, 5 BB (1 IBB), 6 K
Damon: 13/46, 1 2B, 2 HR, 4 BB, 4 K, 2 Sac, 1 SF, 1 HBP
Teixeira: 11/36, 3 2B, 1 HR, 7 BB (1 IBB), 7 K
Matsui: 8/21, 2 2B, 1 HR, 2 BB, 2 K
Berroa: 4/16, 1 2B, 1 BB, 1 K
Swisher: 3/10, 0 BB, 3 K
Cash: 0/4, 1 BB, 1 K
Cano: 1/2, 0 BB, 0 K

NOT STARTING THIS SERIES: Joe Blanton (R): 7.11 ERA, 3.4 BB/9, 7.5 K/9, 1.8 HR/9, 5.44 FIP, 40% GB

proj avg: 4.25 ERA, 2.5 BB/9, 5.8 K/9, 0.9 HR/9
gb: 45%
pitches: 56% fb, 16% ch, 15% sl, 12% cb
r/l: 2.3 vs 1.8 k/bb; .750 vs .719 ops
h/a: 2.2 vs 2.0 k/bb; .698 vs .776 ops; much worse babip away (.313 vs .282), more power surrendered on road
other: extraordinarily good against leadoff hitters, especially the first hitter of games

Blanton vs Yankees:

Teixeira: 9/27, 1 2B, 3 HR, 1 BB, 3 K
Berroa: 3/11, 1 BB, 4 K, 2 HBP
Jeter: 4/12, 1 HR, 1 BB, 0 K
Rodriguez: 4/7, 1 2B, 2 HR, 3 BB, 1 K, 1 HBP
Cano: 1/9, 1 BB, 0 K
Damon: 2/10, 1 2B, 0 BB, 2 K
Matsui: 1/7, 1 HR, 1 BB, 2 K
Cabrera: 1/6, 0 BB, 0 K
Swisher: 1/3, 0 BB, 1 K

BULLPEN

CL Brad Lidge (R): 7.85 ERA, 5.4 BB/9, 9.3 K/9, 2.5 HR/9, 6.62 FIP, 32% GB

proj avg: 3.50 ERA, 4.1 BB?9, 11.0 K/9, 0.8 HR/9
gb: 41% (though this went up to 46% with increased slider use in 2008)
pitches: 56% sl, 43% fb, 0.4% ch in 2008 (historically 54% fb, 42% sl)
r/l: 3.6 vs 2.8 k/bb; .601 vs .686 ops (tough to tell if that tendency became more or less extreme in 2008 due to limited sample size)
h/a: 3.6 vs 2.9 k/bb; .666 vs .614 ops though due to higher babip away
other: HR/Flyball plummeted in 2008-- probably unsustainably low and his ERA should rise; still rumors of him tipping pitches explain the HR/Flyball spike in 2006 & 2007

Lidge vs Yankees:

Teixeira: 1/9, 0 BB, 5 K
Rodriguez: 1/2, 1 2B, 1 BB, 1 K
Berroa: 1/2, 0 BB, 0 K
Swisher: 0/1, 1 BB (IBB), 1 K
Damon: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Jeter: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Matsui: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K

Ryan Madson (R): 3.38 ERA, 2.9 BB/9, 9.2 K/9, 0.0 HR/9, 2.11 FIP, 35% GB

proj avg: 3.80 ERA, 2.9 BB/9, 7.2 K/9, 0.8 HR/9
gb: 48%
pitches: 58% fb, 24% ch, 15% ct, 4% cb
r/l: 3.65 vs 1.8 k/bb; .714 vs .786 ops
h/a: no major split at all

Madson vs Yankees:

Damon: 2/2, 0 BB, 0 K
Teixeira: 0/2, 0 BB, 2 K
Swisher: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K

Scott Eyre (L): 3.60 ERA, 7.2 BB/9, 6.3 K/9, 1.8 HR/9, 7.08 FIP, 39% GB

proj avg: 4.20 ERA, 4.1 BB/9, 8.8 K/9, 0.9 HR/9
gb: 41%
pitches: 59% fb, 35% sl, 6% ch, 0.2% cb
r/l: 1.5 vs 1.9 k/bb; .815 vs .720 ops
h/a: not much of a split

Eyre vs Yankees:

Rodriguez: 2/14, 2 HR, 3 BB (1 IBB), 5 K
Jeter: 2/11, 2 2B, 2 BB, 2 K
Damon: 2/5, 1 BB, 1 K
Berroa: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K

Jack Taschner (L): 3.66 ERA, 6.4 BB/9, 4.6 K/9, 0.9 HR/9, 5.93 FIP, 35% GB

proj avg: 4.50 ERA, 4.1 BB/9, 8.0 K/9, 1.0 HR/9
gb: 35%
pitches: 57% fb, 30% sl, 13% ch
r/l: 1.45 vs 2.2 k/bb; .754 vs .747-- large selection bias where he faces only very good lefties and not very good righties
h/a: .698 vs .797 ops; 2.1 vs 1.5 k/bb

Taschner vs Yankees:

Swisher: 0/2, 0 BB, 1 K
Berroa: 1 BB
Cano: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Matsui: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Roriguez: 1/1, 1 2B, 0 BB, 0 K
Teixeira: 1/1, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 K

Chad Durbin (R): 4.70 ERA, 5.1 BB/9, 8.2 K/9, 1.2 HR/9, 5.27 FIP, 31% GB

proj avg: 4.10 ERA, 3.5 BB/9, 6.5 K/9, 1.0 HR/9
gb: 41%
pitches: 47% fb, 38% sl, 8% ch, 7% cb, 1% ct
r/l: virtually no split
h/a: somewhat of a reverse split but probably just noise

Durbin vs Yankees:

Damon; 2/16, 1 2B, 2 BB, 1 K
Berroa: 3/9, 1 3B, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 HBP
Rodriguez: 1/6, 1 BB, 1 K
Cabrera: 2/6, 0 BB, 0 K
Jeter: 1/5, 1 BB, 1 K
Cano: 1/4, 0 BB, 0 K
Matsui: 1/3, 0 BB, 0 K
Cash: 2/2, 0 BB, 0 K
Swisher: 1/1, 1 BB, 0 K
Teixeira: 1/1, 0 BB, 0 K

Clay Condrey (R): 2.38 ERA, 3.2 B/9, 6.4 K/9, 1.2 HR/9, 4.55 FIP, 49% GB

proj avg: 4.50 ERA, 2.8 BB/9, 4.9 K/9, 0.8 HR/9
gb: 50%
pitches: 59% fb, 17% ct, 15% sl, 9% ch
r/l: 2.1 vs 1.3 k/bb; .761 vs .842 ops
h/a: .703 vs .898 ops; 2.2 vs 1.3 k/bb

Condrey vs Yankees:

Teixeira: 1/2, 0 BB, 1 K
Berroa: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Cano: 1/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Rodriguez: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K

Chan Ho Park (R): 6.88 ERA, 4.8 BB/9, 5.6 K/9, 1.3 HR/9, 5.65 FIP, 43% GB

proj avg: 4.50 ERA, 3.5 BB/9, 7.3 K/9, 1.2 HR/9
gb: 45%
pitches: 51% FB, 29% SL, 12% cb, 5% ch, 4% ct
r/l: .666 vs .820 ops; 2.6 vs 1.3 k/bb; .280 vs .301 babip; 2.6% vs 3.6% HR rate-- much better against righties
h/a: 2.0 vs 1.7 k/bb; .708 vs .780 ops

Park vs Yankees:

Damon: 2/13, 1 HR, 3 BB, 4 K
Jeter: 1/7, 1 HR, 3 BB, 1 K
Matsui: 0/7, 1 BB, 3 K
Tomko: 1/6, 1 Bb, 4 K, 1 Sac
Berroa: 2/7, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 K
Rodriguez: 2/5, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 HBP
Swisher: 0/5, 1 BB, 2 K
Cano: 2/4, 1 2B, 0 BB, 0 K
Teixeira: 1/2, 0 BB, 0 K

Sergio Escalona (L): 0.00 ERA, 0.0 BB/9, 7.7 K/9, 0.0 HR/9, 1.47 FIP, 0% GB (2.1 IP)

proj avg: unprojected
gb: around 50% in minors
pitches: ?
r/l: some of a LOOGY type split in the minors but not strong
h/a: not enough info

Escalona: has not faced any Yankees

SUSPENDED: J.C. Romero (L)

proj avg: 4.00 ERA, 5.5 BB?9, 7.5 K/9, 0.7 HR/9
gb: 55%
pitches: 58% fb, 25% sl, 17% ch, 0.1% cb
r/l: 1.2 vs 2.2 k/bb; .814 vs. 591 ops
h/a: 1.6 vs 1.3 k/bb; .697 vs .768 ops

Romero vs Yankees:

Teixeira: 3/16, 1 HR, 5 BB (1 IBB), 6 K, 1 HBP
Damon: 4/17, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 Sac
Matsui: 3/10, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 K
Cano: 2/9, 0 BB, 1 K
Rodriguez: 4/7, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 BB (1 IBB), 0 K
Swisher: 1/5, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 SF
Berroa: 1/4, 0 BB, 0 K, 1 HBP
Jeter: 0/2, 1 Bb, 0 K
Cabrera: 2/2, 2 2B, 0 BB, 0 K
Cash: 2/2, 2 2B, 0 BB, 0 K

Boot Camp, Round 2

jscape2000 — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:40:33 -0000

I was excited when the Yanks acquired Jon Albaladejo from the Nats last offseason for AAAA righty Tyler Clippard. It seemed a great job of dealing from a strength (AAA starters) to reinforce a weakness.

One of the transformative things I watched Joe G. do last season was blend the bullpen, liberally calling players up and sending them down.

And now Jonny A. has a healthy elbow and is back in camp looking better than ever. And he's not the only one:

Brian Bruney is trimmer, as earlier reported, but Jonathan Albaladejo also looks like he's down about 15 to 20 pounds. Phil Coke, clean-shaven Nick Swisher and Dan Giese also look ready to go.

I've read a lot of arguments that Girardi has to lighten up in his second year in the Bronx. Mussina won 20 games last season- shouldn't that restore candy and ice cream to the clubhouse for the next decade? They should be there at least as long as it took Moose to win those 20.

One thing I hope doesn't change is Girardi's dedication to hard work. When a pitcher generously listed at 250 comes to came at least 15(!) pounds lighter, the manager is doing something right.

A Brief Review Of The Washington Nationals' Trade History With The New York Yankees....

Ed Chigliak — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 08:54:09 -0000

With the New York Yankees and Washington Nationals reportedly in talks about Nick Swisher and Xavier Nady, I thought it might be a good time to take a look back at the recent trade history between the teams...(not counting the trade the Expos made with the Yankees in December 2003 that sent Nick Johnson, Juan Rivera and Randy Choate north of the U.S. border with Javier Vazquez going to NY, or any other trades between the teams before 2005, when Montreal moved to DC), and since then, the Washington Nationals have made just two deals with the Yankees, both of which have so far proven fairly insignificant to the respective franchises...

12/5/07 Washington acquired RHP Tyler Clippard from the Yankees for RHP Jonathan Albaladejo.

Jonathan Albaledejo was signed by Washington as a free agent on May 3, 2007 after six seasons in the Pittsburgh Pirates' system, and after just 36 appearances at Double and Triple-A, the 6'5'', 210lb right-hander was called up to Washington to make his Major League debut on September 5, 2007. 14 games, a (1-1) record, 12 K's and a 1.88 ERA later, the Nationals traded the 24-year-old Albaladejo to NY in exchange for RHP Tyler Clippard in December of '07.

Albaladejo pitched in just 7 games with NY before an elbow injury ended his '08 season early, but he's back pitching in the Puerto Rican Winter League, with the Indios de Mayaguez, where Albaladejo had 14 saves, a 0.41 ERA and 18 K's in 22.0 IP in the PRWL Regular season.

Tyler Clippard was (6-13) with a 4.66 ERA and 125 K's in 27 starts and 143.0 IP for the Nationals' Triple-A affiliate in 2008, and (1-1) in 2 starts for the Nationals in place of an injured Odalis Perez, but he didn't hang around long and wasn't used at all after being recalled to the Majors on September 2nd, though he remains on the 40-Man roster heading into Spring Training.

Ruling: DRAW - Neither pitcher has contributed much on the Major League level.

7/31/08 Washington acquired SS Alberto Gonzalez from the New York Yankees in exchange for RHP Jhonny Nunez.

The Washington Nationals acquired a then-20-year-old Jhonny Nunez from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a trade the sent Marlon Anderson out to LA in late August of '06. Nunez's resume at the time included, according to a Washington Nationals' Official Press release entitled, "Nationals acquire pitching prospect Jhonny Nunez from Dodgers for Marlon Anderson":

"...three professional seasons -- the first two of which were spent in the Dominican Summer League -- Nunez is 14-4 with a 2.02 ERA in 36 games (25 starts)."

Nunez was (4-6) with a 4.05 ERA and 86 K's in 106.2 IP in his first year at Class-A Hagerstown in DC's system in 2007, and he was (2-8) with a 5.22 ERA at Class-A Potomac in '08, moving up to Double-A Harrisburg for 5 games over which he posted a 1.12 ERA with 8 K's in 8 IP before he was traded to NY (in return for SS Alberto Gonzalez), where he went (1-0) in 8 G and 19 IP with a 1.86 ERA and 26 K's for Double-A Trenton.

Alberto Gonzalez, who originally signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks as an undrafted free agent in 2002, spent three years in the D-Backs' system starting in 2004 before being traded to New York as part of the package that brought Randy Johnson back to the desert in 2007. After the Nationals' acquired Gonzalez from NY for Jhonny Nunez, the shortstop hit .347 in 17 games and 49 AB's with DC over which he collected 6 doubles, 1 HR and 9 RBI's.

Ruling: New York - In spite of Gonzalez's inspired play late in '08, the soon-to-be 26-year-old SS finds himself behind Guzman at short and at least two DC infielders (Anderson Hernandez and Ronnie Belliard) at second heading into Spring Training, while the Yankees included Jhonny Nunez in a package of players they sent to the Chicago White Sox to get Nick Swisher (and Minor League pitcher Kanekoa Teixeira)...Yes!, the same Nick Swisher the Nationals are now trying to acquire from the Yankees.

The Package It Took NY To Get Swisher Back On Nov 13, '08...

IF Wilson Betemit, RHP Jhonny Nunez and RHP Jeff Marquez.

In an article about the Yankees acquiring Nick Swisher from the White Sox, entitled, "Yanks acquire Swisher from White Sox", MLB.com writer Anthony DiComo described Betemit as a "utility man" and wrote that Nunez was, "...a reliever who struck out 26 batters in 19 1/3 Double-A innings," but it was Marquez, who was (15-9) at Double-A Trenton in '07, who seems to be the centerpiece of the trade, as Mr. DiComo writes:

"Marquez ranked among the organization's top pitching prospects heading into 2009, and one of a select few capable of stepping in and helping the big club right away..."

So the Yankees sent a 27-year-old utility infielder in Betemit, a 23-year-old reliever and a 24-year-old top pitching prospect to Chicago to get Swisher...What are they going to want from DC in return? The last time Xavier Nady was traded, the Pirates, who sent "X" to the Yankees, along with pitcher Damaso Marte, received four prospects...pitchers Ross Ohlendorf, Jeff Karstens and Phil Coke and an outfielder, Jose Tabata, in return. In an article by MLB.com writer Jenifer Langosch entitled, "Pirates trade Nady, Marte to Yanks", the four were described as "advanced prospects" who would help the...:

"...Pirates begin the process of filling a barren farm system with players who are near Major-League ready."

...Jose Tabata, the 19-year-old outfielder is described by Ms. Langosch as "the cornerstone of the deal", with, "...as much upside as any player in the Pirates' organization."

...So, in the final analysis, the Yankees parted with a utlitly infielder, one highly-regarded outfield prospect, one high-end pitching prospect and three other pitchers to Chicago and Pittsburgh in order to bring Nady and Swisher to NY...What is it going to take Washington to bring them to DC?...And should the Nationals really be adding more outfielders and first basemen to the mix? Any chance NY would take Austin Kearns and DY?

MLB.com's Bill Ladson writes, in his article entitled, "Nationals interested in Nady, Swisher", that, "Washington sees Nady as an everyday right fielder", and the Nationals, "would likely use," Swisher, "...to replace (Nick) Johnson at first." Which means, according to Mr. Ladson, that it would be Lastings Milledge and Elijah Dukes battling for center, Nady in right and, presumably, Josh Willingham in left, which means the Nationals are going to have to trade or somehow for other homes somewhere for a lot of outfielders...unless someone on the Major League roster is included in any deal...???

While Teixeira Was Wasting Our Time...Washington Nationals: Winter League Roundup...

Ed Chigliak — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 06:56:06 -0000

DOMINICAN WINTER LEAGUE UPDATE...

Ronnie Belliard was 0 for 1 in his only at bat Sunday night, as the Tigres del Licey took on the Leones de Escogido, no word on why he left the game early...Daniel Cabrera, who signed with DC as a free agent a few days back, pitched two innings opposite Twins' and Leones' lefty Francisco Liriano, with each starter giving up an identical 2 hits, 2 runs, 1 HR and 1 walk with 1 K a piece in their 2.0 innings each. Cabrera's two starts into his Winter, and he's allowed 8 hits, 3 ER, 1 HR, and 3 walks, with 3 K's in 4.1 IP. The Leones ended up with 22 hits in a 13-3 win. The Tigres' second baseman Anderson Hernandez was 2 for 2 with his 20th double this Winter, and he's now hitting .365 after 50 games in which he's collected 20 doubles, 6 triples and 1 HR with 29 RBI's...

PUERTO RICAN WINTER LEAGUE UPDATE...

The Criollos de Caguas dropped a 3-1 decision to Gigantes de Carolina Tuesday night. No Justin Maxwell, but Garrett Guzman was in left field, and he went 1 for 4 with his 9th double, so he's hitting .295 in 32 games and 112 at bats. This past Sunday night, Maxwell was in right with Guzman again in left. Maxwell collected his 7th double with Caguas in a 6-3 loss to the Indios de Mayaguez, and 31 games in, Maxwell's also got 1 triple, 6 HR's and 21 RBI's. Guzman was 1 for 2 with a K Sunday...DC reliever-for-a-minute Jonathan Albaladejo, who pitched 7 games for the Yankees last season, earned his 11th save this winter for the Indios, to take the Save lead in the Liga de Beisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico...

VENEZUELAN WINTER LEAGUE...

Sunday night, Jesus Flores used his one at bat for the Navegantes del Magallanes to ground into a double play and lower his Winter average a bit to .235 in 29 games and 81 at bats. The Navegantes lost that game to Aguilas de Zulia 5-2. Monday night the Navegantes lost 9-8 to the Leones de Caracas, but there was no Jesus Flores, just former Nationals' backstop Wiki Gonzalez, who's hitting .301 this winter after going 3 for 5.

The Next To Next To Last Time You'll Hear Mark Teixeira's Name Here Until The Nationals Visit NY on June 16th-18th...

I just thought all of the old school Senators' fans would appreciate the fact that Mark Teixeira, according to Washington Times' writer Ben Goessling's article entitled, "Nats' pursuit of Teixeira falls flat", told an anonymous "team source", who relayed the information to Mr. Goessling, that:

"Teixeira's years of losing with the Texas Rangers hurt the Nationals, who couldn't offer the immediate chance to win that the Yankees could."

This had to be Bob Short's fault somehow, right?