The New York Jets took the trip up to Training Camp in Cortland on Thursday from their facility in Florham Park, NJ. Everyone went with the exception of running back Leon Washington. On Friday, the Jets took to the field at SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex for their first practice, and guess who was on the field...Leon Washington.
The Jets' 26-year old running back/kick returner was in uniform and on the field in upstate New York despite his contract situation. For those who don't know, Washington is in the final year of a four-year rookie contract and is due $535,000. However, he is demanding a raise to fair market value, which is approximately $6 million. While it hasn't been reported a new deal has been reached, it is likely close between the Jets and Washington's agent Alvin Keels.
Washington likely did not want to hold out from training camp even without a deal. The biggest reason is probably the $17,000 a day fine that he would have to pay for missing camp. Other reason are that he is still under contract, wants to play for the Jets, and the fact that he is not the type of player that will stay away just for money. He loves football and the Jets. He wants fair market value, and he deserves it for the way he has played. Choosing to miss camp would not have helped the situation.
Here are some other notes from the beginning of camp so far:
-Everyone showed up at the team's conditioning test Thursday in Florham Park, NJ and at Training Camp except for Washington (until today).
-Everyone passed the conditioning test and no one will be put on the physically unable to perform list.
-Thomas Jones still did not speak with the media about his contract situation. He wants a raise too, but it likely won't happen since he's already received a lot of money from his contract.
-Rex Ryan claimed that Kellen Clemens was #1 on the depth chart at quarterback ahead of Mark Sanchez and then Erik Ainge. However, he said that could change and that Sanchez would see time with the first team and be given a fair shot at the starting job.
-Calvin Pace spoke to the media about his 4-game suspension for violating the league's banned substance policy for the first time. He said it was from a workout supplement he was using that hadn't been banned before 2008 and was on the list that year. He was unaware and took full blame for not knowing.
Get excited for football season in New York! The Jets certainly should have many storylines heading into this season. Here are a few of those heading into camp.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
With Trade Deadline Looming, Yanks Eye Pitching Help
A couple of deals have already been made today as the non-waiver Trade Deadline creeps closer. Here's the biggest move so far:
Phillies acquire Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco from the Indians for Jason Knapp, Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald, and Lou Marson.
Overall, a good trade for the defending champs who get a quality front-end starter without giving up J.A. Happ or Kyle Drabek
Here are other notable acquisitions:
-Mariners acquire Jack Wilson and Ian Snell for 5 guys.
-Reds acquire Wladimir Balentien for Robert Manuel.
Still, many big names remain out there as the deadline approaches. With the Yankees in need for a 5th starter and another reliever as well, here are some names the Yankees have been linked with:
Roy Halladay: Obviously, he's the biggest name on the market right now. The Blue Jays want to part ways with arguably the best starter in the game and want a big return. They've said they won't trade him unless they are "wowed" by a deal and basically want a team's farm system for him.
The Yankees likely will not get Halladay, nor should they. Could he help in the short-term? Definitely. But who knows if he'll be signed long-term? Brian Cashman has been steadfast in not depleting the farm for rentals, and I doubt it will change here.
Jarrod Washburn: This is the guy the Yankees seem to have their eye focused on. The lefty from Seattle is having a solid year and has a low ERA. Washburn would be a better-than-average fifth starter for the Yanks and would provide some more experience in the Yankees rotation.
The only problem for the Yanks is that there are many teams interested in him, so the asking price could be higher than expected. The Yankees shouldn't give up prized prospects or talent for him, but they should definitely try to pull off a trade. Washburn's experience and ability to still pitch well in a fairly tough division is too valuable to pass up.
Bronson Arroyo: The former Red Sox and current Reds starter has been on the Yankees radar. His numbers aren't great, but he does have the experience to provide some help at the back-end of the rotation.
It is unlikely the Yanks will go after Arroyo due to the amount of money he is owed. The Yankees almost never make money a concern, but they don't want to add his high salary to their already large payroll. Washburn would be a better choice.
Heath Bell: In terms of relief help, Bell would be a good choice. Now, the Yankees would prefer a lefty in the bullpen to help spell Phil Coke, but Bell is too good to pass up. He strikes out a lot of batters, walks few, and has been great in the closer role for the Padres.
The only issue here is that the Padres could ask for a lot in return since Bell has been so good. The Yankees don't want to give up big-time prospects, Joba, or Hughes for Bell, so there is a chance the Yankees could be priced out here. There's also a lot of competition for Bell's services.
There may be some other names out there that the Yankees could eyeball. However, these are the big guys the Yankees have been connected to as of now. Do I think the Yankees NEED to make a move? No. I think the roster is solid as is. Mitre isn't going to dominate as the fifth starter, but he'll be better than most guys out there. However, if the Yanks can grab Washburn to fill the void it would help. Same goes for the bullpen. The Yanks have the tools to be successful, but if they can obtain Bell or another solid reliever to help give other guys some rest, it would be a positive.
Let me know who you think the Yankees should or could get.
Phillies acquire Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco from the Indians for Jason Knapp, Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald, and Lou Marson.
Overall, a good trade for the defending champs who get a quality front-end starter without giving up J.A. Happ or Kyle Drabek
Here are other notable acquisitions:
-Mariners acquire Jack Wilson and Ian Snell for 5 guys.
-Reds acquire Wladimir Balentien for Robert Manuel.
Still, many big names remain out there as the deadline approaches. With the Yankees in need for a 5th starter and another reliever as well, here are some names the Yankees have been linked with:
Roy Halladay: Obviously, he's the biggest name on the market right now. The Blue Jays want to part ways with arguably the best starter in the game and want a big return. They've said they won't trade him unless they are "wowed" by a deal and basically want a team's farm system for him.
The Yankees likely will not get Halladay, nor should they. Could he help in the short-term? Definitely. But who knows if he'll be signed long-term? Brian Cashman has been steadfast in not depleting the farm for rentals, and I doubt it will change here.
Jarrod Washburn: This is the guy the Yankees seem to have their eye focused on. The lefty from Seattle is having a solid year and has a low ERA. Washburn would be a better-than-average fifth starter for the Yanks and would provide some more experience in the Yankees rotation.
The only problem for the Yanks is that there are many teams interested in him, so the asking price could be higher than expected. The Yankees shouldn't give up prized prospects or talent for him, but they should definitely try to pull off a trade. Washburn's experience and ability to still pitch well in a fairly tough division is too valuable to pass up.
Bronson Arroyo: The former Red Sox and current Reds starter has been on the Yankees radar. His numbers aren't great, but he does have the experience to provide some help at the back-end of the rotation.
It is unlikely the Yanks will go after Arroyo due to the amount of money he is owed. The Yankees almost never make money a concern, but they don't want to add his high salary to their already large payroll. Washburn would be a better choice.
Heath Bell: In terms of relief help, Bell would be a good choice. Now, the Yankees would prefer a lefty in the bullpen to help spell Phil Coke, but Bell is too good to pass up. He strikes out a lot of batters, walks few, and has been great in the closer role for the Padres.
The only issue here is that the Padres could ask for a lot in return since Bell has been so good. The Yankees don't want to give up big-time prospects, Joba, or Hughes for Bell, so there is a chance the Yankees could be priced out here. There's also a lot of competition for Bell's services.
There may be some other names out there that the Yankees could eyeball. However, these are the big guys the Yankees have been connected to as of now. Do I think the Yankees NEED to make a move? No. I think the roster is solid as is. Mitre isn't going to dominate as the fifth starter, but he'll be better than most guys out there. However, if the Yanks can grab Washburn to fill the void it would help. Same goes for the bullpen. The Yanks have the tools to be successful, but if they can obtain Bell or another solid reliever to help give other guys some rest, it would be a positive.
Let me know who you think the Yankees should or could get.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Live Blogging for Tonight
Hello All! Welcome to tonight's live-blog for the Yankees and Mets game. The Yankees will battle the Rays in the 2nd of three in Tampa while the Mets play the 2nd of 4 against the Rockies at Citi Field. Lots to talk about with the whole Omar Minaya-Adam Rubin fiasco from yesterday and with the trade deadline approaching.
To join the live chat, click the play button on the console below, type your name and comment/question in the box and send it. Simple as that.
Here are the line-ups and pitching match-ups for the games tonight:
Yankees (61-38, 1st in AL East) vs. Rays (54-46, 3rd in East, 7.5 games back)
CC Sabathia (10-6, 3.67 ERA) vs. Scott Kazmir (4-6, 6.69 ERA)
CC Sabathia vs. Rays Hitters
Scott Kazmir vs. Yankees Hitters
Yankees Line-Up:
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Hideki Matsui DH
Jorge Posada C
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Melky Cabrera CF
Rays Line-Up:
B.J. Upton CF
Carl Crawford LF
Evan Longoria 3B
Ben Zobrist 2B
Pat Burrell DH
Carlos Pena 1B
Gabe Kapler RF
Dioner Navarro C
Jason Bartlett SS
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Mets (47-51, 10.5 GB in NL East) vs. Rockies (54-45, 8 GB in NL West, Lead Wild Card by 1 Game)
Mike Pelfrey (7-6, 4.99 ERA) vs. Jason Marquis (12-6, 3.49 ERA)
Mike Pelfrey vs. Rockies Hitters
Jason Marquis vs. Mets Hitters
Mets Line-Up:
Angel Pagan CF
Luis Castillo 2B
David Wright 3B
Daniel Murphy 1B
Jeff Francoeur RF
Cory Sullivan LF
Brian Schneider C
Alex Cora SS
Mike Pelfrey P
Rockies Line-Up:
Dexter Fowler CF
Seth Smith LF
Todd Helton 1B
Brad Hawpe RF
Troy Tulowitzki SS
Ian Stewart 3B
Chris Iannetta C
Clint Barmes 2B
Jason Marquis P
Live-Blog is below. Enjoy everyone!
To join the live chat, click the play button on the console below, type your name and comment/question in the box and send it. Simple as that.
Here are the line-ups and pitching match-ups for the games tonight:
Yankees (61-38, 1st in AL East) vs. Rays (54-46, 3rd in East, 7.5 games back)
CC Sabathia (10-6, 3.67 ERA) vs. Scott Kazmir (4-6, 6.69 ERA)
CC Sabathia vs. Rays Hitters
Scott Kazmir vs. Yankees Hitters
Yankees Line-Up:
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Hideki Matsui DH
Jorge Posada C
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Melky Cabrera CF
Rays Line-Up:
B.J. Upton CF
Carl Crawford LF
Evan Longoria 3B
Ben Zobrist 2B
Pat Burrell DH
Carlos Pena 1B
Gabe Kapler RF
Dioner Navarro C
Jason Bartlett SS
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Mets (47-51, 10.5 GB in NL East) vs. Rockies (54-45, 8 GB in NL West, Lead Wild Card by 1 Game)
Mike Pelfrey (7-6, 4.99 ERA) vs. Jason Marquis (12-6, 3.49 ERA)
Mike Pelfrey vs. Rockies Hitters
Jason Marquis vs. Mets Hitters
Mets Line-Up:
Angel Pagan CF
Luis Castillo 2B
David Wright 3B
Daniel Murphy 1B
Jeff Francoeur RF
Cory Sullivan LF
Brian Schneider C
Alex Cora SS
Mike Pelfrey P
Rockies Line-Up:
Dexter Fowler CF
Seth Smith LF
Todd Helton 1B
Brad Hawpe RF
Troy Tulowitzki SS
Ian Stewart 3B
Chris Iannetta C
Clint Barmes 2B
Jason Marquis P
Live-Blog is below. Enjoy everyone!
Omar Brings a New Low to the Mets
Wow! If you haven't seen yesterday's news conference that the Mets held to fire Vice President of Player Development Tony Bernazard, you have to check it out. Click here to see SNY's videos featuring the press conference and reactions. It was a surreal scene for sure.
For those who do not know, Mets GM Omar Minaya announced in the press conference that he had decided to fire Bernazard. However, he then chose to call out Adam Rubin, the Mets Beat Writer for the Daily News, and made a claim that he had "lobbied" Minaya and other members of the Mets organization for a job in Player Development. Minaya said that he had to think about things when Rubin published the first articles about Bernazard challenging Mets minor leaguers to a fight.
When Rubin asked if Minaya was saying he wrote the articles in an attempt to take down Bernazard and obtain his job, Minaya said no. This was a whole fiasco that has now made Rubin incapable of doing his job probably, made Omar look terrible, and bring incredible awkwardness to the Mets and their reporters.
It's a sticky situation. If Minaya is in fact correct that Rubin asked specifically about a job with the Mets, then Rubin has done wrong here and overstepped his boundaries as a journalist. However, if Rubin merely asked for advice on how to obtain a job in baseball (as he claims he did), then there is nothing wrong with that and Minaya is wrong for lying. If you ask me, I think Rubin is smart enough to know what's right and wrong and was just asking for career advice. I trust him way more than I do Minaya.
Regardless, the Mets front office looks absolutely terrible right now. In a press conference to announce the firing of an employee that clearly did some wrong, there is no reason to bring this up in front of reporters and on live television. Minaya apologized later for bringing it up in that forum but didn't back down on his comments. The Mets need to learn how to handle things correctly. They had a chance to do something right and make a simple firing announcement to end a PR issue. Instead, they created an even bigger problem that very well could (and should) cost Minaya his job.
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I'll be around tonight at 7:00 to do some live-blogging during the Mets and Yankees games. See the next post for the chat window, line-ups, and pitching match-ups. Come by to discuss the games, the Minaya-Rubin fiasco, and the trade deadline!
For those who do not know, Mets GM Omar Minaya announced in the press conference that he had decided to fire Bernazard. However, he then chose to call out Adam Rubin, the Mets Beat Writer for the Daily News, and made a claim that he had "lobbied" Minaya and other members of the Mets organization for a job in Player Development. Minaya said that he had to think about things when Rubin published the first articles about Bernazard challenging Mets minor leaguers to a fight.
When Rubin asked if Minaya was saying he wrote the articles in an attempt to take down Bernazard and obtain his job, Minaya said no. This was a whole fiasco that has now made Rubin incapable of doing his job probably, made Omar look terrible, and bring incredible awkwardness to the Mets and their reporters.
It's a sticky situation. If Minaya is in fact correct that Rubin asked specifically about a job with the Mets, then Rubin has done wrong here and overstepped his boundaries as a journalist. However, if Rubin merely asked for advice on how to obtain a job in baseball (as he claims he did), then there is nothing wrong with that and Minaya is wrong for lying. If you ask me, I think Rubin is smart enough to know what's right and wrong and was just asking for career advice. I trust him way more than I do Minaya.
Regardless, the Mets front office looks absolutely terrible right now. In a press conference to announce the firing of an employee that clearly did some wrong, there is no reason to bring this up in front of reporters and on live television. Minaya apologized later for bringing it up in that forum but didn't back down on his comments. The Mets need to learn how to handle things correctly. They had a chance to do something right and make a simple firing announcement to end a PR issue. Instead, they created an even bigger problem that very well could (and should) cost Minaya his job.
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I'll be around tonight at 7:00 to do some live-blogging during the Mets and Yankees games. See the next post for the chat window, line-ups, and pitching match-ups. Come by to discuss the games, the Minaya-Rubin fiasco, and the trade deadline!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Yankees Having Their "Phil"
Phil Hughes earned his first Major League save last night in the Yankees 6-3 win over the Athletics. Who would've thought that would happen last year? But, that's just how crazy this season has been for the Yankees.
At the beginning of the year, the Yankees bullpen was awful. They couldn't bridge the gap to Mariano Rivera, and even Mo was a little shaky. Phil Hughes had been put into the starting rotation when Chien Ming Wang was on the DL, and Hughes didn't fair well. Despite a 3-2 record, he had 5.45 ERA, giving up 22 runs in just over 34 innings.
Then in early June, Hughes was shifted to the bullpen when Wang returned, and rather than complain about his new role, he embraced the idea of a new challenge and sought to help cure one of the team's biggest problems.
The results have been simply amazing. As a reliever, he is 1-0 with an ERA of 0.74 in 17 appearances. His line: 24.1 IP, 12 H, 2 R, 5 BB, 28 K. He has now gone 15 straight games without allowing a run, dating back to June 10th in Boston, totaling nearly 20 innings of scoreless baseball. He has no doubt taken grasp of the set-up role and filled it admirably, creating a nearly unbreakable bridge to Mariano Rivera.
However, he is not alone. Phil Coke has also helped out tremendously since Hughes was moved to the pen. Hughes' first relief appearance was June 8th. Since then, Coke has given up a total of 6 runs in 18.1 innings, an ERA of 2.95. He has become much better against lefties and is striking out batters much more frequently. Coke has joined Hughes along with Alfredo Aceves (23 IP, 6 ER, 2.35 ERA since Hughes' first relief appearance) to build one of the best bullpens in baseball.
The Yankees still have some kinks to work out. Brian Bruney is nowhere near the pitcher he was early in the season. David Robertson still has had some rough outings. However, the Yankees bullpen has become one of the best in baseball. With their line-up and starting rotation, if the Yankees have a lead through 5 or 6 innings, the game is pretty much over. This is why the Yankees have a 2.5 game lead in the AL East and are playing the best baseball in the league.
I still think Phil Hughes is going to be a starter down the line. His stuff is just too good to keep him in the bullpen for an inning or two here and there. However, right now, the need isn't for a starter, it's for a set-up man. Hughes is providing that for the Yankees and isn't complaining about it. What more could the Yankees ask for?
At the beginning of the year, the Yankees bullpen was awful. They couldn't bridge the gap to Mariano Rivera, and even Mo was a little shaky. Phil Hughes had been put into the starting rotation when Chien Ming Wang was on the DL, and Hughes didn't fair well. Despite a 3-2 record, he had 5.45 ERA, giving up 22 runs in just over 34 innings.
Then in early June, Hughes was shifted to the bullpen when Wang returned, and rather than complain about his new role, he embraced the idea of a new challenge and sought to help cure one of the team's biggest problems.
The results have been simply amazing. As a reliever, he is 1-0 with an ERA of 0.74 in 17 appearances. His line: 24.1 IP, 12 H, 2 R, 5 BB, 28 K. He has now gone 15 straight games without allowing a run, dating back to June 10th in Boston, totaling nearly 20 innings of scoreless baseball. He has no doubt taken grasp of the set-up role and filled it admirably, creating a nearly unbreakable bridge to Mariano Rivera.
However, he is not alone. Phil Coke has also helped out tremendously since Hughes was moved to the pen. Hughes' first relief appearance was June 8th. Since then, Coke has given up a total of 6 runs in 18.1 innings, an ERA of 2.95. He has become much better against lefties and is striking out batters much more frequently. Coke has joined Hughes along with Alfredo Aceves (23 IP, 6 ER, 2.35 ERA since Hughes' first relief appearance) to build one of the best bullpens in baseball.
The Yankees still have some kinks to work out. Brian Bruney is nowhere near the pitcher he was early in the season. David Robertson still has had some rough outings. However, the Yankees bullpen has become one of the best in baseball. With their line-up and starting rotation, if the Yankees have a lead through 5 or 6 innings, the game is pretty much over. This is why the Yankees have a 2.5 game lead in the AL East and are playing the best baseball in the league.
I still think Phil Hughes is going to be a starter down the line. His stuff is just too good to keep him in the bullpen for an inning or two here and there. However, right now, the need isn't for a starter, it's for a set-up man. Hughes is providing that for the Yankees and isn't complaining about it. What more could the Yankees ask for?
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Live-Blog for Tonight
Hey everyone, thanks for coming by tonight for the live-blogging. To join the live blog, click the play button below, type your name, and your comment or question.
Yankees and Orioles play the 2nd of 3 at Yankee Stadium while the Mets and Nationals do the same in D.C. Here are the line-ups along with the pitching match-ups for each game.
Yankees (55-37, T-1st in AL East) vs. Orioles (41-51, 5th in AL East)
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez DH
Jorge Posada C
Nick Swisher RF
Robinson Cano 2B
Melky Cabrera CF
Cody Ransom 3B
Pitching: Sergio Mitre (Season and Yankee Debut)
Brian Roberts 2B
Adam Jones CF
Nick Markakis RF
Aubrey Huff 1B
Luke Scott DH
Melvin Mora 3B
Nolan Reimold LF
Matt Wieters C
Cesar Izturis SS
Pitching: Rich Hill (3-2, 7.22)
Mets (44-48, 4th in NL East) vs. Nationals (26-66, 5th in NL East)
Angel Pagan CF
Luis Castillo 2B
David Wright 3B
Jeff Francoeur RF
Fernando Tatis LF
Daniel Murphy 1B
Omir Santos C
Alex Cora SS
Oliver Perez P (2-2, 7.99 ERA)
Nyjer Morgan CF
Cristian Guzman SS
Ryan Zimmerman 3B
Adam Dunn 1B
Josh Willingham LF
Austin Kearns RF
Alberto Gonzalez 2B
Wil Nieves C
John Lannan P (6-7, 3.64 ERA)
Yankees and Orioles play the 2nd of 3 at Yankee Stadium while the Mets and Nationals do the same in D.C. Here are the line-ups along with the pitching match-ups for each game.
Yankees (55-37, T-1st in AL East) vs. Orioles (41-51, 5th in AL East)
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez DH
Jorge Posada C
Nick Swisher RF
Robinson Cano 2B
Melky Cabrera CF
Cody Ransom 3B
Pitching: Sergio Mitre (Season and Yankee Debut)
Brian Roberts 2B
Adam Jones CF
Nick Markakis RF
Aubrey Huff 1B
Luke Scott DH
Melvin Mora 3B
Nolan Reimold LF
Matt Wieters C
Cesar Izturis SS
Pitching: Rich Hill (3-2, 7.22)
Mets (44-48, 4th in NL East) vs. Nationals (26-66, 5th in NL East)
Angel Pagan CF
Luis Castillo 2B
David Wright 3B
Jeff Francoeur RF
Fernando Tatis LF
Daniel Murphy 1B
Omir Santos C
Alex Cora SS
Oliver Perez P (2-2, 7.99 ERA)
Nyjer Morgan CF
Cristian Guzman SS
Ryan Zimmerman 3B
Adam Dunn 1B
Josh Willingham LF
Austin Kearns RF
Alberto Gonzalez 2B
Wil Nieves C
John Lannan P (6-7, 3.64 ERA)
Early Second Half Thoughts/Live-Blogging
Well, the second half is officially underway with the Yankees and Mets each having completed a series and beginning a new one as well. For the Yankees, they rebounded nicely from being swept in Anaheim by taking all three from the Tigers at home, then walking off with the first of three against the Orioles. As for the Mets, it's been the same old story: Losses in games and players. The fact that they are 2-3 since the break is shocking. Here are three things to keep an eye on in the second half for each team:
Yankees
1) Will they be able to stay healthy?
-Last season, the Yankees were decimated by injuries all season long, and it led to them missing the playoffs for the first time since 1993. This year, while they have still had their share of DL trips, they have remained much healthier and will need to continue to do so if they plan on going deep in the playoffs. They will battle the Red Sox the rest of the way for the division, and Tampa Bay is lurking as well. I think it'll come down to which team stays healthier in the end as to who wins the division.
2) The 3-5 spots in the Starting Rotation
-While inconsistent for most of the season, the rotation has still been solid enough to put the Yanks in the position they are in right now. CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett have both pitched well for most of the season and are known for dominating second halfs throughout their careers. Joba Chamberlain and Andy Pettitte have shown flashes of strong pitching, but they have largely struggled with command and length. The Yankees will need much more consistency and length from them in the second half. Finally, the 5th spot is up for grabs now. Sergio Mitre will attempt to take hold of the spot that Chien Ming Wang has vacated with 2 DL trips and poor pitching. If Mitre can't hold it, the Yanks will likely have to take Phil Hughes or Alfredo Aceves out of the bullpen, which they don't want to do.
3) Back end of the bullpen
-What was once the biggest problem for the Yankees has turned into one of their greatest strengths. The trio of Phil Hughes, Alfredo Aceves, and Phil Coke have all joined with Mariano Rivera to solidify the relieving corps for this team. Throw in some good performances by David Robertson and Brett Tomko, and the Yanks are pretty solid in that department. But there are some questions left: Will Bruney return to his early-season form? Will Rivera stay dominant? Will Hughes or Aceves be moved to the rotation? If the answers to those questions, in order, are no, no, and yes, the Yankees could be in some trouble late in games.
Mets
1) Getting players back from the DL
-If this team has any chance at making the playoffs, let alone competing for a spot, they will need to get some of their big players back off the disabled list. I'm talking about Carlos Delgado, Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, and John Maine. Not only do they need to get back, but they must be able to put up strong numbers. The Mets offense is mediocre at best and their rotation has faltered. Overall, the team has lost credibility and is not intimidating at all. Getting any of these guys back will put at least some fear in their opponents.
2) Trade deadline moves
-This is the point where we will see if Omar Minaya succumbs to the pressure from fans to sign a few bigger "rent-a-players" or holds onto his prospects. If Minaya is smart, he will realize this season is already unsaveable and keep what little farm system he has left in tact. Fans want Roy Halladay to be put into the rotation, and there were rumors of a deal involving Fernando Martinez, Jon Niese and Bobby Parnell. Doing this would've been stupid for a player who can't save this season anyway. The Mets need to build up their young talent rather than rush them up and hope the team is healthier next year.
3) Back end of the rotation
-The Mets have a similar problem to the Yankees, except they have only one solid pitcher. Johan Santana is going to provide the Mets with a great chance to win every fifth day. After that, the group of Mike Pelfrey, Oliver Perez, Livan Hernandez, whoever fills the fifth spot (Niese, Figueroa), and John Maine if he returns will need to do better than a good start followed by a terrible one. This has been the case all year so far. Pelfrey, Perez, and the fifth starter will be here for the near-future. If they don't show consistency on the mound, the Mets will have serious rotation issues for the next few years.
My early predictions for the second half:
-The Yanks will win the AL East by no more than three games with the Red Sox taking the Wild Card.
-The Mets will finish no less than five games out of first and will not make the playoffs.
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I'll be back with some live-blogging during tonight's games. Come talk Yankees, Mets, the trade deadline, etc. See you at 7:00.
Yankees
1) Will they be able to stay healthy?
-Last season, the Yankees were decimated by injuries all season long, and it led to them missing the playoffs for the first time since 1993. This year, while they have still had their share of DL trips, they have remained much healthier and will need to continue to do so if they plan on going deep in the playoffs. They will battle the Red Sox the rest of the way for the division, and Tampa Bay is lurking as well. I think it'll come down to which team stays healthier in the end as to who wins the division.
2) The 3-5 spots in the Starting Rotation
-While inconsistent for most of the season, the rotation has still been solid enough to put the Yanks in the position they are in right now. CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett have both pitched well for most of the season and are known for dominating second halfs throughout their careers. Joba Chamberlain and Andy Pettitte have shown flashes of strong pitching, but they have largely struggled with command and length. The Yankees will need much more consistency and length from them in the second half. Finally, the 5th spot is up for grabs now. Sergio Mitre will attempt to take hold of the spot that Chien Ming Wang has vacated with 2 DL trips and poor pitching. If Mitre can't hold it, the Yanks will likely have to take Phil Hughes or Alfredo Aceves out of the bullpen, which they don't want to do.
3) Back end of the bullpen
-What was once the biggest problem for the Yankees has turned into one of their greatest strengths. The trio of Phil Hughes, Alfredo Aceves, and Phil Coke have all joined with Mariano Rivera to solidify the relieving corps for this team. Throw in some good performances by David Robertson and Brett Tomko, and the Yanks are pretty solid in that department. But there are some questions left: Will Bruney return to his early-season form? Will Rivera stay dominant? Will Hughes or Aceves be moved to the rotation? If the answers to those questions, in order, are no, no, and yes, the Yankees could be in some trouble late in games.
Mets
1) Getting players back from the DL
-If this team has any chance at making the playoffs, let alone competing for a spot, they will need to get some of their big players back off the disabled list. I'm talking about Carlos Delgado, Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, and John Maine. Not only do they need to get back, but they must be able to put up strong numbers. The Mets offense is mediocre at best and their rotation has faltered. Overall, the team has lost credibility and is not intimidating at all. Getting any of these guys back will put at least some fear in their opponents.
2) Trade deadline moves
-This is the point where we will see if Omar Minaya succumbs to the pressure from fans to sign a few bigger "rent-a-players" or holds onto his prospects. If Minaya is smart, he will realize this season is already unsaveable and keep what little farm system he has left in tact. Fans want Roy Halladay to be put into the rotation, and there were rumors of a deal involving Fernando Martinez, Jon Niese and Bobby Parnell. Doing this would've been stupid for a player who can't save this season anyway. The Mets need to build up their young talent rather than rush them up and hope the team is healthier next year.
3) Back end of the rotation
-The Mets have a similar problem to the Yankees, except they have only one solid pitcher. Johan Santana is going to provide the Mets with a great chance to win every fifth day. After that, the group of Mike Pelfrey, Oliver Perez, Livan Hernandez, whoever fills the fifth spot (Niese, Figueroa), and John Maine if he returns will need to do better than a good start followed by a terrible one. This has been the case all year so far. Pelfrey, Perez, and the fifth starter will be here for the near-future. If they don't show consistency on the mound, the Mets will have serious rotation issues for the next few years.
My early predictions for the second half:
-The Yanks will win the AL East by no more than three games with the Red Sox taking the Wild Card.
-The Mets will finish no less than five games out of first and will not make the playoffs.
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I'll be back with some live-blogging during tonight's games. Come talk Yankees, Mets, the trade deadline, etc. See you at 7:00.
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