On The Job Training
Next to the term "young pitchers" in the baseball dictionary should be some sort of warning label. Something along the lines of: "No matter how talented, young pitchers will struggle at times with their control and decision. They will drive you crazy rooting for them and make you frustrated that they don't trust their own abilities more. But, if you have some patience they may turn into the greatest asset in the game, a true ace."
The Yankees are watching two of their young guns struggle right now. Hughes was better last night, but he isn't where the Yankees need him to be. And by that, I mean keeping them in ballgames. Kennedy was better the other night and has a big start tonight.
The thing is, the Yankees do not have a fallback plan. If you sent Hughes to the minors to straighten out, who would you bring up who could be more successful? The answer is probably no one and the Yankees need to keep Hughes going out there, unless they determine it will damage his psyche. This is where Dave Eiland is going to earn his paycheck. Eiland has been touted as a great teacher for the young pitchers and that is why the team kicked Ron Guidry to the curb. Eiland needs to back up his reputation with some results now, he needs to get Hughes and Kennedy to challenge hitters and stop monkeying around. If he can't Eiland will learn that pitching coach is one of the most tenuous jobs in the Yankees' organizatio.
Kyle Farnsworth has been suspended three games for his idiotic pitch behind Manny's head the other night. I am all for sending a message, but you don't do it that way. Farnsworth is appealing which means he can play until his hearing is heard.
Joba Chamberlain is expected back tonight which is great news on and off the field. The Yankees brought Edwar Ramirez up last night, but I would expect him to head back to Scranton when Joba is reinstated from the bereavement list.
Comments
I've said this before and I'll say it again. The one "young" guy they have who compensates for his mediocre talent with his attitude is Brian Bruney. He is always attacking the strike zone and challenging batters to beat him. Yep, he does get beaten, but it doesn't keep him from coming at you. If we could just find a way to graft that same approach into guys like Ike and Hughes - get them to stop flirting with the strike zone - we'd be much further along in their development.
Posted by: Mitchell | April 20, 2008 12:41 AM |
We All knew the kids would take a little time, Im still 100% for staying with the plan. Time has been over extended and abused for Mussina, He MUST be replaced.WE are seeing the same horrible start as last year from Giambi, Cano Damon,Its rubbing off on the other guys.This is a larger problem than the kids, Any one but Giambi in the line up, Cano needs to sit until he learns you get more than one pitch per at bat, I would send him down to AAA for two weeks , he thinks he cant be replaced, maybe he will wake up , A super talent going to waste. Damon , HMMM. When I see him trying to catch a ball ,I say how did he ever get scouted. He looks like an eight or nine year old pursuing the flight of the ball,stabs at it like , did it go in the glove? Keep him out until May. Now Giambi.... This guy, They could put seven guys between second and first he will still try to hit it that way, He has the nerve to say I had some great swings ,but just bad luck.... I think he switched medication, What planet has he been on ? He was a great opposite field hitter in oakland.A 330 hitter in that park. He should sit until he stops trying to pull everything. Where are the coaches? Put your feet down assert yourselves, This guy makes 23 mil. I rather sit him and pay him the rest of this year than to see him ground out or strike out than look back at the mound like Walter Johnson was their.Its enough , Put Gonzales at second Posada DH Ensburg or Shelly at first. Try it until May it cant get worse.. Torre sat on his hands for the last five years, He didnt want to hurt Mussina, Giambi , Damons feelings they are veterans, they also get paid tens of millions, Imagine making all that money and your feelings still get hurt and you know its all over you can play any more . Let the kids play they have heart and fire , Let Damon act like every bodies sweetheart next year for another team..What a goof ball..Paul Oniel ,Billy Martin Lou Pinnela ,Johnny ellis,Munson, Reggie. Where have you gone ? We need the fire, the Pride, Than we will get back our Glory.... To our manager Joe G. You have great strength and character dont be comprimised.. Remember a long sickness is a sure death... ACT NOW.
Posted by: michael danza | April 20, 2008 12:47 AM |