Results tagged ‘ Andy Pettitte ’
AJ Burnett vs. Derek Lowe: Why the Yankees Yearn For Shot at Time Travel
The Yankees endured a long and eventually expensive offseason of courting free agents and subsequently flirting with their representation and entourages.
Primary targets on the pitching front included a “no-brainer” in CC Sabathia, as well as two hurlers in their 30s on completely different sides of the mound spectrum.
The first was AJ Burnett–a hard-throwing ball of electricity and intimidation–blessed with stuff that only could be sent down directly from the baseball gods.
In the other corner was former Red Sox nemesis Derek Lowe, a crafty veteran who possesses a sinker even the deepest burrowing of worms has nightmares about.
Both hurlers had won about 53-54 percent of their decisions entering the 2009 season, and their earned run averages were also strikingly similar. The decision would come down to other factors–ranging from age to injury history to American League transitional ability.
New York had to choose between a flashy glove-popping fastball and a stern grass-burning sinker. The decision is an easy one, right? It appears to be, especially considering the similarity in stat lines.
What if I told you that the glove-popping fastball belonged to a pitcher who only once won more than 12 games in a season, has never pitched a postseason game, has a turbulent injury history, and has been known to let innings explode like a Ford Pinto?
What if I included that the grass-burning sinker was released from the hand of a veteran who won the clinching game of each and every series on Boston’s way to breaking the curse in 2004? Or that he has a career 1.15 WHIP and 3.33 ERA in 21 postseason games?
Now that we can agree that the choice is obvious and blatant, let’s take a look at who the Yankees chose to trust the hopes of a World Series run in–the glove-popping fastball.
The move has undeniably backfired, as Lowe stands at 7-3 with a 3.44 ERA and 1.18 WHIP, while Burnett is floundering at 4-3 with a 4.89 ERA and nearly 1.50 WHIP.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman has been seen frantically searching for plutonium, a restored flux capacitor, and a used DeLorean in order to attempt to travel back in time to Dec. 12, 2008–the day he signed an $82.5 million check over to a lifelong tease.
When Cashman was pulled over for speeding down Jerome Avenue in the Bronx, he tried to explain to the NYPD that he was merely pushing his car to “precisely 88 MPH”–the suggested speed for time travel in Back to the Future.
Making things worse, the Yankees passed up a ground-ball pitcher built to throw in “hitter’s parks” in favor of a fly ball pitcher destined for failure in the newly constructed homer haven of the Bronx.
An extra year and $22.5 million separates the contracts of the two pitchers, and the Atlanta Braves are more grateful every day for losing out in the Burnett sweepstakes.
The Yankees won championships because of men taking the mound who knew how to pitch regardless of how hard they may have thrown.
They won with Jimmy Key, Orlando Hernandez, David Cone, and Andy Pettitte–none of which would be confused with possessing a 95+ MPH fastball at that point of their careers.
Lowe fit the exact mold New York needed for an October playoff run, while also not compromising success and consistency during the regular season. He is durable, dependable, poised, and fearless–the perfect compliment to Sabathia in what could have been a flawless winter game of Monopoly.
Burnett may have helped to loosen and otherwise tight locker room atmosphere, and has implemented an interesting celebration following walk-off victories.
As the season begins to wear on, however, it appears as though the Yankee hierarchy and Burnett himself are the ones left with pie on their faces.
Also seen at: Heartbeat of the Bronx
Andy Far From Dandy: Pettitte Becoming A Less and Less Dependable Yankee
Yankees starter Andy Pettitte was always deemed the model of consistency in New York’s rotation.
Throughout individual games he appeared as though consistency was in fact an infectious disease he was attempting to avoid, but the end result usually involved a Yankees win.
Pettitte has won 63 percent of his career decisions, and has twice won 20 games. He was confident, reliable, and accountable, never backing down from a challenge or battle with adversity.
It seems as though Pettitte has another fight on his hands, and his unrelenting self-assurance will be stretched to its limits.
Always just one pitch away from ending his career, he has repeatedly stated that he will hang up his cleats in the event that his elbow finally breaks down permanently.
Recent injury struggles have actually involved a balky back, though perhaps it has resulted from an overcompensation to protect the stresses placed on his pitching arm.
In response to the injury, Pettitte conceded “I guess it’s a little bit of old age.” This is the first sign on a man beginning to succumb to the daily aches and pains of a 162-game season.
The Yankees once won because of him, resulting from his uncanny ability to pitch himself out of trouble–always making the perfect pitch in a key situation.
They are instead now winning in spite of him, battering opposing pitchers into submission in order to squeak out a victory.
In seven starts since the calendar turned over to May 1, Pettitte has pitched to a 5.23 ERA and staggering 1.84 WHIP.
In addition, he has recently needed the aid of a GPS system in order to locate home plate, walking 23 hitters in just 41.1 IP.
This equates to a BB/9 ratio of over 5, including games of 4, 4, 5, and 6 walks respectively over that span.
The Yankees have still managed to go 5-2 during Pettitte’s recent struggles, which has significantly limited the whispers of a possible 2009 “swan song.”
When healthy, Pettitte is still a weapon on the mound, evidenced by his 2.96 ERA in the month of April.
He was also 12-7 with a 3.76 ERA through a July 26 gem against Boston in 2008, before arm problems sent his season spiraling down the stretch–he finished just 14-14 with a 4.54 ERA.
The problem is no one knows if Pettitte’s body will ever be the same, or if he can last a full season without further incident.
No. 46 has always been one of the Bronx’s favorite Yankees, and nothing will ever change that.
He has been at the epicenter of countless heroic victories, and has stood behind a microphone to answer any question asked of him–even in the darkest of times.
Pettitte is still the first member of the staff that I want on the mound in October, and there is plenty of time for him to catch a second wind in 2009.
Perhaps a short stint on the disabled list later in the season can keep him fresh for the stretch run.
After all, New York is desperately trying to find ways to utilize both Phil Hughes and Chien-Ming Wang in the Major League rotation.
The Yankees need Pettitte to stop coming up petite in order to make a significant run at October baseball…so here’s to hoping he can turn it around.
Also seen at: Heartbeat of the Bronx
The New York Yankees Awards Ceremony: April 2009
MVP of the Month:
He has already produced more clutch hits in enormous situations than anyone not named Melky Cabrera, and has silenced critics of his perceived offensive decline.
Pitcher of the Month:
Pettitte’s arm appears fresh and revitalized, and he could provide a huge lift in a division he historically dominates.
Hitter of the Month:
Swisher has stabilized the Yankees right field situation after Nady’s injury, as well as provided a much needed emotional spark on and off the field.
Rookie of the Month:
Melancon has helped to pull hands away from the bullpen panic button, and keeps hopes alive of the rebirth of a reliever in the mold of Joba Chamberlain. He throws hard, and more importantly, he throws with conviction. He has 3 IP, 1 H allowed, 2 K, 1 BB, and a .100 BAA.
Comeback Player of the Month:
Cano ended April hitting a robust .366, with 5 HR and 16 RBI. His defense has rapidly improved to Gold Glove levels, and he has displayed a more developed eye for pitch selection.
Rolaids Relief Man of the Month:
Following Brian Bruney’s last pre-DL appearance on April 21, Coke has pitched 4.1 scoreless AND hitless innings, lowering his ERA from 9.00 to 3.72. He picked up an important win on the month’s final day, and has limited the impact of Bruney’s injury.
Biggest Surprise:
Brett Gardner’s poor start, coupled with Xavier Nady’s injury, reopened the door for Cabrera in a Yankee uniform. He responded with a .327 AVG, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 11 R, and two game-winning hits. The success may not be sustainable, but Cabrera has been invaluable thus far.
Biggest Demise:
Wang failed so miserably that New York had to invent an injury just to figure out what is wrong between his ears. A recovery from last season’s foot injury could be contributing to the problem, but it also appears that he has lost all confidence in himself. His power sinker has become as flat as people once believed Earth to be.
The “Luis Sojo” Unsung Hero Award:
Molina may not produce gaudy numbers, but he may be the best backup catcher in all of baseball. Hitting .276 with 1 HR and 5 RBI, he has actually been a better offensive contributor than anticipated.
Molina’s defense, however, is what truly sets him apart. He was the league’s best backstop in throwing out runners in 2008, and has already caught 50 percent of attempting thieves this season. His importance is elevated due to long-term concerns about Jorge Posada’s surgically repaired throwing shoulder.
Honorable Mention: Jorge Posada’s Right Arm – Speaking of Posada, his shoulder has responded very well to the extensive rehab he put in during the offseason. Often maligned across MLB, Posada’s arm has thrown out 10 of 25 runners (40%) this year. He has added 3 HR, 14 RBI, .275 AVG, and .366 OBP; showing that he is still a premiere AL catcher.
Andy Pettitte Dominating in Final Spring Tune-up
Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte was spending most of his spring pitching against Minor League talent in Florida.
Pettitte tested his progression against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, and appeared in midseason form.
In facing the majority of the Blue Jays opening day lineup, Pettitte was given a reliable barometer on where he stood.
In giving up five hits and one run over 6 2/3 innings, he proved to be more than ready for his first start of the big league season.
Pettitte recorded a remarkable 15 of his 20 outs on ground balls or strikeouts.
This shows how much movement his pitches generated, and how consistently he threw on a downward plane.
Pettitte’s best pitch, the cutter, was giving Blue Jays hitters daymares throughout the early afternoon.
He walked no one on the day, displaying the mastery of his command.
Pettitte will make his Yankee Stadium debut in an exhibition game against the Chicago Cubs, which should be a very exciting weekend in the Bronx.
He is currently scheduled to make his first regular season appearance on April 10 against the Kansas City Royals.
The Yankees will be in excellent shape if Pettitte’s arm is in good enough condition to pitch for a full season the way he began 2008.
After beating the Boston Red Sox on Jul 26, Pettitte had accumulated a 12-7 record and 3.76 ERA.
Arm fatigue caused him to lose velocity and command, and he finished the season 14-14 with a 4.54 ERA.
There seems to be some magic left in Pettitte’s clutch left shoulder. Let’s just hope he saves some for September and October.
R.I.P. Yankee Stadium: A Picture Truly IS Worth 1000 Words
Here lies “The House That Ruth Built” (1923-2008):
(Courtesy of This Purist Bleeds Pinstripes)It was almost time for baseball season, and the Bronx would once again be alive with chants, rants, cheers, and boos.
In 2009, however, the tradition will be carried across the street to the new Yankee Stadium.
It is otherwise referred to as “The House That Steroids Built”, “The Eighth Wonder of the World”, or “Steinbrenner’s Last Gasp”; depending on my mood.
The concept of a picture being worth 1000 words is a severe understatement in this case.
The above photo is worth a never-ending novel filled with timeless memories, reflections, and the disbelief that it is truly over.
Symbolic of a grave site for a fallen hero, the shell of the original Yankee Stadium appears more similar to the ruins of the Roman Coliseum than a place just six months removed from game action.
If not for the rounded outfield fence and sharp contrast in color between the dirt and lifeless grass, it would be difficult to determine what sport was played here.
It is truly depressing to see how a structure that provided the heartbeat for an entire city could decompose so quickly without care and a watchful eye.
It is fitting that the brightest section of the stadium lies beyond the outfield wall, where countless home runs landed off the bats of the game’s greatest players.
The Yankees will ensure that new storybook endings are created as soon as possible. However, it will take decades to recapture the essence of history and tradition that the old stadium represented.
This photo symbolizes the rapid fall of the most recent Yankee dynasty. All that remains from the best of times are Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, and Andy Pettitte.
Even the great George Steinbrenner has lost the ability to make his mark on the proud franchise.
The new stadium is as much a tribute to all that Steinbrenner represented as it is to the greatest team in sports history.
I eagerly anticipate the day that I first walk through the gates across the street, and officially become a part of the dawning of a new legacy in the Bronx.
Hughes Gives Minnesota Twins Their “Phil”
In cementing his place as the opening day starter for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in AAA, Phil Hughes gave Minnesota all they could handle and more.
Hughes lowered his spring ERA to an impressive 2.19, while limiting the Twins to just four base runners in 4 1/3 innings pitched.
Though he has struggled with the command of his fastball for much of the spring, the results and progression have been exactly what the Yankees have been waiting for.
Touted as the unquestionable “Ace” of the future, Hughes showed nothing but frailty and control problems in 2008.
It is nearly impossible to commit to memory that Hughes is just 22 years old. His name has been on the tip of all our tongues for seemingly a decade.
There is plenty of time to develop into what his vast potential foreshadows, but I wonder how long the impatient New York demographic will be willing to wait for him.
If Hughes is able to master his improving changeup, there is no telling how high his ceiling can rise.
His velocity may never reach the 95-96 that caused fans to salivate after reading internet reports, but it may not have to.
If he can spot a 91-92 MPH fastball on the corners while throwing his above-average curveball for strikes, he can blossom into a No. 3 starter.
Mixing in the command of a deceptive changeup could make the difference in Hughes eventually becoming a top of the rotation starter.
If nothing else, Yankee fans can have confidence in their current No. 6 starter. In the event that AJ Burnett or Andy Pettitte misses a string of starts, Hughes could fill in without a major drop-off in production.
Hughes may not be ready to pitch a full season at the Major League level, but he seems more than adequate to act as an injury replacement for a handful of turns.
Another highly-regarded Yankee prospect had a memorable moment on Friday. Center Field prospect Austin Jackson crushed his second home run of the spring.
He average currently stands at .303, and he has started to show why New York thinks so highly of him.
Like any young hitter, Jackson has struggled with pitch selection and top-notch breaking pitches. He added two strikeouts to his team leading 11 thus far this spring.
Jackson has struck out in one-third of his plate appearances, while also working only two walks.
He has a lot of work to do, but has shown the tools to develop into a solid everyday player by 2011.
The media will focus on the big names and even bigger contracts associated with them, and rightfully so.
However, it is exciting to see the minor league pipeline begin to tease us all with its talent pool.
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