Cup o’ Coffee tidbits.
Written by Joe Veno on July 4, 2009 – 9:00 AM -- Phil Hughes in the pen: Why is there still discussion about this decision? And how does this really compare to the Joba situation? Hughes wasn’t as polished as Chamberlain. I mean sure, Chamberlain had some work to do, as he needed to become more efficient. But Hughes hadn’t proved anything as a starter. Hughes was simply a pitcher, who had potential, that simply wasn’t ready to pitch on a contending team–a team expected to win 90+ games such as the Yankees. So the Yankees threw Hughes in the pen to fulfill a need, and to limit his innings. They had five capable starters, so they did what was best for the ball-club. Now, Hughes has been “lights out” coming out of the bullpen with a 1.38 ERA, 16 K’s and 3 BB in 13 innings. But there isn’t room for Hughes in this rotation, and that is why he’s out there. Not because he doesn’t deserve another shot, for he does. It’s a different situation, and the Yankees made the correct decision.
- Brad Bergesen the real deal: Keith Law seems to think otherwise. But I like to think a pitcher can “pitch” every once in a while, whether or not they have a reliance on their defense. Bergesen probably isn’t this good though. So far, his sinking fastball has proved to be adept at resulting in ground balls (52 %). But his K rate is way too low to sustain a 3.58 ERA–4.52/9. He doesn’t walk anyone–1.87, and doesn’t give up many homers–0.88. A BABIP of .269 helps a tad. Bergeson simply needs the league to adjust to him I would say. His FIP is solid, but he no one has ever seen him before, so give it some time.
- Boo Manny!: Is this such a bad thing? Express your feelings, because I am not sure. All of me wants to give Manny a second chance, or anyone in this situation a second chance. But booing him would have been a great way to show our disdain for the whole situation, and to show Major League baseball that we do in fact care that players have used and are using. I keep hearing about how fans don’t care. That is a fallacy. We simply understand that it was rampant throughout the game, and we deal with it, allowing second chances. That doesn’t mean we like it, not at all. And had the entire stadium booed him, it would have shown that we DO care about the use of PED’s in the game we love. However, giving Manny a second chance without the “boos” probably wasn’t a bad idea either…
Posted in Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Player Analysis | 1 Comment »
July 4th, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Bergesen is the next in a long line of blue-collar strike-throwing sinkerballers.