05.21.2006 Freedom? Not really

Farnsworth's uncertain status forced the Yankees to make a roster move, calling up reliever Colter Bean from Triple A Columbus.  If Shawn Chacon (bruised left leg) can make his start Friday, Bean will go back down once Aaron Small, starting in Chacon's place tonight, is available for relief duty. (Source)

Keeping Scott Erickson over Colter Bean is ridiculous.
 

05.21.2006 NoMaas Stats 101: OPS+

So far, we've taken a look at Batting Average, On-Base Percentage, Slugging Percentage, and OPS.  One disadvantage to all these stats is that they are neither park-adjusted nor league-adjusted.  Oftentimes, people overlook that a particular ballpark or league can influence a player's statistics.  For example, if a player's homepark is a hitter's park, his stats are most likely inflated.

Now, we enter the world of adjusted statistics which provide a more accurate means of evaluating a player's performance and comparing him to others. We begin with OPS+.
 

05.18.2006 Yanks to take on JV

05.18.2006 Scott Erickson should not be in professional baseball

Yet, he pitches for the New York Yankees.

While at Columbus, Scott Erickson had the 2nd worst ERA among Clipper relievers (4.25).  Just about anyone else on the entire Columbus staff would have been a better option.

17 games, 25.2 innings, 32 Ks, 0.70 ERA...just another year of Colter Bean rotting in the minors.
 

05.17.2006 We're a little late with this, but...

Get well soon Hideki!

05.17.2006 Schilling states the obvious

''I can talk until I'm blue in the face..." (Source)

05.17.2006 A low-cost opportunity

First baseman/DH Erubiel Durazo, who is on the Triple A Oklahoma disabled list with a hamstring strain, has requested his release. Durazo has an out clause in his contract that permitted him to ask for his release if he was not brought to the major leagues by May 15. The Rangers have 72 hours from the time of his request to bring him to the majors, trade him or release him. (Source)

In addition to currently being on the DL, Durazo only played 41 games in 2005 because of ligament replacement surgery in his left elbow.

Despite the recent injury history, Durazo could be a productive, low-cost addition for the Yankees.  Over his career, he has proven to be an excellent hitter:

Career .281 BA / .381 OBP / .487 SLG / .868 OPS
Career 125 OPS+

And he has punished right-handed pitching:

.279 BA / .387 OBP / .498 SLG / .885 OPS

Durazo would cost virtually nothing to acquire and he could be a steal.  Definitely worth a shot.  Low risk, high reward.
 

05.16.2006 Posada messes with Texas

In an absolutely stunning comeback, the Yankees overcame a 9-0 deficit to beat the Rangers 14-13 on a Jorge Posada 2-run walkoff HR.

05.16.2006 Paul Quantrill, Version 2006

We're not convinced about Proctor, but one thing is certain...his arm is being run into the ground.

Proctor has thrown more pitches than any other reliever in MLB.

Proctor has pitched in 9 out of the last 14 games.
 

05.15.2006 NoMaas teams up with the Yankees to fight children's cancer

When it comes to baseball, many of us are very passionate.  For a moment, let's channel some of that emotion into something that truly matters. All of us know someone that was affected by cancer and many of us have lost someone that we loved.  It is a disease that dramatically changes the lives of millions and spares no one, including children.

That is why NoMaas is proud to team up with the New York Yankees and the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center .  In coordination with the Yankees Universe program, we're raising money to fight children's cancer. If you buy a Yankees Universe T-shirt, all net proceeds will be donated to the Department of Pediatrics at Memorial Sloan-Kettering.

So do a good thing, help a child be able to live a full and happy life.  Give them a reason to hope.

To purchase a Yankees-Universe T-shirt, please click here.

If you don't want a T-shirt, but wish to donate to Sloan-Kittering, please click here.

05.15.2006 "It's his off the field managing that makes him so good."

Yet, he feels the need to publicly criticize a 21-year old kid because he didn't bring back a HR ball:

Cabrera brushed against the outfield wall attempting to rob Jay Payton, but unlike Thursday night when Bubba Crosby brought back Mike Lowell's homer to left with a leap at the fence, Payton's ball made the seats.

"I didn't think (Payton) hit it that well," said Joe Torre, before adding that Cabrera "didn't get back to the fence like Bubba did the other night." (Source)
 

05.14.2006 Why does this keep happening?

Bubba Crosby replacing Melky Cabrera for defense in the late innings...

1. Is this really a defensive upgrade?
2. What do you think this does to the confidence of Cabrera?
3. If looking for a defensive upgrade, how can Bernie be left in the game?
 

05.14.2006 Torre loses his boyfriend

Yankees placed RHP Tanyon Sturtze on the 15-day disabled list with a sore right shoulder.  Whether Sturtze is hurt or not, the Yankees are better off without him, especially since Joe Torre has never been able to resist the temptation to use him in close games. Sturtze had a 7.59 ERA and a 2.16 WHIP in 10 2/3 innings this season. (Source)

Scott Erickson's contract was purchased from Triple-A Columbus and he will join the Yankees today (Source)

Hopefully, Erickson will not be placed in any high-leverage situations.  However, he is nearly 40 years old.  His Veteran Index is off the charts.

05.11.2006 Your new #5 hitter

.263 BA / .301 OBP / .358 SLG / .659 OPS

Do you have any confidence that The Ringmaster will plug in the right pieces?
 

05.11.2006 Wrong Kevin

2006 AAA Columbus:

Kevin Reese: .257 BA / .336 OBP / .376 SLG / .712 OPS
Kevin Thompson: .283 BA / .379 OBP / .416 SLG / .795 OPS (6 SB in 7 AT)

Plus, Kevin Reese is 28.  Kevin Thompson is 26.
 

05.11.2006 Sheff & Matsui...now what?

Our recommended lineup:

Damon, CF
Jeter, SS
Giambi, DH
Arod, 3B
Posada, C
Cano, 2B
Phillips, 1B
Cabrera, RF
Thompson, LF

We lose significant offense without Sheff & Matsui, however we would have a very good defensive outfield with Thompson, Damon, and Cabrera.  We would save runs.

Also, Cabrera and Thompson should be serviceable with the bat.  In addition, Kevin Thompson is an excellent basestealer.

Bernie and Bubba should be locked up in someone's basement. Bernie has no offensive or defensive abilities and Bubba can't hit.

This is an extremely critical time for the Yankees and we have no faith in Torre to utilize the right players.  Cashman may have to put his foot down...hard.

Ca$hMoney, call up Kevin Thompson and then let Torre know who's boss.
 

05.11.2006 Torre, Torre, Torre

1. Starts Bubba Crosby over Melky Cabrera

2. Matsui gets hurt, moves Bubba to LF, brings in Bernie to play RF.  Bernie continues to embarrass himself with a ridiculous defensive mistake which leads to the loss.

3. Starts a non-hitting Miguel Cairo at first base, who also happens to be a midget who can't handle a high throw from Jeter.

4. Does not pinch hit for Cairo in the bottom of the 8th with the tying run on third base.

Chalk up another one for Joe.
 

05.10.2006 Empire strikes back

Curt Schilling couldn't defend himself as the Yankees lineup unloaded on the descendant of the Hutt family.

The Yankee attack was led by the best hitter in baseball, Jason Giambi (.314 BA / .531 OBP / .779 SLG / 1.310 OPS).

Schilling went 5 innings, surrendered 3 HRs, and allowed 6 runs.  It is unknown whether or not he cried in the dugout.
 
 
 

05.10.2006 Bubba subs for Melky in the 8th?!?

Way to build up a kid's confidence, Torre.  Not only does Melky need time in RF, but you also took an at-bat away from him.
 

05.09.2006 Happy 60th birthday, Randy!

On Tuesday night, Randy Johnson hosted a party at Yankee Stadium in honor of his 60th birthday.  The guests were given plenty of great party favors, which included walks, wild pitches, and hits.  What a bash!

05.09.2006 Aaron Small has lost his pixie dust

We told you during the offseason.  Aaron Small pitched way over his head in 2005 and we had zero confidence in his ability to approach those numbers in 2006.  He will continue to be a poor pitcher as he has been his entire career.  The only question is whether Joe Torre recognizes this.  Will Small be the next Tanyon Sturtze?

No more fairy tale pitching for Aaron Small
 

05.09.2006 The 411 on Melky Cabrera

So he made an error in his season debut...Big deal.  We're excited about Melky Cabrera.  NoMaas' Marty McFly explains why.

Despite the error, we hope that Melky plays RF for the rest of the year.
 

05.08.2006 Josh Beckett knows respect

When Josh Beckett takes the mound in the Bronx on Tuesday night, Yankee players should pay homage to baseball's grand ambassador.  When it comes to cherishing the national pastime, no one cares more for the game than this overrated Boston pitcher.  Despite leading the league in fist pumps, screaming on the mound, and yelling at opposing players, Beckett considers himself to be the guardian of baseball's traditions.

During a spring training game versus Philadelphia, Beckett became upset when Phillies slugger Ryan Howard began a home run trot after he hit a ball deep to center field.  The wind held the ball in the park and Howard's ball was caught for an out.  Ambassador Beckett did not appreciate Howard's actions:

''He was jogging after a pop up," Beckett said. ''It's not like I wanted to fight the guy. I wanted to make a point. You look like a jackass whenever you hit a ball like that and you're pimping it and you're out. I'm kind of about respecting the game. Even if it is a home run, I don't think it's the right thing to do. I'm not the type of guy to not say anything. (Source)

In a game earlier this season versus Toronto, Beckett also had a confrontation with Shea Hillenbrand:

When Shea Hillenbrand began to jog to first base on a 3-and-1 pitch from Beckett, thinking it was ball four before the umpire called it a strike, Beckett was furious. He got Hillenbrand to hit into an inning-ending double play ball on the next pitch, then ran off the field, barking at Hillenbrand over his lack of protocol.

"I'm playing the game right," Beckett said at the time. "I didn't appreciate that." (Source)

Respectful Josh flipping out on the mound.
 

05.08.2006 NoMaas Stats 101: OPS

On-Base Percentage plus Slugging Percentage = OPS

To read the full description on OPS, please click here.
 

05.07.2006 NoMaas is speechless

If Gary Sheffield is forced to spend time on the disabled list, the Yankees could call up either Kevin Thompson or Melky Cabrera to take his place on the roster.

Thompson, who has been the starting right fielder for Triple-A Columbus, is hitting .286 with three home runs, nine RBIs and a team-leading 20 runs scored in 26 games. Cabrera, the Clippers' center fielder, is hitting .368 with three homers and a team-best 21 RBIs in 29 games.

Even with Bernie Williams and Bubba Crosby on the roster, Torre could hand the starting job to one of the youngsters should Sheffield land on the DL.

"If somebody is playing every day at the Minor League level, you probably should try to play them every day here," the manager said. "We'll decide when we see who that person is." (Source)

Torre said that he would play a minor league callup everyday.
 

05.07.2006 Stop it, Joe!

STOP USING TANYON STURTZE!

Sturtze starts the 7th inning of Sunday's game versus Texas.  Sturtze exits the game with bases loaded and no outs in the 7th inning.

This is just madness.  Cashman, please make this bullpen Torre-proof.  DFA Sturtze.

05.07.2006 Where is Ron Villone?

Bullpen Pitcher / Number of Appearances

Sturtze / 14
Farnsworth / 13
Myers / 13
Proctor / 12
Rivera / 10
Villone / 10

Villone as a reliever over the past 3 years: 3.52 ERA, 128 IP, 122 Ks, .218 BA Against

He should not be at the bottom of the bullpen depth chart.

Torre, give Villone a chance or you're out of the Sons of Italy.
 

05.07.2006 NoMaas on location: Phil Hughes' AA debut

NoMaas' Lane Meyer was in Trenton for Phil Hughes' debut at AA.  Here's his take.
 

05.06.2006 Pure comedy

For the first time this season, Alex Rodriguez was not in the cleanup spot for the Yankees on Friday night.

With Gary Sheffield healthy enough to start in right field for the first time since last Saturday, manager Joe Torre told bench coach Lee Mazzilli to insert Sheffield back into his No. 3 spot in the lineup, dropping everybody else down one slot.

What Torre forgot to account for was that, while Sheffield had been out of the lineup, Jason Giambi had been hitting third, followed by A-Rod and Hideki Matsui. When Mazzilli put Sheffield third, he moved Giambi to the cleanup spot, followed by A-Rod and Matsui.

"It was accidental," Torre said. "I didn't think about getting him out of the cleanup spot.

Torre wouldn't say whether he planned to go with the new lineup beyond Friday or revert to the old one.

"We'll see what it looks like," Torre said. "Lineups aren't as important to me as they are to other people. As long as those four guys are in there." (Source)
 

05.05.2006 Damon grand slam leads Yanks to W, but what's up with Randy?

Randy Johnson let up five more runs in the Yankees victory over Tampa.  His ERA now sits at 5.02.  Other disturbing stats:

K/9 6.02 (8.42 in 2005)
K:BB 3.22 (4.49 in 2005)
Groundballs/Flyballs 0.82 (1.13 in 2005)

Hitters have an .833 OPS versus Johnson this season.
 

05.05.2006 We couldn't even make this stuff up

Torre on Tanyon Sturtze, who again pitched in the late innings of a close game:

"I think he's throwing the ball fine..." (Source)

05.03.2006 Unclutch Arod provides game-winning hit in the 10th, Farnsworth sighting reported

Alex Rodriguez knocked in John Damon for the game-winning run in an extra innings victory over Tampa Bay.  Because all of Arod's hits have come in non-clutch situations, this is the first official RBI of his career.
 

Rumor has it that Farnsworth pitched 1.1 innings with 2 Ks
 

05.03.2006 DFA Bubba, promote Melky or Thompson

The argument from the BubbaManiacs is that Crosby can do "things."  They define "things" as playing good outfield defense and providing some speed on the basepaths.  The problem with Bubba is that he can't hit.

What if we were to tell you that there are players available who can do "things", but can also provide some offense?

Take a look at AAA and you will find them:

Melky Cabrera: .373 BA / .425 OBP / .529 SLG / .954 OPS
Thompson: .293 BA / .377 OBP / .457 SLG / .834 OPS

Sorry, Bubba fans.  He shouldn't be on the roster when these options are available.
 

05.03.2006 Damon confirms, Sox fans would rather see the Yankees lose than have their own team win

"These guys are planning their lives around what I do, pretty amazing," Damon said. "Thanks for caring. They don't care about cheering their team. They're booing me." (Source)

Nice job tucking your t-shirt into your pants.
 

05.01.2006Torre plays favorites, costs the Yankees another game

In the bottom of the eighth in a 3-3 game versus Boston, Torre elects to start the inning with Aaron Small who, in his season debut, has already pitched the previous two innings.  Keep in mind, Kyle Farnsworth is in the bullpen.  Mirabelli grounds out.  Fine.  Small walks Alex Cora.  Keep in mind, Kyle Farnsworth is in the bullpen.  Small hits Kevin Youkilis.  Keep in mind, Kyle Farnsworth is in the bullpen  Torre brings in Tanyon Sturtze.  Keep in mind, Kyle Farnsworth is in the bullpen.  Sturtze lets up a single to Mark Loretta.  Boston goes ahead 4-3.  Flood gates open.

Once again, Torre plays his personal favorites instead of using higher quality players in meaningful situations.

You will always be...my endless love.
 

05.01.2006 Phil Hughes to make AA debut on May 4th

Former New York Yankees first-round draft pick Philip Hughes was promoted Sunday to the Double-A Trenton Thunder. Hughes is slated to make his Eastern League debut on Thursday, when the Thunder host the Reading Phillies.

Hughes allowed just 19 hits and two walks in 30 innings, striking out 30. FSL opponents batted just .187 against the 6-foot-5, 220-pound Georgia native. (Source)

04.30.2006 Red Sox get ready for Yankee invasion

David Ortiz (above) running laps in preparation for the Yankees-Sox series.
 

04.30.2006 Damon returns to Fenway, how will frat kids react?

"He deserves a standing ovation," Mike Myers said. (Source)

Damon brings a .905 OPS into Fenway.
 

04.30.2006 Just give him some time, Andy Phillips hits 1st HR of the season

(AP Photo/Ed Betz)

04.30.2006 Buttocks update

Carl Pavano (sore gluteus maximus) threw a structured batting practice in Tampa and it went well. Pavano could pitch in an extended-spring-training game early next week . . . Brian Cashman said Pavano needs what amounts to a spring training to get his pitch count up. This means that Pavano is at least a month away from returning to the rotation. (Source)

04.27.2006 NoMaas sits down with Joe Torre

In an exclusive interview, NoMaas' Sensei John Kreese sat down with Yankee skipper Joe Torre before Thursday's night game with Tampa Bay.

SJK: "Thanks for taking the time, Joe.  We appreciate you taking the time to speak with NoMaas.  As you know, we are big fans."

JT: "No problem, John."

SJK: "It's Sensei."

JT: "My apologies, Sensei."

SJK: "Joe, last night was a tough loss to swallow.  Fourteen walks issued by the Rays and only 2 runs scored by the Yankees.  Can you explain?"

JT: "No."

SJK: "Ok.  Well, what is your gameplan for tonight's game?"

JT: "I want to make as difficult as possible for our team to win."

SJK: "Excuse me?"

JT: "You heard me, karate man.  I'm going to DH Damon for the second night in a row, even though Matsui needs a rest like you need Johnny Lawrence to defend a crane kick.  And you know what, I'm gonna put Bernie in CF with his poor defense and anemic hitting."

SJK: "This is madness."

JT: "No mercy, right Sensei?  And how about this?  If we get a save situation in the ninth, enter sandman, because here comes Tanyon Sturtze."

SJK: "You can't be serious?!?"

JT: "I am serious.  Do you have four rings?"
 

04.25.2006 Ok class, today's lesson is...

Jason Giambi is scary good.

"Repeat after me, children.  O-B-P."
 

04.25.2006 Mussina tosses another gem, Yanks crush Rays

Old Man Mussina: 6 IP, 7K, 0 BB, 4 H, 1 ER

04.24.2006 Dispelling the myth: Arod isn't clutch

Let's compare "choker" Alex Rodriguez to "clutch" Derek Jeter.

2003-2005 Regular Season "Close and Late" situations

ESPN.com defines "Close and Late" as when the game is in the 7th inning or later and the batting team is leading by one run, tied, or has the potential tying run on base, at bat, or on deck.

Arod: .276 BA / .392 OBP / .553 SLG / .945 OPS
Jeter: .249 BA / .352 OBP / .392 SLG / .744 OPS

Huge advantage to Arod.
 

Now, let's examine their postseason careers:

Arod: .305 BA / .393 OBP / .534 SLG / .927 OPS
Jeter: .307 BA / .379 OBP / .463 SLG / .842 OPS

Advantage Arod.
 

Please stop with the nonsense.
 

04.23.2006 Bird hunting

Big Unit: 8 IP, 1 ER, 3 H
Giambi: 3-4, 2 HR, 2B, 5 RBI, OBP is now .530
 

04.23.2006 Joe, whose fault is that?

Torre on Andy:

"We have to see what we have, player-wise. The only way we expect him to help us is to find a place for him to get some at-bats on a regular basis. He's a big-league hitter, he just needs an opportunity to play...he's not getting many opportunities to show us what he can do." (Source)
 

04.23.2006 Varitek pulls a Pavano, hurts bum-bum

Jason Varitek sat out Saturday's game to rest his sore buttock muscle.

He's been battling that (buttocks) muscle," manager Terry Francona said. (Source)
 

04.21.2006 Dear Yankees

In case you didn't know, the season has started.

Sincerely,

NoMaas
 

04.19.2006 Giambi smarter than most baseball writers and analysts

"I'm just going to stay within my strike zone. I can be just as valuable getting on base with my walks and running up pitch counts," Giambi said. (Source)
 

04.19.2006 Moosterpiece

7.1 IP, 7K, 1 ER
 

04.18.2006 Randy Johnson doesn't make it over border, Randolph Johnstone pitches instead

The Canadian Border Patrol refused to allow Randy Johnson entry into Canada because of a "bruised buttocks" epidemic that is sweeping through the United States.  Although Johnson explained that it was Carl Pavano who had been afflicted with this debilitating condition, Canadian officials would not budge.  As a result the Yankees were forced to send Randolph Johnstone to the mound where he was promptly thrashed for 7 runs over 3.1 innings.

Sir Randolph Johnstone
 

04.18.2006 OF defense is horrible

Damon has been solid.  It's the corner positions that have been abysmal.  They are costing this team runs.

Sheffield needs to become the DH and a better RF option must be utilized.  Bubba Crosby is not the answer because he can't hit.  A more viable alternative is Kevin Thompson.

And please Joe Torre, stop playing Bernie Williams in the field.
 

04.18.2006 Phil Hughes, 8 Ks in 6 IP

In his third start this season for the Tampa Yankees...ERA is 0.56.
 

04.17.2006 No more 3 catchers

New York Yankees announced today that catcher Koyie Hill has cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Columbus.  Hill, 27, was claimed off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 6th, 2006 but did not appear in a game for the Yankees.  (Source)

This means that the Yankees no longer have 3 catchers on their 25-man roster, which did not make any sense.  Could more roster moves be coming?

Whatcha gonna do when Cash says "no three catchers for you."
 

04.17.2006 NoMaas Stats 101: Slugging Percentage

Slugging Percentage (Known as SLG...):

Formula: (1*1B + 2*2B + 3*3B + 4*HR) / (AB) ~ the quantity one times the number of singles hit by a batter plus two times the number of doubles plus three times the number of triples plus four times the number of home runs divided by total at bats.

Alternate Formula: TB / AB ~ the number of total bases accumulated by the batter divided by the number of at-bats.

For example, if a player has 1 AB and hits a HR, his slugging percentage would be 4.000.  A home run consists of 4 total bases.  Four total bases divided by 1 AB equals 4.000.

If a player has 3 ABs and goes 2 for 3 with a HR and 2B, his slugging percentage would be 2.000 (6 total bases divided by 3 ABs).

Babe Ruth has the highest career slugging percentage at .690.  That means Babe Ruth averaged 0.69 total bases per AB.

Pros: Provides a simple, easy-to-understand measure of a batter's power potential by evaluating each kind of hit a batter gets and assigning a value corresponding to the number of bases gained for each of them.  Generally, the higher the SLG percentage is, the more power a player has shown.

Can be used in combination with other statistics to arrive at more complex statistics. Commonly understood as a fairly important statistic both in and out of the sabermetric community.

Cons: Subject to the same random influences as batting average.  Assigns an arbitrary number of bases to each type of hit, even though the true marginal value of a triple over a double is not as great as the marginal value of a double over a single (proven by somewhat convoluted statistical tests).

Comments: While not completely descriptive of player ability, it is still a decent enough measure of power performance and is common enough that most fans will understand the basics of it.  Also, the principles of assigning weights to different events will play an even more important role when NoMaas delves into more complicated measures like Davenport's EqA and Linear Weights.

Previous Stats 101 entries
 

04.16.2006 Beast

04.14.2006 Torre: "I want to minimize the effectiveness of my bullpen."

Torre said his ideal situation in the bullpen would be to alternate right-handed setup men Tanyon Sturtze and Kyle Farnsworth on a day-to-day basis in order to keep both men fresh. Of course, that would be life in a perfect world, Torre acknowledged. (Source)

In a perfect world, Torre would realize that Kyle Farnsworth is a much better pitcher than Tanyon Sturtze.  In a perfect world, Kyle Farnsworth would not pitch in a 12-5 blowout and Tanyon Sturtze would not pitch the 8th inning of a 4-1 game.

According to Joe, Sturtze and Farnsworth are interchangeable.
 

04.14.2006 Boston bagel franchise creates bagels to honor Coco Crisp, Ortiz eats all of them

'Finagle A Bagel' has cooked up something that should be easier to swallow: a cocoa-flavored bagel with chocolate chips and a coating of rice crisps.  The bagel was created to honor Coco Crisp...The limited-time cocoa bagel went on sale yesterday at all 20 Finagle A Bagel locations in Greater Boston. (Source)

Sorry David Wells, these are for Papi.
 

04.14.2006 Two outs, bottom of the ninth, tying run at the plate...

David Ortiz pops out to right field.  Blue Jays win.

**Graphic by NoMaas forumer, bmarvel**
 

04.13.2006 Just one of Torre's boys

Sturtze's ERA ballooned to 7.71 in four appearances after allowing two runs in one-third of an inning Tuesday.

In spring training, Sturtze posted an 8.30 ERA in nine appearances, but Torre remains unconcerned. Sturtze's arm is healthy and Torre believes a couple of good outings will help his confidence.

"I don't think he's in a good rhythm right now," Torre said. "Physically, he's fine and his velocity is good." (Source)

Is it because he isn't in a good rhythm or could it be because Sturtze isn't any good?

Career 5.18 ERA, 88 ERA+, .811 OPS Against

04.11.2006 Captain Tangible

Jeter wins game with something that shows up in box score.

3-run HR in the 8th

04.11.2006 Lefty

Mike Myers: 4 games, 2.2 innings, 3 K, 0.00 ERA

04.10.2006 The Po-Po

3-4, 2 HR, 2B, BB
 

04.10.2006 Where is Andy Phillips?

Bernie Williams has a .578 OPS.  Joe Torre started Miguel Cairo at first base on Sunday.  There is no reason why Andy shouldn't be in the lineup.

04.09.2006 Yanks' O continues to make tomato juice

"When they give you lemons, you have to make lemonade. When they give you oranges, you have to make orange juice. Tonight we tried to make tomato juice out of lemon juice," Alex Rodriguez said. (Source)

If the Yankees made lemonade, perhaps they could beat the Angels.
 

04.09.2006 A man among boys

Big Unit: 8 IP, 8K
 

04.08.2006 Coming soon to the Boogie Down

PHIL HUGHES

In his first start of the season for the Tampa Yankees, Hughes threw 4 innings and recorded 9 strikeouts.  That's right.  9 Ks in 4 IP.
 
 
 

04.08.2006 Yankees to sign 7 more backup catchers, will add them all to 25-man roster

In addition to Wil Nieves and newly acquired Koyie Hill, the Yankees have reached agreement with 7 more catchers whom they also plan to place on the 25-man roster.  "You can never have enough catchers in the dugout," manager Joe Torre said. "Ideally, I would like to have the entire roster comprised of catchers.  I was a catcher.  Tony Pena was a catcher.  Catchers know how to play the game the right way."

Welcome to the Bronx.
 

04.06.2006 NoMaas Stats 101: On-Base Percentage

On-Base-Percentage (Known as: OBP, OBA, BP...):

Formula: (H + BB + HBP)/(AB + BB + HBP + SF) ~ The quantity of hits plus walks plus times hit by pitch divided by the quantity at-bats plus walks plus times hit by pitch plus sacrifice flies.

Pros: Provides a quick, comprehensive evaluation of the number of times a player was able to get on base. Fairly common enough so that many, if not most fans and players will know what it is (with a higher likelihood of good interpretation). Can be used in combination with other statistics to arrive at more complex statistcs. Widely heralded as one of the most important measures of offense.

Cons: Still subject to the same problems as batting average with regards to hits, but is more likely to be representative of a players true ability.

Comments: By far and away one of the most important measures in the game, because of ease of understanding, high level of predictive value for scoring runs, and easy accessibility on the internet. OBP is based less on the luck of the batter, and more on the combined tendency of the batter to be selective of pitches, get his pitch to hit, or take a walk - either way, they're getting on base.

This statistic is the reason we do not like Torre's decision to hit Giambi 5th.  In 2005, Giambi had an OBP of .440, meaning he reached base during 44% of his plate appearances.  This was the best percentage in the American League.

If he is getting on base so often, we would rather see Alex Rodriguez or Gary Sheffield (or both) hitting behind him instead of Matsui and Posada.  He is more likely to score with better hitters behind him, which would better utilize his superior ability to reach base.
 

04.05.2006 Baseball-Reference.com

Last week we started our Stats 101 series so we could help NoMaas visitors develop a better understanding of our arguments and opinions.  Our next installment will be coming soon.

We also thought it might be useful for visitors to see which statistical databases we get our numbers from.  One of our best sources is a site called Baseball-Reference.com.  BR is one of the most popular and complete statistical databases in existence.  We highly encourage you to have a look around the site.  You will learn alot by just browsing.  To begin, have a look at this page:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/s/schilcu01.shtml
 

04.05.2006 Torre deals Yankees first loss of the season

If a player has a good spring training, one can ignore all of his previous career results, according to Joe Torre.

In the bottom of the ninth of a tie game, Torre decided to use Scott Proctor to help the Yankees send it into extra innings.  As usual, Proctor was ineffective and let up the game-winning run vs. Oakland.

The Yankees remain undefeated versus Oakland and lose their first game to Joe Torre.

04.05.2006 Pavano's butt problems

The Yankees sent the results of an MRI of Carl Pavano's left buttock to Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles for further analysis. (Source)
 

Carl Pavano waiting for his MRI

04.04.2006 Hello, 2006! Bombers destroy Oakland, 15-2.
 

Zito served up a Grand Salami to MVP Alex Rodriguez
 

04.03.2006 Torre randomly picks Opening Day lineup

Torre's response when asked about the strategy he used to construct the batting order:

"Don't ask me why. That's just the way I decided to do it," the manager said. (Source)

    Torre's Lineup:

    Damon
    Jeter
    Sheffield
    Arod
    Giambi
    Matsui
    Posada
    Bernie
    Cano
 
 
 

What's wrong with this?

1. The AL's best OBP guy is hitting 5th (Giambi)

2. Torre has made it very easy for opposing managers to matchup relievers vs. Yankee hitters:

Jeter-Sheffield-Arod: Righty-Righty-Righty
Giambi-Matsui: Lefty-Lefty
Cano-Damon: Lefty-Lefty

3. No Andy Phillips (should be DH)
 

04.02.2006 Randy vs. Zito

04.02.2006 ESPN Shocker: Gammons picks Yankees, says Red Sox won't make playoffs

Red Sox uriNation riots in response, fans send back their plastic bracelets that validate their fandom.

ESPN Predictions

 

03.31.2006 Glass-Assed Carl

The Yankees also shut down right-hander Carl Pavano...Pavano bruised his left buttocks diving for first base while making a play in a minor league game on Tuesday. (Source)

Biggest. Wimp. Ever.
 

03.31.2006 Prediction: Jeter sets career high in sacrifice bunts and forces NoMaas staff to vomit repeatedly

Article on Yankees.com: Small Ball to Match Long Ball
 

03.31.2006 Baseball launches "independent" steroid investigation

Red Sox co-owner, George Mitchell, is leading the investigation.  Think any Red Sox players will be exposed?
 

03.28.2006 NoMaas Stats 101: Batting Average

This is the first entry in what will probably be a long series.  We have decided to take a look at various baseball statistics and break them down to the core.

We are doing this for two main reasons.  The first is to perhaps introduce some of you to statistics that you may not be aware of and explain them in a way that is clear and easy to comprehend.  The second is to help you better understand where we derive our arguments and opinions.

In our first edition of NoMaas Stats 101, we will examine Batting Average:

Batting Average (Known as: AVG, BAV, OBAV...):

Formula: H / AB ~ Hits divided by At-Bats.

Pros: Provides a brief, quaint snapshot of a the percentage of at-bats that a player managed to get converted to a hit. Common enough so that ordinary followers and players of the game will know what it is (although not necessarily know how to interpret it as such). Can be compared to other baseline metrics to determine how lucky or unlucky a batter was on balls in play (BIP).

Cons: Not necessarily a measure of any skill that a batter has. Varies randomly and wildly based on the defense of the opposition, the quality of the opposing pitching, the park played in, and the tendancies of the scorekeepers to reward hits on challenging hit/error calls. Because batting average is dependent on so many things outside of the hitter's control, determining how relevant it is to a player's skill is difficult.  It also does not measure a player's overall ability to get on base which is how runs are created.

Comments: A .300 hitter (which is traditionally thought of as the dividing line between a "good" and "great" hitter) may not necessarily be good or great. They may really be a .275 hitter, and .025 of the hits he got were against teams with horrible pitching and horrible defense, or maybe have even been entirely from lucky bloop hits. This is why NoMaas discourages using AVG as a stand-alone measure of any kind. By using batting average, you're saying a line drive is the same as a bloop hit, and a home run is the same as a bleeder that the pitcher just couldn't get to on time. You know that isn't the case, so don't use it.
 

03.28.2006 Yankees gunning for the Worst Bench in Baseball Award

In their quest to win the Worst Bench in Baseball Award, the Yankees optioned OF Kevin Thompson to AAA in favor of Bubba Crosby.
 

03.25.2006 Torre: "I want to give other teams a better chance of beating us."

First, Wil Nieves...now this:

Torre plans to use Sturtze and Kyle Farnsworth in the late innings to set up Mariano Rivera, alternating the two right-handers in the seventh or eighth innings to keep them fresh.

"I still have the same mind-set that both of those guys are in the same category," Torre said.' (Source)

Sturtze and Farnsworth are in the same category??

And then this gem...

Andy Phillips has caused some healthy debate within the organization. General manager Brian Cashman believes he is worthy of regular at-bats as the designated hitter. Manager Joe Torre will start the season with Bernie Williams in that spot. He sees Phillips as a late-inning defensive replacement for Jason Giambi. (Source)

Please stop this, Joe.  Please.
 

03.21.2006 Already carrying too many pitchers...

...and not enough spots for position players on the 25-man roster:

"Torre said the Yankees might carry Wil Nieves on the roster as a third catcher to start the season." (Source)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

03.21.2006 Operation Shutdown 2006

Derek Bell on March 18, 2002:

"Nobody told me I was in competition. If there is competition, somebody better let me know. If there is competition, they better eliminate me out of the race and go ahead and do what they're going to do with me. I ain't never hit in spring training and I never will.

If it ain't settled with me out there, then they can trade me. I ain't going out there to hurt myself in spring training battling for a job. If it is [a competition], then I'm going into 'Operation Shutdown.' Tell them exactly what I said. I haven't competed for a job since 1991." (Source)

Soriano: "If I don't play the position that I stink at, I'm going into Operation Shutdown."
 

03.19.2006 Kevin Thompson update

Spring stats through March 19:

.476 OBP / .590 SLG / 1.066 OPS

This message brought to you by the Kevin Thompson for Fourth Outfielder Committee.
 

03.19.2006 Good luck in your future endeavors

"After retiring the only batter he faced on Sunday against Cleveland, two-time All-Star Al Leiter announced his retirement." (Source)

03.19.2006 77 ERA+ pitcher & gaming geek

Red Sox baseball pitcher Curt Schilling enjoys a different game. The World Series MVP is an avid video game enthusiast logging countless hours playing multiple EverQuest II characters simultaneously on an elaborate four-monitor computer system. (Source)

03.15.2006 Yanks' farm getting some hype

"Right-hander Philip Hughes and third baseman/first baseman Eric Duncan aren't the only Yankees prospects making positive impressions.

"People are starting to believe what we were saying last year — we're strong, but strong 'low'," general manager Brian Cashman says, referring to the team's depth at the lower levels ..." (Source)

Other articles written this offseason on the upswing of the Yankee system:

Yanks Farm More Fertile
State of the Systems: AL East
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

03.15.2006 It may be too early to say we told you so, but...

Damon isn't a stranger to left shoulder problems.

From RedSox.com, September 2005:

"Damon was originally listed as the starting center fielder for the Red Sox on Monday. But after meeting with manager Terry Francona and head trainer Jim Rowe, the decision to pull Damon was made in favor of flying the outfielder back to Boston to undergo an MRI on his ailing left shoulder at 9 a.m. on Tuesday." (Source)

"The Red Sox had to scratch indispensable leadoff man Johnny Damon from Saturday afternoon's lineup, as the center fielder has experienced lingering pain from the left rotator cuff he injured while diving back into second base against the Orioles on Sept. 4.  "After the game [Friday] night, we got him a cortisone shot in that shoulder," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona."
 

03.14.2006 Why the WBC makes no sense

Johnny Damon has a sore left shoulder, but the New York Yankees' center fielder is expected to be available Thursday night when the United States plays Mexico in its final second-round game of the World Baseball Classic.

"They're calling it a spring training shoulder," Rob Butcher, the U.S. team's press liaison, said Tuesday. "It's something a lot of players get this time of year. We expect him to be able to play Thursday." (Source)
 

03.12.2006 Scumbag

Boston's Curt Schilling pitched three perfect innings Saturday before ing Chris Duffy in the head to start the fourth in a 10-7 loss Saturday to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Duffy left the game and was taken to a hospital, where tests showed he had a mild concussion.

"The bottom line is that ball should not have hit him," Schilling said. "You've got to be able to get out of the way of that pitch." (Source)

03.12.2006 ST update

Through Sunday, March 12:

Eric Duncan - .409 OBP / .600 SLG / 1.009 OPS
Andy Phillips - .417 OBP / .484 SLG / .901 OPS
Kevin Thompson - .462 OBP / .435 SLG / .897 OPS
Melky Cabrera - .400 OBP / .464 SLG / .864 OPS
 

03.07.2006 Campaign kickoff

Excellent baserunner with an 80.6% stolen base success rate in 2005 (AA-Trenton)
.977 OPS in 2005 (AA - Trenton)
Average defensive outfielder
PECOTA* projects him as having a .759 OPS at the MLB level
Better option than Bubba & Bernie

*PECOTA is provided by Baseball Prospectus.  PECOTA provides statistical forecasts based on a player's career performance.  It also compares that player to players from the past or present with similar skill sets at the same age.
 

03.07.2006 John

"It is rare that Torre refers to Damon as ''Johnny." Usually, the name is ''John"..." (Source)
 

03.04.2006 Better options than Bubba?

Yes.  Kevin Thompson (26) and Kevin Reese (28).

2005 Minor League Numbers:

Thompson at Trenton (AA): .432 OBP / .565 SLG / .977 OPS, 25 SB vs. 6 CS
Reese at Columbus (AAA): .359 OBP / .450 SLG / .809 OPS, 16 SB vs. 5 CS

versus

Bubba Crosby (29) at Columbus in 2005: .306 OBP / .363 SLG / .669 OPS
Bubba Crosby's Career Major League #s: .253 OBP / .301 SLG / .554 OPS
 

12.29.2005 Suggestion Box

With the offseason starting to slow down, NoMaas is looking to add some new features as we approach next season.  We'd love to get some feedback and ideas from our visitors.  If there is anything you'd like to see on the site, just post it on the comments board or email admin@nomaas.org

Perhaps more Stallone?
 

12.27.2005 Season's Greetings

12.27.2005 Oh poor baby

Joe Torre will not be returning to the YES Network's postgame "Joe Torre Report."  His Holiness remains outraged that anyone would question him about his managing. (Source)

12.23.2005 Red Sox return fire...

...and sign John Flaherty.  Boston's co-GMs apparently found Flaherty's .458 OPS too good to pass up. (Source)

Boston fans react to the signing of their new backup catcher.
 

12.23.2005 Dotel excited to be in New York

12.23.2005 Definitions of a Natural/True Leadoff Hitter™

We received quite a number of responses to our inquiry, so we picked out a few random ones for you to read.

Rob from CT
Ryan from NY
Frank from Parts Unknown
No Name
 

12.22.2005Natural/True Leadoff Hitter™

For those advocating that Johnny Damon should hit in the #1 spot for the Yankees because he is a "Natural/True Leadoff Hitter™", please define exactly what this phrase means. Please post your definitions on the comments board or email them to admin@nomaas.org

Thank you.
 

12.22.2005 Huh?

But a Yankees official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the Yankees had been closely monitoring the Damon situation all winter, hoping Boras would come down to three or four years. Once that happened, it was just a matter of blowing Boston's offer out of the water to secure Damon's services. (Source)

Did they take this same aggressive tactic with Giles or Nomar?
 

12.21.2005 Playa Hatin'

NoMaas' Sensei John Kreese has no mercy for the Damon deal.

What's done is done.  We campaigned heavily against a Damon signing, but even with the deal, we still believe that the Yankees have had a very successful offseason.  And, we don't think Cash is done yet.

With that being said, here are some positives and negatives of the Damon deal:

Positives by NoMaas' Brisco County Jr

Negatives by NoMaas' Prince Akeem, heir to the throne of Zamunda (Part 1 of 3)
 

12.22.2005 Next up: DH & Bench

1. The Yankees should now look to strengthen their designated hitter spot and their bench.  For DH, they need a solid bat who can also relieve Matsui, Damon, and Sheffield in the outfield.  This will allow the older outfield players to rotate in and out of the DH spot, saving some wear and tear on their bodies.

Note: We do not want Bernie as our regular DH.

2. One of the Yankees biggest weaknesses over the past few years has been their bench.  We have been blessed with the likes of John Flaherty, Ruben Sierra, Charles Gipson, Rey Sanchez, Tony Womack, etc.  The Yankees need more depth in their reserves.

NoMaas will outline proposals in the coming days.

What will Ca$hMoney do next?
 

12.20.2005 Cue vomit

Johnny Damon’s days in Boston are over.

The free-agent center fielder agreed to a four-year, $52 million contract with the rival Yankees late Tuesday night. The agreement is contingent on Damon passing a physical.

Damon conformed the deal in an interview on Boston television station CBS-4 on Tuesday night.

"New York came after me aggressively and that's what sealed the deal," he said. "I'm headed to New York ... I'm very excited ... It's with mixed emotions ... Time for me to look forward."  (Source)

Knee-jerk reaction from NoMaas:

We seriously can't believe this.  We are upset beyond words.  The Yankees spend $52 million on a guy who has a 102 OPS+ for his career and was one of the worst defensive CFs in baseball last year, according to Zone Rating.  Best of all, the Yankees will get his decline years as he hits his mid 30s.

And because he's a "natural leadoff hitter", he is going to move 5 better hitters down in the batting order.  And how many times do you think Jeter is going to sacrifice bunt next year?  Damon should hit 6th in this Yankee lineup.

This signing goes against everything that Cashman has been preaching so far this offseason.   Was this a Cashman move or was this ordered by Steinbrenner?  One has to wonder.  Either way proves that this organization is still dysfunctional and inefficient.

Is he an upgrade over Bernie?  Yes, he is.  But is he worth a $52 million investment? What about the luxury tax?  Ever hear of risk/reward?   This is a waste of money and a typical Yankees move.  These are the garbage transactions that inspired the creation of NoMaas.
 

12.20.2005 No one believes you

"I’m not here looking to achieve what I did (in Boston),” he said. “The biggest thing I can achieve is being part of a World Series team. That’s what I want to achieve here. I’ve never set personal goals for myself. It doesn’t matter whether you hit .370 or .250 or .210 if you have a ring on your finger.”  (Source)

It doesn't matter if you hit .370 or .210?  Is that why you signed a one-year deal?

You want to win a World Series?  Think the odds of winning a World Series are higher in LA than NY?
 

12.18.2005 Busy signal

Torre calls BJ Ryan, signs with Toronto
Torre calls Giles, signs with San Diego
Torre calls Nomar, signs with Los Angeles

12.15.2005 The Adventures of Ca$hMoney, Episode 1

Click here to see Ca$hMoney's adventure
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

12.14.2005 The steal of the offseason

While other GMs sign 110 ERA+ pitchers to $55 million deals and give two-year contracts to 47-year olds, Brian Cashman is perhaps lining up the biggest bargain of the offseason.  If the Yankees GM pulls this one off and the terms of the deal reflect his injury history, this would be an absolute steal.

How should Nomar be used if he is signed?  NoMaas' Jimmy Two Times:

Give Sheffield 20 games at DH and stick Nomar in RF.  Give Matsui 15 games at DH and stick him in LF.  Give Giambi 50 games at DH and stick Nomar at first.  Give Rodriguez 10 games off at DH and stick Nomar at third, Give Jeter 10 games off at SS and stick Nomar at short.  Give Cano 10 games off and stick Nomar at second.  That's 115 games in the field.
 
 
 

12.14.2005 Oh Dear God

"According to multiple officials familiar with the situation, the Yankees' manager reached out to free-agent centerfielder Johnny Damon." (Source)

"We see him [Damon] play so much it feels like every day," Joe Torre said yesterday. "From the 2004 postseason through this season we have seen him 1,000 times. He makes things happen. He doesn't have an outstanding arm but he never had a strong arm when he was a youngster." (Source)

12.14.2005 NoMaas wants YOU

Repeating NoMaas offseason idea #7:

Career 125 ERA+, .562 OPS Against vs. righties over the past 3 years, averaged at least 10 K/9 from 2002-2004.

Can probably be had on an incentive-based deal.

Well worth the risk.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

12.13.2005 Bear market

12.12.2005 Stay Away

"The Yankees are starting to get serious with Johnny Damon, and according to a person familiar with the Yankees' plans, they'll be "very strong" players if Damon will consider a four-year offer." (Source)

Why signing Johnny Damon does not make sense for the Yankees:

1. Inconsistent performer: had an OPS+ of under 100 as recently as 2003 (94 OPS+).  Career OPS+ of only 102.

2. Joe Torre would hit him leadoff: Because Damon is perceived as being "fast" and this general misconception that Jeter is a better #2 hitter, Torre will have Damon kick off the Yankees batting order.

Jeter was perhaps the best leadoff hitter in baseball last year.  His OBP was .389 compared to Damon's .366.  In fact, Damon's OBP would have ranked 6th among Yankee regulars in 2005.

3. His fielding is declining: Damon ranked 15 out of 20 in Zone Rating among MLB CFs in 2005.

Hopefully, the front office is just trying to drive the price up on Boston
 

12.09.2005 The night he came to the Bronx

Devastating vs. lefties with a .409 OPS Against (.198 OBP) in 2005.

From 2002-2004, he held lefties to a .595 OPS Against.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Death to lefties
 

12.09.2005 1-year deal

NoMaas offseason idea #10

It would cost no draft picks or prospects.  Get it done.

Clemens: "I want to come back to the Yankees so much, I'll even shave my armpits."
 

12.09.2005 Winner of Best Picture 2005

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you
 

12.09.2005 John Schuerholz should be committed to a mental asylum

In a state of temporary insanity, the Atlanta Braves traded super-prospect Andy Marte to the Boston Red Sox for a poor hitting, bad fielding, extremely overpaid shortstop.  Just 22 years old, Andy Marte put up an impressive line in 2005 at AAA-Richmond:  .372 OBP / .506 SLG / .878 OPS

Meanwhile, Edgar Renteria made $10 million to produce an OPS+ of 91 (100 being average) and was one of the worst defensive SS in all of baseball.  He also has three  years left on his existing contract.

Red Sox president Larry Lucchino hands Braves GM John Schuerholz the "I Made the Dumbest Move of the Offseason" Award.
 

12.08.2005 Bernie coming back?

"Bernie Williams is willing to take a part-time role to remain in pinstripes, and the Yankees are willing to take him back.

According to a source with knowledge of the negotiations, Williams and the Yankees agreed in principle to a one-year, $2 million contract." (Source)

Is this the best use of $2 million?  Probably not.
 

12.08.2005 Johnny Two-Face

First quote in December 7th newspapers
Second quote made in April 2005
 

12.08.2005 For the dirty old man in your life

12.06.2005 Ca$hMoney lets 'em know

"I don't think we have as much need as maybe everybody else does," Cashman said. "And you learn, over time, if you don't get it in the winter, you still have time to get it as you go along. It's a terrible free-agent market, and just because other teams are doing it doesn't mean we should be active just to be active." (Source)

"If I had an obvious opportunity for centerfield, I would move quick, but I don't," Cashman said. " ... There are players available on the market who would be an upgrade for us, but we don't like their price tags, whether it's players traded or cost in dollars." (Source)

Cash: "I'm waxing chumps like candles."
 

12.06.2005 Saying goodbye to a legend

Williams showed up at the Wyndham Anatole hotel as baseball's Winter Meeting opened, and Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said he plans to meet with Williams' agent before tomorrow's midnight deadline for offering him arbitration.

"I don't think it's going to happen," Williams said of an arbitration offer. "If they do, great, but if not, you've got to move on, man."

"I'm still pretty confident," he said, "and I feel like I can still play. I'm optimistic about somebody signing me and giving me a chance. So we'll see what happens. Right now, there's nothing going on." (Source)

Never to be worn by a Yankee again.
 

12.06.2005 Where's Womack?

Can you find Tony Womack? Click here to play.
 

12.05.2005 You can't steal first base

What good is speed if you don't get on base? .326 OBP (Jeter .389)

Below-average centerfielder: Ranked 12 out of 20 in Zone Rating among qualified MLB CFs
 

12.03.2005 Goodbye 148 OPS+

NoMaas' #1 offseason target is gone.

12.03.2005 Farnsworth

When analyzing Kyle Farnsworth, one should first throw out the first 2 years of his career.  He was a full-time starter in his rookie season and started 5 games in his second year.

Since Farnsworth has become a full-time reliever, he has been effective, albeit with periods of erraticism.

If you conduct a rough calculation of taking his ERA+ at the end of each season since 2001, it comes out to an average 126.4.

His K/9 rates have been outstanding: 10.85 in 2003, 10.53 in 2004, 11.19 in 2005.

His OPS Against numbers have been very good in two out of the last 3 years: .580 in 2003, .769 in 2004, .542 in 2005.

He's definitely a risk due to his periods of volatility, but he could also be very dominant.  Joe Kerrigan > Mel

12.03.2005 From the Boogie Down to the Illadelph

Wise move letting Gordon walk:

1. 38 years old
2. Seriously declining K/9 rates
3. Arm viciously abused by Torre
4. Yankees get two draft picks

See NoMaas offseason idea #4
 

12.01.2005 If cheap, why not?

NoMaas offseason idea #9

He has missed a ton of time in the past couple years.  He has no leverage in negotiations.  But, is it possible that he can still rake?  Sign Nomar to a cheap 1-2 year deal and rotate him around to different positions.  It could be a steal.

Utility guy
 

12.01.2005 Boras: "Johnny Damon is God's gift to mankind."

Boston Herald:

“He’s the ironman of baseball,” Boras said yesterday from Dallas. “What Cal Ripken used to represent, Johnny Damon does today.”

“Johnny Damon is the most durable major league player in the game today,” Boras said. “If he had been on the disabled list three or four times, then OK, what kind of contract are we talking about — two, three years? Yet this guy plays all the time and hard all the time. You have to be unique to talk about a seven-year deal.”

“Johnny Damon is a model physical athlete with a body type that no one else has."

"Boras details his case for Damon in a bound, 10-section, three-ring notebook that he makes for most of his elite clients. It extols Damon in chapters entitled “Best leadoff man in baseball,” “Better than future Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson,” “Elite performer at age 31” and “Franchise Icon.”

"By using Damon’s offensive averages the last four seasons, Boras projects seven years into the future and has Damon entering the 3,000 hit club in 2012 and cracking the all-time top 20 list in runs, hits and doubles. "

And in case Damon decides to play through 2015, when he would be 41, Boras, again using his last four season averages and assuming no dropoffs, shows that Damon would finish third all-time in runs with 2,223 (ahead of Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron) and fifth all-time in hits with 3,619 (ahead of Tris Speaker and Honus Wagner)."

Move over Babe Ruth, here comes Johnny Damon
 
 

11.28.2005 Buy low, sell high

NoMaas offseason idea #8:

Coming into the 2005 season, this pitcher had a career ERA+ of 92 and a career ERA of 4.90.  Suddenly at the tender age of 33, he has a career year with an ERA+ of 139 and an ERA of 3.20.  Did this pitcher suddenly learn how to become an effective pitcher or was this an out-of-context year?  We think the latter.  The Yankees should leverage his recent success and trade him.

11.28.2005 Happy Birthday Mariano
 

11.28.2005 Josh Beckett: "I have no idea how to fix my blister problem."
 

Beckett: "Every time we think we got it figured out (blister problem), another one pops up. Maybe just getting out of heat and getting out of that humidity maybe that might help a little bit…" (Source)

11.25.2005 "Forever my sensei"

RIP Pat Morita, a.k.a Mr. Miyagi.

"Forever my Sensei," Ralph Macchio added, referring to Morita's role in "The Karate Kid." (Source)

One of the greatest movies of all-time
 

11.25.2005 Definition of an "ace"

What is an "ace?"  What constitutes an "ace pitcher?"  NoMaas writer, Brisco County Jr, tackles the question here.
 

11.24.2005 Happy Thanksgiving

11.22.2005 Yankees: "We agree with NoMaas."

"The Yankees apparently had a chance to bid for Beckett when the Marlins called them yesterday, according to three other baseball executives... The Yankees did not want to absorb the $18 million owed Lowell over the next two years, one official said.

Yanks GM Brian Cashman did not return a call seeking comment, but other baseball officials said the Yanks had concerns about Beckett's health." (Source)

Word up, Cash.
 

11.22.2005 This is when you spend the $$$

"Bick (Giles' agent) wouldn't discuss contract figures, but it's believed the Yankees are willing to pay Giles at least $30 million over three years. He's already turned down a three-year, $25.5 million offer from San Diego. Padres' GM Kevin Towers was quoted in the San Diego Union-Tribune Monday saying that he thought Giles and Bick "would give us a little bit of a discount. A little one."

Said Bick: "I don't think there's any question that what we proposed to them reflected that." (Source)

Increase the Giles offer and eliminate the competition!
 

11.22.2005 BoSox trade for injury-prone pitcher, automatic out, and horrible contract

by NoMaas writer, Sensei John Kreese

Before Red Sox fans rejoice and Yankee fans panic, let's take a good look at this trade.  In our opinion, isn't as good for Boston as most people might think it is.