The Chuck Knoblog

Parade Madness

Charlie@thechuckknoblog.com (Charlie) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:24:00 +0000

I was at the Parade and when standing out in the cold for a few hours people find a ways to occupy themselves. Near me people were throwing toilet paper back and forth, which was fun. Some other people were doing this:

Here is the quote from Deadspin:

I attended the Yankee parade this Friday...and a group of kids were picking random people to be thrown in the air just for the hell of it. This was hours before the parade started. It was quite entertaining...and this girl was being thrown around like a beach volleyball.

Deadspin has been bitching and moaning about the Yankees forever but that is a cool picture.

For Anyone Who Missed It

Charlie@thechuckknoblog.com (Charlie) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:58:00 +0000

Click For HD

Yankees Watching LEBRON!!!!

Charlie@thechuckknoblog.com (Charlie) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:51:00 +0000

Here are the boys at the Knicks game. Notice the different styles of dress (A-Rod, Melky, Tex). CC and Melky matched their shoes with their shirt. That is very impressive for Melky; he strikes me as a guy who doesn't know what day it is.

Yankees on Letterman Tonight

Charlie@thechuckknoblog.com (Charlie) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:47:00 +0000

Already miss seeing your beloved Yankees on T.V.? Well, tonight at 11:35 eastern 3 of the core 4 (Jeter, Po and Pettitte) can be seen on the David Letterman show tonight.

You don't even wanna know how many of the staff members have had sex with Jeter.

2009 New York Yankees Parade Info

Charlie@thechuckknoblog.com (Charlie) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:13:00 +0000

Friday's ticker-tape parade will begin on Broadway at Battery Place (map above). They will make their way down the Canyon of Heroes to City Hall where the Mayor will present everyone (even Bruney) Keys to the City.

The Parade will start at 11 AM Friday Morning (11/6/09)
There are projected to be 3 million people attending the parade (including Nate and I)
You need tickets to go to the City Hall ceremony but they will showing it on a giant TV near City Hall plaza.

Here is the quote from Bloomberg:

Congratulations to the Yankees for bringing the world championship back home to New York City, where it belongs," said Bloomberg. "The Yankees have thrilled the city all year long with their come-from-behind victories and never-say-die attitude, and they did it again in the World Series. What's sweeter than a World Series won at home? The only thing that comes close is a ticker-tape parade up the Canyon of Heroes, and that's exactly what New Yorkers will get on Friday. The Phillies were a tough team to beat, but I must admit I look forward to seeing Mayor (Michael) Nutter in pinstripes as he joins me and some of our public school students as we paint the Albert Einstein School in the Bronx."

I will update this post with more info as it comes.

"The Monkey is Out of the Bottle"

Charlie@thechuckknoblog.com (Charlie) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:52:00 +0000

A-Rod 2009 Postseason Numbers (Check the Line, Yo):

09 Postseason Totals:

15 Runs, 19 Hits, 5 2Bs, 6 HRs, 18 RBIs, 12 BB, .365 AVG, .500 OBP

Alex was truly amazing this postseason, it seemed he was knocking home runs and big hits all month.

Thank You Kate Hudson.

#27

Charlie@thechuckknoblog.com (Charlie) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:36:00 +0000

It has been a while but our Yankees have done it again. #27 is ours. It has been an incredible year and defeating the defending champs in a World Series showdown tops it off. The new stadium gets a World Series in it's first year; that place is already growing on me. We haven't posted in a while but I will explain that later. Right enjoy the win, fans. There will be a lot more to come from the Knoblog. I will be attending the Parade and will be posting constantly from now on. This is the first World Series since I have been running the Knoblog and there will be many more to come. This one is special. As Jeter said "This is back where it belongs".

8/7- Red Sox at Yankees: Game 111

Charlie@thechuckknoblog.com (Charlie) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:31:00 +0000

YANKEES (68-42)

Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez DH
Posada C
Swisher RF
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Hairston 3B

Pitching:

LHP Andy Pettitte (9-6, 4.35).

Last appearance: 8/04 at TOR
6.2 IP, 1 ER
Dec = Win

RED SOX (62-47)

Ellsbury CF
Pedroia 2B
Martinez 1B
Youkilis 3B
Bay LF
Drew RF
Lowell DH
Varitek C
Green C

Pitching:

LHP Jon Lester (9-7, 3.79).

Last appearance: 8/04 at TAM

6.0 IP, 1 ER

Dec = ND

Standings:

Let's end them.

Step On Their Throats

Charlie@thechuckknoblog.com (Charlie) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 16:54:00 +0000

The Yankees have taken 3 out of 4 so far from the Sox in a crucial time in the season. The playoffs are looming and the Yankees have improved their lead in the division to a modest 5 and 1/2 games. The Yankees have been playing exceptional ball lately, winning 6 straight and now hold the best record in baseball.

We face the Red Sox again tonight for the final game in the series. Under the ESPN national spotlight it will be Jon Lester vs Andy Pettitte.

As for yesterday's game it was the best game that I have been to all year. C.C. pitched a gem and had killer stuff and we shut down the Sox.

Appreciating Melky Cabrera

noreply@blogger.com (Nate) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:43:00 +0000

The Yankees' 2009 season has been filled with storylines, from the arrivals of Mark Teixeira, CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, and Nick Swisher, to A-Rod's return from hip surgery, to Derek Jeter's MVP-caliber season. One storyline that has seemingly been lost in this whirlwind is Melky Cabrera. Melky has had a breakout season of sorts, after most of us, myself included, wrote him off after last year's dismal season, in which he took a big step backward in his development. After losing out to Brett Gardner in the spring training centerfield battle, it seemed as though Melky would never be anything more than a fourth outfielder, and many Yankee fans wanted him traded. Since then, however, Melky has played very well, winning back the centerfield job and essentially splitting time with Brett Gardner in center, as well as seeing some time at the corners. Since Gardner hit the DL with a broken finger, Melky has continued to produce.

Melky's slash line stands at .292/.355/.463, good for an .819 OPS (114 OPS+). This is worlds better than last year, when he posted a .249/.301/.341 line, which comes out to a .641 OPS (68 OPS+). His career line is .272/.334/.389/.723/89. So Melky has gone from a below-average offensive player to an above-average one, at a position where league average play is considered to be very valuable. Let's dig a little deeper to see how Melky has improved. His walk rate stands at 9.4%, which is not great, but is a major step forward from last year's 6.5% and his career mark of 8.4%. We've also seen an increase in his line drive rate, which stands at 20.8% (18.6 last year, 18.9 career). This, as well as his improved plate discipline are reasons why his batting average is twenty points higher than his career mark. Perhaps most surprising about Melky's season is his improved power. Melky is slugging .463 after never having a season of better than .391 (2006 and 2007) and has an Iso of .171 after never doing better than .117 (2007). Now, one might argue that this is a product of the New Yankee Stadium, but his slugging percentage on the road is identical to his home mark.

Now, on to something Melky has always been able to do; play defense. Fangraphs has Melky as a +3.3 defender in centerfield, so he's been an asset on both offense and defense. He's been worth 1.6 Wins Above Replacement, which makes him worth $7.3 million, and considering he's getting paid $1.4 million this year, he's a tremendous bargain.

So what does the future hold for Melky? One thing we tend to forget is that Melky is just 24 years old, so he has plenty of development left, and if he can continue his current trend, he should be a valuable guy for years to come. With his step forward this year, along with Brett Gardner's solid rookie season, what seemed like the team's biggest hole last offseason has been shored up with low-cost players. This will give Austin Jackson more time to develop in the minors, or allow the Yankees to move him for a big return.

Chicago Blues

Charlie@thechuckknoblog.com (Charlie) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 05:36:00 +0000

After winning 11 out of 13 coming into the White Sox series; the Yankees were riding high with a slightly comfortable lead in the division. Now after 3 embarrassing losses influenced by horrid pitching and fielding.

We haven't beat Boston all year and playing dismally before an upcoming series with them is not a good game-plan. Now the Yankees only stand a half game up in the division and have another game vs the White Sox tomorrow. Hopefully C.C. will pitch like the monster that he is. He is facing the scruffy trap sliding Mark Burhule, who recently threw a perfect game.

After that a 2 game stint in Canada against the Jays and then we take on the Bo Sox at home.

Sorry for the lack of posts I have been a little busy but now I am back.

Moose is an Offical Old Timer

Charlie@thechuckknoblog.com (Charlie) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 00:40:00 +0000

Mike Mussina confirmed that he will appear at old timer's day today. Moose described his retirement perfectly in this quote "I'm doing nothing". Since the old guy seemed to run out of crosswords and candy he has decided to grace the stadium on sunday with his presence.

Jeremy Bleich Update

noreply@blogger.com (Mike N.) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:41:00 +0000

Now that we've hit the All Star Break. Its a good time for a check up on Jeremy Bleich's season stats. We all know about his domination of A ball. His performance for Trenton has been questioned though. His ERA is up to 6.00 and he's 0-3. Look at this DIPS stats though. They're not bad at all. 1.78 K/BB isn't great but he's a GB pitcher and his HR/9 is .50. He's been victimized by a .365 BABIP and his FIP of 3.98 is a better indicator of his performance. It'll be interesting to see how he's ranked at the season's end.

I'm Moving

noreply@blogger.com (Mike N.) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:03:00 +0000

I got an offer to start writing over at the Sliding Into Home Yankees blog and I decided to take it. I've got no hard feelings about my time here and Charlie, Nate, and Domenic have all been great and its been fun writing here. I do not plan on leaving this blog. I will continue the Jeremy Bleich Watch and I'll also continue to make the occasional post here. I'm just going to focus my attention on Sliding Into Home.

I'm Back

noreply@blogger.com (Mike N.) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:03:00 +0000

I'm home again guys.

7/8-Yankees at Twins

Charlie@thechuckknoblog.com (Charlie) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:31:00 +0000

YANKEES (49-34)
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Gardner CF

Pitching: RHP A.J. Burnett (7-4, 3.83).

TWINS (43-41)
Span LF
Harris SS
Mauer C
Morneau 1B
Cuddyer RF
Kubel DH
Crede 3B
Gomez CF
Punto 2B

Pitching: RHP Anthony Swarzak (2-2, 3.90).

TIME/TV: 8:10, YES.

I Was Wrong

noreply@blogger.com (Mike N.) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:46:00 +0000

Before this season I didn't think a plattoon of Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner would be able to handle centerfield effectively. I anticipated a hole in the lineup and wanted a trade for Mike Cameron as a one year fix to hold down the fort for Austin Jackson. However, Gardner and Melky have been pleasant surprises while Cameron has struggled for the Brewers. Obviously, theirs plenty of time left in the season but Gardner and Melky have really held down the fort while Austin Jackson learns how to not to strikeout.

Trading Wang?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike N.) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 02:57:00 +0000

Yesterday Jon Heyman mentioned on Twitter that The Phillies and Rangers have some interest in Wang. Its definitely an intriguing idea. I'm torn on this. For now, I'd hang on to him. With another month or two of good performances he could recoup a lot of his old value. Their also has to be an eye focused on next year. If they trade Wang they need to make some tough decisions about whether or not to sign onto yet another big free agent contract or give the spot to Alfredo Aceves or Ian Kennedy. Both would be untrustworthy and if Aceves, they would lose one of their best bullpen arms.

If they offered up a nice package (which Texas can definitely do) I'd take a good hard look at it but my expectations for that are very low at the moment. Tomorrow is another big start for Wang (they're all big from here on out to be honest) and we may have a better idea of where we stand with Wang then.

Is Jesus Montero the second coming?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike N.) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:50:00 +0000

Great article on fangraphs.com about Jesus Montero. The comments on his defense are dissapointing but nothing we didn't know already. The hype has been building big time over the past couple days for the Yankees man-child.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/jesus-montero-saves

Checking Out With a Win

noreply@blogger.com (Mike N.) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:18:00 +0000

I'll be making my getaway to New Hampshire to spend some time with the family tomorrow. So, this was the last game I'll be seeing for the rest of the week. It was a good one though.

A.J. came out of the gate throwing heat. He was thrwoing 95-97 mph consistently and it served him well early on. When that started to fail him, he turned to a vicious breaking ball. Although the score was close, the way Burnett pitched made it feel like the lead was much larger.

He's been fantastic since that start against Boston and I pray he stays healthy because right now A.J. is a guy worth watching every start. He K'd seven in as many innings and gave up only two runs. Much of that was due to the fact that he limited his walk total to three which is a major improvement for Burnett. He was challenging hitters, rather than nibbling and the results were fantastic. The bullpen was just as good as well. The two Phil's worked together for an easy eighth inning and Mariano had a 1-2-3 ninth inning while K'ing two.

The offense didn't score to many runs but were solid and four runs sould be enough to win a game. Cano opened up the scoring by leading off the second with a homer. Its been a long time since Robi's flashed his power. It wasn't that long ago that some people were talking about 30 home run potential with him and its nice to see him show some of that again. The fifth inning was what sealed the deal. Brain Tallet started the inning by walking Brett Gardner, big mistake. The Toronto lefty was clearly distracted by Gardner throughout the rest of the inning. He ended up walking Mark Texeira with the bases loaded and throwing a wild pitch to give the Yankees a 3-1 lead. Vernon Wells got the Jays a run closer in the following inning with a solo homer but that was all they would get and A-Rod would tack on another run with a ninth inning homer off of Jeremy Accardo anyway.

Great bounceback win after a clunker by Sabathia and the Yankees are rolling right now.

Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Mike N.) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:03:00 +0000

I'm going away with the family for the week and I'll be out of contact with all civilization so no posts from me for the next week or so.

We're leaving tonight so I might have another post or two for today but that's it.

Wrapping Up June

Charlie@thechuckknoblog.com (Charlie) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:39:00 +0000

The Yankees have finished June and now let's check totals from that month.

Time for some statistical fun!

Hitting
The Yankees came in with the 17th best team average (.253) behind both the Red Sox (.260) and Rays (.284) who lead the MLB. As for long-balls the Yankees finished 8th best in the league in home runs totaling up to 33 much less than last month (42) due to the many away games. Scoring 140, 4th in the league, and driving in 140, 4th in the league. Yankees team OBP is 2nd in the Majors coming in
at .354 which is similar to last month. Their slugging % is 5th best in the game, .433. A slightly lower BABIP (.269).

Since the Yankees started the month poorly but ended with a 7 game winning streak. So they earned some pretty average numbers. Hopefully in the next month they will keep the streak going.

Season Totals: Avg: 272 (4th), HRs: 116 (2nd), RBIs: 404 (2nd), OBP: 355 (2nd)

Pitching
The Yankees clocked 15 wins this month (8th) and 11 losses (7th). Coming in at 10th the Yankees ERA 3.55. The K were sweet this month the Yanks came in 2nd (215). Giving up an insane 26 HR (13th)
Starting Pitching had a 4.07 ERA (16th)

Relief Pitching had a 2.63 ERA (6th).

Season Totals: W-L: 16-11, ERA: 4.24 (21), K's: 227 (4th)

Fielding
The Yankees team UZR is -6.7

Here are the current standings:

Pitching Improving

noreply@blogger.com (Mike N.) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:38:00 +0000

Yankee's FIP's by month:

April- 4.85

May- 5.02 (Last in baseball)

June- 3.89

July- 3.48 (Obviously a small sample size)

It looks like after struggling the first two months, the Yankees pitchers finally settled into a groove. Girardi has seemingly found the right mix of relievers and the big money guys (Burnett/Sabathia) have started to live up to their contracts. Chien Ming Wang has also pitched much better of late.

Pena Optioned Down

noreply@blogger.com (Mike N.) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:14:00 +0000

When I made my daily trip around the blogosphere I was surprised to read that the Yankees will be sending down Ramiro Pena and having him learn centerfield. Not surprised to see him being sent down but I didn't expect to see them teaching Pena centerfield. I like both moves by the Yankees though. Versatility can never hurt and might save them a roster spot down the line.

Here's a few reasons I prefer Ransom over Pena right now:

Ransom clearly has a better bat. Pena's hitting has been epically bad and Ransom hit .302/.400/.651 in the majors last year. Yes in a small sample size but you have to give the guy a ML roster spot if he does that.
If you keep Ransom on the ML team you can still keep Pena around in the minors. While if you wanted to keep Pena around, you'd have to DFA Ransom and probably lose him. If theirs an injury it'd be nice to have both of them around. If Ransom struggles they can just replace him with Pena but it wouldn't work the other way around.
Pena is only 24 and is fantastic in the field. If he could ever learn to hit he'd become a valuable player. If he could just have an OPS+ around 100 then he could be a future everyday player. He can work on this in the minors. If he were to get hot in the minors, it would help him build up some trade value.

Andy Pettitte Appreciation Thread

noreply@blogger.com (Mike N.) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:59:00 +0000

Pettitte has been one of the more underappreciated Yankees this year in my opinion. During the offseason, fans were divided over whether they even wanted him back or if he should retire/leave and make away for Phil Hughes. He started off well but as soon as he ran into a rough patch fans were calling for his head. Apparently he was finished, had a bad back, and some fans even wanted him in the bullpen.

Three starts ago he turned in one of his best performances he's had in a while. However, he struggled in his next one and again fans were calling for his head. Last night he turned in another great start and he still is overshadowed by Alex Rodriguez's mammoth homer. His ERA is down to 4.25 and his FIP is only a little higher at 4.51. After Sabathia he also has the highest IP total of any Yankees starter.

He hasn't been an ace for them but he's not getting paid like one either. The Yankees brought him back to be an innings eater. He's been exactly that for them. He's given been sometimes good and sometimes bad but its more good than bad. So, the next time he throws a bad game, can we please refraim from saying he's done or that this is only going to get worse for Pettitte? He's a battler and he's stilll a very solid pitcher that the Yankees are going to need.