Settling in for a Yankees holiday slumber

Chh- Take it from Guidry Santana-lovers. " The Yankees rotation is a strong one, they can make it with what they have now. Without Santana." :P He is awaiting a job offer? ... Hmm, where would he fit, extra coach? The Yanks want Joba in the rotation, I think he'll be a superstar there. Since there are only two spot left in the rotation with Pettitte, Wang and Mussina in, the big 3 are going to have to compete ( what craziness! ) I predict that it will be Hughes and Joba in the final two spots, Ian Kennedy could turn his jets on though, seems like a hard-nosed guy. Another prediction, Santana will stick with the Twins after New Years comes in. Maybe not.

Mr. Clemens is denying and denying and denying and denying and denying. Boy, he should be the spokesman for Energizer. I wonder if that as best as he can do. I mean, it's HIS word versus Mcnamee's. Who to believe? I believe Clemens, the man who was a Yankee, got us to a World Series and was a World Champion as a New York Yankee. Not to mention his 354 Career victories, 4,500 K's and 24 yrs of ML service. Restrictions apply. Copywright.

Ahh Bryan, now you have me even more excited for spring training!

I have a question for everyone, though I'm not sure if anyone knows the answer, about MLB TV. I emailed the customer service, but they never got back to me, so I will try my luck with you guys.

As most of you know, I go to school in Vermont, and do not get YES, obviously. So obviously, MLB TV is needed to let me watch the games. Last year, I got the basic MLB TV package, that streamed at 400 kb/s. I had some trouble with the streaming sometimes; it would freeze, and just not run smoothly on some occasions. My computer is fairly new and fairly fast, and I'm plugged directly into the wall for internet, as opposed to relying on a wireless connection.

So, my question is, would it be worth it to shell ouot the extra bucks for the MLB TV premium package, that offers a 700 kb/s stream? I don't know all that much about computers, so for anyone that does, any advice is appreciated!

Happy Holidays to all, enjoy the time off!

jlemoine,

I found MLB.TV to have about as many gliches as the HD feed on Comcast Cable. Improvements to both will come in time.

The 700 feed was better, but the major factor is the size screen you are using. My 15" notebook was OK but the 22" monitor on my desktop was not more enjoyable.

Yeah...I like Chamberlain.
I look forward to his performance next season.

My roomate had the 700 connection to watch the Yanks and it froze as well. We have wireless but it's usually pretty strong, but it may be better with a plug in connection.

I want to believe Clemens, but I can't. I've read the report, and there are some pretty specific accounts from Macnamee. Granted he did "have a gun to his head" so to speak but as is, he was not lieing about Andy, and Andy admitted to useing and I believe him. Useing precident Macnamee has not lied, but who knows. Only Rodger does right now.

What a surprise Buster Olney was wrong. Joba will dominate as a starter and it's going to be amazing. It'll be interesting how they handle the innings for the Big Three and where the Gator will end up.

My screen size is 17" (laptop). Sometimes that 400 connection was so bad I had to throw on MLB audio and listen to Sterling. If 700 should be better in theory, then maybe I should do that...I'm going to need it for the entire season, so if it freezes half as often, then I'd say its worth it.

That is, of course, if the 700 is supposed to be better in theory. I could be wrong, computers aren't my thing.

Being from Australia MLB is the only way i can watch the games. prior to last season with a smaller screeen it constantly froze and was a real pain. But having upgraded my system to the latest and having a 22 inch screem and MLB 700 package I dont think it froze once during the games which was great.

Does anyone have an update on the Santana issue. One wwould think that a decision would have been made by now. Did I hear weeks ago that the Twins would have accepted Kennedy Cabrera and a prospect from the farm.The Yankees I believe did want to commit to it. Is that true or not.

Merry XMAS to all

The Twins want more than MCabrera, Hughes, and Hilligoss so right now it's a stalemate. If they would take MCabrera, Kennedy, and two or three from the Farm it may get done in January.

They can still probably get Crisp, Lester, Lowrie, and Masterson, or close to it next July.

PS. I'm surprised YES is not available via satellite in Australia.

Thanks I will look ino i via Foxtel. All I want is to watch all Yankee games. Is this possible on Yes and is there such a thing as Yankee TV only

Also when does Spring Training commence and will rotations be in place by then and when is the latest rosters are to be finalised is there a deadline for the roster can someone be kind enough to let me know as you can imagine not toop much filters down to Australia. I am aware certain positional players report at certain times but not sure of the break up.

Eli Manning = worst qb in the league.

Clemens is coming back.

The Yankees sell around 18 games each year to a true "broadcast" station for people without cable.

The roster deadline for the rule 5 draft passed but , I believe no one can go on the 60 day injury until around March as Pavano must be carried until then.

Pitchers and catchers report on Valentine's Day (Feb 14th)with the rest of the players a few days later. Games start the 28th or 29th(leap year?)

Send anything further to RobertGKramer@AOL.Com.

maybe now Clemens would be a bargain.. since the steroids accusation, perhaps he's wanting to pitch again out of spite

Hank and Cashman should put up about $10-12 mil for Clemens to start in May or June (and i'd put Clemens fourth in the rotation)

^ and i forgot.. i think Joba should be the set-up guy to Mo with Kennedy as long reliever

the end-game scenario felt a LOT more secure in the second half of the 2007 season when Joba was setting up Mo, don't you think? the Bombers were winning those 1-run games unlike before the All-Star break

Levelboss, while what you say is definitely true, don't you think Joba would be more useful to us as a starter? I don't expect him to put up dazzling numbers as he did in the 'pen ( he was put there so he could make a transition to the rotation in 08 ).

bdsouth, i'm sure Joba would rock as a starter.. what i'm concerned about is the end-game; ever since Flash Gordon left, the Bombers haven't had a solid end-game except of course for Mo - those 1 run games add up and can make a big difference

the Yankees i think have enough quality starters to be able to afford Joba as a setup man; Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy i think should be able hold up a decent 6-7 innings, and if Moose is the fifth starter he should do well enough, because the Yankees should be able to shell opposing fifth starters

Clemens is definetely coming back.

Levelboss, that's a great scenario you've sketched out there. I wasn't intrigued by the idea of having Joba in the 'pen, but in this case, our rotation would be prominent, rather than having 3 pitchers compete for two rotation spots. We'll see, Spring Training will be the proving grounds, and I think that we'll have a good idea of how good Joba will be as a starter there. If he does good, and Hughes does good, and Kennedy does good, than I guess Joe G. will go with the top two performers in SP, and send the odd-man out to the 'pen, or maybe he'll opt to use a 6-man rotation. This is all barring that Mussina does good, because if he gets shelled in SP and the big three perform like themselves, than I think the Moose will end up in the pen and you'll have Wang, Pettitte, the Big Three to round it out. GOD I CAN'T WAIT TILL SPRING TRAINING. AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!

"Clemens is definetely coming back"

i mentioned earlier that this whole steroids thing could work out well for the Yankees; if Roger is itching to pitch again for whatever reason, hopefully he'll drop his price waaay down.. hopefully to $10-12 mil starting in May or June

Where would Clemens fit in?

I don't want Clemens back on the team, we need to get younger, and we've been doing that. We need to stop re-signing old studs that are past their prime. Clemens will be 1) an off field destraction (a-la Barry Bonds regardless of either's guilt) 2) overpaid (like last year) and 3) unreliable. Our rotation of Wang, Pettite, Hughes, Joba, Moose/Kennedy will be very strong. Last season we were the best team after the all star break because we were able to stay healthier than the forst half, and Abreu began to hit a little. Moose will be the #5 until he looses it, he's earned that oppertunity with loyal service to the Yankees. I think Kennedy will either start in AAA, but he may start in the 'pen to take over the #5 spot early in the season. If we pick up Clemens will he take the #5 spot? I'd rather the Moose to Kennedy option than Moose in the 'pen and Kennedy in AAA. If the rotation can stay healthy Hughes will out perform Clemens' last year numbers (I think 15-17 for Hughes), Wang will be constant (18-20), Pettite will be similar to last year (15-17) and Joba will grab between 15-17 wins as well. The key to making the playoffs is maintaining the leagues best ofense for another year, the #5 spot in the rotation, and limiting the amount of losses out of the 'pen (as well as staying healthy). As I've said over and over one more quality arm in the 'pen (preforably a lefty) and the pen is looking sharp.

1) Pettitte
2) Wang

3) Hughes

4) Clemens

5) Moose

Kennedy as long-reliever and Joba as set-up man

one of the BIG problems last year, imho, was that the pitching was not lined up correctly; i think the Bombers could have won a couple of games from Anaheim had the pitching been lined up correctly; as weird as it looks, i think the rotation order above is correct should Roger pitch for the Yankees in 2008

Keep Clemens off this team! We have too many starters as it is. Besides, relying on Clemens for another season is insane. He's too old, too injury prone, too past his prime, and too inconsistent.

And keep Joba in the rotation. He is going to be a Cy Young winner in a few years with the dirty arsenal he has...the man is a starter, let him do his thing.

If Clemens really wants to issue a denial, he should accept the open invitation from the congressional committee, and testify under oath.

jlemoine,

Regarding your question yesterday, 400K or 700K?...

The picture quality is so much better on the 700K...When I first signed up for the MLB TV package, I started with the basic 400K stream. It was just great to be able to watch the Yankee games on YES and CH. 9, here in the Bronx; and, also, watch the out-of-town games [especially the Red Sox games] on the MLB package - so I really didn't care too much about the picture quality...

In September, I upgraded to the MLB Premium, with the 700K stream. What a difference! The 700K stream is really much better [TV quality picture], although, it is still not perfect.

The picture still freezes up from time-to-time; and, also, the picture will cut-off every once in awhile, and you will have to re-set it again

But, the 700K is a lot better than the 400K!

Another option, to get YES, is by Satellite on Direct TV!

Anyway, it was fun watching the Red Sox games, and seeing Jacoby Ellsbury for the first time - when he came-up to the Sox at the end of the year. He brought the same excitement to Boston, as Joba Chamberlain brought to New York. If I were part of the Red Sox, I would not include Ellsbury in any deal. He is going to be a great player [a Johnny Damon / Fred Lynn type of player].

By the way, I also agree with you.....

The Yankees do not need Clemens on the team!; and...

Without a doubt, Joba Chamberlain should be in the Starting Rotation - not in the Bullpen!

Jimmy27NYY

http://baseballtheyankeesandlife.mlblogs.com/

Not too many people will acknowledge this right now but Clemens is coming back around the trade deadline.

Thanks for the advice Jimmy! Sounds like I'd be better off with the 700, especially since I'll need it for the full season, as I will be living off campus in Vermont next summer instead of coming home to NJ.

Back on topic: let me reiterate: Clemens on this team = terrible idea. We don't need to overpay a washed up veteran for half a season of mediocrity.

David Ortiz does not believe that Johan Santana is headed to Boston.

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/baseball/red_sox/view.bg?articleid=1062528

thats awesome news Bryan! relax and enjoy Christmas eve!!

if Santana doesn't go to Boston thats great. now we don't have to make the trade, and can wait till the deadline, or even better, wait till free agency and throw 20-25 mill 6 year deal at em!!!!

Just a thought about Tommy Byrne's passing. Most of you probably don't know him at all. My memory of him was that he was such a great hitting pitcher, Stengel often batted him in the 7 hole.

just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and that everyone remembers that there is no greater sports franchise than the New York Yankees! Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!!

bpark, I'm with you on Juan Pierre for Mike Mussina!

To Bryan, and Everyone at "Bombers Beat"...

May everyone have a Merry and Blessed Christmas,

and,

A Very Happy and Healthy New Year!

Let's all look forward to a great year in 2008...

When the Yankees will win their 27th World Championship!

May God Always Bless all of you!

Jimmy27NYY

http://baseballtheyankeesandlife.mlblogs.com/

Merry Christmas to all of you

Enjoy every moment with family and friends, and let 2008 be a GREAT year for all of us and the New York Yankees

Merry Christmas to Bryan, and everyone here on Bomber's Beat!

I hope everyone is enjoying the time with their families, and is looking forward to 2008!

Go Yanks!

I hope Santa brought everyone something good...Maybe Kyle Farnsworth finally got what he's been asking for...control!

i'd love to see if joba can develop into an ace type starter and i know a dominating starter is more valuable than a dominating reliever but looking at the yanks' options i the bp and in the rotation it seems that right now they need a dominating rp more than a sp... and with so many sp prospects and no real "closer of the future" in the system maybe the front office ought to rethink the move to the rotation? also, does anyone know how the yanks plan on splitting playing time with damon, matsui, giambi, duncan and betemit?

i'm looking for a fellow die hard INTELLIGENT (not a "betemit,farnsworth ,matsui, and rasner for santana" type) yankee fan to trade emails with(sort of a "pen pal") now and during the season. anyone interested? please email! pumpitup2008@hotmail.com

Anyway, You know what merry christmas and happy new year and to **** with all of those idiots who want to make christmas political, GO YANKS AND **** THE RED ***!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What is wrong with Joba,Pettitte,Hughes, Wang and Kennedy/Mussina? The last two are almost the same, so there wouldn't be much dif. Also, we have many people in the system to try out in the pen:Albaladejo, Farns,Hawk,Igawa,Ohlendorf,Patterson,Remiirez, Sanchez, Veras,and others not on the 40 man. Let them go to it!

Noway in **** does Clemens come back!!!! He's done, and won't isn't considered the best pitcher on the Yankees staff.The Yanks or any team would really have to be desperate to take on Clemens who has nothing left as a pitcher. Keep the Ol' Man off this team.

I agree with jlemoine, and anyone else who don't want Clemens back. I don't think he will be coming back to the Yanks personally. There is no way in **** Clemens is worth anywheres near 10-12 million per year, that's just nuts!! This guy is barely a No.4 starter if at all. Talk about a waste of roster space, and money. One of these days this organization is going to learn to stop spending on over-aged, injury-prone players who are past their prime, and near the end of their careers like Clemens. Signing Clemens to another contract regardless of size of that contract just shows that this organization has a long ways to go before it learns that lesson. Clemens offers nothing as a pitcher, period. He's definitely not better than the starters this team has on its roster like Chamberlain, Hughes, Kennedy, Wang or Pettitte. having him on the roster guarantees nothing, the Yanks can't make the same mistake it made last season by signing him to large contract.

One of the bigger questions about Clemens isn't whether he can last an entire season, but how many times will he go down, and when will he go down. As with Messina that is a big issue since adding Clemens would mean adding two pitchers who are questionable when it comes to durability. Heck, he couldn't be relied on to stay healthy late in the season, and into the playoffs where he was too injure to pitch, and was completely outclassed by Hughes. Maybe if Clemens were healthy at the time the outcome against the Tribe would have been different, but Clemens is what he is, it was just inevitable. Hopefully, the Yanks will be smart enough to keep a second old pitcher who can't go an entire season, it's bad enought this team has Messina. This team is perfectly fine with what it has in the starting rotation, Clemens won't improve it at all, therefore it makes no sense to sign him especially to a $10 million contract.

In response to this team not having a closer down the road. That is not completely true. It still has J. Brent Cox who was picked in the 1st Rd of the draft a couple of seasons ago. He doesn't have a blazing fastball,but he has put up pretty decent numbers, he's similar to Tyler Houston of the A's. This team also has Humberto Sanchez who could be converted to a reliever if he recovers from TJ surgery. He has can really bring it. This organization also has Dellin Betances, and Mark Melancon who both can throw close to 100 m.p.h. and have the stuff to be very dominating. They can, and quite possibly could be turned into relievers, especially since there is a surplus of quality arms ahead of them. So there are quite a few options as a closer down the road for this organization.

Good points on our relief options, Matt.

And one more point to add to the anti-Clemens argument: think about all the off-field distraction this whole steroid thing could cause! Lets keep this stuff away from our players...

Yep, having Clemens back would almost be like having Bonds on this team.