After the Yankees announced their acquisition of young right hander Micheal Pineda from Seattle, I heard someone moan that this was going to be "Jay Buhner for Ken Phelps all over again".
In July of 1988, the Yankees traded a 23 year old right handed hitting, slugging outfielder named Jay Buhner to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for a 33 year old, left handed designated hitter named Ken Phelps. (Note the age differences)
It turned out to be one of the worst trades in Yankee history.
Buhner went on to have a creditable major league career while Phelps "bombed" in the Bronx.
Buhner was on the upswing at the time he was traded, while the Yankees got Phelps because of a lack of left handed power. The thinking was that Phelps would be able to take advantage of the short porch in right field, but the Yankees made a severe miscalculation. Phelps was not a "dead-pull" hitter, he was a "gap" hitter. At the old Seattle Kingdome, the "gaps" were not as deep as Yankee Stadium, so even though Phelps put up power numbers in Seattle, that didn't translate into the same success in New York.
This trade is in no, way, shape or form, the same kind of deal.
The Yankees are more patient with young players these days and are using them the right way to improve their team from within and for deals such as the one they completed Friday night.
The Yankees pick up a young pitcher who burst onto the scene last season and still has plenty of upside. The key word there is "young"
Jesus Montero projects to be one of the real up and coming offensive stars but he will not cut it as a big league catcher, no matter who's telling you he will.
Montero will be a 1B/DH type who will thrive in the bigs for his bat, not his defense.
Hector Noesi could be the real loss here, but you have to give to get and the Yankees are getting one of the best young arms in the game.
Pineda's numbers dropped off in the second half, but that's to be expected from a rookie. Most first year players who have success in the early going, tend to drop off later on in the season. It's a natural regression, but one that shouldn't put a damper on this deal.
The 22-year old (soon to be 23) did not fare well against some of the AL East teams, but again, that could be a matter of inexperience, not one of ineptitude.
Pineda dominated right handed hitters to the tune of a .184 batting average. Lefties did better (.237 against) but the youngster has the stuff to be consistently stingy against all hitters.
There are some questions that will need to be answered.
How will Pineda fare in his second year?
The hitters will be more aware of what he throws and will make adjustments accordingly. Pineda will need to make some adjustments as well and there could be some "roadblocks" that come attached to this process.
Also, Pineda is now being thrown into the AL East, quite a difference from the AL West, and he will be under alot more pressure pitching in NY for the Yankees, instead of "pressure-free" Seattle. How he handles these new responsibilities will bear watching.
In the grand scheme of things, the Yankees got a young, stud pitcher who they hope will be their number two starter behind C.C. Sabathia and eventually, will develop into their ace.
Dealing Montero is a loss, but the Yankees executed this trade from strength (their minor league depth) to radically improve their chances this season.
The Yankees plan all along was to get younger and this trade is a step in the right direction.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
No Defense For Bad Shots
The bottom line is to get the win, but some red flags surfaced in last night's 95-89 Knicks win over the 76ers.
The Knicks had a 78-61 lead with a little over nine minutes left in the fourth quarter, yet, they had to struggle down the stretch to preserve their advantage.
With a 17 point lead in the fourth quarter, the Knicks had a chance to not only cruise to a win, but give their key players time off, which could prove to be a valuable commodity in this condensed NBA season.
'
This wasn't one you could pin on the defense, that part of their game has actually been much better. The Knicks' offense suddenly went south at that point and the Sixers nearly took full advantage. Philly was playing their third game in three nights and the Knicks were letting them off the hook with their shot selection, which was absolutely horrendous (they didn't score a FG) for the final 9 minutes of the game.
After the Sixers' Thaddeus Young scored to make it 78-63, Bill Walker launched a three with 14 seconds remaining on the shot clock.
Young hit another shot to narrow the gap to 13 pts and the Knicks followed that up with Iman Shumpert missing a three with 11 seconds left on the shot clock.
Andre Iguodala canned a 21 foot jumper for six straight points and a 78-67 deficit.
Shumpert hoisted up another three (at least this one came with five seconds left on the shot clock) and missed, but the Knicks got the offensive rebound and instead of running more clock, Carmelo Anthony put up a three almost immediately and missed, giving Philly another chance to cut into the lead.
I was working for Sixers TV last night and after Anthony's attempt, I happened to look over at Walt "Clyde" Frazier who gave a look like, "Why is he taking that shot?".
If the Knicks are to go anywhere this season, they need to learn how to protect leads and finish games.
With a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter, you don't hoist up three point shots.
Yeah, it's great if they go in, but those are not good shots in that situation.
If the Knicks run a solid possession with a big lead, even if they miss the shot, it's productive because you're running time off the clock. The opposing team and the clock become a team's enigma when they're trailing by a large margin in the fourth quarter.
At least with Shumpert's shots, you can attribute that to his inexperience, but no excuse for 'Melo and Walker's attempts.
The lack of a floor leader certainly didn't help but that doesn't excuse the offensive approach in the fourth quarter, that seems to always end up with an Anthony isolation, while the rest of the team stands around.
For all his years in the league, Amare Stoudemire still tries to put the ball on the floor in a crowd and ends up turning it over. He did that a number of times last season and that habit has continued into this year.
To be fair, the Sixers are a very, very good defensive team and that certainly contributed to the offensive malaise.
However, if the Knicks are to go beyond where they went last season (swept in four games in the first round) they need to learn how to "milk" the clock when they're up big.
The Knicks had a 78-61 lead with a little over nine minutes left in the fourth quarter, yet, they had to struggle down the stretch to preserve their advantage.
With a 17 point lead in the fourth quarter, the Knicks had a chance to not only cruise to a win, but give their key players time off, which could prove to be a valuable commodity in this condensed NBA season.
'
This wasn't one you could pin on the defense, that part of their game has actually been much better. The Knicks' offense suddenly went south at that point and the Sixers nearly took full advantage. Philly was playing their third game in three nights and the Knicks were letting them off the hook with their shot selection, which was absolutely horrendous (they didn't score a FG) for the final 9 minutes of the game.
After the Sixers' Thaddeus Young scored to make it 78-63, Bill Walker launched a three with 14 seconds remaining on the shot clock.
Young hit another shot to narrow the gap to 13 pts and the Knicks followed that up with Iman Shumpert missing a three with 11 seconds left on the shot clock.
Andre Iguodala canned a 21 foot jumper for six straight points and a 78-67 deficit.
Shumpert hoisted up another three (at least this one came with five seconds left on the shot clock) and missed, but the Knicks got the offensive rebound and instead of running more clock, Carmelo Anthony put up a three almost immediately and missed, giving Philly another chance to cut into the lead.
I was working for Sixers TV last night and after Anthony's attempt, I happened to look over at Walt "Clyde" Frazier who gave a look like, "Why is he taking that shot?".
If the Knicks are to go anywhere this season, they need to learn how to protect leads and finish games.
With a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter, you don't hoist up three point shots.
Yeah, it's great if they go in, but those are not good shots in that situation.
If the Knicks run a solid possession with a big lead, even if they miss the shot, it's productive because you're running time off the clock. The opposing team and the clock become a team's enigma when they're trailing by a large margin in the fourth quarter.
At least with Shumpert's shots, you can attribute that to his inexperience, but no excuse for 'Melo and Walker's attempts.
The lack of a floor leader certainly didn't help but that doesn't excuse the offensive approach in the fourth quarter, that seems to always end up with an Anthony isolation, while the rest of the team stands around.
For all his years in the league, Amare Stoudemire still tries to put the ball on the floor in a crowd and ends up turning it over. He did that a number of times last season and that habit has continued into this year.
To be fair, the Sixers are a very, very good defensive team and that certainly contributed to the offensive malaise.
However, if the Knicks are to go beyond where they went last season (swept in four games in the first round) they need to learn how to "milk" the clock when they're up big.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
If You Haven't Been Watching, You May Be Missing Something Special
If you haven't been taking notice of what the NY Rangers are doing, then you may be missing something special.
The Rangers have vaulted to the top of the NHL with a formula that lends itself to championship hockey clubs.
Great goaltending, outstanding defense, lots of grit and resolve and an ability to find ways to win is a recipe for success in today's NHL.
Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves yet.
The Rangers have yet to face the best team in the league, the defending Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins, but they will get their shot later this month in what should be a great regular season hockey game.
The Rangers still have lots of room for improvement. The power play is inconsistent, (which is actually an improvement, considering that it's been poor in recent years)and they've had some trouble with opposing teams that have alot of speed, but Henrik Lundqvist is having a tremendous season and that has been a huge help in covering up for the flaws.
Anyone that's watched Lundqvist over the years, always felt that if he had a good team in front of him, then the sky's the limit.
That's exactly what has happened this season. Lundqvist doesn't have to be great every night because as mentioned previously, the Rangers find ways to win. It's also proven out in the record of the back up goaltender. Martin Biron is not only 8-2, but he's taken pressure off of Lundqvist to play every night, which will serve the team very well come playoff time.
Unlike heralded free agents of the past, Brad Richards has been an excellent sign and the Rangers made absolutely the right call when they named Ryan Callahan to be the Captain.
Amazingly enough, the Rangers only got better this past week when Marc Staal returned. That's not a knock on the "D" men who were playing in his place (Steve Eminger, Micheal Sauer, etc) but the Rangers are better with their best defenseman in the lineup.
I'm not the biggest John Tortorella fan, but you can't complain about the job he's done molding this team and getting it to play hard every night.
There is a tendency in sports when a team (that wasn't picked to be this good) reaches certain heights, to look down the road and ponder a "delicious" finish to a wonderful season.
There's still a long way to go, but, so far, the Rangers have passed every test.
They don't let losing streaks linger; they've gone on a number of extended winning streaks already this season; they're tough to beat when they have the lead and they can play from behind as well.
Will this turn out to be a special season? The Rangers have not had many since the 1964-'65 season, (when I started following the team) but it's going to fun to go down this road with them.
If you haven't been paying attention, you may be missing something special
The Rangers have vaulted to the top of the NHL with a formula that lends itself to championship hockey clubs.
Great goaltending, outstanding defense, lots of grit and resolve and an ability to find ways to win is a recipe for success in today's NHL.
Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves yet.
The Rangers have yet to face the best team in the league, the defending Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins, but they will get their shot later this month in what should be a great regular season hockey game.
The Rangers still have lots of room for improvement. The power play is inconsistent, (which is actually an improvement, considering that it's been poor in recent years)and they've had some trouble with opposing teams that have alot of speed, but Henrik Lundqvist is having a tremendous season and that has been a huge help in covering up for the flaws.
Anyone that's watched Lundqvist over the years, always felt that if he had a good team in front of him, then the sky's the limit.
That's exactly what has happened this season. Lundqvist doesn't have to be great every night because as mentioned previously, the Rangers find ways to win. It's also proven out in the record of the back up goaltender. Martin Biron is not only 8-2, but he's taken pressure off of Lundqvist to play every night, which will serve the team very well come playoff time.
Unlike heralded free agents of the past, Brad Richards has been an excellent sign and the Rangers made absolutely the right call when they named Ryan Callahan to be the Captain.
Amazingly enough, the Rangers only got better this past week when Marc Staal returned. That's not a knock on the "D" men who were playing in his place (Steve Eminger, Micheal Sauer, etc) but the Rangers are better with their best defenseman in the lineup.
I'm not the biggest John Tortorella fan, but you can't complain about the job he's done molding this team and getting it to play hard every night.
There is a tendency in sports when a team (that wasn't picked to be this good) reaches certain heights, to look down the road and ponder a "delicious" finish to a wonderful season.
There's still a long way to go, but, so far, the Rangers have passed every test.
They don't let losing streaks linger; they've gone on a number of extended winning streaks already this season; they're tough to beat when they have the lead and they can play from behind as well.
Will this turn out to be a special season? The Rangers have not had many since the 1964-'65 season, (when I started following the team) but it's going to fun to go down this road with them.
If you haven't been paying attention, you may be missing something special
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Knicks Are Trying To Fit Round Pegs Into Square Holes
Watching the Knicks for the first six games of this abbreviated season, I get the feeling that they will have trouble coming together on the court.
Last night, I got a good view of what was happening on the court as I was sitting courtside, working stats for Bobcats TV.
Start with the lack of a legitimate point guard.
Toney Douglas is making poor decisions on the court, both passing and shooting.
I credit him for his grit and toughness but he can't continue to hoist up threes, especially when there is no one underneath for a potential offensive rebound.
I know Tyson Chandler is not an offensive machine, but he started off fast last night by scoring off some solid, fundamental plays and then didn't see the ball for what seemed like the rest of the game.
Did Bobcats Head Coach Paul Silas suddenly make an adjustment to not let Chandler beat them?
Chandler didn't even get into his usual foul trouble, which is actually not a good sign. He got most of his fouls in the fourth quarter.
The Knicks have a good front line but is it a great front line?
That brings me to Carmelo Anthony, who despite his supporters, is a great scorer but is not a great player because he doesn't make other players around him better.
When Anthony plays with Amare Stoudemire, it appears that they "get in each other's way".
The two of them are essentially the same players, they are great scorers who dont defend and are sub par rebounders.
When only one of them is on the court, it seems as if they play better.
Stoudemire has not been the same since Anthony came on board. Before the trade, Stoudemire was a dominant player who was making others around him better. Since the deal was made, "Stats" game has changed and not for the better.
The Knicks have to be Stoudemire's team or Carmelo's team. They can't have it both ways.
If Iman Shumpert is healthy, he should start. He can't be much worse than Douglas at the point. The rookie is fearless and tends to shoot a little much, but I feel he has the tools to develop into a star. Maybe start Douglas and Shumpert and let Landry Fields come off the bench.
The Knicks look dysfunctional and lacking of an identity on offense.
We know this is not a great defensive team but we should expect a little better than what was put out last night. The Knicks made the Bobcats look like the Miami Heat.
I don't advocate cheap shots but the Knicks need to toughen up when teams like Charlotte are taking it to them, even if it means a hard foul here and there. Most players these days do not like contact so when they get it, it throws them off their rhythm.
The Knicks are making a mistake if they're relying on Baron Davis to bail them out. You don't know what or how much you're going to get out an older player who is coming off a back injury.
Finding a better way for Stoudemire and Anthony to co-exist on the court, acquiring a solid point guard who can distribute the basketball and adding a bench player who can rebound are the needs right now.
Finding ways and means to incorporate the current assemblage is another issue that involves the head coach Mike D'Antoni. This "helter skelter" offensive philosophy does not, and will not work with these players.
Either D'Antoni adjusts, or Knicks management will. If I may borrow a line from the late Warden Samuel Norton of Shawshank Prison. "You get my drift? Or am I being obtuse?"
Last night, I got a good view of what was happening on the court as I was sitting courtside, working stats for Bobcats TV.
Start with the lack of a legitimate point guard.
Toney Douglas is making poor decisions on the court, both passing and shooting.
I credit him for his grit and toughness but he can't continue to hoist up threes, especially when there is no one underneath for a potential offensive rebound.
I know Tyson Chandler is not an offensive machine, but he started off fast last night by scoring off some solid, fundamental plays and then didn't see the ball for what seemed like the rest of the game.
Did Bobcats Head Coach Paul Silas suddenly make an adjustment to not let Chandler beat them?
Chandler didn't even get into his usual foul trouble, which is actually not a good sign. He got most of his fouls in the fourth quarter.
The Knicks have a good front line but is it a great front line?
That brings me to Carmelo Anthony, who despite his supporters, is a great scorer but is not a great player because he doesn't make other players around him better.
When Anthony plays with Amare Stoudemire, it appears that they "get in each other's way".
The two of them are essentially the same players, they are great scorers who dont defend and are sub par rebounders.
When only one of them is on the court, it seems as if they play better.
Stoudemire has not been the same since Anthony came on board. Before the trade, Stoudemire was a dominant player who was making others around him better. Since the deal was made, "Stats" game has changed and not for the better.
The Knicks have to be Stoudemire's team or Carmelo's team. They can't have it both ways.
If Iman Shumpert is healthy, he should start. He can't be much worse than Douglas at the point. The rookie is fearless and tends to shoot a little much, but I feel he has the tools to develop into a star. Maybe start Douglas and Shumpert and let Landry Fields come off the bench.
The Knicks look dysfunctional and lacking of an identity on offense.
We know this is not a great defensive team but we should expect a little better than what was put out last night. The Knicks made the Bobcats look like the Miami Heat.
I don't advocate cheap shots but the Knicks need to toughen up when teams like Charlotte are taking it to them, even if it means a hard foul here and there. Most players these days do not like contact so when they get it, it throws them off their rhythm.
The Knicks are making a mistake if they're relying on Baron Davis to bail them out. You don't know what or how much you're going to get out an older player who is coming off a back injury.
Finding a better way for Stoudemire and Anthony to co-exist on the court, acquiring a solid point guard who can distribute the basketball and adding a bench player who can rebound are the needs right now.
Finding ways and means to incorporate the current assemblage is another issue that involves the head coach Mike D'Antoni. This "helter skelter" offensive philosophy does not, and will not work with these players.
Either D'Antoni adjusts, or Knicks management will. If I may borrow a line from the late Warden Samuel Norton of Shawshank Prison. "You get my drift? Or am I being obtuse?"
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