Today’s update is powered by one of PIXAR’s early efforts:
- The Jays have their eyes set on the cream of the Yankees youngsters in a deal for Halladay.
- Brian Cashman picks the Captain’s brain on some potential moves?
- Roberto Alomar comments on Robinson Cano:
He still keeps an eye on the current Bombers, including a certain second baseman who reminds Alomar of himself – the flashy, gifted (and often nonchalant) Robinson Cano.
“When you have too much talent, you can end up playing that way,” Alomar said of Cano. “But I do think Robinson is going to be an MVP and Gold Glover. That’s how good he is. The rest is up to him.”
- Pettitte coming back in ’10 . . . at least that’s what Joe Girardi seems to be inferring.
- A.J. Burnett would love to have one-time teammate Halladay in NY:
“You’re going to get a guy you can learn from,” Burnett told the New York Daily News‘ Mark Feinsand. “When you’re around him, he encourages you to get better. You watch him make himself better, and it inspires you.”
Of course, the Yankees would want Halladay to do more than just be an assistant to pitching coach Dave Eiland. The pressure would be on Halladay to succeed in a big way, just like every player who comes to the Yankees. However, Burnett believes Halladay would handle the pressure despite playing his entire career with the low-profile Blue Jays. “I don’t think he would let anything distract him,” Burnett said. “He’s not really the type of person that gets intimidated easily. It doesn’t matter where he pitches, he’s going to be the same. None of the stuff that goes on here would faze him at all.”
Burnett also believes Halladay needs a change of scenery, as he has yet to play in a postseason game during his 12-year career. “I think it’s time for him to get a fresh start,” Burnett said. “He’s paid his dues there, been the face of the organization, did everything they’ve asked him to do and more. At this point in his career, I think he just wants to win.”
- Fangraphs is giving you the opportunity to help develop stat projections for 2010.
- You can now start voting for Ford Frick Award nominees.
- Gene Nelson (part-time SP on 1981 squad) turns 49 today.
Back on Monday . . .
There have also been two bits of broadcasting news in MLB:
1) Mercifully, Chip Caray was let go by TBS. Now, they need to get on the phone with Al Michaels and NBC to see if they can borrow him over the summer and during the post season.
2) Dick Enberg has signed on with the Padres to do 120 games. His addition will certainly make the Padres a favored destination on MLB Extra Innings.
[1] wow, Enberg and Coleman...thats a whole lot of Early Bird Special for one broadcast team
Roberto Alomar's still alive? Haven't seen/heard much about him since he retired.
However, Burnett believes Halladay would handle the pressure despite playing his entire career with the low-profile Blue Jays.
I really wish people would stop with the "Z0MG PRESSUR3!!1!" bs. If you have game, you can play anywhere. If Halliday gets traded to NY and "fails" I'd be willing to wager it would be more because of injury than "pressure."
[3] I don't know...a lot of players seem to buy into the idea that there is more "pressure" in New York. Of course, I don't think it means heightened "in game" pressure, but, more generally, handling all of the distractions and expectations that go along with playing in New York.
[3] A lot of players come to NY and don't seem to fit well, at least initially - The Randy Johnson Experience being the Halladay comparable in my mind. For the money he was good but not great and according to Torre in his book he was totally overwhelmed by NY. Sabathia, of course, seemed to make the transition better than most (and of course, played not so well in the beginning of the year).
Players go through streaks and slumps. That's the nature of the game, playing in NY isn't necessarily a factor.
Randy Johnson had one good year, one bad year (attributed to a bad back), and then broke down in Arizona.
Jeff Weaver stunk as a Yankee, an Angel and a Mariner. When he was shelled while wearing an M's uniform no one said it was because he couldn't handle being a Mariner or playing in Seattle.