Tuesday, June 02, 2009

THERE ARE STILL OTHER QUESTIONS

***A MANAGERIAL CHANGE THAT WORKED***
Girardi swapped Jeter & Damon because Jeter hit into too many double plays. Logically, that switch wasn't going to eliminate a lot of DP's, but lo & behold, both guys are flourishing in their new spots. Sometimes you can be just wrong enough to be right. Another change in Jeter, as Michael Kay pointed out, he's pulling the ball a lot more now. Maybe Jeter feels free to swing at anything rather than take a bunch of pitches to give someone a chance to steal and put himself in a hole.

***SPEAKING OF LEADING OFF...***
If Gardner can progress enough to hit at least .280, he could be a hell of a lead-off man. We could be seeing the return of the "Aparicio Double" (i.e., a walk and a stolen base). It would be like having Ricky Henderson back, without the ego. [Note to Vod: Regarding Gardner's 'big' head, he doesn't appear to be toting a lot of extra weight. Something to do with contents of that receptacle?]

***LINEUP PROTECTION***
This has become Michael Kay's favorite expression of late. Picasner always thought it was an interesting idea that wasn't quite as effective as everyone said. Even if it's just a mental thing for the hitters, there seems to be enough evidence now that it is very effective (see Teixeira, Swisher, etc.). It all seems to revolve around A-Rod's presence in the lineup, but he sure doesn't look scary up there right now (Walk softly and carry an empty stick). He must be giving the catcher a list of his stats every time. Can we get him some help?

***THE START OF THE 6-MAN ROTATION?***
Girardi wants tough choices? Well, here's a beauty: who goes and who stays?

***ONE FINAL QUESTION***
Isn't first place fun?

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