Phil Allard Responds

When we last posted here at TheYankeesBlog.com, we took Phil Allard to task for a column in his blog which criticized another fan for thoughts on Derek Jeter. Allard apparently caught wind of this blog post and took the time to e-mail me.

Hi John,

Phil Allard here. I read your commentary about my Jeter comments on the NYYFAN blog and you’re right.

My post has to do with a previous agrument, and that is not clear if the post is read in isolation. I apologize for that.

It’s truly impossible to objectify Jeter; he is a deity.

I do believe you took my 2006 article out of context, but so be it. The Jeter argument will continue.

And YOU continue your good work.

- phil

In light of this clarification, Allard’s column does make more sense. At any rate, I think it shows a lot about Phil’s character that he could write me and civilly discuss a post where I was so critical. I’m not really sure where I took the words he wrote in 2006 out of context, but I definitely owe him an apology for implying he might root for the New England Patriots. That was totally out of line. Nobody deserves the insult of being compared to a Pats fan, even if he does not believe in the godliness of The Great Jeter.

Allard Takes Hatchet to Fans

I try and read as much as I can about the Yankees on the internet. A lot of my reading comes from straight news sites. This gives me the information I need to make posts here. I also read a lot of blogs, message boards, and other sites of fan commentary. These open new ways of thinking and insights which might never occur to me on my own. In addition seeing how knowledgeable the competition is motivates me to elevate my game and learn so that my analysis will be on the same intellectual level. Many times I will disagree with my fellow fans on certain issues, but I certainly respect and understand their perspective. Unlike professional media writers, whom I believe are fair game for criticism, fans exercise their craft for the love of the team and the game. There is no ulterior motive or agenda. As long as something is well thought out, I will not attack.

This brings me to a piece written today by Phil Allard on his blog at nyyfans.com. Allard absolutely rips to pieces the work of another fan. American history is one of my passions just like baseball is. Allard correctly takes the writer to task for a strained analogy. The thought that 2008 Spring Training is as critical to Derek Jeter’s career as Inchon was to Douglas MacArthur is silly. Jeter is not up against the same odds, and his legacy will be in tact no matter what. Still the point the writer makes is a good one. The Yankees just replaced a manager who was very popular within the clubhouse. They replaced him with a gruff character many believe will clash with veteran players. Seeing their captain get behind the new manager and falling in line probably would set an example for a lot of veterans and make them more willing to tolerate Girardi’s taskmaster demeanor.

Allard seems to be furious over this assertion. There would be no other reason to make the title of his article “Growth of Jeter fan boy militia getting dangerous.” The bizarre thing is that while railing against the author, Allard does not argue the substance of his argument. Instead, he gets sidetracked into a rant on Derek’s defense.

Most Yankee fans with a functioning brain understand that Jeter is a poor defensive shortstop. This has been objectively proven time-after-time with statistical data that I won’t repeat here. The man has no range on grounders. Yes, he is good at pop-ups, but a shortstop’s main responsibility is ground balls.

This is baffling on so many levels. The original author made absolutely no comment on Jeter’s defense. It has nothing to do with the substance of the article or the intelligence of the author he is allegedly trying to refute. Why he feels the need to rail on Derek Jeter’s defense I do not know. I could try and refute his opinion stated as fact by pointing out how flawed defensive statistics are. Most of them are so inconclusive that even their supporters say a fair sample size of data takes at least 3 seasons to compile to even form a relevant interpretation. However, Allard’s own words in a 2006 article seem to contradict his angry blustering.

Baseball stat freaks, or sabermetricans, point to the Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR), one of the systems that measure a fielder’s range. Jeter ranks near the bottom of the pile, at -8 below league average. A weighted analysis by the venerable TangoTiger even rates Jeter as the very worst of all Major League Shortstops for range factor over the past three seasons.

As much as I believe in most forms of objective sabermetric philosophy, such as the all important OBP and the shunning of “productive outs,” I have to disagree here. Yes, Jeter does not have great range, but he adds dimensions of worth to his team that defies quantitative analysis, and there ain’t no stat geek that can tell me otherwise. I can’t let statistical “objectivity” act as a blinding agent to what my eyes can clearly see. (That sound you hear is members of the saber community firing up their keyboards to take pithy shots at me.)

You remember that catch Jeter made against the Red Sox on that glorious first night of July in 2004, when he risked his body by crashing in the stands to save the game? That doesn’t count in sabermetric measurement because it was a foul ball. Remember “The Play” against Oakland in the 2001 playoffs that saved the series for the Yanks when Jeter intuitively ran to a spot where he had no business being and then made the perfect cut-off throw home? Aside from the assist, there is no quantitative measurement of such a play, nor are there useful measurements for his amazing skills as a cut-off man.

Jeter’s value is truly intangible, and he inspires teammates with his leadership. He belongs at shortstop on my team, but let the arguments rage on. The debates are fun.

Allard says that anybody with a brain knows that Jeter’s defense is lousy and that all we need to know this is statistical data. Does this mean that he did not have a brain in 2006? Is Allard really part of this “dangerous militia” he decries? What has changed between now and then that has moved Jeter from good shortstop to a player only somebody without a brain could defend? His rant continues.

It continues to amaze me that these same members of the delusional Jeter fan boy militia also think that Jeter is a “clutch” hitter.

Jeter usually hits well in the post-season because he is a good hitter, not because he dons some sort of super-human apparel.

Kobe Bryant makes a lot of big shots because he is a good basketball player, not because he dons some sort of super-human apparel. Both he and Jeter have come through in huge situations a lot in the past. I have never heard anybody being accused of founding a “fan boy militia” for suggesting Kobe is clutch. What exactly is Allard’s problem with those who brag about their favorite player’s ability to come through in big spots?

As far as his leadership skills, ask A-Rod.

A-Rod is “proud to be his teammate.” That is an endorsement of leadership abilities where I come from.

Phil Allard’s rant is downright bizarre. He criticizes a fan for claims he did not make and then rips fans who speak about Derek Jeter in terms that are too glowing. This was really mean-spirited stuff. Maybe we fans go overboard in our praise of certain players, but is that not part of being a fan? We try to frame our guys as elite, conquering heroes and the opposition as overrated villains. If Allard roots for the New England Patriots, I guess we are not far away from complaints over fans showing Tom Brady too much love.

This was really just an awful article. He venting on another writer without arguing a bit of the substance of what the guy actually wrote. He stuck words in his mouth and then complained that too many fans are blind to the perceived flaws of a Hall of Fame level player who has helped bring four titles to New York. My guess is that just about every fanbase is guilty of overloving their best players.

Pettitte’s Sensitivity to Doom Him?

In the wake of the Mitchell Report and Andy Pettitte’s subsequent admissions and apologies for HGH use, many media pundits have called this a death nail into any hopes that Andy will have a successful 2008 season. They claim that the attention the microscope the fans and media will put him under will crush him. They say the guilt of his actions will destroy his mental state. While this makes for nice headline fodder for the slow news days of Spring Training, it is difficult to figure on what they are basing this.

Andy Pettitte’s mental toughness has been one of his greatest attributes during his long career.  A pitcher cannot thrive in New York without great inner strength to block out distractions. This city has eaten alive players with far more physical talent, but Andy has thrived in the scrutiny. Perhaps there will be more attention on him than before, but Pettitte probably would not have won 14 career postseason games unless he could block out external distractions and pressure. Some claim that Fenway Park will now be much more hostile, but how much worse can it get for a Yankee? The fans there are ruthless. Andy has not been bothered in the past by insults of his family and questions on his sexuality up there. How much are chants of “HGH” and “Mitchell” really going to throw him off his game?

Others claim that Andy will feel a sense of shame as a man who prides himself on being a good Christian. This might be true, but logic seems to suggest the opposite. Pettitte was living a lie in the past never certain when his indiscretion would come out. That would be the kind of thing that would burden him. Now he has come clean. He has nothing to hide. Christianity is a religion based upon redemption and atonement for mistakes. According to his religion, Andy Pettitte now has unburdened himself.

The fallout from Pettitte also seems to be overblown. After admitting his mistake, Andy has taken the target off his back. The American society is a forgiving one for people willing to fess up to what they have done and attempting to move past it. Look to politics for an example. During his first run for President, George W. Bush was constantly dogged by the media for being evasive in regard to his less than storied past. Barack Obama has dealt with none of the same difficulties because he readily admitted mistakes from his youth. The guys like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens who vehemently deny any wrongdoing get grilled. Guys like Pettitte and Jason Giambi skate relatively freely. Giambi was grilled early on, but the media turned his into a story of redemption the second he got hot in 2005.

HGH did not make Andy Pettitte into a high quality pitcher. He was a top of the rotation starter for this team before he met Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee. He pitched at a high level for the Astros at the end of 2005 while throwing in the low 80’s. He was effective before using HGH. He will be effective again. The biggest worry would have been the effects of cycling off had he used for his entire career and was a product of steroid use. Nobody seems to believe that was the case.

The concerns over Pettitte are typical media fodder. The writers are bored in Spring Training and trying to stir something up to get fans in a frenzy. I personally will never look at Andy Pettitte the same way again. I am grossly disappointed that he would stoop to cheating and lie about the extent of it until he went to Congress. At the same time, there is no reason to worry that this will affect him. There are plenty of reasons why Andy Pettitte might decline this season, namely the effects of age and injury. This whole steroid mess is not one of them.

Wang Loses Arbitration

Chien-Ming Wang has lost his arbitration case with the Yankees. The righty will make $4 million in 2008, not the $4.6 million he was seeking. Expect Hank Steinbrenner to chime in on his own magnificent work to produce this victory on Monday. It is simply amazing that the team that bid against itself to keep Alex Rodriguez cares enough about $600,000 to risk souring relations with a young cornerstone at the top of the rotation.

Sabathia Ends Extension Talks

The Associated Press reports 2007 AL Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia has put an end to contract talks with the Indians until he becomes a free agent after the 2008 season.

The 27-year-old left-hander, who is eligible for free agency after the 2008 season, said on his Web site that he and his agents have broken off negotiations on an extension with the club. The Indians recently had offered Sabathia a four-year extension believed to be worth $17 million to $18 million per season.

On Sabathia’s Web site, he posted this message: “This offseason, through my representatives at Legacy Sports Group, I have discussed the possibility of a contract extension with the Cleveland Indians. At this time, we haven’t been able to reach agreement. Now that the reporting date for spring training is here, it is time to put aside contract discussions so that I can focus all of my energies and attention on preparing for the upcoming season.

This means he is definitely hitting the free agent market. If a player wants to stay with his team, he signs an extension early, taking a hometown discount in exchange for future financial security. Risking injury without a future contract this season would make no sense if he was just going to resign with the Indians without testing the market. The Yankees can clearly outbid the Tribe for his services next winter.

Sabathia should be New York’s top target at that time. He is only 27 years old and has emerged as one of the game’s best pitchers in the past 2 years. C.C. has averaged over 200 innings pitched throughout his career and has not thrown less than 189 since his rookie year. His big frame has prevented him from breaking down. Cleveland probably will not trade Sabathia since the Tribe is likely to contend in 2008. Mark Shapiro will likely take one more shot at winning it all with his ace. At that point, Cleveland will not have the funds to retain his services in the inflated market for quality pitching. The Yankees will be able to use the money earmarked for Johan Santana to lure him to the Bronx in addition to money coming off the books as the result of big contracts like Jason Giambi, Mike Mussina, Kyle Farnsworth, and Carl Pavano expiring. Aces in their 20’s rarely come available for nothing except money. This team could realistically be looking at a 2009 rotation of Sabathia, Hughes, Wang, Chamberlain, and Kennedy, a quintet of young, high quality pitchers. Sabathia’s move was the first step in that direction.

Legends Field Renamed

The Associated Press reports that the Yankees will rename their Spring Training stadium, Legends Field after George Steinbrenner.

George Steinbrenner is replacing a Yankee Legend.

The New York Yankees will rename their spring training home Steinbrenner Field in honor of the man who has owned the team since 1973. The ballpark has been called Legends Field since it opened in 1996. 

“I am humbled and flattered,” Steinbrenner said in a statement Tuesday.

Is George as important as figures in the history of the team like Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, Berra, or Ford? The answer is no. Those men and many others are more deserving of this honor. Nevertheless, it is nice to see a team pay homage to some facet of its history in this era of overcommercialization, especially when it comes to stadium naming rights. I would rather go to a stadium named after somebody important to baseball than one named after a cell phone provider.

Joba Chamberlain out of the rotation???

In order to keep with the new 2008 “Joba Rules” (140 innings) the Yankees have decided to start Joba Chamberlain in the bullpen this year. The bizarre plan has Joba in the bullpen for April and May, and returning to the minors in June to prepare for a starter role late in the season.

I am completely baffled by this plan. Joba belongs in the bullpen, period. Lets hope that the plan changes yet again, and Joba stays where he has proven himself time and time again last season. As a long time Yankee fan, I’d rather see Joba every other day than once every 6 days. He can make the most difference in the very thin bullpen…….

Pitchers and catchers report in less than 48 hours!

Feature on Girardi

With the rest of the baseball media fixated on Roger Clemens, The New York Times produced an interesting writeup on Joe Girardi and his relationship with his ailing father. He seems completely sure of himself, which is a good thing. Joe Torre was a legend, and there were still knee-jerk reactionists who wanted to run him out of town anytime anything went wrong. These vultures will be very impatient with an inexperienced skipper. This job is not for the thin-skinned.

Potential X-Factor: Juan Miranda

The Yankees are a star-studded team, but a lot of their 2008 success will depend on how a number of lesser known players develop. Before the season begins, this blog will profile some of these players and discuss how the team will need them to develop. Today’s player is Juan Miranda.

Miranda is a 24 year old Cuban defector, although some claim to have proof that his age is closer to 26. The first baseman signed a 4 year, $2 million contract in December 2006. He started the year with A Tampa and finished with AA Trenton. In 446 combined at bats, Miranda hit .265 with 16 homers, 96 RBI’s, a .350 on base percentage, and a .471 slugging percentage. This is pretty impressive when one considers his .238/.292/.321 April. As the season went on, he got better. The slow start was likely a result of rust as Miranda had a 2 year layoff while settling immigration issues. As he got back into the swing of things, he began to look more and more like the player the Yanks thought they were getting. He went on to post a .975 OPS in the Arizona Fall League, indicating he could be close to ready for the Majors.

Miranda has a terrific eye at the plate and power to all fields. He hit over .300 in his time in Cuba. As he gets more acclimated to American pitching, his batting average could rise. At this point, he is comparable to a lefty hitting Shelley Duncan. His lack of defensive skills at first base suggests that his best position is DH. Like Duncan, he appears to be a platoon option right now. He hit under .200 against lefty pitching in 2007 and over .270 against righties. His slugging was also 50 points better against righties. Miranda is a difficult player to project for the future. There is a chance that as he gets his timing back after his long layoff, he will improve across the board and become a viable everyday player. There is also the chance that he is really 26 and his development is finished. Any success under this scenario would be the result of beating up against younger and less experienced competition on the minor league level.

Miranda will have a chance to win the first base job out of Spring Training. Although his fielding leaves much to be desired, he will be one of the few natural first basemen in camp. At this point, his competition will come from a pair of third basemen in Morgan Ensberg and Wilson Betemit and a pair of designated hitters in Jason Giambi and Shelley Duncan. With the position in a state of flux, the Yanks would love for Miranda to emerge as an everyday solution. If he does not make the team, Miranda will remain on speed dial and likely will get a chance if the starters do not perform early. With Jason Giambi and Hideki Matsui both injury-prone, Juan also could get a callup as either a bat off the bench or a potential platoon partner with Duncan at DH. Miranda is likely to play some role in this team’s season. He might be an unlikely hero in 2008.

Congratulations

Although both writers of this blog are Jets fans, we all can enjoy a New York team handing Boston a catastrophic loss. Congratulations to the World Champion New York Giants. May this game swing the New York-Boston rivalry back onto the side of the good guys for a long time.