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Let Em Play

by Matt Bishoff on Mar 8, 2008 11:53 PM EST Comment 35 comments

According to The Heater, Yankees manager Joe Girardi can't handle a little physical play. After Elliot Johnson crashed into catcher Francisco Cervelli, the Yankees skipper wasn't too fond of the play:

"I don't understand it,'' Girardi said. "I've always known that you don't do it. I know kids are playing aggressive and they're playing hard - that's how you want them to play - but maybe if it happens too much you should mention something.''
Maddon, though, had no problem with Johnson's play: "I loved the hardball right there. We're playing it hard, we're playing it right.''

That's how you want them to play, right Joe? Unless, it's you on the receiving end of it.

As the Rays are in a transitional phase, the new motto of this team is too seemingly play hard no matter what the situation is. It seems that this motto has brought the team together, as it has even made the teams advertising slogan "We Are One Team" seem fitting for the first time in team history.

Girardi can complain all that he wants, but this team is doing what it needs to do to be ready to compete this season. If he has a problem with players colliding at the plate he should take it up with the league, since the rulebook has no problem with it.

Since this tough play is best preparing this team for the season, there is no reason for them to stop now. If Girardi doesn't like it, they can just not show up on Wednesday, because this team is going to bring it to them all year long.

0 recs | Comment 35 comments

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Re: Let Em Play

"You play to win the game!"

by Flabull on Mar 9, 2008 12:14 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Let Em Play

One other note I want to make. I just went back and watched the YES broadcast of the collision to hear the announcer utter the words "Remember, this is a meaningless Spring Training game". While record wise this might be true, these games are not meaningless. They are there to get the players ready to play during the season, and the coach should do whatever he feels is best to prepare his team for the season.

General Manager Manifesto Matt Bishoff

by Matt Bishoff on Mar 9, 2008 12:17 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Let Em Play

I have no problem with this play at all. The habits you learn in Spring Training are the habits you will have during the regular season.

You can't choose when you want to hustle (Delmon Young), it is something that you have to do on every play. Girardi knows this and is just upset because his player was injured. You know the New York media would be all over him if he didn't say anything about it.

Dan White

by Raysthebarthisyear on Mar 9, 2008 12:48 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Let Em Play

I'm sure when Girardi orders a pitcher to throw at a Ray batter in their next spring training game, the NY fans and media will justify it, even though it is "a meaningless spring game."

Maybe its time to make Hank Steinbrenner a member of Rays Nation.

by RayFanNY on Mar 9, 2008 3:28 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Let Em Play

I don't think retaliation will happen in the batters box. But I do think at some point we'll be talking about this again. Hopefully this will be handled during spring training, and it doesn't effect a more important player.

You have to expect something at 2B or at home. I'd predict Duncan will be involved - he gets a little worked up, and already has taken some "unorthodox approaches" on the bases. This kind of stuff has a way of simmering with the players. Hopefully the "tit for tat" will be appropriate.

And don't go giving me that childish "bring it on" crap. If it does, and someone gets hurt, remember your statements today and keep quiet then, unless the retaliation is over the top, and I'll be the first to criticise if so.

by nyyfaninlaaland on Mar 9, 2008 4:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Let Em Play

Exactly.

by bobr on Mar 9, 2008 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Let Em Play

I'm fearful of someone high spiking Bartlett and taking him out, Jeter went into second with spikes up yesterday; you didn't see the YES announcers call him out on that.

It shouldn't be a battle cry; again these two players shouldn't see the field when the games count, but I think people need to realize it's not like Maddon or anyone on the team is telling them to go hurt someone.

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 9, 2008 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Let Em Play

My point wasn't that I am prescribing dirty play, but more that this team is in a transitional phase and is trying to establish itself as a tough, gritty team. I feel that this is the best approach for this team, and Girardi had no reason to complain. I in no way promote trying to injure someone. It sucks their catcher was injured, but when you are blocking the plate that is part of the territory.

I also never said "bring it on". I just said we will be playing tough like this all year long and will be bringing it.

General Manager Manifesto Matt Bishoff

by Matt Bishoff on Mar 9, 2008 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Let Em Play

What I've yet to hear any Yankee fan or NY media member address is, Why was Cervelli blocking the plate? Maybe Joe Girardi, since he used to be a catcher, could answer this.

If you don't want your catchers involved with collisions at the plate, then don't tell them to block the plate. What's the runner to do? Just give up because the almighty Yankee catcher doesn't want him to score?

by RayFanNY on Mar 9, 2008 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Let Em Play

I got to listen to about 2 hours of NY sports talk radio today and I didn't hear any host or caller say that the hit was anything other than clean hardball.

The prevailing spin was that Girardi knows that it was a clean play but he needs to stand up for his team and light a fire under them for when they play the Rays. The The NY tabloids were praising him on their back pages shows it was a smart move. It also seperates himself from Torre who had some accusations that he didn't play enough hardball (after his guys were HBPed) (his pitchers didn't pitch inside). It also was more spirited and controvertial than how Torre would have handled it.

If so, it's all good. I hope the Yanks play with an edge all season v. the Rays.

by ttnorm on Mar 10, 2008 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Let Em Play

I think it was a bang bang play - literally - and Johnson went on instinct. But I also know Girardi was a major league catcher for quite a few years and might have a sense of what's considered "kosher" in the spring. I'd think Maddon, a minor league catcher and Sciosca's bench coach, would too. Open question I guess. But perhaps the lead in to your quote above in the MLB.com story sheds some light:

"Girardi said he understands plays at the plate will happen during the season, but he believes they are inappropriate for Spring Training. In fact, he said one Yankees player asked the new manager about that topic before exhibition games started.

Girardi's response: Absolutely not."

Probably all just a big Yankee coverup though. Maddon's given his guys the green light, but traffic travels both ways so we'll see where it all leads.

by nyyfaninlaaland on Mar 9, 2008 6:02 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Let Em Play

I friggin love it, and i think it is a great call from joe maddon. From the outset we are letting teams know that we are gunna play physical and tough and no game will be easy. its sending a message that even if you out play us, we will always outwork you. That can wear teams down and even intimidate some.

by Bjharl81 on Mar 9, 2008 9:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Let Em Play

I doubt Maddon called it.

by gerzowitz on Mar 9, 2008 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Let Em Play

this is fantastic. I've never seen the team hustle like they are now. Hopefully this carries into the season.

Maybe the Yankees should try it considering they've gotten off to slow starts the last few years.

all i know is this--delmon young would have lollygagged home and got tagged out.

this is a new team and a new attitude.

by websterjtc on Mar 9, 2008 10:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Zim's take

"The plate was blocked and our guy bowled him over. What's that got to do with spring training? That's the way to play the game," Zimmer said this morning. "I mean, I'm talking about a guy that's like a son to me, but I can't believe he went after it the way he did, because that's not Joe Girardi - and being a catcher on top of it.

"If I slide into him and I break a leg, nothing's said, so rather than break my leg I bowl him over and it's not the right play? To me, it's the right play when the plate's being blocked, spring training or no spring training. Play the game the right way. To me, our kid played it the way he thought was right and I think it was right."

http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/zim-maddon-surprised-at-girardis-stance1/

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 9, 2008 10:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Reason 374 to love Zim

by ttnorm on Mar 9, 2008 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Let Em Play

Did anyone notice that Johnson is leading off in today's game v. the Reds? Good for Joe!

by ttnorm on Mar 9, 2008 12:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

He likes red wine and iTunes

And he has a few million Yankee fans hating him. Joe's great.

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 9, 2008 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just to end the Yankee fan stereotype

http://forums.nyyfans.com/showthread.php?t=110047

"They should be grateful to even play in the same division as us."

Apparently they think Shelley Duncan is something grand - Jonny Gomes would eat a man named Shelley for dinner. Anyhow I hope this goes without any type of retaliation.

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 9, 2008 12:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Just to end the Yankee fan stereotype

To be fair RJ, there's plenty of NY fans saying it was a bang play, unfortunate on the injury, these things happen. There's also plenty of idiots saying much worse.

It's likely something will happen - players seem to have a kind of retaliatory code about such things. Hopefully it won't be a big deal, and no one else gets hurt.

Shelly is kind of the current folk hero in NY - enthusiastic kid finally gets a break and brings a lot of energy. A lot like Gomes for you guys. Maybe they should play the next one on skates and let these 2 have an early go. Duncan has the reach advantage, Gomes will have to work inside. Both would probably love the opportunity. But lets hope that isn't how it develops.

by nyyfaninlaaland on Mar 9, 2008 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd put money on the Gomer

Remember, Gomes once teamed with the Nasty Boys.

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 9, 2008 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Let Em Play

Did anyone notice he has been balling all spring? Good for Elliott. He's had a good spring already, and it looks like these guys want to make the 25 man roster cuts as hard as possible on the suits.

by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 9, 2008 12:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Let Em Play

His new nickname is Helliot.

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 9, 2008 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Youtube Link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmiE69cYDzg&eurl=http://baseballhappenings.com/

by Flabull on Mar 9, 2008 5:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Spring Training Heroes

Just remember when the shoe is on the other foot sometime later this year: You started it.
Madden: Wears those cute glasses and wants to talk red wine? Gay or just metrosexual?

Add to #1 and #2 above: How's Kazmir's elbow? Regardless, you're still finishing in 5th place in the division.

by JasonO on Mar 9, 2008 6:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Spring Training Heroes

If Navarro or Riggans gets hurt because of a bang bang play then so be it. Headhunting is an entirely different thing.
Maddon, with an "o"; he's trendy. The gay jokes though, that's clever.

Kaz' elbow is fine, Price's shoulder is fine, we'll finish in last again? You are aware there is a franchise in Baltimore, correct?

Good luck this season, none the less.

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 9, 2008 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Spring Training Heroes

Thats what I wanted to clarify about my piece. We AREN'T headhunting, we are just playing baseball the was its supposed to be played

General Manager Manifesto Matt Bishoff

by Matt Bishoff on Mar 9, 2008 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Spring Training Heroes

Come on, the glasses and he mentioned red wine? The joke was begging to be made.

OK then: Dwayne Staats? Nice hair...John C. Reilly from "Boogie Nights" with grey highlights.

Joe Magrane? You have got to be kidding. I flip over to rays games on MLB on-demand for the unintentional comedy.

Seriously, if you watch the youtube video that was posted here, this no-name spring training hero gets up and stands over Cervelli for a few seconds after the collision. If gloating over the guy is good "hardball," then Curt Schilling is an introvert.

It all makes sense, your manager did learn the trade under Scoscia, who is a premier coward himself.

by JasonO on Mar 9, 2008 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Spring Training Heroes

Was Johnson gloating over his victim, or in amazement that Cervelli held on to the ball? I don't think either of us know, and I don't think he'd say the former.

Maddon being a former catcher, I don't think he put a hit out on Cervelli like some of your fellow fans think either, and I know they hated his comments about red wine and iTunes, but that's Maddon, he's quirky. Dealing with Hank I'm sure you can appreciate someone who doesn't feed the sports media.

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 9, 2008 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Spring Training Heroes

Cervelli is a no name spring training player until this. He is your AA catcher getting hit by our AAA 2b. Was he even gonna see the show this year?

by Flabull on Mar 9, 2008 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Spring Training Heroes

No, but he is their top catching prospect. We'd be upset if Jaso got hurt on a play. However, there wouldn't be this absurd outrage, making headlines in 3+ newspapers about a "bush league" play.

by Tyler on Mar 9, 2008 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Spring Training Heroes

Joe Magrane? You have got to be kidding. I flip over to rays games on MLB on-demand for the unintentional comedy.

You obviously don't watch them much then. Dewayne and Joe are 2 of the best in the business. I assure you, the "unintentional comedy" is very intentional. They know exactly what they're doing.

by Tyler on Mar 9, 2008 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Spring Training Heroes

Don't feed the trolls

by ttnorm on Mar 9, 2008 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Let Em Play

It was a bang-bang play. I think if Johnson quits on the slide (plate blocked - hook slide wasn't an option) he loses credibility in the dugout from the team and the coaches probably don't look at it well. If he would have been the guy hurt instead of Cervelli, it isn't a story.

Maybe Johnson should have slapped at Cervelli or step outside the baseline to uproot him like A-Rod did to the Red Sox - that would have made Johnson a real man.

visit RotoJunkie for your all of your fantasy baseball help

by UCFKnights on Mar 9, 2008 7:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Let Em Play

It probably wasn't a very smart thing to do in Spring Training (Elliot could have gotten injured too), but its definitely not as big a deal as a lot of Yanks fans are making it out to be. Cervelli is one of the Yanks better prospects, but he's out 8-10 wks and its not like he was gonna contribute this year. The Yanks have two even better catching prospect waiting in the wings anyway.

I'm sure there would be a similar reaction if it happened to a Rays prospect though, and that's what makes baseball great, the rivalries that develop and the competition. I can't wait to see what happens during the regular season.

by bummy on Mar 10, 2008 5:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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