WIN METHOD

EXCELLENCE AND DESIRE ARE NOT SKILLS THEY ARE ARE ATTITUDES

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

WIN METHOD - - - THE COMING 2016 SEASON

Hello WIN METHOD fans and followers.  I apologize for not posting more this past season.  I have been extremely busy traveling to many countries and interviewing many players.   Finished now and home for a great Christmas with family and friends.  Hal Steinbrenner and I have extended our proprietary deal for another season.  As you all know after two ten year deals with Mr.S., Hal and I have agreed to proceed one year at a time.  I am getting a little old for all the travel and all the time involved.   I will truly try to post more in 2016.


The 2016 season will be an interesting season for the YANKEES.  A transition is underway that was started several seasons ago and may be coming full circle.   A few years back, after several very expensive costly contracts that have either ended or are ending soon that led to very costly payrolls, and the team getting very little return for the monies spent, the YANKEES decided to go full out on acquiring young players.   My interviews were concentrated on possible draftees and acquisitions through various routes.   Many of those chosen and selected by the YANKEES over the past years are at the point of paying returns at the big league level.  You all know the names as you see them making their major league debuts.   2016 will be a blend of the old and the new, making for a very interesting 2016 season.   There are so many question marks for so many.   The question marks are different for each player.   How well will the newcomers perform?   How well will they be able handle the pressure in New York and the majors?   How will others return and perform from various injuries?   How will the elders of the team hold out?   Will the injury bug  keep biting this team to the degree it has in the past seasons?    So many ifs.   All will be answered during spring training and the upcoming season.   Always being optimistic and dealing with the pitfalls and roadblocks ahead, the 2016 team will be competitive, a likely playoff team, and if things don't go to far off the tracks a force to contend with during the playoffs.


To the dismay of the stat frauds out there, the 2016 season, like every season in baseball history will be decided by wins and only wins.  No one or two individual player stats will determine the best teams and players.   That is always determined by who wins the most with every player on each team contributing to the success of each team.   Wins are earned by players executing when it counts to build runs, prevent runs, and defeat the opposition each game over the 162 played.  


The front office so far this off season hasn't done anything stupid by signing high dollar long term contracts.   The 2016 YANKEES will move forward with the contributions of their young and upcoming players who will get the opportunity to prove themselves at the highest level.


As always, LETS GO YANKEES.   A MERRY CHRISTMAS and a very happy, healthy NEW YEAR to all.



440 comments:

1 – 200 of 440   Newer›   Newest»
reinvaldez said...

Move forward with the new guys on the block.

Zhaire said...

Welcome back WIN METHOD.

Erica Nuyens said...

Nice to have you back, Love ya,

Cory said...

Lets go Yankees

Patricia Piper said...

Thanks WIN METHOD for all you have done and are doing.

Westcoastyankee said...

Great blog. Solid thinking.

Stan the Man said...

Look for Louie Louie to push for ace status in 2016.

NJYANKEE said...

In my opinion I think the Yankees have the best six man option starting rotation in the AL East and the best two man closers in all of baseball.

Yanks23245 said...

Dominance in 2016.

Boston Yankee fan said...

Can't wait for Judge to come on the scene.

Chad Greene said...

NJYANKEE.....I think you are right.

Arthur Addison said...

Here come the Judge.

Steve said...

How can so many know so little about so much. It is confirmed, the dumbing down of America is in full throttle. The baseball forum I have been posting at is a showcase of ignorance. Not all, but most.

bigbadwolf said...

Hey Steve, You may hold or are close to the record for a WIN METHOD fan posting on one of those baseball forums. I think WIN METHOD went over a year before he started this blog.

Steven F said...

Steve - I've seen your posts on the forum and they're usually very confrontational. You comment most often that it's winmethod only and anything else that's said is wrong and gibberish. The forum is meant for open discussion and listening to one another, if you're not willing to do that is it really the right place for you?

Linda Rice said...

One week. Merry Christmas.

Steve said...

Steven F... I read all the posts. Many are so off base, it is scary. I don't accept many of the posters views, and there is no reason for them to accept mine. I have been called inflammatory names, even the moderator used an inflammatory insult against me. None of that bothers me, the allowing of the insults and it being tolerated is very sad. Most there cannot defend their views, because their views when extended to the mathematical limit proves the formulas and thus their views false. Not one poster there is willing to explain why the 300 game winning pitchers are in the HOF. They hat it when I state I would rather have the 19-7 pitcher with a 4.25 ERA over their choice of the 13-12 pitcher with a 2.75 ERA. If anyone can't realize the games are played to win and the pitcher who earn those wins and the players who help them earn those wins are the best, then that is on them. The excuses they use are written in eternity. My guy had bad luck, my guys teammate suck. My pitcher did not have runs scored for him. They just can;t seem to realize that a team wins because of the contributions of all the players on the team, not just the select few they drool over. Personality, camaraderie, wanting the team to win is crucial. WIN METHOD gets this, has learned it, and has put it to use with the Yankees. You win or lose as a team, not an individual. Did you see the Cam Newton interview after Sundays 38-0 win. He was being interviewed by Pam Oliver. As she was asking questions, there were chats in the background "MVP MVP MVP". She then asked Cam about being MVP, and his response was (I don't want to use quotes because I do no have his response in front of me), was MVP is irrelevant, the team needs to keep winning and win the Super Bowl. Very Jetereque. It was not about him, it was about the team.

Steven F. said...

Steve
I'm not condoning the name calling, I just think that when you respond to a post (and not just you, this applies to anyone), by simply saying something along the lines of "no, you're wrong" with no explanation - it's not a good way of stimulating conversation.

As far as the 19-7 over a 13-12 pitcher debate, I'll throw in my two cents. Wins are a fine way of a evaluating how a pitcher has done, but it's a really poor way of evaluating future success by itself. Example: Look at Phil Hughes in 2010 - he had 18 wins, a great year, but if you look at his ERA WHIP etc. it shows he wasn't exactly dominant. Now let's look at Clayton Kershaw that year, he only had 13 wins. However when you look at his underlying stats - ERA and WHIP, it'll show that he pitched better than Hughes on a batter by batter basis. Now when you look at how they've done since that year, it's clear that Kershaw is a far superior pitcher.

Your other point is a bit confusing. What you call excuses are legitimate factors that cause teams to win or lose games. I agree that wins are earned through the contributions of all the players - so then why are we evaluating the 19-7 and 13-12 guy and not looking at the other players on their team as well?

NJYANKEE said...

be away for a couple of weeks. Merry Christmas all.

Steve said...

Steven F, Kershaw became a better pitcher because he won more often in the following years. That is the point, he started to help his team more, the more he won. The wins are what counts. The WIN METHOD fans do not make excuses or use them as crutches. When you win you are the best, that is all the game is about. A starting pitcher only appears in approximately 1 of every 5 games. Position players play in almost every game. The players on a team are the same players for every pitcher. In any season there can be all kinds of issues for each player and team. You don't judge players on one or two seasons. It is their accumulative ability to help their team win that separates the men from the boys.

I have explained my point of view many times over there. They do not accept that, but they feel I have to accept the convoluted stats as the end all. Wins are the determining stats of who is best, they have been and always will be.

Steven F. said...

Steve
I'm just arguing that using that as you only tool to evaluate a player is giving you a limited view of what that player is going to do in the future. Wins fluctuate so much due to factors entirely out of the pitcher's control that it's difficult for me to evaluate them 100% based on that.

Would you trade any of the following players for Colby Lewis:
Clayton Kershaw, Matt Harvey, Chris Sale, Chris Archer. I believe that despite Colby Lewis winning more games than them last year (many more games), that all four are better overall pitchers and I would rather have them on my team. What is your opinion?

Dan Evans said...

I think all we have are two separate philosophies. The first being based on individual stats, where winning is unimportant in evaluating each player, only their stats matter to help in play in the fantasy baseball leagues. The second being based on wins, which in the real world is the object of the game. The more you help your team win determines how good you are. In the first philosophy you play for yourself. In the second philosophy you play for the team.

Steven F. said...

Dan Evans
That's a little presumptuous and not true at all. Of course I think winning is important, all I want is for the Yankees to win consistently every year. I just don't believe winning pitchers and good statistics are mutually exclusive. I believe that pitchers that's have the best ability to prevent runs are the ones that win the most.

What more can a pitcher do to help his team win than to retire as many of the batters he faces as possible and give up as few runs as he possibly can?

Steve said...

OK Steve, I'll tell you how I would evaluate the pitchers you named using only the WIN METHOD. Lewis had a great season, but he is 71-67 over his career. Kershaw won one less game but lost two less for a better season than Lewis and is 114-56 over his career. Kershaw over Lewis. Harvey had a good season and is 25-18 over his short career and is younger than Lewis. Harvey over Lewis. Sale had an average year but is 57-40 over his career. Sale over Lewis. Archer had a losing season and is just 32-32 over his career. The only thing archer has going for him is he is younger than Lewis. If you forced me to take one it may be Archer. But I likely would take neither. No ERAs, innings pitched, no K/W ratio, no WHIP.

Steve F. said...

Dan Evans
As a follow up what is an example of a pitcher playing for himself versus playing for the team. Is there ever a situation where he should anything outside of retiring the batter?

Steven F said...

Steve
I see, I agree with your assessments for the reasons you provided and for the other reasons. I have a couple of follow up questions I'd like to here what you think:

1. Do you think it's simply a coincidence that the pitchers that have statistically been better over their careers have the best W-L records? I believe their is a correlation. Look at CC Sabathia. His best W-L records align perfectly with his best statistical seasons. Last year was by far his worst statistical season and was also his worst by wins. I think there is a strong connection.

2. Do you agree that looking at a pitchers career W-L record is a flawed measurement tool? CC Sabathia again for instance - his career W-L is very deceiving, he's not the same guy now, and in my opinion will continue to struggle getting to the same winning ways as early in his career.

3.Don't you believe the team around you has a major influences on your W-L record greatly? I went to Yankee stadium last year and I watched Chris Archer mow us down. We couldn't touch him, and he left the game in the 7th with a 3-0 lead. Then in the 8th, Teixiera hit a 3 run home run off a reliever. No more win for Archer. I believe if Archer was on the Yankees he'd win a ton of games, and just looking at his W-L record doesn't tell the full story. Do you agree with any of this? I just wanted to give my perspective.

bigbadwolf said...

Steve and Steven F....It's winning and common sense logic. That is why 300 game winners are in the HOF.

Steven F said...

bigbadwolf
And look at all of those hall of famers and 300 game winners, not a single ERA higher than 3.8, most of them under 3.

There's a connection, they're not independent of one another. The more effectively you can retire batters, the more likely you'll be a successful pitcher and a winner.

Dan Evans said...

Steve F. Agree, it is logical for pitchers who have better individual 'stats' to likely win more, but that is not always the case. The objective is the win with the 'stats' falling where they may. Why would you knock a pitcher that gives up 6 runs when his team has scored him 10 in a game. Then in the next game allows 2 runs when his team scores him 3. ERA over 4 unless he completed both games. Using stats can be misleading, wins are never misleading is the point I am trying to make.

Steven F said...

Dan Evans
You could knock that guy because he's probably not going to go deep into the game, exhausting your bullpen in a game where they could've earned some rest and been employed in a closer game in the future.

Of course it's not always the case. There is no perfect way to evaluate a pitcher for the future. However it's much more likely that going forward the guy who's pitching to a 2-3 ERA is going to win more games than the guy who's pitching to a 4-5 ERA. Look at the top 10 pitchers in wins this past season alone, 2 with ERAs in the 1s, 5 with ERAs in the 2s, 3 with ERAs in the 3s, one with an ERA in the 4s.

In 2014 only 2 of 25 pitchers had ERAs in the 4s and 15 or more wins. The next year both these guys had less wins (14 and 5)

No one is arguing it's perfect, but I hate to break it to you, neither is looking at their prior year W-L record to evaluate them. I think it's pretty undeniable that year after year that majority of guys with the most wins are the guys with the lowest ERAs. I'd dare you to find me a year where this wasn't the case.

bigbadwolf said...

Steven F, The HOF pitchers with 300 wins are spread over 100 years of baseball. Rules have changed, ballparks have changed (particularly the size), scoring has changed, condition of playing surfaces have changed. There is over a 1 run per game difference between some of the 300 game winners. I would bet there is a significant difference in run support for the different 300 game winners. All superficial, the main thing is they won 300 games for their team. There is a large difference of win % between them also illustrating that some may have helped their team more than others.

Steven F said...

bigbadwolf
Let's over-complicate this. Literally every hall of fame pitcher has an ERA in the 1s, 2s, or 3s. In fact I only see three pitchers with ERAs above 3.5. Do you think this is completely coincidence that the pitchers who over the course of their careers were able to prevent runs won the most games?

Why don't we see any pitchers with ERAs in 4, 5s, 6s who have been able to turn it on when it matters and help their team win games on a regular basis, since as people here have been saying ERA has no significance. Doesn't it seem that, throughout history of this game, there is a connection between run prevention and winning games?

Steven F said...

That is "not over-complicate"* haha.

And that is why we proof read friends.

Steve said...

Anonymous Steven F said...
Steve
I see, I agree with your assessments for the reasons you provided and for the other reasons. I have a couple of follow up questions I'd like to here what you think:

1. Do you think it's simply a coincidence that the pitchers that have statistically been better over their careers have the best W-L records? I believe their is a correlation. Look at CC Sabathia. His best W-L records align perfectly with his best statistical seasons. Last year was by far his worst statistical season and was also his worst by wins. I think there is a strong connection.

2. Do you agree that looking at a pitchers career W-L record is a flawed measurement tool? CC Sabathia again for instance - his career W-L is very deceiving, he's not the same guy now, and in my opinion will continue to struggle getting to the same winning ways as early in his career.

3.Don't you believe the team around you has a major influences on your W-L record greatly? I went to Yankee stadium last year and I watched Chris Archer mow us down. We couldn't touch him, and he left the game in the 7th with a 3-0 lead. Then in the 8th, Teixiera hit a 3 run home run off a reliever. No more win for Archer. I believe if Archer was on the Yankees he'd win a ton of games, and just looking at his W-L record doesn't tell the full story. Do you agree with any of this? I just wanted to give my perspective.

December 18, 2015 at 7:11 PM

Hi Steven F.

1.I think it is logical that allowing less runs should help a pitcher win more. The win is still far more important than the runs you allow.

2.Absolutely not. The career W/L record defines the pitcher. Each season you will be able to see ups and downs. You can see how many really good years he put together or did not put together. Every era is separate as far as the WIN METHOD views players. It is patently unfair to compare a player in 1930's to a player in the 2000's. So much was different. There is absolutely no substitute for winning and losing.

3.When your relief blows a lead for you and you do not get the win, you also do not get the loss. A no decision is a positive, as the pitcher did what he could to help his team as long as he was in the game. No different than when a pitcher leaves the game losing by 3-0 and his offense takes him off the hook for the loss and again he gets a no decision. Over a career it all will tend to even out to be just another meaningless excuse used by stat guys.

The end all is at the end of a season the WIN METHOD looks at the champions as the best in baseball. The stat guys do not. They will say if so and so was on that team the team would be better. That might be, however more often wouldn't be. Baseball teams are a puzzle, you can't just say this piece fits because you want it to. There are pieces that just don't fit.

Dan Evans said...

Steven F, Last season Eovaldi 14 wins, best W-L% in majors, 4.20 ERA.

Unknown said...

Dan Evans
Again, there are always exceptions.
besides Isn't Eovaldi a case of win method evaluation not working? He had a terrible w-l record before last season. Cashman brought him in because he saw statistical trends showing he was becoming a better pitcher. He then had the best season of his career.

WIN METHOD said...

Steven Fischer, Eovaldi was interviewed by me and Mr. Cashman was able to get him. I player can be WIN METHOD for one team and not for another. That is my job. That is how most college players are drafted by the YANKEES. Read the 2009 blog post where I mentioned Adam Warren as a special draftee. He was the second starter at UNC and the first starter was drafted in the first round because of stats, but he failed my interview. He failed miserable. Warren was drafted by the YANKEES and has succeeded in the majors. Castro from the Cubs is going to surprise many in 2016. And just to confirm, Puig is a pig and will never be a YANKEE.

I grew up in NYC and my parents owned a bar and restaurant. YANKEE players would stop by and I met many of them. Mantle and I hit it off along with a few others. I got to go the the Stadium and clubhouse and met everyone in the mid 50's on. I learned my baseball from some of the best players in the game at the time. I learned winning is what counts. I saw players cy when they failed and I saw the joy of the TEAM winning and learned what it meant to play as a team and play for each other. The WIN METHOD was on its way to life.

I do not respond to posts here 99% of the time, but was asked to do so to you. I leave you with this thought, no matter how anyone wants to use stats and feel how they tell a story and help define a player, they are not equal to WINS. I have had to many players tell me this to ever think otherwise.

candycane said...

Guys, guys, guys, we all can twist and turn, convolute, contrive, and use each, every, and any number, sets of numbers, and any combination in every which way. In the end WINS defines the best. If anyone does not believe that, then there is no reason to play the games.

will-i-am said...

With official scoring as screwed up as it is, don't forget all those unearned runs that should be earned runs. Recalculate, recalculate.

Harry Stavris said...

There are no exceptions to winning. A team wins any way it can. The most wins makes the playoffs. The most wins during the playoffs is the best. And it makes absolutely no difference what any person tries to say any stat means.

Zhaire said...

Merry Christmas.

Unknown said...

Win method,

First off I hope you weren't asked to respond because I'm disrupting the blog. I understand the opinions of those here, but I also feel I've made some good ones in terms of how to evaluate players.

I know the interview can be used to assess the mental acumen of a player, but let's be honest, there's much more that goes into being a baseball player. You have to be able to measure physical ability somehow. That's where I believe scouting and stat analysis come in.

My biggest problem with winmethod is that it celebrates team success, but it would ignores such a beautiful part of this game, player success. The Sosa vs McGwire home run chase, Nolan Ryan striking out over 5000 batters, watching Jose Bautista go from a bench player to a perennial home run leader, Mariano Rivera from a failed starter to an amazing reliever.

I can't name them all, because there are a so many amazing individual achievements that the win method doesn't capture. To me this game is so much more than winning and losing. Players are accomplishing amazing things every year. Statistics are simply a retelling of a lot of these amazing stories. I hope some of you get the chance to appreciate them.

Steve said...

Steven F, Individual achievements are just that. I'm 76, WIN METHOD 73. We grew up idolizing some of the greatest Yankees of all time. Any individual achievement is great for the player and his fans and baseball. Individual achievements take nothing away from the game and add great excitement. I have lived through many great individual achievements, as you said, to many to mention. But do not confuse individual achievement with winning as a team. Winning as a team is why the games are played, that is how the WIN METHOD came to fruition. I would think it would be fantastic for any player to attain a great individual feat and win playoffs and World Series at the same time. To repeat over and over, winning is the object of the game, individual statistics are a scoring and tracking a players achievements while playing those games. Wins, and wins when they count the most is the stat that determines the best of the best.

Unknown said...

Steve
Understood.

In regards to my first point. Why is the process of evaluating players physical ability not discussed more on this blog. It is almost made to seem that the interview is the only measuring tool. Interview can measure a players mental capacity but how do we measure physical tools?

johnsondc said...

Steven F, you are not disrupting at all. For your information, and believe it or not, this blog does permit name calling. Nothing foul however. No one gets banned or edited. If a post has curse words (foul words) it will not be published.

Steve said...

Steven F, Physical ability is taken as a given. Every player brings different tools or assets to the table. Speed, arm, defense, offense, control, fast ball, curve. slider, etc. The interview is the key. It is the key in the most successful companies. You get hired via after the interview. Jack Welch, CEO of GE wrote that in his book 'Winning'. We hire not by where you got your degree, Harvard or Wyoming State, it is what the candidate can do for my company and make it better. If it were just physical tools or just where you got your degree, there would never be a reason to talk to anyone. Ask yourself if you were to hire someone, do you want someone who says I just want a job, or someone who says I want to work for this company and I want to make it better and I think I can. I think why WIN METHOD is so successful is the players he is interviewing have no idea he represents the Yankees or any organization.

bigbadwolf said...

Steve, don't forget the scouts report the physical abilities related to baseball skills. If two or more guys look good, WIN METHOD wins out. At least while George Steinbrenner was ruling. Also, the player has to be available when the Yankee draft pick is due.

Steven F said...

Steve
What do you mean when you say physical ability is taken as a given? My company takes the same approach when hiring, we don't look at school success as the most important thing, but rather your desire to learn and grow, with the belief that we can train you to be successful. However that company and a baseball team are too different to use the same approach - I can train and practice all day every day - I still don't have the innate ability to be successful in the major leagues.

If we don't have a way to evaluate physical tools you could wind up with a team that, despite having great team attitude and desire to win, simply cannot compete physically with other teams.

Steve said...

Steven F, I would think that anyone already playing baseball in high school, college, or recognized league over seas that would be scouted and thus interviewed has the requisite physical tools, and already playing the game.

Izy Hernandez said...

Feliz Navidad

Wayne Littlebear said...

Seasons Greetings to everyone.

AAA said...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2016.

Jill Byrnes said...

Another issue regarding WIN METHOD fans. I for one have no problem with any player achieving grand statistics. My issue is that grand statistics do not make you the best player. And you can't blame your teammates when the team does not win without blaming yourself. Winning is why the game is played and that has to be what determines who best is. I think you would look very stupid standing between the players of the championship team and the players with the highest stats from other teams and telling the world that the champions are not the best.

Frank Sergi said...

Jill, That is what it is all about. It is not convoluted or contrived. Win and you are the best.

Ben Rosen/Israel said...

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all my friends at WIN METHOD.

Jack Gordon said...

Are we comparing apples to oranges? Not really. Stats measure how much or how many an individual achieves for himself. Wins measure how much all players on a team help their team achieve. Contrived stats try to tell you how much any individual will help any other team. Only one tells who the best players are and that is wins.

Bud Light said...

Jack, The contrived stats don't tell how an individual will help another team. that is Barbara Striesand the stat frauds try to make you believe.

Hector Lopez said...

Merry Christmas and Feliz Navadad

Sharon/NC said...

Baseball is around the corner. Merry Christmas. Happy New Year.

Warren Hammond said...

My Christmas wish. A playoff contending team for 2016. Merry Christmas Yankee fans.

WestcoastYankee said...

Celebrate the holidays, have fun with family and friends. Help those in need by donating whatever and whenever you can in time, services, or money. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all.

Sal Mineo said...

As we get closer to Christmas, a reach out to bestow the gift of comment sense to the stat frauds so they may realize that wins and winning does make for the best teams and players. Merry Christmas.

Robert Mandell said...

Sal, that is fantastic. Love it. You hit the nail squarely on the empty head.

Yankeeforever said...

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

Bob Behan said...

Merry Christmas.

Paul Hirschman said...

Happy Holidays everyone.

Rahm Mahood said...

My best wishes to all for this holiday season.

Andy K said...

Lets close out the year without trades or deals Cashman. Build from within. Merry Christmas.

Deb F said...

Santa is loading up and will be to everyone soon. Merry Christmas.

Yanks23245 said...

Let the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ begin. Merry Christmas to all the world.

Walt Belamy said...

May everyone receive what they need this Christmas season.

Erica Nuyens said...

Merry Christmas WIN METHOD. Love ya,

John Hartnett said...

Tis the season to be jolly. Merry Christmas.

Augie DeFonce said...

Merry Christmas.

Brian Cowley said...

Happy Holidays

Zack Norris said...

Christmas wishes for all.

Yuri Karshnev/USSR said...

Merry Christmas and a WIN METHOD New Year.

Chaz McDermott said...

Lets go Yankees in 16. Merry Christmas.

Domenic said...

Hark the herald angels sing, glory to the new born King.

Erica Johnston said...

Merry Christmas to the best fans in the world, WIN METHOD fans.

Xavier Young said...

Best to all for the Holy Days.

Ulysses said...

Merry Christmas.

Greg Stone said...

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy new Year.

Hugh Frazier said...

Merry Christmas fans.

Tommy Lee said...

Merry Christmas.

Ike Holmes said...

Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year.

Saul Irving said...

My best wished for the season to all.

Jack Bauer said...

Christmas Day has arrived. Merry Christmas everyone.

RLA said...

Merry Christmas.

Karl R said...

Seasons best.

Lou Lis said...

Yes, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Quay Ho said...

Merry Christmas.

Mel H said...

The joy of the season be with you all.

Paul Hill said...

Merry Christmas.

Norm Jackson said...

Merry Christmas to all and in particular the great great fans of the WIN METHOD.

Olga Castro said...

Feliz Navidad. So happy to see so many so joyous this celebrated day of joy.

Artie S said...

Merry Christmas.

Ted Lilly said...

Merry Christmas.

Stanley Chin said...

So far so good. No trades and holding on to the future stars.

Mel Francis said...

Getting late. Merry Christmas.

Chad Greene said...

Merry Christmas. It still is Christmas Day.

Dick Novak said...

Merry Christmas.

Boston Yankee fan said...

Merry Christmas. Just got back from grandmas.

Teena/Bronx said...

Last week of the year. Baseball is just around the corner. Merry Christmas.

johnny said...

Lets go Yankees.

Peter Raines said...

I may be last. Merry Christmas everyone.

Cole/NJ said...

Premier blog. Was told to try it. A winner.

johnsondc said...

Welcome Cole. Glad you are here.

Cole/NJ said...

My father was a Yankee fan and I guess I inherited the Yankees from him. Didn't know about the WIN METHOD and a co-worker told me to read it. Great read and now I know why Jeter and Mo and many others were the best. They won as a team.

Steve said...

Welcome to the major leagues of baseball discussion Cole. You are in the big leagues now with the smartest baseball fans there are.

Domenic said...

Steve & Steven F....good conversation guys.

Dane Ostrich said...

Happy New Year.

Robert Mandell said...

Happy New Year.

Saul Irving said...

Just seven weeks until spring training.

Eryn said...

Happy New Year Yankee fans.

David Stern said...

Here's to a very successful upcoming 2016 season.

johnsondc said...

Yanks trade Jagielo, Davis, Cotham, renda for Aroldis Chapman.

Fred Slube said...

Got an A+ reliever and lost none of our top prospects.

RLA said...

Thanks for the Christmas present Cash, but it was a few days late.

White Knight said...

Chapman makes a nice addition to the best closing pen in baseball of Miller and Betances.

Eryn said...

Now if Cashman stays the course and doesn't give up any of our top prospects on the cusp of stardom.

Todd Griffin said...

Happy New Year. Lets go Yankees. We are getting better.

Steven F. said...

Steve
Going back to our discussion that physical ability is a given. Chapman is a good example of why I think this isn't the case. The guy consistently throws over 100 mphs. He simply over powers most hitters he faces. When you compare him versus a guy like Brandon Pinder, do you really think their respective physical ability is a wash?

Gene A said...

Happy New Year.

Deb F said...

Happy New Year fans.

Steve said...

Steven F, I think I was not clear regarding physical ability. I meant all MLB ballplayers have come up through the ranks playing baseball and knowing the game. All players physical ability is baseball related, but each individual has different abilities relating to the game at different levels. IE, faster, stronger, smarter, hard thrower, better curve ball, slider, or changeup, better base runner, more HRs, etc. The combination of all these assets distributed over the roster creating wins and reaching the playoffs make for the best players and teams. I cannot emphasize enough, that is why the game is played and should be the goal of every player and team. However, it is not.

Steven F said...

Steve
Got it, in that case isn't scouting and statistical analysis a big part in determining who are the faster, strongest etc. Using this information, along with interviewing and determining player attitude and mindset, one can set up a roster that will lead to on-field success and wins?

Vladimir Tinzik said...

Happy New Year.

candycane said...

Steven F, You don't have to be the fastest or strongest or whatever. The interview by WIN METHOD is looking for the guys with the belief that the team is more important than themselves. I think that the more players your team has that play for the team to win, the more wins the team will get.

Steve said...

Steven F, If I am not mistaken WIN METHOD interviews prospects that are actively pursuing professional baseball careers, likely FA's, and any particular player he is asked to by George Steinbrenner in the past and now Hal. There are surely scouting reports and other factors that go into any front office decision.

Eddie OConnor said...

It's New Years Eve. Be careful out there.

bigbadwolf said...

WIN METHODS interviews are how the Yankees farm system has been rebuilt over the past few years.

Ben Rosen/Israel said...

Happy New Year.

reinvaldez said...

Happy New Year.

Robert Mandell said...

The interview, the best tool in hiring. I work for a major IT corporation and it makes no difference where you graduated from. You don't get hired unless you get through and pass the interview process.

Erica Nuyens said...

Happy New Year everyone and you to WIN METHOD. Love ya,

johnsondc said...

Happy New Year.

Steve said...

Happy New Year. Up and at them. Trying to educate some stat frauds.

Billy Tedder said...

Have a great year fans. And Lets go Yankees.

Cole/NJ said...

Happy New Year.

Cory said...

I hope the Yankees and Cashman don't trade off any of our main pieces from this point forward. I think we have the starters, bullpen and lineup to go well into the playoffs as the team stands now.

Augie DeFonce said...

Cory, I agree. We are pretty solid.

Wilsonsway said...

Spring training is right around the corner. Be Happy!

Carl Hooks said...

Steve, good luck with trying to educate does who are not willing to listen or learn.

Lori Kelly said...

Keep developing the farm system and build from within whenever possible. Just FA a needed piece here and there.

Bud Light said...

Lori K, I'll go along with that.

Boston Yankee said...

It"s 2016. Make it a Yankee year.

Rahm Mahood said...

Free agent players based on stats usually aren't worth the cost and may not be WIN METHOD.

Tom Loughlin said...

Rahn, free agents tend to bury the team who gets them. Particularly in the latter end of the deal.

Pete H said...

2016 is becoming to look very promising.

Stanley Chin said...

Hopefully the Yankee players get on the ball and come to spring training in decent shape and ready to win.

Phil Jenkins said...

Sanchez gives McCann rest at catcher. Bird likewise for Teixeira at first. Beltran, Elsbury, Gardner and Hicks gives someone a day off every game. Didi and Castro young up the middle. Ackley spells Castro who can spell Didi. Just need someone solid to spell Headley at third.

Zhaire said...

Fair points Phil. There is still time before the season starts to make a minor adjustment or two.

Linda Rice said...

afraud is still the black hole. Seems no way around it.

YankeeMike said...

So many of the talk forum posters keep whining trade so and so and trade so and so. They are willing to trade for garbage. So sad. Stay the course Cashman.

Al Ashton said...

The Yankees will come up big in 16.

Tommy Lee said...

We have built a nice little team. The starting pitching will determine the results. We have the horses, now to perform.

Fred Slube said...

No trade should ever be made unless you honestly and truly feel your team has gotten better because of who you got or maybe even who you got rid of. ie, afraud

Brian Cowley said...

All AL east teams have positives and negatives. I think the Yankees are on solid ground as the team stands now and Cashman does not pull any blunders.

bigbadwolf said...

People, remember, it is not how good you look on paper. You are only as good as you produce wins on the field.

Eddie OConnor said...

The rotation is going to shock baseball.

Tony Gigante said...

Shock? I hope in a very good way.

Ron Francis said...

If everyone on the roster plays WIN METHOD baseball all is fine, but then again there is afraud.

Swen Johanson said...

Looking forward to the season.

Teena/Bronx said...

Reading back thru the comment. It was a great discussion between Steve, Steven F, and several others. Fun reading.

jimbo said...

The WIN METHOD blog is good common sense baseball information. The garbage posters have their say, are embarrassed when their theories are destroyed with common sense, then the go back to their forums surrounded by other idiot cohorts and dumbbells.

johnny said...

Lets go Yankees.

Ben Rosen/Israel said...

Take us to the promised land again WIN METHOD.

Linda Rice said...

Six weeks to spring training.

Stan the Man said...

My lineup if I could..Against RH pitcher
1.Elsbury cf
2.Gardner lf
3.Teixeira 1b
4.Beltran rf
5.Castro 2b
6.McCann c
7.Bird dh
8.Headley 3b
9.Gregorius ss

Against LH pticher
1.Elsbury or Gardner cf
2.Castro 2b
3.Teixeira 1b
4.Hicks lf
5.afraud dh
6.Beltran rf
7.Sanchez c
8.Gregorius ss
9.Headley 3b

Tim Hergenraeder said...

Six weeks is to long to wait. I want baseball now.

Cal Fuerst said...

90+ wins in 2016.

Dane Ostroff said...

All is peaceful on the Yankee front.

Karl R said...

Solid lineups Stan.

Quay Ho said...

I like it because it limits afraud and is very well balanced.

AAA said...

Cashman picking out players lying around to fill the minor league rosters.

Carl Hooks said...

Cashman has done well moving pieces around this winter. Just don't pull a blunder now.

Steven F said...

Stan
I know there's a lot of hate for Arod here, but he did lead this team in home runs last year - with 23 of them coming against righties. I think it's very unlikely they bench him unless he really struggles.

I also think I'd prefer Bird playing first base every day in the minors rather than serving as a DH and part-time first baseman here. He needs reps over there, his biggest weakness at this point is his defensive ability.

Gus Papa said...

I think everyone here believes the same way, but I just can't help saying just how good this team would be without afraud on it right now.

Deb F said...

The Yankees must rue the day they signed afraud.

Stan the Man said...

Steven F, With Bird DHing against righties he will get a boatload of at bats. Also spelling Teixeira every several games he will get on the field. Unless something crops up during spring training afraud will be given the DH spot. His performance will determine how long he keeps it. He is a detriment on the base paths and that hurts the team. Lets see what happens. But I would rather have his roster spot on the 25 man team for a guy who can play the field.

Yankeeforever said...

We need to incorporate the new guys to play as a team. That will determine how far the team goes.

Lou Lis said...

Arod is the past, I rather stiff him and let Bird swing the bat.

Unknown said...

We wish he was the past. Unfortunately he's under contract for two more years and unfortunatly that's important to the organization.

Right now birds bat is ahead of his defense. He's a converted catcher and relatively new to the position. It's important he gets more than an occasional start at first base.

Victor Grandozi said...

Spring training will decide many things and it would be best if the decisions are hard to make for Girardi. Everybody looks good.

bigbadwolf said...

Bird can get a lot of time at 1b during spring training.

Unknown said...

I disagree, spring training will not determine much outside of the back end of the bullpen. Arod is not going to be benched because of a poor spring training performance, nor should he.

And just because Bird gets reps at spring training does not mean he couldn't benefit from consistent reps at AAA

bigbadwolf said...

Steven F, Spring training may decide the rotation, who will be the middle relievers, the lineup, if a surprise makes the team, if Bird shines at bat it will be near impossible to AAA him, what to do if someone goes down with an injury, etc.

Unknown said...

It might decide 1 person in the rotation. Who in the lineup is up for grabs? Middle relievers are always up for grab but 3 relievers are already set. If Bird hits during spring training, what does that change? We know he can hit, he can needs to plat everyday and improve

Dave Matthews said...

Almost every year and over time how many guys make the team from a spring training performance. Even if they don't make the 25 man roster they open eyes and may be put on a fast track to the majors when sent to the minors.

will-i-am said...

Steven F, Yes, the position players are already set. But, and most everyone who posts here feels this way, the Yankees have to pay afraud for the next two seasons, but they do not have to play him. Send him packing. Let Bird play and fill his roster spot with someone who can play the field and run. afraud pretty much stunk up the place from August thru September. What does the team do if that becomes his ability for 2016?

Unknown said...

Your arguing for a lot of things that I'm not arguing against.

I'm saying spring training is not going to determine many things for this team. The lineup is set in stone. The rotation is mostly set In stone- maybe Nova sneaks in over CC-maybe.

So basically the only thing up for grabs is some bench spots and the back end of the bullpen. The roster can change during the season- but not many roster decisions are going to be made during spring training.

Last I like Bird a lot. I think ability wise he deserves a spot on this team. However I think he's going to take a full time role in 2017 and think it's best he plays everyday and develops rather than take a bench role for the major league team

Jack Gordon said...

will-i-am, I agree. afraud is a roadblock to another player.

Gus Papa said...

But Steven F, Bird can play everyday if afraud is not on the roster. Bird would be at 1b even 3x a week spelling Tex who can DH or be off completely. And if there is a long term DL injury I rather have a player who con play the field than afraud.

Unknown said...

Gus Papa,
That would be fine, truly.

But Do you think if Arod has a bad spring training they're going to cut him?
I guarantee they won't, he's making 25 million and led this team in home runs last season. I know everyone here hates him but he's taken an active role in teaching the young players and has been a mostly positive presence in the club house by all accounts lately.
He has a longer leash than spring training, and quite honestly he deserves it.

Deb F said...

Steven F, I disagree, afraud deserves nothing. He has cheated the game all his life, He has cheated his wife and children. Unless he has been resurrected and seen the light of day (which is possible) I do not believe he helped or helps anyone. I think the coaches are the most responsible for teaching and helping the young players. Sure he is happy in the clubhouse. He is making 25M and can't run or field.

Unknown said...

Deb

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/yankees/post/_/id/83042/how-a-rod-has-influenced-yankees-top-hitting-prospect

http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/yankees-prospect-aaron-judge-progressing-nicely-with-his-approach-1.10634658

Give a quick read, I also follow a blog that has mentioned on many occasions that Arod works with these young guys regularly. He's made mistakes as we all have, but I believe he made a strong effort to be a better team mate last year.



Deb F said...

Steven F, maybe I am to jaded in my dislike of afraud. But that is what I would expect a minor league prospect to say about and coach or big league player who game him advice.

Tom Loughlin said...

Steven F, couldn't afrauds apparent rehabilitation just be the criminal saying I am sorry after being convicted of robbing multiple entities and keeping the spoils.

Unknown said...

Not really, Arod didn't steal anything and trying to be a better teammate and mentor to young players is a lot more significant than just saying sorry.

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