The Sommer Frieze

I wish I could have seen it rather than be at work.

With just 24 some seconds left, the goalie pulled for an extra attacker and the host country, Canada, ready to celebrate, the USA tied the gold-medal hockey game 2-2.

But in OT, 22 year old Sidney Crosby, already one of, if not the best, player in the NHL, scored to give the Canadians the gold medal. The USA settles for silver but takes home 37 medals from these Olympics.

For Crosby, a Stanley Cup and a gold medal in a year’s time. The Penguin follows, PIttsburgh-wise, in the great steps of Mario Lemieux and  Jaromir Jagr.

A nice tradition that the “Igloo” in Pittsburgh has. Good to see the Penguins and Steelers making up for the Pirates.

Well, Chan Ho Park arrived in Yankees camp today. To make room for him on the 40-man roster, the Yankees DFA’d Edwar Ramirez. Edwar went 6-2, 5.22 in 96 games with the Yankees 2007-2009. ERA+ 85. Below average. He did have a decent 2008 when he went 5-1, 3.90 ERA+ 118. He did K 116 in 98 1/3 innings in his tenure, but walked 56 in those 98 1/3—too many. 19 of his 93 hits given up were HR. Good change, too many walks and when hit, was hit hard.

Edwar turns 29 soon. He seemed to me like a decent enough stopgap pitcher. By stopgap, I mean someone to hold the fort until a Melancon, Robertson, Hughes, Joba could develop. When brought up in 2007, Vizcaino, Bruney and Farnsworth(less) were the bridge to Mo (which Joba would assume late that year).  All three had ERAs of 4.30 or higher. Edwar had an 8.14 in his stint.

In 2008, Joba started 12 games, relieved in 30. Edwar, Farnsworth and Veras were decent if not spectacular. ERAs 3.59 to 3.90. But in 2009 Edwar slumped to a 5.73. He wasn’t alone, as the trio of him, Albaladejo and Veras were soon replaced. Aceves, Robertson and Hughes were the ones to help the Yankees to a title (and you can throw in Bruney if you want, despite Bruney’s not being used much in the postseason).    

Stopgap while guys like Hughes, Joba, Robertson and Melancon got ready. Three have earned their wings. Now for Melancon to do it. But with Park (guaranteed a bullpen spot), is there room for Melancon?

Not only that, what does the Park guaranteed signing mean for Aceves, Gaudin and Mitre? Besides watching the Joba/Phil battle, the battle for the long man could prove interesting. I would tend to believe that Mitre is the odd man out. Which leaves Aceves/Gaudin to battle for the 2nd long man role besides Park. Could Aceves be out after a 10-1, 3.54 season? That’d be tough to swallow, wouldn’t it?