Just wanted to chime in about last night's game against KC. Very unusual game..First off, I think that last night may have been the 1st game I remember seeing AJ Burnett make a big pitch in a big spot to get out of a jam since his first season with the Yankees. Can you imagine?? That's how long it's been..Got a huge groundball double play that really restored order last night, stopped the bleeding and allowed the Yanks to rally and retake the lead. Typical AJ though right before that -- Yanks stake him to a 2-0 lead and he promptly gives it right back (in the 5th inning I believe) but did get that huge double play to get out of it. I was shocked. LOL! Maybe we can build something with this guy now.
With this dude, it's 100% mental. Slight dip in the quality of his stuff from years past, but overall there's still more than enough there to win ballgames..This dude's gotta want it and pitch much more aggressive. We've seen this all before with certain guys --- the most frustrating pitchers to root for: a guys with A+ ability but no smarts and no balls..Absolutely ZERO mental toughness...The 1st sign of trouble, he wilts like a flower..I've never seen anything like it --- it's not like he's a rookie; this guys been around for a long time now..Hey last night was a nice change but I still don't trust him at all in a big spot. All the bullpen talk is nonsense btw -- he's a starting pitcher -- has always been a SP, and will always continue to be..Francesa was saying that the other day and I agree with him. From here on in though, and definitely in the playoffs, God willing we get there, Joe's gotta keep him on a very short leash...First sign of trouble, he's out..Just like that game in Chicago..I couldn't even care less about him qualifying for that win..It ain't about any one guy but team...I loved it when Joe yanked him from that game against the White Sox...Hey, he helped us win a championship a couple of years ago so there's not too much you can really say, but man, is he scary in a big spot or what? I can't wait until this guy's outta here..I think he's got 2 years to go after this one. I say you ship this guy right outta town the first chance you get if the opportunity ever presents itself..Even if we had to pay most of the freight..Betances just got promoted to AAA ball, following Banuelos not too long ago..These guys are both on the rise -- each should get the call up in Sept. and may actually be in the plans for next year. CC's not going anywhere and I think Hughes and Nova are here to stay. Not sure about Bartolo and Freddy. One, maybe both are brought back for next year to help bridge the gap to Betances/Banuelos. By that time, if there's anyway to send Burnett packing, I say you do it. Even if we had to eat salary and even if we barely got anything back for him..Whatever we could get for this guy would be gravy..The big thing is opening up his spot in the rotation for one of the young guns eventually. I just can't see this guy in pinstripes for the entire length of his contract.
Speaking of young talent and good "stuff," this kid Felipe Paulino for KC is a complete enigma. For some reason, his well above average arsenal just hasn't translated to winning games. Dude's got a golden arm though -- routinely hits 95, 96 on the gun (I've seen him hit 98 with his heater in the past) with a real tight slider. I suspect he hasn't been utilized properly in the bigs so far..I wonder if he would be better served pitching out of the pen as a late-inning power set-up guy or closer. He's got that kind of stuff. Very quietly, I might make an offer for this guy in the off-season if I were Cashman. Try to get him cheap off the poor record and performance..Change of scenery, a move to the bullpen, pitching in meaningful games...who knows. This dude has been designated for assignment by the Rockies in the past and is now scuffling big-time for the Royals in an Anthony Young kinda way. Funny how the Rockies just up & gave up on him, considering the kind of arm he has.. Makes you think how long KC plans on sticking with him. With Mo on the decline, adding another power arm on the cheap wouldn't necessarily be a bad move for next year (who knows how Joba bounces back from TJ surgery), if we could get him at a good price..I see a totally different pitcher with this kid Paulino out of the bullpen for some team. Just my 2 cents: stuff-wise alone, I see a much better talent than Joakim Soria, the current Royals closer. I see a lot of ability that hasn't been harnassed yet up to this point..