Hey, since Benitez did SO well in Queens...

[The Brain]

... oh sure, let's get a guy who somehow made the All-Star team despite the fact his home stadium lustily <b>BOO</b>s him every chance they get.

<b>EDIT</b>: Here's the ESPN article-- <a href=http://espn.go.com/mlb/news/2003/0715/1581125.html target=_blank>Benitez traded to Yanks for Jason Anderson and 2 minor leaguers</a>.

Is there some reason the Yanks are doing this? They say he can be converted from closer to solid set-up man, but that <i>is the exact same thought they had concerning Juan Acevedo</i>, and we all know how that turned out.

He cannot pitch in any big-pressure situation, and despite the comforting thought that Mariano Rivera will hold down the 9th (and most likely, he'll have to hold down the 8th with this guy around, too), I just cannot see him holding leads. The guy is a basket-case and a psychological meltdown waiting to happen. :mad:

[SuperClerk]

It will be well worth it if he completely fucks up in the Bronx. Which I think he will.

[JJ]

What i thought was great was when NBC was getting reactions from Met fans. LOL this one lady goes, "I swear its a curse to be a Met."

All he is going to do is give Steinbrenner someone else to yell at and blame when somthing goes wrong. what a waste.

[McNabbShouldDie]

I dont think the Yanks have anything to lose in this trade. Everyones so quick to say its so possible for him to blow leads and crap, well its also possible for Luis Castillo to steal a base in the 3rd inning of a game on August 17th, whats your point?

Im not a big fan of this trade but I dont think the Yanks have much to lose and I dont think everyone should jump on Benitez before hes given a chance.

We'll see what happens.

[Tenbatsuzen]

We sent Contreras to the minors, we can do the same with Armando.

[McNabbShouldDie]

we can do the same with Armando.

The problem with Armando was never his ability to pitch, hes a fine pitcher. Not great, not good, buts hes always been ok. The problem with him has always been pressure. You cant cure that in the minors after all these years hes been in the majors.

[The Brain]

The problem with him has always been pressure.

And that is the issue we all have with him. He already showed he couldn't take it back when he was an Oriole, and plunked Tino Martinez following a Bernie Williams' home run. He blew leads for the Orioles in playoff games against the Yanks, then blew 7 games for the Mets (including one against the Yanks) this year and still made the All-Star team.

And now you think he'll be able to handle himself in an 8th-inning, Game 7 of the ALCS with a trip to the World Series on the line?

I for one doubt it. And watching him in tonight's game failed to convince me. If the team always gives him 4 or 5 run leads, then great. But in a tie game, or up by only one I would feel better if he didn't have the ball.

[McNabbShouldDie]

then blew 7 games for the Mets (including one against the Yanks) this year and still made the All-Star team.

But lets face it, the Mets had NO ONE else that could represent them.

Like I said Im not a big fan of this trade but I still dont think everyone should jump on Benitez until he really fucks up.

but that is the exact same thought they had concerning Juan Acevedo, and we all know how that turned out.

I really hope you werent putting Acevedo on the same level as Benitez.

You never know though, this pressure problem he has can vanish and everything works out great(yea, its a stretch but a man can dream.) Also what i dont think alot of people realize is that Benitez isnt gonna be in Yankee pinstripes next year. His contract is up this year and if he doesnt perform amazingly hes gone, that simple. Thats why I think the Yanks dont have much to lose with this deal.

[JimmyBlueEyes]

Consider me a jumper, he blew that game today. I still say the Mets got the better end of the deal.

[The Brain]

but that is the exact same thought they had concerning Juan Acevedo, and we all know how that turned out.
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I really hope you werent putting Acevedo on the same level as Benitez.

Both are known as hard throwers, both seem to get snippy about pitching any inning but the 9th, and both crumble in high-pressure situations.

Other than that, they are two entirely different people.