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Kansas City Royals III: Things That Make You Go Hmmm Edition
2008-08-15 12:50
by Cliff Corcoran

Let's get right into it. The Yankees just made three roster moves. The first was obvious: Dan Giese, who left Wednesday's game with shoulder tendonitis, has been placed on the DL and replaced with Chris Britton, who will reprise his role as roster filler until the Yankees are forced to call up a fifth starter, likely Phil Hughes, next weekend.

Untitled The second was somewhat overdue. Melky Cabrera, who has hit .226/.274/.293 since May 1, was optioned to triple-A and replaced by Brett Gardner. In fairness to the Yankees, they tried to motivate this exchange in early July by calling up Gardner and giving him 16 starts in an 18-game stretch (enabled by Johnny Damon's shoulder injury), but Gardner made Melky look like Mickey Mantle by hitting .153/.227/.169. As I reported in my Farm Report this morning, Gardner got back in the grove after his late-July demotion, hitting .339/.429/.390* in his return engagement in Scranton. He also returns to the Bronx coming off a 3 for 4 day (with a triple) and on a seven-game hitting streak. After his July performance, it's difficult to say Gardner couldn't be worse than Melky, and there's legitimate concern that his total lack of power will allow major league pitchers to challenge him and thus negate his ability to draw walks, which is a huge part of his game, but desperate times call for desperate measures, and this doesn't even qualify as the latter.

Gardner will start in center tonight and bat eighth ahead of Andy Pettitte's new personal catcher, Jose Molina. It remains to be seen if Joe Girardi will platoon the lefty-hitting Gardner with the right-handed Justin Christian, though one suspects he will. The way I see it, if they're going to give Gardner a second chance, they might as well let him play full time, though certainly Gardner's performance will play a large part in determining how much playing time he loses to Christian. As for Melky, he'll be back when rosters expand in two weeks.

Untitled The third and final transaction saw the Yankees call up Cody Ransom, whom I also discussed in my Farm Report, and release Richie Sexson. I have to say, I'm confused about this one. Sexson was hitting .250/.371/.393 as a Yankee, which isn't season-changing, but if nothing else, gave the Yankees a solid on-base performance from a bench player. Against lefties, Sexson hit .273/.393/.455 as a Yankee, which meant he was doing what the Yankees picked him up to do. Ransom, as I said in my Farm Report, is essentially a right-handed Wilson Betemit, but five years older and with a fraction of the big league experience. Originally a shortstop, Ransom can play all four infield positions and spot in the outfield. He transitioned to third base in 2006, but in the wake of the Alberto Gonzalez trade was moved back to short in Scranton a couple of weeks ago. He's got some pop in his bat (22 homers in 116 games for Scranton this year, 49 in 257 games over his last two minor league seasons), but his plate discipline is ordinary at best and he strikes out a lot and hits for a low average.

Other than position flexibility, I'm not sure what Ransom offers that would be enough for the Yankees to pass on having Sexson on the bench earning the major league minimum. Derek Jeter's in the lineup tonight at shortstop, so it doesn't seem as though his bruised instep is enough of a problem to motivate a roster move that costs the team a productive player. The only thing I can think of is that having the extra infielder on hand will allow Joe Girardi to apply some pressure to Robinson Cano, whose play over the past two weeks has become downright problematic as he's made numerous mental mistakes on the bases and in the field, enough so that his effort and concentration have been called into question (Cano's also hitting .210/.279/.323 since the end of the Yankees' eight-game winning streak coming out of the All-Star break). Still, I'm not sure it was necessary to release Sexson in order to give either Betemit or Ransom some starts at second base. Besides which, Cano's in the lineup tonight in his usual spot.

Still, it seems to me that these last two moves are designed primarily to make the C + C Music Factory sweat, while giving Girardi some viable alternatives in the meantime. Sexson's departure doesn't represent a huge loss, particularly with Jason Giambi having heated back up (.288/.447/.515 since the day before the All-Star break, .364/.533/.773 on the just-completed road trip), but Cody Ransom, a career .236/.331/.364 hitter in 140 major league bats at age 31, is still a downgrade, no matter what positions he can play.

*the stats in my Farm Report don't include Thursday's games; these do

With all of that said, looking at the standings, the Yankees are 6.5 games behind the Red Sox in the Wild Card race. They have six games remaining against the Sox. What that extra .5 means is that, even if the Yankees were to sweep the Sox in those six games (an extremely unlikely scenario), they still wouldn't pass Boston to earn the Wild Card unless they also out-played the Sox against third-party opponents. With just 41 games left, 15 of which are against the Sox, Rays, and Angels, things look as bleak for the Yankees right now as they've looked at any point since 1993, Cody Ransom or no Cody Ransom.

The good news is that the Yankees just had an off day yesterday, have another on Monday, and will send their top three pitchers against the Royals this weekend. If that can't get them up off the mat, then things are even worse than they seem. Then again, one of those top three pitchers is Sidney Ponson and the Yanks are 3-4 against the Royals on the season, including a four-game split at the Stadium in early June.

In the Yankees' defense, June was a good month for Kansas City, as the Royals went 16-11 (.593). The rest of the year, the Royals have played down to their Pythagorean record (see below) with a .404 winning percentage. Gil Meche, who starts tonight, broke a streak of four straight wins (1.71 ERA) with a no-decision against the Twins his last time out (6 IP, 4 R). Of note, Meche has walked 12 men in his last 12 1/3 innings, but in his last 32 2/3 he's struck out 33 and not allowed a single home run.

As I mentioned above, Andy Pettitte starts for the Yanks tonight. Pettitte rebounded from a pair of ugly outings (0-2, 12.19 ERA) with seven strong innings against the Angels in his last start, but failed to get a win as Damaso Marte and Mariano Rivera blew the game in the ninth.

Kansas City Royals

2008 Record: 54-67 (.446)
2008 Pythagorean Record: 50-71 (.410)

Manager: Trey Hillman
General Manager: Dayton Moore

Home Ballpark (multi-year Park Factors): Kauffman Stadium (103/104)

Who's Replacing Whom:

Billy Butler (minors) replaces Joey Gathright (DL)
Jason Smith (minors) replaces Mark Grudzielanek (DL)
Mitch Maier (minors) replaces Alberto Callaspo (DL)
Leo Nuñez (DL) replaces Yasuhiko Yabuta (minors)
Josh Newman (minors) replaces Jimmy Gobble (minors)
Robinson Tejada replaces Brett Tomko

25-man Roster:

1B - Ross Gload (L)
2B - Esteban German (R)
SS - Mike Aviles (R)
3B - Alex Gordon (L)
C - John Buck (R)
RF - Jose Guillen (R)
CF - David DeJesus (L)
LF - Mark Teahen (L)
DH - Billy Butler (R)

Bench:

L - Jason Smith (IF)
R - Tony Peña Jr. (IF)
L - Mitch Maier (OF)
R - Miguel Olivo (C)*

Rotation:

R - Gil Meche
R - Brian Bannister
R - Luke Hochevar
R - Kyle Davies
R - Zack Greinke

Bullpen:

R - Joakim Soria
R - Ramon Ramirez
L - Ron Mahay
R - Leo Nuñez
L - Josh Newman
R - Joel Peralta
R - Robinson Tejeda

15-day DL: R - Mark Grudzielanek (2B), L - Joey Gathright (OF), S - Alberto Callaspo (IF)
60-day DL: R - Luke Hudson, L - John Bale, R - Ryan Braun

Lineup:

R - Mike Aviles (SS)
L - Mark Teahen (LF)
L - David DeJesus (CF)
R - Jose Guillen (RF)
R - Billy Butler (DH)
L - Alex Gordon (3B)
L - Ross Gload (1B)
R - John Buck (C)
R - Esteban German (2B)

*serving the final three games of a four-game suspension; Maier is the emergency backup catcher

Comments (300)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-08-15 15:07:48
1.   cult of basebaal
0 "by calling up Gardner and giving him 16 starts in a 14-game stretch"

wow ... gardner's so fast he can start the same game twice and still be in bed before the light goes out ...

2008-08-15 15:14:05
2.   Cliff Corcoran
Make that an 18-game stretch.
2008-08-15 15:18:35
3.   Bagel Boy
Great title and tie in. I used to love C & C - both versions! Now, after this season, not so much.

(The old one I left behind when I was twelve. Luckily Public Enemy is still with me. I was a confused child.)

2008-08-15 15:35:02
4.   OldYanksFan
While our young pitchers has done well, it's easy to see how neglecting the farm all those years has really hurt. It's still gonna be a bunch of years before we field a team with strong position players from the farm.
2008-08-15 15:38:36
5.   weeping for brunnhilde
Alas, poor Melky.

I tend to think this is what needed to happen (something certainly did), but now that it has, I have to admit it makes me a little sad.

I can only imagine how Melky must be feeling. After all this time, after all this opportunity, to go from starting centerfielder of the New York Yankees back to AAA at this point of his career has got to be a shock.

I sure hope the coaching staff knows what it's doing and can help him do whatever he needs to do.

Fare thee well, Melky.

2008-08-15 15:44:46
6.   Cliff Corcoran
5 Indeed, it's been more than two years and the better part of three seasons since Melky was last in the minors (May '06).
2008-08-15 15:48:36
7.   rbj
So, if the Yankees started an inning like they do for extree innings in the Olympics, runners at 1st & 2nd, would they actually score?
2008-08-15 15:51:59
8.   Bagel Boy
6 In hindsight, was he rushed?

A-Jax is spending the whole year in AA.

Melky never spent one year at the same level, until he reached the majors.

2008-08-15 15:53:22
9.   weeping for brunnhilde
6 Any word, Cliff, on what the organization hopes to accomplish by this move? Any particular skill set they're looking for him to improve?

Otherwise, is there anything you can put your finger on that you think he needs to hone?

For my part, I guess the most glaring thing is that over his term here he seems to have lost all conception of the strike zone. Also, he can't hit breaking pitches or recognize them in time to lay off.

And he just never seems to hit the ball squarely.

Man, I'd like to have cause for optimism (I really like the guy) but it sure looks bleak for the Melkman.

2008-08-15 15:56:32
10.   Just fair
7 "We're never going to score."
-Beavis
2008-08-15 16:01:21
11.   rbj
With rain like this, ain't no team gonna score.
2008-08-15 16:05:06
12.   OldYanksFan
Actually, I wish they swapped Brett and Melky 3 weeks ago. I have no doubt that Melky is (potentially) the better player and the only one of the two who MIGHT be MLB quality one day. But Melky has not only played poorly, but stupidly. And yes Weeping, HOPEFULLY 'at this point of his career has got to be a shock'. We owe him a shock before we go for the lobotomy.

I also think it may be a wakeup call to Robbie as well. I hate to put Melky in this light, but this is an 'addition by subtraction' move. The dynamic these 2 bring to the ballpark is now a bad one. It needed to be broken.

Should Brett be batting 9th (2nd lead off)?
Is JD hurting? If not, how about Nady in RF and Booby as DH?

2008-08-15 16:06:48
13.   OldYanksFan
11 Will we get this game in?
2008-08-15 16:11:27
14.   weeping for brunnhilde
12 Cano's next. Obviously, he's a harder case because his raw talent is so much higher and therefore even when he's bad he's still pretty good, but man, can you imagine what Robby could be if...if...

I know zero about his work ethic, so I won't say he needs to work harder, but it's clear he's not tapping his full potential and it's becoming painful to watch.

I guess maybe it's what people felt about Strawberry, why they felt so let down by a player who had seemingly limitless potential but (and this, obviously, is the killer 'but') for the demons in his head.

Poor Straw.

I really hope Robby can figure it out and achieve the consistent greatness he's capable of. Anything less is just sad.

2008-08-15 16:13:28
15.   Cliff Corcoran
12 They tried. Gardner didn't hit. Clearly they were just waiting for Gardner to heat back up in the minors (or Melky to heat back up in the majors). Gardner, who was only back in Scranton for three weeks, won that race.

Meanwhile, Girardi sure is treating Damon like he's hurting, otherwise Bobby as DH makes a lot of sense at this point.

9 I'd say just his overall approach at the plate. And yes, 8 , I would say he was clearly rushed, but he was the team's best option at the time as they were still propping up Bernie in center. Heck, they tried to rush him even faster, but he played his way back to double-A in a heartbeat in 2005.

2008-08-15 16:13:59
16.   weeping for brunnhilde
Is it raining so hard in the city?

It just started here (in New Haven), but it's just a steady medium-grade sprinkle.

Man, how frustrating, to be reduced to waiting to see a truly exasperating team play baseball. I guess, to paraphrase Oscar Wilde, only one thing in the world worse than watching a wretched team play baseball, and that's not watching that team play baseball.

2008-08-15 16:18:51
17.   Cliff Corcoran
16 The rain in northern Jersey passed through a while ago, so I expect there will be baseball soon.
2008-08-15 16:31:30
18.   rbj
13 Dunno. I saw the rain on EI, but I'm in Toledo. Where it's nice and sunny.
2008-08-15 16:34:11
19.   randym77
CNN broke in awhile back, saying there was a tornado warning for NYC.

My guess is they swapped Sexson for Ransom because Jeter's foot injury drove home how thin they are at SS. They could use A-Rod or Betemit in an emergency, but with the Attorney General gone, there's really no one you can start at SS if you want to DH Jeter, or give him a day off.

2008-08-15 16:41:39
20.   Cliff Corcoran
19 I don't see Ransom as an upgrade over Betemit in that situation, though Betemit's struggles in covering second base on steal attempts have been a consistent problem, so perhaps there's a small defensive upgrade there with Ransom. Just remember this is a guy who was moved to third base in the minors two years ago, though I suppose you could argue that the Astros were just covering for the decline of Morgan Ensberg.
2008-08-15 16:52:28
21.   randym77
I think Ransom is a clear upgrade over Betemit, just from watching them. Not scientific or anything, admittedly. But I think between Jeter's foot problem and Betemit's screw up at 1B, they had to do something.

I've been wondering what they were going to do about SS depth ever since Gonzalez was traded. I thought it might be Nick Green again...

2008-08-15 16:57:29
22.   cult of basebaal
anyone got an update on the weather?
2008-08-15 17:02:05
23.   rbj
Within half an hour. They're removing the tarp.
2008-08-15 17:02:50
24.   Cliff Corcoran
21 You've been watching the SWB Yanks?
2008-08-15 17:14:11
25.   randym77
24 Yup! I love minor league games.

Maybe I'll get to see Melky next week...

2008-08-15 17:23:52
26.   rbj
25 Me too. Tix are a lot more affordable, as is the beer. Plus you don't have nosebleed seats where the players look like ants.
2008-08-15 17:28:40
27.   randym77
26 Yes! Parking is usually free, too, and the stadiums are easier to get to.

It's just so much more laid back. They're happy to see a paying customer. At Scranton, they don't even search your bags. People bring in coolers full of food. Dunno if they're supposed to or not, but nobody gives them a hard time. I bring in a camera with a monopod and a huge lens, and no one minds. After the fifth inning or so, you can usually move down to the front row if you want.

2008-08-15 17:30:32
28.   OldYanksFan
Looks like games on!
2008-08-15 17:33:39
29.   rbj
27 Yeah. Though I haven't seen anyone bring coolers in here in Toledo. And a lot of the games are sold out so you don't get to move down, but then again there really aren't any bad seats here.

Mudhens/Fifth-Third Field is one thing Toledo has done right.

2008-08-15 17:38:22
30.   randym77
29 Scranton is kind of odd. The entire lower section is usually sold out...but no one sits there. I think people have season tickets, but don't use them. They stop checking tickets after the fifth inning or so, and you can move anywhere you want.

Pawtucket has berm seating. They usually allow you to bring in food if you're sitting on the berm.

I drove past the exit to Fifth Third Field last May. If I'd been alone, I'd have stopped and taken in a game, but my friend had to get home.

2008-08-15 17:39:58
31.   OldYanksFan
HA!
2008-08-15 17:44:34
32.   rbj
30 I was shocked that the Portland Beavers field is artificial turf. Then again they don't get as much local press, usually just a paragraph or two in the Oregonian. It's pretty much Trailblazers every day.
2008-08-15 17:45:45
33.   Cliff Corcoran
30 You know, I hadn't even checked, but I just assumed that most of the games were mostly sold out. It's probably too late in the season for me to haul myself out there, but I'll make a point of it next season. Of course, I meant to get to Trenton this year and didn't. Haven't been since I saw Hughes there in '06.
2008-08-15 17:47:11
34.   randym77
Aw, poor Melky. They said he was totally blindsided. He didn't see it coming.
2008-08-15 17:47:42
35.   mehmattski
Mmm, I love when rain delays coincide with me getting in late...
2008-08-15 17:52:46
36.   rbj
Can we send Jeter down too? -jk.
2008-08-15 17:55:36
37.   OldYanksFan
Some pretty telling stats from Kaye
2008-08-15 17:57:03
38.   randym77
32 I think Scranton had artificial turf. The Yankees made them rip it out and install real grass when they moved.

33 I usually just show up and buy my ticket then. But then, I always do that. I'm kind of a last-minute type when it comes to baseball games.

I usually go when I'm not expecting it to be crowded (weekdays), and the stands are usually pretty empty. Might be different on weekends.

2008-08-15 17:58:04
39.   rbj
Grrr.
2008-08-15 17:59:16
40.   cult of basebaal
just another offensive inning for our offense ...
2008-08-15 18:06:31
41.   randym77
Come ON, Andy!
2008-08-15 18:09:10
42.   weeping for brunnhilde
Nice pitch, Andy.
2008-08-15 18:10:26
43.   weeping for brunnhilde
34 Oh, God, now I feel awful.

That's just not good.

I've had that happen to me before (I suppose we all have) in personal or professional relationships.

That's a horrid feeling.

2008-08-15 18:13:16
44.   weeping for brunnhilde
Oh, a beautiful ab by Nady, just as Leiter's talking about what a good hitter he is.

Textbook.

2008-08-15 18:13:43
45.   tommyl
33 You mean you missed Pavano's return to form?! Cliff, how could you?
2008-08-15 18:15:16
46.   cult of basebaal
YOU GET THE MESSAGE, ROBBY???

GOOD.

2008-08-15 18:15:30
47.   Just fair
Why no bunt? Lame.
2008-08-15 18:16:46
48.   cult of basebaal
meanwhile, gardner's back up to give more lousy at bats

pull. the. fucking. ball.

2008-08-15 18:16:55
49.   randym77
Looks like the Yanks are going to be in the market for a CFer this winter.
2008-08-15 18:18:20
50.   tommyl
Ah, the 2008 Yankees I know and love.
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-08-15 18:19:51
51.   tommyl
G-d fucking damnit. Someone get a hit with a runner on second. For the love of...argh.
2008-08-15 18:19:58
52.   weeping for brunnhilde
Typical inning.

Btw, anyone hear any news on how Jorgie and Pudge are getting on?

2008-08-15 18:20:35
53.   rbj
And the answer to 7 is no, they wouldn't score. At this rate I think the Chinese team would beat the Yankees.
2008-08-15 18:21:07
54.   cult of basebaal
49 take a look at the guy on the opposing 9 ... that's who i'd go after.
2008-08-15 18:21:29
55.   weeping for brunnhilde
How come Kansas City managed to score a lousy run?

I mean, for the love of all things holy, is it that hard to score one motherfucking run?

2008-08-15 18:23:59
56.   Jeb
Maybe we should just tank the rest of the season and get the #1 draft pick.
2008-08-15 18:25:39
57.   mehmattski
55 Weeping, not sure if you saw me post it the other day, but I took a look at how A-Rod's performed, broken down by the count, the pitch, and the location. I think you'll find my conclusions interesting. Take a look at www.immacualteinning.com. The post was inspired by you, so I'd love to know what you think!
2008-08-15 18:26:10
58.   mehmattski
57 Way to spell my own website wrong:

www.immaculateinning.com

2008-08-15 18:26:12
59.   tommyl
Well at least the kid can play defense.
2008-08-15 18:26:14
60.   rbj
HA!
2008-08-15 18:26:55
61.   weeping for brunnhilde
Wow, beautiful baseball on both ends.

Love the aggressive baserunning.

2008-08-15 18:27:06
62.   randym77
Nice work, kid.
2008-08-15 18:28:12
63.   weeping for brunnhilde
Nice job, Gardner! (I was a little scared there.)

Ok, let's charge, sticks!

2008-08-15 18:28:31
64.   rbj
OK, can the 2009 Yankees carry a weak hitting defense oriented CF?
2008-08-15 18:28:38
65.   randym77
52 They seem to be getting along well. YES showed them sitting side by side in the dugout.

They also said Jorgie comforted Melky after he got the bad news.

2008-08-15 18:30:20
66.   williamnyy23
Even as one of Melky's bigger backers, I can live with sending him down to the minors, but it really makes no sense to replace him with someone who is actually less of a threat with the bat. The only consolation is hopefully the Yankees get their Gardner fetish out of the way this season and don't waste any ABs on him in 2009.
2008-08-15 18:31:09
67.   weeping for brunnhilde
At least Derek can still find holes consistently at a .280 clip.

He has been consistent, so that's something.

2008-08-15 18:32:32
68.   weeping for brunnhilde
Ah, man, I thought that was gone off the bat.

He must have got just under it.

Damn it.

2008-08-15 18:34:02
69.   mehmattski
My data suggests that the best pitch 1-2 against A-Rod is a fastball right down the middle...
2008-08-15 18:35:44
70.   mehmattski
2-2, A-Rod will chase breaking pitches outside the strikezone. Don't pitch outside...
2008-08-15 18:36:41
71.   mehmattski
A-Rod has better success on a 3-2 count than any other count...

...sorry I am addicted to pitch f/x data. Maybe I need help...

2008-08-15 18:37:06
72.   weeping for brunnhilde
Thanks, Alex.

Is it that hard to make contact with the baseball?

2008-08-15 18:37:11
73.   williamnyy23
The boo birds are going to find their way back to Arod very soon.
2008-08-15 18:37:40
74.   weeping for brunnhilde
Nice swing, Jason.

Jesus, chill the fuck out, bats!

2008-08-15 18:39:54
75.   tommyl
73 I dunno, they might be hoarse from booing the rest of the damn team.
2008-08-15 18:40:45
76.   Just fair
Nice job, team.
2008-08-15 18:40:49
77.   tommyl
0 for 8 already with RISP.
2008-08-15 18:41:53
78.   mehmattski
Well, Gilgamesh is two-thirds god and one-third human... The people of Uruk rejoice.
2008-08-15 18:42:05
79.   weeping for brunnhilde
You know why I think it is Jason maddens me?

With an eye like his, he could be batting .330.

Anyway, strike three, surprise, surprise.

Tough to score runs that way.

And Derek, you know, he steals second base and then is stranded there by two Ks.

That's unacceptable.

Everyone has to do their part.

2008-08-15 18:43:03
80.   tommyl
79 And you know Andy is going to have his inning of implosion at some point. Sigh, this is getting boring. I hate to say it, but it is.
2008-08-15 18:43:42
81.   rbj
Well obviously the Yankees can't afford to carry a light hitting CF as the rest of the team seems to be light hitting too.
2008-08-15 18:43:56
82.   williamnyy23
77 Definitely blame the players, but I think Girardi's do nothing style has contributed the Yankees futility with men in scoring position. In the 2nd, the Yankees had 1st and 2nd with no outs. With Gradner and Molina coming up, the situation screamed for at least one if not two bunts. The chances of Gardner and/or Molina getting a hit is so minimal that why not try something? Scoring a run not only ties the game, but takes some pressure off. Instead, Girardi does nothing...Gardner and Molina oblige with two Ks...and the Yankees are headed for another frustrating game.
2008-08-15 18:44:03
83.   cult of basebaal
0-8.

this team is stunningly creative in their ability to find new ways to impress with their sucking

2008-08-15 18:44:47
84.   Jeb
I've been reading here for a long time that we need to fire Meacham (and we do), but where the hell is the outrage about Kevin Long? I'd rather have Terrence Long at this point. Kevin Long needs to say So Long.

Or should I say....SHELLY LONG!

2008-08-15 18:48:53
85.   williamnyy23
84 If Girardi stays, I think a coaching staff upheaval is warranted. Meacham definitely has to go. I think that's obvious. Not far behind him is Long. You could argue that nearly every Yankee batter has regressed, so that has to fall on the hitting coach. Otherwise, why even employ one. Finally, Rob Thompson should be on the hot seat as well. Girardi's weakest points have been game management, so perhaps he could use a more experienced hand.

The one coach whom I think has done at least a decent job is Eiland. Other than he and Pena, the Yankee coaching staff should look a lot different next year.

2008-08-15 18:49:04
86.   weeping for brunnhilde
Well done, Andy, nice work.
2008-08-15 18:51:57
87.   cult of basebaal
god that PC Richard's whistle is annoying ...
2008-08-15 18:52:39
88.   Jeb
85 well we disagree only in that I think that LONG has been much much worse than Meacham. The difference is that when Meacham sends a guy who gets gunned out, or holds up a run, he's standing there for everyone to blame.

When Jeter GIDP or someone triples with nobody out and we don't get a run in, Long is in the dugout, out of sight out of mind.

And, I think we've lost more games this year because of hitting with RISP than Meacham. Again, I want Meacham gone too. I just want Long gone first. Hell, they should hire him again so they can immediately fire him again. They could have a "fire Long" contest.

I agree with you about Eiland and Pena.

2008-08-15 18:52:41
89.   OldYanksFan
My guess is Kevin talks about good approach about 10 times a day. I'll bet these guys don't listen. They're either vets or just stupid.

The announcer mentioned the other day when Bobby swung at a first pitch, that it was only his 3rd time ALL SEASON swinging at a first pitch. His 3rd time ALL SEASON. These guys know about approach. Every commenter on every blog can see them flailing away. But they continue to do it.

I don't think it's on Long.
If it's me, I start fining guys who don't listen to the team's philosophy.
These guys need a shovel to the head.

2008-08-15 18:53:53
90.   williamnyy23
This has been such a negative season, but Nady is a positive. He looks like a definite piece for 2009.
2008-08-15 18:55:16
91.   williamnyy23
88 The difference is one could argue that Long has done a fine job, but his students simply didn't do their job. Meacham, however, is simply a bad third base coach. His decisions stand alone from the players.
2008-08-15 18:55:56
92.   Jeb
89 sorry, when a team goes from scoring 960+ runs to 740+ runs for an entire season, you blame the hitting coach. That's life

90 Nady must have stayed away from Long so far.

2008-08-15 18:56:45
93.   weeping for brunnhilde
I swear to God I'm going to vomit.

Disgraceful.

2008-08-15 18:58:05
94.   weeping for brunnhilde
Are we having fun yet, kids?
2008-08-15 18:58:38
95.   williamnyy23
I can't believe that someone woke up today and thought 40 games of Brett Gardner was the answer.
2008-08-15 18:58:41
96.   Just fair
Well, when Brett k's at least he makes the pitcher throw 3 pitches. U-G-L-Y.
2008-08-15 18:58:58
97.   weeping for brunnhilde
89 All season???

Good God, that's extraordinary.

Inconceivable, even.

2008-08-15 18:59:00
98.   cult of basebaal
just a dreadful at bat
2008-08-15 18:59:28
99.   weeping for brunnhilde
90 Oh, clearly.

He's just what the doctor ordered.

2008-08-15 19:00:05
100.   cult of basebaal
89 actually, i believe that stat was the 3rd time that he swung at the 1st pitch in his 1st at bat ... i've seen he swing at more 1st pitches, but most often they come in the late at bats.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2008-08-15 19:00:30
101.   Jeb
95 I can't believe someone woke up in April and thought 120 games of Melky was a good idea.
2008-08-15 19:01:40
102.   weeping for brunnhilde
Watch out for the wall there, Bobby.
2008-08-15 19:02:14
103.   williamnyy23
I can't wait for the Yankees to have a right fielder with at least a little range.
2008-08-15 19:02:45
104.   Jeb
figures an 0-30 slump would be broken agains the Yanks. someone needs to let Buck and the Royals work out with Kevin Long.
2008-08-15 19:02:47
105.   cult of basebaal
95 that's because you're not asking the right question ...

if for example, the question was "how can we make william's season a never-ending torment of irritation?" ... i'd say 40 games of brett gardner is a pretty good answer ...

2008-08-15 19:05:23
106.   williamnyy23
101 After April, Melky looked liked a great idea. After May-July, not so much.

105 That makes sense then. Gardner inspires all those Tony Womack feelings I thought I had been rid of.

2008-08-15 19:05:37
107.   cult of basebaal
just to put the cherry on top of the turd that this year is becoming, cashman has confirmed that cole is going to UCLA ...
2008-08-15 19:06:23
108.   weeping for brunnhilde
All right, watch someone flare it in for two runs.
2008-08-15 19:06:31
109.   williamnyy23
A bunt from a rookie OF'er? What are the Royals trying to do? Score runs?
2008-08-15 19:06:52
110.   weeping for brunnhilde
105 Ha hah ah ah aha hah !
2008-08-15 19:07:26
111.   mehmattski
Psst....

http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/2006.shtml

2008-08-15 19:07:55
112.   OldYanksFan
Let's see...
We are desparate for a Win...
We at at Home...
After a day off...
Against the 2nd worst team in the AL...

How we doin'?

2008-08-15 19:09:51
113.   williamnyy23
This is new...loading the bases twice in the 5th inning. Girardi is a puzzle. Does this make any sense?
2008-08-15 19:10:23
114.   randym77
Ugh. This is the implosion inning, isn't it?
2008-08-15 19:11:21
115.   cult of basebaal
i wonder if we could lose enough games to get a protected 1st round pick ...
2008-08-15 19:12:21
116.   williamnyy23
A lot of people got on Hank for waving the white flag, but I had no problem with that. What bothered me is he gave most of the team a pass for its poor play by focusing on the injuries. Everyone was worried that Hank might be the "old" Boss, but if that was the case, heads would have rolled.
2008-08-15 19:14:23
117.   williamnyy23
115 I am not sure the Yankees will finish ahead of Toronto. This team has also shown such little fight, that I can see them completely tanking the last 3-4 weeks of the seasons. As a result, a sub-.500 season is very possible. Maybe a top half draft pick isn't so far fetched. Of course, they'd likely lose that pick as compensation for one of the many FAs they are likely to sign.
2008-08-15 19:14:37
118.   cult of basebaal
116 who's to say that heads aren't going to roll ... they're just going to roll after the season
2008-08-15 19:14:41
119.   randym77
Well, that could have been worse.
2008-08-15 19:14:49
120.   weeping for brunnhilde
Oh, Andy.

Good God, how we needed that.

Whew.

Ahhh.

Now, maybe we can score half a run here?

2008-08-15 19:14:56
121.   williamnyy23
Phelps wins 7 gold...the Yankees used to be the Michael Phelps of baseball.
2008-08-15 19:15:08
122.   mehmattski
116 And they would have been the wrong heads.
2008-08-15 19:15:31
123.   weeping for brunnhilde
114 Indeed.

Could have been worse.

I had visions of 6-0 flash through my head.

2008-08-15 19:15:58
124.   OldYanksFan
Pitches per PA
RichieSexson 4.74
Bobby Abreu 4.28
Jason Giambi 4.25
BrettGardner 4.21
John Damon 4.09
.
.
.
Derek- Jeter 3.74
MelkyCabrera 3.67
RobinsonCano 3.37
2008-08-15 19:16:05
125.   cult of basebaal
117 no. that's why i said protected

top 15 picks cannot be lost in free agent compensation.

also, picks received as compensation cannot be lost as compensation ...

it's why we could be looking very good in next year's draft, even if we were to sign several type A free agents ...

2008-08-15 19:16:54
126.   williamnyy23
122 On this team, there are a lot of right heads, so maybe not.
2008-08-15 19:17:18
127.   weeping for brunnhilde
Oooh, this is getting exciting!

How are we gonna fuck up this one?

2008-08-15 19:18:06
128.   williamnyy23
125 I thought top-10 were protected. It's very possible the Yankees could get a top-15.
2008-08-15 19:18:14
129.   Jeb
107 hopefully he'll rip up his shoulder and never pitch in pro ball and will get a job flipping burgers in Cali.
2008-08-15 19:18:47
130.   Jeb
Ok, does anyone think we WON'T score this run? Raise your hand

[Jeb raising hand quickly]

2008-08-15 19:20:56
131.   weeping for brunnhilde
I knew Derek was going to swing first pitch.

That's why he does it.

It's not always prudent, but it's really his style.

2008-08-15 19:22:51
132.   weeping for brunnhilde
That's the second one tonight he just missed.
2008-08-15 19:25:23
133.   cult of basebaal
gar. another tease from bobby.
2008-08-15 19:26:08
134.   weeping for brunnhilde
That was improvement, Alex.

Next time.

At least we got the one.

2008-08-15 19:29:11
135.   Just fair
If there waa Chone Gload my head would.....explode.
2008-08-15 19:30:16
136.   dianagramr
The dirt down the lines behind 1st and 3rd is rock hard for some reason. There seems to be an inordinate number of ground-rule doubles that bounce to the 1st/3rd base seats behind the bag.
2008-08-15 19:31:11
137.   weeping for brunnhilde
Well done, Andy.

And nice play, Alex.

2008-08-15 19:31:17
138.   cult of basebaal
wow ... i had no idea that tanyon sturtze was still pitching ... turns out he just got called up by the dodgers!

i guess torre wanted a chance to finish the job ...

2008-08-15 19:31:59
139.   weeping for brunnhilde
138 Heh he he heh.
2008-08-15 19:34:28
140.   randym77
Might be time to shave the 'stache again.
2008-08-15 19:34:36
141.   weeping for brunnhilde
Improvement by Jason, too.
2008-08-15 19:36:53
142.   cult of basebaal
141 pity they won't get another at bat against meche ...
2008-08-15 19:37:41
143.   weeping for brunnhilde
Improvement by Cano.
2008-08-15 19:40:12
144.   cult of basebaal
143 2 good at bats, 1 lousy ... that's an improvement
2008-08-15 19:40:57
145.   weeping for brunnhilde
Improvement even by Gardner!
2008-08-15 19:41:15
146.   williamnyy23
The action in the Japan/Taiwan softball game is better than this one...and all of the ladies look like they have a better swing than Gardner.
2008-08-15 19:41:52
147.   weeping for brunnhilde
144 Seriously.
2008-08-15 19:42:45
148.   OldYanksFan
That was improvement, Alex.
Improvement by Jason, too.
Improvement by Cano.

You're right. At this rate we may win a game before September.
(but I do appreciate the positive attitude).

2008-08-15 19:42:51
149.   weeping for brunnhilde
144 And you know what's terrible?

Even when Robby was great he struggled with RISP, didn't he?

It's just so tragic, seeing as how otherwise, when he's on, he's the perfect number three hitter.

2008-08-15 19:43:42
150.   weeping for brunnhilde
Meanwhile, Andy's pitching a nice little ballgame.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2008-08-15 19:44:09
151.   OldYanksFan
So William... what do you think about Brett Gardner?
2008-08-15 19:45:09
152.   williamnyy23
151 I wouldn't invite him to play on my softball team. It's fast pitch, so I don't think he'd be able to get around.
2008-08-15 19:45:46
153.   weeping for brunnhilde
Nice play, Derek, nice job, Andy.

God, is there any chance we can actually win this game?

Please?

2008-08-15 19:47:10
154.   OldYanksFan
Ya know.... with all you guys ragging on Girardi, there's one thing you have left out.

He hasn't killed anybody yet.

If YOU were managing this team, could YOU say the same?
Really. Think about it.

2008-08-15 19:47:16
155.   weeping for brunnhilde
152 Ooooh, cool, you play fast-pitch softball?

Coed or male?

I used to play slow pitch (and would love to again if I can find a team), but never saw a fast-pitch league.

God, I'd love to try it someday.

2008-08-15 19:47:34
156.   williamnyy23
I really wish the U.S. would send a better baseball team to the Olympics.
2008-08-15 19:47:37
157.   weeping for brunnhilde
154 H ah ahah ah ah ah ah ah ah !!!

Point taken.

2008-08-15 19:49:19
158.   williamnyy23
155 It's an all-male league...dont think there are many co-ed fast pitch leagues.
2008-08-15 19:49:51
159.   williamnyy23
154 Can you say serial killer?
2008-08-15 19:52:13
160.   OldYanksFan
Should we have PH'ed I-Rod there?
2008-08-15 19:52:20
161.   williamnyy23
I wonder if Sexson was dissappointed by his release, or glad to get out?
2008-08-15 19:53:45
162.   randym77
I thought fastpitch was a girls' sport.
2008-08-15 19:55:13
163.   williamnyy23
162 Girls play windmill...men's fastpitch is more like sling shot. It's as hard as you can throw it by only bringing your arm back.
2008-08-15 19:57:39
164.   weeping for brunnhilde
Very nicely done, Derek.

All right, Team, here we go again...

2008-08-15 19:58:52
165.   weeping for brunnhilde
163 Is it dangerous? (I.e., do you wear a mask at the bat?)
2008-08-15 19:59:14
166.   OldYanksFan
Hey... does anyone remember when a rally meant....
WE ACTUALLY SCORED SOME RUNS?
2008-08-15 20:00:31
167.   OldYanksFan
William... Ever see the 'King and his Court' softball 'team'?
2008-08-15 20:01:02
168.   weeping for brunnhilde
Bobby's going to come through here, I feel good about this...
2008-08-15 20:01:56
169.   weeping for brunnhilde
Told you!
2008-08-15 20:02:32
170.   Just fair
Must resist urge....to be optimistic.
2008-08-15 20:03:22
171.   williamnyy23
165 Batters don't have to and most don't. The fastest guys throw consistently in the mid-60s from 46 feet, which is like mid-80s in baseball. They can also make the ball curve and throw knuckleballs. It's really a pitchers game. Slow pitch, meanwhile, is completely a hitters game. My favorite is modified fast pitch, which is the best of both worlds. That's as fast as you can throw only moving the arm back and keeping the hips closed. Those guys can get to the mid-50s.
2008-08-15 20:03:23
172.   weeping for brunnhilde
Well done, Alex, well done!!!

That's a boy!

2008-08-15 20:06:44
173.   weeping for brunnhilde
Nicely done, sticks.

Thanks for stepping up for Andy.

2008-08-15 20:08:55
174.   weeping for brunnhilde
171 Yeah. I love any form of baseball, but I really miss the thrill of facing fast pitching. The adrenaline rush.

I mean, there's adrenaline in slow pitch too, of course, but without fear of getting hurt, it's tempered.

Maybe I'll look around the area for a league. Is yours a national league? Does it have a name?

2008-08-15 20:09:11
175.   williamnyy23
167 Heard of them, but not seen them. The original King was Eddie Feigner and his court consisted of a catcher, SS and 1B. Some accounts had him throwing underhand at 110 mph from a windmill type motion. That's ridiculous speed from any distance. It also shows why men don't play windmill. If the girls can throw 65-70mph with a windmill motion, then the men could probably regularly reach 90+. From 46 feet, that would be unhittable, literally.
2008-08-15 20:10:41
176.   williamnyy23
174 It's a local league in Brooklyn. There are a lot of modified leagues as well (I run one myself on Saturdays)...it's really a better alternative to slow pitch because you face challenging pitchers without getting ridiculous.
2008-08-15 20:12:07
177.   williamnyy23
Girardi needs to have a quick hook here. Edwar is the girl with the curl. When he's bad, you know it early.
2008-08-15 20:14:07
178.   cult of basebaal
174 try pitching in a NSA or Utrip mens game
2008-08-15 20:14:21
179.   williamnyy23
The U.S. team is imploding!
2008-08-15 20:14:24
180.   OldYanksFan
175 Actually, as one of his 'tricks', he would pitch from SECOND BASE, BLINDFOLDED, and still strike guys out.

Eddie Feigner traveled more than 100 countries and entertained over 20,000,000 fans as the King and His Court. Best known as the King of Softball, Eddie has showcased his pitching skills by striking out Major League Baseball stars Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Brooks Robinson, Maury Wills, Harmon Killebrew and Roberto Clemente in succession.

During his playing career, Eddie Feigner:
* Logged over 3.5 million miles
* Recorded more than 141,000 strikeouts
* Pitched in 10,000+ games
* Pitched 238 perfect games
* Pitched 1,916 shutouts
* Pitched 930 no-hitters
* And recorded a total of 8,270 victories.

http://www.kingandhiscourt.com/index.htm

2008-08-15 20:16:48
181.   cult of basebaal
according to baseball america, bleich has signed:

If Gerrit Cole follows through and goes to UCLA as he has said, then Stanford lefthander Jeremy Bleich will be the Yankees' top signee from the 2008 draft. The Yankees signed Bleich Friday night, though terms of the deal have not been reported. A supplemental first-rounder, Bleich reportedly did not exceed MLB's bonus recommendation for his No. 44 slot, believed to be $863,000.

2008-08-15 20:20:21
182.   weeping for brunnhilde
180 H ah aha hah ah 1!!!

And he had heart!

2008-08-15 20:21:54
183.   randym77
I wonder if the Reds will sign Yonder Alonso. He has more leverage than they expected. A-Rod has told him he can live with him and play in the independent leagues in the NY area if the Reds don't meet his demands. (Reportedly a major league deal and $7 million.)

I guess A-Rod has plenty of room these days...

2008-08-15 20:23:17
184.   cult of basebaal
nice play by gordon
2008-08-15 20:26:21
185.   williamnyy23
Why does Gardner never bunt?
2008-08-15 20:26:59
186.   weeping for brunnhilde
So it's Veras, I take it, and not Mo?
2008-08-15 20:27:11
187.   cult of basebaal
i'll give robbie a "good ab" there ...
2008-08-15 20:27:20
188.   Just fair
How in the world does a kid who hits 400 in AAA for August look as bad as Gardner? His swiings are not good. : (
2008-08-15 20:27:27
189.   weeping for brunnhilde
185 'Cause chicks dig the longball.
2008-08-15 20:27:52
190.   weeping for brunnhilde
187 Definitely. No complaints.
2008-08-15 20:28:23
191.   ChuckM
I haven't seen one swing from Gardner that would leave me to believe he has ANY ability to drive the ball. At least a guy like Podsednik would yank a couple every now and then-Gardner is constantly flat-footed when he swings.
2008-08-15 20:30:10
192.   weeping for brunnhilde
188 I know, he looks like a little leaguer up there.

Really, he's good in AAA?

Maybe somehow his slap approach works against lower-velocity pitching?

I have no idea.

2008-08-15 20:30:19
193.   williamnyy23
188 Gardner likely uses his swing to capitalize on inferior pitchers and defenders. His swing is almost comical. I can't believe the Yankees are wasting ABs on him, especially if he is never going to bunt.
2008-08-15 20:30:57
194.   cult of basebaal
man, i think it's going to take about 4, rather than 40 games of brett gardner for william's head to explode ... good to see he doesn't see to have changed a thing down in SWB
2008-08-15 20:32:12
195.   cult of basebaal
183 reds just signed alonso ... guess he won't be hanging out in arod's pad ...
2008-08-15 20:33:44
196.   williamnyy23
194 It doesn't really bother me that he'll be making outs on a nightly basis. The Yankees aren't making the playoffs anyway. What does bother me, however, is that the Yankee organization actually thinks it's worthwhile to play him. If they can be so wrong about something that seems so obvious, that doesn't inspire confidence.
2008-08-15 20:33:54
197.   randym77
195 Ah, well. Maybe A-Rod and Jeter can have sleepovers again if he's lonely. :)

Did you hear what the deal was? Did he get the major league contract he wanted?

2008-08-15 20:36:34
198.   weeping for brunnhilde
God, Robby's got some fucking arm.
2008-08-15 20:36:34
199.   weeping for brunnhilde
God, Robby's got some fucking arm.
2008-08-15 20:36:34
200.   weeping for brunnhilde
God, Robby's got some fucking arm.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2008-08-15 20:36:38
201.   cult of basebaal
197 no details yet ...
2008-08-15 20:37:31
202.   randym77
201 Where did you hear it?
2008-08-15 20:37:47
203.   weeping for brunnhilde
I just can't believe it.

I'm speechless.

2008-08-15 20:38:02
204.   dianagramr
Rivera is cursed in tie games ...
2008-08-15 20:38:54
205.   Jeb
unfuckingbelieveable.
2008-08-15 20:39:08
206.   williamnyy23
203 Really? You are still surprised at this point?
2008-08-15 20:39:26
207.   Just fair
What a bummer. Unfreakinbelievable.
2008-08-15 20:40:34
208.   weeping for brunnhilde
God.

A wp.

Of all possible things.

A wp from Mariano.

2008-08-15 20:40:35
209.   cult of basebaal
like i said earlier, this team just keeps finding ways to suck ... man, even mo's got a bad case of non-save situation suck going
2008-08-15 20:41:17
210.   weeping for brunnhilde
206 Well, no, not surprised, exactly.

Just...dumbfounded.

2008-08-15 20:41:38
211.   cult of basebaal
202 jim callis over at BA is reporting it ...
2008-08-15 20:42:15
212.   rsmith51
Well they needed to score a run anyway, so might as well do it now.
2008-08-15 20:42:16
213.   williamnyy23
It's easy to focus on Mo's "troubles" in tie games, but the fact that the Yankees only scored three runs against KC is the problem. Whether they won or lost this game, their play was poor and would have given you no reason to believe they were ready to go 28-14 over the final 42.
2008-08-15 20:42:46
214.   weeping for brunnhilde
Now I'm just cracking up like a lunatic.

I can't believe this is how we're going to lose this game.

It's just so fucking poetic, so grotesque, so ironic.

A wild pitch from Mariano who never ever throws wild pitches and always, always pisses away a non-save situation.

You can't make this stuff up.

2008-08-15 20:42:53
215.   OldYanksFan
207 Not really. We've lost (and won) on wild pitches/passed balls before.

Hey... maybe it will come down to ARod again!

2008-08-15 20:43:17
216.   weeping for brunnhilde
213 Agreed.
2008-08-15 20:43:21
217.   williamnyy23
How many balls out of the zone will Betemit swing at?
2008-08-15 20:45:14
218.   randym77
211 Thanks! He's reporting it is a major league contract.

That worked so well with Wily Mo Pena...

2008-08-15 20:45:15
219.   weeping for brunnhilde
Yaaayy, look at that, a hit!!
2008-08-15 20:46:08
220.   Alex Belth
Better to be lucky than good, eh Betemit? C'mon Christian, be smart.
2008-08-15 20:46:31
221.   Just fair
Just go, Justin. You can do it.
2008-08-15 20:46:40
222.   Jeb
please don't fall down.
2008-08-15 20:47:35
223.   cult of basebaal
pinch run christian.

now.

2008-08-15 20:47:54
224.   Alex Belth
"A very, very tense inning for the Yankees..." Michael Kay. You don't say.
2008-08-15 20:48:03
225.   williamnyy23
Are they bunting? stealing? or doing nothing again?
2008-08-15 20:48:36
226.   Alex Belth
Oh, jeez. Full count.
2008-08-15 20:48:53
227.   Alex Belth
picked off.
2008-08-15 20:48:56
228.   Just fair
Justin should have stolen immediately Damon could have bunted him to 3rd. But what do I know.
2008-08-15 20:49:29
229.   cult of basebaal
218 well, he says it's "believed" to be a major league contract ... but then again he also reported that bleich's deal was "believed" to be $863,000 when it turned out to be $700,000 ...
2008-08-15 20:49:32
230.   Alex Belth
Would have been a dp anyway.
2008-08-15 20:49:50
231.   weeping for brunnhilde
You. Have. Got. To. Be. Fucking. Kidding. Me.

Just when I was starting to feel a whiff of excitement.

2008-08-15 20:49:52
232.   mehmattski
Rivera was actually worse in tie games in 2006:

Year/OPS in Tie games
2002/.424
2003/.494
2004/.653
2005/.603
2006/1.019
2007/.772
2008/.926

2008-08-15 20:49:54
233.   pistolpete
Are you kidding me. And they sent down Melky?
2008-08-15 20:50:19
234.   williamnyy23
The comedy of a season continues. It's one thing to get picked trying to steal...but it's 3-2 for godsakes.

When you play like crap and fill out your roster with minor league filler, you lose games. We really shouldn't be shocked, nor should Girardi.

2008-08-15 20:50:21
235.   Alex Belth
Wow, this team is just not good right now.
2008-08-15 20:50:44
236.   Jeb
He may as well have fallen down. We don't do ANYTHING well except lose.
2008-08-15 20:51:08
237.   Alex Belth
The Captain...Refuse to lose!
2008-08-15 20:51:42
238.   weeping for brunnhilde
A wild pitch by the HOF vet who never throws wild pitches and a pick off of the kid with the blazing speed.

Good lord.

Nice hit, Derek.

2008-08-15 20:51:42
239.   Alex Belth
Got to figure it'll come down to Alex...
2008-08-15 20:52:15
240.   williamnyy23
A couple more losses and then even the most ardent believers will probably throw in the towel. I kind of looking forward to the air coming out of the balloon...then maybe the Yankees can play spoiler to the Red Sox by beating them 5 of 6.
2008-08-15 20:52:29
241.   Alex Belth
Got to figure A Rod will get a chance to hit...
2008-08-15 20:52:49
242.   williamnyy23
235 All season (execpt when they play the Mariners).
2008-08-15 20:53:06
243.   Jeb
it should be first and third with 1 out.
2008-08-15 20:53:12
244.   Alex Belth
Yeah, but they aren't even relishing the spoiler role. Maybe it's premature for that yet, but they don't seem to even have THAT in them...
2008-08-15 20:53:36
245.   dianagramr
1005 innings pitched lifetime prior to tonight .... 10 (!) total wild pitches
2008-08-15 20:53:45
246.   pistolpete
This is all a big tease for an A-Rod pop-up to LF.
2008-08-15 20:54:10
247.   Just fair
Ha. A-Rod for some sweet redemption, no?
2008-08-15 20:54:10
248.   Alex Belth
A Rod will NOT get it done and there will be boos a plenty...(hope I'm wrong)
2008-08-15 20:54:21
249.   Jeb
241 and he'll pop out between short and third.
2008-08-15 20:54:24
250.   cult of basebaal
229 mlb.com reporting it is a MLB deal, worth 4.5 mil
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2008-08-15 20:54:26
251.   weeping for brunnhilde
Well, look who it comes down to...
2008-08-15 20:54:51
252.   williamnyy23
244 I think they'll get up for 6 against the Sox and tank the rest. Also, I don't think it's premature anymore. The nail is in the coffin (again, win or lose this game).
2008-08-15 20:55:06
253.   mehmattski
Well, I'll take Soria through the at bat, using my newly learned A-Rod tendencies.

First pitch... fastball up and in.

2008-08-15 20:55:22
254.   Alex Belth
That was his pitch and he was WAY late.
2008-08-15 20:55:35
255.   weeping for brunnhilde
91 over the dish.

Whoosh!!!

2008-08-15 20:55:39
256.   mehmattski
0-1, slider away.
2008-08-15 20:55:45
257.   Alex Belth
Ha!
2008-08-15 20:55:50
258.   pistolpete
Wow.
2008-08-15 20:56:15
259.   Just fair
A hit with RISP. Hurray.
2008-08-15 20:56:22
260.   Alex Belth
He should have thrown that ball.
2008-08-15 20:56:31
261.   weeping for brunnhilde
Thank you for not striking out, Alex.

Nady, you can do it man, I'm feeling confident!!

2008-08-15 20:56:52
262.   Alex Belth
Giambi pop up to short left.
2008-08-15 20:56:56
263.   dianagramr
As hard as the dirt is behind 1st and 3rd, its that soft in front of the plate.
2008-08-15 20:56:57
264.   weeping for brunnhilde
Oh, fuck, wishful thinking.

It's Jason.

Come on, you big lug!

2008-08-15 20:57:06
265.   williamnyy23
260 He slipped right before he picked it up.
2008-08-15 20:57:59
266.   pistolpete
I'm thinking he didn't want to throw it away and have the game tied.
2008-08-15 20:58:02
267.   Alex Belth
Wouldn't it be ballsy if Giambi laid down a bunt?
2008-08-15 20:58:30
268.   OldYanksFan
TAKE A WALK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2008-08-15 20:58:49
269.   Alex Belth
woof, 2-1 pitch JUST low...homina homina...
2008-08-15 20:59:16
270.   weeping for brunnhilde
And that's that.
2008-08-15 20:59:23
271.   Just fair
I posted this on another thread but here I go again, with thanks to U2.
October
And the trees are stripped bare
Of all they wear
What do I care

October
And kingdoms rise
And kingdoms fall
But you go on...and on...

2008-08-15 20:59:23
272.   Alex Belth
Another craptastic job by the Bronx Bummers.
2008-08-15 20:59:43
273.   randym77
What a knife through the heart that was.
2008-08-15 21:00:04
274.   dianagramr
Football season starts soon ...
2008-08-15 21:00:20
275.   Alex Belth
The Royals...

The Royals...?!

We're talking about PRACTICE...

2008-08-15 21:00:39
276.   dianagramr
NOW can we root for the Rays?
2008-08-15 21:00:39
277.   OldYanksFan
3 hits and a walk. No runs.
2008-08-15 21:00:41
278.   Jeb
We play today, we lose today.
2008-08-15 21:01:24
279.   williamnyy23
Not an unexpected outcome...I can't even say it's upsetting. The only thing that would make me angry is if the 2009 team looks a lot like this one. I wouldn't mind if Cashman could start unloading some contracts now. You just know Joe Torre would salivate over Bobby Abreu.
2008-08-15 21:02:11
280.   weeping for brunnhilde
267 Shift was on.
2008-08-15 21:02:15
281.   randym77
Poor Justin Christian. He's going to have nightmares tonight about this one.
2008-08-15 21:02:24
282.   williamnyy23
277 But two cheap hits...the Yankees didn't even really rally there. They got two gifts and gave one back.
2008-08-15 21:02:59
283.   Alex Belth
...T..h..e...Royals.
2008-08-15 21:03:04
284.   pistolpete
279 Melky was a good start.
2008-08-15 21:03:26
285.   weeping for brunnhilde
279 Yeah, but other than his walls, I'm happy to have him. I don't think he's one of our problems.
2008-08-15 21:04:12
286.   Alex Belth
Yeah, it won't be an easy night for Christian. Or for Mo, no matter how good he recovers from losing...or for Girardi or ANY of these suck holes that we call Yankees.
2008-08-15 21:04:17
287.   williamnyy23
I'd have to think Giambi would be very attractive to the Rays too.
2008-08-15 21:08:28
288.   cult of basebaal
279 i doubt he can get an equivalent value for what they'd likely bring in picks in next year's draft ... obviously, i'd say put out feelers, but i'm skeptical that teams will be willing to really deal valuable pieces at this point ... abreu's not worth more than dunn and the reds got a bunch of dreck back in return for him ... i'd rather take a chance at the 2 picks
2008-08-15 21:08:35
289.   weeping for brunnhilde
Here, look, I'm sorry, but I can't not say this: First pitch fastball to Alex, right over the dish, 92 and he flat out missed it.

What's he going to hit, if not that?

You can't miss that pitch when you're the man on the fucking ball club.

The thing was served up on a tee.

2008-08-15 21:10:03
290.   cult of basebaal
286 man, losing turns you mean, alex ... you ain't been drinking whisky, have you?

;)

2008-08-15 21:10:41
291.   williamnyy23
288 Larry Andersen for Jeff Bagwell doesn't happen every day, but it's worth a shot. The Yankees have quite a few type-A's departing...all those draft picks can't pan out. I'd love it if Cashman could catch one desperate team.
2008-08-15 21:12:26
292.   williamnyy23
289 It was a little low and a little away...it's wasn't an easy pitch. It can't be easy for Alex to know it is always going to come down to him. Last year he had some support and flourished...this year, the team seems to stand around and wait for him to hit a HR. Arod is one of the few useful pieces on this team.
2008-08-15 21:14:51
293.   Just fair
Anyone got a towel to lend me so I can throw it in?
2008-08-15 21:19:01
294.   williamnyy23
Here's a positive note...it looks like the Yankees will wind up getting good value out of the Damon contract.
2008-08-15 21:21:20
295.   cult of basebaal
294 and at this rate, after 2009, he'll very likely be a type A
2008-08-15 21:24:24
296.   Alex Belth
LOL, no, in a way it doesn't really feel like the loses can hurt anymore because the reality is what it is...but then I stop for a second and am like, The Royals? Aw, hell to the no, this bites.

Still, I'll be back a watching em tomorrow...

2008-08-15 23:05:51
297.   tommyl
296 I've sort of moved to something like a baseball depression myself. I expect them to tank it, so when it happens I just say eh. I suppose the rest of this season will be saved for watching the few (hopeful) bright spots like a Hughes start or things like that. October is going to be an empty month.
2008-08-15 23:09:30
298.   tommyl
292 Of the list of things wrong with this Yankee team, Alex Rodriguez is so far off that list its not even close. Yes, he's been disapointing this year with runners in scoring position, but I mean the guy is OPSing close to 1.000, he fields well, steals bases, walks, he hit a game winning HR in the 12th inning the other night. He can only do so much.

Maybe they'll go on a Rockiesesque winning streak, but I doubt it. This isn't a good team, its not a bad team, its just a mediocre one and in the AL East mediocre gets you third (or gasp, even fourth) place.

2008-08-16 06:04:43
299.   OldYanksFan
can we at least finish in 3rd place?
2008-08-16 11:20:22
300.   OldYanksFan
NEW YORK -- Yankees manager Joe Girardi was optimistic Saturday that injured right-hander Joba Chamberlain could be back soon, but a timetable still hasn't been set.
The same goes for designated hitter Hideki Matsui, who homered in Class A Tampa's doubleheader Friday.

Joe? Joe??? THE FUCKING SEASON IS OVER!!!!!!

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