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Tampa Bay Devil Rays
2006-04-25 13:00
by Cliff Corcoran

As strange as it might be to say, the Devil Rays are actually a pretty interesting team. Despite finishing in last place in 2005 for the seventh time in their eight-year history, the team's long-rumored youth movement finally bore some fruit, enabling the Rays to assemble the league's sixth most productive offense in the season's second half and give the Yankees hell for most of the season. Prior to their final head-to-head series of the year, which the Yankees swept decisively, the Devil Rays were 11-5 against the eventual division champs, having scored 102 runs in those first 16 games. This winter, minority partner Stuart Sternberg bought out founding owner Vince Naimoli and overhauled the front office in the hopes of capitalizing on the team's emerging talent before Naimoli and the administration of ousted GM Chuck LaMarr could do any more damange. Sounds crazy, but it just might work.

Last year, to established stars Aubrey Huff and Julio Lugo and the still-emerging talent of Carl Crawford, the Rays added second baseman Jorge Cantu and finally found room for slugger Jonny Gomes and speedster Joey Gathright. On the mound, Scott Kazmir spent his first full season in the bigs, and reliever Chad Orvella pitched well enough to make Danys Baez and former All-Star Lance Cater trade bait.

This year should bring further maturation from Kazmir (22) and Crawford (24), full seasons of Gomes and Gathright (both 25), and allow Cantu (24) to settle in at second base after being yanked back and forth between second and third last year. Exactly what will come of Orvella (25), who failed to make the team out of camp, or Huff (29) and Lugo (30), both of whom were shopped in the offseason due to their impending free-agency after the current season, remains to be seen. But should Huff or Lugo be moved, uberprospects B.J. Upton (21) and Delmon Young (20) should be ready to step into their shoes, though Upton's ability to remain at shortstop remains in doubt.

Curiously, neither Huff nor Lugo will see action in the Bronx this week, as both are on the 15-day DL. In their place, the Rays will send out not Upton and Young, but Tomas Perez and Ty Wiggington. I was startled at the outpouring of emotion when Perez was released by the Phillies this spring. Apparently, Perez was considered something of an institution in Philadelphia and in the Philly clubhouse. I didn't even realize he was still in the league. Turns out Perez was the Phillies jack of all trades and resident prankster for the past six seasons, though he appeared to have sustained that position on the basis of hitting .304/.347/.437 in 135 at-bats in his second year with the club. Since then he's hit just .245/.300/.372. Good news for the Yanks there. Wigginton, meanwhile, couldn't stick with the Pirates last year after coming over in the Kris Benson trade the year before, but, starting at the hot corner for the injured Huff, has been crushing the ball to the tune of .284/.333/.687, with eight homers in 17 games.

Thus far this season, the Devil Rays offense has been Wigginton and Gomes (.302/.444/.746) with a helping of Cantu. Wigginton is clearly playing over his head, but Alex's boy Gomes just might be this good. Okay maybe not, that good, but his .282/.372/.534 performance last year seems utterly legit. If nothing else, his performance should teach the Yankees and their fans a lesson about judging my man Andy Phillips on 40-odd scattered at-bats. Over 30 plate appearances in 2003 and 2004 Gomes hit just .103/.161/.138 (3 for 29 with a double and one walk), but when finally given regular playing time last year he posted that .282/.273/.534 line. It's not a perfect comparison as Gomes is three and a half years younger than Phillips. Then again, Gomes, despite having success in triple-A, didn't demolish the International League the way Phillips has the last two years.

Of course, all of this swing don't mean a thing if the Rays don't get their pitching in order. Speedster Kazmir, who will start tonight against slowpoke Mike Mussina in what I hope will be a stirring pitcher's duel, looks to be rounding into form, but even with his success, the Rays are only separated from the worst ERA in baseball by the existence of the Kansas City Royals. Last year the Yankees put up thirteen runs on the D-Rays in a single inning twice, and finished the year having put up exactly ten times that against them in 19 games.

There are glimmers of progress. It appears the Rays would be willing to cut bait on Doug Waechter and push hard-throwing Seth McClung into the bullpen should failed Dodger prospect Edwin Jackson (the take for Baez and Carter) and the home grown Jason Hammel take root, but that's hardly as promising as having Upton and Young on deck, particularly given that duo's three starts thus far this year. In the meantime, it'll be more Mark Hendrickson for your money. Indeed, Hendrickson will come off the DL to start Thursday night, which means that Jackson, who will be sent down to make room before Thursday's game, and Waechter, who is getting skipped due to yesterday's off-day, will be available out of the pen should the Rays need nine unexceptional relievers to keep the Bombers at bay rather than the seven they normally employ.

Enjoy tonight's duel. It could get ugly from here.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays

2005 Record: 67-95 (.414)
2005 Pythagorean Record: 65-97 (.401)

Manager: Joe Maddon
General Manager: Andrew Friedman

Home Ballpark (2005 Park Factors): Tropicana Field (99/99)

Who's Replacing Whom?

  • Ty Wigginton is standing in for Aubrey Huff (DL)
  • Tomas Perez is standing in for Julio Lugo (DL)
  • Russell Branyan replaces Alex Gonzalez
  • Sean Burroughs replaces Eduardo Perez
  • Joey Gathright takes playing time from Damon Hollins and replaces Alex Sanchez and Josh Phelps
  • Hideo Nomo's starts are distributed among Doug Waechter, Casey Fossum and Seth McClung
  • Dan Miceli replaces Danys Baez
  • Shawn Camp replaces Lance Carter
  • Ruddy Lugo replaces Terver Miller
  • Brian Meadows replaces Dewon Brazelton
  • Scott Dunn replaces Jesus Colome and Joe Borowski

Current Roster

1B – Travis Lee (L)
2B – Jorge Cantu (R)
SS – Tomas Perez (S)
3B – Ty Wigginton (R)
C – Toby Hall (R)
RF – Russell Branyan (L)
CF – Joey Gathright (L)
LF – Carl Crawford (L)
DH – Jonny Gomes (R)

Bench:

R – Damon Hollins (OF)
R – Nick Green (IF)
L – Sean Burroughs (IF)
R – Josh Paul (C)

Rotation:

L – Scott Kazmir
R – Seth McClung
L – Mark Hendrickson*
L – Casey Fossum
R – Doug Waechter

Bullpen:

R – Dan Miceli
R – Shawn Camp
L – Ruddy Lugo
R – Scott Dunn
R – Travis Harper
R – Brian Meadows
R – Chad Orvella

15-day DL: OF – Rocco Baldelli (R), 3B – Aubrey Huff (L), SS – Julio Lugo (R)
60-day DL: R – Shinji Mori, IF – Luis Ordaz (R)

*on 15-day DL, will be activated for Thursday's start forcing R – Edwin Jackson to the minors

Typical Lineup

L – Carl Crawford (LF)
R – Jorge Cantu (2B)
L – Travis Lee (1B)
R – Jonny Gomes (DH)
L – Russell Branyan (RF)
R – Ty Wigginton (3B)
R – Toby Hall (C)
S – Tomas Perez (SS)
L – Joey Gathright (CF)

Comments (163)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2006-04-25 15:07:07
1.   das411
Tomas was a waste of a roster spot for the last several seasons over in Phila, just ask Mike C. about this or check out www.thegoodphight.com back when we cut him. The only reason I can think of (and I follow the Rays fairly closely) for keeping him around is the Arb clock issue with Upton: use Tomas as a stopgap until Lugo returns, swap Julio for a useful (read: alive) arm at the deadline, then bring up Upton with an extra half a season under contract.

Good recap though Cliff, if you or your readers are interested in a daily DRays blog I kinda like www.draysbay.com and it should be fun to see what those kids thing of this series. Enjoy!

2006-04-25 15:08:49
2.   Rob Gee
And Phillips gets the start at 1B! Giambi at DH.
2006-04-25 16:02:43
3.   Mattpat11
I'm intrigued by Phillips vs. Kazmir 2.
2006-04-25 16:13:01
4.   Mattpat11
Damnit.
2006-04-25 16:13:36
5.   Stormer Sports
Put it right there on a tee for him.
2006-04-25 16:13:58
6.   Marcus
Gomes is on fire.
2006-04-25 16:15:51
7.   tommyl
And a real nice play by Phillips to end the inning!
2006-04-25 16:18:23
8.   tommyl
STOP playing small ball!
2006-04-25 16:19:07
9.   Marcus
I'm thinking, "Ok, Damon just walked on 4 pitches, perhaps Jeter should take a pitch there." Am I wrong?
2006-04-25 16:20:28
10.   tommyl
Gee, too bad he didn't lay down the bunt, huh?
2006-04-25 16:21:02
11.   42YrOldRookie
2 run HR >= sac bunt
2006-04-25 16:21:04
12.   Marcus
Lesson learned: Less small ball, more BIG ball.
2006-04-25 16:21:07
13.   randym77
Woo-hoo! Tuned in just in time. :)
2006-04-25 16:21:32
14.   Schteeve
I think Jeter knows what he's doing. And it was a strike.
2006-04-25 16:22:16
15.   rilkefan
I was thinking, "No bunt!", but now I'm thinking, "Perhaps Jeter should do whatever the hell he feels like."
2006-04-25 16:23:30
16.   Schteeve
Jeter bunted it knowing he would bunt it foul, just to screw with the Devil Rays.
2006-04-25 16:24:25
17.   Schteeve
Does Giambi have some sort of metallic ore in his bones that prevents baseball from coming near the strikezone.
2006-04-25 16:25:58
18.   Simone
Did you see the person who caught Jeter's home run jumping up and down? That was a cool catch.
2006-04-25 16:30:16
19.   Cliff Corcoran
Thanks Mattpat 3, I can't believe I forgot to mention the rematch between Phillips and Kazmir.

For those who haven't tired of me saying it, Phillips shot with the Yanks last year pretty much ended on May 2 when he struck out 5 times against Kazmir and co.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=250502130

And here he is . . .

2006-04-25 16:33:17
20.   Mattpat11
He made contact!
2006-04-25 16:33:41
21.   Schteeve
and there he goes.
2006-04-25 16:33:48
22.   Cliff Corcoran
Nasty second pitch change from Kazmir in that AB.
2006-04-25 16:34:05
23.   tommyl
Weak ground out, at least he didn't K as ugly as A-Rod did.
2006-04-25 16:36:23
24.   Mattpat11
Ty Cobbinton annoys me.
2006-04-25 16:46:04
25.   Mattpat11
Oh Christ.
2006-04-25 16:47:35
26.   tommyl
Nothing like getting picked off second. Argh, stop playing small ball, pretty, pretty please.
2006-04-25 16:47:45
27.   rilkefan
Anybody have the stomach to describe the play at 2nd?
2006-04-25 16:48:55
28.   randym77
They picked him off when he took a lead. They tried it once, and almost got him. Then they tried it again, and did get him. Barely.

I don't think he expected them to try twice.

2006-04-25 16:49:46
29.   tocho
27 well, bizzarro Jeter was wondering off 2nd. base and got picked off. there's really nothing else to describe.
2006-04-25 16:50:08
30.   rilkefan
28 - thanks. Blech.
2006-04-25 17:02:03
31.   tom yf
Is it my imagination, or is Moose throwing the heater by people?!
2006-04-25 17:06:22
32.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
You think we've got problems on the bases?:

According to CBS gamecenter, the Red Sawx had Manny and 2nd and Tek on 1st, with one out, and somehow they were both picked off on the same play, Manny out at 3rd and Tek at 2nd.

Should be an interesting play to watch on B'Ball Tonite,

2006-04-25 17:06:57
33.   rzl
are we going to see Cairo on 2B against a lefty all year?
2006-04-25 17:09:38
34.   Copelius
31 When they might be guessing and expecting a 65 mph changeup, it isn't that surprising.
2006-04-25 17:13:39
35.   Zack
Cleveland has three in three off the great ego...
2006-04-25 17:14:09
36.   Zack
And as I write that, Hafner doubles home another, go Tribe!
2006-04-25 17:14:37
37.   Zack
oops there Jorge...
2006-04-25 17:14:45
38.   Simone
Did Jorge just lose track of the outs? LOL!
2006-04-25 17:19:10
39.   rilkefan
Moose's and Schilling's ERAs cross at 2.61.
2006-04-25 17:20:37
40.   rilkefan
Each of them having thrown 61 pitches so far today.

Shutting up now.

2006-04-25 17:21:11
41.   tommyl
Yes! Go Andy! Great piece of hitting.
2006-04-25 17:21:25
42.   Zack
ANDY~!!!!!!!
2006-04-25 17:21:37
43.   Cliff Corcoran
Let him play! Let him play!
2006-04-25 17:21:41
44.   unmoderated
god bless you, andrew.
2006-04-25 17:22:08
45.   randym77
Nice work, Andy. Now don't get picked off!
2006-04-25 17:22:30
46.   Simone
And they light the lighter and wave at Phillips' hit.
2006-04-25 17:22:43
47.   unmoderated
hit and run with phillips and cairo?

am i really watching the yankees?

2006-04-25 17:23:13
48.   randym77
Cairo's a double-hitting machine tonight.
2006-04-25 17:24:49
49.   tocho
that would be the professional hitter, Miguel "bizarro Jeter" Cairo.
2006-04-25 17:25:11
50.   rzl
wow, let cairo play!
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2006-04-25 17:27:13
51.   Cliff Corcoran
Hey, with Phillips in the lineup as well, I'm happy to see Cairo return to his 2004 form. In fact, I love it! Phillips hits, Cairo hits, Yankees score. Huzzah!
2006-04-25 17:28:43
52.   randym77
Okay, I gotta ask. Why is Cairo the "Bizarro Jeter"?
2006-04-25 17:33:03
53.   unmoderated
#52

search on BB for "bizarro jeter."

2006-04-25 17:35:37
54.   randym77
Arrghhhh. Another "Matsui Moment" in the outfield.

It's raining like crazy. :-(

2006-04-25 17:37:08
55.   unmoderated
it's ok.
mussina is a mudder.
2006-04-25 17:37:25
56.   Zack
I feel like we are all part of the "Free Andy!" movement...We should make t-shirts
2006-04-25 17:40:19
57.   Zack
methinks they may go very soon to delay as it is an official game
2006-04-25 17:40:46
58.   rzl
it's an official game !!
2006-04-25 17:42:11
59.   nick
game day says "3 outs"--yes!
2006-04-25 17:52:14
60.   Cliff Corcoran
Phillips up with two out, bases loaded. Oh boy!
2006-04-25 17:52:56
61.   unmoderated
big hit, andrew.
2006-04-25 17:53:34
62.   tocho
I think Andy got to the batter's box running, not giving Torre any time to think about PHing
2006-04-25 17:54:54
63.   yankee23
55 he loves the slop
2006-04-25 17:55:47
64.   unmoderated
aw hamburgers.
2006-04-25 17:55:57
65.   Cliff Corcoran
Two broken bat grounders? Weird. He's gotta get better bats er sumthin'.
2006-04-25 17:57:05
66.   tocho
56 I think the whole stadium is in that movement
2006-04-25 17:59:10
67.   singledd
Has anyone noticed that the Sox offense has been average to below? I think once we take over 1st, the Sox will roll over.
2006-04-25 18:00:03
68.   unmoderated
56/66

tinyurl.com/q9mwp

not for sale in stores.

2006-04-25 18:03:05
69.   singledd
How about a rainy day debate....
I want Soriano (who hit #7 today) in our outfield next year. Anyone else?
2006-04-25 18:05:47
70.   Zack
Another area where Sterling is clueless (by the way, anyone have any theories why YES doesn't seem to be on mlb.tv anymore?): As Moose throws a 70 mph changeup, he says "its all about the fasteball," when everyone else has been talking about the slow slower slowest approach has been the key thus far...hrrrrm
2006-04-25 18:06:45
71.   randym77
69 I would. But would he play in the outfield for us? Or would he get Torre to put him back in the infield?
2006-04-25 18:06:51
72.   Zack
Woah, where did that free Andy shirt come from??? I want it!!
2006-04-25 18:07:59
73.   Marcus
67 I agree that their offense won't be nearly as potent as the Yanks overall, but there are two things going on here:

(1) The real Manny hasn't shown up yet. When he does, that will boost their offense quite a bit.

(2) Coco Crisp has been replaced by Willie Harris and Adam Stern, neither of whom have done much of anything at the plate. When Coco comes back (in about three weeks or so), that will also help out their offense.

2006-04-25 18:12:29
74.   yankee23
73 Plus, once Manny starts hitting again, Ortiz sees better pitches.
2006-04-25 18:13:07
75.   Schteeve
Poor, poor Andy.
2006-04-25 18:16:59
76.   Schteeve
Whoa, Mike's K'd 7 already? Nice work Moose!
2006-04-25 18:18:05
77.   claybeez
69 Yeah, I'm already on record as in favor of an OF Soriano back in pinstripes. If Sheff is still here let him DH.
2006-04-25 18:19:31
78.   claybeez
Love the tee!
2006-04-25 18:19:57
79.   singledd
71. Yes he will play outfield. Primarily because he has voiced his desire to be back on the Yankees. He's in Wash. now, which makes his desire even greater. Plus, I think everyone knows Cano is our no-doubt 2nd baseman.

Hell, ARod switched positioned to be here. Sori would jump at the chance.

2006-04-25 18:20:51
80.   marc
I love this TB bullpen
2006-04-25 18:21:32
81.   singledd
MVP! (Giambino)
2006-04-25 18:21:38
82.   SF Yanks
Good ol' fashioned Yankee cloberin!
2006-04-25 18:23:30
83.   singledd
Sterling says: "Yankee Stadium is now one of the more wheelchair accessable stadiums in the tri-state area".

Just how many stadiums ARE there in the tri-state area?

2006-04-25 18:24:10
84.   rzl
with long inning, give Moose the rest of the night off.
2006-04-25 18:26:59
85.   BklynBmr
Good to see a bunch o' bloops, singles and doubles to score some runs...

69 singledd, no way on Sori. Loved him when he was here, warts and all, but his stock dropped with me big time with the OF thing in DC. I'd keep high-maintenance types to a bare minimum in any clubhouse, let alone this one.

2006-04-25 18:28:04
86.   Zack
I don't really want anything to do with Soriano, just don't see the need. I can see the Sox going after him, though perhaps not at what he will be seeking...I would much rather give the job to Melky/Thompson etc, or someone lower cost. We have been through Soriano before and all know his faults, and for all his power, I just don't think its worth it...
2006-04-25 18:30:18
87.   marc
damn Boston takes the lead and looks like a winner
2006-04-25 18:30:23
88.   tommyl
Boston just took the lead, damn!
2006-04-25 18:30:40
89.   yankee23
I think the question is whether anyone can handle watching his desperate swings at pitches in the dirt in clutch situations?
2006-04-25 18:31:35
90.   Jeteupthemiddle
83 That statement has been bothering me since 2002 and I had to listen to Sterling because I've lacked YES.
2006-04-25 18:31:53
91.   tommyl
Hmmmm...Sturtze, Tampa Bay specialist? :)
2006-04-25 18:32:00
92.   yankz
FINALLY! Sturtze is used correctly.
2006-04-25 18:32:29
93.   BklynBmr
86 Zack, I could see George stepping in to keep Soriano from Boston, just because.
2006-04-25 18:33:03
94.   tommyl
92, You mean with a 7 run lead against TB?
2006-04-25 18:33:06
95.   yankz
What was Moose's pitch count? he was rolling...the weather maybe?
2006-04-25 18:33:32
96.   yankz
94 Exactly.
2006-04-25 18:34:18
97.   randym77
Well, I'd take Soriano in the outfield. I always liked the guy.

And he speaks Japanese. He'll be able to talk to Matsui out there. ;-)

2006-04-25 18:34:45
98.   Jeteupthemiddle
95 he left with 101 pitches...considering the lead and the weather, i say whatever.
2006-04-25 18:35:11
99.   uburoisc
I do not think Soriano can hit playoff level pitching. I cannot get to my stats links at the moment because the computer is crawling, but as I recall, he exhibited zero plate discipline in the 2003 series, and looked preposterous when faced with a solid pitcher. He will sometimes connect with a pitch out of the zone, but will more often SO. He's a regular season masher against mediocre pitching; not a playoff player. And his defense was always lousy.
2006-04-25 18:35:39
100.   BklynBmr
90 The increased wheel accessibility was in answer to roster additions... (rim shot)
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2006-04-25 18:36:09
101.   tommyl
That's two really nice plays by Phillips in the field. I don't think Giambi would have made either.
2006-04-25 18:37:08
102.   claybeez
89 I hear you on those swings. But, now he'd be hitting lower in the order of an even deeper lineup. I hope Melky is that good. I know Sori is...warts and all.
2006-04-25 18:38:34
103.   Jeteupthemiddle
I like Soriano as much as the next person, but I just don't see any reason to have him other than sentimental. Trading him for Arod + Cash was the steal of the century...or at least a very long time.
2006-04-25 18:39:29
104.   BklynBmr
Let's go Tribe! Score tied...
2006-04-25 18:40:18
105.   Zack
Oh Andy, at least you hit it hard
2006-04-25 18:40:57
106.   Zack
As Sterling tells us how fortunate we are to have Cairo back because he is such a good player
2006-04-25 18:41:52
107.   rsmith51
No to Soriano. He would be way overpaid as a corner OF and the Yanks have a 2b.
2006-04-25 18:43:43
108.   Rob Gee
99 Good call uburoisc

Soriano in post-season (146 AB's) .233 .287 .336

Compare:
Jeter (462 AB's) .307 .379 .463
Cairo (61 AB's) .328 .414 .459

2006-04-25 18:43:50
109.   rzl
good AB's by cairo tonight!
2006-04-25 18:44:50
110.   singledd
We will need an OF'er next year. You think Damon at 13$ mil is a better deal then Sori (who makes 10$ mil now, more next year). Who would you have for an OF'er, and at what cost? Bernies gone next year, Shef is 50/50. We could probable use 2 OF'ers.
2006-04-25 18:45:20
111.   The Yanks and Stripes Forever
On my blog I ran down the series with the Yankees chances at each game. I calculated the odds based on log5 adjusted for Pythagorean Record and starter. This game with the Yankees pretty much having one was the hardest of the series where they had a 69% chance of winning.
2006-04-25 18:45:21
112.   Rob Gee
Says something about the Sox bullpen that Schilling is still in there (120 pitches)
2006-04-25 18:45:48
113.   rsmith51
Well, Cairo has been good when he wears the Yankee pinstripes. However, he is not better than an average player.
2006-04-25 18:45:59
114.   The Yanks and Stripes Forever
My blog is politicalbaseball.blogspot.com
2006-04-25 18:47:58
115.   Jeteupthemiddle
112 That's what I was looking at. For what logical reason could Francona have for keeping Schilling in for 133 pitches?
2006-04-25 18:49:39
116.   Rob Gee
115 That's the thing - I don't think they're that deep after Papsmear and TinyTim
2006-04-25 18:49:40
117.   rsmith51
110 Damon is sunk costs. It is irrelevant whether Soriano is a better deal since they aren't your choices. Melky would probably be a better idea then Soriano.
2006-04-25 18:50:07
118.   Zack
How about Carlos Lee (FA), Cameron (FA), Torri Hunter (FA), and, gasp, dare I say it, Milton Bradely (FA). I would take all of them for probably cheaper than Sori would want.
2006-04-25 18:51:29
119.   Jeteupthemiddle
116 yeah maybe. but sometimes you just have to risk it. there is no reason for a guy who is coming off a putrid, injury ridden season to throw 133 pitches in a game in april. but hey, whatever float's their boat i suppose.
2006-04-25 18:51:49
120.   Rob Gee
Did somebody say Milton Bradley?
2006-04-25 18:52:32
121.   Simone
What the hell! When did Yankee fans get so stupid? Why are they reaching for the ball?
2006-04-25 18:53:14
122.   Simone
Haha. They are kicking the guy out! Don't reach for the damn ball and hurt your team.
2006-04-25 18:53:17
123.   Zack
That was just for you Mr. Gee, how could I resist?
2006-04-25 18:53:42
124.   BklynBmr
110 The FA market for OFers can't be any worse than last winter, anyone know who will be available?
2006-04-25 18:54:07
125.   wsporter
Keep your f'n fan ass glove off the field when were playing D. Jesus H Hubcaps, can you believe that?
2006-04-25 18:55:05
126.   Zack
Here is a tenative list: http://www.mlb4u.com/0607FA.html
2006-04-25 18:56:31
127.   Rob Gee
Actually any of those guys Zack would be nice cause they could play any of the OF positions. Milton's probably the only one we won't overpay for past prime performance. But our GM doesn't like him so there's little chance of that.
2006-04-25 18:56:58
128.   BklynBmr
126 Thanks, Zack. Just recovering from a hard drive crash, lost that link...
2006-04-25 18:57:25
129.   singledd
Zach... Carlos Lee (FA), Cameron (FA), Torri Hunter (FA) are all in the same price range (10+ mil). Milton Bradely would be cheaper, but I dont think the Yanks are interested in him. Sori is a much more danferous player than Hunter or Cameron.

The guy is young and fast, as well as powerful. People soured on him because of the 2003 PS, although he hit the HR that should have beaten Arizona.

The guy is exciting to watch.

2006-04-25 18:57:33
130.   yankz
Jeter is my hero.
2006-04-25 18:57:37
131.   Zack
Jeter es en fuego...
2006-04-25 18:59:12
132.   Zack
Sori is listed as 30, if not actually older, that ain't so young anymore...
2006-04-25 19:03:30
133.   BklynBmr
9. It's a lock now...
2006-04-25 19:07:29
134.   Knuckles
doesn't it seem like every time 8 out of 9 in the lineup have a hit, posada is the lone oh-fer?
2006-04-25 19:08:32
135.   tommyl
Damn, Manny hit a 3 run shot.
2006-04-25 19:09:04
136.   tommyl
Why not Matt Smith here? Has Proctor been idle for a long time?
2006-04-25 19:09:46
137.   Rob Gee
129 Sorry, it wasn't just the 2003 Serious - it's every series he's played in except 2001 against the M's. Check the numbers yourself at baseballreference.com.

uburoisc 99 is spot on - Sori can't hit good pitching cause he's so easily fooled. Oh he'll mash against the poor pitching, but we already have plenty of guys that do exactly that. Our problem won't be offense next year either. Better to bring up a young guy or sign a good, and cheaper, alternative to save some ducks for pitching (Zito, Pettite, etc.).

2006-04-25 19:11:57
138.   claybeez
Zito...no, thanks.
2006-04-25 19:14:05
139.   BklynBmr
Nice work by Proctor!

Order needs to be restored against the Rays, and this is a good start...

2006-04-25 19:14:48
140.   Mattpat11
Besides winning it all and leaving a path of destruction in their wake, the Yankees NEED to get Mike Mussina his 20 wins this year.
2006-04-25 19:15:31
141.   tommyl
138, but he fits our profile so well. Overrated, expensive, how can we not sign him?!
2006-04-25 19:15:40
142.   Rob Gee
138 I'm not so sure on Zito myself - he'll be overpriced but he's still very young (turns 28 in July).
2006-04-25 19:16:06
143.   wsporter
Proctor is looking a little bit more comfortable and a little better each time out.
2006-04-25 19:16:42
144.   BklynBmr
Tribe not done yet. Aaron F'n Boone just doubled in a run, cutting lead to 8-6. Folke hittin' the showers...
2006-04-25 19:18:07
145.   Mattpat11
142 We can't be blinded by youth. One Jaret Pavano (yes, they are officially one person now) move is enough for this decade.
2006-04-25 19:18:12
146.   Rob Gee
Who doesn't love the fact that Boone's still in the AL to drive the Sux fans nuts?
2006-04-25 19:18:22
147.   Schteeve
Proctor K!
2006-04-25 19:19:05
148.   Schteeve
I think Zito's best days are in the rearview.
2006-04-25 19:20:52
149.   Rob Gee
145 Don't be silly - look at Zito's numbers - more than one good season there - Try every year he's been better than league average with over 200 inings. He's durable and good with the potential to be great. Yeah, he'll be overpriced but he won't be Jaret Pavano.
2006-04-25 19:21:21
150.   Cliff Corcoran
Anyone catch Jeter toying with Flaherty in the post game interview? Making fun of his tie and, it sounded to me like he was putting on a face accent?
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2006-04-25 19:25:12
151.   BklynBmr
Bottom 8 — Timlin in, walks Blake. First and second, 2 outs. Grady Sizemore Ks. 8-6 Sox.
2006-04-25 19:48:06
152.   wsporter
Just watched Bonds hit one out against the Metsies on MLB. I thought he was cadillacing it around the bases until I realized the guy can hardly walk and is wearing a leg brace the size of Alan Ladd on his left leg. Maybe somebody could get him some flax seed oil to rub on that bad boy, it looks very painful.
2006-04-25 19:52:07
153.   bp1
150 Yeah - I saw that. That's the 2nd on field interview I've seen w/ Flaherty and Jeter and both times Jeter gave him the business. He (Jeter) sure is a lot less stiff in that setting then being questioned by the press in the typical post-game clubhouse setting.

Also - Cliff - did you catch the pre-game interview with Andy P? I gotta say - it's hard not to like the guy. Lord only knows what his future holds on the Yankees, but I certainly do wish him well.

BP

2006-04-25 19:58:23
154.   BklynBmr
152 Just caught that. Bonds* is almost done. He just wants to pass the Babe, which I hope his allegedly 'roid ridden body gives out for good before that happens. When it goes south for these guys, (McGwire*, Sosa*, et al., "allegedly") it goes in a hurry. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.
2006-04-25 19:59:14
155.   Cliff Corcoran
153 I didn't, but I've seen Andy interviewed before and it's only confirmed my man-crush on the guy. That and the Motley Crue.
2006-04-25 20:23:46
156.   Yu-Hsing Chen
Look nice in more ways than one, though i don't understand why Torre would use he's best guy in the pen for a blown out game in the 9th. Keeping Villone in or making sure Matt Smith was still alive is a good idea.

Andy's looking better today, decent defense and a hit and a drive fly . and with Cairo actually hitting... Bernie's job looks in danger... although his value as team mascot and semi-coach is probably still good.

2006-04-25 20:27:16
157.   yankz
156 Uh, did you just imply that Proctor is the best guy in the pen? I know he hasn't pitched much...but Mariano Rivera is still on this team...I know his ERA is low and all, but come on!

Unless you were talking about Sunday's game vs. the O's, in which case, ignore me.

2006-04-25 20:36:47
158.   BklynBmr
Just noticed — if SF rings up one more run against the Mutts tonight, the Yanks' pitching staff will have allowed the fewest runs in MLB to this point. Wouldn't have taken that bet before Opening Day!
2006-04-25 20:49:43
159.   dpmurphy
"Who doesn't love the fact that Boone's still in the AL to drive the Sux fans nuts?"

Boone? Please, he doesn't drive anyone nuts. Not after the entire "play" played out. Grady Little? Sure, he drives us nuts. Schilling drives yankee fans nuts much more than boone bothers us.

You know, I come here to listen to intelligent yankee fans, not idiotic ones. We all have them, idiot sox fans, idiot yankee fans.

But Rob Gee, papsmear? red sux? Are you 12? You give sports fans a bad name. If you're not in grade school you should feel pretty embarrassed

2006-04-25 22:14:12
160.   Zack
Oh come on, there's nothing wrong with Red Sux, papsmear may be a bit of a streach, but I hear Sox fans talk about Francoma, Papelbonfire, Derek blowe, Arroyblow etc all the time, so don't pull that dp...And having little nicknames hardly has anything to do with baseball intelligence, or age...Attacking someone for no real reason on the other hand...

And its not that Schilling drives us nuts, its that he is an arrogant, self-righteous, outspoken, republican...oh man, I think I just threw up in my mouth...

2006-04-25 22:20:29
161.   Zack
Oh, and Meat is now looking at a June return, the more things change...
2006-04-25 22:28:00
162.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
"papsmear"

I prefer to call the Sawx new closer Pamplemousse.

Will it catch on?

2006-04-26 10:50:48
163.   wsporter
159 DPM, We've all had our go rounds with Rob G for one reason or another. Most of his stuff is well thought out and provokes good intelligent dialog and that includes the topics when I find myself completely opposed to his point of view. Sure there is some over the top stuff but that just adds a little spice to the mix. It's all meant in fun with a good natured needle behind it. I'll take the few off color comments with the bulk of smart stuff that Rob G brings any day. Give it a chance and look at some of the posts, they are usually pretty good stuff.

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