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Red Sox, vol. II: For Real This Time (Updated)
2006-05-09 09:49
by Cliff Corcoran

Last week's two-game series in Fenway Park was disappointing as scheduled and became even more so after the second game was rained out. The three-game series that kicks off tonight in the Bronx, however, should make up for it and then some, thanks in large part to some fantastic pitching match-ups. Both teams are skipping a starter due to yesterday's off day (Wright for the Yankees, Clement for the Red Sox), and the Red Sox fifth starter/place holder Lenny DiNardo started on Sunday, leaving us with the three best starters on each team for this week's series, the highlight of which, at least on paper, should be tomorrow's pairing of rejuvenated aces Curt Schilling (5-1, 3.02 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 45 K, 7 BB, 6 quality starts in 7 games) and Mike Mussina (5-1, 2.35 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 42 K, 8 BB, quality starts in all 7 games).

Coming into the season one would have thought that Thursday's matchup of soft-tossers Shawn Chacon and Tim Wakefield would be the most likely of these three games to be a high-scoring shootout, but given their performances over the past few weeks, tonight's match-up of fireballers Randy Johnson and Josh Beckett could be the wildest game of them all. In his last three starts, Beckett has posted this combined line:

16 IP, 16 H, 18 R, 17 ER, 6 HR, 10 BB, 11 K, 9.56 ERA

Meanwhile, in three of his last four starts, Johnson has done this:

15 IP, 22 H, 18 R, 18 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 8 K, 10.80 ERA

That's ugly enough in and of itself, but consider that, despite all of those crooked numbers, the two have combined to go 2-2 in those six games thanks to their offenses, which have scored 15 runs for Beckett and a whopping 32 for Johnson in those three games. That would seem to place the over-under on total runs scored tonight somewhere around 15.

Incidentally, the Yanks and Sox are still tied for first in the AL East, with the Yanks still ahead by percentage points and a game in the loss column due to having played two fewer games. Both teams have won five of their last six. The Sox have won their last four, the Yanks their last five and seven of their last eight.

The Red Sox roster has undergone only one meaningful change since last week, with righty reliever Manny Delcarmen having been demoted during yesterday's off day to be replaced before tonight's game by another minor league reliever, most likely either righty Jermaine Van Buren or lefty Mike Holtz. The one other change is that Hee Seop Choi was activated from his minor league rehab assignment and optioned down to Pawtucket.

As always, I'm perplexed by the Choi move as he's being kept off the 25-man roster by 38-year-old J.T. Snow, who has seen even less action than Andy Phillips in a similar role as an opposite-handed first baseman/defensive replacement. Snow has just three singles on the year and is hitting .158, though he has a .360 OBP due to five walks in 24 plate-appearances. Choi, meanwhile, hit .276/.434/.421 in 22 rehab games with the triple-A Paw Sox.

I suppose the logic is that since Snow never gets to play, and first baseman Kevin Youkilis is actually performing better against righties anyway, Choi would just rot on the bench. Better to have Snow, a superior defender who otherwise rots anyway, doing that than the high-potential Choi. Still, it's frustrating to see a talented hitter like Choi spend his age-27 season trapped in triple-A. Not that I don't have practice. (Incidentally, there was some discussion of Choi having to clear waivers in order to return to the minors but it appears he had an option left—which means the Sox can bring him up and send him down at will all year. [Update: After digging further into the option rules it appears Choi did have to pass through waivers because, though he did have an option left, he also has three years of major league service time. So not only did the Sox option him down, but they exposed him to waivers in order to do it, and to make things a zillion times worse, the Yankees didn't put in a claim. Carlos Pena is hitting .200/.384/.309 in Columbus, there's no reason not to give him the heave-ho in favor of Choi, especially as it would get him away from the Red Sox in the process. Someone please explain to me why Doug Mientkiewicz is a starting major league first baseman and Hee Seop Choi can't get claimed off waivers. Anyone? Bueller?])

Finally, with a stint on the 15-day DL still a possibility for Gary Sheffield due to the wrist injury he suffered after colliding with Shea Hillenbrand at first base a little over a week ago (he's played in just two games since, going 0 for 5 in his lone start), I'd like to throw my support behind Kevin Thompson, who appears to be vying with Melky Cabrera for what could be a two-week stint as the Yankees starting right fielder. True, Cabrera has performed better thus far this year in triple-A (.385/.430/.566 to Thompson's .286/.382/.429), but I really don't want to see Cabrera in the majors prior to September. Still just 21, Cabrera could have a real future with the Yankees and I'd much rather see him left alone to continue his development without being jerked around like he was last year, when he went from Trenton through Columbus and up to the majors in just a couple of weeks only to be quickly returned to the Clippers and finish the year back in double-A. Thompson, meanwhile, is 26 and, though he projects to be a fourth outfielder at best, he should be filling that role with the Yankees this year in place of Bernie Williams, who has been hot of late, but has had just two of his twenty hits this season go for extra bases and has as many walks as J.T. Snow who has had only 28 percent as many plate appearances. In addition to wanting to coddle Cabrera some, I'd like to see Thompson come up and make Joe Torre seriously reconsider his outfield depth chart.

Speaking of which, further amunition for blasting Tanyon Sturtze off the roster: Ramiro Mendoza has finally finished his extended spring training. In his first outing in Columbus he pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and walking none while striking out three. Mendoza has been nothing but excellent since returning to action last August and gives the Yankees a third candidate for Sturtze's bullpen slot along with the recently demoted Matt Smith and the Godot-like Colter Bean (0.48 ERA in 18 2/3 IP with 23 K).

Update: Peter Abraham is reporting that Sheff will indeed hit the DL today and that Melky will get the call from Columbus. I'm rather discouraged by this news as I think the team is jumping on a hot streak rather than letting Cabrera truly develop into a major-league-ready hitter. That said there's a strong parallel to Robinson Cano's path through the minors.

Cano first hit triple-A at age 21 in his fourth minor league season. He struggled in a half season there (.259/.316/.403 in 216 at-bats), but started the following season on a hot streak in Columbus (.333/.368/.574 in 108 ABs), was called up and handed a starting job and hasn't looked back. Cabrera first hit triple-A at age 20 in his third minor league season. He struggled in a quarter season there (.248/.309/.366 in 101 ABs), but started the following season on a hot streak in Columbus (.385/.430/.566 in 122 ABs), and now, almost exactly a year after Cano, he has been called up to, if Torre is true to his word, start in right field. If he succeeds, he could stay there, pushing Sheffield to DH upon his return. That said, Cabrera remains a year ahead of Cano's schedule (yet another data point behind my belief that he should be left in Columbus this year) and Cano didn't start to hit until his tenth game last year. With Sheffield expected to come off the DL as soon as he's eligible, Melky may not get a chance to stick.

Curiously, of the six games Cabrera played for the Yankees last year, two of them were against the Red Sox. In fact, it was the Trot Nixon single that he played into an inside-the-park home run in Fenway that essentially ended his audition with the big club.

Comments (371)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2006-05-09 10:13:18
1.   Sliced Bread
Good stuff as always, Cliff.

re: Melky or a Kevin. I think they should go with the hottest bat, which belongs to Cabrera. Also, since Melky projects to be better than a fourth outfielder, why not get him as much big league experience as possible? I'd love to see him in the lineup tonight (if Sheff can't go), with Phillips at first, and Giambi DH.

I'll happily sign your petition to replace Sturtze with Ramiro Mendoza. Can we get 100,000 signatures by 7pm, and make it happen?

2006-05-09 10:16:59
2.   RichYF
Cliff, if you're willing to go to the stadium tonight, I'll sign a petition saying you should replace Sturtze. How much worse can you be? We'd get 100k sigs for the easily
2006-05-09 10:18:33
3.   JVarghese81
Cliff, I agree with you on the melky/Thompson question and my reasons were pretty much the same. I would rather have him continue to work on his game at AAA without having to deal with yo-yo-ing between NY & Colombus. Not knowing how Torre will use the new guy, I just want to see Melky get solid playing time until a later call up. (I know what Torre said...but I'll believe it when I see it - I still think he'll probably just end up trotting Bubba or Bernie out there)

That being said, if they do call up Kevin, I think they should sit Melky down and tell him the reasons why...I'd hate to see the kid get discouraged by not being called up.

Also, Cliff, why do I have a feeling that if they do replace Sturtze, it will be with Scott Erikson rather than Mendoza...

2006-05-09 10:20:45
4.   Rob Gee
Nice stuff indeed Cliff.

Can you answer this for me: Did we just miss a shot to acquire Choi through waivers? The story goes he was on a rehab assignment in Pawtucket then got activated to only get reassigned but had to pass through waivers first. Do we still fall behind the Sox under that scenario? Did other teams pass up on him too (the Cubs!?)?

2006-05-09 10:25:20
5.   Rob Gee
Sorry, every report I saw said he passed through waivers. Not sure where you're getting your info from.
2006-05-09 10:31:54
6.   Rob Gee
3 If Small doesn't find his magic pixie dust soon, I would be surprised if it wasn't Mendoza in that slot.

I have to hope Erickson is there, like Rasner, if we need an emergency start.

Otherwise, I really do wonder where Bean falls in. Defintely behind Dotel. But if Proctor keeps throwing like that - I just don't see how Colter makes it onto this club unless Sturtze gets released and someone else gets hurt.

The bullpen is not our worry this year unless that worry is Tanyon seeing playing time.

2006-05-09 10:50:58
7.   Sliced Bread
As we're seeing a dramatically different Proctor than we saw last season, maybe we'll see a more mature, Major League ready Melky.

It's unlikely that he'll keep up his torrid rate of hitting against big leaguers Beckett, Schilling, and Wakefield this series, but it's easy to get excited about him.

I don't see how being called up can be a bad thing for Melky. Even if he's not an overnight sensation, at least he'll know he's in the team's plans - also, other clubs that might be interested in him will see how highly he's regarded by the Yanks.

Get Melky into the lineup tonight, Joe, and get him into the roll call, Bleacher Creatures!

PS - if Melky plays right tonight, I'm guessing Bernie gets the start at DH.

PPS - With the damp cool weather in NY today, it feels like October around here!

2006-05-09 10:57:34
8.   Rob Gee
7 Seriously though, how nice would it be if Melky sticks?

Whereas Joe wouldn't use either of the Kevins as a legit 4th option (i.e., he'd fall behind Bernie on the depth chart), Melky might just impress him enough in the next two weeks to become an everyday guy in the OF and bumping Shef to more DH, Bernie to his PH slot (no way he gets cut), and Bubba to parts unknown.

Am I dreaming to even think this? So long as he doesn't flame up and out - let's keep our fingers crossed...

2006-05-09 11:09:27
9.   Cliff Corcoran
6 Erickson isn't starting in Columbus, he's pitching exclusively in relief, and short relief at that (1 1/3 IP per appearance). He's pitching very well, but Smith, who's already gotten the call once, and Bean have been even better.

5 Rob, the more I think about it, the more it makes sense that Choi, who has three years of major league service time under his belt, would have had to have cleared waivers to have been optioned down. That said, I didn't see any references to his passing through waivers on any of the sources I checked, but I believe he would have to have been.

To answer your question on waiver order, the Red Sox can't put a waiver claim on their own player. The waiver order is based on the standings and goes from worst to first in the same league as the club requesting waivers (Royals to White Sox), then worst to first in the other league (Pirates to Mets). If no claims are placed on the player, the original team retains him, thus I suppose you could say the Sox are last in the waiver order on Choi.

So you're boy Cashman has no excuse this time around, though for the life of me I can't figure out why. Carlos Pena isn't hitting a lick in Columbus and I can't see why the Yanks wouldn't jump at the chance to take a piece away from the Sox, like they tried to do with Mirabelli. Frustrating indeed, unless the option/waiver rules have yet another wrinkle I'm unaware of.

2006-05-09 11:29:46
10.   C2Coke
Right on! 1,2. In fact, bring the petition to the Stadium, then there's half of that 100K signatures!
2006-05-09 11:36:47
11.   Cliff Corcoran
Looking at the Clippers' stats, I'm trying to figure out how they've been distributing playing time. They've got Melky and the Kevins in the outfield, but also Mitch Jones, who could play first, but that was to be Eric Duncan's position, but then Carlos Pena came alone, so Duncan has switched back to third I've heard, but Russ Johnson was there tearing up the league. I notice Felix Escalona's playing time at short has declined, are they using Johnson in the middle infield spots? Danny Garcia has second base covered, which is Johnson's best middle infield position (he's really not a shortstop). Has Garcia moved over? Then there's the fact that they have five catchers, three of whom, Hill, Nieves and McDonald seem to be splitting the starting job to some degree.

Meanwhile, here's a waiver wire conundrum for you. If the Yankees claimed Choi, they'd have to pass him through waivers to option him to Columbus, allowing the Red Sox to claim him back, but if the Sox wanted to option him down to Pawtucket, the process could just repeat and keep repeating ad infinitum. Is there something in the waiver or option rules that breaks that cycle at some point? It would seem that at some point one of those teams would be forced to keep him on the 25-man roster, but due more to tranaction fatigue than any part of the waiver rules.

2006-05-09 11:38:37
12.   wsporter
Cliff 9 when you refer to B. Cashman as Rob's boy I imagine you do so with the slightest hint of sarcasm. Yes?

Pena has been disappointing to date. What is even more frustrating is he has taken time away from a very up and down Duncan at first base.

If we claimed Choi I imagine that Pena would have exercised his option to leave and may well have ended up with the Sawx. Would the Yankees view this as a lateral move? If you look at their career numbers they are close although Pena does have about 700 more ab's and is arguably a better defender.

2006-05-09 11:47:38
13.   Cliff Corcoran
12 The Yanks might think it's lateral, but Choi is the superior player. I'd make that trade in an instant.
2006-05-09 11:53:44
14.   Coltre Hughes
I have a great deal of respect for Melky. His big league experience from last year may have lead a less confident player to believe that he was not 'major league material'. However Melky came to spring training and he looked confident, like he belonged. Additionally, he has dominated AAA pitching so far this season. As a shortsighted fan, I'm glad he was called up because I just (selfishly) want to see him play.
2006-05-09 11:58:33
15.   Cliff Corcoran
By the way, if Hee Seop:Red Sox::Andy Phillips:Yankees, Manny Delcarmen:Red Sox::Bean/Smith:Yankees. The mistrust of youth is pervasive:

http://tinyurl.com/mu2kg

Also, for yucks, the latest Soxaholix features a classic bit of trash talk from Yankee fan Marty:

http://tinyurl.com/r5gfr

2006-05-09 11:59:03
16.   Bob Timmermann
Don't you folks know that Doug Mientkiewicz is handy with the leather and a good clubhouse influence? And he hit over .300 once.

Hee-Seop Choi is:
1) a bad fielder
2) has a hole in his swing
3) has trouble with pitchers who weird arm angles
4) isn't Mark Grace/Eric Karros/Jason Phillips/Bryan Myrow

I could give you more of the L.A. media orthodoxy about why Hee-Seop Choi failed in L.A. But it's really enervating.

2006-05-09 12:06:39
17.   wsporter
13 You've made it quite clear that you find Choi the superior player over the past weeks. Why? Not that I disagree or that I'm looking for or making an argument but I don't see it in the numbers. Does Choi have a better lefty power swing? Is he a better situational hitter? Does he have better plate coverage or zone judgment? Do you find him to be a better defensive 1st baseman than Pena? Is he a better teammate or person? Is he kind to animals?

I can't get too excited by the difference I see in the numbers or in seeing them both play. What is it that makes the difference for you?

2006-05-09 12:14:57
18.   Rob Gee
9 This bit was from the Boston Globe, but I remember seeing others around the same time that said similar things.

http://tinyurl.com/m9zjm

Short story: Says he had a minor league option left but because he debuted more than three years ago, he had to pass through waivers. If so, it is surprising the Yanks didn't take a flyer on him, but even more so that the Cubs didn't.

He does have four (!) errors so maybe Cashman couldn't envision a defensive liability at 1B as the back-up behind Giambi. Who knows though...

2006-05-09 12:19:46
19.   Andre
It's my turn to ask the locals - how's the weather in NYC? Do you all think this game will be played tonight? I've got to think that the cold wet weather will be worse for RJ than Beckett, but I guess we won't know until tonight.
2006-05-09 12:35:07
20.   hensley
Re: Choi and waivers, I said this yesterday w/o remembering that I got it from the SOSH board: http://tinyurl.com/hehqg
According to this, he passed through a "procedural waiver" that there is a "gentleman's agreement" not to claim off of. Doesn't make much sense, but better than nothing?
2006-05-09 12:42:01
21.   Cliff Corcoran
17 Choi is a year younger, strikes out less, and unlike Pena hasn't been properly exposed at the major league level. Choi has never been given more than 370 plate appearances in a single season. Pena has surpassed that mark three times, twice taking more than 500 trips to the plate in a single season. I believe we've seen what Pena can do and now that he's 28 I don't think he has any more to offer than what he's already done, which means he's a league-average 1B at best.

On the other hand, I don't think Choi has been allowed to reach his potential (which according to PECOTA could be Ortiz-like) and at age 27 he should be having a break out season right now if only he were getting a chance.

2006-05-09 13:11:47
22.   jonnystrongleg
Excited about this series and the pitching matchups? Wish some of the games were day games, or the weather was warmer, the Yanks struggle in the cold.

PS, this rivalry is certainly intense, but you guys should check out what happened in England this Sunday. Tottenham Hotspur lost out on next year's Champion's League to their most bitter rival Arsenal because 10/17 of their players were violently stricken w/ food poisoning 12 hours before kickoff of their final game! I believe there is a criminal investigation, with Arsenal supporters at the top of the suspect list.

I have spent the last two days contemplating what would have happened if this went down last year during the Yanks/Red Sox final series. Madness and bedlam for sure.

2006-05-09 13:20:08
23.   Rob Gee
I wouldn't be so down on Cabrera, Cliff. We know what the Kevins have and they would not start over Bernie with Torre at the helm.

Plus, Cabrera's already shown he's resilent to bounce back so well from last year. He's being rushed but the alternative for this DL stint would be Bernie playing RF/DH everyday. If he fails he'll get another shot in September then next Spring.

The upside is Melky just might stick.

2006-05-09 13:21:36
24.   Rob Gee
22 Great idea, jonny! Anyone here work in the major NYC hotels?
2006-05-09 13:23:42
25.   Knuckles
22
Woulda been easy...

Bad Guy: Now, youse guys know what ya s'posed to do?
Henchman: Yeah boss, we goes in da restaurant kitchen and put da poison in the chunky white soup.
Bad Guy: And da thin red soup?
Henchman: We leaves it alone.
Bad Guy: Good, now go to it!

2006-05-09 13:23:44
26.   rbj
11
Yes, Dunca has been splitting time between 3rd & 1st (at least he was when the Clippers were in town). What I found interesting was that Nieves caught both games of a night game followed by a day game -- the Clipppers only had two guys listed at catcher & not on the DL (Lance Parrish was DL'ed, Hill was available, but on bullpen duty(?)) The Kevins impressed me more than Melky at the time; personally I'd like to see Melky spend the summer in Columbus, I'd hate for him to get overwhelmed again in the majors, but I'd love to be wrong. I'd like a nice, crisp, 6-0 win by the Yanks.

Right now only Nieves & Hill are listed on the roster

2006-05-09 13:24:00
27.   tommyl
22, Yeah, and Spurs are petitioning to replay the last game. Did you happen to watch the Arsenal game at Highbury (final game in that stadium, which has been their home since 1913)? It was insane, place was shaking and every fan was issued either a white or red shirt based on their seating location so the stadium looked like a giant Arsenal flag. Oh, and Henry scored a hat trick. Doesn't get much better than that 'cept for Yanks v. Sox and of course the match of the year, Barcelona v. Arsenal in Paris next week.
2006-05-09 13:52:46
28.   wsporter
21 Cliff, over their careers Pena has a K rate of 0.297 and Choi has a K rate of 0.286. Technically yes Choi strikes out less. I'll take your answer as Choi "projects" as a better player not that he "is" a better player, although he may well be.

Right now I see them as a wash, if one is superior to the other today the difference may not justify an argument. As to the future, I've always liked Choi and have tended to be dismissive of Pena. It probably goes back to my objection to the way BBA employed Pena as a straw man to tear down Nick Johnson's value.

Ortiz had 1477 ab's before he got to Boston. His last year in MN presaged his monumental advancement as a hitter. So I guess it's fair to say that he had 1,065 ab's to adjust his swing; closer to Choi's position than Pena's obviously. Pena has been sucking wind at Columbus and taking some 1b/DH time away from Duncan. Choi is putting up decent although bizarre numbers (higher OBP than SLG) at Pawtucket according to the MiLB site.

When we picked up Pena, B. Cashman offered that the Yankees were merely "increasing the inventory". In merchandizing there is a simple old saying – "Inventory kills"; I think it may be applicable in baseball. We hitched our wagon to the wrong star on this one.

2006-05-09 13:55:33
29.   Cliff Corcoran
23 Rob, Joe said he'd start whomever got called up. I believe him. There's a third factor at work here that I failed to mention. Thompson always struggles on first exposure to a new level but then hits well the next year. Why not use now to get him that taste he seems to need and then pencil him in for 4th OF in 2007? He can't be much less productive than Bernie/Bubba.
2006-05-09 14:05:10
30.   Rob Gee
29 You don't have to argue with me - they should both be on this team ahead of the other two guys on the OF bench.

That said, I think you've got to reward merit and look for upside. If Melky plays like last year, Thompson will get his shot. But if you start with Thompson and he fails it's tough to go to Melky then. You've cornered yourself in to then trying Reese. Now two guys at Melky's level are hitting the big club even though he's really outperforming them.

Worst case: You get Thompson.
Best case: We've got our 4th OF.

I feel good about that progression.

BTW: Soriano's early numbers also look Cano and Melky-like.

2006-05-09 14:06:14
31.   jonnystrongleg
27 Highbury was rocking. Going nuts every time West Ham scored, not losing steam when Wigan made their push. Pure, cathartic release at the Henry hat trick. Will it be enough to keep him around for a few more years? Sure hope so. 5/17 is huge!

Makes me really appreciate being a Yankee fan. I never have to worry about our best and favorite players; they're not going anywhere (apologies to the Pettitte foundation - the exception that proves the rule?).

2006-05-09 14:13:34
32.   Knuckles
Francona says he used Papelbon in a non-save situation last week because he wanted the Yankees to see him, to scare NY a little bit. Sounds like gamesmanship by Mr. Francoma there. Why would you use a closer that many of the Yanks haven't seen in a non-crucial situation? This only affords a few more of them some familiarity that could possibly come back and bit you in the butt later on.

Sounds more like a lame way for Terry to spin the fact that he had no one else in the bullpen he could trust with a 4 run lead...
http://tinyurl.com/fqlm6

2006-05-09 14:32:36
33.   Benjamin Kabak
Do we know yet if Melky is starting tonight? Trial by fire for the young outfielder, I guess, but it's gotta be better than Bubba/Bernie.
2006-05-09 14:33:37
34.   wsporter
32] Knuckles, sounds like Frankie was sick of answering a question. Given the way the sigmoidoscope seems to come out at the post game newsies I'd say I don't blame him.
2006-05-09 14:39:12
35.   randym77
Hopefully they will get the game in. The worst of it will be passing soon, judging from the radar.

It wasn't supposed to rain at all today, but it is. Just a little.

2006-05-09 14:39:53
36.   Shaun P
33 Benjamin, if you click on the Peter Abraham link in Cliff's main post, and go looking for Mr. Abraham's most recent post, Melky is starting in RF tonight and hitting 9th.

7 Sliced called it - Bernie at DH. Nice.

2006-05-09 14:41:34
37.   Shaun P
36 My compliment is for Sliced, BTW, not Bernie, as I'd rather see Phillips DHing. That said, I hope Bernie does well tonight.
2006-05-09 14:52:00
38.   randym77
We are going to get a look at young Melky tonight...

Johnny Damon CF
Derek Jeter SS
Jason Giambi 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Hideki Matsui LF
Jorge Posada C
Robinson Cano 2B
Bernie Williams DH
Melky Cabrera RF

2006-05-09 14:59:08
39.   wsporter
37 MFD nice distinction and I agree; would much rather see it that way too. Oh well.

I wanted to extend props to Rich (#42) who noticed in yesterdays thread that Melky played RF last night and correctly called that a precursor to his call-up and start today. Nice spot, I missed it when I looked at the AAA boxes. There was chatter about it but Rich spotted the proof.

2006-05-09 15:07:06
40.   yankz
Phil Hughes also pitches tonight. Anyone have some sort of access to keep us updated?
2006-05-09 15:22:12
41.   tocho
the way things unfold for RJ, I expect him to pitch well and dominate Manny and Ortiz, but give up a HR to Alex Gonzalez.

that being said, the yanks will pound Beckett the first 3 innings and get a little payback from 2003.

when its all said and done, the yanks will cruise to their first victory this year v the bosox.

let's go yan-kees!!

2006-05-09 15:36:28
42.   Rob Gee
40 milb.com says the game has been postponed in Portland - was supposed to start at 6pm. Tomorrow is a 12pm start - hopefully Hughes just gets pushed back.
2006-05-09 15:39:13
43.   yankz
42 Thanks.

What I wouldn't give for 8 IP, 9 K of shutout ball from the Unit. Melky goes 2-4 with a double and a diving catch. Mo strikes out the side, including Fatass to end it (Anyone remember the AMAZING game last year- Arod's homer off Schilling- Mo struck out the side in the 9th, including Ortiz for the final out. It was up there with a world series win for me.).

2006-05-09 15:54:43
44.   tocho
damn mlb.tv is acting up again. anybody else having trouble with it?
2006-05-09 16:00:18
45.   C2Coke
So the game is on? According to mlb.com, it's in warmup. BTW, anyone noticed Randy Johnson's new photo up on mlb.com? Don't know why I still find it funny as in comparison to the previous one.
2006-05-09 16:01:50
46.   C2Coke
And Sheff is now "officially" on DL.
2006-05-09 16:04:15
47.   randym77
The YES guys are still jawing. It's Paulie tonight.
2006-05-09 16:11:24
48.   wsporter
44 No MLB.TV. What gives? Anyone able to get in?
2006-05-09 16:12:13
49.   tocho
48 do you get the same reload page message?
2006-05-09 16:12:49
50.   C2Coke
4448 Did you guys check out the blackout restriction list for today?
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2006-05-09 16:14:20
51.   tocho
50 I have no black out restrictions. I'm in Mexico.

do you have mlb-tv? are you watching it?

2006-05-09 16:14:30
52.   wsporter
50 Can't get into the system period. It seems to be down. Is anyone in or can anyone get in?
2006-05-09 16:15:18
53.   BklynBmr
All right, Robbie!
2006-05-09 16:15:44
54.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
This will probably jinx it, but Loretta's #s vs Randy?:

3 for 83 w/ 14 k's. Yikes. Woops 3 for 84 now, w/ a gdip to boot.

2006-05-09 16:15:49
55.   C2Coke
nope, nothing.
2006-05-09 16:16:52
56.   C2Coke
Last time it happened, I had to wait until the end of 1st inning to reload.
2006-05-09 16:16:59
57.   Marcus
Wow. So much for the chin music.
2006-05-09 16:19:22
58.   kdw
MLB looks like it might be back now. Showing commercial break message.
2006-05-09 16:19:40
59.   wsporter
Yeah into mlb.tv. OK, wonder what that was all about?
2006-05-09 16:20:37
60.   C2Coke
59 1st inning choke...
2006-05-09 16:20:55
61.   C2Coke
sorry....meant 1st half inning
2006-05-09 16:21:09
62.   tocho
i think its back on as well. Just in time for the yankee hitters.

the audio is screwed up though.

thanks 58

2006-05-09 16:21:21
63.   3rd gen yankee fan
25 LMAO Yeah I know I'm late, I'm just catching up here.
2006-05-09 16:25:39
64.   wsporter
I really didn't need to see that again.
2006-05-09 16:26:46
65.   randym77
Yeah, Jete!
2006-05-09 16:26:48
66.   yankz
Woohoo Captain!

Wow, I still hate Beckett as much as I did in '03.

2006-05-09 16:29:46
67.   BklynBmr
Oh, yes!!!!!!! The Giambeeeeeno!
2006-05-09 16:29:59
68.   yankz
oh HELL yes
2006-05-09 16:30:01
69.   randym77
Giambino!!!! Woot!
2006-05-09 16:30:05
70.   C2Coke
Giambi!!!
2006-05-09 16:30:17
71.   Rob Gee
Da Giam-bino!
2006-05-09 16:30:17
72.   tocho
welcome to NY Josh!!!!!
2006-05-09 16:30:18
73.   wsporter
Giambino!
2006-05-09 16:30:31
74.   seamus
yeehawwww!!!!
2006-05-09 16:30:35
75.   3rd gen yankee fan
WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!! giambino!!!
2006-05-09 16:31:26
76.   C2Coke
Giambi is definitely feeling the 3 hole!
2006-05-09 16:32:59
77.   C2Coke
And it's only the first inning.
2006-05-09 16:33:14
78.   yankz
Matsui, swinging 3-0?
2006-05-09 16:33:49
79.   C2Coke
Matsui is hitting ok lately, right?
2006-05-09 16:33:54
80.   Knuckles
Giambi doesn't play the game the right way; how dare he homer off of Beckett instead of striking out?
2006-05-09 16:34:32
81.   yankz
Almost as good as getting the early lead: Making him throw 30 pitches
2006-05-09 16:34:59
82.   wsporter
2 runs and 30 pitches. Good 1st inning.
2006-05-09 16:38:53
83.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
7 pitch inning for the Unit.
2006-05-09 16:39:08
84.   Rob Gee
There's our boy, Wily Mo - swinging first pitch!
2006-05-09 16:39:44
85.   BklynBmr
Kitty just nailed it. A 7 pitch inning by the Unit is the best thing to get Beckett right back out there. Work 'dem counts, Yanks!
2006-05-09 16:39:45
86.   yankz
Lots of grounders for RJ so far
2006-05-09 16:40:25
87.   randym77
78 He got the go-ahead because he's been hitting well. Didn't work out this time.
2006-05-09 16:46:09
88.   randym77
If the Sox had a slightly shorter 3rd baseman, Robby would've had a hit.

Bernie is having words with the umpire. Late call on that 3rd strike.

2006-05-09 16:49:11
89.   yankz
I hope the stadium cheers its ass off when Melky leads off.
2006-05-09 16:52:39
90.   yankz
Did the Gonzalez at bat just last longer than the entire Sox 2nd inning? Embarassing.
2006-05-09 16:52:43
91.   wsporter
That's as bad as walking the pitcher.
2006-05-09 16:53:21
92.   tocho
walk to alex gonzalez....

are you kidding

2006-05-09 16:53:37
93.   Benjamin Kabak
Why is Randy throwing sliders to Alex Gonzalez with the count 0-2? This guy couldn't hit a beachball and it's Randy Friggin' Johnson on the mound.
2006-05-09 16:54:54
94.   Schteeve
If Randy walks youkilis I'm going to Pukeilis.
2006-05-09 16:55:13
95.   randym77
Nice diving catch by Matsui. Save a couple of runs.
2006-05-09 16:55:47
96.   Harley
That's the problem, it's not Randy Friggin' Johnson anymore. It's Randy Twilight of My Career Johnson. That's a whole other enchilada.
2006-05-09 16:56:16
97.   wsporter
That looked like a great read on a tough ball by Matsui.
2006-05-09 16:56:54
98.   Rob Gee
94 Nice Schteeeeeeeeeeeve.
2006-05-09 16:59:54
99.   wsporter
Tough E. Fat Papi was k'd.
2006-05-09 16:59:59
100.   Rob Gee
what's the word I'm looking for....Fuck! Yeah, that about covers it.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2006-05-09 17:01:00
101.   tocho
Nice walk to gonzalez there by the Stupid Unit!!
2006-05-09 17:01:00
102.   Simone
WTF?! Thank goodness I'm not watching this game.
2006-05-09 17:01:05
103.   Harley
Hey, now, it's Giveaway Day at the big ballpark. Geesh.
2006-05-09 17:01:10
104.   Benjamin Kabak
Randy really sucks. This is pathetic. Walking Alex Gonzalez. Throwing the ball over Posada. Nice work here. One and a half times through the lineup, no Ks.
2006-05-09 17:02:47
105.   tocho
lets get proctor in right now!!
2006-05-09 17:02:53
106.   Benjamin Kabak
Wonderful. Three unearned runs against the Red Sox. That's piss poor baseball by A-Rod and the Unit.
2006-05-09 17:03:13
107.   jameson and water
Well, this is horrific.
2006-05-09 17:03:22
108.   Simone
Arrgggh! Really, this is just some sickening stuff.
2006-05-09 17:04:00
109.   JeremyM
I'm really starting to buy into the whole A-Rod is a choker thing. He always picks the worst spots for errors. I know it happens to them all, but his really stick in my mind.
2006-05-09 17:04:23
110.   randym77
RJ is having a meltdown here. He's afraid to throw strikes.
2006-05-09 17:04:40
111.   singledd
I'm tired of watching Randy Brown.... er... Randy Johnson pitch. And we have another year of this crap.

Great. 4th walk. Our pen will to totally dead after this series.

2006-05-09 17:05:47
112.   Benjamin Kabak
This is making me cry. THROW A STRIKE, RANDY.
2006-05-09 17:05:58
113.   JeremyM
I mean, now we see why A-Rod sees a psychologist, don't we? He's very talented, but it's obvious he's neurotic as well.
2006-05-09 17:06:13
114.   yankz
Well, that was quick...this freaking sucks.
2006-05-09 17:06:16
115.   randym77
Aaron Small is warming.
2006-05-09 17:06:39
116.   Schteeve
Can someone describe A-Rod's error to me?
2006-05-09 17:07:40
117.   yankz
A strikeout?! From Johnson?! I didn't think he knew what those were anymore!
2006-05-09 17:07:43
118.   BklynBmr
How do you go from a seven pitch inning to that f'n nightmare?
2006-05-09 17:07:51
119.   randym77
Well, RJ got out of it...barely.
2006-05-09 17:08:18
120.   Benjamin Kabak
109 I'm just sick of A-Rod. He's a big fool. He never says the right stuff, he routinely doesn't come through, and as Sterling just said, that was "one damaging error." Poor poor baseball against the Red Sox here.

Of course, that strike three non-call to Ortiz was pretty big too. That ball was literal right across the plate.

2006-05-09 17:08:22
121.   Simone
Finally, that disasterous inning ends.
2006-05-09 17:08:23
122.   hensley
Excuse me swing on ball 4. Perfect way to end the inning. Wow, RJ looks bad. Not even close to hitting spots.
2006-05-09 17:08:43
123.   randym77
116 The ball got past him. He seemed to be expecting it hop up higher than it actually did.
2006-05-09 17:09:03
124.   Alex Belth
Rodriguez was playing way off the line for Ortiz. Ortiz hit a ball on the nose but it was right at Rodriguez. He fumbled the ball, and then couldn't locate where it was. By the time he picked it up--it was just a few feet behind him--and chucked it to first, even the heavy-set Ortiz had time to beat it out. It was a clear error, and obviously, with Johnson looking horrible again, it was costly.
2006-05-09 17:10:47
125.   rilkefan
113, 120 - I'm just sick of people ignorantly attacking A-Rod for being imperfect.
2006-05-09 17:10:53
126.   Simone
Let's go, Melky. Give us something positive.
2006-05-09 17:11:15
127.   Benjamin Kabak
Beckett's throwing some nasty breaking pitches to Cabrera.
2006-05-09 17:11:18
128.   singledd
Let's be fair. ARod has saved a ton of runs already with his glove. You guys have very short memories.
2006-05-09 17:12:12
129.   randym77
Melky almost had a single.
2006-05-09 17:12:15
130.   Harley
A-Rod's defense is not our problem. Nor will it be thru this and the next season the team is carrying Johnson around on its back.
2006-05-09 17:12:20
131.   tocho
125 agreed.

its was a tough luck error there, I would have given an infield hit.

2006-05-09 17:12:35
132.   JeremyM
A-Rod is really the Karl Malone of baseball in a lot of ways. But I digress. Clemens price just went up 3 million after that inning by the Unit. Do they have any choice but to sign him?
2006-05-09 17:13:31
133.   Benjamin Kabak
125 So be it. I've never vocally attacked A-Rod and I've had plenty of opportunity to do so. I'm just saying that I'm tired of his shitck. It wears thin. That's all. I've never been a fan of his. I didn't like him before. I don't need to like him just because he plays on the Yankees now.
2006-05-09 17:14:14
134.   Benjamin Kabak
That pitch was just called a strike against Jeter?!?!?! And the one to Ortiz was a ball? Please.
2006-05-09 17:15:24
135.   Harley
rilkefan -- right you are.
2006-05-09 17:16:22
136.   randym77
I like A-Rod, but I do think he tends to fold under pressure. He's hardly unique in that. NY is tough. And everyone notices when he screws up.
2006-05-09 17:16:23
137.   JeremyM
I do like having A-Rod on the team and obviously he is a great player, I'm just annoyed right now. But he is a perplexing guy--can anyone explain the blue lips deal in the playoffs yet?
2006-05-09 17:16:34
138.   singledd
What shitck (sp) is that? Playing close to GG 3rd base in his 3rd year at the position? Winning the MVP? Which shitck are you speaking of?
2006-05-09 17:17:24
139.   rilkefan
133 - I'm tired of the anti-Arod shtick. It wore thin a long time ago.

Saying he's got mental problems a la 113 is way beyond that into offense, though.

2006-05-09 17:18:42
140.   Schteeve
3 and 0 on Pena? Joe needs to yank his Big Unit until it gets Small-er.
2006-05-09 17:19:07
141.   randym77
Maybe it was just one bad inning for RJ.
2006-05-09 17:19:54
142.   wsporter
He looked like a big league pitcher on that k.
2006-05-09 17:21:45
143.   singledd
5 walks. Just like his ERA
2006-05-09 17:22:13
144.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
Another goddamn walk to a crap hitter.
2006-05-09 17:22:15
145.   Mattpat11
He walked Dustin Mohr?
2006-05-09 17:23:23
146.   Simone
Is Justin Mohr now RJ's kryptonite?
2006-05-09 17:23:25
147.   tommyl
31, yup. That game was amazing, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Actually much like the late 90s Yanks, when the Gunners were down at home, I knew they'd pull it through.

The difference in Europe is that there are really multiple large clubs so you have a constant shuttling between them (e.g. Ronaldo likely leaving Madrid, Beckham from Man U to Madrid, etc.) Arsenal is a bit smaller, but they have a ton of young talent coming up (Fabregas, Ebouy, Diaby, Walcott and more). Ok back to baseball...

2006-05-09 17:23:35
148.   Benjamin Kabak
138 I explained it. It's more his off-field antics. His inane comments to the press. All that stuff.

I'm happy he produces on the field, and yes, he does save more runs in the field than he gives up probably. Although it's debatable if a great play in the 8th inning in a blowout should be considered negating the error he made tonight.

But to me, ARod just symbolizes when George went nuts and lost perspective. It became about acquiring toys instead of pieces to win. But we're all going to have different views on it. You be sick of the anti-Arod contigency and I'll be sick of A-Rod. To each his own.

Maybe we can all agree to be sick of Randy Johnson giving up 0-2 hits to Alex Gonzalez after walking Dustin Mohr.

2006-05-09 17:23:48
149.   Mattpat11
what a fucking mess
2006-05-09 17:24:06
150.   tommyl
Alex freakin' Gonzalez?! I could get him out. Throw the ball down the middle of the plate, he'll pop out to center field.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2006-05-09 17:24:39
151.   3rd gen yankee fan
We shouldn't have to suffer through this. We should be crushing these guys.
2006-05-09 17:26:21
152.   Benjamin Kabak
Does RJ get the ever-popular sarcastic standing ovation for strike out no. 2?
2006-05-09 17:26:29
153.   randym77
Another wild pitch from RJ.
2006-05-09 17:28:06
154.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
Is he really going to walk Loretta to face Papi!?!?!@#$%^&(&^%#$
2006-05-09 17:28:38
155.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
Get him off the mound!
2006-05-09 17:29:04
156.   singledd
I'm sick. I live in NH. I look forward to these series so I can see my boys on TV. Now, I can't even watch this.

Retire RJ's number... with him in it!

2006-05-09 17:29:04
157.   tommyl
Loretta?! C'mon....getting crushed by Ortiz is reasonable if annoying. But 5 walks, Alex Gonzalez, this trade is looking worse and worse AND worse.
2006-05-09 17:29:07
158.   Simone
This is the f'ing bottom of the line up! RJ is just having confidence problems. He'll improve as the season goes on. I'm having faith in the dark times.
2006-05-09 17:29:11
159.   JeremyM
By neurotic I meant overanxious, doesn't mean mental problems per say. Now myself, I'm having mental problems. This is a joke.
2006-05-09 17:29:14
160.   Benjamin Kabak
Great job there Randy. Wonderful. So much for the 84 mph gimme strike on 3-0. That's some smart baseball by the Red Sox. Does he get the hook now or do we have to watch Ortiz hit a home run to drive the nail into this one?
2006-05-09 17:29:15
161.   randym77
This is a disaster.

Small's coming in.

2006-05-09 17:29:18
162.   hensley
Why is he still IN????
2006-05-09 17:29:26
163.   BklynBmr
If the post season starts tomorrow: It's Moose and Chacon, and pray for a cyclone.
2006-05-09 17:29:54
164.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
Dear lord, when wil it end.
2006-05-09 17:30:15
165.   Simone
It is a waking nightmare.
2006-05-09 17:30:31
166.   randym77
158 I think you're right. He doesn't trust his stuff.
2006-05-09 17:30:45
167.   singledd
"this trade is looking worse and worse AND worse"...
Aside from Kevin Brown, this is the worst move we have ever done. Who did we give up fir RJ? Remember?

A 3 year contract to an injured 39 year old?

Was George NUTS?

2006-05-09 17:30:59
168.   tommyl
Ok, lets get out of this inning, minimize the damage. We can get 3 runs of Beckett and their bullpen.
2006-05-09 17:31:16
169.   tocho
this is a disgrace.

c'mon joe, GET HIM OUT!!!

i'm tired of this, why is it that it is clear to everybody that's watching the game that the Stupid Unit does not have anything today (or for the last 4 starts) and joe leaves him in so that the bosox get a nice comfy lead.

he's finally out, but 3 batters late!!

2006-05-09 17:31:20
170.   Cliff Corcoran
The Bad Unit followed by Small? Shades of ALDS Game 3. Not good memories.
2006-05-09 17:31:24
171.   Harley
I'm just curious. What 'piece' at third would the Yankees be better of with? And the notion that A-Rod only makes great plays in the field during blowouts is stoopid.
2006-05-09 17:31:34
172.   weeping for brunnhilde
Meanwhile, across town, Pedro settled down nicely after a rough couple of innings and it's still just 3-0 Phillie.

That's really all you need to know.

2006-05-09 17:31:41
173.   seamus
that was so unbelievably painful
2006-05-09 17:32:10
174.   Eric B
Procedural waivers - my understanding is that Choi would've passed though revokable major league waivers, meaning the Red Sox would've likely pulled him back, put him on the ML roster, and moved somebody else (waive Snow, perhaps?).

In return, the Sox would probably retaliate by claiming any players the Yankees put on revocable waivers, screwing with the Yanks roster. Thus, the existance of the Gentleman's Agreement. Apparently, the only time claims regularly get made on this type of waiver is after the trading deadline, when passing through waivers is a prereq for being traded.

As an aside, I remember Angelos debating whether to forfeit all games played with replacement players in 95 to keep Ripken's stream alive. While there was nothing the other owners could officially due to stop him, one of the talking heads said something along the lines of "the other teams could yank the Orioles around by the waiver wire" - essentially, doing the same thing I mentioned above and preventing the O's from sending players down.

2006-05-09 17:32:20
175.   tommyl
167, Javier Vasquez plus others.
2006-05-09 17:32:23
176.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
Great. Small vs Manny. It's batting practice. Why not bring Sturtz in and throw a keg of beer behind second.
2006-05-09 17:32:26
177.   JeremyM
Good thing Cora isn't playing, I'm sure he would've teed off on Johnson like the other bottom feeders did today.
2006-05-09 17:32:51
178.   tocho
I have zero confidence in Small
2006-05-09 17:33:36
179.   singledd
Who did we get for Nick Johnson?
2006-05-09 17:33:59
180.   rilkefan
159 - ok. Kind of day that strains everyone's patience, isn't it?
2006-05-09 17:35:12
181.   singledd
Has RJ pitched much better then Wright?
2006-05-09 17:35:16
182.   singledd
Has RJ pitched much better then Wright?
2006-05-09 17:35:16
183.   singledd
Has RJ pitched much better then Wright?
2006-05-09 17:35:23
184.   Alex Belth
Sloppiness all around. The wild pitch...then Cano's awful throw to first which should have nailed Loretta.

Somewhere Beth is cheering!

2006-05-09 17:35:27
185.   JeremyM
No kidding. I think we all feel, maybe even know that the Yanks are a better team than the Sox (maybe not if Johnson is truly this bad now) and it's hard to watch them get stomped again. Ugh.
2006-05-09 17:35:38
186.   singledd
Sorry... cyber-blip
2006-05-09 17:36:10
187.   tommyl
176, I was just thinking if they go down some more, put in Sturtze, Phillips and Bubba. Sturtze can roast out there and Andy can get some PAs. Useful and entertaining in a macabre sort of way for us.
2006-05-09 17:36:22
188.   randym77
181 Not lately.

But he doesn't pitch at his best until it's hot. Or so he says.

2006-05-09 17:38:27
189.   tommyl
YOU have to be kidding me!
2006-05-09 17:38:35
190.   Cliff Corcoran
Wow.
2006-05-09 17:38:38
191.   randym77
Argggh. Melky dropped it.

The wind must be brutal out there.

2006-05-09 17:38:58
192.   tocho
the melkman is back!!!
2006-05-09 17:39:01
193.   tommyl
Small comes in, battles the hell out of Manny, gets a lazy pop up to the infield and no one can catch it?!
2006-05-09 17:39:11
194.   Simone
What?!
2006-05-09 17:39:29
195.   Benjamin Kabak
This is bad. Time to hope Curt sucks tomorrow night.
2006-05-09 17:39:59
196.   Simone
This game is just one of those you have to chalk up to bad luck.
2006-05-09 17:40:17
197.   seamus
what the heck is happening? yanks seem totally unready tonight.
2006-05-09 17:40:34
198.   randym77
The wind was really bad. I thought Damon was going to get it, then I thought Cano. Melky ended up catching it...and dropping it.
2006-05-09 17:40:34
199.   Harley
Geesh, it looks like Melky's got a jai alai cesta on his catching hand.
2006-05-09 17:40:43
200.   tommyl
There you go, better strike them out. Don't want to let anyone ball get anywhere near in play.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2006-05-09 17:40:45
201.   3rd gen yankee fan
My bf (not a Yankee fan) was just saying, "Who's Cabrera??? Who's Cabrera??? Who's CABRERA???" LOL
2006-05-09 17:41:48
202.   tocho
196 that (arod, melky) and TERRIBLE execution by your ST.
2006-05-09 17:42:02
203.   JeremyM
This team is so bizarre. When they lose, it's like they go for broke and do it in the most disastrous ways possible. Hey, let's walk some guys hitting .220, make a couple three errors, some wild pitches, and call it good.
2006-05-09 17:42:27
204.   seamus
worst thing that could have happened to melky. i was so excited forthis game but from the start it has been frustrating. first mlb-tv was all screwed up. then my stupid cat was being annoying. (Giambi provides temporary reprieve). then arod. then randy walkson. and now melky. how depressing is this, like the yanks are all tightly wound or something.
2006-05-09 17:42:29
205.   tommyl
196, why? I can forgive the A-Rod and even the Melky error, I really thought Cano had it and he backed off at the last second. But RJs performance? Part of being the ace is picking up your teamates. Remember Cone? Clemens? Petitte? If Brosius dropped a ball, Cone would go out and say not to worry and strike out the next hitter. Randy walks the entire freakin' bottom of the order. There's no excuse and its not bad luck.
2006-05-09 17:42:35
206.   BklynBmr
No problem. Small will take it to FarnsMo and the Yanks will scrape back in it. Have faith.

Or, it'll be Sox 17-4.

2006-05-09 17:44:19
207.   Simone
I'll just be happy if Farnsworth hits a couple Red Sox hitters and settles some old scores.
2006-05-09 17:44:30
208.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
This game is reminding me of the game in St Louis last season. What was it, the Friday game of the weekend series?
2006-05-09 17:46:28
209.   joejoejoe
I checked in with Yahoo to see what was going on before wading into this thread and saw 'M. Ramirez safe at first on right fielder M. Cabrera's fielding error'. I thought "Oh my god! the Yankees traded for Miguel Cabrera!".

Then I woke up.

2006-05-09 17:47:24
210.   Zack
Ugh, just turned on the game, wow, looks like the bizzarro yanks are back again...easily going down on offense, sucking on defense, and unable ot pitch...
2006-05-09 17:47:27
211.   Harley
Agree re Melky. One more dropped fly ball and he'll be playing for Cincinnati (and playing well) next year.
2006-05-09 17:47:40
212.   BklynBmr
Yeah, they catch it and don't even know how many outs there are...
2006-05-09 17:47:51
213.   tocho
206 Beckett will settle down the yanks in order for the next three innings.

the yanks may scratch a run off Seanez or whatever pitcher comes in when the bosos lead by 17-2 in the 8th.

let's hope the yanks come up swinging v merthiolate sock schilling tomorrow

2006-05-09 17:47:59
214.   Rob Gee
Who to blame more: The 42 yo former ace or the GM that traded the house to get him?
2006-05-09 17:48:38
215.   GoYanks
Torre should threaten to wring all their necks. Maybe they'll wake up.
2006-05-09 17:49:40
216.   GoYanks
214 I'm going with the owner that nearly broke baseball's rules telling the world he wants the 42 year old.
2006-05-09 17:50:08
217.   JeremyM
So, umm, hey, nice game going on here. So, anyone have any thoughts on the new Pearl Jam or Chili Peppers CDs.
2006-05-09 17:50:09
218.   randym77
Oh, gawd. It's getting worse and worse.
2006-05-09 17:50:14
219.   BklynBmr
Boston just seems to bring out the best in A-Rod, huh?
2006-05-09 17:50:42
220.   GoYanks
Oh my god...
2006-05-09 17:51:02
221.   unpopster
217 the new TOOL CD rocks!

oh, and Randy Johnson is a tool!

2006-05-09 17:52:03
222.   unpopster
219 can someone find out how many errors Arod's committed against the Sox compared to total since he's been a Yank?
2006-05-09 17:52:09
223.   GoYanks
Anyone watch 24 last night? Pretty intense, huh?
2006-05-09 17:52:53
224.   randym77
So, A-Rod had, what, two errors all season until tonight. He's doubled his number of errors...
2006-05-09 17:53:50
225.   tommyl
So who is rooting for Barca or Arsenal in the Champions League final? I love both teams but my undying loyalty goes to Barca. Thoughts anyone?
2006-05-09 17:54:12
226.   GoYanks
Call up Russ Johnson to play 3B!

(btw, this is the poster formerly known as "yankz," i was having trouble with that username)

2006-05-09 17:54:12
227.   Harley
The Pearl Jam record is unexpectedly great. And pairs up nicely with Neil Young's CD that came out today.
2006-05-09 17:54:21
228.   BklynBmr
217 This is a good time to discuss something that's been bothering me for a long time: When a pitcher is pulled and leaves runners on base, and they end up scoring — why should that pitcher absorb the earned run(s) (assuming they are earned) on his line. Why not split the earned run with the guy who came in and actually gave it up? Just wondering...
2006-05-09 17:57:34
229.   Zack
Um, Alex Gonzalez?
2006-05-09 17:58:05
230.   JeremyM
Just one of those goofy baseball things I guess. They must think the inherited runners stat takes care of that nuance. And then you have to deal with the different situations like coming in with zero outs and a guy on 3rd, and so on. But it could be done in these days and times.

What bugs me is that a sac fly is not counted as a plate appearance, but a grounder that plates a runner at 3rd does. I guess the argument would be fielder's choice, but usually (not always) their only play is to first anyway.

2006-05-09 17:58:20
231.   unpopster
DID ALEX GONZALEZ, HE OF THE .207 BA, JUST STAND AND ADMIRE THAT HOME RUN ?????????

can we f&$@#n hit a Red Sox batter already??

2006-05-09 17:58:37
232.   tommyl
229, you got confused that was Alex Rodriguez who's 2-2 with a walk, single and 3 run HR, oh no, wait...gee, how can that be?
2006-05-09 17:58:42
233.   JeremyM
Well, this is ugly. Gonzalez?
2006-05-09 17:58:43
234.   GoYanks
This is a joke, right? Alex Gonzalez? The man with less power than my sister?
2006-05-09 17:59:14
235.   Zack
This looks more like the Yanks of a few seasons ago who just looked so terrified of playing the Sox whereas the Sox always seemed to rise to the occasion...Thought we were past that...
2006-05-09 17:59:42
236.   randym77
Poor Melky. He caught a fly ball, and got long, loud, and very sarcastic cheer.
2006-05-09 17:59:56
237.   Simone
Maybe the Yankees rally? You never know.
2006-05-09 18:00:10
238.   Paul in Boston
Wow. This is painful.

I've already received two taunting calls. Let the record show I have never called a Red Sox fan to taunt them in my life.

2006-05-09 18:01:10
239.   hensley
Now AGonz is outhitting ARod. Sometimes you just have to chuckle in disbelief. Bad game. G'Night.
2006-05-09 18:01:15
240.   JeremyM
The Yanks basically need to win the next two and get over their Sox-phobia.
2006-05-09 18:01:26
241.   tocho
225 I'm rooting for Barca next wednesday. My boy rafa marquez is playing there.

Regardless of the result just having dihno and henry in the same field against each other in the final gives me chills.

should be a great game.

10-2, we should arrive to the 17-2 mark very shortly now.

2006-05-09 18:02:16
242.   Simone
I can't believe that it is only the 5th inning.
2006-05-09 18:02:27
243.   singledd
"I've already received two taunting calls. Let the record show I have never called a Red Sox fan to taunt them in my life. "

Get their phone#s. Call 'em in october when we're still playing, and they're not.

2006-05-09 18:03:40
244.   greenfuzz
This is horrific. Tomorrow at work is going to be hellish, the gauntlet of Sox fans I'll have to walk. In the middle of Manhattan, I'll have no sympathy.
2006-05-09 18:04:16
245.   GoYanks
Time to check other games. Dammit, even my fantasy players are sucking it up tonight, I'm a combined 4 for 22, with Pedro poised for a loss. What a terrible night.
2006-05-09 18:04:35
246.   tommyl
241, I'm just crossing my fingers that Messi is healthy. Man is he an absolute joy to watch. Though I love Henry at Arsenal, I can't get the picture of a Ronaldinho, Henry, Messi attack next year out of my head. Stick Puyol and Marquez in back, with Deco, Xavi, Edmilson, Motta all healthy. Dream Team, no question. Rikjaard is simply an amazing manager.
2006-05-09 18:05:22
247.   GoYanks
242 I remember thinking "This game is moving really quickly" around the middle of the 3rd.
2006-05-09 18:07:30
248.   BklynBmr
238 I just got one from a Sox fan buddy, too. On the machine, I didn't pick up the phone. I never, ever, ever get into that during a game. If the Yanks come back and win, I've got him immortalized as the hat-rack baseball fan he is. Man, am I hoping for that to happen tonight!
2006-05-09 18:07:34
249.   tommyl
247 you mean that 7-pitch inning where the announcers were saying how Beckett was forced to go back out so quickly after a 28 pitch first?
2006-05-09 18:08:09
250.   tommyl
248, worse, my GERMAN friend just called to taunt me. He doesn't even understand baseball!
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2006-05-09 18:08:48
251.   jameson and water
Is Susan Waldmann Canadian?
2006-05-09 18:09:13
252.   tommyl
Melky! Some positive comes out of the night. Great hitting.
2006-05-09 18:09:18
253.   randym77
Base hit and RBI for young Melky!
2006-05-09 18:09:46
254.   seamus
nice piece of hitting by Melky!
2006-05-09 18:10:04
255.   BklynBmr
Look out now! One here, ten there and we just might do this...
2006-05-09 18:10:14
256.   nemecizer
Hey, um, is this the "Lost" discussion board? Because I totally think Michael shot those people last week because he as brainwashed by the others.
2006-05-09 18:10:33
257.   singledd
Cano and Melky. We're watching our future!
2006-05-09 18:10:43
258.   JeremyM
That Melky RBI makes me feel a lot better about things, believe it or not.
2006-05-09 18:10:50
259.   rabid stan
Hopefully that gets him out of the doghouse with the Man Who Fills Out the Line-up Card.
2006-05-09 18:12:01
260.   tocho
246 the thing is, even if he's healthy I think Messi lacks the rythm to start.

I don't know if Henry will go to Barca, he loves it in Arsenal.

my guess is barca will get one of the three best players in the next WC and leave Henry with Arsenal.

2006-05-09 18:12:18
261.   tommyl
By the way, what's up with the sarcastic cheer for Melky when he caught that ball? I mean, he's a 21 year old kid just up from AAA who's played one game at RF before. Its not like he's some overpriced megastar dogging it. Give the kid a break!
2006-05-09 18:12:18
262.   Mattpat11
In other news, Small is reverting back to form. They need to monitor this closely.
2006-05-09 18:12:26
263.   JeremyM
I don't think he was brainwashed as he apologized to Ana before doing it and seemed conflicted. But he made a deal with the devil, so to speak. I guess either to set Henry free, kill Ana, or both.
2006-05-09 18:13:06
264.   BklynBmr
250 tommyl — now that's brutal. We gotta have thick skin to live and die with the Pinstripes, that's for sure!
2006-05-09 18:13:38
265.   joejoejoe
Questions I can't keep to myself...

1) Would Deion Sanders be a useful addition to the Yankees bench?

2) If the Cubs call Cashman about Mitch Jones to fill in while Derek Lee is hurt who should the Yankees ask for in return?

3) Will the Yanks make a run at Greg Maddux in '07?

2006-05-09 18:13:52
266.   JeremyM
261 I agree. Sometimes Yankee fan needs to pick their spots, or they might as well be Philly fan.
2006-05-09 18:13:53
267.   rabid stan
They should just make the Aaron Small movie before he screws it up
2006-05-09 18:14:32
268.   Jersey
Aaaaand back the run goes.

Fer cryin out loud.

2006-05-09 18:15:19
269.   tommyl
Um, ow, there goes that RBI. How close is Mendoza?

I'm beginning to think its time to give Bean and Smith a shot. They can't be worse than this. I'm really worried about RJ though, unless he's hurt this bodes very poorly for the next couple of years. He's a couple of bad outings from being akin to some other former WS pitcher we had with a bad back....

2006-05-09 18:17:59
270.   Shawn Clap
Dear Aaron Small,
Thank you for 2005. Here's your bus ticket back to Indiana, you have 15 minutes to clean out your locker.
Love Always,
New York
2006-05-09 18:18:47
271.   Mattpat11
trade Small. Tomorrow. Don't let this turn into a Sturtze situation.
2006-05-09 18:20:26
272.   GoYanks
269 I'm terrified. RJ has shown NOTHING the past 4 starts to foreshadow a successful season. If he doesn't pitch well...well, maybe Paul shouldn't get their numbers 243.
2006-05-09 18:20:27
273.   tommyl
Hey Cliff,

I remember you mentioning a while back a study showing that elder journeyman often have a single season like Small's in 2005 and then revert back to form. Where was it, or barring that can you give an executive summary at some point. Just curious.

Well, adding in my stolen ATM card with $900 worth of charges on it this is officially a crappy day.

2006-05-09 18:23:08
274.   3rd gen yankee fan
Well if any team can come back from an 8 run deficit it would be this one. I think. I hope.
2006-05-09 18:23:11
275.   tocho
the silver lining tonight is that we are all getting a lesson on how to play the game right by mr. beckett.

we should all be very thankful.

2006-05-09 18:23:16
276.   rabid stan
Here's to hopin the Yanks finally tear into this Fish castoff.
2006-05-09 18:23:45
277.   tommyl
264 at least the guy has a good sense of humor. For my birthday last year he got me a DVD of the Sox 2004 season and told me he wanted to watch it with me to learn about the game. That's so cruel its hilarious.
2006-05-09 18:24:47
278.   rabid stan
Small's ERA has actually gone down in the last 2.1 innings
2006-05-09 18:25:21
279.   Bill
Delgado ties it with a 2-run HR vs Gordon. Maybe the Mets will knock the Yanks off the backpage at least.
2006-05-09 18:26:03
280.   tocho
OK, a-rod get at least one of those errors back
2006-05-09 18:26:10
281.   BklynBmr
Right on cue, Alex...
2006-05-09 18:26:47
282.   tommyl
260 I disagree there. I've been watching Messi most of the year in the Spanish league and he's been nothing if not dynamic. Also, when he's in the game, the defense can't crash on 'dhino's side which frees him up some more and anything that gets Ronaldinho room to turn and run at the fullbacks is good. I think another year or so under Messi's belt and you'll seem a dynamic partnership.

BTW, where do you watch Barca games in NYC? I'm moving up in August.

2006-05-09 18:26:55
283.   C2Coke
Giambi is the man, isn't he? I walked away after the 1st inning thinking this game should be ok. And I came back in the 5th...so glad I made that decision, at least, I enjoyed my dinner.
2006-05-09 18:27:11
284.   Mattpat11
Quite the game for A-Rod.
2006-05-09 18:27:49
285.   C2Coke
And then the nervous Arod. RJ is getting old, I get it. But why does Arod get nervous against the Sox?
2006-05-09 18:28:48
286.   Simone
Yeah, Melky.
2006-05-09 18:28:59
287.   tommyl
Geez is it only the 6th?!
2006-05-09 18:29:06
288.   C2Coke
278 And he should be proud of his 14 ERA...I mean, I am truly grateful for last year...but C'MON!
2006-05-09 18:29:23
289.   tommyl
Nice catch by Melky, he's really settled down I think.
2006-05-09 18:29:52
290.   C2Coke
Somebody has asked before, and apparently, Villion IS still on the team.
2006-05-09 18:30:53
291.   tommyl
266 at least Yankee fans don't cheer for the Giants in June, like ahem...Phillies fans for the Eagles. Nothing like being at a baseball game and hearing, "E A G L E S, EAGLES!"
2006-05-09 18:31:04
292.   rabid stan
Hey, it's Ron Villone.
2006-05-09 18:32:16
293.   rabid stan
291 Didn't Sox fans do the same thing (but the other way around) at the Pat's opener last year.
2006-05-09 18:32:19
294.   JeremyM
How about being at a Super Bowl championship parade and hearing "Yankees suck."
2006-05-09 18:33:13
295.   tommyl
293 Don't know, never been to a game in Fenway (unfortunately actually). I live in Philly right now but I'm moving back to Manhattan in August.
2006-05-09 18:34:05
296.   tommyl
293 oops, never been to a Pats game either.
2006-05-09 18:34:23
297.   tommyl
Hey! We got Ortiz out!
2006-05-09 18:34:54
298.   JeremyM
So maybe Villone can be Ortiz' arch-nemesis now?
2006-05-09 18:35:44
299.   tocho
282 Messi is great. I'm saying he'll be out of rythm because of his injury, he hasn't played in a while, my guess is he'll be a sub if the games call for it.

I live in Mexico and have no problems watching those games. When living in NYC I never got to watch the league games, but the Champions games were on ESPN in the middle of the day on weekdays. No chance to watch them due to work.

2006-05-09 18:37:56
300.   rabid stan
I know they're leading by a wide margin, but where's ManRam (worst nickname ever)?

I don't have the game on TV. Is he injured?

Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2006-05-09 18:40:03
301.   tommyl
299
Ah, sorry misunderstood you. Yes you are right, I am thinking a possible super sub in the second half, but its doubtful. If he gets a few minutes this weekend he's got a shot. I've had a similar injury to him and it takes forever to heal. Its maddening and there's really nothing you can do for it.

I have GolTV on my cable system here, but I think Time Warner in NYC doesn't carry it. I'm sure there's some nearby bars that'll have a satellite link.

2006-05-09 18:40:04
302.   rabid stan
297 If Mo Vaughn wasn't good enough to be worthy of an arch-nemesis, Ortiz isn't either.
2006-05-09 18:40:14
303.   randym77
300 No. The Sox are starting to pull their first stringers out.
2006-05-09 18:40:39
304.   rabid stan
Ok, 298
2006-05-09 18:40:53
305.   claybeez
Visca Barca! Just thought I'd throw that in since we have a simultaneous Champions League dialogue.

Now let's string some hits together if only to get into their pen.

2006-05-09 18:43:31
306.   randym77
Bernie just got ejected. He threw his bat down, then threw his helmet right at the umpire.
2006-05-09 18:45:28
307.   C2Coke
306 Don't know if it's bad news or good. With the way Bernie is not producing, maybe give Phillips or ? a try?
2006-05-09 18:46:20
308.   tommyl
See how Villone actually gets ahem...OUTS?!
2006-05-09 18:46:45
309.   rabid stan
306 This game really couldn't get any worse then, can it?

It's sad enough Bern has to go out at the plate and in the field like he is, but going Delman Young on an Ump?

2006-05-09 18:46:48
310.   C2Coke
I want to be an optimist. But is the game over?
2006-05-09 18:46:58
311.   tocho
306 rare in bernie although that was clearly a ball.

i hope he gets the young treatment and gets a 50 game suspension there...

2006-05-09 18:48:21
312.   C2Coke
Heyhey...someone here had predicted, "with this rate, Ciaro will be replacing Arod at 3rd." Well...whoever called it, right on!
2006-05-09 18:50:45
313.   tommyl
So do you start Larsson or Giuly? Edmilson or Motta? or neither with Xavi healthy and keep Iniesta in?

on the other end...

Henry obviously, but Van Persie? Reyes? Lunberg?

2006-05-09 18:52:23
314.   randym77
310 I would say yes, the game is over. Anything's possible, of course. We did have that one game last year where we scored, what, 11 runs in one inning?

But the Yanks look like they've given up. They're just killing time out there. They aren't hustling. They're letting balls go by that they wouldn't if the game were still close.

2006-05-09 18:52:38
315.   tommyl
Bring in Tanyon! C'mon, lets get blackjack!
2006-05-09 18:54:17
316.   C2Coke
314 13 runs in the 8th inning, but that was against TB. Remember their bullpen? Unlikely with Sox.
2006-05-09 18:54:29
317.   randym77
315 You called it. Sturtze is warming.

Might as well put the second stringers in. At least they have reason to play hard.

2006-05-09 18:55:46
318.   tommyl
Put in Phillips, let him get an AB in the 9th.
2006-05-09 18:55:54
319.   C2Coke
Maybe Villione can start for RJ next time?? I know...I know...just having a little dream here. I have decided Law and Order:SVU is a much better choice than this game in 5 minutes.
2006-05-09 18:57:15
320.   tommyl
I Tivoed Love Monkey, that's what I'm turning to, likely after the Melky AB.
2006-05-09 18:57:38
321.   tommyl
2-3 for Melky with an RBI.
2006-05-09 18:58:42
322.   C2Coke
Horrible game for the Yanks. Great 1st game appearance for Melky.
2006-05-09 18:59:39
323.   randym77
Bubba got plonked. Both sides have been warned.
2006-05-09 18:59:56
324.   rabid stan
322 Agreed. The Melkman stays. That error was freakish anyway, from what I hear on the boards.
2006-05-09 19:00:13
325.   BklynBmr
A '70s style Yanks-Sox brawl needs to happen in this series. For the Yanks sake, this time.
2006-05-09 19:00:54
326.   Bill
324, yes it is sure freakish when you catch a pop-up right in your glove and drop it
2006-05-09 19:01:35
327.   rabid stan
325 Can RJ be Don Zimmer?
2006-05-09 19:01:49
328.   randym77
Crap. I can't believe Pena made that catch.
2006-05-09 19:01:56
329.   rabid stan
Hey, it happens
2006-05-09 19:03:59
330.   tommyl
Hmmm...if Melky stays, just think how good the team can be when Sheff comes off the DL and DHs. Then Bernie is actually a bench player, a dangerous lineup gets even better?

I'm curious to hear Cliff's take on Melky's night as he was arguing he wasn't quite ready yet. Did the error screw him up? or he'll bounce back? Thoughts?

2006-05-09 19:07:18
331.   C2Coke
330 Kinda thought the error can actually take some pressure of Melky...since he's had a bad one already. At the same time, good AB should put some confidence in him, proving to himself that maybe...just maybe at this point that he can also hit in the Majors not just the Minor.
Well, after Ciaro...SVU, off I go.
2006-05-09 19:11:44
332.   BklynBmr
17 is still a possibility...
2006-05-09 19:14:58
333.   Cliff Corcoran
15 runs even.
2006-05-09 19:15:04
334.   3rd gen yankee fan
SHOOT ME
2006-05-09 19:15:55
335.   C2Coke
315 Definitely Blackjack!
2006-05-09 19:16:37
336.   BklynBmr
For a second, I thought Mats was going to pick up his hat and throw that back...
2006-05-09 19:16:51
337.   Bill
It would be a silver lining if this could be the final nail in Tanyon's coffin
2006-05-09 19:17:08
338.   Cliff Corcoran
Those of you who had the over win.
2006-05-09 19:17:53
339.   C2Coke
Sturtz: "Why not make it memorable?"
Commercial break over, back to SVU.
2006-05-09 19:18:22
340.   BklynBmr
16
2006-05-09 19:18:58
341.   JeremyM
Should they wait until he gets off the mound to officially release him?
2006-05-09 19:19:25
342.   BklynBmr
17 is still in play. Any takers?
2006-05-09 19:19:33
343.   Cliff Corcoran
Is it wrong for me to be pleased about Sturtze getting slapped around here?
2006-05-09 19:19:33
344.   randym77
They're going to have to send Mike Myers in, or this inning will go on forever.
2006-05-09 19:20:49
345.   yankaholic
Everyone calling for Melky to stay.. then who comes off the 25 when Sheff comes back.. if Sturtze.. then who comes off when Pavano comes back... remember Pavano's clock started 2 days back.. Decision time... sadly it all points to Phillips..
2006-05-09 19:20:56
346.   BklynBmr
C'mon, Alex! Prove the first one wasn't a fluke!
2006-05-09 19:22:02
347.   BklynBmr
343 I'm feelin' ya, brah...
2006-05-09 19:22:44
348.   yankaholic
Its now 2 years in a row Boston has put a beating on us at the stadium... oh 5pm looks so long back.. i was boasting abt Yankees fire power with my Mets friend
2006-05-09 19:23:12
349.   JeremyM
If being pleased is wrong, then we can't be right. Or something.
2006-05-09 19:25:25
350.   BklynBmr
Touchdown, 2 pt. conversion and a FG and we got some free baseball. No problem...
Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2006-05-09 19:25:59
351.   randym77
I was really looking forward to this game. The first couple of innings were so promising.

Sigh. We'll get 'em tomorrow.

2006-05-09 19:27:25
352.   Bill
Tanyon is in a pitched battle with Jose Lima for worst lifetime era for a pitcher with 10 years in the majors. Lima now "leads" 5.23 to 5.21
2006-05-09 19:29:04
353.   Benjamin Kabak
345 How about Aaron Small?

Pavano replaces Small.
Dotel replaces Sturtze.

Everyone wins!

2006-05-09 19:32:22
354.   yankaholic
353... aah forgot Small altogether.. but that sounds way too common sensical.. meaning.. might not happen
2006-05-09 19:34:18
355.   randym77
This game felt like it was about 20 hours long.
2006-05-09 19:55:54
356.   Cliff Corcoran
345 Can we get a Mendoza/Smith/Bean for Wright mixed in there?

Then how long until we're rooting for Rasner/DeSalvo in Pavano's place?

Still this pen:

Rivera
Farnsworth
Dotel
Myers
Proctor
Villone
Mendoza/Smith/Bean

Is mighty fine, even if it's one pitcher to large. Sturtze, Small, thanks for the memories.

2006-05-09 20:01:35
357.   brockdc
Corporate shmucks or not, the Yanks fans were horseshit for booing a rookie tonight.

Low class.

2006-05-09 20:15:10
358.   Simone
Wow, I just saw Bernie throw his helmet at the ump on the highlights.

It was terrible that the fans booed Melky.

2006-05-09 20:17:51
359.   brockdc
At what point does Randy Johnson just start balling on the mound, right in the middle of a game? I'm serious.
2006-05-09 20:18:11
360.   C2Coke
I thought Melky did good. They should have booed the pitchers for that booing matter.
2006-05-09 20:24:22
361.   tommyl
357
I couldn't agree with you more. Booing RJ when he's a veteran and was brought in to be the ace (and demanded a contract extension) is one thing. Booing a rookie for making one error on a tough ball that looked like Cano was trying to claim anyways is just plain wrong. And people wonder why young kids don't ever get a chance here? Whatever else happens with Melky, I applaud the kid for coming right back out and having a few great ABs and hustling down the line. That takes character (and real character here, not the kind that gets you a hit in a tough situation), no matter what the results. I'm disgusted with the fans at the stadium frankly.

I've actually been thinking about this a bit. When Jeter, Bernie and co. broke in, the expectations were much, much lower. The Yanks made the playoffs for the first time in '95 in over a decade and people were happy to have winning seasons back then. As I recall Jeter had a few errors in the beginning (though my memory is hazy here). If you want young blood on the team you have to give them a chance to break in. No one is going to come up and hit a HR everytime and make diving plays all over the place right off.

2006-05-09 20:36:47
362.   Dimelo
I just got home and I'm pissed Yankee fans booed Melky too. 361 great job in expressing everything I was thinking.
2006-05-09 20:57:09
363.   markp
agreed. A lot of Yankee fans are idiots lately. Melky did OK after that, though.
2006-05-09 21:01:23
364.   Yu-Hsing Chen
I havn't completely given up hope on Small yet but it doesn't look too good so far...

The bright side is he brings a bigger array of pitches and uses a formula that is far more likely to be effective than Sturtze..

Sturze is basically get ahead with fast ball and then finish with splitter... not a bad combo.. but inflexible espically when ur fastball is a low 90s strait arrow that gets teed off whenever it catches more than just the corner of the plate..

Small brings a larger array of stuff and most can be thrown for strikes, as long as he is throwing them for strikes and mix and match the pitches smartly enough he should be at least semi effective (this is easier to accomplish than trying to get ahead on the count with a HR pitch) ... but right now the problem seems to be his control is still a bit off and not getting enough things over the plate...

Beckett pitched well .. but he wasn't really anything over the top like some doom sayers are making it out to be.. he's still getting slugged hard and if it weren't for the horrible demoralizing effect of RJ and A-rod and the absense of Sheffield we most likely could have scored a couple more against him...

2006-05-09 21:02:47
365.   Yu-Hsing Chen
Also, the only REALLY bad thing I can say about the Yankees this game is RJ.... our ace sucking 3 strait game and 4 outta the last 3 is a very bad sign....

If he is hurt, he should take Sheffield's approach and rest it, it's early in the season and the Yankee pitching staff is much deeper than last year...

2006-05-09 21:34:20
366.   GoYanks
365 Yeah, he's even worse than humanly possible if he sucks 4 times every 3 games. (just a friendly chide)
2006-05-09 22:05:57
367.   Stormer Sports
Wow. Thank God for DVR! I didn't have to watch that in real time.

A few thoughts:

RJ isn't hurt, he's afraid. Afriad to throw strikes, afraid to have the ball hit, afraid to show his emotions, and most of all, afraid to admit his stuff isn't what it used to be and adjust. Barely above average last year and well below average to downright awful this year. If he doesn't change his approach, especially mentally, he's finished.

Good thing Boston was in town because our fans acted just like their counterparts in beantown. Absolutely low calss garbage booing Cabrera and sarastically cheering him later. I'm embarassed by it.

Arod had a bad day in the field, take it easy on the guy.

Just a bad day all around, but like I said, thank God for DVR. I again told my bro this morning I wont watch another RJ start in real time, and 4 of the last 5 I've been right to tape it! He is another Yankee-itis sufferer. No balls, no balls, no balls. How is his fellow testicular pruned counterpart doing in Chicago?

2006-05-09 23:13:58
368.   Yu-Hsing Chen
366 lol woops my bad ;) he is almost sucking that bad though lol!!!

The good news is Moose IS looking like a real ace right now.. and at least two of the three miracle mans last season (Chacon and Wang.. the more important two....) are showing enough to make us belive they are for real....

RJ need to get his act together soon though..

A week ago I would have traded Jaret Wright for some beer... right now though I'm seriously praying he keeps improving and at least be a servicable back rotation guy...

2006-05-10 03:38:43
369.   randym77
367 I agree. Randy's not hurt, and his skills have not declined that badly. He's just scared. Did you see him in the interview after the game? He looked lost, baffled, and, yes, afraid.

I don't believe he's injured, because he pitched very well last night - when he wasn't afraid to throw his fastball. He had that 1-2-3 inning. Even after he started to struggle, he looked pretty good the next inning (presumably after they told him to throw his @#$% fastball, even if it gets hit). But as soon as someone got on base, he started overthrowing that slider again. It reminded me of Al Leiter last year - no confidence in his stuff.

It was a tough night, and the fans were understandably upset. Still, it's kind of surprising they would be so hard on Melky, when he was just called up that night. Maybe they thought he was Miguel Cabrera. ;-)

I, too, had my doubts about debuting him in a game like this. But it worked out, aside from the error. Maybe it was a good thing for Melky that the game was a blowout. No one can blame him for the loss; it was a group effort. And since the game was out of reach so quickly, it ended up being a pretty low-pressure situation for the rook.

And hey, Melky's batting .667! Stud! ;-)

2006-05-10 07:48:31
370.   dpmurphy
"Beckett pitched well .. but he wasn't really anything over the top like some doom sayers are making it out to be.. he's still getting slugged hard and if it weren't for the horrible demoralizing effect of RJ and A-rod and the absense of Sheffield we most likely could have scored a couple more against him..."

Beckett isn't clemens, but he's a damn good pitcher who's only 25. And with the yankees lineup, I can't complain with his performance. Get giambi in the first and he completely shuts down the yanks. Slugged hard? What game were you watching? Great trade for the sox.

RJ is going to have to change if he wants to compete against better teams. His stuff HAS changed. So he's going to have to change. And jesus, could he look any more pathetic on the mound? He use to look scary, now he just looks scary.

And the whole "absense of sheffield" line is sour grapes. You play who you got. We're missing coco. We don't even have the replacement for damon we traded for playing. Get him back, and youk goes into the bottom of the lineup. That's baseball.

This wasn't bad luck, this was an old fashioned ass whipping. It happens. But the yanks won 7 of 8 and now after one defeat the sky is falling? The yankees could win the next two and this site will be crowning them ws champions. It's a long season guys. Relaaaaax.

2006-05-10 14:29:22
371.   Rob Gee
370 Yup, great trade. Keep telling yourself that when:

a) Beckett has his annual DL stint. Maybe if you're lucky, it will be right in the pennant race.
b) Lowell reverts to form. Then we can wait and see if your 1B joins the rest of the infield in the "Under .700 OPS Club"
c) Hanley is a legit ML'er - oh wait he already is (22 yo - .311 .387 .484 .870). Not that you need a SS or anything.
d) Anibal Sanchez becomes a legit major league starter. Not that he's headed that way or anything (22 yo - 38 SO to 12 BB in 37.2 innings).
e) Jesus Delgado becomes a legit major league reliever. Not that he's headed that way or anything (22 yo - 26 SO to 11 B in 20.2 innings)
f) Harvey Garcia becomes a legit major league reliever. Not that he's headed that way or anything (22 yo - 19 SO to 3 B in 16.1 innings)

Yeah, you're right. Great trade.

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