Baseball Toaster: Bronx Banter : Keep it Rollin...

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Alex:
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Dad, Reggie and Me
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Heat Fave
Passing
Love, Death and Baseball

Cliff:
First-Half Review
2008 Draft Roundup
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Alex:
Strikes and Gutters: A Year with the Coen Brothers: Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
My 20 Favorite Hip Hop Albums
Greatest Singles from Hip Hop's Golden Era (1986-1994)
Ten Neglected Hip Hop Classics

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Tin Ear
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Bronx Banter Interviews

Roger Angell
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Bill James
Pat Jordan
Chuck Korr: Part 1 Part 2
Jane Leavy
Michael Lewis
Tim Marchman
Marvin Miller
Rob Neyer: Part 1, Part 2
Buster Olney: April 2003, Sept. 2004
Buck O'Neil
Joe Posnanski
Alan Schwarz
Joel Sherman
Tom Verducci

Excerpts

Juicing the Game by Howard Bryant Part 1 Part 2
Forging Genius by Steven Goldman Part 1 Part 2
How About That! by Stephen Borelli
The Crowd Sounds Happy by Nicholas Dawidoff
The Last Nine Innings by Charles Euchner
Clemente by David Maraniss
The Soul of Baseball by Joe Posnanaski
Glenn Stout and Richard A. Johnson:
Yankee Century: Part 1 Part 2
Red Sox Century: 1 2 3 4
The Dodgers: 120 Years of Dodgers Baseball

Players

25-man Roster:

Infielders:
J. Giambi BR BP E MLB
R. Cano BR BP E MLB
D. Jeter BR BP E MLB
A. Rodriguez BR BP E MLB
W. Betemit BR BP E MLB mi
C. Ransom BR BP E MLB mi

Outfielders:
B. Abreu BR BP E MLB
J. Damon BR BP E MLB
X. Nady BR BP E MLB
H. Matsui BR BP E MLB mi
B. Gardner BR E MLB mi

Catchers:
I. Rodriguez BR BP E MLB
J. Molina BR BP E MLB
C. Moeller BR BP E MLB mi

Starting Pitchers:
M. Mussina BR BP BC E
A. Pettitte (L) BR BP BC E
S. Ponson BR BP BC E mi
D. Rasner BR BP BC E mi
C. Pavano BR BP BC E mi

Relief Pitchers:
M. Rivera BR BP BC E
J. Chamberlain BR BP BC E
D. Marte (L) BR BP BC E
J. Veras BR BP BC E mi
E. Ramirez BR BP BC E mi
B. Bruney BR BP BC E mi
D. Giese BR BP BC E mi
C. Britton BR BP BC E mi
A. Aceves BR E mi
P. Coke (L) BR BC E mi

15-day DL:
C. Wang BR BP BC E
60-day DL:
J. Posada BR BP E MLB
J. Albaladejo BR BP BC E mi
A. Brackman BC
H. Sanchez BC mi

Coaches:
J. Girardi (Mgr) BR BP BC
R. Thomson (Bench) BC
Kevin Long (Hit) BR
D. Eiland (Pitch) BR BP BC
B. Meacham (3B) BR BP BC
T. Peña (1B) BR BP BC
M. Harkey (Pen) BR BP BC

40-man Roster:
AAA
S. Duncan BR BP E MLB mi
J. Miranda BR BC mi
M. Cabrera BR BP E MLB
J. Christian BR BP E MLB mi
P. Hughes BR BP BC E mi
I. Kennedy BR BP BC E mi
C. Wright (L) BR BP BC E mi
D. Robertson BR BC E mi
S. Patterson BR BC mi
AA
F. Cervelli BR BC mi
J. Marquez BR BC mi DL

Designated for Assignment:
B. Traber (L) BR BP BC E mi

Select Minor Leaguers:

AAA Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees:
B. Castro BR mi DL
C. Basak BR BP BC E MLB mi
E. Duncan BC mi
N. Green BR mi
B. Broussard BR mi
M. Carson BC mi
C. Stewart BR BP E MLB mi
J. Brown BC mi DL
K. Igawa (L) BR BP BC E JB mi
M. Melancon BC mi
J.B. Cox BC mi
S. Strickland BR BC mi
S. Jackson BC mi
E. Milton BR BC mi DL
V. Zambrano BR BC mi DL

AA Trenton Thunder:
K. Russo BR mi
R. Peña BC mi DL
C. Malec BC mi
M. Vechionacci BC mi DL
A. Jackson BC mi
C. Curtis BC mi
E. Gonzalez BR mi
P.J. Pilittere BC mi
J. Jones BC mi
G. Kontos BC mi
J. Nuñez BC mi
B. Smith BC mi DL
A. Claggett BC mi
O. Perez BR BC mi
M. Gardner BC mi
K. Whelan BC mi
W. Arias (L) BC mi

A Tampa Yankees:
E. Nuñez BC mi
C.J. Henry BC mi DL
T. Battle BC mi
K. Anson BC mi
J. Gil BC mi
A. Horne BC mi DL
Z. McAllister BC mi
W. De La Rosa (L) BC mi
C. Garcia BC mi

Low-A Charleston RiverDogs:
J. Snyder BC mi
M. Cusick BC mi
B. Suttle BC mi
A. Romine BC mi
J. Montero BC mi
D. Betances BC mi
J. Heredia BC mi
J. Ortiz BC mi
C. Heyer BC mi

Low-A Staten Island Yankees:
D. Adams mi
P. Venditte mi

Rookie Gulf Coast Yankees:
C. Joseph mi
C. Smith mi
K. Higashioka mi

Key:
BR = Baseball-Reference
BP = Baseball Prospectus
BC = Baseball Cube (past mL stats)
mi = MiLB.com (current mL stats)
E = ESPN (current splits, game logs)
MLB = MLB.com hit charts
JB = Japanese Baseball.com

The Recently Departed

2008 Yankees:
R. Sexson BR BP E MLB
M. Ensberg BR BP E MLB
A. Gonzalez BR BP E MLB mi
K. Farnsworth BR BP BC E
L. Hawkins BR BP BC E

Nady/Marte Trade:
J. Tabata BC mi
R. Ohlendorf BR BP BC E
D. McCutchen BC mi
J. Karstens BR BP BC E mi

2008 Campers/mLers:
C. Woodward BR BP BC E MLB PHI mL
J. Lane BR mi BOS mL
G. Porter BC mi WAS mL
J.D. Closser BR mi SD mL
S. Henn (L) BR BP BC E mi SD
H. Phillips (L) BR BC mi TB mL
S. White BR BC mi

2007 Yankees:
J. Torre (Mgr) BR BP BC LAD
D. Mientkiewicz BR BP BC E MLB PIT mL
A. Phillips BR BP BC E MLB mi CIN mL
J. Phelps BR BP BC E MLB STL mL
M. Cairo BR BP BC E MLB SEA
K. Thompson BR BP BC E MLB mi PIT
B. Sardinha BC mi SEA mL
W. Nieves BR BP BC E MLB WAS mL
R. Clemens BR BP BC E mi
T. Clippard BR BP BC E mi WAS
L. Vizcaino BR BP BC E COL $7.5m/2yrs
M. DeSalvo BR BP BC E mi ATL mL
M. Myers (L) BR BP BC E LAD mL
R. Villone (L) BR BP BC E mi STL mL
S. Proctor BR BP BC E LAD
J. Brower BR BP BC E mi CIN mL
C. Bean BR BP BC E mi ATL mL

2007 Campers and mLers:
E. Durazo BR BP BC E MLB mi
A. Cannizaro BR BP BC E MLB mi TB mL
A. Chavez BR BP BC E MLB mi LAD mL
K. Reese BR BP BC E MLB mi
R. Chavez BR BP BC E MLB mi PIT mL
O. Santos BC mi BAL mL
T. Pratt BR BP BC E MLB
T.J. Beam BR BP BC E mi PIT mL
B. Kozlowski (L) BR BP BC E mi Japan

Molina Trade:
J. Kennard BC mi

Abreu Trade
M. Smith (L) BR BP BC E mi PHI
C. Monasterios BC mi PHI
J. Sanchez mi PHI

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Keep it Rollin...

2006-09-27 06:30

by Alex Belth

My apologies, y'all, but I'm mad busy this morning. Yanks beat the O's 5-4 last night. Bobby Abreu hit a bomb, Godziller Matsui looked good in left field, Scott Proctor earned the save (the first of his career), and Derek Jeter and Robbie Cano are bringing back memories of 1984. If only there wasn't that guy Mauer in front of 'em...

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Comments (56)

Show/Hide Comments 1-50

2006-09-27 06:35:12

1. rbj

Looks like I owe Scott Proctor an apology. He's not a lazy goldbricker, but how was I to know Torre wanted him to close out the game.

Good job Scotty, even though you gave me a mild heart attack there.

2006-09-27 06:51:41

2. Andre

Off-topic - did Jim Kaat retire or get fired? I just read his "thanks" on yesnetwork.com, which leads me to believe that he retired. He was my favorite of the YES announcers and will be missed (at least by me). Wonder why he didn't get a chance to say goodbye on-air?

2006-09-27 06:57:33

3. Javi Javi

2 retired, and spending time with the grandkids.

2006-09-27 06:59:14

4. Murray

2 Kaat retired. He lost his chance to say goodbye when the Friday night Yanks-Red Sox game in the last series at the stadium was rained out. They showed video tributes at the Saturday afternoon game, at which Kaat and his grandchildren threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

2006-09-27 07:01:22

5. Andre

thanks - I haven't been watching the games much since they clinched. They're kind of boring right now.

2006-09-27 07:01:54

6. Sliced Bread

Looks like I owe Cory Lidle an apology. He pitched well enough to beat the O's last night, and is probably a better long man/garbage time option than Karstens. He's going to be on Joe's roster, and who the heck am I to blow against the wind? (thanks again, Mr. Paul Simon)

More importantly, I hope Villone can change the uneasy feelings I have about him before the week is over.

We're looking good offensively. Abreu's home run swings, on consecutive nights, have been gorgeous. Yeah, it's not like he's been teeing off on Santana, but he seems locked in, and is swinging beautifully. He's not taking home run hacks, which is important, just staying back, and smoothly hammering gopher balls.

Sheff's game-winning RBI single (following A-Rod's steal) was the offensive highlight of the night for me. That was a vintage Sheffield rip. Again, the Yanks haven't been facing anything close to the pitching they'll see next month, but Sheff's bat is progressing nicely.

Why do I still get the feeling Sheff should not be playing first base next month? Ah, I'm just blowing against the wind again. Torre and Mattingly know who should play first.

What's with Sheff using Craig Wilson's glove? He's known since Aug. 1 (after they signed Abreu) that he'd be getting a shot at first base. Hasn't had a chance to get to Modells for a 1B mitt? It's a little cruel, (as the YES guys pointed out last night) that Wilson will probably not go to the playoffs, but his glove will.

2006-09-27 07:27:03

7. Chyll Will

I only wish life was that cruel to me. Front row seats to the playoffs on a team favored to get to the WS, not to mention a share of the booty just for being available.

Well, we could always send Craig Wilson a copy of Kurtis Blow to listen to on the bus...

2006-09-27 07:47:22

8. Sliced Bread

7 Yeah, Wilson probably doesn't need our sympathy, certainly not career-wise, but I'd be a little bummed out if my glove went to the playoffs and I had to watch.

2006-09-27 07:52:33

9. Jen

Extra ticket for tonight if anyone wants it.

jen@nosenseworrying.com

2006-09-27 07:56:33

10. Sliced Bread

9 Craig Wilson might be interested.

2006-09-27 07:59:28

11. Simone

If Wilson is making the playoff roster, Andy Phillips better not as well.

2006-09-27 07:59:53

12. Chyll Will

9 So would Karim Garcia...

2006-09-27 08:08:12

13. Sliced Bread

11 I've heard Phillips is expected to be on the roster as the late-innings defensive replacement for Sheff-Giambi.

Will Phillps be wearing Wilson's shoes?

2006-09-27 08:09:58

14. JL25and3

6 My understanding is that Sheff actually did buy a first baseman's mitt. Unfortunately, he forgot to put a baesball in the pocket, tie it up and put it under his pillow.

2006-09-27 08:10:14

15. unmoderated

Who is Karim Garcia?

2006-09-27 08:12:36

16. Sliced Bread

14 That's the mystique of him.

2006-09-27 08:13:06

17. Chyll Will

Off-topic, but rather shocking. I read Bad Altitude's post and I daresay it's surprising to say the least. If you're not one to stomach shocking or depressing issues in the middle of the day, save it for later, but it's a fascinating read.

2006-09-27 08:16:59

18. JL25and3

16 True. People can think for him and say what he's gonna do. Nobody knows what he's gonna do.

2006-09-27 08:17:55

19. Chyll Will

Okay, so if we're piecing out Craig Wilson for the playoffs, who else gets what?

2006-09-27 08:40:10

20. pistolpete

17 As a Cowboys fan, not much shocks me these days in regards to the behavior of the players, but this is a new one on me. I knew he'd cause a few problems, but nothing on the level of attempted suicide. I hope the reports are inaccurate, but at least maybe TO can get the help he needs.

Attempted suicide is, much more often than not, a desperate cry for help. I was always put off with his attitude, but now I really feel for the guy and want him to get his life back in order...

2006-09-27 08:43:24

21. Simone

20 Fellow Cowboys fans here. If T.O. did attempt suicide, his well being not playing football should be everyone's first priority. I hope that he gets the help that he needs. I have always felt that the media and fan attacks on the guy were over the top. Really, he didn't commit a crime or kill anyone. He is just obnoxious.

2006-09-27 08:44:31

22. Sliced Bread

19 Miguel Cairo is temporarily taking "Wilson" as his middle name, and is borrowing Craig's ability to hit southpaws. What else is left?

Oh, Fasano asked Wilson about his seldom used catcher's mitt: "You gonna eat that?"

"Nah, Sal, you can have it (sigh)."

2006-09-27 08:55:29

23. JL25and3

I'm disappointed that Wilson made such a poor showing as a Yankee. I wanted there to be some excuse for re-signing him, because I absolutely love having a third catcher on the roster.

2006-09-27 08:57:18

24. standuptriple

20 It's too bad everybody was too busy trying to cash in on his abilities/character to see that he had/has real mental issues. I saw a distinct change in his later days in SF and it only progressed from there.
Back to baseball. 5 games left for HF-Adv. Orioles like worms don't they? Cause they're gonna get 'em.

2006-09-27 09:10:42

25. JL25and3

24 Insects, mostly: http://tinyurl.com/2n5sv.

Apropos of nothing, I learned from the same website that the Latin name for the American Robin (which does eat worms) is Turdus migratorius.

2006-09-27 09:11:05

26. pistolpete

21 Well, we certainly realize the possible cause of the obnoxious behavior now, don't we?

2006-09-27 09:11:53

27. pistolpete

24 Right, back to baseball. I WANT 100 WINS. SWEEP SWEEP SWEEP!!!

2006-09-27 09:14:46

28. Chyll Will

25 I learned that from a Get Fuzzy cartoon!

2006-09-27 09:16:13

29. Simone

24 ESPN being the biggest culprit. Repulsive bunch of people there.

26 Unfortunately. Ashame T.O. wasn't able to get help sooner.

I'm with you re: the Sweep. The Yankees need to take out the Os and Blue Jays to strike fear in the hearts of their playoff opponents.

2006-09-27 09:16:20

30. Chyll Will

25 You'd think that would be more apropos of pigeons...

2006-09-27 09:18:12

31. Chyll Will

29 On the other hand, it's fortunate that it's not too late.

2006-09-27 09:18:50

32. rbj

22 Good one, Sliced.
Proctor gets his catching ability, for the days when he's not pitching.

I'm a Cowboys hater (being a Giants fan will do that to you) I put them second only to hte Red Sox. Still I hope TO gets whatever help he needs, regardless of whether or not he plays football again.

2006-09-27 09:19:00

33. Chyll Will

30 ...or seagulls.

2006-09-27 09:27:19

34. JL25and3

33 I could make some crack about Turdus migratorius and Gary Sheffield, but it would be wrong.

2006-09-27 09:38:00

35. Chyll Will

34 That's right. Say no to crack...

2006-09-27 09:51:45

36. Chyll Will

34 ...>;)

2006-09-27 10:04:36

37. standuptriple

27 Yes, I could go for a John Madden-esque OriJay...maybe BluRiole. Mmmm...tasty.
28 I love Get Fuzzy. Especially the one where he burried a pair of red sox as a symbolic gesture.

2006-09-27 10:09:22

38. Chyll Will

28 Bucky: "Word..."

2006-09-27 10:10:27

39. Chyll Will

38 meant for 37

2006-09-27 10:16:50

40. pistolpete

37 I don't read 'Fuzzy' too often - is the artist a Sox fan?

2006-09-27 10:26:29

41. standuptriple

40 The main character is, so probably. I don't care though. With all the garbage in the funny papers these days I'll take whatever I can get.

2006-09-27 10:34:27

42. Chyll Will

40 "Rob is a sports fan, and it is alleged by his friend that he named both pets after stars of baseball's Negro Leagues – Buck O'Neil and Satchel Paige. Coincidentally, Bucky also has only a single fang, his "buck" tooth. An alternate theory (probably untrue) is that Bucky is named after late 1970s New York Yankees outfielder Bucky Dent who hit a game-winning home run against the Boston Red Sox in a tie-breaking playoff game to determine the American League Eastern Division champion in 1978. This would make sense, since Rob is a Boston Red Sox fan and Bucky is Rob's constant foil. However, this has not been explored in the strip, but it should be noted that at one point Bucky damaged a Taylor Guitar, causing what Bucky called a "Bucky dent": Rob responded by angrily ordering Bucky to "never, NEVER mention that name in my house again"

http://www.answers.com/topic/get-fuzzy

2006-09-27 10:40:08

43. Chyll Will

40, 41
Darby Conley's originally from Concord, MA, grew up in Knoxville, TN and now lives in Calisle, MA. He's a rugby fan, so the basbeball angle is probably more of a conflict device for the characters than for any real-life affinity. Still, like standuptriple says, you could do a whole lot worse than this strip.

2006-09-27 10:41:50

44. Chyll Will

43 Carlisle, MA

2006-09-27 12:15:48

45. JL25and3

44 Yeah, but it's undoubtedly pronounced "Calisle."

2006-09-27 12:30:31

46. Chyll Will

45 Heh-heh >;)

I was beginning to think someone let one loose in here, what with the crickets and all (cricket, cricket...)

2006-09-27 12:32:48

47. mehmattski

There was a pretty hilarious Get Fuzzy a few years ago that sticks out for me. The cat's name is Bucky, and due to some shenanigans had ended up putting a dent in the wall. To which the dog quipped, "Looks like we got a little Bucky dent." The main character flipped out: "Oh no, and now my dog is a Yankees fan!"

Just thought I'd share.

2006-09-27 12:34:12

48. Bama Yankee

46 "I was beginning to think someone let one loose in here"

Karim Garcia?

2006-09-27 12:37:08

49. Bama Yankee

See 15

2006-09-27 12:48:58

50. Chyll Will

47 See 42 Hang a Bucky picture up when Karstens is pitching... IF he gets a strikeout or two...

Show/Hide Comments 51-100

2006-09-27 12:52:09

51. Chyll Will

49 You know, I tried that on Griddle (Fighters...) and Timmermann didn't know what the hell I was talking about...

2006-09-27 13:12:07

52. Chyll Will

47 Did you know he was getting death threats for dissing Pittsburgh in one strip?

2006-09-27 13:24:04

53. Chyll Will

...oooh-kay, have a good time, all! L8R >;)

(cricket, cricket...)

2006-09-27 13:35:58

54. Shaun P

52 I also recall a lawsuit over some comments the characters made about NE sportscaster Bob Lobel in one strip. I believe they settled out of court.

Get Fuzzy and Pearls Before Swine are two of the best comics out there, IMHO.

2006-09-27 13:38:22

55. Shaun P

53 I'm still here! We must all be saving up energy for the playoffs.

Not a complaint, just an observation: If in the lame duckish last week of the regular season, half the posts reference Karim Garcia in some way, what happens in the offseason - Karim Garcia Banter? ;)

2006-09-27 14:37:53

56. Bama Yankee

55 "日本ハム西武本 Karim Garica?"

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