Baseball Toaster: Bronx Banter : The Boston Red . . . ah, what's the point

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The Boston Red . . . ah, what's the point

2007-06-01 15:18

by Cliff Corcoran

Look, folks, I had to be a Debbie Downer here, but the Yankees string of AL East titles is going to come to an end this year. Even if the Yanks sweep the Red Sox in Fenway this weekend, they'll still be 10.5 games out in June with just 6 games left against the first-place Sox. And what are the odds that the Yanks are going to sweep the Sox after loosing four of five to the Angels and Blue Jays?

No, my friends, it is time to focus on the Wild Card race, where the Yankees trail the Tigers by seven games with eight head-to-head matchups remaining.

That doesn't mean that this weekend's series doesn't matter. Every win counts. Its just that beating the Red Sox no longer means any more, and actually means a hair less, than beating one of the other seven teams ahead of them in the wild card hunt (which, incidentally, includes the Blue Jays).

Not much has changed since these two teams met in the Bronx at the beginning of last week. Not even the pitching matchups. The Red Sox wound up losing eight games in May, two of them to the Yankees and one more since. Josh Beckett returned to the rotation on Tuesday with a stellar outing against the hard-hitting Indians, and Manny Delcarmen is back in the minors. For the Yankees, Kevin Thompson replaces the disabled Jason Giambi on the roster and the plan for the immediate future is to have Johnny Damon be the everyday DH and Melky Cabrera be the everyday center fielder. Meanwhile Matt DeSalvo was farmed out in favor of Chris Britton, who has been dominating the International League. Britton or another reliever will have to be removed from the roster on Monday to make way for the return of Roger Clemens.

Tim Wakefield vs. the Yankees in two starts this season: 0-2, 7.84 ERA, 10 1/3 IP, 14 H, 9 R, 3 HR, 11 BB, 5 K

Chien-Ming Wang vs. the Red Sox in two starts this season: 1-1, 4.38 ERA, 12 1/3 IP, 13 H, 6 R, 2 HR, 6 BB, 6 K

When these two last faced off a week ago Monday in the Bronx, Wang surprised everyone by utilizing his secondary pitches, particularly his slider, to strike out five Red Sox in 6 1/3 innings. In his last start against the contact-hitting Angels, Wang struck out six in eight innings to give him 11 Ks in his last 14 1/3 innings, or 6.91 K/9 over his last two starts. Despite the change in approach, his extreme ground-ball rate was largely unaffected as he got 24 ground balls in those two games against 11 flies (the fly ball total is typical for him, while the missing grounders all turned in to less risky strikeouts). Wang struck out 7.06 men per nine innings over his minor league career. Brandon Webb rode an extreme ground-ball rate and a 6.82 K/9 to the NL Cy Young award last year. If Wang's new strikeout rate holds, he may have just made the leap.

Comments (1527)

Show/Hide Comments 1-50

2007-06-01 15:54:44

1. williamnyy23

That's not a downer at all...you've just taken a 13 game deficit and turned it into 6 (in the loss column).

With Clemens coming and Giambi leaving, the culture of the team is going to change. While I'd much rather have a healthy Giambi, maybe his absence will indirectly help Melky and Damon and also remove the idea that the team is a dominant offense. Lower expectations and more relaxed environment might yield the same results as last year's campaign without Matsui and Sheffield.

Then again, maybe I'm just a typical addict living in denial?

2007-06-01 15:57:35

2. Kered Retej

On a slightly positive note, the "AccuScore" projection on ESPN actually predicts the Yankees as a 56% favorite over the Sox.

2007-06-01 16:00:50

3. C2Coke

It was real funny to read that title from Cliff.

2007-06-01 16:07:37

4. rbj

Sigh, NESN broadcast on EI, though they aren't too bad.

In keeping with Debbie Downer, with Wang on the mound there are going to be lots of dead worms. Waa, waa.

2007-06-01 16:10:24

5. Count Zero

Can I just take this opportunity to say...Torre is an effing idiot sometimes...

http://tinyurl.com/29r6g6

Not sure why he felt the need to say that two days after the incident.

2007-06-01 16:13:47

6. cult of basebaal

any idea of when the game will start?

2007-06-01 16:26:43

7. randym77

Is it a rain delay?

2007-06-01 16:28:02

8. cult of basebaal

yeah, sounds like it's starting soon though, from LoHud

2007-06-01 16:31:00

9. 3rd gen yankee fan

5 what the... Agreed. Way to show some support there Joe.

2007-06-01 16:32:50

10. JL25and3

Wow. That was the Jeter jump throw, but with a whole lot more mustard on it.

2007-06-01 16:39:01

11. 3rd gen yankee fan

Wang with the K!

2007-06-01 16:41:10

12. 3rd gen yankee fan

worm burner #1

2007-06-01 16:47:24

13. OldYanksFan

WHERE'S MINKY???

2007-06-01 16:47:38

14. Yankees Brasil

Thats the problem of having phelps at 1B

2007-06-01 16:48:00

15. Eirias

Where is Pujols when you need him.

2007-06-01 16:48:13

16. Zack

Tough play for Phleps. I'd still rather him there than Minky, though perhaps with the Wanger pitching, Minky can start

2007-06-01 16:48:28

17. Yankees Brasil

I honestly dont get it why Joe waits till Wang is pitching to start Phelps at 1B

2007-06-01 16:48:57

18. rbj

Well that was, um, an adventure.

2007-06-01 16:49:21

19. Zack

No problemo for the Wanger...just longer than shoulda been

2007-06-01 16:49:36

20. 3rd gen yankee fan

worm burner #2

2007-06-01 16:51:50

21. yankz

17 Hilarious.

2007-06-01 16:54:26

22. RIYank

Yo.
Quiet evening for Boston series at Bronx Banter -- in keeping with Cliff's theme, I guess.

2007-06-01 16:54:55

23. rbj

Shoot, I missed A-Rod's AB (needed beer). How'd the crowd react?

2007-06-01 16:56:58

24. RIYank

CANObiwan!

2007-06-01 16:57:14

25. rbj

Oh, yeah Robbie!

2007-06-01 16:57:51

26. Zack

Robbie en fuego!

2007-06-01 16:58:40

27. 3rd gen yankee fan

AhhhhhhhhhHOOOOOHHOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

2007-06-01 16:59:05

28. cult of basebaal

CANO CANDO!

2007-06-01 16:59:14

29. Chyll Will

I saw that coming, for some strange reason...

2007-06-01 16:59:27

30. cult of basebaal

oooh, i like canobiwan!

2007-06-01 17:00:18

31. 3rd gen yankee fan

Nice, Abreu!

2007-06-01 17:00:31

32. cult of basebaal

AND an abreu double? has the world turned upside down???

2007-06-01 17:01:01

33. RIYank

Oh, this is good, very good. Wakey in big trouble, Tito must be thinking about getting a crappy reliever up. Or maybe Tavarez?

2007-06-01 17:01:08

34. cult of basebaal

time for a delivery!

2007-06-01 17:03:19

35. 3rd gen yankee fan

Oh YEAH!!!

2007-06-01 17:03:29

36. RIYank

30 Thanks, it just came to me.
I'm listening to Sterling and Waldman, it's a hoot. Sterling was apparently unaware that there was a big, big wall in left field and was sure Abreu's double was going out.

2007-06-01 17:04:26

37. RIYank

Oh, 23, there were cat calls galore.

2007-06-01 17:04:51

38. monkeypants

Slow internet connection, so listening to radio on MLB.com (Sox feed) rather than watching. After lengthy discussion of A-Rod's "bush-league" play, and further analysis of "all the other bush league plays" he has apparently committed, they Sox announcers proceeded with the following example of perverse logic:

Announcer 1: "Some say that A-Rod covets the attention so he makes these controversial plays on purpose to draw the attention."

Announcer 2: "Yeah. And you have to wonder if he'll use these controversies to make it easier to opt out and leave New york."

Announcer 1: "And get out of the spotlight in New York."

Announcer 2:"Right. he didn't have it in Seattle or Texas"...etc.

???

2007-06-01 17:05:25

39. cult of basebaal

DAMONSTER!

2007-06-01 17:06:17

40. 3rd gen yankee fan

yup yup

2007-06-01 17:06:18

41. RIYank

Ouch. Dang, DJ.

2007-06-01 17:06:26

42. rbj

Shite. Can't let Wakefield off the hook like that.

2007-06-01 17:06:35

43. Zack

What the hell was Jeter thinking there? Why did he swing at the first pitch??? That was totally inexcusable Cap....

2007-06-01 17:07:47

44. Zack

Thats a sign if ever that Jeter is in a mini slump...a week ago he knocks in two without a doubt

2007-06-01 17:08:23

45. RIYank

38 Sox radio is always like that. It's like listening to two really old guys at a picnic talking about a baseball game that happened a long time ago, and you're pretty sure they aren't talking about the same game.

2007-06-01 17:09:25

46. JeremyM

So he walks three straight guys, and he swings at the first pitch?!? Come on man.

2007-06-01 17:09:57

47. 3rd gen yankee fan

Does that count as a worm burner?

2007-06-01 17:10:21

48. RIYank

43 46 I'm thinking maybe that first pitch was a fastball? I don't know, just a guess. And that's why Jeter swung, I mean.

2007-06-01 17:11:16

49. RIYank

The very best part of Wakefield pitching? Mirabelli batting.

2007-06-01 17:13:20

50. JeremyM

48 That's what I figured, but I'm hearing it was a knuckler. It's one of those things where since he hit into a DP, he's a moron, but if he gets a hit, I love him for jumping on the pitch.

But personally, I want him to throw a strike first.

Show/Hide Comments 51-100

2007-06-01 17:14:35

51. RIYank

Man, is this a big batter.

2007-06-01 17:14:58

52. RIYank

50 If it was a knuckler, then yeah, definitely.

2007-06-01 17:15:17

53. cult of basebaal

46 50 maybe he figured that given the walks and the fact the bases were loaded, he would get a fat get-ahead kinda pitch ... he's earned the right to swing, but you just can't end up with a GIDP as a result ... not so hot, cap'n

2007-06-01 17:18:44

54. cult of basebaal

what's wang throwing 2nite? mixing it up like last game? or back to the ol' sinker smorgasbord that the sox always seem to figure out and punish

2007-06-01 17:18:51

55. RIYank

God that sucks. Umpires seem to have it in for us this year.

2007-06-01 17:19:45

56. RIYank

Dammit, dammit.

2007-06-01 17:21:08

57. Eirias

Kay is right about one thing, Wang really does look young with his haircut. Now lets see him Kut down Drew.

2007-06-01 17:23:00

58. Chyll Will

Is anyone else on Gameday? I'm still stuck on 2-1 to Youkilis...

2007-06-01 17:24:09

59. JeremyM

58 CBS Sportsline is going good so far.

2007-06-01 17:24:25

60. RIYank

Cute -- crowd screamed "MINE" when A-Rod went to field that foul pop. (For those who aren't listening or watching.)

2007-06-01 17:25:19

61. 3rd gen yankee fan

HA! HA!

2007-06-01 17:25:52

62. Yankees Brasil

Twice now he escapes a bases loaded jam.. this is not gonna end up well..

2007-06-01 17:26:18

63. williamnyy23

I really hope that Jeter AB doesn't wind up being a turning point. I know we'd all be cheering if he put one over the Green Monster, but you have to make Wakefield throw a strike there. Maybe Jeter is trying to do too much because he has hit a mini slump and hasn't exactly shown the best judgment lately.

2007-06-01 17:28:20

64. RIYank

That was kind of dumb on A-Rod's part, huh?

2007-06-01 17:28:39

65. Eirias

Weak, Arod. Just weak.

2007-06-01 17:29:16

66. Yankees Brasil

damnit Alex

2007-06-01 17:29:42

67. williamnyy23

More bad judgment.

2007-06-01 17:30:23

68. Zack

Thee Sox announcers are obsessed with A-Rod's trips to and fro the dugout. Ahem, but, Who cares? That Sox fans care so much is so so sad. And of course, should he opt out, Sox fans would insist they want nothing to do with him..idiots...

That Jeter DP is looming huge.

2007-06-01 17:31:00

69. williamnyy23

54 He is mixing it up again and I'm not sure why. He keeps leaving sliders up in the zone and is going to hurt if he keeps doing so.

2007-06-01 17:32:47

70. RIYank

Hm.
Wang never feels pressure, right? Because what he's showing is awfully similar to the symptoms.
Apparently the sinker is very fast today, which might not be a good thing.

2007-06-01 17:34:05

71. Yankees Brasil

It would be great to get a DP now..

2007-06-01 17:34:37

72. randym77

So why did Wang cut his hair that short? Did the Boss tell him to get a hair cut or something?

2007-06-01 17:35:12

73. RIYank

That's the Wanger. But Crisp doesn't hit hard enough (and runs too fast, too).

2007-06-01 17:37:15

74. Yankees Brasil

Wang at 55 pitches ..

2007-06-01 17:37:44

75. RIYank

Oh, man. Squandered the best part of Wakefield pitching...

2007-06-01 17:39:29

76. RIYank

Cripes.
He's not pitching all that badly, but it's going really badly.

2007-06-01 17:40:49

77. WeMissPaulie

Man, Pedroia? Shouldn't let him hit like that.

2007-06-01 17:41:27

78. WeMissPaulie

Pedroia? Man, that sucks. Get that guy out.

2007-06-01 17:41:55

79. WeMissPaulie

DP now, before Ortiz shows up.

2007-06-01 17:42:56

80. cult of basebaal

i have to say, i never have much confidence in wang against the sox, last weeks game not withstanding

2007-06-01 17:44:43

81. cult of basebaal

don't look now, but petunia's raking, batted .415 in May

2007-06-01 17:45:09

82. RIYank

Hm, several stupid baserunning plays today.

2007-06-01 17:46:02

83. cult of basebaal

phew, cmon wanger, one more

2007-06-01 17:49:45

84. RIYank

Whew.
This game going slow enough?

2007-06-01 17:50:50

85. cult of basebaal

84 more time to raise my blood pressure, it seems

2007-06-01 17:51:07

86. RIYank

Big question is, who's going to pitch the second half of this game? Scary thought.

2007-06-01 17:51:36

87. williamnyy23

The Yankees have to jump on Wakefield. They could have put this game away early, but now it looks like it will go down to the wire. If we see Okajima and Papelbon for three innings, it could get late early.

2007-06-01 17:51:50

88. RIYank

Freakin' Robbie. Sixth straight hit!

2007-06-01 17:52:34

89. cult of basebaal

ripping robbie

2007-06-01 17:52:51

90. cult of basebaal

c'mon fat piece of garbage

2007-06-01 17:54:13

91. RIYank

Bobby's doing what Bobby does best.

87 Yeah, but Boston has also missed some opportunities to put the game away. They've left runners on second and third every inning, and twice loaded.

2007-06-01 17:55:53

92. RIYank

Excellent.
Let's cash in this time.

Anyway that one didn't hurt, I bet.

2007-06-01 17:57:07

93. JeremyM

OK, let's put the boots to him now!!!

2007-06-01 17:57:14

94. RIYank

God, I love Tim Wakefield sometimes.

2007-06-01 17:57:32

95. OldYanksFan

Sox leaving 8 on in 3 innings? That's called 'Yankee Baseball'

2007-06-01 17:58:14

96. Maniakes

Gameday shows Melky batting righty. Is he actually batting righty against Wakefield, or is Gameday on crack?

2007-06-01 17:59:23

97. JeremyM

Nice!

2007-06-01 17:59:49

98. randym77

Hmm. Melky was batting righty.

2007-06-01 18:00:05

99. OldYanksFan

Melky did a REAL NICE job, not only getting a hit, but NOT striking out. Really had to reach for that pitch.

2007-06-01 18:00:27

100. RIYank

I love Tim Wakefield.