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Mr. Splitty for the Split
2007-07-18 13:33
by Cliff Corcoran

Having taken the first two games of their four game set against the Blue Jays, the Yankees need only split the remaining two to stay on target and win the series. With Roger Clemens and Chien-Ming Wang set to pitch, that's a pretty good spot for them to be in. Clemens, of course, had the one dud start in Tampa, but that came after two outstanding eight-inning gems, so one can expect some bounce back tonight. He'll face 25-year-old Shaun Marcum who is 4-1 with a 3.14 ERA since joining the Jays' rotation in mid-May. Marcum's one bugaboo is that he's a bit homer prone, having surrendered 12 dingers in his 12 starts.

In other news, down in Trenton earlier today, Phil Hughes struck out five in four innings while allowing one run on a pair of hits and a pair of walks. He'll make one more rehab start for Scranton on Monday and could rejoin major league club after that. The Yankees also think that Jason Giambi, who is working out in Tampa, could rejoin the team in early August, which, combined with Andy Phillips' solid play at first base, could fill the hole in the Yankee lineup, provided that Joe Torre recognizes that the hole is currently being created by Johnny Damon (.238/.339/.330 and .207/.312/.281 since June 1) not Melky Cabrera (.282/.335/.384 and .333/.382/.453 since June 1) or Phillips (.300/.354/.433 and .375/.419/.500 in July). Of course, if Torre realized that he might have stopped batting Damon leadoff by now seeing as even Robinson Cano has gotten on base more often than Damon since June 1 (Cano since June 1: .288/.333/.474).

Comments (462)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-07-18 14:09:16
1.   Jim Dean
For me, the Damon decision for Torre really stands as an indication of whether he's managing for this year or next year. If the old Teabag has anywhere in his mind that this year is his farewell, then he may just be willing to bench Damon to play the best team irrespective of the conequences. If however he's thinking about vets and his "relationship" with them, then Melky or Andy go to the bench and the offense and defense take a major hit.

Of course, Damon still has a few weeks to show he's something more than a pinch hitter or runner. And meanwhile Melky and Andy HAVE to stay hot. There's little doubt there's no room for a slump from either of them.

But it would be really fun to see Giambi and Damon battle for playing time at DH.

2007-07-18 14:10:24
2.   Count Zero
According to Joseph on River Ave.:

"After 49 pitches through four, Phil said he was fatigued, but not gassed. Billy Connors then said basically the same thing. That's a bit of a concern. As Phil put it, going from 49 to 90 isn't really an option. So he's going to have to work through I would guess two Scranton starts before he's back."

I wouldn't count on seeing him in pinstripes next week...sigh.

And can someone whack me on the head with a nail-embedded club next time I even start to think about reading posts on Pete Abraham's blog? OMFG...

2007-07-18 14:31:43
3.   brockdc
1 I have this unyielding fear that Joe will go with J.D. in CF, regardless of the circumstances. Why? Because "Melky's back to the role that we originally intended for him. He'll be able to give all three outfielders a breather down the stretch, from time to time... blah, blah, blah."

Team chemistry poison ACTIVATED!

2 Just stick to the updates, then move along.

2007-07-18 14:39:11
4.   Shaun P
I still say, Damon's ass should have been sent to the DL a month and a half ago. Regardless, having him bat leadoff isn't really hurting the Yankees.

I posted this in the last thread - cult of basebaal, tommyl, JL25and3, monkeypants, Count Zero and I were talking about the lineup - sorry its so long:

IIRC, "The Book" concluded that lineup construction doesn't amount to even a win's (ie 10 runs') worth of difference over the course of a year. Given half the season is already gone, and you'd have to fully optimize the lineup (like "The Book" guys describe) to get those ~5 runs, not just alter the leadoff spot, I'm really not worried.

For kicks, here's what the lineup optimizer tool David Pinto has at Baseball Musings says when you use season stats up to today:

Lineup Yanks are using tonight (Damon leadoff, Melky last): 5.655 Runs per game

Lineup Yanks are using tonight with Melky and Damon switched: 5.671 runs per game (gain of 0.016 runs)

Optimal lineup (ie scores most runs/game, at 5.797, or a gain of .143 runs/game):
Jeter
A-Rod
Phillips
Posada
Matsui
Melky
Abreu
Cano
Damon

Using the just since May 1 numbers for Melky (.311/.369/.445) and Damon (.241/.336/.330):

Tonight's lineup: 5.752

Tonight's lineup with Melky and Damon switched: 5.813 runs/game (a gain of .061 runs/game)

Optimal lineup, which scores 5.911 (1) runs/game and will never, ever see the light of day:

Jeter
A-Rod
Melky (!!!!!)
Posada
Matsui
Phillips
Abreu
Cano
Damon

Have fun playing around with this thing if you want: http://tinyurl.com/2q8qum

Long story short - I'm not worried about Damon hitting leadoff.

2007-07-18 14:43:14
5.   Jim Dean
3 Me too. Worse is the Game 1 fear - "Damon's been there and done that." Meanwhile didn't they learn anything when they took Melky out of last year's ALDS? The chemistry promptly went on life support.

BTW: Anyone notice that PeteAbe talked to Farnsie and Lord Wacker told him that he plans to throw the slider more because hitters are sitting on the fastball? Did this strike anyone as a major flaw of hick logic? Hasn't throwing the slider more always been his problem? He moves away from the fastball then they really sit and wait for it, especially when he's not locating said slider. It seems like Farns is most successful when he sprinkles in the slider. I fear things are going to be getting much worse for Sgt. Flame.

2007-07-18 14:44:40
6.   cult of basebaal
interesting that both optimal lineups have abreu hitting 7th ... though that's based on his overall sub-par performance, not on his year to date success hitting in that spot
2007-07-18 14:44:50
7.   tommyl
4 Yeah, but I am worried about Damon hitting.

2 Which post? the Mustache one?

2007-07-18 14:45:55
8.   cult of basebaal
sgt flame? isn't that who sgt rock took over from after the squad stormed that pillbox at anzio?
2007-07-18 14:48:37
9.   tommyl
5 You're seriously wondering whether or not Farnsworth is an idiot when it comes to pitching? Here is the best example I have. A few days ago, Hughes pointed out that while he can rear back and throw 96-98, he usually doesn't like to because his command goes south at that point. In other words, Hughes recognizes that being able to spot his fastball well is more important than a couple of extra mph.

Farnsy? He just rears back and throws as hard as he can, even if its right down the middle (or over Posada's head). Did he ever stop to think that if he just sat at 94-96 instead of 96-100, with some better command that he'd be unhittable? Of course not. That's why Hughes is a phenom and Farnsy is a bum.

2007-07-18 14:58:11
10.   JL25and3
4 And to paraphrase what I said in the other thread: I'm going to tonight's game, and if the Yankees lose by .142 runs, I'm going to be mighty pissed off.
2007-07-18 14:59:25
11.   JL25and3
9 Farnsworth seems completely brain dead, plus he sucks. As far as I can tell, he's Tanyon Sturtze with glasses.
2007-07-18 15:01:02
12.   Jeteupthemiddle
3 Gotta agree about the blog.

His analysis is terrible....as is his mocking of posters who say anything he disagrees with (such as using Rivera in a tie game on the road, or all last season when several people were saying Kevin Thompson would be better than Terrance Long)

Still, the blog is a must read for updates...it is the only "insider" blog that consistently does it....and with extra stuff such as audio.

2007-07-18 15:09:01
13.   Mattpat11
Forget split. We need to bury the birds. Get them the hell out of the way,

Vernon Wells voice does not match his face

2007-07-18 15:12:35
14.   brockdc
13 Do tell. Is it more Michael Jackson or Jackie Mason?
2007-07-18 15:17:45
15.   Mattpat11
5 Farnsworth was a mediocre pitcher long before he fell in love with the slider. If his pin straight 98 mph fastball was anything special, he wouldn't be where he is today.
2007-07-18 15:20:33
16.   Mattpat11
14 Its about 2 octaves deeper than you'd think.
2007-07-18 15:23:51
17.   Mattpat11
How do you pronounce Joba?
2007-07-18 15:29:38
18.   Marcus
17 Like Jabba the Hut.
2007-07-18 15:30:36
19.   Mattpat11
Ah.
2007-07-18 15:31:30
20.   JL25and3
18 The headline writers will have fun. Personally, I'm waiting for "Joba the (No) Hit."
2007-07-18 15:34:18
21.   Mattpat11
Nancy Newman is dressed like Elvira.
2007-07-18 15:35:11
22.   Mattpat11
20 I have a feeling most of the headlines will be puns on "job"
2007-07-18 15:36:39
23.   Shaun P
10 Thank you JL. I have need a laugh all day, and you just gave it to me.

But if the Yanks do lose by .142 runs, don't blame it on me - I'm just the messenger. ;)

5 Sgt Flame, huh? How about Private Flame (or Pvt Flame)? A sergeant ought to know better; a private almost never does.

2007-07-18 15:46:44
24.   monkeypants
Changing topics--a few weeks ago there was a spirited discussion over he merits of picking up someone like Adam Dunn. He got off to rough start, but he's really picked it up. His season totals are now .256/.360/.540. Of course, his K rate is appalling. I wonder if the Reds are shopping him?
2007-07-18 15:55:17
25.   Shaun P
25 I have Dunn on a fantasy team of mine, so I offer the following:

"News and Notes

Jul 14 - Ken Rosenthal, of FOXSports.com, reports the Cincinnati Reds are scrambling to create a market for OF Adam Dunn. The market for Dunn might not develop until closer to the trade deadline July 31."

Adam Dunn vs just RHP: .279/.388/.637, 21 HR, 37 BB, 67 K in 204 ABs (and 5 SB)

The dude is essentially a left-handed A-Rod when he faces righty pitching. Sure his numbers against lefties are bad (.217/.309/.375, 4 HR, 14 BB, 44 K in 120 ABs). But who cares? There are only two lefty starters of note in the AL East: Bedard and Kazmir.

Sure he strikes out a lot - but the dude can MASH. And Krivsky is desperate to get rid of him, and get bullpen help in return.

2007-07-18 15:57:20
26.   rilkefan
"Mr. Splitty" always makes me think of Mr. Pointy (a stake) from BtVS.
2007-07-18 16:15:45
27.   Mattpat11
The one issue I have with Melky. He turns doubles into triples. He did it with Glaus the other night as well.

Its not necessarily a bad thing, because its dur to hustle, but he seems unable to determine when he's not going to be able to catch it. So he charges into the wall and the ball bounces back and and rolls by him.

2007-07-18 16:23:02
28.   Mattpat11
Torre is 67 years old.

Don't we usually lose on his birthday?

2007-07-18 16:23:30
29.   Shaun P
27 Hopefully he can work that out.

weeeping, your boy Glaus did it again.

2007-07-18 16:27:47
30.   Mattpat11
Jason Phillips is such a doofus.
2007-07-18 16:28:19
31.   SpoonG91
12 pitch, 12 smitch, any at-bat sucks when you pop to the catcher.
2007-07-18 16:29:02
32.   SpoonG91
Ump's got a REALLY tight strike zone
2007-07-18 16:30:10
33.   51cq24
honestly i listen to girardi and more and more think he would not be a good manager.
2007-07-18 16:30:19
34.   Shaun P
28

2006: W 5-4 in extra innings (vs SEA)
2005: W 11-10 (vs TEX)
2004: L 2-4 (at DET)
2003: W 10-4 (vs CLE)
2002: W 6-5 (vs DET)
2001: W 8-5 (at DET)
2001: L 4-12 (at DET) (a double header)
2000: W 3-1 (vs PHI)
1999: W 6-0 (vs MON) (Cone's perfect game)
1998: W 10-3 (at TOR)
1997: L 4-6 (at MIL)
1996: L 4-16 (at MIL)

Overall: 8-4 (.667)

2007-07-18 16:34:09
35.   Yankees Brasil
I dont think that was a strike to Abreu
2007-07-18 16:34:35
36.   Mattpat11
33 I still maintain that if you were to watch all 50 or so managers in baseball (The 30 current managers and however many seem to always be waiting in the wings)they really aren't all that much different than each other on the field. They may have different temperaments, but they all basically manage the same game.
2007-07-18 16:38:25
37.   Mike T
After a 23 pitch first inning, Roger comes back with a 9 pitch second. That's more like it.
2007-07-18 16:44:38
38.   Shaun P
That is not what I expected out of Godzilla.
2007-07-18 16:44:44
39.   51cq24
36 i think they may manage differently but that we wouldn't be happy with any of them. but i do think joe is especially bad.
2007-07-18 16:45:10
40.   williamnyy23
Rolling over on the outside pitch...hopefully that's not a sign of Matsui's hot streak coming to an end.

It's nice that the Yankees are winning the close ones now, but a few blowouts would be nice.

2007-07-18 16:45:32
41.   Mattpat11
When Kay calls a fly ball, does he just not notice the outfielders?
2007-07-18 16:47:58
42.   williamnyy23
41 He studied at the John Sterling school of fabricating excitement to add more drama to the game. Unfortunately for Kay, that approach doesn't really work to well when you can see the action.
2007-07-18 16:50:06
43.   Mattpat11
Now, if Reed Johnson gets his "stroke" back, will he juest be bad as opposed to awful?
2007-07-18 16:50:18
44.   Yankees Brasil
Marcum dominating the Yankees again
2007-07-18 16:51:55
45.   yankz
I must say, Judge Joe Brown is fascinating. Are these shows real?
2007-07-18 16:53:43
46.   williamnyy23
45 ?
2007-07-18 16:56:16
47.   yankz
46 You know, shows where they show court proceedings. One young lady just told Judge Joe he was high. Are these real or staged?
2007-07-18 16:57:05
48.   williamnyy23
47 You're watching Judge Joe Brown and not the Yankee game?
2007-07-18 16:57:34
49.   Shaun P
Has anyone else noticed how old Clemens looks in his Gameday photo? I mean, he looks bad - see for yourself:

http://tinyurl.com/2l5uu2

Compare to his Yahoo! pic, where he looks a little old, but more distinguished that anything else:

http://tinyurl.com/dtj36

2007-07-18 16:59:28
50.   yankz
48 Well, my internet is slow right now, so I don't feel like getting mlb.tv up. Besides, from what I can tell from the comments here, I'm not missing anything, am I?
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-07-18 17:02:54
51.   Mattpat11
Whoo! We're not being no hit anymore
2007-07-18 17:04:07
52.   Mattpat11
DirecTV just alerted me to the Cubs game score. As if I could possibly care.
2007-07-18 17:04:29
53.   williamnyy23
50 Well...the Rocket is pitching, so that's definitely missing something. Heck...the Yankees are playing...that's something too.
2007-07-18 17:05:11
54.   randym77
49 Ye gods. It reminds me of Glen Campbell's booking photo.
2007-07-18 17:05:41
55.   SpoonG91
Can we not keep getting into double plays? By the way- Hill was not on the bag.
2007-07-18 17:06:02
56.   williamnyy23
The Yankees inability to score for Clemens is becoming infuriating.
2007-07-18 17:06:47
57.   Mattpat11
54 Is Roger a rhinestone cowboy?
2007-07-18 17:06:50
58.   SpoonG91
Clemens once again gets NOOOOOOO! run support.
2007-07-18 17:07:52
59.   williamnyy23
I dont know what commercial is worse...the Mcdonald's or the Giuseppe Franco.
2007-07-18 17:09:27
60.   51cq24
59 if you mean the mcnuggets one, that one
2007-07-18 17:09:45
61.   Mattpat11
Jose Guzman
2007-07-18 17:10:18
62.   Mattpat11
59 Nothing on earth is worse than the McDonalds commercial.
2007-07-18 17:11:12
63.   randym77
24 The Reds are shopping everyone except Harang, Hamilton, A-Gon, Bailey, and Brandon Phillips. The price may not be cheap, but just about everyone on their roster is available.

Hot rumor today: Arroyo for Saltalamacchia.

Speaking of the Reds...some creative managing in their day game today. In the 10th, Mackanin put CFer Ryan Freel in front of 2B.

2007-07-18 17:14:16
64.   Mattpat11
63 Its not unheard of for the Reds to trade good players for relievers.
2007-07-18 17:14:45
65.   SpoonG91
Do you think the run support for Clemens has to do with his relations with the team or just luck?
2007-07-18 17:15:04
66.   Mattpat11
What is the McDonalds commercial supposed to accomplish?
2007-07-18 17:15:13
67.   fansince77
That was a heck of a play by Cano to get rid of that ball and give Phillips a chance-equally great of Dandy Andy. Arod could have put a little more on that but the back half of the dble play made it happen.
2007-07-18 17:15:21
68.   williamnyy23
65 You're joking, right?
2007-07-18 17:15:44
69.   Mattpat11
65 I dont think the team can afford to spite anyone at this point in the year
2007-07-18 17:16:21
70.   williamnyy23
66 Be so annoying that you can't get it out of your head...although I'd think the whole world is aware of mcnuggets.
2007-07-18 17:16:49
71.   yankz
68 Yeah...wtf?
2007-07-18 17:17:15
72.   OldYanksFan
31 Not so. Lets say he does that in 4 ABs. Yes, he's 0-4, but singlehandedly uses up 1/2 the SP. Not to mention putting Jetes in a good hitting position.
2007-07-18 17:17:32
73.   Mattpat11
Joe Girardi was 2 for 3 with a homerun against Guzman.
2007-07-18 17:17:32
74.   SpoonG91
I didn't mean relations in like or dislike, but that Clemens is the most legendary player on the team and there might be some extra pressure on them.
2007-07-18 17:18:05
75.   williamnyy23
Damon is now on a career high walks pace, which is interesting because you'd think pitchers would be challenging him more.
2007-07-18 17:18:21
76.   fansince77
wouldn't mind a jeter bunt here- he's been cold...might get him going.
2007-07-18 17:18:30
77.   OldYanksFan
Sox w/bases loaded, no out in the 4th.
2007-07-18 17:18:35
78.   fansince77
forget I said that
2007-07-18 17:18:49
79.   SpoonG91
I didn't mean relations in like or dislike but in pressure to perform for the legendary player that Clemens is.
2007-07-18 17:19:20
80.   williamnyy23
74 Ah...I've always thought that teams press to score for great pitchers because they think something like, "if we only score 3 runs, we'll win this game", thereby placing more pressure.
2007-07-18 17:19:43
81.   OldYanksFan
KC up 2-1. 1st and 3rd, 1 out, for the Sox. Crisp up.
2007-07-18 17:19:51
82.   Hocakes
"Teabag", HA!....great nickname for Torre...he should get ripped at every opportunity for taking that Bigelow Tea $$$. He likes Green Tea with Peach, by the way.

I like the McDonald's commercial. It's creative.

2007-07-18 17:20:01
83.   fansince77
wouldn't mind seeing abreu bunt here- he's been cold...might get him going
2007-07-18 17:20:12
84.   williamnyy23
Abreu is becoming incredibly frustrating...there is simply no in-between with him.

The Yankees need to be aggressive...they have to avoid a DP here.

2007-07-18 17:20:35
85.   fansince77
lightening doesn't strike twice...rats
2007-07-18 17:20:48
86.   51cq24
73 i guess he was scared of him as a person
2007-07-18 17:21:25
87.   SpoonG91
82Creative and Addicting, A marketing team's dream.
2007-07-18 17:22:38
88.   SpoonG91
WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-07-18 17:22:58
89.   51cq24
82 what is creative about it? it's godawful. it's so infuriatingly stupid and annoying. especially when he starts to do the "mcnuggets mcnuggets what" dance
2007-07-18 17:23:15
90.   fansince77
Wow-that was garbage!
2007-07-18 17:23:16
91.   williamnyy23
There was no need for Arod to force the issue there...he went for two balls out of the zone.

I can't understand why you wouldn't have Jeter on the move there.

2007-07-18 17:23:52
92.   Mattpat11
87 Its addicting?

And I always found creative to be the new age way of saying "well, there's no merit to it, but its different

2007-07-18 17:24:05
93.   fansince77
that was the old A-Rod two strike swing with a 3-1 count---WHY? WHY? WHY?
2007-07-18 17:25:13
94.   Mike T
You've gotta be ^$%#$* kidding me.
2007-07-18 17:25:38
95.   williamnyy23
Man that was an awful inning...this is shaping up to be a very galling game.
2007-07-18 17:25:39
96.   Yankees Brasil
whats the record for DP in a single game?
2007-07-18 17:26:00
97.   OldYanksFan
KC barfs. Sox up 4-2. Still batting.
2007-07-18 17:27:52
98.   51cq24
94 i understand that people have varying opinions on this, but what is the point of writing "^$%#$*"? everyone knows what word you mean. everyone knows how to spell it. who cares? it's a word that everyone knows, and if you want to use it, use it.
2007-07-18 17:31:14
99.   Jim Dean
Roger getting smacked around. 8 hits in 4.1 innings?

Apropos of nothing - Kevin Whelan gave up no hits in 5 innings with Tampa tonight (4 K and 1 BB). Got pulled for Bama's new favorite - David Robertson.

2007-07-18 17:31:46
100.   Yankees Brasil
rios hitting the same pitch over and over again
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2007-07-18 17:31:49
101.   Jim Dean
98 What word do you mean?
2007-07-18 17:32:44
102.   51cq24
101 $(@&#^$
2007-07-18 17:32:55
103.   williamnyy23
This why it sucks to be so far behind...every game is life and death and matchups like this one can be incredibly frustrating!
2007-07-18 17:35:52
104.   Yankees Brasil
How many pitches for Roger?
2007-07-18 17:36:23
105.   williamnyy23
Damn...Matsui is pulling off again.
2007-07-18 17:36:47
106.   Mattpat11
78
2007-07-18 17:38:35
107.   williamnyy23
104 78...more importantly, Marcum entered the inning with only 60, so at this rate he is good through at least the 7th. That 4th inning is going to cost me some lost sleep I fear.
2007-07-18 17:39:38
108.   Mattpat11
Quite the inning.
2007-07-18 17:39:49
109.   williamnyy23
It seems like everyone is trying to pull the same pitch on the outside corner.
2007-07-18 17:40:16
110.   Jim Dean
107 Especially when Teabag brings in Farnsie for his blend of consistency.
2007-07-18 17:42:33
111.   williamnyy23
I wish I shared Girardi's feeling.
2007-07-18 17:43:37
112.   Mattpat11
111 I sort of do. I don't have that "the game is over" feeling I would have a month ago.
2007-07-18 17:46:36
113.   Mattpat11
Hell of a play there Johnny
2007-07-18 17:47:07
114.   williamnyy23
Damn it!! Damon is a complete outfield liability. These runs are huge...letting Hill get to second is awful.
2007-07-18 17:47:12
115.   tommyl
ugh
2007-07-18 17:47:32
116.   tommyl
I can't wait till Giambi comes back and Damon plays in CF again. Those'll be the days.
2007-07-18 17:47:43
117.   williamnyy23
What goes into the idea to start Damon in LF?
2007-07-18 17:47:43
118.   Jim Dean
Why the hell is Damon playing the OF? So Matsui can rest? Rest what?
2007-07-18 17:48:50
119.   Jim Dean
114 "Damon is a complete [outfield] liability."
2007-07-18 17:49:43
120.   weeping for brunnhilde
I hate this game, btw.

It's been painful to watch.

2007-07-18 17:50:21
121.   Mattpat11
To be fair, that wasn't so much an indictment of johnny's skills as it was him loafing out there. Hard to predict he'd be half assing it.
2007-07-18 17:52:08
122.   OldYanksFan
So JD is worse in LF then Mats? If he was used to the position?
2007-07-18 17:53:09
123.   Mattpat11
114 Luckily Jason Phillips and John McDonald were coming up.
2007-07-18 17:53:24
124.   weeping for brunnhilde
Good.

I hate watching Robby go back on balls, though.

I always feel like something terrible's going to happen, yet he always makes the catch.

2007-07-18 17:53:32
125.   williamnyy23
122 Damon's arm is below Bernie's I think. It's amazing how it seems even worse when he's not hitting.
2007-07-18 17:53:46
126.   Mike T
KC 6-4 Boston
2007-07-18 17:54:27
127.   weeping for brunnhilde
122 Six of one...

No, seriously, I'd rather see Hideki because as you say, at least he's accustomed to it.

2007-07-18 17:54:59
128.   Mike T
You guys think Clemens will be back out for the 7th? He's at 99 pitches.
2007-07-18 17:55:18
129.   weeping for brunnhilde
125 Oh, I think it's much worse than Bernie's.

Or at least, he looks much worse throwing the baseball than Bernie ever did.

2007-07-18 17:55:46
130.   williamnyy23
STOP PULLING THE OUTSIDE PICTH ALREADY!
2007-07-18 17:57:15
131.   weeping for brunnhilde
130 It's exasperating to watch, isn't it?
2007-07-18 17:57:33
132.   Schteeve
Isn't "Mr Splitty" Randy Johnson's nickname for his slider?
2007-07-18 17:57:41
133.   BklynBmr
130 Looks like he's heaving a shotput. Why is he in LF tonight anyway?
2007-07-18 17:58:09
134.   weeping for brunnhilde
Nice inning, Team!
2007-07-18 17:59:07
135.   BklynBmr
133 was for 129. But 130, yeah, that drives me crazy...
2007-07-18 17:59:20
136.   weeping for brunnhilde
133 It certainly does. Mustering every last ounce of might and main from his arms and legs.
2007-07-18 18:00:12
137.   BklynBmr
134 Great pitch selection. Worked the counts. It was all there. ;-p
2007-07-18 18:01:37
138.   weeping for brunnhilde
Btw, just in case there's any doubt?--this is precisely the sort of game we have to win if we wish to hang around, you know?

But if we don't win this game, it's true, we don't deserve to be in the race anyway.

2007-07-18 18:02:02
139.   tommyl
Hey, don't we have this skinny latino guy on the team?
2007-07-18 18:02:07
140.   weeping for brunnhilde
137 :)
2007-07-18 18:02:16
141.   OldYanksFan
122 His arm SUCKS. But Mats has always been bad going back, and since the injury, is now hesitant coming in. JD is faster and covers a lot more ground. He's not afraid of the wall and not afraid to dive. All in all, I think JD is a better OFer then Mats. He needs to get used to LF.
2007-07-18 18:04:35
142.   Mattpat11
Scotty's looking good tonight
2007-07-18 18:04:40
143.   Jim Dean
132 No - it's Roger's name for his split-finger.
2007-07-18 18:04:57
144.   Ravenscar
Has there ever been any explanation at all as to why Torre absolutely refuses to pitch Edwar? Ever?
2007-07-18 18:05:02
145.   williamnyy23
Having to rely on this bullpen really sucks, especially when guys like Edwar and Britton aren't even given a chance. It's Torre's birth, so I'll lay off him today, but...
2007-07-18 18:05:38
146.   Mike T
Alex Rios is on pace to go something like 8-8 tonight.
2007-07-18 18:06:58
147.   Mattpat11
I'm listening to Shout by Tears for Fears. Its oddly appropriate.
2007-07-18 18:07:33
148.   weeping for brunnhilde
I swear to God, I hate watching Cano make those plays.
2007-07-18 18:07:35
149.   williamnyy23
How does Abreu not call off Cano...he didn't say a word. That's awful.
2007-07-18 18:08:14
150.   Yankees Brasil
lots of pop outs today
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2007-07-18 18:08:26
151.   williamnyy23
Proctor versus Glauss...I'm covering my eyes.
2007-07-18 18:09:18
152.   BklynBmr
149 Robbie is built like a brick wall, so... never mind ;-)
2007-07-18 18:09:44
153.   Schteeve
141 Where do you get that Matsui is hesitant coming in since the injury. Do you have any evidence of that, or did it just sound good in your imagination?

I've seen Matsui make almost the same catch at least twice since he's been back.

2007-07-18 18:10:16
154.   williamnyy23
Proctor looks more scared than I am.
2007-07-18 18:11:33
155.   weeping for brunnhilde
149 I know. It's like that every time.

He never calls off Robby.

2007-07-18 18:11:47
156.   williamnyy23
One more Scottie...don't let up.
2007-07-18 18:12:23
157.   williamnyy23
155 Maybe Abreu is trying to help Cano boost his zone rating?
2007-07-18 18:13:06
158.   BklynBmr
153 I don't see that in Mats either. I do think the 'Magellan' moniker kinda fits, though...
2007-07-18 18:13:53
159.   Mattpat11
Overbay is one of those guys Kay has the man-crush on.
2007-07-18 18:14:06
160.   williamnyy23
From bad to worse! Proctor to Myers.
2007-07-18 18:14:43
161.   Yankees Brasil
He had to use Myers one of these days..
2007-07-18 18:14:57
162.   Mattpat11
Overbay is 1-5 against Myers.
2007-07-18 18:15:46
163.   Mattpat11
and the hit was an infield single. This may actually work.
2007-07-18 18:15:57
164.   tommyl
162 But he's a lefty. You always use a lefty to pitch to a lefty. Anyone knows that, duh.
2007-07-18 18:16:39
165.   tommyl
walk maybe?
2007-07-18 18:16:43
166.   williamnyy23
We all know Myers has struggled against Lefties, but Overbay has also hit them much better than righties (.931 to .761). Does Joe know that?
2007-07-18 18:16:48
167.   Mattpat11
oh dont fucking walk him.
2007-07-18 18:17:21
168.   jkay
Gotta love Sheff.....

Sheffield fined by MLB for umpire criticism

July 18, 2007

When the suspension was reduced from three games to two last month, Sheffield still wasn't happy and lashed out at the umpires.

"It just goes to show you it wasn't true and how corrupt the umpiring system is," he said then. "They can make a statement, and that means it's true."

2007-07-18 18:17:26
169.   BklynBmr
164 Especially when they hit .364 against you...
2007-07-18 18:17:27
170.   Mattpat11
166 Overbay also doesn't hit Myers, in admittedly, five AB.
2007-07-18 18:18:14
171.   Schteeve
Lyle Overbay = Jeromy Burnitz 2.0
2007-07-18 18:18:51
172.   Mattpat11
171 Burnitz was never overrated throughout baseball to the degree Overbay has been.
2007-07-18 18:19:17
173.   BklynBmr
A HUGE 'phew!!!'... No reason on earth not to win this game now.
2007-07-18 18:19:40
174.   Schteeve
Mike Myers said, "In your face, Bronx Banter!"
2007-07-18 18:19:45
175.   Mike T
On the bright side, the Jays have 10 hits, but only one run to show for it. This could be worse.
2007-07-18 18:20:07
176.   williamnyy23
Whew...I'm not looking forward to another 70 games of this bullpen.

I wonder if Myers just saved his job with that AB?

2007-07-18 18:20:12
177.   Mattpat11
173 Thats never stopped us from losing before.
2007-07-18 18:20:39
178.   cult of basebaal
sorry i'm late for the party, can i still ask for a few goddamn runs here?
2007-07-18 18:20:41
179.   Schteeve
172 I was just basing my comment on the facial similarity.
2007-07-18 18:21:32
180.   williamnyy23
In all fairness, the Jays have waisted many more chances than the Yankees. Karma should be on the Yankees side...still, they've shown absolutely no signs of life in this game and Marcum looks good for two more innings.
2007-07-18 18:22:22
181.   yankz
TWO hit?! WTF!
2007-07-18 18:22:53
182.   weeping for brunnhilde
All right, Derek, you gotta get it going here.
2007-07-18 18:23:04
183.   Mattpat11
Hurricane Manny is picking up steam. That's terrifying.
2007-07-18 18:23:15
184.   zgveritas
Who is going to be the hero tonight. Jeter???
2007-07-18 18:23:23
185.   Schteeve
Jeter's going to homer.
2007-07-18 18:24:36
186.   BklynBmr
168 The gift that just keeps giving... One thought about Sheff's Pigment Scale: How does Joe confront Jeter, since he ain't "all the way" either way? Do they stand under the door jamb of Joe's office? Not all in the way in, but not all the way out? How does that work?
2007-07-18 18:24:37
187.   Mattpat11
I predict he gets picked off.
2007-07-18 18:24:43
188.   weeping for brunnhilde
Beautiful hitting, Derek.

Beautiful.

2007-07-18 18:24:56
189.   yankz
Ah, the mainstream media article we've all been waiting for:

"Clueless Joe (Morgan)"

http://tinyurl.com/3ymjdx

Unfortunately, it's not what you think.

BTW, the latest NoMaas interview is a great read.

2007-07-18 18:24:58
190.   Schteeve
does anyone sell balls and strikes better than jeter. He's got more body language than a stripper.
2007-07-18 18:25:19
191.   Mattpat11
190 Frank Thomas.
2007-07-18 18:25:48
192.   Yankees Brasil
Please no DP..
2007-07-18 18:25:52
193.   BklynBmr
177 And the reverse happens as well, but no one remembers those...
2007-07-18 18:25:54
194.   Jim Dean
184 A-Rod.
2007-07-18 18:26:01
195.   OldYanksFan
Bot 7th. 1 Out. Pet-roid on 1st. Papi up. HO! Papi strikes out. 2 outs. Manny up.
2007-07-18 18:26:25
196.   weeping for brunnhilde
Now, Abreu has seen two pitches on the outside corner.

Is it crazy to think he should poke the next one into left?

2007-07-18 18:27:05
197.   yankz
Ok, Arod homers, then Farns and Mo to close it out...gotcha!
2007-07-18 18:27:10
198.   BklynBmr
Was Bowa sending Jeter?
2007-07-18 18:27:19
199.   Mattpat11
Oh jesus. I thought Bowa was sending him.
2007-07-18 18:27:23
200.   williamnyy23
If not for yesterday, I think Bowa sends Jeter.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2007-07-18 18:27:38
201.   weeping for brunnhilde
Excellent, but I don't know why he's so hell-bent on pulling the ball.
2007-07-18 18:28:06
202.   williamnyy23
195 Against Gobble...another bad AB against a left for Ortiz.
2007-07-18 18:28:29
203.   williamnyy23
Relax Arod!
2007-07-18 18:28:36
204.   yankz
195 Score? Thanks.
2007-07-18 18:28:45
205.   Mattpat11
What did Hurricane Manny do?
2007-07-18 18:28:46
206.   weeping for brunnhilde
Damn it.

Terrible swing, Alex.

2007-07-18 18:28:59
207.   51cq24
200 he was waving him in when we saw him last so either he changed his mind or jeter overrode him
2007-07-18 18:29:01
208.   cult of basebaal
202 they can't all be mike myers, dontchaknow
2007-07-18 18:31:02
209.   weeping for brunnhilde
Oh, hell yeah!
2007-07-18 18:31:02
210.   BklynBmr
Alexander the Great!!!!
2007-07-18 18:31:05
211.   Mattpat11
A-ROD!
2007-07-18 18:31:05
212.   tommyl
HA!
2007-07-18 18:31:20
213.   williamnyy23
Arod to the rescue...or has Pete Abe might say...have no fear, underdog is here.
2007-07-18 18:31:36
214.   OldYanksFan
Manny walks. 1st and 2nd. 2 out.
ARod!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-07-18 18:31:40
215.   yankz
So fucking clutch.

I love that we all saw that coming.

2007-07-18 18:31:58
216.   Schteeve
Ye of little faith. I swear to god, do you guys even enjoy baseball?
2007-07-18 18:32:08
217.   weeping for brunnhilde
This is the difference between Alex this year and last.

Last year if he'd started an ab with such a terrible swing, he'd have struck out.

Nice job, Alex.

2007-07-18 18:32:11
218.   Mattpat11
The funny thing is, sometimes you forget how big left center in this stadium can be. I was kind of shocked when that ball dropped.
2007-07-18 18:32:12
219.   Jim Dean
194 Ha! Ha! Ha!

:)

2007-07-18 18:32:18
220.   BklynBmr
Professional baserunning by Bobby, too!
2007-07-18 18:32:21
221.   OldYanksFan
fuckin' MLB.com!
2007-07-18 18:33:00
222.   Mike T
It's about time.
2007-07-18 18:33:08
223.   yankz
219 Very nice, my friend. Although, come on, who else?
2007-07-18 18:33:28
224.   weeping for brunnhilde
218 Yeah, me too.
2007-07-18 18:33:34
225.   OldYanksFan
Diving play by Mark G. at 2nd. Inning Ovah!
2007-07-18 18:34:00
226.   Jim Dean
223 Well, you did call a homer :)
2007-07-18 18:34:10
227.   BklynBmr
216 "Ye of little faith"

The Banter motto for '07....

2007-07-18 18:35:05
228.   Yankees Brasil
a few more runs would be nice!
2007-07-18 18:35:42
229.   yankz
226 Let's just hope I was wrong about the entire thing...
2007-07-18 18:35:47
230.   Mattpat11
There's a tasteless joke to be made about Kyle Farnsworth and the bridge.
2007-07-18 18:36:18
231.   yankz
227 Um...HA?

I love that Arod is sticking it to the Jays. Whiners.

2007-07-18 18:36:43
232.   weeping for brunnhilde
How about that!

Nice hitting, Hideki!

2007-07-18 18:37:26
233.   weeping for brunnhilde
Nice and easy, Jorgie. Right up the middle.
2007-07-18 18:37:31
234.   williamnyy23
Good job by Bowa...you know his heart is beating a little more quickly after last night's blunder.
2007-07-18 18:37:51
235.   Mattpat11
233 Even a flyball would be nice here.
2007-07-18 18:38:01
236.   Jim Dean
227 Actually we already settled that one. It's:

Ha!

2007-07-18 18:38:29
237.   BklynBmr
231 Not by individual game thread sample ;-)
2007-07-18 18:38:45
238.   Yankees Brasil
Who pitches the 8th??
2007-07-18 18:39:30
239.   williamnyy23
More runs, please.
2007-07-18 18:39:48
240.   yankz
237 Small sample sizes are le suck!!!
2007-07-18 18:40:05
241.   weeping for brunnhilde
Gaaaah!

Damn it.

2007-07-18 18:40:27
242.   Mattpat11
Looks like the Royals got out of that inning
2007-07-18 18:40:35
243.   yankz
238 My guess is Proctor (is he still available? I haven't been watching until just now) unless they can score 4 more times, in which case I'd guess Edwar.
2007-07-18 18:40:48
244.   williamnyy23
Very on Jorge like...he seldom whiffs at consecutive breaking balls out of the zone (unless Pedro throws them).
2007-07-18 18:41:45
245.   williamnyy23
Jorge looks like he wants to kill someone.
2007-07-18 18:42:14
246.   Yankees Brasil
243 He's already out of the game
2007-07-18 18:43:12
247.   weeping for brunnhilde
Robby doesn't know what he's doing up there.

He has no clue.

2007-07-18 18:43:40
248.   cult of basebaal
243 we'll see gator pitch tonite before we'd see edwar ... my guess is ba-ba-bruney
2007-07-18 18:44:01
249.   yankz
MLB.tv froze for a second and it looked like Cano was shooting a laser out of his bat.
2007-07-18 18:44:12
250.   tommyl
Did cano just walk?!
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2007-07-18 18:44:14
251.   weeping for brunnhilde
Whooooo. That was close.

We caught a break there.

2007-07-18 18:44:15
252.   williamnyy23
Stop the presses...a walk for Robbie. Now let's see if Phillips can plate one more run.
2007-07-18 18:44:22
253.   BklynBmr
240 Agreed, except it's every flippin' game that the sky is falling. Usually by the first and second inning...
2007-07-18 18:45:16
254.   yankz
"Magic" Santana was demoted to the minors. Thank the stars A-Rod wasn't traded for some shitty package that included him.
2007-07-18 18:45:25
255.   OldYanksFan
Wow. That was close. Robbie was frozen. Good break for us.
2007-07-18 18:45:27
256.   cult of basebaal
c'mon andy
2007-07-18 18:45:58
257.   weeping for brunnhilde
250 How 'bout that, huh?

I think he lucked out, though. It was the same pitch he took for strike on 3-1 or whenever it was, just a bit more outside.

If the pitch had been a strike, I doubt he'd have swung and would have been punched out.

2007-07-18 18:46:01
258.   williamnyy23
248 It's one or the other...both Farns (thankfully) and Viz are unavailable tonight. Before the game, Torre tapped Proctor as the 8th inning guy, so either way, he is into plan B.
2007-07-18 18:46:30
259.   OldYanksFan
Sox coming up in the 8th. KC hangs by a thread at 6-5.
2007-07-18 18:47:00
260.   weeping for brunnhilde
Oooooooooooh!

It's through!!!!!!!!!1

Andy!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-07-18 18:47:25
261.   BklynBmr
Andy has been unblowupable!
2007-07-18 18:47:35
262.   williamnyy23
Insurance!
2007-07-18 18:47:37
263.   cult of basebaal
Shea who?!?!
2007-07-18 18:47:38
264.   Mattpat11
Its officially gotten to the point where Andy Phillips has proven me wrong, but I fear actually saying that, because the last time I did was July 06.
2007-07-18 18:47:48
265.   williamnyy23
What a play...crap!
2007-07-18 18:47:48
266.   weeping for brunnhilde
Aaah, fuck!

Nice fucking play.

2007-07-18 18:47:53
267.   tommyl
Oh man, I wish we had Shea Hillebrand.
2007-07-18 18:48:03
268.   yankz
God, I love Andy Phillips these days.
2007-07-18 18:48:20
269.   seamus
wow, what a great play by reed johnson.
2007-07-18 18:48:39
270.   BklynBmr
Wow. Nice stab by Johnson in LF. That coulda made it pen-proof...
2007-07-18 18:48:57
271.   williamnyy23
Watching Damon hit is actually quote sad. I've actually grown to really like the idiot.
2007-07-18 18:49:08
272.   yankz
Looks like mlb.tv is a couple minutes behind. I just saw that spectacular catch.
2007-07-18 18:49:25
273.   Jim Dean
Bruney?
2007-07-18 18:49:25
274.   yankz
Infield in!
2007-07-18 18:49:41
275.   BklynBmr
263 Thank you. I never want to hear that name again...
2007-07-18 18:50:04
276.   cult of basebaal
well, at least we cleared the pitcher's spot that inning ...
2007-07-18 18:50:24
277.   OldYanksFan
Lowell flys to LF. 1 out.
2007-07-18 18:50:29
278.   randym77
And no one in major league baseball wanted Andy when he passed through waivers this spring.
2007-07-18 18:50:44
279.   tommyl
Wow, that reminds me of what the Yankees used to be. Keep it close, and comeback in the end.
2007-07-18 18:50:58
280.   Yankees Brasil
if we score another run or two we get to see Edwar..
2007-07-18 18:51:22
281.   Jim Dean
Woooo! Two for two tonight!

I rock!

Ha!

2007-07-18 18:51:30
282.   cult of basebaal
ba-ba-bruney! with mo the immediate next option if he looks shakey, i presume ...
2007-07-18 18:51:45
283.   williamnyy23
Thanks for the insight Kay...of course, Torre explicity said both men were unavailable.
2007-07-18 18:52:00
284.   weeping for brunnhilde
Why is Villone up?

For Christ's sake, Mo should be getting up if you think someone needs to get up.

2007-07-18 18:52:19
285.   51cq24
whats the tasteless joke about farnsworth and the bridge? he should do us all a favor and jump off of one? he should be in the clubhouse playing it with bobby bo and rickey?
2007-07-18 18:52:33
286.   BklynBmr
279 Hopefully a good omen. That was the signature of the '77 and '78 teams. Burn, baby, burn..
2007-07-18 18:52:35
287.   cult of basebaal
281 see 248
2007-07-18 18:52:39
288.   OldYanksFan
Tek swinging K. 2 outs.
2007-07-18 18:52:48
289.   williamnyy23
These lead off walks out of the bullpen are a killer.
2007-07-18 18:53:10
290.   weeping for brunnhilde
No, please.

Not tonight.

Christ, just one fucking night, is that too much to ask?

2007-07-18 18:53:14
291.   Jim Dean
279 Seriously. It's been a while since I had that feeling. I'd say I'd forgotten actually what that certainty felt like. Another month like this and I might remember.
2007-07-18 18:53:38
292.   cult of basebaal
mmmm ... otter pops
2007-07-18 18:54:22
293.   williamnyy23
I hate to continue to beat a dead horse, but enough is enough...you can't have your entire bullpen be unable to throw strikes. It's time to give other pitchers a chance.
2007-07-18 18:54:43
294.   Jim Dean
287 Does it count if I didn't read it?
2007-07-18 18:54:51
295.   weeping for brunnhilde
Good, one out.
2007-07-18 18:55:14
296.   yankz
Sox lose to the Royals again? This is an absolute must win. Opportunities like these are rare.
2007-07-18 18:55:34
297.   weeping for brunnhilde
Damn it.

Two out triple for Crisp.

2007-07-18 18:55:44
298.   yankz
295 Geez, spoiler alert.

Kidding, kidding.

2007-07-18 18:55:50
299.   OldYanksFan
Crisp triples. Man on 3rd, 2 out.
2007-07-18 18:56:16
300.   yankz
297 Was I mistaken? I thought YES just showed the game was over.
Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2007-07-18 18:56:32
301.   weeping for brunnhilde
296 Noooooooo kidding.

The tension's killing me.

2007-07-18 18:59:16
302.   cult of basebaal
lugo flies out ... onto the 9th in boston
2007-07-18 18:59:42
303.   OldYanksFan
Lugo flys out to CF. Top of the 9th coming. Boston has the top of the order coming up in the bottom of the inning.
2007-07-18 18:59:46
304.   williamnyy23
302 Damn...Boston cleared the pitcher for the 9th.
2007-07-18 18:59:48
305.   cult of basebaal
is Mo up?
2007-07-18 19:00:16
306.   weeping for brunnhilde
He is.
2007-07-18 19:00:36
307.   weeping for brunnhilde
And here he comes now.
2007-07-18 19:00:36
308.   Mattpat11
Gotta love that bullpen
2007-07-18 19:00:44
309.   BklynBmr
305 And in...
2007-07-18 19:00:55
310.   Yankees Brasil
great idea to use villone
2007-07-18 19:01:25
311.   weeping for brunnhilde
308 What, they got an out there, between the two of 'em.

Give 'em a break.

2007-07-18 19:01:28
312.   williamnyy23
Incredible!!!

Joe...can we please try Edward.
Cashman...can we please try Britton.

How much more do these guys need to see????

2007-07-18 19:01:33
313.   yankz
Mo for 5 outs? This is a little sad.
2007-07-18 19:01:44
314.   OldYanksFan
Unfortunately, Bruney is not the answer.
2007-07-18 19:01:53
315.   yankz
I'm praying for a one pitch DP.
2007-07-18 19:02:34
316.   Jim Dean
You gotta love when Joe burns through two pitchers then decides he's got to go to Mo.
2007-07-18 19:02:44
317.   OldYanksFan
We better blow them out tomorrow... Mo may not be available.
2007-07-18 19:02:57
318.   weeping for brunnhilde
What was the upside of fucking around with Villone there?

It's like Joe doesn't want to win.

2007-07-18 19:02:58
319.   Ravenscar
I know, I know, I'm a broken record. But why not give Edwar a chance here? I just don't get it. I mean, oy.
2007-07-18 19:03:09
320.   BklynBmr
Tito has his closer in trailing by one in the top the 9th...
2007-07-18 19:03:26
321.   weeping for brunnhilde
317 Let's just worry about today, OYF.
2007-07-18 19:03:41
322.   WeMissPaulie
I dont disagree with this. Its unfortunate, but the Yankees REALLY need this one.
2007-07-18 19:03:46
323.   williamnyy23
I really wish one reporter would ask Joe why he prefers watching every reliever come in to walk batters when there are untried options available in the pen...I mean really ask with conviction as opposed to the typical kowtow the media does.
2007-07-18 19:03:49
324.   OldYanksFan
Papsmear in for the top of the 9th. Very un-Torrelike.
2007-07-18 19:04:13
325.   cult of basebaal
man, this team needs some big, angry, crazy guy as Lord High Puffnstuff on a kangaroo court ... specifically to fine people for doing stupid ass shit like walking leadoff men in the 8th with a 3 run lead ... pity we traded the Sheff, he'd be perfect for it
2007-07-18 19:04:15
326.   Ravenscar
Waldman and Steiner saying "well, he has no other choice but to go to Mo, that's all he can do". Do they even know who else is on the roster?
2007-07-18 19:04:21
327.   Jim Dean
Quick: Who knows the closer for the Royals? No peeking!
2007-07-18 19:04:52
328.   williamnyy23
Dotel
2007-07-18 19:04:54
329.   BklynBmr
Drew, Pedroia (sp?) and Papi due up in the bottom of the 9th, with Manny on deck...
2007-07-18 19:05:09
330.   weeping for brunnhilde
Ah, damn!
2007-07-18 19:05:35
331.   williamnyy23
Damn it! That should have been two...now Rios is the tying run and Mo throws more pitches...that feeling is coming back.
2007-07-18 19:05:37
332.   weeping for brunnhilde
Can't do that, Robby.

You have to make that play.

2007-07-18 19:05:43
333.   pistolpete
Yikes. Good stop, Andy.
2007-07-18 19:05:58
334.   OldYanksFan
Torre gets a lot of shit (and deserves some of it), but he brings in 2 guys, and they both give up walks. At some point this BP needs perform.
2007-07-18 19:06:18
335.   pistolpete
No way Rios goes 5 for 5.
2007-07-18 19:06:24
336.   yankz
327 Soria?
2007-07-18 19:06:35
337.   Jim Dean
328 You win!

It would be nice to see his Yankee rehab pick up at least one game for the team.

2007-07-18 19:07:24
338.   Jim Dean
335 Dammit, man, shut your piehole!
2007-07-18 19:07:32
339.   cult of basebaal
323 agreed ... instead, we get this brilliant train of thought from guys like Petey, "Up 4-1 and Bruney walks the first batter. This is why criticizing Torre for his bullpen moves is pointless. Other than Mo, he has nobody who is reliable."

so ... it can't have been the wrong idea when it doesn't work anyway? brilliant!

2007-07-18 19:07:33
340.   tommyl
334 Edwar is still out there...
2007-07-18 19:07:38
341.   OldYanksFan
KC done. Boston comin' up.
2007-07-18 19:08:14
342.   51cq24
334 there's another guy in this bullpen who looks like he has great stuff and had insane minor league numbers. torre saw what he could do and even talked about it. and he's gone to him ONCE since.
2007-07-18 19:08:17
343.   pistolpete
338 Make me. ;-)
2007-07-18 19:08:21
344.   williamnyy23
334 That's a valid argument if both outcomes weren't totally expected. At some point, Torre needs to be more open to other options, in this case, Edwar.
2007-07-18 19:08:22
345.   weeping for brunnhilde
Heh heh heh heh.

Mo.

2007-07-18 19:08:49
346.   Mattpat11
I love Mariano Rivera in a heterosexual manner

\

2007-07-18 19:09:29
347.   Jim Dean
WFAN is behind Gameday - always nice to see the result before I have to hear it from that fuckwad.
2007-07-18 19:09:37
348.   yankz
346 Dit-fucking-o man. Same with A-Rod.
2007-07-18 19:09:38
349.   BklynBmr
Dotel in for KC...
2007-07-18 19:10:19
350.   cult of basebaal
334 i'm not bitching about this game, though i guess i can, since he might have had edwar as an option, if he'd ever bothered to actually see if the kid can pitch ... if his options are so goddamn lousy, you'd think that might actually be a motivation to see if you have a better one sitting on his ass at the end of the bullpen bench
Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2007-07-18 19:11:14
351.   Jim Dean
342 Ah, but he gave up a run in that second appearance. Obviously he's not reliable, most especially because "Statistics found him".
2007-07-18 19:11:17
352.   BklynBmr
Drew grounds out, 1 away...
2007-07-18 19:12:18
353.   Jim Dean
349 Woooooo! 3 for 3!

I'm the greatest in all of history this evening in calling baseball happenings!!!

Ha!

2007-07-18 19:12:25
354.   weeping for brunnhilde
That was a great play by the pitcher.

Very fluid and confident.

2007-07-18 19:12:36
355.   OldYanksFan
Petroid Ks. 2 out.
2007-07-18 19:13:00
356.   BklynBmr
Pedroia Ks. 2 down. Papi up...
2007-07-18 19:13:02
357.   Mattpat11
Two outs with manny ortez coming up
2007-07-18 19:13:07
358.   cult of basebaal
351 if he doesn't have the bellyful of guts to strike out the side against the team that cut him twice and that he wanted revenge upon, obviously he wouldn't have the bellyful of guts to do it in a game in which it wouldn't matter that way ... brilliant!
2007-07-18 19:14:26
359.   BklynBmr
355 You have the mic ;-)
2007-07-18 19:15:11
360.   OldYanksFan
Papi singles. Manny up.
2007-07-18 19:15:27
361.   Mattpat11
Fat Man singles. Slightly less fat man up
2007-07-18 19:15:43
362.   yankz
360 Sigh. I smell a walkoff.
2007-07-18 19:16:10
363.   weeping for brunnhilde
Aw, fuck, two outs in the ninth, runner on first, Manny the winning run at the plate.
2007-07-18 19:16:11
364.   yankz
362 Although, it could just be Manny's hair.
2007-07-18 19:16:23
365.   williamnyy23
I wonder why the crowd has broken out with a Rios sucks chant?
2007-07-18 19:16:32
366.   OldYanksFan
Thuuuuuuuuuuu Red Sox loooooooooooosssse.
There is a bad smell on Boylston Street.
It is the smell of fear.
2007-07-18 19:16:41
367.   weeping for brunnhilde
And Manny pops out!

YEs!

2007-07-18 19:16:45
368.   Mattpat11
Just walk Manny
2007-07-18 19:17:00
369.   Mattpat11
367 WHOO
2007-07-18 19:17:12
370.   BklynBmr
Kay: "Manny's up, Big Papi on deck." Yup...
2007-07-18 19:18:00
371.   yankz
Any updates on the Yanks game? MLB.tv decided to crap out again.
2007-07-18 19:18:14
372.   Mattpat11
Over there. Over there. Send the word over there
2007-07-18 19:18:36
373.   BklynBmr
362 HA! Ye of little faith... ;-)
2007-07-18 19:19:20
374.   weeping for brunnhilde
Matsui just swung at ball four, but blooped a single into left, chasing Alex to third.

Jorgie up, first and third, two outs.

1-1 to Jorgie.

2007-07-18 19:19:37
375.   Mike T
Kc-6-5 Sox Final
2007-07-18 19:20:06
376.   weeping for brunnhilde
Jorgie (batting from the left side) lofts a foul out of play in the left field corner.

1-2.

2007-07-18 19:20:07
377.   yankz
373 Hey, I corrected myself...

374 Thanks.

2007-07-18 19:20:55
378.   weeping for brunnhilde
3-2 following two fastballs way outside.
2007-07-18 19:21:15
379.   51cq24
the sox were out 9.5 games or so in mid august of 04 and got it down to 2-2.5 (?) games in mid september
2007-07-18 19:21:35
380.   weeping for brunnhilde
Ooh, and Jorgie puts another beautiful swing on the ball, lacing it into left field!

Alex scores, 5-1.

2007-07-18 19:21:57
381.   williamnyy23
Beautiful piece of hitting...too bad Bruney and Villone were unable to throw strikes...Torre could have stayed away from Mo altogether.
2007-07-18 19:22:11
382.   yankz
NICE!
2007-07-18 19:22:12
383.   Mattpat11
So prepare, say a pray'r,
2007-07-18 19:22:43
384.   BklynBmr
377 I know, just bustin' boils ;-)
2007-07-18 19:23:35
385.   weeping for brunnhilde
I know I keep pointing this out, but watching Jorgie swing the bat it's really hard to see him not keeping it up for the rest of the year.
2007-07-18 19:23:52
386.   OldYanksFan
Can we take Mo out and save him for tomorrow? With a 4 run lead?
2007-07-18 19:24:29
387.   pistolpete
Get up Edwar, Joe.
2007-07-18 19:24:29
388.   tommyl
Edwar now?
2007-07-18 19:24:56
389.   BklynBmr
386 No.
2007-07-18 19:24:57
390.   weeping for brunnhilde
Strange swing by Cano. He reaches a little, but manages to pull it through the hole.

Matsui scores, 6-1.

2007-07-18 19:26:01
391.   weeping for brunnhilde
Strange swing by Cano; he reaches a little and looked off-balance, but managed to pull the ball through the hole, scoring Matsui.

6-1.

2007-07-18 19:26:05
392.   rsmith51
Odds of Mo pitching the ninth?

I say 95%...

No way he should be pitching.

2007-07-18 19:27:28
393.   weeping for brunnhilde
392 I disagree.

He's got to come in.

We've lost the luxury of fucking around.

We need to nail it down here and worry about tomorrow tomorrow.

2007-07-18 19:27:34
394.   randym77
No one in the pen. It's going to be Mo.
2007-07-18 19:29:12
395.   yankz
I'm with the Leave Mo In crowd. Imagine the horror of Edwar giving up a couple runs without Mo to bail him out...
2007-07-18 19:29:22
396.   pistolpete
Oh well, like someone said, let's hope for a blowout tomorrow.
2007-07-18 19:29:35
397.   Vandelay Industries
Not to mention its a save situation because he entered in a save situation. He has to finish this one off. Clearly it doesn't matter how bad Farny or Villone are, Edwar is window dressing.
2007-07-18 19:30:52
398.   Vandelay Industries
If I were Joe, I would just start pulling every relief pitcher who walks the first batter. Its simple, and as a matter of fact, it works.
2007-07-18 19:31:16
399.   williamnyy23
The bottom line is Mo would not want to come out, so you have to leave him in. After watching the dregs that round out the pen, Mo certainly has the right to pick up the save even though it would probably be better to lift him.
2007-07-18 19:31:37
400.   weeping for brunnhilde
How many CG does Chien-Ming have?

2?

Show/Hide Comments 401-450
2007-07-18 19:31:41
401.   rsmith51
393 I understand you point, but just about any major league pitcher could get 3 outs before the other team scores 5 runs.
2007-07-18 19:32:13
402.   Mattpat11
I agree with keeping him in. There's no safety net if the game falls apart after he leaves
2007-07-18 19:32:48
403.   weeping for brunnhilde
Finally, Abreu calls off Cano.
2007-07-18 19:32:56
404.   51cq24
so everyone who "officially" gave up a few weeks ago, when do you officially take that back?
2007-07-18 19:33:12
405.   tommyl
393 Seriously? You don't think Edwar, and an emergency use of Viz and Farns can't get 3 outs without giving up 5 runs?
2007-07-18 19:33:13
406.   Mattpat11
400 Three on his career. One this year
2007-07-18 19:33:18
407.   Shaun P
394 The Wheel of Guts shows 5 Yankee relievers who have pitched, and two who are unavailable. So there's no one to get up in the 'pen. ;)

366 The smell of fear has permeated RSN for a couple of weeks now. But now that smell of fear is a fetid stench of fear.

The best part? It may 7 games back when Mo closes this one out, but it will be only 6 in the loss column.

2007-07-18 19:34:53
408.   yankz
Godly.
2007-07-18 19:35:06
409.   weeping for brunnhilde
401 You say that now.

:)

No, you're right, it would be unlikely, but these days, with these guys...

W!

Yay!!!

7 games back.

Weren't we 6 1/2 back a month ago?

Here we go again.

Dare I begin to dream?

2007-07-18 19:35:39
410.   Shaun P
407 "may be" - strike that, is 7 games back . . . but only 6 in the loss column"

And how many face-to-face games do the Yanks have left with the Sox, you may ask? Why, I believe its six.

2007-07-18 19:35:40
411.   Mattpat11
405 When the wheels fall off for this bullpen, they don't just fall off. They explode and send the cart spiraling into a bus full of nuns and orphans. Which then precedes to fall off a cliff
2007-07-18 19:36:04
412.   OldYanksFan
Not living in NY, I don't know what YES does for post game. In Boston, there is a lot of TV coverage after the game, including Francona facing the press for questions.

Terry is usually pretty cool, but tonight he was pretty pissed. While 7 games would normally be considered a huge lead, the Yanks are now a big part of the coverage now.

Ithink we have a long way to go, and it's still a long shot to catch the Sox, but they are sweating.

2007-07-18 19:36:23
413.   tommyl
Wow so Edwar giving up 1 whole run is enough to be banished?
2007-07-18 19:36:34
414.   BklynBmr
409 Dream, lad. Dream! It's possible. This time it's real...
2007-07-18 19:36:46
415.   randym77
"Only" 7 games back. We came back from that much in about a month in 2005.
2007-07-18 19:36:55
416.   rsmith51
405 Torre's thinking as well. Of course if the Yanks are tied tomorrow...

Maybe we will see Edwar...

A man can dream, can't he?

2007-07-18 19:39:36
417.   Jim Dean
415 At this rate it will be next week.
2007-07-18 19:39:37
418.   weeping for brunnhilde
414 :)

The last time I begin to dream, the team got on a plane to Colorado...

Just saying.

2007-07-18 19:40:41
419.   Mattpat11
Perhaps Edwar should consider adding a D to his name. I know its been bothering me. Perhaps it bothers Joe.
2007-07-18 19:42:21
420.   BklynBmr
415 Not to mention closing that gap from 14.5 to 7 only a month or so ago, but it's impossible to catch Boston, don'tcha know ;-)
2007-07-18 19:42:54
421.   OldYanksFan
I think the team is beginning to believe. That makes a big difference. We are also scoring late in the game now, and not rolling over.

It will be an interesting year.

2007-07-18 19:43:14
422.   Mattpat11
and screw the split. We need to clip the birds tomorrow. Get them out of the way for good. One less thing to worry about.
2007-07-18 19:43:44
423.   marc
besides Rocket, Mo and one out by Myers every other pitcher from the supposedly better bunch sucked. I guess it's up to Vizcaino tomorrow
2007-07-18 19:44:52
424.   rsmith51
Nice of Andy to take charge in the 1b position. Now if Damon could take charge of DH...
2007-07-18 19:44:54
425.   BklynBmr
419 Let's check with Sheffield on that one. He'll know.
2007-07-18 19:45:16
426.   williamnyy23
419 In 1996, Mo was some skinny rookie who had a 5.50 ERA in 70 major league innings. The current Joe Torre (sans Zimmer) would have banished Mo in favor of Jim Mecir. You'd think Torre would learn from his own experience and just give Edwar a few chances to prove himself.
2007-07-18 19:45:37
427.   OldYanksFan
So..... who thinks Roger was a waste of money?
2007-07-18 19:45:40
428.   williamnyy23
21 pitches for Mo by the way...that's not so bad.
2007-07-18 19:47:14
429.   Vandelay Industries
The key is to get the SOX to start pressing, and get them out their game offensively, because they obviously have the pitching to get it done.

But even Girardi says "the Yankees need Farnsworth." No guys, we dont need him. He was always a meathead, is a meathead, and will always be a meathead. The sad fact is that there are far more talented pitchers in every system throwing 89MPH, but they never see the light of day, because managers and GM's love the gas, even if its not ever effective.

2007-07-18 19:47:35
430.   weeping for brunnhilde
What if we'd used Mo in more "high leverage situations" this year instead of twiddling our thumbs waiting around for the ninth-inning lead that never came?

If Joe had found a more creative use for Mo, just to get him in more games, surely we might have picked up another couple of Ws along the way, right?

He just never got to pitch and thus never got to help his team win.

2007-07-18 19:48:51
431.   weeping for brunnhilde
426 And then there was Francisco Rodriguez, who came out of nowhere to single-handedly beat us in 2002.

Another potential learning experience.

2007-07-18 19:49:10
432.   Vandelay Industries
426

Yes. But he trusted Zimmer. Joe has been on his own for a few years, and you see the result.

Gimme Myers!
Get me Villone!
Bring in Proctor!
Farnsworth is my 8th inning guy!
Can someone find Alan Embree!

And on and on and on....

2007-07-18 19:49:16
433.   williamnyy23
427 Not me...who would be pitching in his place? DeSalvo? Clemens has the second lowest ERA among Yankees starters...his presence is vital if this team is going to comeback. Also, don't you think the Sox wish they had been more aggressive now? I'm sure that crosses their mind with Gabbard and Tavarez taking regular turns.
2007-07-18 19:50:21
434.   Mattpat11
429 Maddux in SI a few years ago said he never would make the big leagues under most circumstances.
2007-07-18 19:50:27
435.   yankz
I think the Yanks have a better shot to win the division than BPro's % stuff says, but I'm not getting too excited. They've played hotter than this earlier this season.
2007-07-18 19:51:26
436.   nemecizer
Looking back to June 1st, when the Sox were 36-17 and the Yankees 23-29, the Sox went 20-21 and we went 25-15. They played sub-.500 baseball while we've played .625 baseball, even with the terrible West Coast trip.

I have increasing faith in this team.

2007-07-18 19:52:44
437.   OldYanksFan
Seattle has a RS/RA of 450/440. Hopefully they will start to fade.
2007-07-18 19:53:40
438.   Jim Dean
BTW: Three Tampa kids (Whelan, Robertson, and Schmidt) combined on a no-hitter (10 K 5 BB).
2007-07-18 19:53:43
439.   williamnyy23
437 Well, if they don't, the Angels may instead. Seattle is only 2 behind the Angels.
2007-07-18 19:54:16
440.   rsmith51
427 Me, but it's not my money...
2007-07-18 19:54:18
441.   Shaun P
426 Unfortunately, we've seen time and time again, that Torre does not learn from past experience.

My new favorite is how Torre can bench Hall of Famer Wade Boggs for not hitting in 1996 - but won't bench or DL ex-Idiot Johnny Damon when he's not hitting and is hurt in 2007.

Its unreal. I'm at the point where I think even if the ghosts of Karsay and Quantrill's arms were to haunt Torre, a la Dickens' Christmas Carol, that even then Torre wouldn't change his ways.

2007-07-18 19:55:09
442.   Jim Dean
437 They have a few blowout losses working against that courtesy of one Jeff Weaver.

That said, they'll fade but they're better than their run differential.

2007-07-18 19:57:03
443.   williamnyy23
441 In my mind, Torre early success was largely a by-product of his relationship with Zimmer, which really makes me wonder what might have been had he stayed around. Zim's departure may be Steinbrenner's biggest mistake of the last 10 years.
2007-07-18 19:57:17
444.   Shaun P
442 I'd rather the Angels fade than the Mariners. If we're going to dream 414 418, I'd rather see the M's (who I do not fear) in the playoffs than the hated Angels, who drive me nuts.
2007-07-18 19:58:04
445.   Jim Dean
441 The problem is that as people age their creativity calcifies. That's what we're seeing. Rules fill in because old Teabags have greater difficulty thinking flexibly. Seriously! That's why most professions that involve life and death situations have mandatory retirement.
2007-07-18 19:59:55
446.   Jim Dean
436 Great stats.
2007-07-18 20:00:27
447.   williamnyy23
445 I agree that Torre's age is a factor.
2007-07-18 20:09:51
448.   Mattpat11
Yankees see Rose McGowan tomorrow.

Sweep.

2007-07-18 20:11:37
449.   Mattpat11
At 45 years old and in 2007, why does Roger still frost his hair?
2007-07-18 20:16:22
450.   Schteeve
449 Age is a factor. In 20 years, there are gonna be a lot of 65 year old guys with frosted hair and Oakley's running around.
Show/Hide Comments 451-500
2007-07-18 20:51:27
451.   rilkefan
So I get a tiny sliver of validation for supporting Myers wrt some other memebers of the bullpen and slightly more importantly we pick up a game. That puts me in a better mood after we went out to some place my wife insisted on trying and then she disliked all the food.
2007-07-18 20:54:56
452.   OldYanksFan
AND Minn. loses. We are now tied for 3rd in the WC, 5 back in the loss column. And we have a 2 inning, 2 run lead game waiting.

I don't know how long this will last, but following baseball is now fun again.

2007-07-18 21:00:02
453.   BklynBmr
448 {reverse_jinx} McGowan no-hits us tomorrow. {/reverse_jinx}
2007-07-18 21:09:44
454.   JL25and3
Just got back from the game. 7 innings of pure suckitude, but a great payoff.

6-1 final - so Rodriguez was just padding his stats after all.

As to the discussion above about Rivera pitching the ninth: tommyl and I were talking earlier about the use of the "closer." If you simply call Rivera your "best reliever," then the way you use him changes considerably. Bases loaded, 7th inning, 1-0 game, two outs...does bringing Mike Myers in really give you the best chance to win?

In this case it worked out fine. Myers got the guy out, and the Yankees started scoring. But if Myers gives up a hit - hardly an unlikely occurrence - the game may well be over right there, with your best pitcher watching from the bullpen.

It makes no sense to me at all.

2007-07-18 21:17:33
455.   weeping for brunnhilde
454 Agreed.
2007-07-18 21:27:31
456.   monkeypants
My internet connection went down right after I posted around 25, so I missed all the fun on the Banter. At east I got to watch the game on TV tonight, instead of MLB.tv.

As for the qustion in 404, I'm not a believer just yet, but things do look better these days. Remember how quickly they lost all the ground they made up in May...and not because Boston suddenly got hot. So, for now, very cautious interest. But if they can put Damon out of our misery, it might change to cautious optimism.

2007-07-18 21:32:54
457.   monkeypants
Since Edwar will apparently never earn a spot on the WOG, I wonder if he'd end up contributing most as trade bait?
2007-07-18 22:04:30
458.   Mattpat11
Its a sad state of affairs that this represents our high water mark.
2007-07-18 22:38:47
459.   BklynBmr
458 Huh? It's over? Thanks for the heads up. Now I can stress on Eli, Plaxico, et al., exclusively.
2007-07-19 02:12:20
460.   Vandelay Industries
Sure is a good thing we kicked Dotel to the curb and signed Farny. Yea, Cashman is a genius.
2007-07-19 02:14:44
461.   Vandelay Industries
457

Hell no! The next manager will actually use him. God willing we sign him on for another year, but yet, see 460, Boy Wonder won't sign him, what am I thinking. While you're at it, ask Brian how Lilly is doing.

2007-07-23 18:12:34
462.   Hocakes
I'm watching the Sox v Indians game and I have to say I'm as unimpressed by the Indians now as I was when they played the Yanks earlier in the season. The offense is good, yes, but after Sabathia and Carmona their pitching is terrible. Plus, having Joe Borowski as closer is going to catch up with them.
I think they'll choke again down the stretch.

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