Baseball Toaster: Bronx Banter : Bearing Down

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Bearing Down

2007-07-28 11:37

by Cliff Corcoran

The Yankees enter tonight's game in the same situation they were in a week ago. Having lost two straight, they have to sweep the weekend to stay on target. Last weekend they did just that by blowing the Devil Rays out of the water by winning three games by a combined score of 45-12. This weekend, the pitching matchups favor the Yankees, but the offense will have to snap out of their sudden funk to cash in on that advantage.

Robinson Cano broke the team's 0-for-27 slump with runners in scoring position with an RBI single in the sixth inning last night. Here's hoping they can build on that tonight against Brian Burres who has a 7.18 ERA over his last five starts. Roger Clemens, meanwhile, has allowed three runs in his last 13 innings over two starts.

Comments (222)

Show/Hide Comments 1-50

2007-07-28 11:55:39

1. unmoderated

i had to think about that for a second... indeed, they have lost two straight.

and speaking of cano:

http://tinyurl.com/244k8w

2007-07-28 13:11:55

2. SF Yanks

I recall thinking last week about if they happened to lose the last game of the D-Rays series and the first game of the Royals series, but won the next 3, they would be in the same shape as they would had they lost the last game of the Royals instead of the first. I thought about how everyone would call the season off if they were to lose those two games in a row, and that's what happened. Like you said, the Yanks are now in the same position with everyone calling off the division. If they happen to win the next 3 though, people will consider the division still alive.

Did that make sense or just confuse everyone even more?

2007-07-28 13:13:31

3. SF Yanks

That should read, "I thought about how everyone would call the division off if they..."

2007-07-28 13:27:10

4. Vandelay Industries

Nope. Makes complete sense to me. I considered the division to be in play most of this season, until now. Unless the Yankees can get the lead down to three or four games, the division is simply not in play, and there is no sense getting anyones' hopes up in that area. If the Red Sox pick Dye up and Schilling gets healthy, the Yankees have absolutely no chance to win the division, barring some miracle.

I am watching the Angels game, and to be frank, I just don't get it. How the hell is this team winning so many games? The pitching is anything but stellar, and well, the lineup isn't anything that should scare anyone. Maybe a manager can actually impact a club more than I thought (see Leyland, Jim, and Scioscia, Mike). I wondered why so many people were surprised by the Mariners, as their lineup is clearly better than any other in the AL West. I actually think the Mariners will wind up winning the West. With Cleveland in a virtual tie with the Tigers, and the Angels and Mariners pretty tight, we have a handfull of teams we are fighting. But we shouldn't begin to believe that the playoffs are in play, much less the division, until we do something over an extended period to truly make that possible. With the Angels likely to make a run at Tex, and Boston likely to make a run at Dye and possible pitching, we are in deep deep doo doo if Hughes does not only come back, but dominates, and Karstens and Chamberlain are able to give a useless bullpen some strength.

2007-07-28 13:46:57

5. bob34957

Time waits for no one and it won't wait for ..... August draws closer and unless Phil Hughes starts pitching, one of the Astro middle relievers gets picked up, and Giambi comes back and gets productive it doesn't look promising. I know we can sneak into the big show as the wildcard. The core, Jetes, Alex, Jorge, Hideki, Lecheman, and Cano are fine, but the bench is weak and embarrassing. We need to destroy the O's pronto.

2007-07-28 13:58:49

6. rbj

That's why I'm going to see the Mudhens play tonight, rather than sit home and watch the Yankees.

2007-07-28 15:10:28

7. Vandelay Industries

The way I see it now, if Giambi can come back, our offense is about as good as it is going to get without haing to give up prospects we shouldn't be trading. What we need is someone to fill the role once occupied by Tom Gordon. If we could aquire Gange, that would be best. It helps us this year in ways no other garbage reliever will, and offers some protection should Mo implode or decide to depart with Joe Torre at season's end. It seems obvious to me.

2007-07-28 16:11:38

8. BklynBmr

Nice AB, Cap...

2007-07-28 16:18:21

9. OldYanksFan

Detroit about to lose to the Angels

2007-07-28 16:24:41

10. SpoonG91

I hope Minnesota finally wins a game

2007-07-28 16:26:44

11. BklynBmr

No help from Oakland today, losing to Seattle. I don't see their annual second half surge happening this year...

2007-07-28 16:35:20

12. SpoonG91

That was close down the line, good call.

2007-07-28 16:35:22

13. Yankees Brasil

Fuck no..
that ball was foul..
another bad call against the yanks

2007-07-28 16:40:44

14. SpoonG91

We need some runs now.

2007-07-28 16:42:47

15. Yankees Brasil

Being dominated by a mediocre starter ...again

2007-07-28 16:43:08

16. SpoonG91

Cano can really hit lefties.

2007-07-28 16:43:24

17. BklynBmr

12,13 Too close to call. Only a birds-eye camera angle could decide...

2007-07-28 16:44:25

18. yankz

Looked fair to me. Whatever.

2007-07-28 16:45:02

19. SpoonG91

15 Word.

2007-07-28 16:45:32

20. BklynBmr

Great. 1 thru 9 start slumping at the same time...

2007-07-28 16:46:00

21. SpoonG91

Can't blame Rog, I wouldn't want to be a 44-year old pitching in 97 degrees.

2007-07-28 16:50:22

22. BklynBmr

21 With Houston-esque run support, no less...

2007-07-28 16:58:05

23. BklynBmr

Now how about at least a few tough ABs, work a walk or two, maybe even think about scoring a run... anything to give Rocket time to catch his wind...

2007-07-28 16:59:25

24. BklynBmr

Ouch. That isn't what I had in mind...

2007-07-28 17:00:57

25. monkeypants

Fucking beautiful. Now if Melky goes down, Damon has to be moved into CF, and teh team loses the DH. Hmmm....why as Basak called up again? Why do they carry 13 pichers?

2007-07-28 17:00:59

26. yankz

Oh yahoo.

2007-07-28 17:01:23

27. SpoonG91

That looked a lot more serious than it was

2007-07-28 17:01:29

28. yankz

What a baller. Let's hope this isn't stupid.

2007-07-28 17:01:29

29. BklynBmr

Milkman is a stud.

2007-07-28 17:02:21

30. yankz

My guess is Matsui would've moved to CF, Duncan in at LF.

2007-07-28 17:03:56

31. BklynBmr

Is the ump calling high strikes or are the Yanks just helping out Burres? They're swinging at everything..

2007-07-28 17:04:02

32. yankz

Hey, this game rules.

2007-07-28 17:04:47

33. yankz

2B, BB, #500.

2007-07-28 17:04:48

34. Yankees Brasil

ugly ugly game

2007-07-28 17:06:05

35. BklynBmr

WTF happened to Yankee Stadium South?

2007-07-28 17:06:16

36. yankz

OK, never mind. F.

2007-07-28 17:07:14

37. yankz

Jeter's what, 0 for his last 12ish?

2007-07-28 17:11:55

38. BklynBmr

OK. Here comes #500...

2007-07-28 17:17:17

39. yankz

God damn lefties.

2007-07-28 17:17:29

40. Cliff Corcoran

For those who missed it, Wigginton went to the Astros for Dan Wheeler. So niether of those guys is coming to the Bronx.

2007-07-28 17:24:07

41. Alex Belth

Roger, we need a double play like nobodies business here, one on, no out in the fourth...

2007-07-28 17:24:51

42. Alex Belth

There it is, there it is...tailor made, baby.

2007-07-28 17:25:05

43. BklynBmr

40 This has been the quietest approach to the trade deadline in recent memory. Lofton heads back to Cleveland (3rd time), but other than that, nada. There's still a few days, and I'd like to see something happen with Farns, preferrably to the NL (just in case...)

2007-07-28 17:25:18

44. Alex Belth

Thank Yoouuu Mr Hernandez.

2007-07-28 17:26:38

45. Alex Belth

Dude, f-Jay Payton. Come on Roger. Down 2-0, Clemens pours a fastball over for a stirke, pitch #70. Another fastball, up and in, ball three. Ball four outside, loses him.

2007-07-28 17:26:50

46. BklynBmr

41 Timely visit and a good call ;-)

2007-07-28 17:28:59

47. Alex Belth

Yo, the Yanks are burning my ass right now. I know the O's are playing well but f-that, these are games the Yanks need to win.

2007-07-28 17:31:01

48. Alex Belth

Nice. Now, these guys need to start hitting.

2007-07-28 17:31:03

49. randym77

Jorge Cantu is going to the Reds in exchange for a couple of relief pitchers (Brian Shackelford and Calvin Medlock). Actually, he's already there. The Louisville Bats were playing the Durham Bulls today, and the three players just switched dugouts. Cantu was in the lineup for the Bulls, but ended up playing for the Bats.

2007-07-28 17:32:10

50. Yankees Brasil

Seriously who the hell is Burres?? Why can´t we hit mediocre pitchers?? This game sucks..

Show/Hide Comments 51-100

2007-07-28 17:33:17

51. Alex Belth

For what it's worth, I saw the Simpsons movie yesterday. I consider myself a big fan of the show--I own the first eight seasons on dvd. And I definitely say it was worth the price of admission. It wasn't maybe inspired on the level of the South Park movie, but I left feeling very satisfied. I really enjoyed it.

2007-07-28 17:34:55

52. randym77

49 I should add, the Reds have no current need for Cantu. The trade has led to speculation that they will be trading one or more of their infielders. Conine or Hatteberg, perhaps.

2007-07-28 17:35:44

53. BklynBmr

If Yanks win tonight and tomorrow, they're on the 3 of 4, 2 of 3 pace needed to get in the mix. But this not the time for a hitting slump.

OK. Robbie's out and Andy's foul drive are encouraging. C'mon fellas, find those gaps!

2007-07-28 17:36:44

54. Yankees Brasil

2 hits now!!!

2007-07-28 17:37:52

55. Alex Belth

Great jump by Melky.

2007-07-28 17:38:28

56. BklynBmr

51 How about a 'simpsonizeme.com' page of Banter regulars? Just for sh*ts and giggles...

2007-07-28 17:39:45

57. Yankees Brasil

my god Damon, do something..

2007-07-28 17:40:14

58. Alex Belth

That would be classic.

2007-07-28 17:40:54

59. Chyll Will

Not thinking. Those at-bats look like they're just hacking. Even if you've never seen the pitcher before, why aren't you trying to find your pitch? Impatience?

2007-07-28 17:41:11

60. SpoonG91

Rog settling down nicely.

2007-07-28 17:45:06

61. Alex Belth

I'm pretty positive Roberts will come around to score before it's all said and done this inning...

2007-07-28 17:46:10

62. Alex Belth

Brian Roberts is a gnat.

2007-07-28 17:47:28

63. randym77

Pesky little guy, isn't he?

2007-07-28 17:47:28

64. Alex Belth

A fuggin quick gnat.

2007-07-28 17:47:46

65. BklynBmr

61 Dude, you are more often than not clairvoyant about these things, and I hate to see you call 'em...

Please say our boys will respond with a 8 run inning...

2007-07-28 17:48:09

66. Alex Belth

I hate 'im.

2007-07-28 17:48:50

67. Alex Belth

That's the question. Do you think the Yanks have the comeback in them? I'm wavering myself. They'd better...

2007-07-28 17:50:55

68. BklynBmr

Whew! "Track", "wall" and "Abreu" is not usually not a good thing...

2007-07-28 17:51:02

69. randym77

Wow, Abreu touched the wall. And didn't drop the ball. I think he's improving.

2007-07-28 17:52:02

70. Chyll Will

67 Well, I don't even have the patience for this right now. I hate hi-byes, but that's what it is tonight, sigh.

Nice skip-to-my-lou by Bobby... peace >;)

2007-07-28 17:52:18

71. randym77

And Alex successfully puts the jinx on Roberts.

2007-07-28 17:52:38

72. BklynBmr

No way Bernie would have gotten to Out 3. Sorry, I don't know what brought than on ;-)

2007-07-28 17:53:55

73. Chyll Will

69 And he didn't burst into flames! That mind-meld Farnz has on him must being wearing off... (peace agin')

2007-07-28 17:54:36

74. BklynBmr

67 It's either 8 or 9 runs tonight or maybe 1. I just dunno...

2007-07-28 17:54:54

75. Alex Belth

Okay, clean slate, let's get it going. Jete's you are the captain, start it off, baby...

2007-07-28 17:55:33

76. Alex Belth

3-1 fastball, ball four, Jeter swings and misses. Dag.

2007-07-28 17:55:48

77. Alex Belth

Swings at ball four again. Hang tough, kid.

2007-07-28 17:56:21

78. Alex Belth

Finally holds off on the high heater, and Jeter walks.

2007-07-28 17:56:50

79. BklynBmr

Good as a hit right now, Cap. Good as a hit...

C'mon, Bobby. Drive one!

2007-07-28 17:56:50

80. Alex Belth

That's what I'm talking about. Get runners on for A Rod so he doesn't think about the homer, just the Ribbies.

2007-07-28 17:57:43

81. Alex Belth

Abreu robbed. Nice catch by Markakis. Tip your cap. Shit.

2007-07-28 17:58:51

82. BklynBmr

A-Rod seems focused. This should be a positive AB...

2007-07-28 18:00:42

83. BklynBmr

Wow, those flashbulbs are a trip...

2007-07-28 18:02:33

84. Alex Belth

That couldn't have possibly been any worse.

2007-07-28 18:03:38

85. pistolpete

Seems like every time we go into Baltimore, we play the exact opposite type of game we've been playing the week prior - whether it be worse or better.

2007-07-28 18:04:39

86. BklynBmr

^&!#@~! Time to switch over* to The Food Network. Stud cake makers are in a 'best Simpson's themed cake' contest. Should be more competitive than this game...

* Pacific time, right now...

2007-07-28 18:07:23

87. BklynBmr

F. Can't blame Rocket tonight. He's holding it down. Yanks need to get back the bats KC's stadium personnel switched out after game three...

2007-07-28 18:11:14

88. OldYanksFan

Wow... feast or famine to the max. Jetes has looked ery bad in the last 3 games, as has ARod.

2007-07-28 18:11:42

89. BklynBmr

Two hits. Two!!!!!

2007-07-28 18:13:11

90. Alex Belth

Godzilla!

2007-07-28 18:13:14

91. BklynBmr

89 Ahem. Make that three...

2007-07-28 18:14:45

92. BklynBmr

88 It's amazing how either hitting or pitching, good or bad, seems to contagious on a baseball team...

2007-07-28 18:15:43

93. randym77

Or maybe their pitcher just ran out of gas.

2007-07-28 18:17:21

94. Alex Belth

Come on, Robby.

2007-07-28 18:19:18

95. BklynBmr

Parrish gives up a hit and a walk every inning, plus records a K. This should be interesting...

2007-07-28 18:19:55

96. Alex Belth

John Parrish vs Cano. Will he swing at the first pitch? No, he takes a slider or a fastball outside, ball one. Fastball outside corner--nope, just misses, 2-0. Fastball in on the hands, Cano swings and fouls it back. Good pitch, 2-1. Curve ball grounded slowly to second. They get the force at second and Cano beats the relay.

2007-07-28 18:20:29

97. BklynBmr

Hit and run here? Send Robby?

2007-07-28 18:21:31

98. BklynBmr

97 0-2. Scratch that...

2007-07-28 18:22:52

99. Alex Belth

Phillips. Throw to first. Fastball down, Phillips fouls it back. Bet he'd like that one back. Damn. Change up, Phillips swings through it, 0-2. Fastball, further outside, ball. Slider in the dirt, Andy lays off, 2-2. Breaking ball, away, Andy waves at it, strike three. Terrible, man.

2007-07-28 18:23:59

100. BklynBmr

Can we swing at something in the strike zone for once. Is that too much to ask?